YBO - Deputy Secretary of Yen Bai provinces Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Tran Huy Tuan attended the 2024 Vietnam Connect Forum held recently in the northern port city of Hai Phong. The event, co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam Economic Time, and the Hai Phong city Peoples Committee, also saw the attendance of representatives from embassies, associations, and nearly 300 FDI firms in Vietnam. Under the theme "Vietnam's Pathways to a Green and Sustainable Economy: From Government's Policies to Localities' and Businesses' Solutions and Initiatives", it was set to improve connection efficiency; promote trade and investment cooperation opportunities between localities, international partners and businesses; and support Vietnamese enterprises and localities in joining the global value chain intensively. like many other countries worldwide, Vietnam is undergoing a strong transition from the "brown" to "green" economy, with a focus on circular transition, energy transition, low carbon emissions, and ensuring green growth, towards the successful fulfillment of its net-zero commitments by 2050 and sustainable development. This is considered a green innovation/industrial revolution and has become an inevitable trend in the world's development process. For Yen Bai province, alongside favourable factors in transport, including highways, railways, and waterways, it boasts abundant and diverse natural resources, ample human resources, and open investment attraction policies. Amid the ongoing strong trends of integration and globalisation, the locality possesses significant potential and development opportunities, and emerges as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors. The province is pursuing rapid and sustainable development, towards "green, harmony, distinctiveness, and happiness. It has issued a decision approving the action plan for green growth for 2021 - 2030 to concretise the National Strategy for Green Growth for the period, with a vision towards 2050, and the National Action Plan for Green Growth for 2021 - 2030. Notably, its master plan for 2021 - 2030, with a vision towards 2050, approved by the Prime Minister, has integrated green growth solutions with economic development. It has maintained forest coverage towards the target of 65%, serving as a green lung for Hanoi and the Red River Delta region. In implementing Power Development Plan VIII, Yen Bai was approved to receive 108 MW of electricity from biomass, 26 MW of rooftop solar power, 582 MW of electricity from small hydropower plants, and 200 MW of wind power. Within the framework of the forum, there were numerous activities with the participation of international and Vietnamese experts, and representatives of ministries, agencies, and businesses, who exchanged views on issues relating to green transition. Japan-born panda Xiang Xiang connects fans in Tokyo Xinhua) 10:47, April 11, 2024 A Japanese panda lover captures a screenshot as a video footage of panda Xiang Xiang is played during the "cloud gathering" and fan-sharing event for her in Tokyo, Japan, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Qiaomei) A fan-sharing event was held for giant panda Xiang Xiang, a Japan-born panda who returned to China last year. Fans of Xiang Xiang tuned in online to witness the panda's daily life at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base, a giant panda research and breeding facility in China's southwestern province of Sichuan. TOKYO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Despite torrential rains on Tuesday morning, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm of panda lovers gathering here for a fan-sharing event for Xiang Xiang, a Japan-born panda who returned to China last year. Among them was Yu Akutsu, a panda wood sculptor from Saitama prefecture who arrived at the Chinese embassy in Japan clad in panda-themed attire. He inscribed a heartfelt message to Xiang Xiang and pinned it onto the wall of blessings dedicated to the beloved panda. Xiang Xiang, a female panda born in June 2017 at Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, was the first panda naturally born and raised at the zoo in the nearly three decades since You You, born in 1988. Her parents, Shin Shin (female) and Ri Ri (male), were both on loan from China, where the ownership of the cubs they give birth to belongs. After her birth created a sensation in Japan, from her name, and public debut, to her birthdays, Xiang Xiang has always been a trending topic in local media and a popular star among Japanese people. The name Xiang Xiang was chosen from more than 320,000 suggestions that people sent to the zoo three months after she was born. Panda lovers present panda-shaped buns during the "cloud gathering" and fan-sharing event for panda Xiang Xiang in Tokyo, Japan, April 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Jiang Qiaomei) In February this year, Xiang Xiang returned to Sichuan, which is known as the hometown of giant pandas. Approximately 200 panda fans from across Japan were attracted to Tuesday's "cloud gathering" and fan-sharing event, which was also attended by Wu Jianghao, the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Deputy Governor of Tokyo Rinji Nakamura, and Wu Hailong, president of China Public Diplomacy Association. They tuned in online to witness Xiang Xiang's daily life at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base, a giant panda research and breeding facility in China's southwestern province of Sichuan. The fans also interacted with Xiang Xiang's caregiver, Zhao Lanlan, and gained insights into the panda's current well-being. In his address, Ambassador Wu Jianghao emphasized that pandas symbolize the gentle and friendly culture of China, representing goodwill and harmony. As both Chinese and Japanese peoples cherish giant pandas, he advocated for peaceful coexistence, generational friendship, mutual cooperation and common development. The ambassador also expressed his hope for more interactions between the two nations through the endearing giant panda, fostering Sino-Japanese friendship and cooperation for stable and healthy bilateral relations. Wu Hailong said that Xiang Xiang, alongside other pandas residing in Japan, has made unique contributions to enhancing the friendship between the Chinese and Japanese people, serving as a bridge of affection. He warmly welcomed the Japanese public to visit Xiang Xiang in China, hoping that the panda family would continue to bring joy and friendship to both nations. A woman poses for photos at a birthday party of giant panda Xiang Xiang in Tokyo, Japan, June 12, 2023. (Xinhua/Yue Chenxing) Yutaka Fukuda, director of Ueno Zoo, shared the zoo's history with Chinese giant pandas and Xiang Xiang's journey from birth to maturity. He pledged continued cooperation with the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, aiming to contribute to wildlife conservation and the development of Sino-Japanese friendship. In October 1972, the pioneering visit of giant pandas Kang Kang and Lan Lan marked the beginning of Sino-Japanese panda diplomacy, and Japan's panda fever has never waned over the past 50 years. As cuddly envoys of friendship between China and Japan, giant pandas have continuously strengthened mutual understanding and communication, nurturing the enduring "panda bond" between the two nations. In November last year, panda photographer Takahiro Takauji, who also runs the famous blog "Mainichi Panda," embarked on his first trip to China. He not only fulfilled his long-standing wish to reunite with Xiang Xiang but also witnessed firsthand the development and changes in China. In March of this year, he returned to Sichuan and experienced "Chinese speed" by taking the high-speed rail alone, truly feeling the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. "The stage for Xiang Xiang in China has already been set, and I am full of expectations and excitement for its future," the photographer said after two visits. This photo taken on Oct. 8, 2023 shows giant panda Xiang Xiang at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base in Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan Province. (Photo by Chen Juwei/Xinhua) Messages left on the wall for Xiang Xiang included promises from Japanese fans to visit her when they have the chance. According to the China National Tourism Office in Tokyo, many Japanese travel agencies are launching panda sightseeing tours to Sichuan, citing the opportunity to see Xiang Xiang, and the response has been extremely enthusiastic with many sign-ups. Besides pandas, Sichuan also boasts scenic spots like the UNESCO World Heritage site Jiuzhaigou Valley, and it is hoped that more Japanese people will explore the natural beauty of Sichuan through Xiang Xiang and develop an affection for China by getting to know and appreciating Sichuan, according to a staff member with the administration. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Tuskegee man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly led Auburn police into a high-speed chase with a teenager in the passenger seat, according to Auburn police. Tyquan Shermond Daniel, 22, faces one count of first-degree assault, felony attempt to elude, second-degree sodomy and failure to appear. He was booked into the Lee County Jail with a $65,500 bond. The teen told police Daniel drove toward their residence to allow them to exit during the chase, but struck them with his Dodge Challenger before they did, according to a deposition from the Lee County Courthouse. They suffered from several facial injuries and lost several teeth. They were airlifted to Baptist South Medical Center for further evaluation. Suspect had warrants before the chase, police say A deposition from the Lee County Courthouse states that an Auburn officer noticed a Dodge Challenger parked at Sam Harris Park after it closed. The officer entered the parking lot to check the vehicle and the driver later identified as Daniel began to pull forward. The officer told Daniel the park was closed and Daniel drove off. While speaking with Daniel, the officer allegedly smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. He ran the license plate on Daniels' Dodge Challenger and discovered he had an arrest warrant with the Tuskegee Police Department on a second-degree possession of marijuana charge. The officer provided Daniel's information to the Emergency Communications Center, which informed him that Daniel possibly had a warrant through APD. He maintained a visual on the vehicle. He allegedly saw the driver failing to signal as he turned from Foster Street onto Zellars Avenue and onto Byrd Street. In the deposition, the officer said he conducted an official traffic stop on the Dodge Challenger and smelled marijuana again. He also saw a teen sitting in the backseat of the Dodge Challenger During the traffic stop, the Emergency Communications Center confirmed his warrant. The officer then asked Daniel to exit the vehicle. Daniel allegedly asked if he had a warrant and the officer confirmed. Daniel then fled the traffic stop, according to the officer's account of the incident. Daniel accused of speeding away at 80 to 90 mph The officer called in speeds of 80 and 90 miles per hour in speed zones on Alabama Highway 14 with a limit of 45 mph and 55 mph. After officers used spikes to puncture the tires, they lost sight of the Dodge Challenger and ended the chase. Auburn's Emergency Communications Center then received a call in reference to a teenage was struck by the fleeing vehicle. The victim was later identified as the individual seen in Daniels' vehicle at Sam Harris Park. They told first responders that they attempted to exit the fleeing vehicle but was ran over in the process. Authorities collected evidence at the crime scene where the victim escaped the vehicle. Patrol officers returned to where the vehicle was last seen and canvassed the area. Suspect allegedly struck teen with car They located the suspect's vehicle along with a second vehicle a blue Honda civic with an Alabama license plate in a field on Lee Road 51. Officers detained Daniel. The teen spotted in Daniel's vehicle later told detectives that Daniel fled the scene and drove toward their residence to let them out. They said he hit them with the car before they got out of the vehicle. Daniel allegedly provided a written statement to APD stating that he drove 80 to 90 mph to elude officers. Police said he also stated that he slowed down to let the victim out of the vehicle then drove off again. He told police he saw them fall but thought they back up and assumed they were okay, according to the deposition. I loved this show until I didnt. . I may give it an episode or two lol Reply Thread Link sounds like a threat to me Reply Thread Link First season of Heroes was incredible. The rest was awful. Reply Thread Link They wrote themselves into a corner. They save the world....and then defeat a bad guy while saving the world again? First season was awesome. They had nowhere to go after Reply Parent Thread Link this show had potential in its very first season, but it never fixed the problem it started with (slow as fuck pacing) and then just added new problems like collecting infinity stones Reply Thread Link I remember the first season being such strong television. Save the cheerleader, save the world. I wish it had never gotten renwed for further seasons after. Reply Thread Link Man, if "save the cheerleader, save the world" came out of the best season, no wonder the rest was absolutely terrible. Reply Parent Thread Link it didn't work out the second time they brought this show back. LET IT DIE. Reply Thread Link no one asked for this Reply Thread Link This show was ruined the longer it went on. Season 1 was good, but this dude right here was responsible for it going to hell as much as he was for creating it. IDK why they'd give him another chance to drive it further into the ground 15 years later. Who in 2024 is still fond of Heroes outside of season 1? Edited at 2024-04-11 01:54 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link me i'm the only person Reply Parent Thread Link They also just announced that they're going to make a new Melrose Place, well, a continuation, since some of the cast are supposedly coming back. Let. These. Things. Die. Reply Thread Link bring back Katie Cassidy! Elle Simms was an iconic character and the 1st revival was JUST getting good when it was cancelled. Reply Parent Thread Link I was so sad that they sacrificed Auggie to be with whatever the hell Ashley (Ashlee?) Simpson's character's name was. Reply Parent Thread Link Im here for that if Marcia Cross comes back. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Melrose 3.0?? Whyyy Reply Parent Thread Link If they want to do HEROES - REBOOT IT. Start from scratch. New creative team. Though I stan Kristen Bells character Elle before they made her get with Syler and get fridged Tom Kring couldnt make it past S1. He couldnt even do the 1st revival. I doubt he'll be able to do this 2nd revival.If they want to do HEROES - REBOOT IT. Start from scratch. New creative team.Though I stan Kristen Bells character Elle before they made her get with Syler and get fridged Reply Thread Link lol i was obsessed with her when she first appeared on that show. i thought she had good chemistry with milo actually. was very much not a fan of what they did with her and sylar. Reply Parent Thread Link Elle was so good. Loved her storyline with Claire Reply Parent Thread Link Why didnt they announce this on the day of the eclipse?? lol I remember my stan days for this show when it was gooddidnt last long Reply Thread Link Opportunity missed Reply Parent Thread Link Fucking hell, it's trash and let it be dead Reply Thread Link A POST? FOR ME??? YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE Okay so I love Heroes. I have always loved Heroes. I loved Heroes at its best and its shittiest. I still rewatch Heroes and ONTD has made fun of me for it ): But this isn't going to work. The original show started long before the MCU was even a thing, and superhero media has shifted so much, along with superhero fatigue--I don't see this working without some major retooling, and Tim isn't going to do that. He says he wants a mix of new and returning characters but Reborn also killed off and ruined so many characters. What characters are left for you to bring back, Tim? What characters??? I mean I'll watch it but... Reply Thread Link EXCLUSIVE: Welcome back to WeHo. Three popular Melrose Place original cast members, Heather Locklear, Laura Leighton and Daphne Zuniga, are reuniting for a followup to the 1990s staple. A Melrose Place reboot, with the trio attached to star, is in development at CBS Studios pic.twitter.com/cf5W5yO49g Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) April 11, 2024 Three popular Melrose Place original cast members, Heather Locklear, Laura Leighton and Daphne Zuniga, are reuniting for a followup to the 1990s staple. A Melrose Place reboot, with the trio attached to star, is in development at CBS Studios and is currently being shopped to networks and streamers.The new Melrose Place picks up years after the original series and would provide an update on the beloved characters, one of whom may no longer be with us. More original cast members are expected to join the reboot if it comes to fruition.In the new installment, when one of their dearest friends dies suddenly, the OG residents of Melrose Place gather to honor the deceased. But the pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets throwing our characters into chaotic drama thats reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.Locklear was on for the series entire seven-season run, starting as a recurring in Season 1 before being upped to a series regular the following season. Zuniga was a series regular for the first four seasons; Leighton was on the show for the first five seasons as a guest star, recurring and a series regular. Yesss Nicola looks absolutely stunning!! Can we have a season of pure romance please. I don't mind family and friend dynamics being explored, esp Eloise and Penelope. But the weird side plots about politics and diamond scams are so tedious and bring the show down. Reply Thread Link last season had so few interactions between the main characters, it survived just thanks to Simone and Jonathan's chemistry! Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly it was honestly so moronic. And barely any scenes between Kate and the Bridgertons, esp Colin. Yet endless scenes of Eloise whining and diamond scams and a gentleman club storyline that literally no one cared about. Reply Parent Thread Link ia and they didn't fully capitalize on the scenes that they did have. I still can't believe in that one scene where they run into each other in the library because they can't sleep, that they didn't have them have a heart-to-heart to show them connecting on the things they relate on. it was such a perfect opportunity and I think I heard that they actually do do that in the book Reply Parent Thread Link I am living for that 2 seconds of Kate and Anthony Benedict is the best Brother, under what foreign sun did you apparently get so sturdy? Edited at 2024-04-11 01:34 pm (UTC) Nicola looks amazingI am living for that 2 seconds of Kate and AnthonyBenedict is the best Reply Thread Link I cant wait for Benedicts season. I have this feeling Luke is gonna blow us away Reply Parent Thread Link I saw on Instagram a brief clip of him in midsummer's night dream and I agree Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I love him but Im very sad hes not queer. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I like when the siblings are siblings! Reply Parent Thread Link YES WHEN WILL OUR KING SHINE!! Reply Parent Thread Link I'll be just here, playing these scenes over and over Reply Thread Link They better have sex on that desk. Reply Parent Thread Link I've read too many fics, that gif made me blush so hard. Reply Parent Thread Link omg he is a wild animal lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I adore how handsy she is with him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Yas I am always here for glimpses of crystal cat daddy Reply Parent Thread Link All I care about is these two horndogs!! Reply Parent Thread Link Gifs 2 + 3 on repeat endlessly... via GIPHY Reply Parent Thread Link Splitting this into two parts is so stupid, it almost kills my interest in the show lol I mean Im gonna watch of course but still. The last season premiered two years ago at this point? And now we only get four episodes? Its just inexcusable for a streaming giant to produce one of their most popular shows at this slow of a rate Reply Thread Link They should have just released it weekly Reply Parent Thread Link YES. Dump it all at once or do it weekly, but this half and half shit is mid Reply Parent Thread Link I sometimes forget a show existence nowadays, since it takes so lung between seasons Not for Bridgerton, I've been living off Kanthony fanfictions for the past 2 years, but for other shows Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah it doesnt work to split a season into two parts when youre only talking about four episodes, thats just ridiculous I dont know why they dont just release it weekly at this point as obviously the reason for spacing the season out is because they dont want to drop all the episodes in a day Reply Parent Thread Link Wild to think network tv is still successfully operating on the model of producing 20+ episodes a season every year, but Netflix and co need 2+ years to churn out a single 8-10 episode season. Particularly when the quality of the production and writing on these streaming shows isn't exactly leaps and bounds ahead of network tv either. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link splitting it up like that absolutely kills any interest I have in watching, honestly. I didn't finish the second half of the last season of You because they split it up. dropping 4 episodes then having to wait a month for more is ridiculous! Reply Parent Thread Link its so no one signs up for a free monthly trial and is able to watch all at once - they need to pay for at least once a month (or wait until the full drop). I agree though, annoying! Reply Parent Thread Link lol, at this point the only thing this has in common with the books is the name of the characters. I actually resent this particular plotline, cause it makes it seem like Colin only goes after Pen when someone else shows interest, which isn't teh case in the book Reply Thread Link Dunno if it will make you feel better, but from the trailer, I would guess he starts to fall for her during the "teaching her how to flirt part" and it's only when he realizes that the second guy comes in and he feels he's too late. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, I think for max dramatic purposes hell realize that he loves her and when he goes to make his declaration, hell see her with Debling for the first time. Edited at 2024-04-11 02:58 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link I know where you're coming from, but I have to disagree with him going for Pen only because someone else showed interest. He's lacked the introspection to realize that the feelings he's been experiencing these past few seasons have been in fact evolving from "philia love" to "eros love". I think the writers are brilliantly taking a few great kernels from their book and expanding on them as to not lose exposition and the spirit of the book's characters (e.g. Penelope remaining a spinster due to lack of suitors, but also knowing in her heart that no one would match Colin, and Colin realizing how fortunate he was that no one saw how incredible of a person Penelope was whilst he was gallivanting Europe, because he was able to swoop in. Debling being there gives Penelope the option to be properly courted and gives her the choice of turning her suitor down, whilst also humbling Colin into realizing that he's a daft man for not realizing his feelings were simmering the entire time. He would be so fortunate to have Penelope chose him. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link It's funny how a different brother gets an upgrade~ every season. Anthony got rid of the side burns, Benedict got funny (I love him) and Colin worked out lol Nicola looks amazing and I do love me a tol/smol ship. Pls let Debling stay a good guy and not fake us out to make Colin the hero. Reply Thread Link it makes me wonder if they intentionally dim the other siblings when it's not their turn, so as not to distract from the season's lead. Then give them the upgrade when it's time. Or don't dim them but just coincidentally don't explore their best styling until their season. I thought Anthony was blech in Season 1, mainly because of the bad side burns, but could not take my eyes off his hotness in Season 2. Reply Parent Thread Link Wait I thought there was going to be more Kanthony too Reply Thread Link Nicola looking gorgeous! But I hate these types of romantic storylines, when the guy only realizes he loves the girl when she has finally moved on and of course she will come running back to the guy that gave her nothing for so long. Reply Thread Link https://instagram.com/p/Cq25x4ZI0f6 https://instagram.com/p/C0PQ-H-oUQT https://instagram.com/p/C0kBaEZoIgh Apparently Sam Phillips, the actor who is playing Penelope's new suitor, is dating Bessie Carter (she plays Prudence Featherington and is Imelda Staunton's daugheter) IRL Reply Thread Link the Getty watermarks are killing me haha what an unpretentious dude. Reply Parent Thread Link And Harriet Cains (who plays Philipa Featherington) is dating Luke Thompson (who plays Benedict Bridgerton) lol Reply Parent Thread Link She is?! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Aww, that's cute. And he's way cuter here. What is that wig? Prudence really grew on me last season. She has good comedic timing. Reply Parent Thread Link awww I love Prudence. Hope we get lots of her moments this season. Reply Parent Thread Link Is Mr. Carson her dad?! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I just can't care about Colin and Penelope. I can't. I'll be watching but most likely fast forwarding their scenes. Reply Thread Link my besties love scandal as if theyve never done a single unhinged act. #BridgertonS3 pic.twitter.com/haYrdAdEaz Tehremy Art Commissions open! (@Tehremy_) April 11, 2024 ugh i find the writing on this show so frustrating (the good stuff gets bogged down with a ton of annoying nonsense) but i still keep coming back. i think this season is when the showrunners switched right? that might make a difference. i'm less excited about colin/penelope than i was about kate/anthony going into s2 though, so we'll see how this goes. nicola does look great. this did make me laugh lolugh i find the writing on this show so frustrating (the good stuff gets bogged down with a ton of annoying nonsense) but i still keep coming back. i think this season is when the showrunners switched right? that might make a difference. i'm less excited about colin/penelope than i was about kate/anthony going into s2 though, so we'll see how this goes. nicola does look great. Reply Thread Link Having just read the book this season is based on Im just like stressed at how they have handled the whole Whistledown stuff. Its such a big part of Colin and Pens dynamic in the book as two writers. Now its been turned into something else via the show. Plus I loved how thirsty Colin got over Pen just by her speaking her mind and showing confidence. I hope they have that aspect here I hope they dont make me root for the new guy cause I hate that >.< Reply Thread Link Netflix so shady. I noticed how they're careful to say that "certain titles will not be available" to the 6.99 ad tier. How much do you want to bet this is only going to be available for the more expensive tiers? Otherwise, it looks good. I like the fact that they're friends and he's trying to find her a husband, lol. Reply Thread Link Wait, certain types? They made me switch from my 10.00 grandfathered in no ads to the cheaper ad tier and now I can't see shit?!! Oh yeah, fuck them. Reply Parent Thread Link Well that's some bullshit. You're already limiting device usage and HD based on tier, plus using ads, why do you then need to limit content as well? (I mean, I know why, but it's just going to put people off) Reply Parent Thread Link wow nicola looks hotter with every new post. like, i don't want to entirely objectify her but ah-ooh-gah! this is the first time i'm actually going to watch the season as soon as it drops. previous seasons, i've gotten around to watching like months and months after. Reply Thread Link I am gonna be sooooo normal about Kanthony Reply Thread Link Researchers at The University of Manchester have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in catalyst technology by developing a new catalyst which has been shown to have a wide variety of uses and the potential to streamline catalyzed optimization processes in industry and support new scientific discoveries. The paper titled An air- and moisture-stable ruthenium precatalyst for diverse reactivity has been published in Nature Chemistry. Catalysts, often considered the unsung heroes of chemistry, are instrumental in accelerating chemical reactions, and play a crucial role in the creation of most manufactured products. For example, the production of polyethylene, a common plastic used in various everyday items such as bottles and containers or found in cars to convert harmful gases from the engines exhaust into less harmful substances. Among these, ruthenium a platinum group metal has emerged as an important and commonly used catalyst. However, while a powerful and cost-effective material, highly reactive ruthenium catalysts have long been hindered by their sensitivity to air, posing significant challenges in their application. This means their use has so far been confined to highly trained experts with specialized equipment, limiting the full adoption of ruthenium catalysis across industries. In the Nature Chemistry journal, scientists at The University of Manchester working with collaborators at global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca discussed a ruthenium catalyst proven to be long-term stable in air while maintaining the high reactivity necessary to facilitate transformative chemical processes. Lead author Gillian McArthur, PhD student at The University of Manchester, said: We are extremely excited about this discovery. Our new ruthenium catalyst boasts unparalleled reactivity, while maintaining stability in air a feat previously thought unattainable. As well as eliminating the need for specialized equipment or handling procedures, it also enables the user to run simultaneous reactions, facilitating rapid screening and streamlining optimization procedures. This means procedures are quicker, more environmentally friendly and the accumulation of large amounts of waste is prevented. The discovery allows for simple handling and implementation processes and has shown versatility across a wide array of chemical transformations, making it accessible for non-specialist users to exploit ruthenium catalysis. Collaborative efforts with AstraZeneca demonstrate this new catalysts applicability to industry, particularly in developing efficient and sustainable drug discovery and manufacturing processes. Dr James Douglas, Director of High-Throughput Experimentation who collaborated on the project from AstraZeneca said: Catalysis is a critical technology for AstraZeneca and the wider biopharmaceutical industry, especially as we look to develop and manufacture the next generation of medicines in a sustainable way. This new catalyst is a great addition to the toolbox and we are beginning to explore and understand its industrial applications. The new approach has already led to the discovery of new reactions that have never been reported with ruthenium and with its enhanced versatility and accessibility, the researchers anticipate further advancements and innovations in the field. ** One is always encouraged by the chemists progress with exploring the catalyst field. While the high value chemical producers/users will get the earliest adoption as noted in the release, the petrochemical field is sure to be involved, which is the high quantity field. Its not the kind of technology thats going to bring a huge obvious impact to consumers. Rather its a part of the behind-the-scenes improvement that keeps costs down and improves quality thats the More Better Cheaper effect at play. By Brian Westenhaus via New Energy and Fuel More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Dark days ahead in Sao Paulo, the industrial and commercial hub of Brazil. They noticed last month, after a three day blackout hit the citys center and its poorer neighborhoods, although a previous power outage in November was a portent of things to come. Consultants contend that the electric company has underinvested for years and that the citys grid will collapse within three years unless corrective action is takenwhich sounds a lot like Thames Water. The electric company declared that it was in full compliance with all contractual and regulatory obligations. (That comment reminds us of the inevitable reply when one says to a nursing home operator that there are not enough nurses and aides around to care for the patient, which is, We are complying with all regulations. Note, not that there are enough nurses and aides, just that they are complying with the letter of the law. That is a great way of shifting responsibility.) Enel Distribuic?o Sao Paulo (still Eletropaulo to many consumers) became an indirect subsidiary of the Italian, state-controlled, giant Enel in 2018. Enel, which operates in 30 countries, may be the largest electric company in the world. This situation resembles that of Thames Water which was once a government agency, then a company owned by British investors, then a company owned by a German utility, after which it fell into the hands of an Australian infrastructure investor, and finally various pension and investment funds. Thames Waters managers have been accused of loading the company with too much debt, paying excessive dividends, and spending inadequately on major water quality capital programs, in effect, draining the company of cash resources to the point that it has literally begun to default on several fixed income obligations. Related: What Does Renationalizing Thames Water Mean? Way back in the early days of the late nineteenth century, local business people or municipalities set up the electric utility. Then several decades later the holding companies took over, not to achieve economies of scale, but to exploit leverage and complex financial structure to extract profits from a large number of local operating utility companies. When the holding companies collapsed, (battered first by depression and then regulated by the 34 act), the component parts re-emerged as independent companies or as government agencies, and the focus returned to the local level. The surviving holding companies operated contiguous subsidiaries and the local utility became a booster and synonymous with the local economy. Utility executives were part of the local establishment and would find it embarrassing if they had to explain why the lights kept going out to their friends and neighbors at the country club. (Ditto for the British electricity boards with their local advisory boards.) By the 1990s, however, governments had gotten tired of regulating. The U.S. government enforced the Public Utility Holding Co. Act of 1934 in the most cursory fashion and finally dumped it in 2005. After the British privatized the electric companies, their government showed no interest in who owned the nation's vital infrastructure. The new utility mandate was simply just follow the rules. Nothing else. Financiers, national champions, and empire builders got to work re-building new financially predatory holding companies. They did not do it to improve electricity service, for sure. But whatever the reason, the relationship between the utility and those served became purely contractual and all residual notions of the public interest were cast aside. And, as many of you realize, well paid insiders know more than government staffers, so the public may end up on the losing side of those arrangements. So, we argue, that the shortfall of capital spending at Eletropaulo and asset stripping at Thames were not one off events or accidents but rather the result of a change in utility culture. Utility managers went from trying to serve a local public interest to instead serving the purely financial interests of international holding companies that could easily be headquartered in Abu Dhabi or Beijing. For the public, the new managers do no more than is required by the regulators who really do not understand the capabilities of the regulated entity. For the holding company shareholders, the utility managers extract the maximum cash from the utility even if doing so affects service now or in the futureor at least until something breaks. All of which is aided and abetted by light-handed regulators. But in the end, the utilities have less leverage than their comments about meeting requirements would indicate. Unlike other internationally owned businesses, they cannot move their assets or their customers elsewhere. Utilities serve a geographically specific place however theyre owned. Foreign owners will argue that punitive actions taken against them by regulators will affect the countrys reputation among investors. But protecting foreign investors who provide substandard service is not a winning election ploy for politicians. Even in bankruptcy or other forms of financial reorganization, utility assets continue to provide service. So why rescue them? Equity shareholders in sprawling holding companies might have to get used to the idea that they have to provide a service, not just take out the dough. By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Artificial intelligence is helping the oil and gas industry boost output by accelerating drilling and boosting efficiency. It offers similar gains to other industries as well and online platforms and websites with AI-powered chatbots are multiplying fast. But there is a problem. AI consumes massive amounts of electricity. A New Yorker article from last month cited the number half a million kilowatt-hours. Per day. That's the electricity consumption of ChatGPT to handle the two hundred million requests it gets daily. That's a lot of electricity. And that's just one AI program. According to one Dutch scientist who has calculated the potential electricity use of AI technology globally, it could reach a staggering 85 terrawatt-hours. Annually. And that's the lower end of the range. The higher end is 134 terrawatt-hours or 134 billion kilowatt-hours. "You would be talking about the size of a country like the Netherlands in terms of electricity consumption. You're talking about half a per cent of our total global electricity consumption," Alex De Vries told the BBC last year when a study he authored about the electricity appetite of AI hit headlines. Needless to say, this sort of additional demand cannot be satisfied by wind and solar, as De Vries himself acknowledges. "We need fusion or we need, like, radically cheaper solar plus storage, or something, at massive scalelike, a scale that no one is really planning for," De Vries told the New Yorker this March. Alternatively, gas consumption for electricity generationand quite likely coal consumptionwill rise to satisfy this demand. Former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, a staunch supporter of the energy transition, put it even more succinctly: "We're not going to build 100 gigawatts of new renewables in a few years. You're kind of stuck," he said last month in comments on AI's energy needs, as quoted by the Wall Street Journal. Related: Top U.S. Utilities Prepare for AI-Driven Surge in Power Demand It's all because of the enormous amounts of information AI programs need to process to perform a task. De Vries has calculated that if Google switches its search engine to generative AI, the electricity consumption of that search engine would shoot up to 29 TWh per year. And that's just Google, which started trialing AI-powered searches in the UK earlier this month. "The more information they gather, the smarter they are, but the more information they gather to get smarter, the more power it takes." This is the description provided by the chief executive of Arm, a chip design company owned by Japan's SoftBank. This amount of power, in total, could come to represent between a fifth and a quarter of total U.S. electricity demand by 2030, Rene Haas told the Wall Street Journal this week. "That's hardly very sustainable, to be honest with you." Indeed, it is not exactly sustainable if you are planning on a shift to low-carbon energy generation that would inevitably necessitate a decline rather than an increase in energy demand. And this is exactly why the oil and gas industry is very much in board with AI, especially the gas part of it. "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 and senior partner at Energy Capital Partners, an investment firm, told the FT earlier this month. This is why growth in AI use would require an expansion of gas generation capacity, according to the company. The word "critical" was used. Or as EQT chief executive Toby Rice put it, echoing the message of Ernest Moniz, "It will not be done without gas." All this has put transition advocates in a difficult position. On the one hand, artificial intelligence promises to help advance the transition, according to some of those advocates that work in the technology space. Yet on the other, it is clearly hindering the progress of that transition by posing an energy demand question that only hydrocarbons can answer. The AI boom is also incompatible with the idea of degrowth that has been gaining traction in Europe. Degrowth denotes the idea that economies no longer need to aim growth at all costs. On the contrary, lower consumption is what economies should be striving for, notably including lower energy consumption. This won't work with AI data centers. "Its going to be difficult to accelerate the breakthroughs that we need if the power requirements for these large data centers for people to do research on keeps going up and up and up, Arms Haas told the WSJ. It is also going to be difficult for Big Tech to continue promoting the energy transition and advertising its power purchase agreements as evidence of their clean energy commitments being applied in practice. Growth versus degrowth is one thing. But what happens when the debate goes to technological progress versus the end of progress? Big Tech, this darling of green investors, might just turn into the new target of activists. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are strengthening their trans-Caspian relationship. Closer bilateral ties can provide a big boost to the development of the Middle Corridor trade route. Azerbaijans president, Ilham Aliyev, has sought to reinforce relations with Central Asias Turkic states, likely as part of an overall strategy to minimize Bakus susceptibility to pressure from the United States and European Union over its poor rights record. In a speech shortly after he secured another presidential term in February, Aliyev announced: Our family is the Turkic world Can there be a stronger union than this? Of course not! Within the family of Turkic states, Aliyev clearly considers Kazakhstan like a favorite cousin. The Azerbaijani leader welcomed his Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for a state visit in mid-March, showcasing the growth in bilateral ties. During their two-day summit, the leaders attended a virtual ceremony marking the arrival of a Europe-bound freight train at Bakus Absheron station. The trains cargo originated at a new Kazakh-Chinese-built facility in Xian, China, and transited Kazakhstan before crossing the Caspian. They also presided over the signing of an agreement to increase Kazakh oil flowing through Azerbaijans Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Tokayev additionally made a stop in newly reconquered Nagorno-Karabakh to help Aliyev drum up interest in international investment in the territory. Perhaps the most important development, though, was the creation of a joint $300-million investment fund, plans for which were finalized March 11. This will strengthen Kazakhstans partnership with Azerbaijan and bring income [because] this will be solely a commercially based investment fund, said Nurlan Zhakupov, chairman of Kazakhstans Samruk Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund, a key player in the initiative. A development fund is not a particularly new concept. Azerbaijan already has similar arrangements with a number of Turkic states, including Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. But the Kazakh fund has the potential to be far more consequential because it gives Baku and Astana more bandwidth to develop trans-Caspian trade infrastructure, Mahammad Mammadov, a research fellow at the Baku-based Topchubashov Center, told Eurasianet. The fund can also be used to finance projects in other Central Asian and European countries including Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey presumably to develop energy transit and trade. These countries all stand to gain economically from a route known as the Middle Corridor, which is designed to facilitate Chinese-EU trade via the Caspian Basin. Feasibility of these projects [is] quite questionable, yet it provides Baku and Astana some platform to leverage their pivotal position in CaspianSea-Black Sea energy and connectivity geopolitics, Mammadov said. At a joint news conference with Aliyev on March 11, Tokayev stressed that trans-Caspian cooperation is the fundamental building block of the bilateral relationship. The struggle for access to transport and logistical opportunities is intensifying all over the world. This is a strategic sphere, Tokayev said. It is gratifying that both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan closely cooperate here as natural partners. The Azerbaijani-Kazakh fund could help catalyze a US-facilitated economic framework unveiled in March at a meeting of Central Asian government and business leaders. Dubbed the B5+1 process, the framework strives to eliminate trade barriers and foster a common economic space in Central Asia. Doing so could make it easier to attract Western investment and make the Middle Corridor the most profitable and efficient route for East-West trade. At the inaugural B5+1 meeting in Almaty, multiple speakers emphasized a need for Central Asian states to bring Azerbaijan into the process to ensure the smooth operation of trans-Caspian routes that bypass sanctions-bound Russia. Aliyev, for his part, seems eager to enhance the trans-Caspian route to bolster Azerbaijans regional relevance. The sea is not an obstacle today, Aliyev said at the joint news conference with Tokayev. The Caspian Sea is a bridge not only between our countries, but also between many other states. While optimism abounds at present, the trans-Caspian trade route faces challenges ahead, mainly for Kazakhstan, which must balance the Middle Corridors lucrative possibilities with economic considerations involving its two largest neighbors, Russia and China. Kazakhstan would like to diminish its dependence on Russia for the export of its most precious commodity oil. The question is, how tolerant will Moscow be of Astanas efforts to diversify export routes? If history is any guide, not very. Likewise, an East-West tug of war could be brewing over another precious commodity that Kazakhstan possesses in abundance lithium, a key component for batteries in electric cars and other green energy sources. Demand for lithium in both China and the West is set to rise dramatically for industrial production purposes, potentially forcing Kazakhstan to make delicate trade decisions. According to Mammadov, those choices will undoubtedly have important ramifications for trans-Caspian trade. The Trans-Caspian route gains new meaning in this context, he said. Azerbaijan will need to go a long way to keep its cool. By Brawley Benson via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Australias government has joined the United States and the European Union in a race to lure in more business from abroad, with a focus on transition-related industries such as solar power and hydrogen. While the size of the subsidy pie has not been detailed, Reuters reports that the Future Made in Australia Act will allocate at least A$18 billion, or about $12 billion, for the effort. Securing jobs, attracting investment, and building prosperity has never been a polite and gentle process where every nation gets a turn - its always a contest, its always a race, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is expected to say in a speech later today, according to a transcript of the speech published on the PMs website. Being in the race does not guarantee our success but sitting it out guarantees failure as the world moves past us, the transcript also said, also noting that this would mean greater government participation in investments and markets in general. "We must recognize there is a new and widespread willingness to make economic interventions on the basis of national interest and national sovereignty," the PMs speech also said. Australia has been struggling to keep its industrial sector in growth mode but its current government subscribes to the belief, shared by the EU and the U.S., that a massive investment in transition technologies will change that. Too often, government policies distort activity, create unintended consequences, and are slow to adapt as circumstances change and flaws are exposed, the chief executive of Australias national employer association, Ai Group, said in comments on the news. Yet we are today invited to make a leap of faith that more government guidance and support is the answer to our ills. Industry will naturally view the promise of more government intervention with suspicion, if not alarm, Innes Willox also said. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: European natural gas prices popped on Thursday amid Russias intensification of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, with Russia claiming to have destroyed Kyivs biggest power plant in an overnight missile strike. The attack has so far led to power cuts in the Ukrainian capital and some regions that rely on power from Kyiv. Dutch TTF Natural Gas Futures May 24 contract gained over 8.5% on Thursday, while UK NBP Natural Gas Futures rose over 9.3%. Russias latest attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure completely destroyed the Trypilska Thermal Power Plant (TPP), the largest supplier of electricity to three regions: Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions. Ukrainian Centrenergo, which operates the plant, has said that it has lost 100% of its power-generation capacity. While Ukrainian military sources told local media that the Air Force succeeded in shooting down nearly 60 of over 80 Russian drones and missiles launched at Ukraine, Moscow has made it clear that the retaliation for Ukraines targeting of refineries on Russian territory will be met with in-kind retribution. Moscow has claimed that its latest strikes effectively disrupted operations of Ukraines military-industrial complex and has limited Kyivs ability to move troops and fuel supplies to the military. The retribution from Russia comes after a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, with Reuters estimating that some 14% of Russias total refining capacity has been taken off line, prompting a rebuke from Washington, which is concerned that continued energy-targeted strikes will push up global oil prices. Also driving European natural gas futures on Thursday were reports that natural gas flows into the Freeport LNG export plant in Texas had dropped to nearly nothing following issues with a liquefaction train, according to the BOE report. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A boy, 10, was grazed by a bullet during a road rage incident on Wednesday, according to San Antonio police. Ken Branca A 10-year-old boy was grazed by a bullet Wednesday night during a road rage incident on the North Side, San Antonio police said. The incident happened around 10 p.m. in the 900 block of Northeast Loop 410 near the San Antonio airport. According to a preliminary police report, the boy was in a vehicle with his family when a driver in a black sedan behind them became impatient while attempting to pass them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police said the driver of the sedan fired several gunshots at the familys vehicle. The family followed the driver of the black sedan to Airport Boulevard but stopped at a nearby convenience store, police said. Thats when the boys parents realized a bullet had grazed their sons leg, police said. The injury was minor and not life-threatening, and no one else was injured in the vehicle, police said. The boy was checked at the scene and released by EMS. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Polish special services are currently investigating whether Orlen Trading Switzerland, a subsidiary of Polish refiner Orlen (PKN.WA), may have violated sanctions regarding the import of oil from Russia or Iran, broadcaster Radio Zet reported on Thursday. This investigation represents just the latest inquiry directed at the state-controlled company, following allegations of artificially lowering prices ahead of the 2023 election and selling assets below fair value for the purposes of acquiring a smaller peer. Orlen has denied breaching any sanctions. The ongoing scrutiny comes amidst allegations that the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) administration had exerted political influence over state-controlled entities. The report from Radio Zet surfaced shortly after Orlen announced on Wednesday a substantial write-down of 1.6 billion zloty ($403.82 million) on the value of Orlen Trading Switzerland (OTS), consequently impacting the group's 2023 profit. In August 2023, Orlen's utilization of tankers that previously carried Russian crude to Asia for importing oil from the Middle East raised concerns about adherence to EU and G7 price caps for Russian crude. "All our activities, including those related to the delivery of crude oil, are in line with the applicable sanctions," Orlen said at the time. Despite Orlen's then denial of involvement in Russian oil shipments, the company's strategies shifted amidst geopolitical sanctions to focus on purchases from Middle Eastern and U.S. crude, as well as Asian fuels. Orlen was previously one of the biggest buyers of Russian crude oil for use in its refineries in Poland and Lithuania. Last summer, PKN Orlen's Chief Executive Daniel Obajtek likened the act of losing Russian oil to forfeiting $27 million per day because of the price difference between Russian oil and these alternative supplies. Obajtek clarified that PKN Orlen was still purchasing Russian oil through the Druzhba network for its Czech refinery in Litvinov, which was not covered by sanctions. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia has hit Ukrainian oil, gas, and power infrastructure with high-precision long-range weapons and drones on Thursday night, in response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refining capacity, the Russian Defense Ministry said today. In response to the attempts of the Kyiv regime to cause damage to Russias oil and gas industry and energy facilities, tonight the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation launched a massive strike with high-precision long-range air and sea-based weapons, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, against Ukraines fuel and energy infrastructure, Russian news agencies quoted the defense ministry as saying. All targets have been hit, Russia said. Moscow also claimed that with the strikes it had disrupted the work of Ukraines military industry enterprises, as well as the transfer of reserves to combat areas and fuel supply to the Ukrainian army. Ukraine has stepped up attacks on oil refineries in Russia in recent weeks, which have reduced Russian refining capacity, and which, reportedly, have the White House concerned about rising international prices. The United States has repeatedly urged Ukraine to halt its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries due to Washingtons assessment that the strikes could lead to Russian retaliation and push up global oil prices, the Financial Times reported last month, citing sources familiar with the exchange. According to Reuters estimates, the amount of Russian oil refining capacity that has been taken offline due to Ukrainian drone strikes is 14% of Russias total refining capacity. Due to refinery damage as a result of the drone attacks, Russias gasoline production fell by 12% in the last week of March compared to the February average, Russian daily Kommersant reported last week, quoting the Federal State Statistics Service, Rosstat. The domestic market hasnt felt the impact, yet, also thanks to higher fuel imports from Belarus, Kommersant notes. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Natural gas prices at the Waha hub in the Permian basin in Texas slumped to a negative value of -$2.00 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) this week as the recent rise in oil prices prompts producers to bring drilled but uncompleted wells online. As the U.S. benchmark oil price, West Texas Intermediate, hit $85 per barrelthe highest level in nearly six months, Texas producers keep pumping crude, but their wells also produce gas, which basically has nowhere to go. While producers are chasing higher realizations for the crude they pump, they are depressing further an already depressed U.S. natural gas market, which has been oversupplied for months due to a milder winter and lower demand for heating and electricity. Producers in West Texas are hit by the negative price of natural gas at the Waha hub, which means that they have to pay for someone to take that gas. But demand just isnt there. Theyre bringing these drilled, uncompleted wells online because the price of oil is higher, Dennis Kissler, senior vice president for trading at BOK Financial Securities, told Bloomberg. Its flooding the market with gas, and youve got no demand, Kissler added. Yet, signs have started to emerge that the natural gas glut may have started to hold back drilling in parts of the Permian basin. U.S. oil producers are not in a rush to significantly boost crude production despite oil prices hovering at a six-month high, as multi-year low natural gas prices and higher costs are weighing on the industry, analysts and executives told Reuters earlier this month. Oil producers in America are also mindful of the investor demands for higher returns, not necessarily higher production. Natural gas is currently pricing at or below costs of production, an executive at an exploration and production company said in comments in the latest quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey released at the end of March. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The UKs gas transmission and electricity system operators are confident that Britain will have sufficient natural gas and power supply to meet demand at all times during the period from April to September. There is more than enough gas to meet demand this summer, National Gas said in its Summer Outlook 2024 report on Thursday, while National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) said in a separate report today that We expect there to be sufficient available supply to meet demand at all times this summer. National Gas summer outlook found that summer demand in Great Britain is expected to be very similar to last year, with higher levels of gas being exported to Europe at the beginning of the period April-September. However, this year National Gas expects a reduction in total volumes exported to Europe compared to last summer, due to the higher storage levels the EU already has in place. The EU ended the 2023/2024 winter period with a record high level of gas in storageat over 58% fullat the start of the refill season in April. This would make it easier for the European Union to reach in advance, again, its target to have storage at 90% full by November 1. In the UK, National Gas expects that there is more than enough supply to meet British gas demand this summer. National Gas expects gas demand will be primarily met by supplies from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) and Norway, with the balance being secured from LNG. In terms of power supply in the UK this summer, ESO said in its report that not only there will be sufficient available supply to meet demand at all times this summer, but there is room for exports to neighboring European countries if needed. Minimum forecast generation is expected to be comfortably above summer peak demand, ESO said. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: As Mexico is slashing oil exports, U.S. imports of Mexican crude slumped last week to the lowest level on record, data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed this week. Weekly U.S. crude oil imports from Mexico fell to 209,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the week to April 5, the data from the EIA showed, as Mexican state oil firm Pemex is cutting exports to divert more crude to domestic refineries. To compare, U.S. imports of Mexican crude averaged more than 730,000 bpd last year. Mexico has started to cut the amount of crude oil it exports by 330,000 bpd as it redirects supply to local refineries, with the volume to be cut accounting for around a third of the total crude that Mexico sells abroad. This month, Pemex has slashed oil exports by 436,000 bpd as Mexican refineries ramp up, including the new Dos Bocas facility, which will take in some 179,000 bpd this year. The refinerys nameplate capacity is 340,000 bpd. The reduction in exports was necessary because Pemexs output has been on a steady decline due to natural depletion and not enough new discoveries. In February, the daily average production fell to the lowest in 45 years. Currently, Pemex processes half of its daily crude oil output, which stands at an average of 1.8 million bpd, according to a recent update by Mexicos President, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The cut in exports is partly due to efforts in Mexico to boost domestic gasoline and diesel output ahead of the presidential election on June 2, unnamed sources familiar with the plans told Bloomberg earlier this month. Mexicos export cut took the market by surprise and added to the tightness in supply, especially of heavier sour grades. The lower Mexican supply has boosted the price of the medium sour U.S. Mars crude, which is being produced in the Gulf of Mexico. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Proposals for new power generation capacity in the United States have increased by an impressive 90% over the last three years, Bloomberg has reported, in anticipation of a surge in demand for electricity. Notably, some 80% of the proposed capacity is solar plus batteries, with only 3% of proposed power plants to run on natural gas or coal. The total proposed capacity stands at close to 2,600 GW, according to the data, which comes from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This does not mean, of course, that all of this proposed capacity will end up getting built. In fact, historical data suggests that only a fifth of all proposed projects do get completed. At the same time, demand for electricity in the country is set for a significant increase, driven by data center proliferation and the incorporation of artificial intelligence and more and more software applications. Reuters reported earlier this week that U.S. power utilities were revising their demand estimates radically from only a few months ago. The report said that nine out of the top power suppliers in the country had raised their capital expenditure plans and demand projections. "The truth of the matter is these things (data centers) are pigs when it comes to energy use, and now they're the size of an elephant," Eric Woodell, founder of software service provider Amerruss, told Reuters. Woodell then said in a LinkedIn post on the Reuters report that The gap between power production and demand will continue to grow, leading to shortages (brownouts or blackouts) happening more frequently. These events will test your data center infrastructure, whether you like it or not, whether you own or lease. The planned electrification of the transport sector will also helpif it materializes, that is. The EV push has slowed down recently and whether it would pick up again or not is an open question for the time being. Yet the surge in electricity demand from the IT sector may well be enough to prompt more capacity additions than normal. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Photos by Shoji Kudaka () Of all Okinawas remote islands you can hop to, Yonaguni might not be the first on your list, but Im here to tell you that it is definitely one you wont want to miss. Home to untamed nature and beautiful landscapes, Yonaguni Island is known as the westernmost island of Japan. With a circumference of 27.49 kilometers and a dimension of 28.88k, the Island on a national boundary is the eighth largest among Okinawas 160 islands. Getting there is a bit of a challenge, requiring two flights Naha to Ishigaki and then to Yonaguni or a flight and a ferry fly from Naha to Ishigaki then ferry to Yonaguni. Whatever route you take, it is worth it! The geographic and topographical makeup of this island is a cliffy coastline and a unique inland view. Take Agarizaki, for example. This cape on the eastern end of the island sits 100 meters above the water on a cliff. Agarizaki is home to a rolling meadow where visitors can catch a glimpse of the islands indigenous horses, Yonaguni uma, which are about the size of ponies. Youll catch this iconic view on many of the promotional posters for Yonaguni tourism. Head west to Irizaki, a cape located on the other end of the island, for a popular sunset view. On a clear day, you might even get a view of Taiwan, which is a mere 111 kilometers away. The islands rocky landscape has been at the center of local folklore for centuries. Tachigami-iwa, a 30-meter high monolith on the southeastern coast, is the symbol of the island. As such, its legend is that long ago a young man climbed it with the aim to get sea birds eggs, only to find he had no idea how to get back down. The man fell asleep and with the help of a god, he awoke back at the foot of Tachigami-iwa unscathed. For a more tragic local legend, head to Kuburabari, where the rocky area has a cleavage break and a steep valley said to have been the site of many deaths. Since the 17th century under the rule of the Ryukyu Kingdom (1429 1879), high taxes were imposed on the locals of the island based on the size of the population. According to legend, one way to manage this burden was to force pregnant women to jump from one of the sides of Kuburabari to the other. If the woman made it across, her life was spared. There is a signboard in Japanese at the site which retells this legend and of the lives lost and the difficult life of the islanders here. Another location tied to local folklore, is Tinda-bana, or Tinda-hanata, thought to be where Sanai Isoba, a legendary female figure who ruled the island in the late 15th to early 16th centuries, lived. This natural observatory gives you a view of the island and the East China Sea. After youve gotten your fill of local legends and points of interest, the island is also home to some amazing beaches to relax on. Though this is a rocky island and the beaches are small, they are stunning. Rokujo Beach is probably the most well-known of these and as its name suggests in Japanese, it is not very big (rokujo means six tatami mats). Still, its crystal waters and secluded waters are what draw visitors to Rokujo Beach. Although the trek to get to Yonaguni Island is a long one, its horses, the unique makeup of its landscape and its history, make it one worth exploring. Lila Tomek doesnt feel comfortable being singled out. She was part of a team just one of so many, she insists. There were thousands of us, said the 101-year-old from Humboldt, Nebraska, who worked assembling aircraft at the Glenn L. Martin Bomber Plant near Bellevue during World War II. I have a little bit of mixed feelings about all of this. This week she flew to Washington, D.C., to be honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, awarded to female wartime workers who came to be known collectively as Rosie the Riveters. Tomek is one of the few Rosies still alive to accept the honor. About 30 attended Wednesdays ceremony. If Tomek, then unmarried and known as Lila Westerman, could have her way, she would have followed her two younger brothers in battle by joining the U.S. Army. Lyle and Glenn Westerman both were drafted. Lyle was deployed to Europe and Glenn to the Northern Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. Both survived the war and lived into their 90s. But times were different in 1942. For many women, serving during wartime meant putting in work on the home front. Lila Westerman became one of the millions of women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war. The award Tomek received was part of the Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019. The law honors any woman who held employment or volunteered in support of the war efforts during World War II and recognizes their contributions to the U.S. war effort. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson presented Tomek and a group of other Rosies with the medal. It was her second trip to the nations capital. She and her late husband, Rudolph, who died in 1994, took a vacation there years ago. Were really excited about going back to Washington, D.C., for all of this, Nancy Wilcher, Lilas daughter, said before the trip. Its exciting for everyone. It should be emphasized there were 6 million women who entered the workforce during that time. They kept the country going, making up 37% of the workforce from 1940 to 1945. Not all of them built planes and ships. They did everything else from pumping gas to working in railyards to fixing cars. The idea of Rosie the Riveter came from a song, but the iconic image of a woman in coveralls wearing a bandana and flexing her bicep was made in 1943 by J. Howard Miller for a Westinghouse Electric ad that was meant to boost the morale of women in the workforce at the time with four inspirational words: We Can Do It! You remember what the signs said, Tomek said. We can do it. We did. I went to school for a short time before they hired me. Im pretty sure everybody took the test before they got in. In 1942, Tomek, then 19 years old, took a job at the plant near Bellevue for 60 cents an hour, building bombers at Offutt Field. She started off splicing wires for the B-26 Marauder, and later punched rivets for the B-29 Superfortress after production shifted to the new model in 1944. She remembers the environment of the manufacturing plant. The gridlock cars, bumper-to-bumper, filled with workers showing their security clearance at the front gate each morning to enter the grounds. And she remembers the lunchroom, where hundreds ate together including on Sept. 22, 1943, when a B-25 bomber on a test flight crashed into one of the plants assembly lines. Three of the planes four crew members died, but no workers were killed because they were on their lunch break. She also recalls an April day in 1943 when she was startled by a loud whistle and the admonition for workers to descend from their ladders, put down their work and step away from their planes. Minutes later, the doors to the hangar opened and a convertible entered the plant carrying U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Nebraska Gov. Dwight Griswold and Glenn L. Martin, an aviation pioneer. The car stopped along the way, and the president saluted the workers at each plane. During her time at the plant, Tomek worked alongside a riveter from Verdigre, Nebraska, who was actually named Rosie. The two were among a group of mostly men who received a special assignment. They were bused to a different hangar at the manufacturing plant and sworn to secrecy. We were told not to say anything to anyone or we would be punished, she said. They wondered why they were disassembling the armor plates and munitions racks from the planes, but no one dared to ask why. What they later learned is that they were stripping the heavy pieces from the B-29s as part of a modification project called Silverplate, to make the aircraft light enough to carry the heavy atomic bomb and the extra fuel required for their missions. Fifty-seven Silverplate B-29s were ultimately modified at Offutt. Tomek had no moral objection to helping ready the Omaha-built Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. I had two brothers fighting in the war, she said. That question always angered me, because there were people who objected to the war. I just wanted my brothers to come home and was doing what I could. Photos: The Martin Bomber Plant through the years 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. LINCOLN Nebraska lawmakers approved a measure Thursday that would restore voting rights to felons immediately upon the completion of their sentence. Legislative Bill 20 passed in a 38-6 vote and headed to Gov. Jim Pillen's desk to either be vetoed or signed into law. Currently, Nebraska felons have to wait two years after completing their sentence before they can vote a period the bill's introducer, State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, called arbitrary and unnecessary. The issue has been pushed by lawmakers for years, but the bills often met resistance. Wayne, who is about to be term-limited after eight years in office, got a bill passed in his freshman year, but it was vetoed by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts. This time, however, senators who previously opposed the idea changed their minds. Wayne said the difference this year was that multiple senators got more education on the issue over the years. "Sometimes it takes a long time to educate, to get people comfortable to understand the issues," Wayne said. Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard said his perspective changed after sitting in on a State Board of Pardons meeting last year and seeing what people go through to pay their criminal penalties. Wayne noted that Nebraska was the only state in the U.S. with a two-year waiting period for felons, and Erdman said it was time to catch up to the rest of the country. Pillen's office did not respond immediately to a request for comment on LB 20. Wayne said if Pillen vetoes the bill, he's confident he has the 30 votes necessary to override it. Students of the University of Lagos have urged the government and the varsitys management to beef up security at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, which shares premises with the varsitys College of Medicine. They made the call during a march they held at the weekend to protest the death of a fresh graduate of the college, Dr Stephen Urueye, who was attacked by hoodlums in front of LUTH gate, a day after his graduation. He did not survive the injuries. Over 800 students took part in the procession. The late Urueye, a graduate of Medicine, had taken part in the institutions 51st Convocation last Wednesday and by Thursday, he was dead. CAMPUSLIFE learnt that Urueye was robbed and stabbed between 9pm and 9:45pm around Canal/Sickle Cell Foundation, close to the LUTH main gate. Angered by his death, about 800 of his colleagues held a candlelight procession for him last weekend. The protesters, led by his former course mates, who belonged to a group known as Syncytium 17 marched from LUTH, through Surulere to the Baales palace. They then cut through Ojuelegba to Area C Command Police Station chanting #JusticeforStephen as they progressed. A protester, described the mashing as a peaceful march and a fallout from the Twitter campaign against the brazen killing of their colleague. At the Area C Police Command, an officer urged the students to take their complaint to the Area D Police Command under which jurisdiction the incident occured. The matter was eventually reported there. How he was attacked A close friend of the late Urueye, popularly known as Sembels, relived the deceaseds ordeal in the hands of his assailants. He also spoke of the interventions to save Urueyes life. Sembels, who was in LUTH that fateful day, said the late Urueye was attacked by hoodlums in front of the Sickle Cell Foundation. Sembels said: They shouted at him: Bring your phone! Bring your phone!! But, he was not with his phones. Suddenly, one of them stabbed him on his right thigh near the hips; another one stabbed him from behind at his lumbar region. He fell and bled profusely. He got up and ran towards LUTH gate, and fell again, this time into the flood in front of the hospital gate. Unfortunately, it rained on that day and the level of the flood had increased. Stephen struggled to stand, but he fell again. As Stephen was still battling for his dear life, some of the security men at the LUTH gate allegedly looked the other way, taking him for drunk. An eyewitness, who does not want to be named, said: The security men at the gate did not take him serious.They thought he was drunk. They ignored him. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the late Urueye was robbed alongside his friend whose phones were also collected. His friend, who reportedly escaped unhurt, later ran back to where he lay almost breathless. Bleeding profusely, the late Urueye was taken to LUTH Accident and Emergency Unit, where he was given some pints of blood. His colleagues said he lost so much blood and sustained various cuts, adding that doctors immediately stitched his femoral artery. After conducting that session, Stephen went into a coma. He was resuscitated and admitted at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He suffered two cardiac arrests and died in the early hours of Friday, after the second cardiac arrest, one of his colleagues told our correspondent. It was gathered that the hoodlums also invaded the medical hostel and robbed some students of their valuables. Urueyes death has again brought to the fore, the safety of medical students at LUTH and its environs. The students have repeatedly lamented the insecurity at Itire, describing the Idi-Araba axis as unsafe. Although the late Urueye was the first to die from such attacks, past survivors recall their ordeal. According to them, such incidents are rampant. They noted that they were lucky to have escaped. This is the hideout of hoodlums, said another student who pleaded anonymity. They lurk around by the street lights and blockage of the narrow paths. It could have been anyone and we do not want a reoccurrence. Previous attacks In March 2015, hoodlums attacked students in the LUTH Workers Mosque, a stone throw from the LUTH main gate. A victim, who identified himself as Semiu, narrated his ordeal: We were reading in preparation for the exam at the workers mosque in LUTH, some of us were awake while others were asleep. It was in the middle of the night. I was deeply asleep. All of a sudden, I heard disturbing sound of people panicking. As I attempted to stand up, one of the criminals with a knife, attempted to stab me. Luckily, I stood up and ran away with others. Then, I remembered that I was charging a Samsung Galaxy tab at the mosque. I returned to the scene, only to discover that they had left with some of our items. Although we made attempts to ambush them, annoyingly they ran through the police office close to the LUTH Idi-Araba gate, he said. Immediately, some of us went to the security checkpoint at the LUTH gate to inform the security personnel. They slapped one of us and ordered him to kneel down. But, we quickly intervened, informing them that the person being asked to kneel down was indeed a victim. It was on hearing this that they released him. Disturbed by this incident, we locked the LUTH gates the following day. Some senior officers in the hospital pleaded with us to stop the protest. We actually suspended the demonstration on the condition that our stolen items would be replaced. They promised but never fulfilled it. To stop the incessants attacks, the students are asking the police command to set up a Rapid Response Squad in the area, especially around the canal. Another female student, who did not want her name mentioned, praised UNILAG management for deploying Close Circuit Camera (CCTC) in its Akoka campus, urging it to extend the gesture to the Idi-Araba campus, especially the Canal/Sickle Cell Foundation area. RESIDENT Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State Mallam Garba Attahiru Madami has alleged that some politicians brought millions of naira to lure him into compromising 2019 general elections. Madami, who hails from Gurara Local Government Area, spoke to reporters after his daughters wedding in Minna. He said: There was pressure by politicians, who offered me money to compromise the 2019 general elections in Kwara State, but I stood my ground and refused to give in. The nature of our job at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is too tempting. It is left between you and God to do the right thing and keep your integrity or compromise and lose your integrity. You may even go to jail. The REC added: As I am talking to you, I will not call the name of anyone or the name of any party. But the fact I tell you is true. Millions were brought to me to compromise the elections, even girls were sent to influence me to make me compromise, but I made sure I did not fall into their plans. He said he had to use the Department of State Security (DSS) and the swapping strategy to ensure that his staff did not compromise the elections. The REC said while taking up the job as the REC in Kwara State, he was aware that the general elections would be a risky one. I was determined that nothing will manipulate me in any way. I knew Kwara State was in the eye of the world and I was determined to be the one, who will make Nigeria proud in conducting the freest, fairest and most transparent elections the state had ever had, the electoral commissioner said. He denounced a situation where politicians think they can buy peoples conscience to do their dirty work. Madami said: The politicians have money and some of them feel that they can buy anybody with the money. It is a matter of integrity; it is left for you to be careful and work transparently to keep your integrity. What I did in Kwara State before the elections was to go on air and tell the people that no amount of money can buy me. I made them to understand that their votes will count and was not ready to compromise, he said. He said the 765 cases before the elections petition tribunal across the country were instituted owing to lack of internal democracy by political parties. If the various political parties respect their constitutions and do the needful, you will have less to worry about, he said. According to Madami, INEC was the most organised agency in the country because all the systems are working. All the personnel and departments are functioning. In other words, INEC is working, he said. Madami said one of his major challenges was to unite the staff of the commission for optimal performance. I thank God that today my staff are doing well, he said. He said his aim was to make Nigeria and INEC proud by transparently discharging his duties. The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprised of troops from Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Nigeria has commenced a military operation codenamed Operation YANCIN TAFKI. According to a statement by its spokesman, Colonel Timothy Antigha, the MNJTF said the new operation is in response of recent Boko Haram Terrorists operation from the northern fringes of the Lake Chad Basin exploited gaps within defensive positions, which have since been blocked, to attack positions in Arege, Metele, Baga and other settlements within the locality. The MNJTF said as a logical follow up to the atrocious and cowardly attack on defenceless civilians and their property, the operation YANCIN TAFKI is to take the battle to the remaining last hideouts of Boko Haram Terrorists within the designated area of responsibility of the MNJTF and subsequently rout the terrorists. It would be recalled that a couple of months ago, a summit of the Heads of States and Governments of states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, chaired by President Mohammadu Buhari, met in NDjamena, Chad, to fine tune bilateral engagements aimed at dealing with the Boko Haram problem. This operation is therefore expected to give concrete and far-reaching expressions to the resolutions of that summit. Colonel Antigha also spoke about the role of the media and the challenges of effective coverage and reportage of conflicts, especially in the age of fake news. The MNJTF spokesman said the Force is confident that the media in the affected countries will remain resolute and committed to professionalism and the common goal of eliminating terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin, as well as the stabilization of the area for the millions of its inhabitants currently displaced. Morgan, writing on the X app, explained how the team he supports will go on to win the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history Piers Morgan, the former CNN presenter, has predicted that Arsenal will play Paris Saint-Germain in this years Champions League final. According to him, PSGs Kylian Mbappe will cry at the end of the day, because the Gunners will lift the trophy. Morgan, writing on the X app, explained how the team he supports will go on to win the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history. He wrote: My Champions League predictions: QUARTERS: Arsenal > Bayern. Madrid > City. Atletico > Dortmund. PSG > Barca. SEMIS: Arsenal > Madrid. PSG > Atletico. FINAL: Arsenal > PSG. (Mbappe cries). Arsenal played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, while Paris Saint-Germain take on Barcelona on Wednesday night. Nollywood actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh has taken a swipe at Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, over the quality of boreholes he drilled and donated to some communities in the Northern region of the country. During the ramadan fast, Obi visited some Northern communities, broke fast with them and in the process gave them whatever basic amenities they lacked. In some of such communities, the residents needed water and he drilled boreholes for them. The quality of boreholes drilled in the communities has been a subject of debate for days as some Nigerians argue that they were shabbily done and shouldnt have been commissioned by a Presidential candidate of Obis status. In a post shared on her IG page, Tonto this afternoon berated Obi over the quality of boreholes. She stated that she was disappointed and let down by the quality of the boreholes because he almost became President of the country. She urged him to join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to contribute to the progress of the nation. She wrote; His excellency sir with all due respect @peterobigregory am deeply disappointed by this. The idea that Nigeria was almost entrusted to you, sir, is disheartening. This isnt trolling; Im genuinely dissatisfied with your actions. Im in disbelief. Were you truly committed to taking this country to the next level? This situation highlights the need for all of us to join hands with Mr President @officialasiwajubat and actively contribute to the nations progress. Its not a task for one person alone; it requires the dedication of all. YOUR EXECLLENCY, Mr. Obi, I am profoundly let down. Despite that, you remain one of my favorite politicians. However, I believe in speaking the truth directly because I love you, but I love Nigeria even more. To Mr. Peter Obi supporters: If you fail to acknowledge any issue with this image, then you are part of the problems we face. Hes not just Mr. Obi; he was almost the President of this country and would have served for eight years. While some may jest about sentiments, as a Nigerian, I owe my country a renewed hope through my active and intentional support of the government. Even if he had won, I would have still worked for him but also highlighted his shortcomings. Sentiments wont propel this country forward; actions will. See Post Below; Gov Adeleke The Olola of Ola in the Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Johnson Ajiboye, has been sacked by Justice Lawrence Arojo of the Osun State High Court. Ajiboye was appointed by Governor Ademola Adeleke on January 3rd, 2024, while presiding over the State Executive meeting despite a pending court case and restraining orders. There has been a crisis in the community since Adeleke selected the monarch, in which the head of kingmakers, Dr Femi Fasanya, boycotted and disowned the installation process of Oba Johnson Ajiboye in January 2024. Following the incident, the opposing family house, Olugbode represented by David Salako and Kola Sangoniran, filed a motion with suit number HEJ/3/2020 seeking the sack of Oba Johnson Ajiboye and nullification of his appointment letter by Governor Adeleke. Justice Arojo granted the six interlocutory injunctions in the motion filed by the opposing family on March 25, 2024, over alleged illegality. Commenting on the development, the family through its lawyer, Barrister Fatimah Adeshina confirmed that the stool of Olola of Ola has been declared vacant by the order granted by Osun State High Court. Olugbode in a petition dated April 10 2024 by one Kolawole Sangoniran addressed to Osun Police Command envisaged anarchy in Ola, stating the deposed king is planning to confer chieftaincy title on some people at the Olola of Olas palace. He said, We shall be grateful if you will use your good office to prevent the planned Programme and disobedience to court orders. This is to avoid the impending breakdown of law and order, possible killing and maiming that may erupt. Abilene Schnieder and her husband, Christian Moreno, appear in court for their pretrial hearing Wednesday. Their dogs attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, of Leon Valley, without provocation last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A video showing dogs belonging to Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder running loose down a street is shown during a pretrial hearing Wednesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Christian Moreno, center, appears in court for a pretrial hearing Wednesday. Two dogs belonging to him and his wife, Abilene Schnieder, attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, of Leon Valley, without provocation last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News San Antonio Animal Care Services Director Shannon Sims answers questions posed to him by criminal defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis during a pretrial hearing Wednesday about a fatal dog attack. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News State District Judge Velia Meza talks with defense attorneys and prosecutors during a pretrial hearing for Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder, a married couple whose dogs attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder, 32, testifies during a pretrial hearing Wednesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder testifies during a pretrial hearing Wednesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder listens to her husband, Christian Moreno, during their pretrial hearing Wednesday in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Christian Moreno, left, looks over paperwork with his attorney Eduardo Garcia, right, during a pretrial hearing on Wednesday. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder speaks with her attorney, Manuel Manny Rodriguez, Jr., ahead of a pretrial hearing for Schneider and husband Christian Moreno on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Moreno's and Schnieders dogs attacked and killed Air Force veteran Ramon Najera Jr., 81, without provocation last year. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis speaks with Bexar County prosecutor Raul Jordan following a pretrial hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder, right, speaks with her attorney Meredith Chacon, left, during a pretrial hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Prosecutor Raul Jordan questions Abilene Schnieder, right, as State District Judge Velia Meza, left, listens during a pretrial hearing for Schneider and her husband Christian Moreno, not pictured, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Abilene Schnieder leaves the witness stand after publicly testifying for the first time in a pretrial hearing Wednesday in San Antonio. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A woman charged along with her husband in a dog attack that killed an elderly Air Force veteran told a judge Wednesday that San Antonio Animal Care Services gave her little direction when she reclaimed two of her pit bulls from the agency just six weeks before the fatal mauling. The pretrial hearing marked the first time Abilene Schnieder, 32, testified publicly about the mauling that killed Leon Valley resident Ramon Najera Jr., 81, on San Antonios West Side last year. Both Schnieder and her husband, Christian Alexander Moreno, also 32, are charged with dangerous dog attack causing death and recklessly causing bodily injury to an elderly person. They were seeking Wednesday to get the charges thrown out. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The couples defense attorneys argued that Animal Care Services didnt do enough to prevent the deadly attack on the Najeras, a claim that ACS Director Shannon Sims disputed in court Wednesday. Three of Morenos and Schnieders dogs escaped their fenced yard in the 2800 block of Depla Street around 12:30 p.m. Feb. 24, 2023. Two of those pit bulls attacked Najera and his wife, Juanita Janie Najera, now 75, as the couple tried to visit the home of a friend who lived next door to the animals. Ramon Najera lost consciousness after one of the dogs ripped a dialysis shunt out of his body and repeatedly bit him. He later died at University Hospital. His widow also was injured, but survived. The three dogs that escaped Schnieders and Morenos yard were later euthanized. Schnieder, who appeared poised and steadfast on the witness stand, testified that the citys animal control agency gave her hardly any instructions when she reclaimed her and her husbands pit bulls, King and Snow, after the dogs had been picked up by ACS and quarantined for 10 days for mauling another victim, Reynaldo Vega, on Jan. 12, 2023 six weeks before the Najeras were attacked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Vega suffered moderate injuries to his shoulder and his leg. Schnieder described how ACS reached out to her and gave her a deadline to reclaim her dogs when the quarantine period expired. Defense attorney Meredith Chacon consults with fellow defense attorneys for Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder during a pretrial hearing Wednesday regarding a deadly dog attack that killed an elderly Air Force veteran on San Antonio's West Side. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News She went to the animal control agency to get her dogs back. I spoke to about three people, Schnieder testified in State District Judge Velia Mezas court. I cant recall their names. But I know two of them were from the front. And the last person I did speak to was an actual ACS officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The only issue, she noted, was the hefty fees for the dogs' boarding and veterinary care and fines for the attack on Vega. Schnieder reported she couldnt afford the initial price quoted to her and considered giving up the dogs. I told them I couldnt afford that amount, and I was going to surrender, Schnieder said. Thats when the lady at the front told me, 'Let me go speak to my manager in the back.' And she came back with her manager and said, 'My manager and I have agreed that if you spay and neuter both King and Snow, we will waive Kings vet bill and his boarding, and you just pay for Snow.' Schnieder said she agreed to the compromise, which reduced her bill substantially, to around $200. She borrowed that money from her grandmother and paid ACS to get her dogs back the next day, after both pets had been sterilized. She said she received no other instructions from ACS. I asked every person I spoke to that day, 'What else do I need to do? ' And they didnt tell me nothing, Schnieder said. They said, 'Just make sure King and Snow do not lick their wounds. Other than that, theyre good. They can go home.' Advertisement Article continues below this ad Schnieder confirmed she was aware her dogs had been involved in previous attacks. Sims, the animal control director, told the court that four dogs belonging to Schnieder and Moreno had been involved in five separate maulings over a period of 18 months. During 90 minutes of testimony Wednesday, Sims reported that ACS could not have pursued further action without a sworn affidavit from a victim or firsthand witness complaining about the dogs. Sims pushed back against defense attorney Jorge Aristotelidis' suggestions that ACS didnt take swift or severe enough action before Ramon Najera was killed. There were a multitude of bites associated with this address and multiple dogs associated in different events, Sims said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But without a sworn affidavit from a victim or someone who witnessed a mauling firsthand, Sims testified, ACS could not take steps to legally declare the dogs as dangerous. That designation would have imposed several requirements on the owners, including obtaining a $100,000 insurance policy, keeping the dogs in an enclosure unless they are restrained by leashes and muzzles, allowing ACS to conduct annual inspections of their home and taking a responsible pet ownership class. Without an affidavit, the dog cannot be formally designated as dangerous, Sims testified. So at that point, if we do not have an affidavit to move forward with a dangerous dog investigation while an animal is in quarantine, essentially the way Texas law reads, the animal has to complete its 240 hours of state quarantine. At that point, if it is an owned animal and the owner comes forward and reclaims the animal theres no recourse for us to forbid them from retaining that animal. San Antonio Animal Care Services Director Shannon Sims testifies during a pretrial hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Sometimes people dont want to file affidavits because they are afraid of going up against the dogs' owners, Sims said. ACS records dont indicate whether Vega, the victim bitten six weeks before the Najeras were attacked, was advised of his right to file a dangerous dog affidavit, Sims noted. The director said he couldnt confirm if Vega was ever notified of that option. ACS officers arent equipped with body cameras, which could have helped answer that question. But the animal control agency has made multiple requests for such equipment, Sims said. ACS' dangerous dog investigators are the ones who pursue such affidavits from bite victims, he noted. Had your investigative officers done his or her jobs, we wouldnt be here today, correct? Aristotelidis asked him. I disagree, Sims countered. Thats a false statement. Thats a leading statement. What I can tell you is that, as they go out there and they receive these cases, they request for folks to fill out affidavits. We cannot force them to fill out an affidavit. We cannot force them to be an open party to an investigation. Are you saying that animal control had no legal obligation under law or any other authority to follow up with an investigator to obtain affidavits from the victims so that these dogs could be designated eventually as dangerous dogs? Aristotelidis later asked. No, I dont believe that theres a lack of obligation there to continue to pursue these anytime that we can, Sims said. I do believe that its difficult sometimes, and we cannot make people fill out that affidavit. I believe that we should be trying to get those (affidavits) as much as possible. At the time of Najeras death, ACS had only two dangerous dog investigators and four bite investigators, Sims said. The agency receives more than 100,000 calls per year and investigates about 3,500 animal bites annually. After Najeras death, City Council increased ACSs budget by 33%, the biggest percentage boost granted to any city department this fiscal year. Since Oct. 1, ACS has added at least 20 new officers to its responder and investigative teams. The agency will conduct a loose dog survey this summer to identify troubled areas throughout the city to help guide future enforcement. Meza will issue her rulings on pretrial motions in the case by June 17. Moreno and Schnieder have a deadline of June 24 to decide if they will accept a plea agreement, though it is unclear if any such agreement has been offered. Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh has criticized the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over the quality of his borehole projects in Northern Nigeria. During the Ramadan fast, Peter Obi visited various Northern communities, broke fast with them, and provided basic amenities they lacked. Some of these communities required access to water, prompting Obi to drill boreholes for them. However, the quality of these boreholes has sparked debate, with some Nigerians arguing that they were poorly executed and unsuitable for commissioning by someone of Obis stature. Taking to her Instagram page, Tonto Dikeh expressed her disappointment with Peter Obis actions and questioned his commitment to uplifting the country. While acknowledging Obi as one of her favorite politicians, the actress emphasized the importance of speaking truthfully for the greater good of Nigeria. Tonto Dikeh urged Obis supporters to acknowledge the issues raised, emphasizing the need for collective effort in advancing the nation. She stressed the importance of actions over sentiments in driving Nigeria forward, asserting her dedication to supporting the government while holding it accountable for shortcomings. The actress wrote, His Excellency sir with all due respect @peterobigregory am deeply disappointed by this. The idea that Nigeria was almost entrusted to you, sir, is disheartening. This isnt trolling; Im genuinely dissatisfied with your actions. Im in disbelief. Were you truly committed to taking this country to the next level? This situation highlights the need for all of us to join hands with Mr President @officialasiwajubat and actively contribute to the nations progress. Its not a task for one person alone; it requires the dedication of all. YOUR EXCELLENCY, Mr. Obi, I am profoundly let down. Despite that, you remain one of my favorite politicians. However, I believe in speaking the truth directly because I love you, but I love Nigeria even more. KanyiDaily recalls that Tonto Dikeh had expressed a deep sense of duty to honor Nigeria, whether in challenging times or moments of triumph. The suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has expressed her intention to take legal action against the British Broadcasting Corporation over what she claims to be defamatory statements. Edu made this known through a letter signed by her legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, and addressed to the BBC offices in Abuja and London. In the letter titled Request for immediate retraction of defamatory article published on BBC website against Dr. Betta Edu, the lawyer expressed the harm caused to Edus reputation, as well as the emotional distress and suffering endured as a result of the publication. It accused the BBC of failing to uphold journalistic fairness and due process by not giving Edu a chance to respond to the allegations prior to publishing the article. The letter read, We write to express our deep concern regarding the recent article published by the BBC on its website titled: Betta Edu Probe: Nigeria Recover $24m in Poverty Minister Investigation- EFCC with the byline Nigeria has recovered 30bn naira ($24m; 19m) as part of an ongoing corruption probe into a suspended minister, the financial watchdog says. The aforesaid article, which presents information purporting to relate to an ongoing corruption probe into the activities of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria, is replete with innuendoes and insinuations which suggest that N30bn has been recovered in the course of the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from our client and that the 50 bank accounts connected with the recovered sums are linked to our client. Furthermore, your article proceeds to cast aspersion on our client by referencing her earlier suspension (to allow for unfettered investigations) in the following terms: Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Minister Betta Edu was initially suspended in January over the alleged diversion of $640,000 of public money into a personal bank account. First and foremost, the language used in describing our clients purported involvement in the alleged corruption case suggests guilt without allowing for the presumption of innocence, which is fundamental in any fair and unbiased reporting. The reckless manner in which the article was crafted, without providing our client with the opportunity to respond to the allegations before its wide publication, is a clear breach of journalistic fairness and due process and demonstrates a complete disregard for journalistic integrity and professionalism. The letter continued, For the avoidance of doubt, our client has neither been indicted nor found culpable of any act of financial impropriety in relation to her stewardship of the Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Ministry in Nigeria. It is also pertinent to emphasise that neither N30billion nor any amount whatsoever has been traced to or recovered from our clients bank accounts nor has any proceed of crime been traced or recovered from her to warrant the scurrilous article under reference. Suffice it to say that in the aftermath of the publication of this scandalous article (which the BBC caused to be disseminated to millions of persons across the globe), our client has been inundated by calls and messages from friends, associates expressing their shock and consternation. Our client has suffered immeasurable reputational damage, psychological trauma and anguish as a direct consequence of the publication and dissemination of the article. In the light of the above, we hereby demand that the BBC, forthwith and immediately, pull down the offensive article from its website and/or any other associated platform. Furthermore, we demand that the BBC, within 48 hours from the receipt of this correspondence, issue and publish an immediate and unqualified retraction of the aforementioned article and a public apology to our client, for the false and defamatory content published. This retraction and apology must be given the same prominence as the initial offensive article. Take notice that should the BBC fail and/or neglect to comply with the above demands, we have our clients instructions to, without further recourse to the BBC, initiate swift legal action(s) before the appropriate Courts to obtain redress for the injurious falsehood peddled in your article, and to seek punitive and exemplary damages in the sum of US$ 50 million against the BBC for the damage and injury suffered by our client. President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu in January 2024. Edus suspension followed criticism after a leaked memo on December 20, 2023, revealed that she directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, to transfer N585m to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget. The ministry, however, stated that Oniyelu was working as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups. By Izunna Okafor, Awka The Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has warned cultists, insurgents and other hoodlums attempting to destabilize the state that their days are numbered, as there is no hiding place for them anywhere in Anambra. CP Adeoye gave the warning while reacting to another massive feat recorded by the Police-led Joint Security Force in the State, which invaded and destroyed more unknown gunmen camps in different parts of the State. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, had, in a statement on Wednesday, announced that many forests in Ogbaru Area of the State, were combed by the Joint Security Force, in another massive raid that further destabilized the insurgents. According to the PPRO in the statement, the combed locations were around Amiyi, Ochuche, and their environs. He said the troops of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Navy lent considerable firepower to the operation that completely routed the hoodlums in their hideouts in the forest. The Police Spokesman, while noting that several camps and hideouts of the gunmen were found and destroyed during the operation that lasted for several hours, also revealed that no fewer than nine bombs, four Walkie Talkies, among other items were recovered from the destroyed camps. Nine Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) recovered from the camps were safely defused by Police Bomb Squad, he said in the statement. Police Commissioner Adeoye, in his reaction to the yet-another victorious operation that comes barely one week of another similar feat was also attained by the JSF at forests in Aguluezechukwu and Ogboji communities; hailed the JSF team for their gallantry. The CP also commended the Military for its steadfastness in supporting the fight against criminality in the State, while also extolling the wonderful synergy that exists among all the security agencies in the State, which, he attested, has been yielding fantastic results in keeping Anambra State Safe. He also thanked the DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, NIS and various Vigilante Groups across the State for the wonderful synergy that is yielding fantastic results in keeping Anambra State Safe. While recalling the various successes recorded in the fight against insecurity in Anambra, the Police Commissioner further declared that the days of cultists in the State are numbered. He stressed that the police and other security agencies would not fold hands and watch cultists run amok or destabilize the State in the name of cult rivalry, leading to fatalities, especially in the capital city; even as he further reiterated his determination to root out cultists and other criminal elements and to uphold peace in the state. The Commissioner also reassured of continued collaboration among security agencies to maintain safety and security across Anambra. He also re-emphasized the need for more community involvement in intelligence gathering, urging citizens to be vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movement or activity observed in their area to the security agencies, for urgent appropriate action. Related The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has issued a warning to Nollywood actors and actresses. This decision follows the tragic death of 39-year-old actor Junior Pope Odonwodo in a boat accident on Wednesday afternoon, while returning from filming Adanma Lukes production. In a statement on Thursday, AGN president, Emeka Rollas declared an immediate ban on actors and actresses from participating in Adanma Lukes movies until further notice. Adanma Lukes movie Another Side of Life, which resulted in the death of Junior Pope and crew members, has also been indefinitely suspended. Additionally, all film productions involving riverine areas and boat riding have been halted indefinitely. Furthermore, no Nollywood practitioner is permitted to hold any shoots on April 11th. KanyiDaily recalls that Junior Pope Odonwodo emphasized the importance of a good wife and good health, stating that they are a mans ultimate wealth. The acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, has shown support for the impeached deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu. Tenebe was said to have paid a solidarity visit to Shaibu at his Abuja residence on Wednesday. Shaibu, who is a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, was sacked on Monday by the House of Assembly, and Governor Godwin Obaseki replaced him immediately with Marvellous Omobayo. As seen in a viral video, Tenebe described Shaibus impeachment as a sham and urged the former deputy governor to use all legal means to upturn the action, assuring him that he would not be abandoned. He said, I am here to pay you this solidarity visit because I still regard you as the deputy governor of Edo State. That sham they did in the state House of Assembly is a disgrace to the governor, and it is an aberration to our democracy, which I know that the court will not allow to stand. You are somebody who stood out. The price you paid is the price of loyalty. You were loyal even to the detriment of the people you started with. You paid that price. We just celebrated Easter, and we know the price Jesus Christ paid. He died for our sins. What has happened is a replica of what Jesus Christ did for humanity. Today, they have removed you as the deputy governor, but we still regard you as the deputy governor. You have paid the price to ensure that Obaseki and his likes are rooted out of the state. I can tell you that we will not allow you to walk alone. We are with you. You are a strong man, and I am here as the chairman of the APC in Edo State to implore you to continue to pursue this matter in court. We will be with you all through, and God is your strength. When one door is closed, many more are opened, and many are opened for you from today. That is what the detractors dont know. Be strong, and we will march on together. Shaibu said his removal by the Edo State House of Assembly will not stand the test of time. Tenebes visit to Shaibu came barely 24 hours after some APC faithful in Etsako West local government area protested against the planned return of Shaibu to the APC. Shaibu said, My removal by the Edo State House of Assembly will not stand the test of time. I was impeached because of the September 21 governorship election in the state. Chairman, we have shared a lot of things, both good and bad together. I am deeply humbled and happy that even this situation has brought us together as one that we are. You are one person that I have always admired, someone that I grew up with. The person that actually separated us has also united us, and that is the beauty of what has happened. I want to assure you that as we move on, just like you said, this whole thing happened between the Lent and Ramadan. The lessons are obvious. I am not ready to change my attitude, I am ready to be a friend and loyal friend and partner. What has happened will not change my quest to be loyal to anybody that I will work with, and I will encourage anybody to be loyal to their boss. I was a loyal person, and I am still loyal. The price of loyalty is success and impeachment that has happened. It is clear that God wants to open a new chapter My chairman, I call you my chairman because you are already my chairman and I think you are also one of the reasons why they hurriedly did what they did because they know what it takes for you and I to be together. They thought they could use impeachment to get me to succumb, but you know that I wont succumb. I am somebody that is strong-willed, and when I mean something, I mean it. When I look at the whole thing, I am paying the price for my strong will. I also believe that it is only the man that God impeaches that is impeached, and by the grace of God, I know the judiciary will do the needful. I want to assure you of my cooperation, and my loyalty will remain my weapon, and I will definitely be there at all times. I think our next target is September 21, and by the grace of God, we will get there. Related Popular Nollywood actor, Obumneme Odonwodo, who was better known as Junior Pope, built a multi-million naira mansion just months before his tragic death. The deceased unveiled the mansion on Instagram in December 2023. Odonwodo alongside three other crew members drowned in River Niger while heading for a movie set. See pictures of the house below: A UK-based cosmetic doctor of Nigerian descent, Oluwafemi Tijion Esho, has been found by a medical tribunal to have exchanged free botox for sex with a patient. Botox injections, which involve the use of a toxin to temporarily paralyze muscles, are commonly used to diminish facial wrinkles. Esho, who has gained prominence through appearances on various television programs, confessed to having an inappropriate emotional relationship with the patient, identified as an OnlyFans model. The patient, referred to as Patient A, had earlier alleged that she received complimentary botox treatments in exchange for sexual favors at Eshos clinic. The OnlyFans model also claimed that they engaged in inappropriate sexual exchanges via Instagram messages. During a recent hearing conducted by the Medical Tribunal Practitioners Service (MPTS), it was determined that Tijion Esho indeed traded toxin treatments for sexual favors with the woman. The 42-year-old doctor, known for serving celebrity clients, maintained during the proceedings that there was no physical sexual contact with Patient A, the panel, based in Manchester, concluded otherwise. The panel, sitting in Manchester, however, ruled that Esho had engaged in sexual intercourse with the woman at his clinic in Newcastle in 2021 and provided free botox injections. Furthermore, the tribunal determined that Esho had explicitly suggested to the woman that he could get away with giving her Botox in exchange for sexual services. While the panel characterized the doctors behavior as sexually motivated, it did not deem Patient A to be vulnerable due to her profession. In response to the ruling, the doctor, who founded the Esho Clinic with branches in London, Liverpool, and Dubai, expressed disappointment. He maintained that while he exchanged inappropriate sexual messages on Instagram, there was no physical sexual contact with the woman. Esho also issued an apology for his actions. Taking to his Instagram, he wrote, I am disappointed that the MPTS has today found against me in relation to the charges which I denied. Throughout the hearing and investigation, with which I have cooperated fully, I stressed that I deeply regretted the mistakes which I made in engaging in communications with Patient A, and I admitted to the charges which related to those serious errors of judgement. I am truly sorry for those actions, and apologise to everyone I let down as a result. However, I have always been clear that whilst my conduct in communicating with Patient A was wrong, I repeat categorically that it never crossed over into any physical sexual contact. Whilst I respect the MPTS and the process, I do not agree with its decision. My lifes work has been and will remain focused on helping people. I remain dedicated fully to this purpose. I am incredibly grateful to my patients and friends who supported me throughout this incredibly difficult period. The panel is set to reconvene later in April to determine whether Tijion Eshos professional fitness has been impaired due to his misconduct. KanyiDaily had also reported how another Nigerian-based doctor in Canada, Efe Michael Ovueni, was suspended after admitting to hugging and air-kissing a staff member without her consent. A former minister and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Femi Fani-Kayode, has decried human cruelty in Nigeria over lives of fellow humans and animals. Lamenting the Bayelsa beach Whale feast, he named the unfortunate sea animal, Rotimi, condemning the skinning of the Whales flesh to the bone within 48 hours it was washed off the shores of the Atlantic coast in Bayelsa State. Fani-Kayode in a poetic piece wrote: I thought that I had seen it all but this one really shocked me and brought tears to my eyes. I wept for thepoor whale, whom I have decided to name Rotimi, and I wept for Nigerians. If you are a whale please do not make the mistake of washing up on a Nigerian beach! You will be hacked to pieces with matchets by a group of hungry and angry youths, they will carve out all your meat and they will eat you to the bone. In virtually all other countries, whales that stray on a beach are treated with humanity, kindness, compassion and love and are assis ted and pushed back into the sea by the locals so that they may live. Please bear in mind that whales are not fish but like dolphins, they are mammals. They are not cold-blooded creatures but, like human beings, they are warm-blooded entities. They are also, unless hunted, provoked or attacked, gentle and kind. They do not behave like cold-blooded sharks or eat human beings and they do not attack defenceless creatures. There are even international laws that protect whales from being slaughtered in the sea! Sadly in our case it is different: in Nigeria when they wash up on our beaches and shores we bludgeon them to death, butcher them, carve them up to the bone and serve them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This goes to prove that as a people, we have lost our sense of decency, humanity and compassion. Hunger and our inability to have any empathy for the objects and victims of our savagery and barbarity have turned us into shameless and conscienceless monsters. Worse still, many in our shores are actually prepared to attempt to justify our cruelty and savagery as consequence of our delusional, psychotic, psychopathic and sociopathic disposition. As an example, 60 people were killed at a funeral by Boko Haram two days ago and nobody in Nigeria really cares. It hardly even gets a mention in the local press and the international press gave up on us years ago. Again, thousands are killed by Fulani herdsmen on a weekly basis ALL OVER the country but the news is buried and suppressed, the Government does not care and there is no sense of outrage from the people! That is the level to which we have descended and degenerated to in Nigeria today. Sacred life, whether it be that of a human being or an animal, means absolutely nothing to us and when it is taken, we no longer bat an eyelid. A whale called Rotimi washes up on our shores and within hours it is hacked to pieces to the BONE! Think about that for one minute! TO THE BONE! We did not leave one piece of flesh on that poor creatures body! That is what we have become: beasts with no mercy or compassion. And we revel and take pleasure in it and boast about it. I dont know about you but the whole thing makes me feel so ashamed. It makes me feel sick and it also sends shivers down my spine. We have been transformed into a hard-hearted, cruel, vicious, impoverished, hungry, evil and wicked people who have no regard for the life of human beings or animals. No wonder the first and fourth most deadly terrorist organisations in the world thrive and flourish with impunity in our shores. I am sure that some misguided Nigerians, who derive joy and take pleasure in the taking of life and who enjoy witnessing the flow of blood, boast about that too! It really is so sad. Cruelty, Nigeria is thy name! Celebrated lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana, on Sunday faulted President Muhammadu Buhari over what he described as clamp down on critics across the country. Falana made his views known while condemning the arrest of Omoyele Sowore. He insisted that the planned protest march by the 2019 presidential aspirant of the African Action Congress (AAC), and some other individuals, was not a treasonable offence. KanyiDaily had reported about the arrest of Sowore by men of Department of State Service (DSS) after he called for a revolution. The protest he tagged Revolution Now, was planned to take place on Monday, August 5. Following the arrest, the Nigerian Police Force had described the planned protests by Sowore and some individuals as treasonable felony and acts of terrorism. It vowed to resist any act that could lead to a breach of law and order in the country. However, Falana, in a statement he signed and issued on Sunday countered the claim of the police, saying the Force had capitalized on the use of the word revolution to criminalise the protests. The statement reads: No doubt, the Nigeria Police Force has capitalized on the use of the word revolution to criminalise the protests. If revolution has become a criminal offence in Nigeria why were the leaders of the APC not charged for claiming to have carried out Nigerias democratic revolution which terminated the 16-year rule of the PDP in 2015? Why was Dr Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu, the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) not threatened with treason when he asked Nigerians to rise up for revolution via the 2019 general election? Did all Nigerian senators led by APC members not commit treason or terrorism when they spent one and a half hours on May 14, 2019 to debate Senator Chukwuka Utazis timely motion on Bridging the gap between the haves and have-not to nip in the bud the seeds of a looming violent revolution? He added, it is worrisome that the Buhari administration has decided to extend the ambit of the Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act to cover individuals and organisations that are critical of official policies or perceived marginalisation within the federation. The convener of RevolutionNow and Publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore and his co-defendant, Olawale Bakare, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to charges leveled against them before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. Both men were arraigned before Justice Ijeoma Ojuwku on seven counts of treasonable felony, money laundering and other sundry offences instituted against them by the Federal Government. Having pleaded not guilty to the charges, Justice Ojukwu ordered Sowore and Bakare to be remanded in custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) pending the hearing and determination of their bail application. The court refused an oral application for the bail of the first defendant, Sowore, who has been in custody of the DSS since August 3 when he was arrested in Lagos by men of the security operatives. Justice Ojukwu subsequently adjourned till October 3 to hear the bail application of the defendants. Guillermo Contreras has been with the Express-News for 20 years and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. He can be reached at guillermo.contreras@express-news.net He's also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other media outlets. Guillermo has also worked in Central America, Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona and California and his work has appeared in various publications, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York Post and Newsday. File photo Sun News reports that the Osun Police Command has arrested one Teslim Raji, also known as Akerele, and his accomplice, Femi Bamidele for alleged serial killings, kidnappings and gun running, within the Ikire axis of the state. The state Commissioner of Police, Mrs Abiodun Ige, while parading the suspects in Osogbo, said the main suspect, Raji, was arrested after series of complaints by residents. She said Raji, who is being investigated for the crime, was arrested last year, charged to court and granted bail but later jumped bail. She said after jumping bail, the suspect still went ahead to kill someone and that since then the police had been on his trail. His conspirator was arrested earlier when our officer went to his house and one of his boys tried to escape, she said. Ige said the command also raided a shrine in Osogbo allegedly being used by fraudsters to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. The commissioner said during the raid a suspected fraudster, Fatai Olanrewaju, was arrested. She said the raid on the shrine followed a complaint from a woman that she was duped by the suspect. The woman said the suspect had been collecting money under the guise that he was helping her. You can imagine the number of people who would have fell victims of his activities and the money rituals that would have been done here, she said The police boss, however, said all the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha posing with his cars Within a space of two years, a man with no decent history , no evident entrepreneurial ideas or viable business ventures and limited education bought a McLaren flying car, Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari 488 Spider, 2020 Rolls Royce Wraith Eagle III, Range Rover Autobiography and other exotic cars and Nigerians on social media started tapping into his blessings. Nobody cared to know his source(s) of income. They assembled on his Instagram page where he showcases his ostentatious life and started begging him for crumbs. Even Nigerian celebrities werent left out, they sacrificed their egos to be associated with him. Despite the fact that they could smell from a distance that he was shady, nobody really cared as long as they could be beneficiaries of his largesse. In early October 2019, Ismaila Mustapha aka Mompha who is based in Dubai announced that he bought the one of the 2020 collection of the Rolls Royce Wraith Eagle III reportedly worth N180 million. He claims to be the first African to buy the car which is of a limited edition, specifically 50 pieces in the world. In one of his posts on Instagram, he once said he drives the Rolls Royce Wraith in the morning and Range Rover Autobiography in the afternoon.This is apart from the expensive clothes, shoes and other pieces of jewellery in his possession. He is a premium customer of the Emirates Airline and he always flies first class. He even nicknamed himself a citizen of the sky due to his regular foreign trips. Now the question is this: What does Mompha do for a living? He claims to be a Bureau de Change operator. Even the president of the Bureau de Change operators in Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe cant bask in the kind of luxury Mompha displayed. As he showcased his wealth online, he gathered over 650,000 followers on Instagram by doing regular giveaways and people worshipped at his feet. His former friend-turned-foe Raymond Igbalodely aka Hushpuppi was also, on the other hand, showing off items that could stun the richest man in Nigeria, Aliko Dangote. These are interesting times. In the past, people with questionable sources of income always live in hiding. They could be briefly seen but they dont want to be heard from. They avoid media attention like James Ghost St. Patrick, the main protagonist in Power TV series. One of the greatest mistakes Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar made was venturing into politics. The U.S frowned at him making Colombia an official hard drugs cartel and immediately started exposing him. Today, we have people like Mompha and Hushpuppi associating with bloggers and celebrities to gain media attention. Mompha loves to show his wealth and brag. Hushpuppi takes it further by even commenting on public issues and offering his vivid opinions. He hardly denies being an internet fraudster. When he was called out last year by an activist Deji Adeyanju, Hushpuppi didnt bother denying who he is. He only did a long video detailing how much he has suffered in his life and how he made it to the top and Nigerians changed their stance about him after listening to his phoney tales. Earlier this year, Nollywood actor Charles Okocha holidayed in the house of Mompha in Dubai. He was taken around town in some of his cars and they even did a comic skit together. He must have left his house with some crisp dollar notes stuffed in the pockets of his tight jeans. This was all aimed at giving Mompha the media attention and visibility he hungrily craves for on the internet. In the comment section of Momphas Instagram page, you will find an assembly of female celebrities especially from the Yoruba section of Nollywood lobbying to be blessed. One of the greatest fans of Mompha is a social media influencer, Tunde Ednut who is one of the top two Nigerian influencers on Instagram. Late last year, Mompha gave him a sum of one million Naira to share among his followers during a regular giveaway exercise. Before then, he had always given him monies to Tunde Ednut who shares his handles over the place. All these are done for the purpose of advertising Momphas Instagram page to the world. He wanted to be a public figure by all means. Other rich guys rumoured to be into internet fraud also sponsored the music of artistes for the same purpose. They make cameo appearances in music videos and the artistes stamp their names all over their songs as some sort of honour all in a bid to be identified with by the general public. The almighty Daddy Freeze isnt left out despite his self-acclaimed public persona as an idealist, reformer and fiery critic of Christian clerics. Daddy Freeze travelled to Dubai with his baby mama and was hosted by Hushpuppi. Daddy Freeze who claims to be an online pastor was so drunk in the wealth of Hushpuppi that he interviewed him and showcased his luxury home and cars without making enquires about his profession. Since then, Daddy Freeze has been singing the name of Hushpuppi just like the way North Koreans rock the songs of praises of Supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. That video Daddy Freeze made with Hushpuppi will one day come back to haunt him; he is beginning to lose his credibility rapidly. The implication of this publicity strategies is that fraud became attractive to everyone. The younger generation started feeling its the way to go. People started giving up on developing themselves academically and vocationally. The mentality instantly became about fast money, fast cars, exotic hotels, designer clothes and the best of women. The situation in Nigeria made their mindsets justifiable. We have leaders who are talented in corruption and they are working assiduously to loot every day. Nigeria has an unemployment rate of 23% and over 90 million people live in extreme poverty. The Human Development Index rates Nigeria lower than an imbeciles IQ. Most intelligent people get frustrated and suicide became the only way to leave Nigeria and start all over again in heaven. Internet fraudsters popularly called Yahoo Boys used this opportunity to seek justification and validation about what they do. They won arguments on Instagram popularly used for showing off. From their colourful lifestyles shown in pictures and videos, funny handles and badly written English language, we knew them. They shared money regularly online and started getting massive followings. During this period, Nigerian musicians namely Simi and Falz were attacked for speaking against internet fraud. A controversial rapper and United Kingdom returnee, Naira Marley linked the current spate of fraud to a payback mechanism for the pains of slavery inflicted on Africans by white men. Even one of the biggest music acts in Nigeria, Davido retweeted his view to show endorsement. Yahoo Yahoo became a big debate online and the con artists were winning the conversations. Most ladies surprisingly were behind their backs. During that period, you could walk up to a lady and be like My name is Jesse, I like you, I am a Yahoo Boy and she will jump into your hands. This is because she believes this is the profession that could efficiently pay her bills and help her slay to the envy of her friends online. During this period, jokes of Nigerians ladies desiring a god-fearing Yahoo boy for a serious relationship pervaded the Nigerian social media space. Truth be told, most of these suspected internet fraudsters gave their female lovers the best treats, they always end up being spoiled with the good things of life and this increased their tastes. Their tastes became unrealistic as they couldnt find such young men with deep pockets in their immediate environments. This was how the Momphas of this world gradually changed our societal values and behavioural patterns although one cant solely blame them for the acts of greed by the women. In life, most people dont have it perfect. Even the top stars we celebrate across the world have dark sides in their lives. They got their hands dirty in their transition to greatness while dealing with difficult situations but they never stopped there, their eyes were on the bigger picture. American rapper, 50 Cent was once into drugs and heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua also pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a class B drug in 2011. Today, these people are living better lives doing legitimate jobs. Most internet fraudsters want to do it for the rest of their lives. They are addicted to easy money. They wish the government could legalize it and even create a special industry for them. They want to gain wide acceptance in society and be accorded medals. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC later changed the narrative at the beginning of this year when it started its incessant harvest of Yahoo Boys. Parading them on social media followed by critical comments of critics reduced the morale of the fraudsters who felt ashamed. Nobody wanted that kind of ignominy to be brought upon himself and his family or friends. They started hiding their faces although some myopic people will still argue that the EFCC should go after politicians who they believe are the real problems of Nigeria. The future of Nigeria seems bleak with the Momphas and Hushpuppis of this world being allowed to strive. They dont look like the problems of Nigeria and many will argue fallaciously that they should be allowed to operate and help their poor families. The truth is that the activities of these men gradually pollute the minds of vulnerable people who have issues with reading between the lines when they consume social media contents. This mostly leads to depression as they wonder why a man who isnt as qualified as them educationally or in terms of intelligence would be living in affluence while they struggle with a take-home-pay that cant actually take them home. After several doubts, they assume internet fraud could be the way forward and they will use our so-called corrupt leaders as the justification for their actions. How does this affect Nigeria? There is a connection between leadership and followership. Bad leaders are made by bad followers. There is a strong likelihood that a bad leader had always been a bad follower before mounting the podium of leadership. Most of the people who adore the fraudsters will find their way to public offices with that mentality of defrauding people and living the best of life like their mentors. It becomes apparent that the vicious cycle of corruption in high places will never end with the generation of the current elderly politicians, the detrimental values will or has been passed on to the younger ones who I believe will set new records. How much more can Nigeria endure the challenges of bad leadership and corruption which have crippled the country despite the human and mineral resources at its disposal? An estimated $582 billion has been stolen from Nigeria since independence in 1960 according to a Chatham House May 2017 report. The only industry working perfectly well in Nigeria is the corruption industry and this is why most of our politicians are richer than the businessmen because thats the only gateway to instant and unimaginable wealth. On this note, the arrest of Mompha is a welcome development and a reality check for unscrupulous people who want to live big out of stealing big from people. Using him as a deterrent will at least trigger the factory reset button in the brains of Nigerian youths whose minds might have been corrupted with the quantum of malicious contents they have consumed on social media. President Muhammadu Buhari has hosted traditional rulers across the country at the State house, Abuja, requesting them to be prepared to play a crucial role in the prevention and detection of criminal activities in their domains. While receiving members of the National Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar III, at State House, Abuja, the President noted that involving the royal fathers had become necessary in view of the deep knowledge of their localities. President Buhari listed several significant efforts by his administration to enhance national security while emphasizing the overall need for stability in the country. The Sultan of Sokoto and Co-Chairman of the Council told President Buhari that the body on behalf of all the traditional rulers in Nigeria, was at the Villa to congratulate him on his re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Urging all Nigerians to accept the election result as the will of God, the Sultan assured the President of the traditional rulers continued unflinching support in your laudable projects, particularly his governments cardinal objectives of fighting corruption, containing insecurity, generally sanitizing the governance machinery, entrenching discipline, hard work, and peaceful co-existence amongst the citizenry. The Co-Chairman of the Council and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, assured President Buhari that their members would work very closely with his administration to fight criminal activities. The United Nations Children Education Funds, UNICEF, has disclosed that five out of every 10 children in Jigawa State are in a danger of poor brain and internal organs development. This was stated by Bhanu Pathak, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, Bauchi Field Office, represented by the Nutritionist Specialist, Bauchi field office, Philomena Irene, at the Advocacy and Capacity Building Workshop for Jigawa State House of Assembly Legislators held in Kano, Kano State. She explained a recent SMART Survey conducted revealed that Jigawa is still one of the States that has a stunting growth rate in the country with -54% rate. In every 10 children in Jigawa state 5 of them are in a danger of poor brain and internal organs development which are critical for the future productivity of individuals and for the economic competitiveness of the state, she stated. Irene pointed out that although the state is recording a tremendous success in fighting the menace from 63.10 per cent to 54.10 per cent, more needed to be done to address the problems. She identified negligence and lack of care for the children during childhood and adolescence as some of the reasons that complicates the health and nutritional status of the individual. Investing in the early years is one of the smartest investments a State can make to break the cycle of poverty, address inequality, and boost productivity later in life, she noted. The UNICEF Nutrition Specialist urged the legislatures to track the release and implementation of allocated budget for Health and Nutrition in 2019 budget. Share this: BLOOMINGTON The third annual Slow Art Day on Saturday is looking to pause art viewers for reflections along Route 66 in Bloomington-Normal. In a new release, Hangar Art Co. owner Santino Lamancusa said attendees don't need to know anything about art to enjoy the event. "Slow Art Days purpose is to allow you the time to look and make your own discoveries about what you see and how it makes you feel," he said. "Its all about your interaction with the artist and what your experience is with their art. Its not about anyone elses opinion but your own. Slow Art Day is an opportunity to experience art for yourself." At least 20 arts organizations in the Twin Cities are participating in the global event, which was founded in 2010 to encourage people slow down and discover the joy of art. Participating locations will be open, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. A closing reception with a prize giveaway is set for 2 to 4 p.m. that day at the Hangar Art Co., 105 W. Jefferson St., Bloomington. To view an online map of all locations, go to arcg.is/05vHGH. All locations are listed as follows: 410 Sculpture Park, 410 S. Madison St., Bloomington Angel Ambrose Fine Art Studio, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 201, Bloomington Art Vortex Studio, 101 W. Monroe St., Suite 210, Bloomington Beluga Press Art Gallery, 313 N. Main St., Bloomington Childrens Discovery Museum, 101 E. Beaufort St., Normal Dave Fulgum Photographer, 415 N. Main St., Suite 1, Bloomington Herb Eaton Studio Gallery, 411 N. Center St., Bloomington Illinois Art Station, 101 E. Vernon Ave., Normal Inside Out: Accessible Art, 200 W. Monroe St., Bloomington Joann Goetzinger Studio Gallery, 313 N. Main St., Bloomington Main Gallery 404, 404 N. Main St., Bloomington Mandy Roeing Fine Art Studio and Gallery, 105-A W. Monroe St., Bloomington McLean County Arts Center, 601 N. East St., Bloomington McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St., Bloomington The Hangar Art Co., 105 W. Jefferson St., Bloomington The House on Garling, 1905 Garling Drive, Bloomington The Painted Wraith Curiosity Shoppe, 106 W. Monroe St., Bloomington Three Square Art Studio, 104 W. Monroe St., Bloomington Threshold To Hope, 200 W. Monroe St, Bloomington University Galleries of Illinois State University, 11 Uptown Circle #103, Normal Photos: Art fans flock to Sugar Creek Arts Fest SUGAR CREEK ARTS FESTIVAL 100223-blm-loc-2sugarcreek .JPG 100223-blm-loc-3sugarcreek .JPG 100223-blm-loc-4sugarcreek.JPG 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. Mikey Valdez, 18, had active felony warrants on several charges: theft of a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and unlawful carrying of a weapon. His bail totals $35,000. Bexar County Sheriff's Office San Antonio police touted the arrest Wednesday of an alleged serial thief accused of targeting cars in busy parking lots across San Antonio. Mikey Valdez, 18, had active felony warrants on several charges: theft of a vehicle, unauthorized use of a vehicle and unlawful carrying of a weapon. His bail totals $35,000. U.S. Marshals Service assisted in the arrest. The suspect would target heavy populated parking lots, break into vehicles, and steal property including firearms, reads a San Antonio Police Department Facebook post. Multiple stolen firearms were recovered during the apprehension of the suspect. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An Instagram post led to his arrest. According to an arrest affidavit, police received information on March 20 that a black BMW had been involved in several car burglaries. Searching Instagram, an investigator saw several firearms posted on an account linked to Valdez. One of the guns pictured was a Sig Sauer with a distinct colored grip with the Texas star in the center. The gun matched the description of a firearm reported stolen from a vehicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police contacted the gun owner, who gave them surveillance footage of the theft, which featured a black BMW. On March 18, another car burglary took place in the 15900 block of La Cantera Parkway. The theft also was linked to a black BMW. Photos showed the car with stolen plates. The BMW seen in images from both thefts had distinct characteristics. It was missing an antenna fin, and the dark tint was peeling on the front passenger side and back windows. On March 27, the investigator saw the older model BMW sedan heading south in the 500 block of South Acme Road. It had different license plates these connected to a 2023 BMW X5 SUV. The driver pulled into a spot at the Bonito Parque Apartments and walked to the nearby Lucero apartments, listed as Valdezs home address. Officers said the man matched Valdezs description. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The next day, police said the vehicle was in the driveway of a home in the 300 block of Calle La Gloria. Three men were wiping down the exterior. Officers identified one of the men as Valdez. He and another man at the house are known car burglars, states the arrest affidavit. Police followed the BMW as it circled parking lots at several burglary hotspots, including the Loop 410 and Texas 151 intersection and the Interstate 10 and Callaghan Road intersection. They then drove to the 300 block of Broadway and parked near a Ford F-350. Two men exited the BMW, broke a window in the truck and started it. The BMW left, and the truck followed it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They pulled over about a block away, and all three men lifted the hood and examined the truck. According to police, checking for GPS devices after a theft is a known tactic. The men returned to the vehicles and headed to an apartment complex in the 100 block of Babcock Road. They abandoned the truck and sped away, and police lost sight of them. Officers then went to one of the mens grandmothers house and saw the man walk into the home wearing the same clothes as one of the three seen during the theft. Meanwhile, SAPDs Eagle helicopter found the BMW returning to the same parking spot at the Bonito Parque Apartments as the day before. Valdez got out of the drivers seat with a gun in his hand, states the arrest affidavit. He climbed over a fence and ran through a field separating Bonito Parque from Lucero apartments. Along the way, Valdez threw the handgun and lost one of his shoes, police said, before running to the breezeway of the building matching his address. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When officers arrived, they recovered the BMW and contacted the owner of the vehicle, which had been stolen from Austin. Someone had reported the discarded handgun as stolen. Police also recovered the Ford F-350, valued at $25,000. Detectives believe Valdez is connected to several car burglaries and could face more charges. The United Kingdoms British Museum (BM) and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) on Tuesday, April 9, returned to Ghana the thirty-two negotiated royal objects taken from the Palace in Kumasi during the Anglo-Asante Wars of the 19th century including items from the Sargrenti War of 1874. Gold and silver regalia associated with the Asante royal court will be displayed at the Palace Museum as part of a long-term loan commitment by the V&A and the British Museum. Many of these items will be seen in Ghana for the first time in 150 years. The hundred- and fifty-year-old mostly golden royal regalia on loan for an initial three years and renewable for another three have fifteen pieces from the BM and seventeen from the V&A. This followed the final signing of official documentation in London two weeks ago by the directors of the BM and V&A, Sir Mark Jones and Dr Tristram Hunt and the chief negotiator, Mr Ivor Agyeman-Duah who represented and signed on behalf of the Manhyia Palace. Their return is in the context of the silver jubilee year of the Asantehene Osei Tutu II who first opened the negotiations in May 2023 and is also connected to the 150th commemoration last February and the coming centenary of the return of the Asantehene Prempeh I from exile in Seychelles. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II would receive the objects and the specially designed Belgian cases in Kumasi. The subsequent closure of the Manhyia Palace Museum for three weeks would be for installation works and encasing of over forty returned objects including seven that have already been permanently given by the Fowler Museum of the University of California at Los Angeles. These would collectively constitute the star objects of an international exhibition that would be opened to the public, Homecoming- Adversity and Commemoration. The exhibition is being put together by a team of British- BM and V&A and Ghanaian -the Foundation for Contemporary Art curators, Manhyia Palace and KNUST and has as partners the British Airway, Fidelity Bank and the Otumfuo Foundation. The opening by the Asantehene on May 1 2024 would be attended by directors, curators and trustees of the BM and V&A from London as well as journalists and photographers from the BBC, Reuters, Aljazeera, The Daily Telegraph, The Art Newspaper, some leading figures of Government of Ghana, UNESCO and members of the diplomatic community. The occasion would also see the outdooring of two major books, a history of 200 years of museology in Asante titled, A History of Manhyia Palace Museum- Inaugural and Other Objects written by Agyeman-Duah with a Foreword provided by Gus Casely- Hayford OBE, Director of V&A East, and previously Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, DC. The other book is on contemporary reflections on Images of Ghana- Museums, the Ownership of Cultural Property and Restitution by former Keeper of Ethnography at the British Museum and Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow, UK, Prof. Malcolm McLeod. As Manhyia pursues cultural engagements through the initiative of the Asantehene, new paradigms on restitutions with British organizations and others continue as it was recently in South Africa of the Gold of Africa Collection. The Asantehene would also give a major public lecture on Asante Culture and Heritage- Past and Present on the platform of the BM in London in July 2024; as part of an evolving cooperation in international cultures, and mutual technical and business development. The BM and V&A selected world leading Anglo-Ghanaian philosopher of New York University and the Laurance S. Rockefeller Emeritus University Professor of Philosophy at Princeton University, Kwame Anthony Appiah to introduce the occasion and lecture. Appiah is also the current President of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Source: Citinewsroom 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 Twenty-six (26) women trade groups from the Ashanti, Bono, and Ahafo Regions have urged flagbearer of New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia to consider the selection of a woman as running mate ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. They said this will ensure greater female representation in Ghanas governance structures and further encourage more women participation in the countrys political space. They bemoaned the underrepresentation of women in the countrys governance structure and political scene. Expressing the need for gender equality in political leadership, the women trade groups emphasized that the inclusion of women in key positions is crucial for women empowerment and national development. They thus urged Dr. Bawumia to select a woman who is also from the Ashanti Region to partner him in the 2024 general elections. Addressing the press at the Racecourse Market, they highlighted the positive impact of having a woman in such positions, serving as a beacon of hope for young women, and promoting gender inclusivity in politics. We are urging Dr. Bawumia to select a female running mate from the Ashanti Region. A female vice president will fight for the welfare of Ghanaian women and ensure that our interests are represented in all spheres of life. "He should choose a female running mate as the NDC has done, else well be compelled to vote for the NDC in the December elections, they warned. 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 What We Do and Don't Know About Richard Russell's Crash What We Do and Don't Know About Richard Russell's Crash According to an FBI press release, Russell's crash was intentional. "If the pilot had wanted to avoid impact with the ground, he had time and energy to pull the column back, raise the nose and initiate a climb," the press release reads. So why didn't he? Russell's death came as a shock to his family, and questions remain about his motivations. Here's what we do and don't know about the incident. Advertisement Did Russell Know How to Fly a Plane? Russell did not have a pilot's license or any formal flight training. However, through his job, he had basic knowledge of how to start a plane. When an air traffic controller asked Russell if he felt comfortable flying the plane, he responded: Its a blast, man. I played video games before so, you know, I know what Im doing a little bit. According to the FBI, Russell also searched for flight instructional videos online, but his flight knowledge was limited. When an air traffic controller asked Russell if he was able to tell his altitude, Russell said, "I have no idea what all that means, I wouldnt know how to punch it in." Was Russell's Death Intentional? Russell's death was ruled a suicide. After its investigation, the Medical Examiners Office noted that there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the death was intentional. Russell made several statements during the flight that suggested his intention to crash, including "I'm gonna try to do a barrel roll and if that goes good, then I'm just gonna nose down and call it a night." Did Russell Have an Accomplice? No, Russell worked alone to steal and crash the aircraft. According to the FBI, "extensive investigative activity failed to reveal any additional subject(s) involved in the planning or execution of the unauthorized flight." Why Did Russell Steal and Crash the Plane? Although Russell's motivations remain unknown, there are several theories as to why he may have stolen and crashed the aircraft. Fear of imprisonment : During the flight, Russell expressed concern about the legal consequences of his actions: "This is probably like jail time for life, huh? I mean I would hope it is for a guy like me," he told air traffic control. Fuel anxiety : Throughout his flight, Russell expressed concern that he would run out of : Throughout his flight, Russell expressed concern that he would run out of fuel , or that something was wrong with his plane. "Ive got to stop looking at the fuel because its going down quick," he said. Physical discomfort and disorientation : Russell experienced lightheadedness and dizziness during his flight and even threw up at one point. Mental health issues: Although the : Although the FBI investigation did not find evidence that Russell was suicidal prior to his flight, he hinted at mental health struggles while in the air: Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. Never really knew it until now. Did Russell Like His Job? Russell enjoyed the travel benefits of his job with Horizon Air, including trips to Alaska to visit his family. But he also complained about being underpaid: Russell's team was paid below SeaTac's standard $15 minimum wage, a fact he mentioned while in the air: Minimum wage, well chalk it up to that. Maybe that will grease some gears a little bit with the higher-ups. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 988 or text SAVE to 741741. The following recommendations come from the 988 Lifeline. Warning signs of suicide include: Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, having no purpose, feeling trapped, experiencing unbearable pain or being a burden to others Looking for a way to kill oneself Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs Acting anxious, agitated or reckless Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or feeling isolated Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Displaying extreme mood swings If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: Do not leave the person alone. Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The process allows a remote user (right) to access a quantum computer in the cloud (left) with complete security. By Helene Hainzer. Copyright Oxford University Physics. Credit: Helene Hainzer. Oxford University Physics. The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy. This advance promises to unlock the transformative potential of cloud-based quantum computing and is detailed in a new study published in Physical Review Letters. The paper is titled "Verifiable blind quantum computing with trapped ions and single photons." Quantum computing is developing rapidly, paving the way for new applications that could transform services in many areas like health care and financial services. It works in a fundamentally different way than conventional computing and is potentially far more powerful. However, it currently requires controlled conditions to remain stable and there are concerns around data authenticity and the effectiveness of current security and encryption systems. Several leading providers of cloud-based services, like Google, Amazon, and IBM, already separately offer some elements of quantum computing. Safeguarding the privacy and security of customer data is a vital precursor to scaling up and expanding its use, and for the development of new applications as the technology advances. The new study by researchers at Oxford University Physics addresses these challenges. "We have shown for the first time that quantum computing in the cloud can be accessed in a scalable, practical way which will also give people complete security and privacy of data, plus the ability to verify its authenticity," said Professor David Lucas, who co-heads the Oxford University Physics research team and is lead scientist at the UK Quantum Computing and Simulation Hub, led from Oxford University Physics. Experiments on quantum computing in the Beecroft facility, Oxford University Physics. Credit: David Nadlinger, Oxford University Physics In the new study, the researchers use an approach dubbed "blind quantum computing," which connects two totally separate quantum computing entitiespotentially an individual at home or in an office accessing a cloud serverin a completely secure way. Importantly, their new methods could be scaled up to large quantum computations. "Using blind quantum computing, clients can access remote quantum computers to process confidential data with secret algorithms and even verify the results are correct, without revealing any useful information. Realizing this concept is a big step forward in both quantum computing and keeping our information safe online," said study lead Dr. Peter Drmota, of Oxford University Physics. The researchers created a system comprising a fiber network link between a quantum computing server and a simple device detecting photons, or particles of light, at an independent computer remotely accessing its cloud services. This allows so-called blind quantum computing over a network. Every computation incurs a correction that must be applied to all that follow and needs real-time information to comply with the algorithm. The researchers used a unique combination of quantum memory and photons to achieve this. Peter Drmota, author of the new study who led the experiments on blind quantum computing at Oxford University Physics. Credit: Martin Small "Never in history have the issues surrounding privacy of data and code been more urgently debated than in the present era of cloud computing and artificial intelligence," said Professor David Lucas. "As quantum computers become more capable, people will seek to use them with complete security and privacy over networks, and our new results mark a step change in capability in this respect." The results could ultimately lead to commercial development of devices to plug into laptops, to safeguard data when people are using quantum cloud computing services. Researchers exploring quantum computing and technologies at Oxford University Physics have access to the state-of-the-art Beecroft laboratory facility, specially constructed to create stable and secure conditions including eliminating vibration. More information: P. Drmota et al, Verifiable Blind Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions and Single Photons, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.150604 Journal information: Physical Review Letters 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: An AI-generated image of a fake candidate with would-be constituents, demonstrating how such images can potentially influence elections. Credit: Sean Westwood/DALL-E artificial intelligence Americans are quite worried about the role artificial intelligence will play in both politics and society, according to a new report by the Polarization Research Lab. The lab gauged Americans' partisan attitudes, including if they thought AI would make the world better or worse for themselves and more broadly. More than 2,900 respondents were surveyed in March via the YouGov platform. "Americans are pessimistic about the effects of AI," says Sean Westwood, an associate professor at Dartmouth and director of the Polarization Research Lab. "They are concerned about how it will affect politics and society." Looking ahead to U.S. elections this fall, 50% of Americans think that AI will make elections less civil due to its use in political campaigns, as compared to 20% who think it will make elections better. "Americans are worried that AI will shock the political landscape," says Westwood. "What is clear is that AI has already intruded into elections." For example, Donald Trump supporters have been sharing images generated by AI of the former president with Black voters to create a false impression about the depth of his support among what has traditionally been a reliable voting bloc for Democrats. The report also shows that 40% percent of Americans think that AI will make national security worse while nearly 30% think that it will make national security better. The data also finds that 65% of Americans are worried that AI will harm personal privacy. In addition, 50% are concerned that AI may threaten their jobs by performing tasks they currently undertake. Republicans are most concerned about the effects of AI on personal privacy, national security, and elections. While Democrats are also concerned, they are split over whether AI may make national security worse, better, or said that they don't know. "The real threats are that individuals won't be able to discern real content from an elected official from AI-generated content or be able to separate real news from propaganda created by foreign nations," says Westwood. During the 2016 election campaign, one of the big concerns was fake news articles posted to websites, but it is now possible to create fake videos of candidates cheaply and easily with video and audio that is indistinguishable from reality. "AI is at a point where content can be easily created and disseminated by anyone," says Westwood. "Nefarious actors have already used AI to impersonate celebrities and politicians. Society and the law are currently several steps behind." "There's a real need to differentiate between free speech and content that can have real material harm to someone's safety or to someone's person," says Westwood. The new report is part of the Polarization Research Lab's monthly report series, The Path 2024, which analyzes Americans' attitudes on key issues leading up to and following the presidential election in November. The next report will focus on corporations taking stances on social issues. 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: George Milton from Pexels When you next see red, don't snap at your colleagues or scream into a pillowwriting down your feelings, then shredding or throwing them away is an effective way to calm down, a Japanese study has found. "We expected that our method would suppress anger to some extent," said Nobuyuki Kawai, lead author of the study published this week in the journal Scientific Reports. "However, we were amazed that anger was eliminated almost entirely," said Kawai, a cognitive science professor at Nagoya University. Around 100 students took part in an experiment where they were asked to write brief opinions on social issues, such as whether smoking in public should be outlawed. The researchers told them that a doctoral student at Nagoya University would evaluate their writing. But regardless of what the participants wrote, the evaluators scored them low on intelligence, interest, friendliness, logic and rationality. They also received insulting feedback, which said, "I cannot believe an educated person would think like this. I hope this person learns something while at university." The students then wrote down their feelings, and half of them"the disposal group"shredded the paper or threw it away, while the other half"the retention group"put it in a clear folder or a transparent box. All the participants "showed an increased subjective rating of anger" after being insulted, the study said. But while the anger of the retention group remained high, "the subjective anger for the disposal group decreased" to the point of being neutralized. The researchers argued that their findings could be used as a form of ad-hoc anger management. "Controlling anger at home and in the workplace can reduce negative consequences in our jobs and personal lives," they said. More information: Yuta Kanaya et al, Anger is eliminated with the disposal of a paper written because of provocation, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57916-z , doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-57916-z Journal information: Scientific Reports 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Butterfield Wildlife Reserve in the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria, Australia. Credit: Photo by James Fitzsimons, from Conservation (2024). DOI: 10.3390/conservation4020013 Protected areas have been the cornerstone of efforts to conserve nature for more than a century. Most countries have some form of protected areas, national parks being the best-known examples. A key element of protected areas is that they are dedicated, through legal or other effective means, to long-term conservation of nature. Australia has taken an innovative and diverse approach to growing its protected area estate. It includes Indigenous Protected Areas and privately protected areas in the form of conservation covenants and land bought by land trusts. As a result, the country's protected area estate has grown from 7% in the mid-1990s to 22% of the continent today. Despite this progress, the Australian government has released new draft guidelines for other forms of area-based conservation, with potentially troubling implications. It suggests 25 years of "intention" to deliver biodiversity outcomes is enough for that land to count for the 30% protected area target. Our newly published research has looked at what types of land use might qualify in line with international guidelines. We found two problems with the proposal to include 25-year plans for biodiversity outcomes. First, such plans are non-binding, so protection can lapse at any time. Second, they do not satisfy international and Australian principles of long-term protection. Proceeding with this proposal would undermine the goal of long-term conservation in this country. The new kid in town In 2010, parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity added a new, slightly unwieldy term, "other effective area-based conservation measures." These conservation areas (OECMs for short) complement protected areas in achieving global conservation targets. An OECM is a geographically defined area that is not already a protected area, "which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity." In 2022, the world lifted ambitions for protection and conservation to 30% of land and water areas by 2030 as part of the convention's Global Biodiversity Framework. There's been a surge of interest in OECMs to help meet that target. International guidance on OECMs has been developed only relatively recently. This creates an urgent need for country-specific analysis. In our peer-reviewed paper in the journal Conservation, we explore policy issues related to OECMs in Australia. We looked at what types of land use might qualify, with a focus on longevity. What's the Australian response? The Australian government has released a draft set of principles to guide OECM development in Australia. The consultation period closes on April 17. These principles are largely in line with global guidance. However, a couple of significant deviations could compromise Australia's leadership in area-based conservation. The most notable deviation relates to the definition of "long-term." It's fundamental to whether a site meets the criteria for contributing to global targets. The proposed principles suggest 25 years of "intention" to deliver biodiversity outcomes is enough. This is a problem for two reasons. First, "intention" does little for biodiversity if the landholder chooses to sell their property a few years after being recognized as an OECM and the new owner has no such conservation interest. In contrast, conservation covenants are a tool that all states already use to counter against this very scenario. The covenants are attached to the land title and bind future landholders forever. For this reason, these are considered privately protected areas. Second, a 25-year timeframe is at odds with long-established Australian policy for defining "long-term" for protected areas. A minimum timeframe of 99 years is required if permanent protection is not possible. The proposal is also inconsistent with the 2023 Nature Repair Act. This law added provision for a 100-year agreement (in addition to its original 25-year agreement) during consultations. This change was based on feedback that 25-year agreements did not equate to long-term. So where did the 25-year proposal come from? It seems to misinterpret global guidance for privately protected areas. Regardless, adoption of a 25-year "intention" would be a significant backslide for conservation policy in Australia. So what other areas might count? Defense land and protected water catchments on public land are often suggested as good candidates in Australia and overseas. Many contain large and significant ecosystem values. The primary use is often compatible with those values. These areas are also usually permanent fixtures of the landscape, meeting a long-term public need. Thus they would likely qualify as OECMs. Many local government reserves protect important areas of bushland and manage it for that purpose. Typically, they have not been classified as protected areas. Many are likely to qualify as OECMs. On private land, it's a little more challenging. Long-term carbon agreements and biodiversity offset agreements are likely to qualifydespite controversy at times over their primary use. Land for Wildlife is a successful, high-profile program for engaging landholders with wildlife habitat on their property. Their distinctive blue-diamond-shaped signs adorn more than 14,000 properties around the country. However, these agreements are non-binding. A landholder could remove them at any time. This means they cannot be considered long-term or qualify as an OECM. Regardless of the assessments above, each site would need to undergo an individual assessment to ensure it meets the criteria. The importance of longevity Ultimately, more land managed for conservation is good and all forms of area-based conservation should be encouraged. However, not all forms of area-based conservation qualify for inclusion in global biodiversity targets. Long-term outcomes are fundamental. Australia has a proud history of innovative protected area policy and approaches. The development of OECM policy in Australia needs to complement and advance that, not erode the standards for long-agreed definitions of long-term. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Creating chains of connected landscapes is critical for the conservation of large mammals, such as these pronghorn, who live in ecosystems fragmented by roads and other human infrastructure among the Wind River Mountains. Credit: United States Geological Survey, Public Domain. A new set of maps that document the movements of ungulates was published today in the fourth volume of the Ungulate Migrations of the Western United States. The maps in this collaborative U.S. Geological Survey report series reveal the migration routes and critical ranges used by ungulates, or hooved mammals, in the western U.S., furthering scientists' understanding of the geography of big game migrations. The new volume, "Ungulate Migrations of the Western United States: Volume 4," documents 33 mule deer, pronghorn and elk herd migrations in collaboration with the wildlife agencies of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, Wind River Reservation, Wyoming and, for the first time, the states of Oregon and Colorado and the Pueblo of Tesuque in New Mexico. With this latest volume, the report series includes details and maps of the migrations and seasonal ranges for a total of 182 unique herds across 10 states. "We've now mapped nearly two hundred migrations of mule deer, pronghorn, elk and other ungulates across diverse landscapes, from the high alpine Rocky Mountains to the temperate rainforest of the Pacific Northwest and the desert ecosystems of the American Southwest," said Matt Kauffman, the report's lead author and a wildlife biologist with the USGS Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Wyoming. "I'm impressed with how the team has worked together to adopt a standard set of methods to create robust migration maps of these ungulates across the West." Ungulates migrate throughout the American West each spring and fall to access the most nutritious plants and avoid deep snow. But as the human footprint in the West expands, these species increasingly face obstacles such as new subdivisions, energy development, impermeable fences and high-traffic roads on their long journeys. By mapping their migrations, scientists provide critical informationlike where migrations overlap with existing and potential obstaclesto managers, policymakers, NGOs and private landowners working to minimize impacts on wildlife. Mule deer taking Deer 255's route must cross nearly 200 fences annually on their seasonal migrations. Credit: Joe Riis "To best conserve and protect the habitat used by migrating elk, mule deer, moose and pronghorn, we have to know exactly where these species move across the landscape," said Blake Henning, chief conservation officer at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. "That's why this mapping work is so importantit's to ensure their future health and well-being. We support and greatly appreciate the USGS and collaborating states and Tribes for leading this highly collaborative and globally significant effort." The new report highlights how migration maps can be used for conservation and management amid changing landscapes. For example, when solar farms are built in an ungulate's range, they can negatively impact habitat and create barriers to movement for resident and migratory animals. The maps featured in the report series have previously been used to inform leasing decisions for oil and gas development, and they can also provide a key resource to help site future renewable energy projects that minimize effects to critical habitat. "By using these migration maps and data, the Arizona Game and Fish Department was able to have informed conversations with landowners and solar developers about managing for wildlife corridors through a planned solar facility," says Jeff Gagnon, statewide connectivity biologist at the Arizona Game and Fish Department. "These efforts will hopefully allow ungulates to continue their seasonal migrations." In addition to managers from the respective state wildlife agencies, co-authors on the fourth volume include the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, Pueblo of Tesuque Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Shoshone & Arapaho Tribes Fish and Game, among other partners. Maps of each herd were produced in collaboration with state and Tribal experts by cartographers from the USGS and the InfoGraphics Lab at the University of Oregon. The Corridor Mapping Team, established in 2018 in response to Department of the Interior Secretary's Order 3362, is a state-Tribal-federal partnership working to map ungulate migration corridors with standard techniques. The first three volumes in the Ungulate Migrations of the Western United States report series were published in 2020 and 2022. More information: Matthew Kauffman et al, Ungulate migrations of the Western United States, volume 4, (2024). DOI: 10.3133/sir20245006 To explore migration routes and ranges, visit the interactive www.westernmigrations.net portal, or download the map files from www.sciencebase.gov. 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 Picture in your mind a traditional "landline" telephone with a coiled cord connecting the handset to the phone. The coiled telephone cord and the DNA double helix that stores the genetic material in every cell in the body have one thing in common; they both supercoil, or coil about themselves, and tangle in ways that can be difficult to undo. In the case of DNA, if this overwinding is not dealt with, essential processes such as copying DNA and cell division grind to a halt. Fortunately, cells have an ingenious solution to carefully regulate DNA supercoiling. In a study published in the journal Science, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, Universite de Strasbourg, Universite Paris Cite and collaborating institutions reveal how DNA gyrase resolves DNA entanglements. The findings not only provide novel insights into this fundamental biological mechanism but also have potential practical applications. Gyrases are biomedical targets for the treatment of bacterial infections and the similar human versions of the enzymes are targets for many anti-cancer drugs. Better understanding of how gyrases work at the molecular level can potentially improve clinical treatments. Some DNA supercoiling is essential to make DNA accessible to allow the cell to read and make copies of the genetic information, but either too little or too much supercoiling is detrimental. For example, the act of copying and reading DNA overwinds it ahead of the enzymes that read and copy the genetic code, interrupting the process. It's long been known that DNA gyrase plays a role in untangling the overwinding, but the details were not clear. DNA minicircles and advanced imaging techniques reveal first step to untangle DNA "We typically picture DNA as the straight double helix structure, but inside cells, DNA exists in supercoiled loops. Understanding the molecular interactions between the supercoils and the enzymes that participate in DNA functions has been technically challenging, so we typically use linear DNA molecules instead of coiled DNA to study the interactions," said study author Dr. Lynn Zechiedrich, Kyle and Josephine Morrow Chair in Molecular Virology and Microbiology and professor of the Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Baylor College of Medicine. "One goal of our laboratory has been to study these interactions using a DNA structure that more closely mimics the actual supercoiled and looped DNA form present in living cells." After years of work, the Zechiedrich lab has created small loops of supercoiled DNA. In essence, they took the familiar straight linear DNA double helix and twisted it in either direction once, twice, three times or more and connected the ends together to form a loop. Their previous study looking at the 3D structures of the resulting supercoiled minicircles revealed that these loops form a variety of shapes that they hypothesized enzymes such as gyrase would recognize. In the current study, their hypothesis was proven correct. The team of researchers combined their expertise to study the interactions of DNA gyrase with DNA minicircles using recent technology advances in electron cryomicroscopy, an imaging technique that produces high-resolution 3D views of large molecules, and other technologies. "My lab has long been interested in understanding how molecular nanomachines operate in the cell. We have been studying DNA gyrases, very large enzymes that regulate DNA supercoiling," said co-corresponding author Dr. Valerie Lamour, associate professor at the Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Universite de Strasbourg. "Among other functions, supercoiling is the cell's way of confining about 2 meters (6.6 feet) of linear DNA into the microscopic nucleus of the cell." As the DNA supercoils inside the nucleus, it twists and folds in different forms. Imagine twisting that telephone cord mentioned at the beginning, several times on itself. It will overwind and form a loop by crossing over DNA chains, tightening the structure. "We found, just as we had hypothesized, that gyrase is attracted to the supercoiled minicircle and places itself in the inside of this supercoiled loop," said co-author, Dr. Jonathan Fogg, senior staff scientist of molecular virology and microbiology, and biochemistry and molecular pharmacology in the Zechiedrich lab. "This is the first step of the mechanism that prompts the enzyme for resolving DNA entanglements," Lamour said. "DNA gyrase, now surrounded by a tightly supercoiled loop, will cut one DNA helix in the loop, pass the other DNA helix through the cut in the other, and reseal the break, which relaxes the overwinding and eases the tangles, regulating DNA supercoiling to control DNA activity," Zechiedrich said. "Imagine watching the rodeo. Like roping cattle with a lasso, supercoiled looped DNA captures gyrase in the first step. Gyrase then cuts one double-helix of the DNA lasso and passes the other helix through the break to get free." Co-corresponding author, Dr. Marc Nadal, professor at the Ecole Normale in Paris confirmed the observation of the path of the DNA wrapped in the loop around gyrase using magnetic tweezers, a biophysical technique that allows to measure the deformation and fluctuations in the length of a single molecule of DNA. Observing a single molecule provides information that is often obscured when looking at thousands of molecules in traditional so-called "ensemble" experiments in a test tube. Interestingly, the "DNA strand inversion model" for gyrase activity was proposed in 1979 by Drs. Patrick O. Brown and the late Nicholas R. Cozzarelli, also in a Science paper, well before researchers had access to supercoiled minicircles or the 3D molecular structure of the enzyme. "It's especially meaningful to me that 45 years later, we finally provide experimental evidence supporting their hypothesis because Nick was my postdoctoral mentor," Zechiedrich said. "This work opens a myriad of perspectives to study the mechanism of this conserved class of enzymes, which are of great clinical value," Lamour said. "This work supports new ideas on how DNA activities are regulated. We propose that DNA is not a passive biomolecule acted upon by enzymes, but an active one that uses supercoiling, looping and 3D shapes to direct accessibility of enzymes such as gyrase to specific DNA sequences in a variety of situations, which will likely impact cellular responses to antibiotics or other treatments," Fogg said. More information: Marlene Vayssieres et al, Structural basis of DNA crossover capture by Esherichia coli DNA gyrase, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adl5899. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl5899 Journal information: Science Terrell Hills residents listen to public comment on a senior tax freeze, which is on the May 4 ballot, during the city council meeting at Terrell Hills City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Terrell Hills. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Reed Williams gives public comment on a senior tax freeze, which is on the May 4 ballot, during the city council meeting at Terrell Hills City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Terrell Hills. Williams was against the ballot measure. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Terrell Hills Mayor John Low, right, and council member Bill Mitchell, left, listens to public comment on a senior tax freeze, which is on the May 4 ballot, at Terrell Hills City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Terrell Hills. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Rick Schimpff gives public comment on a senior tax freeze, which is on the May 4 ballot, during the city council meeting at Terrell Hills City Hall on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in Terrell Hills. Schimpff was in favor of the ballot measure. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Older homeowners in Terrell Hills could reap significant savings if voters approve a property tax freeze for seniors next month. But city officials are warning that the measure which is on the city's May 4 ballot would leave younger property owners with two bad options: Pay higher taxes or receive fewer municipal services. Or maybe a combination of the two. John Low, mayor of this exclusive suburban city of 5,000, wedged between Alamo Heights and San Antonio, said as much in a recent city newsletter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the adoption of a senior tax freeze is certainly a benefit for our older residents, it will not come without a cost to our other tax-paying residents and/or an increased pressure on our first responders and other city departments to deliver the services our citizens have come to expect, Low said. But tax freeze proponents, such as 71-year-old Ernie Altgelt, say such claims are overblown. Altgelt said the city is "painting the worst-case scenario because they want to kill this thing." "It's easy to frighten old people, and that's what they've done," he added. "It's kind of taking the low road a little bit." Altgelt, a Terrell Hills resident since 1982, led the campaign to put the senior tax freeze on the ballot. In December, he presented City Council with a petition with the signatures of more than 330 people who supported the freeze. If approved, people 65 and older who have homestead exemptions would see the property taxes they pay capped at this year's amount. In the future, homeowners' property taxes would be frozen the year they turn 65. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seniors make up about 16% of Terrell Hills' population. But their properties represent a third of the city's taxable value, according to a city-commissioned fiscal analysis. Losses and gains The city, squeezed inside 1.6 square miles, is dense with wealth. The median household income is $199,643, compared with San Antonio's $58,829, and its median home value is $720,400, next to San Antonio's $198,000. And it's seen little residential growth. Between 2010 and 2020, Terrell Hills added only 167 residents, bringing the total to 5,045, according to the U.S. Census. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Terrell Hills' mayor and City Council have approved annual budgets that have increased 4% per year on average over the last five years, according to the fiscal analysis, conducted by Universal City CPA firm Armstrong, Vaughan & Associates. The city's current budget totals $8.8 million. Seventy-nine percent of the revenue the city rakes in comes from property taxes. The report estimated that in the fifth year after the senior tax freeze kicks in if voters approve it next month the revenue loss would reach $404,000. Seniors could save $612 on average on their tax bills that year. Low said in his newsletter that the city would deal with the freeze in one of three ways: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hold spending at 2024 levels, which would mean city employees couldn't get regular pay increases, equipment couldn't be replaced and community events could be canceled Incrementally raise the tax rate while also requiring payment for currently free city services, such as garbage pickup Raise the city's tax rate to the maximum allowed without requiring a special election Terrell Hills' tax rate, at nearly $0.36 per $100 of property valuation, is lower than rates in nearby Olmos Park and Alamo Heights, both of which have senior tax freezes in place. Altgelt acknowledges that he's rattled by some of officialdom's bleak scenarios, but he still supports a freeze because he says other communities that have adopted tax breaks for older property owners are thriving despite the exemptions. A flyer distributed by supporters of the freeze includes a long list of area cities with senior freezes, including San Antonio, Castle Hills, China Grove, Shavano Park, Fair Oaks Ranch, Elmendorf, Helotes and Leon Valley. But Low said in his newsletter that comparing Terrell Hills to other municipalities isnt apples to apples. In the case of Fair Oaks Ranch, he claims, the sales tax revenue the city collects is six times higher than Terrell Hills' haul. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our situation in Terrell Hills is not readily comparable to other jurisdictions given the residential (non-commercial) composition of our community, he said. In other words, his city has fewer restaurants, shops and other businesses than Fair Oaks Ranch. City at odds Altgelt said any change to city services stemming from a senior tax exemption would be manageable. We may have to pay for garbage pickup or something, but if your house catches on fire, firemen are going to come, he said. Rick Schimpff, 70, was one of the people who signed the petition. He said he didnt appreciate the city promoting doom and gloom messaging when officials dont have solid projections for upcoming property appraisals. They have no numbers, he said. They could be swimming in it when the appraisals come out, but no one will admit that. Schimpff was the only senior exemption supporter who showed up at a City Council meeting Tuesday where residents were invited to discuss the May 4 election. Seven speakers said they were concerned about the repercussions if voters approve the freeze. And not everyone who signed the petition is still on board. Reed Williams, who served on San Antonios City Council from 2009 through 2013, signed the petition but doesnt plan to vote for the freeze now that he's learned more about how it might affect city government. You take 35% of the value and you freeze it it won't immediately kill us, but eventually it will catch up with us, he said. So I'm not sitting here saying we have impending doom. But we do have a situation that could change the way that this council and the city have been run. Others opposed to the freeze include former Terrell Hills Mayors Brad Camp and Anne Ballantyne. I do not want to price us out of having young people be able to move in, said Ballantyne, 72. Most of a Terrell Hills residents tax bill goes to area school districts, from which seniors across Bexar County are already exempted. The city gets 17% of homeowners' property tax payments. Its a thank you is what it is, Altgelt said of the proposed Terrell Hills freeze. Its not some God-given right or something thats written in the Constitution. But so many communities and society in general have done this to recognize seniors contributions, and its a way to pay back. 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 Key backup tubes inside the Glen Canyon Dam might be damaged, potentially threatening the delivery of water to Lake Mead in the future if water levels ever dip too low in Lake Powell, according to a Bureau of Reclamation memo. Below 3,490 feet, water releases from Lake Powell are wholly dependent on "river outlet works," which water managers now feel are not functional and could threaten the water supply downstream. Currently, the reservoir sits at 3,558 feet, and the latest two-year projection places water levels above 3,560 feet until at least February 2026. Looming threats of climate change and evaporative losses also are complicating state negotiations for how to allocate the shrinking Colorado River. Those talks are still at an impasse between the Lower Basin and Upper Basin states. The Bureau of Reclamation oversees river negotiations and operates government dams in the West. "Given the current uncertainty associated with long-term performance ... it is recommended that Reclamation not rely on the river outlet works as the sole means for releasing water from Glen Canyon Dam," the memo reads. More than 30 million people in Nevada, California and Arizona depend on flows from Lake Powell to fill Lake Mead, meaning the need to address engineering flaws at the dam is pressing. While water managers investigate the damage, they will temporarily reduce flows out of these four tubes, according to the memo. Solutions in short supply At a hearing explaining the Lower Basin states' proposal for river distribution in early March, former Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman said the agency would work to find engineering solutions to the dam's problems. Burman now works for the Central Arizona Project, which helps manage water resources across the state. "They have some unknown issues about how these river outlet works would perform," Burman said at the meeting. "That's very difficult, new information to hear." Activists like Kyle Roerink, executive director of Great Basin Water Network, have long been concerned about the dam and how it was designed. Many have called for the dam to be decommissioned, though no formal plan has gained traction. Roerink said he was surprised that the Bureau of Reclamation didn't address the dam's engineering issues in environmental impact statements prepared about the management of Lake Mead and Lake Powell. The flaws in the design are something he expects to complicate river negotiations and the future availability of water to Lower Basin states like Nevada, he said. "This is just another wake-up call in a litany of wake-up calls that we've had in recent years," Roerink said. 2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Lush underwater forests formed by large brown seaweeds known as kelp are among the most abundant and productive coastal ecosystems in Canada. Kelp forests help to support fisheries, draw down carbon and improve water qualityin the process contributing billions to the global economy. Unfortunately, climate change is now a major threat to kelp forests. Kelp forests require cool water temperatures, and recent ocean warming has placed these valuable ecosystems in hot water. In our new study, we highlight by just how much some of Canada's kelp forests along the Pacific coast have declined. We also show that, despite recent impacts of climate change, kelp forests in some areas have remained stable, offering hope for future kelp forests and shedding light on the drivers of ecosystem resilience. Marine forests in hot water The past decade has seen unprecedented warming along North America's west coast. Beginning in 2014, a string of marine heat waves created warmer-than-usual conditions that have wreaked havoc on a range of ocean species. Marine heat waves are becoming longer and more intense as greenhouse gas emissions continue. These heat waves are major drivers of oceanic change. One of these major heat waves also magnified the ongoing seastar wasting disease epidemic, a phenomenon that killed millions of seastars from Mexico to Alaska. Effects of the loss of these voracious predators reverberated throughout coastal ecosystems, triggering a boom in the sea urchins that seastars typically eat. Overabundant urchins consumed large amounts of kelp. Left unchecked, sea urchins can mow down entire kelp forests. Together, marine heat waves and seastar declines led to devastating kelp forest losses along many parts of North America's west coast over the past decade. This included declines in Mexico and California. However, in British Columbiaan area with twice the amount of coastline as California, Oregon and Washington combinedthe relative lack of monitoring programs has made it difficult to accurately assess the overall health of kelp forests. Until now. Threats to kelp in Western Canada We brought together kelp forest researchers from across B.C. and combined data to assess how recent climatic and biological changes have impacted these vital ecosystems. Our teamwhich included scientists from universities, not-for-profits and Canadian and First Nations governmentscollated data from on-the-ground surveys, and imagery of the floating kelp canopy taken from satellites, planes, helicopters and drones. Thanks to ancient glaciers that carved up and reshaped Canada's Pacific coast, B.C.'s kelp forests inhabit a rich mosaic of environments. Nearly 40,000 islands and dozens of glacial fjords create diverse habitats for kelp. B.C.'s rich and varied coastline also creates a range of microclimates, areas that are either much warmer or much cooler than their surroundings. This means that even as the overall ocean warms, water temperatures vary considerably along B.C.'s coast. In areas such as the Strait of Georgia and the inner parts of some fjords, we found that summertime waters now exceed the maximum temperatures kelp can withstand. In these areas, kelp forests have experienced large losses, especially over the past decade. But temperature is not the whole story. In some parts of B.C.'s central and northern coasts, some kelp forests are also in decline despite cooler waters. Groups of sea urchins visible in aerial photos suggest that expanding herbivore populations are to blame. Sea otters, essential keystone predators that could control urchins, were hunted to near extinction more than a century ago and have yet to recover in these regions. Reasons for optimism Despite these impacts, in other parts of B.C. kelp forests have remained stable. In fact, some of these healthy kelp forests might even be growing. Areas with cool water temperatures, such as the Strait of Juan de Fuca, have stable kelp forests, despite extensive losses close by. These regions of cooler water could provide lasting refuge for kelp forests. Kelp forests are also stable, and even expanding, in areas around northern Vancouver Island and parts of B.C.'s central coast where newly recovered sea otter populations help keep urchins at bay. Together these patterns indicate that, even against the backdrop of large-scale ocean warming, small-scale differences in temperature or biodiversity can tip the balance for kelp forests teetering between stability and ecosystem loss. These patterns also suggest that ecosystems likely have the best chance of resilience to climate change when their structure is intact. Innovative solutions are needed to save kelp Knowledge is power. Our study provides the first province-wide assessment of how B.C. kelp forests are faring under intense ocean warming driven by climate change. This broad understanding positions decision-makers to prioritize areas for protection, management and restoration. Global and regional initiatives to protect and restore kelp forests are gaining momentum. However, it will take more than passive protection to prevent kelp forest losses. Innovative solutions are needed. This might include restoration of important predators in the ecosystem, controlling urchins so that kelp forests can flourish, or developing new techniques to restore kelp forests using strains capable of surviving warming conditions. There are inherent challenges to preserving kelp forests. It's clear that the future of these vulnerable ecosystems depends a great deal on whether we value them enough to intervene to prevent further decline by providing the conditions for them to flourish in the future. For the future health of all life on this planet it is essential that we appreciate the value of these wonderful forests before it is too late. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Since its introduction in 1951, the UN refugee convention has been the basis for the global refugee system. It defines who a refugee is and outlines the rights they are entitled to. More than 70 years later, the world is more connected and the nature of migration and asylum has changed. UK home secretary James Cleverly (as well as his predecessor Suella Braverman) has suggested that such migration treaties are no longer fit for purpose. In a recent speech in the US, Cleverly rightly pointed out that migration has "been accelerated by modern technology and transport," and that globally today, 3.6% of people are migrants. Cleverly did not mention that this proportion has been surprisingly stable over the past 60 years. However, we need to draw a distinction here between migration generally and refugee numbers. While the proportion of migrants generally has been stable, refugee numbers have more than doubled in the past decade, going from almost 17 million in 2013 to 36 million in 2023. This has been primarily driven by protracted conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. These have led millions to flee war, persecution and violence in their home countries. With that in mind, Cleverly has a point: the global asylum system is facing significant challenges. This is because some countries are taking more responsibility than others. It is not, therefore, a truly global system. Today, 70% of refugees are hosted in countries neighboring where the people flee from. These are most often developing countries. In Lebanon, refugees comprise 15% of the population. In sharp contrast, in the UK the proportion stands at 0.5% and in Japan at 0.01% (based on UN refugee agency and World Bank data for 2022). While a few countries take most of the responsibility for refugees, many others shun cooperation. The result is that very few refugees are able to reach safety. According to the UN, globally, only about 4% of refugees in 2022 were able to access resettlement schemes and travel to a destination country safely and legally. Many countries offer safe and legal routes to people in need of protection. The UK resettled 4,396 people in 2023, and has humanitarian visa schemes for people from Ukraine, Hong Kong and Afghanistan. But there are many more people seeking protection from elsewhere in the world. In the absence of safe and legal routes, many will attempt to enter countries like the UK through irregular means, such as via small boats. The refugee convention outlines what states must do to offer protection and support and to whom. It does not, however, have any mechanisms to make sure responsibility is equally shared between states. Political challenges Cleverly correctly noted that "any approach to global migration that is not rooted in international cooperation is doomed to fail." The answer is not to simply do away with current migration treaties, but to build on them, creating a system that meets refugees' needs for protection while requiring states to fairly share responsibility. Scholars have long explored the possibility of a legally binding mechanism to ensure that refugee protection is responsibly shared. But such a system seems impossible in the current political climate. Wealthier countries are skeptical of taking more refugeesand anti-immigration sentiment is on the rise. The US, Australia and Italy all failed to endorse recent, non-binding, international agreements on responsibility-sharing for migration and refugee protection. Much of the opposition to these agreements was promoted by far-right and anti-immigrant groups online. Despite this political difficulty, there could be ways to incentivize states to take more responsibility, without a legally binding system. One suggestion is to introduce a global index, run by the UN refugee agency, that publicly ranks countries by how much they are doing to protect refugees. States contribute in different ways to refugee protection, including by hosting refugees, by creating legal pathways to protection and by providing funds to the UN refugee agency. An index that accounted for all of this would make it clearer which countries are doing more or less. Evidence from other sectors suggests that governments can be incentivised to make changes in order to improve their image and reputation. For example, naming and shaming by the UN and non-governmental organizations has been found to reduce state-sponsored murder such as during civil wars, and global indices can help combat corruption. International reputation can play a role in the development of migration policies too, as we saw with the introduction of generous migration policies for Ukrainians. From safety to integration A global refugee system also requires a more cooperative, less polarized discussion about migrationone that recognizes the effect the phenomenon can have on some local communities, but also refugees' immense struggles, and European economies' need for foreign workers. More work needs to be done in host countries to help refugees integrate and avoid marginalization and discrimination. This could be through cultural exchanges between citizens and refugees, such as sport, cooking or language classes. Several studies have shown that promoting citizens' interactions with, and exposure to, migrants and refugees can enhance mutual understanding and reduce prejudice. Research suggests that sharing immigrants' individual stories, rather than figures and facts, might have a greater role in encouraging positive views of immigration. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Google Earth view of Laguna Libron, Cordillera Blanca, annotated with mass movement flow from surrounding slopes into glacial lakes, with the possible chain reaction of outburst floods into the lower lake Laguna Libron and then the valley below. Credit: Wood et al. 2024. Glacial lakes form when meltwater is trapped behind a dam, usually glacial ice, bedrock or a type of moraine (terminal types being an unconsolidated pile of debris at the maximum extent of the glacier). When a dam fails, the resulting sudden release of a large volume of water is known as an outburst flood, having catastrophic consequences on the environment and communities downstream. Such events are seemingly becoming more common as glaciers retreat and meltwater accumulates in larger and more numerous glacial lakes, due to climate change. Oftentimes, the ground shaking from earthquakes has been associated with triggering glacial lake outbursts by disrupting the integrity of the dam. The seismic activity can also trigger destabilization of surrounding slopes, resulting in avalanches of rock debris that displaces water in the dam and overtops it. However, a new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that this may not be the case and triggering processes could be much more complicated. Dr. Joanne Wood, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, and colleagues investigated glacial lakes in the tropical Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, South America, and the record of outburst events associated with earthquakes. They found that of 59 earthquakes occurring between 1900 and 2021 near glacial lakes, only one resulted in an outburst flood. Reflecting on the current global record for glacial lake outbursts triggered by earthquakes, Dr. Wood states that only 11 can be confidently linked to this association (occurring in Peru, Nepal and Switzerland), six of which are associated with a single magnitude 7.9 earthquake in May 1970 in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range of Peru, which destabilized predominantly moraine-dammed lakes. Clearly, despite the intuitive link between seismic activity destabilizing dams to cause catastrophic floods, the local Andes and global evidence so far does not empirically support the assumption. To test this further, the research team used the United States Geological Survey Catalog to identify 11,733 earthquakes of magnitude >4 and 67 temporally known glacial lake outburst floods since the beginning of 1900. These flood events were then split into four categories to determine if there was a temporal lag from a seismic trigger by assessing if they occurred on the same day as an earthquake, within a month, within six months or within a year. The scientists used this dataset to investigate four processes associated with earthquakes and why these did not trigger glacial lake outburst floods (except for the 1970 anomaly): Locations of 59 earthquakes since 1900 that intersect glacier lakes in the Peruvian and Bolivian Andes, South America. Circle colors pertain to earthquake magnitude while size is the critical distance from the epicenter. The yellow circle refers to the 1970 Cordillera Blanca earthquake that triggered six glacial lake outburst floods. Credit: Wood et al. 2024. Landslides triggering moraine overtopping: For the 1970 event, five out of the six outburst floods were triggered by mass movements, but Dr. Wood and colleagues suggest that the smaller size of glacial lakes may mean that this does not cause water displacement as much as it would in blocking a river system, for example. Shaking disturbs moraines: Seismic body waves (P and S waves traveling through Earth's inner layers) dissipate as they reach valley floors where glacier lakes occur, while surface waves may be blocked by some types of topography. Reduced shaking reaching moraines means they are less likely to collapse, and small movements may even be beneficial to reduce porosity and permeability to increase stability. Liquefaction: Loosely consolidated and water saturated sediments are susceptible to liquefaction, whereby the ground surface loses strength and overlying structures sink into it. Vulnerable sediments are comprised of course silt, fine sand and gravel, which are all generally smaller than the constituents of dam-forming moraines. Faulting: Glacier lake dams tend not to have major faults running through them to initiate points of failure and drainage, and if faults do intersect the lake, they tend to not be expressed at the surface. Considering the 1970 anomaly once more, Dr. Wood and colleagues suggest that this earthquake triggered thousands of rockfalls, rockslides and soilslides into lakes across three valleys comprised of deeply weathered granitoids that had been destabilized by frost wedging. This is the process by which water flows into cracks, freezes and causes expansion, thus opening the crack further. Beyond the water displacement theory and these being mostly moraine-dammed lakes instead of bedrock-dammed, like the rest of the Peruvian lakes, is precisely why the 1970 event was so catastrophic in terms of glacial lake outburst floods requires further investigation. However, this research is important as it challenges the conception of earthquakes as the major driver of glacial lake outburst floods, and suggests that more research needs to be conducted to determine the primary driver (potentially permafrost and structural geology) in order to help hazard assessments mitigate against the impacts on the local environment, infrastructure and communities. More information: Joanne L. Wood et al, Shaking up Assumptions: Earthquakes Have Rarely Triggered Andean Glacier Lake Outburst Floods, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL105578 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters 2024 Science X Network This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In the Roman Empire, custom taxes on spices, black pepper in particular, accounted for up to a third of the empire's annual income. During the late Middle Ages, European efforts to cut out middlemen and monopolize the spice trade led to colonization in Asia. Historically, non-timber forest products have frequently played a key role in the global economy. Today, however, non-timber forest products are neglected when the values of forests are recorded in official trade statistics. This applies both in the EU and globally. It is despite the fact that these products account for a large part of the economies of many countriesfrom medicinal plants and edible insects to nuts, berries, and herbs to materials like bamboo and latex. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that annual producer income from non-wood products is US$ 88 billionand when the added value of processing and other links in the value chain are included, the value of these products rockets up to trillions of dollars. According to Professor Carsten Smith-Hall, an economist at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Food and Resource Economics, this is a good reason to begin including forest products like ginseng, shea nuts, acai berries, baobab, and acacia gum into global trade accounts. "We estimate that roughly 30,000 different non-timber forest products are traded internationally, but less than fifty of them currently have a commodity code. We're talking about goods worth enormous sums of money that are not being recorded in official statisticsand are therefore invisible. This means that the countries and communities that deliver these goods do not earn enough from them, in part because there is no investment in local processing companies," says Smith-Hall, a world-leading bioeconomy researcher. He adds, "Because we underestimate the role of these goods, we're wasting clear opportunities to combat poverty. These goods contribute significantly to food security, health, and employment in large parts of the world, especially in lowand middle-income countries." Smith-Hall and James Chamberlain from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have written a commentary in the journal Forest Policy and Economics, in which they argue for the great, though yet to be realized, potential. Adding value Examples of valuable products that go unrecorded but are traded in informal markets are numerous. One of these is caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), a fungus that infects and then erupts from the heads of mummified moth larvae. On the Tibetan plateau and in the Himalayas, people collect the medicinal mushroom that they call yartsa gunbualso known as the Viagra of the Himalayasat every opportunity. "Caterpillar fungus is exported to China, where it is sold as an aphrodisiac and traditional medicine. Rural gatherers can sell it for about 11,500 per kilo. It fights poverty and helps transform local communities. That is, it allows people to send their children to better schools and build new houses. But because the trade goes unrecorded, local communities aren't getting what they could out of the product," says Smith-Hall. The professor goes on to explain that the consequence of products like these not appearing in official trade accounts is that they are ignored in important contexts: "The products are not prioritized when funds are allocated for the development of industries and new technology. This means that many countries are missing out on the huge sums of money involved in the processing of a product in the country where a raw material is harvested. Processing is where you really see value being added to a product." Another major consequence is that non-timber products are ignored when developing policies for how natural resources should be managed. Though official registries could also serve biodiversity, Smith-Hall points out: "Many of these products appear on various red lists because they are believed to be overexploited. In such cases, investment may be needed to develop cultivation technology, as opposed to harvesting them in the wild. But when investors and decision-makers aren't aware of the importance of a product, the money ends up elsewhere." Focus and systematize According to the researchers, one of the obstacles standing in the way of non-timber products being included in trade accounts today is the overwhelmingly large number of products. It is a concern for which they have advice. "There is a general perception among researchers and public agencies that there are simply too many products to manage. But if you list the economically important products in a country, ones that are traded in large quantities, you can shorten the list from, for example, 2,000 items to perhaps only fifteen. This lets people know which species to take an interest in and where to focus research and technological investments better. For example, in relation to developing cultivation techniques," says Smith-Hall. Furthermore, the researchers recommend establishing systematic data collection at local, national, and global levels of the volumes traded and prices fetched. They point out that tools have already been developed for this and could be made more widely available. "We have a huge untapped potential here that can contribute to tackling extreme poverty and at the same time conserving nature and biodiversity. But this requires us to broaden our horizons and not just maintain the traditional focus on timber as the only important forest resource," Smith-Hall concludes. More information: James Chamberlain et al, Harnessing the full potential of a global forest-based bioeconomy through non-timber products: Beyond logs, biotechnology, and high-income countries, Forest Policy and Economics (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.forpol.2023.103105 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: Road density in the tropical Asia-Pacific region is much higher than indicated by available global datasets. a, The study region, comprising part or all of Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea (the yellow triangle shows the location of inset panels ce). b, Cumulative plots comparing the total length of roads and proportion of land potentially affected by roads in this study versus data from OSM and GRIP. ce, Mapped roads in a landscape in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, as shown by GRIP (c; blue lines, imagery circa 2018), OSM (d; red lines, circa 2020) and this study (e; black lines, circa 2019), respectively. Credit: Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07303-5 Researchers mapping tropical forests have found many more roads than declared by official sources, which is raising fears of a huge increase in environmental degradation as the pace of road building increases. James Cook University's Distinguished Professor Bill Laurance recently co-authored a study published in Nature in which more than 200 trained volunteers closely examined satellite pictures of 1.42 million square kilometers of the Borneo, Sumatra and New Guinea islands. Professor Laurance said roads served important functions, but without effective planning and law enforcement they could unleash a Pandora's box of environmental ills and societal challenges. "Informally or illicitly constructed 'ghost roads' can be bulldozed tracks in logged forests, roads in palm-oil plantations and other roads missing from existing road datasets for various reasons," said Professor Laurance. "They're being constructed by a range of people, including legal or illegal agriculturalists, miners, loggers, land grabbers, land speculators and drug traffickers." He said researchers discovered 3 to 6.6 times more roads in the areas studied than were shown in leading global-road datasets. "This aligns with findings from earlier studies in other developing nations such as Cameroon and the Solomon Islands and from the Brazilian Amazon. "By sharply increasing access to formerly remote natural areas, unregulated road development is triggering dramatic increases in environmental disruption due to activities such as logging, mining and land-clearing." Jayden Engert, a doctoral student at JCU and lead author of the study, said across the study area, road building almost always preceded local forest loss. "Road density was by far the strongest correlate of deforestation out of 38 potential biophysical and socioeconomic variables," Engert said. According to Professor Laurance, increasing roads were probably the most important direct threat to tropical forests globally. "There are some 25 million kilometers of new paved roads expected by mid-century and 90 % of all road construction is happening in developing nations, including many tropical and subtropical regions with exceptional biodiversity," said Professor Laurance. "Worryingly, our new findings show that the extent and length of roads in the tropical Asia-Pacific is severely underestimated, with many roads being out of government control. "In these findings, nature is the big loser." More information: Jayden E. Engert et al, Ghost roads and the destruction of Asia-Pacific tropical forests, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07303-5 Journal information: Nature This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The moon over Tokyo on September 10, 2022. A lucky Japanese astronaut will become the first non-American to set foot on the moon during one of NASA's upcoming Artemis missions, US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday. The offer to Japanan opportunity many nations have long dreamed ofcame as part of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's state visit, and as Washington seeks to strengthen ties with its key Asian ally. "Two Japanese astronauts will join future American missions, and one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon," Biden said in a press conference with Kishida. Kishida hailed the announcement as a "huge achievement" and announced that Japan would in return supply a rover for the program. NASA's Artemis program seeks to return humans to the moon for the first time in over 50 years, and to build a sustained lunar presence ahead of potential missions to Mars. Between 1969 and 1972, the US Apollo program saw 12 Americansall white menwalk on the moon. NASA previously announced that the Artemis program would see the first woman and the first person of color land on the moon. "America will no longer walk on the moon alone," NASA chief Bill Nelson said in a video published on social media. "Diplomacy is good for discovery. And discovery is good for diplomacy," he added. The first mission to take astronauts to the lunar surface, Artemis 3, is planned for 2026. China meanwhile has said it seeks to put humans on the moon by 2030. Japan's space agency JAXA is "extremely happy" about the announcement, a spokesman told AFP. "We will do our best to implement the agreement," including developing the rover for the program, he said. Japan-US cooperation Tokyo and Washington have worked together in the space sector for years, notably collaborating on operations at the International Space Station (ISS). And this year, Japan became the fifth country to succeed in landing a spacecraft on the moon, with its SLIM craft touching down in January. In a joint media release, the United States and Japan clarified that a Japanese national would land on the moon "assuming important benchmarks are achieved," without clarifying further. The lunar rover provided by Japan in return will be pressurized, meaning astronauts can travel farther and work for longer periods on the lunar surface, according to the statement. It added that the pressurized rover will accommodate two astronauts in the "mobile habitat and laboratory" for up to 30 days as they explore the area near the lunar South Pole. NASA currently plans to use the rover on the future Artemis 7 mission, followed by subsequent missions over a 10-year lifespan. European contribution The European Space Agency (ESA) has three seats reserved for future Artemis missions in exchange for technological contributions to the program. However, it is still unclear whether European astronauts will have the chance to step foot on the moon or just fly around it. Daniel Neuenschwander, director of human and robotic exploration at the ESA, said these details of the agreement with NASA were still "subject to further discussions." Neuenschwander added in a phone interview with AFP on Wednesday that he could "perfectly understand" the cooperation between the United States and Japan, acknowledging "geostrategic" motives for the agreement. The Artemis space program was inaugurated in 2022 with Artemis 1, which successfully flew an uncrewed vessel around the moon. Artemis 2 is planned for 2025 and will send four astronauts around the moon without landing. The crew will consist of three Americans and a Canadian, who are currently in training. The first crewed landing on the moon will be Artemis 3, currently scheduled for 2026. NASA has not yet announced who will take part in the mission. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: HFB-produced NK92 cells yielded large quantities of small NK92-EVs. Credit: Journal of Extracellular Vesicles (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12387 A team of uOttawa Faculty of Medicine researchers have developed a path to a biomanufacturing process that could potentially transform how Canada generates immunotherapeutic materialsspecifically natural killer cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs)to fuel tomorrow's novel cancer treatments. How does it work? Their proof-of-concept study focuses on using a hollow-fiber bioreactora type of high-density cell culture system that's bundled in a small cartridge containing thousands of semipermeable fibers. The team's method detailed in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles would allow scientists to generate a continuous flow of cell-derived immunotherapeutics without compromising the materials' quality and anti-cancer characteristics. This could significantly boost the feasibility of setting up cost-effective biomanufacturing production systems here in Canada, according to Dr. Jessie Lavoie, one of the study's senior authors. Dr. Lavoie says cell and EV therapies require large amounts of high-quality materials for pre-clinical and clinical investigationand access to low-cost and continuous closed systems is crucial for meeting these requirements. "Drug innovators in Canada are driven by scientists in academic centers and small biotechnology companies, making it imperative to have efficient and cost-effective solutions," says Dr. Lavoie, an adjunct professor at the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine and a research scientist at Health Canada. This proof-of-concept study is just the latest work from the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine, establishing new horizons in EVs and immunotherapy research. In recent years, the Faculty's broad research community has emerged as a true innovator in this dynamic area, making new discoveries with potentially broad impact. Dr. Lisheng Wang, a professor in the Faculty's Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology and the study's other senior author, says the biomanufacturing workflow detailed in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles could prove to be a game changer down the line since it can potentially offer new options for drug developers exploring cost-effective ways to develop and advance innovative therapies. Drs Lavoie and Wang say employing hollow-fiber bioreactors is promising for biomanufacturing EVs at scale, yielding far more material than conventional flask-based methods. When choosing a bioreactor system, the team considered systems that would be affordable for most laboratories, including academic centers, which are big drivers in the development of cell therapy products in Canada. Ultimately, they chose the hollow-fiber bioreactor from Fiber Cell Systems. More information: Frederic StDenisBissonnette et al, A clinically relevant largescale biomanufacturing workflow to produce natural killer cells and natural killer cellderived extracellular vesicles for cancer immunotherapy, Journal of Extracellular Vesicles (2023). DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12387 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: Advocates of hydrogen power say it could help wean us off fossil fuels, but a key ingredient in its production tends to break down. New imaging research could help explain why, and help extend the lifetime of devices needed to turn hydrogen green. Credit: Justin Cook Left unchecked, corrosion can rust out cars and pipes, take down buildings and bridges, and eat away at our monuments. Corrosion can also damage devices that could be key to a clean energy future. And now, Duke University researchers have captured extreme close-ups of that process in action. "By studying how and why renewable energy devices break down over time, we might be able to extend their lifetime," said chemistry professor and senior author Ivan Moreno-Hernandez. In his lab at Duke sits a miniature version of one such device. Called an electrolyzer, it separates hydrogen out of water, using electricity to power the reaction. When the electricity to power electrolysis comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar, the hydrogen gas it churns out is considered a promising source of clean fuel, because it takes no fossil fuels to produce and it burns without creating any planet-warming carbon dioxide. A number of countries have plans to scale up their production of so-called "green hydrogen" to help curb their dependence on fossil fuels, particularly in industries like steel- and cement-making. But before hydrogen can go mainstream, some big obstacles need to be overcome. It might look like little more than a dark speck, but this tiny crystal of ruthenium dioxideshown here in the process of corrodingcould be one of the keys to a clean energy future: It turns water into hydrogen. Using nanoscale imaging techniques, Duke researchers are trying to understand why these catalysts break down and lose activity over time. Credit: Avery Vigil, Duke chemistry. Journal of the American Chemical Society (2024). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13709 Part of the trouble is electrolyzers require rare metal catalysts to function, and these are prone to corrosion. They're not the same after a year of operation than they were in the beginning. In a study published April 10 in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Moreno-Hernandez and his Ph.D. student Avery Vigil used a technique called liquid phase transmission electron microscopy to study the complex chemical reactions that go on between these catalysts and their environment that cause them to decay. You might remember from high school that to make hydrogen gas, an electrolyzer splits water into its constituent hydrogen and oxygen molecules. For the current study, the team focused on a catalyst called ruthenium dioxide that speeds up the oxygen half of the reaction, since that's the bottleneck in the process. "We essentially put these materials through a stress test," Vigil said. They zapped nanocrystals of ruthenium dioxide with high-energy radiation, and then watched the changes wrought by the acidic environment inside the cell. To take pictures of such tiny objects, they used a transmission electron microscope, which shoots a beam of electrons through nanocrystals suspended inside a super-thin pocket of liquid to create time-lapse images of the chemistry taking place at 10 frames per second. The result: desktop-worthy close-ups of virus-sized crystals, more than a thousand times finer than a human hair, as they get oxidized and dissolve into the acidic liquid around them. "We're actually able to see the process of this catalyst breaking down with nanoscale resolution," Moreno-Hernandez said. Over the course of five minutes, the crystals broke down fast enough to "render a real device useless in a matter of hours," Vigil said. Zooming in hundreds of thousands of times, the videos reveal subtle defects in the crystals' 3D shapes that create areas of strain, causing some to break down faster than others. By minimizing such imperfections, the researchers say it could one day be possible to design renewable energy devices that last two to three times longer than they currently do. "So instead of being stable for, say, two years, an electrolyzer could last six years. That could have a massive impact on renewable technologies," Moreno-Hernandez said. More information: S. Avery Vigil et al, Dissolution Heterogeneity Observed in Anisotropic Ruthenium Dioxide Nanocrystals via Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2024). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13709 Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: NASA's PACE satellite's Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) detects light across a hyperspectral range, which gives scientists new information to differentiate communities of phytoplanktona unique ability of NASA's newest Earth-observing satellite. This first image released from OCI identifies two different communities of these microscopic marine organisms in the ocean off the coast of South Africa on Feb. 28, 2024. The central panel of this image shows Synechococcus in pink and picoeukaryotes in green. The left panel of this image shows a natural color view of the ocean, and the right panel displays the concentration of chlorophyll-a, a photosynthetic pigment used to identify the presence of phytoplankton. Credit: NASA NASA is now publicly distributing science-quality data from its newest Earth-observing satellite, providing first-of-their-kind measurements of ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate. The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite was launched on Feb. 8, and has been put through several weeks of in-orbit testing of the spacecraft and instruments to ensure proper functioning and data quality. The mission is gathering data that the public now can access here. PACE data will allow researchers to study microscopic life in the ocean and particles in the air, advancing the understanding of issues including fisheries health, harmful algal blooms, air pollution, and wildfire smoke. With PACE, scientists also can investigate how the ocean and atmosphere interact with each other and are affected by a changing climate. PACEs OCI instrument also collects data that can be used to study atmospheric conditions. The top three panels of this OCI image depicting dust from Northern Africa carried into the Mediterranean Sea, show data that scientists have been able to collect in the past using satellite instruments--true color images, aerosol optical depth, and the UV aerosol index. The bottom two images visualize novel pieces of data that will help scientists create more accurate climate models. Single-Scattering Albedo (SSA) tells the fraction of light scattered or absorbed, which will be used to improve climate models. Aerosol Layer Height tells how low to the ground or high in the atmosphere aerosols are, which aids in understanding air quality. Credit: NASA/UMBC "These stunning images are furthering NASA's commitment to protect our home planet," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "PACE's observations will give us a better understanding of how our oceans and waterways, and the tiny organisms that call them home, impact Earth. From coastal communities to fisheries, NASA is gathering critical climate data for all people." "First light from the PACE mission is a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to better understand our changing planet. Earth is a water planet, and yet we know more about the surface of the moon than we do our own oceans. PACE is one of several key missionsincluding SWOT and our upcoming NISAR missionthat are opening a new age of Earth science," said Karen St. Germain, NASA Earth Science Division director. The satellite's Ocean Color Instrument, which was built and managed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, observes the ocean, land, and atmosphere across a spectrum of ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared light. While previous ocean color satellites could only detect a handful of wavelengths, PACE is detecting more than 200 wavelengths. With this extensive spectral range, scientists can identify specific communities of phytoplankton. Different species play different roles in the ecosystem and carbon cyclemost are benign, but some are harmful to human healthso distinguishing phytoplankton communities is a key mission of the satellite. Early data from the SPEXone polarimeter instrument aboard PACE show aerosols in a diagonal swath over Japan on Mar. 16, 2024, and Ethiopia on Mar. 6, 2024. In the top two panels, lighter colors represent a higher fraction of polarized light. In the bottom panels, SPEXone data has been used to differentiate between fine aerosols, like smoke, and coarse aerosols, like dust and sea spray. SPEXone data can also measure how much aerosols are absorbing light from the sun. Above Ethiopia, the data show mostly fine particles absorbing sunlight, which is typical for smoke from biomass burning. In Japan, there are also fine aerosols, but without the same absorption. This indicates urban pollution from Tokyo, blown toward the ocean and mixed with sea salt. The SPEXone polarization observations are displayed on a background true color image from another of PACE's instruments, OCI. Credit: SRON PACE's two multi-angle polarimeters, HARP2 and SPEXone, measure polarized light that has reflected off clouds and tiny particles in the atmosphere. These particles, known as aerosols, can range from dust to smoke to sea spray and more. The two polarimeters are complementary in their capabilities. SPEXone, built at the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and Airbus Netherlands B.V., will view Earth in hyperspectral resolutiondetecting all the colors of the rainbowat five different viewing angles. HARP2, built at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), will observe four wavelengths of light, with 60 different viewing angles. With these data, scientists will be able to measure cloud propertieswhich are important for understanding climateand monitor, analyze, and identify atmospheric aerosols to better inform the public about air quality. Scientists will also be able to learn how aerosols interact with clouds and influence cloud formation, which is essential to creating accurate climate models. Early images from PACE's HARP2 polarimeter captured data on clouds over the west coast of South America on Mar. 11, 2024. The polarimetry data can be used to determine information about the cloud droplets that make up the cloudbowa rainbow produced by sunlight reflected by cloud droplets instead of rain droplets. Scientists can learn how the clouds respond to man-made pollution and other aerosols and can measure the size of the cloud droplets with this polarimetry data. Credit: UMBC "We've been dreaming of PACE-like imagery for over two decades. It's surreal to finally see the real thing," said Jeremy Werdell, PACE project scientist at NASA Goddard. "The data from all three instruments are of such high quality that we can start distributing it publicly two months from launch, and I'm proud of our team for making that happen. These data will not only positively impact our everyday lives by informing on air quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems, but also change how we view our home planet over time." The PACE mission is managed by NASA Goddard, which also built and tested the spacecraft and the ocean color instrument. The Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter #2 (HARP2) was designed and built by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) was developed and built by a Dutch consortium led by Netherlands Institute for Space Research, Airbus Defence, and Space Netherlands. Provided by NASA The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is asking for help identifying a man they say chased a girl walking to a friend's house after school. Tetra Images/Getty Images/Tetra images RF Sheriffs deputies are looking for a man they say exposed himself to a child and then chased after her in northwestern Bexar County. According to a social media post, a 9-year-old girl was walking to a friends house after school when a man in a yellow car pulled up beside her and exposed himself. The incident happened in the 4600 block of Jesse Bowman Street. The girl said the man chased her, but she escaped by running inside a house. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The sheriffs office released a video of the car turning a corner and asked for the publics help finding him. 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 cargo ship passes through the Panama Canal. Panama on Wednesday unveiled plans for a "dry canal" to move cargo between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans due to low water levels in its century-old maritime channel. The Panama Canal usually handles about six percent of global maritime trade, but a drought caused by climate change and the El Nino phenomenon has forced authorities to limit the number of ships passing through. The Multimodal Dry Canal project will use existing roads, railways, port facilities, airports and duty-free zones in a new "special customs jurisdiction," said Rodolfo Samuda, director of logistics at the ministry of the presidency. It will not require any investment thanks to its use of existing infrastructure, he said at the presentation of the project. A decree simplifying procedures for transporting cargo by land across the isthmus has already been declared by President Laurentino Cortizo. The project aims "to complement the Panama Canal" and resolve the problems facing its users, said Guillermo Salazar, director of the country's state development planning institute. Now 27 ships navigate the Panama Canal each day, compared with 39 previously. Unlike the Suez Canal, it uses fresh water provided by previously abundant tropical rains stored in two artificial lakes, which are also a crucial source of drinking water. The canalused mainly by customers from the United States, China, Japan and South Koreahas a system of locks to raise and lower ships. For each vessel that passes through it, 200 million liters of fresh water are released into the sea. The capacity restrictions have caused a marine traffic jam on some days of more than 100 ships waiting to enter the 50-mile (80-kilometer) waterway, which was inaugurated in 1914. To avoid a delay, some vessels paid up to four million dollars for a slot in an auction, in addition to the usual toll. The problems are seen as potential economic opportunity by some of Panama's neighbors. In December, Mexico unveiled an interoceanic railway billed as an alternative to the canal. Honduras presented an ambitious project for a freight railroad between the Pacific and the Atlantic in February, although it currently lacks the financing to build it. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A light microscopy image shows the marine haptophyte algae Braarudosphaera bigelowii with a black arrow pointing to the nitroplast organelle. Credit: Tyler Coale Modern biology textbooks assert that only bacteria can take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that is usable for life. Plants that fix nitrogen, such as legumes, do so by harboring symbiotic bacteria in root nodules. But a recent discovery upends that rule. In two recent papers, an international team of scientists describes the first known nitrogen-fixing organelle within a eukaryotic cell. The organelle is the fourth example in history of primary endosymbiosisthe process by which a prokaryotic cell is engulfed by a eukaryotic cell and evolves beyond symbiosis into an organelle. "It's very rare that organelles arise from these types of things," said Tyler Coale, a postdoctoral scholar at UC Santa Cruz and first author on one of two recent papers. "The first time we think it happened, it gave rise to all complex life. Everything more complicated than a bacterial cell owes its existence to that event," he said, referring to the origins of the mitochondria. "A billion years ago or so, it happened again with the chloroplast, and that gave us plants," Coale said. The third known instance involves a microbe similar to a chloroplast. The newest discovery is the first example of a nitrogen-fixing organelle, which the researchers are calling a nitroplast. A decades-long mystery The discovery of the organelle involved a bit of luck and decades of work. In 1998, Jonathan Zehr, a UC Santa Cruz distinguished professor of marine sciences, found a short DNA sequence of what appeared to be from an unknown nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium in Pacific Ocean seawater. Zehr and colleagues spent years studying the mystery organism, which they called UCYN-A. At the same time, Kyoko Hagino, a paleontologist at Kochi University in Japan, was painstakingly trying to culture a marine alga. It turned out to be the host organism for UCYN-A. It took her over 300 sampling expeditions and more than a decade, but Hagino eventually successfully grew the alga in culture, allowing other researchers to begin studying UCYN-A and its marine alga host together in the lab. For years, the scientists considered UCYN-A an endosymbiont that was closely associated with an alga. But the two recent papers suggest that UCYN-A has co-evolved with its host past symbiosis and now fits criteria for an organelle. Organelle origins In a paper published in Cell in March 2024, Zehr and colleagues from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Institut de Ciencies del Mar in Barcelona and the University of Rhode Island show that the size ratio between UCYN-A and their algal hosts is similar across different species of the marine haptophyte algae Braarudosphaera bigelowii. The researchers use a model to demonstrate that the growth of the host cell and UCYN-A are controlled by the exchange of nutrients. Their metabolisms are linked. This synchronization in growth rates led the researchers to call UCYN-A "organelle-like." "That's exactly what happens with organelles," said Zehr. "If you look at the mitochondria and the chloroplast, it's the same thing: they scale with the cell." A soft x-ray tomography image shows B. bigelowii cell division, with the nitroplasts (UCYN-A) in cyan. Credit: Valentina Loconte But the scientists did not confidently call UCYN-A an organelle until confirming other lines of evidence. In the cover article of the journal Science, published today, Zehr, Coale, Kendra Turk-Kubo and Wing Kwan Esther Mak from UC Santa Cruz, and collaborators from the University of California, San Francisco, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, National Taiwan Ocean University, and Kochi University in Japan show that UCYN-A imports proteins from its host cells. "That's one of the hallmarks of something moving from an endosymbiont to an organelle," said Zehr. "They start throwing away pieces of DNA, and their genomes get smaller and smaller, and they start depending on the mother cell for those gene productsor the protein itselfto be transported into the cell." Coale worked on the proteomics for the study. He compared the proteins found within isolated UCYN-A with those found in the entire algal host cell. He found that the host cell makes proteins and labels them with a specific amino acid sequence, which tells the cell to send them to the nitroplast. The nitroplast then imports the proteins and uses them. Coale identified the function of some of the proteins, and they fill gaps in certain pathways within UCYN-A. "It's kind of like this magical jigsaw puzzle that actually fits together and works," said Zehr. In the same paper, researchers from UCSF show that UCYN-A replicates in synchrony with the alga cell and is inherited like other organelles. Changing perspectives These independent lines of evidence leave little doubt that UCYN-A has surpassed the role of a symbiont. And while mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved billions of years ago, the nitroplast appears to have evolved about 100 million years ago, providing scientists with a new, more recent perspective on organellogenesis. The organelle also provides insight into ocean ecosystems. All organisms need nitrogen in a biologically usable form, and UCYN-A is globally important for its ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Researchers have found it everywhere from the tropics to the Arctic Ocean, and it fixes a significant amount of nitrogen. "It's not just another player," said Zehr. The discovery also has the potential to change agriculture. The ability to synthesize ammonia fertilizers from atmospheric nitrogen allowed agricultureand the world populationto take off in the early 20th century. Known as the Haber-Bosch process, it makes possible about 50% of the world's food production. It also creates enormous amounts of carbon dioxide: about 1.4% of global emissions come from the process. For decades, researchers have tried to figure out a way to incorporate natural nitrogen fixation into agriculture. "This system is a new perspective on nitrogen fixation, and it might provide clues into how such an organelle could be engineered into crop plants," said Coale. But plenty of questions about UCYN-A and its algal host remain unanswered. The researchers plan to delve deeper into how UCYN-A and the alga operate and study different strains. Kendra Turk-Kubo, an assistant professor at UC Santa Cruz, will continue the research in her new lab. Zehr expects scientists will find other organisms with evolutionary stories similar to UCYN-A, but as the first of its kind, this discovery is one for the textbooks. More information: Tyler H. Coale et al, Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adk1075 Ramon Massana, The nitroplast: A nitrogen-fixing organelle, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.ado8571 , www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado8571 Francisco M. Cornejo-Castillo et al, Metabolic trade-offs constrain the cell size ratio in a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.016 Journal information: Science , Cell This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Southern Keeled Octopus hatchling, a study species for the aging guide. Credit: Erica Durante Octopuses have been around for hundreds of millions of years, but did you know that most only live for a few years, dying soon after mating or laying eggs? Until now that hasn't been a problem, but octopus catches have doubled in recent decades as the world strives to meet the nutritional demands of a rising global population. How do we ensure octopus fisheries remain sustainable, protecting the longevity of this ancient animal while guaranteeing the world doesn't go hungry? An accurate, reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use method to determine an octopus's age and estimate how fast they grow and reproduce is a good starting point. A team of Australian scientists has now developed the world's first step-by-step practical guide to aging octopus, published in the Marine and Freshwater Research Journal. Using growth rings on octopuses' beaks and stylets (internal shells near their gills) to validate their age, University of South Australia marine scientists have created a practical aging tool for people managing and assessing octopus fisheries. "Over the past 30 years, various studies have explored different methods to age octopus, but only a small number of researchers worldwide have the hands-on knowledge to execute these methods in the laboratory," says UniSA marine ecologist Dr. Zoe Doubleday. "It's critical that we don't lose this practical scientific knowledge because by determining their age, we can understand the impact of different rates of fishing on the population." The guide was developed by UniSA Ph.D. student Erica Durante and research assistant Louise Hosking under the supervision of Dr. Doubleday. It formed part of a larger study led by Dr. Karina Hall of NSW Department of Primary Industries. "Understanding an octopus's age helps to keep fisheries sustainable," Durante says. "If you know a species' age, you can estimate how fast they grow and reproduce and how much you can catch to keep a fishery sustainable." "Age data also tells us how long it takes for an animal to mature, so you don't end up fishing out immature octopus before they breed. Age is also important for the general conservation and management of a species, whether it is fished or not." Many species of animals are aged by counting growth rings in their tissues (similar to tree rings), although it's a little trickier with octopus because their rings represent days, not years, and methods need to be customized for each species. An estimated 400,000 octopus are harvested from around 90 countries annually and this number is expected to increase, putting pressure on octopus stocks worldwide. "By publishing this guide and making the knowledge accessible to anyone, we can help keep fisheries sustainable and ensure this incredible animal continues to survive and thrive," Dr. Doubleday says. More information: A step-by-step guide to ageing octopus,Marine and Freshwater Research Journal. DOI: 10.1071/MF23159 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: Graphic depicting protein degradation. Credit: Credit: ACS Chemical Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00616 Researchers have discovered ways to convert inhibitor-style targeted cancer drugs into small molecules known as degraders, which help destroy cancer-promoting proteins in cells. The scientists selected molecules known to inhibit certain proteinsstopping their functionand modified them in various ways to convert them into protein degraders, which break down the protein. Other scientists can now replicate this novel approach to develop and optimize a range of protein degraders. In the long term, this may help with making existing cancer treatments more effective and creating new treatments to target different proteins involved in cancer, including proteins that may previously have been considered "undruggable." The research, which was led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, is published in ACS Chemical Biology. The need to optimize targeted protein degradation Scientists worldwide have been investigating targeted protein degradation as a way to eliminate specific proteins known to play a part in the development or progression of cancer. Cells naturally break down damaged or unnecessary proteins, and it is possible to hijack this process by introducing the right drug molecules so that the cells destroy cancer proteins. The ICR is committed to researching targeted protein degradation as a way to discover new cancer treatments. In 2022, a major philanthropic donation made it possible to open a new Center for Protein Degradation within the ICR's Center for Cancer Drug Discovery. Researchers have already achieved some success using proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). These bind to both the protein of interest and an enzyme called an E3 ubiquitin ligase to bring the two close together. The enzyme then labels the protein with ubiquitin, which marks it for destruction by the cell. However, the relatively high molecular weight of PROTACs limits their use, as they do not dissolve well in water and can struggle to enter cells in a high enough concentration to be effective. Conversely, if the concentration becomes too high, the PROTACs all bind to only one of the two compoundsthe enzyme or the target proteinrather than both, meaning protein degradation is incomplete. A more recent discovery has been the use of monovalent degraders, often referred to as molecular glues. These work in a similar way to PROTACs, but they chemically modify the surface of either the enzyme or the target protein so that the two can directly bind. These compounds overcome the limitations of PROTACs because they are smaller and still effective at higher concentrations. A molecular glue drug, discovered following a program of research at the ICR, is already in early phase clinical trials. Turning inhibitors into degraders Wanting to understand the link between the chemical structure of molecular glues and how they behaveknown as the structure-activity relationship (SAR)the researchers behind the current study decided to use a known monovalent degrader called CR8 as a starting point. CR8 inhibits all cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which have multiple roles in tumor development, but it also degrades the protein cyclin K, which promotes cancer signaling pathways. Previous research has shown that CR8 binds to CDK12 and an E3 ligase component called damaged DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1). This allows the cell to break down cyclin K bound to CDK12. Armed with this information, the team tried replacing the pyridine in CR8 with a broad range of substitutes. They first tried using simple groups, including fluorine, methyl and hydroxy, before moving on to more complex formations to determine how these changes affected degradation ability. In the second part of the study, the researchers applied their increased understanding of degrader SAR to other CDK-inhibitors to determine whether their findings were transferable. They found that molecular components that induced protein degradation could be used to convert multiple different inhibitors into degraders. They also identified certain substitutes that led to improved degradation. First author Katie Thomas, a Ph.D. student in the Division of Cancer Therapeutics at the ICR, said, "It was surprising to see that such a wide range of groups could be used to induce cyclin K degradation. This means that the interaction interface between degrader bound-CDK12 and DDB1 does not need to be perfectly optimized for degradation to occur. This is promising for the future of using monovalent glues as therapeutic modalitiesit will help us progress molecules from discovery through to optimization." Degraders are more effective than inhibitors Protein kinase inhibitors have been used in cancer treatment for more than two decades. They work by blocking the action of protein kinases, enzymes that control the function of proteins and can lead to unregulated cell growth if they become mutated. Although these treatments can work well, there is a risk of the cancer becoming resistant to them. This is because inhibitors obstruct cancer-related proteins rather than destroying them, and the tumor cells can sometimes reactivate them. In addition, when some protein kinases are blocked by inhibitors, the cell compensates by using other kinases to perform the same actions. Getting rid of the proteins entirely through protein degradation removes these risks. A foundation for further work This study serves as a starting point for other researchers who are looking to design molecular glues, identify promising protein targets for degradation and develop new molecules that can function as degrader therapies. Thomas said, "We hypothesize that other small molecule inhibitors could be converted into degraders through the addition of certain groups. Our team is currently exploring whether certain groups can be joined to other types of kinase inhibitors to turn them into monovalent degraders. Work is also underway to determine whether these compounds can degrade other proteins." In theory, once researchers have gained a full understanding of degrader SAR, it will be possible to remove a range of cancer-promoting proteins across different types of cancer. This approach could, therefore, open the door to new effective cancer treatments. Corresponding author Dr. Benjamin Bellenie, Senior Staff Scientist in the Division of Cancer Therapeutics at the ICR, said, "This study has significantly improved our understanding around the design of monovalent degraders. We have focused specifically on cyclin K degraders and need to work out whether we can replicate this approach for new targets. However, we believe that our research could enable future drug discoveries." More information: Katie L. Thomas et al, Degradation by Design: New Cyclin K Degraders from Old CDK Inhibitors, ACS Chemical Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00616 Journal information: ACS Chemical Biology 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: Food Research International (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113828 Research involving the University of the Basque Country has resulted in a methodology to reliably and objectively analyze the sensory characteristics of wine. This is a standard tool that uses a single methodology to analyze the gustatory, olfactory and visual properties of different types of wine from the 11 Catalan designations of origin, and which can easily be applied to other designations of origin. The study is published in the journal Food Research International. For a wine to be awarded the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) certification, it has to meet certain requirements (e.g., geographical, production, physico-chemical and sensory, etc.). The European regulation establishing these conditions was renewed in 2013, and since then the sensory characteristics of each type of wine produced in a PDO must be explicitly stated in the specifications. The incorporation of this regulatory requirement entailed the need to set up laboratories and methods that would allow reliable sensory analysis of the gustatory, olfactory and visual characteristics of wines to be made, so that they could be verified by the corresponding competent body. Given that sensory characteristics are perceived through the senses, one of the challenges facing the industry was to make the methods of analysis as objective as possible. And what was of interest at the same time was that a method did not have to be developed for each type of wine. In other words, that there should be a standard tool that could be used to evaluate different wine products. At that time it did not exist and, even today, no internationally harmonized method is used, unlike other products with designation of origin, such as virgin olive oil, for example. In this context, in collaboration with the Catalan Institute of Vines and Wines (INCAVI) and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA), the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) has made a major contribution: it has developed a standard methodology for the sensory analysis of wine from the 11 Catalan designations of origin. When the project was launched in 2016, there was only one sensory analysis method in Spain. It had been developed by the Laboratory of Sensorial Analysis of the University of the Basque Country (LASEHU) to analyze two specific types of wine: unoaked red wine from the Rioja Alavesa region and white Txakoli. "We had 37 types of wine grouped into 11 PDOs. So coming up with a model for each of them was not feasible; so we decided to propose a different strategy that was less specific to a particular type of wine," explained Anna Gomis-Bellmunt, one of the authors of the study. The methodology they developed includes a validated protocol for selecting the tasters to form the evaluation panel. The research team also managed to select and reach consensus on the descriptive profile in accordance with the specifications of the 11 Catalan PDOs for the different types of wine. Anna Gomis stressed that, among other things, they defined some imprecise terms commonly used in the sector. "Some specifications included hedonic terms, such as joyful, elegant, frank, kind.... You can't measure the kindness or joy of a wine." To put an end to the ambiguity, they specified that for a wine to be joyful, for example, it must have a specific acidity and citrus, floral and aromatic herb notes. Step by step, a methodology for the olfactory, gustatory and visual evaluation of wine under controlled and reproducible conditions was specified and agreed upon. And references were also developed and validated for the attributes that make up the descriptive profile. In other words, if among the olfactory characteristics, one of the attributes that some wines must have is the aroma of cherry, an aroma reference was created to facilitate the training of tasters and thus guarantee the correct functioning of the panel of tasters. Finally, a quick and efficient method was specified and validated to check that the panel of tasters was functioning correctly. A methodology with multiple applications In addition to meeting the specific objective for which it was created, in other words, that the research should come up with an objective, reliable method for the sensory analysis of the 11 Catalan designations of origin, a tool that can easily be applied to other PDOs was developed. Moreover, it is already being used for a variety of purposes that were not envisaged. "We are seeing that it is a very powerful tool for the producers themselves in terms of innovation or their own monitoring, or for scientific research," said Gomis-Bellmunt. The work can also contribute towards facilitating the creation of an internationally harmonized method. This is something that the researcher regards as important, given that "it would allow sensory analysis laboratories to speak the same language." More information: Anna Gomis-Bellmunt et al, Sensory evaluation of Protected Designation of origin Wines: Development of olfactive descriptive profile and references, Food Research International (2023). DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113828 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 Swifts need two things. Safe, dry, nest holes high up on walls and lots of flying insects to eatbut both are in decreasing supply. Nice, neat roof lines on modern housing, free from cracks and crevices, do not make for good swift hospitality. Campaigners are calling for the widespread installation of swift boxes or bricks in new builds to provide safe nesting spaces for these migratory birds to raise their chicks. Studies show that these bricks work. Swifts are attracted to them and occupancy rates can be high. But research indicates that these bricks and boxes alone may not be enough to support the struggling swift population. Despite the provision of large numbers of boxes across the country, figures from the annual breeding bird survey (published by the British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB and Joint Nature Conservation Committee) show a continued decline60% over the last 25 years. In 2022, in collaboration with researchers from RSPB and Rothamsted Research, I analyzed data on swifts held in the archives of the British Trust for Ornithology. This study considered the whole life cycle, looking not only at nesting success, but also mortality rates. We found that, although data on nest success is limited, there was little evidence that a change over time was causing the decline. Flying aphids form a major food source for swifts, so an apparent long-term decline in aphid numbers in the south-east of Britain is particularly intriguing. Swift chicks have the ability to vary the rate at which they grow, so they can pause growth when food supply dropsfurther work is needed to understand exactly how food supply influences breeding success. Swift survival Known as "devil birds" for their screaming call, and their habit of nesting in crevices in tall buildings, which would once have essentially meant church towers, swifts are one of nature's true specialists. Denizens of African skies, they are the last migratory species to arrive in Britain in early May, then among the first to leave. Some birds head south again by early July, just three months later. Most are gone by August. Once on the wing, they land only to breed. They base themselves in holes in vertical surfaces from which they can easily launch themselves back into flight. Swifts breeding in China travel nearly 30,000km each yearone of the longest migrations of any bird. Yet, instead of flying the shortest route, they detour to track arid habitats, possibly because their breeding range stretched northwards following the last ice age. European swifts only cover around half this distance, but it's still a hazardous route across both the Mediterranean and the Sahara. Despite this, annual mortality is relatively low. Around 80% of adult birds return to breed each year. Young birds have a harder time of it. Preparing for a life on the wing can be difficult. Swifts have an unusually variable chick development period once hatchedanywhere between 35 and 60 days, depending on conditions in a given year. When it is colder, chicks will take longer to grow until they are ready to fledge and leave the nest. When swifts can't find enough food during prolonged periods of cold weather, they enter a state of torpor. This tactic is usually associated with mammals and involves lowering the body temperature overnight to conserve energy and reduce their daily food requirements. Even with these adaptations, the proportion of young birds surviving their first migration is low, especially in colder, wetter summers, and seems to have decreased in recent decades. Further evidence that breeding represents a major energetic challenge comes from my work on the closely related alpine swift. A study published in 2020 found that fewer adults survived when breeding conditions were more difficultthat's indicated by a high rate of ejection of eggs from the nest during incubation. This not only happens during the breeding season, survival is reduced on the subsequent southwards migration too as individuals presumably set out in poorer condition. So, when you've had a tough breeding season, making the long journey south becomes more of a challenge. Knowing this, we used the British Trust for Ornithology data to see how important nesting success and survival were for the changing population size. We found that the changes in survival over the first year of life best explained the observed population decline. However, we were unable to look at how many nests were actually occupied, so it was impossible to say exactly how important the loss of nest sites, on their own, has been in contributing to the national decline. From the housing shortage and the insect apocalypse to changing climate pressures, a combination of factors are probably responsible for the sharp decline in swift numbers. Our ability to change the landscape, through building towns, using land for farming or the widespread chemical pollution, both deliberately and accidentally, is much greater than the capacity for wildlife to respond and adapt accordingly. So while putting up more swift boxes represents a positive change, only a suite of solutions that addresses all aspects of the swift's life cycle can ensure this iconic bird will grace our skies for decades to come. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins proposed flagpole use laws that would, in his words, prevent the flagpoles in the city from becoming public forums. He offered the Glens Falls Common Council three options that included codifying the use of the flagpoles in the way that they have traditionally been used in the city, creating a law that would allow the common council to determine which alternative flags would be allowed to fly on city flag poles, or a third option which would build another flagpole it would become the citys 12th that would be used specifically to fly flags from groups, not the government. The move in this direction has come after the Lower Adirondack Pride group asked that a Pride flag be flown on the city hall's flag poles to show support for equality. Cam Cardinale, the leader of the group, had asked in February for this opportunity. The mayor and the city council had demure until they could look at more options, and at the laws surrounding this issue. We want to be welcoming and transparent, the mayor said, clearly referencing the Pride request, adding that the city needed a clear policy or law, adding, Its not about the current situation. At the common council meeting April 9, Collins cited a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that said the city of Boston could not stop groups it did not support from putting flags on the citys flagpoles because the city had not established that the flagpoles were locations for government speech but were public forums. A SCOTUSblog explanation from the time said the justices focused on the idea that Boston was basing its decision to deny a flag because they did not like the group the flag represented, which is censorship by the government, the court ruled. Since the city had allowed others to fly their flags, Boston had turned the flagpoles into public forums, SCOTUSblog wrote at the time. A public space, including a flagpole, designated a public forum, has the least restrictions on First Amendment rights to free expression of any other public spaces. That is, the government may only restrict speech in those locations for time, manner and place infractions. For instance, city sidewalks, where anyone can distribute flyers or harangue people walking by, are classic examples of a public forums. As long as the person does not overly detain pedestrians, block traffic, incite people to violence or use a bullhorn on the street at 1 a.m., the speech is allowed, even if it is racist, anti-American or crazy. If the flagpoles in Glens Falls are considered public forums, the city would have little ability to stop anyone, or any group, from using them. Mayor Collins pushed for his first option that would limit the use of its flagpoles to the U.S., New York State, city, and POW MIA flags. Those have traditionally flown on the citys poles. In the second and third options, groups or individuals would ask common council members to nominate their flags for inclusion. If the council member nominated a flag, the city council would have to vote on whether or not to allow the flag to fly. Collins said he did not like the second and third option because he feared the potential arguments and division even simple nominations may cause. He said he did not fear that a council member would bring a hate speech flag forward for consideration but even a flag supporting vegetarianism might cause a kerfuffle. In an around-the-table discussion, the council members said mostly that they needed time to consider the options, but they did have questions about each option. Third Ward Council member Diana Palmer wondered aloud whether the state, country and POW MIA flags were the only ones. She wondered about flags designating National Heritage, such as Black History or Womens History months, something where we are not hanging the flag of a specific group. Could those be included on the list of flags that might fly on the citys poles?" She agreed with the mayor that she did not want to choose one group over another. Bob Landry, of Ward 2, wondered how the process would work if a group such as the NRA asked that their flag be raised. Many in his ward might want that flag to be placed, but given the current "toxic political environment," deciding whether or not the gun rights group could win placement might be troublesome. Finally, he said, "I'm not sure where I am with this." Fourth Ward Council member Ben Lapham said it would be better to have a method that would allow groups to fly flags, even if controversial. Sometimes its OK to have a little bit of controversy, Lapham said. Running away does not make you a better person. Cam Cardinale told the board that his group was asking to fly the rainbow Pride flag, not a flag of his groups logo. Its a nationally recognized flag, he said of the Pride flag, one that has flown on flagpoles in cities and capitols all over the country. He argued that making a flagpole erected somewhere in the city that anyone could use would not send the message that Glens Falls is inclusive. It not showing that the city is supportive. Its just a flag in the middle of a park, he said. At-large Council member Jim Clarke Jr. countered that by saying even in that option, the city council would have to vote to approve the flagpoles use. That is the city council would take a vote and that would show support, would it not? he asked Cardinale. Its a step in the right direction, yes, Cardinale said. The city's banner placement, especially the wide one that is strung over Glen Street near Crandall Library, must be considered, also. ATLANTIC CITY AtlantiCare, the regions largest health care organization, is embarking on a six-year initiative to improve the health of South Jersey residents, expand health care services and grow into a $2 billion-a-year company, President and CEO Michael Charlton said Wednesday. Charlton, speaking to a large audience in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, outlined the goals and steps the 125-year-old organization is taking as part of its VISION 2030 initiative. Those steps include transforming the way health care is defined, measured and delivered in South Jersey, Charlton said. VISION 2030 puts AtlantiCare in the drivers seat of a new journey that upends the current paradigms prevalent in health care by investing in new technologies, accelerating transformation and ending disparities in care, Charlton said in a news release. All of this requires AtlantiCare to reimagine our business, make bold decisions and deliver care to our community in a way that is easy, frictionless and, above all else, steeped in humanity. Some @Apple talk vibes now as Charlton sits down with state Sen Vincemt POLISTINA, @Stockton_edu President Joe Bertolino and @DrexelUniv medical dean Charles Cairns discussing the impact a medical school will have on Atlantic City and South Jersey. pic.twitter.com/07YrX3slOh Buzz Keough (@buzzkeough) April 10, 2024 Charlton called the 6,500-employee companys plans ambitious, but they are achievable. Charlton took over AtlantiCare last October, replacing longtime CEO Lori Herndon. In Atlantic City, were committed to building an academic medical campus, and a substantial mixed-use development that will raise all hopes and create economic advantage for those underserved, said Charlton. Our main campus has been growing VISION 2030 puts that growth on steroids. A multiyear strategic initiative that advances AtlantiCares VISION 2030 will transform the main campus into a medical city and add thousands of jobs. If we reimagine the campus with new facilities, and we bring together innovative technologies and care concepts, we transform the help that is being delivered. The expansion will include a state-of-the-art emergency department, medical imaging center, cardiac tower, post-acute rehabilitation center in partnership with Select Medical, a systems operation command center, an ambulatory surgical center, a childrens hospital and a behavioral health campus. Among the changes will be new partnerships with medical institutions like the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute, Oracle Health, Drexel University College of Medicine and Global Neurosciences Institute. In unveiling the new goals, Charlton said the organization has identified metrics by which to track its progress. Mays Landing man charged in Galloway Easter shooting A Mays Landing man was arrested Friday after he allegedly shot two Pleasantville teens outside a Galloway Township shopping complex on Easter, police said. In the area of serving community, AtlantiCare has identified targets of: Reducing food insecurity for patients by 6% Reducing unsheltered homelessness by 20% Expanding life expectancy by five years Increasing annual fundraising for the AtlantiCare Foundation by 20% year over year In the area of workforce excellence, the goals are to: Establish a medical school in the state Create a program to develop and retain talent Provide best-in-class learning and development for existing employees 4 Atlantic City neighborhood nonprofits each receive $1M in state tax credit funds Four Atlantic City community development corporations have each received $1 million in Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program funds from the state Department of Community Affairs to improve commercial businesses and their facades, and offer housing rehabilitation grants, clean-and-safe initiatives, community programs, outreach and education, and career training. To make the transition possible by 2030, AtlantiCare said it will rely on its new relationship with Oracle Health through a system that will help the company simplify its health care IT, improve efficiency, reduce costs and adapt to changing demands in the market. That will include the use of predictive technologies such as genomics and artificial intelligence. Oracle and AtlantiCare have a shared mission to improve health care both for providers and the patients they serve, said Mike Sicilia, executive vice president of Oracle Global Industries. Together, we are reimagining every aspect of a health care operation, from staffing and supply chain efficiency to using generative AI to help reduce burnout. Our goal is to help make AtlantiCare the model for more connected and effective care. Among the ways AtlantiCares new partnerships will help expand services: Cleveland Clinical Cancer Institute will give South Jersey residents access to advanced research, clinical trials and a line to nationally recognized cancer treatment and therapies. Global Neurosciences Insititute will enhance AtlantiCares services by supporting its Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, while allowing the health system to provide comprehensive innovative services. A clinical training affiliation with Drexel University College of Medicine would grow and diversify the areas health care talent pipeline by providing clinical training to medical students in their third or fourth year at AtlantiCare. This would increase the number of students AtlantiCare trains annually through its current medical and residency programs past 100. Ultimately, AtlantiCares goal is to increase its market share by 5% by enhancing its services. Were not just in the business of health care, were in the business of people. Were people taking care of people, Charlton said. Laura Alvarado, a junior, left, talks with Joy McHenry, a financial aid advisor, at the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Prospective students participate in a tour at the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Timothy Council, associate vice provost of enrollment services, talks in the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer University of Houston student ambassadors conduct a tour for prospective students at the Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Signage at enrollment services is shown at the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Laura Alvarado, a junior, left, talks with Joy McHenry, a financial aid advisor, at the University of Houston Welcome Center Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Almost 70,000 fewer Texas high school seniors have submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms often required to get money for college than this time last year a trend that advocates for college access fear could bode poorly for fall enrollment. The state and nationwide decline in submissions comes alongside massive setbacks this year in the federal student aid process, stemming from an overhaul meant to make the FAFSA application easier to complete. But delays and errors along the way have prevented many universities from releasing financial aid offers for 2024-2025. Financial aid officers are trying to make sure applicants dont get deterred: They remain optimistic that more people will submit applications and that prospective students will receive offers with time to decide where to attend, even though theyre working within a shorter window since the U.S. Department of Education opened the revamped FAFSA almost three months later than normal with the soft launch on Dec. 31. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were trying to ramp up communications and have things queued up, ready to go, said Amy Wilson, director of financial aid and scholarships at Sam Houston State University. Campaigns, counseling sessions, whatever we need to do to help talk them through completing the process so they dont get discouraged and stop, and then not pursue their dreams of higher education. Sam Houston State, the University of Texas at Austin and University of Houston are among the schools that are below target on applications. Their top financial aid officers, along with Texas A&M Universitys, say they hope to close the gap over the next few months. A congressional act in 2020 mandated that department officials simplify the notoriously daunting application by requiring fewer questions, enabling the FAFSA to pull tax information directly from the IRS and allowing parents without Social Security numbers to fill out the form. The changes also paired with expanded eligibility for Pell grants for low-income students. Colleges use the FAFSA to draft financial aid offers for both new and returning students, including loans, scholarships and grants from federal, state and university levels. Federal aid is guaranteed, but the state of Texas distributes its awards on a rolling basis, meaning that funds are doled out until they are depleted, officials said. (The state has pushed its priority deadline from Jan. 15 to April 15 as a result of the FAFSA delay.) Some institutions also have priority deadlines for internal aid. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Many applicants were unable to access the new FAFSA during the soft launch, and then a glitch blocked mixed-residency status families from filing until mid-March. And the forms processed by the government and received by colleges already smaller in number than usual are now being reprocessed because of errors exchanging data with the IRS and problems calculating a new student aid index, which determines the amount of money students need. This was intended to be a more streamlined process that would expand Pell Grant eligibility and some of those big picture benefits to these changes are getting obscured because of the delays, said Bill DeBaun, who created and maintains a FAFSA submission tracker for the National College Attainment Network. But you do have to contrast that with those who have been through a real gauntlet of trying to complete their FAFSA. Students remain in a holding pattern. Financial aid officers dont know exactly which applications have problems, and they dont want to give people the wrong offers only to renege them later, said Brian Dixon, vice provost for enrollment management at the University of Texas at Austin. He estimates that about 40% of applications theyve received have issues so UT and other universities can only use the data to work out kinks in their own systems, allowing them to hit go without error once they have the right data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad STRESS TO SUCCESS: A Houston Chronicle special project following local students as they apply and prepare for college Wilson, at Sam Houston State, said she believes the school will get the reprocessed information soon and distribute financial aid packages by mid-May. Officials at the University of Houston and other public institutions believe students might have offers at the end of April, barring unforeseen circumstances. Were still in new territory, said Timothy Council, UHs associate vice provost for enrollment services. We kind of dont know what obstacle may come next, and are hoping not too many more. Texas 27% lower Some college access advocates believe that a group of students may be deterred from filling out the FAFSA because theyve heard about the difficult rollout. The forms delayed opening might account for the biggest lag, and recent processing fixes could close some of the gap, said Ellie Bruecker, interim director of research at The Institute for College Access & Success. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres going to be students who dont fill this out, who in a normal year might have done so, Bruecker said. But I think right now, its hard to tell what is a permanent gap and what is just a delay, because everything has been shifted back. Texas high schoolers submissions on March 29 were down 27.1% from the same date last year, tracking slightly ahead of the U.S., where submissions are down 30.4%, according to federal data tracked by the National College Attainment Network. About 159,000 Texas seniors an estimated 4 in 10 students in the class of 2024 have submitted the FAFSA, down from 228,000 last year. Lower-income high schools are 2 percentage points behind higher-income schools in FAFSA submissions, and the disparity tracks in high-minority schools, too. (Almost 40% of seniors in high-minority schools submitted a FAFSA,compared to 43% in low-minority schools.) Those lower application numbers could translate to lower enrollment, although its difficult to predict the scale, Bruecker said. Low-income students would be disproportionately affected, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats something we really need to be especially concerned about, because financial aid packages are make-or-break for low-income students, she said. If they dont get the resources that they need, they might not be going to college. Nationally, some enrollment declines might be larger than those seen during COVID, said Bill DeBaun, senior director of data and strategic initiatives at the National College Attainment Network. Still, officials at many of the states largest universities said theyre not too worried about getting enough students to enroll and cast predictions on those numbers which are often used to budget for the coming year. UH has received over 50,000 FAFSAs, about 70% of the number from this time last year, Council said. Enrollment wont be a large concern because prospective students submitted 2,800 more applications for admission, he said, so the main difference will come with processing times stretching into the early and late summer as more FAFSAs roll in. An external factor like a delay leaves us in some senses guessing, Council said. But were encouraged, again, by a substantial amount of application interest at the university. Wilson, at Sam Houston State, said shes more worried. The university in Huntsville which is about half the size of UHs student body and a quarter the size of Texas A&Ms dropped in enrollment by 500 students between fall 2020 and fall 2021. She pointed to a coming enrollment cliff faced by schools nationwide that will see fewer college-age students in higher education. This certainly doesnt help, Wilson said. Students playing waiting game Jasline Antonio, a senior at YES Prep Northline Secondary, knows that the numbers she receives on her much-anticipated packages might determine whether she ends up at her dream school, UT-Austin. If it has to come down to choosing a school, it would definitely be based off financial need, Antonio said. Students might have an idea of what they can afford because they receive a summary of projected federal awards once their FAFSA has been processed by the government, Wilson said. The exact state, and sometimes institutional, awards are still unknown to students until they receive their offers. Some students find out their aid through alternative forms: Private schools that use the CSS have often been able to work around some of the FAFSA complications and provide offers. But the Texas Application for State Financial Aid, a state aid form often used by undocumented students, is also experiencing setbacks because of technological issues. Many financial aid offices have extended their deadlines beyond the typical May 1 deadline for prospective students to commit to attending, as some are still weighing their options between schools while waiting for their financial aid packages. UT admits, for example, now have the option to request another month before committing, until June 1. As it stands, if people had to make a decision by May 1, there would be many students, they would say, I just dont think Im going to be able to afford to attend, said Miguel V. Wasielewski, UT-Austins executive director of admissions. Schools are doing the very best to provide the most flexibility to students, so that when theyre making the decision of where to attend, theyre doing that understanding fully what their financial aid options are. Texas A&M University extended its commitment deadline to June 1 as well, said Delisa Falks, assistant vice president of scholarships and financial aid at the College Station campus. Financial aid officials are still urging students to fill out their FAFSA forms if they havent already. Its been tough, she said. Its unfortunate that were on a much later timeline to send out financial letters. But luckily, weve been able to be flexible and extend our deadline, which I think is helpful and something that was good to do for our families. Fanny Caceres, a senior at Northline Secondary, is anxious to see her final offer from Lycoming College, a private school in Pennsylvania. She is otherwise glad to be done with the FAFSA. A man suspected of robbing a Moline tobacco store has been arrested in Iowa. The robbery happened around noon on Tuesday at Greenleaf Tobacco & Vape, 3824 44th Avenue Drive, according to the Moline Police Department. The male robber entered the store, stole merchandise and threatened an employee, a police media release said. Moline police officers and Scott County Sheriffs Office deputies arrested Donavan D. Cannon, 29, Eldridge, in Park View, according to the police department. The officers and deputies have recovered a pellet gun and other evidence. An initial photo of the suspect that was released by the police department showed a man with shoulder-length hair. Scott County Jails photo of Cannon shows him with his hair shaved. Moline police said investigators recovered shaved braids of hair as part of the robbery investigation. No one was hurt in Tuesdays robbery, but the robber threatened to shoot an employee, according to the police. As of Wednesday afternoon, Cannon remained in custody at Scott County Jail pending extradition to Illinois, according to the department and the jails website. Authorities were holding him on suspicion of aggravated robbery and theft, according to Moline police. From our archives: Aerials of Moline Our Lady of Grace Catholic Academy (OLGCA) in East Moline will close at the end of the school year due to low enrollment, maintenance costs and other factors. The Diocese of Peoria said in a press release Wednesday it plans to help OLGCA families transition to Catholic elementary schools in Moline and Rock Island and place teachers/staff in open positions throughout the area. According to the Diocese, OLGCA has seen a 35% drop in enrollment over the past four years, and the school was originally scheduled to close after the 2021-22 school year. While that decision was ultimately reversed, the Diocese put forth a timeline for OLGCA to reach key enrollment and financial benchmarks to gauge to school's future sustainability. Among these targets was reaching an enrollment of 135 students by the 2024-25 school year. This years enrollment is 102 students, and a recent survey conducted by OLGCA school leaders projects at least a 10-student loss next school year, the release said. Enrollment has fallen by 35% over the past four years. The decision to close OLGCA is a painful one for the students, families, and staff. When the benchmarks were established for OLGCA back in 2022, we were optimistic that the school would be able to reach them," Jerry Sanderson, interim superintendent of schools for the Diocese, said in the press release. Unfortunately, despite the heroic efforts of school families and parishioners to save the school, factors beyond anyone's control have led to the difficult determination that the school is no longer viable. In addition to enrollment declines, the release also cited: The cost of maintaining the schools four aging buildings. Frequent administrative turnover. Ongoing teacher shortages and the difficulty in hiring and retaining teachers for less pay than the areas public schools. The end of Illinois Invest in Kids Scholarship Tax Credit Program, which the state did not renew last year. The release did not further explain how these factors contributed to the closure. Messages to school officials were not immediately returned Wednesday evening. While I am committed to the mission of Catholic education and I greatly value our schools, we cannot ignore the reality. I am saddened that OLGCA must now close," Bishop Louis Tylka said in the Diocese's announcement. "However, at times, we must recognize that the circumstances have changed dramatically since the time when a school first opened. While it is hard to separate our emotions and attachment to a particular institution, we have to be able to consider with a realistic and honest assessment what is viable and sustainable in the future. In a separate message to OLGCA posted on the school's website, Sanderson said he recognizes some people will be "angry, bitter or sad" in response to the decision. "While we have every right to experience these emotions, I hope that in the weeks to come, we can direct our thoughts and prayers upon the great gift that OLGCA and its predecessors, St. Anne and St. Mary School, have been to the community," he said. "While the school may be closing, I am grateful that the outstanding Catholic education it has provided will live on in the hearts and minds of its graduates for decades to come!" OLGCA formed in 2005 from the merger of two prior Catholic schools in East Moline St. Anne School, founded in 1925, and St. Mary School, founded in 1912 Mr. Thanksgiving receives donation from schools The city of Davenports major project to replace miles worth of sewer and decommission an old lagoon system is underway in northwest Davenport. Duck Creek Trail-goers may have noticed trail closures and scores of trees felled near the creek between Northwest Park and Hickory Grove Road. That tree-clearing will make way for the first of roughly five miles of new sanitary sewer pipes from I-280 to Northwest Park, near Hickory Grove Road, which will allow the city to disconnect the West Locust Lagoons near the industrial businesses off I-280 and pipe it into the citys sewer system. The bulk of the city's $16.25 million project is funded from the $40 million in federal COVID-19 relief dollars allocated to Davenport as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, passed by Congress in 2021. The council budgeted $14 million for it, and the remaining cost is expected to be funded by unspent sewer funds. In December, the city council approved a contract with Valley Construction Company of Rock Island to do the work. The work going on right now, said Clay Merritt, the citys director of engineering and capital projects, is making the site ready for construction. The new sewer pipe will be laid between 20 and 30 feet deep in places, which requires clearing the land to create a construction zone for safety purposes. The lagoon system the city is decommissioning was likely built for the cluster of private industrial development off the northwest corner of I-280 and Locust Street, Merritt said. At some point, most likely in the '70s or '80s, the city accepted responsibility for operating the lagoon, Merritt said. Typically, when residents flush a toilet or turn on the sink, the contents drain through their sewer lateral to the public underground sewer system, which operates similarly to the citys road network. Following gravity, it makes its way to the citys riverfront interceptor sewer, which follows the contours of the river to the Water Pollution Control Plant. The plant treats the wastewater of Davenport, Bettendorf, Panorama Park and Riverdale and discharges the treated wastewater once it meets DNR standards into the Mississippi River. Lagoon systems, like the one at I-280 and Locust Street, are often used by small towns or developments to treat sewage on site. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources told the city that for the aging lagoon system to meet state and federal wastewater discharge requirements, the city would need to either make substantial improvements or decommission the lagoons and connect that cluster of businesses to the rest of the citys system. You have to meet the standards at some point, Merritt said. And the question is whether you do it on site, or you do it as part of our overarching collection system, which ends at our treatment facility. We feel it's better if we don't have separate systems set up throughout the city. Building the new sewer line also has a secondary benefit of adding sewer infrastructure to land that didnt previously have any sewer connection, Merritt said. The city council is considering another industrial park in western Davenport near I-280 as shovel-ready parcels dwindle at the Eastern Iowa Industrial Center in northern Davenport, where Amazon recently opened its massive robotics fulfillment center. One of the first things people look for when they look for development is does the land have the necessary public infrastructure out there to serve that development? Merritt said. Because if you dont, it takes time to get that installed. For instance, this project will take about two years. The project required the city to acquire easements on about 21 privately owned land parcels for the sewer project, Merritt said. The city was able to negotiate for all but one. "In general, I would say almost every one of our consulting projects, we try our best to avoid that (condemnation) process," Merritt said. "We want to work with property owners, and do our best to be good neighbors and be good partners." Land owner not happy with city process In 2006, Damon Kingsley II and Paula Kingsley bought an 1850s-era home off Hickory Grove Road with six acres of lawn, farmland and towering oak trees that shaded the property. A portion of that property's yard is along the new pipes path. The Kingsleys dont live there full-time anymore. A separate dispute and frequent trespassers became too much for the family, and they moved to a place in Mount Joy, but kept the Davenport homestead and returned frequently to keep the lawn clipped, hold bonfires, and otherwise keep up the property. Over the summer, vandals smashed the windows and tore off siding from the homes tower, the Kingsleys said. They opted to board up the windows temporarily and make its renovation their retirement project. But now, several of those towering, 100-plus-year-old oaks with wide shady canopies that the Kingsleys have come to associate with home, have been toppled to make way for the sewer. The Kingsleys say city officials never met or negotiated with them for their land before initiating condemnation proceedings for their yard and trees. The city, for its part, disputes that, and says it sent an offer letter in January 2023 for $15,000 for the land. The Kingsleys say they did not receive an offer letter. The Kingsleys believe the sewer line could have routed through a nearby portion of the property and could have avoided cutting down the century-old oaks if the city had approached them first. An arborist hired by the Kingsleys estimated 17 burr oak, two honey locust, and one redbud trees on their property to be worth between about $227,000 and $245,000. The arborist, Scott Carlson, recommended the sewer not be installed in a location that would destroy several of Iowas official state trees bur oaks. A compensation board made up of Scott County residents met Sept. 28 and assessed city should pay $30,000 to the Kingsleys for the property. The city wrote a check to that amount, but the Kingsleys said they never picked it up. The Kingsleys have appealed the compensation board's decision in court. DES MOINES A bill that would allow trained school staff to carry firearms on school grounds is headed back to the Iowa House. Senate Republican lawmakers on Wednesday amended a House bill that would create a new permitting process for Iowa school districts to arm trained staff. School districts would not be required to arm staff. Rather, the bill provides requirements for those districts that choose to do so. The measure also provides qualified immunity to school districts and school employees from criminal or civil liability for all damages incurred pursuant to the application of reasonable force. Approved staff would be allowed to carry concealed weapons during school hours. It would be up to districts to decide what firearms staff could carry and whether the district would provide those or allow use of personal firearms. House File 2586 cleared the GOP-controlled Senate, 30-14. Sen. Charlie McClintock, a Republican from Alburnett, joined Democrats in voting against the measure. Senate lawmakers, however, removed a provision in the bill that would have established a school security personnel grant program that would match up to $50,000 for employing school resource officers or security personnel, sending it back to the House. The legislation comes in the wake of Januarys fatal shooting at Perry High School. Eleven-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and Principal Dan Marburger were killed and six others were injured. The 17-year-old shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tennessee lawmakers advanced a similar proposal Tuesday. Supporters Supporters of the bill said the fastest way to respond to a school shooting is to have armed personnel on site, trained and available to respond at a moment's notice. The bill gives school boards the option how best to protect the children and strengthens what is already allowed under Iowa law, said Sen. Lynn Evans, a Republican from Aurelia and former school administrator who floor-managed the bill. We live a pretty comfortable life in Iowa, and it only takes seconds for that comfortable life to be taken away, Evans said. Parents, law enforcement and school superintendents from rural communities, as well as gun rights activists, have said while school resource officers play an important role in Iowa schools, it is unrealistic to expect a single police officer is always going to be at the right place at just the right time should tragedy strike. They argued that it could be particularly helpful in rural counties with limited law enforcement resources. Seconds count when law enforcement are minutes away, even in the quickest response, said Sen. Chris Cournoyer, a Republican from LeClaire. In most mass shootings, the shooting stops when the good guys show up. The bad guy with a gun is stopped by the good guy with a gun. Cournoyer stressed the bill doesnt force districts to participate. But, for those districts that wish to arm staff, it could create a deterrent to shootings. An evil individual will not go to a place where they know there is armed resistance, Cournoyer said. There are people in this building carry concealed, including in this chamber, and we are all safer because of it. This bill is prescriptive. The training is thorough and ongoing, and it is a way to keep our kids safer at school. And its the decision of the local boards and people who choose to participate. Opposition Senate Democrats contend arming teachers puts the lives of students, teachers and law enforcement in danger, and warned of the potential for firearms at school to be stolen or misused. There have been more than 100 publicly reported incidents of in the last five years of students and teachers finding unsecured firearms in bathrooms, locker rooms and even sporting events, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. The only thing I want to arm teachers with are books and supplies, said Sen. Janice Weiner, a Democrat from Iowa City. Democrats also disputed the notion of a highly trained teacher armed with a gun being able to respond as quickly as trained law enforcement. Law enforcement officers receive hundreds of hours of training. But the bill would allow armed personnel to carry in schools, potentially with much less training, they argued. The Iowa Chapter of Brady United Against Gun Violence criticized Iowa Senate Democrats for not proposing a safe storage amendment to the bill. The proposed amendment would have required the Iowa Department of Public Safety create a mandatory statewide standardized system for the safe storage of any firearms brought on to school property by school employees, according to the group. It would have provided strict procedures for loading and unloading firearms placed in or removed from safe storage. Most professional education organizations have rejected the call to arm teachers, as has the National Association of School Resource Officers and the American Bar Association. Instead, Democrats urged Republican lawmakers to prioritize violence prevention, intervention and gun safety laws, such as universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders, and increase mental health supports for students. There are a lot of ways that we could proactive instead of reactive to protect our students, said Sen. Molly Donahue, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids who has worked for 33 years as a special-education teacher. Volunteers from the Iowa chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, joined Senate Democrats in voicing strong opposition to the bill. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result, and thats exactly whats happening here, said Chloe Gayer, a Drake University student, gun violence survivor and volunteer leader with Students Demand Action chapter, a student-led group advocating to ending gun violence. Guns are turning our schools into graveyards, and yet Iowa lawmakers are hellbent on arming our teachers as a response, Gayer said. It literally defies all common sense. Hundreds of students across Iowa walked out of school to protest gun violence, calling for an end to the massacre of children and called on lawmakers to consider stronger gun laws following the Perry High School shooting. Statehouse Republicans have pushed to loosen gun laws over the years, including allowing the permitless carry of handguns in 2021. What does the bill do? Iowa Code currently allows approved school staff to carry a gun on campus, should they choose. Two districts in northwest Iowa put policies in place but rescinded them last year to avoid being dropped by their insurance carrier for liability coverage. This years legislation looks to address insurers concerns by putting in place a new permitting process that allows employees at Iowas public and private schools and colleges to carry a firearm on school grounds during school hours. Republican lawmakers said their intent is to bring insurers back to the table and said theyre confident the permitting, training and immunity provisions in the bill will alleviate insurers concerns. In order to receive a professional permit to carry weapons, school employees would have to pass an annual background check and complete a firearms safety course, in addition to one-time legal training on issues like qualified immunity, as well as annual communication and emergency medical trainings, plus quarterly live firearms training. Identities of school staff issued a weapons permit would be confidential and not subject to disclosure under Iowas open records law. One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example Texas State Troopers attend the public funeral services for Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Moises Sanchez at Bert Ogden Arena on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, in Edinburg, Texas. Joel Martinez/Associated Press Special Agent Jari McPherson hoped he could make change within the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2019 by calling out what he called a racially hostile environment at the Temple office where he worked. But after filing an internal complaint that went nowhere, he requested a transfer to the agencys Austin office. His problems only continued to mount there, says McPherson, who is Black. Before he even arrived, his supervisor spoke poorly of him, citing the internal complaint, and seemed to treat white colleagues better. READ MORE: DPS inspector general clears agency of wrongdoing in alleged mistreatment of migrants Advertisement Article continues below this ad McPherson was later passed over for a different job that was given to a white employee with less experience, he says, and ultimately placed in a minority-only unit that was given more difficult and onerous tasks, work, and assignments and given less days off than other units containing only white employees. McPherson, 42, is one of three former and current troopers who sued the agency in 2020, saying they were subjected to years of racial discrimination and that the agency failed to properly investigate their concerns. Their lawsuit recently cleared a major hurdle when a federal judge ruled it could go to trial this summer. The case is on hold while the state, which has denied the troopers allegations, appeals to the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. In his February opinion, U.S. District Judge David Ezra, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan, wrote that McPherson and a co-plaintiff, Jerald Sams, who is also Black, had sufficiently proved that they were subjected to discrimination and retaliation while working at DPS. McPherson and Sams experienced hostile work environments due to their race, Ezra wrote, and the state failed to take prompt remedial action for every instance of harassment. McPherson said he started seeing a therapist for the first time for the anxiety and depression this situation brought for him, and it caused problems at home as well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Your body is tired, you're mentally and physically tired," he said in an interview. "You feel like you're fighting all day at work, so you get home, and you don't want to do anything. You don't want to play with your kids; you don't want to watch a movie with your wife." Sams, who had grown up with horses and helped develop the written manual for operational procedures for the agencys horse-mounted patrol unit, alleges in the suit that a white lieutenant once accused him of trying to turn it into a Buffalo Soldiers Unit a nod to historically Black U.S. Army regiments in the 19th century. According to the suit, a commander had also asked him, Cant you see what the perception is with all of these African Americans that are on the mounted unit? The complaint alleges that another co-worker, a captain over the mounted unit, also allegedly took a picture of Sams while he was trimming a horses hooves and texted it to a friend, then read the friends response out loud while laughing: I have never seen a Black man doing that before. Other incidents outlined in the complaint include a white male lieutenant circulating a photo of himself with a Hitler mustache to co-workers on his work phone during work hours. Another incident was a white co-worker sending a message that mocked the Black Lives Matter movement that at the time was leading protests across the country over the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who was killed by Minneapolis police in May 2020. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The attorney generals office, which represents state agencies in court, did not respond to a request for comment. A DPS spokesperson said the agency does not comment on pending litigation. Lawyers for the state had argued in court filings that there are legitimate reasons why the plaintiffs were not promoted and that the employees did not meet the legal standard of proof showing they faced a hostile working environment. Specifically, they alleged that McPherson and a third co-plaintiff, Daniel Martinez, had lied at points to supervisors and that Sams presented leadership and communications concerns. Each plaintiff is a well-regarded employee who at some point made an error in judgment, and thus they have had a harder time competing for a promotion, their response to the suit reads. The plaintiffs, however, blame race discrimination and retaliation, and claim they are subject to a hostile working environment. Martinez and McPherson, who have served the agency for more than 15 and 20 years, respectively, are still employed by DPS. Sams recently retired after more than 26 years of service because of the severe toll the work environment took on his mental health. Leonard Mungo, who is representing the plaintiffs and serves as general counsel for the National Black State Troopers Coalition, disputed the states characterization of the plaintiffs. He said the suit is part of a broader effort by the organization to implement reform that will make the nations state policing agencies more diverse and inclusive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mungo's coalition has asked agencies across the country to perform a diversity gap analysis, identify practices that may undermine diversity and come up with new ones that will enhance it, allocate the necessary resources for those changes and create an accountability system that will enable them to track their progress. Mungo said very few agencies responded to the request, which was first issued about three years ago, and that DPS was not one of them. Still, Mungo said Ezras ruling was a major victory, as cases like this one often do not make it past this stage. In their lawsuit against DPS, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified financial damages and other compensation, as well as whatever relief the judge deems just and equitable for the harm theyve faced. Judge Ezra threw out all but one count filed by Martinez, 39; the one that survived alleges that DPS failed to accommodate his physical and psychological disabilities, including a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. He claims they did so by declining his request to transfer to a different DPS office to remove himself from the discriminatory and retaliatory circumstances he was in that he said was hurting his mental health. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The agency fail(ed) to consider that being closer to relatives and away from a stressful workplace, even if the discrimination against Martinez were only perceived, could help alleviate symptoms of PTSD, Ezra wrote. His employer failed to even engage in discussion of this accommodation. Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and court precedent, a plaintiff must be able to show that they were discriminated against and treated less favorably than their peers outside their racial group. The burden then shifts to the employer to show it had a nondiscriminatory reason for that adverse employment action. The onus then returns to the plaintiff to prove that the reason provided by the employer is pretext for a discriminatory purpose. Sams said he felt compelled to join the lawsuit because his son had always dreamed of becoming a trooper and was nearing the age he could apply to become one. Sams said he had filed internal complaints but that they improved nothing and that he was still passed over for promotions by less qualified and less experienced people. After a month of fasting, the Quad Cities community celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan with a day of prayer, worship and fellowship on Eid al-Fitr at the Muslim Community of the Quad Cities Mosque on Wednesday, April 10, in Bettendorf. Kathmandu, Nepal, April 11, 2024: The Muslim community across the world including in Nepal is celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr by reciting special prayers (Namaz) and receiving blessings from their elderly ones today. During the fasting month of Ramadan culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr, the people from the Muslim community used to celebrate the festival by distributing gifts, wearing new clothes and having delicious food. Kathmandu, Nepal, April 11, 2024: President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal have separately extended best wishes on the occasion of Eid (Eid-ul-Fitr), the festival of the Islam community today. Issuing a statement on the occasion of occasion of Eid President Paudel wished for happiness, mutual cooperation, sustainable development, prosperity, peace and fraternity among all brothers and sisters of Islam community at home and abroad. I wish this festival will inspire all to nurture fraternity and strengthen national unity, President Paudel has stated in the message. Chinese pianist Lang Lang honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame star Xinhua) 11:22, April 11, 2024 LOS ANGELES, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. Lang is the first Asian pianist who has received a star on the iconic sidewalk. "Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang has sold millions of albums worldwide, topping classical charts and achieving simultaneous mainstream success," said Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "One of the most influential classical musicians in the entire world, Lang Lang has over 20 million social media followers," said Nissen, adding that everything the pianist does is underpinned by his belief that "music makes life better -- it heals, unites and inspires, and it makes us better people." "The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Lang Lang's outstanding contributions to the world of classical music and celebrate his extraordinary talent with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in a statement. Lang recalled his upbringing and memories of Los Angeles, saying that music is the common ground for people from different cultural backgrounds. Music is an important part of the cultural exchanges between China and the United States, the pianist told Xinhua. He hopes that more musicians and artists from China can serve as cultural bridges in the future and bring the elegance of Chinese culture to Western audiences. "The world communicates through music," Lang said, adding that he hopes to inspire as many people as possible to learn a musical instrument. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Jeremy Wallace has covered politics and campaigns for more than 20 years. Before joining the Hearst Texas newspapers in 2017 he covered government and politics for the Tampa Bay Times, The Miami Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Previously he covered Congress for the Boston Globe and Detroit Free-Press. Originally from San Antonio, he attended the University of North Texas and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Missouri. Jeremy also authors the Texas Take with Jeremy Wallace newsletter, where he shares insights from inside the Capitol along with the occasional Willie Nelson reference. You can sign up here. You can follow him on Twitter, @JeremySWallace, or email him at Jeremy.wallace@chron.com. Three big pools of money are the key to Gov. Glenn Youngkins hope he can persuade the General Assembly to go along with budget amendments that remove the legislatures politically risky move of increasing taxes. Youngkin this week proposed a package of amendments to the General Assembly budget. The heart of his amendments is an effort to remove an expansion of the state sales tax to digital services and business-to-business dealings. In the current budget negotiation we can live with no tax decrease, but we certainly dont need any tax increase; thats our common ground stance, Youngkin told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in a phone interview. We dont want to be raising taxes on Virginians; theres plenty of money in the system. Youngkin has said the legislatures sales tax expansion and its proposed requirement that Virginia rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative would together mean a $2.6 billion tax increase. The General Assembly, which rejected Youngkins call for cuts in income tax rates while adopting his proposed expansion of sales taxes, returns on Wednesday to consider those amendments, as well as scores of others he made to other bills and his record 153 vetoes. (Youngkin proposed amendments to 116 bills.) $1.21 billion less Removing the sales tax expansion would mean a $1.05 billion cut in money available to the state for the next two years. It comes on top of a $94 million cut in balances carried forward from this year, $24 million of cannabis taxes the legislature counted on but that will not come because Youngkin vetoed the bill creating a regulatory and tax framework for legal sales, and $38 million that will not be coming because he vetoed a proposal to add more tax enforcement officials. In all, thats $1.21 billion less. But Youngkin argues theres plenty of money in the growing Virginia economy, with no need to increase tax levies. Filling the bulk of the gap, some $800 million worth, would come from three main sources, Youngkin told The Times-Dispatch. He said they involve: * Using bonds, state IOUs, instead of taxes to pay for more than $440 million of construction projects and adjusting the timing of accounting for disbursements of projects that have not started yet. Altogether, he said, these moves mean the state would need to draw $520 million less from the flow of taxes into the general fund. * Tapping the state Literary Fund, which is a pool comprising criminal fines, fees and forfeitures, unclaimed property and unclaimed Virginia Lottery winnings, instead of tax dollars, to cover teacher retirement and school construction costs. * Using state funds already deposited with the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission to pay for the bulk of Virginias share of filling the Washington Metros financial shortfall. When you think about that gap, which is really about $400 million over a $64 billion budget, that is why there really arent draconian reductions in anything, Youngkin said. Bonds Youngkins amendments propose financing $200 million of wastewater plant improvements key to state efforts to clean the James River and Chesapeake Bay through a bond sale instead of by tapping tax revenue flowing through the state general fund. He proposes the same bond-financing approach for $175 million of various projects at state colleges and universities, as well as for: * $20 million for work at state hospitals; * $15 million of work aimed at boosting campus security at Virginia State University in Ettrick, near Petersburg; * $14 million of infrastructure projects at Norfolk State University; * $10 million of improvements at the undeveloped Widewater State Park in Stafford County; * $4 million for work at Natural Tunnel State Park in Southwest Virginias Scott County; * $3 million for the states underground storage tank replacement program; * $3 million for repairs on the Lake Shenandoah dam near Harrisonburg; and * $3 million for work at National Guard armories. His amendments also remove some $110 million from the next two years additions to the states maintenance reserve fund as well as to a pool meant to cover unexpected construction costs and two higher education projects on which planning is not yet completed. I think about it this way, which is there is about $500 (million) ... $520 million of space thats created because of our movements on capital, Youngkin said. His amendments would remove from the budget funding for projects for which planning is not yet complete. He expects future budgets would include funding for those projects. We just are going to support those when they come back ... so we didnt have to cut any projects, which was which is really important, Youngkin said. We have about its in the range of a billion dollars of bonding capacity every year in the commonwealth available to us every year, he said. Youngkin said the portion of construction work he is proposing to finance with bonds is still less than Virginias usual practice before the pandemic. Literary Fund and Metro The next step was the $150 (million) in the Literary Fund, he said. The Literary Fund has $350 million of extra capacity in it right now. And we expect it to have deposited in excess of $150 million a year going forward. Teacher retirements and school construction are the purposes that it was specifically set up for ... this is the exact purpose of that fund. And so thats what were using it for, he said. Using the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission funds for the Washington Metro shortfall eliminates the need for a $98 million draw on the tax-funded general fund, he said. Well draw that down first because its the states money thats there. And then of course we put in all of the extra funds that are needed in order to fully fund the WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) needs in the gap year, he said. Spending While the General Assembly cut some $850 million out of Youngkins proposed spending, he is asking it to restore just $230 million of that. He intends that as a signal he wants to work with legislators on their priorities. The big items he would like to see returned to the budget include $50 million of the $239 million the General Assembly cut from his proposed funding for economic development incentives and $100 million for flood preparedness work. The flood preparedness funds would make up for the money that had been coming from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, an interstate pact to cut carbon emissions. Youngkin pulled Virginia out of that pact, but the budget makes spending conditional on the state remaining in. Most of his other spending amendments to restore his priorities are for small amounts. Larger ones include: * $85 million to support 21 lab schools; * $38 million to update Standards of Learning assessments; * $13 million in state funds and $12 million in matching federal funds for a Department of Social Services contract to verify applicants income; * $5 million more to help pay for school resource officers; and * $3 million for additional prosecutors. K-12 education The biggest cuts Youngkin is proposing to the General Assemblys spending increases involve tax-financed direct aid to local school boards. Youngkins amendments propose a $162 million cut to the assemblys $1.26 billion for at-risk students, offset by a $56 million boost to the $8.8 billion designated as basic aid. Youngkin also proposed a $47 million cut to the $336 million the assembly approved as state support for teachers for English language learners. In all, taxpayer-funded state aid to local school boards to cover state directed Standards of Quality and other incentive programs would total $20.62 billion over the biennium, under Youngkins amendments. Thats down from $20.75 billion in the assemblys budget, but up from $18.81 billion in the current budget, budget documents show. The legislatures Joint Subcommittee to Study Elementary and Secondary Education Funding is to report its findings in November. Theres an enormous amount of work going on in the joint subcommittee ... where the ratios and the way this works are gonna get changed, Youngkin said in the interview. But the committee hasnt reported yet. And so we just went back to the current structures for at-risk students which I fully support. Youngkin added: Were just going to wait for the report to come back from the joint subcommittee before we tackle what really will, in my view, be and, I think (in) everybodys view, be a very different approach to how we fund our schools, which will be student-centric as opposed to ratio-driven. From the archives: Byrd Field Aeromexico announces new non-stop flights into Tulum International Tulum, Q.R. The Tulum International Airport will have additional connections starting early May. On Thursday, Aeromexico said they will begin offering two direct flights per day from the Aeropuerto Internacional Felipe Angeles (AIFA) outside Mexico City, to Tulum. The two daily non-stop flights are set to begin May 2, 2024. The announcement was made by Governor Mara Lezama Thursday after a Wednesday meeting with airline officials in Acapulco. Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama is promoting the state in the Tianguis Turistico de Mexico 2024 being held in Acapulco, Guerrero. The Aeromexico airline announcement is one of the recent new connections to begin operations to and from the Tulum International Airport. In a brief note Lezama said Attention travel lovers! Starting May 2, 2024, Aeromexico will operate two daily flights from AIFA to Tulum. This new air connection strengthens accessibility to the heart of Caribe Mexicano in its New Era of Tourism. INM condemns shooting attack against its office Tijuana, Baja California The National Migration Institute (INM) says they condemn the gunfire attack against their office in Tijuana. On April 8, a lone male drove to the facility from where he opened fire against the glass door before fleeing. The front door was left shattered after being hit by numerous bullets. No one was inside the office at the time of the shooting. Security footage captured the man arriving in a dark vehicle from where he got out, walked to the office door and took aim. In a statement, the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM) said they condemn the firearm attack against the immigration stay facilities in Tijuana, Baja California that occurred on the night of April 8, 2024. The glass door was found shot numerous times. Photo: INM April 8, 2024. The images of the attack were captured by the institutions closed security circuit and show a person dressed in black who gets out of a compact car and approaches with a firearm in his hands and shoots directly towards the administrative offices. At the time of the event, no administrative staff was working. Security cameras capture the man arriving in a car and walking toward the office. Photo: INM April 8, 2024. Immigration authorities presented the ministerial complaint and requested the presence of experts from the Attorney Generals Office of the Republic in the entity to carry out the investigations. The INM reaffirms its commitment to working for safe, orderly and regular migration in accordance with the law. Another camera captures the man shooting out the glass door to the INM office. Photo: INM April 8, 2024. INM officials have not commented on a possible motive for the attack or the identity of the man seen in the footage. A new documentary based on Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoffs work highlights the crushing of free speech on college campuses. But the mental health issues of more and more students may be rooted in something that happens well before they get to college and experience an environment of repression and faux guilt. At the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills, I recently attended the premiere of a new documentary, co-produced by Substack and FIRE, that attempts to explain the mental health crisis facing college students in America. Interest in the topic was strong, with a lively and engaged audience of 400 who connected quickly with the ideas in the film. Afterward, the director and personalities featured in the film answered questions from the audience. Based on Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoffs essay-turned-book, The Coddling of the American Mind profiles five students who were able to overcome various mental health challenges during their college tenure. The film frames the important problem of college students abysmal mental state in the context of free speech on campuses, showing that mental health is notably worse for students when they are taught to silence uncomfortable ideas and view themselves and others as emotionally fragilein other words, when we treat people as fragile, they become so. The gravity of this phenomenon can be seen in the significant decrease in the mental health of young people and increase in suicide and hospitalization over the past decade. Students interviewed throughout shared how they were taught to view the world as a constant threat. In a gripping extended analogy, one student shared how each perceived racial microaggression was like a knife plunging into her, leaving her exhausted after every human interaction. This problem is vital to highlight, but by framing it solely around free speech, the film misses the underlying issue of how we are raising our kids. These alarming mental health trends exist not just in college-aged students but appear in late elementary and middle schools as well. I have some stake in this conversation, as I recently entered the world of parenting with a now 1-year-old. I now want to know not only why free speech is threatened on campus in this cultural moment but also how we ended up with a generation of anxious, fragile kids. Contrary to the picture the film paints, of students depressed and anxious from a constant bombardment of ideas like microaggressions and speech-as-violence, the core problem begins years before students matriculate. The majority of students profiled for the film are international students studying in the U.S. This isnt a coincidence. During the premiere, an audience member asked the director, Ted Balaker, about the underlying reason for this. He said two themes stuck out as they interviewed students: they came from an outside perspective and were raised by families who prized debate. Ill take him at his word for both characteristics, but another aspect was present in the interviews. These students came from strong families with a particular viewpoint of the world, and many had a strong religious practice. These students were able to notice something wrong with the paradigm that was on offer in American universities mainly because they hadnt experienced the same type of upbringing as many U.S. students, and had only a few years of American education. One of the native-born American students interviewed said she was able to reject the ideology around her, but only when she returned home during the COVID-19 pandemic and had time away from campus. In other words, open dialogue is only one solution to the problem of whats happening to our kids mental health; the other is strong personal character born out of a certain kind of upbringing. The average high school senior has already experienced a culture of fragility by the time he or she enters college. This is the result of a toxic mix of helicopter parenting, lack of exposure to risk, and the subsequent vacuum of opportunity to develop a strong character. This point did not go completely unacknowledged by the directors during the Q&A, but its omission from the film is notable. After the film, both Ted and Courtney Balaker acknowledged the problem of safetyism in parenting their own young children as a key takeaway of the film for them personally, but it wasnt a significant part of the films narrative. Perhaps this is because raising children to have strong character is a much more difficult problem to solve from the outside. Both Haidts and Lukianoffs work after the original Coddling essay has delved deeper into the way children are raised pre-college. Theyve highlighted the core lessons of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a way to help students manage their emotional and cognitive health, for instance, by instructing them to avoid catastrophizingi.e., focusing on the absolute best or worst outcome of a situation. It should be noted that the Coddling book went further than the essay to acknowledge the key problem of safetyism in early childhood. And Haidts most recent book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, contributes yet another dimension to the issue: how kids raised by the internet do not fully develop their brains. The failure to include in the film that importantdiscovery was a missed opportunity. Extreme behavior that plays well in the documentaryscreaming at campus speakers, mental breakdowns, etc.while deeply concerning, is a sideshow to the root issue. Certainly these problems must be addressed, especially the framing of all issues around the isms of race, sex, and class. But by the time students reach college, their upbringing is essentially over. What happened to the average student before they arrived in the college dorms? One possibility is that they had such a weak education at a young age that, when they encountered the ideas prevalent at their various universities, they immediately embraced them, having had no training in critical thinking or the benefit of questioning the basis of any status quo. A second possibility is that they were already receiving the same type of fragility conditioning during their grade school and teenage years. You dont get a coddled generation from just four years of college. Faculty and administrators may just be reacting to customer demand when they restrict certain types of speech. If parents started raising kids with strong character, they would be far less likely to demand censorship and I suspect that the campus free speech wars would be a non-issue. But free speech exists as a method of producing truth and depends on the character of those within that framework. This freedom stems from the inviolability of human conscience, but must be oriented toward truthopen debate does not happen in a vacuum; rather, it should be a catalyst. This ecosystem of dialogue depends not just on laws and rules but also on the character of those interacting within it. We need to explore exactly how parents can move away from a model of fragility. Numerous barriers exist. Since the rise of parenting styles in the 1960s, we dont raise children in community. No longer can youa conscious adulttell off someone elses kid for biting your kid on the playground for fear his mom may be offended that you imposed your parenting style on her progeny. Raising kids in community, however, would allow them to experience free play within the boundaries of other parents guidance, which would curb the worst behavior. We also have an irrational fear of abduction by strangers, which is extremely rare. Some parents even fear being accused of neglect by letting their children play unattended. In addition, too often parents lean on their childrens successes to prop up their own sense of self, so allowing them to fail is not an option. We can claim or intend to raise our children differently, but given these real barriers, actually doing so is much more difficult. I was troubled by some of the audience reaction to the film during the premiere. When some students described the ideas they encountered, whether perceived microaggressions or speech they felt needed to be shut down, the audience often responded with laughter. Certainly some of the ideas are laughable, but the actual world these students experience through their conditioned lenses is terrifying, if a bit foolish to us. The audience reaction highlights the core problem with framing the narrative around the campus free speech wars: it makes the problem primarily about a single third party, such as campus administrators, rather than a cultural problem shared by us all. A more helpful reaction to the film is flipping the problem from them to us. The kids are not OK, but parents had a role in making them that way. Lets avoid repeating this terrible experiment. Beyond creating more space for failure and success, my intention for my son is to offer him meaning and purpose that can act as an alternate center of gravity for his life. A strong character, connection to tradition and faith, and a moral framework will help him truly thrive. While I cant predict the kinds of fads he will experience in 20 years, I know there will be many. Of course we need open dialogue in a free society, but I also hope he will grow into the type of person with the character to bring something unique to that conversation, not merely be driven by it. Taking risks and having freedom to explore are just a couple of factors among many in forming a well-rounded human. The most grounded people are the ones able to dialogue with others most openly. Until we change our parenting emphasis, the campus free speech wars will continue with every batch of 18-year-olds starting college. Customers of Appalachian Power Co. will be able to purchase solar power directly from independent providers, but it may not save them as much money as some had hoped. Nor will it happen anytime soon, following Gov. Glenn Youngkins approval this week of a law that sets the framework for the so-called shared solar program. Shared solar allows people who are unable to install solar panels because they live in apartments or homes that dont get adequate sunlight or who cant afford such projects to purchase some of their electricity from a solar farm operated by a private company. Customers who choose to participate get a credit on their electricity bill for the cheaper renewable power they purchase. But under the law, they must pay a minimum bill to their utility to cover its costs of maintaining the grid through which all power is delivered, whether its from the sun and wind or the more traditional methods of burning coal and natural gas. The amount of the fee for Appalachian customers to be set later by the State Corporation Commission will likely determine whether it makes financial sense to participate in the program. Dominion Energy, which has a shared solar program approved by the General Assembly in 2020, charges about $62 a month for an average residential customer, spokesman Aaron Ruby said. The law exempts low- to moderate-income customers from the fee. The minimum bill is too high to attract many Dominion customers, meaning that the companys shared solar programs for the most part are limited to lower-income users, according to Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic regional director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access. Legislation passed this year and signed late Monday by Youngkin expands the program to Appalachian customers. However, it does not spare lower-income customers from having to pay the yet-to-be-determined minimum bill. The law offers some protection to those who struggle to pay their power bills, such as providing a minimum savings of 10%. But Coggeshall said many details have yet to be ironed out. Were cautiously optimistic about the potential, but theres definitely a lot of work to be done, he said. We had much different expectations going into the session, and we had to scale back those expectations. Considering the complexity of the program, Coggeshall said, it will likely be about two years before shared solar becomes available to Appalachian customers. The law requires the SCC to establish a program for the utility by the first of next year. Appalachian then gets another six months to submit details on how it will be implemented. Developers will then need additional time to come up with options for customers and to build facilities. In competitive shared solar markets, Coggeshall said, developers must be able to pass along the savings to participating customers. Projects require subscribers in order to achieve cost recovery. A project developer will almost certainly not pursue the development of a project if they dont think the economics are strong enough to ensure its creating a savings product for the customer, Coggeshall wrote in an email. While there may be some idealistic consumers willing to pay more to support renewable energy, you ultimately need to ensure there are financial savings for the average customers in order to drive consistent (and financeable) participation, he wrote. Legislation passed this year which also expands Dominions existing shared solar program includes new language that requires the SCC to consider the benefits of such initiatives to the electric grid and to the state when it calculates the minimum bill for both utilities. Its too soon to say whether that and other factors, such as grant money from the Environmental Protection Agency, will make the program more financially attractive to all customers, Coggeshall said. For Dominion, development of the program, also known as community solar, has moved slowly since it was approved by lawmakers four years ago. The first facility just came online in February. There are currently less than 1,000 subscribers, Ruby said. Participation is capped at the customers annual usage, meaning they cant subscribe for more electricity than they use in their home. Past efforts to expand the program to include Appalachian customers have met some opposition from the utility, which serves about 540,000 customers in Western Virginia. Lost revenue caused by the program could force customers who dont sign up for shared solar to bear a greater share of the costs of providing electricity, the utility has said. Those concerns were addressed by this years legislation, company spokeswoman Teresa Hall said last month. Appalachian, which for decades has relied on fossil fuels to produce about 80% of its power, is being pushed to transition to renewable energy by laws aimed at reducing climate change. Although the option wont be immediately available to Appalachian customers, shared solar is coming sooner to a part of Botetourt County served by Dominion. The county Board of Supervisors approved a proposal last September by TotalEnergies Renewables USA, which says it plans to install 11,160 solar panels on about 17 acres of pasture outside Buchanan. The solar farm will operate through Dominions Community Solar Pilot Program, which makes the energy available to lower-income customers, TotalEnergies officials said at the time. A company official said recently that construction is scheduled to start later this year. Approximately 200 gathered on the morning of September 11 at Vandenberg Space Force Base to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and the United States. Roberto Villalpando is the Texas weather science editor for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at roberto.villalpando@houstonchronicle.com. He supervises a weather coverage team that includes three newsroom meteorologists who provide expert forecasts for the states two largest cities. Working out of Austin, Roberto joined the Chronicle in 2023 and has more than 25 years of experience covering Texas as a breaking news editor, multimedia producer, graphic artist, copy editor and reporter. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. " " Mauna Loa's fissure 3 appears to be calming down. This latest visual from Dec. 10 shows a lava lake has now replaced the lava fountains that had been spewing since its initial eruption Nov. 27, 2022. J. Bard/USGS Volcanoes are beautiful and awe-inspiring, but the ongoing eruption of Kilauea and now Mauna Loa on Hawaii's Big Island is showing how dangerous these events can be. Kilauea destroyed more than 700 homes in the Leilani Estates and Kapoho areas alone in 2018. The two volcanoes are just 21 miles (33 kilometers) apart and haven't erupted at the same time since 1984, when Mauna Loa last erupted. Advertisement Neither volcano is threatening homes, though lava flow from Mauna Loa was less than 2 miles from Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Saddle Road) Dec. 11, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). As a volcano scientist, I'm very aware of how deadly volcanic eruptions can be, even the "nonexplosive" kind we saw in Hawaii last November. Since A.D. 1500, volcanic eruptions have killed more than 278,000 people. Today there are 1,350 potentially active volcanoes around the world. Each year, about 75 of them erupt. Around 800 million people live within volcanic risk zones. Volcanologists study and monitor volcanoes so that we can try to forecast future eruptions and predict how widely the damage could reach. ORANGEBURG, S.C. The opening reception for South Carolina State Universitys 52nd Annual Student Art Exhibition is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Buildings lobby. The campus community and the public are invited. Prizes and awards will be presented at the opening reception. The exhibition will be on display Mondays through Thursdays in the Fine Arts Building Gallery until the end of the semester. The annual student exhibition provides an opportunity for the faculty, staff, alumni and students of SC State, as well as all interested members of the community, to recognize, support and celebrate the creativity of the burgeoning young artists within the universitys Visual Arts Program. Each spring semester, the annual student exhibition provides a forum for students on campus to present their artwork. One of the programs goals is to encourage students to become visually aware of the world around them and to prepare students for careers in visual art and other disciplines, or graduate studies. This exhibition provides experiential learning and professional development opportunities for students. All works are then reviewed by juror, an artist professional who selects work to be included in the show. Sean Clute, a University of South Carolina professor of ceramic arts, served as the juror for this years exhibition. In preparation for the exhibition, workshops are offered by faculty to help students with matting, framing and preparing artworks for hanging. This year, student work on display consists of drawings. paintings, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and digital media. I appreciate the opportunity to get to know your students through their artwork, Clute said. It was a pleasure to see where students landed in their creativity. I took laps around the artwork to make sure the work spoke to me and had aspects of craftsmanship. I was happy to see that I connected with a wide range of mediums and themes. I appreciate all the work that was submitted for this process. I wish all your students well in their future endeavors, he said. About SC State's Visual Arts Program The Visual Arts Program is a part of the Department of Visual & Performing Arts within the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Dr. Evelyn Fields serves as the Dean of the College, and Dr. Tolulope Filani is the department's chairman. The Visual Arts Program coordinator is Professor Kim LeDee, who works alongside Alexander Thierry, an assistant professor of ceramics and 3D design; Maggie OHara, professor of photography; Dr. Frank Martin, professor of art history; and Winston Kennedy, adjunct professor of printmaking. About Sean Clute Clute grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, which helped him see many different types of people and have a curiosity of the human spirit. He was able to find clay in high school, which opened a new area of thinking and making. This led him to pursue Ceramics at the University of Montana. This is where he found his form and the pursuit to understand human behavior in clay. This gave him an opportunity to participate in long-term residencies at The Clay Studio of Missoula, Morean Center for Clay and Lillstreet art Center. He also found his voice in teaching during this time, as well. After understanding his approach to human behavior, he wanted to understand how to clarify his message and be able to speak on societal issues. He got his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He looked at how a persons environment challenged or corrupted their character. His work looks at how people fall through the cracks in our society. For more information visit http://seanclute.com/ . ORANGEBURG, S.C. A chance meeting at a South Carolina State University event put cybersecurity major Keshawn Burns on a path he never expected a $181,000 scholarship and a job during and after his education. Since I was a kid, I always said I was never joining the military, and then it just kind of happened, said Burns, who hails from Columbus, Georgia. Its how the tables flip, how God can change your desires and your heart. All of a sudden, I wanted to join the Coast Guard. That chance meeting occurred at the SC State Career Centers annual Internship Day with U.S. Coast Guard Recruiter Edwin Colon-Melendez, who informed Burns about the Coast Guards College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). The Coast Guard was the last table I wanted to visit, Burns said. I wasnt the best dressed because I didnt have much at the time. I was guarding the area where people were eating so they wouldnt sneak food in and out, and (Colon-Melendez) approached me and said, I like how you look. We just got to talking, he gave me his information, and it came down to this, he said. On April 2 at SC States annual Honors and Awards Convocation, Colon-Melendez and other Coast Guard officers presented Burns a check for the first year of his scholarship. Theres just a lot to take in right now, and I think if I keep putting my best foot forward, Ill be able to achieve my goals in a faster manner. Im just really blessed right now, Burns said after the presentation. Im so happy right now, not only for myself, but I can also help my kids when I have them in the future. Those chosen for the CSPI enlist into the Coast Guard, complete basic training during the summer and receive full funding for up to two years of college. Upon receiving a bachelors degree, a CSPI graduate attends Officer Candidate School to earn a commission and start a career as a Coast Guard officer. CSPI funding includes not only payment of tuition, books and fees, but also repayment of student loans, a full-time Coast Guard salary, housing allowance and medical benefits. It takes a lot of pressure off, Burns said. I dont have to worry about trying to find a scholarship for this, trying to find a scholarship for that. I dont have to worry about where food is going to come from. I dont have to worry about how I will pay my bills. Im so thankful. As a cybersecurity major, Burns was one of four SC State students who attended a national artificial intelligence (AI) conference at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts last fall. He intends to use his education in the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has a lot of cybersecurity fields and a lot of cybersecurity personnel teams, and I hope to join one of them to make a difference in this world, Burns said. Im not going to stop here. Im just going to keep going. I know theres more for me to achieve, and I know Gods got more for me if I just keep going forward. If I can just keep trying, he can handle the rest, he said. Burns became the second SC State student in as many years to earn a CSPI scholarship. At the 2023 Honors and Awards Convocation, communications major Chantelle Simpkins now an officer trainee -- received the award. She was on hand to congratulate Burns this year. Over the years, SC State has produced more than 25 Coast Guard officers, many of whom are in the current ranks. SC State accounts for four of an estimated 18 African American captains serving in the Coast Guard. For more information about SC State's Cybersecurity Program, visit www.scsu.edu/academics/programs/cybersecurity. For more information about the U.S. Coast Guards CSPI, visit GoCoastGuard.com. He wants to spend time with his three young kids and focus on other career opportunities, remains loyal party supporter Workers' Party member Terence Tan (right) with his wife He Ting Ru, Member of Parliament for Sengkang GRC. (PHOTO: Nick Tan/Yahoo News Singapore) SINGAPORE Workers' Party (WP) member Terence Tan, who had contested in the 2015 and 2020 general election, confirmed that he had left the party in January 2024 due to personal reasons. The 52-year-old, who is the husband of WP's Sengkang GRC Member of Parliament He Ting Ru, told 8World in a report on Thursday (11 April) that he left the political party to spend more time with his three young kids, as well as to focus on other career opportunities. With He being busy with her MP and grassroots commitments at Sengkang, Tan - who is currently a director of the Robertson Chambers law firm - said that the couple would not have time to spend with their kids, should he be elected at the upcoming general election. Remains a loyal WP supporter Tan stressed that he remains a loyal WP supporter, and has not thought about joining another political party nor re-enter politics. He said that the WP central executive committee had respected his decision to leave, and the party leaders have thanked him for his contributions over the years. "I've spent over 10 years helping the Workers' Party, and had hoped for new blood to come into the party," he told 8World. "I'm glad to see that the party is in good hands, with capable leaders and fresh members. I'm already past 50 years old, and I wish to pursue interests outside of politics." Tan joined WP in 2011, and had represented the party to contest the 2015 general election at Marine Parade GRC, as well as the 2020 election at East Coast GRC. Both bids were unsuccessful. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. A grief-stricken mom says she hopes a Massachusetts man "burns directly in hell" over the road rage incident that killed her 26-year-old daughter. Tracy Decoff vented her fury at Ryan Sweatt, 36, on Facebook the day after he allegedly ran down Destini Decoff on Route 85 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, about 25 miles west of Boston. "With every ounce of my being I hope that mf burns directly in hell!" she wrote. The deadly incident unfolded around 6 p.m. on Thursday, when Sweatt allegedly made a U-turn and sped toward a group of people who got out of another vehicle after its driver tangled with him. Destini Decoff was struck and thrown "several feet in the air," a prosecutor said at Sweatt's Friday arraignment, Boston TV station WBZ reported. Witness Brett Martin said he rushed out of nearby Cornell's Irish Pub after hearing tires screech. "I saw her mid-air, kind of coming down towards the street," he told WBZ. "Her jacket must've been 20 feet away from her. However she got hit, those clothes flew off." Sweatt was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and related offenses. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was ordered held without bail, WBZ said. Sweatt told authorities that he was heading home from work when another driver pulled in front of him and slammed on the brakes, WBZ reported, citing court records. Destini Decoff and four unidentified then got out of that car, surrounded Sweatt and allegedly threatened him, he said. It's unclear who was driving the second vehicle. Destini Decoff was "literally injured from head to toe" and was placed on life support following hours of surgery for bleeding in her brain and other wounds, her mom wrote. Officials said Destini Decoff died of her injuries on Saturday, the Boston Globe reported, with Traci Decoff saying on Facebook that "my biggest fear as a mother became my reality." "My first born child & best friend is no longer with me," she wrote early Sunday. A spokesperson for the Middlesex district attorney's office told USA Today that the charges against Sweatt haven't been upgraded but that the case remained under investigation. A woman begins losing blood during childbirth. Some vaginal bleeding is normal, but is it too much? How that question gets answered and how quickly a hemorrhaging mother gets treated can make the difference between life and death. Excessive blood loss is the leading cause of death for women on the day they give birth and one of the leading causes of maternal death in the postpartum period. It is a complication that is far more likely to be fatal for Black women. Heart conditions, high blood pressure disorders and strokes are among the other underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths in the United States. Yet the majority of maternal deaths 84% of them may be preventable, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. More hospitals are taking steps to make sure they are, by adopting evidence-based guidelines and best practices known as maternal safety bundles. "These protocols work," said Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, the Julia A. Okoro Professor of Black Maternal Health in the department of public health and community medicine at Tufts University in Boston. "When hospitals follow them, people's lives are saved." What's driving the push for safety bundles, which standardize the care given to women during and after childbirth, is that hundreds of women in the U.S. die every year from pregnancy-related complications. Black, American Indian and Alaska Native women are at least twice as likely as their white peers to die during pregnancy, childbirth or in the weeks after giving birth. "What we're looking to do is ensure standardization of care during delivery, especially for the conditions most likely to cause illness or death," said Dr. Audra Meadows, professor and vice chair for culture and justice in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive science at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine in La Jolla. "If you have standardization, you mitigate variation in care and disparate outcomes." Studies show multiple factors contribute to preventable maternal deaths. For example, the amount of blood a woman loses during delivery is routinely underestimated, research shows. That can lead to delays in diagnosis and effective treatment, which may contribute to nearly a third of all hemorrhage-related pregnancy deaths, according to a 2018 report that looked at maternal mortality data from nine states. The report found treatment delays and other provider-related factors likewise contributed to about half of maternal deaths due to the hypertensive disorders preeclampsia and eclampsia, which are more common among Black women than white. Structural racism, not a woman's race, often drives these disparities, Meadows said. "That doesn't mean care delays are intentional," she said. "Implicit biases can cause health care professionals to discount complaints from a patient or not take their symptoms seriously. Variations in care also may occur because one community's hospital performs better than another, because it may have more staff, more training, more resources." Meadows and Amutah-Onukagha are among the researchers studying the ways safety bundles can ensure that every woman regardless of race, ethnicity and other sociodemographic factors receives the same care under the same set of medical circumstances. The researchers are part of a team developing safety bundles specifically targeted at reducing maternal health disparities in Massachusetts. By standardizing care for all, safety bundles "actively undo the racism embedded in the health care system," Amutah-Onukagha said. Safety bundles aren't new. They were first introduced in the early 2000s, becoming an important tool for preventing deaths in intensive care units. Their use in addressing maternal deaths and pregnancy-related complications has grown over the past decade. Since 2013, the Council on Patient Safety in Women's Health Care and the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health have developed 10 safety bundles related to maternal health. In addition to obstetric hemorrhage and severe hypertension in pregnancy, bundles have been created for maternal venous thromboembolism, or blood clots in the veins, postpartum care and reducing cesarean births. Their use accelerated in 2020 when the Joint Commission, the organization responsible for hospital accreditations, included prenatal and postpartum care bundles in its Perinatal Care Services certification for health care facilities. A growing body of evidence suggests safety bundles can be effective not just in reducing disparities but in improving outcomes for all women. Safety bundles have been shown to reduce the rate of eclampsia a life-threatening hypertensive condition by 42% and other severe childbirth-related complications by 17%. A 2017 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed use of a postpartum hemorrhage bundle in a collaborative of 99 California hospitals reduced severe childbirth-related complications by 21% compared to a 1% reduction in comparison hospitals. Hospitals that had prior experience with the protocols saw an even higher 29% reduction. A subsequent 2020 study published in the same journal found use of the safety bundle lowered complication rates due to hemorrhage by 9% for Black women and 2% for white women. "At the core, we are dismantling how racism affects variations in treatment," Amutah-Onukagha said. "If protocols are in place, they level the playing field." Amutah-Onukagha, who founded and leads an annual conference on Black maternal health in Boston, said the key to successful implementation of safety bundles is having people on staff at the hospital who are passionate about it. "You need a champion to get behind it," she said. "You need to make sure the teams are trained and know how to do all the procedures properly. You need buy-in from the nurses. It's really about shifting the culture." When done correctly, Meadows said, safety bundles work because they make health care decisions objective, removing even those biases people may not realize they have. "We aren't changing the people we care for; we are changing care quality," she said. "What we're talking about is fixing the system." covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. DES MOINES More than three months after turning down $29 million in federal funding for low-income families to spend on food for their school-aged children in the summer, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced Wednesday a $900,000 grant program with similar goals. In December, Reynolds announced the state will not participate in the federal Summer EBT program, which provides low-income families with $40 per month in benefits during over three months. That program started during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency and now is being made permanent. It was designed to provide free meals in the summer months to students from low-income families who receive free or reduced-price meals during the school year. States were given the option of remaining in the program. Iowa was among 17 states, nearly all with Republican governors, that declined. Reynolds at the time said she believed the program was not sustainable and did not promote nutrition. The new state grant program is being funded by federal pandemic relief funds. It is designed to create additional summer meal sites that will serve more children in currently underserved areas across the state, the governors office said in a news release. Providing young Iowans with access to free, nutritious meals in their communities during the summer months has always been a priority, Reynolds said in a statement. With the Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant, we will expand these well-established programs across our state to ensure Iowas youth have meals that are healthy and use local community farms and vendors when possible. The number of eligible applicants and their proposals will determine the number and amount of grants awarded across the state, the governors office said. The grants will help school districts and other qualified organizations expand participation in two current federal summer child nutrition programs the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option. Those programs are administered by the Iowa Department of Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Qualifying schools can participate in either federal program, and private nonprofit organizations, community and faith-based organizations, higher education institutions and local government agencies will be eligible to participate in the Summer Food Service Program, the governors office said. New meal sites must be located in an area where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The meals can be served at schools, churches, parks, libraries and other public spaces, according to the governors office. Luke Elzinga, board chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition, said the daily average participation at summer meal sites in Iowa in 2023 was 21,557, which is less than 10 percent of the more than 245,000 Iowa children who would have received the $40 per month from the Summer EBT that Reynolds rejected. While we certainly welcome the new grant program to expand summer meal sites, we also recognize that barriers will remain for families to access those sites. Summer EBT is meant to complement, not replace, summer feeding sites, Elzinga said in a statement. We truly hope this grant program increases access to nutritious food for low-income kids during the summer but the fact remains that our governor chose to deny $29 million in federal funds that would go directly to low-income families with children who face additional financial struggles during the summer months when kids are out of school, the statement continued. Under the new state grant program, priority will be given to applicants seeking to establish a new meal site and to schools or organizations that did not participate in the federal programs last year or are in a county with two or fewer meal sites. Schools and organizations can apply for reimbursement funding for up to $10,000 for the first new site and $5,000 for each additional site, up to a total of $20,000 for current program sponsors and $30,000 for new sponsors. Through partnerships with community-based providers and schools, the Summer Meal Program Expansion Grant will build upon family-focused solutions to support child nutrition and well-being in the summer, Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said in a statement. The Iowa Department of Education remains committed to supporting students with healthy meals and food options, as it supports communities in growing the impact of existing child nutrition programs. Statehouse Democrats continued Wednesday to express their disappointment that Reynolds declined the larger federal program. While I appreciate the governor finally doing something for hungry children in our state, the competitive grant program announced today amounts to crumbs for Iowa kids, Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, a Democrat from West Des Moines, said in a statement. Gov. Reynolds could have accepted $29 million in federal food assistance that wouldve reached 240,000 children in every corner of the state. The $900,000 state program she announced today is tiny by comparison and forces Iowa communities to compete for a sliver of that much-smaller pie. Its not enough to meet the real needs facing our state. And it doesnt make up for her decision to let Iowa kids go hungry. Trone Garriott and Elzinga said the new state program does not account for some barriers to low-income families getting help from food assistance programs, like a lack of transportation to get to meal sites or who live in areas without meal sites. While summer feeding programs have their place, they are not accessible to all Iowa families, Trone Garriott said. Families must bring their children to and from the site every day, which is impossible for most working families. There are many Iowa school districts and entire counties that dont even have a feeding site. As a result, these programs assisted less than 20,000 children last year. The governor could have expanded these programs and participated in the Summer EBT program. But instead, she put politics before the health and well-being of our kids. Applications for the new state program are being accepted at iowagrants.gov through May 7. Photos: Gov. Reynolds tours site of The Davenport collapse 060523-qct-nws-collapse-07.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-09.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-17.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-11.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-05.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-02.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-01.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-16.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-10.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-13.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-06.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-04.jpg 060523-qct-nws-collapse-03.jpg DR. WALLACE: I have a friend at my high school who moved with her parents to America from France two years ago. She ended up at our school this year when her parents moved into our town due to a job transfer. I really like her! She's fun, open, humorous and a great communicator and friend. Her accent also draws in a lot of guys, which is a good thing for me as we often have many people to talk with whenever we go out together. Last week at my house, I made the mistake of mentioning at our family dinner table that her parents let her drink a glass of red wine every Saturday night at their family dinner. My father immediately started running her parents down over this, and he told me I'm not allowed to have dinner at her house at any time. Fortunately he doesn't realize how close she and I already are, because he might try to tell me not to see her at all. His father, my grandfather, had a wicked drinking problem, and my dad is really, really down on alcohol. Why do you think her parents let her drink wine at 17? Is this a cultural thing? I don't have any other friends who are allowed to drink alcohol at our age. I Shouldn't Have Said Anything, via email I SHOULDN'T HAVE SAID ANYTHING: Your assumption is likely correct in that some European nations have a more relaxed viewpoint on drinking ages, especially when it comes to wine. All alcohol of course can lead to the same consequences, but your question deserved an answer. Your father's life was likely quite negatively impacted by his father's alcoholism. His viewpoint deserves respect, and you'd be wise to refrain from making news of this sort in the future at your family dinner table. I FEEL THEY'RE CULTURALLY CHALLENGED IN AMERICA SOMETIMES DR. WALLACE: Both of my parents were born outside of the United States, and although they are both great people, they often have cultural tendencies that don't apply to today's America. When I was a little girl, I'd notice this from time to time, but I'd just silently roll my eyes and not say anything. Over time my parents have made a few adjustments in respect to living here, yet they still have a lot of their former home's stereotypes front and center in their minds. This was not too big of a deal to me when I was younger, but now that I'm only three months from turning 17, their "old-style" ways are impacting my life in ways that decidedly put me at a disadvantage socially when compared to my peers. How can I tactfully get my parents to understand that they need to cut me a little slack and allow me to be like my classmates? And for the record, I'm a good student and have behaved well for my entire lifetime. Under Their Cultural Overhang, via email UNDER THEIR CULTURAL OVERHANG: See if you can locate a relative or family friend who understands both cultures very well. This is the key. Having a typical American explain something to them won't have the same impact as hearing the exact same advice from someone who also knows their home culture very well. Also take the time to tell your parents that you are proud of your heritage, and point out some of the cultural influences that you do particularly like, respect and take pride in. Your goal should be to blend the best of both cultures with your discussions with your parents and also with the way you live your own life. The year is 1849. Martin Van Buren has just been sworn in for his fourth term as president. Every state from the Carolinas on south secedes from the Union. The U.S. Army occupies Richmond to keep Virginia from joining them. Separatists take to the western mountains and organize a guerrilla campaign. In Washington, Van Buren assumes dictatorial powers, hangs traitors on a whim. The sons of the Old Dominion have to choose between the Union they have been raised to admire and the state they deeply adore. An intriguing alternate history? Not quite. The novel in which this story appears flashed forward in time, not back. Well, actually, it did both: Published in 1836 but with a date on the title page of 1856, as if remembering a war that had already occurred, The Partisan Leader: A Tale of the Future didnt so much relate a different version of the Civil War as prophesy its coming, missing the eventual start date by only a dozen years. That makes it the little-known granddaddy of a whole subgenre of American literature (and now film): blood-drenched imaginings of what it would be like to witness the crackup of the country. Americans have always been at once horrified and titillated by the prospect of these states becoming disunited. If the U.S. is an imagined community, as the anthropologist Benedict Anderson described the modern nation-state, one of the things its citizens most love to imagine is its violent undoing. Advertisement Lately, even more so than usual, a profound sense of decline and disintegration has come to define the national mood. How obvious, then, even inevitable, to pair this primordial form of American catastrophism with the evidently deathless genre of big-budget disaster movies. Americans fighting Americans, the country falling apart, the breakdown of civic orderwhat could be more popcorn-worthy than that? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a genre, disunion fantasy fiction has often showcased bad politics and even worse art. The hypothetical scenarios of such works tend to be hilariously implausible, the authors intentions murky at bestor, sometimes, clearly mercenary. Even in this context, however, Alex Garlands much-ballyhooed Civil War stands out for its eagerness to exploit popular fears of mass political violence without offering any meaningful reflection on the underlying factors that have led to it. Experience it in IMAX! the promotional poster urges, in a tone that sits uncomfortably with the directors claim that he made the film as a warning of what could occur if we are not careful. If the past is any guide, such macabre depictions of what Edmund Wilson called patriotic gore may only accustom us to the likelihood that it will. Advertisement Obsessing about a potential future civil war was a favorite activity of Americans in the years before they ventured into the fields to murder one another en masse. As the crisis over slavery deepened, a bumper crop of new novels depicted a Southern breakaway movement and a bloody conflict with the North. The books authors tended not to deplore the possibility but to welcome it. They wanted readers to envision, from the safety of their armchairs, what the destruction of the nation would look likeand to help bring it on. Advertisement The Partisan Leader, though published under a pseudonym, was widely known to be the work of a Virginian named Nathaniel Beverley Tucker, a son of the slavocracy who taught at the College of William and Mary and landed sooner than most Southerners on the conclusion that secession offered the only guarantee for the continuation of Southern institutionsslavery above all. As early as 1820, Tucker swore never to rest until he saw the Union shattered into pieces. A professor of law at William and Mary for nearly 20 years, Tucker trained a generation of Southern leaders in how to think about the Constitution. Later, his students would lead their states out of the Union, just as Tucker had hoped. Advertisement Advertisement But Tuckers ambitions as an educator went beyond formal instruction. Turning to fiction and using the novels of Walter Scott as a model, he wanted to help Southerners imagine how the breakup of the Union might happen, and to show where their loyalties should lie if it did. Duff Green, a prominent Washington publisher and close ally of South Carolina Sen. John C. Calhoun, printed 2,000 copies of the book in two volumes. The Southern Literary Messenger, an influential periodical then edited by Edgar Allan Poe (who corresponded with Tucker and sought advice from him), praised the artistry and plausibility of the novel, as well as its argument for Southern resistance to federal tyranny: The reader rises from the perusal of the book with solemn impressions of the probable truth of all the writers speculations; and he naturally asks himself, by what means the evils he has seen depicted may be prevented. Northern journals ignored the scandalous work, and booksellers refused to stock it, but The Partisan Leader found new relevance a quarter century later, with the secession of the seven southernmost states. In 1861 a New York publisher reprinted the book with the title A Key to the Disunion Conspiracy. The novel seemed to have predicted the future. Events were following Tuckers script. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seizing on Tuckers prescient vision, other writers saw a market for similar works, only now they added elaborately detailed portrayals of interstate violencethe CGI of the time. In 1859 John Beauchamp Jones, a successful Maryland novelist (also once praised by Poe), published Wild Southern Scenes: A Tale of Disunion! And Border War! Thirteen Southern states abandon Congress, then send an army to occupy New York City and abduct free Black people and bring them back as slaves. A villainous Northern general proclaims himself Lord Protector of the United States, invades the South, and wields the guillotine to gruesome effect. Great Britain leaps into the fray, keen to take advantage of the chaos and reclaim its lost colonies. North and South join together to expel the foreign foe. The Constitution is restored. Advertisement Advertisement A New Yorkbased businessmens magazine found the book full of ingenuity and invention and hoped it would have the effect of opening the eyes of the more conservative to the terrible results that will follow from the sectional madness and folly now disturbing the country. By contrast, Edmund Ruffin, an eccentric, long-maned agricultural reformer from Virginia and a passionate advocate of Southern separatism, thought Jones book very foolishespecially its feel-good endingand decided he could do better. The result, Anticipations of the Future (1860), was both impressively timely and remarkably unhinged. Advertisement The novel, serialized in a pro-secession South Carolina newspaper, then packaged as a book by a top Southern publisher, took the form of fictional dispatches by a correspondent to an English newspaper about a crisis following the Lower Souths secession from the Union. To suppress the rebellion, the president of the United States, New Yorks William Seward, sends an army into Virginia, prompting the rest of the slave states to leave. A gruesome fight ensues, climaxing with the wholesale slaughter of mixed-race Northern armies, described by Ruffin in gory detail. The abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison is hanged, his corpse defiled by vultures. Meanwhile, the Western states secede and join the rebellion. Northern cities go up in smoke, leaving many thousands of charred and partly consumed skeletons. Advertisement Writing these scenes, Ruffin confided to his diary, was alike amusing to my mind, & conducive to immediate pleasure. Only about 400 readers bothered to pick up Ruffins overwrought novel, much to the authors chagrin. That might have been because the future he anticipated was already becoming a reality. In the novel, South Carolina seizes Fort Sumter in Charleston Harborjust where the actual fighting would begin only months after the publication of Ruffins book, when the 67-year-old author, a volunteer with the militia, was himself given the high honor of firing one of the first shots in the war he had fantasized about with such pleasure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The unfathomable devastation that ensued, leaving three-quarters of a million dead, hundreds of thousands more wounded in body and mind, and much of the South a smoldering ruin, took the fun out of imagining what a nation-rending conflict would look like. The genre disappeared for a time. Ruffin shot himself in the head after the surrender at Appomattox. The reality of Southern secession hadnt matched up to the turgid fantasies of his fiction. Advertisement In the decades after the Civil War, expectations of national division over slavery were replaced by fears that mass immigration would undermine American unity. In 1880 Canadian-born San Francisco lawyer and journalist Pierton W. Dooner published Last Days of the Republic, which depicted a Chinese army overthrowing the Pacific states, then marching east all the way to Washington: The very name of the United States of America was thus blotted from the record of nations and peoples. Perhaps one of the strangest disunion-fantasy novels ever published was Imperium in Imperio (1899), by Sutton E. Griggs, a 27-year-old preacher and son of formerly enslaved parents. The novel revolves around a secret government of, by, and for Black Americans, based in a bunker beneath a Texas college. Devoted to racial progress and fighting discrimination, the Imperium recruits a rising generation of ambitious, educated Black men who have grown frustrated at being denied the most basic rights and privileges of citizenship. They grew to hate a flag that would float in an undisturbed manner over such a condition of affairs, Griggs writes. They began to abuse and execrate a national government that would not protect them against color prejudice, but on the contrary actually practiced it itself. Advertisement Advertisement After a black postmaster is lynched in South Carolinaan event that really happened, a year before Griggs published his novelthe Imperium decides to take Austin and declare war on the United States. Thus, the president of the Imperium proclaims, will the Negro have an empire of his own. Advertisement The turmoil of the 1960s and 70s, breeding a new wave of concern about national failure and societal collapse, led to another boomlet in fictional depictions of the United States cracking up. The Texas-Israeli War: 1999, written by sci-fi authors Jake Saunders and the late Howard Waldrop at the peak of the 1973 oil crisis, depicted the reestablishment of the independent Lone Star Republic in a world torn apart by biological and chemical warfare. After Texans kidnap the American president, mercenaries from the Jewish State attempt to rescue him. On Wings of Song (1979), by Thomas Disch, portrayed an America destroyed by economic inequality and culture war, divided between a liberal Babylon on the coasts and a semiautonomous conservative region, Columbia, in the heartland, populated by undergodersan astute depiction of the rural-urban divide that would only worsen in the coming years. In Margaret Atwoods now-canonical The Handmaids Tale (1985), a turn to religious fundamentalism brings a second civil war and the rise of a theocratic, women-enslaving dictatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few novels rejected dystopian warnings in favor of, like the antebellum Southern writers, actually proposing disunion as an improvement on the status quoa stance shared by authors of vastly different political stripes. Ecotopia, a 1975 novel by the environmentalist Ernest Callenbach, imagined the establishment of a separatist West Coast republic whose residents live in dynamic, sustainable harmony with one another and with nature, while far on the other side of the political divide, William Luther Pierces The Turner Diaries (1978) records the events of the Great Revolution of 19911999, in which Black people, Jews, and other non-Aryans are slaughtered and white race traitors hanged from lampposts. Seizing nuclear bombs from a military base, a shadowy group called the Order starts an atomic civil war with the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement It can hardly be a good thing that the antebellum eras obsession with concocting increasingly bloody disunion scenarios has reappeared with fresh vigor in recent years. There have been too many next-civil-war books to count, and most, true to the form, have been absolute garbagemaudlin, contrived, cliched. But not all. In Ben H. Winters Underground Airlines (2016), set in a 21st-century United States where slavery remains legal in four states and the titular rescue network helps Persons Bound to Labor escape to Canada, the alt-history is only a provocative premise for airing matters relevant in both its fictional world and our real one: What compromises hold a country together, and when are those not worth the cost? Omar El Akkads American War (2017) shows a country split apart at the end of this century over an attempt to ban fossil fuels. El Akkad at once lays out a clever, thought-provoking scenariomore stable Middle Eastern powers intervene as the U.S. often has in the civil wars of other nationsand delves into complexities of identity, loyalty, and the human cost of civil conflict. Christopher Browns harrowing Tropic of Kansas (2017) paints a harrowing picture of a nation in the grip of authoritarianism and ecological collapse and celebrates the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of overwhelming odds. Advertisement And now we have director Alex Garlands new film, with a title as bland as the movie itself. Like so much in our culture right now, Civil War isnt nearly weighty enough to bear the load of discourse thats been based on it. Focused on the ethical dilemmas and psychological torments involved in war photographywhich, OK?the movie takes advantage of our dark fascination with the possibility of political polarization leading to constitutional crisis and political violence, while refusing to actually explore those themes. Advertisement Related From Slate Station Eleven and the Invasion of Literary Novelists Into Sci-Fi Read More For all the ear-splitting explosions and hair-raising exchanges of gunfire across a variety of modern American landscapesand, yes, the IMAX experience is intensethe film seems to be conscious of its own essentially pornographic nature. There is something cheap and unseemly in the way the camera lingers on a pile of human bodies, or the Lincoln Memorial blown to smithereens. Just as Southern secessionist Edmund Ruffin found writing gory scenes of executions and massacres conducive to immediate pleasure, Joel, one of the war photographers in Civil War (played by Wagner Moura), looks out on a night sky filled with arcing mortar shells and grunts, This gunfire is getting me so fucking hard! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The viewer is meant to be implicated, and we are. But instead of any profounder meditations on why mass slaughter both attracts and sickens usfor even Joel is eventually reduced to a puddle of tearsthe film offers 90 more minutes of picturesque wreckage, bone-chilling executions, and, finally, the eagerly panted-after money shot (a phrase one of the journalists actually uses as the films climactic scene unfolds). At least Ruffin had an excuse for pleasing himself by turning his fantasies of American carnage into art: He wanted to bring it about. Garland claims he wants his film to do the opposite, but its strange, then, that not a single line or moment even implicitly alludes to what if anything could have been done to keep things from reaching such a breaking point. Advertisement In interviews, the filmmaker has claimed, Its a film about the product of polarization and division. But if we are to understand that the president (played by Nick Offerman), who appears only fleetingly in the movie, has turned fascistic, as Garland explainsclaiming a third term, abolishing the FBI, bombing American citizenswhy is it bad that insurgents have risen up to overthrow him? If its not bad, how can the movie be described, as lead actress Kirsten Dunst has put it, as anti-war? This deeply unserious film is not interested in probing those tensions, or, more to the point, its creator is too scared of alienating half the public by addressing them. Its neither pedantic nor partisan to object to such explosive material being used to such shallow ends. Far from deterring the violence it depicts, Civil War may well convince some content-addled moviegoers that it sure would be something to see. Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here. Dear Prudence, I comfortably live in an area with a very high cost of living. My older two nieces came to stay with me after college while they were trying to figure out their places in the world. Their rent went into savings so they could start out with a bit of a nest egg. They were expected to clean and to pay for their own food. We didnt have a problem, and they both went on to have successful adult lives. Their brother is another story altogether. He basically coasted through high school and then failed to do anything. No job, no interest in education, no interest in anything but video gameshe hasnt even gotten his drivers license yet. He is 22. My sister has babied him his entire life. My brother-in-law is at the end of his rope and demanding something be done. My sister thinks that sending him my way for a change of scenery will inspire him. She says it is only fair that I help my nephew, as I did my nieces. My sympathy has limits. My nephew refuses to see a doctor so any root cause like depression is not being addressed. My sister has offered to pay me until her son gets settled, but I am not willing to live with a lump lounging in my living room playing video games night and day. How do I have this discussion with my sister? Not a Launch Pad Dear Launch Pad, Your sisters belief that you are obligated, in some way, to put up her children in the big city is ridiculous, of course. You are not! If you do not want to host a third of your sisters children, rent-free, for some indeterminate amount of time, that is totally fine. Advertisement But I would not expect your sister to respond well if your stated reason is that her daughters were cool but her son sucks. And if you really enjoyed the company of those young women, and were pleased to be part of their young-adult lives, Id remind you that you dont really know that much about their younger brother or what he would actually be like as a houseguest. Maybe he would be a lump. Or maybe he would in fact find the city (Im assuming) a welcome change in his life. Theres every chance you might similarly enjoy building a relationship with this young man and helping him along his way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Or maybe you are not interested in the hassle! If thats the case, a simple Im so sorry, but I just cant host your son right now will suffice. Prudie, hospitably Advertisement How to Get Advice Submit your questions anonymously here. (Questions may be edited for publication.) And for questions on parenting, kids, or family life, try Care and Feeding! Dear Prudence, My husband and I were lucky enough to buy a home last year. Its a neighborhood on small lots, and most people who live there are retirees. Our next-door neighbor George is a sweet guy in his late 70s with whom we have a mild acquaintanceship. Last year, I watched him either struggle with his push mower or leave his grass long, such that he became the subject of Nextdoor neighborhood complaints about it. It would be easy for me to mow his lawn when I do mine, but I know hes touchy about his independence. His church sent someone to shovel his driveway when we had a snowstorm, and he was insulted, but he needed it. Spring is coming: How do I ask if I can do this for him? Trying to Be a Good Neighbor Dear Good Neighbor, Advertisement Advertisement How do you ask? You ask! If he gets touchy about it, oh well. You dont have to be like, I see that youve got one foot in the grave, want me to mow your lawn for you? Try mentioning that you enjoy mowing the lawn, and youd be happy to do his while youre out if he is interested. Or you could observe that he appears to be shoving around a mower from the 15th century, and offer to share your electric mower with him. (I hope its electricsurely you are not using a gas-powered mower on your teensy lawn!) Advertisement But maybe he doesnt want your helpmaybe hell even be briefly annoyedand thats fine too. If his lawn doesnt get mowed, who cares? Do not base your opinion of your neighbor on what the busybodies on Nextdoor think! Some might even suggest that a lawn in a state of disarray is a badge of honor, denoting a homeowners appreciation for the humble pollinators. Advertisement Finally, youll find that all your encounters with this neighbor will feel less fraught if you make a few overtures to transform this mild acquaintanceship into real friendship, or at least to actual neighborliness. Invite the guy over for a beer! Ask him for a favor! Youll find it really pays off to have a neighbor who knows and cares about you, and it will make the next decade or two a little easier if you build a base of trust upon which future interactions might rest. Prudie, cuttingly Advertisement Advertisement Dear Prudence, I have known Carole (not her real name) since I studied in France about 55 years ago. We have kept in touch, and during two of our (my husband and myself) visits to France, we went to the city she lives in for about four days, and although she invited us to stay at her apartment, we stayed at a hotel. She and her husband were very hospitable and took us on excursions in the area, had us to dinner, etc. Advertisement In 2017, she wrote and said she wanted to bring her granddaughter to New York in 2018 (we live in Montreal, Canada). To make a very long, involved story short, she finagled a 10-night visit to Montreal staying at our house most of the time and with four of those nights in New York (my husband being the driver and both of us being the tour guides). The little girl was almost 11 years old and very well-behaved, but Carole was like the Energizer Bunny. She took a thousand photos, and when she couldnt get online in the hotel, she went crazy. Needless to say, when their trip was over, it took me a week to recuperate! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, a few months ago, Carole said she was planning a trip to New York in the summer of 2024, this time with her daughter and her daughters two kids (one of them being the granddaughter who was with her in 2018). Knowing how things turned out in 2018, I know this means she wants to be invited to Montreal. Meanwhile, this past year, my husband has had to deal with a very ill sister who lives out of town and had to first be transferred to an assisted living place, and now to a long-care home. He is totally exhausted by all that has happened, and he is the sole caregiver, so he has to visit regularly. I related all of this to Carole, and she seems to have given up talking about going to New York (which means Montreal as well) this summer. However, I bet she will start again next year. Advertisement Let me add that in 2019, we moved into a condo and only have one uncomfortable hide-a-bed for guests, and there would be four people who want to come. I wish there were a polite way I could say, Book a hotel in Montreal, and we will try to show you the sights on some of the days you are here. Meanwhile, we do not feel like driving them to New York and walking all over in the July heat. If she tries again to be invited, how do I get out of it without being unkind? Remember, she will not start by saying she wants to come to Montreal. Not a Good Hostess Advertisement Advertisement Dear Hostess, I must confess I do not understand anything about this letter. Do people from Francophone countries possess some outlandish notion of hospitality that requires you not only put up a visitor for ten days but also drive them about six hours to a completely different country? There is a polite way to say Book a hotel in Montreal, and we will try to show you the sights on some of the days you are hereit consists of those exact words, preceded by the word please. Advertisement Advertisement Honestly: You are in your seventies. You live in a one-bedroom condo. No reasonable person would expect you to put their family up for a long visit, nor would they expect you to accompany them to New York. If for some reason Carole does expect thisI admit this is possible, due to the fact that you did all this on her previous visitpolitely tell her that unfortunately this time you dont have the space to put them up, and that a trip to the Big Apple simply wont fit in your schedule, desolee. Prudence, straightforwardly Classic Prudie Ive been in a relationship with Nick for almost five years, and for the most part, its been smooth sailing. My family adores Nick. But lately, Nick and I have been arguing quite often. Im a staunch Republican, and two of his friends, Jordan and Andrew, dont like that. They use all kinds of vile names for me, including white trailer trash and inbred. This started after I began working for a Republican organization. Before that, they were nice to me. Now they treat me terribly. Im starting to believe that what they say about me is true. Chicago police officers stopped a man for allegedly not wearing a seatbelt. Events spiraled to the point police officers shot at him some 96 times, a new review of the incident and police bodycam video reveals. An investigation is now underway to determine if the officers used excessive force. The shooting took place on March 21 when five plainclothes officers pulled over Dexter Reed Jr. on Ferdinand St. in a residential neighborhood. Multiple officers surrounded Reed's vehicle. "Roll the window down. Roll the window down," the female officer tells the driver in video captured on her body camera. The driver initially rolled his window down but then kept rolling it back up. "What are you doing?" the officer asks. "Don't roll the window up. Do not roll the window up," she continues before ordering him to unlock the vehicle. The video shows that after Reed did not comply with the commands, officers pointed their firearms at him. The officers are then seen retreating from the vehicle as shots rang out. The exchange of gunfire left Reed dead and an officer shot in the forearm. Video footage and initial reports appear to confirm that Reed fired first, a new Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) report found. After one of the officers was hit, the other four officers returned fire. Evidence found that officers returned fire approximately 96 times over a period of 41 seconds, including after Reed got out of his vehicle and fell to the ground. Reed was shot multiple times and was transported to the hospital and later died. A gun was recovered on the front passenger seat of Reed's vehicle, the investigation found. "We will carefully review the actions of the involved police officers and their supervisors to determine whether training, policy and directives were properly followed," said First Deputy Chief Administrator, Ephraim Eaddy. "And sent a formal request to Superintendent Larry Snelling recommending the Chicago Police Department relieve four officers of their police powers during the pendency of this investigation. We have also been in contact with the family and will continue to provide updates as the investigation is ongoing." Reed's family and lawyers question why plain-clothed officers needed to swarm the vehicle. "Dexter was pulled over for failing to wear his seat belt. Now this leaves many, many questions," attorney Steven Hart told CNN. "Why were tactical officers jumping out of an unmarked police car with their guns drawn for a simple traffic violation of not wearing a seatbelt?" Reed's uncle Roosevelt Banks said he would have panicked in the situation. "I would be terrified. I wouldn't know how to ... react other than to protect myself," Banks said. Slate Plus members get more Care and Feeding every week. Have a question about kids, parenting, or family life? Submit it here! Dear Care and Feeding, My husband and I have been married for almost 20 years. Although we live far from his parents, we see them two to three times a year, FaceTime regularly, and have a good relationship with them. I noticed about four years ago that something was off about my mother-in-law. She was asking the same question often, and forgetting things here and there. No one was taking it seriously since she was only 60 years old and just shrugged it off as her being silly. I took her to the doctor and asked what was going on. The doctor notified me that she has Alzheimers and when I looked at my mother-in-law and asked her if she understood, her only response was, I feel fine! Since then, things have gotten much worse. Weve been begging my father-in-law to move closer to us so we can take better care of her as well as help him out since his physical health is not the best. Its been especially daunting when they visit because instead of treating her like someone with dementia, he treats her like shes someone who is purposefully forgetting things and trying to irritate him. Hes very harsh with her. When I try to give wise counsel on how we can help her differently, it just goes in one ear and out the other. I can understand he most likely has caretaker fatigue. He has made excuses not to move. Weve told him time and time again to get a power of attorney as well as write a will in case anything were to happen to him, to prevent the state from taking over. We dont want her in a home, and we dont have the finances to fight in court if something were to happen. Every time we tell him this, its like hes hearing it for the first time and does nothing about it. He just continues to say, Ok, Ill get it done or nothings going to happen to me, youll just take care of her and the house if I dieits as if hes the one with dementia, but hes perfectly capable. I have come to resent him and find this all very selfish. We are at our wits end trying to get it through his head that she needs protection. No one is protecting her, and their only other child is useless, which is another reason we need her protected in case something happens to my FIL. What do we do? Weve resigned ourselves to knowing we will have to pick up the mess once he cant handle it anymore, but by then it might be too late. Utterly Helpless Daughter-in-Law Dear Utterly Helpless DIL, Youre right that your father-in-law is likely overwhelmed and perhaps being negligent when it comes to future planning. I really hope your mother-in-law is getting the care she needs and not being mistreated. I know its hard to think about, but if you or your husband suspect that her husbands harshness might slip into mistreatment or abuse, you have a duty to say something. As for the practical concerns youve raised, they are real, too, and your father-in-law should absolutely make sure that someone has financial and medical power of attorney (for his own sake, too, not only your mother-in-laws). Its very hard to make big decisions and act on them when youre feeling overwhelmed. If I were you, Id consult with a lawyer, social worker, or elder/life care planner to get as much information and advice as you can, even if it feels like the actual decisions are out of your hands right now. You can ask what would happen if your father-in-law becomes incapacitated or dies without writing a will or designating a power of attorney. (I believe that his wife would automatically inherit, and decisions about her medical treatment and care needs would be made by her next of kin if shes unable to make them herselfwhich means the responsibility could well fall to your husband even if hes not the designated power of attorneybut again, you should talk to an expert to get a clearer picture.) You and your husband might also want to consider whether you can help your in-laws act on these important matters the next time you visit in person, or plan a trip for the purpose of trying to encourage them to act. When my mother was ill, it was incredibly difficult for her to have discussions about medical treatment or end-of-life planning long-distanceit wasnt that she couldnt consider her wishes and needs or make important decisions; it was just that the necessary research and planning overwhelmed her. On one of my trips home, I brought lists and sample documents along with me, and made sure everything was witnessed, signed, and filed. Of course, I dont know if this will work in your father-in-laws case, or if your husband is even willing to attempt it, but I found that assuming the administrative burden and being there to help my parent do what was necessary (instead of just repeating that it needed to be done) is what made the difference. Some parents can easily accept the advice of their adult children; others need to hear it from anyone else. I realize its frustrating to feel like youre the last people they will listen to, particularly when you know youre rightbut sometimes thats the way it is. If there is anyone you can enlist to help you advocaterelatives or close family friends, your mother-in-laws doctor, a social worker, an elder/life care planner, etc.that might also help. All you can do is your best, and then try not to reproach yourself for things you cant control. Good luck. Nicole More Advice From Slate My toddler is spitting everywhere! Hes really enthused about spitting his spit, drooling water or milk out of his mouth, etc. Its gross! Right now, Im making him go outside when hes spitting, and were just not going to have milk until hes done with that. I left him briefly alone with a milk cup and came back to find his face, his shirt, and my rug covered in a fine spray of milk. What am I supposed to be doing here? When I called up Lee Kovarsky, who teaches law at the University of Texas, I was looking for a translator. Id been seeing one headline after another about the classified documents case against Donald Trump in Florida, where special prosecutor Jack Smith is accusing Trump of storing boxes of classified information at Mar-a-Lago. Its being heard by a Trump judge, Aileen Cannon. And if you read the headlines, this case is not going well. He said its gotten to be a little bit like The Jerry Springer Show. But these are lawyers, so in reality no one is throwing chairs at each other. Instead, theyre arguing through exhaustive paragraphs and late-night filings. Judge Cannon has called motions from Jack Smith unprecedented and unjust. Smith has openly worried Cannons understanding of the case could be based on a fundamentally flawed legal premise that would distort the trial. On Thursdays episode of What Next, we dug into the very technical, very legal catfights throwing the special counsels case against Donald Trump in Florida into chaos. Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Mary Harris: So, Judge Aileen Cannon has been involved in this classified documents case since before it was even a case, right? Lee Kovarsky: Law enforcement is reviewing all the stuff seized from Mar-A-Lago, and the Trump people go in and try to file a separate lawsuit to stop the DOJ from reviewing the stuff that was seized. The case gets assigned to Judge Cannon, and the Trump people are jubilant. Everybody knows that if Trump perceives a judge as being at all out of alignment with him, he just attacks, and he wasnt attacking. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was a big win for them to get that case assigned to her because that case was crazy. You dont get to go into a separate court and try to ask that court to stop the government from reviewing stuff it seized in a criminal investigation against you. There is an extraordinarily limited set of circumstances in which that sort of request should ever be indulged. What did she do to try to sort out what had gone on at Mar-a-Lago? The first thing she did was exercise power over the case at all. The second thing that she did was use that power to appoint the special master. And the reason she appointed the special master was because the Trump people were making various claims of privilegeattorney-client privilege, executive privilege. They were asserting all of these reasons why law enforcement shouldnt be able to look at the documents. Advertisement A special master is basically an objective third party, someone not affiliated with either side who would review all these documents. Almost immediately, Cannons decision to appoint one made everyoneexcept for Trumps legal teammad. Federal law enforcement was outraged because it would have stopped their investigation. Lawyers were outraged because the legal theories underlying this decision didnt seem to be sound. And so, the DOJ appealed. Advertisement Jack Smith won an extremely decisive judgment in the 11th Circuit shutting that whole thing down. This is Southern judges. This is a conservative circuit, right? Yeah, its a conservative circuit. And that panel did include Judge William Pryor, who is the most revered conservative on the 11th circuit. Hes extraordinarily close with Justice Clarence Thomas, and he joins this unsigned opinion that really claps back at Justice Cannon. Advertisement When Jack Smith does charge Donald Trump, my memory is that it was kind of a wild card who the judge would be when this went to trial. How did this get back to Judge Aileen Cannon again? Advertisement The warrant litigation happened there because thats where the search was. Jack Smith felt like he had to file in that judicial district, and given the way divisional assignment works, there was a nontrivial shot it got assigned to Judge Cannon. And he lost the lottery. They were stuck with the worst conceivable judge for this litigation. Judge Cannon has been presiding over this case for 10 months now. Is that a long time to be in this kind of beginning stage? Advertisement Stuff that shes doing is generating very unusual reasons for delay. For example, these ancillary procedural issues that should be easily resolvable are taking a really long time. Theres still a lot of pending motions in front of Judge Cannon that she should have resolved already. Advertisement Advertisement Lets talk about this argument that the Trump team is making that the Presidential Records Act nullifies Jack Smiths case against Trump, because this is one of these issues thats tying things up. The PRA is a statute they passed after Nixon tried to take a bunch of stuff that belonged to the American people. Outgoing presidents, under the PRA, are supposed to give all records in their possession to the National Archives, with the exception of purely personal records. The personal records category is really small. For example, diaries about personal lives, new puppies, disobedient grandchildren. The process of retrieving presidential records with Trump was chaos, because of course it was. And in the process of retrieving the material, the archives figured out that Trump had taken national defense information. OK, that does not sound like a puppy. Advertisement It is not a puppy. There is no charge for violating the PRA because the PRA is not a criminal statute, and it doesnt have anything to do with retention of national defense information. So, the PRA comes in this way: In February 2024, Trumps lawyers make a slightly different argument, which is what exploded last week. Trumps lawyers make this wild two-step argument. First, that possession of NDI becomes authorized if the president designates a document containing itliterally any document he wantsas a personal record within the meaning of the PRA. The second step of the argument is even more ridiculous. They say that the very act of physically removing the records from the White House operated as a decision to classify the records as personal. Its like an Escher painting of insipid legal argumentation, except written in purple crayon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its this wild, crazy argument. So, Trump says it should be dismissed. And then, Cannon issues this wacky order seeking input on PRA instructions for the jury, which, of course, sends the signal that shes indulging this Escher-painting-purple-crayon argument. The special counsel responds, clearly pretty annoyed. He files a response to the order, saying that the PRA doesnt have anything to do with the case. Jack Smith also asked for Judge Cannon to announce her intentions with respect to the PRA instruction before trial. The reason he wants her to declare her intentions now is because if she says that shes going to indulge that theory now, he can take it to the 11th Circuit. Advertisement But if Cannon doesnt declare her intentions with respect to the PRA before the jury is sworn, and if she instructs the jury on a PRA defense and a jury acquits on that basis, theres nothing that Jack Smith can do. Trump skates, because theres no appeal, because you cant try him again after hes been acquittedeven if the acquittal is based on a legal error. What do you think is motivating Judge Cannon here? I cant figure out what the goal is. Advertisement Advertisement Theres this debate online and in the media generally about whether this is bias or incompetence. And for whatever reason, people treat those as mutually exclusive categories. I actually think its both. And you cant really understand whats happening unless you attribute her pattern of behavior in part to each of those things. Why do you think its both? Advertisement She consistently is making gigantic legal mistakes, but shes always making them in the same direction. She did it with the special master. Shes now doing it with the Presidential Records Act. Its also a major asymmetry in her rhetorical swipes, which are fast and furious and consistently at the special counsel offices expense. I dont think she understood this PRA stuff at the outset, but she surely understands now that shes indulging an absurd argument, and shes doing it in a way that seems to suggest that shes trying to evade appellate reviewbefore she can facilitate an acquittal in a posture thats not reviewable. And thats very transparent to people who know what theyre looking at. If youre Jack Smith, what are your options? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surely Jack Smith is considering whether to force a more definitive ruling about the PRA from Cannon so they can force the 11th Circuit to reverse it. How would he do that? That would require something called a motion in limine, which is basically an order asking the judge to bar the introduction of evidence on a particular issue at trial, on the ground that it would be unduly prejudicial or confusing or inappropriate for some other reason. So he tells the judge, like, OK were going to not have evidence on the Presidential Records Act, because that does not apply here. Right. So, Judge Cannon would deny that motion, presumably. And Jack Smith could take the order denying that motion up to the 11th Circuit. If he gets that motion up there, he has a decent shot of winning. Advertisement But then the case would go right back down to Judge Cannon. Then the wisdom of that option depends on what you think Judge Cannons likely to do after that, which leads me to my second option. If youre really, really, really skeptical about Judge Cannon and her receptivity to your arguments in this case, then youre probably thinking about recusal. And thats a Hail Mary. Its unlikely to succeed. Its deeply antagonistic because it basically accuses the judge of bias or appearance of bias. And it often fails. So, people who are sophisticated litigators often dont do that because it so often fails, and all youre left with is an angered and antagonized judge who youve just called biased. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But in this case, whats the alternative? If you think Cannons already exercising all conceivable discretion against you, then maybe an incremental step that runs the risk of even more discretion exercised against you isnt quite as costly as it might be in other circumstances. Advertisement Subscribe to What Next on Apple Podcasts Get more news from Mary Harris every weekday. I wonder if we could envision the future for this case a little bitif Donald Trump wins the election in November or if he loses. Because it seems like those are potentially different futures. The case is going to go away one way or another if Trump wins. Either a Justice Department that he will have staffed with extreme loyalists will find a way to dismiss the case or, if worse comes to worse, Trump will pardon himself. What happens to Aileen Cannon? It is quite likely that she gets a promotion, at least to the 11th circuit. Its only rational for Trump to do that. Trump wants to signal to other officials that if they are aligned with him, if they are on board with him, if they protect him, then there will be a bounty; there will be a reward. And what better way to send that signal than by promoting Judge Cannon for her part in deferring the criminal prosecution? Its hard for me to see a world where she doesnt get some payoff. If Trump loses the election, what happens? Advertisement Advertisement Theres some disagreement about what happens next. I actually think if the case hasnt gone to trial and Trump loses the election, then Jack Smith will start to have an easier time. Why? Because this potential payoff, whether consciously or subconsciously, if Trump loses the election, the specter of her being promoted and celebrated goes away. If Im Judge Cannon, it seems like I have every incentive to delay this trial as long as possible, because theres basically no risk to doing that, and theres potentially a very high reward if Donald Trump gets reelected. Yeah, theres a high reward if Trump gets reelected. And as for the downside, her professional reputation, which judges care about, is not in a great place. Shes going to have some work to do to leave some legacy. So if youre her and you just wait, the payoff is higher and the downside is lower. I dont see why you wouldnt do what you can to stall, which explains whats happening. Warm weather sees people flock to revamped Druzba in city centre. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share With the arrival of warm weather, Bratislava has started turning on fountains. The first of these to start operating have been the Druzba fountain on Namestie Slobody Square and the Ganymede Fountain on Hviezdoslavovo Square, both in the city centre. In total, 36 fountains will be gushing with water this season. Lost in Bratislava? Impossible with this City Guide! (Source: Spectacular Slovakia) The Druzba fountain was revamped last year as part of an extensive refurbishment of the whole Namestie Slobody Square, which included the introduction of a trampoline and lowered lawns. A large playground, hammock pegs and swings will be added by summer. However, the fountain has come in for some criticism with visitors complaining of a lack of toilets. Surrounded by government and university buildings, the only toilets are at a bistro and cafe by the fountain and users have to pay. Other restaurants are too far from the square. The city would like to make the restrooms of the private cafe and bistro accessible to the general public. If this plan fails, they may build public toilets. When the fountain was re-launched last year, visitors praised the general quiet at the location, as the area is large and surrounded by trees around its perimeter. The square has also seen several larger protests and a Pride march. It has hosted dance classes, yoga classes and last summer the Philharmonic Orchestra played there. The Gerlach club, which focuses on the personal development of young boys, also meets there every Friday. Several other fountains have also been turned on in the city: Woman with a Jar Fountain on Frantiskanske Square, Maximilian's Fountain on Main Square, Lion with a Coat of Arms Fountain outside the Old Market Hall, as well as Girl with a Deer Fountain on Hviezdoslavovo Square. Related article Related article Disfavoured Bratislava fountains have aged very well, architect says Read more The municipal organisation MARIANUM Funeral of the City of Bratislava now manages municipal fountains: 38 fountains, 13 drinking fountains, 3 wells and 1 fountain with a fog effect. There are more than 150 fountains in the city, but many of them belong to city districts, owners of hotels, shopping centres and other legal entities. Opening of a Bratislava coffee shop postponed to autumn. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A new place for coffee lovers will open in Bratislava in the autumn. The Romanian coffee chain, 5 to go, was supposed have opened its first coffee shop in the Slovak capital around this time. In the end, they decided to postpone it by several months. They are currently opening its first shops in Hungary. After a comprehensive analysis of the market and consumer behaviour, we are convinced that the 5 to go brand will be very well received in Slovakia, 5 to go co-founder Lucian Badila said last October. TV Markiza reports that people will find the coffee shop in a Bratislava building, but not in a shopping mall. Moreover, the chain plans to open up to 100 coffee shops across the country by 2028. A World Coffee Portal research found that the Slovak brand coffee shop market comprises about 125 outlets, led by McCafe with 31 shops. The Slovak chain Cafe Dias, which is part of the Panta Rhei bookstores, and Germanys Tchibo Kaffee Bar, are the next largest chains by outlets. The new EU Migration Pact not seen as a solution for Slovakia. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Slovakias population has been shrinking for the third year in a row. Despite this, the countrys governments have remained rather hostile to the idea of welcoming more foreigners from outside the EU. The Statistics Office has published the latest numbers that show a year-on-year decline in the number of citizens by more than 4,000 people. Slovakia had 5,424,687 inhabitants at the end of 2023. The Office underscores that the population had been growing for 75 years before it began to shrink three years ago. The data show that the Slovak population has increased by a mere 88,200 people since the emergence of Slovakia in 1993. The decrease in the total number of inhabitants in 2023 was mainly influenced by the natural decline of the population, the Office writes in its report. Immigration, despite showing encouraging numbers, didnt help reverse the latest trend due to a rising number of people leaving the country. Births and deaths in Slovakia (in thousands). (Source: Statistics Office) Fewer babies Last year, more than 54,100 people died. As many as 48,600 children were born in the country. As a result, a population decline of 5,500 occurred. This situation has been observed for four years now, in part due to the coronavirus years of 2020-2022. However, the natural population decline in Slovakia continued in 2023, despite the fact that the mortality rate reached the long-term average after three pandemic years, said the Statistics Offices Population Statistics Department Director Zuzana Podmanicka. She went on to cite the fact that the number of children born in Slovakia fell significantly below 50,000 in the past two years. However, the declining birth rate has been observed for six years. In the early nineties, the number of births began to fall - from more than 70,000 to exceeding 51,000 in 2002. Then, the number began rising again. In 2011, there were 61,000 newly-born babies. But the figure fell slightly again, and more visibly in the past two years. The decline in the historically lowest value is also confirmed by the gross birth rate. The gross birth rate in Slovakia reached an unprecedentedly low value in 2023, not only in the modern history of independent Slovakia, but in the last 100 years, explained Podmanicka. During the last 20 years, this indicator reached the value of 1,033 births per 100,000 inhabitants. It fell below 1,000 in 2022. Last year it dropped even deeper, to 896 newborn children per 100,000 inhabitants. But births and deaths arent the only factor that has had an impact on the total number of inhabitants in Slovakia. Migration (in thousands): blue (immigration) and orange (emigration). (Source: Statistics Office) More people move in than out Migration is the other factor. The population increase through migration has been in positive numbers for a long time, the Statistics Office reports. For example, 5,923 people relocated to Slovakia last year and have permanent residence in the country. And 4,522 people decided to move out of the country. Many of those who moved to Slovakia last year came from Czechia (1,542), Ukraine (523), Austria (519), Great Britain (579), Germany (368) and Hungary (326). Conversely, those who decided to emigrate from Slovakia left for Czechia (1,876), Austria (781), Germany (372) and Great Britain (376) in 2023. Also, according to the latest census, 58,498 foreigners with permanent residence lived in Slovakia in 2021. The number almost doubled in a decade. The number of immigrants has exceeded the number of those who emigrated every year, ranging from 900 to 7,100 people, the Office points out. Last years migration balance stood at 1,401 individuals. But in the last three years these figures havent been able to compensate for the losses resulting from the falling birth rate. European Migration and Asylum Pact approved The Statistics Office, headed by former Smer MP Martin Nemky as of early February, published the latest demography data when on Wednesday the European Parliament adopted 10 different laws reforming the EUs migration and asylum policy. Theyre yet to be approved - formally - by the Council. The package will come into force in two years. Slovakia rejected the draft of the so-called new Migration Pact by voting at the level of ambassadors to the EU in Brussels in February, the Slovak Foreign Ministry stressed. However, it will also apply to Slovakia. The new system is based on solidarity, which means that Slovakia can choose if it will take in asylum applicants, contribute financially or provide technical support in tackling migratory pressures on other EU member states. Yet, the Slovak Foreign Ministry repeated on Thursday that it does not agree with the approved changes, saying that it refuses to accept the condition of the mandatory admission of illegal migrants to Slovakia. Illegal migration is a huge challenge facing the EU, and it's our duty to tackle it above all in line with the sovereign interests of our homeland, said Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar of the Smer party. The intake of immigrants is, however, optional. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, almost 140,000 Ukrainian newcomers have found temporary refuge in Slovakia. However, at the same time, the country approved only 37 of 416 asylum applications in 2023, an approach adopted by the authorities a long time ago. What the MEPs approved on Wednesday is something that Ficos government called for in 2016, when the EU faced the first wave of a migration crisis. Fico then opposed mandatory quotas for immigrants. If we dont want to accept migrants, and we dont, then we can send more police officers, provide more funds, more experts, Fico said back in the day. Today, it seems clear which path of mandatory solidarity Fico will choose. He will prefer to make financial contributions instead of allow migrants into Slovakia, though they could help Slovakias demography and economy. The European Union should say outright that illegal migration is mainly motivated by economic motives. And it's not only a problem, but also an opportunity, economist Vladimir Balaz said last year. Europe is aging fast. And the eastern region in particular. Our employers are already having trouble finding manpower. Recently, the country has decided to issue more visas for workers coming from certain countries. This change only concerns certain industries. But like many Slovak politicians, many Slovak people are suspicious of foreigners and do not trust them. The economist added that Slovakia will have to learn how to integrate foreigners. The sooner, the better, he said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/western-media-forced-to-admit-that-fabs-are-game-changer-1117857825.html Western Media Forced to Admit That FABs Are Game Changer Western Media Forced to Admit That FABs Are Game Changer Sputnik International Western media outlets have been forced to admit the effectiveness of Russia's FAB glide bombs after they decimated Ukrainian forces over the past months. 2024-04-10T22:52+0000 2024-04-10T22:52+0000 2024-04-10T22:52+0000 mark sleboda russia ukraine kiev analysis glide bombs fab bombs https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/16/1117487567_0:16:1173:675_1920x0_80_0_0_59b3fb1804de2e9454339ab3eb056d61.png The FAB glide bombs have been such a game changer in Ukraine that even Western media outlets are forced to concede their effectiveness, which has tormented Ukraines defenses on the front line as their use has increased.The Western press is calling this weapon a game changer, Security and international relations expert Mark Sleboda told Sputniks Fault Lines on Wednesday. And for once, I might actually agree with them. This weapon has been a game changer.FABs, which are old Soviet-era bombs retrofitted with inexpensive pop-out wings and targeting systems to transform them into smart bombs devastated Kiev forces in Avdeyevka, forcing a chaotic retreat from the heavily fortified city.Essentially the equivalent to the US JDAM missiles, the FABs are more accurate and powerful, Sleboda explained. They come in a variety of sizes, from 250kg up to 1,500kg, he explained. And the new ones that are soon supposed to hit the battlefield are 3,000kg. Thats a three-ton bomb, he noted, adding that it can demolish a fortification in one shot.Meanwhile, the few JDAMs supplied to Ukraine have had little effect on the battlefield because the Kiev regime lacks an air force that can penetrate Russias air defenses. In contrast, Russia has been using the FABs frequently, noting that more than 500 of them were dropped on Avdeyevka in the last few days of the attack on the city.The only way to counter [FABs] is if you have really long-range air defense, which the Kiev regime has none left of, Sleboda explained, adding that a Patriot system may have the capability to target the planes dropping FABs but even that is questionable as advancements in FABs have increased their range as the conflict has gone on.Noting that because they come from Cold War stockpiles, Sleboda explained that Russia has an effectively unlimited supply of FABs. They are going to vastly accelerate the Russian process of dismantling the Kiev regime's fortified positions, [these] urban areas that have been turned into fortresses. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240408/russian-su-34-unleashes-fab-500-glide-bombs-vaporizing-ukrainian-command-post-1117805029.html russia ukraine kiev Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino fab-3000, fab bombs,. fab-1500, glide bombs, guided bombs, most effective weapons in ukraine, who is winning in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/close-to-8000-people-evacuated-from-flooded-areas-of-russias-orenburg-1117864391.html Close to 8,000 People Evacuated From Flooded Areas of Russia's Orenburg Close to 8,000 People Evacuated From Flooded Areas of Russia's Orenburg Sputnik International About 7,800 people, including more than 2,000 children, have been evacuated from flooded areas of Russias Orenburg Region, the regional administration said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T08:37+0000 2024-04-11T08:37+0000 2024-04-11T08:38+0000 russia orenburg orenburg region natural disasters https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/07/1117801411_0:160:3074:1889_1920x0_80_0_0_b04a329cb4b201dfd360e7b5039e7aa0.jpg "A total of 7,800 people, including 2,117 children, have been evacuated from flooded houses and household plots; 1,415 people, 256 of whom are children, are residing in temporary accommodation centers," the administration said on Telegram. Additionally, over 600 heads of cattle have been relocated to safer areas, the statement read. Fortunately, no one has been killed by the floods in the city of Orenburg, Mayor Sergei Salmin said. The authorities main goal is to prevent casualties, which is why people are being encouraged to leave flooded areas on their own, the mayor added. "Because, of course, it will be impossible to evacuate thousands of people by boats. We evacuate hundreds of people per day, which is not an easy job as well, because it is difficult to navigate the terrain due to an extremely strong current it is tricky to work there," Salmin told the media. Russian regions located in the Ural Mountains and Siberia have been grappling for days with strong floods sparked by rapid snowmelt and rising water levels in rivers. The regions of Orenburg, Tyumen and Kurgan have declared a state of emergency. In Orsk, the situation worsened after a dam burst last week that prompted the mass evacuation of local residents. orenburg orenburg 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 russia, flood, orenburg flood, orenburg region flood https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/danger-of-ukrainian-attacks-on-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-persists---representative-1117871975.html Danger of Ukrainian Attacks on Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Persists - Representative Danger of Ukrainian Attacks on Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Persists - Representative Sputnik International The risk of drone attacks on the power plant and the surrounding area by Ukrainian forces persists, Evgeniya Yashina, director of communications at the nuclear station, told Sputnik. 2024-04-11T15:22+0000 2024-04-11T15:22+0000 2024-04-11T15:22+0000 zaporozhye russia sergei ryabkov kiev ukraine international atomic energy agency (iaea) the united nations (un) zaporozhye npp ukrainian drone attacks on russia drone strikes https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117872276_0:113:3239:1935_1920x0_80_0_0_e6a3415537425f2d3917c9578ffaff94.jpg "Unfortunately, the danger of drone attacks and strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), its adjacent territory, and the satellite city of Energodar remains," Yashina said.According to her, the Ukrainian side has not reduced its activity in using combat drones.Meanwhile, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca said that the UN joins the call of the IAEA to immediately cease attacks on the Zaporozhye NPP at a Security Council meeting.He mentioned the recent "direct attack" on the plant for the first time since November 2022 on Monday and Tuesday."We join the call of the IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi to immediately cease such inexcusable attacks to avoid a major nuclear incident. No country benefits, either militarily or politically, from attacking nuclear facilities," Jenca said.Earlier in the day, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that he will "use this platform to expose the criminal nature of Kiev's terrorist activities in relation to this crucial facility" during a special session of the IAEA Board of Governors today in Vienna."We call on the IAEA director general to finally call things by their proper names. We cannot be content with phrases to the effect that attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant are unacceptable, no matter where these attacks come from. This is a deliberate concealment of the obvious fact - that Kiev and Kiev's sponsors are endangering the station and the safety of millions of people living in vast areas of Europe," added Ryabkov.On Sunday, the Zaporozhye NPP's press service reported a drone attack on the dome of the sixth power unit. It was noted that there were no critical damages. Previously, reports were received of drone flights in the area of the canteen and the cargo port. On Monday, a Ukrainian kamikaze drone was shot down over the station. It fell on the roof of the 6th power unit, with no threats to the safety limits of the Zaporozhye NPP recorded. On Tuesday, the UAF attacked the training center of the Zaporozhye NPP with a drone, which houses the only full-scale reactor hall simulator in the world. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/russia-urges-west-to-admit-ukraine-carried-out-zaporozhye-nuclear-plant-attacks--1117842690.html zaporozhye kiev 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 attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine strikes zaporozhye nuclear power plant, drone attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine targets zaporozhye nuclear power plant, zaporozhye nuclear power plant under attack, nuclear threat at zaporozhye nuclear power plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/does-american-library-association-back-books-on-ukrainian-nazi-collaborators-1117870847.html Does American Library Association Back Books on Ukrainian Nazi Collaborators? Does American Library Association Back Books on Ukrainian Nazi Collaborators? Sputnik International Over the course of years, the Kiev regime has repeatedly declared Nazi collaborators in the Second World War "heroes of Ukraine," naming streets after them and opening monuments to the war criminals. 2024-04-11T14:31+0000 2024-04-11T14:31+0000 2024-04-11T14:31+0000 world russia ukraine nazi collaborators books glorification nazism https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117871690_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_ca235838150a5167fc77081c0560ac71.jpg The American Library Association (ALA) recently honored two authors with a track record of whitewashing Nazi collaborators in Ukraine, journalist Lev Golovkin has written in an article for the US news outlet The Nation.The worlds largest non-profit library organization did not think twice before drawing attention to the books edited by Volodymyr Viatrovych now a Ukrainian MP and Lubomyr Luciuk, who is currently a professor in Canadas elite military college.Golovkin recalled that the ALA earlier published a list of Best Historical Materials for 2023, which included Enemy Archives: Soviet Counterinsurgency Operations and the Ukrainian Nationalist MovementSelections from the Secret Police Archives.He recounted in this regard that Viatrovych is notoriously known for calling soldiers from an SS division war victims, while Luciuk once demanded that the Canadian parliament apologize for calling a former member of SS a Nazi.Whats more, it was Luciuk who added significantly to glorifying the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN) and its offshoot, the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which were to blame for exterminating tens of thousands of Jews during World War II.At the time, the Kiev regime greenlighted laws declaring the OUN and the UPA to be Ukrainian national heroes and making it illegal to deny their heroism, a move that provoked international uproar.In 2018, Viatrovych went further by berating then-Israeli President Reuven Rivlin for spreading the Soviet myth about the OUNs participation in the Holocaust, something that is an established historical fact. A year later, Viatrovych was fired as UINM head before quietly becoming a member of the Ukrainian parliament.Singing the same tune was Luciuk, who published an edited excerpt from the Enemy Archives book in Canadas National Post newspaper, in which he described the OUN as having been maligned by the USSR. Luciuk alleged that the Soviet Union routinely portrayed OUN members as war criminals, Nazi collaborators, fascists and so on, a trope regurgitated regularly by the Russian Federation.As for Luciuk, he also vehemently stood for the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, commonly known as SS Galizien, notorious for its war crimes, such as the burning of up to 1,000 Polish villagers alive during World War II. Luciuk, however, claimed that SS Galizien members werent pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic and they didnt engage in war crimes.Meanwhile, glorifying Nazi collaborators remains an essential part of the Kiev regimes policy, and opening monuments to the war criminals in Ukraine becoming a common event. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted in this vein that the glorification of Nazi criminals, and direct propaganda of Nazism in Ukraine become the norm, as if there was no Nuremberg [Trials]. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230924/watch-canadian-parliament-give-ovation-to-waffen-ss-veteran-1113631706.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220510/watch-ukrainian-neo-nazis-march-to-celebrate-anniversary-of-upa-1095393516.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20220716/nazism-versus-marble-monuments-destroyed-in-ukraine-1097131030.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg second world war, nazi collaborators in ukraine, american library association, american library association's move to whitewash nazi collaborators https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/european-parliament-backs-bill-against-illegal-migration-1117860188.html European Parliament Backs Bill Against Illegal Migration European Parliament Backs Bill Against Illegal Migration Sputnik International The European Parliament on Wednesday approved by a majority of the votes a controversial bill called the "Pact on Migration and Asylum." 2024-04-11T04:04+0000 2024-04-11T04:04+0000 2024-04-11T04:04+0000 world europe peter szijjarto viktor orban hungary european union (eu) european parliament dublin regulation migration illegal migration https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107961/61/1079616194_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_6f0ebc87d425db7f8e826069992aa605.jpg The bill is designed to help combat illegal migration and human trafficking, as well as to toughen penalties for crimes in this area within the European Union. The pact will now be formally approved by the European Council in the coming weeks. The EU member states will then have another two years to implement it. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said on Wednesday that the approval of the pact by the EU Parliament is "the best possible compromise" after years of stalemate. He said Italy has succeeded in bringing migration policy back to the center of the European agenda, adding that the pact would provide "safer external borders, faster and more efficient asylum procedures, faster expulsions and more solidarity toward the countries of first entry." Hungary will not allow undocumented migrants to enter the country despite the approval of the new migration pact, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. Brussels does not provide Hungary with financial support to curb the flow of undocumented migrants on the EU's external border, the Hungarian ministry said, adding that the EU, on the contrary, pressures Budapest to "strive to preserve its identity and security." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also slammed the migration pact as "another nail in the coffin of the European Union."In December 2023, the EU agreed on new rules to handle irregular arrivals. The regulations, known as the Pact on Migration and Asylum, set out a common approach to migration and asylum, including more effective control and accelerated return of asylum seekers to the countries from which they came. The pact also introduced a mandatory solidarity of all EU states, requiring member states to accept undocumented migrants from other EU member states or provide financial or material support to these countries. The Dublin Regulation, which has been in place since the start of the EU migrant crisis in 2013, is an agreement between the EU member states, Iceland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway that is designed to establish which of the EU member states is responsible for examining an individual's asylum application. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231212/irregular-border-crossings-into-eu-in-2023-hit-7-year-record-of-350000---frontex-1115536469.html hungary 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 pact on migration and asylum, what is pact on migration and asylum about, european immigration policy, european parliament bill on migration Drone footage reveals the vast area where a pair of Kansas mothers mysteriously vanished, as investigators continue their frantic search nearly two weeks after the women were last seen alive. Veronica Butler, 27, and Jillian Kelley, 39, disappeared March 30 during a drive from Hugoton, Kansas, to Eva, Oklahoma, to pick up Veronica's two children. Police found their vehicle ditched on a roadside in Elkhart, Kansas about 30 miles outside of Hugoton. Evidence discovered within the car suggests foul play, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, however investigators have not elaborated on that evidence. Aerial footage captured by a drone earlier this week shows the massive, desolate area where the women's abandoned vehicle was recovered, according to NewsNation. Heading to #Oklahoma searching for answers in a mysterious case. More tomorrow on @NewsNation as we report on the two #missingmoms, #VeronicaButler & #JillianKelley who vanished under suspicious circumstances in a very remote area . Ill take you to the scene of the pic.twitter.com/8PoNl1Yhwo Laura Ingle (@lauraingle) April 7, 2024 The OSBI has not disclosed any further evidence indicating the whereabouts or the conditions of the victims, and they've reportedly advised family members to decline media interviews. No arrests have been made in connection with Butler and Kelley's disappearance. "There's every reason to believe that they could be in danger," OSBI spokesperson Hunter McKee previously told ABC News. "It was a very rural area. They're nowhere to be found... the fact that we've had no contact with them for this long." Butler was reportedly in the midst of a custody battle with her ex, and Kelley the wife of a pastor may have been accompanying Butler to act as a mediator when picking up her kids. The children may have been living with their paternal grandmother at the time. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/g20-unemployment-rates-in-numbers-1117867261.html G20 Unemployment Rates in Numbers G20 Unemployment Rates in Numbers Sputnik International Unemployment stats among G20 members reveal that the countries with the most robust labor markets have changed quite a bit over the years. 2024-04-11T13:04+0000 2024-04-11T13:04+0000 2024-04-11T13:04+0000 multimedia infographic g20 russia japan mexico us united kingdom (uk) south korea https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117866757_0:0:1280:720_1920x0_80_0_0_03e58a9ec11601366f5ad6e038d98c08.png Sputnik has gathered and analyzed data released by national statistical agencies that shows that the unemployment rate in Russia stands at a mere 3% (as of December 2023). This figure places Russia among the top three G20 nations with the lowest levels of unemployment. Japan tops the list (2.5%) and Mexico is second (2.6%).Overall, nine G20 members show a positive workforce-related climate reflected in nationwide joblessness below 5%, specifically South Korea (3.2%), US (3.7%), UK (3.8%), Australia (3.9%) and Saudi Arabia (4.4%).In annual terms, unemployment has seen a general decline in a dozen G20 nations, most notably in Turkiye (down by 1.3 percentage points, with unemployment currently standing at 8.9%). On the other hand, seven block members have experienced numbers rise over time, particularly in Canada (up by 1.3 percentage points, now with a 5.8% rate).Out of the 20 bloc states, Japan is the only country whose unemployment rate remained the same (2.5%).Check out Sputniks infographic to learn more: russia japan mexico united kingdom (uk) south korea australia saudi arabia turkiye canada 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 global unemployment rates, g20 unemployment stats, unemployment in the world, countries with highest unemployment, countries with lowest unemployment https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/germanys-lufthansa-suspends-flights-to-tehran-until-thursday---spokesperson-1117859579.html Germany's Lufthansa Suspends Flights to Tehran Until Thursday - Spokesperson Germany's Lufthansa Suspends Flights to Tehran Until Thursday - Spokesperson Sputnik International German flag air carrier Lufthansa has suspended flights to and from Tehran until Thursday, a spokesperson for the company has said, citing security threats as the reason. 2024-04-11T03:07+0000 2024-04-11T03:07+0000 2024-04-11T03:07+0000 world lufthansa iran israel islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/15643/77/156437765_0:36:501:317_1920x0_80_0_0_ac66fe7ffd161286215d883f93b0a64c.jpg "[Lufthansa], after a thorough evaluation, has decided to suspend flights to and from Tehran until Thursday, April 11, 2024 ... The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority," German newspaper FAZ quoted the spokesperson as saying on Wednesday. The spokesperson did not give specific reasons for suspending flights but said the decision was due to "the current situation in the Middle East."In recent years, Lufthansa has suspended air service with Tehran several times - in particular, following the mass protests after the death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in 2022 and a drone attack on the city of Isfahan. On April 1, 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. The Syrian Health Ministry said the next day that 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/20240411/irans-missiles-built-in-past-12-years-not-relying-on-gps-other-intl-systems---reports-1117859072.html iran israel Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International lufthansa flight to teheran, germany iran flights, iran international airlines flights, iran israel relations https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/hamas-rejects-us-truce-plan-in-gaza-will-present-its-own-plan---reports-1117858893.html Hamas Rejects US Truce Plan in Gaza, Will Present Its Own Plan - Reports Hamas Rejects US Truce Plan in Gaza, Will Present Its Own Plan - Reports Sputnik International Palestinian movement Hamas has largely rejected a plan for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip proposed by the US and will propose its own plan, The Wall Street Journal has reported. 2024-04-11T00:42+0000 2024-04-11T00:42+0000 2024-04-11T00:42+0000 world israel gaza strip hamas the wall street journal israeli-palestinian conflict israel-gaza conflict palestine-israel conflict hostage hostage crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/09/1116699553_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_33772aab43ce98b968c42da55bf97cc9.jpg The dismissal of the plan illustrates the wide disagreement between the two parties to the conflict on the deal, the report said on Wednesday, adding that it also reflects Hamas' growing confidence that diplomatic and domestic pressure on Israel to end the conflict in Gaza gives the Palestinian movement the upper hand in negotiations. Media reported earlier on Wednesday that the latest ceasefire proposal for Gaza, made at talks in Cairo over the weekend, provides for the release of 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners as a part of a three-stage plan adopted by international mediators. Each stage of the plan was expected to stretch for 42 days, with the first involving the return of the displaced people to northern Gaza, which would be supported by the UN temporary housing efforts and 500 aid trucks delivering supplies daily.However, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, that Hamas had told international mediators which include Qatar and Egypt that it was unable to identify and track down 40 Israeli hostages needed for the first phase of a ceasefire deal. The report cited sources as saying that Hamas' inability or unwillingness to tell Israel which hostages would be released, alive, is a major obstacle, adding that Israel has pushed for Hamas to fill out the initial release with younger male hostages, including soldiers, since the movement appears to be unable to reach 40 in the proposed categories. On Tuesday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Hamas had not yet responded to the offer hammered out during the negotiations in Cairo.On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. Nearly 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted during the attack. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 33,300 people have been killed so far by Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip, according to local authorities. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/hamas-delegation-to-visit-cairo-on-april-7-for-ceasefire-talks-1117783177.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/israel-will-have-to-drop-unachievable-goals-in-gaza-1117838889.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us truce plan for gaza, gaza strip ceasefire, hamas truce plan for gaza, when will hamas release hostages, gaza crisis resolution, palestine israel hostages prisoners exchange https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/iaea-chef-calls-for-refraining-from-violating-principles-on-preventing-nuclear-accident-at-znpp-1117873508.html IAEA Chef Calls for Refraining From Violating Principles on Preventing Nuclear Accident at ZNPP IAEA Chef Calls for Refraining From Violating Principles on Preventing Nuclear Accident at ZNPP Sputnik International International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Thursday that he will discuss the situation around the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant (ZNPP) with the UN Security Council next week. 2024-04-11T16:12+0000 2024-04-11T16:12+0000 2024-04-11T16:12+0000 world zaporozhye zaporozhye npp international atomic energy agency (iaea) un security council (unsc) ukrainian drone attacks on russia drone strikes drone warfare https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/05/1117760323_0:244:2730:1780_1920x0_80_0_0_cbb462f277fac8ab13fe5e57824e6b11.jpg "On Sunday, direct attacks against Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant marked a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers in Ukraine, significantly increasing the risk of a nuclear accident. We [at the IAEA] are meeting today, and I will meet with the UN Security Council next week, because it is of paramount importance to ensure these reckless attacks do not mark the beginning of a new and gravely dangerous front of the war," Grossi said in a statement. The IAEA chief also called on the international community to increase efforts to de-escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The director general also called for refraining from violating IAEA principles on preventing a nuclear accident at the ZNPP. "That is what I am doing today and that is what I will do when I travel to the UN Security Council next week," Grossi noted. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/danger-of-ukrainian-attacks-on-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-persists---representative-1117871975.html zaporozhye 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 attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine strikes zaporozhye nuclear power plant, drone attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine targets zaporozhye nuclear power plant, zaporozhye nuclear power plant under attack, nuclear threat at zaporozhye nuclear power plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/idf-eliminates-hamas-official-responsible-for-funding-military-activities-in-rafah-1117870275.html IDF Eliminates Hamas Official Responsible for Funding Military Activities in Rafah IDF Eliminates Hamas Official Responsible for Funding Military Activities in Rafah Sputnik International The Israeli military has eliminated a Hamas military official, who was responsible for funding the movements military activity in Rafah, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T13:21+0000 2024-04-11T13:21+0000 2024-04-11T13:21+0000 world palestine-israel conflict middle east ismail haniyeh rafah israel gaza strip hamas israel defense forces (idf) gaza violence https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/1f/1117667566_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_1c2567f2193b75d37e285dd8e8801207.jpg "The IDF and ISA [Israel Securities Authority] eliminated the terrorist Nasser Yakob Jabber Nasser. As a part of his activities in Hamas' military wing, he was responsible for funding a significant part of Hamas' military activities in Rafah. Last December, he transferred hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas for its military activities," the IDF said in a statement.In an earlier report, Al Jazeera said that an Israeli strike on the Gaza Strip killed three sons and several grandchildren of Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of the political office of Hamas. Haniyeh later said that the death of his sons will not affect the movements demands for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. rafah israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International gaza genocide, is israel committing genocide, whats happening with gaza, israeli genocide against palestinians, will israel be charged with genocide, whos backing israel, un hearing on gaza, current developments in gaza, whats happening to palestinians, us military aid to israel, us arms supplies to israel, us violating international law, what weapons is israel getting from us, israeli strikes, israel strikes gaza, israel kills civilians https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/incompetent-western-leaders-better-think-twice-before-provoking-china-1117859229.html 'Incompetent' Western Leaders Better Think Twice Before Provoking China 'Incompetent' Western Leaders Better Think Twice Before Provoking China Sputnik International The "incompetent leaders" of the West should think twice before provoking China, Dr. David Oualaalou told radio Sputnik on Wednesday. 2024-04-11T02:04+0000 2024-04-11T02:04+0000 2024-04-11T05:25+0000 analysis ukraine north atlantic treaty organization nato sputnik china japan americans us france https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/01/1097996423_0:320:3073:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_719013ad3b42ec3f2ec502571557a680.jpg After it failed in Ukraine, the collective West better think twice before provoking a conflict with China, military veteran, author and international geopolitical consultant Dr. David Oualaalou told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Wednesday.While speaking about NATO plans to open an office in Japan, Oualaalou said that it doesnt make any sense to put an office for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in the Pacific unless this is where the next conflict will be.The aggressive posture of the United States comes not from the democratic process, but from what Oualaalou called the hidden hand of weapon manufacturers like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. [They] are the ones pushing for this direction [in] US foreign policy, which is not going to bode well for the average Joe, average Jane, here at home.Co-host Garland Nixon noted that in Europe the same aggressive actions have continued, despite NATOs failure in Ukraine, noting plans to station NATO troops in eastern European countries, including Lithuania, Moldova and possibly Ukraine itself.Earlier, Oualaalou addressed the news that the US plans to send $138 million to Ukraine for repairs to its failing Hawk air defense systems.What is it going to be for? That's the fundamental question that Americans need to understand, Oualaalou pleaded. And when you hear the statements of the secretary general of NATO [Jens] Stoltenberg that in case Trump wins the election, we need to allocate $100 billion for the next five years. $100 billion for the next five years? Ukraine will cease to exist in five years if they keep going at this rate, Oualaalou exclaimed.I am starting to be convinced that negotiating with the Russians is inevitable. The question is when its going to happen, he concluded. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/russia-makes-no-requests-to-france-over-statements-on-sending-troops-to-ukraine---moscow-1117845436.html ukraine china japan france germany lithuania Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino dr. david oualaalou interview, ukraine funding, tensions with china, us china relationship https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/irans-missiles-built-in-past-12-years-not-relying-on-gps-other-intl-systems---reports-1117859072.html Iran's Missiles Built in Past 12 Years Not Relying on GPS, Other Int'l Systems - Reports Iran's Missiles Built in Past 12 Years Not Relying on GPS, Other Int'l Systems - Reports Sputnik International All missiles built in Iran in the past 12 years do not use any international positioning systems, including the GPS, Iranian news agency Fars has reported, citing a source in the IRGC. 2024-04-11T00:48+0000 2024-04-11T00:48+0000 2024-04-13T12:06+0000 military iran islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) missile missile iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107076/98/1070769894_0:218:1500:1062_1920x0_80_0_0_41772b0a5a9cb72070143e2aac9008cf.jpg A source close to Israel's security agencies confirmed to Sputnik last week that Israeli security services are massively jamming GPS signals in various parts of the country to, among other things, disorient potential enemy aerial targets such as missiles or drones. These measures come amid Tehran's threats to respond to a recent Israeli airstrike on the consular annex of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus. On April 1, 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. The Syrian Health Ministry said the next day that 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.US media have reported earlier, citing Iranian and US intelligence sources, that Tehran plans to strike dozens of sensitive targets in Israel, including energy infrastructure and various other facilities, using ballistic missiles and drones carrying explosives. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240408/iran-warns-it-has-nine-types-of-missiles-able-to-strike-israeli-territory-1117803469.html iran 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 does iran use gps, iranian news agency fars, irgc missile technologies, iran missile systems, iran positioning systems https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/lavrov-holds-meeting-with-brics-lawmakers--1117863876.html Lavrov Holds Meeting With BRICS Lawmakers Lavrov Holds Meeting With BRICS Lawmakers Sputnik International BRICS is a major economic alliance Global South nations, founded by Russia, China, India, and Brazil, with South Africa joining later. Recently, BRICS has undergone a major expansion with the addition of several new members. 2024-04-11T08:25+0000 2024-04-11T08:25+0000 2024-04-11T15:23+0000 world brics sergey lavrov russia china brazil foreign ministry india south africa https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/09/17/1113603252_0:0:2952:1662_1920x0_80_0_0_ae10aab753e6c082901395e2975c92f9.jpg Sputnik is airing a live broadcast from Moscow, where Russia's top diplomat Sergey Lavrov is holding a meeting with the heads and members of the foreign policy committees of the parliaments of BRICS nations. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has announced that Lavrov and these MPs will be discussing a wide range of issues, including the strengthening of ties between national legislatures.Tune in to Sputnik's live feed for more updates! russia china brazil south africa 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 Lavrov meets with representatives of relevant international affairs committees of BRICS member parliaments Sputnik International Lavrov meets with representatives of relevant international affairs committees of BRICS member parliaments 2024-04-11T08:25+0000 true PT15M06S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International brics, lavrov, brics parliaments, global south, lavrov brics, brics expansion https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/moscow-says-in-contact-with-tehran-on-irans-possible-response-to-israeli-strike-1117870780.html Moscow Says in Contact With Tehran on Iran's Possible Response to Israeli Strike Moscow Says in Contact With Tehran on Iran's Possible Response to Israeli Strike Sputnik International Russia is in constant contact with Iran in light of Tehran's possible response to the Israeli strike against the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T13:55+0000 2024-04-11T13:55+0000 2024-04-13T12:06+0000 world sergey ryabkov iran israel damascus brics middle east palestine-israel conflict iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/04/1117750276_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_6bc1627ab5f2984b96ea2aca87a3f322.jpg "We are in constant contact [with Iran] and within BRICS new and in-depth discussions of the entire range of issues related to the Middle East are also expected in the near future," Ryabkov told reporters. Russia condemns Israel's attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and believes that condoning Israeli actions in the Middle East, which are the core of Washington's policy, is largely becoming the root cause of more and more tragedies, the diplomat added. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240405/iran-vs-israel-military-comparison-whos-tougher-1117759486.html iran israel 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 gaza genocide, is israel committing genocide, whats happening with gaza, israeli genocide against palestinians, will israel be charged with genocide, whos backing israel, un hearing on gaza, current developments in gaza, whats happening to palestinians, us military aid to israel, us arms supplies to israel, us violating international law, what weapons is israel getting from us, israeli strikes, israel strikes gaza, israel kills civilians, iran strikes iraq, iran strikes pakistan, recent missile strikes in the middle east, why did iran attacks iraq, why did iran attack pakistan, whats behind irans missile attacks, iranian missile capabilities, what missiles does iran have, why is iran attacking other countries, relations between iran and iraq, relations between iran and pakistan, irans role in the middle east, alliances in the middle east https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/norway-us-to-build-satellite-station-at-norwegian-airbase-andoya-1117869708.html Norway, US to Build Satellite Station at Norwegian Airbase Andoya Norway, US to Build Satellite Station at Norwegian Airbase Andoya Sputnik International Washington and Oslo will work together to establish the first temporary satellite station outside the United States at Norway's Andoya airbase in the north of the country, the Norwegian government said. 2024-04-11T12:44+0000 2024-04-11T12:44+0000 2024-04-11T12:44+0000 world norway oslo nato us satellite satellite tracking station new satellites https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103916/78/1039167868_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cfd0a334c1fbc782d65b3f951e6a5bce.jpg "The US and Norway will cooperate in establishing a temporary satellite station at Andoya Air Base," the government said in a statement published on Wednesday, adding that the new station will be the first of its kind outside the US and "will provide early warning to Norway and NATO if cruise missiles are detected in the northern areas." Norway's geographic location is convenient for communications with satellites in polar orbits. The Andoya satellite station will be built as part of US-Norwegian space cooperation framework, but it also will make a "significant contribution to strengthening the defense capabilities of Norway and NATO," the statement read. Norwegian Defense Minister Bjoern Arild Gram said that the current security policy situation requires for the country to "be able to defend the entire NATO territory." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240124/norways-top-general-urges-defense-spending-hike-amid-nato-fearmongering-1116352362.html norway oslo 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 norway military base, us bases in europe, us bases in the eu, nato enlargement, nato expansion, whos joining nato, finland and sweden in nato, new nato members, why is hungary against nato expansion, why is nato expanding, nato expanding eastward, nato vs russia, threats to nato, nato spending quotas, how much money do nato members spend on defense, nato defense spending Russia is going to launch a probe aimed at finding out if the son of the President has financed terrorism. On April 9, Russia announced its decision to launch an investigation into a Ukraine gas company called Burisma, linking US President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden to allegedly financing terrorism, most notably in connection to the Moscow mass shooting in March. The probe focuses on an accusation that senior officials from the US and other NATO countries were financing terrorism in Russia and abroad, channeled through Burisma. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan remarked that the charges were "nonsense" when asked about the Investigation Committee's allegation toward Burisma and the implication that US and NATO officials are supporting terrorism initiatives. "Russia knows that it was ISIS that carried out the terrorist attack in Moscow." Hunter Biden had once served on the board of Burisma between 2014 and 2019, overlapping with his father's second term as Vice President. The conspiracies against the father and son went viral in the US; however, no evidence was ever found to support the unlawful claims associated with Burisma. The height of its notoriety resulted in former US President Trump's first impeachment charge, when he threatened Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in July 2019 to cut off US aid unless Zelensky prompted an investigation into both Biden men. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/radiation-leak-detected-at-metallurgical-plant-in-eastern-france---reports-1117875818.html Radiation Leak Detected at Metallurgical Plant in Eastern France - Reports Radiation Leak Detected at Metallurgical Plant in Eastern France - Reports Sputnik International A radiation leak occurred at a metallurgical plant in the city of Colmar in eastern France, the Franceinfo broadcaster reported on Thursday. 2024-04-11T17:43+0000 2024-04-11T17:43+0000 2024-04-11T17:43+0000 world europe france european union (eu) radiation leaks https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/1c/1108856149_0:66:1281:786_1920x0_80_0_0_677c55030b9ffb4bac59a98b6f6127f0.jpg On Wednesday evening, French metallurgy company ADF said that it could not stop a weld inspection system that was emitting gamma radiation. On Thursday, an area of 130 meters (427 inches) around the plant remained cordoned off. Franceinfo reported, citing the prefecture of the Haut-Rhin department, that any risk of pollution was excluded, with all workers evacuated from the building. Specialists are expected to arrive at the scene on Thursday to shut down the apparatus and assess the risks to workers in accordance with the French Nuclear Safety Authority protocol. Colmar Mayor Eric Straumann said on X that about about 15 residents on the street adjacent to the plant had been evacuated, adding however, that there are "no risks of infection or spread of radiation." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240327/natos-use-of-depleted-uranium-linked-to-cancer-epidemics---serbian-lawyer-1117575592.html 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 radiation leak in france, radiation leaks in europe, radiation leaks in eu, radiation in france https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/russia-worried-us-decision-to-put-mid-range-missile-system-in-asia-pacific-final---moscow-1117868476.html Russia Worried US Decision to Put Mid-Range Missile System in Asia-Pacific Final Russia Worried US Decision to Put Mid-Range Missile System in Asia-Pacific Final Sputnik International Russia is worried that the US decision to deploy intermediate-range missiles in the Asia-Pacific region is irreversible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T11:56+0000 2024-04-11T11:56+0000 2024-04-11T12:13+0000 military sergey ryabkov sergey lavrov russia pacific us army pacific (usarpac) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/14/1117438349_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_6eaad7072a8b03ca54689fc265e21f99.jpg On Wednesday, a US Army Pacific spokesperson told Sputnik that the United States is on track to deploy a medium-range missile system in the Asia-Pacific by the end of this year. Moscow would like to see no further build-up of the capabilities that the United States has persistently built in recent years in an area that was previously regulated by the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, the diplomat said. "As it was recently discussed during the visit of Russian Foreign Minister [Sergey Lavrov] to Beijing, we must respond to double containment with double counteraction. One of the points of such counteraction will undoubtedly be a revision of our approach to the unilateral moratorium on the deployment of such systems announced in 2018 by our president [Vladimir Putin]," Ryabkov said. When asked whether the deployment of similar US missiles on their territory on the island of Guam would be a reason for Russia to revise its unilateral moratorium, Ryabkov answered in the affirmative. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240404/us-ready-to-place-medium-range-missiles-in-indo-pacific-to-counter-china---top-army-brass-1117731125.html russia pacific Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International mid-range missile system, us vs russia, us missiles, russian missiles in the pacific https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/russian-foreign-ministry-confirms-moscow-will-skip-ukraine-meeting-in-switzerland-1117877191.html Russian Foreign Ministry Confirms Moscow Will Skip Ukraine Meeting in Switzerland Russian Foreign Ministry Confirms Moscow Will Skip Ukraine Meeting in Switzerland Sputnik International Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman, confirmed on Thursday that Moscow would not participate in a meeting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "formula" in Switzerland. 2024-04-11T18:37+0000 2024-04-11T18:37+0000 2024-04-11T18:37+0000 world maria zakharova switzerland ukraine european union (eu) peace talks russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/106812/87/1068128755_0:133:1280:853_1920x0_80_0_0_34ceedd18ad8f729c0026f89fd16cd93.jpg On Wednesday, Switzerland confirmed that it would hold the Ukraine peace conference at the resort of Buergenstock from June 15-16. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said Russia would not attend the first conference. "I would like to stop another wave of speculation regarding the alleged options of Russia's participation in another gathering on the 'Zelensky formula.' Russia will not participate, and was not planning to. We have said this many times," Zakharova said on Telegram. She told media in a written response that Russia had no confidence in Switzerland, a supporter of the Ukrainian government in Kiev that has implemented several rounds of EU sanctions against Russia. "Under these circumstances, Switzerland cannot be a neutral host by definition, let alone a mediator," the spokeswoman said. She compared the upcoming high-level conference to last June's Copenhagen meeting on Ukraine, which tried to promote Zelensky's so-called peace formula, a 10-point plan that builds on Kiev's ambition to roll back Russia's territorial gains. The gathering produced no breakthroughs. "While pretending to act for a good cause, Switzerland is trying to promote Zelensky's compromised formula and push through a repackaged Copenhagen process. Any event that ignores Russia's position and is based on the 'Zelensky's formula' ultimatum is hopeless and detached from reality," she said. Zakharova argued that the organizers' claim that they would seek a common understanding among the participating countries was a "ruse" because Kiev's peace formula left no room for compromise and completely ignored peace initiatives put forth by the Global South. About 120 world leaders are expected to attend the gathering at the alpine resort of Buergenstock in Nidwalden canton, outside the city of Lucerne. Switzerland's stated goal is to establish a forum for a high-level dialogue on ways to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/russia-skips-swiss-held-ukraine-conference-as-bern-asserts-no-peace-possible-without-moscow-1117851424.html switzerland ukraine russia 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 peace talks, ukraine peace talks in switzerland, zelensky peace formula, zelensky 10 point peace formula https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/russians-recommended-to-refrain-from-travels-to-the-middle-east-amid-tensions-1117860407.html Russians Recommended to Refrain From Traveling to Middle East Amid Tensions Russians Recommended to Refrain From Traveling to Middle East Amid Tensions Sputnik International The Russian Foreign Ministry strongly recommends that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the Middle East region, especially Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity, ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Sputnik. 2024-04-11T04:34+0000 2024-04-11T04:34+0000 2024-04-11T08:21+0000 world middle east israel lebanon israeli-palestinian conflict palestine palestine-israel conflict hamas https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/05/1117763890_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7f5dfc2daa9abda4bf29c49a055a73bb.jpg The tense situation in the Middle East region remains. The situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, as well as in the Blue Line area between Lebanon and Israel, remains unstable. We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity, Zakharova said. She said that the security situation in Jordan is stable.On April 1, Israel carried out an airstrike on the consular annex of the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, leveling the building and killing two Islamic Revolutionary Guards Cops and five officers, as well as diplomatic personnel and Syrian citizens.Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that Israel "should be punished, and it will be punished". President Ebrahim Raisi also promised that Tel-Aviv would pay a "heavy price" for the attack on Damascus. israel lebanon 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 middle east, israel-iran ternsions, gaza strip crisis, hamas, israeli-palestin conflict, middle east conflict https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/russias-lavrov-calls-for-brics-counterterror-cooperation-after-concert-hall-attack-1117867989.html Russia's Lavrov Calls for BRICS Counterterror Cooperation After Concert Hall Attack Russia's Lavrov Calls for BRICS Counterterror Cooperation After Concert Hall Attack Sputnik International Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov urged the nine-nation BRICS group of developing economies on Thursday to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism following a deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow last month. 2024-04-11T11:50+0000 2024-04-11T11:50+0000 2024-04-11T11:50+0000 world moscow concert hall attack sergey lavrov russia moscow kazan brics counter-terrorism terrorist attack https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/16/1117497181_0:0:3076:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_cf91ee3271d4d75d070fc740e005b228.jpg "In preparation for the Kazan summit, we are paying particular attention to closer cooperation in the fight against terrorism The recent tragedy at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow again emphasized the need to step up joint actions of experts and lawmakers to combat this global evil," he said at a meeting of BRICS parliamentary envoys for foreign affairs. Lavrov hosted members of BRICS foreign affairs committees in Moscow to discuss preparations for the BRICS Summit in the southwestern Russian city of Kazan in October. It will be the leaders first meeting after the club of five Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa admitted four new members in January (Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates). The foreign minister told lawmakers that BRICS had a counterterrorism joint working group that comprised five subgroups. He said that Russia wanted the member states to enhance cybersecurity and anti-drug cooperation during its rotating presidency of BRICS. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240404/putin-crocus-terror-masterminds-sought-to-undermine-russian-national-unity-1117733830.html russia moscow kazan 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 moscow terrorist attack, moscow concert hall attack, who was involved in moscow attack, who is behind moscow terrorist attack, official figures on the moscow attack, victims of the moscow attack, what happened during moscow attack https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/russias-pork-industry-eyes-top-5-exporter-status-with-access-to-chinese-market-1117865069.html Russia's Pork Industry Eyes Top 5 Exporter Status With Access to Chinese Market Russia's Pork Industry Eyes Top 5 Exporter Status With Access to Chinese Market Sputnik International Over the past 15 years, Russia has developed one of the world's most advanced pork industries, achieving self-sufficiency and becoming one of the top 5 global producers. 2024-04-11T09:55+0000 2024-04-11T09:55+0000 2024-04-11T09:55+0000 pork russian economy under sanctions russia china federal service for veterinary and phytosanitary surveillance economy russian export center jsc (rec) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107605/15/1076051586_0:217:2872:1833_1920x0_80_0_0_1d0fb133cd68fcb6b0711bcedc73194e.jpg Russia has "created one of the most modern pork industries in the world," achieved self-sufficiency, entered the top 5 global pork producers, and adopted an export-oriented strategy over the past 15 years. It now looks to enter the Chinese market after Beijing lifted restrictions. Kovalev believes that for the Russian pork industry, the opportunity to supply domestic pork to China is a significant historical event. Last year Russia sold about 250,000 tons of pork, approximately 5% of production, but did not have access to the Chinese market, the largest in the world, where approximately 55 million tons of this meat is consumed. "Speaking of the ranking of exporters, now with 250,000 tons, we are in 7-8th place," Kovalev clarified. However, he noted that in the Chinese market, Russia will face huge competition, including from the US, Canada, Brazil, Denmark, and Spain. In September 2023, the Chinese side lifted restrictions, which had been in effect against Russia since 2008 due to concerns over African Swine Fever. At the end of February 2024, the Chinese competent authority certified three Russian enterprises for pork exports from Russia to China, and on March 7, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) supervised the shipment of the first batch of Russian pork by-products. Fesco transport group has reported that the total delivery time for the first batch of Russian pork to China will be about 35 days, with arrival expected on April 11. https://sputnikglobe.com/20190913/china-will-exempt-us-pork-and-soybeans-from-additional-levies---reports-1076793835.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 export, russian export center, russian pork, russian pork ezport, access to chinese market, china's pork market https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/skorean-opposition-wins-landslide-victory-in-parliamentary-election-1117861652.html S.Korean Opposition Wins Landslide Victory in Parliamentary Election S.Korean Opposition Wins Landslide Victory in Parliamentary Election Sputnik International South Korea's opposition Democratic Party and its satellite Democratic United Party have won a landslide victory in the parliamentary elections, winning 175 of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, the South Korean National Election Commission said on Thursday after processing 100% of the ballots. 2024-04-11T06:14+0000 2024-04-11T06:14+0000 2024-04-11T06:14+0000 asia south korea south korean government south korean democratic party https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117861496_0:179:3003:1868_1920x0_80_0_0_05ff0772d2dc1e326ea71f3f93685e73.jpg South Korea's ruling People Power Party (PPP) and its satellite People Future Party won a total of 108 seats in the parliament. The Rebuilding Korea Party led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk became the third-largest in parliament with 12 seats, while the New Reform Party led by former PPP leader Lee Jun-seok won three seats, and the New Future Party and the Progressive Party won one seat each. Following the defeat of the ruling party in the elections, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon stepped down to take responsibility for the voting results. South Korean President President Yoon Suk-yeol has vowed to reform the country's administration following the defeat of his party. News agencies also quoted a senior presidential official as saying that the administration "will soon take time to reflect on the results and their cause, and make further announcements," adding that this can be interpreted as Yoon's willingness to cooperate more closely and exchange views with the country's opposition. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Lee, as well as two other senior presidential aides, offered their resignation to take responsibility for the defeat in the election, the news agency cited Yoon's office as saying. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240102/what-is-known-about-stabbed-leader-of-south-koreas-opposition-1115944094.html south korea Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International south korea, south korea oppositon, south korea elections, opposition victory south korea https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/transnistria-president-says-forum-in-moldova-without-pmr-russian-participation-a-mistake-1117859920.html Transnistria's President Slams Moldova Forum as Mistake for Leaving Out Russia, Tiraspol Transnistria's President Slams Moldova Forum as Mistake for Leaving Out Russia, Tiraspol Sputnik International The president of unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic called the forum on Transnistrian settlement, to which representatives of the PMR and Russia had not been invited, a mistake. 2024-04-11T03:45+0000 2024-04-11T03:45+0000 2024-04-11T06:57+0000 world transnistria vadim krasnoselsky moldova european union (eu) russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/09/1108207635_0:0:3031:1705_1920x0_80_0_0_fa8e669069b7cbc48420911f3eaeb615.jpg A source informed Sputnik that Moldovan politicians, along with experts, and diplomats from the United States, the EU, and Ukraine are scheduled to address the Transnistrian settlement issues in Moldova on April 11. Notably, delegates from Transnistria and Russia have been left out of these discussions. Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Oleg Serebrian, mentioned that the talks with Tiraspol have reached a standstill, prompting Chisinau to proceed with independent decision-making efforts, effectively ditching the negotiation format.Krasnoselsky's press service revealed that the regional leader made this statement at a meeting with EU envoy for Transnistrian settlement talks, Dorota Dlouchy-Suliga. The talks on Transnistria in the 5+2 format include discussions between Chisinau and Tiraspol as the conflicting parties, with Russia, Ukraine, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) acting as mediators. The European Union and the United States participate as observers. The most recent round of talks in this format was held in Bratislava on October 9-10, 2019.Transnistria, where 60 percent of the population consists of Russians and Ukrainians, has aimed to secede from Moldova even before the Soviet Union's collapse. This desire stemmed from fears that Moldova would unite with Romania due to rising nationalism. In 1992, following an unsuccessful attempt by Moldovan authorities to address the issue through force, Transnistria effectively became a territory beyond Chisinau's control. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/gagauzia-suffering-colossal-losses-from-moldovas-economic-pressure---gutsul-1117838715.html transnistria moldova russia 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 transnistria, pridnestrovian moldavian republic, vadim krasnoselsky, forum on transnistrian settlement scheduled in moldova, russia role in transnistria, 5+2 format talks, eu envoy at transnistrian settlement talks dorota dlouchy-suliga https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/ukraine-and-the-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-the-samson-solution-1117876075.html Ukraine and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant: The Samson Solution Ukraine and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant: The Samson Solution Sputnik International Ukraine continues its attacks on Zaporozhye nuclear power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi warned that it came quite close to a nuclear accident on Sunday after it was attacked by drones. 2024-04-11T18:32+0000 2024-04-11T18:32+0000 2024-04-11T18:39+0000 analysis international atomic energy agency (iaea) ukraine zaporozhye chernobyl russia zaporozhye npp ukrainian drone attacks on russia drone attack https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117876501_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_43ba5e2811ac92d3f86ea69380f7db9e.jpg Dr. Chris Busby, a physical chemist and scientific secretary of the European Committee on Radiation Risk, shares his opinion about what the non-stop Ukrainian attacks on the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant could result in with Sputnik.We all know the Biblical story of the end of Samson. Having been betrayed and captured by the Philistines, Samson ends his life, and all the others around him, by exerting his great strength and pulling down the pillar he was chained to. The building falls down, killing him and all his captors. This has always been my worry about what I will call the Ukrainian conflict. As the developments go against Ukraine, there is an increasing tendency to abandon direct engagement with the Russian forces (lack of weapons, poor air cover, army losses) and rather to move to a kind of Terminator 2 warfare. Action at a distance, using robot drones and cruise missiles. A move towards a spiteful kind of warfare that is relatively cheap but results in politically spectacular results. Well, so what - you may say. For me, as someone who has studied the effects of radiation and radioactive contamination, the possibilities relating to the six reactors and associated waste cooling ponds of the Zaporozhye nuclear site represent something which would have more effect on Europe and Ukraine and indeed the world than anything that has occurred so far.For individuals in Ukraine, motivated by hatred and spite, the site is a tempting target. Do these people know what it is they are doing, or may do? I think they dont. Or maybe, like Samson, they dont care. They want to pull the house down. In this case, Europe, Russia, the world. Of course, they have no idea what could happen if one of the reactors went up. Or a spent fuel pond. And lets be clear, if one goes up, like the domino effect at Fukushima, probably they all go up. That is because nuclear fuel is hot. Even spent nuclear fuel is hot. The fuel in the reactor in shutdown, or in the spent fuel ponds, has to be cooled. If it is not cooled (by pumping water round it, or cooling the water in the ponds by spraying) then it gets hotter and hotter. Then it melts. The winds carry this Pandoras box contents for hundreds, even thousands of kilometres. The Chernobyl radiation went west, after contamination of an enormous tract of land and water courses, sending the contamination through Kiev, down the Dnepr to Zaporozhye and beyond. Studies of cancer and infant mortality, congenital malformations along the water route found significant effects, children died, from cancer, from heart attacks, the population of Belarus, the entire country showed a sharp increase in adult deaths, at the same time a sharp reduction in births.As far away as Wales and Scotland children died from leukemia; I know this, I studied the numbers which were released to me when I was part of the UK Committee examining Radiation Risk from Internal Emitters, CERRIE. Babies developed leukemia in Germany and Greece. And the explosion of one reactor at Zaporozhye is a much bigger deal than Chernobyl.How could this happen? There are a number of possibilities. First, a cruise missile attack on one of the reactor buildings could theoretically result in the penetration of one of the reactors. There are penetration warheads in existence now that can cut through concrete; using depleted uranium (DU) penetration. Do we know what Ukraine has in the way of cruise missiles? I dont. I read that France and UK have given Ukraine cruise missiles. Also depleted uranium weapons. Some of these went up at Khmelnitsky, as I wrote about. The material went north west to Poland, Belarus and Germany, round Scandinavia, and ended up (and was measured) in England. Ukraine has (it seems) promised not to use these cruise missiles to attack distant targets in Russia, or the Crimea bridge. But Zaporozhye is not a distant target. It is just across the river (indeed there was an attack by boats).Then there could be a fatal destruction of the control room and control facilities, so that the reactor goes mad and cant be controlled. Then the cooling system could be knocked out. The electricity supply, the stand-by generators. Nuclear power stations are a very big target. They were never built to survive a war. It is no wonder that Rafael Grossi, the IAEA supremo, is worried.The substances released by such an explosion include Caesium-137 with a half life of about 30 years. That means its around for 100 years or more. This causes cancer but also affects muscles, as in childrens heart muscles. They get arrythmias and die of heart attacks. The rate of arrythmias in children in Belarus is 15 %. In the rest of the world the background rate is 2%. The contamination includes Strontium-90, which binds to DNA, causes cancer and kills children in the womb, or causes malformations. There are (of course) enormous amounts of Uranium particles. Uranium has a half life of billions of years. There is Plutonium. I can go on and on. And on. The radiation, focused inside the body, or the people, the animals, the plants, will destroy everything slowly. The Samson option, will destroy the health of the population of Ukraine, Europe, Russia, and further afield. It would poison the productive land, crops would fail or else be poisonous.The Samson option, it seems to me, is a possibility which I put in the same box in my head as Global Nuclear War. Ukraine has no nuclear weapons. But this can be done. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/russia-urges-west-to-admit-ukraine-carried-out-zaporozhye-nuclear-plant-attacks--1117842690.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/we-prepared-to-use-them-in-vietnam-untold-story-of-us-toxic-romance-with-depleted-uranium-1114200068.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231113/untold-heroism-of-russias-radiological-chemical-and-biological-defense-troops-1114908415.html ukraine zaporozhye russia 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 attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine strikes zaporozhye nuclear power plant, drone attacks on zaporozhye nuclear power plant, ukraine targets zaporozhye nuclear power plant, zaporozhye nuclear power plant under attack, nuclear threat at zaporozhye nuclear power plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/ukraine-relies-on-us-made-155mm-artillery-shells-as-eu-production-lags---pentagon-1117871250.html Ukraine Relies on US-Made 155mm Artillery Shells as EU Production Lags - Pentagon Ukraine Relies on US-Made 155mm Artillery Shells as EU Production Lags - Pentagon Sputnik International The Ukrainian military is currently mainly dependent on US-made 155-millimeter artillery shells as European production has "not been up and running yet," US European Command chief Gen. Christopher Cavoli said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T14:08+0000 2024-04-11T14:08+0000 2024-04-11T14:08+0000 military us sergey lavrov ukraine russia slovakia european union (eu) ukraine crisis military aid us military aid https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/07/11/1111938569_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_f74dc4b7443ae15785e241b9cd378496.jpg "Right now, Ukraine for 155-millimeter shells is mainly dependent on US production. European production has just not been up and running yet," Cavoli said at a Senate armed services committee hearing. Europe is, however, seeking to increase its 155-millimeter shell production and planning investments to accelerate the output, Cavoli said. The top US general in Europe pointed to countries such as Slovakia as an example of production ramp-up but noted that much remains to be done. "The EU and NATO are cooperating closely on lifting production, and I believe they're going to break down some barriers and get that going," Cavoli continued, adding that it would take several months before they reach US levels of output. Russia has consistently warned the West against continued arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing they will do nothing but escalate hostilities and prolong the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that any military cargo will be a legitimate target for Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240407/zelensky-agrees-to-rack-up-new-us-military-aid-as-debt-as-army-warns-of-critical-shortages-1117797129.html ukraine russia slovakia 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 military aid for ukraine, is us giving more money to ukraine, why is us giving more money to kiev, whats happening to money given to kiev, will us give more money to kiev, how much money does ukraine get, how much money us gives to ukraine, how much money eu gives to ukraine, how much money europe gives to ukraine, what weapons does ukraine receive, does us give ukraine new weapons A survivor of arguably the most infamous school shooting in history has criticized the punishments of the parents of Ethan Crumbley. In an interview with Fox & Friends on Wednesday, a Columbine High School survivor said the prison sentences for Michigan high school shooter Ethan Crumbley's parents set a "dangerous precedent" as they removed responsibility from the actual criminal, who "knew what he was doing." Craig Scott, who lost his sister, Rachel, in the infamous Columbine massacre, explained why he disagrees with the parents prison sentencing, arguing they couldn't have predicted their son's actions. "I speak at a lot of schools across the country and deal with emotional resilience and try to affect the cultures of schools and students' lives by inspiring kindness and resilience, and I think this is a bad and dangerous precedent to take the blame on a teenager who knew what he was doing was wrong", Scott, now 41, added. "The mother of one of the shooters is now friends with my family, with my mother," he continued. "He had a dark motivation for wanting to be infamous. And now they're giving 10 to 15 years to the parents, and I think it's wrong", Scott finished. Ethan Crumbley, 15 at the time, went on a mass shooting spree at Oxford High School in Michigan in November of 2021, killing four and injuring seven others before being taken into custody. Now, his parents, Jennifer and James Crumbley, have become the first parents in the US to be held criminally liable for a mass shooting executed by their child. They were each sentenced to 10-15 years in prison. Prosecutors allege the Crumbley's could have prevented the incident when they stopped by the school to meet with counselors on the same day and prior to the shooting to discuss disturbing content Ethan had drawn in class. Scott went on to say that the teenager admitted in open court that he lied a lot. He was lying to his parents; he was lying to everyone around him; and ultimately, it was his decision that led to a crime he knew was wrong. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/ukrine-openly-talks-about-plans-to-use-terrorist-methods-against-russia---kremlin-1117868114.html Ukraine Openly Discusses Using Terrorist Methods Against Russia - Kremlin Ukraine Openly Discusses Using Terrorist Methods Against Russia - Kremlin Sputnik International The Ukrainian authorities are openly discussing their plans to use terrorist methods against Russian infrastructure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. 2024-04-11T11:44+0000 2024-04-11T11:44+0000 2024-04-11T12:18+0000 foreign foreign policy russia dmitry peskov vladimir putin volodymyr zelensky ukraine russia russian armed forces kremlin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0b/04/1114726678_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_0eaf7a966f29ea61950023e9c7cff191.jpg "The Kiev regime is openly talking about its aggressive plans, terrorist plans against the infrastructure of the Russian Federation. Thus, it once again demonstrates their nature, the spokesman told reporters.Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he is preparing a plan for a new counteroffensive and wants to include the destruction of the Crimean Bridge in it. The new threats from Zelensky once again reveal the essence of the Kiev regime and prove the correctness of the decision to start the special military operation, Peskov noted. The previous Ukrainian counteroffensive began on June 4, 2023, and three months later, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated: "The counteroffensive is not just stalled - it's a failure." In January, Putin repeated that Ukraine had failed in its counteroffensive, the initiative was in the hands of the Russian Armed Forces, and if this continued, the issue of Ukrainian statehood would soon arise. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu reported on December 19, 2023, that during their counteroffensive, Ukraine's Armed Forces lost 159,000 soldiers, 121 aircraft, 766 tanks, including 37 Leopards. Earlier, Shoigu stated that the supply of Western weapons and the deployment of strategic reserves by the Ukrainian command did not change the situation on the battlefield. Nevertheless, Russia is open to negotiations on Ukraine, and the process is preferable for Russia, Peskov said. Peskov emphasized that any negotiation process on Ukraine without Russia is meaningless and essentially a "waste of time." On Monday, Bloomberg reported that Switzerland plans to hold a peace summit on Ukraine in mid-June with the participation of 80 to 100 countries. In turn, Vladimir Khokhlov, the press secretary of the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik that Switzerland has so far not sent invitations to Russia to participate in the summit, and Moscow would not participate in any case. He added that the idea of a peace conference promoted by the organizers is unacceptable for Russia because "it is about another version of pushing through the unviable 'peace formula,' which does not take into account Russian interests."Commenting on media reports that the summit will consider the draft peace plan that was discussed in Istanbul between Russia and Ukraine in 2022 as a basis, the official said that geopolitical changes cannot be ignored. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240227/putin-was-right-western-complicity-in-ukraines-terrorism-proves-wisdom-of-special-operation-1117001814.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240410/russia-skips-swiss-held-ukraine-conference-as-bern-asserts-no-peace-possible-without-moscow-1117851424.html ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian crisis, ukraine peace talks, ukraine conflict, ukrainian crisis, peace ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/us-convincing-world-it-has-to-be-marginalized-with-actions-on-global-stage-1117859715.html US Convincing World It Has to be Marginalized With Actions on Global Stage US Convincing World It Has to be Marginalized With Actions on Global Stage Sputnik International The United States is showing the Global South that it needs to be marginalized through its actions at the UN and in the Middle East, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi told radio Sputnik on Wednesday. 2024-04-11T03:23+0000 2024-04-11T03:23+0000 2024-04-11T05:18+0000 analysis the critical hour the united nations (un) un general assembly iran seyed mohammad marandi joe biden sputnik sanctions lloyd austin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/09/15/1101041052_0:0:2829:1592_1920x0_80_0_0_b4526ff60a22c82f07424b9d672ae97b.jpg The United States is discrediting the institutions it designed and convincing the world it needs to be marginalized through its actions on the world stage, Dr. Seyed Mohammad Marandi told Sputniks The Critical Hour on Wednesday.While discussing requests from US lawmakers to US President Joe Biden to bar top Iranian diplomats from attending the upcoming UN meeting in New York, Marandi said the harassment of Iranian officials is not uncommon from the US but each instance is further discrediting the United States, and The city of New York as a center for international conferences and international negotiations.The US is obligated under the 1947 UN agreement on headquarters to allow foreign diplomats, even from adversarial countries, access to meetings.The United States shaped the UN and other international bodies after World War II and did so to their own benefit, Marandi said. The UN Security Council is a body that is completely undemocratic. The US and four other countries have permanent seats and they have a right to veto, he continued. And then, the United States cant even tolerate the presence of Iranian diplomats in the building.Marandi linked the actions to the US recent weaponization of financial institutions, presumably referring to the freezing of Afghan, Russian and Syrian assets. Asked about US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins comments that he saw no evidence of genocide by Israel in Gaza, Marandi said that behavior is also wrecking the United States standing in the world.The immorality of the statements aside, the fact that the United States is behaving in this manner, whether it regards foreign diplomats, whether it regards financial institutions and the US dollar, or whether it regards the massacre of women in children, this behavior is wrecking the United States [and] its position across the world. Theyve wrecked themselves, Marandi explained.Now, on the global stage, the United States is not only seen as an accomplice in genocide but a genocide denier. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231220/slovakia-will-not-freeze-russias-real-estate---prime-minister-1115707381.html iran Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Ian DeMartino seyed mohammad marandi interview, us bars iran diplomats from un, us weaponizing the dollar, us complicit in genocide, us denies genocide https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/us-seeks-to-cool-iran-israel-strife-as-imminent-attack-on-tel-aviv-looms--report-1117862156.html US Seeks to Cool Iran-Israel Strife As 'Imminent Attack' on Tel Aviv Looms Report US Seeks to Cool Iran-Israel Strife As 'Imminent Attack' on Tel Aviv Looms Report Sputnik International Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier vowed Israel will be punished for its attack on the Islamic Republics diplomatic compound in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1. 2024-04-11T07:26+0000 2024-04-11T07:26+0000 2024-04-13T12:06+0000 world us israel iran embassy syria attack iran-israel row https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0b/1117861997_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_21c81d218e1bfd65b208ec0450928b60.jpg US Middle East Envoy Brett McGurk has urged the foreign ministers of Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ask Iran "to lower tensions with Israel" after a deadly Israeli airstrike on Iran's embassy in Syria in early April, Reuters cited unnamed sources as saying.McGurk asked the top diplomats to contact their Iranian colleague to convey the message, which they did, the sources added.This comes after unnamed intelligence officials told Bloomberg News that the US and its allies believe that a "major missile or drone attack by Iran or its proxies on Israel is imminent.""US and Western intelligence indicates an attack from Iran and its proxies may not necessarily come from Israels north, where Tehrans ally Hezbollah in Lebanon is located," according to the officials.Israeli Strike on Iran's Diplomatic MissionOn April 1, the Syrian Ministry of Defense reported an airstrike by the Israeli Air Force on the General Consulate of Iran in Damascus. The building also housed the residence of the ambassador of the Islamic Republic to Syria, Hossein Akbari, who was unharmed during the attack. The missile strike resulted in the complete destruction of the consulate.According to a statement released by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran's elite military unit, seven IRGC officers were killed in the attack. Among them were two high-ranking generals who served as advisors - Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the commander of the IRGC's Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon, and his deputy, Brigadier General Mohammad Hadi Hajizadeh."The Zionist regime [Israel] must bear in mind that it wont be able to achieve its sinister objectives with such inhumane measures and will have to face the growing strength of the resistance front and also the free nations hatred and aversion to its illegitimate nature, Raisi added.The Iranian Foreign Ministry, in turn, stated that it "reserves the right" to personally respond to Tel Aviv's airstrike and to determine how "to punish the aggressor." In an apparent nod to the Jewish state, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, for his part, said that "The evil regime made a mistake and must be punished and will be punished." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240408/iran-warns-it-has-nine-types-of-missiles-able-to-strike-israeli-territory-1117803469.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240402/israeli-attack-on-irans-consulate-in-syria-what-consequences-could-lie-on-the-horizon--1117698845.html israel iran syria Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg us middle east envoy brett mcgurk's message to foreign ministers of mideast nations, iran's "imminent missile attack" on israel, tensions between israel and iran https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/why-iranian-missiles-can-hit-targets-in-israel-despite-gps-jamming-1117873743.html Why Iranian Missiles Can Hit Targets in Israel Despite GPS Jamming Why Iranian Missiles Can Hit Targets in Israel Despite GPS Jamming Sputnik International No missiles built in Iran over the past 12 years use international positioning systems, including Global Positioning System (GPS), the Fars agency has reported, citing a source in the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). 2024-04-11T17:24+0000 2024-04-11T17:24+0000 2024-04-11T17:53+0000 iran israel opinion middle east konstantin sivkov qasem soleimani damascus islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc) quds force tomahawk https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/04/09/1082583937_0:131:2500:1537_1920x0_80_0_0_3f1e49736040287e97457f608747f290.jpg The Israeli military has intensified scrambling GPS signals across the country while bracing for possible retaliation from Iran or Shiite militias over the assassination of senior Iranian generals in the Syrian capital of Damascus.For their part, the Iranians signaled that Israel's efforts to jam GPS are in vain, since no missiles built by the Islamic Republic over the past decade use international positioning systems.The Iranian comment is by no means an exaggeration, according to Konstantin Sivkov, a member of the Russian Academy of Rocket and Artillery Sciences and doctor of military sciences. He drew attention to the fact that the first US-made Tomahawk missiles carried out precision strikes before the Global Positioning System (GPS) became operational.When GPS became operational in the 1990s, the US military utilized it to correct the rocket's trajectory in the event of urgent changes to the task, aim and location, continued Sivkov. The GPS allows controllers to make corrections to the missile's mission, whereas the Tercom system uses initially uploaded data, according to the expert.Iranian-made missiles using Tercom could hit the mark easily, according to the expert. "The accuracy of Iranian missiles launched in response to the assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani was 10-15 meters in terms of circular error probability. This is an excellent result for medium-range ballistic missiles. This is a result equivalent to our Iskanders," Sivkov said, referring to Tehran's Operation Martyr Soleimani of January 8, 2020.While avenging Soleimani's death, the Iranian military fired over 12 ballistic missiles at the al-Asad Airbase in Al Anbar Governorate, western Iraq, as well as another airbase in Erbil, housing American military personnel. As per the US press, no American troops were killed during the attack. Soleimani was assassinated in a US drone strike while he traveled from Baghdad's international airport on January 3, 2020.Iran's return attack was largely symbolic, with then-Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif saying that Tehran did not "seek escalation or war, but will defend ourselves against any aggression."On April 1, an air strike on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus killed 12 people, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the Quds Force, his deputy General Mohammad Hadi Hajriahimi and five other officers.Despite Israel not officially taking responsibility for the attack, Israeli military officials remarks leave little if any doubt about Tel Aviv's complicity. Thus, Tel Aviv military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari rushed to claim to CNN in the wake of the strike that the Iranian embassy buildings were in fact military facilities. Irans President Ebrahim Raisi stated on April 3 that the attack "will not remain unanswered." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/irans-top-8-missiles-that-could-strike-israel-1117873177.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/punishing-israel-for-consulate-attack-avoidable-had-unsc-condemned-it---iran-mission-to-un-1117873043.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/moscow-says-in-contact-with-tehran-on-irans-possible-response-to-israeli-strike-1117870780.html iran israel damascus Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova 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 Ekaterina Blinova israeli attack on iranian embassy in damascus, iran's possible retaliation to israel's attack on iranian embassy, iranian generals killed during israel's attack against iranian embassy, israel is jamming gps to prevent iran's strikes, iran's missiles don't use gps https://sputnikglobe.com/20240411/without-additional-funds-bundeswehrs-rearmament-halts--german-defense-minister--1117865202.html Bundeswehrs Rearmament to Cease Without More Funding, German Defense Chief Warns Bundeswehrs Rearmament to Cease Without More Funding, German Defense Chief Warns Sputnik International German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has warned that Germany may have to halt the rearmament of the armed forces (the Bundeswehr) if next year's defense budget is not increased, Germany's media has reported. 2024-04-11T09:34+0000 2024-04-11T09:34+0000 2024-04-11T10:30+0000 military germany bundeswehr olaf scholz boris pistorius https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/1e/1100149031_0:86:3072:1814_1920x0_80_0_0_7e0b9e13e8c728cd4e155ba7a5b5e2b3.jpg Germany's defense chief said last week that the Bundeswehr needs approximately 6.5 billion euros ($7.1 billion) more than earmarked for 2025. A separate news report revealed that over 99% of the 100-billion-euro fund allocated for the Bundeswehr has already been utilized or allocated. Pistorius is seeking a substantial hike in the 2025 defense budget during the upcoming budget discussions with German Federal Finance Minister, Christian Lindner, according to the report released on Wednesday.During a closed-door meeting with the Green Party on Tuesday, the German defense minister reiterated that the planned 52 billion euros for next year's defense budget is not enough to continue rearming the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr will face a "rearmament halt" without a significant hike in defense spending, Der Spiegel cited Pistorius as telling the meeting. On January 31, the German Defense Ministry said that Berlin would meet NATO's defense spending target of 2% of national GDP in 2024 for the first time since the early 1990s. In June 2022, the German parliament backed Chancellor Olaf Scholz's initiative to create a special fund for the Bundeswehr worth 100 billion euros so that the German armed forces could be considered the largest regular army in Europe after modernization. Scholz cited the onset of the Ukraine conflict as the reason for the investments, describing it as a turning point in the security situation in Europe. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240405/germany-unveils-most-sweeping-military-reforms-since-cold-war---reports-1117755915.html germany 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 german military build up, bundeswehr modernization, budeswehr rearment, pistorius bundeswehr J One Twenty topped the Wednesday, April 10 evening card at The Raceway at Western Fair District with a stellar performance in the featured $8,400 conditioned pace, lowering her own career-best time by a tick. Tyler Borth and the Jerry Sims student were caught on the outside as the first quarter was clocked in :27.4 by Shakeitifyougotit (Daryl Thiessen). After that panel, J One Twenty took command of the field. With a 1-1/2-length lead through the half in :57.3 and three-quarters in 1:26.1, the mare had open track ahead towards the finish. She pushed forward and sprinted home in :29.1 to win by 4-1/2 lengths in her new career mark of 1:55.2. Waitinonawoman (Travis Cullen) took second and Shakeitifyougotit completed the triactor. John Obrien co-owns J One Twenty (Artspeak-Saintsbury Lady) with Sims. The five-year-old mare won her second race in seven starts this year and 15th race from 33 career starts. She moved her career bankroll to $89,114. J One Twenty paid $2.20 as the bettors' choice. To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - The Raceway at Western Fair District. (Standardbred Canada) Trot Insider has learned that former O'Brien Award winner and stakes-winning producer Poof Shes Gone has passed away at the age of 17. A daughter of Kadabra - Travelin Superlite, Poof Shes Gone was a $170,000 yearling purchase out of Harrisburg in 2008 by John Fielding, Mel Hartman, Herb Liverman and David McDuffee. Entrusted to Richard 'Nifty' Norman, Poof Shes Gone certainly lived up to her name as a freshman in 2009. To the competition, she was nowhere to be found the majority of the time, posting a 10-1-1 record with $1.076 million in earnings courtesy Grand Circuit victories in the Merrie Annabelle, Champlain, Peaceful Way, International Stallion Stakes and Breeders Crown before capping her season with a victory in the Ontario Sires Stakes Super Final at Woodbine Racetrack. At the time, only Snow White ($1.25 million) had a better rookie season in harness racing on the trot. Since, she's been eclipsed only recently by Venerable, T C I and Karl. As a result of her outstanding campaign, Poof Shes Gone was named the two-year-old trotting filly of the year for 2009 in both Canada and the U.S. The three-year-old season wasn't as sensational for Poof Shes Gone, but she did muster a 4-2-3 summary from 14 starts with $283,353 in earnings to bring lifetime totals to 14-3-4 in 26 outings and nearly $1.36 million in purses. She took her mark of 1:53.1 in her 2010 Hambletonian Oaks elim at The Meadowlands, but Norman told Trot Insider at the time of her retirement that she was never quite the same after that race. "She just got really swollen. She would just swell right up. Her legs, her neck, her head, her veins. It was really strange," said Norman in 2010. "It was like she was fighting something viral, but we couldn't find anything wrong with her. She just had no power after the Hambletonian Oaks and never really got it back. It wasn't a lameness issue at all, she just had no power." Heading into her second career as a broodmare, Poof Shes Gone was owned by Hartman, Liverman and McDuffee, with Liverman selling his share to his partners in 2016. Poof Shes Gone's most notable offspring is Chestnut Hill, a $410,000 Lexington yearling who went on to win $710,483 during his two seasons of North American competition. His biggest win came in the 2020 Canadian Trotting Classic at Woodbine Mohawk Park at odds of 60-1. Poof Shes Gone passed away on Sunday, April 7 after complications during foaling. The 2024 foal, a filly sired by Alrajah One IT, survived foaling according to McDuffee. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Poof Shes Gone. (Standardbred Canada) Ronnie Williams and The Carter Family Sound will present a free gospel concert at 2 p.m. this Sunday, at The Marshall Center, located at 8800 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania. A freewill offering will benefit The Spotsylvania County Womans Club for scholarships and support of hospitals, veterans, police, fire and sheriffs departments. Williams, who plays guitar and autoharp in the Mother Maybelle style, will perform alongside special guests Randy Sheads, Julia Carter and others. Food and refreshments will be available. Though some of Williams band members have changed over time, Williams and his group have been performing in and around Central Virginia for almost 50 years. He has been playing and singing Carter Family music since 1975. Williams became a close friend to country music legend Mother Maybelle Carter around 1969. Soon after, the friendship extended to the rest of the famous family: Mother Maybelles daughters, Helen, June and Anita; and Janette Carter (daughter of A.P. and Sara Carter) and her children, Rita and Dale. Williams and the Carter Family Sound have done many benefit shows and have performed at many schools, churches and fairs around the area. They have also been featured performers on the television show Song of the Mountains. Williams plays the autoharp, guitar and accordion, honoring the Carter Scratch style. It was Mother Maybelle who created the style out of the necessity to play lead and rhythm parts at the same time. During Williams career, he has shared the stage at one time or another with all of the Carters as well as adopted Carter and Junes husband, Johnny Cash. Carter Bennett says Williams picks as close like Grandma as anyone I know. A.P., Sara and Maybelle were the founding members of the Carter Familys musical troupe, performing and recording music from 1927 through 1943. Mother Maybelle, Helen, June and Anita carried on the Carter Family tradition from 1943 until the end of their lives. Hamas confessed it couldn't locate the 40 hostages needed to meet the terms of the first part of a three-phase, U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement with Israel. Negotiators have proposed a temporary six-week stop in fighting more than six months after the onset of the Israel-Hamas war. During the suggested pause, 40 Israeli hostages held in Gaza would be swapped for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, sources familiar with the negotiations said, according to CNN. Hamas' inability to provide negotiators with a record of the remaining hostages while admitting they can't account for their whereabouts has raised concerns that more may be dead than anticipated and has slowed down the progression toward the agreement. A total of 133 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, and 36 are confirmed dead, according to the Washington Post. While most are believed to be men of military age, some toddlers and elderly remain imprisoned. Hamas claims they need a pause in fighting to be able to locate and gather the hostages that are spread out across Gaza, CNN reported. The last ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was in November 2023, when more than 100 hostages, including women and children, were released. Case Name : In re L S Metal Vina LLC (CAAR New Delhi) In re L S Metal Vina LLC (CAAR New Delhi) CAAR cannot give ruling where there is an ongoing investigation or assessment has been made on provisional basis The Customs Authority of Advance Ruling, New Mumbai, received an application from M/s L S Metal Vina LLC, a Vietnamese Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. Malaysia Metals Vs Assistant Commissioner (ST) (FAC) (Madras High Court) In the case of Malaysia Metals vs Assistant Commissioner (ST) (FAC), the Madras High Court addressed a crucial issue regarding the unreceived GST ASMT 10/DRC-01 notices. The petitioner, engaged in wholesale Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. A former Vancouver police officer is under criminal investigation for allegedly lying about his job experience when applying for search warrants in some of his assigned cases. The Camas Police Department is investigating Keith L. Kircher for a potential second-degree perjury allegation, according to a search warrant affidavit filed last week in Clark County Superior Court. The affidavit states the Vancouver Police Department asked Camas detectives to investigate Kircher following an internal affairs investigation into dishonesty allegations. The internal affairs investigation found four search warrants Kircher authored, in which he claimed to have previously worked for the police department in Aurora, Colorado. The affidavit states internal affairs investigators found evidence that he never worked there. Court records do not indicate Kircher has been charged with a crime. When reached by phone Monday, Kircher declined to comment. Vancouver police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said Kircher was hired by the department in August 2019. He resigned from the police department Nov. 1 while he had two pending internal affairs investigations, according to a notice from Vancouver police to the state Criminal Justice Training Commission . He voluntarily surrendered his police officer certifications with the state training commission March 11, an order states. His certifications are listed as revoked. On July 17, Kircher became the subject of an internal affairs investigation, and he was ordered not to talk to others about it. In a report to the state training commission, Vancouver police leadership said on that date Kircher was noticed for potential allegations of discriminatory harassment of a female co-worker, according to the search warrant affidavit. Three days later, police staff said they received information Kircher had talked to two Vancouver officers who were possible witnesses about the investigation. Those officers additionally reported Kircher had made false statements verbally, in official department communications and in search warrants about his job experience. Both officers previously worked with Kircher at a police agency in Maui, the affidavit states. Additionally, a Vancouver police sergeant noted Kircher had long told people he was a police officer in Aurora, Colo., worked on the SWAT team there and was one of the first responders in the 2012 Aurora theater shooting, in which a gunman killed 12 people and injured 70. The sergeant said Kircher told this story frequently and in detail, describing graphic information about peoples injuries, according to the affidavit. That sergeant said Kirchers resume states he was a police officer in Aurora from 2012-2015. However, in a 2020 search warrant, Kircher wrote he was employed with the Aurora Police Department as a code enforcement officer in February 2014, the affidavit states. When Vancouver police internal affairs investigators contacted the Aurora Police Department in August, Aurora leadership said Kircher had never worked for the agency and that code enforcement was not part of the police department, according to the affidavit. Camas police were apparently told the same thing as part of their criminal investigation. Investigators reviewed 11 search warrants Kircher authored for Clark County District Court cases. In four of them from 2020, Kircher wrote he was employed by the Aurora Police Department, the affidavit states. The officers who worked with Kircher in Maui also said Kirchers claims on his resume that he was a field training officer and worked as a special investigations detective in Maui were false, according to the affidavit. The affidavit states Vancouver police subsequently opened the second internal affairs investigation after learning of Kirchers alleged misleading statements. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The National Transportation Safety Board logo and signage are seen at a news conference at NTSB headquarters in Washington, Dec. 18, 2017. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a March 3, 2024, crash near Philadelphia that killed two people and involved a Ford electric vehicle that may have been operating on a partially automated driving system. Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a March crash near Philadelphia that killed two people and involved a Ford electric vehicle that may have been operating on a partially automated driving system. A Mustang Mach E sport utility vehicle hit two stationary passenger cars on Interstate 95 at 3:19 a.m. March 3, the agency said. Both drivers of the stationary cars were killed, and one may have been outside of their vehicle. In a posting Wednesday on the social platform X, the agency said it will coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police in the probe. The Mach E hit a parked Toyota Prius and rammed it into a Hyundai Elantra, the agency said. Ford said in a statement that it was told of the Philadelphia crash by the NTSB, and the company informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "We are researching the events of March 3 and collaborating fully with both agencies to understand the facts," the company said Wednesday. The crash is the second this year involving a Mach E that the NTSB has sent a team to investigate. The first crash occurred on Feb. 24 along Interstate 10 in San Antonio, Texas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also is investigating that crash, in which the Mach E struck a Honda CR-V that was stopped in the middle lane with no lights around 9:50 p.m. The driver of the CR-V was killed. The NTSB said that preliminary information shows the Mach E in the Texas crash was equipped with Ford's partially automated driving system The agency at the time said it was investigating the crash due to continued interest in advanced driver assistance systems and how vehicle operators interact with the new technology. Ford's Blue Cruise system allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while it handles steering, braking and acceleration on highways. The company says the system isn't fully autonomous and it monitors drivers to make sure they pay attention to the road. It operates on 97% of controlled access highways in the U.S. and Canada, Ford says. There are no fully autonomous vehicles for sale to the public in the U.S. Both NHTSA and the NTSB have investigated multiple previous crashes involving partially automated driving systems, most involving Tesla's Autopilot. In past investigations, the NTSB has examined how the partially automated system functioned. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Palestinian Islamist group has confirmed that the three sons and 'several' grandchildren of Hamas' top leader, Ismail Haniyeh, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip, and the leader accused Israel of acting in "the spirit of revenge and murder." The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the attack, identifying the three sons as members of the Hamas armed wing. Haniyeh Confirms 3 Sons, Relatives' Death In a statement from Qatar, Haniyeh said that he was grateful to God for the honor he has given him in the deaths of three of his children and a few of his grandchildren. He continued that his sons were awarded this honor as they remained with the Palestinian people in Gaza. The terrorist leader attacked Israel, saying the spirit of revenge drove them and that since the battle began, about 60 members of his family had died. He claimed that his family was targeted while they were in a car near Gaza City's Shati refugee camp. He said that through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, they create hope, the future, and independence and freedom for their people and their nation. According to Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV, an Israeli drone struck a single vehicle carrying the three brothers, Hazem, Ameer, and Mohammed, along with other family members. It was discovered that a total of six people were killed, including a daughter of Hazem Haniyeh and a son and daughter of Ameer. However, Haniyeh claimed that Hamas' demands in peace talks with Israel would remain unchanged in light of the deaths and that the enemy believed that targeting his family would push them to give up the demands of their people. Furthermore, he added that anyone who believes that targeting his sons will push Hamas to change its position is delusional. The IDF did not immediately provide any comments. Read Also : 2 Nigerian Men Charged With Sextortion Offenses After Australian Boy's Death Haniyeh Pushes Ceasefire, IDF Withdrawal Haniyeh, who leads the Palestinian Islamist movement at war with Israel, declared last Wednesday that his group is adhering to its demands for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which include an Israeli military withdrawal. A Palestinian official close to the mediation process claimed there had been no signs of a breakthrough during the Israeli officials' trip to Egypt at the start of last week to try to secure a deal. Haniyeh said in a televised speech marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day that they are committed to their demands, such as the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy from the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for their people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honorable prisoner exchange deal. The "exchange deal" that the supreme commander indicated would see Israeli hostages held by militants in Gaza since the deadly October 7 attack at the Supernova music festival in Israel, led by Hamas, released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel opposed by saying that it was only interested in a temporary ceasefire to release hostages, but Hamas insisted that it would only release them in exchange for an agreement to put an end to the war permanently. 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: Essentially, Holodeck engages a large language model (LLM) in a conversation, building a virtual environment piece by piece. Credit: Yue Yang In "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Captain Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise leverage the Holodeck, an empty room capable of generating 3D environments, of preparing for missions and entertaining them, simulating everything from lush jungles to the London of Sherlock Holmes. Deeply immersive and fully interactive, Holodeck-created environments are infinitely customizable, using nothing but language; the crew has only to ask the computer to generate an environment, and that space appears in the Holodeck. Today, virtual interactive environments are also used to train robots prior to real-world deployment in a process called "Sim2Real." However, virtual interactive environments have been in surprisingly short supply. "Artists manually create these environments," says Yue Yang, a doctoral student in the labs of Mark Yatskar and Chris Callison-Burch, Assistant and Associate Professors in Computer and Information Science (CIS), respectively. "Those artists could spend a week building a single environment," Yang adds, noting all the decisions involved, from the layout of the space to the placement of objects to the colors employed in rendering. That paucity of virtual environments is a problem if you want to train robots to navigate the real world with all its complexities. Neural networks, the systems powering today's AI revolution, require massive amounts of data, which in this case means simulations of the physical world. "Generative AI systems like ChatGPT are trained on trillions of words, and image generators like Midjourney and DALL-E are trained on billions of images," says Callison-Burch. "We only have a fraction of that amount of 3D environments for training so-called 'embodied AI.' If we want to use generative AI techniques to develop robots that can safely navigate in real-world environments, then we will need to create millions or billions of simulated environments." Enter Holodeck, a system for generating interactive 3D environments co-created by Callison-Burch, Yatskar, Yang and Lingjie Liu, Aravind K. Joshi Assistant Professor in CIS, along with collaborators at Stanford, the University of Washington, and the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (AI2). Named for its Star Trek forebear, Holodeck generates a virtually limitless range of indoor environments, using AI to interpret users' requests. The paper is published on the arXiv preprint server. "We can use language to control it," says Yang. "You can easily describe whatever environments you want and train the embodied AI agents." Holodeck leverages the knowledge embedded in large language models (LLMs), the systems underlying ChatGPT, and other chatbots. "Language is a very concise representation of the entire world," says Yang. Indeed, LLMs turn out to have a surprisingly high degree of knowledge about the design of spaces, thanks to the vast amounts of text they ingest during training. In essence, Holodeck works by engaging an LLM in conversation, using a carefully structured series of hidden queries to break down user requests into specific parameters. Using everyday language, users can prompt Holodeck to generate a virtually infinite variety of 3D spaces, which creates new possibilities for training robots to navigate the world. Credit: Yue Yang Just like Captain Picard might ask Star Trek's Holodeck to simulate a speakeasy, researchers can ask Penn's Holodeck to create "a 1b1b apartment of a researcher who has a cat." The system executes this query by dividing it into multiple steps: First, the floor and walls are created, then the doorway and windows. Next, Holodeck searches Objaverse, a vast library of premade digital objects, for the sort of furnishings you might expect in such a space: a coffee table, a cat tower, and so on. Finally, Holodeck queries a layout module, which the researchers designed to constrain the placement of objects so that you don't wind up with a toilet extending horizontally from the wall. To evaluate Holodeck's abilities, in terms of their realism and accuracy, the researchers generated 120 scenes using both Holodeck and ProcTHOR, an earlier tool created by AI2, and asked several hundred Penn Engineering students to indicate their preferred version, not knowing which scenes were created by which tools. For every criterionasset selection, layout coherence, and overall preferencethe students consistently rated the environments generated by Holodeck more favorably. The researchers also tested Holodeck's ability to generate scenes that are less typical in robotics research and more difficult to manually create than apartment interiors, like stores, public spaces, and offices. Comparing Holodeck's outputs to those of ProcTHOR, which were generated using human-created rules rather than AI-generated text, the researchers found once again that human evaluators preferred the scenes created by Holodeck. That preference held across a wide range of indoor environments, from science labs to art studios, locker rooms to wine cellars. Finally, the researchers used scenes generated by Holodeck to "fine-tune" an embodied AI agent. "The ultimate test of Holodeck," says Yatskar, "is using it to help robots interact with their environment more safely by preparing them to inhabit places they've never been before." Across multiple types of virtual spaces, including offices, daycares, gyms and arcades, Holodeck had a pronounced and positive effect on the agent's ability to navigate new spaces. For instance, whereas the agent successfully found a piano in a music room only about 6% of the time when pre-trained using ProcTHOR (which involved the agent taking about 400 million virtual steps), the agent succeeded over 30% of the time when fine-tuned using 100 music rooms generated by Holodeck. "This field has been stuck doing research in residential spaces for a long time," says Yang. "But there are so many diverse environments out thereefficiently generating a lot of environments to train robots has always been a big challenge, but Holodeck provides this functionality." In June, the researchers will present Holodeck at the 2024 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Computer Vision Foundation (CVF) Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Conference in Seattle, Washington. More information: Yue Yang et al, Holodeck: Language Guided Generation of 3D Embodied AI Environments, arXiv (2023). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2312.09067 GitHub: yueyang1996.github.io/holodeck/ Journal information: arXiv Dec 14, 2023; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is introduced at a press conference at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been closely tied into a federal investigation into former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, who is accused of stealing a significant amount of money from him. On Thursday, details emerged regarding just how much money was transferred from Ohtanis bank account. And it happens to be a pretty jarring amount. According to the affidavit filed by federal authorities Thursday, Mizuhara was found to have transferred more than $16 million from Ohtanis bank account in order to pay off gambling debts from an illegal bookmaker. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada issued a press conference on the matter on Thursday morning, saying that Ohtani has definitely been identified as a victim in this case, with no involvement whatsoever. I want to emphasize this point: Mr. Ohtani is considered a victim in this case, said Estrada. Mr. Mizuhara used and abused that position of trust in order to plunder Mr. Ohtanis bank account to the tune of over $16 million. Text messages between Mizuhara and the illegal bookmaker also emerged, which show just how much Mizuhara was involved in gambling. Mizuhara allegedly began to lose substantial sums of money late in 2021, averaging 25 bets per day which ranged from $10 to $160,000 per bet between December of 2021 to this January. The total number of bets is reportedly 19,000 in that timeframe. News of this scandal first emerged while the Dodgers were in South Korea to play in the Seoul Series to begin the 2024 season. Mizuhara was promptly fired by both Ohtani and the Dodgers organization. The sheer amount of money that Mizuhara has been found to have taken from Ohtani is obviously quite startling. One has to wonder how something like this could happen for years without this information coming out sooner. Regardless, hopefully, Ohtani can move forward from this nasty situation without any troubles in his personal life. [ESPN] Alex Spiro, Elon Musk's personal attorney, could be sanctioned over his conduct during a recent deposition with his high-profile client if the lawyer facing off against him in a legal battle would successfully file a lawsuit. Musk's deposition happened last month for a lawsuit alleging him of boosting a conspiracy theory that falsely affiliated 22-year-old Ben Brody with a neo-Nazi group. In a court filing dated Monday (Apr. 8), Brody's lawyer, Mark Bankston - known for representing the parents of a Sandy Hook victim and won a $45 million defamation case against Alex Jones - argued that Spiro had demonstrated "astonishingly unprofessional" behavior and "seriously overstepped his bounds" during the deposition, according to Bloomberg. The lawyer wrote in his sanctions motion that Spiro repeatedly cut off Bankston's line of questioning and attempted to make fun of him. In the motion, Bankston, a Texas attorney, claimed that Spiro was the only defense attorney present at the deposition even though he was not authorized to practice law in Texas. The motion indicated that in the Texas case, two other lawyers permitted to practice in the state also represented Musk. In an emailed comment to Business Insider, Spiro - a partner at the New York office of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan - dismissed the motion against him. "This is amateur hour," he said. "I understand this lawyer wants his 15 minutes of fame, but these shakedown tactics won't work." If a judge agreed with the motion, a sanction on Spiro could result in a dressing down by the judge or potentially a fine. Spiro initially attempted to prevent the publicizing of the deposition transcript, but a judge denied his motion. In cases where defendants are deposed in a civil trial, things could often get contentious, and Spiro and Bankston have traded words during the case in question. Both lawyers have been involved in some high-profile cases, with Spiro being Musk's go-to lawyer when he filed a lawsuit in 2019 after Musk called a diver who helped rescue a group of boys stranded in a cave in Thailand a "pedo guy." Bankston did not immediately respond to reporters' requests for comment. Don't turn until you know where to turn. Mac Demere watched the car in front of him lose control and veer left toward the inside of the track. He tried to anticipate the car's next move, not wanting to turn until he knew where the other car was headed next. Don't turn until you know where to turn. He finally swerved far to the track's outside. But as the other car regained traction, it veered sharply to the right, directly toward Demere, and Demere's car smashed into its right side. "I can't tell you what caused him to lose control," Demere said of the 1983 crash at Watkins Glen International in upstate New York. "It happens so fast." Demere, now 57, walked away from that crash, but the other driver suffered a broken ankle. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you crash, said Demere, a former racer from South Carolina and longtime motorsports journalist. That certainly seemed to be the lesson at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway a week ago when 15 cars crashed, killing two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. He was the first IndyCar driver to die on a track since Paul Dana was killed during a practice run at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2006. On Oct. 16, two cars went airborne -- Wheldon's and Will Power's. Wheldon hit a catch fence built to protect spectators from crash debris. He died later at a hospital of head injuries. Power hit a barrier designed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. He walked away. The tragically different fates of Wheldon and Power have raised concerns about the catch fence at NASCAR and IndyCar tracks and have highlighted the safety performance of the UNL-designed SAFER barrier. Dean Sicking, director of the safety facility at UNL, said the SAFER -- or Steel and Foam Energy Reduction -- barriers now are in place at all NASCAR and IndyCar tracks. There have been no fatalities involving crashes into those barriers since 2004, when all of the barriers were fully installed at NASCAR tracks. Before those barriers were installed, 1 to 1.5 drivers died each year at NASCAR tracks alone, Sicking said. In an especially cruel span of 10 months in 2000 and 2001, NASCAR crashes claimed the lives of budding stars Adam Petty, Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Roper, and one of the sport's legends, Dale Earnhardt. The trapezoidal barriers designed at UNL are made of insulation foam that is waterproof and effective at absorbing the impact of cars going well over 100 mph, Sicking said. Steel tubes serve as a barrier between the foam blocks and track. The SAFER barriers protect drivers from the unforgiving nature of concrete walls. Sicking -- whose office is decorated with a photo of him shaking hands with former President George W. Bush, as well as numerous awards -- related the story of how the UNL center got the contract to design the barriers. In 1998, Tony George, the longtime former IndyCar president and Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO, wanted a new racetrack barrier. The concrete barriers simply weren't good enough. IndyCar designers had developed a new barrier made of sheets of plastic, but it broke into 50- to 100-pound chunks that littered the speedway when hit too hard. George asked the UNL center to improve the design. "He said, Can you fix this?'" Sicking said. "We never admit we can't do something." Initially, Sicking wasn't convinced it would be worth the extra effort. Then his assistant director, Ron Faller, convinced him it would drive the UNL center to find new solutions to road safety and new materials with which to build them. Sicking agreed and asked George for $1 million. "He said, When can you start?'" It didn't take the UNL center long to figure out the IndyCar plastic barrier would never perform as well as foam, and Sicking worked to convince a skeptical George. Finally, George relented. In 2002, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway installed the SAFER barriers, and, seeing how well they performed, NASCAR CEO Bill France Sr. ordered them installed at all NASCAR speedways by the end of 2004 at a cost of $100 million. The UNL center oversaw installation. "No one can ever put it in right," Sicking said, laughing. The barrier has earned the UNL center numerous awards, including the prestigious 2002 Louis Schwitzer Award, presented in conjunction with the Indianapolis 500. IndyCar senior technical director Phil Casey called SAFER barriers the greatest achievement for safety in automobile racing. The barriers were installed at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 2003, and the speedway where both Petty and Irwin Jr. died has had no fatalities or serious injuries since, said speedway spokeswoman Kristen Costa. "It's better on impact. It moves with the vehicle," she said. Costa said the speedway reconfigured its catch fence in 2009 to make it safer as well. Sicking said catch fences at motorsports facilities need to be re-examined. "The catch fence is a difficult safety issue, a tough nut to crack, but I think it can be," he said. Sicking said IndyCar is reluctant to invest the large amount of money required to redesign the catch fence, and NASCAR isn't as interested in redesigning it as its cars rarely go airborne like the open-wheel Indy cars are prone to do. While nothing has been determined, the UNL center could end up leading the investigation into the crash that killed Wheldon, as it did with the 2001 crash that killed Earnhardt, Sicking said. The UNL center has examined nearly 2,000 crashes under federal contract. "Any time you have a big wreck, we normally get to look at it," he said. Demere, the former racer who now is pursuing a master's in journalism from UNL, said it appears Wheldon tried to slow down by lifting his foot off the accelerator and tried to direct his car toward the gearbox of the slowing car in front of him. But his car's nose lifted, and, traveling at more than 200 mph, his car quickly took to the air. With 15 cars involved, it was simply impossible for Wheldon to avoid the carnage, Demere said. He said drivers try not to think about getting seriously injured or killed while they're racing. They simply try to focus on the track and the racers around them. "We all know that it might happen to us," he said. "Quite frankly, I'm surprised that it didn't happen to me." Conservative talk show host Charlie Kirk drew hundreds of people to an Omaha church on Tuesday to advocate for a "winner-take-all" electoral vote system in Nebraska. Kirk said the change could play a crucial role in ensuring that Donald Trump wins the presidential election in November. "In 2020, the one electoral vote was important but it was not decisive," Kirk said. "This right here is the whole ball game." Nebraska splits its five electoral votes, with three based on the winner of each of its three congressional districts and two going to the statewide winner. The state's 2nd Congressional District in Omaha has awarded its vote twice to Democrats in recent elections Barack Obama in 2008 and Joe Biden in 2020 while the rest of Nebraska's electoral votes in those elections went to the Republican candidate. Maine is the only other state that splits electoral votes. The other 48 states award all their electoral votes based on the statewide winner. Kirk and other Republicans, including Trump and Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, have been pushing for Nebraska to change its system. But on April 3, state lawmakers from both parties overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to do so, effectively killing the proposal in the current legislative session which ends next week. That hasn't stopped some from continuing the effort. On Tuesday, the Lord of Hosts Church in southwest Omaha had to fill overflow rooms to accommodate the large crowd for the "Win Every Vote" rally. The event was hosted by Turning Point USA, a national conservative youth activist organization Kirk founded more than a decade ago. 'We're going to bring this back', special session possible "We were told by people in the unicameral Legislature that this thing was dead," Kirk said. "I call this the Lazarus moment. We're going to bring this back from the dead." Multiple Republican officials, such as William Feely, legislative director of the Nebraska Republican Party, also voiced their support for Nebraska to make the change. "Nebraskans are tired of handing over their electoral votes to a second place candidate," Feely said. On social media after the event, Pillen backed Kirk's call for a special session. He said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was "steadfast" to his commitment to get the winner-take-all change "over the finish line." "Although it is now clear that (winner-take-all) cannot pass during the regular legislative session, I look forward to partnering with legislative leaders to moving it forward in a special session, when there is sufficient support in the Legislature to pass it," Pillen said. "I will sign (winner-take-all) into law the moment the Legislature gets it to my desk." During a legislative vote on the amendment to include the winner-take-all system into a bill, most Republicans joined with Democrats to reject it. The measure lost with only 9 votes in favor and 36 in opposition. Kirk asked the crowd to take action by contacting lawmakers to gather more support. "If theres radio silencewe will do the next event on the steps of the Capitol," he said. World-Herald staff writer Martha Stoddard contributed to this report. Photos: Charlie Kirk hosts rally for Nebraska to become a "winner-take-all" electoral state Singapore losing attractiveness as Southeast Asia base for multinationals: media By Vietnam News Agency Thu, April 11, 2024 | 1:32 pm GMT+7 Multinational corporations are increasingly locating some Southeast Asian regional headquarters functions outside Singapore to save money and pursue expanded opportunities. Sakata Inx, a Japanese maker of printing ink, established a regional head office in Malaysia this February. The regional headquarters will oversee business in South Asia and Southeast Asia, including India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with operations to begin in late 2024 or early 2025. A corner of Singapore. Photo courtesy of asia.nikkei.com Sakata Inx already had a market presence in Southeast Asia but had not set up a regional headquarters there so far. The new head office will make it easier to serve customers in Asian countries, a company representative was quoted by Nikkei Asia as saying. The new headquarters will add an extra 1 billion to 2 billion JPY ($6.6-13.1 million) to operating profit under the company's medium-term business plan through 2026. Tax advantages were the deciding factor in choosing Malaysia, a spokesperson said. Thailand is one of the leading candidates for drawing regional headquarters. The country is often picked in conjunction with plans to expand production and sales. Nissin Foods Holdings moved its Southeast Asian headquarters from Singapore to Thailand in 2020. The Thai government is also working to lure multinationals via tax incentives. Among the Japanese companies with regional headquarters in Singapore, 31% had partly relocated their functions to another country or were considering doing so in a poll released this March by the Japan External Trade Organisation. The share was up significantly from 7.4% in the fiscal 2019 survey. Instead of shifting all headquarters functions out of Singapore, many Japanese companies have favoured relocating specific functions, such as sales or corporate planning. Thailand was the most popular destination among respondents that had moved or were considering moving functions to another country, with 19 companies. Malaysia came in second, with five. However, experts held that Singapore still has the advantage in location, language proficiency, and financial services. It does not appear that the city-state will be dethroned as the prime spot for regional headquarters. Earlier, a string of companies led by financial groups have moved from Hong Kong to Singapore since 2019 A Serbian fashion designer's day with mobile payment in China 11:22, April 11, 2024 By Li Zong ( People's Daily Recently, China issued a document on further optimizing payment services and enhancing payment convenience, with an aim to better meet the diverse payment needs of senior citizens and foreign travelers. How do foreigners in China feel about their current payment experiences? Let's find the answer with David Van de Kamp, a Serbian fashion designer. [15:00, March 27, Checking in at hotel] Van de Kamp came to China this time to attend the third China Chaoshan International Textile and Garment Exhibition held in Shantou, south China's Guangdong province from March 28 to 30. On March 27, he arrived at the hotel in Shantou he had booked. The check-in took him just a few minutes. "I don't speak much Chinese, but the check-in went smoothly. I handed over my passport at the front desk, and the staff handled it very efficiently," Van de Kamp said. According to him, it was convenient to pay with his Mastercard he obtained in Serbia via foreign bank card POS machines at the front desk. David Van de Kamp pays with his phone in a convenience store. (Photo/Chen Yang) "Having installed foreign bank card POS machines last July, the hotel now accepts payments from Mastercard and Visa settled at real-time exchange rates," the hotel manager said. Van de Kamp runs a studio that designs and manufactures sweaters. He hoped to find higher-quality raw materials at the China Chaoshan International Textile and Garment Exhibition this time. The textile and garment industry has become one of the distinctive and advantageous pillar industries in Shantou. Each year, the city exports over 1.85 billion pieces of products. Within a 40-kilometer radius, there are over 10,000 enterprises engaged in the industry. "I want to hang around to see if I can have some ideas for designing," he said. [19:30, March 27, Taking public transport] After having a short rest at the hotel, Van de Kamp went out to the streets. "In Serbia, the main payment methods are bank cards and cash, while using mobile apps is more convenient in China. I only need to bring my phone when going out," he said. The man applied for a Chinese SIM card and signed up for a WeChat account with it. "My WeChat account is linked to my Serbian bank card, so I can pay directly. The card binding was easy - just following the instructions to upload a photo of my passport, and completing verification." Van de Kamp went to a historical and cultural block taking a taxi he hailed on a ride-hailing app. When he got off the taxi, the fare was automatically deducted from the account in the app. "I have enabled password-free payment, so I don't need to manually pay the fare on my phone. The deducted amount is recorded on my Chinese bank card," he said. He had previously used a foreign bank card to withdraw Chinese yuan from an ATM, which incurred service charge. That's why he decided to get a Chinese bank card. "Although it is convenient to withdraw money with a foreign bank card now, I have rarely paid with cash and hardly needed to specifically withdraw money ever since I started using mobile payment," Van de Kamp told People's Daily. [20:00, March 27, Shopping] Van de Kamp walked into a clothing store of a shopping mall in Shantou, and started checking out the designs and materials of the garments. David Van de Kamp visits a clothing store in Shantou, south China's Guangdong province. (Photo/Chen Yang) "Wherever I go, I always visit local clothing stores first to experience the different dressing styles and preferences. I feel the raw materials used for these clothes are very good, mostly pure wool and other natural fibers. The designs also emphasize practicality," Van de Kamp said. Whenever he saw appetizing food, such as rice noodles, sweet soups, and fried tofu, he would pause and scan to pay with his phone. He even figured out a pattern: "In shops, the vendors usually scan my payment QR code; but when buying from street stalls, I usually scan their receiving QR code. Overall, there are many payment options, making life quite convenient in China." Recently, major banks and payment institutions in China have taken multiple measures to further clear payment obstacles for foreigners in China. On March 14, the People's Bank of China released a payment guide in both Chinese and English, providing foreign travelers to China with instructions on how to access various payment services and the process of using them. Nowadays, an increasing number of hotels in China accept payments from foreign bank cards, and there are also more and more service centers that cater to foreigners' needs. It is believed that more foreigners will be able to embrace a convenient life in China, where they can pay for taxi fares, book hotel rooms, and purchase tickets on their mobile phones. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Hongyu) U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday (Apr. 11) that he was considering Australia's request to dismiss the prosecution of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who released a cache of confidential US classified documents and has been battling extradition to the United States. According to Reuters, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese - who has long expressed opposition to Assange, who is an Australian citizen - supported a parliamentary motion in February calling for Assange's return to Australia. "We are considering it," Biden told a reporter who asked if he had a response to Australia's request to conclude Assange's prosecution. On the other hand, Albanese said that his government had raised the issue at all government levels in every possible way and would continue to engage diplomatically for Assange's release. "This is an encouraging comment from President Biden," he told Australian public broadcaster ABC. "I believe this must be brought to a conclusion and that Mr. Assange has already paid a significant price, and enough is enough. There's nothing to be gained by Mr. Assange's continued incarceration, in my very strong view. And I've put that as the view of the Australian government." Meanwhile, Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, also said that Biden's comments were "encouraging" after he had projected three weeks ago that Assange's legal team saw no indication of a resolution to US charges against him. "It is encouraging that President Biden has confirmed that the United States is considering dropping its case against Julian Assange," Pollack said in an email to Reuters. Assange's extradition was put on hold in March after London's High Court said the US must provide assurances he would not face the death penalty, as well as afford him "the same First Amendment protections as a United States citizen." Assange faces a sentence of up to 175 years in a maximum security prison if extradited. Multiple rights groups, leading media organizations, and several world leadersincluding Mexico and Brazilhave also urged that charges against Assange be dropped. The US Justice Department did not immediately respond to reporters' requests for comment. We can totally do this, said Heather Bock to her friend as she completed an educational session on fly fishing. They were participants in the Palmetto Outdoor Womens Retreat, or POWR for short. After going through instruction with patient and knowledgeable instructors, they headed out on the water and put their new skills to the test. Her statement after the class was a true indicator of the confidence gained during the retreat. POWR is an all inclusive weekend-long event that brings like-minded women together to enjoy and learn about all things outdoors. This years event will be held at Clemson University Outdoor Lab from May 3-5. Women who attend will be able to choose up to eight classes including archery, fly fishing, backyard habitat, shooting sports, outdoor photography, and much more. In addition to the classes, registration covers meals, lodging, evening activities and an event shirt. Get TheTandD.com for $1 for 3 months Support local journalism by becoming a member at www.TheTandD.com. View our latest offer at TheTandD.com/subscribe Classes for POWR are led by expert instructors in a very relaxed and safe environment. As one participant described, POWR keeps me connected to like-minded women in an atmosphere that brings me back to my beloved Girl Scout days. (It is) A way to taste the outdoors without having to possess the skills or tools needed for all the activities I experience. BeBe Dalton Harrison, director of dducation at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation, organizes POWR and wants to invite women who have never participated in outdoor activities to join in this years event. SC Wildlife Federation hosts Spring Soiree The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is hosting a Spring Soiree fundraiser on March 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Saluda Shoals River Center in Columbia. The celebration of World Wildlife Day will offer food by Scott Hall & Paella South, an open bar by Twist, live music by John Emil, and raffles! Ticket and sponsorship sales close on Feb. 16. POWR provides an introduction or in some cases a reintroduction to fun activities in the outdoors Harrison said. Many women participated in outdoor activities as a child and would like to get reacquainted with the fun times they had back then. POWR is a way for women to learn in a laid-back environment and to connect with other women who enjoy the same activities." Harrison also describes the event as a fun retreat where women can get away, make friends and build confidence, as stated by Heather Bock. SC Wildlife Federation hosts oyster roast fundraiser at Bowens Island The South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) is hosting an oyster roast fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bowens Island in Charleston in support of wildlife conservation. POWR is designed to give women a taste of outdoor activities but also the South Carolina Wildlife Federation is dedicated to providing additional opportunities to build on the skills they learn at the event. We want women to not only learn outdoor skills, but to take what they learn and continue it with friends and family, and in some cases develop a passion for it, Harrison said. We want women to move from awareness of these amazing opportunities to action. Once you learn it, lets go ... fishing, boating, birding, etc. SCWFs Plishing Challenge runs through Aug. 31 Do you have a fishing rod in your garage? Or maybe even a cane pole? If so, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation invites you to join its Pli The retreat has been presented by the South Carolina Wildlife Federation for more than 20 years at different locations around the state. Each event is made possible with the support of several outfitters and organizations including the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Cabelas/Bass Pro Shops (Greenville Store), Clemson University, Angling Women, SASS (Surviving Assault Standing Strong), Chattooga River Fly Shop, and Three Sisters Essentials. These partnerships enable us to provide a wide variety of activities conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors. For a full list of the 22 classes that will be offered and to learn more about POWR, women can visit www.scwf.org for more information. We suggest that you register early for this fun and educational weekend of outdoor learning. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves ( Left ) speaks of repaying a LIAT debt while Prime Minister Gaston Browne floats a new proposal for revitalization of the airline. As the Government of Antigua and Barbuda struggles to keep a 3-plane LIAT service in the air, it has tabled new proposals aimed at revitalising the airline and ensuring viability of the service. {{ more}} The proposal calls on every territory to which the fledging airline LIAT flies or will fly, to purchase shares in the new company as a show of their commitment to joining the effort to revitalise the embattled airline. A statement issued following the weekly (last week) Cabinet meeting in Antigua noted that in the proposed new LIAT, "the salaries, wages and other emoluments will take up a smaller part of its cost of operations. The new plan is intended to reflect the commercial needs and fulfillment of the territories. Any destination requiring more flights than has been deemed necessary, would make a special payment to realize its ambition. "A minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) would be applied in order to determine what that cost would be. Benefits accrued will be equitably share, Antigua assured and disclosed that over these past 20 months, LIAT "shows a small operating profit. Since this new plan surfaced, long time OECS spokesman on LIAT and air services generally Dr. Ralph Gonslaves, reminded his people and the region that despite St. Vincent and the Grenadines not being a part of the current LIAT operations out of Antigua, the country, like Barbados, was still paying debts on the planes (ATRs) purchased as part of LIATs re-fleeting operation. Gonsalves recalled that LIAT had several planes, ten at maximum, three of which were purchased and the CDB had the lien on the others. Gonsalves explained that St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Barbados remained saddled with the debt because the CDB refused to transfer the debt to Antigua, to whom the two countries had agreed to sell their shares for EC$1.00. Without making any commitment to be part of the new LIAT, Prime Minister Gonsalves at the recently concluded 43rd CARICOM meeting said the establishment of a new regional carrier "is a matter of urgency, especially with renewed efforts to facilitate free movement within CARICOM. It may well be a revival of LIAT in some form or another, Gonsalves said. LIAT (1974) Ltd., owned by the governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Antigua and Barbuda, entered into court-appointed administration in July last year, after a High Court judge granted a petition for the airlines reorganisation. The Guyana-born chairman of BDO Antigua and Barbuda, Cleveland Seaforth, was appointed LIATs administrator for the duration of proceedings. Last year, St. Johns had put the cost of restructuring LIAT at EC$108 million of which 50 per cent will come from the Antiguan government with the remainder expected to come via other shareholder governments or even private investors. (Sources: Barbados Today, ANR) Joanne Walsh took up the position as acting DPP in February this year. (Credit: antiguanewsroom.com) According to the (Antigua) Observer News, the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission has launched an investigation into claims of misconduct against Antigua and Barbudas acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Joanne Walsh. The Observer reported last week that it was their understanding that Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Kayode OMarde has been chosen by the Commission to investigate the matter. The complaint against the acting DPP was made by Washington Bramble who alleges that Walsh abused the powers of her office, by making false reports to the police against her. Observer, citing firsthand knowledge of the complaint, reported that Washington claimed that, "Mrs. Walsh, for the past ten years has used her power and influence to cause me to be harassed, illegally detained, discriminated against and victimized. In March, Bramble was arrested on suspicion of committing an electronic crime by allegedly sending offensive messages to Walshs Facebook page. She was not officially charged based on the complaint and denied being involved. But she says this is just another example of acts of harassment by the acting DPP. Bramble wants the Commission to suspend Walsh as the DPP while they investigate the matter, noting that the legal luminary cannot be both the complainant and the prosecutor of her case. The conflict arises because Walsh, as acting DPP, would have to decide whether Brambles case moves to the High Court. Earlier this week, Observer was informed that Bramble had filed a civil lawsuit for compensation against the magistrate in the same electronic crime case. Such embroilments are not new to the office of the DPP in Antigua and Barbuda. In February of this year, then DPP - Anthony Armstrong, a Jamaican, was ordered to proceed on special leave after he was found guilty of professional misconduct by the countrys legal disciplinary body the General Legal Council (GLC) for signing a document knowing that his client was not physically present. He was ordered to take up to three months leave which according to the Attorney General, could be extended to one year, during which time he is expected to appeal the charge against him. Armstrongs charge stemmed from a matter in which a client, who had claimed to be in prisons for 14 years, accuse Armstrong, a practicing attorney then, of forging his signature and selling his property during his incarceration. As of 10:01 am Friday, 23rd September, Barbados scrapped the mask mandate and COVID-19 travel protocols. Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw said at a press conference last week Thursday that the mask-wearing will be optional, however, there will be exceptions for healthcare, education, public transport and those in prisons. "The wearing of masks generally will be optional, however, mask-wearing remains mandatory for persons in nursing homes, private hospitals and senior citizen homes; persons in healthcare institutions including staff, visitors, clients and patients; all institutions where medical and dental services are provided; persons in prison, including staff, prisoners and visitors; staff and students at all educational institutions; all nurseries and daycare facilities for both children and adults and of course, persons who have COVID-19, as well as, persons who are travelling on public transportation, stated the acting Prime Minister. She stressed that the elderly, people with "increased risk for illness and those who maintain contact with such individuals should continue to wear masks. As for the removal of the travel protocols, the Acting Prime Minister added that unvaccinated and vaccinated travellers will not be required to be tested for entry to Barbados. Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, who was also in attendance, said that the termination of the travel protocols will cause "a significant boost this upcoming winter season. The role, practices and tendencies of Cuban doctors sent to Grenada to assist with manning the healthcare system have come in for some DAMNING criticism. A high-profiled doctor in Grenada, was reported by THE NEW TODAY newspaper as saying that the Cuban doctors sent to Grenada are defecting to neighbouring islands as part of a racket, and then returning to the country to engage, in some cases, in illegal private practice. The newspaper did not reveal the identity of the doctor making the claim. It continued, however, to report the doctor as saying, " one Cuban just defected recently he stayed less than a year. There is one that defected before went away. I understand that he is back in the country and working he is not registered to work. The Grenadian medic got even more glaring when he pointed fingers at some of his colleagues, accusing them of "aiding and abetting the Cubans in this illegality by hiring them and giving them work on the side. He told THE NEW TODAY that these Cuban doctors were practising medicine underneath, adding that "a lot of wrong things are happening in the medical profession in the country, and called on the Dickon Mitchell-led government to address the situation. "When they (the Cubans) are here on mission they are not allowed to practice outside (in private), the medic reminded. "But, he continued, "some of them are doing things (practising medicine) outside (of the hospital) they cant do it in the open but somebody has to bring them in they just cant do it by themselves. And turning his focus once again on the seven-month old government of Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, the Grenadian national reminded the Prime Minister that his government "can be taken to task as these Cubans who are doing medicine are allowed to operate and function not in keeping with the law. He cautioned that the problem will manifest itself when there is a legal issue at hand with any of these Cuban doctors because the State will be forced "to hide them because you cant go before a lawyer (in court) as a defendant and you are not registered right away you cant fight a case. The medical specialist also called on the Congress administration to review the agreement between Havana and St. Georges for Cuban doctors to be sent to the Spice Isle., reported THE NEW TODAY. Prime Minister Mia Mottley is touted as having an influential voice among former LIAT shareholder governments. Former LIAT employees in Barbados have made another plea to Prime Minister Mia Mottley, appealing to her to use her "influential voice to facilitate payment to them of some $9 million in severance that is owned to then. The appeal was made by way of a petition with just over 2,200 signatures and presented to the Clerk of Parliament on Wednesday morning, for the attention of the Prime Minister, Barbados Today reported. "We have waited and pleaded on deaf ears for the shareholder Governments to do the right thing by seeing that we receive monies owed. Our financial situation is growing extremely dire by the minute, Barbados Today further reported the former LIAT workers as saying in an accompanying letter to Prime Minister Mottley. In addition to severance payment, the dismissed workers requested indication with respect to other due entitlements including vacation pay, notice pay, final salary and pension payments. The workers referred their Prime Minister to the case of St. Lucia where, "the St Lucian Prime Minister, a non-LIAT shareholder, who has publicly promised a severance settlement for his citizens who were employees of LIAT 1974 Ltd, under humanitarian grounds. Weighing in on the issue, retired former executive of the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) Delcia Burke told members of the media that while acknowledging that shareholder governments did not have a legal obligation to pay severance to the former LIAT workers, she was hoping that morality would prevail, and the petition would also give Prime Minister Mottley a nudge to come to their rescue Barbados Today reported on Wednesday. Burke went on to say "that Barbados, as the largest shareholder government, should set the example and try to negotiate a settlement, even if it is not severance pay, because the majority of these workers are still not working, A year ago, Prime Minister Mottley arranged for the severed airline workers to receive a one-off $2,000, followed by an advance of $2,000 per month from Government, which is to be paid back at a future date from any eventual severance settlement. However, some of them complained that two months shy of the promised 12-month period, the payments stopped. Burke said she understood that some of the former LIAT workers were still unable to find a new job and they were "seeing severe financial difficulties. Prime Minister of Grenada and leader of the New National Party (NNP) is on a quest for a third consecutive victory at the polls. (Source: CMC) Grenadians will go to the polls on Thursday 23rd June, 2022. Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell, made the announcement at a political meeting in Telescope, St Andrew on Saturday night, as he urged supporters to give his ruling New National Party (NNP) a third consecutive term in office. And as per the Prime Ministers request to the Governor General, Parliament was dissolved effective Monday 16th May. The last general election was held in 2018, and the NNP swept the polls in the last two general elections, winning all 15 seats in the Parliament. Mitchell, 75, one of the longest serving heads of government in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has already signalled that this election would be his last as leader of the party. The NNP will face a challenge from the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), which is contesting the elections with a new party leader - the young attorney, Dickon Mitchell. The publication of the elections writs would be made on Wednesday, May 18, with Nomination Day being Wednesday June 1. Police officers will vote on June 20. "So you know what that means, if you do the right thing, we feting Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dr. Mitchell told last Saturdays public meeting. Mitchells confidence of another victory is predicated, in part, on what he said was his Partys successfully building the bridge to the future. He boasted that his administration had been able to stabilize the local economy, brought back discipline to the budgetary process, a situation that found favour with the international community. "We need to judge the last nine years, he said, adding that the last four years had also been one of application and devotion. "We said we will deliver and we did in fact deliver, sisters and brothers. We delivered to the public servants millions of dollars of increases after a period of getting not one cent. We delivered to the youths who had been cast away by re-investing in training and personal development, he told the loud and supportive gathering. He said his administration had also developed the environment for increased investment in the country, warning "we cannot go back to stagnation. But he acknowledged that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had an effect on the local economy, but "we have stopped the bottom from falling from the economy in our darkest days. "We were determined not to abandon you and while we are not totally out of the woods as yet, we are making progress. There are new challenges but we have the team that will meet them, Mitchell told cheering supporters promising to outline his partys socio-economic plans during the days of the campaign. Saying once again that General Election 22 will be his last time on the battlefield, he said that the upcoming campaign "is for me, my one for the road. "I mean it, said the Prime Minister who has made similar statements in several previous elections. According to PM Mitchell, he believes the NNP has built a team over the years to take the process forward without him at the helm. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington late Wednesday (Apr. 10) ahead of a trilateral summit between him, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. According to the Manila Times, Marcos's delegation left the Philippine capital via a chartered private flight and landed at Joint Base Andrews at 20:00 Eastern Time (00:00 UTC Thursday, Apr. 11). His two-day visit would commence with the historic trilateral summit with Biden and Kishida at the White House on Thursday, and would be followed with a one-on-one meeting with Biden to give updates on the agreements they forged during Marcos's working visit in May last year. The Philippine president would also meet with various business groups on the same day. He would then end his Washington trip by visiting the Pentagon before departing for Manila. Filipino media reported that Marcos would particularly underscore the importance of enhancing the economic cooperation of the Philippines with Japan and the US "with a view to promoting economic resilience and security." Marcos would also raise various regional security issues of mutual concern "while continuing to reiterate the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region," including critical infrastructure, semiconductors, digitalization, and cybersecurity. Prior to his arrival, Philippine Navy chief VAdm. Toribio Adaci Jr. and other Filipino defense staff met with their American and Japanese counterparts on the sidelines of the US Pacific Fleet change-of-command ceremony at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on Apr. 5. Former LIAT employees in St. Lucia showing off their envelopes which contain conditions of their compensation. (Credit: St. Lucia Star) The St. Lucia government has made good on its promise to pay compensation to former employees of the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT (1974) Ltd. The former local LIAT employees received bond certificates last weekend from the government and are cash redeemable and can also be used as collateral to secure loans. Labour Minister Dr. Virginia Albert-Poyotte advised the workers to use the benefits wisely. "Do not just blow it up in one day but use the economics that women use. Women are very good at managing money, she said. "I know you have waited a long time, the minister said, thanking the former LIAT employees for their patience. The Office of Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre said that the approximate compensation package for the former LIAT employees as well as that of a garment company, Majestic Industries, exceeds EC$6.3 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents). According to Albert-Poyotte, former Majestic Industry workers have been waiting for almost 18 years for compensation. LIAT (1974) has since gone into liquidation after more than four decades of operation in the region and Pierre said that his administration had entered into an agreement with the non-management LIAT workers who had been terminated by the closure of the company. The governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines - the four major shareholders of LIAT - in August 2022 resolved to liquidate the debt-ridden airline and transfer its assets to a new company LIAT 2020 (Antigua). The existing airline has been in court-appointed administration in Antigua and Barbuda since July 2020. All this comes as the government of Antigua and Barbuda is still in the negotiation stage with the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union over severance and other payments. The governments last offer was a 50% compassionate payment. The ABWU has since written to Prime Minister Gaston Browne requesting a meeting to further talk about his offer. New Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell, told Grenadians that under his leadership "the vicious cycle of nepotism will be broken. This promise, itself a profound assessment of the modus operandi of previous governments, came in the Prime Ministers first address to his people following his swearing into office on June 24, 2022. In developing the point further, Prime Minister Mitchell told Grenadians that "the country needs to be run based on merit, hard work, as well as the desire and willingness to overcome and find solutions to challenges that face the country. In his assessment, "Grenada will not move forward or prosper as a people on the sole basis of job selection, promotion, award of a contract on party loyalty and personal loyalty. Mitchell, a 44-year-old attorney-at-law, was sworn in as the ninth Prime Minister of Grenada by Governor-General Dame Cecile La Grenade, during a ceremony at the Grenada Trade Center, on Friday, 24th June, 2022. In his post-swearing address, the Prime Minister described his partys victory as "surreal and nothing short of a miracle. He commended the citizens of Grenada for having shown, even when larger countries falter, that Grenadas democracy is strong, alive and rests with the people. But he shared, according to Loop News, that one of the main issues he will seek to address as prime minister is "Grenadas electoral process which he says needs to be strengthened and is in dire need of reform. The prime minister said the electoral process must function to serve the people. He had the following message for all Grenadians who have, prior to this, shied away from public service and shied away from serving on boards of statutory bodies and government entities. "The door is open... you are welcome. If you believe in serving your country...if you have the skills and talent, the people of Grenada need you. We need fresh, new faces with innovative ideas driven by the common desire to make our country a better place. Pope Francis two Sundays ago spoke of his concern over the imprisonment of Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison in the Latin American country. { The Popes comments about Alvarez, who is a vocal critic of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, were made in his weekly blessing to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peters Square. Ortega has accused Catholic leaders of attempting to overthrow him after protests that killed about 300 people in 2018. Since then, the government of the former Cold War-era Marxist rebel has expelled Catholic nuns and missionaries. Alvarez was convicted last week Friday of treason, undermining national integrity and spreading false news, among other charges. But on Sunday, February 19, he was included in a surprise release of 200 political prisoners by Ortegas government, but he would not board the plane to the United States. Reports are that more than 200 Nicaraguan political prisoners were freed and flown to the United States, at the expense of the Nicaraguan government. Nearly all of them are said to be prominent government critics jailed in President Daniel Ortegas crackdown on dissent over recent years. Ortega described the surprise release as a push to expel criminal provocateurs who sought to undermine Nicaragua, while the United States hailed it as a "constructive step toward improving human rights. The freed political prisoners include five former presidential hopefuls who sought to challenge the increasingly authoritarian Ortega in a 2021 election, only to be jailed in an unprecedented dragnet and criminalizing of political dissent in the Central American country. "The news from Nicaragua has grieved me not a little and I cannot help but remember with concern the Bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Alvarez, whom I love so much and who has been sentenced to 26 years in prison, and also the people who have been taken to the United States, Pope Francis said. Claudette Joseph was speaking on the platform when the bottles were hurled at her. (Credit: THE NEW TODAY) The campaign leading up to the June 23 general election in Greanda was marred by an act of violence on Monday evening. THE NEW TODAY newspaper reported on Wednesday that it was informed that "missiles were pelted at a meeting of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The meeting was being held in the St George South-east constituency of Deputy Political Leader of the ruling New National Party (NNP), Finance Minister Gregory Bowen, who is challenged by Accountant Phillip Telesford. An official of the Congress party said, according to THE NEW TODAY, that attorney-at-law, Claudette Joseph, the NDC candidate for the town of St George was speaking when the act occurred. In a Social Media posting on Wednesday morning, Ms. Joseph said: "Just encouraging comrades to be vigilant and stay safe. Last night while I was speaking on Phillip Ts platform in SGSE, 2 Carib bottles were pelted at me. Thankfully, both missed. The culprit ran into the night but appeared to be female. Be safe out there guys, people are getting desperate. Indeed, they are desperate. From all reports, it is the first such act to have marred the election campaign. The meeting continued after a brief pause and the incident was reported to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF). The two major parties, the incumbent NNP, and the NDC have reportedly complained about vandalism of their electioneering paraphilia, e.g. posters and billboards, but the campaign has, for all intents and purposes, being a clean and peaceful one. THE NEW TODAY reported that both parties are said to be confident of victory with the 75-year old Prime Minister and leader of the NNP- Dr. Keith Mitchell describing it as his last, and pleading with the electorate to "give me one for the road. The NDC is said to be attracting large crowds at its rallies due to the growing popularity of its leader, 44-year old attorney-at-law, Dickon Mitchell. The Guyana government on Wednesday criticised American Airlines for continuing to pay scant regard to its requests after two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) prime ministers became the latest high-level officials to fall victim to the airlines policy. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the airline had refused to allow Trinidad and Tobagos Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and his St Vincent and the Grenadines colleague, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who were here attending the 2023 International Energy Conference and Expo, to check-in through the VIP Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), instead directing them to use the regular check-in counter. Noting that it was not taking any blame for the undignified treatment of the visiting Caribbean leaders, the ministry said that based on previous similar experiences with American Airline, the carrier had been asked formally to accord the necessary treatment to the two leaders but, as it turned out, to no avail. "All government protocols were in place to facilitate their departure. Despite American Airlines having been written to, prior to the arrival of the prime ministers in Guyana, for them to be accorded the courtesies of check-in on departure from the VIP Lounge, the airline refused to acquiesce to the ministrys request and insisted that the prime ministers leave the lounge to present themselves to the check-in counter, the Foreign Ministry said. The airline said it "sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to the two visiting prime ministers, who were travelling to Miami, en route to the Bahamas for the 44th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit that got underway last Wednesday. The Foreign Ministry said the Guyana government had previously protested this position taken by American Airlines against its own senior government officials but without success. Opposition-led protestor came out to show disgust with governments move to award legal status to stranded Africans. (Photo Source: Observer, Antigua) The opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua and Barbuda mounted a protest in capital St. Johns on Tuesday, to demonstrate their disgust with a Cabinet announcement which purported that arrangements are to be made to assist West Africans who arrived in the country via chartered flights, to gain legal status. This was reported by The Observer newspaper which went on to explain that the protest erupted following the arrival of several flights from Nigeria, carrying passengers mainly from Nigeria and Cameroon. Antiguans, it seemed, had come to the realization that many of the Africans who arrived were not simple tourists but were seeking refuge from the civil war in Cameroon. The recently installed Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government confirmed that 637 of the more than 900 people who touched down between November and January remained in Antigua. What was not clear, the Observer reported, was how many of these asylum seekers came aboard Antigua Airways or other chartered airlines which the government and Antigua Airways officials claim mirrored their operations. (Antigua Airways is a partnership between the government of Antigua and Barbuda and Nigerian investors, with three weekly connections between Nigeria, Ghana, and Canada with the Antigua as the central hub.) Observer spoke to Political Leader of the UPP, Jamale Pringle, at the scene of Tuesdays protest. "We are making our voices heard, asking for the government to call an inquiry into Antigua Airways and this situation where we are seeing over 600 persons on the ground, the UPP Political Leader remarked. "We sympathise with the Africans because this is not what they bargained for; some said they were moving on to the United States, but they are stuck here in Antigua. "The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority has advised the government to suspend these flights, and we want to know what information they got why this was necessary, he added. When The Observer asked about the partys solution to the saga, Pringles response was that further information from the government needed to be made public before any policy could be made. Meanwhile, UPP representative for All Saints West, Anthony Smith Jr, concurred saying that he had no issues with the Africans and said it was a good thing that there are growing links between the Caribbean and Africa, but also said the situation called for further clarity by the government. "The government said that we would be getting rich tourists who were going to invest in Antigua and Barbudawhen we look at the full picture, there are too many holes, Smith concluded. A protestor, a Dominica by birth who had Antiguan citizenship, declared, "The Africans just come and [are getting] passport or citizenship or whatever, and people here for how many years and cannot get anything. (Source: The Observer, Antigua) Professor Hilary Beckles described the apology as flawed since it did not have the organized input of the Caribbean. (Photo Source: UWI Alumni Online) by Professor Hilary Beckles Editors Note: The following statement is issued by Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission in response to an apology for African enslavement, issued by Prime Minister Mark Rutte on behalf of The Kingdom of the Netherlands on December 19, 2022. It has been near a decade since the Governments of CARICOM established a Reparations Commission to promote regional and global understanding of the enslavement of African people and native genocide with the objective of securing reparatory justice and development for the still suffering people of the Caribbean. With the formal apology from the Dutch Prime Minister acknowledging that the transatlantic slave trade in enchained African bodies and chattel enslavement were crimes against humanity, the reparatory justice movement has moved into a new phase. Prime Minister Mark Rutte must be commended for this enlightened development that establishes The Netherlands as the European country best poised to bring global leadership to this long and sustained call for justice. His statement moves us closer to closure in respect of the crippling, criminal chapter in human history. We recognise however, that this development is best understood as an internal conversation within the Dutch state. The Prime Minister did not bring to the table those who are the survivors of the crimes. The victim communities in the Caribbean and African are not stakeholders to this statement. Historic though it is, the statement is flawed on the basis that the Prime Minister did not seek the organised input and support of the Caribbean. The unilateralism of the apology and acknowledgments must now move to a multilateral basis. The marginalisation of these victim communities will undoubtedly be experienced as an ongoing approach steeped in the imperial culture we are seeking to replace with a deeper democratic sensibility. The Dutch State was Europes pioneer of the global slavery enterprise. For most of the 17th century it monopolised the transatlantic slave trade and provided the finance and technology that enabled the English, French, Spanish and Portuguese to establish their own slave-based empires. As a result, Amsterdam became the financial centre of Europe and the leading supplier globally of capital for colonisation. The national enrichment from African enslavement was large and unprecedented. The Dutch community, with the slavery wealth derived from human enslavement, and crimes against humanity, became a sustained developed nation. It continues to be an imperial nation holding Caribbean people impoverished in colonial bondage. Spiritual Baptists are known to celebrate with much colour and rhythm. Last Wednesday, March 30, was a public holiday in Trinidad and Tobago, given to mark the ongoing contribution of Spiritual Baptists to the twin-island Republic. The day, officially named Spiritual Baptist Shouter Baptist Liberation Day, is celebrated annually on March 30, and commemorates the repeal on 30 March 1951 of the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance that prohibited the activities of the Shouter or Spiritual Baptist faith. In an address on Tuesday leading up to the national holiday, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley, is reported by Trinidad Newsday as praising "Spiritual Baptists for their commitment, holding unshakeably to their beliefs, and always visualising beyond their day-to-day struggles. The Prime Minister, the report said, encouraged members of the faith "to remain resilient and remember the struggles and efforts of those who fought to have the Shouter Prohibition Ordinance repealed. Rowley commented that today the entire nation commemorates their struggles and those struggles and pains, he assured, "are now acknowledged as part of our socio-historical matrix. Another year has passed and the Spiritual Baptists of the republic are still without a cathedral, but the Prime Minister was optimistic that it would not be long before the celebrations can be held in a cathedral, as the Government had granted land and made assistance available towards building a cathedral. Dr. Rowley used the occasion to call for all citizens "to reach into themselves .find love show tolerance and respect to those around them, individually, collectively and as a people, as a nation. Trinidadian believed that the Spiritual Baptists, also known as Shouters or Shakers, originated in the island of St Vincent. Bishop Elton George Griffith (1913-1992) a Grenadian-born Baptist leader was the principal leader in Trinidad and Tobagos fight to repeal the SHOUTERS PROHIBITION ORDINANCE, the law that forbade the practice of the Baptist faith. (Trinidad Newsday) The President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, acting on direction of the Cabinet, has issued a list of regulations related to the conduct of revelers during that countrys Carnival. The regulations are designed to make illegal "the singing/recital of lewd or offensive songs and prevent revelers from indulging in immoral, lewd and offensive behaviour or gestures. One supporter of the regulations has already voiced that few would doubt that a lot of what is seen on the two days of revelry, borders on acts of sexual simulation. And as expected, these regulations have not gone without vociferous opposition with at least one well-known local social activist, Barrington "Skippy Thomas taking his opposition to the court. Pre-action letter served In fact, lawyers for Thomas confirmed on Monday that their client had all intention to sue the Cabinet over Carnival regulations that seek to outlaw certain actions (above), and that a pre-action protocol letter was sent on Friday to the Cabinet led by Prime Minister of Dr. Keith Rowley, giving it until 4 pm on Wednesday to respond to the legal threat failing which a lawsuit shall be filed on behalf of their client. Thomas team of lawyers, led by Kiel Taklalsingh, claimed in the pre-action protocol letter that, "the regulations derogated from the constitutional right to freedom of expression. In addition, they described the regulations as "irrational and absurd. According to the Trinidad Guardian, Taklalsingh said that his client became concerned after the regulations, under Public Holidays and Festivals Act, were published in a legal notice on February 2. Regulations unjust and vague Under the legislation, the President, pursuant to Cabinet direction, can issue regulations to ensure the proper behaviour of persons and the preservation of peace at festivals. It also prescribed a maximum penalty of a $1,000 fine and up to six months in prison for breaching the regulations. Taklalsingh suggested that the regulations were unlawful and irrational considering the history of the festival and the constitutional right to freedom of thought and expression. "Carnival and its associated events are the apogee of expression, creativity, and celebration.. Its origins are rooted in resistance and virulent expression; the Canboulay Riots, and failed attempts to prohibit drumming and stick fighting all stand as a testimony to the boisterous essence of Carnival which, to some, may be perceived as offensive and possibly immoral, Taklalsingh said. He claimed regulations banning the singing or recital of lewd or offensive songs are hopelessly irrational based on its vagueness and "patent absurdity. He referred to several calypsos from the past, e.g. Crazys Paul Your Mother Come and the Mighty Sparrows Sa Sa Yea and Congo Man, which he admitted could be acceptable to some but offensive or immoral to others. "Contextually, culturally, and historically, these regulations are manifestly unjust and too vague to be fairly, consistently and equally enforceable, Taklalsingh declared. Citizens react As would be expected in a carnival-crazy country like Trinidad and Tobago, the 2023 Carnival regulations have aroused the ire of many. As anticipated, citizens from all cross sections of the cosmopolitan society have taken to accusing the government of "gate-keeping the culture, the Trinidad Newsday reported. Many have taken to social media seeking clarity and sharing their thoughts on what is being described as "a ludicrous attempt to stand in the way of culture, with Radio Host, Abeo Jackson, declaring "this is our yearly dose of policing the rituals in ways that are patently anti-black. For many, this mandate is a bit ambiguous. What does it mean, exactly? Who gets to judge what is lewd and immoral? T&T National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds (top right), Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Minister Dr. Emery Browne (centre) in talks with US Charge DAffaires, Shante Moore. (Photo Credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) The Trinidad and Tobago government has conveyed its "concerns to the United States regarding Washingtons travel advisory on the oil rich twin island Republic. A statement issued following talks between Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Emery Browne; National Security Minister, Fitzgerald Hinds; and the Charge d Affaires at the US Embassy, Shante Moore on Monday, noted that the matter had been discussed. The statement said that both Browne and Hinds "conveyed the concerns of the Government arising from the United States Department of State Travel Advisory for Trinidad and Tobago in which US citizens were advised to reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago, due to "crime, terrorism, and kidnapping. The Travel Advisory referenced was issued by the US State Department November 8, 2022. It advised that American citizens should, "reconsider travel to Trinidad and Tobago due to crime, and exercise caution in Trinidad and Tobago due to terrorism and kidnapping. The Advisory listed a number of areas in Trinidad and Tobago that are "prohibited from travelling, primarily in capital Port of Spain and its immediate environs like the communities of Laventille and Sea Lots. It described the twin island republic as riddled with violent crime (e.g. murder, kidnapping, gang activity) and warned that "terrorists may attack with little or no warning. As expected, the government of Trinidad and Tobago took umbrage with the Advisory, hence the meeting between Government Ministers and the Charge d Affaires at the US Embassy. The brief statement following that meeting said that "after an exchange of views, all parties agreed to continue the ongoing collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America in an effort to address issues highlighted by the Travel Advisory, and the Charge dAffaires undertook to convey the views expressed at the meeting to the US State Department. The Travel Advisory comes at a time when plan are well underway for the 2023 Carnival Season, which, given the scaled down activity of 2022, is expected to be a bumper year with travel agencies and hotels already speaking of increased booking over the same period last year. (Source: CMC) South Korea's liberal opposition Democratic Party (DP) won by a landslide in the country's general elections on Wednesday (Apr. 10), prompting senior ruling party politicians to reportedly offer their resignation following the defeat. This also meant that Wednesday's election results were a huge political blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who still has three years left in office. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and the current cabinet have tendered their resignations in anticipation of losing power in parliament. In a separate news conference, People Power Party (PPP) leader Han Dong-hoon said he would also step down to take responsibility for the defeat. "I apologize to the people on behalf of our party, which wasn't good enough to win the people's choices," he said. Yoon also said that he would "humbly" accept the election resultswhich was widely considered a midterm referendum on his presidencyand pledged to improve the country's economic status and reform state affairs. "I will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the general election and will strive to reform the administration and do my best to stabilize the economy and enhance people's livelihoods," Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-seop quoted Yoon as saying during a press conference. Yonhap added that the DP-led by Lee Jae-myung-won 161 out of 254 directly contested seats, while the PPP only won 90. Including proportional seats, the DP and its junior coalition partners secured 175 seats, while the PPP and its coalition won 108 in the 300-member National Assembly. However, the outcome left the bloc short of the 200 seats needed for a super-majority, which would have given it legislative powers to overturn vetoes and even impeach the president. The remaining 12 seats were won by the newly formed Rebuilding Korea Party, led by former Attorney General Cho Kuk, and would serve as the parliament's crossbenchers. (TBTCO) - Trong bai viet Chong lang phi viet thang 10/2024, Tong Bi thu, Chu tich nuoc To Lam khang inh: e nam bat co hoi, ay lui thach thuc, gia tang manh me nguon luc cham lo cho nhan dan, lam giau cho at nuoc trong giai oan cach mang moi, xay dung tuong lai tot ep, cong tac phong, chong lang phi can uoc trien khai quyet liet, ong bo voi nhung giai phap huu hieu, tao su lan toa manh me, tro thanh tu nguyen, tu giac cua moi can bo, ang vien va nguoi dan, van hoa ung xu trong thoi ai moi; chu trong mot so giai phap trong tam. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). A Cheyenne native is seeking to win a House of Representatives seat in Cheyenne. Steve Johnson is set to run for House District 8, which is held by Rep. Dave Zwonitzer. Zwonitzer has held the seat since 2023. He previously served in House District 9, also in Cheyenne, for 10 years from 2006 to 2016. Johnson will focus on advocating for property tax reform, combating the federal bureaucratic overreach and gun rights, according to a press release. Gov. Mark Gordons veto letter makes it perfectly clear he supports the good old boys of Wyoming over the citizens of Wyoming, a press release from Johnson says, in reference to property tax relief. In March, Gordon vetoed House Bill 54, which would have slashed taxes for all homeowners by 25%. The press release also states that he unapologetically stands for pro-life, parental school choice, opposing gender transformation in children and monitoring adult content that is being pushed by the leftist agenda in our schools. Johnson intends to become a member of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus if elected. In todays economy, we cannot guess which candidates will uphold the constitution, the Wyoming Republican platforms, and resolutions; those opposed should be honest and join the Democrat party, the press release from Johnson states. President Joe Biden will hold a trilateral meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Republic of the Philippines and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan on Thursday afternoon. It is the first-ever summit featuring the heads of the three countries. They are set to meet at the White House at 4:15 p.m. Among the topics expected to be discussed is concerns over China and any possible military action it might take in the region. The leaders are expected to announce that their coast guards will hold a joint patrol in the Indo-Pacific this year, the Associated Press reported. On Wednesday, Biden and Kishida announced a new era of military cooperation spanning defense, culture, space, and diplomacy between the two countries. Biden noted that Japan, once a fierce U.S. enemy, has become one of its closest allies. Earlier this week Marcos said that the Philippines would stand against oppression amid "unacceptable" and "unjust" threats to the country's sovereign rights that "have already caused physical harm to our people." 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. Question: I have noticed ads on social media about a green card lottery. Is this an official programme? Answer: The green card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Visa Program, is an annual immigration programme implemented under US law. Through the programme 50,000 immigrant visas are allocated randomly to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Individuals born in Trinidad and Tobago are eligible to enter. A Michigan woman who traveled to Pennsylvania to meet a "friend" was kidnapped, brutally beaten, stabbed, and tortured before her body was wrapped in a tarp and buried in a dirt basement of the Wilkes-Barre house of horrors. Five people were arrested in the gruesome death of Nicole Cuevas, 38, of Saginaw, Mich., Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce announced on Tuesday, the Times Leader reported. Cuevas' body was buried in a basement in April 2023 and was recovered on Feb. 27, he said. "During her stay there, she was handcuffed to a basement post, and over the course of several weeks, she was severely beaten, the beatings resulted in bruising, a broken ankle, nearly all of her ribs were broken, her nasal cavity was destroyed, her head was shaved, she was stabbed and slashed in several places including her arm, torso and all over her back, and her hyoid bone in her neck was broken, that is generally indicative to investigators of strangulation," Sanguedolce said. The DA said Cuevas visited Wilkes-Barre believing she and one of the people who lived there were "friends." "Obviously that went awry fairly quickly," Sanguedolce said, People reported. "I think she came really just for a visit and tried to get home but was unsuccessful in that endeavor unfortunately by nature of the fact that she couldn't escape her kidnappers that resulted in her death," he said. The five arrested were identified as Desiree Kehaun Linnette, 43; her daughter, Sarai Kamalani Doyle, 24; Jason P. Race, 43; Faith L. Beamer, 39; and William Benjamin Wolfe, 54. They face charges of criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, and abuse of a corpse, the Times Leader reported. According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Linnette told others in the house that Cuevas had molested a child. The accusations led the others to repeatedly beat the Michigan woman. Witnesses told police they were told to avoid the kitchen while visiting the home, and one saw a drooling Cuevas there, her head shaved. After her ankle was broken, Cuevas was moved around the house in a handcart, the court documents say. At one point, Cuevas, who was handcuffed, soiled herself, sending Linnette and Race into a frenzy that ended with Race stomping on Cuevas' head until she died. They covered Cuevas' head in shopping bags and wrapped her body in a tarp, securing it with electrical cords and rope. The five charged are being held without bail. Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said you dont get to see a show about your city arrive on Broadway very often, so he was excited to catch the musical interpretation of The Outsiders. In a Thursday phone interview from New York, Bynum used the word fantastic in describing the musical. The music was wonderful, he said. The way they managed the stage was really innovative for shows that Ive seen, and I think they did a great job of honoring the messages that are in the original novel that has become one of the classics of American literature. So I was really grateful for the way that it was put together, and I just cant wait for people to see it. I think its going to be a huge hit on Broadway. The musical is based on a classic young adult novel by Tulsa author S.E. Hinton, who was among many Oklahomans to make the trip to New York in conjunction with the musicals Broadway christening. Opening night was Thursday. Danny OConnor, founder and executive director of the Outsiders House Museum, was among those who attended the final Broadway preview of the musical Wednesday night at Bernard B. Jacobs Theater. OConnor called the musical brilliant beyond words and said its a must-see for fans of the classic story. I was really excited to be part of our delegation from Tulsa that came up to see the show, Bynum said. I had a chance to meet the cast when they visited Tulsa a little while back and was just so impressed by the desire they had to really understand our city and to see things firsthand and and the respect that they all have for S.E. Hinton and her novel and them wanting this show to to live up to that respect they have for her and our work. The Oklahoma delegation Bynum indicated the number was 200-plus included representatives from the Tulsa Regional Chambers Economic Development and Regional Tourism teams, Visit Tulsa and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture. With the debut of such a Tulsa-centric story on Broadway, both our economic development and regional tourism teams saw this as a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase our destination, said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Sharing this uniquely ingrained part of our DNA, The Outsiders, on a national level, alongside high-profile media, clients and site selectors, is exactly what a city could hope for. Activations were planned throughout the week to maximize the Tulsa story, according to Tim Chambers, vice president for destination strategy and marketing at Tulsa Regional Tourism. Among the activations were a reception at Highball in Times Square, a Tulsa Takes the Stage after-party in Times Square and a New York University fireside chat Making Waves From The Heartland: How Tulsa, Former Oil Capital Of The World, Is Creating A Whole New Kind Of Splash that featured Renee McKenney, senior vice president of the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism. Regional Tourism, which houses Visit Tulsa and the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts and Culture, understood the need to amplify this unique moment in Tulsas culture scene across literature, film, museum attractions and now, the performing arts, McKenney said. Our goal is to spur travel interest through evangelizing our tourism assets and promoting placemaking; this is exactly that. Now that Tulsans have traveled to see the musical, Bynum is hopeful that sooner rather than later the musical will travel to Tulsa. He cant wait for the musical to come to to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center so people can see the musical where the story was born. Bynum called the musical a great reflection of the arts in Tulsa, citing the facts that the book was written by a student at Will Rogers High School and has become a foundational piece of American literature that young people all over America study decades later. And then to have it then shifted into a medium like film and not just any film, but a film that launched the careers of so many great actors, Bynum said. And now to have it on Broadway Francis Ford Coppola filmed the 1983 movie adaptation of The Outsiders in Tulsa. The cast featured actors who were mostly unknowns at the time. Cast members included Matt Dillon, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane and Leif Garrett. Speaking about the musical cast, Bynum said, I think the performers that are in this show, these are people that, 20 years from now, folks are going to be saying, They got their start in The Outsiders. They were in The Outsiders when it was on Broadway. And all of that comes back to the love that we have for the arts in Tulsa. I think you see that reflected in the size of the delegation that we have here. Theres so much pride and passion in our city for this story, and it was important for so many people to come up here to New York for the launch of this show. I think it shows the support that the show has in our community and the love that people have for the story. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Update: The Tulsa Police Department on Thursday identified the man fatally shot by an officer as 28-year-old Jesus Huerta-Sanchez. A Tulsa police officer shot a man who had fired two shots into the air, run from police and then pointed his gun at them Wednesday afternoon, the Tulsa Police Department reported. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died Wednesday evening, police said. The confrontation occurred after police were called to a home in the 1700 block of East Oklahoma Place about 3:30 p.m. The caller said a man was causing a disturbance outside the house and that the caller did not want him there, according to police. At some point, the man causing the disturbance and the caller exchanged words, and the man fired at least two bullets into the air, police were told. When officers arrived, the man ran away. Multiple officers converged on the area, and an officer with a police dog tracked the man, who police said was confirmed to be a convicted felon. The man, who still had the gun in his hand, was found in a field near Virgin Street and Xanthus Avenue. He then raised his pistol and pointed it at officers, police said. In response to the suspects threatening actions with the gun, a patrol officer fired upon the suspect, striking him, a statement from police says. Officers then rendered medical aid to the man while waiting for paramedics to arrive. The man was in critical condition when he was taken by ambulance to a hospital, police said. They announced Wednesday evening that he had died at the hospital. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard rescued three mariners who were stranded for more than a week on a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean after they spelled out "HELP" on the beach. The three men were stranded on Pikelot Atoll in the remote atolls of Yap and Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia. Things started on April 6, when a response team in Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners reporting her three uncles had not returned from Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Polowat Atoll. The three men in their 40s reportedly embarked on their voyage on Easter Sunday in a small 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor. The men were experienced in navigating the waters but ran into trouble and ended up on the beach without a working boat. The breakthrough came when a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft identified the three mariners on April 7 on Pikelot Atoll due to the sign. "In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out "HELP" on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator. The crew dropped a radio to establish communication. The mariners confirmed they were in good health, had access to food and water and recovered their damaged and unsailable skiff. They asked for assistance in returning to Polowat. The USCGC Oliver Henry rendezvoused with them on the morning of April 9 and successfully rescued the mariners and their equipment and returned them to Polowat Atoll. "This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make," said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of USCGC Oliver Henry. "It's about more than just performing a duty; it's about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch." The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that all mariners equip their vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to enhance safety on the water. A growing number of maritime communities offer loaner programs for these devices, making it easier for everyone to access them. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY Legislation that proposes to make people confirm their age before being able to access porn sites advanced a step at the Oklahoma Capitol on Thursday. Senate Bill 1959, authored by Sen. Jerry Alvord, R-Wilson, and Rep. Toni Hasenbeck, R-Elgin, also would require websites that promote material considered to be pornographic to provide Internet subscribers an ability to opt out of receiving material. If requested to do so, the commercial entity would be obligated to block access. According to Hasenbeck, who spoke on behalf of the bill before its passage through the House Rules Committee, the measure would not violate the constitutional rights of Oklahomans because websites confirmed to require reasonable age verification would not be held liable for allowing access to their sites. The lawmaker said HB 1959, patterned after similar legislation in at least a half-dozen other states, would provide minors with needed protection from pornography. She noted that the tobacco industry and alcoholic beverage industry must meet similar requirements in marketing products intended to be exclusively for adults. Minors in the state of Oklahoma today do not have to prove their age in order to consume pornography, and I believe that this bill would make sure that we have that parity (with other industries) for consumption of something that can be damaging to a minor, she said. Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Oklahoma City, said it would be easy for savvy tech users, including youths, to mislead porn sites about their age and internet service. He also expressed doubt that HB 1959 would survive legal challenges. This is an unconstitutional restraint on adult behavior, he insisted. Hasenbeck allowed that if the bill passes into law it might very well cause some porn sites to rethink doing business in Oklahoma. I think this is going to put some impetus on those entities that are dealing in pornography to make some difficult choices, she said. Other committee action Another measure that advanced through the House Rules Committee on Thursday would roll back the results of a state question passed by voters in 2016. State Question 780, approved by more than 58% of voters that year, reclassified some nonviolent crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Among other things, it raised from $500 to $1,000 the value of property that would have to be stolen for a theft to be considered a felony. Rep. John George, R-Newalla, authored House Bill 1450, which proposes to reverse that and make the theft of $500 worth of property a felony again. I knocked on thousands of doors and talked to hundreds of people about the effects of 780, (and) I didnt find a single person that actually understood what they were voting for, George said. And the fact that retail theft and property crimes have tripled since that (time), I believe this is necessary. George said the bill also would create a new crime, organized retail theft, as well as a task force at the Attorney Generals Office to investigate such crimes. Rep. Amanda Swope, D-Tulsa, asserted that premeditated retail theft wouldnt necessarily amount to organized crime and expressed doubt that the measure was necessary. Fugate said he didnt think it would be proper to pass the bill, as that would amount to an override of the will of the people who voted in favor of SQ 780. In the end, the bill passed through the committee on a vote of 5-2. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Melissa Jacques Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Melissa Jacques Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today OKLAHOMA CITY The Senate Appropriations Committee canceled another meeting Wednesday, as the House has not yet responded to the Senates demands that it publicly release numbers for the state budget. The Senate Appropriations Committee will not meet until the House publicly releases its budget numbers, said Sen. Roger Thompson, R-Okemah, who chairs the committee. I respect the Houses process, and I anxiously await the public release of their budget figures so we can work together to fulfill our constitutional duty to fund our state government. The Senate Appropriations Committee meeting was also canceled last week because the House hadnt released its budget numbers. Its an unnecessary delay, but were ready in the Senate to be here to sine die (the end of the session) or beyond if we need to, Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, said Wednesday. The Senate released its proposed state budget March 18. According to a release from Thompson, Senate leaders have asked for budget figures from their House counterparts before bringing any House bills that have a fiscal impact to a vote. This is making sure that Oklahomans know what we prioritize in the budget process, Treat said. At the end of the day, were going to have to compromise. Were going to have to come to the Houses position on some things and vice versa. The Senate Appropriations Committee was scheduled to consider 42 House bills on Wednesday. The Senate is committed to meeting the needs of all Oklahomans, and my colleagues and I have vowed to do that through an open and transparent budget process, Thompson said. The Senate has released its proposed state budget for everyone to see. Its time for the House to do the same. I agree with what the speaker said last week that communication is key. Thats the reason we tried to over communicate what were intending on doing here, Treat said. House leaders have said they are unwilling to move forward on negotiations for the new budget until the Senate has addressed an issue with the previous budget. Several schools did not receive funding from the state to cover pay raises for some teachers, so the State Department of Education is requesting supplemental funding to cover the costs. Every year we have supplemental requests from agencies, and we still go back and deal with FY 24 or the current fiscal year were in during negotiations on the next years budget, Treat said. So thats not the real reason. I met with the speaker earlier this week, and he told me that they just werent simply ready to share those numbers publicly yet and they needed to work through their caucus process, said Treat. A spokesman for House Speaker Charles McCall said House leaders had no new comments on the situation. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole on Wednesday became the first Oklahoman chosen to chair the House Appropriations Committee. The Chickasaw citizen also becomes the highest-ranking Native American member of Congress since Charles Curtis, a Kaw enrollee, served as majority leader and then as vice president and president of the U.S. Senate in the 1920s and 1930s. I would like to thank the (Republican) Conference for their support and ensure them that I am committed to conversing with them all to make sure that we are working to benefit their constituents, as well as properly utilizing our budget to defend our country and meet legitimate domestic needs, Cole said in a written statement. I am excited to hit the ground running and get to work for this great nation. The appropriations chair is considered one of the most influential positions in the House of Representatives and Congress. The committee, along with its Senate counterpart, determines allocation of all discretionary spending. Cole, who is seeking his 12th term this year, has belonged to the Appropriations Committee since 2009 and became a subcommittee chairman, or cardinal, in 2015. He has been chairman of the House Rules Committee, an influential position he will no doubt surrender. Id like to congratulate my fellow Oklahoman and long-time friend Tom Cole for his appointment as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, said 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas, the Oklahoma delegations longest-serving member. This stands as a landmark day in the history of our states congressional representation, and I join my fellow Oklahomans in celebrating this momentous achievement, said Lucas. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Cole in advancing priorities that benefit communities across the state and nation. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Paris With less and less people sending each other letters, France's post office is looking to evolve into a premium meals-on-wheels service, its boss said Wednesday. "I think food deliveries will be the top activity for postal workers" by 2035, said Philippe Wahl, the head of La Poste. In many village post offices, less than five customers turn up a day, Wahl told the upper-house Senate. As for letter and parcel deliveries, they are projected to have dropped from 70 percent of business in 1990 to just 15 percent by the end of 2024. The post office however carries out 10 percent of food deliveries nationwide. Working with community centres, hospitals and caterers, its drivers bring mostly elderly people more than 15,000 meals per day, Wahl said. Increase this and you might keep France's 65,00 postmen and women employed "even when there are no more letters", he added. La Poste delivered five million meals last year and hopes to double that figure for 2024, he said. It is only the latest idea as the French post office seeks to move with the times. In January it started testing changing rooms in several branches to cater to online shoppers who want to quickly return purchases that don't fit. French athlete Anouk Garnier broke the rope climbing world record on Wednesday morning after she ascended 100 metres (330 feet) to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. "I really did it?" the 34-year-old asked through tears while throwing herself into the arms of her family, including her "very proud" mother. Equipped with a security cord, the two-time obstacle course world champion set off just moments earlier in front of dozens of people to climb one of Paris' most iconic landmarks. The objective: Beat previous marks held by South African Thomas Van Tonder who climbed 90 metres (300 feet) for the men's record and Dane Ida Mathilde Steensgaard who peaked at 26 metres (85 feet) for the women's record. After just 18 minutes of climbing, compared to the 20 minutes initially estimated, she finally hit 100 metres. "It is a dream come true. It was magical. If there was one thing that I never doubted, it was that I was going to do it," Garnier told AFP. It all began in 2022 when she landed the title of double world champion for obstacle courses in her age category. Looking for a new challenge, Garnier discovered Steensgaard, a world champion in the same sport, who established a rope climbing world record for scaling the Copenhagen Opera House. Garnier said: "I told myself '26 metres is not very long. And me, what monument could I climb?'" She set her sights on the Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France around the world. "I never gave up because there were ups and downs," Garnier said. Convincing sponsors was particularly complicated, she added. When Garnier finally arrived at the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday morning, she cried. "It is a year of preparation, it is not just an 18-minute climb. There is all the pressure when you aim for big things like this. When it is really done, the emotion is crazy," she said. As Garnier descended from her climb, she said it was beautiful to see her family so proud. "They are the ones who instilled in me this discipline of sport, of always doing the best, always seeking excellence. It is thanks to them that I can do extraordinary things like today," she said. She also took up this challenge for her mother, who has cancer, to raise money for League Against Cancer, an organisation that works to prevent cancer and support patients. "I saw her struggling so much that I wanted to do my part," Garnier said. Garnier now wants to take a break, but it will be a short one because her schedule is already fully booked. Other than obstacle courses, which she plans to take up again after abandoning them a few months ago, she will be carrying the Olympic flame in Marseille on May 9 before becoming an ambassador for the volunteer program of this summer's Paris Olympics. Garnier is already thinking about future challenges. "I'm 34 but my body is 20," she said. "I am in great shape and I hope to go on like this for another ten years." President Lula da Silva of Brazil, which holds the G20 presidency this year, has invited Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to attend the G20 Summit, which is scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro on November 18 and 19. Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira extended the Brazilian leaders invitation to PM Chinh when he met the Vietnamese government chief on Wednesday during his two-day visit to Vietnam starting a day earlier, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported. PM Chinh graciously accepted the invitation and expressed Vietnam's deep appreciation for the topics put forward by Brazil for the 2024 G20 Summit, namely combating hunger, poverty, and inequality; addressing the three dimensions of sustainable development (economic, social, and environmental); and reforming global governance, according to the Vietnam Government Portal. The Vietnamese leader affirmed that Vietnam would actively contribute to the success of the coming summit, which will mark the sixth time that Vietnam has attended such an event. He proposed that the two countries foreign ministries coordinate closely to carefully arrange and prepare for his trip to Brazil for the event. The G20 is an intergovernmental forum, consisting of 19 countries and the European Union, representing the world's major developed and emerging economies. Many member countries of the group are Vietnam's important partners, including its seven comprehensive strategic partners, namely the U.S., China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia. Vietnam attended a G20 Summit for the first time in 2010 in Canada as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN). Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) shakes hands with Brazilian President Lula da Silva during his official visit to Brazil in September 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency The country attended another G20 Summit later in the same year in South Korea, and continued to be present at the following summits in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Minister Vieira said Brazil is preparing for the 2024 summit and wished that the Vietnamese side would coordinate in the preparations toward the success of the event. PM Chinh told Minister Vieira about his good impressions of the country and people of Brazil during his official visit to Brazil in September 2023. Chinh highlighted the significant potential for enhancing economic and trade cooperation between the two nations. He noted that Brazil has emerged as Vietnams largest trading partner in the Latin American region, with two-way trade reaching US$7.11 billion by 2023. On that basis, the Vietnamese government chief proposed that the Brazilian government soon recognize Vietnams market economy status. He also asked the Brazilian side to continue coordinating with member countries of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) to promote the early launch of negotiations on the Vietnam - MERCOSUR free trade agreement. This agreement will help elevate trade between Vietnam and Brazil, promote long-term cooperation between the two nations businesses, and bring their bilateral relations to a new level, PM Chinh said. Minister Vieira affirmed that President Silva highly values Vietnam's increasing regional and international roles and positions. He also briefed PM Chinh about his earlier talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son, saying they had agreed to bilateral cooperation plans to deepen the comprehensive partnership, toward enhancing the ties to a strategic partnership. The two sides also discussed preparations for President Silvas visit to Vietnam in the near future. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! French Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser paid a visit to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper headquarters in Phu Nhuan District on Wednesday. This was her first visit to the newspapers main office since assuming her role in 2021. Upon her arrival, she received a warm welcome from Tuoi Tre's Editor-in-Chief Le The Chu. The visit was spent discussing the news industry in Vietnam in general and in Ho Chi Minh City in particular, and the adaptation of news agencies amid the ongoing process of digitalization. Given Pavillon-Grosser's significant involvement in French media in the past, she exhibited a keen interest in Vietnams news industry. Editor-in-Chief Chu said that in order to appeal to readers, Tuoi Tre offers various publications such as Tuoi Tre Cuoi, a satirical magazine, Tuoi Tre Cuoi Tuan, a weekly magazine, a news website in Vietnamese, an English-language online newspaper, and other platforms. Tuoi Tre primarily covers a wide range of topics including economy, politics, society, health, culture, sports, and world news. Chu also expressed his pleasure as the Vietnam-France partnership has flourished strongly. The two nations celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year. Notably, French culture has left much impression on Vietnamese people. The French Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the French Embassy in Hanoi organized a series of events to mark the nniversary in 2023, said Pavillon-Grosser. She revealed that the French side will focus on the 2024 Summer Olympics and the Francophonie Summit slated for October this year. Chu sent gratitude to the French diplomat for her visit, expecting closer cooperation between Tuoi Tre and Frances representative agencies in Vietnam to make it a bridge for the Vietnam - France relationship. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The vice-chairman of the administration of Phu Quy Island off Binh Thuan Province in south-central Vietnam has denied a rumor that the popular island is home to some of the worlds most poisonous snakes. The snakes in question are on a smaller island and that their venom toxicity is unknown, vice-chairman Ngo Tan Luc explained. A video of a den of some 15 snakes found on an island in Binh Thuan Province surfaced on social media over the past two days, with many netizens claiming the island to be Phu Quy. Several commenters said they were scared to travel to the island due to the video a serious issue for Phu Quy authorities given that it is currently the peak travel season. The video recorder first said the snakes were on Phu Quy Island but then revised his claim to explain that they were on Hon Den Islet, a small island that is part of the Phu Quy archipelago. He called on tourists to take caution when visiting the islands surrounding Phu Quy Island. Vice-chairman Luc said Phu Quy is a group of islands including Phu Quy Island and nine smaller islets, including Hon Trung, Hon Den, Hon Giua, Hon Do, Hon Tranh, Hon Hai (Hon Kham), Hon Do Lon (Hon Bo), Hon Ty (Hon Vung), and Hon Do Nho (Hon Trao). Tourism services are only offered on Phu Quy Island and Hon Tranh Islet. Luc affirmed that the snakes in question have long inhabited Hon Den Islet's caves and waters. Occasionally, they are caught in local fishing nets, he said. While the exact potency of venom in Phu Quy's snakes is unclear, there have been no reported snakebites on the island. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The number of Texas tax filers reporting at least $1 million in income increased 47% from 2020 to 2021. Dreamstime, HO As the April 15 Tax Day approaches, the number of Texans who earned more than a million dollars last year could hit a new high, data suggests. In 2021, about 12.6 million tax returns were filed in Texas, according to Internal Revenue Service data released in February. Of those, 72,880 reported an adjusted gross income of at least $1 million, according to a new analysis from the Houston Business Journal. Thats a 47% increase from the 49,420 Texans who made it into the million-plus club in 2020. Those earners therefore qualified as members of Texas 1%, along with some 50,000 other filers, according to the IRS data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While 2021 is the most recent year for which IRS data is available, it is likely that the number of million-dollar earners in Texas has grown since then, a result of the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. Some of the filers who reported million-plus incomes in 2021 are likely newly minted Texans. Since the century began, domestic migration has steadily contributed to Texas' overall population growth, with some newcomers fleeing high-tax states such as California and New York. However, California and New York also had an increase in the number of filers reporting at least $1 million in income in 2021 compared with 2020, according to the data. California ranked first in the nation in terms of million-dollar earners in 2021, with about 156,000 people reporting that level of income compared with 110,000 in 2020. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another factor in the growing number of Texas millionaires, the Houston Business Journal reports, was the rapidly evolving pay picture at all levels as workers made more as a result of an extremely tight post-pandemic labor market, which has only loosened slightly since then. A booming stock market has helped boost incomes too, for Texans with the means to invest. High tides have left many streets and houses in My Tho City, which is the capital of Tien Giang Province in southern Vietnam, flooded over the past couple of days, the provincial steering committee for natural disaster prevention and control said on Thursday. Flooding affected several locations in the city such as the Trung Luong Intersection, where National Highway 1A intersects with National Highway 60, the Cau Cong Market area, and the intersection linking Hung Vuong Street with Le Van Nghe Street. In the citys Ward 10, heavy flooding across many alleys caused significant inconvenience for commuters and the daily activities of local inhabitants. People living in these flood hotspots were forced to raise their household appliances off the floor in order to avoid flood damage while household businesses shut the doors to prevent trash and debris from entering their premises. Nguyen Van Loi, a local resident in Ward 10, expressed his concern over the high tide, saying that its late night arrival badly affected local residents and caused damage to their assets. Staff at Trung Luong Restaurant, located next to the Trung Luong Intersection in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, travel by boat due to flooding caused by high tide, April 11, 2024. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre Vo Van Thong, director of the Tien Giang hydrometeorology agency, said that the water levels recorded at monitoring stations citywide ranged between 1.55 meters and 1.8 meters. Authorities had earlier issued high-tide warnings in the city so that residents could promptly take precautionary measures. My Tho is expected to experience six high tides between March and August this year, with two particularly severe tides expected for mid-March and mid-April. In related news, this Mekong Delta province had to declare a state of emergency on Saturday last week over a severe shortage of fresh water caused by prolonged drought and saltwater intrusion. The province's Tan Phu Dong District with 12 kilometers of coastline along the East Vietnam Sea, crisscrossed by waterways -- has been badly hit. The Mekong Delta region faces saltwater intrusion every year, but more intense hot weather and rising sea levels -- both driven by climate change -- are increasing the risk, according to AFP. Vehicles travel on a flooded road near the Trung Luong Intersection in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, April 11, 2024. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre Many businesses and eateries experience lower-than-expected sales due to flooding in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, April 11, 2024. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre A road is knee-deep in water due to high tide in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, April 11, 2024. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre A post office is inundated by high tide in My Tho City, Tien Giang Province, southern Vietnam, April 11, 2024. Photo: Hoai Thuong / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A top Vietnamese property tycoon was sentenced to death on Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in history, with an estimated $27 billion in damages. A panel of three hand-picked jurors and two judges rejected all defence arguments by Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, who was found guilty of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade. "The defendant's actions... eroded people's trust in the leadership of the Party and state," read the verdict at the trial in the southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City. Lan, born in 1956, denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. After a five-week trial in Ho Chi Minh City, 85 others also face verdicts and sentencing on charges ranging from bribery and abuse of power to appropriation and violations of banking law. Lan embezzled $12.5 billion, but prosecutors said Thursday the total damages caused by the scam now amounted to $27 billion -- a figure equivalent to six percent of Vietnam's 2023 GDP. She and the others were arrested as part of a national corruption crackdown that has swept up numerous officials and members of Vietnam's business elite in recent years. Lan appeared to say in final remarks to the court last week that she had thoughts of suicide. "In my desperation, I thought of death," she said, according to state media. "I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment -- the banking sector -- which I have little knowledge of." Police have identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal, which has shocked the Southeast Asian country. Lan, who is married to a wealthy Hong Kong businessman also on trial, was accused of setting up fake loan applications to withdraw money from SCB, in which she owned an over-90-percent stake. Police say the scam's victims are all SCB bondholders who cannot withdraw their money and have not received interest or principal payments since Lan's arrest. Prosecutors said during the trial they had seized more than 1,000 properties belonging to Lan. Authorities have also said $5.2 million given by Lan and some SCB bankers to state officials to conceal the bank's violations and poor financial situation was the largest-ever bribe recorded in Vietnam. The woman who was offered the bribe -- Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team -- said during the trial the cash was handed to her in Styrofoam boxes by the former CEO of SCB, Vo Tan Hoang Van. After realising they contained money, Nhan refused the boxes but Van declined to take them back, state media reported. A top Vietnamese luxury property tycoon -- Do Anh Dung, head of the Tan Hoang Minh group -- was sentenced to eight years in prison last month after he was found guilty of cheating thousands of investors in a $355 million bond scam. The buffer zone of U Minh Thuong District in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam has experienced severe land subsidence induced by a prolonged drought, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday. The Kien Giang administration urged U Minh Thuong authorities to prioritize addressing landslides and land subsidence, while also emphasizing the importance of raising public awareness about the measures being implemented to mitigate these natural disasters. The provincial Department of Transport received the urgent assignment of swiftly repairing roads affected by land subsidence to restore normal traffic flow in the impacted areas. Landslides and land subsidence have battered U Minh Thuong since early last month due to prolonged drought, according to Duong Quoc Khoi, vice-chairman of the Peoples Committee of U Minh Thuong. Natural disasters caused extensive damage to over 310 road segments and 26 local households, resulting in nearly VND84 billion (US$3.3 million) in losses. The official added that 470 houses in the district are located adjacent to canals, with 54 at a high risk of subsidence. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has acknowledged traditional conical hat-tying in Phu Cat District, Binh Dinh Province as national intangible cultural heritage. Phu Gia Conical Hat-Tying Village in Cat Tuong Comune played a key role in the crafts recognition, according to Ta Xuan Chanh, director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports. This process of making a conical hat means that a craftsman puts leaves on the side of the cone and then uses a string and a sewing needle to make the hat into a pyramid. Binh Dinh residents are proud of the prevalence of conical hats across the country," he shared. In terms of history, conical hats were worn by soldiers during the reign of Emperor Quang Trung between 1788 and 1792. Having overcome its ups and downs for several centuries, traditional conical hats are now used mostly to protect people from rain and sunlight. Conical hats represent the culture of Binh Dinh Province, Chanh said. The provincial department will collaborate with other agencies to map out a plan to preserve and promote the value of the conical hat-tying in Phu Gia Village. The craft is a cultural resource that is expected to boost the provinces tourism." Nguyen Thi Tam, a 73-year-old villager, said that she has been tying conical hats since she was a child. Despite the time, effort, and attention to detail needed to tie a conical hat, the craft generates very low profits. We are enormously happy to see the conical hat-tying craft in Phu Gia Village recognized as national intangible cultural heritage, Tam expressed her emotion. According to Tam, younger generations are less interested in tying conical hats. I hope local authorities will work to preserve the craft, she said. Phu Gia Conical Hat Village, which is over 300 years old, is home to 120 conical hat-tying households. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Next week Australian Story profiles Arnold Dix who travelled to India to spearhead a successful rescue of 41 workers in the Himalayas. In November last year, an eccentric flower farmer from Monbulk, Victoria, became a global sensation after he helped free 41 Indian workers trapped underground in a tunnel collapse. For many locals, those news reports were the first indication that Arnold lived an extraordinary life beyond their town. In addition to being the self-confessed worst famer in Monbulk, he was a barrister, scientist, engineer, and the tunnelling expert people around the world turned to when things go wrong. Australian Story explores the bizarre and circuitous career path that led Arnold Dix to his moment of international recognition last year, when he was called to the remote location high in the Indian Himalayas. Dix explains the difficult situation that faced him at the site of the collapse and the pressure he felt as the whole of India became transfixed by the unfolding drama. He explains how decades of experience listening to the rock helped him read the situation and find a way to get the men out safely after 17 days entombed behind an avalanche. We try to trick the mountain and sneak in to get these men, he tells Australian Story. When all 41 workers were rescued alive, Arnold became a hero in India. He tried to slip out of the country quietly but by coincidence ended up at an airport with 17 of the workers, an emotional meeting captured on his iphone and shown here. We showed the world that good people working together can do the impossible, he says. The story features interviews with Arnold, his family and friends, and Indias chief engineer, who watched as Arnold threw himself into the rescue effort. 8pm Monday on ABC. 7News Spotlight executive producer Mark Lewellyn is reportedly departing the Seven network, following headline-grabbing allegations heard in court last week. The Australian reports he handed in his company security pass on Wednesday night and will not be returning. The Sydney Morning Herald has also reported he has hired employment lawyer John Laxon for negotiations. Mark Lewellyn returned to Seven in 2020 to helm Spotlight specials after two years away with the company, during which he was Creative Director for News and Current Affairs at Nine. He previously co-founded Sunday Night with Adam Boland and as a veteran of 40 years in current affairs has produced 60 Minutes, A Current Affair, Murder Uncovered, Michael Hutchence: The Last Rockstar, Murder Lies & Alibis and breakfast television. Last week allegations were made in the Federal Court by former producer Taylor Auerbach around expenses spent by Spotlight in securing an interview with Bruce Lehrmann, including reimbursement for the cost of sex workers and cocaine -Seven has strongly denied such while a judge referred to courtroom claims as being thrown around like a gatling gun with no opportunity for them to be met. The findings of the high profile defamation case are due be handed down on Monday morning. Meanwhile Spotlight returns to screens this Sunday with The Ozempic Revolution featuring Ajay Rochester and Roxy Jacenko. It is hosted by Michael Usher alongside Sarah Greenhalgh. Llewellyns departure comes at a time of high profile change in Seven management following the exit of Commercial Director Bruce McWilliam and the impending departure of CEO James Warburton, expected this month. A Seven spokesperson declined to comment. Laxon, Llewellyns legal representation also declined to comment. A social media post was published this afternoon The future of New Zealand soap Shortland Street is currently unclear as local media reels from programme closures and hundreds of confirmed job losses. TVNZ is looking very hard at Shortland Street, and its future is unclear, said Kelly Martin, CEO of South Pacific Pictures. We have been in conversations for a while, Martin, whose company produces the long-running TVNZ 2 soap. Its definitely something thats up for discussion and I dont know what the outcome of those discussions would be. A TVNZ spokesperson said: Shortland Street is a commercially funded show. Like many businesses across Aotearoa, the current recessionary environment is having a big impact on TVNZ. Theres less advertising revenue going around as businesses tighten their belts, and that makes it increasingly difficult to fund our programming slate and provide our services to viewers. As a result, we need to look at everything across our slate to ensure we remain commercially viable. This includes Shortland Street. On Wednesday morning, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed it would close all its Newshub news operations, including the news website, the morning television show and the 6pm television bulletin, resulting in roughly 300 job losses. By the afternoon TVNZ had confirmed it would axe its long-running current affairs programme Sunday, consumer affairs programme Fair Go, and stop its midday and late-night bulletins, resulting in the loss of another 68 media roles. Newshubs closure means the country is left with just one English television news service, the now pared back state-owned TVNZ. Shortland Street screens in Australia on 7plus. Source: Stuff, Guardian In a promotional stunt for new scifi series Fallout, Prime Video is opening an activation site in Sydney today for just five hours. A fictional Vault 33, located below Sydneys GPO, is described as a futuristic property which unearths the potential of prime underground real estate for dwellers. It boasts wildly imaginative interiors, exclusive access to cutting edge Triple-S Technology Safety, Survivability and Sanitation. Gavin Rubinstein (Luxe Listings Sydney) says, Welcome home. This is the future of living in Australia Vault 33. After touring these intimate living and dining spaces, youll wonder why you ever wanted to live above-ground. In a property market defined by scarcity, Vault 33 presents the perfect, long-term and sustainable solution. The property will be open for inspection by the public from 12pm to 5pm today Thursday 11th April, 2024. Interested parties can register their interest in inspecting the property here. The hardened subterranean lifestyle is built underground, leveraging the abundance of abandoned Sydney tunnels and underground floors that already exist in the geologically-stable foundations of Australia. It is built from premium materials including reinforced sandstone and solid metal sheeting to ensure durability and longevity. Vault 33 is inspired by the vault of the same name that features in Fallout, the newest original series from Prime Video. Inspired by the legendary video game franchise and set within the Fallout universe, the series will follow three protagonists who cross paths on their respective journeys across the vast and dangerous Wasteland around them. Unbeknownst to them, they are all in search of an item that will not only determine their fate but the fate of the Wasteland. Stan has released the full trailer for upcoming six part drama, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, which premieres in May. Based on the international best-selling novel by Heather Morris, it is inspired by the real-life story of Lali and Gita Sokolov, who met while prisoners in the Auschwitz concentration camp during the Holocaust of World War II. This trailer shows an older Lali (Harvey Keitel) retelling his experiences of Auschwitz to Heather Morris (Melanie Lynskey) as we journey with him through his memories of that time. As the trailer unfolds, audiences witness the emotional tale of love and resilience as a younger Lali (Jonah Hauer-King), crosses paths with Gita (Anna Prochniak) and embarks on a profound journey of love amidst the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The trailer includes an original score from composer Hans Zimmer and Kara Talve, who have also composed the soundtrack for the series. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the story of one man, Lali (Hauer-King), a Slovakian Jew, who, in 1942, is deported to Auschwitz, the concentration camp where over a million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. Shortly after arrival, Lali is made one of the Tatowierer (tattooists), charged to ink identification numbers onto fellow prisoners arms. One day, he meets Gita (Prochniak) when tattooing her prisoner number on her arm, leading to a love that defies the horrors around them. So begins a courageous and unforgettable story. Under constant guard from a volatile Nazi SS officer Stefan Baretzki (Jonas Nay), Lali and Gita become determined to keep each other alive. Around 60 years later, Lali (Keitel) now in his 80s, meets aspiring writer Heather Morris (Lynskey). Recently widowed, Lali finds the courage to tell the world his story. In recounting his past to Heather, Lali finally confronts the traumatic ghosts of his youth and relives his memories of falling in love in the darkest of places. Directed by Tali Shalom-Ezer, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is executive produced by Claire Mundell through her company Synchronicity Films and is produced in association with Sky Studios, Stan Australia and All3Media International. The series is a co-production for Sky and Peacock. Australian Jacquelin Perske is Executive Producer and lead writer for The Tattooist of Auschwitz alongside episode writers Evan Placey (Associate Producer) and Gabbie Asher. Serena Thompson is Executive Producer for Sky Studios. The Tattooist of Auschwitz will air on Sky Atlantic in the UK and Ireland and on Peacock in the US. NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution and All3Media International are jointly handling international sales of the series. Thursday May 2 on Stan. GUANGZHOU, China, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 8th, Wanglaoji unveiled its international English brand identity WALOVI in Los Angeles, United States. On April 10th, Wanglaoji opened its second herbal tea museum in New York the Fifth Avenue Museum with a grand opening ceremony, marking another solid step in the brand's global development. Founded in 1828, Wanglaoji stands as a leading brand in the Chinese herbal tea market, unwavering in meeting consumer health needs as its guiding principle. The company has bolstered its core herbal tea operations, developing a distinctive line of health-focused plant beverages. Through an extensive product portfolio, it caters to the varied demands of a global customer base. Nowadays, Wanglaoji has achieved international recognition as the No. 1 natural plant drink brand in the world. In the process of accelerating its international branding strategy, Wanglaoji has released WALOVI, its international English brand identity, which has made appearances in Milan and Thailand this year. Wanglaoji plans to establish 56 herbal tea museums worldwide to share the story of Chinese herbal tea with the world. The first overseas herbal tea museum was inaugurated in 2018 on Grand Street in New York, opening an important "window" for cultural exchange. This year, the herbal tea museum signing ceremonies were held successively in Milan and Bangkok. Over the years, Wanglaoji's sales network has covered more than 150 countries and regions, achieving commendable results in markets in North America, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The North American market is a key overseas market for Wanglaoji, with annual sales increasing significantly since it started exporting in 2013. Now, Wanglaoji has officially entered mainstream channels and chain supermarkets, such as Costco and H Mart, and its e-commerce operations have expanded into platforms like Amazon, Yamibuy, and Wee. Weng Shaoquan, Chairman of Guangzhou Wanglaoji Great Health Industry Co., Ltd., stated, "China's Wanglaoji is also the world's WALOVI! We believe that Wanglaoji will establish even closer connections and interactions with American and global consumers, invigorating the international market with vitality, and making more international consumers fall in love with natural plant beverages from China." Moving forward, Wanglaoji will continue to roll out its English brand identity and construct herbal tea museums globally, deeply cultivating the international market, promoting the culture of herbal tea to the world, and establishing itself as a global super beverage brand. Story continues Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wanglaoji-accelerates-international-market-expansion-by-launching-the-international-brand-identity-walovi-in-the-united-states-302113956.html SOURCE Guangzhou Wanglaoji Health Industry Co.,Ltd. Houston restaurants and chefs racked up 11 James Beard Awards semifinalist nominations earlier this year, but an air of disappointment lingered recently when only one was named a finalist. Emmanuel Chavez, the chef behind Tatemo, is Houstons lone candidate still in the running for one of the most prestigious awards in the culinary industry. Houstonians may be more familiar with past Beard winners such as Hugo Ortega, Justin Yu and Chris Shepherd, but Chavez is leading a new guard of chefs representing the citys fast-changing culinary scene. Where is Emmanuel Chavez from? The fried quesadilla featuring rellena de flor de calabaza and queso Oaxaca, guacasalsa and crema with caviar at Tatemo. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Chavez, who was born in Mexico City, moved to Houston when he was 10 years old. His parents worked at Taqueria Tepatitlan, where their jobs included washing dishes and bartending at the Tex-Mex spot. He spent much of his childhood in the restaurant and started working alongside his parents, too. Chavezs father and mother eventually saved up enough money to take over ownership of the chains several locations in the city. One of Chavezs first cooking jobs was at the River Oaks Country Club. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants Houston is home In 2016, Chavez moved to Seattle to continue his chef training. He cooked at the Thompson Seattle, and thats where he met Megan Maul, his future partner in life and business who was also working for the hotel. They moved back to Houston in 2019 with plans to open a 130-seat fine-dining restaurant with the help of investors, but the pandemic thwarted that plan. With a sh---ton of bags of corn and a lot of time on our hands, as Chavez told Food & Wine magazine, they started selling tortillas at the Urban Harvest farmers market and to restaurants. They also had developed a following over social media and pop-ups. They eventually signed a lease at 4740 Dacoma in the Spring Branch area and opened Tatemo in 2021. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chavez on corn and cooking Heirloom corn is at the center of Tatemo's menu In virtually every dish, Tatemo uses heirloom corn from Mexico. But it wasnt until around 2017 that Chavez learned why more chefs are focused on using corn grown by smaller suppliers. He was still working in Seattle when he contacted the acclaimed chef Eric Rivera to help host a fundraising dinner to help with Hurricane Harvey relief. Rivera scolded Chavez for listing a mass-produced instant masa among his list of ingredients for the dinner. He said, If you ever want to be taken seriously in this industry, you have to know where you come from, Chavez told Food & Wine. Basically, I didnt know anything about my actual culture. So it became my obsession to figure out who I was. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Chavez now sources an array of varieties of the key ingredient, from Oaxaca to Mexico City, which then undergoes nixtamalization (a time-tested process of soaking the corn in an alkaline solution to make it more nutritious and easier to work with). The use of heirloom corn not only pays respect to Mexican cuisine, but its also been a way to preserve ancient varieties at a time when GMO-produced corn is more prevalent in restaurants and homes. MORE FROM BAO ONG: James Beard-nominated pastry chef opens trailblazing Mexican-inspired restaurant in the Heights Tatemos team effort Megan Maul, left, and Emmanuel Chavez, started Tatemo together When Chavez talked recently about his latest James Beard nomination, he was quick to praise his team, who help prepare the $125, seven-course tasting menu. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The rise of Tatemo has allowed Chavez and Maul to double their staff to 13 in the past year or so. Still, the restaurant gives its workers paid time off for a week twice a year to recharge, spend time with family or dine out to learn about the latest food trends. Awards and more awards Within two years, Chavez and the Tatemo have garnered several awards: Two James Beard nominations. Esquire named Tatemo one of the countrys best new restaurants in 2022. Food & Wine anointed Chavez among the leading new chefs in America. Chavez, however, said he wants to spend more time in the kitchen. Its where he says he feels most comfortable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Apple says a controversial change made to the iPhones keyboard was unintentional. In recent days, commentators including Countdown presenter Rachel Riley said that when a user writes Jerusalem using the iPhone keyboard, it suggested a Palestinian flag emoji. It had previously shown an Israeli one, she said. East Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, were captured by Israel from Jordan and Egypt in a war in 1967 and the areas are viewed internationally as occupied Palestinian territories. Palestinians want all three areas to become part of any future state. Riley said that the change had happened after the recent iOS 17.4.1 update. Most capital cities did not show any flag emoji at all, she noted. She wrote a tweet, addressed to the official Apple account and to Tim Cook, asking for the change to be revoked. It has since been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people, she wrote. Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers. The behaviour seemingly appeared only on iPhones with their keyboard language set to the local variations of English for the UK, Singapore and South Africa. It did not happen on those with the US English setting enabled, for instance. Now Apple has said that it was aware of a bug within the predictive emoji feature. The behaviour was not intended and it will be fixed, the company told The Independent. It did not give any information about when the fix would arrive, or what change it would bring. It also gave no indication of how the change had happened. Apples predictive text features of which the emoji are a part use machine learning and other technologies to guess what a user might want to type. While typing, youll see choices for words and phrases youre likely to type next, based on your past conversations, writing style and even websites youve visited in Safari, Apples support pages say. As such, the suggestions that appear might be personalised, and may be automatically generated based on what people have typed. Riley however suggested claimed without giving evidence that the change was an intentional act. In my opinion a multinational company like Apple would not want to admit publicly that this was an intentional act by an employee/employees hence the description bug but I hope at least internally those responsible will no longer be working for the company, she wrote on Twitter. Apples predictive emoji have caused controversy in the past. In 2019, for instance, it appeared to have removed the Taiwan flag from the emoji keyboard in Hong Kong and Macau. When Apple released the recent iOS 17.4.1 update, it said only that it included important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users. Bradford stabbing: Man appears in court as mother of woman killed while pushing pram says heart is broken The heartbroken mother of a woman stabbed to death in front of her young baby while walking through Bradford has described her devastation. Monwara Begum, 60, has said her heart has been broken by the death of her 27-year-old daughter Kulsuma Akter, who had moved to the UK from Bangladesh. Habibur Masum (West Yorkshire Police/PA) (PA Media) It comes as Habibur Masum, 25, appeared in court for the first time after being charged with her murder. He was arrested on Wednesday in Aylesbury, after a four-day manhunt, with police confirming that he and Ms Akter were known to one another. Dressed in a grey sweat shirt and flanked by three security guards, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, during the six-minute long hearing. He has since been remanded into custody to next appear on Friday at Bradford Crown Court. Speaking to the MailOnline from her village near the town of Sylhet in Bangladesh, Ms Begum said: I am still in shock, my heart is broken, she was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly. She looked after me when my eldest daughter was married and she would get my medicine and do everything for me. Labour MP Naz Shah lays flowers at the scene in Westgate, Bradford (Dave Higgens/PA Wire) When she moved to the United Kingdom I was alone but Kulsuma would call me every day by video the only day I didnt hear from her was the day she was attacked. She added: All I want now is a trial and I want Kulsuma to get the justice in death that she didnt get when she was alive. Ms Akters father lives and works in Saudi Arabia, and she is understood to have recently moved to Bradford after living in Oldham. MailOnline also reports that Masums family have moved from their remote village in Bangladesh, fearing repercussions. On Tuesday, her brother, Hossain, said the family was completely devastated by her death. He said: We are heartbroken and completely devastated. We are not even able to speak and have been crying all the time since this happened. We had to call our mother in Bangladesh to tell her the news. Can you imagine what this was like for us? I cant believe my sister is dead. Im sorry, I cant speak any more. Emergency services were called at 3.20pm on Saturday after Ms Akter was stabbed multiple times in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road. She was rushed to hospital but died of her injuries. The baby is safe and was not harmed in the incident, police said. Shopkeeper Geo Khan said he was sitting in his store when he heard screams from outside, and discovered Ms Akter on the ground. Shopkeeper Geo Khan came to Ms Akters aid (Dave Higgens/PA Wire) I came out and I tried to check the pulse. There was no pulse. He said: Blood was all over on the floor and there were stab wounds in her neck. Mr Khan said he was joined by the passing doctor who took over trying to help the woman, but agreed there was no pulse. West Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct because officers had contact with Ms Akter before her death, a force spokesperson confirmed. A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the Cheshire area on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail, West Yorkshire Police said. Four other men were arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on suspicion of assisting an offender and drug offences. The men aged 23, 26, 28, and 29, from the West Midlands area, are currently in custody, the force added. Eight countries 'off limits' for UK tourists in 2024 because they're 'too dangerous' The UK Foreign Office has warned over the eight countries - which it has deemed too dangerous for holidaymakers to visit as we head deeper into 2024. -Credit:No credit The UK Foreign Office has issued stern travel warnings for eight countries deemed "too dangerous" for Brit holidaymakers as we venture further into 2024. The list of no-go zones has been revised to include Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Sudan, Lebanon, Israel, Belarus and the Palestinian territories, adding them to the so-called "red list" or "black list". For those considering a trip to Belarus, the guidance points out that "Russian military operations are taking place in Belarus. There is some risk that direct conflict linked to the war in Ukraine may spread to Belarus. If conflict starts, FCDO's ability to offer consular assistance will be severely limited." READ MORE - Edinburgh hot tub holiday lodges near historic Drylaw House set to be granted READ MORE - Edinburgh Waverley Market getting Scandinavian hypermarket Sstrene Grene Constraints on exiting the country, particularly by air, compound the risk. The advisory adds, "The Belarusian authorities are facilitating Russia's war against Ukraine. Russian military operations are taking place inside Belarus. The situation is unpredictable and could escalate without warning." Increased potential for battle within Belarus's borders heightens the risks, and if violence erupts, the FCDO's capacity to provide help may be limited. "This has increased the risk of conflict within Belarusian borders. If conflict takes place, FCDO's ability to offer consular assistance may be limited. Events in Ukraine are fast-moving. There is high risk of military activity in places where there are Russian and Belarusian military personnel and equipment." The UK Foreign Office has issued a stark warning regarding the situation in Sudan, stating: "There is a military response to Houthi militants' attempts to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea.", reports Birmingham Live. "The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice. You should monitor travel advice and follow instructions from local authorities." The same caution applies to Lebanon, with the Foreign Office reinforcing the need for vigilance. Students in high school during the 2023-24 academic year can apply on the Camp Logistics webpage. There is no cost for participants. "We want to make sure we set these students up for success and make sure they are career-ready," Dr. Varun Gupta, associate professor of logistics and business analytics, said. "We want to show them the opportunities both in higher education and the logistics and supply chain industry. We want to make sure they understand this sector's importance to the northeast Georgia region." Camp Logistics will run for five days this year and include learning activities, games and guest speakers in the mornings and industry visits in the afternoons. Field trips will include visits to King's Hawaiian, Kubota, Agile Cold Storage, and Syfan Logistics. These trips enable students to see the practical side of logistics: packaging, handling, shipping, transportation, and related functions. "This camp is an amazing example of reaching out to the high school students in the community and enlightening them on their options after graduation. Given its location, logistics is a critically important component for maintaining Georgia's current and future competitive advantage," Dr. Mohan Menon, department head of marketing and management, said. "These students could become the next generation decision-makers that propel Georgia's ascent into the premier logistics center in the Southeast and possibly in America's East coast." The Michelin Guide global culinary collection will officially visit a Nang, Viet Nam's third city, with the companionship of the destination partner, Sun Group. The journey to discover the hidden gems in the coastal city of central Viet Nam promises to open a new chapter for Vietnamese cuisine as well as Vietnamese tourism. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said: "We are delighted to continue the Michelin Guide's journey in Viet Nam. "Following the promising debut last year in Ha Noi and HCM City, a Nang's inclusion in the Michelin Guide family demonstrates the vibrancy and quality of Vietnamese cuisine, accompanied by its rich history and distinctive flavours from each region. Our anonymous inspectors have begun their evaluation journey. We are proud to announce the selection of dining facilities for discerning Vietnamese diners, the international food enthusiast community and visitors in June this year." The anonymous inspectors, known for their expertise, sophisticated palate and extensive knowledge of international cuisine, have accelerated their journey throughout a Nang to seek out excellent culinary addresses. Through anonymous visits and rigorous evaluations, the inspectors ensure that only the finest and most unique culinary experiences are recognised and honoured in Michelin's next list in a Nang. a Nang's cuisine has a long tradition with each dish bearing a rustic charm but still not lacking in exquisite flavours. Highlights include Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes), mi Quang (Quang Nam style flat rice noodles), banh trang cuon thit heo (rice paper rolls with pork), bun cha ca (vermicelli with grilled chopped fish), bun mam (fermented fish noodle soup), banh canh (thick noodle soup), goi ca Nam O (Nam O raw fish salad), banh trang Tuy Loan (Tuy Loan rice paper), etc. According to the Michelin Guide, inspectors were deeply impressed by a Nang's rich culinary heritage. Inspectors greatly enjoyed the experience of sitting in small eateries or street food stalls to indulge in delicious local dishes. In addition to the unique street food experience, a Nang's high-end cuisine is also considered attractive and diverse in cooking techniques from local culinary masters and international chefs. A significant contribution to the journey of bringing Michelin to a Nang is the companionship of the destination partner, Sun Group. ang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, said: "Sun Group is delighted to accompany Michelin Guide to a Nang, contributing to honouring the culinary essence of the coastal city of Central Viet Nam. Since its establishment, the Group has always pursued the goal of promoting the cultural identity and beauty of Viet Nam to the world. a Nang is a land that always offers wonderful experiences with its unique dishes. Sun Group is delighted that this culinary destination has received well-deserved attention and recognition from domestic and international food enthusiasts. Michelin Guide's presence in a Nang will further strengthen a Nang's position on the international tourism map, attracting tourists from other countries to visit this place." In June 2024, Michelin Guide will officially announce the first restaurant selection list in a Nang and the new list in Ha Noi and HCM City. In 2024, culinary tourism is one of the four main high-quality product lines that a Nang's tourism industry is targeting to serve tourists. With the influence of being honoured by the world's leading prestigious culinary awards, a Nang promises to be an attractive destination for culinary enthusiasts around the world. Becoming a "destination partner," continuing to accompany the expansion of Michelin Guide's journey in Viet Nam, Sun Group once again demonstrates the Group's dedication in the effort to collaborate and contribute to bringing a Nang's cuisine as well as Viet Nam's cuisine to the highest international standards, thereby asserting its position on the global tourism map. Freddie enjoys a swim in the dog portion of the Cypress-area park that is now named for slain Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth. Karen Warren/Staff The dogs of Houston just want to go outside and have some fun, and it's not a bad idea for their owners to do so, too. One added benefit of enclosed dog parks is the opportunity to go off leash. We put together a list of the best off the leash dog parks to visit in north Houston including in Cy-Fair, Spring and other surrounding communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Deputy Darren Goforth Dog Park - Cy-Fair Deputy Darren Goforth Dog Park is a gated dog park located at 9402 Barker Cypress. The park features a lake with beach access for dogs and two separated dog areas. One park admits all size animals, while the other requires dogs to be under 20 pounds to enter. The parks offer drinking fountains for humans and dogs. Jersey Village Dog Park This dog park located at 8502A Rio Grande in Jersey Village opened 2019. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There's a large dog and small dog area with access via multiple entrances. The dog park has benches, water fountains, a timeout box and training toys. This park allows three dogs per owner and dogs less than 4 months old are prohibited. Trail of the Lakes MUD Dog Park - Humble Trail of the Lakes MUD Dog Park at 16323 Woodland Hills Drive features a splash pad, seating, shade structure and walking paths and is open seven days a week. Guest are limited to two dogs per visit and must have dogs leashed before entry and when you are exiting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bibi and Mini-Me Bush Dog Park - Spring Harris County Precinct 3 The Bibi and Mini-Me Bush Dog Park at 4129 Spring Creek Drive is a spacious 6-acre park that includes two separate areas for small dogs and big dogs. Amenities at this park features doggie water fountains, dog shower stations, benches and bathrooms close by for humans. Burroughs Dog Park - Tomball With 6 acres of space this Tomball dog park at 9738 Hufsmith is a popular place for furry animals to roam around. It features two separate areas for large and small dogs and room for pet owners to sit. There are also wash stations for when it's time to leave. No more than two dogs are allowed per person. HA NOI The food and beverage (F&B) market in Viet Nam is forecast to be robust, with the rising middle class providing significant opportunities for expansion and market entry. However, competition will grow fiercer. A recent market analysis by iPOS.vn found optimism across the industry. Findings showed that the F&B industry reached a revenue of VN590 trillion (US$23.65 billion) in 2023, a rise of 11.47 per cent against 2022, in which dine-in accounted for more than 91 per cent. More than 79 per cent of F&B establishments saw their business on a good trend and said they had enough resources for further development, while more than 51.7 per cent of owners said that they had plans to expand their operation in the coming future. iPOS.vn forecast that the industry will reach a revenue of VN655 trillion this year. Mordor Intelligence estimated that the F&B market will hit a scale of $36.29 billion in 2029 with a compound annual growth rate of 9.82 per cent in the 2024-29 period. Vu Thanh Hung, general director of iPOS.vn, said that 2023 was a challenging year for the F&B industry but the large domestic market coupled with tourism boom after COVID-19 supported the growth of the F&B revenue. The number of restaurants and cafes rose 1.26 per cent to 317,299 establishments last year, quite a low growth rate due to the wave of closures of small and medium sized F&B establishments and the strategy of reducing the operation scale of major players. Some major players such as Golden Gate, Phuc Long Coffee & Tea and Highlands Coffee shut down some stores in prime locations to optimise profits and increase efficiency. Meanwhile, the market saw the expansion of small-scale establishments which fast caught up with trends. Online food delivery reached VN52.4 trillion in 2023, up 20.18 per cent from the level of 2022 and 3.5 times the figure of pre-pandemic period, demonstrating that ordering food online is increasingly popular and providing significant opportunities for F&B businesses apart from dine-in. Nearly 48 per cent of enterprises had online revenue accounting for 25-50 per cent of total revenues. The middle class in Viet Nam currently accounts for 13 per cent of the countrys population and is forecast to increase to 26 per cent by 2026. The countrys GDP per capita is expected to exceed $5,000 this year. The boom of the middle class will drive the demand for the F&B market, according to the report. Notably, the gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is gradually becoming the main market driver. Although the F&B market has strong potential, given the countrys huge population reaching 100 million and rising middle class, competition is growing fiercer. iPOS.vn predicted that 2024 will witness the strong rise of small and medium sized beverage shops which follow the trend of convenience. There will be increasing competition among high-end restaurants for Michelin awards, the company said, adding that many F&B brands are making efforts to improve the quality of their dishes and services. The competition will not only benefit Vietnamese diners, but also accelerate the popularity of Vietnamese cuisine in the global map, Hung said. According to Kao Sieu Luc, general director of Asia Bakery Confectionery Joint Stock Company, companies should focus on improving product quality, enhancing competitiveness and seeking for new sales and marketing channels to expand international reach. In addition, F&B should also change their operation models to adapt to market trends and optimise operation, especially online food ordering. VNS HCM CITY The executive board of the Viet Nam Coffee Cocoa Association (VICOFA) held a meeting at The Rex hotel in HCM City on April 11. It discussed the challenges faced by coffee businesses and foreign-invested companies, and how to achieve sustainable development for Vietnamese coffee and sustain its credibility in the global market. o Ha Nam, chairman of VICOFA, said in March Viet Nam exported 185,281 tons of coffee for US$680.86 million, a decrease of 11.9 per cent in volume but increase of 41.1 per cent in value from the same period last year. In the first six months of the 2023 - 2024 coffee season, Viet Nam exported over 956,000 tons for over 3 billion. Most of the exports -- over 825,000 tons -- were of robusta, which fetched $2.3 billion. Meanwhile, since March 2023, domestic coffee prices have been rising rapidly, going from VN47,000 (US$1.9) per kilogramme then to over VN100,000 now. This has affected the domestic coffee industry. According to VICOFA, the coffee-growing area is set to drop from 700,000 hectares to 600,000ha due to intense heat and a severe lack of irrigation water, particularly in the Central Highlands. The rapid increase in prices is associated with high risks for companies buying coffee for exports through agents and traders. This has caused them significant losses and generally tarnished the reputation of Viet Nam's coffee industry. According to delegates attending the meeting, with domestic prices being as high as they are, they might soon import coffee from other countries for roasting and processing. VICOFA officials said last year Viet Nam had to import 200,000 tons of coffee, and this year the volume could increase. The price increase also causes a challenge for businesses since they need large sums of money but banks do not lend enough. Thai Nhu Hiep, vice chairman of VICOFA, said for the coffee industry to develop sustainably, stakeholders in the value chain need to share risks and strengthen cooperation. Foreign-invested companies should collaborate more closely with VICOFA to work directly with major reputed export companies and avoid buying from less credible small-scale businesses, he said. Vietnamese businesses should limit stockpiling to minimise risks and need financial support from banks to buy coffee from growers amid the sharp rise in coffee prices, he added. VNS HA NOI The Prime Minister has requested the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies to urgently review and amend the existing regulations on exporting medicinal herbs. The Prime Minister also asked them to complete the new regulations before April 25, 2024 to remove current difficulties and create favourable conditions for the production and business activities for the medicinal herbs. Those are main contents of Official Telegram 35/C-TTg on removing difficulties for pharmaceutical export activities, signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 10 to send to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Finance. The official telegram stated that recently, the export of some medicinal herbs has faced difficulties, affecting the production and business activities of many enterprises. Besides the difficult market and falling prices, there are also problems in implementing some regulations of the Ministry of Health. In addition, the Viet Nam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA) has requested the Government to address problems in regulations for cinnamon essential oil export. The association said the inventory in the raw material area is about 100 tonnes of cinnamon because businesses have faced the problems in implementing regulations on management and export of cinnamon essential oil. Meanwhile, there will be about 400 more tonnes of essential oils by the end of cinnamon season in March-April 2024. VSPA also said in the future, Viet Nam will develop deep processing of essential oil products for other Vietnamese spices, while there is a high demand for essential oils, especially cinnamon essential oils, in the global market. The management agencies need to have support for the export of those products, especially the export of value-added products and products helping reduce carbon emissions. The association and localities have proposed that export declaration of cinnamon essential oil is carried out as export of food products, not medicinal materials. If businesses export natural cinnamon essential oil as a raw material for food and beverages, they must comply with the provisions of Decree 15/2018/N-CP detailing the implementation of some articles at the Food Safety Law. VNS HCM CITY -- Klook, an Asian travel and experiences platform, on Wednesday highlighted a remarkable surge in inbound tourism to Viet Nam during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting the country's rapid ascent as a travel hotspot. Accordingly, Klooks first quarter data revealed that the overall inbound demand to Viet Nam in first quarter of 2024 nearly doubled from the same period in 2023. Additionally, it added, the average spending of inbound travelers increased by 13 per cent, highlighting their willingness to splurge on travel experiences and activities in their destinations. Viet Nam's inbound travel witnessed a phenomenal surge in Q1 2024, exceeding all expectations. We at Klook were thrilled to be a part of this remarkable growth with an increase of nearly double compared to the same period in 2023, said Nguyen Huy Hoang, general manager, Klook Vietnam. Building on the strong showing over the last few years, we are confident that 2024 holds even greater potential. Klook remains committed to diversifying our offerings, providing both domestic and inbound travelers with a comprehensive and digitally convenient range of in-destination travel experiences and activities, along with exciting campaigns and new initiatives to cater to ongoing healthy demand and travel trends, he said. The top five source markets for inbound travel to Viet Nam during this period were South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. These established markets continue to be major contributors to the country's travel industry. However, Klook said, the most impressive growth came from emerging markets. Indonesia led the pack and Taiwan followed closely while Europe secured the third spot. The figures indicate a significant diversification of Viet Nam's travel base, attracting travelers from new and exciting regions. a Nang, Ha Long, HCM City, Phu Quoc, and Ha Noi emerged as the most popular destinations booked by international travelers on Klook. Notably, Phu Quoc witnessed the most significant growth with bookings soaring by 3.5x compared to the previous period. Ha Noi followed closely, experiencing a near-tripling in bookings. International travelers are drawn to Viet Nam's captivating attractions and tours offered on Klook. Landmark attractions like Sun World, VinWonder, Vinpearl Safari, and Hoi An Memories Show Hoi An Impression Theme Park remained highly sought-after. Additionally, exciting tours in travel hotspots like the Ba Na Hills Day Trip from a Nang, Ha Long Bay Day Tour by Five Stars Cozy Bay Premium Cruise, and Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from HCM City really captured the imagination of international travelers. In another development, the company launched one of its biggest campaigns of the year, Summer #TravelLikeLocal 2024, lasting from April 2024 to August 2024, to offer customers unbeatable deals on the hottest destinations and the trendiest activities. Accordingly, many promotion deals will be offered to customers including mega deals of up to 50 per cent that will be applied for the hottest attractions in Viet Nam, Singapore, Thailand, and across the world. VNS BA RIA-VUNG TAU - The container ship MSC Giusy, with a gross tonnage exceeding 170,000 DWT, on April 11 docked at the deep-water port SSIT in the Cai Mep-Thi Vai complex, the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Flying the Liberian flag, the vessel has a length of 366 metres, a width of 51 metres, and a draught of 16 metres. Phan Hoang Vu, Deputy General Director of the SP-SSA International Container Services Joint Venture Company the investor of SSIT, revealed that the Ministry of Transport recently granted the port permission to accommodate vessels of up to 199,273 DWT. This event sets a precedent for similar ships to dock at the SSIT and, by extension, the entire Cai Mep port cluster, aiming to leverage the investment effectiveness of the ministry with the new depth of this navigation channel, he noted. The MSC company highlighted the necessity and urgency of this ship's arrival at SSIT port to facilitate rice export from Viet Nam to Africa. The ship is expected to depart on April 12 morning, continuing its journey on the international cargo transport route. - VNS Viet Nam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The country has also risen to become a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment in the global production shift, fuelled by stable macro-economy and improved investment environment. The economic freedom in Viet Nam has also improved greatly while global rating is in decline. Rainer Zitelmann, a German economic historian and sociologist who has written 29 books, including the latest one about the economic success of Viet Nam and Poland: How Nations Escape Poverty, Vietnam, Poland, and the Origins of Prosperity spoke with Viet Nam News reporter Mai Linh about Vietnamese economic prospects and how the country can become one of Asias leading nations. With a GDP growth rate of 5.5 per cent in 2023, Vietnamese economic growth is positive on the backdrop of a global slowdown and rising uncertainty, making the country one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The outlooks are mostly rosy. What is the momentum that helps the Vietnamese economy achieve such impressive growth? You will be surprised, but in my opinion the most important positive factor is the mindset of the people in Viet Nam. It all started with the oi Moi (Renewal): The market economy is seen very positively in Viet Nam today. My surveys for the book Nguoi giau theo quan iem cong chung (The Rich in Public Opinion) reveal that entrepreneurs and rich people are role models for many people in Viet Nam. In Western countries today, the rich and entrepreneurs are often scapegoats for negative developments. A country like Viet Nam, which understands the importance of the market economy and takes a positive view of entrepreneurship and wealth, is already well positioned for growth. Whats more, unlike some countries in Africa and Asia, Viet Nam sees foreign investment as an opportunity rather than a threat. This way of thinking is reflected, for example, in the fact that Viet Nam has concluded free trade agreements with more countries than any other country in the region! That is also very positive. I was recently in Nepal, there are very long lists of restrictions on foreign investment. What are your forecasts for the Vietnamese economy and what opportunities and challenges do you see in the future? I expect the Vietnamese economy to grow by 6 per cent this year and I think that in the long term, Viet Nam has the chance to remain one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, this depends above all on the countrys commitment to market economy reforms. There are problems in the Vietnamese economy that need to be addressed to create room for further growth. I would like to highlight two problems: Firstly, corruption. Of course, corruption is a widespread problem not only in Viet Nam but also in many countries globally, particularly in Africa, Russia, and Eastern Europe. While there have been some improvements in Viet Nam, the situation is still far from good. There is only one effective way to combat corruption: reduce regulations and minimise state influence. Viet Nam must separate politics from the economy to a greater extent. Because whenever politicians and State institutions make decisions instead of allowing companies to operate independently, it creates opportunities for corruption. The second problem is that there are still too many State-owned companies. I recommend a major new initiative to equitise State-owned companies. However, it is crucial to ensure that equitisation does not simply result in a few individuals with political connections acquiring these companies at knockdown prices. At the Viet Nam Business Forum where Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with FDI companies on March 19, foreign investors raised concerns over the complicated and time-consuming administrative procedures and the problem related to electricity shortage. How do you evaluate the investment environment of Viet Nam and how can Viet Nam improve the efficiency of regulatory environment? These problems are not unique to Viet Nam. In Germany, the cost of electricity is exorbitant, which has prompted some companies to relocate elsewhere. The high cost of electricity in Germany is mainly the result of excessive government intervention in the energy market. Viet Nam must not make the same mistake! Lengthy administrative procedures are also a problem. Incidentally, long approval processes also often lead to corruption, as individuals seek to expedite the process through illicit means, such as bribery. Viet Nam should strive for an ambitious goal, namely to become the Asian country with the most efficient and fastest administrative procedures within the next decade. While this may seem like a daunting task, achieving this goal would undoubtedly result in a significant economic boom, and if word got around the world, Viet Nam would attract many more investors. In the 2024 Index of Economic Freedom, the Heritage Foundation notes that Viet Nam is one of the rising stars, contrary to the global trend, but also identifies weaknesses: It wrote: The overall rule of law is weak in Viet Nam. The countrys property rights score is below the world average; its judicial effectiveness score is below the world average; and its government integrity score is below the world average. Viet Nams overall regulatory environment is relatively well institutionalised but lacks efficiency. The labour market remains rigid and controlled, and informal labour activity is considerable. I think a great signal for international investors would be the establishment of a financial hub in HCM City. Viet Nam should take Dubai as an example: Dubai generates 14 per cent of its GDP on the 0.4 square miles of its International Financial Centre! A similar project in HCM City could be a major step forward on Viet Nams path to a free market economy. The Vietnamese Government has been proactively promoting foreign investments in high-tech fields with an ambition of being a global semiconductor manufacturing hub. In fact, many giant chip makers are eyeing to invest billions of dollars in Viet Nam. How can Viet Nam attract the investment influx and realise the dream and how can the country truly benefit from the investments? Viet Nam has a great opportunity at the moment because many western countries are worried about potential disruptions in the semiconductor supply chain in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. Bear in mind that Taiwan produces over 60 per cent of the worlds semiconductors and over 90 per cent of the most advanced semiconductors. This dependency has prompted countries like the US and European nations to seek ways to diversify their risk, with Viet Nam emerging as a key player in this strategy. Companies such as Intel, Amkor, Marvell, Samsung and Infineon have already made substantial investments in Viet Nam. However, Viet Nams contribution to the semiconductor supply chain remains relatively small when you consider the entire value chain. Today, Viet Nam is still primarily focused on the final stages of semiconductor production (assembly, testing and packaging), which are at the less profitable end of the value chain. You say that Viet Nam has the chance to become one of Asias leading economic nations if the country continues on the path of market economy reforms. Can you be more specific about the reforms that Viet Nam should focus on in the future? In Viet Nam, strengthening of the rule of law is paramount. What has made Viet nam so successful in recent decades? Quite simply, more market, less state. Viet Nam must continue along this path. While I was in Ha Noi recently, I spoke with Oliver Massmann, a German lawyer who has lived in Viet Nam for several decades. He emphasised the positive aspects: Viet Nam has made commitments to open its market and increase legal certainty for investors in its free trade agreements and investment protection agreements. In this regard, Viet Nam has already made significant strides and is more advanced than many other countries. If it wants to attract even more investment, it is essential that Viet Nam continues to implement measures that further strengthen legal certainty for domestic and foreign investors. VNS According to forecasts from specialised agencies within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Mekong Delta region is facing the peak of the dry season, with severe saltwater intrusion spanning a vast area. Hoang Van ai, deputy director of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting Centre (under the General Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), talked to the press, urging local authorities and residents of provinces in the Mekong Delta region to diligently monitor forecasts of saltwater intrusion. Could you please provide an update on the current situation regarding drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta region? Since the beginning of the 2023-24 dry season, the Mekong Delta has experienced three significant periods of saltwater intrusion. Based on our salinity monitoring, this year's saltwater intrusion is higher than the multi-year average and surpasses that of 2023. The most severe intrusion occurred from March 8-13, with a high salinity level of four parts per thousand (the measure of the number of grams of salts per kilogram of seawater) reaching depths of 40-66 kilometres inland, with some areas experiencing even deeper penetration. Salinity levels of one part per thousand were recorded in Tien Giang and Ben Tre provinces, extending to depths of approximately 70-76 kilometres, varying depending on the river. According to the national meteorological and hydrological agency, dangerous weather phenomena such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning and hail are expected to persist throughout April 2024, potentially impacting livelihoods. Particularly in Ben Tre Province, saltwater intrusion is equivalent to that of 2016, with the Co Chien River experiencing even deeper intrusion compared to 2016. Additionally, canals and streams in some provinces are facing drought conditions, leading to land subsidence in several provinces south of the Hau River. This situation may pose challenges to rice production, as provinces in the Mekong Delta region are concluding harvesting by the end of March and will soon commence sowing for the 2024 Autumn-Winter rice crop. What are the causes of the drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta during the 2023-24 dry season? The situation can primarily be attributed to the influence of El Nino, which has resulted in minimal rainfall, ranging from 60-95 per cent below normal, in the Mekong Delta since the beginning of 2024. Prolonged periods of sunshine have led to significant evaporation of surface water in fields, canals, rivers and lakes. Additionally, the water levels in the upper Mekong River have been lower than the multi-year average, exacerbating the situation, coupled with tidal peaks pushing saltwater further inland. According to forecasts from the National Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting Centre, prolonged heatwaves are expected in the southern region due to the delayed onset of the rainy season. How many more saltwater intrusion events are predicted until the end of the 2024 dry season? The rainy season in the south is anticipated to arrive later than usual, around mid-May. Consequently, intense heatwaves will persist in this region with high temperatures. Until the end of the 2024 dry season, the flow from the upper Mekong River to the Mekong Delta is projected to remain below the multi-year average. Approximately three more significant saltwater intrusion events are predicted, occurring from April 8-14, April 23-28 and May 6-12. The peak intrusion is anticipated from April 8-14, with salinity levels reaching 4g/l at river mouths, surpassing the multi-year average and exceeding 2023 levels. Salinity intrusion on the Vam Co River is expected to extend inland by 80-100km; the Cuu Long River mouths will experience intrusion depths of 48-70km; and the Cai Lon River will be impacted within a range of 50-57km. This intrusion will significantly affect livelihoods and agricultural production in the region, particularly in provinces such as Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang and Ca Mau. Continued monitoring and forecasting are crucial to developing coordinated solutions addressing the drought and saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta. This proactive approach enables provinces and municipalities to plan effectively for production, economic development and social welfare throughout the region. Saltwater intrusion threatens agricultural production and livelihoods in the Mekong Delta region. Continued monitoring and planning are crucial for effective mitigation. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese peacekeeping forces are developing strongly, contributing to affirming Viet Nams role in the world arena and demonstrating Viet Nams efforts and commitments to joining UN peacekeeping operations and building global peace and security. Recently, Viet Nam handed decisions to sent another three officers to UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), raising the total number of Vietnamese peacekeepers deployed to UN missions to nearly 800. According to heads of the missions and UN agencies, Vietnamese peacekeepers have shown strong performance in implementing their assigned tasks with professionalism and discipline, leaving good impressions on mission leaders, friends, and international colleagues with specific, practical, and humane contributions. Colonel Mac uc Trong, Vice Director of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said in order to prepare replacement forces, the department has selected highly qualified officers and organised various training courses following the UNs requirements, while sending officers abroad for training. In particular, all the three officers to be deployed to the UN missions this time have participated in two major peacekeeping exercises in 2023 the Competency Evaluation for Prospective Peacekeeper Programme (CEPPP) and the Viet Nam - India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) 2023. The officers are joining the mission in the context that the security situation in the areas still have many unpredictable security and safety risks, along with harsh weather and climate conditions, and many dangerous diseases, especially malaria, cholera, and Ebola. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Sy Hieu, who will be sent to the MINUSCA to replace Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Phong, said that joining UN peacekeeping is an important task in a multinational environment with many differences in culture and language, requiring comprehensive knowledge in military, politics, profession, foreign affairs, and culture. Therefore, all the three officers have been well prepared in all fields, including high determination in fulfilling their tasks. According to Hieu, the prerequisite ensuring the completion of the assigned tasks is to strictly comply with discipline and security and safety regulations of the UN as well as the laws and cultural identity of the host country, and not to affect the prestige and image of the military and the country of Viet Nam. He said that he and his fellow officers in the mission will strengthen communications and actively engage in humanitarian activities, thus promoting the image of the friendly, humane, and peace-loving nation and people of Viet Nam as well as the noble qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers to international friends. VNS HCM CITY HCM City wants to strengthen its friendship and co-operation with the US state of Washington in various areas, Vo Van Hoan, deputy chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, said on Thursday while welcoming Joseph Nguyen, a senator from the state and his delegation, who are visiting Viet Nam. He said HCM City is researching and orienting its economy towards green development and digital transformation to keep up with global trends. He hoped Washington businesses would be a part of its transformation, partaking in areas it prioritises such as semiconductor technology, digital transformation and green energy. He also wanted Washington to help the city draft policies and get US investments into its proposed international financial centre. The two sides would co-operate to organise networking and meeting events for their businesses and ordinary people, he said. Hoan called on Washington to partake in the 2024 HCM City Economic Forum and 2024 HCM City Friendship Dialogue to explore co-operation opportunities. Joseph Nguyen, Washingtons first ethnic Vietnamese senator, thanked him and described the citys dynamic development as impressive. Washington wants to strengthen friendship with HCM City, especially in commerce and investment, he said, adding that his delegations working trip would be an important milestone and the beginning of a long-standing and prosperous relationship. Washington is also willing to work with HCM City to carry out networking and dialogue events to lead up to specific co-operation activities, he promised. My Linh Thai, a Vietnamese-American Washington congresswoman, praised HCM Citys development vision and expressed her wish to be a bridge between her second home, the US, and Viet Nam, especially in areas like education and health. In 2025, the US and Viet Nam would celebrate the 30th anniversary of normalisation of diplomatic relations, which would be a good opportunity for them to promote co-operation in economics, technology and culture, thus developing their friendship further, she added. VNS HA NOI The 8th Viet Nam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange Programme took place on Thursday at the Lao Cai International Border Gate in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai. This event is organised to contribute to strengthening the friendship and solidarity between the defence ministries, local authorities and the people of the two countries. Phan Van Giang, Member of the Politburo and Minister of National Defence, and Minister of National Defence of China Dong Jun co-chaired the exchange programme. The programme includes activities held in Viet Nams Lao Cai Province and Chinas Yunnan until Friday. The Chinese delegation was welcomed on Thursday at the border demarcation line of Lao Cai International Border Gate, with the attendance of the Ministers of Defence of Viet Nam and China. During the event, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding between the defence ministries on establishing a hotline among the naval forces, the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, and the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China. The two ministers discussed future cooperation directions to promote delegation exchanges, enhance the mechanism of strategic defence dialogue, and promote cooperation in training, management and border protection. The exchange programme in Lao Cai include a saluting ceremony, border marker painting, planting friendship trees, inauguration ceremony of Ban Phiet friendship cultural house and visits to Kim ong Primary School in Coc Leu Ward in Lao Cai City. In the ten years since its first programme in 2014, the Viet Nam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange Programme has become an important foreign defence event, demonstrating the political determination of both sides to enhance friendship and solidarity between the people, local authorities, and defence ministries of the two countries, together building a peaceful, friendly, cooperative and developed border. VNS Drake performs in front of 50,000 attendees at Travis Scott's Astroworld. Chavis Barron for MySA A Harris County district court judge on Wednesday dismissed Drake from the sprawling civil lawsuit over the deadly Astroworld concert. The Canadian rapper was a guest performer at the November 2021 concert, appearing on stage as people were being injured and killed in a crowd crush during festival headliner Travis Scott's set. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Drake, whose real name is Aubrey Drake Graham, in March asked to be dismissed from the lawsuit, arguing he had nothing to do with the festival's planning or management. Judge Kristen Hawkins this week issued a series of orders dismissing other defendants from the lawsuit. Some prominent defendants, including Apple and companies owned by Scott, were denied in their bids to be dismissed. Scott's attorneys are expected to appear in court Monday to argue for his dismissal. The first civil trial related to the 10 deaths and thousands of injuries that happened at the concert is expected to begin in May. A NANG A French Navy frigate, the Vendemiaire, and its 98 crew members began a five-day friendship visit to the central city of a Nang on April 11, promoting exchange activities and training programmes. The ship, led by lieutenant colonel Sebastien Drouelle, captain and the commander, will pay a visit to the citys peoples committee, Military Zone 5, before hosting on board teams from Vietnamese Navy Zone 3, Coast Guard Zone 2, colleges and school students, businesses and French expats living in Viet Nam. French crew members will play a friendly volleyball match with Navy Zone 3 team and join tour programmes in a Nang, Hoi An and Thua Thien-Hue during the five-day visit. French Navy frigate and Vietnamese Navy Zone 3 will have a discussion on fire extinguishing and prevention activities on board. Vietnamese Coast Guard Zone 2 will also take part in a joint-training programme at sea with the French ship. In 2015, the French navy ship also paid a six-day visit to a Nang. The Institute of France already opened offices in a Nang and Thua Thien Hue Province. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam on Thursday said it is "extremely disappointed" with the inaccurate, unverified and unfair information contained in the stakeholders' submissions on Viet Nam's human rights for reviews by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). Deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs oan Khac Viet, at the regular press briefing held in Ha Noi, has criticised the summary report gathering opinions from about 45 organisations with regard to the human rights situation in the fourth cycle of Viet Nam's UNHRC Universal Periodic Review. "We are extremely disappointed that despite the full representation of UN agencies in Viet Nam and their long term and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnamese branches, ministries and agencies, the stakeholders' submissions on Viet Nam under the UNHRC Universal Periodic Review has numerous instances of unjustified information and many biased and unfair assessments that do not accurately or fully reflect the real situation, the efforts and achievements of Viet Nam pertaining to protection and promotion of human rights," Viet stressed. The deputy spokesperson remarked that the drafting of Viet Nam's national report for UPR fourth cycle has been carried out "in a serious and comprehensive manner, having the full participation of relevant parties and the UN agencies in Viet Nam." However, the drafting of the UN stakeholders' submissions on Viet Nam has not maintained transparency, Viet said, adding that "they are not commensurate with Viet Nam's goodwill cooperation in the development of the national report." The summary report does not reflect the spirit or reality of cooperation between Viet Nam and the UN, and the priorities agreed on by Viet Nam and the UN development agencies, Viet said. "We hope that the future cooperation between the UN development agencies in Viet Nam needs to be implemented in accordance with the functions and tasks of relevant agencies as well as Viet Nam's priorities and demands." The consideration for the fourth cycle reviews for Viet Nam is scheduled to take place on May 7, 2024, at UN headquarters in New York. Viet Nam-Vatican relations In response to questions over the ongoing visit by the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, on his first ever trip to Viet Nam, the deputy spokesperson said Viet Nam-Vatican relations have witnessed positive developments as demonstrated by the maintenance of high-level engagements and progress in the negotiations of the Viet Nam-Vatican joint working group and the recent upgrade of the bilateral ties to the status of the residential papal representative in Viet Nam in July 2023. "At the meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the working session with Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, the Vatican Secretary has highly valued the multifaceted cooperation with Viet Nam, and the development and contributions of the Catholic Church in Viet Nam to our national construction and growth. Both sides have agreed to continue to maintain effective high-level exchanges and engagements and promote the role of the resident papal representative office in Viet Nam, contributing to further achievements in Viet Nam-Vatican bilateral relations," the diplomat noted. VNS BANGKOK Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Thai Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as part of his official visit to Thailand from April 10-12, where he is also co-chairing the 5th Meeting of the Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC). Minister Son congratulated Thailand on the achievements it has made during the post-COVID-19 recovery period, believing that the country will continue reaping further successes in building itself into a prosperous nation that plays an active role in the region and the world. The Vietnamese diplomat also expressed his gratitude for the sentiments that the Thai King and the Princess herself have given to Viet Nam, with the Princesss song and performance about Viet Nam, called Vietnam an long (Vietnam at peace), at Chulalongkorn University being a vivid illustration. He spoke highly of the projects sponsored by the Princess, including one on improving the quality of life for children and youths in Asia-Pacific, hoping that the she will re-visit Viet Nam soon. The Thai Princess, for her part, hailed Viet Nam's rapid socio-economic development over the past time, and affirmed that she will continue carrying out support projects in Viet Nam. She agreed to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Thailand, and back the preservation and promotion of the Vietnamese cultural values in Thailand, thereby contributing to the friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Son then paid a courtesy call on Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, during which he conveyed Vietnamese leaders regards and greetings to Thailand on the occasion of the Songkran festival. The Viet Nam-Thailand cooperative ties are at their best, he stressed, affirming economic connectivity between the two countries aims at overcoming disadvantages in the spirit of cooperation for mutual benefit and development. He urged both sides to remove bottlenecks and facilitate trade, striving to realise the target of US$25 billion in two-way trade revenue by 2025 in a more balanced direction. Commending Thailands initiatives, Son agreed to boost tourism cooperation with regional countries, and held that it is necessary to work together to develop infrastructure and multimodal transport. He also suggested enhancing the teaching of Vietnamese and Thai languages in each nation, and promote Vietnamese cultural and historical values in Thailand, particularly the monuments dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani and Phichit. Srettha applauded the significance of the JCBC mechanism to strengthening bilateral cooperation in all areas, making the Thailand-Viet Nam Enhanced Strategic Partnership develop to a deeper and more practical way that brings benefits to the people of each nation. Thailand attaches much importance to bolstering its cooperative ties with Viet Nam in all fields, particularly in economy, trade and investment, he affirmed, hoping to concretise the cooperation through specific projects within the Three Connections initiative. He also recommended Viet Nam to coordinate to roll out the several countries, one destination to enhance tourism cooperation. Additionally, the Thai PM expected that Viet Nam will encourage airlines to open a direct service to Udon Thani City where a large number of Vietnamese expats are living to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges. VNS HCM CITY Truong My Lan, chairwoman of real estate developer Van Thinh Phat, has been sentenced to death after she was found guilty of the largest financial fraud in Viet Nams history. The HCM City Peoples Court on Thursday handed down a death sentence to the 68-year-old chairwoman . She was sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery and another 20 years for violating banking regulations and the death penalty for embezzlement, marking this case as the largest scandal in Southeast Asia. Lan has also been ordered by the court to pay compensation of more than VN673.8 trillion (US$27 billion) to Saigon Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SCB). Rejecting all arguments from Lan and her legal team, the Peoples Procuracy maintained the charges against her due to the severity of the crimes and the impact on public trust in the leadership of the Party and State. Lans husband, Eric Chu Nap-kee, chairman of the board of Times Square Vietnam Joint Stock Company, received a nine-year prison sentence for violating banking regulations at his wife's direction. Her niece, Truong Hue Van, CEO of Windsor Property Management, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for embezzlement. o Thi Nhan, former head of the central banks department of inspection and supervision, was sentenced to life imprisonment for accepting $5.2 million in bribes to conceal SCBs poor financial status. Although Nhan admitted to the wrongdoing and has already repaid the full amount to the State, she has been required to pay a fine of VN100 million. The court sentenced several SCB executives, including inh Van Thanh, former chairman of the Board of Directors of SCB (currently a fugitive), Bui Anh Dung, former chairman of the Board of Directors of SCB, and Vo Tan Hoang Van, general director of SCB, for charges of embezzlement and violating bank regulations. Other SCB executives and government officials received sentences ranging from three years to life imprisonment for embezzlement and violating banking regulations. In addition, Nguyen Cao Tri, chairman of Capella Group, who was found guilty of misappropriating VN1 trillion from Truong My Lan, was sentenced to eight years in prison for abuse of trust. The court reduced his sentence because he had returned the money and assets. While all other defendants in the case admitted the charges brought against them, Truong My Lan was the only one who maintained her innocence. She denied manipulating the lenders operations, claiming she only owned a 5 per cent stake in the bank while the remaining shares were held by her daughters and friends. A lawyer for the chairwoman was not immediately available for comment on Thursday. Van Thinh Phat had a network of 1,000 fake companies set up by the chairwoman to borrow money from the bank and acquire shares in it. In 2011, Lan was proposed by the central bank to merge two other private banks with SCB, the largest private bank by assets in Viet Nam. Between 2012 and 2022, SCB gave Lan over 2,500 loans worth over VN1 quadrillion, or 93 per cent of its loans. As of October 2022, Lan and her company Van Thinh Phat Group still had nearly 1,300 outstanding loans of VN677 trillion in principal and interest. To cover up the lenders poor financial state, Lan bribed various government auditors and inspectors. The value of Lans asset appropriation, which occurred during the 10-year period, was equivalent to over 10 per cent of Viet Nams GDP in 2022. The police have already seized millions of US dollars in cash and frozen assets linked to the chairwoman to be used to compensate for all the damages in the case. The arrest of Truong My Lan in late 2022 was part of a national corruption crackdown that has ensnared many officials and members of Viet Nams business elite in recent years. VNS BANGKOK Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara co-chaired the 5th Meeting of the Viet Nam-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in Bangkok on Thursday, as part of the formers official visit to Thailand from April 10-12. The meeting undertook a comprehensive review of the bilateral cooperation over the past time, set forth directions to deepen collaboration in all spheres and discussed preparations for the upcoming official visit to Viet Nam by the Thai Prime Minister as guest of PM Pham Minh Chinh, during which the two PM will co-chair the 4th joint cabinet meeting. Both sides affirmed the Viet Nam-Thailand enhanced strategic partnership has been growing more practically, intensively and extensively, based on mutual respect, trust, and shared benefits. Thailand remains Viet Nam's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ranks 9th among foreign investors in the country. Bilateral trade has surpassed the US$20 billion mark since 2022. Collaboration in key areas such as defence, security, education, culture, tourism, finance, and people-to-people exchanges has continued to flourish, with the two nations having 19 pairs of twinned localities, the highest number in the region. Son reaffirmed Viet Nam's consistent policy on highly valuing and wishing to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Thailand in all fields. Meanwhile, Parnpree emphasised that Viet Nam is a leading important partner of Thailand in the region and expressed his hope to elevate the relationship to a new height. The two officials agreed to promote high-level and all-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms, to review and implement signed agreements, including the action plan for the Viet Nam-Thailand enhanced strategic partnership for 2022-2027. They concurred on establishing and conducting regular and periodic meetings between the two foreign ministers to exchange views on emerging issues and advance the implementation of high-level agreements. It is necessary to encourage Vietnamese and Thai businesses to expand business and investment, as well as facilitating market access for the two nations' goods by limiting trade defence measures toward pushing the bilateral trade turnover to $25 billion soon and in a more balanced way, they said. They consented to explore cooperative opportunities in digital transformation, digital economy, digital society, and e-government. They also noted their intention to enhance the two countries collaboration in green economy, circular economy, innovative ecosystem development, and connectivity of innovation startup networks. The Vietnamese FM suggested that Thai retail groups continue introducing Vietnamese goods to consumers via their distribution networks in Thailand and the Thai side to expedite the risk assessment, licensing, and market opening processes for several types of fresh fruits from Viet Nam. Son proposed that both governments establish a task force to devise plans for implementing potential cooperation areas within the "three connectivity" strategy, particularly specific projects on supply chains, just energy transition, development of an electric vehicle ecosystem, and high-tech agriculture. The two sides agreed on the importance of enhancing understanding and connection between their people, especially the youth, through cultural, sports, tourism, and educational exchanges. It is also necessary to promote the teaching of Thai in Viet Nam and Vietnamese in Thailand and the expansion of exchanges between legislators of the two countries, among others. The two officials also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, affirming their support for Laos's successful assumption of ASEAN chairmanship in 2024. They committed to accelerating the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision to 2045, strengthening the blocs solidarity and centrality in addressing regional issues and promoting the implementation of the five-point consensus on Myanmar. Both sides agreed to coordinate with other ASEAN member states in maintaining the bloc's principled stance on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea) issue, ensuring peace, stability, security, cooperation, and development in the region, resolving disputes peacefully based on international law and the United Nations Charter, and respecting the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Concluding the meeting, the two ministers passed its minutes, pledging concerted efforts to effectively carry out all areas of cooperation. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received the new Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam, Pavlin Todorov, in Ha Noi on April 11, affirming Viet Nams appreciation of and wishes to enhance the two nations traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation. The Government leader suggested that Bulgaria call on the remaining EU member states to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and advocate the removal of the European Commission's "yellow card" warning imposed on Vietnam regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities. Lauding the deepening bilateral political ties, marked by high-level exchanges across party, state, and people-to-people channels, Chinh underscored the upcoming 75th anniversary of the nations diplomatic relations in 2025 and proposed the sides closely coordinate commemorating activities. Expressing his delight at the countries effective coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums as well as the steady growth in bilateral trade, particularly since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect, he acknowledged that their current scale of trade and investment remains modest compared to potential. Looking forwards to stronger cooperation, particularly in areas of mutual strength such as green, digital, and circular economies, and agriculture, he affirmed the Vietnamese government's commitment to creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese and Bulgarian businesses to connect and collaborate. Furthermore, the PM expressed a wish for joint work in traditional and strategic sectors such as education and training, defence, security, culture, and tourism. He proposed Bulgaria further support the Vietnamese expatriate community so that they can better integrate and serve as a link in enriching the friendship between the two nations. On this occasion, he conveyed greetings and an invitation to visit Viet Nam from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to the President of Bulgaria. In response, Todorov said he is committed to further promoting friendship and cooperation between Bulgaria and Viet Nam, focusing on enhancing exchanges at all levels to build political trust and develop trade and investment ties. The diplomat praised the excellent state of bilateral relations and expressed high regard for the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria. He affirmed the European nations recognition of Viet Nam's significant role and position in the region as well as its readiness to support Viet Nam in its relations with the EU. - VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has proposed the Government approve a national strategy on artificial intelligence (AI) research, development and application by 2030. The move is to create a boost for Viet Nams AI industry, turning the country into a bright spot in this regard, said deputy chief of the MoSTs Department of High Technology Tran Anh Tu at the ministrys quarterly press conference in Ha Noi on April 10. Viet Nam should not stand outside the global trend of utilising AI in socio-economic development, the official explained, adding that the ministry has embarked on the building of corridor documents to facilitate the industry, especially data-related issues. On February 2, the Government approved a national data strategy which serves as a foundation for the development of the domestic AI industry and sets the target of having 100% of the national data centres, regional data centres and national centres for large data storage and high performance computing across the country guaranteed to connect successfully. Citing a number of relevant decisions by the Government, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Giang emphasised the need for the country to ensure an open legal corridor and learn from developed nations experience in this field. Digital technology development must go hand in hand with responsibility and ethics, he said. Regarding the development of science-technology and innovation, deputy head of the MoSTs State Agency for Technology Innovation Nguyen uc Hoang said the ministry will focus on perfecting relevant mechanisms and policies in the second quarter of this year, and expand international cooperation, both bilateral and multilateral, in this realm. VNS A NANG a Nang wants to promote cooperation with French partners in various fields, particularly tourism and port development, said Vice Chairman of the city Peoples Committee Tran Chi Cuong while he received French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet on April 10. Cuong also said he hopes that the diplomat will help attract French investors to study and seek business opportunities in the city as well as support cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two peoples. a Nang will support and create favourable conditions for foreign businesses and investors, including French ones, to invest, live and work in the city, he said, adding the French language is taught in schools in the city, and that authorities are calling on French investment in education and training. Brochet said although the presence of French businesses is still modest in a Nang, there will be many new developments shortly, especially in the fields of transportation and high technology. He noted that a Nang city has advantages in tourism and education, adding the coordination in engineering training between France and the a Nang University of Science and Technology has yielded good results, providing important human resources to connect France with a Nang in the future. Brochet said he hopes that municipal authorities will continue to support and create favourable conditions for French companies and international training schools in a Nang which will provide human resources to boost the bilateral cooperation. In 2023, the citys export turnover to France was US$16 million and its import turnover from France, $15.5 million. By now, there have been 34 French investment projects in the city with a total investment capital of $25 million. VNS HCM CITY The HCM City People's Committee has issued a plan to implement specific policies to take care of the elderly, orphans and people in difficult circumstances. The plan aims to promptly support disadvantaged people who have not yet enjoyed social policies, according to the governments Decree No. 20/2021/ND-CP. The city wants to narrow the gap in living standards between special beneficiaries of this support policy and other residents. Relevant agencies and departments will call for social financial contributions and state budgets to support people in need. Under this plan, elderly people aged 75 years or older in poor households or near-poor households according to the city's set of multidimensional poverty measurement criteria in Can Gio district, according to the provisions of the Residence Law, will be given free health insurance cards. The support level is 1.25 times the city's standard social assistance rate per person monthly. Elderly people aged 60 years or older living alone without a husband or wife with a certificate of single living according to the provisions of the Civil Status Law are eligible for free health insurance cards. People with serious illnesses, those whose capability to perform his/her usual job face a 31 per cent restriction due to work-related accident, injury or other accident, but are not yet entitled to social insurance benefits or monthly social benefits, will be issued a free health insurance card. Orphaned children will also be given free health insurance cards. The city also gives tuition support for preschool children, public high school students, and continuing education which is equal to the tuition fee set by the municipal People's Council. The tuition support level for children studying at private or public educational establishments is equal to the tuition rate of public schools. The monthly support level is 2.5 times the city's social assistance standard for a child under four years old, and 1.5 times the social assistance standard for a child aged four years or older. Children whose parents are either serving a prison sentence or are serving a decision to apply administrative measures at compulsory education facilities or compulsory drug detoxification establishments are granted free health insurance cards (except for children under six years old). Children whose father or mother is receiving social benefits according to government Decree No. 20/2021/ND-CP can get a free health insurance card (except for children under six years old). The city also has a policy to support the issuance of health insurance cards to disadvantaged groups. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam's government puts religious freedom high on its agenda and has taken measures to ensure unhindered practice of faith for all religions in the country. The remark was made by Nguyen Tien Trong, Deputy Director of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, at Thursday's press conference on human rights. He said Viet Nam has officially recognised two more religious organisations, Hieu Nghia Ta Lon Buddhism and Vietnam Full Gospel Church, and approved the establishment of the Vietnamese Baptist Theological Seminary last year. As of late 2023, 38 religious organisations have been recognised and thousands of religious congregations have been registered, including 60 congregations for foreigners residing in Viet Nam. "Viet Nam has recently granted the operation registration certificate to the Vietnam United Gospel Outreach Church and is in the process of reviewing other religious organisations for recognition," said Trong. He also said the National Assembly had passed the revised Law on Land, allocating land lots free of land-use fees for building places of worship and headquarters of religious organisations. IUU fishing Vu Duyen Hai, Head of the Department of Capture Fisheries, Directorate of Fisheries, said Viet Nam had embarked on a significant course of action to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. On the legal front, the country recently enacted Decree 37 on implementing the Law on Fisheries and Decree 38 on financial penalties against fishery violations, tightening the reins on fishing activities. It has also ceased the construction of new fishing vessels and not approved any request for conversion from vessels engaged in environmentally detrimental activities. By 2030, the total number of fishing vessels across the country is projected to decrease to 83,600, down 3.7 per cent compared to 2023. For vessels measuring 5 meters or more, strict rules apply upon returning from fishing expeditions. These vessels must dock at designated ports and undergo supervision of their catch quantities. "The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has taken stringent action against ports found violating regulations related to issuing certificates of origin for seafood products," said Hai. He also said approximately 28,600 vessels had been equipped with voyage monitoring systems (VMS), and a list of vessels at high risk of IUU had been compiled and regularly updated. The compilation acts as a watch list for relevant agencies, allowing them to closely monitor, inspect and take necessary action against any violation. He added that Viet Nam had rolled out the electronic Catch Documentation and Traceability (eCDT) system to track the loading and unloading of seafood through ports, maintaining detailed logs that serve as the foundation for origin certification. VNS Xinjiang holds exchange event with foreign diplomats 15:18, April 11, 2024 By Liu Xin and Xing Xiaojing ( Global Times Photo: Li Hao/GT Authorities from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region held an event in Beijing on Wednesday to introduce the economic and social development and human rights protection in the region, with more than 70 foreign diplomats exchanging views with senior regional officials and also sharing their experience of visiting the region. Wednesday also marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with attendees exchanging greetings for the Eid al-Fitr festival. Senior officials from Xinjiang, including Ma Xingrui, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee, and Erkin Tuniyaz, deputy secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Regional Committee and also chairman of the regional government, delivered speeches at the event. While discussing economic and social development as well as human rights protection, Erkin said the region's GDP in 2023 reached 1.9125 trillion yuan, an increase of 6.8 percent over the previous year. Currently, the overall situation in Xinjiang is harmonious and stable, with a strong momentum of high-quality economic development. The unity among different ethnic groups continues to be consolidated and different religions co-exist and develop harmoniously. The human rights of people of all ethnic groups are fully guaranteed. "We are united and determined to build a beautiful Xinjiang in the new journey ahead," said Erkin. The doors of Xinjiang have always been open. Also, the remarkable achievements in Xinjiang are widely recognized by the international community, said Erkin, who welcomed people to visit Xinjiang and experience the hospitality of the local people. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Chen Xiaodong emphasized that the achievements in economic and social development, as well as human rights protection in Xinjiang have garnered widespread recognition. However, a small group of individuals, viewing the region from a biased perspective, are disseminating falsehoods to undermine the region's development and violate the regional residents' basic human rights. Lies are ultimately exposed in the face of facts and truth, Chen said, while also expressing gratitude to all diplomats and friends for their long-term care and support for the Xinjiang region. "We hope that everyone will continue to be promoters of Xinjiang's opening-up, allowing the benefits of an open Xinjiang to reach more people from all countries," said Chen, calling on people to continue to uphold fairness and justice, to be objective and impartial, and to reject falsehoods. Ambassadors from South Africa, Kazakhstan, Syria, Turkey, Iran and Pakistan also delivered speeches at the event. While reviewing his visit to the Xinjiang region in 2023, Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, Ambassador of South Africa to China, said at the event that he was impressed by the hospitality of the residents in Xinjiang. The ambassador noted that Xinjiang has eradicated absolute poverty, allowing its people to fully enjoy religious freedom and coexist harmoniously amid diversity. Great efforts have also been made to promote rural revitalization, prevent those lifted out of poverty from falling back into it, and actively engage in infrastructure construction, promoting regional prosperity and development. Shakhrat Nuryshev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, noted that the Xinjiang region has a special position in the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. "I believe Xinjiang will play a bigger role and contribute more to developing Kazakhstan-China relations in the next 30 golden years," said the ambassador. Dr. Ismail Hakk Musa, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to China, said he had visited Xinjiang twice since taking office in Beijing a year ago, during which he went to Kashi and Urumqi as well as ancient sites and modern marketplaces. "I observed the rapid economic development throughout the region. This allows the people to enjoy economic and social rights, as stipulated by the right to development," said the ambassador. The ambassador also told the Global Times that he has full confidence in the future development of the Xinjiang region as well as China. "I look forward to continuing our constructive and fruitful cooperation with Xinjiang," he said, noting that collaborative efforts will bring about significant outcomes at political, economic, cultural and social levels. Xinjiang is a manifestation of the Chinese success story in modernization, governance and eradicating poverty, having enabled its people to make a huge leap into prosperity. It also shows the unity of the people, said Muhammad Hasanein Khaddam, Ambassador of Syria to China. The ambassador noted that he is confident that the lies talked about China, and the Xinjiang region in particular, by some Western powers cannot hinder its path to prosperity and success. Some ambassadors also talked about the significance of Xinjiang in the Belt and Road Initiative. Mohsen Bakhtiar, Ambassador of Iran to China, noted that the historical significance of Xinjiang as a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road continues to exist in the modern era. The prominent role of Xinjiang in the Belt and Road Initiative provides all countries in the region with a good opportunity for economic cooperation and cultural exchanges. The Belt and Road Initiative outlines the framework of cooperation, and we must work hard to activate its potential accordingly, said Ambassador Bakhtiar. In his speech, Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, said that he was proud of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China and between Pakistan and China's Xinjiang region. Pakistan and the Xinjiang region are bound by the iconic Khunjerab Pass and linked through the Karakoram Highway, which is a living reminder of the ancient Silk Road. Over the years, this relationship has further flourished, and the conception and implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has placed the Xinjiang region at the forefront of the connectivity agenda, said Ambassador Hashmi. Pakistan highly values its relationship with China's Xinjiang region and looks forward to further promoting trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people interactions, said the ambassador. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) 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 Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com. Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. A young boy waves as he and his group from Helms Elementary School, a Spanish immersion magnet school, walked during the Houston Fiestas Patrias Parade downtown, celebrating the Mexican Independence Day, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer Brooke Longoria loves her kids elementary school in the Heights and she especially loves its schoolwide, dual-language program. Our children who graduate from Helms are biliterate, bilingual and bicultural, Longoria told the editorial board. Were an English-speaking family, she continued, but my husband is Latino, so having the culturally affirming curriculum for my children is really meaningful to my family. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About half of the students at Helms speak Spanish at home and half speak English at home. Likewise more than half of the campus is economically disadvantaged, according to district figures from last school year. Longoria is an involved parent and serves as president of the schools parent-teacher organization, so not much gets past her. When she logged onto the Houston ISDs school choice portal this spring; however, she saw something curious: parents applying to the school could now choose an English-only pre-kindergarten class for their kids. Parents at Wharton Dual Language Academy in Fourth Ward saw the same thing. Even a single English-only track at these schools is a bad idea. At both Helms and Wharton, immersion is the point. Learners are mixed together in the same classrooms, speaking mostly Spanish in the early years, whether theyre native Spanish speakers or not, and moving toward a 50/50 split in the later elementary years. This type of quality dual language instruction is a precious thing because immersion builds fluency and confidence, along with a supportive culture that nourishes language acquisition. To add an English-only track would really dilute the program, said Longoria. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While HISD has some 80 campuses with so-called bilingual programs, most only serve a portion of the students in separate classrooms. Typically, theyre students whose first language isnt English. This segregated approach doesnt build community as effectively, and the educational outcomes arent as good as campuswide ones that mix all learners. Both national and local research show the effectiveness of such programs including one study of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the Chicago area, for example, that found that students from all backgrounds enrolled in so-called two-way immersion dual-language programs performed better than their peers on math assessments and comparably or better on reading assessments depending on grade level. And a study of area districts found that students in bilingual and dual-language immersion programs were more likely to become English proficient than their peers in English as a second language programs. Introducing the new pre-K classes at Helms and Wharton seemed an odd move from a district under the control of a state-appointed superintendent who had actually prioritized dual language and emphasized its evidence-based academic benefits. Wouldnt an English-only pre-K mean eventually an English-only kindergarten, first grade, second grade and onward? There should be more dual-language seats, not fewer, said Longoria. Dozens of parents agreed and spoke up at last weeks Thursday board workshop. And in a tentative reversal, Superintendent Mike Miles seemed persuaded, saying Monday that he planned to ask the board of managers Thursday to drop the English-only pre-K offerings. Thats a welcome, and somewhat surprising shift. Miles came into the job saying hed need to tune out the noise of critics, and on certain changes reconfiguring libraries into team centers and cutting librarians at the reconstituted New Education System schools, for example hes tuned out everything, it seems. Not this time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board of managers should certainly listen, as Miles has. The state takeover is ostensibly about fixing things in HISD that are broken, not things that are working well. Both Wharton and Helms earned As in the states 2021-22 ratings, the most recent available on the Texas Education Agency website. Miles said he wants the two campuses to receive new designations, in part to satisfy some legal fine print, that would get rid of the attendance zone and require all students to apply to get in, including those who live nearby. That change wouldnt affect current students, according to Chronicle reporting. Fully supporting dual language at Helms and Wharton isnt exactly a hard call to make. Were concerned, however, with how this reversal came about. In March, Miles changed course after the Chronicle reported on a list of principals who werent offered mid-year contract renewals. His decision to not use mid-year proficiency screenings to make termination decisions and instead wait for the more comprehensive evaluations at the end of the year, as we wrote at the time, was more about optics than a real change in his approach to rehiring principals, but at least he appeared willing to listen. Miles said the new faces who showed up to speak at an HISD board meeting influenced him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Are Miles listening ears only attuned to new voices, and if so, which? Are they the ones representing the more well-heeled neighborhoods? Or just the ones whose concerns seem removed from the chants of activists? Its understandable for Miles to block out some of the noise thats motivated by politics or coming from entities who wanted him out before he even began. But those groups, too, have valid concerns, including about teacher turnover, a culture of fear, and the quality of special education instruction. Miles made the right call at Helms and Wharton. We hope the board will follow suit. And we hope both will keep their listening ears on for all of HISDs students. CNV, founded in 2020 by Nguyen Tuan Phu and Do Dang Khoa, is the leading cloud-based business and marketing solutions provider dedicated to offering digital transformation SaaS products and marketing growth services to assist micro, small and medium-sized companies (MSMEs), SMEs, and enterprises in Vietnam to achieve sustainable growth via marketing, loyalty, and e-commerce activities. The round came following CNVs stellar performance in 2022 and 2023, three years after it successfully raised strategic pre-seed round funding by NextPay, the leading Vietnamese SME payments and services platform offering online and offline payment. With the funding from Wavemaker, our goal this year is to become a no-code sales and customer care platform, helping businesses launch campaigns and create any feature without a code, thereby shortening the time from ideas to implementing customer care campaigns or selling to old customers quickly, said CNV CEO Phu Nguyen. CNV currently serves over 2,000 customers, including multinational corporations, local enterprises, SMEs, MSMEs, and government agencies, helping them optimise their client-facing activities and backend customer data platform analysis activities. Vietnams business environment is increasingly dynamic and entrepreneurial, with strong backing from a SMEs and MSMEs base. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Vietnam has approximately 1 million registered operational businesses, and more than 97 per cent SMEs contribute up to 45 per cent of the national GDP. Wavemaker Partners is proud to support CNV in its next phase of growth to help hundreds of thousands of businesses in Vietnam drive meaningful results with their sales and customer engagement using CNVs comprehensive CDP and loyalty SaaS products. With the founders hard work and grit over years of perfecting loyalty and engagement, we are confident that CNV will achieve success with its mission to help drive growth and optimization for their clients in multiple use-cases, said Phuong Tran, principal at Wavemaker Partners. The prospects for the countrys e-commerce landscape also paints a promising future. Vietnam is set to post a 31 per cent growth in GMV from $23 billion in 2022 to $49 billion in 2025, according to the e-Conomy SEA 2022 report released by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company in 2022. However, amid an increasingly competitive business environment, all businesses are looking for ways to increase sales via a customised re-marketing strategy for an existing customer base and engaging with new potential customers. CNV, after gaining expertise with years of building loyalty solutions for businesses, has launched comprehensive tools to achieve this goal: via gamification, affiliate, and Customer Data Platform automation marketing. Additionally, 2023 marked an important milestone in CNVs development with the emergence of the Zalo mini apps, which provide seamless channels for businesses to engage comprehensively with customers, creating a powerful app-within-app experience that lets businesses acquire users at a lower cost and engage with them in a deeper and more seamless manner. Notably, CNV has witnessed remarkable growth, with a 250 per cent growth in revenue and number of customers acquired. CNV has also helped these customers drive meaningful and quantifiable results: six million Zalo messages sent, and $30 million annual GMV closed over 94,000 orders. This significant surge underscores CNVs appeal and effectiveness in helping all kinds of businesses, allowing enterprises, SMEs, MSMEs, and government agencies to connect effectively with their end customers for both business-to-business and business-to-consumer use-cases. HSBC allocates $1 billion to scale up digital platform businesses in ASEAN HSBC has announced a $1 billion ASEAN Growth Fund to help scale up platform players in the regions booming digital economy. Vietnamese startups bag $35.7 million in first quarter of 2024 Vietnam's tech ecosystem received total funding of $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, according to a report released by Tracxn Technologies on April 2. Vietnam is well-placed to take on more facilities involving the manufacturing of spare parts and various components, Photo: Le Toan Representatives of more than 300 domestic and foreign manufacturers attended the Vietnam Global Manufacturing Forum 2024 organised in Hanoi late last month to explore business cooperation options. Delegates of foreign-invested enterprises in electronics, manufacturing, and industrial real estate operating in Vietnam were present, coming from Japan, South Korea, China, and Singapore. Vietnamese vendors in manufacturing electronic components, semiconductors, and equipment were also involved, including Goertek Vina, Heesung Vina, Le Mont Investment, and BW Industrial Development. Le Anh Dung, general director of event organiser A+ Industrial Real Estate, said, During meetings with investors, I see that the trend to relocate the operation of electronics components and spare parts suppliers from China will continue, and Vietnam is one of the highly recommended destinations. In addition, the worlds most renowned manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Intel, and Amkor have long-term expansion plans in the country. A report from HSBC released in September 2023 showed that more Chinese exports have been going to Southeast Asia than the United States and Europe. Exports from China to ASEAN have reached nearly $600 billion a month based on 12-month moving averages compiled by the bank, surpassing the blocs shipments to the US and Europe since earlier in 2023. This shift is partly because parts sourced from China are getting shipped to Southeast Asia for final assembly before getting reexported to their final consumer destinations-like the US. Suppliers of the above groups are not only simply expanding their operation in Vietnam but also establishing a smart production ecosystem for the electronic components, spare parts, and semiconductors in the country, and they want domestic vendors to be an important link in their supply chain. Thus, one of the concerns impacting their decision is whether Vietnam can provide a large volume of high-quality local vendors, Dung said. The basis of the investment wave is that Vietnam has become a comprehensive strategic partner of the US and Nvidia has chosen Vietnam as a new base in chip and semiconductor production and support human resource training for this field. OpenAIs ambitious global plan includes spending $5-7 trillion for the development of semiconductor graphics chips and restructuring of the semiconductor manufacturing industry. These huge plans have triggered a series of investment waves around the world. In addition, top aviation and aerospace tech manufacturing corporations such as Boeing and Airbus are also interested in Vietnam and are continuing to consider relocating component production facilities in the country. Wu Ling Yun, general director of Sunrise Big Data Company, said, Many people tell me that China has a significant advantage in low-cost parts and components, so if they move to Vietnam, they ask whether they should just import from China to Vietnam, instead of finding domestic suppliers. According to Yun, when businesses set up factories in Vietnam and then still import components from China, it would take a lot of time for shipping and custom declaration, in collaboration with cost for taxes and shipping fees. Instead, they can choose domestic vendors to facilitate production operations. In addition, these manufacturers also want to diversify their supply sources to reduce the risks. Many manufacturers say that Vietnam still has some unfinished links. However, compared to Indias electronics ecosystem, Vietnam is doing much better. Vietnams capacity is currently at a fairly average level in the supply chain of foreign-invested enterprises, which is what supporting industries need to focus on now to improve it, Yun said. Ambassadors of the European Union (EU)s member states study the investment climate in Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA) Da Nang Vice Chairman of the Da Nang city Peoples Committee Tran Chi Cuong on April 11 hosted a reception for ambassadors of the European Union (EU)s member states who came to study the investment climate in the locality. Briefing them on Da Nangs development potential, Cuong said that the city is the growth nucleus of the countrys central key economic region, with such major industrial products as seafood, garment and textile, shoes, building materials, and handicraft. Hi-tech industry, particularly IT, is being developed into an economic spearhead, he said, adding the city is shifting the economy towards service and industry while reducing agriculture. According to Cuong, the city has set up cooperative ties with 48 localities of 22 countries and territories, signed 104 agreements and organised important diplomatic and economic activities. Da Nang is eyeing to turn itself into a socio-economic hub of the country and Southeast Asia by 2030, and a large and smart eco urban area, a centre for innovation, and startup and a livable coastal city in Asia by 2045. The city has paid due attention to developing high-quality tourism and services in tandem with resort property, seaport and airport with logistics service, hi-tech industry with creative urban area construction and startup, IT, electronics and telecommunications with digital economy, and hi-tech agriculture. Cuong expressed his hope that the ambassadors will help popularise Da Nangs investment environment and cooperation opportunities in education-training, startup and innovation, IT, hi-tech agriculture and fishery, tourism, and port development, while supporting cultural exchange activities, among others. EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier held that Da Nang, which has emerged as a centre for IT, innovation and semiconductor training in Vietnam, boasts an attractive investment environment. Seeing Vietnam as a leading partner of the EU in Southeast Asia, EU member states have cooperated with and supported Vietnam in the areas of transport, renewable energy, health care and culture, he said, adding they are interested in working with Da Nang to boost semiconductor industry, green transition and education. He said he hopes that Da Nang city will create favourable conditions for investors from the EU, and the representatives of EU states will popularise Da Nangs potential and investment climate among enterprises. Last year, Da Nang exported some 283 million USD worth of products to the EU, and imported 140 million USD from the bloc. During 2020-2023, non-governmental organisations of the EU countries committed to funding over 26 billion VND (over 1 million USD) for 37 programmes and projects in the Vietnamese locality. Semiconductor industry hoped to attract half of FDI investors in Da Nang Some potential investors are exploring investment chances in central Da Nang city, and its Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority (DHPIZA) hopes that 50 per cent of those FDI businesses will invest in the local semiconductor industry this year. Special mechanisms, policies proposed to boost Da Nangs development The Ministry of Planning and Investment on February 26 held a meeting to discuss special mechanisms and policies for the development of the central city of Da Nang. The upcoming Reunification Day (April 30) and Labour Day (May 1) break this year will last a full five days, and travel companies in Vietnam are hoping to cash in. The number of bookings is increasing day by day. This holiday will attract an additional number of foreigners living and working in Vietnam. Some of them did not travel during the Tet holiday, which is a traditional custom of Vietnamese people, so this holiday is an opportunity for them to enjoy a long vacation to rest and refresh themselves," said Pham Ha, founder of LuxGroup, a luxury travel and tourism company and cruise operator. "The holiday is long but airfare prices are increasing sharply, so many families are looking at short-term tours to nearby destinations," he added. According to travel agencies, although the number flight bookings is lower than the recent Lunar New Year, airfares are still expensive. As the holidays near, economy tickets will sell out quickly, leaving only business class tickets that are too expensive for the average traveller. Therefore, many people are choosing beaches in Quang Ninh, Haiphong, Thanh Hoa, or Nghe An, or beautiful destinations such as Sapa (Lao Cai), Moc Chau (Son La), Ha Giang, and Hoa Binh to travel. In the southern region, many people have plans to travel to Nha Trang, Phu Yen, Quy Nhon, and Dalat. Cruise travel has become a trend Cruise travel has become a trend Along with traditional tours on land, many travellers prefer to spend their holidays on 5-star cruises. 5-star cruises offer a luxurious space with international standard services. They are also cheaper than flying, and guests don't have to waste time checking in and out. In other words, they can relax and enjoy time with family and friends," Ha said. Cruises generate revenue for travel agencies and cruise operators, and also open business opportunities for other sectors. Vietnam is in the ideal location to become an international marine centre, and with its skilled labour force, this will help to support the shipbuilding industry. Many renowned shipbuilding companies such as Corsair Marine, Yanmar, and Yamaha have factories in Vietnam. Many localities are aware of how cruise tourism can attract both domestic and international visitors, and in recent years, localities have been developing tourism and services to meet the demand. The northern province of Quang Ninh is an example. Along with policies to attract investment from tourism businesses, the province has also spent a lot on tourism and service infrastructure. The province has synchronous transportation by land, sea, and air, and is the first locality in the country to have a specialised international tourist cruise port that can welcome many large-scale international ships at the same time, creating favourable conditions for the development of cruise tourism. As part of ongoing efforts of the provinces Halong city to promote tourism, Halong Party Committee has agreed to develop three wards of Bai Chay, Hung Thang, and Tuan Chau into a tourism centre. Ward-level authorities have been tasked with ensuring a stable business climate, public safety and security, and public hygiene in the area, while launching travel products and services for local people and holidaymakers. The province is also working with cruise operators and travel agencies to generate attractive tourism products to take advantage of cruise ships on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, limit seasonal tourism, and gradually realise the goal of turning Quang Ninh into a four-season destination. The province should develop marinas. At the same time, we are still waiting for policies to attract investment in public-private partnerships, encouraging businesses to invest together and exploit the maximum potential of waterway tourism, Ha said. Harnessing the power of technology with travelling Offering a technology platform for more than 71,000 travel distributors across 190+ source markets, HBX Group now handles four billion requests per day from users around the world. Vice president for Asia-Pacific of HBX Groups Bedsonline brand Peter Jones talked with VIRs Nhat Ha about the companys plan to penetrate Asia. Kiss Bridge-a new iconic destination in Vietnam Just as Golden Bridge in Da Nang stole the hearts of the world in 2018, the newly opened Kiss Bridge on Phu Quoc Island is expected to become another phenomenon for global travelers. Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay beckons international travellers Embraced by the unspoiled beauty of Phu Quoc Islands northern terrain, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay sets the stage for a memorable stay. Binh Duong plans to become favourable destination for investors Leaders of Binh Duong met on March 11 to appraise provincial planning and agreed that to achieve a higher stature, the province should strive to become a bright spot for innovative technology and join global supply chains. You arrived in Vietnam to take over a new position in the company. Can you share anything about your plan here? Kenneth Peng, Chinese project sales director of MD Consumer Electric Appliance Vietnam (Midea) I have arrived here for one month and I am responsible for expanding the file of customers, which consist of Chinese companies in Vietnam. I would like to study the supply chain in Vietnam as well as the domestic market. It is the reason why I was participating at the 2024 Vietnam Global Manufacturing Forum, where I had opportunities to meet potential partners to serve our expansion plan in the country. How do you evaluate the investment environment in Vietnam? I see that the Vietnamese government determines its investment attraction strategy clearly and it currently also creates better conditions for investors. The government has also successfully made the world understand that Vietnam is a place worth living and investing in. The government should still take stronger actions to attract investment capital inflow in the smart production direction. The most crucial thing is to combine stable and plentiful power supply in collaboration with attractive incentives in providing loans and tax reductions. In addition, policymakers also build a criteria framework relating to power consumption and revenue to get support from the government. Promulgating these requirements should be implemented soon. It is difficult to change the markets situation only thanks to purchasing power and the trend of the market. The important factor is the coordination of various governmental agencies. Vietnam is encouraging investment into smart production. How has Midea and its smart initiatives been performing in Vietnam? Midea currently has one factory in the southern province of Binh Duong, but it is our first plant overseas. Midea specialises in air treatment, refrigeration, laundry, large kitchen and cooking appliances, smart kitchens, and smart electronic equipment for buildings, in collaboration with providing a smart building management system. The company established a smart factory in Thailand last year, which offers a high-level view of the current state of smart manufacturing among Mideas factories. We have plans to popularise this production model to other factories overseas, including Vietnam. These facilities will be applied at the highest automation level. We are investing in the smart production chain for facilities in Vietnam because of the markets potential. The company expects to dominate the segment of electronic consumption products in this market. Midea is also expanding production and business activities with some partners. This will support the company on the journey to compete with names such as Daikin and Mitsubishi. How do you evaluate the position of Vietnam in the regional and glo bal smart production chain and the opportunities to foster this industry? Vietnam has taken over the shift of many production facilities from China. Thus, the country is still at the basic level. I believe that similar to China, Vietnam will eventually become a hub for smart production. Vietnam will take less time than China to reach that smart production level thanks to fast growth speed, maybe in the next 5-10 years. Thai Binh eyes more foreign investors According to the General Statistics Office, Thai Binh currently ranked fifth nationwide in luring foreign investment, with nearly $3 billion seen in 2023. Vietnam: a magnet for foreign investors Foreign investors continue to eye expansion in Vietnam to tap into local potential and strategies. "With its towering run of jagged karst pinnacles, Ninh Binh is as dramatic a sight as the better-known Halong Bay, but doesnt come with hordes of trippers. Two hours south of Hanoi and bordered by rivers, farms, and temples, its best discovered by bike or by gliding downstream on a sampan," on April 8, Daily Mail said in a report. "Our tip is to visit in October and November when water levels are high and the rice fields are ready for harvest. Customers can book a 12-night Landscapes Of Vietnam tour, which spends two nights in Ninh Binh." Ninh Binh is home to Trang An Landscape Complex which was recognised as the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. The first and only dual world heritage in Southeast Asia. Spanning a total area of 12,000 hectares, the complex symbolises the magic, mystery, and majesty of the natural world, including Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel Cultural Historical Area, Trang An Tam Coc Bich Dong Scenic Area and Hoa Lu Special-Use Primary Forest. Among them, the highlight is Trang An scenic area located in the centre of the complex. With its picturesque scenery, renowned spiritual tourism sites, unique festivals, and attractive specialities, Trang An is becoming one of Vietnams most worth-visiting tourist destinations. This is not the first time Ninh Binh has received compliments from international media. The province has achieved high rankings in the lists of many prestigious international tourism sites. Trips to Discover (US) listed Ninh Binh among the 14 most attractive destinations in Asia in 2020. The US travel magazine Travel + Leisure has listed Ninh Binh as one of Asia's 12 coolest movie filming locations in 2022. Ninh Binh was the only representative of Vietnam on the list of the world's 10 friendliest locations, as selected by the Traveler Review Awards 2023. Forbes magazine also rated Ninh Binh as one of the 23 best tourist destinations in 2023. Besides Ninh Binh, the top 10 crowd-free tourist spots also named other famous destinations such as the Coral Triangle; Mayan ruins in Caracol; the Pantanal tropical wetland, Brazil; the Valley of Fire State Park in Las Vegas, Nevada, the United States; the Namib Desert, Namibia; Napier port city, New Zealand; Ancient Tibet, China; the boiling lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the mountainous Caribbean isle of Dominica; and the Kimberley Coast, Australia. Conference on Ninh Binh UNESCO titles and sustainable development opens An international conference on harnessing the values of UNESCO titles for sustainable development in Vietnam opened at Bai Dinh Pagoda in the northern province of Ninh Binh on July 3. Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2023 set to land on May 27 The Ninh Binh Tourism Week 2023, themed The Golden Colour of Tam Coc - Trang An, is slated to take place throughout the province from May 27 to June 4 in the Tam Coc-Bich Dong tourism area, part of the UNESCO-recognised Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Trade counsellor Nguyen Hoang Thuy from the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden told VIR that currently, Vietnam is negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, of which Norway and Iceland are also members. Trade counsellor Nguyen Hoang Thuy from the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, photo: moit.gov.vn The agreement is expected to see negotiations concluded and inked later this year. At present, Vietnamese goods have to be transited via a third market before directly being exported to markets such as Norway and Iceland. Therefore, there is hope that in the near future, Vietnamese goods can directly enter that region with many advantages, not much different from when our goods enter EU countries, Thuy said. The negotiations embrace a comprehensive range of topics, including trade in goods and services, rules of origin, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, trade remedies, protection of intellectual property, government procurement, and much more. Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has invited enterprises from Norway, Iceland, and Sweden to participate in an international supply chain connectivity event series on June 6-8, as well as the International Food Expo in November at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre. These are all excellent opportunities for businesses from both countries to engage in trade. Vietnamese goods will also have additional opportunities to adapt and meet the requirements for origin tracing, from raw material production to ensuring standards for environmental protection, sustainable products, and meeting the needs of markets with high demands, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. According to the MoIT, the Nordic market is the most demanding market in the EU region. Due to increasing concerns about the climate crisis, EU countries have passed the European Green Deal with impacts that extend beyond the EU territory towards 2050, directly affecting global importers including Vietnam. As a customer with high standards, Northern Europe increasingly seeks sustainable, transparent, and responsible producers and exporters for their final products. According to Thuy, there are several strategies that Vietnamese businesses need to pay attention to in order to access the Northern European market at this time. Firstly, food must be made more environmentally friendly and one of the most important goals is to reduce the use of pesticides by half before 2030, Thuy said. Secondly, there is an action plan for a circular economy. Starting from the product design phase, the focus is on sustainability, limiting environmental resource wastage, and ensuring reusability. Other aspects include the biodiversity strategy towards 2030, which aims to reduce biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging producers to create products that do not contribute to deforestation; and the policy on carbon adjustment mechanisms aimed at preventing carbon leakage by imposing taxes on some imported goods from outside the EU, including Vietnamese products. Last year, Vietnams export turnover from Sweden and Norway hit $946 million and $214 million, respectively, while the figure from Iceland was zero, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs. Although the Nordic region, which typically represents Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, homes fewer than 30 million people, their import demand is very high with stable growth, and there is still plenty of room for Vietnamese firms to exploit. Imports of this entire region are about $500-600 billion per year, with an average import growth rate of 7 per cent per year over the past five years. A recent trend among consumers in the Nordic region, who have one of the highest incomes in the world, is their interest in speciality products promoted as beneficial to health and products associated with regional stories. In addition to meeting quality standards and export requirements, stories about origin are also highly valued by consumers in this region. My most striking experience with the Nordic market was when I visited a bamboo utensils exporting company in the northern province of Nam Dinh. The Nordic company sent questionnaires not only to the management but also to all the employees of the factory, asking if there were child labourers, pregnant women working, how long the working hours were, and if there was excessive overtime, said Le Thai Phong, head of Business Administration at the Foreign Trade University. This illustrates the markets rudimentary awareness of social responsibility standards. Therefore, Vietnamese companies targeting this market must pay attention not only to legal regulations but also to safety, sustainability, and social responsibility standards, he said. Nordic nations staunchly working alongside Vietnam Vietnam emerged as one of the great success stories among Asian emerging economies. Vietnam found its way to thrive economically and even achieved an impressive 8.02 per cent GDP growth in 2022. The improved business environment has contributed to socioeconomic recovery and development, thus regaining the trust of the foreign business community in Vietnam. Nordic Hub aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties The Sentry and Nordcham Vietnam have launched the Nordic Hub, the first flagship office for Nordchams members, signifying a significant step forward in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Vietnam and the Nordic countries. Luu Thi Thanh Mau, CEO of southern developer Phuc Khang Corporation, is one of the few entrepreneurs to have proactively connected with Japanese businesses to promote green building development in the country. CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau (3rd from right) with the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association delegation on a business trip to Japan in mid-March This trend offers economic benefits and aims to restore and preserve natural ecosystems, in which green buildings have become essential to promoting a green and circular economy. Phuc Khang Corporation is renowned as a pioneering green building developer. Its most famous project is the Diamond Lotus Riverside luxury apartment complex located in District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, which is being constructed and registered according to LEED standards set by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and LOTUS standards set by the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC). The project was named in the top five best smart green building projects in 2021, and the top 10 best luxury apartment projects in 2022, achieving LOTUS provisional certification. It is also on track to reach "Gold" status when complete. This strategic vision comes from CEO Luu Thi Thanh Mau, the companys co-founder, who has been embracing the go-green trend in global production and consumption from an early stage. Sustainable development is about exercising our social responsibilities for the next generations. We can achieve this by promoting sustainable development with green buildings as the foundation, said Mau. Expediting energy-balanced construction projects reflects corporate social responsibility on the journey to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to the nations goals and adopting the global trend. Since 2015, Mau has been embarking on trade promotion trips with foreign partners, especially major partners in Japan, to learn from their experience of green building development to create an energy balance. CEO Thanh Mau meets Japanese businesses for cooperation expansion and development of green buildings and green urban areas In 2017, Phuc Khang Corporation had a million-dollar handshake with Japanese multi-national Mitsubishi Corporation to establish the Phuc Khang Mitsubishi Corporation Holding (PKMC) joint venture. At that time, Mitsubishi Corporation held a 49 per cent stake, and Phuc Khang retained a 51 per cent stake to establish PKMC and invest and develop the Diamond Lotus product line, the first high-rise apartment building in Vietnam to be built, managed, and operated according to LEED standards, which are recognised in 150 countries around the world. Diamond Lotus Riverside is an eminent project symbolising cooperation with Japanese partners, and is a testament to the promotion endeavours made by CEO Thanh Mau. Consolidating cooperation with Japanese partners In mid-March, in her role as vice chairwoman of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association for the 2022-2025 term, Mau set off on a business promotion trip to Japan. Cooperation with Japan also helps bolster supply chain and management skills, thereby propelling business innovation. Within the framework of the trip, Phuc Khangs CEO attended the 43rd national conference organised by the Japan Young Entrepreneurs Group, where he signed an MoU . The event aimed to deepen cooperation and promote networking between young Japanese entrepreneurs and their counterparts from ASEAN by exchanging experiences and promoting trade. The trip affirmed Mau's burning desire to reach out internationally and promote green building that could elevate the position of Vietnamese brands in the near future. CEO Thanh Mau (fifth from right) with delegates of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association and Japan Young Entrepreneurs Group during the MoU signing ceremony in mid-March Mau noted that Japan is one of the leading global economies, and is renowned for its state-of-the art technologies and management expertise. Through this cooperation, Vietnamese entrepreneurs can approach fresh sources of investment and the latest technologies, while expanding their output markets and promoting the development of local industries, thereby instituting a diverse and wholesome business environment. Cooperation with Japan also helps bolster supply chain and management skills, helping to propel business innovation. Maintaining relationships with strategic partners with extensive experience in developing green and energy-balanced buildings is how Mau is working towards a sustainable future. With a desire to shape green buildings that meet genuine international standards in Vietnam, along with efforts to connect with Japanese partners, Phuc Khangs top leader is hoping to enhance the position of Vietnamese entrepreneurs in the regional and international arenas. Phuc Khang outlines M&A strategies On the sidelines of the Vietnam M&A Forum 2023 held by VIR on November 28 in Ho Chi Minh City, Luu Thi Thanh Mau, CEO of Phuc Khang Corporation, spoke with VIRs Bich Ngoc about her assessment of the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market in Vietnam. Japanese investors continue to make headway in Vietnam Japanese investors are continuing to ramp up their expansion in the Vietnamese market as the two nations have recently elevated their bilateral ties. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo shows the lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging the Uplift Harris program, the county's guaranteed income program, during a press conference on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Harris County leaders are defending their new guaranteed income program after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office sued to stop the initiative from going into effect, accusing the attorney general of targeting the Houston area while overlooking similar programs in San Antonio, Austin and El Paso. At a news conference on Wednesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo called the timing of the lawsuit "cruel" and "unscrupulous," alleging Paxton's office waited until recipients had been notified they had been selected for the program before filing the lawsuit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Harris County approved its pilot program last June, which aims to send $500 monthly payments for 18 months to around 1,900 low-income households. Now, with recipients notified and the first payments scheduled for later this month, Paxton's office has asked a Harris County district court judge to stop the checks from going out and rule that the program is unconstitutional under state law. Commissioner Rodney Ellis said it was clear the state had become "too comfortable with using people as props," and some of the countys poorest residents could pay the price. Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1 Rodney Ellis answers a question during a press conference responding to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons lawsuit challenging the Uplift Harris program, the county's guaranteed income program, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Though the $20.5 million Uplift Harris program is funded using a portion of the county's federal pandemic recovery dollars, Paxton's office is arguing the program violates a state law that prohibits the gift of public funds to any individual. Similar guaranteed income programs in other parts of Texas appear not to have drawn Paxton's scrutiny. San Antonio launched the state's first guaranteed income program in December 2020, Austin began its $1.1 million pilot program in September 2022 and, most recently, El Paso County approved its guaranteed income program in December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Harris County's program caught Paxton's attention after State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, wrote to Paxton in January asking him to look into whether it is legal. Bettencourt has spearheaded numerous bills aimed at the county and was successful in his effort last year to pass a state law abolishing the elections administrator's office only in Harris County. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, who joined Hidalgo on Wednesday, criticized Bettencourt for flagging the program, describing him as "obsessed with Harris County government." Hidalgo and Ellis both added that Bettencourt's objection to the county's plan to provide financial support to residents in need was hypocritical since his Houston tax business received a $623,500 paycheck protection loan that was forgiven in 2020. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, Bettencourt on Tuesday argued the federal loans were fundamentally different than the guaranteed income program. "That is a law that was passed by a bipartisan Congress and signed into law by the president," Bettencourt said. Paxton's lawsuit is part of a broader movement to oppose the guaranteed income pilot programs that have emerged around the country in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. State lawmakers in Arizona, Iowa and Wisconsin have introduced legislation to prohibit programs that were implemented in Phoenix, Des Moines and Madison. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, vetoed the bill last year on the grounds that he objected to the Legislatures "continued efforts to arbitrarily restrict and preempt local government partners across our state." Paxton's office also questioned the legality of the Uplift Harris selection process, according to the lawsuit filed Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the first stage of the process, some 6,000 eligible applicants were randomly selected from the over 82,000 applications received. Finally, around 1,900 participants were randomly selected from that group. To be eligible, applicants had to live below 200% of the federal poverty line and live in one of 10 high-poverty zip codes or participate in the ACCESS Harris County public health program. The Attorney General's office argued Uplift Harris violated state law because it used a "random lottery" to select participants, a method employed in numerous programs including the Houston Housing Authority's public housing waitlist and the City of Austin's rental assistance fund. Though Menefee, Ellis and Hidalgo vowed to defend the program all the way to the Texas Supreme Court, they said Wednesday they doubted that the state's top justices all of whom are elected Republicans would deliver a ruling that rises above partisan politics. Menefee admitted he is "less than confident" that the county will receive fair treatment, particularly from Texas Supreme Court Justice John Devine, who made headlines last week for remarks he made at a conservative event that included criticism of Harris County. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Retail behemoth Fast Retailing now expects to make 320 billion yen ($2.1 billion) in the year to August, up from the previous estimate of 310 billion yen. Uniqlo operator upgrades full-year net profit forecast, photo: uniqlo.com It also sees full-year operating profit of 450 billion yen on sales of 3.03 trillion yen, both of which would also be record figures if realised. Operating profit and sales during the first half to February "represented a new record consolidated performance fuelled primarily by considerably higher first-half profits from Uniqlo operations in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia", the company said. Its low-cost GU clothing brand has been another key driver of the retail group's expansion, Fast Retailing added. For the six months to February, the company posted a 195.9 billion net profit, a 27.7 percent jump year-on-year. Operating profit stood at 257.0 billion yen, up 16.7 percent. Last month, Zara owner Inditex, the world's biggest fashion retailer, said it had enjoyed its highest-ever profits last year despite a complicated global backdrop. The firm, which has seen a strong performance on Spain's stock market over the past year, posted a net profit of 5.4 billion euros ($5.9 billion), up 30 percent from 4.1 billion euros in 2022, which was also a record. UNIQLO commits to accompany long-term development of Vietnam UNIQLOs Hoan Kiem store opened on November 10, aiming to become an icon of harmony and honouring the local culture and long-term relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Nishida Hideki, general director and COO of UNIQLO Vietnam, told VIRs Duc Hanh about the companys strategy, vision, and commitments to the countrys sustainable development. UNIQLO applies technology to its operation in Vietnam UNIQLO, a global fashion retail brand from Japan, has made efforts to innovate to adapt to development trends and shopping needs of Vietnamese customers. Uniqlo sues China rival Shein over viral bag copies Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo said Tuesday that it is suing Chinese rival Shein over copycats of a massively popular crossbody pouch dubbed online the "Mary Poppins carryall". Vietnam ready to ride US investment wave, Automobile production at Ford Vietnam (Photo: VNA) Hanoi Vietnam is on the verge of seeing a massive influx of investments from the US, and stands ready to welcome the wave. The Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam Beverage Company recently broke ground for its largest and most modern factory in the Asia Pacific region at the Huu Thanh Industrial Park in the Mekong Delta province of Long An. Covering nearly 20ha, the 300-million-USD factory will be operated by renewable energy such as biomass fuel and solar energy, and launch products with packaging made from 100% recycled plastic. Once completed, it will have an annual output of 800 million litres, helping enhance the companys ability to meet consumer needs and strengthen its leading position in the Vietnamese market. Pepsico proposed the project to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh while joining the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) delegation to visit Vietnam and seek investment opportunities there last month. Along with Pepsico, many other investors have expressed their interest and confidence in the Vietnamese markets potential, including Energy Capital who wants to develop Long Son port in Ba Ria Vung Tau province and LNG project in Binh Thuan province, and global energy company AES who is preparing for the Son My combined cycle gas turbine power plant. In a working session with Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung during the USABCs visit, renowned firms like Ford, Boeing and Viatris showed their strong commitment to continuing investment in Vietnam. They said they have injected more than 1 billion USD into Vietnam through large corporations like VinGroup and Masan, and will seek further investment opportunities in the country. Most recently, leaders of Rosen Partner said the group wishes to expand investment in Vietnam in the areas of realty and tourism while meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai in the US. More investments are likely to come in the areas of high technology, semiconductor and AI as US corporations said they will pour billions of US dollars into Vietnam in the fields. Although US investors have been interested in the Vietnamese market, they have a relatively smaller presence in the country. According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, US firms registered only 17.26 million USD in Vietnam in the first quarter of this year, ranking 19 among countries and territories having investment in the country. Dung said the ranking is not on par with the US investors potential as well as the sound Vietnam US relations. Laying a stress on the elevation of the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as agreements on promoting cooperation in technology and innovation, including semiconductor industry, he highlighted that there is no barrier to the US investment wave to Vietnam and vice versa and even that from a third country. According to Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Hanoi Joseph Uddo, Vietnam should continue its reform to create a favourable investment climate, and an equal and transparent legal environment to lure new investments while maintaining and developing the existing ones. Administrative procedures should be improved as well, he said, elaborating new laws and regulations have been put into place, slowing down the approval process and increasing burden on enterprises. US firms also voiced their concern over energy for production and business activities, especially those operating in high technology, electronics and semi-conductor. Deputy Regional Managing Director and Vietnam Chief Representative for the USABC Vu Tu Thanh held that Vietnam should pay due attention to its connectivity with other ASEAN member states to attract more investment from the US who sees ASEAN a large market. US company steps up AI investment in Southeast Asia The US chip manufacture Nvidia is planning to build a 200 million USD artificial intelligence (AI) centre in Indonesia as part of its push into Southeast Asia. MPI calls for high-tech, green energy cooperation from Washington investors Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has welcomed a delegation from Washington to discuss investment opportunities and cooperation in high technology, semiconductors, and green energy. Gardai seized approximately 180,000 worth of suspected cannabis plants during a search operation in Fairymount, County Roscommon, yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. The search operation was conducted as part of ongoing investigations by the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit, under Operation Tara, targeting suspected cannabis growhouses. Shortly after 5pm, Gardai attached to the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit searched a property in Fairymount. During the course of the search, a large-scale growhouse was located with cannabis plants at various stages of growth. Cannabis plants with an estimated street value of 180,000 were seized by investigating Gardai. The drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). The Garda operation came just 24 hours after officers seized approximately 700,000 worth of suspected cannabis plants and cannabis herb during a search operation in Loughglynn, County Roscommon. At approximately 3.30pm on Tuesday afternoon, Gardai attached to the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit conducted a search operation at a property in Loughglynn. The search was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation, under Operation Tara, targeting suspected cannabis growhouses. During the course of the search, a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation was discovered. Cannabis plants and cannabis herb with an estimated street value of 700,000 was seized by investigating Gardai. All drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). Three men (aged in their 30s) were arrested at the scene and detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996, at Garda stations in County Roscommon. Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (10 April 2024) The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. In Kupyansk direction, the Zapad Group of Forces units improved the situation along the front line and repelled a counter-attack launched by an assault detachment of the AFU 31st National Guard Brigade close to Grigorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 20 Ukrainian troops, one tank, three armoured fighting vehicles, and four motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops hit one U.S.-made 155-mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, as well as two Bukovel-AD and Nota electronic warfare stations. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 5th Assault Force, 22nd, 28th, 67th, 93rd, and 115th mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Krasnoye, Novokalinovo, Kleshcheyevka, Novoye, and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Four counter-attacks by units of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade, 33rd Mechanised Brigade, and 46th Airmobile Brigade were repelled close to Vyemka, Pobeda, and Krasnogorovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 360 Ukrainian troops, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, and five motor vehicles. In counter-battery warfare, the Russian troops wiped out one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one UK-made 155-mm AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun, as well as one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-battery radar station, and two Nota electronic warfare stations. In Avdeyevka direction, the units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation and repelled 11 counter-attacks of the assault groups of the 25th Air Assault Brigade, 71st Jaeger, 59th Mechanised Infantry, 47th and 115th mechanised brigades of the AFU close to Pervomayskoye, Vodyanoye, Novobakhmutovka, Umanskoye, and Berdychi (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 395 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, six motor vehicles, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces units improved the situation along the front line and inflicted fire damage on the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and 128th Territorial Defence Brigade close to Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). Two enemy counter-attacks were repelled close to Nikolskoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemys losses amounted to up to 115 Ukrainian troops, three pickup trucks, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, and one 100-mm Rapira anti-tank gun. In Kherson direction, the units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of the 65th Mechanised Brigade of the AFU, 121st and 126th territorial defence brigades close to Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), Mikhailovka, and Ivanovka (Kherson region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 howitzer, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one Plastun electronic reconnaissance station, and one Nota electronic warfare station. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Groups of Forces of the Russian Federation have destroyed an AFU weapons and ammunition storage base with 32 152-mm D-20 howitzers, two unmanned aerial vehicle assembly workshops, a training and launch site for uncrewed surface vehicles, and hit AFU manpower and hardware in 128 areas. Air defence systems shot down 172 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, three French-made Hammer aerial guided bombs, and two HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles during the day. In total, 583 airplanes, 270 helicopters, 20,089 unmanned aerial vehicles, 499 air-to-air missile systems, 15,741 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,266 multiple rocket systems combat vehicles, 8,802 field artillery guns and mortars, and 20,852 special military vehicles have been neutralised since the beginning of the special military operation. Tags: *** Houston Solid Waste Dept. truck driver Anthony Senegal, 56, places an orange tag to let the owner know that small branches and leaves must not be placed in the automated garbage cans on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Marie D. De JesAs/Staff photographer Houston's municipal employees union, HOPE AFSCME Local 123, is expected to begin its contract negotiations with the city next week, with union leaders making a pitch to Mayor John Whitmire that civilian workers are just as essential as police officers and firefighters. The current contract for Houstons municipal workers will expire this summer. Union president Sonia Rico announced that the two sides will start bargaining for a new deal as early as next Tuesday, although the date is yet to be finalized. The contract will apply to the around 11,000 city workers who are not uniformed officers in the police or fire departments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Established in 2005, HOPE secured its first labor agreement with the city in 2008 and has negotiated four subsequent contracts since then. Compared to the older, more influential police and firefighters unions, its membership rate is significantly lower at about 30%, Rico told the Chronicle. Whitmire has repeatedly stated that while nearly all city operations need more investment, his administration will prioritize improving public safety, including boosting the ranks of police and fire personnel. Rico said that civilian workers are no less important. From 311 operators and library workers to Solid Waste drivers and Public Works crews, their support makes the work of uniformed officers possible, she said. "Not all heroes drive a fire engine or police car," Rico, a 311 customer service representative for nearly two decades, told City Council during Tuesdays public comment. "Without us, the city of Houston simply could not run. We are very much overworked and underpaid at almost every level." Whitmire expressed appreciation for HOPEs input. He said some union members reports have made him aware of alleged bullying and toxic behaviors in various city departments. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I look at you as first responders because we could not be doing what we're doing right now but for your members and all city employees, the mayor said at the meeting. We look forward to sitting down, going to work and being very fair. FINDING FUNDS: How will City Hall pay for the firefighters deal? Houston recently reached a landmark settlement with the firefighters' union, which officials estimate could cost the city $1.5 billion over the next two to three decades. The police union is expected to bargain for a new contract next year. Despite Whitmire's recent claim that the city is "broke," Rico said she does not expect these additional financial constraints to negatively affect her unions negotiation prospects. Every time were up for negotiations, the citys never had money and theres always been the phrase that were broke, but every three years we have managed to get a raise, she told the Chronicle. The unions current contract included a three-year 9% pay raise and a 10% bump in the minimum wage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HOPE endorsed Whitmires mayoral bid last year. Many members also dedicated their free time to canvassing and phone banking for Whitmire, and Rico herself often headed to his campaign headquarters after finishing her union tasks to help out in the evenings, she said. CITY HALL SHAKEUP: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall So far, Rico said her members have been pleased with Whitmires responsiveness to their concerns, particularly the mayors recent decision to replace the head of the Houston Public Library. In recent years, employees of the library system have been leaving in droves due to what they consider a toxic work environment, the Houston Landing reported. We have a huge wish list this year, Rico said, adding she will release details of their requests in the coming days after more members fill out their survey. We feel really confident and comfortable that a lot of it will get done this time under John's administration. 1974 Work continues on a new sanctuary at the Columbus United Methodist Church. Merton Walcott is seen discussing the project with a workman. Gov. Patrick Lucey visited Columbus and spoke to a breakfast meeting of 100 residents at the First National Bank. 1984 The Bob Black family farm was selected by the Columbus Journal Republican as its farm of the month. The farm located on Highway 73, southeast of Columbus, raises a flock of 165 sheep on their 136-year-old family farm. Black started showing and raising sheep while in 4-H. In 1978, he and Carol decided to enlarge their 40-sheep flock and bought 100 ewes. Daryl Hoffman, Columbus, was selected as one of ten winners of the Wisconsin FFA Sectional Star Agribusinessmen Award by the State FFA officers and advisors. The ten would receive trophies and a cash award at the State FFA Convention. 1994 Rebecca Wiehart, daughter of Gary and Roxanne Weihert, was chosen as one of 384 students statewide to participate in Science World 94. Weihert was nominated by St. Jeromes School Science teacher Deborah Tahney. The Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation Center honored its two social workers, Nicole Hackman and Sherri Olson. Together, the two ladies provide psychosocial services at the center. 2004 The Columbus Firemans Park Complex was entered in the National Register of Historic Places and also listed in the Wisconsin State Register of Historic Places. The Columbus City Council approved a business license for Columbus Taxi, Inc. owned by Diane Breunig. Follow on Facebook at Columbus, WI Historical Society, email columbuswiareahistory.com or visit columbuswiareahistory.com. The Columbus WI Area Historical Society is looking for a home for its museum. If anyone has ideas on where to locate, contact David Komarck-Bennett, society president. With spring in full swing you may be thinking of clearing out items you may not use anymore and St. Vincent's thrift stores are doing their part by taking what you may not need off of your hands. Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada will be accepting gently used items to be sold in the St. Vincent thrift stores. They're looking for things like both men's and women's shoes and clothes, children's clothes, household items, children's toys, outdoor equipment and furniture. "Clearing your closets or storage units and donating your gently-used items assures our programs can work to mitigate the root causes of poverty: from lack of affordable housing and food scarcity to neighborhood inequalities and low wage jobs," said Marie Baxter, CEO of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada. "And 100% of the profit stays local. Purchasing items in the St. Vincent's Thrift Stores can help us offer a hand up for our most vulnerable populations." The proceeds generated from the sales of donated items at the thrift stores contribute to funding several poverty assistance programs run by Catholic Charities. Those include serving 1,300 daily hot meals in the St. Vincent's dining room, providing food through the food pantry and supporting the employment of program residents. "Every bag of clothing is going to be a donated meal or a box of food for a senior who is barely making it, or it's going to be something that's going to help a family move toward sustainability," said Baxter. Catholic Charities has multiple drop off centers for donors open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the week, you can find them by clicking here. You can also find the two locations of the St. Vincent's thrift stores at 500 East Fourth Street in Reno or St. Vincent's super thrift store is located at 190 E. Glendale Avenue in Sparks. The Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library at 4100 Montrose Blvd. is shown Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire has reversed the Houston Public Library's recent decision to close the system's Montrose branch, announcing that it will reopen on Monday. Rhea Lawson, the library system's then-director, announced two weeks ago that the Eleanor K. Freed-Montrose Neighborhood Library at 4100 Montrose would cease operations by March 28 due to "ongoing safety and facility issues that cannot be resolved in a timely manner." These issues included a malfunctioning elevator that failed to meet ADA accessibility standards, preventing public access to the second floor. Lawson initially described the closure as permanent, according to an email from her to library staff obtained by the Houston Landing. But Mary Benton, a spokesperson for the mayor's office, said Thursday that Lawson had shut down the branch without discussing the matter with the mayor in advance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "As soon as Mayor Whitmire was made aware of that decision, he knew it was wrong because he understood the librarys importance to the community," Benton said in a statement. "Mayor Whitmire directed his team to do some creative problem-solving to ensure the library could welcome the public back." Whitmire replaced Lawson with senior mayoral staffer Cynthia Wilson one day after the initial closure notice. His team told council members in an email that the leadership change was meant to help improve the library systems transparency, communication, and culture." Since then, the mayor has instructed library system leaders to develop a plan for the safe reopening of the branch, which is now scheduled to resume services on Monday, according to the latest announcement. CITY HALL SHAKEUP: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall This is not the first time the historic 16,500-square-foot library has been scrutinized. Over the years, city officials have struggled to address the aging facility's needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2013, the City Council approved a $7 million project to renovate the library over the following five years. The plan included new interior finishes, furniture, a new service desk and an upgraded mechanical system, among other improvements. It would have been the first major upgrade to the library since its opening in 1988. After identifying issues with the roof, plumbing and other utilities, however, the city halted the plan and decided to work on a new proposal to relocate the branch to a 150,000-square-foot mixed-use shopping center called the Montrose Collective. In 2019, City Council approved a land sale that paved the way for the relocation. Officials said in late March that construction at the new site at 1001 California Street is ongoing and expected to be completed this fall. The city added in its Thursday announcement that it does not yet have a specific date for the new locations grand opening. For the time being, the library at 4100 Montrose will continue to serve residents. Patrons will continue to have access to books, e-resources, computers, printing services and other offerings, although some areas will be restricted due to safety concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Registrar of Voters in Washoe County is seeking experienced poll workers to ensure a smooth and fair election process for the upcoming June primary. Washoe County will have a total of 48 polling locations and 24 early voting locations for the election. Currently, they are still looking for poll workers, especially those with experience. Right now, election-day staffing is 70 percent, and early elections staffing is 90 percent. Washoe County Interim Registrar of Voters Cari-Ann Burgess says the Election Worker Protection Act will help improve working conditions and attract experienced poll workers, particularly after the harassment many faced during the 2020 election. "Some of our employees were actually followed home. That's one of the things, they were followed home by some people, and they were actually harassed. They were not able to get into their driveways, they were not able to get into their homes," said Washoe County Registrar of the Voters Cari-Ann Burgess. On Wednesday, Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar released a statement after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the Election Worker Protection Act. The Nevada Legislature passed the Election Worker Protection Act as Senate Bill 406 in 2023, which Governor Joe Lombardo openly supported and signed into law. The bill criminalizes any form of harassment or intimidation of election workers, including sharing personal information about them or their families. Burgess is optimistic that the new law will encourage election workers to return after the 2020 election and help alleviate the shortage of election workers in the state. "If anybody is harassed, we can take it to court. Before, there weren't many teeth to it, but now we can. As soon as we make a complaint, the Secretary of State's office takes it seriously, and so does our sheriff's department. Our local law enforcement knows about it; they've seen it, and they've been a part of it," said Burgess. Police escorts will be on-site during the election and for early voting. Additionally, Washoe County has revamped its election worker training program, including updated equipment and a more hands-on approach for each trainee. "They (trainees) are going to do both sides of the table, so they will be able to see what the issues are, help them, and answer those questions. They will be able to see all of our forms. They're not draft forms; they are what we're going to be using in our polling locations, and so it's going to be as real as we can possibly get," said Burgess. Election Worker info: The office welcomes all applicants but prefers those with previous poll working experience. The office encourages anyone who has experience with greeting, intake, assistant management, and management. Interested in becoming an election worker? CLICK HERE to apply. 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 Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a press conference about his water bill improvement plan held at City Hall on Thursday, April 4, 2024, in Houston. Melissa Phillip/Staff Photographer Ask Houstonians about an unwelcome surprise theyve received in the last year, and odds are high that many will say an exorbitant water bill. Meanwhile, water leaks often linked to high water bills were the number one complaint in 2023, according to the citys 311 data. Other water and wastewater service issues ranked third and fourth, respectively, for top complaints in 2023. While former Mayor Sylvester Turner worked on a series of reforms to address water bills and leaks before leaving office in December, Mayor John Whitmire has prioritized water-related issues in his new administration and recently rolled out a plan to provide additional relief to residents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what residents need to know about why some of their water bills have been so high, and what steps the city is taking to help mitigate them. Why is my Houston water bill so high? Aging infrastructure has complicated city efforts to accurately charge customers for water usage. According to the Whitmire administration, Houston has around 125,000 water meter readers that are not functioning properly and need to be replaced. When water meter readers fail and there arent enough staffers able to read the meters manually, Houston Public Works charged with overseeing the citys water delivery and billing has estimated water usage. The algorithm used to estimate bills, though, is not always accurate and the process to dispute bills can be lengthy, city officials and residents say. Advertisement Article continues below this ad HOUSTON WATER BILLS: Houstonians battle soaring water bills as equipment failures and staff shortage complicate charges The problem has been compounded by leaking water pipes that also lead to higher water bills. Houston lost more than 30 billion gallons of water in 2022 due to leaks across the city, even though it paid more than $30 million to repair leaky pipes. How much is the average water bill in Houston? When the weather is temperate and there is normal rainfall, the average single-family home that has received city water for more than a year uses between 4,000 to 5,000 gallons of water per month, Houston Public Works spokesperson Erin Jones said. That averages out to $84 to $106 per month, according to the citys online bill estimator. However, Jones cautions that calculating the average water bill is complicated because a water bill will vary depending on if its for a residential or commercial building, if its an exceptionally hot or cold month, or if the city is experiencing a drought. Then there comes the usage and wastewater fees that are attached to water bills, which will also depend on how much water a customer uses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What is Mayor John Whitmire or Houston City Council doing to address high water bills? In early April, Whitmire introduced his long-awaited water bill improvement plan with the goal of helping customers with their exorbitant water bills. Whitmires plan addresses what he and other city leaders have referred to as the root of the billing issue broken water meter readers in need of replacement. Public Works will work to replace 125,000 of those meter readers by Jan. 1, 2025 under Whitmires water bill plan. Customers who have been using city water for less than a year will be charged based on Public Works average for new customers water usage 3,000 gallons a month. A typical bill for that amount of water use is about $45, according to the citys online water bill estimator. Customers who have been using city water for more than a year will be charged based on an average of up to three years of their previous bills, minus freezes and droughts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Once customers' meter readers are installed and working, if their bill comes back higher than normal, the city will eat the extra cost. If it comes back lower than normal, that customer will receive a credit to their account. How long has the city been trying to address high water bills? Before former Mayor Sylvester Turner left office in December, he introduced a series of nine ordinance changes aimed at providing water bill relief. TURNERS WATER REFORM: Houston water bill relief approved by City Council as complaints skyrocket Those ordinance changes, approved by City Council, removed the cap on the number of times residents could seek help from the city when they have water leaks and also incentivized customers who fixed leaks themselves. The changes also allow customers to have their meter locked for $150 if they arent using it, and unlocked for free if they decide to use it again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Additionally, the changes prevent Public Works from fixing a bill thats more than three months old unless that change is being made in the customers favor. How soon could Houston water bill relief come? Houstonians have already seen some water bill relief from Turners nine-part relief plan that passed in December. Since December, Public Works has helped more than 9,500 customers with their water bills and given out $9.3 million in relief, Jones said. Whitmires plan resetting water customers usage to an average of their previous billing cycles should reflect in their May 1 bills. What can I do to get help for an overpriced water bill? If you think youve been overcharged for your water bill, you can contest it by reaching out to Houston Public Works. Customers can call 713-371-1400 for customer service or email: customer.service@houstontx.gov. Theres also a link on the city website where customers can visit an online portal to not only view their bills, but create a service request to help with their bills. Water customers will also be able to take advantage of new customer service measures under Whitmires new plan. In-person customer appointments will be expanded, and customers will be provided a number to call on their water bill if the cost comes back higher than usual. At the heart of Ramadan lies the essence of Iftara sacred time that transcends mere sustenance, embodying the spirit of generosity, compassion, and communal unity. It is a cherished tradition where families and communities come together to break their fast, sharing not only a meal but also their blessings and goodwill with others. To celebrate the occasion of Ramadan, Barbeque Nation celebrated Iftar with underprivileged children from NGOs across five citiesBengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Hyderabadin a special initiative as part of the ongoing Ramadan Extravaganza food festival in its restaurants. More than 200 children from partner NGOs like Hope for Life Foundation and Building Blocks India- Bengaluru, Robin Hood Army-Mumbai and Kolkata, Khushiyan-Delhi, and Hope for Life Foundation- Hyderabad, were hosted to a warm Iftar in Barbeque Nation restaurants. The children thoroughly enjoyed the special dishes, including Chicken Pakoda, Sheer Khurma, and various other curated dishes for the Iftar Fest. What made this event truly special was the participation of Barbeque Nation regional team members and their families, who joined in to make the experience memorable and fulfilling for the children. Speaking of the initiative, Rahul Agrawal, CEO - Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd, said, Ramadan is the time to nurture unity, compassion, and inclusivity. Barbeque Nation is synonymous with celebrations, and having the Iftar meal with the children was all about bringing the community together and spreading joy. We are truly delighted to conclude the month-long Ramzan festival with the Iftar Fest initiative. It not only touched the hearts of these children but also helped us to build new connections and make lasting memories by sharing an experience filled with food, warmth, laughter, fun and music." For more information about Barbeque Nation and its initiatives, please visit https://www.barbequenation.com/ Just days before the first phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on April 19, 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its latest campaign Sapne Nahi Hakikat Bunte Hai Tabhi Sab Modi Ko Chunte Hai. The over three-minute long campaign takes a pan-India tour, highlighting the developmental work done by the Modi-led Government over its two tenures. Be it women empowerment, digital payments, gas cylinders for poor households, encouraging the youth of this country, Modi Ka Parivar, infrastructure developments, empowering the farmers, embracing the North-East and Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh into mainstream India, and much more all find mention in the musical paean to Modis achievements. This campaign is in sharp contrast to earlier social media campaigns that hit out at the Opposition and their failures, used memes, and were edgier. The ad film uses visual imagery to get its message across instead of a vocal narrative or smart alec humour. Several iconic monuments are depicted be it the Statue of Unity, the recently opened Ram Mandir in Ayodhya or the Atal Setu in Mumbai. Indias rich cultural heritage also finds mention as the visuals cover classical dances like Kathak and Odissi, folk dances like Garba, Giddha presenting a One India message. Brand Catapult, a digital marketing agency started in the year 2015 as a strategy and design-focused studio, was created out of the need for a credible marketing partnership with expertise knowledge, business sense, and ownership. So far, it has worked on some intriguing projects in more than 45 industries such as fashion, retail, e-commerce, food & beverage, travel, education, logistics, consumer electronics, real estate, retail, hospitality, nightlife, automobile, and others. The team behind Brand Catapult comprises of marketing professionals, thinkers, designers, strategists, and a set of doers. It has been assisting brands in crafting some amazing experiences for their consumers over the years, acting as their heroes. In conversation with Adgully, Dhruv Goel, Founder and Managing Director, Brand Catapult, speaks about how Brand Catapult has transformed itself from a niche marketing consultancy to a full-service agency, expanding in as many as eight countries, including India, US, UK, Canada, UAE, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia, achieving organic growth backed by extraordinary work and client referrals. He also highlights how there is a rapid transition in the landscape in numerous industries, mostly navigated by evolving consumer preferences, technological progress, and global marketing dynamics. What is the origin of Brand Catapult? How did its journey begin? Brand Catapults journey began in 2015. Motivated by a drive to carve my path, I delved into entrepreneurship, drawing upon insights from my family's business. It was during this time that I discovered my true passion for marketing. Each stride forward, fuelled by a thirst for growth and guided by a vision of impact, transformed Brand Catapult from an idea into a thriving reality. Our evolution from a niche marketing consultancy to a full-service agency reflects not only our adaptability, but also our relentless commitment to excellence. Drawing from diverse international experiences, we expanded across borders, gaining firsthand insights into global markets. From our modest beginnings in Delhi, we have grown our footprint across 8 countries, a testament to our organic growth driven by client referrals and exceptional work. Our journey epitomizes perseverance, innovation, and the transformative power of pursuing ones dreams. Who are the people behind building Brand Catapult? The individuals behind building Brand Catapult comprise a diverse team who have contributed significantly to our journey. Each person has played a vital role, offering unique insights and expertise that have propelled our company's growth. Thriving under my guidance alongside Nishil Jain, a managing partner who leads different verticals with expertise, I, a marketing connoisseur and University of Bradford alumnus, serve as the visionary Founder & Managing Partner, driving strategic initiatives. Nishil ensures smooth operations, adding essence to the agency's functionality, while our team comprises experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds, complemented by young, ambitious talent. Their collective efforts and contributions have been instrumental in shaping Brand Catapult into what it is today. What are the shifting landscapes in numerous industries that are driven by advancements in technology, changing consumer preferences, and global market dynamics? The landscape across various industries is rapidly shifting, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer preferences, and global market dynamics. Particularly in the digital sphere, the marketing landscape has become fiercely dynamic and competitive. With the profound influence of digital technologies, brands, and agencies face intensified pressure to deliver results for clients. The accessibility of vast information has elevated marketing efforts tenfold.While effectual communication channels augment marketing initiatives, they also add to the market clutter. In this digitally open environment, brands compete for attention, posing challenges for agencies to assist their clients in standing out in the market. Furthermore, with consumers gaining more awareness, it becomes important for the agency to reinvent its marketing strategies on a continual basis. How are these industry shifts having a direct effect on brands, needing them for reassessing their marketing strategies and for adapting to newer paradigms? Market dynamics continually evolve, necessitating brands to recalibrate marketing strategies and align with emerging trends. While some effortlessly navigate these shifts, others face potential obsolescence. Proactive brands collaborate closely with agencies, fostering innovation. A notable example is the uptick in business and brand photoshoots, transitioning from annual occurrences to frequent monthly sessions, indicative of a more proactive marketing stance. This highlights the importance for businesses to explore fresh marketing channels and cultivate a culture of perpetual innovation to stay relevant amidst changing market landscapes. Such adaptability is key to leveraging emerging opportunities for sustained growth and competitiveness. What is the important role of marketing in the navigation of industrial evolution? Marketing plays a crucial role in guiding industrial evolution by enabling businesses to differentiate and thrive in emerging markets. New product categories and industries often rely heavily on marketing to establish brands and drive adoption. For instance, the rise of quick commerce, a concept unimaginable years ago, now flourishes due to robust marketing strategies. Marketing fuels growth by generating demand, sustaining operations, and fostering customer acquisition. Investing in marketing helps businesses grow and provide excellent service, crucial for long-term success in the industry. Thus, marketing's strategic engagement propels industrial evolution by creating opportunities, driving innovation, and expanding market reach. Who comprises the target group of Brand Catapult, and what is its focus? Brand Catapult specializes in catering to businesses aspiring to establish themselves as prominent brands. Our agency provides an extensive array of services spanning diverse sectors. From strategic branding consultancy to cutting-edge technological solutions including app and website development, particularly focusing on e-commerce platforms. Our proficiency extends to various marketing domains such as social media, performance, PR, and influencer marketing. Furthermore, our internal expertise encompasses CGI, product modelling, and design services, complemented by an in-house studio dedicated to photography and videography. At Brand Catapult, we prioritize a well-rounded approach to brand enhancement, valuing each aspect equally to meet the diverse needs of its clients. How is it advancing through innovation in the industry? At Brand Catapult, our innovation is driven by our extensive international exposure and research. Operating in eight countries, we gain insights into diverse market dynamics, communication styles, and consumer mindsets. This broad perspective enables us to implement cutting-edge technology and strategies tailored to each unique market. Leveraging this knowledge, we continuously advance and stay ahead in the industry, offering unparalleled solutions to our clients worldwide. What is the marketing strategy of Brand Catapult and its marketing mix? Brand Catapult adopts an organic marketing strategy focused on showcasing exemplary work to attract customers and talent. With a lean approach to self-promotion, the agency emphasizes the quality of its services as a primary marketing tactic, relying on word-of-mouth and reputation to drive growth. What are the growth projections of Brand Catapult and how was the year 2023 for it? In 2023, Brand Catapult experienced a 35% growth, expanding into new markets. The year marked success, setting the stage for ambitious growth projections in 2024. With plans to enlarge the team and establish additional offices, the agency anticipates continued expansion and heightened market presence in the coming year. Here is the website of Brand Catapult : https://brandcatapult.in/ Joli Jacob, Regional Chief Creative Officer at Havas Singapore, has been selected to join the jury of the Innovation Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, taking place from June 17 to June 21, 2024. In a LinkedIn post, Jacob expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, mentioning the honor of being among industry leaders and experiencing cutting-edge work. He also highlighted the special treatment he and his family have received from Cannes Lions in the past, including a custom delegate pass for his eight-year-old daughter, making her the youngest delegate ever. Jacob, who also serves as Creative Partner at BLKJ Havas, joins a distinguished group of industry experts from 54 markets, representing a diverse range of disciplines on the Awarding Jury. Captain Steel India Limited, India's innovative steel manufacturer, announced the appointment of Amar Prakash as its National Head - Marketing and Strategy (SLM). With over two decades of dynamic leadership in marketing, Prakash will bring a wealth of experience in steering large teams and crafting innovative marketing strategies across diverse sectors on a nationwide scale. In his new endeavour with Captain Steel India Limited, Prakash will be bringing TMT category closer to consumers, making it a more involved category and help in growing the Brand Equity of Captain Steel. His focus will be on leveraging consumer and trade insights to build an engaging 360-degree sales & marketing ecosystem, creating a comprehensive communication strategy for the brand and work towards national aspiration of Captain Steel India Limited by rapidly scaling up. "Amar Prakashs expertise in diverse categories will be instrumental in elevating Captain Steel to a leading national platform, aligning with our vision for innovative products and winning markets with a strong customer-centric approach", said Abinash Mishra, Chief Marketing Officer, Captain Steel India Limited. "I eagerly look forward to this exciting journey with Captain Steel India Limited', said Amar Prakash. In his last organisation, Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, Amar Prakash has significantly contributed towards transitioning Cement Category from Commodity to Brand. During his tenure, Amar spearheaded remarkable transformation of the value-for-money brand 'Konark Cement' by successful repositioning into an emotionally resonant powerhouse. Also working on Brand architecture, he successfully launched and established the mass premium brand 'Konark DSP,' later elevating it to a premium status as 'Dalmia DSP. His strategic leadership extended to heading marketing & strategy for New Building Solutions and driving blended change conversion in the IS Business, showcasing his versatility and acumen. Prakashs professional journey is marked by his proficiency in vibrant industries such as Cement, Telecom and Advertising as he worked with Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, Reliance Communications Limited and Sistema Shyam Teleservices Limited. His keen insight into consumer needs, coupled with his adeptness in rural marketing, has consistently propelled brands towards success. Amar is credited with creating synergy of radical innovation & process orientation. Captain Steel India Limited is confident that with Amar Prakashs dynamism, they will continue their ambitious growth trajectory, product innovations, and product leadership. eClerx Services Ltd (eClerx) has announced the appointment of Manish Sharma as its new Chief Revenue Officer. Manish will play a pivotal role in driving the company's growth agenda while serving as a strategic business partner across the senior management team. He will be based in New York. With a focus on scalable and sustainable revenue generation, Manish will leverage his extensive experience to identify and capitalize on market trends, optimize eClerx's offerings, and expand capabilities. Drawing upon his proven leadership and deep understanding of various industries, Manish will build and nurture relationships to drive growth with clients and prospects. Prior to joining eClerx, Manish held key leadership positions at Infosys BPM, where he most recently served as the Head of Banking and Financial Services for the Americas. During his tenure, Manish achieved remarkable success, overseeing significant business growth, winning multiple deals, and enhancing client relationships through integrated solutions. Before his time at Infosys, Manish spent 13 years at Citigroup, where he held various leadership roles. His diverse background and comprehensive industry knowledge make him a valuable addition to the eClerx leadership team. Speaking on the appointment, Group CEO of eClerx, Kapil Jain said, We are thrilled to welcome Manish Sharma to eClerx. His strategic acumen and impressive track record of driving growth, delivering results and building relationships will be instrumental in propelling eClerx forward in our growth journey and staying relevant for our clients. This is an exciting time to be at eClerx, said Manish. Im impressed with eClerxs portfolio of industry-leading clients, the focus on executional excellence and transformation, and the trust built with clients. I look forward to working closely with the team to expand the impact eClerx can make to business outcomes for clients. Over the last 9 years, Ariel India has continuously sparked conversations around the unequal division of domestic chores within households and urging more and more men to #ShareTheLoad. As society progresses, men have increasingly recognized the importance of supporting their partners equally. Since we began this journey in 2015, the percentage of men who believed that household chores, like laundry, are solely a woman's job has drastically decreased from 79% to 25%*. However, acknowledging the need for further progress, Ariel is driving the conversation forward to encourage men to not only accept the physical aspect of household chores but also to act as a team at home to share the mental load. This collective effort will significantly contribute to men earning the trust of their partners by stepping up, ensuring that she can confidently step out into the world. This year, Ariel poses a pertinent question How strong is your HomeTeam? By urging men to #ShareTheLoad, Ariel aims to foster a culture of equal ownership and accountability of household chores between husbands and wives, seamlessly integrating both the physical and mental aspects of running a household. Panellist at Ariel #ShareTheLoad 7th edition film launch The mental load of household responsibilities often goes unnoticed for many women, despite men increasingly taking on tasks and households seeking domestic assistance. A study commissioned by Ariel revealed that three out of every four women(75%*) find it difficult to mentally disengage from these responsibilities, affecting their health, relationships, and career advancement. As more women enter the workforce and nuclear households become prevalent, the need to share the load becomes even more critical. It's imperative to ask whether men can shoulder not just the physical but also the mental responsibilities of household management in her absence, fostering a more equitable partnership. Moreover, men must actively strive to earn the woman's trust by consistently demonstrating their commitment, reliability, and capability in handling household duties. In Ariel's latest film, 'HomeTeams #ShareTheLoad,' the focus is on fostering a team dynamic within households and reiterating household chores as a collective responsibility. It poses a vital question to men through the story of Aisha, a professional balancing her career and home responsibilities. Aisha's apprehension about leaving for a work trip in Singapore reflects a common dilemma for women, who often worry about their partners' ability to handle household chores in their absence. However, a heartening turn occurs when Aisha's boss encourages her to leverage her HomeTeam just as effectively as her work teams. This emphasizes the potential for achieving larger objectives together and highlights the profound influence of teamwork in both personal and professional realms. The film underscores how small moments can lead to significant shifts in perspective, serving as a testament to men who may just need a gentle push to genuinely aspire to be equal partners, overcoming societal conditioning or lack of awareness. The campaign launch event that happened yesterday brought together a distinguished panel comprising of Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor, actress Sonam Kapoor, Mukta Maheshwari, Chief Marketing Officer at P&G India and Vice President - Fabric Care, P&G Indian subcontinent; and Josy Paul, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer at BBDO India. The panelists shared personal anecdotes and insights into the significance of genuine partnership and equal participation in household chores. Anand Ahuja, Sonam Kapoor's husband, exemplified true partnership by actively taking care of household responsibilities while Sonam attended the event. Despite not being physically present, Anand participated via video call and reassured Sonam that he had everything under control at home. His actions highlighted the importance of shared responsibilities and genuine teamwork within a relationship, showcasing how both partners can support each other in balancing professional and domestic duties. At the campaign launch event, Anil Kapoor delivered a powerful message on the evolving dynamics of gender roles and the essence of genuine partnership within relationships. Reflecting on his own journey, Anil Kapoor emphasized, In my journey, I have witnessed the evolution of gender roles and the importance of mutual respect and genuine teamwork in a relationship. Sunita, my wife, has been my equal partner, demonstrating unwavering support and understanding throughout. Our partnership is built on the foundation of mutual respect and shared responsibilities. Seeing couples like Sonam and Anand, or Rhea and Karan, embrace the ethos of genuine partnership reaffirms my belief in the power of teamwork at home. It's heartening to see how these younger couples are reshaping the narrative and inspiring others to do the same. As society progresses, so too should our relationships. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow as a partner, ensuring that together, we share the load and support each other in every aspect of our lives. Bollywood actor Sonam Kapoor shared her perspective on the significance of genuine partnership and shared responsibilities within her household. She expressed, "In our household, Anand and I believe in genuine partnership and shared responsibilities. This campaign resonates deeply with us because it reflects the values we hold dear - mutual respect, understanding, and shared responsibility. Its about recognizing that true partnership isnt just about dividing tasks; its about lifting each other up and creating a harmonious environment where both partners can thrive. Proudly aligning herself with the movement, Sonam Kapoor added, "I'm proud to be part of a movement that encourages people everywhere to embrace genuine partnership and redefine traditional gender roles. Because when we share the load, we pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future." Her words echoed the campaign's core message of reshaping societal norms and promoting mutual support and cooperation within relationships, inspiring couples to embark on the journey towards a more balanced and inclusive partnership. During the campaign launch event, Mukta Maheshwari, Chief Marketing Officer, P&G India, and Vice President - Fabric Care, P&G Indian subcontinent, said, At Ariel, we are committed to creating an ecosystem at home that empowers and enables women. Our mission goes beyond providing superior cleaning products; we aim to foster genuine partnership and equality within households. By understanding the evolving needs of consumers, we strive to rewrite the narrative of gender roles and empower both men and women to share responsibilities equitably. This year, through initiatives like #ShareTheLoad, our aspiration is to cultivate households where it's equally common for men and women to not only share the physical chores like laundry but also share the mental load of household responsibilities. Josy Paul, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer, BBDO India, remarked, # ShareTheLoad is not just an advertising campaign; its a silent revolution thats changing the way Indian society perceives household chores between couples. Each year we uncover a hidden truth. Our deep listening process, in collaboration with the team at P&G Ariel, helps us sense the mood of the nation, the home, and the individual. This year we are hearing more and more women say they are giving up on growth opportunities because of the mental and emotional load of domestic responsibilities. This holds many women back and stops them from achieving their full potential. But things are changing. There are so many moments in the film that show us this reality and how the shift is happening. In the end, the film captures the realization of the husband and the effort he puts in to ensure his wife doesn't have to take a step back at work. A giant step for equality at home. As Ariel India embarks on the 7th edition of its #ShareTheLoad campaign, it reaffirms its commitment to championing equality, fostering genuine partnership, and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Adgully has been turning the spotlight on the entrepreneurs who fought against all odds to bring their dreams to fruition in our special series START-UP STARS. We at Adgully wholeheartedly support the Vocal for Local movement and have been featuring numerous local/ homegrown businesses, brands, and Apps in the country launched in the last few years. In conversation with Adgully, Dhanashree Mandhani, Founder & CEO, Salam Kisan, speaks about the growth and entrepreneurial journey of Salam Kisan, venturing into a challenging field like agritech, empowering farmers across the country, and more. Could you tell us about your journey as an entrepreneur? What motivated you to establish Salam Kisan? It was during my time at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2019 that I realized the immense difference between the farming ecosystems in India and the United States. While farmers in India earned less than $3,000 each year, those in America earned an average of anything between $60,000 and $180,000. Looking at this disparity, I decided to further get insights and pursued an internship at an agricultural-based company in India. It led me to set up a call center, through which I interacted with over 100 farmers and more than 50 professionals in the sector. These conversations helped me understand the challenges that they faced on the ground. After keenly observing our nations agricultural operations for around 8 months, I realized that we can improve farmer productivity and profitability through technological adoption. Hence, Salam Kisan was established, an agritech platform that facilitates data-driven decision-making from pre-sowing to post-harvest for farmers across the country. We bring together different stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to fill the gaps in the sector. What was the need of Salam Kisan from a consumers perspective? What is the core business proposition? The agritech sector in India has huge potential for growth and evolution. While the demand for food is increasing, climate volatility is impacting the yield. In this scenario, the need to support our farmers with tech-enabled innovative solutions for better yields is much greater. Precision agriculture, digital advisory, and predictive analytics can bring multi-fold transformation by improving productivity and sustainability across crops, soil types, and farm sizes. This is exactly what we are striving to offer with Salam Kisan. We are taking the lead in the ongoing agricultural revolution in India by developing comprehensive, data-driven solutions for the farming community. With a successful track record of improving lives in Maharashtra through our app-based solutions, we are ideally situated to expand across the country. Our main objective is to empower Indian farmers through an integrated agritech platform that provides everything from hyperlocal weather alerts, tailored crop advising, access to inputs and financing, and end-to-end market connections. What are your key learnings so far? How do you see the Salam Kisan ecosystem progressing in 2024? In this journey of establishing Salam Kisan as a business that empowers farmers across the country, I have learnt numerous lessons. One of the many lessons includes adapting to business and market needs while keeping track of ongoing trends to gain a competitive edge. Since we are in the agritech industry, it is even more important to continuously evolve with tech developments and stay attuned to farmers needs to build suitable solutions. For that, I make it a priority to study market insights weekly. The aim is to increase productivity and profitability through data-driven practices, transparent market linkages, affordable agri-services, and timely precision advisory. Since we are trying to address a challenge as immense as ensuring food security, my approach is usually breaking it down into smaller manageable pieces and tackling them systematically, one at a time. For now, we have started by leveraging data-driven farming practices to increase yield as well as offering access to the transparent marketplace for enhanced profitability. Our affordable precision agricultural services make farming productive and profitable for farmers. By methodically resolving these interconnected aspects in a supply chain, we are working to progressively inch closer to empowering Indias farmers and food security. Another lesson that Ive learnt is that staying ahead of the curve and beating the curve is a lot about looking at the most efficient, seamless ways to solve the problem. This is why throughout our comprehensive solutions we focus a lot on whether we are solving the problem in the most efficient way possible, from every front including process, product, cost and time efficiency. We constantly evaluate our solutions from this lens. Never being complacent and always learning is key for progress. As our business models accuracy relies on the data we have access to, we plan to continue focusing on curating authentic real-time datasets and best practices directly from the farming community going ahead. This is the primary reason why our current efforts are solely concentrated within Maharashtra. Once we have established a robust success story and proven track record in this state, we will consider expanding our operations to other regions. In 2024, after scaling up in Maharashtra, we target deeper penetration on both the input and output front. Were planning to collect more data to improve the accuracy of our calendars for enhancing our precision agriculture tools. Also, we will be introducing financial services by conducting eligibility checks and connecting farmers with relevant banks for availing loans. This fiscal year, we intend to make our drone services accessible in more districts, while adding drone-enabled seed spraying and crop monitoring to our offerings. What were the challenges that you faced in your start-up journey and how did you overcome them? I established Salam Kisan when I was 20 years old and in college. I was initially told not to venture into a challenging field like agritech, primarily because of my age, gender, and lack of prior work experience. Some people even said that I was being too ambitious since I was trying to create an impact across the entire agricultural supply chain. It was chaotic to balance both work and school, but it was important to ensure that people in the business took me seriously despite my age. The only way to overcome these challenges was to keep showing up, learning continuously, and trusting myself. Despite all the challenges that I face even today, I know that we can democratize data-driven agriculture through the work that we are driving at Salam Kisan. What are your plans for the year ahead? Salam Kisan is driven by the ambition to positively influence rural communities in India. Being a tech-driven platform, we see the Indian agritech sectors potential to become a $34 billion market by 2027 as an opportunity to contribute to its growth. Our focus will continue to be on pioneering research in frontier agritech, whether its about using AI-enabled image recognition for crop disease monitoring or employing satellite data and ML models for yield forecasting. Through our offerings, we also hope to influence other agricultural segments such as residue-free farming, precision agriculture, farm-to-fork integration, and improved use of big data in agriculture in the year ahead. All in all, farmers needs remain at the center of our innovation. Ashish Babu, a seasoned professional with nearly 16 years of experience at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been elevated to the role of Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Global Markets. Babu, who previously spearheaded TCS' marketing efforts in Europe and the UK as Chief Marketing Officer, will now lead strategic initiatives across a diverse range of markets including North America, Europe, UK, MEA, Latam, Japan, ANZ, and APAC. In his new capacity, Babu will focus on driving TCS' brand presence, reputation, and growth trajectory across these critical markets. He brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from his tenure at TCS, where he held various roles including Head of Communications in India and Interim Brand Director for Europe, among others. Babu's journey at TCS reflects a trajectory of growth and leadership, underscored by his dynamic contributions to the company's marketing endeavors. Prior to joining TCS, Babu honed his skills at renowned organizations such as Genesis Burson Marsteller, Hanmer MSL, Weber Shandwick, and Tata Sky, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of communications and brand management. Commenting on his new role, Babu expressed his excitement, stating, "I'll be leading strategic initiatives across diverse global markets to drive TCS' brand, reputation, and growth. I am eager to collaborate with the incredible team and report to TCS' Global CMO, Abhinav Kumar." This announcement comes on the heels of a recent leadership rejig at TCS in 2023, wherein Abhinav Kumar assumed the role of Global Chief Marketing Officer. Tucker Carlson's recent interview segment on Christians' role in the war between Israel and Hamas triggered backlash from the right. File photos U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw is settling scores with an old nemesis, publicly blasting former Fox News host Tucker Carlson as a click-chaser and cowardly, know-nothing elitist who is full of s. The Houston Republican on Wednesday joined a list of conservative commentators angry with Carlson for airing allegations on his still-influential interview program that Israels war against Hamas is hurting Christians in Gaza and Benjamin Netanyahus supporters in Congress are ignoring it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A consistent but almost never noted theme of American foreign policy is that it is always the Christians who suffer, Carlson said on his Tucker Carlson Uncensored program, which runs on the social media site X. When theres a war abroad that the United States is funding, it is Christians who tend to die disproportionately. Carlson went on to interview an Evangelical Lutheran pastor from Bethlehem who said politicians know little about what is happening on the ground and suggested Americans were helping support Israels damage to Christian communities. The interview has been met with wide criticism from supporters of Israel who accuse Carlson of intentionally pitting Christians against Jews to create divisions in the United States. John Podhoretz, a conservative commentator and former speechwriter for George H.W. Bush, called Carlsons interview Anti Semite filth. Others on the right have accused Carlson of fanning anti-Israeli sentiment. Crenshaw, an ardent supporter of Israel in its war against Hamas, went on social media to blast Carlson for using his platform to sow doubt and paranoia and false narratives. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This nonsense about Christian mistreatment in Israel is just the latest example, Crenshaw said. Tucker will eventually fade into nothingness because his veneer of faux intellectualism is quickly falling apart and revealing who he truly is: a cowardly, know-nothing elitist who is full of s. Carlson has been a frequent critic of Crenshaw, especially over the representatives support for Ukraine in its war against Russia. At one point, Carlson started calling Crenshaw eye patch McCain, a reference to the eye injury Crenshaw sustained as a Navy SEAL fighting in Afghanistan and former U.S. Sen. John McCain, whom Carlson frequently accused of being too pro-war. Carlson was fired from Fox in 2023 just days after the network settled a blockbuster defamation lawsuit brought by Dominion Voting Systems. Carlson has since tried to create his own media empire on social media. Crenshaw represents the 2nd Congressional District, which includes parts of Harris and Montgomery counties. He was first elected to Congress in 2018 and just won his primary election in March. He faces Democrat Peter Filler in November. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crenshaw followed his comments on social media with an interview on Fox News in which he called out the Biden administration for sending mixed messages over the war in Israel. He said that all of it is feeding into Hamas long-term strategy that counts on support for Israel to splinter. They try to draw out the fight as long as possible and watch international support wane, Crenshaw told host Neil Cavuto. The war started on Oct. 7 when Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack, mostly civilians. Palestinian militants took around 250 people hostage. Israeli bombardments and ground offensives have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians in Gaza and wounded 74,993, the Health Ministry says. The ministry doesnt differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Whoppl at the forefront of India's content-to-commerce revolution, embarks on a global journey by forging strategic alliances with their counterparts, Hotice Inc. in Japan, Grown Media in France, andKobe in Singapore. Serving as their only partners in India currently, Whoppl is committed to meet all their unique requirements in the market. The partnerships with entities in Japan, France, Singapore solidify Whoppl's position as a global player in the content-to-commerce space. This expansion is not just about supporting local influencers and amplifying reach; it's about fostering collaborations that transcend borders, giving Whoppl an opportunity to broaden its business and work with clients globally. Ramya Ramachandran, Founder and CEO of Whoppl, expresses her excitement about this milestone, stating, "We see this as a strategic move to continue evolving our capabilities in the fast-moving creator ecosystem. Our vision is to create a truly borderless creator ecosystem, and these alliances mark the first steps towards that reality. We believe in the power of collaboration to elevate the influencer economy globally. Global expansion is a symphony of collaboration, where every partnership harmonizes to create a world where content and commerce intertwine seamlessly. We are extremely happy to operate on a global canvas, and we look forward to very exciting times ahead." Evangeline Leong, Founder of Kobe Singapore excitedly shares, I believe this partnership in the creator economy holds immense potential for fostering innovation, diversity, and global reach. This opens doors to cross-cultural content that resonates with audiences worldwide, while also expanding creators & brand's access to international markets driving the evolution of the borderless creator economy. Together, Whoppl & Kobe's alliance paves the way for collaborative campaigns, innovative strategies, and the establishment of industry standards, shaping a more dynamic and inclusive landscape for creators and audiences alike globally. This move signifies not only a geographical expansion but also a commitment to redefine the boundaries of the creator ecosystem and influencer economy. It also serves Whoppls ambitious plans to continue growing its presence on the continent that delivers real impact and value in a way that speaks to local audiences. WPP and Google Cloud are teaming up to revolutionize marketing by combining Google's Gemini models with WPP Open, WPPs AI-driven marketing platform. This platform is already in use by over 35,000 WPP employees and has been embraced by major clients like The Coca-Cola Company, LOreal, and Nestle. By combining Google's deep expertise in data analytics, generative AI (gen AI) technology and cyber security with WPP's end-to-end marketing capabilities, global creative scale and understanding of its clients brands, this partnership seeks to drive a step-change in marketing efficiency and effectiveness. As part of the collaboration, Google Cloud's advanced gen AI tools will be used with WPP's proprietary marketing and advertising data. This will enable WPPs clients to create brand- and product-specific content using gen AI, to gain deeper insights into their target audiences, to accurately predict and explain content effectiveness, and to optimise campaigns with ongoing adaptive processes. Applying WPPs decades of experience serving enterprise clients, WPP Open integrates with any client, partner or technology vendor to create optimised and automated marketing capabilities. The inaugural phase of the partnership is focusing on the development of the following four innovative use cases: Enhanced creativity with WPP Open Creative Studio: WPP has integrated Google's Gemini 1.5 Pro technology into Creative Studio, its gen AI app that is part of WPP Open and which helps with tasks such as writing headlines and turning a sketch into an image. Gemini 1.5 Pros large context window, which allows it to run one million tokens of information consistently, means that more brand content and guidelines can be used for prompts, such as a brands colour palette, fonts, voice, and even past marketing campaigns. This enables the development of much richer and dynamic user interfaces, and by understanding the brand better, more creative and on-brand content can be developed. Smarter content optimisation: WPP has upgraded its AI Performance Brain a service that uses AI to predict how well marketing content will perform by integrating Gemini 1.5 Pro to improve the way the system predicts the success of marketing content, even ahead of campaign activation. This upgrade makes predictions faster and far more accurate, and enables reasoning behind the predictions, which offers superior recommendations to improve content. This powerful tool has the potential to free up millions of dollars for brands to re-invest in only the best performing campaigns. AI narration: WPP is taking video description solutions to the next level by pioneering real-time streaming capabilities for both description and narration. The system uses Gemini 1.5 Pro to automatically create customisable video narration scripts. These scripts are then sent to ElevenLabs, a WPP partner, which generates a realistic voice for the narration. This process makes video creation faster, more efficient, and allows for a personalised touch. Hyper-realistic product representation: WPP is redefining product representation using gen AI to create better product images. This system uses Gemini 1.5 Pro and Universal Scene Description 3D file formats to not only understand a brand's style guidelines (logos, fonts, colours, etc.), but to also incorporate an actual product's shape, design, and packaging. The result is a detailed 3D and brand-compliant product image that's perfect for marketing and advertising. Stephan Pretorius, Chief Technology Officer at WPP, said: "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in marketing innovation. Our integration of Gemini 1.5 Pro into WPP Open has significantly accelerated our gen AI innovation and enables us to do things we could only dream of a few months ago. With Gemini models, we are not only able to enhance traditional marketing tasks but also to integrate the end-to-end marketing process for continuous, adaptive optimisation. I believe this will be a game-changer for our clients and the marketing industry at large. Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, said: AI has the potential to unlock new levels of effectiveness for marketers, whether it is optimising campaigns, automating repetitive tasks like brand descriptions, or sparking entirely new ideas. This partnership brings the power of Google Clouds gen AI capabilities together with WPPs marketing domain expertise to help our mutual customers create better campaigns that resonate with consumers in a deeper way. The move forms part of WPPs ongoing annual investment of 250 million in AI, data and technology, and its strategy to capitalise on its lead in the space by partnering with AI experts like Google. Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports Bern, 11.04.2024 - President Viola Amherd and Ethiopias President Sahle-Work Zewde opened the third International Cooperation Forum (IC Forum) on Thursday, 11 April, in Basel. At a bilateral meeting, they discussed the extensive relations between Switzerland and Ethiopia as well as security issues in Europe and Africa. The IC Forum, which is organised by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), is taking place this year under the motto What is peace? and is dedicated to building peace. During their meeting, the Ethiopian president and the president of the Swiss Confederation commended the development of bilateral relations between their countries. President Amherd emphasised the growing influence of the African countries in global politics and the opportunities for economic exchange. She referred to Switzerland's first Sub-Saharan Africa Strategy, which highlights Ethiopia's key role in the development of East Africa and the region's economic potential. Switzerland's commitment to the region was also discussed. The SDC is present in Ethiopia as part of the cooperation programme for the Horn of Africa. One of the aims of the programme is to create more stable livelihoods for the population in the arid south-east regions of the country. Cooperation with the African Union (AU), whose headquarters are located in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, is also important from a Swiss perspective. In particular, Switzerland supports the instruments of the African Peace and Security Architecture, which is co-sponsored by the AU. During the talks, President Amherd also emphasised Switzerland's commitment to the multilateral system at global level within the framework of the UN. Another key topic was the situation in Ethiopia after implementation of the 2022 Pretoria Agreement, ending the two-year civil war in the Tigray region. Security issues in East Africa, in particular the civil war in Sudan, were also discussed. A further focus of the talks was the security situation in Europe and the Russian war against Ukraine. President Amherd explained the objectives of the planned conference on peace in Ukraine and stressed that a large part of the international community would need to be involved in order to develop a common understanding for a successful peace process. 2024 IC Forum: Peace support at the heart of the discussions In her speech at the opening of the IC Forum, President Amherd spoke about Switzerland's commitment to peace policy within the UN and to civilian and military peace support. She emphasised that Switzerland is committed to a peaceful and just international order at all levels: To achieve this, peace support instruments must work together and all sectors must be involved. We must work step by step to improve the situation, even if we are unfortunately a long way from a peaceful world at present. We must strive for improvements, however small. The IC Forum in Basel lasts until Friday. Over 900 participants from politics, civil society and the public and private sectors will be exchanging views on current challenges and prospects in international cooperation, with 800 more taking part online. Address for enquiries DDPS Communications +41 58 464 50 58 kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch Publisher Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports http://www.vbs.admin.ch Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research Bern, 11.04.2024 - The trip will take place from 15 to 17 April and focus on various economic, scientific and space-related topics. The programme in Washington DC includes talks with the NASA space agency and representatives of Swiss companies operating in the USA. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, will travel to Washington DC from 15 to 17 April together with a high-level science and business delegation. The USA is an important partner for Switzerland in both science and business. The USA is the largest export destination for Swiss goods and services, ahead of Germany. Switzerland is also the third-largest foreign investor in research and development in the USA. For researchers in Switzerland, US players are by far the most important partners for the joint publication of scientific papers. The USA and Switzerland can look back on a long history of successful cooperation in the aerospace industry. For example, one of the first scientific experiments on the moon, as part of the Apollo missions, was a solar wind sail from the University of Bern. Both countries are also involved in the International Space Station (ISS). Maintaining and further strengthening these good relations is the aim of Mr Parmelin's visit to the USA. A visit to NASA headquarters underscores Switzerland's interest in existing and future cooperation with the USA in the fields of space research and industry. Address for enquiries GS-EAER Communications info@gs-wbf.admin.ch +41 58 462 20 07 Publisher Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research http://www.wbf.admin.ch State Secretariat for Economic Affairs http://www.seco.admin.ch State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation http://www.sbfi.admin.ch State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation Bern, 11.04.2024 - On 9 and 10 April, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation (ERI), met with Polish government representatives in Warsaw. She opened the kick-off event of the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme. The visit to Warsaw will strengthen bilateral relations between Switzerland and Poland in the ERI sector. Ms Hirayama, accompanied by a scientific delegation, took part in various events and bilateral meetings during her one and a half day working visit. On 10 April, she launched the Polish-Swiss research and innovation programme together with representatives of the Polish government. The programme is being carried out as part of the second Swiss contribution to selected EU member states, which include Poland. Switzerland is investing CHF 35 million in this programme until 2029. Innosuisse and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) are also involved in its implementation. Tools and participation opportunities for researchers and innovation stakeholders from both countries were presented at the kick-off event. In bilateral talks, Ms Hirayama and the Swiss delegation exchanged views with representatives of the Polish ministries responsible for the ERI sector. Cooperation under the European Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation and opportunities for increased bilateral cooperation in vocational education and training were high on the agenda. Switzerland and Poland maintain good bilateral relations in the ERI sector. At the end of 2023, Swiss and Polish researchers were collaborating on over 130 projects under Horizon Europe. In addition, since 2018 the SNSF has funded around 150 projects in which researchers from Switzerland and Poland work together. Since 1962, 330 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Researchers and Artists have been awarded to Polish researchers. State Secretary Hirayama met some of them at a reception at the Swiss ambassador's residence in Warsaw. Address for enquiries State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI Communication medien@sbfi.admin.ch +41 58 485 67 74 Publisher State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation http://www.sbfi.admin.ch The Federal Council Bern, 11.04.2024 - Federal Councillors Karin Keller-Sutter and Guy Parmelin, together with Swiss National Bank Chairman Thomas Jordan, will attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington from 17 to 19 April 2024. A meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, as well as a ministerial meeting of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), will also take place as part of this gathering. In addition, the two Federal Councillors will take this opportunity to hold bilateral meetings. The meetings are centred around the global economic and development policy challenges. There is a particular focus on reducing the risks of high sovereign debt, ensuring price and financial stability, and promoting economic dynamics, openness and sustainability. The governance, funding and orientation of the IMF and World Bank will also be important themes of the meetings. Switzerland is advocating in the IMF for financial, monetary and economic policies that foster robust growth. It is in favour of an open economic exchange with clear rules. It is also an advocate of sustainable sovereign debt. Switzerland emphasises the importance of a resilient financial system and the international regulatory framework, in particular for systemically important banks. In addition, it is working to ensure that systemically important banks can be resolved in a crisis. Switzerland favours moderate IMF financial assistance accompanied by reform programmes. In this regard, it stresses its long-term financial commitment towards low-income countries. In the World Bank, Switzerland supports the ongoing reforms to improve the financial and business model. Moreover, developing countries should be better supported in managing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and the consequences of armed conflict. Switzerland is working to ensure that the World Bank systematically coordinates its activities with other development organisations, and consistently implements environmental, social and governance-related standards. Furthermore, it supports initiatives to mobilise private capital, in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In the run-up to the Spring Meetings, a meeting of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors will take place, at which Switzerland will advocate for, among other things, growth-promoting rules, a sustainable financial policy and legal certainty in international tax rules. Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter will also attend the FATF Finance Ministers Meeting, where she will emphasise that Switzerland agrees with the proposed strategic priorities in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing, and against the financing and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Address for enquiries FDF Communications Tel. +41 58 462 60 33, kommunikation@gs-efd.admin.ch EAER Communications Tel. +41 58 462 20 07, info@gs-wbf.admin.ch FDFA Communications Tel. +41 58 462 31 53, kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Publisher The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research http://www.wbf.admin.ch Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Federal Department of Finance https://www.efd.admin.ch/en BAE Systems to maintain and repair light guns in Ukraine The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded BAE Systems a contract to maintain and repair gifted L119 Light Guns in Ukraine. Above: Kyiv skyline. Courtesy BAE Systems The contract, which was announced during a recent UK Government-led trade mission to Kyiv, means that L119s which were donated by the UK to Ukraine can be serviced in country and returned to the frontline more quickly. The L119 Light Gun has proved to be a trusted system that Ukrainian forces have favoured because of its accurate firepower, light weight, low logistical requirements and mobility. As the original manufacturer of the Light Gun, as well as more than 15 other systems in use in Ukraine, BAE Systems has been working with allied governments since the start of the war to help with training and support. Following a meeting with President Zelenskyy in 2023, the Company has established a legal entity in Ukraine, opened an office and signed agreements to better understand and support Ukraines capability requirements and to help revitalise Ukraines industrial base. The L119 contract builds on a teaming agreement signed with British company AMS in December. Under the contract, BAE Systems and the AMS team will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services from maintenance facilities in Ukraine. Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director, Business Development said: "Were committed to working with our government customers and industry partners to provide solutions that will help Armed Forces Ukraine secure victory. Our partner establishing a strategic military repair facility will significantly reduce the time that critical artillery assets are out of service. This contract is another step in strengthening our relationship and paves the way for us to provide more direct, long-term support to Ukraine." Advertisement Major General Anna-Lee Reilly, Director DE&S Operations, UK Ministry of Defence"As the conflict in Ukraine continues it is vital that the UK Government and UK industry continue to support the Ukrainians to sustain their equipment. The contract with BAE Systems for the refurbishment of the L119 Light Gun continues the UKs theme of enabling the maintenance and repair of equipment inside Ukraine to minimise the time that equipment will be away from the front line. The repair facility that has been secured is scalable to provide a similar capability for UK and other nations systems. This commitment from BAE Systems and AMS to work in country demonstrates the continued support from the UK Government and Defence Industry to the Armed Forces of Ukraine." Advertisement As well as providing support to gifted equipment, BAE Systems has also been involved in delivering major elements of the UK Governments cyber security support to Ukraine. The Companys capabilities are helping to detect, block and counter both destructive cyber-attacks and cyber espionage against military targets as well as civilian infrastructure that supports vital services for the Ukrainian people. Is it unfair of the BJP to give fewer seats to women in the forthcoming Lok Sabha election? 2 In India, the Lok Sabha elections play a key role in the democratic process by choosing the countrys future leaders and direction. All political parties have been disclosing the names of their candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Although the Modi government enacted a womens reservation bill, the BJP maintains that it always looks out for the welfare of women and supports their empowerment. However, when it comes to allocating seats to women and providing tickets, the BJP falls short of its claims. Only 16% of the 417 candidates on the BJPs published list for the next Lok Sabha election are women, accounting for 68 seats. Of them, 40 women are either politically connected or have a political history. When we spoke to BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi, she emphasised that the BJP is committed to increasing the representation of women in politics and will prioritise deserving candidates when given a level playing field. She also highlighted the importance of choosing candidates who have the potential to win elections. Congress spokesperson Atul Londe stated that the BJPs Women Reservation Bill is merely a scam. Under Modis government, criminals like Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, Kuldeep Sengar, and others are given big portfolios. He further said the party, which advocated for womens empowerment, has shown its true colours with the number of female candidate seats given for the Lok Sabha elections. Its all a scam. NCP-SCP faction leader Rohini Khadse said, The BJP has also historically treated women unfairly, citing Indian President Droupadi Murmu as an example. She added that since she was not even invited to the new parliaments inauguration, it is absurd to believe that they would allocate a significant number of seats for women in elections. It is clear that the BJPs actions do not align with their rhetoric regarding womens empowerment. Who wanted the dreaded gangster Arun Gawli out of jail? 2 Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, gangster Arun Gawli is likely to get early release from jail. His plea for exemption from punishment has been accepted by the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court. The dreaded ex-mafia don-turned-politician Arun Gulab Gawli is set to be freed hastily from the life term he is undergoing in Nagpur Central Jail, as per a Bombay High Court order. His release is seen as a politically motivated move, and the question is, who would benefit from Gawlis release? The state had registered Gawlis petition on the ground that the 2015 notification specifically excluded the convict under MCOCA from the benefits of the policy. It was contended that even the 2006 notification makes it clear that convicts under laws like the NDPS, TADA, MPDA, etc. are not entitled to the 2006 policy benefits, explained Adv. Ali. After hearing both sides, the court directed the state to decide on Gawlis release within four weeks from Friday, paving the way for his premature release from the jail where he has spent 16 years, added Adv. Ali. Originally based in Mumbai and dreaded as the don of Dagdi Chawl, Arun Gawli, 69, served as an MLA (20042009). He was arrested in 2006, underwent a trial, was found guilty, and was sentenced to life imprisonment in jail in 2012 for the murder of Shiv Sena leader Kamlakar Jamsandekar. The jail administration has also been given four weeks to respond. Notorious Don Arun Gawli had sought immunity from punishment through a 2006 government order. Arun Gawli had completed the hearing on that petition at the Nagpur bench. But the court reserved the verdict. While giving its decision, the court has been directed to release Arun Gawli prematurely. However, the jail administration has also been given a period of four weeks to reply in this regard. Arun Gawli was sentenced to two life terms in the Mumbai corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar murder case. Kamlakar Jamsandekar was murdered by Arun Gawli Gang members. On the evening of March 2, 2007, Shiv Sena corporator Kamlakar Jamsandekar was watching TV in his house after finishing the days work in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. He was living in Rumani Manzil Chali, Asalfa Village. Kamlakar Jamsandekar had defeated Akhil Bharatiya Sena candidate Ajit Rane by 367 votes. Kamlakar Jamsandekars wife, Komal, had gone out for work. Jamsandekars niece, Manali Hire, was working in the kitchen. Meanwhile, two motorcycles had come and stopped outside the house. Four people got off it. One of them came to Jamsandekars house and entered his house. He fired a pistol at Jamsandekar from his gun. This firing was done from very close, i.e., point-blank range. When Manali saw the firing, she ran out and saw Kamlakar Jamsandekar lying in a pool of blood. She ran for help. A crowd gathered as Jamsandekar was fired upon. Taking advantage of the crowd, the attackers fled from there. Kamlakar Jamsandekar was brought to the hospital. But by then, his life was over. Doctors declared him dead. After this, the police started investigating the murder. But the police had no clue. The police, however, were investigating thoroughly. At that time, they realized that the threads of this murder had reached Don Arun Gawli. So, Arun Gawli was arrested in this case. Almost a year after Kamlakar Jamsandekars murder, it was revealed that the contract of killing was given by Arun Gawli. Arun Gawli was the MLA for Byculla Constituency at the time. According to the evidence obtained by the Mumbai Police, Arun Gawli was paid Rs 30 lakh to kill Kamlakar Jamsandekar. Arun Gawli had given word to Sadashiv Surve and Sahebrao Vantharade that the work would be done. Prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment can be released after completing fourteen years of imprisonment. Prisoners over 65 years of age can be released from prison. Arun Gawli was born in 1955. He is now 69 years old. Arun Gawli has been in jail since 2007 in the Jamsandekar murder case, so he has been in jail for 16 years. It is interesting to see if he is out to take on Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena, in the forthcoming election. NASA advised that people who will attempt to capture the solar eclipse must use solar filters on their smartphones to avoid damaging the image sensor. The organization also announced that solar filters are vital, especially to those who will use magnifying lens attachments to their phones. Read Also : How to Safely Capture a Solar Eclipse with Your Smartphone NASA Advises Eclipse Shooter With Proper Precautionary Measures Ahead of the much-awaited solar eclipse, many people have been planning to snap a photo of the rare phenomenon. In an X post, tech influencer Marques Brownlee shared that he might have to experiment capturing the eclipse with a spare phone just to see if it will cause damage or not. NASA addressed the concern and confirmed that pointing cameras directly to the sun could fry the sensors. "This is especially true if you're using any sort of magnifying lens attachment on the phone. You would need to utilize the proper filters just like on any other camera," the organization replied. The safest and best practice for everyone is to hold a pair of eclipse glasses in front of the lenses of the phone when photographic the sun. This is advised to be done at any point other than totality so that the corona, the sun's outer atmosphere, will be visible. NASA Shares Tips for Solar Eclipse Watchers Across all the countries, the total solar eclipse will be the most visible across the U.S. It is expected that the event will be more special due to its wider path of totality. The path of the eclipse will start from Mexico and will exit at the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Cities such as Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia will get to witness the eclipse. NASA advised watchers to prepare necessary special-purpose solar filters for camera lenses, binoculars, or telescopes to avoid any severe eye injury. Regular sunglasses are also not advisable regardless of their darkness as they are not safe for viewing the sun. Others can still try the indirect viewing method. Demopolis-based Two Rivers Lumber Co. will build a $115 million sawmill in Coosa County, creating 130 jobs. Peak North America is leading construction of the facility in Kellyton, with a start set for June. The mill is set to open in August 2025. It will specialize in the production of Southern Yellow Pine dimensional lumber. This growth project will have a significant impact on Coosa County and cast many economic ripples throughout the region, Gov. Kay Ivey said in an announcement. Alabamas forest products industry is a national powerhouse, and its great to see Two Rivers Lumber continue to grow in its home state. The mills jobs will be created over a one year period, with an average annual salary of more than $51,000, according to data from the Alabama Department of Commerce. Alabama won out over Mississippi as a potential location. Two Rivers was established by the McElroy family of McElroy Truck Lines in Cuba, and Roy Geiger, the owner of Sumter Timber in Jefferson. The company opened its first sawmill in Marengo County in 2017. Today, the facility near Demopolis has an annual capacity of 200 million board feet and 145 full-time employees. Jay McElroy said the company spent more than a year searching for a site. We are happy to be expanding Two Rivers in the state of Alabama and in Coosa County, McElroy said. The local and state support has been great throughout this process. To support the project, the Lake Martin Area Industrial Development Authority is donating 110 acres of land, valued at $2.2 million. In addition, AIDT, the states primary workforce development agency, is providing services to the company. This investment from Two Rivers Lumber will generate a significant number of well-paying jobs while also driving economic growth in the Coosa County area, Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. For local residents, this means new opportunities and a brighter future for their communities. The Alabama Board of Education has approved the states first non-college-based alternative teacher preparation program, a move the schools chief said could help with the states teacher shortage. Iteach was one of two nontraditional programs up for a vote on April 11. State Superintendent Eric Mackey said the program could bring dozens of teachers into schools. Once iteach creates an Alabama-specific program, likely this fall, teachers could begin entering classrooms 8 weeks after starting the program. Theyre targeting people who already have a college degree, who are in some way dissatisfied with their current work situation or pathway and want to become a teacher, Mackey said of iteach, the newly-approved program Several state laws in recent years have expanded ways that alternative teacher preparation programs can become licensed in the state. Iteach is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation programs. It was approved with five yes votes, the minimum needed for board approval. Board members Stephanie Bell and Wayne Reynolds abstained from voting. Board member Jackie Zeigler was the single no vote, telling AL.com she was concerned that the current rules do not have enough safeguards to ensure quality of the candidates who complete the program. I just worry that theres not enough accountability, Zeigler said. I think oversight is critical. And I was not convinced that that was a measure in place in the way the rules are written. In Alabama, alternative programs can qualify for licensure if they have been established for at least 10 years, have operated successfully in at least five states, and have certified at least 10,000 teachers in the U.S. They also must ensure candidates are up-to-date on state math and literacy standards and provide additional support to candidates after they are placed in schools. Were all for certifying additional teachers and filling vacancies we need that, Allison King, government liaison for the Alabama Education Association, told AL.com recently. We just want to make sure its quality programming and its producing a quality product. The other alternative teacher prep program on the boards meeting agenda, American Board, was not voted on because the motion to approve, made by board member Marie Manning, failed to get a second. The board did not approve an alternative teacher program on the March meeting agenda because five board members abstained from that vote. Zeigler was one of the five abstaining from the vote. Lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would add another accreditor, the Association for Advancing Quality Education Preparedness. Mackey said he is unfamiliar with that accreditation institution. Mackey said that if credentialing is expanded to include more alternative programs, the state will fairly evaluate new candidates. But he said he doesnt like changing the rules so often. iteach is proud to have earned approval from the Department of Education today, and we look forward to helping the state fill its classrooms with the qualified, dedicated teachers that Alabamas children deserve, Andrew Rozell, president of iteach said. We bring 21 years of experience credentialing more than 29,500 plus teachers in 11 other states that will expand Alabamas pipeline of quality educators, while also helping Alabamans who have earned a bachelors degree turn their passion for K-12 education into a fulfilling career. Updated 4/12/2024 3:37 p.m. to include iteach President Andrew Rozells statement. Two Birmingham-area women and juvenile boy are under arrest after authorities said they tried to smuggle contraband into a central Alabama prison. Carrie Drake, 43, of Irondale, and Hanna Crowder, 31, of Birmingham, were arrested Tuesday at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County, Alabama Department of Corrections officials announced Thursday. The juvenile male, whose name has not been released, is also facing felony charges. Prison officials said the three suspects were detained and found to be in possession of a bookbag that contained charging blocks, charging wires, earbuds, knives, cell phones and a bag of assorted drugs. Crowder is charged with two counts of drug trafficking, promoting prison contraband, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and obstructing justice by giving investigators a false name and social security number. Drake is charged with two counts of drug trafficking, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and promoting prison contraband. The juvenile, whose name has not been released, will be charged as an adult with drug trafficking, prohibited activities and possession of a firearm. All three are being held in the Elmore County Jail. Bond for Crowder and Drake is set at more than $3 million each. The investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be filed. Alabamas bill to define the sexes passed the House 77 to 24 on Thursday and is now winding its way through the Senate. Two legislators abstained. The bill, HB111, defines the terms male, female, boy, and girl. It states that the sexes are equal but not the same and that there are only two sexes. The sponsor said the purpose of the bill is to protect womens spaces, such as locker rooms and university dorms. In Alabama, we know what a woman is, Rep. Susan DuBose, R-Hoover, told AL.com after her bill passed the House. She said the law will provide clarity for Alabama courts. (It) is an important step in increasing transparency in our state while protecting womens rights, womens spaces and preventing sex discrimination, she said. According to the legislation, a womans body is characterized by producing or being a body that would have produced ova, or female reproduction cells if not for some kind of anomaly or accident. A mans body is similarly characterized by producing sperm. The bill had already passed a Senate committee and was debated on Thursday on the House floor. After passing the House it now remains in the Senate. Rep. Mary Moore, D-Jefferson County, questioned whether the bill protected people who were born intersex, with both male and female genitalia. How do you treat that? she asked adding that the bills language about protections for intersex people was not specific enough. Rep. DuBose stated that only four intersex people had been born in the state of Alabama in the past five years. Rep. Moore responded that for families that find the situation traumatic, many take their children to private doctors for surgery and the birth of their intersex child is never recorded. In 2023, Rep. DuBose sponsored a similar bill entitled what is a woman. This years bill was drafted with the assistance of national organizations which have developed draft language for multiple states, including The Independent Womens Forum, Womens Independent Voice, Womens Declaration International USA and Womens Liberation Front. At a public hearing on the bill in February, several people spoke about the impact it might have. This legislation does not make any sense to implement, said Alison Montgomery, a transgender woman from District 2. Itll force (trans) men whose bodies produces ova into womens spaces. Some of these men have taken testosterone for years and have developed full beards. They do not belong in the womens bathroom, she said. Update: This story was updated at 5 p.m. April 11 to correct the status of the bill and that it has not been approved by the full Senate yet. Alabama Democrats say they are working on a solution to an issue raised by Secretary of State Wes Allen on Tuesday that the Democratic National Convention will be too late to get the partys nominee for president on the ballot in November. Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley issued a statement Wednesday afternoon. The Alabama Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee are in discussions regarding a resolution ensuring President Bidens ballot access, Kelley said. While this issue with convention dates has occurred many times in the past, notably with the Alabama GOP in 2004, 2012, and 2020, it appears to only be a problem this year now that the Democrats convention is behind the deadline. On Tuesday, Allen sent letters to the state and national Democratic parties notifying them that the deadline in Alabama law for parties to certify their candidates, 82 days before the election, falls on Aug. 15. The Democratic National Convention begins on Aug. 19. In 2020, the Republican convention came after the Alabama deadline, which has been in the law since 1975. The Legislature passed a bill to make a one-time adjustment in the date to allow President Trump, the Republican nominee, to be on the ballot. The Democratic Party is expected to nominate Biden again for a rematch with Trump. As Kelley noted in his statement, the Republican convention also came after the 82-day deadline in 2004 and in 2012. Wes Allen was very eager (to) sign on to an amicus brief to the Supreme Court and engage in the television talk show circuit regarding President Trumps removal from the Colorado ballot yet he wishes to engage in partisan gamesmanship when it comes to President Bidens ballot access in Alabama, Kelley said. Rest assured that we are scrutinizing every possible pathway so that President Biden can be certified and on the ballot on Election Day. In response to the Democrats statement, Allen said: I took an oath to administer Alabama elections in accordance with Alabama law, not to help run the Democratic party. Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, said Wednesday the Alabama House Democratic Caucus is working on a fix for the ballot access situation. Were aware of this issue thats been brought up and we are working towards the solution, Rafferty said, speaking at the House Democrats regular weekly news conference. Thats really all I can say at this time. Rafferty said it was a point of urgency and expects it to be done quickly. The Biden campaign, responding to the notification from Allen, said the president would be on the ballot in all 50 states. State officials have the ability to grant provisional ballot access certification prior to the conclusion of presidential nominating conventions, the campaign said in a statement. In 2020 alone, states like Alabama, Illinois, Montana, and Washington all allowed provisional certification for Democratic and Republican nominees. Two Alabama state prison inmates were killed, and others injured in a single-vehicle crash of a Department of Corrections van. The wreck happened Wednesday when the ADOC was transporting seven inmates from the Alex City Community Based Facility, said prison spokeswoman Kelly Betts. Inmates Willie Crayton, Jake Jones, Bruce Clements, Thomas Bass, Heath Garrett, Shawn Wasden, and Richard Jackson were returning to the facility after work when the crash occurred on Elder Road in Dadeville. Crayton was pronounced dead on the scene. Jones and Clements were taken to an area hospital in critical condition. Clements later died. Jones has since been transferred to another hospital and is in critical condition. Betts said the other inmates were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The ADOC will dispatch the Critical Incident Stress Management Team and YesCare mental health care professionals to Alex City CBF today to offer support to affected staff and inmates. Commissioner John Hamm in a statement extended his condolences to the family and friends of Creyton and Clements. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Hamm said. The quick and professional response of those first on the scene is very much appreciated by the ADOC. We will be doing all we can to support the staff and inmates affected by this tragic event. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating. Two Alabama lawmakers have introduced a bill that would change Alabamas deadline for political parties to certify their nominees for president and vice president this year. Sen. Merika Coleman of Jefferson County and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels of Huntsville, both Democrats, introduced identical bills to make that change on Thursday. Secretary of State Wes Allen notified the state and national Democratic parties on Tuesday that the Democratic convention is scheduled to be after the deadline in Alabama law for political parties to certify their nominees for the Nov. 5 general election. The deadline, which is set in state law, is 82 days before the election. That deadline falls on Aug. 15 this year, and the Democratic convention is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago. The bill by Coleman and Daniels would change the deadline to 74 days. The lawmakers introduced the bill Thursday. It still has time to pass during this legislative session, which has nine meeting days left after today. The people of Alabama should have the opportunity to elect the candidate of their choice and to see their partys candidate on the ballot, regardless of their political affiliation, Coleman, who is chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, said in a news release. Oversights and scheduling conflicts have happened before and there is precedent for correcting this quickly just as the Republicans have done several times previously. Daniels said, This is fundamentally about fairness and giving the voters of Alabama a choice. The Alabama Legislature has the ability to grant provisional ballot access certification prior to the conclusion of presidential nominating conventions. Simply put, this is the right thing to do for Alabama voters. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Reed, R-Jasper, said he had not read Colemans bill but said his general view is to try to help resolve the problem. I made an accommodation at the end of the day today so that that legislation could be introduced, Reed said. Ive not read it. I dont really know exactly what it is asking for. But my attitude would be trying to be accommodating if we can in regards to a topic thats important for everyone across the board. In 2020, both the Democratic and Republican conventions came too late for the 82-day deadline. The Legislature passed a bill making a one-time change of the deadline to 75 days. That change accommodated the Democratic Party in 2020, which wrapped up its convention on Aug. 20 that year. But the Republican Party did not finish its convention until Aug. 27, missing the 75-day deadline. According to a letter from Democratic Party attorney Barry Ragsdale to Secretary of State General Counsel Mike Jones, the secretary of states office allowed the Republican Party to provisionally certify Donald Trump and Mike Pence as its nominees in 2020 and confirm them when the nominations became official. Ragsdale said the Democrats would request to use the same provisional certification process this year. Allen, in response to Ragsdales letter, said he did not intend to allow a provisional certification. On January 16, 2023, I took an oath to uphold Alabama law and that is what I am going to do. My office will accept all certifications that comply with Alabama code section 17-14-31(b). That statute does not provide for provisional certifications or any other exceptions. Ragsdale said a decision to strictly enforce the 82-day deadline and keep Biden and Harris off the ballot would violate the constitution. Read more: Democrats seeking provisional certification of Biden as nominee, say procedure used for Trump in 2020 Below is the podcast player followed by the newsletter. Sign up to get it in your inbox each day here. Explosive device arrest A 26-year-old man from Irondale has been charged in the case of that explosive device that was detonated outside the Alabama Attorney Generals Office in February, reports AL.coms Carol Robinson. No injuries or major damage has been reported from the incident. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert was charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device (always register your destructive devices, folks). Around the time of the explosion he is alleged also to have placed stickers with anarchist, anti-police and antifa messages on government buildings. Biden and the ballot: Dems response Alabama Democrats are working with national Democrats to figure out how to make sure Joe Bidens name appears on ballots here, reports AL.coms Mike Cason. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen put Democrats on notice this week that the Democratic National Convention, where the partys presidential candidate is officially nominated, falls a few days after the states deadline to submit a certification of a nominee. A statement from Alabama Democratic Party Chair Randy Kelley: The Alabama Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee are in discussions regarding a resolution ensuring President Bidens ballot access. While this issue with convention dates has occurred many times in the past, notably with the Alabama GOP in 2004, 2012, and 2020, it appears to only be a problem this year now that the Democrats convention is behind the deadline. Meanwhile, the Biden Campaign said his name will be on the ballot in all 50 states, noting that provisional-ballot certification has previously been granted in Alabama and other states. Car thieves Another high-end auto theft took place in Alabama this past weekend, reports AL.coms William Thornton. In this one, the thieves knew what they were doing. At North Country Ford in Arab early Sunday, the camera system was taken down, footage was erased, and a computer was used to get into a safe and take 330 keys out. General Manager Greg Anthony said all these vehicles have push-button starts. All you need is for the key to be nearby when you start the car, so instead of having to match keys with cars, they just passed around a big sack of keys as they cranked up the cars. The haul, folks, $1.2 million worth of merchandise, including eight vehicles -- one of them a $158,000 Dodge Challenger Demon. (How many people have spent $158,000 on anything that didnt have at least two bedrooms and two baths?) Authorities have already recovered a Jeep Wagoneer near Blountsville and a Ford Bronco Raptor in Bessemer. Arab police and the FBI are investigating. Country digs the beach Its not unusual to have a country-music award nomination with an Alabama connection. Mac McAnally alone has seen to that with his string of CMAs. But heres a cool one for an award I didnt realize existed: The Academy of Country Musics 2024 Outdoor Venue of the Year. Its one of what they call the Industry Awards. The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach drew a nomination for that honor this week, reports AL.coms Mary Colurso. Its the fourth year in a row and the fifth time The Wharf has been nominated. Mary pulled a list of country artists playing The Wharf this summer. They include Luke Bryan, Alabama, Cody Jinks, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Parker McCollum, Kane Brown, Jordan Davis, Billy Currington and Kip Moore. Other outdoor venues nominated were Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado; Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Santa Barbara Bowl. Quoting Were all for certifying additional teachers and filling vacancies we need that. We just want to make sure its quality programming and its producing a quality product. Allison King, government liaison for the Alabama Education Association, on a legislative effort to further loosen teacher certification rules. By the Numbers 6 Thats how many PFAS -- or forever chemicals -- are being strictly limited in drinking water. PFAS have been linked to increased cancer risk and have been the focus of legal action in Alabama. More Alabama news Born on this date In 1899, chemist Percy Lavon Julian of Montgomery. The grandson of slaves, he was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicine from plants. He received well over a hundred patents. On the Podcast William Thornton joins us to talk about Alabamas booming auto industry -- and the union push that its attracted. You can find Down in Alabama wherever you get your podcasts, including these places: The increased cyberattacks on financial sectors in the US threatens economic instability to the country amid massive losses and data breaches, according to the International Monetary Fund. The United Nations-backed financial agency highlighted the sectors' lack of data on previous cyberattacks, allowing threat actors to repeatedly launch attacks on the major companies with the same method. This coincides with a recent study from the AAG IT Services, stating that only 50% of US organizations and companies "have cyber insurance with full cover." According to the IMF, the size of financial losses from these attacks has ballooned to four times its size since 2017 to $2.5 billion. This does not include the reputational damage, security upgrades, and operation losses companies have suffered in the ensuing chaos. Banks are noted to be the most prone to these attacks, followed by asset managers and then insurers. IMF Warns of Ramp Up in Digital Transitions It did not help that more companies and businesses have started moving towards more digital-oriented operations despite the weak cybersecurity risk assessment within corporations. If the trend continues to grow into a systemic problem, the IMF predicted that the incidents could "lead to market selloffs or runs on banks." The IMF recommended "public intervention" in private business sectors to improve cybersecurity policy frameworks and the "cyber hygiene of firms." Also Read : Hacker Steals 340,000 Social Security Numbers from a US Consulting Firm Global Financial Sectors Suffer from Rampant Cybercrimes The global financial stability report from the IMF marks the first time the organization fully analyzed the implications of cyberattacks in the global business sector as cyber threats continue to grow. One thing noticed from the rampant cybercrime campaigns is the increasing integration of AI into operations, allowing hackers to automate their attacks at a breakneck speed. The same goes for phishing scams, which even now can lure many victims, through generative AI for fake emails, authorization, and even likeness through deepfakes. So far, US agencies responsible for cybercrime prevention have also employed the use of AI to clamp down on cyberattacks while legislative bodies move to heighten guardrails on AI firms' technologies away from abuse. For the first time, the federal government is setting hard limits on levels of six forever chemicals allowed in drinking water. Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a news release today. That is why President Biden has made tackling PFAS a top priority, investing historic resources to address these harmful chemicals and protect communities nationwide. New rules, finalized today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will require all public water systems to test their drinking water for six man-made PFAS chemicals that have been widely detected in drinking water around the world, and to install additional treatment facilities if necessary to remove these chemicals. In 2016 and 2022, the EPA issued health advisories about the chemicals, warning that new research had linked exposure to these chemicals through drinking water to increased rates of certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, decreased fertility, developmental damage to infants and children and other serious health conditions. But those were only advisories. There was no nationwide requirement for utilities to test or treat for PFAS until now. The EPA estimates that 6-10% of all drinking water systems in the country have levels of PFAS that are above the new limits, impacting approximately 100 million people. The new rules will require water systems to remove PFOA and PFOS at levels over 4 parts per trillion, meaning the levels must be essentially undetectable. Limits for PFHxS, PFNA and HFPO-DA (commonly called GenX Chemicals) were slightly higher at 10 parts per trillion. The EPA says its new rule reflects the latest science showing that there is no level of exposure to these contaminants without risk of health impacts, including certain cancers. What it means for Alabama PFAS chemicals have been a problem in Alabama for decades. The 3M facility in Decatur has been one of the major manufacturers of PFAS chemicals dating back to the 1950s, and the Coosa River has been a major source of PFAS contaminants from carpet manufacturers in north Georgia. Numerous Alabama water systems have filed lawsuits against 3M or carpet manufacturers in Georgia over drinking water sources contaminated with high levels of PFAS. Some of those suits have been settled, and some are ongoing. Alabama has also become a dumping ground for other states PFAS wastes, receiving thousands of gallons of PFAS chemicals from numerous states. Under the new rules, water utilities will be required to implement testing programs for the six chemicals over the next three years, by 2027. Then, if the testing shows PFAS chemicals above the new limit, the water systems have to take further action by 2029. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management told AL.com via email that it welcomed the new regulations, as they establish clear, enforceable, health-based standards for six of the most common PFAS chemicals. These new standards eliminate the uncertainty associated with the non-regulatory health advisories and give public water utilities a clear mandate for reducing the concentration of these substances in drinking water, ADEM said via email. ADEM says it has required water systems in Alabama to test for PFAS chemicals since 2020, and that the states settlement with 3M over PFAS contamination in Decatur and other north Alabama sites has resulted in significant reductions of PFAS in those areas. When the 2016 EPA health advisory was first issued, eight Alabama water systems showed levels of PFOA or PFOS that exceeded 8 parts per trillion, twice the concentration of the new limit. Those systems decreased their concentrations of PFAS either by installing new filtration equipment or by blending water from multiple sources to dilute the chemicals below the health advisory threshold. What are PFAS? PFAS stands for per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, a class of chemicals commonly called forever chemicals because they are extremely slow to break down in the natural world. Concentrations of these chemicals have been shown to build up over time in the bodies of humans and other animals. These chemicals are man-made and do not occur naturally. They were developed in the 1940s and 50s and widely used to create consumer products like non-stick cookware, waterproof boots and clothing, stain-resistant carpet or fabric treatments, and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals are now found worldwide in the environment and nearly all people tested have some level of these chemicals in their blood. Who pays? The EPA announced Wednesday that it is making an additional $1 billion in funding available to public water systems to address PFAS contamination issues. The EPA had already allocated billions to addressing PFAS contamination nationwide, including hundreds of millions in Alabama. ADEM says it has awarded a total of $127 million already to Alabama water utilities to address PFAS issues. Authorities are asking for the publics help in finding family members for three men who died in Jefferson County in recent months. There was no foul play in any of the deaths, but their bodies are ready to be released for burial and the Jefferson County Coroners Office has not been able to locate their relatives. Tyrone Evans, a 75-year-old Black male, died March 10 in the 10 block of Seventh Street in Pleasant Grove. At the time of his death, Evans was a tenant at Legacy Health and Rehabilitation. He was under the care of Compassus Hospice and died of natural causes. Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said there is no known family, and little known about Evans background. There was no photo of him available. Jerry Lee Thomas(Jefferson County Coroner's Offie) Jerry Lee Thomas, a 64-year-old white male, died March 17 at UAB Hospital in Birmingham. Thomas died of natural causes, Yates said. Thomas was known to have ties to Cullman County in 2000, and in 2018 listed a home address in Valhermoso Springs in Morgan County. Nelson Hammond(Jefferson County Coroner's Office) Nelson Hammond, a 67-year-old Black male died, Feb. 18 at Princeton Baptist Medical Center. He, too, died of natural causes. Hammond in 2015 listed an address in the 500 block of Rutherford Drive in Birmingham. Family members are asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603. A female is believed to have been kidnapped and seriously injured following an early-morning crash in Birmingham near Elmwood Cemetery. Birmingham police have been working all morning to try to identify the victim and find her. South Precinct officers were dispatched at 2:11 a.m. on a report of a two-vehicle wreck at Sixth Avenue S.W. and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Sgt.LaQuitta Wade said officers arrived to find evidence of a possible shooting. Neither of the drivers were still on the scene, and only one vehicle was still there. The female was the driver of what police believe is a burgundy and black Chevy Traverse,, which is the vehicle that is missing. Wade said the female victim appeared to be small in stature and was wearing pink Nike sneakers. One sneaker was found at the scene. There was no other clothing description for her. The year and tag number of the Chevy Traverse are unknown. We believe a crime has occurred and the unidentified female is seriously injured, Wade said. Anyone who has not heard from or seen their female loved one please call 911 Emergency Services or the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Lawyers for a man with a background in state politics accused of murder have filed a motion to transfer him to a mental facility. Attorneys representing Kyle Hayden Lewter, 36, have also filed a motion to have him evaluated by a psychologist. His preliminary hearing has been waived, according to court records. Lewter is currently being held in Madison County Jail without bond. According to WAFF, Lewters lawyers argue in documents that he has severe mental health issues. He reportedly went berzerk while in jail and hallucinated seeing his parents and a state senator he worked for as a campaign manager. Lewter displayed manic behavior and had to be restrained by jail officials, according to the motion. Lewter, who had several connections to Republican politics in north Alabama, allegedly sodomized his victim with a plunger on March 6 before killing him, according to court doucments. He is charged with murder and sexual torture in the March 6 death of 54-year-old Harvest resident Derek Franklin Walls. The suspect and victim knew each other, according to authorities. He is accused of killing Walls with a hammer. Lewter was identified in a 2022 social media post as the chairman of Madison County Young Republicans. He also reportedly had a paid position with state Sen. Tom Butler and said in a 2017 interview that he worked on campaigns for ex-U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks and former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions. Amanda Jenkins was making tacos for her four children when her oldest, Jaylin, asked if he could run to the neighborhood store to grab a Coke to go with his dinner. It was something the 16-year-old boy did often, and he was always immediately back home. He does it all the time, there and back, said his mother, Amanda Jenkins. That wasnt the case Tuesday night. Four minutes went by, and his dad said, Somethings not right,' Amanda said. His father, Jessie Jenkins, called Jaylins cell phone. Jaylin answered the phone and said, Someones chasing me and shooting me, Amanda said. Jessie ran out of the house and made it to his son, whose car had come to a stop in someones front yard on Jackson Street in Birminghams Inglenook community. He (Jessie) held the wound on his neck, Amanda said. He called me and said, Get here now, please.' Amanda didnt have a car, so she ran five blocks to get to Jaylin. I got to him before the police or the ambulance or anyone got to him, she said. And he was gone. I just held him and prayed, she said. A teen boy was shot to death Tuesday, April 9, 2024, following an altercation at a neighborhood store.(Carol Robinson) Birmingham police officers responded to Jackson Street shortly before 8:30 p.m. Jaylin was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:40 p.m. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the preliminary investigation indicates the victim asked his parents if he could go to the neighborhood convenience store. While at the store, a verbal altercation ensued, Wade said. The victim did get back inside his vehicle and attempted to leave the location. Jaylin was shot as he drove away, becoming Birminghams 37th homicide this year. Birmingham police were in Inglenook for much of Wednesday, and announced Wednesday evening that a juvenile was in the city jail on a 48-hour hold pending formal charges. Friends of the family have launched a GoFundMe to help with Jaylins funeral. Jaylin was the oldest of Amanda and Jessies children. He doted on his younger siblings an 11-year-old sister and two brothers, ages 6 and 5 and they adored him. Jaylins father traveled for work so several years ago, Amanda and Jessie decided to homeschool all of the children so they could be together as a family. We came home this year, and they were finishing up homeschooling and then going back to public school next year, she said. Jaylin Jenkins(Contributed) Before being homeschooled, Jaylin last attended Clay-Chalkville. He did great in school, Amanda said. Friends gathered at the Jenkins home Wednesday night to support the family, and they said everybody loved Jaylin, and described him as quiet and respectful. He was very sweet, very genuine, Amanda said. He was very hard-working. He went to the store to get a drink and was murdered on the way out, said family friend Heidi Robertson, who started the GoFundMe. He was the sweetest child and did not deserve this. Jaylin, friends and family said, was a stay-at-home kind of kid. He went to the store to get a Coke, or he went to the skating rink with his best friend. Otherwise, he was at home playing Fortnite. He loved to take apart and put back together machinery like dirt bikes. He wasnt really interested in driving, Amanda said. He hung out with me and siblings. Amanda said she could see him having a future in IT work because he was so good with computers. He was so smart, she said. Jaylins death has been devastating to the close-knit family. Last night, I didnt sleep. I just waited for him to come home, and he didnt, Amanda said. This morning, I woke up and I looked, and he wasnt here and now Im understanding its not a dream. He was, she said, just too good for this earth. Donations to the GoFundMe for Jaylin can be made here. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Attorneys representing the family of a 36-year-old Black man who was killed in July during an altercation with two Mobile police officers, said on Thursday that Jawan Dallas might still be alive today if the allegations about Police Chief Paul Prine raised Wednesday by Mayor Sandy Stimpson are true would and had been handled earlier. The family of Jawan Dallas, represented by a host of civil rights attorneys, filed a $36 million federal lawsuit against the City of Mobile in December over the handling of his July 2 death in Theodore. Dallas died from what prosecutors say was health complications; but the Dallas family has said he died after being struck repeatedly by police with a Taser. While we wait to make any final judgements until all the facts are in, the allegations made by Mayor Stimpson (Wednesday) were deeply disturbing and, if true, then we agree that Chief Prine has no place in the Mobile Police Department, much less as its chief, the statement reads. Any chief who would tell his officers, Dont pay attention to what I say in the media, f--- the public, is setting a dangerous example. The comment continues, If this behavior took place as alleged by the mayor, we only wish it would have come to light sooner. Then Mayor Stimpson and the city council could have taken action sooner to ensure MPDs officers practiced what they preached in de-escalation and rebuilding public trust. If they had, Jawan Dallas might be alive today. Prine, during an extensive interview Wednesday with WALA-TV Fox 10, said he is a man of faith who does not use vulgar language. Stimpson, in his statement, alleged that during a third-party review of the agencys policies and procedures, it came to light that Prine made inappropriate statements early in his tenure as police chief. Prine became chief in 2021. The review was conducted by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama who was in the office during the Obama Administration. Brown was tapped by Stimpson to review the policies and procedures of the police department as it relates to the use of force in November. The probe began after 16-year-old Randall Adjessom was shot and killed by a Mobile police officer on Nov. 13, as police searched for one of his relatives. His death prompted Stimpson to immediately order most pre-dawn raids be suspended. At the time, police were looking for 18-year-old DeAngelo Adjessom, who was not at the home when they descended on the property. DeAngelo Adjessom turned himself in to the police and was arrested on marijuana charges. That incident capped a year in which the agency was at the center of multiple tragedies involving Black men including Dallas that led to community rallies, protests and the federal lawsuit. The statement from the mayor reads further, The investigators found this (vulgar remark by Prine) to have set the tone for a cultural shift from respecting everyone in our community to the use of profanity and a lack of adherence to de-escalation training taught within MPDs training academy. The statement also accused Prine of having an authoritarian leadership style. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson (left) said police chief Paul Prine was placed on administrative leave due to information from a independent review of the police department. Prine called the City's actions "vindictive."(File photos/AL.com) This is a lot of twisting of words, Prine told Fox 10. I cannot remember what I said yesterday sometimes. I dont know how anyone can remember something from 2-1/2 years ago. But if the mayor wants to get rid of the Chief of Police simply because of statements made and my so-called authoritarian methods, considering that crime is at a 30-year low and attrition is down 50 percent in two years, then it has nothing to do with something I said 2-1/2 years ago. Prine has criticized Browns review of the department, saying it has the potential to cost taxpayers up to $1.5 million. The Stimpson administration says a report from Brown is expected within the next three weeks. Prine, during his interview with the TV station, accused Chief of Staff James Barber, the citys former police chief, of releasing Dallas autopsy report to a TV station. Prine said that Barber attempted to call him to be complicit about it. That is unethical and Im embarrassed and appalled, Prine said. It could be criminal. Very little information was provided to the media during the investigation into the Dallas death, which went before a Mobile County grand jury. District Attorney Keith Blackwood, in November, found no wrongdoing on behalf of the two police officers -- who remained unnamed -- that encountered Dallas. Blackwood said Dallas died clearly due to cardiorespiratory failure and mixed drug intoxication, and ruled out Tasing. The attorneys representing the Dallas family, after getting to review the police-worn body camera footage of the altercation, compared the Jawan Dallas death to that of George Floyd, the Black man whose killing in 2020 while in police custody on a Minneapolis street ignited protests across the country over police brutality and racial injustice. The body camera footage has not been released publicly, and the media has been denied requests to view it. Prine, also during his Fox 10 interview, accused Barber of attempting to get a vote of no confidence against him, saying that the Chief of Staffs wife was texting and calling his wife to get her worked up on this no vote of confidence. Thats where I draw the line, he said. You dont involve my family. How dare you do this. Prine, who has over 27 years of serve within the department and is on paid administrative leave, told TV stations in recent days that he submitted two grievances with Stimpson over what he claims is unethical behavior by city officials. Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine speaks during a news conference on Monday, March 21, 2022, inside the mayor's conference room at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile, Ala. Seated next to Prine is James Barber, the chief of staff to Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com). Stimpsons release also accuses Prine of having a breakdown in communications with the agencys intelligence unit. Prine has said that he, as the police chief, had not monetary control nor oversight over the division, but that he was required to sign off on spending. The chief is also raising questions about a $92,000 expenditure from the city to hire a Florida-based firm, which formed in October 2023, to conduct a review of the police departments Operation Echo Stop -- a crime-fighting initiative started in 2022 that uses intelligence, investigative resources, and advanced technology to crackdown on gun crime. There was a third-party review that we paid $92,000 to see how successful Operation Echo Stop is, but no one was interviewed in my command staff, Prine said during the TV interview. But there was a nice written report about how Mobile police failed Operation Echo Stop. I wrote a rebuttal to that and sent it to the mayor and city attorney, and it was endorsed by the entire staff on the Mobile PD. A judge appointed to oversee a case involving two journalists alleged to have printed grand jury secrets in a newspaper article in October, urged all sides to be prepared to argue in support of a dismissal or a conviction by next month. Judge Ben Fuller, in his first meeting Wednesday with all parties involved in a unique prosecution against two Atmore News journalists -- one of whom is also an Escambia County School Board member -- urged both sides to come to a conclusion in the case that first began in early November. The case has sparked an unusual amount of attention for the tiny southeastern Alabama county over press freedoms and the extent in which prosecutors can punish the media for publishing confidential information. At issue are several charges against Atmore News publisher and Escambia County School Board member Sherry Digmon, 73; Atmore News reporter Donald Fletcher, 69; Escambia County school board vice-president Cindy Jackson, 73; and the school systems bookkeeper Vernoica Fore, 48. The impetus for the case stems from the publication of an Oct. 25 article in The Atmore News, written by Fletcher. Digmon is the newspapers publisher. Within the piece, according to Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy, are details that were included in a grand jury that he argued should have remained secret. We have had the matter set for a hearing for a long time, Fuller said. It needs to be disposed of by acquittal, dismissal or conviction. There needs to be finality to these matters. One month pause Fuller set a 9 a.m. May 16 date for the next hearing, at which time he anticipates the Alabama Attorney Generals Office to decide how it wants to proceed. Billy, a Republican District Attorney who has not commented about the cases, recused himself from prosecuting it in February, and the Attorney Generals Office has since taken over the matter. Fuller denied on April 2, a request from Assistant Attorney General Thomas Govan Jr.s for the case to be postponed to a later date. Govan, in a court filing, argued that the state needed more time to get up-to-speed on at the issues within the case. But following a conference with both sides at the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton on Wednesday, the judge agreed to a 30-day halt before reconvening to see how the case should proceed. The Attorney Generals Office came in today and they were not prepared to do anything because they just had the case dumped into their laps about 10 days or so ago, said Ernest White, an attorney representing Digmon, Fletcher, and Jackson. Govan declined to comment. First Amendment case The arrests of Digmon and Fletcher, according to a motion filed by White in February, represented a violation of the First Amendment and media and ethics experts have blasted prosecutors for levying charges against journalists for publishing what they said was leaked material. Digmon faces an additional criminal charge of an ethics violation for using her public position for personal gain. She was originally charged with impeachment, an offense that was aimed at removing her from her school board seat. The impeachment charge has since been dismissed. White said he anticipates requesting next month that the grand jury secret cases be outright dismissed, but that he anticipated more motions filed on Digmons ethics charge. White has cited past federal rulings that have repeatedly protected press freedoms including the right to publish confidential proceedings. We think the First Amendment charges should be dismissed, he said. Ive had a lot of cases in 44 years. I cant say (this is the most unusual). It is the first, First Amendment case Ive ever had, yes. School politics The cases are part of what were unfolding actions within the Escambia County School System that began in mid-October with a controversial 4-3 vote to not renew former Superintendent Michele McClungs contract, originally set to expire in June 2024. The vote came during a meeting in which Billy was among those who publicly voiced his dissatisfaction over having McClung dismissed. The board remained splintered in December over McClung when the contractual buyout came up for a vote. The buyout, which terms have not been released by the school system, was approved by a split board over their views about McClung: Four board members did not support her, including Digmon and Jackson. Three board members praised McClungs tenure in the seat, saying she oversaw improved academic performance as illustrated by a school report card that showed increasing scores from prior years. Former assistant Superintendent Michele Collier has since replaced McClung. The Alabama Association of School Boards had been involved in the case, assisting Digmon in her impeachment case before that charge was dismissed. The impeachment proceeding was based on a violation to the School Board Governance Act of 2012, which establishes training requirements and accountability measures for all school board members. Sally Smith, president of the AASB, called the impeachment charge in November the most outlandish situation shes seen of outside influence in a school board matter in her 37-year career with the organization. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said Wednesday police chief Paul Prine was placed on administrative leave after preliminary findings of an independent review of the department found Prine responsible for a cultural shift in the department that used fear to rule his officers. Prine was placed on leave Tuesday pending the outcome of a report by former U.S. Attorney Kenyen Brown after a third-party review of the departments training, policies, pattern and practices, the city said in a statement. In Stimpsons statement, he said preliminary findings of Browns review uncovered disturbing instances of Prines authoritarian style, irreconcilable differences between Prine and other public safety officials, and a series of frivolous complaints, which Stimpson said were demonstrably false. I was shocked and disappointed to hear that at one open roll call in the first precinct, several officers who were present at the time confirmed that Prine said something to the effect of Dont pay attention to what I say in the media, f--- the public, Stimpson said in his statement. Stimpson said the information uncovered led him to make a change. Out of respect for Prines 27 years of service to our community, we offered an amicable retirement with a reasonable severance package, which was in line with his current salary, Stimpson said. We further advised him we would need an answer quickly. Two weeks passed, during which Prine reportedly began packing his office and was not on duty. Stimpson said he was contacted by local media about Prines status and asked the chief for a decision. We gave Prine several more hours yesterday to relay to us whether he would be accepting our offer, Stimpson said. He responded with a demand for a lump sum payout of $600,000. Prines demand was rejected, with the administration asking him to make a decision on retirement. When no decision was forthcoming, he was placed on leave, Stimpson said. I could not in good conscience allow MPD to continue operating without clear leadership at the helm and made the determination that it was time to place Prine on administrative leave. A decision to terminate Prine would have to come via a vote of the Mobile City Council. Earlier Wednesday, council president C.J. Small issued a statement in which he said the council was awaiting more information. While we have not been in the conversations about Chief Prines status with the department, this is a rapidly developing situation, Small said. We are expecting to receive more information from the administration and look forward to seeing the third-party report, at which time we will make a determination. Prine, who turned 53 Wednesday, is a Prichard native and has been Mobiles chief since 2021. In interviews with broadcast media Tuesday night and Wednesday, Prine said it was his intent to retire. He said the Brown report was being used as a way to paint him in a bad light because the administration wanted him out, calling his ouster malicious. Prine told 106.5 FM Wednesday he was offered the severance package, but told if he declined the administration would damage his reputation by making public information uncovered in the Brown report. Im not going to sell out to the system on threats, Prine said. My hands are clean. Im not saying anybodys hands are dirty, but Ive done everything in an ethical way. Im not a guy whos going to be pushed into a corner on threats. Thats why we were unable to come to terms. I dont mind parting ways with the administration, but not this way. Prine characterized himself as a whistleblower after filing two grievances with the city, although he did not elaborate on the nature of those grievances. He said the actions against him are vindictive. Stimpson said Prine made allegations involving contracts and invoices which were immediately investigated by the city attorney and no improprieties were found. Prine acknowledged Wednesday he had no evidence of criminal activity within the administration. Prine also suggested Browns review of the department is not entirely objective, since its the city that is paying for the review. Prine also suggested the incident involving his use of profanity in an open roll call was fabricated. The arguments going to be made that the seed was planted that it came up during the investigation, Prine said. I would argue thats not true. It was fabricated -- an intentional design to paint me in a bad picture, so they could say not only do we have these unfortunate incidents, but somehow another the chief or his leadership or the departments leadership is responsible or could do better. Brown was hired to conduct a review of the Mobile Police Department after 16-year-old Randall Adjessom was shot and killed by a police officer on Nov. 13, as Mobile police searched for his older brother. The teenagers killing was one of a series of tragedies involving police and Black men in the community. Those incidents led to community rallies, protests and a federal lawsuit. In Wednesdays interview, Prine said he had tried to run a department that was fair, equitable and transparent. He urged the administration to use caution in their remarks going forward. Anything they say that remotely attributes negligence on my leadership or the departments negligence really opens them up to a lot of civil liability in these cases that some of them have already filed lawsuits on, he said. Prine also said it was still possible for him and the administration to part amicably. It is totally contingent on what the administration says, Prine said a few hours before Stimpson released his statement. They can spin the truth or fabricate or whatever they call themselves doing. People will tell you I dont lie and Im not going to start now. During the radio interview, Prine recalled he was shot three times in the back while on duty, losing a kidney as a result. This is not a way that you give 27 years and almost give your life this is not a way to retire, he said. This administration stole that from me. The race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump remains tight, even as the latest figures show a slight bit of separation between the two. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll showed 41% of registered voters would cast their ballot for Biden, a Democrat, if the election were held today compared to 37% who would vote for Trump. Those figures are within the polls 4 percentage point margin of error for registered voters, making the race a statistical dead heat. The latest numbers show slight separation since March when 39% said they planned to vote for Biden compared to 38% for Trump, the same figures posted for each candidate in February. The January poll showed Biden was the choice for 43% of voters compared to 38% for Trump. The 2024 presidential election has no clear leader among registered voters, IPSOS said. Trumps legal woes are also weighing heavily on voters, the poll showed. Among those who said they would vote for Trump if the election were held today, 13% said they would not do so if he were convicted of a felony by a jury before the November election. Twenty-five percent of likely Trump voters said they would not do so if he were serving time in prison. Among Republicans as a whole, 24% said they would not vote for Trump if a jury found him guilty of a felony; 37% said they would not vote for him if he were in prison at the time of the election. Trump is currently facing charges in four criminal cases, including falsifying business records around payments to two women during the 2016 presidential campaign; soliciting election fraud in trying to overturn the 2020 election results; pressuring Georga officials to overturn the 2020 election; and illegally removing classified documents from the White House and keeping them in a private home office. The poll showed 74% thought the charges of soliciting election fraud were the most serious. The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted April 4-8 based on a sampling of 1,021 people ages 18 and older. The poll included 291 Democrats, 290 Republicans and 317 Independents. Mike Blakely, once Alabamas longest serving sheriff, will soon get out of jail. He won parole on Thursday by a vote of 2-1. Parole board members Darryl Littleton and Gabrelle Simmons voted in favor of parole. Board chair Leigh Gwathney voted against parole, saying she wanted the former sheriff to finish his sentence in jail. The board deliberated for several minutes. When the decision was announced, several people erupted in applause and in tears. Blakely, a Democrat, was the elected sheriff of Limestone County in north Alabama for nearly four decades until he was convicted of two felony charges of theft and abuse of power on Aug. 2, 2021. The hearing was a continuation from last month, when the board tied on a 1-1 vote on Blakelys release in Simmons absence. Alabamas parole rate is 8%, the lowest in the country. The parole board room was filled with people who came in support of Blakely. Deborah Bell Paseur, who served as a district judge in Lauderdale County for over 20 years, spoke on his behalf, asking the board, How much punishment is enough? Paseur said that Blakely, who had served just over a year of his three year sentence, has already been publicly humiliated, lost his retirement pension, his voting rights and gun rights. Mike Blakely has given much and still has much left to give a bright light has gone dim in Limestone County. He is loved and respected there, she said. Passeur listed the many supporters who filed into overflow seats, as well as those who could not be present but wrote letters of support, including the Athens City police chief, a retired New York City Police Department detective, members of the legislature and even the states Republican Party Chairman John Wahl, who was Blakelys neighbor. Maggie Settle, a former employee of the Limestone County Sheriffs Office, and Dan Totten, a criminal defense lawyer from Limestone County, also spoke on Blakelys behalf. Sarah Deneve from the Alabama Attorney Generals office was the lone voice opposing Blakelys parole, saying that serving less than half his time would undermine the sentence imposed by the court. He took advantage of his very own inmates by taking their money to the tune of $29,000 to finance a lifestyle he could not afford, Deneve said. While Blakely may be sorry now, his selfish actions while serving as an elected official and law enforcement officer harms society as a whole. At trial, state prosecutors said he routinely borrowed money from a safe holding inmate money, stole $11,000 from his campaign, misused or stole money from his office funds, went gambling on the taxpayers dime, solicited money from one of his employees and traded inmate labor in exchange for a $50,000 loan. But Robert Tuten, Blakelys attorney, told the jury that prosecutors did not prove that the sheriff intended to commit any crimes. And that he did not keep any money. Theres no missing money, he said. All the accounts balance. In the end, the jury in 2021 found Blakely guilty of obtaining $29,050 in interest free loans from a safe that held money belonging to people in the county jail. The jury also found Blakely guilty of stealing $4,000 from his campaign account by funneling the money through Red Brick Strategies, a Huntsville consulting firm. The jury acquitted him of eight other charges. Upon his release, Blakely must complete 100 hours of community service. China pilots foreign equity limit removal in value-added telecom services to expand opening-up Global Times) 15:37, April 11, 2024 The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) on Wednesday announced a pilot project to remove foreign ownership restrictions on some domestic value-added telecom services in four regions of China - Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan and Shenzhen - showing the country's determination to expand opening-up on all fronts. A circular released by the MIIT noted that the value-added telecom services will include internet data centers, content delivery networks and internet service providers, among others, marking the latest endeavor to promote high-quality opening-up and accelerate the process of new industrialization. China will provide equal treatment to foreign entities approved for the pilot programs, eliminating the 50 percent foreign ownership limit in these critical sectors, and it will no longer impose ownership ratio restrictions, the MIIT confirmed. China is progressively opening its doors, with the action highlighting the country's confidence and determination in further opening-up amid global protectionism. These moves are expected to boost the vitality of the Chinese market, experts said. China welcomes foreign firms to thrive in its market while benefiting from its development. Meanwhile, we encourage other countries to create favorable business environments for Chinese enterprises, promoting win-win economic globalization, Xiang Ligang, director-general of the Beijing-based Information Consumption Alliance, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Jin Zhuanglong, the head of MIIT, noted during this year's two sessions in March that "advancing new industrialization requires deepening reforms and expanding openness." Widening foreign access to value-added telecom services serves as one of the critical fulfillments of the plan. The pilot project aims at proactively aligning with international high-standard economic and trade rules, continuously optimizing the business environment for foreign investment, and facilitating the establishment of a new development paradigm, according to the ministry. The pilot project is in line with China's commitment to shortening the negative list for foreign investment. All market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in services sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced, according to the Government Work Report released in March. Opening up the telecommunications sector, which is a highly sensitive sector crucial for national security, demonstrates China's confidence. Meanwhile, the pilot approach also reflects the government's cautious and prudent stance, Fu Liang, a Beijing-based tech analyst, told the Global Times on Wednesday. The move will bring in high-quality overseas enterprises to enrich consumer choices and stimulate domestic innovation, and enhance industry standards and international competitiveness. Particularly in the internet data center sector, it will attract quality foreign data centers and cloud service firms, bolstering China's computing infrastructure, experts noted. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) LinkedIn will start verifying recruiters and employers on its platform in an effort to fight against job hiring scams. The social media/job posting site announced that it will start requiring employers based in the US, Canada, and Mexico to provide government-issued IDs, workplace verifications, and even educational institution verification to certify the authenticity of the account. According to LinkedIn, the process will help companies stand out more amidst fake accounts and impersonators flooding the platform, as well as help "provide authenticity signals to others that you're who you say you are." The site, so far, has already caught and suspended several accounts violating its new policies. The new authentication feature is currently available to more than 100 countries around the world as LinkedIn moves to make the process accessible to more regions. The verification requirement was first reported by Axios. Also Read : LinkedIn Launches Feature That Highlights Updates From Your Connections Generative AI, Deepfakes Expand to Job Recruitment Scams LinkedIn's move to start verifying accounts on its platform came as AI-fueled scams populate the site, preying on unsuspecting victims just looking for livelihood. A 2022 report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation estimate that over 15,000 people have fallen victims to employment scams as more turn to digital platforms to look for jobs. The numbers are estimated to grow higher each year, especially during the past 12 months with generative AI and deepfakes becoming more accessible to the public, including threat actors and scammers. Several reports have already indicated how recent deepfake scams are becoming more and more apparent as the money being stolen also grows bigger. Government authorities have already increased measures to combat online scams in their respective countries with varying success. How to Avoid Job Hiring Scams on LinkedIn? With LinkedIn's new verification process, it is easier to spot legitimate recruiters just by looking for a verification badge beside their username, similar to verification badges provided by Facebook. Job seekers, of course, can also access their page to check if the attached employment and company pages are legitimate. If a fake account is spotted, immediately report it to LinkedIn's moderation team and quickly block the user. It is advised to not interact with these accounts to prevent them from accessing sensitive information. The state senator who sponsored the bill that passed three years ago authorizing medical marijuana in Alabama is trying to help fix the disputes over business licenses that have delayed the industrys start. Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, introduced a bill to create a new process for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to issue licenses to integrated companies, which would be able to cultivate, process, transport, and dispense medical cannabis. Integrated licenses have been the most disputed category of licenses that the AMCC will issue. More than 30 companies applied for licenses, but the AMCC can award no more than five. The AMCC has awarded integrated licenses three times in the last 10 months, but problems with the procedures and lawsuits have prevented the licenses from being issued. Many of the companies that applied are parties in a lawsuit pending in Montgomery County Circuit Court. It took Melson and other supporters of medical marijuana several years to get the legislation passed. Gov. Kay Ivey signed it into law in May 2021. The law is intended to make medical cannabis products available to patients with a wide range of conditions who receive a recommendation from a doctor. But almost three years later, it is unclear when products will be ready because of the licensing delays. We got this (the legislation) done in three years, Melson said. Its taken this long to get this to the patients who are out there that need it. And its just time to correct this course and get them something to help them in their illness. Melsons bill, SB306, would set up a new process for issuing integrated licenses and would involve another state agency besides the AMCC. Only companies that applied for integrated licenses before the initial deadline in December 2022 would be eligible. They would be allowed to update their applications. The Alabama Securities Commission would set up a five-member review panel to determine if license applicants meet basic eligibility criteria, such as residency requirements, agricultural experience, criminal background checks, detailed business plans, proof of sufficient capital, and others. Applicants who meet the basic criteria would be judged on whether they have facilities to begin cultivation within 60 days of receiving a license. They also must have five dispensing sites that would be ready to operate within six months of getting a license. After the Alabama Securities Commission review panel determined eligibility, the AMCC would score the eligible applicants on other criteria, including certain financial requirements. The five highest scoring applicants would receive integrated licenses. Ray French, an owner and CEO of Specialty Medical Products, based in Baldwin County, said Melsons bill would be a setback. Specialty Medical Products was awarded an integrated license in December after being passed over during the first two rounds of awards in June and August. All three rounds were put on hold, so no integrated companies have received licenses. French said the AMCC got it right in December, when it awarded licenses after public presentations from the applicants and after discarding scores by third-party evaluators used during the first two rounds. Once the commission took the time to get to know the candidates and actually vet them, see them and understand who they are, they made a decision based on all of the information given to them and picked who they thought were the best candidates to move this needle forward, French said. They picked what they felt like were the most qualified candidates, French said. And to start over to favor other candidates for whatever reasons and to take away all the control from the commission members themselves is only a setback. It is an unnecessary do-over and a setback and is going to delay the program to the point where it may never take off. Will Somerville, an attorney for Alabama Always, an applicant for an integrated license that has not been awarded one so far, issued a statement supporting Melsons bill. Senator Melson did a remarkable job in 2021 helping Alabamians get access to cannabis for their medical needs, Somerville said. The Cannabis Commission has had three years to get this program going and its still dead in the water. The Commission did not follow the law and the Courts halted the process. Senator Melson has stepped up again this Session with a Bill that will break the logjam and get this medicine to folks that need it. Everyone looks forward to working with Sen. Melson and other Legislators to get this program up and running. The Senate Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Committee approved Melsons bill Wednesday. The committee approved another bill intended to fix the AMCC licensing problems, SB276 by Sen. David Sessions, a Republican and farmer from Mobile County who is chairman of the committee. Sessions bill was discussed during a public hearing last week. Most of those who spoke at the hearing opposed it. On Wednesday, the committee approved amendments changing Sessions bill from what was discussed last week. Sessions bill, among other changes, would increase the number of integrated licenses issued by the AMCC to as many as 10. Both Melsons and Sessions bills include a new section prohibiting a company with an integrated license from transferring that license to another company. The law currently would allow license transfers with the approval of the AMCC. Both Melsons and Sessions bills would shift the responsibility for regulating medical cannabis cultivators from the Department of Agriculture and Industries to the AMCC, which would receive assistance from Agriculture and Industries. Sessions praised Melsons bill and said they share the same goal. I know where your heart is and I think were aligned, Sessions said. Our main goal is to try and get this out of court and get it up and running. Committee approval puts the two bills in position for consideration by the full Senate, which could happen as soon as next week. Take the Causeway is a popular saying in coastal Alabama. During the lunch hour on Wednesday, doing so wouldve required wearing life jackets. An unexpected deluge of rain that blasted through the Alabama Gulf Coast on Wednesday left portions of the Spanish Fort Causeway swamped and nearly impossible to drive. Thats not anything new to local residents, long accustomed to the roads watery conditions during severe weather at the so-called Midbay point where the Causeway intersects with Interstate 10. But on Wednesday, the earlier-than-expected arrival of a powerful weather system, coinciding with the lunch hour, created atypical congestion during a severe weather event and produced harrowing images of vehicles on the Causeway, making national news. Causeway flooded both lanes at Baywayhttps://t.co/8pTDDLe2KX pic.twitter.com/CDW5EwpCiU NBC 15 News (@mynbc15) April 10, 2024 New video taken from a News 5 viewer traveling along the Causeway just before it was shut down. @WKRG @City_of_Mobile #alwx pic.twitter.com/9KXMG9l4pj Ed Bloodsworth (@WKRGEd) April 11, 2024 In the storms aftermath, one question arose: Why wasnt the Causeway closed when it was becoming clear that the road conditions were dire for anyone driving on it? It is ALDOTs policy to preposition crews ahead of the incident to monitor water levels as was done yesterday, said James Gordon, spokesman with the Alabama Department of Transportations Southwest Region. ALDOT does not close the Causeway preemptively. ALDOT, like others including schools and emergency management officials, admit that the storm front surprised them, arriving hours before anticipated. For the Causeway, that meant an aggressive storm surge that quickly began to cover the eastbound lanes. Said Gordon, the decision to close the eastbound lane was made at that moment, soon after the westbound lanes were also closed. He said the eastbound Causeway was closed at the Bankhead Tunnel forcing eastbound traffic to access the Interstate 10 Bayway. The westbound Causeway was closed for both directions to avoid flooded areas. The ramps at the midpoint or Midbay area of the Causeway were also closed to traffic at approximately 12 p.m. Its our understanding that several businesses, restaurants along the Causeway were serving lunch and vehicles leaving those businesses may have added to the amount of traffic at the time, Gordon said. In addition, there were still several vehicles beyond the closure point that were faced with decisions on how to proceed. Some of the areas TV stations ran live videos of the scene, showing the rising waters of the Mobile Bay and vehicles in the water. Commenters on WPMIs website responded: Why havent they closed the causeway. Dangerous ... should have been shut down by mid morning. Everyone knew (we) were anticipating flooding conditions. And yet people keep driving through. DOT knew (we) were possibly getting flooding rains. They should have blocked the road by mid-morning. Now all of these drivers have messed up cars. Two vehicles remained stranded on the Causeway Thursday morning, and Gordon confirmed they were apparently disabled and, after further inquiry, it was determined that those vehicles did not stall but rather the drivers attempted to make U-turns and ended up stranded on the nearby median. He said ALDOT has no way of knowing the number of vehicles damaged during the event. No injuries were reported. Gordon said motorists have a responsibility to use good judgement before perusing through the flooded Causeway. ALDOT, as do all departments of transportation, preach the Turn Around Dont Drown slogan, Gordon said. People underestimate the force and power of water. It takes 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of water can carry away SUVs and trucks. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. Gordon said that ALDOT plans to conduct a debriefing of the storm event and identify areas of improvement. But he said that the Causeways condition or ability to withstand severe weather is not part of the scope of planning the agency is undertaking for the I-10 Mobile River Bridge and Bayway project. That project, estimated to cost between $2.8 billion to $3.5 billion, is on a 60-day hold as ALDOT officials examine ways to reduce costs. The Causeway has endured many storm events, said Matt Ericksen, lead engineer for ALDOTs Southwest Region. While ALDOT continues to look for ways to ensure the sustainability of the Causeway, the Causeways condition, or ability to withstand severe weather is not part of the scope in the planning stage for the Mobile River Bridge project. The Causeway, a 7-mile extension of U.S. 98/90 between Mobile and Spanish Fort, could see more traffic diverted to it during and after the construction of a new I-10 Bayway. Spanish Fort Mayor Mike McMillan has, for years, pushed ALDOT to develop a plan for the Causeway that assesses traffic during and after the construction of the new Bayway, which is expected to be a tolled route. McMillans desires that any increased traffic on the Causeway does not negatively impact Spanish Fort. The Causeways current average daily traffic count is 26,709 vehicles near the Midbay point where flooding is frequent during high surf. The I-10 Bayway, by contrast, draws 67,936 vehicles each day, according to ALDOTs figures. One of McMillans long concerns is that once the Bayway project is completed, the tolled interstate is likely to create some sort of diversion of vehicular traffic from I-10 to the Causeway which the only other east-west highway between Mobile and the Eastern Shore. As proposed, the tolls for motorists using the future I-10 will be $5.50 one-way if they do not use an ALGO Pass. For motorists with a pass, the toll will be $2.50. The Causeway and other existing infrastructure, like the Wallace and Bankhead tunnels, will be untolled. An Irondale man was taken into custody Wednesday on a federal indictment accusing him of detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney Generals Office. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, is charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Charging documents against him say he also placed stickers on state buildings at the same time of the bombing depicting different graphics advocating for various political ideologies. Some included the phrase Support your local antifa. Antifa, short for Anti-Fascist, does not describe a particular group, but rather describes individuals who adhere to what they consider as anti-fascist beliefs. The term Antifa is often associated with anarchist violent extremists, individuals who, in addition to holding anti-fascist beliefs, are also opposed to capitalism and the current form of the U.S. government and who advocate violence to achieve their goals, the charging documents explain. The detonation took place in the early-morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 25, near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street outside Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office. No one was injured and no major damage reported in the predawn incident. Authorities released images of the suspect and the FBI set up a tipline. Calverts arrest was announced Wednesday. Earlier in the day, there had been a heavy law enforcement presence near Fulmar Drive in Irondale. My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets, Marshall said in a prepared statement. Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, is charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device.(Federal Court Documents) Newly unsealed federal court documents chronicle the investigation leading up to Calverts arrest. According to those documents, authorities investigating the explosive device also found stickers that had been placed in the same area and were immediately believed to have been done by the same person who did the bombing. Surveillance footage showed that at 2:50 a.m., a person wearing a dark jacket, hat, mask and goggles, was seen on video in the area of the Alabama Statehouse. At 3:03 a.m., the person was observed placing a sticker on the doors of the Alabama State Capitol building. Then, at 3:35 a.m., the person was seen walking northbound in the area of Washington Avenue and Decatur Street towards the Attorney Generals Office. At 3:42 a.m., surveillance footage captured a large explosion near the Attorney Generals Office. At 3:43 a.m, the person was seen walking north on Bainbridge Street towards Monroe Street and away from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office. Several minutes later, at about 3:49 a.m., a security officer working at the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) called 911 to report that an explosion had occurred about five minutes prior, at the northwest corner of Washington Avenue and Bainbridge Street. At 3:54 a.m., a Montgomery police officer arrived in the area. Because of the location of the explosion, the officer was unable to see any evidence of it from his vantage point. At 4:13 a.m., records state, the officer cleared the call as unfounded. The damage wasnt then discovered until Monday morning when workers arrived back to the downtown area to begin the work week. According to multiple video surveillance captures of the suspect and a thorough analysis of the video images, the subject appeared to be a white male, wearing a black or dark leather-like jacket, with dark colored pants, a gray or tan beanie hat, black or dark leather-like shoes, a blue facemask and goggles with a thick black strap with thick circular lenses. Investigators used video surveillance footage of the suspect at known locations to estimate that he was about 6-feet, 2-inches tall and slender. He had a unique walk in which his toes pointed inward when he took a step. The suspects walk appeared to be more pronounced on his right side which caused the appearance of a limp when he walked. Investigators learned that the device was a coffee container-like which contained insulation material soaked in a gasoline or lighter fluid substance, a mortar, firecrackers and nails. The FBI laboratory report classified the explosive as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The general components of an IED consist of an explosive main charge, a fusing system, and sometimes a container and/or fragmentation. Additional enhancements may be added to an IED to increase its destructive capability and lethality. The explosive device detonated in the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 24, near the intersection of Washington Avenue and South Bainbridge Street.(ALEA) This IED used commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks as the main explosive charge, a coffee can as a concealment container, and was enhanced with added fragmentation and ignitable liquids, the FBI agent wrote. The addition of metal screws, nails, and other hardware to this IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced fragmentation effect that those materials would create. The addition of ignitable liquids to the IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced ability for the IED to initiate a fire. The action of placing and initiating the IED on the walkway beside a government building demonstrates that this device was used as a weapon against property and/or to cause injury/death, the agent wrote. Investigators used multiple surveillance footage to track the suspects path both before and after the bombing. They were also able to identify a likely suspect vehicle as an older Toyota Camry. Through the use of license plate readers, investigators came across a silver 2008 Toyota Camry which was captured from an License Plate Recognition (LPR) device located in Irondale Feb. 24, at around 5:15 p.m. They noticed that the car had many of the same unique markings such as decals - other identifying factors. Investigators further used LPR datap on the night of the explosion to determine the vehicle likely traveled to Montgomery from its registered location which is in Irondale. On Feb. 23, 2024, at 11:55 p.m., Calverts vehicle was captured on an LPR in the area of 23rd Street and 9th Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama. At 12:48 p.m., Calverts vehicle was captured on an LPR on County Road 42 near the Shell Gas Station located at 12551 County Road 42, in Jemison. That location was along I-65 south of Birmingham and approximately a 45-minute drive from downtown Montgomery. Investigators first saw suspects silver vehicle in the downtown area at approximately 2 a.m., which is approximately 72 minutes from when the vehicle was observed on County Road 42. Video footage of the vehicle in Montgomery around the time of the bombing indicated the license place had been removed, possibly accounting for some of the excess travel time. Investigators did surveillance on Calvert and the 2008 Silver Toyota Camry both at his Irondale home and elsewhere. Investigators also used social media as part of the probe. On one of Calverts accounts, the agent wrote, they found an image of Calvert wearing goggles identical to the goggles worn by the suspect who detonated the explosives and placed the political stickers in Montgomery. Also on social media, agents found a Jan. 10 video of him detailing his purchase of a set of stickers from a company based in Australia. In the video, the agent wrote, Calvert displayed the stickers one-by-one and discussed them. Investigators reviewed this video and recognized at least 16 stickers which were of identical design to the stickers placed by the subject in and around the Alabama Statehouse and downtown Montgomery, the agent wrote. Among those stickers identified as being placed in Montgomery and matching Calverts collection included: An Antifa logo superimposed over a rainbow flag background, with the words, ANTI-FASCISM IS COMMUNITY SELF-DEFENSE. An image of a multi-tiered pyramid-like structure with individuals located on each tier, with the words, TOPPLE ALL HIERARCHIES. The A symbol, assessed to represent anarchy, next to an image of an AK-47 rifle, superimposed over a black background with leaves and flowers, with the words, DEFEND NATURE. A purple-colored sticker with a masked face inside of a female pictogram. The words at the top of the sticker read, FEMINIST ACTION. A white sticker with spatter font which reads, EAT THE RICH. The A inside the word EAT is in the shape of the anarchy symbol. An image of multiple masked and hooded individuals, one carrying a sling, and another wearing goggles. In the center of the sticker, the Antifa symbol is displayed above the words, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ANTIFA. A black sticker with red and white font with the words, FRIENDS DONT LET FRIENDS BECOME COPS. A red anarchy symbol surrounded by a red heart are in the lower right corner of the sticker. On February 11, authorities said, Calvert posted a video one of his identified social media accounts. This video consisted of Calvert talking about his violent impulses. I am impulsive by nature in some way that can often be violent, or my impulses are violent. Calvert further stated, Some might call those intrusive thoughts, some might just call them violent impulse, Calvert said in the video. I think too often we do not talk about how difficult it is for violent people to overcome that[violent impulses]. He also posted, How the (expletive) are we not killing the government right now. On March 19, investigators interviewed the direct supervisor and two former co-workers of Calvert. Calverts first day of employment at this job was February 19, 2024. He caused immediate alarm with co-workers, who were concerned Calverts strange behavior and with the stickers on Calverts Toyota Camry which read, BE G.. DO CRIME, the agent wrote. Calvert was further described as a loner who avoided eye contact with everyone, wore all black-colored clothing, and avoided speaking to other employees. Moreover, Calvert was consistently late to work and failed to follow instructions. He was fired from his job on Feb. 28. A previous supervisor told agents Calvert suffered from a lot of mental struggles and was borderline unstable. Calvert has expressed his belief that violence should be directed against the government, and he has described his inability to control his own violent, aggressive impulses, authorities wrote in a detention memorandum. Calvert is violent, and he is dangerous, just as he said. If Calvert is released, the danger to the community from a second offense is greatly increased. Alabama court records do not show any previous criminal record on state charges. Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney Generals Office, said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter, stated Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross. The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved. If convicted, Calvert faces a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison with no possibility of parole. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin met with city employees today to discuss the computer hack that continues to wreak havoc on operations as the workers raised concerns about pay, security of their personal information and what happens next. Most of Birminghams 4,000 employees have been paid on time and accurately, Woodfin told the citys workforce, while noting that issues of late paychecks, underpayment and a few overpayments are being addressed. During a 40-minute town hall this afternoon, Woodfin and the citys department heads answered questions that employees sent in by phone, text, and email. AL.com obtained an audio recording of the meeting. If you have concerns, if you have issues, if you have questions, a process has been provided for you to talk directly to us. You have other outlets, but they are not going to get you the answers that you need, Woodfin said. Officials did not give an indication of when the computer issue might be resolved. Kevin Moore, the citys finance director, said his department is working to provide pay stubs and income verification for mortgages and other issues employees face. We are currently working to assist all those who have these types of concerns, he said. I personally talked to a mortgage company today to make sure we were providing that type of assistance. Cedrick Sparks, Woodfins chief of staff, urged employees against spreading rumors related to the network disruption. The villains are the folks who used their expertise to harm us, he said. Lets band together as an employee base. City leaders took a drubbing, as some employees criticized Woodfins slow communication about the computer crisis and what it meant to them. We have not been able to share all the information that you may want, Woodfin said. There are some things that we simply do not know yet. Some of the information is part of the investigation. We will provide updated information to you once we have information to share. Woodfin said the problems began on March 6 when they observed unexpected activity that disrupted operations of some computer systems. The city, after weeks of near silence, confirmed on April 3 that computer systems were hacked nearly a month earlier. Woodfin during todays call promised that the city would provide information as it learns more. He did not address concerns from police that the ongoing cyberattack had affected public safety. Last week, the Birmingham Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police sent a letter to Woodfin, saying that the computer hack has caused some problems for law enforcement, as officers face limitations in checking to see if vehicles have been reported stolen or if someone has outstanding warrants. Significant concerns have been presented to the Fraternal Order of Police regarding the City of Birminghams lack of transparency in the handling of the recent cyberattack against the city, Officer Deangelo Hall, president of the states largest FOP wrote in the letter obtained by AL.com. The lack of information from leadership has led to feelings of uncertainty and disregard among city employees and citizens. City officials have stressed that the 911 system has not been affected and that emergency operations remain functional. Sparks during the call today defended the administrations approach to communicating with staff. He said the city is working with a third-party specialist in investigating and solving the problem. They advised the city of Birmingham on the steps that we can and should take, Sparks said. We are relying on the expertise of our third-party specialists who do this every day. Know that the mayors desire is to be as transparent as possible, however we are in uncharted territory as a city. In response to multiple questions from workers, Sparks told employees that the city has found no evidence of identity theft related to the hack. To date, the city of Birmingham is not aware of any cases of identity theft or fraud related to the network disruption at this time. The investigation is still ongoing, Sparks said. If we have any evidence that reflects that, we will absolutely let you know. Several employee questions detailed concerns about pay, benefits and income verification. Since the hack, employees have been filling out paper time sheets and say they have not been receiving pay stubs. Hall, the FOP president, in the letter last week said there were several complaints by employees that they are not being fully compensated or, in some cases, not being paid at all. Moore, the citys finance director, said his department is working to provide pay stubs in the future and to cover paychecks issues since the outage began last month. Rick Journey, the mayors communications director, released a statement to AL.com when contacted about the meeting Wednesday afternoon. The city is committed to providing employees with updates and fact-based information to address their questions, the statement said. AL.coms Carol Robinson contributed to this report. Birmingham-based Daniel Corp. has begun construction on a 241-unit luxury apartment development in uptown Charlotte. N.C. Located on North Graham Street, the development site is walkable to Uptowns Central Business District. The project sits just inside the Historic Fourth Ward, and Daniel plans to incorporate the former Fourth Ward Bread Co. building into the design in keeping with the neighborhoods character. The seven-story, premium-rental community will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes. Interior unit features include quartz countertops with custom cabinetry, designer lighting, and smart home features. The development will also have 1,500 square feet of retail at the corner of North Graham and Sixth Street. The first units are expected to deliver in the summer of 2026. Amenities will include an elevated pool deck, coworking space, fitness studio, two-story resident social space, bike storage and repair room, an onsite market dedicated to residents, and secured and covered parking. We are excited to invest and begin construction on yet another world class multifamily community in the Carolinas Cameron Conner, vice president at Daniel, said. We look forward to creating a unique community that will add to the vibrant growth story that Charlotte is experiencing, and to continue growing our presence in the Charlotte market. A Rogersville man faces seven counts of sexual crimes involving two juveniles, according to court documents. The Morgan County Sheriffs Fugitive Unit Thursday executed a grand jury warrant on Kolbi Leland Miller, 21. Miller has been charged with two counts of first degree rape, two counts of second degree rape, incest, first degree sodomy and second degree sodomy. The arrest came following an investigation by the Morgan County Sheriffs Criminal Investigation Division which began in August 2021 after a report was made by Morgan County DHR. The report involved two juvenile victims. The Morgan County Child Advocacy Center and Morgan County DHR conducted the investigation, which was then submitted to the Morgan County District Attorneys Office. Miller was transported to and booked in the Morgan County Jail. He is being held without bond. The man who raped and murdered a 5-year-old Georgia girl whose body was found in an abandoned Alabama house told deputies he confessed to the crimes to get right with God before hes executed, according to testimony in Jeremy Williams death penalty trial. Williams, 39, pleaded guilty last month, but the trial in Russel County will decide whether he is put to death for the murder of Kamarie Holland. During the trial on Wednesday, jurors were also shown graphic footage of Williams sexually assaulting the girl, WRBL reported. Some law enforcement personnel in the courtroom were fighting back tears as the footage was displayed, according to the station. Williams confessed to raping and murdering Kamarie as well as his 1-month-old daughter in Alaska -- a cold case that was reopened after the confession, WRBL reported. The confession was made during a five-hour interview with the Russell County Sheriffs Office in 2021. When a deputy asked Williams why he was confessing he said it was because he wanted to get right with God before hes executed, according to the station. Kamaries body was found in an abandoned home in east Alabama in December 2021. Kristy Marie Siple, Kamaries mother, had a sexual relationship with Williams, who said he was tired of Siple and asked for Kamarie instead. Siple allegedly asked for $2,500 for Kamarie when Williams countered with $1,300. Although Wiliams agreed, he never paid Siple the $1,300, WRBL reported. Williams recorded the abuse of Kamarie, which included forcing her to perform oral sex and making the girl smoke methamphetamine with him. Tuscaloosa will welcome a new Italian eatery this month. Sugo Italian Restaurant is set to open the end of April at 2218 University Blvd., Unit A. Sugo will feature Italian dishes ranging from pasta and steaks to bronzini fish, alongside homemade pasta sauces and Italian-inspired cocktails. There will also be a comprehensive wine list featuring selections from various regions of Italy, as well as a curated domestic assortment. Sugo will be open Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owner Christian Williams said his ambition is for the restaurant to become an essential part of Tuscaloosas food landscape, like other popular destinations such as Southern Ale House, Avenue Pub, and Urban Bar and Kitchen. Our aspiration is for Sugo to be welcomed and cherished by the community, just as these other venues have been, Williams said. Having collaborated closely with the owners of these local favorites for over two decades, I share a closeness with them. Together, we are united in our commitment to delivering exceptional tastes and service to our town. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Wednesday described AL.com as a failed, progressive, liberal outlet in response to a story about elected officials tying the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl by an undocumented immigrant to politics and President Joe Bidens border policy. Alabamas failed, progressive, liberal outlet, known as AL.com accused me of being political for pointing out vicious crimes like these ... have been committed by illegal aliens all across - not just our state but across the country, Tuberville told reporters during his weekly media call when referring to the alleged rape in Enterprise, according to 1819 News, a website that was once owned by the Alabama Policy Institute. Try telling that to the parents of Laken Riley or other families whose loved ones have been murdered by illegal immigrants. Jason Riley, Laken Rileys father, told NBC News he would rather his daughters death not be so political. I think its being used politically to get those votes, Jason Riley told the outlet. It makes me angry. I feel like, you know, theyre just using my daughters name for that. And she was much better than that, and she should be raised up for the person that she is. She was an angel. AL.coms story pointed out that while the cases involving Riley and the 14-year-old girl in Enterprise have been seized on by Republicans as validation of their political views , data show undocumented immigrants are convicted of fewer crimes than native-born Americans. Tuberville was among several Republicans who seized on the Enterprise suspects immigration status. This is Pablo Mendoza. He is an illegal alien who was just arrested in South Alabama for raping a mentally incapacitated 14 year old girl. @JoeBiden is aiding and abetting these monsters. #SayHerName, Tuberville posted to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. Victims of sexual assaults are generally not publicly identified by law enforcement or journalists. This is Pablo Mendoza. He is an illegal alien who was just arrested in South Alabama for raping a mentally incapacitated 14 year old girl.@JoeBiden is aiding and abetting these monsters. #SayHerName pic.twitter.com/Fv6dfZ8QTV Tommy Tuberville (@TTuberville) March 27, 2024 U.S. House Reps. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, and Tom McClintock of California, chairman of the committees Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, were the latest Republicans to inject politics into the case of Pablo Mendoza, 23. Mendoza, who is accused of sexually abusing and sodomizing a 14-year-old girl March 25 in Enterprise, is undocumented, Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd told WDHN. The complaint against Mendoza, filed in Coffee County District Court said his alleged victim could not consent by reason of being physically helpless or mentally incapacitated. Prosecutors initially charged Mendoza with rape but have since dropped the charge. They refiled the case, charging Mendoza with sodomy, sexual abuse and human trafficking, according to WTVY. Laken Riley, a nursing student whose body was found on the University of Georgia campus and was allegedly killed by an undocumented immigrant Jose Antonio Ibarra while Riley was out jogging, was exploited by the GOP for political purposes. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., shouted at Biden to say Rileys name during his State of the Union address last month, and Sen. Katie Britt mentioned the Riley case in her rebuttal to Bidens speech, saying the president was to blame for Rileys murder. The CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank, conducted a study in 2020 showing that undocumented immigrants were convicted of crimes at a lower rate than native-born Americans, although undocumented immigrants did have higher conviction rates than immigrants in the country legally. The CATO study was based on crime data in Texas, which the institute said was the only state to record and keep immigration status for arrests. It could be that illegal immigrants in Texas are the most lawabiding illegal immigrant population in the country or the least lawabiding. Until other states start recording and keeping the data, we wont know for sure. But there is much suggestive evidence that the illegal immigrant criminal conviction rate in Texas is comparable to their crime rates across the country, CATOs Alex Nowrasteh said of the study. Sign up for The Meltdown, a weekly newsletter highlighting the latest apocalyptic dramas, debunking climate myths, and sharing sustainability hacks, all while arming you with information to hold polluters and the government accountable. Enter your email to subscribe. This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. It is republished with permission. Sign up for their newsletter here. All eyes pointed toward the sky as millions of people across parts of the U.S., Canada and Mexico witnessed the moon temporarily shroud the sun. People traveled from around the country and world into the path of totality for this rare celestial event. Analysts projected that spending surrounding the total solar eclipsesuch as booking hotels or dining outcould reach as high as $6 billion. Thats about $300 million more than Taylor Swifts Eras Tour brought in for local economies within her path of totality during 2023, reported the Morning Brew. For others, the eclipse offered a unique opportunity to study the environmental impacts of this temporary darknessfrom unusual animal behaviors to solar power disruptions. Today, I wanted to spotlight some of these efforts and what experts have learned so far. Solar Shrouding: For energy experts, a natural first place to look at eclipse impacts is the resource that relies on sunshine: solar. Since the U.S.s last total eclipse in 2017, solar installations in the country have increased threefold, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Before yesterdays eclipse, researchers at NREL used models to predict a decrease of about 35.3 gigawatt-hours in solar energy across the country during the sun-blocking event (other estimates projected around 39.9 GWh). While the overall impact has not yet been confirmed, losses were particularly high in Texas and a swath of the middle of the country from Minnesota to Indiana to Louisiana, writes Matthew Zeitlin for Heatmap. To prevent widespread blackouts, grid operators likely filled in the gaps using hydropower and natural gas, according to Solcast, a solar forecasting company. You may be wondering why this matters if total eclipses are so rare. Jin Tan, a principal investigator at NREL has the answer: The methodology from NRELs eclipse study is applicable to any extreme weather event. This includes cloudy storms and wildfires, which spread smoke across vast expanses of the sky and reduce solar output by as much as 50 percent, reports Bloomberg. Some of these extreme weather events actually eclipsed the eclipse in parts of the country, including a major celestial festival in Texas that ended early due to forecasts of high winds, tornado activity, hail and thunderstorms. Animal Oddities: Throughout history, citizen scientists have documented a variety of quirky behaviors from animals during eclipsesfrom honey bees swarming to nocturnal birds tweeting their tunes in the middle of the day. This year is no exception: Zookeepers at the Fort Worth Zoo in Texas saw many animals seemingly turning in early for the night by walking toward their barns and sleeping quarters as temporary darkness descended, reports CBS News. But little research exists beyond anecdotal reports. Thats why NASA recruited an army of citizen scientists this year to be its eyes and ears on the ground during the eclipse, writes Geraldine Castro for Wired. The space agency asked people to record and make observations for how animals reacted, and to submit their findings to the Eclipse Soundscapes citizen science project. They will use these recordings to study different ways species perceive the eclipse in a more formal manner. When it comes down to it, answering our science questions about how eclipses impact life on Earth depends entirely on the data that people volunteer to contribute, Kelsey Perrett, communications coordinator with the Eclipse Soundscapes Project, said in a statement. Our participants, including our project partners and facilitators, allow us to span the entire eclipse path and collect way more data than would be possible for just one small team. A new Boeing whistleblower has revealed that the aerospace's 787 and 777 Dreamliner could possibly "break apart" midair after thousands of flight travels. Sam Salehpour, a former engineer of Boeing, claimed that poor production process in the assembly line risks the plane's fuselage falling apart into "several pieces" just after a few thousand cycles. For perspective, a standard commercial plane can be used for a little over two decades, or at least 100,000 cycles, before being retired. The 787 and 777 jets were only released in 2011. Salehpour is the second Boeing engineer to testify against the company this year after the first whistleblower, former quality manager John Barnett, died of a supposed self-inflicted gunshot wound. The New York Times first reported Salehpour's statements. Boeing disputed Salehpour's statements as nothing but "inaccurate," claiming that it is confident with its planes' safety. Boeing Under Multiple Federal Investigations The Federal Aviation Agency has already launched its own investigation into the 787 and 777 Dreamliner jets following the latest set of accusations. The probe is separate from another federal investigation into the 737-800 aircraft after one of the planes under the Southwest Airlines blew its engine cover shortly after takeoff just last week. Or the much earlier 737 MAX 9 probe which found several safety flaws in Boeing and its manufacturing material provider', Spirit Aerosystems, production process. The US Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are also conducting their own criminal investigation on the company in relation to the 737 MAX 9 incident. The total number of planes affected by the safety probe numbers up to thousands across multiple airlines operating in the US and other countries. Also Read : Boeing Under Another FAA Probe Over 737-800 Aircraft Engine Blowout Boeing Embroiled in Safety Scrutiny Since the disastrous Flight 1282 last January where one of Boeing's planes blew off its door plug panel midflight, the company has been in hot water from airlines and regulators. Following the safety fiasco in the company, several major airline executives have reportedly met with Boeing to discuss the plane manufacturer's plans to improve safety of its jets, sources told Reuters. The company has already been sued and pushed into an agreement to improve the safety of its planes several times since 2015. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun has since announced to step down from the company's leadership by the end of the year amidst controversies. Calhoun replaced ex-CEO Dennis Muilenburg after he was fired from an earlier controversy involving two Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 that killed 346 passengers. Boeing's stock prices have plunged by 29.86% to $174.63 per share since the first incident last Jan. 5, with the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. English News Smart farming blooms on Chengdu plain Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 9 Avril 2024 The center, which is operated by the cooperative that Wang works for, has six zones including a seeding production line, nutrient soil storage, and a sprouting room. Some of the seedling equipment were already being tested and calibrated. By Li Kaixuan, People's Daily On a morning in Chongzhou, Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, Wang Lingli opened an app on her phone. Seeing that the temperature was 14C with no rain expected for the next two hours, she grabbed her drone and headed out the door. As a professional agricultural manager, Wang leads a team of 13 who utilize smart farming software to manage 7,000 mu (around 467 hectares) of farmland of four cooperatives. "Our top priority right now is to apply pesticide to prevent pests and diseases," said Wang, as she skillfully piloted the drone to release an even mist of pesticide over the fields. The fickle spring weather on the Chengdu plain makes precision farming crucial. "If a sudden rain comes before the pesticides are absorbed, they get washed away, which is a waste of resources and harms the soil," Wang explained. The app Wang uses can provide accurate weather forecast fore the next two hours, thus she can arrange her work accordingly. Taking a break, Wang shared the benefits of agricultural informatization with People's Daily: "My phone manages every aspect of farming." Through remote sensing technology, Wang can view soil moisture levels and crop growth conditions right on her phone, giving her a "diagnostic report" to guide field management. Besides, agricultural experts provides her with online consultations and on-site support, serving as an ever-present "brain trust". The app also connects directly to supply and sales platforms, maximizing income while reducing costs. Without pausing, Wang hurried to a smart seedling center. "Rice seedling cultivation begins in early April. In May, it's the wheat harvest. Then we prepare the fields, fertilize, and transplant the seedlings - the schedule is fully packed," Wang said. The center, which is operated by the cooperative that Wang works for, has six zones including a seeding production line, nutrient soil storage, and a sprouting room. Some of the seedling equipment were already being tested and calibrated. "My phone is connected to the center's control system, so that I can check real-time seedling data," said Wang. Compared to traditional manual methods, the smart system significantly improves the survival rate and quality of seedling, she added. As cultivation scales up and technologies advance, Wang is also integrating modern corporate management practices into the cooperative to boost incomes for member farmers. Last year, the fields managed by her team yielded a total of 6,000 tons of wheat and rice - nearly 25 kilograms higher per mu than non-member farmers. Wang's career was inspired by her father, Wang Zhiquan, one of Chengdu's first professional agricultural managers. It was under her father's encouragement that she returned home and joined the cooperative after graduating from university in 2015. Initially, having grown accustomed to traditional farming methods, Wang Zhiquan was reluctant to leave his "comfort zone." When Wang Lingli proposed buying a rice transplanter to replace manual labor, he objected. So, the two divided a field to test the approaches. Ultimately, the machine's efficiency proved superior, boosting Wang Zhiquan's confidence in modern agricultural technologies. These days, Wang Zhiquan often "peeks" at his daughter's phone, which displays the rice transplanter's BeiDou navigation paths and planting densities in vivid detail. Recalling his stubborn resistance years ago, he admitted, "You have to trust the vision of the younger generation." As new seedlings sprout, technologies are "sown." Today, 90 percent of agricultural production in Chongzhou has been informatized. 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) (Photo : Unsplash/Jeff Siepman) AI technology is offering a solution to aid restaurants, grocery stores, and other food-centric businesses in the U.S. in monitoring food waste disposal. This problem accounts for almost 40% of the nation's food going to waste annually. Two companies, Winnow and Afresh, have developed AI technology that enables food-related businesses to assess the amount of waste occurring in their daily operations. This helps them better manage the products they sell or use. In the United States, Feeding America reports that 80 million tons of food is wasted annually, leading to an estimated 149 million meals discarded. Of this waste, 46% originates from the food industry, and 38% of all food in the U.S. remains unsold or uneaten. READ ALSO: Robotic Window-Washers Revolutionizing Skyscraper Maintenance, Take Over Manhattan with Robotic Arms and LiDAR Cameras Winnow's AI Technology According to the New York Times, Winnow sets up cameras above trash bins in restaurant kitchens. These cameras capture images that an AI algorithm analyzes to assess the quantity of wasted food and its associated costs. Based on company estimates, restaurants have reduced their money on food costs by 8% by becoming aware of their wastage. A spokesperson informed NewsNation that Winnow now collaborates with 2,000 enterprises across 77 countries, including notable brands such as IKEA, Hilton, and Marriott. Winnow's clients collectively save an estimated $54 million annually, preventing the disposal of the equivalent of 45 million meals. They estimate that, on average, kitchens discard about 20% of the food they buy, but through implementing Winnow's technology, companies typically reduce their food expenses by 2-8%. Afresh AI Technology Afresh utilizes artificial intelligence to track a grocery store's inventory and purchases, analyzing how many unsold products are discarded. Matt Schwartz, the CEO, expressed on the company's website that his goal in founding Afresh was to combat food waste and enhance accessibility to nutritious food. According to Business Insider, AI insights enable grocery stores to adjust their purchasing decisions based on the amount of food being wasted, optimizing their inventory management processes. The Environmental Impact on The Food Industry The companies developing this technology aim to have an environmental impact by assisting restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies in reducing food waste. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, food waste contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The agency highlighted that reducing food waste at retail, food service, and household levels can offer numerous benefits for both people and the planet. This technology arrives at a crucial moment, as the world's population is projected to surpass 9.5 billion by 2050, accompanied by a 60% increase in food demand, as stated by UNEP. While food waste persists, 12.9% of the global population grapples with hunger, and individuals in less affluent communities allocate between 50% and 80% of their income toward food expenses. Marc Zornes, the founder of Winnow, told the New York Times that food waste is a problem that often goes unnoticed and disregarded. RELATED ARTICLE: Robot Malfunction Attacking an Engineer in Tesla Mounts Up Revelations on Factory's Working Environment 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Israel must complete the task of eradicating Hamas from Gaza. If it fails, that will only lead to never-ending cycles of murder and mayhem, with Hamas continuing to be a threat to Israels population and national survival. Israel must not succumb to calls for a ceasefire, although US and world pressure is currently mounting, and a pullout of Rafeh is on the table. Note that calls for the ceasefire come from the leftist progressives here, who not only are full-blown anti-Semites but also use this to ensure the violence will continue and continue to harm innocents. Do not forget the Big Picture for which the left strives. Their support of Islam over Israel fits that model. Sadly, a global problem persists. While Israel must crush Hamas to protect itself, the Western world must address the larger picture of fascistic terrorism. Israel is on the front line of this global battle, and how the rest of the world supports or hinders it will have massive effects. Image: X screen grab. According to one recent poll, more than 70% of the people in Gaza and the West Bank support Hamass attack against Israel. From this, we logically (not emotionally) can reach several disturbing observations: It will not be sufficient simply to eradicate Hamas. Eradication is only a starting requirement for a long-term solution. There are fewer innocent civilians in Gaza than is supposed. Populating Gaza are mostly enemies, making friend and foe difficult to distinguish. The Geneva Conventions differentiation between combatants and civilians is particularly problematic because Hamas fighters wear no uniforms and hide behind civilians. We should not be overly concerned about collateral damage or providing humanitarian aid. Almost all targets are fair game. Remember, they started it. Clearly, no two-state or other pro-Palestinian solution will ever work (but we have known that, for some time, havent we?) because this two-state solution contains a member that desires a one-state solution. Islam, a totalitarian, authoritarian theocracy , is incompatible with Western values and culture, as we see with their attacks on Western foundations. The relatively recent rise (120 years) of Marxism with its totalitarian, authoritarian secularism mirrors Islam. While Muslims see Marxists as infidels worthy of death because of their hedonism, Marxists fill the role of the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Theres a symbiotic relationship between Marxism and Islamuntil the day the jihad is won. Both Islam and Marxism require an enemy to gain and retain power. For Islam, it is the Jew. For Marxism, it is the capitalist, which Marx associated with Jews. The Marxists anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism, as seen in our colleges, students, corporations, and government officials, feed right into Islams goals. You cannot reconcile liberty with tyranny, individualism with authoritarianism, or capitalism with Marxism. Just as one cannot negotiate with evil, the divide between Western values and those of the Islamic state cannot be solved by negotiation. It requires that one side dominates. Islam, after all, means submission. This is why Biden and other left progressives olive branches always fail and are fatally dangerous to America and the West. Leftists deliberately set us up to fail by continuous calls for ceasefires, even as they provide money, relief, and support to the Wests existential enemy. A ceasefire will return the same result as a homeowner spraying bugs without destroying the nest in the walls where they breed. Currently, we seem to face an existential crisis, given that two totalitarian ideologies have joined forces against a supine West, but it doesnt have to be that way. The are things we can do: Dominate: The Middle Eastern cultures only respect strength, so we must dominate them. Any attempt to reason or negotiate with them is seen as weakness. I know this from personal experience. Think about it. If you can win, why would you negotiate? Once dominated, Muslims will still hate us but will respect us, which is the key to peace. The West must fight this battle on the terms of Islam, and not our diplomatic Marquis of Queensbury type rules. Finish whatever they start: Never start anything, but whatever violence they do to us must be visited upon them by a factor of 100. Only annihilation works until submission is achieved. It may result in mass civilian casualties, just as Hitlers Germany and Tojos Japan learned in WWII, but better their civilians face casualties than ours. Stop supporting Iran: The mullahs must be put back in the box that Trump built. Embargo their oil and starve them financially and economically so they wont have the spare money to fund Hamas-like groups. Bidens open funding and removal of sanctions are creating a monster that will soon have the bomb. Notice: Put the Middle East on alert that supporting Islamofascism will have dire effects on each nations economy. And when necessary, demonstrate this resolve. But make cooperation with us profitable. Educate the population: Americans must learn about that fascism, progressivism, Marxism, Nazism, and Islam are all cut from the same hate-based totalitarian cloth. Anti-Semitism is hate speech. While exterminating Jews, Hitler and the Nazis allied with Islams Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. Ignore the left-speak: We cant let their name-calling control us. We could replace Islamophobia with Islamosanity to show we have a sane view of the truth about the evil they unleash on the world. Remember, the left is colluding with Islam. Welcome and encourage assimilation: Those Muslim groups who assimilate and live in harmony with the West should be welcomed and encouraged, but monitored. Stop mass immigration: In addition to closing the Southern border, there are areas in the US (as well as Britain, France, and Germany) where fast-growing Muslim populations live in their own areas (some becoming no go zones) and refuse to assimilate. No society can survive massive conflicts of cultures. Realize that anti-constitutional activities are poison: Non-assimilating Muslims, while benefiting from the largesse and benefits of living in America, continue to protest and call for its death. This should be shut downas the brave administration at U of Michigan just didand any such non-assimilators should be deported. Free speech rights do not protect treason. This is a hidden but growing danger to Western societies. Declare war on Islamofascism: The US, in cooperation with Europeans, must declare an all-out war on Islamofascism and eradicate it to the roots wherever it is found. Disproportionate force is required, or it will recur. I am not advocating aggression, but when the other side starts it, we must finish it. Just like WWII. Stop the violence by gaining full submission. Anything less requires total annihilation of the problem a solution they would not hesitate to use on us given the chance. Lewis Dovland is a passionate observer of Americas future direction with a focus on exposing the Big Picture end goals of the progressive Marxist movement and how we can prevail. Email at Lewis.Dovland@gmail.com. Mass media technologies such as radio and television ushered in an era of State-engineered propaganda on a global scale. Any lingering allegiance to objective truth was eclipsed by the allure of powerful narratives. Narratives create false realities that incentivize humans to accept certain ideas or pursue certain actions that they would otherwise never accept or pursue if they were thinking clearly and confronting reality truthfully. Over the last century, television and radio have operated as gatekeeper technologies that effectively controlled who was permitted to construct false realities on a mass scale. In any country from despotically communist to relatively free the public is constantly bombarded with messages that reinforce certain narratives. Whether that narrative is that eating marshmallow cereal will make you happy or that fossil fuels are killing the planet, there is always an economic or political motive behind what you hear and see. In every nation, people with political and economic power have monopolized mass media so that they may monopolize the narrative influences that warp human minds. You will not find much on television that encourages you to think critically or question authorities. Television and radio are most effective when people question little and think even less. The power of mass media takes advantage of human nature. Target audiences are presented with images and sounds that are naturally appealing. Then a new idea or suggested action is equated with the appealing scene, and the observer is unconsciously nudged to adopt the new behavior. For example, a commercial might show a happy family playing around the backyard swimming pool of a large house. Smiles and laughter abound. Smoke from barbecued meat drifts through the air and creates an imaginary aroma. Then an attractive mother looks to the camera and claims that she uses this product, or supports this politician, or believes in this idea. Because the staged family seems ideal, the viewer imagines herself as part of it, and while placing herself inside the narrative, she is subtly drawn to the product or concept being promoted. This is propagandas version of the Transitive Property of Equality: if the target identifies with the actors, and the actors identify with a product, then the target will identify with that product, too. The news industry exploits a related phenomenon: intellectual insecurity. The primary target in this manipulation is news reporters themselves. You have surely noticed that a lot of well known pundits arent that smart. Thats intentional. The people who control public narratives dont want celebrity thinkers; they want eager repeaters people who mindlessly mimic whatever theyre told. At the same time, most news repeaters have big egos. Thats intentional, too. People whose egos are larger than they merit are particularly susceptible to manipulation. They fall victim to what you might call the lone genius effect. In any gathering of people, if one person sounds convincingly more intelligent than everyone else, the surrounding group will accord that person with some measure of authority. Whats important is not whether the lone genius is telling the truth or even an actual genius, but rather that the group perceives the person to be intellectually superior. In the news industry, oversized egos are vulnerable to the propaganda of the lone genius. Because their psychological health depends upon a self-image of being smarter than they really are, they gravitate toward any individual who appears to be the real deal. Reporters intellectual insecurity makes them easy targets. A Marxist globalist needs only one smart-sounding commie to create a wave of mockingbird mimickers eager to repeat exactly what the lone genius says. How do Marxist globalists effectively control any public narrative? They (1) prohibit truly intelligent people from presenting opposing messages while (2) flooding the media space with intellectual lightweights who wish to be seen as geniuses. Thats how you construct a false reality in which every media voice claims that catastrophic, man-made climate change is settled science when scientific research says nothing of the sort. Censorship of opposing voices combined with the lone genius effect creates unanimous journalistic consensus. Totalitarians always rise to power by preying on insecure people because, once mesmerized by the tyrants speech, eager repeaters become goose-stepping sycophants of the highest order. Now, how has the internet changed these dynamics? It has undermined the soft power of propagandas Transitive Property of Equality and the lone geniuss perceived expertise. Even before social media platforms transformed communication in the last fifteen years, personal web pages, blogs, and emails provided individuals with the tools to challenge mass medias narrative construction of false realities. By empowering a random farmer, blue-collar roughneck, political iconoclast, shy cubicle worker, or teenage prodigy with the means to reach large numbers of people throughout the world in a short amount of time, the publics voluntary exchange of information shattered the States (and the States economic allies) long held monopoly over large-scale propaganda. A political or commercial advertising campaign that costs millions of dollars and takes months to produce can be destroyed with a single web page that mocks the effort effectively. In the process, the psychological pull of a narratives false reality can be severed permanently. When an unknown outsider can undermine the value of a product or idea almost overnight, the power of mass media shifts away from entrenched institutions and toward once easily ignored individuals. The rise of social media platforms has accelerated this shift. How have economic and political overseers reacted to this information revolution? For many years, they have attempted to compete in the new cognitive battlespace by developing narratives that could survive the rough-and-tumble environment of the World Wide Webs Wild West. Thats why Taco Bells and Burger Kings Twitter accounts are so snarky. Its why politicians learned to use humorous sound bites and fifteen-second videos to create viral sensations. Its how a niche industry of online influencers became sought-after talent for pushing narrative messages. All these years later, though, mass medias worst propagandists have begrudgingly come to accept a striking truth: in a world where anybody can be a messenger, authenticity is king. You might even say that in a world flooded with competing points of view, authentic truth possesses enhanced power. The publics capacity to deconstruct lies means that propagandists must work harder to construct false realities. Because those with political and economic power no longer maintain exclusive narrative monopolies, they are stuck playing on a more level playing field with everyone else. No matter how much they might pay homage to the virtues of democracy, the last thing those with power want is a world where knowledge, ideas, and viewpoints blossom democratically. This is why the United Nations and the World Economic Forum have both declared disinformation and misinformation the planets most dangerous threats. It is why NATO is openly expanding operations to counter cognitive warfare by manipulating what the public can see and say on social media platforms. It is why the United States has joined with most Western nations in embracing censorship and criminalizing free speech (despite the explicit protections the First Amendment provides against such grotesque State encroachments upon the publics inherent liberties). Over the last three decades, technological advancements have fundamentally changed the ways we communicate. These technologies have provided governments with vast powers to spy on their citizens and manipulate their behaviors. That said, the far greater effect has been the liberation of the public from the constraints of hypnotically effective State propaganda. One of the chief reasons for social division today is that so many people have begun to turn on their brains and turn off the State. Popular nullification of government-engineered narratives has never been more effective. For freedom-minded people, thats progress; for the totalitarian Deep State, thinking people are dangerous. Image via Pixnio. America was once a nation of free-thinking individualists priding themselves on the constitutional idea that God ordained and endowed each person as an end unto himself with rights to think, act, believe, and behave according to personal thoughts, conscience, and individual interest. According to the Declaration of Independence, those inalienable rights include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, because governments power is derived from the consent of the free, the job of those running the country is to secure, not undermine those rights and freedoms. Our nations Founders knew that the nature of individualism is what stimulates the kind of spirit that brings about the sort of advances America has achieved since its founding. Yet, by trusting humans to think, act, and live according to their beliefs, the framers left the door wide open for enemies of liberty to infiltrate the minds and hearts of the easily influenced. Brainwashing is defined as the process of pressuring someone into adopting radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible means. In case you havent noticed, that is the kind of pressuring presently threatening the blessings of liberty. From smooth-talking Marxists to leftist media outlets to communist legislators, trusting Americans are being forcibly pressured to relinquish political, social, and religious ideals and to embrace the dysfunctional regimentation being imposed on them by those who intrinsically despise this nation. This process is being successfully accomplished through climate panic, collectivism, illegal immigration, lack of election integrity, constitutional disrespect, as well as the demonization of whole swaths of good Americans. Those who diligently pressure Americans into adopting radically different beliefs are slick salesman types who have been elevated to positions of global influence and celebrity status. The loudest voices are those with smooth didactic ability to propagandize regular folks with rhetorical footwork so persuasive that if words were dance steps they would blow away Fred and Ginger on the dance floor. What would the men who framed our Constitution have to say about an American president calling the document they drafted with much prayer, counsel, and heated debate, a deeply flawed charter of negative liberties? What would Adams, Franklin, Hamilton, John Jay, Jefferson, Madison, and George Washington think about an American president suggesting that the nation that prides itself on freedom is in dire need of having government do things on the individuals behalf? Lest we forget, blood was shed to gain what America once deemed sacrosanct. Therefore, what would those who died to protect freedom have say about militant haters being let loose on cities, terrorizing citizens, chanting death to America, toppling historic statues, and setting landmarks on fire? Would the Framers shrink back in shame as current leaders chide victims, justify violence, and mark those who disagree with all things un-American the reason for the insurgency they sanction? Yet, rather than righteous indignation, the national temperament exudes a sense of corporate guilt for crimes none of us committed. Rather than anger, good people seem to be owning the accusations and in turn acquiescing to abuse like mistreated pets. Riots are purposely incited by implicit suggestions that retaliation for things like racism is justified. Police are disrespected, shot, and killed. Terrorist states are enriched, and foreign wars financed with tax money siphoned from government coffers. Our border, language, and civilization is being decimated, and Third World diseases infect our citizens. Meanwhile, everyday Americans are portrayed as inherently evil. To ensure voters voices are drowned out at the ballot box, instead of forbidding illegal entry, our government presses beaten-down taxpayers to feed, clothe, enrich, and accommodate hordes of illegals that include swindlers, murderers, and rapists. As stunned citizens lick the wounds inflicted by government, progressives support an invasion of military-aged men armed with tactical game plans printed in Chinese. One amendment at a time, the Constitution is being slowly dismantled by radical activists. In place of resistance to lost freedom, it seems as if Americans dutifully line up in obedience to mandated edicts. And while criminals roam free, we act helplessly as fellow citizens are denied due process and rot in jail, and submissively step aside while squatters rights are given precedence over private property ownership. As Americans yield control, convinced what theyre being told is true and that corrupt perpetrators have their best interests at heart, the national tenor exudes a sense of jaded defeat. Every time reeducation expert Barack Obama applies coercive persuasion tactics to insult Caucasians, prolifers, the First and Second Amendment, non-transgender military, Christians and patriots, rather than rise up in opposition to false accusation, confused Americans retreat into silence and become suspicious of colleagues and friends. Either Americans sense an air of powerlessness, are distracted, or they dont understand how fragile freedom really is. Or maybe its just that a large portion of the electorate is so enamored with eloquent propagandizing that the ability to distinguish ill intent has been clouded by Al Green tunes, pithy remarks, and political charisma. Americans appear desensitized; theres barely a whimper of protest at what would have embarrassed or infuriated us in the past. When a high-ranking military commander or government official shows up at a lectern dressed like woman, there is minimal societal recoil. So too when a sham of a president shows up at the podium with a stack of index cards. Currently that president is at 50% in the national polls. This is a man whose skill set includes licking melting ice-cream off the side of a waffle cone and taking directives from a Marxist puppeteer through a receiver reminiscent of televangelist Peter Popoff? Save thought control or the reality of mind melding, how is that even possible? Rather than exhibit righteous indignation over the embarrassing spectacle of a president thats been foisted on us or anger over being portrayed as selfish, extremist, racist, dangerous, and unfair by his mentor, its as if a large number of Americans have been fundamentally transformed into broken stallions. Instead of the pluck and determination that formerly embodied the American spirit, progressive pundits, politicians, and past presidents have successfully convinced a whole generation of Americans that free speech and patriotism is the biggest threat to democratic ideals. The level of indoctrination is so constant it appears as if many people are open to the idea that founding principles like individual liberty, personal achievement, and love for God, and country must be abolished. With that in mind, the current mood of restrained capitulation should be of utmost concern. As this trend progresses, where, pray tell, is the spirit that gave a ragtag band of freedom fighters the courage to hide in trees and take shots at the most powerful standing army in the world -- and win? Instead of refusing to submit, Americans like automatons mask up, line up, and take "shots" of a different kind. Like it or not, our nation stands on the precipice of losing all that is sacred. Thats why, those who have enjoyed the blessings of liberty must rouse from the fevered dream theyve been lulled into and refuse to submit to the sort of tyranny our Constitution was drafted to prevent. Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannieology.us Image: National Archives At her bicentennial, most Americans believed America to be a beacon of light to the world, with legal immigrants drawn by hopes of opportunity, building something and becoming an American success story. America and everything she stood for were things of value and unique, and those who came counted themselves as fortunate. As we approach her semi-quincentennial, things are different. Today, large swaths of Democrats disparage America as illegitimate in one breath while, in the next, saying that we should allow in every person who wants to walk across the border and suckle at the public teat. After all, Columbus was an immigrant. America is indeed a land of immigrants, as were constantly told. Actually, every place is a land of immigrants, for immigration is a hallmark of human history. Wherever humanity originated, at some point, members of the species immigrated everywhere else. Its almost never a simple process. Sometimes, its because people were chased from their homelands, like the Vandals who were chased by the Huns from eastern Europe into the Roman Empire, eventually settling in Gaul, then Iberia and, finally, North Africa. Other times, its because of people who seek to expand their territory through conquest, as happened with the various Muslim caliphates that emerged from Mecca and Medina, whose desire to encircle the Mediterranean was only stopped by Charles Martel in Tours in 732 and by John III Sobieski in Vienna in 1683. Image: YouTube screen grab. History is full of examples of people immigrating from one place to another. We often think of the earliest people moving into an area that was previously uninhabited. That may possibly be true of North and South America, but for the most part, its not true. When the earliest humans immigrated out of Africa and into Europe, Asia, and Oceania, they encountered our cousins, the Neanderthals, and after 100 centuries of war, eventually eradicated them. All of this is to say that immigration is nothing new in human history. And its not in American history either. Pre-Columbian people in whats now North America came across the Bering Straits at the end of the Ice Age and then, even in that large land, jostled with each other over territory. The modern United States was built by immigrants from Europe from a land that was extraordinarily sparsely populated when they arrived. Its estimated that there were 4.5 million inhabitants north of the Rio Grande in 1492, or about one-half a person per square mile. That compares to approximately 32 in Mexico at the time, 33 in Spain, 60 in France and 103 in India, the worlds densest nation at the time. Today America stands at approximately 100 people per square mile. From its beginning, the land that became America experienced a series of waves of immigration, which included approximately 86 million people through 2019, a number that has increased to approximately 100 million over the last 5 years. Although Donald Trump stemmed the tide somewhat, Joe Biden has opened up the floodgates with more than 10 million illegal immigrants pouring over our now-nonexistent border since his installation. Thats fully 3% of the US population. As significant numbers of those people are heading to New York, California, and other blue states, which roll out the red carpet and give them free money, the Democrats are grateful because this swelling population helps their congressional numbers. This is simply not sustainable. Particularly when the overwhelming majority of the people coming across the border are from countries that dont share our values and have little experience with the freedoms that helped create historys greatest nation and economy. Across the country, were seeing sanctuary states and cities being overwhelmed by the events they supported in the first place. Citizens, veterans, children, and more are being displaced to make room for illegals, with taxpayers picking up the tab. Virtually every aspect of public services is being overwhelmed, from shelters to schools to hospitals to police. The good thing is, Donald Trump has promised that on Day One, he will start the largest domestic deportation operation in American history. That, combined with a wall the likes of which weve never seen, is a great start. But theres a problem, and Jesse Kelly hit it right on the head 70% of Americans SAY they care about the border. Run one video of little Pedro sobbing as he and mother Lupe get loaded into an ICE vehicle a they get deported back to Guatemala and that 70% number will drop to around 5%. Country is too soft for mass deportation. No chance. 0. https://t.co/HhU7bmY5OY Jesse Kelly (@JesseKellyDC) April 4, 2024 Kelly is right. America is simply too soft to do whats necessary to deal with this disaster. Americans are largely a compassionate people. The LBGTQXYZ travesty were experiencing today is, at its core, the result of Americans reacting to gay partners not being able to visit dying lovers in hospitals during the AIDS epidemic because they didnt have rights and families of the dying kept them out of the hospital rooms. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of babies are aborted annually because Americans are angered at hearing that a victim of rape or the mother of a severely handicapped fetus was forced to give birth rather than get an abortion. In wide swaths of the country, policing and justice have been eviscerated because too many Americans believe that blacks are incapable of overcoming slavery that ended a century and a half ago or discrimination that was outlawed back in the 1960s. Americans are indeed a compassionate people, but sometimes compassion can get you killed. Compassion has a role to play in a moral civilization, but when it becomes the driving force to the exclusion of rational thought, it ceases to be a virtue. (See Europe, which, since 2015, at Angela Merkels direction during the war in Syria, imported tens of millions of military-aged men from Africa and the Middle East who are bringing war to the streets, along with the problem that many of them despise Western culture and want Sharia law in Europe.) You cannot run a country based on teary anecdotes. They make for great media and heartfelt stories, but they make for terrible policy. If Donald Trump is going to fix this situation, he must be willing to endure the unprecedented level of vitriol that will be thrown at him. AOC crying at the side of cages will be childs play compared to what the media will do with images of little Pedro and his pregnant mommy being pulled from the taxpayer-provided hotel room and loaded up into a DHS van. Trump must be willing to endure stories about the heartbreaking lives that face deportees back in Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, and the rest of the countries from whence they came with him playing the role of Hitler. At the end of the day, if Donald Trump is going to lead the nation out of the morass that Democrats and the swamp have led us into, he must be willing to be vilified, cursed, defamed, libeled, reviled and basically all of the other things he has been exposed to over the last eight years, on steroids. Trump wasnt willing to endure that abuse last time and allowed random judges to throw roadblocks all along the way. As a result, his wall was never finished, and now there are 10 million new illegals in America. As the country approaches her 250th birthday, if Donald Trump is going to be the leader Americans need right now, hes going to have to be a lot more George Patton and a lot less Mark Milley. Follow Vince on Twitter at ImperfectUSA, or you can visit his new website Gratitude for America. The Emerald City Hoedown is a nationally known country-western event hosted by an LGBTQ+ country-western dance club. When a dance team showed up at the most recent hoedown wearing stars-and-stripes shirts, some attendees were so triggered that the organizers told the team to shed their shirts or get out. The teamand another oneleft with heads held high. What happened is both laughable and a reminder that too many members of the LGBTQ+ community are, or have been brainwashed into being, unstable snowflakes who seek Americas destruction. The Rain Country Dance Association (RCDA), which has organized the Emerald City Hoedown for 15 years, is an LGBTQ+ country-western dance club: Founded in 2005, the Rain Country Dance Association was created to ensure that Seattle and the Pacific Northwest continues to have a strong and growing GLBTQ country-western dance scene, a scene owned and shepherded by the dance community itself. Nor is the RCDA a stand-alone entity. Instead, Rain Country is a member of the International Association of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC). I hope you appreciate, as I do, that the people who exist under the banner of the LGBTQQIP2SAA acronym belong to a club that has IAGLCWDC as its acronym. These people arent messing around when it comes to the specifics of who they are. Given RCDAs origins and affiliation, its to be expected that most of the organizers and many of the attendees at the hoedown will be Democrats. But just how Democrat are they? Well, the Borderline Dance Team discovered the level of both leftism and snowflakery when it attended the most recent hoedown (April 4 to 7), at the RCDAs invitation. Its important to note that the Borderline Dance Team is an inland group rather than coming from coastal Washington. Those familiar with the West Coast, from California to Washington, know that its the coastal cities that are the home of wacky leftism, from Los Angeles to Seattle, stopping along the way at the San Francisco Bay Area and Portland. And while some inland cities are leftist (Sacramento in California and Olympia in Washington), people away from the coast mostly run conservative. Given the Borderline Dance Teams inland origins, its not surprising that they would choose to have the American flag as their troops theme: Image: Borderline Dance Team promotional image. Facebook; fair use. Their costume choice was not a secret. Before this story blew up, the Emerald City Hoedown apparently had a web page showing the dance teams in their costumes. That page no longer contains any images. However, once the team arrived in their red, white, and blue glory, the snowflakes and antisemites reacted: Unfortunately, what our team was met with upon arrival was that our flag tops were offensive to some of the convention goers. There was a small group that felt triggered and unsafe. They had several claims for this reasoning. Mostly associated with the situation in Palestine and the Trans community in America. At first we were told we would just be bood, yelled at and likely many of them would walk out. This did not deter us. But then we were given an ultimatum. Remove the flag tops and perform in either street clothes (which most didnt bring as they traveled there in their uniforms) or they would supply us with ECH shirts from years past Or, dont perform at all, which effectively was asking us to leave. The troop members, to their credit, chose to walk, as did another organization called West Coast Country Heat, which was also wearing red, white, and blue. Jason Rantz spoke with Lindsay Stamp, a Borderline Dance Team co-chair, who said that the above triggering happened within just 30 minutes of their arrival. She explained that the group does not consider itself political, but only patriotic, supporting the military, veterans, and first responders. What Stamp doesnt understand is that, for the left, Americas very existence is a political question that must be resolved with Americas destruction. The great irony, of course, is that the team was taken down because the LGBTQ+ organization yielded to an alliance of transgender and Hamas activists. Hamas views the whole LGBTQ+ panoply as a capital crime. Literally. This is what happens to LGBTQ+ people in the Muslim world: #ISIS threw 2 gay men from the roof of a building in #Palmyra #Syria. So far more than a dozen similar act by #ISIS. pic.twitter.com/pV5Cu6T9BQ Elijah J. Magnier (@ejmalrai) July 23, 2015 Your reminder that Ayatollah regime in Iran is an anti-Gay genocidal entity that regularly tortures & executes LGBT for no reason. The regime executed these 2 gay men Mehrdad Karimpour & Farid Mohammadi in Jan. 2022 for crime of sodomy. Where's outrage from the leftists? pic.twitter.com/MXMRYN4eyW Karmel Melamed (@KarmelMelamed) May 7, 2023 To the extent the Muslim world even recognizes transgenderism, it puts its own twisted spin on it: Iran executes gay men for being homosexual unless they become trans women. In that case, all is well since the gays have been sexually cleansed They are then considered heterosexual women. Think about that. #GayErasure pic.twitter.com/Gny3EpnE54 Unwoke American Homo (@JBos6171992) September 14, 2023 Hamas, to which the LGBTQ+ movement gives its fealty, is not immune to the LGBTQ+ purge: The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas executed one of the group's leading commanders after allegations surfaced of gay sex and theft, it has been revealed. Members of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades shot Mahmoud Ishtiwi, 34, three times in the chest after they had detained him for a year, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. Hamas announced that the man in charge of a number of the group's tunnels used for smuggling and surprise attacks had been executed for moral turpitude, a Hamas term for homosexuality. The term useful idiot predates the Cold War, but it came into its own then to describe a stupid, ill-informed person who can be used as a stooge for communism. Now, that same person is a stooge for Islamism, too. The Islamic-Communist alliance has found more than its share of useful idiots among the LGBTQ+ community, a group with many members who are vulnerable to the worst kind of brainwashing. Some murderers are so twisted, so evil, so sick, so vile, that the only way society can deal with them is the death penalty. Their crimes shock the conscience. But in recent decades. NGOs such as Amnesty International have argued that life in prison is an acceptable substitute to the death penalty, and the only humane solution. Back in the 1980s, when letter-writing was common, I used to correspond with an Amnesty International activist in Japan about the death penalty, and recall that life imprisonment was presented as the only non-barbaric alternative. Amnesty has largely won that argument in the hearts and minds of the Western public as the death penalty is exceedingly rare now, even as horrendous crimes go on and on. But now we learn why that's a bad idea compared to a swift trial and execution for obvious crimes. According to Andrew Stiles, writing at the Washington Free Beacon: Here's how CNN reported the death of Walid Daqqa: "Terminally ill Palestinian prisoner dies after 38 years in Israeli custody." That was only slightly better than Amnesty International's description of Daqqa as "a 62-year-old Palestinian writer" whose death in prison was "a cruel reminder of Israel's disregard for Palestinians' right to life." Several paragraphs later, CNN explains that Daqqa was "seen as a terrorist" after his conviction for orchestrating the 1984 abduction, torture, and murder of Moshe Tamam, a 19-year-old Israeli soldier. Indeed, that doesn't seem like an entirely unfair characterization, especially given the horrific details of the case, which do not appear in the CNN article. "Walid Daqqah and his collaborators gouged out Moshe's eyes and cut off parts of his body, including castrating him," the Times of Israel recounted in 2023 after Amnesty International demanded the terrorist's release from prison. "Lastly, they took Moshe to an olive grove and shot him dead. His corpse was left there to be found." American Thinker Deputy Editor Olivia Murray wrote commentary on this sickening development two days ago here. Another NGO, the anti-death penalty Death Penalty Information Center promotes "life without parole" a "sentencing alternative" and "reform" measure to the death penalty. Amnesty's advocacy for it is less clear, with those letters advocating life without parole for psychopathic killers from the Japanese guy I still have somewhere, to a reference, at least on the Irish Amnesty International site, of opposition to life without parole as well as the death penalty. There also is a call on their main site for ending life without parole for "children" who slaughter others. Amnesty and others have advocated life sentences in the past for other psychopathic killers as an "alternative" to the death penalty. In 2017, in response to President Obama halting the death penalty on a killer of two and making it a life sentence, Amnesty wrote: The death penalty is incompatible with basic principles of human rights, and an executive decision to remove anyone from death row by commutation rather than by execution is to be welcomed. But now with this case of this sadistic killer for the Palestinian "cause" we can see how they've morphed into a group that thinks even long prison sentences are a problem, which for the rest of us is a new reason to favor the death penalty. Israel gave this torture-murderer of an innocent young teenager a life sentence instead of the death penalty he deserved. Now Amnesty is calling Israel the bad guy for imprisoning the monster at all. Responding to the death in custody of Walid Daqqah, a 62-year-old Palestinian writer who was the longest-serving Palestinian prisoner in Israeli jails after having spent 38 years imprisoned, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty Internationals Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns said: It is heart-wrenching that Walid Daqqah has died in Israeli custody despite the many calls for his urgent release on humanitarian grounds following his 2022 diagnosis with bone marrow cancer and the fact that he had already completed his original sentence. Sure, the guy served 38 years (after his life sentence was reduced). He got two years tacked onto his sentence for smuggling cell phones into the prison creating a security risk, so two more it was, based on his own bad decisionmaking, which is where Amnesty's mendacious claim that Israel kept him in jail beyond his original sentence came from. Amnesty of course didn't mention that little detail any more than the mentioned all the grotesque tortures that were perpetuated onto the Israeli teenager before he was murdered. Because the fact of the matter is, he was only in prison with a long sentence because he wasn't executed as his crimes would dictate. Now that memories have faded for all except his family about what he did, we learn that Israel was cold and hard and cruel for keeping this killer in jail like he was Nelson Mandela, making him a beacon for the Palestinian cause who had been done wrong by Israel. Seems this happens a lot now. A state like Israel tries to do good by giving long prison sentences for crimes that deserve the death penalty and as time passes, these killers eventually become beacons and saints for all mankind, lionized by groups like Amnesty. The crime is forgotten, the miserable husk that's left is deified, and the state that extends that kind of mercy is vilified. Since there's no way to stop this dynamic, maybe it's time to bring back swift and certain executions for obvious crimes of this kind to prevent this kind of dishonest mythmaking that does so much damage to society and incentivizes more monstrous crimes. Execute these killers swiftly and scrap the life-sentence alternative if for nothing else to ensure justice is done for the victims. Deifying killers and condemning the justice system for going soft on them damages society just as surely as murders do. Thanks, Amnesty, for giving us a new reason to favor the death penalty. Image: logo, via Wikimedia Commons // fair use, public domain Texas shares approximately half of the 1,954-mile U.S.-Mexican border, making it a primary entry point for illegal immigrants. In 2011, the U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 125,821 illegal immigrants in Texas alone. This high volume of illegal immigration presents significant challenges to Texas and the entire U.S., including economic, social, and security concerns. Economic Impact: The influx of undocumented immigrants can strain public resources and social services, leading to potential economic challenges. It is essential to find a balance between humanitarian concerns and fiscal responsibility. Economically, illegal immigrants impose a significant burden on the state's resources. They account for about 14% of the students in Texas public schools when U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants are included, costing the state around $3.75 billion annually. Furthermore, illegal immigrants are more likely to live in poverty, with about 58% taking advantage of welfare programs, which cost the state an additional $803.3 million annually. National Security Threat: Open borders can be exploited by criminal organizations, smugglers, and potential terrorists. Ensuring national security becomes a formidable task in such a scenario. From a security perspective, the long Texas-Mexico border requires significant resources to secure, including workforce, equipment, technology, and infrastructure. The overall budget for all agencies and operating costs in 2011 was $56.3 billion. Despite these efforts, illegal immigration continues to be a significant issue. Rule of Law: The rule of law is fundamental to the stability and functioning of any society. Ignoring illegal immigration can undermine the integrity of legal immigration processes and overall societal trust. The open border policy rewards those who break the law by entering the country illegally, undermining the efforts of those who seek to immigrate legally. Moreover, it threatens national security, as it may allow criminals and potentially dangerous individuals to enter the country undetected. Public Health: Health concerns, especially during pandemics, are exacerbated by unchecked immigration. It is vital to have measures to ensure the health and safety of the incoming immigrants and the resident population. Social Cohesion: Large-scale, unregulated immigration can strain social cohesion, as it may lead to cultural clashes and increased polarization within society. Socially, the rapid growth of the Latino population in Texas, primarily due to illegal immigration, threatens to influence state politics and immigration policies. This demographic shift could lead to policies enabling unlawful immigration, exacerbating its associated issues. Addressing illegals Immigration and open border issues require a multifaceted approach. It involves ensuring border security, reforming immigration laws, and creating stricter laws for immigrants to enter the country. Maintaining border security is essential to prevent criminal activities and ensure national security. Investment in advanced technology and personnel can be part of the solution. It should be different from what the Biden administration has done. For instance, it has expanded the Title 42 policy that allows for increased expulsion of migrants while also granting humanitarian parole to 30,000 people from each country monthly, as long as they apply for asylum legally. Under President Trump, the plan required adult asylum seekers to book a meeting with U.S. officials and remain in Mexico or claim asylum in another country first before reaching the U.S. Failure to comply would make migrants ineligible if they subsequently go the border. The issue of illegal immigration and open borders in Texas and the United States has become challenging. Under President Trump, there was a simple solution: Close the borders! The circumstances of their arrival are intriguing in that unlike other illegal aliens, most OTMs (other than Mexicans) promptly turned themselves in. Why is it not known for sure? There can be no doubt, however, that the scheme has given Mexican drug cartels and potentially terrorists a promising opportunity to simply step over the invisible line that is our border undetected by border tax adjustments or BTAs because the agents processing the new arrivals could not handle their posts. To most Americans, the perception has long been that most of those illegally crossing our southern border are Mexicans, people coming here in search of work, looking to join family or a gang. While that may have been the case in the past, it is no longer supported by the latest immigration numbers today. According to a study done by Pew Research, detention of illegal Mexican aliens is at an all-time low. The primary reasons cited for the reversal are current mixed economic conditions, fewer job opportunities in the U.S., increases in deportations, and better border enforcement. However, the number of illegal aliens has not diminished. As more Mexicans have opted to stay home, children from Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras have quickly filled the vacuum. Numerous sources indicate that President Obamas and President Bidens executive actions have helped spur these children to make the dangerous journey through Mexico and ultimately up to our border. The question should be asked is if their parents are poor, how can they come up with as much as $10,000 to have coyotes (people paid by cartels to smuggle drugs and humans across borders) or others bring their child up to the Rio Grande, the natural boundary flowing between Mexico from the U.S. No sources could be found to suggest that terror groups are funding the trips, but one must wonder who is. That would be understandable if they were arriving in a group of five. But they are coming in droves and in the same timeframe. There is no question that the children are diverting Border Patrol agents from covering their guard posts so illegal border crossers, in particular members of the Mexican drug cartels, their mules (people hired to smuggle drugs into the U.S.), as well as gang members and Special Interest Aliens (SIA) can cross the border unapprehended. SIAs are of considerable concern to our intelligence and law enforcement agencies for obvious reasons. Stories are appearing with greater frequency on various news websites and blogs about how radical Islamists are being stopped as they try to enter the country. In short: Active cells could attack critical electric-grid substations, the failure of which could compromise or cripple our entire electric infrastructure. Other obvious threats are car bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) placed on busy highways or train tracks, bridge collapses, and other devastating attacks. We must close our borders now. Image: NathanMac87, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) suggested during an appearance on a recent Black Lawyers Podcast that Black Americans should be exempt from paying taxes as a form of reparations. That would be a good gig if you could get it, although she does admit that many Blacks do not currently pay taxes due to lower incomes. Crockett, no relation to Davy, also said that blacks are owed for the labor that was stolen and killed and all the other things. Im not sure what and killed and all the other things means, but whatever. I must admit that this is a unique proposal, though it is somewhat mindful of one I rather satirically suggested a decade ago that Democrats might put forth. Whats next? Will, say, California or Minnesota soon enact legislation that would exempt all Peoples of Color (POC) from paying income taxes? If so, the state could become a POC Sanctuary. (That would add to the long list of people and actions for which these states are already a sanctuary.) Perhaps New York or Illinois will announce that henceforth, it will no longer burden the LGBT community with sales taxes. Cant wait to see how a governor would attempt to implement that policy! Maybe indigenous folks and Pacific Islanders should be exempt from paying estate taxes? The possibilities are endless, though the results would be the same: a more divided, amoral, and impoverished America. I strongly doubt, however, that any government will sign off on anything that could reduce its revenue. At this point, its more likely that it would simply double the tax rate for white people or Christians. (Quadruple the tax rate for white Christians?) Oddly, the mainstream media never talk about how taxes disproportionately affect the wealthy. And rarely is the fact brought up, at least in a positive light, that no one in states like South Dakota, Texas, and Florida pays income taxes. Now that is equity. And then there are illegal aliens, who dont pay taxes but do get benefits, making them possibly the only group in history to have representation without taxation! Image: pasja1000 via Pixabay, Pixabay License. Flying completely under the radar, and perhaps a sign as to how much things have changed since Hillary was the presidential candidate and there was an enormous focus on the glass ceiling, there are now no less than four women vying for the presidency and vice-presidency. The Greens Jill Stein is once again that partys presumptive presidential candidate, and Kamala Harris is of course the current vice-president and 2024 candidate for the same office. In the normal course of presidential politics, third, and even more so fourth or fifth minor partys candidates would not garner much interest from pundits and public, no matter their sex, but 2024 is completely different. In an expected close contest between Biden and Trump, any party receiving around two or more percent in the polls could be the difference between either of the top two winning or losing, most especially in the seven swing states that matter. On current polling in the head-to-head states, Biden and Trump are near-tied in the aggregate, but when (as does Real Clear Politics) the race is widened to fiveBiden, Trump, Kennedy Jr., Stein, and Cornel WestTrump jumps to a commanding lead relative to the head-to-head of +2.7 points and leads in all seven states, including by a massive +6.3 points in North Carolina. Clearly then there should be, and is, a focus on who the candidates and their respective running mates are. That that point is made obvious has been shown by the Democrat party assigning a team to attack RFK Jr. who has suddenly become the focus of much media attention. Kennedy, polling an aggregate of 11.5 in Nevada, recently announced as his running mate, which provides him better access to getting on more state ballots, lawyer and tech entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan, who also brings great wealth as a bonus to being female. Cornel West, who is polling a not inconsequential aggregate of 2% in Georgia and Michigan, two vital states for Biden especially, has just announced his running mate, which again allows easier ballot access, as Melina Abdullah, described as a racial justice activist and professor of pan-African studies at California State University. West has been vigorous in his defence of Palestinians in the current conflict and Abdullah may help further shore up his vote in Michigan, again to Bidens disadvantage. The list of female presidential and vice-presidential candidates may be added to yet. Trump may choose a Noem or Gabbard, Stein is yet to choose, and the Libertarian pairing is to be determined. That the sensation that Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin caused when chosen, and the seeming endless promotion of Hillary Clinton as the glass ceiling breaker is now, with the current female candidates, not even a matter of much discussion even among feminist ranks show how strikingly the ethos has changed. Image: RareCuts, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered. In self-governing societies, choosing a leader of the nation is the most important responsibility a citizen has. In our United States, where the presidency has grown to be so powerful an office, it is even more so. Through time immemorial, whether in Greece or Rome, in England, or among native Americans, a few vital questions have always been foremost when questioning those who sought powerful office: will they obey their oath to follow the Constitution? Will they faithfully execute the law and obey the law themselves? Do they believe in a higher moral calling, a higher power, as in God? The reason for these questions is perhaps not obvious. But if a person in power does not perceive himself as being bound by his oath or by a constitution of law, the powerful tend to change from humans into wolves. And if one does not believe in a higher moral authority, there is no moral code or power he will respect between here and hell. In other words, such people have the perfect moral chemistry to engage in tyranny. Therefore, it is all-important to ask if an aspirant to power in a self-governing society intends to hold to his oath, to the law and to an altar. Such questions were asked of political aspirants for most of our history. But for over three decades now, it has become apparent that one party of our government hasnt cared what their leaders say or do. Did Bill Clinton break the law when he persecuted his former lovers into silence so he could become president? Did Bill Clinton care that he was breaking his oath to the Constitution when, as president, he personally dismantled the COCOM security accords, which prevented hostile enemies from receiving the means of attaining advanced military technology? That policy has brought the Chinese military up to parity with our own right now. Was Bill Clinton obeying a higher moral calling when he engaged in the sexual manipulation of a much younger woman in his employ? Did he hold to any altar when he broke his oath to tell the truth in a court of law and then proceeded to lie outright to 300 million Americans? Was Barack Obama obeying the law when he ordered the FBI to spy on persons in the press he did not agree with? Did Obama follow his oath to the Constitution when he ordered his administration to sue the state of Arizona for wanting to protect its own citizens from an invasion of our southern border? Did Obama follow the law when he ordered the IRS to financially strangle associations of the conservative Tea Party movement? Did Obama hold to any higher morality when he lied to the country that the Affordable Care Act would never require taxpayers to pay for abortifacients, then ordered that taxpayers had to, by rule, through his HHS department? Did Obama recognize a higher moral authority when he ordered an HHS attack on the Little Sisters of the Poor for not obeying the rule? Is Joe Biden really following the law when he uses the Judiciary to persecute his political opponents? Is Joe Biden following the Constitution he swore an oath to serve when he repeatedly shifts the burden of student loan debts from the debtors onto taxpayers, in defiance of a definitive Supreme Court ruling? Does Joe Biden really believe in a higher moral authority when he uses a prone, confused, and small percentage of the population to make a proclamation that is profane for many of the over 200 million Christians in America on the most sacred day of the year? Then saw fit to lie about it? These are only a handful of unlawful policies over decades by Democrat presidents that are not accidental: it is becoming Democrat party tradition not to be bound by the law or the Constitution. It has become the mission of the Administrative State to execute and defend Democrat party policy without questioning it. It has become the mantra of the media to praise any action committed by a Democrat as being fundamentally good without questioning if the action is either lawful or moral. And it is why this alliance of the Democrat party, its Administrative State, and its subsidiary media is so dangerous. In pursuit of absolute power, the Democrat party is prepared to wrench the Constitution out of existence and break any law or faith they have to, if it stands in their way. The Democrat party literally holds to no oath, no law, no altar. We who do, who would vote lawlessness out of power, face the lawless prospect of our votes holding no weight, as throughout our country, and in violation of the Constitution again, the Democrat party is registering illegal aliens, with no proof of identity, to the count of 384,000 last week alone...to nullify our vote. Democrats themselves need to stop this process! As citizens, they need tell their leaders they believe in their country more than they do in exclusive power or we will lose our country. Richard C. Lyons, author of The DNA of Democracy: Volume I and Shadows of the Acropolis: Volume II is a third-generation printer, whose early career centered on religious and special education publishing. Lyons has since engaged in literary pursuits as a poet, essayist, screenwriter, and indie publisher. Image via Pxfuel. (Photo : Unsplash/Pablo Varela ) Your employees rely on you for guidance and encouragement, and as a leader, you are responsible for guiding them through uncertain times and boosting their morale. Here are some strategies to enhance your abilities as a leader in 2024: Practice Human-Centric Leadership Conventional leadership paradigms promote hierarchical management methods characterized by linear and inflexible task delegation. However, contemporary employees require a different leadership style: one that is adaptable, empathetic, and genuine. Caitlin Duffy, Research Director at Gartner, pointed out that social and political unrest, the blending of work and personal life, and the rise of hybrid work setups are erasing the traditional boundaries that define the leader-employee relationship. Leaders now must navigate a more nuanced dynamic, transitioning from a conventional leader-to-employee interaction to a more empathetic and human-centered approach. Although this management style might appear straightforward, only 29% of employees report experiencing human leadership from their superiors. Create A Crisis Management Plan Various risks, such as conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, economic uncertainties, and the impending presidential election, characterize the business environment in 2024. Leaders need to cultivate strong crisis management skills, emphasizing proactive strategies, effective communication, and recovery plans to avoid harming employees, damaging reputations, causing financial losses, and causing legal ramifications. Make Building a Cohesive Culture A Priority Office culture has significantly changed, impacting employee morale, employer branding, recruitment efforts, productivity, and innovation. According to Peter Aykens, Practice Vice President of Gartner's Human Resources practice, reduced in-person interactions, decreased time spent in the office, and smaller employee networks have disrupted the traditional cultural landscape. It is crucial to cultivate a culture that resonates with everyone, regardless of the working model you adopt for your employees. Ensure you make employees feel valued, emphasize your business's mission and values, and implement tools that facilitate seamless connectivity throughout the day. READ ALSO: Is Your Team Really Engaged? Here Are Key Strategies for Improving Workplace Morale and Productivity Delegate Many managers believe that closely managing employees is essential for steering the company successfully in times of uncertainty. Still, this instinct often leads to micromanagement, negatively impacting morale and productivity. In 2024, resist the urge to take on too much from your team and delegate responsibilities as much as possible. This rings particularly true for managers overseeing Generation Z workers, who are increasingly influential in the workforce. According to Michael Pankowski, Gen-Z Analyst at Deloitte Digital, bosses who entrust their Gen-Z employees with open-ended tasks, satisfying their desire for autonomy and ownership, will receive dedication and creativity from these young workers. In 2024, prioritize assigning tasks to your team members that they can accomplish independently with the needed resources. Empowering your employees with greater responsibility allows you to focus on overarching goals while fostering their professional growth. Ask for Feedback A feedback loop is essential for promptly identifying and resolving issues before they escalate. Ensuring open and honest communication facilitates the identification of workflow bottlenecks, communication hurdles, and cultural issues that may undermine your employees' loyalty. While seeking feedback on your work style might feel uncomfortable, it is still valuable to ask your team for input on improving your operations and innovative ideas for new products, marketing strategies, and customer retention initiatives, ultimately enhancing your business's performance. RELATED ARTICLE: The Counterintuitive Strategy to Set Yourself Up for Workplace Success According to A Harvard-Trained Neuroscientist 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Last month, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a massive lawsuit against Apple, accusing the company of anti-competitive business practices. Expected to be a lengthy courtroom battle spanning several years, the case has been reassigned to a new judge. US District Judge Julien Xavier Neals will preside over the case, a court filing has revealed. It was originally assigned to Judge Michael E. Farbiarz. A new judge will preside over the DOJs lawsuit against Apple According to a new court filing on Wednesday, April 10, Farbiarzs recusal in the DOJs blockbuster lawsuit against Apple was necessary under the Code of Conduct for United States Judges. His disqualification is mandatory and cannot be remitted by the parties, an official order by Chief Judge Renee Marie Bumb states. As such, Neals will preside over this case and all related cases in the future. The order doesnt precisely explain why Farbiarz is ineligible to oversee the case. His recusal also seems to have come without any request from either party, Apple or the DOJ. However, the specific rule of the Code of Conduct for United States Judges mentioned in the filing Canon 3(C)(1)(d) a judge would be disqualified from overseeing a case if their impartiality might reasonably be questioned. This suggests either Farbiarz or someone he is related to, like a family member, has a close connection or financial tie with this case. Neals seemingly has no potential conflict of interest over the matter. As such, he replaces Farbiarz as the judge of this blockbuster case. As Reuters noted, US President Joe Biden nominated both judges to the US District Court. Neals has served since 2021, while Farbiarz has served since last year. The hearing will take place from a US District Court in New Jersey Filed on March 21, the DOJs blockbuster lawsuit against Apple targets many products and services. The government agency has pointed out flaws in almost every business the company does. The complaint highlights anti-competitive business practices everywhere, from iPhones and Apple Watches to CarPlay, digital keys, and more. It also blames Apple for the failures of Amazon Fire Phone and Microsoft Windows Phone. Unsurprisingly, Apple disagrees. It said the lawsuit is wrong on the facts and the law and threatens the principles that set its products apart in fiercely competitive markets. The company added that the lawsuit could affect its ability to create the kind of technology it offers to consumers. This case has all the ingredients to become a lengthy courtroom battle. The hearing will take place from a US District Court in New Jersey. Samsungs aggressive marketing push for Galaxy AI seems to be paying off. Its Galaxy S24 series is selling well globally and Galaxy AI appears to be a key factor. According to a survey, one out of every four Galaxy S24 users purchased the device because of AI features. Galaxy AI is driving Galaxy S24 sales, survey shows Samsung has been marketing the Galaxy S24 series as AI phones. Galaxy AI prominently features in its promotional materials for the new flagships across online and offline channels. The Korean firm has put up massive hoardings saying Galaxy AI is here globally, with the same promo also appearing on its social media handles and websites. Seeing Samsungs bet on Galaxy AI, Worldpanel ComTech decided to track whether AI features can drive smartphone sales. It launched a study in February and collected data across five European marketsFrance, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and SpainAustralia, and the US. The study revealed that Galaxy AI was a key driver of sales for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. According to the report, 27% of surveyed Australian Galaxy S24 buyers picked the new Samsung flagship for AI features. That is more than one-fourth of all sales. When all smartphone sales are considered, only 6% of buyers chose their phones for AI features. This means the Galaxy S24 is the preferred phone when it comes to AI. This is a big win for Samsungs marketing strategy. The report adds that the real-time translation tool, aka Interpreter, is the most wanted AI feature of the Galaxy S24 series. 28% of buyers want to use this tool. AI-powered camera enhancements were selected as the key feature by 24%, while 17% wanted Circle to Search. Despite Samsung marketing it, the latter is a Google feature that allows you to search for anything on the screen by drawing a circle around it. These AI features are coming to more Samsung devices Samsungs Galaxy AI is coming to more Galaxy phones. The Korean firm has already updated the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series to One UI 6.1, which contains the new AI features. Other recent flagships and mid-range models will get the update in the coming weeks. The availability of features will vary depending on the device model. Galaxy AI should come built-in on all future Samsung flagships, including the sixth-gen foldables coming later this year. Right now, the New York Times is in a heated legal battle against Microsoft and OpenAI. While that is the case, thats not to say that the publication is against AI technology in general. According to a new report, the New York Times is planning on using automated voices to narrate its articles. The legal battle is still going on, as the New York Times claims that scraping its articles constitutes copyright infringement. Right now, were still waiting for the results of this case. The results of the case could have major implications for AI companies going forward. The New York Times will use automated voices for its articles The New York Times is one of the biggest publication companies in the U.S., and its looking to further extend its appeal to more users. We all have to admit that not everyone wants to sit still and read long articles. This is why the company publishes audio recordings of its articles. So far, the company actually published more than 2,300 audio recordings in 2023, and this includes podcasts. We cant argue with the convenience of being able to casually listen to an article while getting ready for work or cleaning rather than reading it. This is why the company is looking to take this a step further. The New York Times will use automated voices to narrate its articles. Starting this week, people who use the news app and audio app will be able to use voice narration to listen to their articles. This is going to be a gradual rollout because about 10% of its users will gain access initially. Since these are automated voices, they dont require a human contributor to read and record the audio. Were not sure what AI platform the New York Times contacted for this automated voice. However, we do know that narrations will be available in about 75% of articles that the publication has published. That will make a ton of articles more accessible to users. It has plans to expand it to all of its articles at some point. Limitations If youre not logged in to the New York Times website/app or if you have not subscribed, you will not have access to unlimited voices. Also, Android users will not be able to use this feature for the time being. Its currently only available to people using devices from Apple. However, the company plans to bring this functionality to everyone over time. Earlier this month, Samsung accidentally dropped the Galaxy Note 20 series from monthly to quarterly security updates. It has since corrected the error and now released the April security patch for the lineup. Both 4G and 5G versions of the devices are getting the latest SMR (Security Maintenance Release). It is also available for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. Galaxy Note 20 series gets Samsungs April update Launched in August 2020, the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are expected to receive monthly security updates till August this year. However, the company sprung a surprise recently by dropping them to quarter updates. Thankfully, it was a mistake. The last Note-branded phones are back to the monthly update schedule and picking up the latest release. Both 4G and 5G versions of the phones are currently receiving the April SMR in Latin America. The updated firmware build numbers are N98*FXXSAHXD1 and N98*BXXSAHXD1, respectively. Samsung should soon bring the update to other regions, including the US (4G versions werent released in the US). You should get a notification when the update arrives. The Galaxy Note 20 series isnt getting any new features or improvements with the April update. Samsung is only pushing this months security patch, which includes over 40 fixes. The Note phones are no longer eligible for feature updates Debuted with Android 10, they received updates up to Android 13. They wont get Android 14 or One UI 6.1. Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 3 are also getting the April SMR A few days ago, Samsung released the April SMR for the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Galaxy Z Flip 4 in the US. The Fold model is now getting this update in international markets, starting with Latin America. The new build number for the phone in the region is F936BXXS5EXD1. The Flip model should soon join the party. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is another Samsung phone that recently started getting the latest security patch. Once again, users in Latin America are first to the update. It comes with the build number F711BXXS7GXD1. A global rollout for this foldable should also be just around the corner. Neither of these foldables is getting anything more than the latest security fixes today. However, they are eligible for the One UI 6.1 update, so new features and improvements are on the way. Samsung is expected to update its third and fourth-gen foldables to One UI 6.1 in the coming weeks. We will let you know when the rollout begins. (Photo : Unsplash/Damir Kopezhanov) "These are my feelings, and feelings aren't wrong." That one sentence demonstrates that Samantha's 9-year-old son possesses a healthier attitude toward mental health than many adults, including herself. He comprehends the importance of expressing his emotions and acknowledging his feelings to maintain his emotional well-being. According to recent research from Bain & Company, cultures focusing solely on productivity tend to increase burnout. Despite the frequent coverage of this issue in the news, a crucial aspect is often overlooked: Productivity and well-being are inherently interconnected, and one cannot thrive without the other. It is widely recognized that corporations should provide comprehensive benefits programs encompassing various facets of employee well-being, such as behavioral health and employee assistance programs. However, regarding mental health, employees often hesitate to seek the support they require. These programs can only be effective if employees feel empowered and supported enough to utilize them. While mental health days can be beneficial, Samantha Hammock, an executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Verizon, believes it is more effective to cultivate a corporate culture that addresses underlying workplace issues contributing to the need for such days. As individuals with the privilege and responsibility of setting examples and emphasizing the significance of mental health, Hammock wishes to share some valuable tips she has learned: READ ALSO: Top 9 Workplace Incentives That Motivate Employees Without Money Involved What Gets Measured, Gets Done Hammock understands that what is measured gets done as a leader, and mental health is no different. Verizon uses quarterly Pulse surveys to gauge employee well-being and collect direct feedback. Hammock ensures that they gather data and swiftly translate insights into action plans, introducing new programs and benefits to support employees. By responding to their feedback, they improve the company culture and demonstrate that employee experiences are valued and lead to positive changes, fostering greater engagement and openness. Know The Tools By Heart Hammock acknowledges that many leaders overlook their company's benefits while readily recommending them to employees. She stresses the importance of fully utilizing available resources to understand better how these services can benefit team members. For instance, when Verizon introduces a new benefit, Hammock promptly signs up to explore its potential for herself and her team. She eagerly anticipates the impact of their latest offering, Virgin Pulse, which allows her to establish shared goals with her team and provide mutual support. This digital well-being platform is a convenient hub for implementing daily actions to achieve their well-being objectives. Awareness to Advocacy Hammock emphasizes the importance of raising awareness of well-being and actively advocating for it as a leader. She encourages open discussions about mental health with team members, collectively and one-on-one, and shares her approach to self-care. She fosters an environment where self-care is valued and celebrated by asking team members what support they need and demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt. Hammock believes there is still too much guilt associated with basic well-being practices and encourages authenticity in creating a safe space for team members to express their needs openly. Walk The Talk Hammock underscores the importance of leading by example regarding mental health. While discussing it with teams is crucial, demonstrating personal commitment to well-being is equally vital in building trust. She ensures that her dedication to well-being is evident by incorporating messages on well-being into all-hands meetings and town halls, sharing her struggles, such as moments of mom guilt, or efforts to improve as a leader and advocate. Additionally, she models behaviors she wants her team, particularly fellow HR leaders, to adopt, such as refraining from sending emails outside of work hours and prioritizing rest and relaxation by taking time off. Embrace Changes While many leaders acknowledge the importance of well-being and mental health, translating this awareness into behavioral change can be challenging. While empathetic leadership was once celebrated, there is a growing need for vulnerable leaders who engage in genuine conversations and take tangible steps to prioritize well-being within their teams. Hammock emphasizes the importance of reassessing expectations and workload to ensure that team members have the space to care for themselves effectively. Make Space for Changing Crisis to Care Hammock's final point underscores the necessity of allowing team members dedicated time for rest and utilizing available resources for their mental well-being. She emphasizes that when team members feel well, they perform well in both their personal and professional lives. Therefore, there is a need to transition from viewing mental health as only important during crises to adopting a proactive mental care strategy. Hammock warns that leaders risk stagnation without evolving their approach to well-being. Given the significant emotional burden many individuals carry, prioritizing mental health is more critical than ever. Hammock's final thought is a powerful reminder that if her 9-year-old son can prioritize his well-being, everyone else can. RELATED ARTICLE: Is Your Team Really Engaged? Here Are Key Strategies for Improving Workplace Morale and Productivity 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. An asylum seeker accused of murdering a pensioner in the street told police he was motivated by the conflict in Gaza and to further his desire that Palestine would be free from the Zionists, a court has heard. Ahmed Alid, 45, denies murdering Terence Carney, 70, in Hartlepool town centre, as well as the attempted murder of his housemate Javed Nouri, and assaulting two female police officers who had interviewed him after his arrest. Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, said Alid armed himself with two knives in the early hours of October 15 when he attacked Mr Nouri, who was asleep, at their shared house in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool. Alid shouted Allahu Akbar, meaning God is great, as he stabbed Mr Nouri in the chest, before he went on to fatally stab Mr Carney, who was out walking in the town centre, Teesside Crown Court heard. Alid was already living in the accommodation when Mr Nouri moved there last summer and the defendant initially assumed he was a Muslim as he was keen on cleaning. Mr Sandiford said Alid told him that cleanliness was a sign of a good Muslim. But matters changed when Mr Nouri began to attend church and it became clear to Alid that he was a Christian convert therefore, in the defendants eyes, an apostate who deserved to die, Mr Sandiford added. The housemates formed the view that Alid followed an extreme version of Islam, the court heard. Court artist drawing of Ahmed Alid (Elizabeth Cook/PA) Mr Sandiford said: The Crown does not have to prove a motive a reason why the defendant attacked Mr Nouri and Mr Carney. However, there is evidence that the defendant had several motives for attacking Mr Nouri, one of which was also the reason why he killed Mr Carney. First, there was some friction between the defendant and Mr Nouri from living in the shared house. In particular, Mr Nouri had reported the defendant to the police and those responsible for managing their accommodation. Second, Mr Nouri was a Muslim who had converted to Christianity, and the defendant would therefore have regarded him as an apostate or murtad. Third, when the defendant was interviewed by the police, he initially thought that he had killed both Mr Nouri and Mr Carney. He said he had wanted to kill them because of the conflict in Gaza and to further his desire that Palestine would be free from the Zionists, by which he meant Israel. The defendant said he would have killed more people if he had been able to do so. The jury was told that Alid and Mr Nouri were asylum seekers living in Home Office-approved or provided accommodation, along with two others. Housemates noticed Alid was paying particular attention to news coverage of the Hamas attacks on October 7 and had begun to carry a knife, the jury heard. Alid allegedly began to threaten his housemates in the run-up to the attack on Mr Nouri, who was more powerfully-built than the defendant, and so not afraid of him. Mr Nouri complained about Alids behaviour to housing managers and to friends at church. Housing bosses warned Alid he would have to leave the house if his behaviour continued, Mr Sandiford said. Friends at church advised Mr Nouri to tell police his concerns, which he did, but an officer advised him that no offence had been committed at that stage. Those complaints provided Alid with more motive to attack Mr Nouri, the court heard, and at 5am on October 13 he broke into his housemates bedroom armed with two knives. Alid stabbed him in the upper chest, near his heart, causing Mr Nouri to scream What are you doing?, the court heard. He sustained further injuries to the mouth, thigh and calf while fighting him off, and one of the attackers knives snapped. Mr Sandiford said: Javed Nouri felt dizzy but managed to keep control of the defendant by using the headlock and holding his arm. He described the situation he was in as a nightmare, being attacked with a knife in the dark when he was sleepy, the defendant shouting Allahu Akbar and, at first, no one from upstairs responding to his shouts for help. With the help of others, Mr Nouri eventually fought off Alid, who fled the property, the police arrived and he was taken to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for treatment, the court was told. The jury heard a 999 call made by a housemate in which shouts of Allahu Akbar could be heard. The case continues. A Moroccan asylum seeker told police he knifed a pensioner to death in the street and stabbed a Christian convert out of revenge for Israel killing children in the Palestinian conflict, a court heard. Ahmed Alids actions, the week after the Hamas attacks, were motivated by the conflict in Gaza and to further his desire that Palestine would be free from the Zionists, Teesside Crown Court was told. He denies murdering Terence Carney, 70, in Hartlepool town centre, as well as the attempted murder of his housemate Javed Nouri, 31, and assaulting two female police officers who had interviewed him after his arrest. Jonathan Sandiford KC, prosecuting, said Alid armed himself with two knives in the early hours of October 15 when he attacked Mr Nouri, who was asleep, at their shared house in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool. Alid shouted Allahu Akbar, meaning God is great, as he stabbed sleeping Mr Nouri in the chest, before he went on to fatally stab Mr Carney, who was out walking in the town centre. Court artist drawing of Ahmed Alid (Elizabeth Cook/PA) He had initially thought Mr Nouri was a Muslim, but was angered when he realised he was attending church and had converted to Christianity. Mr Nouri and two other housemates, also asylum seekers, formed the view that Alid followed an extreme version of Islam, the court heard. Mr Nouri complained to housing bosses and the police about Alid, but days before the attack, an officer told him no offence had been committed. Mr Sandiford said: There is evidence that the defendant had several motives for attacking Mr Nouri, one of which was also the reason why he killed Mr Carney. First, there was some friction between the defendant and Mr Nouri from living in the shared house. In particular, Mr Nouri had reported the defendant to the police and those responsible for managing their accommodation. Second, Mr Nouri was a Muslim who had converted to Christianity, and the defendant would therefore have regarded him as an apostate or murtad. Third, when the defendant was interviewed by the police, he initially thought that he had killed both Mr Nouri and Mr Carney. He said he had wanted to kill them because of the conflict in Gaza and to further his desire that Palestine would be free from the Zionists, by which he meant Israel. The defendant said he would have killed more people if he had been able to do so. The property in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, where asylum seeker Ahmed Alid lived (Tom Wilkinson/PA) Housemates noticed Alid was paying particular attention to news coverage of the Hamas attacks on October 7 and had begun to carry a knife, the jury heard. At 5am on October 13, he broke into his housemates bedroom armed with two knives. The jury heard a 999 call made by a housemate in which shouts of Allahu Akbar could be heard. Alid stabbed him in the upper chest, near his heart, causing Mr Nouri to scream What are you doing?, the court heard. He sustained further injuries to the mouth, thigh and calf while fighting him off, and one of the attackers knives snapped. Mr Nouri, who was bigger and stronger than Alid, survived and the defendant fled. A CCTV still of Ahmed Alid holding a knife (Counter Terror Police/PA) Alids path then crossed with Mr Carney and CCTV images showed him repeatedly stab the pensioner in Tees Street at around 5.30am. Footage from a doorbell camera was played in court, during which the victim was heard to cry out no, no. He was able to get to his feet but collapsed and died nearby, having been stabbed six times in the chest, abdomen and back. Alid left Mr Carney for dead and was arrested nearby with a bloody knife in his waistband. In custody at Middlesbrough police station, Alid was recorded speaking in Arabic, saying Allah willing, Gaza would return to be an Arab country. The handle of the knife used by Ahmed Alid (Counter Terror Police/PA) Mr Sandiford said he went on to praise Allah and spoke of him being displeased with those who went astray, of Palestine, and that the Jews had divided the Arabs. Alid said that if he had not injured his hands he would have continued what he referred to as the raid, Mr Sandiford said. The prosecution added: The defendant spoke of returning with the army of Muhammed with the non-believers having to pay tax to the Muslims and be humbled. In his police interview, Alid admitted being responsible for the attempted murder of Mr Nouri and the murder of Mr Carney and expressed the belief both were dead, the prosecution said. Mr Sandiford said: When asked to explain what had happened, he replied the whole issue was for the independence of Palestine, and that to have two dead victims was better than more because we want the brutal Israeli colonizer to depart Palestine. He said he had killed two adults because Israel had killed innocent children in other words he said he had committed the attempted murder of Javed Nouri and the murder of Mr Carney in revenge for what he believed to be the killing of children by Israel. He swore by Allah that, if he had had a machine gun, and more weapons, he would have killed more victims. Mr Sandiford said Alid described Mr Carney as an innocent victim, killed because Britain had created the Zionist entity Israel and should make it leave. Alid told police: They killed children and I killed an old man. A police cordon at Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool (Tom Wilkinson/PA) Mr Sandiford said: The defendant swore by Allah that if the colonisation (by which he appeared to mean Israel) did not leave, Britain was on the verge of an explosion and there would be more victims. The defendant swore by the greatness of Allah that Britain would be a wreck. The interview concluded with the defendant swearing by Allah that he was ready for Shahada martyrdom. Alid, interviewed by DC Angela Harvey and DC Emma Stevenson, then became agitated towards his interpreter, Mr Sandiford said. He blocked the door and DC Stevenson pressed a panic button and his solicitor called 999 from inside the interview room. Alid lunged at DC Harvey and grabbed her so DC Stevenson leapt to assist and all three fell to the floor, allowing officers to gain entry to the room and Alid was restrained. After he was charged, he replied that the Zionists have killed lots of women, children and innocent people, far more than him, and he had killed one person. Mrs Justice Cheeba-Grubb told jurors it was unlikely Alid will deny stabbing the two men but it would be for them to decide what his intentions were when he did the acts. The hearing was adjourned until Friday. The taxpayer paid more than 34,000 to cover the costs of a libel case that saw Science Secretary Michelle Donelan reach a settlement with an academic she had accused of expressing support for Hamas. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology had already confirmed it had paid 15,000 to settle the libel action brought by Prof Kate Sang without admitting any liability. But in a letter to Labours shadow science secretary Peter Kyle, the departments permanent secretary Sarah Munby admitted the full cost was more than twice that figure, with another 19,385 spent on legal costs. The figure includes 7,785 of costs incurred by the Government Legal Department and another 11,600 spent on external counsel, with neither figure including VAT. The full bill for the taxpayer, however, could be even higher once the costs of a separate investigation by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) are factored in. Ms Munby said the taxpayer had covered the costs as ministers were indemnified for things done or decisions made in the course of their ministerial duties. But opposition figures have called for Ms Donelan to pay back the money herself. Mr Kyle said the fact taxpayers were picking up the bill was a slap in the face to hardworking families, adding the money had been wasted on unprofessional and libelous behaviour from a Conservative cabinet minister. He said: Instead of trying to cover up the true cost of her actions, Michelle Donelan should have had the decency to pay the money back to the taxpayer. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: Peoples taxes should not be used to bail out disgraced Conservative ministers. This saga stinks of a rotten cover-up, with Donelan at its core. Prof Sang launched her libel action after Ms Donelan tweeted a letter she had written to UKRI in October, expressing disgust and outrage that Prof Sang and another academic, Dr Kamna Patel, had shared extremist views and, in Prof Sangs case, expressed sympathy for Hamas after the October 7 attacks in Israel. The letter followed a tweet by Prof Sang saying This is disturbing, and containing a link to an article by the Guardian newspaper describing the response to the Hamas attacks in the UK, while Dr Patel had retweeted a post describing Israeli actions as genocide and apartheid. Ms Donelans intervention triggered an investigation by UKRI, which had appointed the academics to its advisory group on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Details obtained under freedom of information rules by website Research Professional News found the UKRI investigation had cost 23,280, including VAT, putting the total cost to the taxpayer of Ms Donelans letter at almost 60,000. Last month, Ms Donelan accepted that Prof Sangs comments referred to the Guardian story as a whole, and not just the headline, which focused on the Governments crackdown on support for Hamas. She also accepted that there was no evidence the academic was a supporter of Hamas. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been contacted for comment. Emma Barnett has said she will miss being the host of BBC Radio 4s Womans Hour but will bring her perspective on female issues to her new role at the Today programme. The former Newsnight presenter, 39, had her final Womans Hour show on Thursday following her more than three-year stint at the helm of the programme, devoted to female topics. Barnett, who has been the main presenter since January 2021, said: It has been an incredible ride. Emma Barnett with her award for best speech presenter in the awards room during the Audio and Radio Industry Awards (Lia Toby/PA) Im not sure I have many words left to say after that but I do want to thank you for your company in the Womans Hour hot seat. Thank you for trusting and thinking of us and coming to our amazing team with your views. She added: Womans Hour will be a part of me forever. I have been able to do some incredible and important journalism here and broach subjects without fear or favour and also been able to have a great laugh. Barnett also said she has become more convinced than ever of womens power, energy, strength, resilience and wisdom and has had the privilege of celebrating her daughters birth while a presenter of the show. While Ive worked here Ive had the privilege of giving birth to one, our little girl. She thanked Anita Rani, who will continue hosting the Friday and Saturday editions, and the female production staff before concluding by saying that she hopes the Womans Hour audience will not be strangers. My god Im going to miss this, Im going to miss you, but rest assured I remain wholly committed and totally convinced of the need for a womans lens on the world and Im taking that with me and then some, Barnett added. The moment @EmmaBarnett finished presenting her final Womans Hour programme Emma gave her final words, highlights, and thanks to you, our listeners, before she heads over to @bbctodayprogramme You can listen back to her last programme anytime on @bbcsounds BBC Woman's Hour (@BBCWomansHour) April 11, 2024 It has never been more crucial for the last time, thank you. Barnett had earlier written to her fans on X, formerly Twitter, saying that it is a very strange feeling before hosting her final show. I hope its clear how much I have enjoyed and treasured this experience. Womans Hour will be a part of me forever, she also wrote. And I hope its clear how much I think womens voices and a womans lens on the world is more important and more crucial than ever before. Thank you so much for being a part of it. Barnett will join the radio stations Today programme in May after Irish journalist Martha Kearney revealed this year that she will be leaving Radio 4s flagship current affairs show. Kearney will continue to present Today until the general election, the BBC previously said. The corporation also said previously that a new presenter will be announced in due course. The Government has widened access to a fund for farmers who have suffered severe impacts from flooding after major issues were pointed out by agricultural leaders. It was announced on Tuesday that grants of between 500 and 25,000 under the Farming Recovery Fund would be paid to farmers hit by the damage from Storm Henk in early January. The funding was designed to help farmers restore land to the condition it was in before heavy flooding due to Henk. But originally only fields within 150 metres of a main river that had flooded were eligible for the compensation, leading to complaints from farmers. Farming minister Mark Spencer said well continue to listen to farmers (PA) Farming minister Mark Spencer said: We want to make sure the Farming Recovery Fund offers the support farmers need to recover from uninsurable damage. Its why weve immediately listened and responded to feedback on the launch of the initial phase of this scheme, fully removing the 150m limit. This means that farmers will be able to receive payments for all land parcels which are flooded contiguous to an eligible river. Well continue to listen to farmers and look at how we can expand the scheme and improve support for those affected. The National Farmers Union (NFU) which is warning of a building crisis in the agricultural sector due to the ongoing bad weather which has battered the country with heavy rain, winds and flooding initially welcomed the scheme. But NFU vice president Rachel Hallos said on Thursday it had very quickly become clear that there are major issues with the fund. She added: We are hearing from numerous members who have suffered catastrophic impacts who have been told they are not eligible for the fund because some of their affected areas are more than 150 metres from main rivers. These include members with 90% of their land saturated or underwater, and huge damage to buildings and equipment. She said the farming body was taking the issue up with the Environment Department (Defra) urgently. Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by the Rural Payments Agency (PA) I cannot believe this is what ministers intended when they launched the fund, which was a welcome and well-intentioned development which seems to have been fundamentally let down in the detail, she said. While the impact of the weather goes far beyond Storm Henk, this could have been a good start but, as it stands, it simply doesnt work. The grants are initially open to farmers, to help them restore their land, in areas where a wider support scheme known as the flood recovery framework has been activated, to help farms which have experienced the highest levels of flooding, Defra said. These are Gloucestershire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Eligibility for funding in Berkshire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Derbyshire is under review, Defra added. Eligible farmers are being contacted directly by the Rural Payments Agency, outlining the support available and how they can make a claim. By Pyo Kyung-min EPEX is back and making waves on The Korea Times' K-pop channel POPKORN for the third time, proving itself as more than just a fleeting sensation in the K-pop world. With every appearance, this dynamic boy band continues to cement its presence, showcasing its musical evolution and undeniable impact on the scene. Comprising eight members Wish, Keum, MU, Amin, Baekseung, Ayden, Yewang and Jeff EPEX debuted in 2021 and has since embarked on a continuous journey to define its musical identity. The members have constantly navigated through a repertoire ranging from youthful, refreshing tunes to intense tracks articulating the challenges of youth, all the while exploring various musical genres. Upon a recent observation, the group was brimming with more confidence than ever before. The group's youngest members Ayden, Yewang and Jeff have recently reached the symbolic Korean age of 20, transitioning into adulthood. Bidding farewell to their adolescence, the members told The Korea Times of their ongoing struggles to fully grasp the reality of being recognized as "adults," during a lively interview at a studio in Gangnam District, Seoul, March 19. "I don't sense any substantial change just because we've reached adulthood," Jeff said. "It's akin to graduating from school. While the label 'adult' can be intimidating, I don't feel its weight just now." Yewang, echoing this sentiment, said, "I did engage in some heartfelt conversations with older members to mark this transition, but truthfully, I don't feel a significant shift in my mindset." He added, laughing, "Besides being able to casually partake in drinking alcohol with the members, I don't sense much else that's changed." Marking the milestone, the band released its first full-length album, "Youth Chapter 1: Youth Days" earlier this month. Keum characterized this album as the herald of the members' young adulthood. "Now that we've all reached adulthood, this album marks the onset of our young adulthood," he said. "It encapsulates the anxieties, joys, worries and aspirations shared by our generation as we embark on the first chapter of our journey." Given its thematic focus on young emotions, crafting the album demanded heightened effort. Ayden highlighted his endeavor to capture the essence of being a young adult. "When you envision being young, you imagine vibrant and lively emotions. Hence, during the recording process, I paid meticulous attention, infusing my vocals with young energy to resonate with our audience," he shared. The title track, "Youth2Youth," embodies this spirited essence. Baekseung added, "While practicing our new lead single's choreography, I aimed to convey a sense of freedom while still maintaining synchronicity." "I placed extra emphasis on harmonizing our moves during dance rehearsals." Just like its music, EPEX epitomizes the overflowing vibrant energy of young people. While its members exude professionalism in their work as idols, they revealed they indulge in typical boyish pastimes during their downtime. "We wouldn't call ourselves particularly diligent, to be honest," Keum said. "When we're not on idol duty, we tend to catch up on sleep and relax, recharging after hectic schedules," Their hobbies include playing video games, shopping and watching movies activities that define boys their age. "Originally, our dorm didn't have computers, so there was this collective yearning among us to play computer games ... We did recently buy computers, fulfilling this long desire. Now, we occasionally lose ourselves in gaming sessions in our rooms," Baekseung said. "I guess this aspect is something that is unknown to our fans." In a light-hearted exchange, EPEX members playfully teased the group's leader, Wish, about his hobby, exposing his surprising penchant for collecting cute keychains. "At first glance, Wish may appear intimidating due to his strong demeanor, but he's quite the opposite. He possesses this unique tender-heartedness," Keum said. "I recently witnessed him purchasing a teddy bear keychain. It was amusing to see him pondering over what to name it." "I'm not particularly fond of collecting keychains; they're fashion items," Wish said somewhat bashfully. Despite being young, EPEX has already spent three years immersed in the world of K-pop. The members said their goal is to achieve widespread recognition solely by their name. "We aspire to be a group that can confidently represent ourselves as EPEX wherever we go ... We envision becoming the kind of group where not only we, but also our fans, proudly proclaim our group name when identifying themselves abroad," Keum said. The success of the group's latest album, heralding the beginning of its ambitious dream, is also a key objective. "As this album marks the onset of adulthood for all of us, I hope it serves as a turning point, propelling us forward and enabling us to ascend even higher," Wish added. "Even for those unfamiliar with us, I hope they give our album a chance, as it's brimming with high-quality tracks." "Your support through listening would be greatly appreciated." Simon Harriss comments about Gaza have been defended as absolutely clear after criticism from the Israeli government. Israel condemned a short statement made by Mr Harris in the minutes after he was voted in as Irelands next premier by a majority of parliamentarians on Tuesday. The Israeli government claimed there are those in Ireland who persist on being on the wrong side of history. Simon Harris, the new Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland, chose to refer to the war in Gaza in his inaugural address but forgot to mention the 133 Israeli hostages who have been rotting in Hamas tunnels for the past six months, a statement by the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs said. Dana Erlich (Norma Burke/PA) The Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, claimed the Irish Government condemned the October 7 attack and called for the release of hostages, but has scarcely condemned Hamas itself in an Irish Times opinion piece published on Thursday. In his inaugural speech in the Dail on Tuesday, the Taoiseach said: In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and we are seeing innocent children, women and men being starved and slaughtered. We have not been silent on the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on October 7, nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli government, and as a country we will play our part in helping bring about ceasefire and a lasting peace. Mr Harris added that he would deliver that message on behalf of the Irish people during meetings with EU leaders on Thursday. During a speech to his Fine Gael party at the weekend, Mr Harris also called for the unconditional release of all hostages and said we unreservedly condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas. Sean Fleming, junior minister at Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, said Mr Harris was absolutely clear in his speech on Tuesday, and added that the Israeli governments criticism of Ireland was because of Irish support for the Palestinians. If anybody listens to what Simon Harris said, he was absolutely clear about whats happening out there, Mr Fleming said. He added that Irelands deputy premier Micheal Martin had spoken umpteen times about the hostages taken by Hamas. I think everybody knows where Ireland stands, and thats probably why somebody went through a script to find some fault with it because the Israelis are not happy with the Irish position. Because were very strong that we want a ceasefire and we want it immediately, we want food to go through, we want proper discussions in relation to Palestine being a separate state. Ireland announced on Tuesday that it had begun discussions on recognising the state of Palestine, and Mr Harris is to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Dublin on Friday to discuss the issue. Mr Fleming said what Ireland says on the conflict is being noted very carefully by the Israeli government. Ultimately, yes, were out on the front in the EU when it comes to attack by Israel, or insults or abuse, and that speaks for itself. Sean Fleming (Niall Carson/PA) I think the Irish people will recognise, if were under attack and abuse from Israel, its because were very much on the side of the Palestinians, and theyre not happy with that. He told RTEs Drivetime programme that while Ireland is militarily neutral, he is not politically neutral when I see a bomb dropping and children starving. Mr Fleming added: The words that were being used (by Israeli government representatives) was total victory, destroy Hamas that has not got anything to do with peace negotiations or a ceasefire. Nobody is saying the Palestinian state will happen now, but discussions have to happen now and we have to prepare the ground. The view from Israel is they will talk when they have destroyed Hamas and they have achieved total victory thats not the way this is going to play out in the long term. On Thursday, one of Irelands three coalition parties, Fianna Fail, said it had not invited the Israeli or Russian ambassadors to its Ard Fheis conference in Dublin this weekend. We do not believe it would be appropriate, given the war on the people in Gaza or the war in Ukraine. Fianna Fail has continuously condemned Hamas and its attack on the Israeli people on October 7, a statement from the party said. However, more than six months on, we truly believe that the ongoing response from Israel is completely disproportionate and the fact that aid is being held back while children and others die from famine cannot and will not be condoned. Jeremy Paxman has said Parkinsons disease makes you wish you hadnt been born, as he delivered a list of recommendations about the condition to Downing Street. The former University Challenge and Newsnight presenter and fellow members of the Movers and Shakers podcast which discusses the challenges of living with the disease marked World Parkinsons Day by presenting the Parky Charter and a petition with tens of thousands of names to Number 10. The podcast also features former BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, the broadcasters ex-Europe and North America editor Mark Mardell, correspondent Gillian Lacey-Solymar, the late Princess Dianas divorce barrister Sir Nick Mostyn, and Vicar of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer. The Parky Charter has five key recommendations: swift access to specialists for individuals with Parkinsons under the NHS, the introduction of a Parkinsons UK pamphlet for enhanced awareness and support, the implementation of a Parkinsons passport granting automatic entitlement to specific benefits, improved comprehensive care, including regular consultations with a Parkinsons nurse, and increased Government funding for research for a cure for the disease. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the charter, saying he is very supportive of the excellent work that the Movers and Shakers do and the charter will rightfully receive the attention it deserves. However, Paxman said he believes the charter and petition will have no effect whatsoever on the Government. He told the PA news agency: The fact that they (the Government) have ignored all their responsibilities to date indicates to me that theyre not going to get any better. And I suspect that the form of words devised by the Ministry of Health will confirm that. Jeremy Paxman at Downing Street (Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA) I dont think were going to get anywhere. You feel like youre banging your head against a brick wall. The Leeds-born broadcaster also voiced his frustration with the publics treatment of Parkinsons sufferers. He said: You want to say, get the f*** out of the way, thats what you want to say. In May 2021, he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons and stepped down as the host of University Challenge. Paxman began his broadcasting career on the BBCs graduate trainee programme in 1972. The 73-year-old added: (Parkinsons) may not kill you but it will make you wish you hadnt been born. Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Rory Cellan-Jones, Jeremy Paxman, Gillian Lacey-Solymar and Sir Nicholas Mostyn (Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA) Theres nothing in it for the drug companies, its just more money for them. Movers and Shakers began in February 2023 and is described by Paxman as good fun. Mardell said: None of us began our podcast Movers and Shakers with the slightest intention of becoming campaigners, let alone taking a charter to Downing Street. But the more we heard from our listeners throughout the series about the way they had been treated, ignored and misunderstood, the more shocked and outraged we became. Now we are determined to use what profile we have to demand some simple measures that would make a huge difference. Our trip to Number 10 is not the end, merely the first steps on a long road. We may stagger, we may be slow, but we will move and shake the system until it makes life better for our fellow Parkies. About 153,000 people have been diagnosed with the condition, although estimates suggest more than 200,000 may be affected. Parkinsons UK CEO Caroline Rassell, Spotlight YOPD CEO Carl Beech and Cure Parkinsons CEO Helen Matthews (Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA) Caroline Rassell, chief executive of the charity Parkinsons UK, said: The Movers and Shakers are an incredible group of people with Parkinsons who are using their combined voices to create a powerful platform for change. We support the principles of the Parky Charter, which echo the issues that the Parkinsons UK community raises with us. Carl Beech, chief executive of charity Spotlight YOPD, said: When I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinsons, Ill never forget the words incurable, degenerative and progressive ringing in my ears as I left the consultants room. I knew that life was different now, and looked for help. The Movers and Shakers podcast was the first thing I listened to. It gave me great comfort to know I wasnt alone. However, I was young and so I had a similar but also different battle on my hands. One of having to work with declining health and yet no easy access to financial help. Having to fight and often failing to get the help needed is soul-destroying. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: We want a society where every person with a neurological disease, along with their families and carers, receives high quality, compassionate care and having a better understanding of diseases like Parkinsons is vital in making sure we can provide the right care at the right time. Thats why we committed to spend at least 375 million in research into neurodegenerative diseases over five years, so that we can better understand these conditions and improve outcomes for patients. Lacklustre Liverpool were stunned 3-0 by Atalanta in a Europa League quarter-final collapse that could prove to be Jurgen Klopps last European night at Anfield. This competition offers the chance to bring the curtain down on the Germans reign with a European trophy on May 22, but their hopes of making the Dublin showpiece are in jeopardy. Liverpool lacked creativity and coherence in the first leg of a quarter-final that Atalanta are in complete control of heading back to Bergamo thanks to Gianluca Scamaccas brace and a late Mario Pasalic goal. It represented the Reds first Anfield loss since falling to Real Madrid last February and compounded the Premier League hopefuls potentially costly 2-2 draw at bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday. Harvey Elliott had hit the woodwork before Scamaccas first-half shot squirmed past Caoimhin Kelleher, who was beaten again by the former West Ham striker after Liverpool had started the second half brightly. Livid Klopp bellowed and waved his arms as he called on fans to lift the flat Anfield atmosphere, but this was Atalantas night and Pasalic wrapped up an unforgettable triumph for the visitors. The warning signs had been there for Liverpool from the start. Elliott appeared to be fouled but Atalanta were allowed to continue forward in the third minute, with the ball eventually falling for Pasalic to take a shot from six yards that Kelleher saved with his face. Liverpool reacted with Darwin Nunez bursting through to test Juan Musso before Alexis Mac Allister lashed over as an open start continued. Atalanta looked up for the fight, producing some lovely free-flowing moves, but the Reds were finding gaps, with Nunez scooping wide poorly when slipped through. A lull in play was followed by a stunning Elliott effort from wide on the right of the box, with his curling strike clipping the underside of the bar and hitting the far post. A similar, albeit more wayward, attempt by Curtis Jones followed before Atalanta silenced Anfield in the 38th minute. Davide Zappacosta, the marauding former Chelsea defender, sent in a low cross for Scamacca to hit a first-time shot that squirmed past Kelleher in front of the flagless Kop. Gian Piero Gasperinis men kept up the pressure before half-time and should have grabbed a second in stoppage time. Marten de Roon won possession at the halfway line, leading to unmarshalled Teun Koopmeiners being sent through to be blocked by onrushing Kelleher. There were some groans at the break, from which Liverpool returned with Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai. The introductions brought an initial improvement and, after Virgil van Dijk headed over from a corner, Salah was blocked by De Roon before then being stopped by Musso. Nunez lifted over and saw an unorthodox header caught as Liverpool continued to knock at the door, only to be hit by Atalanta again in the 60th minute. An all too simple pass down the right to Charles De Ketelaere caught Liverpool napping, with Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez leaving Scamacca free in the middle to score with a measured first-time finish. Atalanta were nearly celebrating a third just minutes later but Koopmeiners could only strike across the face of goal. Liverpool looked lost as they tried to pull one back, with their celebrations at reducing the deficit in the 79th minute shortlived as Salah strayed offside from Robertsons pass. Just four minutes later the mood darkened further as Szoboszlais mistake allowed Atalanta to break, with Scamacca slipping in Ederson to see a shot saved and Pasalic follow up in front of the away fans, leaving Liverpool a mountain to climb. If you have a dog, you may have heard of BarkBox, the subscription treat and toy service where your dog gets a shipment of fun stuff every month. Well, not content to simply make our pups excited to get the mail, now BarkBox is launching a dog-friendly air carrier called Bark Air. And sadly, it's pretty expensive. Business Insider reports, "Starting April 11, travelers can book Bark Air's ultra-luxe, 10-guest private planes, on which pets are welcome to sip on "dog Champagne" (chicken broth), relax in "calming pheromone" --scented blankets, and romp around with fellow four-legged passengers." Okay, first things first, BarkBox if you need me to try out this service and fly to London sign me and my dog up, OK? I'll be waiting right here for my press invite. That's probably the only way I'd be able to go, because a one-way ticket between New York and Los Angeles costs $6,000 for a human and their pet. New York to London will ring up $8,000. That's a one way flight people. Related: Flight Attendant Meets Flamingo Chicks She Helped Rescue on Flight to Seattle I guess if you are wealthy and have money to burn this would be a pretty great way to do it. You know your dog would be welcomed and comfortable on board. For the rest of us who can't quite afford this and rely on other forms of less luxurious forms of transportation, here are some tips. How To Get Your Dog Prepared to Take Public Transportation Whether you are traveling by train, bus or subway every transportation company has their own specific set of rules, so check with them about whether your furry friend is allowed to ride or not. The only exception to this is service dogs, and according to the ADA, if transportation is offered by a private company, it is covered by Title III. Privately funded transportation includes, but is not limited to, taxicabs, airport shuttles, intercity bus companies, such as Greyhound, and hotel-provided transportation. Make sure your dog is well-socialized around other dogs and humans, and understands basic obedience commands. Find out what your dog needs in order to travel, and Rover says that some forms of transport wont be satisfied with a soft carrier and require a hard case. They also suggest avoiding any problems with your chosen vehicle, and dog destination, by consulting your vet and getting up-to-date immunizations and proof of health and treatments. You may also want to bring water and food bowls and dog waste bags! Make sure you bring with treats and your dog's favorite toy or comfort item, and make sure they are always leashed if they aren't being carried and you are walking them when getting on and off your chosen method of transport. Happy travels! 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. An evil sexual predator who was jailed for at least 36 years for the murder of primary school teacher Sabina Nessa has admitted attacking two prison officers. Garage worker Koci Selamaj, 36, was jailed for life in April 2022 for murdering Ms Nessa, 28, as she walked through Cator Park in Kidbrooke, south-east London. On Thursday, Selamaj appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he admitted wounding one person with intent and assaulting another, causing actual bodily harm, court officials confirmed. The assaults took place at Frankland Prison in County Durham (Owen Humphreys/PA) Both offences took place on May 8 last year, according to court papers. It is understood the assault happened as Selamaj was being held at Frankland Prison, in County Durham. The court said that he will be sentenced at the same court on June 14. Selamaj refused to come to court when he was sentenced at the Old Bailey for Ms Nessas murder, causing widespread outrage. That court heard how he travelled to London from the south coast to carry out the premeditated attack on a random woman on September 17 2021. He targeted Ms Nessa as she walked through the park to meet a friend. CCTV footage captured the moment Selamaj ran up behind her and hit her over the head 34 times with a 2ft-long metal traffic triangle. He carried her unconscious body up a grassy bank and out of view. Koci Selamaj is serving a life sentence for the murder of teacher Sabina Nessa (Met Police/PA) He then pulled up her clothes, removed her tights and underwear, and strangled her before covering her body in grass. Ms Nessa, who taught a year one class at Rushey Green Primary School in Catford, was found nearly 24 hours later near a community centre in the park. Days later, Selamaj, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was arrested in the seaside town and pleaded guilty to murder. Mr Justice Sweeney said at the sentencing hearing that it was a savage sexually motivated attack. He said Ms Nessa was the wholly blameless victim of an absolutely appalling murder which was entirely the fault of the defendant. Her death added to the sense of insecurity particularly felt by women walking through the city at night, he added. Humanitarian aid packages are dropped from a plane on 11 April as Israeli attacks continue. Photograph: Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu/Getty Images A surge in aid into Gaza that Benjamin Netanyahu promised Joe Biden a week ago has so far failed to materialise, aid workers say, as the US aid chief confirmed that famine was beginning to take hold in parts of the besieged coastal strip. A key port has not been opened to aid shipments, and a new crossing into northern Gaza has officially opened but UN agencies are not yet allowed to use it, even though they provide the vast majority of food aid for the territory. The increase in the number of trucks crossing into Gaza claimed by Israel also conflicts with UN records and already appears to be faltering. There is a lot less than meets the eye so far, said Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior official in the Biden administration, who is now president of the Refugees International aid advocacy organisation. Very little has actually changed. Israel denies that famine is stalking Gaza, and has for months blamed lack of food, medicine and other basic supplies on Hamas stealing from civilians, or poor logistics by humanitarian groups. But it is under increasing pressure from allies, particularly the US, over the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. On Thursday Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, promised to flood Gaza with aid, comments that underlined the countrys control of what goes into the strip. Humanitarians have been calling for a flood of aid to stave off starvation for weeks. It is very clear who is responsible for the siege, said Juliette Touma, the communications director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, which provides most of the food aid into Gaza. The siege was imposed by the Israeli authorities. It is a political decision, so it can be reversed by another political decision. Related: Hell on Earth: famine nears in northern Gaza despite Israeli aid pledges One of Netanyahus promises to Biden, to open the Ashdod port north of Gaza as a portal to seaborne humanitarian aid, has not yet been acted on, according to Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), a defence ministry unit. An update on humanitarian aid provided by Cogat showed no customs clearance through Ashdod in the week from 4-10 April. Israels N12 channel reported that neither the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), nor the Ashdod port authorities had so far received instructions about opening the facility to shipments bound for Gaza. Israeli officials had also promised for weeks that a crossing point would be opened into northern Gaza, where starvation is most severe. The new site is by the Mediterranean, near Gazas As-Siafa village and kibbutz Zikim, in Israel. On Thursday the first trucks were allowed through, the Israeli military said. But the UN had not yet been allowed to use it, Touma said. There is also no target completion date for two other initiatives promised by Israeli officials. One is a coordination centre where aid agency officials and Israeli commanders are supposed to sit together to make sure that aid missions are not bombed like the World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy on 1 April, when seven aid workers were killed. On Tuesday a Unicef aid convoy was also hit by live ammunition, a spokesperson said, though no one was injured. The other is a new security screening centre where trucks of humanitarian assistance heading for northern Gaza can be inspected by Israeli monitors before crossing over. Even if new crossings open and aid delivery speeds up, Israel appears to be targeting a flow of 500 trucks a day, the amount needed to supply Gaza before the war, when the strip had a functioning economy and agriculture sector. Now the economy has collapsed, the war has halted agriculture, and more than 2 million people have endured more than six months of food shortages and malnutrition. The call for 500 trucks, with a combination of commercial and humanitarian shipments, is the absolute minimum. Probably what Gaza needs is at least 1,000 trucks a day, said Unrwas Touma. On Wednesday, Samantha Power, the head of the US humanitarian and development agency USAid, became the first American official to confirm publicly that famine had already got a grip in at least some parts of Gaza. Power told a congressional committee that her officials had analysed an assessment by food insecurity experts in mid-March that a famine could set in between late March and mid-May, and had found that judgment to be credible. So famine is already occurring there? the Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro asked her. That is yes, she replied. The independent assessment, known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), used three main criteria: the number of households facing extreme lack of food, the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition, and the number of adult deaths due to starvation or the combination of disease and starvation. The IPC report in March found two of the three benchmarks had already been reached or exceeded. In her comments, Power said the third threshold was difficult to access and more data was needed, but USAid expected it to be reached imminently. Israel has claimed that the daily passage of trucks entering Gaza has surged since the Biden-Netanyahu call on 4 April, with Gallant claiming a peak of 467 on Tuesday. But UN figures show a total of just 212 trucks crossing that day, including all UN, humanitarian and private sector shipments, and a fall to just 141 on Wednesday. There are several possible reasons for the discrepancy. Israel counts trucks crossing into a holding area at the border. Under a delivery system that predates the current conflict, goods from outside Gaza are screened, then delivered to its entry points, unloaded on the Gaza side of the crossings and then reloaded on to different trucks operating inside the strip. The UN tallies trucks when they leave that loading zone for the rest of Gaza. Also trucks arriving from Israel are not always full, while Palestinian drivers always pack their vehicles before departing. Cogat published a picture on X on Thursday, which it said showed the cargoes of 600 aid trucks waiting to be collected on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom border crossing. Do your job, the tweet said. The bottlenecks are not on the Israeli side. The content of 600 aid trucks is waiting to be collected by the @UN on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom in a way that prevents the transfer of additional trucks. We extended crossing hours and scaled up our capacities. @un, Do your job. The bottlenecks are not on the Israeli side. pic.twitter.com/xe0HsfTQEN COGAT (@cogatonline) April 11, 2024 US officials say one of the main bottlenecks preventing the distribution of food is the lack of trucks and drivers operating inside Gaza. However, there is also a shortage of willing drivers after aid vehicles have repeatedly come under fire, of which the WCK bombing has been the worst but far from an isolated incident. They also fear attacks by criminals and starving people in Gaza. Truck owners involved in the food deliveries, mostly Egyptian hauliers, are also reluctant to let their vehicles be used inside Gaza for fear of them being bombed. The planned coordination centre, whenever it is finished, may not be sufficient to address this fundamental obstacle to delivering food as long as much of Gaza is a free-fire zone, aid workers say. What needs to be fixed is guaranteeing and enabling aid operations a safe presence in all the parts of Gaza that needed it, starting with the north, Konyndyk said. And that has not changed one iota. I think what the World Central Kitchen strike makes really clear is that the problem is not simply a deconfliction failure. The rules of engagement on the frontlines and the battle practices that the IDF is applying make reliable deconfliction almost impossible. Mr Johnson called JK Rowling a 'modern saint' - Getty Images JK Rowling just says what most people secretly think about gender, Boris Johnson has said. Speaking at a conservative conference in Ottawa, Mr Johnson on Wednesday hailed JK Rowling as a modern saint for her stance on transgender women and claimed that her views on gender are what 95 per cent of the population secretly think. The former prime minister on Wednesday said people dont have the guts to say what the Harry Potter author voices publicly because theyre worried that they will offend somebody. Rowling has been at the centre of a row over gender since new hate crime laws came into force in Scotland last week. She challenged police to arrest her in a social media post in which she called a series of high-profile trans women men. Police in Scotland ruled that no offence had been committed. Rowling has criticised trans women being allowed to use womens bathrooms and insisted that it is not possible for surgeries or hormones to literally turn a person into the opposite sex. Mr Johnson on Wednesday defended the author, saying her battle was part of a wider fight for free speech in Britain. He said it was unbelievable what Rowlings critics were saying about her. Boris Johnson pictured with Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change in Ottawa - The Canadian Press He added: Shes probably done more to encourage young people to read around the world than any other person I can think of. And by the way, whats so crazy, is what she says about gender is, of course, what 95 per cent of the population secretly think. Mr Johnson also used the event to attack his successor, Rishi Sunak, over his support for a ban on cigars. The Prime Minister last year announced a phased ban on tobacco products under which the age of sale would rise by one year every year from 2027. Mr Johnson criticised the ban, saying some of Mr Sunaks policies that are being done in the name of conservatism are absolutely, absolutely nuts. He said: I see my beloved party... were banning cigars. And what is the point? The party of Winston Churchill wants a ban! I mean, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec. Its just mad. Truong My Lan took out loans worth billions of dollars - EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK A female tycoon has been sentenced to death for embezzling billions from a Vietnamese bank in one of the biggest corruption cases in history. Businesswoman Truong My Lan was found guilty on Thursday of embezzlement, bribery and violating banking rules for her role in looting $12.5 billion (9.95 billion) from the Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), in a case that shocked the country and sparked a run on the bank. Lan embezzled billions from SCB for more than a decade and prosecutors have said that total damages from the fraud now amount to $27 billion equivalent to six per cent of Vietnams GDP which she has been ordered to return. Lan had denied the charges, instead blaming her subordinates. The defendants actions... eroded peoples trust in the leadership of the [Communist] Party and state, read the final verdict, delivered after a five-week trial which summoned 2,700 people and featured 104 boxes of evidence, weighing a total of six tonnes. Property empire Lan, 67, predominantly invested her money in property, and had built a large portfolio of hotels and restaurants in some of Vietnams most desirable locations. This includes Saigon Times Square one of Ho Chi Minh Citys tallest buildings and a five star hotel called the Sherwood Residence. She later arranged the merger of three smaller banks into a single entity, which became SCB. Prosecutors in the case accused her of then taking out billions in loans from the bank, which she effectively controlled through a complicated network of shell companies and proxies. They also claimed that she ordered her driver to withdraw $4bn in cash, which she kept in her basement, and that she attempted to bribe inspectors with millions to ensure her loans were not scrutinised. Lan became one of Vietnam's richest people Lan was first arrested in 2022. This sparked so much panic among depositors of SCB that it triggered a run on the bank, forcing the State Bank of Vietnam to take control. It also led to protests in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi a relatively rare occurrence in the southeast Asian country. Lan whose family said they would appeal the verdict looked haggard and tired during her court appearances, a far cry from her usual, glamorous appearance. In her final statement last week, Lan told the court that in my desperation, I thought of death. I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment the banking sector which I have little knowledge of, she said. The case, which was heard in a colonial-era courthouse in Ho Chi Minh City, is the latest in an anti-corruption push led by Nguyen Phu Trong, the Communist Partys secretary general, who is a conservative ideologue who considers rampant bribery a threat to Communism in Vietnam. Dubbed the blazing furnaces campaign, the drive has already toppled two presidents and two deputy prime ministers, with 4,400 people indicted since 2021. Now Lan who rose from being a market stall vendor to become one of Vietnams richest women has been handed one of the most severe punishments since the crackdown began. Analysts said it is also a sign that the party is attempting to regain control of the business hub, Ho Chi Minh City. There has never been a show trial like this, I think, in the communist era, David Brown, a retired US state department official experienced in Vietnam, told the BBC. There has certainly been nothing on this scale. Federal, state and territory energy ministers agreed in May 2023 to make cutting carbon pollution an objective of key energy laws for the first time. Photograph: Sonali Paul/Reuters New energy market laws should set a carbon price starting at $70 a tonne, rising steadily to six times that by mid-century, according to the agency that sets the nations electricity and gas market rules. In a report released without fanfare at the end of March, the Australian Energy Markets Commission (AEMC) set an interim value for cutting emissions, starting at $70 per tonne of carbon dioxide-equivalent in 2024. That price should increase steadily to reach $420/t CO-e by 2050, when Australia aims to reach net zero carbon emissions. The requirement for a carbon costing followed changes to national energy legislation that covers the electricity, gas and energy retail sectors. Federal, state and territory energy ministers agreed in May 2023 to make cutting carbon pollution an objective of key energy laws for the first time, with price and reliability among the other targets. Emissions reduction is no longer considered only as part of the external context of for our decision-making, but as one of the central considerations in determining if changes are in the long-term interest of consumers, AEMC said in the report. Alan Pears, an energy expert and industry fellow at RMIT University, said the emissions reduction value was in effect a shadow carbon price that could have an enormous impact on the energy sector. Australian Energy Market Operator officials told a webinar last week that the operator would need to amend its draft 2024 blueprint for the countrys energy future the Integrated System Plan to include the projected carbon price, Pears said. The final ISP is scheduled for release on 28 June. Adding $70/t-plus is a lot, he said. You really change the economics of the AEMO model. In particular, a carbon price would make quite a difference for the prospects of gas-fired generation that previous ISPs had assumed would play a bigger role as coal plants exit, Pears said. The Gillard Labor government implemented a $23/t carbon price that took effect from July 2012. It was scrapped by the Abbott coalition government two years later, making Australia the first nation to introduce and then rescind a price on greenhouse gases. There is no political appetite to re-introduce an economy-wide carbon price, despite many economists saying a polluter pays approach is the most efficient model. Still, several Albanese government policies do create penalties to nudge companies and consumers to emit less. For instance, the revamped safeguard mechanism aimed at capping and then reducing emissions from industry will reward firms with credits if they cut pollution faster. These credits could be traded to laggards, effectively setting a carbon price. The governments proposed vehicle emissions standards would also create incentives for carmakers to outperform the targets that can be traded for firms falling short. The AEMC report said the interim carbon value may have impacts for emissions from facilities under the safeguard mechanism. Any emissions reductions achieved under the amended objectives should be considered as complementary to the incentives provided by that scheme, it said. Related: Australias carbon credits system a failure on global scale, study finds Pears said that even without a formal carbon price in place, companies making long-term commitments had to assume some cost of future emissions. He noted the $70/t interim price was conservative compared with Europes carbon market where the price was currently more than $100/t. Europes plans to impose a tariff on carbon imports were also sending a signal. As an investor in fossil fuels, Id be starting to get quite nervous, Pears said. The AEMC deflected Guardian Australian queries to the office of federal energy minister Chris Bowen. Guardian Australia also sought comments from energy ministers in several states and territories. A spokesperson for the Western Australian government said the national electricity objective did not apply in that state. WA is subject to its own electricity sector regulation overseen by the independent Economic Regulation Authority, the spokesperson said. WA would soon introduce its own electricity objective that would not impose an equivalent emissions value. It would, though, require decision makers to consider environmental outcomes, alongside reliability and price, when making decisions. A statement by the energy ministers at the end of February noted the interim emissions price would remain in place until 30 June 2025 or until it is superseded by an updated instrument, rule or regulation, whichever is earlier. Upin collects scrap metal from the ocean floor. Since factories opened next to his home in Morowali, fish are no longer abundant and he has had to find other ways to make a living. Photograph: Per Elinder Liljas Standing chest-deep in the Molucca Sea, just outside the billowing smokestacks of the worlds largest nickel industry, Upin adjusts his mask and dives. Members of his people, the Bajau, have been known to stay underwater for more than 10 minutes but Upin resurfaces shortly. He hauls a rugged disc of metal over the side of his dugout canoe. Since the factories arrived, there has barely been any fish to catch, he says and grimaces towards the opaque water. The ocean has become warmer and more polluted. It itches on my skin but I have no choice. Collecting scrap metal is the only way for me to survive. Nickel has upended life on the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Halmahera and Obi. Over a decade the region has gone from modest ore exporter to the worlds foremost refiner of the metal. A rural backwater has been catapulted into modernity. Above: Upin steers his boat with wife Jenni and son Riski past nickel factories in Morowali. Since the factories opened, their drinking water has been polluted and fish is no longer abundant. All images by Per Elinder Liljas Below: Open-cut nickel mining leads to erosion and sediment sludge in local waterways Today this is the home of about 200 smelters and 200,000 factory workers and there could be more to come. As demand soars for nickel to power batteries and electric vehicles, Jakarta banks on the industry being its ticket to becoming a developed nation by 2045. At the moment it is knocking the competition out of the water. Indonesia produces about half of all the worlds nickel and has pushed prices so low that most other producers are operating at a loss. Australian miners BHP and Glencore announced in February they may leave the metal altogether. Indonesias recipe for success is cheap coal, cheap ore, cheap workers and Chinese money. But this has meant a steep price to pay for locals, the environment and labourers. In Upins village, Kurisa, on the eastern shore of Sulawesi, the air is pungent with the smell of metal. A smelter flanks the settlement on one side and a coal power plant on the other. A coal power plant next to a nickel smelter in Morowali. Cheap coal power has been a key ingredient in the Indonesian nickel boom Today the air is OK, says Upins neighbour Fauziah. Other days, were enveloped in thick smoke. The kids are coughing and feel dizzy. Last week a baby died from breathing difficulties. Indonesia sits on the worlds largest reserves of nickel but the concentration in the ore is very low. Refining it to battery quality, or even just to make stainless steel, is an incredibly energy-intense process. This has been powered by a construction spree of coal power plants. Jakarta has created a loophole in its goals to phase out coal to benefit the nickel industry. Since the metal is critical for the green transition, it is allowing new coal power plants connected to nickel smelters as long as they shut down before 2050. This has led to the country setting new records in its coal consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. A coal hangar in a nickel industrial park in Morowali Calling the nickel industry a part of the green transition is a joke, says Muhammad Taufik, coordinator at Jatam, an organisation advocating for a more just mining industry in Indonesia. It is good that it creates jobs. But it also destroys ecosystems and peoples lives. Calling the nickel industry a part of the green transition is a joke Muhammad Taufik, coordinator at the fair and sustainable mining advocacy group Jatam in Central Sulawesi This water started turning orange Juhardi sits outside his house in Kurisa, grappling with pieces of plastic pipe. He woke up after a night shift at the factory to find the water supply cut off. This is not uncommon. Before, we led our water down from the mountains, but then this water started turning orange. Water samples from a range of locations along the coast confirm high levels of heavy metals stemming from the mines and refineries. In a river near Kurisa, popular for fishing, the concentration of nickel was more than 15 times higher than the World Health Organizations guideline value. The concentration of hexavalent chromium, a contaminant made famous in the Oscar-winning movie Erin Brockovich, was more than five times higher than WHOs guideline value for drinking water. Nickel mining runoff causes environmental damage to waterways A former environmental technician at one of the nickel companies is not surprised. During audits, my supervisor used to tell me to hide environmental violations, says the man, who wants to be anonymous in order not to disqualify himself for future employment. He shows an image on his phone of pools of reddish liquid inside an industrial area, and outside its perimeter. During the rainy season it always floods, and contaminated water flows out into the environment. A fisher outside one of Morowalis many nickel ports. Rapid industrialisation over the past decade has drastically altered the local way of life Many inhabitants in the region have been bought out from their land. Others tell stories of being forced away. The inhabitants of Kurisa live in stilt houses over the water and dont hold any land titles. Lacking other opportunities, those young and healthy enough have taken up jobs in the factories. Juhardi describes the work as tough, with scant security precautions. Yesterday two trucks collided. Instead of reporting it, my boss said that we should just fix up the trucks and drivers. The companies cover up accidents so they dont have to pay compensation or stop work. That means they never learn, and new accidents happen every day. Workers in the nickel industry on their way home from work in Morowali. The industry directly employs more than 100,000 people, and indirectly over 150,000 On Christmas Eve last year, catastrophe struck. An explosion at a smelter took 21 lives. Videos from the aftermath soon became viral. They show workers jumping out of a building consumed with flames and smoke. Others lie writhing in pain on the ground. During the following days, workers shared the identity of victims in internal WhatsApp groups. Among the names, Juhardi saw his cousins son, listed as seriously wounded. Juhardi reached his parents by phone, and even though five days had passed, this was the first notice they had about their son. Eventually they found him at a hospital. Juhardi is fixing the water pipe at his home in Kurisa, a village sandwiched between a coal power plant and a nickel smelter. Since the factories arrived, weve had problems with our water supply, he says Im extremely disappointed with the companys slow response, Juhardi says. Media reported about the explosion both inside and outside the country. A union leader says the government is determined to convict those responsible but they dont want more of a scandal. A spokesperson for PT Indonesia Tsingshan Stainless Steel, a subsidiary of PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park in Morowali, told the ABC at the time of the explosion it would cooperate with the investigation. We sincerely apologise for this incident and we are working closely with authorities to investigate what caused the accident, he said. Another shift is already on the way, with western auto companies such as Volkswagen and Ford investing directly in Indonesian refineries to secure their nickel supply. Factory workers wait for a ride after a days work at an industrial park in Morowali This could propel changes. Aimee Boulanger, the executive director at the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, an organisation that has set a global standard for best practice in mining, says the government of Indonesia, as well as several of the mining outfits in the country, have started discussions with them. Previously, car brands used to be five to 12 steps separated from the mining industry. That they are now investing directly in the mines is creating heightened awareness of mining conditions, Boulanger says. Indonesia is having a moment right now. Will it be known for responsible mining, or will it be a new Congo? More than 1 out of 10 working-age population will be from other countries by 2042 By Yi Whan-woo The number of foreign nationals could potentially more than double in the next 20 years, thereby making up nearly 7 percent of the country's entire population by 2042, data showed Thursday. The findings from Statistics Korea come as Korea struggles with a dwindling population and a greater reliance on foreign workers for its economy to move forward. The stats agency predicted that foreign workers may account for more than 10 percent of the country's entire workforce by 2042. The agency assumed three possible projections: low, medium and high, forecasting the number of foreign nationals in proportion to the entire population over the next 20 years beginning in 2022. Under the medium-level projection, the overall population is projected to dwindle from 51.67 million in 2022 to 49.63 million by 2042. The ratio of Koreans in the population will fall to 94.3 percent from 96.8 percent as the number of Koreans decreases to 46.77 million from 50.02 million. The number of foreign nationals who are staying here for three months or longer, meanwhile, is forecast to grow to 2.85 million by 2042 from 1.65 million, with their total amount in the total population rising to 5.7 percent from 3.2 percent. In the high-level projection, the number of foreign nationals will reach 3.61 million in 2042 and make up 6.9 percent of the overall population. Concerning the working age population, Koreans aged 15 to 64, this cohort is projected to drop to 25.73 million in 2042 from 35.27 million in 2022 in the medium-level projection. The amount of foreign nationals will more than double to 8.4 percent in 2024 from 4 percent in 2022 in this scenario. In the high-level projection, the number of foreign nationals in this age group is expected to grow as high as 2.94 million by 2042, thereby representing 10.1 percent of the nation's entire workforce. The data also dealt with the population with a migrant background foreign nationals or those birthed by a foreign parent. Their number will grow as high as 4.04 million altogether, or 8.1 percent of the total population by 2042. The figure will be up from 2.2 million in 2022, which accounted for 4.3 percent of the overall population. Korea has been breaking its own record concerning having the world's lowest fertility rate, which fell to 0.72 babies born per woman in 2023 from 0.78 in 2022. The country is also anticipated to become a super-aged society by 2025, in which the proportion of those aged 65 or older make up over 20 percent of the total population. The country became an aged society in 2017, with the proportion of such people surpassing 14 percent. The Sandyford Centre in Glasgow, where puberty blockers and hormones are prescribed - Victoria Stewart/Daily Record Children prescribed puberty blockers and hormones at Scotlands tartan Tavistock gender clinic have faced the risk of being left with no psychological support, NHS documents show. Minutes of a meeting held last year show that crisis talks were arranged between staff at the Sandyford Centre in Glasgows child service and endocrinologists, who prescribe the controversial drugs, to discuss potential dangers to young patients amid a staffing crisis. The records, obtained under Freedom of Information laws and seen by The Telegraph, raised new fears that patients are being failed at Scotlands only gender identity clinic for children following the publication of the landmark Cass Report. Dr Hilary Cass this week criticised the affirmative care model adopted by Sandyford and warned that US guidelines which the service is modelled on were not fit for purpose. The paediatrician emphasised the importance of psychological support and assessments for children experiencing gender issues, saying a medical pathway may not be the correct route, as distress may be rooted in other problems. Dr Hilary Cass has criticised Sandyford's care model - Yui Mok/PA However, in May last year, the National Gender Identity Clinical Network Scotland Steering Group, which is made up of NHS staff and trans rights activists, discussed a lack of available psychological support at Sandyfords child and young peoples gender service. Staffing levels were approaching critical levels, the records state. The service had been having meetings with the Greater Glasgow and Clyde mental health service and the paediatric endocrinology team in the West. They were also due to meet with the endocrinology team in the East. These meetings have been to discuss the issues and the risks to patients on treatment without having psychology input available. The SNP Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which runs Sandyford, have pledged to consider the Cass review but have not committed to implementing any of its findings. The clinic continues to refer patients for possible prescription of puberty blockers, despite a ban in England and Dr Cass warning that they are potentially dangerous with little evidence of effectiveness. A beleaguered mess for some time Even without the final Cass Report, which should surely drive the final nail into the coffin of the service, it is clear that Sandyfords children and young peoples clinic has been in a beleaguered mess for some time, Trina Budge, a director at the For Women Scotland campaign group, said. Critically low levels of staff combined with soaring referrals of ever younger children has led to a failing service where, by their own admission, children cannot get the psychological support they need. Families must be desperately worried and the health board really should grab the lifeline thrown to it by Cass and urgently redesign a service away from the activist led affirmation model. Meanwhile, SNP ministers have rejected a call from the Scottish Tories to make a ministerial statement in response to the Cass Report when Holyrood returns next week. Meghan Gallacher, the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, said: The lack of psychological input available to young people accessing these services is deeply alarming. The wellbeing of young people should be absolutely paramount. It is incredibly concerning to see childrens mental health seemingly being ignored. Vulnerable young Scots deserve clarity The MSP also described the SNPs refusal to make a ministerial statement as extremely disappointing. Vulnerable young Scots and their families deserve clarity on this very serious issue, she added. Ministers must heed the recommendations of the Cass Review and in the meantime, at the very least, immediately pause the use of puberty blockers. Between 2016 and December last year, almost 100 children aged 16 or under were referred to endocrinologists for possible puberty blocker prescriptions by the Scottish clinic, where there are more than 1,100 on the waiting list for an appointment. A spokesman for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said: Every young person who is receiving treatment through our Young Peoples Gender Service has a named psychologist and undergoes regular mental health reviews. At no time has any patient received treatment without appropriate mental health assessments and support being provided. The papers that are referred to describe the potential risk of this, rather than what was actually happening. Deforestation and the destruction of habitats in Amazon, Colombia, as seen in March 2023. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Deforestation in the Colombian Amazon is surging and could be at a historic peak as armed groups use the rainforest as a bargaining chip in peace negotiations with the government. Preliminary data shows that deforestation in the region was 40% higher in the first three months of this year than in 2023 as armed groups tightened their control over the rainforest, said Susana Muhamad, the countrys environment minister. We are seeing an upward trend that is quite worrying and this has two main reasons, Muhamad told a press conference in Bogota. The first is the very significant coercion [of local people] by armed groups in the area, and the second is obviously the favourable conditions [for fires] that have to do with the El Nino phenomenon. Colombia has been turning the tide on runaway deforestation in recent years after a 2016 peace accord with the countrys largest guerrilla group left forests unprotected. Without the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) policing the jungle, a record 219,973 hectares (544,000 acres) were lost in 2017. Gustavo Petros government the first leftwing administration in the countrys history has rapidly reversed the trend by negotiating with the armed rebels who have filled the Farcs power vacuum. Related: Colombia deforestation plummets as peace efforts focus on rainforest Deforestation across Colombia plummeted 29% from 2021 to 2022 to reach the lowest level since 2013, and preliminary data suggests it dropped another 25%-35% in 2023, the environment ministry said. That trend has come to an end, however. The unprecedented drop in deforestation was largely due to the order of the Estado Mayor Central (EMC), a group of dissident rebels who dominate vast swathes of Colombias forests in the south of the country. The EMC banned forest clearing in 2022 to get a seat at the negotiating table with Petros government. But as those talks became strained last year, the armed rebels revoked the ban. Rather than protecting the Amazon the EMC is now allowing land grabbers to lay waste to the forests in order to show the government who controls the region and extract more favourable negotiating terms. The environment has become a bargaining chip, said Angelica Rojas, a liaison officer for the Guaviare department at the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development (FCDS), a Colombian environmental thinktank. Deforestation in the Colombian Amazon was 41% higher in the last three months of 2023 than it was the previous year, reaching 18,400 hectares. The concerning trend has continued this year, with 40% higher forest loss in the first three months of 2024, preliminary government figures show. We expected that deforestation would rise, but not [at] the levels that it is rising, Muhamad said. The hotspots were the Meta, Caqueta and Guaviare departments EMC strongholds and key battlegrounds in Colombias fight to save the rainforest. Its supremely worrying. People forget that it is not a count of this years deforestation in isolation, said Rodrigo Botero, the director of FCDS. The damage is cumulative and in the last six years we have now lost more than half a million hectares of forest. We are at a point of no return. Particularly alarming was the encroachment of cattle farming and coca production on some of the most remote, biodiverse and delicate ecosystems in the world, Botero added. They are reaching zones such as the Guiana Shield that are infinitely more important in terms of biodiversity and which will take centuries to recover. As well as revoking its ban on deforestation, the EMC were playing a psychological game with local communities to control them, Muhamad said. In recent months armed rebels have displaced local people, killed environmental activists and expelled government officials from the region. The EMCs tightening grip has forced the government to halt projects intended to protect the forest such as ecotourism initiatives and a payment scheme for farmers who preserve the forest. Nature is being put in the middle of the conflict, Muhamad said. The El Nino weather phenomenon, which typically causes less rainfall in the Amazon, was also facilitating fires in the region, the minister said. South America has experienced extreme droughts and record temperatures this year. Train factory site production manager Mark Foxall: "Morale is really low" - Asadour Guzelian For more than 150 years, Derby has been synonymous with British train-building. In 1839, the worlds oldest roundhouse was built just a mile from the city centre; just last year, Derby was chosen as the new location for Great British Railways headquarters. At the centre of this legacy is the 90-acre factory on Litchurch Lane, owned by French train maker Alstom. Here, generations of Derby natives have designed, built, tested and exported trains making it the only factory in Britain handling all parts of the process. Locomotives for London Midland, Elizabeth Line, Crossrail, and West Midlands Railway were all built here, to name a few. In 2022, the factory built and exported its first batch of monorail trains to Cairo, Egypt. Now, the warehouse set aside for the project, like others on the site, is empty, and the once-buzzing factory is all but silent. The last order of 2,660 Aventura carriages was completed last month, and there is no more work in the pipeline. Delays to HS2 have left the firm facing an 18-month gap until the next contract. Alstom has warned the Government that it is planning to mothball the factory, leaving the fate of its 1,300 employees uncertain. Alstom is the worlds second-largest train manufacturer after the Chinese-state-owned CRRC and is notably responsible for Frances high-speed TGV trains. Alstom still operates 16 sites in France, employing some 12,000 people. The companys website boasts that more than 30,000 jobs are generated in France with its 4,500 partner suppliers, and 70 per cent of the companys research and development investments are made in France. Workers in Derby are proud to be 'the best people in the UK at building trains', but the future is uncertain - Asadour Guzelian Meanwhile, the Derby plant is now a ghost town. Mere weeks ago, it would have been filled with queues of lorries, forklifts, and hurried engineers. But today the forklifts are all parked inside workshops, only a handful of trains for London Midland in the final phase of testing remain, and from end to end this newspaper encountered around 10 workers. Morale is really low on-site, says Mark Foxall, a site production manager who has worked here for 11 years. When I first joined it was full of work. There would be seven or eight projects on the go on-site at any point the vibe was electric. In the last month, Mr Foxall, 60, has bid farewell to hundreds of colleagues. More than 200 have taken voluntary redundancy, and every other day, another says goodbye as the remaining workforce pat for parachutes. Some have moved into other arms of Alstoms business, others are making plans to relocate away from Derby. Derby was the crown jewel of the rail industry, says Mr Foxall. On Alstom, we could provide more than any other site. We were the factory to aspire to; were the best people in the UK at building trains. Despite the workers sense of pride, things have gone from bad to worse for their French parent company. In October, the group announced a full-year negative free cash flow in the range of 500 to 750 million euros (430-640m), having previously predicted it to be significantly positive. This was due to a delay in completing the Aventura program and a significant increase in inventory. Alstoms share price plummeted in the wake of the October announcement and shares now trade for 14.92 euros, a 37 per cent fall year-on-year. It is not just the 1,300 Alstom employees here whose jobs are at risk. An extensive supply chain, much of which is based in the surrounding areas, is also under threat impacting 15,000 jobs in total. Alstom's share price has plummeted, and jobs are at risk - Asadour Guzelian Some of these businesses have already folded: Alstoms paint supplier has gone into insolvency as a result of a lack of orders at the plant, as has its wiring loom supplier. Workers on the shop floor maintain there are contracts to be won. This week Nick Crossfield, the companys managing director, said an order of as few as 10 trains could provide enough work to keep the factory open until 2026. In the interim, Alstom has been desperately piling pressure on the Government to extend existing contracts, allowing the factory to remain operational until more work comes down the pipeline. Both Alstom and Japanese company Hitachi are due to begin work on trains for HS2 in 2026, although the schedule for the joint project has yet to be signed off by ministers. Last week, shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves visited the site, to urge Ministers to step in to stop the factorys closure. Its almost unimaginable not to have train production here in Derby. I know that there is a bright future weve just got to get through the next 18 or 24 months, she said. It is now only the Government that can guarantee that work by varying existing contracts and by bringing forward new procurement. These are trains that have to be built and manufactured. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said he had looked extensively at bringing forward opportunities for rolling stock and investment, but added that train manufacturing is a competitive, commercial market. He added: There can be no guarantee of orders for individual manufacturers, and they need to factor this into their business planning and bidding decisions. Derby has historically been considered the 'crown jewel of the rail industry' - PA Archive Mr Foxall says the flurry of attention from politicians and journalists had raised spirits at the plant, but morale has since reached rock bottom. While workers wait for an update, Alstoms workshops, where one might expect to hear a different radio station every few feet, are eerily quiet. Most of these people have nothing to do. Another building, capable of housing hundreds of designers, is all but deserted save for a few hangers-on. It is unclear what will happen to the site if it is closed, but Mr Foxall maintains there is a staunch contingent of loyal employees clinging to hope it will survive the next year and a half. Im not planning to retire until I hit the state pension age, he says. My job is to keep the factory open. There are fourth-generation workers here and we need to keep it open for them. Theres a staunch team of us on-site, including myself, who want to keep the place open, he continues. Were determined to stay to the bitter end to make sure that happens, holding onto that little bit of hope theres a future here. Derby remains home to the British headquarters of Rolls-Royce, which last month announced a 55 million investment in its test and shop capacity. Like Alstom, it runs a robust apprenticeship scheme and it is estimated to employ around 15,700 people in Derby alone. Toyota also has a manufacturing plant in Burnaston, in the south of the county. But in 2022 the Japanese car maker warned the Government it was considering pulling out of Britain entirely over concerns it would not be able to meet net zero targets. In the end, Toyota stayed put, but Derby Mayor Alan Graves the first from Reform to hold the position after decades of power being exchanged by the two major parties worries the exodus of employers bodes ill for the future of the East Midlands. We just seem to have allowed Alstom to leave, so the medium-term strategy for the train industry in this country has failed, he says. Alstom had a great apprenticeship scheme and nothing is coming to replace it and what about those workers who are in their 50s? Where are they going to go? In Derby Mayor Alan Graves's view, the medium-term strategy for the train industry in this country has failed - Asadour Guzelian A substantial element of the industrial heritage that weaves through the city of Derby appears to be in danger of being hollowed out. There is an uneasy tension in the city, with once valued trained professionals fearful of the future knowing decent alternatives are unlikely. Meanwhile, Derbys local services have been strained by a high number of asylum seekers many of whom are living in hotels in the city centre. At one point, three hotels within walking distance of each other were earmarked for refugees. Mr Graves adds that Alstoms impending demise represents a loss of identity for a once-proud industrial city. Everyone in town is aware this is happening. Something as big as a train maker failing depresses the city, he says. Were the last train makers in the country. Were a manufacturing city, not a seaside resort we cant survive on hospitality. A spokesman for Alstom UK&I said: We have worked constructively with the Government on securing a sustainable future for Derby Litchurch Lane, but after 10 months of discussions we have run out of time, and the production lines have stopped. We will now consult with our staff, with trades unions and with our UK supply chain to provide as much certainty as we can. The worlds very first roundhouse still exists in Derby, having long since been repurposed as a study hall for the local college. Hundreds of young apprentices pass underneath it every day the sorts of people who may have one day taken jobs in Alstom. The East Midlands seem to have been forgotten, sighs Graves. All the money goes to London, Birmingham, and Manchester, while Derby is just a place you pass through. It shouldnt be like that, because we have so much to offer. Anna-Maria Cahalane, who posted a picture of the queue online, described it as an 'utter disgrace' - Anna-Maria Cahalane/PA Dozens of patients were forced to queue outside a GP surgery for more than an hour after struggling to book an appointment over the phone. At least 25 people gathered outside the Hilly Fields Medical Centre in Brockley, south London, on Wednesday morning before some were told that they would have to come back tomorrow. One woman said that she waited one hour and 15 minutes before finally being told by the receptionist there were no appointments and she would have to return the following day. Anna-Maria Cahalane, who posted a picture of the queue online, described it as an utter disgrace. She told the PA news agency: Ive been trying for a few days now to get an appointment with the GP by phoning up 8am which is the usual process but I found I literally couldnt get even get onto the phone queue because it was engaged tone all the time. Last time I needed to go to the practice, I had a lot of trouble and I ended up having to go down in the morning and queue, so I thought: Im going have to do that again. I thought Id get there extra early so I got there around 7.45[am], and as I was walking down towards the GP practice, I saw there was already a queue all along the pavement, which alarmed me. I counted there was about 25 people ahead of me. And I took the picture then because I just thought this is unbelievable. This is the worst Ive seen it, Ive seen it bad but never as bad this. Quite cross and a bit upset It came before the release on Thursday of the latest NHS waiting list figures. Ms Cahalane, 50, said people in the queue with her were getting quite cross and a bit upset. She added: It was just getting really quite stressful for people and then a lady, I think she must have been the manager, just shouted out all emergency appointments are gone for today, we hadnt even got to the door. I got to the receptionist and she said: Sorry, no appointments. Im sorry about the queue, and she said: Youll have to come back tomorrow. I said: I cant queue up like this again, there must be another option. She suggested phoning and I told her it is always engaged. And she just said: Im sorry theres nothing I can do. The Lewisham Care Partnership, which represents Hilly Fields Medical Centre, has been contacted for comment. Millions unable to get an appointment Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said: What a damning indictment on 14 years of Conservative government, that patients are literally queueing around the block to see a GP. The Conservatives have cut 2,000 GPs since 2015, leaving millions unable to get an appointment at all. The longer the Conservatives are in office, the longer patients wait. Labour will fix the front door of the NHS with investment and reform. We will train thousands more GPs and cut the red tape that ties up their time, so patients can easily book appointments with their family doctor. A Department for Health and Social Care spokesman said: We are taking action to improve access to GPs, and by sticking with our plan for a faster, simpler, fairer healthcare system, we are now delivering 50 million more GP appointments per year. Our Primary Care Recovery Plan, backed by 645 million over two years, is expanding the services offered by community pharmacies through Pharmacy First, which will help free up to 10 million GP appointments per year. We are also investing 240 million on digital tools, telephony and training for GP surgeries, and we have cut overall NHS waiting lists for four months running despite disruptive strikes and record winter pressures. Students protest after Florida education officials voted to ban classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation, in Tampa, Florida, on 21 April 2023. Photograph: Octavio Jones/Reuters Florida cannot prohibit a 10th-grade math teacher from asking her students to call her by her preferred pronouns, a federal judge has ruled. The decision from Mark Walker, the US district judge, is a blow to an anti-LGBTQ law championed by Ron DeSantis, the states governor, which prohibits discussion of sexuality in public schools. A 2023 expansion of the measure, widely known as the Dont Say Gay law, prohibits teachers and students from using pronouns that align with their gender identity. The Tuesday decision, a preliminary injunction, blocks Florida from enforcing the law against Katie Wood, a transgender 10th-grade algebra teacher in Hillsborough county. Wood has long gone by Ms Wood in school, but the law has made her require her students to call her Teacher Wood a title no one else at the school uses. The state of Florida has a first amendment problem. Of late, it has happened so frequently, some might say you can set your clock by it, Walker, an appointee of Barack Obama, wrote in his ruling. The question before this court is whether the first amendment permits the state to dictate, without limitation, how public-school teachers refer to themselves when communicating to students. The answer is a thunderous no. Wood and two other transgender educators sued the state in 2023, saying the law violated their constitutional right to free speech, equal protection under the law as well as federal laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex. Walkers Wednesday ruling only applies to Wood, and not statewide. Walker said that her lawyers had not yet adequately explained why the law was unconstitutional on its face and not just unconstitutional as it was being specifically applied to her. Walker also declined to rule in favor of Av Schwandes, a non-binary teacher who was fired from Florida Virtual school after starting to use the Mx honorific. Schwandes had not put forth evidence they were looking for employment at a school where their speech would be restricted by their use of pronouns or intended to take future actions where their first amendment rights would be at risk. At the end of his 60-page ruling, Walker, a judge known for his colorful writing style, quoted Walt Whitmans Song of Myself and gave a full-throated defense of why the constitution protects Wood. In sharing her preferred title and pronouns, Ms Wood celebrates herself and sings herself not in a disruptive or coercive way, but in a way that subtly vindicates her identity, her dignity, and her humanity, he wrote. Florida law, he added, has silenced her and, by silencing her, forced her to inhabit an identity that is not her own. The state of Florida has not justified this grave restraint, and so the United States constitution does not tolerate it, he continued. Ours is a union of individuals, celebrating ourselves and singing ourselves and being ourselves without apology. George Osborne (left) with Sir Mark Jones, the interim director, inside the Reading Room of the British Museum - Aaron Chown/PA George Osborne was involved in a row with No 10 over its attempt to influence the appointment of a new director for the British Museum, it has been claimed. The former chancellor, who is chairman of the museum, reportedly clashed with Downing Street officials after they demanded that Rishi Sunak should pick the candidate from a shortlist. Sources close to the process have claimed that trustees on the selection panel were instructed by No 10 to supply the Prime Minister with two names, from which he or his advisors would choose the new director. Mr Osborne is understood to have rejected Downing Streets demand, saying it went against customary practice and threatened the independence of the British Museum. The trustees usually inform the Prime Minister of their decision about the appointment of the new director, in order for it to be formally ratified. The museum went ahead with the appointment of Nicholas Cullinan, the head of the National Portrait Gallery, as its new director in late March. He is set to take up the new role this summer. Critics say No 10s demand was the latest in a long line of attempted interference in the independence of public institutions. Nicholas Cullinan, the head of the National Portrait Gallery, has been appointed as the British Museum's new director - Dave Benett/Getty Images In 2020, the Government tried to veto the appointment of Mary Beard, the classicist, as a trustee of the British Museum when her name was put to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport now the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) - for sign-off in 2020. Professor Beard had been reportedly rejected by Downing Street because of her pro-European views. However, because five of the 25 seats on the museums board can be appointed without any reference to the Government, the trustees went ahead and appointed her themselves. Mark Jones, the museums interim director, told The Guardian on Thursday: Theres been an increasing politicisation of the nominations to the boards of museums and galleries. Speaking in a personal capacity he added: That seems to me to be a shame because I think the criteria for selection should be their suitability for being on the board and the contribution they can make to the museum or gallery. There have been ongoing claims that ministers are intent on removing what they regard as dissenting voices from positions in Britains leading museums, galleries and cultural bodies. The Government tried to veto the appointment of Mary Beard, the classicist, as a trustee of the British Museum in 2020 - BBC Charles Dunstone, a co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, resigned as chair of the National Maritime Museum in May 2021, after an academic whose work calls for decolonising the education curriculum was dropped from the board. A month earlier, the Government refused to reappoint two women to Channel 4s board of directors, including one of only two women of colour, against the advice of both the Channel 4 board and the media regulator, Ofcom. The British Museum, which has been embroiled in an ongoing scandal about the suspected theft of 1,800 artefacts from its collection, would not comment on the claims of interference, but said it was very pleased to have been able to appoint Mr Cullinan to the role. The DCMS said the appointment was made by the trustees of the British Museum and approved by the Prime Minister as set out in the museums founding legislation, the British Museum Act. The Act states that there shall be a director of the British Museum, who shall be a person appointed by the trustees with the approval of the Prime Minister and shall hold office on such terms and subject to such conditions as the [Secretary of State] may direct. No 10 was approached for comment. Lara Trump, the newly-elected co-chair of the Republican National Committee, gives an address in Houston, on 8 March. Photograph: Michael Wyke/AP The Republican National Committee sent out a scripted robocall on behalf of its new co-chair Lara Trump, falsely claiming Democrats were guilty of massive fraud in the 2020 election. Related: Trumps RNC takeover triggers strife and staff exits as purge partly backfires We all know the problems, the RNC call said, according to CNN, which also said the call was sent 145,000 times in the first week of April. No photo IDs, unsecured ballot drop boxes, mass mailing of ballots and voter rolls chock full of deceased people and non-citizens are just a few examples of the massive fraud that took place. If Democrats have their way, your vote could be canceled out by someone who isnt even an American citizen. Marc Elias, a Democratic lawyer who repeatedly defeated Trump in cases over alleged electoral fraud after the 2020 election, said the RNC robocall showed the Republican party to be more committed to the big lie than ever. Donald Trump, who installed his daughter-in-law at the RNC last month, lost the 2020 election conclusively to Joe Biden and was told by close aides including William Barr, his attorney general, and Chris Krebs, his head of cybersecurity, that there was no widespread fraud. Regardless, Trump pursued his fraud lie through the courts losing every case and ultimately by inciting the deadly attack on Congress on 6 January 2021. Impeached for inciting an insurrection but acquitted when enough Senate Republicans stayed loyal, Trump has ridden unprecedented legal jeopardy, including 14 charges related to election subversion, to claim the nomination again. The RNC did not consistently fundraise off Trumps stolen election lie before its change of leadership, a process the Guardian recently reported has been buffeted by staffing problems and operational headaches as [Trump allies] attempt to bring the party apparatus under the control of the Trump campaign. But Trump has never stopped broadcasting his lie. On Friday, he is due to appear at his Florida home with Mike Johnson, the US House speaker, for an event trumpeted as important for Republican party unity but focusing on election integrity. USA Today reported that the two men will announce a bill meant to elevate the issue of non-citizens voting in federal elections. The Bipartisan Policy Center, a group dedicated to creating solutions across party lines, points to research by groups on the right and left of US politics, which says non-citizen voting is exceptionally rare and does not affect election results. As reported by CNN, the RNC robocall sent in April told recipients: Im sure you agree with co-chair [Lara] Trump that we cannot allow the chaos and questions of the 2020 election to ever happen again. CNN also detailed Lara Trumps extensive and recent history of supporting her father-in-laws electoral fraud lie. In just one recent instance, at a campaign event in South Carolina in February, she said: Does anyone actually believe that in 2020, 81 million people were so inspired by a guy [Biden] who could only get 10 people [to attended events] that he had the most massive turnout in the history of elections? No, we dont believe that. In late March, Trump told NBC the 2020 election was in the past but did not disown allegations of a stolen election. On Wednesday, Trump told Newsmax her father-in-law was the victim of political prosecutions and having nothing but misinformation and disinformation thrown at him every single day. The Crookes area in the Sheffield Hallam constituency. Photograph: Andrew Fox/The Guardian On the high street of Crookes, a leafy hillside suburb of Sheffield with a large student population, there were plenty of people saying they would vote Labour at the next general election but most werent too happy about it. It feels like the lesser of two evils its definitely better than going back to what weve got, said Amy Pattison, a 24-year-old occupational therapy student at Sheffield Hallam university. All I know is I wont be voting Tory. And whatever I do vote will be tactical. Both the main parties at the moment are pretty shocking, as far as a young persons views are concerned, added her friend and coursemate, Lucy Hull, 26. I dont trust the Tories at all, but I also dont think Labour has really prioritised young people. This year the two main parties seem a lot closer together. Crookes sits at the edge of Sheffield Hallam, Nick Cleggs former seat, which was won by Labour in 2017 after being held by the Liberal Democrats for a decade. It is seats like this which experts have now suggested Labour could be at risk of losing as liberal voters turn away from the party over its stance on issues such as net zero and a ceasefire in Gaza. I just feel like Keir Starmer has gone back on a lot of policies that hes had and I dont like how hes handled Palestine, said Hull. I dont agree with how hes conducted himself in a few things. It just makes me worry that he essentially wouldnt stand up for the working person. Although there was palpable disillusionment with the Labour party, the Guardian didnt speak to any voters who said they would place their vote elsewhere, and some were very enthusiastic at the prospect of a Labour government. I cant wait until the election. I have long been a Labour voter other than briefly drifting off towards other parties like the Lib Dems but Ill be voting Labour this time and I cant wait. I really think theyll win, said Chris Gilmartin, a 69-year-old retired nursing sister. Most people said they would vote Labour for one simple reason to get the Conservatives out of power. Ill be voting for Labour. But Im more anti-Conservative than I am pro-Labour, said Chris Macdonald, a 30-year-old teacher. If our voting system was different I would be tempted by other parties, but it feels like its Labour or Tories, and I want them out. He said that while he likes Starmer whom he described as a grownup politician the party arent offering the structural change he would like to see. I would prefer Labour to be more bold; I think we need big change and I cant see them really doing that. But I think its important for the country to have a change in government, and once theyre in power, maybe they can start being bolder. The Liberal Democrats, however, fancy their chances in places like Sheffield Hallam, with a series of local elections results suggesting their support is growing. The party won every seat in Hallam at the last local election and comfortably won a byelection in January by more than 1,000 votes. In Ecclesall, Labour came third behind the Green party last year. They believe national issues, such as Starmers refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza, could push voters their way at a general election too. Keir Starmer has been the problem, with all his flip-flopping. Some voters are very upset with him, said Shaffaq Mohammed, leader of the Sheffield Lib Dems, who will be vying to take back Sheffield Hallam for the party at the next general election. It is things like the two-child benefit cap, which was seen as very much a Tory policy, and [which Starmer] has now embraced. The Conservatives arent really in the running around here, so were one of the only options for an alternative vote. He added that he felt Labour was too pre-occupied with taking back votes in the red wall seats, which were won by the Conservatives in 2019. They think theyve got places like Hallam, and many other places, in the bag. Theyre taking people for granted, he said. They think Sheffield will all vote Labour, and the only places that might not are these red wall seats that have gone Conservative, so lets just concentrate on those. Actually, every vote matters. Habibur Masum was remanded in custody after the hearing at Bradford magistrates court. Photograph: West Yorkshire Police/PA A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a mother who was stabbed to death as she pushed her baby in a pram in Bradford city centre. Habibur Masum, 25, is charged with murdering Kulsuma Akter, 27, who was believed to be his wife, on Saturday. The baby was not harmed in the incident, police said. Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, is also charged with possession of a bladed article. He appeared at Bradford magistrates court on Thursday, where he was remanded in custody after the six-minute hearing. Dressed in a grey sweatshirt and flanked by three security guards, Masum spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. Judge Boyd told the defendant: You are charged with the offence of murder, which can only be dealt with at the crown court, and that offence is sent to Bradford crown court for your first hearing, which will take place [on Friday]. Between now and that date you are remanded in custody. Masum was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, 170 miles away from where Akter was stabbed in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road. He had been the subject of police appeals and a three-day manhunt. A 23-year-old man arrested in the Cheshire area on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail, West Yorkshire police said. Four other men were arrested in Aylesbury on suspicion of assisting an offender and drug offences. The men, aged 23, 26, 28 and 29, from the West Midlands area, are in custody, the force added. Akter was taken to hospital after being stabbed several times and later died from her injuries. West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester police forces both said they had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct as they had prior contact with Akter before she died. Berkeley dinner protest Pro-Palestine students interrupted a private dinner in California to protest against the Zionist professor who had invited them. Erwin Chemerinsky, the dean of Berkeley Law School and his wife, professor Catherine Fisk, were hosting their annual spring celebration for around 60 graduating students at their home when the protest began. While guests were eating, a woman stood up with a microphone, stood on the top step in the yard, and began a speech, including about the plight of the Palestinians, said Prof Chemerinsky, who is Jewish. My wife and I immediately approached her and asked her to stop and leave. When she continued, there was an attempt to take away her microphone. Repeatedly, we said to her that you are a guest in our home, please stop and leave. About 10 students were clearly with her and ultimately left as a group. Video footage showed a Berkeley law student identified as Malak Afaneh being challenged by the couple as she spoke into a microphone on steps at their home, near the university in Berkeley. Leave, said Prof Fisk. This is not your house, this is my house. Please leave our house, added Prof Chemerinsky. You are guests in our house. Anti-Semitic blood libel trope Ms Afaneh is co-president of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, a student group that had in advance called for a boycott of Prof Chemerinskys dinner by publishing a disturbing cartoon of the dean holding a fork and knife covered in blood. No dinner with Zionist Chem while Gaza starves, read the accompanying caption on a social media post. This dinner is the prime example of a normalisation PR event that hopes to distract students from Dean Chems complicity and support for the genocide of the Palestinian peoples. In a statement, Mr Chemerinsky condemned the use of imagery as an example of anti-Semitism. I never thought I would see such blatant anti-Semitism, with an image that invokes the horrible anti-Semitic trope of blood libel and that attacks me for no apparent reason other than I am Jewish, he said. Referencing the protest, he added: On April 9, about 60 students came to our home for the dinner. All had registered in advance. All came into our backyard and were seated at tables for dinner. The dinner, which was meant to celebrate graduating students, was obviously disrupted and disturbed. I am enormously sad that we have students who are so rude as to come into my home, in my backyard, and use this social occasion for their political agenda. An international tribunal ordered Korea on Thursday to pay 43.8 billion won ($32 million) in compensation to U.S.-based hedge fund Mason Capital in an investor-state suit the company filed over a controversial 2015 merger of two Samsung affiliates, the justice ministry said. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the Netherlands issued the decision nearly six years after the New York-based fund brought the investor-state dispute settlement process against the Korean government, demanding $200 million in compensation. The ordered compensation amount, which included interest on delayed payments, represents about 16 percent of what Mason demanded. The case dates back to the 2015 merger of two Samsung Group affiliates, Samsung C&T Corp. and Cheil Industries Inc., where a ratio of 0.35 Cheil shares was offered for every one Samsung CT&T share. Mason, which held a 2.18 percent share in Samsung C&T at that time, objected to the merger, saying it undervalued Samsung C&T shares, and has since filed the suit in 2018, claiming the Korean government had unfairly intervened in favor of the merger. The merger, seen as aimed at tightening Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong's control over the family-controlled group, had been the center of a massive corruption scandal that led to the ousting and the conviction of former President Park, as well as the imprisonment of Lee. Mason accused the Park administration of exerting excessive influence in the state-run National Pension Service, a major shareholder in Samsung C&T, which was seen as a swing vote at that time, casting its vote in favor of the merger. (Yonhap) HMS Anson, a submarine designed and built for the Royal Navy, departs a BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria in 2023. Photograph: BAE Systems/PA Labour will aim to raise the UKs defence spending to 2.5% of GDP as soon as resources allow, Keir Starmer has said. The party leader told the i newspaper that defence was the number one issue for any government in a world where international threats had risen and the situation was more volatile than it had been for many years. On defence spending, obviously we want to get to 2.5% as soon as resources allow that to happen, he said. By committing to that level of defence spending, Labour, which is far ahead in opinion polls ahead of an election expected later this year, is matching the intentions of the Conservative government. The defence budget is currently just under 2.3% of GDP. Starmer will also promise to make the UKs nuclear deterrent the bedrock of his security plan to keep Britain safe. On Friday he will become the first Labour leader in 30 years to visit Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, where nuclear submarines are being built. He will be joined by the Australian high commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith, and the shadow defence secretary, John Healey. Starmer is expected to say a Labour government would use defence procurement to strengthen UK security and economic growth. He is also expected to affirm Labours commitment to the Aukus security pact, after outlining plans to direct British defence investment to British business first. The Labour leader will speak to workers, union members and apprentices at the Barrow shipyard, where nuclear submarines are being built. Starmers rhetoric will create another dividing line between his manifesto and that of his predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn. Support for the nuclear deterrent has always been official Labour policy but Corbyn said he would never authorise its use. Labour said it was set to campaign on its commitment to the nuclear deterrent in key communities in the nuclear supply chain, such as: Plymouth, home to the Devonport shipyard; Bristol, home of the Ministry of Defences Abbey Wood site; Derby, home to Rolls-Royces Raynesway site; and Argyll and Bute, home to HM Naval Base Clyde. Starmer is expected to say: The changed Labour party I lead knows that our nations defence must always come first. Labours commitment to our nuclear deterrent is total. In the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, the UKs nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of Labours plan to keep Britain safe. It will ensure vital protection for the UK and our Nato allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high-paying jobs across the UK. Related: Ex-defence ministers wrong to say UK unprepared for war, deputy PM says Countless families in Barrow and across Britain have built a secure future over decades of hard work building our defences. I want that to continue for the decades to come. Thats why we are fully backing Aukus submarines to be built in Barrow, too. And its why Labour will ensure that new UK leadership within Aukus helps make this national endeavour a success for Britain. Healey added: Pride is the overwhelming feeling of defence industry workers, especially those in Barrow building our vital nuclear submarines. They are essential in securing Britains defences for the future. Kate Hudson, the general secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, said voters were desperately looking for hope from Labour. However, its increasingly clear that Starmers offer is just more of the same: billions of pounds wasted on nuclear weapons and nuclear power, and a belligerent foreign policy that includes support for the Aukus pact, Nato and continuing arms sales to Israel, used to kill Palestinians. Putting billions of pounds into the pockets of arms companies and their investors will not reinvigorate the economy in any meaningful way. Rishi Sunak visited BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow with the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, last month, after declaring a critical national endeavour to secure the nuclear industrys future. The defence secretary, Grant Shapps, called Starmers visit an attempted distraction from the Angela Rayner scandal. Colonel Nochi Mandel called for the flow of aid into Gaza to be restricted - IDF The most senior IDF commander dismissed for his role in the drone strike which killed seven aid workers in Gaza is a settler who signed an open letter in January calling for the territory to be deprived of aid, The Telegraph can reveal. A senior British lawyer said its contents including a call for a siege of Gaza City should be considered by the Israeli authorities investigating the killings. Colonel (Res) Nochi Mandel, the chief of staff of the Nahal Infantry Brigade, was one of two officers dismissed last week following the incident in which three vehicles belonging to the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) were attacked by drones, killing all those inside, including three Britons. An investigation by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) characterised the strikes as a grave mistake but concluded there was no intentional harm. Those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives and not WCK employees, it said. In the letter, Col. Mandel, a religious nationalist who lives in a settlement in the occupied West Bank, called with more than 130 other reserve officers and commanders for the flow of aid into Gaza to be restricted. The site where World Central Kitchen workers were killed in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP The letter was sent on January 20 to the Israeli War Cabinet and the IDF Chief of Staff and implored them to do everything in your power not to allow humanitarian supplies and the operation of hospitals inside Gaza City following its evacuation. The idea was to lay siege to the area until the estimated 130 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza were returned. As far as we understand it is permissible and legal according to the laws of armed conflict, to impose a siege on a certain area, on the condition that the citizens who are in it are allowed evacuation corridors, the letter adds. Michael Mansfield, KC, head of Nexus Chambers and one of Britains leading barristers, said the letter should absolutely be considered by those investigating the incident. The document is plainly relevant to a particular state of mind, said Mr Mansfield. In other words it is not indicating that the target of the Israeli army is primarily Hamas but Gaza as a whole by weaponising aid under siege conditions. Those who will inevitably suffer and run the risk of death as a result are bound to be non combatant civilians, medics, women, children, the injured and those who are responsible for bringing aid as with the seven killed. The drones responsible for the strike are believed to have been controlled from Palmachim Air Base, which is just south of Tel Aviv and 70 km to the north of Gaza - Alamy stock photo Another senior British legal figure, who asked not to be named, said that while the letter may show animus, it was not, in their view, relevant to the question of establishing motives for last weeks drone strike. Although the IDF has concluded its probe, a judicial inquiry is ongoing to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against those involved in the airstrike. Col. Mandel is the highest ranking officer to have been dismissed in connection to the airstrikes. In 2007, he was named in the Israeli media as one of the IDFs ten most promising religious officers. The son of a Holocaust survivor, he lives in Gush Etzion, a cluster of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. In his youth, he studied at a religious school run by the Ateret Cohanim, a right-wing Jewish organisation dedicated to returning, reclaiming, and rebuilding a United Jerusalem. Since 2000, the organisation has been acquiring land in the Arab neighbourhoods of East Jerusalem outside the Old City. A World Central Kitchen vehicle, wrecked by an Israeli airstrike in Deir al Balah - Ismael Abu Dayyah/AP Unanswered questions The IDFs internal investigation characterised the strikes, which took place at night, as a grave mistake and found they were carried out in serious violation of the commands and IDF Standard Operating Procedures. However, it said there was no intentional harm. Those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives and not WCK employees, said the IDF. The investigation into Col. Mandel and his colleagues was led by retired Major General Yoav Har-Even, president and CEO of Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, sparking claims of bias. The IDF is one of Rafaels biggest buyers. The company, which sells nearly half of its arms to Israeli clients, makes the Spike missiles which are reported to have been used to kill the aid workers. We demand the creation of an independent commission to investigate the killings of our WCK colleagues, said WCK in the wake of the IDF report last week. The IDF cannot credibly investigate its own failure in Gaza. Masked members of the so-called 'People's Protection Committees' guard a humanitarian aid truck in Rafah - SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images The IDF investigation report, which runs to 539 words, identified three key errors it said led to the strike: a failure by the forces involved to identify the vehicles as belonging to WCK as they left the WCK warehouse for the evening the mistaken assertion that an armed man had entered one of those vehicles the destruction of the second two vehicles after the first one was hit On the eve of its publication, a briefing was given to a small group of foreign journalists by Maj. Gen. Har-Even but key questions were left unanswered. Chief among them is how it was possible the drone team did not know the vehicles belonged to WCK and why it was thought a gunman had got into one of the cars. I think its inconceivable that the IDF wasnt aware that the three vehicles were being driven by the WCK aid workers, said Charlie Herbert, a former major general in the British Army who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. I cannot comprehend how they could have mistaken them for anything else, and if there was uncertainty, the strike shouldnt have gone ahead. The World Central Kitchen aid centre in Nuseirat camp, central Gaza - Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg The alleged failure to realise the cars belonged to WCK is perplexing for a number of reasons but mainly because the entire WCK operation had been approved in advance by the IDF and had been tracked for hours, almost certainly days, by the IDF and its drones. The IDF said the vehicles roof markings were not visible to its drones at night. But the drones had tracked the WCK aid convoy from the beach, where the supplies had been landed on a pier built a few weeks before under the glare of world media attention. The trucks were then tracked all the way to WCKs warehouse in Deir al Balah (Warehouse A on the map below), according to the IDF. The same journey had been made the previous day and several times before. Each journey was approved by and closely monitored by the IDF. Israel Defense Forces posted this map on X The IDF has acknowledged that our teams followed all proper communications procedures, said WCK in a statement. The IDFs own video fails to show any cause to fire on our personnel convoy, which carried no weapons and posed no threat. On the day of the strikes, it was Colonel Mandels Nahal Infantry Brigade that was embedded on the ground in the area and was tracking the convoy. IDF protocol demands that one or more of its officers would have been in live radio contact with the teams flying the drones above. The drones are believed to have been controlled from Palmachim Air Base, which is just south of Tel Aviv and 70 km to the north. Squadron 161, known as The Black Snake unit, operates the Elbit Systems Hermes-450 Zik drone from Palmachim where it specialises in counter-terror missions over Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. The drones can carry up to four Spike anti-tank guided missiles of the sort made by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. It is known with certainty the IDF knew the convoy belonged to WCK as it moved from the beach to the WCK warehouse. This is because Major General Har-Even told journalists that the military had called WCKs US office to tell them a gunman had clambered onto one of the trucks at the time. As Eylon Levy, until recently an Israeli government spokesman, has said on social media, it is normal for armed gunmen to clamber onto the top of aid trucks in Gaza. Captured on @Reuters livestream: Palestinian armed gunmen on top of an aid convoy in Rafah. Why does everyone accept this as normal? pic.twitter.com/mQh14GypZj Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) April 9, 2024 While the aid was unloaded at the warehouse, the two drones kept circling, according to the IDF. Once the aid was stowed, four SUV vehicles were observed by the drone emerging from the WCK warehouse. One vehicle headed north and the drones watched as the aid workers got into the three remaining WCK vehicles to return home for the night. At this point, said Major General Har-Even in his briefing, someone watching the video feed from one of the drones said they thought one of the people getting into one of the vehicles was carrying a weapon. However, when the video was rerun for the investigators there was no sign of that. No footage of this moment was provided, reported the BBC from the briefing. But the military investigation concluded that it was a misclassification... they saw that its a rifle but at the end of the day it was a bag. Former Army commander Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon said the drone team would have found it difficult to discern what was happening on the ground at night but added that the strike should not have gone ahead if there was any doubt among the IDF officials. In the British Army, we were not allowed to approve an airstrike based on an assumption, he said. Blood-stained British, Polish, and Australian passports retrieved from the debris of an Israeli airstrike - Abdel Kareem Hana/AP It was on the basis of this single alleged misidentification that the IDF investigation says the three vehicles containing the seven aid workers were hit. Without this alleged misidentification it would also be difficult for the investigation to justify its conclusion that those who approved the strike were convinced that they were targeting armed Hamas operatives and not WCK employees. The two officers removed from their positions Col. Mandel and the brigade fire support commander, an officer with the rank of major who has not been named were dismissed for acting in serious violation of IDF Standard Operating Procedures. Specifically, the investigation found the strikes breached these procedures in two ways: The suspicion an armed man was in the first car was insufficient to justify the strike The second and third vehicles were destroyed without any further evidence being gathered An IDF spokesperson told the Telegraph: As concluded in the investigation, a chain of serious failures led to a situation where the forces that struck the convoy were not aware of the fact that the vehicles belonged to the WCK organisation at the time of the strike, and believed that they were Hamas operatives. Following the operational failures that emerged in the investigation, the Chief of Staff decided to dismiss the relevant officers. In addition, the findings of the investigation were forwarded to the Military Advocate Generals Corps for the purpose of making a decision regarding the opening of a criminal investigation by the military police. Col. Mandel was also approached for comment by the Telegraph, both via telephone and the IDF. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Dr Derek Glidden chairs the NHS England Clinical Reference Group on gender dysphoria The NHSs most senior adviser on transgender health refused to share data about his clinics patients with the Cass Review. Dr Hilary Cass said efforts to track the journeys of around 9,000 children who went on to be seen by adult services were thwarted by the refusal of clinics to provide evidence. Researchers were trying to establish the long-term consequences of medical interventions by seeking data from adult clinics, which take patients from the age of 16. Six of the seven clinics which run adult gender services refused to comply with the request. They include the Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, one of the leading centres in the country. Dr Derek Glidden, its clinical director, refused to comply despite being NHS Englands gender dysphoria national speciality adviser. He chairs the NHS England Clinical Reference Group on gender dysphoria, while another of its five members, Dr Laura Charlton, the clinical lead at Leeds Gender Identity Clinic, also refused to participate in the research. The Nottingham clinic has been key to the rollout of a new wave of experimental trans services being set up across the country. It has links to the Indigo Gender Service in Greater Manchester, which describes itself as trans and non-binary led, and to the recently launched scheme in Sussex which has put GPs in charge. Campaigners have raised concerns about the pilot schemes, with one likening them to the Wild West, saying responsibility for life-changing decisions was being handed to those with inadequate specialist knowledge. As chair of the NHS Clinical Reference Group on gender dysphoria, Dr Glidden advises its national programme board, which commissioned the rollout. Dr Charlton, a clinical psychologist, worked at the controversial and now shut down Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) from 2014 to 2020 and has previously defended the clinic. Dr Laura Charlton, the clinical lead at Leeds Gender Identity Clinic, also refused to comply with the request for information In 2022, she was one of the coordinators of a joint letter which took issue with how the GIDS service was being portrayed, saying many staff who left the service did not disagree with its practices. The clinical leads of the NHS Gender Identity Clinics in Northampton, Newcastle, and Sheffield also refused to cooperate with the Cass Review, as did the now discredited clinic at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. Just one of the seven units across the country the Laurels Gender Identity Clinic in Exeter agreed to supply any evidence. On the eve of publication of the Cass Review, NHS Englands national director of specialised commissioning wrote to NHS hospital leaders operating adult clinics, telling them that mandatory action would be taken if clinics did not comply. The letter, seen by The Telegraph, says clinical leads at the clinics failed to co-operate with researchers. It said: The study relied upon your organisations fully cooperating with the University of York in support of the research. However despite the best efforts of the research team, the necessary cooperation from the clinical leads within the Gender Dysphoria Clinics was not forthcoming, despite and contrary to positive assurances from CMOs [chief medical officers]. If left this way, it would represent a missed opportunity for the NHS to lead the way internationally in gathering high quality evidence that can, for the first time, present a better understanding of the longer-term outcomes for individuals who have received clinical or medical intervention for gender dysphoria / gender incongruence in childhood or adolescence. The Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health has been key to the rollout of a new wave of experimental trans services being set up across the country On Thursday Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, said the failure of the clinics to comply was disgraceful. Writing for The Telegraph after a meeting with Amanda Pritchard, the NHS chief executive, Ms Atkins said nothing less than full cooperation by those clinics is acceptable. The NHS is to review all care at adult clinics, with treatment for any new patients aged 16 and 17 paused, following concern from the Cass Review that life-changing decisions were being made too early. Helen Joyce, of gender-critical group Sex Matters, said the attempt to block any robust follow-up of gender-distressed children was inexcusable. She said: The heads, past and present, of these clinics should be held to account for this outrageous failure. A spokesman for the Leeds Gender Identity Service said it fully supports the research into young peoples gender services, and we cooperated as fully as we could with the Cass Review. He added that the clinic is named as a primary data source within the report. An NHS spokesperson said: Ahead of the publication of the Cass Reviews final report, NHS England wrote to all seven providers of adult gender dysphoria clinics setting out our expectation of full participation with the data linkage study, and have now received assurances that the group intend to do so. Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Dr Glidden and Dr Charlton were approached for comment. Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, addresses a press conference in Westminster on April 8 - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph A Conservative MP has been forced to apologise after he appeared to urge voters to back Reform UKs Lee Anderson at the next election. Nick Fletcher will keep the Tory whip despite calls for him to be sacked by the party over the comments. He faced a backlash after expressing support for his former colleague on social media, describing him as Ashfields greatest champion and arguing we both need to be back in Westminster. He made the comments after Mr Anderson, who defected to Reform UK last month after being stripped of the Tory whip, said he will not campaign against four Red Wall Conservatives at the election, including Mr Fletcher, because they are his friends. Mr Fletcher, the MP for Don Valley, tweeted in response: I so wish @LeeAndersonMP_ had remained with the Conservatives. However having lost the whip it would mean the Conservative Party would choose someone other than Lee to fight the election in Ashfield. I can understand in those circumstances why he joined Reform. Ashfield has its greatest champion and I hope they appreciate what he has done for his home town and his country at the next election. I hope my constituents see that a vote for me in Doncaster is also the right thing to do. I am a lone voice in Parliament shouting up for Doncaster. The Telegraph understands that Mr Fletcher was spoken to by Tory whips about his comments He also said we both need to be back in Westminster. The Telegraph understands that Mr Fletcher was spoken to by Tory whips about his comments. In a follow-up statement, he tweeted: For the avoidance of any doubt of course I want to see a Conservative majority Government returned at the next election with as many Conservative MPs as possible. Lee is a personal friend but we cant risk the damage a Labour Government would do to our country. Just look at what the Labour Council has done to Doncaster. It comes as Arron Banks, a former major UKIP donor, said he believes 10 Tory MPs would defect to Reform if Mr Farage took over as leader. He also said there are people willing to bankroll the insurgent party with multiples of 10 million if the former Brexit Party leader steps up to the plate. Speaking to the GB News Choppers Political Podcast, Mr Banks said if Mr Farage leads Reform into the next election, 10 Tory MPs will walk across the thing straight away. Thats part of his calculus, he said. MPs are in contact with him daily about this kind of thing. If he does come back, it will be on the back of something fairly spectacular. He said that he knew of at least three or four names of Conservative MPs who might defect to Reform, and claimed that potential donors are ready to give multiples of 10 million if Mr Farage takes over. This is the perfect storm for Nigel to come back into, but I do think at [this] stage hes genuinely undecided, he said. He added: He is like a moth to the flame. He wont be able to resist this. I just cant see it. The row comes as Reform UK said it was mortified to have dropped a candidate who was later found to have died. The Liberal Democrats told Mr Sunak to find his backbone and kick Nick Fletcher out of the Conservative Party, while Labours Anneliese Dodds has written to Richard Holden, the Tory chairman, calling on the party to take action. But a Tory spokesman said: Nick has made clear he wants to see as many Conservatives as possible elected. A vote for Reform is a vote to let Keir Starmer into No 10. In her letter, Ms Dodds said: Surely calling on voters to vote for a party other than your own should be grounds for losing the Conservative whip? She added: Voters already concerned that the Conservative Party is hoping to do a grubby deal with Reform in an effort to cling to power and prolong their own careers will be forgiven for thinking this confirms their suspicions. Can you confirm that you will be instructing Tory MPs to campaign against every Reform candidate, regardless of their closeness to the Tory Party? Ms Dodds also asked if a deal with Reform had been ruled out and for confirmation that Nigel Farage would not be joining the Conservative Party. She concluded: If you once again fail to do anything now, it will show the British people you have given up on governing and are determined to put the interests of holding your fragile party together over the interests of the country. According to Tory rules, members are required to sustain and promote the objects and values of the Conservative Party and endorsing rival candidates could be grounds for a disciplinary investigation and potential expulsion. A Reform UK spokesman said: Lee Anderson made it clear from the day he joined Reform UK that he would not personally campaign against a handful of his close friends. The party respect this decision and it shows Lees loyalty to his friends, which goes beyond politics. Reform will be standing in these constituencies and will be fighting the Conservatives across the board in England, Wales and Scotland. The Tories have betrayed the country by failing to control our borders and allowing our public services to crumble. We will punish them at the general election. You can follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section here. 04:00 PM BST That is all for today... Thank you for joining me for todays politics live blog. I will be back tomorrow morning. 03:14 PM BST 1922 chief Sir Graham Brady writes tell-all book As the chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady has a reputation for remaining tight-lipped about what is happening with Tory MPs trying to expel their leaders. But he is set to break his silence with a new book revealing what has really been happening since 2010 as successive Conservative prime ministers have been ousted. Sir Graham is writing a new book that will not only detail his political career but also take readers behind the curtain of the influential group. Kingmaker: Secrets, Lies, and the Truth about Five Prime Ministers is due to be published right after the general election, with a provisional release date of Nov 7 announced. You can read the full story here. 03:00 PM BST Tories: A vote for Reform is a vote to let Keir Starmer into No 10 The Conservative Party said a vote for Reform UK at the general election would be a vote to let Keir Starmer into No 10 amid the Nick Fletcher row (see the posts below at 13.14 and at 14.23). A Tory spokesman said: Nick has made clear he wants to see as many Conservatives as possible elected. A vote for Reform is a vote to let Keir Starmer into No 10. 02:50 PM BST Donelan libel settlement cost taxpayer 34,000 The taxpayer paid more than 34,000 to cover the costs of a libel case that saw Science Secretary Michelle Donelan reach a settlement with an academic she had accused of expressing support for Hamas. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology had already confirmed it had paid 15,000 to settle the libel action brought by Prof Kate Sang without admitting any liability. But in a letter to Labours shadow science secretary Peter Kyle, the departments permanent secretary Sarah Munby admitted the full cost was more than twice that figure, with another 19,385 spent on legal costs. Opposition figures have called for Ms Donelan to pay back the money herself. 02:44 PM BST Pictured: Starmer campaigns in Blackpool ahead of by-election on May 2 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, with Chris Webb, Labour's candidate for the Blackpool South parliamentary by-election, during his visit today to Blackpool seafront in Lancashire - Owen Humphreys/PA 02:30 PM BST Yes overtakes No in Scottish independence battle for first time since November 2022 Support for Scottish independence has overtaken support for remaining a part of the United Kingdom north of the border for the first time since November 2022, according to a new poll. A survey of Scottish voters conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies between April 6-7 found 44 per cent replied Yes when asked if Scotland should be an independent country. Some 42 per cent answered No. Redfield said it was the first lead for Yes since November 2022. Support for Yes was up by one point while support for No was down by four points when compared to the companys previous poll conducted between March 10-11. 'Yes' leads by 2%. First lead for 'Yes' since November 2022. Scotland Independence Referendum Voting Intention (6-7 April): Yes 44% (+1) No 42% (-4) Don't Know 14% (+3) Changes +/- 10-11 Marchhttps://t.co/Z3QoFan4IM pic.twitter.com/Lq7RlVX5wS Redfield & Wilton Strategies (@RedfieldWilton) April 10, 2024 02:23 PM BST Tory MP clarifies comments about Lee Anderson Tory MP Nick Fletcher said of course I want to see a Conservative majority Government returned at the next election after he expressed support for Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, to retain his Ashfield seat. Sources told The Telegraph that Mr Fletcher was spoken to by Tory whips about his original comments after he expressed support for Mr Anderson (see the post below at 13.14). Mr Fletcher then tweeted: For the avoidance of any doubt of course I want to see a Conservative majority Government returned at the next election with as many Conservative MPs as possible. Lee is a personal friend but we cant risk the damage a Labour Government would do to our country. Just look at what the Labour Council has done to Doncaster. 01:37 PM BST UK warns Spain not to meddle with Gibraltar RAF base in post-Brexit deal Britain is demanding that its RAF base on Gibraltar remains unaffected by a post-Brexit border deal with Spain as talks resume on Friday. UK Government insiders have made clear to The Telegraph that continuing military operational independence at the site is a red line in the negotiations. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, was set to head to Brussels on Friday to meet his opposite numbers in France and the European Union as well as the leader of Gibraltar. You can read the full story here. 01:14 PM BST Sunak urged to strip Tory MP of whip over support for Lee Anderson The Liberal Democrats said Rishi Sunak should strip a Tory MP of the party whip after they expressed support for Lee Anderson and said they wanted to see him back in Westminster. Mr Anderson, the Reform UK MP for Ashfield, announced today that Nick Fletcher, the Tory MP for Don Valley, was one of four Conservatives who he would not campaign against (see the post below at 12.37). Mr Fletcher tweeted: Ashfield has its greatest champion and I hope they appreciate what he has done for his home town and his country at the next election. Mr Fletcher said we both need to be back in Westminster. Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Lib Dems, said: It seems even Conservative MPs dont want the Conservatives to win. Voters are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending circus of infighting. Rishi Sunak needs to find his backbone and kick Nick Fletcher out of the Conservative Party. Failure to do so would show yet again that hes too weak to control his party let alone govern the country. REFORM & LEE ANDERSON MP I so wish @LeeAndersonMP_ had remained with the Conservatives. However having lost the whip it would mean the Conservative Party would choose someone other than Lee to fight the election in Ashfield. I can understand in those circumstances why he pic.twitter.com/oDR3fZiSF2 Nick Fletcher MP (@NickFletcherMP) April 11, 2024 12:55 PM BST Pictured: Angela Rayner visits Perry Barr bus depot in Birmingham today Angela Rayner (right) and Louise Haigh (second right) are pictured today during a visit to Perry Barr bus depot in Birmingham - Jacob King/PA 12:50 PM BST Tice: Tories bottling leaving ECHR Richard Tice accused the Tories of bottling quitting the European Court of Human Rights as he responded to the prospect of ministers revolting against Rishi Sunak if he pursues the move. The leader of Reform UK tweeted that the Tories were bottling ECHR again and added: Only [Reform] will leave the appalling ECHR. Mr Sunak hinted earlier this month that he would be willing to withdraw from the ECHR if it blocks the Governments Rwanda plan. But at least 12 Cabinet ministers are understood to oppose leaving the ECHR (see the post below at 11.59). 12:37 PM BST Lee Anderson vows not to campaign against four Red Wall Tory MPs Lee Anderson has announced he will not campaign in certain Tory-held constituencies ahead of the next general election because of his friendships with the incumbent MPs. The Reform UK MP, who defected to the party after being stripped of the Tory whip following a row over comments he made about Sadiq Khan, said friendship means more to me as he named four MPs he will not campaign against. He named Ben Bradley (Mansfield), Brendan Clarke-Smith (Bassetlaw), Marco Longhi (Dudley North) and Nick Fletcher (Don Valley) as the Conservative MPs he would not try to oust. But he insisted every other seat is fair game. He said in a Facebook post: These people are my friends and the ones that reached out to me last month. They will always be my friends and because of this I will not campaign against them in their Parliamentary seats. Friendship means more to me. Every other seat is fair game. Reform said it respected Mr Andersons personal decision but the party will continue with its election campaigns in these seats. 12:18 PM BST Sunak: Iranian threats against Israel unacceptable Rishi Sunak said threats from Iran against Israel are unacceptable and the UK fully supports Israels right to defend itself. The Prime Ministers comments came after Israeli officials said they are preparing for an unprecedented attack directly from Iran. Speaking to broadcasters today, Mr Sunak said: The threats from Iran are unacceptable and we, like the Americans, fully support Israels right to defend itself against that. We have already highlighted Iran as a significant risk to regional security and we have always said that we will support Israels ability to defend itself and we have taken action ourselves to make sure that we can protect the UK against threats that emanate from Iran. You can follow the latest updates on the situation in Israel on our live blog here. 11:59 AM BST Rishi Sunak faces Cabinet revolt if he quits ECHR Rishi Sunak will face a Cabinet revolt if he decides to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). At least 12 Cabinet ministers are understood to oppose leaving the ECHR including Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, and Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary. Since the departure of Suella Braverman as home secretary, and Robert Jenrick as immigration minister, it is believed just a handful of Cabinet members would back quitting the ECHR. It comes amid growing calls from Tory MPs to quit the ECHR after a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg earlier this week that governments have a duty to protect people from climate change. You can read the full story here. 11:39 AM BST Labour claims Sunak spinning the stats on NHS waiting lists Wes Streeting accused Rishi Sunak of spinning the stats on NHS waiting lists as he claimed the Prime Minister had failed on his health service promises. The shadow health secretary said: Rishi Sunak has failed on the NHS. Hes missed his own targets to cut ambulance waits and A&E waits. Patients with suspected heart attacks or strokes are waiting almost double the safe amount of time, when every minute matters. Waiting lists are still 320,000 longer than when he became Prime Minister, despite his promise to cut them. Doctors have said that patients in desperate need of care have been left waiting for 24 hours in A&E, while relatively healthy patients have been seen faster in order to hit this 4-hour target. If only Rishi Sunak was as desperate to turn around the NHS for real as he is to spin the stats. 11:13 AM BST Lib Dems claim Sunak living in a parallel universe on waiting lists Sir Ed Davey said NHS waiting lists were still 330,000 higher than when Rishi Sunak made his pledge to cut them in January last year. The leader of the Liberal Democrats said: To add insult to injury, the Conservatives have cut NHS spending while millions of patients are suffering in pain on endless waiting lists. Rishi Sunak is living in a parallel universe if he thinks our National Health Service is recovering. The Conservative Party and the Prime Minister are out of touch, out of ideas and deserve to be kicked out of office. 10:54 AM BST Sunak making headway on NHS waiting lists pledge Rishi Sunak insisted he is making headway on his pledge to cut NHS waiting lists after official data published this morning gave the Prime Minister a boost (see the post below at 10.02). NHS England figures showed the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England had fallen for the fifth month in a row. Mr Sunak said in response: When I became Prime Minister, I made cutting the NHS waiting lists one of my top five priorities. Todays statistics clearly show we are making headway towards that goal. A drop of almost 200,000 in the last five months shows what the NHS can do for patients. Had there been no strike action, an extra 430,000 patients could have been treated. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, speaks to medical staff this morning during a visit to Woking Community Hospital - Leon Neal /Getty Images Europe We still have more work to do, but our plan is working. On top of this, were delivering year-on-year improvements in A&E waiting times for the first time in over a decade outside the pandemic, weve invested in a further 5,000 hospital beds, and there are record numbers of staff working in the NHS. This Government will continue delivering for patients cutting waiting lists and making sure they get the care they need, when they need it. The Prime Minister conceded during an LBC phone-in yesterday that waiting lists were still higher than when he took office and he had not made as much progress on the issue as he had wanted. 10:37 AM BST Boris Johnson labels Rishi Sunaks smoking ban absolutely nuts Boris Johnson has attacked Rishi Sunaks flagship smoking policy as absolutely nuts as he criticised the state of the Conservative Party at an event in Canada. Speaking at a gathering of conservatives in Ottawa, the former prime minister said: We are, on the whole, in favour of freedom and it is that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that I think unites conservatives, or should unite conservatives. And when I look at some of the things that we are doing now, or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they are absolutely nuts. Mr Johnson singled out Mr Sunaks policy of increasing the minimum age for buying tobacco every year in an effort to phase out smoking. He said: When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec, its just mad. The smoking ban is expected to be the subject of a free vote when MPs debate the legislation for the first time on April 16. A potential Tory revolt is unlikely to derail the legislation given that Labour has said it will back the move. 10:18 AM BST Boris Johnson: Ukraine must join Nato Boris Johnson has called for Ukraine to be allowed to join Nato and be given the right tools for its fight against Russia. Speaking at a conservative event in Canada, the former prime minister also warned against appeasing Russian president Vladimir Putin The resolution to this problem is the security and the stability that comes with certainty about where Ukraine is and what Ukraine is, he told an event at the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference in Ottawa, where he appeared alongside former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott. Ukraine has chosen to be a free, independent European nation oriented towards the west, towards the EU, towards Nato. And Ukraine must join Nato. That is the only logical way through this. 10:13 AM BST More than 300,000 people waiting more than a year for routine treatment More than 300,000 people in England had been waiting more than 52 weeks to start routine hospital treatment at the end of February, according to official data published this morning by NHS England. The total waiting for more than a year stood at 305,050 which was down from 321,394 at the end of January. The Government and NHS England have set the ambition of eliminating all waits of more than a year by March 2025. Meanwhile, the number of people waiting more than 12 hours in A&E departments from a decision to admit to actually being admitted was 42,968 in March, down from 44,417 in February and 54,308 in January, which was the second highest figure on record. The number waiting at least four hours from the decision to admit to admission has risen slightly, from 139,458 in February to 140,181 in March. 10:02 AM BST NHS waiting list falls for fifth month in a row The waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has fallen for the fifth month in a row, figures show. An estimated 7.54 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of February, relating to 6.29 million patients, down slightly from 7.58 million treatments and 6.29 million patients at the end of January, NHS England said. The list hit a record high in September 2023 with 7.77 million treatments and 6.50 million patients. 09:58 AM BST Tories likely to take a pasting at general election, says Lord Hammond The Conservatives are likely to take a pasting at the next general election, Lord Hammond has said. He also warned that whoever wins the contest will have to face the same excruciating problem of demands for more public spending at a time when taxation is already high. He told the BBCs The Today Podcast: I think the formidable problem is for our democratic politics because I can easily envisage, and the polls are certainly suggesting, that the Conservative Party will take a pasting at the next election. But do I think that the Labour Party has a magic bullet that will solve all the problems we have been talking about today? Not at all. And they too will have to deal with this excruciating problem of ever rising demand for ordinary public spending and then on top of it, the need to decarbonise and to rearm the country in the face of big existential threats. 09:53 AM BST UK has been underspending on defence for many, many years, warns Lord Hammond Lord Hammond said the UK and the rest of Europe have been underspending on defence for many, many years and will have to spend a lot more money to combat the rising threat from Russia. The former chancellor who also served as defence secretary said the size of the Armed Forces will have to be increased but he questioned how that will be delivered given current recruiting challenges. He told the BBCs The Today Podcast: We clearly have been underspending on defence for many, many years, not just the UK but the whole of Europe, depending on the United States to provide all sorts of strategic cover to us. And now we have to face the possibility that as the US focuses elsewhere, particularly on the Pacific and China, and Russia is rearming at an alarming pace and turning its economy into a military industrial complex, that if we are going to be safe and secure in the future we will have to up our game. That is going to mean spending a lot more money. It is also, by the way, going to mean expanding the size of our Armed Forces and it isnt very easy to see how we will do that given that even at their current designed size we routinely are unable to recruit enough people through a voluntary approach. 09:29 AM BST Tories and Labour not being open enough about state of public finances, suggests Lord Hammond Lord Hammond suggested the Tories and Labour were not being open enough with voters about the state of the public finances. But the former chancellor said it was hard for elected politicians to make the case for big, difficult, long-term decisions because of the threat of being kicked out at the next election. He told the BBCs The Today Podcast: What would you cut? That is the question to ask any politician. What would you cut? And the politician who tells you we dont need to cut anything, we are just going to do it by collecting a bit more of the tax that is due, making our public services a bit more efficient, Im afraid is not being honest and frank with you. Asked if he agreed that neither of the big parties were being open enough about the public finances, he replied: I think we have a problem in this country that the electorate is not really willing to engage with this argument and it is very difficult to ask politicians to present the electorate with choices and challenges which are so stark that their reaction is oh, well I will vote for somebody who offers me a more palatable option. And unfortunately that is the challenge of democracy. How do you get big, difficult, long-term decisions made in a world where the politicians who are making them have to put themselves up for election every four or five years? 'The politician who says we do not need to cut anything is not being honest.' Former chancellor Philip Hammond tells @bbcnickrobinson why it is so difficult for parties to be frank about public spending. The Today Podcast: Where's the money coming from? Listen now @BBCSounds BBC Radio 4 Today (@BBCr4today) April 11, 2024 09:16 AM BST Failure to incentivise work allowing benefits to become lifestyle choice, warns Rees-Mogg Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg said a failure to better incentivise work was allowing people to make a lifestyle choice to live on benefits. The former business secretary said that Universal Credit was intended to ensure that work always pays but swathes of the country are economically inactive and claiming this benefit. He said the benefits bill was costing taxpayers a fortune as he urged reform. He told GB News: This costs you a fortune: 260 billion a year and it is growing. Thats about 20 per cent of all public expenditure, which falls on rich and poor taxpayers alike. And its the failure to incentivise people to work that then allows it to become a lifestyle choice paid for by others that seems to me to be the problem. Reform is essential and fraud is important but its actually a relatively small percentage of the total problem. Only if we get these costs down, reduce that 260 billion can we afford to cut taxes, to unleash Britains latent growth and innovation and increase the size of the pie, as Margaret Thatcher used to put it, for everyone. More pie all round. 08:48 AM BST Atkins: Some NHS trusts need to do better on waiting lists Some NHS trusts need to do better on tackling long waits for treatment, the Health Secretary said. Victoria Atkins told Times Radio: We have got to be nuanced about this because there are some trusts that haver done an amazing job of getting rid of the longest waiters. There are other trusts that need help, need support, need to do better and need to get rid of those longest waits so that they are meeting national expectations. 08:35 AM BST Progress is being made on NHS waiting lists, insists Health Secretary The Government is making progress cutting NHS waiting lists, the Health Secretary has insisted ahead of publication of the latest figures later this morning (see the post below at 08.22). Victoria Atkins told Times Radio: Weve seen now for four months in a row a reduction in waiting lists. That is a significant achievement, particularly when it is against the background of industrial action by junior doctors. We have seen waiting lists fall, we have an unrelenting commitment, determination, to reduce yet further those backlogs and we are seeing progress. 08:22 AM BST NHS England to publish latest waiting list data at 9.30am A wave of the latest NHS waiting list data is due to be published by NHS England at 9.30am this morning. The publication of the data will reignite scrutiny of Rishi Sunaks pledge, made in January 2023, to cut waiting lists. The Prime Minister conceded during an LBC phone-in yesterday that waiting lists are still higher than when he took office and he had not made as much progress on the issue as he had wanted. But he also pointed out that the numbers had been falling for four months straight. Will it be good or bad news for the PM? We dont have long to wait to find out. 08:15 AM BST Victoria Atkins: Culture of intimidation on gender services will stop Victoria Atkins said a culture of intimidation had been allowed to trump safety and evidence on gender services for children and young people in the NHS. The Health Secretary also said that nothing is off the table in terms of reform as the Government now considers the findings of the Cass review. Asked if the Government will accept all 32 of the reviews recommendations, she told Sky News: There has been a culture of intimidation and ideology that has trumped safety and evidence for the care of children. This has to stop, it will stop, and I am looking at every single one of those recommendations. Nothing is off the table. 08:09 AM BST Labour fuelled atmosphere of intimidation on trans issues, claims Health Secretary Labour has helped to fuel an atmosphere of intimidation on trans issues, the Health Secretary claimed this morning. Victoria Atkins made the comment following the publication of the Cass review into NHS gender services yesterday which found children had been let down by a lack of research and evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones. Told that Labour had committed to adopting all of the recommendations made by the review, Ms Atkins told Sky News: Well, Labour has spent the last 10 years trying to shut women up when it comes to this. They have been part of the ideology, the culture wars, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for anyone who dared to question this ideology. So it is a little bit rich of the Labour Party to be lecturing the rest of us now having been so forthright in their support for this ideology in the past. Protesters in Iran burn the US and Israeli flags during the funeral for the seven Islamic Revolutionary Guards killed in Israels attack in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images The US is seeking to deter Iran from carrying out a retaliatory strike against Israel with concerted declarations of commitment to Israeli security, while at the same time trying to prevent the outbreak of a major regional war, officials in Washington have said. US officials still believe that a direct Iranian missile or drone strike is possible within the next few days, in retaliation for the Israeli bombing of an Iranian consular building in Damascus on 1 April, which killed a top Islamic Revolutionary Guards general and six other Guard officers. The developments came as the US restricted the movements of its diplomats in Israel over security fears, the embassy said. Out of an abundance of caution, US government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheeva areas until further notice, an embassy notice on Thursday said. Israel would rely heavily on US-supplied weaponry in any response to an Iranian strike, a point that Benjamin Netanyahu made implicitly on Thursday, by standing in front of American-made F-15 fighters at the Tel Nof airbase in southern Israel to tell reporters: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively, the Israeli prime minister said. The US hopes that strong messages of solidarity and support for Israel from Joe Biden and the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, could still deter Tehran from seeking to hit a target in Israel. A strike would mark a dangerously significant escalation in a long-simmering war, fought until now by proxy, or by strikes in third countries, such as Lebanon and Syria. Related: Which countries supply Israel with arms and why is Biden reluctant to stop? Blinken spoke by phone to Chinese, Turkish, Saudi and European counterparts to make clear that escalation is not in anyones interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate, state department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Thursday. Biden said on Wednesday that Israel could rely on iron-clad US backing, and Blinken called the Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant, to tell him that Washington would stand with Israel against any threats by Iran and its proxies. Nevertheless, if Iran does strike Israel directly, the US is likely to urge caution in Israels response, in an effort to forestall an uncontrollable escalation into a conflict that could draw in the considerable US forces in the region. US officials say much will depend on the specifics of any Iranian attack. If Israel intercepts incoming missiles or drones, or if they fall harmlessly wide of their mark, the Biden administration will appeal to Netanyahus government not to act rashly. If any Iranian attack causes significant Israeli casualties either on Israeli soil or at any Israeli mission or institution abroad, however, Israel would be entitled to a forceful response in the eyes of the administration. The head of US Central Command, Gen Michael E Kurilla, arrived in Israel on Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told journalists, reportedly to coordinate the response to the anticipated Iranian action with his Israeli counterparts. The possibility of an Israeli conflict with Iran or with its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, is one of the reasons the Biden administration has given for resisting calls from many in the presidents own party to restrict arms supplies to Israel over the conduct of its war in Gaza. Meanwhile, the prospect of an Iranian strike could also be hampering a long-awaited hostage-ceasefire deal in Gaza, officials in Washington said. They point out that the Hamas leader inside Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, had sought to ignite a regional war with the massacre of Israeli civilians on 7 October, so he would be unlikely to embrace a truce agreement at a time when such a conflagration looks more possible than ever. The Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has spent the past two days consulting counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Turkey. Related: Biden vows ironclad US commitment to Israel amid fears of Iran attack The Iranian minister also travelled to Damascus to see his Syrian counterparts, and to Oman, the country most likely to act as the intermediary in sending messages to the US. In Muscat, Amir-Abdollahian said the US could not shirk its responsibility in fully and absolutely supporting Israels combined war crimes. While in Oman, Amir-Abdollahian also passed on a message to Washington that Iran would not act hastily, but would respond to Israels attack in a way that aims to avoid major escalation, Reuters reported. Russia and Germany both urged restraint. The German airline Lufthansa, one of only two western carriers still flying to Tehran, suspended its flights there, while Moscow warned Russians against travel to the Middle East. The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, also spoke with the Iranian foreign minister and urged Tehran to show restraint. The Iranian readouts of the phone calls did not focus on the possible Iranian response to the Israeli attack but on the need for Gulf states to do more to put pressure on Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian is still planning to travel to the UN headquarters in New York next week, raising doubts an Iranian missile attack on Israeli soil is imminent. An attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has also been discussed. On Thursday the Kremlin called for all countries in the Middle East to show restraint to prevent the region from slipping into chaos. The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said there had been no requests for Russia to mediate between Israel and Iran, although he said the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate was a violation of all the principles of international law. Moscow has advised its citizens not to travel to a range of states, including Israel, Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned again on Wednesday that Israel must be punished and will be punished days after one of his advisers had said Israeli embassies were no longer safe. The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, swiftly replied to Khamenei on X, warning that if Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. There is an open debate inside Iran between diplomats and academics about the best response to what they see as psychological warfare. At one point it was reported that Iran was using the consulate attack as a lever on the US to put pressure on Netanyahu to agree to a full ceasefire with Hamas. There is some scepticism in Tehran that an attack on Israel is necessarily imminent, and suspicion that Biden is instead seeking to distract from the fact that his supposedly decisive and firm phone call with Netanyahu last Thursday had led to a doubling in the number of trucks of aid entering Gaza but not produced the flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza that US officials had been demanding. A new crossing from Israel into northern Gaza promised by Israel has yet to be opened, though the Israeli military said that construction had begun, and a coordination centre aimed at preventing further Israeli bombing of aid convoys by having operational commanders in the same room as aid agency representatives, has not yet been completed. The head of the USAID humanitarian agency, Samantha Power, told Congress on Wednesday that it was credible a famine could already have taken hold in some parts of Gaza, confirming earlier warnings from UN agencies Reformatory prison in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in an undated photo. Photograph: BrazilPhotos/Alamy After nearly two months on the run, the Amazon outlaws nicknamed Hammerhead and Armadillo might have felt they were nearing the home straight albeit a long and muddy one. Just ahead over the Tocantins River lay the Trans-Amazonian highway, a rundown and poorly patrolled jungle track that cuts more than 1,200 miles east-west across the largest rainforest on Earth. After completing that gruelling journey, the fugitives reportedly hoped to sneak across the border into Bolivia, far from the long hand of the Brazilian law. Then, at about 1.30pm last Thursday, federal police scuttled their audacious plan, intercepting the runaways as they approached the bridge into the Amazon city of Maraba. He panicked and started swerving all over the shop, one officer said of Hammerhead, a convicted killer whose real name is Rogerio Mendonca. Shots were fired. The men were captured. And one of the most dramatic manhunts in recent Brazilian history was over, 51 days after the pair had somehow broken out of a maximum-security federal prison in the north-eastern city of Mossoro. Theyre going back to the place they came from, celebrated the justice minister, Ricardo Lewandowski, hailing a victory of the Brazilian state. The detention of Mendonca and his accomplice, Deibson Nascimento, came as a relief to the Brazilian government, under intense pressure to explain how two highly dangerous felons could escape from such a supposedly secure location. But the cinematic jailbreak has also exposed how Brazils two most powerful crime factions Rios Red Command (CV) and Sao Paulos First Capital Command (PCC) have dramatically expanded their footprint in the Amazon in recent years in order to exploit drug-trafficking routes and markets and other lucrative illegal economies, including gold mining and land-grabbing. Mendonca and Nascimento, who are members of the CV, hail from the Amazon state of Acre and were in jail there until being moved to Mossoro after taking part in a 2023 rebellion in which five members of a rival faction were killed, three of them beheaded. Nascimento, a 33-year-old who was allegedly one of the CVs first members in Acre, was arrested in a small Amazonian border town called Brasileia in 2015 and was sentenced to more than 80 years in jail. His rap sheet includes trafficking, robbery and even the kidnapping of a Bolivian politician. Mendonca, 35, who is also nicknamed Cherub, was reportedly serving a 74-year sentence for crimes including robbery and ordering the 2021 murder of a teenager on Acres border with Amazonas state. At the time of their arrest last week, the pair were driving through another Amazon state, Para, and had visited its state capital, Belem a key CV base after absconding hundreds of miles up Brazils coastline in a small fishing vessel. Aiala Couto, a Belem-based security expert, believes the pair fled to the Amazon precisely because of the regions strategic importance to such factions. Thats why they came to Para after crossing four other states Maraba is a city where the Red Command and PCC have a presence. Before that, they came through the Mosqueiro Island and through Belem, which means there is an organisation that offered them support and logistics, showing once more the relationships these groups have been establishing in the Amazon region, said Couto, a researcher for the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety. Related: Brazilian Amazon at risk of being taken over by mafia, ex-police chief warns Experts say the CV and PCC began advancing into the Amazon about a decade ago, with the region becoming particularly crucial to the former after the 2016 assassination of a drug trafficker on the Brazil-Paraguay border. That killing helped the PCC control the smuggling corridor focused on Brazils midwestern border and forced the CV to look north to the Amazon. But Brazils prison system itself has also been blamed for helping south-eastern criminal groups set up camp in the Amazon. One of the factors that led to the expansion of these criminal organizations to other states especially ones in the north and north-east was the prison system, mass incarceration and the growth of the prison population; and also the transfer of prisoners from state to federal prisons, said Couto. Criminal leaders from different corners of Brazil were inadvertently united after being moved from prisons in their home states to high-security prisons elsewhere. This led to contact between these organisations that allowed them to spread and disseminate their activities throughout Brazil, said Couto. At the same time, organisations that had previously only dominated their own states now had representatives in other regions, such as the Amazon. It is unclear how long Hammerhead and Armadillo spent plotting their escape. Flavia Froes, a Rio-based lawyer representing the two men, told local media they decided to flee because of poor treatment. I had to escape because I was buried alive, Froes quoted Mendonca as saying. The men put their plan into action at dawn on 14 February the last day of carnival, when Brazilians are more relaxed, the justice minister later told reporters. At the time of the jailbreak, the criminals were in neighbouring cells. One of them reportedly used a steel reinforcement bar from the wall to cut through a window, before they climbed on to the roof through a duct. There, the men found tools left by construction workers renovating part of the prison. They cut their way through the perimeter fence with a pair of pliers and fled. Guards only noticed their absence 90 minutes later. Related: How a Brazilian prison gang became an international criminal leviathan The escape triggered a huge manhunt. Hundreds of police scoured the countryside for the Amazonian escapers. It was like some shit out of a film. Loads of helicopters. Loads of drones, Mendonca was overheard telling his girlfriend by phone. The [searchers] got so close to us we could smell their stinky boots. After hiding near the prison for about a month, they reached a seaside fishing community called Icapui and sailed north for six days towards Belem, a city close to one of the biggest ports in the Amazon and, therefore, a key location for smugglers moving South American cocaine to Europe. From there, they were driven south by four CV associates towards Maraba, where their sensational escape would come to an abrupt end. The next day they were back in Mossoro. Hammerheads mother, Nelita Nogueira da Silva, told local TV: Theyre going to rot in jail. OJ Simpson has died of cancer at the age of 76. Simpson was a running back for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers from 1969 to 1979, before being acquitted of murder in a trial in the mid-1990s. News of Simpsons death was announced by his children on his X account. On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024 On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer, read a statement. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. -The Simpson Family Simpson became one of the most notorious figures in American history when he was charged with the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994. His trial was televised around the country and, although he was acquitted, he was later found liable for their deaths in a civil lawsuit and was ordered to pay 26.7million pounds to the victims of the families. In 2017 he was released from prison after serving nine years of a 33-year sentence for armed robbery and kidnapping having been arrested in Las Vegas a decade earlier. Simpson was also an actor and starred in a number of successful films, including Towering Inferno and Naked Gun, in a Hollywood career that began in 1974 while in the middle of his playing career. He had been a popular figure in America because of his sporting prowess and he is still recognised as one of the NFLs great running backs. He was named Most Valuable Player in 1973 after becoming the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, one of a host of records that saw him admitted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. But having carved out a fruitful career as a broadcaster and actor once he retired from the 49ers, he was propelled to global infamy in 1994 when he attempted to escape police in a low speed car chase in LA. The chase was broadcast live to an estimated audience of 95million and when the trial of the century was also televised, his case became one of the most followed in history. Simpson, nicknamed The Juice, revealed in February that he was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. He is survived by four children from two different marriages. President Joe Biden has said the US is considering dropping the prosecution of Julian Assange, as supporters of the WikiLeaks founder mark the fifth anniversary of him being held in prison in London. Assange faces prosecution in the US over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defence information, after the publication of hundreds of thousands of leaked documents relating to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. He is embroiled in a lengthy legal battle to avoid being extradited. Mr Biden told reporters at the White House on Wednesday: Were considering it, when asked about a request from the Australian government to drop the prosecution. Julian Assange has been fighting extradition to the US (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Assange was taken to Belmarsh prison in London five years ago, after being dragged out of the Ecuadorian Embassy, where he stayed while fighting being taken to the US. Events will be held around the world on Thursday as Assanges family and supporters continue to campaign for his release. The editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, Kristinn Hrafnsson, said it was not too late to halt Assanges extradition to the US. Mr Hrafnsson said: The campaign to free Julian Assange is supported by the Australian government, the worlds leading human rights and journalists organisations, global world leaders and the Pope. It is not too late for President Biden to stop Julians extradition to the US, which was a politically motivated act by his predecessor. Joe Biden has said the US is considering dropping the prosecution of Assange (Niall Carson/PA) By dropping the charges against Julian he will be protecting freedom of expression and the rights of journalists and publishers globally. We urge him to end this legal process, to free Julian and to recognise that journalism is not a crime. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been pressing for Assanges release for the past few months. In February, Mr Albanese voted in favour of a motion in the Australian House of Representatives that called on the US and the UK to bring the matter to a close so that Mr Assange can return home to his family in Australia, the Associated Press reported. Assange is waiting to hear if he can launch a final appeal against extradition. Mr Bidens comment was described as encouraging by Assanges lawyer. Plans for the worlds first commercial-scale factory converting human waste to sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) in Essex have been announced. Biofuel company Firefly said it will develop the plant in Harwich and expects to begin supplying the lower carbon fuel from around 2028. It has reached an agreement with Wizz Air to provide up to 525,000 tonnes of Saf over 15 years. Utility company Anglian Water has committed to providing biosolids a product of its wastewater treatment process to Firefly for an initial pilot Saf facility. Saf is made from sustainable sources meaning its production involves using about 70% less carbon than conventional jet fuel. It can be used in a maximum blend of 50% with kerosene without the need for any modifications to aircraft engines. Saf is currently several times more expensive to produce than conventional jet fuel. Firefly chief executive James Hygate said biosolids are kind of disgusting stuff but an amazing resource. He went on: Were turning sewage into jet fuel. I cant really think of many things that are cooler than that. Paul Hilditch, the companys chief operating officer, said: Theres enough biosolids in the UK for more than 200,000 tonnes of Saf. Thats enough to satisfy about half of the mandated Saf demand in 2030. Were not the only answer we need the other routes to Saf but this new route to Saf has the potential to move the needle, it has the potential to be a significant contribution to UK Saf supply. And not just the UK of course. Anywhere in the world where there are people, theres poo. Firefly has reached an agreement with Wizz Air to provide up to 525,000 tonnes of Saf over 15 years (Steve Parsons/PA) Firefly said it is in the process of obtaining regulatory approval for its system to be used to fuel aircraft. Wizz Air also announced a new aspiration to power 10% of its flights with Saf by 2030. Yvonne Moynihan, corporate and ESG (environmental, social and governance) officer at Wizz Air, said: Wizz Air celebrates two decades of transformation this year, transitioning from a small airline into a global leader of sustainable aviation and affordable travel. Alongside fleet renewal and operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions from aviation. Our investment in Firefly, which has the potential to reduce our lifecycle emissions by 100,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year, underscores our commitment to mainstream the use of Saf in our operations by 2030. However, achieving our aspiration requires a significant ramp-up of Saf production and deployment. Therefore, we call on policymakers to address barriers to Saf deployment at scale by incentivising production, providing price support, and embracing additional sustainable feedstocks for biofuel production. Under the Governments Saf mandate, at least 10% of the fuel used by airlines in the UK must be made from sustainable feedstocks by 2030. Without UK Saf production, airlines will rely heavily on imports to adhere to the mandate. An Australian wildlife protection group has lots to celebrate after they saved and rescued 16 Asiatic Black Bear cubs from a home in Luang Prabang, Laos. The group, called Free the Bears, say the home belonged to a wildlife poacher who hoped to use the cubs as fodder for a bile farm. Thankfully they found the cubs before the worst happened and have since brought the cubs somewhere where they could be safe. Life has changed overnight for the cubs, who now receive constant care and attention from local and international conservationists. According to Reuters, Free the Bears works with local communities and governments across Asia to protect the Asiatic Black Bear (or moon bear, as they are also known because of their distinctive markings), as well as sun bears, which are also at risk across Southeast Asia. But nothing could've prepared them for what they found during a raid in the house of a Chinese national last March. Related: Alaskan Woman Captures Precious Moment Bear Cub Cries to Mom On the day of the raid, neighbors heard the cubs crying from within the home and called Laos police. When police arrived at the property they found the 16 bear cubs inside what appeared to be a bear bile farm scheme, a practice where bile is extracted from a bear's gallbladder to later be used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is legal to do in China, but illegal in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and other countries. Police said there was one additional cub found on the premises, but it died before authorities could remove the cubs from the home. "When we arrived at the house there were bear cubs everywhere," Fatong Yang, animal manager with the charity, told France 24. In total, they found 10 male cubs and six females. The cubs each weighed between 1.3 to four kilograms and were believed to be about two to four months old. "Cubs this small are extremely vulnerable. In the wild their mothers would never leave them and we suspect the mothers were killed by poachers," Yang explained. Matt Hunt, head of Free the Bears, said they'll be bringing in experts from Cambodia to help them care for the cubs, as this is the largest rescue they've seen. "This is the most bears we've rescued in a single year and we're only three months into 2024," he said. The bears have since been transported to the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary. Hunt told Reuters they're also debating expanding their play, housing and veterinary facilities to accommodate all of the cubs. He added that the cubs are currently being bottle fed and will stay at their sanctuary until they are big enough to survive on their own. "[I was] so happy sixteen of the seventeen are alive," he told France 24, "and have a second chance to live a life free from fear and suffering". 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. Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun on Wednesday pointed out Seoul's policy direction toward cooperation with "allies" over the issue of export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment. In a meeting with reporters, Ahn also noted Korea's ongoing efforts to "stabilize" the trade partnership with China, at a time when Washington has been seeking to rally its allies and partners behind its technology export and investment curbs against China. "Basically when it comes to the overall direction toward cooperation with our allies, we are moving in the same direction," Ahn said upon arrival at Dulles International Airport near Washington. "In light of stabilizing relations with China, we have also been making efforts to stabilize the relationship as much as we can in terms of industrial ties and trade relations," he added. In addition, Ahn cautioned against "excessive" export controls that could trigger "problems." Amid an intensifying Sino-U.S. rivalry, the U.S. has been pursuing a stricter export control regime to prevent cutting-edge technologies, such as semiconductors and quantum computing, from being transferred to potential adversaries. (Yonhap) Two prisoners died and several others were seriously injured after a prison transport van crashed in Alabama, state officials reported Thursday. The single-vehicle wreck took place Wednesday in Dadeville, a small city about an hour east of Montgomery, while the Alabama Department of Corrections transported seven inmates to the Alex City Community Based Facility Prison spokesperson Kelly Betts said the van crashed along Elder Road, a rural roadway east of State Route 49. Inmates Willie Crayton, Jake Jones, Bruce Clements, Thomas Bass, Heath Garrett, Shawn Wasden, and Richard Jackson were returning to the facility in Tallapoosa County after work when the van wrecked. Two prisoners died and several others were seriously injured after a prison transport van crashed April 10, 2024, in Dadeville, a small city about an hour east of Montgomery Alabama, while the Alabama Department of Corrections transported seven inmates to its Alex City Community Based Facility. Officials did not say who was driving the van at the time of the wreck or whether they were hurt in the crash. Crayton was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Jones and Clements were transported to a local hospital in critical condition where Clements later died. Jones was transported to another hospital for further treatment. The other four inmates were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Betts said. What caused the prison van crash that killed 2 Alabama inmates? State prison officials did not release what caused the crash or what time it took place. Betts said the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the crash. USA TODAY has reached out to the agency. State officials said Thursday counselors would be available to affected staff and inmates. John Hamm, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections, speaks as the Changing the Course, Art by the Currently and Formerly Incarcerated exhibit is displayed at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery, Ala., on Monday March 19, 2024. In a statement released by the prison, Commissioner John Hamm extended his condolences to the family and friends of both inmates who died. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Hamm wrote. The quick and professional response of those first on the scene is very much appreciated by the ADOC. We will be doing all we can to support the staff and inmates affected by this tragic event. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alabama prison van crash: 2 dead, 5 injured in Dadeville President Joe Biden celebrated the relationship between the US and Japan, calling the alliance stronger than its ever been as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit Wednesday. Speaking at a swanky state dinner Wednesday night, Biden said the US and Japan would continue to be partners amid a changing world, reinforcing his commitment to bolstering vital partnerships in the Indo-Pacific amid a militarily and economically resurgent China. Weve been brought together the same hopes, the same values, the same commitment to democracy and freedom and to dignity, dignity for all. And today without question, our alliance is literally stronger than it has ever been, Biden said during the dinner. Biden said that we stand at an inflection point and that the US and Japan will continue to stand together. Tonight, we pledge to keep going. We stand at an inflection point where the decisions we make now are going to determine the course of the future for decades to come, Biden added. Japan has been at the center of Bidens alliance building in the Indo-Pacific as officials have seen a willing partner in Kishida, who has significantly shifted the countrys defense posture in recent years and provided ongoing support to Ukraine amid Russias invasion of Ukraine. That led to a day of feel-good appearances and announcements between the two men in the administrations fifth state visit. Over 70 items covering a wide array of critical sectors were announced as part of the bilateral meeting between Biden and Kishida. They included a commitment to changing the US force structure in Japan to improve how Japanese and US forces are integrated, establish a military industrial council to evaluate where the two countries can co-produce defense weapons to improve cooperation, and items related to integrating anti-missile defense between the US, Australia and Japan. The announcements are all part of a major update to the nations military alliance but elements of them will take some time to implement including the change to US force structure, which will take several months for both countries to work through, one senior official noted. Speaking on the White House South Lawn Wednesday morning, Biden heralded the monumental alliance between our two great democracies. Together, we made it closer, stronger and more effective than ever before in history, Biden said at an official arrival ceremony. He also recognized Japans gift of 3,000 cherry trees more than 100 years ago as a symbol of that alliance, blooming each spring in Washington, DC. Japan has committed to plant 250 new trees along the Tidal Basin to honor the USs 250th birthday in 2026. Biden acknowledged the devastating history between the US and Japan. He traveled to Hiroshima last year for a summit with G7 leaders and toured the Hiroshima Peace Museum, which chronicles the vast destruction of the US atomic bomb in the city in 1945 in the closing days of World War II. President Joe Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit, during a meeting at the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on April 10. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters It would have been easy for the two countries to remain adversaries given their bloody history, Biden noted. Instead, he said, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends. Today, Biden added, Our democracies are beacons of freedom shining across the globe. The leaders detailed new space collaboration at a time when Japan has signaled interest in landing its first astronaut on the Moon and to lay out ways to increase people-to-people ties amid lagging student exchanges between the two countries in recent years. The astronaut would be the first non-American to set foot on the moon. Some of these partnerships include a joint artificial intelligence research initiative between Carnegie Mellon University and Keio University in Tokyo, as well as another AI-related exchange between the University of Washington and Washington State and Tsukuba University in Japan, according to the officials. This will also include creating a scholarship to fund high school students from the US to travel to Japan to study and vice versa. But even as the US and Japan are bolstering their cooperation across a range of sectors, the two countries have seen a recent difference on the economic front with the president opposing Japans efforts to purchase US Steel. Responding during a joint news conference to a question about the acquisition of the company at one point one of the most powerful companies in the world by Japan-based Nippon Steel, Kishida described the $14.1 billion acquisition as an investment in the United States. We hope these discussions will unfold in directions that would be positive for both sides, Kishida said. He did not directly address whether the two leaders discussed the acquisition during a private meeting held earlier in the day. Biden, who previously said it was vital the company remains American-owned and operated, said during the press conference - the first hes held in 2024 - that he stands by my commitment to American workers. The meeting between Biden and Kishida will be followed later this week by the first-ever leaders summit between the US, Japan and the Philippines with Biden working to draw Pacific allies and partners closer as the region grapples with Chinas aggression and nuclear provocations from North Korea. Kishida said during the news conference that Japan will continue call on China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power, while also striving to establish a constructive and stable relationship with the superpower. We confirmed that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable wherever it may be, he added. All of the deliverables on the agenda are part of a concerted military, diplomatic and strategic effort to try and flip the script and counter Chinese efforts to isolate American allies like the Philippines and Japan, according to one senior administration official. US President Joe Biden (R) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, April 10, 2024. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) - Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images The idea of switching to a multilateral, lattice-like strategic architecture is to flip the script and isolate China, this person said. Cherry blossom diplomacy Even as the leaders plan to announce the lengthy list of defense and diplomatic agreements during the course of their visit, senior administration officials also sought to highlight a more symbolic takeaway. The National Park Service has said around 150 cherry trees will be chopped down later this spring to make way for higher seawalls around the basin. Japan first donated trees to Washington in the early 20th century. A senior Biden administration official called the original gift of cherry trees from Japan one of the most important diplomatic gifts in US history second only to the Statue of Liberty, a present from France. I think youll find that its initiatives like this, that may not be as significant apparently as new arrangements on military command structures or joint co-production on the military side, but theyre deeply significant to our peoples, an official said. Even as Biden hails the alliance with Japan on Wednesday, officials acknowledged the concern among American allies at the prospect of a potential return of Donald Trump to the Oval Office, and what that could portend for US foreign relations. I think we all recognize that there is anxiety in capitals, uncertainty, about what the nature of the future of US policy will look like, the official said. Whether we will remain as engaged in internationalist pursuits and the kinds of bipartisan foreign policy efforts which have animated the last period after the Second World War and after the Cold War. There are questions and concerns there. This story and headline have been updated with additional developments. CNNs Kevin Liptak and Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SHAWNEE Black Diamond Development is set to open its tiny home village in Shawnee this May as construction is completed over the next month. Well have 15 spots open by May 31 and then well do two more phases after that, with the next phase opening up 15 more spots, and the final phase opening up 30 spots, said Jazzma Quinn, spokesperson for Black Diamond Development, who noted there will be a total of 60 spots for tiny homeowners in the Perry County village. The next 15 will be ready in the spring of 2025. Its a three-year build out. Quinn said the 15 properties set to open in May are rented and there is a waiting list for the remaining 45 properties. Our goal is to create a community of tiny homes that are year-round permanent residents, said Quinn, who added that the project was financed by North Valley Bank. Were able to do that by providing our residents with the necessities: sewage and water access, utilities, trash pickup, and we maintain the grounds. The lake that is situated next to The Black Diamond Tiny Home Village, which is surrounded by Wayne National Forest. 15 lots will be ready in May for tiny homeowners, who have already rented those lots. There is a waiting list for the additional 45 lots, which will be completed later. This village is only the second permanent such community in Ohio. Black Diamond is also banking on the draw of the Wayne National Forest, which surrounds the tiny village, as well as the other development projects theyve invested in for the Village of Shawnee. To date, those projects include the Black Diamond Tavern and the historic Dishon Building revitalization and renovation, among others. The Dishon buildings are located at 116 and 118 W. Main St. in downtown Shawnee. With the restoration of the Dishon buildings, one thing were doing is a coworking space, said Quinn. Our residents can walk from the tiny home village to the working space and have access to high-speed internet. Residents will also have access to Genesis Health Care Systems, a winery, and other retail shops that will open within the Dishon buildings. This is just one example of a tiny home offered by Modern Tiny Living, which is one of Black Diamond Development's Tiny Home Village vendors. Owners, however, are welcome to bring their own tiny home to the new village in Shawnee. Were really adding a community that was never there before, said Quinn. The Black Diamond Tiny Home Village is only the second permanent such community in Ohio. The other is Cedar Springs Tiny Village in New Paris. There are also two transient tiny home villages in Ohio: Vista Village in Columbus and Bluff Street Village in Toledo. The latter two are designed to help homeless and/or low-income individuals stabilize their housing situation before moving on to graduate into purchasing or renting a permanent home outside the villages. Utilities being installed at the tiny home village. They include water, sewage, trash, and road and landscaping maintenance. Residents pay their electric separately. We are supportive of every tiny home utilization whether it addresses housing shortages around the country or a higher end permanent community like ours, said Quinn. For our residents it is a lifestyle choice to be in a community located in the heart of the Wayne National Forest with the expectation that the services and the grounds are maintained in the same manner as any similar development. Tiny home villages are typically lots that are developed like a standard commercial housing development where parking, utilities and other necessities are provided. Then, tiny homeowners bring their 200 to 400-square-foot unit to their rented lot and set it up. The homes are typically on wheels and transportable. At the Black Diamond village, which is set up like a subdivision, said Quinn, residents pay approximately $500 a month in lot rent, which includes water, sewage, trash, and road and landscaping maintenance. Residents pay their electric separately. This is the interior one of Modern Tiny Living's new homes offered, called the Sangja. MTL is one of Black Diamond Development's Tiny Home Village vendors, though owners are welcome to bring their own tiny home. Our residents want to get away; they want real privacy and seclusion, and we give them that, said Quinn. Most of them are couples who work from home or singles who want a simpler life. Quinn also noted that many of the communitys residents are minimalists concerned with the environment and drawn to nature living. A lot of them want charging stations for electric vehicles, she said. Quinn said Black Diamond was careful about selecting this land and market for their first tiny home village. This land was so spectacular with the forest and the lake we had to move on it, she said. We saw the demand for it, we saw the location, and we were able to do it with support from the Village of Shawnee. Its been nothing but welcoming to the development and commerce were able to bring. Shawnee Mayor Tim Humphrey did not comment for this story. An Aerial view of the tiny home village property. For our residents it is a lifestyle choice to be in a community located in the heart of the Wayne National Forest with the expectation that the services and the grounds are maintained in the same manner as any similar development, said Jazzma Quinn, spokesperson for Black Diamond Development. To learn more visit blackdiamondtinyhomevillage.com. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Black Diamond Development prepares lots for tiny homeowners in Shawnee Boris Johnson has called for Ukraine to be allowed to join Nato and be given the right tools for its fight against Russia. Speaking at a conservative event in Canada, the former prime minister also warned against appeasing Russian president Vladimir Putin The resolution to this problem is the security and the stability that comes with certainty about where Ukraine is and what Ukraine is, he told an event at the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference in Ottawa, where he appeared alongside former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott. Ukraine has chosen to be a free, independent European nation oriented towards the west, towards the EU, towards Nato. And Ukraine must join Nato. That is the only logical way through this. He said fears such a move would provoke Mr Putin could not prevent action. We tried that and look where that left us, he said. With the worst war in Europe for 80 years. Nato is the body that gives certainty and stability and will bring peace. But in the meantime, give those Ukrainians what they need. He described Ukraine as a formidable fighting force and said they have often been supplied with the right stuff at the wrong time, in other words, too late. The Ukrainians will do the job if we give them the tools. Lets give them the tools, he said. They have shown they are a proud, independent nation and they are going to fight for freedom. What we need to do is keep supporting Ukraine, keep supporting freedom. Foreign Secretary David Cameron, left, speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington (Kevin Wolf/AP) Mr Johnson warned Donald Trump, who hopes to return to the White House following Novembers US election, against a reported plan to pressure Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region as a price for peace with Russia. If you are the party of Ronald Reagan, if you want to make America great again, then you dont begin a new Republican presidency by conceding victory to Vladimir Putin, Mr Johnson said. It would be a disaster for the West and it would be a disaster for America. His comments come after Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stepped up calls for the US to release billions of dollars of extra funding for Ukraine. Lord Cameron said a funding package held up in Congress by political wrangling would be good for US security and jobs and show the West was prepared to stand up against bullies. But Lord Cameron told CNN during his visit to Washington: Everyone wants to see an end to the killing and an end to the war. But you only get that by backing Ukraine, by showing strength. Peace comes through strength, not through appeasement and weakness. Canadian officials on Wednesday warned the country could face another catastrophic wildfire season after last year's historic fires. There were warmer-than-normal temperatures and widespread drought conditions across Canada this winter, officials disclosed. Weather outlooks indicate that Canada can expect higher-than-normal temperatures this spring and summer as well, setting the stage for wildfires. "With the heat and dryness across the country, we can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner and end later, and potentially be more explosive," Canada Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan said at a press conference. Canada's wildfire season typically runs from May through October. The country is home to about 9% of the world's forests. Last year's wildfire season was the most destructive in recorded history, Sajjan said. More than 6,000 fires burned in Canada last summer, tearing through tens of millions of acres of land. Hundreds of thousands of Canadians evacuated from their homes as the wildfires ravaged the country. Smoky haze from wildfires in Canada diminished the visibility of the Empire State Building on June 7, 2023 in New York City. / Credit: DAVID DEE DELGADO / Getty Images Smoke billowed to the U.S., blanketing portions of the East Coast and Midwest. Last June, New York City's air quality became some of the worst in the world in June as Canada's wildfire smoke blew in. In 2023, Canada's severe weather caused over $3.1 billion in insured damages, officials said. Canada is preparing for the upcoming wildfire season ,with the federal government working closely with local governments to review what took place last summer. Officials are working on emergency preparedness planning and risk assessments. There's also been a focus on obtaining specialized firefighting equipment and training firefighters. "It is impossible to predict with certainty that the summer that lies ahead of us, but what is clear, is that wildfires will represent a significant challenge for Canada into the future as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify," Sajjan said. Government officials also zeroed in on the need to address climate change. "Extreme weather events are becoming far too familiar to Canadians as the impacts of climate change hit our communities," Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault said in a statement. "These events are costing Canadians and their governments billions of dollars." A view of wildfires at Lebel-sur-Quevillon in Quebec, Canada on June 23, 2023. / Credit: FREDERIC CHOUINARD /SOPFEU / Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Climate-related impacts currently cost the average Canadian household $720 a year, according to government data. That's projected to rise to around $2,000 a year by 2050. "We must do more to prepare for the impacts of climate change, and we must speed up our collective efforts to stop adding carbon pollution to this global crisis," Guilbeault said. "After the staggering wildfire season of 2023, we are once again facing the potential for another active wildfire season this year. It is a stark reminder that we need to work together to reduce the risks from our changing climate to keep Canadian communities safe." Largest dam removal project in U.S. history aims to help revive Americas salmon population James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter, are sentenced Americans turn to 211 helpline amid mounting economic hardships Disney is firing back at former "Mandalorian" star Gina Carano in her lawsuit against the company for wrongful termination. Carano, who was fired in 2021, sued Lucasfilm and its parent company The Walt Disney Co. in February. The former mixed martial artist played bounty hunter Cara Dune in "The Mandarlorian." Disney described its "last straw" with the actress in a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed Tuesday in California Central District federal court, according to court records obtained by USA TODAY. The company claimed in its motion that it "has a constitutional right not to associate its artistic expression with Caranos speech, such that the First Amendment provides a complete defense to Caranos claims." Some people called for Carano's firing after she shared social media posts mocking trans rights, criticized COVID-19 vaccine mandates and mask wearers, questioned the results of the 2020 election and likened the treatment of conservatives to Jews in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust on X, formerly Twitter. Gina Carano was fired from Disney+'s "The Mandalorian" in 2021. "Caranos decision to publicly trivialize the Holocaust by comparing criticism of political conservatives to the annihilation of millions of Jewish people notably, not 'thousands' was the final straw for Disney," the motion for dismissal states. "Disney had enough." That same day Carano put out the post about the Holocaust, Disney announced it was firing her for "abhorrent and unacceptable" language against people of different cultural and religious backgrounds. The company argued in its motion, "Just as a newspaper is entitled to broad deference in choosing which writers to employ to express its editorial positions, a creative production enterprise is entitled to broad deference in deciding which performers to employ to express its artistic messages. Israel, Gaza and when your social media posts hurt more than help "As Caranos own fame rose with her characters, Carano began engaging with show fans and the public in a manner that, in Disneys view, came to distract from and undermine Disneys own expressive efforts," the company added. Carano claimed in her lawsuit she was fired because she went against an "online bully mob who demanded her compliance with their extreme progressive ideology," according to the Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gina Carano sues over 'Mandalorian': Disney shares 'final straw' Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images Prince William and his eldest cousin, Peter Phillips, grew up together. We had great fun growing up on our holidays, going to stay with [Queen Elizabeth II] at Sandringham, Balmoral and Windsor and we were incredibly lucky to be able to share a lot of our childhood time with her, Peter said during a 2016 appearance on Good Morning Britain. We had a lot of fun and there was a lot of space for kids to run around in and it wasnt just us, it was the Waleses [William and Harry], Freddie and Ella Windsor and the Gloucesters. Peter added, So there was quite a gang of us growing up in that age and it was a lot of fun. We caused quite a bit of mayhem and chaos but, fortunately, I dont think we broke too much. William and Peter are the two eldest grandsons of the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. Peter, the son of Princess Anne and ex-husband Captain Mark Phillips, was born in November 1977. Five years later, William was born to King Charles III and late ex-wife Princess Diana. (Peters sister, Zara Tindall, arrived one year before William.) Inside William and Harry's Bonds With Their Cousins Over the Years As William and Peter grew up, they remained close. They even walked side-by-side, alongside the Prince of Wales brother, Prince Harry, in the respective funeral processions for Elizabeth and Philip. Keep scrolling to revisit William and Peters relationship through the years: June 1982 William was the late queens third grandchild behind Peter and Zara. The trio had frequently spotted together at royal occasions since then, including annual Trooping the Colour festivities, Christmas morning walks at Sandringham Estate and during family trips. Anwar Hussein/Getty Images July 1986 Peter and William were both pageboys at the wedding of their uncle Prince Andrew and his now-ex Sarah Ferguson. April 2005 Despite once not approving of Charles relationship with Queen Camilla, William and his brother went to their wedding at Windsor Guildhall. The siblings were seen arriving alongside Peter and Zara. In the years that followed, William and Peter continued to step out at joint official appearances. April 2021 Philip died in April at the age of 99. Instead of having a grand state funeral like most predeceased monarchs and their consorts, Philip opted for an intimate service at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. His four children, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Prince Edward, marched behind his casket into the chapel. They were joined by William, Peter and Harry, with Peter standing in between his cousins. A Breakdown of the Royal Line of Succession September 2022 Elizabeth died one year later at the age of 96. Before her state funeral at Westminster Abbey, all of her grandchildren William, Harry, Peter, Zara, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex held a solemn vigil around her coffin as it laid in state at Westminster Hall. Her Majestys casket was transported to Westminster Abbey on September 19 before a memorial service. Peter, flanked by William and Harry, joined the procession on foot. Yui Mok-WPA Pool/Getty Images March 2024 Peter gushed about Williams marriage to Princess Kate Middleton following her cancer diagnosis. Her and William make a fantastic team together, he told Sky News Australia. Their kids are great, and they have the balance of public life and trying to be parents to three young children, which is always difficult. Peter added, I think, as history has taught us, and anyone knows, you actually want to be there for your children when theyre of a certain age. You want to be able to go drop them off at school and pick them up from school and go and watch matches and be a part of their school lives. And I think that balance of doing the family life and also the public life, I think theyve pretty much got that, bang on. William and Kate share sons Prince George and Prince Louis and daughter Princess Charlotte. Peter, for his part, coparents daughters Savannah and Isla with ex-wife Autumn Kelly. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images April 2024 Weeks later, royal sources told The Telegraph that Peter is more like a brother to William than simply a cousin. One insider is quoted as saying, Hes always been that sort of slightly older brother to William, ever more so since Harry moved to America. Harry relocated across the pond with wife Meghan Markle in 2020 after stepping down from their positions as senior working royals. The step-down came amidst a feud with William, and Harry had claimed his older brother planted unkind stories about Meghan in the press. William, for his part, never addressed the claims. On the edge of the East China Sea, CNN was on board a B-52 bomber as it turned northeast toward Alaska, the US and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana when the oil pressure gauge for one of its engines began flickering erratically. Nineteen hours into one of the longest military missions the US carries out, the crew had already contended with communications issues and had to make pinpoint fuel calculations as they navigated their 13,000-mile journey from Louisiana to Japan and back again. But this was something different. Up front, the two pilots began working through their checklists. Capt. Jinan Andrews read each step out loud, while Capt. Tramaine Omaha Barnett piloted the jet. Sitting on the massive bombers sole bunk, the third pilot on the flight crew, Capt. Sabin Jett Park, backed them up, making sure they didnt miss any items. With 14 hours of flying and nearly 7,000 miles separating the strategic bomber from its home base, the pilots made the decision to shut the engine down. The B-52 that accompanied us across the Pacific Ocean had landed in Japan. Now our flight, MYLAR11, would be flying back alone and down an engine. Fortunately, the B-52 has multiple engines, but its a reminder that the US military is still relying on an aircraft first flown in the 1950s that has outlasted the Cold War by more than 30 years. The Boeing B-52H Stratofortress is Americas primary strategic bomber, taking part in every US war since Vietnam. CNN gained exclusive access to an epic flight on one of the venerable eight-engined jets that serve as an instantly recognizable symbol of American air power. This particular jet was manufactured in 1961 and though they are decades older than their crew members, B-52s remain the cornerstone of the US bomber fleet, sending a high-profile message to US allies and adversaries. Col. Michael Maginness, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing, shows CNN's Oren Liebermann, right, the cockpit of a B-52H. - CNN If you would go back and look at both the national leadership of Russia and the national leadership of China, what do they react to? asks Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, the commander of the Eighth Air Force. We see that they publicly comment about our bomber task force missions, particularly when it involves others in very joint and public ways. Our flight took off in the pre-dawn hours of April 1 for one of the longest missions in the world. The B-52 would fly from the continental US, down Alaskas Aleutian Islands, off Russias east coast and down by China and North Korea to a block of airspace off the Korean Peninsula. Then, without landing, MYLAR 11 would fly in formation with fighters from South Korea and Japan before returning home. The flight would take 33 hours and cover more than 13,000 miles. The jet cruised at about 28,000 feet, mostly over the icy waters of the north Pacific Ocean, where waves were predicted to exceed 20 feet. In total, the B-52 was expected to burn 105,000 gallons of jet fuel during the flight. Not only are we one of the most visible and flexible legs of the nuclear triad, but its just a really easy way for the Air Force and the US to assure our allies, said Capt. Bo NATO Cain, a weapon systems officer on the flight. The nuclear triad, which includes strategic bombers, ballistic missile silos, and ballistic missile submarines, comprises Americas nuclear deterrent. The B-52 is the most mobile element of the triad. We have a B-52 where you need it, when you need it, within 48 hours. The last B-52 rolled off the production line in 1962. The strategic bombers are decades older than their crews, and some jets show their age. - Oren Liebermann/CNN An epic journey A standard crew for missions of this length is three pilots, three weapon systems officers, and one electronic warfare officer. Most of the crew on MYLAR11 had never been on a mission this long. A few hours into the flight, one thing becomes painfully obvious: the B-52 was never built for comfort. Though the jet has a 185-foot wingspan and a length of nearly 160 feet, the entire crew is crammed into the front portion of the jet, split between the confined upper deck and the windowless lower deck. The pilots rotate spots, with one frequently resting in the only bunk on board. For the rest of the crew, finding a position to rest often requires curling up on the floor or leaning against a panel. Capt. Leo Swabbie Weber, a weapon systems officer, described his first 30+ hour flight as a roller coaster ride. Youre excited when you take off, you go through your sleepy lulls and then you realize youre not even a quarter of the way yet, he said. Trying to stay focused has been tough but a challenge that I accept and enjoy. In the long stretches of flight between four aerial refuelings, the crew passes the time with casual conversation, rest and snacks. On MYLAR11, Lt. Rebecca Vulcan Moore, the electronic warfare officer, brought chicken nuggets for the crew, which she was ready to heat up in the tiny oven perched behind the rows of circuit breakers. Mini-pizza bagels and chocolate chip cookies are also crew favorites. Moores official role is to track threats outside the jet, but she takes it upon herself to know how everyone is doing inside it. I am trying to make sure Im paying attention to whos tired? Is somebody hungry? Is there something I can help somebody with? said Moore. As youve seen, this is an old jet, and it takes a full crew to work all of the many problems that come with it. Future of the B-52 The Air Force is planning to upgrade the B-52H to newer B-52J models, giving them more efficient engines, upgraded avionics and new radars. The modernization program will keep the jets flying for nearly a century since they first entered service in the mid-1950s. For decades to come, were going to be able to see how a jet thats been around for decades and decades can continue to evolve with the times and be just as capable, if not more capable, than its ever been, said Lt. Col. Jared Patterson, commander of the 20th Bomb Squadron. This year, the Air Force began low-rate production of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider, the next generation of stealth bomber. China is not far behind, with Beijing promising that its secretive H-20 strategic bomber will soon be unveiled publicly. Airman Avery Bulsterbaum, left, Senior Airman Andrew Rodriguez, center, and Senior Airman Justin Joyner, right, practice assembling precision 500 pound bombs as part of the munitions teams. - Oren Liebermann/CNN Staff Sgt. Dakeeja Nelson, left, and Senior Airman Veruca Plott, right, check that a precision 500 pound bomb has been properly loaded on the underwing bomb rack of a B-52H. - Oren Liebermann/CNN The B-52s proponents insist it still has a role in the future. This has been probably the most adaptable airframe potentially in the history of aerospace, said Col. Michael Maginness, commander of the 2nd Bomb Wing. It started its life out as a high-level nuclear bomber. We turned it into a low-level penetrating bomber. We turned it into a standoff cruise missile platform. And along the way, it picked up just about every other air-to-ground mission set in the US Department of Defense. The mission area On the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, MYLAR11 reaches the mission area, a rectangle of air space between southern Japan and South Korea. Hours earlier, North Korea test fired a mid-range ballistic missile, a stark reminder of the threats in the area. In October, Chinese fighter jets intercepted a B-52 bomber at night over the South China Sea, south of our position. The Chinese jet flew within 10 feet of the much larger bomber in what the US called an unsafe intercept. This time, its allied fighters nearby. Between layers of clouds, our B-52 and a second accompanying bomber fly in formation with Japanese and South Korean fighters, who take up positions off our wings. In reduced visibility with multiple aircraft flying close together, the crew remains alert. But the smaller fighters, who dont have the endurance of the massive bomber, cant linger long. The mission requires precise timing. The more players there are, the more complex and interesting the mission gets, said Capt. Sabin Jett Park, one of the B-52 pilots. Capt. Sabin Jett Park pilots the B-52 at night, using red cockpit lighting to protect his vision in the dark. The main display is one of the few modern additions to the cockpit. - Oren Liebermann/CNN After snapping a few pictures of the jets in formation, we soon turn back for home when the caution light on engine 5 shines bright orange. Within minutes, the crew shuts down the engine. There is no panic - just a management of risk. Even with one engine out, the B-52 has seven engines to carry it home. It is not a smart airplane like modern 5th generation fighters, but it is redundant, with numerous backup systems to carry it through its missions. Despite how many years the B-52 has been running, and it being considered a legacy aircraft, it is a very formidable one, said Capt. Jinan Andrews. She is a tough girl. After skirting the airspace off eastern Russia on the return flight, we settle in for the long journey home. Everyone is tired, especially as we approach the 24-hour mark of the flight, but the mission is not yet complete. Landing any aircraft is a challenge, one made more difficult by the duration of the flight. And the B-52 has one final surprise for the crew. On final approach, with Barksdale Air Force Base looming off our nose, the right main gear does not extend. Go ahead and emergency extend it, orders Capt. Tramaine Omaha Barnett, the mission commander. Seconds later, we touch down after 33 hours on runway 33, deploying the jets drag parachute as we slow down on the runway. CNNs Jeremy Harlan contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Kim Hyun-bin The Embassy of Colombia in Seoul and the Commercial Office of Procolombia in Korea are striving to attract Korean companies with expertise in electric vehicles and renewable energy sectors to their nation. They took an active part in the 2024 Korea International Electric and Energy Industry Exhibition, held at COEX in Seoul from April 3 to 5. This year's exhibition centered on the crucial role of transmission and distribution equipment for electrical energy in energy transformation, electric vehicles and renewable energy generation. Colombia's involvement featured a seminar titled "Colombia as a gateway to the Americas," which focused on business expansion strategies into Central America, South America and North America from Colombia. The seminar garnered significant interest from sector-linked companies, aligning with Colombia's industrialization and national development plans that aim to decarbonize the nation's economy. The collaborative seminar, conducted with Procolombia, Invest Pacific and the Korean Electrical Manufacturers Association (KOEMA), attracted approximately 25 representatives from Korean companies. It provided insight into Colombia's business landscape and opportunities, with presentations by Colombian Ambassador to Korea Alejandro Pelaez, Procolombia's Executive Director in Korea Shirley Vega, Invest Pacific's Investment Manager Mauricio Concha and KOEMA Vice President Lee Woo-sik. Meanwhile, the embassy maintained a booth, offering detailed information about Colombia as an investment destination for the electrical equipment sector, emphasizing the country's capacity as an export platform for such products to the American continent. Procolombia, an agency under the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, promotes the country for foreign investment, exports of value-added products and services and tourism. With offices in 28 countries, including Korea, it plays a vital role in strengthening commercial ties between nations. Invest Pacific, dedicated to promoting foreign direct investment in Colombia's Valle del Cauca department, creates a favorable business climate across various sectors. Good morning. Royal Bank of Canada fired its finance chief after an internal review and an outside investigation concluded that CFO Nadine Ahn was in an undisclosed close personal relationship with another employeea violation of the firm's Code of Conduct. The other employee in the relationship, who wasn't named, also was terminated. According to the bank, the relationship led to preferential treatment of the employee including promotion and compensation increases. RBC, which appointed Katherine Gibsona 22-year veteran of the bankas interim CFO while a search is conducted for a full-time replacement, also said there's no evidence Ahns conduct affected the banks business. (RBC, one of Canadas largest banks, with more than 17 million clients in over two dozen countries, announced last month the completed acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada for $10.1 billion.) Regarding Ahns situation at the office, this kind of behavior happens more often than you realize, said Shawn Cole, president and founding partner of Cowen Partners, a C-suite-focused executive search firm. Most organizations are not as public about the circumstances of an executive abruptly leaving or will play it off for other reasons," Cole said. This is why, for many executive searches, back-channel references are so important, he said. In Ahn's case, her providing financial benefits because of a personal relationship is a significant ethical violationthis is fraud, Cole added. "It draws into question everything they have ever done. Jason Walker, cofounder of the consulting firm Thrive HR, told me that, overall, most companies dont specifically enact policies to limit relationships between employees. However," Walker added, "if the CFO has an employment contract with the company, as most do, there is a strong possibility that there is a clause that stipulates that they cant engage in these types of relationships." In many situations where an employee receives additional compensation or a promotion because of an inappropriate direct relationship, especially with someone in the C-suite, it's linked with harassment, Walked continued. That will get you fired every time, he said. But if you are having a relationship with someone in marketing and youre the CFO, for example, the issue is salacious but not something that is going to smack of harassment or creating a toxic work environment. Personal relationships at work are generally a bad idea for all involved parties, Cole said. At an executive level, between peers or subordinates, it is unlikely that it will end well, he said. But there are instances where it can work. If its the love of your life, you can make smart decisions that dont jeopardize your reputation, career, or the organization, he said. This is good news for Gen Z, which may be making office romances trendy again. A new Fortune feature article by Jasmine Li explores this topic where she writes that one in five Americans met their significant other at work in the 1990s. And though the #MeToo movement and the pandemic drove Americans to hit pause on workplace romances, a February survey from the Society of Human Resources shows that some things are eternaland young people are down to date their coworkers once again after a hiatus of what seems like years, she writes. Relationships between younger coworkers tend to be less fraught, but it's still best to take precautions, Walker told me. Relationships at work are a good thing as long as they are not manager to employee, he added. Or if something develops, you need to be mature enough to talk to HR or your management and say, One of us has to move so we dont cause issues. Sheryl Estrada sheryl.estrada@fortune.com Maria Soledad Davila Calero curated the Leaderboard and Overheard sections of todays newsletter. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com ORENBURG, Russia (Reuters) -Floods engulfed cities and towns across Russia and Kazakhstan on Wednesday after Europe's third-longest river burst its banks, forcing about 110,000 people to evacuate and swamping parts of the Russian city of Orenburg. The deluge of meltwater overwhelmed scores of settlements in Russia's Ural Mountains, Siberia, Volga and areas of Kazakhstan after major rivers such as the Ural, which flows into the Caspian, rose more 70 cm (2 feet 3 inches) beyond its bursting point to over 10 metres (33 feet). In Orenburg, a city with a population of 550,000 about 1,200 km (750 miles) east of Moscow, hundreds of homes were flooded and at least 7,700 people were evacuated as the Ural river rose swiftly beyond critical levels. Whole areas of the city were under water. Residents in Orenburg paddled along roads that now resembled rivers and waters lapped at the windows of traditional wooden houses. Russian news agencies quoted the Emergencies Ministry as saying 35 tonnes of aid - food, drugs and other necessities - had been flown into the region. In Kurgan, a region which straddles the Tobol river, 4,500 people were evacuated and fears grew that thousands - or even tens of thousands - more would need to evacuated. Sirens in Kurgan warned people to evacuate immediately. Kurgan region governor Vadim Shumkov, in a statement late on Wednesday quoted by Russian news agencies, said the city of Kurgan was threatened by surges of water caused by reservoirs emptying into the river system. He said water levels in the city stood at 3.75 metres but could rise sharply as water flowed from the town of Zverinogolovkoye, 100 km (60 miles) away, where levels had risen to 9.8 metres (32 feet). "And the mass of water is going with the current," Shumkov wrote on Telegram. "And flows from reservoirs are not stopping." If the Tobol rose in the city to 9 metres (30 feet), then 17,800 people would have to be evacuated, Shumkov earlier said. If it rose to 14 metres (46 feet) then the figure would rise to 280,000 people. "The forecast is unfavourable," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "The water level continues to rise in flood zones, large amounts of water are coming to new regions." The flood situation was acute in parts of Western Siberia, the largest hydrocarbon basin in the world, where the peak is expected in three to five days, and some areas around the Volga, Europe's largest river, the emergencies ministry said. Residents in Orenburg said it was the worst flooding in living memory while Russian officials said it was the worst flooding in the area since records began. Kazakhstan said more than 97,000 people had been evacuated. Russia said 10,500 houses were flooded across 37 regions, most in the Orenburg region. Upstream on the Ural, which flows into Kazakhstan, floodwaters burst through an embankment dam in the city of Orsk on Friday. BUILDING, STRENGTHENING DAMS In Kazakhstan, people worked through the night to build up dykes and strengthen embankments. A state of emergency remained in effect in eight of the country's 17 provinces, down from 10 at the end of last week. Unverified footage from the Aktobe region of northern Kazakhstan, through which the Ilek, a tributary of the Ural, flows, showed dead cattle, settlements covered in silt and scores of collapsed mud-brick houses. Pope Francis expressed his sympathy for the victims. "I also want to convey to the people of Kazakhstan my spiritual closeness at this time, when a massive flood has affected many regions of the country and caused the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes," he said during his Wednesday weekly audience in St Peter's Square. Spring flooding is a usual part of life across Russia as the harsh winter snows melt, swelling some of mighty rivers of Russia and Central Asia. This year, though, a combination of factors triggered unusually severe flooding. Russian emergency officials said the soil was waterlogged before winter and then was frozen under high snow falls which melted very fast in rising spring temperatures and heavy rains. One Russian official, the Presidential Plenipotentiary in the Urals Region, Vladimir Yakushev, was quoted by Russian media as suggesting that Kazakhstan was to blame for not coordinating the discharge of water more effectively. Kazakh officials have said much of the water was coming from Russia; there are rivers flowing in both directions between the two countries which share the world's longest land border. President Vladimir Putin spoke to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan about the floods on Tuesday. The Kremlin said the worst was still to come for the Siberian region of Tyumen and the Urals region of Kurgan. The Kremlin said Putin was getting updated on the situation but had no immediate plans to visit the flood zone. (Reporting Reuters in Orenburg and Orsk, Russia; writing by Guy Faulconbridge in Moscow and Lidia Kelly in Lisbon; Editing by Philippa Fletcher, Alison Williams, Ros Russell, Ron Popeski and Lincoln Feast.) Ford (F) is targeting one automaker in particular when it comes to boosting EV sales Tesla (TSLA). As first noted by CarsDirect.com (via Ford Authority), Ford sent out an incentive bulletin to its dealers offering a $1,500 rebate specifically for Tesla owners who purchase an F-150 Lightning. A Ford dealer source confirmed the Lightning incentive and noted that the $1,500 incentive applies to the Mustang Mach-E SUV as well. The source said prospective buyers dont have to trade in their Tesla EV, only that they have to prove ownership of a Tesla vehicle. Dubbed "Tesla Competitive Conquest Bonus Cash," the fine print notes that prospective buyers must currently own or lease a 2008 or newer Tesla to qualify for the incentive, which runs through July 8 for both 2024 and 2023 model years. Ford F-150 displayed during the New York International Auto Show 2024, where automobile manufacturers introduce their newest models to the world, in New York on March 27, 2024. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Anadolu via Getty Images) Ford and Tesla shares are both trading slightly lower in midday trade, but Rivian shares are tumbling on concern that Fords new incentive may boost Lightning sales at the expense of Rivians R1Tpickup. The EV landscape in the US has been hit with demand concerns in recent months, with sales growth slowing in Q1 to 3.3%, far below the 47% growth seen last year. Fords incentive is somewhat unusual since manufacturers rarely target specific automakers when offering rebates; typically a conquest incentive targets owners of a particular type of vehicle (pickup trucks or EVs) or a vehicle segment (luxury brands). When combined with other Ford incentives, the discounts add up. Currently, Ford is offering $7,500 in bonus cash for 2023 Lightnings in XLT extended battery trim, $5,000 in bonus cash for the 2023 Lightning Lariat, and $12,500 for range-topping Platinum models. Though Ford hasnt announced 2024 pricing yet, reports suggest Ford has cut prices for the F-150 Lightning by up to $5,500 on those newer models, depending on the trim level. Ford will lower the upcoming mid-range Flash trim by $5,500 and will have smaller cuts for the existing Lariat ($2,500) and XLT ($2,000). Prices for the Pro and Platinum trims remain unchanged, however. A Ford Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle with Ford BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving at the New York International Auto Show in New York on Saturday, March 30, 2024. (Ted Shaffrey/AP Photo) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Fords popular Mustang Mach-E, coming off strong sales in Q1, starts at just under $40,000 for the base model and goes up to $60K for the Mach-E Rally edition. Additional incentives like Tesla conquest cash give it a leg up against Teslas own vehicles (starting at $44,990), as well as Volkswagens ID.4 ($39,735) and the competitively priced Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($41,800). Ford recently announced big changes were coming to its future EV plans. Last week Ford said it was pushing back EV production at its massive BlueOval City EV campus in Tennessee to 2026 from its initial 2025 start date. Ford also revealed it was retiming the launch of upcoming EVs at its plant in Oakville, Ontario, where it plans to build next-generation three-row EVs, most likely a full-size SUV. The company aims to launch those vehicles in 2027, pushing back the original 2025 timeline. Investors and Wall Street analysts will be looking for more color on EV demand and the effect of price cuts when Ford reports Q1 results after the bell on Wednesday, April 24. Pras Subramanian is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. You can follow him on Twitter and on Instagram. For the latest earnings reports and analysis, earnings whispers and expectations, and company earnings news, click here Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) on Wednesday credited the Republican push to overturn Roe v. Wade with the Arizona Supreme Court ruling that upheld a near-total abortion ban from the Civil War era. In an interview on Fox Business, host Larry Kudlow asked Ernst what she thought of the courts decision to uphold the ban, noting, A lot of people are running away from it. Ernst did not address his question directly, instead reiterating her position as a pro-life lawmaker and saying Republicans worked hard to send the issue back to the states. Well, hey, Larry, I am a mom. I am a brand-new grandma, and I support life, Ernst said in response. And Senate Republicans, the GOP and President Trump really worked hard to overturn Roe v. Wade. So we returned that back to the states. That is the law of the land, with that Supreme Court decision, so the states are handling that. But again, we worked very hard to get this result. Now the states will take that up, she added. On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 abortion law that bars patients from getting an abortion in nearly all cases, making no exceptions for rape or incest. It also jails physicians who illegally perform the procedure. The ban supersedes the states previous 15-week abortion limit. The ruling, which will not take effect immediately, drew broad pushback from Democrats and some Republicans alike, particularly those in Arizona in swing races. Complicating the issue for Republicans, however, is the fact that Arizona GOP state lawmakers blocked an effort Wednesday to proceed on legislation that would repeal the 1864 law raising questions around what steps the state Legislature might take to address the court ruling ahead of the November election. Arizona is among a handful of key swing states that will determine the presidency and which party controls the Senate this fall. Biden won Arizona in 2020 against Trump by just more than one-quarter of a percentage point. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Coca Cola bottles Coca-Cola has been busy lately, from their fruity limited K-Wave Zero Sugar release to their TikTok Shop exclusive to their recent unveiling of limited edition Marvel character cans. But we've noticed another thing about the bottle we know and lovesome of the caps are yellow this time of year. Turns out, the soda giant produces a different formulation that's special for Passover. But why? We turned to the experts for more info. Read on to see why Coca-Cola bottle caps go from red to yellow in the springtime. Why are Coca-Cola caps yellow? Around Passover every year (this year it's April 22 through April 30), Coca-Cola releases a special bottle so soda lovers who keep kosher can celebrate with their favorite drink. The yellow-capped Cokes are made with cane sugar instead of the regular high fructose corn syrup (which isn't kosher; see below for the why on that). Coca-Cola also ensures that the yellow-capped Coke is supervised during production to meet the kashrut standards (i.e., the laws of keeping kosher) for Passover. Leah Gottheim, VP of Kosher.com, a platform that publishes kosher recipes, articles and videos highlighting Jewish cuisine, says many kosher for Passover products you see at the store use sugar instead of corn syrup, which is "nearly ubiquitous in many processed American foods." And people can taste the difference. "My brother actually prefers the taste of Passover ketchup!" she says. Related: Coca-Cola Debuts K-Wave Zero Sugar, A New Flavor Inspired by the Magic of K-Pop Musicand It's Available for a Limited Time Why isn't corn syrup kosher for Passover? According to Rabbi Steven Philp, associate Rabbi at Mishkan Chicago, Jews avoid eating chametz during Passover. Chametz is defined as a leavened product containing any one of five grains (wheat, barley, spelt, oats and rye). The custom is to avoid these ingredients entirely and this is a Torah-based prohibition. Enter kitniyot, which are products like beans, corn and rice (including corn syrup, which is what is used in Coca-Cola). Gottheim says avoiding the consumption of kitniyot products, which include corn, is now part of the basic standard for observant Ashkenazic Jews. Rabbi Steven says this custom originated in the Middle Ages, for one of several reasons. "They were often stored alongside the grains that constitute chametz; they closely resembled chametz (especially when ground) that they might be confused with it; or eating a product made with kitniyot (like a corn muffin) might give the wrong impression to others since it looks like something made with chametz (such as a regular muffin)," he says. Are Cokes with yellow caps more expensive? Because Coca-Cola changes their recipe to make their famous beverage Kosher for Passover, Gottheim says some people also think that it makes the soda more expensive. However, this isn't the case. "It's a misconception that kosher certification increases the cost of a product from a large corporation like this," she says. "Historically, companies take the cost of certification out of their marketing budget." Related: Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero: Which One's Better for You? Do Cokes with yellow caps taste different? Hardcore Coca-Cola fans seem to think so. Just ask anyone who prefers Mexican Coca-Cola to American. Coca-Cola used to use sucrose (from beet or cane sugar) in their American Coke recipe, but since the '80s, they've used high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). So if you're a fan of the highly-coveted (and sometimes hard to find) glass bottled Mexican Cokes, you'll be excited to hear that the yellow-capped Coke appearing on store shelves this month is the same recipe: carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors and caffeine. If you're curious, head to the store now and stock up before it's gone for the year! Next: 9 Genius Ways To Cook (And Bake) Matzo During Passover A Broome County man who confessed to killing his grandmother in 2015 has lost an appeal of his manslaughter conviction. In May 2017, Kenneth Weber, now 38, of Vestal, was awaiting trial on a second-degree murder charge for the Jan. 26, 2015 death of 82-year-old Saundra Stabler, when he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter. Weber, who admitted pushing Stabler down the stairs of the home where he lived with her, was sentenced in Broome County Court to 25 years in state prison. He also admitted to stealing Stabler's credit card and using it for several illegal purchases. He pleaded guilty to fourth-degree grand larceny and was sentenced to two to four years in prison, to be served concurrently with the 25-year sentence for manslaughter. Weber later claimed his waiver of the right to appeal his conviction as part of his plea agreement was invalid, and the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, Third Judicial Department, agreed. Saundra Stabler However, after reviewing the case, the appeals court did not support Weber's contention that statements he made during a Feb. 3, 2015 police interview should have been suppressed due to his physical condition and denial of requests for medical attention at that time. The court also denied Weber's claim that warrantless entry by police into the home he shared with Stabler on Jan. 30, 2015 violated his constitutional rights. The court ruled that entry was permissible under an emergency exception to the warrant requirement. After Weber killed Stabler, he rolled up her body in a rug and disposed of it in rural Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, according to prosecutors. He then reported Stabler missing, which reasonably led police to believe an emergency existed and the warrantless search was justified, the court ruled. Public safety Binghamton man sentenced in fatal March 2023 hit-and-run at Oakdale Commons "This is further supported by the fact that no evidence was collected during this initial search for thevictim," the decision stated. Weber, who had a previous conviction in Broome County for attempted forgery, was sentenced to the maximum allowable term as a second felony offender. The appeals court denied his request to reduce the negotiated sentence in the interest of justice. If Weber had gone to trial on the murder charge and been convicted, he could have been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Weber is serving his sentence at the Attica Correctional Facility in Wyoming County. Follow Jeff Murray on Twitter @SGJeffMurray. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: Vestal man convicted in grandmother's death. What appeals court said Barbara Walters broke through every barrier and had the scars to show it, cutting a path that Connie Chung, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Norah O'Donnell and other remarkable women in broadcasting would follow. She was the first to prove that a woman could co-host a network's morning show, and co-anchor a network's evening news, and demand a million-dollar salary and stay on the air as she aged. She created a groundbreaking form of talk TV, ABC's "The View", a program that is still going strong more than a quarter-century later. She reveled in her fame and fortune. But it wasn't easy, and it wasn't free. She paid with three failed marriages, a sometimes-troubled relationship with her only child, and a poignant isolation at the end. Here are five things we learn about her in my new book, "The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters" (464 pp., Simon and Schuster, April 23). Exclusive Read an excerpt from "The Rulebreaker" How Barbara Walters broke the rules and changed the world for women and TV Barbara Walters thought her career was over in 1976 Walters was thoroughly ensconced as co-host of NBC's Today show, the nation's highest-rated morning show. But she wanted more. She wanted the respect and authority commanded by those who anchored the evening news, then the pinnacle for broadcast journalists. The executives at NBC wouldn't give her that prize, so she jumped to ABC. For the unprecedented salary of $1 million, she would co-anchor the evening news and produce four hourlong specials a year. Critics immediately dubbed her the "million-dollar baby," derision with a sexist edge. Harry Reasoner, then the solo anchor of the show, was less than welcoming. Indeed, he fueled what today would be called a hostile workplace. His contempt for her was so undisguised that the director began to avoid "two-shots" that is, camera angles that would show him scowling at her as she spoke. "I was drowning," she would recall. "I was not only drowning, I was reading every day about people who were happy to put my head under the water." Find your next read See USA TODAY's best-selling booklist Barbara Walters makes an entrance on the red carpet for the Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. She worried she had repeated the mistakes of her father, never satisfied with what he had achieved and losing it all in an effort to reach a higher prize. "I told myself that I should never have taken the chance. Was it ego? Was it too much ambition?" She wasn't sure her career would survive. Fidel Castro fueled Barbara Walters' comeback She survived and then thrived by delivering the sort of big interviews that were her signature. Starting with Fidel Castro. She had been pursuing the Cuban leader for two years. Now, thanks to a behind-the-scenes effort to improve U.S.-Cuban relations, he suddenly agreed. He drove a jeep with her through the Sierra Maestra mountains. She was entrusted with a tin of hard candies and his revolver, holding them high to avoid getting splashed by rain-swollen streams. They rode a Cuban patrol boat across the Bay of Pigs the first crossing by Americans since the infamous CIA-backed plot to overthrow him. "I like this place," he told her. "It is quiet, and there are good places for underwater fishing." In the interview, she pressed him on whether he was a Communist (yes), why there was no freedom of the press ("We are very satisfied about that"), and if he was married. "Formally, no," he finally replied in Spanish. The interview drew strong ratings, and the spark between them led to decades of speculation about whether they were ever more than friends. One of her closest friends was a notorious lawyer and Trump confidante When she was 25 and visiting her parents in Miami, her father introduced her to Roy Cohn. He was 28 and already notorious. He had been chief counsel for Wisconsin Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the red-baiting Army-McCarthy hearings. He would become the well-connected lawyer and adviser for rich and famous people in trouble, from mobsters to a New York real estate developer named Donald Trump. Though Cohn was a closeted gay man, he and Barbara dated for a time and he proposed to her more than once, including on the eve of her second marriage. He called her the great love of his life. She relied on him as one of her closest confidantes. When a warrant was issued for her father's arrest because he had missed a court hearing in a tax case, Cohn somehow made it disappear. When she wanted to adopt a child, he facilitated the private arrangements. When her affair with Massachusetts Sen. Edward Brooke was at risk of becoming public, Cohn warned her it would threaten her career and advised her to cut it off. She did. And near the end of his life, as he was dying of HIV/AIDS and mired in scandal, she was one of only a handful of friends willing to testify as character witnesses at his legal disbarment hearings. Trump was another. Barbara Walters flinched at her 'SNL' moniker, 'Baba Wawa' On April 24, 1976, comedian Gilda Radner first introduced herself in a "Saturday Night Live" skit as "Baba Wawa," speaking with a lisp so exaggerated that it was hard to understand her words. The audience had no trouble recognizing whom she was parodying, though. They roared. The Baba Wawa character would appear dozens of times on NBC's "SNL" over the four decades four decades that followed. Barbara was portrayed by Radner and Rachel Dratch and Cheri Oteri and others, the only constant being an oversize wig and an inability to articulate "r's." In public, Barbara laughed off the caricature, but in private she felt exposed and ridiculed over a speech impediment she had tried unsuccessful to remedy. Others saw it as an affirmation that she had entered the zeitgeist, though. "Diane Sawyer hasn't been parodied by 'SNL' that many times, in case anyone's keeping score," media analyst Brian Stelter told me. When Gilda Radner died of ovarian cancer at 42, Barbara sent a sympathy note to her widower, Gene Wilder. She signed it "Baba Wawa." Barbara Walters chose a distinctive headstone for her grave There was no grand memorial service in New York when she died in December 2022, nothing like the Carnegie Hall extravaganza for her departed ABC colleague Peter Jennings. Her remains were cremated and given to her daughter, and she was buried without public notice at Lakeside Memorial Park in Miami, next to her parents and sister. Their small black and gold markers sit in narrow marble frames, flat to the ground alongside a quiet path. Jackie Walters' marker remembers her as "beloved daughter and sister." Dena Walters' as "beloved wife and mother." Lou Walters' as "beloved husband and father." Unlike the others, Barbara's marker doesn't call her "beloved," and it doesn't mention her role as a daughter or a wife or a mother. She chose a brief and distinctive parting message of her own, reported for the first time in The Rulebreaker. "No regrets," it reads. "I had a great life." Susan Page is the Washington Bureau chief of USA TODAY. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 takeaways from 'The Rulebreaker,' biography of Barbara Walters DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 5: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall continue to laugh after a bubble bee took a liking to Prince Charles during their visit to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary on November 5, 2015 in Dunedin, New Zealand. The Royal couple are on a 12-day tour visiting seven regions in New Zealand and three states and one territory in Australia. (Photo by Rob Jefferies/Getty Images) King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla are said to be enjoying a private getaway as they celebrate their wedding anniversary amid his cancer treatment. According to People, the couple's plane was spotted at Scotland's Aberdeen Airport on Wednesday, April 10the day following their 19th anniversarybefore the two were driven about an hour to their Balmoral estate. It's a tradition for the royal couple to spend time at the Birkhall grand house near Balmoral Castle, where they typically enjoy some peace and quiet as they celebrate each other, enjoying "private time" together, as one royal source put it. The king inherited the Birkhall property from his late grandmother after her death in 2002, and he and his wife spent their honeymoon there in 2005. They retreated to the property during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, working from the sanctuary of the home as he recovered from the virus. Now, he's enjoying a brief getaway amid his ongoing treatment for an unspecified cancer, which has led to a decrease in his royal duties while he battles the disease. Camilla is enjoying a respite, too, as she's been filling in for him for several public outings, even making royal history during the first Royal Maundy Service where a consort filled in for the monarch. Charles also made history when he had his brother, Prince Edward, and his wife, Duchess Sophie, stand in his place during an event honoring the 120th anniversary of a diplomatic agreement between the U.K. and France called the "entente cordiale," which paved the way for the countries' cooperation from World War I to today. Next: King Charles Makes History With Unprecedented Decision About Royals' Vacation Spot Balmoral Castle Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th Secretary Pete Buttigieg has made unprecedented advances for people with disabilities during his tenure at the Department of Transportation. He has spearheaded disability events at the White House and has ushered in changes to air travel that will make airplane bathrooms more accessible and widen airplane aisles to accommodate personal wheelchairs. Airports, train and bus stations across the country have made improvements to increase Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. These are not new issues for Buttigieg, and they featured heavily in his 2020 presidential primary platform. He was not the only Democratic presidential hopeful to have a disability platform, but his was one of the first to be released. His commitment to disability policy is personal, thanks in no small part to his longtime friendship with Emily Voorde, 31, who met Buttigieg when she was in high school and he was running for mayor of South Bend, Indiana. She worked on Buttigieg's presidential campaign and went on to work for the White House. Buttigieg credits Voorde with his interest in disability rights. It is something he has always cared about, but knowing Voorde brought it closer to home for him, he said. "I've always recognized the importance of disability work in policy, but there's no way that I would have the same understanding of it. I would like to think that I'd pay just as much attention to it no matter what. But there's no question that my understanding of it was shaped by Emily's experience and her expertise," Buttigieg told The 19th. Voorde, for her part, is humble about the influence she had on Secretary Buttigieg. "I feel really fortunate to have had that proximity to him. I think in some ways, even if they were small, I made disability more tangible," Voorde told The 19th. Despite Voorde's impact, few people know her name. Voorde was born in South Bend, Indiana, the younger of two children. Her mother was a nurse and her father served on the city council. Voorde was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that makes bones brittle and impacts growth. Voorde uses a wheelchair to get around. Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th Advocacy since childhood Emily's mother, Cathi Voorde, used to give demonstrations at school to explain Emily's condition. She called it the "spaghetti talk." "I would take some spaghetti and chicken bones and say, 'The chicken bones, these are like your bones, they bend a little bit,'" she would demonstrate. Then, she would bring out dry spaghetti and bend it, to show how much more easily it would snap. "Emily's bones are like spaghetti. They break." Despite the risks, Emily Voorde was an active child. She played volleyball and participated in gym class with the other students. When the local public school pulled her from gym, her parents enrolled her in Catholic school, where she got more individualized attention and was more purposefully integrated by school staff. "We thought public school would be the best option since she would have a [legally mandated individualized education plan], but it turned out it just wasn't the experience we'd hoped for. There was an incident when she was in gym class, bouncing a ball with an occupational therapist. The gym teacher yelled, 'Get that child out of my gym,'" Cathi Voorde recalled. Voorde's parents were invested in ensuring that she had full access to everything other children had. "I was certainly the only wheelchair user in my peer group growing up, the only one in my grade school, the only one in my high school," Voorde said. However, her parents were careful to introduce her to other people with disabilities, including her own disability. "Very early on my parents instilled in me self-advocacy and using my own voice," Voorde said. Voorde's parents took her to conferences organized around osteogenesis imperfecta and got her connected with local disability groups. This gave Emily a sense of independence and gave her parents possibility models for her future. Seeing other children and adults like their daughter was a powerful experience. Voorde's mother particularly remembers hearing a baby cry at one of the first osteogenesis imperfecta conferences she attended. "I had tears in my eyes because that baby sounded just like my Emily," Cathi said. Voorde first met Buttigieg when he came to speak to her high school government class about civil engagement. "He was not only one of the most articulate people I'd ever heard speak, but he was approachable and clearly passionate about [South Bend] and making it better. At the time, South Bend was kind of on the decline or at least on a plateau. Seeing this young guy, not much older than me, who had already been out in the world and who chose to come back, to run for mayor I was just really impressed," Voorde said. She volunteered for Buttigieg's mayoral campaign and, during college, interned in his office for a summer. "She's just somebody who impressed everybody around her right away with her talents. She makes any workplace, any team stronger. She has a relentlessly positive way about her," Buttigieg said. After her internship, Voorde completed an undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend and went on to pursue a master's degree in education. Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th An unexpected opportunity Voorde wasn't planning on going into politics. She wanted to be a teacher. "Kids don't have any preconceived notions. They don't have any assumptions. They don't have that explicit ableist lens that we all develop. They're just happy to ask their questions and take my answers as they are," Voorde said. She also likes that when she works with kids, they're more likely to be at eye level with her in her wheelchair. Voorde taught at Resurrection Catholic, a school in an underserved community in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She wasn't sure if she wanted to stay in education, so she applied to law school and got accepted at Loyola University Chicago. Then, in 2019, she got a phone call that required a quick, potentially life-shaking decision: Should she go to law school or join Buttigieg's nascent presidential campaign? "I had accepted [my law school offer] already. The deposit was in. But there was no question in my mind what I wanted to do," Voorde said. She joined Pete for America the next day. "My suitcase was packed, and I wouldn't be home for 10 days, wouldn't be off for longer than two days at a time for the next seven months," Voorde said. During the campaign, Voorde initially worked in general operations before transitioning to work for Chasten Buttigieg, Pete Buttigieg's husband. She was his "body woman," and her job was to ensure that his travel, events and campaign stops went smoothly. In his memoir, "I Have Something To Tell You," Chasten Buttigieg wrote that Voorde ensured that he stayed fed and hydrated when the responsibilities of the campaign became too great for him to keep track of everything on his own. "Emily, my body woman, would start asking me things like 'have you drunk water today?' Sometimes the answer was 'oh no, I forgot'!" Buttigieg wrote. In an interview with The 19th, Chasten Buttigieg described Voorde as "indispensable." He remembers liking her almost instantly when they first met in South Bend. "I felt like I had met someone who understood me as a person and was interested in my well-being, not just in the success of my husband or my husband's candidacy. I felt like I'd met a friend," Chasten Buttigieg said. Voorde was not working in a policy role, but she did shape the way Pete Buttigieg and his team engaged with and spoke about the disability community. "I had the chance to brief the policy team as well as Pete himself on best practice in talking about and engaging with disability, which was really powerful. If you have a candidate or elected official who won't even say the word 'disabled,' that conversation isn't going anywhere. I gave Pete and the policy team permission to talk about and with people with disabilities, to talk about accommodation. I helped give them the tools to engage authentically," Voorde said. Chasten Buttigieg also remembers the challenges he and his husband witnessed when Voorde traveled with them during the campaign. Airlines damage thousands of wheelchairs every year, and getting them fixed is a lengthy, expensive process. On the campaign trail, it happened to Voorde. "Emily and I were changing planes in an airport. I forget which airport it was. But I remember it was a very tight connection, and Emily's chair was delivered to the jet bridge. I would typically grab the wheelchair and Emily would pivot into the wheelchair. I'd grab the bag, and then we'd go. I remember trying to unlock her wheels, to pivot the chair closer to her. And they wouldn't unlock. It was then when we realized that the entire wheel frame had been bent. There was no unlocking the chair. It was just broken," Chasten Buttigieg said. After a lengthy wait, the airline brought a temporary chair for Voorde, but it was too big for her to operate. So Chasten Buttigieg wheeled her through the airport until her mother could come back with an older wheelchair from home. "I was off the campaign trail for a few days while we sorted that out. It was absolutely dehumanizing and demoralizing. It's not just that loss of humanity in the moment, that loss of independence in the moment. Because it was a time that was of such professional importance to me," Voorde said. Pete Buttigieg also remembers the incident, saying, "It's basically like arriving at the destination without your legs." It wasn't an isolated incident, although it was certainly the most severe. More than once, Voorde arrived at a hotel during campaign travel to find that her hotel room or a venue wasn't accessible. Pete Buttigieg was impressed with Voorde's resilience. "I saw her problem solving and getting through it, but I also came away with a very strong sense that she shouldn't have to deal with that," he said. Through her relationships with Pete and Chasten Buttigieg, she has helped shape what many experts describe as some of the most impactful, significant changes to air travel for disabled passengers in decades. Kelly Buckland, a longtime disability rights advocate, went to work for the Department of Transportation in 2021, in part because of how impressed he was by Secretary Buttigieg's commitment to disability policy. "The Transportation Research Board did a feasibility study about whether or not you can fly with your wheelchair on airplanes. They determined it was feasible and they said that the Department of Transportation should pick up the research from there. And so I wanted to have a part in that," Buckland said. For the first time, he felt the pull to become an insider and work for the government. Buttigieg is Buckland's boss, so he's not unbiased. But he has also known and met with many public officials over the course of his long and storied career. "I think Secretary Buttigieg is far and away the best," he said. "I think his relationship with Emily, during the campaign and more, made him aware of what traveling with a disability is like and for that matter what living with a disability is like. I think he's really well rooted in not only just human rights, but disability rights, and a lot of that is because of his hanging out with Emily," Buckland said. Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th Road to the White House In March 2020, Pete Buttigieg suspended his presidential campaign. Voorde wasn't sure what she wanted to do next. She didn't have much time to think about it. A week later, shutdowns began as a new virus swept across the country COVID-19. Over a million Americans have died from COVID since the start of the pandemic, and hundreds are still dying each week. It is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Disabled, older and immunocompromised people are at the highest risk of severe illness and death. Voorde spent the early days of the pandemic resting from the campaign, uncertain about what she wanted to do next. "I was just sitting and taking stock honestly, recovering and getting myself caught up and rested," Voorde said. She took a job at Notre Dame's Sara Bea Center for Accessibility Services, helping disabled students adjust to changes from the pandemic. Shortly after starting, she was approached about working for President Joe Biden's administration as an associate director of the Office of Public Engagement, serving, in part, as a liaison between the White House and the disability community. Voorde was not the first disability community liaison for the White House, although she was the first since President Barack Obama's administration. President Donald Trump's administration declined to appoint one. The role does not involve shaping disability policy but has proximity to power and the presidency that few in the disability community have. "I would describe the office I worked in as the front doors to the White House," Voorde said. Voorde was responsible for informing the disability community of Biden's achievements, organizing events and managing relationships with senior leaders in the disability rights and disability justice movements. Her most notable achievement was overseeing the hiring of the White House's first-ever full-time, on-site sign language interpreters. Under normal circumstances, a job in the White House is high pressure. But Voorde was faced with a unique challenge: The organized disability community, leading organizations and advocates have been furious at the Biden administration's handling of the pandemic. As the "front doors" to the White House, Voorde was responsible for listening to these complaints. But as someone without a policy role, she was not in a position to make recommendations. Under Biden, much of the funding for COVID programs has lapsed. Disability advocates have largely been unhappy with the lack of attention the administration has paid to the ongoing pandemic. Alice Wong, a prominent disabled advocate and organizer of the #CripTheVote hashtag, recently announced she will not be voting for Biden this year, in part because of his handling of the pandemic. In 2022, displeasure with the administration bubbled over in public, when then-CDC director Rochelle Wolinsky described the deaths of people who were "unwell to begin with" as "encouraging news" on "Good Morning America." Walensky apologized and the administration asserted that her comments had been misconstrued. But the damage was done. Voorde was working at the White House throughout the debacle. "The Biden White House put Emily in an impossible position," said Matthew Cortland, a senior fellow at left-leaning polling firm Data for Progress. "You cannot actually, meaningfully engage with the community you're actively abandoning," they said. "Not being able to do very much at all, other than tell the powers that be that the community is frustrated, they're angry, they're scared, and they're dying. The only tool I had in my toolbox was just passing along that feedback. And that was a really helpless feeling," Voorde said. She does not regret her time at the White House, and she still fully supports Biden and the administration. But the conversations took a toll. "Every single day, I talked to people saying, 'I am dying' or 'My family is dying' or 'My community is dying.' Or that they're scared, or that their community is scared," she said. Jamie Kelter Davis for The 19th 'Doing my best by my community' Voorde left the White House in August 2022, a little over a year after starting. In addition to the pressure she felt at work, she wanted to spend time closer to her family in South Bend. "It was bittersweet, because I did feel immensely privileged to have had the opportunity to serve the administration," she said."But I had this nagging sense that in staying in the role, I wasn't doing my best by my community. That's hard to reconcile when, on paper, working for the White House is a dream job. Especially for somebody from little South Bend that hadn't seen myself represented in politics in the White House," Voorde said. She has started her own disability consulting firm, INTO Strategies, which has already landed some high-profile clients, including Microsoft. She isn't writing off the possibility of going back into politics. "I certainly wouldn't count it out. I don't think I'd run. I see myself as a background player, as somebody that's on the staff side, but we'll see. I always say that if I got back into campaigns it would have to be for Pete or somebody like him," Voorde said. This story was produced by The 19th and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. WASHINGTON House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., will promote a bill with former President Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence aimed at preventing non-citizens from voting. Johnson will hold a joint press conference with Trump on Friday at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago residence, where the top House Republican will tout the legislation to elevate the issue of non-citizens voting in federal elections, according to a person familiar with the planning. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) holds a press conference following a House GOP caucus meeting at the U.S Capitol on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. The Republicans in the House of Representatives held a closed door meeting as they prepare to deliver the Articles of Impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to the Senate. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images) The event is also an effort to rally Republican lawmakers to "get on the team," on the issue of election security, the person said. However, non-citizens are already not allowed to vote in federal elections in the United States, and it's not a common occurrence. No state currently allows non-citizens to cast a ballot in state-level elections either, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center, though some municipalities may have their own rules for local races. The former president has long falsely claimed that there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election. He has pleaded not guilty in two criminal cases one federal and one in the state of Georgia accusing him of trying to steal the election from President Joe Biden. Nevertheless, the bill supported by Trump and Johnson also comes as House Republicans hope to portray a united front in 2024, despite the chaos that has often consumed the lower chamber. Their meeting will be the first public event with the two Republicans and comes at a critical moment for Johnsons speakership. The speaker is currently facing an ouster threat from conservative firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and has also drawn the ire of other ultraconservatives in the House. Nineteen House Republicans shot down a procedural step known as a rule vote in the House on a controversial spying law this week, a GOP rebellion that effectively froze the House and left the legislation in a state of limbo. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Johnson and Trump to promote bill to prevent non-citizens from voting 6 school kids killed as bus topples in north India Xinhua) 15:41, April 11, 2024 NEW DELHI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least six school students died and over a dozen were injured when the bus carrying them to the school overturned in India's northern state of Haryana on Thursday, confirmed a local cop to Xinhua over phone. The mishap occurred in the state's Kanina area, minutes before the bus carrying around 40 students of the G.L. Public School could arrive. Preliminary reports attributed the accident to the recklessness of the driver who was allegedly driving at a high speed. A media report quoted an injured child as saying, "The bus driver appeared inebriated and was driving the bus at a very high speed." "People in whole of Kanina area are in deep shock due to the death of innocent children. We have shut all shops in grief in the aftermath of the tragedy," said Manish Gera, a cloth merchant, when speaking to Xinhua over phone. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini expressed grief at the loss of human lives, posting on X, formerly Twitter: "I am pained due to the bus accident in Kanina area of Mahendragarh district. My sympathies are with the families who lost their children. Local administration is providing all possible help. I pray for a speedy recovery of the injured." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Defense Minister Shin Won-sik met with the outgoing head of the U.S. Indo-Pacific command Thursday and thanked him for his efforts to bolster bilateral security cooperation against North Korean military threats, his office said. Shin met Adm. John C. Aquilino in Seoul and noted his role in Washington's increased deployment of its strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula, including the nuclear-capable USS Kentucky ballistic missile submarine last July, according to the defense ministry. The submarine's arrival, which marked the first of its kind since the 1980s, came after Washington pledged to bolster its "extended deterrence" commitment in a joint declaration by President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden in April last year amid evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. Extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally. Shin also hailed Aquilino's efforts to boost trilateral security cooperation, also involving Japan, which the U.S. admiral described as being very important for the security of the Indo-Pacific, the ministry said. Last December, the three countries launched a system to share warning data on North Korean missiles in real time and also established a multiyear plan for trilateral military exercises. The minister requested Aquilino's continued support for the bilateral alliance even after retirement, and the U.S. commander promised to continue such efforts, it said. Aquilino, who took office in April 2021, will be replaced by Adm. Samuel Paparo, the former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, next month. (Yonhap) From left, DeBakey Civics Club Vice President Mihir Relan, 18, and President Bianca Juarez, 18, register to vote after a voter education workshop on April 5. A 1980s law requires Texas high schools to distribute voter registration forms to eligible students, but not all are complying. When David Dzul approached his principal about setting up a voter registration drive on campus in 2019, he quickly realized why voting participation rates are so abysmal among his peers. Texas high schools have long been required to distribute voter registration forms to older teens twice a year. But Dzul said that wasnt happening at Houstons DeBakey High School, and he initially couldnt nail down who the schools designated voter registrar was or if the school was even complying with the decades-old state law. Dzul was trying to galvanize civic engagement after hearing about low participation rates among young voters at a meeting of Mi Familia Vota, a group that encourages Latinos to cast ballots. He eventually organized a group of peers to track classmates when they turned 18 years old, help them register and follow up with a link to confirm they could cast a ballot in the next election. I dont think the administration supported the initiative so much as they tolerated it, Dzul said. They werent actively setting up tables and telling students to register, but they allowed us to occupy space and get volunteer deputy voter registrars into the schools. Texas is home to about 409,000 18-year-old U.S. citizens, according to 2022 U.S. Census Bureau data. According to the bureau, 39.6% of Texans ages 18 to 24 were registered to vote in November 2022. That was the biggest decline in voter registration for any age group compared with the previous midterm election, in 2018. After younger adults are registered, they cast ballots at lower rates than other age groups. During the 2022 midterms, only 49% of registered Texas voters between 18 and 24 participated. That compares with 86% of voters 65 and older. Research has found that voting is habit-forming, and high schools are a critical training ground to initiate that pattern. The 2023 Harvard Youth Poll found that two-thirds of 18- to 29-year-olds who definitely plan to vote said their high school education made voting feel important. But only 47% of less committed voters in that age group feel that way about their high school education. Starting that habit early is a predictor of lifelong voting, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston. We want the students to start this process early and then bring that forward through their civic lives. The 1983 law requiring high schools to distribute voter registration forms to students who are at least 17 years and 10 months old was intended to boost turnout among young voters. But the secretary of states office, which was charged with creating the instructions to implement the law, doesnt track compliance. And schools that fail to distribute registration forms to eligible students arent penalized. The University of Houstons Election Lab estimated in 2021 that only a quarter of schools were complying with the law, though that number is not conclusive. Some high school seniors told the Tribune they had never been given a voter registration form at school, and nonprofit leaders said they have spoken to school administrators who are unaware of the law. And many critics of Texas voting laws including new limits passed in 2021 say getting registered outside of school isnt very friendly to teenagers. While other states have online voter registration, Texans must complete a paper application, creating a possible barrier to young people who do everything from shopping to banking digitally. State lawmakers in 2021 also restricted how educators can teach current events and history. The law, designed to keep critical race theory out of Texas public schools, also prohibits teachers from discussing a widely debated and currently controversial issue of public policy or social affairs. Without defining controversial, the law created widespread confusion about what topics teachers could and could not legally cover. Its not enough to just tell people, voting is important, said Maggie Stern, who promotes youth civic engagement through the nonprofit organization Childrens Defense Fund Texas. Young people are motivated by the issues affecting their community, so as they understand the ways elected officials have power over those issues, they are more motivated to vote that piece of civics education is really lacking in Texas. Efforts to change Texas legal landscape Kevin Brown can still vividly remember learning how to vote in his government class as a high school student in San Marcos in the mid-1980s. A nonprofit brought a voting booth into his classroom and taught students how to punch in their selections. Students ran a mock election, and the tally was shared the next day in the morning announcements. Brown, who now serves as the executive director of the Texas Association of School Administrators, said administrators took civics education seriously when he later became a public school teacher. They wanted to develop citizens who would be engaged with the world and the issues around them. Now he has trouble imagining a school running a mock presidential election without raising concerns that doing so might create controversy. Senate Bill 3, the same 2021 law that limits lessons about racism in American history, also prohibits teachers from giving students class credit for any public policy advocacy. That produced a really big chilling effect on anything related to civics education, Stern said. It has really deterred a lot of schools who used to be doing this work from having any sort of conversation with students around voting and civic participation. SB 3 requires the Texas Education Agency to create a civics training program that will outline the knowledge and skills students are expected to have. The program is supposed to be implemented no later than the 2025-26 school year. A TEA spokesperson said the agency is in the planning phase for developing the program. Although public school students in Texas are required to take a government class to graduate, many students say they do not learn about civic engagement or voter registration in the course. Thats despite the fact that the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills states that students who complete the class should be able to describe the voter registration process and the criteria for voting in elections. Its a daunting task to learn what is a primary, what is a general election and who are all the candidates running, said Ashton Sanchez, a senior at Sam Houston Math, Science and Technology Center High School in Houston. We need to find a way to integrate that into the classroom. Voting rights advocates argue that the state should do more to make sure students are registered to vote, for example, by documenting compliance with the high school voter registration law. Katya Ehresman, voting rights program manager at Common Cause Texas, noted that some states reward schools that register students. For example, Tennessee acknowledges schools that reach a certain voter registration threshold, and Pennsylvania has a governors civic engagement award to celebrate schools that register 85% of eligible students to vote. Common Cause also recommends that the secretary of states office mail each school voter registration applications, instead of requiring schools to request them twice a year. Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D-Clint, introduced legislation in 2021 that would require the secretary of state to mail the applications directly to all high schools, but the bill never got a hearing before the House Elections Committee. Alicia Pierce, spokesperson for the secretary of state, said mailing applications is expensive and might not address noncompliance. Im not sure you would get much better results, Pierce said. If it just shows up at their door and they werent already planning to use them, then you just have these registration forms sitting there. Student action Some students have taken matters into their own hands. Rice University has partnered with the League of Women Voters to create an internship program in which students, most of whom are in the Houston school district, organize voter registration drives at their high schools. The goal, according to Rice University professor Melissa Marschall, who leads the program, is to get students to take ownership of the activity and encourage their friends to register. Ive never heard of a school where the principal takes charge of the event, because technically, most of them are not trained as deputy voter registrars, Marschall said. We prioritize events with peer-to-peer civic education. About 130 students applied for the internship and 10 are participating, Marschall said. She said she hopes the program makes it easier for organizations such as the League of Women Voters to enter schools. The organization has historically relied on relationships with administrators, who are not always amenable to welcoming outside groups. Administrator turnover, which has increased this year due to the states takeover of the Houston school district, creates additional hurdles. At Round Rock High School, a student chapter of Junior State of America has taken the lead on organizing a voter registration drive. Junior Indira Moparthi recalled an uphill battle to start a drive during her freshman year. She said administrators rejected the idea because they thought the event would be partisan. Seniors and parents got involved, and a petition went around saying we werent supporting a particular political party, Moparthi said. Finally the administration signed off. For some students, school is the only place where they can gain critical information about voting. Among immigrant families that have historically been marginalized for voting, civic participation is rarely talked about in the household. For Dzul, whose parents did not grow up voting in the U.S., it was frustrating to see 18-year-olds who could vote fail to take advantage of their right. That motivated him to create a civics club, which has continued to hold registration drives since he graduated. We need to get more power to marginalized communities, and voter registration is the first step to getting people that power, Dzul said. This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/10/texas-high-school-voter-registration/. The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Most 18-year-old Texans not signed up to vote as schools ignore law By Blake Brittain (Reuters) -Amazon.com's Amazon Web Services, the world's largest cloud-service provider, owes tech company Kove $525 million for violating its patent rights in data-storage technology, an Illinois federal jury said on Wednesday. The jury determined that AWS infringed three Kove patents covering technology that Kove said had become "essential" to the ability of Amazon's cloud-computing arm to "store and retrieve massive amounts of data." An Amazon spokesperson said the company disagrees with the verdict and intends to appeal. Kove's lead attorney Courtland Reichman called the verdict "a testament to the power of innovation and the importance of protecting IP (intellectual property) rights for start-up companies against tech giants." Chicago-based Kove sued Amazon in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in 2018. The company said in the lawsuit that it pioneered technology enabling high-performance cloud storage "years before the advent of the cloud." Kove alleged that AWS' Amazon S3 storage service, DynamoDB database service and other products infringed the cloud-storage patents. The jury agreed with Kove on Wednesday that AWS infringed all three Kove patents at issue, though it rejected Kove's contention that AWS violated its rights willfully. AWS had denied the allegations and argued that the patents were invalid. Kove also sued Google last year for infringing the same patents in a separate Illinois lawsuit that is still ongoing. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Sonali Paul) The Biden administration straddled the line on a controversial Canadian oil pipeline in a court filing Wednesday, saying a lower courts order to drain portions running through tribal land may violate a 1977 treaty but agreeing with a Native American tribe that the operator is trespassing on tribal land. In an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, the Justice Department (DOJ) agreed with the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians that Enbridge lacks any legal right to remain on Chippewa land in Wisconsin. A lower court, the Western District of Wisconsin, correctly rejected Enbridges arguments that the Administrative Procedure Act or the 1992 agreement authorizes it to remain on these lands, DOJ lawyers wrote. However, the administration also wrote that the district court did not properly consider U.S. obligations under a 1977 treaty with Canada in ordering the closure of the pipeline, and that the appeals court should reconsider the decision by Judge William Conley to halt it by 2026. The Justice Department did not take a position on whether the order did in fact violate the treaty. The Bad River Band has been engaged in the legal battle with Enbridge since 2019, specifically seeking to shut down a portion of the pipeline known as Line 5 that runs through Wisconsin and Michigan. We are grateful the US urged the court not to let Enbridge profit from its unlawful trespass. But we are disappointed that the US has not unequivocally called for an immediate end to Enbridges ongoing trespass, as justice and the law demand, Bad River Band Chair Robert Blanchard said in a statement. Enbridge should be required to promptly leave our Reservation, just like other companies that have trespassed on tribal land. We are hopeful that the appeals court will put an end to Enbridges shameful decade of trespass and not condone its exploitation of our land and sovereign rights. Shutting down Line 5 before relocating the pipeline outside of the Reservation would violate the 1977 Transit Pipeline Treaty between the U.S. and Canada. The Government of Canada has made its position clear, an Enbridge spokesperson told The Hill. Such a shutdown is not in the public interest as it would negatively impact businesses, communities and millions of individuals who depend on Line 5 for energy in both the U.S. and Canada. Updated at 5:09 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Former Attorney General Bill Barr on Wednesday denounced former President Trumps exhortation for Congress to kill the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as crazy and reckless and warned there will be blood on peoples hands if the intelligence communitys surveillance authority expires and theres a terrorist attack on the United States. Barr, who served in Trumps Cabinet in 2019 and 2020, noted that Trump at one time supported the expanded surveillance powers authorized under Section 702 of FISA and warned that political posturing against extending that authority would be dangerous to national security. I think its crazy and reckless to not move forward with FISA. Its our principal tool protecting us from terrorist attacks. Were living through a time where those threats have never been higher, so its blinding us, its blinding our allies, Barr told The Hill in an interview. I think President Trumps opposition seems to have stemmed from personal pique rather than any logic and reason. The provision that he objects to has nothing to do with the provision thats on the floor, he said, referring to the legislation that would reauthorize Section 702 of FISA, which stalled in the House on Wednesday after 19 Republicans voted to defeat a rule to move it forward not long after Trump said it should be killed. KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!! Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, shortly before the House GOP conference met to discuss the legislation. Hours later, the House voted 193 to 228 to defeat the rule to advance the reauthorization of surveillance authority. The House vote leaves the future of legislation extending Section 702 of FISA, which expires on April 19, unclear. Barr argued that Trumps statement itself is incorrect, pointing out that the wiretap of former Trump campaign adviser Carter Page during the 2016 election had no connection to Section 702. The part of FISA that was abused during Russia-gate had to do with getting wiretaps for American citizens, and thats not whats being considered. This is our ability to exploit foreign communications, and there are no Fourth Amendment issues with respect to the collection of this information, Barr said of the Section 702 surveillance authority. I believe this will result in attacks on the United States were not able to intercept, he warned. Barr pointed out that Trump supported extending Section 702 authority while he was president but then later waffled on the issue. Initially, he was willing to have it reauthorized and told me to go ahead and get it reauthorized, and then he flip-flopped around about it depending on who the last person to talk to him was, he recalled. As he became angrier and angrier about the lefts attacks on him over Russia-gate, he became less willing to support reauthorization. I think that is improper because this is protecting the national security, and the objections he has to Section 1 dont apply here. I feel theres a lot of political posturing here. I dont think when it comes to something this important in protecting the country there should be, he said. Barr warned that allowing the intelligence communitys surveillance authority to expire could backfire in a major way on Republicans who block the reauthorization of FISA if theres an attack on U.S. soil that could have been otherwise prevented. I hope for Republicans sake that there are no attacks, because if there are, I think there will be blood on peoples hands for doing this. Its reckless, he said. And he said the future of intelligence agencies ability to surveil foreign threats could be significantly compromised if Trump is elected and continues to opposed Section 702 of FISA. Asked if future surveillance authority would be jeopardized if Trump returns to the White House, Barr said: Who knows? It would seem that way. Senior Senate Republicans on Wednesday echoed Barrs concerns. I know hes had bad experience with it, but I think there are a lot reasons we cant let it go dark, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) said about Trumps effort to kill the FISA reauthorization. There are a lot of reasons why we cant let it go dark. There are things that need to be fixed and reformed, and I think thats what the focus should be. But its a tool that we really need to keep America safe, he said. Asked whether Trumps opposition will cause Congress to miss the April 19 reauthorization deadline, Thune said: Well see. The ball is kind of in the Houses court right now. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned that U.S. intelligence agencies could lose the ability to keep track of foreign threats. I get the concerns about it. People keep raising this Carter Page case. That has nothing to do with this section, Rubio said of the Section 702 surveillance authority that would be extended by the bill that stalled Wednesday in the House. Rubio echoed Barrs statement that the FBI initiated the surveillance of Page under a different section of the law. Thats under Section 1, he pointed out. There was a warrant in that case. The FBI officials lied to the court. The Justice Department later admitted that the evidence the FBI presented to a special FISA court to initiate surveillance of Page was legally insufficient. Rubio also noted there are reforms in place now that increase the civil and criminal penalties for lying to a court to obtain a warrant to surveil American citizens. The broader point is if we cant spy on foreign terrorists and foreign spies overseas, were out of the intelligence business, Rubio warned. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. DPST/Newscom Establishing an equilibrium between your professional and personal life is no easy task. One California politician would like the government to help. Assembly Bill 2751, drafted by state Rep. Matt Haney (DSan Francisco), would expand on prevailing California rules restricting overtime work by adding the "right to disconnect" to the state's labor regulations. Specifically, the legislation would require employers and employees to agree on fixed work hours in contract negotiations so that an employee then has a right to "ignore communications from the employer during nonworking hours." The bill notably deviates from its policies for labor unions, whose collective bargaining agreements would trump the legislation's requirements. Exceptions to the bill include emergencies; disruption or damage to the public, customers, or the employee; as well as scheduling changes. Otherwise, employees would report violations to the California Labor Commissioner Office, after which companies could be subject to investigations and fines. "Smartphones have blurred the boundaries between work and home life," Rep. Haney said. "Workers shouldn't be punished for not being available 24/7 if they're not being paid for 24 hours of work." France became the first country in 2017 to embrace the "right to disconnect," and 12 countries have since followed. But the legislation would be the first of its kind in the U.S. if it passes, and it has elicited a polarizing reaction thus far. Supporters of the bill point out that the U.S. is supposedly unfriendly to work-life balance. An analysis Haney referenced ranked the U.S. 53rd in the life-work balance index, although it is worth noting that the study holds other factorsnot communication outside of work hoursresponsible for the low ranking. Nonetheless, Haney said he believes the bill would advance California as a "forward thinking" state in regard to workers' rights and that businesses would also benefit from less stressed and more productive workers. Some businesses and employers disagree. Joshua March, the founder of Conversocial and CEO of SCiFi Foods, wrote for The San Francisco Standard that a right to disconnect would obstruct innovation and slow startup growth, as well as hamstring the operation of other businesses. Startups are messy work that often require wiggle room to adapt, as per March. "If you need to spend all weekend reworking a deck for an important Monday morning meeting, tending to lab experiments or coding for a product launch, you do it. This kind of dedication is necessary to succeed," he wrote. A right to disconnect would disincentivize startups from basing in California, according to March, and also discourage employees who desire to work more from joining California-based startups. "The end result will be no actual change in people's lives, just more red tape, more bureaucracy and more busy work," March said. Other advocacy groups, along with the California Chamber of Commerce, raised concerns that the bill doesn't adequately address how the law would be implemented with employees in different time zones or how salaries of exempt employees would be impacted. Critics also claimed the bill failed to acknowledge the unique needs of different professions, making it difficult to apply the same one-size-fits-all set of rules across the board. In his press release, Haney said that California is losing workers to Texas and New York and that his proposal, if it becomes law, would attract workers back to the Golden State. It's very plausible, however, that it would have the opposite effect, encouraging business owners, particularly in the tech industry, to ground themselves elsewhere as the vague regulations threaten to hinder their pace and goals. This is, after all, a fairly popular phenomenon as of late. Just between January 2018 and December 2021, 352 business headquarters left California. California's overall population has similarly been shrinking. Correlation isn't causation, but there's certainly a trend here. And while work-life balance is important, future startups are not going to create more jobs in California if new regulations slow down young businesses. The post California Politician Proposes Bill Making It Illegal To Contact Employees After Working Hours appeared first on Reason.com. In February, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Catholic organization Annunciation House for assisting immigrants entering the country illegally and then refusing law enforcements requests for documents, accusing the nonprofit of human smuggling. The legal action brings up the question of Catholic teaching and practice regarding illegal immigration across the country generally. Paxtons legal filing alleges, among other offenses, that Annunciation House is engaged in human smuggling because it contracts with a local company once or twice a week to transport migrants in passenger vans and knows that at least some of the aliens it provides services to are present illegally and are trying to avoid Border Patrol. Annunciation House leaders say they are ministering to people in needas they have done for yearsand that Paxtons office took an aggressive and hostile approach with them from the beginning. Catholic bishops from around the country have defended Annunciation Houses work, and Catholic organizations right to carry out the charitable tenets of its faith. What does the Catholic Church teach about immigrants and immigration? The Catholic Churchs teaching on immigration grounds itself in the biblical commands going back to the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt and continuing throughout the Bible. In Leviticus 19:33-34, God commanded the Israelites to welcome aliens and to treat them justly: When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. In biblical timeswith constantly warring kingdoms and the widespread enslaving of wars foreign captivesthis was a startling command. Even nearby outsiders were treated with suspicion, and aliens were easily prone to abuse in a strange culture with a language they did not understand. This early command to welcome the stranger was repeated throughout Jewish history in the Psalms and prophets. Jesus Christ continued this basic moral value when he recounted how people will be judged on the last day: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35). The Christian commands to charity and mercy further undergird an approach of welcome and compassion toward migrants. A key part of the monasticism that arose first in the late Roman Empire was to host weary travelers who came to the monastery door. As such, the Catholic Churchs default expectation is that just peoples will welcome aliens from other countries and treat them fairly. However, the church also teaches that sovereign countries have a right to control their borders, can mediate the flow of migrants into the country, and can expect their laws will be obeyed by immigrants. Though Christians should be open to offering shelter to those without it, they must use their prudential judgment about who, when, and how they fulfill this Christian obligation. So it is with nations, which should seek to welcome whom they can while determining just, prudential limits. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him. Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) in applying church teaching has issued several statements on the issue. In their 2000 pastoral statement Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, for example, the bishops stated: We Catholic bishops commit ourselves to continue to work at the national level to promote recognition of the human rights of all, regardless of their immigration status, and to advance fair and equitable legislation for refugees and prospective immigrants. Present efforts need to be strengthened and supported with new initiatives, both at the local level and at the national level as U.S. immigration law and practice change in the face of changing political pressures and social realities. In particular, Catholic lay people, diocesan officials, and bishops should continue to work together with community organizations, labor unions, and other religious bodies on behalf of the rights of immigrants in the workplace, schools, public services, our legal system, and all levels of government. Yet the bishops affirm any countrys right, including the United States, to control its borders, immigration, and the just enforcement of its laws. Moreover, the Catholic Church does not encourage unnecessary or irregular migration. Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided; this entails creating in countries of origin the conditions needed for a dignified life and integral development (Fratelli tutti, no. 129). In Catholic social teaching, the right to emigrate is generally constrained by the need for just reasons in favor of it. How do Catholic institutions serve immigrants in the U.S.? Nearly 14 percent of residents in the United States are foreign-born, amounting to around 45 million people. Of those, more than 10 million are in the country illegally, according to Pew. In practice, the Catholic Church and its institutions are deeply involved with immigrants, legal and illegal. This is especially true given the preponderance of Americas immigrants who are Spanish-speaking and from Catholic countries and backgrounds. Though its difficult to know cumulative numbers, Catholic Charities Inc. estimated that it served 608,000 asylum seekers in 2021, including nearly 225,000 migrants who received shelter or respite services. Many Catholic dioceses and parishes have a Sunday Mass in Spanish (or other languages), ministries to Hispanics, and parish publications in Spanish. Some of these organizations come directly under the authority of a bishop and its priests. Others are independent but must ultimately answer to a bishops authority if they are going to call themselves Catholic or associate themselves with Catholicism. Many Catholic hospitals and schools interact with illegal immigrants daily. Catholic institutions offer English-as-a-second-language (ESL) classes, job training, soup kitchens, and poverty relief efforts that serve vast numbers of immigrants. They also provide legal aid to navigate the immigration and naturalization process. This extensive effort in the U.S. traces its roots back to the mid-19th century, when a flood of Irish-Catholic immigrants fled to America from the Great Hunger in Ireland. As with other subgroups, opinions about illegal immigration and the border varies widely among Catholics. Yet the church hierarchys actions have remained firmly rooted in serving the needs of immigrants and not uprooting them from the lives they have established in the United States. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. BEIJING (Reuters) - Subsidy investigations started by the European Union interfere with the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe, and China resolutely opposes them, a Chinese commerce ministry official said. The official, who was not identified in a statement released by the department on Thursday, believes the probes launched by the European Union so far are all aimed at Chinese new energy-related enterprises, which will seriously damage the confidence of its firms in carrying out investment and trade cooperation in the EU. The remarks came from the head of the Trade Remedies Bureau of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in a meeting with Martin Lukas, director general of the trade defence department of the European Commission, in Brussels, according to the statement. In the latest move involving China, the European Union said it would investigate subsidies received by Chinese suppliers of wind turbines destined for its countries. The Chinese commerce official said it would be the fourth investigation initiated by the European Union in the past two months using foreign subsidies legislation against Chinese companies. The official also said in the course of the investigations, the EU "wantonly distorted the definition of subsidies, and the procedural standards were not open and transparent, which is a protectionist act that harms the level playing field in the name of fair competition." On Tuesday, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager said the Commission was investigating the conditions for wind park development in Spain, Greece, France, Romania and Bulgaria, without giving further details about why these countries in particular were highlighted. (Reporting by Bernard Orr; Editing by Kim Coghill and Christopher Cushing) OTTAWA (Reuters) - China tried to meddle in the last two Canadian elections but the results were not impacted and it was "improbable" Beijing preferred any one party over another, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an official probe on Wednesday. In sworn testimony before a commission conducting a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, Trudeau answered questions about intelligence briefings he had received and asserted the elections were "free and fair." Trudeau set up the commission last year under pressure from opposition legislators unhappy about media reports on China's possible role in the elections. Erin O'Toole, who led the main opposition Conservative party during the 2021 campaign, has estimated Chinese interference cost his party up to nine seats but added it had not changed the course of the election. Trudeau's Liberal Party won both the elections. "Nothing we have seen and heard despite, yes, attempts by foreign states to interfere, those elections held in their integrity. They were decided by Canadians," he said. Asked about an intelligence report about Chinese officials in Canada expressing a preference in 2021 for a Liberal minority government due to the perception that minority governments would be more limited in enacting anti-China policies, Trudeau said the report had not reached him. "While individual (Chinese) officials may well have expressed a preference or another, the impression we got and consistently would get is that ... it just would seem very improbable that the Chinese government itself would have a preference in the election," Trudeau said. On Monday, Canada's domestic spy agency told the commission that China "clandestinely and deceptively interfered" in both the elections, the firmest evidence so far of suspected Chinese meddling in Canadian politics. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Beijing has previously denied all allegations of meddling in Canadian affairs and said it had no interest in doing so. The elections were conducted amid high tensions between the countries over the arrest of an executive of the Chinese company Huawei Technologies in Canada, followed by the arrest of two Canadians on spying charges in China. All three were freed in 2021. The commission will complete an initial report by May 3 and deliver its final report by end-2024. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Chris Reese) By Jung Da-hyun Two Korean women, Shin Min-ji and Jang Jae-yeon, have joined the International Rescue Team of the National Fire Agency (NFA). Experts in various fields required for operations at overseas disaster sites have been selected to form the 137-member rescue team, the NFA said Wednesday. Shin, who served at the Republic of Army Special Warfare Command, will be dispatched to overseas disaster sites as part of the search team, serving as a rescue dog handler. She, who was commissioned as a firefighter in 2011, is currently on specialized team dedicated to metropolitan areas such as Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province at the National 119 Rescue Headquarters. Jang will work as an interpreter and information management agent at overseas disaster sites. She entered the fire service in September 2018 and is currently affiliated with the Chungcheong Fire Academy at the South Chungcheong Fire Department. The selection process for the team garnered significant attention, with 260 people applying, nearly double the team's size. The new international rescue team, in addition to Shin and Jang, includes firefighters with experience in construction, video editing, drone operation and military interpretation. The NFA's international rescue team was previously deployed to the site of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Turkey in February and to extinguish wildfires in Canada last August. The NFA noted the team's ability to respond promptly to disasters worldwide. It also said it is committed to expanding international rescue cooperation in the future, recognizing the significance of international disaster response cooperation. By Karen Freifeld and Doina Chiacu WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is adding four Chinese companies to an export blacklist for seeking to acquire AI chips for China's military, a U.S. official said on Wednesday. The companies are "involved with providing AI chips to China's military modernization programs" and military intelligence users, the Commerce Department's Kevin Kurland, an export enforcement official, said at a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing on strengthening export control enforcement. The companies are among 11 additions to the Commerce Department Entity List posted by the government on Wednesday. Suppliers need licenses, likely to be denied, to ship goods and technology to companies on the list. According to the posting on the Federal Register, four Chinese entities were added for acquiring and attempting to acquire U.S. items in support of China's military modernization efforts. The posting did not detail the reason. The companies are LINKZOL (Beijing) Technology Co, Xian Like Innovative Information Technology Co, Beijing Anwise Technology Co and SITONHOLY (Tianjin) Co. In the posting, the United States also restricted exports to five companies that it said were helping produce and procure drones for use by Russia in Ukraine and by Iran-backed Houthis in Red Sea shipping attacks. Russia has intensified its drone and missile strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities in recent weeks, causing significant damage and threatening a repeat of the blackouts experienced in the first year after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The Commerce Department added China's Jiangxi Xintuo Enterprise Co to the list for supporting Russia's military through the procurement, development, and proliferation of Russian drones, the posting said. Another Chinese company, Shenzhen Jiasibo Technology Co, was added for being part of a network procuring aerospace components, including drone applications, for an aircraft company in Iran. Three Russian entities - Aerosila JSC SPE, Delta-Aero LLC, and JSC ODK-Star - were added for being part of that network. "These components are used to develop and produce Shahed-series UAVs which have been used by Iran to attack oil tankers in the Middle East and by Russia in Ukraine," the Federal Register notice said, referring to unmanned aerial vehicles. Attacks on ships including oil tankers by Iranian-backed Houthis have disrupted global shipping through the Red Sea. Yemen's Houthis say they are retaliating against Israel's war against Palestinian Hamas militants in Gaza. Companies are added to the U.S. Entity List when Washington deems them a threat to U.S. national security or foreign policy. Two UAE citations, Khalaj Trading LLC and Mahdi Khalaj Amirhosseini, were added for apparently violating Iran sanctions by exporting or trying to export items from the United States to Iran through UAE, according to the posting. The companies could not be reached for comment. U.S.-Chinese military contacts resumed late last year but tensions continue due to fundamental differences over Taiwan and the South China Sea that remain dangerous potential flashpoints. Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pumped billions into buying and developing equipment as part of his modernizing efforts to build a "world-class" military by 2050, with Beijing's outsized defense budget growing at a faster pace than the economy for some years. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Karen Freifeld, additional reporting by Mike Stone in Washington; Editing by Rami Ayyub and Bill Berkrot) Colombias capital, Bogota, will begin rationing water this week as several of its reservoirs face unprecedented lows amid a drought made worse by the El Nino climate pattern. Speaking to the media on Monday, Bogota Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan said reservoirs had reached historically low levels and been worsened by El Nino, which causes high temperatures and impedes precipitation. Starting Thursday morning, restrictions or rationing measures will be put in place for Bogota residents and dozens of towns and municipalities surrounding the capital, according to a handout on the citys official website. The measures will affect around 9 million people. The country and region have experienced long periods without rain since June 2023 due to El Nino, the city wrote on its official website. Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a natural disaster decree in January, allowing the government to access more resources to combat El Ninos devastating effects, including wildfires and water stress. The plan will see nine different zones take turns rationing water services. Each zones water restrictions will begin at 8 a.m. local time and last 24 hours before shifting to the next zone in line. Hospitals and schools will have contingency plans, Galan said on X, ensuring they wont lack water. The critical levels of the reservoirs from which we draw drinking water for Bogota lead us to take measures aimed at saving water and reducing consumption from 17 cubic meters per second to 15, Galans post read. This must be the beginning of a behavioral change that is sustainable over time and guarantees that water is enough for everyone, he continued. Colombia joins Mexico, whose own capital, Mexico City, has also been experiencing a severe water crisis due to years of abnormally low rainfall, longer dry periods and high temperatures. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com When Park Chan-wook read The Sympathizer for the first time, maybe six or seven years ago, he felt like he was watching fireworks explode in the night. Which is to say, Park said, it was very colorful and loud in its expression and its prose. The South Korean filmmaker co-created The Sympathizer, with Don McKellar ("Last Night," "The Red Violin"), and directed the first three episodes of the seven-part HBO miniseries, premiering Sunday. The show, produced with A24, faithfully traces the plot of Viet Thanh Nguyens 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, centering the voice of the narrator, known simply as The Captain, played with cheeky verve by Australian actor Hoa Xuande, who is of Vietnamese descent. The Captain is a walking paradox, the son of a Vietnamese villager mother and a French priest father. (France colonized Vietnam in the mid-19th century and its undue cultural influence pervaded the country.) He was raised in Vietnam and went to college in the U.S., and has a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures. Read more: Viet Thanh Nguyen tackles Vietnam War's aftermath in 'The Sympathizer' The story begins in 1975, with the fall of Saigon. Throughout the Vietnam War, The Captain is a North Vietnamese spy working in the South Vietnamese army, which is backed by the U.S. As Saigon falls to the North, he is directed by Man (Duy Nguyen), a fellow communist and close friend, to follow the South Vietnamese community to the U.S. as a refugee and remain embedded there, reporting back. The first episode culminates with the dramatic, last-minute evacuation of Saigon, filled with explosions and rockets whizzing by. Its the feeling Park said he felt when he read the novel. The motif returns later when Fourth of July fireworks go off during an assassination. Like the book, the show is tongue-in-cheek, while also addressing heavy concepts war, trauma, histories of colonialism and racism. Parks directorial vernacular, which pairs brutal subject matter with black comedy, interlocks neatly with Nguyens satirical style. Co-creator and director Park Chan-wook on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the premiere of "The Sympathizer." (Willy Sanjuan/Invision/Associated Press) Believe it or not, I'm a director who puts significant importance in humor when I go about making a movie, because I believe when the humor is combined with tragedy or violence it actually makes it even more powerful, Park said through his interpreter, the filmmaker Jaehuen Chung. And that composite is what enables you to express in totality what a human being is, or what life is. The audience might not be laughing out loud, he said, but my hope is that it would at least bring a bitter smirk or smile onto their face. Five days before The Sympathizer premiere, Park was in Los Angeles for press, and we spoke over a video interview. He was wearing a black T-shirt under a black-and-white checkered blazer, framed by black velvet curtains in the background. On the Zoom screen, his name is Director Park, using the title as an honorific, common in Korean culture. He is a giant of South Korean cinema and cinema at large, for that matter. Known for films like Oldboy, The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave, he is a true auteur. Read more:Why Park Chan-wook crafted 'Decision to Leave' so love is more mysterious than murder Which is ironic, of course, given that theres a character in The Sympathizer, who is a director known only as The Auteur. The Auteur is making yet another capital H Hollywood movie called The Hamlet, about the Vietnam War from an American perspective, and hes a parody of the myopic attitude perpetuated by Western media and the establishment that runs it. There are a handful of similar characters: Claude, a CIA agent backing South Vietnam; The Congressman, an anti-communist Republican nicknamed Napalm Ned who fought with the South Vietnamese army; and Professor Hammer, who heads the Department of Oriental Studies at Occidental College and fetishizes Asian culture. And theyre all played by one person: Robert Downey Jr., donning various prosthetics and costumes. Very early on in the development process, when the producers were tossing ideas around, Park suggested having one actor play all those roles. He was partially inspired by Stanley Kubrick, who did something similar with Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove, another Cold War-era political satire black comedy. Our original novel's intention was to have one and the same body having different faces, Park said. Downey portrays what are in essence the melded faces of American imperialism and colonialism. Nguyen said on a phone call as he was walking the streets of Paris that there was an opportunity with The Sympathizer to have a more sophisticated understanding of what racism and colonization have meant and still mean in American society. When I was writing the book, it was always treating the war in Vietnam as an episode in a much longer history of American imperialism and colonialism. The Sympathizer both the book and the series is chock-full of big ideas like this. Theyre packed so tightly and so neatly, like a ream of loose-leaf paper, that its hard to extricate one from the next. It has immense elements, aspects compressed within it, Park said. Given that caveat, the one most important thing I did want to stress is: Whether it be ideology, system, politics, or revolution, they were actually started from pursuit of happiness of the individual, Park said. But history tells us that they end up suppressing the individual. And I just wanted to reflect upon it so that we don't repeat the same history again. The Captain is a microcosm of this. I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces, he says in the first line of the book, which Xuande also says in the opening scenes of the show. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds. I am simply able to see any issue from both sides. The show heightens the idea that this story is being told under duress, as a confession tortured out of The Captain, who is under interrogation in a communist reeducation camp back in Vietnam. Buzzing ceaselessly with warring ideologies, The Captains mind slowly splinters. It recalls another fragmentation, also illustrated in this story. Of the Vietnam War which is referred to in Vietnam, as the show points out, as the "American War" it's saying, 'Well, just remember that there's another side, McKellar, the series co-showrunner, said. Recognize that there's a Vietnamese side that is central to this story; it's a Vietnamese story. Look at it from that side. And then realize that that side in itself has two sides and is fractured. Co-creator Don McKellar at the premiere of "The Sympathizer" on Tuesday in Los Angeles. (Willy Sanjuan /Invision/Associated Press) When North Vietnam came under communist control in 1954, Nguyens parents fled to the south, where he was born in 1971. Four years later, when Saigon fell, his family fled again, this time to the U.S. If Americans today remember the Vietnam War at all, Nguyen said, its through American memories, American stories and the Hollywood version. In this sense, the Vietnamese have always been the background to the American drama, he said. (He was on set for the filming of the fake movie within the show, The Hamlet, which he said felt absurdly meta.) The Sympathizer was published in 2015 almost nine years ago exactly and it took almost five years to sign a deal for the series. When executive producer Niv Fichman finally optioned the book, and it was on its way to becoming a show, some of Nguyens prerequisites were that the production would seek out Vietnamese actors, and that as much Vietnamese would be spoken as possible. Putting those faces and voices in front of viewers for seven hours, he said, has an emotional and visceral and entertaining impact that shouldn't be underestimated. History, for Nguyen, is a continuity. He was working on the book between 2011 and 2013, when the U.S. was fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While he was writing about the reeducation camp, he was drawing from 60s CIA torture manuals and thinking about the U.S. torture and prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib. If anything, he thinks The Sympathizer is even more relevant now than at the time of its publication if you can understand it as more than just a Vietnam War story. If part of the point of the TV series is that wars don't end simply because we say they do, that they continue, Nguyen said, then in fact, all the contradictions of American history that have driven Americans from settler colonization to the Vietnam War, have driven us onwards to support Israel in its war on Gaza as well. (Nguyen has been very publicly vocal about his support for Palestinians in Gaza in recent months.) The series artfully translates pages and pages of tortured interior monologue in a way thats deeply compelling onscreen. The ending, like its protagonist, is bruised and battered, but hopeful. I feel like the message of the show is: We all contain these internal contradictions, but we can survive them, said McKellar. We can persevere. We have no choice. If you look at Vietnam and the people of Vietnam, they have survived, and very well, in fact. So it has to be optimistic. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Like most countries in Latin America, Cuba strongly condemned a recent raid by Ecuadors military on Mexicos embassy in Quito to arrest former vice president Jorge Glass, who faces corruption charges and had been granted asylum by the Mexican government. Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel said the incident, which resulted in Mexico cutting diplomatic ties with Ecuador, was an unacceptable violation of diplomatic conventions. He said on X that the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which is an essential component of International Law, must be respected by all. What Diaz-Canel didnt say: Cubas late leader Fidel Castro twice ordered armed assaults on foreign embassies to arrest refugees seeking protection, setting an almost forgotten precedent for the assault on the Mexican embassy. In a third incident, Cuban police officers also entered the grounds of an embassy in Havana to arrest a man seeking asylum inside. One of those assaults, on Feb. 13, 1981, involved the Ecuadorian embassy in Havana, and as a result, the two countries were also on the brink of breaking diplomatic relations. That day, a group of 31 Cubans led by armed former military officials broke into the Ecuadorian embassy in Havana and took three diplomats hostage, among them Ambassador Jorge Perez Concha, demanding political asylum to leave the country. The group included four women and six children and was led by a former Cuban rebel army captain, Romulo Juan Delgado y Fernandez. At the time, it was extremely difficult to migrate from Cuba because the government severely restricted travel abroad. The break-in at the embassy of Ecuador happened almost a year after hundreds of Cubans crammed into the Peruvian embassy in Havana in April 1980 seeking political asylum. The events at the Peruvian embassy led to the exodus of 125,000 Cubans to the United States in what became known as the Mariel boatlift. Worried about another potential crisis amid growing public discontent, the Cuban government warned it was not willing to negotiate with the refugees at the Ecuadorian embassy, calling them criminals and antisocial in official Cuban state media. A week after the armed group entered the embassy, it released the diplomats unharmed and surrendered the weapons, but stayed inside the embassy, hoping to get safe passage, according to multiple press reports. Ecuador authorities said at the time they were taking the group under their protection. But a day later, Cuban special troops stormed the embassy and arrested several members of the group in an operation reportedly directed by Castro, who was seen at the scene, several news agencies reported. The Cuban foreign ministry said Ecuadors government had authorized the raid, but the countrys president, Jaime Roldos, denied it and formally protested, calling the intrusion intolerable. Roldos also demanded the unrestricted respect for the life and freedom of those who were inside the embassy. He later recalled the countrys ambassador to Havana and demanded that Cuba release the refugees. Castro had other plans. He accused the CIA of plotting the whole incident, and his government imprisoned several members of the group that sought asylum at the Ecuadorian embassy, according to press reports and Cuba Archive, an organization that has built a database with historical records of deaths and disappearances of a political nature on the island. Juan Owen Delgado Temprana, who was 15 and who had entered the embassy with his parents and 12 family members, died in a hospital in Pinar del Rio on March 3 after suffering a beating at Havanas State Security Headquarters, according to Cuba Archive, which cites accounts from close relatives and other historical sources. In a lesser-known incident on Dec. 10, 1980, also recorded by Cuba Archive and the Spanish newspaper El Pais, Cuban security forces stormed the diplomatic mission of the Vatican in Havana and arrested 14 people who wanted to leave the country and had taken four nuns as hostages. According to El Pais, the group had shot one embassy guard. Three brothers Ventura, Cipriano, and Eugenio Garcia Marin Thompson who were part of the group and were Jehovahs Witnesses, a religious group that suffered harassment for decades under Castros rule, were sentenced in a summary trial and executed at the Cabana Fortress prison on Jan. 2, 1981, according to Cuba Archive. They were aged 19, 21, and 25. The most recent incident involving Cuban security forces breaking into an embassy happened on July 13, 1990, when four Cuban police officers chased a man who had jumped a gate at the Spanish Embassy in Havana seeking asylum. The four officers also jumped the gate, firing shots, took down the man, handcuffed him and shoved him into a car with a state security license plate, according to a report in El Pais. Spanish diplomats protested, and Cuban authorities apologized. On Sunday, the Cuban ambassador to Ecuador was among the diplomats escorting the Mexican ambassador on her way to the airport to leave the South American country after the break in diplomatic relations. The Cuban foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said the gesture was showed solidarity with Mexico. Update: The original version of this story incorrectly cited a Cuba Archive publication and reported that three people who had sought refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy had been executed. The story has been corrected to reflect that the three executed had sought refuge in the Vatican embassy in 1980. Ecuadors former vice president Jorge Glas on Wednesday started a hunger strike in a Guayaquil maximum security prison, where he has been held since Saturday, a member of his team told CNN. He is in a hole, without light, the source said. On Monday, Glas was hospitalized after refusing to eat food provided to him in prison, Ecuadors national prison agency SNAI said. He returned to prison on Tuesday after being discharged from the hospital. Glas was first imprisoned on Saturday, a day after Ecuadorian police arrested him in a controversial raid at Mexicos embassy in Quito, where he was seeking political asylum after being accused of corruption by Ecuadorian prosecutors. Glas has rejected the accusations. On Sunday, his lawyers filed an appeal of habeas corpus, a legal principle that allows people who believe they are being held unlawfully in prison or detention to challenge it. Successful challenges can lead to a detainees release. SNAI told CNN on Wednesday that Glas will have a hearing on the habeas corpus appeal this Thursday. The agency did not comment on the hunger strike. Fallout over embassy raid grows The news comes as the political fallout surrounding the storming of the embassy continues to grow. A host of Latin American countries have rallied around Mexico, which has condemned the raid as a flagrant violation of international law and has filed a case against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice in addition to breaking off diplomatic ties. On Wednesday, the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolution condemning Ecuadors actions in storming the embassy. Twenty-nine countries voted in favor of the resolution, while Ecuador voted against, a video of the meeting on OASs YouTube account showed. Mexico was absent for the vote, as was Venezuela. El Salvador was the only country to abstain. The meeting, convened at the requests of Bolivia and Colombia, saw Colombia present a draft resolution titled, Intrusion of the Ecuadorian police into the Embassy of Mexico in violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and the Institution of Diplomatic Asylum. Security camera footage shows Glas being arrested in the Mexican embassy. - from the Presidency of Mexico The resolution strongly condemned the raid on the Mexican embassy and the acts of violence against the well-being and dignity of the missions diplomatic staff, according to a copy obtained by CNN Espanol. The resolution also called on member states to respect the privileges and immunities of diplomatic missions, and fulfill their obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations to ensure the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel is fully respected and upheld, without exception. Ecuador and Mexico were urged to initiate dialogue and take immediate measures to resolve the matter in accordance with international law, according to the resolution. Ecuador defends raid Ecuadors deputy minister of foreign affairs Alejandro Davalos defended his countrys actions, arguing it was Mexico that, in granting asylum to Glas, had violated the Vienna Convention. Mexicos actions were unlawful because Glas had been accused and found guilty of crimes, he told the meeting, and the raid was necessary given that a common delinquent simply had sought to flee. Glas has been accused by the Ecuadorian authorities of embezzling government funds meant to help rebuild after a devastating 2016 earthquake. He has previously been convicted twice on corruption charges. His team say Glas, who served under leftist ex-President Rafael Correa between 2013 and 2017, is the subject of political persecution. Members of Ecuador's Navy at the entrance of the hospital where Ecuador's detained former vice president Jorge Glas was taken after falling ill at a prison following his arrest. - Vicente Gaibor Del Pino/Reuters It is not lawful to offer asylum to persons who upon asking for asylum are before competent courts accused of common crimes or worse yet when they have already been condemned, found guiltywithout having done the time or paid the fines imposed, Davalos said. Foreign diplomats owe to the host country their noninterference in its domestic relations, the envoy added, in a reference to the Mexican embassy. Regarding the meetings call for dialogue and resolution, he said that wont happen until we find new basis for bilateral relations that is respectful of international law and our own law. This is a developing story and will be updated. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed the remarks before the OAS. They were made by Ecuadors deputy minister of foreign affairs Alejandro Davalos. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Ted Hesson and Mica Rosenberg (Reuters) -Donald Trump is blaming migrants in the U.S. illegally for fueling violent crime as part of his campaign to win back the White House, repeating rhetoric used during his previous run for the presidency. But studies show immigrants are not more likely to engage in criminality. WHAT IS TRUMP SAYING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AND CRIME? Former U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican challenging President Joe Biden in the November elections, has focused on crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally as part of his argument for stricter border controls. Trump says Biden's policies are overly permissive and has branded crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally as "Biden migrant crime." Trump has used dehumanizing terminology to describe immigrants in the U.S. illegally, calling them "animals" when talking about alleged criminal acts, and saying they are "poisoning the blood of our country," a phrase that has drawn criticism as xenophobic and echoing Nazi rhetoric. In response to the criticism, Trump has said he had no idea that German dictator Adolf Hitler had used similar language. Recently, Trump and Republicans have focused on the case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia allegedly murdered by a Venezuelan in the country illegally. The Republican National Committee earlier this month launched a website called "Biden Bloodbath" that highlights anecdotal incidents involving migrants in eight U.S. states, including electoral battlegrounds such as Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded to a Reuters request for comment on research on the issue with a list of news articles about alleged crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally. HOW HAS BIDEN RESPONDED? Biden was interrupted during the State of the Union address in March by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican who demanded Biden acknowledge the murder. Biden responded by saying Riley was "an innocent woman who was killed by an illegal." He then asked how many people were killed by "legals" - apparently referencing citizens and others in the country legally. Biden later said he regretted calling Riley's accused killer "illegal" and said the term should have been "undocumented." Biden's top border official, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said at a reporter roundtable last week that he "profoundly" disagrees with efforts "to demonize all migrants based on the actions of an individual." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this month that violent rhetoric was being used "to tear our country apart." DO IMMIGRANTS COMMIT MORE CRIME THAN THE NATIVE BORN? A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans. A more limited universe of studies specifically examine criminality among immigrants in the U.S. illegally but also find that they do not commit crimes at a higher rate. A selection of recent research: "Immigration and Crime: Assessing a Contentious Issue," by Charis Kubrin, a criminology professor at the University of California, Irvine, and Graham Ousey, a sociology professor at William & Mary. The 2018 study was published in the peer-reviewed Annual Review of Criminology. A meta-analysis of more than fifty studies on the link between immigration and crime between 1994 and 2014 found there was no significant relationship between the two. The researchers subsequently studied all aspects of the issue in a book published last year that came to similar results. "Law-Abiding Immigrants: The Incarceration Gap Between Immigrants and the US-born, 18702020," by Ran Abramitzky, economics professor at Stanford University and four other researchers. The 2024 working paper was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study, which used U.S. Census data, found immigrants had lower incarceration rates than the U.S.-born over a 150-year period. "Comparing crime rates between undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and native-born US citizens in Texas," by Michael Light, sociology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and two other researchers. The 2020 study was published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. * The report, which used data from the Texas Department ofPublic Safety between 2012-2018, found a lower felony arrestrate for immigrants in the U.S. illegally compared to legalimmigrants and native-born U.S. citizens and no evidence ofincreasing criminality among immigrants. * Light published a study in 2017 that found illegalimmigration does not increase violent crime. The study used datafrom all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., from 1990-2014. Aseparate study found no link between increased illegalimmigration and drunk-driving deaths. Cato Institute research by Alex Nowrasteh and others * The libertarian think tank has published multiple reportsthat show immigrants in the country commit crimes at lower ratesthan the native-born. In a recent USA Today op-ed, Nowrastehpreviewed new research that found immigrants in the U.S.illegally in Texas were about 26% less likely to be convicted ofhomicide than native-born Americans from 2013-2022. HOW RELIABLE IS THE DATA? Several of the studies mentioned above were conducted by academic researchers and published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies draw on a range of data sources, including U.S. Census records and estimates of the number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Several reports examining crime rates for immigrants in the U.S. illegally use data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which logs immigration status in its arrest records. Michael Light, one of the researchers who used the Texas data, said that crime rates would likely vary from state to state, but that the Texas figures were the best available. The Cato Institute's Nowrasteh said researchers would have a better idea of the crime rate for immigrants in the country illegally if other states maintained and shared data in the same manner as Texas. DO ANY STUDIES FIND IMMIGRANTS MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT CRIMES? The Center for Immigration Studies, a research group that supports lower levels of immigration, has argued that researchers using data from the Texas Department of Public Safety undercounted crimes by immigrants in the country illegally. The group said in 2022 that both Michael Light and Nowrasteh failed to account for immigrants who were identified as being in the country illegally after they were imprisoned. Nowrasteh contested the CIS critique and said the group double-counted some criminal offenders in the country illegally. In its own study in 2009, CIS found "there is no clear evidence that immigrants commit crimes at higher or lower rates than others." A 2018 study using Arizona state prison records from 1985-2017 found that immigrants in the country illegally were more likely to be convicted of a crime. The study, by conservative economist John Lott, found immigrants in the U.S. illegally tend to commit more serious crimes and serve longer sentences. But the Cato Institute's Nowrasteh criticized the findings, saying Lott had included immigrants who had legal status in the U.S. and may have violated the terms of a visa by committing a crime. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT TRENDS HAVE SHIFTED RECENTLY? The data used to determine crime rates is typically several years old, so it does not explicitly speak to current or future trends. However, some studies found consistent patterns over long periods of time. Several researchers mentioned that more families and unaccompanied children have been caught crossing the border in the past decade, groups that are statistically less likely to commit crimes. Michael Light, the University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, said U.S. research overall does not indicate immigrants are more likely to commit crime. "Of course foreign-born individuals have committed crimes," Light said in an interview. "But do foreign-born individuals commit crime at a disproportionately higher rate than native-born individuals? The answer is pretty conclusively no." (Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Editing by Mary Milliken and Aurora Ellis) WASHINGTON The head of the Food and Drug Administration urged Congress on Thursday to pass legislation mandating that food manufacturers test for lead in products imported to the United States. Dr. Robert Califfs comment was in response to a question from Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, during a hearing that touched on the FDA's response to issues including lead-contaminated cinnamon applesauce pouches, which have sickened hundreds of children. The applesauce pouches, from Florida-based company WanaBana, were recalled in the fall after they were found to have high lead levels. The pouches were imported from Ecuador. Califf said the FDA oversees products from about 275,000 registered manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and abroad. Due to budget limitations, the agency often has to rely on the food manufacturers themselves to do their own testing. Dr. Robert Califf testifies (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images) Most times they do a good job, ensuring the products are tested, he said; sometimes they dont. In the case of cinnamon applesauce, if there had been mandatory testing, when it got imported into the U.S. from Ecuador, the stores that were selling it probably would have picked it up at that point, Califf said, noting that there is no federal requirement for testing for lead in foods. Its the way the drug system works, he added. The manufacturers of drugs have to test every batch for possible contamination. Complicating matters is that the FDA doesn't currently set limits on heavy metals in most foods. Only a handful, including chocolate candy and sugar-based candy, have specific lead limits. In 2022, the agency introduced draft guidelines for lead limits in juice. Califf's comments come two days after an investigation from Consumer Reports, an advocacy group, found high levels lead in certain Lunchables products. The group is now calling on the federal government to remove Lunchables from the national free and reduced-price school lunch program. The FDA would need Congress to enact legislation to give the agency the authority to impose mandatory testing, Califf said. At FDA, we're referees, he added. You all in Congress actually write the rule books. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A former Cornell University student has pleaded guilty to posting online threats, including of death and violence, against Jewish students on campus, the U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday. Patrick Dai, 21, was charged late last year for making online threats against Jewish students at the Ivy League school in Ithaca, New York. U.S. government officials and civil society advocates have warned about rising threats against American Jews, Muslims and Arabs since the eruption of the Israel-Gaza war on Oct. 7. As part of his guilty plea, Dai admitted that on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, he threatened to bomb, stab and rape Jews on the Cornell section of an online discussion forum. The Justice Department said Dai's threats "caused widespread panic and fear" in Cornell's Jewish community. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12. Dai faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution to victims and a maximum of three years of supervised release, according to the Justice Department. A contact for Dai could not immediately be reached. U.S. President Joe Biden has condemned rising antisemitism and Islamophobia since Oct. 7, when Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel killing 1,200, according to Israeli tallies, and sparking Israel's offensive in Hamas-governed Gaza that has killed more than 33,000, according to the Gaza health ministry. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Bill Berkrot) Frustrations are boiling over in the GOP conference after 19 Republicans blocked legislation to reauthorize the governments surveillance powers, a number that stunned Washington on Wednesday and sent GOP leaders scrambling for a Plan B to shore up national security protections before they expire next week. The tanked procedural vote sent House Republicans to a hasty conference meeting behind closed doors in the Capitol basement, their second of the day, for a huddle that lawmakers described as an airing of grievances one that seemed only to heighten the internal tensions. That was pure chaos, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) told reporters of the meeting. It wasnt productive at all. It was a conference that could have been an email, minus the yelling, Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) said. I think its cathartic to some degree or another, but we got to figure out something. I dont know what this looks like. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) listened to his colleagues and took notes throughout the huddle, according to lawmakers in the room, and at times he responded to qualms members aired. But the Speaker did not lay out a path forward on the contentious question of how to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), leaving Republicans wondering how the House will reform the countrys ability to spy on foreigners abroad by next weeks deadline. It was a fruitful meeting, House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said. But when pressed to detail what was fruitful about it, he paused and then laughed before floating negotiations with the upper chamber. Well, I think that the Speaker has a number of options that he has to consider, including working with the Senate directly, Turner said. Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), who voted to spike the rule, said the conversation was definitely a little contentious at some points. You can just just tell that people are passionate about this issue, and I think for good reason, he added. Rule votes have historically been predictable affairs, with the majority party voting in favor and the minority party against, regardless of how lawmakers plan to vote on the underlying legislation. Thats changed in this Congress, with conservatives repeatedly using the procedural votes to protest legislation leadership has brought to the floor but even so, 19 no votes shocked many in the Capitol. Those Republicans were largely opposed the procedural vote out of frustration with Johnson for backing the legislation without a warrant requirement theyve demanded. While Section 702 does not permit the government to spy on Americans, citizens who communicate with foreigners who are being surveilled have their interactions swept up in the process information that can later be viewed by law enforcement. But their revolt was counterintuitive it blocked an amendment from coming to the floor that would have added a warrant requirement for Americans data that was predicted to have broad support. The debate over FISA has for months pitted members on the House Judiciary Committee against those of the House Intelligence Committee, with the warrant requirement emerging as the main source of disagreement. Im just bewildered that a small number of members decided to take down the rule, said House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes (Conn.), the senior Democrat on the committee. We would have won or we would have lost, but it was all teed up with a base bill that had various tangible reforms, and 19 people decided no, we shouldnt have that debate. Some Republicans who support the warrant amendment were frustrated by their colleagues actions. I want a chance to win the warrant amendment debate. I think momentum was moving in our way, said Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), chair of the Judiciary Committee. You have the debate, and both sides argue and you have the vote. And whoever wins is happy and whoever loses, not quite so much. And you move on. Johnson said afterward that hes still hopeful he can win over the detractors and move the FISA reauthorization through the House by regular order, which will require a rule like the one the conservatives sank Wednesday. Were going to find consensus and talk to a few of the members who were most vocal tonight, through the evening [and] tomorrow morning if necessary. And were going to try to find a way to unlock the rule, Johnson told reporters. And I think its possible. I mean, there are some differences of opinion. But I think everyone most everyone understands the necessity of getting this right and getting it done. Yet other Republicans warned that the internal opposition is too entrenched to move the bill via regular order, predicting GOP leaders would have to tap a fast-track procedure, known as the suspension calendar, that precludes a rule but requires two-thirds of the chamber to pass. The Rules Committees so broken right now, I think the only option [is to] put it on suspension, said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), a member of the House Intelligence Committee. And I think it would get two-thirds. Fitzpatrick, a former FBI agent, also took a shot at those Republicans who blocked the FISA bill, saying theyre simply confused about what the bill actually allows the government to do. The ideologically pure crowd doesnt take well to facts, he said. Going the suspension calendar route would necessarily require votes from Democrats, who are also internally split over whether the law should include a warrant requirement. How do you sideline 19 people? You do that the way its been done these last couple weeks, which is suspension of the rules, but 290 is tough, Himes said. And while some Democrats also may not support the overall bill, Himes said, then theres a larger question that has been a question since Kevin McCarthy, which is at what point do the Democrats stop majority dysfunction? calling it a political question. Still, Democratic leaders support the concept and have suggested most of their caucus will follow. We understand the importance of reauthorizing FISA and protecting our national security. We want that, Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) said. The House bill contains a number of reforms other than a warrant requirement, and some Republicans including Johnson have raised concerns that not passing a FISA bill in the lower chamber could prompt the Senate to get moving on a clean FISA reauthorization measure, then force the lower chamber to take up that legislation. My worst-case scenario: being rolled by the Senate on a clean [reauthorization]. Thats my worst-case scenario, and I also think its probably the most realistic, Armstrong said. The fight has left Johnson and his leadership team with few options to break the internal logjam ahead of the April 19 deadline for reauthorizing FISA. No decisions have been made, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said after the meeting. Its an uncertainty thats only fueling the anxieties within the divisive conference as the FISA deadline inches closer. I have no idea what theyre gonna do, Miller said. I feel bad for the Speaker, because hes literally gonna have to pull a rabbit out of a magic hat for this thing to work, at this point. The series of events Wednesday is prompting new criticism of Johnson, who has struggled to lead the lower chamber through the months-long debate over FISA which has included one short-term extension and a hasty yank from the House floor. And it comes as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a top Johnson antagonist, continues to dangle her motion to vacate over the Speakers head. Greene filed that resolution the same mechanism used to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) roughly two weeks ago, but has not yet said when she plans to force a vote on it. Greene met with Johnson on Wednesday morning and told reporters afterward that the Speaker does not have my support, adding, Im watching what happens with FISA and Ukraine. She heaped new criticism on the Speaker following Wednesday afternoons conference meeting. Leadership knew Speaker Johnson knew ahead of time that they were gonna vote against the rule, Greene said of the band of conservatives. So why would you bring it to the floor if theyre gonna vote against the rule and its gonna fail? That doesnt make sense. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), who opposed the rule, criticized Johnson for coming out against the warrant requirement ahead of Wednesdays vote. What we ended up with was a bill that didnt have the warrant protections in the bill. It was going to be forced to be added as an amendment. And then the Speaker of the House put his finger on the scale against the amendment. And that pretty much is the story, he told reporters after the vote. The episode shows little has changed since the House first weighed the issue last year. In December, the House was forced to pass a short-term extension of the law amid a feud between the House Intelligence and Judiciary committees over whose bill should be the vehicle for extending the law. Then, in February, Johnson scrapped plans to bring a FISA bill to the floor amid divisions between the two committees. Nothings ever comes easy for the 118th [Congress], Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) said Wednesday, and I think its a good reminder that we have a lot of people who frankly arent as interested in progress as they make it seem. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An 85-year-old Idaho woman shot and killed an intruder in her home in what a county prosecutor called "one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of." Bingham County Prosecutor Ryan Jolley said in a case review that the woman, identified Wednesday as Christine Jenneiahn, acted in self-defense and ruled it was a case of justifiable homicide. "That Christine survived this encounter is truly incredible," Jolley wrote. "Her grit, determination, and will to live appear to be what saved her that night." home invasion burglary (Google Maps) According to the review, posted on Facebook by the Bingham County Sheriff's Office, an intruder, identified as Derek Condon, broke into Jenneiahn's home at around 2 a.m. on March 13. Jenneiahn told prosecutors she was asleep in her Bingham County home when she was awakened by an intruder who was wearing a military jacket and black ski mask and was pointing a gun and a flashlight at her. She said her disabled son was also home. The review says Condon most likely hit Jenneiahn in her head while she was in bed, because Jenneiahn said she'd been hit and because investigators found blood on her pillow and on her bedroom floor. Condon then handcuffed Jenneiahn and took her to the living room at gunpoint, according to the review. There, he handcuffed her to a wooden chair and asked about her valuables. When she said she didn't have much, he put his gun to her head, the review said. According to the review, Jenneiahn told Condon she had two safes downstairs. He left her handcuffed in the living room as he looked through several rooms of her home in search of her valuables, prosecutors said. "At some point," the review says, "he discovered that Christine's son was also in the home and became angry at Christine for not telling him." Condon started to make numerous threats that he wanted to kill Jenneiahn, according to the review. While Condon was searching downstairs, she dragged the wooden chair to which she was handcuffed into her bedroom and grabbed her .357 Magnum revolver from under her pillow, the review says. Back in the living room, Jenneiahn hid the gun between the armrest and a cushion as she "waited to see what Condon did next." "Christine's memory of exactly what occurred next remains somewhat unclear," according to the review. Jenneiahn told prosecutors that at some point, when Condon returned to the living room after having rummaged through her home, he again threatened to kill her. "She ultimately made the decision that it was 'now or never' and drew her concealed 357 magnum and engaged Condon striking him with both her shots," the review says. Condon returned fire, striking Jenneiahn multiple times in her abdomen, a leg, an arm and her chest with a 9 mm pistol, according to the review. Condon went to the kitchen, where he died from the gunshot wounds. Jenneiahn, still handcuffed, fell over and remained on the floor for about 10 hours until her son came upstairs in the late morning and gave her a phone to call 911. Deputies responded at about 12:17 p.m., the review says. EastIdahoNews.com reported that Jenneiahn was taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. She has been released and is recovering, it reported. Subsequent investigation turned up a broken window in the back of the residence and a screwdriver near where Condon broke in, according to the review. On his body, Condon had a lock pick set, his car key, a handcuff key and a bag filled with items stolen from the home. Condon's car was also found near the home, according to the review, and a set of footprints leading from the vehicle in the direction of the home was discovered. Based on Idaho's self-defense law, which states, "No person in this state shall be placed in legal jeopardy of any kind whatsoever for protecting himself," Jolley ruled the killing justifiable. "This case presents an easy analysis of self-defense and justifiable homicide," Jolley wrote. "It also presents one of the most heroic acts of self-preservation I have ever heard of." He added: "Absent a clear attempt by Condon to retreat from the residence or surrender, which based on the evidence clearly did not occur, Christine was justified in taking any and all means necessary to defend herself and her son that night." Broader opposition bloc gains over 190 seats out of 300 By Lee Hyo-jin The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) clinched a landslide victory in Wednesday's general elections, significantly outperforming its rival, the conservative ruling People Power Party (PPP). The victory solidifies the position of the liberal party and establishes an even larger opposition-dominated Assembly for the next four years. The DPK managed to win 175 seats out of 300. Broken down, this works out as 161 constituency wins plus 14 proportional representation seats secured by its satellite party, the Democratic United Party, according to the National Election Commission (NEC). The PPP obtained a total of 108 seats, including 18 gained through proportional representation by its satellite party, the People Future Party. This marks the third consecutive victory for the main opposition DPK, following the general elections held in 2016 when it was the main opposition and 2020 when it was the ruling party. According to the NEC, the Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), a minor progressive party led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, secured 12 seats through the proportional representation system, marking a successful debut in its first election since its launch in March. Among other minor parties, the Reform Party led by former PPP leader Lee Jun-seok obtained three seats. The Saemirae Party, headed by former DPK Chairman Lee Nak-yon, and the Jinbo Party, both secured one seat each. The opposition parties collectively secured over 190 seats, falling short of the exit poll results announced yesterday, which forecast that the broader opposition bloc could win as many as 200 seats. The 200-seat scenario would have posed a significant threat to President Yoon Suk Yeol due to the power it would afford to the winning side, to amend the Constitution and neutralize the president's veto power. Although this was narrowly missed, the broader liberal opposition bloc, with over 190 seats, can still exert collective power over Yoon through concerted legislative action. This means that they still have the ability to fast-track bills, shortening the deliberation process, thereby making plenary voting faster than that of other bills. For this, they would need support from at least three-fifths of the total Assembly members. Additionally, they can halt a filibuster a procedural delaying tactic often used by politicians with the support of 180 lawmakers. The opposition bloc's resounding victory paints a bleak picture for Yoon. Wednesday's elections were widely considered a critical midterm referendum for the president, who is approaching his two-year mark in office next month. Due to his party's crushing defeat, Yoon has become the first-ever president in Korea's current presidential system, established in 1987, to face an opposition-controlled Assembly throughout his entire five-year term, which began in May 2022. Moreover, the government faces heightened risks of legislative setbacks to its budgetary and policy agendas as the RKP, whose mantra is to "end the Yoon government and its prosecutorial tyranny," made a successful debut by securing 12 seats. The liberal party is expected to play a decisive role in parliamentary votes. DPK sweeps Seoul and surrounding regions A significant factor behind the DPK's landslide victory appears to be its successes in constituencies in Seoul, Incheon and surrounding Gyeonggi Province, which were considered swing regions. The DPK claimed victory in 102 out of 122 electoral districts there, reflecting its strong performance in these crucial areas. Out of the 48 constituencies in Seoul, the DPK secured 37, while the PPP won 11. In Incheon, the PPP managed to win only two seats out of the 14 up for grabs, while the DPK claimed the majority with 12. In Gyeonggi Province, the DPK emerged victorious in 53 out of the total 60 districts, with the PPP securing six and the Reform Party taking one. No major surprises were witnessed in the liberal bloc's stronghold of the southwestern region, encompassing the city of Gwangju and the Jeolla provinces, nor in the southeastern region, which includes Busan, Daegu, Ulsan and the surrounding Gyeongsang provinces where the conservative party traditionally holds sway. The DPK secured all 28 seats in the southwestern region, while the PPP claimed victory in all 25 seats in the southeastern region. PPP leader resigns PPP interim leader Han Dong-hoon announced his resignation, Thursday, taking responsibility for his party's loss. The political novice, who assumed the role last December after stepping down from the justice minister post, apologized for falling short of public expectations. The public is always right. As the party leader, I want to offer my sincere apologies for our party's failure to fully capture the will of the people I will take full responsibility for the election outcome and step down from my position as party chairman, Han said during a press conference. He refrained from discussing his future plans, stating that he remains committed to the promises made to the public. Meanwhile, DPK leader Rep. Lee Jae-myung expressed gratitude for the public support shown to his party. Lee also secured a second term at the Assembly in the elections, following a convincing win against the PPP's Won Hee-ryong in Incheon's Gyeyang-B constituency. It is not a victory of the party, but a great victory of our people, Lee said during a party meeting. "We will do our best to alleviate people's difficulties and resolve national crises. Both ruling and opposition parties must join forces to tackle the economic crisis affecting people's livelihoods." A federal judge has thrown out the city of Miamis voting map after ruling that commissioners in 2022 approved unconstitutional, racially gerrymandered district boundaries that sorted city residents by race and ethnicity. On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore issued a sharp ruling that invalidated the boundaries of each of the citys five districts rejecting a mindset that has defined how the city chose elected representatives for more than two decades. The judge barred the city from holding any elections under the unconstitutional districts. The next city elections are in November 2025. The judge said he would set a court date to bring both sides together to discuss the next steps, which could include holding special elections and drawing a new map. On Wednesday evening, the city released a statement saying its legal department has received and is currently reviewing the order issued by United States District Judge K. Michael Moore. The decision tees up a discussion over how to redraw the voting map, which would decide who can vote for candidates to represent them in neighborhoods across Floridas second most populous city. Set against a backdrop of scandal at City Hall, the ruling could also fuel debate over whether the five-person City Commission should be expanded and if commissioners should represent districts or if elected officials should be chosen by voters citywide. READ MORE: Miami commissioners words from 2022 could steer fate of racial gerrymandering case Moore sided with a coalition of city residents and community groups, including two branches of the NAACP, Grove Rights and Community Equity (GRACE), and multiple individuals who sued the city in late 2022. The community groups are being represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Dechert law firm. I am so proud of our legal team who worked with a group of courageous local activists to bring an end to the manipulation of Miami government through unconstitutional racial and ethnic gerrymandering of Commission districts a scheme that has gone on for too many years, Howard Simon, interim director of the ACLU of Florida, said in a statement Wednesday. The plaintiffs argued that the city violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment when commissioners fixated on preserving the ethnic makeup of the commission by using racial quotas to draw the voting map, packing Hispanic and Black voters into districts. By sorting its citizens based on race, the City reduced Miamians to no more than their racial backgrounds, thereby denying them the equal protection of the laws that the Fourteenth Amendment promises, Moore wrote. During public hearings in early 2022, commissioners said they intended to make sure the commission would be made up of three Hispanic members, one Black member and one non-Hispanic white member. Moore sharply criticized that mindset in his ruling. These are serious harms that the City perpetuated, and Miamians suffered, Moore wrote. Today, the Court permanently prevents the City from racially gerrymandering any longer. COEUR dALENE, Idaho. (AP) An 18-year-old man accused of planning to attack churches in a northern Idaho city in support of the Islamic State group has pleaded not guilty to a federal terrorism charge. Alexander Mercurio appeared Wednesday in Idahos U.S. District Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terror organization, the Coeur dAlene Press reported. Prosecutors say he planned to use a metal pipe, butane fuel, a machete and, if he could get them, his fathers guns in the attack. Mercurio was arrested Saturday, the day before investigators believe he planned to attack people attending a church near his Coeur d'Alene home. According to authorities, Mercurio adopted the Muslim faith against his Christian parents wishes and had been communicating for two years with FBI informants posing as Islamic State group supporters. Mercurio told one informant he intended to incapacitate his father with the pipe, handcuff him and steal his guns and a car to carry out his plan, according to an FBI agents sworn statement in the case. His father's guns included rifles, handguns and ammunition that were locked in a closet, but Mercurio planned to attack with the pipe, fire and knives if he couldnt get the firearms, alleged the sworn statement by FBI task force officer John Taylor II. Mercurio in an audio recording he gave the informant said if he could get access to the guns, everything will be so much easier and better and I will achieve better things, according to the statement. After attacking the church, Mercurio told the informant he planned to attack others in town before being killed in an act of martyrdom, according to the statement. Mercurio told a confidential informant that he first connected with the Islamic State group during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools were closed, Taylor said, and investigators later found files on his school-issued laptop detailing the groups extremist ideology. Mercurio eventually began to worry that he was a hypocrite for not yet carrying out an attack, according to the statement. Ive stopped asking and praying for martyrdom because I dont feel like I want to fight and die for the sake of Allah, I just want to die and have all my problems go away, he wrote in a message to the informant, according to the statement. On March 21, Mercurio sent a direct message to the informant again, saying he was restless, frustrated and wondered how long he could keep living in such a humiliated and shameful state, the statement alleged. I have motivation for nothing but fighting ... like some time of insatiable bloodlust for the life juice of these idolators; a craving for mayhem and murder to terrorize those around me. I need some better weapons than knives, the direct message said, according to the statement. Law enforcement arrested Mercurio after he sent an audio file pledging his allegiance to the Islamic State group, the statement alleged. If convicted, Mercurio could face up to 20 years in prison. His trial is set for May 28. The Islamic State group took control of a large swath of territory in Syria and Iraq in 2014 and had been largely defeated on the battlefield by 2018. However, it maintains desert hideouts in both countries and its regional affiliates operate in Afghanistan, West Africa and the Far East. Islamic State Khorasan claimed responsibility for last months Moscow concert hall shooting attack that killed 145 people, the deadliest attack in Russia in years. SAN ANTONIO An Afghan migrant on the terrorist watchlist spent nearly a year inside the U.S. after he was apprehended and released by Border Patrol agents last year, U.S. officials told NBC News. The man was arrested in February and then released last month again by an immigration judge who was not told he was a national security threat. Mohammad Kharwin, 48, was freed on bond as he awaited an immigration hearing in Texas, scheduled for 2025, U.S. officials said. There were no restrictions on his movements inside the U.S. Late Thursday, Kharwin was taken into custody again by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, a Homeland Security spokesperson said. A source familiar with the matter said that, "based on the information currently available, there is no reason to believe this individual entered the country as part of a terrorist mission." Kharwin was initially apprehended on March 10, 2023, near San Ysidro, California, after having crossed the Mexico-U.S. border illegally. Border agents suspected he was on the U.S. terrorist watchlist when he was apprehended because one piece of information matched a person on the list. But the agents lacked corroborating information, which officials declined to describe, that would confirm Kharwin was the person they suspected, U.S. officials said. After it processed Kharwin and took his biometric data, Customs and Border Protection released him as it would any other migrant, without alerting Immigration and Customs Enforcement about possible terrorism ties, U.S. officials said. Kharwin was referred to ICEs Alternatives to Detention Program, requiring him to check in periodically by phone with an ICE officer. He was able to apply for asylum and work authorization and fly domestically in the U.S., the officials said. Kharwin is on the national terrorist watchlist maintained by the FBI, which includes the names of 1.8 million people considered potential security risks. The database indicates he is a member of Hezb-e-Islami, or HIG, a political and paramilitary organization that the U.S. has designated a terrorist organization. According to the national intelligence directors office, HIG is a virulently anti-Western insurgent group that sought to overturn the Western-backed Afghan government before its fall in 2021. HIG was responsible for attacks in Afghanistan that killed at least nine American soldiers and civilians from 2013 to 2015. The group is not seen as a top threat in terms of attacks inside the U.S. The Biden administration has said it prioritizes migrants considered threats to national security for detention and deportation. After this article was published, a DHS spokesperson said CBP did not knowingly release a person on the terrorist watchlist. At the time of the initial encounter, the information in the record could not have provided a conclusive match," the spokesperson said. "As soon as there was information to suggest that this individual was of concern, he was taken into custody by ICE. Law enforcement has been tracking the matter closely to protect against public safety risks. In February, the FBI passed information to ICE indicating that Kharwin had potential terrorist ties and might pose a risk to national security. Soon after, nearly a year after he was released near the border, ICE agents conducted an operation and arrested Kharwin in San Antonio on Feb. 28, according to sources familiar with the case. Kharwin was held in ICE detention until his court hearing March 28, when he appeared before an immigration judge in Pearsall, Texas. Immigration judges decide whether migrants can stay legally in the U.S., continue to be detained or be deported. When ICE prosecutors appeared in court, they did not share some classified information with the judge that purportedly showed Kharwin's ties to HIG, two U.S. officials said. Prosecutors argued that he should be detained without bond because he was a flight risk, but they did not say he was a national security risk, according to sources familiar with the case. The judge ordered Kharwin released on bond. The Justice Department, which oversees immigration judges and courts, declined to name the judge or respond to a request for official comment. On March 30, ICE released Kharwin after he paid the $12,000 bond mandated by the immigration judge, which is higher than most bonds for migrants awaiting immigration court dates. The judge placed no restrictions on his movements inside the U.S. but required him to appear for his next court hearing in a year. ICE has not appealed the judges decision, sources familiar with the case said.The case illustrates the challenges U.S. officials face in identifying migrants who may pose national security threats. Kharwins case is the third incident in two years in which Customs and Border Protection has released migrants with suspected terrorist ties. A migrant with ties to the Somali terror group al-Shabaab was arrested this year in Minnesota after having lived in the U.S. for nearly a year, the Daily Caller reported. In that case, the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center made a redetermination that he should be placed on the watchlist after he was released, the Daily Caller reported. A report from the DHS inspector general in June reviewed an incident from April 2022 in which a migrant was released because information that would have linked him to the watchlist was not properly gathered. The report, which did not disclose the migrant's nationality, found that CBP sent a request for more information to the wrong email address. In both cases, however, the migrants suspected of terrorist ties were taken into custody. Jason Houser, former chief of staff for ICE in the Biden administration and a senior adviser for counterterrorism for CBP in the Obama administration, said it is rare for terrorists to cross the border and even more unusual for CBP to release someone who turns out to be a threat. We need to make sure we have processes in place to handle them, make sure theyre detained and we know exactly where they are, he said. Houser said that DHS is now better equipped to detect terrorists and that the number of them trying to enter the U.S. is still very low, even with record numbers of crossings at the border. Any terrorist or terrorist-linked individual trying to come into this country is unacceptable, Houser said. But we have built across the U.S. government federal law enforcement, the intelligence community, the ability to identify these individuals. Jason Houser, former chief of staff for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said that its rare to see people with terrorism ties come across the U.S. border but that more resources are needed. (NBC News) On the campaign trail, Donald Trump has repeatedly turned to the threat of terrorism at the border as a reason he should be elected president again. Terrorists are pouring in, unchecked, from all over the world, Trump wrote on Truth Social this year. An NBC News analysis found that the percentage of migrants on the terrorist watchlist as a proportion of the total number of CBP encounters across U.S. borders was slightly lower during the Biden administration than during the Trump administration. It remained an average of 0.02% during the Biden administration, lower than the 0.05% under Trump. In fiscal year 2023, which ended in late September and included a surge in border crossings, CBP had 736 encounters with migrants on the terrorist watchlist at U.S. borders, the most in the past six years. The second highest year was 2019, during the Trump administration, when CBP had 541 encounters with migrants on the watchlist. It is not known whether any migrants on the watchlist were released into the U.S. during the Trump administration. The vetting systems used to screen migrants at the border during the Biden administration are virtually the same as those used under Trump. When a migrant comes across the border between legal ports of entry, a Border Patrol agent collects the migrants name, date of birth, nationality, biometric information (like fingerprints) and photos. An agent then checks a series of national security databases to see whether there is a criminal background or whether the migrant is on the terrorist watchlist. Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee said in a letter to DHS late last year that the terrorism watchlist is overly broad. They said having too many people on the list who pose little or no threat to the U.S. can erode the rights of travelers and prove ineffective at stopping those who mean to do harm on U.S. soil. With a bipartisan immigration reform package blocked in Congress by pro-Trump Republicans, additional border security funding that might address the problems shown by the recent cases is unlikely. There are fears, meanwhile, that tens of thousands of migrants are evading agents as they cross the southern border. That is a national security threat, Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens recently told CBS News. Theyre exploiting a vulnerability thats on our border right now. This article was updated after publication to include statements from a DHS spokesperson and a source that Kharwin had been taken into custody, that there was no reason to believe he was on a terrorist mission, and to clarify the procedures CBP followed during his release. Measles has spread at a rapid clip this year. From January to March, the U.S. recorded around 30% of the total cases seen since the beginning of 2020. From 2020 through 2023, the U.S. recorded an average of five measles cases in the first quarter of each year. Those low numbers were due, in part, to the Covid pandemic, when fewer people were interacting in person. By contrast, this years first-quarter tally was 97, according to a report the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Thursday. "The rapid increase in the number of reported measles cases during the first quarter of 2024 represents a renewed threat to elimination," the authors wrote. Measles has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, meaning the disease is no longer constantly present, though there are still occasional outbreaks. The country nearly lost that elimination status in 2019, when it recorded more than 1,200 cases most of which were associated with outbreaks in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York. The high case load this year could put that elimination in jeopardy once again: As of April 4, the U.S. had already recorded seven outbreaks and 113 cases. The CDC report called for more widespread vaccination coverage. Around 91% of measles cases recorded in the U.S. since January 2020 were among people who were unvaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, it said. One dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is 93% effective at preventing measles, and two doses are 97% effective. This year so far, 83% of recorded cases have been in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Half of the 2024 cases have been in children under age 5. So far, 65 people have been hospitalized. No one has died of measles in the last four years, according to the CDC report. Measles vaccination rates dipped in the last few years. Communities should have around 95% vaccination coverage to prevent sustained measles transmission, but 12 states and Washington, D.C., had rates below 90% as of the 2022-23 school year. The share of U.S. kindergartners who had received two doses of the MMR vaccine fell from 95% in the 2019-20 school year to 93% in the 2022-23 school year. According to the CDC, that leaves around 250,000 kindergarteners susceptible to measles each year. Vaccination coverage has also declined globally. Around 83% of people worldwide had received one dose of a measles vaccine in 2022, down from 86% in 2019, according to the CDC. Global coverage declined to 81% during the Covid pandemic the lowest since 2008. The CDC report encouraged vaccination before international travel, since the majority of measles cases are introduced to the U.S. from other countries. According to the CDC, the number of countries reporting large or disruptive measles outbreaks increased 123% from November 2022 to October 2023. In the U.S., the largest outbreak this year began at a migrant shelter in Chicago. The citys measles case total topped 60 this week. Since last month, the Chicago Department of Public Health has distributed more than 13,000 measles vaccines to help contain the spread. Measles is highly contagious: An infected person can spread it to up to 90% of people close to them if those contacts arent immune. However, the CDC report noted that the risk for widespread U.S. measles transmission remains low because of high population immunity. MEXICO CITY/THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Mexico has asked the top court of the United Nations to suspend Ecuador's membership until the South American country issues a public apology for its raid on Mexico's embassy in Quito, court filings released by the International Court of Justice showed on Thursday. The case filed by Mexico accuses Ecuador of violating international law and a U.N. treaty on diplomatic relations by carrying out an armed raid on the Mexican embassy. It asks the court to suspend Ecuador from the U.N. unless and until it issues "a public apology recognizing its violations to the fundamental principles and norms of international law, to guarantee the reparation to the moral harm inflicted upon the United Mexican States and its affected nationals". Diplomatic ties between the two countries have been suspended since Friday, when Ecuadorean police forcefully entered the embassy in order to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought and been granted political asylum in Mexico. Regional governments rallied around Mexico after the embassy raid and Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena expressed confidence that Mexico's case would be supported at the court. Under international law, embassies are considered the sovereign territory of the country they represent. "Mexico is accusing (Ecuador) of violating the diplomatic immunity of its embassy," Barcena said, calling it "a violation that is not justified anywhere." The government of Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has argued the asylum protection was illegal because of corruption charges Glas is facing. Mexico has asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to issue emergency measures, including securing the embassy and other diplomatic premises and allowing Mexican officials to clear diplomatic buildings and the private homes of their diplomatic agents in Ecuador. Usually the ICJ sets hearings on emergency measures within weeks of an application. A final ruling in the case can take years and while its rulings are final the court has no means to enforce them. Ecuador's government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. (Reporting by Raul Cortes, Ana Isabel Martinez and Brendan O'Boyle in Mexico City and Stephanie Van den Berg in The HagueEditing by Rosalba O'Brien) Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson will join Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago for a joint announcement on election integrity on Friday, according to the Louisiana congressmans campaign. GOP officials have promoted so-called election integrity legislation in the wake of the 2020 elections, echoing many of the false claims promoted by Mr Trump and his allies in his ongoing attempts to undermine the outcome and discredit election officials and policies that certified his loss. Mr Johnson played a central role among members of Congress in rejecting Mr Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election, an effort supported by baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud that fuelled spurious legal challenges and the attack on the US Capitol. The congressman who was elected House Speaker in October following a three-week standoff among House Republicans took the lead in a brief to the US Supreme Court with 125 House Republicans to support a failed legal challenge to overturn President Joe Bidens victories in several states. Mr Johnson later voted against certifying Mr Bidens win during a joint session of Congress on 6 January 2021, even after the Trump-fuelled riots at the Capitol. The presumptive nominee for the Republican nomination for president has also maintained his false narrative that the 2020 election was rigged against him, repeating much of the same bogus claims that are now at the centre of criminal allegations surrounding his attempts to overturn the results. The event slated for Friday, before Mr Trump returns to New York for the first week of the former presidents hush money trial in Manhattan - also comes as Mr Johnson navigates criticism from his own party and a potential threat to his speakership while maintaining a slim Republican majority in the House. Mr Johnson faces scrutiny among GOP members over military aid to Ukraine that has been held up for months, among other issues that have divided House Republicans. Far-right US Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia also has threatened to force a motion to oust him as House Speaker. The Mar-a-Lago meeting appears to send a message to House Republicans that the former president supports Mr Johnsons continued leadership, even as Mr Trumps staunch ally Greene continues to publicly rebuke his position. Mr Trump did not make an outright endorsement of Mr Johnsons run for House Speaker last fall, but he told his followers on Truth Social that Republicans should go with the leading candidate, Mike Johnson, & GET IT DONE, FAST! WASHINGTON A member of a neo-Nazi group pleaded guilty to Capitol riot charges Thursday, admitting he threw a water bottle at police during the brutal battle at the lower west tunnel and stole a police helmet as a "war trophy" during the Jan. 6 attack. Richard Zachary Ackerman pleaded guilty to two charges: obstructing law enforcement officers during civil disorder and theft of government property. He had initially faced three additional charges: assault, resist, oppose, impede with a person engaged in performance of official duties; entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. Those charges will be dismissed under a plea agreement. Richard Zachary Ackerman at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (U.S. District Court) In the court filing Thursday, Ackerman admitted bragging that he stole a SWAT team officer's helmet, which he labeled a "war trophy." The FBI said it had received a tip that included a photo of a U.S. Capitol Police helmet that included a "New England 131" sticker on it on Jan. 8, 2021, two days after the attack. An FBI task force officer said "New England131" referred to the "Nationalist Socialist Club 131" and the "White Defense Force" and described NSC-131 as "a neo-Nazi group with small, autonomous regional chapters in the United States and abroad, whose members see themselves as soldiers at war with a hostile, Jewish-controlled system that is deliberately plotting the extinction of the white race." A confidential FBI human source attended a 2021 meeting with members of NSC-131, where a member known online as "Zach Parker" talked about being at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and said he still had the helmet at his residence, according to the FBI task force officer. Richard Zachary Ackerman wearing the U.S. Capitol Police helmet. (U.S. District Court) Ackerman flew to Germany in July 2021 and was subject to a secondary inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, according to the FBI. Agents who searched his phone said they found conversations in which Ackerman bragged about being at the Capitol. One person he spoke with told him to go home and not to get arrested, saying Ackerman "won't be able to be a Marine" if he was arrested. (Jan. 6 rioters James Mault and Aiden Bilyard joined the military after they took part in the attack, while numerous other rioters were active-duty members of the military when they took part in the riot.) In 2022, agents obtained a search warrant for Ackerman's residence, spoke with a man who identified himself as Ackerman's father and found a Capitol Police helmet in the fireplace of his basement bedroom, the FBI said. Richard Zachary Ackerman, right, wearing the U.S. Capitol Police helmet at the Capitol riots in 2021. (U.S. District Court) Ackerman was first arrested in New Hampshire in June and has been on pretrial release ever since. He will remain on release until at least his sentencing before U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly, which is scheduled for July 25. As NBC News reported, out of more than 1,380 Jan. 6 defendants, just 15 are being held in pretrial detention at the order of a federal judge. All other Jan. 6 rioters behind bars are there because they either admitted in court that they engaged in criminal activity on Jan. 6 or because judges or unanimous juries found them to have committed crimes. Prosecutors have secured convictions against an estimated 984 defendants so far, and hundreds of additional rioters have been identified by online "sedition hunters" but not yet arrested. Of the roughly 859 defendants who have been sentenced, about 520 have been given at least some period of incarceration, according to the Justice Department, with sentences from a few days behind bars to 22 years in prison. By James Mackenzie and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel is keeping up its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, amid concern that Iran was preparing to strike Israel in response for the killing of senior Iranian commanders. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel. Israel has been bracing for possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of a senior general and six other Iranian officers in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1. Israel has not said it was responsible but Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the attack. Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said civilians were not being told to make any special preparations but added Israel was "highly prepared for a range of scenarios". Netanyahu made his comments as Israeli troops and warplanes started an operation in central Gaza which the military said was aimed at destroying infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups. Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza, in preparation for an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering, but fighting has continued in various areas of the enclave. Residents and militants said fighters have engaged in gun battles with Israeli forces, which attacked the northern and southern areas of the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli strikes from air, ground and sea, which so far have destroyed several buildings including two mosques, were almost non-stop, they said. "It was as if the occupation army was launching a new war," Raouf Abed, 20, said via chat app from Deir Al-Balah to the south of Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. "The explosions were non-stop, the sounds came from different directions," he said. "Every time we hope there will be a ceasefire, Israel escalates the aggression, as if they are trying to pressure Hamas by hitting on us, the civilians," he said. The fighting in Gaza, now in its seventh month, has overshadowed the increasingly tense situation further north where Israeli troops have engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah militia fighters across the border in Lebanon. On Thursday, the military said Israeli jets hit Hezbollah military targets in the areas of Meiss el Jabal, Yarine, and Khiam, as well as a Hezbollah observation post in the area of Marwahin and another compound in Al-Dahira in southern Lebanon. The Iranian-backed militia, which is thought to have a large arsenal of missiles, has long been considered to be one of the most likely forces that Tehran could use against Israel but so far, both sides have held back from a full scale confrontation. Israeli military strikes killed 63 Palestinians and wounded 45 others in the past 24 hours, the Gaza Health Ministry said. Late on Thursday, Palestinian health officials and Hamas media said an Israeli air strike killed Rudwan Rudwan, the head of the Hamas-run police force in force in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Hamas said Rudwan was also in charge of supervising the protection of aid truck convoys in northern Gaza areas. There was no immediate Israeli comment. At least 33,545 Palestinians have now been killed since the Israeli offensive began, the ministry said, with most of the 2.3 million population displaced and much of the enclave laid to waste. The war began when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage. Around 130 are still being held incommunicado in Gaza, Israel says. (Reporting by James Mackenzie and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Editing by Sharon Singleton, Angus MacSwan, Sandra Maler and Lincoln Feast.) SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said unstable geopolitical situations surrounding his country mean now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever, as he inspected the country's main military university, KCNA news agency said on Thursday. Kim gave field guidance on Wednesday at Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics, named after his father who died in 2011, which KCNA said is the "highest seat of military education" in the country. North Korea has stepped up weapons development in recent years under Kim and has forged closer military and political ties with Russia, allegedly aiding Moscow in its war with Ukraine in return for help with strategic military projects. Kim told university staff and students that "if the enemy opts for military confrontation with the DPRK, the DPRK will deal a death-blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilizing all means in its possession," KCNA reported. DPRK is short for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. "Outlining the complicated international situation ... and the uncertain and unstable military and political situation around the DPRK, he said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," KCNA said. Earlier this month, Kim supervised the test launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile using solid fuel, which analysts said would bolster the North's ability to deploy missiles more effectively than liquid-fuel variants. North Korea has accused the United States and South Korea of provoking military tensions by conducting what it called "war maneuvers" as the allies have conducted military drills with greater intensity and scale in recent months. (This story has been refiled to add an opening quotation mark in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Jack Kim; Editing by Chris Reese and Sonali Paul) Harcourt Developments, the Ireland-based company constructing three multi-million dollar residential condo buildings along Bellinghams waterfront, has filed a lawsuit against the Port of Bellingham, alleging Port officials have threatened to call police and request trespassing citations be issued if Harcourt did not remove its equipment from Port property. Harcourts lawsuit, filed April 4 in Whatcom County Superior Court, comes roughly a month after the development company was sued by the Port of Bellingham alleging it defaulted on its development contract. Harcourts lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order against the Port, alleging that the Port has attempted to bar the company from certain portions of the Ports property adjacent to and near the project areas (the Licensed Area) that Harcourt alleges to have been permitted to use for the staging of materials, equipment, and portable office, as well as parking and marshalling during construction of the condominium project, according to court documents. The lawsuit is also seeking to compel the Port to proceed to court-ordered mediation, and if that fails, to arbitration, in which an arbiter would issue a decision on whether a permanent injunction should be granted against the Port, restricting them from contacting the Bellingham Police Department to issue trespass citations against Harcourt. One of the unfinished apartment buildings as seen on Nov. 3, 2023, on the Bellingham waterfront. Rachel Showalter/rshowalter@belinghamherald.com A Whatcom Superior Court judge granted a temporary restraining order April 8 barring the Port from contacting Bellingham police; requiring the Port to allow Harcourt to continue to use Port-owned property to store construction materials and equipment; and for the Port and Harcourt to proceed with a mandated dispute resolution process. The temporary restraining order will remain in effect until the dispute resolution, or subsequent arbitration process, has been completed, according to court documents. A review hearing on the temporary restraining order is set for 1:30 p.m. May 10. The Ports attorneys, with the firm CSD Attorneys At Law, declined to comment on the pending litigation when reached Wednesday afternoon by The Bellingham Herald. The Herald has reached out to Harcourts attorneys for comment. Use of property Harcourt alleges that the use of this space by the company was agreed upon between both the Port and Harcourt as a necessary part of construction because the buildings are being constructed on a zero-lot line, meaning the buildings abut or are very near the edge of Harcourt Residentials property. Harcourts lawsuit alleges the company required an extension of its condominium project deadline and surrounding Port property use due to delays caused by force majeure events circumstances outside of the companys control including the wars in the Ukraine and Israel, floods, and industry labor shortages. An additional six-month delay was caused by the Port-required utility provider Corix not providing heating or hot water to the condominium units within its agreed-upon completion date and preventing Harcourt from obtaining a temporary certificate of occupancy, according to the lawsuit. Despite the delays caused by the Port-mandated utility provider, without prior warning and without ever providing Harcourt with the promised extension agreement, on February 23, 2024, the Port sent a letter to Harcourt Construction improperly alleging that Harcourt Constructions continued use of the Licensed Area was an illegal trespass on the Ports property on the basis that the License had expired, the lawsuit states. A rendering shows the expected design of the luxury Waterfront Living condos in Bellingham, Wash. The first two buildings were expected to be completed by the end of 2023 but the developer defaulted on its contract. blu.ink Real Estate/Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald The Port told Harcourt to remove all equipment and materials from the Licensed Area within two weeks and threatened to contact the Bellingham Police Department to issue criminal citations against Harcourt Construction if it did not comply with the Ports demands, documents state. Harcourt alleges in the lawsuit that a temporary restraining order is needed because disallowing the company access to the licensed area would force the company to halt construction of the condominiums, which is already years behind schedule. Without immediate relief, the Port will preclude Harcourt from completing construction of the buildings on Harcourts property. This will cause Harcourt, its subcontractors and suppliers, and laborers working on the Project to suffer actual and substantial injury for which there is no adequate remedy at arbitration or law, the lawsuit states. To date, Harcourt has expended more than $40 million on the project and accepted deposits from 50 people for units in all three condominiums under construction, the lawsuit states. Harcourt has tried to work with the Port to avoid the halting of construction, but to date the Port has continued to threaten to breach the license and prevent Harcourt Construction from accessing the licensed area, the lawsuit states. Port sues Harcourt The original lawsuit filed against Harcourt by the Port of Bellingham alleges that the company defaulted on its development contract, known as the Master Development Agreement (MDA). Harcourt asked for an extension of its development timeline, which the port denied due to the notice of default. The port notified Harcourt on Oct. 20, 2023, that the company was found to be in eight individual contractual defaults, including failure to complete its first two residential buildings within the contracts timeline and violation of required environmental standards. Construction workers are shown at job site for Harcourt Developments, which is building multimillion-dollar condos on Granary Avenue near the waterfront in Bellingham, Wash., on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Robert Mittendorf/The Bellingham Herald Harcourt was originally selected in 2015 as the lead developer for about 19 acres of the Waterfront District but has lost future development rights for additional property there as a result of the defaults. The company was expected to complete its three residential buildings by the end of 2023, but now has no timeline for completion. Harcourt has denied the Ports default findings. The Port and city of Bellingham have been working to redevelop a total of 237 acres on Bellinghams central waterfront that was formerly a pulp and tissue mill. A Master Plan has been approved to create what the Port is calling a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood with new parks and trails and thousands of new jobs. The redevelopment is expected to occur in phases over the next several decades. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Thursday the government will "humbly" accept the results of the parliamentary elections and more actively cooperate with the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Han made the remark as the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) scored a landslide victory in Wednesday's general elections in another major setback for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and President Yoon Suk Yeol. "The government will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the parliamentary elections," Han said during a Cabinet meeting held at Government Complex Seoul. "The government will reflect on the overall state affairs to see if there have been any shortcomings in meeting their expectations and devote even more efforts to improve people's livelihoods and move forward reform tasks for the country's future," he added. With almost all votes counted, the DPK won 161 out of 254 directly contested seats, while the PPP won only 90 seats. Including proportional seats, the DPK and its satellite party had secured 174 seats and the PPP and its satellite party 108 seats in the 300-member parliament as of 9:40 a.m. The official results will be released later in the day. Han said the government will step up cooperation with the new members of the National Assembly, which is set to begin a four-year term next month. "We will engage in more dialogue and deepen cooperation with the 22nd National Assembly to be newly formed, and reflect the opinion of people as partners of state affairs," Han said. (Yonhap) By Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles and drones destroyed a large electricity plant near Kyiv and hit power facilities in several regions of Ukraine on Thursday, officials said, ramping up pressure on the embattled energy system as Kyiv runs low on air defences. The major attack more than two years since Russia's full-scale invasion completely destroyed the Trypilska coal-powered thermal power plant near the capital, a senior official at the company that runs the facility told Reuters. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had been obliged to launch the strikes in response to Ukrainian attacks in recent weeks on energy targets inside Russia. Footage on social media showed a fire raging at the large Soviet-era facility and smoke belching from it. Reuters was able to confirm the location of the video as the Trypilska station. "We need air defence and other defence support, not eye-closing and long discussions," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram, condemning the attacks as "terror". The Russian defence ministry said it hit fuel and energy facilities in Ukraine in what it described as a massive retaliatory strike using drones and high-precision, long-range weapons from air and sea. The strikes were a response to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's oil, gas and energy facilities, it said. Putin told his ally, Belarusian Presudent Alexander Lukashenko that the attacks were a part of Russia's objective of the "demilitarisation" of Ukraine - one of the objectives of the Kremlin's 2022 invasion of its neighbour. "Unfortunately, we observed a series of strikes on our energy sites recently and were obliged to respond," Russian news agencies quoted Putin as telling Lukashenko. "The strikes on energy are linked in part with solving one of the tasks we set for ourselves, and that is demilitarisation. We believe above all that in this way we will affect Ukraine's military industrial complex and in a very direct way." Russia, he said, had refrained from carrying out such attacks in winter "out of humanitarian considerations". Kyiv's appeals for urgent air defence supplies from the West have grown increasingly desperate since Russia renewed its long-range aerial assaults on the Ukrainian energy system last month. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was blunt in repeating calls for more U.S.-made Patriot systems. "What is there to discuss?" he told the Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform during a visit to Slovakia. "There is only a single question: Give us Patriot systems! If we had Patriots, we would not have lost all of this today." The attacks, which hammered thermal and hydroelectric power plants, sparked fears about the resilience of an energy system hobbled by a Russian air campaign in the war's first winter. Ukraine's air force commander said air defences took down 18 of the incoming missiles and 39 drones. The attack used 82 missiles and drones in total, the military said. The destroyed power plant outside Kyiv, a major supplier for the capital and Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, is the third and last facility owned by state-owned energy company Centrenergo. "Everything is destroyed," Andriy Gota, head of the supervisory board of the company, said when asked about the situation at Centrenergo. BIGGEST ENERGY SUPPLIER NEAR THE CAPITAL The Trypilska plant was the biggest energy facility near Kyiv and was built to have a capacity of 1,800 megawatts, more than the pre-war needs of Ukraine's biggest city. The Ukrenergo grid operator said its substations and power generating facilities had been damaged in attacks on the regions of Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv. Ukraine's largest private electricity company DTEK, which lost 80% of its generating capacity in attacks on March 22 and March 29, said Russia's attacks hit two of its power stations. On Thursday afternoon, Russian forces attacked a thermal power station in the Sumy region in northern Ukraine with guided bombs. The scale of damage was not immediately clear. The strikes also attacked two underground storage facilities where Ukraine stores natural gas, including some owned by foreign companies, energy company Naftogaz said. The facilities continued to operate, it added. "The situation in Ukraine is dire; there is not a moment to lose," said U.S. ambassador Bridget Brink, adding that 10 missiles struck infrastructure in the Kharkiv area alone. The grid operator issued a statement urging Ukrainians to minimise their use of electricity in the peak evening hours. The region of Kharkiv, which borders Russia and already has long, rolling blackouts in place, was forced to cut electricity for 200,000 people, presidential aide Oleksiy Kuleba said. Ukraine has warned it could run out of air defence munitions if Russia keeps up the intensity of its strikes and that it is already having to make difficult decisions about what to defend. There has been a slowdown in Western assistance and a major U.S. aid package has been blocked by Republicans in Congress. (Reporting by Pavel Polityuk, Anastasiia Malenko and Max Hunder; writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Devika Syamnath, Angus MacSwan, Ros Russell, Ron Popeski and Sonali Paul) By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Thursday after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same culture and history. Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former or sitting Taiwanese leader to visit China. On Wednesday, he held his second meeting with Xi, following a landmark summit in Singapore in 2015 when Ma was still Taiwan's leader, which was the first time Chinese and Taiwanese leaders had met following the end of the civil war in 1949. Speaking on his return from Beijing, Ma said he hoped young Taiwanese can put aside ideology and realise the historical and cultural links between Taiwan and China. "More importantly, the Chinese on both sides of the Strait can handle disputes peacefully," he added. China considers democratically-governed Taiwan its own territory, and has ramped up military and political pressure to assert those claims. Neither government recognises the other. Ma, who was accompanied by a group of students to Beijing, said his visit had shown the youth that people on either side of the strait are "descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors", an expression referring to a common ancestor. In an apparent slip up, Ma added that people on either side of the strait both belong to "the Republic of China", before correcting himself to say "the Chinese people", using wording referring to those ethnically or culturally Chinese. Ma made the same verbal slip up during his meeting with Xi, in footage carried on Taiwanese television stations. The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists. China's government, formally the People's Republic of China, does not recognise the existence of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, making the mention in Xi's presence highly sensitive. Ma laughed but did not answer the question when asked if this wording was intentional. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island and that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. China says its precondition for dialogue is to recognise that both China and Taiwan belong to "one China", which Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has refused to do. Xi told Ma that outside inference could not stop the "family reunion" between the two sides of the Strait, and there were no issues that could not be discussed. He made no mention of using force against Taiwan in his public remarks. Speaking at a regular news conference in Taipei, Jan Jyh-horng, spokesperson for Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, said China was to blame for tension in ties with Taiwan. "It's not us sending military aircraft and ships to harass them everyday," Jan said, referring to China's almost daily military activities around the island. Ma remains a senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), which in January lost for the third time in a row the presidential election, but has no official party position. The KMT advocates close ties with China and dialogue, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Miral Fahmy and Clarence Fernandez) Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn and Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump in The Apprentice (APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC. / PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS / TAILORED FILMS LTD. 2023) Donald Trump and his mentor Roy Cohn or at least fictionalised versions of them are heading to Cannes. A new film based on the former presidents life in the 1970s and 1980s will premier at the French film festival this year, with Sebastian Stan starring as Mr Trump, while Successions Jeremy Strong will play lawyer and prosecutor Roy Cohn. The film, named The Apprentice, will explore Mr Trumps career as an aspiring real estate tycoon in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s and will delve into his relationship with Roy Cohn, the New York City prosecutor who is thought to have had a considerable influence on his presidency. The movies official logline reads: The Apprentice is a dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trumps ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn. Mr Trump and Mr Cohn first met at Le Club, a members-only nightspot in Manhattans East 50s in the 1970s, according to the former president, and soon became friends and colleagues after Mr Trump sought out Mr Cohns legal expertise to represent him in various business dealings and legal matters. However, Mr Cohn became more than just Trumps lawyer; he became a mentor and a close confidant, introducing the former president to various powerful figures in New York Citys business and political circles. According to filmmaker Ivy Meeropol, Mr Cohn paved the way for Trump and set him up with the right people before he ran for president, including Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, she told Vanity Fair in 2020, adding that they were the people who helped him get to the White House. Meanwhile, film director Matt Tyrnauer told Esquire in 2020 that Mr Cohn created a president from beyond the grave. But the relationship between the two men was not without its controversies. Mr Cohns reputation as a ruthless operator - having prosecuted Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were sentenced to death in the 1950s for spying for the Soviet Union - and his involvement in various scandals, including his disbarment for ethical violations, cast a shadow over his association with Mr Trump. Despite this, the former president remained fiercely loyal to his mentor, even standing by him during his final years as he battled AIDS. The movie, which is described as a mentor-protege narrative, will explore the relationship between the two men and will tackle themes including power, corruption and deception, according to the movies creators. Maria Bakalova, who starred in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, will star as Mr Trumps late ex-wife Ivana Trump, while veteran character actor Martin Donovan will play Donalds father Fred Trump. The movies producers released a still giving a first look at the film Thursday, following the Cannes announcement. The image shows an intense Strong, starring as Roy Cohn, staring at a spooked-looking young Trump. The Apprentice was directed by Ali Abbasi, who last attended Cannes in 2022 with MUBIs Holy Spider. House conservatives revolted against GOP leadership and defeated a key vote on the floor Wednesday, the latest blow to Speaker Mike Johnson that comes after former President Donald Trump called on Republicans to kill a controversial surveillance law. Trump had urged House Republicans to reject a reauthorization of the law, known as FISA, ahead of the key procedural vote on Wednesday, adding to headaches for GOP leaders who have struggled to build support for the legislation, but were still attempting to forge ahead and advance the bill. KILL FISA, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. This marks the fourth time in Johnsons tenure that the House has defeated a rule vote, a major embarrassment for leadership. The tally was 193 to 228, with 19 Republicans bucking House GOP leadership and voting with Democrats to sink the procedural vote and take down a rule to govern debate on the reauthorization bill as well as several other bills. House Republicans have been fiercely divided over how to handle the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization, putting pressure on Johnson to find a path forward amid competing factions within his conference. With the threat of a vote on his ouster looming, the Louisiana Republicans every move is under even more intense scrutiny, and the speaker has once again found himself odds with his right flank over the surveillance law. Johnson signaled he still believes they can find a path forward on FISA this week despite deep divisions and little progress after two lengthy conference meetings devoted to the topic Wednesday. We still have time on the clock this week, he told reporters. We are going to try and find a way to unlock the rule and I think its possible. We will be talking to members about it tonight, trying to figure that out, he added. Johnson had previously announced that the House would take up a FISA reauthorization bill this week. The bill, titled the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, would reauthorize Section 702 of FISA for five years and aims to impose a series of reforms. Now, the fate of the effort is up in the air after the failure of the key vote Wednesday. Several conservatives announced they would move to sink the procedural vote earlier in the day. Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, said he would vote against the procedural vote. Additionally, Florida GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wrote on X, we are killing FISA, in response to Trumps Truth Social post. And Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett told CNN he would be voting no on the rule. When told that would kill it, he said, good. Tensions rise in House GOP conference In a sign of rising tensions as Republican infighting intensifies, Rep. Tom McClintock stood up in a conference meeting Wednesday evening and called for retribution for any GOP colleagues who oppose key procedural votes, according to a source in the room. Separately, Johnson has made plans to trek down to Mar-a-Lago on Friday to appear at a joint news conference with the former president to deliver remarks on election integrity a topic Trump cares deeply about. The development was first reported by CNN. The move comes as the House Republican leader is fending off a challenge to his speakership amid a motion to vacate filed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Georgia Republican has yet to take the necessary step to force a floor vote on the resolution, essentially keeping the threat in her back pocket for now. Multiple sources close to Johnson and Trump said allies of the speaker have asked the former president to publicly support Johnson, or at least stay out of the back-and-forth altogether. Johnson told members at a closed-door conference meeting Wednesday morning that he spoke with Trump Tuesday night. But, according to members, Johnson told them they didnt discuss FISA. Authority for Section 702 was extended through April 19 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Controversy over surveillance law The law as it stands allows the US intelligence community to collect the communications records of foreign persons based overseas, but it also allows the FBI to search the data it collects for Americans information in what critics have called a backdoor search. The searches of US persons information are governed by a set of internal rules and procedures designed to protect Americans privacy and civil liberties, but critics say that loopholes allow the FBI to search the data it collects for Americans information as opposed to from foreign adversaries without proper justification. The complicated politics surrounding the law have long united strange bedfellows: Some conservative Republicans have joined forces with progressive Democrats to push for reforms to the authority, while security-focused Democrats and Republicans have opposed major new restrictions. One major sticking point is whether the FBI should be required to obtain a warrant before querying the database for information on US citizens. In a sign of how challenging the issue has proved for House Republicans to navigate, leadership pulled a pair of surveillance law bills from the floor in December amid internal GOP divisions. In February, a spokesperson for the speaker said the House would consider FISA reform at a later date to allow for more time to reach consensus on a path forward. The authority has also become a high-profile political target of conservative Republicans after it became known that a different section of FISA was inappropriately used to surveil Trump 2016 campaign aide Carter Page. In his call to kill FISA, Trump wrote on Truth Social, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!! FISA and Section 702 have been essential to intercepting communications of dangerous foreign actors overseas, understanding the threats against our country, countering our adversaries, and saving countless American lives, Johnson said in a letter to colleagues on Friday. Our responsibility now is simple: maintain the tool but strictly prohibit future abuses. The speaker went on to say that the bill the House is expected to take up includes reforms that will establish new procedures to rein in the FBI, increase accountability at the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC), impose penalties for wrongdoing, and institute unprecedented transparency across the FISA process so we no longer have to wait years to uncover potential abuses. Trumps former Attorney General Bill Barr came out swinging against the former president and House Republicans for tanking the key vote in a phone interview with CNN. I think its a travesty and reckless, Barr told CNN. Barr, who has long been critical of Trump on multiple fronts, went after the former president for urging House Republicans to sink the procedural vote. I think that hes a flawed leader and this shows one of the reasons he is flawed, Barr said. Addressing Trumps claim that the surveillance law was used against him during the FBI investigation into the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia, Barr stated that the provisions slated to be reauthorized had nothing to do with what happened to him. Barr also reflected on the national security implications if FISA does not get reauthorized. Were faced with probably the greatest threat to the homeland from terrorist attack and our means of defending against that is FISA. And to take that tool away I think is going to result in successful terrorist attack and the loss of life he said. CNNs Lauren Fox contributed to this report. This story has been updated with additional developments. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Olena Harmash and Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's parliament passed a bill to overhaul how the armed forces drafts civilians into its ranks on Thursday after a general told the chamber that Russian forces outnumbered Kyiv's troops up ten times on the battlefield in the east. The bill, which did not include a set of draconian draft dodging penalties that sparked public outrage earlier, aims to boost the number of troops more than two years since Russia's full-scale invasion. The bill was overtly backed by the military. "Pass this law and the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not let down you or the Ukrainian people," General Yuriy Sodol, commander of the joint forces, told lawmakers. "We are maintaining our defences with our last strength," he said as lawmakers stood up and applauded more than a dozen commanders who attended the session. Military analysts say Ukraine's armed forces need to address acute problems with manpower, as well as their artillery shell shortage, with better-equipped Russian forces inching forward in the east. "The enemy outnumbers us by seven to ten times, we lack manpower," said Sodol, who is commanding Kyiv's troops in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine. The bill passed with a majority of 283 votes, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker for the Holos party, wrote on the Telegram messaging app. The bill still needs to be signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy before it becomes law. DON'T EXPECT 'MIRACLES' The legislation should give the military better visibility into how many people it can call up in cities or towns, and where individuals are physically located. The law gives Ukrainian men 60 days to update their personal data with the military authorities. Until now, draft offices had to rely on sometimes incomplete and old data. The legislation also removed an array of far-reaching penalties for draft dodging that were proposed in an earlier draft, sparking outrage. There have been thousands of cases of draft dodging during the war. The bill also struck out an earlier proposal to set a time line for when soldiers can be demobilised, meaning that wartime military service remains open-ended, a sensitive issue for those who have been fighting since the start of the war. Lawmaker Oleksandr Fedienko said the passage of the bill would send a "message to our partners that we are ready to retake our territory and we need weapons." Ukraine is grappling with a slowdown in western military assistance. Maksym Zhorin, a deputy commander of Ukraine's third assault brigade, said the law would not lead to "miracles" on the battlefield. "Undoubtedly, it will bring a little more order and systematics in general to the issue of mobilization," he said on television, adding it would not solve all the problems. "Personally, I would make it much tougher and also continue to reduce the conscription age." Last week, Zelenskiy signed separate legislation into law to lower the conscription age to 25 from 27. Parliament is considering another bill to allow convicts serving suspended sentences to fight in the army. Lawmaker Mariana Bezuhla criticised the bill on Facebook, saying: "They made it as soft and confusing as possible. And months were lost..." It took parliament several months to put the bill to a final vote this week, as politicians accused each other of drafting poorly-worded amendments and lacking the political will to approve unpopular changes. Over 4,000 amendments were submitted after the first reading in February. Deputies rejected most of the amendments, significantly watering down initial proposals on punishments for those who were trying to evade the draft. (Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Tom Balmforth and Christina Fincher) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. safety investigators said on Thursday a Ford Mustang Mach-E was using an advanced driver assistance system when it struck the rear of a stationary Honda CR-V on Interstate Highway 10 in San Antonio, Texas in a Feb. 24 crash. The National Transportation Safety Board said the Ford had "BlueCruise" in use. Based on data from the vehicle, the Ford driver had been operating in BlueCruise mode before the crash that killed the 56-year-old Honda driver, the NTSB said. A San Antonio police report said previously the Ford had "partial automation" engaged at the time of the crash. Both the NTSB and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are investigating the San Antonio crash and are also investigating a March 3 crash in Philadelphia involving a Ford Mach-E where an advanced driver assistance system is suspected of use. Ford offers BlueCruise, an advanced hands-free driving system that operates on 97% of U.S. and Canadian highways with no intersections or traffic signals. The NTSB said a witness traveling in front of the Ford reported she encountered the stopped Honda without tail or hazard lights illuminated. She changed lanes to avoid striking the vehicle and later, in her rearview mirror, saw another vehicle strike the stopped Honda. On Thursday, NHTSA it is investigating a March 3 fatal crash between a Ford Mustang Mach-E and two stationary cars in Philadelphia in which an advanced driver assistance system may have been in use. In that crash, the Ford struck two stationary vehicles on the I-95 interstate highway, killing two people and halting traffic for hours. The NTSB said Wednesday it is investigating that crash in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, which declined to comment. Ford said it was recently made aware of the Philadelphia crash by the NTSB and informed NHTSA, which requires automakers to report all fatal crashes involving advanced driver assistance systems. "We are researching the events of March 3 and collaborating fully with both agencies to understand the facts," Ford said. NHTSA has opened special crash investigations into the two recent Ford crashes. The agency typically opens more than 100 special crash investigations annually into emerging technologies and other potential auto safety issues. In December, electric car maker Tesla agreed to recall 2 million vehicles to install new safeguards for its Autopilot driver assistance system. The NTSB has opened several investigations in recent years into Tesla Autopilot and other such systems. Since 2016, NHTSA has opened more 40 Tesla special crash investigations in cases where driver systems were suspected of being used, with 23 crash deaths reported to date. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Middle East envoy called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to ask them to deliver a message to Iran urging it to lower tensions with Israel following a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy in Syria, a source with knowledge of the situation said. White House Middle East czar Brett McGurk asked the officials to contact the Iranian foreign minister to convey a message that Iran should de-escalate with Israel, which they did, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Iran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq spoke on the phone with Iran's foreign minister and discussed regional tensions. The White House declined to comment. McGurk's calls were first reported by Axios. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the Damascus strike that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members. Among them was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Quds Force, an elite overseas unit of the Revolutionary Guards. Israel, which launched a war in the Gaza Strip against Iran-backed Hamas following its deadly cross-border incursions in October, has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus, but the Pentagon has said it was. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Steve Holland; Writing by Don Durfee; Editing by Lincoln Feast) By Nate Raymond and Dan Whitcomb BOSTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department on Wednesday accused Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of manipulating Medicare's drug-pricing process by inflating the average sales price for its expensive macular degeneration drug Eylea. The department, in a complaint filed in federal court in Boston, alleged the drugmaker failed for years to report how it paid hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize Eylea purchases by reimbursing drug distributors for credit-card processing fees. Those payments were made to ensure that specialty drug distributors would accept credit cards from doctors and retina practices purchasing Eylea while continuing to charge physicians a lower price, according to the lawsuit. The drug, which the Tarrytown, New York-based company began marketing in 2011, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration, which impairs vision. The medication has a wholesale acquisition cost of $1,850 per vial, and the department said it was a leading expense for Medicare, the government healthcare program for people 65 and older, with more than $25 billion paid out from 2012 to 2023. The lawsuit said that by not reporting to Medicare all price concessions for Eylea, the drugmaker violated the False Claims Act, which prohibits submitting a false claim to the government for payment. "By doing so, Regeneron greatly inflated the costs of its drug to Medicare over many years and enhanced its revenues," acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy of Massachusetts said in a statement. Regeneron in a statement called the allegations without merit and said its reimbursement of costs incurred by specialty distributors were lawful. It said it would "vigorously defend itself in court." The case is the latest by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts against Regeneron concerning Eylea. An ongoing lawsuit filed in 2020 accused the drugmaker of using a charity that helps cover Medicare patients' drug costs as a means to pay kickbacks for using Eylea. The company denies wrongdoing. Wednesday's case began as a whistleblower lawsuit filed in 2020 by three people who worked for Regeneron. It was filed under the False Claims Act, which allows whistleblowers to sue companies to recover taxpayer funds paid out based on false claims. The cases are filed initially under seal to allow the Justice Department a chance to investigate and decide whether to intervene. Whistleblowers are entitled to a share of any financial recovery. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; editing by Costas Pitas and Leslie Adler) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution that would overturn a federal agency's rule requiring states to measure and set declining targets for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles using the national highway system. The Federal Highway Administration rules were declared unlawful last month by a federal judge but the decision could be reversed upon appeal. President Joe Biden's administration is eager to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 in an effort to avoid potentially catastrophic impacts of climate change. The Senate voted 53-47 in favor of a resolution that would reject the rules, with Democrats Sherrod Brown, Jon Tester and Joe Manchin joining Republicans. The U.S. House of Representatives has yet to vote on the measure. The White House said Biden would veto the measure if it is sent to him, and Republicans would almost certainly be unable to muster the votes needed to overturn a veto. The White House noted the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with most coming from vehicles on U.S. roads. In a statement opposing the Senate action, it called the rule "a common-sense, good-government tool for transparently managing" emissions from transportation. Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito said the administration lacked authority to write the rules and said the vote is "a clear message to the administration that we will continue to hold them accountable for executive overreach." Last month U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, said he agreed with Texas' lawsuit "the rule was unauthorized." The FHWA has noted it did not mandate how low targets must be and instead gave state transportation departments flexibility to set targets that were appropriate as long as the targets aimed to reduce emissions over time. The agency said it would assess whether states make significant progress toward achieving their targets but the rule does not impose penalties for those who missed their targets. The FHWA said the rule was "essential" to the Biden administration target of net-zero emissions economy-wide by 2050. The final regulation did not require states to set declining targets to align with the 2050 goal. In 2018, the Trump administration repealed a rule issued under former President Barack Obama requiring states to track greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on the nation's highways. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by David Gregorio) President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to reform state affairs to reflect people's will following the ruling party's crushing defeat in the general elections, the presidential office said Thursday. "I will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the general election, and will strive to reform the administration and do my best to stabilize the economy and enhance people's livelihoods," Lee Kwan-seop, presidential chief of staff, quoted him as saying during a press conference. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as well as three senior presidential aides, including Lee, offered to step down to take responsibility for the election defeat, according to the office. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) won 161 out of 254 directly contested seats, while the PPP won only 90 seats. Including proportional seats, the DPK and its satellite party secured 175 seats and the PPP and its satellite party garnered 108 seats in the 300-member National Assembly. Yoon had hoped the elections would allow his ruling conservative party to regain control of the National Assembly and help pass legislation key to fulfilling his campaign pledges and completing reforms during the remaining three years of his single, five-year term. However, the resounding defeat is expected to stall his agenda but also prompt soul-searching within his administration and the ruling party. In the early days of his presidency, Yoon could have pushed policies on the back of public support, but that support has dwindled as seen in the election outcome and his approval ratings of 30-something percent in recent months. Yoon is the first president since Korea's democratization in 1987 to work with an opposition-controlled parliament for all five years of his term. A senior presidential official said Yoon has considered the election results mean the public's assessment on his state affairs in the last two years. "We will soon take time to reflect on the results and their cause, and make further announcements," the official said. On whether the remark signals Yoon's intention to communicate with the opposition parties, the official said it could be interpreted in that way. Since taking office in May 2022, Yoon has not held a formal meeting with DPK leader Lee Jae-myung, who faces an array of corruption investigations that he argues are politically motivated. (Yonhap) The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority (MOHELA) took a drubbing at a Senate hearing Wednesday after a report from Democrats accused the student loan servicer of millions of billing errors, delays and borrower abuse since repayments began after the pandemic. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), chair of the Senate Banking subcommittee on economic policy, scolded the servicers CEO, Scott Giles, for refusing her invitation to testify and called for the firing of the company by the government. The data Ive received is truly shocking, Warren said. [MOHELA] has been particularly derelict in its duties administering the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, or PSLF. The Missouri loan servicer is currently the sole provider of the PSLF program, but the Department of Education announced it will become its own PSLF provider. Congressional attention on the provider ramped up after an investigation by the Student Borrower Protection Center and the American Federation of Teachers alleged MOHELA diverted borrowers away from customer service in favor of self-help options for loan issues. According to the report released Wednesday, MOHELA failed to properly prepare for its responsibilities despite receiving continued warnings and having the resources to do so; has seen 2.5 million delayed or missing billing statements to borrowers; is responsible for more than 250,000 miscalculations for borrowers that resulted in higher billing amounts; and offers purposely atrocious customer service. These failures have resulted in borrowers being unable to properly manage their loans and take advantage of long standing student debt relief programs, the report said. Weve heard from hundreds of borrowers that this report speaks to their lived experiences, said Persis Yu, deputy executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center and witness at the hearing. These failures create obstacles to payment, raise costs, cause distress and drive borrowers to default, she said. However, Scott Buchanan, executive director of the Student Loan Servicing Alliance and a fellow witness, said in his written statement that the so-called report was the work of political organizations dealing in fiction. According to Buchanan, loan service providers have struggled to navigate constant shifting of expectation and programmatic seismic shifts [on top] of the previously existing web of complicating servicing requirements and workflows from Congress and the Department of Education. I warned [Education] Secretary [Miguel] Cardona in a letter dated August 22, 2022 of the issues that would occur because of the lack of proper planning and insufficient time to make staffing and operational changes required, he said in the statement. Buchanan had said prior to the hearing that he wanted to make clear the root cause of the issue is not with the servicers, its with the program itself. But Warren said servicers had years to prepare, and they still screwed up. Despite receiving numerous warnings, and federal funding throughout the payment pause, every single student loan servicers failed to prepare for the transition back to repayment, every single one, she said. In a statement to The Hill, MOHELA said it remains focused on its primary mission of serving student borrowers throughout the return to repayment on-ramp period and continues to work diligently as the interim Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) servicer to process loan forgiveness for borrowers on behalf of the federal government. Updated at 4 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Editors Note: A version of this article first appeared in the Reliable Sources newsletter. Sign up for the daily digest chronicling the evolving media landscape here. National Public Radio is being battered by a right-wing storm. A day after NPR senior business editor Uri Berliner penned a scathing piece for Bari Weiss Free Press, pointedly critiquing the publicly funded outlet and portraying it as an institution that has descended into the depths of wokeism, the network finds itself under siege. Donald Trump, Fox News, and the other organs in the right-wing universe are holding up Berliners 3,500-word piece to demonize the outlet. And they are not stopping with a simple verbal assault, openly demanding that lawmakers strip the newsroom of its government funding. Trump on Wednesday, calling NPR a LIBERAL DISINFORMATION MACHINE, said that NOT ONE DOLLAR of government funds should be sent into its coffers moving forward. NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM! Trump ranted on his Truth Social platform. While Trump has pushed to defund the outlet before, the rage present in his post reflected the larger backlash in the right-wing media universe, where top figures have lambasted the public radio broadcaster as nothing more than a liberal propaganda mouthpiece and questioned why taxpayer dollars are funding the outlet. The NPR editors allegations of network bias has been billed as a top story, with right-wing outlets and personalities portraying Berliner as a whistleblower who has shined a bright light on a sinister operation aimed at indoctrinating Americans. WOKE NPR EXPOSED, declared an on-screen banner Wednesday on Fox News most-watched program, The Five. NPR PUMPED OUT AN ASSEMBLY LINE OF PROPAGANDA, blared a separate banner on Fox News host Jesse Watters primetime program. Berliner, however, did not go nearly that far in his piece. And he stressed in his essay that defunding the broadcaster isnt the answer. In an email on Wednesday, Berliner also told CNN that he rejects the notion that NPR is a liberal disinformation machine, as Trump stated. I have not seen Trumps comments, but the quote you cite is not the first time he has attacked the media, he wrote. He has done it countless times before and will no doubt do it many times again. While Berliner is not entirely on board with how his essay is being interpreted by Trump and his MAGA Media allies, the piece did validate a number of complaints the right has had about NPR and the press at large. Berliner ridiculed the outlets coverage of Russiagate, the Covid-19 lab-leak theory and the New York Posts Hunter Biden story. And he used his complaints about how those individual stories were covered by his colleagues to draw a sweeping conclusion. NPR, he asserted, had lost Americas trust by embracing a progressive worldview, rejecting viewpoint diversity, and telling listeners how to think. Berliner, who cited data showing that in 2023 self-identifying conservatives consumed NPR in fewer numbers than they had in 2011, strangely failed to identify the elephant in the room: by 2023, Trump and the MAGA Media machine had spent years waging a brutal war on truth and the media organizations that espouse it. That war, unquestionably, is responsible for many Republicans losing trust in newsrooms, including NPRs. Additionally, those who identified as a Republican in 2011 may have, after the chaotic Trump presidency, changed how they identify politically. But when CNN asked Berliner why his essay neglected to mention the impact Trumps war on the media has had on the publics trust, he declined to comment. Thats all from me now, Berliner wrote, strangely disinterested in a topic that cuts to the very heart of his essays central thesis. In a follow-up email, Berliner sent a link to a Gallup poll conducted last year showing trust in media had fallen, writing, Confidence in the media has tanked, including among Democrats. Its a good time for us to look in the mirror. Regardless of the questionable merits of Berliners sweeping conclusions, his piece has been nothing short of a massive gift to the right, which has made vilifying the news media its top priority in recent years. If Berliner had hoped that his essay would generate a conversation that would increase trust from conservatives, he was sorely mistaken. Ironically, it is doing the very opposite. NPRs response, meanwhile, has been rather muted. Editor-In-Chief Edith Chapin pushed back against Berliners characterization of the outlet in a Tuesday memo to staffers. Chapin said that NPR management strongly disagree with Uris assessment of the quality of our journalism and the integrity of our newsroom processes. But the outlet remained silent on Wednesday. A spokesperson did not respond to questions about attacks on the outlet or how management could expect its staffers to collaborate with Berliner, given how he openly spurned colleagues in his Free Press essay. Berliner declined to comment when asked what he would say to colleagues who have concerns that he can no longer be trusted. But the editor said that, for now, he is still employed by NPR. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The 2023 shooting at a Virginia elementary school in which a 6-year-old student shot his teacher was an avoidable situation, a special grand jury said in a newly released report, citing poor decisions in the lead-up to the shooting. The 11-member panel investigating the January 6, 2023, shooting at Richneck Elementary school in Newport News also found a shocking lack of response by the former assistant principal despite several warnings about the child, the report says. The report , dated March 11 but publicly released Wednesday, highlights a series of security failures and many behavioral problems involving the child before the shooting that wounded first-grade teacher Abigail Zwerner. The schools former assistant principal, Ebony Parker, resigned about three weeks after the shooting and was charged with eight counts of child abuse/disregard for life by a special grand jury last month, according to court records. Each of those eight felony counts carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison. If convicted, Parker could face up to 40 years in prison. Parker received four reports on the day of the shooting about the student having a firearm and neglected to take any action upon receiving the reports of a potentially dangerous threat, the special grand jury report said. Parker and other administrators were also responsible for making poor decisions regarding the child prior to the day of the shooting and dismissed his teachers concerns, the report said. Despite the fact that the child had enough documented substantial behavioral problems known by Dr. Parker to have him physically removed from the school the year prior, the child was placed in Ms. Zwerners first grade class for a total of 23 students enrolled. And despite warnings on the day of the shooting including from three different students over the course of two hours that the student had a firearm, the 6-year-old was not searched or removed from class, according to the report. The panel also noted missing evidence in the case, including on the childs disciplinary records, and said another school district administrator should be investigated to determine if she should be criminally charged with obstruction of justice. It is at its best a complete lack of competence as to how things were run and recorded and at its worst a cover up for the childs past disciplinary record by the school administration, the report said. Emily Mapp Brannon, an attorney representing several Richneck Elementary School families, released a statement Thursday saying, The children and families of Richneck have suffered irreparable harm. This report is thorough and appalling. This report is the first demonstration of concern for the children and the families of Richneck. These jurors concluded what the families of Richneck have known. On January 6, 2023, the safety of the children of Richneck was of no concern to the administration. The Newport News School Board issued a statement Thursday thanking the grand jury for its report. We have implemented a number of positive changes since this incident and will continue to do so in the future, the statement said, without detailing the changes made. Safety of students and staff remain a top priority for the school board. Those changes include giving the districts elementary schools weapons-detection systems through which students and visitors pass upon entry to the buildings; assigning two full-time security officers to Richneck Elementary, which previously had only one part-time officer; and requiring all students to use district-issued clear backpacks, the district told CNN. CNN has reached out to Ebony Parkers attorney for comment. The teacher, Zwerner, filed a $40 million lawsuit last year against the school board and administrators alleging they ignored warning signs and were aware of the students history of random violence, CNN previously reported. Diane Toscano, an attorney for Zwerner, said at a Thursday news conference the findings detailed in the special grand jury report mean Newport News school leadership will not escape accountability for this tragedy. They reminded us that justice will prevail in this case. Toscano said she was particularly troubled by the school downplaying disciplinary records before the shooting and hiding them afterward. In addition to the question of possible obstruction of justice, serious questions need to be answered by the school board and about the culture that they oversaw of being loose with disciplinary records and that put our teachers and our students in danger, she said. She encourages both the Virginia and the US Department of Education to do their own investigation. This story has been updated with additional information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Chick-fil-A off of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Atlanta is used to dealing with the morning rush as one of the busier franchises in the area. But this morning was a little different.Get ready for some milkshakes, former President Donald Trump told Chick-fil-A staff on Wednesday, surprising customers with a drop-in while on the way to a fundraising luncheon in the city. The interaction, which quickly went viral across social media, showed Trump buying 30 milkshakes and some chicken for customers and supporters. One moment at the fast-food restaurant has caught special attention among conservatives on X, formerly Twitter: Some banter between a Trump and a supporter. Pundits thought the woman, who is Black, was referencing her race as she encouraged the former president, I dont care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you! NEW: Trump gets swarmed by Atlanta residents during a visit at a local Chick-fil-A with one woman coming up and giving him a hug. "I don't care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump. We support you." Trump went into the fast food joint and ordered 30 milkshakes which he then pic.twitter.com/0FmKDJvreU Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 10, 2024 Chick-fil-A visit marks Trump's second in Georgia this year Todays visit marks the second time Trump has come to Georgia in a little over a month, showing that the state will once again be an important battleground in the 2024 presidential election. ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Former U.S. President Donald Trump meets with people during a visit to a Chick-fil-A restaurant on April 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Trump is visiting Atlanta for a campaign fundraising event he is hosting. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the fundraiser cost $6,600 to attend, with an additional $25,000 fee per couple for a photo opportunity with the 45th president. Those expected to be in attendance included former U.S. Senators David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, as well as prominent figures of the Georgia business sector, including Bernie Marcus of Home Depot and poultry industry billionaire Tommy Bagwell. In all, the fundraiser was expected to rake in more than $5 million for the embattled candidate, who currently owes nearly $470 million for his various legal troubles, including cases over hush money and election fraud. But at his stop before the fundraiser, the former president appeared more interested in the chicken he was about to be served. Thats the Lords chicken, Trump quipped. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Stop at Atlanta Chick-fil-A before fundraiser goes viral Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Thursday, April 11. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our story for Friday, April 12. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert Thursday for its personnel and their families in Israel, limiting where they can go amid increased concerns of an Iranian attack. Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Beer Sheva areas until further notice, the alert says. U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel. Theres no reference in the alert to an impending Iranian strike, but Tehran has signaled it will retaliate for the April 1 assault on its consulate in Damascus, which killed seven senior Iranian military officers. Israel is widely believed to have launched that attack, although it has not claimed responsibility. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached out in the last day to the foreign ministers of China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey to make clear that escalation is not in anyones interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters Thursday. With the Israel-Hamas war still raging past the six-month mark, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is also urging American citizens to be mindful of the risks of traveling to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, warning against visiting the embattled Palestinian territory. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events, the alert says. Israel to 'flood Gaza with aid': War of words with Iran also heats up Children ride atop a motorcycle cart converted into a makeshift trackless train vehicle as they celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on April 10, 2024. Developments: Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews demonstrated near a Jerusalem enlistment office, protesting a recent court ruling that means "Haredim" men will be drafted for the first time since Israel was founded in 1948. Israel is prepared for military confrontations beyond Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday, amid concern that Iran was getting ready to strike Israel. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them," he said. The Israel Defense Forces said it began a "precise, intelligence-based operation to strike terrorist infrastructure and eliminate operatives in central Gaza'' overnight into Thursday. Russia urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint to avoid "complete destabilization" of the region. Russia also warned its citizens against traveling to the Middle East. Iran says it must punish Israel because UN didn't condemn embassy attack Tehran must retaliate for the deadly attack on its consular compound in Damascus last week because the U.N. Security Council failed to condemn the strike or take any action against Israel, Irans U.N. mission said in a statement posted Thursday on the X platform. Had the U.N. Security Council condemned the Zionist regimes reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated, the statement said. Despite its threats, Iran has indicated to the U.S. through an intermediary that it will respond in a manner that avoids an escalation of hostilities with Israel and wouldnt rush into it, Reuters reported. The U.S. has maintained it was not involved in or given advance notice of the attack. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied responsibility for the April 1 attack on an Iranian consulate annex building adjacent to the Iranian embassy in Syria that killed seven high-ranking Iranian military officers, including Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi of the elite Quds Force. Tensions between the nations have increased, and Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Wednesday that the evil regime made a mistake and must be punished. The top U.S. commander for the Middle East reportedly arrived in Israel on Thursday for meetings with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other senior defense officials to discuss an anticipated military response from Iran, Haaretz.com reported. Gen. Erik Kurillas trip comes a day after Blinken spoke with Gallant and reiterated the United States support for Israels security and made clear that the U.S. will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran and its proxies, the State Department said in a statement. U.S. Central Command, in an email to USA TODAY, declined to confirm Kurillas trip: We do not discuss flag officer travel for operational security. Hamas official says cease-fire needed to account for hostages A senior Hamas official on Thursday deflected questions from journalists concerning fears that many hostages could be dead. The possibility gained traction after Hamas said it was not sure it could provide 40 living Israeli civilian captives as part of a cease-fire proposal. Dr. Basem Naim, a member of political bureau of Hamas, said a cease-fire agreement is needed to provide time and safety to collect information on the captured Israelis. They are held in different places by different militant groups and some are "under the rubble, killed with our own people" and heavy equipment is required to find them, he said. No one is asking about the thousands of Palestinians kidnapped by Israel since the Hamas-led attack Oct. 7 that ignited the war, he said. "The most outrageous is the repeated questions regarding the hostages in Gaza, how many alive or dead, does Hamas rejected the proposal because it cant release 40 hostages in the first phase, etc ..." he said in a statement posted on Telegram. "The lives of their people arent more precious than ours." UNICEF aid convoy hit with gunfire, turned back from Gaza A UNICEF convoy was hit by gunfire Wednesday as it tried to deliver aid to northern Gaza, the latest in a series of violent obstructions faced by aid workers in the enclave. "The incident has been raised with relevant Israeli authorities," UNICEF said in a statement. "Sadly, humanitarians continue to face risks in delivering lifesaving aid." The incident occurred nine days after a World Central Kitchen aid convoy was attacked by Israeli rockets, killing seven workers and the same day Israel promised to greatly increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a USA TODAY request for comment on the incident. UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told Al Jazeera she was in one of the vehicles at a holding point area at a checkpoint. She said three rounds hit the car where she was sitting. The mission had been authorized and the Israeli authorities knew about the convoy, Ingram said. After the shooting, Israeli authorities continued to delay the convoy and it eventually was forced to return to Rafah. So those life-saving supplies never made it to the children in northern Gaza, Ingram said. Israeli commander pitches aid plan to Red Cross, other agencies Israel's Southern Command chief, Major General Yaron Finkelman, met with representatives of U.N. agencies, the Red Cross, IMC, USAID and the American Humanitarian Coordinator as part of "increasing coordination and cooperation on the issue of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip," the Israeli military announced. The meeting comes as Israel announced plans to greatly increase access to humanitarian aid for Gaza residents. Plans include a new border crossing designed make it easier to bring humanitarian supplies from overseas and from Jordan to the east. These breakthroughs have a direct impact on the flow of aid we plan to flood Gaza with aid," Gallant said. "It will also streamline security checks and strengthen our work with international partners. Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israeli war updates: US restricts travel of embassy workers By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. has had direct conversations with countries accused of fueling the conflict in Sudan and has encouraged regional states to press Iran not to engage in the war, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Thursday. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Iranian-made armed drones had helped the army turn the tide of the conflict, halting the progress of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) and regaining territory around the capital, according to a senior army source. Six Iranian sources, regional officials and diplomats - who, like the army source, asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the information - also told Reuters the military had acquired Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the past few months. "We've had numerous discussions with countries in the region and in those discussions with countries in the region, we've encouraged them to encourage other countries like Iran not to engage," Thomas-Greenfield told reporters at the State Department in Washington ahead of the April 15 anniversary of the conflict in Sudan. The war has pushed millions into extreme hunger, created the world's largest displacement crisis, and triggered waves of ethnically driven killings and sexual violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan. U.N. experts have said the RSF war effort has been aided by backing via neighboring African states including Chad, Libya and South Sudan, and that allegations of material support from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF were credible. The UAE has said its role in Sudan is focused on humanitarian support and calls for de-escalation. Thomas-Greenfield added that the U.S. has had direct conversations with countries who have been identified as possibly fueling the war, saying that Washington has constant engagement with those named in news reports, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. "We've been making very clear to all partners across the region that escalating the war at this time is something that is going to not only have increasing humanitarian costs, but actually risks destabilization of the entire region," U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello said. "Right now is the time that every arms shipment, every bit fueling this conflict is something that pushes us closer to not only famine, but to a failed state." (Reporting by Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Alison Williams) By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. House of Representatives could vote again this week on controversial surveillance legislation, a Republican congressman said, after an initial attempt failed in the Republican-controlled chamber. A modest overhaul of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, foundered in the House on Wednesday after Democratic and Republican critics, including former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, said it gave the government too much power to spy on American citizens. At issue are elements of FISA that allow law enforcement to scan vast mountains of data scooped up by U.S. intelligence agencies without first getting approval from a judge. Congressman French Hill, a Republican who sits on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs committees, said the House could vote on the legislation again on Friday, possibly with modifications. Several House Republicans said the chamber might vote to extend the surveillance authority by two years, rather than five, as the legislation that failed on Wednesday would have done. Republican Representative Eric Burlison told Reuters that a two-year bill would give Trump a chance to address FISA as president if he wins the White House in November. "Let's give the next person that's elected president a chance to weigh in," Burlison said. (Reporting by David Morgan; writing by Paul Grant; Editing by Andy Sullivan, Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis) AR-15 style rifles are displayed for sale at a gun show in Costa Mesa, California, in 2021. Photograph: Patrick T Fallon/AFP/Getty Images The sale of firearms on the internet and at gun shows in the US will in future be subject to mandatory background checks, the justice department said on Thursday as it announced a historic new action to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals. The closing of the so-called gun show loophole, which exempts private transactions from restrictions that apply to licensed dealers, has long been a goal of the Biden administration, and is specifically targeted in the rule published in the federal register today. Related: Many Americans who recently bought guns open to political violence, survey finds Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: if you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks, the attorney general, Merrick Garland, told reporters on a press call announcing the measure. This regulation is a historic step in the justice departments fight against gun violence. It will save lives. The rule, which clarifies who is considered to be engaged in the business as a firearms dealer, will take effect in 30 days time, and follows a three-month consultation period that attracted almost 388,000 comments to the website of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The White House estimates that 22% of guns owned by Americans were acquired without a background check and that about 23,000 more individuals will be required to be licensed as a dealer after the rules implementation. There is a large and growing black market of guns being sold by people in the business of dealing and doing it without a license, and therefore they are not running background checks the way the law requires, the ATF director, Steven Dettelbach, said. Its not safe for innocent, law-abiding Americans. In fact, its doggone dangerous. Garland presented the rule as a hardening of the 2022 bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which said all persons who devote time, attention, and labor to dealing in firearms as a regular course of trade or business to predominantly earn a profit would be considered a dealer. The regulation expands the definition of who must obtain a license and conduct a background check before selling guns, Garland said. It will close the gun show loophole, and it closes the fire-sale loophole by clarifying how firearms dealers who go out of business must go about liquidating their inventory. Intra-family transfers of firearms, or occasional sales to enhance a collection, will not be presumed business transactions, a White House spokesperson said. The new rule is the latest in a series of unilateral steps the Biden administration has taken to tighten gun laws, while at the same time highlighting the difficulty of getting legislation through Congress. Republicans were lukewarm to near-identical proposals by Barack Obama in 2016, towards the end of his second term, while Biden was vice-president; and, with a current House majority, have been resistant to calls for meaningful gun control measures since. Last month, Kamala Harris, the vice-president, visited Parkland, Florida, the site of a 2018 high school shooting that claimed 17 lives, to announce the setting up of a national resource center to assist states in implementing red flag laws. In September, Biden tapped Harris to lead the first federal gun violence prevention office, and the pair have repeatedly urged Congress to pass tougher regulations, including a ban on private ownership of assault weapons. For decades, many dealers who sell weapons someplace other than the traditional gun store, say a gun show or flea market, or through social media, have gotten away without conducting background checks, she told reporters on the call. Every year, thousands of unlicensed dealers sell tens of thousands of guns without a single background check to buyers who, if they had been required to pass a background check, would have failed, for example, domestic abusers, violent felons and even children. This single gap in our federal background check system has caused unimaginable pain and suffering. I believe countless families and communities will be spared the horror and heartbreak of gun violence by this new rule. Gun control advocacy groups welcomed the rule. Gabby Giffords, the former US congresswoman who founded the Giffords center to prevent gun violence after she was seriously injured in a 2011 shooting, said: President Biden stood strong and saved lives today. His administration took bold action to address a gaping loophole that allowed firearm dealers to sell guns without performing background checks and let anyone intent on doing harm to buy a gun, no questions asked. This new rule will make sure fewer people slip through the cracks, and were all safer for it. Mark Barden, who co-founded Sandy Hook Promise after his seven-year-old son Daniel was among the 26 victims of a 2012 elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, said: While todays victory can never take away the pain of having my youngest son taken from our family, it represents the power of our collective voices when we come together to keep kids safe. We are energized to keep up the fight and will work day in and day out to ensure that this isnt the last action we see on expanding background checks. The group promoted background check legislation in both chambers of Congress last year and is pressing for a vote, citing studies that show overwhelming public support for such a measure. We sincerely thank the more than 11,000 supporters, including teachers, parents, students, gun violence survivors and other concerned community members, who spoke out in support of this critical rule, said Nicole Hockley, chief executive of Sandy Hook Promise, and mother of Dylan, six, another Newtown victim. Their support has been a fountain of hope and we share this victory with them. This article was amended on 11 April 2024. A previous version quoted a White House spokesperson as saying that inter-family transfers of firearms will not be presumed business transactions. This reference should have been to intra-family transfers, and has been corrected. QUINCY Back in 2011, when Devin Alexander was a senior at Quincy High, police arrested him for possessing of marijuana. Now, he's the co-founder of a cannabis delivery company. And he's helping promote legal marijuana, specifically the Cannabis Control Commission's Social Equity Program. The cost-free initiative provides populations disproportionately impacted by the "war on drugs" with technical training and advice, an expedited licensing process and financial benefits such as fee waivers, easing their entry into the growing sector. State cannabis commissioner Kimberly Roy and Alexander, a graduate of the social equity program's inaugural class and owner of Rolling Releaf, have been touring the state to get the word out before this year's April 30 deadline for applications. Alexander qualified for the program because he grew up and lives in Quincy, which has been designated by the Commission as an area harmed by the "war on drugs." He is doubly qualified because he was arrested for possession as a teen. Alexander's success story embodies the program's mission. The prohibition on marijuana, which ended in Massachusetts in 2016, closed the door on certain opportunities for the young Alexander. The Social Equity Program opened it wide again. Cannabis Control Commissioner Kimberly Roy, left, and co-founder of Rolling Releaf, a cannabis delivery service, Devin Alexander at Quincy Access Television studios. A hard road for Devin Alexander after marijuana arrest "They put me in handcuffs and put me in a cell," he recalled. "You guys (meaning The Patriot Ledger) published my name in the paper. A stigma followed me around because of that." Alexander said he wanted to go into the Air Force, but his criminal record disqualified him. Instead he enrolled in Quincy College, graduating with a degree in psychology. Eventually he got a job as a budtender at Ermont Inc, the medical dispensary on Ricciuti Drive bought by MariMed in 2023 and reopened as Panacea Wellness. Alexander described the experience of selling marijuana legally in his hometown as surreal at times, for instance when his former teachers would come in to make a purchase. Cannabis in Quincy: Quincy zoning board delays decision on marijuana store. Here's why More: Could Quincy support 5 pot shops? Pharmacist applies for permit He said that when police details were stationed in the area, officers would sometimes make use of the Ermont's bathroom. "There I was, making a transaction right in front of the same police department that arrested me." What do the Social Equity Program classes teach? In June 2019, Alexander was accepted into the Social Equity Program. He described taking a series of classes held at the State House, Suffolk University and Bunker Hill Community College. His coursework included business marketing, municipal process, community outreach and how to create a positive impact plan, one of the licensing requirements in Massachusetts. Participation in the program gave Alexander exclusive access to a valuable license type, the delivery operator license, which allows him to bring cannabis products to customers' doors through his business, Rolling Releaf, which he opened out of Newton in March 2023. "To me, the crown jewel of the Social Equity Program is the exclusive access to delivery licenses," he said. "It allowed us to establish ourselves in the market because there are not too many out there. In the Boston area, we're one of only three. It's been a huge advantage for us." That exclusivity window for special licenses like Alexander's delivery license kicked off in April 2022 with a three year lifespan. In August, Commissioners will begin considering whether to extend it before it expires in 2025. Unsurprisingly, Alexander said he strongly supports an extension. Massachusetts Social Equity Program for marijuana the first of its kind in the country The 2016 referendum that legalized recreational marijuana included an "equity mandate" designed, in the words of Commissioner Roy, to "right the wrongs of prohibition." The Social Equity Program is one way the Cannabis Control Commission works to fill this mandate. Residents of 31 "disproportionately impacted communities," across the state, including Quincy, qualify to participate. These communities were affected by a disproportionate amount of arrests and incarcerations resulting from the former prohibition on marijuana. Roy said that while cannabis is now the state's number one agricultural product in dollar value, surpassing cranberries, a number of obstacles still stand in the way of budding entrepreneurs who, like Alexander, don't have ready access to capital. Because federal law regards marijuana in the same light as heroin (both are Schedule 1 substances deemed to have no legitimate medical purpose), cannabis retailers lack access to small business loans. This makes them susceptible to predatory lenders, Roy said. To alleviate this situation, the Massachusetts legislature passed a reform bill that established the Social Equity Trust Fund, which provides eligible applicants (those from communities disproportionately harmed communities) with no- or low-interest loans and grants. Alexander has already applied. "I'll be hearing back any day now," he said. "I check my email every morning." Who is eligible for the cannabis Social Equity Program To meet the program's eligibility requirements, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: Residency in one of 30 disproportionately Impacted Areas for five of the past 20 years and income that does not exceed 400% of the Area Median Income. Massachusetts residency for the past 12 months and a conviction for a marijuana-related offense. Massachusetts residency for the past 12 months and married to or the child of an individual with a conviction for a marijuana-related offense. Since launching statewide in 2019 ,over 800 people have graduated from the program. The Cannabis Control Commission has scheduled three upcoming clinics to assist with the application process. The next is on Wednesday, April 10 at 5 p.m. at the DCU Center in Worcester, and the third is at Holyoke Community College on April 22 at 5 p.m. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription. Here is our latest offer. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Devin Alexander starts marijuana delivery company, Rolling Releaf Han Dong-hoon, the leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), stepped down Thursday to take responsibility for the crushing defeat in the parliamentary elections. Han, a former justice minister and a confidant of conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, has led the PPP's election campaign since late December, but failed to steer his party to win a majority in the 300-member parliament. "I apologize to people on behalf of our party, which fell short of receiving people's support," Han said during a press conference at the PPP's headquarters in western Seoul. "I solemnly accept the will of the people and deeply reflect on myself. I take full responsibility for the election results and step down." The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) won 161 out of 254 directly contested seats, while the PPP won only 90 seats. Including proportional seats, the DPK and its satellite party secured 175 seats and the PPP and its satellite party garnered 108 seats in the 300-member National Assembly. Wednesday's election was widely seen as a mid-term confidence vote on Yoon, a former top prosecutor who took office in 2022 for a single five-year term. The results illustrated the negative public sentiment toward the Yoon administration over his botched personnel management, rising consumer prices and controversies surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee, foreshadowing a lame duck for Yoon's remaining three years in office. (Yonhap) The Dollywood branding shows off Dolly Parton's love of butterflies. Clementine Fletcher/BI I visited Dolly Parton's themepark Dollywood in Tennessee for the first time. I didn't have many expectations of the park but had always wanted to visit. These seven things really stood out to me. "OMG. I am SO JEALOUS." When I, an Englishwoman living in New York, told my friends in the UK and the US I was going to Dollywood for the first time, their responses were all variations on the message above. Of course, Dolly Parton is a global superstar. She's a multimillionaire known not only for hit country songs, including "9 to 5" and "Jolene" (most recently covered by another legend, Beyonce), but also for her philanthropy and her theme park, Dollywood. She's an icon, from her big blonde hair to her prolific musical career. Still, the strength of people's responses across the board to my planned trip surprised me. While I'm nowhere close to being a theme park expert, I happened to visit Universal Studios in LA last year, and people were significantly less curious about it (no shade, Universal!). This level of enthusiasm certainly has a lot to do with people's love for Dolly herself, but is also possibly due to Dollywood's location in rural Tennessee close to where Dolly grew up in the Smoky Mountains but certainly not a big tourist hot spot. In fact, only a few people I know have visited Dollywood compared to the well-trodden paths of Disney or even Six Flags. So when I got the chance to go, I jumped at it. And while I'd read a little about the park, I wanted to experience it without preconceptions. So, armed with our $92-per-adult tickets, four friends and I went in search of a Dolly good time on a sunny April day. Here are seven things that surprised me about Dollywood. There was less, well, Dolly than I expected. There was a cartoon image of Dolly on a big screen at a singalong event, but not many images of the star herself apart from in certain stores. Clementine Fletcher/BI As we followed the GPS instructions in the car through the local city of Sevierville, one of my friends turned to me and said, "Are you sure you have the right address? I've only seen one sign to Dollywood so far." And while we were actually on the right road, it seemed to illustrate a theme: I'd expected a LOT more Dolly Parton imagery at the park than there actually was. To be sure, it has Dollywood branding throughout (including a lot of images of butterflies, which are beloved by Dolly) and musical performances in various venues at various times. We caught a Dolly Parton singalong, for example. And there's also plenty of Dolly merchandise for sale, though not in every store. But aside from that, images of Dolly herself were few and far between, and we barely heard any of her music in the park apart from the singalong. I'm sure if we'd taken in some shows we'd have heard more; we also visited too early in the year to see the Dolly Parton Experience, a soon-to-be-opened "interactive area" that will provide "an in-depth look at an iconic career through multiple attractions." Dollywood feels less about Dolly herself and more about showcasing how her native Tennessee has influenced her and what it has to offer. That fits, given the work of the Dollywood Foundation, which was started two years after the park opened in 1986 to inspire the children in Dolly's home county to achieve educational success. There's a church, a replica of Dolly's childhood home, and some really beautiful features. The replica of Dolly Parton's childhood home (left) and Dollywood's chapel (right). Clementine Fletcher/BI One sign Dollywood isn't like many theme parks: there's a church. In fact, the Robert F. Thomas chapel (named for the doctor and preacher who delivered Dolly) had a full service on the Sunday we visited. Another homage to Dolly's childhood can be found in the recreation of the home she and her 10 siblings grew up in. The house is the inspiration for many of her songs, like "Tennessee Mountain Home." Many of the items inside the replica are originals from the actual home. I was also struck by how beautiful parts of the park are planters full of flowers, water features, old-timey-feeling shopfronts as well as the surrounding hills. There were more birds than I expected. We met screech owls Buster (left) and Gimli (right) at the Wings of America bird show. Clementine Fletcher/BI Yes, birds. Dollywood has the US's "largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles," and you can catch a glimpse of many of them pretty close to where the chapel is located. Plus, the American Eagle Foundation, which looks after the birds at Dollywood, gives regular avian shows and meet-and-greets (all the birds are disabled and wouldn't be able to survive in the wild). I didn't expect to learn about falcons at the theme park or meet a flightless crow that accepts donations of dollar bills in its beak, but every day is a learning day. The rollercoasters are great! Dollywood's Tennessee Tornado rollercoaster. Clementine Fletcher/BI While rides were something I did expect at Dollywood, I was impressed by how good some are. We were also lucky as the park wasn't busy, so the queues were short. We particularly enjoyed the Wild Eagle, though we mistakenly missed out on Lightning Rod, which is apparently well-known in the roller coaster community. There's also the enjoyably idiosyncratic Blazing Fury ride, which the Dollywood website describes thus: "An out-of-control fire is just minutes away from engulfing this 1880s town, and chaos ensues as the town's residents, a cast of characters ranging from firefighters to gunslingers and damsels in distress, hurry to escape the blaze." You can also go on the Dollywood Express, an actual coal-fired steam engine if you prefer your rides to be slightly closer to the ground. It's really family-friendly. Showstreet at Dollywood has lots of amenities, including a pink glittery canopy for ample selfie opportunities. Clementine Fletcher/BI While there appeared to be plenty of children brave and tall enough to go on some of the bigger rides, there were also many less challenging rides and amusements for smaller kids. We spotted families with children in strollers and older people in mobility vehicles, adding to an accessible atmosphere. There's also a very useful app for planning your trip. There's lots of Dollywood merch, but also lots of independent restaurants and stores. There was plenty of Dollywood popcorn for sale. Clementine Fletcher/BI While there were Dollywood-branded food items throughout (like popcorn buckets), we didn't spot any overt branding from big chains, though the concessions did sell Starbucks coffee and Nathan's hotdogs, plus well-known soda brands. There are plenty of independent-looking restaurants, like Aunt Granny's (named after the nickname Dolly Parton's nieces and nephews gave her), plus some more casual-looking food trucks and stands. The park is also dotted with little stores selling clothing or artwork, and the Craftsman's Valley area has people making and selling "authentic handmade crafts" from the area. There's also a year-round Christmas store, though disappointingly there were no Dolly Parton tree ornaments to be found. We checked. The cinnamon bread is worth the hype. Dollywood's famous cinnamon bread (left) and t-shirt homages to the bread (right). Clementine Fletcher/BI "You can't get alcohol at Dollywood, so save the calories for the cinnamon bread," one of my few friends who had been to the park said. He wasn't wrong. For about $15, you get a hot, sugary loaf, and it was great. In fact, it's so popular you can buy T-shirts talking about it. While we didn't get a top, we did definitely consider getting another serving of the bread for our journey home. Read the original article on Business Insider A starry guest list including Robert De Niro, Jeff Bezos, former President Clinton and Hillary Clinton, and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi descended on the White House Wednesday for the state dinner for Japan. While rib-eye steak and pistachio cake were poised to be served at the gala event, political talk apparently wasnt on the menu. Oh, were having a good time tonight, Hillary Clinton told reporters as she arrived hand-in-hand with the former commander in chief, when asked her thoughts about the 2024 presidential race. Former President Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attend the state dinner. (Judy Kurtz) The 42nd president told ITK it was great to be back at the White House for the black-tie gala honoring Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the fifth state dinner of the Biden administration. Noticing a portrait of former Secretary of State Clinton hanging up in the East Colonnade where some of the nights more than 200 guests entered for the dinner, the pair pointed and grinned. Bezos, smiling with fiance Lauren Sanchez as he arrived at the White House which was decked out with giant, decorative fans and a floor space featuring a mural with flowers, golden butterflies and koi fish declined to answer a question about whether he would support President Bidens reelection bid. De Niro, one of Hollywoods most vocal critics of former President Trump, stayed uncharacteristically quiet about politics while making his way through the White House with girlfriend Tiffany Chen. Asked how hes feeling about the election, the 80-year-old Killers of the Flower Moon actor replied, What do you think? Actor Robert De Niro and his girlfriend Tiffany Chen were guests at the state dinner for Japan. (Judy Kurtz) Yamaguchi, who backed Biden in 2020, said she didnt anticipate hitting the campaign trail for him this year but mouthed to members of the press, Go, Joe. Other guests included: Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff, Apple CEO Tim Cook, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Democratic Govs. Kathy Hochul (N.Y.), Josh Shapiro (Pa.) and Roy Cooper (N.C.), the presidents daughter Ashley Biden, and his grandchildren, Finnegan and Naomi Biden. Vice President Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff pose for a photo at the event. (Judy Kurtz) During a toast, Biden told the crowd of the countrys relationship with Japan, Today, without question, our alliance is literally stronger than its ever been. Japan and the United States stand together, Biden said. Kishida, during his remarks, said he was left breathless and speechless by the huge number of prominent American and Japanese guests at the dinner. My wife, Yuko also left breathless just told me it was hard to tell who the guest of honor is. So I was relieved when I was shown the seat right next to the president, Kishida quipped, drawing laughs from the crowd. Kishida quoted Star Trek as he told state dinner guests the nations would boldly go where no one has gone before. I would like to propose a toast to our voyage, to the frontier of the Japan-U.S. relationship, Kishida said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced Thursday she would step down at the end of her term next spring, putting liberals' majority on the pivotal swing states highest bench at stake. The April 2025 election to replace Bradley promises to be an expensive and bitter race and will likely feature many of the same momentous issues like abortion rights and redistricting that defined a 2023 Wisconsin Supreme Court race that ultimately gave liberals their first majority on the bench in 15 years. In a statement, Bradley, 73, said she would not run for a fourth 10-year term on the court, saying it was a good time to bring fresh perspectives to the court. My decision has not come lightly. It is made after careful consideration and reflection. I know I can do the job and do it well. I know I can win re-election should I run, but its just time to pass the torch, wrote Bradley, who was elected to the technically nonpartisan court in 1995. The election for Bradley's seat will come two years after liberal Janet Protasiewicz defeated conservative Dan Kelly in what was the most expensive state Supreme Court race in U.S. history and one of the most closely watched elections of 2023. The race was largely defined by Protasiewiczs support for abortion rights and opposition to the states heavily gerrymandered legislative maps two issues that were set to come before the court. During the campaign, conservatives criticized Protasiewicz for having taken public stances on divisive political issues. Following her win, some Republicans in the state threatened her with impeachment. Just days after Protasiewicz was sworn in, the court took up the case of the state's legislative maps and months later ruled them unconstitutional. The new maps that were drawn are all but certain to cut down on the GOPs majority in the Legislature this November. Wisconsin Democrats promptly praised Bradley on Thursday for her tenure, but also warned of how much was at stake if conservatives were to retake the majority especially on the issue of abortion in the state, where, following the fall of Roe v. Wade in 2022, a 175-year-old near-total ban technically went back into effect. Theres no question that reproductive freedom and abortion bans in Wisconsin will be a central issue not just this fall, but also in the Supreme Court race next spring, Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair Ben Wikler said on a call with reporters. The far right is trying to take over the Supreme Court so that they can put the 1849 abortion ban into effect. Justice Ann Walsh Bradleys announcement this morning that she wont be running for re-election next year is a reminder that Wisconsin is still only one bad election away from an ultra-right wing, abortion banning Supreme Court majority, he added. The Biden campaign praised Bradley and argued that "with her decision not to seek reelection, the future of reproductive rights in Wisconsin is once again in flux." "As Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe and enabling extreme state abortion bans across the country, its clear that the surest way voters can protect their abortion rights in Wisconsin is to reelect President Joe Biden this November," the campaign's Wisconsin communications director, Brianna Johnson, said in a statement Thursday. The race will have huge political ramifications in the battleground state. Democrats in the state had viewed the new court majority as a prime opportunity to break the GOP's yearslong grip on power and policy. But another election with the majority again at stake could scramble those hopes. It's also likely to further ratchet up existing tensions on the court. While the Wisconsin Supreme Court has been plagued by acrimony, divisions and allegations of partisanship for years, the 2023 election and the flip in ideological balance on the bench following it caused those tensions to erupt anew into public view. Protasiewiczs first few weeks on the court were marred by sudden personnel moves overseen by the courts new liberal majority, rancorous news releases and tweets by justices that included insults and accusations of partisanship. By Baek Byung-yeul Former business executives were fielded as candidates by political parties in the April 10 general elections, but most failed to win the support of voters, suggesting that candidates with a more voter-friendly image or high-profile candidates may have a better chance of winning, according to experts, Thursday. Political parties nominated the business executives as candidates for the general elections in light of their extensive experience in various industrial sectors, helping the parties to formulate and promote their economic policies, the experts said. Despite these strategic nominations, many of the high-profile business executive candidates, running either in one of the 254 electoral districts or the proportional representation system, failed to win the public's support. Experts attribute the failure of these candidates, nominated by various parties to take the initiative on economic affairs, to the competitiveness of their rivals and the fact that the candidates' respective parties were generally not well-received in the regions. "The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) nominated these businesspeople with the goal of promoting their economic policies. However, many of them failed to get elected because they were matched up against politicians with higher profiles," said Cha Jae-kwon, a political professor at Pukyong National University. The professor noted that the parties should have placed these political novices strategically to ensure a win if they were intended to lead the nations economic policies. The constituencies where these businesspeople-turned-politicians ran for election were generally favorable to rival parties. Simply having extensive industrial experience or having worked for major conglomerates does not necessarily mean voters will support them," he said. In the election, the DPK and its satellite party secured 175 seats while the PPP and its satellite party garnered 108 seats. Samsung Electronics' ex-smartphone division CEO Koh Dong-jin was elected in Seoul's Gangnam-C and CJ CheilJedang's ex-CEO Choi Eun-seok won in Daegu's Dong-Gunwi District. Both are PPP members. However, Hyundai Motor former President Kong Young-woon and former NCSOFT executive Lee Jae-sung, both DPK candidates, failed to win against their rivals, as did HD Hyundai Robotics ex-CEO Kang Chul-ho, a PPP candidate. Experts, however, positively assessed the moves to nominate individuals with business experience as election candidates. This is because business executives-turned-politicians can bring their industry experience and insights into legislative discussions, understanding the economic situations of various regions better than experts in other sectors due to their high level of industry knowledge. Additionally, their political activities can help invigorate the economy in their respective regions. "For example, in the case of Busan, there are relatively few people who were born and raised in the port city and have climbed to high positions in a company. Nominating them as lawmaker candidates could help revitalize the economy of Busan, which has fewer jobs and a less favorable economic situation compared to other regions," the professor said. "In this way, the policy of political parties nominating businesspeople to represent their districts is positively assessed and should be pursued further." YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. The fact of recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is necessary for the Armenian authorities to recognize the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, said Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during his speech at the Parliament, addressing the opposition's accusations regarding the Armenian Government's recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. "We have actually recognized the territorial integrity of Armenia,'' the PM said. ''The recognition of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is necessary for us to recognize the territorial integrity of Armenia, as Armenia's territorial integrity is surrounded by Azerbaijan. If we do not recognize the territorial integrity of Turkey, Iran, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, we do not acknowledge the territorial integrity of Armenia, as historically, Armenia, is the country surrounded by these countries. If we do not recognize their territorial integrity, we do not acknowledge the existence of our country. We succumbed to this temptation, and it is through this temptation that we have ourselves destroyed the sovereignty of our country with our own hands," said Pashinyan, adding that it is not a political, but a socio-psychological issue. Addressing the accusations of the opposition, Pashinyan assured that no one loves historical Armenia more than him. But he refuses to love historical Armenia more than present-day Armenia. Yunchan Lin Todays biggest controversy in classical music is the Chicago Symphonys appointment of Klaus Makela, who will become music director in 2027-2028. He will concurrently take over Amsterdams Concertgebouw Orchestra one of the half dozen most eminent European ensembles. He will be all of 32 years old. No one can reasonably dispute Makelas precocious talent. The attendant outcry takes various forms, of which the trickiest and most momentous is that his interpretations will lack ripeness. What, exactly, does musical ripeness connote? How is it manifest in performance? And is it imperiled by our ever accelerating world of social media and AI? My ruminations today published online by The American Scholar lead me to Wilhelm Furtwangler and Claudio Arrau (who once remarked to me: Ive always been told Im a late developer.). I write of Arraus 1976 recording of Liszts Chasse-neige that it jars open a bygone world of feeling and experience both conscious and subliminal. It exudes a veritable elixir of memory. Could any young pianist or conductor accomplish such a feat? Thence to Van Cliburn, who peaked at the age of 23, and to the winner of the most recent Cliburn competition: Yunchan Lin, now twenty years old. I write: He has catapulted into a major international career. As it happens, one of his acclaimed competition performances was of Liszts Chasse-neige. . . . His rendition is riveting never glib, never superficial. But it would be vain to look for anything like the scope of Claudio Arraus reading. Arraus Liszt echoes and re-echoes through corridors of time, a performance for the ages. I also have occasion to recollect the Cliburn Competitions most esteemed gold medalist: Radu Lupu in 1966, when Lupu was 21 years old. To the surprise and consternation of the Cliburn Foundation, he had pocketed his first prize and returned to Russia, refusing to undertake the high-profile concert tour prepared for him. Suppose that Klaus Makela had told his manager Jasper Parrott: Thank you very much, but I am not prepared to take over two of the worlds most prominent orchestras. That was Radu Lupu. My ultimate topic is the erosion of cultural memory: Socially accelerating atoms of human experience today undermine all previous understandings that art is necessarily appropriative; chaotically askew, they support the illusion that, locked in our disparate identities, we cannot know or speak for one another. What is more, a privatized, atomized lifestyle promotes neither arts patronage nor production. Rather, its diversion mode is the soundbite: particulate cultural matter; stranded arts particles. . . . Commensurately, cultural memory for untold centuries, a precondition for creativity and appreciation of the creative act risks becoming a stack of flashcards processed as media clips. Will sustained immersion in lineage and tradition remain an organic prerequisite for composition, interpretation, and reception? Gloucester, in King Lear, counsels: Ripeness is all. Never has Shakespeares observation more resounded as an admonition. You can read the whole thing here. To read Alex Ross in The New Yorker on the Makela appontment, click here. New Delhi: In a major jolt to the Aam Aadmi Party, Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Wednesday tendered his resignation from his post and the partys membership. Amid the ongoing investigation into the liquor policy-linked money laundering case, Mr Anand said he was dissatisfied over the AAPs policy on corruption and cant stay in the party in such a situation. The AAP lost no time in accusing the BJP of using the ED and CBI as part of Operation Lotus to break its ministers and MLAs. Hitting back, the BJP said that the resignation of the minister was the beginning of the end of the AAP. Earlier in the day, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court against the Delhi high court order upholding his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the money laundering matter. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the apex court that this is urgent and is regarding the chief minister whose arrest is based on an un-relied document, suppressed from us. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud told Mr Singhvi: I will look into the e-mail (seeking early listing of plea). Please send the mail. Mr Anand, who held about half-a-dozen portfolios including social welfare, SC/ST and labour, announced his resignation from the Delhi Cabinet and all party posts. Addressing a press conference, he took a swipe at the Delhi CM, saying: From the Jantar Mantar, Mr Kejriwal had said the country will change once politics changes. The politics hasnt changed but the politician has changed. In response to a query on the timing of his resignation, Mr Anand said: It is not about timing. Till yesterday, we were under the impression that we are being framed, but after the high court verdict, it seems that there is something wrong at our end. The high court on Tuesday upheld Mr Kejriwals arrest. The court also cited the ED's claim that the CM had conspired and was actively involved in use and concealment of the proceeds of crime to reject his plea against his arrest. Mr Anand, an MLA from the Patel Nagar constituency, also alleged that Dalits were not given representation in the party. He said: This party doesn't respect Dalit MLAs, councillors and ministers. In such circumstances, all Dalits feel cheated. We live in an inclusive society, but it is not wrong to talk about proportion. It is difficult for me to remain in the party with all these things, hence I am resigning from the post. Reacting to Mr Anands resignation, senior AAP leaders claimed this had vindicated the partys stand that Mr Kejriwal's arrest was aimed at finishing the AAP. Addressing a press conference, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said the BJP was using the ED and CBI to break our ministers and MLAs. It is agnipariksha (trial by fire) of AAP ministers and MLAs, he said. Mr Singh asserted that although the resignation may demotivate some party workers, the AAP will largely stand strong against attempts to break the organisation. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that Mr Anand may have even been threatened to quit the AAP. Mr Singh said that earlier the BJP used to call Mr Anand corrupt when a raid was conducted against him by the ED, but now the party will welcome him into its fold with garlands. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said Mr Anand, who was with the AAP since the Anna movement, has answered the call of his own conscience. His resignation is the beginning of the end of the AAP in Indian politics. Mr Anand had replaced Rajendra Pal Gautam as a minister in the Delhi Cabinet in November 2022. Mr Gautam had to step down as a minister after the BJP targeted him for his alleged anti-Hindu statements. He faced flak over his presence at a religious conversion event where Hindu deities were allegedly berated. A year after assuming the post of the minister, the ED had reportedly carried out searches at the premises of Mr Anand in connection with another money-laundering case. The ED probe was based on a prosecution complaint filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence alleging false declarations with respect to the import of goods from China to evade customs duty of over Rs 7 crores. Pictures, images, and activities that undermine national unity or promote a "separatist ideology" are banned. The Chinese government has long sought to control the choice of Tibets next spiritual leader. For his part, 88-year-old Tenzin Gyatso says he is in good health and wants to live for more than 100 years. Meanwhile, the fate of the Panchen Lama remains an unsolved mystery. Beijing (AsiaNews) China has released 10-point handbook in the event of the death of the Dalai Lama. The countrys communist leaders have set a list of 10 rules for the people and monks of Tibet in anticipation of the death of their foremost spiritual guide (a sworn foe of China). The rules are in a training handbook that is starting to appear on Chinese social media, including chat platforms. The manual contains mainly "things not to do" and is aimed at nipping in the bud any dissent. In the recent past, self-immolation by Tibetan monks and ordinary Tibetans have not been uncommon, not to mention large-scale protests in favour of democracy, human rights, and religious freedom. In the event of the Dalai Lamas death, Buddhist monks will not be allowed to display pictures of their spiritual leader, nor perform any vaguely defined illegal religious activities or rituals. To this end, Chinese authorities have distributed the handbook to monasteries in Gansu province, in the northwest of the country, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reports. For Golok Jigme, a former political prisoner now in exile, the handbook goes beyond Tibets current religious leadership, aiming at disrupting the process of recognising the Dalai Lamas reincarnation. The Dalai Lama and China China annexed Tibet in 1951, and has ruled the autonomous region with an iron fist. Chinese authorities claim that only the Chinese government can choose the successor and next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, in accordance with the country's own laws. Conversely, Tibetans believe that it is the Dalai Lama himself who chooses the body in which to reincarnate, a process that has occurred 13 times since 1391 when the first Dalai Lama was born. Earlier this month, the current leader, 88-year-old Tenzin Gyatso, addressed hundreds of co-religionists who offered him a prayer for a long life. In his speech, he said that he was in good health and was "determined to live for more than 100 years." On several occasions he stressed that his successor whom Tibetans want to choose via reincarnation, as their faith dictates, while China wants to select would come from a free country, without Chinese interference. The Dalai Lama had to flee Tibet after the failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule; since then, he has lived in exile in Dharamsala, India, becoming the longest-serving spiritual leader in Tibetan history. This month the Panchen Lama, the second-highest office holder in Tibetan Buddhism, will mark his 35th birthday. Together with his family, he was seized by Chinese authorities on 17 May 1995 when he was a child, three days after he was recognised as a Panchen Lama by the current Dalai Lama. For Tibetan Buddhism, the Panchen Lama is important because he is tasked with recognising the Dalai Lama's new rebirth after his death. With the abduction, China clearly signalled its intention that it would pick the next Dalai Lama. Responding to Beijing's meddling, Tenzin Gyatso in the past had suggested that he could be the last Dalai Lama or that the reincarnation could be done by a sort of conclave composed of the leading Buddhist abbots in the diaspora. Charges of separatism Human rights groups say the handbook, distributed in the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the historical region of Amdo, is just Beijing's latest effort to crack down on the religious freedom of the Tibetan people. For Bhuchung Tsering, head of the research and monitoring unit of the Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet, this is part of systematic attempts to make Tibetan Buddhists more loyal to the Chinese Communist Party and its political agenda rather than to their religious doctrine. This goes against all tenets of universally accepted freedom of religion of the Tibetan people that China purports to uphold, he told RFA. China has imposed several measures on monasteries to force monks to undergo political re-education and has strictly forbidden clerics and ordinary people from having contact with the Dalai Lama or other Tibetans in exile, who are openly accused of "separatism". In recent years, Beijing has intensified its repression in Tibet and other parts of the country inhabited by Tibetans, repeating what it has been doing in Xinjiang, home to ethnic Uyghur Muslims. The latest government campaigns against the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhists religious practices in Gansu province represent another attempt by the Chinese government to interfere in the Dalai Lamas reincarnation process," said Nury Turkel, a member of the bipartisan US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). Chinese repression Specifically, the handbook warns monks to avoid any activity that could undermine national unity, damage social stability in the name of religion, or involve working with separatist groups outside the country. No illegal organisation or institution can enter monasteries, while the monks' educational system must avoid welcoming or promoting elements that support a "separatist ideology." Lastly, the rules also prohibit the dissemination of "separatist propaganda" via radio, internet, television, or any other means; any deception or fraud, open or covert, will be punished. While the Chinese government implements various political education and activities targeting Tibetans, the primary focus seems to be eradicating Tibetan identity through the dismantling of Tibetan religion and culture, said Golog Jigme, a respected activist involved in raising awareness about the violation of Tibetans human rights and religious freedom. Golog, who now lives in Switzerland, was jailed and tortured by Chinese authorities in 2008 for co-producing a documentary on the injustices faced by Tibetans under Chinese rule. Within China, many ethnic Tibetans live in 10 autonomous Tibetan prefectures inside several Chinese provinces that border Tibet, most notably Gansu, Sichuan, Qinghai, and Yunnan. In the Kanlho Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gansu), home to about 415,000 Tibetans who speak the Amdo dialect, the authorities distributed the handbook. The province has some 200 monasteries in varying sizes under its jurisdiction. During a visit to two counties in Kanlho, last month, He Moubao, secretary of Chinas State Party Committee, stressed the need for Tibetans to sinicise religion and implement party policy, warning that monks must be guided in this regard to maintain national unity and social stability. RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. TO RECEIVE A WEEKLY UPDATE EVERY THURSDAY, CLICK HERE. Today's news: Hong Kong denied access to a Reporters Without Borders representative, who was searched and then deported; At least 16% of the candidates in the first phase of the Lok Sabha vote have pending criminal cases; Taiwan earthquake death toll rises to 16, over 1100 injured; The Houthis claim an attack on four boats in the Gulf, also a 'US warship'. ISRAEL - INDONESIA Israel and Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, have begun in-depth talks over the past three months aimed at normalizing relations. This was reported by the Israeli website Ynetnews, according to which in exchange for official reports the Jewish State is ready to remove the block on Jakarta's entry into the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which is also involved in the discussion. On April 9, an Indonesian plane took part in an aid drop into Gaza, a first for a Jakarta aircraft in Israeli airspace. HONG KONG Hong Kong authorities have denied entry to a representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Aleksandra Bielakowska, based in Taipei, was searched three times and questioned by immigration officials for six hours at the international airport, before being deported. In a note, RFS speaks of an "unprecedented" action for the former governorate which marks "a new decline in the already poor climate of press freedom in the territory". INDIA According to a report by Association for Democratic Reforms, at least 16% of the candidates in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections (252 out of 1618) have criminal cases pending against them. For at least 161 of them there are "serious" charges, including seven for murder, 19 attempted murder and 18 for violence against women. At the party level, the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 36% of candidates under investigation; 34% for the opposition Congress. TAIWAN The death toll from the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the island of Taiwan on April 3 has risen to 16, after three more bodies were recovered by rescuers on a path frequented by hikers. Over 1100 injured. President Tsai Ing-wen visited Hualien to thank rescue workers and promise quick disaster relief for affected areas. YEMEN - GULF The Houthis have claimed responsibility for an attack in the Gulf of Aden on four vessels, including one they describe as a "US warship", with drones and missiles. Months of operations by Iran-linked rebel militias in the Red Sea in response to the conflict in Gaza have created major disruptions and delays to global shipping, forcing companies to reorganize routes. SINGAPORE Dengue cases in Singapore continue to rise, with numbers on the rise as demonstrated by the 416 cases recorded in a week between March 31 and April 6, 67 more than the previous week. Since the beginning of the year there have been over 5,500 in total, with at least seven deaths overall. In 2023, the total cases were 9949 with six victims. To date there are 90 active hemorrhagic fever clusters. RUSSIA - MONGOLIA After months of negotiations, Russia has decided to remove customs duties for trade with Mongolia, as communicated by the deputy prime minister of Ulaanbaatar Chimedin Khurelbaatar in a report before the Veliky Khural, the national state assembly. In a first phase, free trade will apply to meat products, fabrics and clothes and shoes. UZBEKISTAN On the occasion of the end of Ramadan, the president of Uzbekistan Savkat Mirziyoyev granted pardon to 426 people including 11 foreigners and 3 minors. At the same time, the Guvd security services are conducting a series of sweeping checks in Tashkent, with arrests and searches, to counter threats related to religious extremism and terrorism. by Melani Manel Perera Local people suspect that companies in the area are releasing harmful chemicals into the waters. For days, fishermen have been calling for intervention by the authorities to understand what has led to the death of so many fish. Colombo (AsiaNews) - Thousands of fish have died in the lagoons of Sri Lanka where local fishermen work. The die-off began last Saturday, they explained, and worsened the following day. Although the competent authorities were informed about the incident, there was no intervention, generating a disastrous situation for fishermen, who have long claimed that their work is already hindered by climate change. No official from the Ministry of Fisheries has yet come to see the situation for themselves. A large number of fishermen have been affected, a fisherman from the Mundalama lagoon told AsiaNews. Marthenu Fernando, president of the St. James Fisheries Society, said shoals of fish were floating on the water and thousands were washed ashore up to three kilometers out to sea. A situation that has impacted at least 1,000 fishermen who depend directly on the lagoon for their livelihood. According to environmental organisations, those responsible for the damage are to be found among the shrimp companies, which would release harmful chemical substances into the surrounding waters. Prasanna Sanjeewa, a young fisherman, believes that "the incorrect functioning of the estuaries could also play a role in the death of fish, because adequate maintenance is not done in this area". The smell of rotting carcasses has spread to homes, schools and other buildings in the area, preventing a series of daily activities from being carried out. We don't know why the authorities didn't pay attention to our lagoon, commented other local sources. Ajith Gihan, of the All Ceylon Public Fishermen's Federation, speaking to the media, also asked the local authorities a series of questions: Why is this happening to innocent fishermen? Why do fish die? What happened to the lagoon water? Why don't the authorities look for scientific reasons? There is a Ministry of Fisheries, a department and a dedicated agency: why don't they look into this situation to protect the people's livelihoods? Some local officials said they were aware of the incident and said they would conduct a formal investigation with the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency. After months in Erbil, the cardinal is back at the patriarchal seat in the Iraqi capital. His voluntary departure was triggered by the decision of the Iraqi president to repeal a decree recognising patriarchal authority, a controversy linked to a militia led by a self-styled Christian leader eager to grab Church-held assets. On social media, Iraqi Christians (and Muslim leaders) express joy and satisfaction at the patriarchs return. Baghdad (AsiaNews) Patriarch Card Louis Raphael Sako, primate of the Chaldean Church of Iraq, ended his self-imposed exile last night and returned to Baghdad. In July last year, he had moved temporarily to Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. For Iraqs Christians, especially the Chaldean community in the capital, his return to the patriarchal see was a cause for rejoicing. The patriarchs sudden departure followed a controversial decision by Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to repeal a presidential decree issued by his predecessor that recognised the Chaldean primates religious and legal authority. On 10 July 2013 the late President Jalal Talabani signed Decree 147. By recognising the patriarchs appointment that year as head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq and the world and his authority as responsible for the assets of the Church, the head of state granted the patriarchate a form of "institutional recognition. The whole issue has been in fact centred on control over Church assets, a Church source told AsiaNews, especially after a self-styled Christian leader Rayan the Chaldean and his Iran-backed militia, the Babylon Brigade, set their eyes on assets and properties owned by Christians and the Church in the Nineveh Plain. Speaking out against Rayans "deliberate and humiliating" campaign, the cardinal temporarily moved the patriarchal see from the capital to Erbil, an unprecedented form of protest against the decision. The matter, Card Sako said, concerns "the Chaldean Church alone; for him, this is the basic question. By repealing the decree, President Rashid undermined the patriarchs role and authority, going against a centuries-old tradition, striking at the countrys highest Catholic authority, who is also responsible for the management of Church assets. The power struggle started by Rayan and his militia, which includes Shias, Christians, and Sunnis, represents a threat to peace and coexistence. Recently, the self-styled leader posted pictures and videos on social media, showing himself with Pope Francis at the end of a Wednesday general audience, to claim some moral and religious authority. Speaking to AsiaNews last November, Card Sako called the decision to rescind the decree "moral assassination, adding that his decision to move the patriarchal see to Erbil was a form of extreme protest". The prelate went even further, suggesting a possible boycott of upcoming elections. Earlier, in an interview, he had said: I will return to Baghdad only when the cancellation of the decree is withdrawn, noting that Our Church has given a lot to Iraq, from the pope's visit to humanitarian aid to Muslims at the time of the Islamic State, even more than to Christians. Today, the government thanks us by punishing the patriarch and an entire community. The cardinal had also criticised the Vatican for its silence, even though the Holy See noted that it was carefully monitoring the affair, working behind the scenes to find a solution to the controversy for the good of Iraqs Christian community. Today came the turning point, with the patriarchs return to Baghdad accompanied by Archbishop Thomas Meram. Upon arrival at Baghdad International Airport, the Chaldean delegation was met by Iraqi Prime Minister at the VIP Lounge before they left for the patriarchal see in a convoy of cars. The patriarchs return has set the Internet abuzz, with excited comments from hundreds of Iraqi Catholics, many of whom posted their reactions on the patriarchate's social media platforms. "You are the symbol of our Church," wrote one Yousif Awnie Khadoor; Thank God he has returned safely to his home," added Raeed Aessa, while Manhal Alsanati expressed feelings of "pride and gratitude to welcome [him] home. May his return reinforce the spirit of belonging and unity. "We thank you for the positions you have taken and the efforts you have made for the Church and the faithful," wrote Adnan A. Mansor Koro, while Amanj Nissan noted: "God opens a door to resolve all torpid issues, and the water returns to its natural flow. Finally, several Iraqi political and religious leaders reacted to Card Sakos decision to return to Baghdad. We are very pleased with the return" of the patriarch, wrote Ayatollah Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, head of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, on social media. As we welcome him, we hope that all outstanding differences will be resolved, he added, expressing our great pride for the Christian families" who make up the Iraqi mosaic. (Pictures from the Chaldean Patriarchate website) What role they can play at ruling party remains uncertain following crushing defeat By Jun Ji-hye Politicians close to President Yoon Suk Yeol as well as former presidential aides and ministers met with differing fates in Wednesday's general elections. Most of the key pro-Yoon figures within the ruling People Power Party (PPP) managed to survive a crushing defeat for the party. On the other hand, only half of 16 former presidential aides and only three out of seven former ministers won a seat amid growing public skepticism about the Yoon government's management of state affairs. Rep. Kweon Seong-dong, one of the key pro-Yoon figures within the ruling party, secured a fifth term as a lawmaker in a district in Gangwon Province. Other pro-Yoon figures, Reps. Lee Chul-gyu and Yoon Han-hong, were elected for their third term in constituencies in Gangwon Province and South Gyeongsang Province, respectively, while Rep. Park Sung-min secured a second term in Ulsan. Kweon led the governing party as a floor leader around the time when the Yoon government was launched in May 2022, while Yoon Han-hong led the president's push to relocate the presidential office from Cheong Wa Dae to Yongsan District. Chang Je-won, another key pro-Yoon figure, did not run this time, but he still showed off his political influence by helping a PPP candidate running in his constituency be elected there. However, the performances of former presidential aides were subpar, as only eight out of 16 managed to secure parliamentary seats. Successful runners included Kang Seung-kyoo, former senior presidential secretary for civil society who ran in a district in South Chungcheong Province; Kim Eun-hye, a former senior presidential secretary for public relations who ran in the Bundang-B district in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province; and Joo Jin-woo, former legal affairs secretary who ran in Busan's Haeundae-A constituency. Former ministers saw similar results as only three out of seven, including former Unification Minister Kwon Young-se and former Finance Minister Choo Kyung-ho, were chosen by voters. Kwon and Choo were elected in Seoul's Yongsan District and Daegu's Dalseong County, respectively. On the other hand, former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong lost to Lee Jae-myung, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), in Incheon's Gyeyang-B district. Former Foreign Minister Park Jin and former Patriots Minister Park Min-shik also lost to their DPK rivals in the Seodaemun-B and Gangseo-B districts in Seoul, respectively. Most of the pro-Yoon figures and former government officials were elected in traditional strongholds for conservatives, while those who ran in key battlegrounds were mostly defeated. PPP insiders view these results as a judgment of the public on the Yoon government, saying that it remains uncertain whether Yoon's aides, who were elected this time, would be able to continue to take the leadership and exert their political influence within the party as they did in the past two years. "Following our defeat in the elections, calls are increasing on the government to reexamine and adjust its management of state affairs," a PPP official said, asking not to be named. "In this situation, there would be not much Yoon's aides can do at the Assembly." by Vladimir Rozanskij Moscow is pushing to extend the free trade area created in 2014 with Belarus and Kazakhstan and already extended to Armenia and Kyrgyzstan to all non-hostile former Soviet countries. But the Eurasian countries are gaining big economic benefits from geopolitical tensions. With the oil sector, in particular, now poised between traditional routes and new prospects of collaboration with Westerners. Moscow (AsiaNews) - Russia is trying to expand participation in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAES), as a "strategic priority" that intends to involve all ex-Soviet countries not explicitly aligned against Moscow. In addition to the two founders together with Russia in 2014 (Belarus and Kazakhstan) and the associated Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, they would also like to definitively aggregate the "observers" which are currently Cuba, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Moldova, the latter actually about to leave , unless a new "special operation" takes place to bring it back to the parent company. Furthermore, they would also like to attract Vietnam, Singapore and Serbia as well as Turkmenistan and Mongolia, or even Afghanistan, increasingly into the Kremlin's good graces. In March some Eaes representatives met with Indian officials, proposing to New Delhi the formation of a free trade zone, which the Russians could exploit as one of the ways to circumvent the sanctions. The member countries, despite fluctuating tensions such as those between Moscow and Yerevan, are obtaining great economic advantages with the supplies of items subjected to sanctions in Russia and Belarus, even if in words they try to show loyalty to the international sanctions regime, as is repeated every week in statements from Akorda, the Kazakh presidential palace. In fact, in addition to punitive measures from outside, in Kazakhstan there is fear of internal reactions, increasingly contrary to the role of vassal of the Kremlin, which the Astana government is unable to shake off. Tajikistan does not seem willing to take the decisive step to join the Union as a full member, especially following the strong tensions following the attack on the Krokus City Hall, which is putting the entire Tajik community of migrant workers in Russia in crisis. Russian investments in these countries, moreover, are becoming increasingly complicated not only due to sanctions, but also due to the lack of qualified personnel, among those mobilized and emigrants abroad. In particular, the oil sector finds itself in balance between traditional routes and new prospects for collaboration with Westerners. The Russians barely manage to create defensive barriers, such as the disinformation recently spread by Moscow on the leaks of the Caspian gas pipeline, to prevent the Italian company Eni and other partners from accessing the production of the Kazakh wells of Kashagan. The North Caspian Operating Company, active in the area, denied the rumors about the dispersion of the oil, releasing videos that confirm the integrity of the wells, in which no spots of lost oil can be seen. Astana's energy minister, Almasadam Satkaliev, also assured that there are no losses in the area. A further problem in the internal relations of the Eaes is the recent arrest of the former Kazakh economy minister, Kuandyk Bisimbaev, accused of savagely killing his wife Saltanat Nukenova, for whom solidarity demonstrations are being held all over the world. The trial appears as a serious stain on the attempt of the president, Kasym-Zomart Tokaev, to present the "new Kazakhstan" as a society free from corruption and abuse of power, the accused being one of the most representative men of the old ruling caste , just as Astana is trying to distance itself from any shadow of the Soviet past. Eurasia remains more than ever suspended between the past closely linked to Russia, and the future of new relations between states open to internal democracy and international relations free from constraints, while new forms of repression of freedom of expression and of information. Trade and the economy depend today more than ever on the basic political choices of these countries, and the link with Russia does not help to support positive changes for a more stable and prosperous future on the part of local governments. Grooming Awards 2024: Hair Care Products Presenting the Standout Picks for the Best Men's Hair Products of the Year The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Want to achieve cleaner, stronger, healthier hair? Are you looking for the perfect gel or pomade to style your locks just like your favorite celebrity? Or maybe you're battling thinning hair and want a way to turn back time and recover your hairline? Whether you're after the best possible basics like shampoos and conditioners or whether you're ready to upgrade your grooming arsenal with volumizing products and scalp scrubs, our grooming experts put a wide range of products to the test for our annual AskMen Grooming Awards. The competition was fierce and there were many worthy offerings in every product category, but when the dust settled, these were the Best Hair Care Products of 2024. Best Hair Care Products Best Shampoo R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo You dont have to be a famous actor to appreciate TV-ready hair. R+Co has outdone itself with a shampoo that softens, strengthens, and, most importantly, shines so that you look nothing short of a Hollywood A-lister on a movie press tour. $76 at RAndCo.com Best Conditioner Tea Tree Lavender Mint Moisturizing Conditioner Tea tree oil is so much more than an acne-fighting, anti-inflammatory miracle worker for the skin. It can also hydrate, detangle, and soften dry and damaged hair that is simply unwilling to cooperate. The scent of lavender and mint will also transport you to any high-end spa (in your mind, of course). $23 at Amazon.com Best Leave-In Conditioner Scotch Porter Moisture Rich Leave-In Conditioner If your hair is dry, brittle, and seemingly beyond salvageable, fear not with Scotch Porters Moisture Rich Leave-in Conditioner. The kale protein-rich treatment, which works particularly well on curly and wavy hair, will reduce frizz while moisturizing the scalp overnight. $17.99 at ScotchPorter.com Best 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner Method Men 2-in-1 Glacier + Granite Shampoo and Conditioner Men may be notorious for arming their showers with two or even three-in-one products to expedite the bathing process, though they dont typically get the job done. Sometimes, however, they work amazingly, like Methods 2-in-1 Glacier + Granite Shampoo and Conditioner, which is not just the exception, but the benchmark of what separates the good from the dont waste your money. $11.09 at MethodProducts.com Best Dandruff Shampoo Sebamed Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Nothing is more infuriating than styling your hair to perfection, only to have it leave flakes on your shoulders in the process. To avoid embarrassment, opt for Sebameds Anti-Dandruff Shampoo. It wont strip the hair of much-needed moisture, but will alleviate the itchiness and redness associated with an overactive scalp. $19 at Amazon.com Best Shampoo for Thinning Hair Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo Dont surrender to a pitiful pelt. Rejuvenate it with Bumble and Bumbles Thickening Volume Shampoo which gives your mop the illusion of being thick, voluminous, and something someone would want to run their hands through. $36 at BumbleAndBumble.com Best Shampoo for Dry Hair Oribe Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo Dry hair is impossible to style and, more importantly, off-putting to touch. Go from lackluster to lust-worthy locks with Oribes Gold Lust Repair and Restore Shampoo. Your mane wont just look full of life and healthy it will be downright glossy. $53 at Oribe.com Best Shampoo for Curly Hair SheaMoisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo Curly hair demands extra care and attention and its received with SheaMoistures Coconut and Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo. Sulfate-free and fortified with hair-healthy ingredients like shea butter, rosemary oil, and aloe, this shampoo will have those enviable tresses looking their absolute best. $11.99 at SheaMoisture.com Best Shampoo for Colored Hair Hair Rituel by Sisley Color Perfecting Shampoo Maintain that perfect dye job (especially if youre rocking frosted tips for summer) with Sisleys Hair Rituel line. Its hibiscus flower extract gently cleanses while leaving behind a fluid, pearly texture that will likely have your girlfriend asking, can I borrow your shampoo? $90 at Sisley-Paris.com Best Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Viori Citrus Yao Shampoo and Conditioner Bar Set Shampoo and conditioner bars are all the rage due to their eco-friendliness, but so many mainstream options fail to lather and can leave behind a waxy, sticky residue. Viori bars, made with rice water and cocoa butter, defy this unfortunate trend and have hair smelling just as good as it looks. $25 at Viori.com Best Dry Shampoo Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo For the guy on the go who may not have time to shampoo or condition, a dry shampoo is necessary. Spritz a little Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo into your locks to absorb sweat, oil, and odors in between shower days. You and those you interact with on a daily basis, frankly, will certainly be glad you did. From $16 at LivingProof.com Best Scalp Scrub Rossano Ferretti Prodigio Cleansing Scalp Scrub Scalp detoxes are a thing and can be accomplished through a good scrub that rids the skin of ever-so-dreaded build-up. Rely on Rosano Ferrettis Prodigo Cleansing Scalp Scrub to take that scalp from drab to fab with an ultra-lux product that removes impurities while infusing the hair with an aroma of Sicilian orange blossoms. $54 at RossanoFerretti.com Best Hair Mask Ouai Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque Pathetically limp hair is reinvigorated with this Ouai Treatment Masque that seals in moisture and repairs any of the damage you may have caused by over-blow drying or using a cheap shampoo. Simply add it after you shower and rinse it out with cold water for immediate (and seriously impressive) results. $38 at TheOuai.com Best Hair Serum LAnza Healing Strength Neem Plant Silk Serum Treat your hair like you would your face with a serum like LAnzas Healing Strength Neem Plant Silk Serum. Its ideal for guys who have damaged their hair to embarrassing levels and are in desperate need of a little TLC. $46.50 at LAnza.com Best All-in-One Hair and Body Wash Dove Men+Care 3-in-1 Revive with Tea Tree Oil Its rare when a three-in-one body wash, shampoo, and conditioner gets it right, but Dove has established itself as the certified leader in this category. And its Revive line with tea tree oil accomplishes the seemingly impossible by thoroughly and efficiently cleaning the heads, shoulders, knees, and toes of any active man in need of a quick refresh. $7.32 at Walmart.com Best Hair Growth Supplement Hims Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Spray Dont just rely on Minoxidil for hair regrowth. Go all in and double attack those failing follicles with tried-and-true finasteride, as well. The dynamic duo is super easy to apply with Hims spray bottle and youll notice results in as little as 3-6 months. Find out more at Hims.com Best Hair Dye Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Whether youre looking to hide grays, add highlights, or introduce an entirely new hair personality, Revlons got you covered with its Colorsilk Beautiful Color options. Its super easy to use and the color lasts longer than most mainstream, dye-in-a-box competitors. $4.99 at Revlon.com Best Hair Cream WEN by Chaz Dean Men Styling Creme Celebrity hair stylist Chaz Dean knows hair and its no surprise that his WEN mens styling creme has become a barbershop must-have. The tube will not only protect your hair from environmental elements such as heat and humidity, but it will also add shine and nourish your hair from root to tip. $30 at ChazDean.com Best Hair Pomade Uppercut Deluxe Pomade This isnt your typical barber shop pomade. Uppercuts Deluxe Pomade was developed to style any type of hair flawlessly and effortlessly with a water-soluble formula that can be washed out with ease. $21 at UppercutDeluxe.com Best Hair Putty Old Spice High Hold Matte Finish Putty Old Spice brings new life into flat and boring hair styles with a matte finish putty that doesnt dry crunchy or greasy. It also smells like youre on a beach vacation with coconut and tropical wood, which is a welcomed departure from an office or major city. $6.99 at OldSpice.com Best Hair Clay Mitch by Paul Mitchell Matterial Finishing Clay Clay isnt just an exciting thing to play with in art class. Mitch by Paul Mitchells Matterial Finishing Clay can be molded into your mop with thickening agents that give your signature do texture and bulk. $22.90 at Walmart.com Best Hair Paste Hanz de Fuko Gravity Paste A gravity-defying look can easily be achieved using Hanz De Fukos Gravity Paste. Constructed with super-grip technology, its relied on by industry professionals to achieve practically any look, from modern shags to classic slick-backs. $35 at HanzDeFuko.com Best Mousse Sebastian Mousse Forte Yes, mousse is still a thing, and yes, Sebastian sells one of the best on the market with its Mousse Forte. The can provides an ultra-strong hold and a boost in volume for guys who are rocking some serious curls. It also protects against the heat damage of a blow dryer, so consider it a win-win. $19 at Amazon.com Best Salt Spray Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Spray You dont need a day of surfing, tanning, and volleyball to develop those effortlessly beachy waves in your hair. Sun Bum, a proven leader in sunscreen, has introduced a texturizing sea spray that provides that windswept look that Gen Z has made cool all over again. $16.99 at SunBum.com Best Hair Gel American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel Some classics never die and this could not be more true for American Crew and its extensive line of hair care products. And while the use of a gel may scream 90s, this is a styling staple and rightfully so it doesnt flake, its full of shine-enhancing vitaminB5, and controls frizz from sunrise to sunset. $34 at AmericanCrew.com Best Hairspray Kevin Murphy Session Spray Strong Hold Kevin Murphy may be from Down Under, but he knows a lot about how to perfect a look up top. This Session Spray Strong Hold makes a wonderful addition to your ever-growing hairspray collection. Better yet, its available in TSA-approved travel sizes so that you dont have to sacrifice hair care quality for quick trips that only require a carry-on bag. $37 at KevinMurphy.com Best Hair Protector Verb Ghost Prep Heat Protectant For the dude who cant get enough of his blow dryer, be sure to apply Verb Ghosts before blasting your locks with intense heat. Powered by moringa oil, the protectant goes above and beyond to shield hair from anything up to 425 degrees, making it a certified grooming superhero. $20 at VerbProducts.com Best Hair Dryer Rusk Engineering W8Less Hair Dryer Short hair, dont care. Or at least thats the mantra with Rusk Engineerings W8Less Hair Dryer. It tackles any hair type to make it silky-soft and controlled, proving that men should not shy away from investing in a high-quality blow dryer. $84.95 at RuskHair.com You Might Also Dig: Winners likely to eye party leadership, presidential election By Kwak Yeon-soo Wednesday's general elections delivered mixed results to several political heavyweights who ran for district seats across the country. The winners position themselves in the driver's seat leading up to the 2027 presidential election, while the losers may find their political careers in jeopardy, according to political analysts. Lee Jun-seok, the leader of the Reform Party, won his first-ever parliamentary seat after his three consecutive losses dating back to 2016. He rallied to defeat Kong Young-woon of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) 42.41 percent to 39.73 percent, according to the National Election Commission. Analysts predicted that Lee, former leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), may join the presidential election race in 2027. "Lee is very good at taking advantage of the media, and he is still young," said Kim Sang-il, a political commentator. Lee is 39 years old. "I think he has a lot of opportunities ahead of him. If he makes efforts to mobilize his political party, reform local politics and frequently attract media attention, he could be identified as a potential presidential candidate," Kim added. Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo of the PPP won over Lee Kwang-jae of the DPK, a former three-term lawmaker, 53.27 percent to 46.72 percent in the Bundang-A constituency in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, for a fourth term. The duel was expected to be fiercely contested, especially since both candidates assumed leadership roles within their parties' election committees. "Ahn's victory over Lee, another presidential hopeful, points to the fact that he could run for party leader and eventually president," said Lee Kang-yun, a political commentator. Ahn ran in the presidential elections in 2012, 2017 and 2022, withdrawing his bid in two of them and coming in third in the 2017 election. The doctor-turned-politician won the by-election for a parliamentary seat representing the Bundang-A district in June 2022. Another political heavyweight Na Kyung-won of the PPP secured her fifth term as a lawmaker, winning over Ryu Sam-young of the DPK by 8.03 percentage points in Seoul's Dongjak-B constituency. "A victory by Na, who is not a pro-Yoon figure, will likely make her a possible party leader. Na and Ahn are strong contenders," said Eom Kyeong-young, director of the Zeitgeist Institute, a private political think tank. South Gyeongsang's Yangsan-B district was another tight race between prominent candidates. Rep. Kim Tae-ho of the PPP secured a victory over Rep. Kim Du-kwan of the DPK by a slim margin, 51.05 percent to 48.94 percent, making him a presidential hopeful for the 2027 presidential race. He served as South Gyeongsang governor and withdrew his candidacy during the previous presidential election. Saemirae Party (New Future Party) leader and former Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon lost to Rep. Min Hyung-bae of the DPK in Gwangju's Gwangsan-B district, prompting political analysts to speculate that Lee may face the worst-case scenario of retiring from politics. "Lee's power has been waning. His third party coalition plan became a failure, which came as a disappointment. He doesn't have a strong supporter base, so it seems difficult for him to continue his political career," Kim Sang-il said Former Land Minister Won Hee-ryong of the PPP may try to cling to power even after he lost to Rep. Lee Jae-myung of the DPK in Incheon's Gyeyang-B constituency. "The loss hurt his political career, but Won knew from the beginning that it was going to be a losing game. So it won't strike a fatal blow to him," Lee said. Rep. Sim Sang-jeung, leader of the progressive Green Justice Party, announced her retirement after the four-time lawmaker came in third in the Goyang-A constituency. The Green Justice Party failed to secure a single seat. It held six seats in the 21st National Assembly. Sim was the presidential candidate for the Justice Party in the 2022 presidential election. The 300 winners are scheduled to enter the National Assembly on May 30 and serve a single four-year term as legislators. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels on April 5. At the meeting the EU unveiled an aid package for Armenia in the amount of 270 million euros (about $290 million) to be made available over the next four years, with the United States pledging $65 million in additional development assistance to Armenia this year. The Western leaders said the assistance would boost Armenias resilience and help diversify its economy, which still remains heavily dependent on Russia. The high-level meeting in Brussels was watched anxiously from Moscow that has accused Western powers of seeking to oust Russia from the South Caucasus region. It came amid deteriorating relations between Armenia and Russia mainly due to security challenges that Yerevan faces in the region and that it says Moscow has failed to address as its ally. Citing the lack of support from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) after a series of Azerbaijani border incursions in 2021-2022, Armenia effectively suspended its participation in this Russia-led defense bloc that also includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Prime Minister Pashinian has not ruled out that Armenia may decide to quit the CSTO unless the latter clarifies its position on Armenias internationally recognized borders. Amid what many view as Armenias drifting away from Russia towards the West there have also been calls in Yerevan for Armenias quitting the EEU, a Russia-led trade grouping that also includes Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Grigorian stressed on Thursday that Armenias intention to further diversify its trade and economic relations was not directed against any country or union. Almost all countries are pursuing such an economic policy today, and this is not being done against any country or union. The policy of diversifying trade and economic relations is not directed against any unions, especially against the EEU, Grigorian said. The next summit of the EEU is due to take place in Moscow on May 8. Armenia currently holds the rotating presidency of this organization. Armenian Prime Minister Pashinian was asked on Wednesday whether he planned to attend the summit. He said that the issue was still being discussed and that the decision would be announced in due time. Pashinian also told RFE/RLs Armenian Service on Wednesday that he still did not have a decision on whether he will or will not attend the inauguration of Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled to be held in Moscow on May 7. Asked about what his decision will depend on, Pashinian said: Like in the case with all decisions [it will depend] on numerous circumstances. He did not elaborate. That is also an ongoing topic, and I think that weve made significant expansion in that topic in the past year, she said. Kvien cited several examples of defense cooperation between the United States and Armenia, including their first joint military exercise since 2008 that took place last year. I think thats a very important signal that the U.S. and Armenia can work together in the defense field. And were looking for further ways that we can continue that work together. Were also going to have an advisor who can come and sit with Armenias Ministry of Defense to help build capacity, particularly because Armenia is interested in expanding its participation in things like peacekeeping and other peaceful endeavors. And we want to be helpful to do that. So were going to work with them on both reforming internally, how to get your Ministry of Defense up to modern standards, and then also how to do more in the peacekeeping area, she said. Kvien also said that Washington and Yerevan have an ongoing discussion about what Armenia might need in the military sector. We have already agreed on a couple things, but were continuing to have that discussion. One thing I can highlight in terms of what weve agreed to is that Armenia had asked for ambulances that are armored. And that way they can go into any potential conflict area and people will be protected. So thats something that weve already agreed to go forward with. Were working on the modalities now so we can deliver that assistance. And, as I said, were talking about all sorts of different things, and were trying to see where we can be helpful to Armenia in terms of its defense, Kvien added. Commenting on the April 5 meeting in Brussels between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian that the parties said was focused on increasing Armenias resilience and diversifying its economy that remains heavily dependent on Russia, Kvien said that what was highlighted during that high-level meeting showed the progress the parties have made in their relations in the last few years. Ill speak to the United States more than the EU, obviously, because that's what I cover. But I can say that since I arrived about a year ago, all of our relations with Armenia in just about every sector have expanded and deepened. Im proud that weve made that much progress, and I think well continue to do that, she said. At the meeting in Brussels the European Union and the United States promised 270 million euros (about $290 million) and $65 million, respectively, in fresh assistance to Armenia. The high-level meeting between the West and Armenia was watched anxiously from Moscow that has accused Western powers of seeking to oust Russia from the South Caucasus region. Outlining ways in which the United States is trying to help Armenia get stronger and more independent in terms of its economy, Kvien said that cutting off all relations with any country was not what the United States was advising Armenia. Our view is that the more friends, partners, allies you have, the more trade partners you have, the more export markets you have, the stronger you are, because that means no single country can hold you hostage to those relationships. So what were trying to do is work with Armenia in areas that Armenia has identified to help it diversify its contacts, not cut off one or the other, but diversify, she said. Speaking about the current tensions along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Kvien stressed that Washington has made very clear that there can be no military solution to any current disagreements between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We consider whether it is ceasefire violations, very aggressive rhetoric, or whether it is disinformation that is put out into the information sphere, all of those things are unhelpful to the peace process. Our focus right now is trying to advance the peace process, Kvien said. The diplomat reminded that the United States had facilitated a number of meetings between Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives last year and said Washington remained open to further facilitation. Lately the progress [in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks] has been slower, and were hoping that it can get back on track to move more quickly ahead. It can be either under US facilitation, were very happy to do that. But if both parties are comfortable with other facilitators, were also happy to support that. What we really want to see is the agreement on all of the various details of a peace process moving forward, and were willing to support it in any way that the two parties feel is okay to go forward in, the ambassador said. Former diplomats and foreign policy experts with experience in the foreign, unification and defense ministries have secured seats at the National Assembly in the general elections. Two former diplomats, who both served as the country's chief nuclear envoy, won parliamentary seats Wednesday, namely Wi Sung-lac from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and Kim Gunn from the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Wi, a former ambassador to Russia, served as the special representative for the Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs under the previous Lee Myung-bak administration. Kim focused on North Korea's denuclearization while working as the former special representative at the foreign ministry until February before resigning to join the PPP ahead of the April general elections. Kim Ki-woong, former vice minister at the unification ministry, also secured the PPP's candidacy and won a victory in a district of the southeastern city of Daegu. He has become the first official from the ministry to win a parliamentary seat. Several former defense officials also secured seats in the latest general elections, including Boo Seung-chan, a former spokesperson at the defense ministry. They are expected to play active roles in the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, as well as the National Defense Committee, at the upcoming parliamentary sessions. (Yonhap) Speaking for the second day in the Armenian parliament during a debate over the fulfilment of his governments five-year plan, Pashinian again dwelled on issues of Armenias strategic choice to resolve all border issues with neighbors, including archrival Azerbaijan, based on the concept of a real Armenia, meaning the nation within its internationally recognized borders, as opposed to a historical Armenia that he said Armenians largely espoused before the 2020 war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijani border incursions in subsequent years. Pashinian also addressed criticism of the opposition that his governments efforts to diversify political and economic ties, including by deepening cooperation with the European Union and the United States, turn Armenia into an arena for geopolitical rivalry between Russia and the West. In this regard, Pashinian said that the Minsk Group of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that was co-chaired by Russia, the United States and France and included a dozen more countries also provided legitimate geopolitical competition in Armenia when it spearheaded international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem for 30 years. He reminded that the Western co-chairs and Russia were increasingly at loggerheads since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and invaded eastern parts of Ukraine and have been in a state of war since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. What was the OSCE Minsk Group if not a legitimate geopolitical competition around the Republic of Armenia? Do you think that the interests of France, the United States, Russia and other Minsk Group member countries simply coincided? Pashinian queried. For 30 years we have been flung around like a bag. Didnt you notice that?... What was it, if not geopolitical rivalry? On the contrary, we want to take Armenia out of this competition now, he stressed. The Armenian premier held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell in Brussels on April 5. At the meeting the EU unveiled an aid package for Armenia in the amount of 270 million euros (about $290 million) to be made available over the next four years, with the United States pledging $65 million in additional development assistance to Armenia this year. The Western leaders said the assistance would boost Armenias resilience and help diversify its economy, which still remains heavily dependent on Russia. The meeting in Brussels drew an angry reaction from Moscow that has accused Western powers of seeking to oust Russia from the South Caucasus. 11 April 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more There is no other explanation for shooting two Azerbaijani servicemen on the border by Armenia, but for playing with fire. On the other hand, it reveals the hidden side of the Armenian character. As is known, the conventional border between Azerbaijani and Armenian is one of the most militarized places on the earth. However, peace dominated on the border following the defeat of Armenia in a raw. For several months there were neither shoot-out not any provocation. Nevertheless, the West and France could not tolerate this temporary stability and instigated a new source of conflict. Paris incepted this this through its donation of weapons and military equipment to Armenia. Later, Western media outlets started to disseminate material that ostensibly Azerbaijan was preparing military aggression against Armenia. It is worth noting that the Western media has been disseminated the said material for over two years, but Azerbaijani soldiers has not stepped an inch towards Armenia. As Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev repeated several times, Azerbaijan does not intend to invade anybody's territories. Following the dark PR of the Western media, Western politicians voiced putting sanctions on Baku for a possible military confrontation with Armenia. To top it all off, the Brussels conference that was held on April 5 threw oil on the fire. Suddenly, Armenia became more aggressive and the skirmishes on the conventional Azerbaijani-Armenian border increased. Reviewing all the above-said facts once again confirms that the empty promises of the West encourage Armenians and revives revanchist sentiment in the country. However, it does not promise anything good to Yerevan. It is better for Armenians not to forget that the West has never protected anyone except their interests. And fighting with mighty Azerbaijan does not meet their interests. At the end of the day, it will be ordinary Armenian citizen to pay the cost of the blunders of the authority. There are tens of examples to prove it. For example, supporting the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia in the 1970s is the best example of it. Despite the brutal mass killing of hundreds of thousands of people indiscriminating kids, young, old, and women, the West supported the terror regime because it met their interests. The Iraq-Iran war is another example. During the war, the West openly supported Saddam Hussein. However, later it was found out that the USA double-crossed Saddam Hussein by selling weapons to Iran. So to speak, the West overtly and covertly supported the two sides to prolong the war. As a results, thousands of innocent Iraqis and Iranians lost their lives. The fate of Saddam Hussein was more drastic. His former friends invaded Iraq and sent Saddam to gallows. So, it is better for Yerevan to review its collaboration with the West. Instead, it should find common ground with Azerbaijan avoiding West's sweet but deceitful promises. Armenians should not forget that unlike their country, Azerbaijan has never tried to expand its territories at the cost of its neighbors. The foreign policy of Azerbaijan bases on international law. It should be emphasized that there are two options for Armenia. Either Yerevan sign peace agreement with Azerbaijan, or it will enjoy much dishonorable defeat soon. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 10:48 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more Police officers uncovered machine guns and grenades in Khankendi city, Azernews reports, citing the Press Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA). It was reported that on April 10, 3 automatic weapons, 3 rifles, 4 grenades, 4 lighters, 15 cartridge combs, 860 cartridges of different calibers, 7 bayonets, 3 communication devices and other ammunition were found and taken from the territory of Khankendi city on April 10. Recall that arms and munitions have been found in undisclosed locations, including the basements of schools, nurseries, and assorted structures, in the liberated regions of Azerbaijan's Garabagh. Once more, the presence of weaponry linked to Armenian separatists has been affirmed, indicating illicit efforts by Armenians to engage in terrorist activities and provocations within Azerbaijani territories. It is worth noting that on September 19, 2023, the Azerbaijani Army conducted swift anti-terrorist operations resulting in the disarmament of Armenian separatists in Garabagh. Subsequently, leaders of separatist factions were apprehended and brought to Baku, where they were lawfully detained. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 14:53 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has left for a working visit to Belarus, Azernews reports, citing the Foreign Ministry. As part of the visit, the minister will attend a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the CIS countries, which will be held in Minsk on April 12. Bilateral meetings of the foreign minister are also planned as part of the trip. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 19:15 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan aims to raise gas exports to Europe by around 17% from current levels by 2026, with further increases dependent largely on EU demand and infrastructure developments, Vitaliy Baylarbayov, deputy vice president of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, told Montel News, Azernews reports. We are expanding [production and export capacity] now and the results of that should be ready by 2026, when we will further increase our supplies to Italy, Greece and to Bulgaria, Baylarbayov said at the Budapest LNG Summit. The country was eyeing gas exports of close to 14bcm to southeast European countries in two years time, from 12bcm last year, he said. The rise would be due to a combination of production growth and capacity expansions on the three transit pipelines that make up the Southern Gas Corridor, which links Azerbaijan, via Turkiye, with Greece and Italy, he noted. But further increases in Azerbaijans supply to Europe would depend largely on the regions demand requirements and its commitment to invest in new infrastructure, Baylarbayov said on the sidelines of the event. For example, we are intending to send an additional 5bcm via the Solidarity Ring to the Balkan countries, he said, regarding a planned route for which a memorandum of understanding was signed last year between Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. And similar volumes could be additionally shipped via the Southern Gas Corridor to Italy, Greece and their neighbors, he said, adding this is what we can produce and deliver. I cannot say that this all will come simultaneously, or that this will all come in one and the same year it all depends on when infrastructure will be ready and when our upstream will be ready, he said. But he stressed certain projects did not depend on SOCAR, but rather the European customers. The decisions in Europe should be made by the Europeans. We are interested in supplying more, [but] it is crucial to have the infrastructure, he said, adding that Europe would remain Azerbaijans primary market for the years ahead. Azerbaijan started exporting gas to Europe on December 31, 2020. According to the agreement between Azerbaijan and the EU, by 2027, supplies of Azerbaijani gas should reach at least 20 billion cubic meters per year. At the same time, by the end of 2025, the TAP gas pipeline, as part of the first stage of expansion, will be ready to accept additional 1.2 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas, of which, from 2026, Italy will receive 1 billion cubic meters, and Albania will receive another 200 million cubic meters. As part of the Solidarity Ring project, on April 25, 2023, a ceremony was held in Sofia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of cooperation between gas transmission system operators in Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz), Romania (Transgaz), Hungary (FGSZ), Slovakia (Eustream), as well as SOCAR. The memorandum defines the areas of cooperation between the four transmission system operators and SOCAR for the supply of additional gas from Azerbaijan to Europe. Additional supplies will be carried out through the modernized gas transmission networks of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 21:56 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye will stand by Azerbaijan to protect stability in the South Caucasus, Minister of National Defense, Yasar Guler, said during his visit to Shanliurfa, Azernews reports. He said that Turkiye will continue to support Azerbaijan's rightful struggle: "We are contributing to regional and international security and peace." According to him, Turkiye has made serious efforts to solve the Karabakh problem: "We are also working to solve the problems in Libya and Ukraine, too." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 15:21 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Garabagh, which has been under Armenian occupation for more than 30 years, has been a source of private business not only for ordinary Armenian residents, but also for Armenian millionaires. Khankendi is one of the cities that has become a private recreation center for Armenians. The large number of weapons and ammunition found there so far makes it clear once again what the main goal was. Footage of the cognac factory of Armenian oligarchs in the city of Khankendi has circulated. The footage that was shown on the Azerbaijani State television channel AzTV program called "Our word is our signature!" spilled the bean about the real nature of the Armenian occupation and building a huge arsenal in the town. Obviously, one of the shareholders of the cognac factory was Arayik Harutyunyan, the former so-called "president" of the separatists, who is currently imprisoned in Baku. Armenians, using the natural benefits of Azerbaijan, produced various products, including cognac, and presented it to the world as their brand. In addition, Azerbaijani lands, especially Khankendi, were illegally exploited as a recreation camp for Armenian millionaires. Such speculators who built themselves villas and sold the country's natural resources abroad and got rich are paying the price of their crimes today. It is significant to note that the leader of the nationalist party "Dashnaktsutyun" in Garabagh, the former so-called "chairman of parliament" of the separatists David Ishkhanyan, the former so-called "presidents" of the separatists Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan, Davit Manukyan, former so-called "minister of foreign affairs" of the separatist regime in Garabagh, David Babayan, Levi Mnatsakanyan and finally the so-called "minister of state" of the separatist regime in Garabagh, a multi-millionaire in the Russian Federation, Ruben Vardanyan, were detained by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan and taken to Baku. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 23:32 (UTC+04:00) "Ambassador of the United States of America to Armenia Kristina Kvien raised the issue of the safe return of Armenians who left Azerbaijan, noting that this matter remains open," the Western Azerbaijan Community said in a statement. "The U.S. ambassador, who is mentioning the right of return, should first share her opinion on the situation in this area in the country where she is accredited. How come ambassador Kvien never mentioned anything about the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the destruction of their cultural heritage, and the fact that Armenia does not ensure their right of return? We once again call on the US government to end ethnic and religious discrimination against Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia, and support their peaceful, safe and dignified return to their homeland," the Community added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Turkiye's IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has been providing assistance to those in need in Sudan, where severe clashes between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have persisted since April 2023, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency. Speaking to Anadolu, Bilal Bahci, the IHH representative in Sudan, said despite the worsening humanitarian situation, Sudan has fallen off the international agenda. He highlighted the organization's efforts in reaching thousands of displaced people in conflict-affected areas, delivering donations from philanthropists. Bahci mentioned the distribution of food packages, zakat (obligatory almsgiving in Islam) and sacrificial meat during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in the city of Omdurman alongside Darfur and Port Sudan. He said 3,530 aid packages were provided and iftar or fast-breaking programs were organized for 2,191 individuals. In Darfur and Khartoum, they distributed sacrificial meat to 1,200 families, while in Omdurman, where aid access is limited due to the ongoing conflict, efforts continue to provide food packages to struggling families, he added. Bahci also underscored IHH's ongoing support for women, children and families affected by the conflict since its inception, having delivered thousands of hot meals and food packages. He also pointed to the delivery of 48 humanitarian aid containers, providing essential support. Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who is the head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the RSF. At least 13,900 people have been killed and more than eight million displaced in the conflict that started in April 2023, according to UN figures. Several cease-fire agreements brokered by Saudi Arabia and US mediators have failed to end the violence. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) The United States and Japan will launch a military industrial council to discuss co-production of defense weapons, a senior U.S. official has said, in another sign of stepped-up security cooperation amid China's assertiveness, Russia's war in Ukraine and North Korea's military threats, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap. The official previewed Wednesday's summit between President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, which he said would produce an array of agreements, including the first-ever change in the alliance's force structure and cooperation in lunar exploration and artificial intelligence research. "We're going to have a military industrial council that will evaluate where we can co-produce defense weapons," the official said during an online press briefing Tuesday. The plan for the council came after Japan eased its restrictions on military equipment exports amid its continued push for a greater role in global security -- a move that created an opening for deeper defense industrial cooperation with the U.S. Japan had long hewed strictly to the export curbs due to its post-war exclusively defense-oriented principles and war-renouncing constitution. "Japan's industrial capacity and strength that had always been on the sidelines will come to bear on one of the weak points right now that we have, which is we don't have really the bandwidth of the defense production capacity that we need for strategic obligations," the official said. "There will also be pieces as related to the integrated missile defense system with Australia, the United States and Japan." The official also noted that on the occasion of the summit, the two sides will announce the first-ever change in the alliance's force structure to "make the most" of Japan's new joint operations center. He was apparently referring to ongoing efforts to modernize the alliance's force structure to ensure seamless coordination between the U.S. Forces Japan and the joint operations command, which Japan's Self-Defense Forces seek to launch reportedly at the end of the year. The official also touched on expected summit agreements on lunar exploration with Japan being a "full" partner in the domain, research on artificial intelligence between the two countries' private institutes and a scholarship program for Japanese students to study in the U.S. Another senior U.S. official touted the Biden-Kishida summit as a "remarkable and historic" one. "I do want to underscore the progress and future-oriented stance of our alliance that is on display in Haiti, in Ukraine, in Southeast Asia, in the Pacific," the official said. "Everywhere that American purpose is being put to the test, Japan is by our side. You will see that clearly animated in our deliverables." On Thursday, Kishida is set to deliver a speech to a joint meeting of Congress and attend the first-ever trilateral summit with Biden and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Zibo retains its unique flavor among tourists 15:56, April 11, 2024 By Liu Yukun ( China Daily Zhang Xueyan, owner of Zibo Big Chimney Grilled Fish & Barbecue, serves dishes at her restaurant in Zibo, Shandong province, in February. [WANG JING/CHINA DAILY] As the aroma from grilled lamb skewers amid sizzling charcoal fires fills the air, the local people of Zibo and tourists alike are indulging in the culinary delights of the city's bustling barbecue scene. With small grills fired up and tables running full, the barbecue fever remains ablaze even in spring, turning the city in Shandong province once again into a hot spot for gastronomic delights. This has also concurrently spurred growth in tourism, injecting fresh impetus into the economic development of the industrial city. The popularity index of Zibo surged 137 percent year-on-year during this year's Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year holiday, making it a magnet for tourists, the latest data from online travel agency LY.com showed. The boom continued to April. According to Meituan, an online booking services provider, during the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday that ended Saturday, the volume of cultural and tourism orders in Zibo increased by over 130 percent compared to the previous year. Apart from local users, there was also an influx of visitors from Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, and other places. LY data showed that during the holiday, hotel bookings in Zibo increased by 58 percent compared to the previous year, while the volume of scenic spot tickets booked increased by over eight times. "Our restaurant was full almost every night during Lunar New Year's Eve to around Feb 17 and the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, averaging about a hundred tables per night. Demand exceeded supply; often, the meat was sold out by around 8 pm, and we couldn't take any more customers," said Liu Fang, who handles the cash register at Xuewei Barbecue. "We've considered increasing the supply of meat, but due to the challenge of finding reliable workers for skewering and grilling, we were concerned it might impact the quality of our food and service, affecting our reputation." Xuewei is not the only barbecue outlet that has experienced this surge in customers. Zhang Xueyan, owner of Zibo Big Chimney Grilled Fish &Barbecue, said several customers at her store during the Spring Festival were visitors from other cities. "Some came to visit relatives, some for tourism, and others specifically for barbecue. We were hitting around 30,000 yuan ($4,147) in daily revenue." Zhang said that, at a preholiday 3.5-hour livestreaming session on the short-video platform Douyin, she sold vouchers for in-house dining totaling 135,499 yuan, with nearly 10,000 people tuning in to the livestream. "Many businesses, including mine, are expanding into online and takeaway services, searching for new growth points," she said. "Even after Spring Festival, the number of daily diners has exceeded our expectations. The turnover rate has reached about two-thirds of the average during the Spring Festival. The barbecue fever has picked up as the weather turns warm and more people enjoy outdoor activities," she added. Customers enjoy barbecue skewers at a diner in Zibo in February. [WANG JING/CHINA DAILY] Surge in tourists In March last year, driven by the allure of barbecue skewers wrapped with small pancakes a traditional way of consuming barbecue in Zibo tourists from all over the country flocked to the city. Soon, reports of how travelers stuck in Zibo amid COVID-19 restrictions had been accommodated nicely by the local government and businesses added to its appeal. With a sudden surge in visitor numbers in less than a month, the industrial city, which was facing challenges in transforming itself, successfully seized the opportunity through the concerted efforts of locals, businesses, and the government, garnering widespread acclaim. Data released by Tujia, an online accommodation services booking platform, revealed that during last year's May Day holiday, the number of homestay bookings in Shandong tripled compared to the same period in 2019, with bookings increasing 12-fold in Zibo. For the first time in Tujia's record, Shandong led the nation in homestay bookings during the May Day holiday. On Meituan, accommodation bookings for Zibo surged by 800 percent compared to 2019, ranking first in Shandong. Zhang Yaojun, a professor at the School of Applied Economics at Renmin University of China, said that Zibo barbecue became hot not only because of its taste, but also because of the positive image of Zibo's businesses and local citizens, as their warm hospitality amid COVID-19 a phenomenon that went viral on the internet attracted tourists from across the country, leading to a rapid rise in visitor traffic to Zibo. The urban services stemming from joint efforts of the Zibo municipal government and its citizens also added to the city's appeal, Zhang said. For example, the city increased free parking lots and Zibo citizens spontaneously formed volunteer teams to provide services for out-of-town visitors. These efforts enabled Zibo to better cope with the sudden tourist numbers. Zhang said online promotion has also been a catalyst for the boom. Aside from traditional methods such as television and advertising, many local businesses used various new media platforms and social media influencers for real-time interaction. However, the fervor for barbecue in Zibo cooled in the latter half of the year, characterized by a decline in the number of new barbecue restaurants. The city saw 69 out of the 839 newly established enterprises in Zibo winding up by November last year, according to a report by media Yicai. A technician inspects equipment at an intelligent robot manufacturer in Zibo in July. [WANG JING/CHINA DAILY] "Zibo's barbecue, from its peak popularity midyear to a decline months later and a recent rebound, reveals the instability of relying on a single internet-fueled trend to stimulate the local economy. The city needs to go beyond excessive reliance on short-term trends like barbecue," said Hong Yong, an associate research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation's e-commerce research institute. "It should deeply explore and combine Zibo's rich historical and cultural heritage resources to create unique cultural tourism products. The government should also implement corresponding policies, supporting the barbecue and related industries through measures like tax incentives and entrepreneurship support." "Regulating market order is also essential for the healthy development of the industry. Ongoing improvements in infrastructure, enhanced transportation convenience, and improved quality of accommodation and dining services will also help maintain Zibo's appeal and visitor willingness to spend," he said. Zibo is actively seeking ways to convert the current visitor traffic into a long-term development stimulus and promote the growth of other industries. By exploring its cultural heritage and investing in tourism, Zibo is injecting fresh vitality into its economic landscape. The district of Linzi in Zibo served as the ancient capital of the Qi state during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). The district boasts numerous historical sites such as the Chariot and Horse Museum. Local authorities and businesses are intensifying efforts to develop a range of products and services related to Qi culture to enrich the tourist experience. Additionally, popular destinations like Zhoucun Ancient Commercial Street in Zibo's Zhoucun district and the Zibo Ceramic and Glass Museum are also hot spots for sightseeing. "Many barbecue restaurant owners in our courtyard hope that Zibo's cultural and tourism will gain traction. We feel that many visitors, after trying Zibo's barbecue, might not return to the city solely for the barbecue again. However, if the city offers other attractions, such as historical sites, it can transform the short-term influx into long-term visits," said Zhang of Zibo Big Chimney Grilled Fish & Barbecue. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) A disgraced former justice minister called Thursday for investigations into allegations surrounding first lady Kim Keon Hee, as his one-month-old party had a surprise win in the parliamentary elections. Cho Kuk, the leader of the new Rebuilding Korea Party, made the call after his minor party secured 12 proportional seats the third-largest political party in the 300-member parliament in Wednesday's parliamentary elections with a campaign pledge to put an early end to the conservative Yoon Suk Yeol government. "(We) urge prosecutors to immediately summon President Yoon Suk Yeol's wife, Kim Keon Hee, to investigate (allegations surrounding her)," Cho said in a press briefing in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul. "This is the order of people and the last warning to prosecutors." Kim has been accused of involvement in manipulating the stock prices of Deutsch Motors, a BMW car dealer in Korea, between 2009 and 2012. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea railroaded a special investigation proposal to look into related allegations, but Yoon vetoed the bill in January. Kim has denied the allegations, but other people involved in the case were found guilty of stock manipulation charges. The first lady also came under fire for receiving a luxury Dior handbag from a left-wing pastor in 2022, which was captured on a hidden camera and disclosed by local media in January. During a media interview in February, Yoon said his wife failed to "coldheartedly reject" the gift giver but the stopped short of offering an apology. Cho pressured prosecutors to launch investigations into Kim to address lingering concerns over the first lady's potential conflicts of interest and ethical standards. "If prosecutors don't follow people's order, we will push for a special probe proposal on Kim as soon as the National Assembly opens after consultation with the Democratic Party of Korea," Cho said. Cho, a former prominent law professor at Seoul National University, had served as the senior presidential secretary for civil affairs from 2017 to 2019 under the preceding Moon Jae-in administration. As one of Moon's closest aides, Cho was subsequently appointed as justice minister in September 2019. However, he resigned in disgrace about a month later following an investigation into an academic fraud case involving his children, when Yoon was prosecutor-general. Cho was convicted of academic fraud in connection with his daughter's college admissions and unlawful interference with a separate government inspection. In February, an appeals court upheld a two-year prison sentence for Cho. A final guilty verdict could strip Cho of the parliamentary seat. (Yonhap) 11 April 2024 19:15 (UTC+04:00) Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), a state enterprise, hosted a meeting with international diplomatic missions to discuss the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Azernews reports. Over 30 foreign ambassadors, as well as representatives from the EBRD and the World Bank, were briefed on the Middle Corridor's benefits and opportunities, the route's development results, and prospects for international cooperation, as well as the results of Kazakhstan's railway industry in 2023. The KTZ reports that container transit via Kazakhstan has increased 4.7 times in the last ten years. At the end of last year, the volume of transit traffic exceeded 27 million tons, which has historically been the company's strongest indicator. At the same time, the volume of cargo moved through TITR nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching over 2.8 million tons. The expected volume for TITR in 2024 is 4 million tons. In the medium future, up to ten million tons. Participants were also briefed about KTZ's active work to strengthen the "soft and hard infrastructure" of TITR in order to improve logistics services both within and outside of Kazakhstan. Andrei Mikhnev, the World Bank's Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, spoke at the occasion and stated that the WB's report gave an examination of alternative solutions that will help triple the current volume of freight traffic on the TITR. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 20:53 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more The delimitation of Armenia-Georgia border is currently two-thirds complete. Both sides are ready to end this long process, which has lasted more than three decades, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan told journalists, Azernews reports, citing Armenian media. However, he found it difficult to clarify the dates of the last negotiations between the countries on this issue, suggesting that they could have taken place about three to four years ago. In January, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia and Georgia had agreed to take the measures necessary to complete the border delimitation process. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 23:18 (UTC+04:00) Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a meeting of the Security Council today. Azernews reports that Dmitry Peskov, secretary of the press service of the Kremlin, said this. He did not say what issues will be discussed at the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 11 April 2024 20:31 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more India has appointed a military attache to Armenia for the first time, Azernews reports, citing PTI news agency. According to the agency, India is appointing military attaches to ten new countries, Armenia included among them. Some of the countries the New Delhi is appointing attaches to will receive Indian military representatives for the first time. Emphasis is placed on the countries with which India is developing technico-military cooperation. "10 new military attaches will be created in various countries, with a special emphasis on the countries where weapons are exported," a source told the agency. An Indian military attache was appointed to Armenia for the first time. India has already agreed with Armenia on the supply of Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, Akash short-range antiaircraft missile system, and several other Indian-made weapons. Djibouti, Ivory Coast, Mozambique, Poland, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Ethiopia will also receive new Indian military representatives. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Chun In-bum On April 3, North Korea announced it had successfully launched a solid-fuel rocket engine with a hypersonic glide warhead vehicle that was nuclear capable. The Hwasong-16 Na was launched from a seven axle mobile vehicle, which is longer than previously observed North Korean transporter erector launchers (TEL). This hints at North Korean capabilities to produce and improve its construction of such mobile vehicles. The deployment of such advanced weaponry underscores North Korea's relentless pursuit of military advancements despite international sanctions and condemnation. The mobile launchers and solid-fuel engines give the North Koreans the ability to launch missiles with very short notice at most, if not all, locations of their choosing. The launch video also shows a short boost stage for the missile that protects the mobile launcher from the initial blast and heat. This in turn will allow the launcher to be reused for future deployments. The warhead is hypersonic which means it can travel more than 10 to 20 times the speed of sound and it is maneuverable. The maneuverability of the warhead will enable the warhead to zig-zag through airspace and make it much harder for anti-aircraft missiles to neutralize the incoming warhead. Finally, the North Koreans claim that the Hwasong-16 Na is capable of reaching Guam and some even speculate that it might have the range to target Alaska. But there are others like the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff who think that these claims and estimates are exaggerated. Whatever the details, the North Koreans are gradually gaining ground. Since the launch of the Pukguksong (liquid-fuel engine) ballistic missile in 2015, it has taken the North Koreans nine years to perfect a missile that has a solid-fuel engine, a maneuverable warhead capable of hypersonic speeds and carrying a nuclear payload. This will make the defense of South Korea and its allies much more difficult. Even with a three-layered air defense, there will be no guarantees that we will be able to intercept all incoming missiles from North Korea. The thought of a barrage of hypersonic glide missiles heading toward our homes would be a nightmare that now has become a real problem. As we think and contemplate solutions to this problem, one option is to destroy these TELs before they are used. A preemptive strike and a robust anti-ballistic missile (ABM) defense would reduce the North Korean ballistic missile effectiveness. The greatest problems are that the South would be seen as the perpetrator of hostilities if we attacked first and that there is no way to be absolutely sure that a North Korean attack was imminent and that we would be successful. Although North Korea celebrates its success in achieving an offensive ballistic missile capability, the fact of the matter is that these very capabilities will invite a possible attack from an adversary that had no intention to do so in the first place. South Korea is not standing by idly. On April 8, South Korea successfully put into orbit its second military reconnaissance satellite, which has a Synthetic Aperture Radar system that will provide all-weather coverage of North Korea. Additional satellites in various orbits and sizes will give South Korea the ability to track and target North Korean TELs. Add artificial intelligence into the equation and North Korea will have a hard time surprising the South and its allies. While discussions of preemptive strikes and enhanced missile defense systems are on the table, diplomatic solutions remain paramount. Despite the escalation in military capabilities, the logical conclusion remains the pursuit of peaceful coexistence through dialogue and negotiation. International cooperation and diplomatic engagement are essential in addressing the underlying issues driving North Korea's aggressive posture and fostering stability in the region. North Korea is fighting an imaginary enemy. The real enemy is the tyrannical political system that North Korea is based on. South Korea does not want war but it has become an option now that North Korea has launched its series of satellites into space. ABMs will not be enough but already laser weapons are becoming operational and will be affordable enough to deploy and will make the most capable missiles obsolete. The logical conclusion is to negotiate and find ways to coexist. North Korea's recent missile advancements pose significant challenges to regional security, necessitating a multifaceted approach that combines deterrence, defense and diplomacy. As tensions persist, it is imperative for stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions to avoid the potentially catastrophic consequences of a military confrontation. Chun In-bum (truechun@naver.com) served as a lieutenant general of the ROK Army and commander of Special Forces Korea. Chalk one up for Freedom! As the ole saying goes: Giveem an inch and they will take a mile. By Joseph Lord and Savannah Hulsey Pointer, The Epoch Times House conservatives on April 10 tanked a procedural vote to advance a surveillance power reauthorization bill in protest against its lack of warrant requirements. The development is another blow to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) who already faces an ouster threat from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). In a 193-226 vote, lawmakers voted not to advance Rep. Laurel Lees (R-Fla.) Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, which would extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Acts (FISAs) controversial Section 702 for a period of five years. The warrantless surveillance power is due to lapse on April 19. While such procedural votes normally advance along party lines, 19 Republicans joined all Democrats to block the bill, employing a tactic increasingly used by GOP factions to apply pressure on leadership. Conservatives who voted against the bills advancement were Reps. Greene, Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), Dan Bishop (R-N.C), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), Michael Cloud (R-Texas), Bob Good (R-Va.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Chip Roy (R-Texas.), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Matt Rosendale (R-Md.), and Greg Steube (R-Fla.) Its yet another failure for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who in February had to pull a similar bill from the floor. FISA Section 702 is one of several post 9/11 surveillance authorities that have come under scrutiny as some lawmakers from across the political aisle have raised alarm over its potential to violate the civil liberties of Americans. Section 702, which was last authorized in 2018, was intended to permit warrantless surveillance of foreign nationals located outside the United States. However, in practice, it also sweeps up communications with U.S. citizens. This vulnerability has allowed FBI agents to extensively misuse the tool in recent years, using it to search for the names of Black Lives Matter and Jan. 6 protesters. The agency asserts that the program is vital to national security and that it has since undergone reform. Nevertheless, critics across the political spectrum have been apprehensive regarding the possibility of further constitutional infringements. House Freedom Caucus Speaks Out Against FISA Reauthorization Former President Trump earlier on April 10 called on House Republicans to KILL FISA, pointing to how the FBI misused Section 702 to spy on his 2016 presidential campaign. Mr. Mills, who voted against the bill, said after the vote that the result isnt a defeat for Johnson. Its a victory for Americans. Mr. Roy told reporters after the failed vote: Were here to stand up for the people who are tired of [the] situation ... where the defense industrial complex, the Intel Committee, they get to see all this stuff behind closed doors and tell us what theyre going to do. The Founders were very clear about what we need to fear ... about how they will use foreign conflicts, foreign power as a smokescreen for going after our civil liberties. And thats what we saw happening here. When the House Rules Committee on April 9 advanced the legislation for a floor vote, they left the issue of whether to require a warrant to a vote of Congress. The warrant issue has spurred the creation of unlikely alliances, bringing such disparate lawmakers as House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Ranking Member Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) into agreement. When you have the history we have with this organization relative to not following the rules, we think you need a separate and equal branch of the government to approve a warrant, Mr. Jordan said in defense of the amendment during his opening remarks. The warrant requirement has to be in the legislation or I dont think weve done our job. Mr. Nadler agreed, saying that without a warrant requirement, the changes in Ms. Lees bill would be so modest they would prove ineffective. The failure of the rule vote marks another loss for Mr. Johnson, who has already faced several failed rule votes during his roughly six months as speaker. Earlier on Wednesday, the speaker expressed support for the bill, saying it enacted sweeping changes in the form of over 50 reforms to be put in place. Mr. Johnson highlighted what he sees as the necessity of the program, saying, Its a critically important piece of our intelligence and law enforcement in this country because it allows us to continue killing Hamas terrorists. It allows us to track shipments of the least illicit chemicals used to make fentanyl, it allows us to protect US warships from attacks by Houthi rebels, allows us to stop China from stealing American intellectual property, and it prevents ransomware attacks against American companies. However, he also noted that FISA has been abused through politicized FBI queries and said the changes coming to the program would prevent another Russia hoax debacle, among many other important reforms. No more Steele dossiers; no more of the intelligence community relying on fake news reports to order a FISA order; no more collusion; these changes will make sure that that doesnt happen. Jackson Richman and Samantha Flom contributed to this report. One wishes we could see similar scenes on our own southern border. Illegal aliens from the Third World fly into Belarus and then try to cross the well defended Polish border into Europe. Even under a new shaky globalist-led government, Polish border guards do their duty to keep them out. Recently, an attempt to storm the Polish border from the Belarus side by 220 illegal alien migrants was captured on video. They assaulted the outnumbered border guards with rocks and makeshift weapons as they tried to break through, but the border guards held their ground and fought back until the mob of illegal aliens retreated back into Belarus. https://www.rmx.news/poland/watch-220-illegal-migrants-storm-polish-border-with-belarus/ In comparision, a recent storming of the US southern border by a mob of illegal aliens against the Texas National Guard, also with illegal aliens assaulting the border guards did not work out so well. The illegal aliens all got into the country, and the feds protected them from assault charges against the National Guard. Sadly, National Guard members are intimidated against using the level of force they ought to by the fact that the Biden regime may prosecute them with criminal charges. Sundance, writing at The Last Refuge writes: Before getting into bigger picture analysis and intellectual discussion about FISA and the 702 reauthorizations, let me just reveal some inside DC crap that drives me nuts and at the same time will help yall understand the nonsense. First, the Intelligence Community (IC) tells congress, particularly the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, that all hell will break loose if they dont reauthorize full electronic surveillance of Americans. Congress is petrified of the IC. Speaker Johnson and all of the key participants are totally siloed from understanding that 702 has nothing to do with incidental collection of American data whilst the honorable IC were doing foreign intercepts. Johnson and most Republicans believe the IC nonsense. They really do. The politicians and their key staff cannot fathom how the FBI, DOJ, NSD, DHS and contractors use this database to conduct political and other (think corporate espionage for sale) surveillance. They really do think the IC is full of honorable rank-and-file. They are inside a DC bubble. Second, the IC argument is now something akin to we have let thousands of terrorists into the country through the southern border crisis. They say: My god, we need to monitor the terrorists, and if you take away 702 the foreign terror cells will activate and start killing us all. Do you want that blood on your hands? You cannot take away surveillance tools. Third, FISA 702 reauthorization is used as a bargaining chip by people who dont want to get caught up in the surveillance. The DC conversations are something like, Ok, well reauthorize it, but you cannot use it against us and all the sex parties and perverted stuff we do when no one is around, you must promise to keep our secrets hidden Yes, this is why the IC agree to accept a reauthorization that exempts Congress. The IC keep the blackmail just promise not to use it. We The People do not have any friends in DC on this issue. The Democrats will reauthorize 702 to continue exploiting surveillance authority dont forget over 10,000 log-in portals with access to the NSA database exist, including the workstation at Perkins Coie that ties into the NSA database {GO DEEP}. President Trump finally opposes the FISA system writ large and THAT is progress. More soon. UnitedHealth Group's Optum, the country's largest employer of physicians and parent company of ASC chain SCA Health, is attracting a lot of attention with its rapid growth. In 2023, the company added nearly 20,000 physicians, inked deals with three physician groups and three hospitals and earned $226.6 billion in total revenue. Some lawmakers are concerned about the growth and its effect on patient care and competition. According to a February report from The Wall Street Journal, UnitedHealth is the target of a Justice Department antitrust investigation, focusing on the company's ownership across sectors. According to the report, the Justice Department is questioning UnitedHealth about the relationship between Optum and UnitedHealthcare and whether UnitedHealthcare favors Optum-owned physician practices, which could hurt competing practices. On March 26, Optum announced plans to purchase financially troubled Steward Healthcare's 1,700-physician group. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren expressed concern over the sale and its potential effect on patients and healthcare workers. "Optum, a UnitedHealth Group subsidiary, is already the largest employer of physicians in the country controlling over 10 percent of American doctors which means this deal raises significant antitrust concerns in Massachusetts and nationally," she said in a March 26 statement. Massachusetts Sen. Edward Markey also expressed concern about the deal. "With this announcement, Optum must demonstrate that it can meet the even greater responsibility to preserve and protect healthcare access," Mr. Markey said March 27 at a news conference, according to a report from The Washington Post. "I hope they will live up to that responsibility by controlling costs and putting patients and providers first." On March 13, Optum received approval to bypass a state review of its planned purchase of physician-owned Corvallis (Ore.) Clinic. Oregon state Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin said in comments submitted to the Oregon Health Authority before the deal was closed that Optum is "a massive organization that is not shy about repeatedly cutting corners, skirting the law and putting the well-being of patients at risk." An emergency application was filed March 7 so the clinic "can continue serving their patients and communities with the care they need. As outlined in numerous filings and discussions with the state since December 2023, the Corvallis Clinic has significant longstanding financial issues that have come to a head, necessitating this emergency filing," a spokesperson for Optum told Becker's on March 12. The spokesperson added that the clinic's financial issues existed before the Feb. 12 cyberattack on Optum's Change Healthcare, which has created significant cash flow issues for providers around the country. In June, UnitedHealth Group's Optum division announced plans to acquire Amedisys for $3.3 billion, which Amedisys shareholders on Sept. 8 overwhelmingly approved. In October, Ms. Warren and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapa in a letter called on the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department's antitrust division to "carefully scrutinize" the deal. "Now, as the U.S. population ages and more people become eligible for Medicare, [UnitedHealth] and other large insurers are looking to cash in on the booming home health industry, allowing them to keep more premium dollars inhouse from treating patients at insurer-owned facilities," the lawmakers wrote. Athens, Ga.-based oncology practice University Cancer & Blood Center and multidisciplinary practice University Health Alliance have partnered to open a high-risk gastroenterology clinic. The facility will allow access for GI patients in Athens and Watkinsville, Ga., according to an April 10 press release. It will combine advanced technology with clinical expertise for the early detection of GI cancer. The main objective will be to discover and diagnose these types of cancer in the earliest stages. The clinic will provide a comprehensive range of gastrointestinal procedures and experienced endoscopists available. Clinicians will use an approach that includes a detailed history and physical, imaging, formal genetic counseling, and risk reduction strategies. A physician referral will not be required for patients to seek care at the clinics, which will be located within the UCBC Surgical Oncology office in Athens and in the UHA office in Watkinsville. Minesh Mehta, MD, gastroenterologist at UHA, will spearhead the program. A former employee of Smile Zone Dental in Fort Gratiot Township, Mich., pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $100,000 from the practice, the Port Huron Times Herald reported April 11. Jennifer Malone was arrested in October after an auditor for the practice found Ms. Malone had used office funds for private purchases and took several cash payments. As part of the plea deal, Ms. Malone pleaded guilty to a reduced charge that carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. However, she could face up to 15 years in prison if she is unable to repay the money by her sentencing date, which is June 10. By Donald Kirk Conventional wisdom holds that voters here are more concerned about the economy than foreign policy. You hear constant complaints about rising prices, the costs of places to live, standards of living and the rising wealth gap between rich and poor. We've heard such tales of woe for years even as the country has grown into an economic and industrial powerhouse with maybe the world's twelfth-biggest GDP. Estimates vary, but the GDP will probably increase by two percent this year. In an aggressive, competitive society, there's a lot of talk about a severe economic downturn. But you don't get a real sense that it's happening. Interestingly, however, complaints and criticism of the economic policies of the conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol dominated the campaigns for all 300 seats in the National Assembly to the exclusion of North Korea, the American alliance and Japan. People can feel the vagaries of fluctuating prices in their everyday lives. Impassioned debate on foreign policy is another matter. Despite a rising tide of rhetoric from North Korea along with a record number of missile tests, you don't sense real alarm over what Kim Jong-un will do next. So often has he boasted of newer, more advanced missiles that they're hardly noticed other than in headlines that are easily forgotten. It's against that background that Yoon has agreed to a series of joint exercises in which U.S. and South Korean forces have perfected their skills more effectively and resolutely than they've done for years. Yoon's foes in the Democratic Party of Korea may not approve of what they see as a potentially dangerous escalation of tension, but they prefer to focus on the economy as the surest way to appeal to popular emotions. North Korea, so close geographically, ethnically and linguistically, seems like an abstract menace, more theoretical than real. You wonder, though, how long South Korea can exist in what may be a fool's paradise. Kim Jong-un has discovered what looks like a life-saving relationship with Russia. No longer does he have to worry about famine and disease killing hundreds of thousands of his people as during the decade of the "arduous march" of the 1990s. He's got a steady source of income from the sale of armaments and artillery shells to the Russians, who repay him in food and vital equipment, not to mention technological know-how for new and "better" nukes and missiles. Just as North Korea's exports to Russia fill the needs of the Russian war machine, so Russia's war in Ukraine is the lifesaver Kim needs for regime survival. The war's impact may be felt as much in Asia as in Europe when you consider the strength it's giving Kim to engage in increasingly reckless threats against his enemies. North Koreans may be hungry, but they're no longer on the verge of starvation. North Korea is gaining strength to the point where Kim can contemplate a surprise blow, maybe not a war but a shock nonetheless, against his enemies. It may be inconceivable that he might deploy a nuclear warhead, which he hasn't tested since 2017, but he could definitely think of a surprise attack of even greater dimensions than the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan or the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island in 2010. For most people, such talk is all too repetitive. We've heard it all before and don't pay attention. In this atmosphere, we're bound to hear rising criticism of Yoon's hardline emphasis on war games with the Americans and much-improved relations with Japan. For the remaining three years of his term, Yoon's foes will be calling for yet another opening to North Korea while the North goes on demanding the withdrawal of still more American troops, the complete closure of American bases and the end of the Korea-America alliance. The fact that these issues are not uppermost on the minds of most voters is probably a good thing. Yoon does not have to yield to all these demands even if his popularity descends to new lows and he's unable to convince the fractious National Assembly of his program and policies. We may have to wait until the next presidential election, in 2027, for differences in policy toward North Korea to assume center stage. Given the record of swings from liberal to conservative in recent Korean history, the only certainty is that nothing is certain. The Americans may talk happily, even optimistically, about much-improved relations with the Yoon government, but the rapport they've built with the Yoon administration over the past two years is far from permanent. Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) writes on war and peace mainly from Seoul and Washington. Hilo (Hawaii) Benioff Medical Center broke ground April 10 on an $80 million expansion project. The expansion project will bring a 19-bed intensive care unit and 36 additional beds to the hospital, according to an April 10 Hilo Benioff Medical Center news release shared with Becker's. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Lynne Benioff donated $150 million in March to Hawaii Pacific Health, Hilo Medical Center, and San Francisco-based UCSF Health to help increase healthcare access in Hawaii. Of the donation, $50 million was dedicated to Hilo Benioff, with a portion of the funds being invested into the expansion project. The Hawaii state legislature also awarded $50 million to the project in 2023, which was handed over to the hospital this March. The 66,000-square-foot expansion project will span three floors and is expected to be complete by spring of 2026. Hilo Benioff Medical Center comprises 166 acute care beds and 45 long-term care beds. It has 1,500 employees and 250 providers, provider assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses across 33 specialties, the release said. Vikas Saini, MD, president of the Lown Institute, is speaking out on high hospital CEO pay. Dr. Saini recently discussed rising compensation with the Fresno Bee. His thoughts were also published to the Lown Institute's website April 10. Valley Children's Hospital in Madera, Calif., has recently come under such heavy criticism for its executive compensation that it opted to provide 24-hour security at President and CEO Todd Suntrapak's home. Mr. Suntrapak was paid $5.1 million in the fiscal year ending 2022 and $5.5 million in 2021, with the majority of his pay coming from bonuses. According to the Bee, Mr. Suntrapak made more than double the next-highest compensated nonprofit executive in the San Joaquin Valley region of California. He also made significantly more than other children's hospital executives in California, including the 413-bed Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the 511-bed Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Both paid their CEOs $1.7 million in 2022. For comparison, Valley Children's is a 358-bed hospital. "[That's] pretty hefty for a hospital of that size," Dr. Saini said. "We don't pretend to know the 'right pay' for a hospital CEO, but we do think it's reasonable to ask, what's it for?" Valley Children's has defended its CEO pay. Board members say that executive compensation "is determined on a thorough review and recommendations from multiple, independent executive compensation consultants." More hospitals have been adding board members from the private sector "over the past several decades," according to the Lown Institute. One study found that 44% of board members at hospitals ranked highly by U.S. News hail from the financial sector private equity and wealth management firms, banks, and insurance companies. Dr. Saini says these board members "are oriented to the bottom line" and "think about [hospitals] like a regular business." Thus, they can influence CEO pay to remain competitive. "When [hospitals] hire a new CEO, they're not going to pay below the median; they're not even going to pay at the median," Dr. Saini said. "They're saying, 'We've got to go higher.' And if everybody does that, it creates an upward spiral, and that's what we've seen for 30 years." Jill Owens, MD, will step down as president of Olean, N.Y.-based Upper Allegheny Health System to return to private medical practice, The Bradford Era reports. Dr. Owens has led the health system, which is the parent company to Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital, as president since September 2022 after fulfilling the role on an interim basis for three months. The precise date of Dr. Owens' transition is not yet clear. The system is launching a national search for her replacement, and Dr. Owens will return to private medical practice once a new president has been named. "When I was asked to step up and take on this role, I never imagined the challenges that we would face. Healthcare was in crisis and our two hospitals were struggling like most in the industry were," Dr. Owens told the local news outlet. "With the new management team now in place and over 1,300 caring and compassionate individuals throughout the organization, UAHS is destined for future success. It's time to hand off the baton to a seasoned healthcare leader who can take us to the next level of growth." Dr. Owens is a lifelong resident of the Bradford community and has operated Bradford Family Medicine, a private family practice, since 2000. Before her time as president and interim president, Dr. Owens was CMO of UAHS and medical director for its physician networks. UAHS was formed in 2009 as the system overseeing the two community hospitals in New York and Pennsylvania. The system partnered with Kaleida Health in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2016. At nearly every meeting I attend these days, whether it's a patient experience conference, a gathering of nurse leaders or a meeting of healthcare finance and administrative leaders, a common issue emerges: the persistent verbal and physical violence committed against our team members. There have always been incidents of challenging and abusive patients and visitors, but the frequency with which our front-line colleagues face these assaults is increasing. It's a trend that has not abated even as we move beyond the very challenging period of the pandemic. Many organizations like mine are deploying a broad array of interventions to address this issue. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we have trained our staff extensively on de-escalation tactics and recognizing potentially aggressive behavior before it becomes harmful. We created Behavioral Emergency Response Teams to respond to particularly difficult situations and instituted new policies to help bring real-time support to our team members when they face verbal or physical abuse. And, we have established standards of conduct for patients and visitors when they are within our walls. These are some of the core elements of an even more extensive effort that is part of our organization's Zero Harm Program. We've also taken the very important step of strengthening the tracking of all harm events both for patients and our team members so we can collect data to strengthen our knowledge and drive further response. Our chief operating officer convenes a Tier 4 Huddle multiple times a week, where the senior leadership team of our hospital hears about each and every incident of harm at our hospital. I attend these huddles, and it is a sobering experience. It's hard to hear what our teams sometimes endure. Yet, awareness of each event assures the top of our organization is focusing attention on harm reduction. It also assures that we track issues and continually act to reduce harm. This array of initiatives, along with other forms of support we have in place for both patients and our team members, is proving helpful. However, the incidents continue to occur here and in healthcare organizations around the country. My perception, based on many conversations with colleagues, suggests that there's a widespread sense nationwide that we have not yet fully cracked the code on this very important issue. Federal legislation that gives healthcare organizations more standing to take action against perpetrators of violence within our walls seems increasingly necessary. Airlines have been given more power to take action, and it has appeared to deter some from acting out. We need a similar ability within healthcare to address violence, shield our teams, hold perpetrators accountable and even restrict access to services for repeat offenders. A bill currently before Congress, the Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees (SAVE) Act (H.R. 2584), would put in place stricter enforcement and penalties for violent behavior. This bill has the support of many healthcare associations nationally. This is a good start, and all of us should push for congressional action to address this prevalent problem. It's important to acknowledge that this work will be complex. Health systems need to do the work to thoughtfully sort through the issues and develop new, clear standards for behavior that deter acts of violence and promote respectful interactions. Some verbally and physically violent patients are not fully responsible for their actions due to their illness. We have to be able to distinguish between those who should be held accountable and those who cannot. We also want to be careful to maintain our core values of respect and empathy, even while acting to protect others. All of us who lead in healthcare should engage in dialogue and advocacy with our regulatory leaders and our professional associations to ensure that this issue receives attention from our legislators. We owe this to everyone who works and comes for care within our institutions. The board of trustees at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Tenn., has unanimously approved a lease agreement with West Tennessee Healthcare: a public medical group with more than 90 locations across Missouri and Tennessee. Now, it's up to the county commission that owns the hospital to ink the proposal, WKMS reported April 5. James Ross, president and CEO of West Tennessee Healthcare, laid out the proposed 40-year lease agreement at a March 28 meeting. The company would assume all of Henry County Medical Center's assets, except operations of the Henry County Healthcare Center and ambulance service, according to the Paris Post-Intelligencer. It would also assume the hospital's liabilities, except for its pension funding and existing debt, which would revert to the county. West Tennessee Healthcare would assume responsibility for any debt incurred after the lease begins, and the county would receive a lease payment equal to the hospital's current debts which are roughly estimated between $20 million and $30 million, per the newspaper. The county would be able to pay the hospital's existing debts without incurring additional costs over the 40-year lease period. West Tennessee Healthcare also hopes to reopen the hospital's obstetrics department, which shuttered in September due to financial challenges. John Tucker, CEO of Henry County Medical Center, is in support of the board's recommendation. "[West Tennessee Healthcare] really geographically makes the most sense and we really appreciate their culture and their dedication to trying to keep rural healthcare local," he said. Representatives from West Tennessee Healthcare plan to attend the Henry County Commission meeting on April 15, the radio station reported. The hospital did not return Becker's request for further comment. When Michael Charlton set out to plan a six-year initiative for Atlantic City, N.J.-based AtlantiCare, he passed along one philosophy to the organization's more than 6,500 team members and providers: "Break it." "What I mean by 'break it' is, I went back to the organization and said, 'Listen, enough with the shiny new toys, enough with the headlines. There has to be substance. We have to execute," said Mr. Charlton, who was named AtlantiCare's president and CEO in October 2023. "Essentially, we have to 'break it,' and we have to come to a point where we understand that although we do great work, we're burdened by a lot of things. But the circumstances don't mean that you're not responsible for the outcomes. We can't keep talking about the regulatory burden. We can't be talking about the workforce and colleges not producing enough physicians and nurses. They're the circumstances. We still need to be responsible for the outcomes." This philosophy culminated with the launch of VISION 2030 on April 10. The initiative aims to improve social determinants of health, expand medical education opportunities, and lead the way for technology improvements through a partnership with Oracle Health. Mr. Charlton told Becker's he's excited about all of these pieces, particularly when it comes to serving community members outside of hospital walls. The initiative specifically aims to reduce food insecurity for patients by 6%; reduce unsheltered homelessness by 20%; expand life expectancy by five years; and boost annual fundraising for the AtlantiCare Foundation by 20% year over year. "The work that excites me the most, that I believe encapsulates AtlantiCare's unique perspective as an anchor institute, is what we are doing for our Serving Community initiatives around the social determinants of health," Mr. Charlton said. "This goes beyond the conventional scope of healthcare by tackling issues like housing insecurity and food scarcity. If health outcomes are determined by conditions that exist outside of a care setting, then that care should not just be delivered within the four walls of our facilities." AtlantiCare's VISION 2030 also includes new partnerships such as the health system's affiliation with Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute. The partnership aims to provide AtlantiCare patients with access to Cleveland Clinic's advanced research, clinical trials and expertise. Additionally, AtlantiCare announced a clinical training affiliation with Philadelphia-based Drexel University College of Medicine to provide clinical training to medical students, as well as a clinical partnership with Global Neurosciences Institute. The Drexel affiliation will focus on medical education programs that grow and diversify the healthcare workforce pipeline, the health system said. The partnership with Global Neurosciences Institute aims "to take [AtlantiCare's] nationally recognized, comprehensive neurosciences services to the next level of care." Above all, AtlantiCare's initiative prioritizes a people-driven approach a natural fit for Mr. Charlton, based on his past experience. "My background is in hospitality, and my business philosophy is to be visible and be kind. I approached this plan as I approach most things with people at the center of it all," Mr. Charlton said. "The rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, marked by technological advances, consumerism and industry consolidation, calls for leaders who are not only adaptable but also bold in their vision and execution." However, patients can't benefit from new partnerships and innovations if their basic needs aren't met. "The significance of addressing social determinants of health and ensuring health equity also cannot be overstated," Mr. Charlton said. "Our commitment to being remarkable hinges on our ability to make a tangible difference for the community." Read more about AtlantiCare's six-year plan here. Bay Shore, N.Y.-based NeuroCare Long Island, a four-person neurosurgeon group, is now part of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health and will perform surgeries at Bay Shore-based South Shore University Hospital. Kevin Mullins, MD, was named chair of neurosurgery at SSUH. Salvatore Zavarella, DO, was also named vice chair of neurosurgery at SSUH. Dr. Mullins and Dr. Zavarella are joined by Salvatore Insinga, DO, and Joshua Ryan, MD, at the hospital, according to an April 11 Northwell Health news release shared with Becker's. The physicians treat multiple conditions like stroke, back and neck pain, brain tumors, and aneurysms. Northwell Health comprises 21 hospitals, around 900 outpatient facilities and over 12,000 affiliated physicians. It has 85,000 employees, 18,900 nurses and 4,900 employed physicians, the release said. The Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association, a physician and advanced practice provider union represented by the American Federation of Teachers and staffed by the Oregon Nurses Association, is accusing Portland, Ore.-based Legacy Health of reducing hours worked by hospitalists without sufficient bargaining. In a complaint filed April 3 with the National Labor Relations Board, the union alleges Legacy has refused to provide requested information relevant to the production of union proposals and relevant to the union's response to the health system's proposals. The union also alleges that Legacy has unilaterally implemented staffing changes over the union's objections and without bargaining to impasse. The complaint follows a Feb. 21 letter in which union-represented hospitalists ask Legacy administrators not to enact changes to their shift models, staffing, hours, pay, and service lines until the terms have been agreed upon through bargaining. Now, union leaders have filed a complaint with the NLRB, saying that Legacy has done just that. According to the union, the enacted changes include decreasing shift hours, decreasing number of shifts, increasing patient care responsibilities and patient volumes without a corresponding boost in staffing, and changing administrative pay and responsibilities. Legacy shared the following statement with Becker's: "Legacy regularly adjusts scheduling in response to health care needs across our organization. We are always focused on staffing appropriately to provide the best possible patient care, and we will continue to work constructively with the union on this matter." The union represents hospitalists at six Legacy hospitals in Oregon and Washington: Good Samaritan Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center, both in Portland, Ore., Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, Meridian Park Medical Center in Tualatin, Ore., Mount Hood Medical Center in Gresham, Ore., and Salmon Creek Medical Center in Vancouver, Wash. Last November, about 200 hospitalists at the hospitals voted to unionize. Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University is also working on finalizing a merger agreement with Legacy. In August, the entities announced they had signed a nonbinding letter of intent with plans to create a 10-hospital system of more than 32,000 employees. The combined system would be the largest Portland metro area employer. The Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act intends to address workforce shortages across the country by better supporting internationally educated healthcare professionals. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced the bill April 9. It would create a grant program administered by HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration for hospitals and health systems to provide career support to internationally educated healthcare professionals to integrate into the workforce. Of the 2 million college-educated immigrants currently living in the U.S., roughly 14 percent hold health-related degrees, according to the lawmakers. "I recently met with students who shared with me their frustrations of immigrating to the United States, having a degree and significant experience, and not being able to find a job in their field that's commensurate with their skills," Mr. Kaine said. "At a time when I'm hearing from hospitals and other healthcare employers about how difficult it is to find workers, we should be making it easier for these individuals to enter the health care workforce." Here are eight details about the legislation, which can be found in full here: 1. Entities interested in the grant program will need to apply to the HHS secretary, describing their partnerships with institutions of higher education, its experience working with internationally educated healthcare professionals, and descriptions of each project it plans to develop or continue with grant funding. 2. In awarding grants, the bill calls for HHS to prioritize eligible groups whose projects help to find and keep internationally trained healthcare workers in jobs where there aren't enough local workers to meet the community's needs or internationally trained healthcare workers in rural areas. 3. The bill calls for grant funding to go toward one or more system-level improvements and one or more individual-level improvements for internationally educated healthcare professionals. 4. System-level improvements include establishment of educational networks, peer support and mentoring, educating employers about the skills of internationally educated professionals, creating career advancement opportunities, and implementing strategies to improve retention rates. 5. Individual-level Improvements aim to provide tailored support to these professionals, such as licensure assistance, access to language and exam preparation courses, career counseling, guidance with credentialing evaluations, education on employment rights, and assistance with obtaining academic or training records from overseas. 6. An "internationally educated health care professional" is someone who finished their healthcare training in another country and is now living in the United States, either as a permanent resident, refugee, asylee or with authorization to work. 7. The bill calls for authorized appropriations for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2029, with the legislation set to take effect no later than one year after its enactment. 8. More than 50 healthcare organizations and associations have issued support for the legislation, including America's Essential Hospitals, the National Black Nurses Association, Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health and Brentwood, Tenn.-based Lifepoint Health. The American Academy of Physician Associates is aiming to increase diversity within the profession via a new initiative, the organization said April 11. Through the PAthways program, AAPA will work to boost interest in the PA profession among first and second-year college students at minority-serving institutions. The academy will also increase mentorship and PA shadowing opportunities for seniors and recent graduates of color. In the program's first cohort, AAPA aims to reach more than 2,000 students. The program is supported by a Communities in Action for Health Equity grant from Pfizer. Learn more here. Timely, proper legislation needed to regulate Chinese e-commerce firms: experts Editors note This article is the last in a three-part series on the impacts of Chinese e-commerce platforms' foray into the Korean market and responses from local rivals. ED By Lee Min-hyung Korea needs to introduce a "systemic and sophisticated" e-commerce-related regulatory framework, like the ones implemented by the European Union (EU), as the lack of a legal basis here delays the timely checks needed concerning emerging threats posed by AliExpress and Temu to Korean e-commerce companies, experts said. This suggestion came in reaction to unceasing controversies surrounding the rapid inroads made by the two Chinese companies due to their alleged weak customer protections and inappropriate sales methods. Korea's regulatory authorities have so far failed to slap any strict regulations against them, mostly due to the absence of necessary legal grounds. The situation has sparked growing calls for the government to follow in similar footsteps to those of the EU, whose regulatory framework is stronger and tighter than most other countries, particularly against foreign platform firms, according to professors from Korea's major law schools. "When it comes to regulations on every corner of the industry, the EU can be a good exemplary model for Korea to follow, as Europe focuses on building a strong legal framework with in-depth studies," Song Se-ryeon, a professor of law at Kyung Hee University, said. "This enables them to take a systemic approach when confronting any controversies and regulating certain companies." For instance, the EU launched an investigation to look into whether AliExpress violated the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) with the suspected sale of illegal content there last month. The Chinese firm may be subject to fines of up to 6 percent of its global turnover for the possible violation of the DSA. AliExpress faced a similar kind of controversy in Korea for its sale of melatonin capsules on its platform, but Korea's regulatory authorities have displayed a much lighter regulatory touch than its European counterpart due largely to the weak legal basis regulating foreign firms. The sleep supplement is classified as a prescription-based medicine and is not allowed to be sold online here. "The point is that Korea's regulatory framework remains ambiguous compared with those in Europe, the United States and other developed nations," the professor said. "For this reason, Korea cannot take any stern and timely regulatory actions against influential foreign platform firms." Song added, "But we need to build a long-term plan to introduce a detailed regulatory basis at a time when domestic firms face and abide by strict local regulations, which is not the case for Chinese firms. This keeps raising woes on reverse discrimination on homegrown firms." The EU is also stepping up regulatory pressure against big tech firms, such as Apple, Google and Amazon, under its Digital Markets Act (DMA). The act is aimed at ensuring fair digital competition in the territory. Any firms violating the DMA can be subject to fines of up to 10 percent of their global revenue, meaning companies of such a size could pay tens of billions of dollars in fines as a result of violating the act. Compared to such an act and the regulatory framework of the EU, the levels of Korea's regulations against such influential foreign firms end up delivering nothing more than a slap on the wrist. In 2021, Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) imposed fines of 224.9 billion won ($165.9 million) on Google for its unfair business practices, saying the search engine giant abused its market-dominant position against smartphone manufacturers here, such as Samsung Electronics. The FTC recently launched a probe into Temu to monitor whether the firm has engaged in false and exaggerated advertisement activities here. Temu was mired in a series of controversies for distributing cash coupons to lure more customers, which the authority viewed as an unfair business act. Experts say such a probe is not enough. They say the government should focus more on adopting an EU-like regulatory model by setting up a more concrete legal framework to regulate foreign firms rather than giving such an intermittent regulatory signal. "One characteristic of the EU's regulation is its harsh extraterritorial application, so it can exude strong regulatory pressure against foreign firms," Choi Joon-seon, professor emeritus of law at the Sungkyunkwan University Law School, said. "But under Korea's legal system, we cannot slap any influential sanctions on Chinese e-commerce firms." He advised the Korean government to start in-depth talks on establishing a sophisticated legal framework as soon as possible. "Even if we may not be able to collect fines or execute penalties against such Chinese firms, the government can make an official complaint to China if we present relevant data that shows Chinese firms do not abide by Korea's legal framework," he said. "For now, in reality, it appears tough for Korea to slap a similar level of strict sanctions against foreign firms on par with that of the EU, but we still have to follow a similar footstep by drawing a long-term roadmap for protecting local firms and customers." Flexibility is currency in today's talent market. As companies lean into work-life balance, pre-pandemic meeting practices have been called into question. Should 8 a.m. meetings be taken off the table? Are meeting-free Fridays the way of the future? The answer is less clear-cut in the healthcare industry, where operations are 24/7 so Becker's connected with five health systems' human resources leaders to learn how they're approaching meeting practices. Given providers' busy schedules, early morning meetings are still commonplace at most systems. But every organization Becker's spoke with is trying to be more cognizant of employees' time, and many are interrogating the necessity and length of their meetings. Children's Hospital of Philadelphia At CHOP, early morning meetings are typical. Patient demands and clinical schedules require some to be scheduled as early as 7 a.m., according to Calvin Allen, the organization's executive vice president and chief human resources officer. But the health system is growing more intentional in its meeting practices. Leaders are questioning the purpose each meeting serves, and who, exactly, needs to attend; for example, they try to avoid calling multiple people from the same department to the same meeting. Organizers are asked to include an agenda for each meeting they call, and attendees are welcome to proactively question the session's necessity: "Just because it's on the schedule, doesn't mean it has to happen," Mr. Allen said. To prevent back-to-back calls, the system is whittling down meeting blocks from one hour to 45 minutes whenever possible. This lets attendees take a restroom or snack break between sessions, Mr. Allen said. And for jobs that allow it, many team members try to block meeting-free time on Fridays to get work done. They might also attempt to limit meetings on an employee's first day back from vacation to allow for a smoother transition. Mercy (St. Louis) Mercy recently established meeting-free weekday mornings from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. across its four-state footprint. Catherine Codispoti, the system's senior vice president and chief people officer, told Becker's the change is not just about reducing the number of meetings; it also encourages workers to create more meaningful connections with one another. Without morning meetings, operational leaders have time to round in facilities and have face-to-face, one-on-one conversations. Ms. Codispoti noted that while the industry never sleeps, it is important to be respectful of employees' time. "Healthcare is an interesting space because we have co-workers who are delivering babies at 3 a.m. and others who are watching over cancer patients late into the night," she said. "We provide care 24/7 and many of our Mercy co-workers are available at all hours of the day. So, while we cant predict when care will be needed, we do know that time is a gift." OSF HealthCare (Peoria, Ill.) There is not a uniform meeting practice that works for every department at OSF HealthCare, according to Shelley Parn, the system's chief human resources officer. Different segments of the workforce have to carve out different times to meet, and for physicians, those meetings sometimes occur during off-hours. But enterprise-wide, the system has taken a strong approach to well-being over the past year and a half, Ms. Parn said. Leadership has nudged divisions to consider balance and efficiency in their meeting practices: from 45 minute blocks that allow for breaks between calls, to set agendas with pre-reading material so attendees come prepared. Many divisions have chosen to implement "focus time," which employees can add to their own work calendars. Meetings can not be scheduled during these blocks, allowing for deeper workflows; some leaders have allotted partial or full Fridays to focus time. And although virtual meetings have become the "way of the world," that does not mean employees are on-call at all times. Managers are expected to respect business hours, Ms. Parn said. UCHealth (Aurora, Colo.) According to Dallis Howard-Crow, UCHealth's chief human resources officer, an 8 a.m. meeting would be considered late in the healthcare industry. Many of the system's providers prefer 6:30 a.m. meetings so they can spend the rest of the day with patients. It's challenging to put a moratorium on calls given the unpredictability of the industry, but the health system is constantly assessing the value add of scheduled meetings. Like CHOP and OSF HealthCare, UCHealth has reduced many meetings to 45 minutes (or half an hour, in some cases). Meeting organizers are also encouraged to start and end on time, and are "extremely good at this," Ms. Howard-Crow said. Though employees might still be called to an early meeting, they have flexibility in other areas, according to Ms. Howard-Crow. Most clinical roles allow for self-scheduling. WVU Medicine (Morgantown, W.V.) Leeann Kaminsky, senior vice president and CHRO for WVU Medicine, noted that remote work habits post-pandemic have made it easier to meet with people at varying times. That means that sometimes, meetings are held as early as 6 a.m. However, some teams are attempting to limit meetings on Friday afternoons. Ms. Kaminsky has noticed less Friday meetings in general, she said. The spine robotics market has grown rapidly in recent years with new platforms and updates taking center stage. By 2031, the spine robot market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 14% between 2023 and 2031, according to Transparency Market Research. Among spine surgeons, use of robotics is lauded for their ability to improve surgical precision and patient outcomes. Despite concerns about overreliance on the technology, some spine surgeons are optimistic about the evolution of robotics. Here is a breakdown of 10 spine robots on the market: Mazor X (Medtronic) In 2018, Medtronic acquired Mazor robotics and its spine robot in a $1.7 billion deal. The following year the Mazor X Stealth edition was launched. The Mazor X Stealth edition leverages enabling technologies including navigation, 3-D imaging, robotics and powered surgical tools. The Mazor X robot costs about $550,000 to $850,000 and has a disposable supply cost of about $1,500 per case, according to the Journal of the AAOS. ExcelsiusGPS (Globus Medical) ExcelsiusGPS earned FDA 510(k) clearance in 2017. The robot has an arm with navigation for increased precision with screw placement and is designed to streamline workflows and limit radiation exposure. The ExcelsiusGPS robot costs about $1.5 million, according to the Journal of Spine Surgery. The robot can also work in tandem with the Excelsius3D spine system. Excelsius3D was launched in 2022 and is designed for 2D fluoroscopy, 2D digital radiography and 3D imaging. Rosa ONE Spine (Zimmer Biomet) Zimmer Biomet's Rosa ONE spine robot earned FDA clearance in 2019. Rosa ONE spine blends robotic and navigation technology and uses a 3D intraoperative planning software. A single-institution study in Neurospine looked into the learning curve for the robot. A total of 167 patients were included, and the mean total use time with the robot was about 107 minutes. The learning curve involved 20 patients. Pulse (NuVasive) Pulse is an integrated platform that incorporates two fixed screens, wireless device connectivity and several software technologies. It is designed for increased efficiency in operating rooms. The platform earned FDA clearance in July 2021. By February 2023 more than 2,000 cases were completed with the system. Cirq (BrainLab) Brainlab's Cirq robot is a passive robotic arm that can quickly identify previously established trajectories, and it uses BrainLab's navigation technologies, according to the Journal of Spine Surgery. It costs around $100,000 to $250,000. BrainLab added the robot to its portfolio after acquiring Medineering in 2019. Two hospitals with Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health were among the first to use the Cirq robotic arm for spine surgeries in the U.S. the following year. Cuvis-spine (Curexo) Curexo's Cuvis-spine robot debuted in South Korea in 2020, and it earned FDA licensing in 2021. Cuvis-spine guides pedicle screw insertion and uses a robotic arm to provide safer, more efficient surgery. With licensing, the robot can be supplied globally. Remi (Alphatec) The Remi robot was acquired from Accelus in 2023 for $55 million. Accelus previously owned the robot through its subsidiary, Fusion Robotics. Remi integrates navigation and robotics with 3D imaging scan or 2D fluoroscopic imaging. Before the robot was sold, Remi earned FDA clearance for use with GE OEC 9900 C-Arm fluoroscopic imaging systems. Alphatec plans to incorporate the robot into its procedural strategy to improve surgical predictability, limit radiation and enhance surgical precision. Q Guidance System (Stryker) Stryker's Q Guidance System with spine software launched in 2022 and allows full-spectrum active and passive hybrid optical tracking, semi-automatic and automatic processing features, gesture recognition and compatibility with various image sets. In July 2023 Stryker launched the system with cranial guidance software for brain procedures. Point Kinguide (Point Robotics MedTech) The Kinguide robot earned FDA 510(k) clearance in August 2022. It has a handheld drilling system and navigation system to assist surgeons during implant surgery. In September 2022, the robot made its U.S. debut. eCential Robotics' spine robot France-based eCential Robotics received FDA 510(k) clearance for its 3D imaging, navigation and robotic guidance spine system in September 2022. It has been used in more than 2,000 European cases and is a fully unified intraoperative imaging, navigation and robotics platform. The robot is an open system that can be used with any spinal implant. The company in 2022 partnered with Spineart to co-develop spine surgery applications for the robot. Abby Cox, Utah's first lady, underwent spinal surgery at the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City on April 10, according to an April 10 report from CBS affiliate KUTV. Ms. Cox underwent the procedure following "weeks of debilitating pain," according to the report. She had degenerative discs in her neck removed during the procedure. "The first family is grateful to the surgeons, doctors and staff at the University of Utah for their attention and care, and appreciates the prayers and support from so many Utahns. The first lady looks forward to a speedy recovery and resuming her duties soon," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's office said in a statement. Ten years ago, spine surgeons were expecting outpatient spine surgery and image-guided navigation to become more prevalent in a decade. Now spine surgeons are thinking about how today's state of the industry will be looked back on in 2034. Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses. Next question: What are the red flags spine surgeons should consider when joining a practice or health system? Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CST Wednesday, April 17. Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length. Question: How will spine surgeons in 10 years look at the current state of the field? Chester Donnally, MD. Texas Spine Consultants (Dallas): In 2034, I think we will look back at 2024 and actually be proud of ourselves! There is such a great emphasis on concepts such as pelvic parameters, adult spinal deformity following 1 level fusions and motion preservation techniques. People understandably want a one-and-done fix; this applies to house repairs, car maintenance as well as spine surgery! Of course some of the need for revision surgery is age, genetics and wear-and-tear, but we as a spine community are doing a much better job at identifying risk factors for ASD. We are definitely on the right track! Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): It's difficult to predict exactly how spine surgeons will view the current state of the field in 10 years, but it's likely that they will continue to see advancements in technology, techniques and treatments. With ongoing research and innovation, we can expect to see improvements in patient outcomes, reduced recovery times, and enhanced surgical precision. It's important for spine surgeons to stay current on the latest developments in the field to provide the best possible care for their patients. Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: That will depend a lot on the outcomes of elections and whose narrative about healthcare wins. Many people in the medical community and in the public believe single payer to be the messiah. It has worked for smaller, more capitalistic societies, particularly in Western Europe. The gigantic elephant in the room is the size of, and geographical diversity of our country. Putting the future of our healthcare in the hands of a single entity, governmental, paragovernmental, or private will certainly tank the quality of our system and drive costs through the roof. I see spine surgeons being the mammals at the end of the dinosaur era. Spine surgeons will move to physician-owned hospitals and ASCs. They simply do it better for less. Patient experience and outcome are paramount and they enjoy the independence of their workplace and freedom to make changes without waiting for Godot to change it. Todd Lanman, MD. ADR Spinal Restoration Center (Beverly Hills, Calif.): In 10 years, I believe spine surgeons will look back at the current state of the field and shake their head at the number of fusions performed instead of disc replacements. The same thing happened in 1958 when John Charley invented the artificial hip. Most surgeons at the time laughed at him and said his device would not work. That hip replacement was a fad. Instead, knee and hip fusion were standard of care. In 10 years the field will have shifted dramatically to motion preservation surgery artificial disc replacement, facet joint replacement to the point that we may see the ability to partially correct 20 degree to 25 degree scoliosis curves with motion sparing devices. Just like arthroplasty is now commonplace for hip and knee and fusion is rare, the same will be true of spine devices; cervical and lumbar artificial discs will be the mainstay of treatment and spinal fusion will be the rare exception. Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): Rereviewing a previous article from Becker's from 10 years ago, the interchangeable question was posed to the panel. The expected and foretelling answer of outpatient procedures, ASC predominance and image guided usage were discussed by the sage amongst us. This was all well and good, except the deleterious effects of the pandemic and its marked draw down on research and capital budgets was not factored. Having been referred to as a patriarch of spinal surgery recently, my direction of questioning towards my younger partners revealed some enlightening conversations and direction. Their reliance on imaging guidance and AI is notably stronger, albeit two of them are advanced endovascular trained. And attention to detail, collective reasoning and discussion precedes most complex surgical interventions. This type of scrutiny, at least on its face, is comforting and possibly a throwback to legacy-based training and clinically-based medicine. Patient-centric medicine will hopefully drive this field as it has in days of yore. Murphy's Pub is one of the oldest in Seattle Murphy's Pub is one of the oldest in Seattle A fundraising campaign has been launched to help save an Irish pub in Seattle which is part-owned by a Belfast man after it emerged the building was being sold. Murphys Pub is one of the oldest and longest-running Irish pubs in the west coast US city. It was first opened in 1981 by Chris Barnes and Dan Cowan, around half a block east from its current location. Since 2015, the longstanding pub has been co-owned by Belfast man Eamonn Davey and Chelley Bassett, who became friends through another Irish pub, A Terrible Beauty in Renton, Washington. It closed in 2011. Three days before St Patricks Day it was revealed the pubs current landlord planned to sell a number of their properties, including the current premises of Murphys Pub. The pub, which was one of the first in Seattle to have microbrews on tap, is being sold for $3.5m (2.9m). Hoping to save the pubs legacy, the current owners have launched a fundraising campaign through GoFundMe which has already raised $25,361 (20,216). The campaign was announced with a post on Facebook by Vanishing Seattle, an organisation documenting displaced and disappearing institutions across the city. The post, which also traced the pubs long history said: Staff are super friendly and the regulars will strike up a conversation - especially if you sit at the bar! "Three days before St Patricks Day, Murphys learned that the property owners plan to sell most of the block (which would include Kostas Opa, Rugs of the World, the old Fat Cat Records building, and a house). "After they pleaded with the landlord, he agreed to sell them the parcel of land that Murphys sits onfor an asking price of $3.5m. Murphys started a GoFundMe - and they arent expecting to raise the full amount, but are hoping to find an investor/s who shares their values and can give them a long-term lease. It adds: "Donations will be applied to the selling price and if a buyer cant be found, the money will be refunded. Patrons of the popular pub said they hope it can be saved. One said: We will not let Murphys go silently into the night. Many of us are fighting to keep it alive. Another customer said: I frequented Murphys many times back in the day, mostly to hear live acoustic music, Irish, Celtic, folk groups it was a great place for live music! I hope they can raise the funds to keep it going. Irish League I have changed my game to be a target man in box for Linfield, says Kyle McClean Popeyes is understood to be opening its first restaurants in Northern Ireland Fried chicken brand Popeyes looks set to open its first restaurants in Northern Ireland, its been claimed. The US-headquartered chicken business has agreed deals to open its first restaurants here. The firm announced it was planning on rolling out more than 300 locations right across the UK, and initially has eyed sites such as Glasgow, Cambridge and Cardiff. But according to CBRI NI, it has also agreed deals to open spots here. Popeyes, which competes directly with global chicken giant KFC, has around 3,400 restaurants across the world. It said it has a goal of opening 350 UK restaurants over the next 10 years, after rapid growth in continental Europe in recent years. The business rolled out its brand into Spain and Switzerland over the past two years but said it sees the UK as its next big opportunity for growth. Popeyes was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and is launching in the UK as part of an agreement between Restaurant Brands International, Ring International Holdings and hospitality veteran Elias Diaz Sese, co-founder of Popeyes UK. Popeyes is the latest fried chicken chain to expand into Northern Ireland, and follows Canadian-owned Mary Browns, which opened its first location here in Lisburn. DPK expected to put brakes on Yoons business-friendly policies By Park Jae-hyuk The opposition blocs resounding victory in the general elections on Wednesday will weigh on companies that have been wishing for labor reforms, tax incentives and eased regulations in the 22nd National Assembly, experts said Thursday. With over 190 seats out of 300, the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and minor opposition parties are expected to put the brakes on the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations policies, which have been regarded as favorable to business and hostile to labor. The governments efforts to revise the Serious Accidents Punishment Act (SAPA) lost momentum, said lawyer Oh Tae-hwan, a partner at law firm Yoon & Yang whose main practice areas are employment, labor and disputes regarding industrial accidents. The only option for the president will be modifying the enforcement decree. The law, which took effect in January 2022, states that a companys CEO can be sent to jail if a serious worksite accident occurs when the company has not taken sufficient safety precautions. After companies with fewer than 50 employees became subject to the law in January this year following a two-year grade period, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have asked for an additional grace period, filing a constitutional petition. The 22nd National Assembly should abolish unreasonable environmental and labor regulations, the Korea Federation of SMEs said in a statement, Wednesday. The 21st National Assembly should immediately grant an additional grace period on the SAPA for companies with fewer than 50 employees and pass bills to invigorate the economy. However, the DPK decided in February to reject the government and the ruling partys request to grant an additional grace period for SMEs. Revisions of laws will completely depend on the opposition partys decisions, Oh said. The lawyer also said that the opposition bloc will once again try to revise the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act as it promised, because the president rejected the proposed bill, dubbed the yellow envelope law. The opposition bloc proposed the revision several times, after yellow envelopes with money were delivered in 2014 to support unionized workers ordered by a court to pay a combined 4.7 billion won ($3.4 million) to SsangYong Motor in compensation for their strike in 2009. The proposed bill allows subcontracted workers to negotiate directly with their employers clients, even though the clients do not employ those workers directly. It also justifies strikes by subcontracted workers against their employers clients and bans management from demanding compensation for damage caused during illegal strikes, unless they assess the damage caused by each individual. Koreas two largest umbrella unions said Thursday that the election outcome proved the public anger against the presidents indiscriminate vetoes on pro-labor bills. The Supreme Court will soon conclude whether subcontracted workers have the right to negotiate with their employers clients, when making a ruling on the lawsuit between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and the Korean Metal Workers Union, Oh said. If the court rules in favor of workers, this will justify the yellow envelope law, and if not, the DPK will once again pursue the revision. The opposition bloc is also expected to oppose corporate tax incentives for conglomerates making large investments. In addition, chaebol heirs will likely face heavier inheritance and gift taxes, when they seek to inherit managerial rights from their parents. The ruling and opposition parties basically differ on tax reduction, said Joo Won, director at Hyundai Research Institute. Some industry officials, however, expressed cautious optimism, saying that the opposition bloc could be wary of pushing ahead with extremely radical revisions of economic and labor laws, amid difficult business conditions. We hope that both ruling and opposition parties will work together to make laws for economic recovery and enhanced national competitiveness, the Korea Enterprises Federation said in a statement. After 25 years, the presenter says he has become deeply sentimental about peoples predicaments even when they ignore his advice about the importance of budgets Like millions of people, I love a good episode of Grand Designs. But I watch it through my fingers. The potential for someones dreams getting crushed on TV always has me huddled behind the sofa cushions (if someone puts Master Chef on, I have to leave the room), and what dream is bigger structurally, financially, emotionally than building your own home? When Kevin McClouds ominous voiceover discusses construction overruns and budgets blown apart, my heartbeat ratchets up a notch in sympathy. These high emotional stakes, by design, is what makes the show such grand watching. Television execs are so excited to get the onion out, McCloud tells me. Make them cry, Kevin, make them cry. After 20 seasons, his careful stoicism in the face of self-build highs and lows is crumbling. I might be getting a bit softer and sentimental in my age, he says. Twice recently I have welled up while interviewing somebody. When they get emotional and upset, Ive also got emotional and upset. He is sanguine about this empathetic development. Its a huge emotional journey and it covers such a wide gamut of emotions and human predicaments. Inevitably youre going to get caught up in it. Read more Pipe band founded by NI man wows record crowd at WWE Wrestlemania event in US Having presented a housebuilding show for 25 years, McCloud is something of an expert when it comes to warning of the importance of sticking to a budget. Not that the clients on TV ever listen to him, a modern Cassandra of construction cost estimates. They look at me and laugh and their eyes glaze over, says McCloud. Its like theyve joined a cult. Theyve taken off already, theyre in mid-flight. Theyre not interested about the landing gear or whether the cabin crew have got enough food on board. Grand Designs inspires a similar cultish following in its fans, who flock to the annual Grand Designs Live show to discover the latest developments in home and interiors. McCloud is bowled over by the energy and enthusiasm people bring to the exhibition. Its emotional and its spiritual, tens of thousands of them coming together to have fun, he says. Its a bit like a Star Trek convention. The Grand Designs Live team at ExCel London also organise conventions for Trekkies, and McCloud says he sees a similar level of joy and fannish devotion in the lighting and carpet enthusiasts as those who cosplay as Kirk and Spock, or marry in a Klingon wedding ceremony. I used to find it a little bit odd, he says. But now I realise its lovely. McCloud is keen to harness the enthusiasm for Grand Designs Live to put as much expertise as possible in front of Britains home improvers as possible. His favourite part of the event is the advice centre, where people can book slots to Ask an Expert. He sometimes offers his own time, but again, its hard to get people to listen when the cult of Grand Designs is gleaming in their eyes. If people come up to me, they dont ask me a question, they say, can I show you a photograph of my living room? One set of people who really should be taking McClouds advice is the beleaguered British housebuilding industry and the government nominally presiding over it. I ask McCloud what he would do if someone put him in charge tomorrow, and he rattles off a passionate manifesto that immediately has my vote. Id dismantle the grip that half a dozen major home builders have. I would ban lobbying of central government I think its an iniquitous anti-democratic process. I would scrap the Construction Industry Training Board and start again with a massive national programme of training in construction and green design, and Id use that for retrofitting the nations existing 28.5 million homes, he says. And thats just before breakfast. Once a leader in the field, the UK has become an embarrassment when it comes to housebuilding, McCloud feels. All the exciting innovation is happening on continental Europe. His advice to first-time buyers and self-build aspirants? Move to Germany. Along with their state funding models, its the social side that appeals its budget and emotion all over again. They have a culture where building is considered a hugely important skill in society. Builders and carpenters train for three years to become apprentices. Its like doing a degree, says McCloud. Anybody in the UK can set themselves up as a builder, you dont need any formal qualification. Its outrageous. Though hes quick to add that the construction teams featured on Grand Designs are very skilled. We just need more of them. In our pursuit of the purely contractual and beleaguered construction generally, weve forgotten how important it is that people want to use their hands and their brains to do things, to make things. McCloud would also like to import a healthier attitude to homes that isnt obsessed with ownership. In Germany, social housing isnt stigmatized, he says. Its only in the UK that we had this strange Thatcherite notion that if you dont own your home, youre not part of a progressive and forward-thinking world of investment and self-improvement. Right to Buy is another source of deep ire for McCloud. We have a poisonous culture in housing delivery and in our social housing programmes. Its hollowed out and its a great shame, says McCloud. I get so angry, not because Im so anti what happens here, but because I see what happens in Sweden and in Denmark and in Germany and in Belgium and in Austria, where 86 per cent of all new homes are custom or self-built. He recalls one builder asking him, with German directness, why the UK cant build houses properly. Were the laughing stock of Europe, he bemoans. But he is not without hope that the UK can turn the housebuilding ship around, like a final act redemption arc in a Grand Designs episode. McCloud is thrilled that Scotland is set to introduce its own version of the Passivhaus standard, where new build homes will have to meet energy efficiency regulations. He predicts Wales and Northern Ireland will follow suit, embarrassing England into eventually adopting a greener and cost-efficient mode of building. Building better homes, with and for people, might fly on the continent where social democracy hasnt entirely been stamped out. But will it fly in the UK, with our weird culture around things never getting better for anyone? McCloud takes heart from the generosity of spirit hes witnessed. Visiting a retired couple in Glasgow self-building as part of Grand Designs: The Streets, he discovered a passerby who stopped to chat had volunteered his skills as a retired steelworker. He worked with them for six months for no money, just for the fun of applying his knowledge and learning and teaching, says McCloud. Its the magic of people coming together at events and in coming together to build. Thats how the world actually does work. It relies on social capital and generosity of spirit and all the things that are good in human beings. Perhaps McCloud is getting sentimental, but then homes are deeply emotive. Come for the budget drama, stay for the love and magic. After half an hour chatting with him, I reckon that if Grand Designs starts a cult, Id probably join it. Grand Designs Live, London ExCel May 4-12; granddesignslive.com A finalist in the Miss Belfast pageant has worked on Blue Lights and Dungeons & Dragons, with the end goal being her own production company. Stacey Burns (25), from Lisburn, is a production assistant in Northern Irelands film and TV industry, and cites homegrown show Beauty Queen and Single as bringing her attention to the fact that pageant competitions werent just an American thing. She says: That girls from Northern Ireland and Belfast could take part in things like this. And specifically, [former Miss Great Britain] Gemma Garrett, watching her on the show really inspired me to see that someone from Northern Ireland was Miss Great Britain, plus the fact that years later, Eden McAllister also took home the title. I was just inspired by the two of them, and it seemed that it can be done by girls from here and that those doors were open to us in this part of the world. People would often ask me, how are the other girls, are they mean, is it catty? And that just has not been my experience. All the other girls are lovely. Its been an amazing way to meet new friends and some of my closest friends I have met through the competition circuit. It is so empowering; its an amazing opportunity to network and meet new people in new industries because there are girls who are dancers, girls who work in medicine, and its just an easy way to meet new people. The Miss Belfast pageant is a qualifying heat for Miss Great Britain and the winner will be announced on June 9. The format includes awards in charity, press, interview technique and bikini confidence. A big part of it is your community work and making sure that you give back. The charities for Miss Great Britain would be Alexs Wish and Cancer Research UK, Stacey says. To raise awareness and funds for those two charities, I pledged myself, as a complete non athlete, non-sporty girl, that Im going to be running at 15 5ks in 15 weeks. Well all be taking part in the Cancer Research UK Belfast 5k in May Im just doing another 14 to challenge myself. She laughs: Its very out of my comfort zone. Stacey worked on series two of Blue Lights Theres a synergy between her work in TV and the competitions, and shes become more confident in interviews. Im a freelancer so quite a lot of the time [in the industry] youre on a job for six to nine months and thats it. Whereas Ive now become so much more competent in speaking if Im ever part of a meeting, Im so much more confident in an interview setting. If Im ever in a situation where I have to present to a group, that just does not faze me anymore. Stacey, who explains that she has always been a bit of a theatre kid, real jazz hands and big smiles, is also a social media content creator and has gained enhanced skills thanks to her involvement in the two industries. She adds: Its things like getting used to having your photograph taken, speaking well and recording yourself speaking and Ive also had presenting opportunities with the BBC very recently. I know that my skill set from taking part in this competition has enhanced that so that I can have a camera on me or not feel intimidated once I see that red light on. Stacey also worked on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Stacey, who studied moving image arts, has always wanted to work in the TV and film industry. I often say that Belfast is like the Hollywood of the British Isles because theres just not only the amazing locations in such close proximity to each other, but its the talent for such a small part of the world and such a small city. The talent of the local crew is just off the charts. Its incredible and Im so delighted to be a part of that. She was a member of the Royal Television Society Futures, an organisation of young people or new entrants who put on events for other new entrants. Miss Belfast finalist Stacey Burns It was an amazing way to network by putting on events so it gave me a great excuse to reach out to people within the industry and ask them would they be willing to come and give a lecture or do a Zoom with some of us that we could put on our pages. It was a great way for people to get to know me as someone who was active [in the industry], she says. Organisation is key to her role as a production assistant, she adds, explaining they need to be ready for any and everything. A production assistant is the most junior member of the production department, so the production department would be the ones that organise. Its a lot of coordination and logistics. Itll be things like making sure forms are in, contracts are signed, catering and everything is covered and handled and going to the right place and that theres water at the location and all of these things that people dont necessarily think of off the top of their head. Coming to screen next week, Stacey was thrilled to be involved with the second series of police drama Blue Lights. Stacey Burns It was a fantastic environment to work in. Everyone was so supportive and all of the HODs [heads of department] were incredibly supportive and approachable and it was an amazing environment to work in as a PA, l learned so much. Its brilliant that it is so local and that many of the HODs and the talents we cast are local too. Its amazing that so many people from here are getting to have those opportunities and it is shown so proudly as Belfast. Her end-goal is to have her own production company. I really do love drama and that is where I see myself staying for now. I can never say never, but that is how I envision the future at the minute. I love being a busy person. I cant stand still sitting still. Theres something about the go, go, go of both the Miss Belfast competition and the production side that just really... I dont know how to describe it. I love being so busy and never sitting still or being in one place. Theres something about the fact that theyre both so high energy, thats what I really enjoy the most. Follow Stacey on Instagram @belfastmediagirl The conductor and musical director of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) has hit out at politicians and what he called misguided wokeism for there being a great suspicion of opera and British cultural achievements. Sir Antonio Pappano, 64, has been the musical director of the Royal Opera House for more than two decades before taking on the LSO position this year following Sir Simon Rattle stepping down. The English-Italian conductor and pianist, who led the Kings Coronation Concert in 2023, was asked on BBC Radio 4s This Cultural Life about opera facing financial pressures. Sir Antonio said: I think opera, in many quarters is seen as something elitist, I mean look the (British) politicians, for instance, dont come to the opera house, they used to, whereas in Italy, the president of the republic would come and thered big applause, it would be celebrated by the audience in Germany too. Sir Antonio Pappano and Dame Kathryn McDowell (Doug Peters Media Assignments/PA) Here its looked on with great suspicion. That drives me nuts, I have to tell you. England a haven for culture whether it is pop culture or classical culture, literary culture, theatrical culture, this is one of the great addresses and yet were embarrassed by it. He added that the opera industry has had a rough time because the money becomes less and less every year. Sir Antonio also said: Why be embarrassed about something that is a treasure, the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera, the Welsh National Opera are beacons, theyre internationally recognised and centres of excellence, you know, honing talent. He added that you have to take care of the big places such as the central opera house while spreading the funds elsewhere to the regional houses. There is a strange and misguided wokeism. If youre supporting an opera in a church basement or something, thats more important than the Royal Opera House, the English National Opera, the Welsh National Opera, give me a break, Sir Antonio said. He also dismissed people thinking opera is not a growth industry and urged for opera to be viewed in a proud lens. His comments come amid plans by the English National Opera (ENO) to move out of London by 2029. In December, it was announced that ENO had chosen Greater Manchester as its new main base. An influencer who identifies as Irish has opened up about finding faith in a Protestant church in the Shankill area of Belfast. Ged Armstrong, a Catholic from north Belfast, shocked his friends and family when he found faith at the New Generation Family Church. "Im a proud Irishman, but I just separate my religion from my nationality, he said. Ged gained a large social media following in his early 20s but now, aged 26, he has changed his content creating from showcasing brand deals and nights out to discussing his new-found faith. That just wasnt really the lifestyle I wanted anymore, and I knew it wasnt. I didnt know exactly what I wanted to do but I knew that the content I was putting out there wasnt me, he said. Ged admits when he started visiting the church he was looking for a girl, not God. "I started coming down here back in October - mainly because I fancied a wee girl - as I was like right, Ill check it out, so me and a couple of my friends came down to a quiz and curry night - it wasnt even a service, he said. "Some people might use that against me and say Im only doing it to get the girl but I do believe God brings people into your life to guide you. Meet the Irish influencer who found God in Shankill church Ged feels that religion is too often used to separate people in Northern Ireland. "I think that is a big problem here in Northern Ireland, people have the two (religion and nationality) combined without actually practising the religion, we just use it as a way to identify people, he said. "I want to help people discern between the two, separate them because thats what sets you free, religion is division, he said. Ged admits many of his friends from Catholic backgrounds dont agree with this sentiment. "My friends are all Irish Catholic, and I was like you should come to this church, just to see what it was like and they were like absolutely not, Protestant, are you joking? British?. "But see Ive always been that way where I dont really care, Ill give everything a go, he said. Ged said that, growing up, he never would have expected to feel so welcome in a Protestant church. Ged Armstrong Jesus brings people together and I am a perfect example of that. I had a moment the other month when I was walking up the Shankill, and I was like what am I doing? because like, Im from Ardoyne I would have been growing up when all the riots were going on up at the top of the road - like I would have been throwing bricks and stuff. Its crazy to see how it all turns around, he said. Ged said his friends and family were shocked by his decision to join the church but many have since warmed up to the idea. "When I first started going my mum was like oh no, they have got him but now she has started coming too, Ged said. Jamie Bryson pictured at the High Court in Belfast on Wednesday. Pic: Presseye/Stephen Hamilton Loyalist activist Jamie Bryson is attempting to take his legal battle to halt a prosecution by a private security industry regulator to the UKs highest court. Senior judges in Belfast ruled on Wednesday that a summons issued against him for allegedly making a false statement during an investigation into door staff operating in the north Down area was wrongly dismissed. Health officials have urged parents to talk to young people about the dangers of vaping unknown substances, specifically the drug Spice. The Public Health Agency (PHA) has issued a fresh warning, saying it could make them seriously ill or even be fatal. It is focusing on the dangers of vaping Spice, which is a synthetic drug that mimics the effects of cannabis. Spice is a nickname for a substance containing one or more of a group of drugs called synthetic cannabinoids. Earlier this week, it emerged parents had been put on alert over the synthetic drug after the PSNI warned schools it is now an immediate concern amongst young people in Northern Ireland. Last week, police in Downpatrick arrested a person suspected to have had Spice in their possession following a complaint from a parent. The Belfast Telegraph saw correspondence from one grammar school warning parents and guardians that there has been an upsurge in youngsters taking the drug. The concerns around the distribution and sale of the drug comes as its often listed for sale on social media messaging services such as Snapchat and the encrypted app Telegram, with a presentation given to the school explaining that the main way young people are accessing it is from their friends is via Snapchat. Read more Surge in use of danger drug Spice in vapes as NI schools warn parents of concerns Kevin Bailey, regional lead for drugs and alcohol at the PHA, said: Synthetic cannabinoids are relatively new drugs and evidence is still coming out about harms associated with their use. However, we do know that people can have severe reactions after using them, and using with vapes could make them even more unsafe. Sometimes the contents or strength of products within vapes cannot be fully verified, so the effects and duration of those effects can be unpredictable and change depending on the product and type of synthetic cannabinoid. There are hundreds of different synthetic cannabinoid structures, and some are stronger and more toxic than others, so there is no way of knowing what you are taking. The dangers of taking these substances also increase if you add other drugs to the mix including alcohol, prescription medication and other illicit substances. You can become dependent on synthetic cannabinoids with regular use. For some people who use them frequently, dependence can develop quickly. Inhaling synthetic cannabinoids, including spice, through a vape is extremely dangerous for young people. The Public Health Agency said it will continue to work to raise awareness of these issues and share information. Mr Bailey continued: Parents and guardians can play an important role in helping young people understand the risks, so they dont choose to take drugs without realising the harm they could be exposing themselves to. Dont wait until theres a problem before you decide to talk. It is important to advise young people that regardless of what they have been told, even by a close friend, that it is impossible to know what is contained in these substances. All drugs, whether alcohol, illegal drugs or prescription medication, carry risks. Firefighters at the scene of an incident at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast on April 11th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters at the scene of an incident at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast on April 11th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters at the scene of an incident at Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast on April 11th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Shipbuilding company Harland & Wolff have thanked the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) after 50 firefighters tackled a blaze in a tank on board a vessel in their shipyard. Earlier this evening (Thursday) a spokesperson for the NIFRS said 40 firefighters and appliances had been dispatched the scene of a fire in the historic shipyard. NIFRS are currently dealing with an incident within Belfast Harbour Estate. NIFRS have been in attendance since 17:17hrs on Thursday 11th April 2024, they said at the time. Photographs from the scene showed several fire appliances and groups of firefighters gathered in the yard. A later statement said the total number of firefighters involved in tackling the fire was increased to 50, including firefighters using breathing apparatus and water jets to extinguish the fire. At 17.17hrs this evening, NIFRS responded to a small fire on-board a vessel located in a Harland & Wolff dry dock within Belfast Harbour Estate. 4 NIFRS Pumping Appliances with 1 Aerial, 1 Foam Appliance, a Specialist Rescue Team and a Marine Team plus a number of Supervisory Officers attended the incident a total of approximately 50 firefighters, a spokesperson said. "NIFRS worked closely with Harland & Wolff throughout the incident, committing NIFRS Firefighters with breathing apparatus and water jets to extinguish the fire. "The fire occurred in a tank within the vessel that was being worked on by a shipyard subcontractor and the cause has been determined as being accidental. "All crew on-board the vessel were evacuated safely with no reported injuries. "NIFRS will be leaving the incident shortly with the scene being handed over to Harland & Wolff Management. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Harland and Wolff PLC said the blaze was small and that an evacuation had been carried out. "We would like to thank crews from @NIFRSOFFICIAL who this evening attended our #Belfast site after the discovery of a small fire, the post read. A well-practiced evacuation was undertaken. All personnel safe & accounted for, and the fire is out. The safety of all personnel is our #1 priority. News Catch Up: Thursday 11th April 2024 DUP interim leader Gavin Robinson with Shadow Secretary of State Hilary Benn and party colleagues Emma Little-Pengelly and Paul Givan. Pic: Presseye The DUPs interim leader has said the last thing Northern Ireland needs is the distraction of a divisive border poll. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said a referendum on Irish unity should not be on the agenda anytime soon. It comes amid heightened debate on the prospects of reunification following the appointment of Sinn Feins Michelle ONeill as the first nationalist first minister. On Wednesday, Ms ONeill said the conversation around constitutional change is a very live one. Lets have the maturity to deliver good public services, do what we have to do in government but also have the maturity to, alongside that, have a very pragmatic conversation around constitutional change, she said. Mr Robinson made his comments at an event in Lisburn this morning, where he talked of Northern Ireland's growing prosperity. Shadow Secretary of State Hilary Benn was in Lagan Valley where the local DUP association held a business engagement breakfast. Mr Robinson said his focus was on making this place prosperous". We need to work together and make this place work by boosting our economy, fixing our NHS and ensuring our schools are world class, he said. He praised Mr Benn for his leadership and very direct efforts to cement stability in recent weeks. The DUP has worked with both Labour and Conservative governments in Westminster to deliver for Northern Ireland, he added. Our MPs are unashamedly pro-Northern Ireland. We have a mandate to stand up for Northern Ireland in Parliament and get the best deal for the people we represent. Mr Robinson said Northern Ireland is writing a new chapter in economic success. "We have new and emerging industries making their mark on the global stage, he said. "Belfast has been named one of the world's top 15 Digital Economies of the Future and ranked second in UK ninth in Europe in a poll of Top 25 Tech Cities of the Future by the Financial Times. We must also think of the success story of our film and TV sector. When I was growing up, Northern Irelands unemployment rate was north of 12% and the highest in the UK. In the last quarter of 2023, Northern Ireland had the lowest unemployment rate of the whole UK at 2.6%. "Yes, we have long term inactivity issues, but lets remember the mental trauma we endured for 30 years. Of course, there is going to be a long-term impact. Having shaken off the shackles of violence, with stability, Northern Ireland can be an economic powerhouse for generations to come. But it requires us to keep moving forward and requires us all to make the right choices. With almost a decade in Westminster, I know that there are times to say yes and times to say no but there are also times to bank progress and keep working. Northern Ireland cant stand still and it certainty cant be allowed to roll backwards. We must keep focused on the big objective of making this place prosperous for all who live here. The last thing Northern Ireland needs is the distraction of a divisive border poll. We need to work together and make this place work by boosting our economy, fixing our NHS and ensuring our schools are world class. A Tyrone-based company that grows mushrooms has been fined more than 70,000 after an employees leg became trapped in a machine and was later amputated. Luka Ilics right leg was caught by the rotating blades of a mushroom filling machine and became stuck in the devices moving parts. He was part of a team of three at Howden Enterprises Ltd, trading under the name Hughes Mushrooms, that were cleaning the machine at the firms premises in Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, East Yorkshire, on October 16 2019. The then 29-year-old climbed onto the machine, which is used to prepare and fill compost in growing trays, to remove the last remaining parts of the compost. The machine was then turned on, leading to Mr Ilics leg being caught by the rotating blades in the mixing axle and becoming trapped. His leg was later amputated below the knee at hospital. The filing machine A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Howden Enterprises Ltd based in Dungannon - failed to adequately assess the operation of the filling machine, in particular the cleaning of the machine. The firm failed to ensure that robust isolation and safe operating procedures were in place and followed. Howden Enterprises Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined 73,333 and ordered to pay 7,522.60 in costs at Hull and Holderness Magistrates Court this week. HSE inspector Louise Redgrove said: The importance of a suitable and sufficient risk assessment which reflects all actual practical activities cannot be underestimated. It is vital to ensure there are effective systems of work and physical controls which are implemented, supervised and used by all those involved. "This incident could have easily been avoided with a robust isolation procedure and padlock for each worker involved. A woman who died in a crash on the A5 road has been remembered for her selflessness and dedication to her family and those she cared for. Oonagh Burns died after the accident near Bready in Co Tyrone last Sunday, April 7. She is the 50th victim of the A5 road since an upgrade was passed by the Assembly in 2007, campaigners have said. The 35-year-old from Strabane was driving a white Seat Leon on Victoria Road when it left the carriageway, close to the junction with the Grangefoyle Road, shortly before 2pm. Her death notice said she was the cherished and adored daughter of Kathleen and Seamus Burns and much loved sister of Katherine, Patrick and Teresa. Requiem Mass took place in St Mary`s Church, Melmount, this morning. Delivering the homily, Fr Michael Doherty said everyone gathered would be feeling completely overwhelmed because things arent meant to be like this, but what they could do is be whatever comfort we can to Ms Burns family and friends. He encouraged mourners to be here for Oonagh and surround her with words of kindness and respect and give thanks for, and honour, all the goodness that was in her before laying her to rest. The funeral of Oonagh Burns leaves St Marys Church, Melmount, Strabane Growing up in Clady, Fr Doherty recalled that Oonagh helped in the family shop and served her community, including in her role as the first altar girl in Doneyloop Church. Oonaghs family say that she always put others first and without airs or graces, she said what she meant and meant what she said, Fr Doherty added. She responded to life as she saw it, no more so than when she saw and reflected on her granny Burns and her Granny Coyle suffering from dementia and Alzheimers and that propelled her into the vocation of caring for patients with those illnesses. And also giving to their families the gift of knowing that their loved ones would receive the best possible love and care. Fr Doherty said Oonagh loved the people that she looked after at the Three Rivers care home in Omagh and places she had worked in beforehand. She went beyond what was expected of her, such as giving all the residents an Easter egg in recent weeks. An even better example of her selflessness and dedication was to the people that she looked after during the really bad days of Covid, a selflessness that we know she shared with many others in the caring profession in those dark and worrying days, especially for the care homes, for the people in them and for the staff, Fr Doherty continued. For Oonagh that meant not coming home to her family for three months. She worried about her family and the residents in the care home. Since her death the family has heard nothing but kind and generous words about a very good woman, the congregation heard. This is a sad, cruel goodbye were having to say today. All we can be grateful for is who Oonagh was and what she meant to everyone who loved her, liked her, enjoyed her and appreciated her. For the fact that her life was a good and happy life and the memories of her are always going to be good and warm, Fr Doherty said. Ralph Puckett Jr., a retired Army colonel awarded the Medal of Honor seven decades after he was wounded leading a company of outnumbered Army Rangers in battle during the Korean War, has died at age 97. Puckett died peacefully Monday at his home in Columbus, Georgia, according to the Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, which is handling funeral arrangements. President Joe Biden lauded Puckett for his extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty while presenting the retired colonel with the nation's highest military honor at the White House in 2021. Biden noted the award was more than 70 years overdue. Hes always believed that all that mattered to be a Ranger was if you had the guts and the brains, Biden said. Puckett was a newly commissioned Army officer when he volunteered for the 8th Army Ranger Company that was formed soon after the Korean War began in 1950. Despite his inexperience, Puckett ended up being chosen as the unit's commander. He had less than six weeks to train his soldiers before they joined the fight. I said to myself: 'Dear God, please dont let me get a bunch of good guys killed,'" Puckett told the Ledger-Enquirer of Columbus in a 2014 interview. Over two days in November 1950, Puckett led his roughly 50 Rangers in securing a strategically important hill near Unsan. Puckett sprinted across the open area to draw fire so that Rangers could find and destroy enemy machine-gunners. Though badly outnumbered, Puckett's troops repelled multiple counterattacks from a Chinese battalion of an estimated 500 soldiers before being overrun. Puckett suffered serious wounds to his feet, backside and left arm after two mortar rounds landed in his foxhole. He ordered his men to leave him behind, but they refused. Puckett was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest U.S. military honor, in 1951. It was upgraded to the Medal of Honor decades later following a policy change that lifted a requirement that such awards be made within five years of valorous acts. During the White House medal presentation, Biden said that Puckett's first reaction to receiving the honor had been: Why all the fuss? Cant they just mail it to me? Despite his injuries in Korea, Puckett refused a medical discharge from the Army and spent another 20 years in uniform before retiring in 1971. He was awarded a second Distinguished Service Cross in 1967 for dashing through a hail of shrapnel to rescue two wounded soldiers in Vietnam, where Puckett led an airborne infantry battalion. Puckett's military honors also included two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts. He feared no man, he feared no situation and he feared no enemy," retired Gen. Jay Hendrick, who served as the top general of U.S. Army Forces Command from 1999 to 2001, said in the Army's online biography of Puckett. Born in Tifton, Georgia, on Dec. 8, 1926, Puckett graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and received his commission as an infantry officer in 1949. After retiring from the Army, Puckett served as national programs coordinator of Outward Bound, Inc., and later started a leadership and teamwork development program called Discovery, Inc. He remained an active supporter of the 75th Ranger Regiment stationed at Fort Moore near his Columbus home. Puckett told the Columbus newspaper he learned one of his most important life lessons on his first day at West Point, when a senior cadet told him that one of the few acceptable answers he could give to any question would be: No excuse, sir. It was ingrained on my thinking that I have no excuse at any time I do not meet the standards that Im supposed to meet," Puckett said. (AP) The PSNI says it stopped its policy of automatically sharing victims data with the Home Office in March last year following a review Tens of thousands of migrant victims and witnesses of crime, including those subjected to racist attacks and domestic abuse, were reported by the PSNI to the UK immigration authorities over a five-year period. Between October 2018 and March 2023, police reported an estimated 29 victims and witnesses of crime each day to the Home Office. All immigrants who came in contact with police were routinely reported, investigative news website The Detail reported. In a letter from the PSNI to the Policing Board the force said it stopped its policy of automatically sharing victims data with the Home Office in March last year following a review. Before the change, police were reporting around 40 people to the Home Office every day, including an estimated 29 victims and witnesses of crime and 11 suspects. The letter stated that since the policy change, police are now reporting around 11 suspects every day. The PSNI admitted it had previously told several organisations, including migrant groups, that, according to its own guidelines, it did not pass on information. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton wrote: On the basis of this guidance we had previously provided assurances to a number of local external stakeholders that we did not routinely share victim data with the Home Office. However, he said that a series of articles by The Detail last year showed that a significant level of data sharing with (the) Home Office was taking place. One migrant, who did not wish to be named, was a victim of several racist attacks during the time police were sharing data. I think it will make some people scared to report to the police, he said. Whenever they become victims, this (data sharing) might trigger more issues for them. So that might make him a double victim. Geraldine Hanna, Northern Irelands Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna, the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Northern Ireland, said she was deeply concerned by the admission, and the revelation, in the letter to the board. You'd like to think that the police's publicly stated policy position is reflective of their practice, she said. She welcomed the PSNIs review of its policy but said there's going to be a journey that needs to be travelled in terms of rebuilding trust. Last year, The Detail revealed that police forces across the UK, including the PSNI, had shared data on migrant victims of crime with the Home Office. The subsequent PSNI review found that it was the forces practice to share information on all non-UK nationals who encountered police, even if they were a victim or witness of crime. Police said that they have since amended a form used in Home Office referrals so that it makes direct reference to suspects only. Mr Singleton said the PSNI is treating the issue extremely seriously. Going forward there will be further major changes to how we use the data of foreign national victims and witnesses as well as to when, how and how often we engage with the Home Office, he said. Serving and former police officers hold a protest at the Policing Board meeting in Belfast on April 11th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher at the Policing Board meeting in Belfast on April 11 (Photo by Kevin Scott) Chief Constable Jon Boutcher at the Policing Board meeting in Belfast on April 11 (Photo by Kevin Scott) PSNI civilian staff could stage strike action in mid-July the height of the marching season, it has emerged. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher briefed members of the Policing Board on plans by the Nipsa union to ballot members over industrial action this summer. Mr Boutcher said he was disappointed to learn that some police civilian staff were still waiting for an uplift to their 580 danger money pay awards to be delivered after a deal was agreed several years ago. By comparison, PSNI officers currently receive just under 4,000 annually in acknowledgement of the ongoing threat they face. Mr Boutcher accepted some staff members feel let down. "I have to be completely candid I had undertaken to them that we would pay that," he told board members at their monthly meeting in Belfast. "But understandably the Justice Minister (Naomi Long) feels that we still can't show the affordability for that. "So, we're in a position again, with the funding mechanism being determined as we speak, that I appeal to the board, to the Justice Minister and to the Assembly that we get properly funded so those types of awards can be paid to our staff." He added: Yesterday (Wednesday) I met with Nipsa and they confirmed that theyre in preparations to ballot members for strike action because of that amount not being paid. He said the timeline for strike action if a decision is taken to strike would be mid-July. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher at the Policing Board meeting in Belfast on April 11 (Photo by Kevin Scott) This is obviously is a challenging time for us, Mr Boutcher said. As the Chief Constable I have got one workforce, nobody is any more important than anybody else, so I would appeal for the continued support of the board and Justice Minister in seeking to achieve the budget for this organisation to pay what is a relatively small amount of money in the scheme of the budgets for an allowance that was undertaken to be provided to them in 2019. Around 2,300 civilian workers, who are involved in roles such as emergency call handling and scenes of crime work, have seen little increase in their 580 annual allowance since it was introduced more than 30 years ago. Last month Nipsa representative Tracy Godfrey said staff "will not tolerate this unacceptable treatment", noting that civilian staff are under the same terrorist threat as frontline officers. News Catch Up: Thursday 11th April 2024 Recently, responding to an Assembly question from UUP MLA Robbie Butler, Justice Minister Naomi Long said her department would back an increase. "While the Department is supportive of the proposal, the PSNI has not demonstrated that the uplift is affordable, Mrs Long said. Until there is clarity around future budgets, progression of the business case has been paused until PSNI deems the uplift to the rate of Revised Environmental Allowance affordable. "Departmental officials will continue to work with PSNI on the business case when the 24/25 budget is clarified. Mrs Long has recently approved a 7% pay rise for PSNI officers. Met Office on whether peak of 22C forecast for this week will reach Northern Ireland Skull fractures were detected in some of the cases at Galway University Hospital (Niall Carson/PA) An Irish hospital has said it has fully implemented a series of recommendations after concerns were raised about an increase in babies being born with head injuries. It comes after nine babies at Galway University Hospital (GUH) were identified as suffering subgaleal haemorrhages in 2022. Subgaleal haemorrhage (SGH) is a form of bleeding under the scalp which can lead to severe complications and death of newborns. It can be classified as mild, moderate and severe and is almost exclusively associated with vacuum-assisted delivery (VAD), also called ventouse delivery. At UHG, skull fractures were detected in some cases, while two babies were given treatment for neonatal jaundice. Management at the HSEs Saolta hospital group decided to audit the case files of the cluster of babies for insights into the increased occurrence of the injuries. It found that there were no other apparent causative factors other than the assistive births. Saolta defended the rate of neonatal SGH at the hospital of 2.6% for ventouse deliveries, saying it was below international rates. It cited a rate of 4.4% found in a study of almost 8,000 babies born with VAD at an Israeli hospital between 2009 and 2018. Saolta said: Different senior obstetricians were present at all deliveries, including members of the consultant staff. GUH had a clinical guideline in place since November 2020 to provide advice to staff regarding the detection and management of potential subgaleal haemorrhage in the newborn. The nine infants were admitted to a neonatal unit for observation. Two of the infants experienced skull fractures. Two infants required a short course of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice. None of the infants had hypovolaemia, tachycardia, hypotension or a requirement for blood transfusion. No infant had a seizure, abnormal movements nor an abnormal suck or gag reflex. Saolta said all of the infants were well on discharge and that all of the cases were considered mild. It added: It is also acknowledged that the prevalence of this condition may vary with how closely it is examined for. Following a review, a local management team made eight recommendations to senior management. These included clarifications on the role of the consultant on-calls care for women in labour, formal structures and plans around handover care and labour ward management, accurate initial head circumference readings, the use of ultrasound in cases where imaging was considered necessary, and further review. It also recommended that the department should develop a formal guideline of the management of neonatal SGH. Saolta said there had not been a cluster of cases of neonatal SGH in the period since these recommendations had been fully implemented. The Department of Health said all parents involved had had direct engagement and each of the families had been provided with an opportunity to meet with the clinical team to go over their individual report. In August, health minister Stephen Donnelly said his hope and default position was that the full report should be made public. But the department said this week that it had been advised by Saolta that the full report on these cases would not be published due to concerns in relation to protecting the privacy of the families involved and their entitlement to confidentiality in respect of their health information. Campaign group Best for Britain said senior Tories including the Prime Minister could be saved from electoral defeat thanks to new voter ID rules (Ben Birchall/PA) Confusion about new voter ID laws could prove decisive for senior Conservatives including Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the next election, a new poll has suggested. A mammoth poll conducted on behalf of campaign group Best for Britain found 16% of people did not know that they would need photo ID to vote in upcoming local and general elections, meaning around five million voters could be turned away from polling stations. The poll of 15,000 people suggested the Conservatives were on course for their worst ever defeat, projecting the party would win just 98 seats on the basis of current polling. High-profile figures including the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and Liz Truss saw their majorities slashed to less than 5% in the projections, with Best for Britain claiming a lack of awareness about voter ID requirements could prove decisive for those MPs. The campaign group said around 1.85 million people in marginal seats did not know about voter ID rules, including around 9,800 people in the Prime Ministers constituency and a similar number in Ms Trusss. Other MPs whose seats could depend on voter ID knowledge included Dame Priti Patel, Michael Gove and Suella Braverman. Naomi Smith, chief executive of Best for Britain, said: While polls suggest it wont be enough to change the result of the next general election, the introduction of unnecessary photo ID could be the difference between victory and defeat for high profile Conservatives in marginal constituencies. The polling also suggested the requirements could harm smaller parties chances of making gains, with around 9,600 people unaware of the rules in the Green target seat of Waveney Valley and around 10,000 unaware in Lib Dem target seats St Ives and South Cambridgeshire. Confusion about ID requirements was highest among those aged 18-24, where 27% did not know about the rules, compared to 6% of the over-65s. Best for Britain said that former prime minister Liz Truss is one of the senior Conservatives that could be saved by lack of awareness around voter ID rules (Victoria Jones/PA) Around 27% of voters in Scotland and 20% of voters in Wales were unclear about voter ID rules, and the poll found higher levels of confusion among ethnic minority groups. Photo ID requirements were brought in as part of the Elections Act 2022, with the Government saying they were necessary to combat the risk of in-person voter fraud. But campaign groups such as Best for Britain have criticised the move, saying in-person voter fraud was incredibly rare and the requirements disadvantaged young people and ethnic minorities who were less likely to vote Conservative. The Government has previously denied this, saying earlier this year that 96% of voters held acceptable forms of ID and describing the requirement as a reasonable approach to combat the inexcusable potential for voter fraud in our current system. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities also said it would work closely with local authorities and other partners to raise awareness about the requirements. A spokesperson for the department said: As recommended by international election watchdogs, we introduced a requirement to show photographic identification for voting in person across Great Britain, in line with the longstanding arrangements in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring everyone can have their say in our democracy, and the Electoral Commission will continue to conduct public awareness campaigns ahead of each set of relevant polls. The vast majority of voters in the polling station 99.75% cast their vote successfully at the local elections in England last May. A report by the Electoral Commission last June suggested around 14,000 people 0.25% of voters did not vote after being unable to show an accepted form of photo ID during the local elections. Best for Britain said around 1.85 million people in marginal seats did not know about voter ID rules (Rui Vieira/PA) Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence or some concessionary travel passes, mainly those available to older people such as an older persons bus pass, but also Blue Badges and disabled persons bus passes. Travel passes for younger people, such as the 18+ Oyster card in London, are not accepted. People who do not have a valid form of ID can apply to their local council for a free voter authority certificate which will allow them to vote. In a separate piece of research, the Electoral Commission found just 58% of people aged between 18-24 were aware of the requirement for voter ID, compared to 91% of those aged over 65. The elections watchdog urged younger people who need voter authority certificates to apply for them before the deadline of 5pm on April 24. Craig Westwood, director of communication, policy and research at the Electoral Commission, said: These elections are an important way to have a say on the issues that impact local communities, so we encourage all young people to ensure they are ready to cast their ballot. The Best for Britain poll was carried out by Survation between March 8 and 22, and was undertaken using MRP analysis. Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron is to travel to Brussels (James Manning/PA) Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron is to travel to Brussels to discuss the most complex issues in negotiations on Gibraltar. All sides will be taking part in the talks on Friday, including Gibraltar chief minister Fabian Picardo, Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares and European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic. The nature of the territorys long-term post-Brexit relationship with the European Union remains unresolved. Cars queue at the border crossing in Gibraltar (Simon Galloway/PA) Sticking points in negotiations reportedly include the rules that will govern Gibraltars border with Spain and the EU, and the Spanish seeking greater management of the territorys airport. The British overseas territorys sovereignty is disputed by Britain and Spain. The Foreign Office has said the UK remains fully committed to finding a solution that supports Gibraltar, its people and its economy. The meeting is not expected to reach a final agreement but the Foreign office maintains that throughout the negotiations, the UK remains steadfast in support for Gibraltar and will not agree to anything that compromises sovereignty. Thursday marked the anniversary of Gibraltar and Newfoundland being ceded to Britain in the Treaty of Utrecht on April 11 1713. Veteran rights activist Wei Yani says she is free from fear despite being denied entry by Taiwan. Wei Yani (second from right) is met by overseas rights activists Dong Xin (left), Sheng Xue and Fu Ci as she transits through the Toronto airport en route to Vancouver on April 9, 2024. A Chinese rights activist who recently arrived in Canada as a political asylum-seeker has said she and others who complain against the ruling Chinese Communist Party are subjected to all kinds of torture by authorities. Only people who have committed a crime should be sent to prison, Wei Yani told Radio Free Asia, a news service affiliated with BenarNews, shortly after arriving in Vancouver. We werent being detained and imprisoned because we had committed any crime, but because we fought for our rights and endangered the governments vested interests, Wei said. And once people like us are locked up, we have it worst of all, and are subjected to all kinds of torture, she said, describing fainting after being forced to stand with her hands handcuffed far above her head on one occasion. They said they were going to leave me there for a week, but I only lasted just over an hour ... so they had to take me down again, Wei said, adding: They have so many kinds of physical punishment. She said inmates are fed poor food, for which they pay 7 yuan (about U.S. $1) a day, and are only allowed to bathe once in 15 days. They are also forced to wake up to answer random roll calls at any time of the day or night and there is no protection from mosquito bites. Solitary confinement is more of a psychological punishment, Wei said. They lock you up in there for 15 days and dont communicate with you at all. Sought asylum in Taiwan Wei Yani was among three Chinese nationals who fled to Thailand in November and sought political asylum in democratic Taiwan, where the authorities promptly sent them back to Malaysia on Feb. 1, because it was where their flight originated. Their sudden departure from Taiwan ignited debate there about the authorities treatment of genuine refugees in the absence of a refugee law. While Taiwans government has been a vocal supporter of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, the islands record on offering a safe haven for dissidents and refugees has been patchy amid growing calls for legislation governing the treatment of refugees. Veteran Chinese rights campaigner Wei Yani eats her first meal in Canada after arriving to seek political asylum, April 9, 2024. [Courtesy Wei Yani] Wei and her son were later contacted by international rights groups and activists, who liaised with Canadian and U.N. officials on their behalf, she told RFA Mandarin in an interview soon after landing in Vancouver on April 9. I am really relieved to be here, where I can finally relax and live a decent life, Wei said. I no longer have to fear being detained and put in prison. I felt that fear every day while I was in China, the fear of how they would punish me if they arrested me, she said. Why do they torture us? Because they want to suppress us and make us afraid, so you wont complain about them anymore, Wei said. Thats their main goal. Ethnic minority Wei, a member of the Zhuang ethnic minority from the southwestern region of Guangxi, was forcibly evicted from her home in 2006 to make way for the $4.2 billion Longtan Hydropower Station, the second-largest in China, straddling the Hongshui river in Guangxis Tiane county. But local people said they had never received the right amount in compensation, accusing local officials of embezzling their money. Wei began a complaints procedure to recoup the lost funds that lasted for years, leading to her incarceration in a re-education through labor camp on two occasions. Wei was detained again by police in Beijing at the start of 2014 after she continued to press her complaint with the central government, bringing her back to her hometown and charging her with defamation, and picking quarrels and stirring up trouble. She attempted suicide while in detention, and her detention and subsequent trial prompted a campaign by more than 30,000 local people for her release. In 2021, Wei was detained by police in the southwestern province of Yunnan on suspicion of subversion, as part of a crackdown on dissent in the southern province of Guangdong. Chinese rights campaigner Wei Yani is seen after her arrival in Canada, April 9, 2024. [Liu Fei/RFA] She had been at the home of fellow activist Zhang Lin in the Xishuangbanna border area of Yunnan, suggesting that she may have been hoping to flee China by crossing the border into neighboring Myanmar. She was then placed under residential surveillance at a designated location, but few details of the case ever emerged after that. Canadian concerns Canada-based rights activist Fu Ci said authorities in Canada are increasingly concerned about the plight of human rights activists in China. In particular under Xi Jinping, the situation for human rights defenders is constantly deteriorating, and there is less and less room for them to exist, he said. A lot of people have no option but to seek rescue from the international community so they can carry on living in the free world, Fu said. People like that would be in huge danger if the Canadian government didnt extend a helping hand. He called on the international community to act with greater awareness and generosity towards activists fleeing China. Wei said she believes the Canadian authorities acted purely out of humanitarianism. My son and I will work hard to live a better life, to give back to Canada, and to help other Chinese people who are also suffering, she said. U.S. President Joe Biden (center) hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a trilateral summit at the White House, in Washington, April 11, 2024. U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that American military support for the Philippines was ironclad, and any attacks against its vessels in the South China Sea would invoke a 1951 treaty that compels each country to come to the others aid in the event of a conflict. The comments came ahead of an unprecedented summit between Biden and his Japanese and Philippine counterparts at the White House. A senior U.S. official said the talks were arranged because of the recent flare-up in tensions between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea. I want to be clear, the United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad, Biden said at the opening of the meeting. Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty. The U.S. has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and a military alliance with Japan, both of which were inked in 1951. People protest against the Marcos administrations 2023 decision to grant the United States greater access to military bases in the Philippines, as they demonstrate in a park near the White House in Washington, where the leaders of the U.S., Philippines, and Japan were holding a summit, April 11, 2024. [BenarNews] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that increased trilateral cooperation between the Pacific nations was borne from their shared democratic values and evidenced by joint military drills in the South China Sea last weekend. It is a partnership born not out of convenience nor of expediency, Marcos said, but as a natural progression of a deepening cooperation amongst our three countries, linked by a profound respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Water cannon attacks Chinese coast guard vessels have in recent weeks fired water cannons at Philippine boats attempting to supply a deliberately sunken warship that serves as a Philippine naval outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), with Beijing also warning Manila against trying to access it. Chinese coast guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel, the Unaizah, on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. [Adrian Portugal/Reuters] The shoal lies in South China Sea waters within the Philippines exclusive economic zone, where Manila holds sovereign rights. But Beijing claims most of the sea as its historic territory and says Manila must ask permission from Chinese authorities to access the area. Earlier on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused Manila of violating Chinas sovereignty for decades due to the half-sunken BRP Sierra Madre, which was grounded at the shoal in 1999 to maintain Manilas sovereignty but now needs repairs. Speaking at a daily press briefing, Mao said Chinese authorities were willing to allow Philippine vessels to freely access the increasingly dilapidated outpost but only to tow it away, and not repair it. USS Mobile, JS Akebono, HMAS Warramunga, BRP Antonio Luna and BRP Valentine Diaz sail in formation during a multilateral maritime cooperative exercise between Australia, the United States, Japan and the Philippines within the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, April 7, 2024. [POIS Leo Baumgartner/Royal Australian Navy] She said Manila needed to inform Beijing of any such plans before accessing the area, and then China will monitor the whole process. If the Philippines sends a large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempts to build fixed facilities and a permanent outpost, China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations to uphold Chinas sovereignty, Mao said. She added that Chinas recent activities in the South China Sea, such as the water-cannoning of Philippine vessels, are in full compliance with international law and theres nothing wrong about them. Crystal clear A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity prior to the summit, told reporters that Biden had been crystal clear about American military support for Manila, and said the flare-ups with China in the South China Sea were an impetus for Thursdays summit. It is one of the reasons for the meeting because we are very concerned about what weve been seeing, the official said. Philippine activists protesting outside the U.S. Embassy in Manila on April 11, 2024, warned that a Washington summit between the leaders of the Philippines, United States and Japan could provoke an angry response from China over the South China Sea and threaten regional stability. [Gerard Carreon/BenarNews] He has repeated many times that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea, including Philippine vessels that may be underway there, including its coast guard vessels, the official said. Another U.S. official added that Philippine and Japanese coast guard officers would be welcomed aboard U.S. Coast Guard ships during a maritime exercise later this year to further train and synchronize our work together in case of a future attack that sparks a conflict. The two officials also said the United States would help fund a major infrastructure project in the Philippines known as the Luzon corridor, as part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which is the U.S. answer to Chinas high-spending Belt and Road Initiative. The Luzon corridor, they said, would help connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas in the Philippines, with investments in infrastructure including ports, rail, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains and other forms of connectivity in the Philippines. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Marcos, one of the officials said, ready to support and work with the Philippines at every turn. U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a summit of the three nations leaders at the White House, in Washington, April 11, 2024. [Kevin Lamarque/Reuters] In his final remarks before talks opened behind closed-doors Thursday, Biden said the newfound cooperation between the United States, Japan and the Philippines would be a boon for the Indo-Pacific. When we stand as one, were able to forge a better future for all, he said. That's what this new trilateral is all about, in my view. Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a BenarNews-affiliated news service. The incident was the latest in a series of helicopter crashes in the Philippine military and police fleets dating to early 2020. This undated file photo shows a Robinson R22 helicopter. The Philippine Navy said a Robinson R22 training helicopter crashed on April 11, in Cavite City, killing two personnel on board. The Philippine Navy said Thursday that one of its training helicopters crashed outside the capital Manila, killing two pilots on board. The two-seat Robinson R22 helicopter went down early in the morning near a public market in Cavite City. Authorities did not report any injuries to people on the ground. The cause of the crash was not immediately known but an investigation was underway, said Commodore John Percie Alcos, a navy spokesman. The aircraft crashed shortly after taking off for a training exercise from the militarys Sangley Airport, Alcos said in a statement. The two pilots were rushed to a nearby hospital but announced dead on arrival, he said. The personnel on board have been identified as a 36-year-old male captain and his 27-year-old female co-pilot, both assigned to the Naval Air Wing. We are withholding the names of the two navy pilots while we inform their families. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved loved ones. All necessary support will be extended to them, he said Alcos promised a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Philippine Navy aircrafts undergo regular inspection and maintenance to ensure airworthiness. Nevertheless, no stone will be left unturned as we endeavor to prevent this kind of accident from happening again, he said. Thursdays incident was the latest in a series of helicopter crashes in the Philippine military and police fleets dating to early 2020 most of them resulting in fatalities. In March 2023, a medical helicopter carrying five people crashed in waters off Palawan island in the western Philippines. All five passengers bodies were later retrieved. Two months earlier two air force pilots died when their plane crashed during a training flight in the northern Philippines In June 2021, a newly acquired Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a night-training flight, killing all six onboard. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Rain likely. Low 44F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Rain likely. Low 44F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch. BENNINGTON Southwestern Vermont Medical Centers application to create an in-patient unit for adolescents in mental health crisis is moving through the initial stages of the states Certificate of Need approval process. James Trimarchi, director of planning at the Bennington hospital, said the permit application, submitted to the Green Mountain Care Board in February, is not yet considered complete, or closed. At this stage, he said, the board asks questions of an applicant, which submits written answers, usually followed by additional questions and responses about details of the project, such as the costs and how the unit would operate. A first set of questions was received, Trimarchi said, and the medical center has responded. Once an application is considered closed by the GMCB, he added, it is possible to estimate how long it should take the state board to issue a decision on a CON permit. $9.5 million plan A 12-bed unit for adolescents ages 12 through 17 is proposed on the ground floor of the medical centers East Wing, or the original Putnam Memorial Hospital section that faces Dewey Street. A separate entrance would be created for the unit, according to the plan. About 6,800 square feet of renovation would be required, and 200 square feet of new construction to provide a vestibule and direct entrance for patients brought to the unit The unit is proposed to include group and individual therapy areas, sensory mitigation space, consult spaces for meeting with social service agencies; quiet and active social and learning spaces, staff documentation and support spaces. Per state regulation, the unit also would have access to a private, secure outside space of sufficient size for exercise and energy regulation. Construction is estimated to take about nine months. The patients are expected to be adolescents in mental health crisis and/or youth who currently are often patients treated in a regular medical or emergency section of a hospital. Funding, staffing Funding for the facility includes an anticipated $9.25 million grant from the state, along with $1 million for the initial start-up costs of establishing and staffing the facility. Ongoing operating revenue is anticipated from insurance reimbursements, with an estimated 78 percent of the patients being covered by Medicaid. Unit clinical staffing would be provided in part by a team with the Dartmouth Health Department of Psychiatry staff, the application states. SVMC is a member hospital with Dartmouth Health system. Responded to RFP Trimarchi said SVMC was the only health care provider to respond to a request for proposals in 2022 from the state Department of Mental Health, which sought to create a new facility for adolescent patients in light of a perceived need for additional services. He said the hospital agreed to consider a facility, but also asked that a feasibility study be done before an application was filed. The study undertaken by a consultant, TaraVista Health Partners, in cooperation with the state department and SVMC, found there is statewide demand for a 12-bed in-patient mental health unit for adolescents age 12 to 17, according the the CON application, and that SVMCs Bennington campus has a suitable space for the mental health unit. Trimarchi said the Department of Mental Health then applied for state grant funding for the proposal, which was approved. The DMH went to the Legislature to seek the funding, he said. Concerns raised Addressing concerns or questions raised within the mental health care field, Trimarchi said some have questioned whether the state should instead allocate funding to expand out-patient care around Vermont, while others have questioned the need for a new unit in the region in addition to the Brattleboro Retreat in-patient facility. From his perspective, Trimarchi said, there is a demonstrated need for more mental health services throughout the system, including both in-patient and out-patient care. The entire mental health continuum, including the number and access to out-patient counselors all the way through to in-patient care is under-resourced, he said. So they really need to bolster across the whole continuum ... Its not an or, its an and. Its not do the in-patient or the out-patient. He said the overall need for more in-patient beds and other services versus current capacity are among the questions the care board will consider relative to the SVMC application. I am a creature of habit and I always write my column on a Thursday. On this particular morning, I find myself luxuriating in an unexpected, but most welcome, deviation from my normal routine. A huge winter storm has arrived and for only the second time this year, it was deemed serious enough to warrant a day off from school. Thus, I was able to sleep a little later than normal and do my writing by the light of a snowy and stormy day. I was able to linger over a mug of coffee while I contemplated what to write about and I even had some time to set up at the kitchen window and take photos of the hungry birds that come to my deck for breakfast every morning. It was while I was taking photos that I officially decided to call an audible and change the topic of this column. There was a good idea at the top of my list, but opportunity gave me a more timely subject to focus on. It also happened to coincide with the receipt of an email from a reader asking for help with a bird identification. Annie had photographed an odd-looking bird that was feeding from a thistle feeder and I instantly understood her confusion. So, this ones for you, Annie. The American goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is one of the most iconic feeder birds in the United States. With a dazzling combination of yellow, white and black feathers, the adult male is one of the most dapper birds that will happily visit feeders in search of some free food. Their absolute favorite treat is the shelled sunflower seed that is easily found at many hardware stores and agricultural supply stores, but they will also feast upon Nyger seed (pronounced nigh-ger, long I) if it is offered. These smaller seeds are the commercial equivalent of thistle seeds, but the plants are not closely related. What may not be as well recognized is the fact that the American goldfinch is a species that exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male and female birds do not look alike. It is only the adult males that show the bright yellow plumage for which the species is so famous, while the females are a much more subdued gray color. But here is where we hit a slight hitch: the color difference is only seen during the breeding season. In the autumn, after all of the territorial behavior associated with the breeding season has subsided, the adult males will molt their breeding feathers and adopt the more subdued coloration of the females. This makes sense for a couple of reasons, but the first one might make you say, Awwww. The bright yellow color of the males is an aggressive signal to other members of the species. The males are trying to attract attention from the local females, while also telling other males to stay away. This is essential during the breeding season but not helpful during the winter. This is because American goldfinches are gregarious, flocking birds that spend time traveling in large groups as they search for food. In the wintertime, the seeds of birch trees make good eating for goldfinches, but the birds have to travel long and far to find enough to keep them alive for several months. This is why a dependable bird feeding station is so highly prized by goldfinches and this is why they will show tremendous fidelity to a yard with a reliable source of food. But during these tough times when the birds have to get along with one another, it doesnt really make much sense to provoke one another with bright feathers. So, the males put on an off-duty uniform in the interest of promoting peace and calm in their flock. There will still be the inevitable squabble now and then but without the added drama of the breeding season tensions. I cant help but wonder if the more subdued coloration isnt also an advantage in evading wintertime predators. A dull gray bird is going to be much more difficult to see than a bright yellow one, so a nice secondary benefit to the costume change might be a higher survival rate, but that doesnt tug at the heartstrings in quite the same way as the story of Peace and Harmony in the flock. Despite the winter weather, spring has arrived and the male goldfinches are starting to molt into their nuptial plumage. This is a feather-by-feather process and the males can get to a point where they look like a real disaster. Other terms that might apply would be ragamuffin or, simply, a hot mess. But fear not, the molt will soon be over. The singing has already started, love is in the air, and we will once again see those dashing adult males with their dazzling plumage. I cant wait. You are the owner of this article. Letter carriers gathered more than just mail on Saturday they filled their trucks with bags of groceries for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Organizers hope the donations can help with an incredible need in Berkshire County. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. OUR OPINION Our Opinion: Another record year for book challenges, another call to defend the freedom to read Understanding the nature of faith can be a difficult and abstract undertaking. It is an intellectual ascent to truth, and there is just enough tangible evidence to affirm the veracity of claims; ultimately, just enough of Christianity is invisible to the naked eye to require a step into the unprovable. Some believers find comfort in the plain truths and lean into the realm of apologetics to affirm the reality of their relationship with God. They point to scientific, historical, and archaeological evidence that supports Biblical text. Other people never look deeply into these evidences, and rely on the feelings brought about by their relationship with God. They look to the power of their emotions, to signs from the Holy Spirit, and to the intangible. Is one of these groups more right than the other? The heart is wicked and deceitful above all things, but Judas still betrayed Jesus despite all the facts and the reality of what he saw with his own eyes. The reality of the Christian life is more complicated than either perspective. The faith of a Christian is built on facts and truth, but without an emotional, personal walk with God, it is an empty belief. Faith is seeing the facts, taking the next step to believe in the miraculous, and learning how to love God in a personal and emotional way. There Is Proof of the Claims Made in the Bible The Bible is one large text created by compiling other texts together. These books cover an expanse of genres including poetry, parable, and prophecy. Many of them are rooted in telling the history that points toward the coming of the Savior of the world, the one who can fix the great break between God the Creator, and His creation, humanity. If the events in the Bible are to be taken as true, there must be some evidence in the physical world to support these claims. Faith is more than just believing in something invisible; people can believe things that are not true. So, is there evidence of the historical claims of the Bible, or is Christianity blind faith? There is a collection of scientific and archaeological evidence that supports the claims of the Bible. These evidences include: 1. Science now supports the claim that the universe had a decisive beginning. 2. Genetics now confirms that all humans come from the same race and origins, rather than the 19th century belief that different ethnicities descended from different proto hominids. 3. Fossil records strongly support the flood account of Genesis. 4. Geological records now support the assertion of how the continents began to separate in Genesis. 5. Stars follow patterns set out by the Bible, including that there are infinite numbers of them, they move in patterns, and that different stars shine differently. 6. The Tel Dan Stele supports the claim of a united kingdom of Israel under King David. In fact, archaeology in Israel is finding more and more evidence of David and his reign. 7. Multiple ancient records from Egypt, Moab, and other named enemies of Israel mention the nation of Israel, specific rulers, and even their God - YWH. 8. New evidence supports the Babylonian history presented in the Book of Daniel, including the rule of Belshazzar and his co-regent. 9. Written and physical evidence of key individuals in the New Testament includes Pilate, Caiaphas, and Jesus. This evidence includes writings by and about Pilate, the ossuary (box for bones) of Caiaphas, and non-Christian writings about the death of Jesus. 10. The more archaeology is being done, the more older and older copies of Biblical texts are being found, proving the timeline of authorship. This is only a small, preliminary list of evidence that scientists and archaeologists have found supporting the historical claims of the Bible. When seeking to understand if Jesus was a real man, if the prophecies about him were not retroactively created by His followers, and if the narrative that pointed toward His coming are genuine, the facts of reality can strengthen a budding faith, bolster someone who is going through a period of difficulty or doubt, and help witness to someone who doesnt yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But Do You Love God? Relationships are not just built on facts. Someone can know lots of facts about another person, but have no relationship. A perfect real-world demonstration of this reality is the intense knowledge people have about celebrities whom they have never met and probably never will. The Bible does say, The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? (Jeremiah 17:9). If the whims of the heart are the basis of faith, and the believer needs to pursue emotional highs to feel connected to God, there is a problem. However, people can know a lot about God and Jesus, but have no real relationship with Him. With a relationship comes emotions. It isnt possible to know things about the Lord, and not have an emotional response to Him. Jesus addressed a church that had intellectual understanding of Him, but the personal relationship had grown lifeless. When He was giving the Apostle John a final prophetic word, He said, I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). If someone has a real relationship with Jesus, they should feel positively toward Him. The basis of the Jewish Law, the shemah, which Jesus reiterated during His ministry is You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37b). If there is no love in someones heart only facts they should step back and evaluate where they are in their relationship. The Bible also associates faith with other feelings including peace, love for other Christians, assurance, and joy. These feelings should grow as a relationship with God grows. I Want to Believe For people who have not yet put their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, it is important to recognize that one of these elements facts or feelings may come before the other. It may be that you have to take in all the facts, and a deep love for the Lord will develop as you walk with Him. For others, they may have a powerful conviction and connect with Him emotionally, and then learn about the facts that support their faith over time. To become a Christian and have a saving faith in Jesus is much simpler than balancing fact and faith. It is a question of believing key truths. Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9). If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the first step. When we want to start having a relationship with God, we build our foundation on believing that Jesus sacrifice on the cross cleanses us of our sins, and that His resurrection secures our future resurrection. Verses about Christian Faith Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life (John 5:24). The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5). And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water (Hebrews 10:22). Part of the wonder and mystery of a relationship with the living God is that it is built on an understanding of things that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but of which there is much evidence. The Bible asserts that Creation itself testifies to the truth of who made it. Faith does not need to be built purely on an understanding of all the scientific evidence, or even all the historical evidence pointing to the veracity of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Nor is it purely an emotional relationship. It is grounded in reality, upheld by the hand of God. Pursue God in all things, and facts and feelings will not contradict each other. Sources Borgman, Brian. Feelings and Faith Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2009. Geisler, Norman. The Big Book of Christian Apologetics An A to Z Guide. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2012. Strobel, Lee. The Case for Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. Photo credit: Getty Images/metamorworks Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com. Asking how we see the gospel in the book of Psalms feels a little like asking, How do we see the gospel in The Baptist Hymnal. Isnt it there in every single song (hopefully)? Of course, the Old Testament is different. But this is a book of music which Old Testament believers would have used to express their faith in the living God. In order to see the gospel in Psalms do we need to analyze every single chapter? Are these not individual songs? Or is there a unified theme to the Psalms which also points to the gospel? I will argue that the Psalms not only point us to Jesus individually, the Book of Psalms as a compilation will also point us to the finished work of Christ. How Do You Find the Gospel in the Old Testament? I suppose before understanding how to find the gospel in the OT, itd be helpful for us to define the gospel. The simplest definition is one given by JI Packer: God saves sinners. If youd like to put a bit more meat on your gospel presentation, I use two different frameworks with four points each. The first is GodManChristResponse. The second is more of a story: CreationFallRedemptionGlory. The first presentation centers upon Gods character and how humanity fails to meet Gods holy standard, as such the judgment of God is upon us. But the good news is that Jesus Christ fixes this by fulfilling what is required through his life, death and resurrection. Our only fitting response, then, is to respond to Him in repentance and faith. When this happens, we are united to Christ and his record becomes our record. The second presentation centers upon the overarching story of the Bible. God lovingly created us to love Him and enjoy Him forever. We were made for rest, rule, and relationship. But we made shipwreck of this, and so rather than having the blessings of obedience we are under the curse of disobedience. Rather than having peace (rest), purpose (ruling), and healthy relationship we often experience the opposite. Ultimately, we are alienated from God. But thankfully God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our curse and to fulfill what God intended for humanity. As such we now experience the blessings of Jesus obedience in our place. He restores the rest, rule, and relationship we were created to enjoy. Someday everything will be ultimately restored and we will live in a new heaven and a new earth. We could write entire books focusing on these various themes of the gospel. But every gospel story follows this basic skeleton. No matter where you find yourself in the Old Testament (or the New Testament) you can find one of these various threads. Every place in Scripture is either telling you something about God, something about our rebellion, something about His rescue, or something about our future restoration. If you can spot this, then you can fill out the rest of the story. The Gospel in Psalms Earlier I compared the book of Psalms to a hymnbook. Thats not entirely true. It was a collection of poems throughout the history of Israel, many of which were set to music. Most believe that the Psalms were compiled at some point after the Babylonian exile. How were they compiled? Did an editor just randomly pick a few poems, stick them together willy nilly, and then give them numbers? Or was there an intentional structure? The first clue that there is an intentional structure is that many have headings. In fact, we notice that there are five Books of the Psalms. This is likely intentional and connected to the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). We also see that each of these books ends with a doxology. This structure can help us understand the overall theme of the book of Psalms. Taking the first two books as a bit of a thesis, I appreciate the summary given by The Bible Project. They say, it is the prayer book of Gods people as they strive to be faithful to the Torah as they wait for the Messianic Kingdom. How do these five books of Psalms support that theme? And more importantly how does the story of the Psalms point to Christ? Book I Almost all of the psalms of Book I are attributed to David. They carry a strong theme of fidelity to the Torah and the nature of the Davidic King and kingdom. But they are often set in the middle of distressing situations. Sauls pursuit of David plays a prominent role throughout these. And yet through this distress, we see a settled disposition to trust in the Lord. The theme here is that of confrontation with the results of the fall. The seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent. We see this theme played out through the conflict of Book I. Book II In Book II we are introduced to the Sons of Korah (Ps. 42-49), one psalm of Asaph (50), and then another group of psalms attributed to David (51-71). It closes with a psalm of Solomon (72). In this book, the posture towards the world is a bit different. Rather than a confrontation we see more of an invitation. Here the Abrahamic blessing is extended through the reign of the Messiahs kingdom. But it is still set within a background of lament and longing. Book III In Book III it is as if the wheels come off. The psalms further darken until they reach their climax in Psalm 88. That is the psalm of lament where there is no positive turn. It is only darkness. But the book ends with a bit of a higher note in Psalm 89 as it points toward the promise of a messianic kingdom, but now it does so in light of the exile and the collapse of the Davidic Kingdom. How can the Messiah come through this? How can a king sit on Davids throne when the people are scattered? Book IV Book IV, opening with Psalm 90, seems like a response to the questions and the problems which the fall of the Davidic kingdom brings. Psalm 90 goes back to Moses and his call of repentance after the incident of the golden calf. This is likely where the people are during the time when these psalms are compiled. There is a theme here of the truth that the Lord reigns. That is the answer to the exile. God is still able to bring that which He promised. Book V Book V has within it two sub-books: the Hallel and the Songs of Ascent. These point to the promise of a new Exodus. Positioned within the middle of these sub-books is Psalm 119 that really long psalm all about delight in the Torah. Once again, we see the original theme of the book of the Psalms. The whole thing concludes with five Hallelu-Yahs (Praise the Lord) pointing to Gods coming rule and reign. The Psalms are a recasting of the history of Israel (and really of all of humanity). It tells the story of the gospel. God has decisively crushed the head of the serpent, but we are not yet there. We do not yet fully live in this redemption. Therefore, we have some of the same struggles as the psalmist did. We have seasons of lament, where we are honest with God about our grief. And we also have times of praise when the kingdom appears to be vividly breaking into our here and now. The gospel is in the structure of the Psalms through pointing to the coming Rescuer. Each of the Psalms point to Jesus. He is the long awaited for King. He is the hope of the nations. The Gospel in Psalm 88 Psalm 88 is horribly depressing. Unlike the other psalms of lament, there is not a glimmer of hope here. I believe this is an expression of what happens when the curses of Deuteronomy 28 fall upon a people. It is precisely the situation which the exilic community is facing. And with all of this pain comes deep questions. There are two questions which are crying out during an exile. If the curse of the Law has fallen upon them, has their sin cut them off from God forever? How can an unholy people ever expect to return to a right relationship with God? Could they ever come back to the land? (Thats all one question, but trauma tends to ask the same question in multiple says). But these questions are cast against the background of Gods promises. How can this be? Has God cut them off forever? Will they ever again be recipients of these great promises? What does this mean for Gods name throughout the world? Does this now mean that Babylon is more powerful? Are they the victors? Did the serpent win? Ever feel this way yourself? I know Ive had very dark nights of the soul. I have felt in my bones the pain of Psalm 88. On one particularly low occasion I found myself praying Psalm 88. I felt like the psalm was written for me. This is my situation. This embodies my hurt. But then I started to think of Christ. WaitPsalm 88 isnt my psalm, its His. If anyone can pray Psalm 88 it is Christ who drank the curse on our behalf. Jesus truly did bear in His body the full weight of the Deuteronomic curse. Even though Ive felt Psalm 88, and even though I may go through seasons where I can pray this and identify with it, I havent experienced it as deeply as Christ. He has gone deeper into the pit than I will ever go. This is good news because the story doesnt end with Psalm 88. Were meant to read it with Psalm 89. And Psalm 89 invites us to hope in the coming Messiah. That coming Messiah is Jesus the resurrected One. As He shares in the death of Psalm 88, which our sin has brought about, He ultimately conquered death. He doesnt stay in the grave. And through our union with Him, we dont either. Related podcast: The founder of Moe Mountains (a unique backpacking tour for Christian women in Montana) walks us through some of the best advice she has received, reads Psalm 23, and shares why she started her organization. Related articles Are There Gospel Connections in Proverbs? How Does the Book of Ecclesiastes Point Us to Christ? How Can We See the Gospel in Exodus? Photo credit: Unsplash/milk-tea A Reflection of modern marital trends in China and a more practical lifestyle 16:04, April 11, 2024 By Fan Anqi ( Global Times As China deepens the reform of modernizing outdated customs and resists extravagant practices, a new form of wedding has gained popularity among young couples in recent years. The "minimalist weddings," small and simple wedding ceremonies, are not only a reflection of the more free-spirited and individualistic modern marriages, but also showcase a changing consumption concept of younger Chinese generations that are more rational and practical. For traditional Chinese weddings, which are usually grand and customs-ridden, the preparation stage is already enough to leave the newlyweds exhausted - confirming the wedding date, booking hotels, finalizing the "four pillars" of the ceremony and arranging for wedding photoshoots, plus much more. And on the big day, even getting a goodnight's sleep has become a luxury. The newlyweds need to get up very early for makeup and participate in various traditional wedding games and ceremonies. One famous wedding game is the "door games" which set up various pranks for the groom to pick up the bride. As a result, younger Chinese generations are beginning to "revolutionize" their weddings. In a small courtyard in Beijing in June 2023, Lu, a post-90s girl, and her partner Fan held a small ceremony with a simple process with only friends in attendance. "We slept until we woke up naturally without rushing through the process. We spent plenty of time capturing happy moments with our closest friends. At the afterparty, everyone waved glow sticks, sang songs, danced, and played games" "This is truly a wedding of our own," Lu told the Global Times. A recent survey conducted by the China Youth Daily Social Survey Center on a total of 1,251 young people showed that 78.4 percent of the respondents support holding minimalist weddings. Some 64.2 percent of the respondents believe that the popularity of such weddings reflects the pursuit of individuality and freedom by today's young people, and 63.4 percent think that the new form of wedding can effectively eliminate outdated customs. Vivi, a senior wedding planner based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Monday that the rise of minimalist weddings began with the marriage boom of the post-90s generation, and has become particularly popular in recent years. "More post-90s couples are opting for customized modern weddings, such as hosting evening banquets with party elements, generally on a smaller scale. These weddings emphasize sharing happiness with the closest loved ones, reducing the need to socialize at traditional large weddings. This trend is especially common in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai," Vivi said. One objective reason for this phenomenon is that, those born after the 1990s are the only child in the family, and they tend to have fewer relatives. Additionally, young people nowadays face significant work pressure, leaving them with limited time to prepare for a wedding, Vivi explained. "But more importantly, young people's sense of individuality is increasing. They are more willing to actively participate in the planning and decoration of their weddings rather than leaving it to their parents. This way they can incorporate their own ideas into weddings to make them more unique and distinctive," she said. A young couple based in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, who has been planning their wedding for the past few weeks, told the Global Times that they had only spent about 50,000 yuan ($6,914) preparing the ceremony, while if they had gone with traditional wedding procedures, the expense would be triple, or even more. Experts pointed out that many families in some regions compare with others, and tend to show off or make a big fuss when organizing weddings and other celebrations. As a result, many families usually spend a lot of money, not only causing financial stress on the family but also serious extravagance and waste. Also gone with the overly-elaborate weddings are negative rituals such as wedding disturbances. In some rural areas, incidents of newlyweds being sexually harassed or physically harmed during wedding disturbances have been frequently reported, and more people are calling for the cancellation of such ill practices. The trend also reflected a changing consumption concept in China. Young generations believe that there is no need to spend a huge amount of money, just to show off. More importantly, minimalist weddings also help promote the transformation of some stale marriage concepts, such as exorbitant "bride prices." Giving a "bride price" as a betrothal gift has a long history in China as a goodwill gesture between newlyweds and their two families. However, the "bride price" has skyrocketed from a token amount to extremely high levels, particularly in poorer areas of China, leading to family disputes or even criminal cases. To address this problem, China unveiled its No. 1 central document last year vowing to launch a special campaign against excessive "bride prices" as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the construction of public cultural-ethical standards in the country's rural areas. The document encouraged local governments to formulate norms for changing outdated customs in light of local conditions, and strengthen the role of village rules and conventions in countering bad behavior. In response, many cities and counties across the country have ramped up efforts to address this issue. A county in East China's Jiangxi Province, for example, has offered incentives such as pre-option for children's enrollment, health check-up services and shopping discounts for new couples who adhere to the "low or zero betrothal prices" proposal. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing) Tourism is worth 3 billion per year on the Wild Atlantic Way, according to a new report published to mark the 10th anniversary of the travel brand. The 2,600km route along the west coast of Ireland, from Kinsale in Co Cork to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs, according to Failte Ireland. Advertisement Tourism now supports 121,000 jobs across the western region, the report finds. The Wild Atlantic Way was first launched to the tourism industry in 2014 at Meitheal, the sector's largest trade event on the island. A big day for tourism today as we mark 10 years of the Wild Atlantic Way at #Meitheal2024, Irelands most important tourism trade event. Since we launched the brand at Meitheal 2014, the @wildatlanticway has become a globally recognised tourism brand and has provided an pic.twitter.com/BR9E5jrFyy Failte Ireland (@Failte_Ireland) April 11, 2024 Advertisement Speaking at Meitheal this year, Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin said the success of the Wild Atlantic Way cements Irelands reputation as a "must-visit" tourism destination. For a small island, we have a huge amount to offer from world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage, and food. It is fantastic to see so many businesses at Meitheal this year to showcase the richness of our tourism offering to these international buyers and tour operators. Paul Kelly, chief executive of Failte Ireland, said the Wild Atlantic Way generates employment and revenue for businesses and communities from Malin Head to Kinsale. Advertisement "Tourism is now worth 3 billion per year to the region. This growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs in local communities, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region. "Domestically, the Wild Atlantic Way is our most popular region with 51 per cent of all domestic tourism revenue being generated there. "When we compare this internationally, based on the most recent data available, we see that inbound travel to Ireland grew by 45 per cent between 2013 and 2019, well above the Northern European average of 25 per cent. And the Wild Atlantic Way was a key contributor to this success with overseas visitor bednights in the region growing by 60 per cent across this period." Actors Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura sought to understand how journalists cope with working in war zones as they prepared for their starring roles in the movie Civil War, which is released in Irish cinemas on Thursday. Civil War is a tense thriller set in the near future, as society collapses in the United States and war breaks out. Fictional Reuters photographer Lee (Dunst) and reporter Joel (Moura) take to the road with the aim of reaching Washington before it falls to a rebel faction. Advertisement "Something's happened, something really sad and dangerous has happened to do with journalism," British filmmaker Alex Garland, who wrote and directed Civil War, said in an interview. "The reason I put them at the heart of the film is that there are really good journalists out there doing good work. They don't have traction in the way they used to have," he said, citing undermining from politicians, social media and bias-heavy news outlets. "I thought, 'well, I'll do something oppositional to that.'" For Brazilian actor Moura, who previously starred as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series Narcos, journalism has a role to play in fighting polarisation in society. Advertisement "People like getting information from social media and all the fake news and the bubbles. Progressives only read progressive things and conservatives are the same... the role of the journalist in the world, I think, is very, very important," he said. To prepare for his role, it was important to understand how reporters reacted in the field, said Moura. "To be in the field, in a war zone, is a whole another thing so mostly what I wanted to know was not even intellectually how they did their job but what did they feel when they were in a war zone." The cast watched a documentary about late Sunday Times journalist Marie Colvin, who was killed in Syria in 2012, as part of their preparation, said Hollywood veteran Dunst. "The camaraderie of them under those circumstances was the most heartbreaking and beautiful thing that I'd seen," she said. "What they feel is exactly what we wanted to capture." Jeremy Paxman has said Parkinsons disease makes you wish you hadnt been born, as he delivered a list of recommendations about the condition to Downing Street. The former University Challenge and Newsnight presenter and fellow members of the Movers and Shakers podcast which discusses the challenges of living with the disease marked World Parkinsons Day by presenting the Parky Charter and a petition with tens of thousands of names to Number 10. Advertisement The podcast also features former BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones, the broadcasters ex-Europe and North America editor Mark Mardell, correspondent Gillian Lacey-Solymar, the late Princess Dianas divorce barrister Sir Nick Mostyn, and Vicar of Dibley co-writer Paul Mayhew-Archer. Advertisement The Parky Charter has five key recommendations: swift access to specialists for individuals with Parkinsons under the NHS, the introduction of a Parkinsons UK pamphlet for enhanced awareness and support, the implementation of a Parkinsons passport granting automatic entitlement to specific benefits, improved comprehensive care, including regular consultations with a Parkinsons nurse, and increased Government funding for research for a cure for the disease. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak praised the charter, saying he is very supportive of the excellent work that the Movers and Shakers do and the charter will rightfully receive the attention it deserves. However, Paxman said he believes the charter and petition will have no effect whatsoever on the Government. He told the PA news agency: The fact that they (the Government) have ignored all their responsibilities to date indicates to me that theyre not going to get any better. Advertisement And I suspect that the form of words devised by the Ministry of Health will confirm that. Jeremy Paxman at Downing Street. Photo: Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA. I dont think were going to get anywhere. You feel like youre banging your head against a brick wall. Advertisement The Leeds-born broadcaster also voiced his frustration with the publics treatment of Parkinsons sufferers. He said: You want to say, get the f*** out of the way, thats what you want to say. In May 2021, he announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons and stepped down as the host of University Challenge. Paxman began his broadcasting career on the BBCs graduate trainee programme in 1972. Advertisement The 73-year-old added: (Parkinsons) may not kill you but it will make you wish you hadnt been born. Mark Mardell, Paul Mayhew-Archer, Rory Cellan-Jones, Jeremy Paxman, Gillian Lacey-Solymar and Sir Nicholas Mostyn. Photo: Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA. Theres nothing in it for the drug companies, its just more money for them. Movers and Shakers began in February 2023 and is described by Paxman as good fun. Mardell said: None of us began our podcast Movers and Shakers with the slightest intention of becoming campaigners, let alone taking a charter to Downing Street. But the more we heard from our listeners throughout the series about the way they had been treated, ignored and misunderstood, the more shocked and outraged we became. Now we are determined to use what profile we have to demand some simple measures that would make a huge difference. Our trip to Number 10 is not the end, merely the first steps on a long road. We may stagger, we may be slow, but we will move and shake the system until it makes life better for our fellow Parkies. About 153,000 people have been diagnosed with the condition, although estimates suggest more than 200,000 may be affected. Parkinsons UK CEO Caroline Rassell, Spotlight YOPD CEO Carl Beech and Cure Parkinsons CEO Helen Matthews Photo: Matt Crossick Media Assignments/PA. Caroline Rassell, chief executive of the charity Parkinsons UK, said: The Movers and Shakers are an incredible group of people with Parkinsons who are using their combined voices to create a powerful platform for change. We support the principles of the Parky Charter, which echo the issues that the Parkinsons UK community raises with us. Carl Beech, chief executive of charity Spotlight YOPD, said: When I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinsons, Ill never forget the words incurable, degenerative and progressive ringing in my ears as I left the consultants room. I knew that life was different now, and looked for help. The Movers and Shakers podcast was the first thing I listened to. It gave me great comfort to know I wasnt alone. However, I was young and so I had a similar but also different battle on my hands. One of having to work with declining health and yet no easy access to financial help. Having to fight and often failing to get the help needed is soul-destroying. Donald Trump is highlighting crimes committed by migrants in the US illegally as part of his campaign to win back the White House, repeating rhetoric used during his previous run for the presidency. But studies show immigrants are not more likely to engage in criminality. What is Trump saying about immigrants and crime? Former US president Donald Trump, a Republican challenging president Joe Biden in the November elections, has focused on crimes committed by immigrants in the US illegally as part of his argument for stricter border controls. Advertisement Mr Trump says Mr Biden's policies are overly permissive and has branded crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally as "Biden migrant crime". Recently, Mr Trump and Republicans have focused on the case of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia allegedly murdered by a Venezuelan in the country illegally. The Republican National Committee earlier this month launched a website called "Biden Bloodbath" that highlights anecdotal incidents involving migrants in eight US states, including electoral battlegrounds such as Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania. How has Biden responded? Mr Biden was interrupted during the State of the Union address in March by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican who demanded Mr Biden acknowledge the murder. Advertisement Mr Biden responded by saying Ms Riley was "an innocent woman who was killed by an illegal". He then asked how many people were killed by "legals" - apparently referencing citizens and others in the country legally. Mr Biden later said he regretted calling Ms Riley's accused killer "illegal" and said the term should have been "undocumented". Mr Biden's top border official, Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said at a reporter roundtable last week that he "profoundly" disagrees with efforts "to demonise all migrants based on the actions of an individual". White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said earlier this month that violent rhetoric was being used "to tear our country apart". Advertisement Do immigrants commit more crime? A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans. A more limited universe of studies specifically examine criminality among immigrants in the US illegally but also find that they do not commit crimes at a higher rate. A selection of recent research: "Immigration and Crime: Assessing a Contentious Issue," by Charis Kubrin, a criminology professor at the University of California, Irvine and Graham Ousey, a sociology professor at William & Mary. The 2018 study was published in the peer-reviewed Annual Review of Criminology. A meta-analysis of more than fifty studies on the link between immigration and crime between 1994 and 2014 found there was no significant relationship between the two. Advertisement The researchers subsequently studied all aspects of the issue in a book published last year that came to similar results. "Law-Abiding Immigrants: The Incarceration Gap Between Immigrants and the US-born, 18702020," by Ran Abramitzky, economics professor at Stanford University and four other researchers. The 2024 working paper was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study, which used US Census data, found immigrants had lower incarceration rates than the US-born over a 150-year period. Comparing crime rates between undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and native-born US citizens in Texas," by Michael Light, sociology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and two other researchers. The 2020 study was published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The report, which used data from the Texas Department of Public Safety between 2012-2018, found a lower felony arrest rate for immigrants in the US illegally compared to legal immigrants and native-born U.S. citizens and no evidence of increasing criminality among immigrants. Advertisement Light published a study in 2017 that found illegal immigration does not increase violent crime. The study used data from all 50 US states and Washington, DC, from 1990-2014. A separate study found no link between increased illegal immigration and drunk-driving deaths. The libertarian think tank has published multiple reports that show immigrants in the country commit crimes at lower rates than the native-born. In a recent USA Today op-ed, Nowrasteh previewed new research that found migrants in Texas were about 26 per cent less likely to be convicted of homicide than native-born Americans from 2013-2022. How reliable is the data? Several of the studies mentioned above were conducted by academic researchers and published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies draw on a range of data sources, including US Census records and estimates of the number of immigrants in the US illegally. Several reports examining crime rates for immigrants in the US illegally use data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which logs immigration status in its arrest records. Michael Light, one of the researchers who used the Texas data, said that crime rates would likely vary from state to state, but that the Texas figures were the best available. The Cato Institute's Nowrasteh said researchers would have a better idea of the crime rate for immigrants in the country illegally if other states maintained and shared data in the same manner as Texas. Do any studies find immigrants more likely to commit crimes? The Center for Immigration Studies, a research group that supports lower levels of immigration, has argued that researchers using data from the Texas Department of Public Safety undercounted crimes by immigrants in the country illegally. The group said in 2022 that both Michael Light and Nowrasteh failed to account for immigrants who were identified as being in the country illegally after they were imprisoned. Nowrasteh contested the CIS critique and said the group double-counted some criminal offenders in the country illegally. In its own study in 2009, CIS found "there is no clear evidence that immigrants commit crimes at higher or lower rates than others". A 2018 study using Arizona state prison records from 1985-2017 found that immigrants in the country illegally were more likely to be convicted of a crime. The study, by conservative economist John Lott, found immigrants in the US illegally tend to commit more serious crimes and serve longer sentences. But the Cato Institute's Nowrasteh criticised the findings, saying Lott had included immigrants who had legal status in the US and may have violated the terms of a visa by committing a crime. Is it possible that trends have shifted recently? The data used to determine crime rates is typically several years old, so it does not explicitly speak to current or future trends. However, some studies found consistent patterns over long periods of time. Several researchers mentioned that more families and unaccompanied children have been caught crossing the border in the past decade, groups that are statistically less likely to commit crimes. Michael Light, the University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, said US research overall does not indicate immigrants are more likely to commit crime. "Of course foreign-born individuals have committed crimes," Light said in an interview. "But do foreign-born individuals commit crime at a disproportionately higher rate than native-born individuals? The answer is pretty conclusively no." Northern Irelands Attorney General is considering five requests to hold inquests into Troubles deaths, just weeks before a legal deadline will halt any further legacy cases. Brenda King, the top legal adviser to the Northern Ireland Executive, told MLAs on the Stormont Justice Committee that the British governments introduction of the controversial Legacy Act had led to a large number of requests to hold inquests coming to her office in a short period of time. Advertisement The Act received royal assent last autumn despite widespread opposition from political parties and victims organisations in Northern Ireland as well as the Irish Government. Advertisement It offers a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with a new body aimed at truth recovery. The Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests which have not reached the point of verdict by May 1. Last month, a judge at Belfast High Court ruled that the provision for conditional immunity was not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The British government is appealing against that finding. The Irish Government has also launched an interstate case against the UK at the European Court of Human Rights over the Act. Advertisement Ms King told committee members that one of the powers of her office was to direct coroners to hold an inquest. She said: The inquests which attract most attention are those which are described as the legacy inquests. Advertisement My powers will be coming to an end at the end of this month on that. She added: The introduction of the Legacy Bill resulted in a large number of applications coming to the office at very short notice. That has taken up a considerable amount of my time and my teams time and resource to ensure all of those requests are dealt with before the 1st of May. Advertisement It has put quite a strain on the office, particularly as the office is very small. Sinn Fein committee member Deirdre Hargey asked how many legacy requests the Attorney General is currently dealing with. Ms King said: In relation to the inquests that I have under consideration, I have only five on which I have yet to take a decision. That will be done within the next few days. I will have completed all of my work on those. Deirdre Hargey (Liam McBurney/PA) I have taken the view, which is the only right one to me, that my functions continue right up until the end of April. What the courts can or cant do after that is a matter for the courts, but I have been exercising my functions even though some of those applications only came in very recently. SDLP member Justin McNulty asked the Attorney General what advice she had given the Northern Ireland Executive on the Westminster Legacy Act. Committee chairwoman Joanne Bunting said any legal advice provided by the Attorney General was privileged and could not be disclosed. Ms King added: It is an Act of the UK Government and I know that the different political parties have voiced their own views on what they feel about the Act. Aspects of it are being litigated at the moment and I cant comment on that but I understand that the cases are being expedited. The Minister for Justice said she will look at how she can address some concerns about hate speech legislation, but said there has been a lot of misinformation about the Bill. Helen McEntee said she accepts people have valid concerns about the Bill, but said the legislative intent is not to criminalise peoples opinions. Advertisement There has been some political opposition to the Bill, particularly in the Seanad, where senators have questioned whether it would have a chilling effect on free speech and asked for a definition of the word hate. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said that there has been a lot of misinformation about the Bill. Ms McEntee has also faced opposition from within her own party over the Bill. Advertisement Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan said it should be brought back to the drawing board, while Fine Gael TD Michael Ring called for the Government to abandon the Bill. Mr Flanagan said that lawmakers must provide definitions of wording in the legislation, including hate and gender. The Fine Gael TD said there is a lack of definition and clarity in the current Bill, claiming it was handing law-making powers to the courts. Judicial activism not a good basis of law-making. Fundamental role of legislature is to make clearly understood laws. Courts then apply these laws, he said on social media platform, X. Advertisement Meanwhile, Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea described the legislation as woke, and called for it to be abandoned. Advertisement Sinn Feins spokesman for justice Pa Daly has also called for the Bill to be ditched entirely, saying it was badly thought through and is not fit for purpose, despite the party voting the Bill through the Dail last April. Ms McEntee said: Our party and our government has always been a broad church of views and ideas. I think theres a lot of misinformation. I think people think whats being talked about is criminalising peoples opinions, which is not the case here. My job as Minister for Justice is to make sure that people who commit crimes they serve the appropriate sentences, and that in turn protects vulnerable people. Ms McEntee said that other countries which have enacted hate speech laws have not led to people being locked up en masse. Advertisement This idea that peoples opinions are going to be criminalised, its not true. It hasnt transpired in other countries, she told RTE Morning Ireland. It hasnt transpired here, and weve actually had hate speech laws since 1989. Whats been proposed is to update them, but I absolutely accept that people have valid concerns around freedom of speech, making sure that were not criminalising opinions. Ive been taking those on board and I absolutely intend to progress and to look at how we can address some of those concerns. But again, this is about making sure where people are committing crimes that there is a punishment there for them and I think everybody agrees with that objective. During Aaron Brady's trial in 2020 for murdering Det Garda Adrian Donohoe, a man offered to "do damage" to a State witness who would later testify that he repeatedly heard Brady admit to shooting a garda, a barrister has told the Special Criminal Court. The man allegedly made the offer during a message exchange with Dean Byrne, a criminal who was sharing a landing with Brady at the time. Advertisement The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has charged Mr Byrne with conspiring to prevent witness Daniel Cahill from giving evidence that helped to prove Brady was responsible for murdering the detective during a robbery at Lordship Credit Union in Co Louth in January 2013. Prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC opened Mr Byrne's trial on Thursday afternoon, saying that during the exchange Byrne referred to Mr Cahill as a "f***ing rat c***, dirtbag, filthbag rat bastard." In response, the man sent three dollar emojis to Mr Byrne and wrote: "I'll find him, put the number up, I'll do damage to him." Mr Staines said that Dean Byrne also sent messages to another acquaintance of Daniel Cahill, telling him that "Dano" is giving evidence in Brady's trial and on one occasion saying: "Can none of yous talk to him and ask him not to do it. The fella never did anything, it's just not nice bro." The acquaintance told Mr Byrne that he would show copies of Mr Cahill's garda statements to Mr Cahill's family, to show them "what he done [sic]". The man also claimed to have sent a message to Mr Cahill telling him he had "blackened" his name. Advertisement Aaron Brady has already pleaded guilty to video recording the evidence of another witness, Ronan Flynn, with the intention of perverting the course of justice. Brady was also charged with conspiring with Mr Byrne to persuade Mr Cahill not to testify. Brady did not enter a plea in relation to that count but the court heard it should be taken into account at sentencing. Dean Byrne (30), from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin, is on trial accused of conspiring to persuade prosecution witness Daniel Cahill not to give evidence in order to pervert the course of justice between April 8th, 2020, and June 22nd, 2020. He has pleaded not guilty. His trial continues next Monday. During Wednesday's opening, Mr Staines told the court that Brady's lengthy trial for the murder of Det Garda Donohoe ran from January to August 2020. Advertisement A key element of the prosecution case, he said, was the statements of Daniel Cahill and US citizen Molly Staunton who each said they had heard Brady make admissions in relation to shooting a garda. Mr Staines said these admissions were made after Brady "fled to America in the aftermath of the murder". Mr Staines outlined a number of contacts made during Brady's trial between a phone found in Mr Byrne's cell which counsel said was being used by Mr Byrne. Counsel said that in exchanges with one man Mr Byrne referred to the fact that Daniel Cahill was to give evidence against Aaron Brady. "The young fella is trying to live a life and people are saying he done something he didn't do," Mr Byrne is alleged to have said in one audio message in which he also offered to send transcripts of Mr Cahill's garda statements. Mr Staines said it is clear from the messages that Dean Byrne knew from speaking to Aaron Brady when Daniel Cahill was due to give evidence, information that was not in the public domain. Mr Staines said Mr Byrne also referenced a key element of what would later be the defence's cross examination of Mr Cahill that the witness had been caught by Homeland Security in America with cannabis in his apartment. Advertisement In April 2020, Mr Staines said Aaron Brady used a mobile device in his cell in Mountjoy to record a video of Ronan Flynn giving a statement to gardai. Mr Flynn told gardai that he heard Brady admit to killing a garda, but Mr Flynn did not give evidence in court. Mr Staines said the recording made by Aaron Brady of Mr Flynn giving his statement to gardai was later uploaded to social media. On WhatsApp the video was accompanied by text stating that Mr Flynn had drug and assault charges dropped against him in New York for "touting on his own cousin". Mr Staines said the cousin referred to was Jimmy Flynn, an associate of Mr Brady who was acquitted by the Special Criminal Court of participating in the robbery at Lordship. Flynn was, however, convicted of conspiring to steal a car that was used in the robbery. Mr Staines said that following Molly Staunton's evidence in June 2020 she received snapchat messages from a known associate of Mr Brady of a picture of a hand in the shape of a gun, followed by a message stating: "You silly girl" and ten crying laughing emojis. Advertisement Eight days later Mr Byrne sent a message saying "he is doing that on Monday, bro" in what Mr Staines said was a reference to Mr Cahill's scheduled testimony. In another message he wrote: "He's doing that this week, will you try and talk to him? It's not on." On the same day, Mr Byrne had a conversation with the second man who said he would "do damage" to Mr Cahill. Counsel said that Aaron Brady would have known that Mr Cahill was due to give evidence and the prosecution is making the case that Dean Byrne was "acting as Aaron Brady's agent". When Mr Byrne was questioned, he told gardai that he had never seen the phone before, that he did not know Aaron Brady and had never spoken to him. Mr Staines said the prosecution will prove that these were all lies. He said that the prosecution intends to prove that there was a conspiracy between Aaron Brady and Dean Byrne to persuade Daniel Cahill not to give evidence and that their intention was to pervert the course of justice. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns, Judge Elma Sheehan and Judge Marie Keane. Minister for justice, Helen McEntee has described a Sinn Fein proposal that Ireland should go it alone with its asylum system as crazy. Speaking on both Newstalk Breakfast and RTE radios Morning Ireland, Ms McEntee said that the new European Parliament approved policy was an absolute game changer under which the International Protection Act 2015 will be repealed, and new, legally binding time frames for making decisions on international protection applications and appeals will be introduced. Advertisement Sinn Fein essentially wants us to go it alone, which is absolutely crazy. I have to say that this is a global challenge. "This is a global problem. We're not the only country where we've seen an increase in people seeking protection and coming to our shores. "The idea that we would say we don't need any support, we don't need any help, we're not going to align with our European counterparts it's absolutely ludicrous. Ms McEntee said there was nothing in the new EU migration package that did not benefit Ireland. I genuinely believe this is a game changer. And I say that because firstly, it will mean that in law we will have to process applications much more quickly. Advertisement We know the quicker that we process people's applications, people who genuinely need our help, they can move on with their lives. "We can support them to integrate. People who shouldn't be here, who don't have a right to be here, it is much easier to remove them. The Minister pointed out that as an island it was known that over 50 per cent of the people who come to Ireland seeking asylum come from another European country. If we do not opt into this pact, the idea that we could tell other countries to take back those who already have protection in their countries, again, is absolutely ludicrous. Advertisement "We wouldn't benefit from the financial assistance which we will benefit from when we join the pact, but also we're going to have a greater ability to understand who is coming into our country. "So there will be enhanced checks and there will be enhanced systems so that when people do arrive, we will understand who they are, where they come from, that will help us understand exactly who's here. But also if there are any risks, we would be able to deal with that as well. We have actually helped to make this pact, to get it to where it is here and generally theres nothing that doesn't benefit Ireland. So why would we go to try and deal with this on our own? Its absolutely crazy." The new system will ensure that people who genuinely need help will get it and if there is the same system throughout Europe it will be more effective, she said. Advertisement The overall objective was ensuring that the system was fair, but there also needed to be rules that had to be enforced. With regard to Sinn Feins opposition to the pact, Ms McEntee said that Sinn Fein had opposed every single good thing that has come out of Europe. They have never supported a single measure in Europe that has been beneficial for this country. "And we as a country have benefited greatly from so much free movement, from people's ability to live, to work, to study. Our economy has flourished because of Europe. Advertisement "They have voted against every single measure that has allowed for those benefits. And this is no different here. We don't know what they're doing. They have no plan. The pact was not something that had been forced on Ireland, she said. We've actually been working on this for years because it has taken time. We've been working on it. "We see how it benefits us. It will mean we have a more efficient system, a more effective system. We will have support from Europe and we will be able to return people who shouldn't be here. But it also means that people who genuinely want our support, they will get it in a much quicker way and a more efficient way. Locals in Sandymount in Dublin have said it is lucky no one was hurt when a sinkhole appeared in the village. The road was cordoned off yesterday afternoon and the hole patched up after it opened up outside a newsagents. Advertisement Dublin City Council said a "temporary repair" had been completed by an on-call crew. Further inspections will be carried out on Thursday to "determine the cause and a permanent repair of the roadway arranged". Following reports of a sink hole in Sandymount Green earlier, we mobilised an on-call crew. After inspection, we have now completed a temporary repair. Further inspections will be carried out tomorrow to determine the cause and a permanent repair of the roadway arranged. pic.twitter.com/ihMQHPUL4j Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) April 10, 2024 Brian O'Brien, manager of the nearby Books On The Green book shop, said there was no support underneath. Mr O'Brien told Newstalk: "I was talking to a few people who said it was afternoon when it happened. Some of them said it was like a drain, but there was nothing underneath it. It was just sand basically underneath." Updated at 08:56 Taoiseach Simon Harris will raise Irelands intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine when he meets European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursdsay. Advertisement A group of European Union member states, including Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia and Malta, will put the matter on the agenda of both the next European Council meeting in April and also on the agenda of the next meeting of foreign ministers. As The Irish Times reports, sources said: We want to keep the momentum up. There is a growing determination to do this tied to the peace initiative. We want a concrete proposal [for recognising Palestine] to be put forward." After travelling to Brussels, the Taoiseach will then move on to Poland where he will attend a summit organised by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at which he's expected to again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It comes as Simon Harris emphasised his commitment to Anglo-Irish relations and support for Ukrainian sovereignty, after calls to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Advertisement Mr Harris and Mr Sunak discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, the resumption of powersharing in Northern Ireland, developments since Brexit and the recent North-South Ministerial Council. Mr Harris said that the British-Irish relationship is of huge importance and he would continue to develop it. Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, saying how important he views his role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. Wednesday marks the 26th anniversary since the historic peace deal was signed. With this weeks re-establishment of the North South Ministerial Council, the Taoiseach and the First Minister and deputy First Minister looked forward to renewed, positive North-South engagement in the months ahead, a statement said. Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Mr Zelenskiy, and said he is fully committed to supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. Simon Harriss comments about Gaza have been defended as absolutely clear after criticism from the Israeli government. Israel condemned a short statement made by Mr Harris in the minutes after he was voted in as Irelands next Taoiseach by a majority of TD's on Tuesday. Advertisement The Israeli government claimed there are those in Ireland who persist on being on the wrong side of history. Simon Harris, the new Taoiseach (prime minister) of Ireland, chose to refer to the war in Gaza in his inaugural address but forgot to mention the 133 Israeli hostages who have been rotting in Hamas tunnels for the past six months, a statement by the Israeli ministry of foreign affairs said. Dana Erlich. Photo: Norma Burke/PA. Advertisement The Israeli ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, claimed the Irish Government condemned the October 7th attack and called for the release of hostages, but has scarcely condemned Hamas itself in an Irish Times opinion piece published on Thursday. In his inaugural speech in the Dail on Tuesday, the Taoiseach said: In Gaza, we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, and we are seeing innocent children, women and men being starved and slaughtered. We have not been silent on the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on October 7, nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli government, and as a country we will play our part in helping bring about a ceasefire and a lasting peace. Mr Harris added that he would deliver that message on behalf of the Irish people during meetings with EU leaders on Thursday. Advertisement During a speech to his Fine Gael party at the weekend, Mr Harris also called for the unconditional release of all hostages and said we unreservedly condemn the massacre carried out by Hamas. Sean Fleming, junior minister at Irelands Department of Foreign Affairs, said Mr Harris was absolutely clear in his speech on Tuesday, and added that the Israeli governments criticism of Ireland was because of Irish support for the Palestinians. Advertisement If anybody listens to what Simon Harris said, he was absolutely clear about whats happening out there, Mr Fleming said. He added that Tanaiste Micheal Martin had spoken umpteen times about the hostages taken by Hamas. I think everybody knows where Ireland stands, and thats probably why somebody went through a script to find some fault with it because the Israelis are not happy with the Irish position. Advertisement Because were very strong that we want a ceasefire and we want it immediately, we want food to go through, we want proper discussions in relation to Palestine being a separate state. Ireland announced on Tuesday that it had begun discussions on recognising the state of Palestine, and Mr Harris is to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in Dublin on Friday to discuss the issue. Mr Fleming said what Ireland says on the conflict is being noted very carefully by the Israeli government. Ultimately, yes, were out on the front in the EU when it comes to attack by Israel, or insults or abuse, and that speaks for itself. Sean Fleming. Photo: Niall Carson/PA. I think the Irish people will recognise, if were under attack and abuse from Israel, its because were very much on the side of the Palestinians, and theyre not happy with that. He told RTEs Drivetime programme that while Ireland is militarily neutral, he is not politically neutral when I see a bomb dropping and children starving. Mr Fleming added: The words that were being used (by Israeli government representatives) was total victory, destroy Hamas that has not got anything to do with peace negotiations or a ceasefire. Nobody is saying the Palestinian state will happen now, but discussions have to happen now and we have to prepare the ground. The view from Israel is they will talk when they have destroyed Hamas and they have achieved total victory thats not the way this is going to play out in the long term. On Thursday, Fianna Fail said it had not invited the Israeli or Russian ambassadors to its Ard Fheis conference in Dublin this weekend. We do not believe it would be appropriate, given the war on the people in Gaza or the war in Ukraine. Fianna Fail has continuously condemned Hamas and its attack on the Israeli people on October 7th, a statement from the party said. However, more than six months on, we truly believe that the ongoing response from Israel is completely disproportionate and the fact that aid is being held back while children and others die from famine cannot and will not be condoned. US president Joe Biden has promised Israel his countrys ironclad support, as Iran vows retaliation for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month. The US military believes Israel carried out the airstrike on Irans diplomatic station, which killed two top generals and others. Advertisement Israel has not commented on the attack, but Tehran says it holds Israel responsible. The White House says it had no prior knowledge of the operation, but has repeatedly promised to back Israel in the face of Iranian threats. Advertisement Mr Biden spoke on Wednesday alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is in Washington for an official visit. We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant attack on Israel, Mr Biden said during a joint news conference. Our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Advertisement We say it again, ironclad, and were going to do all we can to protect Israels security, Mr Biden said. Mr Biden, right, was speaking alongside Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, left, who was in Washington for an official visit (Evan Vucci/AP) Earlier on Wednesday, Irans supreme leader repeated a promise to retaliate against Israel. Advertisement And Israels foreign minister threatened on Wednesday that his countrys forces would strike Iran directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against Israel. Since Israels war in Gaza against Hamas began six months ago, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Tehran also backs an umbrella group of Iraqi militias that have attacked US military bases and positions in Syria and Iraq. Polands parliament has held a long-awaited debate on liberalising the countrys strict abortion law. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills posted from abroad. Advertisement Lawmakers in the lower house of parliament considered four proposals and will vote on Friday on whether to send them for further work. Abortion is regulated by a 1993 law that was heavily influenced by the Catholic church, and was further restricted following a 2020 constitutional court ruling preventing abortion in case of foetal abnormalities. Dariusz Matecki, a conservative lawmaker in the Polish parliament, displays a poster showing a foetus (Czarek Sokolowski/AP) Advertisement The abortion ban does not work, left-wing lawmaker Katarzyna Ueberhan said during the debate. One in three women in Poland has had an abortion. One in three. I am one of them, and I think I am not alone here today. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who came to power in December after eight years of rule by a conservative party that restricted abortion rights, wants to legalise abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. However, his three-party governing coalition is torn on the issue, and conservatives in his alliance had pushed to keep the issue off the agenda until last weekends local elections were over. Surveys show public support for a more liberal law but those fighting for a total ban are also mobilised. Advertisement A conservative lawmaker, Dariusz Matecki, played the sound of a childs heartbeat through a microphone at one point in the debate and held a poster showing a foetus and the words 10th week after conception. Wladyslaw Kurowski with the main conservative opposition party, Law and Justice, argued that lawmakers should instead deal with the countrys falling birth rate, and said we must resolutely oppose this crime against the Polish people. Meanwhile, an anti-abortion group held a demonstration outside showing graphic images. Even if these criminal and murderous laws are pushed through, the voice of the pro-life community will still rise very strongly and defend the unborn, said Marcin Perlowski, one of the campaigners. Advertisement Crucially, conservative politicians hold key political positions with the power to block change. One is President Andrzej Duda, who holds veto power over legislation and who last month vetoed a law that would have allowed over-the-counter access to the morning-after pill for girls and women aged 15 and above. The other is the parliament speaker, Szymon Holownia, who had once considered becoming a Dominican friar. Abortion rights advocates accuse him of violating the will of voters by keeping the issue off the agenda for months. He is a Christian fundamentalist abusing his power as the speaker of parliament, said Marta Lempart, head of the Womens Strike, a group that organised mass protests in recent years while the previous right-wing government pushed to restrict abortion rights. Advertisement Marta Lempart, the head of Womens Strike, attends a protest against the verdict restricting abortion rights in Warsaw, Poland (Czarek Sokolowski/AP) Under the current law, doctors in Poland can only provide abortions if a womans health or life is at risk or if the pregnancy results from a crime. However, doctors often will not perform abortions even when they are permissible under the law, citing their conscience. There have been cases in recent years of women with troubled pregnancies who died after doctors prioritised keeping the foetuses alive. Women with pregnancies resulting from rape have the right to an abortion if they report the crime to the prosecutors office. But in practice, no woman has done so for the past 10 years due to the double stigma of acknowledging the rape publicly and seeking an abortion, said Natalia Broniarczyk, an activist with Abortion Dream Team, one of several groups that helps Polish women obtain abortion pills from abroad or travel abroad for the procedure. There is no trust in the official system, she said. Ms Broniarczyk estimated that about 120,000 abortions occur per year among women in Poland some 50,000 provided by her group alone. Boris Johnson has attacked Rishi Sunaks flagship smoking policy as nuts as he criticised the state of the Conservative Party at an event in Canada. Speaking at a gathering of conservatives in Ottawa, the former UK prime minister suggested his party lacked the dynamism of its Canadian counterparts, who appear on course to win the next election. Advertisement It has been rumoured in Westminster that Mr Johnson could return to the campaign trail at the general election this year in an effort to revive the Conservatives polling numbers, particularly in the Red Wall in the North and Midlands. But his comments to the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on Wednesday night appeared to make this prospect less likely as he criticised policies that were being carried out in the name of conservatism. He said: We are, on the whole, in favour of freedom and it is that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that I think unites conservatives, or should unite conservatives. And when I look at some of the things that we are doing now, or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they are absolutely nuts. Advertisement Phasing out smoking was one of three major policies announced by Rishi Sunak at the Conservative Party conference last year (Darren Staples/PA) Mr Johnson singled out his successor-but-ones policy of increasing the minimum age for buying tobacco every year in an effort to phase out smoking, which formed a major part of Mr Sunaks speech to the Conservative Party Conference last year. He said: When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec, its just mad. Advertisement Mr Sunaks flagship policy has faced criticism from the more libertarian wing of his party, and is expected to be the subject of a free vote when MPs debate the legislation for the first time on April 16th. But with backing from the Labour Party, internal opposition from Conservatives is unlikely to derail the plans. Speaking ahead of the introduction of the Bill last month, Mr Sunak said: If we want to build a better future for our children we need to tackle the single biggest entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death: smoking. The law proposed by the UK prime minister would prevent anyone who is turning 15 this year, or younger, from ever being able to legally buy tobacco products. Advertisement A similar law had been due to come into effect in New Zealand in July, but was repealed by the countrys new coalition government in February. Ukraines parliament has passed a law that will govern how the country recruits new soldiers to replenish depleted forces who are increasingly struggling to fend off Russian troops. Two years after Russias full-scale invasion captured nearly a quarter of the country, the stakes could not be higher for Kyiv. After a string of victories in the first year of the war, fortunes have turned for the Ukrainian military, which is dug in, outgunned and outnumbered. Troops are beset by shortages in soldiers and ammunition, as well as doubts about the supply of western aid. Advertisement Lawmakers dragged their feet for months over the new law, and it is expected to be unpopular. It comes about a week after Ukraine lowered the draft-eligible age for men from 27 to 25. The law will become effective a month after president Volodymyr Zelensky signs it (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office via AP) The law will become effective a month after president Volodymyr Zelensky signs it and it was not clear when he would. It took him months to sign the law reducing conscription age. Advertisement It was passed on Thursday against a backdrop of an escalating Russian campaign that has devastated Ukraines energy infrastructure in recent weeks. Authorities said Russian overnight missile and drone attacks again struck infrastructure and power facilities across several regions and completely destroyed the Trypilska thermal power plant, the largest power-generating facility in Kyiv region. With Russia increasingly seizing the initiative, the law came in response to a request from Ukraines military, which wants to mobilise up to 500,000 more troops, Mr Zelensky said in December. Incumbent army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Mr Zelensky have since revised that figure down because soldiers can be rotated from the rear. But officials have not said how many are needed. Fortunes have turned for the Ukrainian military, which is dug in, outgunned and outnumbered (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Advertisement The law which was watered down from its original form will make it easier to identify every draft-eligible man in the country, where even in war many have dodged conscription by avoiding contact with authorities. But it is unclear that Ukraine, with its ongoing ammunition shortages, has the ability to arm large numbers of recruits without a fresh injection of western aid. Earlier this month, Volodymyr Fesenko, an analyst at the Centre for Applied Political Studies Penta, said the law was crucial for Ukraines ability to keep up the fight against Russia, even though it was painful for Ukrainian society. Advertisement A large part of the people do not want their loved ones to go to the front, but at the same time they want Ukraine to win, he said. Troops are beset by shortages in soldiers and ammunition (Efrem Lukatsky/AP) Thursdays vote came after the parliamentary defence committee removed a key provision from the bill that would rotate out troops who served 36 months of combat a key promise of the Ukrainian leadership. Lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenko said in a Telegram post that he was shocked by the move to remove the provision. Advertisement The committee instructed the Defence Ministry to draft a separate bill on demobilisation within several months, news reports cited ministry spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin as saying. Exhausted soldiers, on the front lines since Russia invaded in February 2022, have no means of rotating out for rest. But considering the scale and intensity of the war against Russia, coming up with a system of rest will prove difficult to implement. Ukraine already suffers from a lack of trained recruits capable of fighting, and demobilising soldiers on the front lines now would deprive Ukrainian forces of their most capable fighters. The law came in response to a request from Ukraines military, Mr Zelensky said (Shandyba Mykyta, Ukrainian 10th Mountain Assault Brigade Edelweiss via AP) In night-time missile and drone attacks, at least 10 of the strikes damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said more than 200,000 people in the region were without power and Russia was trying to destroy Kharkivs infrastructure and leave the city in darkness. Meanwhile, four people were killed and five injured in an attack on the city of Mykolaiv on Thursday, the regional governor, Vitalii Kim, said. And in the Odesa region, four people were killed and 14 injured in Russian missile strikes on Wednesday evening, regional governor Oleh Kiper said. Energy facilities were also hit in the Zaporizhzhia and Lviv regions. The King James Boys - "I Can Hear The Savior" | Pinecastle Records Nashville, Tenn. - The King James Boys have spent much of the last year in the studio working on all-new material. The South Carolina based group is excited to unveil their brand new Gospel single, I Can Hear The Savior. Its the lead release from their forthcoming project coming later this year via Pinecastle Records. Fans can download and/or stream the full song HERE. I Can Hear The Savior is the ultimate musical experience from start to finish. Written by Randy Fox, the composition honors the ultimate sacrifice. Featuring Randy Spencer's lead vocals, Cole Spencer's harmonies, Curtis Lewis' banjo accompaniment, along with Will Hart's mandolin expertise and baritone harmony vocals, this piece promises an emotive and profound listening experience. Sonically it also stays true to the groups defined sound, which combines a combination of Bluegrass meets Gospel Roots. The latest single is the follow-up to the bands highly successful project Walk On Faith, which came out in 2022. It kicked off with the No. 1 radio hit The Devils Not Afraid Of A Dust Covered Bible which went on to become one of the bands most successful releases to date. It topped several different charts including the Bluegrass Today Weekly Gospel Chart, and became their first chart-topper on the CDX Southern Gospel & Positive Country Chart. The title-track also proved to be a large hit for the band, spending three weeks in the top spot on the Roots Music Report charts while the whole collection spent 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Roots Music Report Gospel Bluegrass Album Chart. Stay tuned as the band reveals more information about the upcoming project. They are looking to make 2024 another year to remember! Stay up to date on all things King James Boys by visiting their official website, where music enthusiasts can find upcoming tour dates, get the latest news, listen to music and more. One of the countrys most acclaimed actors, Hugo Weaving, believes Australians are being cowed into not speaking out about Israels invasion of Gaza, following the furore generated by a protest taken by actors during the opening night of the Sydney Theatre Companys production of The Seagull in November. I do think there wasnt enough front-foot commentary back from the STC, said Weaving, a foundation board director of the STC, about the backlash to the protest. I think the problem in our country is were all cowed into not speaking out. And thats the problem I have. And I thought that was true of the STC. I think its true up to the highest echelons of power in our country and in the US. Hugo Weaving says the STC was not front-footed enough amid the furore over actors wearing keffiyeh on stage in a show of solidarity with Palestine. Credit: Simon Schluter Weaving described the backlash as absolutely extraordinary, just extraordinary while speaking for the first time since his son Harry Greenwood and other cast members of The Seagull, including Mabel Li and Megan Wilding, were criticised for wearing keffiyeh scarves during the plays opening night curtain call to express solidarity with Palestine after Israels invasion of Gaza, following the October 7 attack by Hamas terrorists. The resulting furore led to the STC issuing an apology after donors withdrew their funding, patrons cancelled subscriptions, and the resignation of three foundation board members, Ruth Ritchie, Judi Hausmann and Alex Schuman. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outJust open This ambitious Carlton North fine diner is loosening things up with its new front bar Walk-ins, Indian street snacks and an open door: its an all-new era at Carlton North fine-diner Enter Via Laundry. Emma Breheny April 11, 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 . Tangy, crunchy and spicy, the street snacks known as chaat are loved in India by everyone from labourers to lawyers. At Carlton North restaurant Enter Via Laundrys new bar, opening April 12, theyre the backbone of the menu. The bar at Enter Via Laundry serves Indian chaat (snacks) and inventive cocktails. Atti.Co Owner Helly Raichura is flipping her fine-dining script, serving the chaat that she and her friends miss from home. That includes chakna deep-fried peanuts and lotus seeds with onion and coriander which youd find at a drinking place on the side of [a] highway where the truck drivers would sit and eat, she says. And its bloody delicious! she adds. Advertisement Good Food hat 15.5 / 20 Review Enter Via Laundry becomes enter via laneway The new 10-seat bar at the front of Enter Via Laundry is worlds away from a truck stop, but Raichura wont be adding any cheffy tricks to the food. Instead, shes bringing together everyday Indian food culture with the elevated approach she takes at her 18-seat tasting menu restaurant at the back. Crab and corn paapdi chaat are on the menu at the new bar. Atti.Co Spanner crab is the most luxurious item on the menu of seven snacks. Its cured, then heaped on top of house-made crackers with chilli, lemon myrtle, and tamarind chutney. Theres also bataka na bhajiya, fried slices of potato coated in spiced gram (chickpea) flour, and a chicken mince kofta thats similar to a Scotch egg. Theyre kind of exact versions of these dishes, Im not changing too many things about them, says Raichura. Advertisement Nargisi kofta (chicken mince Scotch eggs) is on the menu. Supplied Enter Via Laundry opened in its current location in 2022, with two dining rooms and a rear entrance, after four years of pop-ups. The bar occupies one of the former dining rooms and faces Nicholson Street. This means, for the first time, guests will use the buildings front door. Theres also a sign on the street, open curtains and the ability to walk in without a booking. Previously, dinner was a commitment of time, money and planning. Raichura hopes that people might visit the bar for their first taste of her food, or expats will drop by when theyre missing certain dishes. Bar snacks include patra poda: silverbeet wrapped around prawn or oyster mushroom. Atti.Co Advertisement The cocktail list (written by Tom McHugh, ex-Mulberry Group bartender) draws heavily on Indian and Australian ingredients. A mango lassi-inspired drink features mango gin, lemon myrtle and mango puree in striking layers, while a black cardamom Old Fashioned uses the spice to infuse sugar syrup, and comes to the table amid wafts of with smoked paperbark. Cocktails use Indian spices and Australian ingredients. Atti.Co The updated dining room now has bar stools, low tables and splashes of red, as well as photos and objects from the restaurants early days including the table that guests used to sit around when Raichura ran supper clubs from her home in 2018 which chart her journey from running a hobby to a business. Enter Via Laundrys bar opens Friday, April 12. Advertisement This article is part of a series on the impact of toxic forever chemicals produced as part of the documentary How To Poison a Planet. A forever chemical recently declared carcinogenic is allowed in Australias tap water at 140 times the maximum level the United States now considers safe after the Biden administration dramatically lowered its safe limits for drinking water. In a press conference on Wednesday, the White House also paid tribute to young Minnesota woman Amara Strande, who led a deathbed crusade to outlaw forever chemicals before she died from liver cancer at the age of 20. Amara Strande speaking at Tartan High Schools Relay For Life cancer fundraiser in 2018, a year after she was diagnosed with liver cancer. Credit: David Bowman Strande began her lobbying efforts in 2018, after she was featured in a world exclusive investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, which uncovered 21 cancer cases in students from her high school at Oakdale in Americas Midwest, where the water was heavily polluted with forever chemicals. The same 3M factory that poisoned Amaras high school has also contributed to the contamination of 98 per cent of the worlds population with the forever chemicals, also known as PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances Not since one of the Royal Motor Yacht Club in Point Pipers well-heeled members was accused of stealing two bags of ice from a neighbouring luxury boat has Sydneys secretive bastion of wealth and privilege by the harbour navigated such treacherous waters. At the centre of the latest storm is an anonymous poison pen campaign aimed at the clubs commodore, Sydney solicitor John Barbouttis, who is a long-term member of more than 30 years. The Royal Motor Yacht Club in Point Piper. Credit: Jessica Hromas Just over a week ago an unaddressed letter, purported to have been penned by a disgruntled member/members who say they love the club, was mysteriously dropped into members letter boxes across Sydney. However Barbouttis said he did not receive it. The letter contains a series of allegations ranging from accounts of internal staff turmoil to questions about how 70 new people were allowed into the club despite a membership freeze. A Queensland Police Service employee has allegedly been paid to access information and release it to a domestic violence perpetrator, who then went on to stalk someone. The 46-year-old woman, from the Road Policing and Regional Support Command, has been served with a notice to appear for unlawful stalking, being a domestic violence offence, and computer hacking. A statement released by the QPS on Thursday afternoon said the woman allegedly accessed the information on the services system between 2021 and 2023 and released the information to a domestic violence respondent. Police said that person then used the information to stalk a domestic violence victim. It will be further alleged the domestic violence respondent paid the subject member for the information, police said. An investigation is under way into how Queensland police handled their case in the death of a toddler, after a judge revealed an officer had pressured a child witness, and a trial was abandoned by the prosecution. Aaron Harley James, 35, walked free from the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Tuesday after being behind bars for two years, accused of the murder of his stepson Jaylen Priest. Jaylen Troy Priests mother remembered him as beautiful. Before a jury had been empanelled, Justice Peter Callaghan questioned Crown Prosecutor David Nardone on evidence from police, which included an interview with another child who was at the home at the time of Jaylens death. The Queensland Police Service has confirmed it has since begun a review into how the case was investigated. A serial thief who stole more than half a million dollars from a family-owned business in Melbournes south-east used the money to pay for frivolous extravaganzas, including beauty treatments and clothes. Over four years, bookkeeper Robyn Lunney, 48, used the bank account of her employer as her personal chequebook, inflating her wages and making payments to her bank account disguised as company expenses. Serial thief Robyn Lunney used her position as a bookkeeper to steal more than $500,000. Credit: Facebook Lunney appeared in the County Court on Wednesday afternoon, where she was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison for the theft. Dressed in a blue jumper with her blonde hair tied back in a bun, Lunney spoke only to confirm her name and looked at the dock throughout proceedings. A Toorak lawyer and former mayor of the City of Prahran is appealing a forgery conviction in a Greek court after a family legal dispute over the control of a hotel resort worth $1.5 million on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. John Velos, head of Melbourne-based firm Velos & Velos Lawyers and a solicitor for more than 40 years, was convicted of committing forgery in Athens earlier this year and sentenced to six months in prison. Melbourne lawyer and former mayor of Prahan, John Velos, has been convicted of forgery in Athens. Credit: Instagram Velos was a councillor for the City of Prahran from 1983 to 1992, and mayor of the council from 1989 to 1990. He unsuccessfully ran for a spot on the Stonnington council again in 2020. The conviction stems from his alleged actions during a family dispute over control of a Greek company that owns the Skoutari Beach Hotel, a hilltop resort on the sea about 250 kilometres southwest of Athens. The hotel is worth an estimated $1.5 million (928,000). The Minns governments signature density reforms around train stations will be expanded, adding an extra six stations to the existing 31 after several councils asked for more suburbs to be included. Belmore, Lakemba and Punchbowl stations will be added, as well as Cardiff and Cockle Creek near Newcastle, and Woy Woy on the Central Coast. All six were suggested by the local councils for inclusion. The bulk of reforms, which will amend planning controls to allow six-storey residential apartment buildings within 400 metres of the station in the 37 chosen suburbs, are due to start this month. Ku-ring-gai Council was one council that did not work with NSW government on its density plans. Credit: Steven Siewert However, several will be delayed, including Gosford and Rockdale, because some councils are midway through their own plans which will deliver more housing than the governments transport-oriented development (TOD) program. A 2016 planning code designed to limit skyscrapers in Melbournes CBD is instead encouraging developers to build more offices, despite a glut of commercial spaces and a desperate need for more housing in an affordability crisis. The state government has never reviewed the code despite committing to do so every year, prompting planners and Deputy Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece to call for an urgent review to ensure towers under construction are meeting the needs of the community. Melbournes CBD pictured last year. Credit: Wayne Taylor Developers can earn the right to build more densely on a plot of land than they normally would by adding a public benefit to the site. Parkland, affordable housing and commercial office spaces all earn developers a bonus in Melbournes central city, which includes the Hoddle Grid and Southbank. But urban designers say there is no real incentive to add anything other than office spaces, which can be rented or sold at a profit. Rents in regional areas of NSW have climbed by as much as 14.3 per cent over the past year, pushing many previously affordable country areas out of the reach of prospective tenants. While Sydney house rents jumped 13.6 per cent in the 12 months to March 2024 to a new record of $750 a week, the new Domain Rent Report shows that two regions even topped that growth. Cobar in the Western Plains region and Hilltops in the Southern Tablelands both recorded 14.3 per cent rises, while Bega in the south-east of NSW just shaded it at 13.2 per cent, the Murray River region also in the south had a 13 per cent rent rise, and Muswellbrook, in the Upper Hunter, an 11.1 per cent increase. But while some regional areas have seen very strong rental growth, overall that rate of growth is now slowing, said Domain chief of research and economics Dr Nicola Powell. And this is the first time that house rental growth has slowed in NSW since 2019. Melbournes cost-of-living crisis is pushing renters out of the suburbs into more affordable regional Victorian towns, driving rents up. Rents rose in more than 30 regions outside of metropolitan Melbourne over the 12 months to March, the latest Domain Rent Report, released on Thursday, found. Experts say rents in regional Victoria have been driven up by a shortage of available rental properties, caused by a lack of new builds and a dwindling number of investors in the regions, while demand remains strong. Golden Plains, near Geelong, recorded the highest annual rise of 16.5 per cent to a median $583 a week. It was followed by Swan Hill, where rents rose by 14.7 per cent to a median $410, and Indigo, up 11.4 per cent to $490. I have four nights in Thailand to break my economy flights to and from Europe with a mid-journey stopover. I had thought of Koh Samet but I hear its become overdeveloped since my last visit some 20 years ago. D. Mackinnon, Rushcutters Bay, NSW Koh Samet has come a long way over the last 20 years and if you want somewhere relaxing, friendly and undisturbed, it might be best to leave that memory intact. If youre looking for somewhere that doesnt involve a flight from Bangkok, my preference would be Hua Hin. It has a few downsides seedy bars, touts who dont take no for an answer, some tacky developments but proximity to Bangkok makes it the best option. Beachside at Hua Hin. Credit: iStock Choose a resort with beach access and you can insulate yourself from some of the areas seedier aspects and prices are keen at top-level resorts such as the Anantara and the Cape Nidhra Hotel, my personal choice. I have four days to fill at the end of June in Japan. Can you suggest a quiet ryokan with both an indoor and outdoor onsen within an hour or two of Tokyo? L. Maskell, Balaclava, Vic Hanoi: Real estate tycoon Truong My Lan has been sentenced to death by a court in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam in the countrys largest financial fraud case ever, state media Vietnam Net said. The 67-year-old chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat was formally charged with fraud amounting to $US12.5 billion ($19.1 billion) nearly 3 per cent of the countrys 2022 GDP. Truong My Lan, center, in court in Ho Chi Minh City. Credit: AP Her trial, begun on March 5 and ending earlier than planned, was one dramatic result of a campaign against corruption the leader of the ruling Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, has pledged for years to stamp out. We will keep fighting to see what we can do, a Lan family member told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. Before the verdict, he had said Lan would appeal against the sentence. Brussels: The European Parliament has approved a major revamp of EU migration laws, hoping to end years of division over how to manage the entry of thousands of unauthorised people and deprive the far right of a vote-winning campaign issue ahead of June elections. The reforms address the thorny issue of who should take responsibility for migrants when they arrive and whether other EU countries should be obliged to help. Asylum seekers queue at the migrant reception centre in Italys southernmost island of Lampedusa. Credit: AP The proceedings were briefly interrupted by a small but noisy group of demonstrators in the public gallery who wore shirts marked this pact kills and shouted vote no! The 27 EU member countries must now endorse the reform package, possibly in a vote in late April, before it can take effect. Washington: The US and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent in what would mark a significant widening of the six-month-old conflict, according to people familiar with the intelligence. The potential assault, possibly using high-precision missiles, may happen in the coming days, the people said, requesting anonymity to discuss confidential matters. It is seen as more a matter of when, not if, one of the people said, based on assessments from US and Israeli intelligence. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Credit: OISL/AP The intelligence prompted US President Joe Biden to warn Iran off any aggression towards Israel in response to the bombing of the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed two Iranian generals on April 1. We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant theyre threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel, Biden said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington. Danielle Johnson, who killed her husband and infant daughter before fatally crashing into a tree. Credit: @MysticxLipstick An astrology influencer who was worried about the recent solar eclipse stabbed her partner to death before pushing her children out of a moving car on a motorway and then killing herself, police said. Danielle Johnsons body was found inside a car that had slammed into a tree in the Los Angeles area. Police believe she stabbed her partner to death at home before hurtling down the major 405 freeway before dawn. Johnson, 34, shoved her children one aged nine, one aged eight months out of the moving vehicle onto the busy highway. Only the nine-year-old child survived. After the Federal Court sided with Finder Wallet on March 14, ASIC decided to challenge the decision, taking the case to the Full Federal Court. The date for this subsequent hearing is yet to be announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's grip on power loosens as political foes move to oust him. (Photo: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo) US intelligence has indicated that an Iranian attack on Israel could be imminent, as tensions escalate following a recent incident in Damascus. A report from Bloomberg suggests that the anticipated retaliation comes in the wake of an attack on an Iranian mission in the Syrian capital, which resulted in the death of a top Iranian commander among other officials from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran has pointed fingers at Israel for the assault, promising a decisive counterstrike. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have since ramped up their state of readiness, anticipating possible aggression from Tehran. Measures include bolstering air defenses, implementing GPS jamming protocols, and the suspension of leave for combat soldiers, signaling preparation for a potential confrontation. The scope of the feared Iranian reprisal could encompass missile or drone strikes targeting Israeli military and government infrastructures, with the possibility of execution by Iranian proxies in the region. Amidst growing concerns over regional stability, Lufthansa, Germany's flagship carrier, has preemptively canceled flights to and from Tehran, citing the volatile situation in the Middle East. The airline emphasized its commitment to the safety of its passengers and crew, reflecting the international community's apprehension regarding the escalating tensions. The White House National Security Council has refrained from commenting on the matter. However, President Joe Biden underscored the severity of the threat by acknowledging Iran's intentions towards Israel. In a show of unwavering support, President Biden reiterated the United States' steadfast commitment to Israel's security, particularly against threats posed by Iran and its regional proxies. Iran, for its part, has exhibited reluctance to engage in full-scale warfare with Israel, despite the involvement of Iranian-backed entities such as Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen in frequent skirmishes. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, voiced his stance on social media, insisting on retribution for the Damascus incident, equating it to an assault on Iranian sovereignty. In a direct response, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz issued a stern warning via Twitter, stating that any aggression originating from Iranian territory would prompt a reciprocal Israeli military response within Iran itself. This exchange of threats underscores the precarious balance of power in the region, with both nations on high alert for potential hostilities. South Korean Prime Minister and Top Officials Resign Following Ruling Party's Crushing Defeat in Parliamentary Elections (Photo: Pfc. Christopher P. Baines / Public domain) South Korea's liberal opposition party scored a landslide victory in Wednesday's parliamentary elections, putting President Yoon Suk Yeol in a challenging position for the remaining three years of his term. The Democratic Party and its satellite party won a combined 175 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, while Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP) secured only 108 seats, according to South Korean media tallies. The election results are widely seen as a referendum on President Yoon's performance, with his approval ratings staying below 40% for most of his two years in office. Public sentiment toward the president and the ruling party has soured in recent months due to soaring food prices and a prolonged medical crisis. "I will humbly accept the will of the people and reform my administration," Yoon said, according to his chief of staff, Lee Kwan-seop. In response to the electoral defeat, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and all senior presidential advisers submitted their resignations. PPP interim chief Han Dong-hoon also stepped down, admitting that the party failed to win the people's trust. "I apologize to the people on behalf of our party, which wasn't good enough to win the people's choices," he said during a news conference. The opposition's victory is expected to set back Yoon's domestic agenda and weaken his grip on the party. "The results of the parliamentary elections are not the victory by the Democratic Party, but the great victory by our people," said Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon. While the opposition bloc fell short of securing a two-thirds supermajority, which would have allowed them to override the president's veto power and single-handedly impeach the president or hold a referendum to amend the constitution, Yoon is still expected to face increased pressure to cooperate with the opposition. The election outcomes may also restrict Yoon's foreign policy agendas, such as strengthening ties with Japan. His resolution for the thorny issue of forced labor during colonial rule, which helped thaw the two governments' relationship, was deeply unpopular at home. Experts suggest that he may no longer be able to push ahead with such initiatives. Voter turnout reached 67%, the highest in 32 years for a parliamentary election, according to the National Election Commission. The incoming parliament is set to begin its four-year term on May 30. As South Korea grapples with economic challenges and public livelihood issues, both the ruling and opposition parties must now work together to address the concerns of the people. "Now, the elections are over. Both the ruling and opposition political parties must pull together all their strength to resolve economic and public livelihood problems," said Lee Jae-myung. President Yoon, who wields executive power in South Korea, will likely maintain his major foreign policies. However, with the opposition's control of parliament until 2027, he will face increased scrutiny and political pressure from the Democratic Party throughout the remainder of his term. The resignation of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who would take power if the president becomes incapacitated, further underscores the significance of the opposition's victory and the challenges that lie ahead for Yoon's administration. China refused call with Pentagon chief on day of balloon downing: US (Photo: Tingshu Wang/Reuters) China has announced sanctions against two prominent U.S. defense contractors, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, citing their involvement in arms sales to the self-governing island that Beijing claims as part of its territory. The sanctions, effective from April 11, 2024, mark a rare move by Beijing to directly penalize U.S. companies over the politically sensitive issue of Taiwan, which China insists must reunify with the mainland, forcibly if necessary. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's decree, aimed at countering what it perceives as violations of the one-China principle and interference in its internal affairs, will freeze the assets of these companies within China and prohibit their senior management from entering the country. This action underscores the intensifying standoff between China and the United States, with Taiwan at the center of geopolitical rivalries. General Dynamics is known for manufacturing the Abrams tank, part of Taiwan's military modernization efforts to fortify its defenses against potential aggression from the mainland. General Atomics, meanwhile, is recognized for its production of military drones like the Predator and Reaper, although specifics regarding their supply to Taiwan were not disclosed by Chinese authorities. These sanctions come at a time when China is grappling with economic challenges, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring unemployment, and a decline in foreign investment, making the timing of these punitive measures particularly noteworthy. The Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement highlighted the perceived infringement on China's sovereignty and territorial integrity resulting from continued U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, invoking the Law of the People's Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions as the legal basis for these actions. The decision targets not only the companies' operations within mainland China but also extends to their significant presence in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region under increasing Beijing's control. This move signals China's readiness to leverage its economic and legal systems to assert its territorial claims and counter foreign involvement in Taiwan, despite the potential repercussions for its own economic interests and international relations. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, which the U.S. severed in favor of recognizing Beijing in 1979, Washington remains a crucial ally of Taipei, providing diplomatic support and military hardware to bolster the island's defense capabilities. Taiwan, for its part, has been enhancing its indigenous defense industry, developing advanced missiles and submarines to ensure its security. Amid these developments, China's military activity around Taiwan persists, with recent reports of warplanes and naval vessels operating in proximity to the island, a strategy seen as an attempt to intimidate Taiwan's population and test its defenses. However, the resolve among Taiwan's citizens to maintain their self-governance and reject unification with China under Beijing's terms remains strong. Vietnamese Tycoon Truong My Lan Receives Death Sentence in Historic Fraud Case (Defendants Truong My Lan (left) and Truong Hue Van. ) (Photo: Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security (Bo Cong an)) Vietnam's court has sentenced Truong My Lan, a prominent real estate tycoon, to death for her involvement in a colossal financial fraud case valued at 304 trillion dong ($12.46 billion), marking the country's most substantial fraud case to date. The trial, which took place in Vietnam's commercial epicenter, Ho Chi Minh City, concluded with Lan being found guilty of embezzlement, bribery, and violations of banking regulations. The case against Lan, chairwoman of the Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, unfolded rapidly, beginning on March 5 and concluding ahead of schedule. This trial is a part of Vietnam's broader "blazing furnace" anti-corruption campaign, initiated by Nguyen Phu Trong, the leader of the Communist Party. Despite the campaign's intent to eradicate corruption, tangible results have been scarce, though it has led to the prosecution or resignation of numerous senior officials and business figures. In 2022, the arrests of high-profile corporate figures contributed to a $40 billion loss in the Vietnamese stock market, undermining investor confidence during a critical period for the nation's burgeoning economy. Lan's legal team was unavailable for immediate comment following the verdict. Investigators accused Lan and her co-conspirators of draining over 304 trillion dong from the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB), utilizing a complex network of proxies to execute illicit loans to shell companies. The fraudulent activities spanned from early 2018 to October 2022, culminating in a government bailout of SCB following a significant withdrawal of deposits. The magnitude of Lan's fraud, initially pegged at $12.5 billion, has since escalated to an estimated $27 billion, accounting for approximately six percent of Vietnam's GDP in 2023. This staggering sum surpasses even the recent scandal involving FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Lan's death sentence, a severe penalty for financial crimes, underscores the gravity with which Vietnam is addressing corruption within its borders. Lan's arrest was a part of a nationwide crackdown targeting corrupt practices among government officials and business elites, which has seen over 4,400 individuals indicted in more than 1,700 cases since 2021. Her case has sparked widespread public outcry, with protests erupting in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a rare occurrence in the one-party state. The scandal has affected approximately 42,000 victims, primarily SCB bondholders who have been unable to access their funds or receive due payments since Lan's detention. In her final remarks to the court, Lan expressed regret for her involvement in the banking sector, which she admitted to having limited knowledge of. Prosecutors have seized over 1,000 properties linked to Lan and uncovered what is considered the largest bribe in Vietnamese history, involving $5.2 million allegedly used to conceal SCB's financial issues. This case not only highlights the extensive reach of Vietnam's anti-corruption efforts but also the significant challenges the country faces in maintaining financial integrity and investor confidence amidst its rapid economic growth. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. Sarash Industrie Promoted by R Ravendran Shanti Ravendran and their associates Sarash India Mines and Marines now known as Virtual Industries Ltd was incorporated as a public limited company on 17 Mar.'95. The proprietory concerns of the promoters -- Sarash India and Sarash Stones were taken over by the company in Apr.'95 as going concerns.The company is engaged in the manufacture of granite monuments and processed jelly fish for the international market. Its manufacturing facilities are located at Thirupachur (Chingleput district) Tamilnadu. Granite monuments are being exported to Japan under the Sarash brand name. Processed jelly fish are exported to Taiwan and Japan. The company proposed to carry out an e ... Read More This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. Sarash Industrie - 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 This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. This stock has been delisted. Data presented here are the latest available. 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 CEMEX Philippines opens a new strategic warehouse in Batangas ICR Newsroom By 11 April 2024 In response to increasing demand for high-quality construction materials in the region, CEMEX Philippines has opened a strategic warehouse in Barangay Pangao West, Ibaan, Batangas. The 1500m2 facility aims to reinforce the companys supply chain in the region. More than PHP1trn (US$17.75bn) has been allocated by the company towards infrastructure development, with almost 50 per cent of the investment set aside for road networks and railway projects. The proposed projects are further increasing the demand for high-quality construction materials in areas of fast expansion such as the Calabarzon Region. The warehouse is strategically positioned at the corridor of Batangas and Quezon, an area of high growth. The facility will satisfy the need for high-quality and reliable cement for development projects in the surrounding regions. Luis Franco, CEMEX Philippines president and CEO, said By investing in this facility, we align with the government's vision and priority for infrastructure development. During 27 years, we have played an important part in the countrys development, and we are ready to continue supporting the government's ambitious plans going forward, at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the warehouse. The warehouse will be operational 24 hours a day and will provide staging areas for efficient loading and dispatching of cement products ensuring a reliable supply to CEMEX Phillipines customer partners. Mr Franco added, We will be completing our Solid expansion project soon, and we will have the most efficient and sustainable cement production line in the Philippines. This warehouse is a great complement to our Luzon distribution network as it gives us a better position to address the increasing cement demand in the market. The company continues to expand its operations, with the aim of achieving excellence in customer service and enabling sustainable infrastructure growth. Mr Franco continued to say that, Among the different product lines that we will offer, we have our Vertua products, which are low-carbon, high-quality cement, consistent with our 'Future in Action' programme. We are determined to continue leading the construction industry towards a better and more sustainable future. CEMEX, through their investment in regional facilities like this one, aims to help construction businesses adopt greener practises and meet ambitious development targets responsibly. To this end, the company targets to decrease the cement value chains CO 2 emissions by 35 per cent in 2025 and more than 40 per cent in 2030 based on its 1990 baseline. Published under NATO's meddling in Asia-Pacific threatens regional peace Xinhua) 16:53, April 11, 2024 This photo taken on Oct. 11, 2023 shows the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) The United States is the behind-the-scenes instigator of NATO's outreach into the Asia-Pacific. "Exporting that malicious poison to Asia would be akin to Asia welcoming the plague upon itself," said former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, referring to NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific. HONG KONG, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), now in its 75th year of existence, has outlived its mandate and is clinging to life by fanning flames beyond its scope. On April 4, 1949, led by the United States, 10 European countries plus Canada signed the North Atlantic Treaty in response to the so-called "threat posed by the Soviet Union." After the Soviet Union disintegrated in the 1990s, however, the military bloc did not dissolve and in reverse, extended its sinister grasp beyond its treaty-defined geographical scope eastwards voraciously, expanding its membership to 32 today. In recent years, the Asia-Pacific region has been its new prey. Analysts warned that in its attempt to interfere in the Asia-Pacific, NATO is exporting "malicious poison to Asia," posing a threat to regional security and stability, and hindering the region's development. ENCROACHING ASIA-PACIFIC The U.S. government plans to invite Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to the July NATO summit in Washington this year, reported Japanese daily Sankei Shimbun. It would mark Kishida's third consecutive year attending NATO summits. In June 2022, leaders from four Asia-Pacific countries -- Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand -- attended the NATO summit for the first time in Madrid, Spain. In July 2023, during the NATO summit in Lithuania's capital of Vilnius, NATO member leaders met with leaders from the four countries, showcasing their closer relationship. As early as 2006, then U.S. Ambassador to NATO Victoria Nuland proposed the concept of "global partnership," aiming to expand NATO's global influence by establishing contact mechanisms with Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. From 2012 to 2014, NATO signed an Individual Partnership Cooperation Program with the four countries respectively. In 2014, NATO proposed the Partnership Interoperability Initiative to allow other countries to participate in NATO-led military operations. The four Asia-Pacific states all joined the platform. People take part in a protest against Sweden hosting a large international military exercise and the country striving to become a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 22, 2023. (Photo by Patrick Ekstrand/Xinhua) NATO also tried to establish a liaison office in Tokyo as its first operational unit in the Asia-Pacific region but had to shelve the plan due to opposition from France. Additionally, some NATO subordinate agencies have actively absorbed Asia-Pacific countries. South Korea and Japan joined the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Center of Excellence in 2022. Australia and India have also joined this mechanism. Meanwhile, NATO members have increased their military activities in the Asia-Pacific region in recent years. In 2021, Britain dispatched the HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier strike group to the Asia-Pacific, which included vessels from the United States and the Netherlands. A U.S. Naval Institute's commentary said that the involvement of Dutch warships gives the fleet a "true NATO character." The same year, Germany dispatched its frigate "Bavaria" to the Asia-Pacific. Canadian warships have also been active in the Western Pacific region in recent years. SERVING U.S. HEGEMONY The United States is the behind-the-scenes instigator of NATO's outreach into the Asia-Pacific. Washington manipulates the bloc to advance its "Indo-Pacific strategy" and hegemonic strategies of selling security anxieties for its self-interest, heightening regional tensions. NATO has used similar tricks in its recent Asia-Pacific engagement to those in its eastwards expansion. It first hyped up a "hypothetical enemy," inciting anxiety and fear among regional countries and compelling them to align with the United States for a false sense of security. In the Asia-Pacific, the U.S.-led NATO frames China as a "systemic challenge." In recent years, the United States, in its efforts to maintain global hegemony, has become increasingly overt about its intentions to contain China. And NATO's framing of China has also been exacerbated in line with U.S. policies. NATO viewed China as a major subject of concern for the first time at its London Summit in 2019 when the summit communique stated that China presented "both opportunities and challenges." In 2021, NATO further depicted China as a "systemic challenge" to the "rules-based international order" and to areas relevant to NATO security. At the Madrid summit in 2022, NATO accused China of "endangering NATO security" and constituting a "systemic challenge." Analysts have pointed out that NATO's distortion and vilification of China are largely fueled by the United States. Joshua Shifrinson, an associate professor at the University of Maryland, said that the United States wants further NATO involvement in Asia because American defense planners increasingly focus on China. "As the United States increasingly sees China as its largest adversary, it wants to 'globalize' NATO into Asia and interlock it with existing U.S. alliances in the region, including Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Australia," said Russian political analyst Timur Fomenko. STABILITY DESTROYER NATO's eastwards expansion has squeezed Russia's strategic space, directly leading to the escalation of the Ukraine crisis. Russia has been embroiled in conflict and subjected to Western sanctions. European countries, due to the spillover effects of the conflict, have also been severely impacted. Analysts say that Washington has become the biggest winner in the crisis, not only striking a blow against Russia but also tightening its control over European allies. NATO has already triggered turmoil in Europe and is now beginning to threaten the decades-long prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific by building a "NATO-like" framework in the region. The United States is pushing for closer cooperation with Japan, India and Australia, concocting the so-called "Quad" as the core platform of its "Indo-Pacific strategy." In August last year, the United States hosted a trilateral summit with leaders from Japan and South Korea at Camp David, aiming to integrate the U.S.-Japan and U.S.-South Korea bilateral military alliances into a trilateral military alliance. Police stand guard as demonstrators protest against the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in the square of Tirso de Molina in Madrid, Spain, June 29, 2022. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo) The motivation behind the U.S. strategy to usher NATO into the Asia-Pacific region is its hegemonism and Cold War thinking. From Europe to the Middle East, the United States and its NATO allies have brought profound disasters to countries like Yugoslavia, Ukraine, Afghanistan and Libya. Now they are attempting to extend their reach into the Asia-Pacific. "Exporting that malicious poison to Asia would be akin to Asia welcoming the plague upon itself," said former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating, referring to NATO's expansion into the Asia-Pacific. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen also warned of the risks being created by NATO's expansion into the region. He noted that some NATO countries have announced they will send warships to Southeast Asia, which he said poses a threat to regional security, adding that none of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members is willing to pick sides. NATO has outlived its usefulness and become nothing but Washington's axe, spear and spade. Where NATO goes, war is most likely. "Countries of the Indo-Pacific, take note," warned Binoy Kampmark, a scholar at the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, in an op-ed in July last year. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report: ABERNATHY, TAHILYVIST RONDELL 2012 N HICKORY CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 23 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSSESSING A FIREARM WITH INTENT TO GO ARMED RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION THEFT OF PROPERTY ADAMS, LENA RENE 597 SAMPLES CHAPEL ROAD SE CLEVELAND, 37523 Age at Arrest: 42 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) ADAMS, QUINTON LADALE HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37407 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: VIOLATION OF PROBATIO (THEFT OF PROPERTY) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLES S CHILD NON-SUPPORT CHILD NON-SUPPORT CHILD NON-SUPPORT ALLISON, JEFFERY BERNARD 30 TUNNEL BLVD CHATTANOOGA, 374112727 Age at Arrest: 57 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY ) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY) BARNES, ALAN RICHARD HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37402 Age at Arrest: 67 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VIOLATION OF SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY BARTEL, CASSANDRA 232 WATER ST CHATTANOOGA, 374101351 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD ASSAULT BRACKETT, STEVEN LEVON 121 WILCOX RD CHATTANOOGA, 37419 Age at Arrest: 62 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE REGISTRATION, EXPIRED BRIGHT, HALLE MICHELLE 1795 DOWDY RD CLEVELAND, 37323 Age at Arrest: 19 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff OPEN CONTAINER LAW POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE UNDERAGE DRINKING POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BYNUM, KAYLA N 727 EAST 11TH STREET CHATTANOOGA, 374042903 Age at Arrest: 32 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD INDECENT EXPOSURE PUBLIC INTOXICATION POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CASLIN, SHAQUISHA DEMETRIA 801 TUNNEL BLVD APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37411 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY CHAMBERS, DAXON THOMAS 717 E 11TH ST HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 48 years old Arresting Agency: UTC THEFT OF PROPERTY POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OPEN CONTAINER LAW CLINGAN, COLTON DRAKE 298 MAGNOLIA AVE DAYTON, 37321 Age at Arrest: 31 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HOMICIDE VEHICULAR ASSAULT DANIS, MANDM 104 FOSTER STREET ROSSVILLE, 30741 Age at Arrest: 36 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT DAVIS, TIMOTHY W 1102 SUNSET TRAIL NE CLEVELAND, 37311 Age at Arrest: 54 years old Arresting Agency: Collegedale Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) EDGE, JAMES RUSSELL 3620 B GLENDON DR CHATTANOOGA, 37411 Age at Arrest: 42 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE REGISTRATION, IMPROPER DISPLAY OF PLATES LOOSE MATERIALS VIOLATION DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE SEAT BELT LAW VIOLATION GORE, ANTHONY DEWAYNE HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 50 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD CRIMINAL TRESPASSING GUEDRON, JUSTIN NATHANIEL HOMELESS 212 VREELAND ST CHATTANOOGA, 37415 Age at Arrest: 45 years old Arresting Agency: Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HARRIS, MARVIN LYNETTE 2000 MILNE ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 55 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HARWOOD, KADUM HUNTER 96 HARRIS STREET GRAYSVILLE, 30726 Age at Arrest: 29 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD HARASSMENT HEARD, EUREKA LASHALL 2717 ROSSVILLE BLVD, APT 106 CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 51 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT HEMPHILL, JIMMY LEE ANTON 7615 AUSTIN DR CHATTANOOGA, 37416 Age at Arrest: 29 years old Arresting Agency: Chatt Housing Auth AGGRAVATED ASSAULT VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF THEFT OF IDENTITY AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL TRESPASS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA HINES, ROBERT EDWARD LEE 727 E 11TH STREET CHATTANOOGA, 37403 Age at Arrest: 27 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD BURGLARY POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA HOOD, WALTER JAMES 727 E 11th St Chattanooga, 374033104 Age at Arrest: 54 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD PUBLIC INTOXICATION HUBBARD, DEMARCUS KEONTA 1222 WILLOW AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 25 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT JACKSON, RANDY SLADE 4335 SPRIGGS STREET EAST RIDGE, 37412 Age at Arrest: 29 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LEAVING THE SCENE DUE CARE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JIMENEZ, FRANSISCO 3710 6TH AVE CHATTANOOGA, 374072113 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA KIEST, REBECCA LYNN 1016 GARRISON RD DAYTON, 37321 Age at Arrest: 54 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LEMLEY, ERICK CLAYTON 5530 BUNKER HILL RD BIRCHWOOD, 373085106 Age at Arrest: 35 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VIOLATION OF PROBATION DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE LOPEZ VASQUEZ, JIMMY MICHAEL 3912 FOREST HIGHLAND DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37415 Age at Arrest: 23 years old Arresting Agency: RED BANK POLICE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE DRIVING W/OUT LISCENSE OPEN CONTAINER LAW MCCULLOUGH, DEMAURIS PERRY 3013 Woodside St Chattanooga, 374071253 Age at Arrest: 18 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION OR RESTRAINING OR MCDUFFIE, GERALD DOMINIQUE 1905 COOLEY ST CHATTANOOGA, 374064202 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD BURGLARY POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA NAIL, JOHN THOMAS 2108 BACHMAN ST CHATTANOOGA, 374062429 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS DISORDERLY CONDUCT PALENCIA, GEANCARLO JAVIER TERRE 3160 BIMINI PLACE APT 128 CHATTANOOGA, 37412 Age at Arrest: 22 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT PULLIAM, AARON J 2032 COLLINS RD SE DALTON, 30721 Age at Arrest: 45 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) RODDY, CHRISTIANA L 7437 PRIVATE LN APT 15 OOLTEWAH, 37363 Age at Arrest: 26 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD THEFT OF PROPERTY ROGERS, CLARENCE LEONTE 5303 KIMBRO STREET RED BANK, 37415 Age at Arrest: 21 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) SIMPSON, BROOK MCKENZIE 299 KYLE ROAD DOWNSVILLE, 71234 Age at Arrest: 34 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff THEFT OF PROPERTY POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SMITH, MACKENZIE PAIGE 1456 EAST BOYSCOUT RD CHATTANOOGA, 373795259 Age at Arrest: 24 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT SPRINGS, QUANTEZ LAMONT 3211 MOUNTAINVIEW DRIVE CHATTANOOGA, 37411 Age at Arrest: 37 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD THEFT THEFT THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT VANDALISM BURGLARY BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM VANDALISM BURGLARY BURGLARY VANDALISM BURGLARY VANDALISM BURGLARY VANDALISM VANDALISM BURGLARY THEFT VANDALISM BURGLARY STEWART, STEPHEN GARRISON 1207 LENA LANE SODDY DAISY, 373794074 Age at Arrest: 47 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, TATE, JOSHUA LEROY 1723 SANTA BARBARA CIRCLE SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 31 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff EVADING EVADING THURMOND, JADA DETRISE 7989 SQUIRREL WOOD CT OOLTEWAH, 37363 Age at Arrest: 28 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF TRAMMELL, DEKENDRICK LAMAR 5139 WILLOW VIEW CIRCLE CHATTANOOGA, 37410 Age at Arrest: 30 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD CONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION NO PROOF OF INSURANCE DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE WOODS, TRAMELL DEWONE 2011 CHAMBERLAIN AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37404 Age at Arrest: 40 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD AGGRAVATED ASSAULT EVADING ARREST WORKS, JAMES ALEXANDER 3928 GRACE AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 28 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING DANGEROUS FELONY POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING DANGEROUS FELONY Here are the mug shots: ADAMS, LENA RENE Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 12/15/1981 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) ADAMS, QUINTON LADALE Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 06/06/1988 Arresting Agency: Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) ALLISON, JEFFERY BERNARD Age at Arrest: 57 Date of Birth: 03/22/1967 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (THEFT OF PROPERTY ) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (BURGLARY) BARNES, ALAN RICHARD Age at Arrest: 67 Date of Birth: 06/16/1956 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY BRACKETT, STEVEN LEVON Age at Arrest: 62 Date of Birth: 07/23/1961 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE REGISTRATION, EXPIRED BRIGHT, HALLE MICHELLE Age at Arrest: 19 Date of Birth: 07/01/2004 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): OPEN CONTAINER LAW POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE UNDERAGE DRINKING POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA BYNUM, KAYLA N Age at Arrest: 32 Date of Birth: 03/07/1992 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): INDECENT EXPOSURE PUBLIC INTOXICATION POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA CASLIN, SHAQUISHA DEMETRIA Age at Arrest: 34 Date of Birth: 10/04/1989 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION THEFT OF PROPERTY CHAMBERS, DAXON THOMAS Age at Arrest: 48 Date of Birth: 11/27/1975 Arresting Agency: UTC Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OPEN CONTAINER LAW CLINGAN, COLTON DRAKE Age at Arrest: 31 Date of Birth: 09/13/1991 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HOMICIDE VEHICULAR ASSAULT EDGE, JAMES RUSSELL Age at Arrest: 42 Date of Birth: 03/27/1982 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE REGISTRATION, IMPROPER DISPLAY OF PLATES LOOSE MATERIALS VIOLATION DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE SEAT BELT LAW VIOLATION GORE, ANTHONY DEWAYNE Age at Arrest: 50 Date of Birth: 10/16/1973 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): CRIMINAL TRESPASSING GUEDRON, JUSTIN NATHANIEL Age at Arrest: 45 Date of Birth: 10/19/1978 Arresting Agency: Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HARRIS, MARVIN LYNETTE Age at Arrest: 55 Date of Birth: 06/25/1968 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) HARWOOD, KADUM HUNTER Age at Arrest: 29 Date of Birth: 07/14/1994 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): HARASSMENT HEARD, EUREKA LASHALL Age at Arrest: 51 Date of Birth: 06/07/1972 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT HEMPHILL, JIMMY LEE ANTON Age at Arrest: 29 Date of Birth: 06/21/1994 Arresting Agency: Chatt Housing Auth Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF THEFT OF IDENTITY AGGRAVATED CRIMINAL TRESPASS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA JACKSON, RANDY SLADE Age at Arrest: 29 Date of Birth: 06/10/1994 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON SUSPENDED LEAVING THE SCENE DUE CARE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY JIMENEZ, FRANSISCO Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 05/07/1988 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA KIEST, REBECCA LYNN Age at Arrest: 54 Date of Birth: 12/24/1969 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LEMLEY, ERICK CLAYTON Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 12/03/1988 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE MCCULLOUGH, DEMAURIS PERRY Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 08/17/2005 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF ORDER OF PROTECTION OR RESTRAINING OR MCDUFFIE, GERALD DOMINIQUE Age at Arrest: 34 Date of Birth: 12/11/1989 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): BURGLARY POSSESSION OF BURGLARY TOOLS POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA MERRILL, NICHOLAS PETER Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 10/28/1992 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT PALENCIA, GEANCARLO JAVIER TERRE Age at Arrest: 22 Date of Birth: 04/28/2001 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT PULLIAM, AARON J Age at Arrest: 45 Date of Birth: 03/26/1979 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) RODDY, CHRISTIANA L Age at Arrest: 26 Date of Birth: 09/02/1997 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): THEFT OF PROPERTY ROGERS, CLARENCE LEONTE Age at Arrest: 21 Date of Birth: 06/06/2002 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) SMITH, MACKENZIE PAIGE Age at Arrest: 24 Date of Birth: 01/13/2000 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT SPRINGS, QUANTEZ LAMONT Age at Arrest: 37 Date of Birth: 07/13/1986 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): THEFT THEFT THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT VANDALISM BURGLARY BURGLARY VANDALISM THEFT THEFT BURGLARY VANDALISM VANDALISM BURGLARY BURGLARY VANDALISM BURGLARY VANDALISM BURGLARY VANDALISM VANDALISM BURGLARY THEFT VANDALISM BURGLARY STEWART, STEPHEN GARRISON Age at Arrest: 47 Date of Birth: 03/01/1977 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, TATE, JOSHUA LEROY Age at Arrest: 31 Date of Birth: 06/23/1992 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): EVADING EVADING THURMOND, JADA DETRISE Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 08/18/1995 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF TRAMMELL, DEKENDRICK LAMAR Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 11/14/1993 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): CONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA TINTED WINDOWS VIOLATION NO PROOF OF INSURANCE DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE WORKS, JAMES ALEXANDER Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 04/03/1995 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 04/10/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING DANGEROUS FELONY POSSESSION OF FIREARM DURING DANGEROUS FELONY WITH That is surely a fair and honest question, quite reasonable right now, but I cannot find an answer on the Internet. According to Wikipedia, Alejandro Mayorkas was born in Cuba in 1959; his father was a Cuban Jew, and his mother was a Romanian Jew whose family had fled to Cuba during the Holocaust. The Mayorkas family fled Castro's Cuba in 1960, coming first to Miami and then moving to Los Angeles. The man's education as a child and as an adult are spelled out simply enough for me to understand, but nowhere can I find any statement concerning when, if ever, his parents and he became naturalized citizens of this country. I'm not trying to be a nitpicker, but considering the present situation involving Alejandro Mayorkas, it seems reasonable to ask, exactly when and where did the man become a legitimate American citizen? The question produces abundant 'hits' on the Web, but they all dance around the question by telling about his parents' history, his education, his employment and political records, etc., without ever answering that most basic question. So ... can anyone give a real answer, or not? Larry Cloud The Tennessee Senate on Thursday passed HJR 5, a resolution applying for a national convention to propose term limits on Congress with a vote of 18 yeas and 11 nays. The effort was sponsored by State Rep. Chris Todd and Senator Richard Briggs. The application is officially heading to Congress to be counted towards the 34 state applications required to call a term limits convention. It is part of a national, nonpartisan movement led by U.S. Term Limits "to fight careerism in Washington, D.C." Senator Briggs said, "Im delighted my Senate colleagues and Tennessee House of Representatives are now in the column for a constitutional amendment for term limits for Congress." Tennessee State Chairman Glenn Jacobs said, "I want to thank the Senate for putting the Volunteer State on record for congressional term limits. This is a major step toward ending the political circus that has polarized and divided our nation because term limits will restore balance in our electoral process and once again empower voters. Term limits also will force Congress to come up with real solutions to the challenges our nation faces instead of going along to get along or kicking the problem down the road something that continues to bury us under a mountain of debt." Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides states the authority to impose term limits on Congress without congressional approval. For the term limits amendment convention to be called, a total of 34 states must pass similar resolutions. Once a term limits amendment is proposed, it must be ratified by 38 states for it to be added to the U.S. Constitution. This process allows the states to completely bypass Congress, proponents noted. The President of U.S. Term Limits, Philip Blumel, said, Eighty-seven percent of Americans support term limits on Congress, including huge majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents. This is a truly nonpartisan issue with national appeal. Senator Briggs and Rep. Todd have been an integral part of the victory in Tennessee. Their efforts helped put Tennessee at the forefront of states calling for term limits on Congress. The progress here today has laid the groundwork for future successes. View the text of HJR 5 here. The fourth annual Chattanooga Burger Week presented by the Tennessee Beef Industry Council is coming! Starting Monday and running for seven straight days, from April 15-21, burger lovers can enjoy $7 burger specials from participating restaurants around the city. This deliciously themed restaurant week celebrates Americas Sweetheart the hamburger - while encouraging residents and tourists to embrace the Chattanooga food scene and support local restaurants. Participating restaurants like Bad Daddys Burger Bar and HiFi Clydes are celebrating the classic burger in all its beauty for their $7 Burger Week specials, while other restaurants have concocted one-of-a-kind burgers like those listed below. - The Birria Burger at 423 Taco - Smash Beef Patty with flavorful Birria, topped with Cheese, Jalapenos, Cilantro, Onions, and Mayo. - The Sicilian Burger Queen at Agave & Rye - Two Smash Beef Patties, Mozzarella, and Sweet & Spicy Bacon on Toasted Buns of Charred Pepperoni, Mozzarella and House Red Sauce. - The Bordelaise at Anomaly by Oddstory - Single Smash Patty topped with Swiss Cheese, Garlic Pomme Puree, Shallot Confit, Bordelaise Sauce, Fried Onion, and Arugula, on a Brioche Bun. - Korean Que Burger at Whiskey Cowgirl - Seasoned Grilled Beef Patty, Korean BBQ Glaze, Sweet & Spicy Kimchi. The full Chattanooga Burger Week lineup is available at www.chattanoogaburgerweek.com and on the official Chattanooga Burger Week app. New in the official Chattanooga Burger Week app, youll find the list of participating restaurants, specials, hours, a map everything you need to know to plan your Burger Week. The free app also allows participants to check in at Burger Week locations and earn points toward prizes, including the Grand Prize of $500 in restaurant gift cards and burger swag. App users can earn even more points through bonus challenges, like trying a signature Uncle Nearest cocktail at participating locations. Head to www.chattanoogaburgerweek.com to download the app or search Chattanooga Burger Week in the app store and Google Play. Follow @chattburgerweek, visit the website www.chattanoogaburgerweek.com, and download the Chattanooga Burger Week app for more info on participating restaurants, Burger Week etiquette, and fun giveaways. Gia Giudice revealed that her father has been seeing someone exclusively for awhile, but she isn't convinced that he'll ever get married again. Theresa Giudices second marriage has been heavily documented on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, just like her first marriage played out on the show. Her first husband, Joe Giudice, however, has opted to stay away from the public eye for the most part. His oldest daughter is happy to share updates about her dad, though. In March, Gia Giudice appeared on her mothers podcast as a stand-in, filling the world in on what Joe has been up to. She even revealed that her dad has been seeing a special lady for a while, but she isnt convinced shell have a new stepmom. Gia Giudice says her dad is dating someone special In March, Gia Giudice took time out of her busy schedule to serve as a stand-in for her mom on Namaste B$tches, the podcast Theresa co-hosts. During her chat with co-host Melissa Pfeister, Gia revealed that her dad has been seeing someone special for a while and that she and her sisters have met her and really likes her. She went on to say her father is very happy. Joe Giudice | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Its not the first time Gia has opened up about her dads love life, though. Last year, the eldest Giudice daughter told People that Joe had been dating someone for a long time and that she looked forward to meeting more of her family. While Joe Giudice shares many photos of his daughters on Instagram, he is keeping his love life under wraps. Despite Giudice insisting that her father has been seeing someone for a while, she isnt convinced hell be getting married again. The Rutgers alum insists she has nothing against her fathers new partner; she insists she is awesome. Giudice seems to think the man known for years by The Real Housewives of New Jersey fans as Juicy Joe just doesnt see the need to marry again. Of course, that is all subject to change. How often do the Giudice girls see their father? Joe Giudice has been living in Nassau, The Bahamas, since 2021. In 2019, he was deported to Italy following a stint in a federal jail for tax fraud. Giudice came to the United States as a child but never applied to become a U.S. citizen. Because of his criminal record, he was not offered the chance to become a citizen. Joe is not allowed to enter the United States of America. Gabriella Giudice, Joe Giudice, Milania Giudice and Gia Giudice | Ray Tamarra/Getty Images Giudice might be forced to live far from his four daughters, who reside in the U.S. Still, that doesnt mean they rarely see each other. Gia was more than happy to discuss her relationship with her father during her podcast appearance. Despite her busy schedule, Gia said she likes to visit her father four or five times a year. She told Pfeister that she spent the holidays in the Bahamas. She also revealed she had plans to travel back down to the island for Easter. Gia didnt mention which of her sisters routinely make the trip with her, but she did say Gabriella Giudice was in the Bahamas while she was recording. Gabriella Giudice, Gia Giudice, Teresa Giudice, Milania Giudice and Audriana Giudice | Manny Carabel/Getty Images for ABA Gia, 23, is the oldest of Theresa and Joe Giudices four daughters. Gabriella, 20, is a college student at the University of Michigan. Milania Giudice, the former couples third daughter, turned 18 in February and has plans to attend the University of Tampa. Audriana Giudice, whose birth was documented on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is 14. The Princess of Wales appeared to be strong and confident until 1 aspect of royal life caused Prince William to step into action. Kate Middletons bravery upon announcing her cancer diagnosis proved that she appeared to be strong and confident enough to lead the United Kingdom as its eventual queen. However, there was once when Kate wasnt as sure of herself in the royal sphere, leading Prince William to install a secret emergency royal hotline to the palace to protect her if she needed assistance. Kate Middletons emergency link to the palace In the early days of her relationship with Prince William, Kate Middleton was still a college student, insulated by St. Andrews University in Scotland from the press. However, once she and William graduated, Kate became a subject of interest from the paparazzi, who wanted to know about the future kings girlfriend. The stress this interest placed on Kate was insurmountable. To an outsider, the press treatment of Kate rang similar to that of Williams late mother, Princess Diana. According to royal author Katie Nicholl, William sensed that as well. The Mirror shared an excerpt from Nicholls book, Kate: The Future Queen. William was aware of the situation and anxious about it. He had seen firsthand how his mother had been harassed by the paparazzi and was determined that Kate not be subjected to the same treatment. Therefore, William set up an emergency hotline number for Kate to use if she needed assistance. The calls were directed to King Charles former press secretary, Paddy Haverson. How did a royal hotline help Kate Middleton navigate life in the spotlight? Drama surrounding Kate Middletons health felt similar to The Crown on Netflix says commentator | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images Katie Nicholl cited several unnamed royal sources in her book, which gave insight into the early days of Kate Middleton and Prince Williams relationship. They said the future Princess of Wales was given the support she needed to navigate royal life. We had been introduced to Kate early on, and we were instructed from the outset to give her every support possible. She was obviously the subject of much press interest and intrusion from the paparazzi, said a palace source to Nicholl. The source continued, William said we had a duty of care to her and her family, so we advised her on how to deal with the cameras. We told her to smile at the photographers so that there would be a better picture. She was advised on managing the media, and we were there to support her in a crisis. However, Williams mother, Princess Diana, had a very different experience than Kate. This led William to try and ensure his girlfriend and later wife, didnt experience the same heartache. Kate Middletons royal initiation was different from that of Princess Diana Although the former Lady Diana Spencer ran in royal circles, she was not an official royal family member. Therefore, she was always afforded privacy regarding her everyday life. However, once the then 19-year-old became involved with and engaged to Prince Charles, interest in her peaked. Paparazzi became intrusive as they followed the young woman throughout London. History Extra reported that once Charles showed a romantic interest in Diana, the press picked up on it immediately. As Charles was pushed toward marriage, any woman he dated was a prime target for the media. Paparazzi camped outside her London flat. She was followed to her teaching job at the Young England Kindergarten. However, after their engagement, after only 13 meetings, Diana was moved into a suite of rooms at Buckingham Palace. Historically, it has been reported that she was left alone with little instruction on how to navigate her new world as she prepared to marry the Prince of Wales. Prince Charles and Diana Spencer married on July 29, 1981, at St. Pauls Cathedral in London. BASF announces the commencement of change negotiations at its precursor cathode active materials plant in Harjavalta, Finland. The decision to initiate these negotiations was made because of the lengthy permitting process with unclear outcomes, leading to an unpredictable timeframe for receiving a final, unappealable permit. Consequently, BASF is forced to consider layoffs for an indefinite period, potentially impacting all employees at the Harjavalta site. The recent suspension of the immediate enforcement of the environmental permit by the Vaasa Administrative Court on February 21, 2024, has had another significant impact on BASFs operations in Harjavalta. The further postponement of and uncertainty around the formal startup date have long-term financial implications for BASF in Harjavalta. BASF must therefore adapt its operations and manage its costs in order to deal with the current situation. In 2020, BASF received the first permit from the relevant authorities after an extensive environmental impact assessment. Since then, we have been on a painful journey with several cycles of permits being granted, appealed, and unfortunately not upheld, said Tomi Oja, Managing Director of BASF Battery Materials Finland Oy. We are disappointed to have received different signals from authorities and the administrative courts. In a dynamic market like the battery market, which requires major investments, both speed and certainty are essential for business planning. This includes a clear legal framework. We always had high hopes for the site, and we hope that at some time in the future these hopes will be finally realized. BASF remains committed to fostering an innovative, sustainable, and competitive battery value chain in Europe. But the overall situation after several years has now compelled that we have to commence change negotiations at our Finland plant. We greatly appreciate the commitment of the entire team in Harjavalta, who have persevered and continue to do so during this challenging period of uncertainty. The change negotiations are scheduled to commence on April 15, 2024, and will last for a period of six weeks. BASF is fully committed to managing this process responsibly and with utmost thoughtfulness towards its employees. Following the conclusion of the negotiations, BASF will communicate the decisions to be made. BASF remains committed to driving the expansion of its global battery materials business to support the battery industrys growing demand for cathode active materials. The companys plan to invest in building up its battery materials business remains valid. The supply of precursor cathode active materials for BASFs cathode active materials production in Schwarzheide, Germany, is assured, leveraging a broad portfolio of partner network and market access, and its operations are not affected. This past summer, archaeologists in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii came across a still-life painting of something resembling the pizza of todayjust without the cheese and tomatoeson the crumbling wall of an old house. Tomatoes and mozzarella cheese were not baked into pizzas in Italy until the 1800s. In the 2,000-year-old painting, there is a silver tray holding a goblet filled with red wine, along with a round piece of flatbread adorned with various fruit toppings. The fruit has been identified as pomegranates and dates. Additionally, the bread appears to be seasoned with spices or pesto. Dried fruits and yellow strawberry trees sit nearby. Pompeii is located right outside of Naples, which is alluded to as the world capital of modern-day pizza. Culture minister Gennaro Sanguiliano described Pompeii as a casket that always reveals new treasures in a statement announcing the find. In A.D. 79, the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the ancient city and buried it in thick clouds of ash, preserving many deceased individuals and structures in great detail. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of Pompeiis population perished in the eruption. The house with the painting was partially excavated in 1888 and 1891. Work resumed there at the beginning of 2023. In ancient times, such images were known as xenia, and they referred to hospitable gifts offered to household guests, according to a Greek tradition dating back to the Hellenistic period, which spanned from the third to first centuries B.C. Many Vesuvian cities have yielded hundreds of similar representations. In addition, ancient authors from the Roman imperial era, such as Virgil, Martial, and Philostratus, elaborated on the tradition in their writings. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. All around the world, migratory species face threats of extinction and population decline, and humans are to blame. Recently, the Convention on Migratory Species released a report that revealed the dire state of the migratory animals on our planet. Out of the thousands of existing migratory creatures, 1,189 species need international protection, which includes 962 species of birds, 94 terrestrial mammal species, 64 species of aquatic mammals, 58 fish species, 10 species of reptiles, and one insectthe monarch butterfly. The convention found that one in five of the listed species is threatened with extinction, while 44 percent are experiencing a decline in their populations. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), migratory species are defined as animals that require travel from one habitat to another during different times of the year for survival, such as humpback whales, African elephants, monarch butterflies, sea turtles, and albatrosses. Even though there are more birds on the list than any other species, migratory fish are in the most decline, with 97 percent of the listed fish on track to disappear for good. The area of the most concern to me, or most surprising, given that I focused on birds, was that fish are so threatened, said Benjamin M. Van Doren, a biologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. But compared to birds, the report showed that migratory fish are in even more dire straits. Im sure this wouldnt come as a surprise to a fish biologist, but for me, it was really eye-opening. Migratory species, such as birds and fish, are highly beneficial to the environment. They help support life on Earth, impacting the ecosystems they travel to by distributing seeds and other materials, as well as providing food for other animals. Migratory species usually rely on very specific sites to feed and mate. There are several reasons migratory creatures are withering away. For one, they encounter many dangers when traveling. Their journeys can take them across continents, covering thousands of miles. Along the way, they must deal with climate change, unpredictable weather, habitat loss, pollution, diseases, lack of food sources, predators, and more. They also need stopover sites to replenish themselves before reaching their destinations. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. A good tale of well-deserved revenge never fails to make your insides feel warm and bubbly, especially when multiple wronged parties band together to inflict retribution. TikToker Daniella (@daniella.your.bff) is sharing a story from a girl named Shelby about her cheating ex-boyfriend and how she joined forces with the other woman to seek revenge on him. Shelby was living in New York City and dating a well-known actor. He was super cute and a little quirky. For some reason, he would always act really weird whenever she wore lipstick or lip gloss, complaining about how his lips would get all sticky if they kissed. It got to the point where Shelby just stopped wearing lip products altogether. One day, she was in his car and happened to open the glove box. Inside, she discovered lipstick and a hairbrush. The lipstick was dark brown and reddish in color, which was a shade she would never wear. Her gut was telling her that something was off. She also noticed that he kept texting a girl named Mary. So, she went onto his social media page and checked his following list for any girls named Mary. After scrolling for a little while, she found Marys profile page. In her profile picture, Mary was wearing the same shade of lipstick Shelby had come across in the glove box. She messaged Mary to ask her how well she knew the actor. Immediately, Shelby could tell that Mary was a good person because of the detailed response she gave. She told Shelby that she didnt know him very well, but over the past few weeks, they had been on some dates. Shelby informed her that she had been dating him for six months. Mary apologized, saying that she had no idea. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Heather and Brad Hill discuss artificial intelligence and what Christians should know about it. Welcome to part two of our two-part series on technology, church, and culture. For todays episode, Heather sits down with Brad Hill, who is the chief solutions officer at Gloo, which has recently developed a new initiative that helps churches navigate AI. What is AI? How is it impacting church culture? Should we be concerned as Christians about its potential? Heather gets answers to these questions and more during todays conversation. Heather also discusses deepfake videos and AI manipulation as it relates to the Princess Catherine cancer video during todays social toolkit. Here is an article Heather found in The Washington Post about conspiracy theories and AI. Guest Bio Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. Brad Hill is the Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, a technology platform for ministry leaders that recently launched its new AI & the Church Initiative to empower the church to navigate and engage AI responsibly. Brad has been deeply involved in solving technology challenges for the church for over 20 years. Host Bio Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including Ill See You Tomorrow and Its Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on the social platform X at @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday. Receive Heathers weekly inspirational email every Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern; sign up at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links. Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath Producer: Loren Joseph Mix Engineer: Alex Carter Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper Catholics pray during a Good Friday service outside of St. Charles church in Senegal on March 29, 2024. Ngalakh combines baobab fruit and peanuts to end Easter in West African nation, reciprocated by the sharing of meat breaking Ramadans fast. John Wessels / Contributor / Getty In Senegal, Muslims love to share meat. Christians share porridge. Ending the monthlong Ramadan fast this week, the faithful in the Muslim-majority West African nation invited Christian friends to celebrate Korite (Eid al-Fitr), focus on forgiveness and reconciliation, and share a wholesome meal of chicken. A little over two months later during Tabaski (Eid al-Adha), the mutton from sheep slaughtered in commemoration of Abrahams sacrificing of his son will likewise be distributed to Christian neighbors. (Both feasts follow the lunar calendar and change dates each year.) Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. But for Christians, the sign of interfaith unity is the porridge-like ngalakh. Senegal is a country of terrangahospitalityand the sense of sharing is very high, said Mignane Ndour, vice president of the Assemblies of God churches in Senegal. Porridge has become our means of strengthening relations between Christians and Muslims. Sources told CT the holiday treat is highly anticipated. In the local language, ngalakh means to make porridge, and the chilled dessert marks the end of Lent. Between 3 and 5 percent of Senegals 18 million people are Christiansthe majority Catholicand families gather to prepare the Easter fare on Good Friday. Made from peanut cream and monkey bread (the fruit of the famed baobab tree), these core ngalakh ingredients are soaked in water for over an hour before adding the millet flour necessary to thicken the paste. The dessert is then variously seasoned with nutmeg, orange blossom, pineapple, coconut, or raisins. Tangy and sweet yet savory, the porridge gets its brownish color from the peanut cream. The Christian community in Senegal traces its origin back to the 15th-century arrival of the Portuguese. And Jacques Seck, a Catholic priest in the capital of Dakar, stated that ngalakh developed during the period of French colonialism as mulatto servant women prepared their masters a meatless meal during the Lenten fast. Ndour said that over time the tradition extended to Protestants as well. Its believers numbering only in the thousands, the Protestant Church of Senegal was founded in 1863, becoming more visible in the 1930s. Lutherans came in the 1970s and are the second-largest Christian denomination today, alongside Methodists, Presbyterians, and newer evangelical groups. But for some, ngalakh is controversial. Evangelicals do not share this tradition, said Pierre Teixeira, editor in chief of Yeesu Le Journal, an interdenominational monthly publication. But the rare churches that practice it broadcast a film on the gospel before distribution. Teixeira, a former Baptist pastor, grew up in a Catholic home in Dakar. Recalling the porridge from his youth, he said it was a symbol of communion that commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross. But today the focus of Senegalese evangelicals is on societal integration. In the past 20 years, the small community has seen an increase in its students at university and efforts by believers to influence the marketplace and political arenas. Ndour, raised in a Muslim home, believes the two activities are compatible. Easter is not simply the feast of Catholics, and ngalakh is the feast of all Senegalese, he said. It represents a path of understanding, through religion. While Protestants value the practice of terranga, some view an interfaith dessert as an extrabiblical barrier to evangelism that should be dropped as a local tradition. Others, Ndour said, do not distribute the porridge to Muslim neighbors lest they be obliged to reciprocally share in the Muslim Tabaski feast, which they view as prohibited given local interpretation of Pauls warning about meat sacrificed to idols. But many cherish the social custom within Senegals lauded religious tolerance. Ngalakh is a delectable dish meticulously crafted with love and passion, said Eloi Dogue, vice president of Africa operations for Our Daily Bread Ministries. It serves as a symbol of unity and goodwill among neighbors, particularly our Muslim friends. Islam came to Senegal in the 11th century through trade and spread through a combination of conquest and heartfelt conversion. Rejection of colonialism attracted many locals into Sufi orders emphasizing a mystical interpretation of Islam, which merged Senegalese and Muslim identities. Other Senegalese interacted closely with the foreign authorities and assimilated their culture. But the French concept of laicite combined easily with Sufi religious tolerance, and the Senegal constitutions first article declares the nation to be a secular, democratic, and social republic. Its first president was a Catholic, and voluntary religious education at school allows parentsoften in mixed marriagesto educate their children in the faith of their choice or none at all. But Dogue, also international director of Dekina Ministries and former evangelism and missions executive secretary for the Association of Evangelicals in Africa, said the value of ngalakh is not only in coexistence. Yes, it is originally a Catholic tradition, he said. But it is also a means of fostering outreach and building bridges of understanding, bearing witness about Gods care, love, and goodness. Americans, he added, could similarly invite Muslim neighbors over to share their Thanksgiving meals. Ndour grew up mostly ignorant of ngalakh in his village 95 miles southeast of Dakar. Aware of the local Lutheran mission headquarters, his family belonged to the Mouride Sufi order. He first recalls trying the porridge dish at age 15; however, it was life at university in the capital that introduced him to its true meaning. But there he was also introduced to the assurance of salvation in Christ. An evangelical pastor shared his faith, and Ndour has been sharing his since. In this, the holiday meal can be used as a bridge. Ngalakh opens doors that were previously closed, he said. This can then allow us to talk about the true Easter sacrificewhich is Jesus. Courtesy of the American Solidarity Party Charlie Richert would really like to stop voting for his dad. But in the last couple presidential election cycles, the 30-year-old attorney in Indianapolis has been unable to square his conscience with picking either the Republican or Democratic party nominee, so hes resorted to writing in a name. Theres no way I can escape having my faith inform how I vote, said Richert, a nondenominational Christian who grew up Republican. Unfortunately, weve been kind of stuck in a doom loop of candidates at the presidential level that Ive just not felt comfortable voting for. Sign up for The Daily Briefing Get the most recent headlines and stories from Christianity Today delivered to your inbox daily. Email* Sign Up This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Thanks for signing up. Please click here to see all our newsletters. Sorry, something went wrong. Please try again. This year, hes not drawn to alternatives like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. or Cornel West. Maybe Ill write in Abe Lincoln this year. Sorry to my dad, but a new name to write in would be fun, he said. He recalls seeking to convince his classmates in an eighth-grade mock election that they should support Mitt Romney, but his chagrin with the Republican Partys presidential nominee tracked with the ascension of Donald Trump. In a year when both major party presidential candidates are viewed unfavorably by a quarter of Americans, many find themselves less excited about the two options at the top of the ticket. But, like Richert, that doesnt mean theyre ready to go for third-party options. The third-party candidates running in 2024 span the ideological spectrum, from independents Kennedy and Princeton University professor Cornel West to Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Then there are the more obscure party or candidate optionsthe Prohibition Party, Andrew Yangs Forward Party, Maryland politician Jason Palmer, and that man in Texas who changed his name to Literally Anybody Else. Perhaps the most promising third-party attempt, the No Labels Party, drew in funding with its centrist messaging, but its efforts failed before Election Day. The party ended its presidential campaign last week after being unable to find candidates with a credible path to winning. RFK Jr. has emerged as the top third-party candidate this race, polling just under 12 percent, higher than any third-party candidate since businessman Ross Perot in 1992. The son of former attorney general and senator Robert F. Kennedy, his popularity is aided by his high-profile last name. After failing to make headway in the Democratic primary, Kennedy opted to run as an independent. He is only on the ballot in half a dozen states, but his campaign is on a signature-collection blitz and has vowed to get on the ballots of all 50 states this fall. Kennedy has said his campaign is a spoiler for President Biden and President Trump. It remains to be seen which major party candidate would be hurt more if Kennedys strong polling translates into votes come November. But both parties are taking the threat seriously, with the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee (and Trump himself, for that matter) going after the independent candidate. I suspect at least some of the support for RFK Jr. is really just a potholder for the anger and dissatisfaction with Donald Trump and Joe Biden, said Mark Caleb Smith, a political scientist at Cedarville University in Ohio. Kennedy is Catholic and at times has appealed to his faith in interviews and on social media. His policies span the ideological and political spectrum, and hes best known for his environmental activism. Hes also antiestablishment and was a vocal critic of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates, and he has criticized the impact that had on the right to religious assembly. Hes pro-choice and believes that the Dobbs v. Jackson decision overturning a national right to abortion was a mistake. For evangelicals seeking candidates who reflect their values and beliefs more closely than either of the major parties, some have backed indepedent candidates or found new political homes in lesser-known third parties. Dale Huntington, a 41-year-old pastor of City Life Church in San Diego, California, landed on the American Solidarity Party (ASP), a small but growing Christian party founded in 2011. Its platform is largely shaped by social teaching from Catholic thought. He found out about the group because of evangelical author and professor Karen Swallow Prior, who is a member of ASPs advisory board. I dont support the death penalty or abortion. I am largely anti-war and anti-police brutality, Huntington said. I would say voting for a third party is choosing to acknowledge the system as it is has become broken. Huntington used to alternate between Republican and Democrat tickets but ultimately felt like neither was holistically pro-life. In 2020, the American Solidarity Party ran its first evangelical presidential nomineeretired teacher and former Evangelical Free Church elder Brian Carroll (whom CT reported on at the time). Carroll had long had his doubts about the Republican Partys level of commitment to pro-life policies. But it was the GOPs hardening on immigration, education, and other issues in 2016 that made him defect entirely. After that, he went looking for other options. When he stumbled upon the ASP, he said, [I] read the platform once and I said, Yes, this is it. When Carroll ran, the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns made campaigning difficult. It also was a challenge for volunteers to garner signatures during lockdowns. Despite that, they had some success. Last presidential election, the American Solidarity Party made it onto the ballots of 8 statesand received write-in votes in 31 states. They drew over 42,000 votes in total. Wed love to double the number, Marcos Lopez, party chair, told CT. Ballot access is a huge challenge, he added, for a party facing limited financial resources, a small pool of volunteers, and stringent state requirements to get on the ballot. Despite challenges, interest in the group is growing. There was a surge in volunteer signups online after Super Tuesday last month, when it became clear that November would bring a Donald Trump and Joe Biden rematch. Party members acknowledge that winning is not in the cards, but they believe a third option allows Americans who reject the lesser of two evils argument to vote in a way that respects their conscience and sends a message. Whether youre Catholic, whether youre Baptist, whether youre a nondenominational evangelical, whether youre Orthodoxanyone who is serious about their faith, and anyone whos serious about wanting to see these policies grounded in advancing the common goodanyone who wants to see those things happen is willing to come to the table, Lopez said. The issue of abortion has been a particular draw for religious individuals, Lopez said. Were looking at an issue in November where neither [Republican nor Democrat] candidate really fits the label of pro-life. In many states were going to be the only pro-life option people can vote for, and thats a very sad reality. But it is a reality, and that makes our work even more important. Abortion can be a deal breaker for some evangelicals when it comes to crossing the aisle to support Biden. While the Trump campaign has highlighted pro-life wins (such as the Dobbs decision), Trump has presented a softer approach to the issue in recent days. On Monday, he said it should be left to the states to carve out individual abortion policies. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people. You must follow your heart, or in many cases, your religion or your faith, he said in a video statement. On Thursday, he said in response to a reporter that he would not sign a federal abortion ban. This year, Peter Sonski, a former editor for the National Catholic Register, is the American Solidarity Party candidate. Sonski, 61, has been a member of both the Democratic and Republican parties throughout his life but was frustrated that neither fully matched his religious convictions. We want to protect human life, give it all the protections of the law, Sonski said of his party. At the same time, we recognize there are many more things that the government can doand society in general can dofor women who have needs in pregnancy health care, expanded child tax credits, better housing options; all of these are factors. The father of nine and grandfather of six brings the experience of an elected official to the role: He serves as a school district member for the board of education for Connecticuts 17th District. He tapped Lauren Onak, a 35-year-old stay-at-home mother and community organizer, as his vice president candidate. Onak was raised a Democrat but defected to the Republican Party due to her interest in the pro-life movement. But a number of things caused her to break with the party, culminating in the birth of a daughter with a rare genetic syndrome and seeing how the social safety net of a blue state like Massachusetts benefited her daughters special needs. It was seeing the importance for this social safety net very much in action and having to push back against this mindset of, if you need help from the government, it makes you somehow weak, she said. She joined the American Solidarity Party in 2021, following the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, believing it offered a reasonable voice in politics. At 35, shes just old enough to join the presidential ticket. She believes her candidacy is important for other disillusioned millennials. One of those millennials is Bob Stevenson, a 40-year-old pastor in Chicago who found himself frustrated with having to choose which convictions to prioritize when he went to the ballot box. He felt like he had to pick between unborn babies or immigrants and people in poverty. Its almost like, thats a red thing or thats a blue thing. And Im like, thats a Christian thing, Stevenson told CT. Although he said no party is perfect, he found the American Solidarity Party straddles those concerns in a way that partisan politics dont. So that was deeply attractive to me. Third parties have a tough uphill battle, largely due to the two-party structure that dominates American politics. We do have an abundance of third parties, Smith said. They just cant seem to rise to the point where they have a significant impact. Most of that is because the two major parties absorb them. But third parties still have an effect: Smith gave the example of the Green Party elevating climate and environmental issues, which resulted in Democrats incorporating more of those concerns into their platform; or Republicans (at least in days past) leaning more libertarian and drawing voters away from the Libertarian Party. Other examples include the abolition of slavery and universal health care. Smith says that rather than third parties or candidates becoming competitive, major changes in American politics usually happen within the vehicle of a major party. Or, at times, a major party falls by the wayside only to be replaced, such as the Whigs, who were replaced by Republicans. It isnt that a third party rises up and its competitive. Its one of the two major parties just implodes, and then this party steps forward and kind of picks up the pieces and you see something else emerge, Smith said. While the framework of Republican and Democratic parties has been in place since 1856, Smith said dissatisfaction with the options is at a pretty significant and historical level: We keep seeing that in primary results on both sides of the aisleeven though the contest has been settled for a long timethat both candidates are getting pretty significant pushback. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley continues to garner primary votes, despite dropping out after Super Tuesdays primaries confirmed she had no viable path to the Republican nomination for president. On the Democratic side, progressives organized to lodge protest votes to send a message to Biden in Michigans Democratic primary, racking up more than 100,000 uncommitted votes. But that may not translate to large numbers of Americans choosing to send a statement by voting outside the major parties on November 5. Americans unhappy with their options may be more likely to tune politics out and sit elections out entirely. Those who head to the ballot box despite frustration and alienation from both major parties, Smith noted, are a fairly small group of people. Christians who vote third party are aware that theyre a minority. But they think there are some things more important than making a pragmatic choice. Stevenson said when friends or family found out he planned to vote third party, they looked at him like he had his head screwed on backwards. But he believes that its a way for us to bear witness in the United States where Christians have historically, over the past couple of decades, aligned themselves with a political party and have shown themselves to be political opportunists and pragmatics. I think its an opportunity for us to offer a different way. We can be like, actually the way of Jesus doesnt look like an elephant or a donkey. Correction: Brian Carroll had served as an elder in the Evangelical Free Church, not the Evangelical Covenant Church. Home News Arsonist who firebombed Wisconsin pro-life office sentenced to 7.5 years in prison A man has been sentenced to over seven years in prison for firebombing a pro-life advocacy group's headquarters as one pro-life activist insists that his punishment did not go far enough. On Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin announced in a statement that Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison for firebombing the headquarters of the Christian conservative pro-life activist organization Wisconsin Family Action in Madison, Wisconsin, in May 2022. The office suffered fire damage from Molotov cocktails thrown into the building, and the exterior of the facility was defaced with graffiti, reading, "if abortions aren't Safe then you aren't either." 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 attack was part of a trend of violence and vandalism targeting churches and pro-life advocacy organizations following the May 2022 leak of the U.S. Supreme Court's draft decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, indicating that the justices were poised to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately reversedRoe a month and a half later, determining that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion. "Roychowdhury's arson was an act of domestic terrorism," said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin Timothy O'Shea. "Domestic terrorism is cowardly and profoundly undemocratic. It is not speech; it is not an exchange of ideas; instead, it is an attempt to harm or frighten one's fellow citizens, thus driving Americans apart and weakening the fabric of our democratic society." U.S. District Court Judge William Conley offered similar rhetoric during Roychowdhury's sentencing hearing, asserting that the perpetrator "engaged in a deliberate act of terrorism toward a group advocating a different view." Conley also concluded that Roychowdhury has a "deep hate and anger that in his mind justified firebombing a building." Roychowdhury was captured by authorities at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, as he attempted to flee the country in March 2023, more than 10 months after the firebombing took place. He pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive in December 2023. A statement published Wednesday by CompassCare, a network of pro-life pregnancy centers in upstate New York that had one of its own facilities firebombed in June 2022, contends that the sentence received by Roychowdhury is inadequate. The advocacy group lamented that "the sentence ignores conspiracy and domestic terrorism, giving [him a] lighter sentence for a lighter charge." "The sentencing would lead the public to believe this a simple case of misguided arson instead of a political act representing a multi-national Marxist revolution," stated Rev. Jim Harden, CompassCare CEO. Additionally, Harden expressed concern about "the dearth of arrests and investigations of violent pro-abortion terror compared to the crushing DOJ/FBI persecution of peaceful pro-lifers during the exact same time-frame." CompassCare noted that pro-life activists face up to 11 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. Roychowdhury will not face any fines for firebombing Wisconsin Family Action and will "likely be out in five years," the pro-life group argues, because "the guideline for Roychowdhury to be eligible for parole is 60 months with time served." By comparison, the perpetrator behind the firebombing of a Planned Parenthood in Peoria, Illinois, last year faces a stiffer sentence of 10 years behind bars and a $1.45 million fine. CompassCare called the sentencing difference between the two cases a "stark disparity" in the treatment of pro-life activists convicted of crimes compared to their pro-abortion counterparts. Home News Can caffeine be harmful to a Christians spiritual life? John Piper answers Notable Bible teacher John Piper recently addressed the question of whether caffeinated drinks like energy drinks can have a negative influence on a Christians spiritual life. In Monday's episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, a listener identified as Jose told Piper that caffeinated drinks were controversial in our youth group. As someone who likes them, I was wondering if there are any negative effects or reason to not drink them, Jose asked. They help me focus and have energy during my work shift. I only drink one every two or three days, but I would like to have some spiritual insight in order that I might run this race without being slowed down. 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 As part of his response, Piper focused on 1 Corinthians 6:1213, which reads: "'I have the right to do anything, you say but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything but I will not be mastered by anything. You say, Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both. The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. So, the body matters to God morally. And, in particular, foods matter and sex matters. And so, the guidelines he gives matter, Piper said. Piper added that the question was part of a much bigger issue, specifically a question about the proper use of not just caffeine but other stimulants, medications. Are energy drinks, or whatever Im taking, are they masking deeper problems that Im not dealing with, because Im masking them, or are they helping me really address and be freed from the deeper problems that I may have? he said. If Jose or any of us is masking deeper problems with stimulants, then theyre not being used as a gift from God for our good; theyre being used as a flight from truth and from the good that God wants to do deeper down. Piper went on to offer three summary guidelines regarding the consumption of caffeinated drinks: Are they truly helpful? Are they dominating me, mastering me, and obscuring that Jesus is my real master? And, Am I using them in love? Am I building others up? Am I seeking to build my own faith and the faith of others? I have a box of energy drinks in my office, Piper acknowledged. If Ive got a pressing task and I cannot stay awake, yes, Ill go there. If my real problem is that John Piper doesnt have the discipline to go to bed at night and therefore get six hours instead of eight hours of sleep, and therefore hes always falling asleep at his tasks, and thus he resorts to an artificial stimulant, thats masking, thats hiding, thats running away from God. Last September, Piper garnered controversy when he wrote a post on X about whether congregations should "reassess whether Sunday coffee-sipping in the sanctuary fits." "Considering the New Testament church primarily met in folks' homes, and often shared a common meal together, sipping coffee in the sanctuary should not only be practiced, but encouraged," replied Evangelical podcaster Jimmy Humphrey. In a January podcast episode, Piper elaborated on his sentiments, believing that "sipping coffee in the holiest hour of congregational worship does not fit with the reverence and awe that Hebrews 12:28 calls for. "Sipping coffee is not the heart of the matter. The heart of the matter is that people and leaders don't have a heart that resonates with what I mean by 'reverence and awe' and the holiness, the sacredness of that hour of congregational worship on Sunday morning (usually)," Piper stated back in January. "Those realities are not prominent in their mind and heart, those reverent realities. They know those words: reverence, awe. They know the words, but the words don't have compelling existential content, with the kind of serious joy that makes people eager for reverence and awe. They're just words." Home News FBI investigating attempted bombing at Satanic Temple headquarters in Salem The FBI is assisting local police in the investigation of an explosive device that was hurled on the front porch of the Satanic Temple's international headquarters in Salem, Massachusetts, on Monday. No one was inside the Victorian mansion and former funeral home on Bridge Street that serves as the Satanic Temple's command center when someone lobbed the explosive early Monday morning, according to a statement from the Salem Police Department. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is assisting in the investigation, Salem Police said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "While this is frightening for those of us who live and work in Salem, particularly so the workers and neighbors of the Satanic Temple, I take great comfort in the assistance of the FBI," Police Chief Lucas Miller said in the statement. "I am confident that between our federal partners and our own excellent SPD Detectives, we will find and arrest the perpetrator and hopefully, that will serve as a deterrent to anyone who sees the temple as a target." The incident drew sharp condemnation from Democratic Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo, who described it as a "terrorist attack." "While I am glad no one was injured in this attack, I nevertheless condemn this action in the strongest possible way," Pangallo said in a statement. "Salem is a welcoming place and violent attacks like this are utterly reprehensible," he continued. "On behalf of the city, I want to extend our support for the staff and members at the Temple and the residents of the neighborhood who have been impacted by this crime." The device failed to fully detonate, police say. But Santaic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves told The Boston Globe that the bomb "fizzled out, scorching some of the front of the house." Bomb technicians with state police "ensured that the device was no longer a danger and explosive ordinance detection K9s swept the location for secondary devices." Greaves, who had given a tour of the temple to several people shortly before they discovered the bomb, told The Globe that he also considers the act to be terrorism. "This is certainly a terroristic threat," he was quoted as saying. "People could have been hurt. ... People come and visit from all types of different places, [and] people come and bring their families. We have family friendly events. I don't know how anybody could feel that they are justified in doing anything like this." Greaves said that the Satanic Temple finds "a real power in the mythology of Satan, but from a Miltonian perspective in which Satan is the ultimate rebel against tyranny," referencing the epic poem Paradise Lost by John Milton. "So to that end, we're often fighting to preserve free speech liberties and equal access liberties, and true religious freedom, which means government neutrality insofar as religious perspective is concerned." The Satanic Temple has been targeted with violence before. Earlier this year, a Michigan man was arrested for allegedly planning to bomb the headquarters and charged with possession of bombs with unlawful intent, according to The Globe. In February 2023, law enforcement temporarily blocked off the area around the Satanic Temple for most of the day while it responded to a bomb threat later deemed to be a hoax. In 2022, Daniel Damien Lucey told police that he traveled to Salem from Chelsea to commit a "hate crime" by setting the temple's front porch on fire, according to a police statement at the time. Lucey was arrested at the scene and charged with arson, civil rights violations and destruction of a place of worship. U.S. Navy veteran and former Mississippi House of Representatives candidate Michael Cassidy is facing hate crime charges for toppling a statue of Baphomet that the Satanic Temple Iowa erected near a Nativity scene in the Iowa State Capitol last December. Home News Finding missing pastors wife, Jilian Kelley, Veronica Butler alive now more challenging': investigator The chances of finding Jilian Kelley, a 39-year-old pastor's wife, and Veronica Butler, 27, alive after they disappeared more than a week ago in Oklahoma with signs of foul play is growing more challenging as time wears on without a break in the case, investigators say. "Its been over a week," Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation's Public Information Manager Hunter McKee told Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "We are hopeful that we can find them alive, but obviously its becoming more and more challenging." Kelley is the wife of Pastor Heath Kelley who leads Hugoton First Christian Church in Kansas. Heath Kelley recently agreed to serve as the new pastor of Willow Christian Church in Nebraska starting in June. Both churches have been praying for the safe return of the pastor's wife and Butler. 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 A source close to Butler told ABC 7 that the missing mom was supposed to pick up her 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son in Eva, Oklahoma, to celebrate her daughter's birthday on March 30. Butler was involved in an ongoing custody battle with the family of her children's father, Wrangler Cole Rickman. Jilian Kelley had traveled with Butler from Elkhart on what was supposed to be a 16-mile trip, but the trip ended 3 miles short of their destination. In the deserted area where Butlers abandoned car was found with no sign of the women, the OSBI said in a statement on Facebook last week that there is evidence of foul play in the disappearance of the women. Based on the information obtained from the victims vehicle, our investigators believe there was evidence to indicate foul play, the statement said. We are still searching for these victims and there are no arrests at this time. We ask that anyone with additional information please contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. A News Nation report said the women were approaching an abandoned gas station called Four Corners, about five minutes from where Butlers car was found, near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. "We're calling this a suspicious disappearance because as soon as you find a vehicle really in the middle of nowhere you know was occupied by two women, and those two women have vanished; it's concerning for us as well, so we are really trying to figure out what may have happened and doing everything we can to find them," McKee said last week. A week ago, Heath Kelley reposted a desperate prayer on behalf of the missing women by McCook Christian Church: We come to you today in desperation, in weakness, knowing that you are almighty, all powerful and able to do what we are unable. We cry out to you Lord, for those that are broken and in pain. The unknown is a different kind of pain that many have not experienced, and we are unsure of how to even pray. When we do not know what to say, you intervene for us. We bring Jilian and Veronica to you today. We ask in the mighty name of Jesus, that you would allow them to be seen by someone and brought home to their families. We ask that you wrap them in your embrace of comfort and peace. May their families know that you are with them. Surround their families with your presence in such a way that they cannot deny your presence. Be palpable to them in an overwhelming and loving way. Replace their heartache with calmness. Breathe for them when they find it difficult to take the next breath. Wipe away their tears and take away their anxiety, replacing it with your peace that only you can provide. Give direction to those that are searching. Shine a light on the clues and move their feet swiftly towards these women with purpose and determination. Provide protection to all involved and bring them all home safely to their families. Home News Megachurch pastor apologizes for 'careless words' after backlash to wedding night joke A megachurch pastor apologized for what he characterized as "careless words" when he joked that women should do whatever their husbands want on their wedding night, even though he insisted that his remarks were taken out of context. During service on Sunday, Josh Howerton, pastor of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, Texas, addressed comments he made during a Feb. 26 sermon that generated backlash online. "A couple of weeks ago the week after Marriage Night, I tossed out a joke," he said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "I tossed out a joke at the beginning of a message about men and women planning their wedding days and wedding nights, and it became a thing." The remarks he made on Feb. 26 suggested that women have been planning their wedding days for their "entire life" and that by electing to "stand where she tells you to stand, wear what she tells you to wear and do what she tells you to do," the man marrying her has the opportunity to "make her the happiest woman in the world." At the same time, he told women in the audience that the man they will marry has been planning for the wedding night for his "whole life" and that if they "just stand where he tells you to stand, wear what he tells you to wear and do what he tells you to do," they will "make him the happiest man in the world." On Sunday, Howerton reiterated that "somebody grabbed that clip of that joke" and took it out of context. Sheila Gregoire, host of the "Bare Marriage" podcast with over 41,000 followers on X, shared a 22-second clip of what she characterized as his "advice to women" on the social media platform on March 28. The clip has received over 1.7 million views as of Wednesday. Gregoire also devoted an episode of her podcast to discussing the remarks. Howerton maintains, however, "they clipped off the part of the joke to men, kept the part of the joke to women and then clipped off the end of the joke before you could tell it was a joke." He also took issue with the fact that the clip was presented as his "advice to women," adding, "You can't trust the internet." After expressing gratitude to the "hundreds and hundreds of you that provided context for people who were posting that," Howerton acknowledged that some members of his congregation told him that the joke "may have just landed on you wrong." He summarized a passage from the Book of Proverbs stating, "careless words can stab like a sword but that wise words lead to healing." "What that means is that sometimes even jokes can be a careless word," he declared. "I like to have fun around here. I want this to be a place where you have a little fun. I like to do that. At the same time I never wanted to toss something out there that feels like a careless word." Howerton elaborated on the meaning of the Bible verse, comparing it to someone who "had a steak knife and they like had the intent to cut their steak and their hand slipped and accidentally stabbed you in the face." He contended that in such a scenario, "I still need to own that." Saying he has a "very sincere heart," Howerton delivered a message to his congregation: "I'm sorry for careless words. I'm sorry about that." He thanked the congregation for the "grace" they have shown him, assuring the audience that "I love you." Howerton's initial commentary about the importance of wedding nights to men first gained widespread attention after Gregoire's tweet and podcast. She discussed her concerns about Howerton's remark, which she interpreted as a signal to men that "at the wedding night, you get to act like a porn director and direct her every move so you get exactly what you want." She wrote, "the number of men commenting 'it was just a joke' is so telling." "Marital rape is not funny. Normalizing sexual coercion is not funny. Not caring at all about female pleasure is not funny. If you think this is funny, you might want to ask the women in your life if they find you safe and kind." Gregoire acknowledged in her X thread that Howerton also spoke about the significance of wedding days to women and remarked that "the broader context [of it being a joke] makes this worse than only looking at the advice to women." She criticized the implication that men "don't have to take on ANY of the mental load, emotional involvement, or work of the wedding" because "it's all on her." Gregoire reacted to Howerton's apology on X Monday. "I understand Josh Howerton apologized in the services yesterday to anyone who may have been hurt. That's great," she wrote. "But he still complained that his remarks were taken out of context, and it was just a joke. I didn't hear acknowledgment that his words were shameful and wrong." In a subsequent post on X Tuesday, Gregoire described Howerton's apology as "so bad I don't even know where to begin." Home News Robert Jeffress: Christians who fail to support Israel are on the 'wrong side of God' (part 3) NASHVILLE, Tenn. Robert Jeffress, senior pastor of First Baptist Dallas, believes Christians have a moral and spiritual obligation to support Israel and those who fail to do so are on the wrong side of God. We have a moral and spiritual responsibility to support Israel, the 68-year-old megachurch pastor told The Christian Post in a sit-down interview at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention last month (you can read parts 1 and 2 here and here). To be on the wrong side of Israel is not only to be on the wrong side of history, it's more importantly to be on the wrong side of God, he warned. 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 Jeffress recalled leading the opening prayer at the dedication of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, an event that was symbolic of the Trump administration's robust support for Israel. The ceremony was attended by Jewish leaders, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives from various Christian denominations, including Pastors John Hagee and Greg Laurie. At the time, Jeffress invoked the words God spoke to Abraham in Genesis 12: "I will bless those who bless you and your descendants, and I will curse those who curse you and your descendants." He called the event a momentous occasion in the life of your people and in the history of our world, adding: Four thousand years ago, you said to your servant Abraham that you would make him the father of a great nation, a nation through whom the whole world would be blessed. Most of all, Israel has blessed this world by pointing us to you, the one true God, through the message of her prophets, the scriptures and the Messiah. Jeffress comments on Israel come as the Israel-Hamas war continues after Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks in Israels history on Oct. 7, slaughtering at least 1,200 people, primarily civilians, including 31 Americans, and abducting around 240 others. In response, Israel declared itself in a state of war and launched an offensive in Gaza to eradicate Hamas, a terror group that has run Gaza since 2007, and secure the release of the hostages. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry has claimed that more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel embarked on retaliatory strikes. However, those numbers have been disputed because Hamas doesn't distinguish between civilians and terrorist fighters and has been accused of faking its casualty numbers. Lifeway Research, in collaboration with The Philos Project, recently found that 50% of U.S. Christians believe their government is adequately supporting Israel, while a quarter (26%) say the U.S. does too much to support Israel. Interestingly, when asked about what has "influenced" their views about Israel, only 27% of Christians selected the Bible, while 56% cited the news media as their primary influence. When asked what they believe to be the "optimal outcome to the war between Hamas and Israel," 29% responded, "Israel and Hamas negotiate an enduring cease fire that results in the release of hostages, while 12% said, "Israel subdues Hamas and consolidates civil and military control over both Gaza and the West Bank." "While a noticeable minority of American Christians are critical of some of Israel's policies prior to October 7, 2023, a majority have positive views of Israel and feel a strong response to the terrorist attack is warranted," Lifeway Research Executive Director Scott McConnell said. "Support for the defense of Israel does not supersede American Christians' desire for civilian lives to be preserved, for negotiations to take place and to continue praying for peace." U.S. Christians were also found to be divided on whether Israeli control of Gaza and the West Bank is an illegal occupation (36% agree, 40% disagree). Nearly half (45%) say Israeli settlements beyond the agreed-upon borders are illegal, but 24% disagree and 31% arent sure. David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel, previously told CP that while mainstream narratives often present the West Bank as an "illegally occupied territory," such labels ignore the region's historic and religious significance for the Jewish and Christian faiths, which both trace their origins back to these ancient lands. "It's antithetical to the Jewish faith, and it's antithetical to the Christian faith because at the very core of the Bible is the grant of this land to the Jewish people," he said. "It's also antithetical to the interest of making peace. I am convinced that the Palestinian people themselves would be ill-served if Israel were to walk away from this holy region. Israel is the only force within the region that presents an opportunity and a potential for Palestinian people to live with dignity and with prosperity." Home News Trump, Kari Lake oppose Arizona abortion ruling while pro-life leaders praise it Tuesday's decision from the Arizona Supreme Court allowing the state to outlaw elective abortions except in cases where the mother's life is in danger has prompted differing responses from pro-life leaders and former President Donald Trump. The Arizona high court reversed a lower court ruling in a Tuesday decision and upheld a state law established in 1864, later reenacted in 1977 and re-affirmed in 2022, according to a summary of the case posted by the conservative legal nonprofit Alliance Defending Freedom. While many leaders in the pro-life movement praised the decision, Republican leaders like Donald Trump and Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake criticized the law enacted before Arizona was a state. 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 following pages highlight eight reactions to the Arizona Supreme Court's abortion ruling. Home News Ukrainian priest could face 12 years in prison for espionage A Ukrainian priest abducted by Russian occupiers nearly a year ago could face 12 years in prison after a secret court trial for alleged espionage, contrary to international law, according to rights watchdog Forum 18. The Rev. Kostiantyn Maksimov, 40, from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was charged with espionage under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code. The Russian Prosecutors Office in occupied Zaporizhzhia announced the trial on its website on March 29. The prosecutors office alleges, without evidence, according to Forum 18, that Maksimov used an internet messenger transmitted to an employee of the Ukrainian security service information with the coordinates of the deployment of Russian air defense technical equipment located in the city and district between April 2022 and February 2023. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Before his arrest, Maksimov was a Ukrainian orthodox priest at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Tokmak city in Zaporizhzhia, now under Russian occupation. Russian forces stopped and detained the priest in Chongar town in May. At the time, he tried to cross the boundary line with occupied Crimea. No one had knowledge of the priests welfare since the initial arrest 10 months ago until the announcement of the trial. Pro-Russian politician Vladimir Rogov pronounced a guilty verdict regardless of the trials outcome on his Telegram channel on March 31. The accomplice of the Ukrainian special services was caught transferring confidential data to his overseers in Kyiv, Rogov wrote of Maksimov, according to Forum 18. The information leak threatened the security of Russia and all residents of the Zaporizhzhia Region. Forum 18 stated that the trial is illegal under international law because an occupying country is not allowed to enforce its own laws in occupied territory. The laws of occupation verified by several countries, including Russia, at The Hague on Oct. 18, 1907, appear to support this view. Article 43 states that when the authority of a legitimate power is passed to an occupier, it should be respecting, unless absolutely prevented, of the laws in force in the country. No further details are known about a trial date or lawyers involved with the priest, despite Forum 18s repeated approaches to Russian authorities. An unnamed official at the Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutors Office refused to give details to Forum 18 about the trial date, prosecutors name, name of the judge or Maksimovs location. The official said the office had many cases but of course the priest had a lawyer, though he had no further information about the attorney. We have no greater rights than the defense side, the official told Forum 18. Everything will be decided by the court. Russian occupiers disagree about the exact location of Maksimovs trial. The court hearing is at the Russian Zaporizhzhia Regional Court in Melitopol, according to Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutors Office. The Crimean Supreme Court in Simferopol, however, is the real location, according to Yelena Shapovalova, head of the Bar Association in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Region. No trial notification appeared on the Crimean Supreme Courts website as of this writing. Shapovalova declined to tell Forum 18 the name of Maksimovs appointed lawyer during the pre-trial investigation. That period has now ended, and the lawyers work thus came to an end, she reportedly said from her office in Melitopol on Monday. Shapovalova confirmed that none of the priests relatives signed an agreement with a lawyer. She also revealed that Maksimov had been at a temporary holding center in Melitopol during the pre-trial investigation. There was no indication of his present whereabouts. The Rev. Vladimir Saviisky, another priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, knew Maksimov personally and called news of the secret court trial terrible. This was to be expected, he told Forum 18. The Russians threatened me with this also. Had they not deported me, I would have been sitting next to him in a prison cell. Saviisky reportedly endured pressure from Russian occupiers to support the Russian Orthodox Churchs dominance of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churchs Berdyansk Diocese. He served as priest of St. Nicholas Church in Primorsk, an occupied town near the Azov Sea in Zaporizhzhya. Saviisky refused to sign his church over to the Russian Orthodox Church, despite several interrogations, and fled to Ukrainian-controlled territory in June. Artyom Sharlay, head of the Religious Organizations Department at Zaporizhzhia Regional Administrations Social and Political Communications and Information Policy Department, made unverified claims about Maksimov to Forum 18 in October 2023. He said the priest opposed the Berdyansk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church being linked to the Russian Orthodox Church, which has controlled the diocese since May 2023. Christian Daily International has previously reported on the plight of Ukranian Orthodox priests suffering in Russian occupied parts of Ukraine. This article was originally published by Christian Daily International. Home News Antifa supporter charged with attempted bombing of Alabama attorney general's office An Antifa activist has been indicted for his involvement in detonating an explosive device at the office of the Alabama attorney general, facing up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, a 26-year-old resident of Irondale, was arrested Wednesday and charged with malicious use of an explosive and possessing an unregistered destructive device. The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public, said U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement released Wednesday. 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 Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney Generals Office. Court documents show that on Feb. 24, around 3:40 a.m., an explosive device was detonated outside of the Alabama Attorney General's office in Montgomery. No injuries were reported. The government considers Calvert a risk to public safety and is moving to detain him throughout the litigation, according to the Birmingham-based WBRC Fox 6 News. Court records indicate that Calvert is affiliated with the far-left activist movement Antifa and has a history of mental health issues. A former employer labeled him borderline unstable, reported WBRC. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall released a statement saying that he and his staff are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets. Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence, Marshall added. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time. The attack came shortly after the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in the case of James LePage and Emily LePage et al. v. The Center for Reproductive Medicine that frozen embryos were legally protected by Alabama's Wrongful Death of a Minor Act. In response to the decision made the day before the attack, Marshall stated that he had no intentions of using the state high court decision to prosecute IVF providers or families. Regarding a possible link between the case and the explosive device, Marshall spokesperson Amanda Priest told media at the time not to jump to conclusions about a specific issue. Home News Catholic mom dies 3 years after being declared 'miraculously' cancer free A Catholic mother who declined to have an abortion after receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer while pregnant has died after her cancer returned following what was deemed a miraculous healing upon giving birth to her son. Jessica Hanna, a Catholic mother who operated the Instagram account "blessed_by_ cancer," died of cancer Saturday. In an Instagram post published over the weekend, Hanna's husband, Lamar, reported that his wife "peacefully went to her eternal reward" at around 8:02 a.m. Saturday. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "On Saturday she was very peaceful and surrounded by her loving family, she breathed her last," he added. "The cancer was just too aggressive. She suffered joyfully, and without fear in her last days. Please keep our family in your prayers." As the biography on Hanna's Instagram page explains, Hanna is a Catholic "wife & mama" who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 while 14 weeks pregnant. Her cancer returned in 2022. Hanna appeared on EWTN's "Pro-Life Weekly" in 2022. The segment began with host Catherine Hadro noting that "doctors suggested having an abortion but she declined." "She held onto her faith as doctors later in her pregnancy discovered her tumor to be terminal. Aggressive treatment was then prescribed," Hadro said. The EWTN host stated that after giving birth, Hanna "appeared to have been miraculously healed" as "her supposed terminal cancer was now curable." Hanna detailed how she had discovered a "dent" on her breast before getting pregnant, but doctors dismissed it as benign. Hanna called her son, Thomas Salanus, "the one who actually saved my life." "If it wasn't for me getting pregnant, I never would have double-checked it," Hanna said. When asked to provide advice for mothers facing challenging pregnancies and considering abortion, Hanna declared, "Never, ever go with one opinion." Hanna, a pharmacist, insisted that "I would not take one medical opinion for gold." Hanna recalled that after discovering she had cancer, she sought advice from between eight and 10 medical professionals. "I was told to terminate by a couple doctors and it actually was not necessary at all. My prognosis didn't change. My treatment plan did not change, pregnant or not pregnant," she said. In her appearance on EWTN, Hanna elaborated on how she used social media as a force for good during a period of immense difficulty in her life. "When I got diagnosed, I felt God calling me to something. I thought no suffering should ever go to waste. So instead of kind of just curling up in a ball and crying or waiting to see what would happen and then share with people, I thought I'm going to share immediately." "I literally made a social media two days after my diagnosis. I didn't know where God was taking me. I didn't know if I would live or die." She learned she had a "13-centimeter tumor" that was "likely terminal." It appeared that cancer had spread "everywhere," Hanna said, adding that she decided "to keep going with this." "I don't know where God's taking me," she said, pondering whether she was headed down "the path where I need to show people how to die gracefully with His grace and mercy" or if He was "going to show a miracle." "I didn't know what it was, but I decided to use social media to show people that no matter what you think is going to happen, it's trust in God that's the most important," she asserted. Hanna viewed her social media account as a source of encouragement for other people to "abandon your own desires and wants and ... leave it at the foot of the cross and let Him take care of it." Hanna used her social media platform to create a "prayer community" that would "pray together before every treatment" and would offer up other people's problems that they communicated to her via direct message as she underwent treatment. Her Instagram account has over 51,000 followers. As highlighted in a fundraiser set up on GoFundMe to "support the Hanna Family," Hanna's cancer returned in late 2022, "spreading to many more lymph nodes, bones, and lung." Her death came after "the aggressive cancer quickly spread to her brain." In addition to her husband and son Thomas, Hanna leaves behind three older children: Christopher, Mary and Joseph. As of Wednesday afternoon, Hanna's fundraiser has raised over $218,000 out of a $200,000 goal. Home News NYPD searching for suspect who shoved 68-year-old woman down church steps Thief stole purse and drove off in victim's car Police in New York City are searching for a suspect who was recorded on surveillance footage shoving a 68-year-old woman down the steps of her church before stealing her purse and making off in her car Sunday morning. At approximately 8:20 a.m., an unidentified man between 18 and 25 with a medium build stalked the victim outside Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Jamaica, Queens, before pushing her down the stairs, according to authorities and footage of the incident obtained by the New York Post. While the victim lies helplessly on the ground, footage shows the hooded suspect rummaging through her pockets and snatching her purse, which contained $300 in cash, credit cards, a cellphone, and car keys, according to police. He then drove off in the victim's 2006 Nissan Altima. 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 victim was subsequently hospitalized in critical condition, but her condition has since improved, according to Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, who visited her in the hospital. "Shes a parishioner of our church who was coming to church to attend the service in the morning," Kalogridis told the New York Post. "I was in the office during the service but when I saw the footage of what happened, it was horrible." "I gave her a blessing and gave her communion and I prayed for her, and were hoping shell come out strong and have a full recovery," he added. "And even [when] the nurses saw me visit her, they would say, 'Oh, shes so sweet! So nice!'" The pastor said parishioners were shocked by the criminal's brazen behavior against an elderly woman, especially since their part of the neighborhood doesn't typically see that kind of callous violence. "I cant believe right on the top of the steps of the church to do this to an elderly woman," Kalogridis said, adding that he hopes police apprehend and jail the suspect. In the wake of the attack, NYPD has reportedly bolstered its presence around the Greek Orthodox church, which is observing the Lenten season until May 4. "Theyre going to be sending patrols here just to keep an eye on the area, so we have the support of the police 100 percent on this," Kalogridis said. Police said the suspect had a "dark complexion," and was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt underneath a black jacket, black pants, black face mask and black Jordans with red trim. Violent crime in New York City has been making headlines in recent years, though crime overall fell in the city last year, according to The New York Times. Last month, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she was sending 750 members of the National Guard and hundreds of state troopers into the citys subway system in response to multiple violent crimes that received national attention, according to The Washington Post. Home News Over 400 people baptized in one weekend at Colorado megachurch: The harvest is plentiful A multisite Evangelical non-denominational megachurch in Colorado baptized more than 400 people over the course of one weekend, a new church record. New Life Church of Colorado Springs, which averages approximately 9,000 worship attendees every weekend, baptized 419 people last weekend across multiple services. New Life Pastor Brady Boyd told The Christian Post that the 419 professions of faith represent the most baptisms his church has had in its nearly 40-year history. 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 There is an unprecedented spiritual hunger we are seeing in people, Boyd said. The world is a mess and people are seeking and searching for truth and meaning. We believe the harvest is plentiful and people are responding to the message of Jesus. Boyd told CP that each baptized individual attended a baptism class prior to being baptized and that there was going to be follow-up for those who came forward. Everyone will be contacted and encouraged to attend small groups and discipleship classes to grow in their faith, he continued. New Life has eight congregations meeting at six locations in the Colorado Springs area, including the Iglesia Nueva Vida congregation and a Chinese Church congregation. New Life Church proclaims the Nicene Creed as our statement of faith, the church explains online. This creed dates back to the fourth century, when Christians came together and composed this formative and definitive statement. It is more than an intellectual checklist of doctrine; it is a confession of worship that forms us as the people of God and draws us together into the life of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In recent months, multiple churches have reported large numbers of baptisms over the course of a single day or weekend. For example, Last December, Upstate Church in South Carolina (also known as First Baptist Simpsonville), which has six campuses and around 7,000 members, baptized 141 people on one Sunday. Of the 141 individuals, 86 had confirmed in advance that they wanted to be baptized, while 55 more had made the decision during the service when the church offered up an invitation. Upstate Church Pastor Wayne Bray told CP that we have never had spontaneous or mass baptisms before, as the most baptisms his church had seen in a single day before was 35. I cant adequately express how amazing it was to be a part of the day, Bray said. More than any other moment in my ministry, I felt like we were living the book of Acts. We had preached from Acts 2, and it seemed as if we were in the pages ourselves. In March, First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, Tennessee, baptized 93 people across four worship services in a single day. The people who were baptized reportedly had not planned to do so in advance. The 93 baptisms were spontaneous, FBC Hendersonville Senior Associate Pastor Bruce Raley told CP. Those people did not come prepared to be baptized that day, but we were prepared for them to be baptized that day and God just spoke and they were obedient. Home News Pastors missing 13-year-old son, Gunner Blair, found safe after frantic search The Conway Police Department in South Carolina confirmed Thursday that Gunner Blair, the 13-year-old son of Langston Baptist Church Pastor Brandon Blair, who disappeared for hours in the woods behind the church on Wednesday, has been found after a desperate search and is safe. Gunner Lee Blair has been located and is safe, the Conway Police Department noted in an update on its Facebook page Thursday morning. Pastor Blair also confirmed in a separate statement Thursday morning that his son is now safe, declaring, God is faithful while thanking everyone who prayed and helped search for Gunner when he could not find him. 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 Gunner is home safe! I want to thank everyone who prayed, searched, and helped spread the word. God is faithful! he noted on Facebook. Pastor Blair, a married father of three and a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in the infantry as a machine gunner, revealed at 11:54 p.m. on Wednesday night that Gunner went missing in the woods behind his church. Our son Gunner is missing. He went into the woods behind our church at Langston Church and everyone has been looking including Horry County police. If anyone sees him, please call me or the police. He is wearing khaki shorts, brown t shirt and blue jacket. Prayers are appreciated, he shared on Facebook along with a photo of Gunner. The Conway Police Department also alerted the public that the teenager was missing shortly after 6 a.m. Thursday. Shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday on location at the church in Conway, community members and the police who had been searching for Gunner all night with the help of police dogs and drones were still searching for him in pouring rain, ABC affiliate WPDE reported. It was still unclear Thursday why Gunner went missing. A representative of the church also confirmed with The Christian Post that the teenager is now safe at home with his parents but declined to talk about the search for Gunner that reportedly involved nearly 100 members of the community. The representative also noted that Pastor Blair was not immediately available for comment. Langston Baptist Church is a member of the Southern Baptist Convention. We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of God and is the basis for our statement of faith. The Church subscribes to the doctrinal statement of The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 as adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention, the church notes on their website. Let me be clear Just because a Christian will not support something, doesn't mean that they hate the person involved in it. Love sounds like hate to those who hate the truth. Jesus preached truth and loved all, yet they hated Him enough to kill Him, Pastor Blair notes in a pinned post on his Facebook page. Those who tell you the truth, love you. Those who tell you what you want to hear, love themselves. Remember that. Home News Planet Fitness founder slams trans locker room policies: 'No common sense' Planet Fitness co-founder Michael Grondahl has decried the gym franchise's policy of allowing men into women's locker rooms and alleged history of sexual abuse, saying in a recent interview that it's "devastating" what the company has become. In the interview late last month with Libs of TikTok founder Chaya Raichik, Grondahl stated that the company he founded is "pretty much destroyed" in response to Planet Fitness banning a member who complained about a trans-identified biological male in the women's locker room. The member, Patricia Silva, went viral in March after she shared her story online about Alaska Planet Fitness revoking her membership. 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 "Planet Fitness was like another child for me. And I put my heart and soul into building that company, and it's been pretty much destroyed in, you know, it's lost all respect within the country within the last couple of weeks," Grondahl said. "There's no common sense standing behind this." According to Planet Fitness' webpage, company founders Michael and Mark Grondahl started the company in 1992 after they purchased a gym in Dover, New Hampshire. During the interview, Grondahl said that he started Planet Fitness for people who were "intimidated" by fitness centers or couldn't afford the cost of one. "Back in '97, we came up with Planet Fitness as a 'judgment-free zone,'" the co-founder said. "We really made an extreme effort into making it a comfortable place to come to." "And now, you fast forward to what's happening today, and 'judgement-free zone' means that, if you're a man, you can use the women's locker room," Grondahl continued. "Just insane." After revoking Silva's membership, reports surfaced last month that a staffer has since accompanied the man while he used the women's facilities. An unnamed friend of Silva's alleged that she saw the same man Silva encountered in the women's locker room. The friend claimed that the Planet Fitness staffer accompanying the man told her that she could go into the stall if she was uncomfortable having a male in there. The Planet Fitness co-founder questioned the gym's decision to make the man more comfortable, stating that it's an "extremely dangerous situation." In the video Silva posted online after Planet Fitness revoked her membership, she said a 12-year-old in a towel was inside the locker room while the man was inside. According to Silva, the girl seemed "freaked out" over the man's presence. "To be honest, I have a daughter, and had I been in the facility and heard what was going on, I'd want to go in there and freaking take the guy by the neck and throw him out on the parking lot," Grondahl said. Grondahl sold Planet Fitness to a private equity company in 2012 and remained CEO until he claims to have been ousted after he reported that an attorney working with the firm had been charged with abusing children. "He pleaded guilty to sexual crimes, and we found more people when I sent investigators to [North Carolina]. ... They found more people that he had abused," Grondahl said. "I bring it to the private equity company that just bought us, and they basically showed me the door," Grondahl said. According to the co-founder, a majority of the Planet Fitness board knew the man was a pedophile, stating, "It's in the culture." "It started at the corporate office. This attorney started abusing employees, then he's abusing them sexually, now the culture leads into the people doing the right thing are being thrown out of Planet Fitness," he said. Planet Fitness did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment about the allegations. The attorney left Planet Fitness in 2017, Bezinga reports. In the aftermath of all the media attention Planet Fitness received last month, the companys stock dropped almost 8%. The companys stock had been in a freefall since January. But the company's stock price has rallied to over $63 per share as of Wednesday after falling to as low as $54 per share in March. Home Opinion Does Donald Trump want to make abortion gettable again? In a contradictory and capitulating speech on abortion, presidential candidate Donald Trump retreated from his pro-life position and policies during his time as president. While he highlights how President Joe Biden, and the Democratic Party, are absolutely extreme on abortion pushing for unsafe, unregulated, and unrestricted abortions throughout the entire pregnancy it seems that he has been fearing what the Left is cheering. Women and children deserve so much better. Trumps poll-driven approach only diminishes his former resolve and successes, namely overturning Roe v. Wade, in protecting the most vulnerable human lives. This comes on the heels of Trump suggesting last month in a WABC radio show, that he may push a federal ban after 15 weeks gestation. Its easy to push policy without clarity. What if Trump explained that 96% of abortions are carried out by 15 weeks, according to the CDC. So, in essence, it wouldnt save the vast majority of the million lives killed via abortion each year in America. Thats not a conviction. Thats capitulation. What makes an elective abortion morally wrong is that it kills an unborn innocent human life. Adding a timeframe onto that doesnt ameliorate the wrongness of it. Imagine if slavery were allowed up to 15 weeks. Or maybe we allow hard-core drug usage (you know, my body my choice), but just up to 15 weeks. Then, put that magical ban into place that pretends to protect life. Funny how those, like Trump, who once stood on high moral ground regarding abortion, choose instead to position themselves in the sinking sand of politics. Chattel slavery was once popular. Jim Crow was once popular. Anti-miscegenation laws were once popular (crazy to think my marriage was illegal here in Virginia not so long ago). Voter disenfranchisement, based on gender or color, was once popular. Thankfully, all of those injustices sank into oblivion. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe In his Truth Social speech, Trump calls for IVF access in all 50 states. His full support of IVF either shows he doesnt understand the process, which requires the deliberate destruction of many human embryos, or seems to think killing multiple human beings to create a successful pregnancy is morally acceptable. He proclaims: The Republican Party should always be on the side of the miracle of life IVF is an important part of that. Whats the ethical difference between deliberately killing human life at an IVF clinic versus at an abortion mill? Being on the side of the miracle of life should mean never deliberately allowing that miracle to be destroyed whether through IVF or abortion. Trump falsely claimed that the vast majority of Republicans, Conservative, Christians, Pro-life Americans strongly support the availability of IVF. A recent CBS/YouGov Poll, did find, without offering any clarifying information about IVF, that 86% of Americans support IVF. (I would suggest that a vast majority of people dont even know what actually happens during IVF.) An Axios/Ipsos poll, though, found that 49% of Republicans supported considering frozen embryos as people and holding those who destroy them legally responsible. Most of the Pro-Life movement does not support IVF. Polls are a terrible way to decide morality. Politicians may depend on them, but principled people shouldnt. The right to life should no more be a poll-driven issue than slavery, domestic violence, racism, or the right to vote. Slavery was left to individual states. That didnt go well. Racism was left to states. That didnt go well. Womens right to vote was left to states. That didnt go well. And with the massive amount pro-abortion funded ballot initiatives, aided by equally massive mainstream media misinformation, the most fundamental right life is not going well in too many state battles. (See this current example of monstrously disproportionate funding in Floridas upcoming abortion ballot initiative.) Many people have asked me what my position is on abortion and abortion rights, Trump explained in the video. The fact that he is embracing the false label of abortion rights speaks volumes. Should we talk about domestic abuse rights? Or theft rights? Or pronoun rights? This 50-year battle over Roe v Wade took it out of the federal hands and put it into the hearts, minds, and votes of the people in each state. It was really something. Now its up to the states to do the right thing. Like Ronald Reagan, Im strongly in favor of exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother. You must follow your heart on this issue, but remember, you must also win elections to restore our culture and, in fact, save our country which is currently and very sadly a nation in decline, Trump continued. In an earlier post over the weekend, Trump posted his support of exceptions, strangely stating: Great love and compassion must be shown when even thinking about the subject of LIFE, but at the same time we must use common sense in realizing that we have an obligation to the salvation of our Nation, which is currently in serious DECLINE, TO WIN ELECTIONS, without which we will have nothing other than failure, death, and destruction. We will not let that happen. We will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. The "salvation of our Nation" depends on exploiting the one percent of abortions? (States that ban the violence of abortion which is death and destruction already have exceptions to save the physical life of the mother.) I was conceived in rape. The great love and compassion that I was shown by my birthmother and parents came in the form of adoption. So, Donald Trump, lives with origin stories like mine should die to #MakeAmericaGreatAgain? No thanks. The failure here is to fall into the Democratic Partys predictable snares of fear. Pro-life Americans must strive to boldly educate, influence, and draw our political allies and the public away from the political quicksand. The strength of our nation is not in how we avoid difficult circumstances by destroying the weak and vulnerable. The strength of our nation is in how we overcome difficult circumstances by defending the weak and vulnerable. Home Opinion Trump-ite evangelicalism or Biden-ist Catholicism? Cultural times are hard for traditional Christians. American evangelicalism has proved a fruitful target for those both outside and inside the Church who want to stir up popular panic about Christian Nationalism, racism, homophobia, and all the other ill-defined but nonetheless mortal sins of our day. Evangelicalism is presented as the root of all contemporary evils. Donald Trumps recent hawking of a Bible bound together with Americas founding documents simply adds fuel to this fire. But in a week where it seemed that Trumps would be the most blasphemous action of a leading politician, President Biden outdid him at the last minute, declaring that this year Easter Sunday would be an official day of trans visibility, and predictably characterizing any who disagreed with him as motivated by hate. As conservatives decried the declaration, the presidents supporters pointed out that the trans day of visibility has been held on March 31 since 2009. Its coincidence with Easter this year is just that: a coincidence. But this scarcely exculpates the president. There was no need for a formal White House statement on the day. More importantly, the underlying theology of trans ideology that problematizes the human body and legitimates hormonal and genital mutilation assumes an anthropology at odds with Christian teaching, which requires respect for the human body and the distinction between male and female. So the president was still celebrating the desecration of the image of God, even as his opponent desecrated the Word of God. The White House statement was very disturbing yet revealing in its rhetoric. Here is a representative passage: 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 But extremists are proposing hundreds of hateful laws that target and terrify transgender kids and their families silencing teachers; banning books; and even threatening parents, doctors, and nurses with prison for helping parents get care for their children. These bills attack our most basic American values: the freedom to be yourself, the freedom to make your own health care decisions, and even the right to raise your own child. It is no surprise that the bullying and discrimination that transgender Americans face is worsening our Nations mental health crisis, leading half of transgender youth to consider suicide in the past year. At the same time, an epidemic of violence against transgender women and girls, especially women and girls of color, continues to take too many lives. It is hard to know where to begin in addressing such a bombastic paragraph. Book bans? It is unlikely that the reference is to Ryan Andersons book When Harry Became Sally, being (quite literally) banned by Amazon. More likely it is a reference to parents concerned about what qualifies as age-appropriate literature for childrens sex education in schools. Care for their children? This is presumably a reference to the kind of transgender treatments for kids that many European countries now consider to be based on ideologies and supported by nothing more than cod science. The right to raise your own child? Again, this is probably not a criticism of the proposed (but thankfully failed) California law that radicals in the presidents own party wanted to implement that would have allowed for the removal of confused children from parental care. And he oddly forgot to mention the fear of women whose private spaces have been annihilated, of female prisoners who risk being housed with male rapists, and athletes whose opportunities have been stolen by men. I assume it would be deemed hateful to mention such minor matters. Given the extremity of the presidents rhetoric and the confident damning of any who might demur, it seems legitimate to ask (yet again) how much gender theory and gender science Joe Biden has read. One has to assume he is an expert, given that he feels comfortable dismissing anyone who dissents as motivated by hate and bigotry. If that is not the case, then it is worth noting here that it is not just Trumps boorishness that damages democracy. It is the practice of dismissing anyone who disagrees with you as evil and hateful. That destroys the kind of forbearance and respectful discourse needed for democracy to function properly. On that score, there seems little difference between Biden and his opponent. In fact, the only difference is that Biden has the presidential seal by which he can add an official flourish to his moral disenfranchisement of great swathes of the American people as bigots and haters. The contempt for the electorate is breathtaking. Given all this, it is surely a time for Christians to remember St. Pauls call to focus on heavenly things, for to put trust in either of these nihilistic princes will surely lead to nothing but bitterness and inevitable disappointment. For what do we have? A candidate for the presidency who treats Christians as nothing more than promising marks for his hucksterism and an incumbent who spits on all they hold sacred. Which is more threatening? Trumpite evangelicalism or Bidens brand of devout Catholicism? A party whose leader confuses the biblical canon with the writings of Jefferson or a party that is legislating the very abolition of man and gloats about that in its election campaign? Whether anyone at the New York Times or The Atlantic will put the question that way remains to be seen; but it is nonetheless an accurate statement of where we are as a nation and a republic. And it will be a truly difficult one to answer with any great conviction when entering the voting booth. Originally published at First Things. 10 Christians killed in Easter massacre in Nigeria [WARNING: Contains graphic details of violence] Reports have emerged of a massacre over the Easter weekend in which 10 Christians were killed in Nigeria. The attack occurred on Easter Monday across three communities in the parish of St Thomas the Apostle in Bokkos, Plateau State. It has been attributed to Fulani militants. The victims included a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) reports. Fr Andrew Dewan, director of communications in Pankshin Diocese, where the attack took place, shared horrific details of how the pregnant woman's stomach was "slit open". "The baby was not spared," he said. "There is a pattern to these attacks, and they're an ongoing feature of living in the region. They might be linked to the attacks over Christmas." In those attacks, spread over four days at Christmas, Fulani militants killed at least 300 Christians in a rampage across 26 villages in Bokkos. Sixteen camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) were set up in Bokkos after the tragedy to shelter those displaced from their homes. Fr Dewan fears that the Easter Monday attack may have been carried out in revenge for the killing of two Fulani youths, one of whom was beheaded. "It's a cycle of violence. Locals are looking for ways to defend themselves against the barrage of violence," he said. "The security response of the government is inadequate. In times of crisis, communities don't have confidence in governments to protect them. They take shelter in churches, which aren't used to dealing with such a deluge of IDPs," he said. Despite the challenges, he said that faith was sustaining the Church and IDPs but he also said that the government "needs to play their part" in protecting the life of all citizens. "It's for us to sustain our preaching on the Gospel values, and exhort the government to safeguard the lives of the people," he said. "Faith plays an important part, if not for the faith that has sustained the IDPs so far we would witness large scale conversion to other religions. In the face of these challenges, the IDPs have remained strong." He admitted that it has been challenging for the churches to support so many displaced people but said they were ready to stand by them "through thick and thin". "Imagine cooking for thousands of people per month. We haven't planned or stocked up for these emergencies, so we're often caught unprepared," he said. "We often need to make appeals to organisations to help the diocese at the receiving end of these brutal attacks. "It's tough and challenging, so our response to these humanitarian emergencies has reinforced our faith in the Gospel. We see a church which is responsive, and which doesn't forget their people or people of other faiths." After JK Rowling's bold stand against Scotland's new hate crime laws, Christians hope for the best The Christian Institute has said that for now, "the law is still on the side of free speech" after worrying new hate crime laws came into force in Scotland earlier this month. There have been fears that the laws would clamp down on civil and religious liberties, affecting especially Christians and critics of gender ideology. After Police Scotland said that JK Rowling's tweets calling transgender women men were not a crime, The Christian Institute said that "we can be confident Christian views aren't either". The final wording of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act includes protections for speech that may offend, shock or disturb others, and religious protections that include proclaiming Christ as the only Saviour. A free speech clause protects discussions around sexual orientation and transgenderism. "Taken together, this package of measures means the Act, properly applied, should not affect the freedom of Christians to wisely and faithfully declare biblical truth," Simon Calvert, Deputy Director (Public Affairs) at The Christian Institute. However, the organisation said that "confusing messaging" from Police Scotland and the Scottish government had "seriously exacerbated the chilling effect" on debate. It said it will continue to campaign for the 'stirring up hatred' offence to be repealed. "It would be better if the 'stirring up hatred' offence had not been introduced. It should be repealed. Vexatious complaints and a chilling effect on debate were inevitable," said Mr Calvert. "The Scottish Government was reckless to introduce such a law in our censorious culture, where disagreement is often portrayed as hatred." The Christian Institute said it remained to be seen whether police officers would properly apply the law, pointing the case of street preacher Angus Cameron who was arrested in Glasgow city centre for a supposed 'hate crime' after a complaint from a member of the public about using "homophobic language", which he denied. He was supported by The Christian Institute in taking legal action against Police Scotland and in January won 5,500 for unlawful detention and 9,400 in legal costs. Mr Calvert asked Christians to pray for religious freedom in Scotland. "Under intense pressure, Police Scotland has been quick to say, rightly, that JK Rowling's tweets weren't a crime. We can be confident Christian views aren't either," he continued. "Yet we saw with Angus Cameron's case that police officers don't always understand the law. Given that, at best, they've only had two hours of online training on the new Act, there's a real danger of similar mistakes. "Better public messaging and better police training is essential to make sure this doesn't happen. And we are continuing to call for the ludicrous policy of recording 'non-crime hate incidents' (like the one involving Angus Cameron) to be abandoned. "Please give thanks for the gospel freedom we enjoy, and pray it will continue to be upheld." Cass Review shows children have been failed by medical and social 'transition' Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern, responds to the long-awaited Cass Review into NHS treatment for children and young people with gender dysphoria. The Cass Review makes clear that children have not been told the truth by clinicians and other adults. It is not true that you may be born in the wrong body. It is not true that you can change gender. It is not true that puberty-blockers will help children. It is high time we stopped telling children these things. The pressure of an academic culture captivated by transgender ideology has prevented honest, independent, scientific research. Fundamental to science is the need to be driven by evidence-based scientific research. The NHS and other clinicians must return to evidence-based medicine, not ideological treatment of vulnerable children. It is now clear that the professional ban on conversion therapy is harming children. This ban needs to end. We welcome the UKCP (The UK Council for Psychotherapy) withdrawing its signature from the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Conversion Therapy. Other organisations need to follow. Clinicians cannot be pressured into adopting an affirmative approach through the threat of accusations of 'conversion practices'. It is time for the government to drop entirely all plans to introduce new legislation to outlaw so-called 'conversion practices'. The government needs to act to block all loopholes to accessing puberty blockers and introduce a complete ban on their use in this country. Once again, the damaging effects of online pornography are laid bare. More needs to be done to restrict access to such material to children in particular. I am pleased to see that the NHS will review all trans treatment following this review. Children have been badly served by an ideological system which believed that affirming children in a false gender identity and prescribing harmful drugs was helpful. This needs to stop. Children need to be told the truth. We are created male and female and we cannot change this. Most children will grow out of gender confusion as they go through puberty. Gender confused children need care and support and to be told the truth which will set them free. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Aboneaza-te la rubricile dorite si primeste zilnic notificari pe email cu link-uri la articolele care au fost adaugate in ultimele 24 de ore. Notificarile vor fi expediate la adresa indicata mai jos. Daca doresti sa schimbi adresa - o poti modifica editand informatia de profil aici. Joseph Rowntree Foundation logo Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has been rated as having the most accessible charity website in the UK. JRF has taken first place out of all UK charities this month in the Silktide Index , which is a league table that scores organisations against globally recognised standards for web accessibility. The poverty research charitys website scored 98 out of 100 for accessibility, replacing the Wellcome Trust, which came first last month with a score of 93, and ahead of third-placed RNIB. Helping to achieve the charitys mission Daniel Wigglesworth, head of digital products at JRF, told Civil Society that the work on the charitys website began during its 50,000 rebrand last December . For quite a while weve realised that in order to make progress towards our mission, we needed to embrace accessibility as a core principle, he said. And that that was required to create the best user experience for everybody. JRF opened a tender process and selected Numiko as its agency partner, which used its technical capabilities to help the charity to reach accessibility standards. The charitys in-house design team also contributed to the achievement, by creating a more accessible colour palette for the website. This involved having a high contrast when the various different combinations of those colours are put together, Wigglesworth said. Improving accessibility is important because it removes barriers from people engaging with the charitys work, he added. We think accessibility is important because we make our work our research available to all people and things in an accessible format are quick and clear to comprehend, he said. Moving away from PDFs Wigglesworth said there are simple changes that charities can make to make their websites more accessible. One of the things that we've been doing is moving away from publishing most of our material inside a PDF, which has known accessibility issues, he said. He said that there are a lot of criteria in the web content accessibility guidelines to meet, and advised smaller charities with less resources in this area to focus on clear presentation. I would focus on clear formatting, clear structure, and presenting web content in a web-native format that's both clear and easy to comprehend, he said. And if anyone can do that, theyll be making big strides towards a more accessible website. Despite its top ranking, Wigglesworth said that the charitys work on accessibility is never finished and that a website requires a consistent amount of effort put into it. It's important for all the charities to recognise that and attribute resource to it. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. Jessica Kutz spends a lot of time explaining her beat to others. Kutz is the gender, climate, and sustainability reporter at The 19th, a nonprofit publication focused on gender. And to many people, shes found, the link between gender and climate isnt quickly apparent. Kutz has taken a wide-ranging approach to the beat, reporting on everything from gender-based healthcare amid climate disasters to the role women and LGBTQ+ people might play in the energy transition. Covering Climate Now spoke recently with Kutz about stories that have exemplified her beat, the egregious gender-based oversights that permeate disaster planning and responses, and the opportunity for climate action to help rectify historical inequities. The conversation, with CCNow deputy director Andrew McCormick, has been edited for length and clarity. Check out all of Kutzs coverage at The 19th here. How do you explain your beat to people who arent journalists or dont work in climate? [Laughs] That is the question I dread. Ive been on the beat for two years, and Ive learned that a lot of people, certainly in the US, really dont think about the intersection of gender and climate. People tend to think Im reporting internationally. When they think of climate change impacting women, they think of women in other countries. Sign up for CJRs daily email Thats an interesting bias. This is starting to shift, but I think many Americans still see climate change as something elsewhere. So a lot of my beat is explaining this basic idea that people who are socioeconomically vulnerable, or who have a vulnerable place in society, are typically impacted most by climate change, and genderthis goes for women and LGBTQ+ peopleis a huge part of that. Women are disproportionately low-income, disproportionately single parents, and disproportionately they live in public housing. These three factors alone mean that when a natural disaster hits, for example, theyre among the populations that feel it most. Women are also more likely to be caring for others in these situations, whether theyre pregnant or caretaking for the elderly or children. And of course, thats not just true elsewhere globally but also here in the US. Meanwhile, women dont have equal representation in government, or in emergency planning. If the majority of people making decisions about evacuation shelters are men, for example, theyre unlikely to think about the needs of someone whos breastfeeding. So, often, emergency shelters lack privacy or proper supplies to sterilize baby bottles. A shelter might have powdered formula, but then theres no clean water to mix it with. I spoke with a researcher once whod studied government disaster plans, and she found there was more guidance around what to do with pets than with infants. Were talking at a time when womens rights and freedoms in the US are under attack. Has this reshaped how you formulate your beat? It depends which women were talking about. For many women, especially women of color, injustices in terms of maternal health and reproductive rights were major concerns well before the repeal of Roe v. Wade. We hear a lot about how climate change is affecting peoples decision to have childrenwhether people want to bring a child into the world, knowing about the climate crisis and worrying what could happen to them. But women of color and other marginalized groups have worried about whether they can raise their children in safe environments for a long time, given their communities disproportionate exposure to toxic pollution and various other forms of oppression. For these women, this new wave of attacks on their rights is new in a way, but its also not new, which is a nuance Ive tried to point out in my reporting. Many women in our country havent had the same rights as other women. Speaking more broadly, though, Ive been thinking about situations that would lead someone to need an abortion. In the aftermath of storms, or any time theres significant displacement, it becomes harder to stay on whatever method of birth control a woman uses. We know there are typically rises in sexual assault and domestic violence incidents at these times, too, which can lead to a rise in unplanned pregnancies. I havent reported this out, but I can just imagine, as more states enact bans, scenarios in which theres a disaster, a woman needs to evacuate her home, and then everywhere she has to go theres no access to this kind of healthcare. This would add to the already very difficult calculus people have to manage in these situations. Were you reporting on this intersection of climate and gender before joining The 19th? Prior to The 19th, I was at High Country News for four years. There, I was doing environmental reporting, including a lot of environmental justice reporting, and I do remember noticing a pattern of women tending to be more involved in grassroots environmental justice organizing. I dont think I ever called that out in a story, or paid special attention to it, but its something I did repeatedly notice. Still, when I started at The 19th, I was definitely entering new territory. So how did you go about building your beat? It took some time. I looked at my colleagues coverage of the economy and politics and health, and how they were looking at all those subjects through a gender lens. Then I tried to think through the next step: Was there a climate angle to those stories? In many ways, thats what I continue to do today. When there are gender-related stories in the news, I ask if there could be a climate aspect to the stories. And when there are climate-related stories in the news, I ask if there could be a gender aspect. Over time, three key narratives emerged. Reproductive and maternal health is one. Another is politics and political identityhow gender, but especially motherhood, becomes an organizing force in environmental and climate politics. And the third, economics, both the socioeconomic vulnerability of women and LGBTQ+ people amid disasters and post-disaster recovery and the way in which the clean energy transition is coming to fruition, without funding for care work and with much of the job creation happening in male-dominated industries. Is there a quintessential story youve done that revealed to you what this beat can look like? I alluded to this story earlier, but in my first year at The 19th, I did a story about a doula collective in Louisiana called Birthmark. After Hurricane Laura, in 2020, and then Hurricane Ida, in 2021, they were traveling to evacuation centers and filling a role that emergency responders were not. They were doing intake for people with infants or who were breastfeeding, to ensure they had support and supplieswhich is critical, because in stressful situations like a disaster, many women stop lactating. So Birthmark created and distributed these emergency feeding kitswhich, in the time since then, theyve also distributed in other states. The group has also trained hundreds of emergency first responders in safe infant feeding practices. That story opened my eyes to the intersection of climate change and reproductive health, to this huge blind spot we have in society toward women as a group of people with specific needs. Its an egregious oversight. Ill add that, because there arent many journalists working at this intersection, its sometimes easy to find that story no one else is reporting. I did a follow-up to that Louisiana doulas story, about midwives and the role theyve played amid emergencies, because theyre capable of delivering babies without high-tech tools or electricity. Then, when the Maui wildfires hit last summer, I knew based on my previous reporting that reproductive [health] was likely being overlooked. I pulled that string, and sure enough there was a severe lack of maternity care for people displaced by the destruction. That became a solutions story, though, because I found a nonprofit, called Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, which had deployed a mobile unit from Oahu that was delivering prenatal and postpartum care. Looking forward, as more of the climate conversation shifts to solutionsand the need for justice and equity in those solutionswhat gender stories are you following? In many lower-income industries in the US, women form a significant percentage of the workforce. I did a story about ways in which the Inflation Reduction Act failed to account for the unique needs of women who would be involved in climate-related infrastructure construction. For example, there often isnt childcare available in the very early and late hours during which a lot of construction work gets done. Even the workwear is predominantly designed for men, and women face a lot of safety issues when it comes to dressing properly on construction sites. Now, Im thinking about the American Climate Corps, a sweeping jobs-creation initiative announced last year by the Biden administration. Its based on the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s and 40s, and that was all men. Im wondering how this new initiative will recruit people and whether it will make an adequate effort to bring in women and LGBTQ+ people. Because what Ive found in my reporting so far, and what Ive seen in other reporting, is that a majority of the job creation related to efforts to reduce fossil fuel use and bolster clean energy is for positions held by men. Electricians are something like 98 percent men, for example, and we have a nationwide shortage of electriciansso theres an opportunity right there to include others in the solution. But if were not looking at climate solutions through a gendered lens, if we dont factor gender into this new world were creating, then well just perpetuate inequalities in our society today. Sign up for The Media Today, CJRs daily newsletter. You see a news story talking about the need for a national privacy law and how Congress is working on oneor, at least, should be. What year is it? Trick question: it could be almost any year in the past two decades. Including, now, 2024. Last week, the Washington Post reported that the leaders of two key congressional committees were nearing an agreement on a national framework aimed at protecting Americans personal data online. (The news was first reported by Punchbowl News, a political newsletter.) As the Post noted, this would mean that Congress is close to passing legislation that has eluded them for decades. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican representative from Washington State who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Maria Cantwell, a Democratic senator from the same state and chairperson of the Senate Commerce Committee, are expected to announce the deal next week. According to The Hill, the two members of Congress decided that the time was right to push for a national privacy law in part because of recent fears that social platforms are harming children (a debate that I wrote about last week in this newsletter), but also due to concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence. In a statement, Cantwell said that a federal data privacy law must make privacy a consumer right, and it must give consumers the ability to enforce that right, adding that the bill is the protection Americans deserve in the Information Age. Under the draft law, companies would face limits as to what data they can collect and use, and individuals would be allowed to sue bad actors for violating their privacy. New data security standards would also hold companies accountable if data is hacked or stolen. And the Federal Trade Commission would form a new bureau in order to enforce the law. To say that such a law has been a long time in the making would be an epic understatement. Writing for the Brookings Institution in 2021, Jessica Rich, a former attorney with the FTC who at one point was in charge of its privacy arm, noted that the idea of a federal privacy law goes back to at least 2000, when the FTC called on Congress to pass one, echoing similar appeals from leading privacy groups. Congress failed to act for a variety of political reasons, however, and nothing was passed for the next two decades, despite exhaustive debate and dozens of bills and hearings. When the FTC made its request in 2000, Rich notes, the internet was still in its infancy as a public medium; Facebook would not exist for another four years, the iPhone for another seven. But Rich argues that the need for a national privacy law was obvious even before such social networks and smartphone apps started tracking our behavior, location, and consumption habits. FTC surveys had already shown that, despite collecting large amounts of private personal information, very few companies disclosed anything about how they collected and used this data. Fewer still promised even the most basic protections for that data. So why has a federal law taken so long? Although most members of the House and Senate seem to agree that privacy needs to be protected, there have been some key differences in the application of those protections in the past, along with some partisan squabbling. (Surprise!) As Politico noted in 2022 while discussing a new proposal for a bipartisan privacy bill, a previous attempt at such a law in 2019 was supported by the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, but fell apart because of a clause that would have permitted anyone whose data was misused to sue the company or companies involved in a private action. Among other critics, the US Chamber of Commerce said that it strongly opposed such a provision. Sign up for CJRs daily email In the absence of a federal law, a number of states have implemented their own privacy legislation. The first to do so was California, in 2018; according to a recent estimate from the International Association of Privacy Professionals, fifteen other states now have comprehensive privacy laws. Political analysts say that these state laws, particularly Californias, have been a sticking point when it comes to crafting a national law. According to the Post, Cantwell and McMorris Rodgerss proposed legislation would preempt state laws. They have promised that the new law will set a stronger standard than in any state. But, per the Post, this claim is likely to provoke opposition, especially from California, which believes that its law is better. And analysts say there are a number of other potential roadblocks to the bill. One is the ticking clock: the presidential election is in November, and unless a bill moves forward and gets to a vote before then, the clock will likely have to be reset. And McMorris Rodgers isnt running for reelection. Meanwhile, Congress is in the midst of another battle over privacy, but from a very different perspective: Namely, how much privacy and transparency should Americans expect when it comes to surveillance by their own government? A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers is trying to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires next week. FISA is a controversial law that was originally designed to allow the US government to capture the phone calls, emails, and online activity of non-Americansbut that also lets it snoop on citizens whose data gets caught in those nets. Congressional critics of the latter practice argue that intelligence agencies should have to apply for a warrant in such cases. (Currently, they dont have to do so. I wrote about a prior iteration of this debate in December.) As CNN noted, the debate over the law has created some strange bedfellows in Congress. Some Republicans have found common cause with Democrats who want to reform the law to provide more transparency, while more security-focused Republicans have joined with like-minded Democrats to oppose new restrictions on intelligence agencies, arguing that it would make it harder for them to do their jobs. Per CNN, the Biden administration has been publicly and privately lobbying Congress on the importance of Section 702 and pushing for as few changes as possible, including any kind of warrant requirement. Yesterday, a procedural motion to consider the extension of Section 702 failed on the House floor after Republican rebels voted to tank it. According to Noah Chauvin, a counsel in the Liberty and National Security Program at New York University, Congress has directed intelligence agencies to minimize the retention and use of Americans information. Despite this, he writes in The Dispatch, officials from the FBI, CIA, and NSA perform more than 200,000 warrantless backdoor searches every year involving the private phone calls, text messages, and emails of American citizens. Many of these searches, Chauvin says, involve alarming abuses. He says that the government has searched the communications of members of Congress and journalists, and that the FBI has improperly searched the communications of a US senator and a judge who reported civil rights violations by a police chief. All told, Americans could wind up being protected by law from having their private information taken and sold by social platforms and apps, but unprotected if the government wants to surveil their phone calls and electronic communications. Or those two outcomes could be reversed. What seems more likely is that citizens of the US will remain unprotected in either eventuality, as they have been for the past two decades or sounless something dramatic happens, and the repetitive headlines finally stop. Other notable stories: And officials in Hong Kong detained Aleksandra Bielakowskaa representative of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) who was flying in to monitor the trial of Jimmy Lai, the jailed founder of the pro-democracy newspaper Apple Dailyat the territorys airport, then deported her. RSF said that it had never experienced such blatant efforts by authorities to evade scrutiny of court proceedings in any country, and argued that the move highlighted the dire erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong. ICYMI: Hacking journalism Mathew Ingram was CJRs longtime chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. AKRON, Ohio Akron Mayor Shammas Malik focused on change, accountability and good communication with community members during his first State of the City address on Wednesday night. The address was held at the Akron Civic Theatre and also livestreamed on the citys YouTube channel. The event coincided with Maliks 33rd birthday. Among the highlights was announcing a new vehicle pursuit policy and Street Team pilot program (see more details below). The mayors first 100 days in office have been objectively productive. Since taking the reins in January, the city has passed its capital and operating budgets. The citys $366 million capital budget covers city infrastructure and major projects. Highlights include investing in updated community centers at Patterson and Reservoir parks, a new pool at Reservoir Park and investments in streets, sidewalks and permanent speed tables. The $815 million operating budget focuses on safetyallowing the city to grow its number of police, firefighters and paramedics. This isnt to throw people at problems, its to acknowledge that proactive work like community policing, violence intervention, and community engagement requires having enough staff capacity for departments that have been stretched thin for too long. Too often Akron Police Department has to send patrol officers from call to call to call, leaving them little time to build relationships with our residents. Its also an acknowledgement that our staff see difficult things, and we need them to take care of themselves and not get burned out, Malik said. Malik also has overhauled his cabinet and added two new roles to form a core executive leadership team. Malik selected Brittany Grimes Zaehringer to serve as chief of staff and Nanette Pitt as chief of strategy. Weve eliminated some roles, moved other roles, and created some new roles. I know this has created some concern, but I truly believe we are developing a city government that is more open, more responsive, more collaborative and more strategic. In negotiating our budget with City Council, we agreed to wait on funding a public engagement strategist role, a data transparency role, and an environmental policy role but I am committed to these functions as a core of city government, and I look forward to proving how these functions can save us time, save us money, get you information quicker, and ultimately make your lives easier, Malik said. Maliks plan for making the city a better place to live, work and play centers on his Together For Akron plan. The plan emphasizes safety, quality education and prioritizes health, housing and the environment. The plan also calls for better engagement with residents and partner organizations and open and honest communication. Maliks speech was interpreted into Nepali and Spanish to ensure that more residents are included. In our first 100 days, I said we would prioritize communications and public engagement. During that time, weve shared a weekly email newsletter, conducted regular live-streamed press conferences, engaged with our residents through various social media platforms, initiated regular discussions with business leaders, faith leaders, and more. We held a town hall on the police chief search at Garfield CLC and a town hall on the budget at Firestone. Weve got two town halls coming up at Buchtel were going to show off all these great school buildings, Malik said in his speech. During his first 100 days in office, Malik has attended 109 community events, he said. He plans to continue to be engaged with the community because he believes that in order to lead a city, one must be present, he said. Police vehicle pursuit policy The Akron Police Department has been reviewing its vehicle pursuit policy. After months of talks, Malik has issued an updated chiefs order related to vehicle pursuit that takes effect on Thursday at 7 a.m. Under the updated order, our department will no longer conduct vehicle chases for equipment violations alone such as a broken side mirror or taillight. Officers will retain the discretion to chase for traffic violations. This is a commonsense change that will eliminate some unnecessary chases, he said. The updated order will become a permanent policy change by the end of the month, Malik said. The city will also review chemical spray and crowd control policies in the coming months. Safety Malik and his team have started to address public safety in several ways. The city last month launched a co-responder pilot program called SCOUT (Summit County Outreach Team) with the Summit County ADM Board. The program dispatches a mental health responder alongside Akron Police and Akron Fire to certain 911 calls. In the first month alone, the SCOUT team has taken 85 calls for service and has safely transported 16 patients for further treatment. Dozens of hardworking folks have worked to make this a reality, and Im looking forward to seeing this partnership grow in the months and years ahead, Malik said. The city has sworn in a new class of Akron firefighters to help address staffing needs and has launched the next cadet class for Akron Police. The cadet class is one of the most diverse classes the city has had, according to Malik. The city is also in the process of reviewing proposals for either renovating a building to house the deteriorating Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center or building a new building. The city will work with an architectural firm to determine its best option by the end of June. One big step weve taken in the first few months is continuing to improve the way we tackle gun violence, Malik said. Ive spent time meeting with our federal and state partners our Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearm director in Washington, our state safety director in Columbus, the US Marshals, the US Attorney and several of us traveled to Cincinnati to see their crime gun intelligence center at work. Our gun violence reduction team is continuing to expand their work, and we are going to get better and better in connecting the dots to hold people accountable who are involved with gun violence. Street Team pilot program This summer the city will roll out a pilot program that focuses on community violence intervention. This program will hire and train credible messengers people who are able to speak directly with those who are most likely to be most involved in violence, especially our young people, because they have lived experience, a history of involvement in the criminal justice system. These credible messengers will be lifelines in our neighborhoods they will help our kids see a brighter future. They will help our youth understand the consequence of their actions, while providing them with support and options that allow them to develop goals and take steps to reach them, Malik said. Police chief search As the city moves forward in the process of selecting its next police chief, it issued a survey asking community members for their input. More than 1,500 community members shared their responses, Malik said. Respondents indicated they want the police department to focus on crime reduction and prevention and they would like officers to have more positive daily interactions with the community. They also wanted to see more diversity, especially racial diversity, when it comes to hiring. Based on existing city charter, the city can only consider high ranking internal candidates for the police chief position, according to the city law department and outside counsel. This has been the hardest thing Ive dealt with in my time so far as mayor folks I respect and look up to have asked me to pause the process until we can pass a charter amendment and change it, Malik said. Having an acting chief for a period of time is understandable. Having an acting chief for over a year will delay and make everything else we want to accomplish more difficult. This month the city will host two community town halls at Buchtel Community Learning Center to give people the chance to meet both candidates and ask questions. But Malik plans to have a charter amendment on the ballot this November that will broaden the candidate pool for police and fire leadership in future searches, he said. In the coming weeks we will announce the members of a committee to lead the drafting of that amendment, and I have invited the Black Elected Officials of Summit County to participate as part of that committee, he said. Police oversight and accountability The Citizens Police Oversight Board has started its work, including hiring Anthony Finnell as the citys Independent Police Auditor. On April 1, an Akron officer shot a 15-year-old boy on Brittain Road soon after he pulled up and saw the teen with what appeared to be a gun in his hand, according to video released of the incident. We are thankful that the teenager who was shot was not more seriously injured, and that the officer is OK. My administration went beyond the requirements of our city charter in releasing body camera footage, by releasing the entire interaction between the teenager and the officer to show our community the entire context. We also released the officers personnel file. We anticipate being able to share more information in the coming weeks, Malik said. Malik said he will be transparent about the police shooting, but that he must let the Attorney Generals Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the internal investigators and auditor do their jobs. Youth Success Summit The city is partnering with Youth Success Summit to work with out-of-school time providers that offer quality programs for youth. Youth Success Summit will connect families with quality after school and summer activities, including work-based learning opportunities. The initiative is set to begin in July. Community members can learn about mentoring opportunities on the Youth Success Summit website. Establishing Youth Success Summit marks a significant milestone in our communitys collective commitment to nurturing the potential of every young person in our city. But perhaps most importantly, Youth Success Summit represents a powerful call for collaboration and partnership. By bringing together out-of-school-time providers, community leaders, educators, and families, we are not only amplifying our impact but also forging a stronger, more interconnected network of support for our youth, Malik said. Environment Akron joined a statewide coalition, Power a Clean Future Ohio, this year. Akron was the last of the major cities in the state to join the coalition, according to Malik. Power a Clean Future Ohio will offer the city free tools to create and put into place carbon-reduction plans that are measurable and economical. Malik also added Casey Shevlin to his cabinet to serve as the citys first ever Director of Sustainability and Resiliency. Earlier this year the city announced that it is one of 25 cities nationwide to join Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities. Bloomberg Philanthropies will fund an innovation team over three years that will work to address projects that focus on environmental sustainability and racial inequality. Economic development Right now, we are competing for $40 million in state funding, and $70 million in federal funding to take our industry to the next level and for the Rubber City to become the Polymer City. Ive made that pitch at the US Department of Commerce and we will continue to lobby for this exciting opportunity, Malik said. Akron is partnering with SiFi networks to offer fiber access throughout the city, a $200 million private investment. The city is also looking into a partnership with Summit County around Summit Connects, a countywide fiber ring, Malik said. The future of the Innerbelt is also in the works. The decommissioned highway, which displaced homes, businesses and places of worship, will soon be reimagined thanks to a $1 million Reconnecting Communities grant from the federal government. Im excited to announce that we are taking the next step in Reimagining the Akron Innerbelt by issuing a request for qualifications to identify a planning firm to help determine the plan for the decommissioned part of the Innerbelt. I look forward to whats to come for this historic area, Malik said. The city will create a new Downtown Community Development Corporation this summer. The corporation will draw on the success of other neighborhood community development corporations and focus on real estate, and attracting businesses, jobs and residents to the downtown area. Housing Over the past few weeks the citys housing inspectors have moved from pen and paper to using tablets for inspections. This move will allow the staff to conduct more inspections more efficiently, Malik said. The city is working with United Way of Summit and Medina Counties and Community Legal Aid to ensure community members facing eviction have legal help. The Right to Counsel initiative will be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. The initiative will keep people out of homelessness and save taxpayers money, according to Malik. The city is reviewing its Home Repair Programs to ensure it offers results for residents. This program was set up with ARPA funding. Homelessness is growing across the country, and here in Akron. My administration is committed to finding new solutions taking ideas that have worked elsewhere, and finding more support for the amazing folks doing the work here in Akron, Malik said. In the citys 2024 budget, it has allocated $1 million in ARPA funds in excess of typical funding to support solutions that keep people in their homes. Accountability tracker Earlier this year, Malik announced 73 action items that are part of his Together for Akron plan. The city also launched an accountability tracker that details the progress of each action item. So far, the city has completed 55 action items and another 18 are in progress, Malik said. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.coms Rubber City Update, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Wednesdays. MEDINA, Ohio -- With the goal of helping to provide transportation services to residents who need to attend drug and alcohol recovery programs, City Councils Finance Committee has agreed to provide a grant to the countys Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board from funds the city has received from the state. The committee recently approved a measure to appropriate $26,582 to the Medina County ADAMH Board to support the Hope Recovery Communitys HOPE on the Move program. Ward 4 Councilman Jim Shields abstained from the vote as he is on the ADAMH Board. Mayor Dennis Hanwell said the city has been receiving payments from OneOhio Recovery Foundation as part of a settlement with the three largest distributors of opioids in the country. A certain percentage of that funding is supposed to go into treatment and peer recovery, Hanwell said. Hanwell explained that Hope Recovery offers a program providing transportation for individuals who need to get to and from treatment programs. Some of these folks in recovery have no (drivers) license because maybe it was suspended or they cant afford insurance or they dont have a vehicle, Hanwell said. We would rather them not miss out on recovery because of financial constraints. We hope this helps with their healing. Hanwell explained that since the ADAMH Board is a government organization, the city will give the funds directly to the board and they will in turn oversee the grant and work with Hope Recovery on the program. Read more from the Medina Sun. CLEVELAND, Ohio A Florida attorney and certified public accountant who exported his sophisticated tax shelter scheme to Northeast Ohio was sentenced Thursday to eight years in prison. Michael L. Meyer helped rich clients illegally avoid paying some $20 million in taxes, while pocketing more than $10 million for himself. CLEVELAND, Ohio Police are looking for four suspects who robbed a gas station and later cashed in stolen lottery tickets. Police said the heist took place at 11 p.m. March 7. Three of the suspects, all men, walked into the Rebel Gas Station at 18501 Nottingham Road in Cleveland. One of the suspects carried a handgun, and the other two toted crowbars. The driver of a black BMW 328i waited outside while the three stole cash, lottery tickets and tobacco products from the gas station. A few hours later, one of the suspects from the previous robbery arrived at the East Side Market, located at 13920 St. Clair Ave., in a red Nissan Altima. The suspect cashed in lottery tickets that had been stolen from the Rebel Gas Station. Shortly after, two of the suspects arrived at East 81st Deli in the Altima, and cashed in two of the stolen lottery tickets. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio is making significant strides in the battle against drug overdoses, with Gov. Mike DeWine recently announcing $4 million in grants that will aid first responders in acquiring and distributing life-saving tools, such as naloxone kits and fentanyl test strips. The grants, which will be distributed over the next two years, were awarded through the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use program, which works to reduce the impact of substance abuse on the community. WASHINGTON, D. C. - U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown wants to make sure that inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles whose manufacture is subsidized by the Chinese government dont make into the United States to undercut domestic car makers. The Cleveland Democrat on Thursday called Chinese-made electric vehicles an existential threat to the American auto industry and asked President Joe Biden to ban their U.S. sales. A letter Brown sent Biden warned that the level of Chinese government subsidies to its car manufacturers makes it impossible for U.S. companies to compete on a level playing field. Allowing the sales would hurt the United Autoworkers union and its ability to boost wages and benefits for workers across the auto sector, his letter added. On top of that, he said the vehicles are a national security threat because the technology they employ would give the Chinese government the potential to use the cars to gain access to large amounts of data. Chinese electric vehicles arent currently sold in the U.S, and Brown told Biden we must keep it that way. Ohio knows all too well how China illegally subsidizes its companies, putting our workers out of jobs and undermining entire industries, from steel to solar manufacturing, Browns letter continued. The U.S. must ban Chinese electric vehicles now, and stop a flood of Chinese government-subsidized cars that threaten Ohio auto jobs, and our national and economic security. Brown isnt alone in his concerns about the potential effects of Chinese electric vehicles being sold in the United States. A February report from the Alliance for American Manufacturing described their introduction as a potential extinction-level event for the U.S. auto industry. It said the Chinese companies are spending heavily on plants in Mexico, which they could use to get more favorable tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This strategy is, in effect, an effort to gain backdoor access to American consumers by circumventing existing policies that are keeping Chinas autos out of the U.S. market, the report said. According to MSNBC, the China-built BYD Seagull, a small all-electric hatchback, sells for less than $10,000. According to Business Insider, a vehicle called the Hongguang Mini was the top-selling EV in China in 2022 with sales of over 550,000 units, per state news agency Xinhua. Its 2021 starting price was $4,500 in 2021. Browns letter to Biden noted that in 2023, nearly 20% of all EVs sold in Europe were built in China, and that He said the EV market in the European Union provides a strong warning for what may happen in the United while the European Commission is now investigating subsidies given to EV manufacturers in China, the damage has been done. It warned that a surge in Chinese EV sales would cripple the domestic manufacturing base, including critical inputs from parts suppliers to steel, tires, and glass producers. Chinas persistence at skirting United States policies to enforce fair trade and a level playing field calls for strong action to stop the problem before it starts, his letter said. When the goal is to dominate a sector, tariffs are insufficient to stop their attack on American manufacturing; instead, the Administration should act now to ban Chinese EVs before they destroy the potential for the U.S. EV market. Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. CLEVELAND, Ohio It has been nearly 10 months since Keshaun Williams was reported missing, and his mother pleaded again Thursday for his safe return. Authorities and the Cleveland Family Center for Missing Children and Adults are offering a $22,500 reward for information about the Cleveland teenager. Police, along with the U.S. marshals, have searched several homes for him, with no success. MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica Two months before my planned trip to Jamaica, the U.S. State Department advised Americans to reconsider travel to the popular Caribbean nation. I considered their advice and I went anyway. It did give me pause, however, and prompted me to make a few adjustments to the trip. First, I bought travel insurance for this trip which I might have done anyway, but the travel advisory confirmed its necessity. Second, I employed a local guide to show me around, rather than exploring on my own. Again, I might have done this anyway, but the travel advisory made it a priority. The result: I had a great trip, did everything I wanted (and more) and never felt unsafe (well, except perhaps on some of those narrow, windy inland roads alongside some crazy local drivers). I met plenty of American travelers, however, who were pretty spooked about the updated advisory. Some said they considered canceling their trips. Others said they didnt feel comfortable venturing from their resorts. Business owners on the island told me they were already feeling the effects of the advisory. Even people who are coming arent leaving the resorts, said Simon Browne, whose family owns YS Falls, a popular waterfall and swimming area on the south side of Jamaica. Its been a quiet March. Milton Williams, who cooks jerk chicken and other delights along the highway between Montego Bay and Negril, was also feeling the loss of business. Lots of people have canceled their vacations, he told me, as I feasted on his chicken. I was glad I wasnt one of them. What the State Department said The State Department uses a four-point scale to assess the safety of travel to every country in the world. Level 1 is the safest (exercise normal precautions) and Level 4 is the most dangerous (do not travel). In March 2022, Jamaica was elevated from Level 2 (exercise increased caution) to Level 3 (reconsider travel). In January, the State Department updated its advisory with additional details about areas of concern, citing specifically crime and medical services in the country. A spokeswoman for the State Department called the update routine and said there was no specific incident that spurred the advisory. She said the crime information remains substantively unchanged from the previous advisory. Routine or not, the media reported the update as major news, sparking concern about travel to the country during the busy winter and spring vacation season. Indeed, the language included in the advisory is enough to give any traveler pause. Violent crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, sexual assaults, and homicides, are common, it reads. Sexual assaults occur frequently, including at all-inclusive resorts. It continues, Local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. When arrests are made, cases are infrequently prosecuted to a conclusive sentence. Families of U.S. citizens killed in accidents or homicides frequently wait a year or more for final death certificates to be issued by Jamaican authorities. The homicide rate reported by the Government of Jamaica has for several years been among the highest in the Western Hemisphere. It goes on to list specific geographic areas of concern, and strongly encourages travelers to obtain travelers insurance, including medical evacuation insurance, before traveling to Jamaica. In response to the advisory, the Jamaican Tourist Board noted that crime involving visitors remains extremely low at 0.01%, adding, Jamaica has recorded its lowest crime rate in 24 years in 2023 and this downward trajectory has continued in 2024. Its worth noting that other countries that issue travel advisories to their citizens have not change their guidance on Jamaica in recent years. Canada, for example, has a similar four-point system for assessing danger. Jamaica is a level 2 (exercise a high degree of caution), which is the same as for the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean nations. Both the United States and Canada cite Jamaicas high crime rate as among the reasons for concern. Indeed, Jamaica does have one of the highest murder rates in the world. But both locals and security experts point out that violence in Jamaica is almost never targeted at tourists. Jamaicans often told me Jamaica is only dangerous for Jamaicans, said Paul Doucet, security director at International SOS, a private health and security service firm. Doucet visited Jamaica in February, shortly after the State Department updated its advisory, to see for himself whether anything had changed in Jamaica to warrant increased concern. His conclusion: Its fine to go to Jamaica with an understanding of the areas to avoid. He added, We havent changed our advice. We havent seen any reason to change our advice. Doucet acknowledged the countrys high crime rate, but said everyone from the government to gang members understands its not smart to target tourists, who contributed $4.3 billion to the nations economy in 2023. No one has an interest in seeing tourism decline, said Doucet. He also said that the countrys high homicide rate probably isnt the best statistic for concerned travelers to worry about. Sexual assaults, carjackings and short-term kidnappings (which he noted are not a problem in Jamaica) are typically a bigger concern for tourists on vacation. Theres actually been an improvement in crime in Jamaica, he said, although he noted that the numbers are subject to underreporting. Lee Weinstock, a Shaker Heights native who runs a tourism business in Montego Bay, said he has been a victim of crime twice in Jamaica in more than 30 years. His apartment was broken into once, as was his car. He speculates that there might be a political motivation for the State Department advisory that its a way for the U.S. government to register its discontent with increasing Chinese investment in Jamaica, or disapproval of Jamaicas anti-LGBTQ laws and policies. The spokeswoman for the State Department denied that there were political reasons for the update. This analysis is undertaken without regard to bilateral political or economic considerations, she said. She provided this explanation about the process: Travel Advisories are based on a comprehensive and objective review of safety and security conditions, and ongoing developments that could affect the lives and interests of U.S. citizens abroad. We consider many factors to determine the Travel Advisory level for each country, including crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, kidnapping or hostage taking, health risks, natural disasters/weather, and current events. The information we use to formulate Travel Advisories is collected from a range of sources, such as crime statistics and other publicly-available information, and information gathered from U.S. government sources, including assessments by our embassies and consulates abroad. I asked Doucet if the safety I felt in Jamaica was a good gauge of how safe I actually was. If youre traveling around and didnt go into areas you shouldnt go, you probably were safe, he said. He noted that he spent some time in downtown Montego Bay not an area where most tourists visit and didnt feel particularly safe. It was crowded, he said. There were a lot people who looked like they didnt have enough to do. Common sense, he said, goes a long way in Jamaica and elsewhere. Dont flash around money, he said. Dont hold three iPhones in your hands. Being cautious, however, doesnt mean being fearful. Nicole Tutzer from Bainbridge Township traveled to Jamaica last month with her 18-year-old daughter Annika. They told us dont leave the resort by yourself, said Tutzer, who was staying at the resort next to mine in Montego Bay. She and her daughter walked across the street to buy water shoes and bug spray and felt perfectly safe. I, too, left my resort every day both on foot and with licensed drivers and also never felt remotely unsafe. Needless to say, I didnt visit the areas that were outlined in the State Department advisory, which are well known to locals as areas to avoid. Honestly, there are plenty of areas in and around Cleveland that I know to avoid, particularly at night and when Im alone. It seems obvious to use that same commonsense approach when I travel. Safety in Jamaica In addition to recommending travel insurance, the State Department offers these suggestions to Americans traveling to Jamaica: * Avoid walking or driving at night. * Avoid public buses. * Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. * Be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile. * Do not attempt to bring firearms or ammunition into the country. * Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Information: travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/jamaica-travel-advisory.html Read more: 5 days in Jamaica, from Negril to Montego Bay, beaches, bamboo rafting and waterfalls Will this new Frontier flight from Cleveland to the Caribbean last? Enjoy it while you can How a guy from Shaker Heights built a 30-year tourism career in Jamaica TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - The State Guest House in Moto-Akasaka, Tokyo, a venue for numerous diplomatic events, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 11. In commemoration, areas previously closed to the public, such as the "West Room," will be specially opened. The Akasaka Palace, also known as the State Guest House, was built in 1909 as the Togu Palace (Crown Prince's Palace) and is the only palace in Japan constructed in the Neo-Baroque style. It has been used as the State Guest House since 1974 and is designated as a national treasure. To mark its 50th anniversary starting April 11, the palace will temporarily open areas not previously accessible to the general public, including the "West Room." The "West Room" was originally used to store the Crown Prince's library and will display folk crafts and artisanal works donated from various prefectures. Source: TBS TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - You might think the grooves in a chocolate bar are there to make it easier to break and share, but there's more to the story. The Misconception About Chocolate Bar Grooves Chocolate bars are a beloved treat, enjoyed for their rich cocoa aroma and sweet taste. Each bar has grooves, but do you know why they're really there? A survey of people in their 20s and 40s revealed a common belief that these grooves are meant for sharing or decorating purposes. However, breaking the chocolate neatly using these grooves isn't their actual purpose. The Real Purpose of Chocolate Bar Grooves: An In-depth Investigation Despite common practice, the grooves in chocolate bars are not designed with breaking the bar neatly in mind. We spoke to Michiharu Kurosu, a cocoa specialist at Meiji, a leading food manufacturer with nearly a century of experience in chocolate research and sales. Meiji Cocoa Development Department's Kurosu clarified, "The grooves in chocolate bars aren't primarily designed for dividing the bar. The main reason for the grooves has to do with the manufacturing process." How Chocolate Bars Are Made Kurosu explained how chocolate bars are produced: "The chocolate, once smooth, goes through a tempering process where it's cooled to around 40C to 50C, poured into molds, and then cooled further. This solidifies the chocolate, which is then removed from the molds and packaged." It turns out that the "grooves" play a crucial role in this process. Chocolate Bar Grooves: Designed for Cooling "The molds are cooled, but cooling a large block can be inefficient. Grooves increase the surface area, allowing cold air to cool the chocolate more efficiently and increase productivity," Kurosu revealed. So, the grooves in chocolate bars are designed to make cooling easier, a key step in creating delicious chocolate. Kurosu added, "Proper solidification and cooling ensure the chocolate melts smoothly in your mouth and maintains its quality longer." In essence, the grooves in chocolate bars are not for breaking the bar but for enhancing its deliciousness. A respondent in their 20s was surprised by the logical explanation, having always assumed the grooves were for dividing the bar. Kurosu also shared a tip from Meiji's researchers on how to neatly break a chocolate bar: by standing the bar on its side on a table and applying force from above, it will break cleanly along the grooves. Source: ANN Your boss could soon be fined for contacting you after hours under new legislation in California. A proposed bill from San Francisco Assemblyman Matt Haney would make his state the first in the country to give employees the legal right to ignore non-emergency calls and emails once the workday ends. If the bill becomes law, any employer that violates it could face a fine of at least $100. Haney, a Democrat, tells CNBC Make It that he was inspired by Australia's new "right to disconnect" law, which is set to be implemented later this year. The bill allows employees to refuse to respond to calls or messages from their bosses during their personal time, with potential fines for employers that breach the rule. At least 10 other countries including France, Canada and Portugal have laws supporting workers' "right to disconnect." New York City considered a similar proposal in 2018 but didn't adopt it. The bill has to move through several approvals before it reaches the governor, who would have until September to sign it into law but if it passes, it would go into effect in January. What the 'right to disconnect' means and which workers have it Haney's bill would require employers to have a clear agreement with their employees establishing what their working hours are and granting them the right to ignore off-hours communication, including on weekends, except in the case of an emergency or for scheduling changes affecting the next 24 hours. The bill language defines an emergency as an unforeseen situation that threatens an employee, customer, or the public, disrupts or shuts down operations, or causes "physical or environmental damage." If the boss breaks this agreement three times, employees could report them to California's labor commissioner and they would be subject to fines starting at $100. The law applies to salaried employees but does not override existing collective bargaining agreements, so unionized workers such as teachers and nurses would continue to follow whatever it says in their contracts about off-hours communication. Remote employees working for California employers are also covered in the legislation. The bill only regulates employers in California, so remote workers in California reporting to out-of-state employers are not counted in the bill. Haney says the legislation only applies to managers and their employees, but that could change so your co-worker who emails you late at night is in the clear (for now). Companies that routinely violate the law could face fines, but Haney says he doesn't want the legislation to be too prescriptive. Instead, he hopes it encourages employers to have "transparent, upfront" conversations with employees about when and how they work. The increasingly blurry lines of when people are on or off work have "gotten worse" following the pandemic, Haney points out, as the gradual rise of remote work makes it harder to put a firm stop to the workday. More than half of workers (55%) say they respond to work emails or other messages from work outside of their normal hours, according to a 2023 report from Pew Research Center. Challenges in making after-hours work communication illegal Illuminated skyscrapers stand at the central business district at sunset on November 13, 2023 in Beijing, China. Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images BEIJING China's commercial property sector is seeing pockets of demand amid an overall real estate slump. The capital city of Beijing is seeing rents for prime retail locations rise at their fastest pace since 2019, property consultancy JLL said in a report Tuesday. Rents increased by 1.3% during the first three months of this year compared with the fourth quarter of 2023, the report said. Demand from new food and beverage brands, niche foreign fashion offerings and electric car companies has helped drive the interest in shopping mall storefronts, according to JLL. The firm expects the demand to persist throughout the year, helping boost rents, which remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Commercial real estate, which includes office buildings and shopping malls, makes up just a fraction of China's overall property market. watch now Sales of offices and commercial-use properties rose 15% and 17%, respectively, by floor area, in January and February from a year earlier, according to Wind Information. In contrast, floor space of residential properties sold dropped by nearly 25% during that time, the data showed. Sales for both commercial and residential properties had fallen for much of last year, according to Wind. Covid-19 restrictions on movement had also cut demand for China's commercial property, in line with global trends. China's economy, however, took longer than expected to rebound from the pandemic, amid a broader slump in the property market. Getting cheap enough to buy Citi has identified S4 Capital , a U.K.-headquartered digital advertising and marketing services company, as a high-risk but potentially attractive investment opportunity. Despite the company's recent struggles and a challenging short-term outlook, the Wall Street bank believes that S4 Capital's stock could see a significant upside of 280%, with a price target of 230 pence. U.K. shares are generally priced in pence, with 100 pence equal to one British pound ($1.27). S4 Capital's stock is also traded over the counter in the United States. Founded by advertising industry veteran Martin Sorrell, S4 Capital has faced a difficult year in 2023, with core earnings falling by 25% on the back of reduced spending from its tech-heavy client base and a slowdown in new business wins. The company's like-for-like net revenue dropped by 4.5% to 873.2 million, while earnings declined by 24.6% to 93.7 million, resulting in a margin squeeze from 13.9% in 2022 to 10.7% in 2023. The company has reportedly been the subject of takeover interest recently, partly due to its flailing share price. The rejected-acquisition interest, revealed by The Wall Street Journal last month, appears to have stemmed the downward spiral for the stock. While shares are up nearly 15% this year, the stock has declined by 60% over the past 12 months. SFOR-GB 1Y line The company has said it also expects continued pressure on the top line and a broadly similar outcome for the bottom line in 2024. Despite the cautious outlook, Citi analysts see potential for the business to rebound in the medium term. The investment bank's analysts highlighted that while the short-term outlook remains cloudy, "there is potentially still a lot to stay excited about medium term." "Specifically, we think the group will be well placed to re-accelerate once the tech sector stabilises and project-based work picks up as our [Chief Marketing Officer's] survey suggests it will," said Citi analysts led by Thomas Singlehurst, in a note to clients on March 28. Citi said that investors who can afford to take a 12-month view consider the risk-reward profile of the stock, which they believe continues to look "attractive." As a result, Citi said S4 Capital is a "Buy" rated stock with a "High Risk" designation and a price target of 230 pence. The stock has a consensus price target of 0.70, representing a potential upside of 14%. Constellation Brands CEO Bill Newlands told CNBC's Jim Cramer on Thursday how the company plans to improve its wine and spirits division, which saw its net sales decline during the most recent quarter. "We're going to put a lot more focus on the critical brands, brands like the Prisoner and Meiomi and High West and Mi Campo, as examples. We're also going to make sure that we focus our attention on execution," Newlands said. "I think we spread ourselves a little too thin in the past year." Constellation Brands is primarily known for its popular beer offerings, including Modelo, Corona and Pacifico. Despite shortcomings with its wine and spirits business, the company's quarterly earnings report did show strength in its beer sales. Management also indicated that much of its success over the past fiscal year is due to that segment. Newlands also expressed confidence in Sam Glaetzer, the new leader of Constellation Brands' wine and spirits segment. He said Glaetzer has "over 30 years in the business," and said the company is looking forward to what he brings to the table. Constellation Brands is seeing success and growth in its Pacifico Brand, Newlands added. He noted that Pacifico is very popular in California, but it's also starting to grow on the East Coast, including the "beach markets" in Florida and New Jersey. "It's very developed on the West Coast, but it's also really starting to express itself around the country," he said. "We're very excited about the long-term potential for Pacifico." These giant white structures called radomes at Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado house massive satellite dishes. CNBC This story is part of CNBC's quarterly Cities of Success series, which explores cities that have transformed into business hubs with an entrepreneurial spirit that has attracted capital, companies and employees. In the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, with an elevation one mile closer to space than sea level, lies an area that's home to a burgeoning cluster of aerospace businesses. It might not be obvious to someone driving around Denver and Boulder that there are hundreds of companies actively working on some of America's most complex national security needs and building innovative products like those that might be seen in a sci-fi film. But the local industry's liftoff has been undeniable: Aerospace grew 88% over the past two decades, more than any other emerging industry in the Denver and Boulder metro areas during that time period, according to a CNBC analysis. Now, 191 aerospace businesses are supporting 29,000 jobs in the region, the Colorado Space Coalition reports. "When we were creating Voyager and thinking through the best growth markets where we could have access to talent ... Denver really rose to the top," Dylan Taylor, chairman and chief executive of Voyager Space, told CNBC's Morgan Brennan in an interview on CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast. He founded the privately held multinational space conglomerate in 2019 in Denver. Voyager Space CEO Dylan Taylor traveled to space on a Blue Origin flight in 2021. AFP via Getty Images "I think talent coupled with alignment from the government were really important considerations, and then also if you look at other elements of Denver, whether it's access to capital, this is an emerging venture capital market, especially the Boulder corridor," he added. The region's corporate roster ranges from the biggest, oldest, prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin , Boeing and Northrop Grumman to the newest commercial space and defense tech startups such as Ursa Major and True Anomaly. United Launch Alliance, BAE Systems and RTX also have a presence in the area, as do private space stalwarts in addition to Voyager such as Sierra Space and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, which has been expanding its local footprint aggressively in recent years. Follow and listen to CNBC's "Manifest Space" podcast, hosted by Morgan Brennan, wherever you get your podcasts. "I think aerospace has become a fulcrum of our whole economy now," said U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., who previously served as Colorado's governor and before that as mayor of Denver. "It's a community that works together in terms of aerospace," said Hickenlooper, who is cited by local business executives as being a key space proponent for the region and the state. "It's not dog eat dog. It's all dogs working together. It's hunting like wolves." For Voyager, that's been true. The company has so far made seven acquisitions the first two of which were local startups. "We're circa 700 employees now and, you know, quite a bit of revenue, looking to enter in the public markets at some point," Taylor said. Its most high-profile project, Starlab, is an effort to replace the aging International Space Station. Voyager has teamed up with Airbus in a joint venture to build the commercial space station, with Mitsubishi recently announced as a strategic partner and equity owner. The space station is expected to launch to orbit on SpaceX's powerful Starship rocket system, which is under development. For Taylor, who has been to space himself after a trip on Blue Origin's New Shepard, the Denver-Boulder space story extends beyond Voyager too. He's spent years investing in the sector personally, as an early backer in more than 50 startups, including Orbit Fab. Orbit Fab employees manufacturing the company's refueling ports for satellites. CNBC Backed by neighboring Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, Orbit Fab moved into a roughly 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility after relocating from California in 2021. "We started the company in Silicon Valley. We moved to Colorado mainly because of the workforce. There's a bigger aerospace workforce here," said Daniel Faber, Orbit Fab's CEO and founder. Since making the move, the company has grown from six to 60 employees, and is focused on building "gas stations" in space to refuel satellites. Historically, many satellites have been decommissioned not because their payloads or hardware no longer work, but because they have run out of power. "If you ran out of fuel on a highway, AAA can come and deliver you fuel. That's actually the typical way that we'll do it in space," Faber said. The startup recently revealed a refueling port or gas cap that's been flight qualified and is commercially available for $30,000 per unit. Denver area startup Orbit Fab is building refueling ports for satellites that will allow them to fuel up in space. CNBC TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - Panasonic has announced its full-scale entry into the second-hand home appliances business, a move driven by rising prices and a growing thrift-conscious consumer base. Here's a closer look at the initiative. Selling at Roughly 20% Less, with a One-Year Warranty According to Kaze Kumaaki, Panasonic has been repairing and selling appliances returned immediately after sale due to defects since December 2023, including drum-type washing machines and 4K OLED TVs. From April 10, 2024, the range of products will expand to include refrigerators, portable TVs, recorders, and digital cameras. By September (tentatively), microwaves and rice cookers will also be added, with dryers already offered through subscription services. The process for refurbishing a drum-type washing machine, for example, involves checking the exterior and accessories for any damage or defects, cleaning, and operational checks for anomalies or leaks, followed by thorough cleaning before sale. Kumaaki explains that the products will be sold at a reduced price with a one-year warranty, available on Panasonic's e-commerce site and through subscription services. Prices will be set based on the product's condition, with refrigerators and washing machines offered at approximately 20% less than new items, although prices may vary depending on the product. The Booming Reuse Market Expected to Reach 4 Trillion Yen by 2023 The reuse (second-hand) market is on the rise. According to estimates by "Reuse Economy News" as of September 2023, the market has been growing since 2014, reaching 2.8976 trillion yen in 2022. It is projected to hit 3.25 trillion yen by 2025 and 4 trillion yen by 2030. In this burgeoning market, various items are entering the reuse market. Akihiro Nomura, Director of Free Standard, commented, "The popularity of flea market apps has significantly reduced resistance to second-hand goods. The 'official' stamp of approval also reassures customers, making them feel safe to purchase." With over 50 brands offering official second-hand sales and rentals, many items are sold at about half the price of new ones. For example, a Staub pot made in France, which costs about 40,000 yen new, can be found for about 20,000 yen second-hand. Source: TBS watch now This story is part of CNBC's quarterly Cities of Success series, which explores cities that have transformed into business hubs with an entrepreneurial spirit that has attracted capital, companies and employees. Most U.S. cities want a piece of the Silicon Valley action, and some have been getting more of it in recent years as California cities have experienced, to varying degrees, a business and worker population exodus exacerbated by Covid. The Denver-Boulder metro region in Colorado is among the winners in the migration shuffle. AgentSync, an insurance compliance software startup, is an example. Niji Sabharwal founded the startup with his wife back in San Francisco in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the couple decided to pack their minivan and relocate their business to the Mile High City. It's now thriving in Denver. The company has grown from six employees in San Francisco to over 200 in Denver. Sabharwal said the couple made the move largely looking for "access to talent" to keep up with company's rapid growth and his appreciation for Colorado's "business-minded" governor Jared Polis, who founded several companies before moving into politics. But investment has poured in since making the move too, according to AgentSync, ballooning to over $160 million. Investors were skeptical about the relocation to the Rockies at first, Sabharwal told CNBC, but within a few month, he says, "we were kind of applauded as, you know, being geniuses for coming out to Denver." Led by Denver and Boulder, Colorado has built a thriving tech industry ecosystem attracting both startups and tech giants Google, Amazon and Salesforce all now have a major presence in the area. The region is also becoming a hotspot for the latest frontiers in tech, including quantum computing. Over 24,000 tech businesses call Colorado home, with about 73% of those businesses (17,500) specifically in the Denver metro area, according to the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The industry supported nearly 140,00 jobs as of the end of 2023, a 37% increase within the past decade. "I think you'd be shocked as to how much funding is going into this ecosystem," Boulder-based venture capitalist Dan Caruso, who recently started his own VC firm focused solely on tech in the region, told CNBC. CNBC's Carl Quintanilla interviewing Boulder, Colorado-based venture capitalist Dan Caruso. CNBC Over the last five years, about $17 billion in VC funding has poured into the area, according to research firm CB Insights. "When I was able to slow down and really look around, that's when it hit me how many exciting companies, across so many sectors, led by so many inspiring entrepreneurs, were in this region," said Caruso, the former CEO and chairman of once publicly traded telecommunications company Zayo Group. While the Denver startup community has seen dramatic expansion, it hasn't made as much progress on diversifying its business community. Black-owned businesses account for 1.5% of all companies in the area, according to a recent Brookings Institute study, compared to a metro-area Black population that is 7.1%, according to the study. However, even the top 10 cities for Black-owned business growth in the study fall far short of corresponding metro population metrics. "The challenges that the founders that we serve face really are about capital, access to capital" said Zaneta Kelsey, co-founder and CEO of Access Mode, a local non-profit working to help more minority-owned tech startups get off-the-ground. Since 2022, Access Mode has provided over 50 startups with a combined $1 million in funding, free educational classes, and access to VC networking events. Donavan Bennett is one of the Black business owners that Access Mode is helping succeed. Mili Llama, an app Bennett created in 2023, streamlines the hiring of substitute teachers for school districts. Donavan Bennett, co-founder & CEO of startup Mili Llama. CNBC Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani departs the U.S. District Courthouse after he was ordered to pay $148 million in his defamation case in Washington, U.S., December 15, 2023. Bonnie Cash | Reuters One of the largest donations to Rudy Giuliani's legal defense fund is at the center of a new lawsuit that argues the $100,000 contribution rightfully belongs to victims of an alleged online fraud scheme. The donation by Matthew Martorano in September accounted for nearly 13% of all the money that Giuliani, the former attorney for Donald Trump and onetime New York City mayor, raised in the fund. The fund was intended to help Giuliani pay for lawyers in the Georgia election interference case where Trump is a co-defendant and in a civil defamation case that Giuliani lost, brought by two Georgia election workers. But the plaintiff in the new civil suit filed after CNBC reported on Martorano's donation earlier this year claims that $100,000 flowed from Martorano's participation in an alleged online skin care product scam. They are seeking "to unwind" the donation to Giuliani. There is no public evidence that Giuliani and Martorano know each other. CNBC has asked a spokesman for Giuliani if they did. Still, the claim adds another layer of legal wrangling to the fight over Giuliani's remaining assets. The former mayor filed for bankruptcy protection in December, after a judge ordered him to pay the election workers $146 million. Giuliani "should give all the money back" that he received from Martorano, said Kevin Kneupper, the attorney who filed the lawsuit alleging fraudulent transfer in Fulton County against Martorano, his wife and corporate entities on behalf of his client, LeAnne Tan, who is also the named plaintiff in the federal racketeering lawsuit in California. Giuliani spokesman Ted Goodman, in an email to CNBC, said, "This is a lawsuit unrelated to us." He had no immediate additional comment. CNBC requested comment from lawyers for Martorano, his wife, and the other defendants in both the Georgia lawsuit and a federal civil racketeering and fraud lawsuit in California related to the alleged skin care cream scam. None of them responded to the requests. The scam In early January, a judge in San Diego overseeing the federal lawsuit certified a nationwide class in the lawsuit against the alleged skin care sales scammers, as well as against Martorano, his wife Kathryn Martorano, their company called Konnektive LLC, and other connected entities, collectively known as the Konnektive defendants. In her ruling, the judge wrote the plaintiff "has shown by a preponderance of the evidence that Konnektive Defendants deceived banks and credit card companies." The suit alleges many people around the country were duped into signing up for a purported "free trial" of skin care cream products under the brand name La Pura. "The scammers' only goal is to fraudulently obtain the victim's credit card or bank account information," the suit says. "And once they have it, they begin billing their victims for subscriptions they never signed up for, never agreed to, and about which they were never properly informed." According to the complaint, Martorano's company, Konnektive, provided software known as a "load balancer" to the entities that sold La Pura products and began charging people despite them being told it was a free trial offer. The load balancer allegedly helps sellers hide from Visa and Mastercard the number of chargebacks from their customers. A high number of chargebacks or reversal of charges to a customer's account is viewed by Visa and Mastercard as a sign of potential fraud, the suit notes. "The Konnektive software was designed specifically for the purpose of facilitating automated bank fraud," according to the federal suit. That complaint also says the software was specifically marketed to " 'free trial' scammers at conferences which those scammers attend." Kneupper, who was appointed the class counsel in the class-action suit, told CNBC that the question of whether the Konnektive defendants will be held civilly liable for fraud "is ultimately going to go to a jury" to decide. "But I think the evidence is compelling," Kneupper added. The new suit that Kneupper filed in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia, names as defendants the Martoranos, Konnektive LLC, and two other corporate entities. Giuliani is not named as a defendant. The new complaint says that as a result of the San Diego judge's ruling on Martorano and the other Konnektive defendants, "it is highly likely that the Class of injured consumers will prevail on the merits and will obtain a favorable verdict, which could easily exceed $30 million." Asset transfers The Georgia suit says that Martorano and the other Konnektive defendants "are aware of this," and as a result have begun "a series of asset transfers in a blatant attempt to avoid paying a potential eight-figure judgment in the Federal RICO Action to consumers who were injured by their fraud." The suit cites the fact that Martorano has also "recently begun making high-dollar political donations," among them the $100,000 donation to Giuliani's legal defense fund. Then-President-elect Donald Trump meets with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani at the clubhouse of Trump National Golf Club November 20, 2016 in Bedminster, New Jersey. Don Emmert | AFP | Getty Images Martorano also donated $5,000 to the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee last year, $3,330 to Trump's presidential campaign and $1,700 to Trump's Save America political action committee, according to Federal Election Commission records. And in November, Martorano and his wife also transferred a house and two properties in Georgia spanning 135 acres to a limited liability corporation, each time for a $0 purchase price, according to assessor offices' records, the suit notes. The combined assessed and estimated value of the three properties was $4.1 million. Moderna on Thursday said it has paused plans to build a vaccine-manufacturing site in Kenya after a steep drop in demand for its Covid vaccines. The biotech company said it has not received any vaccine orders for Africa since 2022 and has taken more than $1 billion in losses and write-downs related to the cancellation of previous orders from the continent. Moderna's decision aligns with its broader effort to cut costs by resizing its Covid vaccine-manufacturing footprint. The company's business took a major hit last year as demand for those jabs waned worldwide, with people relying less on protective vaccines and treatments against the virus. Shares of Moderna fell 45% last year, but the stock is up around 6% this year. In March 2022, the company said it would invest about $500 million in the Kenyan site and supply as many as 500 million doses of its messenger RNA vaccines to Africa each year. Moderna also had plans to start filling doses of its Covid vaccine in the continent as early as 2023. But the company has since determined that demand in Africa "is insufficient to support the viability of the factory planned in Kenya," Moderna said in a statement on Thursday. Still, the company said it is committed to "ensuring equitable access and meeting emerging demands from African nations" for its Covid shot through its global manufacturing network." The company said it is also working to develop vaccines for diseases that predominantly affect the African continent, such as HIV and malaria. Those shots are part of Moderna's broader effort to expand access to vaccines that are out of reach in many parts of the world. But those jabs are still in the early stages of development, the company noted. "Given this, and in alignment with our strategic planning, Moderna believes it is prudent to pause its efforts to build an mRNA manufacturing facility in Kenya," the company said in a statement. "This approach will allow Moderna to better align its infrastructure investments with the evolving healthcare needs and vaccine demand in Africa." Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX, arrives at court as lawyers push to persuade the judge overseeing his fraud case not to jail him ahead of trial, at a courthouse in New York, August 11, 2023. A lawyer for FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried on Thursday filed a notice of appeal of his federal fraud and conspiracy conviction and his 25-year prison sentence. Bankman-Fried's appeal came two weeks after he was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Manhattan and ordered to pay $11 billion in forfeiture for the massive fraud at the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and a related hedge fund, Alameda Research. Prosecutors said it was one of the largest financial frauds in history. The appeal, which was expected, will be heard by a three-judge panel of the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which sits in Manhattan. Criminal defendants face very long odds of having their convictions overturned in federal court, winning reversals in fewer than 10% of appeals. If Bankman-Fried loses at the 2nd Circuit, he would have to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to take his appeal, which is an even longer shot. Alexandra Shapiro, the lawyer who filed Bankman-Fried's notice of appeal, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Bankman-Fried, 32, was convicted at trial in November of seven fraud and conspiracy counts related to misappropriating around $10 billion in customer money. The Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office said Bankman-Fried oversaw a conspiracy that looted customer funds to make investments and fund political donations to Democrats and Republicans. He also used the swindled funds for personal expenses and to repay loans taken out by Alameda Research, prosecutors said. US Senator Bob Menendez (center right), Democrat of New Jersey, leaves with his wife Nadine Menendez the Manhattan Federal Court, in New York City following his arraignment on March 11, 2024. Sen. Bob Menendez's criminal trial will continue as scheduled on May 6 but without the New Jersey Democrat's wife and co-defendant Nadine Menendez. At a hearing Thursday in federal court in New York, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein ordered Nadine Menendez's case to be severed from her husband due to a health issue she is experiencing. "This trial is going forward without Mrs. Menendez," the judge said. The illness, which was not disclosed in court, has led to a lack of clarity about when she will be healthy enough to proceed to trial, the judge said, so he tentatively postponed her trial until July 8. Her attorneys have said the condition requires surgery and "possibly significant recovery" time. Nadine Menendez had requested the postponement earlier this week, and prosecutors said they were fine delaying the trial until the summer. They had asked that the judge not sever the case, noting that many of the charges against her and her husband overlap and it would result in them having to essentially argue the same case twice. Although the senator had previously asked that the trial be postponed, his attorney said in court Thursday he wanted to proceed to trial as quickly as possible and asked the judge to keep the May trial date. "We don't need it and we don't want it," the lawyer, Adam Fee, said about the possibility of adjourning the trial. Both Menendezes had previously asked that their cases be severed from each other. Lawyers for the senator said in a motion to sever that he "intends to present a defense arguing (in part) that he lacked the requisite knowledge of much of the conduct and statements of his wife, Nadine." "By this defense, Senator Menendez's legal team may have to argue, in effect, that any unlawful conduct and we are aware of none involved the actions of others (including Nadine), not the Senator," his lawyers wrote. Lawyers for Nadine Menendez argued in a separate motion that a joint trial would "undoubtedly prejudice Ms. Menendez's right to defend herself." They said it would be "unfair to require either spouse to sacrifice the right to testify fully in one's own defense or the ability to maintain the confidentiality of privileged marital communications." In addition to health concerns, Stein said Nadine Menendez needs new attorneys because her current lawyers could end up being called as witnesses related to an obstruction count against her. Prosecutors said that her lawyers misrepresented money she got from another co-defendant for her Mercedes as a loan She has 30 days to find new lawyers. The charges Menendez and his wife are facing include conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. Prosecutors said the couple received "cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle and other items of value." Two New Jersey businessmen have also been charged as part of the alleged scheme. All four have pleaded not guilty. More from NBC News: Investor Vinod Khosla and Palantir advisor Jacob Helberg penned an open letter Thursday calling on senators to pass a bill that would force the divestiture of Bytedance-owned TikTok in the U.S. Describing the social media platform as "a weapon of war," Helberg and Khosla compared the bill with decades-old restrictions on foreign ownership of U.S. media outlets. "Would you let North Korea or Iran own a broadcast channel that 67% of teens spend almost two hours a day on?" the two wrote. Some critics have compared the ban to a bill of attainder, given it singles out one company. In an interview with CNBC, Helberg said the comparison did not apply. "We have a long tradition in American policymaking sometimes we do target individual companies, when national security is at stake," Helberg said. The bill, which was overwhelmingly passed by the House in March, would demand that Bytedance either find a buyer for TikTok or else face a ban in the U.S. Bytedance is not sitting on the sidelines, however. The company mobilized its user base to oppose the House bill, urging its millions of users to call their congressional representatives and voice their opposition. The in-app notifications prompted a flood of phone calls that overwhelmed some congressional offices. Helberg said the effort was a prime example of the risk TikTok posed. "It was a live demo of precisely the kinds of concerns that we have been trying to highlight to elected officials," he told CNBC. "All of these concerns that before were theoretical were highlighted in full Technicolor for everyone to see." Khosla is founder of Khosla Ventures and was co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Helberg is a senior advisor at Palantir, an artificial intelligence firm that does extensive government contracting work, including with the U.S. Department of Defense. Both are also deeply involved with the Hill and Valley Forum, a working group first convened in 2023 to combat the influence of the Chinese government and TikTok in the U.S. Hill and Valley is slated to reconvene in May. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has also been lobbying D.C. lawmakers against a ban, meeting with Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., in March. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the hallway outside a courtroom where he is attending a hearing in his criminal case on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star, in New York City on March 25, 2024. Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters Donald Trump has used every legal tool at his disposal to try to dismiss, diminish or delay the four active criminal cases against him. But on Monday, barring a last-minute court intervention, Trump will become the first former president ever to be tried on felony charges. Latest Trump trial update: Verdict watch in hush money case The trial in New York Supreme Court centers on allegations that Trump falsified business records as part of a scheme to conceal a $130,000 hush money payment in 2016 to porn star Stormy Daniels, who says she had an extramarital affair with Trump years earlier. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg accuses Trump of using a "catch and kill" tactic to hide damaging information from voters ahead of the 2016 presidential election. This case may be the only one of Trump's 88 criminal charges across four separate cases to make it to trial before the Nov. 5 presidential election. If he is convicted in this case, the 77-year-old ex-president could be sentenced to serve time at New York's notorious Rikers Island jail complex or in a state prison. Here is what to know about the historic trial: What are the charges? In this courtroom sketch, former U.S. President Donald Trump appears for an arraignment on charges stemming from his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in New York City on April 4, 2023. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree. Under New York law, a person is guilty of that crime when their records are falsified with the intent to commit or conceal another crime. The DA alleges Trump and others violated election laws to carry out an illegal scheme to influence the 2016 election, by buying and suppressing negative information about him. How did the alleged scheme work? Michael Cohen, former attorney for Donald Trump, arrives at court in New York City, March 13, 2023. Eduardo Munoz | Reuters Central to Bragg's case is Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney. In 2018, Cohen pleaded guilty to campaign finance charges related to hush money payments made to two women before the 2016 election. Cohen is expected to be a key witness in the trial, where he will say Trump directed him to make those payments. To pay Daniels covertly, the DA alleges, Cohen opened a bank account for a shell company he had created specifically to facilitate the payment. He then transferred $131,000 into that account from a home equity line of credit. On Oct. 27, less than two weeks before the 2016 election, Cohen wired $130,000 to Daniels' lawyer in exchange for her silence about the alleged tryst with Trump. After the election, Bragg says, Trump reimbursed Cohen for the payment through a series of monthly checks, processed by the Trump Organization, which recorded them as payments for legal services rendered in 2017 through a retainer agreement. Those records were false, the DA alleges. Trump and Cohen were also allegedly involved in a 2016 hush money payment to former Playboy model Karen McDougal, who received $150,000 from the then-publisher of the National Enquirer to keep quiet about her own alleged affair with Trump. Bragg also cites a $30,000 payment by that publisher, American Media Inc., to a former Trump Tower doorman for the rights to a story about Trump fathering a child out of wedlock. After determining that the story was untrue, the publisher's CEO David Pecker wanted to end the deal but he held off until after the 2016 election at Cohen's instruction, the DA alleges. How long will the trial last? Former U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Manhattan Criminal Courthouse after his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in New York City on April 4, 2023. Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters The trial was originally scheduled to start March 25, but it was delayed until Monday to give Trump's team time to look at some recently acquired documents. The trial will begin with the process of selecting 12 jurors, plus alternates. Judge Juan Merchan has said he expects the trial will last about six weeks. Will Trump be there? Former U.S. President Donald Trump waves to a crowd en route to his Mar-a-Lago resort after being indicted by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 4, 2023. Eric Trump Via Reuters Yes, Trump will be there. New York law requires defendants to attend their trials, with few exceptions. Trump has voluntarily attended numerous hearings in the hush money case and his other criminal cases, generating waves of mainstream media attention that his regular campaign events no longer muster. Trump's attorney, Will Scharf, said on "Fox News Sunday" that, depending on the trial's progress, Trump and the trial team will decide whether or not to take the stand. "I would say that, I think if he does take the stand President Trump will be a compelling witness. He did nothing wrong here," he said. "The truth is absolutely on his side, so that's a decision that's going to have to be made down the road." Trump had also been scheduled to sit for a deposition Monday in a separate lawsuit related to the public merger of his media company, Trump Media & Technology Group , but that appearance was reportedly postponed. Could Trump go to jail? Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks during a press conference to discuss his indictment of former President Donald Trump, outside the Manhattan Federal Court in New York on April 4, 2023. Angela Weiss | AFP | Getty Images Falsifying business records in the first degree is a Class E felony that carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison. But the sentence a defendant ultimately receives is often far below the maximum, and Trump's age and lack of a prior conviction could also play in his favor in any potential sentencing decision. His antagonism toward presiding Judge Merchan and others related to the case including the judge's daughter may work against him, however. "I think there is a substantial risk that he will be convicted and that he will face a sentence of incarceration," said Norm Eisen, a legal analyst who aided House Democrats during Trump's first impeachment, in a press briefing Thursday previewing the hush money trial. "When you have the falsification of business records that is intended to aid, conceal or commit serious crimes, that receives sentences of jail time regularly," Eisen said. Trump can continue to run for office even if he is convicted and jailed. Who are the witnesses? In this courtroom sketch, Michael Cohen looks toward former U.S. President Donald Trump as he is questioned by a lawyer for the attorney general's office, during the Trump Organization civil fraud trial in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City on Oct. 24, 2023. Jane Rosenberg | Reuters Cohen and Daniels are expected to take the stand in the trial. But prosecutors have compiled a list of roughly a dozen other potential witnesses, including McDougal and Pecker, a source with direct knowledge of the situation told NBC News. That same source told NBC that the potential defense witness list could include Trump himself. Trump has not yet said if he plans to testify in his defense. When he took the stand in November in his New York civil business fraud case, Trump angrily lashed out at the judge, the state's attorney general and many other "haters." Bradley Smith, a former commissioner with the Federal Election Commission, is another potential defense witness, NBC reported. How is Trump preparing? Former U.S. President Donald Trump sits with his lawyer Susan Necheles in the courtroom at a hearing in his criminal case on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star, in New York City on March 25, 2024. Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters Trump's attorneys have thrown the kitchen sink at the trial in hopes of a delay. They have made more than 10 attempts to push it later, three of which came in last-minute appeals filed in the final week before jury selection. Trump, as he has done in his other legal battles, has wielded his public following as a weapon against the case. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov attends a news conference at the Russian Mission after his speech at the Conference on Disarmament at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland March 2, 2023. Russia and the U.S. are discussing non-deployment of nuclear weapons in space, Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov said Thursday, according to Russian state media agency Tass. "Our delegations at the relevant international platforms, and above all in New York, where Washington - the US Administration - is promoting the topic of accusations against Russia, are indeed in contact and discussing this issue," Ryabkov said in Google-translated comments. Ryabkov said space could be used for military purposes but there should not be strikes there and Russia would work to keep space peaceful. "We will work with the world majority in the interests of guaranteeing that space will remain peaceful, to achieve a situation where there will be no threat to anyone from there," he said. Earlier this year, tensions flared between Washington and Moscow over the risk of potential nuclear attacks in space. Russia at the time denied claims from the U.S. that it was developing nuclear weapons that would target satellites in space. Sophie Kiderlin Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan, center, looks on at a court in Ho Chi Minh City on April 11, 2024. The Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan was sentenced to death on Thursday for her involvement in the country's biggest financial fraud case, state media outlet Thanh Nien reported. Lan was found guilty of embezzlement, bribery and violating banking rules around lending. She was sentenced to death for the embezzlement charges and to 20 years in prison for each of the other two accusations, according to state media. Lan, who is the chairwoman of real estate development firm Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group, was accused of appropriating assets from Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank by taking out unlawful loans to Van Thinh Phat and shell companies. Much of Lan's defense was based on her lawyers arguing that she only controlled about 15% of the bank and did not have an official position in the bank, suggesting that embezzlement charges were not appropriate, local media reported. However, witnesses who held large stakes themselves told the court that they were instructed to act on Lan's behalf. Judges therefore found that Lan holds a controlling stake of more than 90% in SCB through proxies and was the de facto owner of the bank, local media reported. The loans were reportedly worth a total of $44 billion and accounted for more than 90% of SCB's lending between 2012 and 2022. An estimated $12.3 billion was allegedly funneled to Van Thinh Phat while other funds were used privately. Some of the over 1,000 loans had been settled by Lan, judges found, but the court said she would have to compensate the bank fully. Lan was first arrested in 2022, with allegations dating back around 10 years. Alongside Lan, more than 80 other people including central bank officials have been charged in the case for damaging SCB, state media reported. Reuters reported on Thursday that a family member confirmed that Lan would appeal the sentence. CNBC was not able to independently verify the report. The case against Lan is part of a wider crackdown on corruption that has been spearheaded by Vietnam's ruling Communist party and has been dubbed "blazing furnace." High-level politicians including former Vietnamese presidents have been forced to resign in connection with the campaign and hundreds of officials and businesspeople have been sentenced. Goldman Sachs has refreshed its conviction list of top stocks in Asia Pacific this month, adding some names and removing others. The bank remains optimistic on the region, noting that it has a solid outlook this quarter. "Five factors are likely to influence Asian market performance in 2Q: the start of a rate cutting cycle, led by the Fed; elections and geopolitics; 1Q earnings results; market-specific policy; and (less fundamentally, but notably) seasonality," the investment bank's analysts wrote in an April 7 note. Looking ahead, they expect the the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan index (MXAPJ) to post earnings growth of 15% and 11% in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Key trading themes on their radar include secure shareholder returns, policy-easing beneficiaries as well as opportunities among artificial intelligence and defense stocks. Here are two additions to Goldman Sachs' Asian conviction list, and two removals: China Resources Beer Goldman analyst Leaf Liu said he was positive on the outlook for Chinese beer manufacturer and distributor China Resources Beer . Brands it owns or has a stake in include Blue Sword, Green Leaves, New Three Star, Tianjin and Heineken . "Despite multiple headwinds of weak macro, consumption downgrade and the deflationary environment in China, CRB has delivered relatively resilient EPS [earnings per share] growth, driven by solid progress in premiumization," the analyst wrote. He believes the brewer's "risk/reward is increasingly attractive" and expects the company to "gain the most incremental market share amongst the peer group in the premium beer segment." Shares in China Resource Beer are down around 45% in the last 12 months. Goldman Sachs has a 12-month price target of 51 Hong Kong dollars ($6.51) on the stock, giving it potential upside of around 46%. Shares in the life insurer are traded in the KraneShares MSCI All China Index ETF (0.4% weight) and Franklin FTSE China ETF (0.3%). NTPC India's power generation company NTPC formerly the National Thermal Power Corporation was another addition to Goldman's conviction list. Analyst Apoorva Bahadur says the company is set to benefit both from worsening power shortages and the renewable transition more broadly. NTPC states on its website that it has an installed capacity of over 75 gigawatts, and plans to raise this to 130 gigawatts by 2032. Bahadur believes its renewable business has the potential to "re-rate, with the company benefiting from decline in module prices, progress on new energy plans and potential monetization." Shares in the power generation player are nearly 104% over the last 12 months. Goldman gives the stock a 12-month price target of 395 Indian rupees ($4.74), implying potential upside of 8.8%. Shionogi, China Medical System Meanwhile, the Wall Street bank removed two pharmaceutical players Japan's Shionogi and the China-headquartered China Medical System from its conviction list. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - The sexual abuse controversy involving former staff members at the erstwhile Johnny's agency continues, as journalists from the BBC advocating for the agency to report the incidents to the police. BBC Journalist Shocked by Noriyuki Higashiyama's Response BBC's Mobeen Azhar expressed shock at the responses given during interviews, particularly from Noriyuki Higashiyama, emphasizing the difficulty of victims reporting to the police and the responsibility of SMILE-UP. company to properly address and support the victims. During an afternoon press conference, Azhar, who produced a documentary exposing the series of sexual abuses by Johnny Kitagawa, stressed the importance of further investigation and police involvement, especially since Higashiyama confirmed the alleged perpetrators are still alive. Azhar criticized Higashiyama's stance on the victims' responsibility, insisting on the agency's duty towards the accusers. The issue also calls for continuous media pursuit in Japan. Higashiyama's Commitment to Cooperate with Criminal Complaints Takahiro Inoue outlined the timeline, mentioning the BBC's March 2023 report on Kitagawa's abuse, followed by the August recognition of the abuse, and the company's name change in October. The BBC's sequel in March 2024 revealed Higashiyama acknowledging the staff's abusive actions and stating the agency's limitation in legal matters but promising full cooperation if criminal complaints were filed. The media's silence on the matter was highlighted, acknowledging a failure to address and report on the issue, which should have been their responsibility, not the BBC's. BBC Journalist Stresses the Difficulty for Victims to Report to Police Inoue reiterated Azhar's point on the agency's responsibility to support victims considering the challenges they face in reporting to the police. The focus of the BBC's insistence on the agency reporting the abuse was clear during the press conference. Chiaki Horan emphasized the need for careful and considerate victim support, acknowledging the psychological barriers involved. Although the agency announced strict actions against the two staff members involved, details on the punishment remain unspecified as of 6 PM on the 10th. Compensation remains a critical unresolved issue. As of March 29, there were 973 claimants at the compensation reception, with 324 already compensated, highlighting ongoing negotiations on individual compensation amounts. Source: TBS NSE X has received an inquiry from the US House of Representatives regarding actions taken in Brazil which were in violation of Brazilian law, Elon Musk said on Wednesday in a post on the social media platform.X was asked to suspend the accounts of "sitting members of the Brazilian parliament and many journalists," Musk said in another post.The US House could not be immediately reached for comment. X did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.The US House move comes after Brazil Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes opened an inquiry on Sunday into Elon Musk after he said he would reactivate accounts on X that the judge had ordered blocked.If X fails to comply with the order to block certain accounts the company will be fined 100,000 reais ($19,736.32) per day, Moraes said.The standoff between Brazil and the billionaire started when Musk, the owner of X and a self-declared free speech absolutist, challenged the decision by Moraes ordering the blocking of certain accounts.Musk has said X, formerly known as Twitter, would lift all the restrictions because they were unconstitutional and called on Moraes to resign."This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil," Musk posted last week."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." Germany's Lufthansa has suspended its flights to and from Tehran because of the present situation in the Middle East, which is on alert following possible Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria.An Iranian news agency published an Arabic report on X saying airspace over Tehran has been shut for military drilles. However, it removed the report and denied issuing the news.Countries in the region and the United States have been on high alert and preparing for a possible attack by Iran since April 1 when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.Lufthansa said it suspended flights to and from Tehran from April 6 until probably April 11."We are constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority," a spokesperson for the company told Reuters.Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines are the only two Western carriers operating international flights into Tehran, which is mostly served by Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines.Austrian Airlines, which is owned by Lufthansa and runs a direct Vienna-Tehran service six times a week, was still scheduled to operate its flight into Tehran on Thursday, according to its website and FlightRadar24.There was no immediate word from other international airlines that fly to Tehran.Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the Damascus strike that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members.Among them was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Quds Force, an elite overseas unit of the Revolutionary Guards.Israel, which launched a war in the Gaza Strip six months ago against Iran-backed Hamas, has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus, but the Pentagon has said it was. TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - In the latest cinematic offering from the "Kingdom" series, "The Return of the Great General," audiences are transported back to an era of unparalleled valor and tumultuous warfare within the sprawling lands of ancient China. As the tale unfurls, we are reintroduced to a character of legendary prowessonce hailed as the War God, the revered General Wang Qi. This chapter heralds an exciting development: the casting of Masuo Kusakari as the formidable King Sho of Qin, under whose banner Wang Qi had once fiercely battled. The film promises to elevate the "Kingdom" saga to new heights, branding itself as the most magnificent masterpiece in the series' history. Viewers are poised on the brink of an unforgettable conflict, as the narrative weaves through the intricacies of loyalty, power, and the unquenchable thirst for supremacy. Set against the backdrop of China's Warring States period, "The Return of the Great General" not only showcases the grandeur of ancient battlefields but also delves deep into the human spirit, exploring the bonds that tether leaders to their followers, and warriors to their comrades. The story's heart beats in the valor of those who dare to dream of unifying a fractured land, of the sacrifices demanded by such lofty aspirations, and of the indomitable will required to transform those dreams into reality. As July 12th approaches, the anticipation builds for what is being heralded as an epic that will linger in the hearts and minds of viewers long after the final credits roll. The battle drums echo once more, calling to those who yearn to witness the saga of bravery, strategy, and the enduring quest for peace in a time of relentless war. "The Return of the Great General" is not just a journey back in time; it is an invitation to experience the very essence of what it means to fight for one's beliefs, for one's kingdom, and for the annals of history itself. Source: MOVIE NARA, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - A 69-year-old roofing worker with a broken leg, dying to escape hospital, has been caught stealing an ambulance to avoid prolonged treatment. According to police, roofing worker Hajime Kamei (69) of Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, is accused of stealing an ambulance that was parked outside the South Nara General Medical Center, with its keys still in the ignition while waiting for patients, at 7:00 AM on April 10. The injured man then made his getaway along the Keinawa Expressway, before being apprehended by police at an interchange in Kashihara City some 30 minutes later. Hospitalized with a broken leg, Kamei admitted to the theft, stating he "stole it wanting to escape from the hospital as discharge seemed to take forever." Source: MBS Lonely kids may be at a higher risk of developing pyschosis later in life. In a recent study, researchers uncovered a significant correlation between childhood loneliness and the likelihood of experiencing psychosis in adulthood, with a notable impact observed, especially among women. Conducted as an observational case-control study, the research involved 285 individuals who had experienced their initial episode of psychosis, alongside 261 control subjects. The study differentiated between subjective loneliness, defined as a feeling of distress associated with a lack of meaningful relationships, and objective social isolation. Key revelations from the study indicate that childhood loneliness more than doubles the probability of encountering a psychotic episode later in life, with a substantially stronger effect detected in women. This association persisted even after controlling for objective social isolation during childhood. Moreover, among women who experienced psychosis, those who reported childhood loneliness were notably less likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, suggesting distinct impacts on various forms of psychosis. Dr. Covadonga Diaz-Caneja of the Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health in Madrid, Spain, highlighted the importance of these findings according to Neuroscience News, stating, "Our results suggest that childhood loneliness may serve as an early risk factor for later psychotic disorders and support its role as a potential target for preventive mental health interventions from an early age." "This study offers valuable insight into the association between childhood loneliness and first-episode psychosis. With the rise of digitalization and social isolation, loneliness has become a pervasive issue affecting young individuals." Professor Andrea Fiorillo, president-elect of the European Psychiatric Association, emphasized the significance of addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being in youth, especially in the face of rising trends in digitalization and social isolation. "The compelling findings of this study, which establish a direct connection between childhood loneliness and the onset of psychosis, highlight a concerning trend and underscore the importance of addressing social connectedness and emotional well-being from an early age," Fiorillo said. The study's comprehensive insights provide valuable groundwork for further research and underscore the urgency of prioritizing interventions to enhance social connectedness and emotional well-being in childhood. The findings also shed light on the need for early interventions aimed at fostering social connections to mitigate the risk of developing psychotic disorders. A recent study from Japan has found a remarkably simple yet effective technique to swiftly neutralize feelings of anger. The study, led by researchers Nobuyuki Kawai and Yuta Kanaya from the Graduate School of Informatics at Nagoya University, shed light on a novel approach to tempering negative emotions. Published in Scientific Reports, the study discussed a technique wherein individuals write down their reactions to adverse incidents on paper and throw it away. Surprisingly, participants experienced a significant reduction in anger levels, with some reporting virtually eliminated anger. "We expected that our method would suppress anger to some extent," Nobuyuki Kawai explained according to Medical Express. "However, we were amazed that anger was eliminated almost entirely." The research holds paramount significance in various contexts, particularly in workplace and personal well-being, where effective anger management strategies are crucial. Unlike conventional methods lacking empirical support, this innovative approach harnesses the power of the written word and physical actions to modulate emotional responses swiftly and effectively. Participants in the study were instructed to write brief opinions about social problems and then received insulting comments. They were then asked to articulate their thoughts about the provocative event on paper. Half of the participants disposed of the paper, while the other half retained it. Those who disposed of the paper experienced a rapid restoration of their initial emotional state, highlighting the potency of the technique in neutralizing anger. Furthermore, the study offered intriguing insights into the cultural tradition of "hakidashisara" at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, giving attention to rituals aimed at purging anger and fostering emotional catharsis. The practical implications of this research extend beyond academic realms, with potential applications in high-stress environments such as business settings. "This technique could be applied in the moment by writing down the source of anger as if taking a memo and then throwing it away when one feels angry in a business situation," Kawai reportedly said. The researchers hope people facing stressful situations could try this technique to swiftly alleviate anger through the act of writing and discarding negative emotions. Its conventional wisdom that the winter months are the saddest of the year. Natural light is hard to come by, plants arent exactly at their prettiest, and there are next to no barbecues occurring. Its enough that youre likely to hear plenty of people prattle on about how rough their Seasonal Affective Disorder is, which, if youve got classic clinical depression like yours truly, feels a bit like someone taking a day trip into a coal mine and complaining about their cough the whole time. It turns out, however, that science doesnt agree with the dark months being the bleakest for mental health. Even the morbid statistic thats repeated ad nauseum about winter being the highest time for suicide is straight up not true. In fact, the time of year with the highest rate of suicide attempts is one that doesnt follow natural, poetic assumptions. It is spring. Yes, despite the preponderance of daisies and park picnics, spring is apparently the most depressing time of year. Don't Miss So whats to blame here? There are a couple of theories. One includes those very same park picnics. The thinking is, that even though were not doing much during winter, theres also no pressure to do anything. Yes, it might be isolating, but its a very reliable, consistent level of isolation that minimizes disappointment. If its miserable outside, youre probably not blaming yourself for being a shut-in. But once the sun is shining, and youre blasted with Instagram carousels of people laughing like a lady in a salad dressing ad, it's a lot easier to label yourself a worthless sad sack. Pixabay Look at this asshole. Another theory brought forward by the Psychology Today article linked above is that allergies have a connection with depression. As if they werent obnoxious enough already, apparently theres evidence that they have ill effects north of your nose as well. The inflammation caused by allergic reactions is linked to mood disorders, something borne out by injecting animals with inflammatory agents and watching them start to care less for themselves, which is fair, given that Im unlikely to primp myself thoroughly when I feel like Im smuggling a hunk of ambergris in the middle of my head. Theres also the fact that, if youre allergic to dust, like myself, it just feels like another indication that you werent intended to stick around for the long run (Im kidding, dont call the hotline on me). Advertisement In addition to these evidence-based, scientific links, Id put forward one more thing that might not be the root, but definitely isnt helping: tax season. Given that mental-health professionals seem to know that April and the months after are an emotionally volatile time, it feels doubly rude for Uncle Sam to choose that time of year to pull the bottom out of my bank account. Advertisement All in all, though, its good news for curmudgeons like me that if youre not coursing with joie de vivre just because birds are chirping again, youre not that sick in the head. Or at least, no more sick than the base level of the modern human brain. TOKYO, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - A tea bowl made of pure gold, valued at 10 million yen, was stolen at around noon Thursday from the "Great Gold Exhibition" held at the busy Nihonbashi Takashimaya department store in Tokyo's Chuo district, leaving patrons and staff stunned. The exhibition, known for showcasing a dazzling array of gold artifacts including golden dragons and sake vessels crafted by Living National Treasures, gathered over a thousand gold items, with prices ranging from several hundred thousand to millions of yen. Among these, the stolen tea bowl, crafted by a renowned artisan known for creating commemorative items for the Emperor's wedding, stood out as one of the exhibition's most valuable pieces. The theft occurred around noon, with a staff member alerting the police at 12:16 PM after noticing the item's disappearance. Surveillance footage pinpointed the theft to approximately 11:40 AM, capturing a man making off with the tea bowl. The fleeing man, described as being in his 20s to 30s, was wearing a gray sweatshirt, carrying a backpack, dressed in dark trousers, and wearing glasses. The Tokyo Metropolitan Police are currently searching for the man's whereabouts. Source: ANN Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Max Lamb, Paola Pansini, Summer Moore, Aleiette In a 2021 interview with PinUp magazine, the late Italian designer Gaetano Pesce said, I dont make things so they appear nice or elegant. I make objects to communicate different stories to people. Since learning of Pesces passing, Ive been thinking about how his constant drive to experiment made his work feel so alive. Nothing was too precious (later in the interview, Pesce admits to destroying objects that dont feel right). That spirit shows up in some of this months shows and openings: an experimental lamp show in Tivoli, a Milan designers ceramics paired with 19th-century folk furniture, and a survey of Max Lamb that tells the story of his constantly evolving practice. Drew Seskunass Metallurgical Experiments at Nomia From left: Saw.earths dining chair from the Tectonics Collection and the Prism Chiminea from 2020. Photo: Alyona Kuzmina SAW.EARTHs sconces made out of anodyzed aluminum. Photo: Alyona Kuzmina From top: Saw.earths dining chair from the Tectonics Collection and the Prism Chiminea from 2020. Photo: Alyona Kuzmina SAW.EARTHs sconces made out o... more From top: Saw.earths dining chair from the Tectonics Collection and the Prism Chiminea from 2020. Photo: Alyona Kuzmina SAW.EARTHs sconces made out of anodyzed aluminum. Photo: Alyona Kuzmina When I used to live off Metropolitan Avenue, the minimalist interior of Yara Flinns Nomia boutique always caught my eye on my walk to and from the G train. Once, I complimented the furniture, specifically the squiggly blue table that held the accessories, and Flinn told me that most of the boutiques furniture was made by her husband, architect Drew Seskunas. (If youve caught a show at Elsewheres loft space in Bushwick, you might have seen the moving ceiling he designed.) This month, Seskunass new Tectonics Collection is on display in Nomias showroom alongside Flinns utilitarian and sultry womenswear. Fashioned from metals, Seskunass blocky, geometric furniture can be displayed both indoors and outdoors. My favorite are the lighting fixtures made from perforated aluminum, which remind me of Gerrit Thomas Rietvelds aluminum chairs. Through April 28. Valentina Cameranesi Sgrois Delicate Trinkets at Jacqueline Sullivan Valentina Cameranesi Sgrois Marionetta II series of enameled copper vessels at Jacqueline Sullivan. Photo: Paola Pansini The Milan-based designer Valentina Cameranesi Sgroi has filled Sullivans gallery with functional, delicate trinkets for her debut U.S. show. Titled I Racconti (The Tales), Cameranesi Sgroi calls the exhibition a dialogue show every item references objects from the past. The designers hand-painted birch-plywood boxes (Modello I and IV), streaked with pastel watercolors, are a nod to fashion designer Ken Scotts efflorescent florals. Then there are the subtly Gothic pieces in the Marionetta series, made of enameled copper: Marionetta I is a circular black pan topped with a conical pale-pink hat, while Marionetta II presents a more menacing, spikier silhouette, resembling a jesters hat with a spiky, protruding nose in the lids center. In contrast, her eye-catching glassware, including her Fasciated cups, are iridescent in the sunlight. The pieces are even more striking in their setting, displayed alongside (and atop) a selection of 19th-century folk furniture from Olde Hope Antiques: chests, benches, chairs, and a six-arm chandelier with a crystal globe at its center. Through April 13. Cameranesi Sgrois Fasciated cups. Photo: Paola Pansini Silence of the Lamps in the Hudson Valley Jed Heuers balustrade-based lamp. Photo: Summer Moore On the third floor of the Whitney Biennial, theres a memo by the artist Pippa Garner that declares, YOU CAN MAKE A LAMP OUT OF ANYTHING. While Garner does admit there are a few exceptions [to her proposal], such as ice cream sundaes, freeways, and parts of speech, weve definitely seen this theory tested over the past several years of lamp surveys. McDonalds-bag lamps, anyone? In Tivoli, design shop and gallery Available Items has put on a delightful show of experimental lamps from 19 artists and designers. In Silence of the Lamps, all of the objects consist of a base, a shade, and a light source, three requirements set out by Chad Phillips and Kristin Coleman, the gallery owners. Otherwise, the objects vastly differ: Ori Carlin and Bridget Gettyss lamp has a remarkable step-stool-style base made from clay that, from afar, resembles woven straw. Jed Heuer converted a white baluster into a glowing base and attached it to a deconstructed lampshade, which is positioned aslant like an unfurling scroll, and Brett Millers Memphis-style floor lamp plays with anthropomorphism. Garner, I think, would be pleased. Through April 14. Lamps at Available Items gallery and shop in Tivoli. Photo: Summer Moore Haricot Verts New Store and Workshop Space A cloud light covered with charms at Haricot Verts new store. Photo: Alexandria Mallonee Haricot Vert, the jewelry brand known for its whimsical, DIY-style charms, has outgrown two spaces in just three years. After founder Kelsey Armstrong moved production from her Ridgewood apartment to a studio in Greenpoint, a successful pop-up in Soho paved the way for the brands first brick-and-mortar store in Williamsburg. Opened on April 6, the shop offers much more than just retail. The two-story Dreamworld, as Armstrong calls it, is spacious enough for a production studio, a jewelry-customization area, a workshop space for crafting classes, and a cafe. Since the beginning, Armstrongs chief source of inspiration for the brand has been I Spy, the childrens-book series of photographed objects created by Walter Wick, and her charms similarly collage together an eclectic range of vintage and personal images, from body parts to food to everyday objects like a moka pot or a bottle cap. The stores aesthetic isnt as maximalist as the jewelry. It was kind of inspired by mid-century retrofuturism, says Armstrong, but we took our own approach with hand-drawing the counters out to fit the feng shui of the space. The resulting look is globular and organic, and the cloud-shaped tables and lights, with their bright LED frames and scalloped edges, look like variations on Ettore Sottsasss lamps and mirrors. All of the shop furniture is custom-made by local designer John the Painter and fabricated by Studio Practice and Brooklyn Fabrication. Now open at 119 N. 1st St. Catch It Before It Closes: Salon 94s Max Lamb Show From left: Max Lambs Poly Rainbow Economy Chair, made of polystyrene and rubber polymer (2021). Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94 Design Max Lamb Lambs 360 Boulder Chair, made in 2021 out of tonalite granite and a steel bearing. Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94 Design Max Lamb From top: Max Lambs Poly Rainbow Economy Chair, made of polystyrene and rubber polymer (2021). Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94 Design Ma... more From top: Max Lambs Poly Rainbow Economy Chair, made of polystyrene and rubber polymer (2021). Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94 Design Max Lamb Lambs 360 Boulder Chair, made in 2021 out of tonalite granite and a steel bearing. Photo: Courtesy of the artist and Salon 94 Design Max Lamb Ive been looking forward to catching Max Lambs Inventory for a month after hearing that it would mainly show some previously unfinished works and pieces made of discarded materials. Set in Salon 94s opulent Beaux Artsstyle building uptown, this survey of the British designers 17-year career is expansive with 282 pieces from 31 different series, including some one-off experiments that had spent years in storage, partly unfinished. Theres a lot of material experimentation on display with pieces made of polystyrene, polymer, textiles, stone, bronze, and clay and Lambs textural whimsy reminds me of Pesce himself. Its obvious that chairs are Lambs preferred form for exploration, and he excels at subverting our expectations of what a chair should look and feel like. Regardless of whether hes using organic materials (like in his Boulder series) or manufactured ones, the idiosyncrasies and imperfections of his chairs underscore the pleasures of handcraft in a world where seating is typically mass-produced for maximum comfort. Through April 20. Like a stunned beast on a conveyor belt, Britain slowly trundles towards what everyone seems to think is the inevitable election of a Labour government. Many people behave as if this is in some way just and proper. The Government is tired and decrepit. So it has to go, and be replaced by whatever Sir Keir Starmer is offering us. This is dangerous thinking, just as it was in 1997, the last time this country submitted to what might be called 'It's Their Turn Syndrome', and elected the most radical government to rule this island since Oliver Cromwell. The United Kingdom was broken up. We got a Supreme Court packed with a new generation of liberal judges, quite unaccountable to anyone. The House of Lords was subjected to a mauling so devastating that even hard conservatives (such as I am) now reluctantly concede that it has to go. Christianity officially ceased to be the national religion. Public spending and taxation increased vastly. National borders were flung wide. Our national defences were eviscerated and misused on foolish adventures abroad. Millions were beguiled by a few easily misunderstood slogans: 'Education, Education, Education' turned out to mean making new grammar schools illegal. 'Tough on Crime. Tough on the Causes of Crime' ended with a politically correct inquisition into the police and courts from which the two have never recovered. Sir Keir Starmer could be elected thanks to what might be called 'It's Their Turn Syndrome' And so on. People are still discovering just how far-reachingly awful the Blair-Brown government was, as they run up against its delayed and camouflaged actions. It is also illogical to imagine that there is any justice in getting rid of a bad government, if its successor is likely to be worse. Recently, the astute Left-wing commentator Janan Ganesh, exasperated with the consensus, told readers of the pro-Starmer Financial Times: 'Spare me, please, another long read about the bitter atmosphere in the UK after 14 years of Conservative rule. Of course it is bitter. Which outgoing government of comparable lifespan was kissed farewell and thanked for all its hard work? The Tories were jeered from office in 1997. 'Their Labour successors won a still lower share of the vote in 2010. [Oh yes, they did.] Long-serving regimes are hated. Want to be liked in politics? Lose more. Govern less. Voters have had 14 years to observe the faults of one political party in subatomic detail. And 14 years of relief from Labour's.' It is unanswerable. Getting rid of a government merely because it has been around a long time is just daft. Mr Ganesh then warned: 'Labour exists to spend money. No disgrace there: it is the quickest route to some of its social objectives. But with taxes and public debt so much higher than when Labour last governed, the pain this time will be sharper. Here is a prediction. After some initial fiscal restraint, Labour, in frustration, will borrow more on past evidence, much more than markets currently expect. If taxes rise, too, the public's reaction won't be the kind of grudging assent granted to Gordon Brown's penny on National Insurance in 2002. Worse, public services won't improve much because Labour won't reform them.' He noted that people often dismiss the Tories as a lobby group for old people. If so, then Labour is a lobby group for the public-sector middle class. I don't suppose Mr Ganesh or the FT thought that the article would do much damage to Labour. They probably want to be able to say, two years hence, that they saw the inevitable tax crisis coming. But if those currently toying with taking some sort of 'revenge' on the Tories would only think about what they are doing, they might realise what they are going to bring on themselves. Trying to punish the Tories by helping the election of a Starmer government will, I confidently predict, be useless. It is like bashing yourself over the head with a lump hammer to frighten your enemies. Ejected politicians often rather enjoy their post-power years. But you won't enjoy Starmerism. It won't just be the seizure of your money to be poured into the unreformed money-pit of the Health Service. Nor will it be the bossy-boots righteousness of the new government, its pointless spite against private schools, nor even the BBC's cringing compliance with everything Sir Keir does. Though these will all be hard to bear. In the dying days of the Major government in 1997, Tory Party propagandists made the melodramatic 'demon eyes' poster of Tony Blair, above the slogan 'New Labour. New Danger' There is the question of just how frenzied Sir Keir's pursuit of Net Zero and the Greta Thunberg option will be. One of his mega-donors, the 'green energy entrepreneur' Dale Vince, will certainly be expecting some vigorous action. In fact, the same sort of very big money liberal businessmen who gathered round Blair have assembled round Sir Keir. But then we come to the constitutional changes. Published under the Labour Red Rose imprint, a document called A New Britain: Renewing our Democracy and Rebuilding our Economy has been hiding in plain sight for many months. The work of the grumpy old Scottish socialist Gordon Brown, it suggests sweeping away the House of Lords and replacing it with a new 200-strong second chamber, representing the 'regions' and devolved nations. This will be elected by a method not disclosed (but almost certainly some sort of proportional representation). Crucially, it will have to take orders from the Supreme Court, which will from now on be safe from the abolition it so richly deserves. The document states that the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, which created the Supreme Court, should be one of a select few 'constitutionally protected statutes' which the Commons cannot easily get rid of. The devolved nations and local government will be handed significant new powers and much more independence of action. All these measures will steal power from the real heart and cockpit of British free government: the old, directly elected, first-past-the-post House of Commons. If they are implemented - and the report expects that they will be acted on early in a Starmer government - then we will probably have seen the last of the sort of British government we were once used to. And if any future government tries to do anything conservative, it will be faced with a series of new 'social rights', from free healthcare and education to 'entitlement' to 'social assistance', and to 'decent accommodation'. Knowing as we do what activist judges have been able to do with various 'human rights', imagine what they might do with these provisions. And remember, these measures are comparatively cheap, so they will not be constrained by spending limits or borrowing power. In the dying days of the Major government in 1997, Conservative Party propagandists commissioned the melodramatic 'demon eyes' poster of Sir Anthony Blair (as he then wasn't), above the slogan 'New Labour. New Danger'. The trouble was that they had not done the deep digging that would have revealed what Blair would actually do in office, and the poster was mocked as alarmist and crude. Yet, looking back on the early months of that fateful year, how many who sought to 'punish' Sir John Major for what was indeed a pretty awful government would now happily go back to Britain before Blair? Now here we are again, but the future is not yet decided. Amol Rajan, the host of University Challenge, has announced that, from now on, he will no longer pronounce the letter 'h' as 'haitch'. Instead, he will say 'aitch'. He has been bullied into this by a handful of pernickety viewers who have bridled at what they regard as a mispronunciation. 'Someone at the BBC please tell Amol Rajan [below] there is no 'haitch' in 'aitch' ' thundered a reader from Eastleigh or should that be a reader from Heastleigh? If I were in Rajan's shoes, I would immediately start introducing the show as Huniversity Challenge. But Rajan is clearly less combative, and has bowed to the demands of the agitators, or hagitators. 'All my life I've pronounced it 'haitch', dimly aware that I was getting it 'wrong',' he wrote in a recent blog. 'Everyone I grew up with says 'haitch'. My mates say 'haitch'. But, dear reader, I'm here to tell you: it's 'aitch'. This matters a lot to a lot of people, which is fair enough.' Amol Rajan has been bullied into this by a handful of pernickety viewers who have bridled at what they regard as a mispronunciation of the letter 'h' H has long been the most troublesome letter in the alphabet. It's the most ghostly of letters: it is completely silent in words such as 'rhapsody' or 'when' or, indeed, 'ghostly'. And even when it makes itself heard in 'hat' or 'hill' or 'horrid' it's the only letter that bypasses the vocal cords, the throat, the tongue, the teeth and the lips. It's nothing more than an exhalation of breath. Like an uninvited guest, it is generally present for no reason, taking up space but making no contribution. None of us pronounce the 'h' in honour, or hour, or honest, or heir. In America, they drop the 'h' in 'herb'. Small wonder, then, that it has always been regarded as something of a hanger-on in most languages. In Spanish and French, it is never pronounced; in Italian spelling it is omitted entirely. As long ago as 1712, the grammarian Michael Maittaire boldly decreed that 'H is not properly a Letter'. Within the British class system, 'h' has long been employed as a booby-trap, planted by the upper classes in order to embarrass the underdogs. Etiquette experts have long sniffed at those who neglect to sound the 'h' in words like 'house' or 'habit'. In 1894, a correspondent to The Times newspaper complained at the kind of fashionable wife who 'brings 'h-less' Socialists as guests to her husband's house.' In the film version of Pygmalion, one of the first exercises the grand Professor Higgins gives to the cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle is to repeat the sentence, 'In Hertford, Hereford and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen.' Yet, as poor old Amol Rajan has just discovered, this rule cannot be relied upon. Often, you're meant to pronounce the 'h' in a word, but, just as often, you're not. Snootiness about mispronouncing 'h's gathered force in the 19th century. In David Copperfield, published in 1849, Uriah Heep drops his 'h's in order to show how very 'umble' he is. A best-selling manual called Enquire Within Upon Everything, first published in 1856, contained 256 'rules and hints for correct speaking'. Its author severely upbraided those possessed by what he described as the 'most unpleasant habit of misusing the letter H'. The University Challenge host pronounced 'h' as 'haitch' rather than 'aitch' Yet, rules about correct speech come and go. The author of Enquire Within Upon Everything also decreed you should never say: 'If I am not mistaken.' He claimed the correct expression was: 'If I mistake not.' Similarly, he claimed that to say: 'It is raining very hard,' was as common as muck: instead, he advised: 'It is raining very fast.' A year earlier, in 1855, a manual with the long-winded title, Never Too Late To Learn: Mistakes Of Daily Occurence In Speaking, Writing And Pronunciation Corrected, was equally insistent on the rights and wrongs of everyday speech. Sadly, many of its strictures for instance, pronouncing 'rise' to rhyme with 'price' have failed to last. To haitch or to aitch? There is no right or wrong. Should Amol Rajan have held out for his haitches? Or, to put it another way, should 'e 'ave 'eld out for 'is haitches? 'Eaven knows. To my mind, you can pronounce them any hold 'ow. Commentary: Is there overcapacity in China's EV sector? Xinhua) 08:05, April 11, 2024 People visit the BYD booth at the 2023 International Motor Show, officially known as the IAA MOBILITY 2023, in Munich, Germany, Sept. 8, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The allegation by the United States and Europe that China faces "overcapacity" in its electric vehicle (EV) industry is groundless. Overcapacity is a term describing the relationship between supply and demand. Overcapacity exists when demand is lower than supply. So we must look at overcapacity from the perspectives of production and sales. Purely electric vehicles account for over 70 percent of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales. In 2023, the production and sales of NEVs nationwide were 9.587 million and 9.495 million units, respectively, both accounting for over 60 percent of the global total. The output was only a little higher than the sales figure, by a small margin of less than 100,000 units. Given the huge scale of supply and demand, such a small margin is quite normal. Clearly, there is no overcapacity. Importantly, the Chinese market consumed the lion's share of the NEVs it produced, with domestic NEV sales reaching 8.29 million units last year, while the nation's NEV exports accounted for only about 12 percent of its total sales. China's domestic demand for NEVs is robust, in pace with the country's green development drive. There has been a sustained balance between supply and demand over the past few years in China's NEV industry. Yet it is believed that demand is on the rise worldwide. An estimate by the International Energy Agency shows the global demand for NEVs in 2030 will be 4.5 times that of 2022. "The production and sales growth is basically synchronized, indicating the strong demand and vitality of China's electric vehicle market," said Kong Dongmin, a professor in economics at Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Is the "overcapacity" narrative an attempt to accuse China of "dumping" new energy vehicles in overseas markets? The rapid growth of China's new energy vehicle sales in overseas markets is attributed to the competitiveness not only in price, but also in design. The comprehensive advantages of price and quality make China's new energy vehicles stand out in the arena of international competition. Greater consumer demand for Chinese products has caused unexpected panic among individual American and European manufacturers, experts say. "The protection of local backward production capacity may be the real reason behind the accusation of 'overcapacity' against China's new energy vehicle sector," said Sun Yifei, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. China's advantages in production cost and product design of new energy vehicles come from the long-term layout and in-depth research and development of its enterprises, he added. Chinese EV enterprises rely on continuous technological innovation, a sound production and supply chain system, and adequate market competition to develop rapidly, rather than relying on subsidies to achieve competitive advantages, China's Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao told a roundtable meeting in Paris attended by representatives of EV enterprises on Sunday. China's NEV advantage does not come from subsidies, but from improvements in enterprise efficiency brought about by technological innovation. A man charges his car in a multifunctional new energy vehicle charging station in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, July 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Liu Fangqiang) In the NEV industry, the speed of technology iteration is relatively fast. The product upgrading and efficiency improvement brought by scientific and technological innovation are things that benefit people all over the world by contributing to the green transformation of the global automobile industry. Meanwhile, profits growth also indicates that China's NEV makers are not beset by "overcapacity." According to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the total profits of China's automobile manufacturing industry grew by 0.6 percent in 2022 year on year, and 5.9 percent in 2023 year on year, respectively, against a fall of 4 percent and of 2.3 percent for industrial firms with annual revenue of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.82 million U.S. dollars) nationwide. This shows that automobile manufacturing enterprises, including electric vehicle makers, have achieved good economic benefits in steady operation, and the overall development trend of the industry is healthy. It is true that the comparatively low prices of China-made NEVs are one of the factors behind the growth of sales among overseas customers. In fact, the prices in overseas markets for some models of China's leading NEV brands are almost double that in China. China's NEV industry is steadily moving forward along a healthy, orderly and sustainable track. Accusations of "overcapacity" are absolutely the wrong focus for the United States and Europe if they want to sharpen the competitiveness of their EV enterprises. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A woman who travelled solo from London to Lagos by road in under three months has been given a hero's welcome in the Nigerian state. The Lagos born, London raised travel influencer - Pelumi Nubi, 29 - began the adventure on January 24 with nothing but her trusted purple Peugeot 107, which she fondly named Lumi. Taking to her Instagram page, she documented the journey which took her across 17 countries including France, Spain, Morocco and Ghana. Pelumi said she attempted the record-making journey in order to inspire 'solo black female travellers' and show them 'adventures like this are possible'. Yesterday she arrived in Lagos to a grand homecoming lead by governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who awarded her a brand new house and car on behalf of the state. Pelumi Nubi, 29, has travelled solo from London to Nigeria by road in under three months. This week she arrived in Lagos to a hero's welcome spearheaded by the state's governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu In a video posted to her page, the content creator was close to tears as the governor presented her with a brand new ride. In the same post, she informed fans that her efforts had been crowned with a tourism ambassador role, while the state has also offered to reimburse her travel costs. She wrote: 'This is getting too much! Lagos my city. Lord how did we get here? Thank You Jesus. Meet the newest brand ambassador of tourism in Lagos state. 'Grateful to His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State Jide Sanwoolu, for the warm reception, generous gift of all expenses on my London to Lagos trip paid for, new car with my customised plate number, a beautiful home in Lagos! 'Truly, Gods blessings overflow! Congratulations to us guys!!!! Lumi now has a sister'. Before embarking on the months-long journey to Nigeria's largest city Pelumi revealed that she had dyslexia, and that she was determined to see the trip through without having to rely on anyone. Calling it a 'crazy idea', she shared her excitement at attempting the feat and hoped to show others that 'impossible is just a word'. She wrote: 'For months, Ive been chatting with folks whove tackled similar adventures. As far as I know, no black woman has made this journey before. But hey, this isnt about breaking records. The travel influencer's trip was also spiked with adversity, including multiple breakdowns and a frightening car crash. Here, locals can be seen pushing the car away from a busy road 'Its about showing the world that impossible is just a word, especially when youve got enough grit and determination. I cant fully describe my emotions right now but I am just so excited to finally put it out there - no matter the outcome! Pelumi - who kitted her tiny Peugeot with a sleeping and kitchen space for the trip - has been brimming with emotion since beginning the voyage. Speaking to CNN Travel shortly afterwards, she said: 'When I crossed into Morocco, I literally broke down crying. And it wasnt sadness. 'It was just this overwhelming feeling of [realizing] wow, I overcomplicated this process in my head. I really thought it would be more difficult than it was. And it made me wonder what else in my life I was overthinking'. Pelumi's trip was also spiked with adversity, including multiple breakdowns and a frightening car crash. On March 26, the travel blogger took to her page to share the aftermath of what appeared to be a front-on collision. Her beloved Lumi received massive damage to its front side while Pelumi filmed herself laying inside an ambulance and in a hospital bed receiving treatment. She later explained that the crash occurred in Ivory Coast after a driver allegedly parked his truck in the middle of a highway. Speaking on the crash she said: 'I am deeply thankful to be alive! This kind [of] incident comes with a deeper appreciation life. 'It also brought me a lot of joy that Lumi is getting fix[ed]. Thank you all once again for your kind wishes'. Fans learned that she was forced to take time out to 'mend' before resuming the trip, inevitably delaying its completion date. On another occasion and enroute to her second to last country, Pelumi's car broke down. In the video, the purple car can be seen still in the middle of a busy major road before a few locals step in to help the influencer move the car. 'This is mad she just stopped working' she said. 'I'm not going to lie this is really stressful'. She accompanied the post with an uplifting message to herself: 'One minute I am 30 mins away from crossing the borders into my second to final country, and the next, it feels like it might never happen. 'But as usual, giving up is never an option. We must keep pushing through for when we get knocked down 7 times, we rise the 8th'. Also at the finish line were her parents, who she said were at first were reluctant to let their daughter explore the globe by road. However she thanked them for their unwavering support. She gushed: 'Daddy! Mummy! I did it!!!! I solo drove from London to Lagos. 'Ill never forget the look on mummys face when I first shared my crazy idea with her a year ago. Oh, the typical African mother reaction! 'Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with the most supportive parents and family. Your approval and encouragement meant everything to me, and Im forever grateful. 'Im proud to be your daughter, and I promise to keep making you proud. I love you both so much'. Upon completing her journey across the continents, she wrote: 'Its a wrap, everyone! We made it! London to Lagos is officially completed. I had a fantastic nights sleep, no exaggeration. 'Huge thanks to everyone who came out yesterday. I genuinely appreciate your support and dont take any of it for granted. Thank you, Lagos. Thank you, Nigeria!' A dating guru has revealed the signs that you are 'way' more attractive than you originally thought you were. Chloe Taylor, from Birmingham, who hosts a relationship podcast called Pretty Brutal, revealed the three telltale signs that you scrub up nicely, even if you don't realise it. The influencer, who boasts a whopping 2.8million followers on TikTok said people who are good looking are often told that their insecurities do not exist. She said that other people will 'do everything they possibly can to convince you that they don't see them and those insecurities don't exist and you're stupid for having them. 'Even the most attractive people have things they're insecure about, most times they're the most insecure people you know.' Chloe Taylor, from Birmingham , who hosts a relationship podcast called Pretty Brutal, revealed the telltale signs that you scrub up nicely Chloe says she often sees this with people who regularly go to the gym and stay in shape and that they end up being 'way more' self-conscious' than they were before. But because they are so attractive, people may just assume they have 'a perfect little life' with no problems and therefore not be taken seriously when they speak out about what is bothering them. Chloe says that if you're the 'therapist ' of your friendship group, it likely means you are handsome. 'Attractive people have their s*** together, therefore they're great people to go to for advice because who is taking advice from someone that is not aspirational or they don't look up to in some way? 'So if your friends and family are coming to you for advice, it means they're trying to be more like you.' Chloe then moves onto the final sign and the 'true teller' that you are good-looking is that children make the effort to smile and engage with you. '[I'm talking about] when a distant cousin has got a two-year-old and they actually want to hang out with you all the time. 'In better words, you're good with kids. Children are the purest souls and even from the early stages, will call a spade a spade. 'If you're unattractive and an awful person, they are crying in your face.' Chloe said that if people don't believe your insecurities, then that is a sign that you are attractive TikTok users took to the comments to discuss their thoughts on the video Chloe says that when children become a bit older and more vocal and call you either 'pretty' or 'handsome' they are telling the truth. 'Bets believe they will try and humble you at any opportunity they get,' she added. The video racked up more than 2.7million views and thousands of TikTok users took to the comments to express their thoughts on the clip. One wrote: 'My ego was very much lowered.' Another penned: 'One time I smiled at my niece and she cried!' A third commented: 'The baby one is 100 per cent true.' A fourth said: ' Kids cannot stop looking at me but I think it's out of fear and not love.' A few weeks ago, while we were watching TV one evening, my girlfriend snuggled up to me on the sofa and we had a cuddle. Just a cuddle. I didnt automatically seize on this show of affection as an opportunity to initiate sex. We had a simple, chaste and rather lovely cuddle. And that was it. Anyone in a long-standing relationship will not see this incident as being worthy of any note. Indeed, some may well be uttering a cautionary uh-oh, recognising it as a familiar first step on the path to a passionless relationship. But for me it was a colossal achievement. When I read in Femail last week the story of a woman who endured 30 years of marriage to a sex addict, I recognised myself all too painfully, writes Daniel Whitehaven I am a sex addict. A recovering one. I have a chronic, destructive disorder, exactly the same as those addicted to alcohol, drugs, food, gambling or stealing. Like my fellow sufferers, Im aware that many people reading this will cynically assume I am simply medicalising my appalling behaviour in an attempt to rationalise it. And just like other sufferers, my addiction has wreaked havoc on my relationships, my self-worth and mental well-being. Yet its one I am finally as demonstrated by the events on the sofa the other evening learning to master. When I read in Femail last week the story of a woman who endured 30 years of marriage to a sex addict, I recognised myself all too painfully. Like that poor womans husband, I had no idea how severely my addiction had me in its grip, nor the harm it was inflicting on others. Not until I sat in couples therapy with my now ex-wife, Julia, seven years ago did I have any understanding of the toll that my behaviour had taken on her. Thats the trouble with addiction; it consumes your mind, life and actions, rendering you utterly selfish and incapable of contemplating its impact on others. During our first counselling session, one summers day in 2017, Julia sobbed as she spoke candidly about how our four-year marriage had left her feeling worthless, how shed struggled to keep up with my exhausting demands for sex up to five times a day and how she was left doubting herself as a wife when I still felt compelled to sneak off to watch porn. The truth is, she knew barely half of it. All those late-night walks when I couldnt sleep? I was out visiting prostitutes or picking up strangers in bars. By the time we said our marriage vows at a country hotel in 2013 five years after our first date I estimate Id slept with over 300 other women behind Julias back. I used a home test for STDs every Friday because I was usually unfaithful during the week when I was out at work or on business trips. I also knew that Julia and I had more sex at weekends. Though I dont recall her exact words during that counselling session, the sentiment was this: All I wished for is that you could see how much I tried to be good enough for you as a wife, but you never seemed to notice and I dont know why. Ultimately, therapy couldnt fix what Id done and the more sessions we had, the more of the truth Julia had to hear although I never confessed to more than she already knew. Completely broken by my lies, and my continued sexual demands, she filed for divorce that same year. The easiest way to describe what its like to be a sex addict is that you think about sex all the time, even subconsciously. It totally consumes your life. That cuddle on the sofa? Previously, it would automatically make me crave sex. As would holding hands or walking past an attractive woman in the street. Daniel, a pseudonym, is a recovering sex addict. He estimates that he'd slept with more than 300 women behind his wife's back by the time they married in 2013 I found it easy to get women into bed not because of my looks, which Id describe as pretty average, but because Id honed my craft and learned how to be charming, Daniel writes Nothing else matters other than satisfying that sexual desire, which might sometimes mean ten minutes watching porn on my own and masturbating. Countless times Ive said to colleagues or friends: Excuse me, Im just nipping to the bathroom. Its a way of resetting, the same as a smoker might go outside for a cigarette. When I scrutinise my past, Ive probably been addicted to sex since my early 20s. Im 41 now. Sex had begun ordinarily enough for me. I lost my virginity aged 15 to my childhood sweetheart. We were together for another three years and our sexual relationship was the most normal one Ive ever had. We were just two lovestruck, lusty teenagers having sex as often as we could. Sex wasnt a subject I spoke about with my parents, who both worked in banking, and I remember an awkwardness descending on our living room whenever there was a sex scene on TV. Regardless, I decided to tell them when I was going to have sex for the first time. They were deeply uncomfortable and I sat on the stairs to eavesdrop on their conversation afterwards. Thats when I heard my father joke: I hope hes well endowed. That comment sent a message to me that, as far as my father was concerned, sex was all about a mans performance and I set out to perform well. My girlfriend and I broke up when we left school, and I decided it was time to experience sex with lots of different women at university. Days later I slept with someone after a night out. Surprised by how easy it was to get her into bed, I started a contest with my best friend to see who could sleep with the most women. There was no deadline and Im pretty sure now that thats where my addiction is rooted. From that moment, wherever I went I was focused on picking up a woman. Being attracted to her was irrelevant, sex was all that counted, and Id think nothing of having three women on one Saturday night out. Never did I view my behaviour as a problem. I thought of it as a rite of passage of a single young man. Daniel's wife had no idea about his double life. When we married, I promised myself that Id be faithful from now on, he writes. However, I quickly discovered that I was incapable of it I found it easy to get women into bed not because of my looks, which Id describe as pretty average, but because Id honed my craft and learned how to be charming, offer subtle compliments and feign interest in them, when actually I didnt give a damn. Within seconds of ejaculating, I could walk away without a thought. Sex and love were two totally separate entities. That was until I met Julia at a New Years Eve party in a local bar when I was 25 and she was 24, and I found myself genuinely attracted to her. For the first time in seven years, I was completely monogamous. Wed have sex up to ten times a week, though Julia didnt comment on it at this point its normal for couples to have a lot of sex at the start of their relationship. But as we approached a year together, boredom crept in, and I bedded an old flame. After that, my work as a management consultant meant business trips away and as many women as I could talk into bed. Julia, a marketing manager, had no idea of my double life. When we married, I promised myself that Id be faithful from now on. However, I quickly discovered that I was incapable of it. Nobody knew about my sex addiction. Not Julia, not my closest male friends and not even my older brother in whom I confided most things. For all my swagger, I felt a deep sense of shame. Here I was, a grown man in my 30s with a gorgeous wife, a great career and yet I was a total loser when it came to sex. Rather than seek professional help that came later I thought that if I didnt admit my addiction to anyone, then it wasnt true and it would disappear. Inevitably, it didnt. Despite my extra-marital promiscuity, Id still have sex with my wife most days more if she was willing. It was often quite rough and I became very demanding, as standard sex or positions didnt satisfy me. Increasingly she became less inclined to say yes. I had great respect for her and didnt push it if she wasnt willing. Instead, I consumed vast amounts of porn while she slept. Then there was my collection of sex toys, including expensive sex dolls. When that got boring, Id arrange online to have sex with other women. Travelling regularly within the UK and abroad on business made it easy. I didnt need a plush hotel room my car or any old public toilet would do. After wed been married for around two years, Julia confronted me about my obsession with porn and rough sex, but I brushed it off, telling her all my friends did the same. No wonder her self-esteem was in bits. She didnt bring it up again. Instead, she did what so many people married to someone with an addiction do: she pushed aside her own feelings, fearing it would break up our marriage if she complained or probed too much. Shame consumed me almost as much as sex. I struggled to look Julia in the eyes and sometimes attempted to assuage my guilt with huge romantic gestures such as flowers and meals. Other times I drank and took drugs to numb my guilt. But as soon as I watched another porn movie or got another conquest into bed, those feelings would vanish. Wed been married for three years when Julia discovered Id had sex with a friend of a friend. Id been sloppy and word had got back to her. She was hurt and furious, but we decided to have couples therapy to see if we could salvage the marriage. You know the rest and when Julia filed for divorce, I hit the self-destruct button, sleeping with more than ten women a week. By now it was becoming clearer to me that I needed help. This was highlighted when I met my current girlfriend Natasha, a now 35-year-old data analyst, in a bar in 2021 and really liked her. Although we had sex that evening I spent the entire night with her unusual for me and when we woke the next morning, I cooked brunch for us. As we ate, I decided to tell her everything because I wanted to see her again, not just discard her like all the others. Prostitutes, hardcore porn, infidelity she heard the lot. Her reaction completely shocked me. Her mother had been an alcoholic, so she has a deep understanding of addiction and was able to separate the real, loving, caring me from the man with an unhealthy need for sex. Because of this, she said she was willing to give me a chance but with some strict rules: no more sex with other women, she would only have sex with me when it was an act of love and not to fulfil an addictive need, and she insisted that I had to go to therapy. After copious research, several months later I saw a specialist doctor who diagnosed me with compulsive sexual behaviour, saying I was a textbook example. The relief was like a rock leaving my chest. For the first time I realised that I wasnt an awful human being. I was ill with an addiction I couldnt control. Since then, Ive spent over 10,000 with a wonderful sex therapist called Sofie Roos. With Sofies professional guidance these past few years its become a full-time job to manage my desire. The most valuable thing shes taught me is that Im not a bad person Im suffering from an addiction that makes me do terrible things. Mentally, I can now separate the two. Sofie has helped me realise that my addiction is not actually about sex, but about wanting to feel accepted and gaining attention. Part of my treatment has been contacting some of the women Ive bedded to apologise for how I treated them. Obviously, many were strangers so I wouldnt know how to get in touch with them, but most of those whom I did contact were thankful, relieved to know why I treated them so badly. Sofie has taught me that its never too late to do something about sex addiction, but that Ill also never be free from it. Rather like an alcoholic who can be sober, there will be many moments when I feel weak. Shes also taught me a lot about self-control, discipline and how important routines are to keep the sexual desire in place, skills I use every day. Natasha and I have now been together for two and a half years. We have sex almost every day, sometimes two or three times, but equally there are days we dont have sex at all. We place great emphasis on being tactile holding hands, cuddling, placing a reassuring hand on the others back, that sort of thing. Another lesson from Sofie has been learning to get physical attention in ways other than sex. In a year or two, another part of my treatment will be telling my loved ones about my addiction. My older brother already knows and says he wasnt surprised. It will be a different matter when I reach the point of telling my mum Ive no idea how that will go. Id say my addiction is under control at the moment but its a work in progress. Once an addict, always an addict. Ive learned that parties and nightclubs are triggers so I avoid them now. Likewise, if Natasha is away for too long visiting family or on a work trip, old thoughts creep back in, so we carefully manage any time apart to keep it to a minimum. The biggest trigger would be if she ever leaves me and I end up alone. I know I could easily return to my sick path of sexual behaviour. One day, I would love to be settled with a family of my own but at the same time, my greatest fear is cheating on the mother of my children and then not being in their lives. I fear this may prevent me from ever becoming a father. For now, Im incredibly grateful to have a loving girlfriend and a wonderful therapist who continue to stand by me through my addiction, but at the same time Im deeply sorry for all the hundreds of women Ive used along the way, not least my ex-wife. Daniel Whitehaven is a pseudonym. Names have been changed. As told to SADIE NICHOLAS Sewing treasured pieces of Liberty fabric helped Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe survive her Iranian prison ordeal, she revealed yesterday. The mother-of-one hand-stitched dresses for her young daughter Gabriella and knitted her a 'freedom pinafore' during almost six years of captivity, after she was arrested on false spying charges. Friends sent her favourite fabrics from the Liberty London department store to the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, where she stitched clothing and made gifts for her fellow inmates. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 46, told Harper's Bazaar magazine the bright floral patterns had reminded her of life in London, and of freedom. Sewing treasured pieces of Liberty fabric helped Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe survive her Iranian prison ordeal, she revealed yesterday The mother-of-one hand-stitched dresses for her young daughter Gabriella and knitted her a 'freedom pinafore' during almost six years of captivity, after she was arrested on false spying charges She said: 'I was always a huge fan of Liberty fabric and over time, had picked up some classic prints back in London but I never could bring myself to use any of them; they were too good to be cut up. 'Somehow though, I managed to get them sent over to me from London to Evin. Prison had taught me there was no such thing as a special moment; the only special moment we have is now. 'Ironically, the Liberty fabric that I had bought as a free person landed in my hands when I had no liberty at all, and connected me to the days I was free.' Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she and other female inmates inside the tough prison had made clothes to feel 'connected' to the world outside, adding: 'Clothes were a huge part of survival.' The dual British-Iranian citizen was detained in 2016 during a visit to her family in Iran with her daughter Gabriella, then a 22-month-old toddler. Friends sent her favourite fabrics from the Liberty London department store to the notorious Evin prison in Tehran, where she stitched clothing and made gifts for her fellow inmates Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 46, told Harper's Bazaar magazine the bright floral patterns had reminded her of life in London, and of freedom She was accused of working against the Iranian regime - a charge she has always denied - and held in solitary confinement for almost seven months before being moved into the main women's prison. She was finally released and allowed to return to Britain two years ago following a high-profile campaign by her husband Richard Ratcliffe. Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she and other inmates had made clothing and jewellery to help them endure 'repetitive and regimented' life inside prison. She told Harper's Bazaar: 'How to pass the time was the main challenge of the day. In solitary confinement, time was stagnant; there was literally nothing to do. 'The longer you spent in solitary, the more you appreciated life in the general ward, where sewing, knitting, woodwork and other forms of creativity affirmed a different world from prison.' Nanazin was accused of working against the Iranian regime - a charge she has always denied - and held in solitary confinement for almost seven months before being moved into the main women's prison Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she and other inmates had made clothing and jewellery to help them endure 'repetitive and regimented' life inside prison Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said women who were due for release had also given her scraps of wool for a dress she was making for her daughter She and other prisoners had 'recycled every piece of scrap fabric, leather, wool, button, wood and bead' to make earrings, bracelets, necklaces and hair pins. Women who were about to be released gifted their clothes to their cellmates and friends in the prison, she said, adding: 'It made you realise you were part of a wider struggle, a broader community of women enduring injustice.' Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe said women who were due for release had also given her scraps of wool for a dress she was making for her daughter. She said: 'I collected little bits of remaining wool from those who were about to be released. Using them, I crocheted small flower motifs in various colours and by joining them together, I made a pinafore for my baby girl. 'I called it the "freedom pinafore" because the wool I used once belonged to those who were freed.' Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who lives in Hampstead, North London, has previously spoken of struggling to readjust to life in Britain after she was released from jail. She told the magazine: 'Now, even living in freedom, the first place I take refuge when life is tough is my little sewing corner at home.' Read More: Australian couples reveal how often they are having sex Australians are some of the most sexually active people on the planet, with a study placing the nation second behind the Turks. According to research put together by the World Population Review, Aussies aged between 25 and 44 are likely to have, on average, 13.3 lifetime sexual partners. This number puts people from Down Under well ahead of those from the US who ranked 12th in the study with 10.7 partners. New Zealand sat in third place with an average of 13.2 sexual partners, while those in the UK have an average of 9.8. The average number of sexual partners globally is nine. Australians are some of the most sexually active people on the planet, with a study placing the nation second behind the Turks The data only surveyed opposite-sex partners, and was collected in 2021 by the CDC. The ABC reported the number of sexual partners per person is actually decreasing - with interest waning in favour of their phones. University of Southern Queensland clinical psychologist Daniel Brown said Australians are having less sex than they used to. According the psychologist Aussies used to have sex twice a week on average - this number has fallen to 1.5 times per week. He said younger Australians are also starting their sexual experiences later. While those behind the report admitted the data was limited, Australians were quick to weigh in on it. 'They didn't interview anyone from the Eastern Suburbs,' one man laughed. 'So long as it's consensual, they practice safe sex and no one's doing it behind their partner's back unknowingly, it shouldn't matter all that much what people do in the bedroom,' one man said. 'Time to get busy everyone, let's make it to number one,' said another. Some revealed where they sat within the data pool. 'Damn I am well below average then,' one man laughed. 'Always knew I was an above average performer,' said another. However some couldn't help but wonder if there was data missing. 'Weak. In Eastern Europe, these numbers have an extra zero. Study is flawed,' one woman said. 'Australians were the second biggest liars more like,' said another. 'Remove the decimal point make it 133 partners and you'd be closer,' said one man. With many arguing the number would better suit sexual partners per month for younger, single, people and per year for the older end of the bracket. Others laughed and said they wish they had 'a choice of their phone' when they were younger. 'Wouldn't have had the pressure of buying them Red Rooster,' she said. Former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming has sparked debate after joking she is less likely to find work in television these days due to her received pronunciation accent. Leeming, 82, replied to a follower and fan on X/Twitter who said she would 'excel at animal welfare programmes'. She said: 'Would have loved 'For the Love of Dogs'. I'm old, speak RP English and don't tick the PC boxes. Have given up even trying.' Leeming, originally from Bexley, went on to accuse television presenters of not using proper pronunciation or grammar, with received pronunciation, once strongly associated with BBC newsreaders, replaced by regional accents. She said: 'I loathe hearing our beautiful language mangled especially by on screen presenters. And that is gathering pace.' Former BBC newsreader Jan Leeming, 82, has suggested she is less likely to be offered roles on television now, partly because she speaks with received pronunciation In another post, she acknowledged the rise in regional accents on TV as something she was happy to see - however she argued it's important other people not from the same region can understand the presenter. 'Totally accept accents unless they are so pronounced the speaker is unintelligible to the masses outside their region. A newish reporter on ITV News last night drove me to turn off,' she wrote. Leeming's comments come after several years of debate over the representation of regional accents on television as voices from the North of England called for UK media to feature more varied accents from all over the nation - while others lament what they consider a decline in 'The King's English'. One such voice was Sally Wainwright, who created Yorkshire-based dramas Happy Valley and Last Tango in Halifax. Huddersfield-born Wainwright told Radio Times in 2016: 'Over the years we have become so used to hearing posh southern voices in the media and it's always been refreshing to hear other accents. It still is.' BBC presenter Chris Mason, also from Yorkshire, added his voice to the calls for more regional accents on TV. In 2019, he told Radio Times: 'When have you ever heard on a news programme somebody with a West Country accent? I can't think of a single person, and that's mad. 'How many people with a Brummie accent? Or a Geordie accent? There's hardly any! It's absolutely absurd. 'We're broadcasting to a country with this incredibly rich diversity of voices and accents, and we hardly hear any of them broadcasting on the national airwaves.' As he assumed the role as host of Radio 4's Any Questions?, he also suggested that his Yorkshire twang may have helped him land the job. Leeming's comments come after figures in the media including the BBC's Chris Mason argued for more regional accents to be represented on the airwaves and on screens Liverpudlian Paul O'Grady, who died last year at the age of 67, hosted For the Love of Dogs, one of the shows Leeming suggested she'd have liked to host Mason suggested the BBC, and broadcasters in general, are more aware that the messages they put out 'sound like the audience it's broadcasting to'. As Leeming suggested she'd have wanted to host ITV's For the Love of Dogs, it was a role instead taken by the late presenter Paul O'Grady. A self-confessed dog lover, O'Grady, who died last year at the age of 67, made a name for himself as the straight-talking Liverpudlian with a warm northern accent typical of the region. A few years before his death, O'Grady addressed his strong accent, which remained with him throughout his career as he became more and more famous. He revealed he had undergone elocution lessons when he was a schoolboy as his prep school encouraged him to speak with a 'posh' cadence - but he admitted it never quite managed to lessen his thick Liverpudlian tone. The late comedian admitted his accent had 'softened' since he moved to London and was not as thick as it had been while he grew up in Merseyside - but he added he thought his cadence was 'beautiful'. But as the regional accents are on the rise, Leeming appears to be onto something in how received pronunciation is on its way out. A study published by the University of Essex last year revealed a decline in both Cockney accents associated with East London and the King's English. Instead, it noted a rise in Standard Southern British English (49% of participants), which is associated with the cadence of someone like Prince Harry. The findings also noted a rise in Estuary English, a more muted Cockney-style accent demonstrated by the likes of Adele, and Multicultural London English, which is a more contemporary style of southern speaking. Former Bond actor Sir Roger Moore argued in 2010 that his received pronunciation accent might have worked against him had he begun his career in the 21st Century Dr Amanda Cole, who led the study, suggested social mobility and evolution of society was fostering this change in accents. She said: 'Attempting to prevent accents from changing is like sweeping back an incoming tide with a broom fruitless and defying nature. 'Instead, we should embrace linguistic diversity, work to combat 'accentism' (discrimination based on a person's accent), and accept that accents will always continue to change.' Dr Laura Bailey, a senior lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, told FEMAIL that 'true' received pronunciation is 'old fashioned' and is 'dying out' in society. She suggested RP is being replaced with 'standard educated English' - even by some people who originally spoke with the cadence who have toned down their accents to seem less 'posh' - such as younger members of the royal family. In 2010, former Bond actor Roger Moore branded RP a dead accent and echoed Leeming's comments today that speaking in the King's English (then known as the Queen's English) was more likely to be detrimental to his career nowadays. He said: 'You have to have a regional dialect to get anywhere these days. 'Deborah, my daughter, complains she is always being turned down for parts because she is not regional in her speech, which is a great pity. 'I think it is probably the fault of television. You don't hear what we used to call 'West End actors' voices on series like Holby City, Casualty and The Bill. 'I notice, too, on the children's programmes they are all talking 'a bit like that', and that's encouraging the next generation to talk in this so-called 'estuary English' we have now. 'I think it is sad that proper English is disappearing. I don't see why it went out of fashion.' As Leeming discussed the decline of RP and a rise in regional accents on TV, she also argued that the 'PC brigade' have made it 'acceptable... not to speak well'. However, Dr Bailey argued that speaking with received pronunciation is not stopping people from finding work; rather, it is opening up opportunities to more people with diverse accents. She said: 'We're now seeing more people permitted to use their authentic voices in mass media, and that means that the jobs available aren't only shared out among the small minority who tick the RP box, but among all those who are qualified and competent to do them.' However, she addressed the idea that some people feel their RP accents have stopped them from being offered jobs in the past and suggested producers may not be looking for received pronunciation in television roles nowadays because 'they haven't been the norm for decades and decades'. An anonymous review posted on OpenTable said the meal was 'miserable' A pub owner has gone viral after he slammed a negative review directed at one of his young employees at his restaurant. Outspoken chef Gary Usher is the owner of Elite Bistros, which has restaurants across the north west of England, including award-winning gastro pub The White Horse in Churton, Cheshire. Gary didn't hold back in responding to an anonymous review left on the reservation site Open Table on Sunday, which said the meal was 'miserable'. The scathing review in particular took issue with the service from Jemma, a young member of the team, calling her 'incredibly rude, conniving and deceitful'. Gary, who is known as 'Britain's most controversial chef' thanks to his outspoken opinions, took to Twitter on the pub's account to defend the 21-year-old, and even banned the customer from ever returning to his restaurant. Chef Gary Usher has gone viral after defending one of his young employees from a negative review Gary said that Jemma, 21, is an 'absolute' credit to the pub and offered her two tickets to the next pub chef night instead of working it The review, posted under the name LCC44 from Cheshire, read: 'Jemma was our server and she coincidentally served us on our first visit.' The reviewer claimed Jemma had 'an equally horrible attitude' on the secon visit. 'My specific issue is trying to add a service charge onto the bill without showing a receipt,' they continued, describing her as 'incredibly rude, conniving and deceitful'. 'I thankfully asked for clarity and a copy of the receipt only to be shown the same receipt before the voucher was deduced. But after much discussion and attempted confusion she reluctantly went to the bar the 3rd time to remove the service charge. 'I do not feel bad removing this whatsoever as the service did not warrant an extra charge. The food was nice but the portion size and additional charge for gravy when you had a thimble full on your meal initially is ostentatious. 'As previously mentioned by others, we will not be returning and we will not be recommending. What a shame.' Gary, who is sometimes known as Britain's 'most controversial' chef, took to Twitter to ban the unhappy customer from ever returning The review gave the food two stars, and awarded the service and the ambiance only one. Gary posted the review to Twitter, banning the unhappy customer from ever returning. Alongside a picture of Jemma, he offered her two tickets to enjoy the pub's next chef night instead of working it and called her 'an absolute credit'. He wrote, in a post that has since gone viral and been viewed more than 500,000 times: 'Gary here, Non Polite notice to anyone upsetting any of the team here or in any @EliteBistros. The scathing review was posted anonymously on OpenTable and only gave the pub one star The outspoken chef Gary Usher is the owner of Elite Bistros, which has restaurants across the north west of England, including award-winning gastro pub The White Horse (pictured) 'I will block your number & details on our system from being able to book again & trust me I do it regularly. Its music to my ears when a*******s end a review saying they wont be returning, but I like to call them to confirm. 'Now lets quickly compliment Jemma because at 21 years old shes an absolute credit to The White Horse, to her parents & to the hospitality industry. 'Jemma Im sorry these people upset you yesterday & on their behalf instead of working the next guest chef night you can have two tickets to come & enjoy it instead. Much love from us all here at The White Horse X' He added: 'Just for more context. My reaction is nothing to do with the review. The guests were absolutely vile to Jemma yesterday.' Social media ushers rushed to praise Gary for his staff management, with one applauding his 'top of the class personnel management'. Another posted a picture of the roast dinner they'd had at the pub, saying it 'was absolutely wonderful and the gravy certainly was not a "thimble full"'. Others added: 'Jemma served us last night and was wonderful. Wonderful to see how much her confidence has grown since we visited a year ago. Shes a star'; 'I tip my hat to you Sir. Speaking from experience, Jemma's job is hard enough without being publicly ridiculed. Well done, Lovely gesture'; Social media ushers rushed to praise Gary for his staff management, with one applauding his 'top of the class personnel management' 'Never been, not even sure where Churton is, but will look it up, - but lets hear it for Jemma (and her wonderful boss).' Gary's first restaurant was the Sticky Walnut in Hoole, Cheshire, in 2011. He has since become known as 'the rebel chef' - and sometimes 'Britain's most controversial chef' for his outspoken opinions about staff management and food. Last year Gary hit back at 'ridiculous' complaints about a burger costing nearly 20 at his restaurant. Gary also made headlines in 2018 after a customer complained about the Sticky Walnut's lack of 'customer skills' after staff were asked to go shop for lemonade for a red wine spritzer. Gary shot down the customer saying; 'We often nip out for people's requests. It's part of great hospitality. We just don't do it if you're a rude c***'. Gary starred in a Channel 4 documentary in 2019 called The Rebel Chef: My Restaurant Revolution. The documentary follows the opening of one of his crowdfunded bistros Pinion in the Merseyside Town of Prescot. In 2020, Usher took aim at a negative review and slammed a customer who said her meal at his restaurant was a 'rip-off' in a damning online review. Gary previously made headlines for a burger costing almost 20 at his White Horse restaurant (pictured) He has become known as 'the rebel chef' - and sometimes 'Britain's most controversial chef' for his outspoken opinions about staff management and food The dry aged beef burger with Comte cheese, mustard, relish and pickle with a side of skinny fries for 19:50 on the menu Emma said the 122 bill for her meal - one course with drinks for two people - was 'eye-wateringly expensive', and the price tag was 'really not worth it'. But Usher claimed she had misunderstood the pricing, and that they could have ordered a three-course set menu for just 39 each, claiming that Emma and her dining companion were 'rude' and wouldn't allow the manager to explain this at the time. The outspoken chef also went viral in 2021 after hitting back at a customer who wrote a scathing two-star Tripadvisor review. In the review titled 'excellent food let down by Ryanair style service', the diner had blasted the manager for 'not giving a toss' about customer service, which Usher vehemently denied. The unsatisfied diner, known only as Rob V, wrote: 'The good news is that the food here is very, very tasty and deserves a high rating. 'The bad news is that the restaurant management doesn't give a toss about customer experience. 'I ate here on July 9 had a complaint that was dealt with badly enough by the manager that I wrote to the owner. The Sticky Walnut in Chester has a 4.5 star rating out of 5 on TripAdvisor, where it has amassed almost 2,000 reviews 'A restaurant that aspires to offer fine dining experience but has lost the ability to empathise with customers and ignores them when they complain? That really is a shame.' Restauranteur and chef Mr Usher was quick to respond with his own blistering write-up. He replied: 'For goodness sake Robert. I'm supposed to be in TwitAdvisor retirement so let's not waste any time. After all, you've waited 11 years since joining Twitadvisor to write your first review. 'Rob you reserved a table on a Friday evening and agreed to a 1 hour 45 minute time slot. A standard practice, particularly on busy periods, that guests and restaurants worldwide agree to. 'After your dessert course the Manager, who you said "doesn't give a toss", gently reminded you that we would need the table back shortly. You ignored the Manager and proceeded to order another round of drinks. 'Perhaps if your party had arrived on time for your reservation this could have been avoided.' Revellers descended on the Merseyside course for day one of racing festival The feathered hats have been dusted off and the glamorous dresses are at the ready, which can only mean one thing - Aintree is here. Revellers descended on the Merseyside course this morning in typical style, with bright colours and cut-out dresses very much the order of the day. While Cheltenham is all about the tweedy country looks, Aintree is its more glamorous cousin - and the outfits did not disappoint, with many opting for Barbie-inspired looks for the big day out. As the day went on, revellers sipped on champagne and danced the night away, proving that teetering stilettos were no match for the dance floor. Dressed to impress, racing fans went all out in pink tones, fabulous florals, strappy sandals and bouncy hairdos. Unlike Royal Ascot which adopts stricter rules on what to wear, Aintree takes a more relaxed approach and tells attendees to simply come 'dressed to feel your best'. As the day went on, revellers sipped on champagne and danced the night away, proving that teetering stilettos were no match for the dance floor Clutching on drinks and dancing away was on the cards tonight Many revellers enjoyed a drink and a dance amid the festivities Seventies looks were also popular, with women opting for jumpsuits and men in floral shirts Ready for it! Many got animated for the evening enjoying a chat and a drink on the stairs Off we go! Many cheered and chanted for the evening out Bottoms up! Punters put their feet up as they sipped on champagne in the sunshine Kicking back, two revellers cuddled a bottle of champagne beteween races Party on! Revellers had a great time dancing the night away Boogie on down! Revellers dressed in pink as they showed off their favourite moves Backless and beautiful! One attendee bared to bare all in a backless jumpsuit with very bald cut outs These friends appeared to be energetic pals as they put on an animated display at the races It'll be all white on the night! Revellers danced away as they enjoyed the evning Time for a selfie: Two beaming friends pose with one another as they arrive at the first day of the Grand National Festival Standing out from the crowd! These ladies commanded attention in equally daring outfits - from a risque cut-out skirt to a floral mini dress and feathered frock Raise a glass! Three ladies celebrate being at the Grand National Festival with a glass of bubbly Dressed to impress: Two friends looked perfectly co-ordinated as they opted for midi dresses Celebrities, including Liverpool legend John Barnes, were among the guests in attendance Perfection in pink! Golden heels went with a pink dress for Aintree Jump and squat! One danced the night away proving that high heels and wet decking were no match for cutting shapes One dancer went for a bridal-inspired look as she enjoyed some music between races Many danced the night away during the day out Bridal looks appeared to be the look of the day as they partied between the bets Fancy dress for revellers is also allowed, as long as the costume isn't offensive or derogatory. Around 150,000 people are expected to attend the three-day festival, making it one of the largest of its kind in the world, over the next few days. Celebrities, including Liverpool legend John Barnes, were among the guests in attendance. The former England star opted for a tweed look while his wife Andrea channelled Minnie Mouse chic in a navy polka dot dress and red cardigan. As well as enjoying the racing, revellers will no doubt get into the party spirit with plenty of champagne to go around. The Grand National on Saturday, known as the People's Race, drawing national attention in a way that perhaps no other horse race is able to do. Every year, millions of people gather at Aintree for the steeplechases, which spans 4 miles, 7 furlongs and 74 yards, making it the longest horse race in Britain even though it used to be around one and a half furlongs longer. The decision to shorten the race slightly was done to move the start line away from the grandstands in order to help prevent false starts and make the first jump safer as jockeys and horses would reach it slower. Racegoers opted for Moet as they kept warm from the April chill in faux fur Engaged revellers looked delighted to watch the races Beautiful in blue! One reveller channelled her inner Disney princess as she wowed in a turquoise gown And they're off! People looked delighted as they watched on Catching up: Two racegoers put their feet up to relax between races Revellers danced and drank between races as they came dressed to the nines Dotty about races! Fans looked delighted as they watched on Bit of all white! Fans teetered in high heels as they headed into the day Bottoms up! Nude and white was a combination of the day for many Champagne problems: People sipped straight from the bottle as they enjoyed the sunshine Off to the races! Revellers looked delighted to enjoy the day out Stilettos were the look of the day, with many revellers opting for strappy shoes and plunging dresses with thigh high splits Golden girl: One reveller wowed in 1920s flapper chic Channelling their inner Barbie, revellers dressed up in bright colours Aintree catwalk! One reveller opted for a red jumpsuit making a change from the crowd Like a feather! One person opted for a blue feather number while another went pastel Bringing the sunshine! These ladies opted for bright ensembles to attend today's races Prints perfect! A racing fan donned a chic shirt dress with a daring hemline for the occasion, pictured right. Pictured left, the influence of the hit Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie was clear in the fashion choices on show Thrice as nice! These stunning racegoers were clearly dressed to impress in their high heels and flattering dresses Blooming lovely! Two racegoers showcase their floral dresses as they arrive for today's races Hat's the ticket! Two members of this group of glamorous revellers opted for statement pink headwear to finish off their radiant looks Monochrome magic! Showing off their toned legs, these ladies opted for thigh-grazing black and white ensembles Flower power! One person looking blooming lovely as she turned heads in a floral frock Work it, ladies! These two racegoers looked like they'd just stepped off a catwalk as they showcased their glamorous ensembles Calling the Instagram boyfriend: Two ladies pose together as a racegoer takes their picture Boozy handbag, anyone? A racegoer carries a bay filled with ice and drink as they enjoy the races Friends took a break from the action on track to enjoy a glass of champagne in the bar Hat's off to them! Ladies showcase their show-stealing fascinators after opting for brightly coloured versions Daring to go! A woman opts for a racy ensemble, featuring a lacy top, while her friend opts for a figure-hugging patterned dress Lovely in lemon! One racegoer looked the epitome of spring in a sunshine-themed dress Stealing the spotlight! Delighted racegoers wear bright green and yellow suits Making sure all eyes are on them! Revellers donned elegant and vibrant ensembles for today's racing as they commanded attention in their outfits Perfectly polished: A group of friends flash their smiles for the camera as they pose at the races One racegoer's elegant maxi dress featured a cut-out back with tie detailing Enjoying herself! A racegoer takes a break at the bar, holding a glass of bubbly in her hand The long and short of it! A glamorous racegoer sports a bright yellow mini dress, while her friend sports a stylish two-piece to show off her slender figure One racegoer showed off their back tattoo with their cut-out dress, while another sported knee-high boots to complete her outfit Glamorous pals! This group of friends teamed up with their floral and bright frocks, while some sported extravagant fascinators Giggles! This fashionable couple, wearing co-ordinating ensembles, couldn't contain their laughter Ready for the party to start: A bottle of Prosecco and a plastic flute on day one of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse A quick touch up! One radiant racegoer fixes her makeup while her equally stylish friend looks on Guidance for what to wear on the course website reads: 'At Aintree Racecourse we believe racing should be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. 'And one thing is certainly true, the more relaxed and comfortable we feel, the more likely we are to have a great time. So that's why we've created one very simple piece of guidance, to come 'dressed to feel your best'. 'We're all unique, and no more so than in our sense of style and comfort. For some, wearing a nice sweatshirt, pair of jeans and clean trainers is what makes them feel confident and at-ease. 'For others, they might prefer to turn heads with a sharp suit or glamorous dress and high heels, particularly for one of our big race meetings. 'But whatever your tastes, the most important thing when choosing your outfit is, of course, comfort and confidence. So wear what feels right for you and will keep you feeling your best from start to finish, whatever the weather.' Bookmakers are gearing up for the biggest betting day of the year this Saturday, as The Grand National takes centre stage. Cheers! A woman enjoys a glass of bubbly as she gets ready to watch the action at the Grand National Festival Belles of the ball! Two stylish racegoers pose for a photograph while holding up their drinks Racegoers perfectly channel Spring as they arrive at The Grand National festival in style Hat's amazing! Head-turning headwear seemed to be the order of the day at the Aintree Racecourse These ladies look anything but blue in chic navy dresses teamed with strappy heels and statement headwear Couple goals! This attractive duo put their best fashion foot forward at the races this morning Bright and beautiful! These two racegoers stood out from the crowd in vibrant ensembles, complete with glamorous headwear Here come the girls! A group of friends looked ready to enjoy their day off as they strutted their stuff in glamorous gowns Ladies in red! Two racegoers command attention in scarlet outfits as they attend today's event Helping a friend out! A racegoer has her outfit adjusted ahead of racing on the opening day of the Grand National Festival Looking good! These racegoers were dressed to impress when they arrived at today's event Twice as nice: These two racegoers put on a stylish display in midi dresses with matching bags Strike a pose! Two racegoers smile for the camera while taking a selfie at Aintree Racecourse Working those angles! A racegoer poses for a photograph on day one of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival A stylish couple showcase their outfits while at the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse Racegoers pulled out all the sartorial stops as they arrived at Aintree Racecourse today Making a statement: One woman attends the festival in a bright, pink maxi dress, teamed with black heels and a matching handbag She's got the right idea! One woman opted for flat shoes to attend today's occasion. Meanwhile, another racegoer showed off her toned legs in a tiny mini dress Women adorned their carefully coiffed hairstyles with beautiful hats bursting with colour, beading and feathers Getting the party started! A reveller sips a drink before the sporting action gets underway Frill seeker! One woman sported a daring dress with cut-outs either side of her legs Resting up: These two friends were spotted taking a break from the action as they chatted to one another Keeping it cool: Two racegoers opt to wear sunglasses with their fashionable ensembles But first, let's take a selfie! A group of friends made sure to capture their outfits for the 'gram as they arrived at the Merseyside racecourse Double trouble! These fashionable friends appeared delighted to be heading to the races today at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool Blazers at the ready! To combat the chilly weather, these glamorous racegoers opted for stylish jackets over their figure-hugging dresses The brighter the better! Racegoers opted for vibrant prints and shades as they made their entrance to the event Having a great time! This racegoer couldn't stop herself from laughing as she chatted to a friend A great day out: Friends are all smiles as they pose for a photograph after arriving at the races White dresses in various styles were popular with some racegoers, including these pairs A couple enjoy a drink while preparing for the racing action to start at the Grand National Festival Figure-hugging maxi dresses were worn by some stylish racegoers this afternoon It's all in the details: One racegoer showcased fantastic golden heels, featuring wing detailing at the back of the shoes Cold shoulder! Friends put on a glamorous display with one donning an elegant one shoulder jumpsuit and the other opting for a fun zebra print dress with cutouts Neutral but nice! Elegant racegoers ditch brightly shaded options and keep it safe with white and beige outfits A glamorous couple dressed in all their finery watch the racing action from a balcony These racegoers opted for daring dresses with thigh-high splits, and one outfit boasted a plunging neckline too With millions of punters set to go to the bookies and place their Grand National bets, Ladbrokes say it is their busiest day of the year. Corach Rambler is the 11/2 favourite to join the likes of Red Rum and Tiger Roll by winning the world's most famous race for the second year in a row. The 'once-a-year' punters will be opting for fun names and lucky numbers. Ladbrokes expect to see strong support for Mr Incredible at 12/1, while Foxy Jacks and Run Wild Fred have also been capturing imaginations at 50/1 and 66/1 respectively. Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: 'Grand National day is the day the nation goes to the bookies, with millions expected to have a flutter on their favourite horse. 'It is without doubt the busiest day of the year for us, and this year's renewal looks incredibly exciting. 'Although Corach Rambler is the favourite, there are other horses we will be running scared of as well. 'Punters love a good name and we fully expect the likes of Mr Incredible to be popular picks on the day.' A police officer stands guard as the first racegoers arrive on the Thursday of the Grand National Festival 2024 Racegoers arrive on day one of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse Bookmaker stalls are built ahead of the 2024 Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looks sophisticated in cream alongside Princess Beatrix at award ceremony in Middelburg. The monarch, 52, posed up a storm with her mother-in-law and husband Willem-Alexander at the Four Freedoms Awards 2024 at Nieuwe Kerk on Thursday. The mother-of-three looked typically stunning in a chic cream skirt and matching tailored blazer jacket which she paired with a fascinator. She completed her look with cream stilettos and added even more glamour with a pearl necklace and earrings. Meanwhile Princess Beatrix, who was Queen of The Netherlands from 1980 to 2013, looked stylish in a royal blue ensemble which she paired with a matching fascinator. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (right) looks sophisticated in cream alongside Princess Beatrix (centre) at award ceremony in Middelburg on Thursday Maxima is pictured looking gorgeous in gold today The monarch is known for her expressive looks and is often seen smiling Queen Maxima, Visit to the Girls' Day of the Container Service Groenenboom She abdicated in 2013 to allow her son to take the throne. Willem-Alexander also looked smart in a navy suit, adding a pop of colour with a pink tie. The Four Freedoms Award prizes are awarded annually to freedom fighters, also known as laureates. The awards are presented each year to men, women and organizations whose efforts and achievements demonstrate a deep commitment to the ideals proclaimed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his historic Four Freedoms speech in 1941. It comes after Queen Maxima showed off her sartorial prowess as she wowed in a royal blue number for the launch of Amsterdam's Stagepact MBO on Tuesday. The monarch looked stunning in a navy ensemble as she met with students and employers in the Dutch capital. Opting for a classic make-up look, Maxima tied her hair back into a low bun and tucked it under an oversized trilby hat. She added navy and diamond earrings and highlighted her face with thick black eyeliner and mascara while layering colourful bracelets on her wrists. Proving she's the queen of coordination, the former financier opted for all navy, with a A-line dress and embroidered flower pattern. The mother-of-three looked typically stunning in a chic cream skirt and matching tailored blazer jacket which she paired with a fascinator The monarch, 52, posed up a storm with her mother-in-law and husband Willem-Alexander (left) at the Four Freedoms Awards 2024 at Nieuwe Kerk Meanwhile Princess Beatrix looked stylish in a royal blue ensemble which she paired with a matching fascinator She added navy stilettos, and a clutch bag while accessorising with leather gloves. It comes after Maxima opted for a different look last week as she cut an elegant figure for the launch of the MIND Us Foundation online tool, held at Skatepark in The Hague, Netherlands. The royal added flair to her coordinated ensemble with a distinctive pair of spider brooches by Celedonio, a jewellery brand hailing from her native Argentina. Maxima, who is honorary chairman of the MIND Us Foundation, owns a number of striking brooches shaped like moths, beetles and butterflies. The oversized spiders, which she always wears as a set, are handmade with sparkling crystals and have been in her jewellery collection since 2015. The mother-of-three delivered a speech during the event, which introduced an online tool for adults to help young people struggling with mental health. Queen Maxima is honorary chairman of the MIND Us Foundation. Princess Aiko of Japan looked elegant as she attended an event to mark the 110th anniversary of the death of Empress Shoken in Tokyo today. The 22-year-old, who is the daughter of Emperor Naruhito, 63, and Empress Masako, 60, arrived in the capital city dressed in various shades of cream and white. Putting her best fashion foot forward, she donned a long ivory-coloured patterned panel dress, which featured button detailing on the long sleeves. Aiko then paired her modest frock with a pair of white gloves, a matching hat, pointed porcelain-coloured chunky heels and a stylish fan that had a large tassel on the end of it that tied her ensemble together. Empress Shoken, wife of former Emperor Meiji of Japan, died on 9 April 1914 at the age of 64 and the Imperial Household Agency announced that it was Princess Aiko's first official visit to the shrine. Princess Aiko of Japan looked elegant as she arrived in the capital city dressed in various shades of cream and white The royal looked sophisticated in a modest cream frock and a matching pearl jewellery set The royal gave a smile as 600 well-wishers turned up to catch a look of Princess' first official visit to the shrine Around 600 well-wishers were gathered to see a glimpse of the Princess and pay their respects to the late Empress. She nodded in acknowledgement to royal fans as she made her way down the stone-paved path to the main hall where the shrine is located. It is then believed the Princess offered a sacred tree branch, called tamagushi, to the late Empress, before bowing. Aiko opted for three sets of matching pearl jewellery to tie in her sophiscated look, including stud earrings, a necklace and a brooch which was pinned to the left side of her chest. She chose to wear her black tresses in a smart bun, which she tucked underneath her smart hat and wore neutral makeup. The royal took the day off from the Japanese Red Cross Society, which she joined on April 1, according to local reports. She has been assigned to the youth and volunteer division of the JRCS. Speaking to reporters at the time, Aiko said: 'It is a sobering feeling to take my first step as a member of society.' The royal revealed back in January that she would be starting work for the Red Cross Society after completing university. She has now finished her studies in Japanese Language and Literature at Gakushuin University. Her contracted role at the Red Cross will not impact her official duties, and she intends to carry both out simultaneously, according to Kyodo News. The royal took the day off from the Japanese Red Cross Society, which she joined on April 1, according to local reports Princess Aiko paid her respects to the late Empress Shoken who died 110 years ago It is believed the Princess offered a sacred tree branch, called tamagushi, to the late Empress, before bowing In a statement released by the Society in January, she said: 'I am happy to become engaged in works of the Japanese Red Cross Society.' She added: 'At the same time, I feel determined.' The Japanese imperial family enjoys a longstanding connection with the charity, and Empress Masako is currently an honorary president of the organisation. Aiko said: 'I am happy and humbled to be able to work for the Japanese Red Cross, which I have always been interested in. 'I will continue to learn various things and work hard with the awareness that I am a member of society. 'So I hope that I can be of some help to people and society, even if it is only in a small way.' The princess maintains a private life. She previously suffered a period of bullying and anxiety during her childhood, which saw her dropping out of school. Some of Diana's most iconic outfits will be featured in an upcoming auction paying homage to her fashion. The late Princess of Wales's timeless looks, including a Catherine Walker skirt suit and a hat designed by Philip Somerville, are a part of the sale taking place this summer. It follows in the footsteps of the historic 1997 Christie's charity auction, and will see cocktail and evening dresses go under the hammer - as well as skirts, shoes and other accessories. Los Angeles-based Julien's Auctions will tour the garments in an exhibition, before holding the sale at The Museum of Style Icons in Ireland on 27 June. Some of the ensembles pictured in Diana's most photographed appearances, such as a Murray Arbeid gown worn twice in 1986: at the Phantom of the Opera premiere and to a dinner at Claridge's for King Constantine of Greece. Some of the ensembles pictured in Diana's most photographed appearances, such as a Murray Arbeid gown worn twice in 1986 Diana also wore it when she was snapped by Lord Snowdon in 1997 for her charity auction. It has an estimate of $200,000 - 400,000. Also on offer is a pair of bright green satin evening pumps by Kurt Geiger, which the royal wore to a state banquet at the Dorchester Hotel in 1993 - and could bring in $2,000 - 4,000. There is also an estimate of $200,000 - 400,000 for a Victor Edelstein lace evening dress worn by the princess in Germany, in 1987. Elsewhere, a multi-coloured wide-brim hat sported by the royal during her Royal Tour in Australia in 1985 is thought to rack up $10,000 - 20,000. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions. Julien's Auctions say: 'Diana may have been a princess, but her allure rivaled that of a Hollywood starlet. 'Though she left no films behind, her legacy lives on through the exquisite gowns and accessories that continue to captivate audiences, inviting them to delve deeper into her enigmatic persona. 'She defied the constraints of royalty, both in her actions and her fashion choices, leaving behind a timeless legacy that transcends generations.' The late Princess of Wales 's timeless looks, including a Catherine Walker skirt suit, are included in the auction A Catherine Walker two-piece yellow and navy skirt suit belonging to Princess Diana will be in the auction Los Angeles-based Julien's Auctions will tour the garments in an exhibition, before holding the sale at The Museum of Style Icons in Ireland on 27 June A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading charity for more than 110,000 people in the UK living with one of over 60 muscle-wasting and weakening conditions Also on offer is a pair of bright green satin evening pumps by Kurt Geiger, which the royal wore to a state banquet at the Dorchester Hotel in 1993 - and could bring in $2,000 - 4,000 Some of Diana 's most iconic outfits will be featured in the largest auction of the royal's outfits seen in almost 30 years There is also an estimate of $200,000 - 400,000 for a Victor Edelstein lace evening dress worn by the princess in Germany, in 1987 Diana's fashion sense never went out of style and her distinctive look had even inspired a new generation of designers and their Autumn Winter 2023 collections. This is particularly true at French brand Jacquemus, whose new collection pays homage to Diana through a modern lens. A series of models in the label wore replicas of Diana's famous pearl choker, puffball skirts and Mary-Jane pumps. Dianas ability to match tailored blazers with athleisure, tartan on many occasions and oversized ruffles, has been echoed by other designers across the new season. The 'Princess Diana's Elegance & a Royal Collection' exhibition will open at Hong Kong's K11 Musea on April 18, before arriving at Co. Kildare's The Museum of Style Icons on 11 June. The Spanish royals put on a smiling display despite a difficult 24 hours Queen Letizia of Spain looked typically stylish on Thursday as she attended the National Innovation and Design Awards in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, with her husband King Felipe. Despite a difficult 24 hours, which saw Queen Sofia, the 85-year-old mother of King Felipe, hospitalised for a urinary tract infection, the royal couple put on a smiling display as they greeted crowds and assembled school children. Queen Letizia, 51, was dressed for the sunny Las Palmas weather in a coral trouser suit and beige slingbacks. She wore her blazer open, revealing a white blouse with a gathered neckline, while her trousers were cropped. The mother-of-two left her dark hair loose and kept her make-up simple, with a pair of gold earrings brightening her complexion. Queen Letizia of Spain was dressed for the sunny Las Palmas weather in a coral trouser suit paired with beige slingbacks King Felipe looked dapper in a grey suit with a pale yellow, patterned tie while Queen Letizia completed her look with a pair of gold earrings Queen Sofia, 85, the mother of King Felipe, was rushed to hospital in Madrid on Wednesday. She is being treated for a urinary tract infection Meanwhile, King Felipe looked dapper in a dark grey suit with a pale yellow, patterned tie. He was photographed greeting Diana Morant, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, whose department is responsible for the National Innovation and Design Awards celebrating the achievements of individuals and businesses. Queen Letizia and King Felipe's appearance in Las Palmas comes just a day after the King's mother, Queen Sofia, was rushed to hospital in Madrid. The royal, 85, was admitted to the Ruber International Clinic in Madrid to treat a urinary tract infection on Wednesday. Her son King Felipe, 56, was later pictured waving from the passenger seat of his Lexus having visited her in hospital on Wednesday afternoon - and also attended her bedside on Tuesday evening, according to Spanish paper El Mundo. He was quick to reassure concerned royal fans, telling media outside the hospital: 'She is very well, cheerful and eager to be discharged and return as soon as possible.' It is unclear how long Queen Sofia will be remaining under surveillance at the health centre. Sofia has been the 'queen mother' of Spain since her husband King Juan Carlos abdicated the throne in favour of their son Felipe in 2014. Queen Letizia, the mother of Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, looked typically glamourous at the National Innovation and Design Awards in Las Palmas Letizia, 51, waved at the crowds and assembled school children and later shared a smile with her husband King Felipe greeted Diana Morant, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain, whose department is responsible for the National Innovation and Design Awards The royal couple looked united and put on a smiling display at the awards ceremony, which celebrates the achievements of individuals and businesses The King and Queen made a handsome couple in their grey and coral trouser suits Queen Letizia and King Felipe greeted school children who had gathered outside the venue Since then she has kept up a busy schedule of public engagements alongside her son Felipe and his glamorous wife, Queen Letizia. She has focused on her sponsoring activities, spending her time between La Zarzuela and the Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca in the summer months. As recently as Monday, she attended Fernando Gomez-Acebo y Borbon's tribute but just the next day was rushed to hospital. She also attended the wedding reception of Teresa Urquijo and Mayor of Madrid Luis Martinez-Almeida on Saturday, alongside a host of famous guests. Sofia was joined by her husband Juan Carlos as well as their two daughters, Infanta Elena and Infanta Cristina. Elena's children, Victoria and Felipe, and Cristina's son Juan, were also present. Queen Sofia had planned to travel to Huesca on Friday for an engagement at the city's food banks, but it has since been cancelled. She is usually renowned for her good health and stays active, including using a walking machine in her room in La Zarzuela daily. This is her first time in hospital since she gave birth to King Felipe in 1968. The service was inspired by Bark CEO Mark Meeker's late Great Dane, Hugo, whose adventures were limited thanks to commercial airline regulations A one-way ticket, for one passenger plus one animal, costs up to $8,000 Bark Air is set to launch flights between NYC and LA and NYC and London in May Pet-product brand Bark has decided to expand its offerings to air travel, with the experience specifically designed around the comfort of four-legged companions. The company, known for the BarkBox - a monthly subscription that ships toys, treats and even experiences catered to your pet - is launching flights on the dog-friendly private jet service in May 23rd, rolling out flights between NYC and LA, and between NYC and London the following week. One-way tickets for one passenger and one pet on the NYC / LA service start at $6,000, while seats between London and NYC go for $8,000 each. Bark's co-founder and CEO Mark Meeker explained to The Washington Post that the inspiration for the specialized private air transport service arose from his struggles traveling with his own late Great Dane, Hugo, who passed away in December 2021. Bark has launched Bark Air, a chartered private-jet service catering to canines with wealthy-enough owners to shell out up to $8,000 per one-way ticket On its May 2024 launch, Bark Air will offer service between NYC and LA, and NYC and London Hugo had traversed the United States and Canada in his 12-year lifetime, but had never been able to accompany Meeker to the West Coast or to Europe, thanks in large part due to commercial travel challenges around his large size. What's more, taking any pet on a standard commercial airplane is a risky prospect. For 2022, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics received reports of seven animal deaths, one injury, and one lost animal that took place in the course of commercial air travel. (Though that's still a vast improvement from years past: Back in 2010, the number of pets injured, lost or killed amid commercial air travel annually was estimated to be in the thousands.) Meeker took things even farther to investigate how pets are treated on planes, arranging to himself be put in a crate that was rolled across a tarmac and loaded into a plane's cargo, where he stayed for just shy of an hour. 'It was very cramped, very dark. Loud noises. Disorienting. No food or water. Nowhere to go to the bathroom,' Meeker told The Post. 'It was very, very terrible.' But Bark Air is offering more than just basic, common-sense safety measures for the pets of the well-to-do - pushing an ultra-luxe experience for on-board animals. Pet-ssengers aboard the chartered flights can sip on 'dog champagne' - which is actually just chicken broth - or cozy up in 'pheromone-scented' blankets during the flights. The service was in part inspired by Bark CEO Mark Meeker's late Great Dane, Hugo, whose travels were limited due to strict regulations around large dogs being on commercial airlines Any particularly high-strung pups can also take advantage of noise-cancelling ear muffs. Prior to take off, the pups can get to know one another in a private area of the Bark Air terminals. Meanwhile, private chefs will be stationed at the Bark Air terminals to cook 'custom meals' for the human passengers prior to take off - though complimentary drinks and snacks will also be available during the flights. While in the air, dogs are free to roam about the cabin, so long as they stay on good behavior. High-quality treats and snacks for the dogs are of course available throughout. Upon their arrival at their destination, a car service will be arranged to whisk the pampered pup and their owner to any location of their choice within a 30-mile distance of the airport. Meeker told The Post of the dogs piled on board together during a test run of Bark Air that there weren't any concerning canine clashes. 'They would say hello to the other dogs and say hello to the other people. Everyone was very calm about it,' said Meeker. 'For dogs who were a little more nervous, or people who were more nervous for their dogs, we have a place on the plane for them to sit without anyone bothering them.' Still, Meeker acknowledges that the price point is daunting one for even the most doting dog owners. On May 23rd - the day Bark Air launches - comparable one-way, nonstop business-class tickets between NYC and LA start between $700 and $800. From New York to London the same day, nonstop business-class tickets start at more than $2,200 - though at least one remaining business-class fare from London to New York comes to just below $2,000, as of this writing. Still, business-class fares on British Airways between NYC and London can easily cost in excess of $10,000, putting the steep prices of Bark Air into perspective in the costly landscape of commercial air travel. Commercial airlines also generally charge a fee of up to $200 per pet - but only with a shaky guarantee of their safety, and zero promise of a humane environment, for the duration of their itinerary, spanning one or more flights. And such offerings - of simple safety sand comfort - are no doubt priceless to those who love their animal companions. Do you have an adorable pet? Email your picture to monique.rubins@mailonline.co.uk People from across the country have shared adorable images of their pets From cuddly kittens to delightful dogs, people have shared adorable snaps of their pets to mark National Pet Day. The celebration of animals, held annually in the UK on 11 April, was established to celebrate all the pets that make Brits' every day. From best friends Penny, a cat, and Toffee, a Yorkshire Terrier-Dachshund cross, to best-dressed Kylo, a Saluki/Greyhound crossbreed, these adorable animals captured on camera are sure to make you smile. While some are confident, others are shy, with one frisbee-loving dog, Buzz, preferring to peer out from his safe space. London-based Toffee (right), a Dorkie, and Penny have been best friends for two and a half years And, when it comes to proud pet parents, stars like Andrew Lloyd Webber are also on board with National Pet Day. The composer shared a cute photo of his pup Mojito earlier today. But it's not just cats and dogs. Alan and Elvis, two guinea pigs from Wales, make a perfect pair with their complementary white and ginger coats. Here, FEMAIL has collected some of the cutest pet pictures out there. Get ready to coo... Cheeky Kylo, a particularly trendy Saluki/Greyhound crossbreed, ate his owners' baguette on their first day together This adorable black Labrador knows how to work the camera, as the pup is pictured sitting down on the sofa in Kendal Silvia's eight-month-old Flo is a miniature dachshund who likes to stand out in red Cute rescue guinea pigs Alan and Elvis are pictured munching on some food inside their cage in Wales Dogs Dave and Reggie have perfected their poses for Nation Pet Day Carol shared an image on X of her two cats Ralph and Stanley chilling on her sofa Gem shared a picture of Ziggy, a long-haired guinea pig, all wrapped up on X Andrew Lloyd Webber is pictured with his Havanese dog Mojito as he proudly shares a tweet on X for National Pet Day, adding that his pup brings joy into his life Author Harlan Coben posted a picture with his two dogs to celebrate National Pet Day Black cat named Sir Travis, from north west England, looks ready for the camera, as he snuggles up on the couch One-year-old Buzz, from Aldridge, loves his long walks, frisbee and his Jackawawa brother, Stitch Labour MP for Coventry North West Taiwo Owatemi was joined by her dog today Winnie may not love chores, but she loves being caught on camera Princess Layer and Polly are pictured peering in to their owners' house Clearly one for self care, Shanique's cat Milo seems to be very settled in the bathroom Rather than sell the land with the building, the current owners wish to sell only the house - with the stipulation the buyers move it off the plot of land Spanning more than 20,000 square feet, it once a functioning hospital The listing is in the locale of Fort Missoula, once a US military base An opportunity to buy an entire house for just $10 has come to market - but there's a significant catch. Images show a majestic three-floor home spanning more than 16,000 square feet. Originally built in 1911, Spanish Mission-style building original served the community as a functioning hospital for decades. In the aftermath of World War II, it was decommissioned by the military in 1947, while the listing specifies it had for at least a short period served as 'medical office space.' A house in Fort Missoula, Montana, has hit the market for $10 - with the significant condition that the buyers will have to relocate the building to a different parcel of land Originally known as Old Post Hospital, the structure for decades served as a main medical facility to Fort Missoula, including to local military personal and their families While the building is up for grabs for a jaw-dropping $10, that too-good-to-be-true price-tag indeed comes with a major drawback. The sale is for just the building - and not the land - and the contract for sale stipulates that the new owners must move the actual house off of the lot. As an extra lure, the sellers have attached a $100,000 moving credit to the sale, earmarked specifically to help the buyer in physically re-locating the structure to somewhere - anywhere - else. 'The seller's will provide up to $100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars) moving credit to help defer moving and transition costs,' the listing states. The property in Fort Missoula, Montana, at 3255 Lt. Moss Road, once served the local military-centered community as Old Post Hospital. As a military base, Fort Missoula was established by the United States Military in 1877, with 25th Infantry Regiment stationed there beginning in 1888. The road on which the hospital is located was seemingly named after from Lieutenant James Moss, an 1894 West Point graduate put in charge of the 25th Infantry Regiment in 1894. Built in 1911, the hospital served the community through both the Spanish flu and polio epidemics During World War II, the hospital also served the Japanese and Italians incarcerated at a nearby internment camp Not long after the end of World War II, the hospital ceased operations in 1947 Stationed in Fort Missoula, Montana, in the 1890s, the 25th Infantry Regiment was an all-African American infantry who embarked on a series of exploratory expeditions by bicycle Lt. Moss led the 24th infantry, an all African-American troop alternately known as the Buffalo Soldiers, on a series of lengthy bicycle treks - including a 2,000 mile ride from Fort Missoula to St. Louis. The purpose of those missions was to test out how effective a tool the bicycle could be as a mode of on-the-ground transport in place of horses. Despite Lt. Moss' lofty ambitions for the bicycle as a tool for military operations, his superiors disbanded his efforts to promote bicycle operations in 1898 at the dawn of the Spanish-American war, which saw the 25th infantry shipped off to Cuba. Old Post Hospital was erected a little more than a decade later, and went on to become the main medical facility used by the base's military personnel and their families during the Spanish flu and the polio epidemics. In the 1940s, Fort Missoula was directly impacted by wartime as it became a base for one of the internment camps holding Italian and Japanese residents. Throughout their ordeal, Old Post Hospital continued to serve the populations interned at the camps - before ultimately being just down two years after the war ended. In 2008, the Old Post Hospital appeared on a list of Missoula's 'Eleven Most Endangered Historic Sites.' The article, by PreserveHistoricMissoula.org, reported that, at that time, the property was owned and used by Western Montana Mental Health Center. In 2019, the property housing the long-abandoned hospital was acquired by real-estate developer FAE-Wolf. Last year, in April 2023, Max Wolf of FAE-Wolf penned an op-ed in local paper the Missoulian calling for the preservation of the building. Currently, the total cost of restoring Old Post Hospital could be up to $8 million. The property was acquired by local developer FAE-Wolf in 2019, with the owner, Max Wolf, initially planning to fund necessary renovations by building new housing nearby However, FAE-Wolf's proposal to restore Old Post Hospital was struck down by Missoula's Historic Preservation Commission, with the vote upheld in the city council, in February 2024 But, before committing the former Old Post Hospital to demolition, FAE-Wolf elected to put it on the market for $10, on the condition the buyer relocate it Wolf argued for a plan that would establish new housing, along with some retail space, on the five-acre property on which the original building stands - with the proceeds from the new development funding the restoration of the Old Post Hospital. The new development, he contended, would be a 'privately funded project on private land that we want to create as a community space for the public.' He added that conservation purists who'd wish to see the hospital restored with grants alone had yet to put forth a viable plan to bring that goal to fruition. Unfortunately, by February 2024, the proposal had been struck down by Missoula's Historic Preservation Commission, with the vote upheld in a 7-4 vote by the city council. In response to the city council vote, FAE-Wolf released a statement that said in part: 'It is with a heavy heart that FAE-Wolf has been forced to prepare an application for a demolition permit with the City of Missoula to remove the Old Post Hospital.' But, before committing the hospital to demolition, FAE-Wolf elected to put it on the market for $10, in a last-ditch attempt to save the structure, allocating the aforementioned $100,000 to assist in the building's removal, as reported by local station KPAX. On the other side of the argument, one local firebrand blogger accused Wolf of being a 'cultural terrorist' for effectively holding the hospital 'hostage,' with the ransom being the approval of his company's development proposal. Which brings us to the current juncture. The listing is held by David A. Lemm of Clearwater Properties. A 3-D tour of the property can be found here. Just three weeks after her best friend was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, Rebekah Dunston discovered she herself had stage three colon cancer. The pair were in their early thirties and in the prime of their lives Sarah Glad was 14 weeks pregnant and Mrs Dunston had just got married. They had met while studying communications at North Carolina State University, with a bulk of their studies taking place in a now-notorious campus building. The Poe Hall building has since been closed after over 160 staff, students and alumni reported developing cancers and other diseases at unusually young ages to WRAL. An investigation of the building by Geosyntec Consultants also found its hallways, lecture halls and classrooms contained dangerous levels of toxic chemicals. 'I definitely noticed at the time that the building was old and gross,' Mrs Dunston, now 35, told DailyMail.com. 'Then a year after leaving the university, I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. It was obviously very shocking, because I was only 32.' HAPPIER TIMES: Mrs Dunston (middle) with Mrs Glad (right) and their friend. 'Nothing's going to bring Sarah back,' Mrs Dunston told DailyMail.com TRAGEDY: Rebekah (left, in hospital) discovered she had stage three colon cancer just weeks after Sarah found out she had terminal breast cancer. The pair were in their early thirties and in the prime of their lives Sarah was 14 weeks pregnant (with her baby boy) and Mrs Dunston had just got married Mrs Dunston said she felt failed by the university. 'Nothing's going to give me back my health for the past couple of years, and nothing's going to bring Sarah back.' Mrs Glad died earlier this year, roughly two years after her diagnosis of breast cancer. 'Sarah and I would send each other text message and letters in the mail while we were both going through treatment, just sending words of encouragement and keeping each other as positive as possible. Losing her in January... it's been really, really difficult,' Mrs Dunston said. Investigations have found dangerously high levels of a poisonous, potentially cancer-causing substance called polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) detected in Poe Hall. Studies show that PCBs may suppress the immune system, allowing cancers to develop and spread. In five areas, PCB levels were found to be more than 38 times the Environmental Protection Agency's safety limit. The finding, coupled with the 152 lawsuits from patients claiming the structure caused their sickness, led to the closure of the building late last year. Mrs Dunston and Mrs Glad took dozens of classes at Poe Hall between 2007 and 2018. 'Sarah and I were really good friends. She was a year ahead of me, but we met in my freshman year, we were in student government together, and we were both involved in Greek life together,' Mrs Dunston said. After graduating from her master's in 2018, Mrs Dunston worked for the university until 2021. Mrs Glad had also completed a master's at NC State. 'All of our graduate courses were in that building,' Mrs Dunston said of Poe Hall. 'I had lectures in the building, I had all of my academic advisory meetings in the building. Mrs Dunston and Mrs Glad met while studying communications at North Carolina State University, with a bulk of their studies taking place in a now-notorious campus building Poe Hall, a class building at North Carolina State University, closed amid concerns of 'forever chemicals' polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which have been linked to cancer Poe Hall was constructed in 1971, a time when PCBs were more commonly used in industrial products. PCBs were banned in 1979, though they still remain in older buildings Mrs Dunston estimated she would have spent at least 15 hours per week in the building between 2014 and 2018. And it wasn't just her friend who was affected. Last summer, one of Mrs Dunston's professors was diagnosed with breast cancer. The pair became close as they shared their experiences navigating radiation and chemotherapy. BEST FRIENDS: Rebekah Dunston (left), with Sarah Glad, who died in January 2024 following her diagnosis of breast cancer 'In talking to her, she was like, "This is just weird. I'm the fifth person in three years to have been diagnosed with this specific kind of breast cancer." 'I was just like, wait, what? And then things started adding up for us,' Mrs Dunston said. 'I know for a fact that staff members that worked in the building had complained and had raised the alarm of like, whoa, there's a lot of women that are getting cancers that all happen to work in this building, which is strange.' Dr Norman Sharpless, former Director of the National Cancer Institute and professor of cancer policy and innovation at the University of North Carolina, told DailyMail.com: 'It's not ethical to do a randomized trial of PCBs into humans, so we're always using inferences from imperfect data. But those links are based on epidemiologic surveys, plus rodent models. The data is reasonably strong that PCBs can be linked to certain kinds of cancers. 'But cancers tend to develop in people who have had high, sustained exposure. And I wouldn't focus immediately on just that potential carcinogen to the exclusion of others, I would keep an open mind [when thinking about the causes of these cancers],' he added. Poe Hall was constructed in 1971, when PCBs were commonly used in industrial products like oils, insulators, and electric appliances such as TV sets, lighting, and refrigerators. PCBs, including those used to build Poe Hall, were largely mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto until 1977 (the chemicals were then banned in 1979) amid concerns that they harmed humans and the environment. The most common building materials where PCBs lurk are resin and varnish used in tiles and carpets as well as other adhesives and paints. A North Carolina State University spokesperson previously told DailyMail.com: 'The university has provided considerable information and resources helpful to anyone with questions via the Poe Hall Updates website and on social media channels' Mrs Glad was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2022. She had expressed concerns about a lump on her left breast years earlier but had no family history of the disease and was considered low risk. Weeks later, Mrs Dunston was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. 'We were both just like, what the heck is happening,' Mrs Dunston said. 'My doctor actually said, "It's probably environmental and you just have really bad luck." That was a hard pill to swallow.' A 2004 study found that higher concentrations of some types of PCBs was linked to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. Dr Sharpless said: 'There's a couple of reasons why you might have an appearance of excess cancer in a group of people who have spent time in or near a building, a water supply, a county, or a region. One is, there's a carcinogen that's present in that environment that's making people sick. That's always the concern and cause number one that experts would aim to rule out first, but there are other causes as well, that can really look very concerning, but are not environmental carcinogens.' This can include shared genetics in a community and recall bias, he added. 'Generally, the resolution of these issues of these cancer clusters is very complicated, takes a long time and is often unsatisfying, because ascribing causality to cancer is really challenging,' he said. More than 150 people have been diagnosed with cancer linked to Poe Hall, which held education and psychology classes for 4,000 students Other experts have said that more than 160 cancer cases linked to Poe Hall, as reported by WRAL, are too many to be pure coincidence. Dr Suneel Kamath, an oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic specializing in colorectal cancer, told DailyMail.com: 'While we can't say for certain that PCBs at Poe Hall were the cause of the cancers observed in the people in this story, it is highly unusual that so many young and otherwise healthy people would get cancers at such a high rate. WHAT ARE PCBs? PCBs are classified by the World Health Organization as known human carcinogens. Their manufacture was banned in the US and UK four decades ago. They were mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto for 42 years before the decision was made to stop doing so. Studies have shown that PCBs, of which there are around 210 variations, can alter liver function can even affect reproductive system. Newcastle University researchers in 2017 found extraordinary levels of the pollutant in the Mariana trench the deepest part of the ocean. Around 1.3 million tons of PCBs were produced before they were banned but some scientists estimate a third of this has leaked into the environment. Advertisement 'It definitely suggests that some environmental exposure is the culprit. It's unlikely this number of people would have hereditary/genetic reasons to develop cancer, especially without a strong family history. Since we know PCBs are likely carcinogenic, it is highly suspicious that PCBs are at least part of the problem.' By the time concerns around Poe Hall reached students, Mrs Glad and Mrs Dunston were disconnected from the university, which was 'very, very frustrating.' Mrs Dunston said: 'It raises a lot of concerns for me about other young, otherwise very healthy people that spent a lot of time in the building that might not know that they were exposed to these [chemicals] and that could be having an impact on their health.' Mrs Dunston underwent a month's course of radiation, followed by biweekly chemo infusions over four months. In February 2023, she had a surgery to reduce the tumor on her colon. She now gets regular blood tests and scans, which so far have all come back cancer-free. A North Carolina State University spokesperson previously told DailyMail.com: 'The university has provided considerable information and resources helpful to anyone with questions via the Poe Hall Updates website and on social media channels. 'This is an evolving situation, and the university remains committed to following best practices in consultation with outside agencies. As part of that process, we've engaged professionals to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the building - that testing is still underway. 'No state or federal agency has completed the work to determine if there are health impacts related to Poe Hall.' A once-a-day pill could transform the lives of migraine sufferers after it was given the green light for NHS use. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended a treatment that can halve the number of crippling attacks. Atogepant will be an option for people who have at least four migraine days a month and who have tried at least three other treatments to no avail. The pill - sold under the brand name Aquipta and Qulipta and made by pharmaceutical company AbbVie - could be a blessing for some 170,000 sufferers in England. Atogepant will be an option for people who have at least four migraine days a month and who have tried at least three other treatments to no avail It works by blocking the receptor of a protein found in the sensory nerves of the head and neck, known as the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). This protein makes blood vessels dilate, which can lead to inflammation and a migraine. Studies show the drug reduces the number of monthly migraine days by half. The list price stands at 463.38 for 28 tablets, but the NHS has been offered the treatment at a confidential discount price. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: 'Currently, the most effective options for people with chronic migraines who have already tried three preventative treatments are drugs that need to be injected. READ MORE: What the location of your headache REALLY means Advertisement 'The committee heard from patient experts that some people cannot have injectable treatments, for example because they have an allergy or phobia of needles.' She said patients with chronic migraines that happen on more than 15 days of the month 'would welcome an oral treatment'. Meanwhile Aquipta would also offer 'more choice' for people who suffer episodic migraines, which happen on fewer than 15 days of the month. Professor Peter Goadsby, of Kings College Hospital who led the discovery of CGRP in the 1980s, said it could be life-changing for sufferers. According to The Migraine Trust, about 10million adults in the UK are living with the condition. The charity's chief executive, Rob Music, said: 'A migraine attack can be incredibly debilitating. 'Symptoms can include intense head pain, loss of or changes to the senses, and lack of ability to carry out day-to-day life. 'It is positive to see even more therapies emerging for people with migraine as many still rely on treatments developed for other conditions. 'We now need to ensure access is swift, so that migraine patients can benefit from them as quickly as possible.' Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: 'Migraines affect millions of people in this country and this new treatment will help prevent recurring migraine attacks when other medicines have failed. 'It will allow more people whose daily life is affected by this painful, debilitating condition to manage their migraines more effectively and to live their lives to the fullest.' NICE's final draft guidance for England comes after Aquipta was recommended for use in Scotland by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) in October last year. Rachael Millward, medical director at AbbVie UK, said the treatment has the potential to 'improve the quality of life' of sufferers. NICE recommends that Aquipta should be stopped after 12 weeks if chronic migraines do not reduce by at least 30 per cent and episodic migraine by at least 50 per cent. If there are no appeals against its final draft guidance, the spending watchdog is expected to publish its final guidance on the drug next month. Steakhouses are hitting back at claims bird flu could be lurking in undercooked beef. An ex-FDA official urged DailyMail.com readers this week to avoid rare or medium steaks due to a small risk of catching the virus that is spreading through US farms. We visited several steakhouses in Manhattan on Wednesday to see if the concerns were shared by restaurant staff and customers. All seven steak joints said their beef was 'safe to eat' but a number admitted they 'hadn't even heard' of the H5N1 outbreak in cattle. Chris Pratt pictured tucking into a steak last year, as steakhouses say their steaks are safe to eat and there are no warnings from officials over bird flu in their meat New York City restaurant owners told DailyMail.com they were unconcerned by the outbreak of bird flu in cattle and that their steaks were safe to eat The above map shows cattle herds where the virus has been reported. It is in 20 herds across seven states, data shows, although most cases are linked back to Texas 'Our steaks are safe to eat,' said Brian Morrissey, the director of operations for Bobby Van's steakhouse in New York City. 'We would have heard something by now if we should be concerned,' he added, 'I trust the FDA'. 'Our steaks are fine,' another manager at the nearby Ted's Montana Grill said. 'Customers aren't even coming in and saying they are concerned about their steaks.' He added: 'We haven't heard anything from corporate about this and they are normally quite good at telling us whether there is a package that has been recalled that we should look out for.' A third manager at Smith and Wollensky steakhouse, a famous restaurant near Grand Central, said his staff hadn't even heard about the bird flu outbreak in cattle. He added that they were not concerned by reports, saying there are often outbreaks of bird flu being reported. The above shows how bird flu is edging closer to human spillover in the US It comes after ex-FDA food official Dr Darin Detwiler warned steaks that were not cooked through could carry bird flu. 'I am not convinced yet that simply searing the outside is enough to actually kill H5N1 in beef,' he said. 'I would 100 percent recommend that it is cooked throughout to a minimum safe cooking temperature [to kill viruses and bacteria].' Officials are also seeking to dampen any concerns over potentially contaminated beef or milk, saying both are still safe to consume. A spokesman for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, which represents cattle farmers, said: 'Importantly, the agency [USDA] confirmed there is no threat to human health, and milk and meat remains safe to consume. 'USDA has confirmed that affected dairy cows do not appear to be transmitting the virus to other cattle within the same herd. At present, H5N1 has not been detected in beef cattle.' Bird flu outbreaks have been recorded among 20 cattle herds across six states so far although mostly in Texas. But these are all in dairy herds, with no cases recorded in Americans nearly 30million beef cattle. There is also no evidence at this stage that infected cattle have the virus within their meat, with it only being recorded in their milk while blood and mucus swabs came back negative. The alarm has been raised over the virus as it spills over to 40 mammal species raising concerns it could also reach humans. This year one case in a farmer in Texas has been recorded so far, the second ever in the US, with the patient only suffering mild symptoms of inflammation in the eye. But doctors have been urged to be on the lookout for more cases of the disease among farm workers. Some experts have also warned infections could easily be missed because symptoms can be very mild. Officials are not sure how cattle have been infected, although they have found no evidence at this stage to suggest the virus is airborne among herds. Instead, they say the animals could have been infected via eating a feed called 'poultry litter' which is the mashed up remains of birds and their droppings. Cattle may also have been infected via dirty milking machines. Nearly half of NHS workers have spent time looking at job adverts for work outside the service, according to new analysis. Around 47 per cent have looked at work outside the NHS and 29 per cent have actively inquired about non-NHS work, researchers found. Between March and June 2023 some 14 per cent applied for non-NHS jobs, according to academics at the University of Bath. Researchers said stress, workload, staff shortages and pay are the top reasons for staff leaving the NHS. The study team raised concerns over burnout after almost one in two (47 per cent) NHS workers reported 'feeling very tired or drained' most days or every day. Nearly half of NHS workers have spent time looking at job adverts for work outside the service (Stock Image) Between March and June 2023 some 14 per cent applied for non-NHS jobs, according to academics (Stock Image) And ratings of job satisfaction have declined over the four-year period that experts have been tracking views of NHS workers. Staff were surveyed in 'waves' starting in 2020. Around 1,500 staff in England were surveyed by YouGov on behalf of researchers in the most recent poll. Overall just 37 per cent of staff questioned in spring 2023 said they would recommend working for the NHS to others, a drop from 61 per cent in winter 2020/21. READ MORE: DAILY MAIL COMMENT: NHS needs more than a sticking plaster Advertisement Only one in four (26 per cent) nurses said they would recommend working in the health service. Study lead researcher Dr Andrew Weyman said: 'Rising reports of shortages of resources, psychological stress, symptoms of burnout, coupled with low confidence of improvement to working conditions, in the context of dissatisfaction with pay and evidence of weakening staff commitment to the NHS are particularly perturbing. '[They] potentially offer an explanation for the significant fall in the proportion of staff who would recommend working for the NHS to others.' Last year the health service launched its first Long Term Workforce Plan with a view to boosting staff numbers and retaining current staff. Dr Navina Evans, NHS England's chief workforce officer, said: 'The latest NHS staff survey showed the workforce feels happier than since the start of the pandemic, but we know there is more work to do to retain our hard-working NHS staff and support them to stay in the health service for longer. '[This] is why we are offering more flexible working options than ever before, taking action to reduce duplicative inductions and payroll errors, while new rules mean staff can earn a salary while still taking their NHS pension. 'Our retire and return arrangements are also helping the NHS to retain highly experienced staff for longer, and as part of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, we continue to expand domestic education, training and recruitment - and have already made significant progress with a 25 per cent increase in medical places.' Desperate Brits have queued 'around the block' outside a GP surgery in the hope of getting an appointment. In scenes illustrating the never-ending crisis plaguing the country, dozens lined up yesterday outside Hilly Fields Medical Centre in Brockley, south London from the crack of dawn with the goal of securing a spot. One woman, who queued for an hour and 45 minutes before being told there were none left, slammed the 'shambles' of a situation. Others in the queue were 'getting quite cross' and 'upset', she said. Posting a picture of the queue on X, formerly known as Twitter, patient Anna-Maria Cahalane revealed she decided to queue after failing for days to get through to the surgery via phone. In scenes illustrating the never-ending crisis plaguing the country, dozens lined up yesterday outside Hilly Fields Medical Centre in Brockley, south London from the crack of dawn with the goal of securing a spot. Posting a picture of the queue on X, formerly known as Twitter , patient Anna-Maria Cahalane revealed she decided to queue after failing for days to get through to the surgery via phone Ms Cahalane, who queued for an hour and 45 minutes before being told there were no appointments left, slammed the 'shambles' of a situation. Others in the queue were 'getting quite cross' and 'upset', she said Ms Cahalane (pictured), who runs a nature reserve and is a tutor for pupils with learning difficulties, added: 'It was just getting really quite stressful for people. 'A lady, I think she must have been the manager, just shouted out "all emergency appointments are gone for today", we hadn't even got to the door' But when she arrived at 7.45am there were already 25 people in front of her. The 50-year-old said: 'I thought I'd get there extra early so I got there around 7.45. 'And as I was walking down towards the GP practice, I saw there was already a queue all along the pavement, which alarmed me. 'I counted there were about 25 people ahead of me. And I took the picture then because I just thought this is unbelievable. 'This is the worst I've seen it, I've seen it bad but never as bad this.' READ MORE: France to FINE patients who miss GP appointments 4.30 in bid to free up millions of slots Advertisement Ms Cahalane, who runs a nature reserve and is a tutor for pupils with learning difficulties, added: 'It was just getting really quite stressful for people. 'A lady, I think she must have been the manager, just shouted out "all emergency appointments are gone for today", we hadn't even got to the door.' After reaching the receptionist, who apologised for the queue, she was told to come back next day. 'I said, "I can't queue up like this again, there must be another option"', Ms Cahalane added. 'She suggested phoning and I told her it is always engaged. And she just said "I'm sorry there's nothing I can do".' Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting slammed the delays, arguing: 'What a damning indictment on 14 years of Conservative Government, that patients are literally queueing around the block to see a GP. 'The Conservatives have cut 2,000 GPs since 2015, leaving millions unable to get an appointment at all. The longer the Conservatives are in office, the longer patients wait. 'Labour will fix the front door of the NHS with investment and reform. We will train thousands more GPs and cut the red tape that ties up their time, so patients can easily book appointments with their family doctor.' Meanwhile, a spokesman for the South East London Integrated Care Board, which oversees primary care services in the region, said: 'Hilly Fields Medical Centre apologised for the inconvenience patients experienced today. 'The practice is planning to implement a new call hub in the next 10 days which should improve their response to phone calls, and they will be launching an online triage system soon, which should also make it easier for patients to contact the practice.' Last year, the Government promised more than 1,000 GP surgeries would have their telephone systems upgraded by spring, which officials claimed would end the '8am scramble' for appointments. Latest NHS figures show the health service is offering around 1.4million GP appointments nationally every working day. Your browser does not support iframes. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We don't know the circumstances that led to this specific situation, and every practice will have its own way of taking bookings and managing demand, but patients should never have this much difficulty securing a GP appointment. 'GPs feel our patients' frustrations when they struggle to access our care and services ultimately this is the result of years of underfunding in general practice and poor NHS workforce planning. She added: 'The average number of patients per fully qualified GP continues to rise and is now 2,298, meaning each GP is, on average, responsible for 158 more patients than they were five years ago. 'This isn't sustainable general practice is at breaking point, and it's our patients bearing the brunt.' It comes as a damning analysis last week revealed almost one in 20 patients are having to wait a month for an appointment. The number of patients facing lengthy waits of a month or more has rocketed by 38 per cent in the last year from 12.8 to 17.6million appointments. GPs have long complained they are overwhelmed due to the pressures of the rising and ageing population and a lack of government funding. Many are choosing to retire in their 50s or move abroad. Under recommendations implemented by the BMA and European Union of General Practitioners, GPs in the UK today should not deliver more than 25 appointments a day to ensure 'safe care'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. But family doctors have reported cramming in up to 90 appointments per day, in a situation compared to a conveyor belt. GPs have also warned strikes could still be 'on the table' after a referendum of family doctors, carried out by the British Medical Association, found 99 per cent of the 19,000 respondents rejected the new NHS contract. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson today argued, however, the government was delivering '50 million more GP appointments per year'. They said: 'We are taking action to improve access to GPs, and by sticking with our plan for a faster, simpler, fairer healthcare system, we are now delivering 50 million more GP appointments per year. 'Our Primary Care Recovery Plan, backed by 645 million over two years, is expanding the services offered by community pharmacies through Pharmacy First, which will help free up to 10 million GP appointments per year. 'We are also investing 240 million on digital tools, telephony and training for GP surgeries, and we have cut overall NHS waiting lists for four months running despite disruptive strikes and record winter pressures.' NHS waiting lists for routine hospital treatment have shrunk for the fifth month in a row. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed it as proof that hospitals are finally getting a grip on the mammoth backlog. More than 7.54million procedures like hip replacements and cataract surgery were waiting to be carried out at the end of February. Tens of thousands were booked in over a year ago. The overall figure was down by around 36,000 on January, according to statistics from NHS England. This is solely down to a change to way the list is counted, with community paediatric waits no longer included. NHS chiefs said the size of the list remained stable. Queues stood closer to 7.2m at the beginning of 2023, when Mr Sunak promised to slash waiting lists so 'people will get the care they need more quickly'. It means the waiting list has grown by around 300,000 since, with officials blaming strike chaos for piling extra pressure on hospitals battling an 'eternal winter'. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. More than 7.54million procedures like hip replacements and cataract surgery were waiting to be carried out at the end of February. Queues stood closer to 7.2m at the beginning of 2023, when Rishi Sunak promised to slash waiting lists so 'people will get the care they need more quickly'. It means the waiting list has grown by around 300,000 since Mr Sunak admitted that 'we haven't made as much progress as I would like'. But he added: 'Today's figures show we are making headway towards that goal. We still have more work to do, but our plan is working.' Mr Sunak also said an extra 430,000 patients could have been treated had doctors and nurses decided not to strike in pursuit of bumper pay deals. His comments come after Health Secretary Victoria Atkins admitted that Mr Sunak had failed to deliver on his vow. What do the latest NHS performance figures show? The overall waiting list shrunk by 40,000 to 7.54million in February. There were 252 people waiting more than two years to start treatment at the end of February, down on the 376 in January. The number of people waiting more than a year to start hospital treatment was 305,050, down slightly on the 321,394 in the previous month. Some 42,968 people had to wait more than 12 hours in A&E departments in England in March. The figure is down on the 44,417 logged in February. A total of 140,181 people waited at least four hours from the decision to admit to admission in March, down from 139,458 in February. Just 74.2 per cent of patients were seen within four hours at A&Es last month. NHS standards set out that 76 per cent should be admitted, transferred or discharged within the four-hour window. In March, the average category one response time calls from people with life-threatening illnesses or injuries was 8 minutes and 20 seconds. The target time is seven minutes. Ambulances took an average of 33 minutes and 50 seconds to respond to category two calls, such as burns, epilepsy and strokes. This is more than twice as long as the 18 minute target. Response times for category three calls such as late stages of labour, non-severe burns and diabetes averaged 2 hours, 29 minutes and 48 seconds. Nine in 10 ambulances are supposed to arrive to these calls within two hours. Advertisement She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I dont think anyone could have thought that it was an easy promise to make and it was going to be easy to achieve. 'Of course we know there are people waiting, theyre in pain, theyre in anguish. We absolutely understand that.' Ms Atkins told Times Radio the waiting list shrinking was 'a significant achievement, particularly when it is against the background of industrial action by junior doctors'. 'We have seen waiting lists fall, we have an unrelenting commitment, determination, to reduce yet further those backlogs and we are seeing progress.' She added: 'Across the country there are different achievements, across the country different trusts managing to manage their waiting lists. 'What we are trying to do is spread that good best practice across the country incentivising trusts so that they are dealing with their backlogs but also importantly meeting the targets for people who are entering the system today and next week and so on.' Wes Streeting, Labour's shadow health secretary, said: 'Rishi Sunak has failed on the NHS. 'Waiting lists are still 320,000 longer than when he became Prime Minister, despite his promise to cut them.' Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: 'Rishi Sunak is living in a parallel universe if he thinks our National Health Service is recovering. 'The Conservative Party and the PM are out of touch, out of ideas and deserve to be kicked out of office.' Backlogs shot up to an all-time high in the wake of the pandemic, with hospitals left to turn over entire wards for Covid space. Around 4.4m treatments were booked in the system when the virus reached the UK. Queues hit a record 7.8m in September. A never-ending wave of strikes added to the problem, hamstringing hospitals asked to clear backlogs while battling a staffing crisis. Consultants in England last week accepted a Government offer, drawing a line under an industrial dispute that has dragged on for more than a year. But ministers remain locked in a stand-off with junior doctors, who are seeking a pay rise worth up to 35 per cent. NHS waiting list figures also showed 305,050 patients had been waiting at least one year for treatment, down slightly on the 321,394 one month earlier. The health service had been told to eliminate all waits of more than a year by the end of March. This has been pushed back to September. Some 252 patients had been queuing for more than two years by February, down on the 376 logged one month earlier. Victoria Atkins today admitted that Mr Sunak had failed to deliver on his vow. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I dont think anyone could have thought that it was an easy promise to make and it was going to be easy to achieve' Your browser does not support iframes. The NHS was told to eliminate two-year waits by July 2022, apart from for those who chose to wait longer, did not want to travel to be seen faster, or for very complex cases requiring specialist treatment. A&E departments are also feeling the pressure, NHS performance data shows. Nearly 43,000 attendees waited at least 12 hours before being admitted, transferred or discharged in March. Just 74 per cent were seen within four hours. Under the NHS's own A&E rulebook, 76 per cent should be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours. But these figures only look at trolley waits the time between doctors deciding that a patient needs to be admitted and them getting a bed. Figures capturing exact arrival times paint a bleaker picture, with almost 148,000 forced to wait at least 12 hours. A major cause of the so-called 'corridor waits' is the huge number of patients being kept in hospital despite being well enough to leave. These delayed discharges of 'bed-blockers' are often caused by a lack of suitable places for patients to be transferred to amid a shortage of care home spots, and not enough help from carers to enable patients to return home. This, in turn, clogs up hospitals beds and causes a backlog in A&E. The NHS, however, pointed to A&E admission figures showing March was the busiest month ever for demand, with 2.35million people attending casualty units. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the NHS national medical director, said: 'Todays data demonstrates once again how the NHS is working flat-out to recover services and bring down waiting times for patients, despite enormous demand on services, with more people than ever before attending A&E in the last year over a million more than before the pandemic.' It comes as separate data released today shows a massive overhaul of NHS care has spared tens of thousands of patients overnight hospital stays. Rapid turnaround treatment units, which now operate in all major A&E departments across England, discharged more than 200,000 patients on the same day in the last year. This was up 11 per cent in a year. Freeing up beds gives hospitals much-needed extra capacity to deal with the mammoth backlogs. It comes as separate data released today shows a massive overhaul of NHS care has spared tens of thousands of patients overnight hospital stays. NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard (pictured) described the scheme as 'one of the biggest transformations to urgent care in recent years' NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard described the scheme as 'one of the biggest transformations to urgent care in recent years'. SDEC facilities offer on-the-spot tests to speed up treatment and reduce footfall in swamped casualty units. They are typically delivered from dedicated units, close to A&Es. Patients can be sent there through A&E, or even referred there directly by their GP. The initiative allows some patients needing a course of treatment over several days to go home each night, coming back the next day. As of this year, all 170 major A&E departments in England now have medical SDECs. Some offer additional specialist units such as paediatrics and gynaecology. Nationally, more than two million patients were discharged on the same day, rather than having to stay overnight, in the year ending January 2024. This was up over 200,000 on the 1.8million 12 months previously. Before his son came out as transgender, Dusty Farr said he was a full-on bigot who despised everything about the LGBTQ+ movement. His perspective, formed by a life spent growing up in a rural farm community, changed when his 16-year-old came out to him and subsequently clashed with her school over its policy that students use the bathroom of the sex they were assigned at birth. Mr Farr, a service manager at a tractor repair facility, never envisioned himself fighting bathroom bans in court. But when his child was targeted, it just flipped a switch, and it was a wakeup call. In hindsight, he said, he missed years of seeing his trans daughter exhibit feminine qualities. But after hours of poring over the Bible and praying he was raised a fire and brimstone Baptist he had an overnight epiphany that stripped away his unfounded hate. Mr Farr, who was raised Baptist, grew up with the teaching that being LGBTQ was a sin, but his perspective changed when his child came out as a transgender girl (Photo courtesy of KMBC news) Mr Farr is suing the Platte County School District over its bathroom policy that he says has hurt his daughter, named RF in the lawsuit (Photo courtesy of KMBC news) Without having a trans daughter, Mr Farr said he likely would not have become such an ally to trans youth. He said that growing up in a rural farming community, he didnt have exposure to what I would consider the outside world. But when he moved to Kansas City, where there was a larger and more open LGBTQ population, he said I would still have my closed-minded thoughts. A lot of derogatory words. I dont want to go back to that place. He added: Given the way I was raised, a conservative fire and brimstone Baptist, LGBTQ is a sin, youre going to hell. And these were things, unfortunately, that I said to my daughter Im kind of ashamed to say that. When his daughter first came out, the two clashed, with Mr Farr suddenly struggling with his own faith. She had been his camping buddy, his fishing partner, and would go with him to the shooting range. She began to steer away from him when she turned 12, though, and that year, she eventually came out. After turning to scripture and tapping into his relationship with god, Mr Farr said it finally hit him: Shes a girl. According to the White House, the Human Rights Campaign, and a legislation tracker maintained by trans rights activists, there was an aggressive push of some 100 bills aimed at gender-affirming care for children in 2023 He said: I got peace from God. Like, This is how your daughter was born. I dont make mistakes as God. So she was made this way. Theres a reason for it. Their relationship improved, and RF was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, a condition describing the distress a person feels due to the mismatch between what they know their gender to be and their sex assigned at birth. She was prescribed puberty blockers to stave off the masculinization of her male body. She grew out her hair, finally left her room, and made some friends. But then high school started in 2021, and the bathroom conflict ensued. Teachers pulled her aside to tell her about the bathroom policy; one even said her using the womens restroom was illegal. Missouri has no bathroom laws on the books, unlike 10 other states that do. Policies governing who can use which restroom are decided by individual school districts. His daughter, RF, said: It kind of just made me feel hopeless in my education. Because how is this place thats supposed to teach me everything to be an adult, how are they going to teach me what I need to learn when theyre dictating where I pee? Mr Farr is being represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, which is suing the Platte County School District on the outskirts of Kansas City over the schools bathroom policy that says a student must use the one that best reflects the sex they were assigned at birth, not their gender identity. When his daughter, who goes by RF in the lawsuit to avoid further discrimination, would use the girls restroom, she was suspended. When she used the boys restroom, she was bullied by the boys, with one going so far as to say, Maybe I should rape her. Mr Farr said: Anything I did to her, school was 10 times worse. Meanwhile, the gender-neutral bathroom was far from her classes, and, with just one stall, the line was always long. RF, a freshman, was often late for class and scolded by her teachers. Farr, illustrating his daughters point, told the Associated Press: If I use the restroom they say I have to, Im going to get bullied. If I use the gender-neutral restroom, Im going to be late to my classes. So its a damned if you do, damned if you dont situation. In a response to the lawsuit, the school alleged that she was being disruptive in numerous bathrooms, perhaps to invite discipline but did not elaborate on what it meant by disruptive behavior. At this point, RF was afraid to go to school due to threats made against her by other students. The school, for its part, said her feelings of fear were likely unrelated to school, but rather due to numerous factors and circumstances in her life which may have caused emotional harm, depression and anxiety. The bullying sent RF into a downward depression spiral, and Mr Farr said she twice tried to kill herself. She finished her freshman year remotely and returned to in-person schooling for her sophomore year. But when the bullying persisted, she returned to online school. He moved the family to a new school district, but bathroom access remained an issue at her new school, and again, she transitioned to online schooling before deciding to drop out at 16. Mr Farr said: I never would have guessed that I would I dont want to use happy but would be OK with one of my kids quitting school. He was surprised to find his conservative parents rallied behind Mr Farr, his daughter, and their legal fight, saying: These arent the people who raised me, let me tell you. Mr Farrs attorney, Gillian Ruddy Wilcox of the Missouri ACLU, said his change of heart is not so unusual, and that it often takes meeting an LGBTQ person to change someones mind. His daughter is now applying for jobs and is considering alternative high school graduation options. She hopes to go to college, perhaps to study law. She is also taking hormone replacement therapies to transition. Mr Farr said: Where were at now is what matters. Me being a loving father. Me being accepting, me knowing that this isnt a choice. This is how she was born. Many Americans are concerned about bird flu spreading to people, DailyMail.com has found. New Yorkers told this us they were worried they could soon be staring down the barrel of a Covid 2.0' situation - after the virus infected someone in Texas. A 20-year-old student skateboarding in the area even said the situation was 'not good' and that he 'definitely didn't want to catch it'. Others struck a more optimistic tone, however, including two girls feeding pigeons in the park who said they would keep coming and always remembered to wash their hands afterward. Doctors are being urged to be on alert for cases in humans after a human was diagnosed with the disease in Texas. They suffered only eye inflammation and are understood to be recovering well. Two students feeding pigeons in Union Square, Manhattan - Amanda and Tamari - told DailyMail.com they were only mildly concerned about bird flu as pigeons scampered over them Brandon Roberts, who was visiting New York from California, said the bird flu cases in cattle had concerned him It comes after steakhouses in the city hit back against claims beef that was not cooked to 'well done' could contain bird flu, saying their steaks were still 'safe to eat'. Brandon Roberts, 33, who was in the area for business, said the bird flu case recorded in Texas had concerned him. 'I see the headlines and I am just like... "oh no, not again"-type of thing,' he said. 'I won't say as much as [Covid 2.0], but when you start seeing headlines about these things you think, "oh s***, not again! 'That's kind of where I am right now.' A 20-year-old student who was in the square added: 'It is not a good sign that it is showing up in people and animals now. 'I definitely don't want to catch it.' He also revealed he had recovered from Covid four times after having bad infections with sore throats and a cough. He was not hospitalized. Another resident, Caroline, in her 40s, said: 'I am concerned in the way of, what if it transfers to a human could it be another pandemic?' 'Having gone through the pandemic, I do have concerns.' A farmer attending the Union Square farmers market said several flocks near him had had bird flu detected previously Geese, falcons and hawks living in Manhattan's parks and green spaces have tested positive for the virus, officials say, although cases could be more widespread (stock image) But there were also New Yorkers who said they were not overly worried by the disease or the potential for it to spread to people. Amanda, 23, a senior at Baruch College in Manhattan, spoke to DailyMail.com while she was feeding pigeons with several clambering over her to grab grain. 'We make sure to clean our hands afterward and try not to breathe in whenever the birds are fluttering about,' she said. 'But we will keep feeding them though, yes. This is really fun and we meet a lot of people doing this actually as well. 'It's a great way to re-connect with nature in the city.' Asked whether she had seen any sick pigeons, she said a number of birds had 'looked gross' but that she put this down to them being in the city. DailyMail.com also spoke to a farmer from Pennsylvania who was attending the Square's farmer's market that day. He has 1,200 chickens that are free range at his farm in Auburn. He said: 'There were some farms in our area that had gotten it so we had to check our birds. 'So, we tested our birds and we never caught it, so I really don't know that much about it. Thankfully, both the layers and the birds never picked anything up.' It comes after New Yorkers were urged to keep their distance from wildlife after cases of bird flu were reported in NYC. Geese, falcons and hawks living in Manhattan's parks and green spaces have tested positive for the virus, officials say, warning cases could be more widespread. Residents and visitors are being warned not to chase or try to catch birds and to wash their hands after any contact with droppings. Warning people to be careful around animals, Mount Sinai microbiologist Philip Meade said: 'You are got going to walk past a sick goose and get the bird flu, it won't work like that. '[But] precautions that everybody should be taking would be just to limit contact with wildlife. 'You shouldn't be running up to a Canada goose and trying to catch it, [for example].' The US drug shortage - halting vital treatment for millions of patients - has now reached an all-time high, according to newly released data. There are currently 323 medicines in short supply nationwide, the most since 2001, when records began. Access to these limited drugs can be the difference between life and death for millions of patients relying on antibiotics, cancer treatments, injectable diabetes medications, and more. The shortage is said to be due to a lack of financial incentive among pharma companies, because producing certain medications does not result in big profits. In many cases, demand for certain drugs such as Ozempic for obesity has outstripped already limited supply. About one in three US hospitals said they have had to skip, delay, or prescribe less medication to patients than was needed due to supply gaps, while up to 99 percent of pharmacists have experienced the strain firsthand. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reported that the drug shortage currently plaguing the US has reached a 23-year high Your browser does not support iframes. Experts have been warning about vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain for years. Issues may include a shortage of a key ingredient harvested from abroad, a flaw in the shipment process, or regulatory or quality issues at the factory where the drug is made. Natural disasters can also impact supplies of drugs that make it to hospitals and pharmacies. For instance, a tornado destroyed a Pfizer pharmaceutical plant in North Carolina last summer, ripping through the warehouse that stored raw materials for medications including morphine and anesthetics. The US has also seen huge spikes in demand for certain medications for obesity, hormone therapies used in gender-affirming care, and unprecedented demand for ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall. FDA tracking shows that numerous life-saving cancer drugs are in shortage, including cisplatin, carboplatin, and methotrexate. Shortages of those medications have lasted over a year. In 2023, a survey of 27 cancer treatment sites in the US found that 93 percent were experiencing a carboplatin shortage, and 70 percent reported a cisplatin shortage. Some 49 percent of Americans facing a shortage have been forced to delay or outright forgo treatment for their conditions, 24 percent have suffered negative health consequences, and 32 percent have experienced mental distress. While deaths linked to the current shortage have not been tallied, experts suspect there will be fatalities. A severe drug shortage in 2010 was responsible for at least 15 deaths, either because the drug was not available or patients could not get the correct dose. Abby Bray, nine at the time, was being treated for leukemia before the hospital ran out of the drug she relies on to survive Laura Bray, Abby's mother, said that she was afraid her child would die if she missed one session of treatment Abby Bray, 14, was diagnosed as a child with life-threatening leukemia. Her prognosis was good until the hospital ran out of the drugs that were keeping her alive. Abby's mother Laura, from Florida, was shocked when, one afternoon during Abby's treatment, the oncologist suggested she take her daughter home - and 'wait for the medication to become available again.' 'But I was afraid that if she missed one session, the cancer could come back,' Laura told DailyMail.com. The drug her daughter was denied, as a result of shortages, was the second in a series of medications - as she was allergic to the first. The next-choice drug, called Erwinaze, was also on the national drug shortage list and had been for years. The family feared that meant missing out on the medication altogether and, ultimately, her daughter's survival. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists surveyed more than 1,000 pharmacists and 99 percent said they were struggling to stock enough of the drugs they needed Ms Bray said: We did find the medicine and she did get back on protocol, but I had a lot of questions. I knew that we had faced injustice. I knew it was a market failure. I knew that not just the supply chain, but all stakeholders, including the government, had accepted that failure as an acceptable loss.' Also in Florida, 56-year-old Stephanie Scanlon told the New York Times that two of the three drugs used to treat her rare bone cancer were in short supply and that she would need to go without them. She tried for months to get the drugs as the cancer spread from her wrist to her spine, culminating in doctors having to amputate her left hand. And in North Carolina, 55-year-old Toni Dezomits, Persian Gulf war veteran and stage 4 ovarian cancer patient, was told just a day before her third round of chemotherapy that one of the drugs she needed was unavailable due to shortages. She had to choose between going without the medicine or swapping it for one with more debilitating side effects, 'two suboptimal choices,' she told the BBC. She said: 'I'm worried, because I know the drug I'm not getting is the one my cancer responded to very well [the first time].' 56-year-old Stephanie Scanlan struggled for months to find the cancer drugs necessary to treat her rare bone cancer which had spread to her spine. The Florida native had to get her hand amputated at the wrist (Photo courtesy of GoFundMe) 55-year-old Toni Dezomits, a veteran, had to choose between a cancer medicine alternative with worse side effects, or no medicine at all for her recurring ovarian cancer Counterintuitively, economists argue that the shortage is driven in part because the prices of generic drugs are already too low. Branded versions of drugs are often much more costly, which drives up demand for cheaper generic alternatives that perform just as well. Manufacturers of these cheaper generic drugs are competing with fellow makers to enter into distribution contracts with hospitals and pharmacies. This competition leads to downward pressure on prices, which impacts manufacturers' profitability. Michael Ganio, senior director at the ASHP, said: It's been a race to the bottom. We need more transparency around quality so that buyers have a reason to not chase the lowest price. When manufacturers are short on profits, they cant invest in quality control, drug development, and manufacturing capabilities to meet demand. David Gaugh, interim president and CEO of the Association for Accessible Medicines, told Axios: The majority of generic drug shortages cannot be addressed without raising prices. The global upset caused by the Covid pandemic has also impacted drug supplies. In many cases, factories previously manufacturing medicines had to quickly transition to pumping out masks and other protective equipment for hospital staff and Paxlovid to treat Covid patients. The Biden administration issued a plan to combat the ongoing shortages last week, which included pressure on Congress to pass a law to reward hospitals for purchasing from various manufacturers, not just one or a couple. Last year, President Biden invoked the Cold War-era Defense Production Act, which requires private US manufacturers to funnel their resources toward materials deemed necessary for national defense; in this case, essential medicines. He and his predecessor had previously invoked the Defense Production Act during the pandemic to compel American companies to shift their resources toward making ventilators and protective equipment. Its five years since the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) began probing the spectacular collapse of Neil Woodfords investment empire, which trapped 300,000 savers nursing losses in one of the biggest scandals of the last decade. And what does it come up with? A warning notice, and weasel-worded criticisms that Woodford had a defective understanding of his responsibilities in the run-up to the collapse of his 3.7billion Woodford Equity Income Fund. Defective? Far too polite, and theres growing criticism in the industry that the City regulator has been far too lax. Shameful is more the word to describe what went on at Woodwards fund, which at its peak managed 15billion. Probe: The FCA said Woodford had a defective understanding of his responsibilities in the run-up to the collapse of his 3.7bn Woodford Equity Income Fund. The FCA claims it was Woodfords unreasonably narrow understanding of his responsibilities for managing liquidity risks which led to the downfall in 2019. Does the regulator really believe that, after 25 or so years of investing at such a level that he was dubbed the UKs Warren Buffett, he did not understand his responsibilities for managing risk? Bizarre! Yet at the same time the watchdog states the obvious: that his firm, Woodford Investment Management (WIM), failed in its oversight of the funds liquidity how easily assets could be turned into cash for investors to withdraw at short notice. In another warning notice for Link Fund Solutions, the administrator used to monitor the funds liquidity, the FCA said it failed to act with due skill, care and diligence in its management. Indeed, Woodford investors are to receive a share of up to 230million in redress from Link after a High Court hearing in February. Woodford and WIM are challenging the FCAs preliminary findings. Their lawyers, WilmerHale, state they disagree with findings, which they say are unprecedented and fundamentally misconceived. They say the FCAs only criticisms of Woodford relate to matters relating to the funds liquidity framework, which was, in fact, Links responsibility... and the FCA. Cheekily, they are shifting the blame to Link, claiming that staff at WIM were told by Link that the FCA knew those details. Whats more, they say the FCA had been monitoring liquidity since 2018, which rather suggests they are implying the watchdog was asleep at the wheel. Its the Regulatory Decisions Committee, part of the FCA, which will decide what action to take. It can issue fines or bans. Woodford and his firm are bound to appeal against any action against it by the committee, and then have the right to appeal against any decision at the Upper Tribunal. This is only the start of what promises to be a long legal battle. Woodford is not giving in: he spent many of the millions of pounds he made learning to ride to such a level he was and expert three-day eventer. His Irish gelding went by the name of Willows Spunky. Trade-off Grumbling about Pascal Soriots proposed pay rise paid off. Investors have been rewarded for giving the go-ahead for the AstraZeneca boss to earn another 1.8million this year, taking his package to around 19million, with their own sweetener. Hours before yesterdays crunch vote, investors were offered a 7 per cent increase in dividends, and the promise that dividend policy will be progressive. Thats a decent trade-off for the Frenchman, who has delivered astonishing returns over the decade he has been in charge of the drug-maker. Shares have more than tripled to more than 10. Soriot has made 135million to date. Its not often one can say a chief executive deserves so much money but in Soriots case, hes probably worth it. But what does he spend it on? We should be told. Yorkshire gold In contrast, is Susan Allen, the new chief executive of the Yorkshire Building Society, worth a 2.5million golden hello? The society says its common practice within financial services. Not so sure about that. It comes on top of a base salary of 785,000 and a bonus of 777,000, which takes total pay to more than 4million. One member is urging fellow members to oppose the award. A golden hello that size should have gold-plated handcuffs. Storage group LoknStore is the latest firm to be targeted by foreign bidders in the takeover frenzy gripping the City. The board of the Hampshire company, which has 43 self-storage lock-ups, has backed an offer from European giant Shurgard of 1110p a share, valuing it at 378million. Shares rose 16.4 per cent, or 157p, to 1115p. The proposal, which needs shareholder approval, would make it the latest firm to leave Londons stock market. This year bidders have swooped on packager DS Smith, haulier Wincanton, builder Bellway and Virgin Money. Takeover target: The board of LoknStore, which has 43 self-storage lock-ups, has backed an offer from European giant Shurgard of 1110p a share, valuing it at 378m City investment bank Peel Hunt has dubbed it a feeding frenzy and warned that the FTSE Small Cap index will disappear within four years if the pace of takeovers continues. The swoop on LoknStore came a day after Centaur Media, which publishes The Lawyer, said that it has received an expression of interest from Dutch private equity. Shurgard has 276 stores, and services 190,000 customers a year in seven countries. A deal would see Shurgard enter the south-east of England, where LoknStore has 32 sites, for the first time. Astrazeneca was rocked by a shareholder revolt as over a third of investors rebelled over fat cat pay. In a crunch vote yesterday, investors approved a new deal that will hand the chief executive Pascal Soriot up to 18.7million this year. This would take his total earnings to 153million since he took over at the pharmaceutical giant in 2012. But in a bruising setback for the French-Australian executive, 35 per cent of shareholders voted against the pay package and performance-based share plan it is based on. Under the proposals, Soriot, 64, will earn a bonus worth up to 300 per cent of his nearly 1.5million base salary, plus performance-related share awards worth up to 850 per cent of base pay. In a crunch vote yesterday, Astrazeneca investors approved a new deal that will hand the chief exec Pascal Soriot (pictured) up to 18.7m this year. This is an increase on the previous pay deal, which permitted a 250 per cent bonus and awards worth 650 per cent of his base salary. These changes will ultimately make Soriot the FTSE 100s first 150million chief executive. Astra said that it was pleased that plans had been passed but will continue to engage with our shareholders and the proxy advisers to explain our need for global benchmarks and pay for performance. The backlash came after influential shareholder advisory groups, Glass Lewis and ISS, last week urged investors to vote against the excessive pay plan at the annual meeting. Glass Lewis said there is an absence of compelling evidence that Soriot is underpaid. The revolt will earn Astra spot on a list of shame compiled by trade body, The Investment Association. This includes firms where more than 20 per cent of shareholders vote against bosses pay. Soriot has been widely hailed for reviving the fortunes of one of Britains biggest drug companies and providing millions with a life-saving Covid vaccine. He also fought off an unwanted takeover bid from US rival Pfizer. This has earned Soriot a flurry of supporters. This week Florida-based GQG Partners threw its weight behind Soriot, arguing that he had earned the right to a decent rise because of his turnaround efforts. Rajiv Jain, chief investment officer at GQG, said: There is a compensation issue. The chief executive is massively underpaid, given AstraZenecas impressive turnaround since he joined more than a decade ago. Norges Bank Investment Management, a top ten shareholder, also backed Soriots rise. Leading business figures in the City, including Julia Hoggett, head of the London Stock Exchange, are pushing for executives to get more cash. She called for a constructive discussion around executive pay, saying Britain needed to attract top talent. Astra has argued that the increase is necessary to increase the competitiveness of the business against its rivals in the US and Europe. Dame Emma Walmsley, chief executive of UK rival GSK, was paid 12.7million last year compared with Soriots 16.9million. Albert Bourla, head of Pfizer, took home 17million. And one of the global top earners in the drug sector is David Ricks, boss of Eli Lilly, who was paid 21million in 2023. Soriots pay has stirred controversy in the past. Nearly 40 per cent of votes cast at the 2021 shareholder meeting were against the firms pay plan, which is set every three years. As her train pulled into the station, Elizabeth McLoughlin was puzzled to find herself in Surrey when she should have been in London. What had gone wrong? Then she realised: not only had she got on the wrong train, it had taken her well over half an hour to notice. And it wasn't the first time that she'd made such a mistake. 'For about a year I'd had brain fog and some bad mood swings,' says Elizabeth of that day in 2021. 'I'd also started to sometimes feel really hot and be unable to sleep. Copywriter Elizabeth McLoughlin, 46, suffered perimenopause symptoms without realising it 'I thought it was because we were in the middle of the pandemic we were living in uncertain times, and that was affecting me.' But that wasn't the reason. Copywriter Elizabeth, now 46, was experiencing some very common symptoms of the perimenopause without realising it. 'I initially reasoned that my brain fog might be because I was getting older, and I'd had insomnia in the past so it was nothing new,' she says. But the incident on the train made her realise something was wrong and that she needed help. 'The brain fog was scaring me,' she admits. 'I didn't feel in control of my life. I'd also have fits of crying. I put it all together and realised it must be hormonal, especially when my periods started to become irregular. 'I'd thought I was too young for the menopause, but when I did some research, I found out about the perimenopause. Until then, I hadn't really been aware of it.' Finding help Elizabeth is far from alone. Many women are not aware of the signs and symptoms of a host of menstrual and gynaecological conditions, including painful and heavy periods, endometriosis and the menopause, that can be treated. And these can have a devastating effect on their lives. 'There are many symptoms related to the menstrual cycle or changes to it that women accept as 'normal' and 'natural',' says GP Dr Ewa Craven. 'That's despite regularly suffering severe pain, bleeding and mental health issues. Women who are suffering should seek help, and the earlier the better (file image) 'But women shouldn't suffer in silence. Dealing with symptoms early can stop the progression of problems and minimise their effects, so you feel empowered to live life as you choose. Speak to your GP, who will support you.' That's what Elizabeth, from south-east London, decided to do. 'After about a year of my symptoms gradually getting worse, I booked an appointment with a GP. She was really knowledgeable. She discussed HRT [hormone replacement therapy] as an option and talked me through the different types, the benefits and risks. 'She ordered blood tests to rule out other problems such as an underactive thyroid, looked into my medical history to assess my breast cancer risk and covered any other health issues that could be causing those symptoms. 'I left feeling much better. Before, I'd had the feeling that my life was spinning out of control, but she was telling me something could be done, which gave me a sense of relief.' For the next few months, Elizabeth and her GP worked together to find the right mix of HRT. 'I tried different types of oestrogen,' says Elizabeth. 'But because I was still experiencing some problems, including brain fog and mood swings, my GP suggested trying a different combination of HRT. 'This was the final missing piece of the puzzle. It helped me feel much better, more on the ball and back to my normal self. I feel better than I have done in years.' CONTACT YOUR GP PRACTICE Shazia Ginai is equally grateful for her GP's help. Aged 40, she's suffered with endometriosis where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in the wrong place since she was 14. 'I'd had very painful, very heavy periods for a number of years, and when I was about 20 my GP said, 'Let's get you checked out'.' A pelvic scan showed no problems but Shazia, a chief marketing officer from Hertfordshire, returned to her doctor because 'something wasn't right'. Her periods were lasting for nearly a fortnight and were incredibly painful. Shazia Ginai, a chief marketing officer, was diagnosed with endometriosis and is being treated 'I'd have my TENS machine [a device that stimulates the nerves to help ease pain], heat patches, hot-water bottles and painkillers. But despite that, the fatigue and being in pain mean that your entire routine can collapse.' Eventually Shazia was diagnosed with endometriosis, and has since had three operations to combat the chronic problem. 'I ended up with a great GP who was well versed in understanding endometriosis,' she says. 'One of the things I loved about her was that whenever I'd see her, she was really good at going: 'You know your body better than anyone else, so if you're concerned, why don't we investigate?' She suggests asking your GP for an investigation if you suspect anything is wrong. 'Always think, 'I know my body well; these are the things that I'm experiencing I suspect it is endometriosis,' says Shazia. Do you have any of these symptoms? There are several different menstrual and gynaecological issues women face throughout their lives that can be helped with medical treatment. Here is what you should be looking for: Heavy or painful periods Period pain is caused by the womb tightening during a period. While it's often a normal part of the menstrual cycle, it can make it hard to think, talk or move, stop you from sleeping or doing such things as washing, dressing or going to the bathroom. Equally, heavy periods, where you need to change your pad or tampon every hour or two or empty your menstrual cup often, can have a debilitating impact on women's lives. Professor Dame Lesley Regan, Women's Health Ambassador for England, says: 'Heavy or painful periods can seriously impact women's lives, making learning, working and caring more difficult. They can also be a sign of health conditions that need attention. 'There is treatment available, so I urge all women to know the signs of a problem period. If your periods prevent you getting on with daily life, please do not hesitate to seek advice. Your local GP practice or women's health hub can direct you to the help you may need.' Periods are classed as heavy if you need to use two types of sanitary product together, if they last more than seven days, or if you pass blood clots larger than the size of a 10p coin. You should contact your GP practice if you faint when you have your period, they're negatively affecting your life or if they become more painful, heavier or irregular. Endometriosis This is a long-term condition that can affect women of any age, including teenagers. It often has a hugely debilitating effect on women's lives and can lead to depression. Symptoms include: Pain in your lower stomach or back which is usually worse during your period. Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities. Pain during or after sex. Pain when peeing or pooing during your period. Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea or blood in your pee or poo during your period Difficulty getting pregnant Heavy periods Menopause and perimenopause Menopause is when a woman's periods stop because of a drop in hormone levels, usually around the age of 45 to 55, although it can happen when you're younger. The perimenopause is the period leading up to this, when a woman may experience the symptoms of menopause but still has her periods. There are many symptoms, but the most common include anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. They can start years before a woman's periods end and carry on years afterwards, having a huge impact on sufferers' lives. But there are treatments. GP Dr Tara Shah says: 'Periods and menopause symptoms affect all women differently. Sometimes the impact of these can cause real difficulties in everyday life. 'There are many options of help that your GP can advise on. Reach out for help if something doesn't feel right.' Don't suffer in silence Treatment can help if your periods or menopause symptoms affect your daily life. Contact your GP practice or go to nhs.uk/womens-health This article is part of a paid-for partnership with HM Government Donald Trump often jokes about being president for longer than term limits allow. Americans appear to take him at his word, a new DailyMail.com/TIPP poll shows. Fully 55 percent say Trump will try to stay in power beyond the four-year stint if he wins November's presidential vote. About a third say Trump won't do that, and 10 percent say they're not sure what he'd do come January 2029. The nationwide survey of more than 1,000 voters comes as Trump and Democratic President Joe Biden are in a tight race in the 2024 contest. Voters of all age groups and from across the country say Trump seeks more than eight years at the Resolute desk Trump has spoken favorably of Xi Jinping becoming 'president for life' in China Biden is edging past Trump in the popular vote, polls shows, but the Republican leads in swing states that determine who gets the keys to the White House. Our survey comes days before the start of Trump's New York trial for falsifying business records to cover up payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels a wildcard that could steer the vote. It shows that most Americans say a Trump victory in November could see a longer stay in the Oval Office than the US Constitution permits. The 22nd Amendment, which came into force in 1951, caps presidents at two terms in office. Trump, who already served from 2017-2021, is limited to a potential second term of 2025-2029. Whether or not he's serious about it, the billionaire has openly questioned term limits. Speaking at his South Florida with Republican donors in 2018, he praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, who had recently consolidated power. 'He's now president for life,' Trump said, to applause and laughter. 'I think it's great. Maybe we'll give that a shot someday.' Trump in 2018 retweeted a social media post about him being president '4EVA' The former reality television star, pictured here in front of Mt. Rushmore, is concerned about his place in history The next month, Trump appeared to refer to the four election wins of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who served from 1933-1945. Roosevelt served before the 22nd Amendment came into effect. He died soon after the start of his fourth term. Speaking at a rally, Trump referred to an administration of 'in one case 16 years.' 'Should we go back to 16 years? Should we do that? Congressman, can we do that?' he said, according to CNN. Trump has suggested he'd be willing to serve beyond the term limit if he had public support. 'Do you think the people would demand that I stay longer?' he tweeted in 2019. Another time, when answering claims about his 'despotic tendencies,' Trump vowed he's 'not looking' to exceed his term limits. 'Unless you want to do it, that's OK,' he added. Aside from these quips, Trump famously sought to at the very least bend the rules on staying in power. Trump, pictured here in the Oval Office, has indicated that he's keen on more than eight years at the Resolute desk The Trump supporters who rioted at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, backed Trump's effort to stay in power He's been indicted on felony charges for working to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the run-up to the violent riot by his supporters at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Trump repeatedly told supporters that he had won the election, despite knowing that was false, and pressured officials and his deputy Mike Pence to overturn the legitimate results, prosecutors allege. Voters seem to believe Trump could try something similar in 2029, if he wins in November. That's true for more than half of voters of all age groups and across all parts of the country. Women are more likely to say Trump would overstay than are men. Fully 77 percent of Democrats said Trump would try to remain president for more than eight years. So did a significant 31 percent of Republicans though many of them may well wish for a longer presidency from the property tycoon. The survey has a +/-2.8 percent error margin. It was carried out earlier this month by TIPP, which has been noted for the accuracy of its polls. Crusading international lawyers targeting mining giant BHP in a $70billion lawsuit have set up shop in Sydney with ambitions to 'put Australian corporations on notice'. Pogust Goodhead founders Thomas Goodhead and Harris Pogust proudly boast of their plans to make their lawyers some of the highest paid on the planet. They do so by specifically investing their time in high-return class actions, pocketing 50 per cent of the payouts which can - and have - been worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Mr Pogust's public social media accounts offer a fascinating insight into the lavish lifestyle his successful career has brought him. He and his wife Carrie share snaps flying by private jet, enjoying cocktails on luxury boats and travelling interstate just for a slap-up meal. The business partners are currently going head-to-head with BHP in the UK over the Samarco mine disaster in Brazil, which cost 19 people their lives and contaminated waterways and land spanning multiple villages. In all, there are 700,000 claimants and the case could be worth $70billion in damages. Mr Pogust's public social media accounts offer an insight into the lavish lifestyle afforded to him on the back of his successful career In November 2023, he shared details of his new property - a sprawling six bedroom, eight bathroom mansion boasting a pool, gym and wine cellar Pogust Goodhead founders Thomas Goodhead and Harris Pogust proudly boast of their plans to make their lawyers some of the highest paid on the planet Mr Goodhead was also in Australia twice in 2023 to meet with MPs, unions and super funds over the litigation. As part of their commitment to that case, they've set up an office in Sydney, headed by commercial disputes specialist Amie Crichton. Ms Crichton cut her teeth on the other side of litigation, defending class actions on behalf of insurers for eight years. Speaking to law.com, she said that experience gives her a strategic advantage in prosecuting future class actions. She said it had given her a much deeper understanding of how corporations seek to defend such matters - and how to counter that. Now they are eyeing up a series of Australian business giants, aiming to hold them to account over their responsibility to exhibit 'basic decency and fairness' to their community. 'We are investigating a number of new cases against Australian multinational corporations, such as BHP, in which their commitment to this responsibility has been seriously thrown into question,' said Mr Goodhead. 'With the launch of our Sydney office, we are putting Australian corporations on notice that we are ready to hold them to account. 'We are establishing a base in BHP's backyard to ensure we explore every avenue in our fight for justice for victims.' Mr Pogust and his wife live the high life according to social media He shared another photo of his laptop overlooking the ocean He singled out the mining sector for its 'vital role in ensuring the availability of increasingly important rare and critical minerals'. Ms Cricton said the firm won't discriminate, and has 'various sectors within our purview'. The legal eagles say areas they're targeting include the mining and resources sector, human rights issues, corporate misconduct, environmental issues and consumer law. 'Specialists in the class action sector are becoming a little bit more creative and willing to attempt to find recourse through different channels,' she said. Mr Goodhead, who is both Oxford and Cambridge educated, spoke in February about the expansion and their current litigation portfolio. He said winning one or more of the major litigations would see his team become 'the highest-paid lawyers in the country by quiet some margin'. And several months earlier in an interview with the Law Gazette in November 2023, Mr Goodhead spoke openly about his company's capitalist ambitions. 'We are here to make a profit,' he said bluntly. 'This isn't an NGO though I know we look like one. We are here to make a profit... I've got trainee solicitors earning 150k.' The business partners are currently going head-to-head with BHP in the UK over the Samarco mine disaster in Brazil As part of their commitment to that case, they've set up an office in Sydney, headed by commercial disputes specialist Amie Crichton (left) New Jersey-born Harris Pogust offers the greatest insight into their high-flying lives It's his co-founder and chairman, New Jersey-born Harris Pogust who offers the greatest insight into their high-flying lives. Mr Pogust has 25 years' experience in litigation and class actions across the United States. In November 2023, he shared details of his new property - a sprawling six-bedroom, eight-bathroom mansion boasting a pool, gym and wine cellar. 'After bidding on this house for the third time over the last 12 years we finally were able to purchase it and from a fellow lawyer no less,' he said. 'Hopefully this is the last move along with the Pygmy goats, miniature horses and a few other friends to add to the 7 dogs...' A month prior he shared another photo of his laptop overlooking the ocean. 'Nothing like flying down for dinner than back home. The fun never ends...' he wrote, tagging his location at Philadelphia International Airport. His wife has also shared photos of both Mr Pogust and the couple's dog on a private jet, as well as luxurious snaps on yachts. The firm launched in 2018 and earned the title 'the first legal unicorn' after raising $300million in financial backing early on. His wife has also shared photos of both Mr Pogust and the couple's dog on a private jet His wife has also shared photos of both Mr Pogust and the couple's dog on a private jet It now boasts 700 employees across five offices and has up to 27 current litigation claims. The litigation known as 'My Diesel Claim' was helmed by Pogust Goodhead, winning more than $AUD350million for nearly two million customers in a settlement against 14 carmakers who did not reveal the true emissions of their diesel products. But there was backlash in June 2023 when the law firm sent a late-night email to claimants apologising for a mistake in the small print which indicated Pogust Goodhead's fee would be capped at 35 per cent of the profit, when it was actually 50 per cent. A spokesperson said: 'An email has been sent out to all MyDieselClaim clients bringing their attention to an error that has been made in the small print of our conditional fee agreements. 'This relates to a reference of our fees being capped at 35%. This should, as it does in every other section, read 50%.' READ MORE: High-flying lawyer shares stress secrets Advertisement The confusion prompted a flood of negative reviews online from claimants who said they were confused or felt misled by the mistake. 'Totally unacceptable... 15% x the numbers of claims submitted equals a huge increase in their profits,' one wrote. The firm has also led class actions against British Airways and German pharmaceutical company Bayer, over their Primodos pregnancy test product. On that occasion, the firm had dropped the claim and it was struck out. Scottish National Party MP, Hannah Bardell, used parliamentary privilege to criticise Pogust Goodhead's handling of that matter. 'They [claimants] have been done over and I am going to use my parliamentary privilege here by a company called Pogust Goodhead,' she said. 'Now they approached the Primodos campaign, they approached them to take over the case, they then got cold feet and decided to drop the claimants and the victims when they didn't fancy their chances of winning.' Ms Bardell said there was a 'compounding issue' that the firm 'withheld documents that constituents like mine had presented to them and given to them to pursue the case'. She added: 'That prevented the campaign from being able to find other legal representation and fundamentally has meant that the campaign was unsuccessful in court. 'That in my view is a hostile and odious move by any legal firm.' Barbara Walters bagged her biggest interviews by relentlessly charming her subjects and destroying her rivals, a new biography reveals. The legendary TV journalist, who died aged 93 in 2022, stopped at nothing to get a story because of her 'unrelenting drive to dominate the news'. Walters landed the first interview with Monica Lewinsky in the wake of her affair with President Bill Clinton by acting like her 'favorite aunt' and pushing out Oprah by offering the former White House intern a controversial deal worth at least $2.6million. When the cameras started rolling, Walters demanded to know why Lewinsky told a grand jury about her sexual activities with the former President and a cigar. With few scruples and buckets of ambition, Walters did things veteran journalists would not, like hiding in the visitors' bathroom at Camp David to try and get an exclusive interview with former President Jimmy Carter. Barbara Walters famously landed the first interview with Monica Lewinsky after the Lewinsky-Clinton scandal in 1999 - after going great lengths to get it, a new book on the late journalist reveals A White House intern at the time, Lewinsky made international headlines after it was revealed she had an affair with President Bill Clinton between 1995 and 1997 Sean Connery's 1987 interview with Barbara Walters would haunt him for the rest of his life after the late actor infamously told the journalist that it was 'not the worst thing to slap a woman now and then' She made Ricky Martin squirm by asking him about his sexuality, a move which harmed his career and left him with PTSD. Walters asked a young Brooke Shields what her measurements were, an intrusive question which left her furious decades later, writes Susan Page in, The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters,' available April 23. Sean Connery infamously told Walters that he thought it was OK to hit a woman, comments which would haunt him for the rest of his life. During her 50 years on TV dozens of celebrities like Christopher Reeve and Taylor Swift lined up to be given the Walters treatment: hard questions asked in a soft way. Nothing was off limits for her sit downs on ABC's 20/20, where she put her focus on people and pushed TV journalism away from hard news, a move which was derided at the time but now seems ahead of its time. Page writes that the biggest interview for Walters, remains Lewinsky which showcased Walters' indefatigability in pursuit of a story. The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters by Susan Page is out April 23. Page is the Washington Bureau chief of USA TODAY whose previous books have been about Barbara Bush and Nancy Pelosi The Lewinsky interview took place in 1998, Monica's first since her affair with Clinton. Page calls it the 'epitome of when the big TV interview could cause an earthquake' 'Barbara managed to be both empathetic and skeptical, just like many of those watching,' Page writes. 'When Monica said testifying before the grand jury about intimate details of her relationship with Clinton was 'very, very, violating', Barbara shot back: 'There is a question of why you offered so many intimate details to the prosecutor. 'I mean why, for example, tell them about the cigar business?' 'Monica replied that the grand jury already knew that salacious anecdote from prior testimony from her friends, an explanation that enhanced her credibility'. Page describes in vivid detail how Walters got the interview by first charming Lewinsky's lawyer William Ginsbury by inviting him to the black tie gala in New York celebrating the 75th anniversary of Time magazine, where Clinton would be among the guests. The next target was Lewinsky's father Bernard who did a sit-down chat with Walters defending his daughter. That all led up to a meeting with the big prize: Lewinsky herself. Page writes that Walters turned the charm up to 11 and soon the conversation was like a 'niece with a favorite aunt'. According to author Susan Page, Walters turned up the charm when courting Lewinsky which saw her successfully land the interview that aired on ABC in March 1999 The interview drew a record audience of 74 million and was what Page calls the 'epitome of when the big TV interview could cause an earthquake' Lewinsky had been shopping and Walters cooed at her new hats. When Lewinsky said she was 'a good kid growing up' who never did drugs or stole, Walters made her laugh by saying: 'Next time, shoplift'. The last barrier to Walters bagging the exclusive was Oprah, but the daytime talk queen refused to pay any money to Lewinsky because she thought it was a 'pay-for-play move'. Walters, by contrast, was 'willing to be innovative in negotiating the financial terms', Page writes. And to be clear 'Monica needed money', the book says, as she owed $1m in legal bills. In the end top ABC executive David Westin proposed a 'very unusual' deal that Lewinsky agreed to: ABC wouldn't distribute the interview outside North America, which meant she sold an interview to Channel 4 in the UK for $660,000 and 75 percent of distribution sales. British magazine Hello! paid her another $500,000 for a photo shoot and she got most of the $1.5 million advance for her authorized biography, written by Andrew Morton, best known for his bombshell book about Princess Diana. It was all worth it: a staggering 74 million people in the US alone tuned in to watch, with millions more around the world. Such major interviews helped Walters to get exclusive sit-downs with celebrities like Truman Capote. Their conversation was so extensive it would serve as a crib sheet for the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman who played him in the 2005 biopic - he won an Oscar for the part. Connery, who died in 2020 at the age of 90, originally made the controversial comments in a previous 1965 interview but doubled down on his stance when grilled by Walters years later Resurfaced clips of the infamous interview went viral after in the wake of Walters's death in December 2022 After sitting down with Grace Kelly after she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and became Princess Grace, Walters asked her: 'Are you happy?' Kelly answered that she had had 'many happy moments in my life' but once the cameras were off she began to cry. Walters made news again when the late Prince Philip of England suggested that his wife, the late Queen Elizabeth II, might abdicate and turn the throne over to Prince Charles. Walters had to write a note of apology to Philip, who responded by telling her not to worry. Other celebrities who sat down with Walters included George Clooney and his wife Amal, Elon Musk and Oprah. In 1980 Walters created a storm when she asked Richard Nixon: 'Are you sorry you didn't burn the tapes?' He replied that he 'probably should have', the first time he made such an admission. So many interviews with Walters ended in tears it became a trope. Among them was the late actor Patrick Swayze who wept while talking about how he hoped he made his father proud. But not every interview went well and Walters infamously told Bradley Cooper in 2015 he was 'very screwable'. At the time she was 86 and he was 40, young enough to be her grandson. Another vintage Walters moment was asking Carter, then the president-elect, and his wife Rosalynn whether they slept in a double or a twin bed. Surprisingly, Carter answered candidly and said a double. Walters sat down with actress Grace Kelly after she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco and became Princess Grace in 1961 during which she asked her a simple, but confronting question: 'Are you happy?' At the time, Kelly answered that she had had 'many happy moments in my life' but once the cameras stopped she began to cry Barbara Walters was the first to interview late actor Patrick Swayze at his California ranch on December 2008 since he revealed he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Walters tried to get Amy Schumer to admit that she had faked an orgasm during an interview to promote the movie Trainwreck, but she refused. A young Brooke Shields blushed when Walters asked her: 'What are your measurements?' when she appeared in the Calvin Klein commercial that made her a star. Speaking years later, Shields said: 'I thought: 'This isn't right. I don't understand what this is. But I just behaved and just smiled and felt so taken advantage of in so many ways'. According to Shields, Walters's question was 'practically criminal' and 'not journalism'. Another difficult exchange was with Ricky Martin in 2000 where Walters pressed him to essentially out himself as gay. She said: 'You could stop these rumors. You could say: 'Yes, I am gay, or no, I am not'. Page writes that Martin looked 'stunned' and replied: 'I just don't feel like it'. Martin wouldn't come out for another decade but 'two decades later, the memory of that moment still made him uncomfortable', Page writes. Page quotes Martin as saying: 'When she dropped that question I felt violated because I was just not ready to come out. There's a little PTSD with that'. The book says: 'Martin's refusal to answer the question prompted some to assume he was gay and it hurt his career, Barbara said later. 'When I think back on it now I feel it was an inappropriate question', she said. According to the book, Walters hated interviewing Warren Beatty because his answers were 'monosyllabic'. Al Gore was a dud because he resisted efforts to talk about the disputed 2000 election. In a 1981 interview with a young Brooke Shields, Walters asked the model, 'What are your measurements?' after she had appeared in the Calvin Klein commercial that made her a star Shields spoke out about the interview 40 years later in 2021, saying Walters's question was 'practically criminal' and 'not journalism' But for every awkward moment, another headline wasn't far off. In 1987 Sean Connery told Walters it was 'not the worst thing to slap a woman now and then'. Walters asked him about his comments to Playboy magazine in 1967 in which he said: 'I don't think there is anything particularly wrong about hitting a woman, although I don't recommend doing it in the same way that you'd hit a man'. The James Bond star said that an 'openhanded slap' was allowable if 'all other alternatives fail and there has been plenty of warning'. 'If a woman is a b***, or hysterical, or bloody-minded continually, then I'd do it,' he told the magazine. Walters appeared shocked and asked Connery if he still believed that 'I haven't changed my opinion', Connery said. Walters cut in: 'You think it's good to slap a woman?' Connery said: 'I don't think it's good. I don't think it's bad. But it depends entirely on the circumstances and if it merits it'. What might 'merit' slapping a woman, Walters asked. Connery said: 'Well, if you have tried everything else and women are pretty good at this, they can't leave it alone. 'They want to have the last word, and you give them the last word, but they're not happy with the last word. They want to say it again, and get into a really provocative situation. Then, I think it's absolutely right'. Walters interviewed Fidel Castro in 1977 - one of her most celebrated pieces In 2001 at a small dinner party Mitchell told Walters that she had an interview with Fidel Castro to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Walters organized her own sit-down with the Cuban leader and persuaded Castro not to talk to Mitchell. Pictured in 2002 Walters was notoriously unrelenting in her pursuit for a story, while conquering NBC then ABC News. In this 1991 ABC News photo, rivals Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters are pictured with their male counterparts Walters spent 12 years pursuing Mark David Chapman, John Lennon's killer, for his first TV interview. Every year on the anniversary of the killing she wrote him a letter until, worn down by her endless pursuit, he finally agreed to speak to her. Her first question? 'Why did you kill John Lennon?' The interview caused a storm for giving Chapman a major platform like the ABC show 20/20, but it was undeniably newsworthy. On rare occasions Walters covered for her subjects like Betty Ford, the former First Lady, who appeared inebriated during a 1976 interview in the White House. Walters didn't air the audio of her slurring her words. With uncharacteristic modesty, Walters later said that 'if (Ford) had a drinking problem, I wasn't going to be the one to expose her'. Walters' interview with Fidel Castro in 1977 was his first proper sit-down chat with a journalist in 16 years. She arrived in Havana expecting a fearsome Communist commander, instead she was greeted by a gregarious and chatty man who drove her around himself and made her grilled cheese sandwiches. But as Page writes, Castro was clearly enamored with Walters, at one point asking her to hold his revolver while they drove to a village in the country to distribute goods to some villagers. Castro even taught her the lyrics to one of his favorite songs, 'Cielito Lindo', which has been translated as 'Pretty Little Darling'. As Page writes, Walters considered her 'feminine wiles a useful asset' to be deployed in the service of bagging an exclusive. Walters, who became the first woman to co-host a US news program on NBC's Today Show, became known for asking hard questions in a soft way A new biography on TV legend Barbara Walters reveals her callousness toward other women in the industry who she viewed as competition Walters, who became an expert in handling powerful men, once remarked: 'I love to flirt and be flirted with'. The ABC producers on the trip with her saw an 'unmistakable spark between them', Page writes. And while Walters insisted they did not have a romance, she admitted later that Castro was a 'magnetic personality'. David Westin, who later became President of ABC News and was there for Walters' second interview with Castro in 2001 told Page: 'There was chemistry'. Page writes: 'Walters' protestations, which turn on how to define the word 'romance', didn't squelch the speculation'. Even Castro appeared to acknowledge how powerless he was to Walters' charms, telling her after their 2001 conversation that he had fallen into her 'terrible hands' once again. Another major standout moment for Walters was her joint interview with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977, the first time the two political foes ever sat down together and spoke. Walters had already arranged for an interview with Begin during Sadat's visit to Israel, but he surprised her by saying he had asked Sadat if he would speak with her too, and he agreed. After the two men finished addressing the Knesset, they went to a side room where they sat with Walters for 40 minutes expressing their admiration for each other. Walters's 'jaw-dropping audacity' was evident again in 1978 when she hid in the bathroom at Camp David in an attempt to score an exclusive interview with President Jimmy Carter or the Israeli delegation by bypassing the Secret Service Among her most memorable career moments was her joint interview with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat in 1977, the first time the two political foes ever sat down together and spoke Page calls it a 'groundbreaking' interview and it left the likes of Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS newsman, shocked they had been beaten by a woman. A year later, Carter invited Begin to Camp David to figure out the details of the deal with Sadat, and Walters was there too. But as all the other journalists got on the bus to leave, there was a problem: one person was missing. During the search that followed, a pair of feet in a stall of the visitor's restroom were spotted - and Walters was ordered to come out. The plot was, as Page calls it, 'jaw-dropping in its audacity': an attempt to score an exclusive interview with Carter or the Israeli delegation by bypassing the Secret Service at an official Presidential retreat. Two years later and Walters was not done breaking the rules. In 1979 while in Jerusalem as Carter negotiated the final points of the peace deal, known as the Camp David Accords, she flew to Cairo to try and get an interview with Sadat. It was 11pm when she finally arrived at his residence and a security guard declined to pass on a message, so Walters threw pebbles at the window to try to get Sadat's attention but it didn't work. Speaking later, Walters was stunned she was not arrested. More than 30 officers raided a bedding and mattress factory yesterday as part of a major operation targeting illegal workers that led to a dozen arrests. Specialist immigration enforcement teams in six vans surrounded the large warehouse near Tipton in the West Midlands before rushing in just after 10am. Several workers started running away after spotting the officers and tried to hide between timber pallets and piles of mattresses before they were handcuffed. MailOnline joined officers as they stormed the site after receiving intelligence that some of the employees were working illegally in the UK. The name of the business, Giomani Designs, was on a sign outside, and its products - which include leather beds and outdoor rattan furniture - are sold direct to consumers online. MailOnline joined immigration enforcement officers as they stormed a bedding and mattress factory in Tipton Workers suspected of being in the UK illegally are led away by a Home Office enforcement team Specialist immigration enforcement teams in six vans surrounded the large warehouse before going in through the front entrance Officers interviewed all the men at the factory before arresting seven Indian men for suspected illegal working. Those found to be legally employed were allowed to return to their shift. It is the third raid on the site in seven months, with the owners now facing crippling fines of up to 60,000 per illegal worker. One man was arrested for breaching bail conditions relating to an earlier immigration offence and through a translator - was offered the choice of a voluntary departure to India and a 3,000 payment but turned this down. It was not clear why. The enticement is part of a Home Office scheme to speed up the return of illegal migrants to their home countries. A member of staff at the site insisted Giomani Designs had its 'documents in order' and said it employed large numbers of foreign workers because it could not find British people to do their 'difficult' job. Four more Indian men were arrested at a nearby cake factory and found to be in breach of their visa conditions, while one was also working illegally. An Indian woman was then arrested for immigration offences at a nearby home. Four of the offenders were detained pending consideration for removal from the UK, while the remaining eight were bailed on the condition they report regularly to the Home Office. The cake business could also face a substantial fines if it is proved to have employed illegal workers and failed to conduct relevant pre-employment checks. Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement at the Home Office, told MailOnline: 'We executed a warrant based on intelligence we had received. 'We need to ensure employers are carrying out the right checks to ensure people aren't here illegally that's why we've tripled the fines since February. 'Illegal workers are found in every sector industry, beauty, the gig economy every area you can think of.' Today's raid in Tipton near Birmingham was the third time the warehouse has been targeted by immigration enforcement The men detained during the raid were interviewed, with those found to be in Britain legally allowed to continue working and others taken into custody Suspected illegal migrants are led away by officers into a waiting custody van Previous raids took place on the mattress factory in October and November, leading to 30 arrests. The management have been referred to fines over the two previous raids. In February this year, the Home Office tripled fines for employers who allow illegal migrants to work for them. For a first breach this has gone from 15,000 to 45,000 per illegal worker and for repeat breaches within 3 years the fines have increased from 20,000 to 60,000. Mr Montgomery added: 'The arrests send a clear message that we are clamping down on this dangerous practice. 'People smugglers sell migrants the lie that they can work in the UK. 'The reality is that they can't and those found to be working illegally or facilitating this crime will face the full weight of the law.' The Government has also significantly increased penalties for landlords who allow illegal migrants to rent their properties. There will now be fines of 5,000 per lodger and 10,000 per occupier for a first breach, up from 80 and 1,000. Fines for repeat breaches have also risen to 10,000 per lodger and 20,000 per occupier, up from 500 and 3,000. Ministers hope the tougher sanctions will send a 'clear message' to those seeking to travel to Britain by small boat that they will not be able to work or have a place to live in the UK. One man at the mattress factory was arrested for breaching bail conditions relating to an earlier immigration offence and through a translator - was offered the choice of voluntary return to India and a 3,000 payment but turned this down Eddy Montgomery, director of enforcement at the Home Office, said: 'The arrests send a clear message that we are clamping down on this dangerous practice' Piles of half-finished mattresses at the factory in Tipton The bigger fines - the first increase since 2014 - are aimed at both reducing the 'pull factor' for would-be migrants, as well as to disrupt people-smuggling gangs who promise people jobs and homes in the UK. Home Office figures showed, since the start of 2018, more than 6,000 civil penalties have been issued to employers with a total value of over 105million. Over the same period, landlords have been hit with more than 400 civil penalties worth a total of over 330,000 in the same period. The first 11 months of 2023 saw 1,471 penalties issued to employers at a value of 26million, while landlords received 140 penalties at a value of 136,000. Michael Tomlinson MP, Minister for Countering Illegal Migration, said of the factory raids: 'This operation is a clear example of the way we are stepping up immigration enforcement activity across the country. 'Employers found to be breaching the rules can expect significantly increased fines, and, if workers are found to have no right to live or work here, we will not hesitate to act and remove them from the country.' The raid on the mattress factory was one of several carried out by the team Workers being interviewed by police, with those found to be legally working in the UK allowed to return to their shift It comes as the Home Office revealed 150 migrant hotels will have closed by next month after new figures showed 4.3billion of Britain's overseas aid budget was spent on hosting refugees and asylum seekers last year. There are now 20,000 fewer people staying in the accommodation than six months ago, down from more than 56,000 at the end of September, the department announced today. The Home Office spent around 8 million a day last year for tens of thousands of asylum seekers to be put up in hotels while the introduction of alternative housing plans faced a series of setbacks. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick announced last October that the Government would be 'exiting' 50 hotels by the end of January, with more to follow. The process will continue 'until the last hotel is closed,' Home Secretary James Cleverly said yesterday. MailOnline contacted Giomani Designs for further comment but was unable to reach a representative. Countdown maths star Rachel Riley has been pictured out and about with a bodyguard - after previously admitting that fears of anti-Semitism in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel had left her 'terrified'. The TV presenter and maths graduate, 38, was seen heading into Salford's Dock 10 Studios on Wednesday flanked by celebrity protection officer Billy Robinson, whose security firm she has employed since the end of October. Dressed in a fleecy pink jacket, with matching water bottle and nail varnish, along black leggings, white trainers and a tie-dye jumper, she looked relaxed as she headed in to film the Channel 4 quiz. Alongside her was Mr Robinson, dressed in a dark suit, who could be seen carrying her suitcase decorated in a brightly coloured tropical floral pattern. Mr Robinson is the owner of Capricorn Security Group, and has been seen personally providing Rachel with security several times since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, killing an estimated 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Rachel Riley spotted outside the Deck 10 Studios in Salford where she films Countdown She was accompanied by bodyguard to the stars Billy Robinson - to the rear of the photo in a dark suit, carrying Rachel's tropical-patterned suitcase The suitcase case was patterned with bright colours, tropical floral patterns and waves, with brown accents Riley seemed relaxed as she headed into the studios - with her water bottle and even her nails matching her pink fleecy jacket Yesterday, she was seen leaving the same studios in heavy rain - with another member of the Capricorn team sheltering her with a branded company umbrella. Rachel, married to former Strictly pro Pasha Kovalev, has previously told how she was 'terrified' of being singled out for anti-Semitic hate. She witnessed pro-Palestinian locals celebrating in the street on the day of the Hamas attacks as she was having dinner. READ MORE: Rachel Riley says Strictly Come Dancing left her with PTSD - as the Countdown star calls for all contestants to receive therapy Advertisement Representatives for the Countdown star have been contacted for comment. Last month it was reported that she has upgraded her security service to round-the-clock protection amid concerns over death threats. Sources close to the maths-whiz mother-of-two told The Sun: 'Its been a really difficult time for Rachel and she is determined to keep being a voice for the community. 'The security has given her that extra confidence. Its not ideal, but she feels like its important.' Last year, she told MailOnline she felt 'terrified by this overwhelming amount of people who seem to be baying for blood'. Rachel added: 'For me and my Jewish friends, the pain and stress are something we are all struggling with. 'We are crying when we wake up, we are struggling to sleep and the images of carnage are hard to get out of your head. 'People are scared, they are hiding themselves, antisemitic attacks have gone up by more than 1,000 per cent in London. 'The last global survey found there were 1.09billion people in the world who hold antisemitic views - so for every Jew on the planet there are 70 people who hate them. This is the scale we are dealing with.' Rachel Riley pictured at the Inspiration Awards for Women in London last month. She is wearing a yellow ribbon - a symbol of the campaign to return Israeli hostages held by Hamas Riley became an outspoken campaigner against antisemitism during the Corbyn years of the Labour party and remains active in the field following the October 7 attacks (pictured here on the March Against Antisemitism last November) Rachel Riley joined Countdown in 2008, replacing Carol Vorderman, and has won fans with her talent for maths Mr Robinson says in an online CV that his firm specialises in 'a non-invasive service on either a one to one basis or as a Close Protection Team, for overt and covert protection, depending upon the clients requirements'. His firm claims to have protected the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Fearne Cotton, William Roche and Sylvester Stallone. Rachel has become a figurehead for campaigning against anti-Semitism in recent years as she embraced her Jewish identity at the time allegations were levelled at the Labour Party during the tenure of former leader Jeremy Corbyn. Her criticisms of how anti-Semitism allegations were handled by the party led to her becoming a target for online hate, and it was reported in 2019 that she was given additional security on Countdown at the peak of the abuse. She previously revealed research into her family history found they had travelled to the UK during the pogroms - the anti-Semitic attacks on Jews living in the Russian Empire after it swallowed up regions with large Jewish populations. She told The Times in 2019 that she had not felt particularly Jewish growing up, adding: 'When I was a kid my mum would give us pepperoni pizza. Wed light the menorah candles but we didnt go to synagogue and Ive never done Friday night (referring to the dinner marking the beginning of Shabbat, the day of rest).' And even now she continues to advocate for Jewish people on X, formerly Twitter - most recently going after Apple because it gives the option of a Palestinian flag when iPhone users type 'Jerusalem' into their devices. The October 7 attacks saw Hamas terrorists breach the border separating Gaza from Israel and slaughter 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. To date, 33,207 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied Gaza territories during Israel's ongoing counter-attack against Hamas, according to figures gathered by United Nations agency UNOCHA. Israel has been criticised by its allies for its handling of the war against the terrorist organisation, including the alleged suppression of aid for civilians in Gaza, many areas of which are without power, food, water and medicine. Figures suggested incidents of hate towards Jewish people in the UK had risen thirteen-fold in the wake of the Hamas attacks. Anti-Muslim hate incidents have tripled since the attacks, according to Islamophobia watchdog Tell MAMA, which recorded 2,010 cases of possible hate crimes against British Muslims between October 7 2023 and February 7 2024. Hidden in an undisclosed building in Transport for Londons sprawling property network, a team of engineers is developing a secret new road-charging system. The plans are so hush-hush, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is reluctant to talk about them. But thanks to recent Freedom of Information requests, it was revealed yesterday that millions of taxpayers money has already been spent on the shadowy scheme. The cost of the project in total has already soared past 21 million since its inception in 2021 even though, as recently as mid-November, the Labour mayor was, in public at least, denying he knew anything about this latest planned raid on drivers pockets. Sadiq Khan has spent 21million on a secret new road-charging system after as recently as mid-November publicly denying he knew anything about the raid on drivers' pockets For Project Detroit to give it its full name is poised to become the first pay-by-the-mile road tax in Europe, according to the Tories. READ MORE: Fresh blow for Sadiq Khan's ULEZ revolution as figures reveal congestion in London is worse than it was five years ago Advertisement Khans plans came to light with a job advert posted online by Transport for London (TfL) last year, stating that the capital was looking to lead the way in introducing a new, more sophisticated type of road pricing. Applicants were enjoined to Help us build the next generation road use charging (RUC) platforms. Khan, who is seeking an unprecedented third term as mayor in Mays election, suffered a huge backlash over his expansion last August of the hated Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). Now covering all 32 of the capitals boroughs, the 12.50 daily levy (which is in addition to the 15 Congestion Charge for driving into central London) penalises everyone from tradesmen to parents on the school-run whose old cars dont meet low-emission rules. It affects petrol cars manufactured before 2006 and diesel cars before 2015. There are 180 fines for those who unintentionally fail to pay the charge, which operates 364 days a year (Christmas Day is exempt). Despite reducing traffic being one of Khans stated goals when introducing Ulez, new figures from the satellite navigation company TomTom showed this week that traffic congestion in the capital has increased since the scheme was introduced, making London one of the slowest cities to drive through. No wonder then that the expansion of Ulez was so unpopular that it was blamed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer for his partys failure to take the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat vacated by Boris Johnson, in a by-election last summer. Despite suffering crushing defeats in two other by-elections that day, the Tories held Uxbridge by turning the contest into a referendum on Ulez. Shaken by the result, Starmer, previously a fan of the expansion, performed a U-turn one of a suite of policy reversals that is coming to define his leadership by suggesting Khan should slow the rollout of Ulez. Khan ignored the advice, not least because the expansion was predicted to bring in an estimated 300 million in the first 12 months. No surprise, then, that the mayor wants to keep the new road-charging system under wraps. For if motorists driving into the capital think Ulez is bad, it will be nothing compared with a pay-per-mile tax. Anti-Ulez protesters accused police of 'an abuse of power' for preventing them from walking down Sadiq Khan's home street on Tuesday In January 2022, Khan publicly floated the idea of a pay-by-the-mile charge for non-electric vehicles driving in London. Given that there are some two million drivers in London, such a levy could be a huge money-spinner for City Hall. Khans new scheme is expected to replace Ulez, as its revenues will dwindle as older polluting cars are replaced with more eco-friendly models. The name Project Detroit surfaced in a 2022 TfL document, which was uncovered by the Conservatives. Last November, Tory London Assembly member Peter Fortune asked Khan: Can you please tell me more about Project Detroit? The reply from the mayor was astonishing. Im afraid I cant. I dont know what Project Detroit is. Yet Fortune had in his possession the document, published almost a year earlier, that stated: We are building a new core technology platform for road user charging to replace the currently outsourced system, for which the contract expires in 2026. The project is named Detroit. Khan is the chairman of TfL. How could he possibly not have known of this project? TfL was already employing 97 staff on Project Detroit at the end of 2022. The figure is now 157, with some engineers being paid salaries of more than 100,000. The cost of the project is predicted to reach up to 150 million by 2026, which is when the contract (with Capita) to run Ulez expires. A Freedom of Information document published in February confirmed that one of Project Detroits significant milestones is to develop a prototype for a distance-based journey estimation. It continues: The Detroit platform has the capability to be extended and we will be looking to build the system flexibly so that other forms of charging based on distance, vehicle type, etc., could be catered for if a decision was made in future to do so. In other words, a pay-by-the-mile road tax. Yet a tetchy Khan reiterated in February: Ive been crystal clear. A pay-per-mile scheme is not on the table and not on my agenda. What I said last year, and again in September, is that TfL keeps its schemes under review. Some time in the future, smarter technology might be available to simplify the current schemes like [the] Congestion Charge and Ulez. So what or who should we believe? This, after all, is the same Labour mayor who told Fortune, in a written statement in July 2021, that he had no plans to extend the Ulez to outer London. A mere eight months later, he announced he was doing just that. It also emerged that contracts had been placed for new Ulez camera technology two months before a public consultation exercise ended. The fact is that, despite his denials, Khan has always been a fan of pay-per-mile. As early as 2018, his Transport Strategy document said an integrated pay-per-mile charge could replace pre-existing schemes such as the Congestion Charge. The London mayor, who has a taxpayer-funded, bullet-proof, 300,000 Range Rover Sentinel kitted out with spike-resistant tyres, a five-litre engine and an emergency escape system has always been willing to raid ordinary drivers pockets. Revenue from motorists in London this year is expected to top 1 billion for the first time. This is before the expected introduction of a 4 toll to use the Blackwall Tunnel as well as the new 2 billion Silvertown Tunnel due to open next year, which, together, will generate 125 million, annually. In recent years, TfL has also provided funding for an abundance of Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes (LTNs), which use wooden barriers and fines to discourage drivers who are not residents from using an areas roads. LTNs are a real cash cow Labour-run Hackney Council, for instance, has charged non-resident drivers over 20 million for using 19 roads it has shut. The Tories plan to campaign hard against Khans new raid on motorists in the run-up to the mayoral election in May. Fortune says: Sadiq Khan can deny it but to use his own words: its crystal clear he plans to introduce pay-per-mile road-user charges for every motorist. He has a history of saying one thing and doing the opposite. Project Detroit is also a bizarre name for the scheme. While Detroit is the spiritual home of the U.S. car industry, with three major manufacturers headquartered there, the city has become a symbol of urban decay. Its infrastructure is crumbling, the city is in debt and it is often called the crime capital of the U.S., with the third highest number of murders in 2022. As for London, its becoming the strike capital of the UK. When Khan first ran for mayor in 2016, he pledged zero days of strikes on public transport. Two years ago, he clocked up the unenviable record of having presided over more strikes on the Underground in his six years in office than Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson did in their combined 16 years in power. The cost of his excesses is rising each year. In February, Khan announced, to howls of derision from commuters, that he had spent 6.3 million rebranding six branches of the Overground railway with woke names such as the Suffragette Line and Lioness Line. Khans share of Londoners annual council tax bill has soared by 71 per cent, from 276 for an average Band D household in 2017 to 471 next year. In Boris Johnsons final budget for 2016-17, City Halls staffing costs were 36 million. In Khans 2020-21 budget, the bill had soared to 65.5 million an eye-watering 82 per cent jump. Only last month, it emerged that Amy Lame, who occupies the nebulous role of Night Tsar, saw her pay rise by almost 40 per cent to 117,000. In the last year, she has been in Australia to meet fellow night tsars from around the world, while her research has also taken her to Italy, Spain, India and the U.S. Her critics point to the struggling nightlife economy in the capital where, according to one survey, 1,165 venues have shut in just three years. The mayor splashed millions on the New Years Eve fireworks that were designed to celebrate diversity, beginning the event with the words The Mayor of London presents... displayed in the sky. Khan has also spent almost 1 million on free beach parties for Londoners during his time at City Hall, while 19,000 was blown on a cultural project to encourage guests to listen like bats to the world around them. Meanwhile, stabbings in the capital, per 100,000 residents, remain above the national average. All this is one reason why revenue from motorists is so important. Quoting from the Khan copybook, TfL insisted this week that there will be no pay-by-the-mile scheme. A TfL spokesperson said: Any work carried out or staff hired as part of Project Detroit has been in relation to TfLs existing road-user charging schemes. This was part of TfLs wider work to bring in-house the currently outsourced system for which the contract expires in 2026. Pay-per-mile charging has been ruled out by the mayor. No such scheme is on the table or being developed. The Tories, however, dont believe the denials. Peter Fortune says: Pay-per-mile is Sadiq Khans secret plan to hit motorists for billions of pounds if he wins a third term as mayor. Pay-per-mile will see all motorists taxi drivers, delivery drivers pay Sadiq Khans TfL every time they drive. The cameras are already in place. Sadiq Khan has been talking about introducing a pay-per-mile scheme for years but is less keen to talk about it as the mayoral election approaches. The father of the teenage knifeman who was charged with murdering O'Shea Sibley at a gas station claims that his son, Dmitriy Popov, was the one under attack. Popov, then 17, was accused of allegedly stabbing Sibley, 28, a professional dancer who was 'voguing' to a Beyonce song as he filled his car up with gas on July 29, 2023. After a hearing in Brooklyn Supreme Court on Wednesday, Popov's father exclusively told DailyMail.com: 'My son is a good kid, he goes to church, he goes to school- all that they say is not true.' 'He was being attacked by four people,' his father added. Popov, 17, pictured here, is accused of 2nd degree murder as a hate crime. Still, his dad insists that his son was the actual victim The 28-year-old was known as 'a beacon of light' for his community Pictured here in his younger days, Popov was trained as a kickboxer Popov pleaded not guilty in August to second-degree murder as a hate crime. The fourth-year student at The Professional Pathways Sheepshead High School, had no prior run-ins with the law. At the time of the altercation, surveillance footage captured a group of teens reportedly yelling homophobic slurs and anti-black statements to Sibley and his friends, according to surveillance footage ABC News Chicago reported. Security camera video showed the argument had broken up and both groups had walked away when Sibley and his friends abruptly returned and crossed a parking lot to confront the white 17-year-old, who was recording with his phone, the Associated Press reported. In the video, Sibley could be seen following the teen and then lunging at him. The stabbing happened out of a clear view of the cameras. Popov, pictured here with his family, left. His father says he's a 'good' kid who was under attack 'My son is a good kid, he goes to church, he goes to school- all that they say is not true,' Popov's father said of his son, pictured here as a child Officials said after words were exchanged the teen took out a knife and stabbed Sibley to death. Popov then turned himself in as Brooklyn prosecutors charged him with murder, hate crime murder, and criminal possession of a weapon. Mark Pollard, Popov's attorney, told DailyMail.com that this is 'a very strong case of self defense.' 'There was no intentional murder here, and we plan on proving that after trial, and certainly they won't be able to prove it beyond reasonable doubt to sustain these charges,' Pollard said. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez previously reassured the public that the case would be taken 'very seriously' against Popov. 'They were being themselves, dancing joyfully to Beyonce music at a Brooklyn gas station,' Gonzalez said. 'We promise the family that we would have a vigorous, thorough prosecution.' Sibley's fatal stabbing sent shockwaves through the communities he touched His family, pictured here, are left to grieve the loss of his young life as prosecutors seek justice in his murder Sibley had moved to New York to pursue his career as a dancer. He performed with the dance company Philadanco and danced to celebrate his LGBTQ+ identity 'Defending yourself from being an anti-gay or an anti-Black comment and arguing back is not a cause for someone to take a weapon and do what was done in this case,' Gonzalez added. More than 200 people attended Sibley's funeral in his hometown of Philadelphia at the historic opera house. Sibley had moved to New York to pursue his career as a dancer. He performed with the dance company Philadanco and danced to celebrate his LGBTQ+ identity. Otis Pena, a close friend of Sibley's who was at the gas station shared his grief hours later in a Facebook video. 'OShae had the power to touch everyones heart whoever met him.' He added: 'He was 'a beacon of light for a lot of us in our community.' A celebration of life service followed at the Met in Philadelphia. Sibley's father, Jake Kelly, was seen resting his eyes on his son in his casket as he says his final goodbyes. Sidley was laid to rest at Fernwood Cemetary in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania. His grief-stricken mother, Onetha Sibley was seen placing her hand on her son's royal blue casket, surrounded by loved ones. After his death, tributes poured in far and wide including from filmmaker Spike Lee and musical artist, Beyonce. Spike Lee posted the Instagram message, 'Rest in Power.' Natalie Barr has confronted Anthony Albanese over a speech by his Foreign Minister Penny Wong that has been labelled by the opposition as the 'most reckless' diplomatic act by an Australian government in decades. In a speech at the Australian National University on Tuesday, Senator Wong said recognising a Palestinian state was the only way to break the cycle of violent reprisals and bring peace to both Palestinians and Israelis. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton quickly joined Jewish leaders in slamming Ms Wong's comments as 'utterly illogical, ill-timed and inappropriate', instead wanting Australia to maintain a pro-Israel stance on the endless conflict. Mr Dutton said the push for a two-state solution was the most 'reckless act of a foreign minister I have seen in my 22 years in the parliament'. During an appearance on Seven's Sunrise show, host Natalie Barr confronted Mr Albanese about Wong's comments. 'Peter Dutton says this is the most reckless act of a Foreign Minister in 20 years, Jewish groups are furious. They say we have got a war. This will reward Hamas. Was it ill timed, these statements?' 'Well, this is just more nasty negativity from Peter Dutton,' Mr Albanese replied. 'The entire world knows that there needs to be a two-state solution In the Middle East. 'That's something that's been Australia's longstanding policy and it's something I have been very consistent on for a long period of time. 'But Hamas can play no role in a future state. We have made that very clear as well. As has the rest of the western world.' Natalie Barr asked Anthony Albanese if Ms Wong's statements were 'ill-timed' Foreign Senator Penny Wong said recognising a Palestinian state was the only way to break the endless cycle of violence and bring peace to both Palestinians and Israelis Today Show host Karl Stefanovic equally pressured the Prime Minister on Thursday, asking if he planned to recognise Palestinian statehood. Mr Albanese stopped short of answering the question, instead insisting his government supported 'the right of Israel to exist within secure borders, without being threatened by organisations like Hamas that are committed to the destruction of Israel. 'It (Hamas) has no role to play in the Middle East, but we need justice for Palestinians,' he said. Stefanovic made a trite comparison, saying trying to separate Hamas from the Palestinian state was like 'separating the milk and the dark chocolate in the Cadbury Top Deck'. 'It's just about impossible, isn't it?' he asked. Mr Albanese hit back, telling the host: 'That's not right'. 'When you look at the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank is not run by Hamas. And we need to make sure that Hamas has no role,' he said, 'What we need to do though, is to make sure that Palestinians can have hope of a secure future as well. We've seen generations consigned to conditions that are completely unacceptable, and that's been a source of tension. 'And what we need to do is to look beyond what happens post the current conflict. And a two-state solution is something that does need to be advanced. As the United States, the United Kingdom and all of our like-minded countries have said.' Opposition Leader Peter Dutton quickly joined Jewish leaders in slamming Ms Wong's comments as 'utterly illogical, ill-timed and inappropriate' The foreign minister ruled out Hamas having any role in leading a Palestinian state, instead that job should go to a reformed Palestinian Authority (pictured, Palestinians in Gaza) In her address at a National Security College conference, Ms Wong said there was 'widespread frustration' at the lack of progress towards forming a Palestinian state in the occupied West Bank and in Gaza. 'So the international community is now considering the question of Palestinian statehood as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution,' she said. 'There is no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. Hamas is a terrorist organisation which has the explicit intent of the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people,' she said. The foreign minister instead said a reformed Palestinian Authority should be the government. But her comments attracted fury from the Opposition leader, who accused the Albanese government of having a 'clear prejudice' against Israel. 'For a crass domestic political win, Penny Wong has irreparably damaged our relations with our ally Israel,' Mr Dutton said. 'It is the most reckless act of a foreign minister I have seen in my 22 years in the parliament and it has weakened our international standing.' The Met police have been urged to re-open their investigation into Caroline Flack's case 'on the basis there may be new witness evidence available'. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct watchdog told MailOnline late Wednesday they had received a complaint referral from the Met over allegations about a probe into a reported assault involving Ms Flack in 2019. Ms Flack allegedly struck her boyfriend while he slept in December 2019 because she believed he was cheating on her, an inquest heard in 2020. For years, Ms Flack's family have not known why she was charged against the advice of prosecutors. The IOPC spokesperson said they had returned 'one aspect' of the complaint back to the Met to investigate, relating to 'the actions of officers in appealing an initial decision' by the Crown Prosecution Service not to charge Ms Flack. 'The CPS subsequently reconsidered its advice and authorised a criminal charge,' a statement read. The IOPC has recommended the force's Directorate of Professional Standards interview an officer who was at the Love Island host's 2019 arrest, occuring shortly before she died by suicide in February 2020, as reported by The Mirror. Renewed calls for an investigation come as the bereft mother of Ms Flack, Christine Flack, shared her anguish with the outlet as she seeks to understand what really happened around her daughter's arrest. 'We won't stop until we get the truth,' she told The Mirror resolutely on Tuesday. Caroline Flack tragically died in February 2020, two months after her arrest Caroline Flack enjoying an evening out with her mother Christine The Metropolitan Police apologised to Ms Flack's family last year after admitting police officers did not record why they appealed against the CPS' decision not to charge Ms Flack for the alleged assault on Lewis Burton. But Christine Flack refused to accept the apology at the time, fearing it could be 'covering something'. 'It just seems wrong. They haven't said why there were no notes taken, why nothing was recorded. I don't know whether they're covering something,' she said on Newsnight. Speaking to The Mirror this week, Christine Flack reiterated her concerns: 'Something very unusual happened to Carrie at the police station that night, but no one kept a proper record explaining why.' 'I have now made a complaint to compel the officer to give the statement we think he should have given four years ago,' she continued. 'As a family, we have been left with important unanswered questions.' The IOPC has now recommended the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards interview an unnamed officer who was 'said to be involved in a move to overrule the CPS decision', according to the outlet. The officer was not originally compelled to give evidence during reviews of how police had carried out the case as he had left the force. The CPS had originally recommended Ms Flack be given a caution for the alleged attack. The force pressed for her to face a charge of assault by beating, despite the Crown Prosecution Service recommending she receive only a caution. An inquest also recorded a conclusion of suicide after hearing how Flack's mental health had deteriorated with the case in the media spotlight. Christine launched a formal complaint against the Met, prompting the force to investigate the decision to pursue charges against the celebrity. Her grievance largely related to her claim that Detective Inspector Lauren Bateman decided to appeal the CPS decision without reviewing key pieces of evidence. DI Bateman also did not discuss the case with alleged victim Mr Burton. Flack allegedly assaulted her boyfriend Lewis Burton at her home in December 2019 The 40-year-old took her own life two months after being arrested on suspicion of assault in December 2019 Scotland Yard initially concluded that it had done no wrong, prompting Christine to escalate her concerns to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The IOPC wrote to Christine with the results of its inquiries. It ruled that her daughter had not received different treatment due to her celebrity status, but criticised the Met for its handling of her complaint. A Met spokesperson said: 'On Thursday, 7 March we referred a complaint from Caroline Flacks family to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. 'The IOPC decided the majority of the matters had previously been dealt with and no further action was required. 'The IOPC returned one aspect of the complaint back to the Mets Directorate of Professional Standards to consider further. 'This relates to the actions of officers in appealing an initial decision by the Crown Prosecution Service not to charge Ms Flack, and because new witness evidence may be available. 'DPS officers are now making further enquiries in relation to this.' For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org The BBC Newsnight producer behind the 'car crash' 2019 interview with Prince Andrew has revealed that an 'incredibly crass' quip about Jimmy Savile made in the new Netflix drama of the scandal was 'artistic licence'. Speaking on Channel 5's The Jeremy Vine Show on Wednesday, Scoop author Sam McAlister was pressed on a line in the show where Rufus Sewell, playing the Duke of York, says he was 'close to friends with' alleged child sex offender Jimmy Savile. In the film, Andrew's character is seen insisting he did not understand the fuss about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, adding that he in fact 'knew Jimmy Savile much better'. McAlister responds: 'It's err... that's artistic licence... But they were friends, Charles and Andrew, they knew Savile and they mixed with him and Charles has been criticised.' The former TV producer, best known for securing an interview with Prince Andrew for BBC Newsnight with Emily Maitlis, spoke with Jeremy Vine on Wednesday as polling placed Prince Andrew as the least popular royal at six per cent favourability. Critics are also divided on the 2024 Netflix reimagination, with some slamming the drama as 'surface level' and others praising the actors' 'note perfect' performances. McAlister appears on The Jeremy Vine show on April 10 to discuss royal approval ratings Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell appear in 2024's Scoop on Netflix Andrew's character is seen insisting he did not understand the fuss about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein , adding that he in fact 'knew Jimmy Savile [pictured, 1970] much better'. Speaking on Wednesday, McAlister spoke reacted to recent UK polling, finding Prince Andrew was the least popular royal. Some 6% have a positive view of Andrew compared with 86% a negative one. Asked by Jeremy Vine whether she believed the Duke of York could 'turn it around', McAlister replied: 'I really don't. I think that you know, the court of public opinion which watched this interview and obviously he still rigorously denies the allegations against him. 'The nation drew its own conclusions. And I just don't think there's a way back in the national consciousness for him. Vine also quizzed McAlister on the 'appalling joke' about Jimmy Savile, prompting McAlister to hesitate before admitting it was 'artistic licence'. After mentioning that the Prince and Savile were friends, the IEA's Reem Ibrahim interjects: 'I mean that's obviously separate before those allegations and what didn't did happen became public. 'I think what's interesting with Prince Andrew there in the way he's presented in the interview itself, is that he seems entirely unaware of the way he's being presented and actually how he comes across.' McAlister replies: 'Yeah absolutely. There's a big space between how he perceives himself and how we perceive we perceive him, and that's what I call royal delusion from 59 years of being told, youre incredible, sometimes happens to presenters too, Jeremy.' Vine replies: 'Well, I know, I know, I fight against it everyday.' Scoop came out on Netflix on April 5, dividing critics. It currently has a 63 per cent rating on Metacritic and 76 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes. The show, directed by Philip Martin and written by Peter Moffat and Geoff Bussetil, is based on McAlister's 'Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews'. The ex-BBC journalist, played by Gillian Anderson (pictured) in Scoop, was criticised for giving an in-depth interview explaining how the scoop came about, but failing to mention McAlister Sam, who is portrayed by Billie Piper in Scoop, has previously accused presenter and interviewer Emily of failing to properly acknowledge her pivotal role in securing the interview Emily Maitlis & Sam McAllister winners of The BBC News and Factual Award attend the 30th Women in Film & Television Awards on December 3, 2021 in London, England In February, it was reported Moffat would also write a screenplay based on the contaminated blood scandal for ITV. He was previously nominated for a BAFTA for writing Hawking, a drama based on scientist Stephen Hawking. Scoop chronicles the events surrounding the infamous 2019 interview between Prince Andrew and Emily Maitlis, in which the latter grilled the Duke on his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, the Prince's responses caused a major scandal and prompted his indefinite withdrawal from public roles. Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is the third child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. The Jeremy Vine Show runs weekdays at 9:15am on Channel 5. The head of a leading business group has sounded the alarm over Angela Rayner's flagship plans to reform workers' rights. Shevaun Haviland, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), urged Labour not to rush into the changes if it wins the next election. 'To protect jobs and the economy, any changes to legislation must be proportionate, affordable, allowing time for business to prepare and be accompanied by robust guidance and support,' she said, adding that firms were already facing mounting cost pressures and needed 'room to breathe'. It follows a chorus of concern from business leaders about the plans fronted by Labour's under-fire deputy leader Ms Rayner which would see workers given rights from day one in new jobs as well as a crackdown on zerohours contracts. Labour's policies would also see it abolish all trade union reforms enacted since 2010, when it was last in power, and scrap Tory moves to restrict workers from going on strike. British Chambers of Commerce director general Shevaun Haviland advised Labour to not rush into changes to workers' rights if it wins the next election Ms Haviland's comments came as a BCC survey warned the UK is trapped in a 'low to no growth state'. It found that firms remain optimistic about the year ahead but they have seen little improvement in business conditions so far in 2024. That underlined the need for politicians to get behind innovation and investment, the BCC said. Ms Haviland said reforms announced so far to planning laws and tax 'haven't yet shifted the dial', while a rise in the minimum wage was adding to the 'very high' wage cost pressures that businesses already face. She added: 'Firms need room to breathe as they strive to pay staff fairly. In this election year it's vital that politicians remain laser-focused on helping businesses invest, develop and grow.' Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner has hit back at 'squealing' and insisted that the private sector would be on board with her proposed changes Labour's plans have already drawn fire from party grandee Lord Mandelson architect of New Labour's 1997 landslide who has urged the leadership to tread carefully to avoid hurting British businesses. He used a recent newspaper article to call for caution, saying any reform 'must not be rushed but it must be done in consultation with business'. Ms Rayner has, however, hit back at such 'squealing' and insisted the private sector would be on board with her changes. But Sir Martin Sorrell, chief executive of S4Capital, told the Mail that former business secretary Mandelson was 'dead right' and that the issue was 'Labour's Achilles heel'. Angela Rayner was last night accused of 'rank hypocrisy' after a letter came to light in which she demanded a Tory candidate publish their tax return. As Rishi Sunak weighed in on the 'two homes' row surrounding the Labour deputy leader for the first time, it emerged she had demanded in 2021 that now-Conservative MP Jill Mortimer publish details of her tax affairs. Yet Ms Rayner's frontbench colleagues have claimed that calls for her to come clean on her property dealings, and any advice she received over them, would make her 'the exception'. Yesterday Ms Rayner was targeted by a 'tax dodger' protest as she broke cover on the local election campaign trail. On a visit to the North-East, demonstrators displayed a banner which read: 'Angela Rayner Tax Dodger?' Angela Rayner was targeted by a 'tax dodger' protest yesterday while on the local election trail Labour's deputy leader (right) has faced repeated questions over her old living arrangements, with allegations that she may have dodged tax when she sold her former council house The protesters, believed to be local Tory activists, wore high-vis 'Tax Inspector' vests. Sources said Ms Rayner was forced to sneak out the back door of a bar she was visiting in Yarm to avoid being photographed with the protesters. She has faced repeated questions over her old living arrangements, with accusations that she may have dodged tax and even broken the law when she sold her former council house, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, a decade ago, something she denies. But Rishi Sunak yesterday pointed out that she has previously asked 'lots of questions' about his financial affairs. The Prime Minister told LBC radio: 'When it comes to me or my affairs, people are very happy to ask lots of questions, including Angela Rayner herself... I think there are very clear questions for her to answer about this.' Meanwhile it emerged that in a letter to then-Tory chairman Amanda Milling in 2021, Ms Rayner demanded that Hartlepool by-election candidate Jill Mortimer 'publish in full her tax returns' covering a period when she lived in the Cayman Islands. But the Tories said Ms Mortimer, who went on to win the by-election, was in the Cayman Islands because her then-husband was a regulator working on 'counter-fraud, anti-corruption and anti-terrorist financing'. Protestors target Ms Rayner in Teeside with a banner reading 'Angela Rayner tax dodger?' Tory deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis said: 'This is exactly the kind of rank hypocrisy we've come to expect from Labour. Angela has always been the first one to lead the charge against anyone else. Yet as soon as the tables are turned, we are supposed to trust her word.' A Labour spokesman said: 'It's perfectly legitimate for, and indeed the public would expect, the Opposition to ask about a Tory candidate's business activities in a tax haven, yet they failed to respond. 'Angela has taken expert tax advice which confirms that no capital gains tax was payable on the sale of her home.' The Mail on Sunday has uncovered social media posts which cast doubt on her claim she lived separately from her family for the first five years of her marriage A news agency said Tehran's airspace was cleared, before it backtracked US president Joe Biden on Wednesday vowed that American support for Israel is 'ironclad', amid fears the Middle Eastern nation will soon be attacked by Iran. 'As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We're going to do all we can to protect Israel security,' Biden said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Biden's top diplomat, Anthony Blinken, affirmed his words and told Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant on a phone call that the US would stand behind Israel if Iran decides to attack. An attack by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg News reported citing intelligence sources, with one source saying it is more a matter of when, not if. Tensions in the Middle East today flared after an Iranian news agency published a report on X saying all airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills, before quickly removing the post and denying it had ever issued the news. But Iran has promised to retaliate for an Israeli strike in Syria on April 1st that killed several senior Iranian commanders when Israeli forces hit the Iranian Embassy building in Damascus. US president Joe Biden (pictured) on Wednesday vowed that American support for Israel is 'ironclad' Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (pictured) vowed to take revenge on Israel for the strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy a day after an air strike in Damascus Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei looks at the coffins of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who were killed in the Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy complex in the Syrian capital Damascus 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. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Israel 'must be punished and it shall be' for the strikes on the embassy. He noted in a speech Wednesday for Eid al-Fitr that attacking an embassy 'means that they have attacked our soil.' 'The evil regime made a mistake and it should be punished and will be punished,' he added, according to IRNA, the state news agency. Iran's main proxy group is Hezbollah, which is based in southern Lebanon and has been trading fire with Israeli forces almost daily since the war in Gaza erupted in October. Israel has not explicitly acknowledged it was behind that attack but it has put its military on alert. And Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz wrote on X: 'If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will react and attack in Iran.' There are fears an open war between Israel and Iran could turn into a much broader conflict, after Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz said in an apparent response to Ayatollah's promise of retaliation that Israel would respond if Iran attacks it from its own soil. Emergency and security personnel search the rubble at the site of strikes which hit a building annexed to the Iranian embassy in Syria's capital Damascus, on April 1, 2024 Rescue workers search in the rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy a day after an air strike in Damascus on April 2, 2024 The rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy is pictured a day after an air strike in Damascus on April 2, 2024 Late last week, Iran warned Israel that none of its embassies were safe following the IDF strike. 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.' Israel has already been battling enemies to the north, announcing on Sunday it had launched air strikes on eastern Lebanon and hit Hezbollah infrastructure sites after the Iran-backed group downed an Israeli drone, as both sides continue to trade fire amid escalating regional tensions. The Israeli army said in a statement that fighter jets struck a military complex and three other sites belonging to Hezbollah in the eastern city of Baalbek. It said the attack was in response to Hezbollah's downing of an unmanned aerial vehicle in Lebanese airspace, which the group identified as the Israeli-made Hermes 900 drone. Hezbollah said it later fired dozens of Katyusha rockets that hit an air defence base in the occupied Golan Heights, in retaliation for the Israeli raids on eastern Lebanon. Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes hit targets in the town of Khiam, southern Lebanon on April 8, 2024 A minibus that has become unusable is seen after Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon Hezbollah has been trading fire with Israel across Lebanon's southern border since October 8, a day after Hamas launched an devastating attack on Israel that triggered Israel's war in Gaza and led to escalating regional tensions. Israeli shelling has killed around 270 Hezbollah fighters and around 50 civilians, security sources say. In southern Lebanon some 90,000 people have also been displaced, while more than 96,000 Israelis have been displaced from the country's northern border area, officials from both sides say. The US and other countries have sought a diplomatic resolution to the exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israel. Hezbollah said it would not halt fire before a ceasefire is implemented in Gaza. Late last week, Israel pulled most of its military brigades out of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Late last week, Israel pulled most of its military brigades out of Khan Younis in southern Gaza Palestinians walk through the destruction in the wake of an Israeli air and ground offensive in Khan Younis Israel says Rafah is Hamas's last stronghold and the war will not be complete until Hamas is destroyed The Hamas stronghold has been the main focus of Israel's offensive in recent months. That took 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. Just a day after troops were pulled back, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a date had been set for IDF soldiers to invade Rafah, though did not disclose when this would happen. He said on Monday: 'Today I received a detailed report on the talks in Cairo, we are constantly working to achieve our goals, first and foremost the release of all our hostages and achieving a complete victory over Hamas. 'This victory requires entry into Rafah and the elimination of the terrorist battalions there. It will happen - there is a date.' This is the Los Angeles mother who stabbed her partner to death, then threw their children out of a speeding car before killing herself in a 100mph head-on-crash after ranting about the apocalypse on social media. Danielle Johnson murdered her partner Jaelen Allen Chaney, 29, at their apartment in Woodland Hills, California, on Monday in a shocking crime that has stunned the city of Los Angeles. She then fled the scene with her two young daughters - one nine and one just five months old - driving through the security gates at the family home. Once on the highway, she pushed the girls out of the car and drove off. The baby was hit and killed by another vehicle in front of her nine-year-old sister. Johnson's spree ended a short while away, where she drove 100mph into a tree in an apparent suicide. Now, DailyMail.com can reveal her unhinged social media posts in the hours before the killing spree. On X, she talked about an imminent apocalypse and the solar eclipse bringing the 'ultimate spiritual warfare'. Danielle Johnson, seen here, murdered her partner Jaelen Allen Chaney, 29, at their home before she pushed their infant child and nine-year-old out of their vehicle on a freeway Jaelen Allen Chaney, 29, was found dead in his Woodland Hills apartment Monday morning. Neighbors said they heard Chaney arguing with Johnson just a few hours before he was killed Danielle Johnson's social media posts grew more alarming days before the solar eclipse Posting on her X profile page, Johnson said: 'Wake up, wake up. The apocalypse is here. Everyone who has ears listen. Your time to choose what you believe is now. 'If you believe a new world is possible for the people retweet now. There is power in choice. There is power in choice!!!!' Another post added: 'This eclipse is the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place. 'The world is very obviously changing right now and if you ever needed to pick a side, the time to do right in your life is now. Stay strong you got this.' The 34-year-old mom touted herself as a 'reiki master teacher' trained in alternative healing. On her website, Johnson claimed she had 'spiritual gifts' and came from a 'rich lineage of Indigenous Shaman and Medicine Women.' The family's apartment was in a ritzy condo building in Woodland Hills Neighbors at the apartment complex were stunned to learn of the killings Johnson was considered a popular 'star seller' on Etsy and sold various audio series that focused on cleansing auras and healing energies based on astrological signs. Essence.com even lauded Johnson as one of the top Black astrologers to follow and called her commentary 'spot-on, funny and relatable.' Johnson had a sizable social media presence with 100,000 people following her astrological advice and purchasing items for her 'candle magic' rituals. Johnson's family member, who did not want to be identified, said the 34-year old mom was doing well and even set up a new studio. 'She sounded OK when I spoke to her last month,' the shocked family member told DailyMail.com. One neighbor said the couple was standoffish and had everything delivered to their home. Another neighbor said his wife saw the Twitter posts from Johnson just days before the deaths. Jaelen Allen Chaney served as an armament technician, according to his family Chaney, who loved to travel and play video games, was in the U.S. Air Force for about four years, family members said. His family did not know much about his relationship with Jonhnson, they said Chaney, pictured here with his mother Juanita, joined the Air Force when he was 22 Outside their home, one neighbor told DailyMail.com that the couple kept to themselves and had everything delivered to their home 'They always kept to themselves and would never really say hello when you pass them by. They were just really private people.' Outside of Johnson and Chaney's apartment, someone placed a single white rose by the door. Another neighbor said Johnson was 'a little bit odd,' but seemed to dote on her two daughters. 'I would comment on how beautiful the baby was,' said the neighbor. 'They really were a beautiful little family.' Chaney's mother, Juanita Chiricas, told DailyMail.com her son and Johnson were not married and had been together for about two or three years. Neighbors said the couple had lived in the posh apartment for a little over a year with the two children. Her violent rampage ended with the 34-year-old killing herself after she hit a tree at full speed Police found the body of their mother 15 miles away. She had crashed into a tree and killed herself Chaney is seen here alongside his brother Matthew, left, and his mom Juanita, right Los Angeles Police Department officials provided more details on Tuesday as to how the tragedy unfolded. Investigators said Chaney and Johnson were heard arguing at about 3:40 a.m. Monday, and at some point, the fight turned deadly when the 34-year-old stabbed her partner. Chaney was found in the family's apartment by a neighbor who saw blood 'pouring' under the door. LAPD officials said the bloody knife Johnson used to stab Chaney was found at the home. Johnson then fled the apartment with her children before her car was spotted on the 405 Freeway where witnesses saw the infant and the nine-year-old pushed out of the vehicle, LAPD said. Johnson then drove to Redondo Beach at speeds over 100 mph when she plowed her car head-on into a tree, killing herself. Chaney's grieving brother, Matthew Chiricas, told DailyMail.com his sibling had 'embraced' the older child from Johnson's from a previous relationship as his own. 'I never seen him like kids, but I know he absolutely adored her.' A neighbor told ABC7 she heard the couple arguing in the middle of the night. The next morning, she saw a trail of blood coming out of the apartment. LAPD officials said Jaelen Allen Chaney, 29, was killed at his Woodland Hills apartment, which had some damage possibly connected to the murder Cops are still investigating if the woman who was driving the vehicle and fatally crashed into a tree was connected to Jaelen Allen Chaney's murder Danielle Johnson, had left a grisly scene at the $5,600 home where she murdered her partner, Jaelen Allen Chaney 'Their door was wide open, there was blood on the floor leading into their apartment, and then a trail of it in the hallway leading up to the elevator, and I saw some blood on the walls,' she said. Chiricas said his brother checked in with him sporadically, but never shared details of his relationship. In one concerning text message from November 2022, he said: 'I have been dealing a lot personally with my girlfriend that I don't care to really share right now because it's not appropriate. Chiricas said his brother and his girlfriend had traveled around Europe when he was stationed in Italy. 'The last message he sent to me was greeting me a happy birthday,' Chiricas said. 'He was in the Air Force, but he had dreams to become a weather man. He was just like the rest of us, trying to have fun and trying to have a family.' According to a 2020 military archive, Chaney was a senior airman with the 31 Munitions Squadron armament technician when he was stationed in Italy in December. Police are yet to reveal the a motive behind the incident. Their elder daughter was taken into the care of CPS. A young man from a 'decent family' who was found dying in the street was likely the victim of a 'senseless' murder over a drug deal gone wrong. Frightening CCTV footage showed William Holdback, 21, screaming 'help' while running from his attackers on Barrpowell St in Welland, a light industrial area Adelaide's west, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. South Australia Police now believe he was involved in a drug deal, with the entire incident captured on CCTV. Footage hours before the stabbing showed Mr Holdback ringing a stranger's doorbell while carrying a skateboard. Cameras later captured Mr Holdback as he fled from a dark sedan about 1.21am and ran down the quiet street while screaming 'help, help'. William Holdback (pictured) was killed following a suspected rug deal in a light industrial area in west Adelaide on Wednesday His attackers chased him down on foot and yelled out: 'Get him, he can't run that fast.' Mr Holdback had a glimmer of hope of escaping his killers when one tripped and fell but, just seconds later, he also stumbled to the ground. Screams could be heard on the recording as one of the attackers told Mr Holdback 'I'm going to stab you'. A short time later, the dark sedan reappeared to pick up the murderer. The driver said: 'Get in the car. In the other side. He smashed all the windows.' 'Where did you stab him?' The security cameras did not capture the attacker's response. A group of musicians rehearsing nearby heard Mr Holdback's screams and rushed to help, but the 21-year-old died at the scene about 1.30am. His killers have not yet been found. Frightening CCTV footage showed Mr Holdback screaming for help while being chased by his attackers (pictured, forensic officers at the scene of the murder) Police are searching for a car (pictured) involved in the attack as it continues to hunt down Mr Holdback's killers SA Police Detective Superintendent Des Bray believes the stabbing was a 'senseless murder over something trivial' and suggested an altercation between Mr Holdback and his attackers 'became heated'. 'We don't know whether there was a skateboard involved in the altercation or there was something else but it's clear that voices became raised and people were angry,' he said. Major Crime detectives cordoned off Barrpowell St with evidence markers seen alongside a skateboard, pool of blood and tyre markings. Supt Bray said the car involved in the incident was last seen travelling west on Musgrave St. However, officers haven't been able to identify its make or model. 'We're confident that it's a four-door sedan. It has a sunroof and mag wheels and it's dark coloured it could be silver, it could be black, it could be dark blue, we're not sure,' Supt Bray said. He added the location of Mr Holdback's meeting gave in an area of warehouses and workshops after closing time had 'all the hallmarks' of a drug deal or the recovery of money'. 'Sadly, Will's made some foolish decisions and has chosen drugs at different times,' Supt Bray said. 'He comes from a decent family, he's not a bad person. He's simply made a bad decision that a lot of young people make.' Police appealed for anyone with information, footage or who witnessed the attack to come forward as the search for Mr Holdback's killers continues. SA Police Detective Superintendent Des Bray believes the stabbing was a 'senseless murder over something trivial' (pictured, emergency services at the crime scene) 'I'm confident of a result down the track with this job, but it's going to take a little while,' Supt Bray said. 'Nothing is solved by violence. 'They destroyed the lives of (Will's) family and ultimately they've destroyed their own lives, because we are going to find a person responsible and they will go to jail for a long, long time.' Anyone with information, including dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A Colorado mother has spoken out after viewing footage of her autistic 10-year-old son being abused by an aide on a school bus, and now the parents of other suspected victims are stepping forward. Jessica Vestal's son, Dax, was sent home from the Joshua School in Englewood with unexplained bruises and cuts on several occasions. She was unsure what caused the injuries until surveillance footage surfaced showing an aide repeatedly punching the child, who has severe autism and no verbal ability, while they sat together on the school bus. The aide, 29-year-old Kiarra Monte Laron Jones, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault on an at-risk person last week. Now, Vestal and two other families are speaking out, asserting that their children suffered abuse at the hands of people entrusted with their care. Jessica Vestal and her husband, Devon, spoke at a press conference on Tuesday to detail the abuse their 10-year-old nonverbal and autistic son, Dax, suffered at the hands of his school aide Brittany Yarborough, pictured with her husband Kevin, also suspect their 11-year-old, Hunter, was injured by the same aide after suffering a broken toe Horrifying footage shows Dax being beaten by his aide, 29-year-old Kiarra Jones, who allegedly abused at least three children for months Vestal appeared alongside Brittany Yarborough, the mother of an 11-year-old, severely autistic and nonverbal boy, during an interview with TMZ Live on Wednesday. Vestal said she initially assumed that the injuries were a result of Dax's self-injurious behavior, commonly abbreviated as SIB. 'They get upset and the best way for them in that moment to communicate their frustrations is to take it out on themselves,' she explained. But in January, she began to suspect that someone else was inflicting the bruises on her son due to their placement and severity. One of the attacks was captured in the now-released footage, which depicts Dax being elbowed and struck repeatedly on March 18. Video from the school bus shows Jones elbowing the 10-year-old in his stomach, then striking him in the face and slamming his head against the bus window. Photos released by the family's attorney show severe bruises on his feet from the incident last month, but other evidence shows cuts on his lips and bruises on his neck two months earlier. Speaking to TMZ on Wednesday, Yarbrough said her own son, Hunter, began coming home with 'unexplained injuries' last September. Jones was charged with third-degree assault following the March 18 incident and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 3 Dax, Hunter and another boy were allegedly abused by Jones when they traveled on a specialized school bus operated by Littleton Public Schools. All three boys attend Joshua School, which offers specialized instruction for autistic students The parents appeared at Tuesday's press conference to lambast the school for failing to protect their children 'I think the biggest thing was a broken toe. He started limping one day, took him to the hospital and he had a broken toe, with no inciting incident or anything that happened at home or at school,' she said. 'Unfortunately, we've been told that the video footage only goes back eight weeks.' Yarbrough has yet to hear back from investigators, who are reviewing hours of footage and have yet to say whether it depicts any attacks on her son. 'But because the bigger injuries we're concerned about happened last fall, we may never have proof of that. And that's really difficult,' she said. Both women insist the abuse could have been stopped months ago, if only school staff had reviewed the footage. 'It could have been stopped then, had someone done literally anything,' Vestal said. The distraught mothers appeared at a press conference on Tuesday night, where they spoke through tears about the injuries inflicted on their children by those meant to protect them. 'How dare you fail my son in such an astonishingly preventable way?' Vestal demanded. 'How dare you fail my son in such an astonishingly preventable way?' Vestal said as she wiped away tears Yarbrough (right) has yet to hear back from investigators, who are reviewing school bus surveillance footage and have yet to say whether it depicts any attacks on her son Yarbrough's husband, Kevin, said he felt like he had failed his son. 'I failed him by trusting that the ladies on the bus and the people of the Littleton school district would also be there to protect him,' he said. 'I had assumed that when his teachers had a rough time getting off the bus, that there wasnt a grown woman who was verbally and physically torturing my son and his friends.' The heartbroken father explained that his nonverbal son lacks 'the ability to tell me when school is hurting him' or his friends. 'My son was abused by the people who were put into place specifically to protect him,' he said, voice trembling. Dax, Hunter and another student were allegedly abused by Jones on a specialized school bus operated by Littleton Public Schools. They rode the bus every day as they traveled back and forth between their homes and the Joshua School, a specialized school offering one-on-one instruction for autistic students. Another parent, Blake McBride, said he got a call from Littleton superintendent Todd Lambert, who 'ensured us that our son was not present or a victim in this case.' However, 24 hours later, he was told by a police officer that his son was the second victim appearing on surveillance video. According to an affidavit filed by Englewood Police, an officer reviewed footage of Jones pulling the little boy's hair in mid-February. 'My husband and I have struggled to find words to adequately express how incredibly horrified and appalled we are,' the child's mother said at Tuesday's press conference. In an email in January, Vestal inquired about bruises on her son's arm, neck and thigh. However, the district supervisor insisted that 'nothing out of the ordinary' had occurred on the bus ride home Photos show severe bruises on Dax's feet from the March 18 incident, but other evidence shows cuts on his lips and bruises on his neck two months earlier Beginning in September, the three families noticed unexplained injuries on their including scratches, bruises, a lost tooth, a broken toe, a black eye and other bruises, their attorney said in a statement. They also observed significant shifts in their children's behaviors and raised their concerns to the Joshua School. In an email in January, Vestal inquired about bruises on her son's arm, neck and thigh. 'We reviewed the video and there is nothing out of the ordinary that occurs during the ride home,' Michelle Molina, the district's transportation operations supervisor, wrote in response. The affidavit filed by Englewood Police details yet another day of abuse. On February 13, an officer viewed a video that showed Jones hitting Dax in the mouth with a closed fist, poking him in the chin, hitting him with the back of her hand and pulling his hair. She repeatedly dropped a toy on the ground and held his head down with a hand clamped on his jaw when he bent to reach it. Vestal has kept record of 15 dates when she discovered fresh injuries. Three of those coincide with footage of Jones' alleged abuse between last September to March of this year. In the latest instance, Vestal contacted the school and texted Jones immediately after noticing injuries on her son's foot and thigh. The next day she was told that Jones would be charged with abuse, based on surveillance footage from the school bus. According to Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC, the law firm representing the families, the Joshua School raised its belief that abuse was occurring on the bus with Littleton Public Schools. 'LPS looked at a single bus ride and determined there was nothing to be concerned about and provided no further monitoring, allowing months of uninterrupted abuse to continue,' a statement from the firm reads. After Jones' arrest, the Littleton Public Schools released its own statement claiming she was hired in August after 'satisfactory reference checks and after passing a thorough background check.' 'She had very limited access to students during her employment with LPS. She has had no contact with students since March 19, the day her employment was terminated,' the statement asserts. The concerned parents have vowed to attend a schoolboard meeting on Thursday to demand changes to safety protocols. Jones' preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 3. Anthony Albanese's decision to leave the wealthy out of the stage three tax cuts will encourage them to boost their superannuation payments and reduce their salaries so as to minimise their tax burden, Westpac bank analysts predict. Labor changed the former Coalition government's stage three tax cuts plan, and decided to keep, rather than scrap, the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket for those earning between $135,000 and $190,000. The Albanese government's changes will also see the top 45 per cent tax bracket kick in at $190,000 instead of $200,000. The changes were passed by parliament in February with with the Opposition's support. That means the top three per cent of income earners on $200,000 or more will get see their tax bill cut by only $4,529 from July 1, 2024 instead of $9,075 under the original plan. The changes were designed to give more tax relief to lower and average-income earners. But if the government thought the two measures - greater tax cuts for the middle and low earners and smaller tax cuts for the rich - would even each other out revenue-wise, economists disagree. Anthony Albanese 's changes to the stage three tax cuts will encourage wealthier people to put their money into superannuation to minimise their tax burden, the Westpac bank says (the Prime Minister is pictured right with this fiancee Jodie Haydon) Westpac senior economist Jarek Kowcza said high-income earners will instead push a greater share of their salary into superannuation, which is taxed at 15 per cent instead of 45 per cent. 'Higher income earners will become more incentivised to contribute to superannuation to reduce their tax bill than under the old package,' Mr Kowcza said. 'They may lead to the benefits of superannuation tax concessions becoming even more skewed to higher income earners than is currently the case or would have been the case under the previously legislated package,' he said. A Westpac analysis of tax office data for 2020-21, the most recently available, showed those earning more than $128,100 received 40 per cent of all concessional tax breaks for super contributions. The changes were designed to give more relief to lower and average-income earners, but the stage three tax changes could end up seeing more tax concessions of another kind flow towards the rich (pictured is a stock image) More than half, or 55 per cent benefiting from the concessional tax rates for super, earned more than $95,000, which was then slightly above the average, full-time salary. Treasury's Tax Expenditures and Insights Statement for 2023-24 predicted superannuation tax concessions would cost the budget $50billion in foregone income in 2024-25. From July 1, 2025 the concessional rate of tax for super contributions is doubling to 30 per cent for the 80,000 individuals with a balance of more than $3million, or 0.5 per cent of the population. This measure is designed to save $2billion a year. Mr Kowcza said the stage three tax cut changes, and the resultant piling of money into lightly taxed superannuation, could create political pressure for those contributions to be taxed at a similar level as the salaries of middle and lower income earners. Labor changed the former Coalition government's stage three tax cuts plan to keep, rather than scrap, the 37 per cent marginal tax bracket for those earning between $135,000 and $190,000 'One thing these changes may do is add to the growing discussion in the community around the sustainability of Australias tax and transfer system, including superannuation tax settings,' Mr Kowcza said. At the lower end of the scale, 4,385,353 individuals or 29 per cent of taxpayers earning $18,200 to $45,000 benefit from their marginal tax bracket falling to 16 per cent, down from 19 per cent as part of the stage three tax cut changes. Someone on $45,000, now less than the full-time minimum wage, would get back $805 instead of nothing. A below-average income earner on $80,000 would get back $1,679 instead of $875. One in five teenagers say the web is their main source of information on relationships and sexual health, a new survey has found. The poll of 1,000 pupils also found 30 per cent use social media as their main source of information about gender identity and sexual orientation. The Sex Education Forum, which carried out the research, said youngsters are turning to 'dangerous' and 'untrustworthy' sources because of a lack of information at school. It said many teachers are too scared to tackle these controversial issues in the classroom because they are 'taboo and politicised'. The survey of 16 and 17-year-olds found that 22 per cent of young people said the internet was their main source of information on pornography (stock picture) Nearly half of students said they learned nothing at all or not enough at school about porn or power imbalances in relationships (stock image) The survey of 16 and 17-year-olds found that 22 per cent of young people said the internet was their main source of information on pornography. Meanwhile, 15 per cent said they turned to pornography itself as their main source of information on the topic. In addition, nearly half of students said they learned nothing at all or not enough at school about porn or power imbalances in relationships. The charity's report on relationships and sex education (RSE) said: 'It is clear that schools feel under-confident about delivering on some areas of the curriculum that are statutory, but are particularly taboo and politicised. 'The problem is that these gaps leave young people vulnerable to misinformation as they seek out knowledge from online sources like social media, or have no access to advice at all.' It comes after the Government announced a review of its RSE guidance for schools more than a year ago. Since September 2020, relationships and sex education has been compulsory in secondary schools, while relationships education has been compulsory in primary schools. Lucy Emmerson, chief executive of the Sex Education Forum, said: 'Hearing that young people seek questionable or even dangerous information on outlets like social media to fill gaps on key topics should be a wake-up call that better provision is needed from schools for the safety of our pupils.' A government spokesman said: 'We are looking at where certain topics can be strengthened, in an age-appropriate and factual way. 'We want to ensure all children are safe online and so, through our world-leading Online Safety Act, social media firms are being required to protect children from being exposed to harmful material online, and the Education Secretary recently took robust action by prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools.' Apple has become embroiled in an anti-Semitism row after iPhone users found an emoji of the Palestinian flag to flashes up when they type the word 'Jerusalem'. The world's most valuable company has been accused of 'showing double standards' towards Israel after an update on its mobile operating system saw the change sent out to millions of users. Ordinarily if iPhone users type in a country's name it will show an emoji flag of that nation, but this is not something that extends to city names with no flags showing up if people type in 'London', 'New York' or 'Tokyo'. The change has sparked anger from some people online, with Countdown's Rachel Riley who called on the company to explain how the oversight was allowed to take place. Apple has claimed the change is a bug that was not intentional and will be rectified at the next iOS update. It is not clear if it extends to versions of its operating system outside the UK. iPhone users who type in the word 'Jerusalem' in their emoji search have the Palestinian flag suggested to them following the latest iOS update An Israeli flag waves in the air above the old city of Jerusalem close to the Kotel Western Wall The change was first publicised on Tuesday night, when Ms Riley - who has been an outspoken advocate of Israel following the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas and during the subsequent conflict in Gaza - took issue with it. Writing on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, she said: 'I've just upgraded my software to version iOS 17.4.1, and now, when I type the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, I'm offered the Palestinian flag emoji. 'This didn't occur on my phone immediately before this update.' She then went on to list capital cities 'that do not offer their nation's flags, let alone the wrong one', including London, Paris, Berlin, Washington DC and Moscow. Ms Riley added: 'Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people. 'Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers. 'Sincerely, a Jewish woman concerned about the global rise in antisemitism.' The claims have been verified by MailOnline, which found that when the word 'Jerusalem' is typed into the emoji search on a newly updated iPhone in the UK, the Palestinian flag does show up. Countdown's Rachel Riley said the bug showed 'double standards with respect to Israel' and demanded to know how it had been allowed in the latest update People wave Palestinian flags as they clash with Israeli security forces outside al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem One social media expert claimed that the issue could have been caused by 'human intervention'. Tom Divon, a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told The Telegraph: 'Apple's linking of emojis to political causes poses a problem. The infrastructural connection of the word 'Jerusalem' to the Palestinian flag in iOS necessitates a deliberate in-house decision 'In contrast to social media platforms, where default recommendations are driven by users' engagement, Apple's emoji defaults require human intervention. 'When these representations constantly catch your eye as you express your thoughts, they eventually shape your thinking. 'There is nothing inherently wrong with associating Jerusalem with Palestinian belief, but Apple's choice of default settings warrants justification, especially considering the potential discriminatory implications of this decision.' A spokesperson for Apple told the publication the flag was showing up due to a 'bug' in its predictive emoji and that a fix for this would be available soon. MailOnline has contacted Apple for additional comment. Both Israel and Palestine claim Jerusalem as their capital, although neither of these is recognised internationally. Israel has control of the city, with its main administrative centres based inside its limits, while the Palestinian National Authority maintains its de facto capital in Ramallah just to the north and continues to claim East Jerusalem as its own. Since Hamas launched its terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, tens of thousands of people have died and there have been hugely increased tensions across the Middle East, as well as in Jewish communities in the West. Israel launched a war in Gaza response to Hamas' cross-border assault, where militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities. More than 33,400 Palestinians have been killed in the relentless fighting, according to Gaza's Health Ministry which doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead are women and children. Israel says it has killed some 12,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has ignited a humanitarian catastrophe. Most of the territory's population has been displaced and with vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape levelled in the fighting, many areas are uninhabitable. A man was crushed by a 1200-pound tree stump in suburban Portland, officials have revealed. The fatal incident happened Tuesday night, when the unnamed victim attempted to remove the stump from his backyard. His body has since been recovered. The man was pinned overnight before being discovered. Portland Fire & Rescue were able to lift the half-ton stump off the man with a high angle pulley system, officials from the agency said, adding it was too late to save his life. Once the body was removed, the scene was turned over to police, who are now probing the incident. In a statement to DailyMail.com, officials confirmed a malfunction of the homeowners equipment was what led to the accident, as an investigation is currently underway. The victim, confirmed to be male, has yet to be identified. Scroll down for video: The fatal incident happened Tuesday night, when the unnamed victim attempted to remove the stump from his backyard. His body has since been recovered, after being pinned overnight before being discovered Portland Fire & Rescue were able to lift the half-ton stump off the man with a high angle pulley system, officials from the agency said, adding it was too late to save his life. Once the body was removed, the scene was turned over to police, who are now probing the incident 'The equipment they were using to remove the stump malfunctioned, resulting in this catastrophic accident,' said a Public Information Officer from the agency. Portland Fire & Rescues Technical Rescue Team responded to [the] NE Portland neighborhood about 9:15 this morning, to set up a high angle rope system for [the] 1200lb stump removal and body recovery. 'This deadly accident resulted from the homeowners equipment malfunction,' officials confirmed, as photos of the rescue operation were posted to the agency's profile on X. 'The Teach Team used a grip hoist to lift the large stump off of the individual. 'Safe removal occurred and the scene has been turned over to law enforcement.' When asked, Fire Training Academy Firefighter Specialist and Assistant Public Information Officer Christine Pezzulo said there were no further updates to be aired as of Wednesday night. In a statement to KOIN-6, local authorities revealed the incident actually happened at some point Tuesday, when the homeowner was working to remove the stump alone. That's when his safety equipment suddenly failed, leaving him pinned under the piece of timber, officials said. The incident occurred in the Russell neighborhood, and police were also spotted at the scene. The victim, confirmed to be male, has yet to be identified The station reported the person's spouse was the one to stumble on the grisly scene, the next morning after walking outside. The incident occurred in the Russell neighborhood, fire officials also confirmed There, Wednesday morning, several members of the Portland police were spotted at the scene, as fire officials photographed the remnants of the stump. Once the body was removed, cops took over the site. It remains unclear if the man died instantly after becoming pinned, as cops continue to look into the incident. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Portland Police Department for an update. A 'Walter Mitty' chief constable could face criminal charges over claims he misrepresented his military service in the Falklands War. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has referred a file of evidence on Nick Adderley, of Northamptonshire Police, following claims he 'stole valour' and wore a Falklands War campaign medal despite only being 15 at the time of conflict. In February, Mr Adderley was granted a private gross misconduct hearing after he was suspended. A referral to the CPS means the IOPC investigation has indicated that a criminal offence may have been committed, but this does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. In a statement issued last year, Mr Adderley said he had always worn his own medals alongside two medals his brothers gave him to wear when one became critically ill and one moved overseas. Nick Adderley could face criminal charges over claims he misrepresented his military service in the Falklands War Mr Adderley would reportedly have only been 15 years old at the time of the conflict with Argentina in 1982 As well as expressing disappointment at what he said he were 'leaked' details of a 'very personal family issue', the suspended police chief said he had changed the side of his chest on which he wore his brothers' medals after seeking advice. IOPC regional director Emily Barry said on Wednesday: 'Following careful investigation, we have now submitted an evidential report to the Crown Prosecution Service. It will be for the CPS to consider whether to bring any criminal charge. 'A referral to the CPS is made when the IOPC investigation indicates that a criminal offence may have been committed. 'It does not mean that criminal charges will necessarily follow. The CPS will decide whether charges should be brought, based on the test set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.' The IOPC produced a report earlier this year recommending that Mr Adderley should face a gross misconduct hearing. Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Northamptonshire Stephen Mold announced in February that the hearing by an independent panel would take place in private. Mr Adderley took over as head of the Northamptonshire force in 2018 after joining the police service in 1992 and serving in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire. He is reported to have been 15 years old during the Falklands War but has been pictured wearing the South Atlantic Medal at numerous events, including an awards ceremony hosted by his force in December 2022. Video footage has revealed how Mr Adderley - who earns 165,000-a-year - flaunted the South Atlantic Medal, which was awarded to British military personnel who served in the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina. Mr Adderley pinned the 1982 campaign medal to his chest despite not joining the Royal Navy until two years later A photo from 2020 appears to show brother Rick wearing his Falklands medal - despite Adderley claiming he was given it in 2013 Adderley wore the medal to multiple events over the years since his brother's emigration Adderley pictured at the funeral for PC Nicola Hughes, who was killed on duty, in October 2012 British soldiers during the Falklands Conflict in June 1982, at which time Nick Adderley would have been 15 A complaint was received from a member of the public, before a mandatory referral of the complaint was made to the IPOC who are now looking into the allegations. 'Stolen Valour' is the term commonly applied to the act of wearing military medals or decorations that have not been earned with the intent to deceive. It is not an offence in the UK for individuals to wear medals or decorations that they were not awarded - but it is an offence to wear a military medal without permission, according to the UK Parliament's briefing on Stolen Valour. Mr Adderley's version of events have came under scrutiny in the past. He claimed that he had served in the Royal Navy for a decade before joining the police force in 1992. But court documents reported in The Sun show he held a licence to sell alcohol at the Hooton Arms pub in Wirral, Merseyside, from 1989 to 1990. The police chief served in the Navy for two years, worked as a lorry driver and sold houses for six years as a civilian, according to contemporaries. Mr Adderley took over as head of the Northamptonshire force in 2018 after joining the police service in 1992 and serving in Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Staffordshire. Mr Adderley was suspended following the allegations made against him and the force has an acting chief constable, Ivan Balhatchet. In 2021 Chief Constable Adderley was referred to the police watchdog following the tragic death of Harry Dunn after the 19-year-old was struck and killed by US citizen Anne Sacoolas, who then fled the country. Internal emails showed he described the spokesman for the family as an 'issue'. Horrifying footage has captured the moment skateboarders diced with death while performing tricks on top of a 47 storey skyscraper. In the video posted to Reddit on Wednesday, the pair was seen skating on the very top of the Scape Swanston building in Melbourne's CBD. 'Just casually skateboarding on top of a 40 story building,' the post read. In the footage, the daredevil duo were seen risking their lives and the safety of innocent people on the ground. One of the two practiced tricks, while the other filmed his mate as he performed his senseless shredding. As the video continued, there was surprisingly no sign of building security, so the two casually continued their alarming antics. The Scape Swanston building doesn't have any safety railings, no doubt adding to the dangerous thrill. Social media users were quick to condemn the skateboarders and their dangerous antics. 'This sh*t p*sses me off. If you want to be a moron and kill yourself, fine by me', one wrote. 'But DON'T risk falling off a building on to the people below and DON'T risk a heavy object like a skateboard falling off and killing people below. These c***s should be arrested.' Shocked office works spot two stupid skateboarders on top of Melbourne skyscraper A second added: 'At that height don't think it even needs to be a heavy object to kill people below. The velocity of something as small as a watch would be like a bullet.' Another commenter was concerned about innocent people on the ground. 'Imagine just minding your business trying not to sit in bird sh*t outside the museum and a f***in skateboard from the skies above just straight up sends you to heaven,' they wrote. Is YOUR home at risk of coastal erosion? Email ryan.prosser@mailonline.co.uk A man who claims to have been made a 'climate refugee' after his home was demolished because it risked falling into the sea is suing the government. Kevin Jordan, 70, said he had 'lost everything' after sea erosion saw his home in Hemsby, near Great Yarmouth, Norfolk demolished by the local council. His case will be heard by the High Court this summer, along with that of fellow Briton Doug Paulley, who says that Britain's hotter summer climate has worsened his health conditions and put him in distress. Mr Jordan claims that the government's failure to protect his home is a breach of his human rights. Kevin Jordan, 70, (pictured) is one of two Britons suing the government for not acting to protect people from the effects of climate change His home (pictured) on the Norfolk Coast had to be demolished by the local council due to the risk of sea erosion As many as 500,000 properties could be at risk of collapsing or flooding, with three times that figure set to be in danger by 2080. It comes after a landmark ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on Tuesday, which found the Swiss government had violated the human rights of a group of around 2,500 elderly women by not acting on climate change. Ministers criticised the court's judgement and insisted that decisions over the climate response should be for elected politicians. Mr Jordan and Mr Paulley are backed by Friends of the Earth, who say that the government's current provision for people adversely affected by climate change, for example from floods and extreme heat, known as the National Adaptation Programme (NAP) is insufficient. A self-professed 'climate warrior', Mr Jordan told the Telegraph that taking on the government was the 'natural thing to do'. In an article for the Metro last December, Mr Jordan said he felt 'scared, anxious and angry' when told by police officers last November his home was no longer safe to live in, after a storm left a nearby clifftop road on the brink of collapse. Mr Jordan, a former marine engineer, bought his home 14 years ago and said it left him with 'happy memories' The former marine engineer bought the home 14 years ago for 85,000, and was on the cusp of selling it three years ago before it fell through. His 'happy memories' of the picturesque sea views have now been replaced with the sight of cars driving past his ground floor apartment provided by the local authority. He said that the residents of Hemby had been left 'cut-off and isolated' by both central and local government. Storms have left 12 homes in the area needing to be demolished over the last year. Ms Higgins got her payment after just one day of mediation Veterans wait years to get a fraction of what Ms Higgins received Military veterans and advocates have lashed out at Brittany Higgins' $2.4million compensation payout related to an unproven sexual assault claim, saying it took them years to receive a fraction of that amount for their trauma. Daily Mail Australia revealed on Thursday that the Albanese Government has admitted that no veteran or dependent has received compensation of more than $2.3million or more for impairment or injuries suffered fighting in battles. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh confirmed to Parliament that 'no single veteran or dependent has received compensation totalling $2.3million or more' in response to questions posed by Nationals frontbencher Barnaby Joyce. Ms Higgins, a former political staffer who alleged she was raped in Parliament House, received her multimillion-dollar payout from the Federal Government in December 2022 after one day of mediation. Her claims have never been proven in court. On Thursday morning, Radio 2GB host Mark Levy told listeners it takes an average of 391 days for military claims to be processed. He quoted from a serving army officer, Jason, who served for nine years and had a pending compensation claim in the system for months. Brittany Higgins is pictured with her fiance, David Sharaz '[Compensation claims] may be assigned within two weeks, but they sit in limbo for months,' Levy said. 'Other veterans have told us they're still waiting for claims to be processed. Claims lodged in May 2020, October 2020, and June 2021.' Levy said there seemed to be 'one rule for veterans who risked their lives on the battlefield' who receive 'hundreds of thousands of dollars at best', and another rule for political staffers who work in Parliament House. He also spoke with a man named Andrew, who works with a veterans advocacy group and accused the government of 'shifting numbers on a spreadsheet'. 'The government's been playing with them for years,' Andrew said. 'The wait time that they have for their claims to be processes and actioned by the department is just unacceptable.' He said the department had 75,000 claims at the end of February, but said the number hasn't changed within the last three years. 'They keep changing the way they provide those statistics on their website, so now they're saying they have 73,700 claims with an officer, but that just means that it's been someone's walked through the office and dumped [on desks]. 'When veterans call back or respond to the delegate they they're told that they probably won't be picked up for a year.' Andrew said the department always says it is grateful for the service of armed forces members, but is unwilling to process their claims within a timely period. Barnaby Joyce (pictured) fired four questions at the minister for veterans affairs Ms Higgins had alleged then fellow political staffer Bruce Lehrmann raped her in Senator Linda Reynolds' office in Parliament House in March 2019, which he strongly denies. Mr Lehrmann was tried in the ACT Supreme Court in October 2022 but the hearing was discontinued due to misconduct by a juror introducing outside materials. The ACT's top prosecutor then decided not to re-prosecute the case, citing concerns for Ms Higgins' mental health. Ms Higgins sued the Commonwealth over the way she was allegedly treated by her former bosses, Coalition senators Linda Reynolds and Michaelia Cash, after she disclosed her rape allegations to them. Ten days after the charge against Mr Lehrmann was dropped in December 2022, Ms Higgins was awarded $2.4million dollars from the Labor government. The matter was filed in December 2021, but the matter was finalised after a single day of mediation a year later. Ms Higgins was forced to divulge the value of her payment in the Federal Court on December 7, 2023, while under cross-examination in Mr Lehrmann's defamation trial against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. That same day, Mr Joyce asked Mr Keogh: 'For each month, how many veterans or dependents received compensation since the current government took office? How many veterans or dependents received compensation or other forms of payments totalling at least $2.3 million? 'In each case, what was the timeframe from the lodgment of the claim, to approval for payment? Without requesting identifiable personal information, to what injuries, conditions or circumstances did each payment relate?' Veteran's Affairs Matt Keogh is pictured with his wife, Annabel When Mr Keogh's office responded to those questions in February, he revealed 'no single veteran or dependent has received compensation totalling $2.3million or more' between June 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023. This week, Mr Joyce told Daily Mail Australia: 'The idea that you can go into a meeting and walk out a few hours later with upwards of $2.4million is just incredible.' 'A lot of veterans find it incredibly galling that a payout can be made so quickly for such a large amount for an alleged event in Parliament House, while they wait years and don't receive an amount within sight of anything like that.' He said some of those veterans include those who have seen active service and have crippling and life-changing wounds. 'What's been brought up to me over and over again by servicemen and women is that the government shows it can move quickly when it chooses to,' he continued. 'Why is working in Parliament House different to serving our nation in uniform on the battlefields?' The number of compensation claims by military veterans between June 2022 and December 2023 was also listed. Within that timeframe, there were 4,170 veterans receiving defence-related compensation and 64,934 veterans receiving compensation for military rehabilitation. There were also between 77,967 and 77,025 veterans per quarter who were receiving a fortnightly disability compensation pension. In December 2022 alone, the month Ms Higgins' $2.4million claim was settled, there were 169 veterans on defence-related compensation and 3145 veterans who were on compensation for military rehabilitation. Mr Joyce had also asked, in the event that any diggers did receive a payment akin to Ms Higgins, what their injuries and circumstances were, and what the timeframe of approval was. However, those questions were not applicable because no veteran has received that much. According to Ms Higgins' settlement deed, her $2.445million payment included $1.48million to cover lost earning capacity; $400,000 for hurt, distress and humiliation; $220,000 for medical expenses $100,000 for past and future domestic assistance; and $245,000 for her legal costs. Senator Reynolds and Senator Cash were barred from mediation talks, despite Ms Higgins' claims that they didn't support her in the aftermath of her alleged rape. A driver who used Snapchat and Instagram on her phone moments before she struck and killed a cyclist on a country road has been slammed by a judge and jailed. Abby Sturgess, 23, was supported by family and friends when she appeared in Victoria's County Court at Wodonga on Wednesday for sentencing. The aspiring midwife had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving causing death when she rammed into the back of Anthony Reeckman, 59, near Rutherglen, in Victoria's north-east, in January 2023. The avid cyclist and photographer suffered traumatic injuries when he was hit by the car, bouncing off the bonnet and windscreen before being flung 25.6 metres. Sturgess immediately stopped at the scene, called triple-zero and commenced CPR, but Mr Reeckman could not be revived. There were emotional scenes in the courtroom as Sturgess was sentenced to 16 months jail on Wednesday. Enrolled nurse Abby Sturgess (pictured) will spend at least six months behind bars after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death READ MORE: Chilling moment man screams for help as he is chased down and killed in drug deal gone wrong William Holdback was killed following a suspected drug deal in Adelaide's west Advertisement The court heard that Sturgess had been travelling between 79km/h and 87km/h at the time of the collision, and had no drugs or alcohol in her system. When questioned by police, Sturgess denied using her phone, instead saying she didn't see Mr Reeckman because the sun was in her eyes. Investigators later found four messages she had sent on Snapchat in the five minutes leading up to the crash. The Instagram application was also recorded as being open on her phone screen seconds before the collision. County Court Judge Peter Rozen said in his sentencing remarks that it was clear the crash was not caused by a momentary lapse of attention. Rather, Sturgess' phone use was 'prolonged and persistent' while driving at high speed which led to the death of Mr Reeckman, who was regarded as a beloved member of the community. 'You evidently did not see him as you made no attempt to slow down or avoid the collision,' Judge Rozen said. 'You were distracted by your mobile phone.' 'You were travelling at a considerable speed in a motor vehicle without due attention to the road before you, creating a significant risk of serious harm to the public.' Cyclist Anthony Reeckman (pictured with his partner Deb Enshaw) was killed when he was struck by a distracted driver from behind in January last year The court heard harrowing impact statements from Mr Reeckman's partner of seven years Deb Enshaw and from his siblings. Ms Enshaw began her statement stating that 'the worst day of [her] life was the last of [Tony's]' as she recalled the the immense shock and sadness his death caused. She told the court she felt robbed of the future she and her partner were looking forward to, had planned and prepared for and that she will will miss Tony every day for the rest of her life. Mr Reeckman's sister Barbara spoke of the enduring impact his death has had on their close-knit family and will be felt for the rest of their lives. Sturgess was living in Rutherglen at the time of the crash before she moved to Wangaratta last year, where she found work as an enrolled nurse and continued studying with plans to become a midwife. Judge Rozen accepted Sturgess was a young woman of otherwise impeccable character and noted her 'most impressive' references, which included colleagues and her supervisor. 'They paint a picture of a young woman who contributes to her community and is hard working and loved by those with whom she comes into contact,' he said. He also accepted Sturgess' diagnosed post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders would make her time behind bars more difficult. Anthony Reeckman, 59, was an avid cyclist and photographer before his life was cut short Sturgess' prospects of rehabilitation were excellent, she had shown genuine remorse and had entered an early guilty plea. 'In a heartfelt letter you wrote to the court you express your sorrow for your actions,' Judge Rozen said. 'You apologise to Mr Reeckman's family and to your own. 'You say that a part of you died on January 27 2023 and that you can no longer be proud of yourself.' But the judge said a jail term was required due to the severity of the crime and the need to deter others from committing similar offences. Sturgess' friends and family wept as she was jailed for one year and four months. She must serve at least six months before being eligible for parole, which could be as early as November. Her licence was also cancelled and she was disqualified from driving for 18 months. Mr Reeckman's loved ones hope that Sturgess will be able to get on with her life after she serves her sentence and that it serves as a timely reminder to all road users. 'It's a horrible situation there's no winners in this case,' his partner told the ABC. 'Everyone's lost something; we have lost a lot. 'It's the only positive that can possibly come out of this case if someone sees this and is deterred from using their phones.' Pro-Palestine activists have falsely accused Nova Peris of making an offensive comment about an Australian aid worker killed in Gaza - when she said nothing of the sort. The former Olympic athlete-turned-Labor politician was criticised last week on Facebook for her recent trip to Israel. A Palestinian supporter accused Ms Peris of 'shaking hands with Zionists' on the same day that Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom, five fellow aid workers and their Palestinian driver were killed in an Israeli airstrike. Ms Peris instantly hit back at her accuser, saying she 'wouldn't be worried about hostages, just another lowlife terrorist sympathiser'. But those remarks were later republished on X by an Indigenous post-doctorate candidate from the Queensland University of Technology, Amy McQuire. Dr McQuire posted a cropped image of the Facebook spat and captioned it: 'This is what Nova Peris said about Zomi Frankcom - who was murdered by the IDF'. In fact, Ms Peris' 'lowlife terrorist sympathiser' comment was about her online critic, not about Ms Frankcom. Dr McGuire had either misinterpreted who the post was about, or sought to misrepresent it. 'Peris is a hate-filled callous person and a genocide apologist,' Dr McQuire continued. Ms Frankcom and her team had unloaded ' 100 tons of humanitarian food aid' before they were killed (pictured, the last photo Ms Frankcom sent her family just moments before entering Gaza) A woman accused former Olympian and Senator Ms Peris of 'shaking hands with Zionists' on her recent trip to Israel Ms Peris is a staunch advocate for Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza, and recently travelled to Tel Aviv, where she met and spoke with families of victims of the October 7 Hamas attack Dr McQuire's post was viewed 49,800 times, attracted 498 likes and 114 comments, many of which criticised Ms Peris on the basis of the false allegation. The post has since been amended to include a community note from X, which indicates it was incorrect or misleading. The community note clarified that Ms Peris was not actually speaking about Ms Frankcom. 'The post incorrectly identifies the word 'she' as being 'Zomi'. When the preceding posts are read it is clear the word 'she' is referring to the previous comment. The screen grab provided omits this,' the community note reads. Dr McQuire told Daily Mail Australia she would not be removing the misleading post, but did not explain why not. 'Why don't you write an article about Nova Peris' propaganda tour of Israel in the midst of an ongoing genocide,' she said. She has since republished comments made by others condemning Ms Peris. Ms Peris has recently become a vocal advocate for Israel amid the ongoing war with the militant Palestinian group Hamas. She recently travelled to Tel Aviv, where she met and spoke with families of victims of the October 7 Hamas attack. Dr McQuire's post (above) was viewed 49,800 times, attracted 498 likes and 114 comments, many of which criticised Ms Peris This is the full remark Dr McQuire took out of context and republished on X Ms Peris has been heavily criticised by Palestine supporters for her stance on the conflict She said of the trip: 'The last 5 days has been beyond heartbreaking in so many ways. I've shed many tears listening and bearing witness to the stories of horror. 'To the Jewish people, I'm truly sorry. I share your pain. I understand as a First Nation woman what it's like to have your very existence try to be erased.' READ MORE: Zomi Frankcom's heartbroken family speak out Advertisement But the trip sparked uproar within the Australian pro-Palestinian movement, who accused Ms Peris of 'siding with oppressors' and 'hanging with genocidal Zionists'. Ms Peris said: 'I have not at any time accused Ms Lalzawmi Frankcom of being a terrorist sympathiser. 'I express my continued support for, and condolences to, Ms Frankcom's family and friends for the loss of their loved one.' Ms Frankcom was killed when the humanitarian convoy she was travelling in south of central Gaza was hit by an Israeli airstrike. She, five other international aid workers and a Palestinian driver were killed as they tried to deliver food to under-siege communities. Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner later said the IDF had reason to believe Hamas gunmen were part of the convoy. 'The trucks were coming from where the food supplies had been offloaded from the World Central Kitchen ship to the warehouses,' he told the ABC. 'As the trucks were driving, armed terrorists got on at least one of the trucks and even let off a few shots while they were driving. 'They came to a conclusion that this must be Hamas.' Audrey Hale, 28, shot and killed six people at the Nashville school in March 2023 The Tennessee Senate has just passed a bill that will let some educators bring guns to school. The state Senate passed SB 1325 by a vote of 26-5 Tuesday, allowing concealed handguns in the classroom. Republican state senators passed the bill amid angry protests, as left-leaning dissidents campaigned for its demise. The bill's passing comes weeks after the first anniversary of the mass shooting at The Covenant School, which left six people, several of them kids, dead. On Tuesday, several produced signs bearing those victims' names. Around 200 gun-reform advocates thus descended on the proceedings at the Capitol in Nashville Tuesday to voice their opposition, standing in the Senate's gallery with some having to be removed. Scroll down for video: The Tennessee Senate on Tuesday passed a bill that will let some educators bring guns to school. Republican state senators passed it amid angry protests, as left-leaning dissidents campaigned for its demise. The bill's passing comes weeks after the first anniversary of the mass shooting at The Covenant School , which left six, several of them kids, dead. Shooter Audrey Hale, a former student at the Nashville school, is seen here carrying out the March 2023 attack 'Kill the bill, not the kids!' sign-waving opponents chanted overhead, from a confined area overseen by several state troopers. As lawmakers debated, more chants of 'shame on you' were heard - as many voiced concern over teachers not needing disclose if they are carrying a weapon under the prospective bill. One of the few Senators to vote against the bill in Raumesh Akbari, cited this before the landslide vote, saying from the floor: 'A teacher is not allowed to put a rainbow flag on her desk, but she's allowed to carry a gun in this state.' Bill co-sponsor state Sen. Paul Bailey, meanwhile, shot back there is 'a lot of misinformation' about the legislation, which he pointed out 'does not require any teacher in this state to carry a gun while working.' The Republican remarked: 'This bill is completely permissive. It simply gives a faculty or staff member the option.' Democratic state Sen. London Lamar - another politician opposed to SB 1325 - held her infant son as she spoke from the at-times heated House floor. Declaring her opposition, she asked her contemporaries to use 'common sense' as they mulled the efficacy of such a legislation. 'We are literally talking about arming educators, who took an oath to teach our kids writing and arithmetic,' she said, child in tow. 'And [now] we're now turning them into law enforcement agents.' Tennessee State Troopers are seen removing gun reform activists from the Senate Gallery after Lt. Governor Randy McNally ordered the gallery cleared State troopers were asked to clear the gallery of all observers except the mothers of students at The Covenant School - where last year's fatal shooting unfolded Advocates have argued the deaths may have been avoided if any of the staff had been armed. In response, dissidents produced signs bearing the victims' names Covenant School moms are seen protesting SB 1325 outside the chamber doors on Tuesday Gun safety activists stood outside the chamber after being forced out to minimize outbursts 'Kill the bill, not the kids!' sign-waving opponents chanted overhead, from a confined area overseen by several state troopers As lawmakers debated, more chants of 'shame on you' were heard - as many voiced concern over teachers not needing disclose if they are carrying a weapon under the prospective bill Following some debate in the Republican-dominated house, the vote eventually went through - and almost immediately after, a chorus of chants of 'vote them out' rang out across the auditorium But the bill still needs to make its way through the Tennessee General Assembly before becoming an official law, and a date for it to be tabled as not been set If it does pass, Tennessee would join some 34 states that allow school personnel or teachers to carry a firearm - though it's not as simple as them just bringing one into their respective building First, educators are required to obtain an enhanced carry permit, which requires an application fee of $100 and an eight-hour training course Then, they will need to obtain written authorization from their superintendent, principal, and the chief of their local law enforcement agency, along with 40 hours of basic training in school policing Another 40 hours of training for Peace Officer's Standards is also required, at the educator's expense. A background check and psychological exam conducted by a Tennessee licensed health care provider comes next, after which the applicant will be able to bring a concealed weapon into their place of work Republican state Sen. Ken Yager spoke in support of the bill, after conceding debate surrounding the subject is 'emotionally charged.' He went on to point out how rural counties like the ones he represents often have only two deputies on shift, creating opportunity for prospective killers to record causalities. Yager said the bill would address that, erasing any delays in future law enforcement responses. Following some debate in the Republican-dominated house, the vote eventually went through - and almost immediately after, a chorus of chants of 'vote them out' rang out across the auditorium. But the bill still needs to make its way through the Tennessee General Assembly before becoming an official law, and a date for it to be tabled as not been set. If it does pass, Tennessee would join some 34 states that allow school personnel or teachers to carry a firearm - though it's not as simple as them just bringing one into their respective building. First, educators are required to obtain an enhanced carry permit, which requires an application fee of $100 and an eight-hour training course. Then, they will need to obtain written authorization from their superintendent, principal, and the chief of their local law enforcement agency, along with 40 hours of basic training in school policing. Hale can be seen stalking the corridors in footage released by Nashville police. She walks the length of the corridor before disappearing in the distance to go up to the second floor A 9mm gun that Hale had on her person when she stormed the school on March 27, 2023 Another 40 hours of training for Peace Officer's Standards is also required, at the educator's expense. A background check and psychological exam conducted by a Tennessee licensed health care provider comes next, after which the applicant will be able to bring a concealed weapon into their place of work. The bill does not, however, allow weapons to be carried openly 'or in any other manner in which the handgun is visible to ordinary observation,' and does not allow handguns to be carried in 'stadiums, gymnasiums, or auditoriums when school-sponsored events are in progress.' Meetings where tenure or disciplinary matters are being discussed are also prohibited sites for gunslingers. The bill will now make its way through the proper channels. Meanwhile, 2023 was a record year in terms of teens being injured or killed by incidents of gun violence, with an unsettling tally of 1,381 injuries and 3,861 deaths. That's up from the 1,379 injuries and 3,814 deaths seen last year, which - as was the case for mass murders - was the most ever recorded at the time. The deadliest shooting happened in October in Lewiston, the second most populous city in Maine. Months before, transgender Tennessean Audrey Hale stormed the Nashville elementary school in March, killing three 9-year-olds and three adults before being gunned down herself. Advocates have argued the deaths may have been avoided if any of the staff had been armed. State troopers were thus asked to clear the gallery of all observers except the mothers of students at the school where the fatal shooting unfolded. Thirteen young Orthodox Jewish men were arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the bizarre January incident at a Brooklyn synagogue involving an illegally dug tunnel. The men - who are between the ages of 18 and 21 - pled not guilty to charges ranging from criminal mischief to obstructing governmental administration in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn Wednesday. Four defendants are currently in Israel - where he said all but one of them come from - and were not present at the hearing, attorney Levi Huebner said, adding that 'nobody's trying to run away' and they will return to face the charges. The young men have been ordered to give up their passports but did not agree to prosecutors' demands to ban them from the Crown Heights synagogue in question. None of these young men have been charged with actually performing the excavation. Thirteen young Orthodox Jewish men were arraigned Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the bizarre January incident at a Brooklyn synagogue involving an illegally dug tunnel The men - who are between the ages of 18 and 21 - pled not guilty to charges ranging from criminal mischief to obstructing governmental administration in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn Wednesday Six of the defendants face obstruction of a government administration and 11 are face felony criminal mischief charges, the New York Post reported. 'Violence and destruction are anathema to everything the Rebbe taught. We pray that they see the error of their ways,' Rabbi Motti Seligson, a spokesman for the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, told the New York Times. The men charged all belong to that movement. Wild scenes broke out in early January at a synagogue in Brooklyn, after construction workers arrived to fill in an illegally dug tunnel that was being used by young Orthodox Jewish men in an attempt to link the building to a nearby ritual bath. The chaos erupted at the Chabad Lubavitch global headquarters in Crown Heights at 770 Eastern Parkway. In December, the rabbi discovered youths had dug tunnels beneath the building to access another property on the same street. It remains unclear why the young men are so attached to the property they were allegedly accessing illegally - they have for years been at loggerheads with the synagogue over who owns the main property, but the appeal of the ritual bath or mikvah is unclear. The wooden walls of the synagogue are pictured being ripped apart, in scenes the rabbi said were 'mind-boggling' The NYPD was called to try and get the young men out the tunnels and allow the passageway to be filled with cement Members of the synagogue ripped away wooden panels inside to reveal the entrance to the tunnel, and enter to prevent the tunnels being filled When cement diggers and construction crews showed up last night to fill the tunnel, the young men protested, throwing themselves in the way to block their efforts. It took the NYPD to forcibly remove them. Videos of the incident were later shared on social media. Members of Chabad-Lubavitch have been digging tunnels under the synagogue for many months. Young members of a Hasidic group in Brooklyn secretly hired migrant workers to dig a tunnel under their Brooklyn headquarters when their elders refused to expand the sanctuary. Six members of the Chabad-Lubavitch group first began digging on their own, using crude tools and their own hands, stuffing dirt into their pockets to hide the project from their synagogue's leaders, according to the New York Post. 'Youve seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption? Thats what these young men did at first: They dug and put the dirt in their pockets,' Chabad-Lubavitch member Eitan Kalmowitz told the outlet. The young men then reportedly did a collection to pay migrants to finish the job they started, and the workers lived at the abandoned building next door while the project continued. Followers of the late Rabbi Schneerson, seen as the Messiah by many in the group, told DailyMail.com they believe redemption will come to them when they fulfill his command of expanding their holiest site - his former home at 770. Young men are pictured being arrested, handcuffed and led away by the NYPD Scene at 770 Eastern Parkway following a brawl inside the Chabad headquarters that resulted in several arrests The NYPD worked to empty the building of people so the construction crews could work Frustrated by what they saw as the synagogue's leadership unwillingness to work to fulfill the command, young Chabad members independently started tearing down walls to connect the synagogue, which sits in a basement and already covers two buildings, into a third building next door. The Chabad leaders are in litigation over control of the building, which is currently vacant but used to serve as a bath house over 30 years ago. But the unapproved project was discovered in December after neighbors reportedly complained, and the synagogue's leaders themselves set out to shut it down. When workers showed up to fill the space, a few young Hassidic men refused to let them, with some seen on video breaking through a sanctuary wall with hammers. An investigation by the citys Department of Buildings uncovered a tunnel that was 60-foot-long, 8-foot-wide and 5-foot-high located underneath the global headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitch movement New York building officials have issued emergency work orders to stabilize a historic synagogue and its neighboring structures. A tourist guide at the Chabad headquarters who asked to be identified only as Baruch told DailyMail.com that most of the group's member agree the synagogue must be expanded, but think the boys went about it 'the wrong way.' 'Thousands of people come here every year. It's impossible for everyone to fit, especially during the high Holidays - we're talking about five, 10,000 people squishing into here. I've been here. It's painful stuff. Just sweating. It's very, very hard. Zalmy Grossman, one of the Chabad members, agreed with Baruch, and even became upset when he witnessed Chabad media director Motti Seligson deny that the group is looking to expand 770 because, he explained, that is one of their fundamental beliefs. 'There is a big hole on the ground that we can connect the two buildings together from both sides and it becomes a big giant place, the whole underground - to connect them together, to be bigger, bigger, bigger,' Grossman said outside 770. Wild scenes ensured inside the Crown Heights building in early January A police cruiser is seen outside the building, at 770 Eastern Parkway An NYPD officer is seen talking to a member of the community Seligson had previously issued a statement denouncing the young men, who he described as a minority in the synagogue. 'Students broke through a few walls in adjacent properties to the synagogue to provide them unauthorized access,' Seligson posted on X. 'A cement truck was brought in to repair those walls. Those efforts were disrupted by the extremists who broke through the wall to the synagogue, vandalizing the sanctuary, in an effort to preserve their unauthorized access.' The synagogue has been closed until inspectors determine its structural safety. The building at 770 Eastern Parkway was once home to the movements leader, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, and draws thousands of visitors each year. Its Gothic Revival facade is immediately recognizable to adherents of the Chabad movement and replicas of the revered building have been constructed all over the world. Schneerson led the Chabad-Lubavitch for more than four decades before his death in 1994, reinvigorating a Hasidic religious community that had been devastated by the Holocaust. The headquarters were also the epicenter of the 1991 Crown Heights riots, which began after a seven-year-old boy was struck and killed by a car in the rabbis motorcade. A young couple with university degrees and steady jobs have revealed how they spent six months looking for somewhere to rent without success, in the latest snapshot of the rental crisis smashing Australia. Talitha Vermeulen, 25, and her 32-year-old boyfriend Trent Sacilotto have spent the past six months trying to find somewhere to rent in Sydney's Sutherland Shire. 'It's pretty frustrating because you're looking for a place to stay which is a necessity of life, to have a roof over your head,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'It's demotivating, going again, and again.' Anne Crarey, a property manager with 25 years' experience, says she's never seen a housing crisis as bad as this, with homes being leased even before the old tenants had left. Now she has revealed her top tips for how to get your key in the door of a new rental home for struggling couples like Ms Vermeulen and Mr Sacilotto. Talitha Vermeulen, 25, and her 32-year-old boyfriend Trent Sacilotto have spent the past six months trying to find somewhere to rent in Sydney's Sutherland Shire without much success The couple were paying $570 a week for a one-bedroom unit at Cronulla, a beachside suburb, and have recently see their rent increase by $30, or a modest 5.3 per cent by contemporary standards. But they would rather have something with two bedrooms but can't afford to pay more than $700 a week The couple were paying $570 a week for a one-bedroom unit at Cronulla, a beachside suburb, and have recently see their rent increase by $30, or a modest 5.3 per cent by contemporary standards. But they would rather have something with two bedrooms but can't afford to pay more than $700 a week. 'It's either the price is just so much higher or a lower quality place,' Ms Vermeulen said. 'We were looking at places that were $700 max, because we were looking just to add another bedroom but two bedroom is more like one bedroom and a study. 'We love our location of the apartment - it's close to everything.' Ms Vermeulen, who has two degrees in arts and primary teaching from Macquarie University, now earns $75,000 a year doing social media for a creative studio at nearby Caringbah. Her boyfriend works as a building designer. Every Saturday, they have braved long queues hoping to find a bigger apartment in the Sutherland Shire so they can have more space and still be close to their family and friends. Every Saturday, they have braved long queues hoping to find a bigger apartment in the Sutherland Shire so they can have more space and still be close to their family and friends 'Everyone's around us, hence why we want to keep living in the area,' Ms Vermeulen said. The modern two-bedroom units available for $700, in a complex with an elevator, are outside their local area. Ms Vermeulen has given up even trying to buy a house in her local area, for the time being, given Cronulla's median house price of $3.1million is only attainable for the very wealthy. 'It's quite hard because I would love to save money to buy a house with my partner but it just seem very far stretched for us,' she said. 'We would love to stay in our area in Cronulla but we're not even thinking about buying at the moment - it's just a dream. 'I feel like we have a lot more expenses to pay - even though the pay rate might be higher, we just have too much to pay for nowadays.' Property insider says it's worst she's seen Ms Crarey, the executive general manager of property services at Little Real Estate, said a house at Parramatta, in Sydney's west, this year had 71 groups queue up to have a look - and attracted 68 applications. Families, and not just the young or single, are struggling to find rental accommodation, she said. Capital city rental vacancy rates are now well under one per cent, leading to a widespread rental crisis in Australia's major capital cities and regional centres. Ms Crarey said this was the worst crisis she had seen in her 25 years working in property management in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. Weekly rents have soared in the last 12 months as more and more join the queue of people scrambling to find a roof over their head. Capital city house rents climbed by 10.5 per cent in the year to March to a record $630 a week, new Domain data released on Thursday revealed. But in Sydney, the median weekly house rent has surged by 13.6 per cent to an even more unaffordable $750 as Melbourne's rent soared 14 per cent to $570 and Brisbane rose 10.7 per cent to $620. Units were hardly much more affordable, with Sydney's midpoint weekly apartment rent climbing by 12.9 per cent to $700. 'I've never seen anything like it, especially across all three states,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Anne Crarey, the executive general manager of property services at Little Real Estate, said a house at Parramatta, in Sydney 's west, this year had 71 groups queue up to have a look, leading to 68 applications 'Now, it's much more dire for people who are looking - there's less available. 'The lines are long - we lease a lot of our properties before they become vacant. 'There's just a lot of demand, the demand is high, especially if it's a well-maintained property, especially if the rent is a reasonable rent.' Tips for prospective renters Those looking to rent are urged to have a cover letter ready, along with identification, proof of pay and savings, and a guarantor if they worried about financial struggles. 'You need to put your best foot forward for the landlord - it's like a job interview in some respects,' Ms Crarey said. 'Have all your documents prepared in advance so then you can actually apply straight away. 'That includes your ID, your proof of income, your references, your rental history - have it ready to go before the open for inspection, then you can apply as soon as the open for inspection's done. 'If you're waiting a day after you've viewed a property, you're going to miss out. 'I would be writing a cover letter and in that cover letter, I would be writing to your future potential landlord and introducing yourself - let there be a personal connection at that point.' Ms Crarey said those struggling financially needed to find a guarantor, like a parent, who would bail them out if they couldn't pay the rent. 'Show financial stability, so provide evidence of a stable income and savings,' she said. 'If you can't do that, have a guarantor ready to go. 'The more prepared you are, the better off you're going to be and it's just making sure you have all your ducks in a row so you can show you're the best applicant for this landlord's property.' Those looking to rent are urged to have a cover letter ready, along with identification, proof of pay and savings and a guarantor if they worried about financial struggles (pictured is a Bondi rent queue) TIPS FOR THOSE WANTING TO RENT 1. Write a cover letter introducing yourself to prospective landlord 2. Have documents ready including ID, proof of income, references, rental history 3. Considering having a guarantor if you have possible financial issues 4. Provide evidence of a stable income too 5. Be flexible with lease terms and consider suburbs not previously on your list 6. Keep in touch with property managers Advertisement Ms Crarey also advised desperate tenants to be opened-minded about longer lease terms, of up to two years rather than the usual one year. 'A landlord wants stability just as much as a tenant wants stability,' she said. Keeping in touch with property managers is also recommended. 'Express your interest verbally, over a text message, whatever it is, show your interest,' she said. What's causing the rental crisis? Little Real Estate, which does sales and property management in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, said landlords were now selling to make a profit to avoid higher mortgage repayments, leaving less supply on the rental market. 'You bought a house three or four years ago, and you sell it now, you're making a decent profit,' she said. 'Housing prices have just gone up so exponentially over the last couple of years that people are cashing in.' Mum and dad investors are now increasingly offering their properties for their children to rent, which reduces the available supply of rental accommodation. 'A lot of investors are now looking at their children and saying, "We see what's going on in the rental market, come and live in our investment property",' she said. 'You've got mum and dad supporting their children by allowing them to move into their investment property.' Last year, just 168,690 new houses and units were built, new Australian Bureau of Statistics building activity data released this week showed. With Australia's population increasing by 659,800 in the year to September and households having 2.5 people on average, that left a housing shortfall of 238,000. In the year to September, Australia had a net immigration pace of 548,800 as 111,000 babies were born, minus the deaths. Despite the supply shortage, Ms Crarey said there was little to entice anyone to become a landlord, even though investors qualify for a 50 per cent capital gains tax discount and negative gearing tax breaks if they make a rental loss. 'The one thing that we're not seeing is really any incentive for anybody to want to invest in the property market,' she said. Similar scandals have rocked schools in Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach The images were allegedly created by students and spread on a messaging app Administrators have launched an investigation at Fairfax High School in L.A. A third school in Southern California has been hit with allegations of digitally manipulated images of students circulating around campus. The Los Angeles Unified School District has launched a formal inquiry into claims that 'inappropriate images' were created and shared by students at Fairfax High School. LAUSD officials allege the images were distributed on a 'third-party messaging app' unaffiliated with the district. 'These allegations are taken seriously, do not reflect the values of the Los Angeles Unified community and will result in appropriate disciplinary action if warranted,' the district wrote in a statement on Wednesday. While officials declined to mention if the images in question were created using artificial intelligence, they asserted that the district 'remains steadfast in providing training on the ethical use of technology - including AI .' The Los Angeles Unified School District launched an investigation after 'inappropriate images' were allegedly created and shared by students at Fairfax High School District officials said the images were shared on a 'third-party messaging app,' but did not clarify whether the images were created using artificial intelligence Furthermore, they wrote, LAUSD 'is committed to enhancing education around digital citizenship, privacy and safety for all in our school communities.' The incident is the latest in a series of scandals plaguing schools in the Southern California region. Just last month, administrators at Laguna Beach High School launched an investigation after a student allegedly created and circulated 'inappropriate images' of their classmates. In an email to parents on March 25, Principal Jason Allemann wrote that school leadership was 'taking steps to investigate and directly address this issue with those involved.' Simultaneously, he added, the matter should be viewed as 'a teachable moment for our students, reinforcing the importance of responsible behavior and mutual respect.' The Laguna Beach Police Department is assisting with the pending investigation, which comes amid a separate inquiry by the Beverly Hills Police Department into the distribution of 'deepfakes' at a local middle school. The Beverly Hills Unified School District issued a statement to parents when artificially generated nude photos of students began to circulate around Beverly Vista Middle School in late February. An investigation is ongoing at Laguna Beach High School, where a student allegedly created and circulated 'inappropriate images' of their classmates last month The term 'deepfakes' is used to refer to AI-generated media that has been manipulated to replace one person's likeness with that of another Artificially generated nude photos of students began to circulate around Beverly Vista Middle School in late February, leading to the expulsion of five eighth graders 'Sixteen eighth-grade students were identified as being victimized, as well as five egregiously involved eighth-grade students,' Superintendent Michael Bregy wrote. While Bregy acknowledged that children 'are still learning and growing, and mistakes are part of the process,' he affirmed disciplinary measures had been taken and noted that the incident was swiftly contained. The district vowed to hold accountable any other students 'found to be creating, disseminating, or in possession of AI-generated images of this nature.' The board of education voted to expel the five eighth graders, whose names have not been released, during a special meeting on March 6. The term 'deepfake,' a portmanteau of 'deep learning' and 'fake,' originated on Reddit in 2017. It was used to denote images created by a user who transferred celebrities faces onto pornographic video clips with the help of artificial intelligence. Today, the term is used broadly to refer to AI-generated media that has been digitally manipulated to replace one person's likeness with that of another. The images produced are often so convincing that deepfake technology has spurred mass panic among celebrities and politicians alike. The term 'deepfake,' a portmanteau of 'deep learning' (a type of artificial intelligence) and 'fake,' originated on Reddit in 2017 New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez recently shared her traumatic experience encountering an AI-generated pornographic video of herself online The images produced are often so convincing that deepfake technology has spurred mass panic among celebrities and politicians alike. Most recently, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez rehashed the traumatic experience of seeing an AI-generated pornographic video of herself earlier this year. She was inspired to introduce legislation in the House allowing victims of deepfakes to take civil action against the producers and distributors of the offensive content. 'Victims of nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes have waited too long for federal legislation to hold perpetrators accountable,' Ocasio-Cortez wrote in statement last month, 'As deepfakes become easier to access and create - 96% of deepfake videos circulating online are nonconsensual pornography - Congress needs to act to show victims that they wont be left behind.' The bill, dubbed the DEFIANCE Act, will create a federal civil right of action for victims of so-called 'digital forgery.' It was introduced in the House on March 7 and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. A man has been charged after police allegedly smashed an illegal pharmaceutical drug ring in Sydney's west in a raid that seized around $12million worth of Xanax. Raptor Squad officers found 772kg of Alprazolam, a generic name for Xanax, when they stormed a storage unit in Auburn in Sunday night. Police also intercepted a truck in Wagga Wagga, in the NSW Riverina, on Wednesday night and allegedly found shopping bags filled with almost $1million in cash. The driver, Bogdan Shadrin, 28, was arrested and taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station. He was charged with supplying a prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. Raptor Squad officers found more than 700 kilogams worth of Alprazolam when they descended on a storage unit in Auburn The drug is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, but it is sold illicitly for recreational purposes because of its disinhibition, euphoria, and anxiolytic effect During the search police seized shopping bags allegedly containing almost $1million in cash Shadrin appeared before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Thursday. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody on remand until the next court date. The matter has been transferred to Bankstown Local Court, where he will appear via audio visual link on June 11. The state's elite organised crime detectives set up Strike Force Chadderton two months ago to crackdown on interstate cash movements linked to crime. The drugs haul is the largest single seizure of pharmaceutical drugs in NSW history. Xanax is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, but it is also sold illegally for recreational purposes because of its euphoric and anxiety-relieving effects. Bruce Lehrmann has been partying up a storm over the past three days with a bevy of glamorous women at his new pad, brandishing bottles of booze and marching around shoeless. But Daily Mail Australia can reveal Mr Lehrmann's weekday festivities have infuriated his new neighbours on Sydney's north shore, with locals complaining about 'shrieking' women and 'selfish' parking arrangements. Mr Lehrmann's controversial party week started on Tuesday evening when he was spotted in a burgundy blazer, flanked by two glammed-up women, outside his home. Moments after Federal Court Justice Michael Lee set a new date for judgement in his blockbuster defamation case, Mr Lehrmann and his female friends charged through the rain and jumped into the back of an Uber, with one holding a can of alcohol. On Wednesday, the party continued when another group of women entered the same property - among them, a blonde who made her media debut in March when she appeared barefoot with a vape on the balcony of his old place in Balgowlah. She approached the home on Wednesday in a black dress with a thigh-high split and black stiletto heels, while juggling car keys, a phone, a bottle of Hendrick's gin and a half-drunk bottle of whisky. And on Thursday, shortly after midday, yet another crowd shuffled into the home carrying boxes of alcohol. A frustrated neighbour told Daily Mail Australia there had been raging parties at the property over the past 'three or four weekends' that often don't end until 6.30am. Bruce Lehrmann is pictured with two women on Tuesday, moments after date was set for his defamation trial Mr Lehrmann and his companions braved the rain and disappeared into an Uber Pictured: Bruce Lehrmann and two women leaving his North Sydney home on Tuesday 'It's not loud music, it's mostly carry-on with the girls shrieking and screaming along to Tina Turner,' the neighbour said. 'They're constantly swearing, its "f-this" and "f-that".' Another neighbour accused guests of parking on the footpath and across driveways, which they said 'is selfish for parents pushing prams'. 'Its quite intrusive because they already have a double car garage to park in,' they said. Loud chatter could be heard coming from the home on Thursday, as a man arrived with a box of Suntory whiskey and John Farnham's hit 'The Voice' played in the background. Later that afternoon, the group received a Taco Bell delivery. It is unclear whether Mr Lehrmann is living at the property alone or with a flatmate, or if it's a temporary arrangement while he finds a more permanent option. Channel Seven had covered his rent at the $2000-a-week Balgowlah property for a year in exchange for exclusive interviews on the network's Spotlight program, but the year is now up. Wednesday night's gathering also included two women who arrived in activewear, holding hands as they walked through the gate. A male friend in a black puffer vest then arrived with another bottle of spirits. One woman who was out with Bruce Lehrmann on Tuesday was spotted leaving on Thursday (pictured) A mysterious blond woman arrived at Bruce Lehrmann's place on Wednesday The mystery blonde is the same woman who appeared on his balcony in Balgowlah, barefoot and holding a vape (right). Two more women are pictured entering the home on Wednesday The blonde woman could be seen chatting with Bruce Lehrmann on the balcony on Wednesday Mr Lehrmann's partying habits were thrust under the microscope last week when former Channel Seven employee, Taylor Auerbach, made a series of wild claims in the Federal Court. Among them were allegations that the network's Spotlight program had paid for Mr Lehrmann's cocaine, Thai massages, and lavish meals in a bid to entice him into exclusive interviews. He gave the court what he alleged were receipts for bars and brothels accrued during his time as Mr Lehrmann's 'babysitter', amounting to more than $10,000. Channel Seven has denied the claims. Mr Lehrmann previously told the court the network only covered his accommodation costs for a year, which worked out to be about $105,000, and reasonable travel costs for filming. Justice Michael Lee will hand down his judgement in Mr Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson on Monday morning. He launched defamation proceedings over an episode of The Project in February 2021, during which Brittany Higgins went public with her rape allegations for the first time in an interview with Wilkinson. Ms Higgins alleged Mr Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House in March 2019, when they were both staffers working for the Liberal Party. He was not named in the broadcast but claimed friends and colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist. He has always maintained his innocence. The month-long trial was heard in December. Bruce Lehrmann is pictured outside the property on Tuesday On Thursday, a man entered the property with a box of alcohol (pictured) A woman and a man were seen leaving the house before returning a short time later with vapes The man is believed to be Mr Lehrmann's housemate A delivery driver was seen bringing Taco Bell Warren Mundine, a leading 'No' campaigner in the Voice referendum, has dismissed calls for Indigenous people to be exempt from taxes and interest charges in buying homes as a 'brain fart'. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has not ruled out the race-based financial advantages being included in a treaty with the state's Indigenous population, with negotiations on that to be held later this year. Ms Allan's unwillingness to rule it out came after prominent Indigenous Elder Aunty Jill Gallagher AO pushed the case for an array of financial benefits the government should consider for the treaty. In her speech to the First People's Assembly of Victoria, held in Geelong over the weekend, Ms Gallagher said: 'Aboriginal people must be exempt from land tax [including stamp duty] and council rates.' Mr Mundine responded on Wednesday by saying there was no justification for the changes. Leading 'No' Voice referendum campaigner Warren Mundine slammed a proposal for Indigenous people to be exempted from Land Tax, labelling the reform as a 'brain fart' 'It is not going to do one thing for Aboriginal people,' Mr Mundine told Sky News' The Bolt Report. 'It is not going to stop crime, it is not going to stop deaths in custody, it is not going to get kids in school, it is not going to get parents into jobs, it is not going to get housing, it is not going to get all the things and expand our lives.' Mr Mundine accused the 'elites' of the Aboriginal movement of pushing for radical reforms like tax exemption to benefit themselves, when it did not apply to the bulk of indigenous people. He said his 'dirt poor' Aboriginal ancestors had managed to save enough money to buy their own homes through hard work. 'My grandparents bought their own house back in the 1930s and my parents bought their house in the 1940s,' Mr Mundine said. 'I bought my house in the 1970s and my children have bought their houses in the noughties. One of my grandchildren is saving her money to get her house. 'We've got five generations of Aboriginal people who have owned their own house, Got educations, got jobs and worked for it. 'I live in Sydney because I'm an economic refugee. My parents come from the bush that were dirt poor, hard workers, but they still scraped up money to buy a house.' All Australian states and territories - except for the Northern Territory - have mandatory taxes in place for owners of investment and commercial properties, holiday homes and unoccupied land. Land tax does not apply to a person's primary place of residence. Prominent Indigenous Elder Aunty Jill Gallagher AO (pictured) pushed the case for an array of financial benefits the government should consider for a national treaty In her speech to the First People's Assembly of Victoria, Ms Gallagher argued Aboriginal people must be exempt from land tax [including stamp duty] and council rates (pictured, Indigenous woman holding 'Always was, Always will be' sign at Invasion day protest) Dr Gallagher made other treaty recommendations outside of homeownership-related demands. Further recommendations included the restoration of languages and cultures at a local level, exemptions from HECS/HELP fees for tertiary education, the teaching of Aboriginal history in schools and increasing the 'visibility of Aboriginal culture'. She also suggested the government establish an Aboriginal specific Productivity Commission in Victoria, give designated seats on local councils and create an infrastructure fund. The former Treaty Advancement Commissioner said she believed the reforms would help close the wealth gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who campaigned against the Voice to Parliament, described the proposals as 'outlandish and insulting', saying they will create further division. 'These separatist policies have failed and were rejected by the Australian people at the referendum,' she said. Dr Gallagher has held the role of CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) since 2001. Native Americans in Utah are in an uproar after a uranium mine near a sacred site discovered a massive reserve of the radioactive material. Workers in the La Sal Complex, situated 32 miles outside of Moab, have returned to the mines after the facility opened and closed and opened again over the years. With the price of uranium increasing recently, production of the precious material has returned to the Beehive State. Other sites in the state include the White Mesa Mill in nearby White Mesa, both the facilities are owned by a company called Energy Fuels. Ian Lange, professor of economics and business at the Colorado School of Mines told Fox 13: 'It's certainly very hot, right. Prices are high.' Despite this, the mining of uranium in the area has sparked anger from Native American tribes, especially since they believe the mine to be atop an ancient burial. With the price of uranium increasing recently, production of the precious material has returned to the Beehive State. Part of the La Sal Complex is seen here Malcolm Lehi, the tribal government representative for White Mesa, said they also have concerns about possible pollution. He told Fox: 'If it was up to me, I would shut it down. This uranium mine long after were gone, its going to be there. No matter what. For thousands of years, its going to be there. 'What they're doing to Mother Earth, drilling and taking off different minerals or whatever, thinking that it's going to [make] things better, but it's not. 'That's part of climate change that you're taking away from the heart of Mother Nature.' Curtis Moore at Energy Fuels told Fox that there are better standards in place to protect the health and environment than there was in the early days of uranium mining. Moore said: 'Today we have a great understanding of what the hazards of uranium mining are and uranium milling.' In a report last year by the US Department of Health and Human Services, they ruled it 'unlikely' that anyone would be harmed from the water or air in White Mesa. Malcolm Lehi, the tribal government representative for White Mesa, said they also have concerns about possible pollution Bill Hemphill, seen here, told Fox that the clicking of his Geiger counter was music to his ears while mining Hemphill worked in La Sal in 1977 with his father working as a uranium miner there also. Now his two sons work in the mine Bill Hemphill, one of the workers inside La Sal, told Fox that the clicking of his Geiger counter was music to his ear. 'When it's really going off like that you know you're in your hood uranium', Hemphill told the outlet. Hemphill worked in La Sal in 1977 with his father working as a uranium miner there also. Now his two sons work in the mine. He described the mining as a physical and intellectual challenge, saying: 'Drilling. Looking for the ore, that's the funnest part.' The uranium appears as veins of yellow across the walls of the mine and have to be pursued with drills and explosives. Professor Lange has attributed the rising uranium prices to work in developing nuclear reactors and the war in Ukraine. Another company has announced plans to restart a mine in the town of Ticaboo, Utah, but Moore added that he believes the glory days of uranium mining to be over. The area was previously the main source of American uranium, with production post WW2 being measured in millions of pounds annually. Professor Lange has attributed the rising uranium prices to work in developing nuclear reactors and the war in Ukraine Uranium is minimally radioactive, but mining it causes radioactive radon gas to be released into the air He said: 'Those days are over. We're never going to have an industry like that.' In nearby Arizona, a uranium mine opened near the Grand Canyon last year despite warnings it could wreak the environment and local water sources. A 20-year law that banned mining on the uranium-rich land surrounding the national park expired in 2023, allowing the Pinyon Plain Mine to open in December - about 10 miles south of the Grand Canyon's southern brim. The mine's proximity to the national park has sparked pushback from environmental activists who fear that radioactive chemicals will contaminate the water and pose a health hazard to people who live in the area, as well as tourists. The Havasupai Tribe has repeatedly tried to prevent the mine from opening, arguing that it will contaminate local groundwater and threaten cultural and spiritual religious sites. A woman jointly charged with her husband with the murder of their infant son northwest of Brisbane says she will not be using a lawyer because she trusts 'in the Lord' to give her 'the words to say'. Murder indictments were presented against Noemi Kondacs and her husband Reinhardt Albert Bosch in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday. The couple are accused of murdering their infant son Rhuan at their home in Yugar on November 3, 2022. Ms Kondacs, from Stuttgart in Germany, has refused to seek legal representation since she was first charged. Reinhardt Albert Bosch and his wife Noemi Kondacs are both charged with the murder of their baby son Rhuan, who was found dead at their Yugar property in November 2022 Ms Kondacs has refused to seek legal advice for her charge of murdering Rhuan (pictured) 'For a charge of this seriousness, it would be in your interests to get some legal advice at some stage,' Supreme Court Justice Peter Callaghan told Ms Kondacs. 'I'm intrigued ... because for a charge of this seriousness I wonder why you wouldn't get legal advice?' Asked if she wanted to speak to anyone about legal representation, Ms Kondacs declined. 'I just trust in the Lord to give me the words to say,' she told the court. Justice Callaghan urged her to consider some advice, even if it was about how the legal system worked, to ensure her best interests could be looked after. Police allege Mr Bosch and Ms Kondacs prayed over Rhuan's injured body on the day of his alleged murder before phoning an ambulance. It is further alleged Rhuan had 'visible' injuries and police came upon a 'confronting' scene. Ms Kondacs is also facing a single charge of failing to provide the necessities of life. Mr Bosch is facing charges of murder, torture and assault occasioning actual bodily harm while armed with an offensive instrument Mr Bosch was committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court on charges of murder, torture and assault occasioning actual bodily harm while armed with an offensive instrument in October last year. William Sun, acting for Mr Bosch, on Thursday said his office would benefit from making submissions on their client's torture charge. Mr Bosch and Ms Kondacs have not yet entered pleas to the charges. Both cases will be mentioned at court again on May 9. Dates for Mr Bosch and Ms Kondacs' trials have not been set. Among the wounded are a 9-year-old and 12-year-old, according to police One person was killed and five others injured in a shooting Wednesday evening One person has been killed and five injured, including children, in a shooting in Washington, D.C., just minutes away from the White House. At around 6:15 pm, the suspects drove up and fired into a crowd in the Carver Langston neighborhood on Wednesday evening, according to Police Chief Pamela Smith. Investigators believe the suspects left the car and began shooting at people on the street. They peeled away in a light blue Toyota sedan with no front tags, dark tints and black rims, police say. The vehicle is 'possibly occupied with two shooters inside.' One man was killed and five people were injured after gunfire erupted in a Northeast Washington, D.C. neighborhood on Wednesday The suspects climbed out of a blue Toyota sedan (pictured) and fired into a crowd in the Carver Langston neighborhood just after 6 p.m. The suspects then took off in the car, which police describe as having no front tags, dark tints and black rims Police Chief Pamela Smith reported that one man had been killed, while two men, a woman and a 9-year-old boy were taken to local hospitals with injuries A 12-year-old boy was later taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound and is thought to be another victim of the same incident One man was declared dead at the scene, while two men, a woman and a 9-year-old boy were rushed by ambulance to local hospitals. A 12-year-old boy later arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound and is also believed to be a victim, Smith said. Their conditions were unknown as of Wednesday evening. Police roped off the crime scene in the 1100 block of 21st Street NE. The gunfire erupted roughly four miles away from the White House, where President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden were hosting a state dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife. An Iowa special needs teacher has been fired after she blew the whistle on a staffer who ignored a non-verbal autistic child banging his head on a concrete floor. Amanda Delzell, 29, has been on paid leave since late last year but was finally terminated by the school board of Urbandale in a 4-1 vote Monday night. She said she was worried about the safety of seven-year-old Keaton Petek because one of her colleagues was ignoring him as he banged his head at Webster Elementary School last year. Delzell - who said there was blood in her classroom from the incident - said she was consistently rebuffed by her supervisors, being told the child's self-harm was confidential and being investigated. It was so confidential that they had apparently not even told the boy's parents, Cody and Paige Petek, about it until Delzell notified them herself. The Peteks are now filing a civil rights complaint against the school. Amanda Delzell, 29, has been on paid leave since late last year but was finally terminated by the school board of Urbandale in a 4-1 vote Monday night She has said that she was worried about the safety of 7-year-old Keaton Petek (pictured) because one of her colleagues was ignoring him as he banged his head at Webster Elementary School last year When Keaton's parents were finally allowed to watch the video, they were horrified at what they saw. 'The Special Ed teacher is standing over him with her arms crossed across her chest or with her hands on her hips, not showing any type of empathy or getting down on his level,' Paige Petek told WHO13. Back in November, Delzell described what was going on with Petek and what led her to try and report her colleague's behavior. 'One of my students who is autistic and nonverbal was harmed by another educator to the point that there was blood in my classroom,' Delzell told WHO13. 'The next day I went in and watched the cameras and what I saw was my student's IEP and Behavior Plan not being followed and the result was serious injury to him.' Keaton's parents say that he is generally a 'fun loving, happy, resilient kid' but because of what he deals with on the spectrum, 'any type of disruption in his schedule, either at home or at school, can cause him to be overstimulated, overwhelmed and very confused.' Delzell then describes similar behavior on behalf of the other teacher as Petek's mother saw. 'I saw his teacher standing over him allowing him to self-harm, and using her foot to push him down the hall. He was crying out while in the fetal position.' Delzell - who said there was blood in her classroom from the incident - said she was consistently rebuffed by her supervisors, being told the child's self-harm was confidential and being investigated It was so confidential that they had apparently not even told the boy's parents, Cody and Paige Petek (pictured), about it until Delzell notified them herself. The Peteks are now filing a civil rights complaint against the school When Keaton's parents were finally allowed to watch the video, they were horrified at what they saw, a teacher refusing to help their son as he was self-harming Paige Petek said it was even worse: 'They did nothing to help him and at one point you see the special ed teacher scooting him down the hallway with her foot as he's screaming and crying.' '[Keaton's] behavioral plan states that any type of situation that Keaton is triggered and is banging his head on any object or the ground, an adult will immediately intervene and block his head with the safety cushions. And that's supposed to be followed up with a nurse evaluating him.' The nurse did call Petek, claiming that the teacher had tended to Keaton's injury. However, the next day, she received an email from the school principal saying this teacher was going to be 'out for a few days' with no further explanation. Five days later, Petek says 'another employee' - presumably Delzell - told her about the incident and 'they were told not to say anything or speak about it to parents.' Delzell said she was punished by the school for reporting it to the parents approximately 10 days after the incident. 'I'm on the leadership team, a model teacher, a mentor teacher and then right after parents found out I got a letter of reprimand saying I wasn't meeting standards,' she said. In mid-November, Delzell - who has taught in the school district since 2018 - was placed on administrative leave, which lasted until April's decision to terminate her. Cody Petek (pictured center) called it 'terrifying' that the woman who tried to do the right thing was being punished while the special education teacher who ignored Keaton's cries still works there Keaton's parents say that he is generally a 'fun loving, happy, resilient kid' but because of what he deals with on the spectrum, 'any type of disruption in his schedule, either at home or at school, can cause him to be overstimulated, overwhelmed and very confused' Last year, Cody Petek called it 'terrifying' that the woman who tried to do the right thing was being punished while the special education teacher who ignored Keaton's cries still works there. 'These kids can't talk and I feel like there's nobody there looking out for the best interests of the kids.' The family filed the civil rights complaint against the teacher in the video, administrators, and the Urbandale school district and its board, who chose to terminate Delzell Monday night. 'Leadership starts at the top,' Cody Petek said. 'They have to be held accountable for what they have done and the way they've handled it. If they've done this to our kid, they'll do it to others. And that's what we're after is making sure that never happens again.' She was fired despite 40 people coming to a school board meeting in December to profess their support for calling out the behavior of a colleague, WHO13 reported. 'We are deeply disappointed by the superintendent's recommendation and the board's decision,' said Lori Bullock, an attorney for Delzell, in a statement following her firing. 'We are not done with this fight. We will continue to work to hold the district accountable for the way it has retaliated against Ms. Delzell for doing the right thing.' The Urbandale School Board would not comment on the decision, citing confidentiality laws. A Change.org petition to have Delzell reinstated has already garnered more than 600 signatures. Many other councils have similar rules Dog owners have unleashed at a Melbourne council over a controversial rule now in force preventing them from taking their pet near a public playground. Residents will now be fined if their dogs are within 10m of any public children's playground in the Frankston local government area, in the city's south-east. First introduced in 2022, the rule recently progressed from the education phase to enforcement, where dog owners will cop a $200 fine for breaking the directive. Additional council patrols will be ramped up to ensure 'greater compliance' while the public have been urged to report incidents of ongoing non-compliance. New signs have also been installed in parks to remind residents of the rules. Frankston independent councillor Kris Bolam took to social media this week to confirm that fines now apply, sparking a divided reaction from the community. Many councils have banned dogs from children's playgrounds (stock image) Frankston Council has erected new signs reminding dog owners that fines now apply The dog ban was first introduced in 2022 after a series of harrowing incidents across the seaside LGA. 'One of these residents had the horrible experience of witnessing her granddaughter being attacked by an off-leash dog,' Cr Bolam explained. 'While the little girl thankfully escaped only with a few scratches, the experience had a profound impact on the resident.' He warned that council officers will increase patrols of areas with 'recorded non-compliance' to ensure the rules are being obeyed. 'These new rules are not about revenue-raising or 'the nanny state'' Mr Bolam wrote. 'Rather, this is about the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable children. 'Of all places, we expect children to be the safest at our public playgrounds.' Dogs are barred from getting within 10m of Frankston Council playgrounds (one pictured) READ MORE: Dog owners slammed over very annoying habit A resident has slammed dog owners for throwing bags of dog poo inside his red bin Advertisement The new rules sparked a divided community reaction. 'This is a disgrace that families can no longer take their dogs for a walk to the park with their kids. Too many stupid unlawful rules you and other councillors are making,' one commented. Another added: 'This is just another rule for irresponsible owners to ignore whilst punishing families that try to do the right thing.' A third wrote: 'I don't get how this solves the dog problem. 'Dogs were already not allowed off-leash. This is just another rule for irresponsible owners to ignore whilst punishing families that try to do the right thing.' But many others welcomed the crackdown. 'A pet does not trump the right of a child to be happy and have fun with out having to worry about someone's dog running up to them or s******g in the play area,' one wrote. Another added: 'This is great. We were at Overport last weekend and had a near miss with an off leash dog we were walking past in the car park.' Frankston was also one of the first councils in Australia to ban smoking within 10m of playgrounds. Dog owners will cop a $200 fine if their pets get too close to a playground in the Frankston LGA (stock image) Many other councils across Australia have also banned dogs from playgrounds, including North Sydney, Randwick and City of Sydney. 'We must protect children from parasites and diseases that can be transmitted from dog litter,' City of Sydney council states on its website. 'You risk a $330 fine if your dog is in a playground. 'Your dog is welcome to more than 400 of our parks and open spaces.' Melbourne's Port Phillip Council's dog ban is within 5m of playgrounds. Playgrounds are also a no-go zone for dogs on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The stunning display was the latest in a series of striking natural phenomena including Friday's earthquake and Monday's solar eclipse Footage of the green flash was posted to Facebook by a Wall Township, New Jersey resident The fireball - a meteor bigger and brighter than usual - was visible for only a few seconds A meteor blazed through the sky in New Jersey, hot on the heels of a series of striking natural phenomena including an earthquake and solar eclipse. Security camera video posted to Facebook by Linda Price Heines shows the fireball - a term used to denote a meteor that is bigger and brighter than usual - cross the sky in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Residents of Wall Township reacted to the spectacle on social media, with Heine explaining that her neighbor sent her the stunning video. 'And it is on mine too,' she said of her home security camera. 'We often check our cameras in the morning to see the wildlife that passes through our yards.' The appearance of the fireball prompted dozens of reports to the American Meteor Society between 3:40 and 3:55 a.m. A fireball flashed through the sky in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with sightings reported throughout the New York tri-state area Home security camera footage was uploaded to Facebook by New Jersey resident Linda Price Heines, showing the bright green flare lasting only a few seconds The fireball - a meteor that is bigger and brighter than usual - was seen for anywhere from 1.5 seconds to 7.5 seconds, according to reports on the American Meteor Society website About 60 different reports, which are considered unofficial until they are reviewed by the AMS, were logged in the New York tri-state area as well as eastern Pennsylvania to southern Delaware. Some people reported catching a glimpse only 1.5 seconds long, while others witnessed the dazzling display for as long as 7.5 seconds. One man, who gave his name as Darren T, wrote that he saw the light in Hackettstown, New Jersey, about 50 miles outside New York City. 'This was the first time I ever saw this in my area,' he said. 'I have seen shooting stars but this was the first time I observed this.' A Linden, New Jersey resident named Christina V. said she had just climbed out of the shower sometime around 3:40 a.m. when she looked outside. 'I saw a bright green almost neon in color falling from the sky. There wasnt any long trails or anything but it did fall and disappear,' the woman reported. 'I was watching it through a window so that mightve affected my vision but I was just left there stunned. I rushed to tell my boyfriend what I saw and instantly went online to check if it was normal.' A man from the borough of Hamburg, New Jersey, said he was bewildered by the sight. 'I have never seen anything like this before,' he wrote, recalling 'a flash, then a bright blue object heading straight down.' Another witness from Pottstown, Pennsylvania deemed the display 'one of the most astonishing things I have seen in my lifetime.' Some reports detailed a bright green fireball, while others described it as blue. Most of all, the witnesses marveled at its beauty. 'It was absolutely beautiful and Im so grateful to have looked out at that exact moment,' wrote a person from Milford in Hunterdon County. The fireball came less than a week after a 4.8-magnitude earthquake rattled the area It was just days after a partial solar eclipse captivated the attention of millions across the United States The eclipse reached totality in upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania The phenomenon drew swarms of people into the streets, clad in special viewing glasses The meteor sighting came just days after two natural phenomena, an earthquake and solar eclipse, rocked the area. The U.S. Geological Survey reported a quake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 centered near Lebanon, New Jersey, on Friday morning. The tremors were triggered along a 185-mile-long fault and felt by millions in the tri-state area. Monday's solar eclipse, which which reached totality in upstate New York and parts of Pennsylvania, drew thousands into the streets, equipped with special viewing glasses. The fireball also occurred roughly a week ahead of the annual Lyrid meteor shower, which is anticipated to begin on April 15 and continue through April 29. The highest number of meteors will be visible in the late-night hours of April 22 and early morning hours of April 23. Disturbing video shows a wolf being tortured by a small-town hunter in a local bar. The clips, provided to Cowboy State Daily, come after 42-year-old Cody Roberts paraded the young wolf around the bar in rural Wyoming before shooting it dead. An investigation followed, after which locals expressed frustration with Roberts only being handed a $250 fine. The citation and fine for being in possession of the live wolf on February 29 came after photos of him flaunting the animal made rounds on the internet. One showed the animal's muzzle shut with duct tape, as it cowered next to the apparently proud hunter. The new videos confirm some of the details of earlier reports surrounding the case, including the animal's mouth being taped shut and displayed to a beer-drinking crowd in Daniel, before being unceremoniously killed out back. Disturbing video shows how a Wyoming hunter tortured and paraded a young wolf around the small-town bar back in February Cody Roberts, 42, also posed with the the exhausted animal, cracking a beaming smile while gripping it by the scruff of the neck and raising a can of beer as patrons watched Photos posted this past week showed how his relative Jeanne Ivie-Roberts reenacting the scene, putting a piece of duct tape around her own mouth in one. Onlookers, both before and after, expressed outrage The concerning clips, of which there are two, were provided Wednesday evening by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department - the agency that handed down the fine. In both of them, an exhausted and pitiful-looking wolf can be seen languishing on the floor in a location not disclosed by the agency. In the first, the animal has a muzzle on its face, and looks to be tired and despondent. In the second, the wolf's face isn't completely visible, but it can be seen slowly moving its eyes and one of its hind legs. The wolf in both clips bears a stark resemblance to the animal in a photograph that spawned the outrage - in which, instead of a muzzle, a piece of duct tape is forcing the wolf's mouth shut. A jovial Roberts is seen posing next to it, gleefully raising a can of beer while gripping the wolf - only a yearling - by the scruff of the neck. The photo with the animal was taken hours before its death, hence much of the outrage. He then took the wolf away behind the bar and tortured it before shooting it dead. The wolf in both clips bears a stark resemblance to the animal in a photograph that spawned the outrage - in which, instead of a muzzle, a piece of duct tape is forcing the wolf's mouth shut. In the first, the animal has a muzzle on its face, and looks to be tired and despondent. In another, seen here, the wolf's face isn't completely visible, but it can be seen slowly moving its eyes and one of its hind legs Not long after this photo was taken, witnesses said Roberts dragged or carried the animal through the Green River Bar (pictured) as patrons watched. Flooring in the photo coincides with the hardwood seen in the clips, which seemingly provides insight into the wolf's final moments That happened hours after he first encountered the wolf, running it over with a snowmobile. The wolf was reportedly injured when he came across it. He then hauled it over to the Green River Bar, where the photo was taken. Flooring seen in the photograph coincides with the hardwood seen in the new videos, which appears to provide valuable new insight into the wolf's final moments. Photos of Roberts harming the animal, meanwhile, continue to circulate, leading many to call for a more pronounced punishment. Roberts' relative Jeanne Ivie-Roberts has been one of the few to express support, taking to social media to do so. In a public post penned Friday, commenters rallied behind her questionable cause. 'Absolutely support you Cody Roberts,' wrote one such onlooker, responding to a remark from Ivie-Roberts that expressed her 'love and support.' 'Hope everything is OK. I'll say prayers...' added another, as others posted Bitmojis sending 'hugs'. Ivie-Roberts - a family member of the hated hunter - expressed her support in a post to Facebook this past week, after which others rallied behind her and Roberts The post has garnered more than 422 likes and 63 comments, most of them expressing sympathy for Roberts' situation. It is legal to kill wolves in Wyoming, but not to torture them 'I agree Jeanne! Love & support Cody,' added someone else. 'Supporting Cody!!' exclaimed another. 'I'm with him!!! I'll bring the duct tape.' The original post, within four days of its posting, has garnered more than 422 likes and 63 comments, most of them expressing sympathy for Roberts' situation. Others, however, conveyed the complete opposite, as the director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department told Cowboy State Daily Monday the agency isn't being secretive about the torment and killing of the wolf. 'Cruelty should never be condoned!' exclaimed one person from that school of thought, as others asserted that it is legal in Sublette County to hunt such game. 'No reason for that BS behavior!' the commenter added. 'Sounds to me (as a complete outsider) that he made a bad decision and is more then likely regretting it,' another griped. 'Let those of you who are without sin cast the first stone.' A petition demanding harsher punishment for Roberts made rounds as well, receiving 2,242 signatures. In it, authors laid out how the female wolf was tortured and killed at the hands of the hunter February 29. A father and owns a trucking company, Roberts ran the wolf down with a snowmobile, officials said - but instead of killing the animal then and there, he kept it, took it home and brought it to the bar (seen here on a different date) Others, however, conveyed the complete opposite, as the director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department told Cowboy State Daily Monday the agency isn't being secretive about the torment and killing of the wolf 'Cody Roberts was cited a minuscule $250 for 'being in possession of a live wolf,'' the petition states as wildlife officials elected to not official identify Roberts at the time. 'However, the fine for animal cruelty in the state of Wyoming is up to 2 years in prison and a fine of $5,000. 'This wolf was kept alive to endure suffering for an extended period of time', authors wrote, citing witnesses who said Roberts paraded the animal around the Green River for hours before finally putting it out of its misery. That happened after it was pursued to exhaustion by Cody Roberts' snowmobile hours earlier, officials said in a heavily redacted report, which claimed the man responsible - now confirmed to be the local trucker - kept it alive instead of killing it on the spot in accordance with local laws. Citing this report in conjunction with accounts from witnesses, the petition recalled: 'Following being run down, Cody taped its mouth shut, and paraded it around in a bar before finally shooting it. 'There must be a harsher penalty for this horrible case.' The petition was started Saturday - two days before the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Director Brian Nesvik at last addressed allegations that he's been perhaps too lenient with the man accused of torturing the less than two-year-old wolf. Roberts' social media accounts show how he is an avid hunter who frequently hunts wild animals alongside his kids (pictured here) He also addressed claims his agency has deliberately withheld information about the incident after not naming Roberts, insisting Cowboy State Daily that's not the case. That assertion was delivered Monday, more than a month removed from the incident in question. At the time, Nesvik said Game and Fish could not officially confirm the torturer's identity, citing local statues. However, photos did so already, as well as several witness accounts. Then, on Wednesday, Nesvik's agency finally addressed any doubt - finally offering a brief incident report, though still with several parts redacted. In it, Roberts is finally named as the wolf-torturer, though his date of birth is redacted. The report adds that Roberts, upon being questioned, admitted 'he did possess a live wolf on 2/29/24', before telling officials that he illegally brought the animal to his house before '[transporting] it to a business in Daniel.' According to accounts provided an anonymous source, the business was a local bar - a revelation that is somewhat telling concerning the town's small size. The report also states that 'On 3/4/24 Roberts agreed to meet with [Game and Fish officials] in Pinedale, which he did with a lawyer present. 'The violation for possession of a live wolf was explained to Roberts at that time,' officials wrote. The report also verifies Roberts' responsibility in the case - showing a 'guilty' judgement and that a $250 fine was demanded. In Wyoming, it is legal to hunt wolves, though keeping animals alive before killing them is illegal, and warrants animal cruelty charges. Roberts did not immediately respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment, as the story continues to gain traction on social media. RFK Jr.'s running mate Nicole Shanahan has branded Democratic Representative Ro Khanna's open letter asking her to step down 'anti-democratic.' Shanahan, a lawyer and tech entrepreneur, was tapped by Kennedy last month to be his No. 2 on the ticket. Khanna warned that supporting Kennedy could help pave the way for former President Donald Trump to win the election. In a letter he shared with CBS News, he said: 'Even Trump himself, and other members of his team, have admitted that a RFK Jr. ticket will help his reelection.' Despite him sharing the letter, he had not yet sent it to Shanahan, and after she was contacted by CBS, she released a statement on her X profile. In it, Shanahan hit back at Khanna saying he had changed his stance 'based on pressure from the party,' and that his remarks were 'anti-democratic.' Shanahan, a lawyer and tech entrepreneur, was tapped by Kennedy last month to be his No.2 on the ticket Khanna warned that supporting Kennedy could help pave the way for former President Donald Trump to win the election Despite him sharing the letter, he had not yet sent it to Shanahan and after she was contacted by CBS, she released a statement on her X profile Her post said: 'In my conversation with Ro he congratulated me on the position and encouraged me to run, stating that every American has the right to run in this country. 'He stated that we live in a democracy, and it was wrong for anyone to threaten me against running. 'Clearly, Ro has changed his stance based on pressure from the party. I hope he understands how anti-democratic it is to ask someone to step down from a race that empowers the American public to make their own decisions. 'I am very disappointed that he has been pressured into issuing this letter to me publicly. He could have called me privately. He has my direct line.' In the letter, Khanna said: 'I am deeply concerned that Robert F. Kennedy's name on the ballot in swing states could tilt the election in Trump's favor. 'Another Trump presidency would be disastrous - for our environment, for our economy, and our democracy. 'We need you in the Democratic coalition to help reelect President Biden and to push for bold climate solutions.' Following her post to X, RFK Jr. posted: 'I'm so grateful for your courage and grace Nicole. 'I have always admired RoKhanna. His flip flop here is disappointing. The party has power to bludgeon men of character into waivering.' Independent Presidential Candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks to supporters during a campaign event on Saturday,, March 30, 2024, in Los Angeles Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled Nicole Shanahan, Silicon Valley attorney and the ex-wife of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, as his vice presidential pick on Tuesday Ro Khanna then followed this up with his own response, writing: 'Nicole has every right to be on the ticket. 'My point to her both publicly and privately has been that RFK Jr.'s ticket threatens the very issues she cares about - such as climate and abortion rights and to welcome her into the Democratic Party.' Shanahan, the ex-wife of Google co-founder SergeyBrin, called herself a 'disillusioned Democrat' when she was announced as Kennedy's running mate. The avid surfer and investor had already given $4.5 million to a super PAC backing Kennedy over the last year and helped pay for the Super Bowl ad that featured him. Shanahan had also in the past donated funds to Khanna, handing out $17,000 to the representative, according to CBS. RFK Jr. is boasting double-digit support, and polling suggests that independent candidate is hurting President Biden more than Trump. J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters from March 20 to 24 via landline, cellphone, SMS and apps. The results carry a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent RFK Jr. is boasting double-digit support, and polling suggests that independent candidate is hurting President Biden more than Trump Kennedy's popularity complicates the strategy for the Biden campaign, which is seeking to make November's vote a binary choice between Biden and Trump. In a DailyMail.com poll published late last month, Trump maintained a four-point lead over Biden. When 1,000 likely voters were asked who they would pick if the election were tomorrow, 39 percent said Biden and 43 percent said they would opt for Trump. With a margin of error of 3.1 points, it suggests the election will go down to the wire and could be decided by just a few thousand voters in swing states. Both candidates clinched their parties presumptive nominations on the same day: March 12. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has divided Australians with controversial comparisons between the tragic Port Arthur massacre and pro-Palestine protests. Speaking at the Tom Hughes Oration in Sydney on Wednesday night, Mr Dutton slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's handling of rising anti-Semitism in Australia on the back of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. The terrorist attack sparked social unease around the globe and prompted protests on the steps of the Opera House on October 9. 'While no one was killed during the October 9 protests, the events at the Sydney Opera House were akin to a Port Arthur moment in terms of their social significance,' Mr Dutton said. The Opposition Leader referred back to then-Prime Minister John Howard's tough response to the massacre of 1996, in which shooter Martin Bryant murdered 35 people and wounded 23 others. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has divided Australians with controversial comparisons between the tragic Port Arthur massacre and pro-Palestine protests Speaking at the Tom Hughes Oration in Sydney on Wednesday night, Mr Dutton slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 's handling of rising anti-Semitism in Australia on the back of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel The Opposition Leader referred back to then-Prime Minister John Howard's tough response to the massacre of 1996, in which shooter Martin Bryant murdered 35 people and wounded 23 others 'The gun prohibitions which he sought to introduce grated against his liberal inclinations. He saw them as an infringement of individual liberty,' he said. 'But John Howard also understood the broader national and human interest involved. He appreciated the need to call upon Australians in a tragic moment to bring about a profound cultural shift in community attitudes. 'That's exactly what he did in winning the hearts and minds of his fellow Australians and political opponents.' Mr Dutton accused Mr Albanese of not rising to the occasion in his efforts to stamp out anti-Semitism. His comparison has been slammed online, with one critic saying it amounted to a 'vicious slap in the face for the Port Arthur victims and their families'. Another said: 'Its genuinely shocking to me that your mind could compare an act of mass violence and death such as Port Arthur to a protest wanting peace. Its embarrassing that somebody so opportunistic, callous and divisive leads one of our major parties.' His comparison has been slammed online, as critics say it amounts to a 'vicious slap in the face for the Port Arthur victims and their families' Martin Bryant murdered 35 people and wounded 23 others during the 1996 massacre A third wrote: 'Peter Dutton should apologise to families of victims from the Port Arthur Massacre after attempting to diminish the events that saw their family members brutally murdered by suggesting the horrors they endured are comparable to a public protest against Israelis invasion of Gaza.' John Howard introduced a gun buy-back scheme following the Port Arthur massacre, paying Australians to hand in a total of 650,000 firearms which had been rendered illegal as a result of new laws. Mr Albanese and his government have repeatedly called out the atrocities of the October 7 attacks on Israel, but have recently floated their support for a two-state solution and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. The Coalition have repeatedly attacked Labor for not taking a strong enough stance against Hamas. Mr Albanese himself was asked about Mr Dutton's divisive comments on Thursday, noting 'people will draw their own conclusions about that'. 'I did see those comments and was somewhat taken aback by those comments. And its up to him to explain that. 'Im someone who has spent time, including recently in Parliament House, with the family of victims of Port Arthur. 'I think that sometimes what Peter Dutton does in his comments, is to think about how hard you could possibly go and how angry you could possibly be and then go one step further.' The creditors of a popular Australian swimwear brand that fell into administration for the second time in four years are set to meet next week. Tigerlily Swimwear had administrators Glenn Franklin and Jason Stone of PKF appointed on March 4. The brand was founded in 2000 in Sydney by Jodhi Meares, a model and the former wife of media and gaming billionaire James Packer. Creditors of the company are expected to meet for a second time next Thursday, according to a notice on ASIC on Wednesday, having met once already on March 15. The purpose of the meeting is to decide the future of the business. Tigerlily Swimwear had administrators Glenn Franklin and Jason Stone of PKF appointed on March 4 (pictured is Jesinta Franklin modelling Tigerlily in 2017) Tigerlily was bought by Sydney private equity firm Crescent Capital in 2017 from struggling Billabong for $60million. The brand's previous collapse into voluntary administration was handled by KordaMentha in 2020 after the Covid pandemic affected retail sales. Travel restrictions combined with a drop in foot traffic severely impacted the brand. Despite emerging from that setback, Crescent engaged Deloitte to find a buyer for Tigerlily last year which proved unsuccessful. Tigerlily had recently tried expanding its range from its roots of bikinis and patterned dresses to bohemian-inspired knitwear, boots and even candles. The label has about 10 boutique stores across Australia and about 40 global wholesale partners. Early last year it made a focused push into the US e-commerce space in an effort to balance out Australia's winter drop in sales with the US summer season. London Tube strike chaos continues for the second day today with some stations closed as workers have staged a fresh wave of walkouts during morning rush hour. Members of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association (TSSA) who are responsible for running the stations are walking out today in the second day of a dispute over pay. There were two stations Transport for London said were closed as of 7.30am: Kentish Town - due to escalator repairs which began on June 26 last year and will continue until September - and Tower Hill - due to a lack of station staff. There are currently minor delays on the London Overground, part closure on the Northern Line and on the London tram network. All other lines were operating a good service this morning. The Overground has been hit by delays due to a trespasser on the track. Southern trains running from Victoria were also disrupted until 11am due to a 'failure of the electrical supply' closing some lines. Meanwhile, there are 20 different issues across the National Rail network causing even more delays today including derailed trains and signalling faults. London Tube strike chaos continues for the second day today. Pictured is a Bermondsey tube station sign informing commuters of the strikes yesterday Members of TSSA union were on the picket line at London Liverpool Street station yesterday It follows a picket line at Liverpool Street station with another at Embankment yesterday, but these did not appear to have shut either station. Upcoming train strike action dates in Britain Today : TSSA strike by customer service managers on London Underground : TSSA strike by customer service managers on London Underground Saturday, April 13 : RMT union industrial action at CrossCountry : RMT union industrial action at CrossCountry Monday, April 15 until Saturday, April 20 : Aslef 'action short of strike' on Northern services : Aslef 'action short of strike' on Northern services Saturday, April 20 : Aslef strike on LNER : Aslef strike on LNER Friday, April 19 and Monday, April 21 : Aslef overtime ban on LNER Advertisement TSSA sources told MailOnline that they expect 'many stations will potentially be left unstaffed for long periods, and many may well close at very short notice as the customer service managers run the station'. However, TfL officials have insisted that they do not expect any 'significant' issues on the network. In London, the TSSA claimed its members are concerned about potential changes to their terms and conditions, job role and location. The union's general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said previously: 'Our customer service manager members are united and determined to take strike action this week in defence of their terms and conditions. 'This strike could have been avoided if London Underground had negotiated with us in good faith. 'Instead, we have been left in a position where London Underground is still unable to explain the impact of its "Stations Changes" proposals. 'We cannot allow the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms and conditions to stand unchallenged, that is why our members are taking strike action this week. 'We'll see how quickly London Underground get back round the negotiating table when they see the strength and determination of our members.' But a TfL spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are disappointed that TSSA has announced this strike action following a consultation process. Passengers try to board a train at Clapham Junction station in London during Monday's strike Commuters walk on a platform after a train arrived at Waterloo during Monday's strike 'While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution. 'There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations.' It comes after planned strikes by Underground drivers belonging to another union, Aslef, were called off last Thursday. Members of Aslef were due to walk out both on Monday this week and then on Saturday, May 4. But the union said that after a series of meetings at the conciliation service Acas, its negotiating team received a proposal that resolved the key issues in the dispute. Another Aslef strike is expected on LNER on Saturday, April 20. Aslef has also announced additional 'action short of strike' on Northern services between Monday, April 15 and Saturday, April 20. And the RMT union has announced industrial action at CrossCountry this Saturday, April 13. While there are no National Rail strikes currently scheduled, Aslef has threatened to hold more action as its pay dispute continues. A flight from Manchester to Turkey was forced to divert to Serbia after an unruly passenger caused chaos on board. SunExpress flight XQ505 took off from Manchester Airport at 7:30pm on April 9 destined for Dalaman, but circled over Serbia and ultimately landed in the capital Belgrade following the mid-flight disturbance. Footage snapped and shared on social media by shocked customers showed how one man appeared to yell at another passenger, pointing his finger and shouting expletives. A woman can be heard barking back and the pair went back and forth, with the volume and aggression increasing as other passengers tried in vain to calm the situation. It is unclear to what extent the argument escalated but another clip filmed once the plane was on the tarmac in Belgrade showed how police burst into the cabin to haul one of the passengers away. A struggle ensued and footage shows how the police officers bundled the unruly passenger to the floor before dragging them out of the cabin door. Footage snapped and shared on social media by shocked customers showed how one man appeared to yell at another passenger, pointing his finger and shouting expletives SunExpress flight XQ505 took off from Manchester Airport at 7:30pm on April 9 destined for Dalaman, but circled over Serbia and ultimately landed in the capital Belgrade following the mid-flight disturbance Belgrade is more than 700 miles away from Dalaman, with the detour causing a two-hour delay. SunExpress said: 'Our flight XQ505, which was scheduled from Manchester to Dalaman on April 9, had to divert to Belgrade due to an unruly passenger. 'Upon arrival, the passenger was removed from the aircraft by local police and the aircraft continued to Dalaman after the passenger's disembarkation. 'The safety and security of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority to SunExpress.' The incident comes just days after a passenger who reportedly drank a bottle of Disaronno on a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Alicante was marched off the plane by police having forced an emergency landing. The diversion meant the flight, which left the UK at 6:08pm on Friday, April 5, arrived in Alicante at 11:28pm local time after a 75-minute stop in Barcelona. The journey ended up taking four hours and 20 minutes - around two hours longer than normal. A clip, filmed about ten rows from the front of the cabin, showed how a police officer in black uniform suddenly appeared on the plane to the collective gasps of dozens of holidaymakers. A member of the cabin crew then rushed down the aisle to point out the offender, seated about five rows ahead. The male passenger got up and shuffled towards the police officer before being ejected to the cheers of his fellow passengers. Another passenger then appeared to get his bag from the overhead compartment and followed the policeman out, causing other customers to speculate about the reasons for the pair's ejection. A passenger had to be escorted off a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Alicante by police after 'drinking a bottle of Disaronno' The diversion meant the flight, which left the UK at 6.08pm on Friday, arrived in Alicante at 11.28pm local time after a 75-minute stop in the Catalonian city Ryanair's alcohol rules Ryanair's rules state that passengers may buy duty-free alcohol at the airport before a flight but they must store it safely in a suitable bag in the cabin during the trip. Passengers are not allowed to drink alcohol bought from duty-free during a flight. Ryanair's terms and conditions also say the airline may refuse to carry a passenger if their 'mental state, physical state, attitude, behaviour or appearance, including the effects of alcohol or drugs, presents a risk to them, other passengers or crew members, or any property'. Source: Ryanair.com Advertisement One woman said: 'A few too many drinks but they didn't do really anything.' In response, a man turned around to face the camera and says: 'All they did was drink a bottle of Disaronno,' to which another woman replied, 'give over...is that all they've done?' Another added: 'This is ridiculous. A flight to Alicante stopped in Barcelona because someone drank a bottle of Disaronno, lovely. 'How many police cars are outside? Two and a riot van because two lads have drunk a bottle of Disaronno.' In the meantime, the man was escorted off the aircraft and out of sight, while two more police officers could be seen at the front of the cabin. Ryanair's rules state that passengers may buy duty-free alcohol at the airport before a flight but they must store it safely in a suitable bag in the cabin during the trip. Passengers are not allowed to drink alcohol bought from duty-free during a flight. Ryanair's terms and conditions also say the airline may refuse to carry a passenger if their 'mental state, physical state, attitude, behaviour or appearance, including the effects of alcohol or drugs, presents a risk to them, other passengers or crew members, or any property'. A spokesperson from Ryanair said: 'This flight from Manchester to Alicante (5 Apr) diverted to Barcelona due a disruptive passenger onboard. 'The passenger was removed, and this flight continued to Alicante.' MailOnline approached Greater Manchester Police for comment. Bruce Lehrmann's new housemate says he regrets letting the former Liberal staffer stay because 'it's basically ruined my life' - as the wild partying at the home rages on for a third day. Mr Lehrmann, 28, was forced to move out of his $2,000-a-week property in Sydney's northern beaches last week, when his deal with Channel Seven for exclusive interviews in exchange for a year's worth of accommodation came to an end. His mate Paul Farrell had a spare room in North Sydney and decided to help him out - but apparently didn't realise his street would become a circus with intense media attention on Mr Lehrmann ahead of next week's defamation trial judgment. Daily Mail Australia revealed on Thursday that partying at Mr Lehrmann's new home has sparked neighbourhood fury over noise and parking issues. Groups of women have been spotted arriving at the $4.1million three-bedroom home with a pool, every day for the past three days. Outside the home on Thursday, Mr Farrell, 48, told Daily Mail Australia he was having second thoughts about putting Mr Lehrmann up. Bruce Lehrmann moved into a mate's rental home in North Sydney recently - but the wild parties have sparked a neighbourhood stink Mr Lehrmann's housemate, Paul Farrell, is pictured outside the North Sydney rental on Thursday. He said Mr Lehrmann's arrival has 'basically ruined' his life Mr Farrell (pictured with a woman with a face tattoo) had let Mr Lehrmann stay at his North Sydney rental and 'thought I was helping out a mate' 'I'm renting this place and had a spare room so thought I was helping out a mate,' he said. 'But it's basically ruined my life with all the photographers and journalists hanging around.' When asked whether a sweet odour seeping from the home came from vapes, the construction businessman said: 'Yeah, probably.' Mr Farrell later emerged from the home and met with a young woman with a face tattoo and fresh vapes in tow. Neighbours earlier told Daily Mail Australia of their deep frustration with the parties that have occurred at the home in the past three weeks. But the partying was still going - with a male friend of Mr Lehrmann's arriving with a box of alcohol and mates making two trips to the bottleshop. Neighbours claimed Mr Lehrmann's companions had in recent weeks been 'shrieking' the lyrics to Tina Turner songs, swearing at all hours, and talking outside into the early hours of the morning. 'It's not loud music, it's mostly carry-on with the girls shrieking and screaming along to Tina Turner,' one neighbour said. 'They're constantly swearing, it's 'F-this' and 'F-that'.' Another neighbour accused guests of parking on the footpath and across driveways, which they said 'is selfish for parents pushing prams'. 'It's quite intrusive because they already have a double car garage to park in,' they said. On Thursday, a woman emerged from the property with no shoes on (pictured). She had been seen with Mr Lehrmann on Tuesday The group accepted a Taco Bell delivery at lunchtime on Thursday (pictured) Pictured: A blond woman entering Bruce Lehrmann's home on Wednesday with a bottle of Hendrick's gin Mr Lehrmann's party week started on Tuesday evening when he was spotted in a burgundy blazer, flanked by two glammed-up women, outside the home - just moments after a new judgement date in his blockbuster defamation case was set. The trio charged through the rain and jumped into the back of an Uber, with one holding a can of alcohol. The revelry continued on Wednesday when when another group of women entered the same property - among them, a blonde who previously appeared barefoot with a vape on the balcony of his old place in Balgowlah. On Wednesday, she wore a black dress with a thigh-high split and black stiletto heels, while juggling car keys, a phone, a bottle of Hendrick's gin and half-drunk bottle of whisky. And on Thursday, shortly after midday, yet another crowd shuffled into the home carrying boxes of alcohol. Daily Mail Australia understands most of the visitors on Thursday were Mr Farrell's friends and that despite the festivities, the property has never received a noise complaint. Mr Lehrmann has been contacted for comment. In just four days' time, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee will hand down his judgement in Mr Lehrmann's defamation case against Network Ten and Lisa Wilkinson. He launched defamation proceedings over an episode of The Project in February 2021, during which Brittany Higgins went public with her rape allegations for the first time in an interview with Wilkinson. Ms Higgins alleged Mr Lehrmann raped her in Parliament House in March 2019, when they were both staffers working for the Liberal Party. He was not named in the broadcast but claimed friends and colleagues were able to identify him as the alleged rapist. He has always maintained his innocence. The month-long trial was heard in December. Judgement is set for 10.15am on Monday. Two women in activewear also went to Bruce Lehrmann's house on Thursday (pictured) Mr Lehrmann and his companions braved the rain and disappeared into an Uber on Tuesday (pictured) A racist email sent around by police implying that black people were best kept in jail has re-emerged in the wake of an investigation into systemic racism. Members of the Northern Territory Police's elite Territory Response Group (TRG) in 2008 circulated a mockup of what one member called 'indigenous monopoly'. The photo, which was sent via email, changed all squares on a traditional Monopoly board game to 'go to jail' squares and was addressed to TRG members. NT Police and the Territory's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption are jointly investigating racist 'nuggadah' awards handed out to members of the group who demonstrated a lack of intelligence and personal hygiene. The investigation is ongoing and was sparked by evidence provided by former constable Zach Rolfe who testified that the award was referred to as the 'c**n of the year award'. An email circulated amongst members of the Northern Territory Police's elite Territory Response Group depicted a racist meme referred to as 'indigenous monopoly' NT Police and the Territory's Independent Commissioner Against Corruption are jointly investigating racist 'nuggadah' awards allegedly referred to as the 'c**n of the year awards' Mr Rolfe, who has never been a member of the TRG, gave the evidence at an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker in February. Sergeant Meacham King, who has been a member of the TRG since 2003, rejected Mr Rolfe's claim in a statutory declaration stating that no such award existed. 'I would not tolerate such an abhorrent award or the use of such racist language,' he said. 'The TRG is not racist. Systemic racism does not exist in the TRG.'. Senior Sergeant Mark Clemmens has lead the TRG since 2021 and also refuted Mr Rolfe's claims. 'I uphold a culture of high performance and wellbeing, respect, equity and professionalism,' Sgt Clemmens told the Coroner. There is no suggestion either Sgt King or Sgt Clemmens sent the email in question. Following a review, Sgt Clemmens said the award had been renamed the Voldemort award 'due to what we regarded as the potential that the made up name could be perceived or construed as derogatory or racist'. 'However, prior to this close analysis, it simply did not occur to me it could be perceived or construed in such a way,' he said. The Senior Sergeant said that he was 'disgusted' by Mr Rofle's accusations against the TSG. Former constable Zach Rolfe gave evidence against the force at an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker in February Sgt Clemmens said that he realised that the agency was unlikely to be able to refute Mr Rofle's claims immediately because of the ongoing coronial process. Because of this he feared that the unit was likely to be 'branded racist and unprofessional' in the immediate aftermath. 'All our prodigious work of serving and protecting our community, including within remote communities, and our reputation as a high performing tactical unit would be tarnished and our professionalism questioned,' Sgt Clemmens said. Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said that he would be taking Mr Rofle's claims at face value after seeing the 'absolutely disgraceful and abhorrent' award which featured an Aboriginal flag on the certificate. An NT Police spokeswoman told NT News that 'racism in any form is abhorrent and unacceptable'. 'There is a current investigation, led by the ICAC, of the allegations and NT Police is working with the ICAC, to ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding the claims,' she said. The spokeswoman added that the NT police force was 'deeply committed to maintaining the public's trust'. Australians travelling to Bali have been given a fresh warning to be on the look-out for skimming devices at ATMs. The news comes after a 35-year-old Ukrainian woman known as 'BK' was deported and banned from returning to Indonesia after serving a two-year jail sentence for credit card skimming crimes in 2022. Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights head Pramella Y. Pasaribu told The Bali Sun that card skimming is still an ongoing issue on the popular holiday island. 'The ... [Ukranian woman's] case is a clear example of the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights' commitment to maintaining state sovereignty and protecting the public from law violations,' 'We will continue to improve coordination with related agencies and strengthen supervision of the presence of foreigners in the Bali region.' Balinese authorities warn tourists to be vigilant about which ATMs they use and recommend machines attached to banks rather than those found at small shops. A row of bank ATMs by the roadside in Kuta are pictured A fake card insert hiding a white chip was removed by a tourist in Rome. The tourist posted it online to show how widespread the scam is Tourists are also urged to look out for other scams, such as makeshift signs saying ATMs are out of order. This is because criminals can target 'legitimate' ATMs and direct tourists to another machine that has a card skimmer installed. Card skimming occurs when hardware is installed onto an ATM or EFTPOS machine which steals information from a person's card and their PIN. This information is then used to create fake accounts and steal money from the unsuspecting ATM user. The Australian government's Smartraveller website says petty and opportunistic crimes such as card skimming are rife in Indonesia. In Bali, card skimming is a common tourist scam, with reports of it taking place in Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance. The scam is common-place around the world, especially in tourist areas. A TikTok video filmed in Rome by Danielle Sheerin showed her removing a fake card insert, which was identical to the one on the machine in 2020. The tourist said she 'couldn't believe' she had found a false plastic casing, and posted it so others could 'be careful'. Balinese authorities have warned tourists to be wary of card skimming at ATMs Ms Sheerin said she was alerted when she saw a white chip on the inside of the false card slot. 'I just pulled this one randomly after seeing another video online and sure enough it was on the very first one I tried,' she said. Many companies warn Aussies about the simple but potentially devastating scam. On Finder's website they urge travellers to be alert to such devices. 'Look for signs of tampering or features that don't fit with how the rest of the ATM looks, such as if the keypad is overly raised or looks too shiny and new,' it said. 'Also look out for tiny cameras that could be planted anywhere around the machine which may be used to capture your PIN as you enter it.' Southern Cross Travel Insurance also recommended customers to look over their bank account history often to identify fraudulent activity. A top Vietnamese property tycoon has been sentenced to death in one of the biggest corruption cases in history. Truong My Lan, 67, will face death by lethal injection after a panel of three jurors and two judges rejected all defence arguments and found her guilty of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade. The chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat was accused of fraud amounting to $12.5 billion (10 billion) - nearly 3 per cent of the country's 2022 GDP. But total damages have been estimated at $27 billion. She illegally controlled the SCB between 2012 to 2022 to siphon of these funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials. 'The defendant's actions... eroded people's trust in the leadership of the (Communist) Party and state,' read the verdict at the trial in southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City. Lan denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. After a five-week trial in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, 85 others also face verdicts and sentencing on charges ranging from bribery and abuse of power to appropriation and violations of banking law. Truong My Lan (C), chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings, sits during her trial at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court The businesswoman is accused of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a decade After a five-week trial in business hub Ho Chi Minh City, Lan and 85 others face verdicts and sentencing on Thursday Lan was sentenced for embezzling $12.5 billion. Prosecutors said Thursday the total damages caused by the scam now amounted to $27 billion Prosecutors have called for Lan to face the death sentence, an unusually severe punishment in such a case As part of the huge fraud case, Lan was found guilty of taking out $44bn in loans from SCB over a decade, around 93 per cent of the loans dispensed by the bank. She was ordered to pay back $27bn of this - money which is likely to never be fully recovered. There have been suggestions that the death penalty sentence is a ploy to get her to hand back some of the missing money, the BBC reports. Capital punishment is not rare in Vietnam, which was recently named the biggest executioner in Southeast Asia by Amnesty International, and applies the death sentence for 22 offences, including murder, drug trafficking and rape. The death sentence is an unusually severe punishment in a financial crime case, with the last widely publicised death penalty for corruption charges in 2013. Early this morning, more than a dozen police cars and vans carrying the defendants - a list that includes former central bankers, ex-government officials and previous SCB executives - arrived at the colonial-era courthouse. Most of the accused sat in the courtroom with their heads bowed, although Lan could be seen fidgeting and looking up from the front row. Lan's husband, Hong Kong property magnate Eric Chu, was given a nine-year prison sentence for aiding his wife. Her niece Truong Hue Van, 34, who is the CEO of a property management firm, received 17 years. A mother of two daughters, Lan started out as a market stall vendor selling cosmetics, but began to build her real estate portfolio from 1986 as the ruling Communist Party brought in economic reforms. Her arrest in October 2022 was among the most high-profile in an ongoing anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that has intensified since 2022. Properties owned by Van Thinh Phat include the Saigon One building, which is under construction, left, and other buildings in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh Properties owned by Van Thinh Phat include the Union Square shopping mall complex in Ho Chi Minh City Properties owned by Van Thinh Phat include the 15-floor VTP Office Service Center and the Sherwood Residence, where Lan is previously reported to have lived The so-called Blazing Furnace campaign has touched the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. At one point in 2022, Vietnamese stocks suffered a $40 billion wipeout following a series of big corporate arrests, rattling investor confidence at a delicate moment for the fast-growing economy. The scale of Lan's fraud has shocked the nation. VTP was among Vietnam's richest real estate firms, with projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centers. Lan's niece (pictured centre) Truong Hue Van, was sentenced to 17 years in prison From early 2018 through October 2022, when the state bailed out SCB after a run on its deposits, Lan appropriated large sums by arranging unlawful loans to shell companies, investigators said. Lam will appeal the verdict, a family member told reporters before it was issued. She and the others were arrested as part of a national corruption crackdown that has swept up numerous officials and members of Vietnam's business elite in recent years. Lan appeared to say in final remarks to the court last week that she had thoughts of suicide. 'In my desperation, I thought of death,' she said, according to state media. 'I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment - the banking sector - which I have little knowledge of.' Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team, told the court she had been offered a bribe Lan denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. Pictured: Some of the defendants at the trial Analysts said the scale of the scam raised questions about whether other banks or businesses had similarly erred, dampening Vietnam's economic outlook and making foreign investors jittery at a time when Vietnam has been trying to position itself as the ideal home for businesses trying to pivot their supply chains away from China. Hundreds of people began to stage protests in the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a relatively rare occurrence in the one-party communist state, after Lan's arrest in October 2022. Police have identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal, which has shocked the Southeast Asian country. Lan, who is married to a wealthy Hong Kong businessman also on trial, is accused of setting up fake loan applications to withdraw money from SCB, in which she owned a 90 percent stake. The real estate tycoon may face the death penalty if convicted of allegations that she siphoned off an amount of $12.5 billion Police say the scam's victims are all SCB bondholders who cannot withdraw their money and have not received interest or principal payments since Lan's arrest. Prosecutors said during the trial they had seized more than 1,000 properties belonging to Lan. Authorities have also said $5.2 million allegedly given by Lan and some SCB bankers to state officials to conceal the bank's violations and poor financial situation was the largest-ever bribe recorded in Vietnam. The woman who was offered the bribe - Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team - said during the trial the cash was handed to her in Styrofoam boxes by the former CEO of SCB, Vo Tan Van. A top Vietnamese luxury property tycoon - Do Anh Dung, head of the Tan Hoang Minh group - was sentenced to eight years in prison last month After realising they contained money, Nhan refused the boxes but Van declined to take them back, state media reported. More than 4,400 people have been indicted during Vietnam's corruption crackdown, across more than 1,700 graft cases, since 2021. A top Vietnamese luxury property tycoon - Do Anh Dung, head of the Tan Hoang Minh group - was sentenced to eight years in prison last month after he was found guilty of cheating thousands of investors in a $355 million bond scam. The real estate sector in Vietnam has been hit particularly hard by the crackdown. An estimated 1,300 property firms withdrew from the market in 2023, developers have been offering discounts and gold as gifts to attract buyers, and despite rent for shophouses falling by a third in Ho Chi Minh City, many in the city center are still empty, according to state media. In November, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnam's top politician, said that the anti-corruption fight would 'continue for the long term.' A heartbroken mother has called for ketamine to be upgraded to Class A after her award-winning 26-year-old student son was killed by the drug. Clare Rogers, 47, believes the Class B party drug is more dangerous than people think after her son Rian Rogers died from a dose in April last year. The midwife, from Atherstone, Warwickshire, has warned people of the powerful effects of the drug and the lack of support addicts receive. She spent thousands of pounds sending her son to rehab and flushed his drugs down the toilet in a bid to stop his substance abuse. But her son kept relapsing, with the abuse eventually causing Rian's bladder to shrink to the size of a toddler's. Clare Rogers (left), 47, believes the Class B party drug is more dangerous than people make out after her son Rian Rogers (right) died from a dose in April last year The 26-year-old from Atherstone, Warwickshire, saw his bladder shrink to the size of a toddler's after taking the party drug Rhian's mother spent thousands of pounds sending her son to rehab and flushed his drugs down the toilet in a bid to stop his addiction to ketamine A coroner said the dose which eventually killed him unluckily had a very high purity which was 10 to 20 times more potent than his usual dose. He was discovered four days later in his en-suite bathroom of his shared house in Nottingham. Ketamine, which can bought for the same price as a takeaway coffee, is said to be the dealers' drug of choice because its Class B status means less jail time than being caught with Class A drugs like cocaine, ecstasy or heroin. The drug, often used at parties or festivals, has the false reputation of being safe, with many youngsters being unaware of its potentially fatal consequences. Ketamine, which was upgraded from Class C to Class B drug in 2011, is used by vets as a tranquillizer for horses - and often dealers use an emoji of the horse when trying to sell it online. The drug - dubbed 'ket' or 'K' - is most often snorted in powder and can cause people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. Clare is now fighting for more support to stop other youngsters like Rian, who became addicted while living alone in a flat in lockdown after using ketamine at music festivals, dying from taking the drug. The dissociative aesthetic a class of psychedelic drug often attracts students as it is half the price of cocaine; a single dose costs about 3 (stock photo) Rhian was found in his bathroom of his shared house four days after he died from a dose of the Class B party drug in April last year Rhian and his girlfriend Chloe, 26, from Tamworth both started taking the drug at festivals Rhian with his girlfriend at a festival. She was also addicted to the drug and was in and out of hospital with 'horrible side effects' She told the inquest at Nottingham coroners court: 'I want to make other people aware of how dangerous this drug is. I am going to do everything I can because thats what he deserved. He wouldnt have wanted this', according to The Times. Rian's father Mike Cavanagh was close to breaking down as he complained to the coroner that there was no help for ketamine addicts. He said his son had lived with them for nine months, had put on weight and was healthy. But they had found it 'really hard' after they couldn't get a therapist as there was none available. Fiona Gingell, the coroner at his inquest, described Rian's death as an 'absolutely tragic loss of life' in someone who had a bright future in front of them. Rian, who won two national awards for computer innovations at Jaguar Land Rover, had been on the NHS waiting list for treatment for his damaged urinary tract for so long that he began taking the drug as an anaesthetic to relieve his pain. An invitation for his appointment arrived as his funeral was being arranged - 19 months after he was referred. He left his job as an electrical technician with Jaguar Land Rover to become a computer technician. He had enrolled in a BSc course at Nottingham Trent University while working for financial services firm Experian. Dr Stephen Morley, a toxicologist from University Hospital Leicester, told the inquest ketamine users usually have less than 100 nanograms per millilitre of blood to feel pleasurable effects. He said levels above 200 would be enough to put a person to sleep, but Rian had a reading of 3,212 - likely enough to cause him to stop breathing. Ketamine users are rarely sure of how powerful the batch they are using is as it depends on how much cutting agents like chalk and talcum powder are added. Dr Morley ruled Rian's death was caused by an accident after he collapsed in the shower after unluckily taking an extremely powerful dose. Rian's death from ketamine overdose comes after the high-profile death of Friends actor Matthew Perry, who died in his Hollywood hot tub after abusing ketamine in October. The Hollywood multi-millionaire was found with 3,000 nanograms of ketamine in his blood, described at the time as enough for a general anaesthetic. In November Clare set up a petition, which now has 3,590 signatures, to reclassify Ketamine as a Class A Drug. In it she writes: 'Rian's use initially started at festivals like many youngsters do. 'After the death of his best friend and then being on furlough from the Covid 19 pandemic his use escalated and he delved deep into addiction that he could not get out of. 'His mental health deteriorated, his bladder suffered, he was passing blood and chunks of his bladder lining, he was suffering excruciating K cramps and then the vicious cycle commences, taking the ketamine which has anaesthetic properties to deal with the pain. In November Clare set up a petition, which now has 3,590 signatures, to reclassify Ketamine as a Class A Drug Friends star Matthew Perry was killed by ketamine and drowning, with his death ruled an accident. He is pictured on October 22 - the last time he was seen in public In his last post to his Instagram, posted the week he died, the star shared images of him in his hot tub, which is next to his infinity pool 'The reclassification of ketamine as a Class A drug would increase penalties for possession and distribution, potentially reducing its prevalence in our communities and saving lives. 'This change could deter potential users and send a clear message about the dangers associated with this substance.' Data showed that one in four 16 to 24-year-olds have tried ketamine with one in 20 being regular users. Now families of Gen Ket - Generation Ketamine - have joined the call to change the classification. Figures released in December showed Gen Z are now shunning drugs, with usage rates in students halving since the 90s as speed, cocaine, ecstasy, cannabis and hippy crack fell out of favour. READ MORE: Warning over little-known ketamine side effect which can leave users unable to urinate Advertisement However an outlier in the data was ketamine with young adults now taking more of the drug than their previous generations. It was logged at its highest ever level (3.8 per cent), up a fifth on 2020. The Home Office may now consider upgrading the drug following the death of Rian, with urology surgeons raising the alarm after seeing a spike in so-called 'ketamine bladder'. Ketamine causes the bladder to shrink, causing extreme pain and the need to urinate more often. It can lead to drug users becoming incontinent so they have to wear pads to work, and start wetting their beds, carpets and furniture. Some even keep empty water bottles next to their bed so they can fill it with bloodied urine in the night. Rian's addiction had caused so much damage he needed an en-suite bathroom at his shared house in Nottingham's Beeston district which he moved into on April 2, 2023. Rian's former girlfriend Chloe, 26, from Tamworth previously told the Sun: 'I was in and out of hospital with horrible side effects, but I still couldn't stop. 'For Rian and me it started as a sociable, festival thing. But it escalated so quickly into the opposite, never leaving our flat.' Chloe finally gave up the drug after being reliant on it for almost a decade. Professor Adam Winstock, founder of research group the Global Drug Survey, said that while the risk of dying from a ketamine overdose is really low, the UK has been one of the leading users of ket for the last five to ten years.' Record amounts of ketamine were seized by police and border forces in the UK in the year to March 2022, rising by nearly 900 per cent from 208kg to 1,837kg. The usage is also on the rise, with one in 20 young people admitting to having taken ketamine, according to TimeOut. It is most popular in the cities of Manchester and Bristol, with London also being one of the top spots. While ketamine has a two-decades long history as part of rave and clubbing culture, its usage has significantly changed since the pandemic. It used to be used as a drug to take at the end of a night out, but because during lockdown, people were looking for mind-altering experiences that were not an 'upper', they turned to the tranquilising effects of ketamine, an expert claimed. Adam Waugh, of drug charity The Loop told TimeOut that ketamine is 'an anesthetic drug so it knocks people into a dissociative state' which 'could be desirable at home'. The drug is also significantly cheaper than other drugs used in the rave scene, at around 20 a gram compared to 40 a gram for MDMA and 100 for cocaine. On March 1, a brief funeral was held in Moscow for the opposition leader His mother was shown a medical report stating her son died of 'natural causes' Putin foe Alexei Navalny was 'tightly tied up by the arms and legs' four-to-five hours before he was declared dead, claims a new report. Russian human rights organisation gulagu.net alleged a forensic expert who examined the corpse of the 47-year-old opposition leader has come under secret services pressure to hide his findings. The initial Russian reports say Navalny died of a 'detached blood clot' in a hellhole Arctic prison - dubbed Polar Wolf - where he had been jailed in an act of political repression. Now in a brief report, the organisation stated: 'The forensic expert was pressured to conceal the discovery of blood clots.in the calf muscles and arms'. This indicated 'the formation of blood clots as a result of disruption of normal blood circulation'. A new report has claimed that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny was 'tightly tied up by the arms and legs four to five hours before he died' on February 16 Human rights activist and founder of Gulagu.net, a human rights organisation targeting corruption and torture in Russia, Vladimir Osechkin The entrance to the Arctic IK-3 penal colony where Navalny had been held since December 2023 A source said that the forensic expert 'was inclined to believe that four to five hours before the onset of biological death, the prisoner was tied up and his arms and legs'. His limbs 'were tightly tied just so that the blood stagnated and blood clots formed in it, which then clogged the pulmonary artery and blood vessels of the brain', said a statement from the organisation, headed by Vladimir Osechkin. No proof was offered for the allegation of direct physical abuse but Western leaders and other Russian opposition figures have already alleged Navalny was murdered on Vladimir Putin's orders. The forensic expert and the Investigative Committee investigators 'are under intense pressure from the Federal Security Service (FSB) in order to obstruct the investigation'. They are told to 'conceal the circumstances of the commission of a particularly serious crime against Alexei Navalny - torture and contract killing'. It is known that the Russian authorities have extended the deadline for a preliminary probe into the still unexplained death of the imprisoned Russian opposition leader. The new date is April 20, according to Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation. Russian authorities have extended the deadline for a preliminary probe into Navalny's death. Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, said the new date is April 20 The initial Russian reports say Navalny died of a 'detached blood clot' in a hellhole Arctic prison This means 'there is still no official information from the government about the cause of death', he said. The FSB has been accused of an earlier bid to murder Navalny by poisoning him with Novichok nerve agent. Navalny suddenly died on February 16 in a remote Arctic penal colony, where he was serving a 19-year sentence on extremism charges widely seen as politically motivated. He had appeared on video shortly before his death and appeared healthy. Russia's penitentiary authorities initially said the politician 'felt unwell' and fainted after a walk in the prison yard, but no specific cause of death has been revealed to date. Navalny's mother, Lyudmila Ivanovna, was shown a medical certificate stating that her son died of 'natural causes'. But following his death, she was handed her late son's body after an agonising nine-day wait as she waited in Salekhard, near the grisly IK-3 Arctic penal colony where Navalny had been held since December. Navalny spokesperson Kira Yarmysh said the Investigative Committee, the country's top criminal investigation agency, informed Lyudmila Navalnaya that the official probe into the death had been extended. 'They lie, buy time for themselves and do not even hide it,' Yarmysh posted on X. Yulia Navalnaya accused the Russian authorities of hiding Navalny's body in order to wait for traces of the nerve agent to disappear. Russian officials have vehemently denied that Navalny was murdered, and said at the time they would not release the body to the family for 14 days as investigators probed the hazy circumstances surrounding his death. On March 1, a brief funeral was held in Moscow for the opposition leader as brave mourners paid their respects - despite fears of mass arrests Relatives and friends pay their last respects at the coffin of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows, March 1 Navalny was seen for the last time on February 15 (pictured), the day before he died Navalny's widow said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was 'Satan' for holding 'hostage' her late husband's body. Maria Pevchikh - an exiled ally of Navalny - said he was killed as moves were underway to swap him in a prisoner exchange. Putin appeared to back the theory that Navalny might have been exchanged but said: 'Unfortunately, whatever happened, happened'. On March 1, a brief funeral was held in Moscow for the opposition leader as thousands of mourners gathered around his open casket. Photos of the event displayed the coffin being carried past large crowds of mourners - some of which were holding red flowers - while they bravely congregated despite fears of mass arrests. Brave mourners chanted 'Navalny, Navalny!' as the coffin was carried out of a black hearse and into a Russian Orthodox church - Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows, and as the coffin was driven away less than an hour later, people again chanted: 'Russia without Putin', 'Putin is a killer' and 'We won't forget'. Father Ted's co-creator Graham Linehan has described losing his career, his friends and his marriage in a six-year 'nightmare' due to his views on trans issues. The writer and campaigner demanded criminal investigations into two pro-trans charities Mermaids and Stonewall after the major Cass report into NHS transgender treatment. Linehan, 55, said the organisations were among those who should be 'held accountable' for encouraging what he called 'the myth of the trans child'. He also accused the BBC of 'pushing this ideology' on young children with CBBC programmes covering teenagers' gender transition treatment. And he claimed his strident stance almost got him barred from entering Australia, where he is currently travelling on a speaking tour. Graham Linehan has called for criminal investigations into Mermaids UK and Stonewall He said the sudden financial insecurity caused by his trans views caused the collapse of his marriage of 16 years to Helen Serafinowicz, co-creator of the BBC comedy Motherland Linehan co-created Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted starring, left to right, Frank Kelly, Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan and Ardal O'Hanlon He hit out at opponents after the Cass Review's lengthy and long-awaited report prompted NHS England, which had already stopped puberty blockers being given to under-16s, to announce a review into the use of hormones. Linehan earlier said he was 'proud as punch' and felt vindicated by the Cass Review's conclusion that medical treatment in children's gender care had been based on weak evidence. Supporters on X, formerly Twitter, have been sharing the hashtag 'GlinnerWasRight' and asking whether everyone who had 'cancelled' him would go back on their words. He has called for follow-up action following yesterday's report, including against transgender support group Mermaids UK and LGBTQ+ rights organisation Stonewall. Linehan told GB News: 'I think we have to be a little bit careful and a little bit judicious in how we find the guilty and what we do about them - there are some people who are more guilty than others. 'Mermaids, I think, should be held accountable very much so. I think they should be investigated, I think there should be a criminal investigation into Mermaids. 'I think there should be a criminal investigation into Stonewall.' Transgender support group Mermaids UK has been accused of encouraging youngsters to transition because they do not conform to gender stereotypes. The charity has also campaigned for greater access to puberty blockers, which the Cass Review warned 'may change the trajectory of psychosexual and gender identity development' without altering a patients body dissatisfaction or gender dysphoria. Linehan also turned on the BBC, highlighting a CBBC programme called My Life: I Am Leo, following a 13-year-old who was born as a girl but lives as a boy and was one of the first children in Britain to be prescribed hormone blockers. Linehan is pictured here at a 'Let WomenSpeak' rally in Dublin's Merrion Square last September Retired consultant paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass reveals the Cass Review's final report this week Linehan last night called for people pushing what he called 'the myth of the trans child' to be 'held accountable' as he also criticised the BBC Linehan said: 'I think there should be an inquiry into the BBC BBC shows like I Am Leo, shows like that we push this ideology on an audience of children. I think they need to be held accountable. 'Its not just doctors who need to be investigated, its the whole apparatus that created this myth of the trans child. We now know thanks to Cass although many of us knew it already, we didnt need Cass to know this its an absolute lie that was designed to confuse and manipulate people and shame them into thinking they were attacking a vulnerable section of society when in fact they were trying to help a vulnerable section of society. 'I think there should be an inquiry into the BBC BBC shows like I Am Leo, shows like that we push this ideology on an audience of children. I think they need to be held accountable. 'It's not just doctors who need to be investigated, it's the whole apparatus that created this myth of the trans child. 'We now know thanks to Cass although many of us knew it already, we didn't need Cass to know this it's an absolute lie that was designed to confuse and manipulate people and shame them into thinking they were attacking a vulnerable section of society when in fact they were trying to help a vulnerable section of society.' A BBC spokesperson said: 'CBBC is proud to reflect all areas of children's lives including age-appropriate representation of the different issues they may faces, whilst helping them develop empathy and kindness towards each other as they grow up.' MailOnline has contacted Mermaids and Stonewall for comment. Linehan's fans have claimed the comedian had been vindicated by the Cass Review and have been calling for those who 'cancelled' him to backtrack. Irish writer Graham Linehan, 55, says he and fellow campaigners have been 'trying to help a vulnerable section of society' Supporters of Linehan's stance have called on X, formerly Twitter, for those who have criticised or 'cancelled' him to apologise Comedy writer Josh Howie posted on X: 'The hate and ridicule directed at Graham by colleagues in the comedy industry these last years has disgusted me. 'He was right and he was brave and he was utterly vilified for it. Let's see if even one of those brave 'truth tellers' now apologises.' Irish writer Linehan belongs to a controversial school of thought that believes those who support the gender transition of youngsters are child abusers. He previously tweeted in January last year: 'Telling children they have the wrong bodies is child abuse.' Linehan rose to fame in 1995 for creating, alongside writing partner Arthur Matthews, the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted which ran until 1998. He then went on to pen Black Books and The IT Crowd but in recent years has devoted himself to opposing transgender activists, which led to a Twitter ban in 2020 - since reversed - and a show at last year's Edinburgh Fringe being shut down. In 2021 he revealed that sudden financial insecurity caused by his trans views caused the collapse of his marriage of 16 years to Helen Serafinowicz, co-creator of the BBC comedy Motherland. Linehan has now said: 'From the moment I started talking about this issue, I had friends and even family members distance themselves from me.' 'I got threats. I got nasty emails, nasty direct messages, some of them from people I had worked with for years - everyone telling me to stop talking and shut up. Graham Linehan at a Conservative Party Conference meeting in Manchester last October Graham Linehan has been thanking people for support following the Cass Review 'I had police visit me twice on behalf of trans activists. I lost my family and marriage, 'I'm still close to my children but I lost my marriage because I kept losing jobs and opportunities, it was unrelenting pressure.' He had been working again with Matthews and Hat Trick Productions on a stage musical adaptation of Father Ted, called Pope Ted, which has since fallen through. Linehan told GB News last night: 'I genuinely thought my Father Ted colleagues would stand up for me and see what is happening to children and realise I was right to be taking the stand I was taking. 'But instead they told me to remove my name from the musical and said they would not make it if I didn't. 'They offered me 200,000. I refused because I thought the issue was too important - I didn't want Father Ted to be built on the ruined bodies of children. 'It has just been a nightmare for the last six years. I haven't written comedy for six years. It has been a long fight. I'm extremely tired.' Hat Trick Productions' managing director Jimmy Mulville has previously said the show should have been a 'surefire hit' in the West End but it was decided having Linehan involved would make it impossible to stage. He told the Times in March last year: 'I said, "Were not getting at you. Were trying to save the work and the only way we save the work now is by disassociating it from you, tragic as that is". He had been working on a stage musical version of Father Ted, called Pope Ted - Ardal O'Hanlon (left) and the late Dermot Morgan are seen here in the TV original Linehan's other sitcoms include The IT Crowd starring, from left to right, Chris O'Dowd, Richard Ayoade and Katherine Parkinson 'I know writers really well, its hard for writers to do that - and I said it would take an enormous amount of personal courage and humility, but the only way that we go forward is to make a statement. 'We had statements prepared where we said, we believe in Grahams right to speak his mind and that hes sincere in his beliefs.' Neil Hannon, who penned Father Ted's theme tune and was writing the music for the stage show, told the Telegraph in January 2022: 'It was fun working on it, but it wasnt proving easy. Its been difficult to watch whats happened. 'I believe in free speech, but I also very much believe in peoples perfect right to remain completely silent on issues that they dont feel they can speak on. And thats all I want to say about it.' Linehan also said last night, after delays securing a visa to cross from New Zealand to Australia on his current speaking tour: 'I nearly didnt get into Australia because the Australian authorities think Im some sort of bigot.' Retired paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, who wrote the report published yesterday, made 32 recommendations including a 'follow-through' service for 17 to 25-year-olds. She said this should prevent this 'vulnerable' group going straight into adult clinics, as she warned teenagers were 'falling off a cliff edge' in their care when reaching 17. Her report concluded that gender care is currently an area of 'remarkably weak evidence' and young people have been caught up in a 'stormy social discourse'. NHS England has now written to local NHS leaders to ask that they pause first appointment offers at adult gender clinics to young people before their 18th birthday, as it also intends to carry out a major review of these services. The report, first commissioned in 2020, called for gender services to operate 'to the same standards' as other health services for children. Graham Linehan performs his Edinburgh Fringe Festival show outside the Scottish Parliament last August after having a planned performance at another venue cancelled Neil Hannon, formerly of the Divine Comedy, had been writing the music for the proposed Pope Ted show but has said it 'wasn't proving easy' It also urged that young people who have been referred be offered 'a holistic assessment', including screening for neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, and a mental health assessment. Dr Cass said that 'for the majority of young people, a medical pathway may not be the best way' to address their needs. The Children's Society has called for the report to 'mark a watershed moment' in fostering an environment 'which places the wellbeing and safety of all children at its heart'. The Royal College of Psychiatrists said all gender-questioning children must get 'timely access to services that are holistic and respond to their individual needs'. More than a quarter of Britain's foreign aid budget was spent housing refugees and asylum seekers across the country, new figures show. Data released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) showed 4.3 billion was diverted to support the groups last year equivalent to 28 percent of the total budget. The provisional statistics published on Wednesday showed spending on 'in-donor refugee costs' rose by 600 million in 2023, while the overall aid budget increased by around 2.6 billion. This led to a large overspend on the government's target. Policy is to spend 0.5 percent of national income on foreign aid but additional costs have caused that to rise to 0.58 percent which is equivalent to 15.4 billion. International rules allow countries to count first-year costs of supporting refugees as overseas development assistance (ODA). Data released by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) showed 4.3 billion was diverted to support the groups last year. Pictured: A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover The number of asylum seekers being housed in hotels has fallen by more than a third over the past six months, as the Government moves residents into private rented accommodation Graph showing number of migrants crossing the Channel on small boats from 2019 to 2024 On Wednesday, the Home Office also announced that it would close more asylum hotels in the coming weeks. Pictured: An asylum seeker leaves a hotel in Walthamstow on January 26 But the practice has been criticised for reducing the amount that can be spent on developing countries, with MPs on the Commons International Development Committee accusing the Home Office of conducting 'raids' on the ODA budget. As in previous years, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the majority of the increase in spending on refugees was 'due to Home Office spend', which rose by 559 million in 2023. International Development Committee chair Sarah Champion said the increasing spend on refugee costs in the UK was 'deeply worrying'. READ MORE: Last of 400 asylum seekers are evicted from Walthamstow hotel in white vans as part of government drive to reduce accommodation spending Advertisement She said: 'We have expressed our concerns on a number of occasions and ministers are still not listening. 'Almost 30 percent of our aid is being spent on refugee costs - nearly five times our bilateral spend on emergency international humanitarian aid. We do not believe that UK ODA is being spent in the spirit of the OECD rules.' Meanwhile, the Home Office revealed 150 migrant hotels will have closed by next month after figures revealed there were now 20,000 fewer people staying in the accommodation than six months ago This number is down from more than 56,000 at the end of September, the department announced. The Home Office spent around 8 million a day last year for tens of thousands of asylum seekers to be put up in hotels while the introduction of alternative housing plans faced a series of setbacks. This comes after a Tory mayoral hopeful launched a bid to buy Scarbrough's notorious Grand Hotel - once branded 'a slug-infested s***hole' - and restore it to its former glory. Former immigration minister Robert Jenrick announced last October that the Government would be 'exiting' 50 hotels by the end of January, with more to follow. The process will continue 'until the last hotel is closed,' Home Secretary James Cleverly said on Wednesday. The Home Office revealed 150 migrant hotels will have closed by next month. Pictured: Migrants leaving the Ibis hotel in Walthamstow, East London 'We promised to end the use of asylum hotels and house asylum seekers at more appropriate, cheaper accommodation; we are doing that at a rapid pace,' he said. 'These closures deliver on the Government's plan to cut the use of hotels in the asylum system and we will keep going until the last hotel is closed.' It comes after Whitehall's spending watchdog found that Government plans for other accommodation will cost tens of millions of pounds more than using hotels. The National Audit Office (NAO) said around 1.2 billion is expected to spent on housing migrants in large sites. By the end of March, the Home Office expected to have spent at least 230 million developing four major projects - the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland, Dorset, the former RAF bases at Scampton in Lincolnshire and Wethersfield in Essex, and ex-student accommodation in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. But so far, just two of the sites are open and were only housing around 900 people by the end of January, according to the watchdog's findings. Bibby Stockholm is now housing migrants following a temporary evacuation last year when Legionella bacteria was found on the vessel, and Wethersfield is in use after the local council lost a legal challenge against the Government's plans for the site. However, both were accommodating just under half the number of migrants the Home Office expected would be the case at the end of January. Ministers have also scaled back the number of asylum seekers due to be housed at the former home of the famed 617 'Dambusters' Squadron and the Red Arrows near Lincoln from 2,000 to 800. But the Home Office has insisted its plan is better value for money for the taxpayer than continuing to use hotels. Asylum seekers carry their belongings as they are moved from a UK Home Office contracted London hotel Its efforts mean the cost of hotels will fall, the Home Office has promised, adding: 'But we have further to go, which is why we are passing the Safety of Rwanda Bill, deterring Channel crossings and get flights off to Rwanda - because it is only when people are discouraged from taking those journeys that we can end asylum hotel use for good.' Keane Duncan, 29, said that as part of his campaign to become North Yorkshire's first citizen, he would use public cash to 'wrestle the hotel free' from the grip of current owners, Britannia Hotels. The towering 413-bed coastal venue was built in 1867, with its striking design once leading to it being dubbed one of seven wonders of the English seaside by Historic England. But in recent years the Victorian behemoth has been slammed by customers for its dated, 'filthy' rooms - and now holds the ignominious title of Yorkshire's most complained about hotel, with more than 4,100 terrible reviews on Tripadvisor. A UK Government spokesperson said: 'The UK spent over 15 billion on development last year, including on life-saving humanitarian aid in Gaza, in Sudan following the coup, and in Turkiye and Syria after the earthquake. 'Our spend in 2023 also helped fragile states to access finance, millions of women globally to receive family planning support and is tackling the effects of climate change. We are also nearly doubling our spend in low-income countries this financial year. 'Last year's budget was boosted by additional funding to support refugees in the UK, who have escaped oppression and conflict overseas, including from Ukraine and Afghanistan. We will continue to ensure our aid budget delivers value for money for British taxpayers.' If you are experiencing domestic abuse or if you are in need of urgent support, contact National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 This is the moment police officers arrested a man 'covered in blood' after he savagely hacked a woman with a meat cleaver, leaving her with life-changing injuries. Lee Sargent, 47, of Stirchley, Telford, carried out the horrific attack at his home in Culmington on August 1, 2023. His victim was left close to death, sustaining 32 injuries to the face and hands during the attack. Detective Constable Becky Jasper, the officer in charge of the investigation, said it was 'one of the worst cases of domestic violence' she has ever dealt with. Police bodycam footage from the time shows Sargent opening the door to officers, caked in blood, before he leads them upstairs to the main bedroom of the house. One officer can be heard mumbling 'oh my god', before asking Sargent 'what's gone on?'. The footage is cut short as police enter the bedroom because it is 'too graphic'. Officers said when they entered the room they found a woman slumped on the bed with serious life-threatening injuries. Lee Sargent, 47, who has been sentenced to 18 years and 10 months after a woman was left with life-changing injuries after she was attacked in Telford First aid was carried out by the responding officers, who saved the woman's life. Sargent, who remained on the scene, was arrested for attempted murder before being brought in to custody at Malinsgate Police Station. He was taken to hospital where he later assaulted a police officer by spitting at them. Sargent was charged the following day with attempt murder and assaulting an emergency worker, where he pleaded guilty to both counts at an earlier hearing in December 2023. He was sentenced to 18 years and 10 months at Stafford Crown Court on Wednesday, April 10. The court heard the victim spent 11 days in ICU a coma and over a month in hospital following the vicious attack. Prosecutor Patrick Sullivan said: 'That's when her struggles began.' He said she had lost several fingers and a thumb and now 'struggled in daily life' requiring help to 'dress herself, cut her food and doing simple things like using scissors.' He also told the court her 'new physical appearance' had triggered low self-esteem and PTSD. Police bodycam footage from the time shows Sargent opening the door to officers, caked in blood, before he leads them upstairs to the main bedroom of the house Temporary Detective Inspector Scott Marshall-Bowater, of West Mercia Police, said afterwards: 'She was so close to death, if it hadn't been for the medical interventions of police officers, who administered a tourniquet on her arm, and the response by the paramedics, she would not have lived. 'After 14 years as a police officer, this was hands down the worst injuries I've ever seen on someone who survived. 'I am surrounded by a brilliant team of people and we keep in mind the victim all times. 'Ultimately, in this case, she did not have a voice as could not remember anything so we gave her that voice. 'I hope other people realise that if they are in a situation like this that they need to get out of they can get out of it. 'I would urge anyone who believes they are a victim of domestic abuse to speak to police.' DC Jasper said: 'We welcome today's sentence of Lee Sargent, as this is one of the worst cases of domestic violence that I have ever dealt with. 'It was a sustained attack, which resulted in life changing injuries for the victim. I'd like to thank her for her cooperation and bravery throughout this investigation. 'I would urge anyone who believes they are a victim of domestic abuse to speak to police.' In addition to 18 years and 10 months for attempted murder, he was given two months for assaulting an emergency service worker and two months in an unconnected child neglect case. He will serve these sentences concurrently. A rape survivor says she has been 'vindicated' after the lawyer representing her attacker was found to have abused his position by questioning her sexual history and appearing to suggest she had a personality disorder during a trial. Ellie Wilson, 26, filed a complaint against Lorenzo Alonzi after he told jurors it was an 'injustice' her rapist and ex-boyfriend Daniel McFarlane was set to be jailed while Ms Wilson graduated with a first-class masters degree with distinction. Advocate Mr Alonzi - a senior Scottish lawyer qualified to take on the most serious criminal cases - also questioned whether she had a personality disorder, without any medical evidence, and commented on her sexual history in his closing remarks. The Faculty of Advocates' complaints committee unanimously upheld five of Ms Wilson's complaints, calling his behaviour 'inappropriate' and 'discourteous'. The sanction against the lawyer is yet to be decided - with reports suggesting he could face a fine of up to 3,000, surrender the fee he was paid to take McFarlane's case, pay Ms Wilson compensation or be given an official reprimand. Ellie Wilson, whose rapist Daniel McFarlane was represented by Mr Alonzi in court Lorenzo Alonzi has been reprimanded by the Faculty of Advocates' complaints committee over how he conducted himself during a rape trial Five of Ms Wilson's complaints were upheld unanimously by the Faculty of Advocates' complaints committee Today Ms Wilson, from Glasgow, says she feels 'vindicated' at the verdict, after a long and costly battle to obtain a copy of the trial transcript that has already transformed Scotland's attitude towards open justice for survivors of sexual violence. 'I left court feeling humiliated and traumatised by what happened and I think that often a lot of people within the legal profession would say (the way he conducted himself) was normal, and I knew it wasn't,' she told MailOnline. 'To be vindicated means everything to me. What I experienced in court had such a huge impact on me - I was left suicidal, and I had to take time off work. 'That was because of the treatment of Lorenzo Alonzi. It was because of him I felt like that.' She added: 'I felt like he was really trying to blame me for what happened. He kept trying to imply I was promiscuous. 'I just felt like I was being villainized, like I was the one on trial.' Mr Alonzi, of Black Chambers in Edinburgh, took McFarlane's case after he was charged with raping Ms Wilson, who has waived her right to anonymity, and with destroying, or requesting others to destroy, incriminating evidence of the attacks. Jurors found him of two charges of rape and attempting to defeat the ends of justice following the trial in June 2022, and he was jailed for five years a month later. Despite ensuring her rapist met justice, Ms Wilson says she was not willing to stand for Mr Alonzi's interrogation style - which 'repeatedly crossed the line', the committee concluded. Transcripts show that Alonzi, an advocate since 1990, repeatedly asked her about her sexual history - a privileged line of questioning that requires special dispensation from the courts in Scotland. The complaints committee concluded that he 'ought to have known where the line was' following repeated warnings by the judge he was going too far - and concluded that he 'abused his position' by continuing to press Ms Wilson on her private life. It also took umbrage with Mr Alonzi's questions about whether she may have had a 'narcissistic personality disorder' - a line of questioning for which there was no supporting medical basis, nor evidence entered into the court. Mr Alonzi, the committee concluded, was 'discourteous to the court' by pursuing the 'entirely irrelevant' line of questioning. And he was further reprimanded for referring to both Ms Wilson's sexual history and the baseless claims about her mental health in his closing remarks to the jury before they retired to consider the verdict. 'He deliberately put these matters to the jury, despite knowing that the trial judge would likely then be forced to direct the jury to disregard them,' the committee said. The lawyer was also criticised for remarks he made a month later when McFarlane returned to court for sentencing - as he sought to imply to the judge the jury had made the wrong decision. He suggested that it was an 'injustice' that aspiring doctor McFarlane was set to be jailed for rape while Ms Wilson graduated with a high-flying degree. 'It's difficult to avoid thinking about the fact that the complainer (Ms Wilson) went on to complete her studies in her career path of choice... It's difficult not to imagine some sense of injustice in it all,' he said in court. 'He wanted to be a doctor; he's never going to be a doctor... Tragically he went to university and fell in love. He fell in love, that's what happened. 'He hadn't even kissed a girl before. And he fell in love with the wrong person.' Ms Wilson said the trial retraumatised her after she suffered abuse at the hands of ex-boyfriend Daniel McFarlane (right) McFarlane would bombard Ms Wilson with abusive messages over social media, where he would degrade her and admit to raping her Those remarks, along with a suggestion that McFarlane 'doesn't belong here' and that he and Ms Wilson 'were like chalk and cheese', were 'inappropriate and ought not to have been made at all,' the Faculty's committee concluded. 'To suggest, as the member does, that the jury reached the wrong verdict and that injustice, in the form of the different outcomes for the accused and the complainer has resulted, was not appropriate,' it said. Mr Alonzi has two weeks to appeal if he wishes. Black Chambers did not respond to a request for comment from MailOnline. The secret recording that captured a rapist's chilling confession Ms Wilson: 'Do you not get how awful it makes me feel when you say, "I haven't raped you" when you have and you say I've made up stuff' [McFarlane interrupts] McFarlane: 'Ellie, we've already established that I have, but the people who need to believe me, believe me.' Ms Wilson: 'But they are believing a lie...' McFarlane: 'And I'll tell them the truth one day but not today.' Ms Wilson: 'Will you tell them the truth about what you've done to me? McFarlane: [indecipherable] Ms Wilson: 'How do you feel about it?' McFarlane: 'I feel good knowing that I'm not in prison.' Advertisement But Ms Wilson says she hopes the complaints committee's conclusions will prompt other lawyers to think again about how they question the alleged survivors of sexual violence in court. 'I really hope that it sends a strong message, and it shows you never actually know who you're up against and that actions do have consequences, and that this behavior isn't acceptable,' she said. 'I really hope that this changes things because part of the reason why I made this complaint was not just because I felt so bad personally, but also because I wanted to protect other people. 'I didn't want this individual lawyer going around and traumatizing other vulnerable rape survivors.' Having secured a conviction against Mr McFarlane - who confessed to attacking her in a secret recording she made - she then had to crowdfund 3,000 in order to obtain a full written copy of his remarks in order to lodge her complaint. She has blasted this step in the past, warning that it discriminated against survivors of sexual violence who may wish to go over their court cases again in their own time. First Minister Humza Yousaf has since announced a pilot programme to make transcripts available to survivors of sexual violence free of charge. In addition, Ms Wilson and other sexual violence survivors campaigned to implore Scotland's universities to share information on students' criminal records. She began the campaign after discovering her rapist was continuing his studies at the University of Edinburgh whilst awaiting trial, having been suspended by the University of Glasgow. The campaign led to the country's 19 higher education institutions agreeing a common data sharing strategy on students' unspent criminal convictions. 'There are now so many survivors who are speaking up about their experiences and realizing that they actually are allowed to challenge authority, that it's a good thing, that it doesn't make them difficult women,' Ms Wilson said. 'I've campaigned for university safeguarding, I've achieved that;I've campaigned for free court transcripts, I've achieved that; I was campaigning for this complaint to be upheld and that's now been done. 'But I still feel like there's so much to do. While I really do think this will set a precedent and send a strong message I do think we need to be a lot firmer on the behaviour of defence lawyers in court. 'I want to continue working on changing the system, because it's not good enough and I don't want others to suffer in the way that I have.' Iran's version of Blind Date has been shut down by the country's theocratic rulers after the programme gained immense popularity among younger audiences dreaming of a more Western lifestyle. The crackdown comes after more than a year of nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who was arrested for wearing the hijab improperly. The Iranian version of the show, which has been watched by millions of viewers online, sees young men and women attempt to find love by answering questions asked by Iranian influencer Viny. The show's Instagram page was also blocked by 'order of the honourable judicial authority' until 'further notice'. The British version of the show, which is best known for its stint on ITV when hosted by Cilia Black between 1985 and 2003, attracted an audience of 14million viewers at its peak. Iran's version of Blind Date has been shut down by the country's theocratic rulers after the programme gained immense popularity among younger audiences dreaming of a more Western lifestyle Viny, born in 2003, was a comedian and popular YouTuber before presenting Iran's version of Blind Date. Some episodes, which remain available on YouTube, give a rare insight into life in a pariah state, where the hijab is mandatory for women and 650 people were recently killed in street protests. In one episode, a woman called Neusha reveals she has spent the last 12 years living in California, where she works as an estate agent. More than 1.8 million young Iranians have left the country since 2020. Her prospective partner, Majid, reveals he is an accomplished and successful sportsman, prompting Neusha to flex her muscles in approval. Viny goes on to ask the contestants the month they were born as, in Iran, astrology is believed to be useful when it comes to choosing a husband or wife. After revealing he was born in June, Majid appears to shock a disappointed Neusha, ashe exclaims: 'Oh no! Really?' The crackdown on the show comes after more than a year of nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini (pictured), a young woman who was arrested for wearing the hijab improperly Viny also quizzes the couple over their happiest and saddest moments, Western culture, and their favourite Persian food. In a blow to their chances of romance, Majid reveals he detests the smell of onion, a major ingredient in Neusha's beloved minced lamb kebabs. While such talk seems innocent by Western standards, dating can be difficult in a country that requires its citizens to adhere to strict Islamic laws. A study in 2022 found that half of Iran's population of 86million people were under the age of 35, nearly 68 per cent of whom were single. Every parliamentary constituency in Britain saw a rise in incapacity benefit claims last year - with some of the largest increases driven by a surge in mental health problems in affluent areas. Analysis of DWP data showed that while the highest number of claims in 2023 were made in urban and post-industrial areas, some leafy suburban commuter belt towns around London and other large cities saw claims increase by more than a third. They include constituencies with Tory MPs including Tonbridge & Malling in Kent, Basingstoke in Hampshire and Hexham in Northumberland. Claims are up by at least 10 per cent in every one of the 650 Westminster seats, the analysis by Labour, first reported by the Times, has found. Last month it emerged that 2.8million people have left the workforce due to long-term sickness the most since the 1990s. Mental health problems affect more than a third of 16 to 34-year-olds out of work due to long-term illness and account for 69 per cent of all medical claims. It comes as the government tries to get on the front foot with efforts to cut waiting lists for NHS treatment. Earlier this week the Work and Pensions Secretary said Britons must revert to the 'old-fashioned belief' that work is good for you. Your browser does not support iframes. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride (pictured) said the nation's approach to tackling mental health issues may have 'gone too far' Mel Stride claimed the nation's approach to tackling mental health issues may have 'gone too far', suggested the regular 'ups-and-downs of life' should not be 'labelled' or 'medicalised'. The minister said welfare reforms would ensure the Government could 'break the cycle of people going to see their GP and ending up parked on benefits through time'. 'Perhaps it's an old-fashioned belief but I think it's one that needs to come back into fashion is that work is good for you,' he told Radio 4's Today programme. 'Work is good for your mental health. Getting up in the morning, having a sense of purpose, interacting with other people in the workplace, having that conversation by the watercooler or whatever it may be, is good for our mental health. 'My mission is to get as many people into work as possible, and I care the most about those who can benefit from work in the way that I've described.' But Alison McGovern, the shadow work and pensions minister, told the Times the Conservatives had 'failed on work', saying: 'On the Tories' watch, millions of people across the country are stuck on mental health waiting lists or locked out of work due to long-term sickness at huge cost to them, to business and to the taxpayer too.' A Department of Work and Pensions spokesman said: 'We are building on our strong employment record with our 2.5 billion back to work plan which will help over a million people, including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions to break down barriers to work. 'Our landmark welfare reforms will cut the number of people due to be put onto the highest tier of incapacity benefits by over 370,000.' According to the well-worn maxim, power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. But, for some of politics' most unlikely lotharios, power has also proved to be a welcome aphrodisiac - until everything inevitably falls apart. It emerged last night that former prime minister Harold Wilson had an affair during his second stint in Downing Street with his deputy press secretary, Janet Hewlett-Davies. But he was by no means the first politician to have a romantic liaison whilst climbing the ladders of power. Below, MailOnline delves into the history of politics' most infamous extra-marital dalliances, from John Major's four-year relationship with Edwina Currie to Matt Hancock's scandalous affair with Gina Coladangelo. It emerged last night that former prime minister Harold Wilson had an affair during his second stint in Downing Street with his deputy press secretary, Janet Hewlett-Davies (above right) John Major's four-year affair with Edwina Currie Ms Currie revealed her four-year affair with Sir John - much to his dismay - in her diaries in 2002. The sexual liaison, which began when Sir John was a Government whip and Ms Currie - who later became a health minister - was a backbencher. Sir John's government was later badly damaged by a string of sexual scandals involving ministers after he called for a return to traditional values with his Back to Basics policy. Mrs Currie said she thought the campaign, which was launched in 1993, was 'absolute humbug'. She added to The Times: 'Part of the fun was the thought that there John was, sitting in the Whips' Office, sometimes discussing other people's affairs, and keeping very quiet about his own. And I loved that feeling.' John Major and Edwina Currie with Norman Fowler when the Tory party launched its European manifesto in May 1994 Sir John said shortly afterwards: 'It is the one event in my life of which I am most ashamed and I have long feared it would be made public.' He added that his wife Norma had known of the affair for 'many years' and had forgiven him. In 2012, when her second volume of diaries were published, Ms Currie told the Daily Mail that Sir John was 'a sexy beast'. 'I think his history shows that. He was 19 when he was living with a woman who was 33,' she said. 'Believe me, I did not have to teach that man anything. He was experienced and fun.' Ms Currie was referring to how, as a young man, Sir John lived for three years with a divorcee 13 years his senior who became his lover. Sir John said his affair with Ms Currie was one of the biggest regrets of his life. Above: Sir John with wife Norma outside Downing Street John Prescott's affair with secretary Tracey Temple In 2006, John Prescott, then the deputy prime minister, admitted to a two-year affair with his secretary Tracey Temple. The pair started meeting in secret at his government-owned flat after the relationship began at an office party. The married father-of-two said at the time: 'I did have a relationship with her which I regret. It ended some time ago. 'I have discussed this fully with my wife Pauline who is devastated by the news. 'I would be grateful if Pauline and I can now get on with our lives together.' In 2006, John Prescott, then the deputy prime minister, admitted to a two-year affair with his secretary Tracey Temple. Above: The pair together Ms Temple, a divorcee, was living with lorry driver Barrie Williams when the affair emerged. Mr Williams told the Mirror at the time: 'I feel sick. I can't believe the woman I wanted to marry has slept with John Prescott. I've been betrayed by one of the most powerful men in the UK.' Ms Temple told the Mail on Sunday that Mr Prescott demanded sex from her in his ministerial office. 'We were very lucky we were never caught - as we never shut the door. I knew what we were doing was risky but we both got carried away,' she added. 'Seven civil servants worked right outside his office' 'Of course there were moments when I thought, "I shouldn't be doing this". I also thought how surprised and shocked people would be if this ever got out.' John Prescott with his wife Pauline during a trip to India in 2002 David Mellor's affair with jobbing actress Antonia de Sancha In 1992, it emerged that Tory culture secretary David Mellor - famously dubbed the 'minister for fun', had conducted a three-month affair with jobbing actress Antonia de Sancha. Mr Mellor became the subject of public ridicule when, in an attempt to display family unity after the scandal broke, he posed with his wife, children and parents outside his home. The politician's liaisons with Ms de Sancha had taken place in a rented flat in London's Earl's Court. In 1992, it emerged that Tory culture secretary David Mellor - famously dubbed the 'minister for fun', had conducted a three-month affair with jobbing actress Antonia de Sancha. Mr Mellor became the subject of public ridicule when, in an attempt to display family unity after the scandal broke, he posed with his wife, children and his wife's parents outside his home Mr Mellor would sleep there on a crumpled mattress, surrounded by half-empty champagne and brandy bottles. In a tape-recorded conversation, Mr Mellor was heard telling his lover: 'You have absolutely exhausted me. I feel seriously knackered... I don't think I could have slept for more than an hour.' Claims that Mr Mellor had been amorous while wearing a Chelsea FC shirt further titillated the public but were later revealed to have been fabricated by Ms De Sancha's PR man Max Clifford, who went on to be jailed for sexual offences. Before his affair emerged, Mr Mellor had appeared to support draconian new regulation of the Press. Ms de Sancha later took part in TV documentary The Mistress, became an agony aunt for Erotic Review magazine and imported textiles, rugs and jewellery from India. She later admitted that the excitement with being with Mr Mellor stemmed from the fact that he was 'in a peak position of power'. The politician's liaisons with Ms de Sancha had taken place in a rented flat in London's Earl's Court. Above: Ms de Sancha in a photoshoot Paddy Ashdown's affair with secretary Patricia Howard In the run-up to the 1992 election, when the Liberal Democrats should have been focusing on gaining as many seats as possible, their leader Paddy Ashdown was preoccupied. For he was about to admit that he had had a short-lived affair with his secretary Patricia Howard. The revelations were reported by The Sun newspaper under the headline 'Paddy Pantsdown', which Lord Ashdown described as 'dreadful, but brilliant'. Ashdown broke the story himself after a memo detailing his affair was stolen from his solicitors and given to the Press. In the run-up to the 1992 election, when the Liberal Democrats should have been focusing on gaining as many seats as possible, their leader Paddy Ashdown was preoccupied. For he was about to admit that he had a short-lived affair with his secretary Patricia Howard. Above: Ashdown with his wife Jane after news of his affair broke Lord Ashdown's former secretary and mistress, Patricia Howard. She had a five-month affair with the politician Lord Ashdown, who died in 2018, survived the media storm and did not resign as the leader of his party. His wife Jane also forgave him. He turned the Liberal Democrats into a political force that could not be ignored in the late 1990s. Following the affair scandal, he changed the message on his answering machine to 'Hello, this is Paddy Ashdown. Please leave a message after the high moral tone.' Cecil Parkinson's affair and lovechild with Sara Keays In 1983, Cabinet minister Cecil Parkinson was forced to resign from his position as trade and industry secretary when it emerged that he was having an affair with his secretary Sara Keays. Ms Keays was pregnant with his child, Flora, who grew up with severe epilepsy. Parkinson, who had three children with his wife Anne, had a 12-year relationship with Ms Keays. He had told his lover that he would leave his wife but then reneged on the decision. In 1983, Cabinet minister Cecil Parkinson was forced to resign from his position as trade and industry secretary when it emerged that he was having an affair with his secretary Sara Keays. Above: Parkinson with his wife Anne Sara Keays leaves St Teresa's Hospital with her daughter, Flora Keays, the love child of Cecil Parkinson Although Parkinson's political career recovered when he returned to Margaret Thatcher's cabinet in 1987, he refused to have any relationship with his daughter and never even met her. In an attempt to cure her epilepsy, Flora had a five-hour brain operation when she was four-and-a-half, but it left her with serious social and learning difficulties. In 1993, Parkinson secured an injunction that prevented the press or even Ms Keays herself from discussing Flora's life in public until she turned 18. Until his death in 2016, Lord Parkinson made provision for Flora of 20,000 a year but it later emerged that she did not benefit from his 1.14million will. Ms Keays, who is now elderly, has spent decades caring for her daughter and has had to cope with significant financial hardship. Parkinson, who had three children with his wife Anne, had a 12-year relationship with Ms Keays Ms Keays, who is now elderly, has spent decades caring for her daughter and has had to cope with significant financial hardship Matt Hancock's affair with aide Gina Coladangelo In June 2021, then Health Secretary Matt Hancock's career came crashing down when CCTV footage was published showing him passionately kissing his aide, Gina Coladangelo, inside his office. It emerged that the pair, who were both married and had known each other since meeting at university, had been engaged in an affair. At the time, due to the coronavirus pandemic, indoor gatherings of two or more people were banned and guidance instructed people to remain at least one metre apart from one another. In June 2021, then Health Secretary Matt Hancock's career came crashing down when CCTV footage was published showing him passionately kissing his aide, Gina Coladangelo, inside his office. Father-of-three Mr Hancock later split with his wife of 15 years and remains in a relationship with Ms Coladangelo. He attempted to hold on to his job but subsequently resigned and later quit as an MP. Mr Hancock told Stephen Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast that he broke the covid guidance because he 'fell in love with somebody.' Churchill's private secretary and the mother of Justin Welby In 2016 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby discovered that his real father was Sir Anthony Montague Brown, the private secretary of Sir Winston Churchill. His mother, Lady Jane Williams had a brief relationship with the aide shortly before her marriage to Gavin Welby, the man who the Archbishop had grown up believing was his father. Lady Williams, who worked as a secretary for Churchill, gave birth nine months after she got married. In 2016 Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby discovered that his real father was Sir Anthony Montague Brown, the private secretary of Sir Winston Churchill Lady Williams gave birth to her son nine months after her marriage to Gavin Welby, the man that Archbishop Welby had spent most of his life believing was his father A DNA test using a swab from Archbishop Welby's mouth and samples from Montague Browne's hairbrush showed a 99.9779 probability that the pair were father and son. Lady Williams, who died last year, issued a statement saying the news had come as an 'almost unbelievable shock', admitting the liaison was 'fuelled by a large amount of alcohol'. 'It appears that the precautions taken at the time didn't work and my wonderful son was conceived as a result of this liaison,' she added. The news emerged after a test using a swab from the Archbishop's mouth matched with samples from Montague Brown's old hairbrush. The results showed a 99.9779 per cent probability that the pair were father and son. Lady Williams worked as a secretary for Churchill shortly before he left Downing Street for the final time as prime minister David Lloyd George's 30-year affair with his private secretary David Lloyd George, who served as prime minister from 1916 until 1922, had a 30-year affair with his private secretary, Frances Stevenson. Ms Stevenson gave birth to daughter Jennifer in 1929, but it remains a mystery as to whether Lloyd George was her father. However, in private, he was affectionate to the youngster, as pictures of him with her that emerged for sale in 2017 showed. David Lloyd George, who served as prime minister from 1916 until 1922, had a 30-year affair with his private secretary, Frances Stevenson. Above: The pair together Ms Stevenson gave birth to daughter Jennifer in 1929, but it remains a mystery as to whether Lloyd George was her father. However, in private, he was affectionate to the youngster, as pictures of him with her that emerged for sale in 2017 showed To protect Lloyd George's political career, Ms Stevenson went to the lengths of putting her daughter up for adoption, before promptly adopting her back. Ms Stevenson was also having an affair with army officer Colonel Thomas Tweed, who also worked in Lloyd George's office. He could also have been Jennifer's father. Lloyd George later married Ms Stevenson after the death of his first wife - who he had five children with - in 1941. Before settling down with Ms Stevenson, Lloyd George had numerous affairs, including with the wives of fellow Liberal MPs. Swimmers ran into the sea this morning to celebrate a run of warm weather starting for Britain with temperatures set to hit 20C for three days in a row from today. A group for more than 30 men and women cheered as they splashed in the water at Cullercoats beach in North Tyneside despite a sea temperature of just 7C (45F). The Met Office said much of the UK will enjoy above-average temperatures for the time of year with eastern England expected to see the brightest conditions. Thermometers will make it up to 20C (68F) in parts of the country every day between today and Saturday - before falling to a more average 14C (57F) by Sunday. By 1pm today, temperatures hit 18.8C (65.8F) at Weybourne in Norfolk, 18.6C (65.5F) at Pershore in Worcestershire and 18.3C (64.9F) at Coningsby in Lincolnshire. And by midday it was 18C (64F) in locations across England from Exeter to Cambridge. The change will be a relief to flood-hit communities which have endured torrential downpours this week that saw 200 people evacuated in West Sussex on Tuesday. The UK has suffered three storms in a week - with Storm Pierrick on Tuesday named by Meteofrance; Storm Kathleen last Saturday named by Irish weather service Met Eireann; and Storm Olivia last Friday named by the Portuguese agency Ipma. Dancer Tamara Studholme, 25, enjoys the sunshine and warmer weather in Blackpool today Swimmers run into the water at Cullercoats beach in North Tyneside this morning More than 30 swimmers pose for a photo at Cullercoats beach in North Tyneside this morning Your browser does not support iframes. The men and women cheer as they splash around at Cullercoats beach in North Tyneside today Swimmers celebrate on the beach at Cullercoats in North Tyneside this morning The Environment Agency still has 118 alerts for 'possible' flooding and 24 warnings for 'expected' flooding in place for England. Natural Resources Wales still has 11 alerts, while environment officials in Scotland have seven alerts and seven warnings. READ MORE Families face horrendous clean-up after high tide flooded their homes - turning gardens into swimming pools and writing off 15 cars Advertisement Last Saturday is currently the warmest day of the year so far with 20.9C (69.6F) at Santon Downham in Suffolk. This beat the 19.9C (67.8F) high at Achfary in Scotland on January 29. Today began mild and feeling humid for some with cloudy conditions for many areas, particularly in the South with some rain and drizzle. However, forecasters said it was turning drier elsewhere with warm, sunny spells breaking through cloudy skies. Met Office meteorologist Annie Shuttleworth said today: 'It's going to be a much drier and brighter day particularly if you're in the north and east through today. 'But across the South the rain band has arrived overnight and that's going to linger for much of the day bringing cloudier skies, probably some drizzly rain from time to time across many southern counties. 'But it's in the South West where I think the rain could turn a little bit persistent over the coast and hills. Elsewhere though it should stay largely dry.' She added that there would be 'plenty of dry and bright weather' today along with some sunshine too particularly across the east coast through mid-morning. Ms Shuttleworth continued: 'The sunshine will turn a little bit hazier as the day goes on but it's still going to feel very warm particularly compared to lately. The Met Office said temperatures will be above average for the time of the year today Daytime maximum temperatures are set to get up to 20C (68F) in eastern areas today Minimum temperatures today will be not far off the average maximum for the time of year The Environment Agency has 118 flood alerts (in amber) and 24 warnings (in red) for England 'Highs of 19C (66F), 20C (68F) across the South East but up towards the high teens all the way up the east coast towards the north of Scotland.' READ MORE Farmers warn of food shortages after wettest 18 months on record threatens to bring first year without harvest since the end of WWII Advertisement She added that an area of rain will return from the South West this evening, pushing into parts of Northern Ireland and much as Scotland later on. Further south it is expected to be cloudier in England with some drizzly rain across Wales. Ms Shuttleworth also said: 'South-westerly winds as well keep the temperatures up overnight tonight so it'll be another very mild start to the day tomorrow. 'But there's going to be quite a bit more cloud around particularly through Friday morning away from the very north coast of Scotland where it could stay fairly dry and bright to start the day. 'And across Northern Ireland, western areas of Scotland it'll likely stay fairly overcast through Friday. Further south after the cloudier start there is a good chance of seeing some brightness later on in the day, particularly across parts of the Midlands, the east coast of England as well.' She added that tomorrow 'should be another very mild day particularly for the time of year', although with not as much sunshine as today. The Met Office has no further weather warnings in place today, after a run of alerts in recent days ended with a rain warning in Scotland that expired at 10pm last night. It comes after more than 200 people were evacuated in West Sussex on Tuesday after the River Arun burst its banks. They included about 180 people rescued overnight from Medmerry Holiday Park in Earnley and about 15 from Ferry Road and Rope Walk in Littlehampton, West Sussex County Council said. One person showing signs of hypothermia was taken to hospital. Residents described the flooding as 'scary and unprecedented' Chilling video shows the moment top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh hears for the first time that his three sons and a some of his grandchildren have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. A voice can be heard delivering the news to the group's top political leader during a visit to injured Palestinians, saying: 'Hazem, Mohammed and Amir have been killed, along with their children.' Haniyeh barely flinches as he hears the information, and remains composed as he nods and takes it in before slowly walking out of the room. 'God rest their souls,' he says, before he is asked by an aide: 'Shall we end the visit?' The Hamas chief nonchalantly responds: 'No, why? Let's continue,' as he walks to the door, followed by his entourage and officials. The group were meeting wounded Palestinians at a hospital in Qatar, where Haniyeh lives in exile. Haniyeh, who has 13 sons and daughters according to Hamas sources, later said his three sons and four of his grandchildren were killed in a fatal strike near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. Israel claims Mohammed and Hazem were Hamas military operatives, while Amir was a cell commander. Haniyeh barely flinches as he hears the information, and remains composed as he nods and takes it in before slowly walking out of the room Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike in al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City A picture shared by Palestinian media purporting to show Haniyeh's three sons who were killed in the strike - Hazem, Amir and Mohammed Haniyeh, 61, later confirmed the news to Al Jazeera, telling the broadcaster: 'I am grateful to God for the honor he has given me in the deaths of three of my children and a few of my grandchildren.' 'My sons were awarded this honor. They remained with our Palestinian people in Gaza, did not leave and did not run,' he said, adding: 'The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people.' The terror leader hit out at Israel, stating they are 'driven by the spirit of revenge' as he claimed around 60 members of his family have been killed since the start of the war. Hamas later said that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren, named as Mona, Amal, Khaled and Razan, were among those killed in what they described as the 'treacherous and cowardly' strike. The Israeli military did not comment on the reports. A report today has suggested that Israeli forces carried out the air strike without consulting senior commanders or political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Quoting senior Israeli officials, Walla news agency said neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service. It said Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh had been targeted as fighters and not because they were the sons of Hamas's political leader. No comment on the Walla report was immediately available from the prime minister's office or the military. The IDF claimed that the three Haniyeh brothers were 'en route to carry out terror activity in the area of central Gaza' when they were hit by the strike. According to a report by Israeli broadcaster Kan, the IDF alleged that one of Haniyeh's sons was involved in holding hostages, though it did not offer further information or specify which. Pictures purporting to show Hazem, Amir and Mohammed Haniyeh have been circulating on Palestinian media channels. Images have also emerged of the scene of the strike, with the shell of a bombed-out car pictured being inspected by passersby in Shati camp, west of Gaza City. The three brothers - Hazem, Ameer and Mohammed - were travelling with family members in a single vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone, local media said The IDF claimed that the trio were 'en route to carry out terror activity in the area of central Gaza' when they were hit by the strike Haniyeh yesterday confirmed to Al Jazeera 'the martyrdom of my three sons and some of my grandchildren'. The terror chief said: 'Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation,' the terror chief said. The three brothers - Hazem, Ameer and Mohammed - were travelling with family members in a single vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone, Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV said. The deaths were confirmed by Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV station as well as Haniyeh family members on social media. The Hamas chief nonchalantly responds: 'No, why? Let's continue,' as he walks to the door, followed by his entourage and officials Ismail Haniyeh, who now lives in exile in Qatar, is originally from Shati. The killing of Haniyeh's relatives has added a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the return of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the besieged enclave. Haniyeh said Hamas had 'clear and specific' demands for agreeing to any pause in the fighting. 'The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position,' Haniyeh said on Wednesday. He added: 'Their pure blood is for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, and we will continue to march on our road, and will not hesitate and will not falter. 'With their blood, we bring about hope, a future and freedom for our people and our cause.' It comes after the Hamas chief said last Wednesday that his Palestinian Islamist movement at war with Israel was sticking to its conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, including an Israeli military withdrawal. Israeli officials visited Egypt at the start of last week in a bid to secure a deal, but a Palestinian official close to the mediation procedure said there had been no signs that a breakthrough was underway. Quoting senior Israeli officials, Walla news agency said neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the strike Three sons and 'several' grandchildren of Hamas' supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip 'We are committed to our demands - the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy out of the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for our people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honourable prisoner exchange deal,' Haniyeh said in a televised speech marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day. The 'exchange deal' the supreme leader mentioned would be the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in return for Israeli hostages being held by militants in Gaza since the deadly October 7 massacre on the Supernova music festival in Israel, led by Hamas. Israel responded saying it was only interested in a temporary truce to free hostages, but Hamas said it will only let them go as part of a deal to permanently put an end to the war. The Qatar-based leader hit out at Israel , stating Israel are 'driven by the spirit of revenge' as he claimed around 60 members of his family have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war Netanyahu's Security Cabinet met late Tuesday to discuss the hostage negotiations but did not appear to make any decisions. US President Joe Biden also commented on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza - calling it a 'mistake'. Issuing some of his sternest criticism to date of Israel's war on Hamas, Biden slammed Israeli PM and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire. He urged Netanyahu 'to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country'. The US President also condemned again IDF drone strikes on a food aid convoy that killed seven workers - including three Brits. He described the attacks as 'outrageous' as his patience seemingly begins to grow thin with Netanyahu. Biden's administration has taken a more stern line with Israel, rattling the countries' decades-old alliance and deepening Israel's international isolation over the war. The most serious disagreement has been over Israel's plans for an offensive in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. Biden slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's handling of the conflict and reiterated the need for a ceasefire A person looks at a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including three Brits, were killed in an Israeli airstrike The rift was worsened by an Israeli airstrike last week on an aid convoy that killed seven workers with the World Central Kitchen charity, most of them foreigners. Israel said the deaths were unintentional but Biden was outraged. Biden's comments, made in an interview that aired late Tuesday and recorded two days after the World Central Kitchen strike, highlight the differences between Israel and the US over humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, where the war has led to warnings of imminent famine for more than a million people. 'I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach,' Biden told Spanish-language TV network Univision in an interview that aired Tuesday night. Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza in the early days of the war, but under US pressure has slowly increased trucks allowed to enter the territory. Still, aid groups say supplies are not reaching desperate people quickly enough, blaming Israeli restrictions and noting that thousands of trucks are waiting to enter Gaza. Countries have attempted less efficient ways to deliver aid including airdrops and by sea. Israel says its has opened up more entry points for trucks to enter and reach especially hard-hit areas like northern Gaza, an early target of Israel in the war. Israel also accuses aid groups of being too slow to deliver aid once it's inside Gaza. Netanyahu has vowed to achieve 'total victory' in the war, pledging to destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attacks and to return the hostages. He says that victory must include an offensive in Rafah, which Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold, but more than half of Gaza's 2.3million people are currently seeking shelter there. Six months into the war, Israel is growing ever more isolated, with even its closest partner increasingly vocal about its discontent in the war's direction and longtime trading partners like Turkey taking potentially painful economic steps to express dismay. Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption, is under pressure to decide on a postwar vision for Gaza. But critics say he is delaying because he doesn't want to anger his ultranationalist governing partners, who support resettling the Gaza Strip, which Israel withdrew from in 2005 and an idea Netanyahu has ruled out. Netanyahu's governing partners also oppose making significant concessions to Hamas in the ongoing negotiations. They have threatened to exit the government - a step that would cause the ruling coalition to collapse and trigger new elections. 'If the prime minister thinks that there's going to be a reckless deal here, it isn't going to pass,' Limor Sonn Har Melech, a lawmaker in the hard-line Jewish Power party, said in an interview to an Israeli radio station. 'If we realize that the meaning of stopping this war is capitulation to Hamas, we won't be there.' Israel launched the war in response to Hamas' cross-border assault, where militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities. More than 33,400 Palestinians have been killed in the relentless fighting, according to Gaza's Health Ministry which doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead are women and children. Israel says it has killed some 12,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has ignited a humanitarian catastrophe. Most of the territory's population has been displaced and with vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape leveled in the fighting, many areas are uninhabitable. British-funded French police have been filmed standing by and watching as dozens of migrants sprinted across beaches to board small boats and cross the English Channel. The shocking events occurred despite a staggering 500million investment from the UK government as part of a three-year contract with France - which is meant to put a stop to the dangerous crossings. The large injection of money is set to be used on vehicles and surveillance equipment, including drones, that will help control the area. In footage captured by ITV, the latest UK-funded hardware was seen in action by unbothered French cops who let the migrants cross in front of them. A large group of migrants - including children - were seen huddling as they crossed the beach before starting a sprint across the sands to reach a small boat. A large group of migrants were seen sprinting across a beach before climbing onto a small dinghy as they prepared to head towards the UK in front of unbothered UK-funded French police Some migrants could be seen carrying small children - but none appeared to be wearing a life-jacket as they headed out to sea British-funded French cops stood by and allowed the event to unravel before them. UK Border Force then sent out a vessel to retrieve the migrants The boat, packed and heading towards the UK, then made a bold U-turn towards the beach where police were present Small children were seen leaping over puddles and running into the sea in the early morning as the sun rose before the footage cut to a small dinghy drifting out into the open water. All the while French cops stood by and let the situation unfold without any interference. The boat, packed and heading towards the UK, then made a bold U-turn towards the beach where police were present. And without hesitation, they picked up more migrants who were waiting in anticipation on the beach, without apparent concern for the officers ahead. Dozens more migrants could be seen looking around before running through the freezing waters and climbing onto the tiny boat. As the passengers piled onto the rubber dinghy, it became perilously overloaded, with a French officer estimating a total of 100 people on board before it departed France. The UK Border Force then sent out a vessel to retrieve the individuals in the Channel. Footage showed their arrival at Dover port, where they are currently undergoing processing - including consideration of any asylum claims. The shocking video raises further questions about UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's ability to fulfil his promise to 'stop the boats'. It also raises serious questions regarding the French government's dedication to the multi-million pound agreement funded by the UK. British interior minister James Cleverly said in February that the two countries would 'expand upon' cooperation he said had proved successful, citing figures showing a 36-percent reduction in crossings in 2023. But the pledge is proving to be hard to meet as more than 2,000 migrants were brought ashore in March alone. A key plank of the strategy is the scheme to send small boat arrivals to Rwanda, but the legislation to implement that plan was not passed before Easter because peers inflicted a series of defeats on the Government and ministers did not seek to rush it through before Parliament's recess. It will now be considered by MPs when Parliament resumes on April 15, with the Commons likely to undo the latest changes made by the Lords and send it back to the upper chamber. Dozens of migrants waited for the vessel to turn back before they also climbed on - making the dinghy dangerously overpacked A police vehicle could be seen driving past the migrants - but no officers interfered. It comes after the UK made a staggering 500million investment to be used on vehicles and surveillance equipment as part of a three-year contract with France - which is meant to put a stop to the crossings A French officer estimated a total of 100 people on board before it departed France The latest crossings take the provisional total number of arrivals in 2024 so far to 2,006 The shocking footage raises questions about UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's ability to fulfil his promise to 'stop the boats' ITV News also shared footage of two other attempted crossings that took place in the same area, on the same morning. The first showed a group of around 45 concealed in the sand dunes before reaching the beach. And although they were rounded up by police, no arrests were made an no questioning occurred. Instead, they were escorted back to their camp near Dunkirk, where they remain free to attempt to make the dangerous crossing of the Channel again. Another boat was also halted, not due to French police intervention, but because the dinghy sank. All 40 people on the sinking vessel had tried to launch themselves out of the boat and into the water to save their lives, but after becoming stuck in the thick mud along the banks of a canal in northern France - they had to be rescued. It comes after a seven-year-old girl died in the Channel after migrants tried to sail to Britain last month. A small boat carrying 16 migrants was headed from northern France to Britain when it capsized, the prefecture in France's Nord department said at the time. The boat which 'was not appropriately sized to carry so many people' was shockingly carrying 10 children in total, as well as a pregnant, woman with officials saying none were wearing life jackets. The number of people making the perilous journey from France to Britain has reached record highs, with more people travelling in the first three months of 2024 than in the same period of any other year. The previous record high figure for January to March was 4,548 in 2022, with 3,793 arrivals in the first quarter of last year. A top Vietnamese property tycoon has been sentenced to death after one of the biggest corruption cases in history. Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, was accused of fraud amounting to $12.5 billion - nearly 3 per cent of the country's 2022 GDP. She illegally controlled the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank between 2012 to 2022 to funnel funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials. But who exactly is Truong My Lan and how were her acts of corruption uncovered? Read on below for everything you need to know about the individual who has been sentenced to death following the world's most high-profile corruption cases. Truong My Lan was sentenced for embezzling $12.5billion. Prosecutors said Thursday the total damages caused by the scam now amounted to $27billion Who is Truong My Lan? Born in Shantou, in the province of Guangdong, China, Truong My Lan, 67, has long been a controversial name for her exploits in relation to business affairs. She entered the world of business as a market stall vendor, selling cosmetics with her mother, but began buying land and property after Vietnam's Communist Party ushered in a period of economic reform, known as Doi Moi, in 1986. By the 1990s, she owned a large number of various different hotels and restaurants. A prominent figure in Ho Chi Minh City by 2011, she was allowed to arrange the merger of three smaller, cash-strapped banks to form Saigon Commercial Bank. The founder of Van Thinh Phat Group, a real estate development group, she is married to Eric Chu Nap Kee, a businessman in the property sector in Hong Kong. The trial was part of the 'Blazing Furnaces' anti-corruption campaign, which was created by the Communist Party Secretary-General, Nguyen Phu Trong, in 2016. Trong previously said that 'a country without discipline would be chaotic and unstablewe need to balance democracy and law and order'. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. Her husband and niece, Truong Hue Van, 34, who is the CEO of a property management firm, were also summoned to the trial where she was sentenced to death. Lan (C), chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings, sits during her trial at the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court Lan denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. Pictured: Some of the defendants at the trial She was convicted of taking out $44billion (35billion) in loans from the Saigon Commercial Bank, $27billion of which prosecutors said may never be recovered. Prosecutors said that she ordered her driver to withdraw 108trillion Vietnamese dong, more than $4billion (2.3bn) in cash from the bank, and store it in her basement, over a three-year period beginning in February 2019. Lan's embezzlement of $12.5 billion equals about three per cent of Vietnam's total GDP for 2023. Lam will appeal the verdict, a family member told reporters before it was issued. The outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas following the October 7 attacks rocked the already precarious security landscape in the Middle East and stoked fears that violence could spread throughout the region. Now that prospect seems increasingly likely, with the Islamic Republic vowing revenge on what it calls the 'evil Zionist regime' after a suspected IDF strike on Iran's consulate in Syria killed 13 people, including two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds force generals. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed retribution in the wake of the attack, to which Tel-Aviv - yet to take responsibility for the strike on Damascus - retorted swiftly. Foreign minister Israel Katz declared bluntly: 'If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran' - the latest step in a venomous war of words that threatens to spill over. The warning was quickly followed by an Israeli strike in Gaza that reportedly killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's three sons, along with several of his grandchildren. Professor Gerald Steinberg, an expert in conflict management and founder of Jerusalem-based NGO Monitor, said a potential war between Iran and Israel would be both futile and devastating. 'They are on the verge of a confrontation similar to the October 1962 Cuban missile crisis between Washington and Moscow. Both countries can do massive damage to the other, but neither can 'win',' he said. Wyn Bowen, Professor of International Security at King's College London's Department of War Studies, told MailOnline that it is unlikely Iran will seek to directly attack targets on Israeli soil, lest it risk an uncontrollable military response from Israel and its chief ally, the US. But he also cautioned 'the Iranian leadership is under significant pressure to respond robustly' to the consulate attack, suggesting that a direct conflict, albeit unlikely, must be considered. With any major military escalation between the two arch enemies sure to subject citizens of both countries and their neighbours to yet more violence and misery, MailOnline breaks down Iran and Israel's military capabilities and assesses what a conflict between them could look like. A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024 Iran warned arch foe Israel on April 2 that it will punish an air strike that killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike in al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, Sunday, May 21, 2023 How do Iran and Israel's militaries measure up? Both states are vehemently opposed to one another and have scaled up their militaries with a view to ensuring their security in the event of an attack. As such, Israeli and Iranian armed forces are well matched, but a few key discrepancies remain. Iran enjoys a heavy advantage in terms of sheer manpower, boasting a collective active and reserve military of roughly 1.2 million troops as well as thousands upon thousands of artillery systems. Israel meanwhile has around 750,000 active and military personnel at its disposal - but hundreds of thousands of these are already engaged in operations in and around Gaza, while others maintain a presence in the north to ward off border attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon. Though Israel is outnumbered, it is by no means outgunned - the IDF boasts more than 3,000 tanks in its ranks, roughly double the number thought to be in service in Iran. But in reality, these numbers bear little importance. Firstly, the territories are separated by several countries - Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia - amounting to a distance of almost 600 miles as the crow flies border to border, and 979 miles to Tehran. This geographical reality means that a land-based conflict is practically highly unlikely - and even if Iran were try and send troops via Iraq and Syria to approach Israel, they would be met with an immediate response from US forces. How Putin is forging new ties with Iran to strengthen their axis of evil amid World War III fears Advertisement With a naval battle also highly unlikely, any meaningful direct conflict is likely to take the form of aerial assaults by air forces, missiles and drones. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) certainly has the upper hand over its adversary, flying the very best US-manufactured combat aircraft including the formidable F-35 stealth fighter-bomber, and F-15 and F-16 fighter jets specifically designed according to IAF requirements. It is also believed to have more combat aircraft at its disposal, outstripping the Islamic Republic of Iran's Air Force (IRIAF) by more than 100 units. The IRIAF has managed to pull together a wide variety of aircraft into a coherent force that encompasses older generation F-14 Tomcat fighters, Iranian manufactured jets based on the US F-4 and F-5 series jets, and an assortment of Russian and Chinese manufactured combat aircraft. It has recently ordered a fleet of highly-capable Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Moscow that would considerably bolster its capabilities, but these are yet to be delivered. However, Iran does have at its disposal a formidable array of missiles and highly capable drones - undoubtedly the most numerous and diverse in the Middle East - which could be used to deal punishing strikes on Israel. Justin Crump, British Army veteran and CEO of strategic intelligence company Sibylline, estimates Iran has no less than nine different missile systems at its disposal capable of delivering effective strikes on Israeli territory. Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi was killed in Israeli air strikes on the Syrian capital The rubble of a building annexed to the Iranian embassy is pictured a day after an air strike in Damascus on April 2, 2024 A handout photo made available by the Iranian Army office on 19 January 2024 shows a missile being launched during a military drill in the Persian Gulf, southern Iran An Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Shahed-136, is being displayed at the Azadi (Freedom) Square in western Tehran, Iran, on February 11, 2024 handout picture provided by the Iranian Army media office on January 19, 2024, shows the launch of a missile during a military drill at an undisclosed location in southern Iran What could a conflict between Iran and Israel look like? Iran orders its proxies to step up attacks on Israel With Iran and Israel neither willing nor able to send ground forces of their own to battle the other, the options for a conventional war are limited. But Iran, while removed from Israel's border by hundreds of miles, has a series of well-armed, well-funded and ferocious proxy forces under its thumb besides Hamas that surround Israel on all sides. How Iran uses its influence and proxy fighters to spread mayhem throughout the Middle East in war with the West Advertisement Hezbollah, the political and military group in Lebanon - has in recent years emerged as a potent force in the Middle East, boasting a multifaceted arsenal and diverse military capabilities that pose a considerable threat to Israel. In addition to the array of small arms, machine guns and hundreds of thousands of rockets at its disposal, Hezbollah boasts a range of anti-tank and anti-air systems, a fleet of thousands of drones, and dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles. Hezbollah has already engaged in skirmishes with Israel along the border and both sides have exchanged intermittent missile and drone strikes. But an express order from Tehran could see Hezbollah's leaders dramatically step up aggressive operations against Israel. And though Iran could not send troops of its own via Iraq and Syria to descend upon Israel, the Islamic Republic has huge numbers of loyal militias in both of those countries likely willing to fight on its behalf. Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH) and its affiliates, also known as the Hezbollah Brigades, is a Shia militia that constitutes one of the largest members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces - an umbrella organisation made up of several armed groups in Iraq. And Iran's intervention in the Syrian Civil War played a pivotal role in supporting Bashar al-Assad's government throughout the conflict, with Tehran helping to create Syria's National Defence Forces (NDF). The forces comprise tens of thousands of troops from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan, who were largely trained and armed by the IRGC. And finally, the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen is also an Iranian-backed Shia group waging a bitter war against the Sunni Yemeni government. The group is hundreds of thousands strong, is extremely well armed and proficient in the use of conventional arms, cruise and ballistic missiles, and drones. Unlike Hezbollah and Hamas, the Houthis do not count Israel as their biggest foe and do not share a border with the Jewish state. But they have significant missile capabilities and have significantly impacted global trade thanks to a campaign of strikes and seaborne attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea following October 7. If the Iranian leadership were to instruct elements of some or all of these forces to begin a consolidated attack on Israel, the IDF - already consumed with the war on Hamas in Gaza - would be severely stretched to defend its borders up and down the country. And coordinated missile strikes from these players would also occupy Israeli air defences - perhaps increasing the efficacy of a long-range missile strike from Iran itself. Meanwhile, attacking Israel via its proxies helps to insulate Iran from a potential US military engagement, which would threaten to destabilise the regime. Engaging via proxies allows Iran to exact a limited form of revenge without being directly implicated. Tehran is the chief backer of both Hamas and Hezbollah - but these are just some of the powerful militias that have been propped up by Iranian money, weapons and military training in recent decades Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah Hezbollah militants are seen standing alongside artillery weapons Members of Iraq's Kata'ib Hezbollah paramilitary group Protestors lift Yemeni and Palestinian flags, Houthi anti-US and Israeli emblems, and guns during a rally marking International Jerusalem Day on April 5, 2024, in Sana'a, Yemen Houthi supporters hold up their rifles as they take part in a pro-Palestinian protest in Sanaa, Yemen February 18, 2024 Tit-for-tat strikes turn into long-range warfare The strike on the Iranian consulate was a calculated risk - though it killed high-ranking Iranian generals, it did not occur within Iran's borders. It is therefore reasonable to assume some kind of retaliation from Iran could see the regime strike an Israeli asset beyond Israeli borders, or perhaps a US asset given Washington's support of Israel. Professor Bowen told MailOnline: 'Iranian action against Israeli interests outside of Israel is a more likely response. 'An informative precedent for a direct attack from Iranian soil in retaliation to actions against senior Iranian officials operating in the region was its retaliation to the killing of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the IRGC Quds Force, at Baghdad airport in January 2020. 'A few days after the American drone operation ordered by President Donald Trump that killed Qassem Soleimani, over a dozen ballistic missiles were launched directly from Iranian soil against two military bases in Iraq where US forces were based. But this attack was not directly against targets in the US itself.' But if Israel and Iran become embroiled in such a series of tit-for-tat strikes, the potential for a more explosive and direct conflict will only increase. In that instance, direct missile attacks on Israeli territory are certainly the most effective and feasible way Iran could conduct warfare against the Jewish state. Tel-Aviv enjoys the protection of a highly advanced air-defence network, including the world-renowned Iron Dome and David's Sling systems designed to defend against short, medium and long-range rockets and enemy aircraft. But the systems are not impenetrable and could be overwhelmed by coordinated salvos of missiles. Meanwhile, a less devastating but more surgical and perhaps more deniable option for Tehran would be to utilise its fearsome army of kamikaze drones, most notably the Shahed-136 model which has been used to great effect by Vladimir Putin's forces to terrorise Ukrainian cities. Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative with the Atlantic Council think tank, said: 'Tehran is likely to view such an attack as having the best opportunity to restore its deterrence and demonstrate that Israel cannot strike Iranian leaders with impunity. 'Tehran might also believe such an attack could lead the United States to increase pressure on Israel not to retaliate again and risk sparking a broader war.' Professor Bowen reasoned that such large-scale aerial attacks remain unlikely however, given the high likelihood they would trigger serious consequences for Iran, up to and including US military retribution. 'Any direct retaliation from Iranian soil against targets on Israeli territory would risk retaliation directly against Iran... It would also risk drawing in the US militarily. 'An attributable strike from Iranian soil against targets in Israel would therefore constitute an extremely high-risk roll of the dice for Tehran. 'It has been widely reported of course that Tehran wants to avoid such a direct conflict with Israel and the US. This is likely because the Iranian leadership knows that it might be very difficult for it to control the national and regional repercussions of such a development,' he concluded. Retired US Army Colonel Jonathan Sweet and security expert Mark Toth echoed Panikoff's sentiments, adding that a direct strike on Israel could provoke a coordinated hellfire response from the combined might of Tel-Aviv and Washington. 'Any such hit could see Israel deploying one or all of its long-range assets. F-35 stealth fighter-bombers, precision deep-strike ICBMs and/or the Israeli's nuclear equipped submarines. 'The US is highly likely to respond with a direct hit on Iran potentially using the full array of US military assets cruise missiles, B-52 bombers, subs, and carrier and/or land-based fighter-bombers. In this scenario, this attack would likely be closely coordinated with Israel, if not performed jointly.' The pair also pointed out that a large scale Israeli aerial assault on Iran would likely see the IAF target Iranian nuclear facilities. '(An Israeli attack) could take the form of the IDF striking Iran's nuclear sites in an effort to kill two birds with one stone: deterrence and markedly setting back Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's nuclear weapons programme. 'But this would not be easy. There are 38 known sites spread throughout Iran including Natanz and Fordow and undoubtedly more.' Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, January 15, 2024 Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip, in central Israel, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army media office on January 19, 2024, shows the launch of a missile during a military drill at an undisclosed location in southern Iran Cyberattacks and assassinations In the absence of a conventional military confrontation, Iran may seek to hit back at Israel with more conservative methods. One such approach would be to step up its cyberattacks on Israeli infrastructure - a less overt approach that would lessen the chances of a damaging armed response. The two nations have traded cyberattacks intermittently for years, with Israel's cyber defence chief Gaby Portnoy warning that the quantity of such attacks against Israel has already tripled since the outbreak of the Hamas war. Speaking at the 10th global Cybertech conference in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Portnoy, head of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, said: 'Cyberattacks by Iran and Hezbollah in the region and beyond started around the clock against Israel' following October 7. But Tal Pavel of the Israeli Institute for Cyber Policy Studies told the BBC that Tel-Aviv must expect an even sharper ramping up of hostilities in cyberspace following the lethal strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. 'We cannot rule out that perhaps Iran may use cyberspace as another dimension to take revenge on Israel, either to perform cyber-attacks on information technology, and to cripple, and to steal, and to leak information, or to try to distract at least operational technology,' he said. Meanwhile, Panikoff suggested that Iranian actors could seek to conduct assassinations or terrorist attacks on Israeli individuals and assets worldwide - another way to retaliate while hedging against the risk of all-out war. 'Iran has a history of seeking to organise terrorist attacks against Israeli interests throughout the world... Iranian officials are already threatening Israeli embassies and consulates as a likely target,' he said. 'A successful terrorist attack would probably provide Iranian leaders a sufficient basis to publicly claim that Tehran retaliated. 'But it would minimise the risks of escalating the current conflict into a regional war by keeping the response to an isolated event both in scope and geography. With record rental prices across the nation, Canberra has bucked the trend and is actually cheaper. Median rent in the national capital fell 0.7 per cent compared to this time last year, to $685-a-week, according to Domain's latest rent report for March 2024. Domain's chief of economics and research Dr Nicola Powell said the rental drop was caused by an increase in supply across Canberra and a slight drop in population. With record rental prices across the nation, Canberra has bucked the trend and is actually cheaper (stock image) Median rent in the national capital fell 0.7 per cent compared to this time last year, to $685-a-week, according to Domain's latest rent report for March 2024 'Canberra has been losing people to other states and territories more than receiving, and that has weighed into rental demand,' she said. 'Canberra has had better rental conditions and technically it was the only capital city to enter the change over phase with a balanced market.' With the new national rental median figure reaching $630 a week, Aussies are spending more each week for a roof over their head than they ever have before. However, some relief may be on the way. Canberra (pictured) had negative migration which made more rentals available, impacting rental prices Dr Powell believes a 'tipping point' will be reached for rental prices in 2024. The economist said less applicants per rental is an early sign vacancy rates could loosen up. 'Also, international student visa applications have turned a corner and started to fall for the first time in more than two years, population growth is likely to have peaked, and the federal government has introduced a migration strategy that will slow population growth,' she said. Dr Powell also said Federal and state governments have introduced more homebuyers incentives, which can also help ease the over-heated rental market. The Home Office announced yesterday it had moved 20,000 asylum seekers out of hotels, with most moved into private rented homes sourced by officials. Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed the closure of 150 asylum hotels shows the government is 'delivering' on its plan to phase out their use and switch over to cheaper accommodation. Some residents have moved into one of the government's two large accommodation centres, the Bibby Stockholm barge and MoD Wethersfield in Essex, but given both sites have a capacity of just 1306 most are now in residential homes. The Home Office has secured around 16,000 rental properties for asylum seekers, prompting controversy due to the acute shortage of homes for young Britons and families. Officials speaking to the Telegraph have also warned that the move could create 'ghettos' as these properties have been concentrated in areas where properties are cheaper, such as Hull, Bradford and Teesside. Asylum seekers leave a hotel in Walthamstow, London, earlier this year after being moved elsewhere The Home Office has now secured around 16,000 rental properties for asylum seekers Contractors employed by the Home Office, including Serco, have been offered landlords five-year leases with 'rent paid in full, on time, every month, with no arrears', as well as full repair and maintenance, except for structural defects, the newspaper reported. A source at the Home Office noted that the department has a statutory duty to house asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. The homes come from the same pool as those in the private and social rented sector, and are currently being used to house more than 58,000 asylum seekers in Great Britain. This is more than double of those in rented 'dispersed accommodation' ten years ago. Housing asylum seekers in dispersed accommodation can reportedly cost as little as 30 every day, five times less than the 150 to put them up in hotels. But families and young adults could face losing out on cheaper rented housing, experts advising the Home Office have advised. One insider who spoke to the Telegraph said that the department prefers dispersal accommodation as it is less expensive and 'more discreet than hotels'. They said that contractors were using properties in 'pretty normal streets', adding that someone could buy a 300,000 house and then find that next door is 'full of asylum seekers'. The insider said that MPs were starting to hear reports of problems because of this. They said the properties have been 'heavily clustered' in areas with cheap housing, such as Hull, Bradford and Teesside. 'It is potentially damaging to these places because it creates ghettos which are terrible for integration,' they said. It is understood by the paper that up to 30,000 homes may be needed to end the use of asylum hotels without significantly cutting the 100,000 long list of asylum cases awaiting a decision. Around 1.21million people were on council housing waiting lists at the end of 2021-22, a slight increase from 1.19 million in 2020-21. Serco, Clearsprings and Mears, the contractors behind the asylum accommodation scheme, have been paid around 4billion over ten years. Benefits to landlords espoused by Serco including five-year leases with 'rent paid in full, on time, every month, with no arrears', and full repairs and maintenance cover, apart from structural defects with the property. A group of residents leaving a hotel in Walthamstow where they had previously been staying The last family left the hotel from a side entrance in a white transit van Mr Cleverly revealed yesterday that there are now 36,000 migrants being accommodated in hotels at the taxpayers' expense, compared with a peak of 56,000 last September. Contracts with 100 hotels have already been terminated by the Home Office, allowing the properties to be returned to normal use. Mr Cleverly announced that another 50 will close to migrants by the beginning of May. 'We promised to end the use of asylum hotels and house asylum seekers at more appropriate, cheaper accommodation; we are doing that at a rapid pace,' he said. READ MORE: Last of 400 asylum seekers are evicted from Walthamstow hotel in white vans as part of government drive to reduce accommodation spending Advertisement 'These closures deliver on the government's plan to cut the use of hotels in the asylum system and we will keep going until the last hotel is closed.' The 36 per cent fall in the number of migrants in hotels is based on provisional data, with final official figures due to be published at the end of next month, officials said. Migrant hotels were costing the taxpayer more than 8million a day at their peak. Last month a report by spending watchdog the National Audit Office said ministers' plans to house migrants in basic accommodation will actually cost 46million more than hotels. It said former military bases and the barge will carry a 1.2billion price tag. 'The Home Office originally assessed that large sites would be around 94million cheaper than hotels,' an NAO spokesman said. 'Its latest estimates suggest they will cost 46million more than using hotels.' There was a number of reasons for the increase, the NAO said, including a vast underestimate of how much it would cost to set up Scampton and another base at Wethersfield, Essex. The Bibby Stockholm cost 14.5million to set-up and lease, and - including running costs - will have cost 35million in total by next March. At the end of December there were still 48,500 migrants in hotels but the Home Office was also keeping a 'buffer' of 18,000 empty hotel rooms. In February it emerged that migrant hotels and other asylum support would cost the taxpayer 5.4billion in the 2023-24 financial year - a staggering 15million a day. The Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland has a capacity of 506 The sum includes those living in self-catering accommodation, who receive 49.18 a week for each person in their household to cover food, clothing and other costs. A Home Office spokesperson previously said: 'We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country over recent years. 'We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels which cost 8 million a day. 'The government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of this process.' The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has threatened tens of thousands of unpaid carers with prosecution over minor breaches of benefits rules. It comes as the department has come under fire for allowing Britain's biggest-ever benefits fraudster gang to rake in 54million and live the high life for years. The difference between the two cases has raised eyebrows and the DWP has faced accusations of focusing on pursuing the wrong people. One shocking example of a carer being pursued by the department is Helen Grater who was penalised for working an extra shift per week at her Sainsbury's job. She took unpaid leave from her low-paid job in 2018 to look after her dying long-term partner following his diagnosis of throat cancer and lung disease. Another shocking case of an unpaid carer being pursued by the DWP is Vivienne Groom who was taken to court by the department to seize 16,000 worth of inheritance from her. Groom had been awarded the state handout in 2014 to help her care for widowed great grandmother Maud, who needed a wheelchair (both are pictured) The DWP has come under fire for allowing Britain's biggest-ever benefits fraudster gang to rake in 54million and live the high life for years. Two of the Bulgarians criminals - Galina Nikolova, 38, and Stoyan Stoyanov, 27 - pictured together in 2020 while on holiday in Turkey One of the Bulgarians criminals mobile phones was seized and officers found a video showing the fraudsters showering their flat with hundreds of 20 notes Ms Grater, 55, began getting the 64.80 a week in carer's allowance so she could look after him full-time, but it only amounted to around 1.85 per hour of care she provided. Eventually she was able to return to work but she did not tell the DWP about her modest increase in earnings because her universal credit had been reduced automatically. But despite the mistake being an honest one, the DWP told her she had been fraudulently claiming the carer's allowance by failing to notify the government that she had taken on a third shift a week. Ms Grater had exceeded the then-earnings limit of 120 a week by a small amount by choosing to go to work. The decision had pushed her over the DWP's cliff edge limit - landing her with a bill for 5,738.40. This is because unpaid carers are forced to pay back the entirety of their carer's allowance for every week they were in breach of the earnings limit, even if they exceeded it by only 1. The rule caused Ms Grater to have to pay back almost two years' worth of carer's allowance. Groom initially made her carers' allowance claim in April 2014 when she was not working. She is pictured with husband Geoff After Maud died in 2021, aged 91, the DWP launched a probe and found Groom had not been entitled to all the benefit (Maud is pictured) A judge told Groom last year he 'understood' she had found the benefit system 'difficult to understand' (Groom and her husband Geoff are pictured) After she discovered the bill Ms Grater phoned the DWO to explain what had happened but said after many desperate phone calls they were not sympathetic. She told the Guardian: 'I said: 'Can we not discuss this and I can explain what's going on?' but they're just not interested in explanations. It doesn't matter what you say. 'They don't really care. They just want the money. They fob you off and fob you off and then you give up. It's absolutely disgraceful.' She said she had tried to save the government money by looking after her partner herself, but said the experience with the DWP means next time one of her family is ill she will let them pay for a carer. Another shocking case of an unpaid carer being pursued by the DWP is Vivienne Groom who was taken to court by the department to seize 16,000 inheritance from her. It had previously taken the part-time supermarket worker to court and successfully prosecuted her for benefit fraud for breaches between 2014 and 2019. The DWP used proceeds-of-crime laws normally used to seize cars and property owned by convicted major criminals to take the money her mother had left her, despite Ms Groom having cared for before she died. A 2019 inquiry into overpayments of carer's allowance by MPs concluded that the vast majority of earnings-related issues were down to 'honest mistakes' by carers. Another shocking case of an unpaid carer being pursued by the DWP is Vivienne Groom (pictured) who was taken to court by the department to seize 16,000 worth of inheritance from her Groom had been looking after her frail great grandmother Maud who died in 2021, aged 91 (pictured) The report also stated that administrative failures by the DWP meant the errors were not picked up before they spiralled into huge overpayments. The cases of Ms Grater and Ms Groom stands in contrast to a gang of five Bulgarians who pulled off Britain's biggest ever benefits fraud raking in almost 54million after using thousands of fake ID claims to fuel their luxurious lifestyles. The crooks, who now face years in jail, used a combination of fake identities and real customers to make roughly 6,000 fraudulent Universal Credit claims during a four-and-a-half year spree, operating out of three 'benefits factories' in north London. One of the hubs was behind a functioning corner shop selling groceries. The group appeared to be hiding in plain sight - posting photos on social media smiling and posing behind the counter of Antonia's Foods supermarket in Wood Green. The enormous haul of money gained from their 'complex financial web' of claims was laundered through a number of accounts, then withdrawn in cash with 750,000 in bank notes found stuffed in suitcases at one of their homes. The enormous haul of money gained from the claims by the Bulgarian fraudsters was laundered through a number of accounts, then withdrawn in cash with 750,000 in bank notes found stuffed in suitcases at one of their homes Patritsia Paneva, 26, (left) and Tsvetka Todorova, 52, (right) pleaded guilty alongside the four other Bulgarian criminals at Wood Green Crown Court this week Prosecutors said the gang used the benefits system 'like a cash machine'. Pictured: Huge stacks of cash found during the investigation Between October 2016 and May 2021, the organised criminal group made about 6,000 fraudulent claims. This week they were eventually convicted of fraud and will be sentenced on May 28. There are around 5 million unpaid carers in the UK, of whom nearly 1 million claim the carer's allowance. The DWP insisted claimants are at fault for failing to tell its carer's allowance unit their earnings have changed. A spokesperson for the department told the Guardian: 'We carefully balance our duty to the taxpayer to recover overpayments, and safeguards are in place to manage repayments fairly. 'Claimants have a responsibility to ensure they are entitled to benefits and to inform the DWP of any changes in their circumstances that could impact their award.' A DWP spokesperson said: 'More widely, we are committed to fairness in the welfare system for every claimant, with safeguards in place for managing repayments, while protecting the public purse 'Claimants have a responsibility to inform DWP of any changes in their circumstances that could impact their award, and it is right that we recover taxpayers' money when this has not occurred.' The trial of 'doomsday prophet' Chad Daybell began in Idaho Wednesday with prosecutors alleging that he conspired to murder his ex-wife, Tammy Daybell, as well as his partner's children, JJ Vallow, 7, and Tylee Ryan, 16. Daybell is accused of crafting an alternate reality so that he could fulfill 'his desire for sex, money and power.' 'When he had a chance at what he considered his rightful destiny, he made sure no person and no law would stand in his way,' prosecutor Rob Wood said. Daybell, 55, is facing charges of first degree murder, insurance fraud, and conspiracy to commit murder and grand theft in connection with the deaths that became internationally infamous following the release of the Netflix documentary Sins of Our Mother. Last year, Lori Vallow Daybell, the mother of the deceased children, received a life sentence without parole for the killings. Prosecutors say the couple justified the three killings by creating a detailed and apocalyptic belief system, part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance. Chad Daybell, 55, shown here in 2020 is accused of crafting an alternate reality so that he could fulfill 'his desire for sex, money and power Last year, Lori Vallow Daybell, pictured here in February 2024, the mother of the deceased children, received a life sentence without parole for the killings The 16-year-old Tylee Ryan and her younger brother JJ, seven, (right) went missing in September 2019 and their bodies were discovered in June 2020 in her stepfather's backyard Vallow Daybell referred to her two youngest kids as zombies, one friend testified during her trial. 'The evidence will show that this was a convenient narrative,' Wood told jurors. 'This narrative gave them the pretext to remove people from this world for their own good.' Daybell's defense attorney John Prior presented a different picture to jurors - noting that Chad Daybell was a religious person but suggesting that his belief in things like premonitions were fairly mainstream. Prior also explained to jurors that Lori Vallow Daybell's brother, Alex Cox, had a violent history. He had previously been convicted of attacking Vallow Daybell's third husband, and he shot and killed her fourth husband. 'Whenever there was a problem with Lori Vallow, Alex Cox ran to the rescue,' Prior said in opening statements. Daybell's attorney also argued that his client lived a normal, faith-focused life before he met Lori Vallow Daybell, who he said showered Daybell with attention. His legal team described her as a 'beautiful, vivacious person' who drew Daybell into an extramarital relationship. Daybell's attorney also said he would present several experts in DNA, forensics and pathology who would testify that it's impossible to determine what caused Tammy Daybell's death and that none of Chad Daybell's DNA was found with the children's bodies. Vallow denied murdering her children when she was convicted last year and said at her sentencing that she was not responsible for their deaths. Pictured: seven-year-old Joshua (JJ), left, and 16-year-old Tylee, right Vallow smirked in a mugshot taken in August after she was sentenced to life in an Idaho prison for murdering her children, JJ and Tylee Some of Chad and Tammy Daybell's adult children will also testify, Prior said, about how Tammy Daybell was suffering from a number of maladies but that she refused to see a doctor, instead treating her illnesses with herbs and oils at home. 'What's important are facts and evidence,' Prior told the jury. 'Don't be distracted by speculation, don't be distracted by guesses or suspicions or hunches. It all comes down to facts and evidence.' The prosecutor, Wood, also described the basics of the case against Daybell, structuring his presentation for jurors like chapters in a book - an apparent reference to the defendant's previous work as an author. Chad Daybell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and self-published fiction loosely based on its teachings. In fall 2019, prosecutors say he tried to fraudulently collect on his late wife's life insurance policy, and Vallow Daybell continued to collect both children's social security benefits after they died. Chad Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial is expected to take more than two months. Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty if Daybell is convicted. Daybell's defense attorney John Prior did not return a phone message requesting comment. A judge has issued a gag order in the case, barring attorneys from talking to the media until the trial is over. The grim story began in the fall of 2019, when extended family members reported the two children missing and law enforcement officials launched a search that spanned several states. The subsequent investigation took several unexpected turns. In her court appearance in February, Vallow was seen wearing blush and lipstick with her dyed blond hair curled as she greeted the judge and her attorney In 2020, police discovered JJ and Tylee's remains in shallow graves in Chad Daybell's yard Chad Daybell argued that his ex-wife was ill and died in her sleep, an autopsy found that she died of asphyxiation Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell were having an affair when both of their spouses died unexpectedly, investigators said. Vallow Daybells husband was shot to death by her brother Alex Cox in Arizona in July 2019; the brother told police it was in self-defense. Wood told jurors that the evidence in the case will show that Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow Daybell manipulated Cox into doing their bidding by promising him spiritual rewards. Several months later, in October 2019, Tammy Daybell died. Chad Daybell initially told police she was battling an illness and died in her sleep, but an autopsy later determined she died of asphyxiation. Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell married just two weeks after Tammy Daybell died, surprising family members and drawing suspicion from authorities. Friends later told detectives that Vallow Daybell and Chad Daybell believed they had been reincarnated and were tasked with gathering people before a biblical apocalypse. Wood said Chad Daybell described both children as being possessed before they disappeared, and that he repeatedly predicted to friends that Tammy Daybell would soon die. The bodies of the children were eventually found buried on Chad Daybell's property. Tylee Ryan's remains had been dismembered and burned, and JJ's remains were bound. This is the moment Donald Trump treats an entire Chick-fil-A restaurant 30 milkshakes and chicken for the customers during an impromptu stop at the Atlanta outlet while he is on the campaign trail. Trump made a surprise visit to the fast food restaurant, where he told a dozen of employees behind the counter: 'We're going to take care of the customers.' 'So is this good? Making a lot of money? Get rich, right? Excellent,' he said as he joked with the workers. He ordered 30 milkshakes and chicken for the people in the store as well as for his staff. As the drinks and food were handed out, the former president worked the room speaking to supporters, shaking hands, giving autographs and even hugging a woman. This is the moment Donald Trump treats an entire Chick-fil-A restaurant 30 milkshakes and chicken to 'take care of the customers' during an impromptu stop at the Atlanta outlet Trump (pictured handing out milkshakes) made a surprise visit to the fast food restaurant, where he told a dozen of employees behind the counter: 'We're gonna take care of the customers' Trump also ordered chicken for everyone, which was handed out by his team as he chatted to the customers in the restaurant The woman appeared overjoyed as she hugged Trump, shouting to the crowd: 'Tell my mama I made it,' which earned her a laugh by Trump. He went on to hug another supporter after signing his hat and shaking his hands with him as he praised the man's show and took a picture with him. Trump made sure there were enough milkshakes for everyone, even telling a worker that if they 'run low' as they were handed out to customers, he would pay for more. He was in Georgia as part of his campaign trail and answered questions to journalists in the Chick-fil-A restaurant, one of which asked whether doctors should be punished for performing abortions. Trump told the reporter he would let that be up to the states after he said an Arizona law that criminalizes nearly all abortions goes too far. The former US president also called on Arizona legislators to change it, while also defending the overturning of Roe v Wade that cleared states to ban the procedure. 'It'll be straightened out and as you know, it's all about states' rights,' Trump told supporters and journalists after landing in Atlanta. 'It'll be straightened out, and I'm sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and that'll be taken care of, I think, very quickly.' Though Trump has waffled on whether he supports abortion rights, he appointed three of the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v Wade and ended a federally guaranteed right to abortion. Now facing growing political backlash as Democrats notch victories around the nation by campaigning on abortion rights, Trump has increasingly been put on the defensive and urged Republicans to avoid supporting bans that are unpopular with many Americans. He was asked on Wednesday whether he would sign a national abortion ban if elected president again. Trump made sure there were enough milkshakes for everyone, even telling a worker that if they 'run low' as they were handed out to customers, he would pay for more Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump visits Atlanta, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Atlanta The former US president also called on Arizona legislators to change it, while also defending the overturning of Roe v Wade that cleared states to ban the procedure. 'It'll be straightened out and as you know, it's all about states' rights,' Trump told supporters and journalists after landing in Atlanta.= According to video taken of his news conference, he shook his head in response and said: 'No.' He issued a video statement this week declining to endorse a national abortion ban and saying he believes limits should be left to the states. His statement angered some religious conservatives and energized allies of President Joe Biden who see abortion rights as one of Trump's weaknesses. The Arizona Supreme Court ruling on Tuesday cleared the way for the enforcement of an 1864 law that bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest and allows abortions only if the mother's life is in jeopardy. The decision drastically altered Arizona's legal landscape for terminating pregnancies. The court suggested doctors can be prosecuted under the Civil War-era law, though the opinion written by the court's majority did not say that. Trump maintains he is proud that the three Supreme Court justices he nominated voted to overturn Roe v Wade, saying states will have different restrictions. He supports three exceptions in cases of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is at risk. Mr Biden's campaign spokesman Michael Tyler said Mr Trump 'owns the suffering and chaos happening right now, including in Arizona, because he proudly overturned Roe' and has a track record of 'banning abortion every chance he gets'. Boris Johnson last night channeled cigar-loving Winston Churchill as he hit out at Rishi Sunak's 'absolutely nuts' smoking ban. The former prime minister attacked the flagship policy of his successor-but-one as he questioned 'some of the things that we are doing... in the name of conservatism'. Mr Johnson wondered why 'the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars' in his criticism of Mr Sunak's plans to phase out the legal sale of tobacco. The ex-premier also used an appearance in Canadian capital Ottawa to join Tory calls for Mr Sunak to boost the UK's defence spending in today's 'more dangerous' world. The PM is under increasing pressure to push Britain's military budget to 2.5 per cent or even 3 per cent of GDP. 'Now is the moment for an even more robust posture,' Mr Johnson told the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference. 'We all need to recognise the world is more uncertain, more dangerous, we all need frankly to be spending more on defence that goes for the UK as well as everybody else.' Boris Johnson, pictured on his visit to Canadian capital Ottawa, channeled cigar-loving Winston Churchill as he hit out at Rishi Sunak 's 'absolutely nuts' smoking ban Mr Sunak has proposed preventing anyone who is turning 15 this year, or younger, from ever being able to legally buy tobacco products Mr Johnson said: 'When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec, it's just mad' Mr Sunak has proposed preventing anyone who is turning 15 this year, or younger, from ever being able to legally buy tobacco products. His plans are expected to be the subject of a free vote when MPs debate the legislation in the House of Commons for the first time next week. The PM is facing a backlash from the libertarian wing of his party, including from his predecessor Liz Truss. She has branded Mr Sunak's bid to effectively ban young people from smoking as 'profoundly unconservative'. Mr Johnson on Wednesday evening joined the Tory anger at Mr Sunak's proposals as he criticised policies that were being carried out 'in the name of conservatism'. 'We are, on the whole, in favour of freedom and it is that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that I think unites conservatives, or should unite conservatives,' he said. 'And when I look at some of the things that we are doing now, or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they are absolutely nuts.' Mr Johnson added: 'When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break as they say in Quebec, it's just mad.' Although Mr Sunak is facing a Tory rebellion against his smoking ban, he is set to win the support of Labour MPs and so his plans are unlikely to be derailed. A similar law had been due to come into effect in New Zealand in July, but was repealed by the country's new coalition government in February. The 'owners' of an Instagram-famous bird have said that he is coming back home soon after he was suddenly taken by wildlife authorities last week. Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen celebrated the news of Molly the Magpie's impending return by sharing an old video of him playing with their two Staffordshire terriers Peggy and Ruby. Molly excitedly jumps around their patio in the throwback video before the footage cuts to him inside playing with the dogs and enjoying a well deserved snack. 'It's time to shift from stress mode to party mode - MOLLY IS COMING HOME,' the caption read on Instagram. Molly the Magpie is returning home soon after Queensland wildlife authorities took him away last week Owners Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen celebrated the news of Molly's impending return by sharing an old video with the caption 'MOLLY IS COMING HOME!' Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen said they are 'taking the necessary steps' to ensure that Molly stays home for good this time. Molly gained an online following of almost one million people enamoured by his friendship with the family's Staffordshire Terriers. Officials from Queensland's Environment Department removed the male magpie from the Gold Coast home of Juliette Wells and Reese Mortenson on March 1, saying the wild bird was being kept unlawfully. After Molly's removal caused outrage on social media, the couple and their loyal followers began to petition the Queensland Premier to return the bird. Juliette Wells and Reece Mortensen (pictured with Molly the Magpie and their two Staffordshire terriers Peggy and Ruby) are forbidden from making commercial gain from the bird as part of a series of new rules they will have to abide by to keep the magpie The couple will also have to undergo wildlife carer training and advocate for education on Australia's wildlife (pictured is Peggy and Molly the Magpie) NEW RULES FOR 'MOLLY THE MAGPIE' The couple cannot make any ongoing commercial gain from the bird Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen must both undergo wildlife carer training They need to advocate for public education to encourage people to appropriately care for native wildlife and acknowledge the specialist skills required to care for wildlife They need to continue to engage with DESI to ensure Molly is receiving adequate care and enrichment Advertisement Steven Miles had announced on Wednesday that Molly would be going home 'very soon' as long as the couple obtained the appropriate wildlife permit. However, it has now been revealed that Ms Wells and Mr Mortensen will have to also meet a number of conditions in order to keep the wild bird in their home. Officials have forbidden the couple from making any ongoing commercial gain from the bird, bringing into question the future of their much-loved Instagram page 'peggyandmolly' which boasts 815,000 followers. They have also come out with the book 'Peggy and Molly' which features dozens of photos of the unique interspecies friendship. The couple will also have to undertake wildlife carer training, advocate for public education of native wildlife and allow authorities to monitor Molly and ensure he is receiving adequate care. 'Mollys return hinges on the family applying for a licence and agreeing with a range of conditions that will ensure the best outcome for the animals ongoing health and wellbeing,' the department said on Thursday. 'Once the individuals have demonstrated that they can and will meet the conditions, Molly will be placed with its former carers.' Wildlife authorities said the magpie was removed from the couple's home on the grounds they had no permission to keep a wild bird. They say the bird is highly habituated and 'may have developmental issues' meaning it can never be returned to the wild. However, the couple argue they don't keep Molly in the way a pet owner might look after a caged budgerigar or parrot, as he is free to fly away and forage for food and make his own return. They say they rescued Molly as a chick after he fell from his nest in 2020. Ms Wells was first asked to surrender Molly six months ago when authorities visited her home but she was unable to capture the bird as it was in a tree. In Queensland, magpies and other wildlife protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, can only be cared for by licensed carers. These carers have to demonstrate to wildlife authorities that they have the skills necessary to provide the necessary specialist care. Queensland Premier Steven Miles announced Molly the Magpie could be returned to his owners as long as the Gold Coast couple sought the appropriate permit Anti-ageing biohacker Bryan Johnson has shared images of his face over the last few years, showing how far he has changed since 2018. The Californian tech mogul, 46, shared three pictures of his face from 2018, 2023 and 2024 side-by-side on X with the caption: 'Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning...' Johnson has made headlines over his controversial and unrelenting attempt to live forever, spending about $2 million per year on regimes to reverse his age, dubbing it: 'Project Blueprint.' After spending $6 million in total to reverse his physical age, he claims to have turned back the clocks by five years. But not everyone seems to agree with that statement on social media, where Johnson's post caused an avalanche of responses, with many joking he actually looks like he 'aged at least ten years but it's only been six'. The Californian tech mogul, 46, shared three pictures of his face from 2018, 2023 and 2024 side-by-side on X with the caption: 'Even my Face ID is confused. I'm transitioning...' Johnson (pictured) has made headlines over his controversial and unrelenting attempt to live forever, spending about $2 million per year on regimes to reverse his age, dubbing it: 'Project Blueprint' But not everyone seems to agree with that statement on social media, where Johnson's post caused an avalanche of responses, with many joking he actually looks like he 'aged at least ten years but it's only been six' 'Tries to stop ageing... Proceeds to age quicker,' one user wrote on X. Another said in a post: 'It's crazy how you looked better in 2018,' which has been liked by hundreds of people, and a third even asked why Johnson 'looks 55'. Johnson spurned on the discussion, asking: 'What generates stronger opinions: my face or abortion?' His statement about 'transitioning' additionally caused confusion, with several asking 'what' Johnson was transitioning to, to which the tech mogul replied with pictures of different movie characters and the caption: 'Choose your adventure.' In a Youtube video this week, biohacker Johnson revealed his top 10 tips to get more sleep - as he detailed how eating dinner early and resting in cool temperatures has helped his slumber. The tech mogul has amassed millions of fans - and an equal amount of critics - for his bizarre and shameless attempts to age backwards, including swapping blood with his son, 17, and tracking his erections. Now, the biohacker has shared his extensive advice to help you get a more restful sleep, and look years younger. In a YouTube clip titled 'How I fixed my terrible sleep', he shared that becoming a 'professional sleeper' with a consistent bedtime and 'wind-down routine' could transform your life - and help you to cling on to your youth for longer than you ever thought imaginable. 'Sleep will give you superpowers,' he explained in the video caption. Its... the most important thing I do every day. 'I'm going to share with you 10 things that are going to change your life. I had poor sleep my entire life and I just logged what is potentially the best sleep score in human history,' he said at the beginning of the video. He first noted that you needed to identity as a 'professional sleeper.' Bryan explained that current 'grind culture' was foolish and by making your rest your number-one priority, your life would be 'easier' and you would look better. 'Level two is to have a consistent bedtime this is really important because you're telling your body we do sleep at this time every day,' he added. The biohacker said that you should try to aim for an early meal time, so that you could go to bed earlier. Years of biohacking initiative including fat transfers and a restrictive diet have transformed Bryan Johnson's outward appearance, giving him a taut, poreless, angular face that looks nothing like the one he had five years ago Mr Johnson reportedly takes between 112 and 130 supplements every day, has a team of more than 30 doctors, and undergoes regular blood tests and brain scans Now, the biohacker has shared his advice to help you get a more restful sleep and look years younger Multimillionaire biohacker Bryan Johnson has revealed his top 10 tips to get more sleep - as he detailed how eating dinner early and resting in cool temperatures helped improve his slumber For his third tip, Bryan said that you should establish a 'wind down' routine that helped you prepare for bed every night. 'I would encourage you create a ritual, read a book, go for a walk, do some favorite hobby, but avoid screens and avoid anything that's going to get you aroused, don't have fights, and don't tackle hard problems,' he added. Next, he said that you should 'eat early,' before revealing that he had his last meal of the day at 11am. He stressed it didn't mean others had to do the same as him, but he did say that heavy meals before bedtime should be avoided. Bryan's fifth piece of advice is to 'avoid stimulants or anything that's going to disrupt your sleep, that includes alcohol and caffeine.' For his sixth tip, he said that you should regulate the light you had in the evening. 'The next thing to do is regulate light in the evening so a few things for you to keep in mind is I have an app on my computer, it eliminates blue light from the screen,' the biohacker added. He advised wearing blue light glasses if you were watching TV screens. Bryan then said you should 'maintain an ideal temperature' while you slept. He explained that while he couldn't suggest a specific number, you should ensure you weren't 'too hot or too cold.' Bryan also said you should create a 'peaceful environment' for your sleep by making sure it's quiet in your house and by not doing anything other than sleeping in your bedroom. Lastly, the biohacker advised you try to get natural light within an hour of waking up. Johnson has previously spoken about his skincare routine, sharing he tries to minimize the time he spends in the sun by only venturing out when he can in the early mornings or in the evenings when the UV index is low. According to the anti-aging biohacker, his lengthy skincare routine is working - and has already regressed his age. 'My skin age was like 64 on one of the markers, and on my recent measurement I think to between 37 and 42,' he said. He also shared tips how he reversed his hair loss, saying he used a red light therapy cap, topical formulation and microneedling in his hair care routine. Bryan says he now has the heart of a 37-year-old, the skin of a 28-year-old, and the fitness of an 18-year-old after adopting the highly-regimented program in 2020. Boris Johnson last night warned Donald Trump against 'conceding victory to Vladimir Putin' if he is re-elected as US president in November. The former prime minister said it would be a 'disaster for the West' and 'a disaster for America' if the Russian leader was allowed to win in Ukraine. Speaking at an event in Canadian capital Ottawa, Mr Johnson joined UK efforts to convince hesitant US Republicans to continue American funding for Kyiv. He also reiterated his demand for Ukraine to join Nato and dismissed fears it could further provoke Mr Putin as he continues to wage war against Russia's neighbour. Since leaving Downing Street in September 2022, Mr Johnson has continued his staunch support for Ukraine and the country's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Boris Johnson warned Donald Trump against 'conceding victory to Vladimir Putin ' if he is re-elected as US president in November The ex-PM warned Mr Trump against a reported plan to pressure Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region as a price for peace with Russia Speaking at an event in Canadian capital Ottawa, Mr Johnson joined UK efforts to convince hesitant US Republicans to continue American funding for Kyiv In the latest of his speaking gigs around the world since quitting No10, Mr Johnson addressed the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference on Wednesday. 'The resolution to this problem is the security and the stability that comes with certainty about where Ukraine is and what Ukraine is,' the ex-premier said. 'Ukraine has chosen to be a free, independent European nation oriented towards the west, towards the EU, towards Nato. 'And Ukraine must join Nato. That is the only logical way through this.' Mr Johnson, who appeared at the event alongside Australian ex-PM Tony Abbott, said fears such a move might provoke Mr Putin should not prevent action. 'We tried that and look where that left us,' he said. 'With the worst war in Europe for 80 years. 'Nato is the body that gives certainty and stability and will bring peace. But in the meantime, give those Ukrainians what they need.' Mr Johnson described Ukraine as a 'formidable fighting force' and said Kyiv had often been supplied with 'the right stuff at the wrong time, in other words, too late'. 'The Ukrainians will do the job if we give them the tools. Let's give them the tools,' he said. 'They have shown they are a proud, independent nation and they are going to fight for freedom. 'What we need to do is keep supporting Ukraine, keep supporting freedom.' In his plea to Mr Trump not to abandon Ukraine if he returns to the White House, Mr Johnson warned the Republican presidential hopeful against a reported plan to pressure Ukraine to cede Crimea and the Donbas border region as a price for peace with Russia. 'If you are the party of Ronald Reagan, if you want to make America great again, then you don't begin a new Republican presidency by conceding victory to Vladimir Putin,' he added. 'It would be a disaster for the West and it would be a disaster for America.' Mr Johnson spoke after Foreign Secretary David Cameron made a visit to Washington DC this week amid political wrangling over $60billion worth of fresh US war aid for Ukraine Mr Johnson spoke after Foreign Secretary David Cameron was snubbed by Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the US House of Representatives, during his visit to Washington DC this week. Lord Cameron had been hoping for a meeting to discuss why Republican allies of Mr Trump on Capitol Hill are holding up $60billion worth of US war aid for Ukraine. It came after the Foreign Secretary had previously been told to 'kiss my a**' by Republican right-winger Marjorie Taylor Greene when he compared failing to give fresh aid for Kyiv to the appeasement of Hitler. Mr Johnson, speaking in Canada last night, offered a more diplomatic plea to his namesake and US Republicans. 'I would say Mike my cousin Mike Johnson, long lost, separated ' the ex-PM joked. 'America is currently investing in the US supporting the Ukrainians about 5 per cent or less of their annual defense spending. 'It is a fantastically efficient way of supporting freedom.' Lord Cameron this week said the funding package held up in Congress by political wrangling would be good for US security and jobs and show the West was prepared to stand up against 'bullies'. He told CNN during his visit to Washington: 'Everyone wants to see an end to the killing and an end to the war. But you only get that by backing Ukraine, by showing strength. 'Peace comes through strength, not through appeasement and weakness.' Brussels, Belgium (PANA) - The UN Deputy Secretary-General on Thursday called for a transformation in learning, stressing that receiving a good education represents hope for all future generations A rule requiring gun dealers to obtain federal licenses and conduct background checks regardless of where they sell guns has been finalized and will soon go into effect, Vice President Kamala Harris announced Thursday. 'Every person in our nation has a right to live free from the horror of gun violence. I do believe that. And yet, today, one in five Americans has a family member who was killed by gun violence,' Harris said. Hours before the announcement, six people were shot, including children close to the White House when suspects shot into a crowd. The number of children killed by guns in the U.S. hit a high in 2021, mass shootings have surged in recent years and the country overall has much higher rates of gun death than other wealthy nations. 'There is a large and growing black market of guns being sold by people in the business of dealing and doing it without a license, and therefore they are not running background checks the way the law requires,' ATF director Steven Dettelbach said this week. 'Its not safe for innocent, law-abiding Americans. In fact, its doggone dangerous,' he added. AR-15 style rifles chambered in 9mm are displayed for sale at a vendor booth at the Crossroads of the West Gun Show at the Orange County Fairgrounds in 2021 President Joe Biden has long sought to tighten gun laws but has found difficulty in getting legislation through Congress Vice President Kamala Harris announced the new background checks on Thursday An estimated 23,000 individuals are engaged in unlicensed gun dealing in the United States, and the rule will impact tens of thousands of gun sales per year, a White House official said. 'We know how to prevent these tragedies. And its a false choice to suggest that youre either in favor of the Second Amendment or you want to take everyones guns away.' Im in favor of the Second Amendment, and I am in favor of reasonable gun safety laws for example, background checks,' Harris said. Harris stated that the intended targets of the new regulations are those who sell guns at shows, flea markets and on social media, who do so and avoid gun store background checks. 'Every year, thousands of unlicensed gun dealers sell tens of thousands of guns without a single background check, including to buyers who, if they had been required to pass a background check, would have failed for example, domestic abusers, violent felons, and even children,' Harris said. The Justice Department proposed the rule in August and invited the public to comment. It was submitted to the Federal Register on Tuesday and will be published soon, with the rule taking effect 30 days after its publication. Although it will increase the number of background checks, the rule does not constitute a universal background check. Certain firearms transfers, including those among family members, will still be allowed without a background check. U.S. lawmakers passed a federal gun reform law in June 2022 following a string of mass shootings and days after a Supreme Court decision that expanded firearm owners' rights. In March 2023, President Joe Biden issued an executive order aimed at expanding background checks for gun purchases and asked Congress to take additional action to reduce gun violence. 'Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store. If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks,' U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said. In her remarks, Harris made reference to the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre In March 2023, President Joe Biden issued an executive order aimed at expanding background checks for gun purchases and asked Congress to take additional action to reduce gun violence In her remarks, Harris made reference to the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. On April 20, 1999, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris dressed in black trench coats went on a killing rampage at Columbine High School in suburban Denver. They shot and killed 12 classmates and a teacher and wounded two dozen others before taking their own lives. 'Next week, our nation will mark 25 years since the tragedy at Columbine, a horrific act of violence that was carried out in part with guns purchased through the gun show loophole.' 'Since then, from New Paris, Ohio; to Chicago, Illinois; to Midland-Odessa, Texas, so many communities have been torn apart by acts of violence committed with weapons bought without background checks,' Harris said. An interactive map today revealed how pupil numbers in England are dropping amid a falling birth rate, as a report warned the trend could force some schools to close. Schools stand to collectively lose more than 1billion in funding by 2030 because they cannot fill their places, according to the Education Policy Institute think tank. The EPI says it will lead to headteachers taking 'cost-cutting measures' and mergers and closures. This will affect primary schools at first but eventually secondaries too. The birth rate is declining despite the fact that the population, largely as a result of immigration, is continuing to grow. The warning from the EPI comes after a Daily Mail investigation found hundreds of schools may close in the next six years, with dozens already at risk. Your browser does not support iframes. The population of primary school children is expected to drop by more than half a million by 2030, the equivalent of 17,000 classes or 1,800 schools. READ MORE One in five teenagers use the web as their main source of advice on relationships and sexual health, survey finds Advertisement This is due to the end of the baby boom of the early part of this century. Pupil numbers are projected to fall the most in London and the North East, according to the EPI. A population bulge in England has been moving from primary schools into secondary schools. London Councils warned last year that school leaders and local authorities could be forced to merge or close schools as a result of falling pupil numbers and funding pressures. The number of applications for places at primary schools in the capital fell last year due to the falling birth rate, as well as families leaving the city after the pandemic and Brexit, councils said. The EPI report said: 'As pupil numbers fall, many schools will see their budgets contract as a result. 'However, a school's costs do not behave the same way. Reductions in class sizes do not bring about proportional decreases in staffing costs, school supplies, energy bills, and the other day-to-day costs of running a school. These heatmaps show the projected changes in pupil numbers across England, when split by local authority level. Primary schools are on the left, and secondary schools are on the right This graph shows projected pupil data for the same time period but split by constituency level 'Faced with this challenge, some of the most severely affected schools will struggle to stay viable. As these schools feel the squeeze, they will be forced to consider alternatives: mergers with other schools, difficult cost-cutting measures, and ultimately school closures.' READ MORE NHS's entire gender treatment model for children is demolished in bombshell report Advertisement The think tank has called on policymakers to 'carefully consider' the impacts of changes to the national funding formula (NFF) on schools that are most affected by falling pupil numbers. Robbie Cruikshanks, researcher at the EPI, said: 'The scale of change projected in the pupil population presents major policy challenges to future governments. 'Most school funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis. As a result, falling pupil numbers can mean lower budgets for schools whilst not lowering costs in the same way, given these are largely fixed. 'Managing this fall in pupil numbers means that, in many areas of the country, the number of pupils that are admitted to schools will inevitably fall. 'This could then lead to mergers to ensure that schools remain financially viable or even school closures.' The percentage change in pupil numbers in schools between 2022/23 and 2028/29 is shown The total projected pupil count across primary and secondary mainstream schools in England He added: 'Policymakers must carefully consider the impacts of changes to the national funding formula on schools that are most affected by falling pupil numbers and how best to redistribute any savings created by these falls.' READ MORE Children under 16 could be banned from buying mobile phones under new plans being considered by ministers Advertisement Researchers used data from pupil projections and the think tank's own school funding model to analyse the potential impacts on school funding up to 2030. Under a scenario where all schools receive a 0.5 per cent real terms increase in per-pupil funding each year, the overall amount spent would still fall because of the reduction in pupils. Researchers predict funding for primary and secondary schools will fall to 41.6 billion by 2029/30, down from a peak of 42.7 billion in 2024/25. The findings come ahead of National Offer Day for primary schools next Tuesday. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said: 'Schools are already strapped for cash - and even with a dip in pupil numbers, any further cuts to funding would be a catastrophe for our children. Total pupils by region between 2015/16 to 2021/22. Pupils from the South East and London make up the majority, while the East Midlands and the North East have had the fewest The total number of pupils in schools between 2010/11 and 2022/23 and then DfE projections 'Instead, the drop in pupil numbers provides the government with an opportunity - by maintaining current funding levels, schools could keep current staffing levels, paving the way for smaller class sizes, and targeted support for pupils. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Homeowners are leaving London in their droves and these are the cheapest postcodes to live in outside the capital - and the priciest ones to avoid! Advertisement 'In places where there is a more significant short-term drop in numbers, such as London and the North East, we urge the government to take a pragmatic, long-term view. 'It would be a waste to allow smaller schools to close, only for there to be a need for more places in those areas further down the line.' A Department for Education spokesman said: 'These figures are speculative, funding levels beyond 2024/25 have not yet been confirmed and are subject to future spending reviews. 'We are increasing school funding to 60.7 billion next year, the highest level ever in real terms per pupil. 'Every school will receive a per-pupil increase in funding, and the national funding formula (NFF) makes sure that funding is distributed fairly based on the needs of each school and their pupils. 'It is for local authorities and academy trusts to balance the supply and demand of school places, in line with changing demographics, as they have done for many years.' Every parliamentary constituency in Britain saw a rise in incapacity benefit claims last year - with some of the largest increases driven by a surge in mental health problems in affluent areas. Analysis of DWP data showed that while the highest number of claims in 2023 were made in urban and post-industrial areas, some leafy suburban commuter belt towns around London and other large cities saw claims increase by more than a third. They include constituencies with Tory MPs including Tonbridge & Malling in Kent, Basingstoke in Hampshire and Hexham in Northumberland. Claims are up by at least 10 per cent in every one of the 650 Westminster seats, the analysis by Labour, first reported by the Times, has found. Last month it emerged that 2.8million people have left the workforce due to long-term sickness the most since the 1990s. Mental health problems affect more than a third of 16 to 34-year-olds out of work due to long-term illness and account for 69 per cent of all medical claims. It comes as the government tries to get on the front foot with efforts to cut waiting lists for NHS treatment. Earlier this week the Work and Pensions Secretary said Britons must revert to the 'old-fashioned belief' that work is good for you. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Rishi Sunak is shown re-development plans by Project Director Stephen Hepworth during a visit to Woking Community Hospital today. It comes as new figures revealed the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has fallen for the fifth month in a row, figures show. Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride (pictured) said the nation's approach to tackling mental health issues may have 'gone too far' Mel Stride claimed the nation's approach to tackling mental health issues may have 'gone too far', suggested the regular 'ups-and-downs of life' should not be 'labelled' or 'medicalised'. The minister said welfare reforms would ensure the Government could 'break the cycle of people going to see their GP and ending up parked on benefits through time'. 'Perhaps it's an old-fashioned belief but I think it's one that needs to come back into fashion is that work is good for you,' he told Radio 4's Today programme. 'Work is good for your mental health. Getting up in the morning, having a sense of purpose, interacting with other people in the workplace, having that conversation by the watercooler or whatever it may be, is good for our mental health. 'My mission is to get as many people into work as possible, and I care the most about those who can benefit from work in the way that I've described.' But Alison McGovern, the acting shadow work and pensions secretary, said: 'One of the reasons that the Tories have failed on the economy is because they have failed on work. 'On the Tories watch, millions of people across the country are stuck on mental health waiting lists or locked out of work due to long term sickness at huge cost to them, to business and to the taxpayer too. 'The Tories cannot be the change from their own failings. Labour's plan will tackle the root causes of economic inactivity by driving down NHS waiting lists, making work pay, and supporting people into good jobs across every part of the country.' It comes as new figures revealed the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England has fallen for the fifth month in a row, figures show. An estimated 7.54 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of February, relating to 6.29 million patients, down slightly from 7.58 million treatments and 6.29 million patients at the end of January, NHS England said. The list hit a record high in September 2023 with 7.77 million treatments and 6.50 million patients. A total of 305,050 people in England had been waiting more than 52 weeks to start routine hospital treatment at the end of February, down from 321,394 at the end of January. The Government and NHS England have set the ambition of eliminating all waits of more than a year by March 2025. A Department of Work and Pensions spokesman said: 'We are building on our strong employment record with our 2.5 billion back to work plan which will help over a million people, including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions to break down barriers to work. 'Our landmark welfare reforms will cut the number of people due to be put onto the highest tier of incapacity benefits by over 370,000.' A West Ham fan has been seriously injured after being hit by a road sweeping vehicle before his clubs Europa Cup match tonight. The 68-year-old was hit at a pedestrian traffic light near Cologne Cathedral. Cops said he had suffered life threatening injuries and had been detained in hospital after the accident last night. It was reported he may have fallen under the trucks brushes and suffered head injuries. The machine then collided with a traffic light pole, which left the driver injured. A 68-year-old West Ham fan was left with 'life threatening injuries' after being run over by a road sweeper ahead of the club's Europa Cup match in Cologne tonight (file photo) Several West Ham supporters have flown to Cologne ahead of their Europa League quarter-final. The supporters in the image are not linked to the injured man Hundreds of West Ham fans have been banned from entering the Leverkusen home section Police said the West Ham fans condition had stabilized after he had been treated by doctors in hospital where he remained today. Today chalk markings made by investigators marked the spot where the accident happened at 9.20pm last night and where his body lay under the vehicle. A Cologne police spokeswoman said: 'According to witnesses, the 68-year-old crossed Trankgasse at the pedestrian traffic light at around 9:20 p.m., presumably on red.' 'The cleaning vehicle coming from the direction of Comedy Street hit him. 'Immediately after the collision, the driver aged 29 suddenly steered his sweeper into a traffic light pole. He also suffered minor injuries. 'The police deployed a traffic accident investigation team to secure evidence and cordoned off a large area of the accident site.' Around 4,000 West Ham fans are believed to have headed for Germany, with only 1,750 having tickets for the quarter final first leg with Bayer Leverkusen. Hundreds of fans drank and sang into the early hours in bars around the cathedral watched by police, but there were no reports of trouble. Cologne police are also investigating the murder of a 50-year-old man last night who was stabbed to death. The incident has not been linked to the fans. It comes after several West Ham fans were banned from entering the Bayer Leverkusen home end for their Europa League tie to defuse potential crowd trouble. The move follows an operation involving UEFA, Bayer Leverkusen and police to prevent a repeat of the violence that followed West Ham's match with German side Eintracht Frankfurt in the same tournament two years ago. Officials acted quickly to prevent potential crowd trouble ahead of Thursday's match Supporters hung large banners around Cologne There are also safety concerns for any West Ham fan who does beat the tight security and take a place among rival supporters after a German fan was repeatedly punched by Arsenal supporters at the Emirates stadium on Tuesday night. The German man had evaded the ban on Bayern Munich followers which had been imposed after fireworks were thrown onto the pitch in a Champions League encounter with Italian side Lazio. Officials in Leverkusen acted after safety concerns were raised after hundreds of West Ham fans secured tickets among Bayer Leverkusen supporters for tomorrow night's Europa Cup quarter final first leg. An investigation rooted out several hundred West Ham supporters who had joined the Bayer Leverkusen club membership and were then able to buy tickets among home supporters. They were identified by British addresses or email linked to internet providers and banned. Bayer were reported to be returning ticket prices of 15 Euros, but it was unclear whether the 35 Euros fans laid out for the obligatory 'Bayer 04 Club' memberships would be returned. High-flying West Ham were allocated 1,790 seats for their supporters in the 30,000 capacity Bay Arena for the first leg of the last eight tie. The garage worker who murdered school teacher Sabina Nessa as she walked through a park admits stabbing prison officer with a piece of porcelain just a year into his life sentence. Koci Selamaj was sentenced to 36 years for the sexually motivated murder of the 28-year-old school teacher, who he targeted as she walked alone through Cator Park in south-east London, in September 2021. The killing sparked outrage from campaigners and politicians, who said there was an 'epidemic' of violence against women following a spate of high-profile femicides as the 'say her name' hashtag trended on social media. And it later emerged that the police were warned about Selamaj three days before he murdered the innocent primary school teacher. The Albanian national has now admitted to attacking two prison officers just a year into his sentence which began in April, 2022. Koci Selamaj attacked two prison officers just a year into his 36-year sentence for murdering Sabina Nessa Sabina Nessa, 28, was found dead under a pile of leaves in Cator Park, south-east London in September 2021 Selamaj was being held at HMP Frankland when he stabbed a prison guard with a piece of porcelain Koci Selamaj looked nonplussed when he was charged at a London police station Selamaj brutally attacked a prison officer with a piece of porcelain after they went to investigate a commotion heard in his cell on May 8, 2023. The killer managed to stab the officer in the right thigh and arm before more staff came to subdue the killer, one of which was punched in the face. Selamaj will be sentenced in June for the prison assaults. In September 2021, Miss Nessa had been on her way to meet a friend when Selemaj, who had lay in wait for around 20 minutes to select his 'prey for a violent sexual encounter', grabbed her from behind. Selamaj, who had travelled from his home in Eastbourne to carry out the killing, beat her unconscious before she was dragged into an area of long grass and asphyxiated. He then tried to conceal her body but it was found half-naked the following evening. Selamaj admitted murder and in April 2022 Mr Justice Sweeney sentenced him to life with a minimum 36 years to be served. Justice Sweeney warned that Selamaj, who 'cowardly' refused to attend his sentence hearing, may never be released. Selamaj was caught on CCTV near Pegler Square in London (pictured) shortly before murder Hours before the killing, Selamaj drove to his wife's workplace to ask her for sex, seeming 'very agitated' The judge said at the time: 'Sabina Nessa was the wholly blameless victim of an absolutely appalling murder which was entirely the fault of the defendant - who has added to the sense of insecurity that people, particularly women, have living in our cities when walking or travelling alone, especially at night.' Selamaj, 38, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today, via video link to Broadmoor, where he admitted charges of wounding with intent, an offence which carries a life sentence, and assault on the prison staff. Aidan Harvey, defending, said Selamaj is currently serving a 36-year term for the murder of Sabina Nessa. Mr Harvey said Selamaj is currently in Broadmoor and psychiatric reports will be prepared before he is sentenced. Broadmoor is a top-security psychiatric hospital in Berkshire and has previously housed notorious inmates such as Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe and gangster Ronnie Kray. Judge Stephen Earl said Selamaj will be sentenced after the preparation of reports and told him: 'I adjourn this case now for sentence in relation to these two matters until June 14 when you will appear as you are now, on the link.' The killing of Sabina Nessa triggered a furious backlash when her half-naked body was discovered. Politicians and campaigners branded violence against women an 'epidemic' while others called for men to become 'allies' in the fight against misogynistic hate crime. The shocking murder came after a number of high-profile femicides, including Sarah Everard, 33, who was snatched in London and killed by policeman Wayne Couzens on March 3 earlier that year. Meanwhile sisters Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, were stabbed to death in a Wembley park by 19-year-old Danyal Hussein on June 6, 2020. Ms Nessa's body found near the OneSpace community centre hidden under a pile of leaves The killing came after a series of high profile female murders, including Sarah Everard (pictured), 33, who was snatched in London and killed by policeman Wayne Couzens on March 3 A year and a half later, it emerged that the Selmanj had been flagged to police just three days before he murdered her, but police chose not to investigate. Selamaj had beaten and throttled his wife for months. After she left him, he took a room at her workplace. Colleagues of the killer's estranged wife Ionela had called the 101 non-emergency number from the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, where she worked. The 101 call on September 14 was prompted by Selamaj 'acting strangely' and refusing to pay for his stay at the five-star hotel. But police did not attend. A call handler completed security checks on Selamaj but saw no reason for cops to show. Advertisement A father-to-be who is 1million out of pocket after a river burst its banks and left his farm under eight feet of water has been denied a recovery grant because it's the wrong sort of flood. Henry Ward, 33, and his heavily pregnant wife Emma are expecting their first child together this month. His farm has been left marooned on an island surrounded by flooded fields for six months, which he can only access by boat, but Mr Ward has been told he is not flooded to the Government's requirements. This means he does not qualify for the 25,000 The Farming Recovery Fund because his farm was too far away from the designated major rivers, which include the Witham, Welland and Nene. 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. 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. He told MailOnline: 'The river that's burst on our farm isn't on the list of eligible rivers. If it was, under the current rules, eligible fields have to be within 150m of the contre of the river. What the hell are we meant to do in a field that's more than 150m away? A father-to-be who is 1million out of pocket after a river burst its banks and left his farm under eight feet of water has been denied a recovery grant because it's the wrong sort of flood 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' Henry Ward, 33, told MailOnline: 'The river that's burst on our farm isn't on the list of eligible rivers. If it was, under the current rules, eligible fields have to be within 150m of the contre of the river. What the hell are we meant to do in a field that's more than 150m away?' Father-to-be Henry Ward, 33, (pictured with his wife Emma) has been left 1million out of pocket by his farm being flooded It has also rendered the 1million house he rents out 'worthless'. Pictured: Mr Ward on his boat with the farm and house behind him 'The payments are 130/hectare. My farm is 200 acres. If the whole farm was eligible I would only get 10,500. The Rural Payments Agency from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said he can now get a grant of 3,700 for some of his fields that are no longer flooded but not the ones that remain underwater. Mr Ward said: 'It's grossly unfair. You couldn't have got it more wrong if you tried. It's just bonkers. I'm the most famous flooded farmer in the country and I don't get it. 'I have gone through enough stress as it is. I would love to meet the civil servant who came up with this scheme. 'They could have had positive press, but no, I'm not even on the list. 'It's not just me. There are seven others locally that aren't going to get a payment. It needs sorting out. 'I had meetings upon meetings with the Environment Agency and ministers. It shows the disconnect between civil servants and people on the ground. 'It's just ludicrous. You couldn't make it up. I thought this money was a given. I have to fight tooth and nail. 'I have been battling for months. It's exhausting. Emma is about to pop in a minute. It's very stressful.' Hundreds of acres of Henry Ward's farm at Shortferry, near Lincoln, have been flooded since October when the Barlings Eau river burst its banks following Storm Babet. 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 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 His farm has been left marooned on an island surrounded by flooded fields for six months, which he can only access by boat, but Mr Ward has been told he is not flooded to the Government's requirements Mr Ward's farm was flooded by 15 feet of water for three months after the Barlings Eau burst its banks in 2019, causing him to lose around 80,000. The Environment Agency is believed to have spent around 5million plugging the breach in the riverbank and carrying out repairs. But due to heavy rain during Storm Babet the farm flooded again when a bank burst along the Barlings Eau last October and there was more flooding in January. At its peak, the floodwater covered around 2,000 acres of fields owned by 'six or seven' farmers. Mr Ward said he was more than 100,000 'out of pocket' due to the flooding, and had hoped to recoup some of his losses from the fund. But the Government said as the Barlings Eau is not a major watercourse the area does not qualify for the grants of up to 25,000. Mr Ward's farm does not qualify for the 25,000 The Farming Recovery Fund because his farm was too far away from the designated major rivers, which include the Witham, Welland and Nene Henry Ward pictured with the pumps installed by the Environmental Agency that are draining his fields at last Mr Ward said: 'I felt physically sick when I found out that we're not going to be eligible for this money. I felt cross, angry, let down and I just felt I've been forgotten about.' He added: 'It's ridiculous, we've been underwater for almost six months, we've lost all our crops and we're still flooded now. Our farmhouse and yard is literally an island in the middle of a 500-acre lake. If I'm not eligible then who on earth is? 'I literally can't believe it, I stood on the bridge near the pub with the chairman of the Environment Agency, the Minister for Flooding and the NFU president looking at 2,000 acres of land with two metres of water on it and it didn't even cross my mind that I wouldn't be eligible for this money. 'I feel like I'm living in some sort of nightmare, 25,000 is peanuts anyway and then just to be told I'm not eligible anyway. I just never dreamed that we'd be here.' The government first announced The Farming Recovery Fund in January and said it had consulted with stakeholders to develop eligibility criteria. A Defra spokesperson said: 'The Farming Recovery Fund has been opened to support farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land this winter. 'We have activated the initial phase of the scheme to ensure grants begin to reach farmers as quickly as possible, and are now looking at how we can expand the scheme to further areas and improve the support for those worst affected.' The heartbroken expectant father previously told MailOnline the last six months have been 'horrific' and 'soul-destroying'. 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.' A young woman whose body was found in an abandoned church in Italy had been hunting for ghosts and looked like a 'walking corpse' before her gruesome death, police have said. The victim, a 22-year-old Frenchwoman who has been named as Auriane Nathalie Laisne, may have been the victim of a 'consented murder' or sacrifice - theories investigators in the Aosta Valley village of La Salle are reportedly looking into. A witness described seeing Laisne nearby with a male friend in the days before her death late last month, and claimed that the pair had been dressed in dark clothes 'like vampires'. Her decomposing body was later discovered by a hiker on April 6, and it is believed she had been dead for some days, with her clothes soaked in blood. Some of the blood at the scene had been scraped off the floor and removed, police told CNN. An autopsy revealed that Laisne had been stabbed multiple times in the neck and abdomen, and also had gunshots to her neck and body that police said could have been inflicted after she died. The victim, a 22-year-old Frenchwoman who has been named as Auriane Nathalie Laisne, was found dead in an abandoned church overlooking the Aosta Valley village of La Salle Investigators launched a manhunt for the man who was seen with her, and eventually tracked down the suspect in France late last night. The 21-year-old Italian man, Teima Sohaib, was arrested in Lyon on suspicion of murder. He is now facing trial in the French city of Grenoble. A witness described how they saw Laisne and a young man, now identified by police as Sohaib, together in the area in the days before. They reportedly said that Laisne looked 'very beautiful, but suffering, emaciated.' They described the man as having 'black curls and an olive complexion', said he looked 'much younger' and added that he 'didn't seem like a violent guy, far from it.' Laisne is from Saint-Priest, a town near Lyon, and her family are said to have travelled to Italy to identify her body. The young woman was found with a packet of pink marshmallows and groceries near her body, according to police, and had been wearing leggings, a jumper and dark coat. Pictures show the crime scene - a derelict church where police suggest Laisne might have been searching for ghosts Investigators in the Aosta Valley village of La Salle are reportedly looking into a number of theories (file image) Sohaib is said to be from the Marche region of Italy, and is the son of Egyptian immigrants. He had been living in Grenoble, in Val d'Isere, south-eastern France. Sohaib had been wanted in France and Italy since the end of March for 'violation of judicial control', Sky Italy reports. Police reportedly said that Laisne's death could be related to a TikTok ghost hunting competition, which has become popular among young people in France. A series of general election polls have shown President Joe Biden, 81, pulling ahead of Donald Trump, 77, by a few points with just seven months until the 2020 showdown. Despite this slight boost in recent head-to-head matchups with Trump, the president is slipping with black voters in swing states, which is a critical voting demographic in the 2024 election and could be detrimental for Biden's chances of reelection. A Wall Street Journal poll taken earlier this month reveals that black registered voters in six of seven swing states considered would cast their ballot for former President Trump over Biden if the election were held today. In Wisconsin, one of the swing states in the poll, the two geriatric candidates were tied. Meanwhile, several polls taken in April show Biden either in a tie or pulling ahead of Trump by between one and four percentage points. New presidential election polling in April shows President Joe Biden slightly pulling ahead of Donald Trump with just seven months until November's showdown But separate polling spells trouble for Biden in his 2024 reelection bid with black voters in six of the seven swing states favoring Trump over the current president. Pictured: Blacks for Trump members rally outside Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2023 to support the president as he arrived to turn himself in and have his mugshot taken The results of all the general election polls tracked by FiveThirtyEight average in April fall within their respective margins of error. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted April 4-8 among 833 registered voters had the largest gap with Biden in the lead by 4 points 41 percent to 37 percent. Two separate national polls have the two candidates evenly tied at 43 percent, but a third survey conducted by TIPP Insights has them tied at 38 percent when third party candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are considered. The same TIPP Insights poll taken April 3-5 shows Biden ahead of Trump by 3 percentage points (40-43 percent) when the former and current president are the only two considered in the survey among 1,265 registered voters. A Morning Consult poll conducted April 5-7 among 6,236 registered voters by far the largest sample size shows Trump ahead of Biden by 1 percentage point. While nationally polling is important, regional surveys in swing states are more indicative of how the 2024 election might sway with just seven states creating the determining factor that could decide the results in November. Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are being closely watched in the walk-up to the 2024 presidential election. While polling in the battleground states often swings between the Democratic and Republican candidates, recent WSJ polling shows that Biden is losing steam among black voters in these states. North Carolina is where he sees the biggest drop off with this voting bloc as 49 percent say they would vote for Trump if the election were held today compared to the 43 percent who say they would vote for Biden. Wall Street Journal April polling shows Trump ahead among black voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania and tied with Biden in Wisconsin In Arizona, Trump is ahead by 5 percentage points among black voters and in Nevada by 4 percent. The margin of error for the Journal poll is 4 percentage points and 600 registered voters were polled in each state. Georgia, Michigan and Pennsylvania all fall within the margin of error between 1 and 3 percent, but still show black voters there favor Trump over Biden. 'I think winning back more Black men is going to be key for him,' said Democratic pollster Michael Bocian, who conducted the WSJ survey, when discussing Biden's chances in 2024. Wisconsin was the only swing state where Biden tied with Trump and the president did not win majority favor among black voters in any of the seven in the survey. Officials have set up an evacuation plan if conditions worsen and water takes over the town State and local leaders said that there is no imminent danger to the 1,8000 residents A large 60ft crack was discovered in the Panguitch Lake Dam on Monday Workers have raced to patch-up an enormous 60ft crack in a Utah dam after expanding ice caused it to open up, threatening a gorgeous town that lies below it. On Monday, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office announced that the Panguitch Lake Dam was damaged after discovering 'traverse cracking on the upper portion of the dam.' Although the split has caused water to pour into the town, state and local leaders said that there is no imminent danger to the 1,800 residents. But officials have still warned the community to prepare for a possible evacuation if conditions worsen, and provided a list of procedures at a town meeting on Wednesday night. Everett Taylor, an assistant state engineer for dam safety with the Utah Division of Water Rights told residents: 'I can't say that the emergency situation is entirely averted, but Im very, very encouraged by the progress we've made today.' On Monday, the Garfield County Sheriff's Office announced that the Panguitch Lake Dam was damaged after discovering 'traverse cracking on the upper portion of the dam' Panguitch, a small city in Utah, is thought to have gotten its name because of its immense population of rainbow trout that live in the many lakes in the area. (pictured: storefronts in town) Taylor added the process of lowering the reservoir could take several days as two feet of water remained above the crack on Wednesday night. Workers have managed to cover 45ft of the crack with boulders and plan to relieve some of the pressure against the dam by making large cuts across the ice sheet. Video of the opened dam showed rushing water flowing downstream as Taylor said that the ice sheet had pushed up against it and caused the top to crack. 'This can be orderly,' he said. 'If the notice is that the dam has broken or breached, we have time.' Crews were seen working to stop the water from surging through the crack as they operated excavators around the dam and dropped large boulders. The fissure was first noticed by local officials on Monday night during an inspection, before they announced the level two breach risk to the public on Tuesday. A level two breach risk is a designation in the middle of the three-prong scale that means there is potential for dam failure. If there is a breach, state and local law enforcement would team up with the Red Cross to evacuate Panguitch, which sits about 10 miles downstream from the dam. Circleville, another tiny town located farther downstream, could face a lower flood risk if there is a breach. Crews are seen working to stop the water from surging through the crack as they operated excavators around dam and dropped large boulders If there is a breach, state and local law enforcement would team up with the Red Cross to evacuate Panguitch, which sits about 10 miles downstream from the dam The Utah Highway Patrol has been tasked with helping prepare the town in case of an evacuation and assured that residents should have ample time to gather their belongings and evacuate safely. 'This can be orderly,' Sgt. Jacob Cox of the Utah Highway Patrol said at the town meeting. 'If the notice is that the dam has broken or breached, we have time. The estimation is roughly two hours before those floodwaters are really inundating the town.' If an evacuation happened, sirens would sound to notify residents and officers would go around town to make sure everyone has cleared the area, Garfield County Sheriff Eric Houston said. A local high school and chapel are expected to serve as emergency shelters. In a recent measurement, nearly 260 cubic feet of water was being released per second, down the reservoir, below the crack. Large rocks have been tucked into the downstream side of the dam in an attempt to support the wall. Rain is expected to hit the area on Saturday. The Panguitch Lake Dam was built in 1872, but the top portion that cracked was added to the dam in the 1930s and 1940s. The city's name stands for 'big fish' and is thought to have gotten the title because of its immense population of rainbow trout that live in lakes in the area. Taylor said that there were no previous concerns about the structural integrity of the dam and that the crack came as a surprise. Panguitch Mayor Kim Soper urged residents to steer clear of the creek and warned that the water level is much higher than usual and is a danger to children. The Panguitch Lake Dam was built in 1872, but the top portion that cracked was added to the dam in the 1930s and 1940s. (pictured: rushing water flowing downstream from the crack) The Garfield County Sheriff's Office posted an evacuation map to Facebook to prepare residents for a possible breach Workers have managed to cover 45ft of the crack with boulders and plan to relieve some of the pressure against the dam by making large cuts across the ice sheet He teared up as he recalled standing in the same gymnasium in 2017 to prepare evacuation plans as a wildfire ravaged southern Utah. 'We got through that, and we're going to get through this,' Soper said. 'It's just a different emergency.' Concerned residents have flocked under posts made by the sheriff's office as they notified the community of evacuation plans and posted updates on the dam. One person said that they 'just closed on a house' and with the crack in the dam 'they don't know what to do.' Another said: 'Praying dam holds, stay safe Panguitch town folk!' Others praised the quick work for town officials who rushed to fix the issue. 'Thank you for all the work you're doing. Love fishing Panguitch lake,' a commenter said. 'This is awesome. Great work,' said another. An Islamic extremist was inspired by the Hamas slaughter in Israel to murder a pensioner he came across in the street at random, a court heard today. Asylum seeker Ahmed Alid, 45, began his knife rampage by trying to stab his housemate, who had converted from being a Muslim to Christianity, to death as he slept. Despite being repeatedly stabbed, Javed Nouri, a fellow asylum seeker who had reported Alid to the police two days earlier, fought for his life and another housemate managed to disarm the attacker, Teesside Crown Court was told. As police headed to the house in Hartlepool, Alid walked into town openly carrying a second knife. He came across Terence Carney, 70, and launched a deadly and unprovoked attack at 5.30am, the jury heard. Ahmed Alid is accused of murdering Terence Carney in an unprovoked attack in Hartlepool Alid also tried to knife his housemate on the same day outside this house in Wharton Terrace Jonathan Sandiford, KC, prosecuting, told the court Mr Carney was 'pushed or stabbed to the ground' before Alid continued stabbing him repeatedly. The pensioner was 'effectively defenceless' and crying out 'no, no.' CCTV footage showing Alid strolling up to Mr Carney and attacking him in the middle of the deserted street was played to the jury along with audio of the attack with groans and shouts. Alid left him for dead and Mr Carney managed to stagger a short distance before collapsing and dying in the street, the court heard. Mr Carney, who was in the habit of going for an early morning walk, had been stabbed six times, including through the heart, said Mr Sandiford. Alid was arrested by police a short time later. He had suffered a cut hand and said but for his injuries he would have continued what he called 'the raid' and killed more people. The murder happened last October, eight days after Hamas terrorists murdered hundreds of Israelis. Asked to explain his actions, he told police it was to do with the independence of Palestine and forcing the 'brutal Israeli coloniser' out. During his interview Alid believed he had killed both his victims and told officers he had killed two adults in revenge for the killing of children by Israel. The scene on Wharton Terrace in Hartlepool following the incident where a police cordon was put in place Mr Sandiford said: 'The defendant swore by Allah that, if he had had a machine gun, and more weapons, he would have killed more victims.' He said Carney was killed because Britain had created Israel and should make it leave, commenting: 'They killed children and I killed an old man.' The court heard Alid regarded Christian convert Mr Nouri as an 'apostate who deserved to die' for turning his back on the Muslim faith. The court heard during the interview became 'angry' and blocked the door to stop two female officers leaving. He grabbed hold of one of them and all three fell to the floor before other officers entered and restrained Alid, said Mr Sandiford. Alid denies murder, attempted murder and assaulting both police officers. The court heard Alid was a 'quite strict Muslim' and followed an 'extreme interpretation of Islam.' Mr Sandiford told the jury on 7th October last year the day Hamas 'launched attacks in Israel' Alid 'paid particular attention to these attacks'. By this time the defendant was 'keeping a knife with him' and threatening Mr Nouri and others in the house who were afraid of him, the court heard. Alid was warned by housing managers if would have to leave if his 'behaviour continued in this way.' On the advice of friends at the church Mr Nouri reported his concerns to police on 9th October and returned to speak to police again on 13th October. Mr Sandiford said: 'The police rightly or wrongly took the view the defendant had not committed an offence and there would be no further action taken by the police at that stage.' The court heard these complaints lodged by Mr Nouri gave Alid an 'additional motive' to attack him. Two days later at 5am that is what he did. Mr Nouri was woken by Alid kicking in his bedroom door and shouting 'Allahu Akbar' or 'God is Great', said Mr Sandiford. The housemate was stabbed in the chest and shouted: 'What are you doing?' Mr Nouri was stabbed in the chest, leg and mouth. Mr Sandiford said: 'At this stage Mr Nouri realised he couldn't simply escape and would have to fight.' Housemates arrived to disarm Alid and Mr Nouri, who was bigger than the attacker, was able to force him out of the room. Sounds of the attack were captured on a 999 call by one of the housemates that was played in court. Mr Nouri was taken to hospital with six stab wounds and survived. Police sent to the house in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, came across Mr Carney lying dying in the street. Attempts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead. The judge Mrs Cheema-Grubb told the jury it was unlikely the defendant would dispute he carried out the attacks but the 'central issue' was 'what was his intention when he did what he was alleged to have done.' The case continues. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. A firefighter who was caught by the police buying guns, ammunition and pepper spray online sued bosses from prison for racism - because they sacked him. Tyrone Bahar alleged the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority was 'institutionally racist' for firing him in light of his criminal offences. An employment tribunal heard the firefighter, who was jailed for five years, felt the sanction to dismiss him was 'too severe'. Whilst in jail, the firefighter sued the fire brigade for unfair dismissal and race and disability discrimination. But his claims were thrown out after an employment judge found the authority was right to sack him, stating it was a perfectly 'reasonable response' to his crimes. Tyrone Bahar, from Slough, was arrested at Birmingham Airport on his return from a holiday in Jamaica Tyrone Bahar collected a stash of illegal weapons including a revolver and a forward venting blank firing pistol The judge said a firefighter possessing dangerous weapons is 'not compatible' with the principles of a public servant who is 'entrusted with safeguarding'. The tribunal in Reading heard Mr Bahar was employed by Royal Berkshire Fire Authority as a firefighter at the Langley station in December, 2003. In 2011, Mr Bahar was certified as a competent firefighter. Some seven years later, the firefighter's bosses were contacted by the National Crime Agency as part of an 'ongoing investigation' regarding 'the illegal purchase of firearms'. Days after the NCA attended his workplace, Mr Bahar told his companies HR that he had been arrested and he was consequently advised to stay at home due to 'stress'. Then, later that month, Mr Bahar was suspended 'on health and safety grounds' due to his 'arrest and its effects on his health' whist the investigation was underway. His employers were informed the firefighter was arrested because he was suspected of importing and being in possession of restricted items. Whilst the NCA did not find anything in his locker, several items were found in his car and home. These included five firearms, nine gas canisters, three stun guns, two machetes, one baton (ASP), ammunition, as well as a 'quantity of white powder'. For 11 months, Mr Bahar was suspended on full pay whilst an investigation was underway - but records stated his absence was due to 'stress' to maintain confidentiality. In September 2019, the NCA told bosses Mr Bahar had been charged with 14 serious offences therefore Royal Berkshire Fire Authority commenced disciplinary proceedings. Ammunition (pictured) was also discovered by National Crime Agency officers In August 2020, the first investigatory meeting was held and Mr Bahar told bosses whilst he accepted that he pleaded guilty to possessing firearms, he asserted that he had thought they were legal and would not have bought them if he had realised they were illegal. The panel heard evidence from a psychological report, which stated the firefighter had a 'disorder of collecting items' and this hoarding 'could explain the behaviour exhibited by collecting several weapons'. After lengthy back and forths deciding the outcome of the investigation, Mr Bahar was eventually informed via letter, in June 2021, that he had been dismissed. The firefighter appealed this decision and his representatives said this 'sanction was too severe', but bosses deemed his dismissal as 'appropriate'. The panel said Mr Bahar, then aged 44, was eventually sentenced on February 1, 2022, at Kingston Crown Court, London, to five years imprisonment. He pleaded guilty to five counts of possession of a prohibited firearm, two counts of possessing ammunition without a firearms certificate and five counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, it said. Among the items recovered by officers were a revolver, a forward venting blank firing pistol, eight spray canisters, two stun guns, 569 rounds of ammunition, a machete and an extendable baton. Three further firearms, a stun gun and 145 rounds of ammunition were found at his mother's home. Whilst his prison sentence was live, Mr Bahar brought forward a claim of unfair dismissal. In a 251 page witness statement read by the panel, the firefighter alleged there was an 'unhelpful atmosphere' at the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority which was 'based on race'. Mr Bahar alleged several incidents of race discrimination - by claiming his locker was urinated in, he was wrongfully accused of physically assaulting another employee, and he was subjected to racial abuse at training among others. These claims were not upheld by EJ Thomas Talbot-Ponsonby who said: '[Mr Bahar's] case is that he perceives that there is institutional racism, and that he has suffered ongoing discrimination and harassment due to his race, which he feels is either tolerated or even condoned by management. 'The tribunal consider that, having regard to the pleaded case... [Mr Bahar] has not provided evidence to support this allegation.' Addressing the claims of unfair dismissal, EJ Talbot-Ponsonby highlighted how Mr Bahar was employed as a public servant where he was 'entrusted with safeguarding the safety of members of the public'. He said: 'He was required to comply with the Nolan principles. 'A conviction for possession of illegal firearms, weapons and ammunition is contrary to those principles and conflicts with his duties to members of the public as a firefighter.' Concluding the employment tribunal, EJ Talbot-Ponsonby added: 'The tribunal accepts that the reason was that [Mr Bahar] had pleaded guilty to five counts of possessing an illegal firearm, two counts of possessing illegal ammunition and five further counts of possession of an illegal weapon. '[This] was confirmation that he had been in possession of items not compatible with the behaviours and standards expected of an individual occupying the role of a firefighter whose duties include protecting the public to make the communities of Berkshire safer.' A tourist died and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as Tenerife was hit by freak storms. The island is today mopping up after coastal areas saw waves of more than 16 feet smash into sea walls and sweep water into houses and businesses. The person who died, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into the rough sea at the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him. It is believed he was taking pictures of the dramatic surf in the natural pools on the sea edge when he was swept away. Horrified witnesses saw his body in the water and called the emergency services. A tourist died and at least 130 people had to be evacuated as Tenerife was hit by freak storms. Pictured: Workers clean up after the storm battered the coast of the Canary Island The island is today mopping up after coastal areas saw waves of more than 16 feet smash into sea walls and sweep water into houses and businesses The person who died, a 53-year-old Czech tourist, fell into the rough sea at the northern resort of Puerto de la Cruz and drowned despite efforts to save him. Pictured: People watch high waves rolling in at Candelaria, Tenerife on Wednesday He was eventually picked up by a helicopter - which was caught in dramatic footage - and taken back to land, but could not be revived. The Directorate General of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued a statement urging the public to take extreme precautions, especially near the sea, although the official alert for the freak waves was lifted this morning. Tenerife officials said people from some 60 houses were evacuated Wednesday, adding that waves reached some 16 feet in several areas. Yesterday's storm caused damage to vehicles, boats and more than 15 homes in the east of the island. Ironically, a change of weather today will see Tenerife 'roast like an oven' as temperatures soar into the mid-30s. The Canaries were already on alert for high temperatures, the presence of haze, gusts of wind of 55 miles per hour and forest fires. However, the very strong waves took residents of Tenerife by surprise with homes and streets flooded. Many said they did not 'remember anything like it in years.' Weather experts said the combination of the strong gusts of wind, together with the spring tides due to the full moon, caused the sea to wash over beaches, promenades and roads close to the coastline. Workers assess the damage to a coastal area in Tenerife Tenerife officials said people from some 60 houses were evacuated Wednesday, adding that waves reached some 16 feet in several areas Tourists pose for photographs as high waves break on the coast in La Palma, Gran Canaria, Spain, on Wednesday The areas in Tenerife most affected were El Rosario, Candelaria, Arafo, Guimar and Arico, all along the east coast. The most popular holiday resorts in the south of Tenerife escaped damage. The weather agency, Aemet says Tenerife's capital of Santa Cruz in the north will record the highest temperature in Spain at around 33 degrees. Four people from different countries died last month after falling into the sea during bad weather on mainland Spain. A woman who suffered brain damage after falling from a pier in Wales has lost out on almost 600,000 after a judge ruled she had been 'thoroughly dishonest' in her bid for compensation. Kirsty Williams-Henry sustained multiple injuries after falling from Aberavon Pier, near Port Talbot, in 2018, while watching bioluminescence turn the water a sparkling blue. More than 100 people had gathered on the beach on the night of Saturday, July 21, to watch the natural phenomena unfold. While returning to the shore, Ms Williams-Henry fell between four and five metres onto rocks and sand, with no safety barriers along the pier. She sued the pier's owner, Associated British Ports Holdings Ltd, for damages, but the company said the 33-year-old's claim should be dismissed as she had been dishonest. In a ruling issued on Wednesday, Mr Justice Ritchie said that he would have awarded Ms Williams-Henry 596,704 in damages for her 'genuine' injuries, but dismissed her claim as she was a 'regular liar'. He said she had made 'substantial exaggerations and some lies' to both the court and medical experts about her health difficulties and their effects, adding that some of her evidence was 'some of the least impressive that I have ever heard'. Kirsty Williams-Henry (pictured) sustained multiple injuries after falling from Aberavon Pier, near Port Talbot on July 21, 2018 He said: 'I have come to the conclusion that both the claimant and her mother have been thoroughly dishonest in their presentation of the claimant's symptoms and disabilities and have sought to mislead clinicians, medicolegal experts and this court about the claimant's health, functioning, activities of daily living and her work abilities. 'Looking at the claimant's statements which I have identified as lies... objectively, taking into account what a reasonable member of the public would consider to be honest, knowing all of the relevant facts, I have come to the conclusion that the claimant and her mother have been objectively dishonest.' The judge said that Ms Williams-Henry, from Port Talbot, had been drinking when she visited the pier with her family after reports that bioluminescent plankton had been spotted in the sea. Mr Justice Ritchie said that she suffered a 'moderately severe' brain injury from the fall as well as skull and other bone fractures, and went on to suffer from depression, anxiety and mild post-traumatic stress disorder after spending eight days in intensive care. Mr Justice Ritchie said that he would have awarded Ms Williams-Henry 596,704 in damages for her 'genuine' injuries, but dismissed her claim as she was a 'regular liar' She took legal action against the company in 2021, claiming more than 2.3 million in damages, with liability settled two-thirds in her favour. The firm said that while it believed she was only entitled to around 370,000, Ms Williams-Henry's claim should be dismissed as she had been dishonest about the extent of her injuries and how they affected her daily life. In a trial held over 11 days in Cardiff last month, Ms Williams-Henry said that she had not received proper rehabilitation since the incident and that she had 'good days and bad days' as a result of her injuries, which caused her problems in her personal and professional life. She also denied ever lying about her injuries, with her mother, Christel Williams, claiming that her daughter had 'no life' due to her conditions. Ms Williams-Henry fell between four and five metres onto rocks and sand, with no safety barriers along the pier But Mr Justice Ritchie said that 'overall' he found Ms Williams-Henry was 'dishonest and manipulative'. In his 99-page ruling, he found that she lied in insurance and benefits forms, despite working for the insurance firm Admiral until last year. As a result of the dishonesty, the judge ruled that he could dismiss the claim. He continued: 'I know it looks like a large sum of money to deprive a genuinely injured person of, but... Parliament sought to stamp out dishonesty which is fundamental in personal injury claims and the claimant has breached this law. 'Finally, I take into account that the claimant was wholly unrepentant when she gave evidence and had sought, in parallel, to defraud the Department for Work and Pensions and Legal & General insurance about her disabilities.' Rishi Sunak is facing a disciplinary headache after a Tory MP urged voters to back Reform UK defector Lee Anderson in his Ashfield constituency. Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, hailed Mr Anderson as Ashfield's 'greatest champion' and called for locals to support him at the general election. 'We both need to be back in Westminster,' Mr Fletcher said of himself and Mr Anderson, despite the pair now representing rival parties. His call came shortly after Mr Anderson, the ex-Conservative deputy chairman, said he would not campaign for his new party in the seats of four of his Tory MP 'friends'. Mr Anderson said he would not campaign against Mr Fletcher, Ben Bradley, Brendan Clarke-Smith or Marco Longhi ahead of the general election. 'Friendship means more to me. Every other seat is fair game,' said Mr Anderson, who was stripped of the Tory whip in February before going on to join Reform in March. Mr Anderson and Mr Fletcher's action - described as a 'non-aggression pact' between the 'Red Wall' MPs - will cause fresh internal party tensions for the PM. Simon Hart, the Conservative Chief Whip, is understood to have spoken to Mr Fletcher about his comments. The Liberal Democrats claimed, if Mr Sunak failed to kick Mr Fletcher out of the Tory party for voicing his support for a rival candidate, it would show 'he's too weak to control his party, let alone govern the country'. The Tory code of conduct states that party members must not 'oppose any Conservative candidate in any election and/or act as the agent for anyone who does'. Members are warned they can face expulsion from the party if they breach these rules. Rishi Sunak is facing a disciplinary headache after a Tory MP urged voters to back Reform UK defector Lee Anderson in his Ashfield constituency Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, hailed Mr Anderson as Ashfield's 'greatest champion' and called for locals to support him at the general election It came after Mr Anderson said he would not campaign against Mr Fletcher, Ben Bradley, Brendan Clarke-Smith or Marco Longhi ahead of the general election The Conservative Party insisted they would still be standing a candidate in Ashfield at the general election against Mr Anderson and Reform In a post on Facebook this morning, Mr Anderson shared a picture of his former Tory colleagues Mr Bradley, Mr Clarke-Smith, Mr Longhi, and Mr Fletcher. The Reform MP wrote: 'These people are my friends and the ones that reached out to me last month. 'They will always be my friends and because of this I will not campaign against them in their Parliamentary seats. 'Friendship means more to me. Every other seat is fair game.' Shortly afterwards, Mr Fletcher posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, to express his regret that Mr Anderson had not been able to remain a Tory MP. 'I so wish @LeeAndersonMP_ had remained with the Conservatives,' he wrote. 'However having lost the whip it would mean the Conservative Party would choose someone other than Lee to fight the election in Ashfield. 'I can understand in those circumstances why he joined Reform. Ashfield has its greatest champion and I hope they appreciate what he has done for his home town and his country at the next election. 'I hope my constituents see that a vote for me in Doncaster is also the right thing to do. I am a lone voice in Parliament shouting up for Doncaster. 'We both need to be back in Westminster.' The Don Valley MP subsequently sought to clarify his remarks after being spoken to by the Tory whips' office. 'For the avoidance of any doubt of course I want to see a Conservative majority government returned at the next election with as many Conservative MPs as possible,' he posted. 'Lee is a personal friend but we can't risk the damage a Labour government would do to our country. Just look at what the Labour council has done to Doncaster.' A spokesperson for the Tory whips' office said: 'Nick has made clear he wants to see as many Conservatives as possible elected.' Following Mr Anderson's announcement, Reform said it respected the Ashfield MP's personal decision but vowed to continue with its election campaign across all seats. A party spokesperson said: 'Lee Anderson made it clear from the day he joined Reform UK that he would not personally campaign against a handful of his close friends. 'The party respect this decision and it shows Lee's loyalty to his friends, which goes beyond politics. 'Reform will be standing in these constituencies and will be fighting the Conservatives across the board in England, Wales and Scotland. 'The Tories have betrayed the country by failing to control our borders and allowing our public services to crumble. We will punish them at the general election.' Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: 'It seems even Conservative MPs don't want the Conservatives to win. 'Voters are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending circus of infighting. 'Rishi Sunak needs to find his backbone and kick Nick Fletcher out of the Conservative Party. 'Failure to do so would show yet again that he's too weak to control his party let alone govern the country.' The Conservative Party insisted they would still be standing a candidate in Ashfield at the general election against Mr Anderson and Reform. A Tory spokesperson said: 'The party will be standing a Conservative candidate in every constituency in Great Britain. A vote for Reform is a vote to let Sir Keir Starmer into No10.' The gay, Jewish teen who was allegedly murdered in Southern California by his closeted neo-Nazi former classmate, had told friends it would be 'legendary' to have sex with his suspected killer. Blaze Bernstein, a 19-year-old Sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, was home in Orange County for winter break when he made plans to meet up with Samuel Woodward, 20, with whom he'd attended prep school. Bernstein never returned home after the early January 2018 meet-up. His body was found a week later in a shallow grave in the park by his parents' house. On Wednesday, in a Santa Ana courtroom, an attorney for Woodward oriented the final section of his opening statement around a months-long conversation between Blaze and Woodward, which ended the evening the former died. Blaze Bernstein, the gay, Jewish teen who was allegedly murdered in Southern California by his closeted neo-Nazi former classmate, had told friends it would be 'legendary' to have sex with his suspected killer Samuel Woodward, 26, is charged with murdering Blaze Bernstein, 19, in Southern California in January 2018 After finding Woodward on Tinder over the summer, Bernstein told Woodward, he was 'literally the last person I expected to see on here.' Woodward, who was raised in a conservative Catholic home, where he developed anti-gay and anti-Semitic intellectual tendencies, at first told Bernstein he was on the app looking for a hunting partner. However, the conversation turned flirtatious, which at first scared Woodward off, but months later prompted him to tell Bernstein: 'I might make an exception for you.' Bernstein, despite telling Woodward he wouldn't tell anyone about their online encounter, had told a number of his friends about the Tinder flirting as it was happening. In one such message, Bernstein explained Woodward was 'super conservative,' later writing: 'I need to get (expletive) by Sam Woodward, it would be legendary.' When the pair reconnected in the weeks leading up to Bernstein's murder, Woodward attempted to convince him that he wouldn't be scared off again. 'I was going through a weird time in my life and I think I figured things out now,' he wrote, to which Bernstein replied: 'I literally don't care.' But, Bernstein eventually handed over his Snapchat information to Woodward, and then his address. The pair met up and drove to the nearby Borego Park. At just after 11.30pm that night, Bernstein sent his last text message to a friend. 'I did something really horrible for the story,' he said. 'But no one can ever know.' The friend responded: 'What story?' 'Hey, I'm really worried about you ... please text me,' the friend later wrote. Pictured: Woodward with a markedly different appearance at a court hearing in January 2018 Opening statements took place in a Southern California courtroom on Tuesday, two years after Woodward was deemed competent to face a jury in 2022. The lead prosecutor argued Woodward 'killed Blaze Bernstein because he was gay.' Prosecutor Jennifer Walker said Woodward had joined a violent, homophobic and anti-Semitic group called Atomwaffen Division. She said he repeatedly targeted gay men online by reaching out to them and then abruptly broke off contact while keeping a hateful, profanity-laced journal of his actions. In one journal entry in Woodward's titled 'diary of hate,' he described threats he claims to have made against gay people online, according to a brief by the prosecution. 'The defendant is guilty of killing Blaze Bernstein because he was gay,' Walker told jurors, adding that the victim was stabbed 28 times. 'You will see that Blaze fought for his life as best he could.' Morrison said his client faced challenges in personal relationships due to a long-undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder and was confused about his own sexuality. 'We agree the evidence will show that Samuel Woodward is guilty of homicide,' Morrison told jurors, but he added later that 'what happened that night, plain and simple, was not a hate crime.' Morrison said he believes Woodward will testify during the trial, which is expected to last several months. Woodward is being defended by public defender Kenneth Morrison, who is arguing that Woodward killed Blaze because of something he found out the night the latter died The alleged murder weapon submitted to evidence in Orange County Superior Court Orange County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker speaks in Orange County Superior Court for Opening Statements of the murder trial for the stabbing death of Blaze Berstein in Santa Ana, California Bernstein went missing after a trip to a park in Lake Forest with Woodward. The pair had both attended the Orange County School of the Arts and connected via Snapchat after matching on Tinder while Bernstein was home. The teen's parents later found his glasses, wallet, and credit cards in his bedroom after he missed a dentist appointment on January 3 and wasn't responding to texts or calls. Several days later, Bernstein's body was discovered in a shallow grave at the park close to his parents' home. Authorities say Woodward picked Bernstein up from his parents' house and later stabbed him 28 times in the face and neck. DNA evidence connected Woodward to the murder, a theory bolstered by the trove of anti-gay, anti-Jewish material found on his phone. Woodward was arrested two days after a bloody blade was found in his room at his parents' house in the upscale enclave of Newport Beach. The case has taken years to come to trial because of questions about Woodward's mental state and ability to stand trial. Multiple public defenders have quit on Woodward, and the lead prosecutor on the case at one point became a judge. In late 2022, he was deemed competent. He has also gone through a number of defense attorneys, one of whom claimed Woodward has Asperger's syndrome, which generally causes difficulty with social interactions. Bernstein's body was discovered in a shallow grave at the park close to his parents' home Judge Kimberly Menninger is presiding. In February, Woodward threw a cup of water at her, which led to the process of jury selection beginning over again In February, when the jury selection process began, a courtroom outburst from Woodward forced the process to begin again. The defendant reportedly threw a cup of water at Judge Kimberly Menninger. The Bernstein family has reportedly been frustrated with the trial delays. They hope the beginning of the trial will get them one step closer to justice for their son's killing. Ahead of trial, Morrison said: 'For the past six years, the public has been reading and hearing a prosecution and muckraking narrative about this case that is simply fundamentally wrong.' 'I caution everyone to respect our judicial process and wait until a jury has been able to see, hear, and evaluate all of the evidence,' he said. The defense framed their strategy Tuesday around the notion that Blaze Bernstein was killed by Woodward 'because of what Sam learned that night about what Blaze had been doing over the previous six months.' The implication of the argument being that it was Bernstein who lured Woodward to the park that night, as opposed to the opposite, according to journalist Louis Keene, who has been watching the trial. He had sex with another patient during consultations A married doctor has been banned from practising for five years after breaching professional boundaries by sexually touching one of his patients and having sex. West Gosford GP Fady Malak has lost his practitioner licence after the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found he had been inappropriate with three vulnerable patients. The tribunal heard evidence that Malak had been convicted in 2021 after sexually touching a female patient during a consultation in October 2020. The Erina doctor had rubbed the woman's buttocks and kissed her neck before asking the upset woman: 'Are you crying, sookie baby?' A GP has lost his practitioner license after he sexually touched a patient and had sex with another (stock image) He then continued to touch her inappropriately and told her that he had liked her for a long time during her appointment. In 2021, Malak pleaded guilty in the Gosford Local Court to two counts of aggravated sexual touching of a person without consent. He was later sentenced to a 14-month community corrections order by the Gosford Local Court in 2021. Malak had also failed to keep adequate records of two consultations with the woman, as required by law. The tribunal was also told Malak had an affair with a separate patient between 2019 and 2020. Court documents stated Malak had conducted an internal vaginal examination of the woman before having sex with her during consultations on three occasions. The West Gosford GP, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually touching a person without consent (pictured, Gosford local court) He had also sent her inappropriate messages and told her he loved her. A third woman also reported Malak after he told her she was 'very special' when he hugged her while she cried during a consultation, according to court documents. Malak was not criminally charged in relation to the second and third women. The tribunal found Malak was guilty of professional misconduct and posed a 'substantial risk to the health of members of the public'. The tribunal judgment stated Malak couldn't be trusted not to act inappropriately and would need a 'lengthy period to engage in meaningful reflection' by way of treatment or therapy to gain 'genuine insight' into his inappropriate behaviour Court documents stated Malak had told the tribunal his behaviour with the patient he was convicted of sexually touching was 'one isolated incident'. However, the tribunal noted his extramarital affair and inappropriate behaviour with the third woman suggested that he had a history of targeting women in a vulnerable position. Venezuelan model Wilevis Brito reportedly went into cardiac arrest and died after she underwent facial surgery at a hospital in Caracas on Monday. The 24-year-old beauty queen had maxillofacial operation at Domingo Luciani Hospital, where a doctor removed a lump on her lip and treated an abrasion on her jaw, local media outlets reported. Brito was recovering from the procedure before she encountered severe complications and died. A beauty pageant contestant who participated at a 2023 event alongside Brito spoke to Venezuelan digital news outlet El Pitazo on condition of anonymity and revealed that Brito did not undergo the surgery to alter her facial appearance. 'She was undergoing jaw surgery due to maxillofacial wear and tear and a small lump that formed at the level of her lip,' the woman said. 'To avoid future complications, she decided to have surgery. But not for cosmetics or beauty, but for health. 'She apparently came out of the operation well, then came the complications,' she added.' Wilevis Brito died Monday after she reportedly went into cardiac arrest following a maxillofacial surgery at a hospital in Caracas, Venezuela. The beauty queen was 24 years old Venezuelan beauty queen Wilevis Brito died from complications she suffered after she had surgery on her jaw and lip at a hospital in Caracas A man who identified himself as Brito's brother on social media also confirmed that the young woman did not elect to have a cosmetic procedure. Maxillofacial surgery is a dental specialty that involves the treatment of injuries to the mouth, teeth and jaws. 'She is my sister, and she was not undergoing cosmetic surgery. They were draining an abscess and they put her under anesthesia,' he wrote. 'Unfortunately she never woke up and went into cardiac arrest ... focus on giving positive comments, not on making judgments that no one asked for.' Brito migrated several years ago to Argentina and studied social communication at the Interamerican Open University in Buenos Aires. She worked as a presenter for A24, an Argentine news cable channel, and America Tucuman, its sister station. Brito was a runner-up in the 2021 Miss Venezuela in the World pageant that was held in Buenos Aires for migrant beauty queens who had abandoned the once oil rich nation and settled in Argentina. She returned to her native country and in 2023 crowned Queen of Sport of La Guaira, her home city. Brito was crowned as the Queen of Sport of La Guaira in 2023 A priest at the St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral sprinkles holy water over the coffin of Wilevis Brito on Wednesday Brito was also know for her charitable contributions with the Simon La Guaira Foundation While living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the beauty queen worked as a presenter for A24, an Argentine news cable channel, and America Tucuman, its sister station During her free time, Brito would often volunteer with the Simon La Guaira Foundation. 'No one imagines that someone young, full of life and so happy, would get complicated in this way,' a foundation worker said on on condition of anonymity. 'That's why it hurts a lot. We will always remember Wil, for her treatment of those around her, for her inner beauty, not for the crowns she had won.' Brito was laid to rest Wednesday following a funeral service at the St. Peter the Apostle Cathedral 'We said goodbye to our beloved Wilevis, a young woman who will be remembered for her charisma, her smile and her willingness to give love and help those most in need,' La Guaira Governor Jose Teran said on Instagram. A former boss of the Post Office has said he understands the 'anger and upset caused' after appearing to celebrate the conviction of a pregnant subpostmistress who was eventually jailed. David Smith, who served as managing director between April and December 2010, told the Horizon IT inquiry he acknowledged the 'substantial distress' he had caused after telling the Post Office staff the result of Seema Misra's trial was 'brilliant news'. Mrs Misra began running a Post Office in West Byfleet, Surrey, in 2005, but was suspended in 2008 after being accused of stealing 74,000. She was handed a 15-month prison sentence on her son's 10th birthday in November 2010 and was eight weeks' pregnant when jailed. Mrs Misra's conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2021. Former Post Office managing director David Smith giving evidence to phase four of the inquiry at Aldwych House Ms Misra, who was jailed for a conviction of theft in 2010, celebrating with her husband Davinder outside the Royal Courts of Justice, London in 2021 after her conviction was quashed Following her conviction and sentence, Mr Smith sent an email to managers, including former CEO Paula Vennells, asking to 'pass on my thanks' to the legal team. His email read: 'Brilliant news. Well done. Please pass on my thanks to the team.' In his witness statement to the inquiry, Mr Smith said his comment of 'brilliant news' was due to the fact he believed 'Horizon had been proved to be robust' following Mrs Misra's trial. He said: 'It was intended to be a congratulatory email to the team, knowing that they had worked hard on the case. 'However, knowing what I do now, it is evident that my email would have caused Seema Misra and her family substantial distress to read, and I would like to apologise for that. 'My comment of 'brilliant news' was in relation to me thinking that it was brilliant news that, in my mind, Horizon had been proved to be robust following the testing of the expert evidence in the trial. 'Even if this had been a correct conviction, I would absolutely never think that it was 'brilliant news' for a pregnant woman to go to prison and I am hugely apologetic that my email can be read as such. Seema Misra, who was jailed for 15 months on the day of her son's 10th birthday, told BBC Breakfast earlier this year that every person responsible for the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history needs to be held accountable 'Regardless of the result, I would have thanked the team for their work on the case. 'However, seeing this email in the light of what I know now, I understand the anger and the upset that it will have caused and sincerely apologise for that.' The former managing director of the Post Office said the Ismay report was not followed by a report from an IT expert because the organisation believed the Horizon software to be 'tamper proof' and saw the conviction of Mrs Misra, which has since been overturned, as a 'test' of the software. Counsel to the inquiry Sam Stevens asked Mr Smith: 'How could you take comfort from that (Ismay) report that a further investigation by an IT expert or a forensic accountant wasn't required?' He answered: 'At the time the fundamental piece was that we believed the system was tamper proof so the Fujitsu position that was laid out was quite clear. 'We had not seen in any of the recent cases any issue that would suggest a problem, and in fact a few weeks later, as we now know wrongly, but at the time, we saw the Seema Misra case as a test of the Horizon system, and it had come through that. And so those were the fundamental reasons.' Mr Smith said his email about the 'brilliant news' of pregnant subpostmistress Seema Misra's conviction was 'poorly thought through'. Asked why it was 'brilliant news', he told the inquiry: 'First of all, I'd just like to place on record an apology to Seema Misra and family because of the way this has been perceived and portrayed subsequently. 'Looking at it through their eyes rather than mine, you can see that it may have caused substantial upset and I really do apologise for that. 'At the time, what I'm doing here is what I would do generally with lots of things in business - I'm saying to the team 'thank you for all your hard work, it's terrific you've got the result that you've got and I'm really happy that we've progressed'. 'It's nothing more or less than that - and in the context of probably receiving 200-300 emails a day, which would have been typical at that time, I would literally have gone 'brilliant news well done, thanks very much, send' and that would have been it. Last year, the Government announced that every postmaster wrongfully convicted in the Post Office IT scandal will be offered 600,000 in compensation to settle their claim. (File image) 'In the benefit of hindsight and looking through the 2024 lens and not the 2010 lens, at best, from Seema's perspective, you can see this is really poorly thought through and I do apologise again for that.' The former managing director of Post Office Limited said he is 'shocked and frankly appalled' at claims the organisation knew of faults in the Horizon IT system while prosecuting a pregnant subpostmistress, whose conviction has since been overturned. Barrister Flora Page, speaking on behalf of a number of subpostmasters, said the Post Office legal team had become aware of the software's faults but continued with the prosecution of the subpostmistress anyway. Mr Smith said: 'I am shocked and frankly appalled if that is in fact the sequence of events, and I didn't know about it.' Meanwhile, the former chairman of the Post Office said he had 'no idea' how the organisation's board was kept in the dark about large financial counter-claims made by subpostmasters. Reference the case of Julie Wolstenholme, Sir Wyn Williams, who is leading the Horizon IT inquiry, said to Sir Michael Hodgkinson: 'I can understand how the more senior these people are the more discretion they may have to act, and they make a judgment about whether to bring things to the board, etc...' 'But going back to [Ms] Wolstenholme's case where she's claiming 188,000 from the Post Office, which in 2003/4 is a substantial amount of money, and I don't know precisely how much Ms Wolstenholme was paid, but all the indications are that it was a very significant sum of money. 'I'm intrigued as to how that could have happened without the board being involved - can you help me with that?' Sir Michael responded: 'I've got no idea.' Ms Wolstenholme, who ran a branch in Lancashire and was pursued for 25,000 through the civil court by the Post Office, made a counter-claim against the organisation of wrongful dismissal. Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to Iran as he vowed to strengthen Israel's 'defence and attack' capabilities - telling troops today 'whoever hurts us, we hurt him'. Israel's Prime Minister said that as well as his country being in the midst of the war in Gaza, which he said is 'continuing in full force', it is 'also preparing for scenarios of challenges in other arenas.' Israel has been bracing for possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of a senior general and six other Iranian officers in an airstrike on an Iranian embassy annex building in Damascus on April 1. While it has not claimed responsibility, Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday that Israel 'must be punished and it shall be' for the attack. Russia and Germany have now urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint - amid fears that tit-for-tat retaliatory strikes could spiral into a full-scale conflict. Israel's Prime Minister said that as well as his country being in the midst of war in Gaza, it is 'also preparing for scenarios of challenges in other arenas.' Israeli soldiers prepare their equipment and armored personnel carrier before entering into the Gaza Strip on April 10, 2024 Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Wednesday that Israel 'must be punished and it shall be' for the attack The attack by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg News reported citing intelligence sources, with one source saying it is more a matter of when, not if. Netanyahu made his comments as Israeli troops and warplanes started an operation in central Gaza overnight which the military said was aimed at destroying Hamas infrastructure. Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the eruption of the Gaza war, with Iran declaring support for the groups waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. Tehran has avoided direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, while declaring support for its allies. In an apparent attempt to reassure Israelis, Netanyahu told soldiers: 'We are preparing to meet the security needs of the State of Israel, both in defence and in attack. I and the people of Israel trust you. And may we all have great success.' As tensions continue to simmer in the region, German airline Lufthansa, one of only two Western carriers flying to Tehran, extended a suspension of its flights to the Iranian capital and Russia warned against travel to the Middle East. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian to urge 'maximum restraint' to avoid further escalation. Russia's foreign ministry told citizens they should not travel to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. An Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the Shahed-136, being displayed at the Azadi (Freedom) Square in western Tehran, Iran, on February 11, 2024 Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noted in a speech Wednesday for Eid al-Fitr that attacking an embassy 'means that they have attacked our soil' Iranian soldiers attend the funeral procession for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in a strike in Syria, which Iran blamed on Israel, in Tehran on April 5, 2024 'Right now it's very important for everyone to maintain restraint so as not to lead to a complete destabilisation of the situation in the region, which doesn't exactly shine with stability and predictability,' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing. READ MORE: What would open warfare between Israel and Iran look like? Advertisement Tehran has repeatedly warned it will retaliate for the strike in Syria, with its supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying in a speech Wednesday that attacking an embassy 'means that they have attacked our soil.' 'The evil regime made a mistake and it should be punished and will be punished,' he added, according to IRNA, the state news agency. Iran's main proxy group is Hezbollah, which is based in southern Lebanon and has been trading fire with Israeli forces almost daily since the war in Gaza erupted in October. There are fears an open war between Israel and Iran could spiral into a much broader conflict, with Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz declaring on X: 'If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will react and attack in Iran.' It comes after President Joe Biden vowed that American support for Israel is 'ironclad' amid concerns the country will be targeted by major missile or drone strikes by Iran. 'As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We're going to do all we can to protect Israel security,' Biden said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza, in preparation for an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which the US has urged caution over. More than 1 million Palestinians are sheltering in the city, around half of the enclave's population, but fighting has continued in various areas of the enclave. Israeli soldiers prepare their equipment and armored personnel carriers before entering into the Gaza Strip on April 10, 2024 'Our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,' President Biden said 'It was as if the occupation army was launching a new war,' Raouf Abed, 20, said via chat app from in Deir Al-Balah to the south of Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. 'The explosions were non-stop, the sounds came from different directions,' he said. 'Every time we hope there will be a ceasefire, Israel escalates the aggression, as if they are trying to pressure Hamas by hitting on us, the civilians,' he said. The Reform Party apologised today for dropping a general election candidate who was not responding to emails or calls about the campaign - after it was revealed he has died. Party spokesman Gawain Towler said he was 'mortified' that the party announced that York Central candidate Tommy Cawkwell had been dropped. When Mr Cawkwell failed to respond to a number of phone calls and emails, Reform rescinded his candidacy for being 'inactive', along with that of Julie Wilson, who was due to stand in the neighbouring York Outer seat later this year. At the time Mr Toweler said: 'We can't afford to have people doing nothing in an election year.' It then emerged that Mr Cawkwell, an RNLI volunteer, had died following the selection process. Mr Towler told the Mirror: 'Naturally I am mortified that through ignorance I did not realise the reason for his inactivity, it must have been ghastly for his family to read about it in the way it was presented in the press.' Party spokesman Gawain Towler (in cap) said he was 'mortified' that the party announced that York Central candidate Tommy Cawkwell had been dropped. It came as Rishi Sunak faced a disciplinary headache after a Tory MP urged voters to back Reform UK defector Lee Anderson in his Ashfield constituency. Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, hailed Mr Anderson as Ashfield's 'greatest champion' and called for locals to support him at the general election. 'We both need to be back in Westminster,' Mr Fletcher said of himself and Mr Anderson, despite the pair now representing rival parties. His call came shortly after Mr Anderson, the ex-Conservative deputy chairman, said he would not campaign for his new party in the seats of four of his Tory MP 'friends'. Mr Anderson said he would not campaign against Mr Fletcher, Ben Bradley, Brendan Clarke-Smith or Marco Longhi ahead of the general election. 'Friendship means more to me. Every other seat is fair game,' said Mr Anderson, who was stripped of the Tory whip in February before going on to join Reform in March. It came after Mr Anderson said he would not campaign against Mr Fletcher, Ben Bradley, Brendan Clarke-Smith or Marco Longhi ahead of the general election Nick Fletcher, the Conservative MP for Don Valley, hailed Mr Anderson as Ashfield's 'greatest champion' and called for locals to support him at the general election Mr Anderson and Mr Fletcher's action - described as a 'non-aggression pact' between the 'Red Wall' MPs - will cause fresh internal party tensions for the PM. Simon Hart, the Conservative Chief Whip, is understood to have spoken to Mr Fletcher about his comments. The Liberal Democrats claimed, if Mr Sunak failed to kick Mr Fletcher out of the Tory party for voicing his support for a rival candidate, it would show 'he's too weak to control his party, let alone govern the country'. The Tory code of conduct states that party members must not 'oppose any Conservative candidate in any election and/or act as the agent for anyone who does'. Members are warned they can face expulsion from the party if they breach these rules. A second man will be extradited to Melbourne over the execution-style shooting murder of gangland figure Gavin 'Capable' Preston at a suburban cafe. Police arrested Rabii Abram Zahabe, 24, on unrelated charges when he was in Sydney's CBD on Wednesday. Victoria Police homicide squad detectives then travelled to NSW and charged him with murder, months after Preston was shot dead in September, 2023. Police arrested Rabii Abram Zahabe, 24, on unrelated charges when he was in Sydney 's CBD on Wednesday Preston was shot at a cafe in the outskirts of Melbourne at about 10.20am on September 9 (pictured, the aftermath of the shooting, Preston is seen on the ground right) Zahabe, from Yagoona in Sydney's southwest, fronted Bathurst Local Court on Thursday afternoon where police successfully applied to extradite him to Victoria. He was expected to arrive in Melbourne about midday on Friday before fronting Melbourne Magistrates Court. On October 25, 2023, another man - Jaeden Tito - was arrested at his Bradbury home in Sydney's southwest and charged with murder over Preston's fatal shooting. The 23-year-old, who was not known to police before the shooting, was taken to Melbourne to face further charges. Preston, 50, was killed and a 26-year-old South Morang man he was dining with critically injured after shots were fired outside the Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor Village, in Melbourne's northwest, on September 9. Security camera footage showed a hooded gunman dressed in black running from the passenger side door of a black SUV and firing several shots from a handgun at Preston, who fell to the ground. Preston died at the scene. The other man underwent emergency surgery on gunshot wounds to his stomach. Preston was shot dead while dining at a Sweet Lulu's Cafe on Old Calder Highway in Keilor Zahabe, from Yagoona in Sydney's southwest, fronted Bathurst Local Court on Thursday afternoon where police successfully applied to extradite him to Victoria The injured victim started to run away after seeing the gunman approach, as other diners fled and hit the deck as shots rang out. No one else was injured in the incident. Preston was released from Barwon Prison in February after serving 11 years for defensive homicide over the fatal 2012 shooting of 41-year-old Adam Khoury, a Melbourne ice dealer. He suffered nine stab wounds, several cuts to his face and head and a 15cm cut down his right jawline during an attack in the maximum security prison's exercise yard in 2014. Jaeden Tito (above), 22, was detained by heavily armed police officers in Sydney's southwest on Wednesday morning and later charged with Preston's murder You might need to check your vehicle is where you parked it. Vehicle thefts have risen since 2019 and reached a new peak of 1,020,729 cases last year, says the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a watchdog. California saw more thefts than any other state, with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen. But Washington DC has it worse. For every 100,000 people, 1,150 vehicles were nabbed, more than three times the US average. NICB boss David Glawe says thieves are simply getting better at cracking the keyless entry systems used nowadays. Washington DC recorded a 64 percent jump in vehicle thefts last year, the NICB says Car thieves hack keyless entry systems nowadays, as well as old-fashioned screwdrivers They employ 'increasingly sophisticated methods' and 'advanced technology to bypass security systems,' he said. 'From keyless entry hacks to relay attacks on key fobs, perpetrators are exploiting vulnerabilities in modern vehicle security measures with alarming success rates,' Glawe added. The findings show a surge in vehicle theft even as other types of crime are returning to more normal levels after pandemic bumps. The increase is driven in part by groups of mostly juvenile offenders across the US who post 'how-to' videos on TikTok of themselves using screwdrivers and cables to start vehicles and go on joyrides. Some styled themselves as the 'Kia Boyz,' after one of the makers targeted due to security vulnerabilities that were easy to exploit. Crime expert David Glawe says thieves are simply getting better at hacking the car entry systems used nowadays Washington DC's rate of vehicle thefts is three times the national average Moment four teens crash stolen Kia and take off running down busy Minnesota highway, as the TikTok fueled 'Kia Boyz' craze swept the nation Hybrid vehicles are often targeted by thieves, thanks to the precious metals in their catalytic converters that sell for hundreds of dollars on the black market. The second-hand car market also encourages thefts, with used car prices up 30 percent since before the pandemic. The surge in thefts has led such cities as Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond and Scranton to hand out free wheel locks to deter crooks. Thefts across all manufacturers shot up from 873,080 in 2020 to 1,020,729 last year, NICB says. Washington DC saw the sharpest rise last year, part of a city-wide crime wave, with 64 percent more vehicles stolen than in 2022. A juvenile offender explains how to hotwire a car with just a screwdriver and a USB cable By the numbers, California remains the worst place to park your car on the street Maryland saw a 63 percent increase. CAR SAFETY TIPS Follow these steps to prevent vehicle thefts: Park in well-lit areas Close and lock all windows and doors when you park Hide valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk Do not leave your keys in your vehicle Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running If your vehicle is stolen, call law enforcement and your insurer immediately because reporting a vehicle as soon as possible after it is stolen increases the chance of recovery Source: The National Insurance Crime Bureau Advertisement Connecticut (33 percent), Nevada (18 percent) and Massachusetts (16 percent) rounded out the top five. NICB researchers also identified vehicle theft hotspots. The Washington DC area between Arlington and Alexandria saw a whopping 52 percent increase to 24,119 stolen vehicles last year. But, by the numbers, the Los Angeles area between Long Beach and Anaheim was the worst place to park. Thieves made off with 72,460 vehicles there last year. The crime wave continued in eastern Pennsylvania this week, where police are probing 25 car break-ins and one stolen white Honda Accord overnight in Nazareth on Saturday. Thieves made off with 72,460 vehicles there last year. Thieves made off with 72,460 vehicles there last year. Police in South Euclid, Ohio, meanwhile, arrested three minors for trying to steal a neighbors' Kia, while eight vehicles worth $1.2 million were stolen from two dealerships in North Alabama this past week. Glaw says cops, government officials and manufacturers need to work together to fight the scourge. The problem is worse because vehicle thieves so often get away with their crimes, he said. 'The repercussions of vehicle theft extend beyond financial losses, causing significant distress and inconvenience for affected individuals,' he said. A woman was dismembered with power tools before her remains were discovered in a park, a court has heard as police are still trying to locate her torso. Body parts belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London last Tuesday. A dog walker alerted the police after he saw that his canine had uncovered a human bone. Arms, legs and a head were then found near the park and identified as belonging to Ms Mayhew through a DNA test. However, police are still searching for the victim's torso, the Old Bailey heard today. A man and a woman have been charged with the murder of Sarah Mayhew, 38, (pictured), whose remains were found in a park in Croydon, south London , on Tuesday April 2 Gemma Saundercock, 48, and Steve Samson, 44, appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates' Court today (pictured: the Croydon park where human remains were found) The pair are accused of killing the 38-year-old and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body (pictured: the Croydon park where human remains were found) Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child, in a charge which police say is currently unconnected to the murder case Ms Mayhew's body was found shortly after 9am last Tuesday on Rowdown Fields (pictured), where police have been seen combing the park for evidence Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, previously said: 'My thoughts are with Sarah's family as they deal with this heartbreaking news' Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, were arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial. It is alleged that the couple killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools. The cause of the victim's death remains unascertained. However, an examination of her body found two small vertebrae were broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull and her head had been shaved. Ms Mayhew was last seen in Sutton, south-west London, on the evening of March 8. On Thursday, Sansom and Watts appeared separately at the Old Bailey before Judge Philip Katz KC. The victim's family have been informed of the charges and are being supported by specialist officers The area around the park was searched for evidence by forensic teams He added: 'The local community has also offered much support during this time, as officers carried out this vital work, and we are very appreciative of their efforts' Mr Brittain said: 'My sincere condolences are with Sarah's family, and we will continue to support them as the investigation progresses' On Tuesday, the Met named and pictured Ms Mayhew and revealed they were in contact with her family and supporting them with specially trained family liaison officers Watts, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, appeared first by video link from Bronzefield prison followed later by Sansom from Belmarsh jail. Watts appeared to have a dark bruise around her eye and both defendants spoke only to confirm their identities. The court heard that both she and Sansom are alleged to have killed Ms Mayhew at the residential property on the night of March 8 before disposing of the body. He added: 'No family should have to lose a loved one in such tragic circumstances, and we will continue to provide our support as our investigation progresses' The cause of Ms Mayhew's death has not yet been released. Post-mortem examinations began on Sunday Police sealed off the Croydon park last Tuesday after receiving reports at around 9am that human remains had been found Prosecutor Tom Little KC: 'This is quite a significant ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased's body. 'The deceased's body was certainly cut up in parts with used of power tools.' Judge Katz set a plea hearing for June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from February 17 next year. The Old Bailey judge remanded the defendants into custody. Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, south-west London, also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child. It was perhaps the most consequential of President Joe Biden administration's foreign policy decisions: How to bring home American troops from Afghanistan while keeping diplomats, American citizens and Afghan allies safe. Yet when one of the State Department's key officials was quizzed by congressional investigators on how the effort descended into chaos he could not remember the details. Hours of closed-door testimony obtained by DailyMail.com reveal how Derek Chollet, the secretary of state's top troubleshooter who compared himself with Winston 'the Wolf' Wolfe in 'Pulp Fiction', answered 100 times that he did not remember, could not recall or did not know details that might illuminate what went wrong. He said he could not remember the foreign counterparts with whom he worked during the emergency evacuation. Nor could he remember whether Wendy Sherman, the deputy secretary of state, was involved in planning the withdrawal'she probably was .... but I don't recall specifically.' Derek Chollet was one of the key advisers to Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the calamitous 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. But during closed door testimony with House Foreign Affairs Committee investigators he said he could not remember, could not recall or did not know details from the period as many as 100 times The speed of the Taliban advance on Kabul apparently took U.S. officials by surprise. The result was a scramble to protect diplomats, U.S. citizens and Afghan allies. A military Chinook helicopter is seen here above the U.S. Embassy on Aug. 15, 2021, as part of the evacuation Nor did he have any recollection of seeing a memo prepared by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security for the incoming Biden administration setting out the challenges of keeping an embassy running after U.S. troops. And he said he could not remember details of the 'prudent planning process' for withdrawal or the four options it produced. He was asked: 'Did any of the options that were formulated contemplate the possibility of the Taliban controlling Afghanistan?' 'I don't recall,' he said. The question cuts to the heart of the chaos that erupted as American troops left Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban seized control of Kabul in the middle of August and the U.S.-backed government collapsed much faster than intelligence forecasts suggested. The result was desperate scenes at the city's international airport, where American citizens had to navigate Taliban checkpoints to get to safety. Hundreds were left behind after American troops left on August 31. Tragedy struck amid the confusion, when a suicide bomber killed 13 U.S. personnel and more than 160 Afghans. The House Foreign Affairs Committee's investigation is designed to shed light on why military warnings and internal State Department concerns, and why it apparently took so long for the administration to respond to Taliban advances. But Chollet's answers infuriated Rep. Michael McCaul, its chairman, so much that he took the extraordinary step of publicly condemning his 'feigned forgetfulness.' Chollet's official job title is counselor of the Department of State. But in an interview he compared himself with Winston Wolfe, the 'Pulp Fiction' troubleshooter played by Harvey Keitel. 'It's a little bit of the Wolf from Pulp Fiction, you know, here to fix problems,' he said Taliban gunmen rolled into the capital on August 15, 2001, as the withdrawal of U.S. troops triggered the collapse of the Afghan government's fighting forces The result was pandemonium at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. Foreign nationals rushed for evacuation flights and Afghans tried to seek any way out of the country Chollet worked for the Clinton and Obama administrations before joining the Biden State State Department. He is seen here with his current boss Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and former boss James A. Baker III, who was secretary of state from 1989 to 1993 He wrote to the Senate Armed Services Committee in February that his 'alarming lack of candor' made Challot unsuitable for a new role at the Pentagon. 'I do not make this recommendation lightly; during his transcribed interview, Mr. Chollet exhibited not only a failure to take accountability for his role in the withdrawal but also a disregard for Congress,' he wrote. But a State Department official said there was nothing unusual about the interview. 'It is exceptionally common for individuals to say they do not recall specific details from events several years prior during an interview to ensure they provide accurate information,' said an official. Chollet may operate largely under the public radar, but he has been a key foreign policy player in Democratic circles for years. He worked at the Pentagon, State Department and White House in the Obama administration before taking on the role of counselor at the State Department under Biden. In a War on the Rocks podcast, he described how he spent more than half of his time with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, helping with policy priorities. 'It's a little bit of the Wolf from Pulp Fiction, you know, here to fix problems,' he said, referencing the organized crime 'cleaner' played by Harvey Keitel. Chollet appeared before House investigators on Dec. 19, 2023. Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, slammed Chollet for his failure to answer questions, accusing him of 'feigned forgetfulness' A partially redacted transcript runs to 185 pages, and features Chollet saying that he cannot recall or cannot remember time after time. Some episodes are understandable, like when he could not remember attending an international conference in Istanbul. It turned out that he had instead recorded a video message to be shown at the event. But he claimed he could not remember other events with implications for U.S. alliances. For example, before Biden announced the withdrawal on April 14 he described calling foreign counterparts to let them know of the decision. 'And do you recall who those foreign counterparts were?' he was asked. 'I do not,' he said. 'Did they include the United Kingdom as part of those foreign counterparts?' 'I don't recall that, but I can't rule it out.' Thousands of desperate Afghans, including people who had worked for the U.S., packed on to military transport planes to escape the country's new rulers This handout picture posted on the Twitter account of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, August 31, 2021 shows Ambassador Ross Wilson (C) holding a US flag and poses with members of the US Embassy in Kabul, before they depart Afghanistan Chollet said he spent more than half his time with Secretary of State Antony Blinken London was among foreign allies that later criticized the withdrawal and said it had been blindsided by the decision. At times the frustration of questioners is clear, like when Chollet says he cannot remember that the Taliban refused to attend a different conference in Istanbul, a gathering proposed by Biden to promote peace talks between militants and the Afghan government. 'So I think a better question isbecause we've had a series of questions in which you don't recall what transpired during that period in Afghanistan,' said the questioner. 'And I know that the chairman is very interested, given the lives that were sacrificed, both by the United States as well as the Afghan civilians, which continue to be under the oppression of the Taliban. 'Maybe it's a better question to ask, what do you remember around this period?' State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller defended Chollet and his role. 'Derek Chollet is an outstanding public servant who has served with distinction and plays a leading role within the State Department. 'Attempts to undermine him by cherry picking from his voluntary interview where he provided detailed, thorough, truthful, and extensive answers on what was a complex, constantly evolving situation are wrong.' The United States general in command of the Middle East headed to Israel on Thursday to coordinate with Israeli defense officials after Iran threatened retaliation against the country for an attack in Syria. General Michael 'Erik' Kurilla's expected meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other senior Israel Defense Forces officials was first reported by Axios. Kurilla is commander of U.S. Central Command. It comes after an Israeli strike on an embassy complex in Damascus killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and several others last week. Zahedi was the most senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officer killed since the assassination of Qasem Soleimani in 2020. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Israel made a mistake and 'must be punished' on Wednesday. General Michael Erik Kurilla headed to Israel to coordinate with Israeli defense officials as Iran threatens to attack. He is in charge of the Middle East (file photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to reiterate a warning to Iran on Thursday that if Iran attacks, Israel would retaliate. 'We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them, Netanyahu said during a visit to an F-15 base according to Times of Israel. 'We are ready to fulfill our responsibilities to Israels security, in defense and attack.' 'We are in challenging times,' Netanyahu told pilots during his visit. 'We are in the midst of a war in Gaza that is continuing with full force. In addition, we are continuing with ceaseless efforts to return our hostages, but we are also preparing for challenges from other fronts.' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting an F-15 base on April 11, 2024. Netanyahu appeared to reiterate during the visit that if Iran attacks, Israel will respond 'anyone who hits us, we hit them' An attack by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg News reported citing intelligence sources, with one source saying it is more a matter of when, not if. Israeli officials said they are preparing for a possible unprecedented attack from Iran using ballistic missiles, drones and cruise missiles, Axios reported. 'Our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad,' President Biden said It comes after President Joe Biden on Wednesday vowed American support for Israel is 'ironclad' amid concerns the country will be targeted by major missile or drone strikes by Iran. 'As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad, Biden said at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 'We're going to do all we can to protect Israel security,' Biden said. Muslims arrive at Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine to perform the prayer of Eid al-Fitr that marks end of the fasting month of Ramadan, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar, in Tehran Tehran warned it would retaliate for an Israeli strike in Syria on April 1st. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noted in a speech Wednesday for Eid al-Fitr that attacking an embassy 'means that they have attacked our soil.' 'The evil regime made a mistake and it should be punished and will be punished,' he added, according to IRNA, the state news agency. Irans main proxy group is Hezbollah, which is based in southern Lebanon and has been trading fire with Israeli forces almost daily since the war in Gaza erupted in October. Israel has not explicitly acknowledged it was behind that attack on an Iranian embassy but it has put its military on alert Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, noted in a speech Wednesday for Eid al-Fitr that attacking an embassy 'means that they have attacked our soil' Israel has not explicitly acknowledged it was behind that attack as it puts its military on alert. And Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz wrote on X: 'If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will react and attack in Iran.' There are fears an open war between Israel and Iran could turn into a much broader conflict. Officials spotted the mariners after they wrote 'HELP' in the sand on the island On April 6, officials received a 'distress call' from a relative of the men and reported that they had not returned to Polowat Atoll Three sailors were rescued from an atoll near Japan after they wrote 'HELP' in the sand on the tiny island after. The men, experienced sailors in their 40s, set out from Polowat Atoll, a coral island in Micronesia, on April 1 on an open skiff, officials said. On April 6, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam received a 'distress call' from a relative of the men, who said that her three uncles had not returned from their voyage to Pikelot Atoll, an outer island in Yap State, Micronesia. Watchstanders 'immediately' started to coordinate rescue efforts for the stranded sailors along with the U.S. Coast Guard, and despite adverse weather conditions and limited access in the area, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft crew based in Japan was sent to the 78,000 square nautical mile area. By April 7, the crew located the men at Pikelot Atoll after their 'act of ingenuity' guided the rescue team directly to them. Their boat engine had stopped working and their boat was damaged. 'In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out "HELP" on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery,' Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator said. Three male sailors were stranded on Pikelot Atoll since April 1 and were rescued on April 7 after officials spotted their large 'HELP' message written in the sand On April 6, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam received a 'distress call' from a relative of the men, who said that her three uncles had not returned from their voyage to Pikelot Atoll 'This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,' Garcia added. Once the aircraft identified the written message, the crew dropped survival packages for the men until further assistance arrived. The next day, a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft based in Hawaii flew over the area and established communication with the men after dropping a radio to them. 'The mariners confirmed they were in good health, had access to food and water, and recovered their skiff, which unfortunately sustained damage, rendering it and its outboard engine non-functional,' officials said. 'They expressed a desire for assistance in returning to Polowat.' USCGC Oliver Henry, a fast-response cutter ship, reached the mariners on Tuesday morning and brought them home to Polowat Atoll safely. 'Whether we're out there protecting valuable resources or saving lives, we're not just visitors we're members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands,' Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of USCGC Oliver Henry, said. Cerrato added that this specific rescue mission 'hit home' on the 'kind of difference' the crew can make for people. USCGC Oliver Henry, a fast-response cutter ship, reached the mariners on Tuesday morning and brought them home to Polowat Atoll safely The U.S. Coast Guard reminded mariners that they should make sure their vessels are fully equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio 'to enhance safety on the water' Incredible rescue images showed the U.S. Coast Guard crew rescuing the men from the island as they brought them back home on an orange boat. Another pictured captured officials heading to shore to save the men as they stood on the sand. Lt. Commander Christine Igisomar said: 'Every life saved, and every mariner returned home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship, making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the resilience of communities across the FSM.' The U.S. Coast Guard reminded mariners that they should make sure their vessels are fully equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio 'to enhance safety on the water.' In 2020, three other men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after they wrote a large 'SOS' message in the sand that was spotted from the air by Australian pilots. Their call for help, written on the beach of Pikelot Island, where they had set out from on July 30, was seen by Australian and US aircraft. The men were reportedly sailing between the atolls Poluwat and Pulap when they veered off course and ran out of fuel. In 2020, three other men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after they wrote a large 'SOS' message in the sand that was spotted from the air by Australian pilots Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, a scattered archipelago in the western Pacific The Australian Defence Force and the HMAS Canberra joined together in the operation and sailed overnight to reach the search area. With assistance from US Aircraft operating out of Guam, the HMAS Canberra located the sailors on the island. An Army reconnaissance helicopter landed on the island and delivered food and water to the three men. They confirmed the identities of the sailors and checked to see if they had suffered any injuries. Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, a scattered archipelago in the western Pacific. Melania Trump was 'humiliated' by Donald Trump's affair with Stormy Daniels and will 'push' him to take the stand and 'defend himself,' one of her former aides said. 'I spent a ton of time with her when the news was breaking about Stormy Daniels, Stephanie Grisham said on CNN on Wednesday. 'And she didn't take it lightly at all.' During Melania Trump's time as first lady, Grisham served as her spokesperson and chief of staff before resigning on the day of the January 6th insurrection. ' 'I would imagine that she is pushing him to make this stop. I would imagine that she will push him to go on the stand and defend himself,' Grisham noted. 'Because this is this is very, very embarrassing for her. It's humiliating for her, and I can guarantee you that she's not happy right now and that he's quite worried about that.' Melania Trump was 'humiliated' by Donald Trump 's affair with Stormy Daniels - above the couple at Mar-a-Lago on Saturday The former president on Tuesday lost his second last-ditch bid to delay his April 15 trial on criminal charges stemming from hush money payments to the former porn star during the 2016 election. The trial will mark the first time in history that an ex-president is criminally prosecuted in court. Trump faces 34 felony counts in the case brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is seeking to charge Trump with using his business records to hide the $130,000 hush-money payment to Daniels. Daniels claimed she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, shortly after Melania had given birth to their son Barron. The payments allegedly were made to keep Daniels from speaking publicly about the affair in the final weeks of Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Trump denies the affair and calls the trial a politically-motived 'witch hunt.' Prosecutors, however, argue that Trump reimbursed his then-lawyer Michael Cohen in a series of installment payments processed by his business, which prosecutors say were fraudulently disguised as corporate legal expenses in violation of New York law. Daniels and Cohen are both expected to take the stand as witnesses for the prosecution once the trial begins. It remains unclear if Trump will take testify. The case is expected to last for around six weeks. Stormy Daniels in New York last month - she claims she had an affair with Trump in 2006 Stephanie Grisham served in the Trump White House nearly all four years of his presidency - she was Melania's spokesperson and later her chief of staff The payment to Daniels came to light in 2018, when the Wall Street Journal published the details. At the time, Melania was first lady and was reportedly blindsided by the report. She made a last minute cancellation to join the president on his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which many saw as a sign of her anger at him. And she also notably traveled to Trump's State of the Union address that year separately from her husband, a break with tradition. The then-first lady wore a white pants suit to the event - an outfit that was dissected repeatedly. Many noted the pants suit was the kind of outfit Hillary Clinton - Donald Trump's 2016 rival - made famous on the campaign trail. Additionally, white is the color of suffragists and, during Trump's presidency, it was co-opted by women as something of an anti-Trump uniform. Melania also walked into that year's State of the Union address on the arm of a handsome military aide - which, in her memoir, 'I'll take your questions now,' Grisham noted that Melania had handpicked the especially handsome aide to make Trump jealous. In her book Grisham also recalled Melania's refusal to comment on the Daniels story, saying the then-first lady told her: 'This is Donald's problem. He got himself into this mess. He can fix it himself.' Donald Trump, seen in New York last month, lost a last-ditch appeal to delay his April 15 trial Melania Trump in 2018 shortly after the Stormy Daniel allegations came to light walked into her husband's State of the Union address on the arm of a handsome military aide Grisham also wrote that Melania Trump told her: 'I do not want to be like Hillary Clinton, do you understand what I mean?' She said Melania was referring to Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky and the now infamous 1998 photo of Hillary, Bill and Chelsea holding hands as they walked together to Marine One. 'She walked to Marine One holding hands with her husband after Monica news and it did not look good,' Grisham said Melania Trump told her. The inquest into the death of murdered trans teenager Brianna Ghey will examine whether she was put at risk when one of her killers was moved into her class, a coroner revealed today. Brianna, 16, was being taught in the same 'inclusion room' as Scarlett Jenkinson, 15, at Birchwood High School in Warrington, Cheshire, before her death in February last year, coroner Jacqueline Devonish was told. At a short pre-inquest hearing, at Warrington Coroner's Court, today Brianna's mother, Esther Ghey, 37, listened as Ms Devonish, the senior coroner for Cheshire, outlined the scope of her inquiry to lawyers representing the school, and Culcheth High, also in Warrington. Jenkinson was moved to Birchwood from Culcheth for giving another pupil sweets laced with cannabis five months before Brianna's murder. Brianna Grey was stabbed 28 times with a hunting knife in Cheshire on February 11 last year Eddie Ratcliffe (above) was jailed for at least 20 years for his role in the murder of Brianna Ghey Scarlett Jenkinson must serve a minimum of 22 years before parole for her role in the murder Lawyers from Warrington Borough Council, which is carrying out its own investigation, were also present. Ms Devonish said: 'I think essentially, (it is) matters around safe-guarding that we are going to be concerned with. 'How it is Brianna was brought into contact with Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. In my view, that's the starting point and we know that the schools will have information around that and that's where we are going with this investigation. 'Could it reasonably have been foreseen that Brianna was at risk by placing her in the same inclusion room as Scarlett Jenkinson? 'Was Birchwood High School appropriately placed to manage Brianna and Scarlett Jenkinson together, in light of their histories and safeguarding considerations?' Brianna Ghey's mother Esther Ghey at a vigil in Warrington, Cheshire, on February 11, 2024 Brianna Ghey's family members arrive at Manchester Crown Court on February 2, 2024 Police officers at Culcheth Linear Park in Cheshire as they investigate on February 13, 2023 Ratcliffe and Jenkinson lured Brianna to Culcheth Linear Park, before stabbing her 28 times with a hunting knife and leaving her to die on February 11 last year. The teenagers, then both 15, plotted the murder for weeks over vile messages they shared on WhatsApp and SnapChat. Their trial, at Manchester Crown Court, heard that Jenkinson, who binged on horror films and watched real-life torture and murder on the dark web, became obsessed with Brianna after she was moved to her school, in October 2022. Ratcliffe had never met Brianna before the day he killed her. The coroner said that Jenkinson had been on a trial transfer to Birchwood but was also still registered on the roll at Culcheth High School, so was 'dual registered' at both schools when Brianna died. A photograph of the murder weapon issued by Cheshire Police during the trial last December A police photofraph of a crumpled, hand-written note of the 'murder plan' to kill Brianna Ghey Ms Devonish added: 'We will examine the appropriateness or thoroughness of the decision making around the transfer of Scarlett Jenkinson from Culcheth to Birchwood.' The inquest will also look into the treatment of Brianna by the relevant agencies concerned with her mental health, eating disorders and trans identity, including the Gender GP counselling service and the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), the coroner added. Ms Devonish said that the inquest could also hear evidence about a Regulation 28 ruling - a ruling by which a coroner could send a report to individuals or organisations with a view to preventing further deaths. She said the evidence would be to determine 'if any lessons have been learned and what changes have been made.' A vigil for Brianna Ghey outside the Department for Education in London on February 15, 2023 Police forensic officers at the scene in Culcheth Linear Park in Cheshire on February 13, 2023 In a discussion about the proposed opening statement to the inquest, Elizabeth Dudley-Jones, representing Birchwood High School, said she wanted to draw the coroner's attention to the sentencing remarks of trial judge Mrs Justice Yip. Ms Dudley-Jones said that the judge had stated that Ratcliffe had been motivated 'in part' by hostility to Brianna's transgender status. She added: 'But Mrs Justice Yip found that it was a sadistic attack rather than one where transphobia was 'the primary motivator.' Both killers were jailed for life, with Jenkinson ordered to serve 22 years and Ratcliffe 20 years, before consideration for parole in February. A further pre-inquest review will be held on August 9, before a full three-day inquest, starting later this year on October 23. Michelle Donelan, the Science Secretary, is facing fresh calls to reimburse taxpayers over her libel case after the cost was revealed to be more than 34,000. The beleaguered Cabinet minister reached a settlement earlier this year with an academic she falsely accused of being a Hamas supporter. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology last month confirmed it had paid out 15,000 of public money to cover damages in the case. But it today emerged how taxpayers have also stumped up more than 19,000 to pay Ms Donelan's legal costs. Both Labour and the Liberal Democrats demanded that Ms Donelan repay the costs from her own pocket, rather than rely on public funds. Michelle Donelan, the Science Secretary, is facing fresh calls to reimburse taxpayers over her libel case after the cost was revealed to be more than 34,000 Whitehall officials previously disclosed a 15,000 sum was paid to Professor Kate Sang, of Heriot Watt University, but 'without admitting any liability' Ms Donelan claimed another academic, Dr Kamna Patel of University College London (pictured), had also 'shared extremist views' DSIT previously disclosed the 15,000 sum was paid to Professor Kate Sang, of Heriot Watt University, but 'without admitting any liability'. Whitehall officials have now revealed how costs of 7,785.30 were also incurred for internal Government legal services, while 11,600 was paid out in fees for external counsel. Prof Sang launched a libel action against Ms Donelan after she used social media to share a letter she had written to UK Research and Innovation - a public body which manages the research funding - in October. Ms Donelan expressed 'disgust and outrage' that Prof Sang had 'shared extremist views' and offered sympathy for Hamas after their attacks in Israel on October 7. She claimed another academic, Dr Kamna Patel of University College London, had also 'shared extremist views'. Prof Sang and Dr Patel were both appointees to an advisory group on equality, diversity and inclusion at UKRI. Ms Donelan's letter followed a social media post by Prof Sang, in which the academic linked to an article by the Guardian newspaper and wrote: 'This is disturbing.' The article described the response to the Hamas terror attacks in the UK, including details of the Goverment clamping down on pro-Palestinian marches. Dr Patel had shared a post describing Israeli actions as 'genocide and apartheid'. But Ms Donelan later accepted that Prof Sang's comments referred to the Guardian story as a whole, and not just the headline, which focused on the Government crackdown on support for Hamas. Responding to DSIT's admission that the full cost to taxpayers was more than 34,000, Labour's shadow science secretary Peter Kyle said: 'It's a slap in the face to hardworking families up and down the country that over 34,000 of taxpayers' money was wasted on unprofessional and libellous behaviour from a Conservative cabinet minister. 'Instead of trying to cover up the true cost of her actions, Michelle Donelan should have had the decency to pay the money back to the taxpayer. 'Britain deserves so much better than this endless Tory chaos, only a Labour government will restore integrity to government.' Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: 'Michelle Donelan must pay this money back now. 'People's taxes should not be used to bail out disgraced Conservative Ministers. This saga stinks of a rotten cover up, with Donelan at its core. 'People in Chippenham will be furious their MP is wasting taxpayers money like this, whilst their health services crumble. 'At the next election, they will get the chance to show her the door by voting for the Liberal Democrats.' A source close to Ms Donelan rejected the calls for her to repay the costs of her libel case. 'The original tweet and letter were signed off by Government lawyers before publishing,' they said. 'It would be ludicrous to expect any minister to repay legal charges which occur as a consequence of their job. 'The settlement was made to reduce the overall cost to the taxpayer, which would have resulted if there had been any actual legal action.' The source added they were 'pretty confident' Ms Donelan would have won a court case and said the legal costs were 'in large part cross-departmental charges' and so resulted in no actual cost to taxpayers. A Government spokesperson said: 'In line with the established practice under multiple administrations of all political colours, ministers are provided with legal support and representation where matters relate to their conduct and responsibilities as a minister.' FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday will warn Congress that the U.S. is at risk of terror attacks from within that are fashioned by ISIS. He will say the 'greatest terrorism threat' to the U.S. is 'posed by lone actors or small cells of individuals who typically radicalize to violence online.' The number of domestic terrorism investigations over the past four years has 'more than doubled,' Wray will say according to his opening remarks obtained by DailyMail.com. The threats are coming from primarily racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists (RMVEs) and anti-government and anti-authority violent extremists (AGAAVEs). At the end of fiscal year 2023, the FBI was conducting 2,700 investigations within its domestic terrorism program and 4,000 probes with its international program. Wray, who has led the FBI under both Donald Trump and Joe Biden, will be on Capitol Hill making his pitch for an $11.6 billion budget in 2025. FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday will warn Congress that the U.S. is at risk of terror attacks from within that are fashioned by ISIS Republican leadership in their recently passed 2024 budget touted 'deep cuts' to the FBI of around six percent, bringing the budget to $10.7 billion. 'Over the past year, the threats facing our nation have escalated. These threats emanate from myriad sources nation-states, hostile foreign intelligence services, and criminals,' Wray will warn the Appropriations Committee's subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. 'They range from homegrown violent extremists (HVEs) to sophisticated cyber attacks, from internet facilitated sexual exploitation of children to human trafficking, from violent gangs and criminal organizations to public corruption and corporate fraud.' Wray will say the FBI 'remains concerned about the intent of FTOs, such as ISIS and al-Qaida and their affiliates, to carry out or inspire large-scale attacks in the United States.' Amid war in Gaza, Wray warned in a speech earlier this week: 'The ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans inside the United States to a whole nother level.' The FBI has seemed to shift its focus abroad from Hamas to ISIS-Khorasan, known as ISIS-K. Wray, whose agency focused heavily on the Hamas threat after the October 7 attack in Israel, now will tell Congress 'we have no information to indicate that Hamas has the intent or capability to conduct operations inside the United States, though we cannot, and do not, discount that possibility.' But after an ISIS-K attack at the Crocus City Hall in Moscow, Russia where 134 were killed, nations the world over are on high alert. The terrorist attack during a concert in Moscow's Crocus City Hall left more than 140 dead and over a hundred wounded Saidakrami Murodali Rachabalizoda, a suspect in the shooting attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue Members of Congress have been demanding classified briefings on the threat of ISIS-K and the non-partisan Congressional Research Service has raised concerns about the U.S. ability to conduct 'over-the-horizon counterterrorism operations' in Afghanistan to thwart the group's future operations. ISIS-K, the Islamic State group's lethal Afghanistan affiliate, is now centralized in Asia and the Caucasus region and has brought in surviving fighters from al-Qaeda. United Nations experts believe ISIS-K has between 4,000 and 6,000 fighters. Wray noted that ISIS has been worn down in the Middle East, it is 'successful' at social media and messaging, and luring followers from within the U.S. Last month, Gen. Michael 'Erik' Kurilla, leader of Central Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that ISIS-K 'retains the capability and the will to attack U.S. and Western interests abroad in as little as six months with little to no warning.' Wray will go on: 'Despite its loss of physical territory in Iraq and Syria, ISIS remains relentless in its campaign of violence against the United States and its partners here at home and overseas.' 'ISIS and its supporters continue to aggressively promote its hate-fueled rhetoric and attract likeminded violent extremists with a willingness to conduct attacks against the United States and our interests abroad.' 'ISIS' successful use of social media and messaging applications to attract individuals is of continued concern to us.' 'Like other foreign terrorist groups, ISIS advocates for lone offender attacks in the United States and Western countries via videos and other English language propaganda that have specifically advocated for attacks against civilians, the military, law enforcement and intelligence community personnel.' Wray will also raise the threats of North Korea, Iran and China, telling Congress the 'greatest long-term threat to our Nation's ideas, innovation, and economic security is from PRC foreign intelligence and economic espionage.' 'The PRC aspires to reshape the international rules-based system to its benefit, often with little regard for international norms and laws.' California's first transgender mayor has said she has to watch her back as 'bullies' are staging a recall to oust her. Calemexico Mayor Raul Urena, 26, identifies as a transgender woman and prefers she/they pronouns. Urena, the first transgender mayor along the entire US/Mexico border, told DailyMail.com that she recalls feeling 'so good' whilst wearing a dress at the age of 10. However, Urena has claimed that her gender identity has been used against her throughout the elected official's political career. The mayor said that as a transgender person, you always have to watch your back - but says that she doesn't feel more vulnerable to trans-hate as a public official. 'I might even be more vulnerable if I'm not in an elected position where people have elected me to represent a lot of people who don't identify as LGBT,' she said. The first transgender mayor in California , who likes to wear dresses and makeup, has said she has to watch her back as bullies stage a recall to push her out of office Mayor Raul Urena, 26, was elected into office in 2020 at the age of 23 and came out as gender-fluid and transgender in 2022 - after her re-election Urena is facing recall after voters complained they thought they were voting a man into office Urena has claimed that her gender identity has been used against her throughout the 26-year-old's political career. The mayor said that as a transgender person, you always have to watch your back - but says that she doesn't feel more vulnerable to trans-hate as a public official Urena was voted into office before coming out as a transgender female in 2020 at the age of 23. She eventually started wearing dresses and makeup in official appearances, which riled up voters who felt duped because they believed they were voting for a gay cisgender man and not a transgender woman. Urena opened up about her struggles as a member of the LGBTQ+ community - and admitted her parents told her to hide her sexual orientation when she came out at the age of 17 for safety purposes. 'My parents wanted me to keep it to myself because they were worried about my safety,' she said. 'My dad was not very happy with me being public about my sexual orientation.' At a Pride-flag raising event at Calexico's city hall in June, 2023, Urena was lunged at by an anti-trans protestor who had set out on a mission to get her kicked out of office. As Urena stood in a dress next to the Progress Pride Flag while it was hoisted up the pole, a fuming woman, Rebecca Lemon, marched towards her and proceeded to scream at the mayor. Within moments, a fleet of officers yanked the protestor away from the mayor onto the grass where she kicked and squirmed while Urena stood calmly. 'He's not a daughter, he's a son,' Lemon screamed at Urena's father - who stood nearby videoing her crazed outburst. 'He's not a woman! He's not a woman!' She shouted over and over again before screaming 'F*** you' at a police officer and kicking Urena's father. Lemon has long been the face of a campaign fighting to remove Urena from office, and she had personally served her the recall papers. The transgender public official ripped the papers in half. Despite the other members of the recall campaign distancing themselves from Lemon after her outburst, they have marched on with their efforts to oust Urena from public office. In June, she was heckled by protestors at a pride flag-raising ceremony in Jube where an avid Urena hater screamed 'he's not a woman!' Protestors successfully forced a recall election for Urena and a fellow progressive council member, Gilberto Manzanarez 'I think she's a big bully,' Urena told DailyMail.com. 'She barks like a bulldog and is bigger than me, but I'm not afraid.' Referring to the incident in June, Urena said, 'I can absolutely say what she was doing was illegal, was unlawful, was a fault and was something you don't do to a human being. 'I can't be afraid of those kinds of incidents. I have a whole city to govern and it's a particularly difficult city to govern at home.' Calexico is a city in southern Imperial County that sits on the border of Mexico and California. The city's population of about 38,000 is largely made up of mostly Democrat voters - but from the 2016 to the 2020 election, Republican voters increased from under 10 percent to almost 27 percent. Those pushing for the removal of Urena from office stated: 'During this recall, we want to remind all to be respectful towards personal sexual preferences as this is not the platform.' However, the actions of their former campaign leader suggest otherwise. After Lemon's attack, former mayor Maritz Hurtado became the new public face for the campaign. Urena opts for dresses that reveal her hairy chest, bold makeup, bright colors, jewelry and high heels - making her stand out for better or for worse 'I might even be more vulnerable if I'm not in an elected position where people have elected me to represent a lot of people who don't identify as LGBT ,' she said Residents of Calexico took to social media when Urena became mayor to bash the politician for her appearance. When images surfaced of Urena wearing a dress - people said 'how gross' and 'this must be a joke.' Calexico resident Diana Silva said she felt uncomfortable with the image Urena is portraying but she is also not happy with her work in the city council, according to Beyond Border News. A 30-year-old NYC start-up founder has died three days after being hit by a Range Rover steps away from her home on the Upper East Side. Sophia D'Antoine, founder of Margin Research, died on Friday after being rushed to hospital in critical condition and clinging onto life for several days. The 72-year-old driver of a 2017 black Range Rover hit the woman as she was crossing York Avenue at East 8th Street at around 9:30pm on Tuesday as the rain drenched NYC's busy roads. The motorist, who has not been named, struck the woman, swerved into a yellow taxi head-on and knocked the vehicle into an unoccupied 2022 Ford Explorer SUV, according to NYPD. A 30-year-old NYC start-up founder has died three days after being hit by a range rover steps away from her home on the Upper East Side The 72-year-old driver of a 2017 black range rover hit the woman as she was crossing York Avenue at East 8th Street at around 9:30pm on Tuesday as the rain drenched NYC's busy roads D'Antoine was hit just minutes away from her home on East 87th street and she was rushed to Weill Cornell Medical Center, which is about 20 blocks north of the scene. The 72-year-old driver of the convertible luxury vehicle, who has not been identified, has faced multiple traffic violations prior to the deadly incident, records show. Speeding in a school zone make up five of the traffic violations, all of which occurred around Queens in just the last three years. The 62-year-old taxi driver was taken to New York City Health + Hospitals Elmhurst in stable condition while the driver of the Range Rover remained don the scene. The driver hit the woman, swerved into a yellow taxi head-on and knocked the vehicle into an unoccupied 2022 Ford Explorer SUV, according to NYPD The 72-year-old driver of the convertible luxury vehicle, who has not been identified, has faced multiple traffic violations prior to the deadly incident, records show D'Antoine founded Margin Research, which is a boutique NYC-based research firm, in 2018. She attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) - a private university in Troy, New York, where she studied electrical engineering and computer science and graduated in 2015. Having previously worked as a security engineer for social media website Tumblr and Cisco Systems, she was dubbed the 'hacker in residence' at NYU by the website of a cyber security event she previously attended. Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said he is 'grateful to Allah' for the death of his sons in an Israeli air strike and has praised them for 'not running from Gaza'. Haniyeh, 61, barely flinched when he was told that his three sons Hazem, Mohammed and Amir as well as some of his grandchildren were killed in an air strike near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, chilling footage reveals. In an interview with broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh, who reportedly has 13 children, said: 'I am grateful to God for the honor he has given me in the deaths of three of my children and a few of my grandchildren.' 'My sons were awarded this honor. They remained with our Palestinian people in Gaza, did not leave and did not run,' he said, adding: 'The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people.' Israel claims Mohammed and Hazem were Hamas military operatives, while Amir was a cell commander. Haniyeh barely flinches as he hears the information, and remains composed as he nods and takes it in before slowly walking out of the room A picture shared by Palestinian media purporting to show Haniyeh's three sons who were killed in the strike - Hazem, Amir and Mohammed Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were reportedly killed in an Israeli air strike in al-Shati camp, west of Gaza City Chilling video shows the moment Haniyeh first hears about his three sons and his grandchildren having been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. A voice can be heard delivering the news to the group's top political leader during a visit to injured Palestinians, saying: 'Hazem, Mohammed and Amir have been killed, along with their children.' Haniyeh appeared unfazed as he hears the information, and remains composed as he nods and takes it in before slowly walking out of the room. 'God rest their souls,' he says, before he is asked by an aide: 'Shall we end the visit?' The Hamas chief nonchalantly responds: 'No, why? Let's continue,' as he walks to the door, followed by his entourage and officials. The group were meeting wounded Palestinians at a hospital in Qatar, where Haniyeh lives in exile. The terror leader hit out at Israel, stating they are 'driven by the spirit of revenge' as he claimed around 60 members of his family have been killed since the start of the war. Hamas later said that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren, named as Mona, Amal, Khaled and Razan, were among those killed in what they described as the 'treacherous and cowardly' strike. The Israeli military did not comment on the reports. A report today has suggested that Israeli forces carried out the air strike without consulting senior commanders or political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Quoting senior Israeli officials, Walla news agency said neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service. It said Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh had been targeted as fighters and not because they were the sons of Hamas's political leader. Furthermore the trio was 'en route to carry out terror activity in the area of central Gaza' when they were killed, according to the IDF. No comment on the Walla report was immediately available from the prime minister's office or the military. According to a report by Israeli broadcaster Kan, the IDF alleged that one of Haniyeh's sons was involved in holding hostages, though it did not offer further information or specify which. Pictures purporting to show Hazem, Amir and Mohammed Haniyeh have been circulating on Palestinian media channels. Images have also emerged of the scene of the strike, with the shell of a bombed-out car pictured being inspected by passersby in Shati camp, west of Gaza City. The three brothers - Hazem, Ameer and Mohammed - were travelling with family members in a single vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone, local media said The IDF claimed that the trio were 'en route to carry out terror activity in the area of central Gaza' when they were hit by the strike The Hamas chief nonchalantly responds: 'No, why? Let's continue,' as he walks to the door, followed by his entourage and officials Haniyeh yesterday confirmed to Al Jazeera 'the martyrdom of my three sons and some of my grandchildren'. The terror chief said: 'Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation,' the terror chief said. The three brothers - Hazem, Ameer and Mohammed - were travelling with family members in a single vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone, Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV said. The deaths were confirmed by Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV station as well as Haniyeh family members on social media. Ismail Haniyeh, who now lives in exile in Qatar, is originally from Shati. The killing of Haniyeh's relatives has added a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the return of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the besieged enclave. Haniyeh said Hamas had 'clear and specific' demands for agreeing to any pause in the fighting. 'The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position,' Haniyeh said on Wednesday. He added: 'Their pure blood is for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, and we will continue to march on our road, and will not hesitate and will not falter. 'With their blood, we bring about hope, a future and freedom for our people and our cause.' It comes after the Hamas chief said last Wednesday that his Palestinian Islamist movement at war with Israel was sticking to its conditions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, including an Israeli military withdrawal. Israeli officials visited Egypt at the start of last week in a bid to secure a deal, but a Palestinian official close to the mediation procedure said there had been no signs that a breakthrough was underway. Quoting senior Israeli officials, Walla news agency said neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the strike Three sons and 'several' grandchildren of Hamas' supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip The Qatar-based leader hit out at Israel , stating Israel are 'driven by the spirit of revenge' as he claimed around 60 members of his family have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war 'We are committed to our demands - the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy out of the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for our people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honourable prisoner exchange deal,' Haniyeh said in a televised speech marking Al-Quds (Jerusalem) Day. The 'exchange deal' the supreme leader mentioned would be the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails in return for Israeli hostages being held by militants in Gaza since the deadly October 7 massacre on the Supernova music festival in Israel, led by Hamas. Israel responded saying it was only interested in a temporary truce to free hostages, but Hamas said it will only let them go as part of a deal to permanently put an end to the war. Netanyahu's Security Cabinet met late Tuesday to discuss the hostage negotiations but did not appear to make any decisions. US President Joe Biden also commented on Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza - calling it a 'mistake'. Issuing some of his sternest criticism to date of Israel's war on Hamas, Biden slammed Israeli PM and reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire. He urged Netanyahu 'to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country'. The US President also condemned again IDF drone strikes on a food aid convoy that killed seven workers - including three Brits. He described the attacks as 'outrageous' as his patience seemingly begins to grow thin with Netanyahu. Biden's administration has taken a more stern line with Israel, rattling the countries' decades-old alliance and deepening Israel's international isolation over the war. The most serious disagreement has been over Israel's plans for an offensive in the southernmost Gaza city of Rafah. Biden slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's handling of the conflict and reiterated the need for a ceasefire A person looks at a vehicle where employees from the World Central Kitchen (WCK), including three Brits, were killed in an Israeli airstrike The rift was worsened by an Israeli airstrike last week on an aid convoy that killed seven workers with the World Central Kitchen charity, most of them foreigners. Israel said the deaths were unintentional but Biden was outraged. Biden's comments, made in an interview that aired late Tuesday and recorded two days after the World Central Kitchen strike, highlight the differences between Israel and the US over humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, where the war has led to warnings of imminent famine for more than a million people. 'I think what he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach,' Biden told Spanish-language TV network Univision in an interview that aired Tuesday night. Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza in the early days of the war, but under US pressure has slowly increased trucks allowed to enter the territory. Still, aid groups say supplies are not reaching desperate people quickly enough, blaming Israeli restrictions and noting that thousands of trucks are waiting to enter Gaza. Countries have attempted less efficient ways to deliver aid including airdrops and by sea. Israel says its has opened up more entry points for trucks to enter and reach especially hard-hit areas like northern Gaza, an early target of Israel in the war. Israel also accuses aid groups of being too slow to deliver aid once it's inside Gaza. Netanyahu has vowed to achieve 'total victory' in the war, pledging to destroy Hamas' military and governing capabilities to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attacks and to return the hostages. He says that victory must include an offensive in Rafah, which Israel says is Hamas' last major stronghold, but more than half of Gaza's 2.3million people are currently seeking shelter there. Six months into the war, Israel is growing ever more isolated, with even its closest partner increasingly vocal about its discontent in the war's direction and longtime trading partners like Turkey taking potentially painful economic steps to express dismay. Netanyahu, who is on trial for alleged corruption, is under pressure to decide on a postwar vision for Gaza. But critics say he is delaying because he doesn't want to anger his ultranationalist governing partners, who support resettling the Gaza Strip, which Israel withdrew from in 2005 and an idea Netanyahu has ruled out. Netanyahu's governing partners also oppose making significant concessions to Hamas in the ongoing negotiations. They have threatened to exit the government - a step that would cause the ruling coalition to collapse and trigger new elections. 'If the prime minister thinks that there's going to be a reckless deal here, it isn't going to pass,' Limor Sonn Har Melech, a lawmaker in the hard-line Jewish Power party, said in an interview to an Israeli radio station. 'If we realize that the meaning of stopping this war is capitulation to Hamas, we won't be there.' Israel launched the war in response to Hamas' cross-border assault, where militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took roughly 250 people hostage, according to Israeli authorities. More than 33,400 Palestinians have been killed in the relentless fighting, according to Gaza's Health Ministry which doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its count but says most of the dead are women and children. Israel says it has killed some 12,000 militants, without providing evidence. The war has ignited a humanitarian catastrophe. Most of the territory's population has been displaced and with vast swaths of Gaza's urban landscape leveled in the fighting, many areas are uninhabitable. Biden administration officials put pressure on the fact-checking website Snopes to change claims that the government was going to ban gas stoves over climate change concerns. Fox News Channel reported Thursday on internal emails unearthed in a Freedom of Information Act request by the GOP-leaning watchdog group Functional Government Initiative. In January 2023, Snopes initially rated claims that the Biden administration was going to ban gas stoves over climate change concerns as a 'mixture' of fact and fiction. Richard Trumka Jr., a Biden-appointed member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, had told Bloomberg News in an interview on January 9, 2023, that a gas stove ban was 'on the table' - setting off a firestorm of criticism. Behind-the-scenes, CPSC communications director Pamela Rucker Springs told White House assistant press secretary Michael Kikukawa that she had approached Snopes and asked that their fact-checking assessment be changed. Biden administration officials put pressure on the fact-checking website Snopes to change claims that the government was going to ban gas stoves over climate change concerns Richard Trumka Jr. (left), a member of the Consumer Product Safety Commission who was appointed by President Joe Biden (right), told Bloomberg News that a gas stove ban was 'on the table' But Snopes eventually rated the claim that the Biden administration was going to ban gas stoves over climate change concerns as 'false' after a top CPSC reached out and complained 'Sent over tough letter to this writer yesterday when the initial claim was rated as "mixed,"' Springs told Kikukawa in a January 11 email, linking to Snopes' story. Kikukawa wrote back that the change would be 'so helpful going forward.' The current Snopes story, which was updated on January 11, says it's 'false' that the Biden administration wanted to ban gas stoves. 'The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a federal agency, is not currently considering a ban on gas stoves, though a commissioner said "anything is on the table" if they can't be made safer, due to concerns over harmful indoor pollutants that cause health and respiratory problems,' the Snopes fact-check says. Reached by Fox News Digital this week, Springs said that 'as a routine matter, whenever CPSC identifies inaccurate coverage in any media outlet, we contact that outlet to request a correction.' 'We are glad to see accurate reports that the administration is not trying to ban gas stoves - and never has,' Kikukawa told DailyMail.com Thursday in a statement. The White House had to quickly respond to Trumka's comments due to Republican outrage. Former White House doctor and Texas GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson said he'd prefer death over cooking with electric 'The president does not support banning gas stoves and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is independent, is not banning as stoves,' White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during her January 11 briefing. A number of Republicans pointed to a 2020 tweet showing Dr. Jill Biden cooking veggies over gas. 'Rules for thee but not for me,' tweeted GOP Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, sharing the picture of the first lady. GOP Rep. Ronny Jackson, a former White House doctor, said he'd rather die than cook with electric. 'I'll NEVER give up my gas stove. If the maniacs in the White House come for my stove, they can pry it from my cold dead hands. COME AND TAKE IT!!' Jackson said. Jackson even went as far to set up a URL - SaveTheStoves.com - that linked to a WinRed donation page, which asked visitors to sign a petition, but also signed them up for texts and calls from Jackson's Congressional campaign. 'We can't let the maniacs in the White House get away with this! Add your name now to the official petition to SAVE OUR STOVES!!' the website said. Back in 2019, presidential candidate Joe Biden smugly vowed to, 'reverse Trump's detrimental' border policies. Now in 2024, he declares that he'll reinstate Trump's border policies. He takes us all for fools. On Tuesday, the President said he's eyeing new executive action, reportedly to be revealed in the next few weeks, to institute a Trumpian shutdown of migrants arriving by the tens of thousands every month. This is, apparently, a presidential power that's been hiding in plain sight for years - an existing authority that allows U.S. law enforcement to expel any individual caught crossing illegally into the country. That would fix things fast. And it would be long past due. But, curiously, just three months ago, our 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief, who promises to single-handedly restore American democracy, complained that he was absolutely powerless when it came to immigration. 'I've done all I can do,' he whined, as he begged Congress in February to pass a massive new immigration reform bill. 'Just give me the power Give me the people who can stop this...' Back in 2019, presidential candidate Joe Biden smugly vowed to, 'reverse Trump's detrimental' border policies. Now in 2024, he declares that he'll reinstate Trump's border policies. He takes us all for fools. On Tuesday, the President said he's eyeing new executive action, reportedly to be revealed in the next few weeks, to institute a Trumpian shutdown of migrants arriving by the tens of thousands every month. Curiously, just three months ago, our 81-year-old Commander-in-Chief, who promises to single-handedly restore American democracy, complained that he was absolutely powerless when it came to immigration. So, then it was: Can't anyone help an old man? Now, it is: Dark Brandon, every migrant's worst nightmare. The evolution of Biden from the simple-minded 'open borders' altruist to a Trumpian realist is complete. But unfortunately for Joe and the country, the consequences of the historic humanitarian disaster he unleashed cannot be brushed under the rug so easily. On the Democratic primary debate stage in August 2019, Biden preached: 'The idea that a country of 330 million people cannot absorb people who are in desperate need and who are justifiably fleeing oppression is absolutely bizarre.' A month later, he declared, 'We're a nation that says, 'If you want to flee and you're fleeing oppression, you should come.' That sure sounded like an invitation. And indeed, that's what millions of would-be migrants heard. Then, Biden rolled out the red carpet. On his very first day in office, he halted construction of Trump's border wall and paused nearly all deportations. He later exempted unaccompanied migrant children from rules blocking illegal immigration during the COVID pandemic. Almost immediately, human traffickers started dropping kids as young as three years old over 15-foot border walls to be rescued by Border Patrol. This was Biden's idea of a humane policy - whereas everything his predecessor had done was 'dangerous,' and 'against everything we stand for as a nation of immigrants.' In other words, racist. By April 2023, a record number of illegal migrants heeding Biden's call were showing up at the southern border to be processed and released into the U.S. interior. But still, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas assured Americans, 'The border is secure.' At Biden's State of the Union address, he was challenged to 'say [Laken Riley's] name,' by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who heckled him from the audience. By April 2023, a record number of illegal migrants heeding Biden's call were showing up at the southern border to be processed and released into the U.S. interior. But still, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas assured Americans, 'The border is secure.' The crisis began choking northern cities. Bidenvilles (migrant camps) popped up on the outskirts of New York. High schools in Brooklyn and community centers in Boston and Chicago were turned into shelters. The President blamed Republican governors for busing migrants to northern cities. Now we know that it was Biden, not Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who was furtively permitting tens of thousands of migrants to fly over the border to airports around the country. One of Biden's passengers was a Haitian, Cory Alvarez. He's now been accused of raping a developmentally disabled teen girl. And then, there was the tragedy of Laken Riley. She was a 22-year-old University of Georgia nursing student out for a jog when was attacked and killed by an illegal immigrant. At Biden's State of the Union address, he was challenged to 'say her name,' by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who heckled him from the audience. 'Lincoln Lincoln Riley, an innocent young woman who was killed by an illegal,' Biden said, botching the victim's name. He later apologized for misspeaking, though not for the bungling Laken's name for calling her killer an 'illegal' - a resounding victory for the woke-speak police. Bidenvilles (migrant camps) popped up on the outskirts of New York. High schools in Brooklyn (above) and community centers in Boston and Chicago were turned into shelters. There was the tragedy of Laken Riley (above). She was a 22-year-old University of Georgia nursing student out for a jog when was attacked and killed by an illegal immigrant. Mr. Biden is the portrait of moral weakness. A man pushed and pulled back and forth by the political winds. And now that his failure to secure the southern border has become an anchor sinking his re-election, he has tacked again. In January, desperate and grasping, Biden declared that he was ready to 'shut down the border until it could get back under control,' if only those nasty Republicans will sign-off on it all -- and absolve him on this cynical sins. Too little, too late, Joe. Today, nearly 7 in 10 Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of immigration. In one of the most remarkable demographic swings to date, some 30 percent of black men nowsay they're either definitely or probably going to vote for Trump in November. In 2020, Trump won the backing of just 12 percent of black men. Among the top issues moving these Americans: the economy and immigration. We are witnessing the complete failure of Biden's immigration policies - from the sanctuary cities groaning under the crushing weight of the migrants they invited to their communities to a White House slamming the throttle into full reverse. Biden's sudden policy change exposes him as a faithless executive utterly lacking in principles. His gross political pandering to the open-border activist left has finally and justly blown up in his face. But, while he may talk big on executive orders this week - who knows what his border policy will be if he's re-elected? This President cannot be trusted Alejandro Mayorkas said the U.S. has so far sent one flight of Chinese nationals back to the People's Republic of China. The Homeland Security Secretary said during a House hearing on Wednesday after speaking for the first time with his counterpart for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), an agreement was reached that the country would accept more removal flights. It comes amid a massive surge of Chinese nationals entering the U.S. through the southern border with a lack of security and federal-level enforcement of immigration policies. Mayorkas appeared before the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee regarding the DHS 2025 budget proposal, which totals $108 billion a 4 percent increase from the prior year. DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Wednesday that one flight of Chinese migrants so far has been sent back to China More than 46,000 Chinese nationals illegally crossed the southern border since the start of Fiscal Year 2023, according to CBP data. Pictured: Chinese migrants cross the U.S.-Mexico border in Jacumba, California on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 The House voted to impeach Mayorkas and the articles are waiting to be sent to the Senate, where he will likely be acquitted. Meanwhile, Republicans on the subcommittee took the chance with Mayorkas in the hot seat to grill the embattled DHS Secretary over border policies or lack thereof. There has been a record-level of illegal crossings at the southern border under President Joe Biden and more undocumented migrants are living in the U.S. than ever before. This includes the more than 46,000 Chinese nationals who illegally crossed the southern border since the start of Fiscal Year 2023, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data. 'For the first time I had an engagement with my counterpart from the People's Republic of China to ensure that China would begin to accept removal flights so that we can deliver a consequence regime for individuals from the People's Republic of China who do not have a legal basis to remain in the United States,' Mayorkas said when pressed on the issue by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) during a House budget hearing on Wednesday. 'And those discussions are ongoing,' the cabinet official added, revealing: 'And we actually did effect one flight most recently, the first time in a number of years.' Hinson, who asked Mayorkas about steps on removing PRC nationals in the country last year, was not pleased with the update. Mayorkas said during a House hearing on Wednesday that after meeting for the first time with his Chinese counterpart Minister of Public Security of China Wang Xiaohong (right), an agreement has been reached for the Chinese Communist Party to accept more flights of deportations of Chinese nationals who illegally crossed into the U.S. She also said she doesn't think the DHS budget for 2025 includes the ability to address Chinese migrants, which is the 'largest and fastest growing group attempting to cross' into the U.S. illegally. 'Unfortunately, we have to judge the Chinese Communist Party based upon their actions and not their words,' Rep. Hinson said. 'We know just recently, two Chinese nationals were arrested in Iowa on a nationwide fraud case they were involved in. One of them was believed to cross the Southwest border and was released into the country and they made their way to Iowa and joined in this National Fraud activity.' She said DHS actions under Biden 'have essentially alerted our adversaries our borders are wide open.' 'I don't think there's an excuse for having the same conversation two years in a row and I'd like to see more stringent action from the administration concerning Chinese Communist Party nationals coming across our border,' the Republican congresswoman said. During the at times contentious hearing, Mayorkas was not able to disclose how many 'gotaways' were able to evade authorities and escape illegally into the U.S. 'Our immigration system ... is fundamentally broken, including our asylum system that so significantly impacts the security of our borders and the processes we administer at it,' Mayorkas said in his opening remarks in the House. 'Only Congress can fix our broken and out dated system and only Congress can address our need for more border patrol agents, asylum officers and immigration judges,' he continued. Shortly after when pressed by Hinson on how many 'gotaways' have entered the U.S. under the Biden administration, Mayorkas could not come up with a number. DHS Secretary Mayorkas testified before House and Senate appropriators on Wednesday today answer questions on his agency's budget request for $108 billion in Fiscal Year 2025 His plea for cash comes while record illegal immigration has thrown his agency in turmoil 'I don't have the number,' Mayorkas replied, saying he would provide that data to lawmakers later. Hinson shot back '1.7 million gotaways.' She also pressed him on whether he would label the millions of migrants entering the U.S. under Biden illegally a 'crisis.' 'Yes, I would,' Mayorkas responded. 'And as a matter of fact, I work every single day with the Department of Homeland Security to only strengthen the security of our southern border as well as the northern border.' He also said that sanctuary cities - cities that disallow local law enforcement from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain and deport illegal immigrants (ICE) - should work with with federal officials. 'I believe that when an individual poses a threat to public safety or national security, their local or state jurisdiction should co-operate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the swift detention and removal of that individual,' Mayorkas said. His rebuke of sanctuary cities is surprising given there are hundreds of them across the country and generally they are Democrat-led. Mayorkas' budget request comes after the House voted to impeach him in February for high crimes and misdemeanors related to his handling of the southern border and for lying to lawmakers. Speaker Mike Johnson's office originally planned to send the articles over to the Senate Wednesday hoping to immediately begin a trial. But Tuesday afternoon GOP Senators asked that Johnson hold off on sending the articles to give the upper chamber more time. A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson said that 'to ensure the Senate has adequate time to perform its constitutional duty, the House will transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate next week.' 'There is no reason whatsoever for the Senate to abdicate its responsibility to hold an impeachment trial,' Taylor Haulsee told DailyMail.com. Mayorkas has overseen consecutive years of record illegal immigrant apprehensions This includes a 6,300 percent increase of Chinese migrants. Pictured: A man from China receives oatmeal from a volunteer once he arrives illegally in the U.S. through the southern border Whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer actually decides to hold a trial, however, is up in the air. Some Republicans had concerns that Schumer would use the late Wednesday delivery to try and send senators home over the weekend without holding a trial at all. 'Many House and Senate members think Johnson's timing is dumb, because a Wednesday night delivery [and] Thursday afternoon floor fight aren't enough time to win the news cycle and to hammer the fight in Washington,' a senior Senate aide told DailyMail.com earlier Tuesday. The two articles of impeachment accuse Mayorkas of failing to enforce immigration law and lying to Congress about the state of the U.S.-Mexico border. Mayorkas, 64, is now only the second cabinet secretary to be impeached and the first in nearly 150 years. The DHS chief has overseen consecutive record breaking years for migrant apprehensions. Apprehension records were set in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Last year alone, over 2.4 million migrants were apprehended while crossing into the U.S., according to Customs and Border Protection data, yet another record. 'Our immigration system ... is fundamentally broken, including our asylum system that so significantly impacts the security of our borders and the processes we administer at it,' Mayorkas said in his opening remarks. 'Only Congress can fix our broken and out dated system and only Congress can address our need for more border patrol agents, asylum officers and immigration judges,' he continued. The White House, meanwhile, has called Republican-led impeachment effort a 'petty political' move, saying 'history will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship.' House GOP Whip Tom Emmer told DailyMail.com that if Senate Democrats dismiss Mayorkas impeachment articles before even holding a trial, 'they will be defying their Constitutional duty to their constituents and betraying Americans who have suffered under the worst border crisis in our history.' 'Voters won't forget this dereliction of duty, and we will remind them of the Schumer Senate's negligence every day until Election Day.' With impeachment on their mind, though, it is yet to be seen how lawmakers will receive Mayorkas' budget request. A foreign man became the latest person be drugged and robbed after going on a Tinder date in Medellin. The victim, whose identity and nationality is unknown, was seen on a surveillance camera walking into a home he was renting and accompanied by two women on Sunday. The footage was made public for the first time Wednesday by Denuncias Antioquia, a collective of local residents reporting on security issues. It showed the man carrying a paper bag and keying in the code for the entrance doors security lock. One of the women, dressed in a black bodysuit, looked forward while her accomplice, wearing a similar pink outfit, turned around and looked towards a group of people that were standing near their motorcycles. The individual then opened the door as the suspects followed him into the home - where the alleged robbery took place. A foreign tourist (left) was drugged and robbed at his Medellin rental on Monday after he met two women on Tinder. The suspects drugged him with powdered scopolamine and took his cell phone, jewelry and money A man became the latest foreign visitor to be drugged and robbed after going on a Tinder date on Colombia on Sunday. The suspects (pictured above behind the victim) remained on the run as of Thursday Once inside, the women allegedly drugged the man with powdered scopolamine, otherwise known as the Devils Breath, which causes a person to become disoriented. The women fled with the victims money, jewelry and cell phone. They remained on the run as of Thursday. DailyMail.com reached out to the Medellin police for comment. According to Medellin authorities, at least 254 were robbed in 2023 by criminals who exposed them to powdered scopolamine. The man was seen on camera entering the security code on the keyless door entry lock while one of the suspects stood behind him and her accomplice looked back towards a group of men who were standing next to their motorcycles One of the two suspects walked inside the Medellin home where a man vacationing in Colombia was drugged and robbed Sunday The incident comes nearly a month after a Venezuelan woman was arrested at a Bogota hotel for drugging and robbing two Brazilian men. The victims were found in an incoherent state. Police recovered watches and cell phones that were stolen by the women and found a substance in the room that was used to drug the victims. The United States Embassy in Colombia warned travelers in January about the use of dating apps following the deaths of eight Americans in Medellin between November 1 and December 31, 2023. St. Paul, Minnesota, comedian and activist Tou Ger Xiong, 50, was kidnapped in Medellin on December 10 and found dead the following day after going on a date with 19-year-old Sharit Mejia, whom he had previously met on a dating app. The embassy said that several of the deaths pointed to 'possible drugging, robbery, and overdose and several involve the use of online dating applications.' Community activist and comedian Tou Ger Xiong is one of eight Americans died from alleged drug overdoses or were killed after they were lured by people they met on dating apps in Medellin, Colombia between November 1 and December 31, 2023. The 50-year-old was found dead December 11, after going out with a 19-year-old woman he previously met on an app Tinder released an advisory via its app to users and offering tips on how to use the app, especially when traveling outside the United States American visitors were advised that they should 'strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.' 'It is also recommended that if Americans decide to invite a person they met to a home or hotel, they speak to the 'attendant/concierge beforehand and establish a policy as to what information your new visitor should provide before being authorized entry (photo of identification, etc.) and what process should be followed when your visitor departs,' the mission said. Tinder followed by issuing a safety advisory in January, recommending that users utilize extra caution when they decide to meet their dates. 'Recently, there have been government advisories about heightened risks in certain regions, and we'd like to remind you to prioritize your safety on dates,' the warning posted on the dating app read. ''Please check with your local travel authority for more info,' the warning indicated. 'Please remember to vet your matches, meet in public places, and share plans with people you trust,' the advisory indicated. 'If something feels off, you can end the date. Follow your instincts.' The Slender Man stabber who nearly killed a classmate when she was 12-years-old is too dangerous to be released from a mental hospital, a court has heard. Morgan Geyser, now 21, has requested to leave Winnebago Mental Health Institute on conditional release, 10 years after she was ordered to spend 40 years there over the 2014 stabbing of Payton Leutner, who was also 12 at the time. But on Wednesday, two psychologists said doing so would be a bad idea, with one branding the would-be killer's behavior as 'callous'. 'It's my opinion to a reasonable degree of professional certainty that she currently presents a significant risk of bodily harm to herself or others if conditionally released,' Dr. Deborah Collins said. Another psychologist, Dr. Brooke Lundbohm told the court: 'That would be rather remarkable. That would be very callous as well,' of Geyser's claims that she'd previously faked psychosis symptoms Geyser appeared in court Thursday handcuffed, with her head partly-shaved and a haunted-expression on her face. She wore a tweed dress and black pantyhose. Morgan Geyser is pictured in a Milwaukee court Thursday, after two experts warned she was too dangerous to release Geyser pictured in 2014 in her mugshot after the notoriously-brutal attack Payton Leutner was almost killed in 2014 aged just 12, after Morgan Geyser and Anissa Weier stabbed her a Milwaukee wood - then claimed that a supernatural figure called the Slender Man had told them to do so Geyser was ordered to spend 40 years there following the gruesome attack she and her friend Anissa Weier carried out on Payton Leutner. The pair lured Leutner to a wooded area of a Milwaukee suburb in 2014, where they stabbed her 19 times. They then triggered a sensation after claiming a supernatural figure called the Slender Man had directed them to do so. Collins added that if she had to estimate when she thought Geyser could be released from the hospital, it would be in six to 12 months. 'I know she's not ready now,' Collins said. 'We have issues with being able to reliably trust her own self appraisal,' Lundbohm added. 'If the person is not able to have insight into their mental health condition, the potential warning signs, the triggers that could cause decline, have insight into the kinds of treatment that may be beneficial - it raises a lot of concerns,' Lundbohm testified. Anissa Weier, 19, was released from the Winnebago Mental Health Institute in 2021 after a judge ruled that she is no longer a threat to anyone Weier seen in her 2014 mugshot after she and Geyser stabbed Payton Leutner 19 times Psychologist Dr. Deborah Collins told the court that Geyser was still too dangerous to release Weier was previously granted conditional release from a mental institution in 2021. Geyser's attorney, Anthony Cotton, is expected to resume with a cross-examination and introduce a third medical professional, Dr. Kenneth Robbins, to speak about her requested release. Judge Michael Bohren will then determine if he will consider Geyeser's release, which would see her move from the mental institution to her home. If she is sent home, she will be monitored electronically and be visited regularly by state agents and mental health professionals. Relatives of Leutner were present at the hearing but did not speak. Following the brutal stabbing, Weier and Geyser admitted that they intended to kill Leutner because they wanted to join the cult of the 'Slender Man' after reading about him online. The girls left Leutner for dead but she survived by crawling out of the woods to a path where a passing bicyclist found her. Both Geyser and Weier told detectives they felt they had to kill Leutner to become Slender Man's 'proxies', or servants, and that the character would kill their families if they didn't follow through. Both Geyser and Weier told detectives they felt they had to kill Leutner to become Slender Man's 'proxies', or servants, and that the character would kill their families if they didn't follow through. (pictured: Geyser in court on Wednesday) In response to the vicious crime, Eric Knudsen, who created Slender Man in 2009, said that he was 'deeply saddened' to hear about it. 'I am deeply saddened by the tragedy in Wisconsin and my heart goes out to the families of those affected by this terrible act,' Knudsen said. Geyser, who is schizophrenic, admitted to manipulating Weier into believing in Slender Man. Weier sentenced to 25 years in a mental institution after having been found not guilty of second-degree murder by reason of insanity. In 2020, Geyser, then 18, pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted homicide and in 2017, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Her then attorney, Matthew Pinix, appealed the ruling by arguing that Geyser should have been charged with second-degree intentional homicide, which would have placed the case in juvenile court rather than adult court. Leutner spoke out about the horrifying ordeal, which left her traumatized for months and covered in 25 scars, for the first time in a docu-series called Inside The Verdict: Slender Man last fall. The girls claimed they carried out the attack to become servants for the fictional horror character Slender Man (Depicted in artwork, above) She described how during the attack Geyser told her: 'Don't be afraid. I'm only a little kitty cat.' The girls then fled the woods, leaving Leutner for dead. They later told detectives that they believed Leutner would not survive. 'So, we told her we we're gonna get help, but we really weren't. We were going to run and let her - pass away,' Weier told detectives. Geyser, after describing the crime in a separate interview, became worried about how much she had revealed. In a clip from her interrogation, she confessed: 'I might as well just say it, we were trying to kill her. Will I regret giving you this information later?' Both Geyser and Weier apologized for their actions during their sentencing hearings, but the judge determined that neither were mentally fit to be released. This is the man and woman accused of cutting up a female victim with power tools before dumping the remains in a park. Body parts belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London last Tuesday. A dog walker alerted the police to the grim discovery after their canine had uncovered a human bone in the morning. Arms, legs and a head were also found near the bone before they were identified as belonging to Ms Mayhew through a DNA test. However, the search for the 38-year-old's severed torso continues, the Old Bailey heard. Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, were arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with Ms Mayhew's murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial. Steven Sansom, 44, (pictured) was arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with Ms Mayhew's murder Gemma Watts, 48, (pictured) appeared at the Old Bailey today via videolink with bruises on her face Body parts belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, (pictured) were found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London last Tuesday Court artist of Steve Samson, 44, appearing video link at Old Bailey today Court artist sketch of Gemma Watts, 48, who was charged with Ms Mayhew's murder Gemma Saundercock, 48, and Steve Samson, 44, appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates' Court today (pictured: the Croydon park where human remains were found) It is alleged that the couple killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property before her body was dismembered with power tools. The cause of the victim's death is still unknown. However, an examination of her body found two small vertebrae were broken in her voicebox, bruising to the skull and her head had been shaved. Ms Mayhew was last seen in Sutton, south-west London, on the evening of March 8. Today, Sansom and Watts appeared separately at the Old Bailey before Judge Philip Katz KC. Watts, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, appeared first by video link from Bronzefield prison followed later by Sansom from Belmarsh jail. Watts appeared to have a dark bruise around her eye and both defendants spoke only to confirm their identities. The court heard that both she and Sansom are alleged to have killed Ms Mayhew at the residential property on the night of March 8 before disposing of the body. Prosecutor Tom Little KC: 'This is quite a significant ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceased's body. The cause of Ms Mayhew's death has not yet been confirmed Forensic teams have been searching the park for evidence since the grim discovery was made on Tuesday Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, previously said: 'My thoughts are with Sarah's family as they deal with this heartbreaking news' On Tuesday, the Met named and pictured Ms Mayhew and revealed they were in contact with her family and supporting them with specially trained family liaison officers Samson has also been charged with three counts of making indecent images of a child, in a charge which police say is currently unconnected to the murder case 'The deceased's body was certainly cut up in parts with used of power tools.' Judge Katz set a plea hearing for June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from February 17 next year. The Old Bailey judge remanded the defendants into custody. Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, south-west London, also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child. Donald Trump's former National Security Adviser John Bolton says he will not be voting for his former boss come November, but that does not mean he will be voting for President Biden. Bolton has said he wrote in Dick Cheney went he cast his ballot in 2020, and he'll do it again. Bolton made the revelation for the first time during an interview with CNN with Caitlin Collins. 'Well I might as well say it now, I voted for Dick Cheney,' Bolton said of former President Bush's vice president. 'And I'll vote for Dick Cheney again this November.' Trump's former National Security Adviser John Bolton reveals for the first time that he voted for former Vice President Dick Cheney in 2020 Bolton served as Trump's national security adviser in the White House in 2018 and 2019 but has since become a fierce Trump critic. He's described the ex-president as unfit for office and accused him of only caring about his own self-interests. More recently, Bolton even suggested Trump is susceptible to blackmail due to his mounting legal troubles. Bolton said he wrote in Cheney because he was a 'principled Reaganite conservative and he still is.' Bolton said age is no longer a 'disqualifier' in American politics, so it doesn't disqualify him. Former Vice President Dick Cheney with daughter then-Congresswoman Liz Cheney (left) and wife Lynne Cheney in May 2021 Bolton said he would not vote for Trump in 2020 but he also will not vote for President Biden Cheney is 83 years old, even older than Biden, 81, and Trump, 77. As Bush's vice president Cheney was an instrumental figure in pushing for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Bolton said he hopes revealing who he voted for sways the electorate and helps prevent both Trump and Biden from winning. The conservative former aide also he may even vote for Cheney's daughter former Congresswoman Liz Cheney at some point. 'Well I like Liz a lot, and you know, maybe someday she'll get my write-in vote too, but right now I'll stick with her father.' During the interview, Bolton also weighed in on conservatives Republicans tanking a key procedural vote on Wednesday after Trump urged them to kill the controversial surveillance law, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, better known as FISA. The Section 702 of FISA is up for reauthorization. The law allows U.S. intelligence to collect communication records of foreigners overseas, but it also has been used as a backdoor in allowing the FBI to search data collected for Americans' information who are swept up in foreign surveillance. Trump took to Truth Social telling Republicans to 'KILL FISA.' The move by some Republicans to block FISA also blocked an amendment to the law coming to the floor that would have added a warrant requirement to the law for Americans' data. Trump and Bolton at the White House when Bolton was his national security adviser in 2018 Bolton blasted Trump in the interview saying Trump was uncertain about FISA even when they were in the White House together. He argued it shows Trump 'doesn't understand' U.S. national security. 'He understands Donald Trump security, that's what he cares about,' Bolton said. 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Navalny, who died aged 47 in an Arctic prison in February, had wanted to become president of Russia and was Vladimir Putin's fiercest domestic critic. His allies have accused Putin of having him murdered, but the Kremlin has denied any state involvement in his death. Yulia Navalnaya, his widow, said in a post on X that her late husband had started to write the memoir - titled 'Patriot' - in 2020 after he had been poisoned by what Western doctors said was a nerve agent. She said the book would be released simultaneously in at least 11 different languages on October 22 and appear in Navalny's native Russian. 'This is not at all how I imagined Alexei would write his biography. I thought that we would be in our 80s, and that he would be sitting at his computer by the open window and be typing away,' Navalnaya said. Navalny, who died aged 47 in an Arctic prison in February, had wanted to become president of Russia and was Vladimir Putin 's fiercest domestic critic. His allies have accused Putin of having him murdered, but the Kremlin has denied any state involvement in his death Yulia Navalnaya, his widow (pictured here with Navalny in 2015), said in a post on X that her late husband had started to write the memoir - titled 'Patriot' - in 2020 after he had been poisoned by what Western doctors said was a nerve agent 'This is not at all how I imagined Alexei would write his biography. I thought that we would be in our 80s, and that he would be sitting at his computer by the open window and be typing away,' Navalnaya said (pictured together on a flight from Berlin to Moscow in 2021 after Navalny recovered from the poison attack) She added: 'But things turned out the way they did. Horribly and very, very unfairly. Nevertheless, Alexei started writing a book at that time [in 2020] and was unexpectedly quickly drawn into the process. 'He liked to recall the events of his life in connection with events in the country. For example, he enjoyed describing his childhood. But I won't spoil it. You'll all read it soon.' Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokesperson, described how Navalny had begun to dictate parts of the book to her while he was convalescing in Germany two months after his poisoning and that he had finished the book when in prison after returning to Russia in 2021. 'Alexei had a rare talent of being instantly able to pronounce written text. My job was to keep up with him and occasionally interject: "you just used that same word recently!",' Yarmysh wrote on the Telegram messenger service. 'I heard people talking about his posts from prison: "Alexei writes so well, I wish he'd write a book!" And I wanted to clap my hands and shout, "He is writing one! He is writing one!" 'But we agreed to keep everything a secret. Now the secrets are over,' she said. Penguin Books UK in a statement on X described the book as the 'full story of Navalny's life and a rousing call to continue the work for which he sacrificed his life'. The autobiography is being published in the United States by Knopf. The book is unlikely to be readily available in Navalny's native Russia, where the authorities outlawed his movement as extremist and cast his supporters as U.S.-backed troublemakers out to foment revolution. Putin last month called Navalny's death 'sad' and said he had agreed to hand the jailed politician over to the West in a prisoner exchange provided he never return to Russia. Truong My Lan, 67, was accused of fraud amounting to an enormous $12.5 billion A top Vietnamese property tycoon has been sentenced to death after one of the biggest corruption cases in history. Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, was accused of fraud amounting to $12.5 billion - nearly 3 per cent of the country's 2022 GDP. She illegally controlled the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank between 2012 to 2022 to funnel funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials. But how exactly was she able to commit fraud with such vast sums of money for so long without being caught? Read on below as MailOnline takes a look inside Truong My Lan's embezzlement, which saw her farm staggering quantities of cash. Truong My Lan, chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, has been sentenced to death after one of the biggest corruption cases in history Using foreign and shell companies to make illegal loan applications Investigators claim that Lan, 67, used more than 1,000 domestic and foreign shell companies that were set up under the property company, Van Thinh Phat Group (VTP). Lan was involved in the 2011 merger of the beleaguered Saigon Joint Commercial Bank, or SCB, with two others in a plan coordinated by Vietnam's central bank. She is accused of using this bank as her cash cow, illegally controlling it between 2012 to 2022, and using thousands of 'ghost companies' in Vietnam and abroad to give loans to herself and her allies, according to government documents. These loans resulted in losses of $27 billion, state media VN Express reported Thursday. She was accused of paying bribes to government officials - including a former central official who has been sentenced to life in prison for taking $5.2 million in bribes - and violating banking regulations, government documents said. The court sentenced her to death saying that her actions 'not only violate the property management rights of individuals but also pushed SCB into a state of special control, eroding people's trust in the leadership of the (Communist) party and State.' The total value of the assets linked to real estate group VTP and its affiliates is estimated at between $12billion and $48billion, according to investigators and an estimate from market appraisal firm Hoang Quan. Investigators also claimed that Lan and her accomplices used the Saigon Commercial Bank, of which she has been the majority shareholder since 2012, as their personal ATM. Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security said Lan's alleged violations were 'extremely elaborate, meticulous, with detailed and carefully prepared scripts.' The Vietnamese government learnt of her shocking levels of fraudulence in early 2023, when President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and two deputy prime ministers were forced to step down, for 'violations and wrongdoings' related to pandemic-era corruption scandals. How Lan's actions were uncovered as part of anti-corruption campaign Investigators claim that Lan, 67, used more than 1,000 domestic and foreign shell companies that were set up under the property company, Van Thinh Phat Group (VTP) Lan's subsequent trial was part of the 'Blazing Furnaces' anti-corruption campaign, which was created by the Communist Party Secretary-General, Nguyen Phu Trong, in 2016. Trong previously said that 'a country without discipline would be chaotic and unstablewe need to balance democracy and law and order'. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. As chairman of the SCB, Dinh Van Thanh approved 479 loans worth VND422 trillion including interest as of October 2022 that went to Lan for using for her own purposes. Former deputy CEO Chiem Minh Dung also approved a further 362 loans worth VND218 trillion, which caused losses of VND140.7 trillion. Serving as SCB chairwoman, Nguyen Thi Thu Suong helped Lan by allowing her to purchase a 30% stake from a Singaporean shareholder in De Nhat Bank, one of the three lenders Lan merged together to create SCB in the first place. While Lan ostensibly did not have direct executive power at the bank, she owned 91.5% of its shares through other people. Using over 2,500 loans to swindle $44billion In the decade from 2012 to 2022, her closest accomplices took more than 2,500 loans at SCB - a sum worth more than VND1 quadrillion ($44billion) - which equated to 93% of the bank's total loans during that period In the decade from 2012 to 2022, her closest accomplices took more than 2,500 loans at SCB - a sum worth more than VND1 quadrillion ($44billion) - which equated to 93% of the bank's total loans issued during that period. That sum is equivalent to 10.7% of Vietnam's 2022 GDP of $409 billion. As a result, Lan and her accomplices caused losses to SCB worth an estimated VND498trillion. Lan's embezzlement of $12.5 billion equals about three per cent of Vietnam's total GDP for 2023. Lam will appeal the verdict, a family member told reporters before it was issued. Bee Finance in north London used bank employees to sign off false applications A group of NatWest customers scammed the bank out of tens of thousands of pounds by taking out loans they never intended to repay, a court heard. Bee Finance, based in Wood Green, north London, helped customers make false applications to the bank between 2018 and 2019. Information was given to the bank suggesting that applicants were earning more than they were before the false loans were signed off by bank insiders. The scam was run by husband and wife Cebrail Polat and Munube Polat, and Ezu Ahmet who were jailed in July last year. The trio were helped by 'insiders' Matthew Wood and Laurence Taylor. Munube Polat was part of the trio who helped to defraud Natwest bank out of tens of thousands of pounds by applying for fake loans Cebrail Polat, his wife Munube and Ezu Ahmet worked with bank insiders to push through fake loans by forging payslips Six of the applicants allegedly helped by Bee Finance are now on trial at Southwark Crown Court for their part in the large scale fraud that saw the bank lose up to 1million. Ibrahim Ali, 58, Fadime Aslan, 64, Gulseren Bulbul, 52, Berit Kalan, 38, Sevinc Komesogutlu, 35, and Jayden Yilmaz, 33 all used the unregulated Bee Finance to help secure false loans. Prosecutor Benjamin Holt told the court during the trial that the rogue company and two 'inside men' operated within the bank to smooth the process, allowing six individuals to fraudulently claim large loans. Mr Holt earlier told jurors: 'Between the middle part of 2018 and summer of 2019 NatWest Bank were defrauded. 'A finance company based in the Wood Green area of North London, Bee Finance, were assisting customers to obtain loans by using false documents. 'In a nutshell, loan applicants were providing information during the application process that was untrue and/or misleading. 'The information provided to the bank made out that they were earning more than they actually were. 'There is no dispute in this case that the bank was defrauded. There is no dispute that false documents were used as part of the loan application. Ezu Ahmet worked with the husband and wife duo to defraud the major high street bank by making false applications that lied about monthly income and employment history The bank may have lost up to 1million in the large scale fraud that involved bank insiders Matthew Wood and Laurence Taylor who smoothed out the application process (File photo) 'Those responsible for the over-arching fraud have, you will hear, already been convicted of their roles in that fraud. 'In particular, you will hear about those who ran Bee Finance - Cebrail Polat, Munube Polat and Ezu Ahmet - and two 'inside men' - Matthew Wood and Laurence Taylor - who operated inside the Bank to smooth the process. 'These six defendants are the loan applicants themselves. In the shortest of order, the prosecution's case is that they must have known that false details were being used as part of the application process. 'They must have known that, had they entered legitimate details, the loans would not have been granted, because they would not have been eligible for them. Perhaps best illustrated by the fact that each one of these defendants has defaulted on the loan.' Senior control manager at NatWest Richard Brewis told jurors: 'We offer loans to any member of the public if they meet certain requirements such as residence in the country,'. 'If they needed a residence permit to reside in the country, the loan could not exceed the time they had leave to remain.' Mr Brewis was asked if NatWest customers were more likely to be given loans that those that used other banks. 'We do generally see a higher rate of acceptance, purely because we can see a chunk of their history, we can see that they don't have a lot of debt.' He emphasised that people seeking loans would have to approach the bank themselves. 'If an individual went to an external company to seek financial advice such as Bee Finance, they may turn around and say that NatWest is the place to go, but there is no mechanism for them to formally introduce the client to us. 'It is unheard of that a broker would approach us on behalf of an individual.' Ali applied for a loan of 19,950 on 9 November 2018, the court heard. He claimed that he earned 1,870 a month as a chef but HMRC has no record of him being in employment. The prosecution claims that the payslip was a false document. Aslan applied for two loans; one for 25,000 on 12 March 2019 which he claimed was for a new car, and one for 19,950 on 26 March 2019. On her application she was described as a 'professional' with a monthly income of 2,403. On 17 April 2019 Kalan from Haringey made an application for a loan of 30,000. The purpose of the loan was also for a new car and her application claimed that she earned 2,100 a month working in the supermarket K Super Store but HMRC has no record of her being in employment. Sevinc Komesogotlu also applied for a personal loan of 19,950 at the Barnet branch in April 2019. No purpose for the loan was given and no monthly income or occupation was visible. Bulbul from Hackney applied for a personal loan for 25,000 at the Barnet branch and the application form was signed on 16 May 2019 by the conspiring bank workers. The purpose of the loan was said to be a new car and she was described as being in full-time employment with her income stated as 2,600 after tax and signed off by bank insider Taylor. Payslips covering three months were provided and her application stated she worked at Somine Restaurant but HMRC had no records for Bulbul and her bank account showed that she received regular benefit payments. Jayden Yilmaz also made an application for a personal loan at the Barnet branch for 50,000 on 20 June 2019. The purpose of the loan was listed as 'Other' and his net monthly income after tax was said to be 2,650 with his job listed as 'sales'. The application claimed that he earned 2,650 a month and his occupation was listed as 'sales'. Payslips were provided for March, April and May 2019 suggesting Mehmet worked for Jewellery Ltd. His total gross pay for the tax year 2019 was said to be nearly 42,000 with a net pay of 2,650 each month But once again HMRC did not hold records of employment in relation to Yilmaz who he claimed he was employed by 'Ayaz Jewelley Ltd' in 2017 and 2018. In 2018 to 2019 he was employed by Vape Hub and Fair Deal Food Store where he earned a total gross income cf 13,500. Between 2019 and 2020, he was employed by Vape Hub. Kalan, Aslan, of Tottenham, Bulbul, Ali, Yilmaz and Komesogutlu, all from Enfield, deny fraud by false representation. The trial continues. The journalist was also recently fired by CBS News and later was locked out of her office as the company seized hundreds of her documents She is currently embroiled in a legal case that is seeking to reveal the confidential identities of sources she has used in her reporting Despite being ordered to pay 'crippling' fines of $800 per day a former investigative reporter said that she would still not reveal the confidential sources behind her reporting. Catherine Herridge is an award-winning journalist who served as an investigative reporter for CBS News from 2019 to 2024 and before then at Fox News from 1996 to 2019. She is known for her reporting on Hunter Biden's infamous laptop and for her February termination from CBS News that resulted in hundreds of her files being seized and her getting locked out of her office. On Thursday, Herridge testified before the House Judiciary Committee about the personal costs she has shouldered to protect her sources and advocated for the PRESS Act, which aims to protect journalists from revealing their sources. 'The fact that I have been fighting in the courts for two years and that I am now facing potentially crippling fines of $800 a day to protect my reporting sources underscores the vital importance of the Press Act,' she said. Former CBS reporter Catherine Herridge testified Thursday about how she faces federal prosecution for protecting the sources behind a 2017 investigative series CBS News terminated Herridge for undisclosed reasons in February and later locked the reporter out of her office for days as they seized her reporting materials 'When you go through major life events as I have in recent weeks, losing your job, losing your company health insurance, having your reporting and files seized by your former employer, and being held in contempt of court gives you clarity.' 'The First Amendment with the protection of confidential sources and a free press are my guiding principles. They are my North Star.' Herridge's testimony comes as she is currently embroiled in a high-profile First Amendment legal battle. At the end of February, a federal judge held Herridge in civil contempt for refusing to reveal her source for an investigative series she did in 2017 for Fox News about a Chinese scientist who was investigated by the FBI. That individual, Yanping Chen, was never charged by the bureau. In 2018, Chen later sued the FBI and Department of Justice over the leak, alleging the government had violated the Privacy Act, which bars the public disclosure of private information about U.S. citizens without first receiving their consent. As a result, a federal judge later ordered Herridge to reveal the identity of the source behind the hearings. That judge ordered Herridge pay $800 a day until she unmasks her source. She has also appealed that ruling and is awaiting a decision from the D.C. Court of Appeals. Fox News, Herridge said, has helped her with her ongoing legal battles. 'One of our children recently asked me if I would go to jail, if we would lose our house and if we would lose our family savings to protect my reporting sources,' Herridge said. 'I wanted to answer that in this United States where we say we value democracy and the role of a vibrant and free press that it was impossible, but I could not offer that assurance.' 'I feel that we're in a very dangerous place as journalists,' the journalist testified. 'These fines are designed that you have to disclose your sources. I'm fortunate that that has been stayed pending the appeal.' 'I hope that I am the last journalist who has to spend two years in the federal courts fighting to protect my confidential sources.' The former CBS News reporter repeatedly brought up the PRESS Act, which passed the House in January and has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has said he is 'hopeful' that the bill will passed the upper chamber and get signed into law by President Joe Biden later this year. Herridge advocated for the PRESS Act during her testimony, saying it could help future journalist from being forced to reveal their confidential sources 'The PRESS Act was written to prevent the federal government from compelling journalists to identify a source as well as any records, contents or communication documents or information obtained or created by journalists in the course of their work,' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, who was presiding over the hearing, said. 'It ensures a free press independent from an executive branch that seeks to attack or harass journalists in order to identify their confidential sources.' 'The significance of the press that cannot be understated,' Roy continued. A former corporate McDonald's chef is spilling the tea on how to mimic the popular chains' menu items. Mike Haracz, who goes by @chefmikeharacz on TikTok, has posted at least 19 videos about the best McDonald's mimics between 2023 and 2024. Haracz has talked about a variety of items and ingredients like French fries, the Big Mac sauce, chicken nuggets, English muffins, and McGriddles. McDonald's French fries is one of the restaurant chain's longtime products that has satisfied the cravings of billions of people worldwide. The chef, who has more than 300,000 followers on TikTok, even has a video of the Big Mac Sauce recipe that's has nearly 4 million views. All 19 of his mimics have been praised by TikTokers, but the five items below are common menu items that have been become some of the most famous dishes at the fast-food joint. Mike Haracz, who goes by @chefmikeharacz on TikTok, has posted at least 19 videos about the best McDonald's mimics between 2023 and 2024 Haracz was a former corporate McDonald's chef and revealed in a previous video that customers should avoid visiting the fast-food restaurant before 10.30am French Fries According to News Nation, McDonald's fries are one of the best-selling menu items as restaurants make around 9 million pounds of fries every day. French fry lovers who are not looking to purchase any more McDonald's Fries can substitute it with a grocery store product. McDonald's French fries is one of the restaurant chain's longtime products that has satisfied the cravings of billions of people worldwide The former McDonald's corporate chef revealed that a bag of Thin Cut French Fried Potatoes from Walmart is the best substitute for the restaurant chain's fries The former McDonald's chef's product suggestion? A bag of Thin Cut French Fried Potatoes from Walmart. 'I looked at the McDonald's website at their ingredients statement, I looked at their ingredients statement, and they are almost identical,' he stated. Anyone who's hoping to test this product out for themselves can thankfully snag a 26oz bag from Walmart for less than $3.00. Haracz made it clear in his 2023 video that consumers need to 'worry about the process' in which the fries are cooked. 'That's the only way you're gonna get them to taste like McDonald's French fries,' he revealed. Chicken Nuggets Haracz explained in a video he posted on December 21, 2023, that he read the ingredients statements and looked at product labels with great difficulty The chef emphasized that the tempura flavor was the one to get and the best product is Pilgrims Tempura Chicken McNuggets The chicken nuggets are also a popular option but it's even more difficult than the French fries cooking and product-choosing process. Haracz explained in a video he posted on December 21, 2023, that he read the ingredients statements and looked at product labels with great difficulty. 'Because it's apparent that McDonald's likes to combine their ingredients statement, so the different components are combined into one,' he stated. 'You'll see that it's broken down into chicken batter and all these other things... So it makes it a little trickier to find the McDonald's type Chicken Nuggets.' However, Haracz managed to find that product - Pilgrims Tempura Chicken McNuggets. But he stressed not to use a microwave to cook them. Instead use a deep fryer to mimic the McDonald's taste. Big Mac Sauce The TikToker analyzed the Big Mac Sauce ingredients and found that the best store-bought product to mimic it was from Walmart In a clip posted to TikTok, the chef revealed that the grocery chain sells a similar product called Great Value Secret Sauce, which retails for $2.28 The McDonald's classic Big Mac cannot be complete without the burger's signature sauce. Haracz's video that contains his Big Mac sauce recipe is popular, but there is a secret to getting the classic ingredient at the store .The TikToker analyzed the Big Mac Sauce ingredients and found that the best store-bought product to mimic it was from Walmart. According to the former McDonald's chef, Great Value Secret Sauce has 'a little more sweetness' that could have to do with 'water activity and food preservations.' Sauce lovers can try it out for themselves by purchasing as 12oz bottle of the Great Value Secret Sauce for $2.28. English Muffin Haracz revealed in his video that he did the English muffin research after he was requested to do so from a professor at Penn State University The product he came up with right away was not a store brand and was actually used as McDonald's 'first English muffin prototype' McDonald's customers can snag sandwiches with English muffins for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Haracz revealed in his video that he did the mimic English muffin research after he was requested to do so from a professor at Penn State University. The product he came up with right away was not a store brand and was actually used as McDonald's 'first English muffin prototype.' Bays English Muffins is the product to buy, according to the former McDonald's chef. In order to get that McDonald's English muffin taste, one must cook them in a broiler setting in an oven, he suggests. McGriddle Haracz managed to share what he said is 'a pretty good version' of the McGriddle in a video he posted last January. All one has to do in order to get those McDonald's griddle cakes at home is to take that product and heat it up in the microwave Last but not least, the former McDonald's chef shared the secret on where to buy a McGriddle - more specifically the pancakes the make up the faux-bun. The McGriddle is a longtime McDonald's breakfast sandwich that includes a maple-flavored bun. It took him awhile but Haracz managed to share what he said is 'a pretty good version' of the McGriddle in a video he posted last January. Haracz first bought multiple products that his viewers suggested he get to find the comp. Interestingly enough, the TikToker admitted that he liked all of the products better than the McGriddle. The product he believes is the best to replace maple-flavored griddle cakes is Trader Joe's Dutch Griddle Cakes. 'Apparently, people have already been making a McDonald's McGriddle with these here,' he said. Nicolae Miu has been found guilty of the first-degree reckless homicide of a 17 year-old boy after he was surrounded by a gang of teens while tubing on a Wisconsin River. Miu, 54, was convicted Thursday morning over the September 2022 stabbing of Isaac Schuman on the Apple River in Wisconsin. The convicted killer was also found guilty of lesser charges of stabbing and injuring four teens - three boys and a girl. He sat in silence with his head bowed as the verdict was read out after less than a day's deliberation. The trial lasted eight days, as more than three dozen witnesses took the stand. The families of Miu's victims were heard giving a sigh of relief, KARE11 reporter Lou Raguse said. As he was led away afterwards, Miu was seen turning to stare at his surviving victims and their families. Miu turned to stare at his surviving victims and their families as he was found guilty of first-degree reckless homicide Thursday, meaning he faces up to 60 years in jail Isaac Shuman, 17, died after Miu stabbed him in his chest in the river. Miu also stabbed four of Schuman's friends Nicolae Miu sits with his head bowed Thursday morning as he is found guilty of the first-degree reckless homicide of 17 year-old Isaac Schuman The families of Miu's victims were heard giving a sigh of relief, Kare11 reporter Lou Raguse said First-degree reckless homicide was the third option available to jurors, after first-degree intentional homicide and second-degree homicide. It carries a sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Jurors were sent out to consider the case Thursday afternoon, with prosecutors refuting claims that Miu acted in self defense. They claimed he could have dispatched his attackers by flashing his knife without resorting to violence. The Romanian-American engineer had claimed he acted in self defense. He was searching for a friend's lost phone in the river when he was falsely accused of being a pedophile who was taking photos of young girls. Video of the interaction showed the teenagers heckling Miu before he pulled out a Swiss Army knife and started jabbing them. When Shuman was attacked by Miu, Owen Peloquin said that he didn't see him get stabbed but rushed over to him and brought him to shore with his other friend Alex after they realized. 'I tried my hardest to stop the bleeding,' Peloquin said as he became visibly emotional. Schuman was taken in an ambulance to the Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater where he was pronounced dead. Ryhley Mattinson, A.J Martin, Dante Carlson and Tony Carlson were the other four teenagers stabbed that day. Mattinson had to have emergency surgery and when she arrived her blood alcohol level was at 0.09. Carlson suffered penetrating trauma from his stab wounds and had to have a hernia repaired and his blood alcohol level was also 0.09. As he testified in court on Monday, Peloquin said that Miu 'just weirdly like sprinted at us, just made us all super uncomfortable.' Rhyley Mattison (left) and Tony Carlson (right) - two of the five teens stabbed by Miu in Apple River. Mattinson had to have emergency surgery A.J. Marin (left) and Dante Carlson(right) - two others that were stabbed by Miu During closing arguments on Wednesday, prosecutors said that Nicolae Miu 'did not act in self-defense' when he stabbed a group of teens in the Apple River in July 2022. (pictured: Miu in court on Tuesday) On Wednesday, jurors were sent out to consider Miu's fate as prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over whether it was self-defense. Nicolae Miu is a murderer who did not act in self defense, DA Karl Anderson told jurors in his closing arguments - and said video of Isaac Shuman's July 2022 killing proved his point. 'One of the things the defense said at the beginning of trial and in their opening was theyre glad theres a video,' he said. 'So are we.' Anderson also rubbished claims Miu, originally from Romania, was scared when he stabbed Shuman - and said his behavior was the result of a bad temper. 'Nikolae was not in fear, he snapped.' Anderson said. Anderson added that Miu could have brandished the knife as a threat and scared Shuman and his friends off without resorting to violence, that saw four other stabbed too. He sought to play down assertions Miu had been cornered, saying: 'He's not in an alley with no way out, people blocking his exit.' Corey Chirafisi, Miu's lawyer, insisted his client had been rounded on and threatened by a fearless mob and that the stabbings were justified. He said: 'They got in his face, they screamed at him, they called him names, they swore at him. 'They put their hands on him and the group of six, they became brave. 'The group of six became brave to the point that they circled him and start taunting him. Miu of Prior Lake, Minnesota, claimed that his lethal stabbing was 'self-defense' after the group of tubers claimed that he was 'looking for little girls' and 'taking pictures of girls' in the area When asked about the violent confrontation Miu said that he had 'tunnel vison' and forgot what happened after the situation got heated Video of the chilling moment showed a member of the group stumbling into the river while a pool of red water emerged around him 'They do this to a man who has done nothing, absolutely nothing to them. 'Then, when that man, Mr. Miu, tries to create some space between him and Madison Coen, they pounce. 'They punch him. They push him. They slap him. They hit him again. 'They choke him. From, all directions. And Nic Miu acts in self-defense.' Chirafisi highlighted how unafraid the boys seemed during the attack, their lies about him being a pedophile and that one was heard saying to Miu 'You got 10 seconds.' 'In your everyday experiences in life, when someone tells you that you have 10 seconds, what normally comes after that?' Chirafisi continued. 'Nothing good is coming after that. It's reasonable in our experiences as adults to take that as a threat.' Also on Wednesday, prosecutors sought to have a female juror they alleged was sleeping removed from the trial - but were unable to do so. Judge Michael Waterman determined that there wasn't enough evidence to strike the juror and denied her removal. On Tuesday, Miu took to the stand and described how he feared for his life after they 'surrounded him like wolves' on the day of the attack. Shuman's mother, Alina Hernandez, was seen in court during Miu's testimony as she held a tissue to her nose When asked about the violent confrontation, Miu said that he had 'tunnel vision' and was 'in a fog' during the heated situation. He said that prior to interacting with the group, he had 'volunteered' to look for a friend's lost phone in the water before he interacted with the teenagers. As he was shown pictures and video from that day, Miu said that he was touched by Madison Coen and Mattison before the knife was drawn. He then said that as the interaction with the teens continued, his fear 'crept up' as they started to laugh and yell around him. 'They were very close, they were really close to me. I could feel and hear them,' Miu said. Miu described how he reached for his pocket knife as his fear got 'really high' just before Madison placed her hand on his upper arm. In recorded interviews, Miu said: 'All of a sudden, they were like wolves around me and they were attacking me from all directions and I truly, truly, feared for my life.' 'They came on to me. They hit me, they got on top of me, and I don't remember anything after that.' During his testimony, he said that he didn't know how many people were attacking him but he knew that there were more than he could handle' and that he has had 'nightmares' since. A witness, Larrion Davis later told investigators that he saw the attacker 'taking pictures of girls' in the area. On Monday, Owen Peloquin, 19, testified in court as he detailed the moment Miu attacked his friend group Ryhley Mattinson, A.J Martin, Dante Carlson and Tony Carlson were the other four teenagers stabbed that day However, as he took the stand last week, Davis appeared confused over this claim, and admitted he wasn't sure what he saw because 'there was a lot going on.' Miu's then wife Sondra told detectives that the violent altercation began after Miu, whose group was further up the river, went back to find a 'phone that was lost' while wearing snorkeling gear. While he was looking, Sondra said a 'group of guys got off their tubes and started hitting' him. Miu pleaded not guilty to the charges in September 2022. He was originally born in Romania and immigrated to the US when he was a teenager. Sondra and Miu got divorced after the incident and he was 'living a peaceful, quiet life in Minnesota' and 'had never been in trouble before.' The last known person who spoke with Riley Strain the night he mysteriously disappeared has given a statement to police - with the young man's family hailing it as a 'huge' development in the case. The body of 22-year-old University of Missouri student, who went missing in downtown Nashville on March 8 after a night out with his fraternity brothers, was found nearly two weeks after he vanished. Riley was found without his pants when he was discovered in the Cumberland River in Tennessee. His wallet and cowboy boots were also missing. Riley's family claims to have conflicting reports from the police, and don't believe that their son fell in the river. The person who last spoke with Riley was not named, but family friend Chris Dingman, told NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas Reports this week that the witness 'told the detective his account of the story of what happened to Riley.' Dingman called it a 'huge' development in the case and said, 'that was something we were looking for.' Chris Dingman (pictured) a friend of the Riley family, appeared on NewsNation's 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports,' this week and said the new development in the case was 'huge' Riley Strain, a student at the University of Missouri, went missing on March 8 afte rhe was ejected from Luke's 32 Bridge Bar in downtown, Nashville Dingman said last weekend, we found out that the detention center has three cameras that they hope to view in hopes of finding more answers The video surveillance from a nearby detention center may hold the key to Riley's final moments. Dingman said one of the videos from one of the cameras have been made public, but the others have not been available to the family. 'The detention center is just north of the last ping on Riley's phone. It was the only video released to the public. Dingman said last weekend, we found out that the detention center has three cameras, that they hope to view in hopes of finding more answers. 'We would love to see the footage even though it is with the sheriff's department.,' he said. 'We now do have confirmation that there were cameras pointing back toward the bridge where Riley went missing at.' Dingman also revealed another stunning development during his interview. 'The reason that footage is so incredibly important to the family, the person of interest, that the family had wanted to see, the homeless person, that we knew that spoke to Riley on top of the roadway we go to talk to the family,' he said. 'He reached out Saturday afternoon and actually gave a statement - him and another person Riley had stumbled on. They asked him if he was okay they saw him walk past the detention center. That was huge. Something we had been looking for.' Video footage showed that Riley was stumbling in a different direction from the hotel, the night he disappeared. An autopsy found no obvious signs of foul play, and his death was ruled an accident pending toxicology results. Mom Michelle Strain Whiteid with her son Riley Strain before his disappearance on March 8 Nashville Police searched a homeless encampment on the water's edge after people living their reported having seen the missing student on the night of his disappearance Michelle Strain Whiteid, left, and her husband, Chris Whiteid, speak to the media during a press conference to update the public about the disappearance of Riley Strain Nashville police released this haunting image of Strain walking along the sidewalk after he left the bar, as he asked a cop how he was before telling him that he was 'doing good' He was found by a worker for a local building materials company that unloads barges at the river Riley, 22, was wearing this distinctive black and white shirt when he disappeared after being kicked out of a bar in downtown Nashville on a night out with friends Strains family ordered a second autopsy as they look for additional information in their son's death. The University of Missouri student was in the city with Delta Chi fraternity members for their annual spring formal when he was kicked out of the bar just after 9.30pm. Riley told his friends that he would meet them back at their hotel, but was nowhere to be seen when the group returned from their night out. His friends tried contacting him, but received no response and they reported Riley as missing as they failed to locate him via his Snapchat location. Surveillance footage collected by police from Downtown Smoke & Vape Shop on Church Street showed Strain near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Church Street. The seemingly intoxicated student was wearing a two-toned black and brown shirt and blue jeans and took a tumble, then quickly got back up and continued down the street. Another camera caught near the intersection of Gay Street and 1st Avenue North just before 10pm taking large strides with his head down as he stumbled through the streets. The student had reportedly FaceTimed his mom Michelle that evening, and she said nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Police previously shared footage on X showing Riley walking along the sidewalk past an officer, who appeared to be inspecting a car with a smashed window. Homeless people living in an encampment on the nearby riverbank reported seeing a man matching Riley's description stumble into their camp. 'We heard a commotion. We looked back up. He almost fell over. The last bush right there caught him,' an unidentified man who lives in the camp told WZTV. 'He was very, very, very intoxicated. I never seen anybody stumble that hard before,' the man said. Concerns about the police investigation grew when two amateur sleuths on TikTok discovered Riley's bank card in debris outside the camp. A social worker reported seeing a homeless man wearing a shirt identical to Riley's distinctive black and white one days after the disappearance. His involvement appears to have been ruled out after Riley was found still wearing the shirt in which he disappeared. But his family have raised concerns that investigators were not focusing on those people who may have been the last to see their son alive. Riley Strain's father, Ryan Gilbert also told News Nation's 'Elizabeth Vargas Reports' that they have not heard much from his son's fraternity brothers. 'We havent really heard much from them,' he said. 'Theres a lot of things wed like to find out from them. He added: 'If I was in their situation, Id be beating down those parents doors to tell them everything I could and be helpful in any way that I could.' Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife will be tried separately on allegations that they participated in a bribery scheme, a federal judge ruled Thursday. The ruling comes after Nadine Menendez's lawyers argued that she requires treatment for a serious medical condition. The New Jersey Democrat's trial will remain scheduled for May 6 in Manhattan federal court, while Nadine Menendez's trial was tentatively pushed back to July 8. 'This trial is going forward without Mrs. Menendez' in order to 'give some stability and certainty to all parties,' Judge Sidney Stein said. 'The government is going to have to try this case two times.' Nadine Menendez's lawyers argued for the move in a letter to Stein this week, saying she was recently diagnosed with an unspecified condition that will require surgery in the next four to six weeks. In court on Thursday, they said she needs more time to undergo testing to understand the nature of the condition. Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey and his wife Nadine Menendez arrive at the federal courthouse in New York, Sept. 27, 2023 Images of the gold bars federal agents seized from Menendez's home during the probe A lawyer for the senator urged the judge not to hold up his clients day in court over the issue, saying the allegations are a 'specter' hanging over the former chair of the powerful Senate Committee on Foreign Relations that 'effectively removes his ability to run' for reelection this year. 'Senator Menendez wants his May 6 trial date,' Adam Fee said. 'We are asserting our speedy trial rights.' Prosecutors, meanwhile, contended that the entire trial should just be delayed, arguing in a letter to the judge that severing Nadine Menendez's trial from her husband's would result in 'serious inefficiencies and unfairness' that would require dozens of witnesses to be recalled. 'We're ready to try this case. We want to try this case,' Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal said in court. 'We don't want to try this case twice.' Stein on Thursday also denied motions to dismiss the case outright and to transfer the trial, which is expected to last four to six weeks, to New Jersey. The Menendezes and two businessmen have pleaded not guilty to charges that they participated in a bribery scheme in which prosecutors say cash and gold bars were given to the couple in return for the senator carrying out political favors. Bob Menendez chaired the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee until he stepped down from the role in September because of the allegations. A third businessman, Jose Uribe, has pleaded guilty to bribery charges and agreed to testify against the others at trial. Uribe said he conspired with Nadine Menendez and others to provide her with a Mercedes-Benz in return for access to her husband's power and influence. Prosecutors allege that in return for the bribes, Menendez helped one of the businessmen get a lucrative meat-certification deal with Egypt. Menendez helped another associate get a deal with a Qatari investment fund, an indictment alleges. Members of Congress jumped to their feet Thursday when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke about Japan's gift of 250 new cherry trees to replace those being cut down to shore up the crumbling Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Kishida addressed Congress as part of his official state visit to Washington this week. The speech came on the heels of a glitzy White House state dinner Wednesday night, attended by A-lists guests including Robert DeNiro, Jeff Bezos and girlfriend Lauren Sanchez, and former President Bill Clinton and ex-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. 'I know that the National Park Service is undertaking a rehabilitation project in the Tidal Basin. As a gesture of friendship, Japan will provide 250 cherry trees that will be planted there in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of your independence,' Kishida said prompting lawmakers to jump to their feet. During this year's cherry blossom peak bloom, droves of locals and tourists alike have headed to the Tidal Basin to pay tribute to one doomed tree in particular, affably referred to as 'Stumpy.' Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed a joint meeting of Congress Thursday afternoon after attending a glitzy White House state dinner Wednesday night. He received a standing ovation when he brought up Japan's cherry tree donation During this year's cherry blossom peak bloom, droves of locals and tourists alike have headed to the Tidal Basin to pay tribute to one doomed tree in particular, affably referred to as 'Stumpy' (pictured) Stumpy's stump is practically hollowed out and the tree only has one remaining branch - yet year after year the tree has produced a mass of cherry blossoms every spring - despite being flooded by the Tidal Basin waters twice daily. Stumpy is among the 150 or so cherry trees to be cut down in May so construction can begin to bolster the Tidal Basin's failing seawall. The entire project will cost $113 million and take three years, the National Park Service announced last month. When it's finished, 455 trees, including 274 cherry trees, will be replanted in the area, NPS said. The fresh Japanese donation was first announced Wednesday as President Joe Biden welcomed Kishida to the White House with a large-scale ceremony on the South Lawn. The original trees were donated by the Japanese to the Americans in 1912. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is seen receiving a standing ovation from members of Congress Thursday as he announced Japan's donation of 250 fresh cherry trees to replace those being cut down around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. Flowers have been left to pay tribute to 'Stumpy' who will be cut down in May as part of the National Park Service's seawall restoration project around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. 'Let me end with this. It's spring in Washington. The sun is shining. And every spring, cherry blossoms bloom across the city thanks to a gift from Japan of 3,000 cherry trees over a century ago,' the president said. 'People travel all over our country and the world to see these magnificent blossoms.' Biden remarked how the Kishidas had joined the president and first lady to visit the cherry blossom trees on the White House campus the night before. 'One that Jill and Mrs. Kishida planted together a year ago,' the president said. 'The other two are among the 250 new trees that Japan has given the United States to honor our 250th birthday two years from now.' 'They'll be planted at the Tidal Basin, not far from the Martin Luther King Memorial,' Biden said. 'And like our friendship, these trees are timeless, inspiring and thriving,' the president said. A new poll out of the swing state of North Carolina shows the presidential race in the crucial battleground is just about too close to call. The Quinnipiac Poll of registered voters shows Trump barely leading Biden in the Tar Heel State 48 percent to 46 percent, within the margin of error. North Carolina is an important swing state in the 2024 presidential election. Trump won it by less than 75,000 votes in 2020, and the Biden campaign has set its sights on the state as their top pick-up opportunity in 2024. The Quinnipiac poll conducted in early April is the closest the head-to-head general election matchup has been in the state to date. Poll of registered voters in North Carolina conducted April 4-8 shows Trump with a slight edge over Biden but the race within the 2.6 percent margin of error When factoring in third party candidates, Trump leads in the poll 41 percent to Biden's 38 percent. Independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. receives 12 percent. 'With overall voter enthusiasm for Biden and Trump lukewarm at best, close to one in five North Carolina voters look at third party candidates with open minds and the potential to throw a wrench into the works in a close race,' said Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy. When it comes to the top issues in the state voters were split depending on political party. Republicans said the top issue was immigration at 43 percent and the economy at 31 percent. Democrats in the state said it was preserving democracy at 33 percent, followed by racial inequality at 11 percent. President Biden and Vice President Harris at a campaign event in Raleigh on March 26 with Democratic North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper Donald Trump at a rally in Greensboro, NC ahead of the state's presidential primary on March 2 Overall, more registered voters said Trump would do a better job handling the economy and immigration while more said Biden would do better at preserving democracy. When it comes to the economy, nearly one third of North Carolina voters described it as excellent or good while two-thirds described it as not good or poor. The majority of voters believe the economy is getting worse, but six out of ten voters described their own financial situation as excellent or good. As the issue of abortion has taken center stage in the 2024 presidential election, sixty-three precent of voters in the state think abortion should be legal in all or most cases. 30 percent of registered voters in the state said abortion should be illegal in most or all cases. Democrats have been bullish that North Carolina is a battleground state they can potentially flip this fall. The Biden campaign has already invested time and money in the state with on the ground staff. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris visited the state in late March. Harris returned again in early April. Trump was last in the state for a rally ahead of its presidential primary on Super Tuesday in early March. North Carolina expected to have the most contentious governor race in the country this fall with Democrat Josh Stein up against Republican Mark Robinson. Polls show Stein with a slight edge North Carolina also has a governors race this fall that is expected to be one of the most contentious in the country. The Quinnipiac poll shows current Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein leading Republican opponent and close Trump supporter Lt. Governor Mark Robinson by eight points. Stein is at 52 percent while Robinson is at 44 percent. Even when a third party candidate is factored in, Stein leads by seven points. The average of polls in the governors race is much closer with Stein leading by 3 points. Chilling audio of the moment a Moroccan asylum seeker allegedly inspired by the Hamas slaughter in Israel 'tried to stab his housemate to death' was played to jurors today. CCTV footage seen in court was also claimed to show alleged Islamic extremist Ahmed Alid, 45, walking the streets armed with a knife before murdered a pensioner he came across in the street at random. Jurors were told the asylum seeker began his knife rampage by trying to stab his housemate, who had converted from being a Muslim to Christianity, to death as he slept. Despite being repeatedly stabbed, Javed Nouri, a fellow asylum seeker who had reported Alid to the police two days earlier, fought for his life and another housemate managed to disarm the attacker, Teesside Crown Court was told. Sounds of the attack were captured on a 999 call by one of the housemates that was played in court. The call is picked up by a call handler, who asks 'hello' a few times, before the caller says he needs help at the house in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool. 'It's a refugees house with three people here, I know two of the guys, I think they're fighting... inside the house,' he said. Moroccan asylum seeker Ahmed Alid, 45, pictured the moment he was arrested by police As police headed to the house in Hartlepool, Alid walked into town openly carrying a second knife, as shown in CCTV footage seen in court Alid (pictured) denies murder, attempted murder and assaulting both police officers The bedroom in Wharton Terrace after the alleged attack by Moroccan asylum seeker Alid The caller asked the 999 worker to get to the address 'ASAP', to which she replies: 'Just stay on the line while I get officers to you, just bear with me a second.' Screaming can then be heard in the background, before the call handler asks: 'How many are fighting... hello?' The screaming becomes louder, and then a voice shouts: 'Jesus Christ!' A voice can be heard repeatedly shouting 'Allahu Akbar' or 'God is Great' as other voices shout over it. The call handler asks 'hello' as the shouting continues. The caller then says: 'There is a lot of blood, I need an ambulance and the police. Straight away, straight away.' The 999 worker asks why an ambulance is needed, to which the caller replies: 'There's a lot of blood, they have been fighting with a knife... There is a lot of blood on the floor. As police headed to the house in Hartlepool, it was claimed that Alid walked into town openly carrying a second knife, as shown in CCTV footage seen in court. Jurors were told he came across Terence Carney, 70, and launched a deadly and unprovoked attack at 5.30am, the jury heard. Jonathan Sandiford, KC, prosecuting, told the court Mr Carney was 'pushed or stabbed to the ground' before Alid continued stabbing him repeatedly. The pensioner was 'effectively defenceless' and crying out 'no, no.' The knife that was found by police in the address at Wharton Terrace CCTV footage which the prosecution say shows Alid strolling up to Mr Carney and attacking him in the middle of the deserted street was played to the jury along with audio of the attack with groans and shouts. Alid left him for dead and Mr Carney managed to stagger a short distance before collapsing and dying in the street, the court heard. Mr Carney, who was in the habit of going for an early morning walk, had been stabbed six times, including through the heart, said Mr Sandiford. Alid was arrested by police a short time later. He had suffered a cut hand and said but for his injuries he would have continued what he called 'the raid' and killed more people. The murder happened last October, eight days after Hamas terrorists murdered hundreds of Israelis. Asked to explain his actions, the court heard he told police it was to do with the independence of Palestine and forcing the 'brutal Israeli coloniser' out. During his interview Alid believed he had killed both his victims and told officers he had killed two adults in revenge for the killing of children by Israel, the court heard. Mr Sandiford said: 'The defendant swore by Allah that, if he had had a machine gun, and more weapons, he would have killed more victims.' He said Carney was killed because Britain had created Israel and should make it leave, commenting: 'They killed children and I killed an old man.' The court heard Alid regarded Christian convert Mr Nouri as an 'apostate who deserved to die' for turning his back on the Muslim faith. The court heard during the interview became 'angry' and blocked the door to stop two female officers leaving. He grabbed hold of one of them and all three fell to the floor before other officers entered and restrained Alid, said Mr Sandiford. Alid denies murder, attempted murder and assaulting both police officers. The court heard Alid was a 'quite strict Muslim' and followed an 'extreme interpretation of Islam.' Mr Sandiford told the jury on 7th October last year the day Hamas 'launched attacks in Israel' Alid 'paid particular attention to these attacks'. By this time the defendant was 'keeping a knife with him' and threatening Mr Nouri and others in the house who were afraid of him, the court heard. Alid was warned by housing managers if would have to leave if his 'behaviour continued in this way.' On the advice of friends at the church Mr Nouri reported his concerns to police on 9th October and returned to speak to police again on 13th October. Alid also allegedly tried to knife his housemate on the same day outside this house in Wharton Terrace The scene on Wharton Terrace in Hartlepool following the incident where a police cordon was put in place Mr Sandiford said: 'The police rightly or wrongly took the view the defendant had not committed an offence and there would be no further action taken by the police at that stage.' The court heard these complaints lodged by Mr Nouri gave Alid an 'additional motive' to attack him. Two days later at 5am that is what he did, it is claimed. Mr Nouri was woken by Alid kicking in his bedroom door and shouting 'Allahu Akbar' or 'God is Great', said Mr Sandiford. The housemate was stabbed in the chest and shouted: 'What are you doing?' Mr Nouri was stabbed in the chest, leg and mouth. Mr Sandiford said: 'At this stage Mr Nouri realised he couldn't simply escape and would have to fight.' Housemates arrived to disarm Alid and Mr Nouri, who was bigger than the attacker, was able to force him out of the room, the court heard. Mr Nouri was taken to hospital with six stab wounds and survived. Police sent to the house in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, came across Mr Carney lying dying in the street. Attempts to revive him failed and he was pronounced dead. The judge Mrs Cheema-Grubb told the jury it was unlikely the defendant would dispute he carried out the attacks but the 'central issue' was 'what was his intention when he did what he was alleged to have done.' The case continues. Sweden has been rocked by a new bout of gangland horror after a 39-year-old father was fatally shot and killed in front of his young son in broad daylight after allegedly challenging a group of youths. The victim identified in media reports only as Mikael was shot in the head just after 6pm on Wednesday evening as he cycled to a swimming pool with his child, succumbing to his injuries early Thursday, according to police. Several media outlets, including television chain TV4 and tabloids Expressen and Aftonbladet, said he was shot because he confronted the gang. Police have not confirmed those reports. 'He didn't like injustice. It cost him his life,' his sister, who didn't give her name, told Expressen. Speaking at a vigil on Thursday, he remembered Mikael as being 'sensitive', having been 'badly affected by shootings and violence'. 'I don't know if they said anything about his son, if that's why he turned around. I do not know. It doesn't matter anymore,' she said, as reported by Expressen No arrests have been made in connection with the killing, which becomes the latest tragic gangland shooting amid a surge in violence in recent years as criminal gangs feud for control of lucrative drug markets. According to police statistics, 363 shootings were reported last year with 53 fatalities, while a total of 149 bombings were recorded. Mikael died after he was shot in the head by a gang member on Wednesday, police said Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson visits the memorial site near the center of Skarholmen, after a man was shot and died in south of Stockholm, Sweden April 11, 2024 Sweden's Minister of Justice Gunnar Strommer talks to people as he visits the murder scene in the center of Skarholmen, Sweden, April 11 2024, where a man was shot dead in an underpass News of the fatal attack has put yet more pressure on Swedish politicians to contain the uptick in violence and bring the killers to justice. Opposition leader and former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was among several who attended the vigil set up for Mikael in Skarholmen today, where she was confronted by Mikael's family. While Andersson has urged 'stronger' policy 'against the gangs' - and even suggested sending an army in to quash the groups in 2023 - the country has struggled to turn the tide in its war on organised crime. Since 2013, the number of fatal shootings across Sweden has more than doubled, official statistics show, provoked by an explosion in drug-related crime. By 2022, the gun-murder rate in Stockholm had reached a high roughly 30 times that of London per capita. And acknowledging Sweden's difficulty staring down the challenge of gang-related crime, prime minister Ulf Kristersson was forced to admit last year: 'Sweden has never before seen anything like this. No other country in Europe is seeing anything like this.' The gangs often recruit young teens to carry out the violence because they are not criminally liable, with some perpetrators as young as 12 years old. Ulf Kristersson joined Ms Andersson to visit the Skarholmen suburb south of the capital on Thursday evening. The area has seen several shootings in recent months. 'The system-threatening crime that our country is now experiencing has brutal consequences for our entire free and open society,' Kristersson wrote in a post on Instagram on Thursday. 'People with violent intent should not be allowed to intimidate honest citizens into silence.' 'The gangs, with their utter ruthlessness, will not stop until we have stopped them,' he said. The head of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, Jimmie Akesson, said it was 'not enough to belch out platitudes, it is time for Sweden to declare full-scale war against every individual in these criminal gangs'. Police officers work on the scene after a person was shot dead in Skarholmen in southern Stockholm, Sweden in the evening before on April 11, 2024 People stand at the memorial site near the center of Skarholmen, after a man was shot and died in south of Stockholm, Sweden April 11, 2024 Police technicians walk on the scene after a person was shot and died at Skarholmen in southern Stockholm, Sweden, April 10, 2024 Kicki, who has lived in Skarholmen for more than 25 years, told news agency TT she's afraid to go out after dark now. 'It's so sad. You get scared, you just want to stay indoors. You don't dare go out.' Wednesday's shooting came as Sweden's parliament adopted a new law giving police powers to establish zones where they can search people or their vehicles even if they are not suspected of specific crimes. The new law will go into force on April 25. The proposal has been controversial, with critics saying it runs counter to the rule of law and could lead to discrimination. Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested his Democrats may save Speaker Mike Johnson from being ousted if he puts the Senate-passed national security package on the House floor. If Johnson puts the foreign aid bill on the floor, 'I believe there are a reasonable number of Democrats who would not want to see the speaker fall as a result of doing the right thing. Observation, not a declaration,' Jeffries, N.Y., said. A motion to vacate has loomed over Johnson's head since Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched the bid to oust him nearly three weeks ago. The Georgia Republican is a staunch opponent to Ukraine aid and has already threatened to try to boot Johnson if he brings it to the floor. With Republicans' razor-thin majority, Johnson can only afford to lose three Republicans and keep his job. Jeffries suggested his Democrats may save Speaker Mike Johnson from being ousted, only if he puts the Senate-passed national security package on the House floor Johnson, meanwhile, has reached out a hand to former President Donald Trump, Greene's close ally, and will now appear with him at a joint press conference on 'election integrity.' Johnson made the pitch on Thursday that sending assistance to Ukraine would help Trump. 'The supply and weapons systems that are needed to hold him back actually puts President Trump in a good position [if elected],' Johnson said in an interview with CBN News. 'I'm confident he could broker the peace there.' Jeffries added Johnson would only get the helping hand if he put the Senate-passed, $95 billion package with money to Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific and Gaza and no border policy riders on the floor. The Senate-passed bill included both humanitarian and military aid: $61 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson suggested he would not be putting the Senate bill on the House floor, adding military-only aid is 'more palatable' to members. 'No American taxpayer should be tasked with propping up the pension system of the nation of Ukraine.' Any foreign aid bill would likely have to come to the House floor under suspension of the rules, meaning it would need a two-thirds majority vote to pass. The bill would lose a number of Democrats would oppose further aid to Israel without humanitarian conditions. It would lose a number of Republicans who outright oppose Ukraine aid - potentially jeopardizing its chances of passing. But Jeffries insisted the bill would pass even under suspension - he would put up enough Democratic votes. A motion to vacate has loomed over Johnson's head since Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene launched the bid to oust him nearly three weeks ago Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said Speaker Mike Johnson in a meeting gave her 'a lot of excuses' and is not backing down on her threat to call up a bid to oust him 'I believe that there are a sufficient number of votes to make sure that the national security bill makes it over the legislative finish line,' Jeffries said. On Wednesday Greene met with Johnson for 70 minutes to hash out their differences, but they remained at an impasse. Greene said she warned Johnson that 'he's going to be personally responsible for finding that continued murder of people in a foreign country that is not a NATO ally of ours, and that the American people do not support.' She and likeminded conservatives have warned the speaker not to bring foreign aid funding for Ukraine to the floor for a vote, saying the U.S. border crisis must first be addressed before doling out dough to wars abroad. However, pleas from the White House, Ukrainian President Zelensky, Democrats and moderate Republicans to vote on aid for the embattled country are also putting the pressure on Johnson. New documents show that Dr. Anthony Fauci's top U.S. health aide intentionally tried to hide his discussions about the origins of COVID-19 by using his personal email. Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Chairman Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, claimed a whistleblower provided him new bombshell materials obtained by DailyMail.com. The unnamed whistleblower revealed emails showing that Dr. David Morens - Fauci's top aide at the National Institutes of Health - allegedly used his personal Gmail account to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to skirt federal transparency laws. At the time, Morens' official government work email would have been subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests that could have publicized his day-to-day communications. Wenstrup says that Morens used Gmail to 'intentionally [subvert] federal transparency laws to shield discussions related to the origins of COVID-19.' A whistleblower provided evidence to Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, alleging that Dr. David Morens used his personal Gmail account to communicate about the COVID-19 pandemic. Morens' official work email is subject to Freedom of Information Act requests Morens was a senior advisor to former NIAID director Dr. Anthony Fauci during the pandemic, and according to his LinkedIn account he still works there in the same capacity The whistleblower-provided emails show Morens using an '@gmail.com' account to correspond with Dr. Peter Daszak, head of EcoHealth Alliance, a research nonprofit, apparently regarding a government research grant. Republicans previously revealed that EcoHealth and the Wuhan Institute of Virology, in partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), submitted a proposal to federal officials seeking funding to create a novel coronavirus in 2018. And Wenstrup has accused EcoHealth of using taxpayer dollars 'to fund dangerous gain-of-function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.' 'These emails raise serious concerns about federal health officials potentially covering up the pandemics origin,' Wenstrup stated Thursday. The subject line of one of the messages between Morens' personal email and EcoHealth's Daszak includes a reference to a National Institute of Health (NIH) grant proposal that provided $661,980 for a 2019 project titled 'Understanding the Risk of Bat Coronavirus Emergence.' Another subject line from his personal email reads 'COVID-19 update (312): China, SARS-CoV2 origin, animal reservoir, WHO mission,' indicating the two were discussing the origins of the disease. A third email from Morens had a subject line that referenced 'our suspended R01,' possibly indicating that funding for the bat coronavirus research project was stopped at some point. However, during his transcribed interview with the Select Subcommittee in January, Morens 'denied deleting any federal COVID-19 origins records,' according to the lawmaker. Morens also admitted previously to the committee in a closed interview that 'I will delete anything I dont want to see in the New York Times.' 'I always try to communicate over gmail because my NIH email is FOIAd constantly,' Morens told the committee at the time. Morens' admission that he intentionally hides his communications prompted Wenstrup to send a letter to Boston University Professor Dr. Gerald Keusch, who was mentioned in the emails. Wenstrup is requesting the production of any documents and communication related to Keusch's correspondence with Dr. Morens, the committee stated. That includes any emails with 'other individuals and entities with knowledge of and access to COVID-19 origins material.' 'This letter continues our investigation into the potential cover-up of COVID-19 origins information by Americas public health authorities,' Wenstrup writes. The Republican requested Keusch turn over his communications with a number of federal officials by April 25. Daszak (Left) and Fauci (Right) likely had knowledge of the Wuhan Institute of Virology's desires to create a novel coronavirus as early as 2018, Republicans allege EcoHealth, run by Daszak, in partnership with the Wuhan Institute sought federal funding for gain of function research Earlier this week, Sen. Rand Paul announced that at least 15 government agencies, including NIAID and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), had information regarding the Wuhan Institute of Virology's proposal. And despite these officials knowing that EcoHealth, the Wuhan Institute and NIAID wanted to create a disease similar COVID-19, they did not reveal to the public the labs intentions. Further muddying the waters are allegations from Paul that Fauci could have been involved in influencing decisions made surrounding the origins of COVID-19, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still says likely came from bats and not a Chinese lab. 'We also have stories, rumors and innuendo that Fauci was a frequent visitor off the books to the CIA.' Paul says Fauci's secretive trips are important because 'the CIA officially still says [COVID-19 is] probably from animals.' Paul pointed to how the CIA disagrees with findings from the Department of Energy and FBI that have said the the pandemic likely originated from a leak at a Wuhan, China, lab. And that though an initial CIA assessment found the lab leak theory was likely, senior officials in the agency overruled their findings. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., announced his investigation into the origins of COVID-19 has uncovered that at least 15 government agencies were aware of the Wuhan Institute of Virology's effort to create a novel strain of coronavirus That means, according to Paul, Fauci almost certainly knew about the Chinese labs' desire to create a novel coronavirus, as NIAID was a partner on the proposal. 'So in January and February of 2020, instead of Anthony Fauci piping up and saying 'Oh, wow, they briefed us on this. It looks like they ended up doing what they briefed us on' instead of saying that, he commissioned people to say the opposite,' Paul told DailyMail.com. 'It makes me think there's really something there that they're hiding.' Dr. Peter Daszak, meanwhile, is set to testify publicly before the House on May 1. EcoHealth and Dr. Morens did not return a request for comment. Election manifestos are seldom troves of stimulating prose, littered with reference to French delicacies, the historic pubs of Britain's sprawling suburbs and, indeed, the Parthenon Marbles. But satirical candidate Count Binface has made an inspired effort to 'take the trash out' as he bids 'for a champions league spot' in the London Mayoral elections this year. Pledging to make Thames Water bosses 'take a dip in the Thames to see how they like it', to 'build at least one affordable house' and to close down shops playing music before December and 'turn them into public libraries', the self-declared 'space warrior', has unveiled his pledges to Londoners if he wins the Mayoral election. Taking place on May 2, the elections will see 11 candidates fight it out for the most powerful Mayoral role in the country. Binface finished ninth in the 2021 election, but returns with an ambitious set of 24 pledges, suggesting he is the 'only fresh thing on the menu given all other politicians are rubbish'. Count Binface, pictured, has unveiled his pledges to Londoners if he wins the Mayoral election Here it is: my 2024 manifesto to be Mayor of London. Can any other candidate beat this? Not a chance! #VoteBinface #MakeYourVoteCount #IchBinEinLondoner pic.twitter.com/4blqS2IjTa Count Binface (@CountBinface) April 8, 2024 Shops will also be banned from selling croissants for anything less than 1.10, which was the same commitment he made in 2021. London Bridge will also be named after actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge under his leadership and Ceefax will be brought back, he announced. READ MORE: Laurence Fox is banned from being a candidate at the London mayoral elections after failing to fill in the nominations form Advertisement The manifesto also contains a commitment to use a windfall tax on oil companies to pay for a new electric car for every Londoner who can't afford a compliant vehicle Binface has stood in four elections previously, including the last mayoral election in 2021. He received 24,775 first choice votes, in comparison to Laurence Fox's 47,634 and Piers Corbyn's 20,604. Labour's Sadiq Khan won with 1,013,721 votes with Conservative Shaun Bailey coming second with 893,051. Binface is also the only candidate to have stood twice in Boris Johnson's former constituency of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. In the July 2023 election he got 190 votes. Binface, played by satirical comic Jonathan Harvey, follows in the long tradition of joke candidates running in high-profile elections in the UK. Lord Buckethead stood against Prime Ministers in elections for over 30 years and first stood against Margaret Thatcher. It took its name from a 1984 film Gremloids but the film creator eventually objected. Taking place on May 2, the elections will see 11 candidates fight it out for the most powerful Mayoral role in the country Labour candidate Sadiq Khan is seeking a third term as Mayor in May. Pictured, Mr Khan as he was sworn in for a second term Since 2017 Lord Buckethead has been rebranded as Count Binface citing 'an unpleasant battle on the planet Copyright' as the reason for his regeneration. Lord Buckethead stood in Theresa May's consituency of Maidenhead at the 2017 general election and was even flown to the US to appear on John Oliver's HBO show Last Week Tonight. The British comedian put him forward as a candidate for chief Brexit negotiator in Mrs May's imperiled Cabinet. The candidate entered the show with all the pomp and ceremony that an intergalactic Lord deserves, a cloud of dry ice around his knees. Despite the clear novelty factor of his campaign, Lord Buckethead distributed an impressive 4,000 leaflets during the campaign in 2019. The announcement of Binface's upcoming campaign at the next Mayoral elections comes as a record number of ballots were spoiled the last time. In 2021 around 114,000 ballots were spoilt after the first round of voting because the 20 candidates packed onto a sheet of A4 paper confused voters into either accidentally ticking the first-choice column twice or choosing too many contenders. Due to the first four rows of candidates featuring mainly jokesters, public opinion may have become 'disenfranchised', according to one politics expert. Lord Buckethead posing with this fellow candidate Theresa May at the election count in 2019 Chris Stafford, doctoral researcher at the University of Nottingham, told MailOnline the record number of candidates - including three YouTubers and a number of anti-lockdown campaigners - 'could be a sign of general dissatisfaction with major mainstream political parties'. Count Binface and Old Harrovian YouTuber Max Fosh, 26, who said he wanted to annoy Laurence Fox were among the unprecedented number of candidates who ran for mayor. Mr Fox, a 42-year old actor, also stood for election but lost his 10,000 deposit after securing less than two per cent of the vote. The London mayoral elections uses the supplementary vote system which meant voters selected their first and second choices. If no one candidate secured more than 50 per cent of the vote when first preferences were counted, second choices were factored in for a run-off between the top two candidates. Brazil is postponing its visa requirement for United States citizens - ones that require people to show bank accounts in addition to requests for visa. The government previously announced that travelers from the United States as well as Australia and Canada were going to be required not only to obtain visa but show they have at least $2,000 in the bank. However, hours before it was supposed to go into effect Wednesday,the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva decided to delay it. This time the delay will stretch until 2025. The Lula administration had previously postponed it to January 10. Now, beginning April 10, 2025, citizens from those three countries will have to present the visa, which will cost $80.90 and is available only online. Travelers from the United States, Canada and Australia will not have to present a visa when visiting Brazil until April 10, 2025, the Brazilian government announced Wednesday The administration of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced last year it was reinstating visas and proof of $2,000 in the bank for some travelers. However, its implementation has been delayed The visa will be valid for ten years and travelers will be limited to staying 90 days per year. The mandatory requirements ask of all prospective visitors to submit a letter of intent detailing why they are traveling to Brazil, how long their trip will last, their lodging location and phone number. Visitors will also have to show proof of travel tickets, residence and income, including their last three bank account statements or six most recent pay stubs. In addition, the Brazilian government requires that each visitor has a minimum of $2,000 in their account. Anyone not meeting the requirement will need a sponsor to complete a notarized affidavit of support and provide their last three bank statements. The mandatory requirements ask of all prospective visitors to submit a letter of intent detailing why they are traveling to Brazil, how long their trip will last, their lodging location and phone number Visitors will also have to show proof of travel tickets, residence and income, including their last three bank account statements or six most recent pay stubs According the Brazilian Tourist Board, at least 4.78 international travelers visited the South American country across the first 10 months of 2023 The tourism industry largely opposes the visa requirement, claiming that imposing the travel document would significantly dissuade citizens from the Australia, Canada and the United States from visiting, according to Brazilian outlet G1. The visa requirement was removed in 2019 by the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro. But under Lula, the government proceeded to reinstate the travel document as a form of retribution because the United States, Canada and Australia required Brazilian citizens to present the travel permit at their ports of entry. Congressional members objected to Lulas travel decree and threatened to hold a vote before the lower house and the Secretariat of Institutional Relations reached an agreement to put off the visa. According the Brazilian Tourist Board, at least 4.78 international travelers visited the South American country across the first 10 months of 2023. At least 483,000 citizens from the United States vacationed in Brazil between January and September of last year. Tensions rise between the pair before the worker snaps 'f*** you too' A Spirit Airlines employee at a Florida airport blew up and cursed at a 'Karen' passenger moaning about her flight. Video of the incident, shared on TikTok by SightsSoundsFlavors, shows tensions rising as the employee checks a passenger's boarding pass at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. She abruptly asks to take a closer look at the boarding pass and the cameraman, Christian Duque, speculates she may try to stop the angry passenger from boarding her flight. Reaction was split on whether the passenger was acting like an angry 'Karen' towards a tired employee, or if the worker only had herself to blame and had 'lost the moral high ground'. The pair angrily walk shoulder to shoulder shortly before the employee declares 'f*** you too' and walks away. Duque, who posted the video said the passenger ignited the incident but that the Spirit Airlines worker would not drop it. The employee at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport drew backlash online after she 'lost the moral high ground' in a video that was shared on TikTok Tuesday The video, which received nearly 8 million views in two days, shows the employee saying 'f*** you too' to the traveler she had a dispute with 'The airline employee then came back and in a way wouldnt let the passenger walk away. This is a very bad look for #spiritairlines but what do I know,' he wrote. The employee's outburst comes after a string of bad behavior on planes and in airports by customers and often directed at staff and police. The video taker claimed the flier said something rude to the Spirit Airlines employee, which prompted her to become a 'Karen.' 'All right, so this Spirit employee was very offended because this lady said something rude to her,' the TikToker narrated. 'I think shes taking it a little too far, though. I think shes gonna prevent her from being on the plane, which I think is a little bit of an abuse [of power].' While the employee began writing down information, she repeatedly told the flier that she wanted to see her boarding pass. The worker walks with the traveler who says she will not miss her plane because of the worker. The worker continues to walk down the path with the employee taking down the pass' numbers. The confrontation ends with the worker cursing at the customer and walking away. 'I get passengers can be VERY rude but 99% of the people who saw this werent privvy to what the passenger may have initially said,' read the TikTok description. While some claim the customer said something to the employee, there is nothing heard on the video before the cursing. The filmer then asks the woman what she said, the customer just smiles, scoffs and walks away. Although the filmer claimed the employee started the confrontation, it's unclear what happened before the video started. Daily Mail has reached out to Spirit Airlines for comment. Airport officials said they were unable to view the TikTok video due to Florida regulations. The state has banned the social media app on government devices. According to the video taker, the passenger allegedly began the argument, which resulted in the Spirit Airlines employee getting angry with her Social media users have debated the matter. Some users have supported the employee while others have been criticizing her Multiple TikTok users have criticized the Spirit Airline employee for her actions, with a few critics claiming they used to be agents themselves. 'I worked as an agent for five years. Had to quit. It's definitely not for the week,' a TikToker wrote. Others have been supporting the traveler and have even written about her 'good looks.' 'That woman is gorgeous!!!!!! And she remained calm! She's awesome!' one person wrote. They added: 'That little stare from the 9sec mark to the 13sec mark - and then towards the end .. she is beautiful!' One user seemingly didn't care to comment about the video and instead decided to diss Spirit Airlines as a whole. 'I can't fly spirit. all my anger management classes have no prepared me for it,' they wrote. The viral incident is the latest airport confrontation to make headlines. Many times they involve passengers blowing up at workers or police who come to arrest them. A woman on board a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Las Vegas had a crazed meltdown on board and screamed the n-word as cops hauled her off the plane It is unclear what set the meltdown off, but the flight had not yet taken off when the passenger began to cause a scene Last month, a woman on board a Spirit Airlines flight departing from Las Vegas had a crazed meltdown on board and screamed the n-word as cops tried to haul her off the plane. In a video from March 23 that has gone viral online, a female passenger sitting on a Spirit Airlines aircraft had an explosive outburst that caused those around her to film and chuckle. At the beginning of the footage, the frantic woman is shouting 'let this go,' and 'can I do that with freedom?' as cops try to diffuse the situation. 'All I care about is freedom,' she screeched. The explosive meltdown happened after she allegedly tried to bite the person sitting next to her. As one of the officers informed her that she was under arrest, the passenger said 'that's fine! I've been there before.' She then scanned the surrounding passengers with crazy eyes before chaotically screaming, 'I'm not scared! I've been there before,' as she stood up to stare down the people sitting in the row behind her. All of a sudden, the woman upped her volume even more to tell passengers that the cop, who she shockingly called the n-word, was twisting her elbows. 'He's hurting my wrist,' she wailed. 'You're hurting me sheriff. You're hurting me sheriff,' she cried while the cops tried to place her in handcuffs. The frantic passenger then tipped her head back and screamed in distress. She then proceeded to say 'I can't breathe' twice, despite the cops barely touching her. It is unclear what set the meltdown off, but the flight had not yet taken off when the passenger began to cause a scene. The man who posted the video said that all the passengers had to deplane so that the cops could deal with the woman. Tiffany Gomas, 38, was flying to join her family on a vacation in July when she lost it on the flight due to an 'altercation' in what she had now described as 'the worst moment' of her entire life 'It was not my best moment it was actually a horrible moment. Absolutely mortifying. How horribly mortifying,' she said There was also the viral Tiffany Gomas incident on an American Airlines flight in 2003. Gomas, 38, was flying to join her family on a vacation in July when she lost it on the flight due to an 'altercation' in what she had now described as 'the worst moment' of her entire life. The Dallas marketing executive told Inside Edition that when she said the other passenger was 'not real' - she meant it as a figure of speech, meaning 'he's not being real'. Gomas revealed that she stayed at home for over four weeks after her crazed meltdown. 'I stayed at home for over four weeks because I was so ashamed and so embarrassed I didn't wanna go in public,' Gomas told Inside Edition. When asked what sparked the sudden outburst - Gomas said 'I had an altercation and I felt very strongly that I needed to get off the plane'. She explained that she believed other people on the flight were in danger 'due to the altercation' - but said she couldn't say anything more for 'legal reasons'. Gomas has proved she has a good sense of humor since her episode. 'I got through this whole thing laughing at myself,' she said. As she watched the viral video of her meltdown, she joked 'I can't hear that voice'. The star of the famous video said 'I'm actually a big home body' as she showed Inside Edition her luxurious home in Dallas - complete with a stunning home office and movie theatre. But despite being a self-proclaimed 'home-body' she said 'I love to travel - just not on American' - because American Airlines banned her after the incident. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gave a very awkward and short response when asked Thursday about the death of O.J. Simpson. Simpson passed away Wednesday at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer, his family announced on social media. A reporter asked Jean-Pierre if President Joe Biden, 81, had any reaction to Simpson's death or if the two had ever crossed paths over the years. 'So I'll say this, our thoughts are with, uh, are with his families during this difficult time, obviously with his family and loved ones,' Jean-Pierre said. 'And I'll say this, I know that they have asked for some privacy, and so we're going to respect that. I'll just leave it there.' Simpson's ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman were brutally murdered on June 12, 1994, resulting in the trial of the century. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gave a very awkward and short response when asked Thursday about the death of O.J. Simpson O.J. Simpson holds up the blood-stained gloves found by Los Angeles police during part of his murder trial in 1996. Simpson died Wednesday at the age of 76 The former Buffalo Bills player was found 'not guilty' of murdering Brown and Goldman on October 3, 1995. The trial was must-see-TV at the time - and came after a dramatic car chase involving Simpson in a white Ford Bronco. In a civil trial that followed, Simpson was found liable for the wrongful death of Goldman and battery against Goldman and Brown. And then in 2007, the book If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer, was to be released, which detailed how the killings of Brown and Goldman hypothetically took place, based on interviews Simpson did with author Pablo Fenjves. Simpson got in more legal trouble in 2007 when he and a group of men entered a room at the Palace Station casino and hotel in Las Vegas and grabbed sports memorabilia at gunpoint. The former football star initially said the memorabilia had been taken from him and he wanted it back. The heist resulted in Simpson being charged with a handful of felonies including criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, assault, robbery and using a deadly weapon. He served nine years in prison over these charges after being convicted in 2008 of 12 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint at Palace Station. Jean-Pierre did not mention Brown or Goldman when asked to comment at the White House briefing Thursday. SNP ministers faced growing pressure to clarify their position on puberty blockers yesterday amid demands to follow England in banning them. It follows a bombshell report by an eminent doctor which found gender identity services have been based on remarkably weak evidence. One of the most controversial aspects, prescription for puberty-blocking drugs, is banned as routine treatment for children with gender dysphoria south of the Border but not in Scotland. Demand is now growing for an immediate halt on puberty blockers following the publication of the Cass review. Dr Hilary Cass is the author of the report Scottish Conservative deputy leader Meghan Gallacher asked for a ministerial statement, saying youngsters and their families deserve clarity. The report by paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass was commissioned for NHS England but services are run similarly in Scotland. Ms Gallacher asked George Adam, minister for parliamentary business, for a statement on Scotlands position, given the mounting concerns. Yesterday she said the request has been rejected. Several high-profile politicians have urged the Scottish Government to suspend the use of puberty blockers and hormones after the Cass review found unclear evidence into the treatment. The Scottish Government says it is up to doctors, not policy makers, to decide which medicine to prescribe. Ms Gallacher said: Its extremely disappointing that the SNP Government are so reluctant to explain or defend their position. Ministers mistakenly rushed into significant gender reforms, ignoring the wellbeing of children, and have continued to allow the use of puberty blockers in Scotland despite a concerning lack of evidence around their efficacy. It is not good enough that the SNP have rejected our request for a ministerial statement. She added: Vulnerable young Scots and their families deserve clarity on this serious issue. Ministers must heed the recommendations of the Cass Review and in the meantime, at the very least, immediately pause the use of puberty blockers. SNP MP Joanna Cherry urged the Scottish Government to follow report's recommendations Former SNP minister turned Alba MSP Ash Regan is the latest politician to have urged the Scottish Government to enact the recommendations of the Cass Review in Scotland. Ms Regan has joined Nationalist MP Joanna Cherry and Ms Gallacher in calling for the Scottish Government to review access to puberty blockers. In a letter to the First Minister, Ms Regan said: If you agree with me that the health and wellbeing of all Scottish children deserve this Governments utmost care and attention, then I call on you to suspend the use of puberty blockers. Families and our public bodies need a clear statement from your Government on an interim pause on the affirmation model, gender promotion for children and the medicalisation of gender-questioning children. Puberty blockers are prescribed to children as young as nine by paediatric endocrinologists at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, after being referred by the national youth gender clinic at the Sandyford unit. Scotland has seen a rapid rise in the number of young people questioning their identity or experiencing gender dysphoria. The Scottish Government has said it is considering the findings of the Cass review. A spokesman said: It is the clinician who oversees the individuals care who makes the decision on whether to prescribe a puberty blocker. A rape victim has spoken of her brutal treatment by a defence lawyer found guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct during the trial of her attacker. Ellie Wilson crowd-funded to prepare for a complaint against Lorenzo Alonzi after her rapist, Daniel McFarlane, was jailed for five years. Mr Alonzi questioned whether she had narcissistic personality disorder and told jurors that it was difficult not to imagine some sense of injustice for McFarlane, 25, who the lawyer claimed had fallen in love with the wrong person. Victim Ellie Wilson said she was portrayed as the villain The Faculty of Advocates complaints committee found that his behaviour amounted to unsatisfactory professional conduct on six of the 11 issues raised. Last night Ms Wilson, 26, of Glasgow, told the Mail: The whole process of complaining was definitely challenging, time-consuming, and even re-traumatising. With some of the comments he made to the jury after conviction, it felt as if he was trying to punish me and put me in my place for having won the trial. When he asked whether I had narcissistic personality disorder, there was no basis for that he was trying to portray me as the villain. Ms Wilson, who has waived her anonymity, said she hoped the finding would show that advocates cant act with impunity. Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, said Mr Alonzis behaviour really does feel like the Dark Ages. McFarlane, Ms Wilsons ex-boyfriend, was convicted of two rapes between December 2017 and February 2018 when he was a medical student at the University of Glasgow after a trial at the High Court in 2022. Ms Wilson crowd-funded the 3,000 needed to access the transcripts of the court proceedings before launching an official complaint about the defence advocate. She complained that Mr Alonzi failed to comply with rules designed to protect women in rape trials from inappropriate questioning about their sexual history and character. The Facultys complaints committee found the lawyer repeatedly crossed that line even after several fairly lengthy exchanges with the trial judge. Lorenzo Alonzi repeatedly crossed line One of the judges interventions came after Mr Alonzi asked Ms Wilson if she had heard of narcissistic personality disorder and whether she had it. Ms Wilson, who attempted suicide after the rapes, replied that she did not. The complaints committee found that asking questions without having seen a report or diagnosis by a qualified medical professional was discourteous to the court and abused the privileged position held by Mr Alonzi. It also found that, during closing speeches, Mr Alonzi deliberately referred to matters that had been ruled inadmissible, despite knowing the trial judge would likely be forced to direct the jury to disregard them. Ms Wilson said Mr Alonzis comments in court were misogynistic. She added: I think they were designed to break me down. We talk about why victims dont come forward... because they know they are going to face such a brutal court experience. The Scottish Government said it recognised the current legislation around the regulation of legal services and complaints was complex and dated. The Faculty of Advocates complaints committee has still to decide the penalty it will impose on Mr Alonzi. It could range from a written warning to a compensation order to be paid to the complainer not exceeding 3,000. A Faculty of Advocates spokesman said: The process remains ongoing. Therefore it would not be appropriate to comment. Edinburgh-born Mr Alonzi was contacted for comment. Prince William has allegedly been spotted on a 'low key' pub outing in Norfolk with his mother-in-law, as his wife apparently stayed at home. The Prince of Wales was seen over the weekend stopping off at an unnamed bar with Carole Middleton, who is said to have been staying with the couple over Easter. 'A patron tells me: "It was all very low-key, with no great fanfare. He just walked in and through the pub. He appeared to be with Carole Middleton,"' The Daily Mail's Richard Eden wrote in today's newspaper. 'There was no sign of Catherine, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.' Carole Middleton, 69, has reportedly been supporting her daughter through her recovery at her home in Windsor, with the Princess retiring from royal duties until cleared to return by her medical team. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge after they arrive at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre during their Royal Tour of Canada on September 25, 2016 Carole and Kate Middleton shopping in Chelsea, London, on November 10, 2006 The Princess of Wales announced her shock cancer diagnosis in a video in March The Prince broke his social media silence following the tragic news of his wife's cancer diagnosis only on Wednesday, paying tribute to England Lioness Rachel Daly after she announced her retirement. RICHARD EDEN: Make them the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury! Why Carole and Michael Middleton deserve their own titles for their heroic support of William and Kate Advertisement In a pithy statement shared on the Instagram account ran by the Prince and Princess of Wales, he said: 'Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with Lioneses, Rachel Daly'. 'Plenty more goals for Villa now,' he quipped, with Daly now focused exclusively on her role as Aston Villa number 9. The family have kept a low profile in recent weeks as the Princess of Wales takes time to recover amid rounds of 'preventative' chemotherapy to stop the disease. Prince William, who has not been seen publicly since his wife's announcement, is not expected to pick back up his public duties until his children return to school after the holidays. In an emotional video message at the end of March announcing the news, the Princess said it had been an 'incredibly tough couple of months' for her family but she was 'well and getting stronger every day'. She added: 'My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.' Doting father William comforts a young George as his in-laws the Middletons look on in 2015 The Middletons arriving for the christening of their grandson Prince Louis in 2018 Kate's last official royal engagement was the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham on December 25 - and there has been no set timeline for her return to public life so far. The family are currently understood to be spending the Easter Holiday in Norfolk, before the children return to their private school in Berkshire. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are due to go back on April 17. Carole and her husband, Mike, are reportedly staying with them at Anmer Hall, their retreat on the Sandringham Estate, as Catherine undergoes treatment. The top general for U.S. forces in Europe told Congress Wednesday that Ukraine will be outgunned 10 to one by Russia within a matter of weeks if Congress does not approve sending more ammunition and weapons soon. The dire warning comes as Congress enters pivotal weeks for voting for aid for Ukraine, but there's no guarantee funding will be approved in time. Ukraine has been rationing its munitions as the House has delayed taking up the Senate-passed $95 billion supplemental bill, with $60 billion allotted for the war torn country. Speaker Mike Johnson is considering putting a Ukraine aid bill on the floor next week, but is seeking to get President Trump's and his unruly GOP conference's support first. '[Ukrainians] are now being outshot by the Russian side five to one,' Army General Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command, warned Thursday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. 'So the Russians fire five times as many artillery shells at the Ukrainians than the Ukrainians are able to fire back. That will immediately go to 10 to one in a matter of weeks. We're not talking about months. We're not talking hypothetically.' '[Ukrainians] are now being outshot by the Russian side five to one,' Army General Christopher Cavoli, head of U.S. European Command, warned Thursday The dire warning comes as Congress enters pivotal weeks for voting for aid for Ukraine, but there's no guarantee funding will be improved in time Ukraine has been rationing its munitions as the House has delayed taking up the Senate-passed $95 billion supplemental bill, with $60 billion allotted for the war torn country Head of U.S. European Command Army General Christopher Cavoli told Congress Ukraine will be outgunned by Russia 10 to one in weeks if Congress doesn't approve more aid Johnson has been trying to find a way forward for the bill that would fund new rounds of munitions production at U.S. firms to enable the Pentagon to then rush more munitions to Ukraine. The speaker is trying to bring it to the floor for a House vote, but he is facing concerns from more conservative members of his conference who cite domestic needs, including border security. The Senate-passed bill included both humanitarian and military aid: Roughly $60 billion for Ukraine, $14 billion for Israel in its war against Hamas and $4.83 billion to support partners in the Indo-Pacific. Johnson suggested he would not be putting the Senate bill on the House floor, adding military-only aid is 'more palatable' to members. 'No American taxpayer should be tasked with propping up the pension system of the nation of Ukraine.' The speaker is also facing a threat to his leadership role from his far-right flank by Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who has called for his ouster over the issue. The Georgia Republican is a staunch opponent to Ukraine aid and has already threatened to try to boot Johnson if he brings it to the floor. But Thursday, Democrats hinted that they may vote to save the speaker's job if he does in fact put a Ukraine bill on the floor that they like. While the political battles on Capitol Hill continue, the dire battlefield situation in Ukraine worsens. Cavoli told the lawmakers that in this conflict, the U.S. flow of 155mm artillery shells has been a lifeline. 'The biggest killer on the battlefield is artillery. In most conflicts, but in this one definitely. And should Ukraine run out, they would run out because we stopped supplying - because we supply the lion's share of that,' Cavoli said. Russia's own production of missiles has ramped up and can launch large-scale attacks every few days. If Ukraine's air defense stocks run out, 'those attacks would absolutely cripple the economy, and the civil society as well as the military of Ukraine if they were not defended against without a U.S. provision of interceptors,' Cavoli said. 'Their ability to defend their terrain that they currently hold and their airspace would fade rapidly, will fade rapidly without the supplemental,' he continued. U.S. Army leaders offered similar dire warnings to the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee later in the day, saying that the lack of the supplemental is a critical problem for both Ukraine and the U.S. Army. 'The side that can't shoot back, loses, and at this point Ukraine is really starting to be pressed to be able to shoot back. So I am very concerned,' said Army Secretary Christine Wormuth at the hearing. 'We saw Ukraine lose some territory a couple of months ago. And I think there is a real danger ...that the Russians could have a breakthrough somewhere in the line.' Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army added that the funding is needed to help send Ukraine long-range weapons and air defense systems so they can defend their critical infrastructure and their troops on the front lines. He added that unless Congress approves the supplemental soon, the Army won't have enough money to bring home the troops currently serving in Europe, or funding to train units in the U.S. 'We don't have the transportation money to have them redeploy,' said Wormuth, referring to Army units that are deployed across Europe. 'We don't have the transportation money to send units to backfill them.' They said they also need the money to continue sending units to the national training centers to avoid outright cancellation of the training rotations. 'But those are the kinds of hard choices we're looking at. If we don't see the supplementals come across,' she said. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of U.S. European Command, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee If Kyiv falls, it could imperil Ukraine's Baltic NATO member neighbors and potentially drag U.S. troops into a prolonged European war. At a Capitol Hill press conference on Wednesday, Johnson said: 'House members are continuing to actively discuss our options on a path forward.' 'It's a very complicated matter at a very complicated time. The clock is ticking on it, and everyone here feels the urgency of that, but what's required is that you reach consensus on it, and that's what we're working on,' Johnson said. Michigan Democrat Rep. Elissa Slotkin urged a vote. 'Speaker Johnson has a choice to make. I accept that it's a complicated choice. I accept that he's at risk of losing his job over that choice,' Slotkin said The United States fears Hamas may not have enough live hostages to secure a deal that leads to a Gaza ceasefire, reports suggest. Israel has demanded the return of at least 40 captives if there was going to be a pause in fighting. The Israeli Defense Forces say there are 133 hostages remaining in Gaza as the war continues. But new reports state that most of those taken during the October 7 terrorist attack may already be dead. International negotiators have been involved in intense talks to reach a deal that leads to a six-week ceasefire. The United States fears Hamas may not have enough live hostages to secure a deal that leads to a Gaza ceasefire, reports suggest New reports state that most of those taken during the October 7 terrorist attack may already be dead Rachel Goldberg, center, mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with other families of hostages in Gaza, speaks to reporters outside the White house in Washington, Tuesday, April 9, 2024. They met with VP Kamala Harris Tuesday But the troubling latest reports have sparked more alarm bells and could derail future negotiations. Israeli Defense Forces fear there could be twice as many hostages dead as the 34 who are believed to have died in captivity, the Wall Street Journal reported. Families now face the prospect of never seeing their loved ones again, as the U.S, desperately tries to cut a deal and civilian casualties pile up in Gaza. Israel has rejected claims they haven't made the safe return of hostages a priority as it continued its strikes and counter offensives. Hostages who have been released in the six month since the war began have shared their harrowing experiences. They include being raped, beaten and having surgeries done by those holding them captive. Their families have campaigned furiously for their freedom and were this week at the White House petitioning Kamala Harris. Harris met with family members of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza Tuesday who said they weren't interested in expressions of incremental results. 'We don't want any more progress. We want results,' said Rachel Goldberg, mother of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Like other family members of hostages taken in the brazen Oct. 7 attack, Goldberg wore a piece of tape with the number 186 signifying the number of days in captivity. Israel has demanded the return of at least 40 captives if there was going to be a pause in fighting. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen appealed to all sides to reach a deal Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of American hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen appealed to all sides to reach a deal which 'the horror the horror that the civilians of Gaza have been experienced, we've been experiencing for the last six months, to come to an end.' 'There is hope for people on both sides of the border - only after the hostages come home,' he said. 'We are waiting now in the world waits for Hamas to get to yes ... And we all of us will see shortly if Hamas cares enough about its own people, its own people, to say nothing of our loved ones to move towards deescalation to returning the light to everyone in and around Gaza,' he said. Goldberg spoke of the eight Americans held in Gaza, as well as people 'we don't hear about' including eight Muslim Arabs, seven Thai buddhists and two black African Christians. Earlier this week at the White House, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sought to pressure Hamas to accept a deal negotiated in Cairo that would include a temporary cease fire and the release of hostages. 'You have a party who is holding innocent people that it took hostage a long time ago doesn't get a lot of attention, unfortunately, in the commentary,' he said. Ms Atkins's criticism comes as Mr Streeting admitted the issue was complex Labour spent years 'trying to shut anyone up' who voiced fears over trans issues, the Health Secretary claimed yesterday. Singling out her Opposition counterpart Wes Streeting for criticism, Victoria Atkins accused his party of fuelling an 'intimidation'. She called on Mr Streeting, who worked for LGBT rights group Stonewall, to apologise over comments he endorsed in the past that 'trans women are women'. Her intervention came as the Labour frontbencher admitted a major review published this week had made him realise 'there are lots of complexities'. Hilary Cass's survey of NHS England gender identity services concluded trans children had been put on the path to irreversible change based on 'remarkably weak evidence'. Victoria Atkins outside Downing Street. The Health Secretary has acused Wes Streeting of fuelling an 'intimidation' over trans issues The criticism comes as Dr Hilary Cass (pictured) released Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People which was started in 2020 Ms Atkins asked Wes Streeting, who previously worked for LGBT rights group Stonewall, to apologise over comments he endorsed in the past including that'trans women are women' The report prompted NHS England to announce a 'Cass part two' review of adult gender services. Ms Atkins said Labour had sought to downplay its rhetoric of the past decade by agreeing with Dr Cass's final recommendations. She told LBC: 'It's all very well for Labour now to say that . . . they're agreeing with the report. If only they hadn't spent the last decade trying to shut anyone up who dared to ask questions or voice concerns.' She later posted on X: 'For too long an atmosphere of intimidation has been used to silence those who raised the alarm. Wes Streeting said we should just get over it. Where's the explanation and apology?' Mr Streeting has been vocal among Labour figures to endorse the Cass Review. Asked on The Sun's Never Mind The Ballots show whether he still agreed with Stonewall that 'trans women are women, get over it', he said that on reflection 'there are lots of complexities'. He added: 'I take the criticism on the chin. I also think there's been some absolutely ugly rhetoric directed towards trans people who are at the wrong end of all statistics on hate crime, self-harm, suicide, mental health.' After Dr Cass's report said 'the toxicity of the debate is exceptional', it emerged six NHS adult gender services had effectively blocked the review's research. In a letter to NHS England's chief executive, Ms Atkins said there could be 'no further delay' on understanding the experience of 9,000 young patients of the now-shut gender service at the Tavistock Trust in London. The adult gender dysphoria clinics to which Tavistock patients moved refused to take part in a study on the outcomes of treatment, which Ms Atkins described as 'disgraceful'. NHS England has written to the trusts demanding the data is handed over and it has instructed an end to appointments for under-18s. Mr Streeting was also criticised by sources close to equalities minister Kemi Badenoch. They said: 'Wes Streeting's mea culpa is too little too late. Kemi has been campaigning on these issues for years long before some of the johnny-come-latelys currently trying to suck up the credit and she took some horrendous abuse.' Activists said the charity had 'blood on their hands' after accepting the review Bosses at Stonewall have come under fire amid accusations of a 'sellout' response to the Cass report. The charity - which campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender rights - issued a statement on the publication of the review into gender identity services for children saying that 'many [of the] recommendations could make a positive impact'. The comments were seized on by trans activists who accused Stonewall of betraying its supporters - with some even claiming the group had 'blood on their hands' for not denouncing the review. One wrote: 'If you aren't going to stand by Trans people today of all days then what f***ing good are you? 'At least the scum that wrote the Cass Review had the decency to stick the knife in the front.' Dr Hilary Cass led the Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People which started in 2020 and has recently published its findings Bosses at the charity Stonewall which campaigns for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights has been criticised by the trans community for its response to the report (File image) Another invoked the memory of Marsha Johnson a drag queen involved in the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969 that led to the gay rights movement in the United States. They said: 'Eat s***, you useless sellouts. Change your name, you don't deserve to be associated with it. Marsha [Johnson] would throw a brick at you.' Another added: 'Stonewall endorsing the Cass Review. Blood on their hands too. 'I'm speechless. How does the LGBT+ rights group not even reject a transphobic 'review' done by anti-trans conversion therapist that rejects 98 per cent of available credible evidence.' The comments come after Dr Cass said 'bullying behaviour' by activists online must end - she cited her own experience of being abused for engaging with groups across the spectrum as part of the review. Dr Cass said: 'There are few other areas of healthcare where professionals are so afraid to openly discuss their views, where people are vilified on social media, and where name-calling echoes the worst bullying behaviour. 'This must stop. 'Polarisation and stifling of debate do nothing to help the young people caught in the middle of a stormy social discourse, and in the long run will also hamper the research that is essential to finding the best way of supporting them to thrive.' Stonewall was contacted for comment. Leading doctor said Aussies need to remain alert of virus Most Australians at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from Covid do not have a plan in place with their GP if they get sick, according to new research. The research from vaccine manufacturer Pfizer shows that of those people at higher risk, 74 per cent remain without a plan on how they will combat the effects if they catch the respiratory illness. Dr Daniel Nour, founder of not-for-profit Street Side Medics, said the vulnerable need to be prepared, including checking with their GP whether they are eligible for oral anti-viral medicines which can more quickly alleviate symptoms. 'For most, Covid-19 is no longer front of mind, but the virus is still with us and we anticipate a surge this winter,' Dr Nour said. 'If someone you care about is at higher risk of serious illness - maybe an elderly parent, a neighbour, a friend - check whether they have a Covid plan in place before they test positive. Dr Daniel Nour (pictured) said Australia could anticipate a surge in Covid cases this winter as temperatures plummet across the country Australians have been advised to create a 'Covid plan' in case they are infected this winter Higher risk category factors for Covid Being over 50 years old Having a health condition such as heart disease Diabetes Chronic respiratory conditions; Being immunocompromised Being from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Advertisement 'If you are among the almost one in four Australians at risk of serious illness from Covid-19, you may be eligible for antiviral medicines. 'But you need to act quickly - oral antiviral treatment needs to be commenced as soon as possible after testing positive for Covid and within five days of symptoms starting. 'Now is the time to check your eligibility and make a plan with your GP. 'If you do test positive, don't wait for worsening symptoms, contact your GP right away'. A recent survey of 100 Australian GPs found 89 were concerned about the impact of Covid on their patients. Hoewver that number dropped to just 67 per cent of the general population. The research also found that 44 per cent of higher risk patients would not routinely contact their GP if they tested positive 'Part of your Covid plan with your GP should include how you will contact them if you test positive for Covid-19 - this may mean booking a telehealth appointment or asking a relative or friend to make a booking,' Dr Nour said. On March 1, the latest federal government data revealed there was a seven-day rolling average of 117 Australians a day who were admitted to hospital had Covid and 37 people in intensive care also tested positive for the virus. READ MORE: Second man is charged after brazen daylight shooting Three burnt out cars discovered in Sydney overnight Three cars including a Range Rover have been burnt to the ground as Sydney is rocked by a series of firebomb attacks overnight. Firefighters extinguished three car fires in Rozelle, Pyrmont and Merrylands in the city's west during the early hours of Friday morning. An incinerated Range Rover was discovered by police on Crystal Street in Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west, at about 3.30am. The intense flames caused a power line to collapse, causing the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution. A Rozelle resident said he was lucky the flames didn't spread to his house after his fence was burnt down. 'Came pretty close but I dodged a bullet,' he told Channel Seven's Sunrise. The area has been cordoned off as a crime scene as police launch an investigation into the cause of the inferno. A burnt out Range Rover was discovered by police on a residential street in Rozelle, in Sydney's inner west, at about 3.30am on Friday (pictured, firefighters extinguish the flames) 'Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended and extinguished the blaze; however the vehicle was destroyed,' police said in a statement. 'Residents from nearby properties were briefly evacuated as a precaution.' Less than 3km away in the inner-city suburb of Pyrmont, police discovered a second vehicle ablaze on Bulwarra Road, at about 2.15am. The car was also found completely destroyed. 'Police do not believe the car fire is linked to any other event at this stage,' police said in a statement. The intense flames caused a power line to collapse, causing the evacuation of nearby residents as a precaution (pictured, a police officer surveys the damage) In a third incident in Western Sydney, a third vehicle was found heavily damaged by fire on Todd Street in Merrylands at about 1.35am. Firefighters used foam to contain the fire on the vehicle, which was found with a trail of fuel nearby. 'The vehicle was unattended at the time,' police said. 'No other property was damaged in the incident.' NSW Police said inquiries into the matters were continuing with anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. Keir Starmer today promises a 'triple lock' on the UK's crucial nuclear deterrent. Writing exclusively in this newspaper, the Labour leader vows that his 'changed' party will 'never shut its eyes to the threats our country faces'. In a major shift from the Jeremy Corbyn years, he says Labour is now 'utterly committed to our nation's defences'. Sir Keir describes his belief in Nato and the UK's nuclear deterrent as 'unshakeable' and says national security always comes first under his leadership. He will today become the first Labour leader in three decades to visit the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard where the next generation of ballistic missile submarines are being built. The Dreadnought-class subs, set to replace the Vanguard fleet in the early 2030s, will be capable of launching Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles. In a major shift from the Jeremy Corbyn years, Sir Keir says Labour is now 'utterly committed to our nation's defences' While Mr Corbyn championed nuclear disarmament, his successor says his commitment to the deterrent is 'total'. In his pledge, Sir Keir promises to put in place a nuclear deterrent triple lock as the bedrock of a plan to keep Britain safe if he wins the general election. He writes: 'First, we will make a cast-iron commitment to build all four new Dreadnought nuclear subs here in the UK, in Barrow-in-Furness. British investment, supporting skilled British jobs and boosting British communities. 'Second, we will pledge to maintain Britain's continuous at sea nuclear deterrent. Backing our brave submariners who sacrifice a normal life to keep us safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 'Third, we'll promise to deliver all future upgrades needed. We'll ensure our nuclear deterrent is properly equipped and armed to face the challenges of the decades to come. 'Make no mistake, this is a generational, multi-decade commitment. Not only is this about defending our land and our Nato allies, it's also defending our economy prioritising British jobs, British skills and much-needed economic growth here on our shores.' Sir Keir has previously made clear that he would be willing to press the button and use nuclear weapons to defend the UK in stark contrast to Mr Corbyn. The former Labour leader was asked in 2015 whether he would, if in power, use such weapons, and replied: 'No.' He also said the UK should not renew Trident. 'I am opposed to the use of nuclear weapons. I am opposed to the holding of nuclear weapons. I want to see a nuclear-free world. I believe it is possible,' he told the BBC at the time. In his pledge, Sir Keir promises to put in place a nuclear deterrent triple lock as the bedrock of a plan to keep Britain safe if he wins the general election Sir Keir will today become the first Labour leader in three decades to visit the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard where the next generation of ballistic missile submarines are being built While Mr Corbyn championed nuclear disarmament, his successor says his commitment to the deterrent is 'total' Sir Keir today also takes a swipe at the Government's record on defence, accusing the Conservatives of having 'hollowed out our Armed Forces' and leaving the Army 'at its smallest size since Napoleon'. He adds: 'I'm sorry to say that the Churchillian bulldog spirit has disappeared from this modern Tory party.' The Mail is demanding an immediate cash boost for the Armed Forces after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt dismissed calls for a big rise in funding in the budget. Our Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign is calling for an immediate rise from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of national income, and at least 3 per cent by 2030. Sir Keir positions Labour as a party that can be trusted on defence, and calls for an 'honest appraisal of the state of our Armed Forces'. 'We will back our Armed Forces,' he adds. 'We will back our nuclear deterrent. We will back Britain.' It comes after a poll for the Mail, by Redfield and Wilton Strategies, last month found voters no longer view the Tories as the party of defence. Sir Keir today also takes a swipe at the Government's record on defence, accusing the Conservatives of having 'hollowed out our Armed Forces' Asked which party they trusted more on national security and defence, 34 per cent said Labour, compared with 23 per cent for the Tories. Sir Keir will today meet BAE staff and military personnel when he visits the Barrow shipyard to see Britain's nuclear submarines being built, alongside his defence spokesman John Healey, telling them that the nuclear deterrent is the 'bedrock' of Labour's plan to keep Britain safe. He will also vow to offer new UK leadership within the AUKUS defence alliance between Britain, Australia and the US. Rishi Sunak visited BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow with the Chancellor last month, and declared a 'critical national endeavour' to secure the nuclear industry's future. The Prime Minister insisted the Tories had overseen a 'renaissance in the nuclear industry' and announced a fund backed by 20million to support growth in Barrow. He also committed a further 180million a year over the next decade, which Downing Street said would provide grants to local organisations and improvements to transport and health outcomes in the area. Responding to Sir Keir's Barrow visit, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said last night: 'Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey tried twice to put Jeremy Corbyn in charge of the nation's Armed Forces. The same man who wanted to scrap our nuclear deterrent, dismantle Nato and questioned the integrity of the British intelligence community. 'Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary even voted repeatedly to scrap Trident. They are not the Party to be trusted with our nation's defences.' KEIR STARMER: My commitment to the UK's nuclear deterrent is... Unshakeable. Absolute. Total By SIR KEIR STARMER Watching a nuclear submarine being built is a humbling experience. It takes some of our finest engineers harnessing the worlds most cutting-edge technology, all in an extremely high-security environment. Im proud that today Ill be the first Labour Party leader in over 30 years to visit the shipyard of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, to see these incredible boats being built. And in the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, Im proud to confirm to Mail readers that Labours commitment to our nuclear deterrent is total. Visiting the historic Barrow site today, I want to personally thank the Royal Navy personnel, the workers and the apprentices who are building Dreadnought: the next generation of Britains nuclear deterrent. Arriving in the town yesterday, I felt the weight of history here. The generations of families who have worked to defend our country, and the scale of the decisions taken by past political leaders. Though they led two opposing parties, Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of Nazi Germany . And although Attlee led a change of government to Labour in 1945, there was no change in commitment to Britains national security. Sir Keir will be the first Labour Party leader in over 30 years to visit the shipyard of Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Nowhere is that clearer than in the development of Britains nuclear deterrent. Building on Churchills wartime legacy it was Attlee and his foreign secretary Ernest Bevin who first established our independent British nuclear programme. Meanwhile, Bevin was helping to create the Nato alliance. Alongside the creation of our NHS, these are towering achievements of that Labour government which have defined modern Britain. They are a proud part of my partys heritage. And they remain so vital today. Vladimir Putins savage invasion of Ukraine, and his hatred of Western democracy, shows why a strong Nato and a strong UK nuclear deterrent are both essential. So I want to be crystal clear to Mail readers. My commitment to Nato and the UKs nuclear deterrent maintained on behalf of Nato allies is unshakeable. Absolute. Total. The changed Labour Party that I lead knows that our national security always comes first. You can see that in the rising numbers of candidates and five-fold increase in Labour members from the Armed Forces community. Our actions will speak louder than words. Thats why Im announcing today that if we are privileged to serve in government, my Labour Party will put in place a nuclear deterrent triple lock as the bedrock of our plan to keep Britain safe. And well ensure our investment in Britains defence supports British jobs first. First, we will make a cast-iron commitment to build all four new Dreadnought nuclear subs here in the UK, in Barrow-in-Furness. British investment, supporting skilled British jobs and boosting British communities. Royal Navy personnel, workers and apprentices are building Dreadnought: the next generation of Britains nuclear deterren Second, we will pledge to maintain Britains continuous at sea nuclear deterrent. Backing our brave submariners who sacrifice a normal life to keep us safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Third, well promise to deliver all future upgrades needed. Well ensure our nuclear deterrent is properly equipped and armed to face the challenges of the decades to come. Make no mistake, this is a generational, multi-decade commitment. Not only is this about defending our land and our Nato allies , its also defending our economy prioritising British jobs, British skills and much-needed economic growth here on our shores. I want to see more homegrown involvement in the nuclear submarine supply chain and our wider defence manufacturing. With Labour, the defence industry will be hardwired into my national mission to drive economic growth across the UK. Beyond Barrow, more than 1,500 firms across the length and breadth of the UK help supply the Dreadnought submarine programme. But I believe we can do better. Well direct British defence investment first to British businesses. Well ensure as much of our defence equipment as possible is designed and built in the UK. Sir Keir wants to see more homegrown involvement in the nuclear submarine supply chain and our wider defence manufacturing And well set the bar higher for any decisions to buy abroad making sure its not just how much you spend, but how well you spend it. In addition to our powerful nuclear triple-lock, a Labour government I lead would offer new UK leadership within the AUKUS defence alliance. Labour fully backs this historic agreement between Britain, Australia and the USA and we will ensure it delivers for Britain. So we will fully back the building of AUKUS nuclear submarines here in Barrow for decades to come. And well throw our weight behind other AUKUS programmes to make this national endeavour a success for Britain. Because AUKUS has the potential to be a game-changer not only defending our shared interests, but ramping up local jobs and growth in communities across the UK. My changed Labour Party is utterly committed to our nations defence, to our Armed Forces and to the great British companies and workers who supply them. I wish I could say the same for this Conservative Government. But over 14 years of failure, the Conservatives have hollowed out our Armed Forces, leaving our Army at its smallest size since Napoleon. Their defence procurement failures have wasted over 15billion of taxpayers money. They are failing British troops and British taxpayers. Dont just take it from me. The Conservatives own former defence secretary and former defence minister have both slammed their partys record. They rightly argue the Government has failed to prepare for this era of global instability. Im sorry to say that the Churchillian bulldog spirit has disappeared from this modern Tory party. We need a robust, honest appraisal of the state of our Armed Forces. What we have is a Prime Minister with his head in the sand. My changed Labour Party will never shut its eyes to the threats our country faces. We will back our Armed Forces. We will back our nuclear deterrent. We will back Britain. On January 3, 2020, Iran's military mastermind Qasem Soleimani was assassinated by missiles fired from an American drone as his convoy left Baghdad airport. In response, Tehran made blood- curdling threats of revenge. Five days later, that retaliatory attack duly came and it proved a pitiful embarrassment. Dozens of missiles rained down on two US airbases in Iraq but, although a gym and canteen were destroyed, no lives were lost. It was a moment of shame for the mullahs and one whose pain still stings. So after Israel attacked an Iranian consulate in Syria earlier this month, killing 13 people including senior military officers, once again Tehran's bearded theocrats are thirsting for revenge. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares that his country is prepared 'offensively and defensively' Most apocalyptically, Iran could risk all-out war by targeting locations in Israel itself. Pictured: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei President Joe Biden has warned that 'a significant attack' is imminent, while Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares that his country is prepared 'offensively and defensively'. Tuesday was the last day of Ramadan: one of the most important dates in the Muslim calendar. Many Iranians generals will be arguing that the time is ripe to strike. So what could they do? There are three main options. Most apocalyptically, Iran could risk all-out war by targeting locations in Israel itself. Or it could launch deniable attacks via its proxy forces in Lebanon (Hezbollah), Syria and western Iraq (Shi'ite militias) or Yemen (Houthis). Third, it could carry out a tit-for-tat raid on an Israeli consulate. Each of these has its own risks. An attack on Israel itself would be a seminal moment in modern military history. For one thing, Iran's sophisticated arsenal of ballistic missiles bears no resemblance to the primitive home-made delivery systems, fashioned from repurposed water pipes, used by Hamas. Its 'Kheibar Shekan' missile alone has a warhead that can be packed with 1,100lb of high explosive. Its range of 900 miles means it could devastate targets deep inside Israeli territory. While the Israelis' 'Iron Dome' air-defence system has proved effective against Hamas's periodic onslaughts, it has never faced such formidably fast and manoeuvrable firepower. But the bigger the action, the bigger the consequences. The mullahs are all too aware that Israel boasts equally powerful weapons itself, and although it has never admitted it its own nuclear deterrent. This means they are more likely to opt for an attack via one of their proxies. Hezbollah has traded fire with Israel across the latter's northern border with Lebanon almost daily since Hamas launched its attacks to the south on October 7. These exchanges have intensified in recent weeks. With a vast stockpile of rockets and missiles at its disposal, Hezbollah can inflict significant damage at considerable cost. Its threat forces Netanyahu to keep large numbers of young Israelis in uniform and thus out of work with sharp consequences for the domestic economy. Iran's sophisticated arsenal of ballistic missiles bears no resemblance to the primitive home-made delivery systems, fashioned from repurposed water pipes, used by Hamas Endemic conflict will also inevitably play havoc with Israel's lucrative tourism industry. It was striking how many streets in Jerusalem were deserted this year, even over the Easter holiday, as Christian visitors shunned the Holy Land. The third retaliation could be simple payback: an attack on one of the Israeli embassies. They would not be short of targets. Israel has long had consulates in Egypt and Jordan and, following the Abraham Accords in 2020, in Bahrain and the UAE. The danger is that any such attack could carry the risk of a military response from the host country or the US and from there, matters could swiftly spiral out of control. While events in Gaza have dominated the headlines in recent months, the risk of a wider war between Israel and Iran one that has the potential to draw in all the Middle East powers would make the conflict with Hamas look like a sideshow. President Biden has promised Israel 'ironclad' support in the event of Iranian reprisals, and Britain will stand squarely behind its US ally. If oil exports are disrupted, with all that means for household energy bills, other Western actors surely will be drawn into the conflict. The challenge facing our leaders is to avoid an escalation in hostilities which could have devastating consequences for the world. Mark Almond is director of the Crisis Research Institute, Oxford. Labour's plans for overhauling the bus network were branded 'financially illiterate' yesterday as the Tories warned they would force town halls to hike taxes or risk going bust. Louise Haigh, Labour's transport spokesman, unveiled the party's plans to effectively nationalise many services across the country during a visit to the West Midlands. Ms Haigh was accompanied by Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner during the trip to Perry Barr bus depot in Birmingham. Labour claims its blueprint will not require additional central government money, although it does rely on funding from cash-strapped councils and mayors. Passenger groups welcomed the proposals, but cautioned that any plan would almost certainly require extra Whitehall funding. However, Labour failed to say where this money will come from. Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner during her trip to Perry Barr bus depot in Birmingham Ms Rayner visited the bus depot as Louise Haigh, Labour's transport spokesman, unveiled the party's plans to effectively nationalise services across the country Transport Secretary Mark Harper criticised Labour's plan, slamming it as unfunded The Conservatives said it meant shifting loss-making bus services on to the balance sheets of already-struggling local councils, without giving them any extra money for doing so. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: 'It's clear for everyone to see taxes will need to rise to pay for Labour's obsession with nationalisation, taking us back to square one. Just like their unfunded 28 billion-a-year decarbonisation promise, they don't have a plan to pay for their transport pledges making councils pay for loss-making bus services, but with no money to support them. 'Without a plan to pay for their promises, it means one thing: taxes will rise on hard-working people.' By contrast, he said, the Tory Government has scrapped the northern leg of HS2 from Birmingham to Manchester to save 36 billion, pumping some of the money into the bus network. A government source added: 'Labour's plan is a recipe for disaster, with council tax hikes and council bankruptcies across the land.' A similar model adopted last month by Labour's West Yorkshire mayor, Tracy Brabin, came with estimated transition costs of more than 100 million. A meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority heard that the estimated cost would require a one-off transition investment of 15.1 million spread over four years, as well as an 85.5 million investment in depots. The Tories warn that were this replicated across the country it could collectively cost town halls billions. Under Ms Haigh's plans the party would pass a Better Buses Bill to remove legal barriers to other local authorities taking over privately run routes, giving them powers like Ms Brabin's. Ms Haigh claimed her blueprint will create and save up to 1,300 bus routes and allow 250 million more passenger journeys a year. 'For too long, people across the country have been denied a say over their bus services,' she said. The legislation will apply to England only because bus services are devolved matters in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. In Manchester it took six years to bring bus services back under public control. But Labour claims it will reduce this to as little as two. Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday warned that Israel would 'harm whoever harms us' as the country braced for an armed confrontation with Iran. As American intelligence suggested the Tehran regime was planning a 'significant attack', there were fears the Middle East crisis could trigger a global conflict. Iran has vowed revenge following the Israeli defence force's strike on its embassy in Syria last month, which killed a leading general. Posing by F-15 fighter jets yesterday, the Israeli prime minister said: 'Whoever harms us, we will harm them. 'We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively.' Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel would 'harm whoever harms us' Britain's Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'We want Iran to think very carefully before they act' Britain's Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: 'We want Iran to think very carefully before they act. 'There must be no threat of miscommunication. Any attack on Israel by Iran would represent a serious miscalculation by Iran.' It came as Israel claimed to have unearthed proof of Tehran's funding of Hamas. Correspondence it said it discovered in Gaza appears to detail payments worth 175 million, The Times reported. The documents reveal monthly payments totalling $154 million between 2014 and 2020, and $58 million transferred in 2021. Iran has thus far avoided a direct confrontation following the October 7 attack, instead using its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq to attack Israel. But there are fears the Israeli strike in Damascus on April 1 that killed a top Iranian general and six other officers has ratcheted up tension to dangerous levels. Israel has not claimed responsibility, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Israel 'must be punished and it shall be'. The IDF also killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Wednesday adding to the instability. The Tehran dictatorship has more firepower than Israel and has the capacity to overwhelm its Iron Dome missile defence system with cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones. US President Joe Biden promised Israel 'iron-clad support'. The Israeli air force also conducted joint exercises with Cyprus to 'simulate an attack in Iran' in response. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Israel 'must be punished and it shall be' Rishi Sunak branded Iran's threats 'unacceptable' adding: 'We, like the Americans, fully support Israel's right to defend itself against that.' It came as footage showed the moment Hamas leader Haniyeh was told his sons and some of his grandchildren were killed by the IDF. The terror kingpin, who has 13 sons and daughters, later said: 'My sons were awarded this honour. They remained with our Palestinian people in Gaza, did not leave and did not run. The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people.' Relatives of hostages fear the killings could disrupt ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. But Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons, Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, would not influence truce talks. The Canadian federal government has warned the country could face another wildfire season because of unusually warm weather. The word of caution was provided by Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan on Parliament Hill Wednesday, on the heels of an uncharacteristically warm winter. He said that more dry, hot weather is expected this spring and summer, putting much of the country at heightened risk. Widespread drought and a forecast of above-normal temperatures will also play a factor, he said - warning the summer months ahead have the potential to be more disastrous than last year's. The country's wildfire season lasts through May through October. Last year, the blazes were so widespread, a blanket of smog enveloped much of the US. Canada, moreover, is home to 9 percent of the world's forests - potential fuel for future fire, Sajjan said. Scroll down for video: The Canadian federal government warned Wednesday that the country could face another wildfire season because of unusually warm weather The word of caution was provided by Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan at a presser on Parliament Hill, on the heels of an uncharacteristically warm winter 'With the heat and dryness across the country, we can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner and end later, and potentially be more explosive,' Sajjan said. 'It is impossible to predict the summer that lies ahead of us, but what is clear is that wildfires will represent a significant challenge for Canada into the future as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify. 'And the costs to Canadians are growing every single year,' he continued, stressing that the likelihood of another blaze largely depends on the level of precipitation seen during these important spring and summer months. During this span, regions like southern Quebec, eastern Ontario and Western Canada, will have a higher-than-usual likelihood of fire, Sajjan said - citing recent drought conditions and an abundance of timber Last year's wildfire season was the most destructive in recorded history, he repeatedly reiterated, reminding reporters how more than 6,000 fires burned during the catastrophe this past summer. It saw some 37million acres of forest burned, and hundreds of thousands of Canadians evacuated from their homes. Linking the issue to climate change - as his predecessors did last year - the minister warned this year could be just as devastating, if not worse. Last year, federal ministers had warned climate change was contributing to more extreme weather events, including wildfires like the ones that wreaked havoc for several months. Smoke billows upwards from a planned ignition by firefighters tackling the Donnie Creek Complex wildfire south of Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada June 3, 2023. Sajjan said that dry weather is expected this spring and summer, putting much of the country at risk Widespread drought and a forecast of above-normal temperatures will also play a factor, he said - warning the summer months ahead have the potential to be more disastrous than that of last year's The country's wildfire season lasts through May through October. Last year, the blazes were so widespread, a blanket of smog enveloped much of the US Canada , moreover, is home to 9 percent of the world's forests - potential fuel for future fire, Sajjan said. 'With the heat and dryness across the country, we can expect that the wildfire season will start sooner and end later, and potentially be more explosive,' the government official said, blaming climate change for last year's crisis and setting the stage for another one Drought and heatwaves also played an important part - and history appears to be repeating itself as it stands. 'Wildfires have always occurred across Canada. What's new is their frequency and their intensity,' Jonathan Wilkinson, the minister for energy and natural resources, said Wednesday. 'The science is clear. The root cause of this is climate change.' Sajjan, who was appointed emergency preparedness president several months into the crisis, repeatedly echoed these claims during his speech. He revealed that Ottawa will provide $187.15million over the next five years to prevent another such crisis, a sum matched by the country's provinces and territories. That money will fund new equipment to combat drought conditions and future fires, as well as help train an additional 1,000 community-based wildfire firefighters. Last year, Canada was forced to deploy 5,500 international firefighters from countries as far-flung as South Africa and Spain to bolster their spread-thin first responder force. An aerial image shows land of the community of James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada. Remote regions like this that have seen less rainfall than usual will be at particular risk this spring and summer Several regions, such southern Quebec, eastern Ontario and Western Canada, have higher than usual likelihood of fire in April, the official said. A general view shows an oil sands mining operation and facility near Fort McKay, Alberta A general view shows a Syncrude oil sands mining facility near Fort McKay, Alberta - one of the at risk, tree-rife regions in Western Canada An Aerial the indigenous community of James Smith Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, which houses a great deal of the world's forests Some 2,135 armed forces from overseas were also to help tackle the blazes. The federal budget this year could double tax credits for firefighters and search and rescue volunteers to address this shortage, Sajjan said, flanked by cabinet colleagues Steven Guilbeault (environment and climate change), Jonathan Wilkinson (energy and natural resources), and Patty Hajdu (Indigenous Services). In 2023, the crisis caused more than $3.1 billion in insured damages, several of these officials said. It also saw Canada become the center of an international media circus, as smoke billowed to the US, covering portions of the East Coast and even the Midwest. Back in June, New York City's air quality surpassed Dehli's to briefly become the worst in the world. 'Extreme weather events are becoming far too familiar to Canadians as the impacts of climate change hit our communities,' Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault said in a statement. 'These events are costing Canadians and their governments billions of dollars.' Manhattanites were barely able to see the Statue of Liberty across the Hudson River due to the poor visibility wrought by smog from the Canadian fires. The statues is seen behind the Staten Island Ferry on June 6, 2023 The smoky yellow haze enveloped the city and lasted for days New York's Yankee Stadium pictured under the hazy conditions ahead of a game between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox, which has since been postponed due to poor air quality A man talks on his phone as he looks through the haze at the George Washington Bridge in Fort Lee, New Jersey on June 7 Climate-related impacts currently cost the average Canadian household $720 a year, according to government data. That's projected to rise to around $2,000 a year by 2050. 'We must do more to prepare for the impacts of climate change, and we must speed up our collective efforts to stop adding carbon pollution to this global crisis,' Guilbeault said. 'After the staggering wildfire season of 2023, we are once again facing the potential for another active wildfire season this year. 'It is a stark reminder that we need to work together to reduce the risks from our changing climate to keep Canadian communities safe.' The infant's cause of death was determined as positional asphyxia, meaning he was sitting in a way that impeded his breathing She left her son asleep in a car seat and woke up from a nap to find him 'cold, blue, and limp' An Indiana woman is facing charges in connection to the death of her nine-day-old baby boy after she left him in a car seat for 13 hours, causing him to asphyxiate. Raeleigh Phillips, 22, was charged with reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent, two felonies, in connection to the death of her son, Emmett. Police found the little boy unconscious and unresponsive in a Lawrenceburg apartment complex on March 3. He was taken to St. Elizabeth Dearborn hospital and declared deceased. An investigation revealed that the infant had been 'deceased for an extended period of time' before first responders arrived, according to Lynn Deddens, prosecuting attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit. Following an autopsy, his cause of death was determined as positional asphyxia, meaning the infant's body was positioned in a way that prevented his breathing. Raeleigh Phillips, 22, was charged with reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent in connection to the death of her nine-day-old son, Emmett Phillips called 911 after she woke up from a nap and found her son unresponsive. First responders transported the boy from Avery Apartments in Lawrenceburg to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced deceased According to Prosecutor Lynn Deddens, Phillips had left the infant strapped in a car seat for around 13 hours. His cause of death was determined as positional asphyxia Further investigation revealed that Emmett had been in the care of his mother, and that Phillips had left the infant strapped in a car seat for around 13 hours. Phillips told police that the baby was asleep in the car seat when she arrived home, so she took him inside and let him continue to sleep while she took a nap. When she woke up, she discovered that her son was 'cold, blue, and limp,' according to Deddens. When she realized that he wasn't breathing, she called 911. The infant had not been fed in some fourteen hours and was wearing a soiled diaper, prosecutors said. Police issued an arrest warrant for Phillips on April 9 and took her into custody that afternoon. At an initial hearing before Judge Sally McLaughlin on Wednesday, her bond was set at $200,000 surety in addition to $7,500 cash. Records show Phillips was convicted of neglect of a dependent in a different case in 2022. Boris Johnson yesterday joined the growing clamour for a hike in defence spending. The former prime minister urged Rishi Sunak's Government to strike a 'more robust posture' by boosting military investment in the face of rising global threats. He also called on the West to 'give those Ukrainians what they need' to defeat Russia. The words will be seen as a direct challenge to Washington, where US Republicans in the House of Representatives are blocking a 47billion package of military aid for Ukraine. Mr Johnson said the war-torn country must also be allowed to join Nato, dismissing fears this would escalate tensions with Moscow. Boris Johnson has joined calls for a boost to Britain's defence spending The former Prime Minister urged the current PM Rishi Sunak to strike a 'more robust posture' in the face of growing threats British military personnel taking part in the largest international aid airdrop into Gaza since the conflict began He joins dozens of MPs and former military chiefs backing a call from the Daily Mail's Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign for a spending hike. This would be from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of GDP within months, climbing to at least 3 per cent by 2030. Mr Johnson was speaking at the Right-leaning Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference in Ottawa, where he appeared alongside former Australian PM Tony Abbott. He told delegates: 'Now is the moment for an even more robust posture. We all need to recognise the world is more uncertain, more dangerous. 'We all need, frankly, to be spending more on defence that goes for the UK as well as everybody else.' Calling for Ukraine to be allowed to join Nato and be given the tools to defeat Russia on the battlefield, he insisted that the country had chosen its path to be a 'free, independent European nation'. FBI Director Christopher Wray sent a chilling warning on what could happen if FISA's Section 702 lapses in a hearing on Thursday, just as Republicans debate how to move forward on reauthorizing the controversial spy tool. Section 702 of the Foreign Information Surveillance Act (FISA) is set to expire on April 19, after which the intelligence community will not be allowed go 'blind' to conversations of suspected terrorists abroad whenever they are communicating with a U.S. citizen on American soil. 'Section 702 is indispensable in keeping Americans safe from a whole barrage of fast moving foreign threats,' Wray insisted during a hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday. 'It is crucial to identifying terrorists in the homeland, working with or inspired by a rogue's gallery of foreign terrorist organization and who have publicly called for attacks against our country. It helps us find out who these terrorists are working with ... and what we need to stop them before they kill Americans.' 'Section 702 is indispensable in keeping Americans safe from a whole barrage of fast moving foreign threats,' Wray insisted. Alleged Crocus City Hall terrorist Dalerjon Mirzoev, 32 Smoke from fire rises above the burning Crocus City Hall concert venue following a shooting incident, outside Moscow, Russia, on March 22 FISA Section 702 has been credited for helping intelligence officers thwart terror attacks on U.S. soil, but has also been prone to abuse with spying on U.S. citizens. 'So if Congress lets 702 lapse, which it's set to do now, next week, it will massively increase the risk of missing crucial intelligence during a time of heightened national security threats across a whole multiple of fronts,' Wray said. 'If we're blinded from seeing what our adversaries are, who they're working with, I can tell you that's going to most definitely have consequences for our ability to protect the American people, because I can assure that none of our adversaries are tying their own hands. So now is not the time for us to hang up our gloves.' Wray was on Capitol Hill testifying for his $11.6 billion budget request to run the FBI in 2025 before the Appropriations Committee. A FISA reauthorization bill with new guardrails for transparency failed to advance on the House floor Wednesday after hardliner conservative revolt. It's expected to come up again on Friday. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Wednesday morning ahead of the vote, urging the bill to be killed. 'KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!! DJT' the former president exclaimed. Another part of the law that is not up for reauthorization - Title 1 - was used to spy on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page in 2016 when he was suspected of communications with the Russians. Section 702 specifically allows the U.S. government to surveil foreign nationals with suspected terror ties who are not on U.S. soil, even if the party on the other side of such communications is a U.S. national in America. Wray said earlier Thursday that the 'greatest terrorism threat' to the U.S. is 'posed by lone actors or small cells of individuals who typically radicalize to violence online.' That includes ISIS - which recently carried out a terrorist attack at a theatre in Russia. Russian social media abuzz with 'Men In Blue' (marked) conspiracy theory linking terrorist attack in Moscow's Crocus City Hall to FSB Wray was on Capitol Hill testifying for his $11.6 billion budget request to run the FBI in 2025 before the Appropriations Committee If an intelligence officer queried Section 702 to pick up communications of a suspected terrorist, and they were talking with a U.S. citizen in the states, they would only be able to see the terrorists' half of the conversation without a warrant to look at the U.S. national's. Speaker Mike Johnson shot back to Trump's message ahead of the vote: 'Trump used the intel from this program to kill terrorists.' The speaker claimed the bill as it stands now 'kills the abuses' that took place under FISA in the past. He's warned that if the compromise bill fails, the Senate will 'jam' the House with a clean reauthorization without oversight reforms before FISA's expiration on April 19. The House will now try again to vote on FISA on Friday morning, after discussing new amendments and a shorter timeframe for reauthorization - two years - which conservatives hope will allow them to hash out FISA under a potential future Trump administration. Hardliners on the right and left have become strange bedfellows over accusations that FISA has trampled on Americans' civil liberties. They are advocating for an amendment that would require intelligence officers to get a warrant before picking up communications of any U.S. citizens who are talking with foreign nationals under suspicion. That amendment pits the Judiciary Committee and its allies against the Intelligence Committee and national security hawks who say the intel community should not be bogged down trying to get warrants when potential terror plots involve communications with Americans. A report from May 2023 detailed how the FBI used Section 702 to 'query' - or search - names of individuals who were suspected of being on the Capitol grounds during the January 6, 2021 riot, Black Lives Matters protestors, victims of crime and their families and donors to one congressional campaign. In total, the FBI misused Section 702 over 278,000 times - according to the document. The FBI says FISA abuses have plummeted in recent years. Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., asked Wray whether the FBI currently complies 'in every way' with 702. 'My understanding is that were in compliance with the law,' Wray insisted. While many of Section 702's uses remain classified, intelligence officials leaked late last year that they had used the controversial tool to thwart weapons sales to Iran. The CIA and other intelligence agencies had used information gathered through monitoring the electronic communications of foreign weapons manufacturers and stopping several shipments of advanced weapons to Iran. A Turkish migrant has revealed he paid a cartel $6,500 to drop him at the US border and plans to make his way to LA to work for DoorDash. 33-year-old Ugur, originally from Istanbul, told Fox News that he hopes to live in Santa Monica and work for the courier service. Ugur was part of a group of six interviewed by the outlet in Jacumba Hot Springs along the southern border. The group was made up of people who had traveled from Turkey or Uzbekistan, with Ugur explaining his home country had declined under President Erdogan. He told the outlet: 'USA don't give us visa, and we come here illegally. If U.S. government let me work, I can work.' 33-year-old Ugur, originally from Istanbul, told Fox News that he hopes to live in Santa Monica and work for the courier service Hundreds of migrants camp along with a campfire near the Rio Grande on the border between Mexico and the US on April 2 Groups of migrants arrive at the Rio Grande in search of crossing into the United States Ugur added: 'Every year, life in Turkey very difficult. More difficult. Economy very bad, and we don't like Erdogan. He is [a] dictator, I hate him. 'If you pay Mexican people, the Mexican Cartel money they let you come here. I pay $6,500 for Mexico and I come here. 'One or two day I stay in immigration, after I will fly. I want to live in Los Angeles. If I do DoorDash I can earn $6,000.' On the same day that Fox spoke to Ugur, around three dozen people were stopped along the southern border. Kate Monroe with Border Vets, a group of veterans who look to patch holes along the border told the outlet: 'This is a massive problem. Infrastructurally, economically we cannot support this for generations. 'I can understand being somewhere else and being poor, not being safe, being hungry but the way in which we force people to come is broken.' According to Monroe, she has collected passports from all around the world near the border. She added: 'Finding tons and tons of passports from Pakistan, Ethiopia, Ecuador, China just crudely tossed on the other side so that they could claim asylum, that was surprising to me.' Kate Monroe with Border Vets said she routinely collected passports from around the world near the border Latest figures from Customs and Border Protection showed that in the month of February the agency encountered 189,922 at the southern border In this fiscal year alone, the agency have encountered over 1.1 million people at the border - which began for the government last October Latest figures from Customs and Border Protection showed that in the month of February the agency encountered 189,922 at the southern border. In this fiscal year alone, the agency have encountered over 1.1 million people at the border - which began for the government last October. The record-high numbers of migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border have made migration a top concern in this U.S. presidential election year. During an interview with CBS News last month, US Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens said that he is concerned about the thousands of migrants that evaded authorities. He told the outlet: 'What's keeping me up at night is the 140,000 got-aways. Why are they hiding? What do they have to hide? 'What are they bringing in? What is their intent? Where are they coming from? We simply don't know the answers to those questions.' Owens said his department is on track to record some two million apprehensions by the time the fiscal year ends in September. The chief said: 'border security is a big piece of national security,' and the illegal migrants being smuggled into the country are 'exploiting a vulnerability' facing the nation at present. He said that the migrants who've made their way into the US this year have come from at least 160 different countries, some of which are many continents away. The case argued Switzerland had breached the right to 'private and family life' Strasbourg's ruling on a climate change case went beyond the court's 'legitimate and permissible' remit, its sole British judge has warned. Tim Eicke said the decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) could slow down the fight against climate change. He declined to join 16 other judges who ruled that failure to take action against climate change amounted to a breach of human rights. The case was brought by 2,500 Swiss women with an average age of 74, who argued they were at greater risk of death from heatwaves. The court's 100,000- word ruling on the case was published on Tuesday. It said that Switzerland had breached the right to 'private and family life' under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights by failing to impose stronger climate change policies. Tim Eicke said the decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) could slow down the fight against climate change Judge Eicke sat on the judicial panel which heard the case and was chaired by the court's president Siofra O'Leary, from Ireland. In a 'partly dissenting opinion' attached to the main 'majority' ruling, Judge Eicke said that he recognised the 'need for urgency' in tackling climate change. However, in a damning conclusion, he said: 'I fear that the majority has gone beyond what it is legitimate and permissible for this court to do and, unfortunately, in doing so, may well have achieved exactly the opposite effect to what was intended.' The case followed calls for Britain to leave the ECHR, largely over its role in frustrating ministers' attempts to tackle illegal immigration. Judge Eicke wrote that there was 'significant doubt' that the legal actions brought at Strasbourg could 'make a meaningful contribution' to addressing climate change. Strasbourg's ruling on a climate change case went beyond the court's 'legitimate and permissible' remit, its sole British judge has warned (Pictured: ECHR building) Activists of Climate Seniors from Switzerland celebrate as they leave the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) Siofra O'Leary, ECHR Court President, speaks during the verdict on three climate cases, where applicants have argued that government inaction on climate change violates human rights It could instead turn into an 'unwelcome and unnecessary distraction' for governments attempting to reduce emissions, he suggested. The court regards the convention which it oversees as a 'living document'. But Judge Eicke said the ruling had 'gone well beyond' the normal limits of gradual evolution. The convention does not include an explicit right to a healthy environment. Judge Eicke added that the court 'unnecessarily expanded the concept of 'victim' status' to allow the women to bring the case. Ex-Tory MEP for the East of England, David Bannerman, said the court was 'blatantly politicised'. Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho was also 'concerned' about the ruling, which cannot be appealed. EXCLUSIVE Police have ended their search for the day after bringing in specialist cadaver dogs from New South Wales to scour the Victorian bush at multiple locations in the hunt for missing mother Samantha Murphy. Search crews renewed the hunt for the mum-of-three's remains on Thursday at various locations in dense scrub spanning a vast stretch of countryside. Teams of officers focused their search within Enfield State Park, 30km south of Ballarat - but another search team was also working 25km away in thick scrub in the Durham Lead Nature Conservation Reserve. The nature reserve is just south of Buninyong where Ms Murphy's phone was last detected by mobile phone towers at 5pm on the day she vanished. Specialised cadaver dogs from New South Wales have been brought in to help find the body of Samantha Murphy A helicopter was seen flying overhead the dense woodland just before 2pm on Thursday, with search crews making their way deeper into the thick scrub. By 4pm, the search was suspended for the day. A smaller team will return on Friday. Ms Murphy, 51, was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street, Ballarat East, to go for a run in the Canadian State Forest on the morning of February 4. The latest search is about 20km south of the Murphy family home and was not made public when the police first announced the renewed search on Thursday morning. A statement said detectives would be searching Enfield State Park 30km away, but police later admitted several search sites were underway simultaneously. Thursday was the first time search crews have used the highly-trained cadaver dogs, brought in from NSW Police, since the investigation was launched. They are specially trained to be able to sniff out humans remains and corpses, even under extreme conditions. Police on trail bikes have also been used to help cover the wide area of the increasingly desperate hunt for Ms Murphy's remains, more than eight weeks after she vanished. Officers had previously made unsuccessful search efforts at Buninyong Bushland Reserve in March. Crews scouring the area include those that specialise in missing persons, search and rescue, the public order response team and the mounted branch. The terrain has been described as treacherous, with search crews having to not only navigate dense bush, but hidden mine shafts. Unlike a search carried out last month, Ms Murphy's family were informed of Thursday's search in advance. Police on dirt bikes scour the bush looking for the body of Samantha Murphy Police have investigated mine shafts in the search area A cadaver dog on the hunt for the body of Samantha Murphy Daily Mail Australia had last month spotted Ms Murphy's husband searching the bush for his missing wife alone in an area where police had earlier been searching. It remains unclear what new information has triggered the fresh search locations for police on Thursday. In March, detectives charged 22-year-old tradesman Patrick Orren Stephenson with Ms Murphy's murder. They allege he killed her at Mount Clear on the day she went missing. Stephenson is the son of Orren Stephenson, who played 15 AFL games for Geelong and Richmond between 2012 and 2014. Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt described Thursday's effort as an 'extensive' large scale search that built on targeted searches in other areas. 'I want to assure those in the Ballarat community that police remain focused on doing everything we can to return Samantha to her family,' he said. Samantha Murphy went for a jog on February 4 and never returned home Mick Murphy and his daughter Jess appealed for Samantha Murphy to come home on February 8, but police allege she was already dead Patrick Orren Stephenson has been charged with Samantha Murphy's murder The regional western Victorian city has been rocked by a series of tragedies this year, including Ms Murphy's disappearance, a mine collapse that claimed the life of miner Kurt Hourigan, the death of mother-of-five Rebecca Young and bushfires in surrounding areas. On April 5, 23-year-old Hannah McGuire was also found dead in a burnt out car at nearby Scarsdale. Her ex-boyfriend Lachlan Young has been charged with her murder. Ms McGuire had only bought a house with Young a year earlier before she was allegedly murdered. Ms McGuire's death has left Ballarat locals fuming, with plans to stage a rally in the centre of the city on Friday evening as an act of solidarity to end violence against women. A description of the event on social media said women do not feel safe in Ballarat. A cadaver dogs digs for clues in the hunt for Samantha Murphy Peter Phillips faces further royal heartache after splitting from his girlfriend - with the couple likely to repeatedly bump into each other at a string of society events this summer. Princess Anne's son, 46, described as most unlucky in love Royal of his generation, started dating Lindsay Wallace, 43, in 2021 after the end of his marriage to Autumn Kelly, 45 in 2021. The pair are said to have now gone their separate ways after the relationship 'ran its course', but remain amicable, with no one else believed to be involved. Lindsay, an oil tycoon's daughter, shares a close social circle with Mr Phillips and his sister, Zara, who she knows from their school days at 45,000-a-year Gordonstoun. Lindsay previously joined Peter at both Wimbledon and Ascot, as well as the Coronation concert. She was also among the guests at the royal's 2011 wedding to rugby star Mike Tindall. Peter Phillips faces further royal heartache after splitting from his girlfriend Lindsay Wallace- with the couple likely to repeatedly bump into each other at a string of society events this summer. Pictured: The pair at Ascot in 2022 Princess Anne 's son, 46, described as most unlucky in love Royal of his generation, started dating Lindsay Wallace, 43, in 2021 after the end of his marriage to Autumn Kelly , 45 in 2021. Pictured: The couple at Ascot Racecourse on June 18, 2022 The pair are said to have now gone their separate ways after the relationship 'ran its course', but remain amicable, with no one else believed to be involved. Pictured: Peter and Lindsay are pictured talking to Princess Anne at the Platinum Party at the Palace in front of Buckingham Palace But Peter - said to be the late Queen's favourite grandson - appeared to be without Lindsay at the Bahrain Grand Prix at the start of March. Royal expert Michael Cole said the couple were 'bound to' meet at a society event soon. He said: 'They are quite a close knit bunch of aristocrats and within these society circles she is one of the people who you always invite to events. 'They are going to run into each other which always causes a little frisson. I don't think anybody said it was going to be the real thing and I am sure she will be able to take it for what it was. 'I am sure they will be able to meet on reasonably good terms.' Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'She is unquestionably close to his family and she moves in the exact same circles. 'I would certainly expect her to remain extremely good friends, having attended a royal christening and reportedly met the late Queen. 'There is every reason to assume she will remain a close part of the scene and they will have a friendly relationship. Former BBC correspondent and Royal expert Michael Cole Royal said the couple were 'bound to' meet at a society event soon The pair are pictured together at Epsom in June 2022 Mother-of-two Ms Wallace, left, is a close friend of Zara (right together) from their days at 45,000-a-year Gordonstoun and was invited to the royal's wedding. She is separated from her husband but not divorced Lindsay was pictured laughing and cheering (at the back wearing a cream-coloured top and a pink hat) at Zara's wedding to rugby star Mike Tindall in 2011 Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said: 'Ms Wallace is unquestionably close to his family and she moves in the exact same circles' Peter and Autumn Phillips on their wedding day at St George's Chapel in Windsor on May 17, 2008. They have now separated. The couple sold pictures of their 2008 wedding to Hello! Magazine for 500,000, causing outrage within the royal family Peter has previously credited his grandparents, the late Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh, with teaching the rest of the royal family how to behave. Pictured together in 2014 at Ascot Pictured: Prince William, Prince Harry and Peter Phillips arriving for Committal Service at St George's Chapel in 2022, after the Queen passed away 'There is every chance he will take a lead from his mother Princess Anne who remains on very good terms with her ex Captain Mark Phillips.' Mr Cole, a former BBC television royal correspondent, also said Lindsay is likely to have sought advice from Peter's sister Zara during the breakup. He said: 'It's a complicated situation and I am sure she will have talked to Zara. 'She will be discreet about it, the worst thing she could do would be to make a fuss.' Rumours of a romance between Peter and mum-of-two Lindsay first emerged when he made a visit to see her in March 2021 - raising questions around whether he had broken lockdown restrictions. Eight months later, he showed he was serious about his new relationship when he brought Lindsay as his date to his nephew Lucas's christening. The couple were photographed in a car together ahead of the gathering. Peter, the eldest child of Princess Anne and her first husband Captain Mark Phillips, then took the highly significant step of introducing Lindsay to his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, who was said to have been 'delighted'. Lindsay was introduced to Her late Majesty at a shooting party at Windsor and the encounter was described as 'warm' by a source. While many men prefer a night out with their mates at the weekend, Prince William was spotted at a Norfolk pub on Saturday - with his mother-in-law. Its a reflection of their closeness that William is more likely to be seen with Carole Middleton these days than he is with old pals such as Guy Pelly or the Van Cutsem brothers. The Prince of Wales always seems happy to have Carole staying with his family and I hear she has been doing just that during the Easter school holidays. Michael and Carole Middleton arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in May last year The Middletons arriving for the christening of their grandson Prince Louis in 2018 The Waleses will have been particularly glad to have Carole and her husband, Mike, alongside them at Anmer Hall, their retreat on the Sandringham Estate, as Catherine, 42, undergoes treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Not only can they help look after the children, George, ten, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five, but they will doubtless provide personal reassurance for their daughter. Williams ability to carry on undertaking royal duties - while his father is also fighting the disease - is testament to the support the Middletons are providing. Its becoming clear, in fact, that Catherines parents are just as important to the future of the Monarchy as the Windsors themselves and, I believe, deserve some formal recognition for their work. Their active support gave William the confidence to continue with royal engagements on his own before Easter, for example, and he will do so again when the children return to Lambrook School next week. It is said that Carole helped with the school run in January, while the princess was recovering from what was described as major abdominal surgery. All three children are at Lambrook, in Berkshire, which is 15 minutes away from Adelaide Cottage, the familys Windsor home and only half an hours drive from Bucklebury, where the Middletons live. William has played his full part as husband and father, of course, as Catherine acknowledged in last months moving video message to the nation. I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits, she said. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance, too. The princess could just as easily have been speaking about her parents, however. It was no surprise that, when Catherine was photographed in a car at Windsor a few weeks ago, it was her mother who was driving. Doting father William comforts a young George as his in-laws the Middletons look on in 2015 Williams increasing reliance on his in-laws is a natural development. Part of Catherines appeal was always the strength of her family relationships, with her parents and also with siblings, Pippa Matthews, 40, and James Middleton, 36. The prince, remember, had first met Catherine just a few short years after the death of his own mother, Princess Diana. As romance blossomed in the years that followed, Carole became a mother figure to him. READ MORE: RICHARD EDEN: The very telling reason why Harry and Meghan should now seek forgiveness from Kate... Fact-box text Advertisement I still recall the shocked reaction when it was disclosed that William would spend Christmas 2011, the first after their wedding, at the home of the Middletons rather than at Sandringham with the Royal Family. Women who had previously married into the Windsors, such as Sophie Rhys-Jones, now the Duchess of Edinburgh, had been expected to prioritise the royals at all times. It would have been unthinkable for Sophie, or Sarah, Duchess of York, to spend Christmas Day with their own parents. But the Middletons were different and remain so, today. As Catherine takes time out to overcome her health problems, the magnitude of the role they play has never been so clear. And thats why I believe its time that Carole and Michael she a former air hostess and he a one-time flight dispatcher - should be given titles reflecting their importance. As their friend, the tycoon Sir John Madejski, said to me a full decade ago: They should be the Earl and Countess of Bucklebury, or something. They deserve it. They are great people and really good role models. Who could disagree with that? To sign up for Richard Edens Palace Confidential newsletter, click on this link Austin's Democrat DA has hired security through his taxpayer-funded office after being turned down twice when he asked for police protection, despite being the one setting criminals free and vowing to go after cops. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza has a long record of being 'pro-criminal,' according to victims' families and campaigning to zealously prosecute officers for use of excessive force, who claim he mishandled their cases by setting violent offenders loose with no charges or slap-on-the-wrist probation. Despite letting off convicted criminals with zero jail time and making an enemy of local cops, DailyMail.com can reveal his requests for private protection. Last fall, Garza, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, went to Travis County Commissioners claiming he needed armed protection. He was turned down, then appealed to the local sheriff - who also rejected his request. After his requests to Travis County Commissioners and the local sheriff for a bodyguard were denied, District Attorney Jose Garza (right) can be seen leaving a police funeral with armed security in November Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza was first elected to office in 2020, following a summer of unrest in Austin with widespread protests over the killing of George Floyd despite never presenting a case in front of a jury in a criminal trial Since then, he has found the money from his own taxpayer-funded budget for security. 'It's the height of hypocrisy. The irony of all of this is that these are the people who want to defund the police. 'People like us, apparently, we don't need police, but they need one on one bodyguards. It's just unbelievable,' a source with knowledge of the requests told DailyMail.com. 'What he said is that he was getting death threats,' the source recalled. 'He had a security firm come out to his house to assess how safe his house was and that it wasn't that safe, and so he really needed 24/7 bodyguards because of these death threats.' The request for police-provided protection was turned down. Garza has subsequently appeared at private events including a police officer's funeral with a security guard that tax-payers are subsidizing. In recent weeks, county officials have had closed-door discussions about whether all public officials in the county should receive protection. Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza is on record as being against the death penalty, vowing to never enforce it as long as he's in office Travis County Judge Andy Brown, center, speaks at a press conference at the Travis County Administration building in March Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez speaks during a press conference and turned down a request by the district attorney to supply him police protection The most anti-Police DA in Austin history was asked to leave a police funeral. Actions have consequences. https://t.co/BYlIVRj0HF Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) November 18, 2023 The person in charge of the agenda for those meetings is the chief of staff for County Judge Andy Brown, Kate Garza. She is the wife of the district attorney. 'What happened a couple of weeks ago, mysteriously in executive session, they discussed that maybe all the of the elected officials in Travis County should have a personal bodyguard,' the source explained. 'The fact that the request was for all elected officials, that would then kind of hide Garza.' DailyMail.com reached out Garza's office, the sheriff and the county for comment, however, all three declined. Since he was elected, Garza has brought charges against at least 21 Austin police officers on charges of excessive use of force against local protestors in 2020. He later dropped charges against 17 of those same cops. Additionally, his soft-on-crime policies with those accused of crime have earned him a reputations with arrestees, including one caught on camera telling the cops that no one was being charged by Garza. 'Ain't nobody doing time...they really giving people slaps on the wrists,' a suspect told police in a 2022 clip. Instead, Garza resorted to using one of his office's investigators-- who are licensed to carry guns and often retired cops, as his protector. The DA was photographed with armed back up in November when he tried to attend the funeral of slain Austin Police Officer Jorge Pastore and was kicked out. '@JosePGarza u are such a loser, why on earth would u think you would be welcomed anywhere near this. Garza attempted to go to funeral and was kindly told that he was not welcomed anywhere in the building,' tweeted Austin public safety advocate Cleo Petricek. The photo of Garza leaving the funeral with his security trailing him was taken after he was booted. 'The most anti-Police DA in Austin history was asked to leave a police funeral,' posted Matt Mackowiak, who runs a pro-cop group in the Texas city. 'Actions have consequences.' It's possible the threats against Garza were deemed not credible or the denial was due to low staffing, Dennis Farris, a retired Austin cop who worked in executive details for elected office holders and dignitaries told DailyMail.com. Austin DA Jose Garza is up for re-election in November 'He probably wanted to hire somebody (for security,) and he doesn't have the budget for it, and he went to the commissioners to ask for the money,' Farris stated. If he was told 'no,' now, he's going to use someone in his office, and rightly so. It should come out of his budget. It's not the county commissioner nor the sheriff's department responsibility to give the district attorney a detail.' Additionally, the sheriff's office, like the Austin Police Department are facing historic staffing shortages in the anti-cop climate in the capital since 2020, Farris said. But it turns out, Garza's own extreme ideas on criminals may have sabotaged his request for police protection with county officials. 'First of all, these are very, very liberal people-- all of them. They really think a lot of these criminals, they didn't have a good childhood or they're mentally ill,' explained the anonymous whistleblower. 'If you really believe these people aren't dangerous, then why would you talk about armed protection?' A major earthquake in California could cause hundreds of billions of dollars in damage and kill thousands. There are concerns the state is poised to be struck by the 'Big One' within the next decade - researchers believe the San Andreas Fault Line ruptures roughly every 150 years. If the Big One did strike, 'it would be a matter of a few tens of seconds before the shaking from a San Andreas event that ruptures the segments closest to Los Angeles reach our urban areas,' Jonathan Stewart with the University of California, Los Angeles told DailyMail.com. According to the California Earthquake Authority, the natural disaster would cause destruction in a 100-mile radius of the fault line, which starts near Eureka and ends below Palm Springs, killing at least 1,800 people, crumble millions of homes and cause more than $290 billion in damages. The San Andreas Fault runs for hundreds of miles along the state extending through cities like San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. Scientists predicted the next 'Big One' will hit California within 30 years, stemming from the San Andreas Fault Line. Pictured is what Los Angeles could look like if a 6-magnitude earthquake hit Although it can take more than a century for a 7.8 magnitude quake, Stewart said smaller portions of San Andreas have ruptured more recently including one in northern California in 1906 and Fort Tejon in 1857. The next major earthquake that will strike Los Angeles would likely spark 1,600 fires, trap 750 people inside buildings - taking two and a half weeks of search and rescue efforts, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). According to the Concrete Coalition, as of 2011 about 16 to 17,000 concrete buildings across 23 of California's most earthquake-prone zones could fall when the next big quake hits. The zones include San Francisco (3,200 homes), Oakland (1,300 homes) and San Jose (363 homes). California's last 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit San Francisco in 1906 and left 3,000 people dead and $524 million in property damages in 1906 - which amounts to $117 billion in 2024. A separate 7.9-magnitude quake struck the outskirts of the Los Angeles area in 1857, but fortunately only two people were killed because the area wasn't populated at the time. Known as the Great Fort Tejon earthquake, it is the second largest every recorded in US history, destroying property as far away as Santa Cruz - more than 220 miles away. Given that 9.7 million people live in the Los Angeles area as of 2022, if the same magnitude occurred today, it would cause billions of dollars of damages and would likely have a substantial loss of life, according to the Los Angeles Almanac. The USGS has indicated there is a 60 percent probability that the southernmost area of San Andreas will rupture within the next 30 years exceeding a magnitude of 6.7. This would affect the Hayward fault in the Bay Area and the Newport Inglewood fault in south California. 'Californians know a damaging earthquake can happen any time, along any number of faults in the state,' the CEA spokesperson said. 'But we also know there are tools available now tools like emergency preparedness plans, insurance and home retrofits that can make an important difference when it happens.' Fears of an earthquake in California recently became more real after a study led by a team in Italy warned the San Andreas Fault could rupture this year. Portions of the system near Parkfield were found to tremble about every 22 years - the last quake was a 6-magnitude in 2004. 'The length of time it's going to take us to recover from a large earthquake the economic damage, the social disruption, the loss of business will set California back decades,' Tom Tobin, former executive director of the California Seismic Safety Commission told the Los Angeles Times. 'And it will be a price that we will pay for decades to come.' Depending on where the quake originated, an earthquake ranked as lower than a magnitude seven would impact people living between 12 and 19 miles from the main site, hitting major urban areas like LA and San Francisco. A 7.8-magnitude earthquake could kill 1,800 people and cost $290 billion in damages Major earthquakes with a magnitude of seven or higher can spread at a range of two to three miles per second. Pictured here is what a 7.8-magnitude earthquake would look like after is ruptured along the San Andreas Fault Line But earthquakes exceeding a 7.5 magnitude would have a far greater impact, affecting towns and cities up to 220 miles away, devastating LA, San Bernadino, San Jose and other major areas at a rate of two miles per second. The 'Big One' would have a devastating impact on the surrounding infrastructure, razing buildings and homes to the ground and damaging water and power lines - leaving thousands of people in the dark, according to Stewart. If the San Andreas ruptured, it would cause 'collapses of vulnerable structures, substantial interruption of critical services [including] water, cell phone, [and] transportation systems,' Stewart said. Even though the quake may have originated near San Francisco or San Jose, it could have a far greater impact on the entire state, he added. 'For example, a San Andreas rupture that severs a water supply line for So Cal would impact water delivery across the region.' Researchers determined that 7.8 magnitude earthquakes happen every 150 years, meaning California is long overdue for the next one Depending on where the quake originated, the most affected areas for those less than a seven magnitude would roughly extend between 12 and 19 miles from the main site. A California Earthquake Authority (CEA) spokesperson told DailyMail.com that it isn't the ground's movement that poses the most danger during a quake, but rather the 'performance of man-made structures.' 'Homes built to modern standards are better at withstanding earthquakes,' he said, adding that 'owners of older homes should retrofit those buildings against earthquake damage.' READ MORE: The biggest earthquakes to rock the East Coast in history The largest earthquake in US history occurred in Charleston, South Carolina - pictured here showing the horrific damage that ensued Advertisement Dwellings built before 2000 are more vulnerable to high-magnitude earthquakes because they were built using weak columns that hold up the ground floor and the living area is often above the garage. These types of houses are called soft-story homes because the garage door is a skinny and flimsy support system that can bend or break when an earthquake shakes the structure. A seismic simulator revealed how areas of the state would be affected if a magnitude-7 [seven] earthquake targeted the San Francisco Bay Area. Scientists built the EQSIM earthquake simulator by documenting earthquakes along the northern Hayward fault line over the last several years and created a dataset to predict ground motion simulations. The simulator shows where the quake would start and how it would quickly expand across the area to other regions of the state. 'With our simulation software, called EQSIM, ground motion simulations of unprecedented fidelity and unprecedented spatial coverage can now be generated,' said project leader David McCallen, a senior scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. A new witness to a bizarre 'alien abduction' in 1973 that is at the center of a new Netflix show has spoken out for the first time. During a video interview, She recalled seeing five-foot tall aliens emerge from an oval-shaped UFO with flashing blue lights over over the Pascagoula River, scoop up the fisherman and carry them off into the night sky. When the craft returned, she claimed the beings each man by the arm who were slumped over and unconscious. Maria Blair has kept what she saw that October a secret for decades due to fears she would be ridiculed - but gave a video testimony in 2023 that has been shared with DailyMail.com. While the case is decades old, it has been brought back to life in Netflix's top-ranking new docu-series 'Files Of The Unexplained,' sparking new interest into what may have happened on that night in the Mississippi marsh. Mississippi resident Maria Blair claimed she saw a UFO on the night of October 11 and witnessed the beings load and unload to the two men onto the craft, she said in an October 2023 interview shared with DailyMail.com Two Mississippi fishermen, Charles Hickson (left, above) and Calvin Parker (right), told local sheriffs, reporters, and even the US Air Force, that they witnessed an oval-shaped craft hovering over the Pascagoula River on the night of October 11th, 1973 As UFO's blue lights flashed and it descended closer to the marshland below, three, five-foot grey 'wrinkled-skin creatures' with 'pincer-like' claws (illustrated above) seized the two men subjecting to them to examination, according to Parker, 'just like any doctor would' The first episode of the Netflix series focuses on the experiences of Calvin Parker when he was aged 19, after he maintained that he fought off an 'alien' by '[getting] her round her skinny-a** neck'. Blair is just now coming forward to tell her part of the story. 'They left twice, when they brought Calvin and Charlie [Hickson] back,' she said, 'when they brought them back from the spaceship.' 'That's when they got back in the craft,' Blair said, 'and it took off straight up.' Parker and Charles Hickson made international news following their claims. As Hickson described the the scene to police in a 1973 video, the UFO flashed its blue lights as it descended into the marsh, revealing three, five-foot gray, 'wrinkled-skin' creatures with 'pincer'-like claws who seized the two men. Parker then chimed in, saying a large floating eye scanned their frozen bodies for about 30 minutes: 'They gave a thorough, I mean a thorough, examination to me just like any doctor would.' Blair, who has only spoken about her experience on October 11, explained in her interview that she and her now deceased husband, Jerry, saw the entire thing unfold over the marsh. Maria Blair and her husband Jerry Blair (above) were newlyweds in 1973. They had only been married for about a year when they say they witnessed the Pascagoula 'alien' abduction from a distance across the river Blair, who witnessed the events from about 350 to 400 feet away on the opposing side of the Pascagoula River, said that the younger man, Calvin Parker, appeared to be more afraid in the moment. Decades later, Parker and Blair got to meet in person (above) 'I'm watching from my car, and I'm seeing the lights, the blue lights flashing,' said Blair, who was then waiting with her husband for a boat set to take him to an oil rig out in the Gulf of Mexico. 'That's when Calvin [Parker] said he'd seen the blue lights.' Blair estimated she saw the UFO's flashing blue lights for about 35 to 40 minutes in total that night - the same testimony given to police by Parker and Hickson. 'You're surprised when you look in the sky and you see a blue light. It really calls your attention to it,' Hickson told Jackson County Sheriff's in a taped interview the night of the incident. 'It come right down above the bayou,' He said, 'two-three feet above the ground.' Philip Mantle, along with St. Bonaventure University assistant professor and biologist Irena Scott, spent roughly five years delving back into the 'Pascagoula Alien Abduction' case for their book, 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt' (pictured) in 2023 Blair too witnessed that key moment, she said: 'The door opened [...] bright white light come through, very bright [...] and I'm seeing the three 'UFO guys' come out, 'aliens' or whatever they are.' UFO researchers Philip Mantle and Dr Irene Scott interviewed Blair on two separate occasions, first in 2019 and again four years later - saying she has stuck to her story. But the Mississippi woman has not shared details with the sheriff department or US military that spoke with the two men decades ago. Parker and Hickson's story also made international news and both men were featured on TV several times, so it is not clear if Blair may have taken some of the fishermen's details during her recent interviews. 'We were sitting at the dock waiting to go out,' Blair told Mantle. 'She [Maria] said, 'Did you see that?' I said, 'I did hear a big splash.'' I thought it was a blimp or something,' he continued, 'but she said it was something else.' Dr. Scott, a professor at St. Bonaventure University in Ohio, learned that Blair observed the UFO 'going back and forth across the sky' in a way not possible of an airplane.' 'I told my husband, there's something wrong with that plane,' she continued, 'it's like he doesn't know where he wants to go.' Blair claimed she had an up-close encounter with one of the beings: 'Something come up out of the water and it was like a person, and I told [Jerry], 'There's somebody out there.'' She was very sure it was not a fish. Mantle, who published a new book with Dr. Scott on the case last September, 'Beyond Reasonable Doubt,' said that he first located the couple via an anonymous comment made by their youngest daughter on a YouTube video. The Blairs had not sought out fame, money or journalistic attention, said UFO researchers Philip Mantle, who supplied the new on-camera interview to DailyMail.com, 'They didn't step forward, as some people suggest,' Mantle told DailyMail.com. In 2018, a local Fox affiliate had interviewed Calvin Parker about his alleged abduction by the three bizarre creatures with their 'robotic slit-mouths' and 'crab-like pincers,' and the clip reminded Tracee Blair of her parents' story. Above, Hickson on another local news segment Files Of The Unexplained explores, in the words of the docu-series' creators, 'eight haunting encounters that may make you start second-guessing everything you have ever known' 'It was just this stray comment on YouTube from their youngest daughter, Tracee.' The Blair's eldest daughter, Angela Maria, also shared her own memories of the shocking story to Mantle, emphasizing that the tale remained a tightly held bit of family lore for decades. 'My mother has always wondered what happened to those two guys and if they were still in the area,' she wrote to Mantle. 'She's only told my grandparents (who have passed), myself, my sister, and my ex-father-in-law this story, because she was always scared they'd [i.e. the pincer-clawed 'alien' beings] come back for her.' The Jackson County Sheriff's department and former US Air Force UFO investigator, astronomer J. Allen Hynek, also investigated the abduction case in the mid-1970s. READ MORE: Never-before-seen photos of injuries 'suffered by US fishermen during alien experiments' among new evidence revealed on 50th anniversary of 1973 Pascagoula UFO 'abduction' mystery Photographs of the men's injuries, taken by an engineering professor and UFO enthusiast in 1973, amount to 'physical evidence' debunking the skeptics' claims that this bizarre encounter was all in the two fishermen's heads at least, according to the UFO researcher who supplied the historic images to DailyMail.com Advertisement After interviewing Hickson and Park separately, the sheriffs then strategically left the two together alone in an interrogation room where they were secretly taped - hoping that the two fishermen would privately try to 'get their story straight.' Instead, the two men could be heard on the secret police tape too busy coping and processing their sheer terror. 'I got to get home and get to bed or get some nerve pills or see the doctor or something,' Parker can be heard saying on the tape. 'I can't stand it. I'm about to go half crazy.' 'I know,' Hickson replied as they tried to settle down. 'You can't believe it. You can't make people believe it.' Both men later passed polygraph exams. 'We did everything we knew to try to break their stories,' as Jackson County Sheriff's Capt. Glenn Ryder told the Washington Post in 1975. 'If they were lying to me, they should be in Hollywood.' Calvin Parker had only been 18 or 19 at the time of the alleged abduction at the hands of the three wrinkled, grey beings. Hickson was then 42; he passed away on September 9th, 2011 at age 80. Parker passed away last year, August 24, 2023, but not before re-telling his story one last time to the filmmakers behind Netflix's 'Files Of The Unexplained.' 'He was ill at that point,' Mantle told DailyMail.com via phone. 'They were very compassionate and knew of his illness by the time they went to interview him.' 'It wasn't a 'mickey take' or anything like that,' he said, 'although there are a few funny parts, because that's the way it is with stories like this.' America is set to share the glory of returning humans to the moon, as Japan will become the first non-US nation to put boots on the lunar surface. A pair of Japanese astronauts will join NASA's Artemis 3 mission that is scheduled for 2026, which could soon be followed by astronauts setting up bases on the lunar surface. President Joe Biden announced the partnership on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio was visiting America and Washington seeks to strengthen ties with its key Asian ally. Kishida hailed the announcement as a 'huge achievement,' saying Japan would supply a rover for the program that will be vital to building a lunar habitat. A pair of Japanese astronauts will join NASA's Artemis 3 mission that is scheduled for 2026 - only one will walk on the moon Japan became the fifth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon, with its Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) craft touching down in January. However, nation attempted to launch the Hakuto-R Mission 1 (M1) lander in August 2023. The craft, developed by the private company iSpace, lost connection shortly after its descent to the lunar surface and was lost before touching down. But now, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will send two astronauts along with NASA's Artemis III mission - but only one will step on the moon. 'Two Japanese astronauts will join future American missions, and one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon,' Biden said in a press conference with Kishida. President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday, as Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio was visiting America and Washington seeks to strengthen ties with its key Asian ally 'Those ties stretch up to the moon, where two Japanese astronauts will join future American missions, and one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon,' he continued. NASA's Artemis program seeks to return humans to the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, and to build a sustained lunar presence ahead of potential missions to Mars. READ MORE: Japan's lunar lander springs back to life The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) finally woke up almost a month after it first landed at a wonky angle that left it unable to charge. Advertisement Between 1969 and 1972, the US Apollo program saw 12 Americans - all white men - walk on the Moon. But NASA had previously announced that Artemis III will also include the first woman and person of color. NASA chief Bill Nelson said: 'The quest for the stars is led by nations that explore the cosmos openly, in peace, and together. 'This is true for the US and Japan under the leadership of President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida.' 'America will no longer walk on the moon alone.' 'Diplomacy is good for discovery. And discovery is good for diplomacy.' Tokyo and Washington have worked side-by-side in the space sector for years, notably collaborating on operations at the International Space Station (ISS). Approximately six JAXA astronauts have spent time on the ISS. In a joint media release, the US and Japan clarified that a Japanese national would land on the Moon 'assuming important benchmarks are achieved,' without clarifying further. The lunar rover provided by Japan will be pressurized, meaning astronauts can travel farther and work for longer periods on the lunar surface. It will accommodate two astronauts for up to 30 days as they traverse the area near the lunar South Pole. Japan's Minister of Education Masahito Moriyama, who is also visiting the US, said: 'Under the partnership stronger than ever, we will drive the initiative together with JAXA, including the development of the pressurized rover that vastly extends the exploration capability on the lunar surface, to realize the shared goal for Japanese and American astronauts to, together, explore the moon.' Scientists have uncovered a secret from Europe's grisly history as they reveal a gruesome case of human sacrifice. Researchers from Paul Sabatier University found that two women buried in an ancient tomb were the victims of a ritual murder more than 5,500 years ago. The bodies, found in a pit designed to mimic a grain silo, were first uncovered 20 years ago in Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux, France. Now, fresh analysis reveals that these women had their legs bent behind their backs and tied to their necks in a style of murder often associated with Mafia revenge killings, known as incaprettamento. This practice may have been believed to ensure good harvests and could have persisted in Europe for as much as 2,000 years. The central body (1) was buried normally but the other two women (2 and 3) were forced into the overhang of the pit and arranged in unusual contorted positions. It is likely they had their legs bound behind their back and tied to their necks so they strangled themselves The bodies of three women were found in a Neolithic settlement in modern-day Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux, France READ MORE: The 16th century Italian 'vampire' buried with a brick in her JAWS to stop her feeding on victims of a plague Advertisement The tomb was one of several sites discovered in the central Rhone Valley, dating back to the Middle Neolithic period between 4250 and 3550 BCE. The distribution of these sites suggests that they were part of agricultural settlement where people lived and farmed during the stone age. But in the residential areas, researchers also identified numerous silos and pits which had been dug into the ground. Some of these were used by the Neolithic people to store their grain, but others appear to have had a ritual function and contained shattered grindstones and sacrificed dogs. In one pit built to mimic a grain silo, archaeologists uncovered the remains of three women, two of which are believed to have been ritually murdered. Researchers have uncovered a glimpse into Europe's grisly past as they discover the bodies of two women (pictured) believed to have been killed in a ritual murder Why were humans sacrificed? There are two main theories as to why people were sacrificed. The first is a social control theory called 'retainer sacrifice'. In this case, officiants killed slaves, servants, or wives to accompany social superiors into the afterlife. Other sacrifices might have been done to created 'ideological integration' in agrarian societies. People were killed to secure a good harvest and foster social unity. Advertisement While the central body, a woman around the age of 50, was laid out on its side in a conventional burial fashion, the two other bodies were forced into an overhang. Their legs were bent into unusual and contorted positions, suggesting that they may have been bound with ropes that have long since decayed. The two women were also held down with heavy chunks of broken grindstone, pinning them in place so that only the central woman would be visible from above. In their paper, published in Scientific Advances, the researchers write: 'These fragments of grindstone were forcefully inserted during the positioning of the women, thus blocking the two bodies.' The fact that the bodies seemed to be so tightly secured, combined with their unusual position, suggests that they were buried alive and were bound to keep them in place. The authors added: 'If they were still alive, in conjunction with their positioning beneath the pits overhang, then they could no longer move, and breathing became very difficult. 'In such a position, death occurs relatively quickly, even if the victims were not drugged or beaten.' This diagram shows how the bodies of the two women were forced into the sides of the pit and pinned in place with large fragments of a broken grindstone. The researchers suggest they were buried alive According to Eric Crubezy, a biological anthropologist at Paul Sabatier University, these deaths may have had an agricultural significance. He notes that a wooden structure built above the tomb was aligned so that the sun would shine during the solstice and that several stones for grinding grain were found. 'You have the alignment, you have the silo, you have the broken stones so it seems that it was a rite related to agriculture.' Dr Crubezy told Live Science. Human sacrifice for the harvest is actually a well-noted phenomenon for certain periods of human history. The grave was built to resemble a grain silo and would have been beneath the floor of a large wooden structure Just like in the 1973 horror classic The Wicker Man, experts believe these women were sacrificed as part of a ritual designed to ensure good harvests and food security There are well-documented cases of sacrifices of young women, children, and some adults throughout long stretches of early human development. And, the researchers even believe that this particular form of death by 'incaprettamento' also has a long and ancient history in Europe. By re-examining the evidence of numerous sites across Europe, the researchers discovered 20 cases of probable mured by 'ligature strangulation or positional asphyxia' spanning 2,000 years. The oldest was found in a tomb in the Czech Republic dated to 5,400 BCE, with the tomb at Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux being the most recent. Cave paintings in the Adduara Cave in Sicily made between 14,000 and 11,000 BCE appear to show people bound in this way as others dance around them. The researchers point out that the structure would have been aligned with the sun on the day of the solstice, suggesting that the structure had a ritual function associated with agriculture This cave painting showing people bound for sacrifices was found in Sicily and dates back to at least 11,000 BCE. This suggests that ritual murder by binding had a long and ancient history in Europe Even to this day, the practice appears to persist in a modern form, as a homicide ritual associated with the Italian Mafia. One study found 18 cases of murders in which people had been bound in the style of incaprettamento and died by asphyxiation. In the case of the Mafia, it is believed that this is a punishment reserved for traitors. It is unclear why incaprettamento is so widespread but the researchers suggest that this method of murder is sometimes seen as a form of 'symbolic suicide'. The researchers write: 'It is the individual who, by strangling themselves, causes their death.' Whether it's Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde, Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones or Ally McBeal, plenty of attractive lawyers have graced our TV screens. But now, a study suggests that good looking lawyers really are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judges. And this advantage applies for both men and women and at all levels of experience it found. As part of his study, a researcher from the University of Illinois gathered data on more than 1,000 US court cases and found pictures and courtroom videos of the attorneys involved. He then asked a group of participants to rate the lawyers on their level of attractiveness. A study suggests that good looking lawyers really are more likely to win their cases and receive favourable rulings from judges. Pictured: Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde READ MORE: Judges will be able to use ChatGPT in legal rulings in England and Wales - despite the technology being prone to making up bogus cases Advertisement Analysis revealed that lawyers perceived as more attractive had enjoyed consistently higher success rates and were more likely to win cases outright. The findings were consistent regardless of the race and gender of both the judges and lawyers however, attractive female lawyers appeared to receive a slightly greater advantage, especially when arguing before male judges. The researcher said the findings raise 'significant concerns' about the fairness of the justice system. 'I consider the main takeaway to be that 'judges are people too',' study author Nicholas Waterbury told PsyPost. 'When judges are overburdened with work they rely on some of the same mental shortcuts the rest of us use to make decisions. 'Researchers have shown in many settings that attractive individuals have advantages over less attractive counterparts. this advantage applies for both men and women and at all levels of experience it found. Pictured: Colin Firth as Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones Analysis revealed that lawyers perceived as more attractive had enjoyed consistently higher success rates and were more likely to win cases outright. Pictured: Calista Flockhart as Ally McBeal 'This research suggests that when judges need to quickly evaluate an attorney's argument they extend the same attractiveness advantage as everyone else.' The study, titled 'Justice Isn't Blind', was published in the Journal of Law and Courts. It reads: 'In this analysis, I have shown that attorney attractiveness significantly increases the chances of attorney success. 'Voting on the basis of attractiveness does not constitute rational decision-making. 'Attractiveness is not supposed to influence the outcome of legal disputes. 'These findings raise serious normative concerns about equality and underscore the need to adjust traditional models of judicial behaviour to account for inherent biases.' It's the mythical creature that has captured the attention of people around the world for decades. And now the search for the Loch Ness monster has been taken up a gear, with monster hunters revealing plans to bring out the big guns. The Loch Ness Centre in the Highlands has asked NASA to lend its expertise in a fresh hunt for the rumoured creature. 'We are hoping that experts from NASA might have some advanced imaging technology to scan the loch,' said Aimee Todd, marketing manager for the Loch Ness Centre. 'We would have to sit down and talk to them about how to get it here.' It's the mythical creature that has captured the attention of people around the world for decades. And now the search for the Loch Ness monster has been taken up a gear, with monster hunters revealing plans to bring out the big guns The Loch Ness Centre in the Highlands has asked NASA to lend its expertise in a fresh hunt for the rumoured creature The latest search will take place on the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness: Sir Edward Mountain's expedition, from May 30 to June 2. Since that first expedition in 1934, the Watchers of the Monster, there have been over 1,156 sightings of the beast on the official Loch Ness Monster sightings register. Last year, the newly revamped Loch Ness Centre partnered with Loch Ness Exploration (LNE), an independent and voluntary research team, together with hundreds of in-person and virtual volunteers to search the famous waters of Loch Ness. The search concluded with a hydrophone capturing loud underwater noises and several potential sightings. 'Last year, we captured the world's attention with one of the biggest ever searches for Nessie, with participants joining us from America, Canada, France, Italy, Japan and more,' said Paul Nixon, Loch Ness Centre general manager. The latest search will take place on the 90th anniversary of the first organised surface watch of Loch Ness: Sir Edward Mountain's expedition, from May 30 to June 2 'With unexplained noises heard, alongside possible sightings, this year we are determined to find out more about the elusive Loch Ness Monster.' In the new search, volunteers are being recruited to watch the surface of the loch, keeping an eye out for breaks in the water. Meanwhile, experts hope that NASA could provide specialist equipment to help locate the monster. 'As well as asking for the help of budding monster hunters to help us on our quest, we are asking for the help of experts,' Mr Nixon added. 'We're excited to make this search the biggest ever, as we look for new equipment to help us uncover the loch's biggest mysteries.' Unfortunately, NASA is yet to respond to the call for help. If you want to get involved but can't make it to the loch, you'll be happy to hear that you can keep an eye on live cameras on the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. The news comes shortly after a photographer revealed 'compelling' photographs of what she suggests is the mythical Loch Ness Monster, after keeping them a secret for five years. Chie Kelly, 52, took the pictures of the creature from Scottish folklore half a decade ago but did not share them out of fear of public ridicule. The first 15 images were revealed last year and now The Cryptid Factor podcast has released and analysed all 71 frames. It hoped that the photographs taken by Ms Kelly, who works as a translator, would spark debate in investigators around the world. The images have been put into a video and appear to show something moving across the loch in the Highlands. Despite many images of the so-called monster - including a famous photograph taken in 1934 by Colonel Robert Kenneth Wilson - proven to be fakes, it has not stopped tourists flocking to the area each year in hope of seeing the mythical beast. An expert has revealed that people didn't heed doctor's warnings to wear protective glasses when looking at the sun during Monday's solar eclipse. One New Jersey ophthalmologist said he's received an influx of patient visits and phone calls from people complaining about eye pain after viewing the celestial event. Dr. Jeffrey Dello Russo, an ophthalmologist and LASIK eye surgeon at Dello Russo Laser Vision/New Jersey Eye Center, told DailyMail.com that he's spoken with approximately 25 patients who damaged their eyes during the eclipse. The solar eclipse stretched across the US on Monday and one doctor said he's already received 25 calls and visits from patients complaining of eye damage Dr. Jeffrey Dello Russo said he saw people in New York City viewing the solar eclipse without protective glasses and warned that extensive damage could be done from just a few seconds of looking at the sun Dello Russo confirmed that some of his patients, about three to four people, had some difficulties with their color vision and had admitted to glancing at the eclipse without the protective glasses. 'A couple people admitted they didn't wear the solar eclipse glasses at all, some misunderstood or tried with sunglasses, and some said they shared glasses with others.' Thankfully, no kids have been affected, Dello Russo said, adding that it is scary how much damage could be done just by glancing at the eclipse for a few seconds. The solar eclipse was viewed by people from across the country and Dello Russo said fortunately no one he has spoken with has had lasting damage to their eyes. This picture shows a couple watching the eclipse from The Hub bar in Allen, Texas Dello Russo confirmed that he hasn't seen any children who's eyes were damaged by the solar eclipse Dr. Jeffrey Dello Russo is an ophthalmologist at New Jersey Eye Center 'One of the key things beyond irritation and discomfort, one of the main worries, is solar retinopathy,' Dello Russo said. This is when damage occurs to the rods and cones in the back of the eye area which can cause color distortion and blindness. 'There are no pain receptors when staring at the solar eclipse,' he said, 'so long-term damage could occur.' Staring at the eclipse with the naked eye can cause minor damage like irritation and blurred vision called photokeratitis, which Dello Russo described as 'almost like getting a sunburn on your retina,' which will heal on its own. READ MORE: Dozens of social media users claim looking at 2024s solar eclipse left them with sore eyes Fact-box text Eye doctors and NASA experts warn eclipse damage to vision is permanent Advertisement The last solar eclipse that could be seen from the US was in 2017 but had a much smaller path of totality and could be seen in mostly rural areas. At the time, Dello Russo said there were about 100 cases of people who experienced total vision loss from looking at the solar eclipse without the appropriate ISO glasses. Solar eclipse glasses are only legitimate if they had an ISO marking on the inside of the frame and last month, the American Astronomical Society warned people of counterfeit and fake versions that were being sold online. For the 2024 eclipse, Dello Russo said he watched it in Brooklyn - which was outside of the path of totality - and said he witnessed people staring at the sky without wearing solar eclipse glasses. He said he stopped to tell those people that it only takes a couple of seconds to cause lasting damage and said they seemed appreciative and 'everyone listened.' If anyone is experiencing symptoms that could be related to viewing the solar eclipse, Dello Russo urged people to get it checked immediately. 'It's a great excuse to get an eye exam anyway,' he said, 'but if you are experiencing any symptoms go to a doctor right away.' Charlotte the stingray's followers were left disappointed on Wednesday when a video showed she still has not given birth months after her supposed 'immaculate conception.' The Aquarium & Shark Lab in Hendersonville, North Carolina, shocked the world in February when it announced that Charlotte had gotten pregnant through parthenogenesis - a scientific term for a virgin birth. At the time, the team said she was due to give birth 'any day'. Team ECCO confirmed that Charlotte is healthy in an Instagram post released Wednesday, but did not provide additional details specifying when she is due. According to marine experts, round stingrays' gestation period usually lasts between three and four months but can last longer depending on the temperature of the water. Charlotte the stingray is at the Shark & Lab Aquarium in Hendersonville, North Carolina where experts say she is having a virgin birth The aquarium released an ultrasound of Charlotte's pup (pictured) in early March and said she was due to give birth 'any day now' The aquarium said that Charlotte was due to give birth 'any day now' in its February announcement, but has now resorted to video updates of the stingray swimming around her tank. 'She continues to be healthy and has a great appetite!' the aquarium wrote in the post last night, adding: 'She also initiates interactions with the divers and guests as seen in this video with diver Jacob!' The video shows off Charlotte's swollen belly as she swims to the diver and accepts treats from his hand. In March, Kevin Feldheim, a researcher at Chicagos Field Museum, told DailyMail.com that it's difficult to know exactly when the stingray will give birth because this is the first parthenogenesis has been documented in this species. Experts said it's possible that Charlotte could lose her babies because she became pregnant through parthenogenesis - virgin birth - because it's a 'last ditch effort' by the species to survive The temperature of the water can impact how quickly stingrays give birth, and if it isn't warm enough, it could result in a longer gestation period The aquarium posted an updated video of a diver sitting in the tank with Charlotte as she swims up to take treats from his hand. The post said the stingray is healthy and has a 'great appetite' Dr Christopher Lowe, a professor of marine biology and director of the Shark Lab at California State University agreed that parthenogenesis was the most likely explanation and occurs when a stingray is in isolation for so long that it effectively clones itself. READ MORE: Social media erupts with memes about Charlotte the virgin stingray Memes aren't in short supply with some people posting on social media that Charlotte 'might just be chubby' as they react to her supposed 'immaculate conception.' Advertisement The aquarium previously said Charlotte was pregnant with up to four pups and released an ultrasound video last month. People quickly observed that it appeared there was only one baby, not four, but there was a possibility that the stingray might now make it to full-term. Because Charlotte conceived through parthenogenesis, it is 'probable that the embryos wouldnt survive, as this extremely rare form of reproduction,' Lowe previously told DailyMail.com. 'Cloning is essentially a 'last ditch effort' for species survival in situations where mates arent available,' he added. The aquarium has been relatively tight-lipped about Charlotte's pregnancy - aside from periodic social media posts - but Feldheim said the head of team ECCO told him earlier this month that the pregnancy is going well. 'Most species have a bit of variation when it comes to gestational period, so I guess Charlotte is just a little late is all,' he said. There could be a secondary explanation to Charlotte's drawn-out pregnancy, according to Lowe, who said: 'Rays are capable of something known as embryonic diapause, where the embryos cease development until conditions are more suitable.' He used the examples that the embryo could pause its development until the female has better nutrition for it to continue growing or if it's too cold to for it to develop in the womb. 'This can stretch out gestation to periods longer than normal,' he said. Married At First Sight groom Timothy Smith has been filmed laughing at a promo clip for A Current Affair's report on his drug smuggler past. As reported by the Channel Nine program on Tuesday night, Timothy, 52, was caught using a helicopter to smuggle large amounts of marijuana from Canada and the United States 17 years ago. A day before the special went to air, Timothy attended a viewing party for the Married At First Sight reunion special alongside co-star Andrea Thompson. In a video exclusively obtained by Daily Mail Australia, Timothy can be seen reacting to a short advertisement for the upcoming A Current Affair report. 'Which former groom was a jailbird and drug-runner?' a booming voice over plays as a silhouette of a prisoner flashes on screen. Married At First Sight groom Timothy Smith has been filmed laughing at a promo clip for A Current Affair's report on his drug smuggler past. The camera then pans to Timothy, who is seen smiling and covering his mouth with his hands while sitting next to co-star Andrea Thompson. 'F**k... me!' he exclaimed with a grin. During his appearance on A Current Affair, an emotional Timothy expressed his regrets after being caught using a helicopter to smuggle marijuana. Timothy is seen smiling as a promo for the episode flashes on screen, before exclaiming: 'F**k me!" 'I was a helicopter pilot in North America that did something really stupid,' he said, revealing he was paid to take flying lessons for the purpose of trafficking. 'It's something I'm not proud of. I'm definitely not proud of it, but it doesn't define who I am and I'm not the same person I was 17 years ago.' Timothy said he would make $100,000 per trip across the border flying a helicopter full of marijuana. During his appearance on A Current Affair, an emotional Timothy expressed his regrets after getting caught using a helicopter to smuggle marijuana 'I would take off from a little unmanned airport and I would fly up a valley into a creek where I would meet a four wheel drive... within a minute, the helicopter would be loaded,' he said. Timothy was caught by police in Los Angeles when he returned to the country after visiting his sick mother in Australia. The groom was sentenced for 'trafficking marijuana over an international border' in 2006, but they 'tacked on 4 or 6 months in immigration'. The groom was sentenced for 'trafficking marijuana over an international border' in 2006, but they 'tacked on 4 or 6 months in immigration' Despite spending his days locked up beside hardened criminals, the real punishment came when his mother and younger brother Dave died while he was in prison. An emotional Timothy said Dave called him during the start of his sentence and said: '"Don't let anyone mess with you" and "I'll be there when you get out", but he wasn't.' Tragedy struck mid-way through Timothy's sentence when his mother died of cancer and his brother died by suicide just a few months after her death. Timothy said he did not tell producers on MAFS he was a convicted drug smuggler when applying for the show. The groom was paired up with fan favourite Lucinda Light during his stint on MAFS this year, but they broke up following a disastrous homestay visit in Melbourne. The pair called time on their marriage at the following commitment ceremony, with Timothy acknowledging his lacklustre effort to the experts. 'I didn't go into homestay with the best attitude,' he said at the time, before admitting he found deep emotional exploration 'uncomfortable' and 'overwhelming'. Despite their romance not working out, Timothy and Lucinda have maintained a close friendship ever since the cameras stopped rolling. The former on-screen couple have been seen on nights out together, while Lucinda recently gushed over how 'glad' she is to have Timothy as a 'dear friend'. PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi to address rallies in Rajasthan today Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, will address a Vijay Shankhnad Rally in Karauli, supporting BJP candidate Indu Devi Jatav. Rahul Gandhi, on the same day, will be addressing rallies in western Rajasthans Anupgarh and Phalodi towns, under Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. PM Modi will be in Rajasthan on Friday as well. He will address a rally in Barmer and will take out a roadshow in Dausa. This time, BJP has fielded a woman leader from the Karauli-Dholpur seat by cancelling the ticket of sitting MP Manoj Rajoria. PM Modi is focussing on women leadership too, and hence comes his visit to Karauli to support Indu Devi Jatav. BJP won this seat in 2019 by a margin of around 98,000 votes. In last year's Assembly elections, BJP got less votes than Congress for total eight Assembly seats of this Lok Sabha constituency. While Congress got a vote share of 6,00,640 (41.28 per cent), BJP got 5,79,801 votes (39.85 per cent). So, PM Modis meeting comes as a part of increasing the vote share on this seat, said party sources. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi will address his rallies in Anupgarh under Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency and Phalodi Jodhpur seat on Thursday. Both Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha seats have been won by BJP for two consecutive terms. Jodhpur is considered as the stronghold of former CM Ashok Gehlot, but in the Assembly elections, BJP got a higher number of votes than Congress which numbered around 1.23 lakh in the eight Assembly seats here. Similarly, in the eight seats of Bikaner Lok Sabha, Congress got less votes than BJP which was around 60,000 votes in the Assembly elections. This time the party has fielded new candidates in Jodhpur and Bikaner. So the focus of Congress will be to increase its vote per cent on these two seats, said party sources. Congress has fielded Govind Ram Meghwal from Bikaner and Karan Singh Uchiyarda from Jodhpur. Big Brother star Katie Williams has given fans an update on her upcoming wedding. The former Big Brother Australia star, 29, confirmed her engagement to makeup artist Georgia Hull in a gushing series of Instagram posts in February. And on Wednesday, the couple returned to Instagram to update their followers on the upcoming ceremony. '@katiewilliams and I have been busy trying to plan our own wedding (no date locked in as of yet) but getting the feelers out there on vendors, location, budgets and logistics,' Hull wrote on her Instagram stories. Meanwhile, Williams revealed that the 'non traditional' wedding will take place across two days within the next 12 months. Big Brother star Katie Williams, 29, (left) has given fans an update on her upcoming wedding to makeup artist Georgia Hull (right) 'Two brides. Two rings. Two days. A non traditional WEDDING in potentially less than 12 months,' the Big Brother star captioned alongside a photo of their engagement. The loved up couple also asked their friends and fans for recommendations and tips for their ceremony. Williams shared a video to Instagram in February announcing the engagement, showing her hand sporting an eye-popping engagement ring while holding a glass of Champagne. Williams revealed that the 'non traditional' wedding will take place across two days within the next 12 months The couple spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia about the special day and how Williams managed to surprise Hull with a gorgeous sunset beach proposal. Williams said her new fiancee - who is her first girlfriend - has 'changed her life forever' and although she didn't think she'd be marrying a woman a few years ago, she has 'never been happier.' 'I don't identify with labels, I'm just in love with my person and it feels really beautiful that we're getting married and can have this future together,' she said. 'It's definitely different, a few years ago, I never would have thought that I would be proposing to a girl, I thought my future was with men, but I've never been happier in my life and I've never been more in love in my life - this is my love.' The former Big Brother Australia star confirmed her engagement in a gushing series of Instagram posts in February Katie said she pulled off the very elaborate surprise proposal by telling makeup artist Georgia she had booked them a Valentine's Day-themed job. Katie said she secretly set up the setting complete with candles and flowers at Tamarama Beach, where they went on walks for most of their first dates during the Covid pandemic. 'The only way to fool her, because she's so busy all the time and works seven days a week, so the only time to catch her off-guard and get two days away was to pretend it was work,' Katie said. 'It worked very well and we ended up booking this gorgeous accommodation, it was absolutely perfect. She had no idea.' Williams shared a video to Instagram in February announcing the engagement showing Hull's hand sporting an eye-popping engagement ring while holding a glass of Champagne 'I wanted to do a sunset proposal on the beach, in the East somewhere around Bondi. She thought it was a job and I had cameras and a videographer, and she got the shock of her life because she thought it was a Valentine's Day job.' Hull admitted she was completely stunned by the proposal because even though they had discussed engagement rings, she hadn't expected Katie to get down on one knee that day. 'She really, really got me so good. I didn't think it was going to happen for another six months. We had been talking about rings and she was saying that she couldn't find anything that I liked,' Georgia said. Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent cradled her blossoming baby bump in a wrap dress as she shared her gratitude for her sperm bank Wednesday. She announced her latest pregnancy last month, posting a heart-melting snap of her three-year-old daughter Ocean beaming up at her burgeoning belly. Lala is still locked in a rancorous custody battle with Ocean's father, movie producer Randall Emmett, more than two years after their split. Bruised by her experiences and determined not to 'share my child again,' Lala opted for artificial insemination with a sperm donor. Now, after announcing the sex of the baby at a gender reveal party, Lala posted a glowing Instagram message thanking California Cryobank Sperm Bank. Vanderpump Rules star Lala Kent cradled her blossoming baby bump in a wrap dress as she shared her gratitude for her sperm bank Wednesday 'Now that I have revealed Im having a baby girl, seen her sweet little profile and my bump is bumpin, Im feeling an overwhelming amount of love & gratitude. This journey has been incredibly empowering & Im so thankful for the outpour of support,' the blonde reality star gushed. 'Im really happy I get to share this time in my life with you all. Thank you @cryobank for helping me grow my pod and making my baby dreams come true in my own way, on my own terms.' The post was accompanied by a picture of Lala in a gleaming silver maternity wrap dress, teamed stylishly with a pair of snakeskin print boots. One day earlier, she posted a sweet video from her gender reveal party showing the exact moment she discovered she was having a daughter. Her brother Easton Burningham sliced into a vanilla cake and excitedly announced to the room that the frosting inside was pink. 'It's pink?' Lala said in shock, before leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the inside of the cake and then shrieking joyfully when she confirmed the news. The party included Lala's mother Lisa Burningham, as well as friends including her former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder. She previously explained on Amazon Live: 'I did not pick the gender because I did IUI [Intrauterine insemination], which is where my eggs stay inside my body.' She announced her latest pregnancy last month, posting a heart-melting snap of her three-year-old daughter Ocean beaming up at her burgeoning belly Lala said: 'I went to a doctor, they put a little tube up there with the goods and I get what I get, so I didn't get embryos created like they do with IVF [in vitro fertilization].' She recently threw a birthday party for little Ocean and welcomed her old Vanderpump Rules co-stars Stassi, Katie Maloney and Scheana Shay. Stassi and her husband Beau Clark brought their three-year-old daughter Hartford, while Scheana and her husband Brock Davies arrived at the party with their two-year-old daughter Summer, ensuring the birthday girl had company her own age. Lala also invited Ambyr Childers - Randall's ex-wife - as well as Ambyr and Randall's daughters London and Rylee, who are Ocean's half-sisters. In a recent Amazon Live appearance, Lala shed some light on why she conceived via artificial insemination rather than doing so naturally. 'The best part about my baby daddy is that he does not exist. I have been pretty open about wanting to really have full control of - I guess not my child, but having them around me all the time,' she explained. 'I went through a really hard time with my past and just with Ocean,' she noted without mention Randall's name. 'For me, my child will never be up for grabs again.' Lala and Randall broke up in 2021 amid a swirl of allegations that he had cheated on her, and the consequent custody battle is still thundering ahead. This Tuesday, she posted a sweet video from her gender reveal party showing the exact moment she discovered she was having a daughter Her brother Easton Burningham sliced into a vanilla cake and excitedly announced to the room that the frosting inside was pink The party included Lala's mother Lisa Burningham (left), as well as friends including her former Vanderpump Rules co-star Stassi Schroeder By 2022 she was so disillusioned with the idea of co-parenting that she declared she would only have her next child with a sperm donor. 'I will not even attempt to try and do it a different way. I don't want another person involved,' she said on Scheana's podcast Scheananigans. Although there was always the chance a boyfriend could 'come into my life,' she was 'not taking a chance' on raising a child with someone else again. 'There's such a high chance of it not working out, especially where we live. Like, I am so scarred from all of this s*** that has happened in my life.' A leading Australian dentist has detailed all the work Miley Cyrus has had done over the years to achieve her Hollywood smile. In an Instagram video, Dr Sam Koh, a leading cosmetic dentist from Dental Boutique in Melbourne, explained how much the pop star's teeth have changed over the years. He said before she got porcelain veneers, Cyrus had a gummy smile full of 'short and square' teeth. 'Over the years they have corrected that with gum recontouring. They raised the gum up to make the teeth appear longer and taller. When she smiles it's not as gummy,' he claimed. 'It looks like she has had a new set of veneers, which has improved her smile. It looks a lot more harmonious, straighter and neater.' A leading Australian dentist has detailed the work Miley Cyrus has had done to achieve her Hollywood smile. She is pictured left in 2006, and right in 2024 He added that Cyrus could potentially get some more cosmetic work done to ensure her smile remains radiant. Koh has developed a reputation for reviewing the teeth of A-List celebrities. In February, Koh discussed Taylor Swift's teeth. 'It looks like she has had a set of veneers to cover up a few issues with her teeth. Her gum line was off, one side of it was lower than the other,' he said. He explained that before Cyrus got porcelain veneers, she had a gummy smile full of 'short and square' teeth 'It looks like she has had a new set of veneers, which has improved her smile. It looks a lot more harmonious, straighter and neater,' he said 'Her two eye teeth were sitting up really high. They evened up the gum levels and gave her a more harmonious smile. 'Back in 2013, she chipped her eye tooth veneer singing on stage on a microphone. She has only recently changed them over. With this new smile, she has redone every single one of her teeth. They are straighter, neater and whiter.' Koh added the skilled work ensured Taylor always looked her best when beaming for the cameras and said the end result received a 'big tick' from him. Bravo's fan convention BravoCon will not be held this year. The cable TV network announced Wednesday that the annual gathering will return to Las Vegas in 2025. Bigwig Andy Cohen who, along with Bravo, is being sued by RHONY alum Leah McSweeney revealed in a video shared to X (formerly Twitter) that it will be held from November 14 to November 16 at Caesars Forum. Bravo promises that the 2025 convention is 'going to be worth the wait!' The announcement comes amid mounting lawsuits by former stars alleging workplace harassment and discrimination. However, BravoCon taking place in 2025 and the ongoing lawsuits are said to not be linked. Bravo's fan convention BravoCon will not be held this year The cable TV network announced Wednesday that the annual gathering will return to Las Vegas in 2025 We want to talk about the rumorz... #BravoCon IS RETURNING TO LAS VEGAS NOV. 14-16, 2025 and trust us, its going to be worth the wait! pic.twitter.com/XfKdk1bxlF Bravo (@BravoTV) April 10, 2024 Instead of BravoCon, there will be other opportunities in 2024 'for Bravoholics to get up close and personal with their favorite Bravo stars and celebrate their passionate fandom.' One event, titled 'Watch Party by Bravo,' is scheduled for spring and will be held in both Los Angeles and New York. Though details are slim, Bravo said that the event will offer advance screenings and sneak peeks of the network's upcoming shows. BravoCon first kicked off in New York City in 2020. The three-day event gives fans the opportunity to meet and hear from their favorite Bravo stars from shows like Vanderpump Rules and the Real Housewives franchise. Countless panels and events put on by Bravo's most popular programs are held during the convention, allowing fans to tailor their experience. Bravo boasted that the 2023 convention saw 27,000 fans descend on the Caesars Forum at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace resort along with 160 'Bravolebrities,' including major players like Ariana Madix and Kyle Richards. They also claim that a whopping 87% of convention attendees answered that they would be 'excited to come back to Las Vegas for a future BravoCon.' Based on past BravoCon, fans had the option to purchase single day passes or treat themselves to a full weekend pass. Wednesday's announcement comes amid mounting legal woes for Bravo, Cohen and several current and former Bravo stars. RHONY alum Leah McSweeney is suing the network and Cohen for alleged discrimination and a hostile work environment, and claims a 'rotted' work culture pressured cast members to consume alcohol, causing her to relapse. McSweeney appeared on two seasons of The Real Housewives of New York City in 2020-2021, and on a season of Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, which aired last year. Bigwig Andy Cohen who, along with Bravo, is being sued by RHONY alum Leah McSweeney revealed in a video shared to X (formerly Twitter ) that it will be held from November 14 to November 16 at Caesars Forum The announcement promised that the 2025 convention is 'going to be worth the wait!' Instead of BravoCon, there will be other opportunities in 2024 'for Bravoholics to get up close and personal with their favorite Bravo stars and celebrate their passionate fandom' She alleges cocaine use is rampant at the the network. She said in court docs reviewed by Page Six that Cohen 'tends to provide the Housewives with whom he uses cocaine with more favorable treatment' and strategic editing to make them look better. A rep for Cohen told Dailymail.com that 'the claims against Andy are completely false.' In a legal letter obtained by TMZ last month, Cohen's attorneys urged McSweeney to retract her 'categorically false' allegations or face a lawsuit. They also accuse McSweeney of making the explosive claim to 'just to get headlines and a quick payday.' RHONJ star Caroline Manzo is suing Bravo and claims production plied the cast of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with alcohol as they filmed the spin-off in Morocco in January 2023. According to court documents obtained by Page Six earlier this year, Manzo claims co-star Brandi Glanville 'forced her vagina against her back' and 'proceeded to mount Manzo on the couch holding Manzo down with her body, forcibly squeezed Manzo's cheeks together and thrust her tongue in Manzo's mouth, while humping her.' The documents state: 'Defendants, including Bravo, regularly ply the Real Housewives cast with alcohol, cause them to become severely intoxicated, and then direct, encourage and/or allow them to sexually harass other cast members because that is good for ratings.' 'Caroline Manzo is a victim of those harmful actions,' it added. BravoCon first kicked off in New York City in 2020; Vanderpump Rules stars Katie Maloney and Ariana Madix pictured at 2023 convention The three-day event gives fans the opportunity to meet and hear from their favorite Bravo stars from shows like Vanderpump Rules and the Real Housewives franchise; Summer House stars Carl Radke and Andrea Denver pictured at the 2023 convention Bravo boasted that the 2023 convention saw 27,000 fans descend on the Caesars Forum at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace resort along with 160 'Bravolebrities,' including major players like Ariana Madix and Kyle Richards; (L-R) Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills stars Annemarie Wiley, Dorit Kemsley, Erika Jayne and Kyle Richards pictured at the 2023 convention The announcement comes amid mounting lawsuits by former stars alleging workplace harassment and discrimination In her full statement in response to the suit at the time, a representative for Glanville told DailyMail.com: 'Sadly, Brandi had to wake up to yet another lawsuit that includes defamatory, false accusations about her. While filming, Brandi followed what the producers asked of her, and there was no sexual assault. 'She is innocent of these absurd accusations that have weighed on her mental and physical health for far too long without word of support from Peacock, Shed or Bravo.' The statement concluded: 'This painful storytelling seems endless and needs to stop. She is looking to move on and upward and get her life back.' Glanville then went on to accuse Cohen of inviting her to watch him have sex with Kate Chastain in an explosive legal letter obtained by DailyMail.com in February threatening a sexual harassment lawsuit. Cohen issued an apology via Twitter. Staying in the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip universe, a butler named Marco Vega - who worked and appeared on season two of the show - filed a lawsuit for sexual assault and harassment last year. In his lawsuit, Vega said he was 'sexually harassed and abused' while shooting the show at Dorinda Medley's Blue Stone Manor claiming he was slapped on the buttocks by Phaedra Parks and that he was 'forcibly stripped' by Glanville, who ripped his shirt off. Last week, former Vanderpump Rules star Faith Stowers filed a lawsuit against Bravo for 'racism, sexual harassment and physical assault.' According to court documents filed Friday, the reality TV personality, 35, is accusing the network of discrimination, retaliation and enabling an unsafe work environment on set. RHONJ star Caroline Manzo is suing Bravo and claims production plied the cast of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip with alcohol as they filmed the spin-off in Morocco in January 2023 According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Manzo claims co-star Brandi Glanville (pictured) 'forced her vagina against her back' and 'proceeded to mount Manzo on the couch holding Manzo down with her body, forcibly squeezed Manzo's cheeks together and thrust her tongue in Manzo's mouth, while humping her.' Glanville has repeatedly denied the allegations Glanville then went on to accuse Cohen of inviting her to watch him have sex with Kate Chastain in an explosive legal letter obtained by DailyMail.com in February threatening a lawsuit. Cohen issued an apology via Twitter In her filing, obtained by PEOPLE, Faith also named three of her former castmates Lala Kent, 33, Stassi Schroeder, 35, and Kristen Doute, 41 for harassment. DailyMail.com reached out to reps for Bravo as well as Kent, Schroeder and Doute for comment but did not hear back. In one instance, Stowers alleged Kent held a knife up to her neck and threatened to 'cut a b***h' when they were filming together at Lisa Vanderpump's SUR restaurant in an unaired scene from season four when she had just joined the cast. Stowers' suit also names Vanderpump as she claimed the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum threatened to have her fired from her namesake show if she refused to film with her alleged assailant. Stowers also named the executive producer, claiming they discouraged her from filing a police report regarding the hostile encounter with Kent. The former castmate claimed Schroeder and Doute had accused her of going AWOL from the United States Army and allegedly said she was a 'serial criminal' who drugged and robbed men in Los Angeles. She claimed Schroeder and Doute also filed a 'false' police report in 2018 listing Stowers as the assailant when 'the only similarities between Stowers and the assailant were their gender and skin color.' Stowers alleged that she was regularly taunted with racially insensitive remarks and mocked for having 'nappy hair.' Back in June 2020, Schroeder and Doute alongside Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni were axed from VPR when Stowers went on Instagram Live and vocalized these alleged incidents. She said her castmates' behavior was a 'brazen and defamatory campaign' of 'racial harassment' with the intention to 'harm' her and her credibility, and when she spoke up, she was allegedly 'warned' to 'keep quiet and play nice.' Following the scandal and subsequent firing of her former co-stars, she claimed she was then demoted to an unpaid 'volunteer' for the show's fifth season. RHONY alum Leah McSweeney is suing the network and Cohen for alleged discrimination and a hostile work environment, and claims a 'rotted' work culture pressured cast members to consume alcohol, causing her to relapse Former Vanderpump Rules star Rachel Leviss who was at the heart of last year's 'Scandoval' filed a lawsuit against former castmates Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for 'revenge porn, eavesdropping and invasion of privacy'; (L-R) Sandoval, Madix and Leviss seen in 2022 Additionally, she noted that for the prior season she was only paid $5,000 a noticeably smaller sum compared to her counterparts' earnings. Another former Vanderpump Rules star Rachel Leviss who was at the heart of last year's 'Scandoval' filed a lawsuit in February against VPR stars Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix for 'revenge porn, eavesdropping and invasion of privacy.' Leviss engaged in a months-long affair with Sandoval that sparked the end of his nine-year relationship with Madix last year. The fallout was captured on camera and both Leviss and Sandoval were heavily shamed by viewers and castmates alike. 'Scandoval' captured the public's attention in a massive way, went completely viral, and injected new life into Vanderpump Rules,' Leviss' complaint, obtained by DailyMail.com, reads. 'It also caused mayhem in Leviss's life, culminating in months-long in-patient treatment at a mental health facility and her departure from the show. Fomented by Bravo and Evolution in conjunction with the cast, Leviss was subjected to a public skewering with little precedent and became, without exaggeration, one of the most hated women in America.' Last year, it was revealed that Leviss had an intimate FaceTime conversation with Sandoval that was allegedly recorded without her knowledge. During an interview with Bethenny Frankel in August, Leviss accused Sandoval of recording the video chat. Bravo, NBCUniversal, Andy Cohen, and producers who work on Vanderpump Rules were not named in the lawsuit, however they are frequently mentioned. Roxy Jacenko has shared a video of herself getting bossed around by her son Hunter on Wednesday after taking him to her office for the day. Despite being just 10 years old, the PR guru's son gleefully ordered his mother around as he visited the headquarters of her influencer management agency The Ministry of Talent. 'Meeting is cancelled, I have too much of a big day, I am too busy and tired to speak to my company, not today,' Hunter demanded in one Instagram Story clip. 'You're not the boss, I make the rules here,' he continued. The mother-of-two, 44, who is based in Singapore with her family, also posted a video of a 'team meeting' led by Hunter to her Instagram page, captioning it: 'Its tricky working with family, right?' Roxy Jacenko, 44, has shared a video of herself getting bossed around by her son Hunter, ten, on Wednesday after taking him to her office for the day Friends and fans took to social media to share their amusement. 'That kid was born to rule,' one user wrote. 'Wow this kid is savage front page of The Sun in a few years I can imagine,' another joked. 'Thats CEO of the year right there,' a follower joked alongside several laughing emojis. The PR guru's son gleefully ordered his mother around as he visited the headquarters of her influencer management agency The Ministry of Talent It comes after it emerged that Jancenko is set to appear in a special episode of Seven's Spotlight that takes a hard look at Hollywood's slimming drug Ozempic. A new trailer for the show reveals the PR queen overdosed after taking the controversial medication. 'I genuinely thought I was going die,' Roxy admits in the preview. Scheduled to air on Sunday, the Spotlight program will feature experts discussing whether Ozempic, originally issued as medication for diabetics, could be the answer to obesity. The mother-of-two, 44, who is based in Singapore with her family, also posted a video of a 'team meeting' led by Hunter to her Instagram page, captioning it: 'Its tricky working with family, right?' Stacey Solomon has revealed that her husband Joe Swash has given her a very unflattering nickname on her new Channel 4 show. The presenter, 34, has bagged herself a new DIY show called Stacey Solomon's Renovation Rescues, which aired its first episode on Wednesday night. The series sees Stacey come to the aid of homeowners who have been left high and dry by builders who have abandoned their projects. She helps families sort out the mess they're in and learn the skills such as painting, decorating, basic plumbing and building work needed to do it themselves and claw back costs. During the first show, Stacey explained how she wanted to transform the garage at Pickle Cottage into a gym for her to work out. Stacey Solomon has revealed that her husband Joe Swash has given her a very unflattering nickname on her new Channel 4 show The presenter, 34, has bagged herself a new DIY show called Stacey Solomon's Renovation Rescues, which aired its first episode on Wednesday night The series sees Stacey come to the aid of homeowners who have been left high and dry by builders who have abandoned their projects Joe, 42, couldn't resist popping in to check on his wife's plans for the area, fearing she wouldn't leave him any space for his prized fishing gear. The mother-of-five explained that she planned to build a wall to act as a partition, so that both of them could have their own separate areas. However, the actor wasn't all that fond of the idea, quipping: 'Don't make me go get Nick Knowles!' and came up with a new rude nickname for Stacey to show his displeasure. Stacey explained to the cameras: 'Joe keeps calling me Donald Trump and saying that I'm just going around building walls. 'But once I know how to do this, trust me I'm going to split out bedroom in half, I'm couldn't to have my own bit of the toilet!' Donald Trump infamously pushed for a wall to be erected on the Mexico and United States border during his 2016 presidential campaign. Elsewhere in the episode, Stacey went to help Caroline and Erik, who had hoped to renovate their bungalow in Enfield into their dream home. However, a slew of costly mistakes had left the couple devastated and on the brink of having to re-mortgage their house and borrow money from family to get the renovation completed. During the first show, Stacey explained how she wanted to transform the garage at Pickle Cottage into a workout space Joe, 42, couldn't resist popping in to check on his wife's plans for the area, fearing she wouldn't leave him any space for his prized fishing gear The mother-of-five explained that she planned to build a wall to act as a partition, so that both of them could have their own separate areas However, the actor wasn't all that fond of the idea and came up with a new rude nickname for Stacey to show his displeasure Donald Trump infamously pushed for a wall to be erected on the Mexico and United States border during his 2016 presidential campaign (pictured last month) Stacey got stuck in immediately with a number of ideas to save some cash, helping them panel a feature wall with a secret door, saving them from forking out 6,000 on bi-fold doors. The Loose Women star also persuaded Caroline and Erik to keep windows in the hallway, to give the entryway light and save some extra cash. The couple ended up managing to finish the re-build at 5,000 under budget thanks to Stacey's help and couldn't help but beam with joy. Renovation Rescues has already been commissioned for a second series and is produced by none other than Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine company. Stacey previously admitted she was stunned that the Hollywood star, 48, had wanted to work with her. Speaking to the Mail's Weekend magazine, she gushed: 'Oh my God, what an amazing feeling to be asked. 'I was genuinely like, "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. Well, they would have had to, I guess, to know anything about me.' Elsewhere in the episode, Stacey went to help Caroline and Erik, who had hoped to renovate their bungalow in Enfield into their dream home However, a slew of costly mistakes had left the couple devastated and on the brink of having to re-mortgage their house and borrow money from family to get the renovation completed Stacey got stuck in immediately with a number of ideas to save some cash, helping them panel a feature wall with a secret door, saving them from forking out 6,000 on bi-fold doors The couple ended up managing to finish the re-build at 5,000 under budget thanks to Stacey's help and couldn't help but beam with joy Stacey also has another award-winning DIY show Sort Your Life Out which has run for four series on the BBC and recently won an award. Discussing the new show, she said that she loved helping those in need and that through doing so she had learned as well. She explained: 'I have learned what really makes a home a home by making this show. The people I meet are in horrendous situations and the thing that's holding them together isn't what's on the walls, how pretty or tidy things look, it's who they are as a unit. 'We definitely help them out the other side, but ultimately they are still surviving and still there for each other. That's what really matters in the end.' Stacey admitted: 'I want to cry with them. They've been done over by somebody they really trusted. 'It's a big shock to their system and a trauma that makes them feel like this can happen everywhere in their life. I tell them, "I totally understand why you're so nervous about doing this again, you've been through such a horrible time." 'I watch the tension come out of their shoulders: finally someone is listening to them, they're being understood and validated. They don't feel like idiots any more.' Stacey previously admitted she was stunned that the Hollywood star, 48, had wanted to work with her Renovation Rescues has already been commissioned for a second series and is produced by none other than Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine company (Reese pictured in February) Anton Danyluk linked arms with co-star Hannah Elizabeth as they headed for dinner at Sheesh in Mayfair on Wednesday amid rumours he's split from Georgia Harrison. The Love Island star, 29, was in good spirits as he was pictured departing a London hotel with the model, 34, for a 'date night'. Anton cut a dapper figure in a tweed blazer which he wore over a black T-shirt and smart trousers. While Hannah looked glamorous in a beige long sleeved bodysuit which she teamed with coordinated skinning trousers. The blonde bombshell showed off her sensational figure in the number and elevated her frame in a pair of gold heels. Anton Danyluk linked arms with co-star Hannah Elizabeth as they headed for dinner at Sheesh in Mayfair on Wednesday amid rumours he's split from Georgia Harrison The Love Island star, 29, was in good spirits as he was pictured departing a London hotel with the model, 34, for the night out The pair, who grew close in the Love Island All Stars South African villa, were joined for the outing by Anton's mum. The Scotsman has fueled split rumours from girlfriend Georgia as he enjoyed a solo night out with their co-star Hannah. Taking to Instagram, Hannah also shared a playful video in which Anton said: 'Reunited with the wifey! The wife, it's date night tonight you know, I can't wait.' In another picture, Hannah snapped a photo of Anton sat opposite her at the dinner table and wrote: 'Date night @anton_danyluk'. Although nothing romantic ever came of the pair, Anton and Hannah vowed to support one another throughout their time on the show after finding each other in a friendship couple more than once. Despite Anton and Georgia enjoying public dates since landing back in the UK, some ITV viewers have been left unconvinced they are the real deal. Georgia and Anton finished in fifth place during the Love Island All Stars final last month, but viewers were left questioning whether they were genuine. The pair had a number of ups and downs in the South African villa, which caused fans to think she would 'dump him' soon after leaving. While Hannah looked glamorous in a beige long sleeved bodysuit which she teamed with coordinated skinning trousers Anton cut a dapper figure in a tweed blazer which he wore over a black T-shirt and trousers The pair, who grew close in the Love Island All Stars South African villa, were joined for the outing by Antons mum The Scotsman has fueled split rumours from girlfriend Georgia (pictured in March) as he enjoyed a solo night out with their co-star Hannah Taking to Instagram, Hannah shared picture of Anton sat opposite her at the dinner table and wrote: 'Date night @anton_danyluk' Georgia later responded to a negative comment on social media which read: 'I have milk that has a longer shelf life than this relationship'. She hit back: 'I heard everlasting milk was back in fashion.' Georgia has also addressed concerns from fans about her wellbeing during the live final after viewers of the ITV2 reality show picked up on Georgia's 'awkward' finale chat with Anton, insisting she was just 'nervous' during the final. Georgia wrote: 'If I'm being honest the last week was really challenging for me and I was nervous at the final with such a big crowd and also the ex Islanders who had recently voiced strong opinions on me and Anton as a couple.' She was referring to an episode of the show where the ex-Islanders came back into the villa to share their judgements on the couples. The Islanders had to vote for who they thought the least compatible couple was and Georgia and Anton narrowly avoided being dumped as Arabella Chi and Adam Maxted were ultimately sent home. During her statement, Georgia continued: 'I couldn't hide my apprehension but I can assure you I am very happy and looking forward to the future and appreciate him supporting me through my nerves.' Get all Daily Mail Australia's latest MAFS stories on WhatsApp here Married At First Sight fan favourite Lucinda Light caused a commotion at a hotel in the UK last week when she accidentally setting off a hotel fire alarm while 'saging' her room. Saging, sometimes called 'smudging', involves the burning of a bundle of sage to spiritually 'cleanse' a space before inhabiting it. The entire building was forced to evacuate at 6am after the alarm went off. Fellow MAFS 2024 participant Eden Harper shared a TikTok video of Lucinda's slip-up, which happened around 6am on a Sunday while the cast was in Skye, UK. In Eden's video, the groggy MAFS cast gathered in the lobby as the fire alarm blasted while Lucinda could also be seen chatting with her castmates without a care in the world. Married At First Sight fan favourite Lucinda Light caused a commotion at a hotel in the UK last week when she accidentally setting off a hotel fire alarm while saging her room Fellow MAFS 2024 participant Eden Harper shared a TikTok video of Lucinda's slip-up, which happened around 6am on a Sunday while the cast was in Skye, UK In the caption, Eden wrote: 'On a random Sunday morning in Skye, Lucinda Light saged her room and set the fire alarm off at 6am, waking and evacuating the whole building.' The MAFS bride capped off her update with a skull and a laughing face emoji. Eden's followers found the situation hilarious. In Eden's video, the groggy MAFS cast gathered in the lobby as the fire alarm blasted while Lucinda could also be seen chatting with her castmates without a care in the world 'I live for Lucinda,' wrote one, while another said: 'The most Lucinda thing to ever happen.' 'The way she's happily chatting away as if nothing's happened,' another TikTok user observed. 'Only Lucinda would be using sage in her hotel,' remarked another followed by several laughing emoji. Eden's followers found the situation hilarious, with one writing: 'I live for Lucinda' 'Just when I thought I couldn't love Lucinda more,' wrote one more. Someone else praised Lucinda's sprituality: 'She cleared ALLL the bad energy out lol.' Lucinda quickly became a fan favourite on the recent season of the popular reality show thanks to her 'authenticity' and 'positivity'. She was paired with Timothy Smith, 51, and though their romance did not work out, they have maintained a close friendship ever since the cameras stopped rolling. The former on-screen couple have been seen on nights out together, while Lucinda recently gushed over how 'glad' she is to have Timothy as a 'dear friend'. On the reunion special last Sunday, Lucinda and Timothy revealed they had continued to forge their bond after leaving the show. Lucinda then closed the reunion as she declared: 'I've got the perfect husband for me. This fella is a total spunk'. A Byron Bay native, Lucinda boasts 182,000 Instagram followers, close to 100,000 more than the other contestants. According to Yahoo Lifestyle, major podcast networks are currently competing to sign her exclusively for her own show post-experiment, while several voiceover agencies are also interested in signing her as an audiobook narrator. The publication notes that 'there is also talk of future TV work with the Nine Network - who have dubbed her as this year's 'breakout participant'. Kate Beckinsale left her fans scratching their heads in recent days after she completely wiped her Instagram page of evidence of her recent hospital stay. Fans noticed that photos from recent weeks showing the actress in a hospital and wearing a medical gown had been suddenly deleted from her page without explanation. She also appeared to have limited comments on her posts, though the timing was unclear. Beckinsale, 50, has been suffering from an undisclosed illness over the past month, and she has avoided responding to her followers' questions about her condition. The actress who shared her heartbreak over the death of her beloved stepfather Roy Battersby in January first shared that she was having health issues on March 11, which is Mother's Day in the UK. Kate Beckinsale, 50, left her fans scratching their heads in recent days after she completely wiped her Instagram page of evidence of her recent hospital stay; seen in Cap d'Antibes, France, in May 2023 Fans noticed that photos from recent weeks showing the actress in a hospital and wearing a medical gown had been suddenly deleted from her page without explanation Beckinsale has been suffering from an undisclosed illness over the past month, and she has avoided responding to her followers' questions about her condition Beckinsale looked somber while sitting in a hospital bed and wearing a gown and an enormous black bow on her head. 'Thank you to those that love us and support us when its s*** and try to make sure there are some bits that arent,' she captioned the post, via Page Six. 'And for looking after our dogs when we cant, and lead us to remember happy things when we cant. And turn up when we are sick and sit with us . . And send balloons and check in and pull us out of wells with love.' Although the photos highlighted her hospital stay, the post paid tribute to her actress mother Judy Loe, 77, for the holiday. Several of Beckinsale's fans took to the comment section with well wishes, while others inquired about how she was feeling, but she didn't appear to have replied to any of the queries. The Love & Friendship star's subsequent posts from the hospital were more upbeat. A day later she shared a photo of herself in a fuzzy pink cardigan as she rested on her side while cuddling with her fluffy white cat Willow, whom she labeled a 'visitor.' On March 13, she wore what looked like pajamas decorated with dogs as she showed off a soft smile and held her Pomeranian Myf in her lap. After first looking somber in a hospital gown while wearing a large bow on her head on March 11 UK Mother's Day she shared a cute photo of her with her cat Willow the following day On March 13, she wore what looked like pajamas decorated with dogs as she showed off a soft smile and held her Pomeranian Myf in her lap Beckinsale made it clear that she had support from human visitors as well when she shared a fun hospital post featuring her pal Jonathan Voluck on April 6 Beckinsale made it clear that she had support from human visitors as well when she shared a fun hospital post featuring her pal Jonathan Voluck on April 6. She showed off a winning smile in a funny snap of herself and Voluck in which they both wore a conjoined pillow-like hat in the shape of a peanut. The Last Days Of Disco star has also shared photos of friends and family dropping by the hospital to spend time with her. Nearly a month after the hospital photos began appearing, on April 10 Easter Beckinsale posted a photo of herself in black pants decorated with white bow tie designs and fuzzy white socks with cute embroidery and little white ears designed to look like rabbit faces. 'Happy Easter,' she captioned the post, including emojis of rabbits and a hatching chick. However, it wasn't clear from the angle if she was in the same hospital bed or room. The screen star also didn't clarify if she had been hospitalized non-stop since her March photos, or if she had gone home in the meantime. Some of Beckinsale's famous friends were also out of the loop. 'Whats wrong!!!' Gwen Stefani commented, while Rebel Wilson's fiancee Ramona Agruma wrote, 'Get well darling,' according to Page Six. Fans also noticed that she Beckinsale had limited comments on all of her Instagram posts, though the timing is unclear. However, a post from December 31 of last year which featured an array of photos depicting a difficult 2023 included a comment referencing the stripped hospital photos. Nearly a month after the hospital photos began appearing, on April 10 Easter Beckinsale posted a photo of herself in fun rabbit-themed socks A comment on an unrelated post from Tuesday night referenced the missing hospital photos, suggesting that Beckinsale limited comments sometime after that Beckinsale has been open on social media about her grief in recent months following the death of her stepfather Roy Battersby (center) in January; pictured with mother Judy Loe 'No all your hospital pics are down hope you are okay sending [praise hands and dove emoji],' the user commented on Tuesday evening, so Beckinsale likely disabled her comments sometime after that. Beckinsale has been open on social media about her grief in recent months following the death of her stepfather Roy Battersby in January. Later that month she shared her fury at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts when she received a curt emailing reply informing her that the BAFTA ceremony might not be able to include him in its In Memoriam segment, despite the fact that he was awarded the organization's Alan Clarke award in 1996. Despite her public communications, Battersby was left out of the In Memoriam segment at the ceremony in February. Chrissy Teigen sizzled up a storm on Wednesday, wearing one of her raciest looks to date while attending the City Harvest 'Magic of Motown' benefit gala in New York. The model, 38, slipped into a very sheer cheetah-print maxi dress underneath which she went braless. Her see-through spaghetti strap dress featured long black satin bows that cascaded down her arms. Chrissy who stunned in a bridal white gown the day prior was joined by her husband John Legend, 45, at the star-studded event, which took place at Cipriani 42nd Street. The benefit gala is an annual fundraising event hosted by City Harvest. The organization focused on food rescue and fighting hunger brings together celebrities, influencers, and NYC's high profile individuals for the evening, as they honor those who significantly contribute to City Harvest's cause. Chrissy Teigen, 38, sizzled up a storm on Wednesday, wearing one of her raciest looks to date while attending the City Harvest 'Magic of Motown' benefit gala in New York The model slipped into a very sheer cheetah-print maxi dress underneath which she went braless She was joined by her husband John Legend, 45, at the star-studded event, which took place at Cipriani 42nd Street The mom-of-four wore her brunette locks in a chic updo, with just a few strands left to frame her face. She accessorized with a simple black clutch and chunky gold bangles. As for glam, Chrissy accentuated her features with dark eyeshadow and peachy blush. Meanwhile Legend looked dapper in a crisp black suit with dark gold embroidery. He rocked a neatly trimmed beard for the occasion. The loved-up duo have been married since 2013. The event brought together a number of A-list stars, including Richard Gere, 74, and his wife Alejandra, 41. The Pretty Woman actor, who's been married to Alejandra since 2018, looked handsome as ever in a dark suit and a blue button up shirt. Her see-through spaghetti strap dress featured long black satin bows that cascaded down her arms She accessorized with a simple black clutch and chunky gold bangles Meanwhile Legend looked dapper in a crisp black suit with dark gold embroidery The loved-up duo have been married since 2013 He rocked a neatly trimmed beard for the occasion The couple posed up a storm at the gala The good looking pair were seen making their way to the event Meanwhile she thrilled in a form-fitting black tulle gown with see-through panels. Busy Philipps, 44, was also in attendance and cut a stylish figure in a strapless black and white gown. She completed the look with hot pink heels and a yellow clutch. Real Housewives of New York City star Ubah Hassan, 40, and boyfriend Oliver Dachsel made a glamorous pair at the event. The reality TV star dazzled in a green fringe halter-neck gown, which she paired with matching pointed-toe heels. Her lustrous raven tresses were curled in bouncy locks cascading down her back. Meanwhile the German investment banker was dapper in a black suit and a striped blue shirt. Jane Krakowski, 55, put her toned legs on display in a sequin black mini skirt and heels. She teamed the chic look with a white long-sleeve shirt and a sparkling black tie. Her blonde tresses were lightly curled for the evening. French chef Eric Ripert, 59, looked handsome as ever in a black suit and tie. The event brought together a number of A-list stars, including Richard Gere, 74, and his wife Alejandra, 41 The Pretty Woman actor, who's been married to Alejandra since 2018, looked handsome as ever in a dark suit and a blue button up shirt Meanwhile she thrilled in a form-fitting black tulle gown with see-through panels Busy Philipps, 44, was also in attendance and cut a stylish figure in a strapless black and white gown. She completed the look with hot pink heels and a yellow clutch She waved while arriving to the event Real Housewives of New York City star Ubah Hassan, 40, and boyfriend Oliver Dachsel made a glamorous pair on the red carpet The reality TV star dazzled in a green fringe halter-neck gown, which she paired with matching pointed-toe heels Meanwhile he looked sharp in a dark suit Jane Krakowski, 55, put her toned legs on display in a sequin black mini skirt and heels. She teamed the chic look with a white long-sleeve shirt and a sparkling black tie French chef Eric Ripert, 59, looked handsome as ever in a black suit and tie. Taye Diggs, 53, showed off his unique style in a dark suit paired with a wide-brim brown hat (L-R) Geoffrey Zakarian, Sandra Riper, Alejandra, Richard, Eric, Alexandra M. Cohen, Chrissy, Jilly Stephens and John Alejandra, Richard, and Eric were seen enjoying dinner with Jean Reno Chrissy Teigen and John Legend embrace on stage at the City Harvest Gala John Legend gives his wife Chrissy Teigen a kiss at the City Harvest Gala David Rockwell, Jane Krakowski, Sandra Ripert, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict are all smiles at the City Harvest Gala Richard Gere is spotted at the City Harvest Gala John Legend and Chrissy Teigen share a laugh at their table at the City Harvest Gala Jane Krakowski applauds at the City Harvest Gala Alejandra Gere, Richard Gere, Jean Reno and Eric Ripert pose at the CIty Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are all smiles at the City Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen rocks a leopard-print dress at the City Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen goes braless under a sheer leopard print dress at the City Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen strikes a pose at the City Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen is all smiles at the City Harvest Gala Chrissy Teigen goes braless at the City Harvest Gala Tayshia Adams strikes a pose at the City Harvest Gala Tayshia Adams is all smiles at the City Harvest Gala Taye Diggs, 53, showed off his unique style in a dark suit paired with a wide-brim brown hat and a red pocket square. Others at the event included Geoffrey Zakarian, Sandra Riper, Alexandra M. Cohen, Jean Reno, and Jilly Stephens. The event is the City Harvest's biggest fundraiser of the year, with money raised going towards providing meals to New Yorkers facing food insecurity. This year's theme celebrates the iconic music of Motown Records. Congress party's communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh The Congress party, reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modis Newsweek interview, described his remarks on China as "feeble and ineffective" and said that this will only encourage the dragon to assert claim on Indian territory. Congress party's communications in-charge Jairam Ramesh, taking to X said: Prime Minister had a chance to send a powerful message to China, but unfortunately, he failed to do so. Notably, PM Modi in an interview to the US-based magazine Newsweek spoke on a host of issues ranging from Indias Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, countrys growing economic might, abrogation of Article 370 and also Indias borders including China and Pakistan. PM Modi told Newsweek that the ties between India and China were crucial and that there was an urgent need to address the prolonged situation on borders to put the abnormality in bilateral interaction behind us. Congress General Secretary, taking a searing jibe, described the Newsweek interview as the one where the Prime Minister was "at his cowardly worst." About the infamous China-India border skirmishes in 2020, he said: Prime Ministers reaction is not only disgraceful but also disrespectful to our martyrs, who made supreme sacrifice in defending our borders. The clashes in Galwan valley resulted in the martyrdom of over a dozen Indian soldiers and a bigger casualty on the Chinese side. PM Modi, in a long free-wheeling interaction with Newsweek also spoke about how India being a democratic polity was the "natural choice" for multi-national companies as it offered open market and bigger opportunities. India is globally considered most suited for manufacturing world-class goods at a competitive cost. India is a perfect destination for those who want to set up trusted and resilient supply chains," PM Modi told Newsweek on whether India can emerge as an "economic alternative" to China. Todd Chrisley's lawyer says investigator Amy Doherty-Heinze might find it difficult to actually collect the $755,000 defamation judgement she received against the reality star. Jay Surgent, who is representing Chrisley, 55, told TMZ Wednesday that the reality star isn't earning any money while he's serving his prison sentence in his 2022 bank fraud and tax evasion conviction. Surgent, who was not Chrisley's counsel in the defamation case, said that Chrisley was unhappy with the ruling, and maintains 'he didn't libel or slander anyone.' The lawyer said that Chrisley 'will likely appeal the ruling,' according to the outlet. Surgent told the outlet that the reality star has 'bigger fish to fry' to the tune of a $17.2 debt he owes to the federal government in his fraud case. Todd Chrisley's lawyer says investigator Amy Doherty-Heinze might find it difficult to actually collect the $755,000 defamation judgement she received against the reality star, 55. Pictured in Nashville in January of 2023 Chrisley was unhappy with the ruling, and maintains 'he didn't libel or slander anyone,' his lawyer tolf TMZ on Wednesday Chrisley earlier this month was ordered to pay Doherty-Heinze $755,000 in damages after a judge found him guilty of defaming her by repeatedly accusing her of carrying out an 'illegal and improperly motivated' case against him. Todd and his wife, Julie Chrisley, 51, were found guilty of taking part in a $30 million tax fraud scheme in 2022, and were sentenced to 12 and seven years in custody, respectively. But the Chrisley Knows Best star's legal woes have only continued to pile up in the wake of the sentencing - with a judge now ruling that he must hand over more than $755,000 in compensatory and punitive damages, as well as legal fees, to one of the women who led the case against him. Georgia Department of Revenue investigator Amy Doherty-Heinze sued Todd for defamation in July 2021, claiming that he had wrongly accused her of 'a multitude of crimes and wrongdoing' on his podcast and social media accounts, per the Los Angeles Times. Her suit also said that he spread 'false accusations that she engaged in various criminal misconduct in her post as an investigator for the Georgia Department of Revenues Office of Special Investigations.' Back in 2020, after her agency began investigating Todd, he went on a fierce tirade against Amy on his Facebook and Instagram. He made a slew of accusations against her, including that she stole thousands of dollars from the GDOR evidence room, went to Disneyland on the taxpayers' dime, and generated false case numbers to illegally run the plates of his and family members' vehicles. He also alleged that she an extramarital affair with her then-boss, the Director of GDOR's Office of Special Investigations, Joshua Waites, and that she even made a sex tape with him and one other colleague. Georgia Department of Revenue investigator Amy Doherty-Heinze (seen) sued Todd for defamation in July 2021, after she claimed that he accused her of 'a multitude of crimes and wrongdoing' on his podcast and social media accounts Chrisley earlier this month was ordered to pay Doherty-Heinze $755,000 in damages after a judge found him guilty of defaming her by repeatedly accusing her of carrying out an 'illegal and improperly motivated' case against him. Todd, 55, and his wife, Julie Chrisley (seen in 2017), 51, were found guilty of taking part in a $30 million tax fraud scheme and sentenced to 12 and seven years respectively in 2022 In his sworn deposition, however, made in 2022 and seen by DailyMail.com, Todd was forced to admit that he did not possess any sex tape, nor could he produce any evidence to substantiate his claims that Amy was 'a crook' who had acted in any way illegally. Both she and Joshua have vehemently denied that they had an affair or made any sex tape. DailyMail.com also learned that Amy's sister works for Disneyland and provided her with free passes to the park on the day Todd claimed taxpayers footed the bill. Todd and Julie rose to fame after they began starring in the USA reality show Chrisley Knows Best in 2014. It documented their day-to-day lives alongside their children, and went on for nine seasons before it was recently canceled amid the scandal. In the series, the couple worked hard to portray the image of devoted parents and devout Christians - but they saw their picture-perfect on-screen images ripped apart when it was brought to light that they had scammed the bank by submitting fake documents when applying for loans. They were ultimately found guilty of 12 counts of conspiracy, bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Both Todd and Julie have maintained their innocence and have since launched numerous appeal against their verdicts. They have also denied Todd's former business partner Mark Braddock's shocking claims that he and Todd had an affair, branding him as a 'liar' and insisting that he fabricated 'everything' in appeal documents. In July 2023, their appeal was denied, but they quickly filed another one - their last attempt before having to turn to the Supreme Court, something their lawyer said they are certainly willing to do if needed. Back in 2020, after her agency began investigating Todd, he went on a fierce tirade against Amy on his Facebook and Instagram He made a slew of accusations, including that she stole thousands of dollars from the GDOR evidence room and generated false case numbers to illegally run the plates of his vehicles 'Todd and Julie Chrisley will take this to the Supreme Court if their appeal is denied by the 11th Circuit court. Absolutely. 100 per cent,' their lawyer, Jay, said at the time. 'If the Supreme Court agrees to hear their case, it will take anywhere from six months to 18 months. But it is very difficult to get a case there. 'And if the Supreme Court denies their appeal than that is that. They have no more options. That is how our legal system works, unfortunately.' He said his clients' eighth amendment rights were 'clearly violated' during the appeals process, and insisted that the Chrisleys' home confinement application 'wasn't even processed.' He also claimed that they are being subjected to 'cruel and unusual punishment' as a result of their unfavorable prison conditions, which they say include a lack of air conditioning, mold, and plumbing issues. Their latest appeal will be heard by the federal appeals court in Atlanta this month. After Todd and Julie were found guilty of $30 million worth of tax fraud at the end of last year, the couple was ordered to pay a $17.2 million fine - with reports at the time suggesting that they would be forced to sell their two mansions, worth a total of $9 million, in order to pay the restitution. In January 2024, it was then reported that the pair had sold their sprawling Tennessee home for a whopping $5.2 million - carrying out the sale while incarcerated. A judge ruled last week that he must give Amy over half a million dollars in compensatory and punitive damage, as well as legal fees. Part of the lawsuit is seen Both Todd and Julie have maintained their innocence and have since launched numerous appeal against their verdicts Julie will now serve five and a half years in Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky (left), while Todd will serve out 10 years in a federal prison in Pensacola, Florida (right) The pair have had at least one piece of positive news however. Last fall, it was revealed that they had their sentences reduced; Julie will now serve five and a half years in Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky, while Todd will serve out 10 years in a federal prison in Pensacola, Florida. Earlier this year, the couple secured a $1 million settlement from the state of Georgia after alleging misconduct in the investigation into their tax evasion scheme. The Chrisleys filed a suit against Joshua in October 2019, accusing him of illegally sharing confidential grand jury and tax information with their estranged daughter Lindsie. The suit also alleged that Joshua's behavior was a 'shocking' demonstration of how an 'out-of-control public servant can abuse his office and violate the rights of innocent citizens for reasons that have more to do with securing publicity and money for his office than with enforcing the law.' An investigation in 2021 found the couple had been 'unfairly targeted' in their tax evasion case due to their celebrity status. The investigation uncovered pictures of the investigator posing on Todd and Julie's seized furniture and filing an improper request with the US Treasury to access their bank accounts. Joshua resigned from his $107,000-a-year position last year after lying about having a degree in criminal justice. Ariana Grande warmly held hands with their Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo as they teased their upcoming movie at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The shoot was eclipsed by scandal when it emerged Ariana was having an affair with her married castmate Ethan Slater, who has now left his wife Lilly Jay. But the 30-year-old pop star steered clear of controversy as she bounded cheerfully onto the stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this Wednesday. She stars as Galinda, later Glinda the Good Witch, with Cynthia leading the cast as Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch Of The West. 'We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears - so many different pairs of lashes,' Ariana said, according to Variety. 'Im really grateful for this journey that weve taken together.' Ariana Grande warmly held hands with their Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo as they teased their upcoming movie at CinemaCon in Las Vegas The shoot was eclipsed by scandal when it emerged Ariana was having an affair with her married castmate Ethan Slater, who has now left his wife Lilly Jay 'We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears - so many different pairs of lashes,' Ariana said 'Im really grateful for this journey that weve taken together,' Ariana added She stars as Galinda, later Glinda the Good Witch, with Cynthia leading the cast as Elphaba, the eventual Wicked Witch Of The West They presented a video sneak peek of their upcoming movie, including footage of Elphaba arriving at her university, Shiz, where she first encounters Galinda. Elphaba is also depicted during a later stage in her character's journey - turning into the Wicked Witch Of The West and acquiring her infamous pointy black hat. Wicked is based on the smash hit musical of the same name that first opened on Broadway in 2003 with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the leads. The musical was in turn an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's bestselling 1995 novel of the same name, itself a spin-off from L Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz. For their movie's big presentation this Wednesday, Cynthia and Ariana were dressed in themed outfits that were tailored to the aesthetics of their characters. Ariana flashed her legs in a splashily frilly floral dress that was flecked with pink, the character Glinda is most often seen wearing. With sprays of mesh designed to look like flower petals, the dress was cinched in to emphasize Ariana's enviably trim waistline. Cynthia's character meanwhile famously has green skin, a fact she paid tribute to in an eye-popping green top and matching thigh-high boots. They presented a video sneak peek of their upcoming movie, including footage of Elphaba arriving at her university, Shiz, where she first encounters Galinda Elphaba is also depicted during a later stage in her character's journey - turning into the Wicked Witch Of The West and acquiring her infamous pointy black hat The musical was in turn an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's bestselling 1995 novel of the same name, itself a spin-off from L Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz For their movie's big presentation this Wednesday, Cynthia and Ariana were dressed in themed outfits that were tailored to the aesthetics of their characters Cynthia's character meanwhile famously has green skin, a fact she paid tribute to in an eye-popping green top and matching thigh-high boots Her blouse was perfectly fitted to emphasize the Broadway star's lithe physique, and plunged to serve up a generous helping of cleavage Her blouse was perfectly fitted to emphasize the Broadway star's lithe physique, and plunged to serve up a generous helping of cleavage. Meanwhile her gleaming boots, in combination with her dazzling silver miniskirt, lent the ensemble an air of retro sci-fi glamour. Jeff Goldblum, who features as the Wizard Of Oz, was a showstopper in an all-houndstooth look comprised of a green coat and monochrome suit. Jonathan Bailey, who plays both Elphaba and Glinda's love interest Fiyero, took the stage alongside Michelle Yeoh, who plays Shiz headmistress Madame Morrible. Michelle, who made history last year as the first openly Asian woman to win the best actress Oscar, cut an ethereal figure in a partly sheer aquamarine trouser suit. In the course of her time onstage, she could be spotted sharing a laugh with Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming Wicked picture. Jonathan, Ariana, Michelle, Cynthia and Jon at one point all gathered together to affectionately greet each other, with air-kisses abounding. The Wicked spectacle was part of an overall Universal Pictures and Focus Features Special Presentation held at Caesars Palace for CinemaCon on Wednesday. Jeff Goldblum, who features as the Wizard Of Oz, was a showstopper in an all-houndstooth look comprised of a green coat and monochrome suit Jonathan Bailey, who plays both Elphaba and Glinda's love interest Fiyero, took the stage alongside Michelle Yeoh, who plays Shiz headmistress Madame Morrible Michelle, who made history last year as the first openly Asian woman to win the best actress Oscar, cut an ethereal figure in a partly sheer aquamarine trouser suit In the course of her time onstage, she could be spotted sharing a laugh with Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming Wicked picture Jonathan, Ariana, Michelle, Cynthia and Jon at one point all gathered together to affectionately greet each other, with air-kisses abounding The Wicked spectacle was part of an overall Universal Pictures and Focus Features Special Presentation held at Caesars Palace for CinemaCon on Wednesday During that presentation, Lupita Nyong'o hit the stage alongside director Chris Sandlers to plug their upcoming animated feature The Wild Robot. Lupita stars in a castaway story as a female robot named Roz who finds herself stuck on an island and is taught the ways of the local animals. The director described the painting as 'a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest,' and also cited Disney films as an influence, according to Variety. Lupita exuded summery style in the springtime, modeling a sunny yellow dress with a collar and a pleated skirt that brought back memories of the 1950s. Her tulle skirt was sheer enough to hint as her slender legs, which she amplified the impact of by balancing expertly on a towering pair of heels. Sizzling Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell turned on his movie star magnetism as he arrived at CinemaCon to plug his upcoming disaster movie Twister. A remake of the 1996 Helen Hunt movie of the same name, the new Twister stars Glen opposite Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones. Glen arrived in head-to-toe black, including an attractive leather jacket and a polo shirt with a couple of the top buttons beguilingly undone over his chest. During that presentation, Lupita Nyong'o hit the stage alongside director Chris Sandlers to plug their upcoming animated feature The Wild Robot Lupita stars in a castaway story as a female robot named Roz who finds herself stuck on an island and is taught the ways of the local animals Lupita exuded summery style in the springtime, modeling a sunny yellow dress with a collar and a pleated skirt that brought back memories of the 1950s Sizzling Hollywood heartthrob Glen Powell turned on his movie star magnetism as he arrived at CinemaCon to plug his upcoming disaster movie Twister A remake of the 1996 Helen Hunt movie of the same name, the new Twister stars Glen opposite Normal People actress Daisy Edgar-Jones Glen arrived in head-to-toe black, including an attractive leather jacket and a polo shirt with a couple of the top buttons beguilingly undone over his chest Allowing a touch of distinguished scruff to crawl across his matinee idol features, the showbiz Adonis wore his brown hair in an elegant coiff. Meanwhile Daisy was stylish as ever in a strapless black crop top, teamed with an earth tone floral pencil skirt trimmed with a tulle hem. Their co-star, In The Heights lead Anthony Ramos, hinted at his sculpted torso in a plunging moss green top that plunged to his midsection. Combined with an argyle set of trousers, the fashion forward ensemble ensured Anthony was a standout amid his castmates. The stars of the new Twister stood onstage together, where a large fan blew autumn leaves at them in a nod to the movie's theme. Katie Holmes opted for a casual cool look while stepping out for an evening stroll in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Wednesday. The Batman Begins star, 45, sported a light beige t-shirt and embroidered blue Isabel Marant jeans for the outing. She wore a pair of comfortable white Nike x Bode sneakers on her feet, and toted a black bag on her shoulder. The mom-of-one shielded her eyes with a pair of black sunglasses and accessorized with gold jewelry. The busy star who is set to make her return to Broadway for first time in 12 years carried a cellphone with a red cover in her hand during her walk. Katie Holmes, 45, opted for a casual cool look while stepping out for an evening stroll in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Wednesday Earlier this month it was reported that Holmes will return to Broadway to star with Jim Parsons and Zoey Deutch in a revival of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town. The actress has been cast as Mrs. Myrtle Webb in the upcoming production of the show, which will feature 28 performers, according to People. Big Bang Theory vet Parsons is set to appear as the Stage Manager, while the 29-year-old Zoey will portray Emily Gibbs. Other performers involved with the project include Tony winner Julie Halston and Tony nominees Ephraim Sykes and Michelle Wilson. Our Town is set in the early 1900s and is centered on the lives of several families in Grover's Corner, New Hampshire. The play initially premiered in 1938, and it was first produced on Broadway that same year, after which it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Our Town has been revived on and off Broadway several times, and performers such as Henry Fonda, Penelope Ann Miller and Montgomery Clift have been involved with various productions. A film based on the play was released in 1940 and starred William Holden and Martha Scott. The most recent Broadway revival of the play took place in 2002 with a cast led by Paul Newman. The Batman Begins star sported a light beige t-shirt and embroidered blue Isabel Marant jeans for the outing Earlier this month it was reported that Katie will be returning to Broadway to appear in a star-studded revival of Thornton Wilder's play Our Town; seen in February The performer will also be joined by Jim Parsons and Zoey Deutch; Parsons is seen in March. Deutch will be making her Broadway debut with the revival of the show; seen in March The new production of Our Town will mark the first time that Holmes has returned to Broadway in over a decade; seen in February The Dawson's Creek actress made her debut in a 2008 production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, and she was also featured in Dead Accounts, which premiered in 2012; seen in 2012 The upcoming revival of Our Town will be directed by Kenny Leon, who won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play in 2014 for his work on a revival of A Raisin in the Sun. Previews for the upcoming show are currently scheduled to begin on September 17, and the production's premiere is set to take place on October 10 at the Barrymore Theatre. The new production of Our Town will mark the first time that Holmes has returned to Broadway in over a decade. The Dawson's Creek actress made her debut in a 2008 production of Arthur Miller's All My Sons, and she was also featured in Dead Accounts, which premiered in 2012. The performer's most recent appearance in a play was in an off-Broadway production of The Wanderers, which debuted in February of last year. Peter Dinklage will provide the vocals for the character Dr. Dillamond in the upcoming two-part musical movie Wicked, which stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The latest role for the Emmy-winning star, 54, who played Tyrion Lannister on HBO's Game of Thrones, was announced at CinemaCon in Las Vegas Wednesday, Deadline reported. Dinklage's casting was revealed during a showcase at Caesars Palace for the film that featured appearances from Grande, 30, Erivo, 37, and Jeff Goldblum, 71. In the motion picture, Grande plays Glinda, Erivo plays Elphaba; and Goldblum portrays the Wizard of Oz. The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Marissa Bode. Peter Dinklage, 54, will provide the vocals for the character Dr. Dillamond in the upcoming two-part musical movie Wicked. Pictured in LA in November Wicked stars Ariana Grande, 30, and Cynthia Erivo, 37, promoted the movie at CinemaCon 2024, Wednesday at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas The Morristown, New Jersey-born actor's role in The Wizard of Oz prequel is described as a goat who works as 'a professor of history at Shiz University,' the outlet reported. Dr. Dillamond issues a warning to Elphaba 'about rising dark forces that threaten the speaking animals of Oz, including himself,' according to Deadline. The motion picture, directed by Jon M. Chu, is slated to arrive in theaters the next two Thanksgivings, with release dates of November 27, 2024, and November 26, 2025, according to the outlet. Grande told the crowd at the event in Las Vegas Wednesday, 'We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears - so many different pairs of lashes,' Variety reported. Erivo said, 'I'm really grateful for this journey that we've taken together.' Universal's chair and CEO Donna Langley said during the showcase: 'The world has loved and celebrated this musical for more than 20 years. It's proof that our future is unlimited, and the Wizard will see you now.' Dinklage is a four-time Emmy winner for his work on Game of Thrones, winning the honors for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2019, 2018, 2015 and 2011. He also won a Golden Globe in 2012 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for the role. In the motion picture due out in November, Erivo plays Elphaba, while Grande plays Glinda Goldblum, who portrays the Wizard of Oz in the movie, promoted the film Wednesday The Morristown, New Jersey-born actor's role is described as a goat who works as 'a professor of history at Shiz University,' according to Deadline Dinklage posed with fellow Emmy-winner Kieran Culkin at an HBO Emmys party in LA on January 15 Dinklage has appeared in a number of films in addition to his TV efforts, including 2003's The Station Agent, 2014's X-Men: Days of Future Past, 2017's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing and 2018's My Dinner with Herve. Dinklage had a busy 2023 with roles in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, The Toxic Avenger, the short film Rumpelstiltskin and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, in which he voiced the role of Scourge. The actor has a number of prominent projects in the works, including the films Unfrosted, Brothers and The Thicket. Ubah Hassan and Oliver Dachsel lent their support for the City Harvest Presents The 2024 Gala: Magic Of Motown held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. The annual gala 'brings together celebrities, influencers, and NYC's high profile individuals to honor supporters who have played a significant role in helping us feed our neighbors experiencing food insecurity,' according to the non-profit's website. Hassan, who serves the organization as part of a 'host committee' turned more than a few heads when she made her grand arrival in a green fringed dress that came complete with a sleeveless design and dangling gems. While on the red carpet the Somali-Canadian model made sure to turn to give admirers a full view of the striking number, including the slit in the back that helped her flaunt her seemingly endless legs. In keeping with the color theme, she also wore a pair of green pointed pumps, while accessorizing with an assortment of bracelets and rings. Ubah Hassan, 40, and her partner Oliver Dachsel, 44, attended the food insecurity event City Harvest Presents The 2024 Gala: Magic of Motown held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City on Wednesday Rounding out her overall look, Hassan stylef her raven locks long, straight and flowing down to the bottom of her back with a part in the middle. She posed for the cameras both as a solo guest and alongside her man, whom she began dating in the fall 2022, around the time she was shooting her first season on The Real Housewives Of New York City. Dachsel, 44, opted to go with a classic black suit with a white striped dress shirt, black-and white-patterned tie and black dress shoes. The investment banker had his short dark hair slicked back off his face while sporting a scruffy beard and mustache. Dachsel has more than 17 years of investment banking experience, most recently as managing director on the metals & mining investment banking team at Jefferies in New York where he worked from 2016 to 2023, according to an Aris Mining Corporation press release. The couple only just made their relationship red carpet official while attending the 2023 American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala at Lincoln Center in October 2023 This latest gala serves as City Harves's most important fundraising event of the year, considering that last year's event brought in enough money to provide more than 9.6 million meals to New Yorkers in need. Hosted by actor Taye Diggs, the evening's events included honoring Alex Cohen and John Legend, along with cocktails, dinner, a live auction, and a Soul Train dance and dessert party to follow. Hassan, who serves the organization as part of a 'host committee' turned more than a few heads when she made her grand arrival in a green fringed dress that came complete with a sleeveless design and dangling gems The couple, who started dating in latter part of 2022, showed off their chemistry while posing for photos on the red carpet Ubah began dating Dachsel some time during filming for season 14 reboot of RHONY, which started started in fall 2022 and ended in the winter of 2023. Although the couple kept a very low profile, they did attend the invite-only premiere party the following July. In March 2024, Bravo announced that the show was renewed for a 15th season, with all six housewives from the previous season returning, including Hassan, Sai De Silva, Jenna Lyons, Erin Lichy, Jessel Taank and Brynn Whitfield. Hosted by actor Taye Diggs, the evening's events included honoring John Legend and Alex Cohen for all they have done with the organization that helps fight food insecurity Legend was also seen enjoying the annual fundraising gala with his wife Chrissy Teigen This year the organization will rescue more than 77 million pounds of food and deliver it, free of charge, to hundreds of food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs to help feed New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity. City Harvest exists to end hunger in communities throughout New York City. We do this through food rescue and distribution, education, and other practical, innovative solutions. Past attendees have included Antoni Porowski, Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, Tyson Beckford, Nas, Darren Criss, Richard Gere, Julianne Moore, Chelsea Clinton, Karen Pittman, Dascha Polanco, Brooks Nader, Cynthia Nixon, Elizabeth Olsen, Benjamin Bratt, Ryan and Emilia Serhant and Martha Stewart, among many others. Chef supporters have included Eric Ripert, Geoffrey Zakarian, Jose Andres, Tom Colicchio, Melba Wilson, Anne Burrell, Ron Ben-Israel, Marc Murphy, Marcus Samuelsson, Emma Bengtsson, Donatella Arpaia, Dominique Ansel, Ochi and Cedric Vongerichten, Eitan Bernath, Rocco Dispirito, and Ted Allen. Wednesday was date night for Richard Gere and his wife as they left the kids with a sitter and supported a good cause. The Golden Globe winner, 74, cut a sharp look as he stepped out with wife Alejandra Silva at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City for the 2024 City Harvest Gala. He sported a navy blue suit with a matching light blue dress shirt and black shoes. Silva, 41, looked ravishing in a black spaghetti strap dress with a sheer bodice and a layered lace ankle-length skirt. The Spanish activist finished the ensemble with silver chandelier earrings, a silver necklace and matching heels. Richard Gere cut a sharp look Wednesday as he stepped out with wife Alejandra Silva at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City for the 2024 City Harvest Gala He sported a navy blue suit with a matching light blue dress shirt and black shoes. Silva, 41, looked ravishing in a black spaghetti strap dress with a sheer bodice and a layered lace ankle-length skirt Hosted by Taye Diggs, Wednesday's event honored Alex Cohen and John Legend, raising money for food insecurity in NYC. Gere and Silva posed for a group photo with Cohen, Legend, 45, and his wife Chrissy Teigen, as well as other guests. Silva was by her husband's side as he recovered from pneumonia last year as they vacationed in Mexico. She noted that he was 'mostly recovered' days later when she shared a video of them celebrating her 40th birthday. The couple recently celebrated their 6th anniversary after they tied the knot in a private ceremony in April 2018. They share sons Alexander, 5, and a 4-year-old, whose name they haven't revealed. He also shares son Homer, 24, with ex-wife Carey Lowell, to whom he was married from 2002 to 2016. The Spanish activist finished the ensemble with silver chandelier earrings, a silver necklace and matching heels The couple recently celebrated their 6th anniversary after they tied the knot in a private ceremony in April 2018 Hosted by Taye Diggs, Wednesday's event honored Alex Cohen and John Legend, raising money for food insecurity in NYC Gere was also married to Cindy Crawford from 1991 to 1995, during which the supermodel recently recalled she was 'willing to kind of mold' herself to be with him. 'I just think your 20s for women is such a time where you're starting to come into your own and feel your own power and connect to your inner strength,' said Crawford, 58, on the Apple TV+ series The Supermodel in September. After they began dating in 1988, Crawford was 25 when she eloped with Gere, who was 17 years her senior. 'He was older, so I just was like in a different circle and not doing some of those same fashiony things anymore,' said Crawford. Although she's racking up the magazine covers, Camila Cabello doesn't need a fully-staffed fashion shoot to serve a look. The Grammy Award nominee, 27, donned a tan peekaboo top that teased her cleavage and tummy in an impromptu shoot she shared Wednesday from a parking lot. 'Diabolic,' Cabello captioned the post. She paired the sleeveless top with a floor-length denim patchwork skirt. Cabello completed the ensemble with a white studded crisscross belt and a pair of chunky black sneakers. Camila Cabello donned a tan peekaboo top that teased her cleavage and tummy in an impromptu shoot she shared Wednesday from a parking lot 'Diabolic,' Cabello captioned the post She paired the sleeveless top with a floor-length denim patchwork skirt. Cabello completed the ensemble with a white studded crisscross belt and a pair of chunky black sneakers Cabello's latest look comes after her recent appearances on the covers of Paper, King Kong and Puss Puss magazines. The Fifth Harmony alum has been hard at work promoting her upcoming fourth solo album C, XOXO. After releasing her single 'I LUV IT', Cabello shared a statement explaining how some of the 'emotional drama' in her love life inspired the song. 'Certain things in our human realm do make me feel like I'm in outer space, and the very rare few times where I've had incredible chemistry with someone is one of them,' she said. 'Part of that cocktail is also the emotional drama between you and that person, and the chaos and butterflies and nerves and passion,' added Cabello. 'It's unsustainable and not peaceful and exhausting, but also, I LUV IT.' Cabello was previously in a relationship with Shawn Mendes from 2019 to 2021. Last year they briefly rekindled their romance before ending it for good again. Cabello has also been romantically linked to Matthew Hussey and Austin Kevitch. The Fifth Harmony alum has been hard at work promoting her upcoming fourth solo album C, XOXO After releasing her single ' I LUV IT ', Cabello shared a statement explaining how some of the ' emotional drama ' in her love life inspired the song Cabello was previously in a relationship with Shawn Mendes from 2019 to 2021, briefly rekindling their romance last year During a recent interview with Star, Cabello admitted she gets 'the wandering eye' around 'the year-and-a-half mark' of her relationships. 'It's also hard in my industry because there are so many interesting people,' she added. Cabello said it 'feels hard to meet people right now,' explaining that she's 'not a hook-up culture person.' 'If I don't like you, if I don't get butterflies, it can't just be a physical thing for me,' she said of what she seeks in a partner. Cabello continued, 'I need to think you're funny, it has to be a personality thing. It can't just be like, "I wanna make out, so I'll make out with you to make out."' She is known for her expensive taste. And Roxy Jacenko proved her love for the finer things in life as she visited her Ministry of Talent studio in Sydney with her daughter Pixie on Wednesday, after the family flew back to Australia for a visit last week. The PR and business dynamo, 43, showed off her cleavage in a red Miu Miu crop top worth an eye-watering $1,350. She matched the top with a pair of $1,630 Miu Miu Sapphire jeans. Roxy was dripping in diamonds - wearing a necklace and matching stud earrings. Roxy Jacenko proved her love for the finer things in life as she visited a talent studio in Sydney with her daughter Pixie on Wednesday after the family flew back to Australia for a visit last week The mother-of-two, who is now based in Singapore with her family, wore her blonde locks out and went for a minimal makeup look. Roxy has been documenting lifestyle changes that have led to weight loss. She recently said she has reached her goal weight after shedding 15 kilograms. In an Instagram Story, the former Sweaty Betty owner showed a picture of her scales revealing her current weight of 51.9kg. The PR and business dynamo, 43, showed off her cleavage in a red Miu Miu crop top worth an eye-watering $1,350 A subsequent post showed a picture of a bag of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, along with a claim she would be eating them as a treat for reaching her goal. Roxy revealed she had set herself a time frame and described the lifestyle changes she had adopted to achieve her enviable figure. She has also uploaded tips and tricks for weight loss to her social media. Roxy also gave her fans an update on her alcohol consumption, revealing she had finally ditched the booze altogether. Tom Hiddleston opened up about fatherhood during an appearance at the Miami Film Festival. The 43-year-old actor - who recently opened up about the future of his Marvel TV series Loki - was honored with Variety's Virtuoso Award on Wednesday. Hiddleston and his fiancee Zawe Ashton, who he's been with since 2019, welcomed their first child in October 2022. While hitting the red carpet before the event (via 7 News Miami), Hiddleston was asked about the impact that becoming a father has had on his life. 'Its just changed everything. It changed the center of my life completely. Theres a before and an after, and Im happy to be living in the after,' he said. Tom Hiddleston opened up about fatherhood during an appearance at the Miami Film Festival The 43-year-old actor - who recently opened up about the future of his Marvel TV series Loki - was honored with Variety's Virtuoso Award on Wednesday 'Its the most profound honor to be here. Im so grateful to Variety and the Miami Film Festival and Miami Dade College for inviting me,' he added. Hiddleston and Ashton, a British actress and playwright, started dating in 2019 and they got engaged in June 2022. Just a few months later, they welcomed their first child in October 2022, though they have yet to reveal the child's name or gender. During his speech at the festival - at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami - Hiddleston thanked the festival for the award. 'I'm grateful for this great honor, thank you so much for giving it to me,' Hiddleston said on stage. 'Honestly, when I think of the word virtuoso, I think of a dazzling violin soloist standing in front of the orchestra, and I feel about as far from that as you can possibly imagine,' Hiddleston joked. 'The truth is, of course, I'm not, and by that I mean, for me, the joy of my life as an actor, has been about being in a company,' he added. 'What we do as actors is a collective, creative endeavor and the joy of it is sharing the dream, sharing the space within the architecture of our imagination,' he said. 'Its the most profound honor to be here. Im so grateful to Variety and the Miami Film Festival and Miami Dade College for inviting me,' he added Hiddleston and Ashton, a British actress and playwright, started dating in 2019 and they got engaged in June 2022 'And if I have done anything of any value, including those clips we've seen, it's because of the energy and the generosity I've received from other actors and the other artists around me on a set or on a stage,' he said 'As an actor you learn your lines, you do your prep, you build a character, you create an interior life and you show up on the dance floor and the magic is what happens in the space between you,' Hiddleston continued 'And if I have done anything of any value, including those clips we've seen, it's because of the energy and the generosity I've received from other actors and the other artists around me on a set or on a stage,' he said. 'As an actor you learn your lines, you do your prep, you build a character, you create an interior life and you show up on the dance floor and the magic is what happens in the space between you,' Hiddleston continued. When asked about the future of his hit Marvel TV series Loki last week at the Hulu on Disney Plus launch, he wasn't so certain. 'I truly don't know. There have been other times when I thought it was the end and I've been mistaken, but if this is the end, I'm so proud of where we ended up,' he said. Carlo Mendez, 46, gushed over his famous sister Eva Mendes and her husband Ryan Gosling's parenting style on Wednesday. The actor told E! News that the A-list couple are 'amazing parents' to their two children Esmeralda, 9, and Amada, 7. 'They really talk to the girls. The way they ask them questionsI've seen itthey're like, "What do you think of this? What do you think of that?" They are awesome,' he shared. Despite tot yet having any children of his own, the Demise star understands that 'that having kids is a lot.' When asked if he hopes to be a father in the future, he said, 'If it happens, it happens. But I'm not looking forward to it right now.' Carlo Mendez, 46, gushed over his famous sister Eva Mendes and her beau Ryan Gosling 's parenting style on Wednesday Despite tot yet having any children of his own, the Demise star understands that 'that having kids is a lot' The actor told E! News that the A-list couple are 'amazing parents' to their two children Esmeralda, 9, and Amada, 7 'Robert De Niro and Al Pacino became dads at 80, so I got time. I have to make my career happen first, then I can have time,' he joked. The movie star's sweet comments come just weeks after his sister Eva revealed that she and her long time boyfriend had somewhat of a 'non-verbal agreement' when it came to her giving up acting and being a 'full-time mom' to their two young daughters. While Ryan has continued to make movies since welcoming his children, Eva has taken a backseat and hasn't starred in a film for a decade now. During an appearance on Today just weeks ago, Eva was asked what it was like going from acting to being a full-time parent. To which she replied: 'It was like a no brainer. I'm so lucky, and I was like, if I can have this time with my children... and I still worked, I just didn't act because acting takes you on locations, it takes you away.' Referring to her partner of 13 years, Eva continued: 'It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, "Okay he's going to work and I'm going to work, I'm just going to work here."' Eva and Ryan met one another when they starred alongside each other in the 2012 film The Place Beyond the Pines, and she explained that she 'pretty much stopped acting after that.' 'I have never experienced anything like that. The way he works, his commitment to his craft, how he wants to make everything as best as it can be, and that means making his costars as best as they can be. But unfortunately - or fortunately - there is only one Ryan!' she said. Eva went on to share her thoughts on Ryan's memorable performance of the hit Barbie song I'm Just Ken at this year's Academy Awards, which saw him take to the stage with Mark Ronson and Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash. 'He went and he did his job. He just happens to be really good at his job, and he did it and he came home,' she said, before explaining her hilarious Instagram post in which she told Ryan to 'come home' to 'put the kids to bed.' 'Because that's what it's about,' she said. 'You go, you do your job the best you can and then you come home.' Eva and Ryan met one another when they starred alongside each other in the 2012 film The Place Beyond the Pines Ryan recently revealed how Eva and their two daughters gave him helpful 'tips' for his performance at the 96th Oscars Referring to her partner of 13 years, Eva continued: 'It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, "Okay he's going to work and I'm going to work, I'm just going to work here"' Ryan recently revealed how Eva and their two daughters gave him helpful 'tips' for his performance at the 96th Oscars. During an interview at SXSW film festival in Austin, Texas, earlier this month he told People: 'It was great. It was so fun because they came to the dress rehearsal the day before and so they were in the front row.' 'They gave me some tips and some notes, all great notes,' the La La Land star added. Delhis Vigilance Department terminates CM Kejriwals Private Secretary The Directorate of Vigilance of Government of Delhi has issued an order for termination of Bibhav Kumar, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Private Secretary. The order read: Consequent upon the resignation of the Council of Ministers notified vide dated 14.02.2020 the term of the government has ended, and being a coterminous officer, the appointment of Bibhav Kumar will also have to be terminated." "However, in terms of DOPT OM dated 26.05.2014, the personal staff of the outgoing Minister can continue to hold their post for a period not exceeding 15 days." "Since Honourable CM has now desired that Bibhav Kumar should continue working with him as Private Secretary, to consider his fresh appointment, the earlier term of coterminous appointment shall have to be terminated first. Hence, the services of Bibhav Kumar may be terminated wef 16.02.2020 (A/N) and thereafter, his appointment as Private Secretary to CM wef 17.02.2020 (F/N) may be considered. The Vigilance Department has pointed out that since the individuals appointed on a coterminous basis are governed by the CCS (Conduct) Rules, it is important to consider Bibhav Kumar's character and antecedents verification that was carried out at the time of his previous appointment as Private Secretary to the Chief Minister. This is because, during his subsequent period of working in the government with the Chief Minister, there were no negative reports against him. However, it may be placed on record that in case any adverse report is received in future, in this office pertaining to this last five-year period, the officer would be liable for necessary action in terms of relevant rules in the matter. As of now, the appointment shall have to be made subject to the outcome of the case at Noida, Sector-20 police station, registered under sections 353,504,506 IPC, which was reported in his character and antecedents verification report from Delhi Police, the order further read. Timothy Smith shocked Married At First Sight fans this week when he revealed on A Current Affair he was a convicted drug smuggler who served over a year behind bars in a US prison. Living in Vancouver at the time, Timothy said he used a helicopter to illegally smuggle large amounts of marijuana from Canada into the US. And the controversial groom has a permanent reminder of his criminal past on his body. The 52-year-old reality star showed off a helicopter tattoo on his belly as he enjoyed an ocean swim at Tamarama Beach in Sydney with two co-stars this week. The real estate tycoon's heavily tattooed physique was on display as he took a dip with fellow grooms, Jono McCullough, 40, and Tristan Black, 29, Married At First Sight groom Timothy Smith showed off his heavily tattooed physique as he enjoyed an ocean swim at Tamarama Beach in Sydney with two co-stars this week Timothy looked to be in good spirits as he waded across the shallow water. Meanwhile, Jono also went shirtless for the outing, flaunting his chiseled abs and bulging biceps in a pair of blue swim shorts. The MAFS hunks were seen catching up in the sea before drying off on the sand. The 52-year-old reality star showed off a helicopter tattoo on his belly after revealing he was locked up in the US after getting busted using a helicopter to illegally smuggle large amounts of marijuana from Canada into the US The real estate tycoon's heavily tattooed physique was on display as he took a dip with fellow grooms, Jono McCullough (pictured) and Tristan Black Timothy was washing away his worries after a tough week Later in the day, Timothy and Jono caught up fellow groom Tristan Black. Tim also showed off a giant pair of wings across his back The groom's entire torso is heavily inked Later in the day, the pair caught up fellow groom Tristan. The trio were seen chatting to him on the sand as Tristan rubbed sunscreen onto Jono's back. The outing looked to provide Smith with a much-needed distraction after the controversy surrounding his criminal past. Timothy's sordid history was unveiled by A Current Affair on Tuesday night, with viewers shocked to learn the real estate tycoon spent more than a year behind bars. Jono also went shirtless for the swim, flaunting his chiseled abs and bulging biceps in a pair of blue swim shorts Tristan rubbed sunscreen onto Jono's back He also pointed to his chishelled abs 'I was a helicopter pilot in North America that did something really stupid,' he said, revealing he was paid to take flying lessons for the purpose of trafficking. 'It's something I'm not proud of. I'm definitely not proud of it, but it doesn't define who I am and I'm not the same person I was 17 years ago.' Timothy said he would make $100,000 per trip across the border flying a helicopter loaded with marijuana. Timothy's sordid history was unveiled by A Current Affair on Tuesday night, with viewers shocked to learn the real estate tycoon spent more than a year behind bars Living in Vancouver at the time, Timothy said he used a helicopter to illegally smuggle large amounts of marijuana from Canada into the US 'I would take off from a little unmanned airport and I would fly up a valley into a creek where I would meet a four-wheel-drive... within a minute, the helicopter would be loaded,' he said. Timothy was caught by police in Los Angeles when he returned to the country after visiting his sick mother in Australia. The groom was sentenced for 'trafficking marijuana over an international border' in 2006, but he spent another 'four or six months in immigration' detention. Timothy said he would make $100,000 per trip across the border flying a helicopter loaded with marijuana Advertisement The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills were out in force on Wednesday night when several of the reality stars graced the red carpet at the Women's Cancer Research Fund gala, An Unforgettable Evening. Kyle Richards, her former RHOBH costar Lisa Rinna and her current costar and half sister Kathy Hilton all put on elegant displays at the 25th edition of the benefit. The ladies who won't be attending BravoCon this year were also joined by their costar Crystal Kung Minkoff at the event, which was held at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. The all-star event also featured A-list stars, including Tom Hanks, his wife Rita Wilson and My Big Fat Greek Wedding's Nia Vardalos. Demi Moore and the philanthropist Wallis Annenberg were this year's honorees, with Moore receiving the Courage Award for 'her unwavering support and dedication to raising awareness for breast cancer,' and Annenberg earning the Unsung Hero Award for 'her innovative dedication to fighting cancer and improving community wellbeing through the Annenberg Foundation.' The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills were out in force on Wednesday night when Kyle Richards, Lisa Rinna and KathyHilton graced the red carpet at the Women's Cancer Research Fund gala, An Unforgettable Evening Kyle opted for a formal yet chic tuxedo to celebrate the occasion. She wore a black tux jacket with pointy peaked lapels and prominent pick stitching, which she paired with flared black pants. The Halloween actress wore an unusual white blouse with a plunging slit baring her cleavage and a thin collar that wrapped around her throat. She wore her brunette hair up in a playful top knot with dangling strands to frame her impeccably made-up face. The reality star completed her look with a blue-and-black sequined handbag and silver hoop earrings, as well as a gold pendant draped over her chest. Lisa looked as if she was going goth with a modest black crushed velvet dress with a maxi skirt, long sleeves and a high collar, along with a large bow tied over her trim midriff. She complemented the look by styling her dark hair in a bob with strand dangling in crescents to frame her face. Kathy opted to brighten up things with a lovely powder blue dress. The look featured tasteful satin floral designs interspersed with widely spaced lace strands, and she had on a flesh-colored slip underneath. She wore her blond locks down in thick waves and spiced up her look with dangling strands of small white pearls. Kathy stayed on point with a pair of lustrous gray-blue heels to complement her dress, and she carried a striking seafoam-colored handbag covered in long feathers. The mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton was joined at the gala by her husband Rick Hilton. He looked dashing in a black suit that he dressed down with moccasin-style loafers and a grayblue muffler that complemented his wife's outfit. Kyle opted for a formal yet chic tuxedo to celebrate the occasion. She wore a black tux jacket with pointy peaked lapels and prominent pick stitching, which she paired with flared black pants and a white shirt with a plunging slit highlighting her cleavage Lisa looked as if she was going goth with a modest black crushed velvet dress with a maxi skirt, long sleeves and a high collar, along with a large bow tied over her trim midriff. She complemented the look by styling her dark hair in a bob with strand dangling in crescents to frame her face Kathy opted to brighten up things with a lovely powder blue dress The look featured tasteful satin floral designs interspersed with widely spaced lace strands, and she had on a flesh-colored slip underneath She supported her half sister Kyle on the red carpet The mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton was joined at the gala by her husband Rick Hilton. He looked dashing in a black suit and a grayblue muffler that complemented his wife's outfit Fellow RHOBH star Crystal Kung Minkoff departed from her costars' looks with a magenta satin dress with a ribbed band across her trim waist, as well as shiny gold open-toe heels and a matching clutch Kathy styled her lovely blond hair down and wore swaying pearls earrings Kathy's husband Rick dressed down his suit by going tie-free and wearing moccasin-style loafers Fellow RHOBH star Crystal Kung Minkoff departed from her costars' looks with a magenta satin dress with a ribbed band across her trim waist. The short-sleeve look reached halfway down her legs and featured a small notched slit. She elevated her stature with a shimmering set of gold open-toe heels that strapped around her ankles, and she matched the shoes to her glowing gold alligator-print clutch. Crystal wore her lustrous raven hair down and swept over one shoulder. Advertisement Kate Bosworth and Ashley Graham were among the A-list stars to attend the Isabel Marant 30th Anniversary brand celebration at Los Angeles' iconic Chateau Marmont on Wednesday night. Marant, a decorated women's clothing designer, launched her eponymous French fashion label back in 1994. Both Bosworth and Graham are longtime Isabel Marant fans and eagerly showed their appreciation for the designer at Wednesday's soiree. The Blue Crush star, 41, put on a leggy display in a striking silver sequin miniskirt. She tucked an oversized black T-shirt into the skirt's sparkly waistband. Kate Bosworth and Ashley Graham were among the A-list stars to attend the Isabel Marant 30th Anniversary brand celebration at Los Angeles' iconic Chateau Marmont on Wednesday night Bosworth finished her outfit with black gladiator sandals and a studded black leather purse. The blonde beauty was accompanied by her husband Justin Long. The couple were first linked while working on an unnamed film back in the spring of 2021. The pair tied the knot May of last year after two years of dating under the radar. A source told PEOPLE, 'After they got engaged, Kate couldn't wait to marry Justin. She knew that she never wanted a big wedding. She just cared about being married.' The couple only just recent returned to LA as they were seen enjoying New York City over the weekend. Ashley Graham flaunted her killer curves in a skintight yellow lace frock. The runway maven, 36, rocked the same sandals as Bosworth. The Blue Crush star, 41, put on a leggy display in a striking silver sequin miniskirt She tucked an oversized black T-shirt into the skirt's sparkly waistband The blonde beauty was accompanied by her husband Justin Long, who she wed in 2023 Her silky brunette hair was curled and she accessorized with sparkly chandelier earrings. The night before, Graham joined stars like Heidi Klum and Jenna Dewan at the Fashion Trust US Awards in Beverly Hills. Marant looked sensational as she went braless under a shimmery see-through top and black blazer. The Whirlpool Award recipient, 56, slipped on studded black shorts and silver chrome sandals. To complete her look, the designer tucked a cherry red purse under her arm. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich's stunning wife Jessica Miller was also on hand for the celebration in LA. The Nevada-born model, 40, smoldered for the cameras in a sexy red leather getup. Dree Hemingway, 36, was every bit the natural beauty as the makeup-free model rocked a boho beige look. Ashley Graham flaunted her killer curves in a skintight yellow lace frock Her silky brunette hair was curled and she accessorized with sparkly chandelier earrings Isabel Marant, a decorated women's clothing designer, launched her eponymous French fashion label in 1994 Marant posed for a group photo with Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich's stunning wife Jessica Miller and supermodel Dree Hemingway Miller and Hemingway caught up with Marant during the party and they posed for a group photo in the hotel's courtyard. Isabel Marant offers 'luxe-bohemian' styles as reflected in the brand's iconic raw hem shorts and floral peasant blouses in varying floral, metallic vinyl and linen fabrics. Prices for the brand's pieces sit at the affordable end of luxury with a classic black slip dress costing nearly $1,600 and denim jeans ranging from $400 to $600, as per the current website. Aziz Ansari said his Good Fortune co-star Keanu Reeves was on crutches back in January because he fractured his kneecap on set which he revealed at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The 41-year-old actor said, 'About, I don't know, 15 days into shooting with me, I was like, "Hey, just go chill in your dressing room for 15 minutes." And he tripped on a rug. He's like, "Aah, my knee."' He added that the John Wick actor was 'such a trooper' when the accident occurred, noting that 'he still filmed everything except some scenes where he needed him to do salsa dancing, which we need to pick up.' Reeves pushed through according to his co-star: 'He was like, "I'll do it!" We're like, "Keanu, calm down. We'll do the salsa dancing once your knee's healed."' The Parks and Recreation actor said that this is nothing new for his A-list counterpart noting that he was strong enough to not need 'to go to the hospital or anything.' Aziz Ansari said his Good Fortune co-star Keanu Reeves (pictured) was on crutches back in January because he fractured his kneecap on set which he revealed at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas on Wednesday The Parks and Recreation actor (pictured) said that this is nothing new for his A-list counterpart noting that he was strong enough to not need 'to go to the hospital' 'He's done those Wick movies, all the Matrix stuff. In Speed, he actually did attempt to do the jump from the car to the bus. It wasn't the take they used, but he did do it,' Ansari added. PEOPLE reported that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake said the studio 'moved quickly to land this project once it was available,' back in April of last year. 'We have indeed found good fortune with this film,' Drake said. 'We love the script and believe strongly in Aziz as both a performer and a director. 'And when you add in Seth and Keanu two incredible world-class talents toplining alongside Aziz, this has the potential to be a very special film for us,' he finished. Filming was scheduled to commence last May, although it was delayed after the onset of the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike. Reeves and Ansari co-wrote and co-directed Good Fortune while they star alongside Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer in the movie. Palmer, 30, took to Instagram back during filming to share a snap of the stars to share in the moment. In the photo, she donned a navy top with white flora pattern as her dark locks cascades over her shoulders. The True Jackson VP actress showed her silly side as she stuck her tongue out as she looked gorgeous will a full face of makeup on. She captioned the photo, 'Having so much fun with these amazing guys on set of our film Good Fortune we had a pool scene today that lowkey turned into a real pool party hahaha! Working with Aziz something spontaneous always happens.' Reeves was all smiles as he wore a dark green V-neck shirt paired with a black jacket. Ansari opted for a red patterned shirt as he styles his hair to the side and smiled at the camera. It was announced that Palmer joined the comedy's cast back in late January. Ansari said, 'Keke is a delight to work with, Im so happy shes a part of our cast and even more excited to provide a quote for this press release announcing her casting.' Reeves and Ansari co-wrote and co-directed Good Fortune while they star alongside Seth Rogen and Keke Palmer (pictured) in the movie Reeves and Ansari co-wrote and co-directed Good Fortune Ansari said, 'Keke is a delight to work with, Im so happy shes a part of our cast' Good Fortune marks Ansari's second effort at directing a film. Before landing this new gig, he had been working for Searchlight on the comedy-drama Being Mortal. However, in 2022, concerns regarding actor Bill Murray's inappropriate behavior on set led to an indefinite suspension of the project. Nearly 25 years after its iconic series finale, a Melrose Place sequel series is currently in development at CBS Studios. Heather Locklear (Amanda Woodward), Daphne Zuniga (Jo Reynolds) and Laura Leighton (Sydney Andrews) are all expected to return, via Deadline. The new series will hail from Insatiable creator Lauren Gussis, and will be set several years after the original series, which ran seven seasons on Fox from 1992 to 1999. This series will pick up with a number of the original Melrose Place residents reuniting, 'when one of their dearest friends dies suddenly.' The news comes just days after several of the original Melrose Place stars signed on for a reunion at 90sCon in Daytona Beach, Florida. Nearly 25 years after its iconic series finale, a Melrose Place sequel series is currently in development at CBS Studios. Nearly 25 years after its iconic series finale, a Melrose Place sequel series is currently in development at CBS Studios Daphne Zuniga is set to return as Jo Reynolds in a Melrose Place sequel series Laura Leighton will return as Sydney Andrews in a Melrose Place sequel series It has yet to be confirmed if this 'dearest friend' was actually a character on the original show or not. After they all gather to honor their friend, 'the pressure cooker of a reunion soon uncovers old traumas, rekindles old romances, reignites old resentments, and reveals new secrets.' The original characters will be thrown, 'into chaotic drama thats reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective.' It also seems that this series will essentially ignore the 2009 reboot/sequel that aired for just one season on The CW. Locklear and Leighton reprised their roles for that show, though Leighton's Sydney Andrews was killed off in the show's opening minutes. Ironically, she was also killed in the original series, though the reboot show revealed her death had actually been faked. The original series was a spin-off of Aaron Spelling's Beverly Hills 90210, created by Darren Star, though it's unknown if Star will have any involvement in this series. The cast also included Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett, Doug Savant, Grant Show, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Rob Estes, Brooke Langton, Lisa Rinna, Kristin Davis and Alyssa Milano. Both Leighton and Zuniga will also serve as executive producers alongside Gussis, Tiffany Grant and Jason Weinberg. CBS Studios - which owns the entire Aaron Spelling library - will produce the series and is currently shopping it to networks and streamers. The original characters will be thrown, 'into chaotic drama thats reminiscent of the past, but with a much more modern perspective' Locklear and Leighton reprised their roles for that show, though Leighton's Sydney Andrews was killed off in the show's opening minutes If the project does move forward, more original cast members are expected to come aboard. CBS Studios had also rebooted Melrose Place's flagship series Beverly Hills 90210 twice before. The first came in 2008 with the reboot simply titled 90210 that ran for five seasons on The CW. Fox then aired a season of a reality/scripted hybrid series dubbed BH90210 which brought the original cast back. Lupita Nyong'o showed off her sophisticated sense of style in a yellow shirt dress as she unveiled a glimpse at her upcoming animated film The Wild Robot at CinemaCon on Wednesday. The Oscar winner, 41, put on a glamorous display in the eye-catching dress with rose detailing as she took to the stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas with director Chris Sanders and Dreamworks Animation President Margie Cohn. Lupita beamed as she spoke about the film in her eye-catching yellow dress with a flowing midi skirt. She teamed the look with matching pink heels with rose embellishment while speaking about voicing the lead character in the upcoming animation, before she and director Chris unveiled unfinished footage from the film. Based on Peter Browns book, the story follows Roz, a robot voiced by Lupita, who is accidentally marooned on an uninhabited island. Lupita Nyong'o showed off her sophisticated sense of style in a yellow shirt dress as she unveiled a glimpse at her animated film The Wild Robot at CinemaCon on Wednesday The Oscar winner put on a glamorous display in the eye-catching dress with rose detailing as she took to the stage at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas Lupita beamed as she spoke about the film in her eye-catching yellow dress with a flowing midi skirt ahead of its release in September There, the city robot meets and learns from the animals in her new environment, including a fox who offers her some vital life advice. Set for release in September, the film marks Sanders' first Dreamworks film since The Croods in 2013, after earning critical praise with How To Train Your Dragon in 2010. The voice cast will also include Pedro Pascal, Catherine OHara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, Stephanie Hsu and Mark Hamill. Last month Lupita and her boyfriend 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 autumn. The exes share daughter Juno, four. 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. Joining her on-stage was director Chris Sanders, with The Wild Robot marking his return to Dreamworks for the first time since 2013 She teamed the look with matching pink heels with rose embellishment while speaking about voicing the lead character in the upcoming animation Based on Peter Browns book, the story follows Roz, a robot voiced by Lupita, who is accidentally marooned on an uninhabited island After unveiling footage from the film, Lupita posed for snaps with director Chris and Dreamworks Animation President Margie Cohn The voice cast will also include Pedro Pascal, Catherine OHara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, Stephanie Hsu and Mark Hamill Last month Lupita and her boyfriend Joshua Jackson (pictured in December) were spotted packing on the PDA as they vacationed in Mexico amid their budding romance '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. Daisy Edgar Jones oozed elegance in a strapless black top and chic midi skirt as she attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday. The actress, 25, wore a stylish grey skirt with a black flower motif and elevated her frame with court heels. The Normal People star looked glamorous in her sophisticated ensemble as she posed up a storm at the star-studded event. Daisy later graced the stage inside The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to talk about her upcoming movie Twisters - which is set for release July 19 in the UK. The brunette beauty joined her co-stars Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos to hold a Q&A about their new movie. Daisy Edgar Jones, 25, oozed elegance in a strapless black top and chic midi skirt as she attended CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday The actress wore a stylish grey skirt with a black flower motif and elevated her frame with court heels The Anyone But You star looked incredibly handsome in black tailored trousers and a low-rise shirt, teamed with a trendy jacket. The duo, who are main characters in the new movie, posed side-by-side for a phone after speaking on stage. The trailer for Twisters was released in February, giving a sneak peek of what is to be released in the coming months. In the clip, Glen starred as a storm chaser who was forced to confront a particularly catastrophic tornado while it wreaked devastation across the Midwest. It begins with a team of meteorologists driving through a rainy tornado, and the team is forced to abandon their vehicle and take shelter after their vehicle is struck by flying debris. The team later attends a storm chaser event, during which Tyler Owens, portrayed by Glen, leads the crowd in his catchphrase: 'If you can feel it, chase it!' Owens later joins the meteorologists, and after they find a tornado that Kate Cooper, played by Edgar-Jones, describes as 'gorgeous,' he gives her a flirtatious look. The group goes on to release hundreds of drones into the middle of an active twister in an attempt to 'destroy a tornado,' which had never been done before. Daisy later graced the stage inside The Colosseum at Caesars Palace to talk about her upcoming movie Twisters - which is set for release July 19 in the UK The Normal People star looked glamorous in her sophisticated ensemble as she posed up a storm at the star-studded event The brunette beauty joined her co-stars Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos to hold a Q&A about their new movie Glen (right) looked incredibly handsome in black tailored trousers and a low-rise shirt, teamed with a trendy jacket The duo, who are main characters in the new movie, posed side-by-side for a phone after speaking on stage The trailer for Twisters was released in February, giving a sneak peek of what is to be released in the coming months Twisters serves as a standalone sequel to Twister, which was originally released in 1996, and although the project was originally envisioned as a remake, it was revealed that Twisters would be a follow-up to the original movie in 2022 Lee Isaac Chung, (centre) best known for his work on the 2020 drama film Minari, signed on as the project's director in December of 2022 (pictured with Anthony, Daisy, Glen and Ashley) However, the team is then confronted by the emergence of a particularly violent tornado that begins unleashing havoc. A blogger traveling with Owens' storm-chasing team then notices that the tornado is not alone, and remarks: 'We got twins!' Although Powell's character encourages Cooper to 'ride' her fears at a rodeo, the event is suddenly interrupted by the onset of another twister. Owens, Cooper and Ramos' character are later forced to shelter themselves in a sizable brick building while one of the violent tornados begins destroying a midwestern town. The trailer ends after Powell's character attempts to hold onto one of his friends while she is being sucked into one of the tornadoes. Twisters serves as a standalone sequel to Twister, which was originally released in 1996, and although the project was originally envisioned as a remake, it was revealed that Twisters would be a follow-up to the original movie in 2022. Lee Isaac Chung, best known for his work on the 2020 drama film Minari, signed on as the project's director in December of 2022. Ellie Leach broke down in tears as she opened up to her mother about being cheated on by her boyfriend of five years on her new soap star reality show Drama Queens. The former Coronation Street actress, 22, called it quits with her boyfriend Reagan Pettman in May last year after finding out he had drunkenly kissed another woman in a club. Soap star Ellie dated the dancer for five years before then reportedly taking 'time to reflect which direction her life is going in' after leaving Corrie in July. Her most recent venture, Drama Queens, is a reality show which follows nine soap stars from across Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, and Coronation Street as they give soap fans a glimpse into their lives off camera. Speaking to her mum Karen on the first episode of the show on Wednesday, Ellie said: 'I've just been finding it really difficult. It just feels like wherever you go, everyone is talking about you.' Ellie Leach broke down in tears as she opened up to her mum about being cheated on by her boyfriend of five years on the first episode of her new soap star reality show Drama Queens on Wednesday The former Coronation Street actress, 22, called it quits with her boyfriend in May this year after finding out he had drunkenly kissed another woman in a club (Pictured together) The conversation came days after Ellie's ex Reagan Pettman spoke to The Sun on Sunday about their break-up - and admitted to cheating. 'It kind of felt like all your dirty laundry is available for everyone to see,' Ellie said. 'It's not a reflection of who you are but it's still embarrassing. It still feels like you've done something wrong when you haven't.' Ellie reportedly joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing last year to heal following her break-up, telling her mum that while being on the show was incredible she felt like she was in a 'fishbowl'. She won the show with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola. She added: 'I can truly, truly say that I gave someone everything and if that's not enough then it's not enough. But I'm sure it will be enough for somebody else.' Her ex Reagan went on a bar crawl in his hometown of Preston in November 2022 where he chatted to a girl on the dancefloor. Reagan admitted that 'all of a sudden' they were kissing but he can no longer recall what she looks like. He waited until March last year to tell Ellie he had cheated on her. He said he was unable to forget about the incident repeatedly tried to tell her but said the right moments 'passed and passed'. Drama Queens is a reality show which follows nine soap star s from across Hollyoaks , Emmerdale, and Coronation Street as they give soap fans a glimpse into their lives off camera Former Coronation street star Ellie, 22, dated dancer Reagan (pictured) for five years before they went their separate ways in May last year Saying 'Ellie deserved to know out of respect', Reagan hoped the pair could work through their difficulties but she decided she could no longer trust him. At the time of the interview, Ellie had been linked to her Strictly co-star Bobby Brazier. 'I hurt her and broke her heart,' Reagan said at the time. 'I'm not proud of it. 'It sounds cliche but I was really drunk and it all happened at once. I knew what I had done was wrong and instantly regretted it. 'I want to rebuild the trust again and for her to be back in my life. 'But if she's happy with Bobby, then I am happy for her. But I really miss her.' Bobby and Ellie first sparked dating rumours during Strictly in December and grew closer during the BBC show's tour in January to February. However as Bobby returned to EastEnders, and is reportedly exploring a potential career in Hollywood, Ellie went on to tour UK theatres in the Cluedo stage production. A source previously told The Sun: 'Love blossomed between them when they were in close quarters on the tour, but once that ended they both spent much less time together.' After their his romance with Ellie 'fizzled out', Bobby was rumoured to have found love with his BBC co-star Jazzy Phoenix, 23, who described the 20-year-old as 'a lovely boy'. Ellie reportedly joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing last year to heal following her break-up and she won the show with her professional dance partner Vito Coppola Speaking about her time acting opposite him on the soap, Jazzy said: 'I had the best time at EastEnders. Everybody was so kind, it was the most fabulous place to work.' The new couple teased their new relationship in a now deleted post, after Jazzy took to Instagram on Monday and shared a snap of a bunch of pink and white flowers. Just hours before, Bobby - who portrays Freddie Slater in the BBC soap - shared a picture of the same flowers bouquet, which was wrapped in off-white paper. Bobby has already treated the blonde beauty to a romantic dinner date at Mayfair's swanky Bagatelle restaurant. Bobby has also posted a string of loved-up emojis on the newcomer's recent Instagram post. As Jazzy posed alongside co-star Patsy Kensit, 56, he gushed in the comments: 'Stop it. Too much for me.' A source told The Sun: 'Bobby is enjoying getting to know Jazzy. He loves that they both share a passion for acting and he, of course, thinks she is very beautiful'. Stating that the 'timing was perfect' for their budding romance and that Jazzy was 'flattered' by the handsome actors interest. Before going on to say: 'There are no hard feelings with Ellie. [Her and Bobby's] whirlwind romance just fizzled out.' Stan released the first official trailer for their six-part Original drama series The Tattooist of Auschwitz on Thursday. The show is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by New Zealand author Heather Morris and is inspired by a real-life 'love story'. Premiering on the streaming platform on May 2, the trailer reveals the story of two people who met and fell in love at a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The trailer begins with Heather (Melanie Lynskey) listening to an older Lali Sokolov (Harvey Keitel) recounting his experiences at Auschwitz. 'You're looking for someone to write your life story,' Heather says. Stan released the first official trailer for their six-part Original drama series The Tattooist of Auschwitz (pictured) on Thursday 'This is a love story,' Lali responds. As the trailer begins to show harrowing clips of Lali's life in the concentration camp, he continues to say: 'This is what it was every morning. 'Every time I open my eyes, I am still there. But I found something there. Someone.' The show is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by New Zealand author Heather Morris and is inspired by a real-life 'love story' Premiering on the streaming platform on May 2, the trailer reveals the story of two people (pictured) who met and fell in love at a concentration camp during the Holocaust The series follows young Lali (Jonah Hauer-King), a Slovakian Jew deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1942 where over a million Jews were murdered. Shortly after arriving, he is made to be one of the tattooists charged with inking identification numbers onto prisoners' arms. One day, he meets Gita Furman (Anna Prochniak) when she is brought to him to have an identification number tattooed on her arm. The trailer begins with Heather (Melanie Lynskey - right) listening to an older Lali Sokolov (Harvey Keitel - left) recounting his experiences at Auschwitz 'You're looking for someone to write your life story,' Heather says. 'This is a love story,' Lali responds The pair experience love at first sight, and so begins their courageous, unforgettable story as the trailer sees the pair attempt to keep their love a secret. Under constant guard from a volatile Nazi SS officer Baretzki (Jonas Nay), Lali and Gita became determined to keep each other alive. 'We must keep living. Whatever it takes,' Gita says. 'Love still exists. Even here.' Around 60 years later, a recently widowed Lali (Keitel) meets novice writer Heather following the death of his love, and he finds the courage to tell the world his story. The Tattooist of Auschwitz premieres Thursday, May 2 only on Stan. Christine McGuinness was beaming with pride as she said seeing her former addict father stay free from his heroin addiction 'feels like a dream'. The model, 36, shared a sweet picture with her father, Johnny, on Instagram on Thursday, and revealed he is now 'full of life'. After suffering decades of heartache, Christine has been vocal on social media about her father in recent weeks after he overcame his fatal drug addiction. Heroin is a Class A drug - meaning it is illegal to possess or sell the substance. Those found in possession of the life-destroying drug can be jailed for up to seven years and can also be fined an unlimited fee. While supplying the drug can lead to life behind bars. The drug is highly addictive and can be injected, smoked or snorted and carries the risk of death due to overdose. Christine McGuinness was beaming with pride as she said seeing her former addict father stay free from his heroin addiction 'feels like a dream' After suffering decades of heartache, the model, 36, has been vocal on social media about her father in recent weeks after he overcame his fatal drug addiction Christine's snap showed the pair grinning from cheek to cheek as they held each other in their arms. She captioned her post: 'My dad making my heart smile. It still feels like a dream seeing him happy and healthy, we just don't stop laughing together! He is so full of life now, very proud daughter.' In February, Christine first shared the happy news about her father when she posted a heartfelt video revealing Johnny had overcome his heroin addiction after years of struggling. She shared a montage of his recovery after battling with addiction for 40 years. Christine opened up with her fans and admitted that she never thought she would say the words that her father is free from drugs. The mother-of-three's sincere clip showed the two at different stages of his recovery as she has watched him struggle with the addiction since she was a child, which has had a strain on their relationship. It showed the pair going through tough times when Christine was younger, as well as giving an insight on his recovery and when he finally became clean. Alongside the honest post, she captioned: 'For all the times I've said what I thought was our last 'goodbye' Today was the best Hello... In February, Christine first shared the happy news about her father when she posted a heartfelt video revealing Johnny had overcome his heroin addiction after years of struggling She shared a montage with her 722,000 followers documenting Johnny's recovering from his addiction Christine shared insight into her father's addiction struggles while praising him for overcoming his demons 'My dad is the happiest and healthiest I've ever seen him, my dad is off heroin. I never thought I'd say those words. 'If you love someone in recovery, never lose hope, its never too late. My dad is 62, he's been an addict for 4 decades and now he's a big strong 16st man! Dad, I am so proud of you.' Christine first publicly spoke on her father's addiction in November, 2021 when she admitted that he would inject himself in front of her when she was a teenager. She took the opportunity to open up about those struggles first in her book Christine McGuinness: A Beautiful Nightmare. Johnny's troubles started when she was young, with the model writing that her mother Joanne left him when Christine crawled across one of his used needles when she was a one-year-old baby. In an extract, the media personality told how her dad is one of the longest living heroin addicts in the UK and said he has never met her children. She wrote: 'I saw my dad inject heroin. As a teenager, I struggled with his addiction. I blamed myself. When I became a mum, I kept thinking about how he chose drugs over his own kids. 'But as I've gotten older, I've realised it wasn't as simple a choice for him. Addiction is an illness.' Joanne moved away from Blackpool to Merseyside with Christine and sister Billie-Jo, and despite Johnny's addiction, Christine said she had a good relationship with her father and loves him dearly. However, the star admitted he has never met her husband Paddy or their children Penelope, Leo, both eight, and Felicity, five, as she doesn't feel comfortable with the thought of them being introduced to an addict. Christine did offer her father the chance to meet Paddy when she asked him to walk her down the aisle at their wedding in 2011. After decades of heartache, Christine opened up with her fans and admitted that she never thought she would say the words that her father is free from drugs Her sincere clip showed the two at different stages of his recovery as she has watched him struggle with the addiction since she was a child, which has had a strain on their relationship He said yes but then backed out on the day as she was getting into her bridal gown and said he couldn't make it, so Christine walked down the aisle by herself. Christine said her grandparents have tried to help him and put him into rehab but she doesn't think there's any turning back at this point. The star also revealed doctors previously thought they'd have to amputate his leg due to the damage done by using dirty needles over the years. She has also been contacted by hospitals on several occasions to warn her that Johnny may die. Although Christine said she still loves her father, she doesn't think she will ever be able to respect him. His absence during important moments in her life made Christine even closer with her mother Joanne. She wrote: 'My mum longed for that relationship to work. It broke her heart. I'm so grateful she did leave him and that she got [us] away.' While Christine has a fractured relationship with her father, she has remained close to her mother. Last year, Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer, but this summer, Christine assured fans her mother is 'doing incredibly well' having completed her breast cancer treatment. Taking to Instagram and posting a snap of her cuddling her parent, she penned the following note for her followers: 'Ma. Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know. 'So many of you ask about my mum, she is doing amazingly well, Im so proud of her. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy is all done now its time for her to enjoy life!' FRANK is a support service that offers information about drugs, plus advice for people who use drugs. Call the FRANK helpline on 0300 123 66 00. Johnny's troubles started when she was young, with the model writing that her mother Joanne left him when Christine crawled across one of his used needles when she was a baby CM Mamata Banerjee raises central agency issues in her Eid address West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attacked the Centre during her address on the occasion of the Eid festival on Thursday. This year the election is unique in the sense that before the polls, the Union government is unleashing the Central agencies like ED, CBI and now NIA. Instead of doing that, it would have been better had the Union government made a huge prison, where everything could be housed. Can the Union government send 23 crore people behind bars? But come what may we will face such things like Royal Bengal Tigers, the Chief Minister said while addressing a gathering at Red Road in central Kolkata at the end of a mass Eid prayer there. She also said that the BJP is trying to enforce the National Register of Citizens (NRC), Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country. If NRC is the head, CAA is the abdomen and UCC is the tail. We do not want hate speeches and division of people in the name of NRC, CAA and UCC. Our only aim is the unity of all religions, the Chief Minister said. Her comments come just a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah while addressing an election rally at Balurghat on Wednesday, said that "however Mamata Banerjee might oppose it, CAA will be implemented in the country at any cost". Addressing the gathering at Red Road, the Chief Minister made a subtle appeal for not dividing the anti-BJP votes in West Bengal. Remember, in West Bengal only Trinamool Congress is fighting against BJP. So in Bengal do not vote for anybody else. I will see to it later on what happens with the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc at the national level. But right now are the only ones in West Bengal who are opposing the BJP, she said. Former Big Brother star Tilly Whitfeld is out of hospital and well on the way to recovery after undergoing surgery to remove breast implants. The 23-year-old blonde beauty spilled explicit details of the procedure in the latest episode of the Trainwreck with Tilly and Marley podcast. Telling her co-hosts she was feeling great after enduring the five-hour operation, Tilly admitted she was glad to be rid of her oversized bust. I love looking like a boy thats my favourite part,' she joked during the podcast. I actually feel great. And I can tell you there is an immediate difference.' Former Big Brother star Tilly Whitfeld is out of hospital and well on the way to recovery after undergoing surgery to remove breast implants. Pictured In a shock revelation Tilly said that each implant weighed a whopping 500 grams and her chest was so heavy it made it difficult to breathe. Elsewhere in the chat the reality star confessed she got her breast implants eight months ago for 'fun'. Telling listeners she was already happy with the way she looked, her decision was spontaneous. Meanwhile, Tilly said she had the implants removed because they were creating major health problems. Her symptoms after receiving her 'new breasts' included a painful blotchy rash, pins and needles and ongoing numbness around her breasts and nipples. She added that the breasts were so large she was advised by doctors that they were impacting her lymph nodes, which are essential to the health of the nervous system. Tilly also loaded a selfie to her stories and could be seen lying in a hospital bed holding two implants in front her breasts. The 23-year-old blonde beauty spilled explicit details of the procedure in the latest episode of the Trainwreck with Tilly and Marley podcast. Tilly admitted she was glad to be rid of her oversized bust In a shock revelation Tilly said that each implant weighed a whopping 500 grams and her chest was so heavy it made it difficult to breathe In February Tilly shared video of her rash with followers. 'I got implants five weeks ago and ever since I have had this rash. I've gone to the dermatologist and hospital and done two different steroids,' she said. 'It just clears and then comes straight back. I would be grateful for any advice.' According to the Australian Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration, a post-surgery rash can sometimes develop due to the body adjusting to the implants. Kylie Minogue looked effortlessly chic as she stepped out on Wednesday for a night on the town at London's Chiltern Firehouse. The Australian pop icon, 55, was the epitome of chic as she wore a stunning pale pink silk co-ord during the outing. Showcasing her petite frame, she cinched in her waist with her trench coat buckled belt, teamed with a matching pair of trendy flared trousers. Opting for comfort, Kylie left her stilettos at home and chose distressed light brown leather boots. Adding a touch of sparkle to her look, The Loco-Motion star accessorised her ensemble with a gold cross-body bag. Kylie Minogue, 55, looked effortlessly chic in a fabulous salmon-pink silk cord as she stepped out on Wednesday for a night on the town at London's Chiltern Firehouse The Australian pop icon showcased her petite frame as she cinched in her waist with her trench coat buckled belt. Her stylish outing comes just days after it was revealed that she is pouring her heart into her 17th studio album, which has been teased to be filled with mega dance tracks. The pop star is also set to release her highly anticipated No1 record Tension, which will include new tunes, a testament to her continued musical prowess. A source told The Sun: 'Kylie has made it clear to her team this is no time to slow down. Plans are already in motion for the next two albums, one of which will be a repackage of Tension with additional songs. 'As for the direction of album 17 it's early days but a full-on dance album is in the works. 'The plan is to release the Tension repackage towards the end of the year, with probably up to five new tracks.' MailOnline contacted Kylie's representatives for comment at the time. Last month, Kylie hit the studio in California with chart-topping British DJ Joel Corry, who previously gushed it would 'be an honour' to work with the Spinning Around songstress. She paired her long-length spring coat with a matching pair of trendy flared trousers. Opting for comfort, Kylie left her stilettos at home and chose distressed light brown leather boots Adding a touch of sparkle to her look, The Loco-Motion star accessorised her ensemble with a gold sparkly cross-body bag Her stylish outing comes just days after it was revealed that she is pouring her heart into her 17th studio album, which has been teased to be filled with mega dance tracks The pop star is also set to release her highly anticipated No1 record Tension, which will include new tunes, a testament to her continued musical prowess He said: 'Kylie absolutely smashed it last year. She has taken over the charts. I've loved the sound of the singles. They sound really fresh and current. She is pop royalty. It would be an honour to work with her.' Sharing a photo of the duo in the studio, Joel teased: 'Been in LA writing BANGERS all week!! Lucky to work with some very special people Heading back on tour with fresh fireee to test'. Kylie has been enjoying some downtime from her Las Vegas residency as she landed in Sydney last week. She has a month off from her busy residency schedule before she will return stateside to take to the stage once again on April 26. The songstress looked as glamorous as ever as she shared a stunning snap from her stay at the Crown Sydney on Thursday. She took to Instagram to post an elegant snap of herself lounging in the five-star Barangaroo hotel, which frequently attracts A-list guests. Last month, Kylie hit the studio in California with chart-topping British DJ Joel Corry, who previously gushed it would 'be an honour' to work with the Spinning Around songstress Sharing a photo of the duo in the studio, Joel teased: 'Been in LA writing BANGERS all week!! Lucky to work with some very special people Heading back on tour with fresh fireee to test' She put on a dazzling display in a strapless black gown with glitzy silver tasseled detailing and a daring side split which showed off her toned legs. The Padam Padam hitmaker gave herself a few extra inches in a pair of jewelled strapped heels and let her bombshell outfit do all the talking. The stunning city views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House could be seen in the background as Kylie made the most of her time Down Under. She also shared a video to her Instagram Stories of herself strutting her stuff in her gorgeous outfit as she gave an insight into her stay at the Crown. Showing off her lavish suite, Kylie said: 'Do you want to see the view?' before panning the camera around to show off the nighttime city views. She added: 'Thank you Sydney, absolutely beautiful!' Kylie is reportedly set to tour Australia in 2024, although specific dates have not yet been announced. Emmerdale star Isabel Hodgins has shared another huge life update, only a few months after announcing her engagement with boyfriend Adam Whitehead. The 30-year-old actress, who portrays Victoria Sugden on the ITV soap, shared she and her husband-to-be had taken the plunge and moved in together. Taking to Instagram to make the announcement, Isabel shared a snap of Kylie Minogue's sparkling rose, a card and a pair of keys adorned with matching keyrings on a pristine white countertop. Proudly revealing her new home to her 155,000 followers, she penned: 'We are FINALLY in!! Now I have to live with a smelly boy!' Her Emmerdale co-stars were quick to congratulate the bride-to-be on her major life update in the comments. Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins shared another huge life update with fans revealing that she and her fiance Adam Whitehead are moving in together (pictured) Sharing the exciting news with her followers, the actress shared a snap of Kylie Minogue 's sparkling rose, a card and a pair of keys adorned with matching keyrings Fans alongside her Emmerdale co-stars from the past and present flooded her comment section with congratulations and well wishes Kevin Fletcher, who famously played Isabel's on-screen adoptive brother Andy Sugden, chimed in: 'Big moment.' Whilst fellow co-star Laura Norton, who stars on Emmerdale as Kerry Wyatt, said: 'Congratulations my little sweetpea all grown up, so proud of you.' Eden Taylor-Draper, who features on the show as Bell Dingle, added: 'So proud of you both. First priority is my bedroom' Fellow Dingle actress, Natalie Robb, chimed in: 'Ah congratulations and I wish you both all the very best and many happy times to come in your new home together x x' Fans also flooded the comment section with congratulations and well wishes for the happy couple. One eagle-eyed follower quipped: 'Ok, there is living with a boy... but the payoff is Kylie Sparkling Rose! That's gotta be a win! Congratulations on your new home.' This comes shortly after happy couple announced they were engaged on November 25, 2023. Sharing the joyous news to Instagram, Isabel posted a clip showcasing the moment Adam popped the question. Isabel has played Victoria Sugden on Emmerdale since the age of 12 - she is now 30-years-old (pictured in 2021 as Victoria) Her most recent life update comes only months after she revealed her partner Adam had proposed to her (pictured) Sharing the adorable clip to Instagram, Isabel penned: 'The most incredible night of my life. I said yes to marrying my best friend' In the video, the couple are seen having dinner as Adam puts the ring on Isabel's finger and she leans over the table to give him a kiss. Alongside the post, the soap star wrote: 'The most incredible night of my life. I said yes to marrying my best friend. 'My kind, sweet, patient and generous perfect person. I cant wait to spend forever with you.' Before she was in a relationship with Adam, the actress was with former co-star Michael Parr for four years. The pair parted called it quits at the end of 2018 following Michael's decision to quit Emmerdale and try to crack America. Michael joined the ITV soap in 2013, where he took the role of Ross Barton, while Isabel has featured on the show as Victoria Sugden - a role she has played since the age of 12. A source told The Sun: 'They drifted apart and felt it was better to be mates. He has been throwing himself into his social life and has just been on a lads' holiday and she is focusing on work. 'They're both young and want to follow their dreams. They had a meaningful relationship and they'll remember the good times.' Rav Wilding has returned to Morning Live for the first time since revealing he's split from his wife Jill Morgan after 12 years of marriage. The presenter, 46, first shared on Tuesday that he had secretly ended his marriage, and on Thursday made his first TV appearance following the news. Joined by Gethin Jones and Janette Manrara, Rav discussed a recent rise in anti-social behaviour, and offered advice on how viewers can feel safer on the streets. The Crimewatch star previously announced that he and producer Jill split up last year, writing on Instagram Stories: 'For those asking questions... myself and @jillmorganx amicably separated last year. 'Our focus is co-parenting our hugely loved and beautiful daughter.' Rav Wilding has returned to Morning Live for the first time since revealing he's split from his wife Jill Morgan after 12 years of marriage The presenter first shared on Tuesday that he had secretly ended his marriage last year (pictured with his wife following the birth of their daughter) Addressing his followers on his Stories, he wrote: 'For those asking questions... myself and @jillmorganx amicably separated last year. Our focus is co-parenting our hugely loved and beautiful daughter' The couple tied the knot in May 2017 in Barbados, and went on to welcome three-year-old daughter Poppy. Jill is a television producer, who has worked on Loose Women, Top Gear and Children In Need. Rav proposed to her after only seven months of dating in 2012 while on holiday in the Caribbean. A month before he popped the question, he gushed about their future, saying: 'It is early days for us but I'm very happy. I would like kids in the future, yeah. We'll just have to see what happens.' They were forced to cancel their nuptials however, after Rav sustained an injury while training for Splash! in December 2013. The former soldier underwent surgery after snapping the hamstring tendons in his left leg during a somersault dive for the now defunct ITV diving show. His injuries meant he did not appear on the show, fronted by Tom Daley, and he later sued the producers, claiming his career was derailed as a result. Rav and Jill had been due to have their wedding in the summer of 2015 but were forced to postpone, with Rav saying: 'It breaks my heart that Jill and I had to cancel our wedding. Joined by hosts Gethin Jones and Janette Manrara , Rav discussed a recent rise in anti-social behaviour, and offered advice on how viewers can feel safer on the streets The couple tied the knot in May 2017 in Barbados, and went on to welcome three-year-old daughter Poppy (pictured) Jill is a television producer, who has worked on Loose Women, Top Gear and Children In Need. Rav proposed to her after only seven months of dating in 2012 while on holiday in the Caribbean (pictured together in 2019) 'She has been so supportive during this whole ordeal and all I want to do is show my commitment to her, and even that's been taken away. It's on hold indefinitely at the moment until we can get back on track. In November 2019, he announced that they were expecting their first child together in a post on social media which read: 'We have some exciting news! 'Our family is expanding and baby Wilding is due to make an appearance next year! Its been a long hard journey... but we got there in the end.' Then in June 2020, he announced the birth of their baby girl and her sweet name, with a snap of the couple taking her home from the hospital. He wrote: 'She is here and she is perfect! . . Introducing Poppy Rose Wilding 02.06.20'. Before his relationship with Jill, Rav famously dated Big Brother star Chantelle Houghton from 2010 until 2011. The pair's relationship broke down after they were snapped having a furious and public row in London's Richmond Park. They had appeared the picture of contentment as they shared a bottle of champagne lounging on the grass, before getting into a fiery argument. The Crimewatch star was seen angrily shouting at Chantelle, leaving the reality star in floods of tears. They were forced to cancel their nuptials however, after Rav sustained an injury while training for Splash! in December 2013 An on-looker told The People: The two were having an almighty row. She looked absolutely shocked as he pointed at her and even grabbed her arm. He looked furious. He was shouting at her and jabbing his finger. Rav later confirmed they had broken up, tweeting that he had 'drawn a line' under the relationship and claiming it hadn't been 'the genuine thing'. He wrote: 'Wanted to clarify situation after speculation 2day. Sadly Chantelle & I are no longer in a relationship as Ive had to draw a line under it. 'Its been a really difficult week and a lot has gone on, & I appreciate everyones kind words. The relationship wasn't what I wanted so badly and wasn't the genuine thing I thought it was. 'It's so upsetting as I genuinely & truly loved Chantelle, but the publicity side isn't always reflective of the truth. 'All I ask is that you don't believe everything that's written, and thanks again to everyone who's been in touch means a lot x'. The following week Chantelle broke her silence on the bust-up and split, admitting it had been the 'toughest' week of her life. She told the Mirror: ' You give six months of your life to someone you dont expect this treatment. In November 2019, he announced that they were expecting their first child together in a post on social media which read: 'We have some exciting news!' (pictured in 2020) Before his relationship with Jill, Rav famously dated Big Brother star Chantelle Houghton from 2010 until 2011 (pictured together in December 2010) The pair's relationship broke down after they were snapped having a furious and public row in London's Richmond Park (pictured) 'Everyone could see it was aggressive. Ive had such a horrible week its been the toughest of my life. ' For a girl, especially, its been horrible. No girl wants to go through this. I find it really painful to talk about. Im hurt - and I dont feel good at the moment.' She had previously revealed that the pair had clashed because Rav struggled to deal with the fact that she had been married before. Chantelle met her ex-husband Preston, of Ordinary Boys fame, on Celebrity Big Brother and they married in August 2006, only to split up 10 months later. Talking about her relationship with Rav at the time, she said: We have little rows - Rav finds it really hard that I've been married before. 'It doesn't anger me but I don't like someone wanting to change my past because I wouldn't change it for anything - I don't regret any of it. Sebastian Stan was a dead ringer for a young Donald Trump in a first look image at his new film The Apprentice. The actor, 41, stars as the US president in the upcoming movie directed by filmmaker Ali Abbasi which is set in the 70s and 90s. Appearing alongside Sebastian is Succession star Jeremy Strong who portrays lawyer Roy Cohn who represented Trump during his early business career. In the still from the film, Sebastian and Jeremy sit alongside each other in the back of a car as Trump takes a phone call. Dressed in a three-piece cream suit, Sebastian also sported a blonde wig to recreate Trump's famous hairstyle. Sebastian Stan was a dead ringer for a young Donald Trump in a first look image at his new film The Apprentice alongside Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn The actor, 41, stars as the US president in the upcoming movie directed by filmmaker Ali Abbasi which is set in the 70s and 90s (Trump pictured in 1985) Jeremy wore a light grey suit with a white shirt and navy tie as he looked at his co-star with a stern expression. The Apprentice will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May where it will be up for the coveted Palm d'Or Award. Production on The Apprentice began in late November. The film follows Trump in the '70s and '80s as he attempts to establish his real estate empire on the back of his father Fred Trump's properties. The Apprentice is being directed by the Iranian filmmaker Ali Abbasi, who shot the critically acclaimed Persian-language crime thriller Holy Spider (2022). Succession star Jeremy Strong, who will portray disgraced and eventually disbarred lawyer Roy Cohn, will be prominently featured as the younger Trump's mentor. He was later disbarred in 1986 for defrauding a dying client. Oscar-nominated actress Maria Bakalova, 27, will play Trump's late ex-wife Ivana Trump. Sebastian stars as Trump (right) in the 70s and 80s while Jeremy portrays his lawyer Roy Cohn (left, in 1983) The film follows Trump in the '70s and '80s as he attempts to establish his real estate empire on the back of his father Fred Trump's properties (Trump pictured in 1985) The Apprentice will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May where it will be up for the coveted Palm d'Or Award (Trump pictured in 1980) Variety initially reported that the film's title would be The Student, adding that a logline for the forthcoming film described it as 'an exploration of power and ambition set in a world of corruption and deceit. 'It's a mentor-protege story that charts the origins of an American dynasty. Filled with larger than life characters, it reveals the moral and human cost of a culture defined by winners and losers.' The screenplay for the film was penned by writer Gabriel Sherman, who authored the 2014 book The Loudest Voice in the Room: How the Brilliant, Bombastic Roger Ailes Built Fox News and Divided a Country. The book was subsequently adapted into the 2019 Showtime miniseries The Loudest Voice. Sebastian is surging professionally, having garnered nominations for an Emmy and Golden Globe after playing the role of Tommy Lee in Hulu's Pam & Tommy, which hit Hulu in 2022. Sebastian is surging professionally, having garnered nominations for an Emmy and Golden Globe after playing the role of Tommy Lee in Hulu's Pam & Tommy, which hit Hulu in 2022 Last year, Stan was in multiple movies, including Dumb Money, Sharper and Ghosted. Stan, who has also been seen in multiple MCU films playing Bucky 'Winter Soldier' Barnes, is the latest in a line of performers who have played Trump. Few of those have been for dramatic productions, with the most recent being Irish actor Brendan Gleeson in the 2020 Showtime miniseries The Comey Rule. Trump has been spoofed for decades on NBC's Saturday Night Live, with actors including Alec Baldwin, Darrell Hammond, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam and the late Phil Hartman playing the role at different points. Trump remains battling multiple legal cases in multiple states as he remains the favorite to garner the Republican presidential nomination next year. Phil Turner and Rachel Woolford have made it through to the final of The Apprentice after a nail-biting semi-final. The Bognor Regis Pie company owner and fitness entrepreneur triumphed over Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha for the gruelling week of intense interviews, as they proved themselves strong enough to handle the heat. After eleven challenging weeks, the pair will go head to head in next week's final as they battle to become Lord Sugar's new business partner and win his 250,000 investment. On Thursday some familiar faces returned as the final five candidates met with Lord Sugar's most trusted advisors as business plans were interrogated, CVs picked apart and white lies exposed as the candidates battled it out to make the final. And it was Tre, Flo and Paul who sadly fell at the last hurdle, with their business plans being turned down by Lord Sugar. Phil Turner (pictured) and Rachel Woolford have made it through to the final of The Apprentice after a nail-biting semi-final The Bognor Regis Pie company owner and fitness entrepreneur triumphed over Tre Lowe, Flo Edwards and Dr Paul Midha in the gruelling week of intense interviews (Rachel pictured) After eleven challenging weeks, the pair will go head to head in next week's final as they battle to become Lord Sugar's new business partner and win his 250,000 investment Claude branded Tre's business plan 'woefully inadequate' while Linda highlighted his lack of scientific evidence to back up his 'testosterone shots.' Mike then presented Tre with a sample of his own shot, based off the ingredients listed and forced him to taste it for the first time. Phil was accused of deceiving customers by Mike after he said his pie company was established in 1933, despite first being opened in 2012. Linda then questioned his accounts and said he would have to put his prices up to keep making a profit. Rachel's gym plan was slammed by Claude who said she was 'missing proper numbers' after she was initially praised by Claudine, with Mike then savagely purchasing the domain names for her gyms before she did. Both Claude and Linda said Paul had pitched the wrong business in choosing a scrub company, branding it a 'fairytale.' Finally, Flo's recruitment company was found to share a name with an existing company in Norwich and Claudine questioned her staffing numbers. In the most dramatic boardroom to date, Lord Sugar told music and wellness entrepreneur Tre: 'Tre, I've always said to people in this process that you will learn as you go along, and that includes me. And I have learnt that you are a good bloke.' On Thursday some familiar faces returned as the final five candidates met with Lord Sugar's most trusted advisors as business plans were interrogated as they battled it out However, his personality wasn't enough for the business tycoon as he added: 'Your business is not up my alley mate, and so it is with sincere regret, You're Fired!' Recruitment consultant Flo was next to go, as Lord Sugar explained: 'Flo, I think you've underestimated the difficulty it's going to be in starting from scratch. 'It is going to be hard, and I'm leaning towards Flo saying I'm going to have to let you go. Sorry about that. And I do wish you very, very well. But Flo, You're Fired.' Finally Dental Group owner Paul also missed out on the chance to be Lord Sugar's business partner, as he became the final candidate to face the firing line. 'Paul, I wish you well. But unfortunately, because you are not willing to share the whole business with me, I'm afraid to say with great respect, You're Fired', concluded Lord Sugar. Claude branded Tre's business plan 'woefully inadequate' while Linda highlighted his lack of scientific evidence to back up his 'testosterone shots' Phil was accused of deceiving customers by Mike after he said his pie company was established in 1933, despite first being opened in 2012 Rachel's gym plan was slammed by Claude who said she was 'missing proper numbers' with Mike then savagely purchasing the domain names for her gyms before she did Both Claude and Linda said Paul (pictured) had pitched the wrong business in choosing a scrub company, branding it a 'fairytale' Finally, Flo's recruitment company was found to share a name with an existing company in Norwich and Claudine questioned her staffing numbers As Phil and Rachel celebrated their achievement after surviving the hardest day in the process so far, Phil said: 'I feel really proud of myself to have made it to the final' Meanwhile Rachel added: 'I can't quite believe that I've made it to this point. This has been such a competitive series with incredible candidates that I'm in absolute awe of' As Phil and Rachel celebrated their achievement after surviving the hardest day in the process so far, Phil said: 'I feel really proud of myself to have made it to the final. 'It's not been the easiest journey but I've held my head high, kept going each week and now I'm ready to give it one more shot to show that Lord Sugar was right to see something in me, and that I can be his next business partner.' Meanwhile Rachel added: 'I can't quite believe that I've made it to this point. This has been such a competitive series with incredible candidates that I'm in absolute awe of. 'To make it to the final is a dream and I'm just so excited now to showcase my business that I've poured my heart and soul into.' The Apprentice final episode will air on Thursday 18th April on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley was the epitome of chic as she attended the opening of Tiffany & Co's new exhibition Tiffany Wonder in Tokyo on Thursday. The model, 36, showed off her jaw-dropping physique in a glamorous white gown as she posed inside the TOKYO NODE gallery. The mother-of-two, who shares, son Jack, six, and daughter Isabella, two, with fiance Jason Statham, looked sensational in the elegant ensemble. Her dress, which had a semi-sheer pleated skirt, was complemented with dazzling Tiffany & Co earrings and a brooch. The blonde beauty flaunted her incredibly toned arms and svelte model figure as she stunned on the purple carpet at the event. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 36, was the epitome of chic as she attended the opening of Tiffany & Co's new exhibition Tiffany Wonder in Tokyo on Thursday The model showed off her jaw-dropping physique in a glamorous white gown as she posed inside the TOKYO NODE gallery Elsewhere at the event, Olivia Wilde turned heads in a racy midi dress with statement gold jewellery. The actress looked nothing short of sensational in the backless and strapless ensemble and elevated her frame with strappy high-heels. The beauty swept her tresses back in a slick back pony tail and appeared in great spirits as she arrived to the star-studded launch event. Rosie recently shared snaps from Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary party in Milan. She slipped into a sexy sheer black dress and suspenders and showed off her assets and hourglass figure. Under the see-through dress she wore lace lingerie and suspenders as she turned up the heat with the eye-catching look. DailyMail.com previously reported that Rosie and Jason love being engaged so much that they don't plan on officially tying the knot anytime soon. According to a source close to the couple, they are on the 'same page' when it comes to their relationship - despite a notable age difference. Her dress, which had a semi-sheer pleated skirt, was complemented with dazzling Tiffany & Co earrings and a brooch The mother-of-two, who shares, son Jack, six, and daughter Isabella, two, with fiance Jason Statham , looked sensational in the elegant ensemble The blonde beauty flaunted her incredibly toned arms and svelte model figure as she stunned on the purple carpet at the event Inside the opening celebration, Rosie posed for a photo with Pharrell Williams, right, and Alexandre Arnault, left Elsewhere at the event, Olivia Wilde turned heads in a racy midi dress with statement gold jewellery The actress looked nothing short of sensational in the backless and strapless ensemble and elevated her frame with strappy high-heels The beauty swept her tresses back in a slick back pony tail and appeared in great spirits as she arrived to the star-studded launch event Rosie recently shared snaps from Dolce & Gabbana's 40th anniversary party in Milan DailyMail.com previously reported that Rosie and Jason (pictured) love being engaged so much that they don't plan on officially tying the knot anytime soon The source insisted Rosie and Jason 'will' get married one day, but there's 'no rush'. They assured: 'They are also very private but Jason knows how lucky he is and loves the life he has; he is very happy. 'When it comes to them, they will get married eventually but they feel like they are already married and there is no rush. "If it isn't broken, why fix it" is their overall mentality.' The source also suggested the couple may even add to their brood rather than plan a wedding and their children may be the ones to push them into a wedding. They explained: 'And as it comes to their kids, their kids are still very young and their thoughts on expanding their family being such a very plausible thing, they might wait to have a wedding once their kids get older so they can enjoy it themselves. 'They both anticipate that their kids will ask them to have one in the future and if that happens, that would be the tipping point to actually have one.' Flo Edwards Consultant Flo Edwards said making it to the final five feels 'surreal' Occupation: Recruitment Consultant Location: London Hailed for her negotiation tactics throughout the series, consultant Flo Edwards said making it to the final five feels 'surreal'. 'Surreal is probably the right word for it,' she said. 'I watched The Apprentice growing up and to be in the final five is amazing. I'm just really delighted.' Of all the tasks during the series, Flo's favourite was the cheesecake making task - during her sales technique helped her team soar to victory. Flo said: 'It gave me validation as to why I was there and why I was strong enough to be there. I think when I first joined and met all the candidates, I had a little bit of imposter syndrome because I was surrounded by incredible businesspeople. 'At the time, I didn't have my own business, so I felt slightly like an underdog. I think that task and the positive reaction to my motivation gave me a lot of external validation as to why I was there. That was my favourite week, it really motivated me for the rest of the process.' Asked about her business inspiration, Flo credited all the people she is 'fortunate' to have worked .and surrounded herself with. 'It's not necessarily somebody in a spotlight that already has attention,' she said. 'Its friends, people I've grown up with, people I've worked with. 'People that bring so many enviable aspects and qualities to business that inspire me.' Flo's advice for people starting their own business is to find something they are passionate about. She said that for her, making an impact in diversity and inclusion in business is what drives her and she encourages budding entrepreneurs to 'back' themselves. Dr Paul Midha Dr Paul Midha is delighted to be representing the dental community a Occupation: Owner, Dental Group Location: Leeds The calm and collected contestant, Dr Paul Midha is delighted to be representing the dental community and the Punjabi community in the final five. 'Sometimes you look back in life and you remember certain moments as being the pinnacle of an achievement that you made and that was one of them for sure,' the dentist said. 'I remember when we were in task ten, in the boardroom, and we found out that myself, Phil, Flo, and Tre had made it into the final five by winning that task. I just couldn't stop smiling and I dont think I stopped smiling for the next few days.' Paul hailed his father as being his inspiration, as he came to the UK and started working at a petrol station before moving to textiles and starting his own business from his garage in Bradford. He said: 'What he always taught me was that hard work will beat talent any day of the week. He worked seven days a week, twelve hours a day. 'To be able to grow up with someone as inspirational as that, really made me value and appreciate how much graft you have to put in to make things work.' During the Formula-E task, where the teams had to design a car and brand, Paul was project manager - which as a Formula-1 fan he said was exciting. Despite losing the task, Paul was praised for his ability to turn poor brand around in the team's favour and convince investors of the vision. Paul learned during filming that he finds 'being uncomfortable, comfortable' and realised he works well in high-pressure situations. 'When the pressure is on, that's when I turn up,' he said. 'That's something that I didnt previously know about myself.' Phil Turner To many The Apprentice fans, Phil Turner's success in making it to the final five may come as a shock - after the pie maker was on the losing team for nine of ten tasks Occupation: Owner, Pie Company Location: Bognor Regis To many The Apprentice fans, Phil Turner's success in making it to the final five may come as a shock - after the pie maker was on the losing team for nine of ten tasks. But tasked with being the project manager in week 10 as his last chance to prove himself, Phil did just that as his team's vegan cheese was the winning product. Phil said: 'I think after the journey I've had and so many losses, I feel as if I've probably had the toughest route to the final five that maybe any candidate has ever had. I feel really proud of myself.' The competitor's parents started a bakery 'against all odds' and Phil said their determination to have their own business just the two of them inspired him. 'I look up to them as inspirational figures and as aspirational in terms of the hard work, commitment and dedication,' he said. Phil's advice to wannabe business owners is that they need to be prepared to fail, as it builds resilience. He insisted that successful entrepreneurs manage to 'stick out' the tough bits and come out fighting. His journey throughout the process was a rocky one, but Phil is proud of himself for his ability to bounce back. He said: 'I saw other candidates' reactions and responses to losing tasks, being in the cafe, being in the final boardroom and I saw it really knocked their confidence. 'Having lost nine tasks on the trot, I really came out of the process knowing that I am mentally tough, and I think Lord Sugar could see that regardless of how many times I lost. I was bouncing back with the same enthusiasm, and I was never hiding. I learnt exactly how much adversity I could actually face and thats something I am extremely proud of.' Rachel Woolford Fitness entrepreneur Rachel Woolford is looking forward to unveiling her business plan in next week's interview episode Occupation: Boutique Fitness Studio Location: Leeds Fitness entrepreneur Rachel Woolford is looking forward to unveiling her business plan in next week's interview episode. In a switch from her other competitors, Rachel draws inspiration from Dragons Den's Sara Davies - who started her company while a student at the University of York. 'Firstly, because she's Northern and secondly, she is the definition of demonstrating you can be kind and be in business,' Rachel said of her admiration for the dragon. 'I love watching her because shes not quick to criticise, shes open to different ideas and she really encourages young people to be entrepreneurial and at the same time has fun with it.' Rachel urged upcoming business minds not to enter the industry looking for money at first, but to see it as a work in progress. She said: 'Be prepared for a really difficult first few years, dont expect it to come easy or to make money straight away. 'Be ready to sacrifice a lot of things to be successful.' Despite losing, Rachel would re-do the Budapest task as she loves entertaining and engaging with customers. 'It's such a shame that we didnt sell the tickets at a high enough price because had we had done that, I think we would have won,' she said. 'The customers on the tour all had such a good time and we had great tips at the end and sadly we didnt sell enough tickets.' Tre Lowe Tre Lowe soared throughout the series as his creativity was continually applauded, but the confident entrepreneur 'knew' that he would make it to the final five Occupation: Music and Wellness Entrepreneur Location: London Award-winning producer and songwriter Tre Lowe thought The Apprentice would be 'a walk in the park' but insists it was far from easy. Tre soared throughout the series as his creativity was continually applauded, but the confident entrepreneur 'knew' that he would make it to the final five. Inspired by his father, who moved from poverty in Nigeria to growing a multi-million pound property portfolio in London, Tre said it was instilled in him to always work extra hard. He said: 'He instilled in me a hard work ethic, the importance of education, and being personally responsible for your success or failure in life in all of his kids. 'I was incredibly lucky to have my father, he is a true hero to me.' Tre was project manager when his team won the Formula-E task and received a record-breaking 38.7million investment, which even shocked Lord Sugar himself. 'That week had everything,' he said. 'First of all - my love of cars meant I had to jump at the opportunity. It was the first time I was project manager, so I had a lot to prove. Two of our strongest members were taken from us, which perhaps made us underdogs, but I absolutely thrive when I am the underdog.' Tre was commended for his ability to spin bad branding into a positive - which ultimately won the task for the team. He said: 'To lead a team, no matter the challenges - like the terrible logo and corporate video - to not only a victory, but a record-breaking victory, that may never be broken.' Tre encouraged those looking to start a business to find themselves a mentor to help guide them and avoid wasting precious time. 'Surround yourself with successful, positive, supportive yet honest people,' he added. 'Just take the advice of those you respect and those who have achieved in business already.' One of Strictly Come Dancing's biggest stars will be centre stage on this year's Kinky Boots tour, after bagging the main role in the musical. Johannes Radebe will be taking on the central role of Lola the drag queen for his musical debut in the play, which is inspired by Cyndi Lauper's iconic music. Led by former Billy Elliot director, Nikolai Foster, the professional dancer is set to take stage in venues dotted around the country from February until July 2025. Joining Johannes will be seasoned West End star Dan Partridge, who is taking on the role of shoe factory owner, Charlie Price. Kinky Boots centres around the unlikely friendship formed between drag queen and cabaret performer Lola and Charlie - who has recently inherited the factory from his late father. Johannes Radebe will be taking on the central role of Lola the drag queen for his musical debut in the play, which is inspired by Cyndi Lauper 's iconic music in Kinky Boots (pictured) The dancer will be making his musical debut alongside seasoned West End actor Dan Partridge (pictured) who will portray Charlie Price As the pair come together to devise a collection of high-heeled boots for drag queens in an attempt to save the business, Lola and Charlie realise they have more in common than they once thought. After revealing Johannes would be taking the title role in the Curve production, chief executive Christ Stafford told Radio Times: 'We all know Johannes for his extraordinary artistry on the dance floor. 'But seeing him inhabit the astonishing world of Lola in Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper's proud, punchy and passionate Kinky Boots has been an electrifying and profoundly moving experience.' 80s pop superstar Cyndi also chimed in on this year's production of the play, explaining that Kinky Boots was one of her proudest accomplishments. She added: 'It's like a happy pill and we could all use some of that right now! 'I can't think of a better time or place to relaunch this special show (than) in its place of origin.' The huge career move comes shortly after Johannes revealed his memoir is being adapted into a film. Johannes Radebe, who joined the BBC show in 2018, penned a memoir titled JoJo: Finally Home last year, and the novel will act as a basis for the movie. This comes shortly after another huge career move for Johannes who shared that his memoir Jojo, was being adapted into a film (pictured: Johannes as a child) The film, which is being produced Arrested Industries and Helena Spring Films, will feature musical numbers choreographed by Johannes himself, but will not be an outright musical. According to Deadline, the film will be 'packed with heart, great music, wonderful costumes and big dance numbers.' Johannes, who will act as executive producer, candidly detailed his struggles going up in poverty in South Africa, and the prejudice he faced for pursuing his passion for dance in his memoir. Kinky Boots tickets will be available to customers from 10am on April 12. The majority of the venue tickets will be available via ATG tickets, however if certain venues are not on the site, you are advised to visit the specific venue website. Dennis Quaid and his wife Laura Savoie attended Wednesday evening's The Long Game screening in Los Angeles. The 70-year-old actor who reunited with former co-star Julianne Moore last fall kept close to his wife, 31, as they walked the red carpet. Quaid was dressed in a dark, patterned shirt, a sleek black leather jacket, and black trousers. He rounded out the look with a pair of black sneakers with white soles. Meanwhile, Savoie complemented him in a black one-shoulder top with a side cutout and sash she wore with high-waisted white pants. Dennis Quaid and his wife Laura Savoie attended Wednesday evening's The Long Game screening in Los Angeles The 70-year-old actor kept close to his wife, 31, as they walked the red carpet Savoie, a certified public accountant, wore her thick blonde hair in a side part and styled loose with lots of body. Her ensemble was rounded out with a pointy black heel. The Pepperdine graduate's face was aglow in soft, flattering makeup that accentuated her beauty. For the event, Quaid looked great with his face clean-shaven and his short hair neatly cut. The couple met in 2019 and eloped the following year. Dennis' marriage to Laura is his fourth, following romances with PJ Soles, Meg Ryan, and Kimberly Buffington. He shares 31-year-old son Jack with ex-wife Meg and 16-year-old twins Zoe and Thomas with Kimberly. Last year, the longtime entertainer gushed about his wife Laura, 'God is in my wife and [my] relationship and it's another thing that I never really had before.' Quaid was dressed in a dark, patterned shirt, a sleek black leather jacket, and black trousers The Hollywood leading man was clean-shaven and his dark hair was neatly cut Speaking with Extra, he added, 'She and I have such a beautiful relationship, and we pray together.' In 2019, Quaid told The Guardian he met Laura at a 'business event.' He added about their 39-year age difference: 'I didnt go out looking for an age gap or someone really younger than me.' Savoie is listed as a founding partner of Quaid's production company Bonniedale Films on her LinkedIn page. She is also a certified yoga teacher. 'Were both Christians, and right from the start God has always had a hand in the relationship. I think thats where the real strength comes from,' the actor told People in 2020. He used to be married to Meg Ryan; seen March 10 From left, African elephants Maggie, Lulu and Toka roam through the Performing Animals Welfare Societys ARK 2000 Sanctuary near San Andreas (Calaveras County) in April 2019. The 2,000-plus acre sanctuary was built to provide a more natural environment for animals who spent years displayed at zoos or forced to perform at circuses. Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press Ed Stewart, president and co-founder of the Performing Animals Welfare Society wildlife sanctuary, gives an orange to Lulu, one of the African elephants at the PAWS ARK 2000 Sanctuary near San Andreas (Calaveras County). Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press Lulu, who at 58 years old was North Americas oldest African elephant and spent nearly 40 years of her life at San Francisco Zoo, has died. Officials with the Performing Animal Welfare Society Wildlife Sanctuary in San Andreas (Calaveras County), where Lulu lived since 2005, said the elephant was euthanized on Tuesday after suffering from degenerative joint disease. She was transferred from the San Francisco Zoo to the sanctuary when the zoo discontinued its elephant exhibit, according to PAWS. PAWS has operated its 2,300-acre sanctuary in San Andreas since 1984 and provides care to captive animals that were rescued or retired from circuses, zoos and exotic pet trade, officials said. On Monday, the sanctuary welcomed a tiger cub with severe bone disease that was rescued by the Oakland Zoo from a private owner. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was at the sanctuary that Lulu had access to a large enclosure that allowed her to behave naturally, and in her later years developed a close bond with another elephant named Toka, according to PAWS. Born in Eswatini in Southern Africa, Lulu was likely captured when her mother was killed in a government cull, or selective slaughter, according to PAWS officials. While most 2-year-old elephant calves spend the majority of their time with their mother, when Lulu was 2, she was sold to be a display animal, according to PAWS. "We are humbled that the people of San Francisco entrusted Lulu to PAWS for 19 years, said PAWS co-founder and President Ed Stewart. We did our very best for her. Until her health recently took a turn for the worse, Lulu enjoyed climbing to the tops of hills to graze on fresh green grass. Although the society acknowledged African elephants can live until their 60s, they added that when Lulu arrived at the sanctuary she was already older than the average age for female African elephants living in zoos. Lulus age was truly exceptional for an African elephant in captivity, where the stresses and unnatural conditions of their confinement mean that elephants tend to live much shorter lives than do elephants in the wild, said PAWS CEO Chris Draper. Separation from their wild families, years spent on display in inappropriate conditions, and suffering from physical problems prevalent in captivity, yet almost absent in wild populations, take a heavy toll on captive elephants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Ariana Grande kept close to her Wicked costar-turned-boyfriend Ethan Slater after attending CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday with their castmates. The inseparable couple are still going strong after falling in love on the London set of Jon M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical sometime between December 9, 2022 and July 13, 2023. Earlier, the 30-year-old pop star and the 31-year-old Tony nominee were dwarfed by big bodyguards surrounding them in the loading/backstage area of Caesars Palace. Ariana appeared to be in great spirits as she chatted with her security detail and other staffers of her large entourage. Grande (born Butera) was wearing a classic trench coat with her platinum-blonde hair in a messy bun when they first arrived to the venue. Ariana Grande kept close to her Wicked costar-turned-boyfriend Ethan Slater after attending CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Wednesday with their castmates The inseparable couple are still going strong after falling in love on the London set of Jon M. Chu's big-screen adaptation of the 2003 Broadway musical sometime between December 9, 2022 and July 13, 2023 Slater filed for divorce from his 'heartbroken' high school sweetheart Lilly Jay (and mother of his 20-month-old son) on July 26 - a week after their affair was exposed. '[Ariana's] the story, really. Not a girl's girl,' Jay scoffed to Page Six on July 27. 'My family is just collateral damage.' The Bye belter - who was engaged to Bupkis creator-star Pete Davidson for four months in 2019 - finalized her divorce from her real estate agent Dalton Gomez on October 6 after 21 months of marriage. Ariana was pretty as a petal in Oscar de la Renta SS/24 'Poppy' coacktail dress and white pumps selected by stylist Mimi Cuttrell. Hairstylist Alyx Liu coiffed Grande's updo and make-up artist Michael Anthony fully contoured her complexion for the live event. The two-time Grammy winner was joined onstage by her castmate Cynthia Erivo - who wore a fittingly green Versace top, silver mini-skirt, and green thigh-high boots selected by stylist Jason Bolden. 'This whole experience is absolutely impossible to put into words,' Ariana said onstage - according to THR. Earlier, the 30-year-old pop star and the 31-year-old Tony nominee were dwarfed by big bodyguards surrounding them in the loading/backstage area of Caesars Palace Ariana appeared to be in great spirits as she chatted with her security detail and other staffers of her large entourage Grande (born Butera) was wearing a classic trench coat with her platinum-blonde hair in a messy bun when they first arrived to the venue Slater filed for divorce from his 'heartbroken' high school sweetheart Lilly Jay (and mother of his 20-month-old son) on July 26 - a week after their affair was exposed The Bye belter - who was engaged to Bupkis creator-star Pete Davidson for four months in 2019 - finalized her divorce from her real estate agent Dalton Gomez on October 6 after 21 months of marriage Ariana sipped from a to-go coffee cup as they arrived for the convention Ariana was pretty as a petal in Oscar de la Renta SS/24 'Poppy' coacktail dress and white pumps selected by stylist Mimi Cuttrell Hairstylist Alyx Liu coiffed Grande's updo and make-up artist Michael Anthony fully contoured her complexion for the live event The two-time Grammy winner was joined onstage by her castmate Cynthia Erivo (R) - who wore a fittingly green Versace top, silver mini-skirt, and green thigh-high boots selected by stylist Jason Bolden Ariana said onstage: 'This whole experience is absolutely impossible to put into words...We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears so many different pairs of lashes' The British 37-year-old added: 'You and I are bonded for life' Backstage, Jeff Goldblum (L) took a mirror selfie with Grande, Ethan, Jonathan Bailey (M), Cynthia, and Michelle Yeoh (R) captioned: 'Over the rainbow to be reunited with this magical family!' Director Jon M. Chu also posted a similar snap of his ensemble cast 'the moment before we walked out on stage together and presented our biggest public peek at what's to come in Wicked this Thanksgiving' CinemaCon attendees got a close-up look at the dresses, designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell, which Grande and Erivo don to play witches Glinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the first part of Wicked on November 27 followed by the second part on November 26, 2025 'We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears so many different pairs of lashes.' The British 37-year-old added: 'You and I are bonded for life.' Backstage, Jeff Goldblum took a mirror selfie with Grande, Ethan, Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia, and Michelle Yeoh captioned: 'Over the rainbow to be reunited with this magical family!' Director Jon M. Chu also posted a similar snap of his ensemble cast 'the moment before we walked out on stage together and presented our biggest public peek at what's to come in Wicked this Thanksgiving.' CinemaCon attendees got a close-up look at the dresses, designed by Oscar-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell, which Grande and Erivo don to play witches Glinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp. Universal Pictures is scheduled to release the first part of Wicked on November 27 followed by the second part on November 26, 2025. Mama June surprise visit to see her daughter Alana Thompson reportedly blew up in her faces. In a preview trailer for an upcoming episode of their family's reality series, Mama June: Family Crisis, obtained by The Sun, the former child star, 18, did not greet her mom with a warm welcome following their explosive fight about finances. After making the trip from Georgia to Denver, Colorado, where Alana attends school, the family matriarch, 44, and her husband Justin Stroud, 36, were at odds at how they thought the unannounced visit to see Alana would go. 'You must not know Alana too good because that girl loves surprises,' June insisted, after her spouse expressed his concerns about surprising the teen. Mama June and her husband Justin Stroud's surprise visit to see her daughter Alana Thompson reportedly blew up in their faces In an attempt to confuse Alana to get her to come outside her house, Justin calls her to see if she has a package waiting for her outside. The Toddlers & Tiaras alum explains she will check when she gets back, but was out riding scooters with friends. After getting home, she is stunned they are waiting for her in the driveway. 'What are you doing here?' she asked, clearly not pleased. During a confessional, she explained that she had 'made it very clear to Mama to not come visit' her in Colorado because she's 'still p**sed at her for stealing' her money. 'I feel like Mama now is just trying to make up for her mistake but she is so aggravating because I didn't want her here. She causes too much drama and I do not have time for her to come out and do one of her 'surprise pop-ups,' she said with an eye roll. Meanwhile, Justin quipped that the visit was going as poorly as he anticipated it would. 'Popping up on Alana? Oh, that was a great idea,' he remarked, sarcastically. In a preview trailer for an upcoming episode of their family's reality series, Mama June: Family Crisis, obtained by The Sun, the former child star, 18, did not greet her mom with a warm welcome following their explosive fight about finances After making the trip from Georgia to Denver, Colorado, where Alana attends school, the family matriarch, 44, and her spouse, 36, discuss their unannounced plans to see Alana Mama June replied, 'And it was because she was surprised.' During an earlier episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, Alana accused her mother of spending the money that Thompson made as a child star. The confrontation occurred after Alana discovered how little was left in her Coogan account, which she anticipated would pay for her college, but only contained $33,000. June claimed that 50% of her youngest daughter's income was automatically taken for taxes and expressed that Alana spent much of her money on herself, although the latter disputed the allegation. During an earlier episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, Alana accused her mother of spending the money that Thompson made as a child star (seen in 2018) The reality television personality then expressed that her mother likely spent part of her money during her period of drug addiction, after which June confessed that she spent $150,000 of her daughter's funds to purchase a home. June went on to speak about how she was unaware of how Coogan accounts were set up, stating: 'Georgia isn't a Coogan state. Don't have to do those for child actors. Honestly, I had never heard of a Coogan account until Alana went out to LA.' Although June claimed that her children knew that a certain amount of Alana's money had been spent, Pumpkin countered by stating that they 'were under the impression that 100 percent of that went in there.' Lauryn then accused her mother of strategically spending a specific amount Alana's earnings before they went into the Coogan account and called June 'a dirty dog' for her actions. Pumpkin added that her mother 'tried to figure out the bare minimum she could put into Alana's account that was legally right and then pocketed the rest.' The reality television personality then added: 'Lord knows what she did or where it went.' Aoki Lee Simmons shed some light on her current state of mind following the end of her brief fling with Vittorio Assaf, who is 44 years her senior. As she picks herself back up amid her breakup, the model, 21, shared a quote that resonated with her from a 2023 interview with Chloe Sevigny, in which she spoke about navigating life as a young woman living in New York City. On Wednesday night, the daughter of Kimora Lee Simmons and entrepreneur Russell Simmons shared a quote from the Cut article, in which Sevigny recalled spending her days 'standing in line for ticket scalpers and going out, dancing and making out.' 'That was my big year of going out,' Sevigny continued. 'I do know for my mom it was very terrifying, but I checked in a lot, and my dad would always remind her that there was more good in the world than bad.' Aoki Lee Simmons shed some light on her current state of mind following the end of her brief fling with Vittorio Assaf, who is 44 years her senior; seen with her mom in November 2023 The Oscar nominee, who modeled in the mid-1990s before launching to stardom as an actress, acknowledged that her parents were 'pretty worried about drugs, but [she] never liked doing them.' While she said she has 'never even done cocaine,' Sevigny admitted to partaking in other things like 'acid, ecstasy, and candyflipping.' While Sevigny was clearly speaking about her own parents, Janine Malinowski and H. David Sevigny, Aoki told her followers that she was feeling the exact same way. 'Her words [are] also mine [at this point],' Aoki, who moved to Brooklyn after graduating from Harvard University at age 20 last year, wrote over the cryptic post. She seemed to be alluding to her mother and father's icy public remarks following her PDA-filled getaway to St. Barts trip with Assaf last week. When asked about Aoki and Assaf's relationship, her father, 66, said he would not 'kick and scream' over his youngest child's antics. Instead, he told TMZ that he would continue to extend 'advice and unconditional love.' Her mother, 48, however, addressed the situation by sharing a video of a mother panda furiously pulling away her baby cub from danger. As she picks herself back up amid her breakup from the restaurateur, 65, the model, 21, shared a quote that resonated with her from a 2023 interview with Chloe Sevigny, in which she discussed navigating life as a young woman living in New York City The daughter of fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons and entrepreneur Russell Simmons When asked about Aoki and Assaf's relationship, her father, 66, said he would not 'kick and scream' over his youngest child's antics (Aoki seen with her dad in 2022) 'On my last nerve right now!' she captioned the footage, which appeared to be a not-so-subtle swipe at Aoki. Kimora ended her 11-year marriage to Russell in 2009 citing 'irreconcilable differences.' They also share 23-year-old daughter Ming Lee Simmons. Aoki and Assaf called it quits earlier this week, after their steamy beach getaway, which made global headlines. The relationship shocked her fans and led social media users to again debate the appropriateness and ethics of age-gap relationships, particularly when the younger member of the couple is in her early 20s. Aoki and Assaf (seen above in 2017) called it quits earlier this week, after their steamy beach getaway, which made global headlines The relationship shocked her fans and led social media users to again debate the appropriateness and ethics of age-gap relationships, particularly when the younger member of the couple is in her early 20s; Aoki pictured last month Aoki's now-ex Vittori was raised in Italy and studied law in Milan, before moving to the US in the 1980s in hopes of working in the fashion industry. However, it was the restaurant business that he showed a particular flair for, and he co-founded the Serafina Restaurant Group. An insider told Page Six that Assaf has 'always loved younger beautiful women,' of which Simmons is reportedly to be the latest. 'Hes gotten older, but his taste hasnt changed,' they added. Kate Ferdinand admitted she 'hasn't got her s*** together' as she opened up in a get ready with me video on Instagram on Thursday. The former reality star, 32, displayed her incredible figure in a nude bra and white tracksuit bottoms from her Tesco F&F clothing range as she filmed in her lavish dressing room. Kate showed off her toned abs in the bra before adding a coordinated racer bodysuit as she revealed she was celebrating that half term is coming to an end. She said: 'Morning, it's Thursday and I only have a few days left of half term so I hope everyone is surviving. 'It's been hectic for me and I really appreciate all your messages. Kate Ferdinand admitted she 'hasn't got her s*** together' as she opened up in a get ready with me video on Instagram on Thursday The former reality star, 32, displayed her incredible figure in a nude bra and white tracksuit bottoms from her Tesco F&F clothing range as she filmed in her lavish dressing room 'I just haven't got my s*** together and I actually had so many messages saying none of you have either. 'I'm happy you haven't got your s*** together too. It did make me feel a bit better about my whole life, so thank you.' Kate shares son Cree, three, and daughter Shae, whom she welcomed in July last year, with husband Rio Ferdinand. She is also a step mum to Rio's children Lorenz, 17, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12. Rio's late wife Rebecca Ellison sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2015. It comes after Kate enjoyed a luxury stay at a 5,000 acre retreat in Suffolk over the bank holiday weekend with the family. The former TOWIE star took to social media to share a photo montage of her trip to Wilderness Reserve with husband Rio and their children. Kate got into the Easter spirit as she headed on a egg hunt, with her son Cree having a basket full of soft toys and chocolate treats as he scoured the forest. In another photo, the reality star cuddled her daughter Shae. Kate showed off her toned abs in the bra before adding a coordinated racer bodysuit as she revealed she was celebrating that half term is coming to an end She said: 'I only have a few days left of half term so I hope everyone is surviving. It's been hectic for me and I really appreciate all your messages. I just haven't got my s*** together' Kate shares son Cree, three, and daughter Shae, whom she welcomed in July last year, with husband Rio Ferdinand She is also a step mum to Rio's children Lorenz, 17, Tate, 15, and Tia, 12. Rio's late wife Rebecca Ellison sadly passed away from breast cancer in 2015 (pictured Rio and Kate) Rio's children Lorenz, Tate and Tia also joined them on the trip, with Tate commenting on Kate's post: 'Beautiful time away spent with the most lovely people I could imagine. Just splendid'. The family stayed at a luxury property rental where prices for a three bedroom cottage start around 1,200 and can go upwards of 4,000 and beyond for bigger homes. Kate captioned the post: 'A fabulous Easter weekend spent @wildernessreserve 'bear hunts, wild lake swim, bike rides, family time. Theres something about being in the country I just love.' Jeezy has modified the custody request for his two-year-old daughter he shares with estranged wife Jeannie Mai. The 46-year-old rapper who filed for divorce from Mai in September 2023 is now seeking primary custody of Monaco Mai Jenkins, according to court documents obtained by TMZ on Thursday. He petitioned an Atlanta judge to discard the custody and parenting time arrangement that he and Jeannie, 44, agreed upon in recent mediation and wants Monaco to live with him full time. Jeezy also alleges that 'Jeannie isnt even taking care of their kid herself,' per the outlet. Additionally, the Soul Survivor hitmaker claims that Jeannie has denied him parenting time with Monaco for nearly two months. Jeezy (L) has modified his custody request for his two-year-old daughter he shares with estranged wife Jeannie Mai (R); seen in 2020 The 46-year-old rapper who filed for divorce from Mai in September 2023 is now seeking primary custody of Monaco Mai Jenkins, according to court documents obtained by TMZ on Thursday Initially, during his separation from Mai, Jeezy consented to relocate to the basement, while Mai eventually vacated their residence, taking Monaco with her. He now asserts that over the past two months, during which his parenting time has been denied, their daughter has predominantly been under the care of Mai's mother and brother, while Mai, as the host of The Talk, maintains a demanding travel itinerary. In essence, Jeezy argues that Monaco's life would be more stable under his sole guardianship. The court filing comes four months after Jeannie requested that the court hold off on enforcing her prenup with Jeezy as she claims that she did not have enough time to review it before signing after conflicting statements about their separation. The television personality filed the request in Fulton County Superior Court in Georgia. In it Jeannie is asking judge to either deny the rapper's motion to enforce the prenuptial agreement or at least hold off on enforcing it until both parties can exchange info about it. The publication reports that the documents indicate that Jeannie said the prenup process was so quick that she doesn't believe that she had the time to be able to do the proper due diligence on the agreement. She claims that the two had only started negotiating five days before their wedding. Jeezy petitioned an Atlanta judge to discard the custody and parenting time arrangement that he and Jeannie, 44, agreed upon in recent mediation and wants Monaco to live with him full time; seen in 2023 Jeezy also reportedly alleges that 'Jeannie isnt even taking care of their kid herself,' per the outlet Additionally, the Soul Survivor hitmaker reportedly claims that Jeannie has denied him parenting time with Monaco for nearly two months; Mai in 2024 Jeannie alleges that she did not go through Jeezy's - born Jay Wayne Jenkins - financial disclosures as thoroughly as she would have liked in order to make sure that she was getting a fair deal. According to TMZ, Jeannie says in the documents that the smaller window 'raises significant concerns about the adequacy and thoroughness of the due diligence process.' Jeannie also said that she believes she has 'significant reservations' about her now ex's financial disclosures. Her legal team says that the rapper only handed over one personal financial statement with approximate taxes and insists she was legally entitled to a thorough examination of all relevant documents. Just a month ago Jeannie and Jeezy have made conflicting statements about their separation. The television personality claimed that she found out about her divorce from the news while the rapper reportedly stated that was not true. On Monday, December 4, the actress made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show and admitted she was 'gutted' after learning about her now-estranged husband filing for divorce. Just days after she suggested her ex was allegedly unfaithful, he told the host that finding out 'at the same time as the rest of the world' was 'kinda hard', but the split is something she is 'taking day by day'. In it Jeannie is asking judge to either deny the 46-year-old rapper's motion to enforce the prenuptial agreement or at least hold off on enforcing it until both parties can exchange info about it; they are seen in New York back in February 2020 Jeannie alleges that she did not go through Jeezy's - born Jay Wayne Jenkins - financial disclosures as thoroughly as she would have liked in order to make sure that she was getting a fair deal; they are seen in New York back in February 2020 That came about two months after it was reported that the pair had split and filed for divorce in September. 'I think I'm doing better now,' she said after Hudson asked how she has been doing since the separation. However, she admitted that she couldn't say the same for weeks ago when she had been allegedly blindsided by Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins. 'At the time, when I found out at the same time as the rest of the world that my marriage was ending in divorce, I was gutted,' she said. In the aftermath of their split, she said that she has been 'picking up the pieces' and has been focusing on 'discovering' herself. Most importantly, she said that her main priority is 'being a mom to the best blessing in my life my little girl.' About a year ago, Mai had welcomed her daughter Monaco, nearly 11-months-old, with Jenkins. She also said on the show that she wants to make sure that their child gets to spend time with her father for the holidays. Just last week, Mai had cited her pre-nuptial agreement in her divorce petition response to Jenkins and suggested that Jenkins had been unfaithful. Jeannie and Jeezy have made conflicting statements about their separation. On Monday, December 4, the actress made an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show and admitted she was 'gutted' after learning about her now-estranged husband filing for divorce 'I think I'm doing better now,' she said after Hudson asked how she has been doing since the separation. However, she admitted that she couldn't say the same for weeks ago when she had been allegedly blindsided by Jeezy, whose real name is Jay Wayne Jenkins In the aftermath of their split, she said that she has been 'picking up the pieces' and has been focusing on 'discovering' herself Most importantly, she said that her main priority is 'being a mom to the best blessing in my life my little girl.' About a year ago, Mai had welcomed her daughter Monaco, nearly 11-months-old, with Jenkins A source told TMZ just hours after The Jennifer Hudson Show episode with Mai's guest appearance aired on Monday that those claims were false. The insider said Jenkins also refuted what his estranged wife said on the show about how he had blindsided her about their divorce. He alleged that it was something they both knew was coming as they had gone to multiple marriage counselors and therapists in the time leading up to their split, the source told the outlet. They also claimed that Jenkins is adamantly refuting the cheating allegations. QUESTION Did the Democratic Party hire a comedian to play pranks on Richard Nixon during his election campaigns? This was Richard Gregory 'Dick' Tuck (1924-2018), a Democratic Party operative who made a career of political pranks, specialising in tormenting Richard Nixon. The pair first crossed paths in 1950 when Tuck was a Second World War veteran studying political science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Tuck was working part-time for Helen Gahagan Douglas, a Democrat running against Nixon for the California senate seat. Nixon had tried to smear Douglas as a communist sympathiser. The university, unaware of the affiliation, unwittingly asked Tuck to organise Nixon's visit to the university. Tuck arranged for the unsuspecting candidate to speak in one of the largest auditoriums available and barely publicised the event. He introduced Nixon with a long-winded speech, then called the bemused Nixon to the microphone, saying the candidate would speak to the sparse audience about a topic 'all Californians care about, the International Monetary Fund'. Richard Gregory 'Dick' Tuck (1924-2018), a Democratic Party operative who made a career of political pranks At the 1956 Republican convention, where Nixon was to be chosen as President Eisenhower's vice-presidential candidate, Tuck paid garbage trucks to pass by, carrying the slogan 'Dump Nixon' Tuck made a career out of annoying Nixon. At the 1956 Republican convention, where Nixon was to be chosen as President Eisenhower's vice-presidential candidate, Tuck paid garbage trucks to pass by, carrying the slogan 'Dump Nixon'. He was also known to pose as a fire marshal at Nixon appearances and give reporters low estimates for the size of the crowds. But Tuck never officially confirmed reports that he had donned a conductor's uniform and waved a train out of San Luis Obispo while Nixon was still speaking from its rear. Daniel Reed, Malvern, Worcs. QUESTION How did Mike 'the headless chicken' survive for 18 months without a head? Mike the Headless Chicken, also known as Miracle Mike, was a real chicken who achieved fame for living without a head for over a year. In September 1945, a farmer named Lloyd Olsen was slaughtering chickens on his farm in Fruita, Colorado. When he decapitated one chicken, Mike, he missed the jugular vein. To Olsen's surprise, instead of dying like the other chickens, Mike remained alive and even attempted to peck for food. Realising this, Olsen decided to care for him. He fed Mike a mixture of milk and water and even grain through an eyedropper. Amazingly, Mike survived and thrived, growing to nearly eight pounds during the rest of his life. Scientists and veterinarians who examined Mike speculated that the brainstem, which controls rudimentary functions like breathing and heart rate, was still partially intact, allowing him to maintain these functions and survive. However, since he lacked higher brain functions, he couldn't see, hear or process information as a normal chicken would. Mike the Headless Chicken, also known as Miracle Mike, was a real chicken who achieved fame for living without a head for over a year Mike's remarkable survival garnered widespread attention, and he became a popular attraction at sideshows and carnivals. Sadly, Mike eventually choked to death on his own mucus (the syringe Olsen used to help Mike clear it having been left at a sideshow) in a motel room while on tour in Phoenix, Arizona, in spring 1947. J. G. Ashley, Hull. QUESTION What films have had their endings changed because the original was too depressing? Several films have altered their endings because of concerns that the original endings were too depressing or bleak for audiences. Some notable examples: Fatal Attraction (1987) at first ended with Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) committing suicide and framing Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) for her murder. However, test audiences hated this ending, so it was reshot to have Alex killed by Dan's wife, allowing for what was deemed a more satisfying resolution. The original screenplay for Pretty Woman (1990) by J. F. Lawton was titled Three Thousand and had a much darker tone, focusing on the grim realities of prostitution. It ended with Vivian (Julia Roberts) being left by Edward (Richard Gere) after paying her for her services. However, this was changed to a more romantic and uplifting ending where Edward rescues Vivian from her life as a prostitute and they ride off into the sunset together. Fatal Attraction (1987) at first ended with Alex Forrest (Glenn Close) committing suicide and framing Dan Gallagher (Michael Douglas) for her murder Little Shop Of Horrors (1986) initially had the same ending as the off-Broadway musical on which the film was based. This saw Seymour (Rick Moranis) killed by the carnivorous plant Audrey II, and the plant taking over the world. Again, test audiences disliked this ending, so it was reshot to give a happier conclusion with Seymour defeating Audrey II and therefore saving humanity. Ed Timpson, Cheltenham, Glos. Is there a question to which you want to know the answer? Or do you know the answer to a question here? Write to: Charles Legge, Answers To Correspondents, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email charles.legge@dailymail.co.uk Jon Hamm got back to work on a new TV series following his surprise cameo alongside Kristen Wiig on Saturday Night Live. The Mad Men vet, 53, was spotted filming Your Friends and Neighbors on Thursday in New York City. Looking sharp in a timeless black suit and tie - which he wore during his stint on Mad Men - the star exuded confidence as he strolled along the bustling sidewalks of the Big Apple. Jon kept both hands in his pockets and wore a serious expression as he turned off the pavement to enter a brownstone building. In the new Apple TV+ series, the actor plays Coop, a divorced hedge fund manager who, after losing his job, resorts to stealing from wealthy neighbors in his upstate New York suburb to maintain his family's lifestyle, per Deadline. Jon Hamm got back to work on a new TV series following his surprise cameo alongside Kristen Wiig on Saturday Night Live The Mad Men vet, 53, was spotted filming Your Friends and Neighbors on Thursday in New York City Hamm in a suit and tie on his hit series Mad Men The outlet added that Coop is 'invigorated by these petty crimes until he breaks into the wrong house at the wrong time.' The filming comes after Hamm, along with Paul Rudd, Fred Armisen, Will Forte, and Martin Short, dropped in on Wiig's fifth time as SNL host. It also follows Jon stepping out with his stunning wife Anna Osceola, 35, for a Big Apple stroll last month. The Bridesmaids actor who put on a dapper display next to his wife's glamour during awards season rocked pink pants with a white t-shirt and navy blue cardigan. The cute couple crossed paths on the set of the Mad Men series finale, where she portrayed Clementine, a receptionist at a spiritual retreat center. Speculation about their relationship sparked in 2020 as they were frequently spotted together during pandemic lockdowns. They officially confirmed their romance in March 2022 when Osceola accompanied Hamm to Oscar parties, including the prestigious Vanity Fair event. After two years of dating and a four-month engagement, the couple tied the knot in a picturesque ceremony at Anderson Canyon in Big Sur, California, in June 2023. Jon humorously quipped about tying the knot for the first time at the age of 52 during his guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Looking sharp in a timeless black suit and tie, the star exuded confidence as he strolled along the bustling sidewalks of the Big Apple In the new Apple TV+ series, the actor plays Coop, a divorced hedge fund manager who, after losing his job, resorts to stealing from wealthy neighbors in his upstate New York suburb to maintain his family's lifestyle The filming comes after Hamm, along with Paul Rudd, Fred Armisen, Will Forte, and Martin Short, dropped in on Kristen Wiig's fifth time as SNL host Hamm and Osceola first met while working on the series finale of Mad Men, in which she portrayed Clementine, a flower child receptionist at the spiritual retreat center Esalen in Northern California, pictured in 2024 'It only took me half a century but I figured I might as well get it right, so there you go,' he joked. He also said their wedding was 'a perfect day.' 'It was very exciting,' he told host Kimmel. 'We did it this summer in beautiful Big Sur. It was a perfect day.' The matinee idol previously dated writer and actress Jennifer Westfeldt for 18 years from 1997 to 2015. Angelina Jolie stunned as she attended the Broadway opening night of her musical, The Outsiders, on Thursday night after working as the executive producer. The Oscar-winning actress, 48, who said she was 'honoured' to have worked on the production, looked incredible in a metallic gold gown teamed with a rust-hued cape. Jolie is currently embroiled in a lawsuit with ex-husband Brad Pitt, 60, over their French vineyard, however she brushed off her woes to attend the event. She was joined by daughter Vivienne, 15 at the premiere. The two notably have been working together on the project due to the teenager being interested in theatre. Vivienne first saw a production of the musical in San Diego. Vivienne wore a stylish blue boiler suit for the event as she joined the cast and her mother on the red carpet. Angelina Jolie looked incredible as she attended the Broadway opening night of her musical, The Outsiders, on Thursday The Bone Collector star was joined by daughter Vivienne, 15 (end left) at the premiere. The two notably have been working together on the project due to the teenager being interested in theater 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.' '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.' Jolie told People magazine she was 'inspired' to make the musical which is based on S.E Hinton's 1987 novel because she felt 'strongly about the material and team'. She said: 'It's been a privilege to be a part of the process. I have so much respect for Broadway and all who work within.' 'I've been in the theatre watching as the first reactions came in, including the often very emotional reaction from young people. It's very moving.' The star wore her blonde locks in soft waves and sported smoky eye make-up and red lipstick Angelina wowed as she posed with Vivienne on the red carpet Angelina was typically stunning as she wowed on the red carpet The star sported statement earrings as she attended the premiere Jolie's son Pax Jolie-Pitt, 20, joined sister Vivienne and their mother at the festival event The acclaimed actress and director joined a crowd of people outside the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre in New York City Jolie's outing 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. The mother of six chatted with journalists alongside her theater-loving daughter Vivienne Jolie first announced that she was working as a lead producer on the new musical in August 2023 with Vivienne serving as a volunteer assistant Both mother and daughter were inspired to get involved in the musical when they saw the pre-Broadway production at La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego Jolie helped work on the production of the new adaption of S. E. Hinton's beloved 1967 coming-of-age novel Jolie appeared to be relishing in the time she's been able to spend working on the project with Vivienne, who said he be a lover of theater 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. '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. 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 '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 negotiatio Kanye West has reduced his asking price on a gutted Malibu mansion he's selling from $53 million to $39 million. West, 46, changed the asking price earlier this week, TMZ reported Thursday, less than four months after he initially listed the dilapidated property in the luxe oceanfront community. The Grammy-winning artist, whose career has dipped amid a torrent of anti-Semitic remarks he's made since the fall of 2022, brought Selling Sunset realtor Jason Oppenheim, 46, into the fold in his effort to sell the home late last year, according to the outlet. Oppenheim told the outlet that he was optimistic at the chances of selling the distressed property in the high-end area, likening the abode to 'basically a blank canvas' for prospective purchasers. The home, which encompasses more than 4,000 square feet, has four bedrooms and five bathrooms with idyllic views of the Pacific Ocean, but is missing windows, walls and a roof, and does not have electricity, according to TMZ. Kanye West, 46, has reduced his asking price on a gutted Malibu mansion he's selling from $53 million to $39 million. Pictured in Milan, Italy in February The home, which encompasses more than 4,000 square feet, has four bedrooms and five bathrooms with idyllic views of the Pacific Ocean, but is missing windows, walls and a roof, and does not have electricity The Carnival artist, who bought the home for $57 million in late 2021, was previously unable to remodel it into a 'bomb shelter' after getting famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando involved in the remodeling process. The price reduction is the latest in a number of headaches linked to the home in the upscale Southern California beach town. West is being sued by the former manager of the remodel project, Tony Saxon, who claims he was fired after he 'expressed concerns about the extreme danger' of the project. In September, sources told TMZ that West wanted to remove the windows and electricity from the home in order to turn it into 'a bomb shelter from the 1910s.' In Saxon's lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, he states that he was hired for the project in September 2021, and worked 16-hour days on the beach house. Saxon claims he was sleeping on the floor of the home as he worked as 'project manager, caretaker and 24/7 security' for the property. Saxon alleges that West only paid him for one week of work and ignored all his concerns, until finally he was fired in November 2021, after refusing to remove the home's windows and electricity. West proposed moving large generators inside the house, but Saxon was worried about it being a fire hazard. Saxon said in the suit that West then threatened him and said he would be considered 'an enemy' if he did not fulfill Kanye's vision. When Saxon continued to disagree, West told him to 'get the hell out,' according to the suit. The Carnival artist, who bought the home for $57 million in late 2021, is asking at least $18 million less than what he paid, after gutting the mansion in a troubled renovation attempt The Grammy-winning artist brought Selling Sunset realtor Jason Oppenheim, 46, into the fold in his effort to sell the home. Oppenheim pictured last year in LA Saxon also claims West told him, 'If you don't do what I say, you're not going to work for me, I'm not gonna be your friend anymore and you'll just see me on TV.' After he told the father-of-four he doesn't watch TV, he was promptly fired on the spot. In the lawsuit Saxon said the rapper's vision for the home was to make something like 'a bomb shelter from the 1910s', according to NBC News, and demolish the marble bathrooms, as well as remove the windows, plumbing and electricity. He also reportedly wanted to replace the stairs with slides. Saxon is suing West for a number of labor code violations, more than $1 million in unpaid wages, and damages. 'We were going to be gutting all of that out and sort of building him a Bat Cave,' Saxon explained, adding the rapper wanted a place he could 'hide from the Clintons in and the Kardashians in.' While Saxon believed the home was more of an 'art project' he later came to realize West actually wanted to live in it. He said West 'wanted no electricity. He only wanted plants. He only wanted candles. He only wanted battery lights. And he just wanted to have everything open and dark.' The home, which encompasses more than 4,000 square feet, has four bedrooms and five bathrooms with idyllic views of the Pacific Ocean The Grammy-winning artist's career has dipped amid a torrent of anti-Semitic remarks he's made since the fall of 2022. Pictured in March in LA West, who is looking for a buyer for the property, was seen in LA on March 22 The lawsuit was filed by West Coast Employment Lawyers, the same attorneys who sued the musician on behalf of former employees of Kanye's private Christian school, Donda Academy, over alleged health and safety violations. In recent photos on the home, the massive floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the ocean have been removed, leaving that side open to all the elements. The inside of the house appears to be crumbling and the metal railings are rusting after being exposed to the salt air, wind and water. West purchased his 4,000 square foot oceanfront property in September 2021. It boasts giant windows overlooking the sea. He enlisted in the help of Tadao and brought in top contractors to oversee the extensive remodeling plans. But by the next summer, renovations halted and the gutted, windowless mansion was left empty. Months later, Ye was dropped by multiple business partners and brands because of his anti-Semitic outbursts. West's Malibu neighbors told TMZ his mansion was 'left to rot' and that they had not seen 'seen anyone around for many months.' The musician had previously been seen at the property checking out the progress last summer, but his empire has since imploded in dramatic fashion after he launched into several anti-Semitic rants, which led to the loss of about $1.6 billion of his net worth and his fall off Forbes' billionaires list, as per CBS News. He has several other properties around the country, including a sprawling ranch in Calabasas, Los Angeles, which he bought for an estimated $3 million in 2019. West also owns another sprawling Wyoming ranch, which he snapped up when he reportedly became 'obsessed' with the Midwest state several years ago. The decision was derided as 'overly sensitive' on social media YouTube has come under fire for slapping a 'suicide warning' over the trailer for the new Joker: Folie a Deux movie. A notice on the preview advised 'viewer discretion' warning that the content, 'may contain suicide or self-harm topics'. The notice appeared in connection to clip showing Lady Gaga's character Harley Quinn miming shooting herself in the head. But the decision was derided on social media and by Wednesday afternoon, YouTube had revoked its warning. 'Just when you think that the nanny state can't get anymore absurd,' one viewer wrote on X, formerly Twitter. YouTube has come under fire for slapping a 'suicide warning' over the trailer for the new Joker: Folie a Deux movie over a scene which shows Lady Gaga mimicking suicide A notice on the preview advised 'viewer discretion' warning that the content, 'may contain suicide or self-harm topics' The film is a sequel to the 2019 film Joker and will see Joaquin Phoenix reprise his Oscar-winning role 'Like when Disney and Netflix put "smoking" on the warnings now for shows. Good lord people have gotten soft,' another added. 'YouTube is too sensitive there was none of that in trailers,' one viewer said. Several fans noted that the caution was reminiscent of warnings around the first movie that it would inspire an incel mass shooter. Across the country, police and even the army issued security alerts and stepped up patrols for the movie's theatrical release, with theater chains putting their own measures in place. The fears turned out to be overblown and the viewings went ahead without incident. The film had drawn criticism with some claiming its depiction of Batman villain Joker's origin story would appeal to incels, or 'involuntarily celibate' men who lash out at the world in frustration at their inability to meet women. Much of the paranoia stemmed from a 2012 shooting in Aurora, Colorado which gunman James Holmes killed 12 at the opening weekend of The Dark Night Rises, another Batman film. The notice appeared in connection to clip showing Lady Gaga's character Harley Quinn miming shooting herself in the head Social media users derided the warning, pointing out that there was similar hysteria around fears the first Joker would prompt an incel mass shooting The concern around the first Joker stemmed from Aurora gunman James Holmes (pictured) who initially identified himself as 'The Joker' after opening fire at the opening weekend of The Dark Knight Rises, killing 12 and injuring 70 others in 2012 Holmes identified himself as 'The Joker' before he opened fire, killing a dozen and injuring 70 others. The latest installment sees Joaquin Phoenix reprise his 2019 Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck, who goes on to become the Joker. Described as a, 'psychological thriller', the sequel also features Gaga as fellow mental institute patient Harley Quinn, with the two locking eyes at Arkham Asylum where the Joker was dropped off at the end of the first movie. Warner Brothers released the trailer on Wednesday with the tagline, 'He's not alone anymore'. The French phrase 'Folie a Deux' translates to 'shared madness'. The movie is due out on October 4. The trailer also disappointed some fans by suggesting the film is a musical. Reviewers predicted Joaquin Phoenix's Oscar win for his portrayal of Joker in 2019 despite fears the film's dark theme would inspire violence Director Todd Phillips said that this is inaccurate, but that music is an 'essential element' to the story. YouTube does not allow content that promotes suicide, self-harm, or is intended to shock or disgust users. A spokeswoman for YouTube said: 'We determined that our systems applied the warning interstitial incorrectly. The trailer remains available on YouTube without a warning.' Fiscally pragmatic Chancellor David Martin, who balanced City College of San Franciscos budget but faced opposition from union-backed trustees, will start a new job on July 1, leaving the college in flux. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle 2023 City College of San Franciscos embattled chancellor embraced by the fiscal pragmatists who hired him but opposed by a newer, union-backed majority will take a job at Sierra College in Placer County, the Chronicle has learned. David Martins departure this summer ends speculation about whether his supporters could persuade him to stay, and it leaves a leadership vacuum at the financially troubled college that is under scrutiny by accreditors and by the California Community College Board of Governors. This is a great loss for City College, said Shanell Williams, the longest-serving trustee on the seven-member board. Chancellor David Martin worked tirelessly to keep us on the path to fiscal stability. I am honored to have hired him, and wish him the best in his new role. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sierra College has about 18,000 students and is in Rocklin, some 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. It announced Wednesday that Martin will become its chief business officer on July 1. The City College board hired Martin in 2021 amid state warnings that the college needed to cut spending significantly or face insolvency. Martin was the ninth chancellor in eight years, and the first to financially stabilize the school since college accreditors nearly forced it to shut down during an epic five-year battle during 2012-17. But as Martin balanced the budget by laying off faculty and reducing expenditures to match shrinking enrollment, the faculty union launched a backlash and secured a board majority in 2022. The new members have a different vision for City College. They want to expand the school rather than shrink it, saying that the more classes and faculty the college has, the more attractive it can be to students. City College has lost 59% of its students since 2011, far more than the net 17% drop across all 116 California community colleges during that period. Just 39,532 full- and part-time students signed up last year, even though classes have been free to San Francisco residents since 2017. City College trustee Susan Solomon, who was elected in that recent wave, told the Chronicle last week that she expected the trustees to hire an interim chancellor to take Martins place. Advertisement Article continues below this ad John Rizzo, one of the ousted trustees who hired Martin, said it appeared to him that City College is in serious trouble. We always hired a recruiter, even for interim heads, and that can take six months. Meanwhile, the college is entering a critical period. In January, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges sanctioned the college and placed it on warning status after finding that the trustees actions neglected the long-term fiscal health of CCSF. The City College of San Francisco board hired David Martin in 2021 amid state warnings that the college needed to cut spending significantly or face insolvency. But he has faced growing pushback from teachers who want the school to grow, not shrink. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle 2023 The accreditors said the board failed to follow its own policies and ignored the chancellors authority. They gave the college until next March to show how it will fix the problems before a final deadline in January 2027. Also, under a new state funding formula, City College appears poised to have its state funding frozen at its 2024-25 level for years to come, threatening its fiscal stability, unless it can suddenly attract thousands of new students. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Solomon said she is not cavalier about that looming problem but said she has long heard such warnings about the citys public schools, for example, and they are often exaggerated. They never materialized. Native American Sioux tribe leaders have demanded a 'full and thorough' investigation into the death of a Yellowstone spinoff actor. Cole Brings Plenty, 27, was found dead in a wooded area in Kansas on Friday, days after he went missing. The Lakota actor is the nephew of Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty, 54, and appeared in the prequel 1923. Cops have yet to release his cause of death but stated they do not believe there was any foul play. However, tribe leaders are now requesting a full probe and said their attorney will be contacting officials. Cole Brings Plenty, the nephew of Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty and an actor who also appeared in the prequel 1923, was found dead at the age of 27 on Friday; pictured in November Cole Brings Plenty starred on two episodes of the Yellowstone spinoff 1923 as Pete Plenty Clouds. Leaders from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe have since demanded a full investigation Cole was last seen driving away in his white 2005 Ford Explorer on Easter Sunday before the vehicle was discovered near his body 'The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe demands a full and thorough investigation into Cole's disappearance and subsequent death. Our Attorney General will be in contact with the Kansas Authority to ensure this is accomplished,' the tribe said in a statement to Native News. The statement offered the tribe's, 'deepest sympathy and support to Cole's 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,' it added. 'Further, to our young relatives who are students and reside in Lawrence, Kansas, we will provide further information about counseling services for anyone in need of support as information becomes available.' The actor's uncle shared a missing persons poster of his nephew on Instagram on April 2, announcing that Cole had been last seen the previous Sunday on Easter night. Kansas police had issued an affidavit for Coles arrest in relation to a domestic violence incident the same day. Officers received reports of a 'female screaming for help' on Sunday morning at an apartment in Lawrence, according to 12News. It was alleged that Cole had 'driven away from the scene and was thought to be headed southbound on Highway 59,' the site claimed. Coles uncle, Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty, 54, shared a missing persons poster of his nephew on Instagram on Tuesday,announcing that Cole had been last seen on Sunday. Seen in January 2023 Mo's Yellowstone co-star, Cole Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler on the series, also shared the poster on his Instagram, urging followers to provide any information if they have seen Cole since Easter evening in Kansas City The Johnson County Sheriff's Office in Kansas announced that Cole's body was discovered in a wooded area on Friday morning, per KCTV5 The cause of death is not known and the case remains under investigation Cole, known for his role as sheepherder Pete Plenty Clouds in 1923, was last spotted leaving Lawrence, Kansas, in his car. The white 2005 Ford Explorer was later picked up near where his body was found on Friday. 'Detectives, crime scene investigators, and the Medical Examiner's Office have been working diligently with the Lawrence Police Department and the Brings Plenty family. There is no indication of foul play in the death of Cole Brings Plenty,' Sheriff Calvin Hayden said. In fiery speeches delivered at Vellore and Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tore into the arrogance and corruption practiced by the DMK and the family controlling the party. The Prime Minister described the DMK and its ally the Congress as the embodiment of corruption, arrogance and malpractices. In an apparent reference to a news report carried by The Pioneer that the demand for trifurcating Tamil Nadu was growing silently, the Prime Minister said that the Kondgunadu region was crying for development. I assure you that the NDA during its third term would work with more vigour for the growth of Kongu region, said the Prime Minister. Modi referred to the interview given by a leader of the DMK to a TV channel in which the Dravidian party leader humiliated and insulted K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu chief of the BJP. Though the Prime Minister did not name the DMK leader, it was clear that he was referring to Dayanidhi Maran, former IT Minister in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet who had to resign in the aftermath of the 2G spectrum scam. The DMK leader was asked about Annamalai to which the former answered Annamalai who? I do not know any Annamalai. The answer to such arrogance will come from the people of Tamil Nadu when they vote against the DMK. Our Annamalai is a youth icon and role model for the countrys youngsters. He was an officer of the Indian Police Service. But the DMK leader does not know who Annamalai is. My dear friends, this is the real DMK. The DMK leaders do not like Annamalai because he is intelligent, efficient, dedicated and devoted to the people. The DMK does not like the representative of a backward community rising in political and social hierarchy. This kind of arrogance is unheard of in Tamil Nadu. The people of Tamil Nadu will not allow this kind of humiliation and insult to its people, thundered the Prime Minister who literally smashed the DMK to smithereens. Modi tore into the dynasty politics practiced by the DMK and termed it a dynasty party. The DMK will not allow any youth who is likely to challenge its supremacy and hegemony. This is a party in which the father anoints the son as his successor and the latter coronates his son as his successor. No wonder, the DMK is rated as a corrupt entity and family enterprises, said the Prime Minister. He began his speech by paying tributes to the valor of the people in the State. The peoples affection is immense. It is indicative of the direction in which Tamil Nadus politics is heading, said Modi while addressing the election rally at Vellore. What followed the compliment was a fusillade of missiles. The Prime Minister said the DMK was indulging in hate and divisive politics. This is synonymous with corruption. The DMK has no concern for the States development. Both the Congress and the DMK are family parties. The Dravidian party has the first copyright on corruption and the family is intent on looting the State. The DMK divides people over language, region, faith, and caste. The DMK knows that the day people see through this, it will not get a single vote. I have decided to expose the decades-old dangerous politics played by the DMK, said the Prime Minister. He also charged that the DMK Government was abetting and promoting religious fundamentalists operating from the State. He referred to a recent terror attack outside a temple in Coimbatore. The DMK is the other name of corruption and scam. Today the country is setting a world record in 5G but the DMK brought disrepute to the country through the 2G scam, said the Prime Minister. Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has sent a legal notice to Shashi Tharoor, accusing the Congress MP of making defamatory statements against him on a TV channel recently. Chandrasekhar, who is facing off against Tharoor in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency for the April 26 polls, has alleged that the Congress leader disseminated patently false information regarding bribing of key voters and influential figures such as parish priests, among others, by the BJP candidate. The statements by Tharoor were made with intent to harm Chandrasekhars reputation and image. His remarks also disrespected the entire Christian community of Thiruvananthapuram and its leaders, as he had accused them of engaging in cash-for-votes activities, the BJP leader charged. The Congress MPs statements were also in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The notice further claimed the statements were also targeted at jeopardising the BJP leaders election campaign and benefitting Tharoor in the elections. It sought Tharoor to immediately withdraw all the allegations made against Chandrashekhar on April 6, tender an unconditional public apology to him on print and electronic media. He should cease, refrain and desist from defaming, harassing, hampering the reputation of the minister in the future. Failure to comply with the stated conditions within 24 hours of receipt of the notice would lead to initiation of appropriate criminal and civil proceedings in a competent court of law, the BJP candidate warned. In a tragic mishap, at least three women labourers lost their lives, and six others sustained injuries after being buried in mud in the East Singhbhum district, according to official sources on Wednesday. The incident occurred during a soil excavation operation in Matihana Panchayat of the Baharagora block area, situated in the Ghatshila subdivision. Sources revealed that the labourers were engaged in digging white soil along the Chakulia-Baharagora main road near Kokmara village when the tragedy struck. Local eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying ordeal, stating, "Many labourers were engaged in this work. During this time, the soil subsided, and several labourers got buried under mud due to the mudslide. It was a pathetic scene to see them reeling in pain. We rushed for rescue but to no avail. The sight was horrifying, the soil subsided suddenly, trapping several labourers under the mud.We heard screams for help; it was a chaotic scene as we rushed to assist in the rescue efforts." As the news spread, Baharagora police station in-charge Vikas Kumar and Baharagora Circle Officer (CO) Bhole Shankar Mahato promptly rushed to the scene. "With the assistance of the administration and local residents, the buried labourers were extricated from the mud. Subsequently, they were rushed to Baharagora Community Health Center, where three of them were declared dead on arrival," sources elaborated. Baharagora MLA Sameer Mohanty also visited the site and extended condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured. It was revealed that the excavation was being conducted to collect stagnant soil for packaging in plastic bags, intended for use in house coating. Expressing grief over the tragic incident, MLA Mohanty stated, "This is a heart-wrenching tragedy, and my deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this unfortunate event. We will ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to the bereaved families and the injured labourers." "The loss of lives is tragic, and our hearts go out to the families of the deceased and the injured." - Baharagora MLA. He added that Our priority is to provide support to the affected families and ensure proper medical care for the injured.. This incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures in all manual labour operations. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and are committed to conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this tragedy," said the District authority spokesperson. Jamshedpur MP Bidhyut Baran Mahto has also expressed shock at the incident and has assured every possible help. The accident serves as a grim reminder of the risks associated with manual labour, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures in such work environments. As investigations into the incident continue, authorities are expected to take appropriate action to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday announced it will observe Samvidhan Bachao, Tanashahi Hatao Divas on the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar on April 14 on the advice of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In another message from the jail, Kejriwal has asked AAP MLAs and volunteers to work to ensure that the people of Delhi face no problems, party leader Gopal Rai told reporters. Arvind Kejriwal has sent two messages from the jail for us. First, he has said even in the current difficult situation, the party has to continue serving the people of Delhi. He said all AAP leaders and workers should connect with people and try to solve their problems as much as possible, Rai said. Secondly, he has said in the jail, we are ready to bear all atrocities by this dictatorial government. But right now, it is all the more important to save the constitution and democracy of the country, which are currently in danger. So he has given the message that on April 14 on the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar, the entire party should observe Samvidhan Bachao, Tanashahi Hatai Divas across the country, Rai said. Rai said that on April 14, all AAP workers across the country will gather in front of posters or photographs of Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and take a pledge to save the constitution. The chief ministers wife Sunita Kejriwal, also a senior AAP leader, met him in Tihar jail on Tuesday and relayed his message at a party meeting that was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Sandeep Pathak, and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Asked if Sunita Kejriwal has officially been entrusted with any of the partys responsibilities, Rai said, Because party leaders were unable to directly communicate with the partys national convener after his arrest, yesterday, Sunita Kejriwal went to meet him in jail. Right now, she is carrying the responsibility of being a messenger between him and us. She conveys his messages to us, based on which we carry out further work. On a question if Sunita Kejriwal will be a star campaigner for the party in the Lok Sabha polls, Rai said a detailed plan for the campaigns will be chalked out by next week and her role will be decided accordingly. A list of the star campaigners for the elections will be released by the next week, he added. After several complaints with senior officials of BMC and even making complaints with the CM helpline for not managing segregation of wet and dry waste and garbage collection, the contractor engaged in sanitation work has been fined Rs 5000 by BMC keeping wet and dry waste separately. A cleaning contractor of Bhopal has been fined Rs 5,000 for not keeping wet and dry waste separately. Corporation Commissioner Harendra Narayan imposed this fine. He also reached many areas to see the cleanliness arrangements. Corporation Commissioner Narayan had received a complaint that the cleaning contractor of private colony Vardhaman Green under Ward-38 was not keeping wet and dry waste separately. Only mixed waste is being given to the vehicle attached to the door-to-door garbage collection of the corporation. On which the Corporation Commissioner immediately instructed the Health Officer in-charge of Zone-9, Balveer Malik, to take action against the cleaning contractor concerned. After this a fine of Rs 5000 was imposed. The contractor was advised not to do this in future. Corporation Commissioner Narayan also came out on Wednesday to take stock of the cleanliness system. They continued inspection till evening. He inspected the main roads, streets, central verge, site verge, drains and drains of areas like Kolar Tiraha, CIA Enclave, Chuna Bhatti, Mandakini Square, CI Park, Netaji Hills, Danish Kunj, Rohit Nagar, Trilanga, E-7 Arera Colony etc and asked to make better cleanliness arrangements by immediately cleaning the piles of garbage and filth lying at other public places. During this, the Commissioner also made a video call and told the reality of the cleanliness system to the concerned Zone Officer. Chief Electoral Officer of the state Anupam Rajan issued instructions to strengthen the system of redressal of complaints for free, fair and transparent elections and to take strict action against election related crimes. He said that to ensure quality redressal of election related complaints, the District Election Officers will have to monitor them from time to time. The Chief Electoral Officer gave instructions to make necessary arrangements at the polling stations and to ensure the availability of medical kits and medicines with the sector officers in view of the summer. Rajan was reviewing the preparations for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the districts of Jabalpur division in a meeting held at Hotel Kalchuri on Tuesday. Election Commission Nodal Officer Police Anshuman Singh, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh Vivek Shrotriya, Commissioner Jabalpur Division Abhay Verma, Inspector General of Police Anil Kushwaha and Collectors and Superintendents of Police of all the districts of the division were present in the meeting. After reviewing the districts of Jabalpur division, Chief Electoral Officer Rajan reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in the districts of Rewa and Shahdol divisions in the second session at noon. In the meeting, Chief Electoral Officer Rajan gave instructions to take strict action in cases of violation of election rules including Model Code of Conduct. He directed to take preventive action against any such elements who may try to create unrest during the electoral process. The Chief Electoral Officer also took district-wise details of the action taken so far against criminal elements in the meeting in view of the Lok Sabha elections. He instructed to make tight security arrangements in sensitive and vulnerable areas and to take immediate and strict action on complaints or information of intimidating, threatening or luring voters. The Chief Electoral Officer issued instructions to be stricter at check posts and to conduct intensive searches of vehicles in such districts including Jabalpur where elections are to be held after a few days. He also gave instructions to strictly follow the SOP 48 hours before voting. He said that for smooth voting, the Collector and Superintendent of Police should personally inspect such locations where there are more than five polling stations. Emphasizing the need to take strict security measures at vulnerable and critical polling stations, he said that the Election Commission has now given permission to install cameras equivalent to 75 percent of the total number of polling stations for webcasting as per requirement. Cameras for webcasting can also be installed inside and outside the polling station. Rajan also took information about the cases of violation of election rules registered so far in every district of the division and the preventive action taken against criminal elements. He stressed on the need to prevent transportation of large amounts of cash, precious metals and prohibited items during the election process and to carry out intensive frisking of vehicles at check posts. The Chief Electoral Officer also gave instructions to all District Election Officers to give wide publicity to the cVIGIL app, so that if a case of violation of the Model Code of Conduct comes to light, citizens can immediately complain about it through the mobile app. Rajan also reviewed the district wise preparations for the voting day in the meeting. He also gave instructions for wide publicity regarding arrangements related to voting facilities for voters above 85 and differently abled voters. He also discussed the communication plan made in the districts to keep a close watch on the voting day activities. Rajan said that there is a need to pay special attention to training of polling parties in those Lok Sabha constituencies, where the number of candidates including NOTA is more than 15 for which two ballot units each will be required for voting. : The week-long 88th Chaiti Festival of Maa Tarini at Ghatagaon kicked off on Tuesday with religious fervour and gaiety. Thousands of devotees from various parts of the State and outside thronged the shrine to witness the colourful festival. Locally called as Chaiti Parba, it is the main festival of the goddess. According to the sources, early in the morning, on the first day of the festival, the priests and servitors performed various rituals like Marjana, Mangal Alati and Sodasa Upachar niti. Later, the temple was opened for the devotees to witness the goddess. The deity was attired with gold ornaments for the Sunan Besa. Devotees in large numbers offered puja and witnessed the Goddess in Suna Besa (gold attire) as it is believed that Maa Tarini showers her blessings on devotees during darshan in the Suna Besa, said Rajendra Pattanayak, a former trustee of the temple. The administration has put up barricades for smooth movement of devotees inside the temple. Police personnel have been deployed to maintain peace and smooth and hassle-free darshan of the goddess inside the shrine. Besides, steps have been taken for smooth parking of vehicles and flow of traffic. Though the climate has become cool in the past two days due to rain and cloudy days, the administration has taken special measures to avoid sunstroke cases by arranging sufficient drinking water. Cultural programmes like Palla, Kirtan, devotional song and dance and Bhajan will be performed. To avoid heat, free distribution of Pana (a kind of serbat) will take place. The temple premises has been covered with tarpaulin for the devotees for protection from exposure to sun. Special barricade has been put up for the devotees for smooth darshan of the deity, said Sub Collector Keonjhar Trilochan Mohanty. The Chaiti festival will end on the day of the Pana Sankranti. As the elections for Dhanbad Lok Sabha constituency are coming closer and various parties are announcing the names of their candidates, but interestingly the country's oldest political party, Congress, is still in search of a suitable candidate for this seat. The search is on for a candidate who can compete with the candidate announced by BJP, Dhullu Mahato, the Baghmara MLA, having ample money and muscle power backed with BJP workers . A senior Congress party official had reached Dhanbad and conducted an opinion poll in search of a candidate. Several party members put forward their claims, but the party could not form a consensus on any one name till Wednesday evening. There are many names among which the main contenders are former MP Dadai Dubey, Bermo MLA's wife Anupama Singh, Jharia MLA Purnima Neeraj Singh, Ajay Dubey, Ashok Kumar Singh besides others. Ajay Dubey had contested once and had lost.But, now who would be the congress candidate here is yet under cover. Meanwhile, while talking to journalists, former MP Dadai said that if the party declares him as its candidate, he has the capability to snatch this seat from the BJP that has represented this seat since the last three terms. Meanwhile, an unregistered party Lal Bahadur Shastri Janhit PartyAnd Senior Citizens Welfare Trust announced the names of its party's candidates for fourteen seats of Jharkhand. Party President Dr. KC Singhraj, while making an announcement on all 14 seats, said that he would contest from Dhanbad. He told media persons that his main goal is to complete the incomplete works of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. In yet another development Nakki Bharatiya Ekta Party has also declared Sunaina Kinnar as its candidate from Dhanbad. Party President Chaudhary Zarrar Ahmed Nakki made this announcement here. A man died after being struck by a car while crossing an intersection near San Franciscos Golden Gate Park last month, authorities said Wednesday, making him the citys first pedestrian death of the year. Filipa Ioannou/The Chronicle Prosecutors filed murder charges against a Richmond man suspected of taking part in an apparent drive-by shooting in San Franciscos Mission District last week, officials said Thursday. Alexander Martinez, 30, faces several charges, including one count of murder, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said in a news release. If convicted, Martinez faces life in prison with the possibility of parole. His arraignment is scheduled for Wednesday. Martinez was accused of fatally shooting a man on the 2300 block of Mission Street just before 1:37 p.m. last Friday, the San Francisco Police Department said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The victim, identified as 23-year-old Alberto Rafael Vargas Quero, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police officials and the San Francisco Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Quero had arrived in San Francisco two days before he was killed on his first day working at a hair salon on Mission Street, according to Mission Local. Inspectors from SFPDs homicide unit responded to the incident and took over the investigation, prosecutors said. Martinez was arrested that same day. A motive for the shooting was not immediately clear. I would first like to offer my condolences to the victims loved ones, Jenkins said in a statement, also thanking first responders and the SFPD. This shooting has shaken the Mission District, and my office will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served to the victim and the community in this case. Bravery Day was celebrated by CRPF 158 Battalion at Headquarters, Lohardaga. On this occasion, CRPF 158 Battalion Commandant Rahul Kumar took the salute of the Special Guard deployed at the quarter guard. The Commandant congratulated all the officers and soldiers and their families on CRPF Bravery Day, and remembering the past, said that on this very day, 09 April 1965, Sardar was killed in Ran Kutch (Gujarat) on the Indian border by the Infantry Brigade of Pakistan Army. Operation "Desert Hawk" launched against the post and talk post was foiled by the determination and valor of the CRPF personnel deployed at the post. In which CRPF soldiers held back a brigade of Pakistani infantry for 12 hours, which is a unique operational action in the history of military warfare. In the said action, the soldiers of a small contingent of paramilitary force foiled the planned attack of a Pakistani brigade. In this, 34 soldiers of Pakistani Army were killed and 4 were captured alive. 8 CRPF soldiers were martyred while fighting the enemies in the line of duty. To remember the brave deeds done by the warriors of Sardar Post, this great day is celebrated every year on 09 April as Bravery Day. The Commandant expressed hope and said that I have full confidence that in the future too, everyone will continue to serve the country and the force by developing their high level of devotion to duty and professional ability day by day. Even when difficult situations arise, the soldiers of the 158th battalion will continue to fulfill the battalion's motto - Always Shrestha - 158. On this occasion, all the officers and soldiers present along with the Commandant respectfully remembered all those brave men who have maintained the tradition of the force by sacrificing their lives. Thereafter the Commandant made a special entry in the visitor's book of the quarter guard. On this occasion, Shrimati Gangiya Devi, wife of martyr Shiv Narayan Bhagat, was honored by the Commandant by gifting her a flower pot and a shawl. In this sequence, a military conference was organized at 158 Battalion Headquarters and at 1900 in the evening, a big dinner was also organized jointly in all the messes of the battalion. In which all the officers, subordinate officers and soldiers of the battalion participated together. The Delhi Police will meet its Punjab counterpart on Friday to discuss a security plan for the meeting of Chief Ministers Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal in Tihar jail, who were expected to meet on Wednesday but could not as authorities cited security reasons. Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that he and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wanted to meet Kejriwal in jail but the meeting was cancelled by the prison authorities, even though a token number had been issued for it. Prison Department, Delhi has fixed an advance security liaison meeting with Addl. Director General (Police), Punjab, Delhi Police and Tihar Administration on 12.04.2024 at 11 am in the office of Deputy Inspector General (Prisons) at Tihar Prison Headquarters, Delhi, a press statement issued by the jail authorities said. It is for making security arrangements and completion of codal formalities, as mandated in Delhi Prison Rules, to arrange a meeting of Honble Chief Minister of Punjab with Arvind Kejriwal currently lodged in Tihar Jail, the prison authorities said. Earlier, when Mann wrote to the administration about meeting Kejriwal, the jail authorities said he can meet his Delhi counterpart, but as a normal visitor in the mulakat jangla, which is an iron mesh which separates the inmate from the visitor in a room inside the jail. A visitor and an inmate can talk to each other by sitting on different sides of the mesh. Mann can meet Kejriwal but it can happen as a normal visitor meet in the mulakat jangla in Tihar jail. The officials can make security arrangements as Mann is a chief minister and enjoys Z+ security cover, an officer said. Addressing a press conference, Singh claimed that an inquiry has been launched into Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal sending messages to his MLAs through his lawyers from Tihar jail. After Kejriwal sent a message to AAP MLAs asking them to visit their constituencies and solve peoples problems, a threat was issued that his meetings with his lawyers and family members would be stopped, Singh claimed at a press conference without naming anyone. Hitting at the Centre, Singh asserted that the government is behaving like Hitler and said, Arvind Kejriwal, popularly elected with a resounding majority three times, is being held by the Modi government in jail through its Hitleresque means. They (Modi Government) want to impose Hitler rules on him. They want to turn Tihar Jail in Delhi into Hitlers gas chamber. PM Modi is curtailing CM Arvind Kejriwal rights, which are even provided to the most dreaded criminals in jail. He said that while the CM gave a message to the AAP MLAs through legal channels, urging them to engage with the people, hear their grievances, and seek solutions, a threat was issued that his meetings with his lawyers and family members would be stopped. The MP alleged that he and Mann wanted to meet Kejriwal in jail but the meeting was cancelled by the prison authorities. Its clear that the jail authorities are not acting on their own, but under pressure from the Modi government. The CM of Punjab and a MP from Delhi wanted to meet the thrice-elected CM in a usual manner. Initially, the jail administration allocated us a token number, stating that we would meet Arvind Kejriwal on todays date, then the meeting was cancelled. he alleged. The AAP leader also claimed that 8 to 10 policemen surrounded Kejriwal from all sides during his legal meeting with his lawyers in jail, which is against the rules of no one overhearing the prisoners conversation with his lawyer. Does Modi ji want to turn Delhis Tihar Jail into Hitlers gas chamber? Do you want to turn Delhis jail into a place of torture? Singh said, adding that the Modi government is punishing Arvind Kejriwal for providing free amenities to Delhiites. Kejriwal has given five names including his wife, two children, his personal secretary Bibhav Kumar and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak whom he can meet in the jail. An official said that Kejriwal will have to add one more name of Mann in the list of visitors. According to the jail manual, an inmate can give 10 names of visitors. Three of them can meet at one time, twice a week. On April 2, the AAP supremo talked to wife and children via video conference from the prisons. He has been meeting his lawyer daily in the jail. As the Lok Sabha Elections approach and campaigning pick up steam, reports of candidates and leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its erstwhile ally Jananayak Janata Party (JJP) facing protests from farmers, have been reported in several constituencies of Haryana, including Sirsa, Hisar, Rohtak, Sonepat and others in the last few days. As the BJP candidates and leaders are now engaged in election campaigns and reaching out to the voters in villages and cities, the agitated farmers too have opened the front against the saffron party and started protesting against its leaders. In several areas, agitating farmers have barred the entry of BJP leaders in some villages. It is not only the BJP leaders who are facing such anger leaders of JJP too, are bearing the brunt of it. Former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala was recently stopped by farmers from entering Nara village in Hisar district. Villagers questioned him why farmers protesting for a legal guarantee of MSP on all crops were stopped from going to Delhi when he was in power. Weighing in on the fresh farmers' protests that have emerged as a big political talking point going into the Lok Sabha elections, Haryana Cabinet Minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar said that few politically motivated persons are protesting against BJP leaders. They are not farmers. BJP leaders are being welcomed by the people in villages and cities across the State. Everyone should have faith in the democratic process. They should cast the vote in the favour of any contesting candidates. Politically motivated protests should not be allowed, he added. Gujjar said, Our government, over the last two terms, made many decisions for the benefit and welfare of farmers. Our government has always stood with the farmers. We believe farmers will not be misled and will vote in our favour. Another State Cabinet Minister Mool Chand Sharma said that BJP has done a lot of work for the welfare of the farmers in the State. Haryana is the first state in the country to purchase 14 crops on the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Haryana Government is purchasing wheat, mustard, barley, gram, paddy, maize, bajra, cotton, sunflower, moong, peanut, tur, urad and sesame on MSP at present. Most States purchase a few popular crops like wheat, paddy, Cotton and sugarcane on MSP. Additionally, after carrying out assessment of crop loss due to unseasonal rain and hailstorm, farmers are being compensated and money is being transferred into their bank account directly. There should not be anger among the farmers for the BJP leaders as our government has launched several schemes benefiting the farmers, he added. On April 7 this year, BJP Lok Sabha candidates Arvind Kumar Sharma in Rohtak and Mohan Lal Badoli in Sonipat faced opposition from farmer unions while campaigning. Badoli was shown black flags at Rohana village of Sonipat. It is learnt that farmer unionist Ved Prakash Gopalpurs group also blocked his way to an event at the village Chaupal but cleared it after Badolis supporters and local residents intervened. Badoli, MLA from Rai, had earlier faced opposition during his campaigning at Nandgarh in Jind district. Additionally, slogans were raised against Arvind Sharma when he reached Samain village in the Meham block of Rohtak to attend an event. Around a week ago, the BJP candidate from Hisar seat, Ranjit Singh Chautala, had to leave an election-related meeting midway and cancel another election-related event after he was confronted by a group of farmers who questioned him over the central and Haryana governments actions against protesting farm unions. Chautala was chairing a meeting in Shamsukh when farmers under the banner of "Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti" reached the spot and started questioning him. The BJP candidate left the meeting and proceeded to Kuleri village. There too, farmers reached the spot and the event had to be cancelled. Political analysts feel that the BJP's concern stems from the fact that the farmers have barred the entry of its leaders in some villages. The farmers stir has added an element of uncertainty to a host of party plans. If the agitation prolongs, it could impact the partys prospects in the upcoming parliamentary elections, especially in the rural areas where the party had started to make inroads. Farmers believe that there has been no follow-up to the promises made to the farmers at the time of the withdrawal of three farm laws, they added. The Special MP/ MLA court in Ranchi today has awarded life sentence to ex JMM MLA Paulus Surin and extremist Jaitha Kachhap in a double murder case. The court of Additional Judicial Commissioner Dinesh Kumar had convicted Surin and Kacchap under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code and Section 27 of the Arms Act on April 7, the quantum of punishment was announced today. The two were convicted for killing social worker Bhushan Kumar Singh and Ram Govind in Karra. The case was registered with Karra police station in Jharkhands Khunti district on May 25, 2013. Surin also had allegiance with left- wing extremists ( Naxals) before joining politics. On April 10, the court awarded life term jail to both accused Surin and Kacchap. Arguments on the point of sentencing were fixed for April 10 when the court made public its judgement. Records show that Social worker Bhushan Kumar Singh and Ram Govind were playing cards near the home of the former in an afternoon in the summer of 2013 when Naxals approached them and started firing indiscriminately, leading to their deaths. The chart sheet filed by the police revealed that Paulus Surin blamed Singh for being a police informer and had asked him to stay away from such activities. The case was heard for almost three years in a Khunti court before it was transferred to the special MP/MLA court. Surin represented Torpa ST Reserve Assembly constituency of Jharkhand. As many as 12 prosecution witnesses were examined to establish the argument against Surin and Kacchap in the case. There were six accused, among them four, including three women, were discharged because of lack of evidence. Paulus often used to blame Singh for being a police informer and had asked him to stay away from such activities. The case was heard for three years in a Khunti court before it was transferred to the special MP/MLA court. Surin represented the Torpa assembly constituency of the state. Public prosecutor Pushpa Sinha said as many as 12 prosecution witnesses were examined to establish the argument against the convicted duo. She said there were six accused in the case, of whom four, including three women, were discharged because of lack of evidence. Paulus Surin was elected MLA from Torpa Assembly seat in 2009 and 2014 on Jharkhand Mukti Morcha ticket. The party did not give him the ticket in 2019. He had contested as an independent candidate, but had to face defeat. A four-year-old girl, who was missing for three days, was found murdered and her body dumped in a garbage dump in Rampur. The body was mutilated with one of her legs chopped off below the knee and the other above the knee. Both legs are missing. The face was also crushed probably to conceal her identity. She was the only child of her parents. Superintendent of Police of Rampur, Rajesh Dwivedi, inspected the crime scene and also summoned the dog squad and forensic team to help police in tracking down the criminals involved in the brutal murder. Police have detained five members of a family on the basis of suspicion. Reports said that at 3 o'clock last Sunday afternoon, Danish Ali, a resident of Dhavni Hasanpur village, gave a complaint to the police, in which he expressed apprehension of the kidnapping of his four-year-old daughter, Anaija. He said that the girl had gone to a grocery store in the neighbourhood on Sunday morning to buy something and did not return home; she was searched in the village as well as the nearby villages, but she was not found anywhere. On Tuesday morning, people who went to dump garbage in an empty plot in the village saw the body of a girl child lying wrapped in a sack. Within a short time, a crowd gathered there. Later the police and family members of the missing girl also reached the spot. They took out the body of the innocent child from the sack. The victim was identified as missing Anaija. In-charge Inspector Balwan Singh also reached the village with a police force. Based on the suspicion of the relatives, the grocery store owner of the village, his wife, son and two daughters were taken into custody. SP Rajesh Dwivedi also inspected the spot and talked to the girls father and assured him of all possible help. The SP said that on receiving information about the innocent girls disappearance on Sunday, an FIR was registered and the police were continuously searching for her. The reason for the murder of the innocent child could also be black magic. Villagers say that five people from the same family who were taken into custody by the police, were experts in black magic and they used to perform these tasks very well. Seeing the condition of the body, everyone in the village was shocked. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed its displeasure over repeated filing of petitions seeking the removal of AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal from the post of the chief minister after his arrest. A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan pulled up petitioner Sandeep Kumar, a former AAP MLA who sought the removal of Kerjiwal from the office, for trying to involve the court in a political thicket and said it will impose costs of Rs 50,000 on him. This is not like a James Bond movie where we will have sequels. (Lt) Governor will take a call on this. You are trying to involve us in a political thicket, thats all, remarked the court. The court said once it has dealt with the issue and opined that it fell in the executive domain, there should not be any repeat litigation as it was not a James Bond movie that will have sequels. The bench, also comprising Justice Manmeet P S Arora, reiterated that it cannot impose governors rule in the capital. Observing that the petitioner was making a mockery of the system, the court said, Rs 50,000 costs on you. We will pass the order. On March 28, the court had dismissed a PIL for Kejriwals removal, saying that while the petitioner had failed to show any legal bar that prohibited the arrested chief minister from holding office, there was also no scope for judicial interference in such cases as it was for the other organs of the State to look into the issue. It also said it cannot declare a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the national capital. On April 4, the court had refused to entertain a second PIL on the issue and said it was Kejriwals personal choice to continue as the chief minister and granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the lieutenant governor (LG). On Wednesday, Kumars counsel argued that his case required interpretation of the Constitution and that on account of his arrest in a money laundering case, Kejriwal was now not qualified to hold the office of the chief minister. Justice Manmohan said if there was a grievance, an appeal should have been filed against the earlier decisions instead of filing a third petition on the same issue. As the petitioners lawyer continued to argue and questioned where he must go if the government was not according to the Constitution, the court told him not to make political speeches. Please dont give a political speech here. Go to a corner of the street and do it over there. Please dont do that. Your client may be a politician and he may like to get involved in politics but we are not involved in politics. We stay out of politics, said Justice Manmohan. You are making a mockery of the system. Dont reduce us to a joke. It is only because of people like you, your client, that we are reduced to a joke. We are imposing some heavy costs on you. Please dont come back with repeat litigation, added the judge. The court further said the petitioner was persisting in spite of the remarks made by a single judge while dealing with his petition earlier this week and said imposition of costs was the only way to take care of the petitions that are coming up on a daily basis. This is enough. Look at the court. The court is packed with litigants. Have some courtesy, the court said. Kumars petition was listed before the acting chief justices bench after it was transferred to it from Justice Subramonium Prasads court. While dealing with the petition on April 8, Justice Prasad had said it was filed for publicity and heavy costs should be imposed for it. On Wednesday, a delegation from the Jharkhand Parents Association (JPA) met with Jagarnath Lohara, the District Education Officer, to discuss arbitrary practices by private schools. During the meeting, five demands were presented to address concerns regarding various aspects of school management. Members of the Inspection Committee, Kaushal Kishor and Ajit Kumar Thakur, were also present. Mahendra Rai, the District President of the Association and a member of the District Inspection Committee, highlighted significant changes made by Bokaro's Private school management in the annual charges, developing charges, book lists, and fee charts for the academic sessions 2023-24 and 2024-25. He expressed concern that textbooks from all private schools are only available at designated book centers approved by school management. This practice deprives parents of discounts ranging from 20% to 40% available at general bookstores. The delegation expressed its desire to gather information from all allocated private schools regarding the availability of textbooks at various book centers in the market. They also requested details about which book centers are being designated by school management for their books and demanded copies of the agreements between the book centers and school administrations. Furthermore, the delegation sought copies of book lists, fee charts, annual charges, developing charges, and re-admission charges for the academic sessions 2023-24 and 2024-25 from schools like Chinmaya, DPS, GGPS, Ayyappa, Pentecostal, MGM, Holycross, Bokaro Public School, Crescent Public School, St xavier and Sardar Patel School. They urged all private schools to provide the requested information within seven days for transparency and accountability. Notably prompted by specific inputs, DC Bokaro, Vijaya Jadhav, took decisive action by spearheading initiatives resulting in the formation of a parents' committee. Stressing the pivotal role of parental involvement in shaping the education system. Parents warmly welcomed this proactive step, expressing optimism about its potential to bring about positive changes and enhance the educational landscape for their children , particularly in Bokaro, renowned as a national educational hub. The ongoing debate surrounding Delhi Chief Minister and national convenor of AAP Arvind Kejriwals health and treatment while in judicial custody has stirred controversy with the Tihar jail authorities claiming that the inmates weight has increased by 1 kg, contrary to earlier statements by his party leaders claiming a drastic weight loss of 4.5 kg. On Wednesday, Tihar administration In its report on vitals of the Chief Minister showed that his weight has gone up by 1 kg, from 65 kgs to 66 kgs. Kejriwals weight remained stable at 65 kgs from his arrival at the jail on April 1 to April 3 according to the jail authorities. On his arrival, his sugar level was 139 mg/dL followed by 182 mg/dL on April 2 and 140 mg/dL on April 3. His blood pressure was 120/82 on April 1, 121/83 on April 2 and 116/82 on April 3. However, the AAP has alleged that Kejriwals blood sugar levels have deteriorated, pointing to fasting blood sugar levels above normal parameters. AAP leaders, including Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh, have accused the Centre of subjecting Kejriwal to harsh treatment and infringing upon his basic rights. Singhs comparison of the situation to Hitlers gas chamber and claims of the BJP attempting to emotionally break Kejriwal underscore the heightened tensions and political rhetoric surrounding the case. Kejriwal has been lodged in jail number 2 of the Tihar prison since April 1 in the alleged money laundering linked excise policy scam. He will remain in judicial custody till April 15. Earlier, the Tihar administration had made similar claims on the health of MP Sanjay Singh who is on bail. As per the Tihar prison officials, the Rajya Sabha member had gained six kg in six months. According to the data released, Singh weighed 76 kg during his initial medical checkup at the Tihar Jail. His blood pressure was recorded at 153/103. Hitting back at the Tihar administration and Modi government, the AAP alleged that his sugar levels have deteriorated as the blood sugar fasting levels shown on the health bulletin of kejriwal is 160 mg/dL while the normal should be 70 mg/dL. Arvind Kejriwal, popularly elected with a resounding majority three times, is being held by the Modi government in jail through its Hitleresque means. They (Modi Government) want to impose Hitler rules on him. They want to turn Tihar Jail in Delhi into Hitlers gas chamber. PM Modi is curtailing CM Arvind Kejriwal rights, which are even provided to the most dreaded criminals in jail, Sanjay Singh said. He alleged that the BJP was trying to break Kejriwal emotionally, claiming that the jail authorities threatened to restrict Kejriwal meetings with his family and lawyer after he sent a message to AAP MLAs to visit their constituencies through his lawyers. The AAP leader also asserted that 8 to 10 policemen surrounded Kejriwal from all sides during his legal meeting with his lawyers in jail, which is against the rules of no one overhearing the prisoners conversation with his lawyer. Many youths from Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency and Katni district are bringing glory to India across the world by becoming renowned doctors. Many doctors of Madhya Pradesh are providing services in the countries with maximum medical facilities in the world including America and Germany. Now the youth of Katni district will not have to go to other districts to study MBBS. Medical college classes will start in Katni within a year. Besides, a new agricultural college and Ayurvedic medical college will also be operational soon in Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency said Bharatiya Janata Party State President and MP Vishnudutt Sharma said this while addressing the New Voters Conference in Bahoriband of Katni district. BJP State President Vishnudutt Sharma said that before 2014, India was dependent on other countries of the world in many matters. But since becoming the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is working to make the country self-reliant in all fields. Showed a new path to the world by giving vaccines to 100 countries. BJP State President Vishnudutt Sharma said that during Corona, health facilities faltered in all the prosperous and developed countries of the world, but Narendra Modi ji handled India very well. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the lives of 140 crore people of the country were saved from Corona by both the vaccines made in India. Narendra Modi saved the lives of crores of people by giving Corona vaccines made in India to 100 countries of the world and has also shown a new path to the world by setting an example of humanity. Youth should remember the plight of Madhya Pradesh and vote State BJP President Sharma while calling upon the new voters said that the youth of 18-19 years who have become voters for the first time are the future of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working to develop India and make it a world leader by the year 2047. In 2047, when India will be becoming a fully developed nation, then the reins of the country will be in the hands of these 18-19 year old youth of today. Therefore, all of you new voters, before voting in this Lok Sabha election, should remember the difficult period of Madhya Pradesh before the year 2003. The Congress Party is responsible for the poor condition of Madhya Pradesh before 2003 and the poor condition of India before 2014. BJP State President Sharma said that Sanatani people living all over the world are happy with the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consecration of Lord Shri Ram. But the Congress Party, which denies the existence of Lord Shri Ram, and the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, which opened fire on Kar Sevaks and devotees of Lord Shri Ram, are not happy. When joy and celebration was being celebrated all over the world, Congress, Samajwadi and Bahujan Samaj Party have rejected the invitation for the consecration of Lord Shri Ram. The people of Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh and India will never forgive those who rejected the invitation to consecrate the life of Shri Ram and the public is ready to teach a lesson to these parties in this Lok Sabha election. BJP state president and MP Vishnudutt Sharma, while addressing the workers' meeting at Murwara election office in Katni district, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given us the target of adding 370 new voters at every booth, we all can achieve that target. The workers will complete it together. He said that we should not be overconfident while strengthening the booth. On Wednesday, in front of BJP State President Vishnudutt Sharma, Dr. Brahma Jasuja, Dr. Rajendra Gupta, Dr. Vandana Gupta, famous doctor and director of Dhyana Yoga Center at Jagriti Park in Madhav Nagar, Katni, along with more than 200 doctors and social workers and Seoni and Congress leaders from Katni took membership of the party. BJP State President Vishnudutt Sharma participated in the birth anniversary of Lord Jhulelal and Chetichand festival in Katni and extended good wishes to the Sindhi community on the occasion of Chetichand festival. Sharma said that the Chetichand festival is being celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm. Lord Jhulelal liberated the people from tyrannical rulers. Showed the path to public welfare. This festival celebrated on his birth anniversary strengthens the spirit of unity and brotherhood. The Kerala police on Wednesday arrested a man, Samuel Badamajhi, in Kandhamal district for allegedly killing his girlfriend in Kerala. Badamajhi is a resident of Rangapanga village under the Kotgarh police station in the district. As per reports, Samuel was married, but he developed a love relationship with Ritika Sahu in Kandhamal. Both of them went to Kerala in search of livelihood. However, Ritika somehow came to know that Samuel is married. The incident led to an argument between both of them. Suddenly, Samuel lost his cool and allegedly stabbed Ritika with a knife. Subsequently, Samuel returned to Kandhamal leaving Ritika in a critical condition. Later, she succumbed to her injuries. Upon being informed about the incident, Ritikas father went to Kerala and filed a complaint in this connection at the local police station. Based on the complaint, the Kerala Police started an investigation into the incident and came to know that Samuel returned to Odisha after committing the crime. With help from the Kotgarh police, Kerala police conducted a raid at Samuels father-in-laws house, where he was hiding. The accused was subsequently arrested. Further investigation into the incident was on. I take photos of everything I eat. In the cluster of images from my first visit to Alora, a new restaurant on the Embarcadero, there are colorful cocktails and an Instagram-bait duck liver mousse, piped in ribbons and garnished with gobs of pickled mustard seeds. However its the last photo, right after the 10-layer chocolate cake, that stands out. Its a screenshot of my phones lock screen showing the date and the time 9:58 p.m. Thats the exact moment our meal ended, not because we had finished eating, but because the music stopped and the lights went from date night dim to hospital bright, an abrupt signal to diners that the restaurant was now closed. We were halfway through that chocolate cake with a glass of a Massican white left in the bottle. We blinked at the remaining guests two other tables, a handful of folks at the bar like startled groundhogs thrust into the light. I am familiar with this tactic. For a few cursed weeks, I worked at a New York nightclub called Webster Hall. When 4 a.m. rolled around, the staff would all put on our jackets; in addition to bright lights and sudden silence, it takes aggressive AC to send partiers packing. But 9:58 p.m. on a Thursday is not 4 a.m. on a Saturday, and an expensive San Francisco restaurant is not a Manhattan venue. Its all quite a shame because, given the talent in the kitchen, Alora could be a destination for serious diners instead of what it feels like currently a clubby hotel bar, albeit one with a confusingly deft food program. Duck liver mousse with foccacia. The excellent breads are baked in-house at Alora. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle This seems to be a feature, not a bug. Although owners Anu and Vikram Bhambri, in an interview with the Chronicle last year, say theyre aiming for classy rather than clubbish, their stated goal is to re-create the energy level of modern restaurants in India with DJs and theatrical drinks in addition to excellent food. Rooh, the Indian restaurant with locations in S.F., Palo Alto, New Delhi and, incongruously, Columbus, Ohio, is the anchor for the Bhambris rapidly expanding mini-empire. Pippal, a more casual Indian restaurant located in an Emeryville mall, was favorably appraised in March by my colleague Cesar Hernandez. Fitoor recently debuted at San Joses Santana Row, just two months after Alora welcomed its first diners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At Alora, Pippal and the San Francisco location of Rooh, Ive had a similar thought after clocking the decor and hearing the 120 BPM soundtrack: Is there a cover charge? Ive yet to visit Fitoor, but with reports of fire dancers and a roving shots cart, it seems to fit the pattern. But then the cocktails arrive, and the cognitive dissonance begins. You might expect vodka Red Bulls to be the house drink of choice, but the Bhambris beverage programs aim higher. My hibiscus and amaro cocktail at Rooh was ferried to my table in a billow of dry ice and it was terrific, the work of someone skilled at balancing bitter and sour. The drinks at Alora rely less on Siegfried and Roy showmanship but are similarly well-executed. The smoky-herbaceous Parole Che Durano ($22), a clarified mezcal Last Word, is crystal clear, the better to see the large cube stamped with the restaurants logo. The Parole Che Durano cocktail arrives clear with a branded ice cube, left. The Chocolate Cake for Two, right, is perfumed with spices. Photos by Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle The Parole Che Durano cocktail arrives clear with a branded ice cube, above. The Chocolate Cake for Two, below, is perfumed with spices. Photos by Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Aloras food is similarly ambitious. The theme, in keeping with the Ibiza soundtrack, is coastal Mediterranean, which means it covers some 2,500 miles between Gibraltar and Beirut. Culinarily that translates to everything from dolmas to ravioli to patatas bravas to fattoush, and it can lead to order paralysis. Should you go all in on pasta? Focus on mezze and kebabs? Whatever adventure you choose, do not skip the breads + dips section. The menu notes the naturally leavened breads can be swapped for vegetables if you wish, but unless you have a sensitivity to gluten, that would be an error. The substitution suggests that the breads are a mere mechanism for dip delivery, but instead, chef de cuisine Kaili Hill is turning out sourdough focaccia and einkorn pita that I would wait in line for at a bakery. Advertisement Article continues below this ad You could even make a light, reasonably priced dinner out of those dips and breads at a restaurant that otherwise skews pricey. Whole grain pita escorts an herb tahini-laced hummus ($15), which is topped with a mound of dressed chickpeas, radishes and red onion large enough to conceivably constitute a salad. That silky squiggle of duck liver mousse ($23), accompanied by a rectangle of focaccia the size of a paperback book, is generously portioned and rich enough to spoil your appetite if you dont pace yourself. Aloras mushroom kebab is basted in a black garlic miso barbecue sauce. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle But pace yourself you should. Executive chef Ryan McIlwraith Hills partner in the kitchen and in life led the kitchens at Bellota, Barcino, and Coqueta, so anything that skews Spanish is a safe bet. The sweet Hokkaido scallops with grilled spring onions ($38) may not be a permanent fixture on the menu, but their sauce of brick red hazelnut romesco will stay in rotation, and thats a good thing. Venturing off the Iberian Peninsula has its rewards as well, like the hand-rolled earthworms of pici ($25), as chewy as Korean rice cakes and simply presented with burrata and a tomato butter sauce that would make Marcella Hazan proud. The large plates feature a kebab main adobo chicken ($39), grape molasses-shellacked hanger steak ($70) or beef and lamb kofta ($44) with accompaniments, and while I was impressed by all, the star was the vegetarian option ($36). Mushrooms are poached in a flavorful stock before being threaded onto a skewer, grilled and basted in a black garlic miso barbecue sauce. Theyre served on a bed of marinated eggplant and nutty freekeh, a wildly underrated grain in my book. But its the topping of Aleppo chile crunch with its crispy nubbins of shallot and garlic that I cant stop thinking about. China introduced the Mediterranean to noodles. Why not chile crisp? Hills dessert menu is tight but confident, and my one quibble is semantic. That 10-layer cake ($18), perfumed with a house-blended baharat of allspice, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, caraway and rose petal, is billed as chocolate cake for two. That cake is for me and me alone its a normal sized slice, and its 10 layers only if were counting the frosting. Dont police me. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Alora executive chef Ryan McIlwraith, right, and chef de cuisine Kaili Hill, left, are cooking impressive, ambitious food. Lea Suzuki/San Francisco Chronicle The cake hit the table at 9:49, my photo app tells me, just nine minutes after we received dessert menus. I understand that, by San Francisco dining standards, that might as well be midnight. Still, if you are going to allow guests to order dessert and pay for the privilege, you should grant them enough time to finish it. Maybe nightclubs have different rules of hospitality, but thats what I expect from a restaurant with a $70 steak on the menu. At Alora, its possible for diners to spend the same amount of money but have divergent experiences depending on their reservation time. My advice? Book a table early so you have the best chance of finishing your meal before they crank the proverbial AC. Or better yet, go for lunch. On a fine day, the Bay-front patio is a beautiful spot to tuck into some pita and dips, and the call of the gulls blocks out the house music. Alora Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco. visitalora.com Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hours: 11:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; 5-9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday; 5-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Expanded hours coming soon. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible tables, although the tables are spaced somewhat close together. Outdoor seating is plentiful. The bathroom is outside on the pier and is locked after 9 p.m. Noise level: Moderate indoors, with a noteworthy soundtrack. Pleasant outdoors. Meal for two, without drinks: $110 to $190. What to order: Hokkaido scallops ($38), Adana kebab ($44), pici ($25). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Meat-free options: Mushroom kebab ($36, vegan), hummus ($15, vegan), eggplant dips ($15, vegan). Transportation: A 10-minute walk from Embarcadero Station; steps from the Ferry Building; parking is challenging but possible. The elections for Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been announced to be held on April 26 on Wednesday, adding that the general house meeting will be held at 11 am. The general House meeting of MCD will be held at 11 am at the Aruna Asaf Ali Auditorium. According to the official notification, the nominations for the post of mayor and deputy mayor can be filed till April 18 in the office of the Corporation Secretary on any working day from 11 am to 5 pm. The Ordinary April (2024) meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 11.00 am in Aruna Asaf Ali Auditorium, A-Block, 4th Floor, Dr. Shayana Prasad Mukherjee Civic Centre, Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, New Delhi. Election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor will also be held in this meeting of the corporation. It is issued by order of the Mayor, MCD said in a statement. The post of Mayor of Delhi Municipal Corporation is reserved for Scheduled Castes for the third year, it said. Currently the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) holds both the post of mayor and deputy mayor in MCD. Shelly Oberoi is the mayor and Aaley Mohammad Iqbal is the deputy mayor of the MCD. Oberoi was unanimously elected as mayor after BJP candidate Shikha Rai withdrew her nomination while Aaley Mohammad Iqbal also got another term as deputy mayor after BJP candidate Soni Pal withdrew her nomination. Meanwhile, Delhi CM Kejriwal has been in Tihar jail since April 1 in relation to the Delhi excise policy case. He was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He has been in judicial custody since April 15. ED has called the AAP chief as the kingpin of the alleged scam. The first Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) meeting was held here under the Chairmanship of Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan in the presence of ADM Bhaskar Chandra Raita, ADM Trinath Majhi, Deputy Collector Suryamani Bhoi, Vijay Naik, Chinmay Mahanand, Assistant Collector Mutanjay Barala, Sushmita Patnaik, member of MCMC senior journalist Baldal Tah, Information Science Officer Gunasekhar and Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Department Basant Pradhan. The committee discussed various aspects of paid news in print, electronic, web, social media, local channels, etc. Pradhan was directed to have a meeting at his level to sensitize web reporters, local channel owners, social media bloggers like WhatsApp, Instagram-Facebook and Google, etc Candidates can advertise in any medium with the certification and permission of the MCMC in a prescribed format. Action will be taken against the news published without permission and the matter will also be informed to Press Council of India. So each member should have a watch on paid news apart from hate speech, rumours like postponement of election, news hurting religious or caste sentiments of any community, instigation to avoid vote en masse in a particular area, etc, said Mahajan. If a candidate exceeds the limit of expenses prescribed by ECI, the District Election Officer will let the State Chief Election Officer know this who is authorized to take judicious decision, said Mahajan. After the review, he along with the MCMC members inspected the control room, MCMC room and reviewed vigilance and social media functions. He directed the Deputy Director, I&PR Pradhan not to allow outsiders in the rooms, put up a MCMC board/banner outside the room and facilitate receiving applications for certification of advertisements and complaints by citizens. Speculations rippled through the political landscape as Varun Gandhi, the incumbent Member of Parliament from Pilibhit, was conspicuously absent from Prime Minister Narendra Modis election rally in Pilibhit, triggering debates about his rapport with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Varun Gandhi, a two-term Lok Sabha member from Pilibhit, has traditionally held sway in the constituency, much like his mother, Maneka Gandhi, who has clinched victory six times. However, eyebrows were raised when the BJP fielded Jitin Prasada instead of Varun Gandhi. Maneka Gandhi is contesting from the Sultanpur Lok Sabha seat this time. Rumours regarding Varun Gandhis no-show at the prime ministers rally swirled early in the day, prompting his supporters to clarify his absence. Varun was not invited to this rally. He cannot share the dais with the prime minister unless officially invited. The party leadership ignored him, and he chose to stay away, remarked Sanjay Agnihotri, a vocal supporter of Varun Gandhi, to this reporter. Notably, the rally witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary, Pilibhits BJP candidate Jitin Prasada, and MP from Bareilly Santosh Gangwar, who was denied a ticket, alongside Bareillys current candidate Chhatrapal Gangwar. The partys decision sparked questions among Varuns supporters. If Santosh Gangwar could be invited, why was Varun ignored? asked Agnihotri. Neeraj Gangwar, another BJP worker, called for clarity on Varuns status within the BJP. Varun is a decent leader who understands the problems of the people. Many people voted for BJP only because of Varun, he emphasised. Leaders from the BJPs Pilibhit unit clarified that neither Maneka Gandhi nor Varun Gandhi were listed as star campaigners for the Lok Sabha elections. They were not invited to campaign for party candidates in the eight Lok Sabha constituencies, including Pilibhit, scheduled for polling in the first phase on April 19. Pilibhit has long been under the sway of Maneka Gandhi or her son Varun since 1996. Varun secured victories in 2009 and 2019 as a BJP candidate, winning by significant margins. Renowned for championing issues concerning farmers, youths and unemployment, Varun Gandhi has occasionally diverged from the party line. His vocal criticism of the suspension of Sanjay Gandhi Hospitals licence in Amethi and his stance on various issues have garnered attention. In a poignant letter addressed to his constituents, Varun Gandhi reminisced about his childhood memories in the region, expressing how the land had become not only his workplace but also an integral part of his identity, with its people forming a crucial aspect of his lifes journey. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had extended an offer of a ticket to Varun after he was denied one by the BJP, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political saga in Pilibhit. Bajwa takes on AAP for unfulfilled promises Chandigarh: After AAP directed its legislators and workers to tout the State Government's accomplishments to the electorate in Punjab, the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday took aim at the AAP administration, lambasting it for its lack of tangible achievements. Pointing that AAPs directive focused on four key areas free electricity units, establishment of Schools of Eminence, the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, and the provision of Rs one crore compensation, Bajwa derided the AAP Government, accusing it of conveniently overlooking unfulfilled promises. In its two-year tenure, AAP has floundered in the state. Despite its pre-election vows, the party has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving the people of Punjab disillusioned with their governance, he said. Bajwa critiqued AAPs touted successes, particularly its Schools of Eminence initiative, which he asserted merely revamped existing schools without addressing core educational needs. Similarly, he dismissed the efficacy of Aam Aadmi Clinics, citing their precarious operational status and non-compliance with health standards. Furthermore, Bajwa highlighted the government's failure to launch its flagship scheme offering Rs 1,000 monthly to women over 18 years old. He underscored the state's economic downturn under AAP's watch, citing missed revenue opportunities in mining and anti-corruption measures. Bajwa also castigated Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, doubling as the Home Minister, for his inability to tackle lawlessness effectively. Additionally, he lamented AAPs inability to curb the drug epidemic within their promised timeframe of four months. With the Lok Sabha elections looming, Bajwa pointed out farmer discontent, exemplified by their recent questioning of Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian over unfulfilled AAP commitments. Sukhbir demands judicial probe into Punjab liquor scam Patiala: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday called for a judicial investigation into the Punjab liquor scandal and the alleged misuse of state resources to finance AAPs electoral campaigns in various states. The demand comes in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's failed attempt to challenge his arrest on corruption charges. Sukhbir, during his visit to Nabha and Patiala rural constituencies as part of the Punjab Bachao Yatra, emphasized Kejriwal's purported involvement in corrupt practices. Sukhbir cited Delhi High Courts rejection of Kejriwal's plea, which revealed allegations of demanding kickbacks totaling Rs 100 crore, some of which purportedly funded AAP's campaign expenses in the 2022 Goa elections. He also highlighted the Courts consideration of evidence, including statements from approvers and an AAP legislator from Goa. Expressing astonishment at the lack of action regarding Punjab liquor scandal, drawing parallels between the modus operandi of the Delhi and Punjab scams, Sukhbir criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for alleged inaction, suggesting that Mann's silence indicated compliance with Delhi's directives to safeguard his position. Additionally, Sukhbir accused AAP government of resorting to desperate tactics, such as alleging coercion of a child into chanting pro-SAD slogans. He asserted that such actions reflected widespread disillusionment among various demographics towards AAP administration, emphasizing the desire among Punjabis to oust the allegedly corrupt and anti-Punjab party from power. Chugh demands CBI probe into sand mafia operations in Punjab Chandigarh: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Wednesday demanded a CBI investigation into the operations of the sand mafia gangs in Punjab. AAP Government has been just doing a cover-up exercise due to forthcoming elections by registering cases against small players whereas big sharks in the field have been allowed a free run following which the ecology of the state has been gravely endangered, he said. Strongly condemning the media report on the possibility of a highway bridge between Ropar and Hoshiarpur collapsing due to rampant sand mining in the Swan river belt, Chugh said that such reports have been coming from other parts of the state as well. He said that a large number of people in villages are being put to immense harassment and inconvenience due to illegal and rogue activities of the sand mafia gangs all over the state. The investigation into the entire matter must be handed over to the CBI because there were inter-state ramifications of the sand mafia operations, Chugh added. : Odisha-based entrepreneur and environmentalist Dr Gaurav Ralhan who is currently at Zimbabwe to speak at the TEDx Talk at Harare, has given his testimonial in the book Towering Leadership, elucidating the good governance of Odisha. The book Towering Leadership: A Saga on Empathetic Governance authored by Prime Abhilas, explains how the Chief Minister of Odisha has been greasing the wheels for transgenders, blazing a trail for women empowerment among other things. Dr Ralhan who owns the largest health and wellness outlet in eastern India, was earlier invited as the guest of honor to the Make in Odisha Conclave, by the State Odisha. As per his version mentioned in the book, Bhubaneswar is the best place to be an entrepreneur, primarily because of the political stability prevalent in the State. While politicians are generally known to be all mouth and no trousers, our Honble CM is a breed apart. The most encouraging feature of Odishas investment-promotion strategy is to invest in people. Odisha seeks to create a niche in the skill ecosystem of the country so that availability of Skilled-in Odisha becomes a parameter of quality for investors. Dr Ralhan who is visiting Africa, courtesy the Director of Fabusse Africa, states that Odisha has experienced multifaceted development under Naveen Patnaiks leadership. Under his direction, Odisha has gone from being a backward, heavily indebted State to one of Indias fastest-growing, most fiscally responsible States. Dr Ralhan in his testimonial added that, Odishas fiscal prudence and economic management have been held in high esteem across India. Odisha is one of the few States in the country having adequate revenues to undertake large scale infrastructure projects. Odishas investor-friendly initiatives and empathetic yet highly effective governance has put the entrepreneurs of Odisha on a journey of progress and prosperity. The book has also been translated into Odia language under the name Katha Kaam, Kama Besi which is authored by Prime Abhilas and co-authored by Barendra Kumar. Both the English and Odia versions of the book will be released this month. Amidst a flurry of political maneuvers and legal battles, the planned meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal in Delhis Tihar Jail has been postponed due to security concerns. The last-minute cancellation by the Tihar jail authorities has sparked a ripple effect, prompting the Delhi Police and Punjab Police to collaborate on devising a comprehensive security plan for the rescheduled meeting. Initially scheduled for 1 pm on Wednesday, the meeting between Bhagwant Mann, Sanjay Singh, and Arvind Kejriwal was abruptly called off late Tuesday night. Tihar jail authorities cited security reasons for the cancellation and assured that a new meeting time would be communicated soon. AAP had made prior arrangements for the meeting, with Bhagwant Mann expressing his desire to meet Kejriwal the previous week and formal communications being exchanged between the Punjab Chief Ministers Office (CMO) and the jail authorities. CMO had initially informed that Bhagwant Mann, along with four others, including Sanjay Singh and Arvind Kejriwals family his wife and two children, would be permitted to meet the incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister in Tihar jail. However, the sudden turn of events has necessitated a recalibration of plans. With Mann and Sanjay Singh unable to meet Kejriwal as intended, the focus has shifted to ensuring the security and logistical aspects of the rescheduled meeting. As part of this effort, the Delhi Police and Punjab Police are set to convene on Friday to outline a robust security blueprint for the encounter between the two political heavyweights. The forthcoming security liaison meeting, to be held at the Tihar Prison Headquarters, will bring together key stakeholders including senior police officials from both Delhi and Punjab. Delhi Prison Department has scheduled an advanced Security Liaison meeting, to be held on April 12, involving key stakeholders including the Additional Director General (Police) of Punjab, representatives from the Delhi Police, and officials from the Tihar Jail administration. The agenda primarily revolves around formulating foolproof security arrangements and ensuring compliance with all procedural formalities mandated by the Delhi Prison Rules. The aim is to facilitate a smooth and secure meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail. On Tuesday, Kejriwal had a face-to-face meeting with his wife Sunita Kejriwal, and his personal secretary Bibhav Kumar in Tihar Jail, lasting half an hour. This was Kejriwals first in-person meeting with them since being placed in judicial custody on April 1. Meanwhile, the political landscape continues to evolve with each passing day. A day before, Bhagwant Mann and Sanjay Singh had engaged in discussions with Punjab Ministers, candidates, and leaders outlining AAPs strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections before their planned rendezvous with Kejriwal. However, with the meeting postponed, the party finds itself navigating through a maze of legal challenges and political confrontations. The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh Police, on Wednesday, arrested Ravi Atri, the main mastermind of the UP police recruitment examination. Earlier, three other masterminds behind the Uttar Pradesh police constables recruitment examination question paper leak were arrested. Atri, the main conspirator, was hiding as an employee of TCI Express Transport Company of Ahmedabad. He is a resident of Gautam Buddha Nagar and is currently living in Delhi. According to the police, during investigation, it was found that the question paper was leaked when it was being transported to a strong room from a printing press and it was stored at a warehouse in Ahmedabad in Gujarat. In the beginning of this month, another mastermind, Rajeev Nayan Mishra, was arrested by Noida STF. He was earlier also involved in similar cases, according to STF officials. Over 48 lakh aspirants had appeared for the UP Police Constables Recruitment Exam this year, including almost 16 lakh women candidates. The exam was held on February 17 and 18 at 2,385 centres in four shifts across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Through the recruitment drive, the UP govt aimed to fill 60,244 positions in the state police force. The UP police had earlier arrested or detained 244 people from across the state on February 18 for allegedly plotting to adopt unfair means in the police constables recruitment exam. Later in March, the UP STF had arrested seven more people from Meerut and Delhi for their alleged involvement in the police recruitment exam paper leak case. As per officials, the accused were allegedly members of a gang involved in the question paper leak case. Deepak, Bittu, Praveen, Rohit, Naveen and Sahil, all residents of Meerut, were arrested from a house under Kanker Kheda police station. A Gautam Buddha Nagar resident, Pramod Pathak, was also arrested. While announcing the cancellation of the exam, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government had given instructions to conduct a re-examination within six months. There can be no compromise with the sanctity of examinations. Those who play with the hard work of the youth will not be spared under any circumstances. Strictest action is certain to be taken against such unruly elements, Chief Minister Adityanath had said in a post on X. The exams were cancelled after several aspirants staged protests against the leaking of question papers. Hundreds of candidates who had appeared for the exam demanded a re-examination. They said the sanctity of the examination was compromised after a question paper went viral on social media hours before the paper started. The central parts of Delhi witnessed massive traffic snarls on Wednesday as roads towards DDU Marg were blocked due to the BJPs protest demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who has been arrested in the excise policy case. The BJP held the protest near the AAP headquarters on DDU Marg. Police used water cannons to disperse the protesters. In the commotion, the partys Delhi unit chief Virendra Sachdeva was injured and was taken to RML Hospital. Commuters faced a harrowing time in the ITO areas as traffic moved at a snails pace. The Delhi Traffic Police issued a traffic advisory ahead of a BJP protest. In a post on X, it said, In view of the proposed protest at DDU Marg, traffic will remain heavy at IP Marg, Vikas Marg, Minto Road and Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. DDU Marg may remain closed for traffic movement from 11 am to 2 pm. The traffic police have urged the commuters to take alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. He is in judicial custody till April 15 and is currently lodged in Tihar jail. Since the arrest, the BJP has stepped up pressure on the Delhi chief minister for his resignation. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday said the NDA alliance of the TDP, BJP and Janasena uses political power to serve people while the YSRCP chief uses it as a license to "exploit and loot public wealth". The TDP chief made these allegations at the Tanuku town in the West Godavari district as part of an election canvassing public meeting, featuring Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan and others. Power is for serving the public for the TDP, Jana Sena and BJP while it is looting for Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has exploited his power as a license to loot public wealth, said Naidu. According to Naidu, Reddy is the only person who has prospered in the state in the past five years and he asked people whether they want the "destructive" rule of Reddy or the development of the state through the NDA. Asserting that the NDA will return to power at the Centre, he said the agenda of all the three partners is common - welfare, development and upholding democratic values. Terming Kalyan as a "real hero" who is fighting for people, Naidu said the actor-politician has made sacrifices for the victory of the alliance. Further, Naidu noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make India number one in the world and his 40 years' experience in politics along with Kalyan's dedication will also propel the state forward. The former CM alleged that several works such as the Amaravati capital city, Polavaram and irrigation projects are pending in the state. Similarly, he said that employment opportunities for the youth and industrial corridors need to be developed in the state and underscored that all of these things would be possible only with the alliance. Later, he addressed a public meeting at Nidadavolu in the East Godavari district where Andhra Pradesh BJP president and Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha seat cadidate D Purandeswari was also present. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13 and the counting of votes is slated for June 4. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday of indulging in large-scale corruption through electoral bonds. "Extortion is going on and its name is electoral bonds," Gandhi said while addressing a rally in Phalodi in Rajasthan's Jodhpur constituency in support of the Congress candidate from the seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, Karan Singh Uchiyarda. Holding that the electoral bonds scheme was "unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary", the Supreme Court directed the State Bank of India on February 15 to furnish the complete details of the bonds purchased since April 12, 2019 to the EC, which would publish the information on its website by March 13. Gandhi said Gautam Adani's stock prices started rising after 2014, when the BJP came to power at the Centre, and continue to rise because the entire country knows that the industrialist enjoys a very good relationship with the prime minister. "Modi said 'I want to eliminate corruption' and brought the electoral bonds scheme. Industrialists gave thousands of crores of rupees to the BJP (through the electoral bonds). Modi said no one should know the name of the person who gives money under the scheme. A few days ago, the Supreme Court said the scheme is illegal and should be cancelled," Gandhi said. "An industrialist gets a big road contract and after a few days, he gives thousands of crores of rupees to the BJP. They are taking money in two ways -- one way is that they give out contracts and the businessmen (who bag the contracts) give them a cut of the money. "Secondly, CBI or ED cases are made, the industrialists (at the receiving end of such cases) give them money and the cases disappear. Extortion is going on, its name is electoral bonds," he said. Citing an example, Gandhi said a CBI inquiry was initiated against the owner of the Mumbai airport and subsequently, the control of the airport was given to Adani. "Modi has established a monopoly on corruption. Modi and the BJP have done maximum corruption in the country through the electoral bonds," he alleged. Gandhi accused the prime minister of giving the entire wealth of the country to selected people in the last five to 10 years. He said be it airports, ports, highways, coal, electricity or the defence sector -- Modi has given all the benefits to Adani. "I gave a speech about him (Adani) in Parliament and my membership was taken away. The Supreme Court made me an MP again. I had just asked Modi what is his relation with him (Adani). My membership was cancelled and then they took my house. "They think that by taking away my membership and rights, I will become silent. My home is in the hearts of millions of people. I do not need your home," the Congress leader said. He highlighted the promises made in the Congress's manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls and said the new government of the INDIA bloc will deposit Rs 1 lakh per year in the bank account of a woman in every poor family, 30 lakh vacancies in government jobs will be filled, the Agnipath scheme for short-term military recruitment will be scrapped and 50 per cent reservation will be given to women in government jobs. "Farmer ask if loans of billionaires can be waived, then why not ours? As soon as our government comes, we will make MSP (minimum support price for crops) legal. Just as Modi has waived loans of Rs 16 lakh crore of big industrialists, we will waive the loans of farmers again," Gandhi said. "In the last 10 years, the prime minister made different promises like depositing Rs 15 lakh in every bank account but nothing has been fulfilled. Demonetisation was done and the GST (Goods and Services Tax) was wrongly implemented. Modi worked for the richest billionaires of India, but did nothing for the farmers, labourers and small businessmen," he said. Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot also addressed the rally. Elena Kadvany has been a reporter on the Chronicles Food & Wine team since 2021. She covers the ins and outs of the Bay Area food industry, from breaking news about the latest restaurant openings to investigative stories into wage theft and workers rights. In 2024, her food writing portfolio won second place in the Society for Features Journalism Excellence-in-Features awards. Previously, she covered restaurants and education for the Palo Alto Weekly; her work has also been published in Bon Appetit and the Guardian, and her reporting has been recognized by the California News Publishers Association. She can be reached at Elena.Kadvany@sfchronicle.com. On the campaign trail in Madhya Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday batted for the one nation, one election' idea and called the track record of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government remarkable for the country. Referring to the recent assembly elections in MP, in which the BJP registered a huge victory, Singh said the people of the state will cast their ballot again in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The 29 Lok Sabha seats in MP will go to polls in four phases between April 19 and May 13 and votes will be counted on June 4. Four months back only the people of Madhya Pradesh overwhelmingly voted in the assembly polls in favour of the BJP. While addressing rallies in Singrauli and Sidhi recently I have expressed a concern over that. Now after four months, they will vote again. I have also said that the country should have a one nation, one election' system. It should happen in one go, said Singh, addressing a public meeting in Rewa Lok Sabha seat from where the BJP has fielded sitting MP Janardhan Mishra for the third time in a row. After one nation, one election', local body polls should take place in the country. But it should be held at the most in two batches, Singh said. Calling the track record of the Modi government at the Centre remarkable, Singh said it annulled triple talaq, pulled 25 crore people out of poverty, provided LPG cylinders to women under Ujjwala Yojana and took the country's economy from 11th place to 5th place in the world. By 2026, the Defence minister said, India's economy will be at the third place in the world and by 2047, the country will become a developed nation. While approaching 2070, it will become the biggest power in the world, he claimed. Singh said that during Modi's tenure, the nation's standing in the world has increased. The Russia-Ukraine war was stopped for four-and-a-half hours on the intervention of PM Modi for the safe exit of Indian students pursuing medical and engineering courses there, he said. He also cited India's diplomatic victory linked with Qatar, saying eight former Indian Navy officers who were awarded capital punishment by a court there were set free after Modi requested that country's leadership. Singh said that India has become a major force in the world in the past 10 years under Modi's leadership and added that from the military point of view too, the country is not only manufacturing weapons including fighter planes but also exporting them to other countries. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP had won 28 of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state, with former chief minister Kamal Nath's son Nakul Nath emerging as the lone victorious Congress candidate. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the "weak" Congress governments in the past failed to strengthen border infrastructure while under the "strong" BJP-led government, security forces were eliminating terrorists on their own turf. Addressing an election rally here, Modi said the echoes of 'Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar' were being heard across the country as people have seen the benefits of having a stable government. "Enemies took advantage and terrorism spread whenever there were weak and unstable governments in the country. But under a strong Modi government, our forces are killing terrorists on their own turf," the prime minister said. "A strong BJP government had the courage to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir after seven decades, make a law against triple talaq, give reservation to women in legislatures, and implement one rank, one pension," he added. He said the "weak" Congress governments in the past could not strengthen the border infrastructure. Now, roads and tunnels are being built along the borders, Modi said. The prime minister said he stopped the corrupt from looting the country and their anger against him was at its height. He also asked the people of Uttarakhand to give a befitting reply to the Congress for talking about eliminating "Shakti" which is symbolised by the revered goddesses of Uttarakhand -- Maa Dhari Devi and Jwalpa Devi. Uttarakhand has five Lok Sabha seats and the voting will be held in a single phase on April 19. Dressed in traditional finery, Muslims across the national capital offered prayers at mosques and Eidgahs on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday, marking the end of the holy month of Ramzan. A huge congregation gathered for the morning prayers at the 17th-century Jama Masjid in the walled city and exchanged greetings and embraces. Markets around Jama Masjid, including Chandni Chowk, Meena Bazar and Dariba Kalan, wore a festive look and saw brisk shopping for the festival. "The message of Islam is that people of all religions should live together with love and affection. This is the 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb'. There is no religion bigger than humanity," said Mohammad Gufran Afridi, a local resident, after offering prayers at the Jama Masjid. After the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasts, people made a beeline for eateries and restaurants selling lip-smacking dishes and also visited their neighbours, friends and relatives and shared sweet milk-based desserts like 'sewai' and 'kheer'. Eid was celebrated in Kerala and Ladakh on Wednesday, while it is being celebrated in the rest of the country on April 11. As the crescent moon heralds the end of Ramadan, the historic quarters of Old Delhi come alive with the vibrant festivities of Eid ul-Fitr. At Jama Masjid, the focal point of these celebrations, centuries-old traditions blend seamlessly with contemporary fervour, uniting people of all faiths. Gyaneshwar Dayal recounts the tale of long traditions while lensman Pankaj Kumar captures it all This Eid, Idgah, a classic short story by Munshi Premchand comes to my mind. A young poor orphan boy Hamid goes to Idgah, the village fair, with a small amount of money his granny could spare to enjoy the fair. While his friends buy toys and enjoy sweets, he buys nothing. While returning home, he buys, guess what, a chimta, a roti flipper for his granny so that she would not burn her fingers while flipping the rotis on her chulha (an earthen stove). The story in essence encapsulates what Eid is all about love compassion and empathy. Walking down Chandni Chowk seeing young kids draped in kurta pyjamas wearing caps one is instantly reminded of Hamid. The kids are happy and everyone is in a festive mood, emptying pockets on the vendors to have what they have to offer; from clothes, shoes, ornaments, and eatables everything is neatly stacked by roadside vendors. In the vicinity of Jama Masjid, the streets come alive with festivities as vendors set up stalls selling street food, toys, and trinkets. Children roam about, their faces beaming with joy, while musicians and performers entertain the crowds with lively tunes and performances. The atmosphere is imbued with an infectious energy, drawing people from all walks of life to join in the merriment. The streets of Old Delhi come alive with vibrant markets and bustling bazaars, adorned with colourful decorations and twinkling lights. Families and friends venture out to indulge in shopping for new clothes, accessories, and gifts, adding to the festive fervour. In the bustling streets of Old Delhi, the festivities of Eid ul-Fitr bring an unparalleled vibrancy to the historic quarters of the city. Old Delhi retains its old charm, wearing that once-in-a-year glow that comes with Eid. The whole of old Delhi is crowded with people who fasted for a month and would celebrate Eid tomorrow. The moon would be cited tonight, hopefully. As dawn breaks on Eid day, the faithful gather in mosques for special prayers, known as the Salat al-Eid, seeking blessings and divine mercy. After the prayers, the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement as families exchange greetings, hugs, and gifts. Eid, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, is celebrated with immense joy and fervour across the globe. In the heart of India, particularly in Old Delhi, Eid takes on a unique charm, blending tradition, spirituality, and communal harmony. As the crescent moon marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, Muslims come together to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Beyond its religious significance, Eid is a time for expressing gratitude, fostering unity, and strengthening community bonds. It is also a time for charity and compassion, as faithfuls are encouraged to donate to those in need, ensuring that everyone can partake in the festivities. What makes Eid celebrations in Old Delhi truly special is the spirit of unity and inclusivity that pervades the air. Despite the diversity of cultures and communities in the city, Eid serves as a unifying force, bringing people together irrespective of caste, creed, or background. It is a time when neighbours open their doors to one another, sharing meals and spreading joy. The spirit of brotherhood and solidarity extends beyond the Muslim community, with people of all faiths joining in the celebrations. It is not uncommon to see non-Muslim friends and neighbours exchanging greetings and participating in the festivities, exemplifying the essence of Indias secular fabric. Eid ul-Fitr is not merely a religious festival but a celebration of humanity, compassion, and togetherness. In Old Delhi, where history and tradition converge, the festivities of Eid resonate with a sense of belonging and harmony. As families come together to offer prayers, share meals, and spread happiness, Eid in Old Delhi becomes a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that define the city. It serves as a reminder that in the diversity of our traditions lies the strength of our unity. Historical examples of Eid celebrations fostering communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims abound, especially in regions like India where these communities have coexisted for centuries. During the Mughal period in India, Eid celebrations were occasions of grandeur and magnificence. Mughal emperor Akbar famously celebrated Eid with great pomp and splendour, inviting people of all faiths to partake in the festivities. Akbars policy of religious tolerance, as demonstrated through his celebration of Eid and his interactions with Hindu kings like Raja Man Singh, set a precedent for communal harmony that reverberated throughout the empire. In the early 20th century, India witnessed the Khilafat Movement, a pan-Islamic campaign launched by Indian Muslims to protest the dismantling of the Ottoman Caliphate by the Allied powers after World War I. During Eid ul-Fitr in 1920, Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity, attended Eid prayers at Jama Masjid in Delhi, along with other prominent leaders. His participation in Eid celebrations symbolised solidarity between Hindus and Muslims in their struggle against colonial oppression and religious discrimination. Despite the partition of India in 1947, which led to communal tensions and violence, Eid continued to serve as a beacon of hope for communal harmony. In cities like Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Delhi, Hindus and Muslims have historically come together to celebrate Eid, exchanging greetings, sweets, and goodwill. This tradition has persisted through the decades, symbolising the resilience of Indias secular ethos. Celebrating Eid in Old Delhi, particularly around the iconic Jama Masjid, is an experience that blends centuries-old traditions with vibrant contemporary festivities. Situated in the heart of the walled city, Jama Masjid stands as a symbol of Islamic heritage and architectural grandeur, serving as the focal point for Eid celebrations in the area. In the days leading up to Eid-ul-Fitr, Old Delhi transforms. Shopkeepers display an array of festive goods, from traditional attire like shararas and sherwanis to delectable sweets like baklava and gulab jamun. Families bustle about, purchasing new clothes and ingredients for the lavish feasts that await them on Eid day. As the sun rises on Eid morning, the faithful gather at Jama Masjid for the special Eid prayers, known as the Salat al-Eid. The courtyard of the mosque overflows with worshippers, their colourful attire creating a kaleidoscope of hues against the backdrop of the majestic structure. The air resonates with the melodious recitation of Quranic verses and the collective murmurs of prayers, evoking a sense of serenity and spirituality. As the prayers conclude, embraces are exchanged, and heartfelt greetings of Eid Mubarak fill the air, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among the worshippers. No festival in India is complete without a feast to die for, Eid is no exception. After the prayers, families return to their homes to partake in the traditional Eid feast, known as the Eid ki Dastarkhwan. Homes are filled with the aroma of aromatic spices and mouth-watering delicacies prepared to mark the occasion. From traditional dishes like biryani, kebabs, and sheer khurma to sweet treats like seviyan (vermicelli pudding), shahi tukda and sheermaal (sweet bread), the Eid feast is a gastronomic delight. To add yet another layer to the Eid feast we have a few recipes that you could try today. Curated from the best chefs around, these lip-smacking recipes can make your Eid memorable. But as you do so, do spare a thought for our friend Hamid who might be quietly celebrating his Eid somewhere with his granny with gur and rotis flipped by the Chimta he brought home this Eid from Idgah! Eid Mubarak!! EID SPECIAL RECIPES BRAISED CHICKEN WITH SAVOURY BUTTER SAUCE by Chefs MARTIN YAN AND SANJEEV KAPOOR on behalf of American Pistachio Growers YIELD 4 servings INGREDIENTS 12 ounces boneless chicken, sliced MARINADE 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon cornstarch SAUTEED MIXTURE 1-1/2 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 1/2 cup onion, diced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro stems, chopped 1 tablespoon ginger, minced 1 teaspoon garam masala 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 3/4 cup tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon oyster-flavored sauce 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce 1/4 cup half and half or heavy cream 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 cup pistachio kernels, chopped 1/3 cup whole pistachios GARNISH 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped, or green onions INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MARINADE Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the chicken; stir to coat. Set aside. FOR THE SAUTEED MIXTURE Heat a wok or stir-fry pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add oil, swirling to coat sides. Add the chicken; stir fry until browned, about 2 -3 minutes. Set aside. Add ghee, onion and cilantro; saute until onion begins to sweat and soften, about 3 minutes. Add ginger; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add garam masala, cumin, coriander and five-spice; cook until fragrant, about 20 seconds. Add diced tomatoes, yogurt, oyster-flavored sauce and chili garlic sauce. Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in half and half and sugar. Add chicken with juices and chopped pistachios; cook until sauce thickens, 3 -4 minutes. FOR THE GARNISH Sprinkle with whole pistachios, chopped cilantro / green onions. Ramadan Kareem Special Lamb Ouzi by Chef Sachin Malik Executive Chef Radisson Blu MBD Noida For Lamb Ouzi 2 kg Fresh labneh 150 ml Sunflower oil 100 gms Tomato paste Salt to taste White Pepper to taste 20 gms Ginger powder 20 gms Cardamom powder 20 gms Turmeric powder 10 gms Saffron 6-8 Piece Of Lamb Shanks (1200-1400 Gram ) For rice 2 kg White rice 10 kg Chopped garlic 50 gms Ghee 1 kg Minced lamb 200 gms Onion, chopped Salt to taste 10 gms White pepper 20 gms Seven spices 5 pieces Whole cardamom 4 pieces Cinnamon sticks 4 Boiled Eggs 200 Gram Brown Onions Procedure For Lamb ouzi marination In a mixing bowl place the fresh labneh, corn oil, tomato paste, salt, white pepper, ginger powder, cardamom powder, turmeric powder and saffron. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are combined well. Clean the lamb Shanks and place them in a container then add the marinade to it. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. Place in new a container, add 2 litres of water in the container and cover with aluminum foil, place the container in the oven and roast for 4 hours at 300 degrees F. The meat should become a reddish /brown color. For rice First put the rice in the bowl and keep it for half an hour in the hot water. In a hot cooking pot place the ghee, cinnamon stick, whole cardamom, chopped onion, chopped garlic, and minced lamb, and stir the ingredients well. Add white pepper, seven spices, salt and mix for 3 minutes until the ingredients are combined well. Strain the rice and mix with the ingredients for 4 minutes, and add hot water and cover. Also, Add half of the brown onions to it. Put the pot on slow fire for 20 minutes until the rice is cooked (Use Dum Cook Technique). After cooking serve on a big plate adding the ouzi lamb on top of the rice and garnish with fried mix nuts, Boiled Eggs, rest of the brown onions & Some Fresh Mint & Coriander PISTA AND MANGO SABUDANA KHEER by Chef Meghna on behalf of American Pistachio Growers Ingredients 1 litre milk 4-5 cardamom cup sabudana Condensed milk California Pistachio 2 Mangoes Preparation take 1 litter of milk and bring it to boil Add 4-5 cardamom powder Once the milk comes to the boil, add 1/2 cup soaked sabudana (soaked for 4-5 hours) Let sabudana cook in milk till it becomes transparent Lower the heat and add condensed milk as per your taste (I added 1/4 cup, you may add more) Stir everything well And add 1/4 cup blanched California Pista (take pista, keep in warm water for 20-30 minutes & then gently remove the skin) Once the kheer comes to right consistency, turn off the heat and bring it to room temperature Then add 2 chopped mangoes; you may add mango pulp as well Keep kheer in fridge to chill Enjoy this kheer chilled with some more pista and mango garnishing PISTA NIMBU KEBAB by Chef ASHISH BHASIN on behalf of American Pistachio Growers INGREDIENTS 1 kg Chicken (Boneless Thigh Pieces) 400 g California Pistachios 100 g Yellow chilli powder 50 ml Lemon juice 3 g Lemon zest 50 ml Cream 200 g Ghee 50 g White pepper powder 100 g Ginger and garlic paste 400 g Yoghurt (hung) 50 g Turmeric powder 1 no. Banana leaf Salt to taste INSTRUCTIONS Cut the chicken into thin slices. Marinate it with little lemon juice, salt & ginger garlic paste. Keep the marinated chicken in the chiller for 1 hour. Blanch pistachio kernels and ensure that all skin is removed. Then make a fine paste (paste should be thick) Add pistachio paste, yogurt, white pepper, yellow chilli powder, turmeric, lemon zest, salt and little ghee to the marinated chicken. Mix well. Now, wrap the marinated chicken with banana leaves. Heat an Iron plate (tawa), put ghee and place the wrapped chicken in the ghee. Cook on slow flame till done. Serve hot. BANNO KABAB by Chef SUBROTO GOSWAMI on behalf of American Pistachio Growers INGREDIENTS 200 g Chicken tikka 100 g Ginger garlic paste 50 g California Pistachios (kernels) 10 g Gram flour 5 g Garlic chop 15 ml Lemon juice 10 g Salt 5 g Garam masala 5 g Yellow chilli powder 5 g Coriander powder 20 g Hung curd 5 g Cardamom powder 5 Green chilli chop 5 g Coriander leaves 15 ml Milk 30 g Egg White beaten 10 ml Cream 5 g Chaat Masala 15 ml Mint Chutney INSTRUCTIONS The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park provides clean mountain water to San Francisco, helping avoid contamination from forever chemicals known as PFAS. Tracy Barbutes/Special to The Chronicle 2022 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday announced the first federal limits on PFAS manmade forever chemicals linked to cancer, organ damage and other health issues in the nations drinking water. The regulation, which was initially proposed in 2023, requires water systems to reduce levels of six of the most studied types of PFAS to the lowest levels that can be reliably measured with testing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The proposed regulation will require water systems to reduce levels of six of the most studied types of PFAS to the lowest levels that can be reliably measured with testing. There are about 12,000 kinds of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, which in consumer products are probably best known for their use in nonstick cookware, Gore-Tex outerwear and stain-resistant carpets and rugs. The two most-studied PFAS PFOA and PFOS are no longer allowed in products in the United States. But because the chemicals are resistant to breaking down, they linger in the environment. California has cracked down in recent years on PFAS in many consumer goods like carpets, toys and makeup, but drinking water is of particular importance because consuming PFAS by mouth may be more harmful than touching by skin through clothing, for instance. One 2020 study found that more than 200 million Americans are likely exposed to some PFAS in drinking water. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer, liver toxicity, kidney and thyroid damage, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure during pregnancy, and can hinder the immune systems ability to produce antibodies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bay Areas drinking water generally has low levels of PFAS because large water systems in the region get most of their drinking water from pristine sources in the Sierra or local reservoirs in regional parks, according to researchers who study toxic chemicals in drinking water. The city of San Francisco, for instance, gets most of its water from Hetch Hetchy, a reservoir north of Yosemite Valley. Additionally, the Bay Area doesnt have many places that are suspected to have higher levels of PFAS contamination, such as military bases or areas that served as training grounds for fire departments where firefighting foam containing PFAS seeped into groundwater, said Gina Solomon, a researcher at the Public Health Institute who studies drinking water contaminants. And the Bay Areas airports, another type of land where PFAS contamination tends to be higher, are not near bodies of water that serve as drinking water sources, she said. In 2021, Solomon and her colleagues analyzed tap water in four regions in California the Bay Area, Central Valley, Los Angeles and Gold Country and detected PFAS only in southeast Los Angeles water systems, and in two private wells: in rural Nevada City and the Merced area near an airport. The analysis tested for 36 types of PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS. But Solomon cautioned that since there are thousands of different kinds of PFAS, its possible other PFAS are in the water and were not detected. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We still are just scratching the surface of this large class of chemicals, she said. A relatively small number of wells in the Bay Area have recently exceeded recommended levels of PFOA and PFOS. California does more rigorous testing for PFAS in drinking water than many states. Due to costs, regulators dont regularly test every water system in the state, only ones suspected of having higher levels of PFAS, such as those near airports, landfills, industrial sites and areas where firefighting foam was used, said Dan Newton, assistant deputy director of the drinking water division at the California water board. The board regulates the vast majority of public water systems in the state. The state does not have legally enforceable limits on PFAS in drinking water. But it does set pseudo-regulatory levels that are similar to the New EPS limits. Under a state law that took effect in 2019, if the state water board requires a water system to test its water for PFAS and they are detected, the water system must take certain steps to let public officials and the public know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If the water system is found to have a concentration of PFAS that exceeds a certain level, which regulators call a notification level, it must notify its governing body, such as city council members or county supervisors. And if the concentration of PFAS exceeds another, higher level called a response level regulators recommend the water utility take the well offline or treat the water for PFAS. In the Bay Area, a few spots have risen to the lower threshold. Wells in Pleasanton, Fremont, Livermore and at the Alameda County Fairgrounds exceed the notification level of PFOA or PFOS as of 2022, according to the state water board. State testing over the past two years has shown about 40 to 50 wells around California three in the Bay Area have exceeded the higher level, and almost all have been taken offline or are working on installing treatment, Newton said. 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Many of these visitors, who may be unfamiliar with our local geography, would automatically assume the closest airport is San Francisco International Airport. But theyd be wrong. In all these instances and many others, the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport is closer. Thats why the Port of Oakland, which operates the airport and where I serve as executive director, wants to change the name to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport so travelers can make informed decisions about what airport best meets their needs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to a recent survey of our customers conducted by FM3 Research, when asked what word best describes Oakland Airport, many chose close, accessible and convenient. Yet, the survey also found that 70% of those surveyed said the lack of flights to their destination is why they dont fly through OAK. Why doesnt Oakland Airport have more flights? The barrier comes down to geographic awareness. To add a flight offering to any airport, it needs to be financially sustainable. That only happens with outgoing and incoming demand. And while surveys like FM3s tell us there is a demand for outgoing flights, that is less true for incoming. Why? Because many people who visit the Bay Area have no idea where OAK is located. In 2022, we commissioned the consulting firm Lippincott to conduct a market research study to understand why there wasnt as strong of an incoming demand for OAK. According to the study, more than half of international travelers and nearly a third of domestic travelers did not know where Oakland was located or its proximity to most of the regions population and attractions. Thats a problem not just for our airport but the entire Bay Area if visitors find themselves commuting longer than they actually need to, decreasing the time they have to do what they came here for and lowering the overall experience of their visit. The truth is that OAK is the closest major airport to 58% of the Bay Area population. According to 2022 U.S. Census data, the population of the counties closest to Oakland Airport, which includes Alameda, Contra Costa and Wine Country, is 4.1 million compared to the 1.5 million in San Francisco and San Mateo counties. We are closer to cities such as Berkeley, Emeryville, Richmond, San Ramon, Pleasanton, Livermore, Alameda and Hayward as well as Napa and Sonoma counties. We are the closest airport to many major cultural and tourist sites, such as UC Berkeley, Wine Country, Sandia and Livermore labs, and the Port of Oakland. We are also the most convenient airport for many business headquarters, including three of the top five employers in the Bay Area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From July 2008 to March 2024, OAKs vigorous marketing campaigns, such as the I Fly OAK campaign, resulted in 54 new direct flight routes. However, during the same period, the airport lost 45 direct destinations partly due to the lack of passenger awareness of its location. Our airline partners have told us about this issue for over a decade. Our largest carrier, Southwest Airlines, one of the biggest employers in Oakland, wholeheartedly supports the proposed name change, as do other airlines, such as Spirit and Volaris. Southwest acknowledged its long history at OAK and how this will help Oakland achieve greater visibility among those looking to travel to the Bay Area. The East Bay business community and our trade and travel partners representing Oakland, Walnut Creek, the Tri-Valley and Berkeley also support this effort. These companies know that having more choices, flight options and destinations is good for their customers, employees and the Bay Area tourism industry. OAK creates over 30,000 jobs and has a $1.6 billion economic impact throughout Oakland and the region. One new airline route and destination in OAK can create tens of millions of dollars of positive economic impact and support for local workers and businesses through increased visitor spending and related airport activity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Critics have complained that the name change will be confusing for travelers. But the proposed name change actually does the opposite: It clarifies to the world that OAK is located on the San Francisco Bay, is a convenient option for people flying here, and in many instances, is the better and more efficient choice. 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 No one city owns the San Francisco Bay or its name. The bay had its name long before the city of San Francisco, which was originally called Yerba Buena, adopted it. A sign for Oakland International Airport station can be seen in Oakland, Calif. on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle As the director of SFO, I spend a great deal of time working to make air travel less stressful for people. Because lets be honest there are plenty of moments in the journey that can fray nerves. Getting to the airport on time. Going through security screening. Dealing with weather delays. The list goes on. So when the Port of Oakland advised me about its plans to rename its airport to include the words San Francisco, I was immediately concerned. A name change may not seem like a big deal but if the proposal goes through, it will only cause confusion and make the air travel experience more stressful. Ive seen firsthand how easily this confusion can happen. Several years ago, an international low-cost airline launched service at Oakland International Airport but marketed itself as an airline serving San Francisco. We saw several passengers for this airline arrive every day at San Francisco International Airport to check in for their flight, only to learn that their airline was operating in Oakland. Many missed their flight as a result. For this reason, among others, this airline eventually relocated its operations to SFO. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If this can happen regularly for a single airline that isnt clear about where it operates, imagine the impact of all flights at an airport being exposed to this level of confusion. Thats why various carriers have issued statements of concern about the proposal. Alaska Airlines, for example, said: Alaska Airlines has served the San Francisco Bay Area, including Oakland, for more than 40 years and supports the growth of all our airport partners. However, we believe a name change to the proposed San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport could cause confusion and potential inconvenience to travelers, especially as one of three airports in the Bay Area already shares a similar name. Our newest domestic airline, Breeze, shared a similar and understandable sentiment: Breeze Airways is not in favor of the proposed renaming of Metropolitan Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Area/Oakland International Airport due to the confusion it could create for travelers and therefore the subsequent issues that would create for airlines like Breeze that operate from SFO. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And our international airlines are concerned as well. Japan Airlines said the following: We are deeply concerned about the proposed name change of Metropolitan Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Area Oakland International Airport, as it may confuse our international travelers, particularly those connecting to their flights. We respectfully ask the authorities to reconsider this proposal to avoid inconveniencing our valuable passengers. Ive also talked to my counterparts at other major airports in the United States. This concern rings true in any location with duplicative naming conventions, like Washington-Dulles and Washington-National airports, which see each others passengers end up at the wrong airport daily. The Port of Oakland stated that the name change proposal is intended to attract more passengers to its airport. I understand full well how important it is for an airport to attract passengers. Traveler activity is the lifeblood that drives the economic benefits of an airport. Passenger activity doesnt just fill airplanes. It fills airport restaurants and retailers. It puts riders in taxis, limos, ridesharing and on public transit. Beyond the airport grounds, it puts guests in nearby hotels, drives spending in surrounding communities and creates jobs throughout these sectors. What Ive learned from over 30 years in this business is that the name of an airport doesnt drive its success. Its about the value proposition an airport makes to airlines, along with an airports accessibility, features and amenities. To generate more passengers, airports need to attract and retain airlines by managing what it costs to operate there. At SFO, we closely monitor these costs, always benchmarking against comparable airports to ensure were competitive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Airports must also invest in its facilities to create an experience that airlines and passengers love. Over the past decade, weve delivered beautiful new award-winning facilities, like Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and the Grand Hyatt at SFO while renovations continue in Terminal 3. Weve opened yoga rooms and launched a team of therapy animals. Weve also made less attention-grabbing but equally important changes like overhauling our signage and how we number gates to make finding your way easier and more intuitive. To drive business, Metropolitan Oakland International Airport needs to do the same. The San Francisco City Attorneys Office has threatened to sue the Port of Oakland if it proceeds with the name change. As San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said in a statement, We want to see the entire Bay Area thrive as a tourist destination but this proposal is not a legal or practical way to go about it. 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 Hes right. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The accomplishments of Dalhousie's 2024 Board of Governors' Award recipients illustrate the many ways student leaders can inspire and ignite change. The winners have stood up for those who have been marginalized. They've pushed for fresh approaches to old problems. They've put their ideas into action, starting societies, launching initiatives, and committing their time and resources to efforts that have enriched the community. What's particularly exceptional about this year's winners of Dal's top award for student life is that most of them did so, to some extent, under the cloud of a global pandemic. Their first years at Dalhousie were defined by starts and stops, presence and absence, and challenges to connection making their success in bringing people together and contributing to university life all the more impressive. This year's four recipients nominated by their peers in the Dal community, and chosen by a committee consisting of the president, Board members and the vice-provost student affairs were honoured at this year's Impact Awards in late March. Meet the 2024 Board of Governors Award recipients: Eshan Arora Fourth year, BSc in Medical Sciences (Honours) Achieving change can sometimes take a multi-front effort: people pushing from outside of systems for something new or different, alongside others skilled at navigating those systems advocating for change from within. In his time at Dalhousie, Halifax-born Eshan Arora has found himself on both sides of that equation. Hes led or helped create new initiatives and societies to support his fellow students and their needs, as well as serving as a voice for students on bodies such as DSU Council and the universitys Board of Governors and Senate. I feel like I can use the privilege and power Ive been able to have in these positions to more fruitfully advocate on the bottom line and inspire and advocate for change, he says. And when you connect with other people, you realize youre not alone in how youre feeling, and by being able to express and share that, you can really help change things on a foundational level. Inclusion is the topic thats near and dear to Eshan, who is of Indian heritage and speaks four languages (English, Hindi, Spanish and French). His extensive advocacy for and commitment to supporting students from marginalized groups within Dalhousie and beyond was recognized with this years Presidents Award for the Advancement of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA), in addition to his Governors Award. As program lead of the Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders Program (DSSLP) and president & founder of the DSSL Society, Eshan has helped to foster a more supportive environment for underrepresented, diverse students in STEMM studies working to demystify, as he puts it, the unwritten rules and resources of academia through volunteering, community social events, and establishing a place of belonging. Hes been a mentor and tutor to African Nova Scotian cohort students in the Inclusive Pathways to Medical Professions (IPMP) program, as well as an advisor to Dals Accessibility in Course Design Task Force, and helped launch a new bursary to address gaps for band-funded Indigenous students. For his capstone project as an inaugural member of the High-Performance Student Leadership Academy, Eshan has been working with the Faculty of Science on a proposal for creating a new Certificate in Science Diversity. What unites Eshans academic studies in Medical Sciences and his extracurricular projects is a passion for helping care and support those in need a drive inspired, in no small part, by his family. His older brother, now 33, lives with a severe neurological condition from complications cause by childhood meningitis. Eshan, who is 13 years younger than his brother, says the experience of watching and helping his family navigate care informs many of the activities he involves himself with. This includes co-founding the Dalhousie BforKai Chapter. Inspired by the tragic death of Acadia student Kai Matthews, BforKai advocates for meningitis B vaccination and helps educate students and others about the disease and its impacts. I wanted to support and spread the awareness of meningitis B specifically with university students, and also to advocate and share my story and try to bring awareness to the lack of support for individuals who are the survivors of meningitis or other illnesses, says Eshan. At this years Impact Awards, the BforKai Chapter was recognized with the Most Impactful Residence Council award. Dalhousie will get to benefit from Eshans leadership for a while yet: hes been accepted to begin his MD on campus this fall. Hes already well known to many in the Faculty of Medicine, having spent time meeting with faculty and senior leaders to advocate for increased IDD (intellectual or developmental disability) training in undergraduate medical education again, inspired by his brothers experience. He expresses gratitude for Dals amazing faculty, staff and senior administrators who, across his entire time at the university, have been invaluable in supporting his initiatives and outreach. All of these initiatives take work and effort, but theyre genuinely what I enjoy doing, says Eshan. (Ryan McNutt) Emilia Cordova, Science Fourth year, BSc in Biology and Chemistry Emilia Cordova remembers feeling a sense of accomplishment but also mixed emotions as she looked out over the crowd at orientation last year thinking, I would have loved to be a first year this year. Emilia, now in her final year of a Biology and Chemistry degree in the Faculty of Science, started at Dal in September 2020. As an immigrant from Ecuador arriving in a foreign country, her student experience was significantly impacted by COVID-19. She sought out fellow Latino students to help ease the transition but had trouble finding them. "I think when youre an immigrant in a foreign country, you try to find your people, she says. It makes you feel like home. You can speak your own language. You can connect with people that know your background. You can relate to them more. When campus started to open back up, Emilia thought this would change and that the lively campus she imagined would come to life. When she didn't find quite what she was envisioning, she took matters into her own hands. She joined the Latino and Hispanics in STEM Society as an executive and started hosting events, such as a Latino trivia night. The gatherings drew in Latino students, but also people from other places interested in learning more about Latino culture. In her third year, Emilia ran a successful campaign to become vice-president of student life at the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU). She and her team promptly introduced a Multicultural Week where they sourced applications and granted funding to different societies to showcase their culture whether through music, dance, or cuisine. Emilia also championed orientation late-night DJ parties, attracting more than 1,200 students, and led a proposal for sanctioned homecoming activities on campus this year. Emilias impacts inside the classroom are also significant. She is a teaching assistant, tutor in the Chemistry Resource Centre, and is often viewed as a peer advisor by her classmates. With an attentive ear to what her classmates share about their experience, Emilia is eager to share what she has learned about how to navigate university life and resources across campus. When I got accepted to Dal, I went to every part of the website. I went through every single tab, she remembers. Then being in societies and the DSU gave me access to even more information. I saw friends and classmates that were completely lost, and I like telling them about what's available to them." Emilia is eagerly looking forward to the summer where she will be researching artificial spider silk protein development. Next fall, Emilia will begin her PhD in Chemistry at McGill. (Tanis Trainor) Tanha Tanjila, Arts and Social Sciences First year, Masters of Arts in International Development Studies Tanha Tanjila was about a year and a half into her undergraduate degree in finance and business, at a different university, when she felt compelled to make a change. On an exchange year in the U.S. at the time, she signed up for a course on global economics in hopes it would help answer some of the questions bouncing around her brain about inequality. It did and then some. Tanha discovered a passion for a whole new field of study in the endeavor and ended up transferring to Dalhousie to complete her undergrad in International Development Studies (IDS). I think thats the best decision Ive ever taken in my life, says Tanha, who is now a master's student in IDS at Dal. In the last two and a half years of my undergrad, I saw an exponential growth in the way I perceive the world. I wake up every day happy with my studies and what I do because I feel like its meaningful. Tanha first arrived in Canada from Chittagong, Bangladesh at 19 to study. She took advantage of bridging programs such as Stay Nova Scotia and Dals International Student Work Experience program to build connections and develop skills she would eventually parlay into a gig as an English language studies facilitator at Dal and, later, as a language teacher with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS). When a volunteer from the Canadian youth refugee resettlement organization WUSC spoke to her class one day about volunteer opportunities, a realization dawned on her. I was like, Oh my, I have so much support and its still difficult. Imagine someone who doesnt even have that kind of support network Im coming from. She began volunteering with Dalhousies WUSC chapter immediately. When COVID hit in 2020, the group went on a bit of hiatus due to international travel restrictions. Members graduated and by the time borders began to re-open, the Dal chapters ranks of volunteers had evaporated. Tanha helped the group rebuild, volunteering her time to train people even after she finished her BA in the fall of 2021. Following that, she went on to work for WUSC s national operations, delivering in-person training to university chapters in Ontario. Back at Dal now, she is still seeing the positive impacts of her work with WUSC. Im a teaching assistant in a class this term, and one of the students is a WUSC student Dal WUSC is sponsoring, she says. It was a whole moment, seeing the fruition of my work. While Tanha feels confident that Dals WUSC chapter is in good hands now, shes grown increasingly worried about the effects of recent changes to Canadas immigration and refugee settlement process. Her masters research explores how these policy shifts are making it more onerous and time consuming for resettlement organizations and private families to sponsor refugees and newcomers. More people will not have the capacity to do as they were doing, she says. There are 136 sponsorship groups like WUSC in Canada, and almost 10 of them said we dont have the capacity following the new regulations. Her hope is that this research could ultimately help influence policy change. Its this nexus between research, teaching, and real-world impact where Tanha feels most content, something that was reinforced recently when she was invited to give a guest lecture to Dal undergrads. She plans to start applying to PhD programs later this year. After giving that lecture, I feel like this is my calling, she says. This is what I want to do. (Matt Reeder) Glamping operator Under Canvas is opening a site near Yosemite National Park next spring. Under Canvas A pair of new glamping outfits offering overnight stays in luxury safari-style tents are staking their claim outside Yosemite National Park. One of them, Wildhaven Yosemite, opened this spring on a hilly, 36-acre property on Highway 140, about 45 minutes from the Mariposa entrance on the parks western edge. It offers a mix of 30 heavy-canvas tents and 12 cabins, some of which include kitchenettes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bay Area entrepreneurs behind Wildhaven opened their first glamping (glamorous camping) site in Healdsburg in 2020. The new Yosemite location boasts dog-friendly lodging, yoga classes and cider tastings. Wildhaven aims to strike a careful balance between the comforts of modern living and the raw beauty of nature, according to its website. One night in a premium tent, which comes with a queen bed, electricity, heating and a front deck, starts at $200. The view from a sitting patio at Wildhaven Yosemites new glamping site near Mariposa. Wildhaven Yosemite A separate glamping operation from Colorado company Under Canvas is slated to open next spring even closer to the park. Now being built on 80 acres of pine-studded slopes by the Big Oak Flat Information Station on Highway 120, the site is a short drive from the parks northwest entrance, the quickest route into Yosemite Valley for San Francisco park-goers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under Canvas runs 11 other glamping operations outside national parks including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Glacier and Great Smoky Mountains. The Yosemite site, which has been in the works for several years, will be the companys first entry into California. Youre in the woods and it feels like youre part of the park, said Under Canvas CEO Matt Gaghen. You can see into (Yosemite) from parts of the site. Under Canvas sites typically feature dozens of cream-colored, heavy-canvas tent-cabins with private bathrooms, electricity and heat installed near a larger, lounge-like communal tent used for dining and relaxing. The sites offer fire pits, sitting decks, yoga classes and yard games. The concept, Gaghen said, blends the best elements of camping with the comforts and amenities that come with an upscale hotel resort and is meant to appeal to families, outdoorsy empty nesters and young couples alike. Under Canvas glamping sites typically feature dozens of cream-colored, heavy-canvas tent-cabins with private bathrooms, electricity and heat installed near a larger, lounge-like communal tent used for dining and relaxing. Under Canvas Notably, the Under Canvas camps entrance is directly across the road from a Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System shuttle stop, making for easy access into Yosemite Valley without the hassle of hunting for parking. Another benefit of traveling via YARTS is that riders dont need to reserve a day-use pass into Yosemite during the busy summer months. However, YARTS recommends that people book seats on their shuttles in advance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rates for an Under Canvas Yosemite tent will start at $320 per night. A scene erupted at the home of Erwin Chemerinsky, Berkeley law school dean, on Tuesday when a student denounced the schools financial support for Israels government during a dinner. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle UC Berkeleys law school dean, Erwin Chemerinsky, and his wife, law professor Catherine Fisk, invited third-year students to their home for a dinner to celebrate the students upcoming graduation. But it became a scene of anger when a student arose to denounce the schools financial support for Israels government just the latest in a series of confrontations at the university over Israel and Palestine. Malak Afaneh, leader of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine, stood up in the couples backyard Tuesday evening to denounce the universitys investments in manufacturers of weapons for Israel and had just spoken the words as-salamu alaykum meaning peace and blessings to you when Fisk grabbed her and tried to take away her microphone, according to the Bay Area Palestine Youth Movement. An Instagram post by the two student groups said the professor was violently assaulting Afaneh. In the video, Fisk attempts to take Afanehs phone from her hand, then puts her arm around the student while telling her to leave her house. Chemerinsky said he and Fisk told Afaneh to leave, and about 10 of the 60 students left with her. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am enormously sad that we have students who are so rude as to come into my home, in my backyard, and use this social occasion for their political agenda, Chemerinsky said in a statement Wednesday. I have spent my career staunchly defending freedom of speech. He said posters had appeared on law school bulletin boards and social media last week showing a caricature of his face, with hands holding a bloody knife and fork, captioned No dinner with Zionist Chem while Gaza starves. I never thought I would see such blatant antisemitism, Chemerinsky said. The dean said student government leaders had told him to expect protests at the dinners, but he and Fisk decided to host them anyway, assuming any protests would not be disruptive. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ said she was appalled by the incident and had contacted Chemerinsky to offer her sympathy. While our support for Free Speech is unwavering, we cannot condone using a social occasion at a persons private residence as a platform for protest, Christ said in a statement. The student groups could not be reached for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The issue surfaced at the university in 2022 when a number of student organizations, led by Law Students for Justice in Palestine, announced that they would not invite speakers who supported Zionism, which defines the land of Israel as a Jewish state. Last October, a week after Hamas attack on Israel that began the current war, Berkeley law professor Steven Davidoff Solomon wrote a column in the Wall Street Journal accusing the student groups of antisemitism and urging law firms not to hire any of his students who agreed with the groups. In November, the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, a Zionist organization, filed suit accusing the law school of promoting antisemitism by allowing students to exclude pro-Zionist speakers. And last month, the Republican-controlled House Labor and Workforce Committee announced an investigation into allegations of antisemitism at UC Berkeley. Chemerinsky, who is Jewish and generally supportive of Israel, has been caught in the middle. He said he disagreed with the student groups policies which, he noted, would exclude him as a speaker but believed they had a right to invite only speakers who agreed with their views. In an open letter to the Berkeley law community in October, Chemerinsky said Solomon was speaking for himself and not for the institution in calling on law firms not to hire students because of their views. UC Berkeley, the dean said, is strongly committed to helping all of our students find employment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In February, Palestinian supporters stretched a banner opposing the Zionist Entity across Sather Gate, the south entrance of campus, preventing students from walking through the central arch of the gate. Later that month, protests by hundreds of students prevented a speech by a right-wing Israeli lawyer, Ran-Bar Yoshafat, though he was able to speak at the campus in March. A female student who tried to shut the door on protesters at Yoshafats first scheduled speech, while she was wearing a Star of David necklace, said some of them put their hands on her neck and tried to choke her. A young Derry mother fleeing domestic violence had her hospital records accessed by an unauthorised Western Health and Social Care Trust (WHSCT) staff member. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, received written confirmation of the data breach from WHSCT chief executive, Neil Guckian. In his letter of apology, Mr Guckian confirmed to the woman her records had been unlawfully accessed by a member of her ex-partners family - a Trust employee, seeking to ascertain her address. Speaking to Derry News, the woman, who was understandably upset, said the breach of confidentiality and trust has exacerbated the difficulties I face. It has also raised serious concerns about the integrity of the Trusts operations. I am committed to shedding light on this issue and ensuring others do not suffer similar injustices, she added. In his letter of March 24 to the woman, Mr Guckian said there was evidence the Trust employee had accessed the Patient Administration System (PAS). He wrote: This system allowed [them] access to your address and hospital appointments. There is no evidence that [they] accessed any of your medical information or your laboratory results. [Their line manager] met with [them] after receiving this information, and [they] admitted to accessing the Patient Administration System to get your address as [they] wanted to send a present for [their] new grandchild. [They] explained to [their line manager] that you had been in a relationship with [their] son and that you had a baby with him. Please be assured the staff member has been spoken to about the incident by senior staff and has been instructed to retake the Trusts Information Governance Awareness training. On behalf of the Western Health and Social Care Trust I wish to support [their line manager] in making this apology to you for any distress you may have suffered as a result of these matters. Speaking about her ordeal, the woman said she had made a written complaint about the data breach to the WHSCT in May 2023. She believed the only reason she got a response was because she had escalated her complaint to the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO), following the Trusts failure to respond. The woman revealed her ex-partner had been physically abusive and coercively controlling. In 2020, I was six weeks pregnant and we broke up. I tried to facilitate contact. I actually met up with [one of his parents] every month for about two years, before [they] stopped this abruptly, she said. At that time my child was not having any contact with her father because of the last bout of domestic abuse. I had the wane in my arms and he pushed me up against the door and just stormed out. Before that he had had contact but it was only ever in my mammys house and there was always someone there. I had moved house and everything so he wouldnt know my address. I was terrified of him. In spite of this, his [parent] kept asking where I had moved to but I always kept it very vague. The woman said, having received Mr Guckians letter, she had decided to appeal the WHSCTs response to the data breach, in particular the soft sanction imposed on the Trust employee who had illegally accessed her medical records. I had 30 days to lodge an appeal and I have done that, she said. I think the WHSCT has handled this matter properly very poorly. The scariest bit for me is that someone was trying to find out my address. I am terrified of [their] son finding out where we live because he would have called to my previous address unannounced. I am afraid of him because of his previous behaviour. He has threatened me and the wane in the past. For my safety and the safety of the wane, I have actually contacted the Housing Executive to get moved out of this house. I just dont feel safe in it now. A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) said: Protecting patient confidentiality and privacy is a matter of the utmost importance to us. The Trust takes any breach of confidentiality extremely seriously and are fully investigated in line with the Data Protection Act. It is very important to note that it was not her medical records that were accessed but the system that will provide her address. Members of Derry City and Strabane District Councils Governance and Strategic Planning Committee have approved draft regulations to reinstate hybrid meetings within council. Legislation enacted under Coronavirus Legislation had allowed Councils the flexibility to hold meetings either remotely or as a hybrid model. However, this was not renewed following its expiration on March 6, 2024. As a result, Councils no longer had the power to hold meetings remotely or in a hybrid format. Councillors at Tuesdays meeting were informed that the Communities Minister had asked the Department to proceed to draft regulations under the Local Government (Meetings and Performance) Act (NI) 2021, to enable the resumption of hybrid meetings. The draft regulations replicate the powers that existed under the previous Coronavirus Legislation, subject to an obligation to Councils to ensure that remote/hybrid meetings can only take place where they are adequately provided for in Councils Standing Orders. Council Officers met with representatives of the Department for Communities on March 20, 2024 and provided commentary in relation to the draft regulations. Councillors were told that a further draft is likely to be received shortly after the Easter break and Members will be updated at that time. Members had previously expressed concerns about the equality issues, particularly in and around rural Members and those Members with caring commitments arising out of the removal of the ability of the Councils to hold remote/hybrid meetings. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) said he welcomed the draft legislation which would allow the continuation of hybrid meetings. Cllr Harkin said: I would have preferred that there wasnt a break, that we continued to have hybrid meetings, but this has been fairly quick in terms of when the [previous] legislation expired. I do think the arguments we made about carers, people who have to travel long distances, people who might not be able to make it into a meeting, physically, for whatever reason, they should be able to fully participate. We have learned that people can do that and it has worked during the period of the pandemic and afterwards, so I am happy, along with others, hopefully in the Chamber, to endorse these draft proposals today. Hopefully, this can be enacted as soon as possible. Alderman Chelsea Cooke (DUP) also welcomed the draft legislation. She added: We would also be keen to know if there was a timeline regarding when we could resume hybrid meetings. Cllr Brian Tierney (SDLP) said he endorsed the progress that has been made. It has been a quick turnaround, he added. I just want to point out, it is quite clear that the action this Council took, in conjunction with NILGA (Northern Ireland Local Government Association) and other councils across the North has been listened to. I think, when you look at the timeline of correspondence, I think this is probably, in my experience of being in this Council, the quickest response we have had from a Government minister and I hope it continues because we need responses from them on a whole lot of issues. North West BAPS (Breastfeeding and Perinatal Support) in collaboration with Libraries NI, has announced that a BIG Latch On event will take place at the Central Library in Derry on Friday. This event, which is part of a global celebration, aims to increase the visibility of breastfeeding in Derry City and Strabane District Council, an area which has amongst the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. The Global BIG Latch On was established by Womens Health Action Trust in New Zealand in 2005. Since then, the BIG Latch On has grown into a global movement which encourages communities to positively promote breastfeeding this includes hosting fun events to bring people together to celebrate and normalise breastfeeding. Derry City and Strabane District Council has consistently had amongst the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world for over 30 years, highlighting the urgent need for more support and advocacy in the region. North West BAPS, a parent-led initiative which has been calling for better breastfeeding support for new parents, has teamed up with Libraries NI to host this event. We are thrilled to partner with Libraries NI for the Global BIG Latch On event at the Central Library in Derry," said Dr. Noella Gormley from North West BAPS. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for babies but also for mothers and families. By coming together for this event, we aim to raise awareness, provide signposting to support, and promote breastfeeding as a normal part of everyday life." Libraries NI, as a crucial community hub, is committed to supporting the well-being of local residents and providing inclusive spaces for all members of the community. Hosting the Global BIG Latch On event aligns with Libraries NI's mission to promote access to valuable resources and support services. Maura Craig, Libraries NI Area Manager said: "We are delighted to collaborate with North West BAPS for the Global BIG Latch On event in Derry Central Library. Libraries NI is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive community environment, and we recognise the importance of initiatives like this in promoting awareness and normalising breastfeeding. Libraries are inclusive spaces for all members of the public, and we look forward to welcoming everyone into the library for this special celebratory event. The Global BIG Latch On event at the Derry Central Library will be launched by Mayor Patricia Logue who along with Derry City and Strabane District Council has been very supportive of the North West BAPS in their mission to shine a spotlight on breastfeeding. Special guest Maeve Leahy who is a Song-sharer and Storyteller with Singing Mamas Derry will be leading attendees through a fun vocal warm-up before sharing a novel adaptation of a well-known classic pop song. Maeve will also be reading from the milk-making adventure storybook "Milky" by Maria Betsworth and Agnes Saccani. The event is free and there is no need to book but it would help North West BAPS to gauge numbers, if you can register on this eventbrite link. The event gets underway at 10.30am. Refreshments will be available and the first 50 parents who arrive at the event will receive a North West BAPS Goody Bag A campaigner from Derry has been shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award in recognition of his vigorous campaigning to make his local council area the worlds first visually aware space. Rory McCartney, who lives with sight loss, has been shortlisted in the Campaigner of the Year category. The category is sponsored by Microsoft, and the award will recognise individuals who have shown great commitment and courage in campaigning to improve the world for blind and partially sighted people. In a bid to realise his ambition of making his home city Derry the first visually aware city, Rory has been volunteering with RNIB for over 10 years as a Visual Awareness Facilitator. He also works with the North West Regional College to provide regular visual awareness training sessions, using his own lived experience to make the sessions relatable. Rory said: If participants take just one thing from the training, then Ive done my job. You never know, I might need their help one day. Amongst Rorys incredible work campaigning to break down the barriers that exist for blind or partially sighted people, for World Sight Day in October 2023, Rory organised a Dining in the Dark even, which brought together business leaders, community influencers and others. Guests enjoyed a four-course meal whilst blindfolded in order to gain some understanding of living with sight loss. In the same year, 2023, he also invited counsellors from Derry City & Strabane District Council to take part in a blindfold walk so they could experience a little of what its like to navigate a city as a blind and partially sighted person. As a result of Rorys tireless campaigning, Derry City & Strabane District Council unanimously passed a motion to make the council area a visually aware space and make it more accessible this is the first time a motion of this type has been passed by a council in the UK. Talking about being shortlisted, Rory said: Im really happy about being shortlisted for an RNIB See Differently Award. After Derry, the world. If this works, I want to put together guidelines for other cities to follow suit. The RNIB See Differently Awards will bring together a host of people from across the UK and aims to shine a spotlight on the excellent work happening every day to support people with sight loss. They will recognise and reward individuals and organisations taking positive action to help break down barriers and make the world a better place for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB CEO Matt Stringer said: The RNIB See Differently Awards will celebrate those who dedicate their time, passion, and skills to help build an inclusive world for blind and partially sighted people. Congratulations to the shortlisted national finalists, youre all fantastic with incredibly moving stories and we wish you the best of luck. The RNIB See Differently Awards will recognise exceptional individuals and teams across seven categories: Campaigner of the Year, Eye Care Professional of the Year, Best Content Creator of the Year, Team of the Year, Employer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Design for Everyone Award. The award winners will be announced at a ceremony which will take place in London on Tuesday, May 21. A man has been given a suspended sentence at Derry Magistrates Court charged with criminal damage and possession of knives in a public place. Mohammad Tehran (42) of Kular Court in Derry was charged with criminal damage to a glass panel on on June 29 last year as well as possessing knives on July 4. The court heard that police were called to a gaming premises after the defendant had been asked to leave. He admitted damaging the window of Oasis in Shipquay Street after being asked to leave, causing 264 worth of damage. Tehran was also charged with, on July 4 last year, being in possession of knives after police were called to the scene of a drunk man walking along Foyle Embankment barefoot. When police arrived they found two knives in Tehran's back pockets that he claimed had been used for cutting salmon. When police searched him they found a third knife. All three were seized. Defence Barrister Stephen Chapman told the court that the main issue with Tehran seemed to be abuse of alcohol, noting that he has lived in the north of Ireland for a decade with no issues other than traffic offences. He was sentenced to three months in custody, suspended for eighteen months and ordered to pay Oasis 264 in compensation. A judge at Derry Magistrate's Court today slammed politicians claiming they didn't know how the bail system works. Judge Barney McElholm was speaking in the case of a David Hamilton (29) of Irwin Crescent in Claudy who is on remand on an arson charge. The court heard that the accused had been granted bail but had no address and could not get an address as he had to present himself in person to the Housing Executive. Judge McElholm said that someone needed to explain to politicians and the Housing Executive how the system worked. He said: "We can't grant bail without an address but we are told grant them bail and let them come to us. We can't do that." Defence solicitor Don Mahoney said that there was talk of using a housing welfare system in prison but the reality was that simply did not exist. Judge McElholm continued: "We hear a lot about the number of remand prisoners in custody and I wonder do politicians even know that this situation exists. "We can't give them bail without an address and the Housing Executive won't give them address unless they appear in person." Describing the situation as 'a bureaucratic technicality of the worst sort' the judge said someone had to take action. A prosecution solicitor told the court that guidance from the Lady Chief Justice on this issue was expected imminently. Judge McElholm said that that would be welcome. Hamilton will appear again on April 25. A man who fled the jurisdiction four days before his trial for drug charges has been remanded in custody after being extradited from Poland two and a half years later. Lukasz Kalicki (41) with an address at Glendhu Crescent in Coleraine was due to face the Crown Court on charges of cultivating cannabis and possessing cannabis with intent to supply on October 18, 2019. A police officer told Derry Magistrate's Court today that the case was due to proceed on February 14, 2022 but on February 10 that year he 'fled to Poland'. The officer said that it had taken the PSNI and Interpol two years and three months to affect an arrest. Bail was opposed due to the fact that defendant had no links to this jurisdiction and there was a clear risk he would leave again. A defence solicitor said that it was not true Kalicki had no links here as he had a partner and children here. She said that Kalicki had gone to Poland to look after his father who had subsequently died. She said he had stayed because he had found employment and could support his family. The solicitor said that there was a 1,000 cash surety available for the defendant. District Judge Barney McElholm said that Kalicki had fled 'and made no effort to return'. He said that the cash surety was not adequate and remanded Kalicki in custody to appear again tomorrow when his co-accused is due to appear. A senior officer has rejected a claim that the PSNIs handling of a dissident republican Easter parade amounted to marshmallow policing. Officers did not directly engage with the event in Derry on Easter Monday, instead deploying a drone to monitor the proceedings and inform participants they were taking part in an illegal parade. The hands-off approach to the activities around Derrys City Cemetery and the Creggan Estate came after officers were attacked by petrol bombers at the same event the year before. This year, youths threw petrol bombs at members of the media after the dissident republican march to mark the anniversary of the Easter Rising. The event started in the Central Drive area of Creggan before making its way to the cemetery. There was a colour party of people wearing face coverings, sunglasses and paramilitary-style dress, carrying the Irish flag and a host of republican flags. A number of young people with masks covering their faces were at the parade carrying crates of petrol bombs and lumps of masonry and later in the day members of the media came under attack, with a number of petrol bombs thrown. At Thursdays meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board in Belfast, DUP board members raised concerns at the approach taken by the PSNI. Keith Buchanan referred to the murder of journalist Lyra McKee by dissident republicans in the Creggan estate in 2019 and said someone else could have been murdered in the petrol bombing incidents this year. Highlighting the police use of the drone, he added: Is that marshmallow policing? His colleague Trevor Clarke said he welcomed that no officers had been injured during policing of the dissident events this year but raised concerns around the perception of a two-tier police approach, as he suggested a similar hands-off tactic was not taken when it came to marches involving members of the unionist community. However, SDLP board member Mark H Durkan praised the police tactics on the day. I think the approach was sensible, sensitive and successful in terms of minimising disorder and hopefully will prove successful in terms of identifying and bringing to justice those guilty of crime, he said. Responding to the comments from board members, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said he was confident commanders had made the right calls. I would reject the characterisation of marshmallow policing, and I think I know where that comes from. I think there are some on the sidelines who look at these operations and offer their opinions, he said. It was an extremely challenging set of circumstances for the police commanders. It was evident that those who were behind the unnotified element of this parade, who donned paramilitary terrorist garb, did so under the cover of exploiting and using young people as an almost human shield to allow them to do that. That alone presented significant challenges for us to try and balance in terms of the policing operation. It was a significant operation. We had somewhere in the region of about 1,500 officers in the city at the height of that operation, the full range of assets at our disposal to make sure that we had the full range of options. And Im satisfied that based on all the information and intelligence that officers had at their disposal that the policing operation that we produced on the day was the best that we could have in the circumstances. Well continue now the criminal justice follow up. A police report on surveillance of journalists has been branded utterly vague and lacking assurances that the actions of officers were legal. Six months after it was requested, the PSNI has given the report to the Northern Ireland Policing Board. However, the document on surveillance practices in relation to journalists and lawyers will not be made public. The boards human rights adviser will be granted access to material the report is based on, and PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has committed to the production of a second report, which will be made public. Were very keen to ensure we have a report that can be published, to work towards that with the board, Mr Boutcher told board members on Thursday. The PSNI had been under mounting pressure to hand the report to its oversight body amid revelations linked to the high-profile case of two journalists who were subject to police surveillance. In February, a tribunal in London was told that police mounted a covert surveillance operation after the arrest of filmmakers Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney in a bid to unmask one of their sources. The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) heard that the arrest of the journalists in 2018 was a disruptive tactic to see if the reporters would contact the source after their release from custody. The tribunal is also investigating several incidents, the first dating back to 2011, involving police accessing Mr McCaffreys phone data. The PSNI and the Metropolitan Police in London both obtained the reporters phone data without his knowledge or consent. In 2018, Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney were arrested as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a documentary they made on a Troubles massacre. The following year, the two journalists lodged a complaint with the IPT asking it to establish whether there had been any unlawful surveillance of them. The case is ongoing. Amid the fallout from the disclosures related to Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney, the Policing Board requested the PSNI to produce a report outlining any other instances of covert surveillance of journalists and lawyers. Campaigners such as Amnesty International and the Committee for the Administration for Justice have also called for the board to set up its own inquiry. At Thursdays board meeting in Belfast, Mr Boutcher said it was important to have transparency around the use of covert policing tactics. I believe, for these tactics to be used, we need to demonstrate that we use them properly, he said. And if we dont demonstrate we use them properly, were not accountable for them, then theres a risk that we lose them. So thats why the transparency is important. However, several board members criticised the quality and content of the report. Sinn Feins Gerry Kelly told Mr Boutcher: Let me start off by welcoming the fact that you said the PSNI want to be open and transparent. I think its fair to say the report we got didnt stand up to that. Alliance board member Nuala McAllister said the report had not provided assurances around the legality of the actions undertaken by police. Unfortunately, I think the report, frankly, it wasnt well received within the board unfortunately there was a lot of information that was just utterly vague at times, not remotely specific. SDLP member Mark H Durkan agreed with criticisms by board colleagues, and asked whether the UK Government had any role in the production of the report. Mr Boutcher insisted the Government was not involved. 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. From left, Sam Liccardo, Joe Simitian and Evan Low are three Democrats vying to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle The race to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, just got even weirder. After two people tied for the No. 2 spot, three candidates are set to run in November; now, a recount has been requested and one candidate is accusing another of attacking democracy. Former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo led the 11-person primary race to represent the South Bay congressional district. It took election officials a full month to determine that the race for the second spot on the November ballot ended in a tie between Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and Assembly Member Evan Low, who each received 30,249 votes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under state law, both Simitian and Low advance to the general election, turning it into a three-way race. That could change only if someone requested the votes be recounted, and a recount produced a different outcome. Now a voter with ties to Liccardo has done just that. San Jose voter Jonathan Padilla requested the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters manually recount the votes Tuesday. Padilla was the policy and finance director for Liccardos 2014 mayoral campaign, according to his LinkedIn account, and donated $1,000 to Liccardos congressional campaign in December, according to FEC filings. The attorney representing Padilla in his recall request, Matthew Alvarez, represented a political action committee controlled by Liccardo in 2022. Alvarez is listed as the treasurer for a super PAC, Neighbors for Results, which spent $211,287 supporting Liccardo in February. Padilla filed his request on behalf of Evan Low, but that doesnt mean Low or his campaign requested it. The person requesting a recount must name a candidate that theyre requesting it for under California law. I am not coordinating or communicating with any candidate or candidates agents, Jonathan Padilla wrote in the request to the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters, obtained by the Chronicle. Padilla requested a manual recount, which could cost him up to $32,000 a day during an expected 10-day count. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Padillas declaration that the recount is on our campaigns behalf is simply disingenuous, Low spokesperson Clay Volino said in a statement Wednesday. Lows campaign also alleged that Liccardo is using dirty tricks to attack democracy and subvert the will of the voters by filing a recount. Sam Liccardo, who does not live in the district, did not file a recount himself. Instead, he had his former staffer do it for him, Lows campaign said in a statement Tuesday night. It was unable to provide evidence that Liccardos campaign was behind the recount. Liccardos campaign said Liccardo did not ask anyone to request a recount, but seemed to support the effort. Every vote should be counted, and thats why recounts are part of the states electoral process to ensure accuracy, Orrin Evans, a spokesperson for Liccardos campaign, said in a statement. More than 100 ballots were not included in the final tally because voter signatures could not be verified before certification among a variety of other issues. We understand why, under these extraordinary circumstances, there would be an effort to make sure these votes are fully considered. Simitian hasnt taken a position on the recount. Eventually, this process will work itself out. My job is to stay focused on how I can best represent the folks in our district. And thats what Im doing, he said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pacifica resident Dan Stegink also submitted a recount request. He told the Los Gatan on Monday that he wasnt doing it on Liccardos behalf and that he indicated he was filing on behalf of Low in case he had to select between him and Simitian. Justin Levitt, a constitutional law professor at Loyola Law School who previously served as a senior adviser on democracy and voting rights to President Joe Biden, said that while recounts are an important part of the democratic process, this one is weird. A recount provides not an assertion that the existing process is flawed, but is part of the process to make sure that the results are right. And you cant get closer than this, Levitt said. Candidates would typically ask for a recount themselves to break the tie and determine who would win, but the candidates dont have that incentive here. Politicians supporting Low called the recount a political move. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A candidate wanting to overturn the will of the voters is undemocratic. @samliccardo supporters should not push for a recount asking to overturn election results in CD16 when all other candidates have accepted them. Its a crass political ploy, Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Santa Clara, posted on X Tuesday evening. Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, leader of the California Labor Federation, posted on X that Liccardo was trying to game the system by requesting a recount. Liccardo initiated a recount because he knows he cant win if (he and Low are) both in the race in a general election, Gonzalez Fletcher told the Chronicle. The California Labor Federation endorsed Low. Lows campaign declined to comment about its reasoning for calling a recount an attack on democracy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 2024 seems to be overdosing on AI, but its hard to deny that artificial intelligence is more than a passing fad or trend and does add value. As youd have expected AI is now also gaining popularity in home appliances and today we will talk about the best AI Air conditioners that use the power of artificial intelligence to maintain an ideal sleeping environment throughout the night. Before we get to the list of the best available options in India that you can pick from, here are a few things to know. How do air conditioners benefit from the use of artificial intelligence? Powerful cooling doesnt necessarily mean a good nights sleep. The ambient temperature and weather conditions change through the night and AI enables air conditioners to be smart enough to adjust their cooling automatically, just so you dont have to wake up in the middle of the night to power on/off your AC or to adjust its temperature. Apart from weather conditions and ambient room temperature, AI also factors in our individual cooling preferences before fine-tuning the cooling. Also Read: Best AI Image Generator Apps 2024 (Free and Paid) Do AI ACs require an Inverter compressor? Yes, the AC needs an inverter compressor to adjust its cooling capacity. More cooling modes as indicated by labels like 6-in-1 and 5-in-1 indicate cooling capacity variability and granular control of cooling steps that the AC supports. Best AI ACs to buy in India Lets now get to some of the best options that you can buy in India. Apart from the options we have mentioned, you can choose different tonnage variants in the same series as well. LG 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI DUAL Inverter Split AC This is a 1.5-ton split AC with a dual inverter compressor and is suitable for medium-sized rooms. The 6-in-1 AI compressor uses AI to adjust cooling capacity based on weather, room temperature and other parameters. This ensures that the temperature is maintained for peaceful sleep. There is a Viraat mode for extremely hot weather that pushes to 110% cooling capacity. The condenser coils are made of copper with Ocean Black protection against corrosion. The AC supports stabilizer-free operation in the range of 120V to 290V. This LG AC has a 5-star energy rating with an annual consumption of 744.99 units. It uses environmentally friendly R32 refrigerant gas and comes with various special features like Gold Fin+ for increased durability, an HD filter with Antivirus protection, and a low gas detection feature for easy maintenance. LG offers 10 years of compressor warranty, 5 years of PCB warranty and 1 year of overall product warranty. Buy Now Also Read: AI Laptop Buying Guide 2024 Everything You Should Know Samsung WindFree Inverter Split AC Samsung is one brand that is zealously integrating AI across its products. Its WindFree range of ACs with AI Pro and AI Pro Plus technology benefits from AI cooling that manages room temperature based on ambient conditions and usage patterns to assist with better sleep and makes it easier for you to wake up and start your day in the morning. These ACs also have SmartThings integration which means you can easily control and operate it via your smartphone. You can also check how many electrical units your AC has consumed directly from the SmartThings app. The Copper Anti-bacterial Filter is positioned at the top where it can be easily removed and cleaned. Its Copper Sulphide coating aids in protecting against harmful bacteria, with Intertek-certified effectiveness of eliminating up to 99% of airborne bacteria. Durafin Ultra and coated copper tubes ensure durability and corrosion resistance, while Triple Protector Plus technology safeguards against power surges. Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star AI Flexicool Inverter Split AC This Split AC utilizes AI Flexicool inverter technology with a variable speed compressor, adjusting power and cooling capacity based on heat load. The convertible 6-in-1 inverter technology allows users to adjust cooling capacity, saving up to 50% energy consumption. This 1.5-ton AC offers 580 CFM airflow and 2-way air directional control and is suitable for a medium-sized room. It has a 5-star rating and claims to consume 754.05 units annually with an ISEER value of 5.13. The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on the compressor, 5 years on PCB, and 1 year on the product. Some notable highlights include 100% copper condenser coil with Aqua Clear Protection, dual filtration and stabilizer-free operation within the range of 135 V to 280 V Buy Now Panasonic 1.5 Ton 5 Star Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC This is a smart AC from Panasonic that you can operate using popular smart AI assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. And since its always easier to locate your smartphone as compared to the AC remote, there is a Miraie Mobile App with an integrated virtual remote. Its True AI Mode uses built-in sensors and artificial intelligence to intelligently detect room temperature and forecast cooling needs, adjusting fan speed accordingly. This helps with maintaining a comfortable temperature and also saves energy by allowing users to select from various modes ranging from 40% to 90%, Full capacity, and High capacity. The AC is rated 5 stars and is suitable for medium-sized rooms. Other notable highlights include PM 0.1 Filter for clean air, Crystal Clean self-cleaning and stabilizer-free operation. Buy Now Midea 1.5 Ton 3 Star AI Gear Inverter Split AC The Midea air conditioner uses AI to adjust fan speeds and its sleep Mode gradually adjusts temperature for energy-efficient overnight cooling. It has a dual filtration systems that include a High-Density Filter and Silver Nano Filter which help remove dust particles and also inhibit bacterial and viral growth. The AC supports Stabilizer-free operation within a voltage range of 150 to 220 Volts. Other interesting features include an Intelligent CRF Alert for filter cleaning reminders and a backlit remote for nighttime use. Buy Now HIGHLIGHTS Starting May 15th, Magic Editor will become available to all Google Photos users on Android and iOS. Google Photos users who meet the minimum device requirements will be able to use Magic Editor with 10 saves each month. Also starting May 15th, Googles AI editing tools like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Portrait light will be available to all Google Photos users. Google has announced that it will expand its AI-powered photo editing tools, such as Magic Editor, to all Google Photos users at no cost. These features were previously exclusive to Pixel phones and paid subscribers. Now, starting next month, everyone will be able to enjoy enhancing their photos with artificial intelligence, thanks to Googles decision to make these tools available to a wider audience. Lets delve into the details. Also read: Google Photos gains 2 new AI features: Check out Last year, Google launched Magic Editor on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Magic Editor uses generative AI and makes it easy to do complex photo edits with simple and intuitive actions, like repositioning your subject or turning the sky from grey to blue. Now, the tech giant has announced that it is expanding access to Magic Editor to all Pixel devices. Also read: Google announces Vids: AI-powered video creation app for work Starting May 15th, 2024, Magic Editor will become available to all Google Photos users on Android and iOS. But wait, there is a catch. Google Photos users who meet the minimum device requirements will be able to use Magic Editor on Android & iOS with 10 saves each month. After 10 saves, youll need to either upgrade to a Premium Google One plan 2 TB or above or be a Pixel user to continue saving edits made using Magic Editor. Also starting May 15th, 2024, Googles AI-powered editing tools like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur and Portrait light will be available to anyone using Google Photos, with no subscription required. Check the full list of the Google Photos AI-powered tools below. Magic Eraser Unblur Sky suggestions Color pop HDR effect for photos & videos Portrait blur Portrait light Add light/Balance light features in the Portrait light tool Cinematic photos Styles in collage editor Video effects Taiwan's satellite industry poised for breakthrough with OneWeb collaboration In the wake of a recent seismic event in Taiwan's eastern region, the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has forged an unprecedented alliance with Chunghwa Telecom. To leverage low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for urgent communication needs, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan's disaster response capabilities. At the heart of this collaboration lies the deployment of satellite technology from Eutelsat OneWeb, a global player second only to SpaceX in satellite operations. For Taiwanese supply chain enterprises, this presents a golden opportunity to tap into new markets and assert their prowess on the global stage. In a nuanced exploration of this burgeoning partnership, it becomes evident that the user terminals (UT) crucial for satellite communication are sourced from Kymeta, a distinguished American satellite antenna manufacturer endorsed by OneWeb. Notably, Taiwan boasts a cadre of supply chain entities eager to embed themselves in the OneWeb ecosystem, some of whom have already navigated the rigorous inspection process. MODA official reveals ambitious plans for the future, including the establishment of a OneWeb testing center on Taiwanese soil by 2025. This strategic move promises to catalyze local manufacturers' integration into OneWeb's supply chain, heralding a new era of collaboration and innovation. Amidst the global frenzy surrounding LEO satellites, Taiwanese telecommunications firms are positioning themselves for a slice of the pie, actively courting partnerships with European and American satellite behemoths. Unlike the closed ecosystems of competitors like SpaceX, OneWeb's relatively open supply chain beckons Taiwanese enterprises with promises of collaboration and co-creation. Should the envisioned OneWeb testing center materialize in Taiwan, local supply chain players express buoyant optimism regarding their prospects. No longer will they need to traverse continents for testing; OneWeb's decision to establish a presence in Taiwan underscores the island nation's growing importance in the global tech landscape. MODA has disclosed two rationales behind its proposal to establish 700 hotspots across Taiwan: one involves procuring products from existing OneWeb suppliers, while the other entails domestic production. In essence, Taiwanese equipment must meet OneWeb's testing standards to secure a spot on the approval list. Subsequently, OneWeb will tailor its orders based on customer demands, providing Taiwanese satellite communication services the opportunity to prioritize domestic offerings. Upon receiving OneWeb's approval, residents can request UT devices tailored to their needs, be it Thai or Taiwanese versions. OneWeb will furnish a certified list for customers to select from, with certain components, such as modems, being replaceable. However, the precise contours of the testing regime remain ambiguous. The extent of requirements, whether centered on signal reception or comprehensive connectivity, diverges markedly. Certain Taiwanese firms purport to have attained certification post-testing in France, albeit potentially restricted to signal reception capabilities. Achieving full connectivity, necessitating seamless interaction with modems poses a more formidable challenge. It's worth noting that OneWeb's modems are sourced from Hughes, collaboration with Hughes is indispensable. In the present landscape, Taiwanese manufacturers achieving test clearance merely opens the door to potential supply chain integration. The true milestone lies in securing orders. For Taiwanese entities, governmental collaboration with OneWeb fosters avenues for enhanced cooperation. The envisaged establishment of a testing center in Taiwan constitutes a pivotal juncture, promising substantial inroads for local manufacturers into the OneWeb supply chain. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Mayor London Breed speaks with guests at a campaign fundraiser aimed at women voters in the Presidio Heights neighborhood on March 27. Adam Pardee/Special to The Chronicle Mayor London Breed will embark Saturday on a one-week trip to China, where she will try to secure investments in San Franciscos struggling economy and boost tourism as part of an effort to accelerate the citys slow pandemic recovery. Breed told the Chronicle on Wednesday that she would use the trip to advocate for more direct flights from China, the expansion of a Chinese university to downtown San Francisco and for the country to send pandas to the San Francisco Zoo. The trip comes as local leaders seek to increase the number of visitors who come to the city from China a long crucial aspect of the local tourism sector that was decimated by the pandemic. For Breed, the trip could also have a political benefit if it elevates her profile among San Francisco voters of Chinese descent. Asian American voters were important to Breeds election six years ago, but a recent Chronicle poll found theyre deeply displeased with her job performance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Breeds itinerary for her upcoming trip features meetings with Chinese-based businesses, including an electronics company, CVTE, and the air carriers Air China, Hainan Airlines and Shenzhen Airlines. Breeds office framed those gatherings as a continuation of her administrations endeavors to bring more international businesses and tourists to San Francisco as downtown grapples with a record-high office vacancy rate, an exodus of major retailers and sluggish foot traffic. The economic benefits of tourists that come here from China has been significant, Breed said in an interview at her City Hall office Wednesday. Tourists spend money. They shop downtown. They go to our neighborhoods. They eat in our restaurants. And we want to push for an economic boom. Chinese tourism has recently shown signs of rebounding: China last year regained its pre-pandemic status as the leading country for visitor spending in San Francisco and San Mateo counties, according to SF Travel, the citys tourism bureau. Breed is also set to meet with leaders from Fudan University, a Shanghai research university that she said has interest in potentially looking at a site in San Francisco for a campus. Breed said she would try to convince them to consider downtown. Shes also set to meet with local government leaders in Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Shanghai. In Beijing, shell sit down with Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China. Breeds office said she was formally invited to China by the countrys president, Xi Jinping, in November when San Francisco hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit that brought thousands of world leaders, dignitaries and international journalists to the city. She will be joined on the trip by a delegation of around 30 San Francisco business executives, entrepreneurs and Asian American community leaders. The mayors office said taxpayers would not foot the bill for the trip, which will be funded by the San Francisco Special Events Committee, a nonprofit that raises private funds for various special events put on by the city government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to her economic discussions, Breeds China trip will also serve to mark the 45th anniversary of San Franciscos sister city relationship with Shanghai. The mayor of Shanghai is expected to come to San Francisco next month, according to Breeds office. Darlene Chiu Bryant, a San Francisco nonprofit leader who helped organize Breeds trip, said the weeklong tour could pave the way for future announcements by Chinese companies agreeing to set up offices in San Francisco. It could also help persuade Chinese investors to move forward with development projects in the city, Chiu Bryant said. We want to give them the confidence that were doing well and that the economy is rebounding already, said Chiu Bryant, the executive director of GlobalSF, which advocates for international investment in the Bay Area. Breeds office has been advocating in recent months for China to send pandas to the city zoo, most recently in a letter from Breed to the Chinese government that was cosigned by more than 60 local Asian leaders and organizations. Breed told the Chronicle on Wednesday that pandas would be a huge benefit for the zoo and could draw more visitors to the adjacent neighborhoods near Ocean Beach. China has already agreed to send pandas to the San Diego Zoo, and while its response to San Francisco has been positive one Chinese official wrote Breed in February saying he hoped the city would host pandas soon the countrys government hasnt made any commitments. My hope is that this trip could potentially have the benefit of sealing the deal, Breed said of her push for pandas. Fingers crossed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thursdays high temperatures in San Francisco will range from the upper 50s to lower 60s west of Twin Peaks to the mid-60s downtown. Inland portions of the East Bay and South Bay are expected to reach the lower 80s. Baron/Lynx After a gorgeous Wednesday, another summerlike day is expected throughout the Bay Area on Thursday, with inland heat and a cool marine breeze at the coast. As a high-pressure system responsible for the tranquil weather moves toward Nevada on Thursday, an afternoon sea breeze will return to San Francisco. Gusts of 20 to 30 mph are possible near the Golden Gate, San Bruno Gap and near the delta Thursday afternoon and evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thursdays highs throughout the Bay Area will feel June-like, with lower 80s inland and lower 60s at the coast. During winter, Bay Area temperatures are often uniform. The range of high temperatures may vary by only 5 degrees or less from the coast to the inland valleys. But in summer, the proximity to the relatively cool Pacific Ocean has a big influence on temperatures. In July and August, highs in San Francisco are often 20 to 30 degrees lower than in Livermore and San Jose. This effect will play out Thursday, with a 20-degree difference from the coast to the inland East Bay. A cool sea breeze could gust up to 30 mph at the coast and near the delta Thursday afternoon. Baron/Lynx Thursdays taste of summer weather wont last long, though. A storm is expected to approach California just in time for the weekend. Forecast Bay Area rain impacts Rain could begin Friday evening in the North Bay, but most of it will fall Saturday morning. Scattered showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms are expected to continue until midday Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A low-pressure system will move toward the Bay Area on Saturday, with a half-inch to an inch of rain possible this weekend. Baron/Lynx About a half-inch of rain is expected throughout much of the Bay Area, with an inch or more in the Santa Cruz Mountains and foothill communities around Mount Tamalpais and other North Bay mountains. However, there is a chance San Francisco could exceed this rainfall forecast if showers continue until Sunday evening. Breezy south-southeasterly winds are also expected Saturday. Gusts up to 30 mph are possible inland and up to 40 mph at the coast and in the mountains. Temperatures will take a nosedive as the storm approaches. Saturdays forecast highs are in the upper 50s, and the lower 60s Sunday. Near-freezing temperatures are expected around Mount Hamilton on Saturday night, cold enough for precipitation to fall as snow. However, accumulation will be little to none, unlike last weeks cold storm. Thursday breakdown San Francisco: Patchy morning fog is possible, particularly west of Twin Peaks, but sunshine should quickly emerge by 10 a.m. Thursday will probably be a tad cooler than Wednesday, with highs in the lower 60s in the Richmond and Sunset districts and the mid- to upper 60s in SoMa, downtown and the Mission District. Westerly gusts of 20 to 30 mph are expected to pick up in the afternoon, dropping temperatures quickly in the evening. Lows will be near 50. Advertisement Article continues below this ad North Bay: After some morning fog in the Petaluma and Sonoma valleys, afternoon sunshine and widespread upper 70s are expected throughout Wine Country. Fairfield and Vacaville should even reach the lower 80s. Sausalito and Tiburon will be a bit cooler than Wednesday, in the mid- to upper 60s, while Mill Valley and San Rafael should reach the lower 70s. Gusts up to 25 mph are possible near the delta in the evening. Lows will be near 50. East Bay: Another toasty day is in store for the inland valleys. Highs in Concord, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Pleasanton and Livermore will be near 80 degrees. Oakland, Alameda and Berkeley will cool a bit compared to Wednesday, in the upper 60s to lower 70s, while Hayward and Fremont will be in the mid-70s. Gusts up to 25 mph are possible near the bay shoreline in the late afternoon and evening. Lows will be around 50. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: A battle between sun and fog is expected at the coast. Highs will struggle to reach 60 degrees in Daly City, Pacifica and Half Moon Bay due to the marine layers influence. A windbreaker might be a wise idea at the coast and in South San Francisco and San Bruno, where gusts could reach 30 mph from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Highs will drop a few degrees in San Mateo and Redwood City, to the lower 70s. Lows will be around 50. South Bay and Santa Cruz: The weather should be lovely from the coast to the mountains to the valley, with abundant sunshine and above-normal temperatures. Highs will be in the lower to mid-70s in Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley and the upper 70s to lower 80s in San Jose, Morgan Hill, Milpitas and Boulder Creek. Fremont and Palo Alto may remain in the mid-70s due to a relatively cool afternoon breeze. Lows will be in the upper 40s to lower 50s. Prepare to be transported into a world of enchantment and nostalgia as former Late Late Show piano man, Frank McNamara, brings his Disney Classics by Candlelight" to St. Nicholas Church of Ireland Dundalk, this Sunday 14 April at 7pm. Disney Classics by Candlelight promises to be a captivating concert experience featuring acclaimed performers from the West End and beyond. Audiences of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in the timeless charm of classic Disney melodies, beautifully interpreted by an exceptional lineup of artists. Headlining the concert is none other than Brian Gilligan, renowned for his powerful portrayal of Scar in the West End touring production of The Lion King. Joining him is the captivating Irish Soprano, Naoise Stuart Kelly, whose angelic voice is sure to win hearts. Frank McNamara will be bringing his magic touch to the piano accompaniment. The setting for this magical evening is the historic St. Nicholas Church of Ireland, Dundalk providing a serene and intimate ambiance that perfectly complements the enchanting melodies. As the countless candles flicker softly, attendees will find themselves transported into a world where beloved Disney characters come to life through song. This is the third concert that Frank McNamara will have brought to Dundalk. He brought his highly popular Chopin by Candlelight & Mozart by Candlelight concerts last year and received multiple standing ovations from the capacity audience. "We are thrilled to bring 'Disney Classics by Candlelight' to Dundalk," says McNamara, This concert promises to be a truly unforgettable experience, combining the magic of Disney with the talent of exceptional performers. We invite everyone to join us for a night of joy, wonder, and timeless melodies. Tickets for "Disney Classics by Candlelight" are available for purchase online at Eventbrite or at the door on the night. Don't miss this opportunity to relive cherished memories and create new ones in the company of beloved Disney tunes and extraordinary talent. Plans are underway for a new Large-scale Residential Development (LRD) of 147 homes at the Inner Relief Road in Dundalk. Jan C van Dijk has sought an LRD meeting request with Louth County Council in relation to plans for a development comprising 147 residential units at Inner Relief Road, Dublin Road(R132), Dundalk. While there are no further details available on the planned development at present, Louth County Council is required to facilitate a consultation meeting within four weeks of the date receipt of the meeting request. LRDs replace the previous Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process where applications went to An Bord Pleanala for determination. The LRD process is as follows: An LRD Meeting Request is made with the local planning authority as part of the process when seeking planning permission for an LRD. Following the receipt of LRD consultation request, the planning authority is required to facilitate a consultation meeting with the applicant within four weeks of the date receipt of such a request. Following the LRD Meeting, there is a period of four weeks for the planning authority to issue an LRD opinion on whether the proposals constitute a reasonable basis for submitting a planning application on the LRD proposals. This LRD opinion is valid for six months. A planning application must then be submitted within six months of receipt of an LRD opinion. The developer must make the application documentation available for public viewing on a dedicated website set up for this purpose. Frode Hammersland, an Associate Professor at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences in Stord recently visited the Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) campus. Frode spent a week in April working with students on the BA (Hons) Music in order to explore approaches to arranging and recording music. In addition to being a music teacher, Frode is a bass player and music producer. He graduated with a Masters in Musicianship from University of South Norway in 2006 and has played with several artists since he started playing professionally in year 2000. He performs a diversity of styles and incorporated Irish traditional music into his experience at DkIT. Over the course of a few days, the group created new arrangements of compositions by DkIT lecturer Dr Daithi Kearney. They experimented with improvisation and the integration of musical ideas from different genres and cultures. Frode has been impressed by the talent and dedication of the students at DkIT and how they engaged with the process. Frode is no stranger to Dundalk, first visiting DkIT in 2012 as part of an Erasmus Strategic Partnership. Last year he was part of the Echoes of Erasmus project, which brought musician educators from Ireland, Norway and Portugal together in celebration of Irelands membership of the European Union which was funded by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs as part of the Communicating Europe initiative. Speaking about the weeks experience with Frode, final year DkIT student Rhiona McPhelim commented: It's been a brilliant, challenging week, full of learning and creativity. Frode's teaching and insights have really pushed our skills as a group, particularly our approach to rhythm, arranging and our strength as performers. Rhiona has already established a music promotion company Cobra Productions and is delighted to develop her international connections through her studies. International student Chen Jia Ng from Malaysia said: Frode is very professional and brought great energy to the sessions. Her classmate Gavin Gribben, who has already established himself as a Country Music star on the Irish scene commented I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience with Frode as it allowed me to develop my musical knowledge of arranging for the banjo in a live situation with other session musicians. Jesssica Muldrew, who recently starred in the production Brigid, Lady of Light in An Tain Arts Centre said This experience with Frode has given me the opportunity to develop my double bass musicianship in a studio setting. It has been an intense but fulfilling week. Frode will continue to work on developing his research, including collaborating with Dr Kearney on a paper for a Symposium on Intercultural Conversations hosted by the Department of Humanities, Dundalk Institute of Technology, in conjunction with The Humanities Research Group, on Friday 26th April. By MARY CARTER Living History One hundred and fifteen years ago, over 20,000 newspapers shared the days events with households across America. The Boston Post was one such contender. The Boston Post was founded in 1831 by William Beals and Charles Gordon Greene. Greene, born in Boscawen, New Hampshire, was credited with the earliest printed use of the word okay, shown as O.K., in a March 1839 article about the Anti-Bell Ringing Society. Earlier usage has since been discovered in court records and diaries. However, Greene appears to be the first newspaperman to display O.K. in public print. Edwin Atkins Grozier purchased the Boston Post in 1891. Grozier, a journalist for the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe, had also served as private secretary to Joseph Pulitzer. When Grozier took over, the newspaper was 60 years old and tipping toward bankruptcy. However, having worked for the clever Pulitzer, Grozier came equipped with promotional ideas. Since 1870, J.F. Fradley and Company of New York had been known for their elegantly crafted walking canes. A shipment of 700 gold-capped gaboon ebony canes went unclaimed, and Grozier made the successful bid. In 1909, Grozier distributed these canes to 700 towns across Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island with a simple request: The Boston Post desires to present, with its compliments, to the Oldest Citizen of your town, a gold-headed cane. Each cane had been engraved The Boston Post to the Oldest Citizen of with the particular town noted in a scrolled font. Above this was engraved the state, and below, the phrase To be Transmitted. Grozier made it clear that the canes were to go to each towns oldest registered voter. In 1909, this meant that women were not eligible. When the recipient died, the cane was passed on to the next oldest male registered voter. In a time when daily struggles and widespread disease trimmed life expectancies, heralding those with longevity was newsworthy. Communities were proud and grateful, increasing the newspapers subscription base from under 2,500 to more than 600k, making the Boston Post the largest circulating morning paper in America. However, a good share of the canes recipients were not so appreciative. Some didnt like being singled out as elderly. Some even saw it as a next to die curse. A few made mention that they didnt want to be the caretakers of a newspapers publicity stunt. Many original award-winners hid their canes away, putting an end to Groziers intentions of sharing. The Saturday, Aug. 28, 1909, edition of our National Eagle stated on its front page: In Claremont, theyre having some trouble in determining who should have the cane sent by the Boston Post to the oldest citizen of the town. The cane sent to Newport was, of course, promptly given to James B. McGregorOver here, brother, the old people are so numerous it is hard to determine which is ahead. The Sept. 18, 1909, edition informed readers that William D. Spaulding, born in Claremont and then living in Cornish, received the honor. Spaulding had possession of the cane for two years, passing in 1911 at the age of 94. Newports James B. McGregor, born in 1801 and said to be the worlds oldest surviving freemason, lived to be 108. Longevity was a McGregor trademark. His father Joel, who lived to be 101, was honored with a state historical marker claiming him to be the last surviving New Hampshire soldier of the American Revolution. Grozier died in 1924 and the Boston Post was taken over by his son, Richard. Under Richards guidance, the Boston Post was awarded the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for exposing financial con artist Charles Ponzi. Time and competition made their mark, and the newspaper ceased publication in 1956. Despite this, the Boston Post cane tradition, with various adjustments, lived on. Many towns had replicas made for lost canes. Some decided to archive the original. Recipient qualifications were modified, and women were finally eligible in 1930. Here in present day Claremont, Elm Wood resident Rita Moore has been the recipient of a replica of the cane since it was presented to her in 2021 by then mayor Charlene Lovett. The lovely Rita Moore, a longtime volunteer for good causes all around town, turned 105 years old on March 30. She was featured in a front-page photo of the April 2 Eagle Times. For stories, photos and further information about the 546 towns still awarding the Boston Post Cane, visit Bostonpostcane.org. CORKS newest junior minister told The Echo that there is a joke doing the rounds in the Department of Health that last year he had put down 994 questions to the department and his appointment there means their workload will now be reduced by 50%. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke said members of his family had travelled to Leinster House for his appointment as minister of state with special responsibility for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy yesterday. He said he was absolutely delighted at the appointment, and was looking forward to receiving a full briefing. The amount of people adversely affected by drug addiction is awful, and in a lot of cases people started off with it as an experimental scenario and it ends up where they become addicted, he said. It has devastating effects on families, and we need to do a lot more in that whole area. Tanaiste Micheal Martin , An Taoiseach Simon Harris TD and Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan surrounded by the junior ministers of the Cabinet. Photo Sam Boal/Collins Photos The number of families I have come across now where they have older children of 19, 20, 21, and theyve ended up in the hospital, and in a few cases ended up inside in St Michaels [mental health centre] in the Mercy Hospital. He said the service offered in St Michaels was excellent but, for many patients, their treatment did not end when they come out of hospital, something he described as very challenging for the patient themselves and for their immediate family. The whole public health area, I think theres a number of areas that we need to deal with as regards getting information out there to people about how to better manage their health, Mr Burke said. He said in many diverse areas, from encouraging people to be more active to disseminating information about ventilation in the home, there was work to be done to raise awareness, work to which he was looking forward to doing. Life expectancy in Ireland is one of the highest in Europe, and lets keep it that way, he said. Lets try and give assistance to people who need healthcare support. Background A solicitor by trade, Mr Burke has been active in public life for over four decades, first standing for election in Cork North Central in 1982. He was unsuccessful in that attempt and again was not elected when he stood in the 1994 byelection in the constituency, following the death of Labour TD Gerry OSullivan. Elected to Cork City Council for Cork City North West in 1999, and again in 2004, he served as Lord Mayor in 2003. In 2007, he was co-opted to the European Parliament, replacing Simon Coveney in Ireland South, but he failed to be elected in the 2009 European election. He was elected to the Seanad in 2011, he stood in the 2019 byelection in Cork North Central following the resignation of Fine Gaels Dara Murphy, but he was eliminated in the ninth count. In the 2020 general election, he was elected to the 33rd Dail. New junior ministers Yesterday, Neale Richmond was appointed the minister of state at the Department of Finance, which was left vacant on Tuesday after Jennifer Carroll MacNeill was appointed as the junior minister for European affairs. Mr Richmonds old role of minister of state at the Department of Enterprise has been given to first-time junior minister Emer Higgins. Elsewhere, Kieran ODonnell has been moved from junior minister at the Department of Housing to take on the minister of state for the Office of Public Works (OPW) role that became free when Patrick ODonovan was promoted. Mr ODonnells old role will be taken on by Mayo TD Alan Dillon, who becomes a minister of state for the first time. Meanwhile, Fine Gael has dropped the Gaeltacht portfolio following the promotion of Mr ODonovan. Mr ODonovan, who held that junior minister role, was appointed as minister for further education on Tuesday. Fianna Fail TD Thomas Byrne added the job to his existing responsibilities as minister of state for sport and physical education. The Gaeltacht job is normally held by a minister who can speak Irish, as Mr Byrne does. At a photo opportunity with the new junior ministers yesterday, Mr Harris said he had a very good team. He added that his first full day as Taoiseach was a busy one. He chaired a Cabinet meeting in which the junior ministers were appointed and went on to establish Cabinet subcommittees, including a newly formed committee on disability, education, and children which was described by a spokesman as a priority for the new Taoiseach. In addition, Coalition leaders agreed it was necessary to expand the remit of the Cabinet subcommittee on Ukraine to include migration and integration. The Government also decided that the National Economic Dialogue will take place on May 27, which is an event seen as the first step of the annual budget process. Mr Harris held productive and engaging phonecalls with British prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. There was consternation in the Dail, however, when the Governments chief whip said Mr Harris would be unavailable for Leaders Questions due to these scheduled calls. Opposition parties criticised the Government for voting through changes to the order of business which meant that Leaders Questions was among the items dropped from the schedule. Mr Harris also spoke to Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and emphasised how important he sees his role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. THE funding allocation of 300,000 only gets halfway to the threshold necessary to get the long-awaited Mallow Relief Road to planning stage, Cork County Councils director of roads, Niall Healy, has told councillors. Mr Healys response to queries from elected members contradicted the assertion by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan, who told the Dail recently that the allocation of 300,000 would now allow the project to be progressed through the planning and design process. Funding sought In his responses to elected members, Mr Healy said that 1.2m in funding had been sought initially to advance the project to planning stage. That would also allow us engage with landowners and commence advanced works in that regard, he said. Now we need at least 700,000 to deliver this project to planning stage, we have 300,000 doing the maths on that will only get you halfway to planning stage. We have engaged with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, we have explained to them that this is not enough. Notwithstanding the comments by the minister in the Dail, that the money that is allocated is sufficient and adequate to bring it to planning stage, that is absolutely not the case. At this point in time, we dont have a line [of] sight about where the 700,000 is going to come from; weve some ideas and some suggestions for TII in that regard, but as of now we havent any commitment as to the sum that we need. Fianna Fail councillor for the Mallow-Kanturk municipal district, Gearoid Murphy, said he was aware that engineers had been reactivated on the project design. However, it would appear to me that were really only funded to work on this for the first half of the year and if we want to progress the project past midsummer, we will need extra funding. 'Mixed messages' His municipal district colleague Fine Gael councillor Tony OShea, said there had been mixed messages regarding the project and described the overall allocation for regional and local roads as disappointing. Minister Ryan seems to think that he has allocated enough money to progress the Mallow Relief Road and were hearing this morning that we dont have enough money, he said. Responding to Mr OSheas queries at a meeting of the council this week, the councils director of roads, Mr Healy, said that if no funding had been allocated in 2024, it would have presented a very serious challenge. The work we have done to date would have timed out and wed be effectively back to square one, said Mr Healy. Labour Party councillor Eoghan Kenny, also from the Mallow-Kanturk municipal district, said that he was concerned the Mallow Relief Road would fall off the Governments radar and described the allocation of 300,000 as extremely disappointing news. This Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, and Green Government are failing the people of Mallow and the surrounding towns and villages, said Mr Kenny. The Mallow Relief Road is in severe danger of falling off this Governments radar, and the fact that Cork County Council are not confident of securing or sourcing extra funding means the relief road is going to be delayed by another year. We have a traffic congestion crisis on our Main Street, and this has not been addressed since this council term started in June 2019. We need the extra funding, and we need it now, said Mr Kenny. PEOPLE Before Profit representative Rola Abu Zeid ONeill will launch her East Cork local-election campaign at The Commodore Hotel in Cobh tonight at 7pm. Ms Abu Zeid ONeill and Cian Prendiville, European election candidate, will discuss housing, schools, childcare, rural roads, and health. Ms Abu Zeid ONeill said: We need spokespeople who will address the issues that marginalised people are experiencing. We want to give a voice to the voiceless, and be the change that we want to see. In short, we need a People Before Profit candidate representing East Cork to give us a public platform to highlight the issues that are not being represented in mainstream politics. Ms Abu Zeid ONeill is known for her involvement with the Cork Palestine Solidarity Campaign (CPSC) protests, which she has led and where she has spoken. Born in Nazareth, Ms Abu Zeid ONeill moved to Ireland in 2007. Since then, she has completed a PhD and has taught for 12 years at University College Cork. She is also a community worker who supports women, minority groups, migrants, and refugees in Cork city and county. Her decision to run for local elections, on behalf of People Before Profit, reflects her commitment to a better future for her children, the coming generations, and in support of those who care about the diversity of Ireland. Last night, over 500 guests joined the Lord Mayor Cllr Kieran McCarthy to honour the very best of Cork's community and voluntary groups. The occasion was filled with inspirational stories, kind messages and a celebration of those who work tirelessly to make their part of Cork a great place to live. The Kalyna Ukrainian Choir was named the overall winners at Lord Mayor's community awards and their win earned a delighted albeit shocked reaction from members of the group. You can watch the moment that the Kalyna Ukrainian Choir were announced as overall winners here: The evening was made extra special by a surprise performance by the Lord Mayor himself who joined the Carrigtwohill Gospel Choir to sing a rendition of You Raise Me Up and Cant Help Falling In Love. THE Ukrainian national who denies dangerous driving causing the death of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer at Innishannon at Christmas time in 2022 claimed through his lawyer that he drove through the crossroads as safely as he could. Defence senior counsel Seamus Roche had this to say to Judge Jonathan Dunphy and a jury of seven women and five men on the second day of the trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court when they also heard from pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster on the cause of Mr Palmers death. 33-year-old Bohdan Bezverkhyi, of Rigsdale House, Rigsdale, Ballinhassig, Co Cork, denies the charge of dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Palmer at Dunkereen Cross, Innishannon, Co Cork, on December 29, 2022. Assistant state pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster, gave evidence of examining the deceased on January 9, 2023 and also described the account of the background that was given to her from the time of Mr Palmers admission to Cork University Hospital on December 29, 2022, where she was informed that the injuries were sustained following a road traffic collision at a junction some 300 metres from the deceaseds home. Mr Palmer was admitted to intensive care at CUH on the day of the accident but his death was confirmed at 4.30am on January 8, 2023. CAUSE OF DEATH Dr Bolster concluded that the cause of death was traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries with thoracic injuries from a road traffic collision. Dr Bolster testified there were multi-compartmental spinal cord injuries which she described as significant and multi-compartmental brain injuries that included bleeding on the brain. The pathologist also described the sheering of nerve fibres. The pathologist found that the traumatic brain injury was severe and there would have been a prolonged coma. There was cardiac arrest caused by blunt force trauma to the chest. Defence senior counsel, Seamus Roche, suggested to the pathologist in cross-examination that the evidence was that the deceased was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision and that he would have been thrown about the car which would have resulted in head injuries and that wearing a seatbelt would have been safer. Dr Bolster replied, There is a statistically higher rate of fatality with not wearing seatbelts. The pathologist agreed with Mr Roche that if a person travelling in a car involved in a collision was unrestrained there was more tumbling. Neighbour Colette Crowley who arrived on the scene of the collision described the late Mr Palmer as a granny driver. Mr Roche suggested to her that this description of a careful driver was in contrast with him not wearing a seatbelt. I dont wish to be unfair to the man but that is a factor of the case. He was not driving in a safe manner for whatever reason and was in fact on his incorrect side of the road that is the nub of the defence. He (Bohdan Bezverkhyi) was trying to negotiate the cross as safely as he could, Mr Roche said. The trial continues. THE 29-year-old Carrigaline man who was allegedly punched and kicked on the ground near his home early at Christmas 2022 died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head but the possible contribution of an assault four days earlier was teased out in evidence at the murder trial on Thursday. 21-year-old Ricardo Hoey of 7 Ardcarrig, Carrigaline, County Cork, and 19-year-old Jordan Deasy of 41 Ravensdale, Heron's Wood, both pleaded not guilty to the single charge against them, namely that on December 28 2022 at Glenwood estate, Carrigaline, County Cork, they did murder 29-year-old Matt ONeill, contrary to common law. Assistant state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster carried out an autopsy on January 9 2023 and was notified that the circumstances were that gardai were alerted to an alleged assault on December 28 2022 at 5.46 p.m. at Glenwood, Carrigaline. Matt ONeill was treated at the scene by a doctor and paramedics for a suspected head injury and had a laceration to his forehead and to the back of his head and a cut to a finger on his right hand. Dr Bolster was told that Mr ONeill was taken to Cork University Hospital where he was in a deep coma and a devastating brain injury was diagnosed with no possibility of recovery. After being on life support for several days he was pronounced dead at 11.08 a.m. on January 8 2023. Dr Bolster referred to an initial report she was given that it had been suspected that the injured party may have been struck with a bottle. Prosecution senior counsel Jane Hyland said the allegation in relation to a bottle no longer formed any part of the prosecution case. 19-year-old Jordan Deasy of 41 Ravensdale, Heron's Wood pleaded not guilty to the single charge against him, namely that on December 28 2022 at Glenwood estate, Carrigaline, County Cork, they did murder 29-year-old Matt ONeill, contrary to common law. Ms Hyland also said in relation to a reference to alleged kicks that it was now only part of the state case that there was one alleged kick to the head. Dr Bolster said there was no skull fracture and that the fatal injuries resulted from blunt force trauma to the head, which can be due to blows to the head and face or to a fall. The pathologist also said, The blunt force trauma was consistent with a combination of blows and a fall. Defence senior counsel, Tom Creed, asked the pathologist about the assault on the deceased four days before the incident at the centre of the murder trial. Dr Bolster said, With respect to the initial assault he was conscious and made no complaint after this. He never lost consciousness (after the December 24 assault). The witness did say that the December 24 assault could have resulted in a minor subdural haemorrhage which would have made him more vulnerable to the second assault on December 28 but that there was no evidence of significant head trauma from December 24. Dr Bolster said, He was still walking around four days later. He appeared to be acting normally no complaint of headache or vomiting. The second assault (on December 28) is why he died at this time. I fully accept (the December 24 assault) may have made him more vulnerable. Dr Michael Jansen carried out a neurological examination of the deceased. Mr Creed put it to this witness, We cannot say which part of the head was struck front of the head, back of the head, side of the head? Dr Jansen replied, In my opinion, no. The trial before Ms Justice Lankford and the jury of six women and six men at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork continues. A ROMANIAN national who has been convicted of begging on the streets in Ireland 12 times was given a suspended jail term on his undertaking to leave the country. Constantin Borcoi, of no fixed address in Cork, was given a total jail term of seven weeks which Judge Mary Dorgan suspended on condition that he would leave Ireland. The accused said his wife and five children were still living in Romania and that his intention was to go back and not return to Ireland. On that basis, the judge suspended the jail term which was imposed in respect of two counts of obstructing pedestrians in Cork city centre by engaging in begging. PREVIOUS CONVICTIONS The 45-year-old already had ten previous convictions for begging on the streets. Sergeant John Kelleher outlined the background to the two latest offences at Cork District Court. Garda Raz Ghetau was on beat patrol on St Patricks Street on November 21, 2023, when he observed the defendant sitting on the footpath, obstructing pedestrians with a sign that read: Help me. Im hungry. He was doing the same thing on March 7 this year at St Patricks Street when Garda Emer McCarthy encountered him. Solicitor, Eddie Burke, who represented the accused on free legal aid, said the accused was pleading guilty to the offences and was anxious to return to Romania. He has taken the appropriate steps to arrange his flight. He will return to Romania and not come back to Ireland, Mr Burke said. Judge Dorgan said: I wish him well on his return to Romania. SUPERSTITION is a loaded word with many associations: Witches. Ghosts. Banshees. Leprechauns. Nowadays, it is not uncommon for people to regard this concept with suspicion. One of the reasons for this negative attitude, according to A Dictionary Of Superstition And Mythology, is that superstitions defy logical thinking, and are therefore inherently flawed. Personally, I find this highbrow attitude towards superstition unjustified. Having grown up in a family of people who believe in spirits, haunted houses and even a hollow Earth, I am keenly aware of the cultural significance of superstitions, as well as their (often positive) impact on peoples daily lives. My aunt, a highly spiritual yoga teacher, relied heavily on superstitions. When she was 40, living alone on a flat in Deventer in The Netherlands, she longed for companionship. So she turned to the power of manifestation. And it worked. For months, she visualised her husband, whom she spotted while gatecrashing a birthday party. She excitedly told her friend, Thats it, that is him! My aunts superstition followed her all the way into her grave, where her closest friends claimed to have seen a ghostly apparition at night, green light without a source. Sometimes, the supernatural has a tendency to creep up on us in more mundane forms, such as a black cat, a magpie (a flock of magpies if youre lucky) or the number 13. On any Friday the 13th (the next one is in September), even getting out of bed seems, to many, like a safety risk. This is unsurprising, considering that in Ireland, many still fear the number 13. This fear, called triskaidekaphobia, can be so intense, so ingrained that according to omne report, Irish people are reluctant to buy houses and apartments that are number 13. And the number 13 is far from the only aspect of a new house to consider, according to Irish folklore. Haunted houses are a key part of Irish mythology. In post-Celtic Tiger Ireland, the economy stopped growing, causing an amplitude of unfinished projects referred to as ghost estates. These estates represented the depression that Ireland, as a consequence of its economic stagnancy, experienced. In Irish myths, ghosts can be interpreted as embodiments of the progress that was never actualised. These ghosts are far from friendly, keen to infiltrate Irish homes. Protection against these spirits, luckily, can be achieved in numerous ways. One way to ward off spirits is through architecture. One Irish myth relates to the front porch of the house, which follows the belief that spirits have an aversion to water. The Irish decided to use this weakness against them, by painting their porches blue. Spirits, consequently, stayed away, mistaking their porches for water. Another interesting way to keep malevolent spirits at bay is by placing a large horse skull underneath the floorboards of your house. According to one account, this tradition was popular in the 19th century, when it was common practice to decapitate horses after they died. The head was then kept and buried beneath the next building that was constructed. Frontal bones of a horses head, in particular, were believed to bring good fortune. Another consideration in planning your home is any extension you build. Extending your house westwards should be avoided at all costs, as the western part of the house is believed to be related to death. William Wilde, the father of Oscar and author of a collection of Celtic tales and Irish superstitions, stated that the setting sun, seen on the western horizon, was a common symbol for death. Additionally, in some areas of Ireland, it was tradition to place the corpses of deceased family members temporarily in the western part of the house before burial. Once you have constructed your home, however, attracting spirits is often easier than repelling them. As easy, in fact, as spilling a bit of salt. This simple error, according to Irish folklore, brings misfortune to a household. Thankfully, it has a quick fix. Just throw a pinch of salt over your left shoulder. That will blind the devil! In the USC Digital Folklore Archives, Sheila Hurley suggests throwing the spillage over your shoulder three times. This belief is rooted in Catholicism, and marks the holy trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Other myths are rooted primarily in pragmatism. It is, for instance, highly unlucky to open an umbrella indoors. In doing so, you are said to be inviting evil spirits into your home, causing death and destruction. Even worse, perhaps, this domestic crime might invite bad weather! In The Journal of American Folklore, it is said that this particular superstition is derived from the fact that umbrellas used to be bigger. Opening them inside, therefore, would result in a direct threat to the safety of the houses occupants and their belongings. Superstitions, however, do not just exist to bring or prevent bad luck. A common Irish house superstition states that if you drop a knife to the floor, youll have a gentleman visitor. Likewise, if you drop a fork, a lady visitor will soon arrive. And finally, if you drop a spoon youll have a child visitor. So, if you ever feel lonely, all you have to do is throw some utensils on the floor and who knows: soon you might find yourself surrounded by a whole new group of friends. TONIGHT at the Opera House, Take It To The Limit. Johnny Brady, Simon Casey, Nigel Connell and The Sheerin Family Band come together to pay homage to one of the greatest bands ever, The Eagles. Just a few tickets left at time of going to press. From tomorrow until Sunday, something special for younger theatre-goers with Jurassic Musical Adventure Live. Yes, direct from Londons West End, the worlds leading dinosaur show is returning to Cork after a sell-out success in 2023. See life-sized, monstrous beasts up close, the worlds only mosasaur, the last flying pterodactyl, and more dinosaur species than any other show on earth... Strobe lighting, mild pyrotechnics and a bit of a scare factor too! On Friday at 5pm, Saturday and Sunday at 11am and 3pm. Next Wednesday brings something equally exciting - Elsewhere, an entirely new opera by Michael Gallen. This is the wholly strange but entirely true story of the radical Monaghan Asylum Soviet of 1919, and is presented by Straymaker and The Abbey Theatre in association with Miroirs Etendus and Once Off Productions. Both shocking and moving, its like no other opera youve ever seen. 8pm start. Call 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie for all bookings. Comedian Chris Kent performs in Jokes For Stroke at the Everyman tonight, Thursday, April 1 And a very worthwhile show tonight at Everyman, Jokes For Stroke, the charity fundraiser for Cork Stroke Support. Chris Kent, voted one of the top five Irish comedians by Hot Press magazine, will be joined by Kyla Cobbler, Ross Browne, Bernard Casey, Laura OMahony, Con OSullivan, Ciara Barnes and Mike Morgan. A night full of laughter promised, and you should know all the comedians and the crew as well have waved their fees for the night. That means all proceeds will go directly to fund the important work of Cork Stroke Support. Be there, and split your sides while doing your bit to help! 8pm start. And a night out for the females tomorrow at Everyman, with Here Come The Girls, celebrating incredible artists like Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Blondie, Katy Perry, Adele, Abba and Bananarama. Definitely dancing in the aisles for that one! Also, dont miss out on an exciting opportunity to see back stage earlier in the day on the Behind The Scenes Tour at noon. Thats free, but you do need to book - oh, and advise the box office of any mobility access requirements too. The tour is part of the Lifelong Learning Festival 2024. On Saturday, we have The Glam Rock Show, from the producers of The Magic Of Motown and Radio GaGa. Starring son of the Sweet legend - Brian Connolly Jnr, with a sensational cast and live band, it recreates the soundtrack of a generation. 7.30pm start, note. Call 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com for all bookings. The Montfort College of Performing Arts is taking to the stage at the Cork Arts Theatre tomorrow and Saturday night with Old Times by Molly Taylor. The story concerns twins Stefi and Zafer, who are about to turn 18, but are scared their past is about to catch up with them. Five years ago, both were involved in a crime that still hangs over their town, but only one of their gang was accused and convicted. Now released from prison, is he out for revenge? Stirring stuff, directed by Sinead Crowley. 7.30pm start. Next week, for a decent run, The Echo Boys brings back the days of yore when there was a kid on every corner shouting his lungs out with a bundle under his arm, or else dodging the traffic while supplying the latest edition to home-going drivers. By Val Dennehy and Marion Wyatt, this is one not to miss. It strikes to the very heart of old Cork. April 17 to 27 at 8pm with a Saturday matinee or two at 2.30pm thrown in as well. Book right now, its going to be a sell-out. See www.corkartstheatre.com or call 021 450 5624. James Cox Locals in Sandymount in Dublin have said it is lucky no one was hurt when a sinkhole appeared in the village. The road was cordoned off yesterday afternoon and the hole patched up after it opened up outside a newsagents. Dublin City Council said a "temporary repair" had been completed by an on-call crew. Further inspections will be carried out on Thursday to "determine the cause and a permanent repair of the roadway arranged". Following reports of a sink hole in Sandymount Green earlier, we mobilised an on-call crew. After inspection, we have now completed a temporary repair. Further inspections will be carried out tomorrow to determine the cause and a permanent repair of the roadway arranged. pic.twitter.com/ihMQHPUL4j Dublin City Council (@DubCityCouncil) April 10, 2024 Brian O'Brien, manager of the nearby Books On The Green book shop, said there was no support underneath. Mr O'Brien told Newstalk: "I was talking to a few people who said it was afternoon when it happened. Some of them said it was like a drain, but there was nothing underneath it. It was just sand basically underneath." EQS-Ad-hoc: Lenzing AG / Key word(s): Dividend Lenzing AG: Lenzing AG is suspending its dividend policy until further notice 11-Apr-2024 / 15:45 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Lenzing AG is suspending its dividend policy until further notice Lenzing The Managing Board of Lenzing AG decided today to suspend the existing dividend policy of at least EUR 4.50 per share for an unlimited period of time. Lenzing AG continues to expect higher EBITDA for the 2024 financial year compared to the previous year. Your contact for Public Relations: Dominic Kofner Vice President Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft Werkstrae 2, 4860 Lenzing, Austria Phone +43 7672 701 2743 E-mail media@lenzing.com Web www.lenzing.com Investor Relations: Sebastien Knus Vice President Capital Markets Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft Werkstrae 2, 4860 Lenzing, Austria Phone +43 7672 701 3599 E-mail s.knus@lenzing.com Web www.lenzing.com About the Lenzing Group The Lenzing Group stands for eco-responsible production of specialty fibers based on cellulose and recycled material. As an innovation leader, Lenzing is a partner of global textile and nonwoven manufacturers and drives many new technological developments. The Lenzing Groups high-quality fibers form the basis for a variety of textile applications ranging from functional, comfortable and fashionable clothing to durable and sustainable home textiles. Due to their special properties and their botanical origin, the TUV certified biodegradable and compostable Lenzing fibers are also highly suitable for everyday hygiene products. The business model of the Lenzing Group goes far beyond that of a traditional fiber producer. Together with its customers and partners, Lenzing develops innovative products along the value chain, creating added value for consumers. The Lenzing Group strives for the efficient utilization and processing of all raw materials and offers solutions to help transform the textile industry from the current linear economic system towards a circular economy. In order to reduce the speed of global warming and thus also support the targets of the Paris Agreement and the EU Commissions Green Deal, Lenzing has developed a clear science-based climate action plan that aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a net-zero goal (scope 1, 2 and 3) by 2050. Key Facts & Figures Lenzing Group 2023 Revenue: EUR 2.52 bn Nominal capacity: 1,110,000 tonnes Employees (FTE): 7,917 TENCEL, LENZING ECOVERO, VEOCEL, LENZING and REFIBRA are trademarks of Lenzing AG. End of Inside Information 11-Apr-2024 CET/CEST News transmitted by EQS Group AG. www.eqs.com Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions. The annual Global Energy Monitor (GEM) survey, Boom and Bust Coal, has found that coal-fired operating capacity worldwide rose by two percent last year the highest annual increase since 2016. China was responsible for two-thirds of the expansion, with a small amount of growth in other parts of the globe, a press release from GEM said. Coals fortunes this year are an anomaly, as all signs point to reversing course from this accelerated expansion. But countries that have coal plants to retire need to do so more quickly, and countries that have plans for new coal plants must make sure these are never built. Otherwise we can forget about meeting our goals in the Paris Agreement and reaping the benefits that a swift transition to clean energy will bring, said Flora Champenois, coal program director for GEM. According to Global Coal Plant Tracker data, 69.5 gigawatts (GW) of coal capacity were commissioned in 2023, while 21.1 GW were retired a net yearly increase of 48.4 GW and a total capacity worldwide of 2,130 GW. Beyond the additions in China, new capacity coming online in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Zimbabwe and Greece drove the increase. Outside of China, a total of 22.1 GW were commissioned, with 17.4 GW retired a net increase of 4.7 GW. Last year marked the lowest retirement of coal capacity of any year in over a decade. Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, 25 countries have reduced their coal-fired capacity, while 35 have increased it. The world is heading in the right direction in terms of coals role in the energy sector, but not quickly enough, and with some risky detours along the way, said Champenois, as Reuters reported. Lower coal plant retirements last year in Europe and the United States contributed to the uptick in operating capacity. Nearly half of retirements in 2023 were in the U.S. 9.7 GW down from the countrys record high of 21.7 GW in 2015. European Union countries and the United Kingdom made up about a quarter of retirements, led by the UK, Italy and Poland. But the accelerated growth in coal capacity may be short-lived, as low retirement rates in 2023 that contributed to coals rise are expected to pick up speed in the U.S. and Europe, offsetting the blip. Heightened capacity additions would also be tempered if China takes immediate action to ensure it meets its target of shutting down 30 gigawatts (GW) of coal capacity by 2025, GEM said. In Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and EU nations, coal operating and pre-construction capacity decreased last year to a total of 7.1 GW, the lowest level on record. Just four of these countries the U.S., Turkiye, Australia and Japan are still considering new coal projects. The global coal landscape has been in transformation for almost a decade, marked by a collapse in the amount of planned coal power plants following the adoption of the Paris Agreement in late 2015. There has been a 68% reduction in global pre-construction capacity since then, and new construction starts are at their lowest outside of China since data collection began, the press release said. Since January, 101 countries have either abandoned the last decades plans for new coal or have officially committed to the United Nations No New Coal Energy Compact. Thankfully, various countries are making clear that shutting coal down is possible, and most of the world is closing in on no new coal. Of 82 countries with coal power, 47 have reduced or kept operating capacity flat since the 2015 Paris Agreement, GEM said. Austria, Belgium, Sweden, Portugal, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates have retired or converted their last operating coal plants, while Slovakia, the UK, and potentially others are projected to join them in 2024. However, coal capacity around the world has actually gone up 11 percent since 2015. China and India are the two largest coal consumers in the world, together accounting for 82 percent of total pre-construction coal capacity. Along with China and India, nine other countries Bangladesh, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Russia, Pakistan, Laos, Turkiye and Vietnam account for 95 percent of coal capacity under consideration, with India accounting for nearly 50 percent outside of China. In order to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement goals and put the world on a pathway to no more than 1.5C of global warming, reducing the use of coal for power generation is the single most important source of emissions reductions, the press release said. To align with that goal, modeling by the International Energy Agency and others finds that OECD countries should eliminate coal power by 2030 and the rest of the world by 2040. Just 317 GW 15 percent of the worlds coal operating capacity has been committed to be retired in accordance with those goals. An additional 210 GW 10 percent has a closure commitment in place that must be sped up in order to keep pace with global climate targets. While most global coal operating capacity is currently under some sort of net zero or similar pledge, 1,626 GW 75 percent continues to be without a closure commitment. Phasing out operating coal power by 2040 would require an average of 126 GW of retirements per year for the next 17 years, the equivalent of about two coal plants per week. Accounting for coal plants under construction and in pre-construction (578 GW) would require even steeper cuts, the press release said. (Photo: LWF /Stephane Gallay)Katrine Ringhus, advocacy officer for the Lutheran World Federation country program in Colombia. A group of human rights defenders from Colombia that presented evidence to the UN Human Rights Council has voiced deep concern over increasing violence against environmental and civil society leaders. The leaders are defending the rights of Afro-Colombian communities, indigenous populations and peasants they said when the spoke in Geneva during the Sept. 18 to Oct. 10 session of the HRC. "People are being criminalized - especially environmental activists - for participating in social protests," said Katrine Ringhus, advocacy officer for the Lutheran World Federation country program in Colombia. Ringhus spoke at a Sept. 21 presentation by the group on "The Nexus between Human Rights and Peace building in Colombia." The Lutheran World Federation supports the Colombian Platform for Human Rights, Democracy and Development, which has called for government action in stopping the attacks. The platform calls for guarantees to people's economic, social and cultural rights in the post-conflict era in the South American country. The platform members spoke at a side event hosted by the LWF at Geneva's Ecumenical Center. They spoke following a review of the human rights situation of Colombia at the 62nd session of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) of the UNHRC. PROTESTS AROUND INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS Ringhus said there has been an increase in social protests about international investment projects agri-industrial, oil and mining. The use of violence by riot police during protests has also grown, she noted. Ana Maria Rodriguez, representing the Colombian Commission of Jurists, and a member of the platform, which compiled the alternative civil society (or shadow) report to the UN committee said, "Social conflicts, environmental conflicts, are taking place, and those who lead protests and resistance against these projects, are being attacked." Rodriguez said the shadow report counts 39 leaders and defenders of land and the environment who were killed last year in Colombia, adding, "this is really worrying." The report which took two years to produce draws on contributions by 120 civil society groups. Ringhus described LWF's support to the work of the platform, as part of the contribution to the fulfillment of economic, social and cultural rights in post-conflict Colombia, and to the implementation of the October 2016 peace accords ending the war that began in 1964. Social justice, human dignity and guarantees for the respect of human rights, are at the forefront of outreach efforts by the LWF and other faith-based groups in Colombia as the country struggles to recover from more than 50 years of conflict. According to UN and local sources, the fighting pitting armed groups against state forces left over 600,000 people dead, 15,000 missing and more than 7.4 million displaced from their homes. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR LASTING PEACE Rodriguez argued that while "stopping violence, dropping guns, is the main issue everyone wants to address," the platform, considers this as only the first step. "If you want to build a lasting peace, it is important for Colombia to engage in many structural changes, including, guaranteeing a minimum of economic, social, and cultural rights," she said. The Colombian jurist elaborated the idea behind the shadow report "is to show, we are still far away from achieving a minimum standard" of guaranteeing those rights. "We have 15 million people living in poverty, and we are still, the second most inequitable country in Latin America, after Haiti," she added. Gabriel Urbano, deputy director of the Corporacion de Dessarrollo Solidario de Montes de Maria, a local organization working to protect land rights, said disputes over land and territory for many years have displaced many people and denied them their economic rights. He cited the community in which he lives, saying despite an abundance of water and food production, 90 percent of the population does not have access to clean water and the palm oil industry was destroying food crops. IMPORTANT TOOL FOR PUBLIC POLICY Ringhus described a national action plan on business and human rights in the country as "an extremely important tool of public policy" but added it lacked consultation with civil society. "It's a plan, as they say, that does not put the rights of the communities first. It does not recognize the power difference in a negotiation without the presence of the State between a multinational company and a small community. The focus is on capacity building with the private companies, not mainly with the local communities." The message the group has been promoting at the UN Committee and internally in Colombia is that the discourse on human rights and protection "permits us to build the peace we want, and dream of," added Liliana Vargas, the platform's executive secretary. In Colombia, the LWF country program collaborates with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia. Philippines' overall corn stocks at 546.89 thousand metric tonnes, as of March 1 The Philippines' total corn stocks inventory reached 546.89 thousand metric tonnes, as of March 1, according to Divina Gracia L. Del Prado, assistant secretary at the Philippine Statistics Authority. The figure indicated an annual increase of 55.4% from the 352.04 thousand metric tonnes level in the same period of 2023. Corn stocks inventory exhibited a month-on-month increase of 11.2% relative to its previous month's (February 2024) inventory level of 491.77 thousand metric tonnes. From March 2023's level, corn stocks inventory in the commercial sector recorded an annual increase of 92.7%. On the other hand, corn stocks inventory in households declined by 44.4%. Relative to the inventory level in February 2024, the volume of corn stocks in the commercial and household sectors registered month-on-month increases of 12.1% and 3.7%, respectively. About 90.2% of March 2024's total corn stocks inventory were from the commercial sector, while the remaining 9.8% were from the households. - Philippine Stastics Authority Sometimes, youre in bed and the glow from your smart rings optical heart rate sensor creeps into your peripheral vision. It got me thinking about how Samsung (and potentially Apple) will join the smart ring market, and why thats a terrible idea. You see, these companies want devices that make their presence known in your life, embedding themselves in your routine. But smart rings blend into the background on purpose, which limits how much you can, or will want, to do with them. Back in February, Samsung announced the Galaxy Ring, a health-tracking wearable baked into a ring. When it launches later this year, it will continuously monitor your sleep, breathing, movement and reproductive cycle. Entirely coincidentally, Im sure, Bloomberg reported Apple was also conducting investigations into its own smart ring platform. Both companies are not-so secretly gunning for the Oura Ring, the market leader in finger-worn wearables. And Ive been testing one of these for a long while. Oura tracks your sleep, temperature, activity, post-exertion recovery and menstrual cycle. Its a marvel of engineering to get so much technology into such a small and elegant package. The downside, if you can call it that, is theres no way to access the data the ring collects, or its insights, unless you have a phone on hand. But heres the thing: Its not that often I find myself actually opening the app to see what the stats are saying. If I wake up feeling like crap, theres normally a self-evident reason why that needs no further explanation. And on those rare occasions when I wake up and dont know why Im feeling bad, the last thing that would occur to me is to check my phone. Who wants to look at fine-grain data when your head is pounding and your eyes refuse to focus? That friction, that small gap between having the information there and it being easily accessible is a problem. Yeah, you can get a notification if your "Readiness Score" Oura's proprietary metric for overall health falls below a certain level. But Ive been using this thing for long enough that Ive never taken up the habit, and I suspect others would struggle to do so, too. Its nice to have that information on those rare occasions when Im thinking enough about it to look at my data over a longer period of time. But I cant imagine myself looking at this data once or twice a day. Its also not that useful for workout tracking, principally because you wont want to risk your $300 gadget in the gym. The first time I took it to work out, I picked up a pair of metal dumbbells, realized their knurled handles were rubbing against the metal of the ring and quickly took it off. Because theres no direct method of input, its far too easy to forget its there and not make use of its information. If youre all-in on using a ring to track your fitness because you wont wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker, and youre always checking your stats, then itll work for you. But, deep down, I prefer a watch with a display thats easy enough to check as a matter of instinct. And its this that I think should be a concern for Samsung and, potentially, Apple, as they look to move into this space. A smart ring caters to a niche inside a niche quantified self obsessives who refuse to wear a watch. They obviously believe thats enough of a draw to devote time and money to building their own, but Im not sure itll be a blockbuster. Not to mention these rings only have a few hooks to keep users inside their specific corporate bubble. Both Apple and Samsung have dedicated health-tracking apps and its likely whoever buys one of these will have one fewer reason to switch providers in future. But compare that to the watches, which offer health tracking, messaging, app interactions and mobile payments. Smartwatches are beneficial to these platforms because they help draw together various features from the phone. Rings do not. Perhaps this is another sight techs biggest players now just need to copy and destroy their smaller rivals rather than striving for new products. Smart rings cater to a small market, albeit one that big tech could dominate with very little time and effort. Especially given the strength of their relative brands, which means these devices will more or less sell themselves to diehard fans. But is that all a new product can be in 2024, and is that what we could or should expect these companies to be doing? Former couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's middle child Seraphina Rose Elizabeth recently introduced themself as Fin. Before reading a bible verse at the memorial service for their grandfather, their mom's dad, recently at Christ Church United Methodist in West Virginia, Seraphina introduced themself as Fin. "Hello. My name is Fin Affleck," they said. They also sported a new look with their buzz cut and black suit and tie. The 15-year-old went from sporting cute bangs, pigtails and colorful outfits as a kid to slowly cutting their hair short and wearing baggy clothes. Take a look at Seraphina's transformation through the years. In August 2018, Seraphina and their siblings, Violet and Samuel, joined their mom and posed for a group photo after Garner received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California. At the time, the "Elektra" star received the 2,641st star in the Motion Picture category. For the event, the then-9-year-old Seraphina wore a matching blue dress with everyone. Their hair was partly tied up, showing off their rosy cheeks. Meanwhile, in a photo posted online in 2022, Seraphina was spotted wearing an oversized polo over their olive green trousers. Their hair was also cut shorter. In February this year, Ben and Jennifer's child was first spotted with their freshly buzzed head in Los Angeles. The teen was spotted rocking a beige crewneck sweater, cargo-style denim pants, sneakers and an olive green backpack. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner's 15-year-old Seraphina debuts buzzcut on outing with mom https://t.co/wV6aZziv1V URBAN POP FAN (@UrbanPopFan) February 9, 2024 Most recently, the older sibling of Samuel was seen sporting an oversized black graphic shirt, cargo shorts, silver accessories, sneakers and mismatched socks. At the time, they were spotted to be coming from school before meeting their mom at a nail salon in Los Angeles. Seraphina Affleck, 15, rocks oversized T-shirt, cargo shorts while meeting mom Jennifer Garner at nail salon https://t.co/eJMsulMEVe 360MediaX (@360mediaX) April 11, 2024 Affleck and Garner entered a co-parenting set-up with their three children after they separated in 2015, after 10 years of marriage, and finalized their divorce in 2018. Seraphina, now Fin, was born after Violet, 18, their eldest. Their third and youngest child, Samuel, is now 12. Liza Minnelli has been spotted in public for the first time in nearly a year. Photos published by the Daily Mail and The Sun showed the 78-year-old "Cabaret" star looking frail while being helped out of a car and into a wheelchair outside her home in Beverly Hills, California, on April 4. In one snap, Minnelli appeared to close her eyes as she was being wheeled into her residence. Despite this, she was reportedly in "decent spirits" during the sighting, the Daily Mail said. Minnelli had just returned home after enjoying a night out with pals, according to the outlets. The Oscar winner sported full makeup, an all-black outfit, jewelry, and her signature pixie cut. Cabaret star Liza Minnelli, 78, is seen all glammed up as she arrives at her Beverly Hills home after spending an evening out with friends https://t.co/71vUcWIF6F pic.twitter.com/nbN4i9ycBN Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) April 7, 2024 Before this outing, Minnelli was last photographed in public in June 2023 when she was spotted at a restaurant in West Hollywood. Minnelli has battled many health problems over the past three decades and has largely withdrawn from the public eye in recent years. She was previously treated for addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs following the death of her mother, Judy Garland. In 2000, Minnelli suffered a serious case of viral encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that may cause weakness, partial paralysis, and speech and hearing issues, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. While doctors predicted at the time that she'd spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair, the Hollywood legend was able to recover and get back on stage, Variety reported. However, the star's health issues did not stop in the following years, with Minnelli suffering polyps on her vocal cords and having to get two hip replacements and a kneecap replacement. She fell onstage in 2007, causing her to undergo jawbone reconstruction, and broke her wrists in 2013, according to The Sun. Minnelli once again had to undergo surgery in 2014 when she broke her lower back after a dog jumped on her. In 2022, she made a surprise appearance at the Oscars, joining Lady Gaga on stage to present the best picture award. Minnelli's appearance at the time shocked fans, with some claiming she looked frail and confused. Minnelli's former publicist Scott Gorenstein, who made the moment possible, told the New York Post at the time that the stage legend was "living her best life, not having to be in front of the cameras." "She's been under tremendous pressure her entire life to perform for audiences. The past couple of years have allowed her to relax and enjoy another phase of her life," Gorenstein added. He explained that Minnelli agreed to come out and appear at the 2022 Academy Awards because he said it would be a "historic" moment. During an interview with People published last month, Minnelli opened up about turning 78 on March 12. "I am so grateful for all the good wishes and all the love that comes my way. Not only on my birthday, but always," she said. "I wish I knew how to act my age. But kids guess what, I have never been this damn old! Just keep going baby, that's the secret!" Mexican drug lord Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known as El Chapo, is reportedly experiencing loneliness while serving time behind bars. In a handwritten letter obtained by CBS News, the ex-leader of the Sinaloa cartel addressed the federal judge who oversaw his case asking for his wife and daughters to visit him in the United States Penitentiary Florence the supermax prison facility where he will stay for the remainder of his life. Guzman, 67 who once escaped from a maximum-security prison via bribery in 2001 is in the process of serving a life sentence plus 30 years following his 2019 conviction of continuing a criminal enterprise. RELATED: Mexican Authorities Arrest 6 Men After Harrowing Machete Murders In Cancun The kingpin filed a letter Friday, which was translated to the court, which read, "I'm sorry to bother you to ask that you authorize a visit from my wife and bring the girls as well," he wrote to the Brooklyn judge, per the New York Post. Last year, his wife of over 15 years, Emma Coronel Aispuro, transitioned from prison to a halfway house, which commonly occurs due to good behavior ahead of release. She was sentenced to three years in 2021 after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. In addition to her jail time, Aispuro, 34, was also ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in fines. The kingpin noted that the court's opposition to her visits due to the fact that "she could pass threatening messages" were "ridiculous" seeing as though all their visits are recorded. RELATED: O.J. Simpson Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer, Undergoes Chemotherapy "I don't see why my wife shouldn't be given permission to visit me and also bring the girls," he wrote, per the Post. "Your Honor, Guzman is asking as a favor that you allow his wife to visit," he wrote, referring to himself in third person. "She is the only person who would be able to do so, since his sisters and mother do not have travel visas allowing them to go to Colorado to visit Guzman." The couple share two daughters; Emali Guadalupe and Maria Joaquina. In January 2023, Guzman sent an SOS to Mexico's president citing harsh prison conditions, including isolation and lack of sunlight, per CBS News. Megan Thee Stallion stunned viewers with her latest magazine cover, stripping down for 'The Body Issue' of Women's Health Magazine. The rapper, born Megan Pete, bore all on Wednesday magazine's debut, where she spoke about her workouts, her "period of transformation," and her "Hot Girl Summer" ready body. Despite admitting to being "that girl," Megan, 29, reveals how hard it is to get up and work out early in the mornings, saying she has to "mentally prepare." RELATED: Nicki Minaj's Husband Kenneth Petty Goes Viral After Updating Sex Offender Registry Photo "I'm like, 'I can stay here for another hour, or I can get up and go work out and be a bad b****',' " she begins. "If I want to be a stallion and not a pony, I got to get up and put in the work." Per the publication, Megan gets her sweat on anywhere from four to five days a week in Pilates class, at the gym, or at the beach with her fitness trainers Tim Boutte and Emory "Joc" Bernard. Megan often goes viral for her quick-witted and detailed workout voiceovers explaining booty-burning workouts, using resistance bands, fiery ab sets, and other fitness secrets. "Working on myself made me get into working out because I needed to focus my energy somewhere else," she stated in the interview. "I used working out to escape and to get happy," she explained, which has since become a lifestyle for the Houston, Texas, native. RELATED: Nicki Minaj And Husband Ordered To Pay $500,000 After Alleged Backstage Assault In Germany After Megan was shot by Canadian rapper Tory Lanez in 2020, Megan endured physical health issues, with bullet fragments in her feet and being left unable to walk. However, even after healing her body, her mental health began to suffer. "A lot of people didn't treat me like I was human for a long time," she explained. "I watched people build me up, tear me down, and be confused about their expectations of me. As a Black woman, as a darker Black woman, I also feel like people expect me to take the punches, take the beating, take the lashings, and handle it with grace. But I'm human." The "WAP" rapper has since found a balance, using every morning to journal, meditate, pray, enjoy self-care beauty sessions, play with her dogs, and listen to music. She's come to terms with "ending relationships that no longer serve her" as well as undergoing therapy. The Grammy Award winning artist is currently making music that is "true to herself," and is currently promoting her interview with 'Women's Health' magazine on YouTube. From: Doyle Glass -- History to Life For Immediate Release: Dateline: Dallas , TX Thursday, April 11, 2024 The Special Operations Executive (SOE), also known as Churchills Secret Army or The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, was a British organization that operated during World War II to support local resistance movements and fight against the Axis powers. The SOE was formed in 1940 by Prime Minister Winston Churchill to use irregular warfare, such as espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance, to change the course of the war. The SOEs mission was to set Europe ablaze by helping resistance movements, conducting espionage, and sabotaging enemy-held territories. I have been interested in the history of the SOE and the brave men and women who served. My upcoming book about agent Robert Benoist delves into the history of the SOE from the perspective of one who served. I have learned some interesting stories and had access to documents from that time. Here is a page from one of them. #ministryofungentlemanlywarfare #BritishIntelligence #SOE New impact report estimates that almost 2 million more tourists visited the Wild Atlantic Way in 2023 than in 2013 The Wild Atlantic Way drives 3billion in revenue per year, an increase of 58% in 10 years 35,000 additional tourism jobs supported on the Wild Atlantic Way in 10 years Over 380 Irish tourism businesses pitch to over 240 international buyers over two days at Failte Irelands flagship trade event, Meitheal Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin and Failte Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism Ireland, mark the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way today at Meitheal, the largest and most important trade event for the Irish tourism industry. The Wild Atlantic Way, the hugely successful tourism brand developed by Failte Ireland in response to the global financial crash, was launched to the tourism industry at Meitheal in 2014, and over the last decade has become a globally recognised tourism brand and has provided an economic engine for the west of Ireland. According to a new report launched today, nearly 2 million more visitors visited the Wild Atlantic Way in 2023 compared with 2013. Tourism is now worth 3billion per year on the Wild Atlantic Way, an increase of 59% on 2013, and this growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region. Speaking at Meitheal, Catherine Martin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said: This year, Meitheal is particularly special as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way. Ten years ago, a vision for the future of tourism in Ireland was launched, a route that stretched for 2,500 kilometres along our rugged Atlantic Coast. This is now a household name and cements Irelands reputation as a must-visit tourism destination, and I commend Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland on their work in driving this success over the last 10 years. For a small island, we have a huge amount to offer from world-class scenery, hospitality, activities, attractions, culture, heritage, and food. It is fantastic to see so many businesses at Meitheal this year to showcase the richness of our tourism offering to these international buyers and tour operators. Speaking about the impact of the Wild Atlantic Way and developing a future pipeline of tourism business, Paul Kelly, CEO of Failte Ireland, said: We are proud to mark the 10th anniversary of the Wild Atlantic Way at Meitheal this year and reflect on a brand that has had a truly transformative impact on the economy of the west coast. The Wild Atlantic Way generates employment and revenue for businesses and communities from Malin Head to Kinsale, and continues to be a key motivator for domestic and international visitors. Tourism is now worth 3billion per year to the region. This growth has contributed to the creation of an additional 35,000 jobs in local communities, with tourism now supporting 121,000 jobs across the region. Domestically, the Wild Atlantic Way is our most popular region with 51% of all domestic tourism revenue being generated there. When we compare this internationally, based on the most recent data available, we see that inbound travel to Ireland grew by 45% between 2013 and 2019, well above the Northern European average of 25%. And the Wild Atlantic Way was a key contributor to this success with overseas visitor bednights in the region growing by 60% across this period. Failte Ireland has invested significantly in the tourism product on the Wild Atlantic Way over the last decade, supporting the industry to create a truly unique offering that inspires visitors to stay longer and spend more. It is all the more special to celebrate this occasion at Meitheal, where the brand was originally launched to the tourism industry ten years ago. The international buyers at Meitheal this week will experience first-hand the depth, breadth, and quality of the Irish tourism product, both on the Wild Atlantic Way and our other regional brands Irelands Ancient East, Dublin and Irelands Hidden Heartlands, and I have no doubt they will leave Meitheal 2024 with many new additions to itineraries and countless reasons to sell Ireland to their clients. Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: The landscape and culture go back millennia, yet its 10 years since the Wild Atlantic Way was launched as a route, with credit due to our partners in Failte Ireland, local government and communities. At Tourism Ireland, weve loved making the Wild Atlantic Way famous overseas! We captured behind-the-scenes interviews with the stars of Normal People, Banshees of Inisherin and Star Wars, as they filmed along the route, inspiring screen tourism. Tourism Ireland has co-produced 22 food and travel focused TV shows highlighting the Wild Atlantic Way, reaching 450 million in viewership around the world, with hosts like Donal Skehan and John Torode. Bringing journalists to experience the scenery, heritage and culture along the route has led to coverage in publications like The Guardian, The New York Times and National Geographic, adding up over the years to an equivalent advertising value of over 1 billion euros. As we mark 10 years, well be showcasing what the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer across 14 markets around the world, through a mix of TV, digital and social channels. We invite everyone to get involved in this special birthday, sharing their favourite photos of the route to wish Happy 10th Birthday to Irelands #WildAtlanticWay. Meitheal, which has been running since 1975 gets underway today at the Gleneagle INEC in Killarney, Co.Kerry, will see over 380 Irish tourism partners pitch to 241 international buyers and tour operators from around the world. Throughout this week, international buyers have been experiencing first-hand the tourism product of Ireland ahead of attending Meitheal. Tourism experiences from across Irelands Hidden Heartlands, the Wild Atlantic Way, Irelands Ancient East, and Dublin, were included on bespoke itineraries designed by Failte Ireland with the objective of showcasing the best of the Irish tourism offering and showcasing the unique holiday experience that awaits visitors to Ireland. Jump to top When word came out of Texas on April 1 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, known as HPAI or bird flu which is a 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 disparate 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 Feb. 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, FERN, 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, APHIS, 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. These systems 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 eggsrefinances the entire tottering enterprise every 10 years or so? Having arrived at the land they purchased from the government and established a temporary campsite, the family of settlers had to deal with a trio of priorities immediately. The failure, adequately, to address any of the three would likely result in a level of disastrous consequences that could force them to abandon their well-laid plans and head back east. The first of these was clearing away enough of the gigantic trees which solidly shaded their property to allow light to come in so that their plantings could grow. Next was the planting of crops. The settlers had planned to arrive at their destination in the early spring so that the seeds they brought with them could be planted in time to take maximum advantage of the areas limited growing season. If those seeds failed to take hold and grow into harvestable crops by autumn, the family could face starvation. And the third priority was shelter, not only for them but for their animals as well. Even though it was now April, the start of winter could be as little as six months away. The poor temporary campsite they were currently using would offer virtually no protection from snow or extreme cold. Without some kind of permanent structure, the chances of surviving a harsh winter were bleak at best. The clock was ticking. It was time to make tough choices decisions, decisions, decisions. Clearing land Because there simply was no time to cut down the vast number of trees whose solid canopy blocked out most of the sunlight that would be needed for crops, most settlers started out by girdling a limited number of trees. This involved taking the felling axe and cutting off a tall strip of bark completely around the trunk of the tree. This deprived the tree of necessary nutrients, causing it to die shortly thereafter. In his memoirs published in 1917, Civil War Major General David Sloane Stanley, a U.S. Medal of Honor recipient, described the clearing of the land by Wayne County, Ohio settlers. Stanley, whose family had been among the very first settlers in the Ohio Country, provided what is considered to be one of the most descriptive and accurate accounts of many aspects of pioneer life in this part of the nation, and his writings will occasionally be referred to in this series. Stanley wrote: The clearing of the land in those days embraced the deadening of the forest by girdling the big timber, grubbing out all the bushes less than six inches in diameter, and cutting down and burning or removing all saplings up to 10 inches. After the first clearing, the heavy deadened timber remained, Stanley wrote, adding, The huge trees dotted over the field, their bare bodies and naked limbs had a most dismal effect, and in the dusk of the twilight or in the dim light of the moon had most dismal and ghostlike appearance. The removal of this huge crop of dead trees was a giant task. Planting So, with the leaves having fallen from the huge dead trees, the small scrub and saplings removed and some semblance of sunlight coming in, it was time to plant crops. That, however, was no small feat because the soil was solid with the roots of the trees that had been cleared. In order to get any seeds at all into the ground, the planter had to employ a device called a dibble. A dibble was basically a sharpened piece of wood or iron that was used to penetrate the surface of the ground to open a hole for seeds to be planted. They could be just a sharpened straight piece of wood or something more ergonomically correct such as an L-shaped piece of wood with an iron tip on it. Some dibbles were made by blacksmiths and incorporated handles. Hundreds of dibble shapes and lengths are known. As for running a plow, well, the tangle of roots made that next to impossible. The type of plow used the first plows ever to turn the soil of the region were known as breaking plows. These were plows in their simplest form, typically made with a single tiller-type handle, at the end of which was a small, shovel-shaped iron blade. Some breaking plows were even more primitive than that, however, being little more than a heavy wooden post with a sharpened wooden wedge at the bottom and two holes bored for the reins of the animal pulling it. Even a breaking plow, however, could do little more than scratch a shallow furrow into the topsoil of the woods because of all the roots just beneath the surface. Stanley recorded his thoughts on such plowing, noting, The first cultivation was done amid stumps, roots and huge deadened trees. The land was [considered] very thoroughly grubbed where the plow could run ten feet without meeting a stump or root. The plowman, he wrote, was jerked about by the handles of the plow until his motion resembled a rope dancer [a type of marionette]. And one could not decide which most needed pity: the soreness of the cowboy or the necks of the wretched horses or oxen. Stanley noted that oxen were the best choice for plowing new lands as their slow gait suited better the handling of the plow amongst the roots. It is the time of year when many SWCDs are busy preparing for Envirothon. It is the opportunity to encourage and nurture the love of our natural resources within students and to show the students how the disciplines of STEM and the environment all connect in some amazingly awesome way. It also serves as a way to raise awareness as to the importance in finding a way to balance the worlds need for quality of life while at the same time maintaining and improving the quality of our environment. What is Envirothon? The Envirothon is North Americas largest high school environmental competition. Started in 1979 by the Pennsylvania soil and water conservation districts as the Environmental Olympics, its purpose was to encourage high school students to become aware of environmental issues and concerns and choose careers to continue their work in environmental matters. The program continued to grow and now more than 50,000 students from across North America annually compete fulfilling the mission of the National Conservation Foundation to educate and prepare conservation leaders for the sustainability and regeneration of our natural resources. In order to accomplish this mission, our SWCDs work diligently to meet several goals of Envirothon: 1. Promote a passion to learn more about the environment by ensuring students have the knowledge and skill set to apply to natural resource management so that they can then resolve complex environmental concerns; 2. Promote the stewardship (a word found in many of our SWCD mission and vision statements) of natural resources and encourage students to cooperatively work together using critical thinking and sound decision-making to achieve and maintain a balance of quality of life and the environment. 3. Through hands-on outdoor experiences, academic study and collaborative competitions, Envirothon encourages students to become actively aware of the importance of our environment and natural resources and to grow into environmentally pro-active citizens. Teams consisting of five high school age (14-19 years old) students from participating public and parochial schools, FFA chapters, home study groups and environmental clubs begin studying well in advance of the event. They use hard copy, web-based or electronic media resource guides created by their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and materials provided by their volunteer advisors, usually teachers, to train for the Envirothon. Studies have shown that many students learn best and absorb more when they have a hands-on experience and Envirothon is that kind of experience. Envirothon so gives students the opportunity to learn about natural resources outside of the classroom. It gives students a chance to learn about natural resources that we sometimes take for granted. These students are not afraid to get their hands dirty in a soil pit, wander around in a forest to measure the basal areas of a tree, get wet in a stream identifying critters known as macroinvertebrates, track wildlife and learn of their habits. Students also learn of and work to resolve a current environmental concern. This year our current environmental issue is Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future. How can you get involved? As a student, talk with your science teacher or environmental club advisor and form a team. It is never too early in your academic career to get involved and it is never too late to learn more either. You do not have to be a student to get involved. There are plenty of sponsorship opportunities at the local, state and national competitions. You can also volunteer your time, talent and/or funds. Envirothon is an opportunity for students to earn scholarships to further their education at universities and trade schools and earn certifications in a variety of careers. Students have gone on to work in agriculture which is vitally important to our world, they have become scientists, engineers, teachers, doctors and lawyers all working for the betterment of their communities. It is our responsibility today, though, to ensure our young people succeed in their academic pursuits. Many soil and water conservation districts provide much of the funding for the Envirothon, but we are always looking for environmentally-minded sponsors who share our strong environmental ethic in protecting and preserving our natural resources for generations. Consider calling your nearest Soil and Water to see how you can help build our future through Envirothon. We thank you! CANFIELD, Ohio Congratulations to the 2024 Mahoning County Junior Fair Board Officers who were elected at the March meeting: President Kaleigh Williams, Vice President Grace Maltonic, Secretary/Treasurer Channing Toy, Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Abbie Mellott and News Reporter Ashlynn Mason. Members signed up to assist with the 2024 Ohio Dairy Palooza on April 20 on the Canfield Fairgrounds. The Junior Fair Board will meet again on April 18, in the Colonial Inn on the Canfield Fairgrounds at 7 p.m. STRASBURG, Ohio The Happy Harvesters 4-H Club had a meeting March 17 at the First Lutheran Church of Strasburg. Create with 4-H day was fun for everyone who attended. Community service projects included the Strasburg Lions Club sock drive in which socks were delivered to the Lions Club and distributed to several homeless shelters. During Ohio 4-H week, the club donated a gift basket to the staff at the extension office to thank them for their contributions to the 4-H community. LONDONDERY TOWNSHIP, Ohio The Londonderry Lads and Lassies 4-H club met Feb. 27 and elected officers: president, Sam Gray; vice president, Will Baird; secretary, Lexi Fehr; treasurer, Lilly Bonnell; news reporter, Emily Harris; health reporter, Nora Bonnell; safety officer, CJ Powell; and recreation, Emmalyn Fehr and Evan Miller. HANOVERTON, Ohio The Hicks and Hayseeds 4-H Club met April 2. Some members worked on the clubs silent auction donation. Vice president Logan Wood began the meeting with pledges, the secretary took roll call and read the previous meetings minutes, and the treasurer gave her report. Important meetings and clinics were announced and demonstrations followed. Quinn Sperlaza made trail mix, Weston Hoopes showed how to make deviled eggs and Kaitlynn Hoopes tie-died a shirt. The meeting wrapped up with refreshments. For more information about 4-H, call Audrey Dimmerling at 330-870-1165. A number of priorities have been set out by Defra to ensure farmers on Dartmoor are better supported to produce food while protecting important habitats. The government has published its official response to the independent review of protected site management on Dartmoor, which was released in December. Undertaken by David Fursdon, the review called for a complete overhaul of policy and practice while painting a damning picture of the impact of past policy and practice on the moor. It determined that Natural England had "not responded successfully" to the challenges of working within Dartmoor. Now the government has responded, with a key recommendation being the creation of a Land Use Management Group (LUMG). This would aim to encourage positive working relationships and help farmers deliver for food production, the environment and wider public goods, Defra said. The LUMG will be set up later this year and run for two years, with Defra appointing an independent chair who will be supported by a secretariat provided by the Dartmoor National Park Authority in the day-to-day running of the group. Defra has also set out its ambition to make it easier for land managers to understand site designations and associated requirements, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Responding to the recommendations, the NFU said it was vital that it was included in the development of the LUMG to ensure actions were "successfully impacted on the ground". NFU south uplands chair, Mat Cole said: As someone who farms on Dartmoor every day, I am pleased with the well thought out recommendations from Defra for the future of protected sites. "It is evident that food production, alongside environmental delivery and the range of public goods farmers provide across Dartmoor, has been considered. The success of the LUMG depends on farmers voices continuing to be heard, particularly as we transition to new environmental support schemes. "It is also critical that Defra has continued oversight of Natural Englands relationships with stakeholders to ensure a positive way of working. We look forward to working with the government further on the vision for Dartmoor. Farmers are part of the solution, and we can work together to produce food, boost biodiversity and look after the environment. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said Defras support for the review would help reset relationships between Natural England and farmers on Dartmoor. But Victoria Vyvyan, CLA President said the industry needed more commitment from Defra that the reports suggestions would be taken forwards. "We welcome the establishment of a Dartmoor Land Use Management Group but await details of how it will operate. "Defra are asking farmers to put a lot of faith into SFI 2024 when the details are not yet available. Until government provides more specific information on SFI2024, and commits to a wider review of SSSI legislation, rural businesses in Dartmoor and beyond will continue to operate in an uncertain and challenging environment. David Fursdon, chair of the review which was released in December, said he was pleased to see the government supporting many of the recommendations in the review. He said: "Those responsible for the future of Dartmoor and its special features need to come together now in an open and transparent way to discuss the practical steps necessary to restore and enhance this special place. "This will require careful management, properly funded. This is their chance. They may not get another. Protecting domestic food production in future trade deals and an increased agriculture budget are included in NFU Scotland's new political manifesto. The union has set out its priorities for the inevitable general election this year in a manifesto [PDF] issued to all political parties. The document sets out specific requirements that Scottish agriculture "will need to help meet its full potential". These include increased, ring-fenced and multi-annual funding for the agriculture budget, and for parties to improve producer margins to increase food security. The manifesto also calls for better access to skilled workers, increased fiscal incentives for farmers and more protections for domestic food production in future trade deals. Launching the manifesto, NFU Scotland President Martin Kennedy said farmers in Scotland needed more commitments from the next UK government. "We need the full support of all prospective Scottish MPs who should all be championing the interests of Scottish agriculture," he said. There are fundamental issues that are reserved to the UK government, such as trade, migration, and internal market issues. Top of the list is the fundamental need to deliver increased, ring-fenced and multi-annual funding. The next parliamentary term will be pivotal for Scotlands farmers and crofters. This NFU Scotland manifesto sets out specific commitments that Scottish agriculture requires to meet its full potential. "Securing these commitments from the next UK government would take us a long way towards our goal of a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture. NFU Scotland has confirmed it will hold an event for MPs at Westminster on 16 April. The government's newly announced Farming Recovery Fund has been heavily criticised for locking too many flood-stricken farmers out from applying to it. Defra opened the new fund earlier this week to support farmers who had suffered uninsurable damage to their land due to flooding this winter. Under the scheme, farmers can access grants of between 500 and 25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before flooding due to Storm Henk. However, the NFU said there were already 'major issues' with the fund's eligibility. According to the union, some farmers who suffered catastrophic impacts were told by the Rural Payment Agency (RPA) that they were not eligible for the fund. This was mainly due to the fact that some of their affected areas were more than 150 meters from main rivers. The NFU said these included farmers with 90% of their land saturated or underwater, and huge damage to buildings and equipment. We are taking this up with Defra urgently," said NFU vice president, Rachel Hallos. "I cannot believe this is what ministers intended when they launched the fund, which was a welcome and well-intentioned development which seems to have been fundamentally let down in the detail. "While the impact of the weather goes far beyond Storm Henk, this could have been a good start but, as it stands, it simply doesnt work. Relentless heavy rain since October 2023 has left vast swathes of agricultural land saturated and in many cases still under water, with many arable farmers unable to plant crops and losing those that were in the ground. The rain, combined with unseasonal low spring temperatures, is also having a major effect on livestock farmers, with a bleak attrition rate for lambs born this spring already clear. Who is eligible for the fund? The grant is to support the cost of recultivating and reinstating agricultural land that was flooded due to notably high river levels between 2-12 January 2024, caused by Storm Henk. The Rural Payments Agency is administering the fund on behalf of Defra, with landowners or tenant farmers who occupied eligible land parcels at the time of Storm Henk able to claim 130 per hectare for recultivation work. Eligible farmers can access grants of between 500 and 25,000 to return their land to the condition it was in before exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk. The eligible counties and rivers announced at this time are listed below: Gloucestershire River Severn, River Thames and River Avon Leicestershire Rothley Brook, River Wreake and River Soar Lincolnshire River Witham, River Brant, River Welland, River Ancholme Nottinghamshire River Trent, River Devon and River Soar Somerset River Brue, River Exe, River Parrott and River Tone Warwickshire River Avon and River Leam West Northants River Nene and River Gt Ouse Wiltshire River Avon (Hants), River Avon (Bristol), River Kennet, River Thames, River Bourne and River Wylye Worcestershire River Severn, River Teme and River Avon Counties under review at this stage are Berkshire, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, Norfolk and Derbyshire. The RPA is contacting those landowners and tenant farmers that they believe are eligible having used satellite imagery and river gauge level data to work out which land parcels were flooded between 2-12 January 2024. The following criteria will also be taken into account when contacting those eligible: Eligible agricultural land parcels must be located within 150m of the midpoint of a named river within specific counties. Land will not be eligible if it is in a designated flood storage area. Land parcels included under the Countryside Stewardship scheme that have flood resilience options (SW12, 15 and 16) claimed are not eligible. Land parcels must be registered as agricultural land in the Rural Payments service. Smart dogs succeed in different intelligence tasks. Smart dogs can perform well in all tasks Researchers in Hungary got more than 100 pooches for various tasks that tested key skills including memory, learning and problem-solving. The cleverest canines scored highly across the board - in a similar manner to how smart pupils at school are able to master all subjects. Scientists say that it is the first time that the "general intelligence" or "g factor" phenomenon has been found in dogs. Professor Eniko Kubinyi, study author at Eotvos Lorand University, told MailOnline: "The study suggests that the structure of cognitive abilities in dogs is similar to that of humans. "Dogs have a general intelligence that influences their performance on a range of cognitive tasks in a similar way to humans." The "g factor" is linked to better academic and workplace performance for people but brainy dogs are able to fend for themselves effectively and help humans during times of crisis. Jennifer Aniston still gets nervous on the red carpet. Jennifer Aniston still gets nervous on the red carpet The 55-year-old actress shot to fame as Rachel Green in the NBC sitcom 'Friends' in the early 1990s and has gone on to achieve huge success in Hollywood but admitted that all these years later, she is still not completely comfortable making public appearances. Asked if she still gets nervous ,she told People: "Always. Always. Right now, literally in this chair." The 'Marley and Me' star - who appeared alongside Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry on 'Friends' - recalled the early days filing her signature role and described it as a "magical" time. She said: "Oh, everything was the most exciting thing on the planet. It was just magic. Nothing was not exciting. And its still exciting, but weve had more experiences. Weve learned more lessons. Theres a little more behind us." Jennifer had been struggling to make it in Hollywood until she had a chance meeting with television executive Warren Littlefield in a gas station, who recommended her for the part in 'Friends'. But when the 'Morning Show' actress was asked what advice she would give her younger self, she admitted that she wouldn't be so focused on "making it" big as she remembered her first acting appearance in a school Nativity play at the age of 11. Discussing when she first caught the acting bug, she said: "Probably when I was onstage for the first time when I was about 11. I was in a Nativity play, and I played the archangel. From that moment on I caught the bug. "That feeling when it wasnt about making it but just workingmaintain that." Jerry Harris has been ordered to pay restitution of more than $136,000 to his victims. Jerry Harris is in jail The 'Cheer' star was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July 2022 after reaching a plea deal in December 2020 and admitting to receiving child pornography and engaging in interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual acts with a minor under the age of 15, and it has now emerged he's also been told to hand over sums totalling $136,348.76 to his five minor victims, with the oney "due immediately". According to documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, one of the victims will collect $124,348.76, while the others will receive $3,000 each. If the 24-year-old reality star can't pay the lump sum now, 10% of his future earnings will be taken from his pay cheque. It was previously revealed that Harris - who is not scheduled to be released form Jail until January 2031 - will also pay out $35, 000 to the AVAA crime victims fund and he has also now been ordered to pay $10,000 to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. When he is eventually released from prison, the Netflix personality will be on supervised release for eight years, must register as a sex offender and will not be allowed to own a firearm, or possess or use controlled substances. He is also forbidden to "knowingly meet or communicate" with any of his victims Harris previously told the court he regretted his decisions and apologised to the victims, adding: I am ashamed as I know that I took advantage of your youth and weakness. I was wrong and selfish. I caused you harm and I do not blame anyone. He was arrested in September 2020 after the FBI raided his Naperville, Illinois home and charged him with producing child pornography. Harris' lawyers said at the time their client wanted to take responsibility for his actions and publicly convey his remorse for the harm he has caused the victims. His lawyers also told how their client had been sexually abused as a child in the world of competitive cheerleading. The statement said: There being no safe harbour to discuss his exploitation, Jerry instead masked his trauma and put on the bright face and infectious smile that the world came to know. As we now know, Jerry became an offender himself as an older teenager. Authorities in Illinois previously explained the investigation was kicked off when the cheerleader allegedly contacted an underage youth via a social media app and "repeatedly enticed him to produce sexually explicit videos and photographs of himself", despite being told in their first exchange that the alleged victim was just 13 years old. Ireland imported 4.65 per cent of its apparel from Vietnam in 2023, as it was the sixth-largest apparel supplier for the country. Irelands apparel imports from Vietnam were valued at $117.090 million, while its inbound shipment of the product totalled $2,519.263 billion in the previous year. According to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro, Ireland had imported apparel from Vietnam worth $118.734 million in 2022. It is notable that the imports decreased by 10.34 per cent to $71.248 million in 2020. After that, they jumped by 53.39 per cent to $109.288 million in 2021, and further increased by 8.64 per cent to $118.734 million in 2022. Before COVID, the inbound shipment was noted at $79.469 million in 2019 and $64.082 million in 2018. In 2023, Ireland imported 4.65 per cent of its apparel from Vietnam, valued at $117.090 million, making Vietnam its sixth-largest supplier. Despite a fluctuating trend in previous years, Ireland's apparel imports from Vietnam showed a consistent pattern of recovery post-COVID. Additionally, Vietnam was Ireland's second-largest supplier of leather goods. However, Irelands imports of home textiles were limited to $5.062 million in 2023, which was 1.61 per cent of its total home textiles, valued at $315.210 million in the same period. The imports of home textiles by Ireland from Vietnam increased by 7.36 per cent in 2023 over the imports of $4.715 million in 2022. Its imports continued to rise until 2021 but slumped in 2022 and then recovered in 2023.Vietnam was also the second-largest supplier of leather apparel and accessories to the country. In 2023, Ireland imported products worth $50.384 million from the partner country, which was 17.54 per cent of its total exports of leather apparel and accessories, amounting to $287.200 million, as per TexPro. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today announced a plan to boost domestic manufacturing and economic growth by offering aid to key industries and incentives for clean energy. He attributed the need for that to global uncertainties and disruption. The government will introduce a Future Made in Australia Act in the next few months that will combine new and current initiatives, he told the Queensland Media Club. Australian PM Anthony Albanese today announced a plan to boost manufacturing and economic growth by offering aid to industries and incentives for clean energy. A 'Future Made in Australia Act' will be introduced soon combining new and current initiatives. The initiatives will include competition reform, boosting renewables and making better use of resources. The initiatives will include competition reform, boosting renewables and other infrastructure, and making better use of Australian resources, he said. "This is not old-fashioned protectionism or isolationism; it is the new competition," he said without divulging the cost that is to be incurred. "This means looking at how government procurement can support small business and local manufacturing, as well as sustainability and the circular economy, he said. Citing schemes in the United States, the European Union, Japan and South Korea that involve direct government investments, tax breaks or other incentives, the prime minister cautioned Australia must offer the same or risk losing industries. All these countries are investing in their industrial base, their manufacturing capability and their economic sovereignty, he said. While Australia cannot compete dollar for dollar with the massive US economy, an approach similar to that employed by the United States would nonetheless benefit the domestic economy, he said. The prime ministers announcement has been welcomed by several quarters, including the Smart Energy Council, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Science and Technology Australia. Opposition leader Peter Dutton, however, said the plan is unachievable and is peddling false hope. It is positive news that the Federal Government has plans to back its vision with a substantial policy agenda, putting renewable energy at the centre of our economic future, Clean Energy Council chief executive Kane Thornton said. The highlighted areas of hydrogen, green metals and advanced clean energy manufacturing and assembly are genuine opportunities for Australia to expand, grow and diversify our economy centred around clean energy and create further demand for a large and skilled clean energy workforce, he added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has led to significant supply chain disruptions along the US East Coast. However, contrary to expectations, this event has not triggered an increase in ocean freight container shipping rates, according to the latest data from Xeneta, a leading ocean freight rate benchmarking and market intelligence platform. As of Monday, the average spot rates for shipping containers from the Far East to the US North East Coast, including Baltimore, have experienced a slight decrease of 1 per cent since the bridge's collapse on March 26, currently standing at $5,421 per FEU (40-foot shipping container). Furthermore, when considering other key ports on the US East Coast such as New York and New Jersey, the rates have seen a 3 per cent decline in the same timeframe. The trend extends beyond routes from the Far East, with average spot rates for cargo from North Europe to the US North East Coast witnessing an 8 per cent drop to $2,357 per FEU. For wider US East Coast ports, the rates have fallen by 4 per cent. Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, significant supply chain disruptions have been reported along the US East Coast, yet ocean freight rates have not risen as expected, according to data from Xeneta. There was a slight decrease in shipping rates from the Far East and North Europe to the US North East Coast. In response to the bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore has been proactive, announcing plans to open a 280-feet wide and 35-feet deep federal navigation channel by the end of April. This interim solution precedes the anticipated reopening of the permanent 700-feet wide and 50-feet deep channel by the end of May, which is expected to restore the port's access to its normal capacity. Despite the bridge collapse not affecting freight rates as might have been expected, Patrik Sand, chief analyst at Xeneta, warned that importers into the US East Coast might face further challenges in 2024 due to looming labour negotiations. The current six-year contract between the International Longshoremens Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, representing port terminal operators and ocean carriers on the East Coast, is set to expire on September 31. With no new agreement in sight, the stability of future shipping rates and supply chain operations could be at risk. Peter Sand, Xeneta chief analyst, said: Spot rates have not reacted but that doesnt mean shippers with cargo heading to Baltimore are not affectedon the contrary they are seeing containers arriving at ports they were not expecting. The majority of containers will now be handled at New York or New Jersey because many of the ships originally bound for Baltimore would have been stopping there anyway, which is perhaps why we havent seen an upwards impact on rates. Ocean freight container shipping rates may not have increased following the bridge collapse, but this incident is yet another problem for shippers to handle on top of all the other disruptions impacting supply chains at the moment, including the ongoing diversions in the Red Sea region and drought in the Panama Canal. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) Indonesia aims to finalise its trade pact with Sri Lanka by next March, anticipating a year of negotiations to close the deal successfully. Media reports maintained this, adding discussions on preferential trade agreement (PTA) have already commenced, focusing on the work plan and draft agreement text, with further substantive chapters to be addressed in subsequent rounds. According to a statement from the Indonesian Trade Ministry, both countries are striving to conclude negotiations by the end of 2024, with a signing target set for March 2025. The second round of talks is slated for June 19-20 in Colombo, concentrating on the agreements text concept and market access. Indonesia is seeking to sign trade pact with Sri Lanka by next March while hoping that one year of negotiations is enough to close the deal. Both the countries have agreed to formally discuss the preferential trade agreement (PTA) already. Unlike PTA, FTA is more ambitious in nature and usually aims to remove tariffs across all or most of the goods. Deputy Trade Minister of Indonesia Jerry Sambuaga highlighted that the PTA serves as a precursor to a broader free trade agreement (FTA), aiming to eventually eliminate tariffs across various goods even as the PTA launch ceremony emphasised its significance as a stepping stone toward deeper economic integration. Indonesia foresees enhanced access for key exports like palm oil, paper, and fatty acids in the Sri Lankan market through the PTA. Bilateral trade data indicates a positive trend, with trade valued at $369.7 million in 2023, marking a 17.61 per cent increase from the previous year. Indonesia has consistently maintained a surplus with Sri Lanka over the past five years, with a surplus of $283.5 million recorded in 2023. The bilateral trade portfolio includes Indonesian exports of petroleum, paper, cartons, tobacco, and coal to Sri Lanka, while knitted fabrics and tobacco processing machines are among Indonesias top imports from the South Asian nation, as per the Trade Ministrys data. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR) Jr NTR is reportedly preparing to travel to Mumbai to shoot several action sequences for Hrithik Roshan starrer War 2. According to some reports, the actor will join the crew in Mumbai on April 11 and may start shooting right away. A leading media website states that the actor will be in Mumbai to shoot an important sequence for a span of 10 days. The report also notes that Jr NTR will directly join Hrithik Roshan for filming the crucial scene. The movie reportedly is intense and full of action sequences. It may have a plot that Jr NTR has not explored as an actor before. CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / April 10, 2024 / Tocvan Ventures Corp. (the "Company") (CSE:TOC)(OTCQB:TCVNF)(WKN:TV3/A2PE64) is pleased to announce it has arranged a non-brokered private placement with a lead order from an institutional investor (the "Investor"). The Company has executed a term sheet in connection with a $1,500,000 private placement with the Investor (the "Institutional Offering"). In addition, the Company will complete a concurrent private placement for up to $750,000 to other eligible investors (the "Non-Brokered Offering"), for an aggregate issuance 6,428,571 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.35 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $2,250,000 (with the Institutional Offering and Non-Brokered Offering collectively referred to as the "Offerings"). Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share of the Company (each a "Common Share", and each Common Share comprising part of a Unit being a "Unit Share") and one (1) share purchase warrant (each whole share purchase warrant, a "Unit Warrant"), with each Unit Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (a "Unit Warrant Share") at a price of $0.50 per Unit Warrant Share, for a period of thirty six months from the date of issue (the "Expiry Date"). The net proceeds of the Offerings will be used for various work programs, including drilling, annual concession fees for the Company's flagship Pilar Gold Silver property in Sonora, Mexico and general working capital purposes. The Company may pay finders a fee in cash and/or share purchase warrants under the Non-Brokered Offering. The first tranche of the Institutional Offering for gross proceeds of $1,500,000 is expected to close on or before April 22, 2024, and will consists of the issuance of 4,285,714 Units. Use of Proceeds The proceeds of the raise will go towards the advancement of the Pilar and Picacho Au-Ag projects in Sonora, Mexico. With a primary focus on the second cash payment for the expansion acquisition around Pilar (see News Release October 18, 2023) and accelerating the permitting and drilling initiatives leading towards resource development. Notes On the Offerings Closing of the Offerings is subject to several conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange", or the "CSE"). Up to 2,857,142 of the securities issued in connection with the Offerings will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation in Canada as well as the required legend under applicable U.S. securities legislation. Up to 3,571,429 securities issued in connection with the Offerings will be issued under the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions for the Offerings, and the Unit Shares, Unit Warrants and Unit Warrant Shares will not be subject to restrictions on resale. There will be an offering document related to the Offerings that will be available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and at www.tocvan.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision. The proceeds from the Offerings will be used for general working capital. The Company may pay finders fees and finder warrants to eligible finders. The Company will have full discretion under the Non-Brokered Offering to allocate funds under the listed issuer financing exemption or other available exemptions. The Units issued to the Investor under the Institutional Offering will be subject to the terms of an escrow agreement. The Company will receive $62,500 per month from the closing date of the Institutional Offering over the next 24 months. The Offering structure is an extension of the private placement structure previously disclosed by the Company in its news releases dated June 30, 2022 and March 29, 2023. The Investor will receive a corporate finance fee of $105,000, payable via the issuance of 300,000 Common Shares and related Warrants on the terms noted above. The Existing Shareholder Exemption and Investment Dealer Exemption The Non-Brokered Offering is also made available to existing shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on April 10, 2024, held common shares of the Company (and who continue to hold such common shares as of the closing date), pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in Alberta Securities Commission Rule 45-513 - Prospectus Exemption for Distribution to Existing Security Holders and in similar instruments in other jurisdictions in Canada. The existing shareholder exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the existing shareholder exemption exceeding the maximum amount of the financing, the Company intends to adjust the subscriptions received on a pro rata basis. The Company has also made the Non-Brokered Offering available to certain subscribers pursuant to the investment dealer exemption. In accordance with the requirements of the investment dealer exemption, the Company confirms that there is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed. Any participation by insiders of the Company in the Offerings will be on the same terms as arm's-length investors. Depending on market conditions, the gross proceeds of the Offerings could be increased or decreased. The participation of any directors or officers of the Company in the Offerings will constitute a related-party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions) and the policies of the Exchange. For any such participation, the Company will be relying upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively, of MI 61-101 on the basis that the Company is not listed on a specified stock exchange and, that at the time the Offerings are agreed to, neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction insofar as it involves an interested party (within the meaning of MI 61-101) in the offerings, will exceed 25 percent of the Company's market capitalization calculated in accordance with MI 61-101. About Tocvan Ventures Corp. Tocvan is a well-structured exploration and development company. Tocvan was created in order to take advantage of the prolonged downturn in the junior mining exploration sector, by identifying and negotiating interest in opportunities where management feels they can build upon previous success. Tocvan has approximately 43 million shares outstanding and is earning into two exciting opportunities in Sonora, Mexico. The Company has consolidated an attractive land position at its Pilar Gold-Silver Project where it holds 100% interests in over 21 square kilometers of prospective area and a majority ownership (51%) in a one square kilometer area shared with Colibri Resources. The Company also holds 100% interest in the Picacho Gold-Silver project in the Caborca Trend of northern Sonora, a trend host to some of the major gold deposits of the region. Management feels both projects represent tremendous opportunity to create shareholder value. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words and phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others, risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business, the Company's formative stage of development and the Company's financial position. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: TOCVAN VENTURES CORP. Brodie A. Sutherland, CEO 820-1130 West Pender St. Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4 403-829-9877 bsutherland@tocvan.ca The Howard Group Jeff Walker VP Howard Group Inc. 403-221-0915 jeff@howardgroupinc.com This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. SOURCE: Tocvan Ventures Corp View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2024) - American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 22,500,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $4,500,000. The Offering will now be conducted by way of (i) a private placement pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106") to qualified investors in all the provinces of Canada, and (ii) otherwise in those jurisdictions where the Offering can lawfully be made including the United States under applicable private placement exemptions. As previously disclosed by the Company, the Offering is fully subscribed. The Company anticipates the Offering will be completed on or around April 16, 2024. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development on the Company's Palmer Project, Madison Project, other mineral exploration and development projects, and for general corporate purposes. The Company may pay a finder's fee in connection with the Offering to eligible arm's length finders in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as a Finder in connection with the Offering. This Offering is being conducted under the listed issuer financing exemption as per Part 5A of NI 45-106 As a result, the securities issued will not be subject to a hold period under the prevailing Canadian securities laws. A Third Amended and Restated Offering Document dated April 10, 2024, related to this Offering is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on www.americanpacificmining.com. Potential investors are advised to thoroughly review the offering document prior to making any investment decisions. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. "United States" and "U.S. person" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act. About American Pacific Mining Corp. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer and developer focused on opportunities in the Western United States. The Company has two flagship assets: the Palmer Project, a Volcanic Massive Sulphide-Sulphate (VMS) project in Alaska, under joint-venture partnership with Dowa Metals & Mining, owner of Japan's largest zinc smelter; and the Madison Project, a past-producing copper-gold project in Montana. For the Madison transaction, American Pacific was selected as a finalist in both 2021 and 2022 for 'Deal of the Year' at the S&P Global Platts Global Metals Awards, an annual program that recognizes exemplary accomplishments in 16 performance categories. Also, in American Pacific's asset portfolio are high-grade, precious metals projects located in key mining districts in Nevada, USA, including the Ziggurat Gold project, partnered with Centerra Gold and the Tuscarora Gold-Silver project. The Company's mission is to grow by the drill bit and by acquisition. On Behalf of American Pacific Mining Corp. Board of Directors: Warwick Smith, CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada Investor relations contact: Kristina Pillon, High Tide Consulting Corp., 604.908.1695 / Kristina@americanpacific.ca Media relations contact: Adam Bello, Primoris Group Inc., 416.489.0092 / media@primorisgroup.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-looking Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the completion of the Offering and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205016 SOURCE: American Pacific Mining Corp. PERTH, Australia, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the resounding success of our first Future of Mining event in Perth last year, we are looking forward to an expanded and enhanced iteration this year. FOM Perth last year saw some 1,500 delegates through the doors to soak up two days of industry leading content within two streams from 70+ speakers, tackling the foremost technology, sustainability and energy-transition challenges and opportunities. Set to take place over June 17-18 at the Pan Pacific, FOM Perth 2024 will build on that success with an expanded and enhanced content program that will welcome an even longer roster of industry experts to share their knowledge and experience. This year, the conference will explore and analyse the key themes of technology innovation, energy transition, culture change, and supply chain management over two central streams. But in what promises to be an intellectual feast, the event will also run workshops and roundtables on the fringes of the conference, focused on discrete subject areas supported by our partners. Our growing list of partnering organisations includes Intel, Cisco, Hitachi, Weir, Orange Business, Telstra, AMEC, Unearthed and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) and the agenda can be found here. The event has also attracted some of the leading mining players in the industry, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Vale, Glencore, Fortescue, South32 and Newmont. This industry-leading content program is expected to draw some 250 delegates, 100 speakers, and 1000 mining executives to the Pan Pacific in mid-June to grow their knowledge, improve their decision making, and network with a range of mining stakeholders from interstate and overseas, who have flown in to immerse themselves in the Perth mining community. As in 2023, FOM will be co-located with the Perth leg of our Select mining finance series - another success story. MiningNews Select Perth hosted 30+ mining juniors last year who presented and took one-to-one meetings with a pool of 250+ investors, and rubbed shoulders with the MiningNews.net and Mining Journal editorial teams. This year, MiningNews Select and the entire Select finance series will also benefit from a partnership with Rule Investment Media and the Rule Symposium, which has seen investment legend Rick Rule take an active role in the agenda and content from exhibiting juniors distributed to Rule Investment Media's 80,000-strong retail investment community. Delegates to both conferences will have access to the corresponding agendas and exhibition space, giving birth to a cross pollination of intellectual and networking possibilities, as investors are introduced to high-level operational discussions to inform their capital allocation, and large corporates and service providers scan the next generation of developers and miners for opportunity. For information about attending or partnering with us in this landmark event, please contact Bilal Azmat, Head of Marketing at bilal.azmat@aspermont.com. Event Details and Registration Future of Mining Perth - https://www.future-of-mining.com/fomperth MiningNews Select Perth - https://www.miningnewsselect.net/mnsperth About Aspermont: Aspermont is a global media group that is the established leader in the delivery of paid content and conferences across all areas of the mining and energy industries. With leading publishing brands such as Mining Journal, Mining News, Mining Magazine and Australia's Mining Monthly, and the successful Events including Future of Mining Series, Mining Journal Select and more, Aspermont is at the forefront of the industry developments and is a well-recognised and respected brand. Aspermont is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange and quoted on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. It is also quoted on Tradegate and other regional German exchanges. The company has offices in the UK, Australia, Brazil, USA, Canada, Singapore and the Philippines. Media Contact: Bilal Azmat Head of Marketing, Aspermont bilal.azmat@aspermont.com +44 208 187 2308 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aspermont-is-announcing-future-of-mining-perth-unveiling-innovations-sustainability-and-industry-growth-302110423.html LONDON, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the spirit of partnership and shared commitment to global Humanitarian advancement , Ambassador Nobel C.K. McWhorter, American businessman/philanthropist & the McWhorter Foundation, extend a request to Prince William of Whales. This collaboration request aims to address the critical redirection of global defense expenditures, currently estimated by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) to approach $2 trillion annually, towards pressing humanitarian needs. The call for this monumental shift in priorities builds upon McWhorter's "Proclamation Of Peace," issued earlier April 10, 2024. The proclamation made a compelling case for an immediate ceasefire and dialogue in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for peace and the protection of civilian lives amidst escalating tensions. Recognizing the power of unity and collective action, McWhorter invites Prince William to join forces in a mission that transcends traditional boundaries. This mission seeks to reevaluate and repurpose a significant portion of global military spending to combat illness, hunger, homelessness, and to foster sustainable development across the globe. Key Initiatives Include: Global Ceasefire and Support for Civilians: An emphasis on diplomacy and humanitarian aid over military solutions in conflict zones, safeguarding the lives and rights of civilians. An emphasis on diplomacy and humanitarian aid over military solutions in conflict zones, safeguarding the lives and rights of civilians. Strategic Reallocation of Resources: Advocating for a global reassessment of fiscal priorities, proposing that nations redirect a portion of their defense budgets towards health, education, and social services to tackle the root causes of global instability. Advocating for a global reassessment of fiscal priorities, proposing that nations redirect a portion of their defense budgets towards health, education, and social services to tackle the root causes of global instability. Unified Leadership for Change: Leveraging the business insights and influence of both C.K. McWorter and Prince William to inspire and mobilize international action. This leadership aims to cultivate a legacy of peace, equity, and human dignity. Ambassador Nobel C.K. McWhorter states, "In recognizing our shared humanity and the equal value of every life, this initiative calls us to steward our resources with wisdom and compassion. Together, we have the opportunity to forge a path towards lasting global harmony." The McWhorter Foundation looks forward to engaging with Prince William, global leaders, and communities worldwide to advance this transformative action. By reimagining our priorities, we can unlock unprecedented potential for human development and peace. Disclaimer, Disclosure & Legal Notice: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. It is not intended to provide specific recommendations, endorsements, or investment strategies. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Regulatory Considerations: This press release is not intended to constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offers, sales, or purchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations. McWhorter Foundation has not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and may operate under exemptions. Any investment decisions should be made in consultation with appropriate legal and financial advisors, considering the individual circumstances and objectives of potential investors. Forward-Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or suggested by any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory and legal developments, market conditions, and the outcome of negotiations. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2501615c-57b3-44cf-b1ab-52e62adad507 CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Market by Materials (Active Anode Materials and Anode Binders), Battery Product (Cell and Battery Pack), End-Use (Automotive and Non-Automotive), and Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America) - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to grow from USD 12.0 billion in 2023 to USD 46.5 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 31.2% during the forecast period. The lithium-ion battery anode market is experiencing a surge, fueled by two key trends. First, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is driving a massive demand for lithium-ion batteries, and anodes are a critical component. Second, industrial applications are increasingly adopting lithium-ion batteries for their efficiency and clean energy benefits. Further accelerating this growth are strategic moves by industry leaders, including collaborations and manufacturing expansions happening across the globe. This confluence of factors paints a bright picture for the future of the lithium-ion battery anode market. Browse in-depth TOC on "Lithium-Ion Battery Anode Market" 150 - Tables 100 - Figures 180 - Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=147095907 The synthetic graphite of lithium-ion battery anode market, by materials, is expected to be the largest market from 2023 to 2028. While boasting superior purity (>99%) and uniformity compared to its natural counterpart, synthetic graphite, derived from pitch and coke, comes at a premium - three to four times the cost. Despite the price difference, its well-defined structure facilitates smoother lithium-ion movement, enabling faster charging and higher reliability. These performance advantages make synthetic graphite the preferred choice for specialty applications within the lithium-ion battery anode market, even during the forecast period. The automotive end-use segment is accounted for the largest share in the global lithium-ion battery anode market during the forecast period. The automotive sector is a key end-use for the lithium-ion battery anode market. This is due to the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) - all of which rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. As competition in the EV market heats up, manufacturers are constantly striving for better battery performance. This focus on operational excellence translates to a growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, and consequently, their core component - the anode. In essence, the surging adoption of electric vehicles and other battery-powered transportation solutions is propelling the lithium-ion battery anode market forward. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=147095907 Europe lithium-ion battery anode market is projected to grow at the second largest. Europe stands out as the world's number two consumer of lithium-ion battery anodes by value. This robust market is fueled by the growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) within the region. Government incentives and funding play a crucial role in promoting EV adoption, which in turn, translates to a significant need for lithium-ion batteries and their key component, the anode. This focus on clean and sustainable transportation solutions positions Europe as a major player in the lithium-ion battery anode market. Some of the leading players in this market include Ningbo Shanshan Co., Ltd. (China), Jiangxi Zhengtuo New Energy Technology (China), Resonac Holdings Corporation (Japan), POSCO FUTURE M (South Korea), Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (Japan), and SGL Carbon (Germany) among others. Browse Adjacent Market: Equipment Machine and Tooling Market Research & Consulting Related Reports: Battery Materials Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/lithium-ion-battery-anode-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/lithium-ion-battery-anode.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lithium-ion-battery-anode-market-worth-46-5-billion-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302112865.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Troy Minerals Inc. ("Troy" or the "Company") (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) is pleased to announce the addition of Simon Sefzik to its growing advisory board, further enhancing the company's strategic insights and expertise, particularly in the United States. Mr. Sefzik brings a wealth of experience in public policy and governance, having served as the youngest state senator in Washington state - appointed to the State Senate in 2022, (representing the 42nd Legislative District), where he served on the Senate Housing, Health, and Higher Education & Workforce Development committees. During the Trump administration, Mr. Sefzik gained a wealth of experience in the White House where he served as a Department of Intergovernmental Affairs intern, assisting the Vice President's COVID-19 Response Taskforce, and in the White House Management Office as an employee within the Executive Office of the President (EOP). "We are thrilled to welcome Simon to our advisory board," said Rana Vig, President and CEO of Troy Minerals. "His unique blend of policy expertise, government experience and political connections, will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of the mining industry in the United States and pursue our strategic objectives of advancing our highly perspective Vanadium project in the great state of Wyoming," he added. Prior to his political career, Mr. Sefzik distinguished himself academically, graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in American Politics and Policy Studies from Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia. His academic achievements were complemented by his involvement in varsity moot court competitions and his role as Director of Research for the George Wythe Review, an esteemed undergraduate public policy journal. In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Sefzik is actively involved in various non-profit organizations, including as a board member of Cascade Connections, the Bellingham Central Lions Club, and the Washington Policy Center Young Professionals Advisory Board. Continuing to advance its advisory board "brain trust", the Company is in ongoing discussions with several other highly qualified and distinguished candidates with proven track records and expects to make those announcements in the coming weeks. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, Rana Vig | President and Director Telephone: 604-218-4766 Email: rana@ranavig.com About Troy Minerals Inc. Troy Minerals is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company currently holds interest in four assets; The Lake Owen project (formerly SW2) is a highly perspective Vanadium, Titanium and Iron ore rich project that consists of 91 mineral claims located approximately 50km southwest of Laramie, Wyoming USA. The property is a one billion tonne plus target in a Proterozoic Layered Mafic Intrusive host with strong magnetite rich cumulates and accompanying V/Ti and Pt/Pd/Au/Rh-bearing sulfide horizons. The Lac Jacques project is a drive to project with close infrastructure located approximately 250km north of Montreal Quebec, Canada and is comprised of 17 claims totaling 994 ha. The Property hosts high grade REE mineralization at the surface in a structurally controlled and steeply dipping carbonatite dike up to 25 meters thick with multi-kilometer potential. The Green Gold project, in which the Company has the right to acquire 100% interest, is comprised of fourteen (14) mineral claims with an aggregate area of 11,238 hectares, is located in central British Columbia in the Cariboo Mining Division, approximately 34 kilometers (km) southwest of the city of Prince George. The Ticktock project, a 1,065-hectare property located within the prolific Golden Triangle region of British Columbia, Canada, lies 23km northwest of the historic Eskay Creek Mine and sits between the Enduro Metals Newmont Lake property and the Aben Resources Forrest-Kerr property. Forward-Looking Statements Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that maybe deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release,other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Troy Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always,identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of commodity prices, and continued availability of capitaland financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs,estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs,estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE: Troy Minerals Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com DENVER, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- REP, known for its innovative, high-quality gym equipment, is thrilled to announce its expansion into the European market. This strategic endeavor is set to revolutionize the availability of REP's products for home and commercial gyms across Europe. REP has successfully established a robust presence in the United States and other markets, including the UK, through partnerships with local distributors. The company's latest venture aims to replicate its direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, which has been a significant factor in its success in the US. To spearhead this expansion, REP is joining forces with two esteemed European fitness industry veterans, Fitness Engros from Denmark and Innovex Fitness from the Netherlands, which currently operate successful distribution networks in Europe. This partnership is poised to leverage the strengths of each party to establish a seamless DTC model that aligns with REP's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Ryan McGrotty, co-CEO of REP, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, saying, "We are excited to bring REP to our European customers. Our partnership with Fitness Engros and Innovex Fitness will ensure that we maintain our high standards of service and product quality. This expansion is more than just growing our reach; it's about making quality fitness equipment accessible to more people, enabling them to achieve their fitness goals with the best possible tools." Brian Andersen from Fitness Engros echoed that, saying, "Joining forces with REP is a monumental step in our journey. We've admired REP's commitment to quality and innovation, and we are thrilled to integrate our local expertise with their esteemed reputation. Together, we're set to redefine the fitness equipment landscape in Europe." Cees van Toor from Innovex Fitness added, "This partnership is a testament to the shared values and visions of REP and our team. We are committed to delivering an unparalleled customer experience, and with REP's innovative products and our market knowledge, we're excited to embark on this journey." The European expansion is a testament to REP's commitment to making top-tier fitness equipment accessible to a global audience. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, REP is set to make a significant positive impact on the European fitness industry enthusiasts, from newbies to professionals from home gyms to commercial facilities - just like REP has been doing in the USA for more than a decade. ABOUT REP FITNESS REP engineers and sells world-class, innovative strength equipment that is sold around the world. REP was founded in Colorado in 2012 by two brothers with a shared passion for fitness and has grown into a team of more than 200, with global distribution, offices, and manufacturing. That shared passion for strength is what drives REP's innovative spirit today, where creating class-leading fitness equipment is paramount. REP has been listed twice on the Inc. 5,000 fastest-growing companies - in 2018 (#450) and in 2021 (#962). REP products are frequently listed as top choices in many fitness publications, such as Men's Health. For more information about REP, visit For product overviews, reviews and more, visit REP's blog , YouTube Channel, Facebook, and Instagram. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2305735/Rep_Fitness_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rep-fitness-announces-expansion-into-the-european-market-with-a-direct-to-consumer-approach-302114158.html HONG KONG, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the globally renowned trading platform XTrend Speed announced the release of a brand new iOS version, aiming to bring users a more premium trading experience and comprehensive functional optimization. This upgrade primarily targets iOS users, focusing on enhancing the performance, stability, and user-friendliness of the trading platform. The new version of XTrend Speed has undergone comprehensive interface design optimization to better adapt to the operating habits of iOS devices, making trading operations more intuitive and convenient. Simultaneously, optimizations tailored to the performance characteristics of iOS devices have been made to improve trading execution speed and response time, providing users with a smoother trading experience. In addition to interface and performance enhancements, the new version also introduces some practical functional modules to assist users in making better trading decisions and risk control. Furthermore, comprehensive improvements have been made to the stability of the iOS system, enhancing the stability and reliability of the app, providing users with more reliable guarantees for their trading operations. This upgrade not only focuses on the usage habits and preferences of global users but also extends from Hong Kong and Taiwan to the UK and Spain. XTrend Speed is committed to providing global users with a more personalized and efficient trading experience. Through interface optimization, performance enhancements, and functional improvements, the new version will better meet the trading expectations of global users, further strengthening XTrend Speed's commitment to global users. XTrend Speed has always been dedicated to providing users with the highest quality trading experience, and this iOS version upgrade is another testament to XTrend Speed's ongoing efforts. Users can immediately download the latest version of XTrend Speed from the App Store to experience the convenience and surprises brought by the new features and optimizations. About XTrend Speed XTrend Speed is a leading online trading platform dedicated to providing global investors with premium financial services and personalized investment solutions. Through advanced technology and a professional team, it offers customers an efficient and secure trading environment, empowering them to succeed in the financial markets. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384512/banner.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xtrend-speed-ios-version-upgrade-ushers-in-a-new-era-of-trading-experience-302114167.html Erinnern Sie sich, als Moderna und BioNTech von unbekannten Unternehmen zu globalen Marktfuhrern wurden und fruhzeitige Investoren reich belohnt haben? Die Branche steht vor einem erneuten Innovationsschub von bahnbrechenden Medikamenten bis hin zu revolutionaren Therapien. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Sie sollten jetzt in Biotech-Aktien einsteigen, weil wir am Beginn einer neuen Ara der medizinischen Innovation stehen konnten! Gen- und Zelltherapien, personalisierte Medizin und bahnbrechende Technologien konnten das Gesundheitswesen revolutionieren und die Aktienkurse in die Hohe schieen lassen. Die nachste Erfolgsgeschichte im Biotechbereich warten nur darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Wer jetzt investiert, hat die Chance, von gigantischen Durchbruchen und enormen Renditen zu profitieren. Warten Sie nicht, bis es zu spat ist - der nachste Biotech-Superstar konnte morgen schon durchstarten! Verpassen Sie nicht diese Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Biotech-Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 3 Biotech-Aktien das riesige Potenzial haben, Ihren finanziellen Erfolg zu sichern. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen zukunftstrachtige Investments im Biotech-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Former Minister Chris Skidmore OBE DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Conservative party is 'playing at culture wars,' on climate whilst rolling back critical policy commitments which he himself signed into law, former Minister Chris Skidmore declared today. 'If you look at the decision on the row back on net zero, that's incredibly short-term thinking,' Skidmore declared, when asked about Rishi Sunak's 'knee-jerk' approach to green issues in an episode of the leading sustainability podcast Conversations on Climate released today. 'It's just bad economicsand blatantly going against the policies that are needed and have been set out by the UN, the Paris Agreement, and the IEA.' Not my party any more In a remarkably frank and wide-ranging interview, the former Conversative MP for Kingswood and Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth spoke at length about his disillusionment with a government in which he held a number of top positions. 'The current iteration of the Conservative Party is not the Conservative Party I became a Member of Parliament with,' he told host Chris Caldwell, CEO of clean energy firm United Renewables. 'You can see a number of the difficulties it is facing because some of the MPs I simply wouldn't recognise, back in 2010, as being Conservatives. They would have been in UKIP.' Resignation clears the way to back Labour on climate policy When asked about his resignation in January, Skidmore insisted that 'there had been a number of signals where I voiced my disgust at the rollback on our climate commitments,' prior to the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill. 'I said this was going to be the biggest mistake of Rishi Sunak's premiership.' Skidmore - who has quit politics for a Professorship at the University of Bath - was then asked by Caldwell about Labor's future green election pledges, including the U-turn on 28 billion in clean investment spending. Whilst he suggested Starmer should 'never have set out a figure,' the former Conservative announced that 'I still think the Labor position of having a mission-based approach to the green transformation is the right one... if we could come back to having that moratorium on new oil and gas licenses it would be really important for the future, and that's why I support the Labour position on this.' Conversations on Climateis a United Renewables production hosting the most important voices in environmental debate today. This episode, featuring Chris Skidmore OBE, is available now for viewing in two parts. Both episodes can be found here. To discover more about the podcast and tune in to the latest episodes, visit the United Renewables website. About United Renewables: United Renewables is at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, dedicated to providing diverse green energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The company is committed to fostering sustainable futures, reducing global carbon footprints, and empowering businesses and communities through innovation and environmental stewardship. About the Conversations on Climate Podcast: United Renewables' Conversations on Climate podcast, now in its third season, offers enlightening insights on climate change. The podcast combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience, covering topics from leadership to green innovations. Season 3, developed in collaboration with the London Business School Alumni Energy Club, provides a roadmap for professionals navigating the climate conundrum. For the latest episodes and updates, subscribe to the Conversations on Climate Channel on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify. For all related articles. Conversations on Climatebrings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Guests include Sir Andrew Likierman, Julio Dal Poz, Professor Jean-Pierre Beno it , and Professor Ioannou. Tara SchmidtProfessor Dan CableProfessor Zoe ChanceProfessor Lynda GrattonTom GoslingEduardo Famini SilvaDr. Linda YuehYariv CohenFrancois Ortalo-Magn e Professor Randall PetersonMatt WinningAbel Martins AlexandreDr. Marcel OlbertProfessor Rupert MersonCostas MarkidesProfessor Brian CaulfieldCT Greenbank Contact Information: Isabella Hawke - Sales and Marketing Consultant United Renewables Phone: +447624457139 Email: IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk Web: unitedrenewables.co.uk A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3629ed9-5b4a-4d86-97f6-a20539efa3a4 Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV: DRY) ("Dryden Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company was approved for a CAD $200,000 grant from the government of Ontario under the Ontario Junior Exploration Program ("OJEP"). The OJEP program is designed to promote exploration with Junior Explorers in Ontario. Eligible companies can receive up to $200,000 per project to cover up to 50% of the exploration costs of a program. This grant will be used by Dryden Gold on the Gold Rock Camp exploration program. Maura Kolb, President of Dryden Gold states, "The OJEP is a great program for Junior Explorers like us! The additional funding from the Ontario Government allows us to do more on the ground exploration which is needed to make new discoveries in Ontario. We are very appreciative of being awarded the maximum funding of $200,000 which goes towards our exploration of the Gold Rock Camp, near Dryden Ontario". Minister of Mines George Pirie said, "Through our government's investments in exploration, we are supporting the most critical part of the supply chain and strengthening our mining industry so we can capitalize on this generational opportunity to fuel the future. Our plan, backed by strategic investments like this one, will help drive economic development, secure domestic supply chains and create jobs across the province, especially in northern and Indigenous communities." Dryden Gold is committed to sustainable exploration in Northwestern Ontario, using local talent and services to explore for high grade gold mineralization. ABOUT DRYDEN GOLD CORP. Dryden Gold Corp. is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition and consolidation, exploration success, and mergers and acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominant strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold acknowledges all Indigenous Peoples and that it is operating on the traditional homelands of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Eagle Lake First Nation. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys First Nations support and proximity to an experienced mining workforce. For more information go to our website www.drydengold.com. CONTACT INFORMATION Trey Wasser, CEO email: twasser@drydengold.com phone: 940-368-8337 Maura Kolb, M.Sc., P. Geo., President Email: mjkolb@drydengold.com Phone: 807-632-2368 Ashley Robinson, Investor Relations Email: ir@drydengold.com X: @DrydenGold Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the acquisition of the Property, receipt of corporate and regulatory approvals, issuance of common shares; future development plans; future acquisitions; exploration programs; and the business and operations of Dryden Gold. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could affect actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements including, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in Dryden Gold's and the Company's disclosure record. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Investors are conditioned against attributing undue certainty to forward--looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and Dryden Gold and the Company do not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Actual events or results could differ materially from Dryden Gold's and the Company's expectations or projections. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204984 SOURCE: Dryden Gold Corp. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiary, Desert Fox Mineral Mountain Co. ("Desert Fox"), are pleased to provide an update on its 100% owned Mineral Mountain porphyry copper property (2,692.4 ha) located in the Mineral Mountain Mining District, Arizona. The Mineral Mountain project is located on a northeast trending, regional scale, porphyry copper belt that hosts some of the largest porphyry copper deposits in Arizona including Santa Cruz and Resolution. The project is located approximately 25 kilometers ("km") (15 miles) southwest from Rio Tinto and BHP's giant Resolution porphyry copper-molybdenum deposit and approximately 25 km northeast of Taseko's Florence porphyry copper deposit. Highlights: Three distinct areas of higher positive chargeability located within a larger 18 milliradians ("mrad") chargeability anomaly have been identified. These areas of higher chargeability are interpreted to represent three potential porphyry copper centers. Target #1, located in the central portion of the property, has been discussed in several previous news releases. Targets #2 and #3 are located northeast and southwest of Target #1 respectively. The Plan of Operations submitted to the Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") contemplates drill testing the chargeability signature of Target #1 and Target #2, each with a 1,000-meter-deep hole. An Environmental Review ("ER"), as required pursuant to the National Environmental Protection Act, ("NEPA"), and Solicitation of Public Comments on the Plan of Operations must be completed prior to receiving a final decision from the BLM on the drilling permit. SWCA has been retained to assist Copper Fox to determine the scope and scale of the ER in conjunction with the BLM. Elmer B. Stewart, President, and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "The geological setting, geophysical signatures and porphyry footprint represents a compelling example of a buried porphyry copper target, like the giant Resolution porphyry Cu-Mo deposit. The chargeability and associated magnetic signatures are interpreted to represent early stage potassic alteration associated with significant bodies of sulphide mineralization at depth. Copper Fox is working diligently assisting SWCA to determine the scope and scale of the ER and public consultation process with the objective of obtaining the BLM's approval to conduct drilling operations." Update On Drilling Permit In response to the Plan of Operations to drill test Targets #1 and #2, the BLM have advised that: consistent with Federal and State surface management regulations, the filed Plan of Operations and Reclamation Cost Estimate meets the content requirements for the Plan of Operations. Solicitation of Public Comment on the Plan of Operations under 43 CFR 3809.411(c) is required. An ER pursuant to NEPA, the scope and scale of which must be agreed to by the BLM prior to commencing the field work. The Solicitation of Public Comment and ER must be completed before the BLM would decide to either approved or not approved the Plan of Operations. SWCA Environmental Consultants, an Arizona based firm specializing in environmental, regulatory, and natural and cultural resources management services, has been retained to act on behalf of Copper Fox to determine the scope and scale of the ER in conjunction with the BLM. Project Review Dr. Timothy Marsh, PhD., P.Eng., was retained to complete an independent review of the project data. Dr. Marsh has over 35 years of experience in the exploration of porphyry copper systems in Arizona. Dr. Marsh concluded: "The overlapping mineralogical, lithological, geochemical, and geophysical signatures at Mineral Mountain is most easily reconciled in a model where a Laramide age, copper-mineralized porphyry body is present beneath the heart of a region measuring 3400 meters by 1600 meters and apexing at a depth 400-500 meters below surface." Chargeability Targets The chargeability component of a geophysical survey measures the relative concentration of disseminated, vein and fracture-controlled sulphide minerals, such as chalcopyrite, bornite and pyrite. Figures 1 and 2 show the locations of three areas of higher chargeability (>20 mrads) at a depth of 600m below surface (designated Target #1, #2 and #3). These targets occur within the northeast trending chargeability anomaly (>14 mrads) that remains open below the +/- 600-700m level below surface. Figure-1: Correlation between copper values and interpreted porphyry centers. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2177/205002_0bf73749b443abc5_002full.jpg Figure-2: Correlation between molybdenum values and interpreted porphyry centers. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2177/205002_0bf73749b443abc5_001full.jpg Note: The contouring of the copper and molybdenum values was completed using Micromine software. Target #1 has been discussed in several news releases (see news release dated November 22, 2023) and displays a prominent "leakage" halo estimated to be approximately 1,200m long by up to 900m wide, characterized by abundant secondary copper mineralization, (malachite-chrysocolla-chalcocite-covellite) alteration patterns, intrusive rocks indicative of a buried porphyry copper system and strong associated molybdenum signature. Target #2 represents the top of a chargeability anomaly that is estimated to occur at 300m below surface and extends below the 600m depth of geophysical investigation. The chargeability signature (20 mrads) measures 1,300m by 1,000m within the larger open-ended chargeability signature. The surface geology consists of porphyritic quartz monzonite, granodiorite, and late stage granodioritic, hornblende dacite and aplite dikes. Secondary copper minerals (malachite-chrysocolla-chalcocite) hosted in quartz veins, quartz veinlets and in copper-hematite filled fractures occur along the northern and western portions of the target. The molybdenum signature in this target is restricted in extent and subdued compared to Target #1 and #3. Target #3 is a circular (300m by 300m) chargeability anomaly (>18 mrads) located at the southwest end of the project. This area is underlain by porphyritic and non-porphyritic fine and coarse-grained granodiorite, quartz monzonite and late-stage, hornblende dacite, granodiorite and aplite dikes. Alteration minerals (tremolite) suggest the inner portion of the propylitic zone. Secondary copper minerals (malachite-chrysocolla-chalcocite) hosted in quartz veins, quartz veinlets and copper-hematite filled fractures occur along the northern and western portion of this target. This target exhibits a strong molybdenite association with the copper mineralization. Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P.Geo., President, and CEO of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. About Copper Fox Copper Fox is a Tier 1 Canadian resource company focused on copper exploration and development in Canada and the United States. The principal assets of Copper Fox and its wholly owned subsidiaries being Northern Fox Copper Inc. and Desert Fox Copper Inc., are the 100% ownerships of the Van Dyke ISCR project, and the Mineral Mountain and Sombrero Butte porphyry copper exploration projects all located in Arizona, the 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited on the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project and the 100% owned Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project each located in northwestern British Columbia. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at www.copperfoxmetals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart President and Chief Executive Officer For additional information contact: Fidel Montagu at investor@copperfoxmetals.com or 1-844-464-2820 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding; a regional scale mineral trend; several chargeability targets; positive magnetic features; potential targets; Plan of Operation and planned exploration activities. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the chargeability targets may not represent porphyry centers, the chargeability targets may not contain significant porphyry style copper mineralization; the positive magnetic features may not be as interpreted; further exploration of the property may not be completed as planned or at all; the surface mineralization may not represent porphyry or supergene style mineralization; uncertainties relating to interpretation of the chargeability results; the Solicitation of Public Comment may not occur as planned or at all; the Environmental Review may not be completed as planned or at all; and the Plan of Operation may not be approved as contemplated or at all; the financial markets and the overall economy may deteriorate; the need to obtain additional financing and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205002 SOURCE: Copper Fox Metals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: HPSS) (OTCQB: HPSIF) (FSE: E092) ("Hybrid" or the "Company") a Canadian manufacturer of industrial, fuel-free power solutions, is pleased to announce the successful sale and delivery of initial purchase units to a global fibre internet provider in California. After months of rigorous testing, this client selected HPS' Batt Pack Energy as their preferred backup power solution with the intent to roll this solution out across various locations. This initial order represents an ongoing deployment of fuel-free backup power to the customer's key infrastructure and plays a vital role in the company's essential services department. "Providing reliable and clean power to numerous networking devices during power outages is essential for our customer's business continuity and safety measures," said Francois Byrner, CEO at Hybrid Power Solutions. "As power reliability becomes crucial for revenue generation, rapidly deployable backup power solutions are becoming indispensable in network operations." The Batt Pack Energy was originally designed for the mining sector, and is now used in transit, construction and military applications. Featuring a robust exterior for everyday use, the Batt Pack Energy features 3000W of continuous power and up to 6,000W surge capacity. With built-in shock and vibration resistance and a weatherproof design rated down to-30C (-22F), the Batt Pack Energy is engineered for reliable performance in extreme environments. "We are proud to support our customers with innovative and versatile power solutions that meet their critical operational needs," added Francois Byrne. "The deployment of our Batt Pack Energy units underscores our commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and sustainable power solutions for essential services." The Company also announces a renewal agreement with MIC Market Information & Content Publishing GmbH ("MIC") (Address: Gerhart-Hauptmann-St. 49b 51379 Leverkusen; email: contact@micpublishing.de; phone: +49 2171-7766628) for marketing services which will continue to May 30th, 2024 or until budget exhaustion. MIC will utilize their online programs with the aim of increasing investor awareness and interest in the company through various online platforms and methods of engagement in consideration of EUR 250,000. The marketing activity will occur by email, Facebook, and Google. MIC does not have any prior relationship with the Company other than previous marketing engagements and will not receive any shares of the Company as compensation. For further information, inquiries, or media opportunities, please contact: On behalf of the company Francois Byrne CEO and Director invest@hybridps.ca 1 (866) 549-2743 www.investhps.com About Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. is a Canadian clean energy company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HPSS". Hybrid specializes in the development of sustainable energy solutions, offering products that redefine how industries approach access to power and energy storage. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, HPS continues to lead the way in providing scalable, cost effective power solutions. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained herein constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "will", "will be", "intends", "expected" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205052 SOURCE: Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. According to FMI, The injectable drug delivery market is booming, driven by a surge in chronic diseases and a growing need for efficient treatment methods. Fueled by telemedicine integration and pharmaceutical innovation, reflecting a steady growth of 8.7% annually. This trend is pushing pharmaceutical companies to develop better devices for managing chronic illnesses, ultimately shaping the future of drug delivery. NEWARK, Del., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The healthcare industry is witnessing a significant shift in the way drugs are delivered to patients. Injectable drug delivery systems are becoming increasingly popular as healthcare professionals seek better ways to treat life-threatening diseases. According to industry analysis, the injectable drug delivery market is estimated to be around US$ 49.44 billion as of 2024. With the integration of telemedicine services in developed and developing parts of the world, the market is expected to grow even more. The market has witnessed steady growth due to this trend, with a projected CAGR of 8.70% through 2034. Pharmaceutical companies operating in the medical industry are capitalizing on the opportunity to create more efficient devices for treating chronic and age-related conditions. As chronic diseases continue to increase globally, the market's valuation is expected to reach an impressive US$ 113.87 billion by the end of 2034. The demand for more convenient and efficient drug delivery methods will continue to be a driving force for growth in this market in the upcoming years. Companies will need to keep innovating their offerings to keep up with this demand. Download the Sample PDF report to explore key market insights and trends: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-393 "With the rising incidences of chronic diseases in developing and developed parts of the world, companies involved in the injectable drug delivery market must curate product offerings that cater to diverse patient needs, enhance treatment adherence, and ensure efficient and precise drug delivery", says Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Key Takeaways from the Market Study The insulin pins segment dominates the injectable drug delivery market with an expected share of 50.50% in 2024. Based on the technology, the non-smart injectors segment leads the injectable drug delivery industry with an anticipated share of 83.80% in 2024. The injectable drug delivery industry in India is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9.50% through 2034. The injectable drug delivery industry in China is estimated to rise at a 10.10% CAGR through 2034. The injectable drug delivery industry in Brazil has the potential to increase at 9.80% CAGR through 2034. The United Kingdom injectable drug delivery industry is predicted to rise by 8.80% CAGR through 2034. The injectable drug delivery market in Japan is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% through 2034. Competitive Landscape The injectable drug delivery market is constantly evolving, with innovations and methodologies entering the market regularly. International companies are investing billions of dollars in developing new devices and medical procedures for the healthcare sector, which is likely to result in an upward trend in the market. Domestic companies are developing devices according to their country's specific needs. For instance, Japan-based companies are developing products to address the healthcare needs of their aging population. Recent Developments: February 2024 - Silo Pharma, Inc. successfully delivers SP-26 Ketamine Implant for fibromyalgia and chronic pain treatment. Silo Pharma, Inc. successfully delivers SP-26 Ketamine Implant for fibromyalgia and chronic pain treatment. January 2024 - Kindeva Drug Delivery launches a new global business unit, offering analytical support for the pharmaceutical and medical device sector. - Kindeva Drug Delivery launches a new global business unit, offering analytical support for the pharmaceutical and medical device sector. October 2023 - Stevanato Group S.p.A. introduces on-body drug delivery platform, Vertiva, at PDA Universe and CPhI Barcelona. - Stevanato Group S.p.A. introduces on-body drug delivery platform, Vertiva, at PDA Universe and CPhI Barcelona. August 2022 - UNC School of Medicine scientists develop long-acting injectable rifabutin for tuberculosis treatment, demonstrating in vivo efficacy. Purchase now and gain full access to the Injectable Drug Delivery Industry report, featuring comprehensive Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives. About the Author: Sabyasachi Ghosh (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) holds over 12 years of experience in the Healthcare, Medical Devices, and Pharmaceutical industries. His curious and analytical nature helped him shape his career as a researcher. Identifying key challenges faced by clients and devising robust, hypothesis-based solutions to empower them with strategic decision-making capabilities come naturally to him. His primary expertise lies in areas such as Market Entry and Expansion Strategy, Feasibility Studies, Competitive Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation. Holding a degree in Microbiology, Sabyasachi has authored numerous publications and has been cited in journals, including The Journal of mHealth, ITN Online, and Spinal Surgery News. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Healthcare Domain: Injectable Drug Market by Monoclonal Antibody and Immunoglobulin, Forecast, 2024-2034. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Monoclonal Antibody and Immunoglobulin, Forecast, 2024-2034. - Microneedle Drug Delivery Systems Market by Product, End-user & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Product, End-user & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Injection Pen Market by Product, Indication, Distribution Channel, Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Product, Indication, Distribution Channel, Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Injectable Benzodiazepine Market By Drug Class, Time of Action, Indication Distribution Channel & Region - Forecast to 2022-2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. By Drug Class, Time of Action, Indication Distribution Channel & Region - Forecast to 2022-2032. Drug Delivery Technology Market By Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Intra-arterial, Subcutaneous route, Transdermal Route, Inhalation Route, and Nasal Drug Delivery. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. By Oral Route, Parenteral Route, Intramuscular, Intravenous, Intra-arterial, Subcutaneous route, Transdermal Route, Inhalation Route, and Nasal Drug Delivery. - Drug Designing Tools Market by Solution, Application, End User & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. by Solution, Application, End User & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Drug Discovery Enzymes Market by Active Kinases, Ubiquitin, Epigenetic, Methyltransferases, Deacetylases, Phosphodiesterases, and Other Product Types. - Review and Request to Access the Sample Report. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pharmaceutical-innovation-drives-steady-8-70-cagr-for-injectable-drug-delivery-systems-market-future-market-insights-302114241.html Customers gain access to newly built, high-capacity dark fiber network on a unique, business critical path connecting Lower Manhattan and Northern New Jersey NEW YORK, April 11, 2024, a provider of dark fiber infrastructure solutions is partnering with NYI, a provider of hybrid datacenter, network and interconnection services to establish a low-latency, scalable fiber network at 60 Hudson Street, adding a much needed, unique route supporting the growing connectivity needs of technology and business communities in Lower Manhattan, Northern New Jersey, and beyond. The network between 60 Hudson Street and 165 Halsey Streetin Newark is the first dark fiber cross-Hudson tunnel build into lower Manhattan in decades. Enabled through a public-private partnership between GIX and the Port Authority of NY and NJ, this unique route is the southernmost Hudson River crossing, through the PATH Tunnel. Hylan team installs GIX fiber optic cables in PATH transit tunnel A purpose-built network Carriers, financial and other enterprises seeking low-latency connectivity will benefit from GIX's state-of-the-art optical data transport equipment and newly manufactured high-capacity optical fiber. Existing glass used in other Hudson River crossings is more than twenty years old and providers are unable to perform the maintenance required to ensure that clients' data is transmitted without any issues or outages. "For every two pairs of glass anyone uses today, you can use one of ours for greater efficiency. Our network is purpose-built; we've minimized the splice points, so we are able to provide latency and attenuation numbers that are far below what's available in the market." - explains George Cornachini, CTO at GIX. Optimal infrastructure Beyond the glass itself, GIX has a strong focus on achieving the best possible infrastructure. "We take great care in how we architect our infrastructure," says Gregory Nugent, EVP of Sales and Infrastructure at GIX. "That's where the partnership comes into play. NYI is uniquely positioned with their exceptional New York metro area expertise, extensive network of in-building conduits, well-established ecosystem of partnerships and ability to cut through complexity - they helped us extend our network reach and connectivity to multiple suites at 60 Hudson Street, under budget and ahead of schedule." "We're thrilled to leverage our 60 Hudson Street capabilities to facilitate the establishment of the GIX network not only within our facility but within other locations both inside and outside 60 Hudson," adds Phillip Koblence, Co-Founder and COO of NYI. "The new GIX fiber route forms a valuable addition to the NY metro connectivity ecosystem and integrating GIX into 60 Hudson delivers against NYI's ongoing mission to facilitate seamless connectivity in New York and beyond." The Port Authority likewise has a strong commitment to enhancing the area's economy. "Data has become a critical aspect of business and trade in this age of AI, with growing volumes of data driving the need for seamless transport of that data," observes Paul Lombardi, PATH Project Manager at the Port Authority of NY and NJ. "Our partnership with GIX ensures we can support the modernization of critical infrastructure to support current and future digital requirements and attract cutting-edge businesses." What's next: Connecting 60 Hudson represents the first phase of a multi-phase GIX plan to build a massive connectivity ring that will serve the NY metro area and provide the lowest latency to key financial, telecom and colocation facilities in and around Northern New Jersey and Lower Manhattan. Plans are already underway for a western route slated to go to 111 Eighth Avenue and 32 Avenue of the Americas as well as a build into the Equinix Secaucus Campus in New Jersey, for which engineering has already been completed. To learn more about GIX's unique offering, contact: Gregory Nugent | EVP of Sales and Infrastructure Mobile: 732-395-9239 gregory@gixfiber.com About GIX GIX is a dark fiber provider focused on serving Manhattan and New Jersey with diverse routes between major local exchanges. The current focus of GIX is the backbone route from 165 Halsey in New Jersey to 60 Hudson in Manhattan via the southernmost Hudson crossing with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Visit www.gixfiber.comfor more information. About NYI NYI is a global provider of hybrid infrastructure, network, and interconnection solutions. The company is known for cutting through the complexity of the IT landscape and facilitating custom solutions to address the critical infrastructure and connectivity needs of clients across industries. NYI is headquartered in New York City and provides enterprise services into key global markets through a trusted ecosystem of partners. To learn more, visit www.nyi.net, contact 800.288.7387 or follow NYI on LinkedIn. Media contact: Iromie Weeramantry, marketing@nyi.net A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ad2f982-d35c-47b7-9467-9348ffe36a27 PARIS, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The IP GALA Summit themed "Bring Net5.5G into Reality, Inspire New Growth" was successfully held by Huawei during the MPLS SD & AI Net World Congress 2024. The summit brought together guests from carriers, standards organizations, and industry organizations, to discuss major topics such as Net5.5G application deployment, scenario innovation, and target network architecture. Leading carriers, such as vivo Brazil, Telecom Argentina, and Algeria Telecom, shared their live-network application and innovative practices of key technologies such as 400GE, SRv6, slicing, and Network Digital Map in Net5.5G converged transport scenarios. This indicates that Net5.5 converged transport is being deployed at a faster pace to support new growth of carriers' services. Zuo Meng, President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line Metro Router Domain, pointed out that new ultra-broadband applications are developing continuously, bringing new opportunities and challenges to carriers. Carriers need to build a Net5.5G target network to support the upgrade to 10 Gbps connections for home broadband, mobile broadband, enterprise private line, and enterprise campus services. Accelerating the deployment of Net5.5G applications to support carriers' greater business success has become an industry consensus. Immersive applications, industry digitalization and cloudification, and AI applications drive the continuous growth of global ultra-broadband connections and bandwidth. Tayeb Ben Meriem, Co-chair of WBBA's Network Technology Working Group, said that, to cope with such growth, WBBA raised the Net5.5G initiative together with its members, including 10 Gbps campus with Wi-Fi 7, 400GE converged IP transport, and hyper-converged data center networks for 2025-2030. Leading carriers shared their live-network deployment and innovative practices of key Net5.5G converged transport technologies. vivo, a leading carrier in Latin America, has completed multi-vendor interoperability of SRv6 and successfully deployed SRv6 on the live network in Brazil. Nelson Jose dos Santos Junior, vivo's IP network expert, pointed out that with the gradual deployment of key technologies for Net5.5G, such as SRv6, 400GE, and network slicing, vivo will improve 5G service experience and maintain its leading position. Oscar Paniagua, Transport Network Manager of Telecom Argentina, said that 400GE has been deployed on the backbone network to support the growth of 5G and home broadband service traffic. The IP transport network continuously evolves towards Net5.5G and provides optimal connection experience through improved network automation, SLA assurance, real-time visualization, and flexible bandwidth capabilities. Mounira Aissa El Bey, CTO of Cloud Core and IP Backbone at Algeria Telecom, said that the IP transport network aims to evolve to a next-generation network featuring ubiquitous access, intelligent connection, ultra-broadband backbone, and slicing as a service. Through innovative practices of network slicing and automation, SLA assurance is provided for different scenarios to ensure high-quality customer experience. As an evolution of the Net5.5G network scenario, Pietro Cassara, a researcher of the Italian National Research Council, highlighted how key technologies such as network slicing based on SRv6 and IFIT perfectly complement the AI-based Network Digital Map to deliver guaranteed SLA and automate future network scenarios, like mesh routing in dynamic topology on future non-terrestrial networks. Carsten Rossenhovel, CTO of EANTC, an authoritative third-party test organization in Europe, shared the progress of multi-vendor interoperability tests in 2024 and the independent invitation test report of Huawei's 19.2T boards. This indicates that key Net5.5G capabilities such as 400GE, SRv6, and slicing are becoming more mature in terms of interoperability. Huawei introduced the target network architecture of Net5.5G converged transport and private line + X solution. This architecture features ultra-broadband, network as a service, high intelligence, and holistic security. The Net5.5G series solutions and products help carriers develop full services and achieve new growth. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384607/Zuo_Meng_President_Huawei_s_Data_Communication_Product_Line_Metro_Router.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/net5-5g-application-deployment-achieves-remarkable-progress-inspiring-carriers-new-growth-302114316.html Revolutionizing Data Centers and Broadband: The New 800G Transceiver Drastically Increases Speed and Efficiency for Next-Generation Networks Approved Networks, a brand of Legrand, the leading provider of optical networking technology, today announced the general release of its new OSFP 800G SR8 transceiver. This state-of-the-art transceiver exceeds high-speed data transmission standards, providing a new solution for data centers and broadband providers to support data-intensive applications and enable real-time AI processing across networks. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411137080/en/ OSFP 800G SR8 transceiver from Approved Networks (Graphic: Business Wire) "Our customers are about to experience the future of connectivity with the OSFP 800G SR8 transceiver," said Brian Patton, VP of Engineering at Approved Networks. "The demand for fast, data-driven connectivity is increasing. Our 800G solution is a direct response to this challenge. The 800G SR8 transceiver not only meets but exceeds this growing demand, facilitating ultra-fast data transmission up to 800 Gbps, and ensuring unparalleled throughput for the most data-heavy applications." The 800G optical transceiver enables: Increased Bandwidth: Higher bandwidth capacity, resulting in faster data transfer and more efficient handling of processes across network infrastructures. Higher bandwidth capacity, resulting in faster data transfer and more efficient handling of processes across network infrastructures. Real-time AI Processing: Enhances network intelligence, meeting the demands of machine learning that require quick and reliable data exchanges. Enhances network intelligence, meeting the demands of machine learning that require quick and reliable data exchanges. Optimized Data-Centric Applications: Data centers and broadband providers can support data-heavy tasks without sacrificing speed, performance, or productivity. For more information on the 800G SR8 transceiver, visit https://approvednetworks.com/products/800gbase-sr8-infiniband-ndr-osfp-mmf-850nm-100m-ddm-transceiver.html. About Approved Networks Approved Networks, a brand of Legrand in the Data, Power, and Control Division, provides cost-effective, high-performance optical solutions to a global network of Fortune 500 Enterprise, Data Center, and Broadband partners. For over 30 years, Approved has been the industry authority on OEM alternative optical networking connectivity through a commitment to technical engineering, stringent quality standards, extensive testing capabilities, and dedicated customer service and support before, during, and after deployment. Over 10,000 customers in more than 40 countries trust Approved Networks transceivers, DACs, AOCs, and passive solutions to light their networks. About Legrand Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for commercial, industrial and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings with the purpose of improving life by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet with electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing its strategy of profitable and responsible growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offerings-including products with enhanced value in use (faster expanding segments: data centers, connected offerings and energy efficiency programs). Legrand reported sales of 7.0 billion in 2021. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is notably a component stock of the CAC 40 and CAC 40 ESG indexes. (code ISIN FR0010307819). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411137080/en/ Contacts: Kati Miale Legrand 800-590-9535 kati.miale@legrand.com NEW YORK, April 11, 2024) ("Tiziana" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company developing breakthrough neuro-immunomodulation therapies, today announced an upcoming oral presentation, titled, "Treatment of PIRA with Nasal Foralumab Dampens Microglial Activation and Stabilizes Clinical Progression in Non-Active Secondary Progressive MS" that will be presented during the "Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutics and Clinical Decision Making" session at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, to be held April 13-18, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. Presentation Information: Presenter: Tarun Singhal, M.B.B.S., M.D. (Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, and Associate Neurologist, Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of Mass General Brigham Healthcare System) Session: S31: Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutics and Clinical Decision Making Program Number: S31.002 Date: April 17, 2024 Time: 1:12 p.m. MDT A replay of the presentation will be made available for AAN annual meeting program registrants. About Foralumab Activated T cells play an important role in the inflammatory process. Foralumab, the only fully human anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb), binds to the T cell receptor and dampens inflammation by modulating T cell function, thereby suppressing effector features in multiple immune cell subsets. This effect has been demonstrated in patients with COVID and with multiple sclerosis, as well as in healthy normal subjects. The non-active SPMS intranasal foralumab Phase 2 trial dosed its first patient in December of 2023. Immunomodulation by nasal anti-CD3 mAb represents a novel avenue for treatment of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative human diseases.[1],[2] About Tiziana Life Sciences Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing breakthrough therapies using transformational drug delivery technologies to enable alternative routes of immunotherapy. Tiziana's innovative nasal approach has the potential to provide an improvement in efficacy as well as safety and tolerability compared to intravenous (IV) delivery. Tiziana's lead candidate, intranasal foralumab, which is the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile and clinical response in patients in studies to date. Tiziana's technology for alternative routes of immunotherapy has been patented with several applications pending and is expected to allow for broad pipeline applications. For further inquiries: Tiziana Life Sciences Ltd Paul Spencer, Business Development and Investor Relations +44 Investors: Irina Koffler LifeSci Advisors, LLC 646.970.4681 ikoffler@lifesciadvisors.com [1]https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2220272120 [2]https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2309221120 Approximately 75 Percent CO2 Reduction for O-I Transport in Ireland NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / O-I Glass, Inc. In another stride toward innovating a path to a more sustainable future, O-I Glass is set to significantly reduce its CO2 emissions in the UK, particularly in Ireland, by implementing a new decarbonization initiative targeting transportation emissions. Commencing from April 1, 2024, transport-related CO2 emissions for spirits bottles produced in Alloa, Scotland, to customers in Ireland will be reduced by approximately 75 percent. As part of the carbon-reduction program, O-I has switched the transportation of spirits bottles in Ireland, spanning both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, from diesel fuel to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). HVO, classified as a second-generation biofuel, is derived entirely from renewable waste materials. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, HVO offers a sustainable alternative that significantly curtails carbon emissions. By embracing this innovative solution, O-I anticipates a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions, with estimates suggesting an impressive 75 percent decrease. This equates to an annual reduction of up to 189 tons of CO2 emissions, or the equivalent electricity to power 34 homes for one year. Included in this is the offset of the CO2 emissions associated with transporting bottles from O-I's plant in Alloa, Scotland, to the warehouse in Northern Ireland by utilizing HVO elsewhere. Therefore, O-I's spirits customers in Ireland - and the end consumers - are assured that the transport-related CO2 emissions from bottle plant to bottling plant are minimized and reduced by approximately 75 percent. This initiative is emblematic of O-I's broader sustainability goals, both within the UK and on a global scale. By proactively embracing innovative technologies and practices, the company exemplifies its commitment to sustainable leadership. O-I's proactive measures demonstrate that the company's vision and journey is here today. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from O-I Glass, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: O-I Glass, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/o-i-glass-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: O-I Glass, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com SHANGHAI, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Joey Wat, Chief Executive Officer of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or " Yum China ", NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) released her annual letter to stockholders today together with the Company's 2023 Annual Report. The letter recapped Yum China's strong 2023 results, the Company's enduring commitment to stockholder return, as well as its pioneering innovation capabilities and ambitious plans for continued expansion. "2023 was a landmark year for Yum China, one of our strongest ever. Transitioning out of the pandemic, we were able not only to seize opportunities amid China's reopening, but also adapt quickly to the year's challenges and sustain strong momentum," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "My deepest gratitude goes to our 430,000 employees: they are the backbone of our business, and it is their hard work and dedication that powers the agility and innovation that allow us to succeed, no matter the market conditions. We also want to thank our long-term stockholders who have stood by us along the way." Returning to stockholders and enhancing return on capital invested will continue to be on top of the Company's agenda. Yum China returned a record $833 million to investors through dividends and share repurchases in 2023, representing 75% of annual operating profit. Yum China intends to step up the pace of returns going forward, planning dividends and share repurchases of at least $3 billion from 2024 to 2026, with $1.5 billion planned for 2024. Growth opportunities in China continue to be incredibly exciting, with China expected to continue to be the largest single contributor to global economic growth in 2024. Operating in over 2,000 cities across China, Yum China currently serves approximately one-third of China's population. The Company is targeting 20,000 stores nationwide by 2026, which will extend its reach to roughly 700 million people, still just around half of the country's population. "The China market will offer us ample white space for the foreseeable future," Wat said. "On top of the opportunity to serve more people is a favorable mix change, as Chinese consumers in lower-tier cities gradually upgrade their consumption. As the largest restaurant company in China, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. In fact, over half of our new stores have been in lower-tier cities in recent years. A good share of our future growth should come from the growing pool of consumers in such markets." Wat added, "Our core brands are deeply rooted in China and are beloved by millions of consumers. But we can never rest on our laurels. We've worked hard over the past decades to develop industry-leading operational capabilities, outstanding customer care, and a world-class supply chain - all backed by advanced technology. The breadth and depth of these capabilities set us apart and undergird our sustained success. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, and unwavering in our commitment to achieving our growth targets and generating long-term sustainable value for our stockholders." To download the full version of Yum China CEO Joey Wat's Annual Letter to Stockholders, please visit https://ir.yumchina.com/annual-reports Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "aim," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "look forward to" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations " in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results. About Yum China Holdings, Inc. Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has over 400,000 employees and operates over 14,000 restaurants under six brands across 2,000 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com. SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc. Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus. Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential. In diesem kostenlosen Report geben wir Ihnen Favoriten an die Hand, die aufgrund von Sondersituation die Chance auf eine Kursvervielfachung besitzen. Handeln Sie Jetzt! Fordern Sie jetzt den brandneuen Spezialreport an und profitieren Sie von dem weiter steigenden Kurs des Edelmetalls. Sichern Sie sich jetzt Ihren kostenfreien Report. Kupfer wird oft als das Gold der Energiewende bezeichnet, weil es aufgrund seiner hervorragenden elektrischen Leitfahigkeit eine zentrale Rolle in vielen Technologien spielt, die fur nachhaltige Energiesysteme entscheidend sind. Experten gehen aufgrund der Angebotsknappheit von einem Superzyklus aus. Korrektur als Einstiegschance Nach Hochststanden im Mai korrigierte das rote Metall stark. Die Abwartsspirale verstarkte sich in den vergangenen Tagen aufgrund schwacher Konjunkturdaten aus den USA und China. Langfristig konnte sich die aktuell laufende Korrektur als exzellente Einstiegsmoglichkeit herausstellen. 3 Kupferaktien mit hohem Potential Im neuen, kostenlosen Spezialreport stellen wir drei aussichtsreiche Unternehmen vor, die bei einem weiteren Anstieg uberproportional profitieren konnten. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! Vancouver, British Columbia, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. ("Terra" or the "Company") (CSE:TERA; FRA:UB1) is pleased to provide an update from the Phase I and II exploration drilling within its principal 168 km2 Viogor-Zanik project in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Company completed approximately 2,200 m of drilling along a shallow, high grade, silver-dominated, intermediate sulfidation polymetallic Ag-Au-Pb-Zn-Sb vein system at the locality known as Chumavichi (Figures 1 and 2). This semi-continuous, 7.2 km-long structural corridor associated with a low magnetic response was previously largely untested by drilling and hosts altered volcanic tuffs and breccias with occurrences of massive Pb, Zn and Fe sulphides. At the Company's second Viogor-Zanik target of Brezani (Figures 1 and 3), Terra discovered a surficial auriferous skarn superimposed on an Ag-Pb-Zn-Au mineralized, NE-shallowing structural system itself overlying porphyry andesites stock from 550 m of depth. The target is characterized by overlapping 1.2 km wide magnetic and EM anomalies with over 700 meters wide Au-Bi-Zn anomaly at surface and banded skarn outcrops with sphalerite and chalcopyrite. Similar geophysical signatures are detected at the 4.1 Moz Au Eq. Rogozna Au-Cu skarn project in SW Serbia. The Company completed approximately 1,200 m of diamond drilling at Brezani with additional assays to be released shortly. Highlights Maiden Chumavichi Ridge drillhole CMVDD001 intercepted 824.2 g/t AgEq. over 4.0 m from 29 m of depth, including 1,634.4 g/t AgEq. over 2.0 meters ; from 29 m of depth, including ; Chumavichi Ridge drill hole CMVDD002 intercepted 816.1 g/t AgEq. over 2.0 m ; ; CMVDD003, an 83-meter step-out from CMVDD001, intercepted a vein interval of 465.5 g/t AgEq. over 8.7 meters , including 1196.6 g/t AgEq. over 2.0 meters, and is open at depth; , including 1196.6 g/t AgEq. over 2.0 meters, and is open at depth; The step out drillhole CMVDD005 returned 284 g/t AgEq over 10.0 m including 895.8 g/t AgEq over 2.0 m (see Figure 3) approximately 50 m west-northwest of CMVDD002; (see Figure 3) approximately 50 m west-northwest of CMVDD002; The Chumavichi Ridge drillhole CMVDD004 along the same drill fence 40 m northeast of CMVDD005 returned 505.3 g/t AgEq over 11.0 m from 43.0 m depth including 3075.4 g/t AgEq (108.5 oz/t AgEq) over 1.7 m ; including ; Shallow, polymetallic mineralization was also intersected 600 m NW of the discovery hole at the Cumavici Ridge where two drill holes through a new parallel structure returned 531 g/t AgEq over 0.75 m (CMV23007), and 355 g/t AgEq over 1.10 m (CMV23009); at the Cumavici Ridge where two drill holes through a new parallel structure returned (CMV23007), and (CMV23009); The Phase II drillhole CMV23004 intersected 1,168 g/t AgEq over 1.35 m from 36.2 m downhole to add 42 m strike length SE of CMVDD002 with mineralization remaining open and untested down-dip (Figure 2); from 36.2 m downhole to add with mineralization remaining open and untested down-dip (Figure 2); Drillhole CMV23003 intersected 457 g/t AgEq over 4.15 m from 43.85 m downhole and points to a wider down-dip continuation of the high-grade mineralization from the previously reported CMV23004 (Figure 2); from 43.85 m downhole and points to a wider down-dip continuation of the high-grade mineralization from the previously reported CMV23004 (Figure 2); Drill testing of the 650 m-wide, conductivity high at the centre a 1.2 km wide anomalously magnetic rock volume at Brezani intercepted 0.61 g/t AuEq over 88.0 m (BREDD002) and 0.58 g/t AuEq over 28.6 m (BREDD001). Continuation of this drillhole along same azimuth and dip to depth of 674 m has intercepted a substantial width of low to intermediate sulphidation epithermal mineralization and potassically altered, porphyritic andesites overprinted by chlorite from 550 m depth (Figure 3). Figure 1 Geological map of the Viogor-Zanik project illustrating the drilled targets during the Phase II campaign. Cumavici is observed in the NW of the license package with the Brezani discovery 12 km to the SE. The operating Sase mine producing 350ktpa of Pb-Zn-Ag-Sb-Au concentrate is located 7 km east of Chumavichi Terra Balcanica CEO, Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, comments: "After a year of systematic targeting followed by approximately 3,400 m of diamond drilling over the last two years, we are proud to lay claims to two precious metal rich, polymetallic discoveries at an emerging European mining jurisdiction. Our systematic high grade silver intercepts from two of the five defined Chumavichi corridor targets are indications of its outstanding potential considering it is located only 7 km west of Mineco's silver mine at Sase. Our recent discovery of similar polymetallic mineralization at Brezani adds further value to this multi-domain target. There, a significant mineralized intercept underlies the previously confirmed auriferous skarn starting from surface and overlies a porphyry system which Terra has been targeting at Viogor-Zanik from the very outset. We believe the potential of our discovery at Brezani is tremendous considering the shallowing of the epithermal mineralization along a presumed fault to northeast and stratigraphic intercept below the boiling horizon which will be targeted by our future drill programs. Collectively, this is a thrilling development for Terra as we aim to release assay results from additional five drill holes at Brezani and prepare for a continued definition of this massive magmatic-hydrothermal system in eastern Bosnia" Figure 2. Fence diagram of Phase I and II drilling completed at the Cumavici Ridge target. Polymetallic mineralization intervals are highlighted in red. The mineralization remains untested and open down dip to the southwest and entirely open to the NW. The high-grade mineralization footprint currently sits at approximately 92 m Upcoming Results Laboratory assays results from section of drill hole BREDD002 below 215 m depth (Figure 3) are pending QA/QC verification and will be released imminently. Additionally, four more diamond drill holes (BRE23001-004) between depths of 120 and 160 m that tested the surface gold bearing calc-silicatesand magmatic breccias will be released in comings months. Figure 3. Section through the Brezani target illustrating conductivity and the 95th percentile magnetic shell. Drillhole BREDD002 is shown, with a tabular conductivity feature extending to the ENE from the epithermal mineralized interval. Conductivity feature is interpreted as the continuation of the host structure with increased conductivity due to sulphide and clay within the broken rock mass. It passes through a break in the magnetics, which is further evidence of structural control Qualified Person Dr. Aleksandar Miskovic, P.Geo, is the Company's designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and validated that the information contained in this news release as accurate. About the Company Terra Balcanica is a polymetallic and energy metals exploration company targeting large-scale mineral systems in the Balkans of southeastern Europe and norther Saskatchewan, Canada. The Company has 90% interest in the Viogor-Zanik Project in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina and owns 100% of the Ceovishte mineral exploration licence in southern Serbia. The Canadian assets comprise a 100% optioned portfolio of uranium-prospective licences at the outskirts of the world-renowned Athabasca basin: Charlot-Neely Lake, Fontaine Lake, Snowbird South Pendleton. The Company emphasizes responsible engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It is committed to proactively implementing Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and sustainable health, safety, and environmental management. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terra Balcanica Resources Corp. "Aleksandar Miskovic" Aleksandar Miskovic President and CEO For the complete information on this news release, please contact Aleksandar Miskovic at amiskovic@terrabresources.com , +1 /en/news . Cautionary Statement This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Greene Park Capital Europe willuse its extensive experience to work with investors and operators to identify attractive risk-adjusted returns in healthcare real estate. Greene Park Capital Founder Carrie Hiebeler announced the launch of a new entity whose team of experienced real estate and healthcare experts will focus on investment opportunities presented by the rapidly growing demand for healthcare services in the UK and Europe. "Healthcare in the UK and Europe is on the precipice of major changes and Greene Park Capital Europe is well prepared to be in front of that transformation," Hiebeler said. "We will do what we do best. Bring our expertise to every deal and expand on our long-term and extensive relationships with capital and operator partners. We will advise and partner with investors to help them find and actively manage the right investment opportunities and we will help operators attract the capital they need to build out their platforms." Greene Park Capital Europe Team Tom Hoppe has advised and executed on over $225 billion of transactions during a 15-year M&A career. Most recently he was a senior director at investment banking advisory firm Gleacher Shacklock, where he focused on deals in UK and European healthcare services. Prior to that he spent he spent a decade at leading independent investment banking advisory firm Centerview Partners in both New York and London, advising on mergers and acquisition for clients across healthcare, life sciences and other sectors, including large global healthcare real estate investment trusts. has advised and executed on over $225 billion of transactions during a 15-year M&A career. Most recently he was a senior director at investment banking advisory firm Gleacher Shacklock, where he focused on deals in UK and European healthcare services. Prior to that he spent he spent a decade at leading independent investment banking advisory firm Centerview Partners in both New York and London, advising on mergers and acquisition for clients across healthcare, life sciences and other sectors, including large global healthcare real estate investment trusts. Ben Jones has over 25 years of experience in European and Australian markets and a long track record of developing and growing innovative real estate funds that deliver market-leading performance. For 13 years he worked in London with M&G Investments as Head of Real Estate Long Income, managing 8.5 billion of assets, including the M&G Secured Property Income Fund, which under his leadership had assets of 4.5 billion and a 10-year un-geared return of 9 percent per annum at the end of 2019. He has a deep understanding of real estate through direct investment of over 5 billion across multiple countries, with significant experience in underwriting operational assets such as healthcare, hotels, leisure and student accommodation. has over 25 years of experience in European and Australian markets and a long track record of developing and growing innovative real estate funds that deliver market-leading performance. For 13 years he worked in London with M&G Investments as Head of Real Estate Long Income, managing 8.5 billion of assets, including the M&G Secured Property Income Fund, which under his leadership had assets of 4.5 billion and a 10-year un-geared return of 9 percent per annum at the end of 2019. He has a deep understanding of real estate through direct investment of over 5 billion across multiple countries, with significant experience in underwriting operational assets such as healthcare, hotels, leisure and student accommodation. Wesley Layug is responsible for supporting the firm's investment pipeline, including sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, and negotiation of transactions. He joins Greene Park Capital Europe after five years at Ventas, Inc., where he was responsible for executing over $10 billion of debt and equity investments covering the continuum of care, which includes the senior living, medical office, and life science sectors across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. is responsible for supporting the firm's investment pipeline, including sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, and negotiation of transactions. He joins Greene Park Capital Europe after five years at Ventas, Inc., where he was responsible for executing over $10 billion of debt and equity investments covering the continuum of care, which includes the senior living, medical office, and life science sectors across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Hugh Risebrow is CEO of Larchmore Associates, a consultancy that supports both public and private sector healthcare organizations to develop and implement strategy and to create partnerships. Previously he served in senior positions at Synlab UK, Guy's St. Thomas, Interhealth Canada, United Health Europe, BUPA Dental, Bain Co, and Kalchas. "Our team brings a unique set of problem-solving skills as well as a thorough understanding of the real estate markets in the UK and Europe that will be critical to successful healthcare investing," Hiebeler said. "We have the knowledge, expertise and deal making experience to help investors navigate the intricacies of the healthcare market, bringing in a range of viewpoints so that the best decisions are made at all stages of the investment lifecycle." Currently, Greene Park Capital Europe has a robust pipeline. Hiebeler described this an opportune time to enter healthcare real estate. "Given the cost of financing and the fact that many public REITs are currently out of the market, the basis where we can purchase healthcare real estate alongside our capital partners is becoming increasingly attractive. We predict the result could be outsized healthcare returns over the next five to seven years," she added. About Greene Park Capital Europe Greene Park Capital Europe works with both investors and operators to seek out new opportunities in healthcare real estate investing. Learn more about what we do and how we do it at Greene Park Capital Europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411084772/en/ Contacts: Lisabeth Weiner lisweiner@lisweiner.com 312-485-6211 Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (AKB), part of the Asahi Kasei Group, and Axolabs have announced a strategic partnership in the burgeoning field of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The partners will collaborate to build a cutting-edge oligonucleotide cGMP manufacturing facility spanning an area of 59,000 square feet (approximately 5,481 square meters) in Berlin. This cooperation aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of oligonucleotide-based therapies to improve quality of life for patients worldwide. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411168939/en/ Asahi Kasei Bioprocess' and Axolabs' equipment. (Photo: Business Wire) Oligonucleotide therapies offer a targeted approach to modulating gene expression, splicing, and protein production. By selectively manipulating specific molecular processes, these therapies hold the potential to treat a wide range of diseases (e.g., genetic disorders, cancer, and certain viral infections) at the genetic level, providing new treatment options for patients. In recent years, remarkable advancements in nucleic acid chemistry and cell biology have contributed to refining the design and optimization of oligonucleotide therapies, as well as their delivery mechanisms. Currently, a total of 25 approved oligonucleotide therapeutics have been approved by regulatory authorities worldwide, and numerous others are in pre-clinical and clinical studies with promising prospects for further development. To meet the escalating demand for oligonucleotide therapeutics, Axolabs, a CRDMO providing drug substances for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, is establishing a new GMP manufacturing hub in Berlin. By utilizing the unique expertise of AKB, specializing in the field of oligosynthesis equipment, and Axolabs, the facility will serve as a pivotal resource to expedite therapeutic breakthroughs in the industry. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of production scales (small to large/commercial) and will benefit from AKB's robust suite of oligo manufacturing equipment-covering all upstream and downstream manufacturing unit operations from synthesis to concentration-all of which is purpose-built to maximize productivity and provide years of reliable operation. "We are thrilled to join forces with Axolabs in this transformative endeavor. Our combined technical expertise and strategic alignment will bolster our commitment to meet and exceed the growing needs of the oligonucleotide therapeutics field," said Chris Rombach, SVP of Sales and Marketing at AKB. "Moreover, our involvement from the very early stages of the project allows us to support and facilitate future scale-up efficiently." Thomas Rupp, Managing Director of Technology Production at Axolabs, echoed the sentiment, "Partnering with AKB provides a unique opportunity to blend our respective strengths. We are confident that this collaboration will foster innovation and drive the production of high-quality oligonucleotide therapeutics." Operations at the newly built facility are planned to commence in late 2024. About Asahi Kasei Bioprocess The Fluid Management Business Unit of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess is devoted to solving therapeutic product safety, efficiency, and purity challenges within the pharmaceutical and bioprocessing industries. With technology platforms for oligonucleotide synthesis, buffer formulation, chromatography, and filtration, our bioprocess systems, columns, and automation solutions advance GMP manufacturing of critical drug substances around the world. Built with pride, built with quality, built to exceed expectations. "Built for You." For more information, please visit https://fluidmgmt.ak-bio.com. About Axolabs Axolabs specializes in a new class of drugs whose active ingredients are chemically derived from DNA or RNA, known as oligonucleotides or nucleic acid therapeutics. Using our many years of expertise we help our clients make their oligonucleotide-based therapeutic a success. With sites in Germany and United States, Axolabs counts the majority of research groups in the field of nucleic acid and oligonucleotide-based therapeutics worldwide among its clients, including >20 big pharma enterprises, >250 biotech companies, >30 academic research institutes and venture capital firms. Axolabs is part of LGC Group. For more information, please visit https://www.axolabs.com. About Asahi Kasei The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 48,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world's challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its health care operations include devices and systems for acute critical care, dialysis, therapeutic apheresis, and manufacture of biotherapeutics, as well as pharmaceuticals and diagnostic reagents. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com/. Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411168939/en/ Contacts: North America Contact: Asahi Kasei America Inc. Christian OKeefe christian.okeefe@ak-america.com Europe Contact: Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH Sebastian Schmidt sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America Inquiries: Asahi Kasei Bioprocess America, Inc. Steve Foy Steve.Foy@ak-bio.com Axolabs Berlin GmbH Thomas Rupp Thomas.rupp@lgcgroup.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. (CSE: BNN) (OTCQB: BNNHF) (FSE: 5YZ0) ("BNN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the ground staking of 18 new claim blocks, totalling approximately 376 hectares west and northwest of the current claim blocks. These claim blocks cover the prospective western trend of the Alotta geophysical/geochemical anomalies as indicated in Figure 1. The Alotta property now consists of a total of 96 mineral claims that cover approximately 1,926 hectares that is located 50 km south-east of Western Copper's Casino deposit which is ranked as one of the top ten largest, undeveloped, copper-gold porphyry deposits in the world. Spring Drill Program Currently, the company is proposing to complete up to 5 drill holes for a total of 2,500 metres as part of the fall 2023 diamond drilling program that paused in November for the winter season. The proposed holes will focus on several high priority and undrilled tested coincident geochemical/geophysical anomalies along a four-kilometre trend. President, Lorne Warner P.Geo states: "Subject to favorable weather conditions, the program could begin to mobilize by the middle of May. Company geologists working with the operator Archer Cathro & Associates are working towards finalizing the drill targets over the coming days." Figure 1: Western Claim Blocks To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8680/205056_a4cba2cf24298bf8_001full.jpg About Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. In addition, the Company holds a 20% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cole McClay", CEO Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. info@benjaminhillmining.com Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-Looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205056 SOURCE: Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. United Nations Development Fund Supported the Development of the New Higher Education Program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines KINGSTOWN, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM), a leading institution dedicated to providing quality medical education, is proud to announce the receipt of a $30,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This significant financial support will spearhead the launch of an innovative Bachelor's-level program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aimed at improving the higher education offering in the country. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The new Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences is designed to offer comprehensive education and training in health sciences, preparing students for advanced medical degrees and careers in healthcare. With an emphasis on practical skills, research, and community health, the program is set to become a cornerstone of medical education in the Caribbean region. Kaushik Guha, the Executive Vice President of Saint James School of Medicine, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the collaboration. "This generous grant from the UNDP marks a significant milestone for our institution and higher education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The idea for this program came from the Minister of Education of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Honourable Curtis King. With his help and guidance, and the financial support from UNDP, this program will help expand the higher education offering in St. Vincent and the Caribbean. The introduction of this program enables us to expand our academic offerings and reinforces our commitment to training competent, compassionate healthcare professionals capable of addressing global health challenges." The funding from the UNDP will facilitate the development of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and research centers. Additionally, it will support the implementation of community health initiatives, providing students with hands-on experience in addressing health issues within local communities. Prospective students and interested parties can find more information about the program and application processes on the Saint James School of Medicine website. About Saint James School of Medicine: Saint James School of Medicine is committed to offering students a high-quality medical education at an affordable price. With campuses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Anguilla, SJSM is dedicated to producing highly skilled, ethical, and compassionate physicians who are ready to meet the healthcare challenges of today and tomorrow. Contact Information Dan Cuckovic V.P. of Operations dcuckovic@mail.sjsm.org 847-375-9121 SOURCE: Saint James School of Medicine View the original press release on newswire.com. Sharofeel DS hydrates and improves skin softness, flexibility, and smoothness, with proven benefits for haircare Trezzo sull'Adda, Italy--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Sharon Personal Care, a global supplier of innovative, environmentally friendly ingredient solutions for a broad range of personal care products, is set to introduce Sharofeel DS, a revolutionary, 100% natural emollient at in-cosmetics 2024, taking place April 15-20 in Paris. Sharofeel DS, INCI Dioctyldodecyl Succinate, is a crystal clear, odorless liquid designed to elevate skincare and haircare formulations with its sophisticated sensory profile. Derived from succinic acid and 2-octyl dodecanol, Sharofeel DS improves natural moisturization, skin softness, flexibility and smoothness-elevating skincare formulations with its sophisticated sensory profile. Its molecular structure delivers unique touch and spreadability that is associated with a rich and luxurious skin feel. In testing, this advanced emollient has demonstrated good performance in the dispersion of mineral pigments, including zinc oxide, mica, iron oxides, and titanium dioxide. "Sharofeel DS marks a significant milestone for Sharon Personal Care and our commitment to innovation in the personal care industry," says Naama Eylon, CEO of Sharon Personal Care. "This revolutionary product is the result of extensive research and collaboration by our dedicated team, who are passionate about developing environmentally friendly ingredient solutions that push the boundaries of performance." In addition to skin care, applications for Sharofeel DS include anhydrous make up (lipstick) and mineral sunscreen. Product testing has also revealed that the emollient has exceptional thermal stability, underscoring its versatility and suitability as a heat protector for hair styling and other haircare applications. During in-cosmetics 2024, Sharon Personal Care will be providing demonstrations of Sharofeel DS as well as SharoHYAL Moringa, an innovative haircare technology they will unveil at the show. Attendees can see these demonstrations in Sharon's booth, 1K70. The company will also host a press conference on Wednesday, April 17 at 9:00 a.m. to introduce a groundbreaking multifunctional preservation system. Media interested in attending Sharon's in-cosmetics 2024 press conference can email dgreen@resourceadvantage.com to register. For information on Sharon Personal Care, visit https://sharonpc.com. "This revolutionary product is the result of extensive research and collaboration by our dedicated team, who are passionate about developing environmentally friendly ingredient solutions that push the boundaries of performance." - Naama Eylon, CEO of Sharon Personal Care. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9490/204945_6afa48a43471ab59_002full.jpg About Sharon Personal Care Sharon Personal Care is a global supplier of innovative ingredient solutions for a broad range of personal care products - with specialized expertise in trending market segments. The company's product portfolio includes unique preservatives, building blocks, functional chemistries, Bio-active ingredients and Oleosome technology. Today's Sharon has a proven track record of innovation combined with the ability to provide comprehensive solutions at light speed. With a solid foundation in environmentally sustainable chemistry, Sharon delivers multifunctional ingredient solutions that help differentiate personal care products in a fast-changing market. The company employs more than 100 people worldwide, with manufacturing and scientific facilities on three continents. Media Contact: Resource Advantage Dan Green dgreen@resourceadvantage.com Company Contact: Sharon Personal Care Pascal Yvon, General Manager, Americas pascal@sharonpc.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204945 SOURCE: Sharon Personal Care c/o Resource Advantage TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aryza Group, a leading provider of financial software solutions, has selected TransUnion, a global information and insights company, to facilitate access to its credit reports for Aryza Advize users in Canada. Building on successful agreements in the UK and Europe, Aryza's access to Canadian credit reports will help empower Licensed Insolvency Trustees in Canada with efficient and secure access to comprehensive consumer information, addressing the urgent need for streamlined debt resolution. Aryza Advize is an award-winning cost-effective, cloud-based platform designed to automate financial journeys for consumers, making life easier for financial professionals in the debt and insolvency sector and the customers they help. The debt management software works for the full lifecycle of debt solutions and has numerous benefits including automated document production and financial advice, secure communication between customers, debt advisors and creditors, and a versatile payment suite, all whilst being fully compliant. The agreement with TransUnion allows Licensed Insolvency Trustees to securely access a consumer's full credit report with a click of a button through Aryza Advize, following consent. This access can reduce the time spent between the initial engagement with the client and getting the correct solution in place for the individual to pay off their debt. Within Advize, Licensed Insolvency Trustees will have a clearer view of a debtor's liabilities including outstanding balances, payment obligations, reference numbers and any associated assets. The imperative for Licensed Insolvency Trustees to recognize the evolving landscape of consumer advice delivery persists, as they actively seek to leverage technology, exemplified by platforms like Aryza Advize, to effectively navigate these changes. Consumers are facing a proliferation of online distractions, making it essential for Licensed Insolvency Trustees to work with their clients as quickly as possible, removing unnecessary barriers such as compiling a list of their debts and hunting for statements and reference numbers. Mark Roberts, Head of Client Success in North America at Aryza said: "We are thrilled to announce our agreement with TransUnion, a pivotal step in enhancing the capabilities of Aryza Advize in Canada. In a financial landscape where Canadians are utilizing more of their disposable income than ever recorded to pay down debt, with $1.82 in debt for every $1 a household earns, the imperative for formal debt management solutions is escalating. The agreement with TransUnion not only underscores our commitment to innovation in the financial software solutions space but also signifies a significant leap forward in empowering Licensed Insolvency Trustees. The agreement also aligns perfectly with our mission to make financial journeys more efficient, providing a transformative experience for both financial professionals and the clients they serve. Aryza is reshaping the landscape of debt management, ensuring a faster and more informed path towards financial stability." About Aryza Aryza is a provider of end-to-end, mission-critical automation software to business customers in regulated industries, focused on the lending, credit, debt recovery and insolvency sectors. Aryza's solutions automate a wide range of back and middle office activities including customer data collection, administration, and payment processing, covering every stage of the debt cycle. Its scalable technology platform is capable of meeting high volume, high complexity needs and helps customers significantly increase efficiency while ensuring compliance with local legislation. Aryza's solutions are underpinned by unrivalled expertise and powerful data and are designed to have a positive impact on the financial health and wellbeing of our customer's customers around the world. Since its foundation in 2002, the business has grown rapidly. Today it has global operations across four continents. For more information visit https://www.aryza.com/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aryza-signs-agreement-with-transunion-to-revolutionize-debt-solutions-in-canada-through-aryza-advize-302112061.html Shen brings decades of experience in compliance and ethics to the company, strengthening its market position and enhancing company global compliance expertise in the Employer of Record space TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Borderless AI , the AI-powered startup disrupting the Employer of Record (EOR) space, has appointed Leonard Shen to its Board of Advisors to double down on compliance, risk management, and cross-border money movement. This appointment comes on the heels of the company's $27 million seed funding to leverage the power of generative AI to automate and accelerate the processes of onboarding, managing, and paying international team members. The company's novel AI agent, Alberni, can perform complex HR tasks such as automating the process of generating global employment agreements or on-boarding new employees - all within minutes by leveraging conversational AI. "Strong compliance programs are table stakes in the payments space, which is why we are excited to add Leonard to our team," said Willson Cross, co-founder and CEO of Borderless AI. "Leonard has led a distinguished career as a compliance executive with a proven track record of building and scaling compliance programs in the payments category. As more companies aim to grow and scale in markets around the world, Leonard will help us sustain our rapid trajectory in cross-border payments as we invest in additional anti-fraud and compliance measures." During his time as an executive at Visa, Shen led the global compliance team through a period of explosive growth, in addition to serving as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the Visa Board of Directors and Visa's Global Operational Risk Subcommittee. In his role as Chief Compliance Officer at PayPal, Shen led the overhaul of the compliance program, building a network of more than 800 members as a cross-functional "first line of defense" compliance team. "There is a critical demand for advanced technology that will propel the HR industry forward as innovation and AI disrupt various sectors," said Shen, Board of Advisors, Borderless AI. "I am honored to join Borderless AI's board and work alongside key innovators who are advancing the payments and HR functions and changing the way people and teams scale around the world." Shen joins Borderless AI with 40 years of legal and compliance experience. Upon graduation with honors from Harvard and Harvard Law School, Shen began his career as a trial attorney and criminal prosecutor in the U.S. Department of Justice, and he then served in private practice at the Washington, D.C. law firm Perkins Coie, in addition to his roles as Deputy Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Superfund Enforcement Division and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Hazardous and Solid Waste Remediation. Over the last two decades, he was the Global Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer for Visa, Inc., American Express, Paypal, and General Electric's Commercial Finance business. In addition to this role on Borderless AI's Board of Advisors, Shen also serves as Chairman of the Board for US Forex and Canada Forex, leading international payments providers serving over one million customers globally with $100+ billion transfers in 55+ currencies. For more information on Borderless AI, visit hireborderless.ai . You can also try out Alberni for free here . About Borderless AI Borderless AI is a global payroll solution that leverages the power of generative AI to automate and speed up the process of onboarding, managing, and paying international team members. With Borderless AI, businesses can compliantly hire and manage talent worldwide without establishing a foreign entity while alleviating the complexities and risks associated with hiring global employees. With a focus on innovation and customer service, Borderless AI developed Alberni, the world's first AI agent for global HR. Alberni uses conversational AI to simplify global employment tasks from contract creation to expense management. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, and has raised $27 million in seed funding to date, backed by Susquehanna and Aglae Ventures. Media Contact Inkhouse for Borderless AI BorderlessAI@Inkhouse.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2367704/BorderlessAi_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/borderless-ai-appoints-former-visa-and-paypal-executive-leonard-shen-to-board-of-advisors-to-support-growth-302113834.html Racing Force S.p.A., parent company of Racing Force Group, announces that the extract of the notice of call for the Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting was published today in the Gazzetta Ufficiale and it is fully available on the Company website. The Shareholders' Meeting is convened in ordinary and extraordinary session for April 29th, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., in a single call, to discuss and resolve upon the following AGENDA: Extraordinary section: 1. Proposal to the shareholders' meeting to amend the current text of the Company's bylaws following (i) the changes made to the Euronext Growth Milan Issuers Regulation regarding the assessment of independence requirements for independent directors as per Borsa Italiana S.p.A.'s Notice no. 43747, (ii) the entry into force of Law no. 21/2024 ("Legge Capitali"), as well as minor revisions; related and consequential resolutions. Ordinary section: 1. Examination and approval of the financial statements of Racing Force S.p.A. as of December 31, 2023, including the report of the Board of Directors on the company's operations, the report of the Board of Statutory Auditors, and the report of the audit firm; presentation of the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023; related and consequential resolutions; 2. Allocation of the net income for the year; related and consequential resolutions; 3. Appointment of the Board of Directors for the period 2024-2026, including determination of the number of members, duration, and remuneration thereof; related and consequential resolutions; 4. Authorization for the purchase and disposal of own shares by the Company pursuant to Articles 2357 et seq. of the Italian Civil Code; related and consequential resolutions. The shareholders' meeting will be held exclusively by telecommunication means that ensure the identification of the attendees, their participation and the exercise of voting rights. *** COMPOSITION OF SHARE CAPITAL The subscribed and paid-up share capital of Racing Force S.p.A. is EUR 2,569,919.80, represented by 25,699,198 shares, with no indication of the par value. At the date of this notice, the Company does not hold any treasury shares. PARTICIPATION TO THE MEETING Pursuant to the law and the bylaws, the shareholders for whom the Company has received, by the end of the third trading day preceding the date set for the shareholders' meeting (i.e., April 24th, 2024), the appropriate communication issued by the authorized intermediary (the "Intermediary Communication") certifying their entitlement on the basis of its accounting records, shall be entitled to attend the meeting. This shall be without prejudice to the entitlement to attend and vote if such Intermediary's Communication is received by the Company after the aforementioned deadline, provided that it is received by the start of the meeting. The Intermediary's Communication shall be made by the Intermediary on the basis of the evidence relating to the end of the accounting day of the seventh trading day preceding the date set for the shareholders' meeting (i.e., April 18th, 2024). Credit or debit entries made to the accounts after this deadline are irrelevant for the purpose of entitlement to exercise voting rights at the shareholders' meeting. Pursuant to the Bylaws, as well as art. 106 of the Italian Law Decree no. 18/2020 (so called "Decreto Cura Italia") converted with Italian Law no. 27/2020 which application has been extended by Italian Law Decree no. 215/2023 (so-called "Decreto Legge Milleproroghe"), converted with amendments with Italian Law no. 18/2024, the Company has decided to avail herself of the option (provided therein) to provide that the shareholders' meeting is held exclusively by means of telecommunications, provided that the collegial method and the principles of good faith and equal treatment of shareholders, as well as the other conditions set forth in the bylaws, are respected. To this end, the shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting may obtain the link to connect to the meeting via video-audio conference, as permitted by art. 16 of the bylaws, by sending a specific request to amministrazione@pec.ompracing.it or ir@racingforce.com, attaching the copy of the Intermediary Communication as well as: (i) in case of a shareholder who is an individual, a copy of his/her identity document (ID card or passport); (ii) in case of a shareholder who is a legal entity, a copy of the identity document? (ID card? or passport) of the legal representative or of the person with the relevant powers to attend the shareholders' meeting as well as a copy of the documentation attesting to powers to legally represent or the grant of the aforementioned powers to the attendee. Notwithstanding the methods of participation exclusively by means of telecommunications, each shareholder who is entitled to attend the shareholders' meeting may be represented, in accordance with law, by written proxy, in compliance with the provisions of art. 2372 of the Italian Civil Code, with the right to sign the proxy form available on the Company's website at the address: www.racingforce.com, under the section "Investor Relations - Shareholders' Meetings." The proxy shall be sent to the Company by registered mail with return receipt to Racing Force S.p.A., Via E. Bazzano No. 5, 16019, Ronco Scrivia (GE), or to the address amministrazione@pec.ompracing.it or ir@racingforce.com. APPOINTMENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pursuant to the Bylaws, the board of directors is appointed on the basis of lists of candidates. Only shareholders who, alone or together with other shareholders, represent at least 10% of the share capital are entitled to submit lists. Certification proving ownership of the number of shares required to submit the list must be produced at the time of filing the list itself or even at a later date, provided that it is within the deadline for filing the list. The lists, duly signed by each of the holders of the voting right who submitted them and accompanied by a certification showing the percentage of shareholding held by the holders of the voting right and the ownership of such shareholding, must be deposited at the Company's registered office, or transmitted by e-mail to the address amministrazione@pec.ompracing.it or ir@racingforce.com, at least 7 (seven) days before the date of the Shareholders' Meeting on first call (i.e., by April 22th, 2024). The Company will make the lists and their attachments available to the public, at least 6 (six) days before the date scheduled for the said Shareholders' Meeting, at the registered office and on its website at: www.racingforce.com, under the section "Investor Relations - Shareholders' Meetings." INTEGRATION OF AGENDA AND RIGHT TO ASK QUESTIONS For the exercise of the right to integrate the agenda and the right to ask questions before the shareholders' meeting, provided for in art. 14 of the bylaws, please refer to the text of the bylaws themselves published on the corporate website at www.racingforce.com, under "Corporate Governance - Corporate Documents." DOCUMENTS The documents relating to the items on the agenda, as required by law, will be made available to the public within the terms of law, at the Company's registered office and on the Company's website, www.racingforce.com, under the section "Investor Relations - Shareholders' Meetings". The notice of call is published on the Company's website www.racingforce.com, under the section "Investor Relations - Shareholders' Meetings" and on the website www.borsaitaliana.it, under the section "Shares/Documents." ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yZ1pZZpnZpyalZ1vl5Zra5Nqm5tjkmXKZ2KeyWSbYseWmp1hlWplbJjGZnFmlW1q - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-85084-rfg-publication-notice-of-call-shareholders_-meeting-29th-april-2024.pdf The renowned west coast packaging event will join the all-new sustainable manufacturing show in Anaheim, Feb. 4-5, 2025 ANAHEIM, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Informa Markets Engineering, the leading B2B event producer, publisher and digital media business for the advanced manufacturing industry, announces WestPack, the premier trade show on the West Coast for packaging machinery and solutions, will co-locate with the newly launched Sustainable Manufacturing Expo next year. This event will showcase the latest solutions for progressing sustainable manufacturing processes forward, and will debut in Anaheim, California, alongside IME West, the largest annual advanced manufacturing tradeshow in the United States. California recently passed legislation which will require manufacturers to embrace more sustainable practices, including the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), which targets reducing waste from single-use plastic products and packaging and encourages manufacturers to rethink materials and design for end-of-life recyclability or composability. While manufacturers have until 2030 to comply with this legislation, there is a strong need for solutions and information now. "Co-locating WestPack with the Sustainable Manufacturing Expo will help packaging professionals find not only the right equipment and materials, but also the expertise they need to stay competitive on the West Coast and around the world," says Melissa Magestro, VP at Informa Markets Engineering and the founder of Sustainable Manufacturing Expo. "These two events together create an all-inclusive platform for CPGs, manufacturers and suppliers to collaborate on their sustainability plans for the future." Lisa McTigue Pierce, Executive Editor, Packaging Digest, Informa Markets Engineering, notes, "When it comes to sustainability, packaging professionals can benefit from a broader, cross-pollination of ideas from sustainability experts. These ideas can fuel creative new designs, as well as production line improvements to help manufacturers meet their stated sustainability goals - and add to the bottom line. Facilities are looking to cut material waste on the packaging line and increase the energy efficiency of their packaging machines. Both help lower manufacturing costs. Sustainability in packaging production is a critical function that directly adds to a company's profits." The Sustainable Manufacturing Expo and WestPack will take place in the North Hall of the Anaheim Convention Center, alongside IME West - including Medical Design and Manufacturing (MD&M) West, Automation Technology (ATX) West, D&M West and Plastec West - which takes place Feb. 4-6, 2025. Attendees will be able to visit all the events with an expo pass. To stay up to date on the upcoming WestPack, Sustainable Manufacturing Expo or to learn about exhibition opportunities at the event, please visit www.sustainablemanufacturingexpo.com. About Informa Markets Engineering Informa Markets' Engineering portfolio is the leading B2B event producer, publisher, and digital media business for the world's $3-trillion advanced, technology-based manufacturing industry. Our print and electronic products deliver trusted information to the engineering market and leverage our proprietary 1.3-million-name database to connect suppliers with buyers and purchase influencers. We produce more than 50 events and conferences in a dozen countries, connecting manufacturing professionals from around the globe. The Engineering portfolio is organized by Informa, the world's leading exhibitions organizer that brings a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com. About Informa Markets Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio comprises more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Engineering, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world's leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, visit www.informamarkets.com. Media Contact Informa Markets Engineering PR EngineeringPR@informa.com SOURCE: INFORMA MARKETS - ENGINEERING View the original press release on accesswire.com WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Special education technologies help students learn while accommodating their individual learning styles and limitations, and also help them experience greater independence, less anxiety, and better connections with classmates according to a new report from The Children's Guild (TCG). TCG operates three non-public schools serving students with behavioral and academic disabilities including emotional disturbance, autism across the spectrum, developmental disabilities, and more. With a focus on special education - and different accompanying technologies - students at The Children's Guild School of Baltimore, The Children's Guild School of Prince George's County, and The Children's Guild - Transformation Academy are successful both in and outside the classroom. Since TCG started educating in 1953, they have been a leader and pioneer in special education and working with children on the autism spectrum. There has been a lot of progress in special education. Schools like TCG can make it easier for families to access resources and technology tools that assist children in the classroom, at home, and even at play outdoors and on the playground. "We know that early intervention for special education is key to a child's success," says Vesna Grujicic, special education leader and Principal, The Children's Guild - Transformation Academy. "Multidisciplinary teams that include professionals from various fields, such as medical, education, speech and language pathology, social work, occupational therapists, and parents, work collaboratively to meet the needs of every child with exceptionality by creating, implementing, and monitoring individualized educational plans. Additionally, nowadays technology plays a significant component in this process." There are a huge array of tools available for almost any need, and all are readily available to a student's community, including, but not limited to, parents, specialists, and teachers. There are several examples of how technology can help students find success. For vision-impaired students, magnifiers and talking devices open their world. For hearing-impaired students, technology that includes vibrations, flashing lights, amplification, captioning, and more, is now available and widely used. For speech communications, students are encouraged to find their voice and communicate verbally with communication boards, speech output software, symbol-making software, and other technology. Students who need mobility aids, such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, scooters, and power chairs, keep up with their classmates in class and on the playground with the help of these technologies. To ensure that every student has the resources they need to learn in the classroom, The Children's Guild School of Prince George's County received funding for assisted learning devices for students who need additional support. These assisted learning devices help students overcome any barriers to learning during the school year. The Children's Guild School of Prince George's County students are excelling in the classroom with the help of these devices. TECHNOLOGIES USED IN PLAYGROUNDS Every space should be accommodating for those with special needs. At the Children's Guild - Transformation Academy, The Orokawa Foundation Playground is uniquely designed to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities. It is one among a few playgrounds in the nation that accommodate students' sensory needs as educational needs. "This new play space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. This space supports the social, emotional, and sensory needs of our students on the autism spectrum, empowering them to thrive," says Vesna Grujicic, principal. Playground design input came from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists from Transformation Academy and other special education organizations. The fence extends into the surrounding woods to make it seem more open. Slides sit side-by-side so kids, parents, and teachers can slide next to each other. A spinning structure called the They-Go-Round is designed for kids with wheelchairs. An enclosure offers peace and quiet if a student needs a break. Kids with autism often have Sensory Processing Disorder and are sensitive to certain sounds or textures. So, playground benches are fabricated of smooth material and are many different colors to promote feelings of calm and curiosity. Musical bells and large xylophones offer calming sounds and the chance for students to make their own music. A fun feature of the playground that is used in warmer weather includes a tower that can spray water on multiple children, making water fun and exciting for students who may be nervous or afraid of water. "Imagine you have a child that won't take a shower," says Mark Rapaport, managing director of autism services at The Children's Guild. "Now kids can go outside and stand under a sprayer and they're loving it. Why? Because they're watching other kids do it." SENSORY AND VOCATIONAL ROOM TECHNOLOGIES A sensory room is designed for anyone with neurodevelopmental or psychiatric conditions, such as a learning disability, anxiety, ADHD, autism, behavioral challenges, or mood disorders. They are created to be comfortable, dim, quiet, and secure so that the person can explore everything calmly and build confidence. They are proud to have sensory rooms at the TCG schools in Maryland and Washington, DC. These spaces offer enormous value for both children and teachers in schools. At The Children's Guild -Transformation Academy in Baltimore, the Louise G. Goldberg Vocational Room helps students with skill development and job readiness. "This new space represents a significant milestone in our commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment. While performing assigned tasks, students are learning how to complete jobs that might include but are not limited to food preparation, sorting items, vacuuming, and shredding," says Vesna Grujicic, principal. The Children's Guild School of Baltimore's Career Center focuses on preparing students for life after high school. Teachers work with students on essential skills required for diverse career paths, whether pursuing higher education or entering the workforce. Mr. Randall Rykiel, a teacher in the career center, emphasizes the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and work ethic, recognizing their universal importance in any job setting. Hands-on activities engage students with diverse interests and abilities and allow them to see the direct application of their skills in real-world scenarios. "I love seeing them excited to come to class and do the work. I love seeing that they're able to communicate what career they want to do." -- Randall Rykiel, Teacher, The Children's Guild School of Baltimore. LEADERS IN SPECIAL NEEDS TECHNOLOGIES More than seven decades of work with kids gives The Children's Guild a powerful experience with special education and special needs technologies. They know technology doesn't cure or eliminate learning difficulties, but they see it helping students reach their potential, allowing them to capitalize on their strengths. They combine a deep experience and unique educational approach of educating the whole child to help students find success in and outside of the classroom. It is because of a natural curiosity and always asking the question "Why?" - that they have discovered new ways of understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the most effective ways of working with children on the spectrum. They also ask the question "Why not?" and are striving to ensure that students, their families, and staff are equipped with the tools needed for success. Simply put, they aim to make the seemingly impossible; possible. The Children's Guild (TCG), founded in 1953, is a leading Mid-Atlantic nonprofit organization focused on helping students and families find success socially, emotionally, educationally, and developmentally through special education, school-based mental health services, treatment foster care, autism services, family mental and behavioral health services, and workforce development programs. Affiliates of The Children's Guild include The Children's Guild School of Baltimore, The Children's Guild DC Public Charter School, The Children's Guild School of Prince George's County, Monarch Academy Glen Burnie, Monarch Global Academy Laurel, Monarch Academy Annapolis, Monarch Preschool College Park, The Children's Guild- Transformation Academy, The Outpatient Mental Health Clinic (OMHC), Treatment Foster Care, and TranZed Apprenticeships. For more information, visit https://childrensguild.org/. # # # For further information, contact: Amy Riemer, Media Relations 978-502-4895 (mobile) amy@riemercommunications.com SOURCE: The Children's Guild View the original press release on accesswire.com Natuzzi S.p.A. (NYSE: NTZ) ("Natuzzi" or the "Company"), as part of its strategy to consolidate and expand Natuzzi Italia retail presence in U.S., announces that, on April 9 2024, it hosted the grand opening of its Natuzzi Italia directly operated store (DOS) in Houston, TX. The store's location and retail space have been carefully selected to embody the essence of Natuzzi Italia Brand. The store is located at 1121 Uptown Park Boulevard in Houston. Uptown Park is a premium retail destination, home to various prestigious brands in the furniture sector, including Roche Bobois, RH and Pottery Barn, and it is close to "The Galleria" mall, which, among others, hosts luxury brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany. The store has a sophisticated architecture, complemented by a grand window spanning over 40 meters. Given the increasing strategic relevance of the business we do with architects and designers, the store also features our signature Interior Design Center where our store consultants offer personalized habitat solutions, ensuring the perfect blend of style and functionality. Houston becomes the 6th store in Texas, in addition to two in Dallas (Natuzzi Italia and Natuzzi Editions), Southlake (Natuzzi Editions), Frisco (Natuzzi Editions), and Fort Worth (Natuzzi Italia). Texas thus becomes, after Florida with 8 directly operated stores, the second state in the U.S. for the presence of Natuzzi monobrand stores. This is part of our retail strategy, aimed at capturing market share state by state in the US. This approach allows us to leverage the benefits of a sizable local scale in term marketing, logistics, and customer management. With Houston we have now 20 stores of Natuzzi Italia in US, in addition to 9 Natuzzi Editions stores. During the grand opening, the Houston store hosted an event organized in collaboration with "The Paper City", one of the most influential and renowned life-style magazines in the state. The event provided an opportunity to showcase the Natuzzi Italia spaces to the most influential personalities and architects of the city, guided by Pasquale Junior Natuzzi, Chief and Creative Officer of Natuzzi. Pasquale Junior Natuzzi commented: "The Natuzzi Italia store in Houston represents an important step forward in serving the Texas community with our distinctive offering. Our store team is now ready to welcome Houston clients and architects and introduce them to our Brand philosophy and collection." _______________________________________________________________________________ CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be expressed in a variety of ways, including the use of future or present tense language. Words such as "estimate," "forecast," "project," "anticipate," "likely," "target," "expect," "intend," "continue," "seek," "believe," "plan," "goal," "could," "should," "would," "may," "might," "will," "strategy," "synergies," "opportunities," "trends," "ambition," "objective," "aim," "future," "potentially," "outlook" and words of similar meaning may signify forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, potential risks and uncertainties described at page 3 of this document relating to the supply-chain, the cost and availability of raw material, production and shipping and the modernization of our Italian manufacturing and those relating to the duration, severity and geographic spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions that may be taken by governmental authorities to contain the COVID-19 pandemic or to mitigate its impact, the potential negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy, consumer demand and our supply chain, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's financial condition, business operations and liquidity, as well as the geopolitical tensions and market uncertainties resulting, among the others, from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and current conflict and the recent conflict in the Middle East. Additional information about potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release. About Natuzzi S.p.A. Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi S.p.A. is one of the most renowned brands in the production and distribution of design and luxury furniture. With a global retail network of 678 mono-brand stores and 665 galleries as of December 31, 2023, Natuzzi distributes its collections worldwide. Natuzzi products embed the finest spirit of Italian design and the unique craftmanship details of the "Made in Italy", where a predominant part of its production takes place. Natuzzi has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since May 13, 1993. Always committed to social responsibility and environmental sustainability, Natuzzi S.p.A. is ISO 9001 and 14001 certified (Quality and Environment), ISO 45001 certified (Safety on the Workplace) and FSC Chain of Custody, CoC (FSC-C131540). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411158973/en/ Contacts: Natuzzi Investor Relations Piero Direnzo tel. +39 080-8820-812 pdirenzo@natuzzi.com Natuzzi Corporate Communication Giacomo Ventolone (Press Office) tel. +39.335.7276939 gventolone@natuzzi.com Giancarlo Renna (Communication Manager) tel. +39. 342.3412261 grenna@natuzzi.com NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- McWhorter Foundation announces The continued discussions between C.K. McWhorter and Goldman Sachs are not just about potential business collaborations but also resonate on a more personal level, symbolized by a simple yet profound connection over a Windsor knot. These dialogues, aimed at exploring future collaborations within the luxury assets sector, highlight a mutual interest in both strategic financial opportunities and the shared values and personal touches that make business relationships meaningful. During these strategic discussions, C.K. McWhorter observed the North Eastern team lead from Goldman Sachs sporting a Windsor knot - a tie knot known for its wide, symmetrical shape. This detail struck a chord with McWhorter, as the Windsor knot was the first tie knot he learned to tie. Beyond its elegant appearance, the Windsor knot carries a connotation of dignity and respectability, often associated with the British Royal Family. Its adoption by the Duke of Windsor made it a symbol of sartorial excellence and royal sophistication. Anticipated Areas of Collaboration: Exploring IPO Opportunities: McWhorter and Goldman Sachs are keenly discussing the potential for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for select assets, with Goldman Sachs' renowned expertise promising a strategic pathway to growth. McWhorter and Goldman Sachs are keenly discussing the potential for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for select assets, with Goldman Sachs' renowned expertise promising a strategic pathway to growth. Considering Strategic Acquisitions: The possibility of utilizing Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) for acquisitions within the luxury market is another focal point of these discussions, highlighting a strategic approach to expanding the investment portfolio. The possibility of utilizing Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs) for acquisitions within the luxury market is another focal point of these discussions, highlighting a strategic approach to expanding the investment portfolio. Continued Personal and Strategic Dialogues: The ongoing conversations between McWhorter and Goldman Sachs are distinguished by a shared commitment to exploring nuanced strategies and the personal connections that underpin successful partnerships. Reflecting on the interaction, C.K. McWhorter shared, "The Windsor knot worn by the team lead from Goldman Sachs was a serendipitous touch that resonated with me personally. It reminded me that behind every strategic decision and discussion are individuals who bring their own stories, experiences, and yes, even their style of tying a tie. This personal connection adds depth to our potential collaboration, setting a foundation based on shared respect and mutual understanding." This engagement between McWhorter and Goldman Sachs illustrates a blend of strategic foresight and personal connection, emphasizing the importance of meaningful interactions in shaping the future of business collaborations. About C.K. McWhorter: C.K. McWhorter is a leading figure in impactful investing and philanthropy, dedicated to creating positive societal impacts through thoughtful investment and collaboration. His approach combines financial acumen with a deep appreciation for the personal elements that enrich professional relationships. Disclaimer, Disclosure & Legal Notice: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. It is not intended to provide specific recommendations, endorsements, or investment strategies. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Regulatory Considerations: This press release is not intended to constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Any offers, sales, or purchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations. McWhorter Foundation has not registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and may operate under exemptions. Any investment decisions should be made in consultation with appropriate legal and financial advisors, considering the individual circumstances and objectives of potential investors. Forward-Looking Statements: Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and we caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or suggested by any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, regulatory and legal developments, market conditions, and the outcome of negotiations. We disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/804240ce-cb87-4f87-a8a3-8c9877f7beba HONG KONG, Apr 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Hong Kong has always been known for its rich blend of Chinese and Western cultures, generating a thriving cultural and creative ecosystem that has become one of the economic-growth engines. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will host seven events covering lifestyle products and licensing industry in April. These include the Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle from 20 to 23 April at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Exhibitions and conferences will follow in the next week - the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair from 27 to 30 April at the HKCEC, the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and concurrently the debut DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong at AsiaWorld-Expo, as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference from 27 to 29 April at the HKCEC. These seven events further promote Hong Kong's lifestyle and creative industries, helping the sectors seize global opportunities.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: "This year, the HKTDC continues to coincide its seven events to highlight lifestyle products and licensing opportunities in late April to create more synergies. Catering to industry needs, we have redesigned the Home InStyle fair and introduced the new DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong. Global exhibitors will showcase creative designs and innovative technologies, proactively addressing three major industry trends - cultural and creative design, sustainability and multi-functionality of products. April is the prime sourcing month; these seven major events will provide a comprehensive platform for global exhibitors and buyers to explore bountiful business and trade opportunities across industries and sectors."The seven lifestyle events include six products fairs and one licensing conference. These six fairs will bring together over 7,000 exhibitors from some 30 countries and regions, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and the United States, showcasing a wide spectrum of lifestyle products, brands and services in various categories, including houseware, fashion, gifts, printing and packaging, and licensing. The Asian Licensing Conference will gather nearly 30 international licensing industry experts to share valuable insights.Home InStyle showcases global design homeware and Fashion InStyle promotes sustainability (20 - 23 April at HKCEC) Adapting to changing markets, the HKTDC has reconfigured some fairs this year to provide more comprehensive and effective promotion and sourcing platforms. The former Hong Kong International Home Textiles and Furnishings Fair has been integrated into Home InStyle, featuring a wide range of tableware, kitchenware, furniture and houseware products, as well as awarded designs and traditional handicrafts from around the world to meet sourcing demand for multifunctional and design products. One highlighted zone, Hall of Elegance, will feature renowned designer brands such as Topchoice, Ucome, Amercook, AmVegan and Azuda. The Cultural and Creative Corner has invited PANTONE as Colour Partner to provide trends for curating the zone. The zone will bring together around 50 exhibitors and design brands from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan and more. Local exhibitor Pete's Studio & Co will showcase their desk nameplates inspired by retro Hong Kong street signs. The new design allows buyers to personalise the nameplates with their preferred names but simultaneously preserves the nostalgic essence of Hong Kong heritage.Another major exhibition, Fashion InStyle, gathers suppliers from the ready-to-wear, garment and fashion industry. This year, the Certification & Trade Services zone debuts to provide certification services and advice to clothing manufacturers, including sustainability recognition. The Fashion Tech zone brings the latest technologies applied to clothing production and marketing. Among them, Arxy Future Lab from Luxembourg presents an immersive virtual showroom that allows users to showcase the exquisite intricacies of fashion designs, materials, and fitting effect on models in the virtual realm. This helps reduce sample production and promotes sustainability. The exhibition also features themed zones such as Corporate Wear and Urban Chic. The Athleisure zone brings fashion that combines comfort and functionality, offering buyers a diverse range of high-quality choices as athleisure booms.Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, a one-stop and comprehensive sourcing platform (27-30 April at HKCEC) The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will bring together selected gifts from around the world. The renowned Hall of Fine Designs will feature well-known local brands such as Red A and Tiny Memory, YASHICA and Marushin from Japan, c-secure from the Netherlands, LifeBion from Italy and more. The Cultural & Creative Corner will showcase designs with local cultural characteristics and products related to intangible cultural heritage from exhibitors of Shandong and Henan provinces, who have participated in the National Cultural and Tourism IP Authorisation Series Activities 2024 under the guidance of the national Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Hong Kong Exporters Association will organise a distinctive pavilion, and Hong Kong Smart Design Awards' winning pieces will also be exhibited on-site.DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong debuts (27 - 30 April at AsiaWorld-Expo) The HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (Hong Kong) Limited jointly organise the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair. In response to growing demand for luxury packaging, the acclaimed World of DeLuxe PrintPack Zone spins off to launch as a separate event, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong. The fair will focus on luxury packaging and creative packaging solutions for products covering categories such as food, cosmetics, wine, watches, and jewellery. Hong Kong exhibitor Midas Printing International Limited, winner of over 300 international awards, will showcase handcrafted chocolate and macaron boxes. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair helps the industry seize opportunities in e-commerce and sustainable development, with Hong Kong exhibitor Kerry Logistics (Hong Kong) Limited bringing value-added service solutions for green packaging.These five fairs will feature seminars, buyer forums, product demonstrations and fashion parades focusing on topics such as sustainable development, fashion technology, creative design thinking, silver economy and consumer market trends, enabling industries to capture global business opportunities. PANTONE will discuss interior decoration colour trends at Home InStyle. There will also be a cross-over between Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle to present pet products and fashion items together in a parade. Representatives from Coresight Research, Google and Pinkoi will analyse consumer trends and the OMO (Online merge Offline) concept at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair will co-organise seminars with the Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Printers Association to explore the impact of Generative AI on printing and design industry and introduce CTV (Colour Tone Value) hue control.As licensing draws global attention, show details industry trends (27 - 29 April at HKCEC) According to Licensing International, global licensed goods and services sales exceeded US$340 billion in 2022, an 8% annual growth rate. Despite the challenging business environment and ongoing impact on consumer markets, licensing industry sales continue to rise. The Hong Kong International Licensing Show is a business-expansion platform which spans regions and sectors, bringing together licensors, brands, licensing agents, licensing operators and traders from around the world, including brands such as Global Brands Group Holding Limited, Medialink Group Limited and Muse Communication (H.K.) Limited. Additionally, under the sponsorship of CreateHK by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Innovative Entrepreneur Association will set up the DLAB Hong Kong Pavilion, dedicated to promoting 45 local designers and their intellectual property licensing projects.At the concurrent Asian Licensing Conference, industry leaders will discuss global licensing business, including sustainable development in IP licensing, generative AI, new generation and IP creation, and licensing in the beauty and cosmetics industry.Digital platforms shape efficient exhibition experiences This year's April lifestyle fairs will continue to adopt the HKTDC's EXHIBITION+ model, integrating offline and online elements. Buyers can make purchases on-site and search for products and services on the hktdc.com sourcing platform and network through the Click2Match smart business-matching platform. In addition, during the physical exhibition, buyers can use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors' exclusive QR codes, save favourite exhibitors, browse product information, and continue online discussions with exhibitors during or after the exhibition.Photo download: https://bit.ly/49CBID0WebsitesHome InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/enFashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/enHong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/enHong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/enHong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Home InStyle and Fashion InStyleSnowy Chan, Tel: (852) 2584 4525, Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgHK Gifts & Premium Fair, HK International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong KongClementine Cheung, Tel: (852) 2584 4272, Email: clementine.hm.cheung@hktdc.orgHK International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing ConferenceKaty Wong, Tel: (852) 2584 4524, Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgHKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.comAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Twitter @hktdc and LinkedInSource: HKTDCCopyright 2024 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. Scaling electrolyzer manufacturing supports the hydrogen economy and helps move the planet towards a clean energy transition Originally published on 3M News Center ST PAUL, MN / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / 3M (NYSE:MMM) has invested in EVOLOH, a cleantech company that's working to scale up manufacturing of its electrolyzers to make green hydrogen affordable and efficient. Electrolyzers work by using electricity to separate the atoms in water. The result is hydrogen that can be used as clean fuel or chemical reactant to replace fossil fuels in industries that are traditionally difficult to decarbonize or abate, like steel production and aviation. The low-cost production of green hydrogen is key to the world reaching its climate goals. The investment is part of 3M's ongoing commitment to materials science-based climate tech solutions. It's another way 3M is supporting the development of the hydrogen economy and working toward a clean energy transition. "3M is excited about our investment in EVOLOH and the potential collaboration opportunities between our companies," said Mark Copman, senior vice president, 3M New Growth Ventures. "3M has the opportunity to leverage our long-standing expertise in high volume membrane electrode assembly and shares EVOLOH's vision to make clean and affordable hydrogen available around the world. 3M's investment in EVOLOH fits well with the work 3M is doing to help support the hydrogen economy and move the planet toward a clean energy transition." EVOLOH takes an innovative approach to manufacturing electrolyzers with core components that do not require precious metals or rare earth materials and are made from abundant materials like steel, plastic and aluminum. That means lower cost electrolyzer modules for users, as well as lower costs for installation and maintenance. 3M Ventures, the venture capital arm of 3M, recently participated in EVOLOH's $20 million Series A fundraising round, which will help the company scale up its manufacturing abilities. "This round of funding positions EVOLOH to lead the electrolyzer manufacturing market by transforming electrolyzer stacks into affordable, efficient hardware commodities made with 100% local supply chains," said Dr. Jimmy Rojas, founder and CEO of EVOLOH. The investment in EVOLOH is just one of several 3M initiatives to enhance hydrogen technologies. Other examples include the development of a high-performance catalyst technology used in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis, another form of hydrogen production technology. Also, 3M and HD Hyundai Korea Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (KSOE) have signed a joint research project agreement to develop large liquid hydrogen storage tanks using 3M glass bubbles - a high-strength, low-density hollow glass microsphere. Learn more about 3M solutions in the hydrogen economy About 3M 3M (NYSE: MMM) believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible, our global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of our customers, communities, and planet. Learn how we're working to improve lives and make what's next at 3M.com/news. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: 3M Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/3m Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: 3M View the original press release on accesswire.com National Commercial Real Estate Loan Administration manager developed a passion for the details NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / U.S. Bank Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog Suzanne Rathbun was majoring in criminal justice and forensic science with a long-term plan of going to law school and becoming a prosecutor when the 2007-2008 financial crisis changed everything. Suzanne Rathbun is based in McLean, Virginia. While getting her undergraduate degree during that time period, Rathbun worked in a law firm's commercial real estate and financial practices group, and it gave her an up-close look at how bank loans work. She found the work fascinating. "I decided at that point, with less than year left of my undergrad degree, to switch course, start over and pursue a degree in finance," Rathbun said. "It was the best decision I ever made." Rathbun got that finance degree and started a career in banking, where she's held various loan administration roles in commercial real estate and other commercial lending products. She joined U.S. Bank in the summer of 2021 as the national head of Commercial Real Estate Loan Administration. In this position, she leads teams that administer the entire life of a loan, from the preclosing work to closing and funding the loan, to continuing loan administration and monitoring. She also leads the compliance, risk and disbursement teams. The teams support the bank's Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Banking Middle Market CRE groups and work on complex loans ranging from $10 million to well over $150 million. "We provide direct support internally to relationship managers, underwriters and credit officers, but we also communicate directly with clients, whether they are private developers or up to institutional commercial real estate investors," Rathbun said. "U.S. Bank has disciplined credit, process and risk mitigation practices, and we help make sure those practices are followed every step of the way." Rathbun's teams need to have a deep understanding of commercial real estate processes, she said. "We need to understand everything that is needed from a legal documentation, commercial real estate due diligence and credit policy standpoint to support both the client and the bank," Rathbun said. "It's a very technical space but at the same time, I really try to reinforce with my team that not everything is black and white. There's going to be a gray area sometimes and we need to assess and analyze all the information that's available to come up with the right course of action." Rathbun has a great passion for the industry, she said. She is part of several industry groups and enjoys mentoring people on various teams in the bank as well as through the University of Richmond's Women in Leadership Certificate Program, where she is an advisor. She also gets great satisfaction from seeing commercial real estate projects come to fruition. "Some people may see a project as just another building, but I like to think about the impact it will have on an area," she said. "It can generate employment opportunities, provide financing for multifamily housing to support a growing market and provide retail for much-needed amenities." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from U.S. Bank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: U.S. Bank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/us-bank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: U.S. Bank View the original press release on accesswire.com The innovative new feature within the Parky app for Apple Watch is available by prescription for people with Parkinson's disease. ANKARA, TURKEY / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / h2o therapeutics today announced that Foggy, the company's haptic cueing feature, is now available by prescription. The feature is classified as a Class II Medical Device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Parkinson's disease affects millions worldwide, presenting unique challenges to both patients and caregivers. Freezing of gait is when someone may have temporary episodes of an inability to step forward. This abnormal gait pattern, in particular, significantly impacts mobility and independence, often leading to falls and decreased quality of life. Foggy uses the Taptic Engine in Apple Watch to provide vibrotactile stimulation for individuals experiencing freezing of gait, a debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease. Users can simply tap a complication on their Apple Watch to initiate haptic feedback that helps with the condition. "Cueing strategies hold immense promise in aiding individuals with freezing of gait," says Yagmur Selin Gulmus, founder of h2o therapeutics. "However, the key to their effectiveness lies in accessibility, individualization, and ease of use. Our introduction of Foggy marks a significant advancement in the field, offering patients a non-invasive solution by simply wearing their Apple Watch, designed to assist without adding cognitive load." h2o conducted two clinical studies to explore different cueing methods, including audio and visual cues using augmented reality. By collaborating closely with the Parkinson's community, the company gained valuable insights into patients' specific needs and preferences. In response, h2o developed Foggy, a user-friendly app tailored to the unique requirements of people living with Parkinson's disease. "We're excited to launch Foggy on World Parkinson's Day, highlighting a major step in our fight against the tricky problem of freezing of gait, a condition full of unknowns," explains Gulmus. "Foggy is a starting point towards tackling this issue that only a wealth of real-world data can clarify. Besides haptic cue generation, Foggy also acts as a data platform. This allows us to better understand freezing of gait and individualize our technology to meet the specific needs of those experiencing it." In 2022, h2o therapeutics obtained 510(k) marketing clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its prescription mobile app, Parky, designed for monitoring Parkinson's Disease. Integrated into Parky is the new Class II feature, Foggy, enhancing the app's capabilities with a holistic approach to manage Parkinson's symptoms. Parky app enables real-time monitoring of symptoms like tremors and dyskinesia through integration with Apple Watch using the Movement Disorder API; with the addition of Foggy, it now offers even more comprehensive support for patients. This innovation is a valuable tool for facilitating the exchange of meaningful and reliable data between patients and medical professionals, aiding in a better understanding and management of the disease. Contact Information Gokce Temizas Commercial Officer gokce@h2otherapeutics.com Bulutay Gunes Brand Manager brand@h2otherapeutics.com SOURCE: h2o therapeutics View the original press release on newswire.com. BURLINGAME, Calif., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CoherentMI published a report, titled, New Zealand Power Tool Market is estimated to value at US$ 167.2 Million in the year 2024, and is anticipated to reach a US$ 286.1 Million by 2031, with growing at a CAGR of 8% during forecast period 2024-2031. Market Dynamics: The New Zealand Power Tool Market is being primarily driven by the increasing demand for DIY home improvement projects. With the growing trend of homeowners taking on renovation and construction projects themselves, the demand for power tools is on the rise. Additionally, the flourishing construction industry in New Zealand is also fueling the market growth, as power tools are essential for various construction activities. Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Study Period 2024 - 2031 Base Year of Estimation 2023 CAGR 8 % Largest Market New Zealand Market Concentration High Major Players Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee Electric ToolTech, tronic Industries, Metabo HPT and Among Others Segments Covered By Product Type, By End User, By Power Source Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Growth Drivers Infrastructural development projects Easy availability of power tools Restraints & Challenges Availability of cheaper Chinese imports Slow economic growth in some regions Key Market Takeaways: New Zealand Power Tool Market Size is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period 2024-2031, owing to the increasing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. during the forecast period 2024-2031, owing to the increasing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. On the basis of product type, drills are expected to dominate the market, driven by their versatility and wide range of applications in both professional and DIY settings. In terms of end use, the professional segment is expected to hold a dominant position, as professionals require high-performance tools for their everyday tasks. Electric corded power tools are likely to be the dominating power source in the market, offering consistent power and reliability for various applications. In the New Zealand region, Auckland is expected to lead the market due to its high concentration of construction and renovation activities. Key players operating in the New Zealand Power Tool Market include Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, and Milwaukee Electric Tool, among others. These key players are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge in the market. Market Trends: One of the key trends in the New Zealand Power Tool Market is the growing adoption of cordless power tools. Cordless power tools offer greater convenience and flexibility to users, allowing them to work in areas without access to power outlets. Another trend is the increasing focus on sustainability, leading to the development of eco-friendly power tools that are energy-efficient and have reduced carbon footprints. These trends are expected to continue shaping the market in the coming years. Recent Development: In October 2021, Formerly known as The Stanley Works, DEWALT is a Fortune 500 American brand that was launched by Stanely Black & Decker. It produced security products as well as household and industrial hardware. In September 2021, Since the release of the GEX12V-5 Brushless 5 In. Power tool, Robert Bosch Power Tools Division of the Bosch Group, dominated the global market for power tools accessories. Read complete market research report, "New Zealand Power Tool Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2024 - 2031)", Published by CoherentMI. Market Opportunities: Increasing Demand for Power Tools in the DIY Segment The DIY segment is gaining significant traction in the New Zealand power tool market as more individuals are taking on home improvement projects. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of DIY videos on social media platforms and the desire for cost-effective solutions. Power tools such as drills, saws, and sanders are essential for DIY enthusiasts looking to complete projects efficiently and with professional-quality results. As a result, there is a lucrative opportunity for power tool manufacturers to cater to this growing segment by offering user-friendly, durable, and affordable products. Shift Towards Cordless Battery Power Tools There is a noticeable shift towards cordless battery-powered tools in the New Zealand market due to their convenience, portability, and eco-friendly nature. Consumers are increasingly opting for cordless models as they eliminate the need for power cords and allow for freedom of movement during projects. Additionally, advancements in battery technology have improved the performance and run-time of cordless power tools, making them a preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This shift presents a significant market opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and offer a wide range of cordless battery-powered tools to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Overall, the New Zealand power tool market presents lucrative opportunities for manufacturers to capitalize on the growing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. By understanding and addressing these market trends, companies can stay ahead of the competition and drive growth in the market. New Zealand Power Tool Market Segmentation: By Product Type Drills Saws Sanders Routers Planers Others By End User Professional DIY Industrial Others By Power Source Electric corded Cordless battery Gasoline powered, Pneumatic Purchase Latest Edition of this Research Report @ https://www.coherentmi.com/industry-reports/new-zealand-power-tool-market/buyNow Top Questions Answered in this Report: What factors are impeding the growth of the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? What are the primary drivers fueling the growth of the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Which segment stands out as the leading component in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Who are the key players actively participating in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Which region is poised to take the lead in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? What is the projected CAGR for the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Find More Trending Reports Below: India Dark Kitchens/Ghost Kitchens/Cloud Kitchens Market is Segmented By Type (Independent Cloud Kitchens, Shared Kitchen Spaces, Kitchenpods), By Product Type (Fast Food, Bakery Items, Beverages, Desserts, Salads & Wraps, Biryani & Rice Bowls, Others (Pizzas, Burgers, Rolls)), By Nature (Franchised and Standalone), By Ordering Method (Online Channels, Offline Channels, Hybrid Model). The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above-mentioned segments. Global Fashion Ecommerce Market is Segmented By Business Model (B2C, B2B, C2C, B2A, C2B, B2E), By Product Type (Apparel, Accessories, Footwear, Beauty and Personal Care, Others), By End User (Men, Women, Kids, Unisex), By Price Range (Premium, Mid, Low, Economy), By Device Used (Mobile, Desktop, Tablet, Others), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). The report offers the value (in USD billion) for the above-mentioned segments. India Quick E-Commerce (Quick Commerce) Market is Segmented By Product Category (Fruits & Vegetables, Snacks & Beverages, Dairy & Bakery, Staples & Cooking Essentials, Meat & Seafood, Personal Care, Others), By Order Value (Below INR 500, INR 500-1000, INR 1000-1500, Above INR 1500), By Location (Metropolitan Cities, Tier 1 Cities, Tier 2 Cities, Rest of India), By Time-slot (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, More than 90 minutes), By Payment Mode (Digital Wallets, Credit/Debit Cards, Cash on Delivery, UPI, Net Banking). The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above-mentioned segments. About Us: At CoherentMI, we are a leading global market intelligence company dedicated to providing comprehensive insights, analysis, and strategic solutions to empower businesses and organizations worldwide. Moreover, CoherentMI is a subsidiary of Coherent Market Insights Pvt Ltd., which is a market intelligence and consulting organization that helps businesses in critical business decisions. With our cutting-edge technology and experienced team of industry experts, we deliver actionable intelligence that helps our clients make informed decisions and stay ahead in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Contact Us: Mr. Shah Senior Client Partner - Business Development CoherentMI Phone: U.S.: +1-206-701-6702 U.K: +44-020-8133-4027 JAPAN: +81-50-5539-1737 INDIA: +91-848-285-0837 Email: sales@coherentmi.com Website: https://www.coherentmi.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/902389/Coherent_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-zealand-power-tool-market-to-reach-us-286-1-million-by-2031--rising-at-a-cagr-of-8--report-by-coherentmi-302114507.html HAAS Alert and AiDEN Auto to demonstrate cloud-based V2X safety at COVESA event in Gothenburg, Sweden April 16 - 18 Gothenburg, Sweden, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HAAS Alert, which operates the largest V2X (vehicle-to-everything) digital alerting platform Safety Cloud, and AiDEN Auto, creators of the first white label and bi-directional connected services hub powered by the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), will be showcasing a new collaboration at the Connected Vehicle Systems Alliance (COVESA) All Member Meeting in Gothenburg, Sweden next week. Safety Cloud digital alerts will be demonstrated in multiple AiDEN-enabled passenger and commercial vehicles. This will include live on-road demo drives to showcase real-time connected vehicle experiences available to vehicle manufacturers with AAOS as their vehicle infotainment operating system. This integrated solution between AiDEN's Services Hub and HAAS Alert's Safety Cloud accelerates the adoption of Euro NCAP safety use cases at a fraction of the cost. Safety Cloud digital alerts enhance safety and situational awareness by delivering real-time notifications to drivers when they are approaching roadway events requiring them to slow down and move over. Services Hub enables vehicle manufacturers to deliver personalized in-vehicle experiences, including connected safety services like Safety Cloud, to drivers and fleet owners with 100% GDPR compliance. "HAAS Alert's goal of creating a connected transportation ecosystem can only be realized through partnership with other companies who share that same vision," says Jeremy Agulnek SVP, Connected Vehicle at HAAS Alert. "Delivering Safety Cloud V2X messages through AiDEN's Services Hub is a great example of industry collaboration that benefits roadway users quickly and cost-effectively in ways that meet the unique needs of each automaker." "AiDEN's Services Hub was launched to enable OEMs to rapidly introduce innovative connected vehicle experiences that their customers would benefit from," says Todd Thomas, Chief Revenue Officer at AiDEN Auto. "Showcasing V2X safety through use cases with HAAS Alert demonstrates the flexibility of our platform." Join us at the COVESA All Member Meeting April 16-18 in Gothenburg, Sweden to witness the future of automotive safety and connectivity. About HAAS Alert HAAS Alert's mission is to build lifesaving mobility solutions to make vehicles and roads safer and smarter. Our vision is a connected, collision-free world where everyone gets home safely. HAAS Alert makes roads and communities safer by delivering digital alerts from emergency response, municipal and private fleets, work zones, and connected infrastructure to nearby drivers through its vehicle communication platform. For more information, visit www.haasalert.com. About AiDEN Automotive Imagine a world where your vehicle anticipates your every need, delivering tailored services to you in an instant. Experience the seamless integration of third-party digital services directly into your vehicle, elevating your driving experience to new heights. With AiDEN, the ultimate in-car convenience is at your fingertips. For more information, visit aidenauto.com Attachment Survey data from 200 in-house and law firm professionals underscore the growing imperative for creating, measuring, and reporting IP impact NEW YORK, April 11, 2024, a leading data and professional services company specializing in litigation, intellectual property, contracts, compliance, and legal operations, releases 2024 IP Impact Study: Trends in Benchmarking Value. This first-of-its-kind report explores how both law firms and corporations measure the efficacy of their IP processes and the intangible value and impact of the assets they secure, protect, and enforce. In January of 2024, UnitedLex commissioned a leading market research firm to survey 200 senior in-house and private practice IP professionals to better understand how they measure impact and benchmark value. Respondents included practice group heads, general counsel, chief IP officers, and other senior decision-makers. The survey results point to an increased reliance on metric-driven decisions to measure the commercial impact of IP strategies and resource management including technology, data tools, head count, and external partners. "Companies are understanding that the value of their organization is more and more dependent on their IP. There is a heightened mandate for IP teams to protect their companies' assets while demonstrating operational rigor and fiscal accountability," said Joe Dearing, Executive Vice President for IP solutions at UnitedLex. "Headwinds and operational drag impacting IP teams, including the growing number of U.S. and global filings, the scarcity of IP expertise, and protocols to mitigate risk, make IP a costly business function if not measured and managed strategically." Facts from the report include: IP filing volumes are expected to increase due to growing high-tech and biotech development and widespread adoption of AI to enhance existing goods and services. Law firm respondents said they expect investment to be mainly focused on hiring support staff (68%), IP management technology (66%) or specialty IP service providers (61%); in-house teams were slightly more likely to engage specialty providers than invest in IP management tech-55% and 52% respectively. In-house teams report regulatory changes (62%), product development (55%), and resource constraints (45%) are the leading factors negatively impacting portfolio ROI. 57% of law firms name resource constraints and IP specialization labor costs top challenges to profitability, with AI and other emerging technologies increasing both filing activity and regulatory uncertainty as IP lawyers already face greater volumes of IP prosecution work. "There are very few organizations I have seen that have turned their IP departments into a revenue generating department rather than a cost center," said Rajitha Boer, UnitedLex Chief Client Officer. "If in-house teams can show they are generating revenue, it makes their life so much easier, because they are moving the dial for the company." The full report offers a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities IP professionals face, as well as insights from numerous industry leaders. Download a complimentary copy of the report at: https://unitedlex.com/intellectual-property/impact-report/ About UnitedLex UnitedLex is a data and professional services company delivering outcomes that create value for high-performing law firms and corporate legal departments in the areas of digital litigation, intellectual property, contracts, compliance, and legal operations. Founded in 2006 with a mission to push the boundaries of legal innovation, we provide solutions that enable measurable performance improvement, risk mitigation, revenue gain, cost reduction, and digital business synergy. Our team of 3,000+ legal, data, and technology professionals supports our clients from operational centers around the world. Media Inquiries Susan Hammann Director of Strategic Communications press@unitedlex.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78ca6c63-d32f-4e4f-b26c-84f08ffe0abd The "Ireland Gift Card and Incentive Card Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics (Databook) Q1 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The gift card industry in Ireland has been identified as a growing market with projections indicating an upward trend. Industry reports suggest a consistent rise in market value, with an expectation to reach the benchmark of US$0.8 billion in 2024. This growth trajectory is further anticipated to continue, with the industry expanding to a forecasted size of US$1.0 billion by the year 2028. Key Drivers of the Market Expansion The dynamic landscape of Ireland's gift card market is attributed to several key factors that have catalyzed its growth. The surge in e-commerce, coupled with the strategic measures taken by government, travel, and hospitality sectors to stimulate expansion, has played a significant role. Additionally, the trend of digital gifting and the adoption of gift cards as incentives for remotely working employees have been instrumental in propelling the market forward. Comprehensive Market Insights Detailed analysis of the market reveals insights into consumer behavior across various retail categories and segments, both for personal and corporate uses. Gift card dynamics such as gross load value, transaction volume, and unused value are meticulously tracked to provide a well-rounded understanding of the industry. The retail consumer segment, including transactions related to festivals, special events, and self-use, reflects substantial engagement in the market. Corporate Adoption Trends Corporate consumers have demonstrated an increasing interest in integrating gift cards into their business models. These cards are utilized for a myriad of purposes including employee incentives, consumer engagement, and sales promotions. The accessibility of digital gift card options has also added to the convenience and flexibility for corporate consumers. Retail Impact Beyond the personal and corporate realms, the influence of gift cards on product categories such as health and wellness, food and beverage, and consumer electronics is notable. The retail sector, including e-commerce, supermarkets, and specialty stores, has capitalized on the gift card market, seeing appreciable sales lifts through both online and offline channels. The emerging data suggests a promising future for the Irish gift card market. The continued expansion indicates robust market opportunities and signals a positive outlook for both retailers and corporates looking to leverage this versatile financial instrument. The market's trajectory points to strategic advantages for stakeholders invested in the burgeoning gift card ecosystem. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 268 Forecast Period 2024 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $0.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $1 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.6% Regions Covered Ireland Companies Featured Dunnes Stores Supervalu Tesco Superstore Aldi Lidl Centra Amazon Apple Tesco Extra For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jpsq8u About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411986297/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Rome Resources Ltd. (TSXV: RMR) (FSE: 33R) ("Rome" or the "Company") announces that, further to the Company's news release of November 29, 2023 in which it announced entering into a non-binding heads of terms providing for the potential acquisition of the issued and outstanding securities of Rome by Pathfinder Minerals Plc ("Pathfinder"), a UK company quoted on AIM, which would constitute a reverse takeover of Rome by Pathfinder under the AIM Rules for Companies and a reorganization under Part 8 of Policy 5.3 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Proposed Acquisition"), due diligence by both Rome and Pathfinder and their respective advisors with respect to the Proposed Acquisition is ongoing, and Rome is pleased with the progress made to date. Rome also announces that Mr David Jenkins has resigned as a director of the Company, for personal reasons. The Board thanks Mr Jenkins for his contributions during the period he served as a director. About Rome Resources Rome Resources Ltd. is a mineral exploration company that has entered into two option agreements and a binding term sheet where it has acquired 51% indirect interests in two contiguous properties situated in the Walikale District of the North Kivu Province in eastern DRC, which are collectively referred to as the "Bisie North Tin Project". Rome has completed an initial phase of drilling on the project where it is responsible to fund exploration up to the completion of a definitive feasibility study. Contacts Investors / Shareholders Mark Gasson President, CEO & Director P: (604) 687-6140 Media E: info@romeresources.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although Rome Resources Ltd believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, Rome Resources Ltd disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205086 SOURCE: Rome Resources Ltd. BANGALORE, India, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric Oil Pump Market is Segmented by Type ( Integrated Pump , Separate Pump ), by Application (Start-Stop System, Electric and Hybrid System). The Global Electric Oil Pump Market was valued at US$ 359.4 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 1275.6 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 19.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-11R5477/Global_Electric_Oil_Pump_Market Major Factors Driving the Growth of Electric Oil Pump Market The growing global use of electric and hybrid cars is the main factor propelling the growth of the electric oil pump market. Electric oil pumps are becoming more and more necessary to meet the lubrication and cooling needs of electric drivetrains as the automobile industry moves toward electrification in order to cut emissions and adhere to strict environmental standards. Electric oil pumps are used by electric cars (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to cool vital parts such as electric motors, inverters, and battery systems and to circulate lubricating oil. The Electric Oil Pump market is anticipated to increase dramatically as manufacturers continue to engage in the development of electric vehicles in order to comply with regulatory requirements and customer preferences for greener and more efficient transportation options. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-11R5477/global-electric-oil-pump TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF ELECTRIC OIL PUMP MARKET: The incorporation of start-stop technologies in automobiles is an additional element propelling the expansion of the Electric Oil Pump Industry. When a car is stopped, as it does at a stop sign or in stop-and-go traffic, start-stop systems automatically turn off the engine and resume it when the driver steps off the brake pedal or steps on the accelerator. Electric oil pumps are essential to start-stop systems because they keep the oil flowing and pressure steady when the engine is off, which keeps engine parts properly lubricated and cooled during idle times. The need for electric oil pumps that can support start-stop systems is anticipated to rise as automakers install them to cut emissions and increase fuel economy, which will promote market development in the automobile industry. The main way that the integrated Electric Oil Pump (EOP) lowers costs is by doing away with the requirement for conventional engine-driven mechanical pumps and related parts. The integrated EOP reduces pollutants and improves fuel efficiency by operating the oil pump using electric power rather than engine power, which avoids parasitic losses commonly found in engine-driven pumps. The integrated design also streamlines the architecture of the vehicle as a whole, lowering the quantity of parts, assembly time, and maintenance needs. Additionally, the integrated EOP's small and modular design makes it simpler to incorporate into current vehicle platforms, reducing the cost of retrofitting and promoting adoption across a variety of vehicle types. The rising use of electric powertrains in automobiles is the main factor propelling the growth of the electric oil pump market. Electric oil pumps are becoming more and more necessary to meet the lubrication and cooling needs of electric drivetrains as the automobile industry undergoes a dramatic transition towards electrification. Electric oil pumps are used by electric cars (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to cool vital parts such as electric motors, inverters, and battery systems and to circulate lubricating oil. The market for electric oil pumps is anticipated to increase dramatically as manufacturers continue to engage in the development of electric vehicles in order to comply with regulatory requirements and customer preferences for greener and more efficient transportation options. Enhancing fuel efficiency and cutting emissions is a major priority of the automobile industry, which is propelling the growth of the electric oil pump market. Compared to conventional mechanical pumps, electric oil pumps provide a number of benefits, including variable speed operation, on-demand functionality, and lower parasitic losses. Electric oil pumps may adjust oil flow to the vehicle's operating circumstances by severing the oil pump's connection from the engine speed. This leads to increased fuel efficiency and reduced pollution. Electric oil pump use is anticipated to rise in response to automakers' efforts to comply with global pollution and fuel efficiency regulations, which would propel market expansion in the automotive industry. Enhancing fuel efficiency and cutting emissions is a major priority of the automobile industry, which is propelling the growth of the electric oil pump market. Compared to conventional mechanical pumps, electric oil pumps provide a number of benefits, including variable speed operation, on-demand functionality, and lower parasitic losses. Electric oil pumps may adjust oil flow to the vehicle's operating circumstances by severing the oil pump's connection from the engine speed. This leads to increased fuel efficiency and reduced pollution. Electric oil pump use is anticipated to rise in response to automakers' efforts to comply with global pollution and fuel efficiency regulations, which would propel market expansion in the automotive industry. Electric oil pumps are becoming more and more common in sophisticated automotive systems due to the focus on vehicle electrification and autonomous driving technology. Electric oil pumps are essential for the lubrication and cooling of electric motors, gearboxes, and other vital parts in electrified drivetrains and autonomous vehicle systems. It is anticipated that the need for electric oil pumps that can satisfy the particular needs of these cutting-edge systems will increase as automakers make investments in the development of electric and autonomous cars to address future mobility needs. The automotive sector is seeing a market boom due to the availability of electric oil pumps, which provide the necessary flexibility, efficiency, and reliability to support the intricate operating conditions of autonomous and electrified cars. Buy Now: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-11R5477&lic=single-user ELECTRIC OIL PUMP MARKET SHARE: With a share of almost 89%, the largest category by type is Integrated Pump. The Start-Stop System is the most widely used application, followed by the Electric and Hybrid Systems. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-11R5477/Global_Electric_Oil_Pump_Market Key Companies: Nidec Corporation SHW Group Hitachi Automotive Systems LG Innotek Mitsubishi Electric Corporation EMP Hanon Systems Mitsuba Corporation SANHUA Yamada Buehler Motor Ebm-papst Fuxin Dare Vitesco Technologies Bosch Brose Aisin Seiki Rheinmetall Automotive AG Purchase Chapters Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/chaptercost/QYRE-Auto-11R5477/Global_Electric_Oil_Pump_Market SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Automotive Electric Oil Pump market was valued at US$ 359.4 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 516.7 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Automotive Engine Oil Pump Market - Oil Pump for Automotive market size is expected to reach US$ 7366.6 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% from 2023 to 2029. - Automotive Electric Pump Market - Automotive Transmission Oil Pump Market - Oil Pump Market was estimated to be worth US$ 13850 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 18160 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Automotive Electric Driven Oil Pump market is projected to reach US$ 1584.8 million in 2029, increasing from US$ 508 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 16.9% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Electric Oil Pump for Transmission market is projected to grow from US$ 578.7 million in 2023 to US$ 789 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.3% during the forecast period. - Automotive Oil Pump market was valued at US$ 4223.1 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 5388.4 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - The global cryogenic pump market size was valued at $610.0 million in 2020, and is projected to reach $854.0 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2020 to 2030. - The global vehicle electrification market was valued at USD 70.14 Billion in 2019, and is projected to reach USD 140.29 Billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 11.3%. - Electric Oil Circulation Gear Pumps Market - Oil Pump Market was estimated to be worth US$ 13850 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 18160 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Oil Cooled Drive Motor Electric Oil Pumps market was valued at US$ 79 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 546.1 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 28.7% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Oil Pump Motors Market - Automotive Variable Oil Pump Market - Oil Pump Rotors Market - Electric Grease Pumps market was valued at US$ 1084 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 1848.7 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 7.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Electric Motor for Pumps Market - Electric Hydraulic Pumps market was valued at US$ 7630 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 13960 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Automotive Variable Discharge Oil Pumps Market - Lubrication Pump market was valued at US$ 1480 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 2014.1 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Automotive Electric Vacuum Pump market size is expected to reach US$ 5798 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2023 to 2029. - High Temperature Electric Submersible Pump Market - Fuel Pump Market was estimated to be worth US$ 6373 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 7911.6 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - According to a new report published by , titled, " Intelligent Pump Market ," The intelligent pump market size was valued at USD 1 Billion in 2021, and is estimated to reach USD 2.1 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2022 to 2031. - EV Electric Oil Pump Market - Passenger Car Electric Oil Pump Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! 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SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Gem & Clay Interiors, a leading interior design firm known for its innovative and personalized approach, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location in St. Augustine, Florida. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to grow its presence in key markets. Allison Smith - Interior Designer Allison Smith - Founder Gem & Clay Interiors Founded in Akron, Ohio, Gem & Clay Interiors has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional interior design services tailored to the unique preferences and lifestyles of its clients, offering Cleveland and Columbus interior design services in the Ohio market. With the opening of its St. Augustine location, the firm is poised to bring its signature blend of creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to clients throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas, as well as surrounding cities. You can learn more about our Jacksonville interior design and Orlando interior design services on our website. Situated on Anastasia Island, the new location offers a convenient hub for clients seeking full-service interior design solutions for new builds, gut renovations, minor renovations, or furniture planning and styling. Whether clients are looking to transform a blank canvas into their dream home or enhance the beauty and functionality of their existing space, Gem & Clay Interiors is dedicated to bringing their vision to life. Allison Smith, Founder of Gem & Clay Interiors, expressed her excitement about the new location, stating: "Opening a new location in Florida has been a dream of mine as we personally have homes in both of our service areas. We absolutely love the Jacksonville / St. Augustine area and have already met many wonderful clients and are thrilled to continue to grow our business in such a beautiful, historic place." Gem & Clay Interiors invites both new and existing clients to visit their St. Augustine location and explore the possibilities for creating a home that reflects their unique style and personality. With a team of talented professionals and designers and a commitment to excellence, the firm is dedicated to exceeding client expectations and transforming spaces into extraordinary works of art. For more information about Gem & Clay Interiors and its services, visit www.gemandclay.com or contact info@gemandclay.com to schedule a consultation. About Gem & Clay Interiors: Gem & Clay Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in Akron, Ohio, with a newly opened location in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded by Allison Smith, the firm specializes in creating personalized and innovative design solutions for residential and commercial spaces, with a focus on exceeding client expectations and bringing their visions to life. Media Contact: Allison Smith Founder, Gem & Clay Interiors Phone: 904-209-4833 Email: allison@gemandclay.com Contact Information Allison Smith Founder allison@gemandclay.com 904-209-4833 SOURCE: Gem & Clay Interiors View the original press release on newswire.com. PRESS RELEASE REGULATED INFORMATION 11 April 2024, 06:00 pm CEST Ghent, Belgium - 11 April 2024 - Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA) (the "Company" or "SequanaMedical"), a pioneer in the treatment of fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, announces today that it received transparency notifications from the shareholders listed below, notifying the number of voting rights attached to shares mentioned next to their respective names in the table below. Reason for notification Aggregate number of shares and voting rights held % of total outstanding shares LSP Management Group B.V.(1) Acquisition or disposal of the control of an undertaking that holds a participating interest in an issuer / Downward crossing of the lowest threshold N.A.(2) N.A.(2) EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. (3) Acquisition or disposal of the control of an undertaking that holds a participating interest in an issuer 1,706,077 9.18%(4) EQT Life Sciences Group B.V.(5) Acquisition of voting securities or voting rights 4,695,407 13.08%(6) Adrianus van Herk(7) Downward crossing of the lowest threshold / Disposal of voting securities or voting rights N.A.(8) N.A.(8) _____________ Notes: (1) LSP Management Group B.V., a parent undertaking or a controlling person of LSP Health Economics Fund Management B.V. ("LSP") informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 8 April 2024, that since 28 February 2022, LSP is no longer controlled by LSP Management Group B.V. The notification specifies furthermore that LSP Management Group B.V. was the holding company of the LSP management organization that was acquired in 2022 by the Swedish listed private equity company EQT AB. As part of that transaction, LSP Management Group B.V. has transferred the shares of LSP, among other, to EQT AB. Since then, EQT AB has held (through a pair of intermediate holding companies) all shares in LSP. This company is the sole director of LSP Sequana Holding B.V., which is a shareholder of the issuer Sequana Medical. As such, LSP exercises the voting rights of the shares of Sequana Medical. This notice is made to make it clear that LSP is no longer controlled by LSP Management Group B.V. Finally, the name of the last company has now been changed to MRMJ Holding B.V. (2) The transparency notification does not mention how many voting securities or voting rights are held by LSP Management Group B.V. since LSP is no longer controlled by LSP Management Group B.V. (3) EQT Life Sciences Group B.V., a parent undertaking or a controlling person of LSP, informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 4 April 2024, that on 28 February 2022 the aggregate number of voting rights of EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. crossed the threshold of 5% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company back then. The notification specifies furthermore that LSP is controlled by EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. (as 100% shareholder), which in turn is controlled by EQT Treasury AB (as 100% shareholder), which in turn is controlled by EQT AB (as 100% shareholder). EQT AB is a Swedish listed company and is not a controlled entity. The notification also states that the LSP management organization has been acquired by the Swedish listed private equity company EQT AB, effective as of 28 February 2022. As a result, among other things, the ownership of the shares of LSP transferred to EQT AB, which now (indirectly) holds all shares in LSP. LSP is the sole director of LSP Sequana Holding B.V., which is a shareholder of the issuer Sequana Medical. As such, LSP exercises the voting rights of the shares of Sequana Medical, at its sole discretion, in the absence of specific instructions. (4) The total number of outstanding shares of the Company on 28 February 2022 as mentioned in the relevant transparency notification was 18,579,260, each share giving right to one (1) vote (being 18,579,260 voting rights in total). (5) EQT Life Sciences Group B.V., a parent undertaking or a controlling person of LSP and EQT Health Economics 3 Management B.V. ("EQT"), informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 10 April 2024, that on 25 March 2024 the aggregate number of voting rights of EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. crossed the threshold of 10% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. The notification specifies furthermore that LSP and EQT are controlled by EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. (as 100% shareholder), which in turn is controlled by EQT Treasury AB (as 100% shareholder), which in turn is controlled by EQT AB (as 100% shareholder). EQT AB is a Swedish listed company and is not a controlled entity. The notification also states that LSP and EQT are not owners of the shares of the Company, but manages the two funds managed by EQT Life Sciences Group B.V. who jointly hold their shares in the Company through the pooling entity LSP HEF Sequana Holding B.V. LSP and EQT are both directors of LSP HEF Sequana Holding B.V. and as such jointly exercise discretionary voting rights over the shares held in the Company, held through LSP HEF Sequana Holding B.V. (6) The total number of outstanding shares of the Company on 25 March 2024 as mentioned in the relevant transparency notification amounts to 35,909,420, each share giving right to one (1) vote (being 35,909,420 voting rights in total). (7) Adrianus van Herk ("van Herk"), acting as a person that notifies alone, informed the Company, by means of a notification dated 8 April 2024, that on 3 April 2024 the aggregate number of voting rights of van Herk crossed the lowest threshold of 3% of the outstanding voting rights of the Company. (8) The transparency notification does not mention how many voting securities or voting rights are held by van Herk after downward crossing of the lowest threshold of 3%. This announcement is made in accordance with Article 14 of the Belgian Act of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers of which shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions. To access copies of the aforementioned transparency notifications, reference is made to Sequana Medical's website). Pursuant to the Belgian Transparency Act and the articles of association of the Company, a notification to the Company and the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA) is required by all natural and legal persons in each case where the percentage of voting rights attached to the securities held by such persons in the Company reaches, exceeds or falls below the threshold of 3%, 5%, 10%, and every subsequent multiple of 5%, of the total number of voting rights in the Company. For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Ian Crosbie, CEO E: IR@sequanamedical.com T: +44 7973 42 99 17 About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical NV is a pioneer in treating fluid overload, a serious and frequent clinical complication in patients with liver disease, heart failure and cancer. This causes major medical issues including increased mortality, repeated hospitalizations, severe pain, difficulty breathing and restricted mobility. Although diuretics are standard of care, they become ineffective, untolerable or exacerbate the problem in many patients. There are limited effective treatment options, resulting in poor clinical outcomes, high costs and a major impact on their quality of life. Sequana Medical is seeking to provide innovative treatment options for this large and growing "diuretic-resistant" patient population. alfapump and DSR are Sequana Medical's proprietary platforms that work with the body to treat diuretic-resistant fluid overload, delivering major clinical and quality of life benefits for patients and reducing costs for healthcare systems. The Company's Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the alfapump was submitted to the US FDA in December 2023 and accepted for substantive review in January 2024, having reported positive primary and secondary endpoint data from the North American pivotal POSEIDON study in recurrent or refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Results of the Company's RED DESERT and SAHARA proof-of-concept studies in heart failure support DSR's mechanism of action as breaking the vicious cycle of cardiorenal syndrome. All three patients from the non-randomized cohort of MOJAVE, a US randomized controlled multi-center Phase 1/2a clinical study, have been successfully treated with DSR, resulting in a dramatic improvement in diuretic response and virtual elimination of loop diuretic requirements. The independent Data Safety Monitoring Board approved the start of the randomized MOJAVE cohort of up to a further 30 patients, which is planned after alfapump US PMA approval. Sequana Medical is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels. Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump system is currently not approved in the United States or Canada. In the United States and Canada, the alfapump system is currently under clinical investigation (POSEIDON Trial) and is being studied in adult patients with refractory or recurrent ascites due to liver cirrhosis. DSR therapy is still in development and it should be noted that any statements regarding safety and efficacy arise from ongoing pre-clinical and clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the United States or Canada. Note: alfapump and DSR are registered trademarks. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Attachments Finsbury Growth & Income Trust Plc - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, April 11 For immediate release 11 April 2024 FINSBURY GROWTH & INCOME TRUST PLC (the "Company") MARKET PURCHASE OF COMPANY'S OWN SHARES The Company announce that it has today purchased 209,902 of its own shares ("Ordinary Shares") at a price of 827.94 pence per Ordinary Share. Such shares will be held in treasury by the Company. The transaction was made pursuant to the authority granted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 23 January 2024. Following this transaction, the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury is 39,064,910; the total number of Ordinary Shares that the Company has in issue, less the total number of Ordinary Shares held by the Company in treasury following such purchase, and therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company is 185,926,393. The figure of 185,926,393 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for calculations of interests in the Company's voting rights in accordance with the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. For and on behalf of Frostrow Capital LLP Company Secretary For further information, please contact: Victoria Hale Frostrow Capital LLP Tel: 020 3 170 8732 Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) up 33.6% as of March 31, 2024; Annual recurring revenue of 20.6 million as of March 31, 2024, representing 68.3% of 2023 turnover; Q1 2024 turnover of 7.0 million; Confirmation of profitable growth from H2 2024. Paris, Avril 11, 2024 - WALLIX (Euronext ALLIX), a European cybersecurity software developer and expert in identity and access management (IAM) and privileged access management (PAM), announces its business performance for Q1 2024. Unaudited data (000) 30/06/2023 30/09/2023 31/12/2023 31/03/2024 Monthly recurring revenue 1,415 1,550 1,641 1,719 Change over 12 months +26.1% +32.6% +32.9% +33.6% Jean-Noel de Galzain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WALLIX Group, said: "The ramp-up of our subscription model is continuing at a sustained pace, involving a change in uses among our existing clients and a significant number of new contracts. Recurring business continued to grow beyond the 30% mark in the first quarter. Cybersecurity risk is a central concern for European governance bodies that is also weighing on companies. 2024 promises to be a particularly dynamic year, marked by the adoption of the NIS 2 Directive in October and the new DORA regulation, which explicitly covers financial services in the European Union. Accessible as an appliance or in SaaS mode, our solutions are recognized by leading market analysts as a means of helping organizations protect their digital access and users and manage their compliance processes. We have also set up within our company a team of cybersecurity experts tasked with helping our resellers and integrators deploy identity and access management solutions among our clients, and we are backed by a solid financial position to prepare for the future. WALLIX is therefore ideally placed to seize these growth opportunities and maintain the surge in recurring business, the cornerstone of our activity. We are confirming our target of generating an operating profit from the second half of 2024." Recurring business growth of over 30% Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) as of March 31, 2024 totaled 1.7 million, up 33.6% versus March 31, 2023, in line with hypergrowth rates achieved during the previous two quarters. On an annual basis, recurring business amounted to 20.6 million as of March 31, 2024, representing 68.3% of 2023 consolidated turnover, up 7.0 percentage points over one year. Dedicated to the protection of industrial systems and networks, the OT segment continues to post solid sales momentum, particularly in the Middle East/Africa region, and is confirming its status as a significant area of expansion for the Group, which is gradually becoming a benchmark in the field. Meanwhile, the reorganization of the Group's sales and marketing teams is beginning to show its potential via a concerted drive to enhance the existing client base of nearly 3,000 active contracts by optimizing the basket of high-potential clients through up-selling and cross-selling operations. Q1 2024 consolidated turnover amounted to 7.0 million, up 13.7% compared to Q1 2023, reflecting sound management of the shift towards a subscription model. Return to profitable growth confirmed for the second half of 2024 Against the backdrop of continuous development, the proliferation of cyberattacks and the ramp-up in cybersecurity, WALLIX is positioned as a European PAM player offering certified solutions in France, and soon in Germany, and a unique positioning in the OT segment, giving it major competitive advantages. Given the booming market and the Group's various growth drivers, WALLIX is confident in its ability to maintain hypergrowth in recurring business and generate an operating profit as from H2 2024. Next Event: Cyber Vision Day by WALLIX, May 21, 2024 Next publication: 2024 H1 revenue, July 18, 2024 ABOUT WALLIX WALLIX is a European cybersecurity software developer and world leader in the Identity and Access Management market. With a strategy based on innovation and agility, WALLIX's mission is to simplify cybersecurity for its clients worldwide. The WALLIX range of solutions is distributed by a network of over 300 resellers and integrators worldwide, and WALLIX supports nearly 3,000 organizations across more than 90 countries in securing their digital transformation. The company is listed on Euronext (ALLIX). The founders and managers, as well as the investment structure Thierry Dassault Holding, are the historical reference shareholders. OT.security by WALLIX is a brand dedicated to the security of digital access and identities in industrial environments. WALLIX affirms its digital responsibility and is committed to contributing to the construction of a trusted European digital space, guaranteeing the security and confidentiality of data for organizations, as well as for individuals concerned about the protection of their digital identity and privacy. Digital technology, whether for professional or personal use, must be ethical and responsible in order to pursue a secure societal digital transformation that respects individual freedoms. www.WALLIX.com | info@WALLIX.com FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION ACTUS Finance & Communication Investor Relations - Helene de Watteville +33 1 53 67 36 33 / wallix@actus.fr Press Relations - Anne-Charlotte Dudicourt +33 6 24 03 26 52 / acdudicourt@actus.fr ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mJyfZpScYm3IlmxqZMmYb5dramZol5SVZ5bGxWKalpvKmmxjnJhmZ5qcZnFmlW5p - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-85093-allix_ca_t1_2024_veng.pdf Press release - Release of the preparatory documents for the General Shareholders' Meeting Sainte-Marie, April 11, 2024, 8p.m. COMBINED GENERAL MEETING OF MAY,2 2024 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RELEASE OF PREPARATORY DOCUMENTS FOR THE MEETING Shareholders of the Company are invited to attend the Combined General Meeting on May 2, 2024, to be held at 2:30 p.m. at Hub Lizine - 8 rue Pondichery - La Mare - 97438 Sainte-Marie (La Reunion). The General Meeting will take place under the regular conditions. Nevertheless, the firm has decided to organize a video broadcast, which shareholders can watch on our website at www.cboterritoria.com (preregistration required). The preliminary notice, which included the agenda and proposed resolutions, was published in the "BALO" (French Journal of Mandatory Statutory Notices) on March 27, 2024, and the meeting notice will be published in the BALO on April 15, 2024. The preparatory documents for the meeting set out in Article R.22-10-23 of the French Commercial Code are available on the company's website (www.cboterritoria.com in the "Finance / Informations reglementees / Assemblees d'actionnaires / 2024" section ). The preparatory documents for the meeting are also made available to shareholders from the time the meeting is convened. As a result, in accordance with the relevant regulatory provisions: Any registered shareholder may request that the Company transmit them the documents referred to in Articles R.225-81 and R.225-83 of the French Commercial Code, if required by electronic means, up to and including the fifth day before the Meeting. The exercise of this right by bearer share holders is contingent upon to the production of a certificate of participation in the bearer share accounts maintained by the authorized financial agent. Any shareholder may consult the documents referred to in Articles L.225-115 and R.225-83 of the French Commercial Code at the Company's headquarters. 2024 financial calendar Annual General Meeting: Thursday, May 2, 2024 First half 2024 results: Tuesday, September 11, 2024 (after trading hours) About CBo Territoria (FR0010193979, CBOT) CBo Territoria has been a major real estate operator in La Reunion for nearly 20 years and has evolved into a multi-regional property developer specializing in tertiary assets (318.9 million, representing 86% of total assets in value at 31 decembre 2023). The Group is pursuing its expansion through the exploitation of its land reserves or through land acquisition, as it is involved in the full real estate value chain (property developer, property investor, and real estate company). CBo Territoria can finance its development through its activities as a residential developer (apartment buildings or sale of land plots) and, secondarily, as a service provider, as well as through the planned transfer of its residual residential properties to SHLMR. CBo Territoria is a real estate investment firm listed on Euronext Paris (compartment "C") that is qualified for the PEA PME finance program (small and medium-sized enterprises). Responsible and committed to a more sustainable real estate since its inception, CBo Territoria has been in the Top 10 of compartment "C" of the Gai?a-Index for the past 6 years, a French benchmark index of the most virtuous small and medium-sized companies in terms of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). More information on cboterritoria.com INVESTORS Contacts Caroline Clapier - Director of Finance and Administration - direction@cboterritoria.com Agnes Villeret - Komodo - Tel.: 06 83 28 04 15 - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lmtwZZtvY2uZnJubYp6bbWJsbmhjw5GYmmSammpxZJ7IaXFkyJmXZ52XZnFmlW1t - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-85087-cbot_communique-de-presse-mad-documents-agm-2024-v-ang.pdf Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - WeCopyTrade has established a funded trading platform, WeMasterTrade, aiming to push the boundaries of financial possibilities. It has earned industry acclaim with two prestigious awards from ForexDailyInfo, a leading resource for forex news. These awards recognize WeMasterTrade's exceptional contributions to the fields of financial education and digital trading solutions. WeMasterTrade To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10455/204848_real_4931aef0-b012-43b8-a267-151013c51350_1.jpeg The "Best Online Forex Education Provider" award acknowledges WMT's dedication to providing comprehensive and ingenious educational resources to traders of all levels. Curated by a team of industry veterans, the library of free online guides and courses is accessible to all members. Additionally, the "Best Funded Trader Copy Trading Platform" award underscores WMT's groundbreaking approach to blurring the lines between virtual and real trading. Packed in a real-time digital experience that's indistinguishable from live accounts, WMT's digital platform allows traders to gain practical experience in a safe environment with the added benefit of turning their virtual success into real payouts. Setting A New Standard in Financial Education Seeing an unfulfilled demand for cutting-edge educational resources that reflect the real-time realities of the tumultuous finance sector, WMT brought together its experts to envision a novel educational program. That vision translated into the vast library of online courses, guides, and other finance education resources. Throughout this journey, WMT has maintained an unrelenting commitment to excellence, as proven by its ISO 21001:2018 certification, a rigorous standard for financial education set by ASCERT in the UK. In the world of finance, knowledge from verified and vetted subject matter experts is necessary, and WeMasterTrade's suite of educational resources meets the most rigorous standards. "Receiving the 'Best Online Forex Education Provider' award is a testament to our team's hard and dedication to providing accessible, practical, and up-to-date educational resources," says Tuan Nguyen, the founder of WeCopyTrade. "We believe that by combining expert insights with an accessible and practical approach, we can empower the next generation of traders to make informed decisions in pursuit of their financial goals. This award is a happy reminder that we're making good progress on that front." Nguyen's thoughts are echoed in the award comments shared by ForexDailyInfo, as the digital publication praised WeMasterTrade for "empowering traders with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the dynamic world of forex trading." Opening New Possibilities with an Innovative Funded Trading Platform As per ForexDailyInfo, WeMasterTrade earned the "Best Funded Trader Copy Trading Platform" award for its commitment to introducing cutting-edge trading solutions. What set WMT apart from competitors in the same award category was the team's ability to craft innovative digital solutions to match the dynamic needs of modern traders, especially beginners. For most new entrants into finance, learning is just one of the many roadblocks facing them. The other major hindrance is funding. The reality is that most people can't afford to put together a major fund for their trading activities, let alone put it all at risk. That is where the seed for WeMasterTrade was planted. Leveraging an ingenious combination of virtual trading and vetted match trading, WeMasterTrade allows traders to access virtual capital that's practically indistinguishable from the real deal. WMT users gain access to cutting-edge financial intelligence tools, real-time market data on over 5,000 financial instruments, and the ability to trade them in a true-to-life simulation. In doing so, WeMasterTrade allows learners to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice without exposing themselves to massive risks. As Nguyen explains, "With WMT's virtual trading platform, users can experiment and learn in a real-world simulated environment under calculated conditions and risk parameters. Better yet, through our proprietary matching solution that leverages algorithmic indicators and the vetting experience of our experts, qualifying traders can translate their virtual trading windfalls into real profit." Thanking ForexDailyInfo for the award, Nguyen elaborated, "Being recognized as the 'Best Funded Trader Copy Trading Platform' is a significant milestone for WeMasterTrade. This accolade is like a stamp of approval by a trusted authority in the forex space, a mark that validates our innovative approach to virtual trading." About WeMasterTrade As a project of WeCopyTrade, WMT represents the cutting-edge possibilities in the realm of modern finance. The platform serves both the educational needs and practical trading requirements of finance enthusiasts through innovative applications. With two prestigious awards and over one hundred verified reviews on TrustPilot, WeMasterTrade has unquestionably struck a chord with the masses through its revolutionary products. Further details can be accessed at https://wmt.wecopytrade.com/ About WeCopyTrade WeCopyTrade is the original financial intelligence crowdsourcing platform where traders from any background can publicly share a record of their ongoing activities. Consequently, this allows the most talented financial connoisseurs to emerge naturally, with a verifiable track record backing their expertise. WeCopyTrade allows traders to copy these signal providers for a fee, whereas the signal providers can earn revenue by selling their intelligence for a monthly subscription. CONTACTS https://www.wecopytrade.com/ +1 8555 94 3886 support@wecopytrade.com 420 - 744 West Hastings st Vancouver, BC, V6C 1A5 Canada, Vancouver To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204848 SOURCE: WeCopy Fintech Inc. Tetragon Financial Group Ltd - Notification of a Tender Offer PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, April 11 Tetragon Financial Group Limited Announcement of Final Results of Tender Offer to Purchase Tetragon Non-Voting Shares LONDON, April 11, 2024 -- Tetragon announces the final results of the "modified Dutch auction" tender offer to purchase a portion of the outstanding non-voting shares of Tetragon for a maximum aggregate payment of $25,000,000 in cash. The tender offer expired at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 10 April 2024. J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its UK investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) acted as dealer manager for the tender offer and Computershare Investor Services PLC acted as tender agent for the tender offer. As dealer manager, J.P. Morgan determined the final purchase price at which Tetragon will purchase shares in the tender offer. As tender agent, Computershare determined the final proration factor. In accordance with the terms of the tender offer, Tetragon has accepted for purchase 2,439,015 non-voting shares at a purchase price of $10.25 per share. The aggregate cost of this purchase is $24,999,903.75, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. A total of 3,251,360 Tetragon non-voting shares were properly tendered and not properly withdrawn at or below the purchase price of $10.25 per share. Because more than $25,000,000 in value of Tetragon non-voting shares was properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, the tender offer was subject to proration pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchases of fractional shares. The final proration factor, which is applicable only to shares properly tendered and not properly withdrawn at the purchase price of $10.25 per share, is 54.39%, rounded to the second decimal place.1 Tetragon will promptly make payment for the shares validly tendered and accepted for purchase, which is expected to occur on or about 16 April 2024. All shares tendered and not purchased in the tender offer will be promptly returned to the tendering shareholders. About Tetragon: Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com. Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors. Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information. Tetragon: Press Inquiries: Yuko Thomas Prosek Partners Investor Relations Pro-tetragon@prosek.com ir@tetragoninv.com U.K. +44 20 3890 9193 U.S. +1 212 279 3115 This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended). This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state. J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which is authorised by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Tetragon and for no one else in connection with the tender offer and will not be responsible to anyone (whether or not recipient of the tender offer) other than Tetragon for providing the protections afforded to the clients of J.P. Morgan Securities plc or for providing advice in relation to the tender offer. 1 The full final proration factor applied is 54.3925090924607%. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Orestone Mining Corp. (TSXV: ORS) (OTC Pink: ORESF) (FSE: WKN: O2R1) ("the Company") is pleased to report that the Company has been reviewing projects for the last six months focusing on opportunities for gold, silver and copper properties in British Columbia, Nevada, Chile and Argentina to complement our current portfolio. With indications of a commodity cycle gaining momentum, the Company believes the investment markets are starting to notice exploration companies which may increase the availability of funding for mineral exploration. The Company announces a non-brokered private placement consisting of up to 5,000,000 common shares ("Shares") at a price of $0.03 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $150,000 (the "Offering"). A finder's fee of up to 6% may be paid in cash in connection with certain subscriptions. The private placement is expected to close on or about April 30, 2024 or such later date as the Corporation may determine. Closing will be subject to receipt of conditional approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The proceeds of the Offering will be used for payment of certain expenses, consisting of $45,000 payable to DeVisser Gray LLP for audit and tax related services; $25,000 payable to Pacific Opportunity Capital, a non-arm's length party, for office rent and accounting services, with the balance of the proceeds to be used for general working capital purposes. It is anticipated that certain directors, officers and other insiders of the Company may acquire Shares under the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") adopted in the Policy. The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the Offering as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves the related parties, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or persons in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws of the United States or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities within any jurisdiction, including the United States. About Orestone Orestone Mining Corp. is a professionally managed mineral exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company's primary asset is the 100 percent owned Captain gold-copper Project which hosts a large gold dominate porphyry target. The property encompasses 105 square kilometres located 41 kilometres north of Fort St. James and 30 kilometres south of the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine in North Central British Columbia. The Captain Project features relatively flat terrain, moderate tree cover, and an extensive network of logging and Forest Service roads suitable for exploration year round. To stay informed of Orestone's latest activities please click here to provide consent and receive news and updates. For more information, please visit Orestone's website at: www.orestone.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern, without limitation, closing of the Offering and the intended use of proceeds of the Offering. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions any of which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: availability of funds for completion of the Offering, conditions in general economic and financial markets; timing and amount of expenditures and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including, but not limited to: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. ON BEHALF OF ORESTONE MINING CORP. David Hottman CEO For further information contact: David Hottman at 604-629-1929 | info@orestone.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this News Release. This news release has been prepared by management and no regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205096 SOURCE: Orestone Mining Corp. Penticton, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Green Mountain Health Alliance Ltd. (the "Company" or "Green Mountain"), is pleased to confirm that it now has products available for sale in cannabis retail stores in British Columbia. Salil Dhaumya (acting CEO) commented: "Our restructuring in 2023 allows us to position our product very competitively. With the stringent regulations governing the marketing and packaging of cannabis products in Canada, price is one of the few metrics that a consumer uses to differentiate between new products appearing on the shelves. We will develop market share by offering premium craft products at attractive price points and I am pleased to see the market already reacting so positively." Green Mountain has developed this retail initiative in collaboration with a local licensed producer with access to over 500 stores in British Columbia. Initial product SKUs (Stock Keeping Unit) available for retail sales include 3 x 0.5 gm pre-rolls, 3 x 0.5 gm pre-rolls infused with kief and 14 gm bags of flower. The Company will be adding additional SKUs in line with retail demand. Existing sales channels now include B2B sales (principally via the Canadian Cannabis Exchange), packaging and processing for third party licensed producers, medical exports to Australia and retail. Green Mountain will add to these channels and is currently exploring medical and adult use export to Germany as well as retail sales in other Canadian provinces. For more information about Green Mountain, please contact: Salil Dhaumya sdhaumya@gmtn.ca For investor inquiries: Michele Lise Investor Relations mlise@gmtn.ca This update contains forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to, statements concerning Green Mountain Health Alliance Ltd. and our plans and projections. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. In light of such risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205060 SOURCE: Green Mountain Health Alliance Ltd. LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / BOXABL, the innovative Las Vegas company hoping to revolutionize the housing industry, today announced that it will be presenting at the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024 on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 5:30 PM (Local Time -PST). Founder, Galiano Tiramani and CFO, Martin Costas will be hosting the presentation and answering questions at the conclusion. To access the live presentation, please use the following information: Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024 Date: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Time: 8:30 PM Eastern Time 5:30PM Pacific Time) Webcast: https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/3026/50173 If you would like to book 1x1 investor meetings with BOXABL, and to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024, please make sure you are registered here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup 1x1 meetings will be scheduled and conducted in person at the conference venue: Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV The Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2024 website is available here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/ If you can't make the live presentation, all company presentations "webcasts" will be available directly on the conference event platform on this link under the tab "Agenda": https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/agenda News Compliments of Accesswire About BOXABL BOXABL is an innovative company hoping to revolutionize the housing industry by offering factory-built homes with a unique folding design for ease of transport and assembly. Their first product, the Casita, unfolds into a spacious, high-quality home complete with 9.6-foot high ceilings, 8-foot doors, living area, bedroom area, bathroom, and kitchen with full-sized appliances. BOXABL homes are constructed in a factory setting which contributes to their sustainability, affordability, and customization potential. Their production process mirrors that of an assembly line, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional home building. In the future, BOXABL plans to design and construct houses that can stack, connect, and cantilever to make most buildings. This will enable almost any architectural style the homeowner chooses. In essence, they are completely redefining construction by seamlessly integrating innovative design, efficient processes, and sustainable practices into every facet of their operations. About Planet MicroCap Planet MicroCap is a global multimedia financial news, publishing and events company focused on news dissemination, providing information, data and analytics for the MicroCap investing community. We have cultivated an active and engaged audience of folks that are interested in learning about and to stay ahead of the curve in the MicroCap space. If you would like to attend the Planet MicroCap Showcase, please register here: https://planetmicrocapshowcase.com/signup Contact: Name: Jonathan Del Valle Phone: 7257774128 Address: 5345 E. North Belt Rd Las Vegas, NV 89115 Email: Invest@BOXABL.com SOURCE: BOXABL via Planet MicroCap View the original press release on accesswire.com Company Plans Comprehensive Drilling Program in Historic Area Famed for Historic Gold, Silver, Tungsten Mining INDIAN WELLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / B&N Mining Inc. has recently completed a surface sampling program that confirms significant areas of anomalous gold mineralization present in land it acquired in historic California mining districts famed for the production of gold, silver and tungsten. B&N Mining Properties, LLC Map In 2023, Robert Binkele, co-founder and manager of B&N Mining Properties, LLC (B&N Mining), acquired the parcel of land in the Atolia and Randsburg mining districts. The region is unusual in that the three different metals were mined in close proximity but in distinct deposits. Metal prices, technology, economics - and now interest from B&N Mining - are reviving the district to the glory of its days during the mining boom at the turn of the 20th century. B&N Mining recently completed surface rock outcrop samplings, assayed at the Reno, Nevada, location of global testing company ALS. Analysis found 53 of 91 rock chip samples displayed significant anomalous gold values (>0.2 ppm gold). The goal is to explore down-dip extensions of a wide zone of anomalous gold mineralization previously sampled on the ridge at the Black Hawk mine. This anomaly has gold values ranging from 1 ppm up to 164 ppm over a total strike length of 1,200 feet. The new sampling has increased the known strike length of surface gold mineralization from 3,000 feet to over 7,000 feet. B&N Mining is currently developing a new drilling program to explore areas north and west of the Kelly Southwest Gold Deposit and the surface gold anomaly at the historic Black Hawk mine. "The surface sampling program has confirmed a large area of anomalous gold mineralization exists," said Sam Shoemaker of John T. Boyd Company and project manager for B&N Mining. Noting the potential of this discovery, he added, "This has the potential to extend the Kelly Southwest Gold Deposit to the west and north while the anomaly at Black Hawk is very exciting given the higher gold grades encountered in the outcrops on the ridge." B&N Mining plans a new drilling program with another 33 diamond core holes to explore the Black Hawk and Kelly sites and validate historical drill holes. The company expects to complete that program by the end of 2024. After completion and receipt of assays, the company will prepare a new NI43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate. Based on those findings, B&N Mining may decide on the timing of an initial public offering (IPO), further exploration, permitting, and development. B&N Mining's Atolia and Randsburg district project is a unique investment opportunity, available only to accredited investors through May 31, 2024. For more information, email info@bnmining.com or call 760-409-7117. About B&N Mining Properties LLC B&N Mining Properties, LLC (B&N) is bringing the Rand Mining District back to life in the wake of exceptional commodity prices, global mineral and metal supply constraints, and underdeveloped gold potential. Contact Information Robert Binkele Manager rbinkele@bnmininginc.com 760-409-7117 SOURCE: B&N Mining Properties LLC View the original press release on newswire.com. OMAHA, NE / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / We are delighted to announce that Monstrous Media Group, LLC has been recognized for its outstanding work in Digital Marketing (Best AI-Enabled Marketing Agency) at the Netty Awards, one of the most esteemed accolades in the digital age. Monstrous Media Group Monstrous Media Group Corporate Website. The Netty Awards celebrate achievements in the digital landscape, honoring top companies and leaders across more than 100 distinct categories. They set a benchmark for excellence and are a testament to the creativity, innovation, and technical prowess demonstrated by the winners. "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious Netty Award. This has been a long-term personal goal of mine and is a testament not just to our innovative brand creation but more so to the exceptional team behind MMG. Their unparalleled dedication and creativity make our brand resonate and thrive. This award recognizes their talent and the vibrant energy they bring to our vision every day," stated Brad Nietfeldt, Founder and non-executive Chairman. The winning entry, the Monstrous Media Group national rebranding campaign "Ode to Elon," marked a significant milestone in digital marketing innovation. This rebranding was a visual makeover, and a strategic overhaul mirrored the evolution of digital trends and user engagement. The campaign showcased a forward-thinking approach by integrating cutting-edge technologies with a deep understanding of market dynamics. It significantly elevated our brand presence and engagement across national platforms, setting a new benchmark for creativity and effectiveness in digital marketing. Netty Award recipients are selected based on several factors, including creativity, technical proficiency, innovation, and overall excellence in the respective field. Monstrous Media Group, LLC's win affirms its hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication. As we celebrate this achievement, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible team, whose talent and commitment made this win possible. We would also like to thank our clients and customers for their unwavering support and trust in our work. For more information about Monstrous Media Group, LLC and our award-winning, please visit https://www.monstrousmediagroup.com. **About Monstrous Media Group, LLC** Monstrous Media Group, LLC, a leader in the digital marketing industry, is renowned for its innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions. Our mission is to revolutionize digital engagement and elevate brands through creative and strategic excellence. With a history of significant achievements, including being named one of America's fastest-growing companies, MMG has set new standards in digital marketing. Our recent national rebranding campaign exemplifies our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and delivering outstanding client results. **About The Netty Awards** Established to celebrate achievement in the digital age, the Netty Awards are one of the most trusted accolades in the industry. Recognizing excellence across over 100 unique categories, the awards honor top leaders and companies demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, innovation, and overall impact. Contact Information Shane Meredith Director of Communications shane@monstrousmg.com 800-601-6765 Related Files FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monstrous Media Group, LLC Wins Prestigious Netty Award for Personal Brand in Best AI-Enabled Digital Agency SOURCE: Monstrous Media Group, LLC View the original press release on newswire.com. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - iMining Technologies Inc. (TSXV: IMIN.H) ("iMining"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Hamdi Amroun, PhD, as a Scientific Advisor to the Scientific Research Board of its subsidiary, AiMining Technologies. Dr. Amroun brings a wealth of expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), with an illustrious background in applied research and machine learning, positioning him to significantly enhance AiMining Technologies' advancements in this field. Dr. Amroun's professional trajectory is marked by his strategic acumen and pioneering contributions across diverse sectors. Notably, during his tenure as the Head of AI & Applied Research at Accenture, he served as the Chief AI Officer and Head of Data, leading transformative initiatives in AI strategy and digital analytics. His proficiency in fluid dynamics and generative AI has notably influenced the development of AI-driven solutions. With roles such as Lead (Principal) Applied Scientist at Sorbonne Universite and Principal Applied Scientist (Data Science and Machine Learning) at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Dr. Amroun has demonstrated profound expertise in machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and fluid dynamics. Furthermore, Dr. Amroun's engagement as a Visiting Research Fellow at The University of British Columbia and the National University of Singapore further underscores his significant contributions to AI research. Dr. Amroun's extensive professional experience encompasses pivotal positions at renowned organizations including Orange, Atol les Opticiens, Nvidia, and Credit Agricole CIB, where he showcased his skills in software development and spearheaded the development of cutting-edge AI solutions and data mining techniques. Dr. Hamdi's commitment to education and academia is evident through his academic pursuits, including a Masters in Quantitative Finance from Telecom SudParis, an Executive MBA from London Business School, and dual Doctor of Philosophy degrees focusing on Machine Learning and Generative AI from Universite Paris-Saclay and the International Research Laboratory on Artificial Intelligence Singapore, respectively. Additionally, Dr. Amroun actively contributes to academia and research as a Masters and PhD advisor at various esteemed institutions, exemplifying his dedication to nurturing the next generation of AI leaders. Dr. Amroun's outstanding contributions have garnered recognition through numerous honors and awards, including Best Paper Awards from prestigious conferences such as ICAICS and IEEE iThings, highlighting his exceptional impact in the fields of artificial intelligence and data science. In reflecting on his new role, Dr. Hamdi Amroun shared his vision for AiMining Technologies: "I am thrilled to join AiMining Technologies and contribute to shaping the future of responsible AI development and innovation. My goal is to leverage my expertise to drive innovation and foster collaborative research efforts that push the boundaries of artificial intelligence." Khurram Shroff, CEO of iMining Technologies, expressed his enthusiasm about Dr. Amroun's appointment: "Dr. Amroun's extensive experience and profound knowledge in AI and machine learning make him an invaluable asset to our Scientific Research Board. We are confident that his strategic insights and innovative approach will accelerate AiMining Technologies' mission of pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence." Dr. Amroun's appointment reaffirms AiMining Technologies' commitment to excellence and innovation in the AI sector. His expertise and leadership are poised to play a pivotal role in driving the company's vision of responsible AI development and groundbreaking research initiatives. About iMining Technologies Inc. iMining Technologies Inc. is a publicly listed technology company that acquires, builds, and manages future technology companies in Canada. The Company's industry-specific technology businesses provide specialized and innovative solutions in future technologies and serve private sector markets. iMining Technologies Inc. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About AiMining Technologies Inc. AiMining Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of iMining Technologies and recognized as a Nvidia Inception Partner, as well as being chosen for the Microsoft start-up Founders Hub, stands as a pioneering force in Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancement. With a specialized applied research lab fostering collaboration with prestigious institutions and a commercialization program tailored for market interaction, AiMining seamlessly integrates into iMining's technology repertoire. Our dedication lies in propelling responsible AI development to new heights. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Signed "Khurram Shroff" Khurram Shroff, President & CEO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, please contact: iMining Corporate Offices: Saleem Moosa, CFO and Director Email: investor@imining.com Telephone: 1-604-602-4935 Toll-Free: 1-866-602-4935 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205122 SOURCE: iMining Technologies Inc. KNOT Offshore Partners LP (NYSE:KNOP) ("the Partnership"), an owner and operator of shuttle tankers, announced today that its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 has been filed with the SEC. The report can be accessed on the Partnership's website www.knotoffshorepartners.com in the "Investors" section under "Financial Information" then "Annual Report" or "SEC Filings", or on the website of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Unitholders may also request a hard copy of the Annual Report, which includes the Partnership's complete audited financial statements, free of charge, by emailing: ir@knotoffshorepartners.com Or by writing to: KNOT Offshore Partners LP 2 Queen's Cross Aberdeen AB15 4YB United Kingdom About KNOT Offshore Partners LP KNOT Offshore Partners LP owns, operates and acquires shuttle tankers primarily under long-term charters in the offshore oil production regions of the North Sea and Brazil. KNOT Offshore Partners LP is structured as a publicly traded master limited partnership but is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and thus issues a Form 1099 to its unitholders, rather than a Form K-1. KNOT Offshore Partners LP's common units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "KNOP". View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411304420/en/ Contacts: KNOT Offshore Partners LP Derek Lowe Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Email: ir@knotoffshorepartners.com Tel: +44 1224 618 420 Net direct tax collections rise 18 pc in FY25 so far 11 Oct 2024 | 9:19 PM New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) Net direct tax collections comprising of personal income tax, corporate tax, securities transaction tax (STT) and other taxes rose 18.35% year-on-year to Rs 11.26 lakh crore in the current financial year till October 10, 2024. see more.. IT ecosystem of Kerala gearing up to make a splash at GITEX Global-2024 11 Oct 2024 | 7:18 PM Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 11 (UNI) Kerala IT ecosystem is gearing up to make a significant impact at GITEX Global-2024. see more.. India's factory output contracts 0 1 pc in August 11 Oct 2024 | 7:02 PM New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) India's factory output measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) contracted 0.1% year-on-year (YoY) in August 2024, as per official data released on Friday. see more.. India factory output contracts 0 1 pc in August 11 Oct 2024 | 6:12 PM New Delhi, Oct 11 (UNI) India's factory output measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) contracted 0.1% year-on-year (YoY) in August 2024, as per official data released on Friday. see more.. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to announce it has closed the second and final tranche of a USD$1,200,000 non-brokered private placement pursuant to an agreement with Trafigura Pte Ltd ("Trafigura"), through two of its subsidiaries, whereby Trafigura has invested USD$970,000 to acquire 5,266,324 units ("Units") of Kuya Silver at a price of CDN$0.25 per Unit to support the restart of production from the Bethania mine located in central Peru, to produce silver-lead and zinc concentrates (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of Kuya Silver ("Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share for $0.37 until April 11, 2026. Trafigura has agreed to hold the Common Shares acquired in the Offering for a minimum of one year and will immediately exercise the Warrants if the Common Shares trade at a premium of 25% to the Warrant exercise price for one month. About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company with a focus on acquiring, exploring, and advancing precious metals assets in Peru and Canada. For more information, please contact: David Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer Telephone: (604) 398-4493 info@kuyasilver.com www.kuyasilver.com Reader Advisory This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information," including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs, and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may," "would," "could," "will," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "must," "next," "propose," "new," "potential," "prospective," "target," "future," "verge," "favourable," "implications," and "ongoing," and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking information. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing statements, any discussion of the potential of exploration targets, assay results and the proposed use of the proceeds of the Offering, is forward-looking information. Investors are cautioned that statements including forward-looking information are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including but not limited to fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market, and business conditions. There can be no assurances that such forward-looking information will prove accurate, and therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of the risks and uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205195 SOURCE: Kuya Silver Corporation Empower Finance, a San Francisco, CA-based financial technology company, acquired Petal, a NYC-based consumer credit card and financial technology company, and completed the acquisition of Cashalo, a Manila, Philippines consumer credit and lending company. The amount of the deals were not disclosed. Petal and Cashalo give Empower a strategic presence in the credit card category in the U.S. and the credit market in Southeast Asia, respectively. Petal is a credit card company at the forefront of using cash flow underwriting as an alternative to traditional credit scores. They give access to Visa credit cards that dont require a credit score to qualify, via cash flow underwriting, enabling individuals to use their open banking data to qualify for credit and establish a credit history. This technology makes credit more accessible to millions of U.S. consumers without credit histories, or for whom traditional credit scores do not tell the whole story. Since 2018, nearly 400,000 consumers have been approved for the Petal credit card, which is issued by WebBank. Cashalo is a fintech platform that delivers digital credit to unbanked and underserved Filipinos. The loans under its platform are financed by Paloo Financing Inc. Led by CEO Warren Hogarth, Empower is a financial technology company that aims to expand access to fair credit and give the opportunity to improve financial security and mobility. The company underwrites individuals using real-time cash flow, other nontraditional data, and machine learning to assess financial responsibility and credit risk differently than mainstream lenders, which rely primarily on credit agency reporting. This proprietary underwriting, coupled with credit products that are structured to match todays fluid working patterns, allows the company to offer lines of credit, which are issued by FinWise Bank, Member FDIC. Founded in 2016, Empower has 2 million active subscribers and achieved profitability in 2022. FinSMEs 11/04/2024 Huddle Up (fka DotCom Therapy), a Denver, CO-based pediatric digital health company, raised an undisclosed amount in Series C funding. The round was led by Kayne Anderson Growth Capital, with participation from existing investors New Capital Partners, LRV Health, HealthX Ventures and OSF Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to further expand its reach. Led by Dr. Omar Dawood, CEO, Huddle Up is a comprehensive pediatric digital health company that supports the growth, development, and mental health of children and adolescents across the United States. By bringing together providers, families and educators, it creates a circle of support around children and adolescents, enabling new levels of engagement and outcomes beyond traditional, in-person offerings. Available in 50 states, and over 25 insurance plans, Huddle Up serves schools in diverse regions throughout the nation. FinSMEs 11/04/2024 Postman, a San Francisco, CA-based API collaboration company, acquired Orbit, a San Francisco, CA-based provider of a community growth platform for developer companies. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. With the acquisition, Postman will expand its offerings. Led by Patrick Woods, Orbit helps developer companies manage and grow their communities across forums, chat platforms, social channels, and more, providing insights, automations, and engagement capabilities. Founded in 2019, the company was backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue, Heavybit, and many others. At Postman, the Orbit team will build community features into Postmans API Network to help create and scale connections between API builders and the developers that use them. Led by Abhinav Asthana, Postman provides an API collaboration platform used by more than 30 million developers and 500,000 organizations, including 98% of the Fortune 500. It gives teams of all sizes and functions, the ability to rapidly iterate on API development, elevate the quality of their APIs, and extend their API workflows for large-scale initiatives. The company, which also has offices in Bangalore and Tokyo, is privately held, with funding from Battery Ventures, BOND, Coatue, CRV, Insight Partners, and Nexus Venture Partners. FinSMEs 11/04/2024 Apple is facing flak after some iPhone users pointed out that the Palestinian flag emoji appeared when they typed Jerusalem. This had led to charges of antisemitism against the tech giant read more Apple has landed in a soup after some iPhone users noticed that the Palestinian flag emoji was suggested when they typed Jerusalem. This has led to accusations of antisemitism against the tech giant. Both Israel and the Palestinians claim rights over Jerusalem. The ancient city remains a major sticking point in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Lets take a closer look. Why Apple is under fire Apple is facing flak as when Jerusalem is typed into iPhones emoji keyboard, a Palestinian flag appears for inclusion in text messages, reported The Telegraph. Advertisement This has happened after the latest iOS software update. The change has prompted criticism of the iPhone maker which is being accused of antisemitism by some social media users. British TV presenter Rachel Riley took to X to slam Apple over the change, calling it a double standard and a form of antisemitism. She demanded an explanation from the tech giant. Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, Riley, who is reportedly Jewish, wrote. She also tagged Apple CEO Tim Cook, saying that typing the names of other cities does not suggest a national flag, let alone the wrong one. Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers. Sincerely, a Jewish woman concerned about the global rise in antisemitism, Riley said in the post. Dear @Apple @AppleSupport @tim_cook Ive just upgraded my software to version iOS 17.4.1, and now, when I type the capital of Israel , Jerusalem, Im offered the Palestinian flag emoji. This didnt occur on my phone immediately before this update. Below is a pic.twitter.com/Cw9TDmE6VD Rachel Riley MBE (@RachelRileyRR) April 9, 2024 Advertisement According to The Telegraph, the Palestinian flag emoji was automatically suggested when Jerusalem was typed into the emoji search box on an iPhone which had the latest software updated to iOS 17.4.1. However, the same did not happen on an older iPhone with a previous version of iOS. USA TODAY reported that the updated software led to the display of the Palestinian flag on the English (UK) keyboard but this did not happen on the English (US) keyboard when Jerusalem was typed. Apple, expert respond to the row Apple told BBC that the issue emerges from a feature called predictive emoji. iPhones show emojis when words are typed in messages and other apps. Advertisement According to The Telegraph, an Apple spokesman said the change occurred due to a bug within predictive emoji, which it said was unintentional. The iPhone maker said the issue will be resolved in a future software update, reported BBC. Speaking to The Telegraph, Tom Divon, a social media expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said the Palestinian flag emoji was likely programmed to appear when Jerusalem was typed due to human intervention. Apples linking of emojis to political causes poses a problem. The infrastructural connection of the word Jerusalem to the Palestinian flag in iOS necessitates a deliberate in-house decision. He said there is nothing inherently wrong with associating Jerusalem with Palestinian belief, but Apples choice of default settings warrants justification, especially considering the potential discriminatory implications of this decision. Advertisement Why Jerusalem is important Jerusalem holds huge religious importance for Jews, Muslims and Christians. The ancient city is a thorny issue in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. While Israel deems the city as its eternal undivided capital, Palestinians claim the eastern part of Jerusalem as the capital of a future state. In 1948, Jerusalem was divided into two after the Arab-Israeli war, with Israel taking control of the western half of the city, while Jordan controlled the east, as per USA TODAY. At the end of the 1967 War with Syria, Egypt and Jordan, Israel occupied East Jerusalem. It extended Israeli law to bring the eastern half of Jerusalem under its jurisdiction, in a breach of international law, according to an Al Jazeera report. Advertisement Israel passed the Jerusalem Law in 1980 stating that Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel, formalising its occupation of East Jerusalem, the report added. Jerusalem is a major sticking point in resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Reuters File Photo While the majority of countries do not recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital, the then US president Donald Trump, in a controversial move, recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital in 2017. Israel-Palestine conflict has flared up after Hamas militants attacked Israel on 7 October last year, killing some 1,200 people and taking over 200 hostages to Gaza. Israels retaliation has resulted in the death of over 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Israels war with Hamas is in its sixth month now and the pressure for a ceasefire in Gaza is increasing amid concerns of a humanitarian crisis in the narrow strip. The United Nations has warned of an imminent famine in Gaza. A ceasefire deal is currently in the works. Apple and Israel-Palestine conflict Apples employees have reportedly urged the tech giant to do more for the Palestinian community. An open letter purportedly signed by 300 former and current Apple staff in March mentioned a lack of care and understanding this company has given the Palestinian community, not only abroad suffering in Gaza, but also towards our own team members, reported The Telegraph. It is time for Apple to take centre stage and redefine expectations of how the world views the Palestinian struggle for self-determination, and stand firm in our belief of racial equity and justice, the letter had reportedly said. The iPhone maker has also faced protests for banning employees from wearing pro-Palestine accessories, which resulted in the firing of a staff member, as per the AppleInsider report. With inputs from agencies Europes migration laws are set for an overhaul. The EU Migration and Asylum Pact hardens border procedures, speeds up the return of irregular migrants to their home countries, and forces the blocs 27 nations to share responsibility. The reforms have been objected to by the far right and left read more Young migrants from Syria sit in a bus as they arrive at a refugees camp at Kokkinotrimithia outside of the capital Nicosia, in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. The EU parliament on Wednesday adopted a sweeping reform of Europe's asylum policies that will both harden border procedures. File photo/AP It was eight years in the making. After delays and deadlocks, the European Parliament has okayed a major reform that tightens migration and asylum rules in the European Union (EU). The EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which has been in the works since 2015, will be implemented in two years. It hopes to end years of division over how to manage the entry of thousands of people without authorisation, as it hardens border procedures and forces all the blocs 27 nations to share responsibility. Advertisement The pact will speed up the asylum process and return of irregular migrants to their home countries. However, the legislation is considered controversial and has left leaders in the EU divided. The European Parliaments main political groups overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass the new migration and asylum pact. The 27 EU member countries must now endorse the reform package, possibly in a vote in late April before it can take effect. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen hailed the vote, saying it will secure European borders while ensuring the protection of the fundamental rights of migrants. We must be the ones to decide who comes to the European Union and under what circumstances, and not the smugglers and traffickers, she said. We take a look at the agreement and the divisions over it. What are the EUs new migration and asylum rules? A plan to regulate the entry of migrants was drawn up after 1.3 million people, mostly those fleeing war in Syria and Iraq, sought refuge in Europe in 2015. The EUs asylum system collapsed, reception centres were overwhelmed in Greece and Italy, and countries further north built barriers to stop people from entering. The reform was approved after years of negotiations and requires all EU nations to share responsibilities for asylum seekers. Belgiums prime minister Alexander De Croo, European parliament president Roberta Metsola and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen participate in a media conference at the European Parliament in Brussels. Lawmakers voted on Wednesday on the major revamp of the European Unions migration laws. AP Under the proposed rules, the 27 EU member states are expected to take in thousands of migrants from frontline countries like Italy, Spain and Greece. If they fail to do that they are obligated to help their EU partners by offering to house people eligible for asylum or, failing that, to pay the costs of lodging them elsewhere. Advertisement The new rules include controversial measures: facial images and fingerprints could be taken from children aged six and people may be detained during screening. Fast-track deportation could be used on those not permitted to stay. Another contentious measure is sending asylum seekers to countries outside the EU that are deemed safe if a person has some ties to that country. The reforms also propose faster processing at the borders with new procedures to establish status swiftly on arrival. Migrants would find out within five days whether they could stay in Europe or have to leave with the help of a screening procedure on entry. This includes identity, security and health checks and fingerprinting. Advertisement The new rules aim to deal with asylum requests within 12 weeks and in case of rejection, asylum seekers would have to be returned forcibly to their home country within the same period, reports the BBC. Demonstrators wear a message on their shirts which reads This pact kills while standing in the visitors gallery, as members of the European Parliament participated in a series of votes, during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, on Wednesday. AP How the reforms have left the EU divided In a series of 10 votes, members of the European Parliament endorsed the regulations and policies that make up the Pact on Migration and Asylum. The agreement received the support of the blocs two main political groups the centre-right European Peoples Party Group (EPP Group) and the centre-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D). They overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass reforms. Advertisement The far-right parties, rising in popularity in Europe, opposed the reforms as they felt they were not tough enough. They hoped to use the chaos around migration to their advantage ahead of the June elections. But Wednesdays approval will now deprive the far-right of campaigning on the issue. Also read: EU records over 1.1 million asylum applications in 2023, Syrians and Afghans file most claims The far-left also objected to the overhaul of the EUs migration laws. They believe the reforms are too stringent and are pushing Europe to abandon its values of compassion and human dignity and are more in tune with the demands of the far right. Advertisement The EU parliaments far-left grouping maintains that the reforms are incompatible with Europes commitment to upholding human rights. It was a dark day. It was a pact with the devil, said Damien Careme, a lawmaker from the Greens group. People hold signs that read Rescue is not a Crime during a demonstration for the rights of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe in Berlin, Germany. File photo/Reuters EU governments, a majority of which previously approved the pact, welcomed its adoption. However, there was criticism from some leaders. German chancellor Olaf Scholz and Greeces migration minister, Dimitris Kairidis, both called it historic. French president Emmanuel Macron said Europe was acting effectively and humanely while Italian interior minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed what he termed the best possible compromise. But there was dissent when Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban derided the reform as another nail in the coffin of the European Union. Unity is dead, secure borders are no more. Hungary will never give in to the mass migration frenzy! We need a change in Brussels in order to StopMigration! Orban said in a post on social media platform X. The #MigrationPact is another nail in the coffin of the European Union. Unity is dead, secure borders are no more. Hungary will never give in to the mass migration frenzy! We need a change in Brussels in order to #StopMigration !https://t.co/wxV9Y6OARo Orban Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) April 10, 2024 Other far-right lawmakers also opposed the passage of the 10 laws making up the pact as insufficient to stop irregular migrants they accuse of spreading insecurity and threatening to submerge European identity. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk rejected as unacceptable the mechanism of taking in some asylum seekers or paying into an EU fund for frontline states. Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of Frances far-right National Rally, complained the changes would give legal impunity to NGOs complicit with smugglers. She and her partys leader who sits in the European Parliament, Jordan Bardella, said they would seek to overturn the reform after EU elections in June, which are tipped to boost far-right numbers in the legislature. What do human rights activists say? For reasons far different, migrant charities also slammed the pact, which includes building border centres to hold asylum-seekers and sending some to outside safe countries. Amnesty International said the EU was shamefully backing a deal they know will lead to greater human suffering while the Red Cross federation urged member states to guarantee humane conditions for asylum seekers and migrants affected. Migrants sit in a boat, after a Spanish Salvamento Maritimo (Sea Search and Rescue agency) vessel rescued around 250 migrants in three different boats at sea, at La Restinga port, in the municipality of El Pinar on the Canary Island of El Hierro last year. File photo/AFP How many migrants enter Europe? Since the 2015 migration crisis, which saw a massive influx of migrants 1.8 million arrivals in one year arrivals of foreigners have been in the spotlight. Last year saw some 380,000 people illegally crossing the EUs borders, the highest number since 2016, reports the BBC. In 2022, almost 3.7 million new residence permits were issued in European Union (EU) member states not including the influx from Ukraine compared to 2.9 million in 2021 and three million in 2019. Eurostat said there were 875,000 new asylum applications, still not counting Ukrainian applicants, up 52 per cent compared to 2021 and 38 per cent compared to 2019. With inputs from agencies With about a week for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a message about challenge vote, and tendered vote has taken over the internet. But the viral post is inaccurate. When a persons name is not on the voters list, they simply cannot vote. Theres no provision for a challenge vote read more India is gearing up for the highly-anticipated Lok Sabha elections 2024, with phase one scheduled on 19 April. The results of the polls, held in seven phases, will be declared on 4 June. With about a week until the general elections, a message about challenge vote, and tendered vote has taken over the internet. But are these claims true? Lets take a look. The viral message The message about the voting rights of Indian citizens on social media platforms read: Advertisement When you reach polling booth and find that your name is not in voter list, just show your Aadhaar card or voter ID and ask for challenge vote under Section 49P (or Section 49A in some messages) and cast your vote. If you find that someone has already cast your vote, then ask for tender vote and cast your vote. If any polling booth records more than 14 per cent tender votes, repolling will be conducting in such polling booth. (sic) In Vote Booth... When you reach poling booth and find that your name is not in voter list, just show your Aadhar card or voter ID and ask for " challenge vote" under section 49P and cast your vote. If you find that someone has already cast your vote, Vasavi Narayanan (Modi is My Familyman) (@VasaviNarayanan) April 10, 2024 Multiple users also shared the post on their social media handles. When you reach poling booth and find that your name is not in voter list, just show your Aadhar card or Voter ID and ask for _*"challenge vote"*_ under section 49P and cast your vote. If you find that someone has already cast your vote, then ask for _*"tender vote"*_ and Aparna Vats (@AparnaVats) April 8, 2024 @Basanti1085508 1)When you reach poling booth and find your name is not in voter list, show your Aadhar card or voter ID ask for " challenge vote" under section 49P and cast your vote. If you find that someone has already cast your vote, then ask for "tender vote"&cast your vote Indira B (@IndiraB38555421) April 9, 2024 Advertisement Advertisement The truth First claim False When a persons name is not on the voters list, they simply cannot vote, according to The Times of India, which quoted Election Commission of India (ECI) spokesperson Sheyphali Sharan. In February 2022, the ECI also debunked this fake news by tweeting, Voters cannot cast their vote if their name is not listed on the electoral roll. #FakeNewsAlert: This message circulated on social media is fake. #FactCheck: Voters cannot cast their vote, if their name is not listed in the electoral roll. pic.twitter.com/dpFdoyjOu6 Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) February 17, 2022 Advertisement For those uninitiated, the Election Commission issues the voter ID card to Indian citizens only after their names have been added to the electoral rolls of their constituency. This also implies that just because one has a voter ID card doesnt mean they will be allowed to vote. One has to make sure their name has appeared in the electoral roll. What about a challenge vote? Firstly, there is no such term as challenge vote. The correct phrase is challenged vote. As per The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, under challenged vote, the polling agents challenge the identity of a voter and the presiding officer holds an inquiry into the challenge, according to the Deccan Herald. Thus, it has nothing to do with Aadhaar card or voter ID card. Advertisement The message also falsely quotes Section 49P, which refers to Tendered votes. It says, The identity of a person claiming to be a particular elector may be challenged by a polling agent, by depositing Rs 2 in cash. You must determine the challenge through a summary inquiry. If the challenge is not sustained, you must allow the challenged person to cast his vote. If the challenge is sustained, you must not only refuse the challenged person from voting, but also hand him over to the police along with a complaint in writing. Unless there arise compelling grounds to indicate that an elector is a bogus voter, he is to be deemed to be a genuine elector. You must determine any such case through a summary inquiry, the Handbook added. On the other hand, some messages have also falsely mentioned Section 49A, which in the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, describes the Design of Electronic Voting Machines, and has no relation to challenge vote or challenged vote. Second claim True Section 49P in The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 deals with tendered votes, and explains, If a person representing himself to be a particular elector seeks to vote after another person has already voted as such elector, he shall, on satisfactorily answering such questions relating to his identity as the presiding officer may ask, be, instead of being allowed to vote through the balloting unit, supplied with a tendered ballot paper which shall be of such design, and the particulars of which shall be in such language or languages as the Election Commission may specify. NDTV explained that a tendered ballot paper is the same as a ballot paper, except it comes with Tendered Ballot Paper written on the back. Third claim False No provision states a repolling in case tendered votes breach the 14 per cent threshold. According to The Print, tendered votes are not included in the main vote count, and as per judiciary, tendered votes are to be considered only when they are likely to affect the outcome of the election, that is, when the margin of victory is less than the number of tendered vote. Speaking to The Quint, former ECI director Padma Angmo had clarified in 2019 that tendered votes will be taken into account only on the direction of a High Court. She said, Courts have said that tendered votes should be taken into account only when they are likely to affect the outcome of the election, i.e., when the margin of victory is less than the number of tendered votes. Conclusion The viral message is partly false. There is no provision for a challenge vote. Although a tendered vote can be cast, there is no mention of any repolling if it exceeds 14 per cent. With inputs from agencies In a first, India is deploying defence attaches to several new countries, including African nations, Poland, Armenia and the Philippines. The move comes amid Chinas growing presence in Africa and its military assertiveness in the South China Sea read more India will deploy around 16 new defence attaches from the armed forces to several new countries. AP (Image used for representational purposes only) In a first, India is deploying defence attaches to several new countries, including African nations, Poland, Armenia and the Philippines. The move comes amid renewed geopolitical tensions. The development also signals Indias growing focus on Africa where New Delhi has ratcheted up military engagement and is keen on expanding strategic ties amid Chinas increased presence on the continent. Lets take a closer look. Whats a defence attache? A defence attache is a member of the armed forces serving at an embassy as a representative of his/her countrys defence establishment abroad and in this capacity enjoys diplomatic status and immunity, according to the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) piece. Advertisement The defence attaches work usually concerns bilateral military and defence relations. Some countries send attaches for security issues, such as migration or matters relating to police and justice, as per the DCAF article. The defence attaches are also responsible for facilitating communication and cooperation between their home nations armed forces and the host countrys military, reported Livemint. Defence attaches act as a link between diplomats and the military. Reuters (Representational Image) They act as military and/or security advisor to their countrys ambassador and embassy staff. They can also promote their home nations military weapons industry, as per DCAF. According to Livemint, defence attaches collect and examine military intelligence, facilitate military cooperation pacts, and give evaluation of security issues to their home countrys government. They also act as a link between diplomats and the military. India to send defence attaches to new countries India has started dispatching defence attaches to many new countries, while reportedly downsizing the military personnel at its missions in some other nations. Government sources said on Wednesday (10 April) that 15-16 new attaches from the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army are being posted to Poland, the Philippines, Armenia, and the African countries of Tanzania, Mozambique, Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Ivory Coast, reported Times of India (TOI). This comes after some rationalisation by reducing the number of military officials in the other large missions in Russia, the United Kingdom and France, the newspaper report added. Advertisement Some of them have already joined their new posts. In the next phase, 10 entirely new defence wings will be created in different countries, with a particular focus on nations to which arms can be exported, a source told TOI. With this, New Delhi aims to expand its strategic ties with these countries while also pushing arms exports. The military officers freed up through rationalisation will be deployed to the countries that have become more significant in defence and security cooperation, reported Hindustan Times (HT). Focus on Africa New Delhi is posting a new military attache to the tiny African nation of Djibouti, who will only be the second officer to hold the post, as per HT. Advertisement Djibouti is strategically located in East Africa and is a major maritime hub around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. According to PTI, it is viewed as a prized location for military bases. China has also enhanced its influence in Africa. Beijing first set up its overseas military facility in Djibouti in 2017, which gives it access to crucial Red Sea shipping lanes, noted Business Standard. The Asian giant is now looking to establish more logistical turnaround facilities from the African east coast to the Indian Ocean Regions Malacca Strait, according to TOI. New Delhi has also ramped up efforts to expand ties with Africa. This was visible with the induction of the 55-nation African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 during Indias presidency last year. Advertisement Out of the 26 new missions being set up by India around the world, as many as 18 will be in African countries, reported HT. The decision to deploy military attaches in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ivory Coast is in line with New Delhis priority to step up strategic engagement in African countries, PTI reported citing an unnamed source aware of the matter. According to HT, India is sending a defence attache to Ethiopia after several decades. New Delhi had a military officer at its mission in the East African countrys capital Addis Ababa during the rule of Mengistu Haile Mariam in the mid-1970s. Advertisement The new defence attaches postings show the importance India attaches to Africa. These postings will send out a message that Africa matters. They will also open up possibilities for military cooperation and arms sales at a time when many African states are working to modernise their militaries, a person in the know of the matter told HT. Why the other countries matter India dispatching a defence attache to Poland, which is a part of the European Union (EU) and has emerged as an important security partner in Europe in recent years, is also significant. The EU posted a military attache to its mission in India for the first time last year. Indias move to do the same in Poland is reflective of the desire to expand two-way defence ties, PTI reported citing unnamed sources. Armenia has become a major exporter of Indias arms. New Delhi has already inked deals with the Asian country for Pinaka rockets, Akash missiles, ammunition and multi-barrel rocket launchers, with some of them coming amid Armenias clash with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia has shown interest in expanding its defence ties with India. Chinas military assertiveness in the South China Sea has prompted India to grow military ties with ASEAN countries. Indias decision to send defence attaches for the first time to the Philippines comes in the wake of the sale of Indian arms to Manila. Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, 5 March 2024. Reuters File Photo India signed a $375 million deal with the Philippines in 2022 to supply three batteries of the BrahMos missile. New Delhi will soon start the delivery of the missiles to the Southeast Asian country, PTI reported citing sources. With inputs from agencies Iranian FM rejects allegations of supplying missiles to Russia 13 Oct 2024 | 10:20 PM Tehran, Oct 13 (UNI) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday denied allegations that his country has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, emphasizing that Iran's military cooperation with Moscow predates the Ukraine conflict. see more.. Iraq rejects use of airspace for strikes on Iran, warns of conflict expansion 13 Oct 2024 | 10:14 PM Baghdad, Oct 13 (UNI) Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Sunday warned of the potential expansion of the Middle East conflict and rejected the use of Iraqi airspace for attacks on neighboring countries. see more.. Hezbollah says clashing with Israeli forces in 3 southern Lebanese villages 13 Oct 2024 | 10:01 PM Beirut, Oct 13 (UNI) Hezbollah said Sunday that it clashed with Israeli forces in three border villages in southern Lebanon. see more.. Iran bans all electronic communication devices on flights except cell phones 13 Oct 2024 | 6:59 PM Tehran, Oct 13 (UNI) Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced on Saturday a ban on electronic communication devices, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, from airplane cabins and checked luggage. see more.. For the presidential election, the security deposit for a candidate from a recognised political party has been raised from 75,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 2.6 million rupees while the security deposit for an independent candidate is to be raised from 50,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 3.1 million rupees read more Sri Lanka is dealing with the aftermath of its worst financial crisis in decades, which forced the postponement of the elections in 2023 due to a lack of funds. File image/AP The presidential election in Sri Lanka is likely to be held between September- November this year. As the South Asian country heads to its decisive polls the Cabinet of ministers has approved a proposal to increase the deposit placed by candidates representing recognised political parties as well as independent candidates. The move was made collectively by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe. Heres a closer look. Hike election deposits The Cabinet this week noted that it is appropriate to update the existing security deposit limits according to the provisions of the Presidents Election Act, Parliamentary Elections Act and the Provincial Councils Elections Act, timely in the current social, economic and political context. Advertisement For the presidential election, the security deposit for a candidate from a recognised political party has been raised from 75,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 2.6 million rupees while the security deposit for an independent candidate is to be raised from 50,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 3.1 million rupees. In parliamentary elections, the security deposit for a candidate from a recognised political party is to be raised from 2,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 11,000 rupees while the security deposit for an independent candidate is to be increased from 2,000 Sri Lankan rupees to 16,000 rupees. President Wickremesinghe could contest in a common alliance with the backing of some Opposition party strongmen. Though, he has not declared it officially yet. File image/AP For the local government polls, its 6,000 Sri Lankan rupees for a party candidate, while an independent candidate has to pay 11,000. Commenting on the proposed security deposit rate increases, the election monitoring groups said the changes might not come into force till the next elections as the necessary law enactments would take time. Sri Lanka is dealing with the aftermath of its worst financial crisis in decades, which forced the postponement of the elections in 2023 due to a lack of funds. The next presidential election must be held between mid-September and mid-November this year while the parliamentary election is due only by August next year. Advertisement The government said the legal draftsman has been advised to prepare a bill to amend the security deposit rates. First presidential election after bankruptcy According to reports in media, President Wickremesinghe could contest in a common alliance with the backing of some Opposition party strongmen. Though, he has not declared it officially yet. Wickremesinghe was elected in a Parliament vote after his predecessor resigned and is unpopular due to his austerity policies. Opposition figures Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake are likely to be other candidates. Countries such as India and China will be closely watching the polls as they provide assistance and loans to the country. Advertisement With inputs from PTI Those wanting to work in the UK need a job offer of at least 38,700 (roughly Rs 40,52,900), as per the new visa rules. The minimum income requirement to sponsor a loved one to come to the country from abroad has also been raised read more The UK has brought new visa rules to curb migration. Reuters File Photo The United Kingdoms new visa rules aimed at curbing migration have started coming into effect. The development comes after a record 745,000 people came to the UK in 2022, the figure British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described as far too high. The new visa rules have increased the salary threshold. Indians, who are among the top nationalities seeking work visas in the UK, are likely to be impacted by the new norms. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. New UK work visa rules The Sunak government has increased the minimum salary requirement from 26,200 (roughly Rs 27,43,000) to 38,700 (approximately Rs 40,52,900), a nearly 50 per cent jump, for those who want to work in the UK. However, there are some exceptions. The raised wage threshold is not required for some jobs such as those in health and social care, and teachers on national pay scales. Jobs, including health and care workers, pharmacists, graphic designers, construction workers and vets, that fall under the shortage occupation list have a lower salary threshold, reported BBC. But overseas care workers cannot bring family dependants with them. Overseas workers cannot bring family dependants with them to the UK. Reuters (Representational Image) Those seeking to work in the UK would still need to apply for a skilled worker visa through the points-based system (PBS). The new rules came into effect on 4 April. Whats PBS? Under the points-based system, those applying for a skilled worker visa need 70 points to qualify. They get 50 points if they have a job offer above a minimum skill level, and speak English, reported BBC. The remaining 20 points can come if they have a higher salary, are employed in a field with job shortages, or have a relevant PhD. Advertisement Changes in family visa norms Those living in the UK need to earn a minimum salary of 29,000 (around Rs 30,37,000) to sponsor a loved one to come and live with them from abroad. As per The Evening Standard, this wage threshold is set to rise further to 34,500 (about Rs 36,03,500) later this year, and to 38,700 in early 2025. UK PM Rishi Sunak said the 2022 migration numbers were far too high. Reuters File Photo It must be noted that those renewing an existing family visa do not need to meet the new requirement, according to the Home Office, reported BBC. The minimum income threshold for a spouse/partner visa has come into place from Thursday (11 April). These new rules have been slammed by workers and even businesses in the UK. Critics argue that the increased salary threshold was separating families. Advertisement According to campaigners, the new rules will destroy the notion of the UK as a place where families can thrive, reported The Evening Standard. However, defending the move, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly claimed new visa rules would protect British workers. I promised action and we have delivered at remarkable speed. Weve acted to cut unsustainable numbers, to protect British workers and their wages, to ensure those bringing family to the UK do not burden taxpayers, and to build an immigration system fit for the future - and one the public can rightly have confidence in, he was quoted as saying by T_he Evening Standard._ Advertisement Impacts on Indians Indians are among the top nationalities seeking the UKs skilled work visas. These work visa grants to Indians saw a 63 per cent hike from 13,380 in 2021-22 to 21,837 in 2022-23, as per an Economic Times (ET) report. Indian nationals were the top nationality for visas in the Worker category, representing one third (33 per cent) of grants, and were by far the top nationality for both the Skilled Worker and Skilled Worker - Health and Care visas, the UK Home Office noted in its analysis last year. Indian applicants also topped the list of workers in healthcare visa category, claiming 29,726 visas in 2022-23, a 105 per cent increase from 14,485 visas in 2021-22. Advertisement With the salary threshold increased for skilled worker visas, Indians earning below will not be able to work in the UK. Since January 2024, foreign postgraduate students cannot bring dependants unless their course is a research programme. After Nigerians (66,796), Indian study visa holders had the most number of sponsored dependants (42,381) in the year ending March 2023. There were 138,532 sponsored study visa grants to Indian nationals in year ending March 2023, an increase of 53,429 (+63 per cent) compared to year ending March 2022 and the largest number of study visas granted to any nationality. Grants to study for Indian nationals have risen markedly since year ending March 2019 and are now around seven times higher, according to the Home Office. The woman was identified as Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson. She is an astrology influencer and recording artist known by the alias Ayoka who posts content on the platform X. In her online posts, she expressed concern about the eclipses potential for the end of the world read more An astrology influencer in the United States fatally stabbed her partner at their Los Angeles apartment on Monday (8 April). She then threw her two children from a moving vehicle on a Los Angeles highway, resulting in the tragic death of her infant daughter. The reason: her concern about the solar eclipse, which occurred this week, which she described as the epitome of spiritual warfare in an online post just days before the incident. Advertisement The woman, who then rammed her car into a tree, killing herself, has been identified as Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson. She was an astrology influencer and recording artist known by the alias Ayoka who posts content on the platform X. In her online posts, she expressed concern about the eclipses potential for the end of the world. Heres what we know so far. Knifed her partner, shoved the children Danielle Johnson, who peddled weekly aura cleanses on her website and offered online zodiac readings, told followers that Mondays total solar eclipse in North America was the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place, she wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, on 4 April under her online pseudonym Danielle Ayoka. The world is very obviously changing right now and if you ever needed to pick a side, the time to do right in your life is now. Early Monday morning, she knifed her Air Force veteran partner dead, before taking off in a Porsche Cayenne with her two daughters, the Los Angeles Times reported. Hurtling down the major 405 freeway before dawn, Johnson shoved the children one nine years old, the other only eight months out of the moving vehicle. Advertisement Only the nine-year-old child survived. WAKE UP WAKE UP THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE. EVERYONE WHO HAS EARS LISTEN. YOUR TIME TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOW. IF YOU BELIEVE A NEW WORLD IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE RT NOW. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE!!!! REPOST TO MAKE THE CHOICE FOR THE COLLECTIVE pic.twitter.com/NMyuLkBj5l Ayoka (@MysticxLipstick) April 5, 2024 Half an hour later police were called to the scene of a horrific crash on the Pacific Coast Highway in which the luxury vehicle had slammed into a tree at 100 miles (160 kilometres) an hour. Johnsons body had been so disfigured in the crash that identification was difficult, the Times reported. Police who went to the family apartment found a trail of bloody footprints and the body of 29-year-old Jaelen Allen Chaney. He had been stabbed in the heart. The Times cited law enforcement sources as confirming that Johnson and Ayoka were the same person. She was very standoffish While detectives have reviewed Johnsons posts, police are not considering the eclipse to be a precipitating or contributing factor to the slayings because we just dont know why she did what she did, Lieutenant Guy Golan told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Advertisement Weve taken all the facts we can, but without being able to interview her and without having something more tangible than a post on X, I dont know how much weight you can give to somebody (saying) theres an apocalypse and attribute it to one of the most horrific murders weve had in LA, Golan, who is head of the homicide unit investigating the case, said. Johnson has had an active social media presence for several years. Her social media posts also include anti-Semitic rants, vaccine conspiracy theories, world-ending warnings, astrological predictions, and positive affirmations. On 5 April, the day of the incident, she posted the word LOVE numerous times. Her personal website lists a number of services, including zodiac healing work, alcohol balancing system, and aura cleanse. Advertisement LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE RT FOR POWER. WE HAVE WON!!! Ayoka (@MysticxLipstick) April 5, 2024 She was very standoffish, said Norman Linder, a Woodland Hills neighbour, adding that he only saw Johnson and her daughters a few times before in the apartment complex, quoted in an NBC News report. Barring this incident, Johnson had no felony criminal record in California, and there was no evidence of reported domestic violence. While eclipses have long been connected to end-of-times prophecies dating back to pre-history, scientists say there is no basis in fact for the conspiracies. Mondays spectacular eclipse offered an unparalleled celestial show for tens of millions of people in North America, from Mexicos Pacific coast to Texas, Arkansas, Niagra Falls, New England and eastern Canada. Onlookers watched in awe as the Moon obscured the Sun, allowing the stars corona to be seen with the naked eye. Only a partial eclipse was visible in Los Angeles. With inputs from AFP Whooping cough outbreaks are reported in various countries, including the UK, Australia, and Europe, while deaths have been reported in China, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The highly contagious infection, which is scientifically called pertussis, can be fatal, especially in infants and children read more In the past, it was a common childhood infection and cause of death among babies, but in the 1950s a vaccine changed that. Pexels Whooping cough is making a comeback in several parts of the world. Outbreaks are reported in various countries, including the UK, Australia, and Europe, while deaths have been reported in China, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, and the Netherlands. The highly contagious infection, which is scientifically called pertussis, can be fatal, especially in infants and children. Heres all we know about the latest outbreak. What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which targets the upper respiratory system and releases toxins which can cause the airways to swell, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Advertisement In the past, it was a common childhood infection and cause of death among babies, but in the 1950s a vaccine changed that. Also known as the 100-day cough, the disease can impact anyone, irrespective of age, gender or race. However, it is more commonly found among children below the age of five, or those too young to go through the immunisation programme. The UK National Health Service (NHS) says the name whooping cough is the result of the whooping sound that arises after the bout of coughing. While 100-day cough is owing to the extent that it could affect a person. Globally, pertussis kills hundreds of thousands of children annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Whooping cough outbreaks generally occur every three to four years. Pixabay/Representatie Image Its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, such as a stuffy nose, a low-grade fever, and a mild cough often reported, making it difficult to diagnose until more severe symptoms emerge. According to the CDC, after a week or two symptoms can progress, to rapid, violent and uncontrolled coughing fits, accompanied by a high-pitched whoop sound upon inhalation at the end of the fit. Unvaccinated adults, meanwhile, can cough for up to 10 weeks, according to NDTV. According to the Netherlands public health institute, more than half of babies with whooping cough are admitted to the hospital and can occasionally die from pertussis. Advertisement People who are vaccinated, however, will generally have fewer symptoms and may not cough for as long. Where is a resurgence in the world? In the first two months of 2024, 13 deaths were reported in China and 32,380 cases were reported, according to Bloomberg. The cases are more than 20 times higher than a year earlier, according to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. In the Philippines, 54 deaths were recorded in the first three months this year and infection figures were 34 times higher than last year. In Australia, some 2,799 cases were reported, with the highest 1,000 cases in Queensland and New South Wales each, according to The Conversation. Advertisement In the UKs England, the disease has led to the death of at least one infant, with a total of 913 new cases of the disease reported in February alone, nearly double the 555 cases recorded the previous month, according to provisional data from the UK Health Security Agency. This compares with 858 cases in all of 2023. Increases in whooping cough have been reported since mid-2023 in European countries like Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, and Norway, particularly in the Czech Republic and the Netherlands. In the Czech Republic, pertussis cases are at the highest level reported since the 1960s and more than 6,300 cases reported between January and the first week of April, as per Euronews. Advertisement By March, Spain reported more than 8,200 cases, according to a report from health authorities. The cases are quite high in comparison to the 1,200 cases in all of 2023. The Netherlands reported more than 3,600 cases of whooping cough between January and March this year, of which 228 were infants. According to the NL Times, four babies have died in the first three months this year. In Greece, according to the health authorities, 82 cases of whooping cough have been reported since the beginning of this year. This is compared to just nine cases last year. In the US, New York reported an outbreak in December last year. Advertisement Why are the cases rising? Whooping cough outbreaks generally occur every three to four years, as per The Conversation. COVID-19 could be the one to blame for the current resurgence due to border closures, social isolation and masks, the number of cases declined dramatically during 2020-23, the report said. If trends had followed the usual outbreak cycle, this might have been around the time wed have seen another outbreak, it added. The unusual thing is that due to the coronavirus pandemic and the infection control barriers (restrictions) there was a delay in the resurgence, Sylvain Brisse, director of the Institute Pasteurs Biodiversity and Epidemiology of Bacterial Pathogens Unit, told Euronews Health. Missed routine vaccination routine at the height of the COVID pandemic may have made countries more vulnerable today. Europes disease agency also pinned the blame on the coronavirus. The current increase is potentially linked to lower circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with suboptimal vaccination uptake in certain groups during the pandemic, it wrote in a March report. Reduced immunity in the population could also be one of the reasons we are witnessing a rise in cases globally, as per The Conversation. How can we prevent the disease? Vaccines are available to prevent whooping cough, but Brisse says many countries only require them for children. The vaccines protect well, but they protect for about five to seven years, and then after that, people become susceptible again. Thats why we would ideally need to re-vaccinate perhaps every ten years. But thats not the case, its only for children in some countries, Brisse told Euronews. According to the Global Times, the Chinese National Disease Control and Prevention Administration also issued a guidance on preventing whooping cough, by urging people to get vaccinated to prevent the disease and to reduce the severity and mortality. In the US, there are two vaccines available one for children under the age of seven, and one for people older than seven, according to Bloomberg. In the United Kingdom, shots are routinely given to babies, while the Philippines has warned of a potential shortage in supply by May. With inputs from agencies PM Modi assured people of Rajasthans Karauli that strict action is being taken against corruption all over the country and the corrupt will have to go to jail read more Modi is not born to rest or have fun, but to work hard as he has big goals connected to people of his country, said the Prime Minister at Lok Sabha 2024 election rally in Rajasthans Karauli. Voting for the Karauli-Dholpur constituency of Rajasthan will be held in the first of seven phases of Lok Sabha polls 2024 on April 19. 7 key takeaways from PM Modis election rally at Rajasthans Karauli 1 - The prime minister assured the people of Karauli that strict action will be taken against corruption all over India. The corrupt will have to go to jail, this is Modis guarantee, he said. Advertisement 2 - Strict action is being taken against corruption all over the country. The people of INDI Alliance are getting together against Modi. On one hand, there is Modi who calls to remove corruption, and on the other hand, it is them who want to save the corrupt, the prime minister said. 3 - Congress found opportunities to loot in jobs for youths. A paper leak industry flourished under the protection of its government in Rajasthan, he said. 4 - Congress never allowed any opportunity or gave respect to the Dalits, Adivasis, and women. BJP opened Jan Dhan accounts of more than 50 crore people; we made toilets for 11 crore families; the BJP government handed over pucca houses to 4 crore families, PM Modi said. 5 - We launched millet mission. We made the world aware that coarse grains are superfood. Such grains are now being known as Shree Ann, he said. 6 - The Lok Sabha election of 2024 is an election to provide new energy to the Viksit Bharat campaign. In the last 10 years, the BJP brought solutions to those problems on which the Congress had given up. Congress gave the slogan of Gareebi Hatao for decades but Modi brought 25 crore of Indians out of poverty. Congress left farmers on their own but the BJP government is working to make farmers prosperous. Today 10 crore farmers are receiving Kisan Samman NidhiIt is the first time that any government has been concerned for cattle tooDomesticated animals are getting free vaccinations, PM Modi said. Advertisement 7 - This is a land of Bhakti and Shakti. Your blessings and the huge number of youth and women present here are a huge message for the country. The results of June 4 are clearly visible in Karuli today. Karauli is saying 4 June, 400 paar, he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that no one will be allowed to engage in terrorist activities on Indian soil and the New Delhi will do whatever it takes to ensure it read more Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Pakistan will face consequences if it tries to destabilise India with terrorism. Source: Twitter/RMO India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has again warned Pakistan over terrorism and said that, if it feels it is incapable to take any action on the issue, India is ready help it in eradicating terrorism on its soil. In a podcast with ANI, Singh said that one should be assured that no one will be allowed to engage in terrorist activities on Indian soil and that New Delhi will do whatever it takes to ensure it. Advertisement For the second time in two weeks, Singh has outlined Narendra Modi governments policy on terrorism which states that India will not shy from taking down anti-India elements wherever they might be based. Last week, Singh told Network 18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi in a separate interview that India will give a befitting reply if terrorists target India from the neighbouring country and India will enter their houses and eliminate them in Pakistan if terrorists take refuge in the country. Singhs remarks followed a story in the UK-based newspaper The Guardian that reported that Indias external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), has recently carried out up 20 targeted killings of terrorists in Pakistan as part of a broader strategy to eliminate terrorists abroad. Pakistan can take help from us if its incapable of tackling terror In a warning to Pakistan, Singh said that either the country should handle terrorism on its soil on its own or it may take help from India. He said that if Pakistans intentions to stop terrorism are true, then it should act on its own. Singh further said that Pakistan will face consequences if it tries to destabilise India with terrorism. If Pakistan thinks that it is not capable of controlling it, then it can take help from India. India is ready to help Pakistan stop terrorism. They are our neighbours, and if their intentions are clear that terrorism should stop, then they should do that themselves. Otherwise, they can take help from India and we both can end terrorism, said Singh in Hindi. Advertisement "If Pakistan feels incapable, India is ready to cooperate to stop terrorism," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offers help to Pakistan to combat terrorism. "If Pakistan is trying to destabilise India with the help of terrorism, then it will have to face the consequences. Pakistan pic.twitter.com/R1Sc44tozi ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 Terrorist groups based in Pakistan and getting support from the countrys all-powerful military and intelligence establishment have long targeted India. They have fuelled an insurgency in Kashmir and have carried out many terrorist attacks. India and Pakistan have had a fraught relationship over terrorism emanating from Pakistan and over the countrys stand on Kashmir. The two countries have fought four wars in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and 1999. Ghar me ghus kar maarenge: Singh on Pakistan-based terrorism Singhs latest remarks follow his statement in an earlier interview with Network 18 in which he said that New Delhi will enter Pakistan and eliminate terrorists if needed. Advertisement India will give a befitting reply to any act of terror emanating from our neighbouring country. Those who try to disturb Indias peace and carry out terror activities on Indian soil, we will enter their houses and eliminate them, said Singh in Hindi in an interview with Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. #Exclusive | "Ghar mein ghus kar maarengey," says Defence Minister @rajnathsingh as he reiterates India will always give a befitting reply to terrorists, in a conversation with Network 18 Group Editor-in-Chief @18RahulJoshi#RajnathSinghToNews18 #India #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/JEDiIFoRrE News18 (@CNNnews18) April 5, 2024 Advertisement Singh further said that Pakistan understands that India has the strength to do such things. He further said that while India has never attacked any country, it will not be quite if its instigated. If one sees Indias past, you can see we have never initiated any aggression against any neighbour. But if someone keeps instigating India and promote terrorism in India, we will not spare them, said Singh. Following Singhs comments, Pakistans Foreign Office reaffirmed the countrys commitment to protect its sovereignty and stressed its willingness to protect its territorial integrity. It said, Throughout history, Pakistan has demonstrated its steadfast resolve and capability to protect and uphold its sovereignty, the Foreign Office asserted, criticising Indias leadership for resorting to inflammatory rhetoric for political gain. A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose (now retired) and Bela Trivedi highlighted the serious repercussions of such actions, stating that the misuse of social media platforms undermines the authority of the courts and interferes with justice read more Indias Supreme Court has raised alarm regarding the misuse of social media platforms, particularly in posting messages, comments, and articles related to subjudice matters. This concern was highlighted as the court initiated contempt proceedings against Assam MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya for his misleading Facebook post regarding a case pending judgment. A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose (now retired) and Bela Trivedi highlighted the serious repercussions of such actions, stating that the misuse of social media platforms undermines the authority of the courts and interferes with the course of justice. Advertisement While acknowledging the right to freedom of speech and expression, the court stressed the need for caution in posting content related to pending legal matters. The court noted that judges may express reactions during legal arguments, both in favor and against parties involved in proceedings, but warned against actions that could potentially undermine the integrity of the judiciary. However, that does not give any right or leeway to either of the parties or their lawyers to the proceedings to post comments or messages on social media distorting the facts or not disclosing correct facts of the proceedings. The matter is required to be taken up more seriously when any such attempt is sought to be made by the party to the proceedings, the bench said while issuing contempt notice to the MLA and directing the presence of the MLA from All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the court. The apex court listed the matter next after four weeks and asked the registry to place the matter before the CJI for appropriate orders on the administrative side for listing the case before the appropriate bench. The SC initiated contempt proceedings against Barbhuiya for his Facebook post on March 20 in which he had falsely claimed a favourable ruling from the court in an election petition while the court had on that day only reserved its judgment in the matter. Later on April 8, the apex court allowed Barbhuiyas plea and quashed the election petition filed against him. Advertisement With inputs from PTI Whenever there has been a weak and unstable government in the country, our enemies have taken advantage of it and terrorism has flourished in India. Today, there is a strong government in India, hence terrorists are being eliminated inside their homes, said PM Modi read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that enemies took advantage of India whenever there was a weak and unstable government in the country but today we have a strong regime and hence terrorists are being eliminated on their own turf. #WATCH | Addressing a public rally in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, PM Modi says, "Today, there is a strong government in the country. Under this 'mazboot Modi sarkar, atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai'. Whenever we have had a weak government in the country our enemies pic.twitter.com/DwSO2iokv8 ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 Advertisement Addressing a rally in Uttarakhands Rishikesh, PM Modi said, Whenever there has been a weak and unstable government in the country, our enemies have taken advantage of it and terrorism has flourished in India. Today, there is a strong government in India, hence terrorists are being eliminated inside their homes. Today, there is a strong government in India, hence our Tricolour becomes a guarantee of security even in the war zone. Attacking the Congress for raising questions on the existence of Lord Ram and and publicly announcing to destroy the Shakti in Hindu religion, he asked the people of Uttarakhand to give a befitting reply to the grand old party by voting BJP into power. Congress had raised many questions on the existence of Lord Ram. Even after they were invited to Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha they boycotted itNow, they have resolved and publicly announced that they will destroy the Shakti in Hindu religion, said the Prime Minister. He also said the weak Congress governments in the past could not strengthen the border infrastructure. Advertisement We are continuously increasing rail, road and air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Work is underway on Rishikesh -Karanprayag railway line. Distance between Delhi to Dehradun is also reducing. Border villages which were called last villages under Congress, are now being developed under BJP government. Air services have started for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. 900 km long highway is also being built to connect Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, said PM Modi. PM Modi said the echoes of Phir Ek Baar Modi Sarkar were being heard across the country as people have seen the benefits of having a stable government. Yesterday when I was in Tamil Nadu, Indias southern end, people were chanting phir ek baar Modi Sarkaar. Today, when I am in the lap of the Himalayas, at the foot of Baba Kedar and Badri Vishal, people here also are saying phir ek baar Modi Sarkaar. Same words are echoing everywhere, he said. Advertisement With inputs from agencies New Delhis challenges with regards to Chinas rise are much different and more dangerous than any of the Quad or AUKUS countries read more The rise of China and its increasingly assertive posture have made the Indo-Pacific region the most significant geopolitical theatre today. Almost every single power, ranging from Asia to Europe, along with the US, is taking an active interest in the region. Naturally, even the slightest news from this theatre becomes a topic of debate, with geopolitical watchers closely analysing what it means for the strategic future of the region. This week, a report published by the British daily Financial Times has generated a similar spark with its claim that AUKUS, the military agreement between Australia, the UK, and the US, may be expanded to include Japan as well. If this materialises and the grouping indeed becomes JAUKUS, India will be the only Quad member to be left behind. Advertisement While the exclusion of India from the original AUKUS had already led many in the strategic circles to point out that India doesnt enjoy the Wests confidence to counter China, now this development, along with the consecutive delay in Quad summits, is creating a similar doubt over Indias role in the Indo-Pacific region. However, in this piece, I argue that all such apprehensions regarding Indias future role in the region are misplaced. The AUKUS grouping The AUKUS grouping is not a military treaty or a pact but a simple agreement among the US, UK, and Australia, three countries that already share a close bilateral relationship with each other, to cooperate more closely in the Indo-Pacific as part of a trilateral security framework. It actually builds on the narrow objective of the US and the UK to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines. The AUKUS was announced in September 2021 when Australia ditched its decade-long efforts to secure submarines from Frances Naval Group and, under former Prime Minister Scott Morrison, instead turned towards the US and the UK. The country was seeking more lethal and more powerful nuclear-powered submarines as against conventional ones due to the changing situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Sensing the opportunity, the UK and the US filled in the gap, and a quick trilateral discussion took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June 2021 in Cornwall, England. Since then, they have agreed to share nuclear propulsion technology with Australia, along with the sale of a few Virginia-class submarines by the US, the co-development of a submarine by the UK and Australia, as well as a multi-dollar pledge by them to expand their trilateral submarine industrial base. The commitments related to submarines form Pillar 1 of the AUKUS agreement. Now these countries are considering moving towards Pillar 2, a cooperation focusing on advanced defence technologies such as quantum technology, hypersonic missiles, and artificial intelligence. Advertisement It is for this initiative that the original AUKUS countries are seeking to cooperate with Japan. However, a formal expansion of the grouping is not on the cards yet, with specific defence technology projects more in the offing. This was hinted at by the USs Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, who said Japan will be considered rather as a technological partner along with Australian Prime Minister Antony Albaneses straight denial of Japan as the fourth partner at a press conference called on Tuesday. A reason for these countries to downplay Japans participation may be to avoid any more tensions with Beijing. Advertisement The US is already involved in two wars, one in West Asia (in Israels support) and another between Ukraine and Russia. It is looking to avoid another one with China over Taiwan. However, AUKUS is all set to complete its third year in September, and the member countries think that the involvement of more partners will increase its potential. This brings us to the question of the relevance of Quad, another US-led minilateral in the region, and also of India, which is still not part of any arrangement at the AUKUS. Indias Cherished Strategic Autonomy Well, despite the economic imperative implicit in the creation of the AUKUS, where the submarine deal is going to cost a whopping US$240 billion, the grouping also has a strategic imperative in addressing the elephant in the roomChina. Advertisement With a rising and increasingly aggressive China, Australia felt the need to acquire nuclear-powered submarines to ensure its part of the Indo-Pacific remained free and open. However, Australias admission into the AUKUS trinity has come with reciprocal expectations. While speaking to a US-based think tank last week, Kurt Campbell spilled the beans on what the US wants in exchange for the submarine deal from Australia. Although domestically, Australian Prime Minister Albanese has presented the submarine deal as a job-creation scheme, as per Campbell, the submarines are part of a coordinated plan to fight China in the Taiwan Strait. Meanwhile, PM Albanese and his Defence Minister Richard Marles have also assured their people that the submarines will be thoroughly under Australias sovereign control and prove to be its sovereign asset. Advertisement However, according to insiders who were privy to Campbells similar assertion at a EU meeting in 2022, the AUKUS has got Australia off the fence and locked in the country for the next forty years into cooperating with the US in a theatre of its choosing. This expectation of the US from Australia clearly takes a huge chunk of its strategic autonomy away. Any mention of strategic autonomy withering away will put India in an uncomfortable position. India has shown a historic aversion to being a part of military alliances. This is a stand that it continues to reiterate even today. Despite this, India, due to its widening power gap and increasingly tense relations with China, does want to externally balance the country, which explains its joining the Quadrilateral grouping with the US, Japan, and Australia. However, when it comes to military action in the Taiwan Strait, New Delhi has yet to make up its mind. For India, the primary theatre of military action to deal with China remains its own unsettled boundary, where the Line of Actual Control has witnessed multiple incursions in the last two decades by China. In addition to this, Indias focus is on the Indian Ocean component of the Indo-Pacific region. As the resident naval power in the region, India is playing a significant role as the preferred security partner. Its current job brief is to deter Beijing from becoming a dominant non-resident naval power in the region. In such a scenario, the Taiwan Strait obviously does not enjoy a prime position in New Delhis calculations. However, that reality is slowly changing with Chinas increasing aggression and expansionism against India. For the first time, India made a remark with regards to the militarisation of Taiwan Strait by China in 2022 when a Chinese research vessel docked at Sri Lankas Colombo port. Similarly, Prime Minister Modi also expressed solidarity with the people of Taiwan when it faced a deadly earthquake in the first week of April on social media platform X, just after China issued a list of names for places in Arunachal Pradesh. In the future, India may take more interest in the conflict in the Taiwan Strait and may even play a greater military role. This would be part of its strategy to deter China in view of increased militarisation of the Indian Ocean region. But for the foreseeable future, this strategy will not involve India participating in a military alliance such as the AUKUS. Australia is a part of the Five Eyes alliance with the US and the UK, and these countries have a history of military pacts. India is more likely to preserve its strategic autonomy and avoid participation in such alliances. Especially in view of the events that took place after a war broke out between Russia and Ukraine. Indias strategic independence allowed it to import discounted oil to protect its economic interests as a developing country. As a $3.7 trillion economy looking to reach at least $10 trillion in the next decade, Indias foreign policy goals are going to be conservative. This then brings us to the question: If the US, Australia, and now Japan are devoting their energy to the AUKUS, then is the Quad grouping irrelevant? Not at all. Unlike the limited focus of the AUKUS on military cooperation and the geographical theatre of the Taiwan Strait, Quad is an initiative rooted in democratic values to promote overall peace and stability in the region. The AUKUS had its origins in a submarine deal, but Quad originated from a vision that foresaw the rise of India and China as the ultimate geopolitical reality in the Indo-Pacific region. Quad may have lost space in the news cycle off late, but it has more to do with the USs domestic compulsions in an election year and its attention to other theatres such as Eastern Europe and West Asia. In fact, even India would appreciate and welcome any development in AUKUS because it is bringing the focus back to the Indo-Pacific. Meanwhile, beyond any of the US-led minilaterals in the region, Indias only choice in the long term is to increase its own capability. Its challenges with regards to Chinas rise are much different and more dangerous than any of the Quad or AUKUS countries. India is anyway looking to indigenously develop a nuclear attack submarine capability, as its Naval Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar also highlighted last month. India would indeed want to be in a league of its own, and it wouldnt sacrifice its strategic autonomy at the altar of any alliance compulsions. The author is a New Delhi-based commentator on geopolitics and foreign policy. She holds a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. You may follow her on X: @TrulyMonica. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The Citizenship Act of 1955, designed for the purpose of acquiring and determining Indian citizenship, traces its origins to the constitutional provisions of our country. The shift from the initially implemented Citizenship Act of 1955 by virtue of the 1986 and 2003 amendments signifies how India as a country is shifting towards a citizenship law from jus soli (citizenship by birth) to jus sanguinis (citizenship by descent). It has undergone multiple changes, but the amendment proposed and implemented by the NDA Government has been, by so far, the most protested one Indian political economy has ever witnessed. Advertisement It is a well-established fact that historically, there has been continuous migration across Indias borders from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh into India. The Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019 (CAA, 2019), provides a pathway to citizenship for refugees from these countries who have faced religious oppression, notably individuals belonging to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christians, Parsi, and Sikh communities who migrated before December 31, 2014. Initially, migrants to India had a waiting period of up to 11 years. Now, with the CAA 2019, migrants belonging to the above-mentioned category have only a waiting period of up to five years, and the categories of persons not mentioned in the amendment law do not have an opportunity to avail the fastrack process of obtaining citizenship. Nevertheless, the old laws shall still apply to the rest in the same manner as they were applied prior to the amendment. The amendment in question is exempted in its application to certain parts of north-east India. Protestors, however, argue that the CAA violates the Assam Accord, exacerbating apprehensions about identity and culture. Additionally, critics contend that the Act discriminates against Muslims, exacerbating religious tensions and eroding Indias secular fabric. The proposed legislation also includes changes concerning Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. The CAA proposes modifications to the Act, allowing for the cancellation of OCI registration in case the individual breaches any laws specified by the central government, however, after providing an opportunity to be heard as per the principles of natural justice. Advertisement This Act was brought in for humanitarian reasons and the governments commitment to ensuring security for persons under threat of religious persecution. If thats true, one needs to assess why there were nationwide protests breaking out in 2019 and currently after the notification of CAA rules in 2024. There are prevalent misconceptions regarding the citizenship of Indians, which are under no threat from the newly implemented law. The CAA is under heavy scrutiny by the citizens of India and by international stakeholders as discriminatory against a primary minority religion and persons who migrated to India due to the threat of religious persecution post-2014. The protests and public upheaval against the Act cannot be understood in a uniform sense. Advertisement The common discourse of dissent against the CAA is that it is perceived to apply to Indian citizens. The answer to it is quite simple. The CAA does not apply to existing Indian citizens at all, irrespective of their religion. Another key question that must be understood is the fact that CAA is not applicable to migrants who have entered India post-2014, regardless of their religion or faith. CAA is largely misconstrued on the basis that it is supplementary to the National Register of Citizens, and the government has made it clear that both are in no way connected. The NRC issue was primarily concerning Assam, as previously mentioned, due to the signed Assam Accord. Advertisement Article 14, as envisioned by the drafters of the Constitution of India, did not restrict its application only to citizens but to all persons. Speaking purely from a legal perspective, the government has discretionary powers to determine who gets citizenship, as it is under their purview. In Ganga Ram v. Union of India (1970) 1 SCC 377 [2], Honble Justice Sastri had succinctly put that the constitution does not require that the classification under Article 14 need not be scientifically perfect or logically complete. He has also suggested an underlying test of reasonableness and proportionality behind the exercise of power by the legislation. The Honble SC, in a plethora of cases, has emphasised that the test must be applied, taking into consideration practical realities and implication, and not doctrinaire, keeping in mind the virtues and values of the golden triangle. Advertisement The amendment has been challenged by the Indian Union Muslim League (Indian Union of Muslim League v Union of India WP (c) 1470/2019) which was tagged with other petitions from individuals and political parties. The core contention of these petitions is their contravention of Article 14, as the right to equality is not guaranteed to all persons. [1] They contend that while the object sought is to grant citizenship to persons facing religious persecution, it has no rational nexus to the action sought by the law as it segregates people based on religion and country of origin and not based on those who are facing religious persecution. The matter is sub-judice before the Honble SC, which has yet to issue an order in this regard. Moreover, there have been petitions filed in the Honble SC since the official notification of CAA Rules, presently. Finally, one needs to understand that India today, after many efforts in the last decade, has ultimately reached a position to lay down its own laws and policies without bothering about international pressures. Moreover, whether CAA is constitutionally valid or not is still pending before the SC. Hence, further uproar and protests on the subject, especially by those who believe it takes away the rights of existing citizens, only become either a political or academic issue unless the protesters indicate they do not have faith in the apex court of the country, which would be very unfair. Lawmakers should be allowed to do their jobs and the courts should do theirs. Endless debates and controversies wont take the nation ahead; we cant afford this at this point when the Indian Renaissance is at its peak with a strong economy and its global positioning having changed by leaps and bounds thanks to the diplomatic stern stands taken, especially in the last five years. No one can deny that the government of the day is working round-the-clock to make up for the lost opportunities for India on the global stage on a day-in and day-out basis to the best extent it can. Hence, lets focus on progress and positives rather than getting entangled in debates that, after the final court verdict, may not hold much relevance and are a lot in anticipation. The writer is an advocate in the Madras High Court and author of the book, Defaulters Paradise Lost: Demystifying the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Minister Arias-Vasquez announces commencement of a consultation for a significant Health and Care restructure The Minister for Heath and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, has announced His Majestys Government of Gibraltars future plans for the health service. Minister for Health to become Chair of GHA Board, Chief Secretary to be appointed Vice-Chair, Financial Secretary to become a member of the Board. Accountability Agreement between HMGOG and GHA to be published to limit Ministerial input in any clinical decision. Consultation commenced on whether to integrate the Care Agency into GHA Board to enhance communication and working between the agencies. Patient Charter to be published and enshrined in law. ALL contracts for provision of services at Care Agency and ERS to be tendered. Public Health will become an integral part of the Health Authority. At a Press Conference, Minister Arias-Vasquez announced a significant Health and Care restructure which will take effect from September 2024. The restructure has been specifically designed to improve services and increase efficiency in what is the largest area of public expenditure. The Minister for Health will take over as Chairperson of GHA Board with the Chief Secretary appointed as Vice-Chair. The Financial Secretary will also be appointed as a Board member. This will provide the crucial, necessary and appropriate oversight expected from the health and care budget which is circa 200 million a year. At a GHA Board meeting held yesterday, Prof Ian Cumming announced he would be stepping down as interim Chair at the end of his term in June, having previously discussed this with the Minister for Health. Given his exceptional knowledge and experience, the Government of Gibraltar has asked Prof Cumming to continue to support the Minister for Health and the GHA in an advisory capacity going forward at a significantly reduced cost to the taxpayer. The Government would like to emphasise that the GHA will remain completely clinically independent and politicians will NOT interfere with any clinical decisions. This will be set out in an Accountability Agreement which the Government will publish before September 2024 the date at which the changes announced will be implemented. The Governments involvement, as Chair of the GHA Board, will be limited to the setting of policy and budgetary oversight. HMGOG will also be publishing a Patient Charter setting out patients rights and responsibilities within health and care services. The Government is committed to enshrining this charter into law and expects to be in a position to make further announcements in this regard during the course of the Budget debate later this year. Additionally, a consultation will be launched to determine whether the existing Gibraltar Health Authority Act should be amended to incorporate the Care Agency into what will become the Gibraltar Health and Care Authority. This will mean that the Care Agency CEO will, with effect September 2024, form part of the Gibraltar Health and Care Authoritys Board. This will allow for improved quality of care and general experience for the service user as it will enable better integration of existing services, many of which are currently working in isolation. Importantly, this will allow for the better integration of Mental Health services, to allow for seamless care between authorities. Crucially, the Minister for Health, following advice received by the Health and Procurement Advisor to the Ministry, has instructed that all contracts for the provision of services to the Care Agency and ERS be put out to tender through the HMGOG Procurement Office as soon as possible. This will provide a modern and consistent framework which will result in better continuity of care for service users and a cost-saving to the taxpayer. This process has already commenced. The Minister for Health and Care, the Hon Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: I want to be absolutely clear on why these changes are being made. I am doing this to ensure the necessary accountability, both from a political and administrative perspective, exists at the GHA. I will be publishing an Accountability Agreement shortly setting out the terms of this and I can categorically say that I will NOT be interfering with any clinical decisions as those must be left to clinicians alone. The Accountability Agreement will ensure that clinical decisions are not made political. Some degree of oversight on spending and policy is, however, required. The aim is to make all the services provided in Health and Care to Gibraltarians seamless, to ensure maximising efficiency and provision of care to Gibraltar. The aim of the GHA and Care Agency should always be to improve services and repatriate services whilst ensuring that the system is efficient enough to allow us to focus resources always on the patient. We are looking to further improve the patient experience and to increase multi-disciplinary workings between all aspects of health and care in Gibraltar from Board level downwards. It is no secret that the cost of providing healthcare in Gibraltar for free at the point of consumption is huge; it is by far the largest area of recurrent expenditure for the Government. The Government, therefore, is absolutely committed to ensuring that our health service remains free going forward and, in doing so, we must ensure that we have the necessary budgetary and administrative oversight of our health and care services. For this reason, I have decided to appoint the Chief Secretary and the Financial Secretary to the GHA Board. I am sure they will do an excellent job in assisting the Government to implement its policy objectives for the health and care services. I would also like to thank Prof Ian Cumming for his work as GHA Chair and for agreeing to stay on, at my request, as a consultant to my Ministry and the GHA. Prof Cumming is very well respected and, indeed, connected in the health and care sector and will undoubtedly be of huge assistance to the Government in this regard. Finally, since I stood for election I was clear that I wanted the Health portfolio and I am now extremely excited to have finally been able to make these announcements, having discussed this with the GHA Director General and, indeed, Unite the Union. I am sure these carefully thought-out changes will only improve our Health and Care services in Gibraltar, both at a human and financial level. Professor Cumming added; It has been a great privilege to be the Interim Chair of the Board of the GHA and to play a small part in the start of the journey of transformation for healthcare in Gibraltar. I have always said that the GHA should be chaired by a Gibraltarian and having completed my term as Interim Chair I am delighted that this is now going to be the case. It is an honour to have been invited by Minister Arias-Vasquez to advise and support the Ministry and GHA on an ongoing basis. It is difficult to say whether Israel has been successful in finally baiting out Iran to join battle directly this time or whether Iran was waiting for such a red line to be crossed so that it could declare war legitimately on Israel read more The Gaza war has taken a dramatic turn in the past few weeks. It all started on 1 April when an Israeli strike in Syria targeted the Iranian Consulate in Damascus resulting in the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the seniormost commander in Lebanon and Syria. It is difficult to say what angered Iran more; the death of a prominent IRGC commander or the fact that the attack targeted its consulate building in a foreign land, which, as per international conventions is treated as sovereign territory and any military attack on it therefore, is an act of war. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced that Israeli regime must be punished and will be punished for the attack, while President Ebrahim Raisi said it will not go unanswered. Advertisement The attack and the Iranian pronouncements in the following days have led to a mad scramble in Israel. Israel has recalled military personnel from leave and has put all surveillance systems on full alert. Air defence and anti-missile systems are monitoring the skies while the GPS systems have been disabled to disrupt guidance to incoming missiles. People have been reported emptying shelves in markets of food, water and medicines and are being moved to bomb shelters. There are reports that Israel is evacuating its embassies in the region too. The US too is on alert and is busy safeguarding its assets in the region. Despite the US claiming that it had no knowledge of the attack, Iran has made it clear that the US was a party to the attack and that it had given the green signal for it. In a surprise move, on 7 April, Israel suddenly decided to pull out troops from Gaza, especially southern Gaza where it had been conducting ground operations for the past few months. The IDF confirmed the development and stated that its 98th division had concluded its mission in Khan Younis and it was leaving the Gaza Strip to recuperate and prepare for future operations. One brigade of troops has been left in a small enclave which divides the Gaza Strip into two halves, north and South. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Herzi Halevi added that, despite the withdrawal of all of the armys manoeuvring ground forces from the Gaza Strip, the war against Hamas continues and is far from over. As the news of withdrawal filtered in, speculative inputs started flooding the media space; some suggesting that Iran has told the US if Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza and signs a permanent ceasefire deal, it might escape its retaliation. Other reports suggested that Hamas and Israel had almost concluded a ceasefire deal and the pre-emptive withdrawal was part of it. Still, others suggested that Israel was redeploying forces to meet the Iranian offensive in the North. Iran and the US soon dismissed any reports of a deal while Hamas too dismissed reports that any ceasefire deal was final. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his typical belligerent self, announced that there is no backing down and that date for a ground offensive in Rafah has been set. Irans retaliation Iran has vowed retaliation and has hinted at direct strikes more than once in recent days. Whether Iran will choose the option of retaliating through strikes originating from Iranian soil is however another question. Iran has not been known to get provoked into joining battle directly in the past. Not when it has the luxury of proxies and militias which are potent and well equipped to achieve the desired effect without the show of the Iranian flag. The pressure on Iran this time to retaliate directly is however stronger, more due to the fact that Israeli strike had targeted its consulate which is a sovereign territory. In a build-up to the retaliatory strikes, Iran has already commenced the battle drills. Its foreign minister was in Oman and Syria in the past few days. Although the visit to Oman was reported as talks towards coordination with Yemeni groups, however, it is well known that Oman has traditionally been the interlocutor between Iran and the US and even Israel. The visit to Damascus was to inaugurate the new consulate building, as a show of solidarity after the strike on the consulate as also a direct dare to Israel. Reports filtering in over the past two days also indicate that Iran has cleared the airspace of all civilian flights for the next 48-96 hours, has declared a large zone within Iran as a no-fly zone which generally indicates a missile test. Could it also be a nuclear weapon test? With Iran nuclear programme progressing unchecked after the last round of talks failed in August 2022, it has surely accumulated enough highly enriched Uranium (weapon grade) for a few warheads and it definitely has the required technological knowledge or capability. It cant therefore be ruled out although it may be slightly premature at this juncture for Iran to reveal this trump card. However, it all depends on what Iran is planning as its politico-military objectives in this war. Irans foreign minister has also reportedly called his counterparts in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iraq and Qatar which is standard diplomatic protocol with allies before it takes a major military or diplomatic step. It may be recalled that Irans NSA was in Astana, Kazakhstan last week, days after the Israeli strike on Irans consulate in Damascus and would have consulted with China, Russia and others on possible options for retaliation Advertisement Iran has also upped the ante in calling for Muslim unity against Israel and has urged all countries in the region to stop all trade with Israel immediately. In response, UAE has broken off all diplomatic coordination with Israel and Turkey announced on 10 April that it is imposing major trade restrictions with Israel till there is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Some reports have indicated towards a plan to block the Strait of Hormuz too which could have a direct and immediate impact on crude oil prices, a common denominator affecting the global economy. How will Iran retaliate It is quite clear that Iran is going to strike back. However, the how is the most important question in everybodys mind right now. To best estimates, Iran is unlikely to take the option of originating strikes from its territory in the first go. A massive coordinated strike across all fronts is the more likely option. A massive rocket barrage from Northern Lebanon by Hezbollah, missile strikes (carrying Iranian ballistic missiles) from Syria, drone strikes originating from Yemen or the Persian Gulf, and ground attacks by small guerilla teams from Gaza, Lebanon, and even Sinai is a possible scenario. A freshly assembled resistance force attacking Israeli assets across Jordan too is a possibility. A sea blockade in the Persian Gulf is likely. Pointed terror strikes on Israeli or US embassies in the region may be a part of the plan too. Plus, as reports already indicate, the Russian forces are planning a massive strike in Ukraine. The two sets of strikes may well be coordinated to create total chaos and confusion in the Western minds at the same time. In the build-up to the strikes and preparing the battlefield, Iraqi resistance forces have already struck key points in Israel including Haifa port, Eliat port by drones, causing damage. Strikes from Hezbollah have been successful on Israels key surveillance and communication posts along the border in the North. Massive cyber-attacks may already be in the process too. Advertisement When will the strikes come It is difficult to say whether Israel has been successful in finally baiting out Iran to join battle directly this time or whether Iran was waiting for such a red line to be crossed so that it could declare war legitimately on Israel. Either way, the battle lines are clearly drawn now. With Eid now over, it is now up-to Iran when and how to respond. It has to be wary of a pre-emptive strike by Israel on Iran, but that would be the last straw and could draw in more punitive strikes than Israel and the US combined can jointly handle. Advertisement Israel and the US have been on total alert for the last ten days. A situation like this cannot continue for long and is bound to cause fatigue and complacency as well as induce a false trigger. Whether Iran will wait that long is a question mark, but it seems unlikely. The Israeli strike in Gaza on 11 April, the day of Eid, resulting in the death of three sons of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh may well be the final nail in the coffin. A massive retaliation is likely sooner than later and is destined to change the current landscape of the region, as we currently know it. Advertisement The author is Assistant Director, MP-IDSA. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. According to the Pew Research Center report of June 2023, a median of 82 per cent surveyed across all countriesbig and small; developed and developingsay the US interferes a great deal or a fair amount in the affairs of other nations read more Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had termed India and the US natural partners. President Joe Biden has described the US-India relationship as among the most consequential in the world. It is beyond doubt that the multifaceted bilateral ties have deepened and expanded exponentially in the previous years. The change is particularly visible in the areas of defence, security, and technology. India conducts the highest number of military exercises with the US and is a member of QUAD. There is also some speculation, rather pre-mature, about India getting associated with pillar two of AUKUS (a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States). The sides have decided to co-produce jet engines for fighter aircraft, marking a historic leap in technology sharing. Advertisement India also became the first non-NATO ally to receive armed U.S. Predator drones. Washington reportedly provided critical diplomatic intelligence and munitions support to India in the aftermath of the Galwan misadventure by China in June 2020. A landmark Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) has been set in motion to build open, accessible, secure, and resilient technology ecosystems and value chains. The interests of both countries are broadly in alignment. The US has said time and again that it wants to see India as a major power. We enjoy a strategic convergence of outlook on a wide range of issues, including the challenge of Chinese expansionism. There is an ever-growing realisation of the enhanced mutual benefits of working in concord. All the same, Washington cannot desist from giving pinpricks to India (and, for that matter, other countries too). Recently, the US State Department issued a gratuitous statement after the arrest of Chief Minister Kejriwal, saying, We encourage fair, transparent, timely legal processes. The Ministry of External Affairs summoned the US deputy chief of mission to convey its displeasure. We take strong objection to the remarks about certain legal proceedings in India, the Ministry stated publicly, adding, In diplomacy, states are expected to be respectful of the sovereignty and internal affairs of others. This responsibility is even more so in case of fellow democracies. Advertisement It is ironic that a country where policemen who caused the death of a young Indian woman went scot-free should be sitting in judgement about the Indian judicial system. In January of last year, Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student, was struck by a speeding police car in Seattle. The body cams recorded the cold-blooded cops sniggering, She was 26 anyway..She had limited value. This comes as no surprise to knowledgeable observers who find the American legal system under stress and even politicized. Earlier in March, the American Spokesperson expressed concern about the notification of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, saying, We are closely monitoring how this act will be implemented. Respect for religious freedom and equal treatment under the law for all communities are fundamental democratic principles. Advertisement Those principles obviously do not apply to the US, judging by the treatment meted out to certain minorities and immigrants. New Delhi slammed the remarks as misplaced, misinformed, and unwarranted due to a limited understanding of Indias pluralistic traditions. There are several other such examples, and the US is not the sole culprit. The US interference historically has not just been verbal or material but has also extended to overthrowing governments. Between the 1950s and 1980s, Washington was instrumental in orchestrating regime changes in Iran, Chile, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and the Congo. In recent decades, it has done the same in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan, and arguably in the Middle East through the Arab Spring movement. Advertisement According to the Pew Research Center report of June 2023, a median of 82 per cent surveyed across all countriesbig and small; developed and developingsay the US interferes a great deal or a fair amount in the affairs of other nations. This sentiment was particularly pronounced in Italy, Greece, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Spain, and Sweden. This interference has had serious consequences, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths, the dislocation of millions, the wanton destruction of material and property, and widespread misery and instability. Yet it has not dulled the fervour of the practitioners in plying their trade. This propensity gives rise to many questions. Why do they consciously ignore the golden principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries? Do they suffer from a superiority complex? Is it because they have appointed themselves custodians of value-based politics and good governance, notwithstanding their own track record or conduct? Advertisement It is all the above and more. Western sea-faring nations have engaged in coercive diplomacy for centuries, imposing their cultural, religious, and mercantile practices on far-away lands and even colonising them. Old habits die hard. The US continued interference in the internal affairs of other countries is very much a form of power projection. They do it simply because they can. That such interference serves little purpose other than hardening positions, causing bitterness, and enhancing acrimony does not seem to concern them too much. When quizzed about the unwarranted comments, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti, said that nations should not be thin-skinned. He tried to take the moral high ground by saying that the US too has a tonne of flaws. Were open to criticism. We want to listen". That may sound even-handed, but it is neither here nor there. It is a mugs game. As they say, two wrongs dont make a right. Efforts should be directed at strengthening the architecture of global best practices, not fracturing it, and in any event, the playing field is anything but even. The narrative is controlled by Western traditional and social media, think tanks, and opinion makers who take joy in highlighting the blemishes, real or imagined, of other countries while glossing over their own. As India rises, such external meddling could increase in tandem with more engagement. Used to having its way, the West isnt very comfortable with Indias quest for strategic autonomy. India desires partnerships, not alliances, a concept that is alien to them, even though they feign understanding. As noted above, the US wants to see India as a major power but at the same time expects her to follow its cue. That is unlikely to always be the case. Clearly, Indias independent stance towards Russia and her success in hammering out a common language on the Ukraine conflict at the recent G20 Summit have not gone down very well with certain capitals, which may not be averse to trying to bring India down a notch or two. We are doing the right thing by not responding in kind but with composure and measure, taking the totality of factors into consideration. In general, our interests are best served by conveying our displeasure to the country concerned while concentrating on nation-building, which is the best antidote to this unwanted proclivity. The author is a foreign affairs specialist and an ex-envoy to Canada and South Korea. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Apples Indian factory is truly taking over. In just a few years Apples Indian factories are now making about 20% of all iPhones. In fiscal year 2024, Apples Indian factories made over $14 billion worth of iPhones read more One in every 7 iPhones in the world is now made in India. Image Credit: Firstpost | Mehul Reuben Das Apple reportedly manufactured iPhones worth $14 billion in India. This signifies a significant uptick, with Apple now producing approximately 14 per cent of its flagship devices in the country, About 1 in 7 iPhones are now made in India according to a report in Bloomberg which cited sources familiar with the matter. Foxconn took the lead in assembling nearly 67 per cent of the iPhones made in India, followed by Pegatron Corp at about 17 per cent. The remaining portion was manufactured at Wistron Corps facility in the southern state of Karnataka, which was acquired by the Tata Group last year. Advertisement This move by Apple to ramp up production in India aligns with its strategy to diversify its supply chain beyond China, particularly amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. While China remains the primary manufacturing hub for iPhones globally, Apples efforts to bolster its presence in India reflect a broader trend of decentralization in the tech industry. In related developments, Pegatron is reportedly in advanced discussions to transfer control of its iPhone manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu to the Tata Group, as reported by Reuters. Additionally, the Tata Group is investing in a new plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, with Pegatron expected to become its joint venture partner. Furthermore, Apple is planning to shift at least half of its existing supply chain from China to India over the next three years, a move that is anticipated to significantly increase job opportunities in the country. According to a report by the Economic Times, Apple aims to directly employ at least 500,000 people in Indias ecosystem of component makers and suppliers, indicating a substantial expansion from current levels. Key suppliers in India, including Tata Electronics, Salcomp Technologies, Foxlink, and Sunwoda, have emerged as major contributors to job creation, with estimates suggesting the creation of approximately 150,000 direct jobs and an additional 300,000 indirect jobs since the introduction of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme in August 2021. Advertisement Overall, the growth of Apples manufacturing footprint in India, coupled with its plans for supply chain diversification, underscores the countrys increasing importance as a strategic market and production hub for the tech giant. (With inputs from agencies) Apple has issued yet another threat notification, warning users of a mercenary spyware attack, similar to Pegasus that was made by Israels NSO Group. This is the second such threat notification that Apple has sent in recent times, with the first one being sent in October 2023 read more Apple often issues such threat notifications when they believe state sponsored threat actors become more active suddenly. Image Credit: Reuters Apple is reportedly gearing up to notify users in India and 91 other countries about a potential exposure to a sophisticated mercenary spyware attack. To that effect, Apple will issue a high-priority threat notification, warning users on how to stay safe. The notification is likely to outline the uncommon and highly advanced nature of mercenary spyware attacks as was demonstrated by tools like Pegasus from Israels NSO Group, as per a report by The Economic Times. Advertisement ET claims to have seen a copy of the threat notification that Apple will issue to its users underscores the seriousness of the situation, stressing that the kind of mercenary spyware attacks that they are talking about are far more rare and much more sophisticated than regular consumer malware. In the notification, Apple also says that users who might be targeted by the attack may be selected based on who they are and what they do. The notification will also point out that attacked users are usually singled out using their specific Apple ID, suggesting that the attack is tailored to the individuals identity or activities. The company urges users to take the warning seriously, despite the inherent difficulty in definitively identifying such attacks. Apple has also updated its support page with steps for users on how they can protect themselves if they believe they may be targeted by such mercenary spyware attack. This marks the second wave of threat notifications sent out by Apple globally. In October 2023, users in multiple countries, including India, received similar warnings of state-sponsored attacks on their devices, although Apple refrained from attributing these attacks to specific state actors. Apple explains that state-sponsored attackers invest significant resources to meticulously target a select few individuals and their devices, making these attacks exceedingly challenging to detect and thwart. Advertisement Since 2021, Apple has sent these threat notifications to users across at least 150 countries, refraining from divulging further details about the attackers to prevent them from adapting and evading detection in the future. Prior to 2021, both Apple and Google issued warnings to users worldwide, including those in India, regarding potential remote compromises due to Pegasus, an Israeli company NSOs spyware. Elon Musk has confirmed his visit to India after multiple reports claimed that he will be visiting later this month. During his visit, Musk will be meeting PM Modi, several other government officials, and potential investors and parters to discuss the logistics of setting up Teslas India factory read more Elon Musk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during one of their meetings. File Photo. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has officially confirmed his plans to visit India later this month, and said that he looks forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit. Musks tweet follows reports from Reuters which claimed that he would be visiting India sometime in April, and discuss some aspects of setting up a Tesla factory in the country. Analysts suggest that Musk may unveil Teslas plans for investment in its Indian factory, which includes establishing a new factory in India. Reports suggest that the meeting is expected to take place in New Delhi during the week of April 22. Advertisement Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 10, 2024 Musks agenda for the meeting While specific details are still under wraps and have not been made public, the Reuters report which first spoke of Musks visit to India, suggests that Musk will have extensive bunch of meetings with several government officials, and potential partners and investors for the upcoming launch of Tesla and its operations in the country. Musk will also discuss plans for suitable locations for its main manufacturing plant which will require an investment of around $2 billion. This aligns with Musks recent remarks on Indias burgeoning market for electric vehicles during a discussion with Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. Several Indian states, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Telangana, have reportedly proposed attractive land options to Tesla for establishing a manufacturing facility. Indias EV policy The timing of Musks visit coincides with the Indian governments recent announcement of a new EV policy, which offers major concessions on the exorbitant import duties to companies which invest at least $500 million in local manufacturing units. Advertisement The policy aims to position India as a preferred destination for EV manufacturing and attract investments from leading global players like Tesla. This visit marks a significant development in Teslas engagement with the Indian market, following previous discussions on import duties and manufacturing feasibility. Musks visit, coupled with the Indian governments supportive policies, signals a potential milestone in Teslas entry into Indias rapidly growing electric vehicle market. (With inputs from agencies) Infosys is also planning to use Intels AI training assets to skill up its employees on Intels product portfolio and provide expert advice and solutions on generative AI to its network of global customers across industries read more Intel and Infosys have been long-standing partners, working with businesses globally. Image Credit: Reuters Infosys and Intel have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership aimed at assisting global enterprises in accelerating their artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. As part of this collaboration, Infosys will offer advanced AI solutions designed to help businesses achieve cost-effectiveness and performance-driven outcomes while prioritizing responsible AI practices, as stated in a regulatory filing by Infosys. Infosys Topaz, a comprehensive suite of AI services, solutions, and platforms focused on leveraging generative AI technologies, will integrate Intel-based solutions. Advertisement These solutions include Intel Xeon processors, Intel Gaudi accelerators, Intel Core Ultra processors, software, and future-generation products. This integration will empower customers to seamlessly integrate advanced AI capabilities into their operations while adhering to evolving AI governance standards. According to Intel, the collaboration aims to deliver AI solutions that not only drive performance and cost-effectiveness but also uphold responsible AI principles by design. Balakrishna D.R. (Bali), Executive Vice President and Global Services Head of AI and Industry Verticals at Infosys, highlighted the companys commitment to an AI-first strategy. Infosys has embraced an AI-first strategy to deliver advanced AI services to clients seeking to unlock significant business value across their operations. The Infosys Topaz offerings and solutions seamlessly complement Intels core stack and its AI Everywhere strategy, he said. Christoph Schell, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Intel Corporation, emphasized the importance of delivering competitive total cost of ownership (TCO) and time-to-value AI solutions. Customers and developers are looking for competitive TCO and time-to-value AI solutions to scale and win. Our approach in bringing AI everywhere is by supporting an open AI software ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of Intel Xeon and Gaudi accelerators for Gen AI use cases he said. The collaboration between Infosys and Intel underscores their joint commitment to driving AI innovation while ensuring responsible and ethical AI practices across industries. Furthermore, Infosys is planning to use Intels AI training assets to skill up its employees on Intels product portfolio and provide expert advice and solutions on generative AI to its network of global customers across industries. Microsoft was keeping important codes, scripts, and configuration files containing passwords, keys, and credentials that are used by to access internal databases and systems in a server that was left unprotected and did not have a password read more Microsoft has experienced a number of data breaches in the past couple of years. Image Credit: Reuters Security researchers from SOCRadar, a cybersecurity firm, have uncovered a data breach allegedly involving Microsoft, where employees credentials and internal company files were exposed to the internet. Can Yoleri, Murat Ozfidan, and Egemen Kohisarl discover an open and public storage server hosted on Microsofts Azure cloud service, which was storing sensitive information related to Microsofts Bing search engine without proper security measures in place. The breach, initially unnoticed by Microsoft, was reportedly resolved following its discovery. As reported by TechCrunch. Advertisement The data exposed online consisted of codes, scripts, and configuration files containing passwords, keys, and credentials that are used by Microsoft employees to access internal databases and systems. Alarmingly, the server was left unprotected and did not have a password, making it accessible to anyone on the internet. According to the researchers, the exposed data could have provided malicious actors with access to other internal Microsoft files, potentially leading to more severe data breaches and compromising services in use. The researchers notified Microsoft of the issue in February, yet it took the company nearly a month to address it. However, it remains unclear whether any unauthorized parties accessed the data and for how long it remained exposed before mitigation measures were implemented. As of now, Microsoft has not issued an official statement addressing the security lapse. In a related incident, India-based wearable company Boat recently experienced a significant data breach, wherein the personal information of over 7.5 million customers surfaced on the dark web. The leaked data included names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and customer IDs, posing risks of financial fraud, phishing attempts, and identity theft. Sam Altman has been trying to setup his AI chip manufacturing venture for quite some time now. However, now he is trying to set up global coalition or partnership to manage AI GPUs, electricity and data centre CPUs read more Sam Altman is trying to consolidate all the infrastructure needed to work with AI models under one big roof. Image Credit: Reuters CEO of OpenAI and the poster child of artificial intelligence for the general public, Sam Altman has high hopes to turn into the patron of all AI bosses, of sorts. Altman has been actively working to establish a global coalition among government and industry leaders to bolster the supply of chips, energy, and data centre capacity that is crucial for the development of AI, as reported by Bloomberg. The report quotes sources who are familiar with discussions between Altman and investors and government officials in various countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East. Altman is exploring partnership opportunities in supporting large-scale infrastructure for AI. Advertisement Altman has also been exploring securing significant investments from global investors for a chip venture aimed at establishing a network of semiconductor factories. However, these efforts go beyond his own chip production company that he is working on and also involve other critical resources namely energy and data centre capacity. Altmans recent meetings, which have not been previously reported, showcase that he is committed to setting up a coalition that will address concerns regarding the availability of essential infrastructure to sustain the rapid advancement of AI. On several occasions, Altman has acknowledged that he is actively discussing his plans with investors to establish a global infrastructure and supply chain network for chips, energy, and data centres. However, specifics regarding the nature of these efforts have not yet been disclosed. The massive energy requirements of AI systems is a major infrastructure challenge. Seeing this Altman has been very vocal about making breakthroughs in energy technology, or in AI chips that are super efficient to run He has also been speaking of the potential of cheaper solar power or nuclear fusion to power AI advancements. During his visit to the UAE, Altman met with Martina Strong, the US ambassador to the country, and is scheduled to travel to Washington for meetings with policymakers and members of the US national security and intelligence communities. These discussions are part of ongoing efforts to explore how the US and its allies can maintain leadership in AI and ensure access to essential AI infrastructure. Advertisement Altman has emphasized the importance of collaborative engagement with the US government regarding the timing and structure of a multibillion-dollar chip venture. He has previously met with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo as part of this initiative. However, Altmans pursuit of foreign investment, particularly from entities in the UAE, may invite some intense scrutiny from regulatory bodies, especially considering how the Middle East has been getting close to China. (With inputs from China) US President Joe Biden told reporters on Wednesday that he is considering a request from Australia to drop charges against Wikileaks Julian Assange read more US President Joe Biden said he is considering a request from Australia to drop the US push to prosecute Wikileaks founder Julian Assange | Source: AP US President Joe Biden is contemplating a significant shift in the United States decade-long pursuit of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, prompted by a request from Australia to abandon the prosecution against the Australian citizen. Speaking on Wednesday during a State visit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden acknowledged Australias appeal, stating, Were considering it. Assanges charges Assange, 52, faces 17 espionage charges and one count of computer misuse over the publication of classified US documents on his website nearly 15 years ago. Advertisement American prosecutors allege his involvement in aiding US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in obtaining diplomatic cables and military files, actions deemed to have jeopardised lives. Assanges supporters argue that he acted as a journalist protected by the First Amendment, exposing US military misconduct in Iraq and Afghanistan, reported AP. Stella Assange, his wife, has expressed concern over his declining health in prison, fearing for his life behind bars. Australias push Australia has persistently urged the US to reconsider its pursuit of Assange, highlighting what it perceives as an inconsistency in the treatment of Assange compared to Manning. Former US President Barack Obama commuted Mannings 35-year sentence, leading to her release in 2017. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed Bidens acknowledgment of the issue, emphasising that Assange has already faced significant repercussions and urging for a resolution to his prolonged incarceration. I have said that we have raised, on behalf of Mr. Assange, Australias national interests that enough is enough and this needs to be brought to a conclusion and weve raised it at each level of government in every possible way, Albanese told Australian Broadcasting Corp. Mr. Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough. Theres nothing to be gained by Mr. Assanges continued incarceration in my very strong view and Ive put that as the view of the Australian government, he added. Advertisement Kristinn Hrafnsson, the editor-in-chief of Wikileaks, responded to Bidens remarks in a statement. By dropping the charges against Julian he will be protecting freedom of expression and the rights of journalists and publishers globally, she said. We urge him to end this legal process; to free Julian; and to recognise that journalism is not a crime. A British court recently ruled that Assange cannot be extradited to the United States on espionage charges unless assurances are provided by US authorities that he wont face the death penalty. Chinas fragile housing market opened this year with slower declines in property investment and sales, buoyed by government efforts to arrest a protracted downturn in the sector, however, analysts were wary of calling an end to the downturn just yet. read more Given the prolonged downturn in real estate sales, Chinas local governments have intensified efforts to ease regulations to boost sales. A total of 15 cities have eased the lower limit for mortgage rates on first-home purchases, according to the Economic Observer. This move, which aligns with the central banks relaxation of minimum mortgage rates last year, aims to attract homebuyers amid declining prices. Also, four cities have eased policies on housing provident fund loans, which offer more affordable bank loans primarily used for purchasing apartments. Beijing has increased the loan quota by 400,000 yuan ($55,000), while Guangzhou, a major trading hub in the south, has raised it by 200,000 yuan. Advertisement Chinas fragile housing market opened this year with slower declines in property investment and sales, buoyed by government efforts to arrest a protracted downturn in the sector, however, analysts were wary of calling an end to the downturn just yet. Property investment in China fell 9.0% year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, compared with a 24.0% fall in December 2023, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showed. Property sales by floor area logged a 20.5% slide in January-February from a year earlier, compared with a 23.0% fall in December last year. The fact that two tier-1 cities eased homebuying policies raises the prospect for further local relaxations ahead, Bloomberg quoted Ding Zuyu, executive director of E-House China Enterprise Holdings Ltd as saying. After all, expectations for a property recovery fell short in the first quarter. Official property data released last week revealed ongoing challenges in stabilizing the sector, with home prices declining by 0.3% on a month-on-month basis in February, consistent with the drop observed in January. Concerned over the persistent struggles in the property market, China has been implementing measures to revitalize the fragile sector. This initiative follows a regulatory crackdown on developer leverage, which sparked a liquidity crisis that escalated rapidly. Gibraltar Tourist Board launches Visit Gibraltar rebrand The Ministry for Tourism has announced the launch of the rebrand of Visit Gibraltar at a press conference held at the Wessex Lounge. This rebrand is not limited to the evident physical rebranding of the Visit Gibraltar logo, website and marketing materials, but also includes the rejuvenation of the tourism strategy as a whole by reimagining the perception of Gibraltar as a tourist product in the marketplace. All of Gibraltars touristic elements are highlighted within the new logo design, featuring Gibraltars rich history, diverse culture, the iconic Rock and impressive Nature Reserve. The tourist product is intertwined with the Upper Nature Reserve, and it is evident that the design elements of the new logo is cohesive with the Nature Reserve. The purpose of the rebrand is to shine spotlight on Gibraltars hidden beauties, its lesser known but equally significant venues and highlighting the unique value of Gibraltars heritage and culture. The rebrand also includes a new website which is more visually appealing and practical, featuring around 30 new videos under each section of the different sites in Gibraltar. BSL language and QR codes have also been introduced on the website and throughout tourist sites and in the airport. Additionally, the use of the SmartGuide app is also available to provide tourists with information on various sites around Gibraltar when on walking tours. CEO of the Gibraltar Tourist Board, Kevin Bossino said This relaunch has been the perfect opportunity to reimagine what we stand for and how we portray that image to the outside world. We have embarked on various projects with stakeholders to improve our tourist product including niche markets such as weddings, diving and events. This has also been an opportunity to engage with local professionals such as historian Ryan Asquez, the Llanito doctor to highlight quirky and interesting stories of our LLanito heritage particularly for our website. Minister for Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos MP said: As Minister for Tourism, I am delighted to be driving this relaunch and be part of the repackaging of Gibraltar to the world. Gibraltar has undeniably always had a reach outside our shores and this rebrand intends to propel this further. Our brand encompasses our history, unique culture, sustainability and energy. Our campaign not only promotes our sites but also focuses on our cultural identity, our lifestyle, and our traditions - identifiably British in so many ways, yet with that taste of the Mediterranean. Filings show General Dynamics operates a half-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, which remains heavily reliant on foreign aerospace technology even as it attempts to build its own presence in the field. read more China imposed sanctions on Thursday against two US defence companies for their alleged arms sales to Taiwan, which China considers its own territory. The sanctions include freezing the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held in China as well as barring their management from entering the country. General Dynamics operates several Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, contributing to the nations aerospace technology sector. Meanwhile, the company plays a role in producing the Abrams tank, which Taiwan is acquiring to enhance its defense capabilities against potential aggression from China. Advertisement The company helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan to replace outdated armour intended to deter or resist an invasion from China. General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the US military. Chinese authorities did not go into details on the companys alleged involvement with supplying arms to Taiwan. Beijing has long threatened such sanctions, but has rarely issued them as its economy reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment and a sharp decline in foreign investment. With inputs from AP. Li is scheduled to visit Australia in the third week of June, his first since he was sworn in as premier in March 2023, According to a report, citing sources read more After last months trip by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Chinese Premier Li Qiang will now be visiting Australia in a move set to consolidate improving economic relations between Beijing and Canberra. According to a South China Morning Post report, citing two sources with knowledge of the issue, Li is scheduled to visit Australia in the third week of June, his first since he was sworn in as premier in March 2023. It is also being viewed as a reciprocal visit following Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses trip to China in November, which was the first by an Australian leader in seven years. Advertisement Though major topics of the visit remain unknown, the unofficial ban on Australian live lobsters, which have been in place for more than three years, is likely to be lifted during his visit. It is also expected that the unofficial ban on Australian live lobsters will be lifted as a signal of resuming a normal and friendly trade relationship for both sides, the report quoted one of the sources as saying. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in a statement said that Australian government has consistently advocated for the full and timely removal of all trade impediments, including those affecting exports of live rock lobster to China. The Australian government has consistently advocated including during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the full and timely removal of all trade impediments, including those affecting exports of live rock lobster to China. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is engaged in discussions with counterparts in the Chinese Government to resolve these issues, South China Morning Post report quoted Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as saying in a statement. Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comments about the trip, while the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet did not comment on the visit, added the report. In March, during Wangs visit, Foreign Minister Penny Wong mentioned Australias readiness for an upcoming visit by Chinas premier, who holds sway over economic and financial matters crucial to policies impacting Australian imports like iron ore, wine, and aquatic products. Advertisement Wong expressed anticipation for welcoming Premier Li to Australia, echoing an invitation extended by Albanese during his visit to Beijing late last year. Last month, Wang and Australian counterpart Wong explored the possibility of signing a new science and technology agreement in exchange for Canberras proposal to lift trade sanctions. But Wong did not really respond [to the pitch], another source told the Post. Instead, the pair exchanged views and some fundamental differences over Taiwan, the South China Sea, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Tibet, Hong Kong and the Israel-Gaza war. Australian coal, barley, cotton, beef and dairy products have all gradually returned to the Chinese market from last year having been under various official and unofficial bans since then-Australian prime minister Scott Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus in 2020. Advertisement China remains Australias largest trading partner, accounting for 26 per cent of its goods and services trade in the 2022 and 2023 financial years, according to Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Chinas customs data, meanwhile, showed bilateral trade grew by 4.1 per cent from a year earlier to US$229.2 billion in 2023. General Dynamics produces the Abrams tank, part of Taiwans defense against potential invasion from China. Meanwhile, General Atomics is responsible for manufacturing Predator and Reaper drones utilised by the US military read more China has announced uncommon sanctions against two US defense firms, accusing them of aiding arms sales to Taiwan, the island nation that Beijing claims as its territory and vows to reclaim by force if necessary. The sanctions entail freezing the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held in China, alongside barring the entry of the companies management into the country. General Dynamics, known for its aviation services and Gulfstream operations in China, contributes to the production of the Abrams tank, part of Taiwans defense against potential invasion from China. Advertisement Meanwhile, General Atomics is responsible for manufacturing Predator and Reaper drones utilised by the US military. Chinese authorities did not specify the details of the alleged involvement of this company in supplying arms to Taiwan. Despite long-standing threats of sanctions, China has seldom implemented them due to economic challenges, including repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened unemployment, and a notable decline in foreign investment. The continued US arms sales to Chinas Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US joint communiqus, interfere in Chinas internal affairs, and undermine Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chinas Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It insists that the mainland and the island to which Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalist forces fled amid civil war in 1949 remain part of a single Chinese nation. Sanctions were leveled under Beijings recently enacted Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions. General Dynamics fully owned entities are registered in Hong Kong, the southern Chinese semi-autonomous city over which Beijing has steadily been increasing its political and economic control to the point that it faces no vocal opposition and has seen its critics silenced, imprisoned or forced into exile. Advertisement Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties a concession Washington made to Beijing when they established relations in 1979 the US remains Taiwans most important source of diplomatic support and supplier of military hardware from fighter jets to air defense systems. Taiwan has also been investing heavily in its own defense industry, producing sophisticated missiles and submarines. China had 14 warplanes and six navy ships operating around Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, with six of the aircraft crossing into Taiwans air defense identification zone a tactic to test Taiwans defenses, wear down its capabilities and intimidate the population. So far, that has had little effect, with the vast majority of the islands 23 million people opposing political unification with China. Advertisement With inputs from The Associated Press Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad, said Biden read more Day after publicly criticising Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the toll on civilians in Israels campaign against Hamas, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday promised ironclad support for Israel as Iran threatens reprisals over a strike that leveled an Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed two generals. Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel, AFP quoted Biden as saying at a news conference. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad, said Biden. Advertisement Let me say it again - ironclad. Were going to do all we can to protect Israels security, said Biden, who was speaking next to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. American authorities have expressed concern about a potential attack targeting Israeli assets following Israels destruction of the consulate building on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. In response to the increased risks, German airline Lufthansa declared on Wednesday the suspension of flights to and from Tehran, likely until Thursday, citing the current situation in the Middle East. Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, issued a warning during a speech on Wednesday, asserting that the wicked regime of Israel must face punishment and will face punishment. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly riposted, in a Persian-language statement on social media site X: If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. Irans clerical state supports Hamas, which on October 7 launched the deadliest attack against Israel in the countrys history, triggering a relentless six-month Israeli military operation inside the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. Advertisement The United States since the start of the war has sought to prevent it from spreading, including to Lebanon, where Iran supports the Shiite militant movement Hezbollah. The United States has been tight-lipped in its public reaction to the April 1 strike, saying it has not determined whether Israel struck a diplomatic facility, which would breach international agreements on the inviolability of embassies and consulates. With inputs from agencies However, the likelihood of incorporating the right to safe and legal abortion into the EUs legally-binding charter remains slim, as it necessitates unanimous agreement among the blocs 27 member states read more European lawmakers have supported a proposal to include access to abortion in the EUs Charter of Fundamental Rights, following Frances recent constitutional amendment enshrining this right. The European Parliament passed the non-binding resolution with 336 votes in favor and 163 against, garnering support from centrist and left-wing factions. However, the likelihood of incorporating the right to safe and legal abortion into the EUs legally-binding charter remains slim, as it necessitates unanimous agreement among the blocs 27 member states. Advertisement Despite the push for abortion rights, access to abortion remains severely restricted in certain EU countries, notably Poland and Malta, both of which have strong Catholic influences. In Poland, lawmakers are currently debating the liberalization of abortion laws, although divisions within the ruling coalition cast uncertainty over the outcome. The vote in the EU parliament comes in the wake of Frances groundbreaking decision to amend its constitution, making it the first EU nation to explicitly include the right to abortion. French President Emmanuel Macron said at the time he would push for abortion to be in the EU rights charter. The EU debate comes amid increased attention on abortion rights in the United States after the US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned a nationwide right to terminate a pregnancy. During the vote in the European Parliament, far-left French MEP Manon Aubry decried attacks by the extreme right and reactionaries against the resolution. The right to abortion is not a question of opinion it is a human right, she told parliament. The right to abortion does not kill, on the contrary it saves lives. With inputs from AFP Hamas officials have said that while Israel has prioritised the release of hostages, it is just one of the points in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo read more A senior Hamas official has said that a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is needed to locate the Israeli hostages and ascertain their fate. The statement comes as ongoing truce talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo remain deadlocked and the two warring sides of Israel and Hamas appear to have reached an impasse. One sticking point is that Hamas does not have the required number of alive hostages in the humanitarian category to strike the ceasefire deal. Advertisement While Hamas has not rejected the ceasefire proposal presented at Cairo, the group has said it falls short of its expectations and has criticised Israel for not responding to any of its demands. Ceasefire needed to ascertain the final status of hostages Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said that only a ceasefire can provide enough time and safety to locate Israeli hostages held across the Gaza Strip and ascertain their fate, according to a statement carried by AFP. Naim is a member of the Hamas Political Politburo, the groups main decision-making body. The statement appears to upend the proposal floated at the Cairo talks. While the ceasefire proposal said that a six-week ceasefire would be instituted in lieu for the release of 40 hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinians released by Israel, Naims statement conditioned the release of hostages on a ceasefire. Part of (the) negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data about the captured Israelis, said Naim, adding that this is because they [hostages] are in different places by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipments for this purpose. Advertisement Naim said that while Israel has prioritised the release of hostages, it is just one of the points in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks. Its a ceasefire negotiation and not a prisoner deal negotiation, the prisoners deal is one of the items to be negotiated, said Naim. Another senior Hamas official, Taher al-Nunu, was quoted as saying in the report that the terms of the proposal in Cairo does not meet our demands. He said that the Israeli demands for a temporary ceasefire and to keep their forces in the Gaza Strip were points of contention. Hamas does not have enough alive hostages for Cairo proposal Advertisement As per the terms of the Gaza ceasefire deal in Cairo talks, Hamas would have to release 40 hostages in the humanitarian category, but it has been reported that the group does not have 40 alive hostages from this category that consist women, female soldiers, men over the age of 50, and men under the age of 50 with serious medical conditions. Previously, Hamas had acknowledged that it was not aware of the exact status of more than 100 hostages still in captivity in Gaza. In response to the lack of 40 alive hostages in the humanitarian category, Israel has reportedly said that Hamas should reach the figure of 40 by filling the gap with hostages from other categories and, if it does that, Israel would reciprocate by facilitating the return of displaced Palestinians from the south to their homes in north during the truce. Israel and Hamas have not been able to agree to a ceasefire deal as sticking points remain and concessions to Hamas could compromise the ruling coalition of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu read more The talks for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remain deadlocked despite multinational efforts to arrive at common ground. The two warring sides of Israel and Hamas have arrived at an impasse as a 48-hour deadline set earlier this week has passed without any breakthrough. At the latest round of talks in the Egyptian capital Cairo, a plan was floated that called for a six-week ceasefire in lieu of the release of 40 hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Advertisement Hamas is reported to be still studying the ceasefire proposal. While the group has not rejected the plan, it has criticised Israel for not responded to any of the demands raised during the talks. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar are facilitating the Gaza ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas as the two sides do not directly engage with each other. Bill Burns, Director of US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and a delegation of Hamas were in Cairo for the talks. Whats the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal? Broadly, the latest ceasefire proposal reported to be floated by CIA Director Burns called for a six-week ceasefire in lieu of release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Israeli jails. A report by Axios said that while the proposal includes the release of 40 hostages in the humanitarian category by Hamas, Israel would release 700 Palestinian prisoners, including around 100 convicts serving life terms for murders of Israeli nationals. The report said the proposal would also allow for the return of displaced Palestinians to Gazas north. It would also include an increase in the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Around 400-500 trucks of aid would be delivered to Gaza, according to the proposal. Advertisement Why Israel and Hamas have not reached a ceasefire in Gaza? Hamas Spokesperson Hossam Badran told AFP that the group is studying the proposal and has not yet given any formal response. There are a number of reasons why the two sides have not yet reached a ceasefire: 1. Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire whereas the proposal only calls for a six-week truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any permanent truce at this stage and has instead vowed to eliminate Hamas completely. He has already announced Israel would invade Rafah which his government says is the last bastion of Hamas. 2. There is reportedly disagreement on the specifics of the ceasefire proposal on the table. The proposal floated by Burns includes a gradual and almost complete withdrawal of Israel from the corridor that splits Gaza into two halves and prevents the return of Palestinians to the northern Gaza, according to Axios. The report said that while Israel has agreed to the Palestinians return to the north after inspections, Hamas has demanded the full return and a complete Israeli military withdrawal. Advertisement 3. Israel has further conditioned the return of displaced Palestinians to the north upon the release of 40 hostages held by Hamas, according to the report. The sticking point is that Hamas has reportedly said that it does not have 40 alive hostages in the humanitarian category consisting women, female soldiers, men over the age of 50, and men under the age of 50 with serious medical conditions. Israel has reportedly said that Hamas should reach the figure of 40 by filling the gap with hostages from other categories and, if it does that, Israel would reciprocate by facilitating the return of Palestinians. Advertisement 4. A truce that includes concessions to Hamas may shatter the ruling coalition of Netanyahu as his far-right partners in the government are firmly opposed to the stoppage of the war in Gaza, according to AFP. Prof. Daniel Byman of the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service told the agency that such a situation was a real dilemma for someone like Netanyahu who is not known for putting the country before his political ambition. 5. A truce may be a tactical as well as a symbolic victory for Hamas, noted AFP. This may make the Netanyahu government averse to such a deal. Omer Dostri of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security told the agency that a truce at this point would also allow Hamas to reorganise and carry out ambushes against the (Israeli) army. He further said, Hamass goal is to catch its breath in the hope that international pressure will eventually bring about an end to the war. Advertisement Hasni Abidi of the Centre for Studies and Research for the Arab and Mediterranean World was quoted as saying in the report that a truce would also make Hamas look better in the eyes of Palestinians. He added that even if Netanyahu promises a future without Hamas in Gaza, Hamas already preparing for the day after. Germany is a staunch supporter of Israel and its response to the Hamas attacks and ensuing conflict has been driven by its own dark past, and the slaughter of six million Jews by the Nazis during the second world war read more Germany announced Thursday its provision of 25 million (US$27 million) to support Holocaust survivors in Israel in dealing with the repercussions of the conflict in Gaza. According to the Claims Conference, an organization advocating for Holocaust survivors and collaborating with the German government on this initiative, each of the 113,000 Jewish survivors in Israel will receive a one-time payment of 220 (US$235). A spokeswoman from the German finance ministry highlighted the significant impact of the Hamas attacks on many Holocaust survivors, resulting in the loss of homes and support networks such as care systems. She emphasized that the additional funds aim to assist them during this distressing wartime situation. Advertisement Gideon Taylor, president of the Claims Conference, praised the payout as a gesture of solidarity from Germany to Israels Holocaust survivors. The distribution of payments is being facilitated in Israel through collaboration between the Claims Conference, the Holocaust Survivors Rights Authority of the Israeli government, and the German finance ministry. Germany is a staunch supporter of Israel and its response to the Hamas attacks and ensuing conflict has been driven by its own dark past, and the slaughter of six million Jews by the Nazis during the second world war. Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council on Thursday acknowledged Israels pledge to open more entry points to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza but said more should be done to help civilians in the besieged Palestinian territory. In a statement, council members took note of the announcement by Israel to open the Erez [border] crossing and allow the use of the Ashdod port for aid deliveries into Gaza, but stressed that more should be done to bring the required relief given the scale of needs in Gaza. Israel promised last week it would open the Erez crossing in the north after a tense telephone call between Joe Biden and Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu in which the US president demanded immediate action on aid. But it is unlikely aid trucks will use the crossing, with Israeli media reporting that the government fears protests from far-right groups who are against any aid reaching Gaza. Advertisement Israels Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday it is planning to send food through a new crossing and a port just north of the besieged territory. In its statement, the Security Council reiterated its deep concern over the human toll of the conflict, the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the threat of imminent famine in Gaza. Council members also called for the immediate lifting of all barriers to the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale to the civilian population and to the unhindered distribution of such assistance. The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas surprise cross-border attack on Israel on October 7, in which around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, were killed, according to an Agence France-Presse tally based on Israeli data. Advertisement Hamas militants also took around 250 hostages to Gaza. Israeli officials say 130 captives are still being held there, including the bodies of 31 presumed dead. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 30,534 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territorys ministry of health. With inputs from AFP According to US authorities, approximately 3,000 young people in the United States fell victim to sexploitation scams in 2022. Separately, more than 40 US states began suing Meta in October accusing the company of profiting from childrens pain read more Meta announced Thursday its initiative to develop new tools aimed at safeguarding teenage users from sextortion scams on its Instagram platform. These efforts come amid accusations from US politicians regarding the platforms negative impact on the mental health of youth and children. Sextortion scams are orchestrated by criminal groups who coerce individuals into providing explicit images of themselves, subsequently threatening to publicly release them unless a ransom is paid. Meta revealed that it is currently testing an AI-driven nudity protection tool designed to identify and blur images containing nudity that are sent to minors through the apps messaging system. Capucine Tuffier, responsible for child protection at Meta France, stated, This way, the recipient is not exposed to unwanted intimate content and has the choice to see the image or not. Advertisement Additionally, the company announced plans to offer guidance and safety tips to individuals involved in sending or receiving such messages. According to US authorities, approximately 3,000 young people in the United States fell victim to sexploitation scams in 2022, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue. Separately, more than 40 US states began suing Meta in October in a case that accuses the company of having profited from childrens pain. The legal filing alleged Meta had exploited young users by creating a business model designed to maximise time they spend on the platform despite harm to their health. - On-device machine learning - Meta announced in January it would roll out measures to protect under-18s that included tightening content restrictions and boosting parental supervision tools. The firm said on Thursday that the latest tools were building on our long-standing work to help protect young people from unwanted or potentially harmful contact. Were testing new features to help protect young people from sextortion and intimate image abuse, and to make it more difficult for potential scammers and criminals to find and interact with teens, the company said. Advertisement It added that the nudity protection tool used on-device machine learning, a kind of Artificial Intelligence, to analyse images. The firm, which is also constantly accused of violating the data privacy of its users, stressed that it would not have access to the images unless users reported them. Meta said it would also use AI tools to identify accounts sending offending material and severely restrict their ability to interact with young users on the platform. Whistle-blower Frances Haugen, a former Facebook engineer, publicised research in 2021 carried out internally by Meta then known as Facebook which showed the company had long been aware of the dangers its platforms posed for the mental health for young people. Advertisement With inputs from AFP An Iranian attack on Israel either through Irans armed forces or its proxies in West Asia using missiles or drones is expected in the coming days, according to the US intelligence read more The United States and its allies believe that an Iranian attack on Israel over the killing of a top general earlier this month is imminent and is a matter of when, not if, according to a report. US President Joe Biden has assured Israel of complete support regarding threats from Iran. General Erik Kurilla, the Commander of US Central Command that looks after West Asia, arrived in Israel on Thursday to coordinate security arrangements regarding the Iranian threats. Advertisement On April 1, an airstrike on a building part of Irans diplomatic mission in Syrian capital Damascus killed Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi and six other senior Iranian military and intelligence officers. Iran blamed the strike on Israel and vowed retaliation. Zahedi was the top commander of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) in Syria who was the head of IRGCs Quds Forces operations in Syria and Lebanon. The IRGC is the vastly influential Iranian armed force thats separate from the countrys regular military and reports directly to the Supreme Leader. The Quds Force is the IRGCs military and intelligence wing that looks after its covert foreign operations. Missiles or drones? A report by Bloomberg said that Iran may use high-precision missiles and drones to attack Israel either directly or through its proxies in the region in the coming days. Iran sponsors a network of groups in West Asia that share its opposition to Israel. These groups comprise terrorist groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Lebanon-based Hezbollah, and Yemen-based Houthis. Israeli officials agree with the assessment that the Iranian attack may not necessarily come from Hezbollah, which is the strongest armed group in the region and is already fighting Israel since October 7, 2023, according to the report. As for the target, the report said that Israeli government and military facilities may be attacked but civilian areas may be excluded. Earlier, considering previous such attacks blamed on Iran, Israels diplomatic missions abroad were also believed to be potential Iranian targets. A direct Iranian attack on Israeli soil would be a first and will mark a major escalation in West Asia. It could drag Israel and potentially the US into a direct confrontation with Iran. Advertisement Following the strike in Syria, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed revenge and said the evil regime of Israel should be punished. If Iran attacks Israel Following the public declaration of revenge by Iran, Israel has stated that an attack on Israeli soil will mean an Israeli strike on Iran. In an apparent reference to Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that if anyone hits Israel, Israel will hit back. During a visit to a military base housing F-15 warplanes, Netanyahu said that the country is preparing for challenges from other fronts even as its fights the war in Gaza with full force. We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them. We are ready to fulfill our responsibilities to Israels security, in defense and attack. I, and the whole of Israel, trust you, said Netanyahu in his address to the F-15 pilots, according to The Times of Israel. Advertisement The US has said that its commitment to Israels security regarding the Iranian threats is ironclad. We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant - theyre threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is iron clad. Let me say it again, iron clad - all we can to protect Israels security, said US President Joe Biden on Wednesday. Frederick Kaufman at Harpers Magazine: Jacob Angeli-Chansley, the man the media has dubbed the QAnon Shaman, had been released from federal custody six weeks before when we met for lunch at a place called Picazzos, winner of the Phoenix New Times Best Gluten-Free Restaurant award in 2015. Despite a protracted hunger strike and 317 days isolated in a cell, Jacobs prison sentence of forty-one months for obstruction of an official proceeding on January 6, 2021, had been shortened owing to good behavior, and he was let out about a year early on supervised release. It took some doing to get him to sit for an interview, as Jacob is wary of what he calls Operation Mockingbird, an alleged CIA-sponsored effort begun in the Fifties to use mass media to influence public opinion. Jacob believes that people like me are the tools of the Mockingbird operation, of the deep state, international bankers, pharmaceutical cartels, and corporate monarchies that control the world. People like me believe in medicines that are addictive drugs, in food that is poison, in environmentalism that is ecocide, in education that is ignorance, in money that is debt, in objective science that is not objective. more here. With an aim to foment unrest in Israel, Iran has been delivering weapons to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank through a secret smuggling route across the Middle East and has employed intelligence operatives, militants and criminal gangs for the task, according to a report read more With an aim to foment unrest in Israel, Iran has been delivering weapons to Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank through a secret smuggling route across the Middle East and has employed intelligence operatives, militants and criminal gangs for the task, according to a report, citing officials from the US, Israel and Iran. According to The New York Times report, citing three Iranian officials, Iran had not singled out a particular terror group operating in the West Bank to supply with arms, but was instead trying to broadly inundate the territory with weapons in an effort to foment unrest against Israel. Advertisement The covert operation has raised concerns that Tehran is seeking to turn the West Bank into the next flashpoint in the long-simmering shadow war between Israel and Iran. Much of the contraband travels along one of two routes that pass through Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Israel, according to the report, citing three unnamed officials each from Iran, Israel and the United States. The operation hinges on Bedouins, a key group in the operation, who smuggle the weapons from Jordan across the border into the West Bank, Iranian officials were cited as saying. According to the report, a covert smuggling operation has escalated tensions amid fears that Iran, known for supporting Gazas Hamas rulers, may stoke violence in the West Bank. This comes even as Irans allies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen continue to attack Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians. Tensions peaked after Israeli airstrike on Irans embassy in Damascus on 1 April killed seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including IRGC Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, 65, who oversaw Irans clandestine operations in Syria and Lebanon, facilitating weapon smuggling into the West Bank. The IRGC is designated as a terrorist organisation by the US. Advertisement US and Iranian officials, along with two Israeli sources, disclosed that a crucial segment of the smuggling route was targeted in an Israeli airstrike on eastern Syria on March 26, allegedly resulting in over 15 casualties. According to the report, the majority of the smuggled weapons were reported to be small arms like handguns and assault rifles. However, the total quantity of arms Iran managed to deliver to the West Bank remains unclear. Israeli authorities revealed that the contraband included advanced weaponry such as anti-tank missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. Furthermore, on March 25, Israels Shin Bet security agency uncovered an Iranian plot to smuggle advanced weapons into the West Bank, implicating a senior Fatah official residing in Lebanon. Advertisement In response, the Shin Bet emphasised its commitment to counter Iranian-sponsored activities, stating that it would continue monitoring and thwarting any threats to Israels security. Irans ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, did not comment on the smuggling operation, but told NYT that Iran thinks the sole effective avenue for resisting the occupation by the Zionist regime is through armed resistance. Palestinian resistance forces possess the capability to manufacture and procure the necessary armaments for their cause, NYT quoted the ambassador as saying. Two of the US officials said that some of the weapons go from Syria into Lebanon, where criminal gangs pick them up at the Israeli border and move them to the West Bank. This, an analyst said, is the more difficult route, because the Lebanese frontier is heavily patrolled by both United Nations peacekeepers and the Israeli Defense Forces. Advertisement Another route on which the weapons travel, according to the Times, goes from Syria through Jordan, which shares a porous border of roughly 480 kilometers (300 miles) with Israel. Earlier, Iran vowed a response to the Israeli strike on its embassy in Syria saying that the attack wont remain unanswered. Irans top general attended the funeral procession of military officer Mohammed Reza Zahedi on Saturday, vowing that his country would respond to the strike on its embassy in Damascus that claimed the lives of top figures from its Revolutionary Guard Corps. On Wednesday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated a promise to retaliate against Israel over the killings of Iranian generals in Syria. Advertisement Khamenei spoke at a prayer ceremony celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, saying the airstrike that demolished Irans consulate in Syria earlier this month was wrongdoing" against a diplomatic post that is considered Iranian territory. When they attack our consulate section it looked like they attack on our territory, Khamenei said. The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished, he added With inputs from agencies Israel, under a US ceasefire proposal, would allow 15,000 Palestinians to enter north Gaza in return for a list from Hamas consisting female, elderly, and sick hostages it has held alive read more Young Palestinians walk in front of a damaged building in Gaza in the aftermath of Israeli strikes. Reuters File Israeli officials familiar with the matter said Israel has reportedly agreed to a concession in the ceasefire talks in Cairo that would allow for the return of a few Palestinians to north Gaza. Under a US proposal for truce, Israel would let 15,000 Palestinians with no security checks to return to north Gaza, two officials familiar with the talks told Reuters. Israel in turn, has asked Hamas to send them a list of female, elderly, and sick hostages it has held alive but believes that Hamas is not currently willing to reach a deal, as stated by two Israeli officials. Advertisement Peace deal still under progress Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas said that the latest Israeli proposal discussed in Egypt did not meet demands and that it would study it more before responding. There is no change in the position of the occupation (Israel) and therefore, there is nothing new in the Cairo talks, a Hamas official, had told Reuters. There is no progress yet, the official had added. Earlier, Hamas stated they couldnt locate 40 Israeli hostages required for the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement facilitated by Qatar and Egypt. The move raised concerns that there may be more hostages deceased than publicly acknowledged, a CNN report quoting Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions said. Israeli troops withdraw from South Gaza After seven months of conflict, Israel withdrew most of its ground forces from southern Gaza but still intends to launch an attack on Rafah, Gazas southern border with Egypt, to eliminate Hamas remaining units. Notably, significant number of Gazans are currently taking refuge near Rafah, which has been the only passage left for international aid distribution. The Israeli PM Netanyahu has stated that civilians will be evacuated before its forces enter the border, though his assurance has not alleviated international concerns.More than 33,000 Palestinians have died since the Israeli offensive began, according to the data from Gazas Health Ministry, with a majority of its 2.3 million population displaced, Gaza is battling a dire humanitarian crisis. Advertisement With input from agencies The report indicated that the three sonsAmir, Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyehwere targeted due to their involvement as fighters, rather than solely because of their relation to Hamass political leader read more Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in Gaza, resulting in the death of three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, without prior consultation with senior commanders or political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Citing senior Israeli officials, the Walla news agency stated that neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been informed beforehand about the strike, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service. The report indicated that the three sonsAmir, Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyehwere targeted due to their involvement as fighters, rather than solely because of their relation to Hamass political leader. The Israeli military refrained from commenting on claims that four of Haniyehs grandchildren were also killed in the strike. Advertisement Immediate responses from the prime ministers office or the military regarding the Walla report were unavailable. The incident, involving the killing of Haniyehs relatives, introduces a potential complication to ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, with the return of 133 Israeli hostages believed to be held in the besieged enclave. Haniyeh said Hamas had clear and specific demands for agreeing to any pause in the fighting. The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position, Haniyeh said on Wednesday. Global calls for a ceasefire have been growing as the war has entered its seventh month but there has been little sign of progress in the talks. Hamas is demanding an end to the Israeli offensive, a withdrawal of Israeli forces and permission for Gazas displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Israel wants to secure the return of the hostages but says it will not end the war until Hamas is destroyed as a military force, and that it is still planning to assault the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million civilians have taken refuge. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters Justin Trudeau also accused the previous Conservative government in Canada of being cosy with Narendra Modi-led government in India read more Justin Trudeau has again taken an anti-India stance, in a situation that may push India-Canadas relations in hot waters even further. This time around, the Canadian Prime Minister has said his government defends the rights of citizens to speak out even if it irritates the Narendra Modi-led government in New Delhi. Trudeau also accused the previous Conservative government in Canada of being cosy with Narendra Modi and his cabinet of ministers. The remarks were made in response to a question asked to the Canadian PM during his nearly three-hour long appearance before the ongoing Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, which is headed by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue. Advertisement Trudeau was asked whether appropriate steps were not taken to expose foreign interference, to which he said: I think thats certainly a question one needs to ask of the previous conservative government that was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government." Whereas our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out, even if it irritates their home countries overseas, he added. Not long ago, Trudeau on September 18 last year made a statement in the House of Commons where he made credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, in June 2023. On Wednesday, during his testimony, Trudeau stood firm on the issue of protecting Canadians, including addressing the killing of Nijjar. The principle that anyone who comes to Canada, from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, interference from a country that they left behind, and how we have stood up for Canadians including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our governments commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians, the Canadian PM said. Our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas, he added. Trudeau appeared before the national public inquiry after several days of testimony from members of his Cabinet, political party representatives, intelligence officials and senior bureaucrats. Advertisement He also said China tried to meddle in the last two Canadian elections, held in 2019 and 2021, but the results were not impacted and it was improbable Beijing preferred any one party over another. The commission was set up last year by Trudeau under pressure from opposition legislators unhappy about media reports on Chinas possible role in the elections. With inputs from agencies The proclamation from the draconian leader came after he inspected the countrys main military university read more As the tensions in the Korean peninsula continue to escalate, North Koreas Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un said that now is the time for the hermit nations to be prepared for war. According to North Korean news outlet KCNA, the proclamation from the draconian leader came after he inspected the countrys main military university. The supreme leader gave field guidance on Wednesday at the Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics. Advertisement The university was named after his father who passed away in 2011 and is touted as the highest seat of military education in the country. North Korea ramps up its defence In recent years, Pyongyang has stepped up weapons development including the test firing of several ballistic and cruise missiles. Not only this, Kim has also forged closer military and political ties with Russia allegedly aiding Moscow in its war with Ukraine. In return, Russia is helping the hermit nation in developing several strategic military projects. During his address at the university, Kim told his staff and students that if the enemy opts for a military confrontation with the DPRK (, the DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea) will deal a death blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilizing all means in its possession, KCNA reported. As per the reports, he went on to outline the complicated international situation and uncertain political situation around the DPRK. The recent call for war preparation came a month after Kim supervised the test launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile that uses solid fuel. Analysts believe that the missile would bolster North Koreas ability to deploy missiles more effectively than the liquid-fuel variants. Advertisement All these developments have raised concerns among South Korea and the United States. Amid the brewing tensions, North Korea has accused both nations of provoking military tensions by conducting war manoeuvres. North Koreas growing ties with Russia As Kim continues to ask his military to prepare for war, the nation can be seen forging strong ties with Russia. Last month, Russia announced that it would be shutting down a panel of United Nations experts who have been monitoring international sanctions against Pyongyang. The decision came a week after the panel revealed last week that it is probing reports of Russia violating rules by buying North Korean weapons like ballistic missiles for use in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Advertisement The United Nations Security Council has imposed a series of sanctions on Pyongyang since 2006 for its nuclear weapon programme. While those sanctions will still be in place, the expert group which was set up to monitor the violations will now be disbanded by Russia. With inputs from agencies The Maldives faced significant backlash following derogatory comments made against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian officials on social media. Consequently, Indias ranking as a visitor country, dropped from the top to sixth read more In a move aimed at enticing Indian tourists back to the Maldives, a prominent tourism organisation in the Maldives has announced its intention to conduct roadshows across key Indian cities. As the number of Indian tourists visiting the Maldives continues to dwindle, the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) engaged in discussions with Indias High Commissioner in the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, to explore opportunities for enhancing travel and tourism cooperation between the two nations. Advertisement The Maldives faced significant backlash following derogatory comments made against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three Maldivian officials on social media. This occurred after Prime Minister Modi shared images and videos of the picturesque Lakshadweep Islands on Indias west coast on January 6. The negative response led to numerous Indian travelers, including several celebrities, canceling their reservations and abandoning plans to visit the Maldives. Consequently, the tourism arrival figures reflected a decline in Indias ranking as a visitor country, dropping from the top position to fifth and currently to sixth after January. According to statistics from the Maldives Ministry of Tourism, as of April 10 this year, out of a total of 663,269 tourists, China led with 71,995 visitors, followed by the United Kingdom, Russia, Italy, Germany, and India. Following discussions held at a meeting hosted by the Indian High Commission in Male, MATATO expressed its commitment to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission in the Maldives to strengthen tourism initiatives, as reported by the Sun.mv news portal. In this trajectory, plans are currently underway to launch comprehensive road shows across key Indian cities and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the upcoming months, it said quoting from the statement. While India remains a crucial tourist market to the Maldives, MATATO states they look forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the Maldives as a premier travel destination, it said. The Association also attributed its meeting with the Indian High Commissioner as a testament to MATATOs continued dedication to fostering robust tourism ties between the Maldives and India, which it said, will pave the way for transformative collaborations to drive sustainable growth in the regions tourism sector. Advertisement Earlier before this diplomatic row erupted, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had, within hours of taking oath last November, asked India to withdraw its 88 military personnel from the country, saying their presence was a threat to his countrys sovereignty. Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, has announced that no Indian military personnel, even in civilian clothes, would be present in Maldives after all of 88 personnel are repatriated by May 10. With inputs from PTI Russia confirmed on Monday that Turkey has applied to join the China and Russia-led International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) read more A joint China-Russia International Lunar Research Station is to be completed by 2050 on the moon | Source: CNSA/Representative Turkey has applied to join the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), a collaborative effort led by China and Russia, diverging from its traditional alliance with the United States-led Artemis programme, as reported by Moscow on Monday. This initiative represents a new chapter in Turkeys quest for a robust presence in space research and exploration, the Istanbul-based Turkiye Newspaper said on Monday Reports suggest that Turkeys interest in the ILRS aligns with its growing ambitions in space exploration. Advertisement Recent milestones, including astronaut Alper Gezeravcis journey to the International Space Station (ISS), reflect Turkeys burgeoning presence in the space arena. The move by Turkey, which is a NATO member, is not only a strategic step towards advancing its space capabilities but also as a geopolitical maneuver. With strained relations with the West, Turkey aims to strengthen ties with China and Russia. Turkeys space programme encompasses the development of advanced satellites, space launch capabilities, and lunar exploration missions. Plans to conduct a lunar landing by 2026 and orbit the moon by the end of the decade underline Turkeys ambition for space exploration. China & Russia-led ILRS vs US-led Artemis Turkeys decision to join the ILRS instead of the Artemis programme may strain its relationship with Western allies further. The two projects are seen as rivals. If Turkeys application is accepted, it would become the 10th member of the ILRS, joining countries like Venezuela, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, South Africa, Egypt and Thailand. Several US-based and European organisations have also cooperated with China and Russia on the program, including the Hawaii-based International Lunar Observatory Association, Swiss company Nano-SPACE for Cooperation, and Frances Thales Group, reported Beijing-based Global Times. Russia has reportedly invited other BRICS member countries to discuss cooperation on the Moon research, Lev Zeleny, scientific director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS IKI), said on Monday, according to TV BRICS, a Moscow-based media outlet. Advertisement We are thinking of organising a big cooperation on lunar exploration within the BRICS. So far these are only plans. Perhaps we will discuss them in the near future at a meeting of BRICS countries, Zeleny said at a press conference ahead of Russias Cosmonautics Day, which falls on April 12. On the other hand, 36 countries have signed on to the US-led Artemis Accords. According to NASA, the Artemis Accords aim to promote peaceful space exploration while the ILRS focuses on collaborative lunar research. Thanks to the joint financing of the PMO, the finance ministry and the construction and housing ministry, it was agreed approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India during April and May on an air shuttle following the subsidising of charter flights, said a statement issued by Israeli government read more Over 6,000 Indian workers are slated to arrive in Israel between April and May to address the labor shortage in the construction sector, stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict. According to a statement issued by Israeli government, they will be transported via an air shuttle, thanks to a collaborative decision by the Israeli Prime Ministers Office, finance ministry, and construction and housing ministry. These charter flights will be subsidised to facilitate their arrival, added the statement. Advertisement Thanks to the joint financing of the PMO, the finance ministry and the construction and housing ministry, it was agreed approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India during April and May on an air shuttle following the subsidising of charter flights, the statement read. Israels construction industry faces a scarcity of local workers in specific fields, prompting the recruitment of foreign labor. Previously, as many as 80,000 workers came from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and 17,000 from Gaza Strip. However, due to the conflict, many had their work permits revoked since October. This influx of over 6,000 workers marks the largest deployment of foreign labor to Israels construction sector within a short timeframe, added the statement. The statement was released after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at the PMO in Jerusalem amid an acute shortage of workers that has stalled several projects, causing concerns of increasing cost of living and also friction between various government bodies and businesses. The workers from India are being brought to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between to the countries. On Tuesday last week, 64 construction workers from India arrived in Israel under the agreement. There will be a series of arrivals in the coming weeks, a total of 850 by mid-April. A little over 900 construction workers have arrived from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving human resources agencies in both countries. Advertisement According to PTI, citing sources in the construction sector, after three months, during which more than 20,000 workers from India and Sri Lanka were approved for jobs through screening tests conducted by the Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about 1,000 workers had arrived. They had blamed bureaucratic procedures, including obtaining various permits, for the delay. Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned from their jobs and waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, the sources had claimed. The Israeli government has repeatedly reported its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so, PTI quoted a source as claiming and added that all involved stakeholders in Israel are said to have proposed several plans in their discussions with the government to fast-track the process. Advertisement The task assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which professional approval was given to employ more than 20,000 workers, half of them in the government track and half in the business track, ICA had told PTI last week. We call on the government to act immediately to bring here the workers who have already (been) approved and to create a fast-track (process) for the approval and flight of the workers. The delay in the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned, it had said. Advertisement Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel. Besides those from India and Sri Lanka, a group of about 7,000 workers have come from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe. Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, during his trip to India in April last year had spoken to officials and his counterpart in Delhi, about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction sector. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 1,60,000 people. There are about 18,000 Indians working in Israel, mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel during the war because they felt quite secure and also because the salaries are quite attractive. Advertisement Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohens visit to Delhi to allow 42,000 Indians to work in the Jewish state in fields of construction and nursing, a move that was then seen to help deal with the rising cost of living and assist thousands of families waiting for nursing care. A statement released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry then had said 34,000 workers will be engaged in the construction sector and another 8,000 for nursing needs. In the last six months, about 800 workers from India have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel. The Government Press Office in a statement said, Pursuant to a directive from the prime minister, intensive staff work - led by Prime Ministers Office Director General Yossi Shelly - was carried out in order to facilitate a large increase in the quantity of foreign workers in Israel, lower the cost of living and significantly reduce the bureaucracy and friction between it and the business sector while improving supervision and oversight of the employment of foreign workers and safeguarding of their rights. Following discussions, Netanyahu instructed that a decision on the issue be submitted to the government next week. This decision will determine the scope of foreign workers in Israel and an adjustment mechanism in case of severe unemployment in the economy that would affect the employment of Israelis, the statement said. It was also determined that the government will authorise a committee of director generals, chaired by the PMO director general to allocate the quota between the various branches of the economy according to the need raised by government ministries from economic officials, it said, amid gaining chorus from various sectors of the economy regarding shortage of workers. The minister of finance, interior, welfare and social affairs, and construction and housing, the cabinet secretary and PMO officials were among those who attended in the discussions Officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, economy, interior, justice, transportation, labour, and housing and construction, the National Economic Council and the Agriculture and Population and Immigration Authority also participated. With inputs from agencies PM Modi insisted that what makes the Indian economy different from the economies of China and Japan is its unique culture and social ethos read more While discussing Indias booming economy and growing competition with China in the manufacturing sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi elucidated that India has a unique cultural and social ethos that gives the country an edge in comparison to its Asian counterparts. The Prime Minister gave his take on the India-China economic competition during an exclusive interview with Newsweek. PM Modi was featured on the cover of the American magazine, making him the first Indian prime minister after Indira Gandhi to achieve the feat. Advertisement The India-China competition Last year, India overtook China to become the worlds most populous country. A year before that it surpassed the United Kingdom to become the fifth-largest economy in the world. This begs the question will India be able to sustain its economic growth with a massive population. When asked about the matter, PM Modi highlighted what gives the country an edge when being pitted against China which is currently engulfed in economic woes. He insisted that what makes the Indian economy different from the economies of China and Japan is its unique culture and social ethos. India has a unique cultural and social ethos. We have a culture of savings. There is also a unique model of a family-oriented lifestyle which puts values at the centre. In such a set-up, no family member is unproductive, the Prime Minister explained. However, he distanced himself from drawing comparisons with the Asian nations insisting that each country faces unique challenges and unique development models. We are also focused on developing the full potential of our youth and also making them resilient and adaptive to future disruptions. We are allocating a huge amount of money to facilitate long-term research in the sunrise sectors, he added. PM Modi also pointed out that Indias democratic polity and global economic growth engine make it a natural choice for foreign investors who are looking to diversify their supply chains. We believe that when a country with one-sixth of the worlds population adopts global standards in these sectors, it will have a big positive impact on the world, PM Modi averred. Advertisement Our policies that encourage businesses and entrepreneurship, coupled with world-class infrastructure and availability of skilled talent have yielded results. We have major global manufacturing entities setting up shops in India, he added. How India is gaining an edge Over the years, Indias growing manufacturing sector has provided foreign investors with a strong alternative to the decades-long Chinese monopoly. When it comes to the technology sector, for years China was touted as Asias technology powerhouse. However, India has emerged as one of the top contenders to steal Chinas crown. Indias tryst to woo foreign tech companies has been a major success with multinational giants like Apple increasing their presence in the country. Advertisement Earlier this week a Bloomberg report revealed that Apple is now manufacturing approximately 14 per cent of its flagship devices in India. This means that about 1 in 7 iPhones are built in the country. The tech giant has been looking to diversify its supply chain beyond China as geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington are on the rise. This has given India an opportunity to emerge as a strong alternative. Taiwanese manufacturing giants like Foxconn and Pegatron are also shifting from China and playing an important role in boosting the production of Apple devices in India. Not just Apple, the state of Tamil Nadu is home to more than 130 Fortune Global 500 companies. Global interest in India grew after the PM Modi administration launched production-linked incentives for sectors such as electronics and renewable-energy equipment, while China was struggling with stringent lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement The birth of Indias semiconductor era Last year, countries like the United States, Japan and the Netherlands announced tightening restrictions on the export of chip manufacturing technology to Chinese companies. In October 2023, the United States imposed strict controls on the sale to China of both semiconductors and the machines used to make them. Washington argued that Beijing could use the technology for military purposes. The controls limited Chinas ability to ramp up its own domestic chip production, leaving Beijing high and dry. While China was bashing the three nations over the matter, India started its own endeavours. Last month, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor plants worth Rs. 1.25 lakh crore. While inaugurating the plant, PM Modi insisted that chip manufacturing will take India towards self-reliance and modernity. Advertisement In 2021, New Delhi unveiled the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM). The Tata-Powerchip Semiconductor Corps semiconductor fabrication unit (fab) at Dholera, the Tata groups outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) unit in Assam, and the CG Power-Renesas Group combine OSAT unit, make India stand at two crucial points of the semiconductor supply value chain, i.e. fabrication and OSAT. Other than this, American chip giants like Micron are also building OSAT plants in Gujarat. The big and celebrated start of Indias chip-making journey indicates that it is ready to take leverage of the supply chains that are shifting from China and Taiwan due to the ongoing geopolitical turbulence in the region. Two decades ago, while the Chinese and the Indian economies were neck and neck, investors used to refer to it as a tussle between Dragon and Elephant. Companies used to dwell on the two nations relative merits. While China initially used to take the cake, things have drastically changed since then. Following the Supreme Courts directive, RTI activist Commodore Lokesh Batra (retired) requested the SBI on March 13 for the complete digital data of electoral bonds as submitted to the EC read more The State Bank of India has declined to disclose details of electoral bonds furnished to the Election Commission (EC) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The bank asserts that such information is held in a fiduciary capacity and qualifies as personal data, despite the records being publicly available on the poll panels website. The Supreme Court, deeming the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary, instructed SBI on February 15 to provide comprehensive details of bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the EC for publication on its website by March 13. Advertisement Dismissing SBIs petition for an extension, the court ordered the bank to disclose the information to the EC by the close of business hours on March 12. Following the Supreme Courts directive, RTI activist Commodore Lokesh Batra (retired) requested the SBI on March 13 for the complete digital data of electoral bonds as submitted to the EC. However, the bank refused to comply, citing exemption clauses under the RTI Actsection 8(1)(e) pertaining to records held in a fiduciary capacity and section 8(1)(j) allowing the withholding of personal information. Information sought by you is containing details of purchasers and political parties and hence, cannot be disclosed as it is held in fiduciary capacity disclosure of which is exempted under sections 8(1)(e) and (j) of the RTI Act, the response furnished by the central public information officer and deputy general manager of the SBI said on Wednesday. Batra had also sought the details of the fees paid by the SBI to senior advocate Harish Salve to defend its case against the disclosure of the electoral bonds records, citing that the records are held in a fiduciary capacity and the information is personal in nature. It is bizzare that the SBI denied the information that is already on the ECs website, Batra told PTI. Advertisement On the question of Salves fee, he said the bank has denied information that involves taxpayers money. The EC published the data furnished by the SBI on its website on March 14, with the details of the donors and political parties that redeemed the bonds. On March 15, the apex court pulled up the SBI for not furnishing the complete information by withholding the numbers unique to each electoral bond that would help match the donors with the recipient political parties, saying the bank was duty-bound to reveal the information. A five-judge bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said it had directed the disclosure of all the details of the bonds, including the names of the purchasers, amounts and dates of purchase. Advertisement All details have to be furnished by the SBI, the CJI observed, as the court admonished the bank for furnishing incomplete information, a day after the EC put out the entire list of entities that purchased the bonds for making political donations. The SBI had said a total of 22,217 electoral bonds of varying denominations were purchased by the donors between April 1, 2019 and February 15 this year, of which 22,030 were redeemed by political parties. With inputs from PTI China has noted the remarks by the prime minister. We believe that sound and stable China, India relations serve the common interests of both sides and are conducive to peace and development of the region and beyond, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning read more Day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the stable relationship with China is important and significant for India, China on Thursday said it believes that sound and stable China, India relations serve the common interests of both the countries and are conducive to peace and development of the region and beyond. Addressing a media briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, China has noted the remarks by the prime minister. Advertisement We believe that sound and stable China, India relations serve the common interests of both sides and are conducive to peace and development of the region and beyond, she added. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, which described Indias rise as unstoppable, PM Modi expressed hope that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, the two countries will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility at their borders. It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world, he said in the interview, which is the first to be given to a US magazine in the recent past, Mao said the boundary question does not represent the entirety of the India-China relations. It should be placed appropriately in the bilateral relations and managed properly. The two sides are in close communication through diplomatic and military channels, she said. We hope India will work in the same direction with China, handle the bilateral relations from the strategic heights and long-term perspective, enhance mutual trust, stick to dialogue and cooperation, handle differences properly and put the bilateral relations forward on sound and stable track, she added. When asked about Indias ties with Pakistan, PM Modi said that the country has always advocated for peace, security and prosperity in the region. Although, he shied away from commenting on the recent imprisonment of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Advertisement I wont comment on matters internal to Pakistan, he said. Since the eruption of a violent clash in the Pangong Tso area on May 5, 2020, the once-warm relations between India and China have remained stagnant, except for the trade connections. So far, 21 rounds of corps commander-level talks have been conducted in an attempt to resolve the eastern Ladakh border standoff. According to Chinese military, agreements have been reached to disengage from four locations: the Galwan Valley, Pangong Lake, Hot Springs, and Jianan Daban (Gogra). However, India insists on the withdrawal of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) from Depsang and Demchok, asserting that normalcy in relations cannot be restored while border tensions persist. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Lan was found to have unlawfully controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank from 2012 to 2022, facilitating 2,500 loans that resulted in losses of $27 billion to the bank, according to state media VnExpress. The court ordered her to compensate the bank with $26.9 million. read more Truong My Lan, a prominent real estate tycoon was sentenced to death by a court in what is described as the countrys largest financial fraud case to date, reported state media outlet Thanh Nien. The 67-year-old, who chaired the real estate company Van Thinh Phat, was convicted of fraud amounting to $12.5 billion, which is nearly 3% of the countrys 2022 GDP. Lan was found to have unlawfully controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank from 2012 to 2022, facilitating 2,500 loans that resulted in losses of $27 billion to the bank, according to state media VnExpress. The court ordered her to compensate the bank with $26.9 million. Advertisement Despite factors such as this being her first offense and her involvement in charitable activities, the court handed down a severe sentence due to the gravity of the case. It deemed Lan as the mastermind behind an intricate criminal operation that caused substantial harm, with little hope of the money being recovered, as per VnExpress. Her actions not only violate the property management rights of individuals and organizations but also push SCB (Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank) into a state of special control; eroding peoples trust in the leadership of the Party and State, VnExpress quoted the judgement as saying. The 2011 merger of a beleaguered SCB bank involved two other lenders. The banks have since become one of Vietnams largest commercial banks by assets. Former central bank official Do Thi Nhan was also sentenced Thursday to life in prison for accepting $5.2 million in bribes. Lans arrest in October 2022 was among the most high-profile in an ongoing anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that has intensified since 2022. The so-called Blazing Furnace campaign has touched the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. But its the scale of Lans trial has shocked the nation. VTP was among Vietnams richest real estate firms, with projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centers. Analysts said the scale of the scam raised questions about whether other banks or businesses had similarly erred, dampening Vietnams economic outlook and making foreign investors jittery at a time when Vietnam has been trying to position itself as the ideal home for businesses trying to pivot their supply chains away from China. Advertisement The real estate sector in Vietnam has been hit particularly hard: An estimated 1,300 property firms withdrew from the market in 2023, developers have been offering discounts and gold as gifts to attract buyers, and despite rent for shophouses falling by a third in Ho Chi Minh City, many in the city center are still empty, according to state media.In November, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnams top politician, said that the anti-corruption fight would continue for the long term. With inputs from AP. A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is crucial for collective security, enabling free trade and travel. The partnerships with Japan and the US underscore the UKs dedication to the region, said UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps read more The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the United Kingdom announced on Thursday that the UK, US, and Japan will hold regular trilateral military exercises in the Indo-Pacific from 2025. The aim is to bolster security in the region and enhance the interoperability of each countrys armed forces. The Indo-Pacific region holds significant importance for the UK, particularly due to the expanding economic ties with countries in the area, including India. The UK already engages in various exercises in the region, with vessels like HMS Spey and HMS Tamar continuously deployed. Advertisement These trilateral exercises will build upon previous operations between the three countries, reaffirming the UKs commitment to the Indo-Pacific. UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps stated the importance of standing united with allies and partners in defense of democracy and freedom in an increasingly volatile world. He stated, Conducting joint exercises sends a strong message to anyone who would seek to undermine the rules-based international order. Shapps highlighted that defense relationships are not limited by distance, and the UK stands ready to respond to any threat globally. A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is crucial for collective security, enabling free trade and travel. The partnerships with Japan and the US underscore the UKs dedication to the region. The latest announcement follows British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signing the Atlantic Declaration with US President Joe Biden last year. He also agreed the Hiroshima Accord with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both these pacts committed the UK to further increase defence activity with each country, with a particular focus on bolstering collective security and mutual prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Next year, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will be deployed to the region at the head of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which will conduct a series of operations and exercises with partners and allies - including a port visit in Japan. It follows the successful deployment of her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the region in 2021. With inputs from PTI Ukraine has been asking its Western partners for advanced weapon systems such as long-distance missiles and F-16 fighter planes read more In his latest bid to secure more military assistance from the West, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said his country requires more and better weapon systems to prevent Russian President Vladimir Putin from dragging the world into World War 3. Zelenskyys call for more aid comes as a $60 billion aid package to Ukraine remains stalled in the US Congress. Moreover, amid increasing prospects of Donald Trump winning the presidency later this year, who has hinted he could undo the US policy of support to Ukraine, there are concerns that the hard-fought Ukrainian gains could be lost amid waning Western support. Advertisement Speaking to CNNs Fred Pleitgen virtually at the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece, Zelenskyy urged the countrys allies to be realists instead of pessimists. He also appeared to soften his stand on Trump and said that he has invited him to visit Ukraine. What we have now is not sufficient, we need more: Zelenskyy Zelenskyy said that the current supplies with Ukraine are not enough to prevent the march of Putin. This is the latest push from Zelenskyy to secure advanced weapon systems from the West, which include long-range missiles and F-16 fighter planes. The result of the war depends on such deliveries, said Zelenskyy, warning that the inability to make such deliveries would push the world into World War 3. Once we have weapons and concrete political steps from our allies, we will break Putins backboneWhat we have now is not sufficient. If we want to truly prevail over Putin, if nobody wants Putin to drag world into World War 3 [then weapons should be delivered], said Zelenskyy in his translated remarks. Zelenskyy will hear Trump on Ukraine with pleasure Zelenskyy said that he would listen to Trump with pleasure. He added that he has invited Trump to visit Ukraine and see the situation on the ground to make up his views. Trump is the presumptive Republican Party nominee for the US presidential election later this year. He has indicated that he would lead an isolationist foreign policy and could undo the US support to Ukraine. The hard-right wing of the Republican Party loyal to Trump has stalled a $60 billion aid package to Ukraine. Advertisement As for Trumps reported plan to end the Ukraine war with the surrender of Ukrainian territory to Russia, Zelenskyy said that he has only seen media reports and has not heard anything from Trump. First and foremost, those signals were on certain media platforms. I havent heard that directly from Trump. His ideas in detail, I did not have an opportunity to discuss them with him and to discuss his ideas on how to end the war. If I have such an opportunity I will with pleasure listen to them and then we can discuss the topic, said Zelenskyy. Previously, Zelenskyy had rejected Trumps take on the Ukraine conflict that broadly seeks the surrender of Ukrainian territories to Russia to reach a ceasefire. The Washington Post has reported that Trump believes that Ukraine should cede the Donbas and Crimea regions to Russia to end the war. He has said he could achieve the peace deal within 24 hours. Last year, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would not agree to a deal that includes ceding land. Advertisement If we are talking about ending the war at the cost of Ukraine, in other words to make us give up our territories, well, I think in this way Biden could have brought it to an end even in five minutes, but we would not agree, said Zelenskyy in an interview with ABC News. The ordeal began on Easter Sunday when the trio set off on a journey in a 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor from Polowat atoll, which is about 100 nautical miles east of their rescue location, the Coast Guard reported read more Image of the HELP sign made alongside the shade, shared by coastguard. Source: X Three castaways, stranded for a week on a deserted island in the western Pacific Ocean, were rescued after a US Navy aircraft spotted a distress signal spelled out with palm leaves on a sandy beach. The men, all in their 40s, were found in good health on Tuesday on Pikelot Island, a small, uninhabited islet covered by palm trees located approximately 415 miles (667 km) southeast of Guam, according to a statement from the US Coast Guard on Thursday. The identities and nationalities of the men were not disclosed. Advertisement The ordeal began on Easter Sunday when the trio set off on a journey in a 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor from Polowat atoll, which is about 100 nautical miles east of their rescue location, the Coast Guard reported. After the experienced mariners failed to return six days later, their niece alerted authorities, prompting a search and rescue operation led by the Coast Guard and Navy. The search area initially covered more than 78,000 square nautical miles. A day later, a US Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft spotted the makeshift HELP sign crafted from palm leaves, initiating the successful rescue mission, as confirmed by the Coast Guard. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location, U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Chelsea Garcia said in the statement. While stranded on the island, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, the men had access to food and water. They also recovered their damaged skiff. A Coast Guard photograph showed two small covered shelters near the H-E-L-P sign. The New York Times reported this was not the first time castaways have been rescued from the island. About four years ago, three missing sailors were found after they wrote SOS in the sand. With inputs from Reuters A viral video captured the moment Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh learned of the loss of his three sons and four grandchildren in an Israeli airstrike read more Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh finds out that an Israeli airstrike killed his 3 sons and grandchildren | Source: X/Raza_AKhan A viral video, shared on X, captured the moment Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh learned of the loss of his three sons and four grandchildren in an Israeli airstrike. Haniyeh, residing in exile in Qatar City, received the news while visiting wounded Palestinians in a hospital. His reaction underscored the gravity of the situation as he nodded, looked down at the ground, and uttered, God rest their souls. #Hamas leader Ismail Haniyehs 3 sons and grandchildren were killed by Israel on Eid. Look at his steadfastness and patience on hearing this shocking news. Indeed #Palestinians are brave people.pic.twitter.com/UU2BJhziPA Dr. Raza Khan (@Raza_AKhan) April 11, 2024 Advertisement While Hamas asserted that Haniyehs family members were among the casualties, the Israeli government disputed this claim, stating they had no evidence to support it. The Israeli military maintained that Haniyehs sons were skilled combatants within Hamas ranks. The three operatives that were struck are Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, Mohammad Haniyeh, a military operative in the Hamas terrorist organization and Hazem Haniyeh, also a military operative in the Hamas terror organization, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement. Hamas leader warns such actions could derail talks Haniyeh condemned the airstrike as an act of revenge by Israel, warning that such actions could derail ongoing peace talks mediated by international bodies. The militant leader told Al Jazeera, The enemy believes that by targeting the families of the leaders, it will push them to give up the demands of our people. Anyone who believes that targeting my sons will push Hamas to change its position is delusional. The deadly attack occurred on Eid al-Fitr. Plea for ceasefire Advertisement US President Joe Biden called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate the entry of food and aid into Gaza during an interview on Univision. So, I what Im calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a cease-fire, allow for the next six, eight weeks total access to all food and medicine going into the country, Biden said in the interview. Israels Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant, responded to Bidens call in a media briefing, expressing the countrys commitment to cooperation while reaffirming its stance on security measures. Let me say loud and clear the defense establishment takes the United States very seriously, Gallant said. Since the establishment of the state of Israel and since the start of this war, the U.S. has been standing with Israel. Advertisement Efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza are underway, with Israel announcing measures to streamline the entry of goods and medicine into the region. The group is urging Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat and the General Assembly to reconsider the bridges name given the problematic past of its namesake read more View of the Dali cargo vessel which crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge causing it to collapse in Baltimore, Maryland, US. Source: Reuters / File A consortium of civil rights groups has unanimously agreed to petition the Maryland state government to rename the now-collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The bridge was left in complete shambles after a cargo vessel named Dali crashed into it last month. The activist group argued that Key who was the author of The Star-Spangled Banner, was a slave owner. The motion was moved by the Caucus of African American Leaders whose members include the NAACP and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, among others, NBC News reported. Advertisement The group is urging Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat and the General Assembly to reconsider the bridges name given the problematic past of its namesake. What are they suggesting? The caucus is now suggesting that the bridge should be renamed after Representative Parren J. Mitchell who was the first black person from Maryland to be elected to the US House of Representatives back in 1970. He spent a life, his entire life, creating a bridge between the African American community and literally the larger society, Carl O. Snowden, the convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders, told NBC News. Mitchell died in 2007. The group is also recommending that the Senator Frederick Malkus Memorial Bridge which overlooks the Choptank River in Dorchester County, should be renamed after Gloria Richardson, the first woman in the United States to lead a grassroots civil rights organisation outside of the Deep South. The caucus noted that it is planning to share its recommendation with Moore this week. Snowden mentioned that they are also planning to discuss the renaming of the bridge in more detail at their quarterly meeting with the governor. Along with these requests, the civil rights group will be urging the governor and the state government to create a memorial lane for six Latino workers who were killed in the bridge collapse. Advertisement The Legacy of Francis Scott Key The Baltimore Bridge was erected in 1977 and overlooks the Patapsco River. It was the same river where Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner after he witnessed the United States defeating the British at the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. However, Keys legacy was stained by the fact that he owned slaves and was known as a believer that Black people were intrinsically inferior as a race. As a lawyer, Key helped Black Americans sue for their freedom prior to widespread emancipation. He later revealed that he regretted the decisions. He even detested the idea of Black Americans living among white Americans and eventually became a leading advocate for sending formerly enslaved people to Liberia. Advertisement While, Keys legacy is marred by these controversies, the Star Spangled Music Foundation, which promotes American heritage through music said that his words were taken in isolation and have been misconstructed. Google is expanding its Pixel-exclusive AI-based Google Photos features to even more people. Its AI-powered editing tools like Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light will be available to anyone using the app for free. Photo Unblur, as the name suggests, helps you recreate blurry shots back to normal with greater clarity. Magic Eraser uses AI to intelligently remove unwanted objects marked in photos, making them distraction-free. Portrait Light adjusts the position and brightness of light in portraits. Magic Editor, which was a Pixel 8 series exclusive, is now being expanded to all Pixel devices. It leverages generative AI to simplify complex edits. It allows users to effortlessly resize, reposition, or adjust subjects within photos. Contextual suggestions are also available which can improve lighting and backgrounds, transforming a gray sky into a golden-hour sunset. Additionally, Magic Editor provides multiple result options for users to choose from, empowering them to achieve their desired look. Apart from the Pixel lineup, Google is offering 10 Magic Editor saves per month for all Google Photos users on Android and iOS that meet minimum system requirements. If you want to remove this limit, you must have a Premium Google One plan (2TB and more). Availability These features will begin to roll out on starting 15th of May. They will work on the Chromebook Plus with ChromeOS version 118+, as well as Android 8.0/iOS 15 or higher devices with a minimum of 3GB of RAM. Java 22 Packs a Punch with 12 JEPs and Support for GenAI Last month, Oracle dropped Java 22, adding a fresh batch of performance, stability, and security features to the venerable programming platform. This latest iteration introduces 12 JDK Enhancement Proposals (JEPs) aimed at refining everything from the Java language to its array of development tools. Though not a long-term support (LTS) release (the next LTS is Java 23), this release is a significant upgrade that includes new features focused on better enabling the use of Java for building AI applications. Under the hood, Oracle is delivering language improvements from OpenJDK Project Amber, enhancements from Project Panama, features related to Project Loom, core libraries and tools capabilities, and performance updates. "The new enhancements in Java 22 enable more developers to quickly and easily build and deliver feature-rich, scalable, and secure applications to help organizations across the globe grow their businesses," said Georges Saab, senior vice president in Oracle's Java Platform group and chair of the OpenJDK governing board, in a statement. "By delivering enhancements that streamline application development and extend Java's reach to make it accessible to developers of all proficiency levels, Java 22 will help drive the creation of a wide range of new applications and services for organizations and developers alike." Among the stand-out features in this release, noted Sharat Chander, senior director of product management for the Java Platform at Oracle, is JEP 463, " Implicitly Declared Classes and Instance Main Methods," which is going to provide a kind of on-ramp for the next generation of developers to become familiar with Java, and eventually, active users. "I'm very excited about JEP 463," Chander told me. "It sort of welcomes a whole new generation of developers that might think Java is outdated. Of course, it's far from [that], based on all the innovation that have been coming since we started this six-month release cadence." "The original founders of this entire concept and technology realized that you have to build a user base and a community to have something that's active," he added, "and you see a lot of modern languages, platforms, and solutions that have now realized that the secret sauce is to emulate what Java has done. For us, this is paramount to [Java's] success." Arnal Dayaratna, research vice president in IDC's software development group, underscored Java's "versatility and comprehensive toolset," which enables it to support the development of production-grade, mission-critical applications at scale. This "positions it as a key enabling technology for innovative use cases such as generative AI." "After nearly three decades, Java's ability to support complex development tasks that span a wide range of use cases makes the platform as relevant as it has ever been," Dayaratna said in a statement. " Java 22 includes a number of features in preview, which Saab told me reflects the benefits of the six-month release cadence Oracle continues to maintain. "In the old days, it was always a problem getting feedback on features," he said. "We would work on something and have early access builds, which a few passionate people would download and try. But people have day jobs! Most just weren't going to download something, try it, and give feedback. And if they did, it was probably too late to do anything about it. Now, the whole intent of the preview feature is put it in something that people are downloading anyway and make it super easy to try it and give us feedback on it." The list of updates delivered in Java 22 includes: JEP 447: Statements before super() (Preview): Gives developers the freedom to express the behavior of constructors. By allowing statements that do not reference the instance being created to appear before an explicit constructor invocation, this feature enables a more natural placement of logic that needs to be factored into auxiliary static methods, auxiliary intermediate constructors, or constructor arguments. It also preserves the existing assurance that constructors run in top-down order during class instantiation, helping ensure that code in a subclass constructor cannot interfere with superclass instantiation. In addition, this feature does not require any changes to the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and relies only on the current ability of the JVM to verify and execute code that appears before explicit constructor invocations within constructors. JEP 456: Unnamed Variables & Patterns: Helps improve developer productivity by enhancing the Java language with unnamed variables and patterns, which can be used when variable declarations or nested patterns are required but never used. This reduces opportunities for error, improves the readability of record patterns, and increases the maintainability of all code. JEP 459: String Templates (Second Preview): Simplifies the development of Java programs by making it easy to express strings that include values computed at run time, while also improving the security of programs that compose strings from user-provided values and pass them to other systems. Additionally, the readability of expressions mixed with text is enhanced, and non-string values computed from literal text and embedded expressions can be created without having to transit through an intermediate string representation. JEP 463: Implicitly Declared Classes and Instance Main Methods (Second Preview): Helps accelerate learning by offering a smooth on-ramp to Java programming to enable students to write their first programs without needing to understand language features designed for large programs. With this feature, educators can introduce concepts in a gradual manner and students can write streamlined declarations for single-class programs and seamlessly expand their programs to use more advanced features as their skills grow. Project Loom Features JEP 462: Structured Concurrency (Second Preview): Helps developers streamline error handling and cancellation and enhance observability by introducing an API for structured concurrency. This helps promote a style of concurrent programming that can eliminate common risks arising from cancellation and shutdown such as thread leaks and cancellation delays and improves the observability of concurrent code. JEP 464: Scoped Values (Second Preview): Helps increase ease-of-use, comprehensibility, performance, and robustness of developers' projects by enabling the sharing of immutable data within and across threads. Project Panama Features JEP 454: Foreign Function & Memory API: Increases ease-of-use, flexibility, safety, and performance for developers by introducing an API to enable Java programs to interoperate with code and data outside of the Java runtime. By efficiently invoking foreign functions such as code outside the Java Virtual Machine, and by safely accessing foreign memory (i.e., memory not managed by the JVM), the new API allows Java programs to call native libraries and process native data without requiring the Java Native Interface. JEP 460: Vector API (Seventh Incubator): Enables developers to achieve performance superior to equivalent scalar computations by introducing an API to express vector computations that reliably compile at runtime to vector instructions on supported CPU architectures. Core Libraries & Tools Features JEP 457: Class-File API (Preview): Helps developers improve productivity by providing a standard API for parsing, generating, and transforming Java class files. JEP 458: Launch Multi-File Source-Code Programs: Enables developers to choose whether and when to configure a build tool by enhancing the Java application launcher to enable it to run a program supplied as multiple files of Java source code. JEP 461: Stream Gatherers (Preview): Helps developers improve productivity by enhancing the Stream API to support custom intermediate operations, which will allow stream pipelines to transform data in ways that are not easily achievable with the existing built-in intermediate operations. By making stream pipelines more flexible and expressive and allowing custom intermediate operations to manipulate streams of infinite size, this feature enables developers to become more efficient in reading, writing, and maintaining Java code. Performance Updates Thursday Night Partly cloudy in the evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers after midnight. Low near 50F. Winds SE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Russo-Ukraine War - 11 April 2024 - Day 778 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 General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on April 11, 53x tactical engagements were reported. Russian forces launched a total of 53x missile and 84x air strikes, 61x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential apartment blocks and private houses 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 fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Khrinivka, Leonivka (Chernihiv oblast), Marchykhyna Buda, Vil'na Sloboda, Kucherivka, Studenok, and Myropillya (Sumy oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 15x settlements, including Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka, and Stepova Novoselivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the adversary did not conduct any offensive (assault) operations. Russian forces launched 1x air strike in the vicinity of settlement of Tverdokhlibove (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke (Luhansk oblast), Makiivka, Terny, Yampolivka, and Zarichne (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian troops repelled 15x attacks in the vicinities of Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Vyimka, Rozdolivka, Klishchiivka, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, and Ivanivske (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 Spirne, Andriivka, and Pivdenne (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Hryhorivka, Kalynivka, and Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 5x attacks in the vicinities of Novokalynove, Umans'ke, and Netailove (Donetsk oblast). With the air support, Russian forces attempted to dislodge Ukrainian troops from their positions. Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Novobakhmutivka, and Berdychi (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Novokalynove, Netailove, and Semenivka (Donetsk oblast). Novopavlivka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Krasnohorivka, Novomykhailivka, and Urozhaine. With the air support, Russian forces made 15x attempts to breach Ukrainian defense in that area. Also, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Kostyantynivka and Vodyane (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 Russian occupiers launched 2x attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinities of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast) and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Also, Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of settlements of Vremivka (Donetsk oblast) and Novodanylivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including 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. On April 11, Russian forces launched 2x attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast). The invaders fired artillery and mortars at more than 15x settlements, including Antonivka and Ponyativka (Kherson oblast). On April 11, Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 12x concentrations of Russian troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 1x anti-aircraft missile system. The Ukrainian Missile Forces hit 2x concentrations of the Russian invaders' troops. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in response to the Kiev regime's attempts to damage the oil, gas and energy facilities of the Russian Federation, the Russian Armed Forces launched a massive strike tonight by air- and sea-based high-precision long range weaponry, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles at the facilities of the Ukrainian fuel and energy plant. The goal of the strike has been achieved. All the targets have been engaged. The strikes disrupted the work of the Ukrainian military industry enterprises, thwarted the transfer of reserves to combat zones, and made it difficult to supply fuel to the AFU troops and military units. In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines, and inflicted losses on units of AFU 103rd territorial defence and 13th national guard brigades close to Kruglyakovka (Kharkov region) and Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 35 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm D-20 howitzer, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line and inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 54th mechanised, 46th airmobile, 79th and 80th air assault brigades near Belogorovka, Ostroye, Konstantinovka, Krasnogorovka, and Verkhnekamenskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses were 520 Ukrainian troops, three armoured personnel carriers, and four motor vehicles. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun, one 152-mm Msta-B gun, one 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, as well as two Nota electronic warfare stations were eliminated. In Avdeyevka direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces have improved the tactical situation, and repelled eight counter-attacks of assault groups of AFU 25th airborne, 71st jaeger, 59th motorised infantry, 24th, 47th, 115th mechanised brigades near Pervomayskoye, Novokalinovo, Novobakhmutovka, Umanskoye and Berdychi (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 275 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, two infantry fighting vehicles, and two pick-up trucks. In the course of the counter-battery warfare, one Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, one 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 122-mm Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems, and one 122-mm D-30 howitzer were eliminated. In South Donetsk direction, the Vostok Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line and inflicted fire damage on units of AFU 58th motorised infantry, 128th territorial defence brigade close to Urozhaynoye and Makarovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU lost up to 105 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, as well as one Nota electronic warfare station. In Kherson direction, units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of AFU 128th mountain assault, 121st territorial defence brigades near Lobkovoye (Zaporozhye region) and Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 35 Ukrainian troops, five motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, and one 152-mm Giatsint-B towed howitzer. Operational-Tactical Aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged three depots of missile, artillery, and aviation ordnance, one S-125 anti-aircraft missile launcher, as well as AFU manpower and hardware in 112 areas. Air defence systems shot down 266 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles, four HIMARS and Uragan MLRS projectiles, as well as three U.S.-made JDAM aerial guided bombs. In total, 583 airplanes and 270 helicopters, 20,355 unmanned aerial vehicles, 500 air defence missile systems, 15,756 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,266 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,818 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 20,887 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 NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) resulting from allegations that Santander may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. SO WHAT: If you purchased Santander securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22671 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On February 5, 2024, the Financial Times published an article entitled Iran used Lloyds and Santander accounts to evade sanctions. This article stated, in part that Santander UK provided accounts to British front companies secretly owned by a sanctioned Iranian petrochemicals company based near Buckingham Palace, according to documents seen by the Financial Times. On this news, Santanders American Depositary Shares (ADSs) fell $0.24 per ADS, or 5.7%, to close at $3.94 per ADS on February 5, 2024. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com BOSTON, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has released a comprehensive research report entitled Cystic Fibrosis - Global Clinical Trial Landscape. The report presents a data-backed review of the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) funding landscape, trial density and patient recruitment data across geographies, standard of care and emerging therapies, recent USFDA approvals, and regulatory trends. Importantly it also includes an in-depth SWOT analysis, to guide biotech firms on strategic decision-making, and research opportunities, and challenges. Globally, 162,430 individuals are estimated to be living with CF. CF is a hereditary autosomal recessive condition caused by CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis transmembrane regulator) gene mutations, disrupting chloride and bicarbonate transport in epithelial cells. This impairs the function of epithelial cells in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs which cause significant health issues. The Cystic Fibrosis - Global Clinical Trial Landscape report found that before the 1980s, half of CF patients didn't survive beyond their 20s, but recent advancements in treatment have significantly increased life expectancy, with a projected 75% rise in the adult CF population by 2025. CF demonstrates varying prevalence rates globally: In North America, the US leads with the highest CF patient population at 31,199 individuals, or an estimated CF prevalence rate of 0.95 per 10,000. Canada's smaller CF patient population of 4,344 has a higher prevalence rate of 1.17 per 10,000, indicating a greater burden per capita than the US. In Europe, the UK has the highest estimated CF prevalence rate, at 1.61 per 10,000 people, and the second-largest CF patient population of 10,509 people, after the US. globally. Other European countries with high CF patient populations include France, Germany, and Italy. Belgium and Switzerland have high estimated prevalence rates of 1.13 and 1.18 per 10,000, respectively. Within the Asia-Pacific region, Australia stands out with a significant CF patient population of 3,151 individuals. It had reported the second-highest prevalence rate (1.27 per 10,000 people), after the UK. New Zealand follows closely with a prevalence rate of 1.04 per 10,000 individuals, despite its smaller CF patient population. In the Rest of World (ROW), Brazil has the highest CF patient population at 6,240 individuals, with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.29 per 10,000. Currently there is no cure for CF, but this report highlights the wide-ranging and emerging treatments to support patients longevity and quality of life, such as nutritional support, airway clearance techniques, and additional drugs targeted at improving the function of the faulty CFTR protein and preventing possible consequences. In certain cases, respiratory support, or surgical interventions may be necessary. Since 2018, the biotech and the biopharma industry initiated over 450 CF clinical trials worldwide with the following breakdown: Europe and North America leading at 37% and 35% respectively Followed by Asia Pacific at 23% While the Rest of World (ROW) contributed a moderate share with 5% The report noted that In Europe, the United Kingdom and Germany led in CF trials, contributing 13% and 12% of trials respectively, highlighting the region's efforts and advancements in this area. In North America, the United States held the majority trial share with 68%, while Canada held 32%. Within Asia-Pacific, Australia held the highest trial share (64%), followed by New Zealand at 21%. Among the ROW countries, Israel led while Iran contributed a moderate share. Further key takeaways from the report include: The US experienced a significant influx of venture capital, with investments totalling $919.1 million. Countries like the Netherlands, Israel, and Italy also contributed to venture funding, albeit to a lesser extent. Like many conditions precision medicine has seen growth in CF treatments including identifying precise gene mutations, drugs aiming to rectify the function of the defective protein due to the mutation, gene therapy substitutions. There are more than 30 CF drugs in preclinical stages, 18 in Phase I trials, and 10 in combined Phase I/II studies. Increased funding, emerging therapies and personalised medicine were noted as some of the key opportunities. Regulatory hurdles, ethical concerns, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria were identified as threats. The Novotech research analyst team provides these expert reports on a monthly basis, completely free of charge. These reports offer current insights into global clinical trial activity, revealing which regions experience the highest trial volumes and the unique factors behind these trends. They tackle the potential and real hurdles faced by biotech firms in specific therapeutic areas in the hopes to positively impact and inform clinical trial decision making, eventually improving rates of success with new treatments. Download the report here About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase. Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006. The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice. For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c32c4252-2880-47fd-ad4b-5fe96b2ecb2f BOSTON, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has released an expert report, Acute Myeloid Leukaemia - Global Clinical Trial Landscape, offering critical data-backed analysis of the latest developments in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) research. The report presents a comprehensive look at the AML funding landscape, trial density, patient recruitment data across geographies, standard of care, emerging therapies, recent USFDA approvals, and regulatory trends. Importantly it also includes an in-depth SWOT analysis to guide strategic decision-making, prioritize research areas, and identify challenges for clinical stage biotechs. AML is a malignant condition affecting blood-forming stem cells, marked by disrupted differentiation and uncontrolled growth of myeloid lineages, and is the second most prevalent leukemia in both adults and children. The Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) - Global Clinical Trial Landscape report notes that since 2019, the global biotech and biopharmaceutical industry initiated over 1,000 clinical trials for AML. The clinical trial data shows: North America leads at 40% Asia-Pacific is second at 33% Europe stands third at 22% ROW contributes a moderate share of 5%. In North America, the United States holds a majority trial share at 86%, while in Europe, Spain, France, Germany, and Italy lead AML trials, showing the region's contribution to advancing research. Within the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia collectively represent the highest trial share (around 65%). Among the ROW countries, Israel takes the lead with 55% of AML trials, the report found. The report includes an examination of the various AML risk factors, including age, gender, chemical exposure, smoking, previous cancer treatments, and genetic predisposition. It also highlights that chemotherapy is typically used in conjunction with targeted drug therapy to treat AML, however it finds that the treatment paradigm is shifting to personalized approaches guided by molecular and genetic profiles and incorporating targeted therapies. The goal is to advance precision medicine for AML by understanding its evolving molecular complexities. The report states, Clinical trial initiatives in precision oncology for AML are revolutionizing treatment approaches, driving transformative advancements, and enhancing patient outcomes. The incidence data shows key disparities across regions, with Asia claiming almost half of worldwide diagnoses at 46.6% (Europe 22.1%, North America 14.7% and ROW 16.6%). As such, measures have been taken amongst medical professionals in Asia to aid in early detection and support the increasing burden in the region. Asia reported over 68,000 AML cases, with Mainland China, India, and Japan contributing approximately 30% to the global incidence in the Asia-Pacific region. Mainland China alone accounted for over 35% of the reported AML cases in Asia. Europe documented over 32,000 AML cases, constituting over 20% of the global incidence. North American countries specifically the United States and Canada, together accounted for around 15% of the global incidence, with over 21,000 AML cases. Additional key data covered in the report includes: The United States leads with venture capital funding ($1786.7m), followed by China ($1218.5m), with a large gap between countries following this. Among the leading companies that received funding for AML were Opna Bio SA, Shorla Oncology, CytosinLab Therapeutics Co. Ltd., and OncoVerity Inc. The emergence of molecular studies has revolutionized the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape of AML. FDA-approved molecular targeted drugs, including FLT3, IDH1, and IDH2 inhibitors, alongside mutation-independent agents like venetoclax and gemtuzumab ozogamicin, highlight the precision focus in AML management. AML drug development data shows 105 drugs in preclinical stages, 113 in Phase I, 104 in Phase II, and 22 in Phase III. Marketed drugs for AML display a diverse array of molecule types. Small molecules constitute the majority (>65%) of these drugs, while Proteins and Antibody-Drug Conjugates make up the remaining portion. Key opportunities identified were: Ongoing research focuses on developing new agents and immunotherapies with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity profiles. Identifying reliable biomarkers can further personalise treatment strategies and predict response to specific agents. Research on early detection methods could improve prognosis and treatment outcomes. FDA drug approvals received for AML over the last two years include ivosidenib particularly for its use in combination with azacitidine to treat newly diagnosed AML with a susceptible IDH1 mutation. Olutasidenib capsules received approval specifically for relapsed or refractory AML cases with a susceptible IDH1 mutation. Approval for quizartinib was received for the treatment of newly diagnosed FLT3 ITD-positive AML in adults. Additionally, the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay also gained approval as a companion diagnostic for quizartinib. The Novotech research analyst team provides these expert reports on a monthly basis, completely free of charge. These reports offer current insights into global clinical trial activity, revealing which regions experience the highest trial volumes and the unique factors behind these trends. They tackle the potential and real hurdles faced by biotech firms in specific therapeutic areas in the hopes to positively impact and inform clinical trial decision making, eventually improving rates of success with new treatments. Download the report here About Novotech Novotech-CRO.com Founded in 1997, Novotech is a global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) focused on partnering with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase. Recognized for its industry-leading contributions, Novotech has received numerous prestigious awards, including the CRO Leadership Award 2023, the Asia Pacific Cell & Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Excellence 2023, the Asia-Pacific Contract Research Organization Company of the Year Award since 2006. The Company offers a comprehensive suite of services including laboratories, Phase I facilities, drug development consulting, regulatory expertise, and has experience with over 5,000 clinical projects, including Phase I to Phase IV clinical trials and bioequivalence studies. With a presence in 34 office locations and a dedicated team of 3,000+ professionals worldwide, Novotech is a trusted end-to-end strategic partner of choice. For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7825e3f7-01ff-4fa8-93c6-3eb8a863e82e SAN DIEGO, April 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP informs investors it is investigating the acquisition of Catalent, Inc. (NYSE: CTLT) by Novo Holdings, a holding and investment company that is responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Under the terms of the agreement, Catalent stockholders will receive $63.50 in cash for each share of Catalent common stock owned. If you own shares of Catalent, Inc. click here. Is the Proposed Acquisition Best for Catalent, Inc. (CTLT) and its Shareholders? On February 2, 2024, the companies announced a merger agreement under which Novo Holdings will acquire Catalent in an all-cash transaction that values Catalent at $16.5 billion. According to the news release, Catalent's board of directors approved the merger agreement for $63.50 per share in cash. The deal is expected to close towards the end of 2024. Robbins LLP is concerned that Catalent's board of directors engaged in an unfair process and agreed to an unfair amount to be paid to shareholders. Next Steps: If you own shares of Catalent, Inc. (CTLT) you have legal options. Contact us to learn more about your legal rights. All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. Contact us to learn more: Aaron Dumas, Jr. (800) 350-6003 adumas@robbinsllp.com Shareholder Information Form About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion in value for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact: Aaron Dumas, Jr. Robbins LLP 5060 Shoreham Place, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92122 adumas@robbinsllp.com (800) 350-6003 www.robbinsllp.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/43a9f4af-ec7b-46ea-a265-4a8306cb08fc TORONTO, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gairdner Foundation is pleased to announce the 2024 Canada Gairdner Award laureates, recognizing some of the worlds most significant biomedical and global health research and discoveries. Canada is a world leader in science and innovation, and it is crucial to recognize the hard work done by its scientific community to make the world around us better. The 2024 Canada Gairdner Awards recipients contributions to science and research are truly exemplary, standing out on the global stage. The work of these laureates will most definitely improve the health of people in Canada and around the world. Congratulations to this years recipients! - The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Congratulations to the recipients of the 2024 Canada Gairdner Awards who are being recognized for scientific discoveries that have transformed biomedical science, medicine, and global health. Id like to give special mention to the Canadian recipients of this years Canada Gairdner Momentum Awards, Dr. Meghan Azad and Dr. Christian Landry. The outstanding work of these researchers will have a profound and lasting impact on the health of people in Canada and around the world. The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health The Gairdner Awardees showcase the worlds best science and innovation to improve human health. This year is no exception. Join us to get to know these exceptional individuals and their passions. - Remi Quirion, Scientifique en chef du Quebec President des CA des Fonds de recherche du Quebec, partenaires de la Fondation Gairdner 2024 Canada Gairdner International Award The five 2024 Canada Gairdner International Award laureates are recognized for seminal discoveries or contributions to biomedical science: Zelig Eshhar, PhD Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel Michel Sadelain, MD, PhD Director, Center for Cell Engineering, Stephen and Barbara Friedman Chair, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA Awarded For seminal contributions to the conception, development and application of CD19-CAR T cell therapy for cancer. The Work: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is a type of cancer immunotherapy. It uses immune cells, called T cells, that are genetically altered in the lab to enable them to locate and destroy cancer cells. Both Eshhars and Sadelains trailblazing research into CAR T cell engineering spans many decades. Their combined efforts defined the pathway for the future of cellular immunotherapy to treat cancer. Eshhar has focused his career around the genetic engineering of T cells. These studies led him to predict that combining the killing machinery of cytotoxic T cells with an antibodys specificity and high affinity to a target, would lead to new T cell-based therapies. He developed the first chimeric antigen receptor system in the 1980s and introduced it into T cells armed with an anti-tumor specificity. Eshhar went on to demonstrate the ability of such CAR T cells to successfully treat cancer in animal models. Sadelain began investigating what would eventually be referred to as CAR T cell therapy in the late 1980s, publishing his first abstract on successful T-cell engineering in 1992. Over the next decade, Sadelain and his team improved upon Eshhars design and by 2002 built the first truly effective CAR T cells, paving the way for their clinical use. Key to this breakthrough was the demonstration that CD19, a molecule on white blood cells, could serve as an effective target for CAR T cells in blood-borne cancers. These second-generation CAR T cells were able to survive, proliferate and kill cancer cells in the lab, which established the feasibility and proof of concept for producing genetically instructed, targeted immune responses. In 2003, Sadelain and his colleagues published a seminal research paper showing that human CD19-directed CAR T cells could eradicate leukemia cells in a mouse model. Soon afterwards, clinical trials led by different groups, including Dr. Sadelains, demonstrated that the tumor burden in refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and adult and pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia could be successfully reduced and eventually become undetectable. The first CAR T cell therapies, targeting CD19, were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for use in children and young adults with refractory acute leukemias and certain refractory lymphomas. The Impact: Currently, CAR T cell products have been approved worldwide for multiple indications, including large B-cell lymphoma, B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. CAR T cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment landscape of relapsed and refractory B-cell malignancies. In contrast to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy or immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, CAR T-cell therapy can induce durable and complete responses after a single treatment course. Such responses stem from the ability of CAR T cells to expand in vivo and persist for several months or years, which leads to continuous therapeutic efficacy and tumor control. Efforts are underway to expand the repertoire of cancers that can be treated by CAR T cells through identifying new target antigens in solid tumors. The success of CAR T cells has also fueled interest in expanding their application beyond cancer. CAR T cells are demonstrating high response rates in autoimmune diseases and are being investigated as potential treatments for additional disorders, including fibrosis, senescence-associated pathologies and infectious diseases. The next set of 2024 Canada Gairdner International Award laureates are: Shankar Balasubramanian, FRS Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge David Klenerman, FRS, FmedSci Professor of Biophysical Chemistry, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Pascal Mayer, PhD CEO and Co-founder of Alphanosos; Honorary Chair at the Institute for Advanced Study of the University of Strasbourg (USIAS) Awarded For the fundamental and applied research that led to a revolutionary and affordable method to sequence DNA on a massive scale, which has dramatically accelerated discoveries in the life sciences and medicine The Work: Balasubramanian, Klenerman and Mayer are recognized for developing the underlying methodologies that led to Solexa-Illumina Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS), a technology that has enhanced our basic understanding of life, converting biosciences into big science by enabling fast, accurate, low-cost and large-scale genome sequencing the process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism. Balasubramanian and Klenermans original work involved methods to observe a single molecule of DNA polymerase incorporating fluorescently labelled DNA monomers onto a growing strand of DNA hybridised to an immobilised template. They had the vision to see how this science could be extended and applied to sequencing a vast array of immobilised DNA molecules in a way that would bring huge benefits of scale, speed and cost. They co-founded the company Solexa, later acquired by Illumina, to make the technology available to the world. Mayer conceived and performed the initial development of 'DNA colony-based massively parallel sequencing by synthesis', initially at Glaxo-Wellcomes and Seronos research institutes in Geneva, and finally at a spin-off company, Manteia Predictive Medicine, where he was Chief Scientific Officer. This cluster technology is a key component of the Solexa-Illumina massively parallel sequencing technology. Manteia and its intellectual property were acquired in 2004 by Solexa. NGS has had and continues to have a transformative impact in the fields of genomics, biology and medicine. It has allowed a million-fold improvement in speed and cost when compared to the first sequencing of the human genome. In 2000, sequencing of one human genome took over 10 years and cost more than a billion dollars; today, the entire genome of multiple humans can be sequenced in a single day at a cost of less than $1,000. More than a million human genomes have been sequenced, and continue to be sequenced at scale each year, as well as genomes of animals, plants, bacteria and viruses, providing unprecedented insights into genome variation across the planet. The Impact: NGS has had an enormous impact on life sciences. Many aspects of the basic research into mechanisms in living systems now routinely involve high-throughput sequencing of DNA or RNA as the primary readout. Clinical research is undergoing a revolution via the application of genome sequencing, and genomic applications more generally, to discover the underlying causes and markers of diseases, along with substantial new knowledge on the genetic causes and signatures of cancers. There is a wave of new clinical diagnostics emerging for cancers, rare genetic diseases and infectious diseases enabled by NGS of patient samples that now includes minimally invasive blood sampling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NGS was essential to the rapid understanding of the viral cause of the disease, and then in identifying and monitoring the spread of new variants. Without this technique, progress towards developing vaccines and other interventions would have been slow. It is difficult to overstate the importance and impact of NGS. It has initiated a revolution in biology, enabling the revelation of unsuspected genetic diversity in humans and their pathogens, with major implications, from cell and microbiome biology to ecology, forensics and personalized medicine. 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award The 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award laureate is recognized for outstanding achievements in global health research: Gagandeep Kang, FRS Adjunct Professor, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Director, Enteric, Diagnostics, Genomics and Epidemiology, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Awarded For extensive cohort-based epidemiological, environmental and clinical trial research on enteric diseases in children and their effects on life course, with significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in India and internationally. The Work: Gagandeep Kang received her training in medicine and microbiology at the Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in southern India. She is Professor of Microbiology at CMC, where her research group has established substantial community-based birth cohort studies addressing childhood enteric infections, growth, and development for over 20 years. Using data and insights from these studies, alongside immunological, mechanistic, epidemiological and implementation research, Prof. Kang has generated extensive information on the complex interactions between the environment and infections in children, and the influence of prior infections on subsequent responses to vaccination. Through extensive, cross disciplinary work drawing on field epidemiology, molecular understanding of infectious agents and infections, clinical trials and policy implementation, she explored the complex relationships between enteric diseases, gut function, and physical and cognitive development in affected children. Prof. Kang conducted the largest single birth cohort study on rotaviral infections in the world, demonstrating that protection after a natural infection is lower in India than in developed countries, which has important implications for the control of diseases by vaccination. As a physician-scientist, Prof. Kang has led key studies that contributed to the development and introduction of two Indian rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization program. These vaccines are now WHO prequalified and their introduction has begun in countries beyond India. She has expanded her research and collaborations to work on other enteric pathogens, particularly cholera and typhoid, with a view to further vaccine introductions; on nutritional and pharmacological interventions aimed at improving oral vaccine efficacy; and on the transmission and impact of, and vaccine effectiveness for COVID-19 in the Indian context. The Impact: Gagandeep Kang has built an internationally recognized and competitive research program centred in India that prioritizes Indian needs while providing valuable and translatable insights to other regions affected by enteric infections. In addition to understanding the mechanism of infection and its effects on individuals, Kangs group has used geographic information systems to connect virus prevalence at the community level to cost of illness studies, resulting in India becoming the only low-income country with comprehensive disease burden estimates for which cost-effectiveness of vaccination for multiple clinical outcomes could be predicted, as well as new vaccine roll-out programs. By 2019, all 26 million children born annually in India were eligible to receive the rotavirus vaccine, which has the potential to reduce infections, associated complications and death of vulnerable children. In addition to excellent scientific research, Prof. Kang is an exemplary leader. Her approach to clinical and public health research uses a community base to identify problems that need to be addressed through laboratory science in India, and as needed, through international collaborations. In addition to her work in Vellore, India, she took on the challenge of leading the Department of Biotechnologys Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) from 2016 to 2020 to establish the translational science systems needed in the Indian medical research ecosystem. The programs initiated at the Institute have been critical to supporting the multiple vaccine development efforts of Indian vaccine manufacturers and have received global recognition. 2024 Canada Gairdner Momentum Award The 2024 Canada Gairdner Momentum Award laureates are mid-career investigators recognized for exceptional scientific research contributions with continued potential for impact on human health. Meghan Azad, PhD Professor, Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba; Research Scientist, Childrens Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba; Director of Science & Knowledge Mobilization, THRiVE Discovery Lab; Co-Director, Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC); Canada Research Chair, Early Nutrition and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Awarded For research on understanding how human breast milk contributes to shaping the infant microbiome and lifelong health. The Work: Dr. Azad is leading innovative research about breastfeeding, human breast milk and the microbiome. While previous studies have often been underpowered, narrowly focused on single milk components, inconsistent in their definition of breastfeeding, and limited by confounding (e.g. the socioeconomic status) issues, Dr. Azads research is addressing these nuances and shortcomings to provide new insights on how infant feeding practices and hundreds of different breast milk components influence health and disease throughout the life cycle. Studying over 3,000 children, Dr. Azads team has shown that longer and more exclusive breastfeeding is associated with healthier body composition and reduced risk of asthma. Further, their studies have provided novel evidence that the method of feeding (i.e. pumping vs. nursing at the breast) matters possibly because bioactive milk compounds degrade in storage. Indeed, her team found that pump extraction affects the human milk microbiome and bacteria sharing between mothers and infants. The Impact: Dr. Azad is a renowned research leader whose groundbreaking work is pushing the boundaries of knowledge generation and translation in the important areas of infant nutrition, lactation, maternal-child health, and the developmental origins of disease. Moreover, she is highly dedicated to enriching the scientific community in Canada through her commitment to recruiting and training new researchers, supporting science literacy among Canadian children and the general public, and engaging Canadian policymakers to foster support for science and evidence-based policy-making. Meghan Azad is Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Early Nutrition and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, and she co-directs the THRiVE Discovery Lab, where her team studies how early life nutrition shapes the infant microbiome and child health. She co-founded the Manitoba Interdisciplinary Lactation Centre (MILC) and leads several interdisciplinary research teams, including the International Milk Composition (IMiC) Consortium (7 countries, 18 investigators, 1200 mother-infant pairs). In addition, she is Deputy Director of the CHILD Cohort Study, an ongoing longitudinal Canadian birth cohort of 3500 families. In 2022, she received the Steacie Prize for early career researchers. Christian Landry, Prof. Professor of biology and biochemistry, Laval University; Canada Research Chair in Cellular Systems and Synthetic Biology Awarded For the development of novel approaches that combine synthetic biology, experimental evolution, and systems biology to address fundamental questions about gene function relevant to health and human disease." The Work: Prof. Landrys research group is integrating cutting-edge approaches in genetics, genomics, systems biology and bioinformatics to answer one of the most long-lasting questions in biology and biomedical research: how mutations change the way cells work and alter their performance. Understanding the principles by which mutations translate into phenotypes is at the core of human genetics and other fields such as evolutionary biology and biotechnology. The overarching goal of Prof. Landrys team is to probe the robustness and function of cellular networks, with the long-term objective of better understanding how individual variation such as mutations cause changes in complex traits and, ultimately, diseases. Over the past six years, it has developed numerous high-throughput tools that allow the investigation of entire protein interaction networks, how these networks can be rewired by mutations, and how their past evolution may influence the outcomes of disease mutations. The Impact: Christian Landry has brought an entirely new perspective to systems biology, in which networks, such as protein-protein interactions, and cellular signaling, are investigated in the context of historical evolutionary forces in order to better understand their fundamental properties. His work is of critical importance to health and human disease since all organisms evolve through the same principles, including pathogens impacting humans. His recent research has ranged from investigations of the evolution of resistance to antifungal drugs, host-pathogen arms races, and evolutionary trade-offs in cellular processes and networks, to systems biology studies of microbial interactions. In the long term, systematic analyses of mutations causing variations in complex phenotypes such as drug resistance will enable the development of drugs that are less likely to lead to resistance, which is key in the context of limited treatment options. Prof. Landry was elected in the inaugural cohort of the College of the Royal Society of Canada; he received the NSERC EWR Steacie Memorial Award for early career researchers in 2017 and the SMBE Mid-career Award for outstanding contributions in 2020. In 2021, he received Laval University's Excellence Prize for teaching and mentoring to graduate students and postdocs. He is also contributing to changing the way science is published and communicated through his work as Senior Editor for eLife and editorial advisor for EMBO Review Commons, two organizations actively involved in remodelling the scientific publication landscape to make it more transparent and equitable. About the Gairdner Foundation Established in 1957, the Gairdner Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling James A. Gairdners vision to recognize major research contributions to the treatment of disease and alleviation of human suffering. Through the prestigious annual Canada Gairdner Awards, the Foundation celebrates the worlds most creative and accomplished researchers whose work is improving the health and wellbeing of people around the world. Since its inception, 418 awards have been bestowed on laureates from over 40 countries, and of those awardees, 98 have gone on to receive Nobel Prizes. The Gairdner Foundation believes in coming together to openly discuss science in order to better engage the public, understand the problems we face, and work together to find solutions. Since its founding, a number of outreach events and programs have been developed with the goal of inspiring the next generation of scientific innovators and fostering an informed society. https://www.gairdner.org/ For further information, please contact: Sommer Wedlock Executive Vice President Gairdner Foundation sommer@gairdner.org Baar, Switzerland, April 11, 2024 Ascom, a global leader in healthcare communication and workflow solutions, has signed a comprehensive framework agreement with Istekki, a significant Finnish healthcare organization. The 5-year agreement has an estimated volume of EUR 6 million and includes the installation of nurse call systems in acute and long-term care institutions. Ascom and Istekki have a long history of collaboration, having worked on various sites and solutions together and now broaden their cooperation. Istekki, one of Finland's leading healthcare ICT companies, collaborates with 19 municipalities and cities in 15 of the country's 23 welfare districts. Istekki's workforce includes around 1400 technological experts and distinguishes itself by its ownership structure: it is owned by its end users, who include healthcare and welfare districts. In the evolving Finnish healthcare sector, Ascom and Istekki's strategic decision to collaborate is based on a shared goal of improving workflow operational efficiency through innovative healthcare communication solutions to address the growing nursing staff shortage, while also using data to improve patient care and monitoring. Istekki is critical to the further development of healthcare solutions and the optimization of patient care. The signed framework is based on Ascoms Telligence's nurse call for acute care and teleCARE IP. It will replace the legacy nurse call system. Attachment Oslo, 11 April 2024 The Board of Directors of Belships ASA has approved the annual accounts for 2023. Today, both the Annual Report 2023 and the ESG Performance Report have been published. We are pleased to present you with our Annual Report for 2023 which represents a year of solid profitability, with a net result of USD 86m and dividends to the shareholders totalling USD 56m. We maintained a high degree of contract coverage which reduced short-term risks and we continued to develop and expand our fleet for the future, says Belships Chairman and CEO in a joint letter to the shareholders. The attached reports, including the European Single Electronic Format (ESEF), have also been made available on the Company's website: www.belships.com For more information, please contact: Lars Christian Skarsgard, Chief Executive Officer LCS@belships.no or +47 977 68 061 Yngve Aslaksen Gram, Chief Financial Officer yngve.gram@belships.no or +47 454 03 113 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act Attachments Paris, France, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paris witnessed a groundbreaking convergence of trading innovation as the IVTday by Ouinex Conference got underway on March 5 - just days before the start of Paris Blockchain Week. With over 500 attendees, the conference is a significant milestone in the realm of trading innovation in France, with traders and stakeholders gathered from around the globe. Interactiv Trading by Ouinex Conference Hosted at the esteemed Salons Hoche, the full-day conference showcased the collective anticipation and enthusiasm surrounding Ouinex, a secure crypto and derivatives trading platform backed by Interactiv Trading and its community. Attendees, predominantly high net-worth active traders, demonstrated overwhelming support for Ouinex, with nearly all holding $OUIX investments from the startup's presale rounds, which recently raised over 4 million in funding. Over 500 active traders attended the conference Renowned traders, Rodolphe Steffan and Xavier Fenaux, headlined the event, infusing it with their expertise and vision for the future of trading. "The Interactiv Trading community has never been stronger, and the success of today's event proves this," said Xavier Fenaux, underscoring the depth of support from the trading community. Central to the conference was the unveiling of Ouinex's highly anticipated Trading Station, the culmination of months of innovation and development. "The Ouinex Trading Station promises an unparalleled trading experience, blending transparency, liquidity, and sophistication to meet the diverse needs of traders," stated Ilies Larbi, CEO and Founder of Ouinex. Ilies Larbi, CEO and Founder of Ouinex Moreover, Ouinex's dedication to liquidity distinguishes it as a premier trading platform. Through strategic partnerships, Ouinex ensures optimal market liquidity, facilitating seamless trade execution and minimizing slippage. With Interactiv Trading boasting one of the largest French-speaking communities of sophisticated and active traders, this conference served as a testament to the collective vision and dedication driving the future of trading in all its forms, summarized Rodolphe Steffan at the end of the event. Rodolphe Steffan - presenting The IVTday by Ouinex Conference set to define the future of interactive trading, ushering in an era of transparency, liquidity, and sophistication. With Ouinex leading the charge and the steadfast support of Interactiv Trading, the journey toward a more dynamic trading ecosystem has only just begun. Conference attendees About Ouinex Ouinex is a secure crypto and derivatives trading platform, focused on low latency and ultra competitive trading fees. Ouinex brings the best of TradFi electronic trading infrastructure to Web3 including innovative universal cross margining capabilities, enabling users to trade TradeFi instruments by using their crypto holdings as margin. Learn more at https://ouinex.com/. About Interactiv Trading Interactiv Trading is an online trading institution that helps individuals with their investments by providing unparalleled trading resources, through education content, 24/7 live trading, market research, trading strategies and more. The founders are renowned public figures in the trading space and count a community of over 200,000 active traders. For more information, please visit https://interactivtrading.com/. Media contact Robert Penington robert@thronepr.com National Grid Partners and Japan Airlines Innovation Fund/Translink Capital join Captura as new investors in this latest raise LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Captura announced it had further expanded its Series A funding round leading to a total of US$45.3M. This expanded round underscores Capturas momentum in scaling up and commercializing its Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology, a high-potential climate solution that harnesses the ocean's natural role in carbon absorption. Captura welcomes National Grid Partners and Japan Airlines Innovation Fund/Translink Capital as new investors in the round, alongside a number of the companys existing investors. This diverse and global team of investors are backing Capturas unique DOC technology that has significant potential as a low-cost and highly scalable carbon removal solution. This latest increase in funding follows two recent, previously announced raises in January 2024 and January 2023 highlighting the rapid progress of Capturas commercialization strategy. With two fully operational pilot plants in California and an upcoming pilot plant to be installed in Norway in late 2024 in partnership with Equinor, its first commercial deployments are expected to remove tens of thousands of tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) annually. Capturas DOC technology offers an approach to carbon removal that extracts CO 2 directly from the ocean, thereby enhancing the ocean's natural ability to absorb atmospheric CO 2 . The captured CO 2 can then either be safely and securely stored to deliver carbon removal, or it can be used to produce sustainable products, such as low carbon intensity fuel. These fuels can be useful for the decarbonization of hard-to-abate transportation sectors such as aviation and shipping, where electrification is challenging. Capturas process takes advantage of the ocean's higher volumetric CO 2 concentration compared to the air, offering an efficient method to tackle excess atmospheric CO 2 Capturas process uses no added absorbents, creates no by-products, and adds nothing new to the ocean it simply removes excess CO 2 that the atmosphere then replaces. QUOTES: Kristian Bodek, Director of Corporate Venture Capital of National Grid Partners said: Investing in Capturas Direct Ocean Capture technology aligns with National Grids strengths and aspirations in sea-based electric network development, along with our plan to achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. We are excited to be part of this journey and to support Captura in scaling its impactful solution. Takao Suzuki, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President of Innovation at Japan Airlines said: We have identified significant potential in Captura's advanced Direct Ocean Capture (DOC) technology because their solution paves a new way for efficiently capturing CO 2 while concurrently exploring alternative uses including e-fuels. We are pleased to work with Captura as they aim to contribute to society by tackling CO 2 capturing and repurposing the earth's environment through this innovative technology. Steve Oldham, CEO of Captura said: "We are thrilled to welcome investments from National Grid Partners and Japan Airlines Innovation Fund/Translink Capital, as they join us and our leading team of investors. This infusion of capital not only further highlights the potential of our Direct Ocean Capture technology but also accelerates our march toward a market-ready solution. With these strategic investments, we bolster our mission to create sustainable change at a climate-relevant scale. About National Grid Partners National Grid Partners (NGP) is the venture investment and innovation arm of National Grid plc, one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. NGP invests for strategic and financial impact and leads companywide disruptive innovation efforts. The organization provides a multi-functional approach to building startups, including innovation (new business creation), pathfinding and incubation, corporate venture capital, business development and venture acceleration. We also convene the NextGrid Alliance (www.ngalliance.energy), a network of senior executives from more than 100 worldwide utility companies. NGP is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has offices in Boston, London, and New York. Visit ngpartners.com or follow us at www.twitter.com/@ngpartners and www.linkedin.com/showcase/national-grid-partners. About Japan Airlines Innovation Fund and Translink Capital Japan Airlines Innovation Fund is a strategic fund that has a structure of Translink Capital as a GP and Japan Airlines as an LP to push the innovation frontier of airlines business. Japan Airlines (JAL), Japans first private aviation company, was established in 1951 and is a member of the oneworld Alliance. The airline operates a fleet of 227 aircraft (as of March, 2024) and began renewing its international long-haul aircraft with the Airbus A350-1000 starting 2023 Winter Schedule. Together with other JAL Group and partner airlines, JAL offers an extensive domestic and international network that serves 376 airports across 64 countries/regions. The airline is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of flight safety and overall service quality, striving to be the most preferred airline by customers worldwide. The JAL Group recognizes that action to address climate change is a particularly important issue for the sustainability of society, and in June 2020, the group announced its commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. For details and to learn more, visit JAL's official website at https://www.jal.com/en/. Translink Capital invests mainly in early-stage startups across the globe that enable disruptive technologies and business models. Those startups can go through accelerated growth by benefiting from the firm's long-standing relationships with leading global technology, Internet, electronics, telecommunications, financial services and mobility corporations based in Asia. About Captura Captura is a Direct Ocean Capture company headquartered in Pasadena, California. Captura combines innovative technology with the natural carbon removal powers of the ocean to remove CO2 from the atmosphere at large scale and low-cost, providing a critical capability in the fight against climate change. Captura was founded at Caltech and its solution has been validated and supported by the Musk Foundations Carbon Removal XPRIZE, the Department of Energys ARPA-E, and Frontier Climate. For more information, visit www.capturacorp.com. Media Contact: Tahra Jirari Captura Corporation Tahra.jirari@capturacorp.com Former Minister Chris Skidmore OBE DOUGLAS, Isle of Man, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Conservative party is playing at culture wars, on climate whilst rolling back critical policy commitments which he himself signed into law, former Minister Chris Skidmore declared today. If you look at the decision on the row back on net zero, that's incredibly short-term thinking, Skidmore declared, when asked about Rishi Sunaks knee-jerk approach to green issues in an episode of the leading sustainability podcast Conversations on Climate released today. Its just bad economicsand blatantly going against the policies that are needed and have been set out by the UN, the Paris Agreement, and the IEA. Not my party any more In a remarkably frank and wide-ranging interview, the former Conversative MP for Kingswood and Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth spoke at length about his disillusionment with a government in which he held a number of top positions. The current iteration of the Conservative Party is not the Conservative Party I became a Member of Parliament with, he told host Chris Caldwell, CEO of clean energy firm United Renewables. You can see a number of the difficulties it is facing because some of the MPs I simply wouldnt recognise, back in 2010, as being Conservatives. They would have been in UKIP. Resignation clears the way to back Labour on climate policy When asked about his resignation in January, Skidmore insisted that there had been a number of signals where I voiced my disgust at the rollback on our climate commitments, prior to the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill. I said this was going to be the biggest mistake of Rishi Sunak's premiership. Skidmore who has quit politics for a Professorship at the University of Bath was then asked by Caldwell about Labors future green election pledges, including the U-turn on 28 billion in clean investment spending. Whilst he suggested Starmer should never have set out a figure, the former Conservative announced that I still think the Labor position of having a mission-based approach to the green transformation is the right one... if we could come back to having that moratorium on new oil and gas licenses it would be really important for the future, and that's why I support the Labour position on this. Conversations on Climate is a United Renewables production hosting the most important voices in environmental debate today. This episode, featuring Chris Skidmore OBE, is available now for viewing in two parts. Both episodes can be found here. To discover more about the podcast and tune in to the latest episodes, visit the United Renewables website. About United Renewables: United Renewables is at the forefront of the renewable energy sector, dedicated to providing diverse green energy solutions, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. The company is committed to fostering sustainable futures, reducing global carbon footprints, and empowering businesses and communities through innovation and environmental stewardship. About the Conversations on Climate Podcast: United Renewables' Conversations on Climate podcast, now in its third season, offers enlightening insights on climate change. The podcast combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience, covering topics from leadership to green innovations. Season 3, developed in collaboration with the London Business School Alumni Energy Club, provides a roadmap for professionals navigating the climate conundrum. For the latest episodes and updates, subscribe to the Conversations on Climate Channel on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify. For all related articles. Conversations on Climate brings world-leading thinkers from business and academia together to share their expertise on the subject of climate change. Guests include Sir Andrew Likierman, Julio Dal Poz, Professor Jean-Pierre Beno it , and Professor Ioannou. Tara Schmidt Professor Dan Cable Professor Zoe Chance Professor Lynda Gratton Tom Gosling Eduardo Famini Silva Dr. Linda Yueh Yariv Cohen Francois Ortalo-Magn e Professor Randall Peterson Matt Winning Abel Martins Alexandre Dr. Marcel Olbert Professor Rupert Merson Costas Markides Professor Brian Caulfield CT Greenbank Contact Information: Isabella Hawke Sales and Marketing Consultant United Renewables Phone: +447624457139 Email: IIhawke@unitedrenewables.co.uk Web: unitedrenewables.co.uk A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3629ed9-5b4a-4d86-97f6-a20539efa3a4 Dublin, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "United Kingdom Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The United Kingdom Data Center Market was valued at USD 8.80 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 10.12 billion by 2029, showcasing a CAGR of 2.36%. The UK data center market is thriving due to the widespread adoption of digital platforms, expanding 5G connectivity, rising internet users, increasing data traffic, government initiatives, and integrating advanced technologies like IoT, big data, and AI. These factors collectively contribute to the heightened demand for data centers. The UK benefits from a robust network of internet exchange points, including LINX London, LINX Manchester, and others, which facilitate inland connectivity and support seamless data exchange within the country. The UK boasts 56 submarine cables connecting it to key regions globally, facilitating robust connectivity and supporting initiatives like 5G rollout and cloud service expansion. Upcoming cables like 2Africa, Amitie, and BT North Sea strengthen the UK's global connectivity. The UK government is actively promoting digital infrastructure through projects like the Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, aimed at increasing wireless connectivity by 2030, and the Digital Strategy, outlining comprehensive digital policy across critical domains. In November 2023, the UK government partnered with IBM to grant access to advanced quantum computers via the cloud. CGG established a 100 petaflops HPC Hub powered by renewable energy, highlighting investments in AI and high-performance computing infrastructure. By 2040, it's projected that one million UK businesses will integrate AI-driven technologies, reflecting AI's continued growth trajectory and importance in shaping the digital landscape. KEY REPORT FEATURES Market size is available in the investment, area, power capacity, and UK colocation market revenue. An assessment of the data center investment in the UK by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across locations in the country. A detailed study of the existing UK data center market landscape, an in-depth market analysis, and insightful predictions about market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in the UK Data Center Colocation Market in the UK The UK data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Atos Broadcom Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Fujitsu Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies IBM Juniper Networks Lenovo NetApp Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors 2bm AECOM Arup ARC: MC Atkins BladeRoom Data Centres Bouygues Construction Deerns Future-tech HDR Architecture INFINITI ISG JCA Engineering Kirby Engineering Group KMG Partnership Mace Mercury Engineering MiCiM studioNWA Oakmont Construction Sweet Projects RED SPIE UK Skanska STO Building Group Sudlows TTSP Waldeck Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Airedale International Air Conditioning Caterpillar Cummins Delta Electronics Eaton Kohler SDMO Legrand Mitsubishi Electric Piller Power Systems Rolls Royce Riello Elettronica (Riello UPS) Rittal Schneider Electric Socomec Siemens STULZ Vertiv Data Center Investors Amazon Web Services (AWS) Ark Data Centres China Mobile International (CMI) Colt Data Centre Services Custodian Data Centres CyrusOne Cyxtera Technologies Corscale Data Centers Digital Realty Data Datacentres Equinix Echelon Data Centres Global Switch Iron Mountain Ionos Infinity SDC Keppel Data Centres Kao Data NTT Global Data Centers Lumen Technologies Microsoft Proximity Data Centres Serverfarm Sungard Availability Services Telehouse Vantage Data Centers Virtus Data Centres (ST Telemedia Global Data Centres) Yondr New Entrants CloudHQ Digital Reef EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure Google Global Technical Realty Stratus DC Management EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Greater London Berkshire Greater Manchester Other Counties List of Upcoming Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 152 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $8.8 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $10.12 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.3% Regions Covered United Kingdom REPORT COVERAGE This report analyses the UK data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. The segmentation includes: IT Infrastructure Servers Storage Systems Network Infrastructure Electrical Infrastructure UPS Systems Generators Transfer Switches & Switchgears PDUs Other Electrical Infrastructure Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems Racks Other Mechanical Infrastructure Cooling Systems CRAC & CRAH Units Chiller Units Cooling Towers, Condensers & Dry Coolers Economizers & Evaporative Coolers Other Cooling Units General Construction Core & Shell Development Installation & Commissioning Services Engineering & Building Design Fire Detection & Suppression Systems Physical Security Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Tier Standard Tier I & Tier II Tier III Tier IV Geography Greater London Other Counties KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED How much is the UK data center market investment expected to grow? How many data centers have been identified in the UK? What is the growth rate of the UK data center market? What are the driving factors for the UK data center market? Who are the new entrants in the UK data center market? Key Topics Covered: 1. Existing & Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers in the UK 1.1. Historical Market Scenario 1.2. 200+ Unique Data Center Properties 1.3. Data Center IT Load Capacity 1.4. Data Center White Floor Area 1.5. Existing vs. Upcoming Data Center Capacity by Counties 1.6. Counties Covered 1.6.1. Greater Location 1.6.2. Berkshire 1.6.3. Greater Manchester 1.6.4. Other Counties 1.7. List of Upcoming Data Center Projects in the UK 2. Investment Opportunities in the UK 2.1. Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Factors of the UK Market 2.2. Investment Opportunities in the UK 2.3. Investment by Area 2.4. Investment by Power Capacity 3. Data Center Colocation Market in the UK 3.1. Data Center Demand Factors in the UK 3.2. Colocation Services Market in the UK 3.3. Retail vs Wholesale Data Center Colocation 3.4. Retail & Wholesale Colocation Pricing 4. Market Dynamics 4.1. Market Drivers 4.2. Market Trends 4.3. Market Restraints 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.2. Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.3. Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.4. Breakup of Construction Cost 5.5. General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast 6. Tier Standard Investment 6.1. Tier I & II 6.2. Tier III 6.3. Tier IV 7. Geography 7.1. Greater London 7.2. Other Counties 8. Key Market Participants 8.1. IT Infrastructure Providers 8.2. Construction Contractors 8.3. Support Infrastructure Providers 8.4. Data Center Investors 8.5. New Entrants For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d1tfb9 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "UAE Elevator and Escalator Market - Size & Growth Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The UAE Elevator and Escalator Market size consisted of 9,598 units in 2023, and is projected to reach 12,794 units by 2029, showcasing a CAGR of 4.91%. The UAE elevator market by the installed base is expected to reach 94,397 thousand units by 2029. The increasing investment in UAE real estate, which results in the need for passengers to commute between levels, will likely elevate the demand for passenger elevators. Some new megaproject developments in Dubai are the Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai Urban Tech District, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, and many more. The tourism industry in the United Arab Emirates is booming, mainly due to an influx of business, sports, leisure, and religious visitors. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most popular destinations for international visitors in the United Arab Emirates. With 10.1 million visitors in the first eight months of 2022, Dubai was 4th among the world's most famous cities. With 5.26 million visitors, Abu Dhabi was ranked 94th. As the government presses on with different programs, such as the Dubai 2040 urban development plan, the Energy Strategy 2050, the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and the Dubai Tourism Strategy, infrastructure will play a critical role in the UAE's expansion goals and contribute to the UAE elevator and escalator market progress. Expanding residential construction to hike elevators and escalators demand. Five supertall skyscraper developments are underway in the region, which is expected to support the UAE elevator and escalator market - construction of Ciel Tower (366 m), Primo Tower 1 (356 m), Uptown Tower (339 m), One Za'abeel Residential Tower (330 m), and Al Wasl Tower (302 m) . As a result, demand for traction elevators is likely to rise as more skyscrapers are constructed. UAE under-construction private villa or low-rise projects (such as Emaar Majestic Vistas, Emaar Surf, etc.) increased from 5,165 in 2020 to 5,642 in 2021, increasing the demand for 2-15-person elevators in the UAE elevator and escalator market. Ongoing demand for building construction in infrastructure and commercial sector to boost demand for installation of elevators and escalators. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) registered 2,845 commercial property transactions totaling Dh33.9 billion (USD 9.2 billion) in the third quarter of 2021. Compared to the previous quarter, transaction volumes were up 1%, and year-over-year, they were 34% higher. With government-backed companies (Abu Dhabi Investment Council, Aabar Investments, etc.) projected to remain the primary source of demand for Grade A office space, an improvement in the macroeconomic situation could contribute to an increase in the entire commercial elevator industry in the future years. One of the under-construction commercial projects in Abu Dhabi is Masdar City, with a projected value of USD 22,000 million and should be completed by 2025. The government's efforts to expand infrastructure across the nation to increase demand for new installations. To help expand this industry even more, the Gulf aims to introduce a uniform visa procedure for international travelers, making travel formalities easier. In addition to operating flights on new routes in Asia, Europe, and Africa, regional airlines such as Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates Airlines are extending their codeshare arrangements with various airlines. As a result of these advancements, passengers will have access to more diverse travel options. The combination of these efforts will increase international tourist arrivals in the country. UAE approves development projects worth nearly USD 54 million. The approved development initiatives include implementing a USD 49 million project linking Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital with the Federal Road Network. Zenatix has expanded its operations to the Middle East and the UAE region to offer organizations asset management solutions and robust cloud-based energy. Zenatix arrives in the topography at the perfect time with strategic initiatives declared by the Dubai government and corporates around climate preservation and sustainability and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Elevators are reaching their average life expectancy, mainly in high-rise apartment buildings, to boost the demand for maintenance in the UAE elevator and escalator market. Otis has introduced its enhanced 'Signature Service' offering in the UAE elevator and escalator market. Signature Service includes new digital technologies with the company's legacy of special care for its customers' people-moving equipment. A digital economy approach drives the long-term growth potential of the modernization industry in UAE by integrating emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security and supporting SME digitization. The maintenance and modernization in the UAE elevator and escalator market accounted for 67% and 33%, respectively, in 2022. VENDOR LANDSCAPE Key Vendors KONE Mitsubishi Electric TK Elevator Hitachi Hyundai Elevator Otis Fujitec Schindler KOHLER Elevator GmbH Other Prominent Vendors Sigma Elevator Orona KLEEMANN Toshiba Elevator And Building Systems Corporation ALFA Elevator Co. LLC KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED How big is the UAE elevator and escalator market? What will the growth rate be in the UAE elevator and escalator market? Who are the key companies in the UAE elevator and escalator market? What factors drive the maintenance and modernization segment in the UAE elevator and escalator market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 142 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value in 2023 9598 Units Forecasted Market Value by 2029 12794 Units Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered United Arab Emirates SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS Elevator Market Segmentation by Machine Type Hydraulic and Pneumatic Machine Room Traction Machine Room Less Traction Others Climbing Elevators Industrial Elevators Carriage Type Passenger Freight Capacity 2-15 Persons 16-24 Persons 25-33 Persons 34 Persons and Above End-User Commercial Residential Industrial Others Public Transit Institutional Infrastructural Escalator Market Segmentation by Product Type Parallel Multi Parallel Walkway Crisscross End-User Public Transit Commercial Others Institutional Sector Infrastructure Industrial For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/htukzu About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Norway Data Center Market - Investment Analysis & Growth Opportunities 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Norway Data Center Market was valued at USD 1.04 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach USD 1.87 billion by 2029, showcasing a CAGR of 10.27%. The Norway data center market is experiencing robust growth driven by key factors. Government initiatives, tax incentives, and a supportive regulatory framework, including the "Norwegian Data Centres - Sustainable, Digital Power Centres" strategy, contribute to a favorable business environment. The government is considering regulating data centers under electronic communication rules to ensure digital security and protect national interests. It promotes using Norway's renewable energy advantage for sustainable growth in the industry. Norwegian industrial parks, including Mo Industrial Park, Mongstad, and Heroya Industrial Park, are pivotal in fostering innovation and promoting the circular economy as focal points for new-age technologies and sustainable initiatives. The key clients in the Norwegian data center landscape include cloud service providers and enterprises focusing on High-Performance Computing (HPC) applications. Norway's emphasis on utilizing waste heat for efficiency and environmental responsibility aligns with global trends in sustainability, attracting environmentally conscious investors and businesses. As of early 2023, Norway had 5.4 million internet users and 4.62 million active social media users. This robust digital adoption contributes to increased data traffic, further fueling the country's data center market growth. KEY REPORT FEATURES Market size in terms of investment, area, power capacity, and Norway's colocation market revenue is available. An assessment of the data center investment in Norway by colocation and enterprise operators. Investments in the area (square feet) and power capacity (MW) across cities in the country. A detailed study of the existing Norway data center market landscape, an in-depth market analysis, and insightful predictions about data center market size during the forecast period. Snapshot of existing and upcoming third-party data center facilities in Norway Facilities Covered (Existing): 31 Facilities Identified (Upcoming): 12 Coverage: 12+ Locations Existing vs. Upcoming (Area) Existing vs. Upcoming (IT Load Capacity) Data Center Colocation Market in Norway Market Revenue & Forecast (2023-2029) Retail & Wholesale Colocation Pricing The Norway data center market investments are classified into IT, power, cooling, and general construction services with sizing and forecast. A comprehensive analysis of the latest trends, growth rate, potential opportunities, growth restraints, and prospects for the industry. Business overview and product offerings of prominent IT infrastructure providers, construction contractors, support infrastructure providers, and investors operating in the industry. A transparent research methodology and the analysis of the demand and supply aspects of the industry. VENDOR LANDSCAPE IT Infrastructure Providers Arista Networks Cisco Systems Dell Technologies Hewlett Packard Enterprise Huawei Technologies Hitachi Vantara IBM Juniper Networks Lenovo NetApp NetNordic Oracle Pure Storage Super Micro Computer Data Center Construction Contractors & Sub-Contractors Coromatic COWI CTS Nordics Designer Group KeySource Olaris AS Red Engineering YIT Support Infrastructure Providers ABB Alfa Laval Austin Hughes Carrier Caterpillar Comsys Cummins DEIF Eaton Flakt Group HITEC Power Protection Kohler SDMO Legrand Perkins Engines Piller Power Systems Rittal Rolls Royce Schneider Electric Socomec STULZ Trane Vertiv Data Center Investors Bulk Infrastructure Green Mountain Green Edge Compute Lefdal Mine Datacenter Orange Business Services STACK Infrastructure STORESPEED AQ Compute EXISTING VS. UPCOMING DATA CENTERS Existing Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) Oslo Other Cities List of Upcoming Facilities in the Region (Area and Power Capacity) This report analyses the Norway data center market share. It elaboratively analyses the existing and upcoming facilities and investments in IT, electrical, mechanical infrastructure, general construction, and tier standards. It discusses market sizing and investment estimation for different segments. KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED What is the growth rate of the Norway data center market? How much is the Norway data center market investment expected to grow? How many data centers have been identified in Norway? Who are the key investors in the Norway data center market? What are the driving factors for the Norway data center market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 111 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $1.04 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $1.87 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.2% Regions Covered Norway Key Topics Covered: 1. Existing & Upcoming Third-Party Data Centers in Norway 1.1. Historical Market Scenario 1.2. 30+ Unique Data Center Properties 1.3. Data Center IT Load Capacity 1.4. Data Center White Floor Area 1.5. Existing vs. Upcoming Data Center Capacity by Cities 1.6. Cities Covered 1.6.1. Oslo 1.6.2. Other Cities 1.7. List of Upcoming Data Center Projects 2. Investment Opportunities in Norway 2.1. Microeconomic and Macroeconomic Factors for Norway 2.2. Investment Opportunities in Norway 2.3. Investment by Area 2.4. Investment by Power Capacity 3. Data Center Colocation Market in Norway 3.1. Data Center Demand Across Industries in Norway 3.2. Colocation Services Market in Norway 3.3. Retail vs Wholesale Data Center Colocation 3.4. Colocation Pricing (Quarter Rack, Half Rack, Full Rack) & ADD-Ons 4. Market Dynamics 4.1. Market Drivers 4.2. Market Trends 4.3. Market Restraints 5. Market Segmentation 5.1. IT Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.2. Electrical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.3. Mechanical Infrastructure: Market Size & Forecast 5.4. Break-Up of Construction Cost 5.5. General Construction Services: Market Size & Forecast 6. Tier Standard Investment 6.1. Tier I & II 6.2. Tier III 6.3. Tier IV 7. Key Market Participants 7.1. IT Infrastructure Providers 7.2. Construction Contractors 7.3. Support Infrastructure Providers 7.4. Data Center Investors For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/9ybji3 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Canadian launch supported by national marketing campaign, following a successful launch in the US last January. Peach Mango Punch offers an amazing flavor explosion, with GURUs unique blend of theanine and natural ingredients proven to increase focus and brain performance. The campaign will also feature GURU's refreshed can design with its dazzling new look. MONTREAL, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) (GURU or the Company), Canadas leading organic energy drink brand1, today announced the launch of its new Peach Mango Punch to retailers in Canada, along with its national marketing campaign. Carl Goyette, President and CEO of GURU stated: After the resounding success of our previous innovations, we're excited to introduce our amazing Peach Mango Punch to the Canadian market. We are targeting major urban centres with a fun and energizing marketing campaign to drive brand awareness and sales. With our expanded product line and availability through retailers and online platforms, our great-tasting organic energy drinks are more accessible than ever, with more Good Energy options for every taste. The launch of Peach Mango Punch to Canadian retailers will be supported by GURU's 360o national marketing campaign, which will include in-store promotions and activations, combined with high-impact in-store displays, digital, social media and influencer engagement, university campus activities, and special events in urban centres. The campaign will also feature GURU's new Peach Mango Punch can design with its dazzling new look. Peach Mango Punch GURUs new Peach Mango Punch is made from our unique blend of natural ingredients that help increase FOCUS AND BRAIN PERFORMANCE*. PEACH MANGO PUNCH FLAVOR EXPLOSION: Savor the great taste of Peach Mango with a fuzzy, fresh, and juicy peach flavor, the velvetiness of sweet mango and a refreshing touch of nectarine in every sip. GURU Peach Mango Punch natural energy drink has only 50 calories per can and packed with flavor. Its high in energy to keep you energized! LONG LASTING, CLEAN and PLANT BASED: GURU is dedicated to bringing you good energy in every way possible, from our use of real ingredients, to how we source and produce our great-tasting energy drinks. Packed with 140 mg of natural caffeine, each can will provide you with CLEAN ENERGY THAT LASTS, while being certified organic and naturally sweetened with zero sucralose and zero aspartame. GURU is the next generation of energy drinks for those who crave exceptional taste and unique functionalities, said Luc Martin-Privat, PharmD, GURUs Brewmaster and Vice President of R&D and Innovation. Our latest innovation, Peach Mango Punch, hits the mark by combining the perfect balance of theanine and caffeine, clinically studied to enhance natural brain performance, while tantalizing your taste buds with a refreshing punch. Innovation remains an important part of our growth strategy as we aim to clean up the energy drink industry by using natural ingredients that provide Good Energy + Functionality with no artificial sweeteners. About GURU Products GURU energy drinks are made from a short list of plant-based active ingredients, including natural caffeine, with zero sucralose and zero aspartame. These carefully sourced ingredients are crafted into unique blends that push your body to go further and your mind to be sharper. About GURU Organic Energy GURU Organic Energy Corp. (TSX: GURU) is a dynamic, fast-growing beverage company that launched the worlds first natural, plant-based energy drink in 1999. The Company markets organic energy drinks in Canada and the United States through an estimated distribution network of about 25,000 points of sale, and through www.guruenergy.com and Amazon. GURU has built an inspiring brand with a clean list of organic ingredients, including natural caffeine, with zero sucralose and zero aspartame, which offer consumers Good Energy that never comes at the expense of their health. The Company is committed to achieving its mission of cleaning the energy drink industry in Canada and the United States. For more information, go to www.guruenergy.com or follow us @guruenergydrink on Instagram, @guruenergy on Facebook and @guruenergydrink on TikTok. 1 Nielsen: 52-week period ended January 27, 2024, All Channels, Canada vs. the same period a year ago. * The combination of caffeine and theanine has shown to improve cognitive performance. For further information, please contact: GURU Organic Energy Investors Carl Goyette, President and CEO Ingy Sarraf, Chief Financial Officer 514-845-4878 investors@guruenergy.com Media Lyla Radmanovich PELICAN PR 514-845-8763 media@rppelican.ca Francois Kalos francois.kalos@guruenergy.com Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to the Companys objectives and the strategies to achieve these objectives, as well as information with respect to managements beliefs, plans, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions. This forward-looking information is identified by the use of terms and phrases such as may, would, should, could, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, plan, believe or continue, the negative of these terms and similar terminology, including references to assumptions, although not all forward-looking information contains these terms and phrases. Forward-looking information is provided for the purposes of assisting the reader in understanding the Company and its business, operations, prospects and risks at a point in time in the context of historical and possible future developments and therefore the reader is cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond managements control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following risk factors, which are discussed in greater detail under the RISK FACTORS section of the annual information form for the year ended October 31, 2023: management of growth; reliance on key personnel; reliance on key customers; changes in consumer preferences; significant changes in government regulation; criticism of energy drink products and/or the energy drink market; economic downturn and continued uncertainty in the financial markets and other adverse changes in general economic or political conditions, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and geopolitical developments, global inflationary pressure or other major macroeconomic phenomena; global or regional catastrophic events; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; inflation; revenues derived entirely from energy drinks; increased competition; relationships with co-packers and distributors and/or their ability to manufacture and/or distribute GURUs products; seasonality; relationships with existing customers; changing retail landscape; increases in costs and/or shortages of raw materials and/or ingredients and/or fuel and/or costs of co-packing; failure to accurately estimate demand for its products; history of negative cash flow and no assurance of continued profitability or positive EBITDA; repurchase of common shares; intellectual property rights; maintenance of brand image or product quality; retention of the full-time services of senior management; climate change; litigation; information technology systems; fluctuation of quarterly operating results; risks associated with the PepsiCo distribution agreement; accounting treatment of the PepsiCo Warrants; conflicts of interest; consolidation of retailers, wholesalers and distributors and key players dominant position; compliance with data privacy and personal data protection laws; management of new product launches; review of regulations on advertising claims, as well as those other risks factors identified in other public materials, including those filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time and which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management or that management currently deems to be immaterial could also cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Although the forward-looking information contained herein is based upon what management believes are reasonable assumptions as at the date they were made, investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on these statements since actual results may vary from the forward-looking information. Certain assumptions were made in preparing the forward-looking information concerning availability of capital resources, business performance, market conditions, and customer demand. Consequently, all of the forward-looking information contained herein is qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements, and there can be no guarantee that the results or developments that management anticipates will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences or effects on the business, financial condition, or results of operation. Unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise indicates, the forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date hereof, and management does not undertake to update or amend such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/30b96a8c-f7f0-4268-8546-9aabac64dfaa https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a31c3a05-604c-4c47-ad43-778a61418c95 NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CGS, a global provider of software and business applications, enterprise learning, immersive technologies, and outsourcing services, is pleased to announce its attainment of Meta Premier Partner status. This esteemed accreditation underscores the success of its award-winning CGS Immersive division and its dedication to delivering state-of-the-art Extended Reality (XR) training solutions, catering to the needs of business leaders and learning executives worldwide. Doug Stephen, President of CGS Immersive and CGS Enterprise Learning divisions, commented on the significance of this achievement, "Securing Meta Premier Partner status marks a pivotal moment for CGS Immersive. This partnership not only validates our commitment to innovation but also enhances our ability to scale globally and provide incredible, innovative training solutions with measurable impact. By leveraging Meta's cutting-edge technology and combining it with our patented TeamworkAR platform and decades of expertise in training and development, we are poised to deliver unparalleled immersive learning experiences to organizations worldwide." What the Meta Premier Partner Program means to CGS Customers The official premier partnership between CGS and Meta extends the companys reach and expertise to serve customers through a variety of factors including: End-to-End XR Learning Solutions : Seamlessly design, develop, and deploy immersive learning experiences leveraging Meta's top-tier hardware and device management platform. : Seamlessly design, develop, and deploy immersive learning experiences leveraging Meta's top-tier hardware and device management platform. Unparalleled Expertise : Harness over four decades of industry-recognized training experience from CGS, merged with Meta's forefront XR technology and AI tools. : Harness over four decades of industry-recognized training experience from CGS, merged with Meta's forefront XR technology and AI tools. Proven Results : Tap into CGSs award-winning methodology to craft tailored learning experiences and implement scalable immersive learning solutions. : Tap into CGSs award-winning methodology to craft tailored learning experiences and implement scalable immersive learning solutions. One-stop Shop : Experience Immersive Learning as a Service (ILaaS), streamlining XR training processes while reducing costs, complexity, and time-to-performance. : Experience Immersive Learning as a Service (ILaaS), streamlining XR training processes while reducing costs, complexity, and time-to-performance. Modernized Training : Captivate customers workforce with interactive and immersive training experiences, addressing the burgeoning demand for effective, engaging, and personalized learning and soft skills development. : Captivate customers workforce with interactive and immersive training experiences, addressing the burgeoning demand for effective, engaging, and personalized learning and soft skills development. Seamless Implementation: Rely on CGSs proficient teams collaborating with Meta's experts to ensure smooth XR content creation, delivery, and adoption. Metas Premier Partner Program and the Meta for Work suite of tools and technologies help businesses reimagine the way they work, learn, grow, and connect with mixed reality tools and new solutions from world class technology partners. Through hardware, software and a growing ecosystem, Meta supports premier partners such as CGS to power the next evolution of work. For insights into best practices, real-life examples, and a pragmatic approach to transforming Learning & Development with Immersive solutions, explore our resource: "3 Practices for L&D Digital Transformation." Award-winning Solutions with CGS and Meta CGS recently announced it was awarded the coveted MUSE Creative Award which recognized CGS's outstanding achievement in the category of "experiential and immersive solutions" for its groundbreaking work with Singaporean carrier Scoot Airlines and partner Meta on the project titled "How XR and Generative AI Shapes Scoot Airline's Training." The award-winning project demonstrated the potential of XR and generative AI to provide realistic, hands-on training experiences for flight attendants. The innovative training program, leveraging the Meta Quest 2 headset, empowered Scoot Airlines to enhance the skills and readiness of its flight attendants, ensuring passengers receive the highest level of service and safety. CGS Immersive CGS Immersive is an innovation lab and training transformation engine within CGS, dedicated to pioneering leading-edge Extended Reality (XR) training solutions for businesses worldwide. With a focus on leveraging AI and XR technologies, CGS Immersive aims to modernize training programs, delivering immersive experiences tailored to meet the evolving needs of organizations across diverse industries. TeamworkAR, the flagship offering from CGSs Immersive business, is a platform that brings real-time digital transformation to onboarding, on-the-job training, learning and support for any company, anywhere. For more information on TeamworkAR, please visit www.TeamworkAR.com or watch our TeamworkAR explainer video. Contact us today for more information about CGS Immersive and its offerings. About CGS For 40 years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies, and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through business applications, immersive technologies, enterprise learning and outsourcing services. CGS is wholly focused on creating comprehensive solutions that meet clients complex, multi-dimensional needs, and support clients most fundamental business activities. Headquartered in New York City, CGS has offices across North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. For more information, please visit www.cgsinc.com. Media Contacts Mark D. Tullio, CGS newsroom@cgsinc.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2398774e-c784-4b42-8082-ba3a9b4f9022 A majority is in favour of relying more on the private sector to improve access to care; Almost three in four Quebecers support the Legault governments mini-hospitals project. MONTREAL, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dissatisfied with the state of their provincial health care systems, a majority of Canadians are open to greater reliance on the private sector, according to an MEI-Ipsos poll published this morning. People understand that the endless waiting lists that characterize our government-run health systems will not be solved by yet another bureaucratic reform, explains Emmanuelle B. Faubert, economist at the MEI. They can see that elsewhere in the world, mixed systems that allow more room for independent care providers dont have the wait times that we have. The results of the poll show that 50 per cent of Canadians are dissatisfied with their provincial health care systems. This figure is highest in the Atlantic provinces, where two in three are dissatisfied. Nearly six in 10 Canadians think the rate of growth of public health care spending is unsustainable, while only a quarter think the increase in health spending over the past decade had a positive impact. The poll also shows that 52 per cent of Canadians agree with the idea of allowing greater access to private health care, while 29 per cent are opposed. This proposition is particularly popular in Quebec, where it is supported by 65 per cent of respondents. In Quebec, the independently run mini-hospitals project, accessible with the Quebec medicare card, is such a measure. And indeed, the project is supported by 73 per cent of Quebecers polled, with 17 per cent opposed to it. Quebecers support for the independent mini-hospitals project remains very strong, says Ms. Faubert. People have high expectations for this project, and the final version of it must be in line with what was promised during the last election. A sample of 1,116 Canadians aged 18 years and over was polled between March 22 and 27, 2024. The margin of error is 3.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The results of the MEI-Ipsos poll are available here: https://www.iedm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/healthcare_poll_2024.pdf. The MEI is an independent public policy think tank with offices in Montreal and Calgary. Through its publications, media appearances, and advisory services to policy-makers, the MEI stimulates public policy debate and reforms based on sound economics and entrepreneurship. Interview requests Renaud Brossard Vice President, Communications Cell: 514 743-2883 rbrossard@iedm.org @renaudbrossard To follow the MEIs work, subscribe to our Twitter account @iedm_montreal. ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) announces the launch of PAthways, an initiative aimed at fostering diversity within the PA profession. Backed by a Communities in Action for Health Equity grant from Pfizer, PAthways marks a significant step toward building a more inclusive healthcare workforce by seeking to diversify one of the fastest growing healthcare professions in the country. PAthways is designed to address historically marginalized communities, including Black, Latina/o/x, Indigenous, Asian, Pacific Islander, and other racial and ethnic groups, within the PA profession. This two-prong program is aimed at: 1) raising awareness and interest in the PA profession among freshman and sophomore college students at minority-serving institutions (MSIs), and 2) providing mentorship and shadowing opportunities for seniors and recent graduates of color interested in pursuing PA school. "Increasing the representation of healthcare providers from historically marginalized communities is of utmost importance for improving health outcomes in all patients, AAPA Chief Medical Officer Jennifer M. Orozco, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA said. According to the American Council on Education, there are over 700 MSIs across the country, enrolling over 5 million students annually with a significant portion from underserved backgrounds. In its first cohort, PAthways aims to reach over 2,000 students at various stages of their pre-PA career path, including early college and post-college individuals. "AAPA is honored to be selected through Pfizers Multicultural Health Equity Collective and The Institute of Translational Equitable Medicine to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in the healthcare workforce, Orozco said. Through PAthways, we will aim to enhance the representation of racial and ethnic minorities in the PA profession, which will ultimately improve access to care for all patient populations. According to a 2023 survey from The Harris Poll, more than half of U.S. adults (54%) report feeling more comfortable seeing a healthcare provider who shares their background. This is especially true of Black (67%), Asian (66%), and Latino (62%) adults, compared to less than half of white adults (49%). Pfizers Communities in Action for Health Equity grant program supports community-engaged research, learning, and intervention projects and was recently launched by the Pfizer Multicultural Health Equity Collective and Pfizers Institute of Translational Equitable Medicine. AAPA and the PA Foundation are partnering closely with volunteer leaders from AAPAs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission and several of its constituent organizations including the African Heritage PA Caucus, PAs for Latino Health, and PAs in Asian Health to promote and carry out this important work over the next two years. ### Media Contact: Jenni Roberson, 703.380.2764 About the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) AAPA is the national membership organization for all physician associates/physician assistants (PAs). PAs are licensed clinicians who practice medicine in every specialty and setting. Trusted, rigorously educated and trained healthcare professionals, PAs are dedicated to expanding access to care and transforming health and wellness through patient-centered, team-based medical practice. PA was named one of the best jobs overall and one of the best healthcare jobs for the seventh year in a row by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about the profession at aapa.org and engage through Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Glenwood Springs, Colorado, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the eighth consecutive year, LUXlife magazine has recognized those across the travel sector who strive to provide tourists with the trip of a lifetime. Visit Glenwood Springs was chosen by LUXlifes judging panel and research team who considered the commitment, expertise and innovation shown through nomination information, votes, and supporting evidence, along with the results from their own comprehensive fact-checking and research process. The merit-driven approach has brought much success and commendation throughout its use and enforces LUXlifes stance that victors are not determined by popularity of votes, but by their contributions. Located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, Glenwood Springs is a vibrant city of eclectic attractions and incredible outdoor recreation. As the contracted destination marketing and management organization for the City of Glenwood Springs, Visit Glenwood Springs provides the city with responsible marketing to promote the local economy, enhance residents quality of life, and protect the areas natural resources. Glenwood Springs is a captivating location that offers endless fun and excitement for travelers. With 73 years of combined experience in tourism, marketing, and public relations, Lisa Langer, Director of Tourism and Heidi Pankow, Tourism Project Manager, are the team behind Glenwood Springs management and marketing. Visit Glenwood Springs has been involved with two major statewide industry collaborations including the Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop and the Roaring Fork Valley Destination Alliance. Lisa and Heidi actively participate in state boards and commissions such as the Colorado Association of Destination Marketing Organizations among others. Visit Glenwood Springs works in a nimble and flexible style that allows us to shift our resources and messages, when necessary, Langer said. She cites occasional challenges that sometimes affect vacation travel in the mountains. We have faced wildfire, weather, and other natural events in recent years and have been able to offer valuable, timely information for the best outcomes for our cherished guests, Langer said. Whatever the challenges, we are committed to excellence in all we do. As a result of a CO Tourism Office Management Grant, Glenwood Springs Visitor Center is receiving a refresh with Do Colorado Right messaging that educates visitors and promotes responsible tourism. As part of this grant, a Wander Maps wayfinding platform, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and promoting sustainable travel within the city, has been added to Visitglenwood.com. This forward-thinking initiative underscores Visit Glenwood Springs dedication to protecting Glenwood Springs natural environment and heritage. Its website houses the reservation system for the Hanging Lake Trail to assist in over-visitation of this National Natural Landmark. This year, the Hanging Lake Trail will be undergoing a rebuild as the trail was damaged by recent major mudslides. LUXlife Magazine is a premium lifestyle publication which was founded in 2014 by the UK publishing company AI Global Media Ltd. Distributed to a circulation of 94,000 globally, LUXlife focuses on a range of topics within the luxury lifestyle industry, featuring articles on, fashion, beauty, fine dining, travel, luxury real estate and much more. The LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards sets out to recognize the excellence of the sectors best enterprises, from luxurious resorts to quaint campsites to unique tour operators. The winners go above and beyond for their clients, providing them with unforgettable experiences that will stay with them forever. To find out more about Glenwood Springs prestigious award, visit https://www.lux-review.com/issues/travel-and-tourism-awards-2024/, where you can view all the 2024 winner profiles. ### About Glenwood Springs, Colorado - Glenwood Springs, where year-round adventures meet world-class wellness. Located in the heart of Colorados Rocky Mountains along the Interstate 70 corridor, Glenwood Springs is an easy scenic three-hour drive west of Denver and 45 minutes north of Aspen. Outdoor enthusiasts will discover breathtaking vistas and historic mountain-town charm. In this home of famed hot springs attractions (theres a reason its called the Land of Water), soak, swim and dive into the worlds largest mineral hot springs pool or steam in natural vapor caves. Hike to Hanging Lake, a National Natural Landmark, raft or kayak on the Colorado or Roaring Fork Rivers or enjoy a stunning mountain biking experience on the Red Mountain, CMC Spring Valley or South Canyon trail systems or a more laidback cycle ride along the Roaring Fork River via the Rio Grande Trail or adjacent the Colorado River on the Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path. Plan your vacation at www.VisitGlenwood.com. Attachments ROCKVILLE, Md., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today the American Kidney Fund (AKF) announced the recipients of this years Clinical Scientist in Nephrology (CSN) fellowship program, in which promising researchers work to improve the quality of care for people living with kidney disease and promote clinical research in nephrology. Dr. Kavita Mistry, a nephrology fellow at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will be using cutting-edge single cell sequencing technologies to gain insights into the initial events that lead to kidney inflammation in acute interstitial nephritis (ICI-AIN), while Dr. Marcelle Tuttle, a first-year fellow in the Tufts Medical Center Division of Nephrology, will be working on research that focuses on the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dr. Mistry and Dr. Tuttle join a distinguished roster of more than 50 top nephrology researchers who received early-career support from AKF through the Clinical Scientist in Nephrology Program. Their fellowships are funded by a generous grant from Hearst Foundations. CSN fellows conduct prevention and outcomes research while receiving advanced training in essential skills such as medical ethics, biostatistics and epidemiology. The program has funded some of the fields most prominent researchers early in their careers, helping to address the shortage of nephrology researchers. The American Kidney Fund is proud to have Dr. Mistry and Dr. Tuttle join the ranks of prestigious researchers in our Clinical Scientist in Nephrology program, generously supported this year by the Hearst Foundations, said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of their research, which will help kidney patients who are facing additional health challenges like cancer and pulmonary hypertension. Dr. Mistrys project reflects her interest in both nephrology and immunology, particularly in cancer patients. Although immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by unleashing the power of the immune system to fight numerous cancers, its use is limited by the side effect of harmful inflammation in healthy tissues and organs. When this inflammation targets the kidneys, it causes ICI-AIN. Dr. Mistry hopes to gain insight into the events that cause this inflammation. The ultimate goal of her work is to inform the development of non-invasive tests for ICI-AIN that can be used in the diagnosis of patients in the clinic, and to facilitate improved treatments for ICI-AIN that have fewer side effects on patients as they undergo cancer treatment. I am delighted to join the AKF community, and to continue in the strong tradition of research supported by the AKF Clinical Scientist in Nephrology program, said Dr. Mistry. Our work studying immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated kidney injury begins and ends with the patient, which aligns seamlessly with AKFs mission to improve the care of patients with kidney disease. We start at the bedside, where we provide clinical care to patients suffering from immunotherapy-related kidney toxicity. We then bring blood, urine and kidney tissue samples to the lab bench, where we harness the power of single cell sequencing to understand the immunologic pathways that drive harmful kidney inflammation. Ultimately, we hope to use our discoveries to directly impact the way that we diagnose and treat patients with kidney injury. What excites me the most is the potential for our study to yield insights into the mechanisms of more common kidney diseases, including other types of interstitial nephritis and kidney injury that affect even greater numbers of patients. Dr. Tuttles project will examine the development of early pulmonary hypertension in patients with CKD. Pulmonary hypertension is a rare disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the global population. However, it is common in patients with CKD, with approximately 21% of CKD patients having pulmonary hypertension. Also, for patients with CKD, having pulmonary hypertension is associated with double the risk of death from any cause. Using data from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort (CRIC), Dr. Tuttles project has two objectives: (1) to identify risk factors for progression of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease and (2) to examine whether progression of pulmonary hypertension is associated with a composite of dialysis, kidney transplantation or diminished kidney function or a cardiovascular composite of heart failure, heart attack and death due to cardiovascular causes. "Pulmonary hypertension is a common and underrecognized issue for patients with chronic kidney disease, said Dr. Tuttle. Through this study, I plan to identify new risk factors for pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease. I am extraordinarily grateful to the AKF for this opportunity and hope that this study will lead to earlier identification of pulmonary hypertension in CKD patients and potentially new treatments targeted towards the CKD population." Dr. Mistry earned her Bachelor of Arts and MD/PhD degrees from Yale University. She completed her residency at the Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston and is currently a nephrology fellow at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, where she provides care for patients with kidney disease and cancer. Dr. Tuttle is a first-year fellow in the Tufts Medical Center Division of Nephrology and a master's student in Clinical and Translational Science at the Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Prior to fellowship, she received her MD from the Tufts University School of Medicine and completed residency at the Tufts Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency. Her current research focuses on the development of pulmonary hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease. ### About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nations leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney diseasefrom prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nations top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn. Attachments STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) announced that Transocean Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary (the Company and, together with Transocean Ltd., Transocean), has commenced an offer to purchase for cash (collectively, the Offers and each, an Offer) any and all of its outstanding 11.50% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 (the 2027 Super Priority Guaranteed Notes) and 7.25% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 2025 Priority Guaranteed Notes, collectively with the 2027 Super Priority Guaranteed Notes, the Notes), in each case, from holders thereof (each, a Holder and collectively, the Holders). Each of the Notes specified in the table below are referred to as a series of Notes. The Offers are being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, dated April 11, 2024 (the Offer to Purchase). The Offer for the Notes will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 17, 2024 unless extended (such date and time, as may be extended, the Expiration Date), or unless earlier terminated. To be eligible to receive the applicable Total Consideration (as defined herein) payable for the Notes, Holders must (i) validly tender Notes on or prior to the Expiration Date or (ii) deliver a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery (as may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery) on or prior to the Expiration Date. Tendered Notes may be withdrawn on or prior to, but not after, 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on April 17, 2024. The Offers are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions, including the Financing Condition (as defined below). Any and All of the Outstanding Notes Listed Below: Title of Security CUSIP Number(1) Principal Amount Outstanding U.S. Treasury Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread Total Consideration(2) 11.500% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 144A: 893830BQ1 Reg S: G90073AG5 $687,343,000 1.750% UST due 07/31/2024 FIT3 +0 bps (3) 7.250% Senior Notes due 2025 144A: 893830BK4 Reg S: G90073AD2 $354,244,000 N/A N/A N/A $1,000.00 (1) No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers listed herein or printed on the Notes, and are provided solely for convenience of the reader. (2) Per $1,000 principal amount. Excludes Accrued Interest (as defined herein), which will be paid as set forth herein as applicable. (3) The Total Consideration for the 2027 Super Priority Guaranteed Notes validly tendered will be determined by the Dealer Manager (as defined herein) in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase by reference to the fixed spread (the Fixed Spread) specified above plus the yield (the Reference Yield) based on the bid-side price of the U.S. Treasury Reference Security specified above (the Reference Security) as quoted on the Bloomberg Bond Trader FIT3 series of pages (the Reference Page) at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date of the Offers. The Total Consideration for the 2027 Super Priority Guaranteed Note will be based on a yield to July 30, 2024, the date of the next specified redemption price reduction under the indenture governing the Notes, and assuming the Notes are redeemed on July 30, 2024, at the specified redemption price for such date of 102.875% of the principal amount, as described in the Offer to Purchase. Subject to the terms and conditions of each Offer, including the completion of an offering of debt securities on terms satisfactory to the Company, (including, but not limited to, the amount of proceeds raised in such offering), the consideration for each series per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase pursuant to such Offer will be the total consideration for such series set forth in the table above (with respect to each series of Notes, the Total Consideration) on the Settlement Date or the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date (each defined herein) (which may be extended by the Company). In addition to the Total Consideration, all Holders of Notes accepted for purchase will also receive accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to the Notes to, but not including, the Settlement Date (with respect to each series of Notes, the Accrued Interest). For the avoidance of doubt, interest will cease to accrue on the Settlement Date for all Notes accepted in the Offer, including any such Notes tendered through the guaranteed delivery procedures. As a result, Notes tendered through the guaranteed delivery procedures will not receive accrued interest from the Settlement Date through the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date. In respect of all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn on or prior to the Expiration Date, the Company will make payment in same-day funds promptly following the Expiration Date, anticipated to be April 18, 2024, the first business day after the Expiration Date (the Settlement Date). In respect of all Notes for which a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is delivered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures on or prior to the Expiration Date and accepted for purchase, the Company will make payment in same-day funds promptly following the Guaranteed Delivery Expiration Date, anticipated to be April 22, 2024, the first business day after the Guaranteed Delivery Expiration Date (the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date). Each Offer is a separate offer, and each may be individually amended, extended, terminated or withdrawn, subject to certain conditions and applicable law, at any time in the Companys sole discretion, and without amending, extending, terminating or withdrawing any other Offer. No Offer is conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of Notes of any series being tendered nor the consummation of any other Offer. Additionally, notwithstanding any other provision of the Offers, the Companys obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any of the Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offers is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, and the Company expressly reserves its right, subject to applicable law, to terminate any Offer at any time. The Offers are being made pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase and Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, copies of which may be requested from the information agent for the tender offer, D.F. King & Co., Inc., at (212) 269-5550 or (800) 659-5550, by email at transocean@dfking.com or via the following web address: www.dfking.com/transocean. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as the sole Dealer Manager (the Dealer Manager) for the Offers. Questions regarding the tender offer may be directed to the Dealer Manager at the telephone numbers shown below: Citigroup Global Markets Inc. Tel (toll-free): (800) 558-3745 Tel (collect): (212) 723-6106 This press release does not constitute a notice of redemption under the optional redemption provisions of the applicable indenture governing the Notes, nor does it constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security, nor does it constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful. In addition, this press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities issued in connection with any contemporaneous notes offering, nor shall there be any sale of the securities issued in such offering in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Transocean Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 36 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 28 ultra-deepwater floaters and eight harsh environment floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing one ultra-deepwater drillship. For more information about Transocean, please visit: www.deepwater.com. Forward-Looking Statements The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as possible, intend, will, if , expect or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to vary include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the conditions in financial markets, risks relating to the terms and timing for completion of the Offers, including the acceptance for purchase of any Notes validly tendered and the expected expiration time and the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions of the Offers, investor response to Transoceans offering of the Notes, the guarantees of the Notes and the Offers, and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in Transocean Ltd.s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by law. Analyst Contact: Alison Johnson +1 713-232-7214 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 We're sorry, you encountered a page that doesn't exist. 11 April 2024: Borregaard ASA (Borregaard, OSE ticker: BRG) Borregaards Annual General Meeting today adopted all items as proposed on the agenda. The minutes and the list of attendants are available on www.borregaard.com. Contact: Lotte Kvinlaug, Investor Relations Officer, +47 922 86 909 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 5-12 and the Public Limited Company Act 5-11b item 4. Washington, D.C., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the U.S. Congressional Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Netherland-America Foundation presented Stu Sjouwerman, the Dutch-born founder and CEO of American cybersecurity company KnowBe4, with the 2024 Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award. The Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award honors an entrepreneur or organization that has made a substantial and positive impact on the economic ties between the Netherlands and the United States. Freddy Heineken came to the US in the 1940s to expand Heinekens market. With his Dutch business acumen and American marketing know-how, Heineken built the foundation for the global brand. Stu Sjouwerman embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Freddy Heineken. Since founding KnowBe4 in Florida in 2010, Sjouwerman has led the company to become a global leader in the cybersecurity education field. As data leaks and cyber hacks are a constant threat in daily life, KnowBe4s work aligns with the importance of strengthening cybersecurity for the Netherlands and the United States. The companys mission is more important than ever. In 2023, the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center reported it received 880,418 complaints from the American public with potential losses exceeding $12.5 billion. This figure represents a nearly 10% increase in complaints compared to 2022. And KnowBe4 reported that cyberattacks on government bodies and public services increased 40% over the first quarter of last year. As the provider of the worlds largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, KnowBe4s products are used by more than 65,000 organizations around the world to help protect themselves from cyberattacks. As she presented the Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award to Mr. Sjouwerman, Dutch Ambassador Birgitta Tazelaar said, KnowBe4 and Stu Sjouwerman are industry leaders who combine entrepreneurial drive with a transatlantic focus. The company is noted for its innovative and wholistic approach to IT security, focusing not only on technology, but also the human side of it. KnowBe4 and Sjouwerman have set the standard for equipping organizations with the knowledge and tools to fight digital threats. Upon receiving the award Sjouwerman said, "I am incredibly honored and privileged to be recognized with the prestigious Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award. I am originally from the Netherlands but made my way to the U.S. to pursue my dreams as a high-tech entrepreneur in 1994. KnowBe4 is my fifth startup, and the second cybersecurity one I built from the ground up here in the U.S. With the rapidly increasing global cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure, government agencies, businesses and nonprofits large and small, we believe the mission we have is of the utmost importance. However, we have a lot more work to do to help organizations globally increase their workforce knowledge and awareness to create a strong security culture and mitigate human cyber risk. The Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award ceremony was presented at the residence of Ambassador Tazelaar as part of Dutch Tulip Days, an annual event where the embassy brings together representatives from government, business, and the defense sectors to discuss challenges and opportunities facing the Netherlands and the United States. The main themes this year are sustainability, freedom, and innovation. Several members of Congress, including members of the Congressional Caucus on the Kingdom of the Netherlands, attended the ceremony. Representative Hillary Scholten (D, MI-3) and newest member of the Dutch Caucus discussed the importance of strengthening cyber security protections and stated, As the world barrels forwards into the 21st century we know that these threats are only going to get more sophisticated. Im so thrilled that our two nations work so closely together to safeguard people from those who would do them harm online. The Netherlands is the digital gateway to Europe. The nation consistently ranks first in the annual DHL Global Connectedness Index. To share knowledge on the latest developments in the field, Dutch Tulip Days featured a panel discussion with Stu Sjouwerman and other cybersecurity experts, government officials and think tanks earlier in the day. The evening ceremony represented the 11th time the Holland on the Hill Freddy Heineken Award was presented. Past recipients include: Klaas van Lookeren Campagne, of citizenM in 2023, Richard DeLuca Jr., of Merck in 2022, Peter Oosterveer, of Arcadis in 2021, Michelle Browdy of IBM in 2020, Alexander R. Wynaendts of Aegon in 2019, David Hyman of Netflix in 2018, Dick Boer of Ahold Delhaize in 2017, Victoria B. Mars of Mars Inc. in 2016, Paul Polman of Unilever in 2015, and Werner Vogels of Amazon.com in 2014. ### Attachment Seattle, WA, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Washington wine industry today announced an exciting partnership between the states sustainability certification for winegrapes Sustainable WA and Salmon-Safe, a leading U.S. regional eco-label focused on watershed protection. Following an 18-month development process, Sustainable WA is joining with Salmon-Safe in a certification partnership to enhance water quality protection, wildlife habitat conservation, and climate resiliency. As part of the updated Sustainable WA Standard, vineyards in the program now have the option of obtaining dual certification for both Sustainable WA and Salmon-Safe, provided all standards are met. We are thrilled to have this partnership with Salmon-Safe, bringing these associations together for dual certification in support of sustainable practices and water quality protection for our Washington wine industry. This harmonization of the Sustainable WA certification program showcases our industrys commitment to continuous improvement and best practices, said Colleen Frei, Executive Director of Washington Winegrowers Association. Sustainable WA was launched in 2022 as Washingtons first statewide certified sustainability program for winegrapes, signifying a commitment to quality fruit, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities. It is a partnership between the Washington Winegrowers Association, the Washington State Wine Commission, the Washington Wine Industry Foundation, and the Washington Wine Institute, with oversight by an industry-led governance council and technical committee. It is a rigorous, science-based program, built by industry and experts in the field of sustainability and is committed to the principle of continuous improvement. Salmon-Safe is a leading U.S. ecolabel that works to keep urban and agricultural watersheds healthy for native salmon. More than 95,000 acres of farm and urban lands in the Pacific Northwest have transitioned to Salmon-Safe certification in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California and British Columbia. For viticulture, the focus of Salmon-Safe is reducing vineyard runoff, water quality protection, and enhancement of native biodiversity on vineyard sites. We know that Sustainable WA winegrowers have a commitment to environmental stewardship, said Dan Kent, executive director of Salmon-Safe. Offering joint certification is a way for us to bring a strengthened and science-based focus on watershed impact to Sustainable WA as certified vineyard operations lead the way to healthier Columbia Basin waterways. To achieve dual certification, growers must commit to sustainable viticultural practices and pass a third-party audit to ensure operations meet established standards. Once vineyards are certified, wineries can feature the Sustainable WA logo on their bottles if the wines are made of 75% certified Sustainable WA winegrapes. To utilize the Salmon-Safe logo, the wines must include 95% Salmon-Safe certified winegrapes. The certification partnership between Sustainable WA and Salmon-Safe adds a layer of credibility to Washingtons program by ensuring that vineyards are using verified environmental practices that protect our local watersheds, said Sadie Drury, Vineyard Manager at North Slope Management and Sustainable WA winegrower. Nearly a third of Washingtons vineyard acreage is currently in the Sustainable WA program, with more expected in the coming years. Vineyard registration for the 2024 season is now open at sustainablewa.com. About Sustainable WA: Sustainable WA covers the pillars of sustainability: environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically viable. It is a rigorous, science-based program and built with continuous improvement in mind. Sustainable WA was built by and for the industry, specifically for Washington vineyards. It is a partnership between the Washington Winegrowers Association, the Washington State Wine Commission, the Washington Wine Industry Foundation, and the Washington Wine Institute, with oversight by an industry-led governance council and technical committee. To learn more, visit sustainablewa.com. About Salmon-Safe: Founded by river and native fish conservation organization Pacific Rivers, Salmon-Safes mission is to inspire the transformation of land management practices so Pacific salmon can thrive in West Coast watersheds. Salmon-Safe is an independent Portland-based nonprofit offering peer-reviewed environmental certification focused on water quality protection, habitat restoration, and climate resiliency. In the Columbia Basin, Salmon-Safe works through a network of place-based partnerships with conservation districts, environmental NGOs, land trusts, and other collaborators. To learn more, visit www.salmonsafe.org. About the Washington Winegrowers Association: Founded in 1983, the Washington Winegrowers Association supports winegrape growers, vintners, and allied members by addressing industry needs and collaborating to enhance the Washington wine industry. Washington Winegrowers Association provides state and federal advocacy and education on industry matters, serving as a unifying voice and stewarding relationships across the wine industry, with its members, growers, vintners, policymakers, educational institutions, and other industry partners. To learn more, visit www.wawinegrowers.org. About the Washington State Wine Commission: The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, the mission of the WSWC is to drive growth of Washington Wine through Marketing, Communications, and Viticulture & Enology Research. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org. About the Washington Wine Industry Foundation The Washington Wine Industry Foundation is a dynamic network of wine industry professionals united by a common vision: to foster a thriving Washington wine industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation facilitates, manages, and distributes funding to confront challenges and invest in solutions including scholarships, industry events, and sustainability such as pest control, clean plants, risk management, safety, and more. Through collaboration and partnerships, the Foundation honors the industry's heritage while forging a path to a flourishing future for Washington wine. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwinefoundation.org. About the Washington Wine Institute: The Washington Wine Institute is the vocal, active, visible advocate and champion of the Washington wine industry in Olympia and Washington D.C. To learn more, visit www.wwi.wine. Attachment Piedmont, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Piedmont, South Carolina - GREENVILLE, South Carolina [April 11, 2024] The Barndo Co. proudly accepted a distinguished honor at the esteemed Home Builders Association of Greenville's 2023 Bridge Awards Gala, Presented by GBS Building Supply, held on Thursday, April 6, 2023. The company received two prestigious awards, Best Kitchen $700-$800k and Best Bathroom $700-$800k, in recognition of its craftsmanship for the bathroom and kitchen in The Godfrey Barn built in Woodruff, SC. "The Bridge Awards, a hallmark event for the Home Builders Association of Greenville, serve as a platform to commend the finest in-home building, remodeling, and craftsmanship within our industry, right here in the Upstate," remarked Taylor Lyles, Chief Executive Officer of HBA of Greenville. "The HBA of Greenville takes great pride in recognizing its members through these awards, a testament to their kitchen and bathroom quality and integrity in our field." The Barndo Co. was bestowed with the Best Kitchen $700-$800k and Best Bathroom $700-$800k awards for its outstanding kitchen and bath quality build and look. These awards were amazing to receive for the work on the Godfrey Barn. This barn was a show-stopper and built for a great family. We are thrilled that Dan Massimo, project manager and the efforts of the entire team at The Barndo Co. could be highlighted with an incredible award for their hard work and dedication to always being the best. Barndominiums have never been awarded at the Bridge Awards and to receive two on one of our projects was incredible. Thank you to everyone who pitched in on this project, we look forward to many more awards in 2024," remarked TJ Norris, Chief Executive Officer of The Barndo Co. The Bridge Awards, administered by the Home Builders Association of Greenville, celebrate excellence in craftsmanship, dedication to industry service, commitment to community engagement, and success in member recruitment and retention. Award categories span across three main areas: individual achievements, sales and marketing, and craftsmanship. About the Home Builders Association of Greenville The Home Builders Association of Greenville was founded on January 16, 1960. The association was officially organized and chartered as an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders on that date in 1960. The association was formed so home builders and other professionals in the home building industry could work together and cooperate in promoting the industry, new homes, home remodeling, repairs and improvements, and other areas of interest to the home building industry. The association began with a few dedicated members and has grown to over 650-member firms today. For more information, please call 864-254-0133, or visit http://www.hbaofgreenville.com. About The Barndo Co. The Barndo Co. was founded with one goal in mind: to bring elegance and luxury to the people who deserve it mostyou. We can help you map out your dream home and build it at a lower cost without sacrificing quality or amenities. The Barndo Co. can build every aspect of a clients barndominium to their precise requirements. There is also a virtually limitless number of flooring options available, so homeowners are welcome to pick whatever they prefer, including multiple varieties of carpet, concrete, tile and so on. On this note, the company invites their community to look up their gallery for a quick look at the projects they have already concluded. The Barndo Co. has completed more than 350 projects in their time, and they proudly document their favorites. To learn more, visit their website at https://thebarndominiumco.com. ### For more information about The Barndo Co., contact the company here: The Barndo Co. T.J. Norris (864) 571-4433 tj@thebarndominiumco.com 1531 E Main St SUITE 1 Duncan, SC 29334 Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. , (TSXV: NTH) (OTCQB: CCWOF) (Frankfurt: 4T9B) (the "Company" or "Nord" or "Nord Precious Metals"), announces that it has reached an agreement with certain creditors to repay debts in the aggregate amount of $174,616 through the issuance of 3,492,320 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.05 per share (the "Transaction"). All securities issued in connection with the Transaction will be subject to a four?month and a day hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The Transaction is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Interested investors can access information about Nord Precious Metals at its website, NordPreciousMetals.com and its social media channels at X(Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube for which links are available on the Company's website. About Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. (formerly Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc.) recently discovered a major high-grade silver vein system at Castle East located 1.5 km from its 100%-owned, past-producing Castle Mine near Gowganda in the prolific and world-class silver-cobalt mining district of Northern Ontario. The Company has completed a 60,000 m drill program aimed at expanding the size of the deposit with an update to the resource estimate underway. In May 2020, based on a small initial drill program, the Company published the region's first 43-101 resource estimate that contained a total of 7.56 million ounces of silver in Inferred resources, comprising very high-grade silver (8,582 grams per tonne un-cut or 250.2 oz/ton) in 27,400 tonnes of material from two sections (1A and 1B) of the Castle East Robinson Zone, beginning at a vertical depth of approximately 400 meters. Note that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the Nord Precious Metals (previously Canada Silver Cobalt Works) Press Release May 28, 2020, for the resource estimate. Report reference: Rachidi, M. 2020, NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate for Castle East, Robinson Zone, Ontario, Canada, with an effective date of May 28, 2020, and a signature date of July 13, 2020. The Company also has: (1) 14 battery metals properties in Northern Quebec where it has recently completed a nearly 16,000-metre drill program on the Graal property, which is now part of Coniagas Battery Metals; (2) the prospective 1,000-hectare Eby-Otto gold property close to Agnico Eagle's high-grade Macassa Mine near Kirkland Lake, Ontario where it is exploring; and (3) St. Denis-Sangster lithium project - 260 square kilometers of greenfield exploration ground with numerous pegmatites focussed along a significant volcanic sedimentary rock - Archean granite contact near Cochrane, Ontario contiguous to Power Metals' Case Lake Lithium properties. Nord Precious Metals' flagship silver-cobalt Castle mine and 78 sq. km Castle property feature strong exploration upside for silver, cobalt, nickel, gold, and copper. With underground access at the fully owned Castle Mine, an exceptional high-grade silver discovery at Castle East, a pilot plant to produce cobalt-rich gravity concentrates, a processing facility (TTL Laboratories) in the town of Cobalt, and a proprietary hydrometallurgical process known as Re-2Ox (for the creation of technical-grade cobalt sulphate as well as nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations), Nord Precious Metals is strategically positioned to become a Canadian leader in the silver-cobalt space. More information is available at www.nordpreciousmetals.com. "Frank J. Basa" Frank J. Basa, P. Eng. Chief Executive Officer For further information, contact: Frank J. Basa, P.Eng. Chief Executive Officer 416-625-2342 or: Wayne Cheveldayoff, Corporate Communications P: 416-710-2410 E: waynecheveldayoff@gmail.com Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information in this news release or other communications unless required by law. Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or "the Company" or "the Group") 11 April 2024 Q1 2024 Production Report Kenmare Resources plc (LSE:KMR, ISE:KMR), one of the leading global producers of titanium minerals and zircon, which operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine (the "Mine" or "Moma") in northern Mozambique, is pleased to provide a trading update for the quarter ending 31 March 2024 ("Q1 2024"). Statement from Michael Carvill, Managing Director: "Our team at the Moma Mine has now worked for over six months without incurring a Lost Time Injury and I would like to congratulate all of our employees for this exceptional achievement. Production in Q1 was in line with our expectations and consistent with guidance. We anticipate production will strengthen through the rest of the year, due to a stronger grade profile and typically fewer seasonal power interruptions. The markets for our products were encouraging in Q1, with stronger than expected demand, particularly for ilmenite. This was driven by recovering titanium pigment demand and the continued growth of the titanium metal market." Overview Improved Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.09 per 200,000 hours worked on a 12-month rolling basis (Q1 2023: 0.15) and zero Lost Time Injuries ("LTIs") in Q1 2024 Heavy Mineral Concentrate ("HMC") production in Q1 2024 of 316,400 tonnes, in line with Q1 2023 (315,000 tonnes) Ilmenite production of 205,500 tonnes, in line with Q1 2023 (204,300 tonnes) Reduced production of other finished products due to significant maintenance work underway in the Mineral Separation Plant ("MSP"), including primary zircon production of 8,300 tonnes (Q1 2023: 11,400 tonnes), rutile production of 1,500 tonnes (Q1 2023: 1,700 tonnes), and concentrates production of 9,600 tonnes (Q1 2023: 10,100 tonnes) Total shipments of 242,900 tonnes in Q1 2024, down 11% on Q1 2023 (271,700 tonnes), excluding approximately 34,000 tonnes that were loaded in Q1 but shipped in Q2 Encouraging product market conditions in Q1 2024, with higher than expected demand, and Kenmare has a strong order book for Q2 As announced on 15 March 2024, Managing Director Michael Carvill will step down from his executive role and Board position later this year - a process to appoint his successor is underway Kenmare is on track to achieve its 2024 guidance, with production still expected to be weighted towards the second half of the year Operations update Operational results from the Moma Mine in Q1 2024 were as follows: Q1 2024 Q1 2023 Variance Q4 2023 Variance tonnes tonnes % tonnes % Excavated ore1 9,215,000 9,258,000 0% 9,348,000 -1% Grade1 4.15% 4.13% 0% 4.83% -14% Production HMC production 316,400 315,000 0% 399,800 -21% HMC processed 307,800 314,800 -2% 399,800 -23% Ilmenite 205,500 204,300 1% 269,600 -24% Primary zircon 8,300 11,400 -27% 14,000 -41% Rutile 1,500 1,700 -12% 2,100 -29% Concentrates2 9,600 10,100 -5% 10,500 -9% Shipments 242,900 271,700 -11% 324,900 -25% Excavated ore and grade prior to any floor losses. Concentrates include secondary zircon and mineral sands concentrate. In late February 2024, Kenmare passed three million hours worked without an LTI. No LTIs were incurred in Q4 2023 or Q1 2024 and the Company's rolling 12-month LTIFR improved to 0.09 per 200,000 hours worked (31 March 2023: 0.15). HMC production in Q1 2024 was 316,400 tonnes, in line with Q1 2023 (315,000 tonnes), due to seasonal power interruptions as a result of the southern hemisphere rainy season. The cumulative impact of the power interruptions in Q1 2024 was greater than the downtime caused by the severe lightning strike in February 2023 and materially exceeded the average impact on operations experienced during the first quarter of the past five years. Production of HMC, and consequently all finished products, was lower in Q1 2024 than in the previous quarter due primarily to expected lower ore grades. HMC processed in Q1 2024 was 307,800 tonnes, a 2% decrease compared to Q1 2023 (314,800 tonnes). HMC processed was 3% lower (8,600 tonnes) than HMC produced in Q1 due to significant maintenance work taking place in the MSP. The aim of this work was to address underperformance in various circuits, so HMC was held back from processing until the work was completed. Another contributing factor to the lower HMC processed was the reliability of one of the four engines in the Rotary Uninterruptible Power Supply ("RUPS"). All four engines were working for over 60% of the quarter, however for the periods without the fourth engine, the RUPS' ability to mitigate power interruptions was reduced. An investigation is underway to determine the repair time for the fourth engine. Ilmenite production in Q1 2024 was 205,500 tonnes, in line with Q1 2023 (204,300 tonnes). Ilmenite production benefitted from the processing of intermediate stockpiles, offsetting the slight reduction in HMC processed. Intermediate stockpiles are comprised of partially processed materials in the MSP that have not yet been fully separated into one of Kenmare's four product streams. The Company draws on this material to optimise the separation process in the MSP. Primary zircon production was 8,300 tonnes in Q1 2024, a 27% decrease on Q1 2023 (11,400 tonnes), due to challenges in the zircon circuit. This resulted in lower recoveries and higher than usual quantities of material being sent to the intermediate stockpiles, which will be processed in the coming quarters. Rutile production was 1,500 tonnes, a 12% decrease (Q1 2023: 1,700 tonnes), and concentrates production was 9,600 tonnes, a 5% decrease (Q1 2023: 10,100 tonnes). These product streams were impacted by the same challenges in the MSP. Concentrates production benefitted from lower recoveries in primary zircon and rutile production. At the end of Q1, Kenmare is on track to achieve its 2024 guidance on all stated metrics. Production is forecast to strengthen from Q2 onwards due to improved power stability in the dry season and higher expected grades in H2. Shipments were 242,900 tonnes in Q1 2024, down 11% compared to Q1 2023 (271,700 tonnes). However, an additional 34,000 tonnes that were loaded in March are not included as the shipments were not completed until early April, so these tonnes will be reflected in the Q2 shipment volumes. If these additional tonnes are taken into consideration, Q1 2024 shipments are in line with Q1 2023. Shipments were comprised solely of ilmenite during the quarter. Closing stock of HMC at the end of Q1 2024 was 25,300 tonnes, compared with 16,700 tonnes at year-end 2023. This stock build was due to the difference between HMC produced and HMC processed in the quarter, as a result of maintenance work in the MSP. Closing stock of finished products at the end of Q1 2024 was 241,800 tonnes (Q4 2023: 259,100 tonnes), including the 34,000 tonnes of shipments that completed in early April. Capital projects Preparations continue for the upgrade of Wet Concentrator Plant ("WCP") A ahead of its transition to the large Nataka ore zone. WCP A will complete its current mine path in Namalope in late 2025 and then mine its way to Nataka, where it will operate for the remainder of its economic life. Nataka represents over 70% of Moma's Mineral Resources and transitioning WCP A to this ore zone is key to securing production from Moma for decades to come. The upgrade of WCP A consists of three key elements and their status is as follows: 1) Replacing existing two dredges with new, higher capacity dredges - new dredges ordered in September 2023 and fabrication commenced in Q1 2024 2) Installing upfront desliming circuit to more effectively manage slimes at Nataka - fabrication of desliming circuit commenced in early Q1 2024 3) Introduction of a Tailings Storage Facility ("TSF") to replace complex paddock system - detailed design of TSF is underway and community engagement is in progress The Definitive Feasibility Study for the additional infrastructure for WCP A's transition to Nataka remains on track to be completed in Q2 2024. Work is also continuing on the Pre-Feasibility Study for Congolone, a potential future growth opportunity for Kenmare, and this is also scheduled for completion in Q2. Market update The market for Kenmare's products was robust in Q1 2024, with stronger than expected demand, particularly for the Company's ilmenite products. Spot prices for ilmenite have been stable since early Q4 2023, however average received prices were lower in Q1 compared to the previous quarter. This was due to lower contracted prices reflecting the softer market conditions in H2 2023. Demand from the titanium pigment industry rebounded more strongly than expected in Q1 2024. Pigment producers ramped up production in response to an improving sales outlook, most notably in Europe and North America, and ilmenite inventories are at low levels. Demand for titanium feedstocks from the titanium metal sector remains strong. Supply of titanium feedstocks remains at a high level but production disruptions due to the suspension of some operations in Mozambique and Sierra Leone are causing uncertainty in the market. The zircon market has shown some positive signs of recovery following the Lunar New Year. Supply of high-quality products is constrained, leading to stronger prices in the spot market. This has been supported by growing demand in India, however demand in Europe remains relatively weak. Kenmare has a strong order book for Q2 2024 and expects to continue to draw down product inventories to meet this demand. Corporate update As announced on 15 March 2024, Managing Director Michael Carvill will step down from his executive role and Board position later this year. Subject to re-appointment at the Company's Annual General Meeting on 10 May 2024, it is expected that Michael will remain on the Board and in his executive role until the Company's Interim Results in August. Following this, and to support an orderly transition process, Michael will continue to be available to the Company in a consultancy capacity until at least the end of 2024. Kenmare's Nomination Committee has commenced a process to appoint Michael's successor and will consider both internal and external candidates. The result of this process will be announced in due course. For further information, please contact: Kenmare Resources plc Jeremy Dibb / Katharine Sutton / Michael Starke Investor Relations ir@kenmareresouces.com Tel: +353 1 671 0411 Mob: +353 87 943 0367 / +353 87 663 0875 Murray (PR advisor) Paul O'Kane pokane@murraygroup.ie Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Mob: +353 86 609 0221 About Kenmare Resources Kenmare Resources plc is one of the world's largest producers of mineral sands products. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin, Kenmare operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. Moma's production accounts for approximately 7% of global titanium feedstocks and the Company supplies to customers operating in more than 15 countries. Kenmare produces raw materials that are ultimately consumed in everyday quality-of life items such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles. All monetary amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains some forward-looking statements that represent Kenmare's expectations for its business, based on current expectations about future events, which by their nature involve risks and uncertainties. Kenmare believes that its expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve risk and uncertainty, which are in some cases beyond Kenmare's control, actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Vancouver, April 11, 2024 - Graphano Energy Ltd. (TSXV: GEL) (OTCQB: GELEF) (FSE: 97G0) ("Graphano" or the "Company") is pleased to report initial assay results from the 2023-24 winter drilling program on Zone 3 at its 100% owned Lac Aux Bouleaux Graphite ("LAB") Property in Quebec. Zone 3, discovered by Graphano in 2022 (see news release dated February 8, 2023), represents a highly prospective mineralized trend defined by surface trenching and drilling over an approximate strike length of 500 metres. The primary focus of the drilling program was on graphite zone expansion to enlarge the "footprint" of mineralization in support of the Company's ongoing Mineral Resource estimation work at both the LAB and the Standard Mine projects. The mineralization remains open in both the strike and dip directions for continued expansion. Luisa Moreno, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, stated: "We are pleased with the results from Zone 3, which confirm the promising findings obtained through our surface exploration efforts. The high-grade intersections and the continuity of mineralization underscore the significant potential for expansion and reinforce our confidence in the project's prospects." Key Highlights (See Full Results in Table 1) Current Holes Drill Hole LAB23-62 intersected 6.33% graphitic carbon (Cg) over 13.82 metres (m) starting at 38.23m drilled depth; and Drill Hole LAB24-64 intersected 5.75% Cg over 14.42m at 53.58m drilled depth, including 7.64% Cg over 7.64m at 53.58m. Previous Holes Drill Hole LB22-33 intersected 6.26% graphitic carbon (Cg) over 13.7m starting at 14.0m drilled depth, including 11.95% Cg over 4.7m at 14m drilled depth; Drill Hole LB22-45 intersected 9.09% Cg over 8.0m at 68m drilled depth; and Drill Hole LB22-52 intersected 7.17% Cg over 9.0m at 36m drilled depth. (Note: All intersections reported are based on drilled width; true widths will be determined with additional drilling programs.) The five drillholes totaling 356 metres reported in this update were drilled as step-outs to extend mineralization and to confirm structural interpretations of Zone 3. Mineralization is interpreted to occur within a near surface, synformal fold structure trending to the northeast. The drilling suggests the multiple graphite horizons are locally folded and structurally thickened which can enhance the potential for economic extraction. Holes LB23-60, 61 and 63 were drilled to evaluate the northern limb of the fold structure and holes LB23-62 and 64 the southern limb. All holes intersected significant graphite mineralization. The mineralization remains open in both the strike and dip directions for continued expansion. Full assay results from the five holes are presented in Table 1 and drill hole locations in Figure 2. Further assay results are expected to be released from the LAB Zone 3 drilling in the coming weeks. Table 1 - Drill Hole Results LAB Graphite Project ZONE 3 - Exploration Drill Results Hole No. Azimuth Dip Easting Northing From (m) To (m) Thickness (m) A1 % Cg Thickness (m) A1 x %Cg LB23-60 230 -60 457682 5134000 3.00 9.99 6.99 4.98 35 including 3.00 4.90 1.90 9.34 18 and 8.31 9.99 1.68 8.12 14 LB23-61 316 -65 457729 5134074 16.23 18.48 2.25 3.31 7 and 23.36 24.98 1.62 3.79 6 and 35.55 37.36 1.81 6.05 11 LB23-62 140 -45 457760 5134119 38.23 52.05 13.82 6.33 87 including 38.23 42.59 4.36 8.57 37 and 48.57 52.05 3.48 13.07 45 LB24-63 315 -45 457753 5134125 33.16 42.00 8.84 3.67 32 including 33.16 34.51 1.35 8.45 11 and 37.52 42.00 4.48 4.56 20 LB24-64 140 -45 457766 5134175 53.58 68.00 14.42 5.75 83 including 53.58 61.22 7.64 7.64 58 and 65.93 68.00 2.07 11.40 24 91.23 94.88 3.65 5.73 21 Notes: A1 Intervals are core length. True width will be defined with additional drilling In hole LAB24-64 the interval from 53.58 to 68.0m grading 5.75% Cg over 14.42m includes a 3.69m section which was not assayed. A grade of zero was used in calculating the weighted average grade for the 14.42m interval. UTM Nad 83, Zone 18 Figure 1 - Map with the location of the drillholes at LAB Zone 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8293/204958_688e26cef46248c3_003full.jpg Select samples from the 13 holes drilled from LAB were submitted for assay analysis. A total of 1,034m were drilled during the program. All drill core samples were sampled, stored and shipped using industry best practices and were delivered to Activation Laboratories ("Actlabs"), Ancaster, Ontario, for sample preparation and analyses using laboratories' Code 4F-C Graphitic, analyzing C-Graphite (infrared) where the sample is subjected to a multistage furnace treatment to remove all forms of carbon with the exception of graphitic carbon; and C-Total (infrared). Actlabs is an independent commercial, accredited ISO Certified Laboratory. The core sample program also included field duplicates, blanks and a graphite standard sample for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) purposes. Qualified Person This news release has been reviewed and approved by Roger Dahn, B.Sc., P.Geo., a director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Matthew Harrington, P.Geo., of Mercator Geological Services Ltd. is an "Independent Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101 and confirms he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. About Graphano Energy Graphano Energy Ltd. is an exploration and development company that is focused on evaluating, acquiring, and developing energy metals resources from exploration to production. Graphite is one of the most in-demand technology minerals that is required for a green and sustainable world. The Company's Lac Aux Bouleaux Property, situated adjacent to Canada's only producing graphite mine, in Quebec, Canada, Northern Graphite Corp.'s Lac des Iles Mine, has historically been an active area for natural graphite. With the demand for graphite growing in some of the most prominent and cutting-edge industries, such as lithium batteries in electric cars and other energy storage technologies, the Company is developing its project to meet the demands of the future. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Luisa Moreno Chief Executive Officer and Director E: info@graphano.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, relating to future operations, including exploration, drilling, and other activities of Graphano, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's exploration plans, results therefrom and the impact thereof, being able to further expand the Company's resource potential, and ongoing Mineral Resource estimation work. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Graphano, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Graphano does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbour. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/204958 VANCOUVER, April 11, 2024 - Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXv:CCE)(FSE:D7H0)(OTCQX:CMRZF) (the "Company" or "Commerce") is pleased to announce the publication of a paper on rare earth element ("REE") mineral processing, which has been supported by sample material from the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit, wholly owned by the Company, located in Nunavik, Quebec. The paper, titled "Assessment of the impact of grinding conditions and water quality on the flotation of rare earth elements bearing minerals using hydroxamic acid" was published earlier this month in The Canadian Journal of Metallurgy and Materials Science, a peer-reviewed international journal. The publication is part of an ongoing research and development program being carried-out as a collaboration between the Company, Universite du Quebec en Abitibi-Temiscamingue (UQAT), and Industrial Waste Technology Centre (CTRI). As part of its contribution to the work, the Company provided approximately 1.5 tonnes of Ashram Deposit material to be used as feed for the various test programs. The research and development test programs, targeted at optimization of flotation, are jointly funded through both Provincial and Federal grant mechanisms (see news release dated August 25, 2020). Company President Chris Grove states, "we are grateful to have been in a position to contribute to this publication and, in general, the continued research and development of REEs in the province of Quebec. Quebec has a wealth of mineral potential, and in the REE space this includes the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit held by the Company. The Company remains active in the academic space with grant supported collaborations ongoing with several provincial and federal institutions." The Company is pleased to provide its continued support to the academic and institutional REE research and development industry through the supply of Ashram Deposit material and geological expertise, supporting the development of highly qualified personnel (HQP) in Canada. The Ashram Deposit outcrops at surface and has allowed for cost-effective collection of large amounts of material for test work. As such, the Company is actively engaged with various research and academic institutions to support the advancement of the REE industry in Canada, and in Quebec specifically. About the Ashram Deposit The Ashram Deposit ranks as one of the largest REE (and fluorspar) deposits globally, consisting of a monazite dominated, single mineralized body outcropping at surface, and has a footprint approximately 700 m along strike, over 300 m across, and 600 m deep, remaining open in several directions. The deposit hosts a measured resource of 1.6 million tonnes (Mt) at 1.77% rare earth oxide (REO) and 3.8% F, an indicated resource of 27.7 Mt at 1.90% REO and 2.9% F, and an inferred resource of 219.8 Mt at 1.88% REO and 2.2% F, at a cut-off grade of 1.25% REO (Effective Date July 5th, 2012). Note, mineral resources are not mineral reserves as they do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all or any part of the Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. About Commerce Resources Corp. Commerce Resources Corp. is a junior mineral resource company focused on the development of the Ashram Rare Earth and Fluorspar Deposit located in Quebec, Canada. The Company is positioned to become one of the lowest cost rare earth producers globally, with a specific focus on being a long-term supplier of mixed rare earth carbonate and/or NdPr oxide to the global market. The Ashram Deposit is characterized by simple rare earth (monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime) and gangue (carbonates) mineralogy, a large tonnage resource at favourable grade, and has demonstrated the production of high-grade (>45% REO) mineral concentrates at high recovery (>70%) in line with active global producers. In addition to being one of the largest rare earth deposits globally, Ashram is also one of the largest fluorspar deposits globally and has the potential to be a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets. For more information, please visit the corporate website at www.commerceresources.com or email info@commerceresources.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Commerce Resources Corp. "Chris Grove" Chris Grove CEO and President Tel: 604.484.2700 Email: cgrove@commerceresources.com Web: http://www.commerceresources.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements, which includes any information about activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward looking statements in this news release include that that mixed REC is readily saleable; that partial separation of REEs will allow for the marketability of individual elements to be produced; that Ashram has the potential to become one of the largest fluorspar deposit and a long-term supplier to the met-spar and acid-spar markets; and that the Company is positioning to be one of the lowest cost rare earth element producers globally. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Risks that could change or prevent these events, activities or developments from coming to fruition include: that we may not be able to fully finance any additional exploration on the Ashram Project; that even if we are able raise capital, costs for exploration activities may increase such that we may not have sufficient funds to pay for such exploration or processing activities; the timing and content of any future work programs; geological interpretations based on drilling that may change with more detailed information; potential process methods and mineral recoveries assumptions based on limited test work and by comparison to what are considered analogous deposits that, with further test work, may not be comparable; testing of our process may not prove successful or samples derived from the Ashram Project may not yield positive results, and even if such tests are successful or initial sample results are positive, the economic and other outcomes may not be as expected; the availability of labour and equipment to undertake future exploration work and testing activities; geopolitical risks which may result in market and economic instability; and despite the current expected viability of the Ashram Project, conditions changing such that even if metals or minerals are discovered on the Ashram Project, the project may not be commercially viable; The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. SOURCE: Commerce Resources Corp. View the original press release on accesswire.com All amounts are in USD unless stated otherwise TSX: GMIN OTCQX: GMINF Project remains on schedule and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024 Total project progress of 87% with construction 89% complete Total spending to date of $433 million (95% of project total) Updated virtual site tour available through VRIFY platform BROSSARD, April 11, 2024 - G Mining Ventures Corp. ("GMIN" or the "Corporation") (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is pleased to provide an update on progress made at GMIN's 100% owned Tocantinzinho Gold Project ("TZ" or the "Project") currently under construction in the State of Para, Brazil. With the spot gold price trading at $2,356/oz (LBMA Gold Price PM as at April 9, 2024), the Project is 87% complete and remains on track and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024. Recent Highlights (All updates are dated as of March 31st, 2024, unless stated otherwise.) Health & Safety - Industry leading safety record of Lost Time Incident Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.04, and Total Recordable Incident Frequency Rate ("TRIFR") of 0.32 after a total of 4,941,128 person-hours worked. Budget - Total spend to date of $433 million with open commitments of $16 million for a total committed to date of $449 million (98% of project total) and are tracking in line with the Feasibility Study (defined hereafter). Schedule -Total Project is currently 87% complete and trending on time for commercial production in H2-24. Detailed engineering, procurement and powerline are complete. Construction Progress - Construction is 89% complete, with Balance of Plant and infrastructures completed and commissioned. Pre-production Mining - Pre-production mining activities have exceeded 50 thousand tonnes ("kt") per day ("pd") and have been operating on a 24/7 basis since May 2023. A total of 11.4 million tonnes ("Mt") of material has been excavated from the starter pit. Powerline - 193-km 138 kV transmission line from Novo Progresso to TZ and associated substations are complete and soon to be energized. Operational Readiness - Commissioning activities commencing in April starting with primary crusher and ore reclaim system. Human Resources - 1,680 employees and contractors are currently employed by the Project with 94% of the workforce comprised of Brazilians. Site Drone Footage - Recent aerial drone footage of the side can be found here (https://youtu.be/sdelA8UKOEc ) Tocantinzinho Project Update Area Progress to Date (at March 31, 2024 unless otherwise noted) Health & Safety Total of 4,941,128 person-hours worked with industry leading Health and Safety performance. LTIFR of 0.04. TRIFR of 0.32, compared to global industry average of 0.80. performance. Budget Project remains on budget and on schedule Project commitments total $449 million (98% of project total), including expenditures of $433 million (95% of project total). Budget is tracking in line with the Feasibility Study dated February 09, 2022 (filed under GMIN's profile on Sedar, entitled "Feasibility Study - NI 43-101 Technical Report, Tocantinzinho Gold Project."). Schedule Total Project progress is 87% and remains on schedule for commercial production in H2-24. Construction Progress Total construction is 89% complete with detailed engineering and procurement complete. Balance of Plant and infrastructures completed and commissioned, and all remaining construction is in the areas related to the Processing Plant. Plant construction in final months with a focus on semi-autogenous mill ("SAG") and ball mill assembly, especially mechanical, piping, electrical and instrumentation. Process plant construction status: Primary crusher and ore reclaim tunnel construction complete with commissioning activities starting in April. Gravity circuit (gravity screens, Knelson concentrators, intensive leach reactor and cyclone) installed with piping & electrical works substantially complete. Construction completion in April and commissioning activities planned in May. SAG & Ball Mill installation progressing well with finalization of lube systems. Ring gear, pinion and final alignment complete on Ball Mill and ring gear installation in progress on SAG Mill. Construction completion and the start of commissioning activities planned in May. Flotation circuit installed with piping & electrical works substantially complete. Construction completion and commissioning activities planned in May. Carbon-in-leach ("CIL") circuit complete and hydrotested. Commissioning activities planned in April. Adsorption, desorption and recovery plant and gold room construction in progress. Construction completion and commissioning activities planned in May. Flotation Tailings Storage Facility construction ~100% complete: Main dam reached final elevation of 150 metres for Phase 1. Spillway excavation and geocell channel completed. Downstream rockfill of the spillway 90% completed. Placement of the downstream filter material 90% completed. Piezometer installation underway. CIL Tailings Storage Facility construction advanced: Completed and lined. Leak detection system installed. Revegetation of the external slopes ongoing. Pre-Production Mining Owner operated mining operations started in September 2022, with 11.4 Mt of material excavated from the starter pit to date. Pre-production mining rate has exceeded 50 ktpd, with rain events having minimal impact on operations since all roads have been capped with rock. Grade control activities guiding ore mining via sampling and assaying of blasthole cuttings. Assaying performed by on-site laboratory owned by GMIN. A total of 1Mt of ore has been stockpiled with positive reconciliation to date due to ore identified outside of the Feasibility Study reserves model: 140 kt grading 1.12 g/t in the high-grade stockpile, containing 5,041 oz of gold 880 kt grading 0.77 g/t in the low-grade stockpile, containing 21,785 oz of gold Powerline Powerline and Novo Progresso and TZ substations are complete and commissioned. Energization to occur imminently. Power purchase agreement signed with CEMIG, large Brazilian energy group, as previously announced on June 1, 2023. Operational Readiness Procurement and supply of required consumables and maintenance parts have been defined and implemented. First fill of reagents will arrive in April and May. Plant operations and maintenance team staffing progressing according to plan and available to participate in walkdown inspections and commissioning activities. Training of Plant operators is progressing well with focus on the application and handling of cyanide and other reagents. Business readiness is well advanced with key personnel, management systems and processes in place Human Resources 1,680 employees and contractors are currently employed by the Project with 94% of the workforce comprised of Brazilians. Majority of senior positions (Managers and Senior staff) have been filled during construction with only the Process Plant positions being recent additions. Recruitment and training for the Process Plant is near term focus Project Development Timeline The Project remains on track and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024. Virtual Site Tour and Feasibility Study Presentation Updated satellite imagery and 360 photography showing the site progress is available through the corporate presentation at: https://vrify.com/decks/14338. A 3D presentation of the Project Feasibility Study is available at: Feasibility Study 3D VRIFY Presentation. Both presentations can be accessed by visiting GMIN's website at https://www.gminingventures.com. Timetable and Next Steps Upcoming key milestones include: Process plant commissioning commence in Q2-24 Commercial production in H2-24. Update Photos Qualified Person Louis-Pierre Gignac, President & Chief Executive Officer of GMIN, a QP as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed the press release on behalf of the Corporation and has approved the technical disclosure contained in this press release. About G Mining Ventures Corp. G Mining Ventures Corp. (TSX: GMIN) (OTCQX: GMINF) is a mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious metal projects, to capitalize on the value uplift from successful mine development. GMIN is well-positioned to grow into the next mid-tier precious metals producer by leveraging strong access to capital and proven development expertise. GMIN is currently anchored by its flagship Tocantinzinho Gold Project in mining friendly and prospective State of Para, Brazil. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws and are based on expectations and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, those related to (i) the Project remaining on schedule and on budget for commercial production in H2-2024; (ii) the Project commitments tracking in line with the Feasibility Study; (iii) the power transmission line to be energized imminently (or in the near term); (iv) the commissioning activities in respect of various process plant components being planned for, or starting in April or, as applicable, May 2024; (v) the operational readiness being well advanced; and (vi) more generally, the horizontal bar chart entitled "Project Development Timeline" as well as the section entitled "About G Mining Ventures Corp.". Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the time of this press release. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as of the time of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Such assumptions include, without limitation, those relating to the price of gold and currency exchange rates, those outlined in the Feasibility Study and those underlying the items listed on the above section entitled "About G Mining Ventures Corp.". Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can directly or indirectly affect, and could cause, actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that, notably but without limitation, the Corporation will (i) continue to progress on all fronts at the Project, (ii) continue taking care of the health and safety of all its stakeholders, (iii) keep its expenditures and schedule in line with the Feasibility Study, (iv) carry its next steps as per the above timetable and effect the transition to commercial production as contemplated, (v) energize the transmission line in the near term and bring the Project into commercial production in the H2-2024, or at all, or (vi) use TZ to grow GMIN into the next intermediate producer, as future events could differ materially from what is currently anticipated by the Corporation. In addition, there can be no assurance that the State of Para, in Brazil, will remain a mining friendly and prospective jurisdiction. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks exist that estimates, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved or that assumptions do not reflect future experience. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as a number of important risk factors and future events could cause the actual outcomes to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates, assumptions and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in the Corporation's other filings with the securities regulators of Canada including, but not limited to, the cautionary statements made in the relevant sections of the Corporation's (i) Annual Information Form dated March 27, 2024, for the financial year ended December 31, 2023, and (ii) Management Discussion & Analysis. The Corporation cautions that the foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive, and new, unforeseeable risks may arise from time to time. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/g-mining-ventures-provides-tocantinzinho-project-update-302114121.html SOURCE G Mining Ventures Corp. VANCOUVER, April 11, 2024 - Monumental Energy Corp. ("Monumental" or the "Company") (TSXV: MNRG) (FSE: BE5) (OTCQB: MNMRF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an arm's length option acquisition agreement (the "Acquisition Agreement") with Summit Nanotech Corporation ("Summit") dated April 11, 2024, whereby the Company has agreed to transfer and assign its rights and obligations under the Turi Option Agreement (as defined below) to Summit (the "Acquisition"). The Company had previously entered into an option agreement with Lithium Chile Inc. (TSXV: LITH) ("Lithium Chile") and its wholly-owned Chilean subsidiary Compania Minera Kairos Limitada dated October 5, 2022, as amended August 24, 2023 (the "Turi Option Agreement"), whereby Monumental was granted an option to acquire a 50.01% interest in the Salar de Turi project (the "Turi Project") from Lithium Chile. The Turi Project is located 120 km northwest of the Salar de Laguna Blanca and 60 km northeast of the city of Calama, Chile. Pursuant to the Acquisition Agreement, in consideration for the assignment and assumption of the Turi Option Agreement, Summit must, within five (5) business days of the closing of the Acquisition, pay to Monumental $725,000 in cash and grant to Monumental a two percent (2.0%) net smelter return royalty on Summit's share of any future lithium production from the Turi Project (subject to the exercise of the option by Summit to acquire a 50.01% interest in the Turi Project pursuant to the Turi Option Agreement), in accordance with the terms set out in a royalty agreement between Monumental and Summit. Lithium Chile has agreed to the Acquisition of the Turi Option Agreement by Summit pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Acquisition Agreement in accordance with a letter agreement between Summit and Lithium Chile. Closing of the Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions customary for transactions of this nature and Monumental and Summit expect that the Acquisition will be completed during April 2024. About Monumental Energy Corp. Monumental Energy Corp. is an exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties in the critical and clean energy sector. The Company has an option to acquire a 75% interest and title to the Laguna cesium-lithium brine project located in Chile. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Jemi HREE project located in Coahuila, Mexico near the Texas, USA border. The Company owns securities of New Zealand Energy Corp. About Summit Nanotech Corporation Summit Nanotech Corporation is a cleantech company transforming how the world accesses lithium for EV batteries and the global energy transition. Their patented and sustainable direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, denaLi, extracts lithium from brine using a sorbent and water recovery solution, making way for a sustainable alternative to the traditional extraction process. denaLi will preserve ecosystems and optimize operations for lithium producers in Chile and Argentina. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Summit Nanotech has been awarded the 2022 Future 50 for fastest growing sustainability companies in Canada, the Foresight 50 for most investable cleantech venture, the Solar Impulse Foundation's Efficient Solutions Label, and the 2024 Global Cleantech 100 list. Learn more at summitnanotech.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, /s/ "Michelle DeCecco" Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, statements in respect of the Acquisition, the Acquisition Agreement and the Turi Option Agreement (and the terms and conditions of such agreements), respectively, and other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals and oil and gas, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to secure personnel and equipment for work programs, adverse weather and climate conditions, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological assumptions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain surface access agreements or understandings from local communities, land owners or Indigenous groups, fluctuation in exchange rates, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, lithium, cesium and other metals, decrease in the price of oil and gas, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, failure to obtain and/or maintain community acceptance (including from the Indigenous communities), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. SOURCE Monumental Energy Corp. Contact Michelle Dececco, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Email: michelle@monumental.energy; Maximilian Sali, VP Corporate Development and Director, Email: max@monumental.energy CALGARY, April 11, 2024 - Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) (the "Company" or "Traction") is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Gorman as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. Mr. Gorman is a resource sector-focused corporate specialist with over 25 years of experience in junior mining finance, public listings, viability assessment, and the operational rationalization of several emerging-growth public companies. For 18 years, he served as President and Managing Partner of Riverbank Capital by working with small-cap companies to assist in financing, property, and profile development. Paul was instrumental in raising capital over $85 million, and in developing plans for ongoing sustainable business growth. He was instrumental in revitalizing the junior graphite space in North America in 2008 by funding Industrial Minerals Inc, which became Northern Graphite and assisting four other graphite companies in an advisory role. Paul founded Mega Graphite Inc. in 2009 and has served as chief executive for three other companies. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. "Mr. Gorman's previous corporate and resource industry experience is invaluable to the Traction team," stated Faizaan Lalani, Director of Traction Uranium Corp. "we look forward to having him join and lead the Company forward." The appointment of Mr. Gorman follows the resignation of Lester Esteban as Chief Executive Officer for the Company. Mr. Esteban will remain as a Director of Traction. The Company would like to thank Mr. Esteban for his contributions as Chief Executive Officer for Traction. About Traction Uranium Corp. Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its two uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region. We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canada's Western region at www.tractionuranium.com. On Behalf of The Board of Directors Faizaan Lalani Director +1 (604) 425-2271 info@tractionuranium.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Vancouver, April 11, 2024 - Global Energy Metals Corp. TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1 ("Global Energy Metals", the "Company" and/or "GEMC"), a multi-jurisdictional, multi-commodity critical mineral exploration, development and project generating company focused on growth-oriented projects supporting the global transition to clean energy, announces an exploration strategy for summer 2024 at its Monument Peak Copper-Silver-Gold Project (the "Project" and/or "Monument Peak") in Lemhi County, Idaho, United States. The project is located east of Salmon Idaho, along the Montana border. Highlights Monument Peak, consisting of 84 claims, is an exploration-staged, high-grade, copper-silver-gold project in Idaho, a state that consistently ranks as a top mining jurisdiction by the Fraser Institute, Following a reinterpretation of both historical and more recent data, including field work conducted by Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd. ("DGC"), a new geological model has been proposed and warrants further investigation, A past exploration field program conducted by DGC resulted in rock samples that ranged up to 5.61% Cu, 175 g/t Ag, 17.6 g/t Au; the samples returned an arithmetic average of 2.18% Cu, 63 g/t Ag, 3.65 g/t Au, Spring/Summer exploration plans designed to refine our exploration targets and further evaluate the economic potential of the identified mineral zones, Updated project specific presentation filed on the Monument Peak landing page of the Company's website. Mitchell Smith, CEO and Director commented: "This is a very compelling project in Idaho, an extremely sought after jurisdiction for mining in general but also for copper, silver and gold, all of which are dominant in the mineralization identified at site. With this exploration plan in hand we, in collaboration with Dahrouge Geological are now assessing various options, including potential strategic partnerships, to conduct the work necessary to unlock Monument Peak's full potential." Monument Peak, consisting of 84 claims covering approximately 1,708 acres (~691 hectares), is an exploration-staged, high-grade, copper-silver-gold project, which includes two small past-producing copper mines: Jackson and Hungry Hill. Sporadic exploration, development and production occurred in the region, primarily during the early 1900's, with some additional development in the 1950's. The most recent exploration occurred during the 1970's and 1980's. The Cu-Ag +/- Au mineralization at Monument Peak was described (Mitchel, 1972) as having "unusual continuity" in association with structural zones hosted by sericitic quartzites, which can be traced along a 3,200 m strike length. Mineralized width generally ranges from 3 to 6 m but can reach up to 50 m, as described by Lavery (1988). Metamorphosed host quartzites are Proterozoic (1.47 - 1.37 Ma) of the Gunsight Formation and are underlain by the Yellow Lake Formation. Reinterpretation of Monument Peak Following a reinterpretation of both historical and more recent data, including field work conducted by Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd. ("DGC"), a new geological model has been proposed and warrants further investigation. Of particular interest is that similar styled copper-silver mineralization is observed within northern Montana, near the Montana - Idaho border, termed the western Montana Copper Belt. This belt is host to several large sediment-hosted stratabound copper-silver deposits within quartzites of the Proterozoic (1.47 - 1.40 Ma) Revett Formation. Three significant deposits have been documented - Rock Creek, Montanore and Spar Lake: Rock Creek contains an inferred resource [2] of100 Mt of 0.7% Cu and 1.5 oz/ton Ag Montanore contains an inferred resource [2] of 112 Mt of 0.7% Cu and 1.6 oz/ton Ag Spar Lake contains [1] 81 Mt of 0.63% Cu (Figure 1 Click Image To View Full Size Figure 1 - Mineral zonation along the curving long axis of the Spar Lake sandstone copper deposit, Montana, United States, from Hayes et al., 2010. Note: The resource estimates and comparisons provided herein, including those related to the Rock Creek, Montanore, and Spar Lake deposits, are based on historical exploration data and third-party reports. These are presented for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as guarantees of similar outcomes for Monument Peak. Investors should be aware that mineral exploration is a high-risk venture, and there is no assurance that these early-stage findings will lead to the discovery of an economically viable deposit. The Company has not independently verified historical data and comparisons and, as such, should not be relied upon as a predictor of future performance. Hayes et al. (2010) describes sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits as characterized by their copper mineralization, exhibiting extensive lateral zonation from chalcopyrite through to chalcocite and bornite within sedimentary or metasedimentary hosts. These deposits are categorized into three types based on host lithology and reduced mineralization environment responsible for precipitating copper sulfides from oxidized sedimentary brines: 1)Reduced-facies type in organic-rich shale and mudstone 2)Sandstone-type in petroleum-associated sandstone/quartzite 3)Red-bed type in fluvial sandstone with carbonized plant matter The Revett, or sandstone subtype, is associated with nearshore marine and beach sandstones and fluvial and aeolian environments. These deposits are typically situated within the topset beds of deltaic sedimentary packages, characterized by their geological setting that facilitate the stratiform distribution of copper minerals. The Revett subtype is characterized by diffuse reductant distribution in the sedimentary matrix, which is crucial for the mineralization process. The dimensions and mineral content of sediment-hosted stratabound copper deposits vary by type, with reduced-facies and sandstone deposits achieving notable copper grades and tonnage in contrast to red-bed types. Morphologically, these deposits range from sheet-like to lens-shaped bodies, covering vast lateral extents of mineralization (Figure 1). These deposits also stand out as vital sources of gold and silver, with their distinct mineral zonation setting them apart from other sedimentary copper deposits. A previous exploration program at Monument Peak undertaken by DGC in 2021, included the collection of 557 soil and 13 rock samples to assess mineralized strike potential. Project highlights follow (from North to South): Highlights of Soil Sampling and Geological Reconnaissance (Figure 2): Rock samples ranged up to 5.61% Cu, 175 g/t Ag, 17.6 g/t Au; the samples returned an arithmetic average of 2.18% Cu, 63 g/t Ag, 3.65 g/t Au, Soil samples show strong geochemical (Cu, Ag, Au) anomalies along the known mineralized trend, which extends for 3,200+ metres, A mineralized pit in the south part of the property was identified 200 metres due east of previous known mineralization, A newly identified historical trench between the south and central showings confirms continuity of mineralization, and Workings, outcrops, and soil geochemistry imply the mineralized system could be continuous over its entire known strike length of 3,200+ metres. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2 - Monument Peak location map highlighting rock and soil samples collected during 2021 exploration. Proposed Summer Exploration Strategy Given the similarities between the style and age of the copper and silver mineralization within the Western Montana Copper Belt and the Monument Peak area, the Company intends to confirm the grades, thickness and style of mineralization at Monument Peak, in advance of drill testing. The spring/summer exploration will include comprehensive surface mapping and the collection of additional rock samples guided by the insights gained from the previous reconnaissance. This strategic approach is designed to refine exploration targets and further evaluate the economic potential of the identified mineral zones. For more information on Monument Peak, please refer to a recently updated project presentation filed on the Company's website: https://globalenergymetals.com/portfolio/monument-peak/ References [1] Hayes, T.S., Cox, D.P., Piatak, N.M., & Seal, R.R. II. (2010). Sediment-Hosted Stratabound Copper Deposit Model. In Mineral Deposit Models for Resource Assessment (Scientific Investigations Report 2010-5070-M, Chapter M). U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. [2] Hecla Mining Company. (2023). Reserves and Resources - 12/31/2023. [3] Lavery, N.G. (1988). Bolton Lode Gold Prospect, Lemhi County, Idaho. Minerals Exploration & Development. 4] Mitchel, M.J. (1972). Preliminary Geologic Report on the Geerston Creek Copper Claims in Salmon, Idaho. Western Exploration. Qualified Person Mr. Paul Sarjeant, P. Geo., is the qualified person for this release as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He is a shareholder and Director of the Company. For Further Information: Global Energy Metals Corp. #1501-128 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6B 1R8 Email: info@globalenergymetals.com t. + 1 (604) 688-4219 www.globalenergymetals.com Twitter: @EnergyMetals | @USBatteryMetals | @ElementMinerals Global Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV:GEMC | OTCQB:GBLEF | FSE:5GE1) Global Energy Metals Corp. offers investment exposure to the growing rechargeable battery and electric vehicle market by building a diversified global portfolio of exploration and growth-stage battery mineral assets. Global Energy Metals recognizes that the proliferation and growth of the electrified economy in the coming decades is underpinned by the availability of battery metals, including cobalt, nickel, copper, lithium and other raw materials. To be part of the solution and respond to this electrification movement, Global Energy Metals has taken a 'consolidate, partner and invest' approach and in doing so have assembled and are advancing a portfolio of strategically significant investments in battery metal resources. As demonstrated with the Company's current copper, nickel and cobalt projects in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United States, GEMC is investing-in, exploring and developing prospective, scaleable assets in established mining and processing jurisdictions in close proximity to end-use markets. Global Energy Metals is targeting projects with low logistics and processing risks, so that they can be fast tracked to enter the supply chain in this cycle. The Company is also collaborating with industry peers to strengthen its exposure to these critical commodities and the associated technologies required for a cleaner future. Securing exposure to these critical minerals powering the eMobility revolution is a generational investment opportunity. Global Energy Metals believes Now is the Time to be part of this electrification movement. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information: Certain information in this release may constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws and necessarily involve risks associated with regulatory approvals and timelines. Although Global Energy Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. GEMC's operations could be significantly adversely affected by the effects of a widespread global outbreak of a contagious disease, including the recent outbreak of illness caused by COVID-19. It is not possible to accurately predict the impact COVID-19 will have on operations and the ability of others to meet their obligations, including uncertainties relating to the ultimate geographic spread of the virus, the severity of the disease, the duration of the outbreak, and the length of travel and quarantine restrictions imposed by governments of affected countries. In addition, a significant outbreak of contagious diseases in the human population could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect the economies and financial markets of many countries, resulting in an economic downturn that could further affect operations and the ability to finance its operations. For more information on Global Energy and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review the filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. We seek safe harbour. Vancouver, April 11, 2024 - Orestone Mining Corp. (TSXV: ORS) (OTC Pink: ORESF) (FSE: WKN: O2R1) ("the Company") is pleased to report that the Company has been reviewing projects for the last six months focusing on opportunities for gold, silver and copper properties in British Columbia, Nevada, Chile and Argentina to complement our current portfolio. With indications of a commodity cycle gaining momentum, the Company believes the investment markets are starting to notice exploration companies which may increase the availability of funding for mineral exploration. The Company announces a non-brokered private placement consisting of up to 5,000,000 common shares ("Shares") at a price of $0.03 per Share for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $150,000 (the "Offering"). A finder's fee of up to 6% may be paid in cash in connection with certain subscriptions. The private placement is expected to close on or about April 30, 2024 or such later date as the Corporation may determine. Closing will be subject to receipt of conditional approval by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The proceeds of the Offering will be used for payment of certain expenses, consisting of $45,000 payable to DeVisser Gray LLP for audit and tax related services; $25,000 payable to Pacific Opportunity Capital, a non-arm's length party, for office rent and accounting services, with the balance of the proceeds to be used for general working capital purposes. It is anticipated that certain directors, officers and other insiders of the Company may acquire Shares under the Offering. Such participation will be considered to be "related party transactions" within the meaning of Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") adopted in the Policy. The Company intends to rely on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of related party participation in the Offering as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involves the related parties, is expected to exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101). The securities referred to in this news release have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or persons in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws of the United States or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities within any jurisdiction, including the United States. About Orestone Orestone Mining Corp. is a professionally managed mineral exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Company's primary asset is the 100 percent owned Captain gold-copper Project which hosts a large gold dominate porphyry target. The property encompasses 105 square kilometres located 41 kilometres north of Fort St. James and 30 kilometres south of the Mt. Milligan copper-gold mine in North Central British Columbia. The Captain Project features relatively flat terrain, moderate tree cover, and an extensive network of logging and Forest Service roads suitable for exploration year round. To stay informed of Orestone's latest activities please click here to provide consent and receive news and updates. For more information, please visit Orestone's website at: www.orestone.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern, without limitation, closing of the Offering and the intended use of proceeds of the Offering. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions any of which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: availability of funds for completion of the Offering, conditions in general economic and financial markets; timing and amount of expenditures and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including, but not limited to: the availability of funds; the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. ON BEHALF OF Orestone Mining Corp. David Hottman CEO For further information contact: David Hottman at 604-629-1929 | info@orestone.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this News Release. This news release has been prepared by management and no regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/205096 TORONTO, April 11, 2024 - Nubian Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: NBR | OTCQB: NBRFF) ("Nubian" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company is moving forward with the next phase of exploration work including a comprehensive air-core drilling program at its Fosterville East Gold project in Victoria, Australia ("Fosterville East" or the "Project"). Fosterville East covers an area of 82 km2 and lies approximately 12 km east of the Fosterville Gold Mine that is owned and operated by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.. Due to the Project's thick unconsolidated cover, geophysical surveys have been employed to define deeper geological structures and drilling targets below the cover. The Project covers a large suite of sedimentary rocks potentially folded and faulted within the Bendigo Zone that host the Bendigo Gold Deposits (historical production of 22 million ounces gold; e.g., Li et al., 19981)) and Agnico Eagle's Fosterville Mine. Nubian plans on commencing a systematic program of low cost air-core drilling which has proven to be an effective tool to penetrate through overburden that varies up to 15 metres (50 feet) to test for gold and arsenic leader (vein-style) mineralization within the rocks below. Martin Walter, Nubian's CEO, stated, "Recently announced discoveries by Southern Cross Gold and Great Pacific Gold have highlighted Victoria's abundant gold tenure and potential. Nubian has operated in Victoria since 2020 when it acquired its two main projects - Fosterville East and the Yandoit Gold projects. Due to poor mining markets and low interest levels in the exploration for precious metals, Nubian slowed its exploration efforts in Victoria in mid-2022. With the recent rise in the gold and silver prices, we are pleased to have made the decision to re-start exploration efforts in Victoria." Non-Brokered Private Placement Nubian also announced that it will undertake a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $600,000 through the issuance of up to 10,000,000 units (the "Private Placement"), each Unit being priced at $0.06 and comprising one common share and one-half common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable at $0.08 for a period of 24 months post the closing date. In connection with the private placement, the Company may pay finder's fees of 7% cash and 7% compensation warrants in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The proceeds of the Private Placement will be utilized to undertake exploration activities at Fosterville East and for general working capital purposes. QUALIFIED PERSON The technical information contained in this news release relating to the Fosterville East project has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo.), who is a Qualified Person under the definitions established by the National Instrument 43-101. ABOUT NUBIAN Nubian Resources Ltd. is a publicly traded precious and base metals exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company is managed by a team of experienced mining and geological professionals. Nubian's projects are focused on key mining jurisdictions including Peru and Australia (central Victoria and Tasmania). For further information, please contact: Martin Walter, Chief Executive Officer, Nubian Resources Ltd., at +1-416-389-5692 or martin@nubianr.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "may" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Nubian's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of Nubian's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including the closing of the Private Placement and use of proceeds. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in parameters of the projects as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and current global financial conditions, increased competition, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, regulatory risks, including risks relating to licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks and title and environmental risks. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and Nubian is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. 1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169136897000279 Barcelona still in post-2026 F1 contract talks Barcelona is not giving up on Formula 1, despite Madrid's high profile new long time deal to start hosting the official Spanish GP from 2026. Start, Spanish GP 2023 Red Bull F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is not ruling out a scenario in which Madrid and Barcelona, the sport's traditional Spanish venue since the early 90s, could co-exist in the future. And that's precisely what Roger Torrent, the minister of business and work in Catalonia, says he is working on. Also serving as president of the Circuit de Catalunya at this critical time in its F1 history, Torrent told the local TV3 broadcaster that talks with Formula 1 are well focused and continue to move forward . Torrent is confident this year's Spanish GP will be the best that has ever been organised in Catalonia, which he says will contribute decisively to the F1 contract talks. The circuit is undertaking spectacular works, he explained, "with a very important investment to adapt it to the 21st century and turn it into the best permanent track in the world. When we renewed for five years, until 2026, it allowed us to address a strategic plan and the renovation of the facilities. We still have three of those five grands prix to go and we are convinced that the next one in June will be the best in the history of the circuit . He said the venue will work with local authorities and institutions so that F1 can remain for many more years in Barcelona . Both Formula 1 and MotoGP are happy with the involvement of Catalonia and Barcelona in the celebration of their grands prix, Torrent added. (GMM) Owner willing to invest more in Haas team Haas could soon be getting an extra injection of funding that team critics say is badly overdue. Kevin Magnussen, Japanese GP 2024 Haas F1 Team / LAT Long-time boss Gunther Steiner left the team over the winter following a reported dispute about investment with team owner Gene Haas. And former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland: "The structure there is not geared towards the future and is not looking towards the future either. Investments are pending, but they are not being made because Gene Haas has other ideas, he added. It's currently a nice small team for newcomers like Oliver Bearman. However, according to Steiner's replacement as team boss, Ayao Komatsu, Gene Haas is actually promising more investment. Gene's message to me from day one was crystal clear, the Japanese engineer told Ekstra Bladet newspaper. "He said he has the money, he is willing to invest, but we need to show him that we can use that money responsibly and efficiently. There's a reason he's a billionaire, right? He hates wasting money, Komatsu added. "We can improve in many areas, so I was not worried about his message. I know for sure that he will invest when we get there. Komatsu even reveals that Gene Haas is already promising funding for a new 'motorhome' - the huge temporary HQ buildings that teams take to the European rounds. He has already authorised a new motorhome for next year, Komatsu said, "and it is no small investment. We are also actively recruiting - a quite considerable number based on our size has been approved. The implication of Komatsu's comments is that Haas, 71, was unwilling to promise more money under Steiner's reign - who perhaps was not making all of the best choices. Gene said to spend the money more wisely, Komatsu said, "so I'm trying to do that. It is step by step. Nothing happens in a day. But both Gene and his right-hand man are very involved and supportive. The new number of people may not be large for Mercedes, but it is quite large for us. We have to win back the trust, if you will, he added. But even if we increase the number of people now, it will take six months before they start, the Japanese 48-year-old said. Right now I'm just focused on what we have, on being efficient and on developing the car in the right way. (GMM) Sainz closing in on 2025 Mercedes deal? Carlos Sainz could be closing in on a deal to race for Mercedes in 2025. Carlos Sainz, Japanese GP 2024 Ferrari Just as Fernando Alonso called a move from Aston Martin to Mercedes not attractive , rumours have ramped up linking Sainz with the seat that will be vacated by his own replacement at Ferrari next year - Lewis Hamilton. Although speculation is the order of the day, Diario Sport journalist Laura Lopez Albiac reports, "the latest leaks from the paddock indicate that Carlos could be close to signing for Mercedes. In recent hours, information has emerged pointing to a fairly imminent announcement - in the coming weeks - of the agreement with the Spaniard. Audi-owned Sauber appears to be the 29-year-old's only real other option, despite Red Bull figures insisting Sainz will be considered as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez. But it is believed only Christian Horner is advocating for Sainz, with Dr Helmut Marko - on the opposing side of Red Bull's ongoing power struggle - preferring a new one-year deal for Perez. It's difficult for Sergio to fight with Max, former F1 driver Vitaly Petrov said, "but that one-two at Suzuka speaks volumes. I think they are happy with everything as it is. They do not need a second Max Verstappen, said the Russian. According to another former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher, Horner sees Sainz as a good signing from the perspective that it protects the team from the prospect of losing Verstappen. Carlos is used to sitting next to strong drivers, he told Sky Deutschland. And Verstappen's time there will also come to an end eventually. Carlos knows this. He believes he can beat him. Former F1 engineer Kees van de Grint, however, told Viaplay: "Perez will stay. He's not the best, but he's one of the better drivers, whilst Verstappen is in a class of his own. A potential problem for Sainz at Mercedes, however, is that Toto Wolff is clearly grooming the teenaged Kimi Antonelli for an eventual race seat - therefore limiting the potential length of a contract. Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde urges Sainz to be patient for now. He will of course be talking to everyone, said the Dutchman, "but if I was him, I'd wait and see. "If there is an option to get into the best car, the Red Bull, great. But as long as Max is there, Sainz will not be there. I don't believe that. If something happens with Max and he chooses another team, as Red Bull I would get Sainz. But as long as Max is there, I see Perez staying for another two years. (GMM) The Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with contract crews from Kilgore Companies, LLC, doing business as Lewis & Lewis, Inc. will be conducting work on Interstate 80 west of Green River near the Sweetwater County line. Crews will be working on the shoulder at various locations in the eastbound and westbound lanes. Work began Monday, April 1. On April 15, work will begin in the westbound lanes. Drivers will see traffic shifted to a single lane while crews prepare for the milling and paving of the westbound lanes from milepost 57 to 65 that will begin in late April. In preparation for... The Guam Ancestral Lands Commission wants extra monthly cash guaranteed as it negotiates a deal with developer Northern Market LLC to keep its plans for a multi-million dollar Dededo shopping center alive. Ancestral Lands last month agreed to work out a deal with the developer, which owes $1.85 million in back rent to the agency for 13 acres of property across the street from the Guam Regional Medical City. In exchange for a deferral on its monthly rent of $27,854, Northern Market officials plan to cut Ancestral Lands in on 50% of the ventures net profits. The developer wants to defer rent and arrears payments until construction, which will take approximately three years, if finished. Draft amendments to the lease deal were presented to the board on Wednesday. Northern Market wants to get ground broken on the project by Dec. 31 or walk away from the deal, representative attorney Jennifer Calvo told commissioners. But GALC Chairman Ron Eclavea raised concerns that another provision, for a guaranteed minimum of the profits, was not included in the amendments. I think thats critical, with regards to this proposal, Eclavea said. A request for a guaranteed minimum, possibly $35,000, was made by Ancestral Lands commissioner Jeff Rios during a working session with the developer, according to Guam Economic Development Authority real property manager Diego Mendiola. Mendiola noted that a cut of net profits would fluctuate month-to-month, but are projected by Northern Market to be as high as $100,000 monthly. Calvo told commissioners a guaranteed minimum was not included in the initial term sheet the developer presented, but said they may be able to entertain a conservative number for the minimum. Because it is a big undertaking with a lot of expense...we didnt want to put ourselves in a position by guaranteeing a dollar amount, and, you know, not being able to meet it as a developer, Calvo said. She did note that having to pay an arbitrary dollar amount could be detrimental to the project. Calvo told Eclavea she could come up with a number by the following week. Eclavea said he hoped a positive final decision could be reached by next month. He said the $1.8 million in arrears was a black eye, but there were also other negatives to consider, like losing out entirely on the lease deal. To start all over is, is equally as bad, worse. But if that has to be done, thats what has to be done, Eclavea said. GEDA has calculated that potential profit for Ancestral Lands with the new deal could be $51 million over the term of the lease, which expires in 2064. If revisions arent approved, GEDA wont be able to issue another 50-year lease for the property without legislative approval because of changes in the law limiting leases for government land to five years. Northern Market has held a lease on the Dededo property since 2013, but construction never got off the ground. Representatives for the venture have said $2 million has already been sunk into the project. I just want to put on the record that, at the start of this lease agreement, there were numerous obstacles, Ancestral Lands Vice Chair Ron Laguna said at one point during the meeting. He said commissioners should explain to the public the timeline of problems, from permitting delays, to COVID-19, to the shortage of H-2B workers on the island, which required an act of Congress to resolve. Eclavea stressed that all developers on the island have faced similar issues. Its not like...were favoring anyone. We do want success. We want to be successful in these leases, but theres circumstances involved, he said. Ancestral Lands commissioners have never evicted a tenant, though they had moved to terminate the Northern Market lease at one point, Eclavea said. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Measures to expedite the spending of time-sensitive federal money and increase spending on a new Department of Corrections prison by $10 million a year will be up for review at the Guam Legislatures April session. Senators wont address whether to expand the right for residents to defend themselves with deadly force just outside their homes, or a bill to end discrimination in the workplace against employees who use cannabis. A bill to require mandatory, islandwide trash collection will also be on the agenda for the fourth time since January. Sen. Joe San Agustins Bill 234-37 seeks to increase annual funding for construction of a new DOC facility from $5 million to $15 million, to keep up with rising construction costs. A 2021 law authorized DOC to spend up to $5 million on plans for a new prison. A bid for the architectural work on the prison went out early this year. With the clock ticking on the spending of any outstanding federal American Rescue Plan money sitting in government agencies, Sen. Chris Barnetts bill would fast track the process to resolve procurement protests. If a vendor protests a contract award that would use ARP money, and a mutual resolution cant be made, the public auditor will have to issue a decision in just 10 days. Fiscal reports submitted to the Legislature show about $86 million in ARP money is unspent or unencumbered, after accounting for money set aside for a new hospital. Funds have to be allocated by the end of the year, and spent by the end of 2026. Cannabis, castle doctrine Sen. Will Parkinsons Bill 39-37, which seeks to expand the castle doctrine to the area outside a persons house like a porch or driveway, wont be up for debate. A committee report required to put the bill on the agenda was not ready as of a Wednesday Committee on Rules meeting. Parkinson said it was with Speaker Therese Terlajes office for finishing touches. According to the senator, he has been following up on the report since January. Parkinson tried to put the bill on the list of potential items for discussion so it could be added on during session, once a report was finalized, something which has been done in the past. Sen. Joanne Brown objected, saying the failure to follow protocol for the session was a regular issue. Consistently, we have members here that want to put these bills on the agenda that have not completed that process, she said, adding that she opposed any member trying to circumvent the process. Ive been here long enough to watch and see where the abuse of power takes members of this legislature, she said. Parkinson issued a statement later in the day. Im disappointed with those that did not support this measure because, at a time when our communitys concern with crime is at an all-time high, they chose not to arm our residents with all the tools and legal protections they need to defend themselves, their families and their property, he said. Parkinsons Bill 6-37, which would make it unlawful to discriminate against employees for off-the-job cannabis use, also failed to make the agenda. A committee report for the measure was posted online Wednesday. Other measures up for discussion: A new Costco is coming to North Port, Florida, in June 2024. The 157,000-square-foot store will be built in North Ports Wellen Park, a master-planned community in south Sarasota County. The new membership warehouse also includes a gas station, a tire service center, a hearing aid center, an optical department, a pharmacy and a food court serving up everything from churros to pizza. Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park, recently told Q105 radio, that this is an incredible addition for our residents. This will be Sarasota Countys second Costco location, with the first located at the Sarasota Mall. Costco recently opened another Florida location in Daytona Beach, at 150 Pit Road, within the bustling One Daytona complex in Volusia County. How do you get a Costco membership? A Costco membership is required to shop at Costco warehouses. Costco offers two memberships: Gold Star and Executive. The gold star membership is $60 per year, plus tax, and includes two membership cards and the ability to shop in the store and online. The executive membership is $120 per year, plus tax, and in addition to the benefits of the gold star card, this membership includes a 2% annual award and service discounts. Customers can sign up for membership on the stores website. How do you get a job at Costco? Founded in 1983, Costco Wholesale employs more than 292,000 people worldwide, including nearly 186,000 in the United States. The North Port location will add about 250 jobs to the local community. According to Severance, with all of the development activity in and around Wellen Park, job creation has been a big focus. There are over 500 people now employed in Downtown Wellen, Severance said. And with Costco opening up nearby, there will be hundreds of new job opportunities for our residents. Interested in applying to Costco? Prospective employees must submit an online application at Costco Careers. Once there, select North Port (or the site you prefer) and apply. Haiti - FLASH : Wyclef Jean advises dealing with armed gangs Faced with the persistent crisis in Haiti and the growing gang violence, our Haitian Hip-hop star Wyclef Jean, after having asked in a first message not to politicize the crisis in Haiti and called on the Haitian diaspora to participate in the solution of the crisis https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41984-haiti-crisis-wyclef-jean-asks-for-help-from-the-diaspora-video.html delivered Wednesday April 10, 2024 on social networks a second message on the situation in Haiti in which he asks the Presidential Transitional Council via the National Committee for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reintegration to "deal with armed groups". Message by Wyclef Jean : "Good morning Good afternoon Good Evening Good night... here is my current observation on Haiti," Wyclef Jean The sociopolitical situation in Haiti remains very fragile and volatile, but a number of significant, promising and encouraging steps towards finding a solution to the crisis have been taken despite numerous challenges. All 9 members (7 full members with voting rights and 2 observers) of the Presidential Council have agreed on the terms of a political agreement and further steps are expected within the coming days to allow the inauguration of the council, and so on. This is an important step forward which needs to be supported. However, it remains crucial that new authorities, for the process to succeed, decide to reactivate the existing National Committee for Disarmament, Dismantling and Reinsertion, and to deal with armed groups in a way to prevent continuous security chaos with or without the prior deployment of a robust international security force. Because, the most important is to restore security, but also to restore peace, and to resolutely Launch, the country on the path of development and accountability. So, in conclusion, there are other solutions that could be better, such as the appointment of a judge at the Supreme Court as President..., however, given the wide and diverse range of key actors involved, the current proposed solution represents a rare opportunuty to move forward." See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41984-haiti-crisis-wyclef-jean-asks-for-help-from-the-diaspora-video.html H/ S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... Imminent creation of the Transitional Council "The creation of the Presidential Transitional Council responsible for choosing the next leaders of Haiti is imminent. The council could be officially established as early as this week," said Brian A. Nichols, US Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs, at an event in New York organized by the Council on Foreign Relations. Haitians accuse Sunrise Airways The private Haitian company Sunrise Airways based in Port-au-Prince is accused by citizens of taking advantage of the desperation of passengers seeking to leave the country to increase ticket prices. Businessman, philanthropist and pilot Philippe Bayard, President of Sunrise Airways, responded that the increase was due to a set of factors including safety. La Paix hospital treated 194 gunshot wounds in 40 days On the front line of the emergency response, La Paix University Hospital is today the only public hospital in the capital capable of treating a massive influx of victims. Despite the security crisis, HUP managed to maintain its services with the support of WHO-Haiti. Its new outpatient emergency room, inaugurated in December 2022 as part of the WHO SMARTHospital initiative, plays a crucial role in the management of patients, victims of the violence of recent weeks. from February 29 to April 9, 194 gunshot wounds were admitted to this hospital according to Dr. Paul Junior Fontilus, head of La Paix hospital. Biden administration looks at TPS Discussions are currently underway within the Biden administration regarding the extension and redesignation of TPS for Haitians illegally in the United States. A decision should be made before June 4th. TPS for Haiti expires next August. Taekwondo : Already 2 victories for Aliyah Shipman Tuesday April 9, 2024, in the semi-final, as part of the qualifying phase for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, our star taekwondoist Aliyah Shipman won her first fight against Surinamese Lawrence Megan. In her second fight against the Argentine Rivas Victoria she also won 2 rounds to zero. She is now ready to face Chilean taekwondo player Aguire Fernanda, in a decisive fight for her qualification for 2024. 12th curfew As part of the renewed state of emergency until May 3, 2024 for the West department, the curfew has been extended (for the 12th time) until Wednesday April 17, 2024 between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. This measure does not apply to law enforcement officers on duty, firefighters, ambulance drivers, health personnel or duly identified journalists. Let's remember that during the state of emergency, all demonstrations on public roads are prohibited, day or night, in the West department. HL/ HaitiLibre China's NEVs not only provide diversified choices for global consumers, but also help more countries achieve green and low-carbon transformation and sustainable development. HEFEI/PARIS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- In addition to the EU's mandate for customs registration of electric vehicle (EV) imports from China and potential retroactive tariffs, the United States and Britain are also preparing to conduct so-called anti-subsidy investigations or national security risk investigations into China's EV. China's EV exports face headwinds. This is because relevant countries are pursuing protectionism and trade barriers in the name of "fair competition" and "national security," which violates the principles of market economy and WTO rules. It also reflects the growing competitiveness of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. During a recent field visit, Xinhua reporters found that Chinese NEVs' competitive advantages depend not on subsidies, but on supply chain integrity and industrial concentration, full market competition, and rapid technology upgrade promoted by the super-large market. China's NEVs not only provide diversified choices for global consumers, but also help more countries achieve green and low-carbon transformation and sustainable development. The first-mover advantage of China's auto industry in the transition to new energy is driving the transformation of the global auto industry. Relying on technological innovation and excellent quality developed through competition in the global market, Chinese NEVs are highly popular in Europe. Chinese-made electric cars will capture a quarter of the EU market in 2024, up from 19.5 percent in 2023, Europe's clean transport campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E) said in a recent study. T&E projects that Chinese brands could reach 11 percent of the EU's EV market in 2024 and 20 percent in 2027. "Tariffs won't shield legacy carmakers for long," said Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and emobility supply chains at T&E. Trade protectionism almost always distorts market relations, which is ineffective and costly, said an article recently published on the German business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche. An increasing number of Chinese automobile brands, especially EV brands, are entering Britain and British consumers are open to that, said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in Britain. The incoming Chinese brands are good for both UK consumers and the industry, the British motor industry leader said, explaining that the entry of these brands to the UK market stimulates competition, which in turn promotes innovation. In the "battery valley" in northern France, Chinese enterprises actively join local projects to produce electric vehicles and batteries, a partnership widely appreciated by a region keen on green re-industrialization. With four "gigafactories" announced in three years, the "battery valley" is interested in "taking on strengths from all countries, including Chinese players who have gained a real lead in battery and electric vehicle technology so that we can also benefit from their know-how," said Yann Pitollet, CEO of Nord France Invest. In February, Volkswagen agreed to carry out strategic technical collaboration with Chinese automakers XPeng to develop two intelligent connected vehicle models for the Chinese market. Brandstatter said cooperation with XPeng helps them accelerate research and development, improve efficiency and optimize cost structure. Rob de Jong, head of the Sustainable Mobility Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme, said that China is a leader in electrification and the promotion of EVs. He hoped that China will share its experience with the world, especially the Global South, and its technology to improve the affordability of EVs around the world. The Finnish government is moving forward with a bill decreeing that foreign specialists must leave the country if they fail to re-employ themselves within six months and other holders of work-based residence permits within three months after becoming unemployed. Although the re-employment requirement for specialists was extended from three to six months, it remains relatively short, Youssef Zad, the chief economist at the Finnish Startup Community, stated to YLE on Sunday. Zad pointed out that the recruitment process for specialists can last several months because of the small size of labour markets in Finland. Finland has such small labour markets that there are only a few firms here that can hire specialists to top-level positions, he said. The more specific the expertise of an employee, the longer recruitment takes. Zad viewed that the re-employment requirement is a step in the wrong direction for one of the key goals of the Finnish Startup Community: Making Finland the worlds best place for entrepreneurship and talent. If employees realise that they wont necessarily get a new job quickly in Finland after becoming unemployed, theyll rather go to, lets say, Germany or Sweden. Or anywhere else with more jobs. Also other countries have instituted similar restrictions on work-based residence permits, he acknowledged. The Finnish proposal, though, stands out in that it would combine strict legislation with strict implementation by obligating employers to report all foreign employees who become unemployed to the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri). Now were getting a relatively tough law with tough implementation. That makes it a problem for many startup companies, analysed Zad. He gauged that the proposal is based on a flawed assumption about the intentions of foreign workers: that they are relocating to the country to abuse the social security system. They arent interested in social security, he countered. Theyre interested exclusively in whether or not they can find a new job in the required time. Theyll look for work even at their own expense. The proposal will also have ramifications for the reputation of Finland, according to Zad. We as Finland should be focused on figuring out how we can get the best people to come work here and how we can stay competitive in the eyes of these people. Not on coming up new ways to kick out folk, he emphasised. A public comment period on the bill is scheduled to start this spring. The Finnish parliament will debate the bill next autumn, while the implementation is expected to take place early next year. Aleksi Teivainen HT The pact sets forth, for example, mandatory solidarity actions toward member states that are under exceptional pressure from a surge of asylum applications. The other member states can decide whether to demonstrate solidarity by receiving a share of asylum seekers, providing funding or providing operational or technical support. The aim of the revamp is to expedite asylum and security procedures at the external borders of the 27-country bloc, and increase returns to reduce irregular arrivals from regions such as Africa and the Middle East. A compromise on the pact was reached yesterday after almost ten years of disagreements between member states, just in time for the pro-EU political centre to leverage it to curb the gains of the far-right in the elections taking place in June. Predictions made before the vote suggested that it was uncertain whether the pact would win the requisite support from lawmakers, wrote STT. Now the EU can regain control of our external borders, reduce economic migration and put in place a common migration policy that is well functioning and fit for the long-term union, Tomas Tobe, a Swedish MEP from the European Peoples Party, rejoiced on X on Wednesday. Tobe was one of the rapporteurs of the pact. The pact drew criticism from both flanks of the political spectrum, for different reasons. Populist, anti-immigration, and far-right parties criticised it for failing to put a stop to irregular immigration, whereas left-wing parties and rights watchdogs have expressed their concern about its ramifications for human rights. For example, Amnesty warned that the revamp will increase both human suffering and the risk of human rights violations at the borders of Europe. The pact also comments on instrumentalised immigration, a phenomenon that has been witnessed on the eastern border of Finland. The proposed measures for such emergencies were designed to ensure the target of instrumentalised migration receives support from other member states. STT on Wednesday reminded that the Finnish government has adopted a relatively lukewarm stance on the notion of mandatory burden-sharing. Although the government programme states that the government will lobby for a voluntary burden sharing, it is expected that the current government is ready to approve of the mechanism. Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering Anders Adlercreutz (SFP) in December stated to the news agency that the government would decide on a case-by-case basis whether it demonstrate solidarity by receiving asylum seekers or provide funding. Most EU member states are expected to rubber stamp the agreement later this month, according to Reuters. Aleksi Teivainen HT Judiciary ought to take sign vandalism seriously Its no secret that Henderson Countys Democratic and Republican party road signs remain juicy targets for vandals. Routinely, political signs of both parties have been spray-painted, chain-sawed, ripped from the ground and in some instances thrown in a dump truck. Signs convey political messages, but theyve also become a tangible symbol of our nations partisan rancor. Vandals of all ages, especially in our rural areas, seem to think its perfectly fine to deface or destroy any message they believe comes from the enemy, i.e., the opposing political party. While sign theft is itself a juvenile act, the actors arent always young. The few perpetrators caught thus far in Hendersonville, Saluda, Fletcher, and Mills River are primarily male, in their teens or 20s, although in one instance, a mother led her whole family to engage in wholesale sign theft. What to do? This past week we saw a new low: destruction of a dual-sided Democratic Party sign posted, with permission, on the private property of an 85-year-old woman in Mills River. One side of the sign highlighted protection of farmers and open spaces. The other argued for immigration reform and protections of migrant workers. Someone felt the need to sneak onto the womans property at night, perform the vandals version of a Jackson Pollack-style aerosol, destroying one side and crossing out Democrat on the other. Its easy to pontificate about who did what to whom. But its clear from the sign count that most of the destruction is happening to signs supporting the Democratic Party, the minority party here. Defacing large signs and stealing Democratic candidate yard signs has become an annual sporting event. A yard sign costs $6 and has a lifespan here of just a few days, sometimes only hours. Republican signs have also been stolen or defaced, but fewer are reported. According to Bob Hartsell, a Henderson County Democrat and messaging writer who has been tracking sign theft, one problem is that the countys legal system doesnt take the problem seriously. In 2021, for example, Hartsell went to court on behalf of the local Democratic Party to face a family of accused vandals apprehended for stealing signs in October 2020 in Hendersonville. A county judge dismissed this case in a plea deal: no fines or jail time, no civics lessons, just six hours of community service. In 2022, in the runup to the general election, hundreds of Democratic candidate signs were stolen or destroyed throughout Henderson County. Republicans also reported sign theft and vowed to file complaints in court. Sign abuse is a violation of our right of free speech, Hartsell wrote in a victim impact statement. If the few apprehended culprits are not punished appropriately, it will signal open season on Democratic signs. This travesty will only become worse. Is there a just punishment for sign stealers? A stiff fine, 30 hours of community service and a mandatory class in civics seems appropriate. I challenge Henderson County Republican and Democratic leaders to rein in and read the riot act to the vandals in their respective parties. * * * * * Arielle Emmett, Ph.D., is a US Fulbright Scholar, writer and resident of Hendersonville. Legislators want city and county to work out utility and growth dispute In its 600-word letter to state legislators, the city of Hendersonville said it had agreed to compensate rural fire departments for lost tax revenue when it annexed property, obtained grants to pay for a quickly constructed water line extension to serve Academy Road homeowners whose wells were contaminated with pesticides, partnered with the county to create Garrison Industrial Park, joined the county, UNC Health Pardee, Wingate University and Blue Ridge Community College to build the Health Sciences Center and Pardee Cancer Center, extended sewer at the countys request to Halfway Tree Mobile Home Park to eliminate a failing septic system and partnered with the county to extend sewer to Atkinson Elementary School. The Hendersonville City Council last week fired a preemptive strike as the decades long city-county water war erupted again, spelling out to the countys legislative delegation the ways the city had tried to resolve the long-standing dispute over governance of the utility system. At the county commission meeting that they adopted the comp plan (on March 20) everything they said regarding growth they talked about the city, City Manager John Connet said last Wednesday. We got wind later on that they may attempt to reach out to our legislative delegation requesting local bills that would potentially impact the city. We want our legislative delegation to know weve tried to work with the county, he continued. All along, weve tried to deal with their concerns regarding growth and we thought we should tell our side of the story. The city continues to try to work with the county to resolve their concerns regarding growth and their concerns regarding our utility system and it is our utility system. We tried to negotiate a joint governing board and that fell apart. The letter the council unanimously endorsed last Thursday night was sent to state Sen. Tim Moffitt and Reps. Jennifer Balkcom and Jake Johnson, three legislators who represent Henderson County voters. We have worked very hard to ease those concerns the county and commissioners might have, Connet told the council. Moffitt and Johnson both told the Lightning in interviews this week that the county had not asked them to draft legislation involving the city utility system and both said they'd prefer the city and county resolve the disputes themselves without General Assembly intervention. During the council meeting last week, council members Jeff Miller and Jennifer Hensley told Connet they liked the letter before council took the vote. Mayor pro tem Lyndsey Simpson called the letter a long, long list. Indeed it was. The city listed 36 ways it had strived to cooperate with the county on water-sewer issues, acceded to its requests, responded to its concerns or partnered on economic development, educational, residential and nonprofit projects. Sewer plant drawn into the fray At lunchtime during their March 20 meeting, county commissioners heard from County Engineer Marcus Jones that the county had just received a letter from the state Department of Environmental Quality asking for more information on its application to build a sewer plant on Clear Creek near Fruitland. When Connet and council members heard second hand that they accused the city of doing something to block the Clear Creek permit, the city officials immediately called the county manager and commissioners. Some of the city council members made it clear that the city has had no contact with the state regarding that permit and weve not directed anybody to have any contact with the state, he said. I can say that unequivocally. All weve said is we have a sewer line that you can connect to but if you want to build a sewer plant have at it. We stand by our position that well take that sewer and treat it if they want us to. If they do run sewer out there they should have good land-use control. City Council member Jeff Miller said its his position as well that the city would expect the county, not the city council, to control zoning in the area served by the Clear Creek plant. Commissioner Bill Lapsley said he grew suspicious of the timing of the Division of Water Resources letter, which called for additional or revised information. The state environmental specialist said the county must either rerun a computer model on the proposed discharge of the Clear Creek plant or develop a revised estimate of the treatment plants cost if it were to be held to a higher standard for effluent discharged into the creek. If the DEQ had this concern about the level of treatment why didnt they say this two years ago? Lapsley said. They didnt think it was necessary. Now all of a sudden its necessary. My reaction was somebody is putting their thumb on the scale so to speak. I dont know who it is but its gotta be somebody educated enough that knew to raise this question. Permit is still very much in doubt County Manager John Mitchell described himself and the commissioners as frustrated with the DEQ and the surprise demand for new information. What that letter telegraphs to me is that the issuing of the permit is still very much in doubt, he said. I would say that the commissioners have expressed frustration at the way the DEQ has handled the permit process in the last eight months. Ive heard no county commissioner accuse the city of trying to manipulate the process and no one on my staff has done such a thing. Both Mitchell and Lapsley described two other major factors in the new rift between the city and county: the citys policy requiring a new sewer customer to become annexed into the city and the city councils actions allowing development on its outskirts that contribute to urban sprawl. Voters mistakenly blame the county, Lapsley said, for the construction on Clear Creek Road at I-26, U.S. 64 East, South Allen Road and Upward Road. Were not the cause of the urban sprawl, Lapsley said. We do not have the tools control it. The city council has the tools to control it. Letter was appropriate, Moffitt says The impasse over the citys annexation policy casts doubt over any progress on joint governance of utilities. The question that has always been before the group is about the city councils ability to use sewer for the purposes of extraterritorial annexation, Mitchell said. What occurred effectively at the March meeting is a recognition by the county commissioners that any additional extraterritorial annexation outside of the current city limits was unacceptable to them. When you use the power of water and sewer to change the zoning of a parcel to a higher density, it disregards the countys zoning of those properties. Moffitt and Johnson said they had been hearing from both city and county officials about the dispute. The county has not asked me to draft any legislation on this issue, Moffitt said Tuesday. My position at this time is to encourage both sides to continue to discuss the issue and to arrive at a mutually agreeable resolution locally. Ive purposely sat on the sidelines wanting them to resolve it themselves. Among the points of conflict Moffitt had heard about was different views the two bodies had on the citys growth outside its boundaries and county commissioners feeling blindsided by the DEQs new questions regarding the Clear Creek sewer permit application. Ive got to believe that the two sides can come together with a workable plan for the future, he said. I get a lot of information from both sides. The letter was appropriate, I appreciated it and I thought it did provide more context on the citys history and its willingness to work with the county. Johnson said hes ready to respond with legislation if thats needed but prefers the two sides work it out. Between the county and the city or I've heard there's conversations going on, he said. I'm not necessarily privy to it because my general sense is let them work it out unless theres a legislative solution that needs to happen. My biggest concern is youve got a bad situation in a couple of areas where the (city) response times are actually longer than the (rural) departments that are serving the area. That's something I can see us potentially legislatively addressing at some point if that continues to be an issue. Johnson said he was aware of talks to try to bridge the key disagreement between the two boards over growth beyond the city limits. What I've heard is negotiations were under way but have hit some snags, he said. I've responded back and said, I want this to be solved locally. I've told John Mitchell this and commissioners and others. I would rather us not have to do anything legislatively, he said. I'd rather everyone sit down around the table and do it. But if worse comes to worst, I think there's a valid argument to be made on public safety that if that's still a concern, and the response times are still an issue, we've got to address legislatively. Letter cites 36 instances of cooperation Here is the letter city council endorsed: Based on a recent Henderson County Board of Commissioners meeting, Hendersonville City Council feels that it is beneficial to provide our State Legislators additional context and background. The city of Hendersonville has acted in good faith and tried to negotiate with Henderson County over the past twelve months to resolve the long-standing dispute over governance of the utility system and growth of the city of Hendersonville. In addition, the city has strived to cooperate with Henderson County over the last twenty-four years, as illustrated in the list below. Executed the 2000 Contract of Purchase and Interlocal Cooperation and Settlement Agreement Re-established the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee comprised of representatives across the utility service area (Henderson County, Mills River, Flat Rock, Fletcher, Laurel Park etc.) Partnership with Henderson County, UNC Pardee, Wingate University and Blue Ridge Community College to construct the Health Sciences Center Partnership with Henderson County and Housing Assistance Corporation to construct Apple Ridge Affordable Housing Development Partnership with Housing Assistance Corporation to construct Oklawaha Affordable Housing Development Partnership with Housing Assistance Corporation to construct infill affordable housing units Inside water rates for all Henderson County Public Schools Agreed to equalize inside/outside City water rates over a ten-year period (currently in 5th year) Compensating rural fire departments for annexed properties. Lump sum payment for 5 years of lost tax revenue. Adopted formal resolution ensuring that no water and sewer lines serving new development are extended without approval of respective governing boards. The city partnered with economic development agencies to extend public utilities to new industry: School House Road, Mills River AgHC Ladson Road, Mills River AgHC Demmel / Elkamet HCPED Garrison Industrial Park HCPED The city also said it had: Offered to purchase distressed Etowah Sewer Company. Henderson County objected and City of Hendersonville withdrew the offer to purchase. Assumed responsibility of Laurel Park Water System in April 2021 and have since made significant investments in the system. Customers in Laurel Park immediately noticed a reduction in water rates and an improved level of service. Obtained grants with help of Henderson County staff and installed public water lines to homes in the Academy Road area of Henderson County. Private wells were contaminated with pesticides. Assisted with the relocation of public sewer line under Hendersonville High School Partnered with Henderson County to extend sewer to Atkinson Elementary School Worked with Henderson County to extend Jackson Park Interceptor Sewer eliminating a large pump station from the park. And the city said it completed utilities improvements, addressed countys concerns and proposed solutions including: Etowah Water Improvement Project Northside Water Improvement Project (Fletcher) Hebron Pressure Zone Project (Laurel Park) Water System Hydraulic Model development assists rural fire departments with improving ISO ratings. Assistance of the provision of sewer to the Halfway Tree Mobile Home Park (Flat Rock) to resolve a public health/failing septic issue. Replacement of Clear Creek Sewer Interceptor, which was installed to accommodate anticipated future growth in the Edneyville Community. 2023 Joint Water and Sewer Commission Proposal Proposed an Urban Growth Boundary / Annexation Agreement Eliminate ETJ Limited annexation to new developments Established a joint Water and Sewer Commission Established a joint planning area around the City of Hendersonville Included a land use map that limited high density development to the west side of I-26 Offered to assist with sewer provision in the Edneyville community The City Council will continue to attempt to resolve this dispute at the local level with a balanced approach of protecting the interests of utility customers, Hendersonville residents and businesses while attempting to address the concerns of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. We thank you for your consideration in this matter and request a formal meeting to discuss it further. TWO men have been jailed for eight months for burgling a shop in Henley. Alex Barrow and Scott Webb broke into the Sainsburys Local store in Bell Street in the early hours of February 13 and stole a quantity of wine. They were caught on CCTV entering via a side door, causing 400 damage. Once inside, the pair damaged the self-checkout tills with a crowbar and stole 103.75 worth of wine. Oxford Crown Court heard on Wednesday that they made their getaway in a silver Ford Focus, which police had earlier been alerted to as being involved in drugs. The car was spotted on CCTV travelling on the A404 to Maidenhead and was stopped by officers. Barrow, who was driving, failed a roadside drug test. A crowbar, cleaver, a rock in a sock and the wine were found in the car. Barrow, 38, of Shaftesbury Close, Bracknell, and Webb, 45, of Grove Park, Chiswick, had both admitted two counts of burglary and going equipped when they appeared at the same court last month. They denied two other counts, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and possession of a sharp-pointed article in a public place, which will remain on file. John Hunter, for Barrow, said his clients behaviour was down to issues with drugs and his mental health. He relapses because of his mental health and his inability to deal with that in an appropriate way, he said. In November 2023, he had a mental breakdown. His medication, which had provided some stability, unfortunately wasnt working as well and he started to experience hallucinations and psychotic symptoms and attempted suicide and was voluntarily sectioned. He undoubtedly very much regrets his actions and is very disappointed in himself and has undoubtedly let his wife, family and children down, which has led to a breakdown of his relationship but he hopes it can be rekindled drug-free. Barrow is a vulnerable man and recognises he needs to engage with mental health services and intends to do that and maintain a stable, drug-free life. He described his drug use as a form of escapism which is not uncommon and had a lack of resources to manage his emotions. He has done this in the past and can do so again. His prior offence was in 2018, so nearly six years out of trouble and he has maintained abstinence from drugs and alcohol, providing a stable life for his children and work. Mr Hunter said Barrow had had a troubled upbringing, including suffering from physical and sexual abuse at the hands of his neighbour between the ages of seven and 10 and his stepfather until he was 12 when he was put into care. John Greenan, for Webb, said: He has been a long-term user of heroin and crack cocaine. Although he had a period of abstinence, there are lapses. While in custody he has done nearly 60 days free and is attending narcotics anonymous, which he firmly intends to do when released. You can see his attitude to the offence is of considerable remorse and he apologises for his behaviour. Judge Nigel Daly called the offence a pathetic attempt at burglary. He sentenced them to eight months imprisonment to include the two months that they had already served in custody. He said: I appreciate Mr Barrows traumatic childhood, mental health problems and that drugs are behind the problem, but the reaction is to not drive around the countryside and attempt to steal what you can get. On April 8, a Saudi Arabia-Pakistan joint statement caught media attention in India for its reference to the Kashmir dispute. Released during Pakistan premier Shehbaz Sharifs official visit to the kingdom, the statement called for dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve outstanding issuesespecially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute The language seemingly echoes Indias post-1972 position (after the Shimla Agreement) that the dispute shall be resolved through bilateral means, without international involvement. While it could be argued that the statements call for dialogue was standard and not uncommon, other indicators exist to show that Riyadhs ties with New Delhi have only increased in recent years, even as the Saudi-Pakistan relationship has taken some hits (while retaining its historically positive character). The downstream effect of this has been a more subtle Saudi position on the Kashmir issue, which does not reflect unflinching support for Pakistan. How has this evolution come about? The downturn in Pakistan The Saudi-Pakistan relationship has historically been anchored in ideology due to the Islamic underpinnings of both states, consequent of determined lobbying by the nascent Pakistani state to rally support from Arab states. Consequently, Riyadhs partnership with Pakistan yielded immense economic and diplomatic support, including support for Pakistans wars against India. Regional developments in the last quarter of the 21st century pushed both states even closer together especially with a Shia theocracy taking hold in Iran, between Sunni majority Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on both its wings. The closeness between the two also led to significant Saudi support for the Pakistani nuclear programme, as well as Pakistans willingness to provide troops to Riyadh (such as in the 1991 Gulf War when it sent two brigades to protect Islams holy sites in Saudi Arabia). The former even generated prolonged speculation about Saudi Arabia being under Pakistans nuclear umbrella, given that Pakistan is the only Islamic country with nuclear weapons (although both states deny such an understanding). Across the last decade, however, the strains on the Saudi-Pakistan relationship have increased. While an initial thorn was Pakistans refusal to join Riyadhs war in Yemen in 2015 (drawing Saudi ire), the characteristics of the relationship began to gradually change. Riyadh, under Mohammed bin Salmans de-facto control since 2017, has been actively seeking economic diversity, ostensibly even sacrificing commitment to Wahhabi conservatism at the altar of economic integration. Across the last five years, the economic relationship has been remarkably imbalanced, with Pakistan relying on Arab aid to pull through its successive economic crises. With the global situation worsening, Saudi Arabia aided cash-strapped Pakistan with $8 and $2 billion in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Given Riyadhs gradual extrication from the war in Yemen, its rapprochement with Iran, as well as its (pre-October 7) inclinations to even consider normalisation of ties with Israel for greater economic benefits, the power of ideological affinity to act as the pre-eminent driver for regional foreign policy, has reduced. The upswing in India In terms of critical mass (bolstered by historic closeness), the Saudi-Pakistan relationship remains steady (as evidenced in the joint statements commitment to continued cooperation). What has changed is the ability of this closeness to hinder the advancement of Riyadhs ties with India, as also noted by Muddassir Quamar, associate professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University. While this is both due to shifts in the Saudi-Pakistan relationship highlighted above, it is equally due to Indias rise in the regional and global arena (now on the path to becoming the worlds third-largest economy). That New Delhi reciprocates Riyadhs interest has been evident, especially in developments over the last year. India has emerged as Saudi Arabias third-largest trading partner, while the latter is Indias fourth-largest with bilateral trade valued at $52.76 billion in FY23. However, there is enough evidence of Indias interest in strategic ties with Gulf powerhouses such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, even beyond economic relations. For instance, while Mohammed bin Salman was specially hosted in New Delhi for an official visit immediately after the G20 Summit, India and Saudi Arabia held their first bilateral military exercises in Rajasthan in February 2024. Note that Indias minister for minority affairs, Smriti Irani, visited the Saudi holy city of Medina in just the preceding month. Moreover, Saudi Arabia, along with the UAE, has emerged as one of the strongest backers for New Delhis India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi having visited the UAE seven times the highest to any foreign state Indias interests in sustained mutually beneficent engagement with the Arab world, is readily evident. How this has affected the Kashmir issue Arab support for Pakistans Kashmir stance has largely become restricted to rhetorical expressions of support for Pakistan and condemnation of Indian policies in Kashmir, at summits of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (a 57-state body founded in 1969). While individual Arab states have evinced an evolution in their positions, the OIC has kept up its rhetorical criticism of Indian policies in Kashmir, on Pakistans behest, and has consistently drawn sharp criticism from India. While it condemned Indias watering down of Article 370 in 2019, it reiterated this in December 2023 after the Indian Supreme Court upheld the constitutional changes, and called for dispute resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions (echoing Pakistans position which seeks greater international involvement). A constant refrain in OIC statements is also support for self-determination for the Kashmiri people. Here, the 2024 Saudi-Pakistan joint statement stands out it neither mentions the 2019 changes nor does it refer to UNSC resolutions. The OIC itself, has not undertaken action beyond rhetorical support for Pakistan, which is a founding member. A scathing editorial in Pakistani media outlet Dawn as far back as 2009 had criticised the organisations 40 years of failure even on other policies for the Muslim world. The fact that the Pakistani foreign policy establishment has remained unsatisfied with the OICs rhetoric, was evident in early 2020 when the then Pakistani foreign minister, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, expressed his frustration with the OIC for not doing enough for Kashmir. This resulted in Saudi Arabia freezing a $3.2 billion oil credit facility and demanding partial repayment of a $3 billion loan, to signal its disapproval of Qureshis comments. Essentially, Saudi Arabias commitment to the OIC remains strong (even providing a new headquarters for the organisation in Jeddah in December 2023). However, this commitment driven principally by ideology, is distinct from its bilateral commitments driven by economic and strategic interests. The only question that remains is: why did Pakistan agree to a joint statement that excludes variables that are core to Pakistans position on Kashmir? Arguably, the statement is part of Pakistans renewed efforts to bring India to the negotiating table preparing to step down from its demands (that India roll back the abrogation of Article 370). This demand has usually undercut the multiple calls for dialogue that Shehbaz Sharif has made as Prime Minister, resulting in Indian indifference. Note that the new Pakistani charge d'affaires at the High Commission in New Delhi avoided any mention of Article 370 in his address during the Pakistan National Day reception in March 2024. Hence, regardless of whether a thaw is forthcoming in the frozen India-Pakistan bilateral, it would have been in Pakistans interest to tease an evolved and pragmatic position on the Kashmir issue, through a joint statement with Saudi Arabia. Bashir Ali Abbas is a research associate at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, New Delhi, and a South Asia Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center, Washington DC. The views expressed are personal. Billionaire Elon Musk is likely to be in the final stages of finalising the investment plan for Tesla's India debut this month. The speculations have been sparked off when Musk announced his visit to India on Wednesday, saying that he is looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hand with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk (Reuters)(via REUTERS) Elon Musk wrote on X, Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India! While no confirmation was given regarding Tesla's debut in India, Musk has routinely shown his interest in expanding his EV market to the country when India is experiencing a massive push towards electric vehicles. Musk's announcement of India visit where he may announce investment in the country comes at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is bidding for his third term and may give a fillip to the government's image for attracting big-ticket investment. During an X Spaces session, Elon Musk further hinted at expanding Tesla in the country, saying that India should also expand on its electric car production like other countries and it will be a natural progression for his company to provide Tesla electric vehicles in the country. According to sources cited by ANI, Musk, during his India visit, might make the much-anticipated announcement of setting up Tesla's first plant in the country. Musk will likely meet Prime Minister Modi on April 22 in the national capital, according to Reuters. Apart from announcing Tesla's maiden foray in India, Musk is also expected to disclose the details of the automobile major's plans for the country. It must be noted that Elon Musk hasn't revealed the final agenda of his India trip yet. It was reported earlier that Tesla officials were exploring potential sites in India for a manufacturing plant. It was also reported that states like Gujarat and Maharashtra are planning on extending land offers to Tesla to set up its maiden plant in India. According to the new EV policy in the country, incentives are proposed for setting up manufacturing units in India. The policy has asked for a minimum investment threshold of 4150 crore (USD 500 million) and encouraging manufacturers to achieve significant levels of domestic value addition (DVA), the government mandates that by the third year of setting up the manufacturing unit, at least 25 per cent of the parts used to make the vehicles should be sourced domestically. (With inputs from ANI) New Delhi, India and Mauritius have signed a protocol to amend the double taxation avoidance agreement , which included a principal purpose test to decide whether a foreign investor is eligible to claim treaty benefits. HT Image Tax experts said a new article has been added to the protocol "Article 27B Entitlement to Benefits". The amended protocol was signed on March 7 and made public now. The introduction of the PPT aims to curtail tax avoidance by ensuring that treaty benefits are only granted for transactions with a bona fide purpose. Nangia Andersen India Chairman Rakesh Nangia said the amendment represents a move by India to align with global efforts against treaty abuse, particularly under the BEPS Action 6 framework. "However, the application of the PPT to grandfathered investments remains ambiguous, highlighting the need for explicit guidance from the CBDT. Furthermore, the omission of the phrase "for the encouragement of mutual trade and investment" in the treaty's preamble suggests a shift in focus towards preventing tax evasion over promoting bilateral investment flows", Nangia said. This development underscores India's commitment to international tax cooperation standards while raising critical considerations for investors leveraging the India-Mauritius corridor, he added. AKM Global Head of Tax Market Yeeshu Sehgal said the PPT will have the effect of denying treaty benefits, such as the reduction of withholding tax on interest royalties and dividends, where it is reasonable to conclude, having regard to all relevant facts and circumstances, that obtaining that treaty benefit is one of the principal purposes of the party seeking to rely on the said treaty. Historically, Mauritius has been a preferred jurisdiction for engaging in investments in India due to the non-taxability of capital gains from the sale of shares in Indian companies until 2016. In 2016, India and Mauritius signed a revised tax agreement, which gave India the right to tax capital gains in India on transactions in shares routed through the island nation beginning April 1, 2017. However, investments made before April 2017 were grandfathered. Sehgal said this amendment applies to all incomes like capital gains, dividends, and fees for technical services. "After this change now, any Indian inbound or outbound cross-border structuring of investment routed through Mauritius should factor in the BEPS and MLI impact, especially if the structuring involves availing of tax treaty benefits ," Sehgal added. It can be anticipated that there may be a surge in litigation as investors from Mauritius will be required to substantiate the commercial rationale behind their transactions now, demonstrating that the primary objective was not to take treaty benefits, Sehgal said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. McKinsey layoffs: Global consulting firm McKinsey & Co. announced plans to eliminate almost 360 jobs globally. This will affect around 3 per cent of its specialist and technically-skilled workforce and will impact employees across various divisions, including design, data engineering, cloud, and software, Bloomberg reported citing people in the know. McKinsey layoffs: A logo of American multinational corporation McKinsey & Company on the first day of the Mobile World Congress (MWC), the telecom industry's biggest annual gathering, in Barcelona.(AFP) McKinsey layoffs: What the company said on job cuts? A McKinsey spokesperson said as per the report, We invest to grow capabilities that match our clients' priorities, and adjust the size of a small number of others as appropriate. As part of this process, some roles will be eliminated within this small number of capabilities. McKinsey layoffs: Why is the company cutting jobs? The reductions are part of the McKinsey's efforts to adjust the size of certain capabilities to match its clients' evolving priorities and come as the consulting industry grapples with a slowdown in demand for its services. McKinsey layoffs: Will job cuts impact traditional consulting staff? No, the job cuts may not impact McKinsey's traditional consulting staff, the report added. McKinsey layoffs: What is the company's workforce? The firm has a global workforce of more than 45,000 employees in 130 cities around the world. Have other companies in the sector resorted to job cuts? Hiring sprees were common during the Covid pandemic following which companies like Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Accenture Plc have cut jobs as some clients scaled back their investments. What other measures has McKinsey taken? McKinsey has also taken steps to address performance concerns and has warned around 3,000 of its consultants that performance needs to improve. New Delhi, Global automotive major Stellantis plans to make India a hub for exports of electric vehicles initially targeting Southeast Asian markets, according to a senior company official. HT Image Stellantis India on Thursday commenced exports of its Made in India 'E-C3' electric car with the shipment of 500 units to Indonesia and is seeking to leverage on India's cost competitiveness in manufacturing to increase its overseas shipments. "We will be the first 'multinational OEM' in India to achieve this feat . We also have plans for a couple of other markets, Nepal and Bhutan. This is just the start...the plan is to take it from there," Stellantis India CEO & MD Aditya Jairaj told PTI. Stressing on the significance of commencement of exports of the E-C3, he said, "We have a dedication to the government-led 'Make in India' initiative. We are focusing on this as a very important aspect for Stellantis as a company. Moreover, he said, "This is also aligned with Citroen's ambitions of democratising electric mobility. The idea of this is to increase adoption of sustainable and clean modes of transportation. Stellantis, which was formed after the merger of Italian-American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and French PSA Group, currently sells its Jeep and Citroen brands in India. With 'Make in India' at the centre of the company's strategy, Jairaj said, "It is also important for us as a player in the Indian automotive space to be competitive. We want to leverage India as a 'best cost country', which is what we call 'India for the world'." When asked if Stellantis would expand the export market for EVs further, he said, "We're also evaluating some other markets where the EV acceptance is at a good level, where we can send our cars." At this point, he said, "We are at advanced stages of evaluating exporting the E-C3 to other Southeast Asian markets. If we see today, in Southeast Asia the EV penetration is quite significant in several markets and there is the customer demand." On the whole, he added, "We're looking at West and East of India but we have not yet come to a stage where we can announce that we are going to be sending these cars to these different locations, but very soon we will add to this.". Commenting on the significance of India in Stellantis' overall export strategy, Jairaj said, "One of the key reasons is the ability for India to export to different markets." Citing the example of the company's conventional engine vehicles, he said, "C3 is exported to Africa. We send it to multiple countries in Africa. We're also evaluating other right-hand drive markets that it can be exported to. We're also sending C3 Aircross to Malaysia and Indonesia. The Citroen brand is being exported to multiple markets right now." Stellantis' other brand Jeep is exported from India to Japan, a developed market where the quality standards requirements are very high, Jairan said, adding "We're also looking at exporting Jeep to other Southeast Asian markets and also in Africa. So as a whole exports will be very significant." He further said the idea is to continue to focus on this as "the quality of product from India is comparable to the best in the world and from a cost perspective we are very competitive". Also in a changing world, he said, "We are very flexible and dynamic and our reaction time to making changes has come down. We are leveraging all of these and exports are a very significant tool, I would say at this point for Stellantis in India." This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Google released its top 20 destinations for summer 2024 based on the destinations most searched for by travellers. The tech giant shared the list based on past flight booking data and search trends. The list features many unexpected locations and the biggest change from 2023 is that Cancun moved down from the number two to number six in the list. The Olympic rings are set up at Trocadero plaza that overlooks the Eiffel Tower, a day after the official announcement that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will be in the French capital, in Paris.(AP) Tokyo rose from number eight to number three as per the list while the most popular destination for summer 2024 is London. Paris- set to host the upcoming Summer Olympics - is on the second spot. New destinations that featured in the list include San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Madrid while Chicago and San Francisco didn't make the list this year. Here's the full list of top summer 2024 destinations on Google flights: Former Karnataka Deputy CM K Eshwarappa, who rebelled against his own BJP, said that he will be filing nomination from Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat tomorrow. He stressed that there is no question of going back on his decision to contest as an independent candidate. Rebel BJP leader K Eshwarappa to file nomination from Shivamogga tomorrow Also Read - Bengaluru to get 320 AC electric buses by April 2025: Report Speaking to the news agency PTI, K Eshwarappa said, I will be filing my nomination papers tomorrow, and my supporters will come along with me to a rally. I was not sure about getting such an overwhelming response during the election campaign, but I realized that people are looking for Hindutva candidates like me. He also claimed that he has the support of many Hindutva leaders in Shivamogga area and expressed confidence in winning the election. Eshwarappa also condemned the reports which said that he is going to take a U turn on his decision. There is no question of taking back my decision to contest the election. My well-wishers said that I should not give up, and I decided to fight for them. I do not know why some people are spreading fake news about my withdrawal, he added. After BJP denied ticket to Eshwarappas son K E Kantesh from the Haveri Lok Sabha seat, the senior leader rebelled against the party. Former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai will contest in Haveri on the BJP ticket. He held former Chief Minister and BJP strongman B S Yediyurappa and his two sons B Y Raghavendra and B Y Vijayendra responsible for his son not being given a chance to contest. Raghavendra is the BJP candidate from Shivamogga and Vijayendra is the party's state unit president and Shikaripura MLA. (With agency inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to campaign for the upcoming and much awaited Lok Sabha election in Karnataka this weekend, having scheduled a rally in Mysuru and a roadshow in Mangaluru on Sunday. This comes after mega rallies by the PM in Kalaburagi and Shivamogga districts of the southern state last month. PM Narendra Modi will hold a mega public meeting with both BJP and JD(S) leaders in Mysuru on Sunday, and then address a 1.5 km-long roadshow in the coastal city of Mangaluru.(PTI) ALSO READ | Congress will consider backing seer who vowed to take on Pralhad Joshi: Karnataka DCM DK Shivakumar PM Modi had launched the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) poll campaign from Congress National President M Mallikarjun Kharge's home turf - Kalaburagi, Karnataka. After this, he is now expected to address a mega rally in Mysuru and hold a roadshow in Mangaluru, said BJP General Secretary V Sunil Kumar, according to news agency PTI. ALSO READ | BJP files complaint against KS Eshwarappa for using PM Modi's photos during his election campaign Here's what the PM's itinerary looks like this Sunday First, the PM will be addressing a mega public meeting, consisting of leaders from both the BJP and its alliance partner, the Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S). Party workers from Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Hassan Lok Sabha constituencies are expected to attend the meeting. The event is scheduled at Mysuru's Maharaja College grounds. ALSO READ | Happily quitting electoral politics, no regrets, says senior Cong leader & ex-CM Veerappa Moily The PM will then travel to the coastal city of Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district and hold a roadshow at about 6 pm. The roadshow will be for 1.5 kilometres, from Narayana Guru circle to Nava Bharat circle, the agency reported. EAM S Jaishankar to visit Bengaluru on April 15 Apart from these events, Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is also scheduled to set foot in Karnataka capital Bengaluru the next day, i.e., April 15, Monday, Sunil Kumar said. ALSO READ | Karnataka man accidentally chops off finger praying for PM Modi's third term He will be interacting with eminent personalities of the state at 4 pm at Indian Institute of Science, and at 7 pm he will be in a discussion with intellectuals, he added. (With inputs from PTI) Police arrested three terror associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit in north Kashmirs Baramulla district, officials said on Thursday. Three hand grenades were recovered from their possession, they added. A case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was registered against them (HT File) A police spokesperson said they received intelligence indicating that unidentified terrorists affiliated with the banned LeT organisation were moving in Baramulla town with an intention to disturb peace in view of upcoming polls. The three, identified as Owais Ahmad Waza, Basit Fayaz Kaloo and Faheem Ahmad Mir, were allegedly providing information about security force movements, the spokesperson said. A case under various sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was registered against them. After months of relative calm in south Kashmir, a Lashkar -e-Taiba terrorist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Pulwama district on Thursday. Security personnel patrol an area after an encounter in Pulwama on Thursday (ANI) Officials said that the encounter started after security forces, including police, army and the Central Reserved Police Forces started searches in Frassipora village on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday based on information from intelligence agencies. A terrorist has been eliminated along with the recovery of a weapon, a hand grenade and other war-like stores, armys Chinar Corps said in a post on micro-blogging platform X. Police said that the forces acted on specific information regarding the presence of a militant in village Frassipora area of Pulwama. The slain terrorist was identified as Danish Sheikh, a resident of Srinagar. He was affiliated with the proscribed outfit The Resistance Front (TRF), the spokesperson added. TRF is an offshoot of the LeT. During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately and the forces retaliated, the spokesperson said. In the ensuing encounter, the terrorist was neutralised and his body was retrieved from the site. Local reports said that Sheikh had recently gone missing. Police have registered a case and started investigations. People are requested to cooperate with police till the area at the encounter site is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any, he said. On January 5, an LeT terrorist was killed in an encounter in Shopian district. There was a lull in the gunfights for more than three months except for April 5 when security forces foiled an infiltration bid in the Uri sector of Baramulla district and killed a terrorist. On December 1, a newly-recruited local LeT terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Arihal area of Pulwama. KOLKATA: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday created an email ID to receive complaints from residents of strife-torn Sandeshkhali in West Bengals North 24 Parganas. Vandalised farm house of arrested TMC leader Shibaprasad Hazra over land grab and violence against women at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. (HT FILE PHOTO/Samir Jana) A dedicated email ID sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in has been created on the orders of the Calcutta high court so that villagers may lodge their complaints directly with the agency, a senior CBI officer said on Thursday. The official added that the Calcutta high court, which ordered the CBI to investigate all allegations levelled by the people, instructed the federal agency to set up a dedicated email ID to ensure confidentiality, The high court order was passed by the division bench of chief justice TS Sivagnanam and justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya who were hearing a suo motu motion on the alleged offences, ranging from land-grab and exploitation to sexual harassment and rape, and petitions seeking the transfer of investigation into these from the local police to CBI. The riverine island of Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district has been in the eye of the storm since January 5, when Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers arrived to search the home of Shahjahan, a close aide of former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick, who was arrested in October last year in connection with an alleged ration distribution scam. The ED team came under attack from an angry mob, leaving three officers injured. But, on February 7, other violent protests began erupting in Sandeshkhali and other nearby villages, with groups of residents, led mostly by local women, alleging sexual harassment at the hands of local TMC leaders including Shahjahan, his brother Sirajuddin, and other associates Uttam Hazra and Shibu Sardar. Other villages said that Shahjahan and his associates also indulged in land-grab. Shahjahan, a former TMC zila parishad leader, was arrested by the state police on the orders of the high court on February 29 after 55 days on the run. Although state CID took over the investigation, Shahjahan was handed over to CBI under court orders. The state government has repeatedly accused the Opposition of politicising the event. But the BJP has sought to use Sandeshkhali as a referendum on the TMC governments grip on law and order in the state. A number of national panels including the National Commission of Women, the National Commission of Scheduled Castes and the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes have visited the area and later said that they documented serious allegations against Sheikh and his associates. Hours after the Calcutta high court order, there was fresh tension in Sandeshkhali late on Wednesday night after a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers property was set on fire. BJP worker Subrata Mondol alleged that Trinamool Congress-backed goons set his shelter used to guard fish farms afire at about 11pm on Wednesday. Mondol, who was one of the protestors when the island was on the edge in February, told reporters that the TMC that the shelter was gutted. Luckily I was not there. Else I would have died. We have received a complaint. Investigation is going on. None one has been arrested so far, said an officer of Sandeshkhali police station. Local TMC leaders, however, refuted the charges saying that investigation will prove everything. These are baseless allegations. No TMC worker or supporter are involved. Let the police investigate. Everything will come out, said Sahidulla Gaji, a local TMC leader. Meanwhile, state urban development minister Firhad Hakim said the CBI had turned into an extension of the BJP. The CBI has lost its existence. The fear factor is lost. The BJP has turned the CBI into an agency, which no one takes seriously, just like the traffic police, he said. The BJP promptly hit back. Being a minister, he has maligned the state police. This is a self goal. During bad times people make such self goals. People fear and respect those police officers who are impartial, said Sukanta Majumdar, state BJP president. Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) has been in hot water ever since the Congress unit in Kerala publicly spurned its offer of support in the coming Lok Sabha polls, the other day, which is said to be a result of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) using it as a major campaign topic in the north as the latest example of Indias grand old party succumbing to designs of radical Islam. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami with SDPI Tamil Nadu president Nellie Mubarak in Chennai. (Photo from X) It has been two years since the Union government declared the PFI an unlawful association and banned it under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The government claimed that the PFI was prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country in addition to being aligned with other terrorist organisations that are similar in perspective, like the Students Islamic Movement of India, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. PFIs eight associate organisations, including the Rehab India Foundation, Campus Front of India, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations, National Womens Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation-Kerala, were also banned. The only exception to the nationwide ban was the SDPI, registered as a political party. As the controversy surrounding the SDPIs decision to extend support to the Congress in Kerala continues to surge across the country, the party with questionable credentials is currently engaged in a fierce political battle in the Dindigul Lok Sabha constituency of central Tamil Nadu. Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] candidate and eminent trade unionist R Sachidanandam, who has the combined support of Congress and Tamil Nadus ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK), is facing off against the state president of the SDPI, VMS Mohammed Mubarak, in Dindigul, a constituency with a sizeable Muslim population. Mubarak is said to be engaged in a hard battle against Sachidanandam. While, the Congress and the CPI(M) are at odds with one another in Kerala over the approach to the same radical Islamic outfit. Pinarayi Vijayan, a member of the CPI(M) politburo and the chief minister, was the first person to publicly express his opposition to the Congresss acceptance of the SDPIs support. However, in Dindigul, both parties have joined forces with the DMK to combat the SDPI candidate, who is strangely running for election with the AIADMK symbol of two leaves. A close partner of the BJP at the national level up until this point, the AIADMK was extremely critical of the SDPI, and it claimed divisive intentions that were intended to radicalise young members of the Islamic community. In the past, the AIADMK remained close to Hindutva ideology and solidly supported the policy decisions made by the BJP. These decisions include the Babri Masjid, the abrogation of Article 370, which gives Jammu&Kashmir special status, and the Citizenship Amendment Bill. When the party was in power in the state and J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister, was promoting it, it also enforced a law that targeted Muslims by outlawing the slaughter of animals for meat. On the other side, the AIADMK and the SDPI have asserted that all of those things are now things of the past and that there is no possibility of MG Ramachandrans party returning to the fold of the BJP-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Speaking to HT, Mubarak said that his party is pleased with the alliance with AIADMK because it will assist it in mainstreaming throughout the state. However, the decision has caused animosity within the AIADMK cadre base throughout the state, particularly because it is the political arm of a radical organisation that is prohibited from operating. According to Mubarak, his party did not move forward with the partnership with the AIADMK until after the latter had quit the National Democratic Partnership (NDA). We are not looking at the policies of the past; rather, we are looking at the policies of the AIADMK at present. If their allies history is unearthed, many parties will find themselves in a difficult situation. During the 1977 elections, the CPI(M) was the party that supported Jan Sangh, the predecessor of the BJP, said Mubarak. In addition, he stated that he is running for office using the AIADMK sign because his party does not have a registered symbol. We decided to associate ourselves with the AIADMK when the party supremo, Edappadi K Palaniswami, reaffirmed that they were no longer affiliated with the BJP and were making every effort to move away from the narrative that the BJP had presented. When a major party leader admits that he has made a mistake and, upon realising the foolishness, severing ties with the BJP, we thought it was the right thing to do to join him and strengthen his hands, said Mubarak. P Velusamy, a candidate of the DMK, won the election from Dindigul with a significant margin in the previous election; nevertheless, Mubarak claims that Velusamy did virtually little for the constituency. This time, after taking over the seat held by CPI(M) in Coimbatore, the DMK decided to give Dindigul to the left party. During the meeting, Mubarak appeared to have a broad perspective when describing the constituencys developmental agenda. There is still a lot of untapped potential in the tourism industry in Dindigul. The Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple in Palani, the Begampur mosque in Dindigul, and the older churches dispersed throughout the region are potential destinations for developing religious tourism. I suggest a Kodaikanal airport be established for restricted chartered flights to attract tourists from Palani, Dindigul, Madurai, and Rameswaram. It is possible to reopen the Munnar road so that farmers in Kodaikanal can transport spices to Kochi and get a good price for them, he remarked. With help and support from AIADMKs former ministers and cadres, I will win and bring about all these changes, he states confidently. Almost immediately after AIADMK was created in 1972, MG Ramachandran, the partys founder, experienced his first victory in the Dindigul Lok Sabha constituency. In the very first general election held in the country, Ammu Swaminathan, a member of the constituent assembly and a leader of the Congress party, was elected from this constituency. Natham R Viswanathan, a prominent leader of the AIADMK and a former minister, expressed his disapproval of Velusamy, the outgoing member of parliament of the DMK. Viswanathan stated that Velusamy had not made any meaningful contributions to the people or the constituency during the past five years. Viswanathan, in his attack on the DMK, stated that the DMK had not undertaken any actions that would benefit the people of Tamil Nadu. The people ought to support just the AIADMK, as the INDIA bloc is nothing more than a group of people looking for opportunities. In addition to this, he attacked the BJP, which claims to have not yet begun any developmental projects in Dindigul. Mubarak stated that he has a complete comprehension of the problems occurring in the Dindigul Lok Sabha seat and that there will be no discrimination against any individual on the basis of their caste, community, or religion. Sachidanandam, while speaking to HT, expressed his optimism about the likelihood of winning with a wider margin of victory by riding on the goodwill of the DMK-led secular alliance. He stated that the average Muslim in the constituency would not consent to the nefarious plans of the SDPI or the opportunistic coalitions that the AIADMK formed. When questioned about the PFI connections of SDPI leaders, Viswanathan asserted that AIADMK had allied with a legitimate political party that had not yet received a government ban. The Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police on Wednesday recovered 15.2 kg of illegally smuggled elephant tusk during an anti-poaching operation near Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. The elephant tusks after the seizure. (Sourced image.) The STF launched an operation near the state border in collaboration with the Dhemaji police based on specific information. The tusks were found at a house in an extremely remote village named Kemi near the state border. We identified one smuggler, but he managed to escape. A search operation is on to nab him, officials said. According to the police, they received information about the smuggling of elephant body parts. We searched a house under the jurisdiction of Jonai Police station, but the owner fled before we reached, the police said. The poacher, identified as Dibas Pait, took advantage of the dense forest in the area to escape, the police said, adding that they recovered his motorcycle along with the ivory. The STF later handed over the elephant tusks to forest officials. The forest department has lodged a complaint against Pait and the police have also registered a case against him. In February this year, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCC) in a joint operation with the local police recovered elephant tusk weighing 3.731 kg and arrested one person from Tamulpur district of Assam. Last year, several persons were arrested in Assam with elephant tusks and body parts of other animals, including tigers. A group of poachers were found staying inside Assam forests for months. They allegedly killed tigers, rhinos and other creatures and collected a large amount of animal body parts. The Gujarat University has decided to hand out a compensation of 3 lakh to around six foreign students whose laptops, phones and bikes were damaged after they were attacked at the university hostel in Ahmedabad last month. The Gujarat University campus. (Sourced image.) On the night of March 16, around two dozen individuals allegedly entered the Gujarat University hostel in Ahmedabad and voiced objections to students from foreign countries offering prayers near their hostel block. Six foreign students, mostly from Afghanistan, lodged complaints with the university, stating that their belongings, including a motorbike, several laptops, mobile phones, air conditioners, and sound systems were destroyed by the attackers. The university has approved allocation of approximately 3 lakh for compensating the losses incurred by these students, according to an education department official close to the matter. He said that a delegation from Afghanistan that had visited the campus following the incident also raised concerns about the losses incurred by the students, including damage to their belongings. Recently, the university launched a crack down on students illegally residing in the hostel, evicting seven Afghan students from the NRI hostel and informing the Afghanistan Consulate about the decision. Stricter monitoring measures have also been implemented within the hostels following the attack. An FIR was registered by the police against a group of 20-25 persons in connection with the vandalism and violence incident. Initially, five individuals were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack. Subsequently, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch apprehended two additional suspects, identified as Kshitij Pandey and Jitendra Patel. The investigation into the matter is ongoing. Five students were reportedly injured in the violence and two of them one from Sri Lanka and the other from Tajikistan were hospitalised. Several steps were taken by the university to ensure the safety and security of foreign students, including shifting the students from Block A to a newly built hostel building, hiring a private agency with former army personnel to enhance security and replacing the universitys study-abroad programme coordinator. On April 3, external affairs minister S Jaishankar who was on a two-day visit to Gujarat called the GU violence incident unfortunate and said that the police authorities moved very quickly in this matter and immediate action was taken. I view this incident as an exception, something regrettable, but I believe that the majority of foreign students in India have a good experience. Treat this as something that was regrettable but is not a representative action, Jaishankar said. Two Navaratri pilgrims were killed and over 20 injured when a tractor carrying them was hit by a speeding truck on an overbridge on GT Road (NH-19) near Tekari village under Chenari police station limits of Rohtas district in the wee hours of Thursday. Representational image. Around 25 people, 14 of them women, were going to the Mahua Devi Dham in adjacent Aurangabad district when the truck rammed into the tractor from behind, one of the injured, Savita Devi, said. The collision was so severe that the tractor overturned and was dragged for several metres before both vehicles fell into the roadside ditch. The victims, identified as Bandhan Kumhar and Anil Bari, died on the spot. Police and an NHAI rescue team admitted the injured pilgrims with multiple cuts and fractures to a local hospital in Sasaram. All the patients are out of danger, civil surgeon Dr KN Tiwary said. Both the vehicles have been impounded and the police have launched an investigation after registering a case, Chenari station house officer Ranjan Kumar said. This is the third such incident in a month in the district. On April 5, a pilgrim from Uttar Pradesh was killed and over 12 were injured in two accidents, while on March 13, four pilgrims were killed and over 26 sustained injuries when an overloaded pick-up van fell into a ditch in Kaimur. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday raided Jai Bajrang Cold Drinks and Juice Bar at Belhe village of Junnar Tehsil where a frozen rat was reportedly found in an edible ice block. Probe revealed that the vendor was operating without Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) licence, according to the officials. The officials found that the ice blocks were purchased from a company located at Nighoj village of Ahmednagar. The FDA Pune team has alerted its Ahmednagar counterpart to inspect the ice manufacturing factory on Friday. (HT PHOTO) FDA has issued a stop activity notice to the vendor running the food facility for the past four years sans licences as per the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and Food Safety and Standards Rules, 2011 The authority launched the probe after a video of frozen rat reportedly found in an edible ice used by the vendor for serving juice and cold beverages went viral on social media on Wednesday. FDA joint commissioner Arjun Bhujbal, assistant commissioner SB Kodgire, food safety officers BA Shinde, SN Jagtap and AG Gaikwad conducted the raid. The officials found that the ice blocks were purchased from a company located at Nighoj village of Ahmednagar. The FDA Pune team has alerted its Ahmednagar counterpart to inspect the ice manufacturing factory on Friday, said Kodgire. The stock of edible ice of around 300 kg was destroyed. We have taken samples of ice and other food items from the juice centre and sent them to the lab for analysis, he said. New Delhis move to appoint defence attaches in several foreign missions is of a piece with Indias rising economic clout and its self-perception as a leader of the Global South. It also needs to be seen in the backdrop of New Delhis plan to open 26 new missions, of which 18 will be in African countries. A third factor that provides context to the decision is Indias focus on self-reliance ( atma nirbharta ) in defence production, which is focussed not only on restricting imports but also on exporting Indian products, especially to African countries. Defence attaches in friendly nations such as Russia and the US are involved in efforts to acquire new weapons systems and also facilitate military-to-military cooperation. The current push seems particularly focussed on the trade aspect, especially linked to the ambitious targets set in defence production. The defence ministry disclosed that Indias defence exports grew 32.5% and crossed the 21,000-crore mark for the first time last fiscal. New Delhi has set a defence export target of 35,000 crore by 2024-25; India exports military hardware to around 85 countries. There could be a wider market for marquee products such as the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) and the BrahMos cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. The decision to appoint defence attaches in the Philippines and Armenia reflects this new metric in diplomacy: In 2022, Manila inked a $375 million deal with New Delhi to acquire three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile and Armenia became the first foreign customer for Pinaka rocket launcher. The appointments in African countries Mozambique, the Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, and Djibouti follow New Delhis outreach to the continent, which was visible during the G20 summit when India aggressively championed the African Unions inclusion. Indias trade relations with the African continent date back to ancient times. In the recent past, it was shaped by the idealism of a post-colonial third world, with New Delhi backing the many national liberation struggles in Africa and inviting newly independent countries to be a part of the Non-aligned Movement. This has now been replaced by a hard-nosed economic realism wherein India sees Africa emerging as a major market. This amplified engagement also has a security dimension since Beijing has been aggressively courting Africa and investing in infrastructure there as a part of its Belt and Road Initiative. Jr NTR was spotted arriving in Mumbai on Thursday. The actor is in the city to shoot for his Bollywood debut, War 2. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), will be the latest addition to their spy universe, which also has films such as Ek Tha Tiger and Pathaan. (Also Read: Jr NTR guarantees that Devara will have fans raise collars in pride) Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan will face off in War 2 Jr NTR in Mumbai Jr NTRs team shared pictures and videos of his Mumbai arrival on X, writing, Man of Masses NTR Jrs look in WAR 2 revealed as he arrives in Mumbai for the YRF Spy Universe film that is being directed by Ayan Mukerji. War 2 pits superstar Hrithik Roshan against NTR Jr in a bloody showdown of epic proportions and it also stars Kiara Advani! War 2 releases on the 14th August, 2025. In the pictures, he can be seen dressed in a formal shirt with a cap and sunglasses on. In the video, he thanks the paparazzi for giving him a warm welcome in the city as he is whisked away by security. He also poses for a few clicks before making his way out of the airport. In one of the videos making rounds on X, Jr NTR can be seen looking surprised at seeing the paparazzi even as his team tries to clear the crowd. Taken at the private terminal in Mumbai, photographers click his pictures and videos through the gate as he looks surprised and says, Arey kaun, kaise aagaye yaar. (How did they come here.) Jr NTRs Bollywood debut War 2 will be Jr NTRs first film in Hindi. A source close to the development recently told Hindustan Times, He will be in Mumbai to shoot for an important sequence for almost 10 days. Hrithik Roshan is already shooting for the project, and Jr NTR will be joining him to shoot a crucial action sequence. His character will come with shades of grey, and is something which Jr NTR has not done before, which will be definitely a surprise for his fans all across. In November last year, a source told HT that the actor is looking forward to doing his action sequences without body doubles. Jr NTR is very particular about doing his action scenes by himself. He did the same in RRR as well, for which he was highly appreciated. So we can surely expect him doing a lot of action. Also because he would be in a face off with Hrithik Roshan as he plays the negative lead in the film, they said. Upcoming work This is the first time Jr NTR plays an antagonist. The actor is also shooting for Koratala Sivas Devara in Telugu with Janhvi Kapoor as his co-star. The film will release in theatres this year. Apart from that, he has also given his nod to Prashanth Neel for an untitled project that is yet to go on the floors. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Actor Priyanka Chopra, who is currently shooting for her next project, is missing delicacies people feast on during Eid. Taking to her Instagram Stories, Priyanka also gave a glimpse of her work life. (Also Read | Londoners rate Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone's looks in new video: Here's who topped the list) Priyanka Chopra shared photos on Instagram. Priyanka wishes her fans on Eid, misses delicacies In the first photo, Priyanka extended warm Eid greetings to her fans and followers with a photo of the crescent moon in the sky. She wrote, "Missing sheer khurma and biryani back home (heart hands emoji). Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating (red heart emoji)." Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival is of great significance due to the moon sighting, which has been part of Islamic culture for a long time. Priyanka gives a glimpse of her breakfast in France Priyanka shared another picture of her breakfast in France. She gave a peek of her plate on which several bowls of fruits were placed. Half a slice of bread, crepes and a croissant, along with eggs, was also seen on the plate. Some fruits were also placed on her plate. A paper with Heads of State written on it was kept next to her plate. Sharing it, Priyanka wrote, "When in France breakfast needs to include crepes and croissants (heart eyes emoji) thx chef Nelly." Priyanka extended warm Eid greetings to her fans and followers. Priyanka's projects Priyanka is gearing up for her next Hollywood film, Heads Of State. She will be seen in the film alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. Recently, Priyanka on Instagram gave a glimpse of the script. The page had the film's title and mentioned that Harrison Query wrote it. It also has the Priyanka's name watermarked on it. Sharing the photo, she wrote, "And we're back." Priyanka also announced her new film in collaboration with the production team of Barry Avrich's new feature documentary Born Hungry as a producer. She will be seen in Farhan Akhtar's next directorial, Jee Le Zaraa, alongside Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt. However, no update has been provided on the film since the announcement was made a couple of years ago. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Shah Rukh greets fans on Eid Amid cheers and hoots from his fans, Shah Rukh stood on his Mannat balcony, smiled and waved at them. He greeted the crowd with folded hands, saluted them, and also blew kisses. To give his fans a better view of himself, he climbed further up on the railing. On the occasion, Shah Rukh wore a traditional outfit--a white kurta and matching pyjamas. He also tied his hair in a bun. AbRam joins Shah Rukh Shah Rukh was joined by his youngest child--son Abram Khan. AbRam, along with Shah Rukh, also waved at the people gathered outside. AbRam got a kiss on his forehead from his father. For the occasion, AbRam wore a white kurta and salwar. A huge crowd has been waiting for the actor since morning for a glimpse of the festival. Shah Rukh shares post on X Shah Rukh also posted a video on X (formerly Twitter). Hundreds of people stood near Mannat and cheered for the actor. He captioned the post, "Eid Mubarak everyone and thank you for making my day so special. May Allah bless us all with love, happiness and prosperity." Salman greets fans along with his father The actor arrived in the evening on the balcony of his Galaxy apartment. he was accompanied by his father, Salim Khan. He smiled, saluted, waved and folded his hands at the fans gathered outside his home. He was seen in a white outfit, while Salim wore a denim shirt and pants. Later, Salman shared a clip of his meeting with fans on Instagram. He simply wrote, Eid Mubarak. Shah Rukh's last film Shah Rukh was recently seen in the movie Dunki. It features an ensemble cast, with colourful characters portrayed by actors such as Boman Irani, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal, Vikram Kochhar, and Anil Grover. The film received mixed reviews from the audience and critics. Dunki focuses on the issue of immigration. Its title is taken from the term "donkey journey," which refers to the long, winding, and often dangerous routes that people across the world take to reach the places they want to immigrate to. He has still not announced his next project. The film released in December last year. Salman's next film Salman on Thursday announced his next film, Sikandar, directed by A R Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala's banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The film will release on Eid next year. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place New films from Yorgos Lanthimos, Andrea Arnold and Francis Ford Coppola, as well as a portrait of 1980s Donald Trump, will compete for the Palme d'Or at the 77th Cannes Film Festival next month, organizers announced Thursday. HT Image Thierry Fremaux, Canness artistic director who announced the selections in a news conference in Paris with festival president Iris Knobloch, said this year's lineup was plucked from 2,000 submissions. Though Fremaux noted he went into the process concerned about the effect of last year's strikes on American films, the lineup is typically full of top international filmmakers as well as a few hotly anticipated blockbusters. Among the 19 films selected for competition is Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness, the Greek director's follow-up to the Oscar-winning Poor Things. Its cast includes two stars of Poor Things: Emma Stone and Willem Dafoe. Paolo Sorrentino, the Italian filmmaker of The Great Beauty, returns to Cannes with Parthenhope, a Naples-set drama co-starring Gary Oldman. Arnold, the British director of American Honey and Fish Tank, also returns to Cannes with Bird, starring Barry Keoghan and Franz Rogowski. Sure to draw attention will be Ali Abbasi's The Apprentice, a film about the former president's early business career. In it, Sebastian Stan stars as Trump, Jeremy Strong plays Roy Cohn and Maria Bakalova co-stars as Ivana Trump. The Iranian director Abbasi was previously in competition at Cannes with 2022's Holy Spider. Numerous other big-name filmmakers are also returning to Cannes, which runs May 14-25. Among them: David Cronenberg ; Paul Schrader and the lauded Chinese director Jia Zhang-Ke . Also in competition are Sean Baker , whose Red Rocket and The Florida Project also premiered at Cannes; and the French filmmaker Jacques Audiard , who won the Palme in 2015 for Dheepan. As previously reported, Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis will premiere in competition in Cannes. The 85-year-old director's self-financed, long-gestating epic will debut 50 years after his The Conversation won the Palme d'Or. This years Cannes follows a banner 2023 edition that featured the premieres of three films that went on to win best-picture nominations at the Academy Awards: Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon; Jonathan Glazers The Zone of Interest; and Justine Triets Palme dOr winner Anatomy of a Fall. Anatomy of a Fall was only the third film directed by a woman to win the Palme. This year, there are four female filmmakers in competition. Fremaux said he may add further selections in the coming weeks. Cannes had already lined up a few notable world premieres playing out of competition including George Millers Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Kevin Costners Horizon, An American Saga. George Lucas is set to received an honorary Palme dOr at the closing ceremony. The festival will kick off May 14 with the French comedy The Second Act, starring Lea Seydoux and Vincent Lindon. Greta Gerwig, coming off the success of Barbie, is heading the jury that will decide the Palme dOr. Some entries will take on added poignance, Fremaux noted, due to current events. The first selection he announced Thursday was Yolande Zauberman's documentary The Beauty of Gaza," about transgender Palestinians who emigrate to Tel Aviv. Ukrainian filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa will debut his documentary The Invasion, on Russia's war on his native country. One new addition this year: The festival is launching a competitive immersive section featuring works of virtual and augmented reality. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Lionsgate CinemaCon continues to be a wellspring of Superman-related news, with Henry Cavill adding his own humorous touch to the event by quipping the infamous Justice League moustache fiasco. Henry Cavill jokes about Justice League moustache fiasco at Lionsgate CinemaCon(Getty Images via AFP/ Paramount Pictures) While the outrage of the legion of The Justice League purely belongs to Snyders superhero series, the production of The Justice League by Zack Snyder is considered a hideous failure that marks the beginning of the downfall of Snyders DC Extended Universe. And of course, we cannot overlook Cavills moustache, which was one of the main butt of the joking. Having been filming Mission: Impossible Fallout During the reshoots of the project, Warner Bros. was forced to use CGI his facial hairs off for his scenes as Superman, and therefore, his looks got some hilarious effects, which you can watch in the movie. The Witcher star quipped, a controversial mustache at one stage that nearly ruined my career. ALSO READ| Fallout hits Prime Video a day early, and netizens can't wait to dwell immediately' Cavill also offered insights into his upcoming projects amidst the banter At the Lionsgate CinemaCon sessions, he shared details about his collaboration with John Wick director Chad Stahelski on a new Highlander movie slated for release in 2025. If you thought youd seen me do sword work before, you havent seen anything yet, Cavill expressed while addressing his part at Highlander. notably, he did some amazing sword work on Netflix's The Witcher. He also revealed the title of his upcoming film with Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza Gonzalez, directed by Guy Ritchie, as In the Grey. The film revolves around a group of gunmen reclaiming stolen billions, promising action-packed sequences in European locales. Cavill's partnership with Ritchie extends beyond In the Grey to the forthcoming film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare. Set against the backdrop of World War II, the movie delves into the UK's recruitment of a select group of soldiers, including 007 author Ian Fleming, portrayed by Freddie Fox. Cavill expressed the soldiers were quite extraordinary to have characters like that who were able to change the course of the war. ALSO READ| CinemaCon surprise: Poignant first look at Michael Jackson biopic released Reflecting on his collab with Gyllenhaal and Ritchie, Cavill said, Jake is not only an incredible talent but what a wonderful man. Im hoping we may see both of us on screen more often. He creates a wonderful environment on set offering plenty of creative freedom. What about Cavill's future as Superman Despite the challenges faced by Justice League and DC's subsequent casting changes, Cavill's Superman tenure may not be over. Director Matthew Vaughn has expressed interest in featuring Cavill in a Red Son Elseworlds film, offering a potential opportunity for the actor to revisit the iconic role. Actor Kirsten Dunst is back on the big screen with her latest release Civil War. Over the years she has starred in a bunch of popular movies such as the Spider-Man series, Marie Antoinette and other but she began her acting career very young. One of the earliest movies she starred in was Interview with a Vampire (1994). She starred with Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in the movie and once revealed how the former still stays in touch. (Also read: Kirsten Dunst reveals that her son does not care about Spider-Man) Kirten Dunst and Tom Cruise worked together in Interview with a Vampire. 'Cruise Cakes' During her appearance on The Graham Norton Show in 2016, host Graham Norton asked Kirsten if 'Tom Cruise kept in touch since then.' She replied, Yeah, he gives me a cake every Christmas. We call it the Cruise cake at my house. It's just as coconut cake. It's the best coconut cake I've ever had in my life from Doan's bakery in the valley so sorry everybody, in England you can't have it unless you go to California. It's really good. And yeah, we get it every Christmas. Like all our family's like Cruise cake is here, it's like a major thing. That night we're like oh, thank you Tom. Yum love it. Kirsten and Tom's sweet beginnings In 2021, Kirsten spoke to The Cut about how he was brought onboard the film with Tom's help. "Well, we're both from New Jersey. And we had this screen test where he had to pick up each little girl." "I was the tallest one, and he was like, 'Tuck in your legs,' so that I looked really tiny in his arms," she explained to The Cut. "He was trying to help me out since Neil Jordan, the director, wanted to see how each girl looked when Tom picked us up because they wanted the character to look like a bit like a doll, a little girl." Interview with the Vampire follows Louis, a 200-year-old vampire recounting his life story to a reporter. Turned into a vampire by Lestat, Louis struggles with his humanity, thirst for blood, and immortality. Their journey is complicated by Claudia, a child vampire with a mature mind, leading to conflicts and tragedies. The narrative explores themes of loneliness, morality, and the essence of human nature, set against a backdrop of different eras and locations. About Civil War Civil War, directed by Alex Garland of Ex Machina and Annihilation fame, revolves around a team of military-embedded journalists who embark on a risky journey across a dystopian future US to reach Washington DC before rebel factions attack the White House. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Nick Offerman, the film will hit Indian screens on April 19. Amid Eid festivities - which also means good business for filmmakers - PVR INOX has stopped screening Malayalam films across the country due to a dispute with the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA). New releases like Aavesham, Varshangalkk Shesham and Jai Ganesh, apart from recent releases like Aadujeevitham and Manjummel Boys, have been removed from screens in Kerala and other states. (Also Read: Aavesham X reviews: Fans are sure this will be Fahadh Faasil's highest-grossing film ever) Stills of the films Aavesham and Varshangalkku Shesham PVR INOXs feud with Mollywood The KFPA started a new content-providing company, asking theatres in Kerala to take films through this new venture. However, PVR INOX raised objections to this practice, stopping the screening of not just Malayalam films in Kerala but also their dubbed releases in other states. This, unfortunately affected business for filmmakers who bought dubbing rights to the recent Malayalam releases. Sashidhar Reddy of Mythri Movies, who is distributing the dubbed version of Manjummel Boys in Telangana, raised a complaint with the Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce earlier on Thursday regarding the issue. He told the press, How can PVR INOX stop the Telugu release of Manjummel Boys if they have an issue with producers in Kerala? It is unfair to stop shows like this when theyre collecting good money. The Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce will hold an emergency meeting soon to address this issue. PVR INOX clarifies their stance Kamal Gianchandani, CEO of PVR Pictures Limited, put out a statement on X regarding the issue. In his statement, he writes, Our newly inaugurated 9-screen cinema, PVR FORUM Kochi, has been adviced by the Association to source Malayalam movie content exclusively through one channel. He adds, Such an action of forcing an exhibitor to procure content from only one source is anti-competitive in nature and prohibited under the law. As a law-abiding member of the Indian film industry, we are unable to comply with this advice. He further requests the Malayalam film industry to engage with them and come to a solution. The statement does not address the removal of Malayalam films and their dubbed releases in the rest of the country, despite stating that PVR INOX would be delighted to screen Malayalam films in Kerala as well as Pan-India. Representatives of the multiplex chain tell Hindustan Times its because the content distribution network is the same across the country. Mollywood is on a streak The Malayalam film industry has been doing particularly well this year, with recent releases all being received well. Films like Nalsen and Mamitha Baijus Premalu, Mammoottys Bramayugam, Soubin Shahir and Sreenath Bhasis Manjummel Boys and Prithviraj Sukumarans Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life released in close succession and received good reviews not just in Kerala but other states also. Fahadh Faasils Aavesham, Vineeth Sreenivasans Varshangalkku Shesham and Unni Mukundans Jai Ganesh released this week. The KFPA is yet to release a statement on the issue. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Venkat Prabhus upcoming film with Vijay, The Greatest of All Time aka The GOAT finally has a release date. The actor, apart from the makers of the film took to X to announce that the sci-fi actioner will be released on September 5 worldwide in theatres. (Also Read: Vijay spotted having fun on a kick scooter while shooting for The Greatest of All Time in Russia. Watch) Vijay in the latest poster of The Greatest of All Time The GOAT release date Vijay took to X to share a new poster which sees him wearing spectacles, a formal shirt and sporting a salt and pepper look with a beard. A citys skyline can be seen in the background and the poster simply reads, September fifth, announcing the films release. Director Venkat also shared the same poster on X, writing, Eid vaazhthukaludan.. vinayaga chathurthi ku varrom #TheGreatestOfAllTime from SEPTEMBER 5th!! Namma #Thalapathy ku #WhistlePodu @actorvijay @archanakalpathi @aishkalpathi @thisisysr #TheGOAT #aVPhero. (With Eid greetings, we are arriving on Ganesh Chaturthi. Whistle for our Thalapathy.) About The GOAT The posters released by the makers of GOAT reveal that Vijay will play a dual role in the film, with de-ageing technology used on one of his characters. The actor has sported a clean-shaven look to shoot for the character. This is Venkats first film with Vijay, which also stars Mic Mohan, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Sneha, Laila, Jayaram, Meenakshi Chaudhary, and Yogi Babu. The film has music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja, cinematography handled by Siddhartha Nuni and editing by Venkat Raajen. Vijays foray into politics Vijay announced in February that he will be contesting in the 2026 elections, forming his own political party called Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. I am aiming for a corruption-free, progressive, and secular government, considering the current political climate that divides people by religion, caste and one could witness corruption everywhere, his statement read. Fans now wonder what Vijays last film would be, given that hes expected to concentrate on politics after wrapping up GOAT and at least one another film. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place Director Sukumars Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna-starrer Pushpa 2: The Rules shooting is underway. The producers recently released a teaser on Allus birthday, giving a glimpse of the much-talked-about jatara scene. A report by News18 states that it cost the makers a whopping 60 crore to film this scene. (Also Read: Decoding Allu Arjun's androgynous jatara look in Pushpa 2 The Rule teaser) Allu Arjun in a still from Pushpa 2 Gangamma Thalli jatara scene In the teaser, Allus Pushpa Raj can be seen dressed in a blue pattu saree with body paint on, apart from jhumkas, necklaces, bangles, nose pin, gunghroo and more. The scene sees him dressed in Mathangi vesham for the Gangamma Thalli jatara in Tirupati. A report by the website claims that the makers spent about 60 crore to shoot a six-minute scene. According to the report, it took the makers 30 days to wrap up the scene. A source from the films team refuses to confirm or deny the specific amount, telling Hindustan Times, All I can say is that its a very high budget set which required a huge amount to set the melee. The makers worked hard on the scene because its crucial to the story. Allu Arjun even got severe back pain but completed the scenes. In December last year, HT reported that shooting for the sequel of Pushpa: The Rise was put on pause because Allu shot for a song and a fight in the jatara get-up which gave him severe back pain. OTT rights OTT Play reported in January this year that while Amazon Prime Video bagged OTT rights for the first part of Pushpa for 30 crore, the makers quoted triple the amount to Netflix India for the sequel. Its also reported that Sukumar will receive a stake from the OTT deal. Netflix announced earlier this year that Pushpa 2: The Rule is a part of their line-up for the year. News18 reports that the makers sold the films digital rights for 100 crore, but the films team is yet to address these claims. About Pushpa 2: The Rule Sukumars Pushpa 2: The Rule will also star Fahadh Faasil, Jagapathi Babu, Brahmaji, Anasuya Bharadwaj and others, with music by Devi Sri Prasad. The film will release in Telugu, apart from other south Indian languages and Hindi. Pushpa: The Rise hit screens in December 2021 and fans have been waiting for the sequel ever since. Entertainment! Entertainment! Entertainment! Click to follow our Whatsapp Channel Your daily dose of gossip, films, shows, celebrities updates all in one place. The Swiss women's victory, KlimaSeniorinnen or Senior Women for Climate Protection, at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) on April 9 marks a crucial moment in history that intersects climate policy with human rights law. This ruling, affirming the connection between climate change impacts and human rights violations, calls for governments' obligations to shield citizens from global warming's detrimental impacts. It highlights the imperative for action on the climate crisis and brings to the fore the judiciary's role in enforcing environmental policy adherence. KlimaSeniorinnen, a group of over 2.000 women aged 65 and older, took on the Swiss Government before the ECtHR, claiming that their rights were being harmed by the impacts of the climate crisis and that Switzerlands alleged weak effort to reduce emissions violates its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The verdict that followed, in favour of the senior women, directed all European countries to come up with science-based targets that are aligned with the Paris Agreement's aim to limit the increase in global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels, by 2050. The precedent bears the potential to shape future climate litigation and propels other nations, beyond Europe as well, toward more rigorous compliance with global commitments, especially those stipulated in the Paris Agreement. Here, we look at five major takeaways from this ruling. 1. Setting a legal milestone in climate litigation For the first time in history, a court has directly linked climate actionor the lack thereofto the infringement of human rights, specifically the right to life and health due to the adverse effects of climate change. This ruling serves as a crucial precedent for future climate litigation, potentially opening the door for similar legal challenges across Europe and globally. The legal accountability of governments to take significant measures against climate change to protect their citizens' rights is a major standpoint. While the judgement directly influences European countries bound by the Convention (ECHR), its ramifications extend globally. It serves as a crucial reference point for courts worldwide in interpreting the human rights obligations of states regarding climate action, said Joana Setzer, associate professor, Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, a research centre at the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK. 2. Raising the bar for governmental climate actions The ruling sends a clear message to European nations: current climate efforts are insufficient. Governments are now compelled to strengthen their climate policies and ensure that they align with science-based targets that are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The Court's verdict was loud and clear: governments need to curb emissions rapidly to protect the human rights of all generations. The inspirational efforts of senior Swiss women, but also young Portuguese people and Damien Careme, have ushered in a new era for European climate action, said Laurence Tubiana, chief executive officer, European Climate Foundation. This verdict further emphasises the need for effective climate action plans that go beyond current efforts, ensuring that policies are not only ambitious but also actionable and measurable. Governments in Europe are now under legal scrutiny to bolster their climate commitments and implement policies that significantly reduce carbon emissions, added Tubiana. 3. Ruling reinforces Paris Agreement Goals The EtCHR order signals a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change, explicitly connecting the dots between environmental policy and human rights. This ruling underlines a global commitment akin to the Paris Agreement's objectives, pushing governments to adopt more stringent climate measures. It mandates nations to recalibrate their environmental strategies, ensuring they are in harmony with the ambitious goal of capping global warming at 1.5C. Dennis van Berkel, legal counsel, Urgenda Foundation, a Dutch environmental group currently fighting a climate litigation case against the Netherlands government, said Based on the ruling, all European countries need to have proper laws in place that ensure that global warming is limited to 1.5C. Now countries need to determine new national carbon budgets that are in line with the latest science and 1.5C warming limit. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, represents a global accord within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. It signifies a collective endeavour to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects, with enhanced support to assist developing countries in these efforts, establishing a framework for global climate action. 4. Empowering grassroots climate activism The win amplifies the voices of communities and activists fighting for climate justice, demonstrating that legal pathways are viable for challenging governmental inaction on climate change. It empowers individuals and groups to hold their governments accountable for climate commitments, inspiring a wave of civic engagement and activism. The victory of the KlimaSeniorinnen provides a template for how ordinary citizens, even those who may seem to have the odds stacked against them, can effectuate significant environmental and policy changes through the courts, said Dr Anjal Prakash, IPCC author and research director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business. 5. Verdict encourages collaborative climate efforts globally The ECtHR ruling proposes increased international cooperation and shared strategies for climate change mitigation. By affirming the necessity for countries to align their environmental policies with human rights obligations, the ruling necessitates a more collaborative global approach towards achieving the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement. It sets a precedent that could encourage countries to work together more closely, sharing technologies, strategies, and policies to reduce emissions and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of climate change. This collaborative effort is crucial for the global response to climate change, highlighting the interconnectedness of nations in addressing a problem, said Dr Prakash. Ensuring Compliance: The Binding Nature of ECtHR Rulings The European Court of Human Rights holds a unique position in the international legal landscape, with its rulings being binding on the countries that have ratified the European Convention on Human Rights. While the ECtHR itself cannot enforce its decisions, the Council of Europe can monitor the implementation of judgments and apply pressure on countries directly to comply. Non-compliance with ECtHR rulings can lead to political and legal repercussions for member states, including being subject to infringement proceedings. The rulings have also set a precedent for other international courts to follow. Currently, there are climate change cases ongoing at the International Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. We now have a clear affirmation that states bear a positive obligation to shield their citizens from climate change and to safeguard their welfare, including through establishing a binding regulatory framework at the national level. This ruling is pivotal for our comprehension of the effectiveness and execution of close to 30 climate change framework laws throughout Europe, said Catherine Higham, Policy Fellow at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment. This judgement sets a legally binding precedent that national courts within the Council of Europe's jurisdiction can reference in future climate litigation cases. It enhances the legal basis for climate action across Europe, providing a solid foundation for challenging inadequate climate policies and advocating for more aggressive measures to combat climate change. Actor and dancer Mohena Kumari Singh couldnt be happier as she welcomed a baby girl into her family recently. I really wanted a girl the second time, and even Suyesh. I actually wanted a girl and a boy always. Everyone kept telling me that it will be a boy only. I was so happy that I have both now, I am feeling very complete as a mother and a family, she shares, with her voice resonating with joy. (Also Read Mohena Kumari Singh reveals her mother-in-law interrupted a pandit who told her 'bohot saare bete ho': Proud of her) Mohena Kumari Singh The bundle of joy arrived on March 31, marking a moment of pure contentment for Mohena and her family. With a very clean heart, I asked God to give me a daughter and it happened. It was a great feeling of contentment, I am at peace now, I would say, she adds. Ask about the plans of naming her daughter, Kumari reveals, Her Vedic chart was made on the first day of Navratri, it was an auspicious day, we will decide on a name soon, adding, Pyaar se we are calling her choti babu. My husband has been calling her sprout since I was pregnant. So, thats something my husband calls her till she gets her main name. The arrival of their second child comes merely two years after the birth of their son Ayaan, who is soon to celebrate his second birthday on April 15. Everything is quite fresh actually, I am comparing her birth to his birth and how it was. With my first child, I did everything right. I did yoga everyday, made sure that I didnt eat outside at all, didnt have maggi which is my favourite, I was just so Satvik. I was really stressed about doing this and not doing that. One should not stress, for sure. So with my second pregnancy, I just let everything happen naturally. I didnt stress myself with any pressure. I sometimes ate out also, and just made sure that I enjoyed this time. I was even driving till my last month, taking my friends out and everything. I was just taking it easy. It was a relaxed pregnancy for me, the 35-year-old further adds. Amidst the joyous occasion, Kumari didnt make an official announcement on social media, but has confirmed to us exclusively. Actually the thing is that I am so in my world now, I dont think about social media, I just live my life. If people get to know, they get to know. I dont think that Okay, now I have to show the photo or I have to do this or that for the media, I dont think that. I am so busy living my life authentically. People told me that you need to say something, otherwise people will think and assume that she did a surrogate or adopted, she laughs. The Israeli government on Wednesday announced that over 6,000 Indian workers are scheduled to land in Israel between April and May to assist the nation's construction industry in tackling a labour deficit triggered by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. The workers from India are being transported to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement (AFP) A statement released by the Israeli government late Wednesday disclosed that these workers will be transported via an "air shuttle," after the government agreed to subsidise chartered flights for this purpose. It was agreed approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India during April and May, on an "air shuttle" following the subsidizing of the charter flights, the statement said. ALSO READ- Hamas leader Haniyeh says his 3 sons killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza as truce talks drag on The workers from India are being transported to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two nations, PTI reported. Why Israel needs Indian workers? Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which has continued for over six months with no evident resolution, Israel is facing a significant shortage of foreign workers. The majority of these workers, approximately 80,000, originally hailed from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank, with an additional 17,000 coming from the Gaza Strip. However, the outbreak of conflict in October led to the revocation of work permits for a vast majority of them, exacerbating the labour shortage in the country. Last Tuesday, 64 construction workers from India landed in Israel as part of the agreement. Over the next few weeks, a total of 850 more workers are expected to arrive by mid-April. In recent months, over 900 construction workers have already entered Israel from India through the B2B route. In addition to workers from India and Sri Lanka, approximately 7,000 have come from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe. "This (6,000 workers from India) is the largest number of foreign workers arriving in Israel for the construction sector in a short time, the statement noted. ALSO READ- Australia, Spain hint towards considering recognition of Palestinian state Israel easing regulations to increase influx of foreign workers The statement said that the government has conducted intensive staff work to facilitate a substantial increase in the influx of foreign workers into Israel. The aim is to lower the cost of living, streamline bureaucratic processes, reduce friction between the government and the business sector, enhance supervision and oversight of foreign workers' employment, and safeguard their rights, it said. (Inputs from PTI) In 2019, TR Paarivendhar won the Perambalur Lok Sabha constituency with a stunning margin of over 4 lakh votes, having contested on the DMKs symbol against AIADMKs N R Sivapathi. The victory was sweeter, because Paarivendhar had contested and lost his first Lok Sabha election from the same constituency in 2014 as the candidate for the Bharatiya-Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Ranjit Chautala and Hema Malini are among the few names who have edged past BJPs unofficial age limit of 75 (AFP) Founder of the Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK), which is now part of the NDA, Paarivendhar is contesting from Perambalur for the third time in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, this time, again, as the NDA candidate. His frequent party hopping is not the only thing that sets him apart. At 82, he along with 78-year old Ranjit Chautala from Haryana and 75-year old Hema Malini, the contestant from Uttar Pradeshs Mathura is among the very few candidates who have edged past the BJPs unofficial age limit of 75 for contesting polls. It has never been articulated, but party insiders insist that there is a rule, albeit, one proved by exceptions. Chautala who is the BJPs candidate from the Hisar Lok Sabha constituency, is an independent MLA and son of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal. He was part of the BJP-JJP alliance government in the state and chose to switch sides to the BJP recently. He has been a member of the Indian National Lok Dal, the Janata Dal, the Indian National Congress and had a previous stint with the BJP. Hema Malini, a popular actor and dancer is a two-term MP from Mathura and is hoping for a third straight win. Even as the BJP has opted to give preference to younger and newer faces, the party has not quite ignored age and experience. There are as many as 20 leaders who are between the ages of 70-74, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is 73 and Union defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is 72. Others who are above 70 include AC Shanamugam, 74, the candidate from Vellore; former Union minister Radha Mohan Singh, 74 from Purvi Champaran in Bihar ; Kripashankar Singh, 74 from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh ; Pon. Radhakrishnan,72 from Kanniyakumari in Tamil Nadu ; and Bishnu Pada Ray, 74 from Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There are many factors that are considered while deciding the candidate. Age, experience, political clout, caste are some of the key factors. It has been the partys policy since 2014 to encourage younger people and ease the seniors to a more advisory role, but some exceptions have been made considering some factors, said a senior party leader. who asked not to be named. Citing the example of Hema Malini and Paariveendhar, the leader added: Her (Malinis ) record as a parliamentarian was good, she has spent money on the development of the constituency, promoting culture and heritage and has a clean image. Similarly, Paarivendhar is from the Udaiyar community, that has a lot of clout in the area, which will help the party. In 2019, the absence of veterans LK Advani, then 91, and MM Joshi, then 85 from the list of candidates perceived as a sign of the party pushing for a generational shift. Both are part of the BJPs Margdarshak Mandal. This is not the first time that the party has set aside the unwritten age rule. In the Madhya Pradesh state polls, the party fielded senior leaders including Nagendra Singh, 80 from the Nagod assembly constituency in Satna and Nagendra Singh, 79 from Gurh in Rewa. The average age of MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha was 54 years, with 12% of MPs below the age of 40. In the 16th Lok Sabha, the average age of MPs was 55.46 years and 8% of the MPs were below the age of 40 years. (with inputs from Akshita Kumari) Union home minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Manipur on April 15, officials aware of the development said on Thursday. The home minister is likely to address a rally at a public ground in the state capital. (PTI file photo) This will be Shahs second visit to the state ahead of the general elections. The state goes to polls in two phases on April 19 and April 26. The home minister is likely to address a rally at a public ground in the state capital. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded former state education minister, T Basanta Kumar as the candidate for the inner Manipur seat which comprises of valley districts, including Imphal. We have been informed that he is visiting on April 15. This will be part of reviewing security measures in place and campaigning for the elections. Preparations are underway for his visit, an official aware of the matter said. Also Read: Make it harder for India to: Congress reacts to Amit Shahs clean chit to China on encroachment The officials did not share details of the places where Shah could visit in the state. In May last year, the union home minister had come to Manipur to review security measures, visited both valley and hill districts to speak with residents and civil society organisations where he stayed for four days. The party has not fielded any candidate for outer Manipur seat, comprising of the states hill districts. BJP has extended support to candidate from Naga Peoples Front (NPF) candidate, K Timothy Zimik. Meiteis live in the valley districts such as Imphal and Bishnupur while Kuki tribal residents live in the hills such as Churachandpur and Kangpokpi. Manipur has been roiled by ethnic clashes between Meiteis, who are dominant in Imphal Valley, and the tribal Kuki-Zo community, which is in majority in a few hill districts, since May last year. The violence has claimed at least 219 lives and displaced around 50,000. For nearly 45 days, Manipur has not reported a single case of ethnic clashes, gunfights or killings. To be sure, the state 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. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday, addressing a gathering at an Eid prayer, reiterated that the state will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, National Register of Citizens and Uniform Civil Code. She also warned the gathering not to fall prey to the plot of "some people" during elections. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee at an Iftar party in Kolkata on Tuesday.(ANI) "Eid Mubarak. It is the Eid of happiness. It is the Eid of giving strength. It is a big thing to observe this Eid by fasting for a month... We are ready to shed blood for the country but will not tolerate torture for the country. A uniform civil code is not acceptable. I want harmony in all religions. Your safety, your life...," news agency ANI quoted Mamata Banerjee as saying at the Eid prayer in Kolkata. We will not accept the CAA, NRC, Uniform Civil Code During elections, some people will try to engineer riots. Don't fall prey to the plot, Mamata Banerjee was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. If we live unitedly, nobody will be able to harm us, the Bengal chief minister added. "...If anyone comes to riot, you should keep quiet, keep your head cool...If there is a blast, they (BJP) send the NIA to arrest everyone. By arresting everyone, your country will become desolate...We want a beautiful sky for which everyone must stay together..., " she said. Mamata Banerjee had earlier vowed not to implement the CAA in the state and had warned people that applying for citizenship under the CAA would designate them as foreigners and advised against it. Mamata Banerjee's statement comes a day after Union home minister Amit Shah's scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress supremo for allegedly "misleading" people on the CAA and "facilitating" infiltrators for vote bank politics, emphasising that refugees should apply for citizenship without apprehension. Addressing an election rally in Balurghat in Bengal on Wednesday, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, Amit Shah slammed the TMC government "for trying to save the culprits in the Bhupatinagar bomb blast case" and for filing cases against NIA officials. "Mamata didi is misleading people about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Why is she against refugees obtaining citizenship? I request refugees not to be afraid, please apply for citizenship, there will be absolutely no problem. No police case will be filed against you. Granting citizenship to refugees is our commitment," PTI quoted Amit Shah as saying. In March, the Centre implemented the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, notifying the rules four years after the law was passed by Parliament to fast-track citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India before December 31, 2014. According to the CAA, whose rules were notified on March 13, the government will grant Indian nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants - Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and Christians - from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014. Despite the availability of the full data on the Election Commission website, the State Bank of India (SBI) refused to disclose the details of electoral bonds, claiming that it is personal information held in a fiduciary capacity. The public sector bank cited the RTI Act while refusing to disclose the information of the now-scrapped scheme. SBI refuses to disclose electoral bonds data(REUTERS) RTI activist Commodore Lokesh Batra (retired) approached the SBI on March 13 seeking the complete data of the electoral bonds in the digital form, as provided to the EC after the Supreme Court's order. While the information is already available to the public on the Election Commission website, the bank refused to provide the details of the electoral bonds scheme citing two exemption clauses given under the Right to Information (RTI) Act -- section 8(1)(e) that is related to records held in a fiduciary capacity and section 8(1)(j) that allows withholding personal information. SBI's response to the RTI activist's query stated, Information sought by you is containing details of purchasers and political parties and hence, cannot be disclosed as it is held in fiduciary capacity disclosure of which is exempted under sections 8(1)(e) and (j) of the RTI Act. Batra told PTI that it is bizarre that SBI refused to disclose the information already available in a public forum. He also sought the details of the legal fees for senior advocate Harish Salve, who represented the State Bank of India in the Supreme Court against the disclosure of the electoral bonds data. On the question of Salve's fee, he said the bank has denied information that involves taxpayers' money. The Election Commission published the electoral bonds data provided by SBI on its official website on March 14, releasing the details of the donors, amounts and the political parties that cashed in the bonds. The Supreme Court on March 15 pulled up the SBI for not furnishing the complete information by withholding the numbers unique to each electoral bond that would help match the donors with the recipient political parties, saying the bank was "duty-bound" to reveal the information. The SBI said a total of 22,217 electoral bonds of varying denominations were purchased by the donors between April 1, 2019, and February 15 this year, of which 22,030 were redeemed by political parties. (With inputs from PTI) Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti triggered a major controversy as she said if the INDIA bloc came to power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders would be put in jail. Though the comment was made a few days ago, it became a political flashpoint between the BJP and the RJD as BJP leaders said Misa Bharti should reflect on why she was named Misa before making such comments. Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti is at the centre of a fresh controversy after she said INDIA bloc, if voted to power, will jail Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders. "Misa Bharti should reflect on why she was named Misa. The Congress jailed Lalu Prasad Yadav under the MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act). Under this Act, anyone could be arrested without leaving the option to approach the court, apply for bail etc. It was a provision for permanent jail. Lalu Yadav at that time vowed to destroy the Congress and hence named his daughter Misa. Is Misaji making fun of her father's oath? She should then change her name," BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said. Lok Sabha elections 2024: Full coverage BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawade said Misa Bharti's comment showed the level to which the opposition's campaign had stooped. "They are now saying 'Modiji marega'. Misa ji said Modiji would be put in jail. But the country wants to hear whether the corrupts will go to jail or not," Tawade said. Maharashtra deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said Misa Bharti should first think of her family. "Her family is stuck in so many types of scams and corruption. And these charges were not brought by us. The court punished them and so such statements are only mockery of democracy," Fadnavis said. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said everyone can daydream but Misa Bharti must remember that Lalu Prasad Yadav was neither jailed nor convicted during the BJP government. "Does Misa Bharti blame the UPA for her father's arrest," Shehzad said. What Misa Bharti said Misa Bharti commented on allegations of appeasement against the Congress election manifesto. "He accuses our family of corruption. But do you know how big corruption is involved in electoral bonds? Who will reply to that? If the public gives us an opportunity, PM Modi will be in jail along with the BJP leaders,"Misa Bharti said. A BJP leader in Madhya Pradesh has kicked off a political storm by claiming that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sent him to Congress ahead of state elections as part of a strategy. BJP leader Ramkishore Shukla, aka Bhaiya Ji, contested the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on a Congress ticket. BJP leader Ramkishore Shukla, aka Bhaiya Ji, unsuccessfully contested the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections on a Congress ticket and returned to the saffron fold a few days back. Shukla's poll plunge made the fight triangular in the Mhow assembly constituency but the BJP turncoat came third by securing 29,144 votes. BJP's Usha Babu Singh Thakur won the assembly seat with 1,02,989 votes while Congress rebel Antar Singh Darbar, contesting as an independent, received 68,597 votes. Darbar also joined the BJP last month. I switched to Congress just before the assembly elections, contested Mhow on a Congress ticket and lost. All this was done as part of a poll strategy and I did so under the directions of a senior RSS leader in October last year, Shukla told media persons on Wednesday, as quoted by The Times of India. The reason for this was the weak position of BJP candidate Usha Thakur. There was large-scale opposition from within the party. Former Congress MLA Anant Singh Darbar was fighting as an independent, and looking at all these equations, I got ready to sacrifice myself, he claimed. When asked to name the RSS leader, Shukla said it was Abhishek Udeniya, Indore Vibhag Sangathan Mantri of VHP, who sent him to Congress. BJP MLA Usha Babu Singh Thakur has rubbished the claims as baseless and said, Before leaving the party, he met me. He was very sad and wept too. I told him that I tried my best and that I had talked to the state party chief and party general secretary. "He told me that he has been working for the party for the last 20 years but the party did not take any care of him, that's why he is leaving," she told PTI. Jorhat: In his 10-year-stint as a parliamentarian, Gaurav Gogoi, has emerged out of his father former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogois shadow and made a mark as a well-informed and aggressive politician who can raise issues with conviction both inside the Lok Sabha, where he is the deputy leader of Congress, as well as outside. In an interview with Utpal Parashar, the 41-year-old who is contesting from the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, speaks on issues and the campaign. Congress candidate for the Jorhat Lok Sabha seat, Gaurav Gogoi, addressing a public meeting. (HT photo/Utpal Parashar) Q. Its a switch this time from your old seat Kaliabor (now renamed Kaziranga) which you represented twice. How has the campaign been in Jorhat and what has been the response from voters? A. The response is fantastic. All sections, old and young, have come out (to support me). Kaliabor has ceased to exist due to last years delimitation and people and party workers wanted me to contest from any of the three seats, Kaziranga, Jorhat and Nagaon. I told that to my party and they thought I should contest from Jorhat. Q. Your late father had represented Jorhat thrice in the Lok Sabha. Do you think that legacy will help you connect with voters in this seat and benefit you? A. Since Jorhat is the hometown of my father and he represented the seat in Lok Sabha and was also an MLA from the district, theres a deep personal connection. Voters in Jorhat are new to me, and they will want to know how I will work. I tell them that my ethics and ideals are the same as my fathers and I have learnt my politics from him. I find that people appreciate that. Q. What do you think are the main issues in Jorhat which need addressing? A. I find health to be the most important factor. If anybody in Jorhat has a serious injury, theres not a single hospital in the constituency which can take care of patients. Most patients have to be shifted to Dibruagarh (located around 140 km away) or to Guwahati (300 km away). Secondly, a lot of work needs to be done in the education infrastructure, especially the higher education sector. Some of the best colleges are suffering because of lack of facilities. Thirdly, connectivity is an issue of concern. Highways in Jorhat are in shambles, and I have raised this issue in Lok Sabha several times. The train connectivity to Jorhat is bad and timings are unsuitable. Jorhat is a hub of commerce and industry but flight connectivity to the airport here is also bad. Q. Some of your party colleagues have left and joined BJP, the ruling party in the state which has launched a very aggressive campaign to defeat you. How do you see these developments? A. Poaching of Congress leaders (by the BJP) is a show of weakness on their part as they cant seem to bank on their candidates. It has no impact on the voters, but just an attempt to grab headlines for a day. It shows a weakness of BJPs strategy in Jorhat. If they have their ministers campaigning in Jorhat, we have our MLAs who are campaigning for me. Interestingly, many people, including students and elderly are volunteering to be part of my campaign. Winning Jorhat (or defeating me) might be an ego battle for BJP, but for me (is is) serving the people of the seat. For me its a fight to save democracy, where the public are the rulers and not a few people sitting in their bungalows in the state capital. Q. Your main rival in this election, the sitting MP from BJP, has made a statement that he would be defeating you by a margin of over 200,000 votes. How do you react to that? A. BJP is known for their jumlas. 15 lakhs in each account, 2 crore jobs, making Guwahati a smart city etc. We all know the reality is different. For us, its the enthusiasm we see in the people. I find young children telling me that they want to vote for me (even though they are not eligible to vote), elderly ladies jostling with youths to click selfies with me, old Congressmen coming out and saying that they have worked with my father and now they want to work on my behalf. Its a very organic, grassroots movement. Its going to be a special election and I believe the results are going to surprise everyone. Q. We have seen many senior Congress leaders in Assam leaving the party including MLAs and office bearers. What do you think plagues the party in the state? A. The BJP is using agencies like income tax and ED to blackmail and intimidate everyone including political opponents, media houses or big corporate entities. We see the BJP extorting money from corporates through electoral bonds using coercive measures. We see TV channels getting their owners getting changed, if they have an independent stand. Its the same with political opponents and student activists who are sent to jail, threatened with false cases unless they switch over. I find this is an attempt of BJP to turn India into an authoritarian, single party state. Q. You are the most vocal voice from the northeast in Lok Sabha. What do you think are the main issues in the region that need to be raised and addressed by the Centre? A. The first is Manipur, where the state government has completely lost its authority. Underground outfits are active once again, sophisticated weapons are being sold openly in the markets, children belonging to the Kuki community are still unable to resume their study in Imphal and many Meitei families are unable to resume their normal lives. All of this is happening in a border state of India which threatens and undermines our national security. Manipur shows the weakness of Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. I am glad that Rahul Gandhi started his recent yatra from Manipur when nobody else seems to be talking about Manipur apart from the Congress. Secondly, I find home minister Amit Shahs efforts in curbing smuggling of all kinds of illegal goods from across the borders to be ineffective. This will have a destablising effect on villages, rural economy and young people because instead of working in a formal economy they will get sucked into gangs and criminal networks and the region would head into a downward spiral. Thirdly, I dont understand the BJP logic of Citizenship Amendment Act not being applicable in tribal areas in northeast and is okay to be implemented in other parts. While BJP, which is part of the government in Meghalaya, has opposed it there, I find a lack of commitment on it from the same party in Assam. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has created a dedicated email ID, sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in, for villagers of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal to report instances of land grabbing and other related crimes, officials said on Thursday. This move follows a Calcutta High Court order directing a court-monitored CBI probe into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali. Villagers of Naskar Para of Sandeshkhali celebrate after the arrest of absconding Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, an accused of crimes against women and land grabbing. (HT Photo) "The District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas has also been requested to give adequate publicity of the said e-mail ID in the locality and also issue a public notice in the vernacular dailies having a wide circulation in the areas as per the Hon'ble High Court's order," a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. A division bench, led by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, instructed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the allegations by the next hearing on May 2. The court also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive areas and LED street lights within Sandeshkhali and directed the state government to provide necessary funds for these security measures. "In the interest of justice and fair play and for expeditious consideration of various complaints and allegations, an impartial inquiry is required to be conducted," the court said. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has been aggressive against West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the Sandeshkhali row, welcomed the Calcutta High Court's order saying it was the first step towards providing justice to the victims. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh said that the high courts decision has exposed the real face of the TMC government. "The courts decision has exposed the real face of Mamata Banerjee, who has become a dictator. She was indifferent towards the plight of the victims of rape and atrocities in Sandeshkhali because her agenda was not to provide protection to them but criminals like Shahjahan Sheikh, Chugh alleged. Trinamool Congress (TMC) strongman Shahjahan Sheikh, who was arrested in February in connection with an assault on the Enforcement Directorate officials, is a key accused in sexual assault and land grab charges in Sandeshkhali. The TMC suspended Sheikh hours after his arrest. (With PTI inputs) The Union government has already announced a liberal EV policy for all aspiring investors and it is unlikely to give any company-specific concession, but states may offer incentives such as land at a concessional rate to attract foreign investments during Tesla CEO Elon Musks India visit later this month, two officials said. The central government on March 15 approved an e-vehicles policy allowing limited imports of cars by global EV giants at a concessional duty of 15%. (HT Archive) Also Read | Elon Musk's planned India visit sparks speculations of Tesla's next step in country's EV market Competition among states to attract foreign investments is a healthy trend, which helps in enhancing ease of doing business and two industrial states in western India and two in the South are competing to host Teslas proposed manufacturing unit, they said. Last week, a person familiar with Teslas India plans told HT it is considering Gujarat, Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu as the site for its plant, primarily because these are coastal states with ports. Also Read | Mukesh Ambani- Elon Musk in talks for Tesla EV unit in Maharashtra? Tesla, the worlds leading Indian EV manufacturer, has begun the process of producing right-hand drive cars for the Indian market in its Berlin factory and hopes to have them on Indian roads later this year, one of these people said, asking not to be named. The company is sending a team in the third week of April to India to scout for locations to firm up its mega manufacturing plans to make vehicles in India for the wider developing world, this person said. A week later, it emerged that Musk would be heading the team. In a twitter post, Musk on Wednesday said, Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India! The visit may help in resolving issues such as site for the facility and regulatory approvals, the two officials cited in the first instance added. Proactive approach of states will help the company in taking a decision. However, a final call will be taken by it based on various factors such as cost of production, law and order situation and infrastructure facilities, one of the two added, saying that Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu could be competing for the investment. Tesla may initially invest $2-3 billion in setting up a plant in India to cater to the demand of the region. It wanted concessional duty on EV imports during the gestation period, which has been addressed by the EV policy released last month, the official said. Also Read | Unfazed by impending entry of Tesla, new EV policy has safeguards: Mercedes-Benz India Besides Tesla, several other foreign car manufacturers want to invest in India, provided they would also be allowed to import EVs by reducing customs duty. The new EV policy announced on March 15 addressed their demand while protecting the national interest, the second official said. Multiple firms have expressed interest in setting up manufacturing plant in India because it offers a cost-effective manufacturing base, a large market, a rule-based stable political regime and a favourable policy framework, he said. The central government on March 15 approved an e-vehicles policy allowing limited imports of cars by global EV giants at a concessional duty of 15%, provided they invest a minimum of $500 million for setting up a manufacturing plant in India. Otherwise, cars imported as completely built units (CBUs) attract customs duty ranging from 60% to 100%, depending on engine size and cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value. According to the policy, a maximum of 40,000 EVs at the rate of not more than 8,000 per year would be permissible if the investment is of $800 million or more. The carry-over of unutilised annual import limits would be permitted. This will provide Indian consumers with access to latest technology, boost the Make in India initiative, strengthen the EV ecosystem by promoting healthy competition among EV players leading to high volume of production, economies of scale, lower cost of production, reduce imports of crude oil, lower trade deficit, reduce air pollution, particularly in cities, and will have a positive impact on health and environment, the commerce ministry said in a statement while announcing the policy that day. The policy said the investment commitment made by a company will have to be backed up by a bank guarantee in lieu of the custom duty forgone and the bank guarantee will be invoked in case of non-achievement of domestic value addition (DVA) and minimum investment criteria defined under the scheme. The policy gives a three-year timeframe to global investors for setting up a manufacturing facility and start commercial production of e- vehicles in India. According to the policy, the company is required to reach 50% DVA within five years or earlier while 25% localisation is envisaged in the third year. The policy has provisions to protect domestic industry as the customs duty of 15% would be applicable on vehicle of minimum value of $35,000 (about 29 lakh) and above for a total period of 5 years subject to the manufacturer setting up manufacturing facilities in India within a three-year period. New Delhi: Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks on China in an interview with American magazine Newsweek, Congress veteran Jairam Ramesh on Thursday demanded an apology for the former's 2020 statement that no one had entered India nor had occupied any post. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister crossed "all limits of cowardice". Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attack PM Narendra Modi on X.(ANI file ) "In his interview to the American magazine Newsweek, the Prime Minister crossed all limits of cowardice. China is repeatedly violating India's sovereignty but the Prime Minister's only comment on this was that the long-standing situation on our border needs to be resolved immediately so that the "aberration" in bilateral talks can be left behind," he wrote on X. Jairam Ramesh said PM Modi had the opportunity to send a strong message to China. "But his ineffective and weak response is likely to encourage China further to stake its claim on Indian land," he said. Referring to the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a skirmish with China near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020, he said PM Modi's reaction to the China issue is an insult to martyrs. "The Prime Minister's reaction on the China issue is not only shameful but also an insult to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting our borders," he wrote. He also demanded an apology from PM Modi. "The Prime Minister should apologize to 140 crore Indians for his statement on national television on June 19, 2020, 'Neither anyone has entered nor anyone has entered' and for deceiving the country by hiding his failures in protecting the border with China," he added. Also read: PM Narendra Modi to US magazine: Ram Temple culmination of centuries of sacrifice What PM Narendra Modi said in Newsweek interview Prime Minister Narendra Modi described India's rise as "unstoppable". Asked about India's border tensions with China, he said peaceful relations between the two countries are important for the entire world. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world," he said. "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," Modi added. Any level of corruption impacts the people of India and action against those who steal money meant for peoples welfare will not end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, pushing back against Opposition allegations that government was using investigative agencies to undermine the democratic process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) In an interview with HTs sister publication Hindustan, the PM also expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win a historic third term in general elections that begin next week, highlighting his administrations 10-year-old record on development, welfare and infrastructure and achievements such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir and the opening of the Ram Temple. Eliminating corruption has been a key priority of our government for the last 10 years I am committed to take strict action against the corrupt, Modi said. Whatever be the level of corruption, it impacts the people of the country action against such people, who steal the money meant for the welfare of the people of this country, will not end. Modis comments came in the middle of an election season where Opposition politicians have trained their guns at the BJP over the incarceration of prominent leaders such as Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren over corruption charges. The Opposition alleges that investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate are acting on the behest of the government to create an unequal playing field for the general elections that begin on April 19. Also Read | DMK has 1st copyright on corruption: PM Modi in Tamil Nadu But Modi dismissed the allegations, saying that only 3% of the cases being probed by ED have people associated with politics. Steps are being taken even in states where the BJP is in power. The narratives you have heard, that it is only political corruption that we are after, are being circulated by people who are under the sword of investigative agencies, he said. Those who see benefits in a corrupt system are the ones who are crying foul and presenting the wrong picture in front of the people. Modi said his government took steps to end corruption immediately after forming the government in 2014. We ended Group C and Group D interviews in central recruitments. We started the National Single Window System for clearance in the country. We tried to make government services as faceless as possible, he said. Also Read | MK Stalin takes 'chancellor of corruption university' dig at PM Modi Citing the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system, Modi said the government removed the names of more than 100 million fake beneficiaries who were not even born. By doing this, the government saved 2.75 lakh crore from going into the wrong hands. The PM said ED also arrested corrupt officers, and attached assets worth thousands of crores of rupees, belonging to corrupt bureaucrats, criminals linked to illicit funding and drug dealers. Before 2014, ED attached assets worth only 5,000 crores, whereas in the last 10 years that amount has increased to more than 1 lakh crore. Before 2014, ED had seized only 34 lakh in cash, while under our government it has seized more than 2,200 crore in cash. Imagine, if this money was invested in welfare schemes for the poor, how many people would have benefited, how many opportunities could have been created for the youth. So many new infrastructure projects could have been launched, he said. Turning his attention to the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls, Modi said there was enthusiasm among the people about a third term for the BJP. When was the last time you saw something like this in the entire world, that even after 10 years of a government, the masses are engaged to re-elect them to power with the same enthusiasm and absolute fervour? he asked. He also took potshots at the Opposition. It is not the election, but the Opposition camp that is dull because of their certain defeat. Even the Opposition believes that the NDA government will return to power, which is why even several opposition leaders are shying away from poll campaigns. Modi hailed the achievements of his government on the economic and foreign policy fronts. People of this country are taking note of the fact that India is the fifth largest and the fastest growing economy in the world. The third largest startup ecosystem of the world is in India. Our space missions, the Make in India campaign, and the unprecedented speed of infrastructure development are topics of discussions all over the world. People have immensely benefited with rail, road and airport development works. We are way ahead of other countries in real time digital payment systems. He also drew a contrast between the BJP model and the Congress model, saying while the former strengthened the country, the latter was focussed on the family. People have got the opportunity to compare the BJP model and the Congress model for the first time. The Congress ruled the country with full majority for 5-6 decades. In comparison, the BJP has served with absolute majority for only one decade. When they had full majority governments, all they did was strengthen their family. Today, when we have a majority government, our priority is to strengthen the country villages, the poor, our farmers, and the middle class society. He said the whole world was witnessing the difference between the two models. Our report card of 10 years is proof that the BJP fulfils its guarantees. Now, we are going to the masses with our vision of a developed India by 2047, he said. He underlined his governments vision for India and its record in eradicating poverty, expanding hygiene and providing housing for the poor. And what you have witnessed in the last 10 years is just the trailer. A lot more work has to be done. We have to take the country far ahead. In the interview, Modi spoke about biofuels, ethanol-blending, and the benefits accrued to sugarcane farmers due to the governments clean energy push. He also spoke about the administrations plans to expand employment for young people in Uttarakhand, and how tourism had flourished in the hill state. Both the western Uttar Pradesh region, where sugarcane is a major crop, and Uttarakhand, go to the polls in the first phase. A court in Uttarakhand's Almora has ordered registration of FIR against Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar and his subordinate YVVJ Rajasekhar for allegedly sending men to a school run by an NGO and taking away evidence of the officials' involvement in scams. Naresh Kumar, chief secretary of Delhi. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo) Pleasant Valley Foundation, the NGO, moved court seeking action against the officials, and, on March 2, the court admitted its complaint, and asked the revenue police to register a case and probe the charges. The complaint In its complaint, Pleasant Valley Foundation alleged that Kumar, the Delhi chief secretary, and Rajasekhar, the subordinate, sent four men to a school run by the NGO in Dadakada village on February 14. The men, it is claimed, vandalised the NGO joint secretary's office chamber, and took away files, records, documents, and pen drives, that had evidence of Kumar and Rajasekhar's involvement in scams. The complaint further stated that the officials threatened to frame Pleasant Valley Foundation, if complaints of corruption filed by it against them with the Vigilance department and other forums, were not withdrawn. Additionally, an attempt was made to get the complainant to sign typewritten documents, and 63,000 in cash were taken away after it resisted. A case was registered by the revenue police sub-inspector of Govindpur on the orders of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Vinit Tomar, District Magistrate (DM), Almora, said. The FIR is under sections 392 (robbery), 447 (criminal trespass), 120b (criminal conspiracy), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 506 (criminal initimdation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), in addition to the SC/ST Act. (With PTI inputs) Defence minister Rajnath Singh has hit back at the Opposition for calling top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders dictators and reminded the Congress of the Emergency of 1975 when he was sent to jail for 18 months. Defence minister Rajnath Singh. (ANI file) In an interview with news agency ANI, Rajnath Singh turned emotional, saying he could not even attend his mothers last rites after she passed away due to a brain haemorrhage. I was not given parole to attend my mother's last rites during the Emergency, and now they (Congress) call us dictators, ANI quoted the defence minister as saying. Also Read | People of PoK feel development only possible at hands of PM Modi: Rajnath Singh I could not even meet her during her final days when she was admitted in the hospital for 27 days, Rajnath Singh said, responding to allegations by the Congress and its allies that the central government had resorted to tanashahi, or dictatorship. People who imposed dictatorship through Emergency are accusing us of dictatorship, Rajnath Singh said in the ANI Podcast. Also read: Rajnath Singh on Arvind Kejriwal arrest: There is no washing machine, if Sanjay Singh can get bail, why not Slamming Congress over its manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections promising restoring of status quo ante on borders with China, Rajnath Singh said, I want to assure the countrymen that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, no one can capture even an inch of our land and we wont cede even an inch of our land. Also Read | Rajnath Singh's warning to Pakistan over terrorism. Then an offer: If it feels incapable "I can only wonder that the Congress government can do this. I wouldnt like to comment on what happened under their rule, how many 1000 square kilometres of the land went into Chinese possession. But, I want to assure the countrymen that under PM Modi-led government, no one can capture even an inch of our land and we wont cede even an inch of our land," the defence minister said. Rajasthan Singh on Pakistan and terrorism At the podcast, Rajnath Singh also offered help to Pakistan to combat terrorism. If Pakistan feels incapable, India is ready to cooperate to stop terrorism If Pakistan is trying to destabilise India with the help of terrorism, then it will have to face the consequences. Pakistan needs to control terrorism. If Pakistan thinks that it is not capable of controlling it, then it can take help from India. India is ready to help Pakistan stop terrorism. They are our neighbours, and if their intentions are clear that terrorism should stop, then they should do that themselves; otherwise, they can take help from India and we both can end terrorism. But this is their call, I am just giving them advice, Rajnath Singh asserted. Also Read | Narendra Modi in Rishikesh: PM repeats ghar mein ghus kar statement on fighting terrorism When asked about his "ghus kar maarenge" remarks in a recent TV interview, Rajnath Singh said India will do everything to combat terrorism. We won't allow terrorists to operate within Indian borders. We will do everything to stop it, Rajnath Singh said. Asked if such action can be taken across the border, he said, We will see what happens." India had carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across Line of Control in September 2016 days after the terror attack in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir. India had carried out aerial strikes on a terror camp in Pakistan in February 2019 following the Pulwama terror attack. Election 2024 news Highlights: As the Lok Sabha elections draw closer, political parties are intensifying their campaigns to attract voters, with leaders on the ground to garner support for their parties. PM Narendra Modi's rallies today Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed an election rally in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand at noon. Thereafter, he addressed a public meeting in Karauli, Rajasthan....Read More Wednesday Recap: Political highlights Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at an election rally in Kathua, asserted that the decision to revoke Article 370 has eradicated the breeding ground for terrorism in the valley. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party's "paanch nyay" and 25 guarantees are aimed at undoing what he termed as "10 years of injustice" under the Modi government. Union home minister Amit Shah accused West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading the public on the Citizenship Amendment Act and extending a welcoming hand to infiltrators for political gains. Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged that an investigation has been started into Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's purported communication with his MLAs through his lawyers from Tihar jail, further claiming that threats were made to obstruct his meetings. Lok Sabha elections full schedule Phase 1- April 19, 2024 Phase 2- 26 April 2024 Phase 3-7 May 2024 Phase 4 - 13 May 2024 Phase 5 - 20 May 2024 Phase 6 - 25 May 2024 Phase 7 - 1 June 2024 Counting on June 4 Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government, which issued a circular earlier this week designating Buddhism as a distinct religion has ruled, under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, that conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism will now necessitate prior approval from respective district magistrates. The Gujarat legislative assembly building. (File photo.) This directive, released by the state home department on April 8, aims to address concerns regarding the handling of conversion applications. Highlighting discrepancies in the interpretation of the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act by district magistrate offices, the circular underscored the necessity of adhering to prescribed procedures for conversion applications. It acknowledged instances where applicants and autonomous bodies contesting the need for prior permission for conversions from Hinduism to Buddhism. Also Read: Legally Speaking | Are laws that prevent forced conversions really about freedom to practise religion? The circular warned against potential legal challenges stemming from inadequate understanding of legal provisions surrounding religious conversions. It underscored the need for a thorough examination of the legal framework by district magistrates when evaluating conversion applications. Weve observed a lapse in adhering to the prescribed procedure for applications seeking permission for Hinduism to Buddhism conversions. Furthermore, weve received feedback from applicants and autonomous bodies suggesting that prior permission is unnecessary for such religious conversions, the notification said. Emphasising the separate status of Buddhism under the Act, the circular mandated that those facilitating conversions must obtain prior permission from the district magistrate. Additionally, individuals undergoing conversion are required to inform the district magistrate accordingly. District magistrates are instructed to meticulously review conversion applications in accordance with legal provisions and state government directives. This move seeks to streamline the process and ensure consistency in the handling of religious conversion applications across Gujarat. Also Read: Chhattisgarhs previous brush with anti-conversion bill The relevant Act was introduced by the government with the aim of curbing religious conversions achieved through methods such as allurement, coercion, misrepresentation, or any other fraudulent means. In an amendment introduced in 2021, the Act was revised to explicitly prohibit forced religious conversions through marriage. The Act includes stringent penalties, with offenders facing a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and fines reaching up to 5 lakh. Notably, the burden of proof rests on the accused, and investigations into such matters are to be conducted by officers holding the rank of deputy superintendent of police or higher. However, the amended Act has faced legal challenges, with its validity currently being contested before the Gujarat High Court. Haryana education minister Seema Trikha on Thursday said all private schools needed to provide an affidavit stating that their vehicles were functioning in line with transport rules after a speeding school bus carrying around 30 students met with an accident in Mahendragarh killing six children and injuring 20 others. Wreckage of a school bus after an accident near Mahendragarh, in Narnaul district, Haryana. (PTI) The bus driver was found to be drunk. Trikha added that schools would be held responsible if their drivers were found to be intoxicated. Speaking to ANI, she said, I want to tell the whole state that today a show cause notice has been issued to the school and apart from that, we have taken self-affidavits from the private schools. Second, they have to provide an affidavit of the transportation vehicle saying that their vehicles functioned according to the transport rules and norms, third, whoever is driving their vehicles, if they are found drunk, then they (schools) will hold the responsibility. Also read: Haryana bus accident: FIR says 'drunk' driver ignored children's pleas to slow down; 10 points Hours after the accident, the government suspended Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Assistant Secretary Pradeep Kumar. The incident took place close to Unhani village in Kanina at around 8.30am, as the bus was taking students in primary to secondary classes to the G L Public School. The police have so far arrested three people including the school's principal Deepti and the driver Dharmender. As per the police, the bus lost control due to rash driving, rammed into a tree and overturned. Stating that the incident was heartrending, President Droupadi Murmu said, The news of the death of many innocent children in a school bus accident in Mahendragarh district of Haryana is heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this cruel blow. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured children. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the incident and said, The bus accident in Mahendragarh, Haryana is extremely painful. My condolences are with all the families who have lost their children in this accident. Along with this, I wish for the speedy recovery of all the injured children. Under the supervision of the state government, the local administration is engaged in providing all possible help to the victims and their families. Haryana school bus accident news Highlights: At least six children lost their lives, and 15 others sustained injuries as a school bus overturned in Haryana's Mahendragarh on Thursday. According to preliminary investigations, the bus from GL Public School in Kanina overturned while attempting to overtake a vehicle in Unhani village....Read More Haryana's education minister, Seema Trikha, has departed for Mahendragarh. One of the injured students informed news agency ANI that the driver was intoxicated. "The driver was drunk and he kept the speed at 120 kmph which led to misbalance (sic)," he said. SP Arsh Verma mentioned that medical examinations are being conducted on the bus driver to determine if he was under the influence. We are also examining documents of the bus. The school authorities are yet to be contacted to fix their responsibility, he said. The incident occurred near Unhani village in Mahendergarh, Haryana, on Thursday morning. Despite the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, the school was in operation. A senior police official stated that the bus's fitness certificate had expired six years ago, in 2018. Haryana education minister further mentioned that she had communicated with the deputy commissioner and Mahendergarh SP to visit the hospital where the students are receiving treatment. Rajendra Lodha, a BJP leader and former chairman of the Kanina municipal committee, owns the school. New Delhi: Notwithstanding the war in Gaza and its fall-out in Middle-East, India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun work on the first stage of the pathbreaking India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) with the first senior official meeting expected to take place by May 15. PM Narendra Modi being received by UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi airport. (File photo) The IMEEC links India, UAE, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel with Europe and US through trade and merchandise exports with ports in Europe being the final destination. The IMEEC has full support of the Biden administration and is designed to integrate the markets of these countries. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the inter-governmental framework agreement on the IMEEC with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on February 14, the two countries have decided to hold the first round of meetings next month to firmly establish the protocols for the first stage of IMEEC. The IMEEC will not only link India with Europe via the Middle-East but also increase the bilateral trade with UAE, which is currently pegged at USD 85 billion and growing by the day. Also read: Why are there three Chinese spy ships in the Indian Ocean Region? It is understood that during the Joint Secretary level meeting with representatives from trade, shipping and commerce ministries the two sides will establish protocols or what has been called virtual trade corridors so that goods containers once cleared at Indian port of Mundra are not reopened at either UAEs Fujairah port and allowed to proceeds to the final destinations in Europe or America. The meeting which was scheduled for April 25 in UAE had to be postponed due to prior commitments on both sides. Also read: View: Why does India have no time for Pakistan? Even though Saudi Arabia is stuck in Middle-East politics due to Israel on Gaza post October 7 terrorist attack, India and UAE are getting their act together on IMEEC so that the trade corridor between Bharat and Gulf is complete. The IMEEC involves taking the containers via Jordan and Saudi Arabia on railroad to Haifa port in Israel and thereon to southern ports in Europe like Naples and Marseilles. Also read: After Maldives, India supplies onions to neighbour Sri Lanka and ally UAE The IMEEC will be discussed when US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan pays a visit to India for the iCET meeting with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval later this month. The corridor was conceived by PM Modi and President MBZ with US, Saudi Arabia joining the close ally grouping to add heft. Ahmedabad: The Bharuch Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat will see a three-way fight with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) all fielding candidates from the tribal Vasava community for the upcoming polls Chaitar Vasava with Aam Aadmi Party chief, Arvind Kerjriwal. (@Chaitar Vasava AAP/X) Veteran tribal leader Chhotu Vasava has announced that his younger son Dilip Vasava, a BAP founding member will contest from the constituency. The announcement by Vasava, a seven-time MLA, comes days after he joined BAP as its national convenor; incidentally, his elder son Mahesh Vasava had joined the BJP earlier this month. The BAP emerged in 2023 in Rajasthan, formed by leaders of the Bharatiya Tribal Party (BTP) -- with two legislators -- who parted ways from the party initially founded by Chhotu and his son Mahesh before the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections. The BTP, which had won two seats in Gujarat assembly elections in 2017 and added two more in the Rajasthan assembly elections in 2018, is now defunct.. The party could not replicate its success in the Gujarat assembly elections in 2022 and Rajasthan elections in 2023, not winning a single seat. The BAP went on to win three seats in Rajasthan in 2023 and two seats in Madhya Pradesh assembly elections in the same year. Chhotu said in a video that the party had decided to field Dilip and continue advocating tribal rights from Bharuch. He said BAP would nominate candidates in numerous seats across Gujarat, adding that despite the tribal communitys ownership of forests and rural lands, successive Indian governments had oppressed them, and asserted the communitys determination to fight for constitutional rights. Aam Aadmi Party in Bharuch The Bharuch Lok Sabha seat from Gujarat was allocated to AAP as part of the seat-sharing pact between the INDIA bloc constituents. According to the agreement between the two sides, the Congress will contest the upcoming LS polls on 24 of Gujarats 26 seats and the Arvind Kejriwal-led party will field candidates from two constituencies Bharuch and Bhavnagar. The AAP has given ticket to Chaitar Vasava, a sitting MLA, for the Bharuch Lok Sabha seat. Chaitar, a 35-year-old tribal leader, began his political career with the BTP formed by Mahesh (mentioned earlier in the story) in 2017. Before joining the party, he had worked closely with Chhotu Vasava, Maheshs father besides being a confidante of the latter in the 2017 Gujarat assembly elections. He was largely credited for Maheshs victory from Dediapada. However, before the Gujarat assembly polls in 2022, Mahesh rebelled against his father, forcing the latter to contest as an independent candidate. AAP was theb in alliance with the BTP but alliance broke up before the election took place. As it turned out, Chhotu lost the seat from Jhagadia, and the BJP candidate won. Meanwhile, Chaitar Vasava left BTP and joined AAP, which was already looking to make inroads in Gujarat; Chaitar won from Dediapadia on an AAP ticket 2022. This time, the BJP has given ticket to its sitting MP Mansukh Vasava from Bharuch. He has been the sitting MP from this seat since 1998. He also served as the former Union minister of state for tribal affairs during the first term of the BJP-led government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The upcoming Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc rally in Ranchi on April 21 is widely seen as an effort of Kalpana Soren, who is married to jailed former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren, with two opposition functionaries saying she personally invited several leaders to join the rally. Kalpana Sorens husband Hemant Soren was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate as part of its money laundering probe into an alleged land grabbing case on January 31 (ANI) Kalpana Soren made her first appearance on the INDIA platform during the opposition rally at Delhis Ramlila Maidan on March 31. Also Read: Kalpana Soren meets Sunita Kejriwal, says Jharkhand stands with Delhi CM West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee got an invitation call from Kalpana Soren. But the CM told her that she is busy in the campaign and that the TMC will be represented in the rally, a senior Trinamool Congress leader said. G Deverajan, general secretary of the Forward Bloc, a Left constituent, said, I didnt get any call from Kalpana so far. But the JMM invitation came through Kalpana. I was not surprised. She has started attending all party meetings and was the face of the JMM in the Delhi rally. The theme of the Ranchi rally the first INDIA bloc public gathering after the polling starts on April 19 would be save democracy, two opposition leaders said, adding that the rally is aimed as a force multiplier for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), which has suffered a setback after the arrest of its most important leader Hemant Soren. Also Read: Rahul Gandhi's 'match-fixing' jibe at PM Modi; Sonia sits with Sunita Kejriwal, Kalpana Soren Jharkhand will go to polls in three phases on May 13, May 20 and May 25. The JMM will contest the polls in alliance with the Congress, the RJD and CPI-ML. Soren, the JMM chief, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as part of its money laundering probe into an alleged land grabbing case on January 31, shortly after he resigned as the chief minister. The INDIA bloc has so far organised three public ralliesin Patna, Mumbai and Delhi. If you look at it closely, all the rallies have taken place where the Congress has poll allies. The next one will be organised in Tamil Nadu on April 12. Both chief minister MK Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi would be present in that rally, a senior Congress leader said. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate and actress Kangana Ranaut launched a vicious attack on Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh, saying he cannot threaten her and send her back as it is not his ancestor's estate. Singh is expected to be Congress' nominee from the Mandi seat, where BJP has fielded Kangana Ranaut in the Lok Sabha election. BJP's candidate from Mandi, Kangana Ranaut (ANI)(ANI) While addressing a poll rally in Mandi, Kangana Ranaut said, "Yeh tumhare baap-dada ki riyasat nahin hai, ke tum mujhe dara, dhamka ke vapis bhej doge (This is not the estate of your father or grandfather that you will threaten me and send me back)." The actress-turned-politician further added, "This is the new Bharat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where a small, poor boy who used to sell tea is the biggest hero and "pradhan sevak" of the people." Kangana's comments came after Vikramaditya Singh called the BJP candidate the queen of controversies, saying that questions will be raised on statements made by her from time to time. Referring to Kangana's reported comments over beef-eating, Vikramaditya Singh said, "I pray to Lord Ram to give her wisdom and hope she goes back pure from 'Dev Bhoomi' Himachal to Bollywood because she will not win the elections as she knows nothing about people of Himachal." Calling both Rahul Gandhi and Vikramaditya Singh as Pappu, Kangana Ranaut said there is one "bada Pappu" in Delhi and a "chhota Pappu" in Himachal. Terming Vikramaditya Singh as ek number ka jhootha and paltubaaz, she wondered what can be expected from him when "bada Pappu" talks about destroying the "nari shakti" (women power). She further challenged Singh to do even one scene of her film. I have made my name in the film industry without the help of my father and mother... I want to join politics and serve the people. Ranaut said, If he can do even one scene of my film successfully, I will leave politics and the country. The actress added, These 'Raja betas' had problems with me in the film industry. When I raised my voice, these 'parivarvadi' and 'vanshvadi' (dynasty and family-centric) 'Pappus', under the influence of liquor and drugs, threatened me and even threatened me to put behind bars but could not harm me. (With inputs from PTI) Less than 24 hours after the Delhi high court denied his request to be released from custody, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal hurried to the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning but could not get an urgent hearing to challenge the ruling which held that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) possesses adequate evidence at this stage to suggest Kejriwals involvement in money laundering related to the Delhi excise policy case. Security personnel use water cannons on BJP workers demanding the resignation of CM Arvind Kejriwal. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo) Senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener, made a request before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud for an urgent hearing on Wednesday itself. The urgency stemmed from the impending closure of the Supreme Court for the remainder of the week due to Eid. While the CJI told Singhvi that he would look into the letter of urgency and pass appropriate orders during the day, Kejriwals legal team did not receive any intimation, and a late-night update on the Supreme Court website suggested the AAP leaders petition is likely to be listed on April 15. Arrested by ED on March 21, Kejriwal in his plea in the top court painted a picture of a politically motivated witch-hunt orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre, and highlighted the wider ramifications of his arrest for democratic governance and the rule of law in India. On Tuesday, a single judge high court bench of justice Swarana Kanta Sharma dismissed Kejriwals plea for release from jail, rejecting his argument of political vendetta amid the looming Lok Sabha elections. The court underscored that Kejriwals absence from nine ED summons over six months undermined any claims of special privilege as chief minister, suggesting his arrest was an inevitable consequence of his non-cooperation. In a comprehensive 106-pagejudgment, the high court detailed Kejriwals alleged role in devising the Delhi excise policy 2021-22, purportedly involving kickbacks from the South Group and manipulation of illicit funds. It outlined two dimensions of Kejriwals purported involvement in money laundering first, in his personal capacity for policy formulation and kickback solicitation; and second, as the national convener of the AAP, accused of utilising 45 crore in tainted funds during the 2022 Goa elections. Rebutting the courts findings, Kejriwal denounced the alleged political motives behind his arrest and accused the ruling BJP of orchestrating a deliberate attempt to stifle opposition voices. The petition underscored the timing of his arrest, which occurred just five days after the announcement of general elections and the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. As the national convener of the AAP, Kejriwal argued that his arrest provided the ruling party an unfair advantage in the upcoming elections, compromising the principle of free and fair elections a cornerstone of democratic governance. The timing [of arrest], the so-called materials in possession of the respondent (ED), the manner in which those materials were brought into existence, and the conduct of the BJP post the petitioners arrest, each demonstrate the way the machinery of law has been harnessed with the oblique object of knocking out the political opposition, stated the plea. Kejriwal urged the top court to urgently intervene in the matter, arguing that over and above the issue of illegal curtailment of liberty, his arrest also constitutes an unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy based on free and fair elections and federalism, both of which form significant constituents of the basic structure of the Constitution. The present case is a classic case of how the ruling party led central government has misused the central agency Enforcement Directorate and its wide powers under PMLA to crush its biggest political opponent Aam Aadmi Party and its leaders... During an election cycle when political activity is at its highest, the petitioners illegal arrest has caused grave prejudice to the petitioners political party, and will provide the ruling party at the Centre an unjust upper hand in the upcoming elections, said the petition. The petition added that the CMs arrest was to inure it to the political benefit of the ruling party at the Centre through its favorite agency used for targeting the Opposition. The arrest is, thus, liable to be quashed solely on the ground of being a result of malice in law, it pressed. Kejriwal alleged that the EDs investigation was riddled with irregularities, including the deliberate concealment of exculpatory evidence and the coercion of witnesses to furnish false statements. He contended that the lack of concrete evidence linking him to any wrongdoing rendered his arrest baseless and illegal. By categorising such statements as unrelied upon documents, ED unlawfully seeks to withhold evidence from both the courts and the accused person. This intentional act of concealing pertinent information serves to undermine the integrity of the investigative process. Such actions reflect a clear disregard for due process and the principles of justice, contended the plea. The petition also spoke of EDs alleged abuse of its authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), citing instances where co-accused were purportedly coerced into providing incriminating statements against Kejriwal in exchange for leniency. Kejriwal argued that EDs reliance on such coerced statements as the basis for his arrest violated fundamental principles of justice and due process. None of the four conditions of Section 19 (arrest under PMLA) stand satisfied in this matter and the arrest is totally illegal, mala fide and to violate petitioners fundamental rights. There is no material, no reason to believe, no basis for a finding of guilty, and (no necessity to arrest...ED in the present case has grossly abused their power u/s 50 and 45 PMLA and resorted to coercing, threatening various co-accused, added the plea. Addressing specific allegations levelled against him, Kejriwal refuted claims of financial impropriety during the Goa elections, arguing there was no substantiating evidence to link him or his party to any illicit activities. There exists no proof or material demonstrating that the AAP received funds or advanced kickbacks from the South group, let alone utilizing them in the Goa election campaign. Not a single rupee was traced back to the AAP, and the allegations put forth in this regard are devoid of any tangible evidence, rendering them vague, baseless without any corroboration, stated the plea. It also contended that the CM cannot be made vicariously liable for the affairs of the AAP and potentially subject to charges of money laundering under Section 70(1) of PMLA nor could the alleged use of money in Goa elections by AAP could form a ground to justify his arrest by ED. In the 22 years of the PMLAs existence, a political party has never been sought to be made an accused as a company under Section 70, arresting a senior leader of that political party who is also holding a constitutional post of Chief Minister of the national capital on the basis of a mere deeming fiction, with absolutely no incriminating materials, is not just without basis in law, but prima facie malafide, the petition maintained. Moreover, Kejriwal lamented the Delhi high courts handling of his case, claiming it made observations on matters beyond the scope of the proceedings and failing to adequately scrutinise the legality of his arrest. He argued that HC failed to recognise the political motivations behind his arrest. Kejriwal was arrested by ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe pertaining to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The high courts decision to reject the CMs petition on Tuesday marked yet another turning point in the continuing legal dispute involving Kejriwal, with potential ramifications for both the legal proceedings and the broader strategy of the AAP days before the general elections are slated to begin. It has also raised question marks about the viability of Kejriwal as chief minister while he is in jail. Arvind Kejriwal has said that he is ready to suffer all atrocities of this dictatorial government (BJP govt) but it is important to save the Constitution of the country. Our democracy and Constitution are under threat, Gopal Rai, the AAPs Delhi convener, said. After yesterdays decision by the court, peoples illusions about Kejriwal have been shattered, their conscience is bothering them and is the reason behind Anands resignation. The Delhi high court has made it clear that Kejriwal has played an important role as the chief minister on a personal basis and has taken kickbacks, said Bansuri Swaraj, the BJPs candidate from the New Delhi constituency. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has governments in both Delhi and Punjab, is in the middle of a crisis ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Convenor Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 with the courts refusing his early release. With both top leaders, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in jail, another minister has quit the party. (Representative file photo) With both top leaders, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in jail, another minister has quit the party. Delhi minister leaves AAP Delhi social welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Wednesday resigned from his post as a minister and also from AAP accusing the party of corruption. This spelt more trouble for the party whose convener and Delhi chief minister Kejriwal is in jail in connection with the alleged liquor policy case. The party was born to fight corruption but today the party itself is mired in corruption. I cant work in this government, and I dont want my name to be associated with this corruption, the minister said. Anands residence was raided in November 2023 in a money laundering case by ED not connected to the liquor probe. Hours before his resignation, Anand on social media shared AAP MP Sanjay Singhs press conference. I came to politics and then became a minister because of Babasaheb Ambedkar. I wanted to pay back to society. I do not want to be in a party that takes a backseat as far as Dalit representation is concerned, Anand said. The resignation came at a time when Delhi minister Atishi claimed that the BJP was trying to finish the Aam Aadmi Party adding that she was also approached by the BJP. While her comments drew flak with the BJP disputing them and suing her for her statements, Anand said he wont be joining any other party. No urgent hearing in SC on Kejriwal Less than 24 hours after the Delhi high court denied his request terming the arrest as illegal, Kejriwal hurried to the Supreme Court on Wednesday morning but could not get an urgent hearing to challenge the ruling which held that ED possesses adequate evidence at this stage to suggest Kejriwals involvement in money laundering related to the Delhi excise policy case. Senior counsel Abhishek Singhvi, representing the AAP convener, made a request before Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud for an urgent hearing on Wednesday itself. The urgency stemmed from the impending closure of the Supreme Court for the remainder of the week due to Eid. BJP, DMKs war of words over corruption Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Wednesday launched a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the latter would be the right choice to become the chancellor of the university of corruption. The harsh remark came hours after PM Modi accused Stalins party DMK of being corrupt. On Wednesday, at a rally in Tamil Nadus Vellore, PM Modi had accused DMK of corruption. He also took a swipe at MK Stalins family. DMK has first copyright on corruption, entire family looting Tamil Nadu...DMK wants to keep Tamil Nadu trapped in old thinking, old politics, the whole DMK has become a company of a family. Due to DMKs family politics, the youth of Tamil Nadu are not getting a chance to move ahead. There are three main criteria to contest elections from DMK and move ahead in DMK. Three main criteria are-family politics, corruption and anti-Tamil culture, he said. Congress chief writes to President over Sainik Schools Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday wrote to President Droupadi Murmu on the decision to operate Sainik Schools in partnership mode with NGOs and private schools, saying it was a blatant attempt to politicise the independent schools and should be rolled back. In a letter to President Murmu, Kharge cited a recent media report that said 62% of the 40 memorandum of understanding (MoU) finalised in this context were signed with entities belonging to the RSS-BJP-Sangh Parivar including a chief ministers family, MLAs, BJP office-bearers and RSS leaders. Kharge, who is also the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, stressed this was in violation of the long-held convention of keeping the armed forces and its affiliate institutions away from any partisan politics and shadows of varying political ideologies. Kharge demanded a complete rollback of this privatisation policy and annulment of these MoUs, so that children studying at Armed Forces Schools retain desired character, vision and honour required for the service of the nation. In a statement on April 3, the defence ministry said the insinuation that the new Sainik Schools were being allocated to institutions based on their political or ideological affiliations was unfounded. Can Tejashwi upset BJPs plan for 40 seats in Bihar? Senior journalist Ranjit Bhushan argues that the main fight in general elections 2024 is between Modis BJP and RJDs Tejashwi, pretty much his own man but at another level, a proxy for his father, Lalu Yadav, who despite political setbacks, remains a grassroot politician with his ear to the ground. Even Bihar JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar concedes that it will be difficult to repeat 2019s performanc but believes that the INDIA alliance is riddled with too many contradictions. There is confusion among the allies. The RJD has announced symbol distribution without consulting its allies. The RJD-Congress leadership has not come up with an alternative plan and the RJD has not changed its political behaviour. There is a social contradiction between the allies, he told this reporter. Despite Modis growing clout in Bihar, and the hype over the Ram temple, an internal survey carried out by the BJP in January reportedly concluded that emotive issues wont help the saffron camp sail through in the state as a formidable alliance of RJD, Congress, and the three Left parties could pose problems. National Herald woes for Congress An adjudicating authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Wednesday upheld the attachment of assets worth around 752 crore of Congress-run National Herald newspaper and associated firms by ED, terming it as proceeds of crime involved in money laundering. The authority also said that Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and Young Indian (YI) Private Limited failed to discharge the burden of proof under Section 24 of PMLA to prove that proceeds of crime were not involved in the offence. Having considered the material in original complaint, the written reply and rejoinder of defendants and also the oral arguments of complainant and defendants, I find that the movable and immovable properties provisionally attached (on November 20, 2023)...in the name of defendants (AJL and YI) are proceeds of crime in terms of section 2(1)(u) of the PMLA and therefore, involved in money laundering, the authority said in its order on Wednesday evening. Japanese Jacky has a quick smile, and is armed with an electric razor and a pair of scissors she isnt afraid to use. Meet Chiaki Ishikawa, a middle-aged tourist (she refuses to divulge her age) from Nagoya in Japan, currently on her ninth visit to the country and to the city of ghats which she first saw eight years ago. She has visited every year since 2016, spending three months at a stretch in Varanasi. As soon as she stepped into the zigzag narrow lanes of Varanasi, she fell in love with the city, she said. I love Varanasi and its ghat very much. The people of Varanasi are very good. I like ghats and narrow lanes and doing yoga at the ghats daily, she says in English, sitting on the verandah of the Hanuman temple at Pandey ghat. I love sitting here at the ghat, watching the river Ganga flowing calmly and cutting peoples hair, she says. This is what gives me peace of mind. Ishikawa visits the ghats every morning, and after an hour of yoga, she sits on a cement bench or the stairs of the ghats, takes out a comb, and slips her fingers through the scissors. Soon, shes busy giving free haircuts to passers-by, other tourists, and even local residents of the city. Offering haircuts helps her communicate with people. She is now famous as Japanese Jacky haircut-wali among the locals. Bhaiya, ye log mujhe Japanese Jacky kahate hai Kyunki inhe Chiaki bolna kathin lagta hai [At the ghats, the people call me Jacky since they find it difficult to pronounce Chiaki]. No problem, bhaiya," she says. She giggles after every sentence she speaks in Hindi. Giving people free haircuts at the ghats was her way to connect with the locals, she adds. I get up early and go to Assi ghat. There I do yoga for over an hour and then walk back to my room in a guest house near Chausatti ghat, she says. She begins with the haircuts at Assi and continues for an hour or more, depending on her mood. I got my haircut from Jacky (Chiaki). She gave a free haircut and took nothing in lieu. Jacky just sipped a cup of tea. She is a wonderful person, said Ramswaroop Gupta, a 45-year-old local resident. Vijay Gupta, who owns a tea stall at Assi Ghat also received a haircut that day. While sipping a cup of tea, she asked me if I wanted a haircut. I nodded. She gave a very good haircut, and didnt take anything in return, he said. She has learnt a little Hindi and lives like a Banarasi. She comes to Assi ghat daily when she visits Varanasi, said Anuj Singh, another recipient of the haircut and a local. Needless to say, Ishikawa is a hairdresser back home. There is an art and a skill to giving haircuts. It is a medium to communicate with people, she says. She plans to return home to her parents and her salon in May. Till then, if you happen to visit Benaras, dont get a haircut before you travel. Ranchi, In a major success for security forces ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, 15 Maoists, including a minor and two women, belonging to the squad of wanted red rebel Misir Besra laid down their arms in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district on Thursday, police said. HT Image The Naxals were operating in Saranda, Asia's densest Sal forest, in Kolhan region in southern Jharkhand where security forces have mounted a major operation against the red rebels. "Fifteen Maoists have surrendered on Thursday. They were operating in Saranda and were squad members of CPI politburo member Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of 1 crore on his head," a senior police officer said. West Singhbhum is considered to be one of the worst left-wing extremist-affected districts in the country. It had witnessed 46 Maoist-related incidents, resulting in 22 deaths last year. "It is a big achievement and will contribute significantly to conducting free and fair elections in Singhbhum constituency without an element of fear," West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary told PTI. "Joint security forces specially targeted their ERB command and our continued operations have resulted in the dismantling of their ERB HQ location from Kolhan area. "Due to continued operations and facilitative security environment in the disturbed areas and outreach of the security forces, local dasta members have been motivated to leave out the team and join their families and lead a normal life in mainstream society," a statement from the police headquarters said. As a result of efforts of the security forces, 15 members of the banned organisation CPI have surrendered before the district administration and security forces, it said. It is critical to highlight that all of them are residents of West Singhbhum district and have been disgruntled by the exploits of Maoist leaders, the statement said, adding, of them, some members have been active for more than seven to eight years. "Mass surrender of the active local dasta members before the security forces reflects the decline in influence of Maoist leaders especially senior cadres like Misir Besra who has been one of the most notorious Naxals," the statement said. West Singhbhum has been critical for CPI in view of the location of its ERB command in Kolhan area led by its central committee members Misir Besra, Patiram Manjhi alias Anal and Asim Mandal. A total of 161 Maoists have been arrested in West Singhbhum since 2022. A permanent camp, the ERB headquarters of the Maoists, besides 8-10 temporary camps of the red rebels and bunkers have been demolished, while 16 new camps of security forces have been established in the district, the statement added. The surrendered Maoists were identified as Pradhan Koda, Chandromohan, Pagla Gope, Vijay Boypai, Ganga Ram Purti, Boyo Koda, Jogen Koda, Pelong Koda, Sonu Champiya, Ramja Purti, Sohan Singh Hembram, Doran Champia, Moga Champia and Mani Champia. Of them, seven are aged below 30 years, while three are aged 19 and one person is 50 years old. On 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. Polling teams and materials will be air dropped from helicopters to enable people living in Saranda to exercise their franchise. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Wednesday launched a scathing attack at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the latter would be the right choice to become the "chancellor of the university of corruption". The harsh remark came hours after PM Modi accused Stalin's party DMK of being corrupt. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin greets the gathering during a election campaign rally in support of CPI(M) candidate from Dindigul constituency, R Sachithanantham and DMK candidate from Theni constituency, Thanga Tamil Selvan.(PTI) "If a university for corruption is to be established, then Modi will be the right person to become its chancellor," MK Stalin remarked. MK Stalin also called the BJP corrupt. He cited the electoral bonds issue as an example of the party's alleged corruption. "One may ask why. The answer is from electoral bonds, to PM Cares Fund and the BJP 'washing machine' of saffronising tainted leaders, the BJP is corrupt, he said. On Wednesday, at a rally in Tamil Nadu's Vellore, PM Modi had accused DMK of corruption. He also took a swipe at MK Stalin's family. DMK has first copyright on corruption, entire family looting Tamil Nadu...DMK wants to keep Tamil Nadu trapped in old thinking, old politics, the whole DMK has become a company of a family. Due to DMK's family politics, the youth of Tamil Nadu are not getting a chance to move ahead. There are three main criteria to contest elections from DMK and move ahead in DMK. Three main criteria are-family politics, corruption and anti-Tamil culture, he said. PM Modi and BJP often accuses the Opposition of following dynasty politics. Also read: DMK has 1st copyright on corruption: PM Modi in Tamil Nadu On PM Modi's charge that DMK is against Tamil culture, MK Stalin accused him of studying from what he called "WhatsApp university". "Prime Minister Narendra Modi avargale, please dont study in Whatsapp university. Our Tamil culture is Yaadhum oore, yaavarum kelir (For us all towns are one, all are our kin)," he said. MK Stalin said if the BJP returns to power at the Centre, it would mean the installation of a dictatorial government. He claimed there won't be any discussions in the Parliament and no elections. "There will be only one language, one faith, and one culture. He (Prime Minister) will bury social justice, MK Stalin claimed. Also read: MK Stalin's minister accepts 'small mistake' called out by PM Narendra Modi MK Stalin said Modi's Chennai roadshow on Tuesday was a flop. He also pointed out that PM Modi spoke in Hindi at Vellore. "At the Vellore meeting, Prime Minister Modi spoke in Hindi and the audience applauded. Doubts were expressed by many that people from north India were brought for the meeting, the DMK president said. MK Stalin said there won't be peace in India if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister again. With inputs from PTI The Narendra Modi governments decision to allow the exploration and development of three oil and gas blocks in the biodiversity-rich Wadge Bank by utilising provisions under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licencing Policy (HELP) of 2016 is emerging as the most significant electoral issue in Kanniyakumari, mainland Indias southernmost Lok Sabha constituency. Wadge Bank is an ocean region in the far south that spans 10,000 square kilometres and is considered the countrys most abundant fisheries resource. Renowned for its wide variety of marine organisms, the area has minimal movement in terms of currents, waves, and tides, creating optimal conditions for accumulating nutrients and fish food. If implemented, mega-oil exploration would have a detrimental effect on the regions ecosystem, which would result in a significant threat to the livelihoods of fish workers in the districts of Kanniyakumari and Thirunelveli in Tamil Nadu, several local activists told us. It would also significantly impact the fish workers who are traditionally associated with the Vizhinjam and Neendakara fish landing centres in Kerala. Speaking to Hindustan Times, environmental activist and former civil service officer MG Devasahayam, who is originally from Kanniyakumari, stated that he has already written a series of letters to the Union fisheries department and the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, requesting that they withdraw the bids that have been proposed for the exploration. Devasahayam alleges that the Union government is pursuing oil exploration without conducting mandatory advanced research. He says that any action of this nature can only be made after conducting an appropriate environmental and economic impact assessment and consulting with the people likely to be impacted by the project. In a request to the Secretary of the Union Fisheries Department to intervene and ensure that the fundamental requirements were met before proceeding, Devasahayam stated that the Wadge Bank was one of the few places in the world that possessed such a high level of biodiversity and that it served as the primary source of marine resources for fishermen in the southern regions adjacent to Kanniyakumari. Oil exploration could destroy all the livelihood options of the fishing community in this part of the country, and as a result, they would land in poverty and deprivation, said Devasahayam. Besides, he said that industrial activity and pollution caused by oil exploration could ravage the ocean ecosystem, leading to unpredictable consequences. Nazareth Basilian of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Maria Jennifer of the Naam Thamizhargal Katchi are the two Lok Sabha election candidates from the fishing community, which has considerable sway in the Kanniyakumari constituency. They accuse Pon Radhakrishnan, the Kanyakumari candidate of Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and sitting Congress MP Vijay Vasanth of ignoring the vexed issue, citing that the two hail from outside the coastal communities and maintaining a vote base devoid of fish workers. Both are once again in the fray in Kanniyakumari. Meanwhile, Jennifer and Basilian have turned the oil exploration bid in the Wadge Bank into a key campaign issue, and the prime contenders are now being forced to address it. When Modi amplified a Right to Information reply obtained by BJP Tamil Nadu unit president K Annamalai on the Katchatheevu island, by accusing the erstwhile Indira Gandhi-led Congress government of callously giving away the strategic island to Sri Lanka and creating a political storm, Congress defended the handing over by saying the country received sovereign rights over Wadge Bank by doing so. Tamil Nadu Congress spokesperson Dr P Senthil said the Indira Gandhi government ensured environmental and livelihood protection by signing a treaty with Sri Lanka on sovereign rights over the sensitive marine region. He also said Congress is committed to protecting Wadge Bank for the benefit of the fishing communities. Senthil said Congress is making it a campaign issue in Kanniyakumari, and Vijay Vasanth himself has sought to repeal the permission for oil exploration. In February of this year, the Directorate of Hydro-Carbon under the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources announced a notice inviting offers to explore and develop oil and gas blocks in the Wadge Bank region. Wadge Bank was the mainstay of marine resources for fisherfolks of the southern districts of India. The livelihoods of the local communities must be protected at any cost," said SP Udayakumar, writer and anti-nuclear activist who works in the local fishing community. "We are approaching all candidates in the Kanniyakumari constituency, seeking their intervention to get the bidding for these three blocks cancelled. It should not be proceeded with further, hed added. According to Devasahayam, there are a handful of wadge banks worldwide, one of which is situated southwest of the shore of Kanniyakumari. It is comparable to a storage facility, a feeding house for the fish, and there are multiple reef systems in this region, which are home to more than sixty different kinds of aquatic species and more than two hundred different species of exceptional fish, he says. S. Lazarus of the Nagercoil-based Institute of Environmental Research and Social Education said marine life ecosystems are often overlooked, as they are not seen as a top priority for offshore-based projects. He said the Wadge Bank was an invaluable treasure that indigenous people and communities depended on for food and resources important to their culture. Targeting these sensitive places for oil development is like cutting a golden egg-laying duck. This would destroy tradition, employment and livelihoods, he added. As per the 1976 India-Sri Lanka agreement on the maritime boundary between the two countries, the Wadge Bank falls within Indias exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and the agreement states that India shall have sovereign rights over the area and its resources.'' Under the pact, Sri Lankan fishermen and vessels cannot currently fish in the Wadge Bank. The pact also solidified Indias right to explore the Wadge Bank for petroleum and other mineral resources. Though the BJP unit in Kanniyakumari has not yet addressed the issue, leaders contacted by Hindustan Times said the union government was just attempting to implement a key provision in the agreement signed by Indira Gandhi as it would benefit the countrys oil self-sufficiency. The leaders, who preferred anonymity, said rival parties are misleading the fish workers, and oil exploration would not cause any livelihood crisis for them. Kanniyakumari constituency, which shares a border with Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala, has always been a bastion of the national parties. With Congress and BJP emerging as the lead players of the constituency, Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK and principal opposition AIADMK were pushed to the third and fourth spots. Christians, who form over 40 per cent of the electorate, side with the Congress. Hindus, especially Nadars and Pillais, largely formed the support base of the BJP, which won an assembly seat in the district as early as 1996. BJP wrested the seat (formerly Nagercoil) from the Congress for the first time in 1999 in an alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam but lost every other election till it emerged victorious in the Lok Sabha election in 2014. It eventually ceded the seat to the Congress in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and again in the 2021 by-elections. The constituency, consisting of the Kanniyakumari, Nagercoil, Colachel, Vilavancode, Padmanabhapuram and Killiyoor assembly segments, has a total of 15.57 lakh voters, with women accounting for 7.80 lakh. Congress has fielded incumbent MP Vijay Vasanth, son of late businessman H Vasanthakumar. The BJP has relied on its well-known face, Pon Radhakrishnan, who lost to the father and son in 2019 and 2021 both Hindus and belonging to the entrepreneurial Nadar caste. While the two parties will undoubtedly get their core votes this time as well, the million-dollar question is whether the likely split of votes of fish workers aggrieved by the Wadge Bank issue, who are predominantly Christians, between AIADMK and NTK will hurt the Congress this time or whether the national party will ward off the challenge. One major advantage for Congress here is its alliance with Tamil Nadus ruling DMK, which fought and won a protracted war against unscientific oil exploration attempts in the Cauvery Delta region by the first Narendra Modi Government. The DMK has already said it would not allow oil exploration in Wadge Bank. In a scathing attack on Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Indias enemies have taken advantage whenever there has been a weak and an unstable government in the country, but terrorists are now given a befitting response on their own turf. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting in Rishikesh on Thursday. (PTI Photo) Addressing an election rally in Rishikesh, PM Modi said, Whenever there has been a weak and an unstable government in the country, enemies have taken advantage of it. Terrorism spread its tentacles here. But under the strong Modi government, terrorists are being killed in their very homes. Read: PM Narendra Modi calls out 'few in West' for 'dubious claims' on media freedom. 5 takeaways from interview Modi reminded people that the BJP government scrapped Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir after six decades. It is the BJP government that made a law against Triple Talaq, and it is the BJP government which gave reservation to women in Lok Sabha and state assemblies. If the Congress had been in power, the One Rank, One Pension scheme would never have started. It happened because of Modis guarantee. The Congress had said it would give 500 crore to ex-servicemen, but the Modi government deposited 1 lakh crore in their accounts, including families of 3,500 ex-servicemen in Uttarakhand, he said. The BJP government at the Centre also ensured that soldiers get bullet-proof jackets, he said, adding that modern Made in India rifles and fighter planes were made available to security forces under NDA. Modi said weak governments under Congress could not build modern infrastructure in border areas, but now roads and tunnels are being built in border areas. Unlike Congress, which termed border villages as last villages, BJP is developing them as first villages. Read: Congress reacts to Modi's interview: 'PM crossed all limits of cowardice' Touching upon the topic of direct benefit transfers (DBT), the Prime Minister said that money meant for the poor and youths was stolen by middlemen during the Congress rule. BJP is directly transferring money in their accounts... 2,600 crores have been deposited in the accounts of farmers. During the Congress rule, all this money would have been looted. This loot has ended now. And this is why they are upset with me... When I say remove corruption, they say save the corrupt. Isnt it destructive for India? Shouldnt it end, shouldnt India be free of corruption? For me, my Bharat is my family, he said. Stating that the Congress is opposed to Vikas (development) and Virasat (heritage), Modi said the grand old party even questioned the existence of Lord Ram. They opposed the building of Ram Temple and created many impediments. We still forgave and invited them, but they boycotted the consecration ceremony. And now they have announced Shakti ka Vinash (destruction of Shakti). Congress even said Har ki Pauri is not on the Ganga but on a canal. The people of Uttarakhand should teach them a lesson for this. This is the land of Brahmakamal. So, this time also, the people of Uttarakhand will help in the blooming of the Panch Kamal (referring to the five Lok Sabha seats in the state). We have resolved to create a developed India and for this, we want a developed Uttarakhand. State Congress vice president Mathura Dutt Joshi said like his election rally in Kumaon on April 2, PM Modi has again tried to divert the attention of the people from main issues by attacking the Congress. By levelling baseless allegations against the Congress, Modi is again trying to mislead people and avoid talking about pressing issues such as corruption, unemployment, worsening law and order situation, disaster related issues, etc. Elon Musk confirms India visit, says looking forward to meeting PM Modi Elon Musk-PM Modi meet: Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed his visit to India in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India! This comes after it was reported that the billionaire will visit India this month and could make an announcement related to investment plans in the country which could be related to opening a new factory. Earlier, Elon Musk described providing Tesla electric vehicles in India as a 'natural progression. Dig deeper Elon Musk has confirmed his India visit.(REUTERS) In a first, India to send military attaches to African states, Armenia, Philippines Africa is a focus area in a move by India to bolster and rationalise its military diplomacy in key regions across the world, with defence attaches being sent for the first time to Mozambique, the Ivory Coast and the Philippines, people familiar with the matter said. Dig deeper Supreme Court voices concern over profuse misuse of social media platforms The Supreme Court has raised a serious alarm over the misuse of social media platforms, denouncing the spread of factually incorrect and unfounded statements regarding pending cases. Dig deeper Calcutta high court orders CBI probe into Sandeshkhali cases The Calcutta high court on Wednesday ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe all allegations levelled by residents of strife-torn Sandeshkhali in West Bengal since February, and said it will monitor the process a significant setback for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) on a high-profile issue days before general elections. Dig deeper Karnataka high court revokes Centres ban on 23 ferocious breeds of dogs The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday squashed a circular issued by the central government that called for a ban on 23 breeds of ferocious dogs considered dangerous for human life, noting that none of the stakeholders --- especially groups representing pet owners --- were consulted in the process. Dig deeper South Korea's opposition set for landslide victory in parliamentary election South Korea's opposition was heading towards a landslide victory in Wednesday's parliamentary elections, exit polls indicated, in a major blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol. Dig deeper Now is time to be ready for war: Kim Jong Un North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said unstable geopolitical situations surrounding his country mean now is the time to be more prepared for war than ever, as he inspected the country's main military university, KCNA news agency said on Thursday. Dig deeper Kuldeep Sen goes from hero to zero in one over as GT end RR's winning streak in IPL 2024 It was going the predictable way. Spin was pinned as the slayer, and rightly so at a ground where sixes are more difficult to hit because of the pitch's uneven bounce. Rashid Khan had already shown the way with a trademark 1/18 in the first innings. So subbing in Keshav Maharaj for Yashasvi Jaiswal to bolster an already heavy spin attack was probably the right way to go about defending 196. The wind picked up though. Enter our protagonist Kuldeep Sen, playing his first IPL game this season. Dig deeper Khushi Kapoor's guide to summer dressing; check out three outfits she wore in her April album and build your wardrobe Khushi Kapoor has seldom failed when it comes to her sartorial choices on the red carpet. Moreover, the actor takes her off-duty looks as seriously as her on-duty ensembles. She swears by the LA girl fashion bible, where her wardrobe has micro miniskirts, bodysuits, crochet tops, bodycon dresses, stylish denim jeans, and more. The main character energy in her clothes is something you should also take inspiration from. Even her recent Instagram post features outfits you can add to your summer wardrobe. Scroll through to check it out. Dig deeper Tabu was surprised when Vishal Bharadwaj offered Maqbool to her: Nimmi was such a powerful character, owns her sexuality Actor Tabu has revealed that she was surprised when filmmaker Vishal Bharadwaj offered her the 2004 film Maqbool. Speaking with Vogue India, Tabu praised her 'powerful' character Nimmi in Maqbool. Dig deeper Mumbai, The Mumbai police have uncovered a fake stock trading call centre operating from Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain city and arrested three alleged fraudsters who were part of a gang that cheated investors by promising them hefty returns, an official said on Thursday. The illegal call centre, which was detected during a raid by the Mumbai police, was used to lure investors by promising them very high returns on investment in share markets, he said. During the raid, a police team recovered data consisting mobile phone numbers of three lakh customers along with other important materials, said the official. The police action was part of an investigation launched after a 56-year-old man from Mumbai's Matunga area lodged a complaint, alleging he was duped of 8.33 lakh on pretext of investing in stock markets, he said. During the probe, it came to light that there were 39 cases pending against the three accused persons for duping investors using the same modus operandi, the official said. According to the official, the Matunga-based complainant had received a call in February when the person on the other side explained him about investment in share markets and hefty returns from equity trading. The caller asked him to download an app, 'Profit Bull', on his mobile and invest through it. Initially, the complainant put in 7,500 and received good returns. After gaining his confidence the caller asked him to invest more, he said. In all, the man invested 8.33 lakh but did not get returns on it. Feeling cheated, he approached the Matunga Police Station with a complaint and a case was registered against unidentified cyber fraudsters, said the official. During the investigation, police arrested a 62-year-old resident of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Raj Bahadur Ram Singh Bhadoria, from the Mumbai airport on April 6. Bhadoria used to transfer money siphoned from investors in various bank accounts at Ujjain and Indore, he said. Acting on other leads, the police arrested two more accused - Ankit alias Rajkumar Shinde and Sanjay Bairagi residents of Indore and Ujjain, respectively, said the official. During their interrogation, the police got information about the illegal stock trading call centre being operated by them from Ujjain, he said. The unauthorised facility was operational for the last several months and was used to cheat investors from various parts of the country, the official said. He did not disclose the exact amount of money lost by investors, but added it may run into crore of rupees. HT Image Mumbai, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition of the Shiv Sena , NCP and Congress in Maharashtra was like an "auto-rickshaw with mismatching spare parts", and it will fail to perform. Speaking at a campaign rally for BJP candidate and sitting local MP Pratap Patil Chikhalikar at Naigaon in Nanded district of central Maharashtra, he also said that in the BJP-led NDA, voters have a strong nationalist option available. Former Congress leader Ashok Chavan who was Nanded MP from 2014 to 2019 , and who joined the BJP earlier this year, was also present on stage. "There is a pseudo-Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, pseudo-NCP of Sharad Pawar and a leftover Congress in Maharashtra. These three parties are like an autorickshaw with mismatching spare parts. How will it ever perform and do anything good for Maharashtra?" the BJP leader asked. "Such autorickshaws do not even have any direction, and no future. This is going to sink for sure after the elections," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the Indian economy from the 11th position in the world in 2014 to the fifth position, he said, adding that if Modi gets another term, he will make India the third largest economy. "Every vote given to Chikhalikar will also strengthen Modi's chances of becoming prime minister for the third time," Shah said. The Union home minister also claimed that it was thanks to the BJP that Aurangabad in central Maharashtra was renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Osmanabad as Dharashiv. HT Image "Late Balasaheb Thackeray used to demand renaming of Aurangabad district as Sambhajinagar, and Sharad Pawar always opposed it. Now, the Shiv Sena-BJP government changed the name, but there is no smile on Uddhav Thackeray's face," he quipped. As prime minister, Manmohan Singh remained silent when terrorists from Pakistan attacked the country, while Modi conducted surgical strikes in response to such attacks, Shah said. "Anyone from Pakistan used to come to our country, carry out a terror attack, and return. Manmohan Singh would never utter a single word against it. After Modi became prime minister, he saw the Kashmir issue from a different perspective. The attacks of Uri and Pulwama did happen, but within ten days of each attack, a surgical strike and air strike were carried out by entering Pakistan and killing hundreds of terrorists," the Union minister said. Modi gave a message to the world that no one can mess with India's soldiers and its borders, he added. Congress "nurtured Article 370 as an illegitimate child for 70 years," the minister said, adding that PM Modi, on August 5, 2019, abrogated it and "made Jammu & Kashmir an integral part of the country." Naxalism was a major problem in Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Shah said, claiming that prime minister Modi "uprooted" it from these states. Accusing the Congress of stalling the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said in the last five years, the judgement on the issue came, groundbreaking ceremony for the temple took place, and Ram Lalla's consecration was also completed. "After 500 years of waiting, Ram Lalla will celebrate his birthday on April 17 in the huge temple, not in a tent," the Union minister said. Shah also targeted Congress party for `not respecting' the invitation to attend the consecration ceremony held in January. "I can understand Congress' stand on not solving the Ram temple issue, as it would have feared losing its vote bank. But when Congress leaders were invited to attend the consecration ceremony, nobody attended it. They even ousted their leaders who wished to attend the ceremony," he claimed. Seeking votes for the BJP candidate, Shah said Maharashtra can progress only at the hands of PM Modi, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. Notably, Shah did not mention NDA ally and another deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar. Both Ajit Pawar and Shinde were not present at the rally. Chikhalikar is facing Congress' Vasant Chavan in Nanded constituency. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. HEFEI, April 10 (Xinhua) --The ancient Hui-style architecture is known for its profound history and culture. Featuring unique white walls, black tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners, the architecture withstands the test of time and makes to the modern time amid the beautiful mountains and rivers. In recent years, some colleges and universities have begun to explore the use of digital technology platform to improve the historical and cultural heritage protection system of Hui-style villages. Digital technology plays a critical role in digital protection, safety assessment, boosting cultural industry and so on. "Digital protection can realize the surveying and mapping of a single building as well as the overall layout of ancient villages. It can also create three-dimensional virtual simulation models, video animations and other series of information resources. People can see the shape, structure, decoration details and even the construction process of ancient buildings," Xuan Wei, dean of College of Architecture & Art, Hefei University of Technology, pointed out. "When hidden safety risk appears in our ancient buildings, we can send alerts in time, and start to repair and renovate timely. Visitors can learn more about the history and culture and the literary allusion and legends that happened and told here, " said Du Meng, first secretary of the Party Committee of Xidi Village, Huangshan City. Digital technology enables Hui-style architecture and Huizhou culture to spread more widely, promotes the revival of local traditional culture, assists rural revitalization, and fosters the development of the cultural and tourism industry. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Narendra Modi at Uttarakhand rally: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, April 11, asserted that there is a strong government at the Centre and under "this strong Modi government, terrorists are being hit hard at their homes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Rishikesh on Thursday.(PTI) Whenever we have had a weak government in the country, our enemies have taken advantage. Under this strong government, atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai (our forces are killing terrorists on their own turf)," Modi said during a public rally in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, amid a bitter political slug-fest over the Indian Air Force's air strikes on Pakistan, Modi had slammed the Opposition for labelling action to avenge the Pulwana attack as an electoral gimmick. Follow Live Updates on Lok Sabha elections 2024 They are saying the airstrike was for electoral gains. Where there were elections when we carried out surgical strikes? Humara siddhant hai, hum ghar me ghus ke marenge (It is our principle to take the attack home), Modi had said in Ahmedabad. Sharing the plight of soldiers during the Congress regime, Modi said, Under the Congress, soldiers lacked basic protective gear such as bulletproof jackets, leaving them vulnerable to enemy bullets. It's the BJP that prioritised their safety, providing Indian-made bulletproof jackets. Today, thanks to the BJP, India manufactures modern rifles, fighter planes, and aircraft carriers domestically. Unlike the weak Congress government, BJP has developed modern infrastructure along the borders, including roads and tunnels, ensuring security and progress. Despite its small size, Uttarakhand consistently ranks among the top 5 states in producing officers for the Indian Army each year. The state is home to two regiments of the Indian Army the Garhwal Rifles and the Kumaon Rifles. Recently, during a TV interview, defence minister Rajnath Singh said if terrorists try to disturb peace in India or carry out terror activities, a befitting response will be given and if they run away to Pakistan, India will enter the neighbouring country to kill them, referring to New Delhi's assertive approach to deal with cross-border terrorism. The defence minister was responding to a question on a report by British newspaper "The Guardian" that claimed Indian intelligence agencies carried out assassinations of terrorists in Pakistan as part of an emboldened approach to national security after 2019. "If terrorists from the neighbouring country try to disturb the peace in Bharat or try to carry out terror activities in Bharat, we will give them a befitting reply. (Koi bhi terrorist hamare parosi desh se yadi hamare Bharat ko disturb karneki koshish karega, yahan par yadi atankbadi harkate karega, toh uska muh tod jabab denge)," Singh told CNN News18. "If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them (Yadi woh bhag kar Pakistan mein jayega, toh Pakistan mein ghus kar marenge)," he said. PM Modi on road, rail connectivity in Uttarakhand Lauding his government for better infrastructure in Uttarakhand, Modi said, We are continuously increasing rail, road and air connectivity in the state. Work is underway on the Rishikesh -Karanprayag railway line. Distance between Delhi and Dehradun is also reducing. Border villages, which were called 'last villages' under the Congress, are now being developed under the BJP government. Air services have started for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. A 900-km-long highway is also being built to connect Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Addressing the crowd, the PM shared, Yesterday I was in Tamil Nadu, situated on the ocean coast, at the southern end of India. There also people are saying Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar! Today I am in the lap of the Himalayas, in the company of Baba Kedar and Badri Vishal. So here also the same echo - Phir Ek Baar, Modi Sarkar! Milestones under Modi govt On the occasion, Modi also presented a glimpse of the milestones achieved by the BJP government over the past years that included the elimination of terrorists in their hideouts, the abolition of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir after seven decades, and the enactment of laws against triple talaq, addressing long-standing social issues. "Additionally, the BJP government ensured women's representation by granting them reservation in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly, fostering inclusivity and gender equality in governance, Modi said. The PM also elaborated on the One Rank One Pension scheme and said, It is Modi who has given more than 1 lakh crore to ex-servicemen by implementing OROP. Here in Uttarakhand too, military families have received more than 3.5 thousand crores. An adjudicating authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on Wednesday upheld the attachment of assets worth around 752 crore of Congress-run National Herald newspaper and associated firms by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), terming it as proceeds of crime involved in money laundering. Under PMLA, an adjudicating authority determines within 180 days whether the properties attached by ED are involved in money laundering or not. (HT photo) Under PMLA, an adjudicating authority determines within 180 days whether the properties attached by ED are involved in money laundering or not. The authority also said that Associated Journals Limited (AJL) and Young Indian (YI) Private Limited failed to discharge the burden of proof under Section 24 of PMLA to prove that proceeds of crime were not involved in the offence. Having considered the material in original complaint, the written reply and rejoinder of defendants and also the oral arguments of complainant and defendants, I find that the movable and immovable properties provisionally attached (on November 20, 2023)...in the name of defendants (AJL and YI) are proceeds of crime in terms of section 2(1)(u) of the PMLA and therefore, involved in money laundering, the authority said in its order on Wednesday evening. It noted that ED has placed ample material on the record to establish the nexus between the attached properties vis a vis the proceeds of crime. The National Herald is published by AJL and owned by Young Indian (YI) Private Limited. Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are majority shareholders of YI, holding 76% shares in all. ED is probing allegations of irregularities in transactions involving AJL and YI. On November 20 last year, ED provisionally attached assets worth over 751.9 crore ( 661 crore immovable and shares worth 90 crore) alleging that a criminal conspiracy was hatched to give control of properties worth hundreds of crores of rupees of AJL to the beneficial owners of YI, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. During the proceedings before the adjudicating authority, AJL and YI argued that ED action was in a mala fide and arbitrary manner. The Congress has denied the charges and described the case as a witch-hunt. On Wednesday, the Congress didnt respond to a request for comment by HT. The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) has dismissed the claim that Sharad Pawar was '50% ready to join hands with BJP' in 2023. The claims about Pawar were made on Wednesday by Praful Patel, a leader of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction. Sharad Pawar(File photo) The chief spokesperson for NCP (SP) Mahesh Tapase on Thursday said that Patel's remarks were a "deliberate attempt to sow confusion amongst the electorate." "Sharad Pawar firmly rejected any notion of supporting BJP, both in principle and action. This unequivocal dismissal stands as a testament to Pawar's unwavering commitment to his political convictions," said Tapase as quoted by news agency ANI. NCP (SP) chief spokesperson further said that despite Ajit Pawar getting the party name and the 'clock' symbol of NCP, the allegiance of the Maharashtra people was with Sharad Pawar. "Maharashtra's allegiance remains firmly with Sharad Pawar and his vision for the state's future. As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming elections, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the people's welfare, guided by Sharad Pawar's unwavering leadership," said Tapase. Meanwhile, national spokesperson for NCP(SP) Clyde Crasto reacted to Patel's statement, calling it "meaningless and of no value". "All these statements are only being made to increase their value as the BJP is treating the Ajit Pawar group as if they are nobody... If things were supposed to happen, they would've happened a long time ago..." Crasto said. ALSO READ| Ajit harps on Pawar parivar, says vote for daughter-in-law What Praful Patel claimed In an interaction with news agency ANI on Wednesday, Patel claimed that Sharad Pawar was "50 per cent" ready to go with the BJP when his nephew Ajit Pawar took oath as the deputy chief minister in the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra. "On 2nd July 2023, when Ajit Pawar and our ministers took oath with Maharashtra government, we met Sharad Pawar on 15th-16th July and requested him to join us. Later, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar met in Pune. He was also 50 per cent ready...Sharad Pawar always hesitates at the last minute," said Patel. Patel further claimed that in 1996 Pawar could have become the Prime Minister of India had it not been for his hesitancy. He said, "In 1996, if Pawar saheb had agreed to the suggestions of HD Devegowda, then he could have been the PM. Sharad Pawar could have been PM in 1996 itself if he was not hesitant." Former Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Thursday claimed that he did not quit the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) fearing the Enforcement Directorate and said the raids at his residence were only to find the money trail of the alleged liquor scam. Raaj Kumar Anand announced his resignation from AAP on Monday. (Vipin Kumar/HT Photo) I did not leave the ministerial position and the AAP fearing the EDI also know it is not easy to become a minister The ED had said in its statement that not even a rupee of corruption has taken place in this case... If I had continued to believe in this politics of lies, I would still be where I was, Raaj Kumar Anand told news agency ANI. Last year, the ED raided 12 premises linked to Raaj Kumar Anand, including his home, as part of a money laundering probe into the excise policy case. The raids were conducted based on a chargesheet filed by the Directorate of Revenue and Intelligence over Customs evasion of more than seven crore. Meanwhile, Raaj Kumar Anand also hit out at Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj over his statement saying Dalits and poor are weak. Are all Dalits weak and poor?...I will not tolerate the insult of Dalits, the former minister said. Raaj Kumar Anand is a Dalit leader and a legislator from Patel Nagar. Anand, who was the social welfare minister of Delhi, resigned from the cabinet of Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP on Wednesday saying that a party that was formed to fundamentally fight corruption is now embroiled in corruption itself. I am very pained today. I came into politics when Kejriwal said that politics will change and the country will change... AAP was born against corruption, but today this party is embroiled in corruption, Anand said while addressing the media. He added, They (AAP) use pictures of Ambedkar in offices but when it comes to implementation and representation of Dalits, AAP steps back. None of the 13 AAPs Rajya Sabha MPs is Dalit. There is no respect for Dalit leaders in AAP. In the top leadership of the party, there is no Dalit and no Dalit leader is given big political responsibility which makes Dalit leaders of AAP feel cheated. AAP leaders blame BJP for Anand's resignation Several AAP leaders said that Anand's resignation was a part of the BJP's attempt to crush the party following Kejriwal's arrest. AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who is currently out on bail in the liquor policy case, alleged that the former minister was pressured to resign. Since the beginning, we have said that the real motive of Arvind Kejriwals arrest is to break AAP and crush AAP. The purpose of ED raids is not to probe corruption but to break AAP... BJP was saying Anand is corrupt. Soon you may see BJP leaders welcoming him, he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interview with US magazine Newsweek, called out the West for making "dubious claims of diminishing media freedom", saying they have lost connection with the people of India and live in their own "echo chamber of alternate realities". PM Modi touched upon several sensitive topics in the interview, including democracy, foreign relations and the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds the party symbol during a road show at an election campaign on April 9.(AFP) Here are the key takeaways from PM Modi's interview with the magazine PM Modi on democracy and free press PM Modi said democracy is in the genes of the people of India. He said India is the mother of democracy. He said over 970 million eligible voters will vote in the Lok Sabha elections soon. He said India's media play an important role in providing vibrant feedback. "We have around 1.5 lakh [150,000] registered media publications and hundreds of news channels. There are a few people in India and in the West who have lost [connection with] the people of Indiatheir thought processes, feelings and aspirations. These people also tend to live in their own echo chamber of alternate realities. They conflate their own dissonance with the people with dubious claims of diminishing media freedom," he said. PM Modi on allegations of discrimination of religious minorities Prime Minister Narendra Modi said minorities from all religions are thriving in India and the allegations are tropes of some people who remain in their bubbles. "These are usual tropes of some people who don't bother to meet people outside their bubbles. Even India's minorities don't buy this narrative anymore. Minorities from all religions, be it Muslim, Christians, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain or even a micro-minority like Parsis are living happily and thriving in India," he said. PM Modi said his government's schemes and initiatives are not restricted to a particular community or geography. "They are meant to reach everyone, which means that they are designed in such a way that there cannot be any discrimination," he said. He said the government's schemes are reaching all communities and religions. Also read: PM Narendra Modi to US magazine: Ram Temple culmination of centuries of sacrifice PM Modi on India-China dispute Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India's relationship with China is important and significant. He said peaceful relations between the two countries are important for the entire region and the world. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us...I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," PM Modi said. PM Modi on Pakistan Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that he had congratulated Pakistan's PM when he took over office. He said India has always been an advocate for peace and security in the region "in an atmosphere free from terror and violence". He, however, refused to comment on Imran Khan's arrest, calling it Pakistan's internal matter. Also read: In Newsweek interview, PM Modi speaks on India-China border dispute: We need to urgently address PM Modi on Ram Temple Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the name of Lord Ram is imprinted on India's national consciousness. He said the return of Lord Ram to his birthplace (Ayodhya) was the culmination of centuries of perseverance and sacrifice. Talking about Ram Temple's inauguration ceremony, PM Modi said: "During the 11 days leading up to this auspicious event, I carried with me the aspirations of countless devotees, eagerly anticipating this day. The ceremony itself brought the nation together into a celebration, akin to a second Diwali. Every home was illuminated by the light of Ram Jyoti. I see it as a divine blessing that I could experience the consecration ceremony as a representative of 1.4 billion Indians." The name of Lord Shri Ram is imprinted on India's national consciousness, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told an American magazine in an interview. He said Lord Ram's life has set the contours of thoughts and values in the country's "civilization". Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering in Nagpur on Wednesday. (ANI) In the conversation with New York-based magazine Newsweek, PM Modi touched upon several vexed topics, including ties with China and Pakistan and the Quad grouping. PM Modi also talked about the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "His (Lord Ram) life has set the contours of thoughts and values in our civilization. His name echoes across the length and breadth of our sacred land. Therefore, during the 11-day special ritual I observed, I made a pilgrimage to the places that carry the footprints of Shri Ram. My journey that took me to various corners of the country showed the revered place Shri Ram holds within each of us," he said. Also read: PM Narendra Modi calls out West's 'dubious claims' on media freedom. 5 key takeaways from Newsweek interview The Ram Temple was inaugurated by PM Modi in January this year. Thousands of dignitaries from all walks of life attended the grand ceremony. However, the Opposition skipped the ceremony despite being invited, claiming the BJP had been trying to reap political dividends using the temple event. Also read: Modi rejects charges of discrimination against minorities in Newsweek interview: Usual tropes by those who PM Modi told the magazine that the Ram Temple was a culmination of centuries of perseverance and sacrifice. "The return of Shri Ram to his birthplace marked a historic moment of unity for the nation. It was a culmination of centuries of perseverance and sacrifice. When I was asked to be part of the ceremony, I knew I would be representing the 1.4 billion people of the country, who have waited patiently for centuries to witness Ram Lalla's return," he said. In 2019, the Supreme Court ended the decades-long dispute between Hindus and Muslims, ruling that the Ram Temple should be built on the disputed piece of land. It directed the authorities to provide a separate plot of land for the construction of a mosque in Ayodhya. "During the 11 days leading up to this auspicious event, I carried with me the aspirations of countless devotees, eagerly anticipating this day. The ceremony itself brought the nation together into a celebration, akin to a second Diwali. Every home was illuminated by the light of Ram Jyoti. I see it as a divine blessing that I could experience the consecration ceremony as a representative of 1.4 billion Indians," PM Modi added. PM Modi on China PM Modi said that peaceful relations between India and China are important for the entire world. He also said that the border situation should be resolved to put behind the abnormality in "our bilateral interactions". "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world," he said. Also read: In Newsweek interview, PM Modi speaks on India-China border dispute: We need to urgently address "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," he added. PM Modi on Pakistan On Pakistan, PM Modi said he had congratulated the prime minister of Pakistan on taking over office. He said that India has always advocated for advancing peace, security and prosperity in the region in an atmosphere free from terror and violence. He, however, refrained from commenting on the arrest of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. He said he wouldn't comment on matters internal to Pakistan. PM Narendra Modi on Quad Talking about the Quad grouping comprising US, Australia, Japan, India, PM Narendra Modi said the grouping is not aimed against any country. "We are present in different combinations in different groups. Quad is not aimed against any country. Like many other international groupings, like SCO, BRICS and others, Quad is also a group of like-minded countries working on a shared positive agenda," he said. PM Narendra Modi on Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir On criticism of abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "I would encourage you to visit Jammu and Kashmir to witness firsthand the sweeping positive changes happening on (the) ground. Do not go by what I or others tell you. I went to Jammu and Kashmir just last month. For the first time, people have a new hope in their lives." "The process of development, good governance and empowerment of the people is to be seen to be believed," he said. People are reaping the peace dividend: Over 21 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2023. There has been a significant decline in terror incidents. Organized bandh/hartals (protests), stone pelting, which once disrupted normal life, are now a thing of the past, he said. With inputs from PTI, ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended wishes to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on the occasion of Eid ul-Fitr, even as the ties between the two countries remain strained. Modi, in his message, also noted that the cultural and civilisational linkages shared by India and Maldives go back in time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu (PTI File Photo) On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al Fitr, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives, an official release shared by the Indian Commission in Maldives on X (formerly known as Twitter) read. Also read: Maldives thanks India for allowing export of essential commodities amid diplomatic row The message added, Prime Minister further conveyed that as we celebrate Eid Al Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world are reminded of the values of compassion, brotherhood, and togetherness, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire for. The relations between India and Maldives have soured ever since Mohamed Muizzu, who is considered close to China, assumed office last year. One of the first pledges he took after coming to power was to evict Indian security personnel deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border. The ties between the two countries worsened in January this year after a controversy over some Maldivian ministers, including the deputy minister, made racist remarks targeting India and mocked PM Modi's attempt to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The remarks triggered several Indians, including celebrities on social media, who joined the call to boycott the island nation. Last month, Mohamed Muizzu stepped up his anti-India rhetoric and reportedly set a deadline of May 10 for all the Indian military personnel to leave the Indian Ocean archipelago. According to reports, around 89 Indian military personnel in the island nation will be gone by May 10. Defence minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at a rally in Madhya Pradesh's Satna district, said on Thursday the way Jammu-Kashmir is heading towards development, he feels that the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) feel that Pakistan cannot lead them towards development, only Prime Minister Narendra Modi can. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (PTI) Singh, who is campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, added, The way Jammu-Kashmir is heading towards development, I feel that people in PoK think that their development is only possible at the hands of PM Modi and not Pakistan. He said PoK was always a part of India and still is. The people in PoK might say they want to be with India. PoK was, is and will always be our (India) part. Further, Singh said that the beginning of Ram Rajya will happen in India. I want to tell the people of Madhya Pradesh that the beginning of Ram Rajya will happen in India, no one can stop it. Stating that the Congress government was accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Singh said, The people of the Congress party are accusing us. We said we would put an end to Article 370, we did it. Today, Jammu-Kashmir have the same status as other states in the country. Addressing a public meeting in MP's Mauganj, Singh said people believe that India would soon become a superpower. People now believe that days are not far when India will become the superpowerWhile speaking at an international event, Eric Garcetti, the USA's ambassador to India said, 'If you want to see the future, come to India. If you want to feel the future, come to India. If you want to work on the future, come to India.' This has been said by the ambassador of the most powerful nation in the world and it's not a small thing for us, Singh said. The 29 Lok Sabha constituencies in Madhya Pradesh will go elections in four phases from April 19 to May 13, with the counting of votes scheduled for June 4. During the 2019 general elections, the BJP secured victory in 28 out of the 29 Lok Sabha seats in the state, leaving Nakul Nath, the son of former chief minister Kamal Nath, as the sole successful Congress candidate. New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that on April 19, 140 women polling officials will exclusively take charge at 31 polling stations across the Puducherry Lok Sabha constituencys Mahe, which is situated in the Arabian sea coast, bordering Kerala. The Election Commission of India. (PTI) The ECI posted a campaign video on Instagram on Thursday, which shared the information about the constituency and urged people to come out and vote. A release from the Chief Electoral Officer P Jawahars office on April 2 had said that it had been noted that the number of eligible women voters was large in the Mahe region; also that women could conduct the polls in a better manner, and hence women staff would exclusively take charge of the polling stations in the area. Also Read: ECI directs clear identification of printers, publishers on poll-related hoardings Mahe district, one of Puducherrys four regions, is going to create history by setting a precedent for gender-inclusive electoral processes, as for the first time in Lok Sabha elections all polling officials the 31 polling stations, are women, the social media post said. It added that with an electorate population of 31,038 and a gender ratio of 1161, Mahe district was an example of gender inclusivity. It further mentioned that this number surpasses the UTs average gender ratio of 1130, making a significant stride towards gender parity and inclusivity. Earlier, during the Chhattisgarh assembly elections in 2023, all polling booths in the Raipur North assembly constituency were exclusively staffed and managed by women polling officials. It was for the first time in the countrys electoral history that any assembly constituency in the country was exclusively managed by women where 1046 officials were deployed across 201 polling booths. Also Read: Political parties briefed on newspaper ad curbs 48 hours prior to polling The EC post mentioned that this step would create a scene of empowerment and representation. It also mentioned that four teams of female poll workers conducted home voting for 269 voters aged 85 and above and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) who opted for the optional home voting facility. According to ECI, all-women managed polling booths provide a sense of comfort and security to all voters, particularly female and third-gender voters, promoting more inclusive elections. In another voter awareness initiative, scuba divers in Chennai took to the sea, enacting the voting process 60 feet underwater in Neelankarai. This unique initiative, captured in a reel also posted on ECIs Instagram handle, aimed to engage and educate voters creatively. The election commission has also made special arrangements for voluntary voting through postal ballots for police officers who will be deployed for election duty. The first phase of voting will be held in 102 constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories on April 19, 2024. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has offered India's assistance to Pakistan in combating terrorism on its soil. Defence minister Rajnath Singh on ANI podcast. In an interview with news agency ANI, Rajnath Singh warned Islamabad of consequences if it tries to destabilise India using terrorism and said, Pakistan should stop the terrorism and if it feels incapable, India is ready to cooperate to stop terrorism. Singh's remarks come days after he made it clear that India would enter Pakistan if terrorists ran away to the neighbouring nation after carrying out terror strikes in the country. "If they run away to Pakistan, we will enter Pakistan to kill them," Singh told CNN News18. "India always wants to maintain good relations with its neighbouring countries ... But if anyone shows India the angry eyes again and again, comes to India and tries to promote terrorist activities, we will not spare them," Singh said. He was responding to a question on a report by The Guardian which claimed India has been orchestrating targeted assassinations in Pakistan as part of a broader strategy to eliminate. The report claimed that India's Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) began carrying out assassinations abroad, including in Pakistan, with a focus on individuals involved in serious and violent terrorist activities. The report came months after Canada and the United States accused India of killing or attempting to kill people in those countries. The ministry of external affairs, however, denied the claims and quoted S Jaishankar's earlier statement asserting that targeted killings in other countries were not the government of Indias policy. Relations between India and Pakistan have worsened since the 2019 Pulwama attack which was traced to Pakistan-based terrorists and prompted New Delhi to carry out an airstrike on what it said was a militant base in Balakot. Since then, several terrorists have been killed in Pakistan under mysterious circumstances. The slain terrorists include Azam Cheema, a top intelligence official of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT); Sheikh Jameel-ur-Rehman; Paramjit Singh Panjwar of Khalistan Commando Force; and Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Shahid Latif, the mastermind behind Pathankot airbase attack. Former Congress spokesperson Rohan Gupta joined the Bharatiya Party on Thursday, marking the defection of yet another Congress spokesperson to the ruling party ahead of the high-octane 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Rohan Gupta, along with some other leaders, joined the BJP in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and its national general secretary Vinod Tawde. Union minister and BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde welcome former Congress leader Rohan Gupta as he joins BJP in New Delhi on Thursday.(PTI) Addressing the media, Rohan Gupta hit out at the Congress, a party he had been part of for nearly 15 years, and said it has become directionless and was full of contradictions, leading to loss of credibility. Without naming anyone, Rohan Gupta said, How many contradictions can be there? There is a communication in charge who has 'Ram' in his name, he told us to keep quiet when Sanatan (Dharma) was being insulted... The former Congress spokesperson also slammed the Congress for including the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party in Opposition's INDIA bloc. "An alliance using the country's name was made but desh virodhi takatein were included in it. What is the compulsion that Kejriwal, who was accused of being connected with Khalistanis, today is being supported by them?" Rohan Gupta asked. He also cited the Congress's stand on a host of issues, including its decision to not attend the Ram temple consecration ceremony and opposition to the CAA, to make his point. Rohan Gupta extended his support to the BJP leadership's agenda of a viksit Bharat by 2047 and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Rohan Gupta's resignation from Congress Rohan Gupta had resigned from the Congress last month after withdrawing his candidature from Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha constituency. He had blamed his "constant humiliation and character assassination by a leader connected with communication department" of the Congress for his decision. Recently, another former Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh had also joined the BJP. Gourav Vallabh had said he always pursued issues-based politics. He too had lauded Modi's agenda of "viksit Bharat". Gourav Vallabh said he always wanted the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and could not accept the Congress' decision to not go to the consecration ceremony. "Congress leaders and allies raised questions on Sanatan Dharma but the party gave no response... A big gap has emerged in the party in its handling of different issues," he said. He added, "We are all united by the ideology of taking India ahead. I am attracted to the idea of 'Viksit Bharat'." AHMEDABAD: Former Congress leader Rohan Gupta, who exited the party last month, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday and mounted a sharp attack on the Congress, saying it has become directionless and was full of contradictions and had lost credibility. Rohan Gupta joined the BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde. (Videograb) Gupta joined the BJP at the party headquarters in Delhi in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde. He cited the Congresss stand on a host of issues, including its decision to skip the Ram temple consecration ceremony, its opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act and the decision to align with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). How many contradictions can be there? There is a communication in charge who has Ram in his name, he told us to keep quiet when Sanatan (Dharma) was being insulted An alliance using the countrys name was made but anti-national forces were included in it, said Gupta, who had been a familiar face of the Congress in TV debates. What is the compulsion that (Arvind) Kejriwal who was accused of being connected with Khalistanis today is being supported by them? he added, according to news agency ANI. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi said Guptas decision to join the BJP was on expected lines, underlining that Guptas decision to put out his resignation on social media on March 22 was also part of the script dictated to him by his new bosses. To be sure, the Congress on March 12 named Rohan Gupta, who previously held the role of social media head for the party, as its candidate from Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha. On March 18, he released his letter to the party withdrawing from the race due to his fathers poor health. In a surprise move four days later, he resigned from the Congress citing what he described as repeated instances of constant humiliation and character assassination. I took most difficult decision of my life of withdrawing my candidature. Now I am taking another most difficult decision of leaving the party after serving it for last 15 years because of constant humiliation and character assassination by the leader connected with communication department, he said in a letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday highlighted India's growth in digital payments saying that the country is making Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions worth 120 crores in a month. He also drew a comparison to the United States, asserting that they make digital transactions only worth 40 crores in a year. External affairs minister S Jaishankar (PTI) Today, we do cashless payments through UPI. We have transactions worth 120 crores in a month. While the US makes digital transactions worth 40 crores in a year. You should see how we have progressed in some areas and the world commends that, Jaishankar said at an event in Rajasthan's Bikaner. UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, merging several banking features, seamless fund routing, and merchant payments into one hood, according to an official government release. It was launched on April 11, 2016, by former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Raghuram Rajan. RBI proposes cash deposits in banks through UPI Last week, the RBI proposed to allow users to deposit cash in cash deposit machines (CDMs) through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Announcing the current fiscal's first monetary policy outlook, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said, Deposit of cash through cash deposit machines (CDMs) is primarily being done through the use of debit cards. Given the experience gained from cardless cash withdrawal using UPI at the ATMs, it is now proposed to facilitate deposit of cash in CDMs using UPI. He added, At present, UPI payments from Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) can be made only by using the web or mobile app provided by the PPI issuer. It is now proposed to permit the use of third-party UPI apps for making UPI payments from PPI wallets. This will further enhance customer convenience and boost adoption of digital payments for small value transactions. Das also proposed to make Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) accessible to broader sectors of customers by enabling non-bank payment system operators to offer CBDC wallets. Meanwhile, India's UPI services have also been introduced in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Nepal. At least six children were killed and 13 others injured after a school bus carrying 30 children overturned in Haryana's Mahendergarh on Thursday morning, police said. School bus that overturned in Haryana's Mahendergarh on Thursday morning.(HT Photo) Police officials said the school bus belonging to GL Public School in Kanina was involved in an accident near Unhani village in the Mahendergarh district after the driver tried to overtake another vehicle. The school was functioning despite a holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The injured students were rushed to various hospitals in Mahendergarh and Narnaul. The official documents show that the bus's fitness certificate had expired six years ago in 2018, said a senior police official. Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) and extended condolences over the deaths in the school bus accident while assuring that the local administration is providing help to the injured children. The accident of a school bus in Mahendragarh, Haryana is very sad. My condolences are with the bereaved families of the deceased children. May God give them strength to bear this loss. The local administration is providing help to the injured children. I wish them a speedy recovery, Amit Shah's Hindi post roughly translated to English read. Also Read | Four killed, 15 injured in Kapurthala accident Bus driver allegedly drunk Eyewitnesses alleged that the bus driver was drunk. Mahendergarh Superintendent of Police (SP) Arsh Verma said that doctors are conducting a medical examination of the bus driver to ascertain whether he was drunk or not. We are also examining documents of the bus. The school authorities are yet to be contacted to determine their responsibility. Two children are still critical and undergoing treatment. Six children had died, the SP said in an earlier statement. Haryana education minister Seema Trikha said she had spoken to the deputy commissioner and Mahendergarh superintendent of police to visit the hospital where the students are undergoing treatment and begin investigating the matter. Mahendergarh district collector Monika Gupta said that strict action will be initiated against school authorities and bus driver. She termed the accident unfortunate and blamed school driver for the mishap. (With inputs from reporter) A man was arrested for stealing mobile phones from Uttar Pradesh's Mathura Railway Station on Wednesday following several complaints. His stealing technique was unique as he used to act like he was asleep in the passenger waiting room and then used the right moment to rob other people sleeping in the room. GRP Mahura released CCTV footage of the incident. (Screengrab) Government Railway Police (GRP) inspector Sandeep Tomar told Hindustan Times that a complaint was lodged that a mobile was lost by a passenger at the platform of Mathura railway station. GRP Mahura released CCTV footage of the incident. The footage shows that a man enters the passenger waiting room and lies down, like many others already there. He then tries to check the pocket of a man lying next to him while surveilling the area. However, the man turns to the other side and does the same with another man. This time, he succeeds. The robber takes a mobile phone, keeps it in his pocket and leaves. Tomar added, We watched CCTV footage and came across the video. The accused involved has been arrested. As reported by NDTV, the robber has been identified as 21-year-old Avnish Singh. He is a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Etah. A mobile phone was also recovered from Singh. Police told NDTV that Singh admitted to stealing five mobile phones. He faces charges of theft. The GRP is working towards recovering the rest of the stolen items. Bengaluru In its attempt to consolidate the Vokkaliga vote bank in the southern parts of the state, the leaders of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday paid a visit to Sri Adichunchanagiri mutt in Vijayanagara to seek the blessings of Nirmalanandanatha seer, who is the head of the Adichunchanagiri Math, to which both Congress leader DK Shivakumar and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy belong. BJP candidates for Lok Saha Polls V. Somanna, Tejasvi Surya, Shobha Karandlaje,P C Mohan and Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar along with JD (S) candidate for Lok Saha Polls H D Kumaraswamy, meet Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji and took his blessings, on Wednesday. (ANI) The delegation included the prominent Vokkaliga leaders in the alliance including Leader of Opposition in the state assembly R Ashok, former chief minister and Mandya Lok Sabha candidate Kumaraswamy, former chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, former deputy chief minister CN Aswath Narayan, Union minister Shobha Karandlaje, CT Ravi and former minister GT Deve Gowda. While the NDA leaders sought to get the endorsement of the seer, deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar criticised Kumaraswamy for going with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leaders, who had allegedly brought down the previous Congress-JD(S) coalition government, to meet a pontiff of an influential math of the community. Following the meeting, Kumaraswamy said, Following the Ugadi festival, as we embark on the New Year, weve come here seeking blessings for the 14 candidates contesting in the initial phase of Karnatakas elections. However, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said the alliances move will not help them politically. I have no issues with them going to the mutt and meeting Swamiji. They did it today, I saw it on TV... Vokkaligas and the seers of the community are not foolish. They (seer) may greet people who come to meet them, garland them and send them back. They (seers) dont do anything on our behalf or on their behalf, I know that. ...the people of the community are watching, he said. Adding that the Swamiji should have questioned the BJP about bringing down the Vokkaliga community CM (Kumaraswamy in July 2019), the Congress leader said, Im not aware whether Swamiji has that much strength to question. Those (BJP leaders) who had gone today (to the math) were the ones who brought down the Vokkaliga CM, no one can hide the truth. The Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition government had collapsed in July 2019 after the resignation of 17 MLAs from the two parties. Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders had then accused BJPs Operation Lotus for the governments collapse. Noting that the Congress has given tickets to eight Vokkaligas in this Lok Sabha polls, including two from the Reddy community, Shivakumar pointed out that he too is from the community and is serving as the state Congress president and is the deputy chief minister. We are ready for everything, to serve the people, the society and the state. Leaving us, who are in power, our people are not foolish to think about what will happen after four years (next assembly polls), he said. Alliance leaders have strongly criticised Shivakumar for his objections to the meeting of BJP and JD(S) leaders with Nirmalananda Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt. R Ashok said, Shivakumar seems apprehensive of defeat. He visited a temple in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, and it seems our presence at the Mutt has given him quite a chill. Its ironic for DK to lecture on morality when he has spoken disrespectfully about Swamiji. He should choose his words about Swamiji carefully. Responding to the Shivakumars remarks, Kumaraswamy said that there were no political reasons behind the visit. I have come to pay my respect. It is the Congress that calls itself secular but uses community leaders for politics. What moral rights does he have to talk about secularism? Rahul Gandhi recently asked people to share their feedback on the manifesto of the Congress for the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The party on Thursday shared a video of the Congress leader going through the suggestions that he received as he was travelling. Rahul Gandhi said he would like to speak to a few people as he went through the feedback -- over 10,000 emails and 2 lakh comments on all social media platforms. The Congress on Thursday released a video of Rahul Gandhi going through the feedback of Congress's election manifesto. Congress released its election manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra' on April 5 with promises including a legal guarantee of MSP, 1 lakh per year to every poor family, caste census, restoration of full statehood to J&K, abolition of Agnipath scheme, 50% job quota for women, legal recognition to LGBTQIA+ etc. In the feedback, Rahul Gandhi said many emails were on Agnipath, supporting the Congress's poll promise. One asked Rahul Gandhi to make 'job versus bond' as an election slogan of the Congress. Rahul Gandhi called up one Madhuri who wrote a long email on taxes. "Is there any specific suggestion you have on taxes?" Rahul Gandhi asked Madhuri. Madhuri raised the issue of banking and education costs. Rahul Gandhi asked Madhuri about her family and got to know that her son, a class 12 student, was interested in AI engineering. "I have an exciting Zoom interaction over AI. I will see if we can invite him to the interaction," Rahul Gandhi said. Replying to another feedback which expressed concerns over giving free money to the youth, Rahul Gandhi said, "No, we are not giving free money to the youth. We will give them an apprenticeship against which they will get 1 lakh in a year. In a way, it will be a training also." "India must understand that jobless growth won't benefit the country. The main difference between the BJP and the Congress is we are talking about growth with jobs while they are talking about growth with unemployment," Rahul Gandhi said as he appealed for more feedback. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims around the world to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan. The Arabic term 'Eid al-Fitr' means 'the feast of breaking the fast', so Muslims look forward to celebrating on this day, which marks the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. Eid al-Fitr falls on a different day each year. In India, this year's festival is expected to be held on April 10 or 11, depending on the sighting of the moon. Discover the perfect ensemble for Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 with our essential fashion guide. (Pexels) This auspicious occasion is not just about joyous celebrations, it's also an opportunity to showcase style and elegance through exquisite ethnic attire. In the realm of fashion, Eid serves as a canvas to blend tradition with modernity, allowing individuals to express themselves uniquely. To ensure you shine this Eid, here are some chic styling tips to elevate your look. (Also read: Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 style guide: Top fashion trends and outfit ideas to celebrate the festival ) Trendy styling tips for Eid-ul-Fitr 2024 1. Embrace traditional attire: Wearing traditional attire for Eid, such as a gorgeous saree, an elegant abaya or an intricately embroidered salwar kameez, is a great way to appreciate culture and tradition. To add a touch of grandeur to your look, choose rich, opulent fabrics such as velvet, chiffon and silk. 2. Choose vibrant colours: Since Eid is a festival of joy and happiness, why not wear something that reflects that? To make an impression and stand out from the crowd, choose vivid, attention-grabbing hues like rich reds, royal blues, emerald greens, and golden yellows. 3. Pay attention to details: It is the little things that make your Eid outfit shine. For a touch of glamour and sophistication, add sequins, beads and embroidery to your look. To complete your style, look for accessories such as bold jewellery, elaborate handbags and embellished shoes. 4. Experiment with layers: Layering adds depth and character to your ensemble, and is a useful way to switch between indoor and outdoor activities. For a fashionable yet practical touch, combine your outfit with a lightweight jacket or scarf. 5. Opt for comfort: Comfort should never be compromised, even if you want to look your best for Eid. If you'll be spending time with family and friends or attending several events, make sure your clothes fit you comfortably and allow you to move around easily. 6. Add a personal touch: Incorporate elements of your individual style and personality to make your Eid outfit truly unique. Adding a personal touch can boost your confidence and sense of style, whether it's a distinctive piece of jewellery, a scarf you love or a hairstyle you wear often. 7. Keep it modest: A key component of Eid attire, especially for women, is modesty. Choose clothing that conforms to cultural and religious conventions and provides adequate coverage. To maintain modesty while looking stylish and sophisticated, opt for longer hemlines, high necklines and sleeves. 8. Coordinate with family: If you're celebrating Eid with relatives, consider wearing coordinated clothes for a polished and well-coordinated look. To create a cohesive look that adds to the festive spirit, choose matching patterns or complementary colours. The joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is finally here as most of the Indian states are celebrating one of the most important Muslim festivals today on April 11 upon sighting of the crescent moon on April 10. Festivities are in air as Muslims gear up to celebrate the special occasion, eagerly anticipating the joyful reunions with family and friends, the delectable feasts shared with loved ones, and the heartfelt prayers offered in gratitude for the blessings of the past month. (Also read: Eid-Ul-Fitr 2024: 30 Best SMS, Eid WhatsApp messages, quotes, wishes, Facebook status to wish Eid Mubarak to loved ones) Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm.(Pinterest) Every Muslim household is decorated beautifully with lanterns, twinkling lights and flowers on this day with people dressing up in their best of clothes to meet relatives and friends and wish them Eid Mubarak! Not to mention the elaborate meal spread consisting of biryani, haleem, kebabs, sheer khurma, meethi sevaiyan that will be enjoyed with family, served to guests and also distributed to poor and needy. Children of the household receive Eidi, a gift or cash from elders in the family. As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close with the sighting of the crescent moon and the month-long fasting from sunrise to sunset comes to an end, Eid-ul-Fitr, the first day the month of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar, is celebrated with much enthusiasm. Not only people greet each other Eid Mubarak when they meet, but in the digital era, people who are living far away from us can be wished virtually through messages or social media. Depending on the culture and the language you speak, there are different ways to say Eid Mubarak. How to wish Eid Mubarak! in 18 languages Take a look at the different ways of saying Eid Mubarak to your loved one if you are not in the same city. Arabic: (Eid Mubarak) Urdu: (Eid Mubarak) Bengali: (Eid Mubarak) Turkish: Iyi bayramlar Indonesian/Malay: Selamat Idul Fitri / Selamat Hari Raya Swahili: Heri ya Eid French: Bonne fete de l'Aid Spanish: Feliz Eid! German: Frohes Fest! Chinese (Mandarin): (Kaizhaijie kuaile) Hindi: (Eid Mubarak) Russian: (S prazdnikom Eid) Italian: Buona festa dell'Eid Portuguese: Feliz Eid Dutch: Fijne Eid Japanese: (Ido Mubaraku) Korean: (Ido Mubarak) Greek: (Eftychismeni Eid) Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, a popular spring festival that marks the first day of the month of Vaisakh, is celebrated with much enthusiasm among Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist communities. It is the beginning of the Punjabi and Sikh New Year which is celebrated across India especially in Punjab and northern India. The day marks the beginning of the harvest season and is the occasion to share the joy among community members. On Baisakhi, people from Sikh community visit local Gurudwaras and participate in langar, preparation of food and distributing them. For many members, Baisakhi is the day to worship the 'Waheguru' (the divine being) and meditate. (Also read | April 2024 festivals full list: Navratri to Baisakhi, all you want to know about upcoming Hindu festivals) Baisakhi is also known as Mesh Sankranti and marks the beginning of the solar calendar(Freepik) When is Baisakhi 2024? Baisakhi usually falls on April 13 or April 14. This year it will be celebrated on April 13. The day acquired historic and spiritual significance since 1699 when on this day, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth - the collective name given to Sikhs who've been baptised. History of Baisakhi The legend has it that on this day Guru Gobind Singh called for Sikh men who could give away their life for their faith and invited them inside a tent. Five men who chose to follow him vanished into the tent and after some time Guru Gobind Singh came out alone with blood on his sword. Soon, the men re-emerged wearing turbans and became the first members of the Khalsa - the Panj Pyare or beloved five. They were baptised by the Guru being sprinkled with Amrit (holy water). Baisakhi is also associated with Buddhism as it's believed that Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana on this day. Baisakhi is also known as Mesh Sankranti and marks the beginning of the solar calendar as on this day, the Sun enters the Mesh Rashi, the first one among the twelve zodiac signs. The other spring festivals that fall on or around Baisakhi are Pana Sankranti in Odisha, Poila Baisakh in West Bengal, Rongali Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vaishakhi in Bihar, and Poooram Vishu in Kerala. They all celebrate beginning of harvest season with slightly varied traditions. Significance of Baisakhi Baisakhi is the time to celebrate the beginning of a new harvest season, a special time for farmers, who pray to lord for bountiful harvest and express gratitude for their livelihood. It is the time for family reunions and get togethers apart from relishing lavish meals made with fresh harvest. People visit Gurudwaras in the morning, clean their houses, decorate them, deck up in traditional attires and pray for a prosperous year. Baisakhi celebrations The celebrations begin early in the morning with a gurudwara visit followed up by preparation of some lip-smacking food and dancing to the tunes of dhol. Kirtans and special prayers are held on this day and langars are conducted. Folk dances, music performances, and colourful exhibitions are organised to celebrate the cultural richness of the Punjab region. One of the highlights of the festival is kada prasad which is prepared with whole wheat flour, clarified butter and sugar. Sweet saffron rice is prepared and enjoyed with family on the occasion. Vishu is a Hindu festival celebrating the Malayalam New Year in Kerala, Tulu Nadu and Mahe in India. In the Malayalam calendar, Vishu falls on the first day of the month of Medam ( April 14 or 15 in the Gregorian calendar). "Vishu" means "equal" in Sanskrit, and it's not just a Malayalam event. The festival is observed under different names throughout India. In Punjab, Vishu is known as Baisakhi, while in Assam it is celebrated as Bihu. It is the traditional New Year, while the Kollam era calendar New Year falls on the 1st Chingham. Family get-togethers, the preparation of colourful auspicious objects and viewing these first thing on Vishu Day (Vishukkani) are the main events of the celebration. From date to significance, scroll down to know more. (Also read: Happy Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: 18 ways to wish Eid Mubarak in different languages) Vishu is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated in Kerala.(HT photo) All you need to know about Vishu 2024 Vishu 2024 date This year, the auspicious festival of Vishu will be observed on Thursday, April 14. According to Drik Panchang, the Sankranti Moment on Vishu Kani will occur at 9:15 PM on April 13. History of Vishu Vishu has a rich history steeped in mythology and folklore. One such tradition is that Vishu is the day on which Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. Another myth says that Vishu is a celebration of the return of Surya Dev. The alternative folklore is that Ravana, the demon king, prevented Surya Dev or the Sun God from rising from the east. After Ravana's demise, the sun, also known as Surya Dev, began to rise from the east on the day of Vishu. Since then, Vishu has been widely observed. Significance of Vishu According to the Malayalam calendar, Vishu is a significant festival in Kerala that ushers in the New Year. It is celebrated with customs, festivals and gift-giving that have great cultural, spiritual and social significance. Vishu, which means 'equal' in Sanskrit, refers to a day with an equal number of day and night hours or the equinox. Vishu is celebrated by families on the day of Mesha Sankranti, also known as Mesha Sankramam. The worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna is the way people honour this time of the year dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The three primary features of Vishu celebrations are Vishu Kani, Vishu Kaineettam and Vishubhalam. Vishu celebrations and rituals Traditionally, the Vishu Kani is seen at first light as part of the dawn ceremonies. An elder family member prepares the Vishu Kani the day before the celebration. It consists of a bell-shaped vessel called an Uruli filled with symbolic objects and auspicious materials such as raw rice, flowers, coins and other items. The Uruli is accompanied by a lighted traditional lamp called Nilavilakku. On the day of the festival, family members wake up with their eyes closed and look at the Vishu Kani first thing in the morning to attract good fortune and wealth. Following this tradition, the family recites verses from the Ramayana, followed by the customary bursting of crackers as part of Vishu Paddakam. Subsequently, all family members gather to relish a lavish Vishu Sadya, a traditional feast served on banana leaves comprising 20-30 dishes. This feast features a variety of delicacies such as Vishu Thoran, Beans Thoran, Beetroot Pachadi, Manga Peukku, Tomato Rasam, Aviyal, Sarkara Varatti, Olan, Chakka Aviyal, and Semiya Payasam, making it a cherished aspect of the festival celebrated with great enthusiasm by all. Many people find sweating to be one of the most uncomfortable aspects of summer season. Reaching out for a handkerchief every few minutes, finding your clothes drenched with sweat, and the resultant body odour could all add to the woes. However, sweating can benefit out health in many unexpected ways. One of our body's natural cooling mechanisms, sweating helps dispel excess heat from the body, preventing heatstroke. Apart from temperature regulation, sweating also plays a role in detoxification of the body. From cholesterol, alcohol to salt, many substances can be eliminated from the body via sweating. (Also read: Can heatwave kill? 4 ways extreme heat can prove to be deadly, experts share preventive tips) While often viewed through a lens of discomfort or embarrassment, perspiration, especially in the warmer months, harbours a trove of overlooked benefits. (Freepik) Another lesser-known benefits of sweating is its ability to prevent infections as sweat has certain peptides that are antimicrobial in nature and help fight infections. Sweating triggered by physical exercise can also aid in release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that can boost your mood and make you feel positive. Hidden benefits of summer sweat "While often viewed through a lens of discomfort or embarrassment, perspiration, especially in the warmer months, harbours a trove of overlooked benefits. This natural process, intrinsic to human physiology, plays a crucial role not just in cooling us down but also in bolstering our health and well-being in several unexpected ways," says Dr Sakshi Singh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital Faridabad as she explains various health benefits of sweating in summer season. A natural cooling system At its core, sweating is the body's innate air conditioning system. When the temperature rises, our bodies release moisture through sweat glands to the skin's surface. As this moisture evaporates, it carries away heat, effectively lowering our body temperature. This mechanism not only prevents overheating during the sultry summer months but also enables us to engage in physical activity without succumbing to heatstroke, making it a cornerstone of our survival and comfort in hot climates Detoxification and purification Sweating has been celebrated as a means of detoxification, a concept rooted in both ancient practices and modern wellness trends. While the primary function of sweat is temperature regulation, it also facilitates the removal of certain toxins and impurities from the body. Substances like alcohol, cholesterol, and salt can be expelled through sweat, aiding in the purification of our system. This natural detox can contribute to clearer skin and a reduction in acne breakouts, showcasing another way summer sweating benefits our health and appearance Immune system booster Emerging research suggests that sweating may bolster our immune system. Sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. One such peptide, dermcidin, produced in the sweat glands, has been shown to combat harmful pathogens on the skin's surface. This means that sweating could play a role in protecting us from infections, particularly important in the warmer months when we are more exposed to various environmental factors. Endorphin release and stress reduction Physical activities that induce sweating, such as exercise or a visit to a sauna, are known to trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. These 'feel-good' hormones can lead to what is often termed as a 'runner's high,' a state of euphoria accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life. Furthermore, the act of sweating in response to heat or exertion can also facilitate stress reduction, offering a soothing, meditative-like state that combats anxiety and promotes mental well-being. Enhancing skin health Sweating can also have a direct impact on our skin's health. By opening pores, sweat helps to flush out dirt, oil, and other impurities, potentially reducing the occurrence of blackheads and acne. Moreover, the natural hydration provided by sweat can improve skin elasticity and tone, giving it a healthier, more vibrant appearance. While it's crucial to cleanse the skin after sweating to prevent reabsorption of these impurities, the act itself is a natural exfoliant and moisturiser. However, one needs to stay hydrated and consume fruits and vegetables that have a cooling effect to survive the heatwave. When Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III visited the United States (US), he may have encountered the phrase palaces for the people, a term often used to describe US public libraries. He was certainly convinced of the importance of the public libraries system he encountered there; he appointed an American to create one in Baroda in 1910 and thus, William Alanson Borden created a system of free libraries in modern India. A publisher recently told me this about Kerala, which has close to 10,000 libraries: Wahan ki baat hi alag hai (Kerala stands out from the rest of the country). She reasoned that the states near-total literacy came first, and then came the books and the culture of reading. So, if we could just hurtle ourselves forward the Kerala way, then, only a century after Gaekwad and his love of free libraries, we could set about establishing the public library system that India needs. The publisher is right. Kerala is different from the rest of the country which has an abysmal ratio of one urban library for every 80,000 people and one rural library for every 11,500 people. But she is also wrong because people dont acquire literacy first and then books. They acquire books first and literacy follows. Keralas literacy movement was preceded by a century-long library movement. And even Kerala may no longer be able to exercise the autonomy of the Kerala way. R Bindu, Keralas minister of higher education, at the Union ministry of cultures Festival of Libraries, voiced her states objection to the Centres plan to move the library question from the state to the concurrent list. Kerala is worried that if they lose control over their libraries, they will no longer be able to maintain the quality of their system, which provides libraries at a ratio of one per 3,500 people. The library movement in India has mostly not been led by maharajas or government officials. It has been a peoples movement, led by those who undoubtedly understand that people have a right to places where they can meet, talk, read and think together. Leaders in the movement have come from various places and times in India: Motibhai Amin in Baroda, Sir Iyyanki Venkata Ramanayya in Andhra Pradesh, PN Panicker in Kerala, Monindra Dev Rai Mahashaya in Bengal, Master Motilal in Rajasthan, Sant Ram Bhatia in Punjab, Kumudeshar Barthakur in Assam, among others. SR Ranganathan, who conceived of the movement on a national scale, understood the importance of the connection between free libraries and the nation. Ranganathan is responsible not only for the Madras Public Libraries Act, the first library legislation adopted in India, but also for the Model Library Act, which alas was never adopted nationally. The present library movement in India is also a peoples movement. It is led by over 300 library practitioners and leaders from around the country and operates over 200 free library organisations. Nearly none of the libraries in the Free Libraries Network have access to the resources that would allow them to do what they do, which is to welcome all people and bar none from free membership in libraries in which literature and community thrive. The seemingly miraculous has less to do with miracles and more to do with a commitment to meet the urgency of peoples need for access to information. The free library movement describes itself as an anti-caste movement because it recognises the role caste has played in keeping people outside libraries. It recognises the role of libraries in annihilating caste. It begins with the assertion that libraries must be free to be anti-caste. These are combative words in India, where active exclusion of people from a reading environment occurs when a child in Rajasthan is beaten by his teacher for reaching for the wrong container of water. The Peoples National Library Policy 2024 (PNLP24) of the Free Library Network begins with the premise that libraries should be free of cost to all people, of all castes, religions, genders, classes, ethnicities, abilities, and should bar no one whatsoever, and further that people should be free to choose from the ideas curated within the library. The importance of freedom to choose what to read necessarily begins with adequate public funding and adequate ratio of libraries per capita and books per capita, and most importantly with local autonomy over libraries. We can trust autonomy to create the libraries people need and good national policy, on the lines of PNLP24, to ensure a baseline rooted in the Constitutions promise of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. The Constitution could as easily have been describing the best public library system as it described the nation we are trying to become. Mridula Koshy, a writer, is a board member of the Free Libraries Network. The views expressed are personal You know, to just be grossly generalistic, you could put half of Trumps supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right? The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamaphobic you name it. And unfortunately, there are people like that. And he has lifted them," Hillary Clinton infamously said during her campaign for the 2016 presidential election in the US. The rest, as they say, is history. Not only did Donald Trump defeat Clinton in the 2016 elections, he is giving sleepless nights to the so-called non-deplorable America even in the 2024 elections. BJP supporters cheer during an election campaign rally addressed by PM Narendra Modi ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in Cooch Behar district.(PTI) A lot of the liberal commentariat on Indian politics seems to be going the Hillary Clinton way while writing about the 2024 contest. Lest some of my peers take offence, what follows is not an ad hominem attack on the authors who have been advocating these views. However, for the sake of an informed debate in the public sphere, it is absolutely necessary that such views are countered. Let us begin by reiterating the gist of the argument which has been made so far by a host of not just journalists but even politicians. It begins with highlighting the fact that the BJP does poorly in the southern states. It then goes on to argue that the BJPs weaker footprint in the south is a result of the region being more developed both on economic and social indicators compared to the northern parts of the country which are poor and socially retrograde. The BJPs landslide victories outside southern India, we are told (even if not explicitly) are a result of toxic and backward people consolidating behind toxic and reactionary politics. This is pretty much what Clinton said about Donald Trumps rising popularity in the US. Are these arguments incorrect? First, let us look at the basic numbers. In the 2019 general elections, 339 million voters voted for parties which were not a part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Only 33% of them were from the southern states and Union territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. To give a more specific example, the number of voters who did not vote for the NDA in Uttar Pradesh was 1.4 times more than those who did not vote for it in Tamil Nadu. If not voting for the BJP for its allies is to be considered the differentia specifica of not being a bigot which is what a lot of such arguments suggest then the voters outside the south heavily outnumber their peers from southern states. One can take this argument forward. By now, it is an established fact that the BJP enjoys a vote share premium in national elections compared to state elections in most Indian states. If bigotry alone is driving the BJPs vote share, how does one explain this vote share differential? Is bigotry a switch which turns on and off depending on whether its a national or a state election? Let us now come to the perceived social progressivism in the South compared to the North. While there is some merit in the claim that southern India does not have a similar intensity of Hindu-Muslim political antagonism compared to some northern states, this is hardly a carte blanche for the argument that such states are completely bereft of retrograde social values. Kerala, for example, saw a huge backlash after the Supreme Court judgement allowing women of all age groups to the Hindu shrine of Sabarimala. The Congress was at the forefront of this reactionary assertion. Similarly, while the Dravidian movement in Tamil Nadu has done well to unseat the numerically insignificant Brahmins from social-political power, Dalits in the state continue to face social oppression and sometimes even brutal violence from the (technically) non-Savarna caste groups. Ironically, it is Uttar Pradesh, not Tamil Nadu or Kerala, which has given India its only full-term Dalit chief minister so far. There is another interesting question to be asked. Is there a strict correlation between socially progressive views and support for the BJP? Khap Panchayats or caste associations of Jats, a dominant peasant caste in north-west India, gained widespread notoriety a decade ago when they were seen as persecutors of young couples who were defying social norms by marrying outside their caste or within their sub-clan. Their positions were also pretty divisive during and after the 2013 communal riots in western Uttar Pradesh. The same groups have emerged as among the biggest opponents of the BJP in the aftermath of the farmers movement against the now-withdrawn farm laws. How does one explain this contradiction? In fact, one can go ahead and ask another interesting question. Bihar is more backward than Uttar Pradesh in most social and economic indicators. Yet, the BJP is weaker in Bihar than it is in Uttar Pradesh. Nothing else explains the BJP accommodating Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) in the NDA once again despite his repeated flip-flops. What explains this divergence in political divergence in fortunes for the BJP across two economically backward contiguous states? Similarly, why has the BJP managed to establish itself as a major political player in Karnataka, but not in other southern states? How did the BJP usurp almost the entire base of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI (M) in the state of West Bengal between the 2014 Lok Sabha and 2021 assembly elections? Did millions of, one would expect, left-leaning CPI (M) supporters in the state undergo some instant social transformation from owing allegiance to fascism from communism? Why has the BJP not achieved similar success against the CPI (M) in Kerala? Indian politics is a complex field The point of asking so many questions which challenge the simplified wisdom being offered by the progressive south versus retrograde north theorists is that Indian politics and its historical evolution are far more complicated to be ascribed to just one factor. British historian Eric Hobsbawm underlined this problem in his book Age of Extremes in just a sentence. No one who has been asked by an intelligent American student whether the phrase Second World War meant that there had been a First World War is unaware that knowledge of even the basic facts of the century cannot be taken for granted, he wrote. A lot of political pundits who are theorising about Indian politics are unaware of the historical processes which have brought us to the present juncture. The BJPs present-day dominance, if it has to be understood correctly, needs to be analysed in the wake of these historical factors and their dialectics with present-day political dynamics. Where the current leadership of the BJP deserves credit for its political shrewdness in exploiting these historical and current dynamics to expand its political footprint. The BJPs ability to craft an upper caste and lower OBC consolidation in Uttar Pradesh to checkmate the Samajwadi Partys (SP) Muslim-Yadav alliance is one such example. To put this in context, the SP gave its best-ever performance in terms of vote share in the 2022 assembly elections in the state, yet lost badly to the BJP. In Karnataka the BJP is now betting on a consolidation of Lingayats and Vokkaligas, the two numerically dominant caste groups in the state to counter the Congresss efforts to resurrect AHINDA, a coalition of the minorities, Dalits and other lower castes. These region-specific tactical manoeuvres are complemented by Narendra Modis rhetoric of him being the nation-builder par excellence. This is exactly where the Congress, which is still the largest opposition party in the country, has failed miserably in the post-2014 period. To give an example, in an election where the Congress is trying to make a caste census and doing away with the 50% cap on reservations in government jobs its biggest issue, its state unit presidents in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, the citadels of Mandal politics in India, are upper caste people. In an election, where the Congress claims to be fighting the BJP to save nothing less than democracy in India, Rahul Gandhi, its biggest de facto leader is actually fighting an election against the Communist Party of India in Kerala, where the BJP is still not a force to reckon with. A lot of regional parties and politicians against the BJP in the south, willy-nilly, are actively antagonising the northern voters both on class and cultural lines rather than trying to build bridges with them. This is either political arrogance or just parochialism and it is difficult to decide which of them is worse. An earlier version of this column had discussed some of these issues in detail. To be sure, not all of the BJPs advantage in current-day politics is on account of the oppositions own mistakes. Some of them are rooted in the BJPs ability to overcome class tensions through extra-economic factors as well, which were discussed in an earlier edition of this column. The BJP can be and should be criticised for a lot of things. But it cannot be criticised for the oppositions political hara-kiri, which is exactly what the opposition, both in the north and the south, is doing from a national political perspective. To attribute a possible BJP victory in 2024 to some imaginary progressive south being outnumbered by a reactionary north rather than take a holistic view of the oppositions self-goals and difficult-to-surmount political challenges is a sin which can be only be described by paraphrasing Brechts famous poem Die Losung (The Solution) where the opposition and not the government would find it simpler to elect a new people. It is up to the opposition and its fellow travellers whether they overcome their warped reading of the current political situation or end up like Hillary Clinton of 2016 when the history of the current period is written. Roshan Kishore, HT's Data and Political Economy Editor, writes a weekly column on the state of the country's economy and its political fallout, and vice-versa Instagram is amping up its safety features in an effort to protect minors from online sexual harassment and sextortion. In a new move, the app will now blur nude and explicit images shared with minors through its new artificial intelligence tool. Instagram will now blur explicit and nude images shared with minors (AP)(AP) Instagram's parent company Meta said on Thursday that it is incorporating new tools in its chat feature to protect teenagers from sexually exploitative scams and abuse which, as US politicians alleged, are damaging the mental health of youngsters. Gangs run sextortion scams by persuading people to provide explicit images of themselves and then threatening to release them to the public unless they receive money. Meta said in a release that it is testing new AI tools that can provide nudity protection for teenagers on Instagram, by finding and blurring images containing nudity in its messaging feature. "This way, the recipient is not exposed to unwanted intimate content and has the choice to see the image or not," Capucine Tuffier, who is in charge of child protection at Meta France, told AFP. The company further said, We're testing new features to help protect young people from sextortion and intimate image abuse, and to make it more difficult for potential scammers and criminals to find and interact with teens. The firm, which is constantly accused of violating the data privacy of its users, stressed that it would not have access to the images unless users reported them. US politicians said that they would provide sexual awareness training to any minor sending or receiving such images through social media. Some 3,000 young people fell victim to sexploitation scams in 2022 in the United States, according to the authorities there. US states have been piling on Meta with lawsuits, accusing the company of benefiting from children's pain by not taking action against rising cases of sextortion scams online. Meta is also planning to roll out new safety features for all its platforms where content restrictions will be revised for those under 18, and parental supervision would be heightened. (With inputs from AFP) Blinkit, an app that delivers groceries and other day-to-day items to your doorstep, made to the headlines a few days ago after announcing that they would be selling PS5 over the app. Now, they have added another item to their list of products- a fan. Arindam Paul, who is associated with Atomberg Tech, the company that is selling the fan on Blinkit, shared this news on X. After the post was made, it spread like wildfire, with many people reacting to it. Snapshot of the fan that is being sold on Blinkit.(X/@arindam___paul) Arindam Paul wrote on X, "Now live on Blinkit. Same price as other e-com platforms. Delivery in 12 minutes. Let's see how many we sell this summer." (Also Read: Blinkit to deliver Sony PlayStation 5 in record 10 minutes, Internet asks but why) Soon after this Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa reshared this tweet and said, "Stoked to see how well Arindam and team are building Atomberg. Happy to be a part of their journey." Take a look at the tweet here: This post was shared on April 11. Since being posted, it has gained over 17,000 views and close to 200 likes. Check out how X users reacted to the post: An individual wrote, "Now that I have the fan delivered in 10 mins, how many days will it take for the @atomberg_tech guy to install it? @arindam___paul. A second commented, "People keep asking what is the use of this or that thing getting delivered in 10 mins. Convenience & snap decision making is the future. Well done, @arindam___paul boss. Keep growing." (Also Read: Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsas hilarious reaction to customers conversation with executive on NYE) "Seriously? Every household that's using Blinkit or buying from kirana store must have ceiling fans. There must be some insight for doing this; I'm very curious to know. First PS then Atomberg. I feel that it's more of a marketing exercise," added a third. A fourth joked, "Me: need to order bread and veggies for breakfast tomorrow. Blinkit: Here you go. Me: I'm also thinking of getting a fan. Blinkit: guess what? Me: It's time to buy a PS5 as well because friends are coming. Blinkit: Bro, you are not going to believe this but-- Dbrand, a well-known accessories brand, has reacted following criticism for mocking an Indian man's surname after he complained about a MacBook skin had had bought from them. The Canadian company said it apologised to the man and offered him $10,000 "as a gesture of goodwill". Bhuwan Chitransh had complained about his MacBook skin from Dbrand, (X/@BhuwanChitransh) Bhuwan Chitransh, a Pune man working in the Netherlands, had complained on social media about his MacBook skin's colour change within two months of purchase. Dbrand, in response, made a sharp comeback, mocking the customers surname. Your last name is basically s**t rash, be serious, it wrote on X (formerly Twitter), responding to the complaint. Here is how Dbrand responded to the Indian techie: The tone was seen as racist and has sparked outrage on X, with many users expressing their dismay and calling for an apology from Dbrand. The company, however, remained unapologetic and has not deleted the original post which has garnered close to eight million views and over 2,800 comments. On Wednesday, Dbrand reaffirmed its stance with a detailed response. In a three-point statement, the company acknowledged the incident, stating, "Well that escalated quickly. Yes - we made fun of a guy's name. It was a huge fumble. We apologized to him directly and offered him $10,000 as a gesture of goodwill." Dbrand emphasised that this tone reflects their social media approach and that they have no intention of changing it. Check out Dbrand's latest reaction on X: "We've been poking fun at customers on social media for over a decade now. We're not going to stop, but maybe next time you'll be the one who gets $10,000." Bhuwan Chitransh, meanwhile, tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and the BJP to amplify how he was targeted by the Canadian brand. This comment reflects the invaluable perspective of an brand towards Indian customers," he wrote on X, with the hashtags #racism and #racistdbrand. Dbrand, headquartered in Canada, is best known for his iPhone cases and MacBook skins. Dbrand, a popular accessories brand, is under fire on social media after its response to an Indian customer backfired. The Canadian company poked fun at the man's surname after he complained of his recently-bough MacBook skin losing its original colour. Dbrand faced backlash for its response to an Indian techie who complained about a MacBook skin he bought from the brand, (X/dbrand, @BhuwanChitransh) What is the Dbrand racism row all about? It all began with Bhuwan Chitransh, a Pune man working in the Netherlands, complained on X (formerly Twitter) about his MacBook skin's colour change within two months of purchase. Dbrand is facing a huge backlash over the way it responded to the customer. Your last name is basically s**t rash, be serious, it wrote, responding to the complaint. Despite the backlash, Dbrand did not delete the post and went on to say that it stands by its social media tone. The company, however, said it had apologised to Chitransh and offered him $10,000 "as a gesture of goodwill". Dbrand emphasised that the company's tone reflects their social media approach and that they have no intention of changing it. Here are 5 points about Dbrand A father in Gurgaon took to X to share about his son's yearly school fee hike, and his post has prompted other parents to nod in agreement. In his post the X user, Udit Bhandari, also outlined how the rapidly increasing fee structure becomes a financial burden for the parents. An X user shared that his kid studies in Class 3 in a reputed school in Gurgaon, and the kids school fee has been increased without explanation (Representational image). (Unsplash/ivalex) My son's school fees have been consistently compounding at 10%/annum. The school does not even bother to explain the hike and the higher fee simply appears on the payment app! When parents protested, they said please look for another school for your kids! Bhandari wrote. In a follow-up tweet he added, This post surely has hit a raw nerve! My son is in Grade 3 and it's a reputed CBSE school in Gurgaon. School fees is Rs. 30000/month including meals (excluding bus). If this continues to compound at 10%, it would be nearly Rs. 9,00,000 per annum when he's in 12th. Take a look at the tweets here: Since being shared a few days ago, the post has collected more than 8.9 lakh views. The share has further accumulated close to 6,100 likes. People posted varied comments while reacting to the share. What did X users say about this post on school fee hikes? Same here with DPS. You cant object to anything. 10% hike every year, books with inflated MRP, they even provide stationery, and you cant buy it from outside. They change dresses and shoes every year so that nobody can use their old ones, posted an X user. Its a big issue which needs to be addressed on a serious note, shared another. My friend's daughter is in an International Board school in Bangalore in class 2, and her fees are - Rs. 8 lakhs/annum, including food and transportation. They increase the fees by 10% yearly + an additional 20% when the kid jumps certain grade buckets. So, as per my friend, the per annum fees when she reaches class 12th will be Rs. 35 lakhs, joined a third. This is so relatable. Unexplained hikes in school fees have become a norm with private schools. Education has become a business, wrote a fourth. NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), a spacecraft circling and studying the Moon for 15 years, captured a surfboard-shaped object orbiting the celestial body. Expectedly, after making its way onto social media, the image sparked conversations about its mysteriousness. A few also compared the object with the surfboard carried by the fictional character Silver Surfer. Any guesses what the object really is? According to NASA, it is Korea Aerospace Research Institutes Danuri lunar orbiter. LRO captured the image while zipping past Danuri in opposite directions. What do you think this NASA picture of a mysterious surfboard-shaped object orbiting the moon actually shows? (NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University) Take a look at this image that has gone viral: The image, captured by LRO, shows a 'surfboard-shaped' object orbiting the moon. It is Danuri lunar orbiter. (NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University) While describing the picture, NASA wrote, At the first imaging opportunity, LRO was oriented down 43 degrees from its typical position of looking down at the lunar surface to capture Danuri (streaked across the middle) from 3 miles, or 5 kilometres, above it. Danuri has been in lunar orbit since December 2022. Although LROs camera exposure time was very short, only 0.338 milliseconds, Danuri still appears smeared to 10 times its size in the opposite direction of travel because of the relative high travel velocities between the two spacecraft, NASA explained while talking about the brief encounter between the two spacecraft. An X user also shared the viral image and the other pictures of Danuri captured by LRO. The post prompted people to share varied reactions. How did X users react to this picture of the moon? Silver Surfers surfboard? commented an X user. It's my portal. I was wondering where I left it, joked another. When I saw it, I honestly thought it was a monolith appearing on the moon, added a third. Aliens, what else? There is no way there can be any possible explanation for that pixel shift, expressed a fourth. A surfboard? wrote a fifth. What are your thoughts on this viral image of the moon? Did the picture leave you stunned, too? National Pet Day: To celebrate the day of the bond between pets and their humans, Swiggy changed their existing policy involving parenthood to include pet parents. The company introduced a Paw-ternity policy to support employees on pet care and adoption. National Pet Day: In their new Paw-ternity policy, Swiggy expanded their definition of parenthood to include pet parents. (X/@alvannee) Girish Menon, Chief Human Resource Officer, Swiggy, announced in a press release that this new policy is designed to provide comprehensive support to employees who have pets, recognising and honouring their role in caring for their beloved companions. Building on our gender-neutral parental policy introduced in 2020, which provides substantial paid leave for primary and secondary caregivers, in addition to bonding leaves, and time off for adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage and IVF, we are now expanding our definition of parenthood to include pet parents as well. And thats why, starting today, were announcing the Swiggy Paw-ternity Policy for all full-time employees, Swiggy announced in the press release. What are the benefits for the employees under the paw-ternity policy? The employees will be eligible to receive benefits under three circumstances. The first is an additional paid day off when they get or adopt a new pet. Additionally, they may opt for the work-from-home option for a few days to provide comfort and support to their new family member. The full-time employees can use their casual or sick leave without hesitation to attend to the needs of their pets. In case of the passing away of a pet, an employee can apply for a bereavement leave. We recognize the indispensable place pets hold in the lives of our employees and are dedicated to supporting them in every aspect of their journey with Swiggys pet care policy, the company added. P-TAL, a startup that makes brass, copper and kansa items featured on Shark Tank India, and managed to get a deal from all the five judges on the panel. However, they recently took to Instagram to share that they are "returning" these cheques, and the reason might leave you emotional. Snapshot of the artisans at P-TAL. The official Instagram handle of P-TAL shared that they "are sending the cheques back to all the five sharks from Shark Tank India who invested" in them. They further wrote, "All the five sharks in our panel (Aman, Anupam, Amit, Namita, Vineeta) had agreed to put in: 20 lakh each at 0.64% equity, experience, expertise and time and network and connects with relevant, helpful individuals. When we went to our artisans and shared this with them, they got overjoyed and had tears of happiness in their eyes. To express their gratitude, we are sending a cheque on their behalf to each of the five sharks, paying them: Love, respect and blessings." (Also Read: Shark Tank India 3| Anupam Mittal loses his cool after this pitch: Dramebaazi ka bahut shauq hai) They also shared a video of their factory workers, who expressed their happiness over coming on national television. At the end of the clip, a man can be seen signing cheques in the names of all the Shark Tank India judges. In the cheque, he also wrote that he was repaying them back with his blessings. Watch the video here: This post was shared just a day ago on Instagram. Since being posted, it has gained more than 62,000 views. The post also has close to 2,000 likes and numerous comments. (Also Read: Shark Tank India's Anupam Mittal says he bought Shaadi.com site for this much: We used all our money) Check out how people reacted to the clip: An individual wrote, "Heartfelt and beautiful." "Omg I teared up," said a second. A third shared, "This is so heartwarming." "This is the purest thing I have seen, I swear. You're doing great, guys," posted a fourth. A fifth added, "Wow, guys. Super proud of you all." A doctor took to X to share about a tragic accident to iterate the importance of wearing seat belts in a car. Dr Mirza Alamdar Ali, who claimed that he treated the victims of a car accident that took place in Bengaluru, posted that in the incident, only one person escaped with minor injuries - an IT engineer who survived because of a seat belt. The doctor's post on a seat belt saving a techie's life in an accident in Bengaluru has created chatter on X (Representational image). (Unsplash/Clark Van Der Beken ) Sunday was a tough day at work. We faced a tragic accident involving five young adults, aged 22-24, all IT engineers from Odisha working in Bangalore, the doctor wrote. He then shared about the efforts the medical team made to save the patients. Unfortunately, two collapsed despite our efforts, and three are now in the ICU, one critically ill, and one underwent surgery, the doctor added. He then posted, The only survivor with minor injuries was the one wearing a seatbelt. Today, their parents travelled from across the country, from smaller cities, to find their children's lifeless bodies. This is a reminder to drive safely, wear seat belts, and never drink and drive. They're not just numbers! he wrote as he concluded his post. Take a look at the entire tweet here: Since being shared, the post has accumulated over 1.5 lakh views. People took to the comments section of the tweet to share varied reactions. What did X users say about this doctors post? Thanks, Dr, for sharing. This incident shows how important and life-saving a seat belt is. I'll use it always; at times, I, too, am lazy or careless. Peace to departed souls. May God give strength to those who are fighting and their families, commented an X user. Another user asked, Thanks for sharing. Can you provide more details on the case, i.e. where and when it exactly occurred? The doctor replied, Sunday night, around 10 PM, at Balagere Junction, Interior to Varthur-Marathahalli road! A third expressed, I have got my 3-year-old kid to wear a seat belt when dropping him to play school. Why don't adults understand the importance of it? A fourth added, So tragic! The vehicle should not start if people are not wearing seat belts! The alarm keeps beeping away, but that might not work! A sixth wrote, Heartbreaking news once again. Let's heed this wake-up call. Seat belts are a lifeline, and driving sober is non-negotiable. Stay safe, buckle up, and never drive under the influence. An Australian remote worker who was fired from her job at the country's largest insurance company after the employer monitored her work using keystroke technology has spoken up a little over a year after she lost her job. Suzie Cheikho was fired from her Insurance Australia Group (IAG) job on the basis on her laptop activity that the company tracked using keystroke technology. Suzie Cheikho, who was on WFH, was fired from Insurance Australia Group (IAG) in February last year. ((LinkedIn/Suzie Cheikho)) Cheikho had been with the company for 18 years, during which she handled tasks such as generating insurance documents, meeting regulatory deadlines, and ensuring compliance with work-from-home policies. However, her own work-from-home (WFH) performance was seen as inadequate, resulting in her being terminated in February last year. Cheikho is now worried she may never find a job again. "This has never happened to me before, and for what?" she said in a now-deleted vidoeo on TikTok, reported Unilad. Something thats very emotional and very private, I never even spoke about it on social media." In her rant, Suzie Cheikho said she is getting harassed online ever since her story went viral last year. "Im literally getting harassed through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, like what do you want me to do? I cant get a f**king job," she said. On LinkedIn, she has put an open to work status on her display photo. Insurance Australia Group tracked Cheikhos activity for 49 days between October and December 2022 and found that she had very low keystroke activity. What is keystroke technology? Keystroke technology tracks and analyses the sequence and timing of key presses in a computer, providing employers insights into an employee's behaviour. Cheikho allegedly logged in late to work on 47 occasions, logged out early on 29 occasions, and failed to work her rostered hours for 44 days. Additionally, on four days, she did not clock in any work hours. Her average keystrokes per hour were a mere 54, suggesting that she was not performing her work as expected. At that time, the woman did not accept the employer's allegations, saying she did not believe for a minute that she had worked less and alleged that the company had a premeditated plan to remove her from the business and that she was targeted due to her mental health issues". Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has raked up the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar and claimed that his government stood up for Canadians. Justin Trudeau, who testified at a public inquiry looking into foreign interference in Canada's electoral process said that his government was firm on the issue of protecting Canadians. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testifies before the Commission on Foreign Interference in elections and democratic institutions in Ottawa on April 10. (AFP) During a hearing of the foreign interference commission, which is headed by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Justin Trudeau accused the previous Conservative government in the country of being "cosy" with the current Indian government, news agency ANI reported. Justin Trudeau claimed that China tried to meddle in the last two Canadian elections but the results were not impacted and it was "improbable" Beijing preferred any one party over another. In sworn testimony before a commission conducting a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, Justin Trudeau answered questions about intelligence briefings he had received and asserted the elections were "free and fair." Trudeau set up the commission last year under pressure from opposition legislators unhappy about media reports on China's possible role in the elections. What Justin Trudeau said? 5 points Asked about foreign interference during the 2019 elections and redacted parts in the 2019 annual report of the NSI, Justin Trudeau said, In a public setting, I can't speak to redactions made for national security. But, I will say that the principle that anyone who comes to Canada from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, and interference from a country that they left behind and how we have stood up for Canadians, including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of (Hardeep Singh) Nijjar, demonstrates our government's commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians. "And the suggestion that we haven't and we won't do everything we can to defend Canadian rules and values and defend Canadians from foreign interference is simply misplaced," Justine Trudeau is heard in a video of the inquiry proceedings shared by Canadian newspaper The Global and Mail. "Our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas," the Canadian prime minister said. Asked whether appropriate steps were not taken to expose foreign interference, Justin Trudeau replied, "I think that's certainly a question one needs to ask of the previous conservative government that was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government. Whereas our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out, even if it irritates their home countries overseas," according to the video shared by The Global and Mail. In a classified February interview with the Commission of Inquiry, Justin Trudeau called it extremely damaging to the confidence of the people of Canada in the democratic process. A public summary of the interview was revealed at the inquiry on Wednesday, where Trudeau testified at an open hearing. Trudeau expressed his frustration that intelligence leaked to the media had been sensationalized and taken out of context, Canada-based CTV News reported. India-Canada ties The relations between India and Canada came under severe strain following Justin Trudeaus allegations last year of a potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. Days after Justin Trudeaus allegations, India announced temporarily suspending the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens and asked Ottawa to downsize its diplomatic presence in the country. India has rejected Justin Trudeau's allegations as "absurd" and "motivated" and accused Canada of giving space to Khalistani extremists targeting India. India had designated Nijjar as a terrorist in 2020. (With inputs from ANI) Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that his government defends the rights of citizens to speak out even if it irritates the Narendra Modi government in New Delhi. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (right), tours a modular home construction facility before making a housing announcement in Calgary, Alberta, on April 5. (AP) Trudeau made this statement in the context of questions about allegations of Indian interference in Canadas internal affairs. The previous Conservative government was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government whereas our government has always stood up to defend the minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas. These remarks came as part of a nearly three-hour long appearance by Trudeau before the ongoing Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, which is headed by Justice Marie-Josee Hogue. He also referred to his statement in the House of Commons on September 18 last year about there being credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, three months earlier. How we stood up for Canadians, including the very serious that I brought forward of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our governments commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians. He cited how we stood up for Canadians, including the very serious case that I brought forward to parliament of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our governments commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians. Those rights, he said, included those to be free from extortion, coercion, interference by a country that they left behind. While the focus on the Inquiry has largely been on the foreign interference activities conducted by China, particularly in the 2019 and 2021 elections, it has also seen documents released by intelligence agencies that point to such activity by other countries including India, Russia, Iran and Pakistan. China tried to meddle in the last two Canadian elections but the results were not impacted and it was "improbable" Beijing preferred any one party over another, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told an official probe on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testifies before the Commission on Foreign Interference in elections and democratic institutions in Ottawa(AFP) In sworn testimony before a commission conducting a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, Trudeau answered questions about intelligence briefings he had received and asserted the elections were "free and fair." Trudeau set up the commission last year under pressure from opposition legislators unhappy about media reports on China's possible role in the elections. Erin O'Toole, who led the main opposition Conservative party during the 2021 campaign, has estimated Chinese interference cost his party up to nine seats but added it had not changed the course of the election. Trudeau's Liberal Party won both the elections. "Nothing we have seen and heard despite, yes, attempts by foreign states to interfere, those elections held in their integrity. They were decided by Canadians," he said. ALSO READ| Canada's Justin Trudeau says he thinks about 'quitting his crazy job, but...' Asked about an intelligence report about Chinese officials in Canada expressing a preference in 2021 for a Liberal minority government due to the perception that minority governments would be more limited in enacting anti-China policies, Trudeau said the report had not reached him. "While individual (Chinese) officials may well have expressed a preference or another, the impression we got and consistently would get is that ... it just would seem very improbable that the Chinese government itself would have a preference in the election," Trudeau said. On Monday, Canada's domestic spy agency told the commission that China "clandestinely and deceptively interfered" in both the elections, the firmest evidence so far of suspected Chinese meddling in Canadian politics. A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada said Trudeau "slandered" China during the inquiry hearing, and that "China strongly deplores and resolutely opposes this." ALSO READ| Surge in temporary immigrants beyond Canadas capacity to absorb: Trudeau The spokesperson said some politicians have attempted to target China in the public investigation. The testimony was full of specious words, and no substantive evidence had been produced, according to a statement on Thursday. "China has never had any interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs," the spokesperson added. Beijing has previously denied all allegations of meddling in Canadian affairs and said it had no interest in doing so. The elections were conducted amid high tensions between the countries over the arrest of an executive of the Chinese company Huawei Technologies in Canada, followed by the arrest of two Canadians on spying charges in China. All three were freed in 2021. The commission will complete an initial report by May 3 and deliver its final report by end-2024. Washington: In a sign that the anxieties over the possible return of Donald Trump extend beyond Europe, Japans PM Kishida Fumio had a clear message for Americans during his address to the US Congress on Thursday: Dont doubt yourself and your global role, the world needs you. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addresses a joint meeting of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, on Thursday. (REUTERS) On the third day of his state visit to Washington DC, after committing to the most significant upgrade to the security alliance between Japan and US, Kishida used his moment on Capitol Hill to address Republicans in the House and the increasingly isolationist constituency outside to paint a picture of a world where American leadership was indispensable to deal with old and new threats, including those posed by China and Russia. In this task, he assured the US that it was not alone, and a new Japan that was more conscious of its security obligations would be an active partner. The US shaped the international order in the postwar world through economic, diplomatic, military and technological power. It championed freedom and democracy. It encouraged the stability and prosperity of nations, including Japan.The world needs the US to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of the nation. And yet, I detect an undercurrent of self doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be, Kishida said. This self-doubt, the Japanese PM warned, was arising at a time when the world was at historys turning point. Among the changes underway that he mentioned were the challenges to freedom and democracy, the climate crisis, the rise of artificial intelligence, the rise of the global south. But Kishidas main focus was the current geopolitical moment. He told Senators and representatives that Chinas current external stance and military actions presented an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge to both the peace and security of Japan and to the peace and stability of the international community. While such a challenge from China continues, our commitment to upholding a free and open international order based on the rule of law, as well as peace, will continue to be the defining agenda going forward. Kishida also spoke extensively about Ukraine, with a clear eye on the segment of Republicans in the House who have blocked a new security assistance package for Kyiv. As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow, Kishida warned the US, an allusion to how China was watching the developments in Ukraine closely and would take lessons for its own plans of aggression. Kishida then turned back to the wider American society and said he wanted to address the sense of loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that had upheld the international order almost single-handedly and how it was a heavy burden. He said that the US could not be expected to do this alone, but its leadership was indispensable. Without US support, how long before the hope of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow? Without the presence of the US, how long before Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities?, Kishida said, adding that as Americas closest friend, Japan would stand alongside the US for the survival of liberty. In an indirect acknowledgment of those in the American political theatre who criticised allies for not doing their bit, Kishida said that Japan had changed. Japan has transformed its national security strategy. Uncertainty about the future stability of the Indo-Pacific region caused us to change our policies and mindset, the PM said. He pointed to Japan increasing its defence budget to 2% of the GDP, acquiring counterstrike capabilities, improving cybersecurity, sanctioning Russia, providing $12 billion in aid to Ukraine and hosting a conference for its economic growth, working with Nato, becoming Americas global partner, working on Quad with Australia and India and unveiling a new trilateral arrangement with both US and South Korea and US and Philippines. These endeavours, Kishida told American lawmakers, had created a multilayered regional framework and required strong bipartisan support. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike would not influence truce talks in Gaza, as bombardments on Thursday rocked the Palestinian territory. Israeli tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC) manoeuvre on their way to Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel, April 10, 2024. (REUTERS) Israel confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal drag on without signs of a breakthrough. Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamas's negotiating stance. "If they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional," he said. US President Joe Biden said Hamas "needs to move" on the latest truce proposal, which the militant group has said it is studying. Israel's main international ally the United States has also been ramping up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce, increase the amount of aid flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip and abandon plans to invade the southern city of Rafah. Biden labelled Netanyahu's handling of the war a "mistake" in an interview broadcast on Tuesday, before warning on Wednesday that Israel has not allowed enough aid into the territory. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel carried out strikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the south of the territory, witnesses said. The war broke out with Hamas's October 7 attack against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Palestinian militants also took about 250 hostages, 129 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,482 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. - Hamas 'studying' truce - Talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been ongoing since Sunday. Hamas spokesman in Doha Hossam Badran told AFP: "Hamas is studying the offer presented... It has not responded yet." A framework being circulated would halt fighting for six weeks and see the exchange of about 40 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, said: "It's now up to Hamas, they need to move on the proposal that's been made". There has been a growing chorus of international criticism aimed at Israel's handling of the war and the paucity of aid entering the territory. On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that what he called Israel's "disproportionate response" in Gaza risked "destabilising the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world". Spain is among several Western nations, including Ireland and Australia, to have suggested they would recognise a Palestinian state in the near future as a starting point for wider peace talks. - 'Mistake' - Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz said that militarily "Hamas is defeated" but pledged to continue fighting "what remains of it", including in the years to come. He also echoed Netanyahu's vows to enter the southern city Rafah, despite growing international concern for the civilians there. "We will enter Rafah. We will return to Khan Yunis," he said. More than 1.5 million civilians are sheltering from the war in Rafah, the last Gazan city yet to face an Israeli ground incursion. The United States has repeatedly warned against an attack on Rafah. Evidencing his growing frustration with the hawkish Netanyahu, Biden has issued some of his sternest criticism yet of the war. "I think what he's doing is a mistake," Biden told the US network Univision in an interview that aired on Tuesday night. He urged Netanyahu to "just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into" Gaza. Washington's tougher line on aid has brought some results, the US Agency for International Development said. Recent days had seen a "sea change" in aid deliveries, said USAID administrator Samantha Power, although she insisted Israel needs to do more. On Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would "flood Gaza with aid", using a new crossing point on its northern border, streamlined checks and two new routes organised with Jordan. He said they expected to hit 500 aid trucks entering Gaza a day, which would match the average level of aid and commercial trucks reaching the territory before the war. - Iran threatens Israel - The war in Gaza has raised fears that conflict could engulf the wider region. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel on Wednesday that it "must be punished and will be punished" for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week that Tehran has blamed on Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz replied with a Persian-language post saying: "If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran". In response to Iran's threats, Biden on Wednesday promised "ironclad" support to Israel. "As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said. German airline Lufthansa on Wednesday announced it had suspended flights to and from Tehran, probably until Thursday, saying it was "due to the current situation in the Middle East". North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to deal a "death blow" to his country's enemies, state media said Thursday, as South Korea's hawkish ruling party suffered a defeat in parliamentary elections. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (AFP) So far this year, the nuclear-armed North has declared South Korea its "principal enemy", jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement. If provoked, North Korea will "deal a death-blow to the enemy without hesitation by mobilising all means in its possession", Kim said, according to Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He made the remarks during a visit to the Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics on April 10, the same day as South Korea's parliamentary election, KCNA said. "Now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before," Kim said. North Korea "should be more firmly and perfectly prepared for a war, which should be won without fail, not just for a possible war." Partially blurred images released by state media depicted Kim, surrounded by army officials, inspecting what appeared to be a miniature of South Korea's capital Seoul, including its Han River, along with maps of the peninsula. South Korea's parliamentary election result handed a defeat to the party of incumbent President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has taken a tough line with the nuclear-armed North while improving ties with Washington. It also makes him a likely lame duck for his remaining three years in office. The main opposition Democratic Party, which won by a landslide, favours a softer approach towards Pyongyang. The result is good news for Kim, especially with the prospect of the return of former US President Donald Trump in November elections, analysts say. Experts speculate that Trump, who had historic but ultimately unsuccessful summits with Kim during his presidency, may favour engagement with Pyongyang should he return to the White House. Kim has recently bolstered military ties with Russia, which last month used its veto power at the UN Security Council to effectively end UN expert monitoring of North Korean sanctions violations. More than 243 million children across East Asia and the Pacific are at risk of heat-related illnesses and death, as the region braces for a summer with record heat in the coming months, according to a United Nations agency. Over 24 crore children across East Asia and the Pacific at risk due to heatwave(File photo) Children are more vulnerable than adults to the effects of climate change, and excess heat is a potentially lethal threat to them. We must be on high alert this summer to protect children and vulnerable communities from worsening heat waves and other climate shocks, Debora Comini, director of Unicefs regional office for East Asia and Pacific, said in a statement on Thursday. According to the UNICEF, children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as chronic respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases as they are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults. The UNICEF's warning comes amid reports that March was the 10th consecutive month of record-breaking heat, with populations across much of the northern and southern hemispheres facing temperatures beyond climate targets. According to UNICEFs projections, all of the worlds two billion children are expected to be exposed to high heat wave frequency by 2050, regardless of its greenhouse gas emission scenarios. ALSO READ| Heatwave warning: Are you prepared for it? Situation in Southeast Asia Some Southeast Asian countries have issued advisories over concerns about extreme heat. Thailands Ministry of Public Health urged people to take precautions against heatstrokes after two deaths were reported this week. In the Philippines, due to extreme heat, in-person classes were suspended in some cities across the country and replaced with ways of remote learning. The Philippines weather agency warned earlier this year that 2024 may be one of the warmest years on record for the country. ALSO READ| Heatwave alert in India: How to protect against extreme heat; preventive tips to follow What UNICEF said on the precautions UNICEF has urged parents and guardians to create cooler places for children to play at home and schools so that they can avoid being outdoors. It has asked them to ensure that the children wear breathable clothing to help with heat regulation. Children displaying symptoms of heat stress should be hospitalised, the agency added. (With inputs from news agencies) A memoir Alexei Navalny began working on in 2020 will be published this fall. Patriot, which publisher Alfred A. Knopf is calling the late Russian opposition leader's final letter to the world, will come out Oct. 22. Flowers are left next to photos of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. (AFP) Navalnys widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said in a statement released Thursday by the publisher, This book is a testament not only to Alexeis life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorshipa fight he gave everything for, including his life. Through its pages, readers will come to know the man I loved deeplya man of profound integrity and unyielding courage. Sharing his story will not only honor his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter. Navalny, 47, died in February while serving a 19-year prison sentence on extremism charges that he condemned as politically motivated. He was jailed after returning from Germany in January 2021, and died in a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle. According to Knopf, Navalny began working on the book in Germany, and continued writing it in Russia, both in and out of prison. In vivid, page-turning detail, including never-before-seen correspondence from prison, Navalny recounts, among other things, his political career, the many attempts on his life, and the lives of the people closest to him, and the relentless campaign he and his team waged against an increasingly dictatorial regime, Knopf's announcement reads in part. Written with the passion, wit, candor, and bravery for which he was justly acclaimed, Patriot is Navalnys final letter to the world: a moving account of his last years spent in the most brutal prison on earth; a reminder of why the principles of individual freedom matter so deeply; and a rousing call to continue the work for which he sacrificed his life. The top US commander for the Middle East is in Israel for talks on security threats with the country's military officials, the Pentagon said Thursday. A staff member sets up the Iranian flag atop a new consular annex to Iran's embassy in Damascus on its inauguration day on April 8, 2024.(Photo by LOUAI BESHARA / AFP) The visit comes amid fears that Iran will retaliate after an Israeli strike that killed seven members of Tehran's elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals, in Syria earlier this month. General Erik Kurilla is in Israel "to meet with key IDF leadership... (and) discuss the current security threats in the region," Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told journalists. Ryder said the trip was moved up from a previously scheduled date "due to recent developments." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Wednesday that Israel "must be punished and will be punished," while US President Joe Biden pledged "ironclad" support for its top regional ally. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meanwhile spoke Thursday with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, who told the Pentagon chief that a "direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran." The two "discussed readiness for an Iranian attack against the state of Israel," the country's defense ministry said in a statement, adding that Gallant "emphasized that the state of Israel will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory." Toronto: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has questioned the assertion by the countrys spy agency that China clandestinely and deceptively conducted foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Federal elections in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (AFP) Trudeau appeared on Wednesday before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, which is headed by Justice Marie-Josee Hogue. Trudeau said, What I am saying, you have to take this intelligence, you have to take this information, with a certain awareness that it still needs to be confirmed or it might not be 100-per-cent accurate. Those allegations were contained in a briefing note from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service or CSIS, provided to the Prime Ministers Office in February 2023. That document, titled Briefing to the Prime Ministers Office on Foreign Interference Threats to Canadas Democratic Institutions, said, We know that the PRC clandestinely and deceptively interfered both in the 2019 and 2021 general elections. PRC refers to the Peoples Republic of China. The target was the principal opposition Conservative Party and its then leader Erin OToole, who adopted a platform that was sharply critical of Beijing. In 2021, the PRC FI were almost certainly motivated by a perception that the Conservative Party of Canada was promoted on a platform that was perceived to be anti-PRC, the CSIS note stated. Earlier, OToole had testified before the Inquiry they won fewer seats than what was expected, down from the 127 modelled to the final outcome of 199 in the 2021 Federal elections. Though, he said, that would not change the ultimate result of the election, with the ruling Liberal Party returning to power and Trudeau heading another minority government, he estimated that suppression could have led to a loss of between five and nine seats. I think a lot of people didnt vote because they were intimidated, he had said. A US influencer, who identifies as an astrologer and claimed to be worried about the end of the world with the eclipse, allegedly stabbed her partner to death at their Los Angeles apartment, reports claimed citing a Los Angeles Times article. Subsequently, while speeding down the major 405 freeway before dawn on Monday, the influencer pushed her two children one aged nine, the other only eight months out of the moving vehicle before fatally crashing the car into a tree. Only the nine-year-old child survived the ordeal. Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson(Source: X) The Los Angeles police said the 34-year-old woman, identified as Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson, used X as a platform to post content as an astrology influencer and recording artist under the alias Ayoka. In an online post days before the incident, she referred to the impending solar eclipse as the epitome of spiritual warfare". WAKE UP WAKE UP THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE. EVERYONE WHO HAS EARS LISTEN. YOUR TIME TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOW. IF YOU BELIEVE A NEW WORLD IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE RT NOW. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE!!!! REPOST TO MAKE THE CHOICE FOR THE COLLECTIVE, Danielle Johnson wrote on her X account three days before the deaths, on April 5. Also Read | US man suffers scorpion sting on testicles while sleeping in a Las Vegas hotel On April 4, under her online pseudonym Danielle Ayoka on X, she posted, Get your protection on and your heart in the right place. However, the Associated Press reported, citing an investigative official, that detectives have examined Johnson's posts. Yet, police are not deeming the eclipse to be a triggering or contributing element to the killings because we just don't know why she did what she did". Weve taken all the facts we can, but without being able to interview her and without having something more tangible than a post on X, I dont know how much weight you can give to somebody (saying) theres an apocalypse and attribute it to one of the most horrific murders weve had in LA, Golan, who is head of the homicide unit investigating the case, said. Killings happened this way According to the AP report, authorities disclosed that Johnson and her partner, 29-year-old Jaelen Allen Chaney, engaged in an altercation around 3.40am on Monday at their Woodland Hills apartment, approximately 25 miles (42 km) northwest of downtown LA. Following the altercation, Johnson allegedly stabbed Chaney and left the residence with her two children, an 8-month-old girl and her 9-year-old sister, in a Porsche Cayenne. Subsequently, Johnson drove along Interstate 405 in Culver City and ejected her daughters from the moving SUV around 4.30 am, as stated by the police. The baby was pronounced dead at the scene, while the older daughter, who witnessed the stabbing, survived with moderate injuries. Johnson continued her journey southwest to Redondo Beach, where approximately half an hour later, she was driving at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour (160 kph) and crashed into a tree. The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating whether the single-vehicle collision was potentially a suicide attempt. (With inputs from AP, AFP) Apple has issued an alert of extremely advanced cyberattack to iPhones users in 92 countries, including India. Apple has warned iPhones users in 92 countries, including India, of an extremely advanced cyberattack.(Pixabay) Apple, the parent corporation, on Wednesday updated its guidelines about extremely sophisticated device intrusion and informed targeted users in an email that hackers sought to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx. Despite being referred to as "mercenary attacks," hackers don't target users in order to obtain personal information like bank account numbers. They prefer to target well-known people, including politicians, journalists and diplomats, because of who they are or what they do, said Apple in its new guidelines. Apple claimed that mercenary spyware attacks are "more complex than regular cybercriminal activity and consumer malware" and that they are constantly changing due to their unusual funding. The extreme cost, sophistication and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today," the alert reads. "Although its never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warningplease take it seriously. Even though the latest warning does away with the word "state-sponsored", the tech giant nevertheless states that these attacks "have historically been associated with state actors" . Reuters noted that Apple came under fire last fall for an incident involving the Indian government and its opposition leaders. A proxy may also be utilised on behalf of a country at other times. Apple has warned people in at least 150 countries since 2021 about the possibility that their devices may be hit by exceptionally well funded attacks. Also Read: Apple's major milestone: Company now makes 1 in 7 iPhones in India as output hits $14 billion Here's what to do if you get iPhone spyware warning Apple has released a growing number of iOS updates in the past few years to fix security flaws that may have been exploited by spyware attacks. It has issued emergency security updates, particularly in cases where assaults are already leveraging an iPhone vulnerability. The reason spyware attacks are so terrifying is that the malware can be distributed using a "zero-click attack," meaning an iPhone user doesn't need to interact with the attack. For instance, a malicious image can be sent via WhatsApp or iMessage . If successful, these kinds of attacks against iPhone spyware give opponents total control over the device. Following this, hackers get access to everything on the iPhone's screen. They can read your emails, listen in to your calls and even use apps like Signal and WhatsApp. If you have received a notification from Apple, you can get in touch with Amnesty International's Security Lab, a human rights group, that provides digital forensic assistance to journalists, activists, human rights defenders, and members of civil society who are facing a threat. Also Read: Is it possible to keep data hidden from Apple on iPhones? Virtually impossible, experts warn If you are a member of civil society, and you have received an Apple notification, you can contact us and request forensic support using our Get Help form, according to a notice on Amnesty Internationals website. New sonar images have captured the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge lying on the bed of Baltimore's Patapsco River. The bridge collapsed on March 26 after being struck by a massive commercial vessel named Dali, which lost power. The U.S. Navys Naval Sea Systems Command obtained these images, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sharing them on social media. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 09: In an aerial view, salvage crews continue to remove wreckage from the cargo ship Dali after it stuck and collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge, April 09, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Getty Images via AFP) The scans display the metal framework of the ship, slated for removal by the end of April. This will pave the way for a new 35-foot-deep, 280-foot-wide Limited Access Channel. "The channel will accommodate larger ships at the @portofbalt, including marine tugs, Maritime Administration (MARAD) vessels, and Roll-on/Roll-off shipping," the Corps stated on social media. Activists want Francis Scott Key Bridge name changed Civil rights groups in Maryland are urging the state to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge, destroyed last month by a cargo ship, due to Key's history as a slave owner. Key owned slaves and reportedly believed that Black people were intrinsically inferior as a race. Every single public structure that is built to honor someone is being done using all taxpayers money, Snowden said. Whoever the bridge is named after should be somebody that all taxpayers can respect. The Caucus of African American Leaders propose renaming it after Rep. Parren J. Mitchell, the first Black Marylander elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He spent a life, his entire life, creating a bridge between the African American community and literally the larger society, Carl O. Snowden, the convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, told NBC News. Mitchell died in 2007. Additionally, they suggest renaming the Sen. Frederick Malkus Memorial Bridge after Gloria Richardson, a prominent civil rights leader. The caucus plans to present these recommendations to Governor Wes Moore and advocate for a memorial for the six Latino workers killed in the bridge collapse. Baltimore Salvage Operation Challenges Earlier, on April 2, the Corps of Engineers had shared sonar images revealing the complexity of the salvage operation. Divers primarily used the imaging tool CODA Octopus to inspect the site. However, due to murky waters with visibility limited to one to two feet, they couldnt use video. The Corps described the conditions as "virtual darkness," with divers relying on detailed verbal guidance from operators aboard vessels viewing real-time CODA imagery. Baltimore Collapse Details The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, causing significant disruption to the Port of Baltimore. The collapse claimed the lives of six workers from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico, who were patching potholes. Two victims, Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, 35, and Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, were recovered from a submerged red pickup truck near the bridge's middle span. Baltimore Cleanup Efforts: Cleanup operations began on March 31 after a crane removed a 200-ton section of the bridge obstructing the port entry. Governor Wes Moore noted that this piece was just one of thousands of tons of debris in the river and atop the ship. Approximately 1,100 Corps of Engineers personnel are on site, utilizing specialized equipment to help reopen the U.S.'s largest vehicle-handling port. A senior U.S. official mentioned that the Dali's keel also lies at the river bottom, entangled with part of the bridge, complicating the channel-clearing efforts. BEIJING China on Thursday announced rare sanctions against two U.S. defense companies over what it called their support for arms sales to Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy Beijing claims as its own territory to be recovered by force if necessary. HT Image The announcement freezes the assets of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems held within China. It also bars the companies' management from entering the country. Filings show General Dynamics operates a half-dozen Gulfstream and jet aviation services operations in China, which remains heavily reliant on foreign aerospace technology even as it attempts to build its own presence in the field. The company also helps make the Abrams tank being purchased by Taiwan to replace outdated armor intended to deter or resist an invasion from China. General Atomics produces the Predator and Reaper drones used by the U.S. military. Chinese authorities did not go into details on the company's alleged involvement with supplying arms to Taiwan. Beijing has long threatened such sanctions, but has rarely issued them as its economy reels from the COVID-19 pandemic, high unemployment and a sharp decline in foreign investment. The continued U.S. arms sales to Chinas Taiwan region seriously violate the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, interfere in Chinas internal affairs, and undermine Chinas sovereignty and territorial integrity, China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement. It insists that the mainland and the island to which Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalist forces fled amid civil war in 1949 remain part of a single Chinese nation. Sanctions were leveled under Beijing's recently enacted Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Countering Foreign Sanctions, aimed at retaliating against U.S. financial and travel restrictions on Chinese officials accused of human rights abuses in mainland China and Hong Kong. General Dynamics fully owned entities are registered in Hong Kong, the southern Chinese semi-autonomous city over which Beijing has steadily been increasing its political and economic control to the point that it faces no vocal opposition and has seen its critics silenced, imprisoned or forced into exile. The two companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. China has threatened action against foreign companies and governments that aid Taiwan's defense and the U.S. military presence in the region, leading to commercial boycotts and diplomatic standoffs. China banned American firms Lockheed Martin Corp. and Raytheon Missiles & Defense from the Chinese market in retaliation for the use of one of their planes and a missile to shoot down a suspected spy balloon that flew over the continental United States last year. Similar balloons have frequently been discovered floating over Taiwan and into the Pacific Ocean. Despite their lack of formal diplomatic ties a concession Washington made to Beijing when they established relations in 1979 the U.S. remains Taiwan's most important source of diplomatic support and supplier of military hardware from fighter jets to air defense systems. Taiwan has also been investing heavily in its own defense industry, producing sophisticated missiles and submarines. China had 14 warplanes and six navy ships operating around Taiwan on Wednesday and Thursday, with six of the aircraft crossing into Taiwan's air defense identification zone a tactic to test Taiwan's defenses, wear down its capabilities and intimidate the population. So far, that has had little effect, with the vast majority of the island's 23 million people opposing political unification with China. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Costco is raking in millions of dollars on a monthly basis from its new gold sales strategy. The retail giant started selling 1-ounce gold bars priced at $2,000 online and at select stores last year. Calling Costco's sale of gold bars a smart move, experts estimate that the retail company is earning $100 to $200 million a month. The Wells Fargo equity research report further adds that the addition of gold/silver to its sales offerings only reinforces its value position. Costco raking in up to $200 million per month from its gold sales, experts say(REUTERS) Experts laud Costco's new gold sales strategy When Costco first started selling gold in October 2023, CFO Richard Galanti said during a company earnings call that bars being sold online were typically gone within a few hours, per the Associated Press. At the time, the company limited the sale to two bars per buyer. However, a buyer can now purchase a maximum of five gold bars. Edward Kelly, an equity analyst at the bank, said in a note to clients Tuesday, Our work suggests there has been significant interest given COSTs aggressive pricing and high level of customer trust. The accelerating frequency of Reddit posts, quick on-line sell-outs of product, and COSTs robust monthly eComm sales suggests a sharp uptick in momentum since the launch, Kelly added, per CNBC. While the price of nearly 24-karat gold bars is not disclosed online to nonmembers, experts estimate that Costco generally sells them at 2 per cent above the spot price to its members. There is also a 2 per cent cash-back reward for executive members and an additional 2 per cent cash-back for Citi card holders. Pricing at that level and shipping costs suggests its a very low-profit business at best, Kelly added. DataTrek co-founder Nicholas Colas said in a recent market note, The move suggests that many foreign governments feel the need to hedge geopolitical outcomes that might be negative catalysts for other risk assets like stocks. The only good news is that this reinforces the idea of gold as a reasonable hedge for diversified portfolios. Former US President Donald Trump voiced his opinion on Wednesday regarding an Arizona law dating back to 1864, which virtually bans all abortions. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives at the Atlanta Airport on April 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Megan Varner / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) In Arizona, the historic law from 1864 prevails over a more recent statute enacted in 2022, which restricts abortion after 15 weeks. The law permits abortions solely in cases where the mother's life is at risk, without provisions for instances of rape or incest. The former President, irrespective of his apprehensions of the law`s severity, had always continued to accentuate his consent for the rejoinder of Roe v. Wade (1973) by the Supreme Court in 2022, which therefore cancelled the abortion rights guaranteed under the constitution. When speaking to reporters at the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, Trump made clear that the Arizona lawmakers were his people and therefore, he would do what he must to see to it that the old ban is lifted, even if that meant overturning the decision by the Arizona Supreme Court which had quite recently let the old ban stay. ALSO READ| Donald Trump reportedly plans federal investigations of Joe Biden if he gets another term in the White House Trump stated, It's all about state's rights, and that'll be straightened out. I'm sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and that'll be taken care of, I think very quickly. Abortion remains a focal point in the lead-up to the 2024 election Democrats anticipate that the 2022 Supreme Court ruling, which was facilitated by three Trump-appointed justices, will galvanize voters who advocate for abortion rights. In response, Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for President Biden's 2024 campaign, criticized Trump: He owns the suffering and chaos happening right now, including in Arizona. Tyler accused Trump, stating, Trump lies constantly about everything but has one track record: banning abortion every chance he gets. The guy who wants to be a dictator on day one will use every tool at his disposal to ban abortion nationwide, with or without Congress. Despite pressure from anti-abortion groups to endorse a federal ban on abortion, Trump declined to do so in a video statement released on Monday. He reiterated his belief in allowing states to determine abortion policies by vote or legislation, or perhaps both, and added, It's the will of the people. Trump hailed the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade as an incredible achievement. ALSO READ| On abortion, Trump pivots to expediency Notably, the three justices he appointed to the Supreme Court Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett voted in favour of ending the constitutional right to abortion. Proponents of the right of abortion are already in the motion to be approved on the ballots come November with the bill to the constitution of the state to establish the right of abortion until the viability of the foetus, usually about 22 and 24 weeks into the pregnancy. The FBI is concerned about the possibility of an organized attack in the United States similar to the one that killed scores at a Russian concert hall last month, the bureau's director plans to tell a House of Representatives panel on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats to American security, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 11, 2024. REUTERS/Julia Nikhinson/File Photo(REUTERS) Looking back over my career in law enforcement, Id be hard pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once, Christopher Wray is set to tell lawmakers during a budget hearing. But that is the case as I sit here today. The March 22 attack on a concert hall in suburban Moscow killed at least 144 people, the deadliest in Russia in 20 years. A branch of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility, but Russian President Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence, has sought to blame Ukraine. U.S. officials have been worried about the possibility of an attack carried out by an individual or small group inspired by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. But the FBI is growing concerned about a more coordinated attack following the concert massacre in Russia, Wray will say during testimony. Of increasing concern "is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall a couple weeks ago, he will say. 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' Wray to press Congress to renew Section 702 of FISA Wray also plans to press lawmakers to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is scheduled to expire on April 19 and allows for the monitoring of foreign persons abroad. He called it an indispensable tool against U.S. adversaries. " An absolutely indispensable tool for Congress can give us in our fight against foreign adversaries is the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act," he will say. "It's critical in securing our nation, and we're in crunch time." Also Read: FBI Houston finally arrests 'Little Rascals for robbing Wells Fargo Bank, who are they? A modest overhaul of that program was blocked in the House on Wednesday amid concerns from members of both parties that it did not go far enough in curbing the governments surveillance powers. Its critical in securing our nation, and were in crunch time, Wray plans to tell lawmakers. The FBI has come under immense backlash over their improper use of Section 702 to spy on Black Lives Matter demonstrators throughout the summer of 2020 and individuals who staged riots at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The director of the FBI will also issue a warning, stating that agency budget cuts will have an immediate impact on partners in state and local law enforcement in addition to FBI operations. Amid Donald Trump's looming trial in the Stormy Daniels hush money case, Melania Trump's ex-aide shed light on the 45th US President and his spouse's marital life. Calling Melania a "very independent and strong woman", Stephanie Grisham described an incident when the former first lady refused to walk out with Donald Trump.(Getty Images via AFP) Speaking to CNN on Wednesday, Stephanie Grisham hinted that the case could cause stress in the couple's marriage, adding that she spent a lot of time with Melania when news about Stormy Daniel, who claims to have had an affair with Trump, broke out. "I spent a ton of time with her when the news was breaking about Stormy Daniels. And she didnt take it lightly at all," said Grisham who served as chief of staff to Melania before becoming White House press secretary under the Trump administration. While Melania was taking care of their child Barron Trump, tensions in the White House also resulted from additional accusation of the ex-president's affair with Playboy Playmate Karen McDougal, she added. Calling Melania a "very independent and strong woman", the ex-aide described an incident when the former first lady refused to walk out with Trump. We went to the State of the Union separately. She refused to walk out to Marine One with him because she didnt want to be like Hillary Clinton and standing by her man, Grisham said She expressed her belief that Melania will "push" Trump to testify in public during the hush money trial, which is scheduled to start next week. Stressing that the situation is very embarrassing and humiliating for Melania, Grisham said: And I can guarantee you that shes not happy right now and that hes quite worried about that. Also Read: Had my head examined: Trump faces intense backlash for insulting Jewish and Black voters who support Biden Alvin Bragg, the district attorney for Manhattan, filed an indictment against Trump in April 2023. According to the charges, Trump "repeatedly and fraudulently falsified New York business records to conceal crimes that hid damaging information from the voting public during the 2016 presidential election." He also accused Trump of giving Daniels hush money. The trial is scheduled to start on Monday, and Trump has persisted in denying any wrongdoing in the case. Melania Trump makes rare at Trump's Palm Beach fundraiser Since leaving the White House, the former first lady has limited her public and social media presence. Trump, however, declared that she will soon hit the campaign trail amid queries from their fans and supporters that "where is Melania?" Also Read: Donald Trump reportedly plans federal investigations of Joe Biden if he gets another term in the White House Melania made a rare appearance on April 6 at a Trump's presidential campaign fundraiser that allegedly raised over $50 million. However, she opted to remain silent and made no public comments. While leaving a polling place in Palm Beach, Florida, with Trump last month, Melania told reporters to stay tuned for her comeback to the campaign trail. AUGUSTA, Maine The commanding officer of an Army reservist responsible for the deadliest shooting in Maine history acknowledged to an independent commission on Thursday that he didnt get deeply involved in the reservists medical care after he was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. HT Image Capt. Jeremy Reamer said he understood that the shooter, Robert Card, was suffering from a psychiatric breakdown during training last summer but said he was limited in the level of oversight he could provide after Card returned home and was not actively participating in drills with his Army Reserve unit. More aggressive actions and oversight would have been possible if Card had been a full-time soldier, Reamer said. Commissioner Toby Dilworth, a former federal prosecutor, grilled Reamer about why he didn't follow through with someone under his command, including by making sure Card attended counseling sessions. At one point, Reamer said an email problem prevented him from seeing a July message pertaining to Cards health until after the Oct. 25 shootings. Reamer, who gave up control of the Maine-based unit after a routine change of command in February, also defended his decision to rely on a subordinate, an Army reservist who was Card's best friend, to serve as a go-between with Card's family. The reservist, Sean Hodgson, told Reamer that he reached out to Card's family in Bowdoin and that family members agreed to take away his guns after he was hospitalized. Reamer said that as an Army Reserve officer, he had no jurisdiction over Card's personal guns. My understanding was that an agreement was made and the family agreed to remove the weapons from the home," Reamer said. I just know that the family agreed to remove the firearms," he added later. Reamer was called back to testify because his previous testimony was cut short. Other witnesses expected to testify on Thursday include survivors of the shooting, the state's former chief medical examiner and witnesses who were slated to discuss American Sign Language communication struggles after the shootings. Appointed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, the independent commission is determining facts around the shooting that claimed 18 lives at a bowling alley and at a bar and grill, both in Lewiston. In its interim report released last month, the commission concluded that the Sagadahoc County sheriffs office had probable cause under Maines yellow flag law to take Card into custody and seize his guns because he was experiencing a psychiatric crisis and was a danger to others. Maine lawmakers are currently debating whether the law, which requires police to initiate the process, should be supplemented with a red flag law, which would allow family members or others to directly petition a judge to remove guns from someone in a psychiatric crisis. Its one of several mental health and gun control measures being considered by the Maine Legislature in response to October's mass shooting. The commission's work is far from complete, Chairman Dan Wathen said last month. Nothing we do can ever change what happened on that terrible day, but knowing the facts can help provide the answers that the victims, their families and the people of Maine need and deserve, he said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Rapper Polo G was taken into custody on gun-related charges after a maid at a Manhattan hotel discovered a loaded Glock in his room on Wednesday, according to the NYPD. Rapper Polo G was accused of owning a loaded gun and criminally possessing a weapon.(Rapper Polo G /Instagram) The police carried out a search warrant at The Dominick Hotel on Spring Street in SoHo. The 25-year-old California-based rapper, whose real name is Taurus Bartlett, was accused of owning a loaded gun and criminally possessing a weapon, NY POST reported. The rapper is well-known for his debut album "Die a Legend," which debuted at number one on the Billboard charts. A criminal complaint states that when police were called to the hotel, they discovered a black Glock on a couch inside Polo G's room. According to the lawsuit, the gun had nine bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber. Also Read: Meek Mill says sick rumours with Diddy are confusing his son, people saying his dad gay Polo Gs attorney seeks bail In a bail request, Polo G's lawyer, Stacey Richman, contended, he is 100% serious about his work and about his professionalism. He has absolutely no incentive to flee because he has a career hes built. However, the prosecution cited Polo G's past run-ins with the law, including a misdemeanor conviction, and claimed that Polo G posed a flight risk. Also Read: Chance the Rapper and wife Kirsten Corley announce divorce; what is the reason of their separation? A look at Polo Gs controversial past Polo G, who is known for his troublesome past, has more than 10 million Instagram followers. Despite this large fan base, he appears to not be concerned much about setting a positive example for his followers. In 2019, he overdosed on drugs at a party and ended up in the hospital in critical condition. Fortunately, Polo survived, but his friend and fellow rapper Juice Wrld lost his life. Last year in August, he was detained twice in a 24-hour period in Los Angeles on allegations of kidnapping, robbery, and assault. Judge Kevin McGrath slammed the rapper with $25,000 cash bail. Polo G, a Chicago native, propelled to fame on the rap charts with hits like "Pop Out," which featured rapper Lil Tjay, and "Finer Things." "Die A Legend," his debut album from 2019, was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. It peaked at No. 6 on the US Billboard 200. His fourth album, "Hood Poet," which was postponed due to his arrest in August 2023, is anticipated to be released later this year. His next court hearing is set to take place on June 4. He is allowed to appear virtually. A Russian spacecraft, named Timed came dangerously close to a U.S. satellite, passing within just 10 meters in space. Experts have asserted that the near-miss could have had severe consequences, potentially endangering lives on Earth. On February 28, Russian spacecraft came dangerously close to a U.S. satellite.(Reuters file photo for representation) NASA's Timed satellite, designed to monitor Earth's atmosphere, narrowly avoided a collision with the defunct Russian spy satellite Cosmos 2221. Colonel Pam Melroy, NASA's deputy administrator and a former astronaut, described the incident as "really scary" for the U.S. space agency. Speaking at the Space Foundations Space Symposium in Colorado, Melroy said, It was very shocking personally and for all of us at Nasa," said Melroy while speaking at the Space Foundations Space Symposium in Colorado. On February 28, a Nasa spacecraft called Timed and a Russian satellite, neither of them manoeuvrable, were expected to make a close path. We recently learnt that the path ended up being less than 10 metres apart, less than the distance of me to the front row. Had the two satellites collided, we would have seen debris generation, tiny shards travelling at 10,000 miles per hour, waiting to puncture a hole in another spacecraft and potentially putting human lives at risk. She emphasized the potential danger posed by even small objects in space, saying, Its kind of sobering to think that something thats the size of the eraser on the end of your pencil could wreak such havoc but it can. Were all worried about this. Timed really scared us. Meanwhile, Russian space officials confirmed an ongoing air leak from the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS). However, they assured that it doesn't pose any danger to the crew. The Roscosmos state corporation stated that specialists are monitoring the leak and the crew regularly works to locate and repair possible leak spots. There is no threat to the crew or the station itself, Roscosmos said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. This statement came after Joel Montalbano, NASAs station project manager, mentioned that the leak in the Russian segment has increased. He emphasized that it remains small and poses no threat to the crews safety or the stations operations. The Russian space officials first reported a leak in the Zvezda module in August 2020. Later that year, Russian crew members located what they believed was its source and attempted to fix it. In November 2021, another potentially leaky spot was found in a different part of the Russian section of the station. Both Roscosmos and NASA have confirmed that the leak posed no danger to the crew and didnt affect the station's operations. Can you imagine being given a devastating prognosis, being told you have just 15 months to live, enduring emotional and mental trauma, and undergoing grueling chemotherapyonly to be told 15 months later that it was a diagnosis error? That's the story of Lisa Monk. US woman was told she had terminal cancer and underwent 15 months of grueling chemotherapy, only to learn it was a misdiagnosis 39-year-old mother of two and a higher education worker from College Station, Texas, experienced aggressive chemotherapy after being diagnosed with angiosarcoma, a rare form of blood vessel cancer, early last year. Now she has found out that she never had cancer in the first place. The diagnosis came after Lisa experienced stomach pain, and a scan revealed a mass in her body along with kidney stones. "When the doctor told me it was cancer, I went into shock. The diagnosis was horrible, and [they] told me it was terminal," she told Daily Mail. Lisa was told she had only a year to live Despite the grim prognosis, Lisa kept the severity of the diagnosis from her children, opting not to share that she had been given just over a year to live. She resolved to fight the disease and began leaving memories for her children, writing letters with messages for the future weddings she would miss and the grandchildren she feared she'd never meet. The first round of chemotherapy began in March of last year, causing Lisa to lose all her hair and leaving her with "silvery skin" and relentless vomiting. After enduring 15 months of grueling treatment, a pathology report following her second round of chemo revealed there was no cancer in her body to begin with. "I saw the nurse practitioner first. She was scrolling on the computer while talking to me. Suddenly, she stopped talking and had this look on her face," Lisa recounted. The nurse, looking "completely horrified," quickly left the room to fetch the doctor. "She left me alone for about 15 minutes, and then the doctor came back in. He used a lot of medical jargon and then told me I didn't have cancer," Lisa told the Mail. Instead, it was "just blood vessel activity." "The doctor then told me that I never had cancer. At that moment, I looked like I had cancer and felt like I had cancer, as I was vomiting, sick, and my skin was silvery because of the chemotherapy," she added. Initially, Lisa was in shock. "I was confused because they were acting like it was a bad thing. I just thought if I didn't have cancer, it meant the chemotherapy was working." Glaring negligence by the hospital According to The Mirror, the initial report diagnosing her with cancer had been passed on to the hospital. However, due to their policy, they had requested that Lisa undergo their own tests. Lisa claimed the hospital's test had come back clear, but they allegedly did not check their report until the April appointment, by which time she had already undergone one round of chemotherapy. "I had chemotherapy during this time, and they could have told me a month earlier. I would have avoided the second round of chemotherapy if they had bothered to read their own pathology report," she said. A year later, Lisa is still "angry" about everything she and her family endured due to a false diagnosis, which not only ruined her health but also "cooked" her insides. "Financially, we're still paying medical bills. Cancer is expensive, and I couldn't get any of my bills dismissed. And there's the emotional trauma too. It was a very dark time. I was writing goodbye letters and letters to the grandchildren I would never meet," Lisa shared. Former US presidential hopeful, Vivek Ramaswamy has shared a video on X (formerly Twitter), where he is shaking hands with a legal Colombian immigrant, named Fabiel, on the street of New York. Vivek Ramaswamy had a 29sec talk with the Colombian immigrant(X/Vivek Ramaswamy) The Colombian immigrant voiced his concern about how the illegal immigrants are walking into the country and how America is so naive to stop it. They took over the crime in Colombia, Peru, Venezuela- they are real criminals and America is so naive they don't get it, he said. Ramaswamy nodded and responded, They are just exporting criminals to this country. And we will make sure that the don't. That's my job. Ramaswamy gives solution for illegal immigration in US Earlier, Ramaswamy proposed a solution for illegal immigration in the US, and it was quite distressing. By calling for opposing border violators from entering the US and using the military as means to protect the country from awalk-in policy, he calls for a stand for the rule of law on immigration regulation that imposes legal channels as prerequisites for emigration into the states. Even though the proposals, which are deportations on a mass scale, funding removal, and the refusal to accept children born to illegal immigrants as citizens, are of real concern, we cant deny the humanitarian ground with this problem. ALSO READ| Vivek Ramaswamy's solution for illegal immigration in US is scary I say this as the kid of legal immigrants: stand for the rule of law. Use our own military to secure our own border. Start the mass deportations. End funding for sanctuary cities & Central American countries, the biotech entrepreneur said. End birthright citizenship for the kids of illegal aliens. The case of qualified professionals such as engineers, scientists and the journalists is that it usually takes them more than 500 days to get their visas approved as they go through the 5-stage application process, sometimes wait times extending beyond 100 years. On the other hand, some other persons take advantage of the open-border to casually walk in the country. One lost their life, and several others injured, including two children, in a shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday evening. Washington police issue alert for suspect vehicle Law enforcement has issued a public alert for the vehicle suspected to be transporting the assailant who fled the scene. While details are limited, authorities have confirmed the death of a man at the scene and the hospitalized five others, among them a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old, with injuries not deemed life-threatening. The shooting occurred around 6:10 pm in the city's northeast, with the possibility of two shooters still at large. ALSO READ| US astrology influencer, worried about solar eclipse, kills partner, baby: Reports During a press briefing, officials confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages but indicated that the suspects alighted from the vehicle and initiated gunfire. Lookout notice for a light blue Toyota sedan issued Lookout is for a light blue Toyota sedan, UNK tags, no front tags, dark tints, black rims, possibly occupied with two shooters inside. L/S heading Eastbound on Maryland Ave NE, Washington police shared on X (formerly Twitter). During the press conference held Thursday, the police chief Pamela Smith spoke about the shooting that happened, expressing her condolences to members of the community affected, and pointed out that the police have intensified their efforts to combat a recent rise in violence. While shootings and other forms of violent criminals might have gone down by 22% from last year with this time, there are, however, three other gun-related incidents that occurred in DC that left many people injured. ALSO READ| Viral video shows the exact moment when Hamas leader finds out Israel killed his 3 sons: Watch We are working tirelessly to really help remove some of these illegal guns that are on our streets, were working with our ATFs, were working with some of our taskforce, she said. What were seeing is an increase in guns in the district and were doing everything we can to ensure were removing those guns off of our streets. Washington: US President Joe Biden and Japans PM Kishida Fumio agreed on Wednesday to dramatically modernise their bilateral security partnership by changing the US military command structure in Japan and announced a new networked architecture for missile defence between the two countries and Australia. US President Joe Biden (right) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. (REUTERS) The import of the announcements, which will ensure better military coordination in the Indo-Pacific, reflected the focus by Washington and its partners to keep a watch on China. Biden described the announcements as the most significant upgrade in their alliance. The two leaders also agreed to deepen military industrial cooperation including co-production of weapons, work on critical and emerging technologies, involve Japan in the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (Aukus) arrangement, and collaborate on space and artificial intelligence (AI). During Kishidas state visit to Washington DC on Wednesday, the two leaders hailed the US and Japan as global partners, with US officials suggesting the allies have moved from alliance protection to alliance projection and their cooperation will expand to every global theatre. The joint statement was set to be titled global partners for the future. On Thursday, the US, Japan and Philippines will also hold their first trilateral summit, a significant and explicit signal to China which has stepped up its aggression in the maritime domain against Manila. In a visit that was similar to the one Biden hosted for Indian PM Narendra Modi in June, the American and Japanese leaders had a small private dinner on Tuesday night. Biden then welcomed Kishida in the south lawns of the White House on Wednesday morning, which was followed by brief remarks to reporters at the Oval Office and then delegation-level talks. I would assert that our alliance has never been stronger in our entire history, Biden said as the two leaders began their talks in the Oval Office. Ours is truly a global partnership. For that, Mr Prime Minister Kishida, I thank you, Biden said. Now our two countries are building a stronger defence partnership and a strong Indo-Pacific than ever before. Kishida, speaking after Biden, said the cherry trees that line the Tidal Basin near the White House are a symbol of the friendship between Japan and the United States. As a global partner, Japan will join hands with our American friends and together we will lead the way in tackling the challenges of the Indo-Pacific and the world, he said. Biden also said that US will keep improving its lines of communication with China. Have previously spoken with Xi [Jinping] and agreed to have personal contact to ensure nothing slips between cup and lip and to know what the other team is thinking. Alliance with Japan is defensive in nature. Things we discuss today improve our cooperation, isnt aimed at any one nation. This is about restoring stability on the region. Kishida added by saying that Japan continues to call on China to fulfil its responsibilities as a major power. On Wednesday night, Biden will host a state dinner for Kishida, who will also address a joint session of the US Congress on Thursday. Laying out the context for the visit on Tuesday, a senior administration official offered an overview of the changes in Japan under Kishida in recent years. These include Japan increasing its military spending from one to two per cent of its GDP, acquiring counterstrike capability, lifting the cap on defence technology export, participating in a trilateral with the US and South Korea, and robustly opposing Russias invasion of Ukraine. This has provided the basis for the reset in ties. The US, the official said, will change the force structure that it has in Japan to be able to integrate our forces. The US and Japan will also have a military industrial council to evaluate where they can co-produce weapons and Japan will collaborate on pillar two of Aukus. The official added that US and Japan are also deepening ties on space and AI. Asked how much of the elevation in ties was driven by concerns about a possible return of Donald Trump to White House, Biden administration officials acknowledged that there were anxieties in capitals about the future of US foreign policy. A second administration official said, I think some countries have sought to lie low. Others recognise that the best approach is to double down and engage deeply with the United States. And were seeking to do that. The first official quoted above also said that Chinas strategic objective was to isolate Philippines, what theyre doing on the coast guard, or Japan, what theyre doing with the embargo on fish. The idea of switching to a multilateral lattice-like strategic architecture is then to flip the script and isolate China. When you have, like we did this week, the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines doing an exercise together, when you have the trilat on Thursday, the country thats isolated is China, not the Philippines. He added that in every practice that the US is doing, the end result was that script of Chinas attempt to intimidate one country, make an example of that country and intimidate the others in the neighbourhood, was flipped and China was isolated and the outlier in the neighbourhood. A waffle house waitress in Oklahoma is now facing theft charges after driving away in a vehicle that she told police was a gift, according to a report. Angela Harrison, 53, was arrested after alleging that the stolen SUV she was driving was a birthday tip from a Waffle House customer. On April 1, at approximately 4 p.m., officers were notified of a stolen white Jeep Liberty and tracked the vehicle until they managed to pull it over during a traffic stop. Harris was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, according to Fox News. Harrison told police she was at a gas station when she ran into a former customer of hers when she worked at the Waffle House. She went on to say the customer also gave her $10 along with the white Jeep Liberty because her 53rd birthday was nearing in a few weeks. Police obtained a surveillance photo of Harrison in the vehicle on January 14 and claim the Jeep had been reported stolen before Christmas. The 53-year-old-to-be admitted that she was the woman in the photo but could not explain how she came into possession of the vehicle in January when she said it was gifted to her only an hour before. FBI Director Christopher Wray will warn Congress about the "elevated" terror threats facing the United States because of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. "Looking back over my career in law enforcement, I'd be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once," Wray will tell members of the House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Thursday, according to his prepared remarks reported by Fox News. "But that is the case as I sit here today. This is not a point when we can let up." The FBI chief will call on Congress to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows the U.S. government to monitor the communications of non-Americans outside the country without a warrant and not to slash the agency's budget in fiscal year 2024 spending proposal. Wray said the FBI must be fully funded to "tackle these threats" and protect national security. "This is by no means a time to let up or dial back. This is a time when we need your support the most - we need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and to keep Americans safe," he will testify.W Wray also said there is "immediate concern" that bad actors influenced by the fighting in Gaza could carry out terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, pointing to the ISIS-K attack on a concert hall near Moscow that killed more than 140 people last month. "...Our most immediate concern has been that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home. But now increasingly concerning is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall a couple weeks ago," Wary will tell the lawmakers. Hard-right Republicans in the House on Wednesday blocked reauthorizing FISA after former President Donald Trump wrote "KILL FISA" on his social media platform Truth Social. A California woman accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death before dumping her kids on a highway and killing herself by crashing into a tree was an online astrology influencer who was convinced the total solar eclipse was the apocalypse. The Los Angeles Police Department says Danielle Johnson, 34, got into an argument with Jaelen Chaney, 29, at the apartment they shared with her two young children, one eight months old and nine years old. The fight started in the early morning hours of the day of the eclipse. Police say it escalated and Johnson became violent, stabbing Chaney. He died at the scene and the knife used in the killing was found at the scene. She then left with her two young daughters in her dark-colored Porsche SUV and threw them out of the vehicle on the busy 405 Freeway. The eight-month-old died. The nine-year-old child suffered moderate injuries from the fall and was transported to a hospital. About 30 minutes later Johnson crashed into a tree in Redondo Beach while traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour. The impact crushed the vehicle and killed her. The incidents involving the children and the crash happened before police got the call about Chaney's death. Johnson called herself an astrologer on X and went by the name Ayoka. She was an influencer with more than 100,000 followers. She had posts leading up to the eclipse with statements such as "ALERT: THIS IS THE FINAL WARNING." and "SOMETHING BIG IS COMING..." Another post said, "This eclipse is the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place." Johnson had also warned, "WAKE UP WAKE UP THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE." WAKE UP WAKE UP THE APOCALYPSE IS HERE. EVERYONE WHO HAS EARS LISTEN. YOUR TIME TO CHOOSE WHAT YOU BELIEVE IS NOW. IF YOU BELIEVE A NEW WORLD IS POSSIBLE FOR THE PEOPLE RT NOW. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE. THERE IS POWER IN CHOICE!!!! REPOST TO MAKE THE CHOICE FOR THE COLLECTIVE pic.twitter.com/NMyuLkBj5l Ayoka (@MysticxLipstick) April 5, 2024 Police don't have a motive for the deadly rampage but while detectives have reviewed her posts, police are not yet considering the eclipse to be a contributing factor to the slayings. "We just don't know why she did what she did," Lt. Guy Golan told the Associated Press. "Without having something more tangible than a post on X, I don't know how much weight you can give to somebody (saying) there's an apocalypse and attribute it to one of the most horrific murders we've had in LA," Golan said. Johnson's social media also included some antisemitic posts, conspiracy theories and warnings about the end of the world. Monday's total solar eclipse crossed Mexico, the United States and Canada. Southern California only saw a partial eclipse, hours after the three deaths. The father of a Florida man who went overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship a week ago is convinced his son is still alive and did not commit suicide, adding that his son is a "master diver." Levion Parker, 20, of North Port jumped or fell off the Liberty of the Seas cruise ship about 57 miles from Great Inagua between the Bahamas and Cuba in the early morning hours on April 4. The U.S. Coast Guard called off the search for him on Wednesday. But his father said it wasn't a suicide attempt and disputed reports the pair had an argument and his son jumped. Francel Parker said his son is a master diver who works on a commercial fishing boat. "As soon as he went off the side, I prayed over him. I was confident the prayers I said over my son were heard. I stand on the word of God. I believe he is alive," Francel Parker told the Sun North Port newspaper. But he seemed to indicate his son was drunk at the time and wants to know how his 20-year-old son was served alcohol on the ship. "We don't drink," Parker said. "I'd like to know how my son was served so much alcohol." The New York Post previously reported that he was drunk before jumping and appeared to be bickering with his father. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess," fellow Bryan Sims told the paper. "When we got to them, he said to his dad, 'I'll fix this right now.' And he jumped out the window in front of us all." The Broward County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case. For the first time, a U.S. official has said that the ongoing food crisis in Gaza has risen to a full-on famine. Samantha Power, the director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, became the first senior American government official to say that famine has struck northern Gaza, during a Congressional hearing on Wednesday. Power's assessment came in response to a question from Texas Representative Joaquin Castro, who noted that there were news reports claiming that USAID had informed the National Security Council that people within the besieged Gaza Strip were facing famine. "Do you think it is plausible or likely that parts of Gaza, and in particular northern Gaza, are already experiencing famine?" Castro asked. In response, Powers explained that USAID's assessment of the situation was derived from an analysis by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, which she said uses sound methodology. "That is their assessment, and we believe that assessment is credible," she told Castro. "So famine is already occurring there?" he asked. "Yes," Power confirmed. In the six months since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed more than 1,000 people, the situation inside Gaza has grown increasingly dire. At least 33,037 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 13,000 children. 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. Power also disputed Israel's allegations that Hamas was stealing aid from Gazan civilians. "We are not seeing Hamas dictating where food is provided," she told Congress. "I can assure you that if the government of Israel saw Hamas doing that we would be hearing about it." In recent weeks, even long-time Israel supporters in Washington have become critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an Israeli Defense Forces airstrike killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including one American citizen. Other aid groups within the region have been forced to pull out of Gaza or decrease their operations due to pervasive security threats. American Near East Refugee Aid suspended their operations in Gaza, after more than half a century of work in the region and the United Nations temporarily stopped moving aid due to security concerns. "Humanitarian aid organizations are unable to carry out their work safely," the International Committee of the Red Cross said last week. During her testimony, Power urged Congress to "press our Israeli partners to actually follow through with the commitments they have made" to allow humanitarian aid inside Gaza. "In northern Gaza, the rate of malnutrition prior to Oct. 7 was almost zero, and it is now one in three kids," she said. "In terms of actual severe acute malnutrition for under-5s, that rate was 16 percent in January and became 30 percent in February. We're awaiting the March numbers, but we expect it to continue." Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy made a stunning accusation during an interview at Georgetown University on Tuesday. McCarthy, a Republican from California, claimed that he was ousted from the post last year because Rep. Matt Gaetz "slept with a 17 year old" and wanted him to end an ethics investigation into the Florida Republican. "I'll give you the truth why I'm not speaker," McCarthy said during a Tuesday interview at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. "It's because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17 year old, an ethics complaint that started before I ever became speaker. And that's illegal and I'm not going to get in the middle of it," he continued. The House Ethics Committee initially launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations into Gaetz in April 2021 when Rep. Nancy Pelosi, "D-Calif.) held the speaker's gavel. The probe was rekindled after the Justice Department in February 2023 declined to bring charges against him. Gaetz blasted McCarthy for the insinuation. "Kevin McCarthy is a liar. That's why he is no longer speaker," Gaetz wrote on the social media site X. "Just ask the 224 people who voted to remove him." McCarthy was ousted as speaker in October 2023 in a 216-210 vote, including eight Republicans in the Gaetz-led effort. McCarthy in the interview appeared to back off his claims moments later. "Now, did he do it or not? I don't know. But ethics was looking at it. There's other people in jail because of it. And he wanted me to influence it," McCarthy said. Former President Donald Trump is reportedly upset with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene for her "stupid" ongoing feud with Speaker of the House Mike Johnson - with sources close to Trump describing the tensions as a "distraction." "One hundred percent distraction. Unwanted. And just stupid," a source told Politico. "We're not going to get trapped into this cycle of bulls--t that comes out of members of the House." In recent weeks, Greene has threatened to lead efforts to remove Johnson from the speakership - creating yet another power struggle within the Congressional GOP. Greene and other hardline conservatives have vocally rejected calls for the United States to send more aid to Ukraine. In the past, Johnson has gotten bills through Congress, with bipartisan support, through a process called "suspension of rules." Under the suspension of rules, floor debate is limited and amendments are banned - but the bills must be passed with a majority. "Let me tell you, when he forces that vote, again, under suspension with no amendments, and funds Ukraine and people find out how angry their constituents are about it, that's going to move the needle even more," Greene told CNN. "I'm not saying I have a red line or a trigger, and I'm not saying I don't have a red line or trigger. And I think that's just where I'm at right now. But I'm going to tell you right now: Funding Ukraine is probably one of the most egregious things that he can do." Johnson acknowledged Greene's exasperation during a recent Fox News appearance but emphasized that this was a reality of working within a divided House. "These are not the perfect pieces of legislation that you and I and Marjorie would draft if we had the ability to do it differently," he told pundit Trey Gowdy. "But with the smallest margin in U.S. history, we're sometimes going to get legislation that we don't like." While Greene has called to remove Johnson from power, Trump has warmed up to the Speaker. The two are expected to appear together at Mar-a-Lago for a joint press conference, on Friday. Sources close to the presumptive Republican nominee confirmed that Trump and his campaign staff are frustrated with the divisions between House Republicans. "It's fair to say we don't think she's being constructive," a second source told Politico. "The internal fighting is not appreciated by [Trump]." A teenager's life has just been ended over what is being referred to as a "blood debt". A Wyoming teen Robert Dean Maher was fatally stabbed while protecting his girlfriend from two teens who referred to the crime as a "blood debt." Fifteen-year-old boys, Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, allegedly stabbed Maher twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife after following the teen's girlfriend around the mall. Plunkett has been charged with first-degree murder and had reportedly asked a friend of Maher if he was interested in paying the blood debt on his friend's behalf. Plunkett, along with Harris, are being charged as adults with felonious conspiracy to commit murder, felonious aggravated assault and battery, and misdemeanor theft. They both face life imprisonment if convicted. Harris and Plunkett told police officials that this was an act of revenge against Maher, who had called them "freaks" a week prior, according to the Daily Mail. While there is a video of the brutal attack, police have yet to release the footage. The video claims to show Maher telling the boys that he was not interested in a fight before reacting to the weapon they pulled out. "That's not fair," said Maher, to which one of the teens replied, "I don't play fair." The affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail reported that Maher was stabbed twice during an altercation with two boys wearing hooded balaclava-type masks, according to witnesses on the scene. In a police interview, Plunkett reportedly said Maher told him to "put the knife away; this isn't fair." The pair told law enforcement they had stolen the kitchen knives from Target just before the grisly altercation. The document also details Plunkett egged on Maher to swing at him several times; however, he clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backward motion away from the boy. "They were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot while witnesses attempted first aid," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson of the suspects. "We are so devastated that nothing can bring you back. We love you, Bobby, my neeners, my jr. You will never be forgotten! I am dying inside and out right now and will be forever," wrote Maher's father in a Facebook post. Bobby Maher was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. on April 7 at the Eastridge Mall in Casper, Wyoming. A New Hampshire county chairman for the Trump campaign once threatened to kill his police boss and rape the cop's wife and children, according to stunning allegations from authorities. Jonathan Stone, a former New Hampshire police officer, has been a part of Trump's campaign in the state since 2016 when he gifted Trump an inscribed AR-15 assault rifle. Stone is the owner of gun store Black Op Arms in Claremont, New Hampshire. Stone was ousted from the Claremont Police Force 10 years ago after allegedly threatening to kill the department chief and his colleagues and rape the chief's wife and kids in retaliation for his suspension over an alleged relationship with a high school girl, according to a report from a police internal affairs investigation, which was obtained by the New Hampshire Center for Public Information Journalism. The report was released following a lawsuit by the center demanding the information. Stone, now a second-term state representative, was appointed as Trump's campaign chair in Sullivan County last summer. He did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Trump's New Hampshire state campaign chair, Stephen Stepanek, told the HuffPost he didn't know about Stone's alleged background until reading news accounts of it. "He's been a Trump supporter for a long time, and he's been a state representative, and he had, as far as we were concerned, what looked like a great background," said Stepanek. As for Stone's future with the campaign, "We haven't made any decisions yet," he added. He told HuffPost that any action will likely be up to Trump's top campaign aides at Mar-a-Lago. The potent opioid fentanyl may have claimed yet another life. An 8-year-old boy's death in Kentucky, initially thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to strawberries, has been linked to fentanyl. The Hopkins County Coroner's Office told People Magazine that Trey Major Harris' cause of death was determined to be "fentanyl intoxication," while the manner of death remains "undetermined." In a previous press release, Madisonville Police Department said that it received a call about a boy "not breathing and unresponsive at his home" around 6:30 AM on Friday, March 15. Trey's family disclosed to authorities that he had eaten several strawberries from a school fundraiser the night before and began showing signs of an allergic reaction. They reported that they gave him Benadryl and soaked him in a bath, but when his symptoms persisted, the family decided to take the eight-year-old to the emergency room. After returning home having not been evaluated, Trey went to sleep and was later found unresponsive. Concerned over the potential outbreak, the Hopkins County Health Department issued a warning asking individuals not to eat strawberries purchased at the fundraiser as they would need to be examined by the FDA and state lab. After a test proved negative, police issued a search warrant for Trey's stepfather, Antonio Person, who was arrested at his home on Tuesday, March 26, following authorities' discovery of a firearm, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Person, 33, was charged with trafficking fentanyl, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. The convicted felon was booked into the Hopkins County Jail, where he was also charged with second-degree manslaughter, and is expected to appear in court on Friday, April 12, according to records reviewed by People. An obituary for Trey remembered him as someone who "left an indelible mark on all blessed to know him and had dreams of becoming a police officer because he loved helping others." Is this the face that launched a thousand ships? A banquet hall adorned with spectacular paintings of mythological characters and legendary heroes has been discovered among the ruins of Pompeii, officials announced Thursday. The "spectacular" dining room featured "elegant black walls" with remarkably preserved frescoes of subjects inspired by the Trojan War, as told by the Greek poet Homer, according to a news release from the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. The room was uncovered during excavations of block 10 in the ninth section of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, which was destroyed and buried under ash in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. "The dominant theme seems to be that of heroism, shown by the depictions of pairs of heroes and deities involved in the Trojan War, but also of fate and, at the same time, of the possibility, often not seized, that humans have of changing their own destiny," the park said. According to legend, the Trojan war was set off when Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta and said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, eloped with or was abducted by Paris, the prince of Troy. Along with Helen and Paris, the frescoes also feature the god Apollo, and Cassandra, who in Greek mythology was gifted with foresight but cursed by Apollo with an inability to alter the course of events. According to archeologists, mythological figures are often found in Roman houses, where they "had the explicit social function of entertaining guests and table companions, providing talking points for conversations and reflections on life." "The walls were painted black to prevent the smoke from the oil lamps being seen on the walls. People would meet to dine after sunset; the flickering light of the lamps had the effect of making the images appear to move, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine," Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the Director of the Archaeological park of Pompeii, said in a statement. "The mythological couples provided ideas for conversations about the past and life, only seemingly of a merely romantic nature. In reality, they refer to the relationship between the individual and fate: Cassandra who can see the future but no one believes her, Apollo who sides with the Trojans against the Greek invaders, but being a god, cannot ensure victory, Helen and Paris who, despite their politically incorrect love affair, are the cause of the war, or perhaps merely a pretext. Who knows?" Zuchtriegel said. "These days, Helen and Paris represent us all: each day we can choose whether to focus solely on our own private lives or whether to explore the way our lives are entangled with the broad sweep of history, thinking for example, not just of war and politics, or of the environment, but also of the atmosphere we are creating in our society, communicating with others in real time and on social networks," Zuchtriegel said. The room has an area of about 49 feet by 20 feet, and opens to a courtyard with a long staircase leading to an upper floor. On the arches of the undecorated staircase, which appeared to be unfinished with building materials nearby, archeologists found charcoal drawings of two pairs of gladiators and what appears to be an enormous stylized phallus. More than a third of Pompeii remains unexcavated and unseen by archeologists. The excavation of block 10 in the ninth section is part of a larger project to shore up part of the perimeter between the excavated and unexcavated areas, officials said. with reporting by TMX Three Waters Resort & Marina, a Tribute Portfolio Resort in the Florida Keys, will open its doors in Fall 2024. This new upscale resort will elevate the guest experience and become the crown jewel for the Islamorada Resort Collection, which also includes the beloved Amara Cay Resort and La Siesta Resort & Villas. Offering an energizing escape in the "Sport Fishing Capital of the World," Three Waters Resort & Marina spans 15 acres of oceanfront property and will feature 214 chic, island-inspired guest rooms, nine distinct new dining concepts, and a wide variety of authentic and upscale experiences for guests to discover. Three Waters Resort & Marina joins Tribute Portfolio, the growing collection of characterful, independent hotels from Marriott Bonvoy, as the brand's first location in the Florida Keys. The property celebrates the three most beloved elements of the destination: the sun, the sand, and the water. These elements are highlighted in the design, colors, and materials used throughout Three Waters to bring to life the beauty of Islamorada in an unexpected oceanfront experience unlike any resort currently in the Florida Keys. The new resort will feature The Cove, an adult-centric, resort-within-a-resort, boasting bright, island-inspired guestrooms and suites with only king beds, a tranquil private beach lagoon, and the resort's Wave Motion Studio. The remaining guest rooms and cottages of Three Waters Resort & Marina will be the epicenter of the resort, with a family-friendly, Florida Keys-inspired aesthetic. The enhanced lobby for Three Waters Resort & Marina provides a feeling of nature using materials like local coral stone and vegetation that reflects the mangroves of the Keys. It also boasts a Rum Library where guests can enjoy tastings throughout their stay. Guests will feel like they are arriving at a tropical modern living room welcoming them to the Florida Keys. As a Tribute Portfolio Resort, the property will serve as a most-welcomed escape for those seeking captivating design, vibrant social spaces, and moments of sincere service. First Hospitality, a national hotel operating, management, and development company, announces the appointment of Matt Schuster as chief financial officer. Schuster brings a wealth of expertise in hospitality finance and investment to this position. Schuster will report to David Duncan, president & CEO, and will lead the company's financial services functions including all financial reporting, treasury operations, corporate financial planning, and analysis. Schuster will play a critical role in further developing long-term strategy and execution. Prior to joining First Hospitality, Schuster spent more than five years in numerous leadership roles at Club Quarters Hotels, where he most recently served as the chief financial officer. Prior to that, he began his career at EY, where he spent fifteen years, honing his skills in the hospitality industry advising owners, lenders, and investors on strategies ranging from new developments to high profile asset repositioning, branding strategies, and other special projects. During his EY tenure, Schuster represented numerous buyers and sellers of hotel real estate and hospitality companies in an advisory role, managing several transformative transactions totaling over $10 billion dollars to date. He also led and performed more than 50 hotel and mixed-use feasibility assignments throughout the US and Caribbean for new hotel developments and repositioning. Schuster is a Cornell University graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel Administration and Real Estate Finance. View Matt Schuster's LinkedIn Profile Matt Schuster is a graduate of Cornell in Ithaca, New York - United States Arnoud Vink replaces Max Cergneux and joins the Executive Committee of Louvre Hotels Group as the Chief Development Officer. Reporting to Federico J. Gonzalez, CEO of Louvre Hotels Group, he will be responsible for the group's development strategy in France and internationally. Within Louvre Hotels Group, the second largest hotel group in Europe and a subsidiary of Jin Jiang International, the second largest hotel group globally, Arnoud Vink's main mission will be to support the company in achieving its ambitious growth objectives as part of the five-year strategic plan. Arnoud Vink has extensive experience in the development of hotel chains, having led all growth efforts of Accor in France for sixteen years as the Senior Vice President of Development & Franchising. He then joined Choice Hotels as the Head of Development for the EMEA region. He is a civil engineering graduate (University of Delft, Netherlands) and holds an MBA from HEC Paris. Global hospitality leader, Accor, has joined forces with leading content studio, Beautiful Destinations, to launch a groundbreaking campaign that uses video content to inspire wanderlust and reinforce brand love. The project, titled For ALL The Travellers In You, leverages innovative storytelling and dynamic content creation to showcase Accor's leading brands and immersive destinations. Whilst Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa serve as the launchpad for the global activation of the project, with captivating content already making waves online, the campaign is set to expand across the globe, creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide. Accor's transformative initiative is not merely about marketing; it is about revolutionising how the hospitality industry connects with consumers. Recognising the limitations of conventional static imagery in capturing the essence of ALL - Accor Live Limitless, Accors lifestyle loyalty program, and the invaluable contributions of its employees, the company sought a partner who could bring its vision to life. Beautiful Destinations a multi-award-winning strategy, creative, and content studio with one of the world's largest and most influential online travel communities was the perfect collaborator for Accor's ambitious project. Together, Accor and Beautiful Destinations are reshaping consumer perceptions and enhancing brand visibility through dynamic, personalised content creation. With a combined social media following of over 32 million across two of its platforms (Beautiful Destinations with 26 million followers and Beautiful Hotels with 6 million followers on Instagram), the partnership has vast reach. The project's thematic focus, From Dawn to Dusk, spans 21 Asian, Pacific, and Middle Eastern destinations and 67 hotels so far with another 20 destinations in the pipeline, showcasing culturally rich experiences within and beyond Accor's properties. This strategic partnership aims not only to inspire wanderlust, but also to foster deep audience connections and amplify Accor's digital brand presence. The pioneering campaign harnesses the power of video content, leveraging the fact that video is 80 percent more memorable than text or images. This multimedia approach taps into emotions with storytelling that static content cannot match, resonating with the 85 percent of Asia-Pacific users who watch at least one video when planning their leisure trips. Today's digital travel inspiration and planning encompass a variety of platforms, with short-form video consumption on the rise, evidenced by the robust growth of TikTok and the popularity of reels and shorts on popular channels such as Meta and YouTube. In addition to the From Dawn to Dusk content, the partnership resulted in more than 2,000 high-quality photos, over 400 15-second cutdowns, and more than 400 vertical videos (5-15 seconds) so far. The campaign's versatile content can be used to enhance event experiences, during member recruitment efforts, and as compelling brand pitch tools for partners and sales. The collaboration goes beyond content creation; it encompasses distribution strategies that drive bookings, brand recognition and engagement. By leveraging Beautiful Destinations' expertise in travel content and Accor's extensive portfolio of brands and hotels, the partnership ensures that every piece of content serves a purpose, resonating with audiences and driving tangible business outcomes. The pilot phase elevated Accor's marketing efforts, portraying its hotels as immersive destinations and reshaping consumer perceptions. Over 1,000 dedicated Accor employees supported the initiative, with 300 actively participating as models, showcasing their talents and exemplary service. This collaborative effort reflects Accor's unified spirit and shared values, fostering cohesion among employees while empowering the group to communicate its brand narrative effectively. Kerry Healy, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East, Africa, Turkey & Asia Pacific, Premium, Midscale & Economy, expressed her excitement about the initiative: We are incredibly excited about this groundbreaking initiative, which represents a pivotal moment for Accor in revolutionising hospitality marketing. Partnering with Beautiful Destinations brings an unparalleled level of reach, innovation, and stunning visual aesthetic to our campaign. With their extensive social media following and reputation for creating captivating content, we have a unique opportunity to showcase Accor's leading brands and destinations to a global audience. This collaboration enables us to not only drive increased revenue and occupancy rates, but also to establish lasting connections with travellers around the world. Jeremy Jauncey, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Beautiful Destinations, shared his thoughts about the partnership: We could not be prouder to have partnered with Accor in such a deep and meaningful way to support their marketing efforts and create content across Asia, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. It is widely understood that many guests now begin their travel planning on social media and with video content, so to provide what guests need at each stage of the consideration funnel, Accor is leading the way in hospitality marketing by launching such a comprehensive content strategy. With Accor's For ALL The Travellers In You campaign set to deliver tangible business outcomes, including heightened revenue and occupancy rates, the brand's dedication to sustainability and exceptional guest experiences will be prominently highlighted. The campaign underscores the group's commitment to innovation, excellence, and guest satisfaction, reaffirming its position as a trailblazer in the hospitality industry. An example of Accors For ALL The Travellers In You campaign video in different Asian, Pacific, and Middle Eastern destinations can be viewed here. For images of the campaign, please click here for Asian destinations; here for Middle Eastern destinations; and here for Pacific destinations. ABOUT ACCOR Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industrys most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit www.group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. ABOUT BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS Beautiful Destinations is a multi-award-winning strategy, creative, and content studio with one of the worlds largest and most influential online travel communities. Identified by FAST COMPANY as one of the Most Innovative Companies In The World, Beautiful Destinations makes highly converting video content for many of the largest brands in travel and tourism, with 50 million followers across its social channels. For more information, please visit www.beautifuldestinations.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. WASHINGTON American Hotel & Lodging Association Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey released the following statement today after the U.S. Senate passed a resolution to overturn the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) destructive joint-employer rule. The House of Representatives passed the same resolution in January, and it now heads to the presidents desk for consideration. Additionally, following a lawsuit filed by AHLA and other business groups, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 8 blocked NLRBs implementation of the rule. Todays bipartisan Senate vote is a win for hoteliers and small business owners everywhere, and shows the rule is out of step with Congress, the courts, and Americas job creators. Lawmakers from both parties in the House and Senate realize the administrations joint-employer rule would acutely suppress job creation for hoteliers and other businesses, and therefore it needs to be abandoned, said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. We thank Sen. Cassidy, Sen. Manchin, Leader McConnell and their Senate colleagues for listening to the thousands of small business hoteliers AHLA represents and passing this resolution. Background In October, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) released a final rule unjustifiably expanding the joint-employer standard under the National Labor Relations Act. On Jan. 12, the House approved a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the rule the same resolution the Senate passed today. After AHLA and other business groups filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas challenging joint-employers legality, the court blocked NLRB from implementing the rule. In its decision, the court also reinstated a 2020 NLRB standard that protects businesses from undue liability for employees over whom they do not have direct control. About Joint Employer NLRBs joint-employer rule is all about coercing businesses to the bargaining table with workers they do not actually employ to increase unionization. The rule would make it easier for the NLRB to declare joint employment status in business relationships, such as franchising, and it would enable unions to organize by company rather than property by property. WASHINGTON -- Under the banner theme of Meetings Matter, Global Meetings Industry Day is April 11, a day dedicated to championing the undeniable professional, personal and economic benefits of business meetings, trade shows, conferences and conventions. In-person meetings and events are essential to the success of businesses and individuals across every industry, said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. Global Meetings Industry Day is an opportunity to highlight how this critical sector fuels local economies, business profits, individual growth and the professional relationships that advance common causes. Impact of Meeting and Event-Related Travel In 2023, spending on meetings and event-related travel totaled $119 billion in the U.S.directly supporting nearly 600,000 American jobs. Hosting events, conventions or trade shows stimulates a regions economy through bookings at event and meeting facilities, stays in local hotels, dining in restaurants and shopping at local retail stores. Building and fostering relationships is a proven key for business successand meeting face-to-face advances these connections and collaboration. According to a study by American Express Global Business Travel, 81% of survey respondents agree that in-person interactions foster greater levels of innovation for their business. Further, nearly 85% of study respondents say their organization realizes tangible business value from trips to meet with clients, customers or prospects in person. GMID 2024 Events and Activiations Approximately 50 businesses and organizations across the U.S. are planning to celebrate this years GMID, including: Hilton is inviting organizations to share their meeting success story for its contest, The Meeting That Meant Everything. Meeting Professionals International (MPI) will host a 12-hour broadcast featuring industry leaders sharing insights and experiences on the impact of meetings on the global economy. The Las Vegas resort community will unite to celebrate GMID with a marquee takeover featuring the campaign hashtag, #MeetingsMatter, and Las Vegas resorts will feature blue exterior lighting to mark the initiative. PCMA's Capital Chapter is holding a discussion on the current landscape and impact of the industry at the Washington Convention Center in D.C. NC Meetings Mean Business Alliance will host informational and educational sessions on the meetings industry followed by a celebration. See other GMID 2024 scheduled events here. GMID is powered by the U.S. Travel Associations Meetings Mean Business Coalition, co-chaired by Meet Boston President and CEO Martha Sheridan and MGM Resorts International Senior Vice President & Chief Sales Officer Stephanie Glanzer, who will participate in a national radio tour on April 11 in support of GMID. Social media GMID content will be organized using the hashtags #MeetingsMatter and #GMID2024. Learn more about GMID. The restaurant business is a juggling act: exciting, social, you learn new things every day and you get instant gratification daily. Proper planning in the pre-opening phase can ensure long-term success. Use these guidelines to create an outline, as seen in this restaurant opening checklist: Pre-Opening-Checklist Research: Conduct thorough Market Research You can get information from the D.O.T, Land and Planning Commission, the U.S. Census Bureau, Water, Electric and Gas Companies, Small Business Bureau, and your local governing body. First research on the internet, then call each of them or what I did was research and come up with a list of questions like mentioned above, then I visited each local entity to have face time and get answers. The response was amazing compared to a phone call. Who is your target audience? What ages do you want to target? What is their professional background? Are they retired? This determines the portion size of your food, because older folks eat less and professionals along with retired people eat out more. What is the traffic pattern? Sit on the spot where you plan to open your business for a few hours (a few in the morning, afternoon, and night), count the cars and the people walking by. What is the pattern? Is it busy enough to support your venture? Who is your competition? Eat and visit other restaurants in the area you plan to open. Are there any like yours or are you providing a cuisine that is unique to your area? An example: If there are four Hispanic restaurants in the area, then dont open a Hispanic restaurant. Change your business plan or go to another area which doesnt have another Hispanic restaurant. You want to pick an area which is underserved and unique so that you create a destination. What is the median income in the area? Understand the income in a 1-mile radius and 5-mile radius, etc. You need to know this to set your price point and the more income means that your customers will dine with you more often). Financial Planning: Ensure capital for Rent, Utilities, Payroll, Food, and Beverage Purchases Many restaurants fail within the first year because they dont follow a budget and a business plan. If you have a business plan and budget and review with management staff weekly, then your chances of success are greater. Sample Opening Budget for Restaurant To estimate your capital needs you will need to go to your landlord (rent), utility companies (avg. cost for the type of business you are opening in your area), come up with a pay scale and find a payroll company to give you an estimated base line payroll and cost out your recipes and cocktails. For a guideline, check out this sample opening budget for a restaurant: Opening-Budget-Example There are a few ways to secure proper capital for your restaurant Take an equipment loan out with your bank. (I bought equipment at auctions and then cost it brand new to get the highest loan I could get). The reason is the bank will only loan you a portion of the value of your equipment. Take a second mortgage out on your house or other property. (I did this through a Home Equity loan) Get an investor or a group of them and sell shares. (I did not want to do this because you are beholding to someone else) However I do know quite a few Restaurateurs that have used this method and have been very successful. Go through the S.B.A. (I went through the S.B.A. to buy the 2 acres that my restaurant was sitting on). Its always wise to own the dirt because you hold your own destiny in your hands. And when you go to sell your restaurant, you are selling the entire property not just the business. We made 4 million in sales and only got $350,000. for the business. The 2 acres that we sold with it allowed my wife and I to retire. Pre-Opening Preparation: Caution not to rush the Opening Staff Training Proper training of both Front of the House and Back of the house which should include all staff meetings. Develop written tests for each to educate your staff on who you are and what your mission is. Recipe Standards Development of standardized recipes for food and beverages. So that no matter who is making them they will be consistent. Dry runs with staff only This is important because your staff will get an education on how you desire to operate the business, builds camaraderie, and they learn how to describe the food. Then at least three friends and family events (they only pay for alcohol not food) Dont serve the whole menu all three nights; break the menu up and serve the items over the course of the three nights. Have comment cards made up so your guests can critique the service and food. This is invaluable information. You can tweak service and recipes through the feedback of your guests. Point of Sales System The P.O.S. companies that I have used are Aloha (which is great) and Upserve. When we switched to Upserve from Aloha it was because Upserve had handheld devices for order taking that made service smoother and the customer could pay the bill right at their table. However, make sure your internet signal is strong in all areas of your restaurant inside and out. We had an issue with that but solved it with a booster. Other companies are Toast, Square and Clover. All companies will help train your staff. Proper Marketing Even with the best culinary offerings wont guarantee success if your customer base is not aware or your establishment. Effective marketing is essential for attracting and building a loyal customer base. To build my brand, I volunteered to cook at events for 5 causes near to my heart. One was Darkness to Light (because we were foster parents and adopted 5 children). The second was Lowcountry Food Bank (which supports no child goes hungry), Charleston Wine and Food, Charleston Farmers Market, and the Childrens Museum. Use a P.R. firm which is costly, but you need to focus on running the business and they will use social media on all platforms to build your online presence and S.E.O. By hiring a P.R. firm, they can guide you by showing you your online analytics (whats working and should you change anything. You can also skip the P.R. firm if its not really in your budget and post everyday on Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Hosting charity events is a great way of getting involved with your community and letting people know what you are all about. If you neglect marketing and think that word of mouth will be enough, then your restaurant will struggle to gain traction. Neglecting your Customer Feedback Feedback from your guests is invaluable for restaurant owners wanting to improve and evolve. Listen to them and make small changes so they see you are listening. Then they feel like they are invested in your business and become loyal customers. Final Preparation Opening a restaurant is an extremely challenging endeavor, but if you plan accordingly, you can increase your chances of success. By conducting proper market research, budgeting, getting involved with your community, investing in marketing, prioritizing operational efficiency, and listening to your customer base. You are setting your new business up for success day one. And stay in tune with your Industry to stay ahead of the trends, by joining groups like Local Entrepreneur Networking Groups, the American Culinary Federation, your local Chamber of Commerce. These organizations will help you become a better leader in your Industry. View source Central government guideline focuses on increasing corn and soybean harvests The central government has issued a guideline that aims to increase China's annual food production capacity by more than 50 million metric tons by 2030, with a focus on corn and soybean, the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, said on Tuesday. China produces more than 650 million tons of grain a year and is almost self-sufficient in staple crops such as rice and wheat, but it is still heavily reliant on soybean from Brazil and the United States despite recent efforts to bolster local supplies. The guideline, which was drafted by the commission with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, was recently approved by the State Council, China's Cabinet, and issued to relevant authorities. The full text of the document has not been released, but the commission said it aims to discourage the nonagricultural use of farmland and stabilize food growing areas across the nation at around 116.7 million hectares by 2030, around the current level. Grain productivity is expected to exceed 6.3 tons a hectare by then, it said, up from 5.8 tons last year. The guideline also suggests priorities for boosting production of different crops, such as improving the quality of rice and wheat through optimizing variety structures, increasing productivity for corn and expanding growing areas for soybean. Corn and soybean are important raw materials for making animal feed. In recent years, authorities launched a campaign to bolster productivity in 200 corn-growing counties and 100 soybean-growing counties through methods ranging from promoting varieties that can be planted more densely to stepping up crop management efforts to prevent diseases and damage from pests. A mix of crop rotation and intercropping methods has been employed to expand the growing area for soybean, which is also used to make cooking oil. The commission has designated 720 counties across the nation as "key zones" for advancing the yield-boosting project over the next six years. They are expected to see the ramping up of efforts to build irrigation facilities and high-standard farmland suitable for large mechanical farming and more resilient to climate change, which some experts believe could also drive investment and help the economy recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initiatives will also be launched to bolster the quality and supply of crop seeds. The guideline is part of China's move to build itself into an agricultural powerhouse through efforts such as preserving growing areas, promoting mechanical farming and popularizing higher-yield varieties. Official figures show that China's annual grain yield has remained above 650 million tons for nine consecutive years, and the per capita food stockpile was 493 kilograms last year, well above the international food security threshold of 400 kg. On multiple occasions, officials have reassured the public that China's food supply is stable and secure, while stressing the need to further raise productivity and output in the face of growing demand for animal proteins and pointing out the vulnerabilities in global supply chains. An unnamed official told Xinhua News Agency recently that overall national food security is guaranteed. However, the official said: "The tight balance between grain supply and demand will exist for a long time. In the coming period, the existing gap between production and demand may further expand (if nothing is done)." To make sure the output target is reached on time, the guideline says food production and farmland preservation is a politically important task for local officials and calls for multichannel funding for related work, the official said, adding that it also proposed measures to incentivize planting, streamline agricultural loans and improve food storage and transportation infrastructure. Bad news first Before the Covid pandemic disrupted global travel, China was well established as the biggest tourism source market in the world, with an accumulated 155 million outbound trips and a spend of USD 250 billion in 2019. No other market even came close. Chinese travellers were highly sought after, either for their sheer numbers or for their high travel spend. Sometimes both. The strict pandemic controls in China hit the local travel industry very hard. This was especially true for the outbound travel industry, which was essentially forced to halt its international business completely. The industry had to survive by reducing operational costs dramatically while looking for alternative revenue streams, for example, by switching operations to the domestic Chinese market. Since domestic and international travel are traditionally two separate worlds in China even when operated under the same umbrella company the outbound industry faced stiff local competition. Having lost their key advantage, international agencies were forced to make do with the new circumstances to at least preserve their key staff and networks. What made matters worse for them was the lack of clear timeframe on when and how China might open up for international travel again. The whole market suffered, from tour operators to travel media, airlines to visa centres. Everyone slashed operations to a bare minimum. In the outbound travel industry, the situation was so difficult that some industry players were forced to accept mergers, switch to domestic travel or develop completely new business fields, such as tax-free retail, just to survive. Large numbers of staff had their hours reduced, then were laid off completely, many were forced to find new income to make ends meet and many left the travel industry for good. This resulted in a huge loss of operational know-how and experience and disrupted supply chains and connections with partners abroad. Over time, it became evident the market would not simply restart after the pandemic; it would have to evolve into something new. The Chinese outbound travel industry went on hold, into hibernation. Now to the good news With the policy changes at the end of 2022, first for general pandemic control, then specifically for travel, hope returned for China opening up again. Hibernation was coming to an end and business could restart. The external bottlenecks the industry faced on its road to recovery mostly concerned lack of capacity: hotel rooms were long since booked and or very expensive, international flight connections were still down, embassies could not handle larger volumes of visa applications. But while at the beginning of 2023, Chinas international flight connectivity was between 8% and 10%, by the end of the year, it had recovered to around 60%. This increase in capacity was mostly down to Chinese airlines, who expanded their network, but a full recovery needs international carriers too. Unfortunately, geopolitics influence flight recovery, with the crisis in the Middle East and the conflict in Ukraine forcing foreign airlines to avoid certain airspace, increasing travel time, operational costs and ticket prices. Nonetheless, by summer 2023, most industry key players were back in operation for the Chinese outbound travel industry to power out of hibernation in just six months was remarkable, but it also led some observers and media outlets to raise unrealistic expectations, predicting huge arrival numbers of Chinese travellers and a return to 2019 levels within the year. But disappointment and negativity arrived. Anyone with real insight into the market knew it would take time and effort to rebuild the industry, to repair and realign the crucial components of a complicated and delicate machine until it could run smoothly and at full power again. Apart from the supply side of the market, there is also the often somewhat overlooked demand side: What is the Chinese post-Covid consumer sentiment? Have traveller values and priorities changed? How and to what extent have consumption and travel preferences evolved? Will recent trends in domestic travel inform outbound travel? Now the pandemic is officially over, the travel industry needs to instil confidence in Chinese travellers and show them a trip abroad is safe and controllable, that overseas visitors are welcome again. This also means product design and promotion must adapt to the post-Covid needs and interests. The good news is much of that recovery happened in 2023 and 2024 will be about growth. China has just enjoyed its first Spring Festival without pandemic restrictions, supported by a recovered local travel industry, and it seems the market has come close or even surpassed this periods 2019 levels. This truly is an encouraging signal both for the Chinese and global tourism industry it gives reason for optimism for 2024 and beyond. So why now? There has been much talk about Chinas economic slowdown, but it is important to remember that consumers who travelled internationally in the past 20 years are mid- to high earners. As in any economy, those with disposable income and wealth are more likely to weather the storm. Their spending power is very much intact. While travel is not a necessity, over the last two decades, it evolved from being a luxury to being a normal part of Chinese modern or urban life even a commodity. People who travel abroad regularly know what they like and have quite high expectations, which has pushed the international markets to respond, creating experiences far beyond the notorious low-budget group roundtrip. The Chinese travel market is increasingly diverse, with products tailored to business and leisure, luxury to affordable, general to special interest. This trend emerged before 2019 but the pandemic made it stronger, and if the Chinese domestic travel market is any indication, this is indeed a long-term evolution, one which presents many new business opportunities. New impulses and opportunities appeared in 2023, and now, in 2024, the market seems stable enough for suppliers to reach out again and start positioning brands and products. This is a window of opportunity, a chance to make new connections, build new relationships and get a foot back in the door. Travel agencies may have changed or extended their business fields and require new products and supplier resources. Longstanding contacts might have moved up in the company hierarchy, new joiners to a business might have few pre-conceptions all are opportunities for your offer. Pole-position competitors of three years ago may have changed during the pandemic, shifting the landscape. This could be your chance to step into their shoes. Tourism is notorious for its long planning cycles, so while 2024 has big sales potential, this year is even more crucial for successfully positioning your brand and products in the market, to reap the strategic benefits later. One thing is for sure - no global marketing strategy can be complete without seriously evaluating the number 1 source market. How to do that? Developing your business in the Chinese outbound travel market poses certain challenges: This is an emerging market with huge growth potential, very likely to soon regain its position as number one global source market. Since the market is evolving quickly, it constantly produces new trends and product needs, creating untapped business opportunities. Also, at least in some sectors, there are already clear signs the Chinese travel industry has entered a phase of diversification and maturing, promising potential for higher quality products beyond low-cost mass travel. But any international tourism supplier, brand or destination has to at least consider engaging the Chinese market. Marketers and salespeople, though, find this market challenging because of its distance, time difference, market size, language and intercultural differences. Additionally, it takes time to develop business networks and build trustful relations, create a name for yourself and your product and to develop sufficient insights and knowledge. It is also wise to get an understanding of who is who in the industry and how to monitor and assess the markets evolution. Here, I share tips and practical guidance gathered during my 20-plus years of on-the-ground experience as a sales representative in the Chinese outbound travel market. Getting prepared The long hibernation caused by the Covid pandemic fundamentally disrupted the Chinese outbound market. Any pre-pandemic databases are likely outdated, and many former contacts might no longer be viable. Some contacts may work in new positions, some may have changed companies and many have left the industry for good. A good 30 to 50% of contacts are likely gone. If a contact is outdated but still reachable, ask to be referred to a new contact, if thats appropriate a decision that depends on how close your relationship is. If a contact does not reply or seems unwilling to help, do not push it be sensitive to their current situation and the circumstances under which they left their last employer. If you are a newcomer to the market, it will take you a while to build your contact database and the relationships that need to go with it. Take a conservative approach to your strategy a two-year timeframe is reasonable for establishing a workable network. Keep in mind, also, the sheer size of China and its regional differences. What is interesting to a travel agent in the north may be less interesting to an agent in the south. Make your first sales steps in first-tier cities Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou or the more mature markets of Hong Kong and Taipei, before expanding into other cities and regions. Think of China as a continent rather than a single country. There are huge regional differences in geography, climate, even dialect that inform lifestyle and preferences. Like the different habits and needs someone from Stockholm has over someone from Athens, the lifestyle of a Beijinger differs from that of a Shanghainese. You should not expect to conquer such a huge market in one go and with a one size fits all approach. Your strategy will likely need to be flexible and evolve with the market, so you need enough time and opportunity to learn. You should also adapt your strategy to your offer. For niche products and themes, consider local markets and agents that cater to very specific target groups and communities. Knowing your product and your target segment can save you a lot of time and money. To speed things up, you might invest time and money in joining some established B2B platforms, such as roadshows organised by national tourist boards or workshops and trade fairs held in the market by other organisations. If the event is well organised and the contacts are curated selectively, you will gain market knowledge and business contacts in a relatively short time. As the Chinese outbound travel industry is rebuilding, your contacts will definitely need new suppliers and product resources, ideally in Chinese and adapted to the market. Since the post-pandemic market has evolved, you could introduce completely new products that received little or no interest in the past. Even older products need to be re-introduced to cover the loss of product knowledge caused by the hibernation and industry disruption. If you can reach an established contact, a simple reminder or update might suffice, but assume their last reference point was pre-pandemic, so your latest prices, capacities or business policies may differ to previous conditions now no longer on the table. Buyers are rebuilding their business, probably with financial constraints and limited cash flow, so they may ask for very lenient payment terms and cancellation policies. Sales partners are experimenting as they adapt to the many changes in the market and identify current demand not every idea and project will take off. Finally, remember those external factors visas and flight capacities beyond your sales partners control have a strong and direct influence on the industry and business. While there are improvements, they are still below 2019 levels, which creates uncertainties and makes things hard to predict. Engaging the market - DIY To engage the market alone, do your homework and consider a few fundamental questions. The better you know the market and refine your goals, capacities and limitations, the more likely you will plan a successful strategy, design attractive products and communicate with contacts successfully. What is your outlook on this market? Is it of strategic value to you or are you looking for quick short-term gains? What is the status of fundamentals such as visa handling, flight connections, cross-border payment systems? What is your specific motivation to develop this market? Is it to diversify and hedge your source markets or are you simply looking for additional sales in low seasons? Does your company or destination actually welcome guests from China, and which kind? Do you require external help and training on the product side? Do you need local partners or stakeholders on board first? Will your target guests from China fit with your existing clientele, or do you need to manage and steer this process? How suitable is your product for this market and to what extent could you adapt it, if needed? How known and visible is your brand and how is it perceived? What market do you hope to be in? A mass or a high-end market? Or should you consider a niche segment with very specific needs, such as education or special interest? Do you have enough time and resources to try out things and learn from mistakes to adapt and improve your offer? Whether you are an old hand in China or a newcomer, learning about the market and following its development is crucial but challenging. While a lot of relevant information is published in Chinese only, there are English resources sharing insight and observations of the market. The national tourist boards usually provide at least some rudimentary market information, and there are many industry associations and international market research organisations with China market experts you can follow or consult. Media outlets that publish news about the Chinese market give a better picture and a deeper understanding of what is happening in China and its travel industry. I find these outlets helpful to follow: Travel industry media General news media Lifestyle media Learning about China and its culture will definitely enhance your understanding of its people and the market. The intercultural elements are indeed very important and pose quite a challenge, but there is no need to strive for perfection, neither in language nor cultural knowledge. Your Chinese partners appreciate your efforts and small gestures. In my two-plus decades embedded in the market, I have always found my Chinese counterparts very approachable and easy-going. Only in formal settings are there more rigid customs to observe. In my experience, there is very little that cannot be resolved with general politeness, common sense and attentiveness, so dont let cultural differences put you off. One of the biggest advantages of working in the Chinese outbound travel market alone is building relationships directly and getting unfiltered feedback. But you also need to regularly maintain and support those relationships, which can be a challenge, given the physical and cultural distances, time and language differences. Be aware when your contact visits you, you should reciprocate the hospitality and help you receive in China. Communicating with your contacts can be a challenge for technical reasons too, since China has its own digital ecosystem, and many services you use search engines, payment tools, location services, international websites do not exist in China. Without them and not having the Chinese alternative can make business challenging, as your Chinese business contacts are likely to prefer to use their own local systems and platforms. The Chinese WeChat app is a prominent example. This super app is used for nearly everything in daily life across Mainland China. Despite phone and email still being used in China, most communication, both business and personal, is by WeChat: voice calls, video meetings, file transfers, location sharing, contact sharing. Hong Kong and Taiwan differ a little since international platforms are more accessible, so, there, you might also be able to use Whatsapp, Line and other services. In business dealings in Mainland China, it is now common practice to exchange WeChat contacts rather than business cards. If you want to engage your contacts directly, in practice there is no way around WeChat, so familiarise yourself with its functions, upload a digital version of your business card to your phone and decide how you will organise and structure your WeChat contacts, so you know who is who and how you met. Consider using a travel agency or hotel concierge to help you arrange some elements of your trip, but if youre set in planning your sales trip alone ensure you do your research. A business trip to China is complex, and that research definitely pays off when you know where youre going and what to expect. It seems obvious, but China is a huge country, so you could well get on a plane in Beijing at 10 degrees and arrive to 25 degrees in Hong Kong. Plan your route to your contacts office and know who to ask for when you arrive. Work out how to arrange your sales tour and transport efficiently you can waste a lot of precious time if your routing is not well thought out. Also consider how you communicate during your business trip how you book and pay what materials, presents and giveaways to take and what digital options you could use to reduce weight Using a representative You might decide to use an agency or representative to engage the market. It has its pros and cons. Doing so may save you time, energy and money because you will not have to travel to China so often, and you can benefit from an agency or representatives contacts, experience, know-how and market insights. It removes all challenges youd face alone. Instead, you can outsource most problems and focus your energy on the results, ensuring a more targeted and efficient mission. Obviously you need a budget and a competent, trustworthy agency you feel you could work with for a long period changing agency down the road would cause serious disruption for you in an already challenging market. Your market representative acts as your face and voice in the market and obviously needs to know your product inside and out, to identify business leads and present and negotiate on your behalf. In my experience, mutual understanding and above all trust are most crucial. Only if there is trust can you give your representative the operational freedom they need. After all, why hire an expert if you dont trust their expertise? They may need to adapt products, change strategies, even make mistakes, so the relationship between you and your representative must be clear and strong, so any setbacks still keep you on a successful path. There are many agencies, so in assessing and selecting a suitable one for you, I recommend exploring the following questions in making your decision. Do you have a trusted independent to help you assess the agency? How long has the agency been active in the market and in what capacity? How much experience does the representative have in the outbound travel industry? What is their reputation, i.e. are they a speaker, expert or content publisher? Would you merely be one of many client accounts for the agency? How focused and loyal would they be when negotiating on your behalf? What client references and track record do they have? How long have their clients worked with them? Which of their networks, databases and tools can you profit from? Did they remain active during the pandemic and maintain useful databases? How experienced and qualified is the agency team? How well does the agency know or understand your product or comparable ones? Have agency representatives experienced your product themselves? Can the agency forge synergies between you and other clients? Ultimately, you need an agency that works for you, one that provides the level of quality you expect, the support and input you need, a relationship with your contact person that suits and pricing that fits your budget. The Chinese outbound market is back in business, and as a crucial strategic source market, it is important you get some insight as you evaluate its business potential for you. If you decide to develop the market, engaging it by yourself or through a representative both have their advantages and disadvantages. You need to decide which approach most appeals, and I hope the tips and considerations here will help. Summary Pent up demand and revenge travel were the buzzwords of 2023, but they created unrealistic expectations and consequent disappointment about the speed of the Chinese outbound market recovery. Yes, if a consumer was limited to domestic travel and had no real opportunity to travel abroad for nearly three years, it is very likely they would want to travel again, but that does not mean any international trip would do, post-Covid, or that the market would simply reset to 2019. It is much more likely Chinese consumers domestic travel experiences will inform their preferences in international travel and these will be different to before. In 2024, we will, I believe, see to what extent this is true, whether and how the market has evolved, and what its long-term strategic potential is. There has been much speculation about when the market would return to pre-pandemic levels, in 2024, 2025 or later. But surely, it is a moot point that misses the point: the Chinese market is clearly back in business. And excitingly, the Chinese international travel market is still emerging. What we have seen so far is merely the tip of the iceberg. Only around 8 to 10% of Chinese citizens currently have a passport to travel internationally, a tiny percentage compared to other major countries. As more consider international travel an option, the growing interest and excitement we have seen in global tourism over the last two decades can only increase. Despite current economic challenges, the fundamentals of the market flights, visas, demand are improving fast. There is a sense that this is the moment to engage with the market and develop business from China. This is the time to reconnect. Oliver Sedlinger Sedlinger & Associates Ltd Located in one of the nation's emerging business hubs for innovation and entrepreneurship, the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado Boulder has a proud history as a premier school at the only member institution of the American Association of Universities in the Rocky Mountain Region. A University of Colorado business school educating principled leaders, providing innovative research and the Colorado MBA and Master's Programs of choice with classes online, in South Denver and Boulder. Today the Leeds School of Business is redefining ways to deliver research, teaching and service; resulting in principled leaders who drive innovation and effective change. A diverse community of thought leadersincluding motivated students, top-tier faculty, talented staff, engaged alumni and corporate partnersforge a collaborative and collegial environment fostered by integrity and pride. The Leeds School of Business stimulates authentic business solutions to yield economic growth regionally, nationally and internationally. Help safeguard your hotel fitness center We all know accidents do happen, but we seldom expect them to take place in a setting that is supposed to be a sanctuary of rest, relaxation and recharging. Unfortunately, as much as hotels want to create an environment that allows people to escape their problems, the hotel industry is not exempt from the potential of a mishap or a dangerous situation. A hotel gym, for instance, can be considered a legitimate area of risk, with incidents as simple as a guest tripping over a barbell or experiencing a sprained muscle. Accidents can also result from complicated incidents, such as malfunctioning equipment, a guest not using the exercise machines properly or even more serious health issues. According to The New York Times: Experts say the likelihood of dying, being badly injured or contracting a serious disease as a result of a visit to a hotel gym is rare, but the potential is real. The risks include equipment-related injuries, heart attacks and a constellation of contagions, for which gyms are an ideal breeding ground. With that in mind, Hotel Business Review reports that the hotel gym facility should focus around the concept of risk management. In other words, the hotels fitness center should be treated as high a priority as any other area of the property. It notes that: Hotels are no strangers when it comes to liability risks. Guests are met with rules and regulations, waivers and releases to sign upon check-in all put in place to protect the hotel from risk of a potential lawsuit. Staff members are trained to constantly be on the lookout for risks throughout the facility and either take steps to eliminate the risk or inform management. Of course, hotel insurance coverage can protect you from some events that may arise, but there are other precautions you can take to help keep your hotel gym and your guests safe. Here are just a few: Purchase the right equipment. It may cost more, but the investment is well worth it. Poorly designed exercise machines and other equipment may lead to serious injury. Also, high-quality equipment may last longer and prove to be more durable, which could save on replacement costs. Perform quality control. Regular inspections of equipment (even on a daily basis) can help to prevent or reduce future accidents. Make sure your fitness vendors provide you with a comprehensive maintenance contract. Invest in staff. You may not need a full-time employee to manage your gym, but your regular staff may be needed to check into the area at regular intervals, putting equipment back where it belongs and keeping the area floor clear. If you do hire an instructor, make sure they are properly certified and will obey all hotel safety regulations. Post signs. Remind guests that they need to sanitize and return the equipment after use, and to keep the floor clear. Usually, a simple posted sign serves as a good reminder. Dont invest in too much equipment. Its amazing how a good workout can result from very simple (and few) exercise equipment. Make sure your gym equipment is proportional to the space you are using. Otherwise, its going to be difficult for guests to move around, which can cause accidents. Impose occupancy limits. If your space is overcrowded, accidents are bound to happen. Post a sign limiting the number of guests who can work out at one time and monitor the space. Consider offering a waiting list. Be clean Have your housekeeping staff disinfect and clean the area on a regular basis throughout the day. Make sure your guests are properly insured. Have them sign an agreement stating that they have health insurance coverage in case of an accident. Invest in an emergency phone system for your gym. Show your guests that you are concerned about their welfare by utilizing an emergency phone system in your gym. A system like Kings III can ultimately reduce gym hazard issues and accidents, even if guests just use the phone to report malfunctioning equipment or safety rules not being followed. Precautions like that could save your establishment thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs, and most importantly, prevent future accidents. A Kings III Emergency Phone System can offer you help at the mere press of a buttonno location or address need be given. Our operators are on call 365/24/7 and speak over 175 languages. The call will be recorded for event verification and incident reports, and youll be kept updated as to what is happening in the gym as it unfolds. Will your guest need medical attention? If so, our Kings III operators can not only send for help but can also provide step-by-step prearrival medical instructions (including CPR) while the local emergency services team is on its way. Thats because our staff is Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatch (AEMD) certified. Contact us to find out more about how Kings III Emergency Communications services can protect you and your guests using your fitness center. Raphael Nunez, Business Development Manager Kings III. Connect with Raphael on LinkedIn. Kimpton Algarve Sao Rafael Atlantico Hotel rendering IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announces the signing of Kimpton Lisbon, the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property in the Portuguese capital. Set to open its doors in early 2025, the boutique luxury hotel marks the second Kimpton to come to Portugal, following the signing of Kimpton Algarve Sao Rafael Atlantico in late 2023. Kimpton Lisbon adds to IHGs fast-growing luxury & lifestyle portfolio, now the second largest in the world, and reinforces its focus on its growing presence in the country. In the luxury & lifestyle segment, IHG operates six open hotels and has a further seven in development for brands including Six Senses, Hotel Indigo, and Vignette Collections recently opened Convent Square Lisbon and Casa da Companhia in Porto. Signed under a franchise agreement with Real Hotel Group, the hotel will be reimagined as an excellent representation of the Kimpton brand, with 141-guestrooms and public areas redesigned to take inspiration from the light and colours of the city. From unique, design-forward spaces featuring inspiring high-quality finishes to seasonally-inspired restaurants and bars - including a rooftop bar and pool the hotel will seamlessly cater guests looking to engage in new cultures, cuisines or conversations. Located in the heart of Lisbon, Kimpton Lisbon will become an ideal launch point for exploration, with key tourist attractions in walking distance including the Eduardo VII Park, Marques de Pombal Square and Avenida Liberdade, as well as museums and the citys bustling restaurants and bar scene. (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, VP Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: Working with our partners at Real Hotels Group, we are delighted to bring our Kimpton brand to the vibrant and culturally-rich city of Lisbon. The hotel is a great addition to our growing luxury and lifestyle portfolio in Portugal, joining the recently signed Kimpton Algarve Sao Rafael Atlantico, and further demonstrating owner demand and guest appetite for our Kimpton brand. Merging a culture of genuine hospitality and unique, design forward hotels for all, Kimpton Lisbon will create transformative experiences where locals and visitors seamlessly come together. I look forward to welcoming guests to our latest Kimpton boutique luxury property when it opens its door in early 2025. Advertisement Eurico Almeida, CEO, Real Hotels Group, commented: "We are thrilled at the opportunity to bring the first Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants property to Lisbon, and our eighth hotel in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts. We look forward to combining IHGs global enterprise with Kimptons renowned blend of luxury and individuality, partnering with the award-winning architecture and design group, Rockwell, and infusing them into the heart of Lisbons vibrant hospitality landscape. Kimpton pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States. Founded in 1981 by visionary hotelier Bill Kimpton, the brand is inspired by his travels to Europe where Kimpton saw an opportunity for a hotel experience that was more than a place to stay, but rather a place to experience, feel a sense of belonging and explore. IHG acquired Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in 2018 and has since spearheaded its expansion into Europe and beyond. Kimpton Lisbon joins a portfolio of eight Kimpton hotels across the UK and continental Europe and forms part of Kimptons global portfolio of 78 hotels across 12 countries, representing 13,721-bedrooms. IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 20 hotels across seven brands in Portugal, including Six Senses, InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Iberostar. 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 Its rare that a film ever truly deserves to be called perfect. While the term is bandied around a lot in the world of cinema, how many films actually manage to last two hours without a single questionable beat? Not too many. Even great films sometimes have a scene that fails to ring completely true, or a sub-plot that lets your attention drift a little. From Star Wars: A New Hope to Martin Scorseses The Irishman, there are plenty of stellar films that could have almost been derailed by one bum note. See below for The Independents list of 11 bad scenes that came close to jeopardising otherwise brilliant movies. You can also click here to read The Independents list of 23 secretly fantastic performances in otherwise bad films. 10 Cloverfield Lane For the vast majority of its runtime, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a taut, compelling psychological thriller, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a young woman trapped in an underground bunker with John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr. While shes told that the world above has been decimated by an alien attack, we never know if Goodmans sinister bunker-dweller is telling the truth. Until the ending, that is, when the film suddenly morphs into a full-blown disaster movie. Its a good watch nonetheless, but one that is nearly derailed by the needlessly literal ending. open image in gallery Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 10 Cloverfield Lane' ( Paramount Pictures ) American Sniper OK, the problems with American Sniper go deeper than just one duff scene. But for all its questionable politics, Clint Eastwoods hit 2014 war drama was a slick, well-made film with one shockingly amateurish moment. The scene, in which Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller talk while holding a transparently, unmistakably fake baby, was ridiculed and memed widely when the film was released. Django Unchained Django Unchained is a film with some truly remarkable performances. Theres Christoph Waltzs bounty hunter-dentist (a role which won him a second Oscar), Leonardo DiCaprios loathsome Calvin Candy, and, at the centre of it all, a seldom-better Jamie Foxx. But theres one clear black sheep among the cast: Quentin Tarantino himself, who plays an Australian slavetrader. The director is awful so awful, in fact, that if he were on screen for more than his brief appearance, the whole movie would have been thrown into jeopardy. Jurassic Park III While it was obviously never going to be a patch on the original, Jurassic Park III was a thoroughly enjoyable dinosaur romp that puts all three Jurassic World movies to shame. Except, do you remember the scene with the talking velociraptor? It turned out to be a dream sequence, of course, but the brief moment of dino-loquaciousness was so goofy you couldnt help but be taken out of the experience. open image in gallery Tea Leoni and William H Macy in Jurassic Park III' ( Universal ) Kingsman: The Secret Service There was something about Kingsman that really struck a chord with viewers; its bombastic, farfetched spin on the spy genre seemed to evoke a bygone era of James Bond. The film throughout leaned heavily into comedy, but the very final scene which features a crude joke about anal sex left many with a sour taste in their mouths. Licorice Pizza The latest film from There Will Be Blood maestro Paul Thomas Anderson proved rather divisive; to some, it was a work of pure genius, to others an uncomfortable endorsement of an inappropriate relationship. There was one thing pretty much everyone agreed on, however. A scene featuring John Michael Higgins as a white restauranteur speaking in a grotesquely caricatured Japanese accent to his wife intended as a lighthearted anti-racist satire landed like a lead balloon, and put some viewers off the film entirely. open image in gallery Alana Haim in Licorice Pizza' ( Universal ) Let the Right One In Scandinavian coming-of-age horror Let the Right One In featured some pretty impressive visual effects in many of its scenes with one glaring exception. A sequence in which Virginia (Ika Nord) is attacked by a room full of cats is rendered with such wobbly CGI that the whole thing comes across as an absurd, tacky comedy. Thankfully, it doesnt detract from the rest of the film, which endures as an eerie delight. Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King The Return of the King was an undeniably great epic, filled with memorable set pieces and moments of real fantasy awe. The last half hour, however? Im not so sure. The films schmaltzy epilogue was five times too long and dramatically inert the scene with Frodo lying in bed, greeting his comrades one by one, is enough to have even the most loyal Tolkien-head checking their wristwatch. Star Wars The 1997 Special Edition re-release of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, quickly became infamous among the franchises long-term fans thanks to one scene in particular. With just one small editing change, George Lucas made it so Han Solo (Harrison Ford) no longer shot the scurrilous alien Greedo before he could shoot him first. In that moment, a supposedly key piece of character-building was lost. The controversial scene would kick off an argument that raged among Star Wars fans for decades. open image in gallery Greedo and Han Solo prepare to shoot one another in Star Wars: A New Hope ( Disney/Lucasfilm ) The Dark Knight Rises Christopher Nolans follow-up to the widely adored superhero thriller The Dark Knight was markedly less well-recieved than its predecessor, and for good reason. But for the majority of its runtime, The Dark Knight is still a compelling, spectacle-fuelled romp. The character of Talia al Ghul (Marion Cotillard), however, sadly never quite came together, and her limp, head-rolling death scene provoked more laughs than gasps. The Irishman Martin Scorseses 2018 gangster elegy was a slow-burn masterpiece, reuniting the director with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, and marking his first collaboration with Al Pacino. The actors were digitally de-aged for much of the film, to portray their characters at various stages of their life. It worked, more or less but one scene, in which an ostensibly youthful De Niro beats up the man who pushed his daughter, was too much for the digital effects to bear. Theres no disguising the fact that De Niro moves, and fights, like a man in his mid-70s. In a film filled with great, affecting moments, this one was awkward to watch. This article was originally published in October 2022 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 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 The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} JK Rowling has become an increasingly divisive figure in recent years because of her views on transgender people. In an apparent bid to protect womens rights, the author, 58, has repeatedly misgendered trans women in recent weeks and months and recently implied the community was full of sexual predators. Now, her relationship with the actors who brought her beloved Harry Potter books to life appears to be irreparably broken. On Wednesday (10 April), the author suggested on X/Twitter that she will never forgive Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for speaking out in favour of trans rights. The First Waves of Controversy 2019 Rowling first expressed gender-critical views back in 2019 when she spoke in favour of Maya Forstater after the researcher lost her job for her allegedly transphobic tweets. But it wasnt until the summer of 2020 that Rowling made her views on the subject explicit, retweeting an article about people who menstruate taking umbrage with the inclusive choice to use the word people. JK Rowling photographed with Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint at a Harry Potter premiere in 2010 ( David Fisher/Shutterstock ) She wrote: People who menstruate. Im sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud? The author followed this with a tweet where she insisted that gender identities do not exist on a spectrum. If sex isnt real, theres no same-sex attraction. If sex isnt real, the lived reality of women globally is erased, she wrote. 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 I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isnt hate to speak the truth. This prompted widespread outrage from trans activists, Harry Potter fans and many of the actors who starred in the hit franchise from 2001 to 2011. The author believes she is defending womens rights by being gender-critical. ( Yui Mok/PA Wire ) Rowling Condemned 2020 Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, was the first actor to speak out against Rowlings stance on transgender identities. Transgender women are women, he said in a 2020 statement released by The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention charity for young LGBT+ people. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional health care associations who have far more expertise on this subject matter than either Jo or I. He was quickly backed up by Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), who made similar comments. Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they arent who they say they are, she wrote on X/Twitter. I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you, and love you for who you are. The film adaptations of Rowlings books thrust Radcliffe, Watson and Grint into the limelight. ( PA ) Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) also gave his support to the trans community, asserting, as Radcliffe had, that trans women are women. I firmly stand with the trans community and echo the sentiments expressed by many of my peers. Trans women are women. Trans men are men, Grint told the Sunday Times . We should all be entitled to live with love and without judgment. Other Harry Potter actors gave similar statements in support of the trans community. In 2022, Emma Watson even appeared to call out the author at the Baftas, telling the audience that she was for all the witches when she came on stage to present an award. Rowling has said she wont forgive the Harry Potter stars for defending trans rights. ( PA ) However, Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy, said he was not going to be jumping to stab [JK Rowling] in the front or back in 2022. Theres a bunch of stuff about Jo, Isaacs said. You know, I play complicated people, Im interested in complicated people. I dont want to get drawn into the trans issues, talking about them, because its such an extraordinary minefield. The Hate Crime Act 2021 Rowlings alleged defence of womens rights was seemingly amped up a gear following the introduction of the new Hate Crime Act in Scotland this month. The Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021, which came into force on 1 April, states that it is a crime to stir up hatred based on protected characteristics including age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or being intersex. This prompted the author to challenge Scottish police to arrest her for misgendering trans people and, in some cases, pointing out their crimes. She wrote: Scottish lawmakers seem to have placed higher value on the feelings of men performing their idea of femaleness, however misogynistically or opportunistically, than on the rights and freedoms of actual women and girls. It is impossible to accurately describe or tackle the reality of violence and sexual violence committed against women and girls, or address the current assault on womens and girls rights, unless we are allowed to call a man a man. Freedom of speech and belief are at an end in Scotland if the accurate description of biological sex is deemed criminal. This was followed up by a list of transgender women, who she unanimously described as men, where the author proceeded to point out their alleged misdeeds. The list included trans activists and public figures alongside figures including convicted rapist Isla Bryson and Amy George, who abducted and assaulted a schoolgirl. Rowling said: Im currently out of the country, but if what Ive written here qualifies as an offence under the terms of the new act, I look forward to being arrested when I return to the birthplace of the Scottish Enlightenment. The author challenged Scottish police to arrest her this month. ( @jk_rowling/Twitter ) In response to this, Police Scotland said they would not be taking the author up on her apparent arrest me challenge despite receiving complaints about her posts. She wrote: I hope every woman in Scotland who wishes to speak up for the reality and importance of biological sex will be reassured by this announcement, and I trust that all women irrespective of profile or financial means - will be treated equally under the law. If they go after any woman for simply calling a man a man, Ill repeat that womans words and they can charge us both at once. The Cass Report 2024 Rowling claimed she was further vindicated in her crusade for womens rights by the Cass Report, which was released On Wednesday (10 April), Rowling praised the newly-released Cass Report, which examines childrens gender services. Making suggestions for improvements, the report claims there is remarkably weak evidence for giving children and young people gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers. The reality is we have no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress, Cass wrote. It is unusual for us to give a potentially life-changing treatment to young people and not know what happens to them in adulthood, and thats been a particular problem that we havent had the follow-up into adulthood to know what the results of this are. Dr Cass toldToday that many of the assigned female at birth people presenting at gender clinics in their early teens often had quite complex additional problems. Dr Hilary Cass has published a long-awaited report into childrens gender services (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Wire ) Rowling responded by saying this report should be evidence enough for those in favour of gender-affirming care to reconsider their stance. She wrote: Even if you dont feel ashamed of cheerleading for what now looks like severe medical malpractice, even if you dont want to accept that you might have been wrong, wheres your sense of self-preservation? The bandwagon you hopped on so gladly is hurtling towards a cliff. A Twitter user who went by the name FarRightHooligan then told the author they were waiting for Radcliffe and Watson to give the author a very public apology. They wrote: Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them. The author replied: Not safe, Im afraid. Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding womens hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces. The Independent has reached out to representatives for Rowling, Radcliffe, Watson and Grint for comment. 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 The release of British actor Dev Patels highly anticipated directorial debut, Monkey Man, has reportedly been postponed in India amid concerns that it could fall foul of the countrys censors. The revenge action drama premiered at South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) on 11 March. It was released theatrically worldwide on 5 April and was originally scheduled to come out in India on 19 April. The film is set in India, and follows Patels unnamed character on a revenge spree against the corrupt officials of an Indian right-wing political party. The Independents Clarisse Loughrey gave it 4 stars as an action film with shades of John Wick and Enter the Dragon, concluding that it deserves to be a hit. Yet despite Monkey Mans mostly positive reviews, a standing ovation at SXSW and grossing $12m in its opening weekend, Indians themselves may have a while to wait to watch it. Indian ticketing site BookMyShow no longer shows Monkey Mans release date and Universal Studios India Monkey Mans distribution partner posted a teaser on X saying it would be in theatres soon, with no definite date. Reports from Indian media suggest this delay is likely because the film hasnt yet been certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a government body that grants the requisite certification to any film before its release. The film has excessive violence and there are fears that some of its aspects might hurt the sentiments of the section of the audience. Hence, the censor process is expected to take time, an unnamed source told film website Bollywood Hungama. Also, the Universal Studios team in the USA also needs to permit the changes asked by the CBFC. Once they approve, the local team will carry out the changes and only then, the team will announce the release date A clearer picture will emerge in a weeks time, hopefully, the source added. open image in gallery RESENA-MONKEY MAN ( AP ) Monkey Man was originally never meant to get a theatrical release. The independent feature was bought by streaming giant Netflix for $30m in 2021, which then dropped it in 2023 with no clear reason as to why. Film blog World of Reel reported that the portrayal of a right-wing Hindu nationalist character in the film spooked them. 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 January 2024, Netflix was forced to pull Annapoorani: the Goddess of Food after several right-wing Hindu groups complained that the main character was shown eating meat. The film, which was made in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, followed a young woman from the Brahmin caste, which does not traditionally eat meat. The film also received criticism that it promoted love jihad, an unproven conspiracy theory propagated by Hindu right-wing groups that claims Muslim men marry Hindu women in order to convert them to Islam. After Netflix dropped Monkey Man, it was picked up by Get Out director Jordan Peele, who convinced Universal Pictures to buy and distribute the film. I first saw a cut of Monkey Man about eight months ago and I instantly knew it was a classic, Peele told TheWrap. Ive been a fan of Devs for a while, but I was instantly blown away by the cinematic generosity of his film. I watched it alone but could hear the audiences reactions in my head. I knew the movie demanded a theatrical run. open image in gallery Britain Monkey Man Special Screening ( Invision ) After the films premiere at SXSW, commentators on X noted that the flags and posters associated with the villains political party had changed from saffron-coloured in the movies first trailer to red in the second trailer. Saffron is often associated with right-wing Hindu nationalist movements or Hindutva groups in India, and is the colour used by Narendra Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. While Universal has not commented on or confirmed the change, many online have speculated that it was done to pre-empt and minimise outrage in India. Bollywood film Pathaan came under fire in 2023 because Deepika Padukones character wore a saffron bikini. The home minister of Indias Madhya Pradesh state, Narottam Mishra, said he objected to the way saffron and green colours have been used in the film. Self-censorship to cater to a films international markets is not a new concept. The 2012 remake of action film Red Dawn changed its antagonists nationalities from Chinese to North Korean in post production to appease the Chinese market. In 2013, Marvel changed the originally Chinese villain Mandarins nationality in Iron Man 3 by casting British actor Ben Kingsley. A 2023 report in The Washington Post showed that streaming platforms Netflix and Amazon Prime Video dropped multiple projects to appease the Indian government and there was pressure on Indian creators to remove any reference to religion that might offend the Hindu right wing or the BJP open image in gallery RESENA-MONKEY MAN ( AP ) A review of Monkey Man in The New Statesman says: Monkey Mans critique of an extremely popular dictator who has managed to weaponise Hinduism is not exactly subtle, a description that most critics have echoed, while also pointing out the self-censorship embedded within that portrayal. Patels character derives strength from the Hindu ape-god Hanuman to wreak vengeance on those who attacked his village, and even uses real news footage from demonstrations against Indias Modi-led government though it removes the context from said protests. In an Ask Me Anything Q&A on Reddit, Patel describes Monkey Man as being about the marginalised the underdogs all lifting each other up to achieve a justice that was only meant for the privileged. 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 Prince Andrew is delighted by his portrayal in the new Netflix film Scoop, friends have claimed. The film follows the aftermath of the disgraced Royals friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, which resulted in his disastrous BBC interview with Emily Maitlis following allegations of sexual assault. The notorious 2019 interview saw the Prince, now 64, make bombshell claims when quizzed over a photograph of himself with Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked to him. When asked about his whereabouts on the day the picture was taken, the Royal claimed that he was not with the then-17-year-old but instead dropping his daughter off at a Woking branch of Pizza Express for a birthday party. Andrew is portrayed in the new film by Rufus Sewell, who said he repeatedly listened to the car crash interview before starring in Scoop alongside Gillian Anderson, who stepped into Maitlis shoes. Obviously Andrew regrets doing the interview, and if he had his time again he wouldnt do it, a friend of the Prince told The Daily Beast. That said, he feels Scoop is much more even-handed than he expected. Its fair to say he was delighted by Rufus Sewells portrayal of him. open image in gallery Uncanny: Gillian Anderson and Rufus Sewell as Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew in Scoop' ( Netflix ) Another friend praised the film for depicting some of the good work Prince Andrew did when he was still a working Royal. They said: I think the show, to the satisfaction of everyone who actually knows the guy, made clear that Andrew was an extremely good convener of people. He did actually play a valuable role for the royals with Pitch@Palace and his other business-focused advocacy work. When he was at a business meet and greet in a conference room in Hong Kong, there was real energy when he entered the room. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery Prince Andrew said he has regret for his association with Epstein ( AFP via Getty Images ) Prince Andrew denies all allegations of sexual assault made by Giuffre. He settled the civil case she brought against him for an undisclosed sum in 2022. He said at the time that he recognised she had suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks. The Prince also stressed his regret for his association with Epstein. 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 Richard Gadd is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Were speaking over video three days before the release of Baby Reindeer, the seven-part Netflix series fictionalising the Scottish comedians protracted experiences with a stalker. Three more sleeps, he says, as if it were Christmas. I go through sort of giddy excitement, and feelings of pride all the way to just being insecure. Its just a big exposing time but Im well up for the ride. Before it was a Netflix series, Baby Reindeer was a one-man stage play. It follows fledgling stand-up comic Gadd named Donny Dunn in the series who works a day job as a bartender. One day, a woman, called Martha in the show and played by Jessica Gunning, walks into the pub, claiming shes a lawyer but cant afford a drink. Out of empathy, or perhaps just rank pity, Donny gives her a cup of tea. From thereon in, she clings to his life like a limpet, first as a sort-of friend, and then, quickly, as a relentless harasser. This, more or less, is what happened to Gadd. What started out as an act of benign courtesy soon metastasised into a nightmare. Gadd, looking comfortable and shrewd-eyed this afternoon, already has a pretty enviable CV. The 34-year-old has an Edinburgh Comedy Award to his name (for 2016s Monkey See Monkey Do), an Olivier (for the stage version of Baby Reindeer), writing credits for the Netflix teen hit Sex Education, and he acted in the Bafta-nominated BBC Two programme Against the Law. On stage, his routines were initially rooted in subversive anti-comedy, with a dark psycho-analytical edge. As time went on, this gave way to something slipperier, less laugh-centric, and more soul-baring. Ahead of Baby Reindeer, Gadd says hes thus far been avoiding reviews entirely though if he looked, hed see theyve been roundly enthusiastic. This is twisty, mature, self-interrogating stuff that will leave you more troubled than tickled, writes Nick Hilton in The Independents four-star review. Hes not wrong. The shows title is borrowed from Marthas pet name for Donny, a name that adorns most of the obsessive 40,000-plus emails she sends him over a three-year period, all riddled with spelling errors. She waits outside his home all day. Comes to his gig and heckles him. Abuses his parents smearing his father as a paedophile among his work colleagues. Its life-ruining stuff, and for years, the police were impotent in helping him. I never want to lambast the police, because I think there is a national acknowledgement at the moment that the police is an institution which needs improvement, Gadd says. I have met very good policemen in my time. And, unfortunately, Ive met some that I feel extraordinarily let down by. Having watched Gadd be squeezed so brutally through the emotional wringer in Baby Reindeer, I find it a little upending to see him as he is now, calm and assured. The comic is ever so slightly cagey about what he says, insisting at times that his series wasnt making a [broader] comment about some of the topics it explores, but rather navigating the specifics of his own experience. But thats not to say he was oblivious to the bigger picture. I dont like to make these interviews too political, but it does feel like were at a crisis point with our public services right now. Going through the police process on [the stalking case], I really did feel quite confronted with just how kind of how much lack of resources there seemed to be how the police have been gutted. There were also, Gadd adds, times where he questioned the lack of help being given to his stalker. Like, why wasnt she being helped in some way? I left with more questions than answers. Now at least, its over. Sort of. I suppose the situation, shall we say, my dealings with the person who stalked me is certainly over, he says. "The emotional ramifications do live on. open image in gallery Jessica Gunning as stalker Martha in Baby Reindeer' ( Netflix ) When you go through quite a relentless ordeal of stalking, it does imprint itself upon your soul a little bit, he adds. I still live in its aftermath a bit, for sure, but I guess thats why I do the art: to work through it, to understand it, to try and let go of all these kinds of things. What really elevates Baby Reindeer is that, while it is a series about being stalked, it is not only about this. The centrepiece fourth episode, told in flashback, hits like a punch to the gut. The episode shows Donnys relationship with an older, successful TV writer he meets at the Edinburgh Fringe (Tom Goodman-Hill). The man purports to offer him comedy advice and career mentorship but starts inviting him round his London flat where the two would regularly take hard drugs. 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 Deftly manipulated and chemically messed up, Donny would wake up to find he had been sexually assaulted; the shows most distressing scene depicts him being raped, having been plied with acid and the date rape drug GHB. It is only after finally getting free that he realises the full extent of the mans harm, that he had been groomed all along. The trauma of this, and the shame of it, complicate everything in Donnys life his personal relationships, his self-image, and his approach to Marthas stalking, which takes on a messily co-dependent dimension. I dont want to speak for every person thats been sexually abused, but one of the most common ramifications is self-blame, Gadd says. Why did I go there? Why did I do this? Why did I blah, blah blah. Ive lived in a prison of self-hate and self-punishment. But writing it down in a chronological way, and processing it I guess I learned to empathise with myself a little bit more. The experience also imprinted on his work. Baby Reindeer, in its various iterations, has been part of Gadds life for half a decade, while he also addressed sexual assault in his previous stand-up shows. I used to go to Edinburgh and put on silly wigs and do shows with props, Gadd recalls, as Donny does in the show. But it just became very hard. Baby Reindeer trailer I couldnt keep my life separate from what Id been through anymore. It was becoming increasingly hard to play the frivolous funnyman when Id been through these kinds of things. So I had no choice, really, but to conflate the two. Because I dont think I could have really survived having repressed it, and carried on doing these one-liners and surface-level routines. It was almost a survival choice. Because I was struggling so much. One of the most refreshing and admirable aspects of the series is its approach to sexuality. Donny, like Gadd, is a bisexual man, and the nuanced way in which the series explores this is something thats infuriatingly rare on television. I never wanted to be a man with a clarion in his mouth, sort of bellowing at people,? he says. But yeah the bisexual reality, I did want people to pick up on. I think it is unrepresented. Not just on screen but in life in general. Theres no real hard community, or identity in the public sphere, for bisexual people to go. Theres an indoctrination you can get from a young age [the idea] that you have to be one or the other. Sometimes that pressure can come from both sides. There is still this notion that if youre a man and youve slept with a man, then theres no going back. Its rubbish. What Baby Reindeer gets about bisexuality (about many bisexuals, at least) is that it is not simply a matter of liking both. The series understands that gender is not a rigid or binary thing, and neither is desire. One of the subplots in the series sees Donny date a trans woman called Teri, played by Latina actor Nava Mau. In the show, he is torn over feelings of shame around the relationship, and he initially lies to Teri about his name and job. This arc too draws on aspects of Gadds life but dates back to a time when there was less cultural awareness around trans people, even within the wider queer community. open image in gallery Gadd and Nava Mau in Baby Reindeer ( Netflix ) Its in the public consciousness now, but it wasnt back then, when I was dating, he says. It felt so new that it added a certain pressure, to me, that I really regret now. But thats what it explores in the show. This story was set back in a time when things were very different. Gadd credits Mau for helping with the handling of the character, as well as other advisors, ensuring the show struck the right balance. We had all kinds of advisors diversity advisors, trans advisors to make sure that what we were doing was gonna be the right thing, he says. But not in a way where the art felt compromised or anything was watered down. They were very good in terms of knowing the kind of complicated story we were trying to tell. After five years of Baby Reindeer, Gadd is almost ready to move onto other things: the BBC has just announced that hell be writing Lions, a six-part series set and filmed in Glasgow that interrogates ideas of contemporary masculinity. After his challenging, unpredictable Netflix show, we can expect pretty much anything and everything. Laughs. Trauma. Romance. Anything, that is, but an easy answer. Baby Reindeer is streaming on Netflix now Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) 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 Johannes Radebe has reflected on an impactful experience shared with John Whaite during their time partnered together on Strictly Come Dancing. Radebe joined the long-running BBC dance competition as a professional dancer in 2018 and quickly became a fan favourite. One of his most popular runs in the programme came in 2021 when he and TV baker John Whaite were partners, ultimately finishing in second place to Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice. During Saturdays edition (13 April) appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Radebe looks back on his time dancing with Whaite and shares memories of being lifted by him a rare experience as a male dancer. He says: He lifted me like I was a piece of feather. Im a well-built man and Ive always lifted women and I know the level of care that goes into that. For me to experience it for the first time was quite special and I have to thank John Whaite for being really caring with me. He was quite patient while I was trying to figure it out. The truth is for the first time in my life Ive had somebody say to me Ive got you. Last year, Whaite surprised Strictly fans by admitting that he fell in love with Radebe during their time on the show, leading to a brief separation from his then-fiance. open image in gallery Johannes Radebe (left) and John Whaite ( Getty ) I cant speak for him because Im not allowed to, legally but it felt like there was love there, Whaite told The Times of his time with the pro dancer. In response, Radebe told the same publication that he considered Whaite a friend for life. Whaite married his long-term partner Paul Atkins in February. Elsewhere in The Jonathan Ross Show, Radebe discusses his House of Jojo live event, currently touring across the UK. He also becomes emotional when comedian and fellow guest Frank Skinner praises the on-screen partnership that he and Whaite showed to the nation. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free open image in gallery John Whaite and Johannes Radebe on the Strictly tour in 2022 ( Getty Images ) I have to say Ive spent the last seven years in this country and it has been absolutely wonderful, the South African dancer says. I feel seen and that experience really brought a certain confidence to me that I cannot tell you Ive never had that. Its restored my faith in humanity, that experience. To hear people give feedback as to how beautiful it was, that really humbles me. The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 10.05pm on ITV1 and ITVX. Incredible efforts made by Chinese archaeologists last year have filled many gaps in knowledge about the origin of human beings and the formation of the Chinese civilisation. This was evident from the list of Chinas top 10 archaeological discoveries last year, which was recently announced by the National Cultural Heritage Administration in Beijing. The top 10 discoveries were chosen from among 22 finalists out of more than 1,600 archaeological projects carried out last year through open ballot by 21 of Chinas top-tier experts from archaeological institutes and universities. Half of the finalists are prehistoric sites, said Wang Wei, director of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Academic Division of History, who is also one of the judges. The Paleolithic Bashan site in Yishui county, Shandong province, stands out as it showcases the consecutive development history of people and their culture in the area from some 10,000 to 100,000 years ago. An influential hypothesis suggests Homo sapiens originated in Africa. An important reference for it is that evidence of human activity from 50,000 to 100,000 years ago had not been found in East Asia before. The Bashan site group fills in the blank and thus plays a key role in East Asias Paleolithic archaeological studies, said Wang Youping, a professor at Peking University. The Neolithic Keqiutou site complex dating back 3,000 to 7,500 years in Pingtan county, Fujian province, offers key clues for tracing peoples economic forms in what is now Chinas southeast coast and the spread of Austronesian peoples across the Pacific Ocean. They not only relied on fishing, but also farming for a living. The project enriches understanding of how prehistoric people utilised marine resources and prehistoric agriculture, said Chen Xingcan, head of Institute of Archaeology at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The Qujialing Neolithic site dating back 4,200 to 5,900 years in Jingmen, Hubei province, which is by the Yangtze River, sheds light on the wisdom of ancient people, as archaeologists have found one of the earliest and clearest water-management systems which can resist droughts and floods and provide water for irrigation and daily use. The site shows prehistoric peoples water management idea changed from passively preventing flooding to actively controlling water, realising a stride from adapting to nature to transforming it, said Zhao Hui, a professor at Peking University. From the projects we find that excavations and studies on the origin of civilisation in different areas have got unprecedented attention, said Wang Wei. The Mopanshan site dating back 6,000 years in Langxi county, Anhui province, also indicates how civilisations got complicated by the Yangtze. Some finds revolutionised peoples understanding of the Shang Dynasty (c.16th-11th century BC). The Shuyuanjie burial site in the early Shang capital in Zhengzhou, Henan province, is a long-anticipated discovery because archaeologists have always hoped to find a high-level cemetery since archaeological efforts started in the 1950s but failed to achieve a breakthrough till now. A great number of bronze artefacts have been unearthed from this cemetery, covering nearly all types of their counterparts discovered at Yinxu Ruins, a late Shang capital in Anyang, Henan province. This means the bronzeware ritual system had developed in the early Shang stage, said Wang Wei. The Zhaigou site in Qingjian county, Shaanxi province, has yielded information on tombs of heads of Shang vassal states. The tombs can be compared with some of Shang kings tombs in Yinxu Ruins in their scale. They will help us understand the relationship between Shang Dynasty and the vassal states, said Chen of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Pottery ware unearthed from the Wangzhuang site in Yongcheng, Henan province ( XINHUA ) Some other projects unveil ancient products and trade. Efforts on the Chencun Ceramic Kiln site in Huozhou, Shanxi province, unveil the development of Huozhou kilns, a historically recorded kiln group but less known by people now. Studies on the Northwest Continental Slope No 1 and No 2 Shipwrecks found at a depth of 4,920 feet in the South China Sea show the prosperous commercial and cultural exchanges along the ancient Maritime Silk Road in the middle of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). They symbolise Chinas underwater archaeology has reached the deep sea and help us understand the marine civilisation in China, said Song Jianzhong, a researcher at the National Centre for Archaeology. The once murky waters found in lakes and reservoirs across Northeast Chinas Liaoning province are being made clear again thanks to the help of a partner found in Mother Nature fish. The Liaoning Water Resource Management Group in 2016 began implementing a plan to establish fish farms in algae-plagued water bodies to improve water quality and provide a secondary source of revenue. Algal blooms emerge as nitrogen and phosphorus build up in lakes, reservoirs and other slow-moving waters due to agricultural runoff and contamination from untreated urban sewage. The blooms endanger the ecosystem of freshwater lakes and can cause taste and odor problems in waters used for drinking. The water management group, which operates 16 reservoirs across Liaoning and supplies nearly 70 per cent of the provinces water, has long wrestled with algae. By introducing fish into water bodies, the water resource group is able to control algal blooms, clean up the water and then re-catch the fish to sell on the market once theyve reached maturity. Farmed fish are netted from the Guanyinge Reservoir ( PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ) The approach is a departure from conventional methods used to handle algal outbreaks such as through costly mechanical removals, or using chemicals including algicides or herbicides. In recent years, provinces such as Yunnan, Anhui and Shandong, where freshwater lakes are abundant, have also rolled out similar programmes. However, these programmes custodians have warned the process is not as simple as it seems. Not all fish can thrive in reservoirs, said Guan Wankai, who oversees the groups operations at Guanyinge Reservoir in Benxi, southeast Liaoning. Guan said to make the programme work, the group has looked to filter-feeding fish including carp and types of catfish, that guzzle particles suspended in the water. He said the fish in Guanyinge Reservoir are mostly silver and bighead carp. Citing research data, the official said harvesting 2.2lb of carp is equivalent to removing about 0.04lb of nitrogen, 0.003lb of phosphorus and 0.26lb of carbon from the water. When calculated by the biomass of algae, 88lb are eliminated from the water with 2.2lb of fish caught. The group said it had released 7,945 metric tons of carp and other species across Liaoning by last year, and the harvest amounted to 28,100 tons. In 2023, 4,600 tons of fish were caught, with the group raking in an additional 71 million yuan (7.82 million), it said. Official figures show that 52 per cent of the countrys freshwater aquaculture areas are lakes and reservoirs, which produce about one-fifth of Chinas freshwater catch. These fish, especially those from reservoirs, are commonly referred to as ecological fish due to their health benefits. China is the worlds fourth largest organic food producer by growing area, and sales of such food reached 87.7 billion yuan (9.66 billion) in 2022, according to a report by the State Administration of Market Regulation. The group said many of its fish products had been certified organic and have proved to be a hit in markets including Beijing, Tianjin and Guangzhou of Guangdong province. The organic status is reviewed every year. Fish raised in reservoirs, according to the group, are richer in protein and have a lower fat content due to the provinces lengthy winter. When caught in spring, the fat stores of the fish have almost depleted, meaning the flesh is firm and chewy. With living standards increasing, consumers now prefer organic fish raised in open waters, the group said. Our fish business has a bright future ahead. What started as a short business trip in China for Jonathan Geldart 16 years ago has ended up as a long love affair with the country. Geldart was so taken by what he discovered in China that he lived in the country for almost 10 years and has become a fierce advocate of the importance of its place in the world. Now he seeks to provide a measured and even-handed perspective rooted in his prolonged engagement with China, hoping this helps Westerners gain an appreciation that their at times off-beam views need to be reviewed in light of the stories from the real lives of Chinese people. My experiences of working in China and spending time with Chinese people taught me to question the old, accepted stereotypes, says Geldart, who has written three books about China and is now director-general of the Institute of Directors, a 120-year-old member community of business leaders and directors in the United Kingdom and beyond. There are good and not-so-good people in every country in every part of the world, but it does not mean that you should default to mistrust, Geldart says. He first came to China in 2008 for a four-day business conference in Shanghai, where he ventured into local streets to explore the city during breaks. It was my first encounter with Chinese people, and I found it exciting and energising. The friendliness and openness of the locals I met were wonderful. I was hooked on China from that trip forward. Soon after he had a chance to visit Beijing and was later invited to collaborate with the Chinese division of a global accounting firm, where he served as the marketing and brands director on the global board. I thought I would be in China only for a few weeks, but I stayed for almost 10 years. Although Geldart was never formally taught Chinese, he enrolled in classes both in the UK and in Beijing, fitting them in when he could in a busy schedule. He began to appreciate the complexity and nuances of the language to the point where he could get by in everyday life and beyond. Geldart says he experienced a very different China to what he had previously been aware of, and he came up with the idea of telling a more balanced story himself. Based on his work as a businessman, in 2013 he published The Thoughts of Chairmen Now, in which he dispensed the wisdom of Chinese business leaders and entrepreneurs and insights for achieving sustained business success in China. Thinking that there was a wider truth to be told about Chinas people, and not just those in the business world, he then talked to more than 300 people over about two years and in 2015 published Notes From a Beijing Coffeeshop, which provides observations of how people are really doing business and living in todays fast-changing China. A sequel, Inside the Middle Kingdom, was published in 2017. Every Chinese I approached was wonderfully open-hearted and gave their time and thoughts with great warmth and humility. There was a common power and energy from all those I interviewed: the overwhelming feeling was of positivity about the country. Geldart left China in 2018 but continued to try to provide a balanced perspective as to how cultural differences do not have to be blockers to progress and understanding. Geldart says he has received more and more reports of businesses believing it is too difficult to do business in China. The reality is quite different as China is trying to open investment opportunities and increase attractiveness across many industries and locations. He is very optimistic regarding the future of China-UK business development, Geldart says. The IoD has signed a memorandum of understanding with the China-Britain Business Council to deliver specialist courses which focuses on good governance, to British businesses in China during 2024. Only when I take the needle out and touch silk thread do I feel fully comfortable, says Zou Yingzi, an inheritor of Su embroidery, an ancient craft that originates from Suzhou in Jiangsu province. The day before the interview, Zou, 53, worked more than 10 hours late into the night on a large piece of Su embroidery. A piece stretching over 1.6 feet can take months to complete. From Zous mother to her grandmothers, all the women in her family are good at needlework, particularly Su embroidery, which features intricate stitches and the creative use of silk threads dyed in various colours. The needle is our paint brush, and silk threads are the paint. We can express our ideas and emotions on fabric, and in doing so find peace of mind, Zou says. Su embroidery goes back more than 2,000 years. A piece of fabric with exquisite silk embroidery unearthed from a tomb in the area showed that the craft dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). Over centuries needlework had been a must-learn skill for women, who had to make clothes for their families. It was a tradition that mothers should make wedding clothes with exquisite embroidery for their daughters. Zou says that when she was little her grandmother was busy every day, making wedding clothes and quilts for granddaughters. When she was 6 she started to help her mother make Su embroidery items, all of which were sold to support the family. Her studio in Suzhou is full of her work. Flowers, cats, butterflies, figurines of Buddhist deities and scenes from nature become vivid and real on silk fabric. One can even make out a single strand of a cats fur. A single silk thread can be split into 16 or more strands, which in most cases are too thin to be seen. The studio provides magnifying glasses for visitors so they can better appreciate the details of Zous work. Zou Yingzi has been dedicated to the inheritance of Su embroidery for decades ( PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY ) Su embroidery is known for its rich colours, intricate embroidery techniques, elegant designs and clean stitches. All these characteristics, which distinguish it from other embroidery styles in China, have long been connected with the natural environment and lifestyle of Suzhou, a city with a long history of silk making and textile artisanship, says Zheng Lihong, an art professor at Soochow University in Suzhou. To some extent, Su embroidery is close to paintings, Zheng says. Many artists offered their ink paintings and calligraphy for embroiderers to re-create. The embroidery reached its golden age during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), incorporating elements of the literati paintings popular at the time. The craft became a favourite in the court of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and was used in the tailoring of robes and decorations coveted by Chinese royalty. It was during this period that the term suxiu, Su embroidery, was coined. It is an art form created by women who live in a city that boasts an artistic lifestyle, Zheng says. Unlike Zou, whose works are more like art pieces, the works of Fu Xianghong, 59, are often made for everyday use. Sitting in her studio in Suzhou, where large embroidery pieces of flowers, birds and animals hang on walls, she says that Su embroidery is a kind of art that decorates life. Exquisite silk cellphone bags, fan bags, clothes with Su embroidery patterns, accessories, floor screens and even furniture are among her range of products. Fu says that because of the creativity and innovation required her work cannot be done by machines or artificial intelligence, its charm relying on the human touch. She has a team of about 20 women who are all experienced embroiderers, and her daughter is following in her footsteps. For me, Su embroidery is not art confined to museums. I prefer to connect it with our everyday lives and make it more suitable for our modern lifestyle. 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 Indian prime minister Narendra Modi urged India and China to urgently tackle the prolonged situation on their shared border without mentioning the standoff between the two armies at multiple points along the frontier for more than three years. It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us, the Indian leader said in an interview with US publication Newsweek. The two Asian nuclear rivals are engaged in an unresolved standoff at border points between tens of thousands of Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Himalayan regions Ladakh area. Mr Modi did not address the casualties in the standoff, including a clash in Galwan valley in 2020 which killed 20 Indian and at least four Chinese soldiers. "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders, he said. For India, the relationship with China is important and significant, Mr Modi said, adding that peaceful relations between the two neighbours were important for the entire region and world. Last month, India and China sparred over Mr Modis visit to the Indian border state of Arunachal Pradesh, firing up a diplomatic protest. China claims Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of southern Tibet and is reportedly erecting structures in the region. New Delhi denied the Chinese claims and said Arunachal Pradesh has always been a part of India. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Beijing was firmly opposed to Modis activities in the region and India replied by stating that the northeastern border state has always been "an integral and inalienable part of its country. Last year, China ratcheted up tensions with India by giving Chinese names to 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh. India and China have sparred over the long 3,000km (1,860m) frontier, much of it poorly demarcated, with troops reportedly deployed in high alert mode. On the domestic front, Indian opposition has slammed the Modi administration for not tackling the border dispute by engaging China and condemning the issue directly with Beijing. In his interview to Newsweek, a US magazine, the prime minister was at his cowardly worst. His only comment on Chinas repeated infringements on Indian sovereignty was that the India-China border situation needs to be addressed urgently to resolve the "abnormality" in the bilateral interactions, said Jairam Ramesh, Indian opposition politician from the Congress party. He added Mr Modi had a chance to send a powerful message to China. However, his ineffective and feeble response is likely to only encourage China further in asserting its claim on Indian territory, Mr Ramesh said, calling the reaction not only disgraceful but also disrespectful to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in defending our borders. As he looks to win a rare third term in Indian elections starting this month, Mr Modi and his party are banking on internal security and strong foreign policy as two planks for campaigns. However, he has not mentioned the deepening employment crisis and Indias direct conflict with China on the border region. Both militaries have fortified positions and deployed extra troops and equipment along the border since, having been uneasy neighbours for decades after a bloody border war in 1962. 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 One of Europes biggest self-storage companies has offered 378 million to shareholders of London-listed LoknStore to buy it off the stock exchange. A deal which the two companies boards announced on Thursday would give Shurgard access to LoknStores 43 self-storage shops which are scattered across England and Wales. It will, for the first time, see Shurgard enter the south-east of England where LoknStore has 32 sites and is developing another five. Shurgard also said it would get its hands on five Manchester sites, three of which are being developed at the moment. Lok'nStores board believes the offer represents significant value for Lok'nStores shareholders, recognising the quality of Lok'nStore's real estate portfolio and operational strength. Andrew Jacobs, Lok'nStore chair LoknStore was founded in 1995 and has since expanded across England and Wales. A lot of its sites are very new, with 43% of the portfolio being built since January 2022. It has 171,000 square metres of floor space, of which around 50,000 is still under development. Shurgard is much larger. It has 276 stores, 1.4 million square metres of space and services 190,000 customers every year in seven countries. The deal will see Shurgard pay 11.10 for every LoknStore share it buys, which is 15.9% higher than where shares were trading on Wednesday and slightly higher than their all-time high. LoknStore chair Andrew Jacobs said: LoknStores board believes the offer represents significant value for LoknStores shareholders, recognising the quality of LoknStores real estate portfolio and operational strength. Over the years LoknStore has built a unique portfolio of purpose-built self-storage assets. We believe that integrating LoknStores assets and operations into Shurgard is highly complementary considering LoknStores asset locations and positioning in its markets. Shurgard chief executive Marc Oursin said: Following several successful acquisitions over the past year, I am excited to disclose this new acquisition in the UK, which doubles our presence in the country, and accelerates our growth and expansion strategy. 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 Brooklyn and Nicola Peltz Beckham have celebrated their second wedding anniversary with gushing social media tributes. The amateur chef, 25, and the actor, 29, each shared their own respective posts to mark the occasion. On Instagram, Brooklyn and Nicola posted a series of black-and-white photos from the April 2022 ceremony. Happy anniversary to my absolute angel, you are my butter to my toast, I cant wait to grow young with you xx I love you my forever girl, Brooklyns caption read. Nicola also expressed her love in her own caption, writing: Happy anniversary my love. I cant believe its been two years since we got married. Her caption continued: I love you with all my heart and everyday my love for you gets more and more. Thank you for being my best friend - I love our forever play date. Just days before their second wedding anniversary, Nicola shared in an interview with People exactly what she means when she calls her marriage a play date. I feel like when youre on a sleepover or a play date and its like youre always like, Oh, can they sleep over again? And you just are on a never-ending sleepover play date, she told the outlet. Thats how we feel. He really is my best friend. I feel like that. When asked how she plans to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, Nicola shared at the time: [Brooklyn] told me he was going to surprise me What the surprise is... maybe its another dog, who knows? My love language is dogs. God no, we have five already. The Lola director also reflected on her favourite memories from her wedding two years later. I would say two come to mind, she said. One, my Nani was my maid of honor, so she danced. I remember I got really nervous talking in front of people or in front of crowds, she explained. But right before I walked down the aisle with my dad, I heard everyone clapping and cheering. It was because my Nani had her flowers and she was dancing down the aisle. Meanwhile, her second favourite wedding memory was when she ran off to share a special quiet moment with her new husband. Following their Palm Beach nuptials, the couples wedding quickly became embroiled in controversy after Nicolas father, billionaire Nelson Peltz, sued his daughters wedding planners. In December 2022, Peltz filed a lawsuit against Nicole Braghin and Arianna Grijalba of Plan Design Events over claims he never received his deposit back. In February 2023, Braghin and Grijalba filed a countersuit. The legal drama has since seen a resolution, after the parties settled multiple lawsuits in September 2023. The parties believe that this contract dispute between Nelson Peltz and Plan Design should be resolved on the terms agreed. As part of the settlement, PDE will make a donation in the name of Nicola and Brooklyn to the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund. PDE wishes Nicola and Brooklyn Peltz Beckham happiness and a fruitful life together, the parties released in a joint statement at the time. According to the initial complaint obtained by People, Braghin and Grijalba were hired six weeks before the wedding and fired nine days before the event, as Mr Peltz alleged that he didnt get his $159,000 deposit back. 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 Ryan Gosling has continued to maintain a sweet bond with his partner Eva Mendes family. Mendes brother, Carlo Mendez, opened up about his friendship with Gosling during an interview with E! News, published on 11 April. Mendez has known Gosling for quite some time, as the Barbie star first started dating Mendes in 2011 after the now-couple starred in The Place Beyond the Pines together. According to Mendez, when Gosling first met his family, back when he started his relationship with Mendes, he immediately fit in. He loves the whole Latin lifestyle, the salsa, the Spanish, the Cuban he loves all that stuff, Mendez said. So, he fit in like a glove. Mendez continued to praise the type of person that Gosling is while acknowledging how much their bond has grown over the years. Ryan is an awesome, funny, down-to-earth guy, he said. I cannot say enough about him, and Im really learning a lot from him. Just an amazing guy. The Demise star also sweetly recalled how hes accompanied his sisters partner to red-carpet events, including the 2024 SAG Awards in February. After expressing that going to the awards show was awesome, he also remembered how his sister was the one who invited him to the event in the first place. [She said], Hey, do you want to go to the SAG Awards with Ryan? Im like, Hold on, let me think about that...Uh, yeah, Ill go, Mendez continued. During his conversation with E! News, he praised Mendes and Goslings parenting skills, as they share two daughters: Esmeralda, nine, and Amada, seven. He also offered some details about the couples strategies when raising their girls. Theyre amazing parents, Mendez said. They really talk to the girls. The way they ask them questions Ive seen it theyre like, What do you think of this? What do you think of that? They are awesome. Over the years, Mendes has also been open about prioritising her and Goslings children. During an interview with Today last month, the Hitch star said that when she first welcomed her children, she knew it was the right decision to take a step back from Hollywood. It was like a no-brainer. Im so lucky, and I was like, If I could have this time with my children, she said, before noting that while she still works, she just didnt act any more. Because acting takes you on location, it keeps you away, she added. Mendes also acknowledged that she and her husband both have their own careers, explaining that her work-from-home schedule allows Gosling to act. It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, OK, hes going to work and Im going to work. Im just going to work here, she explained. He went and he did his job. He just happens to be really good at his job. And he did it and he came home. She continued to discuss the La La Land stars work strategy, with a reference to how she shared a post on Instagram telling him to come home and help put the kids to bed after he attended and performed at the 2024 Oscars last month. Because thats what its about, you go, you do your job, the best you can, and then you come home, Mendes reiterated while discussing her Instagram post after the Oscars. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Brandy Melville has fed stockpiles of single-sized clothing to young girls since 2009, featuring an inventory of plain baby tees, low-rise denim, tight thermals, and micro shorts. The brand, reminiscent of a California-girl aesthetic, has fostered a cult following of tweens and twenty-somethings by selling its basic style items for no more than $40. Brandy Melville gained notoriety from free advertisements of A-list style icons Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber wearing its clothing, as well as streamlining close-ups of thin, long-haired Brandy girls gallivanting in front of the brands signature white brick wall. But hidden amid the effable praise lies the cold underbelly of a fast fashion company thats been promoting toxic workplace practices from the start, according to a 2021 report from Business Insider. Through conversations with former executive members and over 30 store workers, Kate Taylor - a senior correspondent - found serious allegations of racism, antisemitic behaviour, and sexual exploitation under the control of CEO and founder, Stephan Marsan. Now, in collaboration with Oscar-winning director Eva Orner, the findings from Taylors investigative piece are brought to light once again in HBOs new documentary, Brandy Helville: The Cult of Fast Fashion. The film pieces together first-person accounts from a handful of old employees, a previous senior vice president, and a store owner who managed 11 locations. Both the previous senior vice president and former store owner are plaintiffs in their own respective lawsuits against the company for discrimination. In tandem with the claims against Brandy Melville, an exploration into the realm of fast fashion and its subsequent environmental abuse - specifically in Accra, Ghana - is conducted. Here are the four main accusations made against Brandy Melville in the documentary. Wrongful hiring practices Unlike other retailers, Brandy Melville didnt hire its store associates based on a standard application. The retail stores job application was an outfit or an Instagram, according to former employees across eight cities, and in some cases young girls werent even aware they were applying. Based on the accounts of young women who worked for the brand as early as 2013, an employee in the store would approach a shopper, sugar them up, ask to take a picture of their outfit to potentially use for the stores Instagram and for market research, and sent it to the companys top executives - most notably Marsan. The photos had to be full body and if higher-ups thought they fit the mold of a Brandy girl - described by former employees as typically thin, pale, red hair or blonde with blue eyes - they were asked to work there. The employee who worked in California and New York said the executives would text yes or no on the spot and give us a rate that that person would be hired at, Taylor wrote for Business Insider. She said she watched co-workers use Facetune to edit the appearance of a qualified applicant, making her taller and skinnier and erasing blemishes on her face before sending the photo to executives. The former store owner featured in the film confirmed these hiring practices were implemented and enforced by Marsan. He remembered being told to pay girls more money if they fit his vision, regardless of their work experience or ethic. These girls had to attract elite - their popular, trendy peers - according to the former store owner, and he was told to hire attractive white girls. Willow - a photographer who worked directly with Marsan and Jessy Longo, the CEOs right-hand man - was contacted by the brand after a photo she took of her friends in the apparel landed on the Brandy Melville Instagram without her permission. In the documentary, Willow remembered barely being able to tell that the email she got was from the brand. The message instructed her to let them know if shed like to work together. One day I came into work and there were these clear buttons with sort of an electrical system set up next to every register, said Marta, a former employee at Brandy Melvilles flagship location in New York City. It was a system that Stephan used to inform the person at the register that they should take a photo of the girl thats checking out. The red button goes off and youre supposed to take a photo, and offer them a job. We had to, Marta explained. Store style and discriminatory closures All the former employees who worked for a Brandy Melville store remembered being subjected to the practice of store style. Store style was enforced among all retail workers, according to the documentary. Every morning, young girls aged 15 and up would take full body pictures of themselves in their outfit that day. These pictures would then be sent directly to Marsan and Longo, former employees said. When Cate, a former employee from Newport Beach, questioned where the photos were going, she was shut down. One of the older girls said, Were not allowed to talk about it, Cate recalled. And thats when Im like, Oh no, somethings going on here that I dont know about, and I dont feel safe here anymore. Afterward, Cate promptly put in her two weeks and left Brandy Melville. We were kind of told, Oh, the photos are potentially for if we want you to model for us, Sheridan, an ex employee of Brandy Melvilles Honolulu, Hawaii, location said. Emily, a former employee in San Jose, California, said these store style pictures started as a full body image, but they were soon asked to send chest and feet pictures. For each store, we had a group chat for the managers, myself, and Stephan, the former senior vice president said. We received the pictures from our girls, and if Stephan didnt like some of them, he would send it back to me privately, and say, Fire her. One of the former employees Taylor spoke to, who worked at the flagship store in New York, told her that she had approached Marsan from behind one day and saw a folder of all the photos shed sent to him over the years for store style. The featured store owner, who opened Brandy Melvilles first stores in Canada, also claimed that he was instructed to close his store in Ontario after executives were sent to the location and found that the clientele was mainly Indian and dark people. In the court documents filed, the store owner recalled Marsans brother - who works for the Swiss company that owns Brandy Melvilles trademark - calling the location ghetto. Marsans brother, Yvan, demanded he shut the store down or he would no longer send merchandise over. A manager at a different store was described by Marsan as a communist because of her piercings. The former senior vice president recalled Marsan telling him, Shes going to destroy the f***ing store, before telling him he had to fire her. Faux product research Kali, an employee who left her post at the flagship New York City location, and Natasha, who previously worked at a Brandy Melville in Palo Alto, California, claimed the company mimicked the clothing styles of other companies. Natasha remembered seeing an off-the-shoulder white blouse come in with a shipment, weeks after shed worn a similar top made by a different brand to work. Kali remembered a fellow employee telling her that Marsan had paid her $100 for the sweater she was wearing so they could copy it. When Kali wore a pair of pants the higher-ups had liked, they questioned where she got them and asked her to show them the online link. According to her, they immediately bought the pants but never paid Kali for them. In some cases, the names of these things on the Brandy website, theyll be like, Josslyns shirt. Itll be because the shirt was literally purchased of Josslyns back, Taylor said. In addition to allegations of mock styling, Brandy Melville would send select employees to their warehouses in China and Italy for product research, treating them like royalty so they would model the new inventory and choose what they like. According to both the former senior vice president and the store owner, credit cards were given to product research girls for $1,000 shopping sprees that encouraged them to go out and buy what they wanted from other stores. This was how Marsan could produce what his top clientele liked, the former senior vice president said. Racist, antisemitic gags groupchat and libertarian advertising Business Insider had previously obtained over 150 screenshots from a groupchat titled, Brandy Melville Gags. The former store owner said everyone was in the text chain, specifically more than 30 men and members of the companys senior leadership. The outlet found a string of pornography, photos of Hitler, and memes featuring the N-word sent in the group by Marsan. Holocaust and Nazi references appeared frequently. Hitler was mentioned 24 times in the more than 150 screenshots Insider viewed, Taylor noted in her article. Executives speaking with Business Insider described Marsan to be outwardly libertarian with strong political views. The former store owner claimed Marsan would talk to his store employees about his beliefs. Libertarian bumper stickers were plastered around the store in California, former employee Willow said, which advocated for former US presidential candidate Ron Paul and denounced taxation. Taylor recalled talking to other store employees from the early days who told her Marsan would hand out his personal copies of Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, a notorious libertarian novel, to place around the store. This book was remembered as the bible of Brandy Melville by store employee Marta. One main character in Atlas Shurgged is named John Galt. John Galt is also the name of Brandy Melvilles private label sub brand. Stephen Marsan and other executives did not respond to the filmmakers request for comment. The Independent has contacted Brandy Melville for comment. If youre travelling abroad and want to watch Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Influencer Nara Smith and her husband Lucky Blue Smith are now the parents of three. The 22-year-old model shared a video to Instagram on 11 April to announce the arrival of her baby girl. Our little angel has arrived! Meet Whimsy Lou Smith, Nara wrote in the caption. In the Instagram clip, Whimsy could be seen wrapped up in a blanket while being held in her mothers arms. Although the newborns face remained hidden, the video continued to show sweet footage of Whimsy, including a clip of her feet and another of her hand holding onto Naras finger. The video also featured Whimsy laying down on a bean bag chair and being greeted by one of her older siblings. In addition to the newborn, Nara and Lucky - who were married in 2020 - share a three-year-old daughter, Rumble Honey, and a two-year-old son, Slim Easy. Nara also took to her Instagram Story to share another snap of Whimsy in her onesie, with the babys face still hidden. Although she didnt specify when her child was born, she seemingly hinted that it was around the time of the total solar eclipse on 8 April. I have found the right words yet but shes so precious, and I cant wait to share more! she wrote. Our little eclipse baby. Nara then shared another video of Rumble holding Whimsy, while expressing how excited her eldest children are about the newest addition to the family. Rumble and Slim were so shocked when they walked into our room in the morning and saw Whimsy, the model wrote. Rumble wont let anyone else hold her now. Many fans and famous faces took to the comments of Naras Instagram to celebrate the arrival of her baby. Social media users also didnt hesitate to praise the newborns name. I love her name, Disney Channel alum Skaii Jackson wrote. Congratulations Nara! WHIMSY so so so cute. Love you!!!! another added, while a third wrote: So beautiful congratulations queen. Nara rose to fame on social media, specifically through her TikTok account, where she has more than five million followers. On her TikTok, shes known for sharing a variety of cooking videos and round ups of what she eats everyday. The influencer, who was born in South Africa and raised in Germany, also shares sweet videos of her family and her date nights with her husband. Nara has also opened up about the joys of being a mother on her TikTok page. In a video shared last month, she discussed being a then-mother of two in her early twenties and why she wanted to have children earlier in life. Ive always wanted to be a young mom because growing up my dad would always tell us that he regrets having kids later in life, so I took that advice and its one of the best decisions I could have made, she said. And I know its not for everyone. She further detailed why she ultimately felt prepared to have children at her age. I was always really mature and independent and did a lot of things at a very young age, she continued. So I never feel like Im missing out on any of the partying or any of that. Because Ive done all of that. 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 MasterChef star Monica Galetti has announced the imminent closure of her London restaurant, Mere, as post-Brexit rules continue to savage the UK hospitality industry. The Samoan-New Zealand chef told patrons of the upmarket establishment on Wednesday (10 April) that it was the right time to close its doors. A message on the website reads: It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Mere restaurant but we feel this is the right time after 7yrs! The final service at Mere will take place on Tuesday 16 April. Galetti, known to many for being a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, established the restaurant in 2017 with her husband, David Galetti. Named after Galettis mother, Mere specialises in South Pacific and French cuisines, and is described as an elegant and contemporary restaurant, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience. open image in gallery Monica Galetti ( Getty Images for The Singleton ) Earlier this year, the restaurant appeared in the Michelin guide as recommended, one level below the accolade of a Michelin star. While Galetti has not detailed the specifics behind her decision, the closure comes amid an increasingly difficult time for Britains hospitality sector. This week, strict new post-Brexit rules came into force preventing thousands of Italian waiters from moving to the capital to work in restaurants. New British regulation raised the minimum salary threshold for a skilled work visa from 26,000 to 38,700 - beyond the pay for many restaurants which operate within increasingly tight margins. In January, it was reported that there were more than 10 venue closures every day, with industry data revealing that the number of licensed premises in Britain fell by 3.6 per cent from 103,682 to 99,916 in the year to September. The hospitality industry says it is crumbling under the joint pressures of rocketing energy, rent, and food bills, staff shortages, and no-show bookings, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis and the after-effects of Covid and Brexit. A survey last year by the Office for National Statistics laid bare the damage that has been done to the industry by leaving the EU. In just two years the number of jobs held by EU nationals in food and accomodation services fell by 25 per cent. Celebrity chef and restaurateur Tom Kerridge told The Independent in January that the hospitality sector is facing a number of massive issues, with his business having lost more than 1m since Covid hit. Galetti left her role on MasterChef after struggling to find the balance between running a restaurant alongside spending time with her family and the demands of filming. Speaking on The One Show at the time, Galetti explained: Ive only been able to commit time to the show for three months when my team are strong, and I can have the balance of family, the restaurant and all my other commitments. open image in gallery David and Monica Galetti founded Mere restaurant in 2017 ( Getty Images ) She added: When Im filming, people dont realise I do a 12-hour day of filming, and then I will get back to the restaurant in the evening. But at the moment, things are just out of sync, things are tough at the moment. Galettis nephew had also received a cancer diagnosis, which had contributed to her decision to step back from filming. However, she rejoined the programme after a year. Though Galetti gave no specific reason for the restaurants closure, it comes as the hospitality industry continues to report difficulties amid a tough economic climate. The Independent has contacted Galetti for comment. 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 Prince Harrys US visa application is being reviewed by a judge following his admissions about his use of drugs in his memoir, Spare. The Heritage Foundation launched a lawsuit against the fifth in line to the throne to determine whether he lied on his full-time visa application when he moved to California alongside his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. Under US visa rules, applicants are questioned about substance use and previous criminal charges. A filing for the think tank group said: [The case] comes about in the main because HRH [His Royal Highness] voluntarilyand for immense profitadmitted in writing to the elements of any number of controlled substance violations. The Duke of Sussex, 39, admitted in the 2023 book to using a range of substances including cocaine and psychedelics. He wrote: Psychedelics did me some good as well. Id experimented with them over the years, for fun, but now Id begun to use them therapeutically, medicinally. They didnt simply allow me to escape reality for a while. open image in gallery Prince Harry admitted to taking various drugs in his 2023 memoir. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) They let me redefine reality. Under the influence of these substances, I was able to let go of rigid preconcepts, to see that there was another world beyond my heavily filtered senses, a world that was equally real and doubly beautiful - a world with no red mist. The prince moved to the US with his wife after they stepped down as working members of the royal family in January 2020. Following the review, it will then be decided whether or not to make the documents public. In June of last year, The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied the think tanks request to make the documents public, arguing that there was no public interest in disclosure sufficient to override the subjects privacy interests. open image in gallery Prince Harry now lives in California with his wife and two children. ( REUTERS ) The news comes after Donald Trump insisted that he would give Prince Harry no preferential treatment should he be re-elected for a second term in November. Well have to see if they know something about the drugs, and if he lied theyll have to take appropriate action, he told Nigel Farage in a recent interview with GB News. Lawyers for the US government, however, have argued that even though the Duke claimed to have taken substances in the book, his words are not proof that it definitively happened. The Independent has reached out to Prince Harrys representatives for comment. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A family chronicled their pet octopuss pregnancy journey on TikTok. According to the Clifford familys TikTok account @doctoktupus, their Californian adult female octopus bimaculoide - called bimacs for short - named Terrance laid 50 eggs in December that began hatching in February. Patriarch Cameron Clifford - affectionately referred to as octodad by their 362,200 followers - bought the octopus for his son in October and has been documenting the familys subsequent octopus-filled hijinks. Back in March last year, Clifford began sharing their journey to becoming proud octopus owners by sharing a video of his son tearfully reacting to his father gifting him with an aquarium. He wrote, Surprising my son with an aquarium so he can fulfil a lifelong dream of owning a pet octopus. Later that year, Terrance arrived on the familys doorstep, secured in a clear plastic bag within a styrofoam box. Clifford began to chronicle the family setting up Terrances new aquarium and tending to her habitat. Even with serious planning, consulting, and forethought, we were still faced with surprises when we received Terrance (including her size!), Clifford wrote last month. We dont take this responsibility lightly, they are extremely complex and intelligent creatures. We love you Terry. However, the Clifford family was in for quite the surprise when Terrance began to lay eggs just two months after welcoming her into their home. Researchers have found that once a mother octopus lays her eggs, she stops feeding herself as she watches over her babies, leading her to waste away and potentially die before they even hatch. Bimacs like Terrance ordinarily have an expected lifespan between 12 to 18 months. On 26 March, the family announced that they anticipated Terrances death in the following weeks. However, Terrance is still reportedly thriving, to the shock of everyone. We had always stayed in constant contact with our bimac experts, one of which had cared for dozens of bimacs through the years, and none of them had ever laid fertile eggs, the family explained to viewers in a recent video. Even educational and research facilities struggle with hatching them in captivity, but this occurred 3 feet from my sons bed in Central Oklahoma. In the following weeks, their aquarium was full of little octopi, and the family painstakingly continued their work documenting what its like to care for a giant brood of octopi in their video diaries. After a week, not all of the hatchlings survived. However, those who survived were lovingly named by their owners. Some of the funky names given include Pearl, Melinda, Jay-Sea, Sea-yonceee, and Rocket Larry to name a few. While they continue to care for Terrance, the Clifford family has reportedly handed off the remaining babies to a local reptile scientist as they continue searching for the proper professional care for their brood of octopi. To help with the octopi care, theyve established a Venmo where fans can donate. 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 former assistant principal at a Virginia elementary school dismissed several warnings from teachers and students that a 6-year-old had a gun in the hours before he shot his teacher, according to a grand jury report released Wednesday. The child was not searched, the report stated. The child was not removed from class. The police or SRO was not called. The report was relaesed a day after the former administrator, Ebony Parker, was charged with eight counts of felony child neglect, one for each of the eight bullets that endangered all the students, Newport News prosecutors said in a statement. The 31-page report offers fresh details about the January 2023 shooting and serious wounding of teacher Abby Zwerner, which occurred after the boy brought his mother's gun to school in a backpack. It also provides a granular accounting of each time the special grand jury said Parker disregarded concerns, including an account from a teacher who spoke to a visibly scared and shaking" child who said he saw bullets from the boy's 9mm handgun during recess. A counselor, Rolonzo Rawles, then told Parker the same story, according to the report. Mr. Rawls, now the third person and fourth time this message had been relayed, went back to Dr. Parker and communicated that the child either had a gun or ammunition at least, it said Parker refused to let the boy be searched after his backpack was searched, the report said, describing the child sitting as his desk with "a loaded firearm tucked into his jacket" Ms. Zwerner was then left alone with 16 first-grade students in her class that day, of which one had been reported by three different students over the course of two hours to have a firearm, it added. Parker, 39, posted $4,000 in secured bail Wednesday and did not yet have an attorney listed for her, the Newport News Circuit Court clerk's office said. She and other school officials already face a $40 million negligence lawsuit from Zwerner, who accuses Parker and others of ignoring multiple warnings that the boy had a gun and was in a violent mood the day of the shooting. Zwerner was sitting at a reading table in front of the class when the boy fired the gun, police said. The bullet struck Zwerners hand and then her chest, collapsing one of her lungs. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and has endured multiple surgeries as well as ongoing emotional trauma, according to her lawsuit. Parker and the lawsuits other defendants, which include a former superintendent and the Newport News school board, have tried to block the lawsuit, arguing that Zwerners injuries fall under Virginias workers compensation law. Those efforts have been unsuccessful so far, however, and a trial is scheduled for January. Prosecutors said a year ago that they were investigating whether the actions or omissions of any school employees could lead to criminal charges. Howard Gwynn, the commonwealths attorney in Newport News, said in April 2023 that he had petitioned a special grand jury to probe if any security failures contributed to the shooting. Gwynn wrote that an investigation could also lead to recommendations in the hopes that such a situation never occurs again. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Don Beyer's car dealerships were among the first in the U.S. to set up a website. As a representative, the Virginia Democrat leads a bipartisan group focused on promoting fusion energy. He reads books about geometry for fun. So when questions about regulating artificial intelligence emerged, the 73-year-old Beyer took what for him seemed like an obvious step, enrolling at George Mason University to get a masters degree in machine learning. In an era when lawmakers and Supreme Court justices sometimes concede they don't understand emerging technology, Beyer's journey is an outlier, but it highlights a broader effort by members of Congress to educate themselves about artificial intelligence as they consider laws that would shape its development. Frightening to some, thrilling to others, baffling to many: Artificial intelligence has been called a transformative technology, a threat to democracy or even an existential risk for humanity. It will fall to members of Congress to figure out how to regulate the industry in a way that encourages its potential benefits while mitigating the worst risks. But first they have to understand what AI is, and what it isn't. I tend to be an AI optimist, Beyer told The Associated Press following a recent afternoon class on George Mason's campus in suburban Virginia. "We can't even imagine how different our lives will be in five years, 10 years, 20 years, because of AI. ... There wont be robots with red eyes coming after us any time soon. But there are other deeper existential risks that we need to pay attention to. Risks like massive job losses in industries made obsolete by AI, programs that retrieve biased or inaccurate results, or deepfake images, video and audio that could be leveraged for political disinformation, scams or sexual exploitation. On the other side of the equation, onerous regulations could stymie innovation, leaving the U.S. at a disadvantage as other nations look to harness the power of AI. Striking the right balance will require input not only from tech companies but also from the industry's critics, as well as from the industries that AI may transform. While many Americans may have formed their ideas about AI from science fiction movies like The Terminator or The Matrix, it's important that lawmakers have a clear-eyed understanding of the technology, said Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and the chairman of the House's AI Task Force. When lawmakers have questions about AI, Obernolte is one of the people they seek out. He studied engineering and applied science at the California Institute of Technology and earned an M.S. in artificial intelligence at UCLA. The California Republican also started his own video game company. Obernolte said he's been very pleasantly impressed with how seriously his colleagues on both sides of the aisle are taking their responsibility to understand AI. That shouldn't be surprising, Obernolte said. After all, lawmakers regularly vote on bills that touch on complicated legal, financial, health and scientific subjects. If you think computers are complicated, check out the rules governing Medicaid and Medicare. Keeping up with the pace of technology has challenged Congress since the steam engine and the cotton gin transformed the nation's industrial and agricultural sectors. Nuclear power and weaponry is another example of a highly technical subject that lawmakers have had to contend with in recent decades, according to Kenneth Lowande, a University of Michigan political scientist who has studied expertise and how it relates to policy-making in Congress. Federal lawmakers have created several offices the Library of Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, etc. to provide resources and specialized input when necessary. They also rely on staff with specific expertise on subject topics, including technology. Then there's another, more informal form of education that many members of Congress receive. "They have interest groups and lobbyists banging down their door to give them briefings, Lowande said. Beyer said he's had a lifelong interest in computers and that when AI emerged as a topic of public interest he wanted to know more. A lot more. Almost all of his fellow students are decades younger; most don't seem that fazed when they discover their classmate is a congressman, Beyer said. He said the classes, which he fits in around his busy congressional schedule are already paying off. He's learned about the development of AI and the challenges facing the field. He said it's helped him understand the challenges biases, unreliable data and the possibilities, like improved cancer diagnoses and more efficient supply chains. Beyer is also learning how to write computer code. Im finding that learning to code which is thinking in this sort of mathematical, algorithmic step-by-step, is helping me think differently about a lot of other things how you put together an office, how you work a piece of legislation," Beyer said. While a computer science degree isn't required, it's imperative that lawmakers understand AI's implications for the economy, national defense, health care, education, personal privacy and intellectual property rights, according to Chris Pierson, CEO of the cybersecurity firm BlackCloak. AI is not good or bad, said Pierson, who formerly worked in Washington for the Department of Homeland Security. It's how you use it. The work of safeguarding AI has already begun, though it's the executive branch leading the way so far. Last month, the White House unveiled new rules that require federal agencies to show their use of AI isn't harming the public. Under an executive order issued last year, AI developers must provide information on the safety of their products. When it comes to more substantive action, America is playing catchup to the European Union, which recently enacted the world's first significant rules governing the development and use of AI. The rules prohibit some uses routine AI-enabled facial recognition by law enforcement, for one while requiring other programs to submit information about safety and public risks. The landmark law is expected to serve as a blueprint for other nations as they contemplate their own AI laws. As Congress begins that process, the focus must be on mitigating potential harm, said Obernolte, who said he's optimistic that lawmakers from both parties can find common ground on ways to prevent the worst AI risks. Nothing substantive is going to get done that isnt bipartisan, he said. To help guide the conversation lawmakers created a new AI task force (Obernolte is co-chairman), as well as an AI Caucus made up of lawmakers with a particular expertise or interest in the topic. They've invited experts to brief lawmakers on the technology and its impacts and not just computer scientists and tech gurus either, but also representatives from different sectors that see their own risks and rewards in AI. Rep. Anna Eshoo is the Democratic chairwoman of the caucus. She represents part of California's Silicon Valley and recently introduced legislation that would require tech companies and social media platforms like Meta, Google or TikTok to identify and label AI-generated deepfakes to ensure the public isn't misled. She said the caucus has already proved its worth as a safe place place where lawmakers can ask questions, share resources and begin to craft consensus. There isnt a bad or silly question," she said. You have to understand something before you can accept or reject it. The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter 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 Independent Voices email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Some schools in England could be forced to close because falling pupil numbers will mean they receive less money, analysis suggests. Schools could lose more than 1bn in funding by 2030 as child tallies decline, according to the Education Policy Institute (EPI) think tank. Most school funding is allocated on a per-pupil basis. The think tanks report says schools may be forced to consider cost-cutting measures, merging with other schools and closing. According to the institute, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East and London are projected to have the largest falls in pupil numbers at secondary schools. But in the West Midlands, South East England and the East of England, the number of pupils is projected to rise. The largest rise in pupils between 2022-23 and 2028-29 is projected to be in central Bedfordshire. Researchers said if all schools received a 0.5 per cent real-terms increase in per-pupil funding each year, overall cash for state schools would fall to 41.6bn by 2029-30, down from a peak of 42.7bn in 2024-25. London councils warned last year that school leaders and local authorities could be forced to merge or close schools as a result of falling pupil numbers and funding pressures. Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East and London are projected to have the largest falls in pupil numbers at secondary schools ( Getty ) Applications for places at primary schools in the capital fell last year due to a drop in the birth rate, as well as families leaving the city after the pandemic and Brexit, councils said. The EPI report said: As pupil numbers fall, many schools will see their budgets contract as a result. However reductions in class sizes do not bring about proportional decreases in staffing costs, school supplies, energy bills and the other day-to-day costs of running a school. Faced with this challenge, some of the most severely affected schools will struggle to stay viable. As these schools feel the squeeze, they will be forced to consider alternatives: mergers with other schools, difficult cost-cutting measures, and ultimately school closures. The think tank has called on policymakers to carefully consider the effect of changes to the national funding formula (NFF). Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders union NAHT, said: It would be a waste to allow smaller schools to close, only for there to be a need for more places in those areas further down the line. Additional reporting by PA 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 }} Constance Martens parents told police that no private investigators were trailing their daughter when she went on the run with Mark Gordon. In agreed facts read to the jury on Monday, the court heard that Martens mother and father had made statements to the police about their use of private investigators. The court heard that Martens mother employed a private investigator for two weeks in October 2016 because she was worried about her daughter. Meanwhile her father told police he had hired investigators to find her in 2017 and 2021. However both deny any private investigator was instructed to find her in 2022 or in 2023 when she went on the run with Gordon and their newborn baby Victoria. It comes after Marten told the court she had broken ties with her family several years earlier amid fears she and Gordon were being trailed by private investigators very heavily. When police searched the couples burnt out car in January 2023 which they abandoned after it caught fire on the M61 near Bolton officers found 34 burner phones which Marten told the jury she was using because she was worried her phones and emails were being hacked. Constance Marten and Mark Gordon were arrested in Brighton last February (GMP/PA) ( PA Media ) Marten, 36, and Gordon, 49, both deny gross negligence manslaughter of their newborn daughter who died after they fled to stop the baby being taken into care like their four other children. She previously told the court how she fell asleep with the infant, named Victoria, zipped inside her jacket as they camped off-grid in the South Downs last January but awoke to find her dead. The prosecution alleges the couples reckless and utterly selfish behaviour led to the entirely avoidable death of the newborn as they camped in wintry conditions. Professor Peter Fleming, an expert called by the defence on infant health, previously told the jury it was exceedingly unlikely baby Victoria died from the cold. However, under cross examination on Thursday, he admitted he has never carried out a post-mortem examination on an infant. Challenged by prosecutor Tom Little KC, he said he is paediatrician and not a pathologist but insisted he had observed around 200 post-mortems. He also insisted co-sleeping was not inherently dangerous, adding: Its normal in our species. However, challenged about the conditions inside Marten and Gordons tent, he admitted they were not optimal. Are you saying that a baby being on their chest under a coat on a mother who is lying on the ground next to a tent surface on one side, somebody else on another side and a number of sleeping bags and pillows are you saying thats safe sleeping are you? Mr Little said. He replied: No I am not. I am saying its not optimal. The parents were arrested in Brighton on 27 February after 53 days on the run. Victorias remains were found in a disused shed two days later in a Lidl carrier bag covered rubbish as if she was refuse, the court heard. The couple both deny gross negligence manslaughter of their daughter Victoria between 4 January and 27 February last year. They also deny charges of perverting the course of justice by concealing the body, along with concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. The Old Bailey trial continues. Close Moment Constance Marten arrested by police For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The judge is summing up the evidence as the trial of aristocrat Constance Marten and her partner Mark Gordon over the death of their baby enters its final stages. The couple is accused of gross negligence manslaughter of the newborn, whom they took off-grid to stop her from being taken into care like their four other children. The Recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, began summing up the evidence to the jury at the Old Bailey on Thursday. Evidence recapped so far includes eyewitness Ken Hudson, who stopped to help the couple when their car caught fire on the M61 near Bolton on 5 January. Mr Hudson previously told the court he fears baby Victoria would still be alive if he had stayed at the roadside with the parents until police arrived. But the pair fled with baby Victoria after he pulled away, leaving their burning car at the roadside along with most of their possessions. Police later found 2000 in cash, Martens passport, 34 burner phones and a placenta wrapped in a towel in the burnt-out vehicle. Marten, 36, and Gordon, 49, both deny the charges of gross negligence manslaughter of Victoria between 4 January and 27 February last year. They also deny charges of perverting the course of justice by concealing the body, concealing the birth of a child, child cruelty, and allowing the death of a child. The trial continues. 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 }} Police investigating a woman found stabbed to death in a 3m central London townhouse say she may have known her attacker. Kamonnan Thiamphanit, 27, was found knifed repeatedly on Monday, 12 hours after friends of the victim raised concerns about her welfare to police. It was believed she may have known her attacker as the plush 3.1 million home in Stanhope Place, Bayswater has a buzzer system to let guests in, neighbours said. A friend of Ms Thiamphanit, who worked in London, phoned police at 7.05pm on Sunday. A second call was made at 9.34pm, but police did not respond immediately as she was initially graded as a medium-risk missing person, the force said. Metropolitan Police officers forced their way into the Grade II-listed terraced home - which dates from the 1820s - near Marble Arch at 8.30am the next day to find her body. No arrests have been made so far. The scene on Stanhope Place, Bayswater, where a murder investigation is under way after the Hong Kong/Thai national was found dead ( William Warnes/PA Wire ) Commander Owain Richards, said: Kamonnan had dual nationality Chinese/ Hong Kong and Thai, she was aged 27, and was working in London. We are supporting her devastated family and friends as best we can as they come to terms with their tragic loss. They are overseas and the process of informing them has taken some time as a result. To lose a loved one in these circumstances is unimaginable, and our thoughts are with them. We ask that their privacy is respected at this very sad and difficult time. I completely understand the shock and concern this incident has caused, especially to women living and working in the area, and indeed to Londoners as a whole. I understand there is significant speculation about what happened to Kamonnan. While our detectives are keeping an open mind for any motive, I can confirm that it is likely her attacker was known to her. Commander Owain Richards reiterated the appeal ( Met Police ) He reiterated the appeal asking anyone with any information to contact the Met, adding: We recently shared information about the work were doing to tackle violence against women and girls, using data-led tactics to target dangerous offenders and bring them to justice. Kamonnans murder makes us all the more determined in our efforts to do everything we possibly can to keep women and girls safe. One elderly neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said she heard two high-pitched screams on Sunday night. Kamonnan Thiamphanit died following a stabbing in Westminster ( Metropolitan Police/PA Wire ) The woman, who has lived on the street for over half a century, told MailOnline: I did hear very, very high-pitched screams on Sunday evening coming from that direction. A series of screams. I recall two Im very sensitive to sound. They were very unusual. There was no other sound other than the screams, then silence after. I was in my room and I thought, Thats very strange, Then I recall there was a sound from the other side of my house. What could I do? If it had continued I would have stuck my head out. The scene of the murder ( William Warnes/PA Wire ) An IOPC spokesman said: We can confirm that we have this afternoon received a referral from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) after a woman was found dead by officers at a property in Stanhope Place, W2 on the morning of 8 April 2024. The referral relates to previous contact after two calls were made to police on Sunday evening (7 April) by a friend of the woman to report her missing. We will assess the referral and decide what further action may be required from us. Anyone with information should call 101 or X @MetCC ref CAD 6784/7 Apr or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The heartbroken mother of a woman stabbed to death in front of her young baby while walking through Bradford has described her devastation. Monwara Begum, 60, has said her heart has been broken by the death of her 27-year-old daughter Kulsuma Akter, who had moved to the UK from Bangladesh. Habibur Masum (West Yorkshire Police/PA) ( PA Media ) It comes as Habibur Masum, 25, appeared in court for the first time after being charged with her murder. He was arrested on Wednesday in Aylesbury, after a four-day manhunt, with police confirming that he and Ms Akter were known to one another. Dressed in a grey sweat shirt and flanked by three security guards, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, during the six-minute long hearing. He has since been remanded into custody to next appear on Friday at Bradford Crown Court. Speaking to the MailOnline from her village near the town of Sylhet in Bangladesh, Ms Begum said: I am still in shock, my heart is broken, she was my youngest daughter and I adored her greatly. She looked after me when my eldest daughter was married and she would get my medicine and do everything for me. Labour MP Naz Shah lays flowers at the scene in Westgate, Bradford ( Dave Higgens/PA Wire ) When she moved to the United Kingdom I was alone but Kulsuma would call me every day by video the only day I didnt hear from her was the day she was attacked. She added: All I want now is a trial and I want Kulsuma to get the justice in death that she didnt get when she was alive. Ms Akters father lives and works in Saudi Arabia, and she is understood to have recently moved to Bradford after living in Oldham. MailOnline also reports that Masums family have moved from their remote village in Bangladesh, fearing repercussions. On Tuesday, her brother, Hossain, said the family was completely devastated by her death. He said: We are heartbroken and completely devastated. We are not even able to speak and have been crying all the time since this happened. We had to call our mother in Bangladesh to tell her the news. Can you imagine what this was like for us? I cant believe my sister is dead. Im sorry, I cant speak any more. Emergency services were called at 3.20pm on Saturday after Ms Akter was stabbed multiple times in Westgate at the junction with Drewton Road. She was rushed to hospital but died of her injuries. The baby is safe and was not harmed in the incident, police said. Shopkeeper Geo Khan said he was sitting in his store when he heard screams from outside, and discovered Ms Akter on the ground. Shopkeeper Geo Khan came to Ms Akters aid ( Dave Higgens/PA Wire ) I came out and I tried to check the pulse. There was no pulse. He said: Blood was all over on the floor and there were stab wounds in her neck. Mr Khan said he was joined by the passing doctor who took over trying to help the woman, but agreed there was no pulse. West Yorkshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct because officers had contact with Ms Akter before her death, a force spokesperson confirmed. A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the Cheshire area on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail, West Yorkshire Police said. Four other men were arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, on suspicion of assisting an offender and drug offences. The men aged 23, 26, 28, and 29, from the West Midlands area, are currently in custody, the force 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 }} Police are continuing to search for body parts after a woman was allegedly murdered, cut up with power tools and dumped in a park. Remains belonging to Sarah Mayhew, 38, were found in Rowdown Fields in New Addington, south London, after police were called last Tuesday morning. Gemma Watts, 48, and Steven Sansom, 44, were arrested on Saturday and subsequently charged with her murder and preventing her lawful and decent burial. On Thursday, the couple were due to appear at the Old Bailey before Judge Philip Katz KC. Watts, of Featherbed Lane in New Addington, appeared first by video link from Bronzefield prison. She appeared to have a dark bruise around her eye and spoke only to confirm her identity. The court heard that both she and Sansom are alleged to have killed Ms Mayhew at a residential property on the night of March 8. Afterwards, prosecutors claim Ms Mayhews body was cut up with power tools and disposed of. Prosecutor Tom Little KC said there was an ongoing investigation in relation to the whereabouts of the entirety of the deceaseds body. The deceaseds body was certainly cut up in parts with use of power tools, he added. Judge Katz set a plea hearing for June 27 and a provisional four-week trial from February 17 next year. The Old Bailey judge remanded Watts into custody. The court was told that Sansom, of Burnell Road, Sutton, south-west London, will appear at the same court at 2pm. He also faces three separate charges of making indecent images of a child. 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 woman who was stabbed to death at a 4m home in Westminster has been named, as police continue an urgent manhunt for her killer. The body of 27-year-old Kamonnan Thiamphanit, who was known to her friends as Angela, was found by officers who forced their way into the property on Monday morning after friends raised concerns for her welfare. Neighbours had heard high-pitched screaming coming from the property in Stanhope Place, which is just a stones throw away from Marble Arch and Oxford Street. The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after it emerged the force received two calls from her friends on Sunday evening, but failed to act on the concerns until the following day. Her family have now said they are devastated by her death, with Scotland Yard vowing to catch whoever is responsible. The scene on Stanhope Place, Bayswater, where her body was discovered ( PA Wire ) One elderly woman, who has lived on the street for over half a century, told MailOnline: I did hear very, very high-pitched screams on Sunday evening coming from that direction. A series of screams. I recall two Im very sensitive to sound. They were very unusual. There was no other sound other than the screams, then silence after. Inside the Grade II-listed terraced home - which dates from the 1820s - near Marble Arch, police discovered the body Ms Thiamphanit, with her cause of death given as sharp force trauma. Scotland Yard have referred themselves to the IOPC over contact with the victims friends ( William Warnes/PA Wire ) Detective chief inspector Adam Clifton, who is leading the investigation, said: My team continues to work tirelessly to piece together the events that led to Kamonnans murder. I would like to thank local residents for their patience while we have gone about our work at the scene. I would appeal to anyone who has information that could assist us, no matter how insignificant you think that may be, to come forward and speak to us. Kamonnans family and friends have been devastated by this murder and we must ensure whoever is responsible is held to account. ( William Warnes/PA Wire ) There has been no arrest and inquiries continue. Scotland Yard referred itself to the IOPC after officers waited around 12 hours before responding to calls from her concerned friends. The force said in a statement: The Mets Directorate of Professional Standards has been informed and a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to the initial contact from the womans friends. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The families of three British aid workers killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza last week say they have been overwhelmed by love and support people have shown them. John Chapman, James Kirby and James Henderson, who had been in a security team for World Central Kitchen as it delivered aid to Palestinians, died alongside four others when Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) targeted their convoy. The IDF said they had mistaken the group for Hamas terrorists. After the bodies of three men were repatriated to the UK, their families paid heartfelt tributes to them. In a statement issued through the Foreign Office, the family of James Kirby said: As a family we are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our beautiful James, who we lost on 2 April. He was loved and will be missed by so many. We have been overwhelmed by the support shown and the many kind words that have been shared by those who knew him. As we try and come to terms with what has happened, we, the Kirby family, request that we are now given the space and privacy needed to grieve as a family. Thank you. Mr Kirby, 47, from Bristol, had served tours in Bosnia and Afghanistan with the British Armed Forces. His family had previously said his compassionate nature drove him to offer assistance to those in dire need. James Henderson, 33, a former Royal Marine, from Cornwall, was described as a selfless giant. His family said: We as a family are deeply shocked, saddened and upset at the untimely tragic death of Jim. Jim was a kind, compassionate loyal and considerate man, our shining light. We would please ask if we could be left alone in private to grieve our loss. A statement by the family of John Chapman read: John was an incredible husband, father, brother, son and friend who will be missed deeply and he was an inspiration to many. We are devastated by this unbearable loss but are hugely relieved to have John home. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming love and support that has kept us afloat and ask for continued privacy at this time. Mr Chapman, 57, from Poole, Dorset, had served with Britains elite special forces. World Central Kitchen chief executive Erin Gore said she was heartbroken and appalled at the beautiful lives lost in the attack. The IDF said they were conducting a thorough review of the tragic incident. 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 }} China has been accused of flooding Britain with counterfeit Royal Mail stamps. The Daily Telegraph reported that sources close to Royal Mail said fakes from the Asian country were causing a rise in complaints that stamps bought from legitimate stores were being deemed fraudulent, which can result in a 5 penalty. The newspaper identified four Chinese suppliers offering to print up to one million counterfeit Royal Mail stamps a week. These stamps are being sold for as little as 4p each ahead of delivery to Britain. The fakes have also been found on Amazon and eBay and websites copying the Royal Mail official store, the newspaper said. These stamps are being bought unknowingly by small retailers, who are allowed to buy stamps from wholesalers rather than from Royal Mail directly. Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake told the Daily Mail: It is key to prevent counterfeit stamps entering our supply chain in the UK. The Royal Mail must do everything possible to prevent counterfeits entering our circulation and must establish where they are coming from and how they are entering our marketplace. An investigation by The Daily Telegraph has found China is flooding the UK with fake stamps (Rui Vieira/PA) ( PA Wire ) The Times reported that a spokesman from the Chinese Embassy in London called the claims absurd. He said: It is totally ridiculous, absurd and ill-intentional. How could one imagine a sovereign country triggers war by bringing fake stamps? If this case really happened, (the) first thing to do is to have (a) thorough investigation over the internal supply chain, instead of pursuing the attention of (the) media. It comes a week after the Telegraph reported Royal Mail is investigating claims that people have been wrongly fined after being sent letters with new barcoded stamps that were deemed to be counterfeit. A Royal Mail spokesman told PA: We are working hard to remove counterfeit stamps from circulation. We regularly monitor online marketplaces to detect suspicious activity, such as sales of heavily discounted stamps and work closely with retailers and law enforcement agencies to identify those who produce counterfeit stamps. We work closely with a number of police forces across the country and in recent cases we have recovered stamps with a retail value of over 250,000. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning that 500,000 benefit claimants may soon need to take action ahead of a major shake-up to the benefit system. People who currently claim legacy benefits will soon start to receive letters asking them to move to Universal Credit. These letters are called migration notices, and claimants who receive them must respond promptly. The DWP says people have three months to respond by claiming Universal Credit, or else risk losing their current benefit entitlements. The deadline by which you have to reply will be stated on the letter. What legacy benefits' does Universal Credit replace? Housing Benefit income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) Child Tax Credits (CTC) Working Tax Credits (WTC) Income Support Will I lose money by switching to Universal Credit? Anyone who responds to their migration notices within the three month deadline should not lose any money from the transition to Universal Credit. The DWP has said that if a persons entitlement to Universal Credit is lower than their legacy benefit entitlement will receive transitional protection. This will be a top-up payment that ensures their Universal Credit is no less than what they were receiving before. The protection will continue until the claimants Universal Credit entitlement matches what they were receiving from their legacy benefits. Do I have to move on to Universal Credit? If you receive a migration notice notifying you of your three month deadline, your current benefits will be stopped two weeks after this date. If you are unable to claim by the deadline on your migration notice, you can ask the DWP to extend it. However, if the deadline has passed, you can still claim up to a month after it to ensure you receive the transitional protection you may be entitled to. After this date, you will not be able to claim it. It is advisable that anyone who receives a migration notice applies for Universal Credit as soon as possible. You will be able to continue receiving Housing Benefit, income-based JSA, income-related ESA and Income Support for two weeks after you claim. All people who currently receive any legacy benefits will have to move onto Universal Credit by 2029. Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill MP said: Universal Credit is a proven benefits system fit for the modern age. With even more people moving to Universal Credit, we can continue to provide the best level of support for people to secure financial independence through work. I would encourage all those who receive their Migration Notices to take action to ensure they continue to receive the benefits they are entitled to. The government offers guidance on how to apply for Universal Credit on their website. Close Prince William and his eldest son George were spotted at an Astone Villa match on Thursday evening 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 }} King Charles and Queen Camilla have said they were utterly shocked and horrified by the knife attack at a Sydney shopping mall. Their statement follows one issued by the Prince and Princess of Wales earlier today in which they praised the heroic emergency responders. Emergency services rushed to the scene in the Australian city at 3:30pm local time on Saturday as shocking videos showed a man wearing shorts and a green and yellow shirt carrying a blade. One of his victims is a nine-month-old baby, who is undergoing surgery in hospital. The attacker was also shot dead by a police officer, who confronted the attacker and shot him as he faced her and raised a knife. Police do not believe the act was terror-related, but that the man is known to law enforcement. In a statement, the King said: My wife and I were utterly shocked and horrified to hear of the tragic stabbing incident in Bondi. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of those who have been so brutally killed during such a senseless attack. While details of these shocking circumstances are still emerging, our thoughts are also with those who were involved in the response, and we give thanks for the bravery of the first responders and emergency services. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent 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 The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Migrant cleaners working at the Department for Education (DfE) are threatening strike action over pay as well as concerns that Black workers are not being afforded the same rights as their predominantly white colleagues. Union members say they have been denied the London living wage of 13.15 per hour, plus the annual leave and sick pay entitlement that white-collar workers at the department receive. A union representing the staff members has accused the government of failing to treat the workers with dignity. Given the higher cost of living in the capital, the London living wage is set above the national minimum wage rate, which is currently 11.44 for workers who are 21 and over. The outsourced workers, who clean offices within the departments Sanctuary Buildings headquarters, say they are struggling financially and are preparing to go on strike this summer. Milgo Jama, a cleaner of 31 years at the DfE who plans to vote in favour of strike action, told The Independent that poor working conditions, including low pay, mean that she struggles to make ends meet during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Everything has increased rent and utility bills yet our wages have remained the same, the mum of four said. Meanwhile, our workloads have also increased, and lots of people have quit because they cant cope with this management. Going to work each day is hard because you have to face these people and conditions. Ive been wanting to leave this job for a while, but Ive been working here for a long time and hope things will improve. Gloria Mancera, a cleaner of 18 years at the DfE who also wants to strike, said: In my 18 years as a cleaner at DfE Ive never experienced such terrible treatment. No sick pay, too much work, no proper holiday cover. We are treated with disdain, and we are fed up and stressed but united in our resolve. We cant wait for our ballot papers. ( UVW ) A United Voices of The World (UVW) union spokesperson said: The system of outsourcing allows companies to offer inferior terms and conditions for the outsourced cleaner workforce, which happens to be made up mostly of workers from ethnic minority and migrant backgrounds because of matters of historical structural racism. While the policy itself does not intend to target the workers because of their ethnicity, its nevertheless disproportionally detrimental to Black, brown and migrant workers, which it could be argued is a form of indirect race discrimination. The DfE workers have the same right as any other workers, to be treated with the same dignity, and to be offered equivalent terms and conditions to other workers in their building/workplace, regardless of whether they are outsourced to a private contractor or not. Milgo Jama, a mum of four, has worked at the DfE for 31 years ( UVW ) Contractor ISS UK Limited, which outsources the cleaners to the Government Property Agency, has refused to negotiate following numerous attempts, the union said over the cleaners demands for a living wage, equal sick pay and annual leave with civil service workers, and appropriate staffing levels. The UVW members went on strike in the summer of 2023 over this issue, which has yet to be resolved. According to the UVW union, the staff are also grappling with a considerable increase in their workload over recent years caused by cuts to staffing levels, and the government has been urged to address this. The UVW has represented thousands of low-paid, migrant workers since its founding in 2014. According to the union, most outsourced Black, brown and migrant cleaners are subject to inferior terms and conditions compared with the people they work alongside. The union added: The DfE cleaners deserve to feel valued, and they deserve dignity, respect, and above all equality with the civil servants, their suit-wearing counterparts. It is unconscionable that in 2024, a government department is being run by a two-tier workforce where the mainly Black, brown and migrant cleaners are treated like second-class citizens. A spokesperson for ISS UK&I said: We value the contribution of every ISS team member and will continue to work towards a resolution. We are disappointed that this ballot is going ahead. They declined to comment on whether they would negotiate. A government spokesperson said: These staff members are employed by an external contractor and are not directly employed by the government. The contracts are owned by the Government Property Agency, not by the Department for Education. The Government Property Agency ensures contractors abide by current employment legislation. It encourages contractors and the union to cooperate to resolve the dispute. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Reform UK Party has said it is mortified after sacking an election candidate who had died after being selected. Officials dropped Tommy Cawkwell for being inactive when he failed to respond to phone calls and emails. The right-wing party, founded by Nigel Farage as the Brexit Party, said it had dropped the York Central candidate, alongside about 50 others who had planned to stand at the next general election. When Reform UK first sacked him, a spokesman said: We need candidates who are active to give people the candidates they deserve, adding: We cant afford to have people doing nothing in an election year. The reason given was that incorrect reports had emerged that his candidacy had been withdrawn for inappropriate social media messages. In fact, Mr Cawkwell, who was a former RNLI volunteer, had died after being selected. Party chiefs said they were mortified for not knowing he had died. A spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: The simple fact is that we have removed upwards of 50 candidates for complete inactivity, and I know those who had been removed for disciplinary measures. Mr Cawkwell was clearly not one of those. Sadly I was unaware that he had died and I made an assumption based on the knowledge I possessed. I am mortified that my lack of care has caused his family pain, and I can only apologise profusely for my mistake. I do not know how to get hold of the family. If I did, I would apologise in person. The party has ditched seven candidates for the forthcoming election following complaints about their social media posts. Leader Richard Tice has warned his candidates not to use social media after drinking alcohol, to avoid posting inappropriate comments. 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 online. Mr Tice has previously said the party wanted to stand against every Conservative MP at the next election. A poll six months ago suggested Rishi Sunaks Conservatives were losing more of their 2019 voters to Reform UK than to Labour. The Reform spokesman told The Mirror: The process, if we have not heard from a candidate in a while, we try and get in touch, a number of phone calls and emails are made, then if no response a final email is sent suggesting that the candidate does not respond then they will be removed. Reform was not aware that Mr Cawkwell had passed away, as this happened in an interregnum between Yorkshire area managers. So with no response being made he was removed. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The number of homeless refugees seeking urgent housing from English councils has increased by 239 per cent in the past two years, analysis shows, prompting charities to slam the dysfunctional system that leaves people living on the streets in tents. A new report by charity Refugee Council reveals that the number of new refugees who are sleeping on the streets has surged. One in five refugees seeking help from their services were sleeping rough in 2022. But this has now risen to two in five refugees in 2023. Asylum seekers are housed by the Home Office in hotels while their claims are being processed, but when they are granted asylum they are given 28 days to find somewhere new to live before they are kicked out. Some can have as few as seven days to find a new home because of delays in issuing documentation. The number of asylum seekers in this position has soared in recent years as the Home Office pushes to clear the asylum backlog, resulting in a surge in newly granted refugees. Council housing services have struggled to cope with the influx, leaving many to sleep on the streets. Last year, between July and December, 50,845 people were granted asylum the highest number of grants on record and a 400 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2022. Government statistics analysed by the Refugee Council charity show that in the two years ending September 2023, there has been a 239 per cent increase in the number of people requiring homeless support from local authorities after being evicted from Home Office hotels. Yahya, 25, was forced to sleep on the streets for a period while he was studying to be a mechanic ( Refugee Council ) Some 970 families faced homelessness in England in the winter of 2021 after eviction from a Home Office hotel, but by the autumn of 2023, this had risen to 3,290 households. The problem is particularly stark in London, which has a high refugee population compared to other areas. London councils reported a 234 per cent rise from September 2023 to January 2024 of people rough sleeping who had recently left Home Office hotels. Over 90 per cent of these people had received a positive asylum decision, meaning they have the right to live, study, and work in the UK. The findings come as the Home Office announced that 150 asylum hotels will be closed by the beginning of May delivering on their promise to reduce the governments use of temporary accommodation. Home secretary James Cleverly promised to keep going until the last hotel is closed. One Sudanese refugee, Yahya, 25, waited almost three years for a positive asylum decision and was then told to leave his Home Office hotel with only a weeks notice. He was forced to sleep rough for around 10 days before finding help from the charity. He said: When I received my decision, that I have leave to remain in the UK, I decided to study, to do a motor vehicle course to be a mechanic. But after I received an eviction letter from the Home Office it was hard, I was living on the street ... I had to leave the asylum accommodation in one week. He explained that he would be penalised if he didnt turn up to college so he was sleeping on the streets at night and going to college in the morning. For almost 10 days I was sleeping rough. When I was sleeping on the street, some people, they can grab your bag, when you have some important papers inside, your ID and your decision papers. All night I couldnt sleep, I tied my bag to my body. I know so many refugees who are sleeping on the street, still they dont get any help. One of my friends has been there more than a month people from Eritrea and Sudan. Homeless refugees who are sleeping on the street have been coming to the Refugee Council for help ( Refugee Council ) Tom Cottam, head of policy for the British Red Cross, said: Every day, were supporting people who are facing life on the streets once they get their refugee status, because theyre not given enough time to find work and housing. This includes people with physical and mental health needs. The British Red Cross is calling on the government to extend the notice period given before hotel eviction to 56 days. Between August 2023 and March 2024, four in 10 of the people the British Red Cross supported with cash-based assistance were facing destitution because of the move-on process. Refugee charity Care4Calais said: Habitable housing, embedded in communities, provides the best foundation for those granted refugee status, who only want to integrate into society and move forward with their lives. Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said that new refugees were being set up to fail from the very start. He added: A mere 28 days to get on their feet and find a private tenancy with no income and no savings is completely unrealistic. This dysfunctional system is causing an entirely avoidable crisis of homelessness and destitution. The charity is calling on the next mayor of London to set up a fund to cover tenancy deposits for new refugees in the capital, and is also asking the government to extend the move-on period to at least 56 days. A government spokesperson said: Once a newly recognised refugee is issued a biometric residence permit, they get 28 days to move on from asylum accommodation. Support is also available through Migrant Help and their partners, which includes advice on how to access universal credit, the labour market and where to get assistance with housing. We are working to make sure that individuals have the right individuals they need following an asylum decision, and to help local authorities better plan as we reduce the number of asylum seekers awaiting a decision. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Embattled MP William Wragg accidentally allowed his WiFi password to be made public when he was photographed for a newspaper. The now-independent politician, who resigned the Conservative whip on Tuesday after admitting giving colleagues phone numbers to a suspected scammer, posed for a photo published in The Observer with a note of the password scribbled on Commons-headed notepaper and pinned to a board behind him. Viewers were able to easily read the password over his shoulder in the picture. It was not immediately clear when the photograph was taken, but social media users said Mr Wragg should immediately change the password. The MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester is now sitting as an independent ( Parliament TV ) The MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester admitted last week that he had given colleagues phone numbers to someone on a dating app because he feared intimate images of himself would be leaked after he was targeted in the parliamentary sexting scam. Other MPs, political journalists and parliamentary staffers also received late-night texts from an unknown sender, known as Charlie, who claimed to have met them years ago in a bar. The sender sent them explicit images and asked them to reciprocate. Many were said to have blocked the sender but two MPs reportedly responded with an explicit image of themselves. Police and parliamentary authorities are investigating. Mr Wragg, 36, stepped back from his roles as vice-chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, and chair of the Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee, when the scam became public. He told The Times: They had compromising things on me. They wouldnt leave me alone. They would ask for people. I gave them some numbers, not all of them. I told him to stop. Hes manipulated me and now Ive hurt other people. Ive hurt people by being weak. I was scared. Im mortified. Im so sorry that my weakness has caused other people hurt. When political journalist Ava Santina highlighted on social media the photo with the password on show, users expressed despair at the lack of security of the photo and mocked the password for being too easily guessable. 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 }} A cabinet minister has accused Labour of spending a decade trying to shut women up, as the Conservatives reignited a political culture war over transgender issues. Victoria Atkins, the health secretary, also claimed that the opposition had created an atmosphere of intimidation around the topic, after a landmark report on NHS gender services was published earlier this week. Her comments came after the shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said his former employer Stonewall had been wrong to argue that trans women are women, get over it. His shadow-cabinet colleague Louise Haigh rejected the claim that Labour had tried to shut down debate, saying there had been bad faith actors on all sides. Rishi Sunak was heavily criticised last month for refusing to apologise to the family of murdered trans teenager Brianna Ghey after making a joke about transgender people while her mother was visiting parliament. As the political row was rekindled, JK Rowling told Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson to save their apologies after the debate on trans issues was blown open again with the publication of the Cass report. Health secretary Victoria Atkins has claimed that Labour created an atmosphere of intimidation around the trans debate ( PA Wire ) The review warned that children had been let down by a lack of research and evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones. Mr Streeting called the findings scandalous. In an interview with Sky News, Ms Atkins hit back, saying: Labour has spent the last 10 years trying to shut women up when it comes to this. They have been part of the ideology, the culture wars, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for anyone who dared to question this ideology. So it is a little bit rich of the Labour Party to be lecturing the rest of us now, having been so forthright in their support for this ideology in the past. But Ms Haigh denied that Labour had shut down debate. I dont think that has been writ large in the Labour Party ... There have been bad-faith actors on all sides, she said, adding that Mr Streeting had been right to hold his hand up and say that it was wrong to use language such as get over it. JK Rowling has told former stars of the Harry Potter films to save their apologies ( PA ) Earlier this week, Mr Streeting told The Sun: To the extent that and I say this with some self-criticism and reflection if youd asked me a few years ago, on this topic, I would have said trans men are men, trans women are women. Some people are trans, get over it. Lets move on. This is all blown out of proportion. And now I sort of sit and reflect and think actually, there are lots of complexities. It comes as the Tories face a potentially devastating general election defeat, after a series of bombshell opinion polls have suggested that Labour will win a landslide victory. Mr Sunaks woes further deepened on Thursday when Boris Johnson described the prime ministers flagship smoking ban policy as nuts and mad. And the prime minister struggled to enforce discipline within his own party when one of his MPs Nick Fletcher, the member for Don Valley endorsed Lee Anderson, who has defected to Nigel Farages Reform UK party, as the greatest champion of the Ashfield constituency where the former Tory party deputy chair will hope to retain his seat at the next election. Meanwhile, Ms Rowling took aim at the former stars of her most famous creation, telling them to save their apologies. Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter, has previously apologised for the pain Rowlings comments on the issue have caused Harry Potter fans. Ms Watson appeared to make a dig at Rowling at the Baftas in 2022, and in 2020 wrote on Twitter: I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are. It comes as a new survey revealed the lowest level of happiness in a decade among young transgender people in Scotland, amid what a charity called an unacceptable level of intolerance. A report by LGBT Youth Scotland indicated that happiness among the young transgender community has halved in the 10 years between 2012 and 2022, from 59 per cent to 28 per cent. The charity, which surveyed more than 1,200 people aged between 13 and 25, found that 40 per cent felt unsafe using public transport, while one in five had left education because of transphobia. Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive of LGBT Youth Scotland, called for more protection and support for transgender young people to protect their wellbeing. 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 }} Rishi Sunak is facing calls to expel a Conservative MP after he suggested voters back Nigel Farages Reform party at the next election so Lee Anderson is returned to Westminster. Nick Fletcher, the MP for Don Valley, said the former Tory deputy chairman, who defected after being suspended earlier this year, was his seats greatest champion. He added that he hoped locals appreciate what he has done for his home town and the country at the next election adding we both need to be back in Westminster. The Liberal Democrats condemned what they said was further Tory infighting and said Rishi Sunak had to find his backbone and kick Nick Fletcher out of the Conservative Party. His extraordinary comments came after Mr Anderson declared he would not campaign in some Tory constituencies, including Mr Fletchers, because of his friendships with the sitting MPs. A series of shock polls suggest the Tory face a pasting at the election due to be held later this year. Recent polls have also put Reform just several points behind the Conservatives, amid fears right-wing populist party could make further gains if Mr Farage takes a more prominent role. While the party is unlikely to win any seats, it could take enough votes in certain areas to hand victory to Labour. Announcing his non-aggression pact, Mr Anerson said he would not campaign against four Tory MPs because "friendship means more". They include Ben Bradley, the MP for Mansfield, Brendan Clarke-Smith, who represents Bassetlaw and Marco Longhi, the Dudley North MP. In a post he said: "These people are my friends and the ones that reached out to me last month. "They will always be my friends and because of this I will not campaign against them in their Parliamentary seats. "Friendship means more to me. Every other seat is fair game." Lee Anderson ( Victoria Jones/PA Wire ) In a post on X, Mr Fletcher said: "I so wish (Lee Anderson) had remained with the Conservatives. However having lost the whip it would mean the Conservative Party would choose someone other than Lee to fight the election in Ashfield. "I can understand in those circumstances why he joined Reform. Ashfield has its greatest champion and I hope they appreciate what he has done for his home town and his country at the next election. "I hope my constituents see that a vote for me in Doncaster is also the right thing to do. I am a lone voice in Parliament shouting up for Doncaster." He later added: For the avoidance of any doubt of course I want to see a Conservative majority Government returned at the next election with as many Conservative MPs as possible. Lee is a personal friend but we cant risk the damage a Labour Government would do to our country. Just look at what the Labour Council has done to Doncaster. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: "It seems even Conservative MPs don't want the Conservatives to win. Voters are sick to the back teeth of this never-ending circus of infighting. "Rishi Sunak needs to find his backbone and kick Nick Fletcher out of the Conservative Party. Failure to do so would show yet again that he's too weak to control his party let alone govern the country." A Reform UK spokesperson said: "Lee Anderson made it clear from the day he joined Reform UK that he would not personally campaign against a handful of his close friends. "The party respect this decision and it shows Lee's loyalty to his friends, which goes beyond politics. "Reform will be standing in these constituencies and will be fighting the Conservatives across the board in England, Wales and Scotland. "The Tories have betrayed the country by failing to control our borders and allowing our public services to crumble. We will punish them at the general election." The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Alabamas Attorney General said he and his staff were breathing a collective sigh of relief after a man was arrested for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside his office. The Department of Justice said that Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, of Irondale, was arrested on Wednesday on charges of malicious use of an explosive device and possession of an unregistered destructive device, after the incident in late February. The 26-year-old allegedly left the device outside Steve Marshalls office in downtown Montgomery on 24 February, with the explosion happening at around 3.42am. While there was no damage to the surrounding buildings and no one was harmed, the remains of the device were found on the street. My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets, Attorney General Marshall said in a statement. Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time. The DOJ said that agents and troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and officers from the Montgomery Police Department had all been involved in the investigation. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agents worked tirelessly to investigate this matter, Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross for the Middle District of Alabama said in a press release. The arrest today is a reflection of the way in which close cooperation among law enforcement agencies facilitates the pursuit of justice. I am grateful for the efforts of all involved. The explosion came not long after Mr Marshall had announced that his office had no plans to prosecute IVF providers or families seeking treatment, following the ruling by the states Supreme Court that classified frozen embryos as unborn children. However, no suspected motive has been made public so far. If convicted, Mr Calvert faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with a maximum of 20 years. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Bryan Kohbergers defence attorneys have warned that peoples lives may be in danger during his trial for the University of Idaho murders. Mr Kohberger, a 29-year-old PhD criminal justice student, is accused of killing four students in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. His trial date has not yet been set. His attorney Anne Taylor filed a motion with the prosecution on 4 April requesting that discovery requests be placed under seal because the documents contain facts or statements that might threaten or endanger the life or safety of individuals. The motion warns that the full release of discovery would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. In response to Ms Taylors motion, the state said the release of discovery evidence could disclose the identity of a confidential source. It was unclear who the evidence may endanger or who the possible confidential sources in the case may be. Bryan Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022 ( Getty ) The filing comes as both parties returned to court last week where they argued over the defence contacting Latah County residents to determine whether the jury pool could be biased. In a further hearing about the issue on Wednesday, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson questioned a defence expert who performed the phone survey, pointing out that the survey was loaded questions and some are factually incorrect. During the hearing, prosecutors also appeared to pour cold water on speculation about Mr Kohbergers connection to some of the victims. Its false that Bryan Kohberber allegedly stalked one of the victims, you know that, Mr Thompson told the expert in court, according to NewsNations Brian Entin. He added that the expert should not go around screwing the knowledge that prospective jurors may have or may not have. Mr Thompson said that the survey questions violated gag orders in the case and possible jurors were injected with information, The Lewiston Tribune reported, adding that the survey cannot stand. The judge overseeing the case criticised the survey questions last week calling it a total shock to him and said: Because this is a big deal, and I take it very, very seriously. And I was surprised that this was happening behind our backs. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed on 13 November ( Instagram ) Mr Kohbergers defence attorney said the legal team was conducting the survey to support their argument that the trial should be moved to a different county. She said the poll showed the jury pool was biased. No decision has yet been made on the matter. Mr Kohberger faces four counts of murder in the first degree and one count of felony burglary in the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. The students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus rental house in Moscow on 13 November 2022. The military-style knife, believed to be the weapon, has never been recovered, however, a knife sheath was found near one of the victims. That sheath contained DNA which was then matched to Mr Kohberger, according to authorities. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Chad Daybell told police his wife had died suddenly in her sleep after battling an illness, but an autopsy later revealed she died of asphyxiation and he was charged with her murder. It was just part of the deeply disturbing tale of murders, unexplained deaths and apocalyptic cult beliefs. Now, five years later, Mr Daybells adult children will take the stand at his triple murder trial in his defence to testify about their mothers ongoing health issues, the home remedies she would try, and her refusal to see a doctor, defence attorney John Prior said during opening statements on Wednesday morning in Boise, Idaho. The doomsday cult author who is charged in the death of his first wife Tammy Daybell, is also charged with the 2019 murders of Tylee Ryan, 16, and Joshua JJ Vallow, seven, the children of Lori Vallow the woman he married just weeks after Tammy died in October 2019. Last year, the so-called cult mom who was obsessed with Mr Daybell, as the prosecution claimed, and referred to her two youngest kids as zombies, was convicted of their murders and conspiring to kill Tammy, receiving three life sentences Nine months after the children were seen alive, their remains were found in shallow graves on Mr Daybells property in Idaho in June 2020. Chad and Tammy Daybell before her death in October 2019 ( Facebook ) The childrens disappearance and deaths brought to light a series of other mysterious deaths and other incidents connected to the doomsday couple, revealing a pattern of people close to the pair dying suddenly. As part of their cult beliefs, the couple allegedly believed in a rating system of light and dark for how they ranked the spirits of the people around them. This evolved into the belief that some people were zombies and the only way to get rid of the zombies was for the human body to be destroyed and thus rid their lives of obstacles, as their text messages later revealed. Mr Daybell now faces a jury in the same Ada County courtroom a year later. Prosecutor Rob Wood told jurors that Mr Daybell created an alternate reality so that he could fulfil his desire for sex, money and power, as he sought to eliminate "obstacles" in pursuit of a life with Vallow. Two dead children buried in this defendants backyard. The next month, his wife is found dead in their marital bed. Seventeen days later, this defendant marries Lori Vallow, he said, recounting the twisted tale. More than anything else Chads obsession with Lori was rooted in her adoration for him, Mr Wood continued, claiming, He called her an exalted goddess. Prosecutors say the couple justified the killings by creating a detailed and apocalyptic belief system, part of an elaborate scheme to eliminate any obstacles to their relationship and to obtain money from survivor benefits and life insurance. Lori Vallow was convicted of her childrens murders and conspiring to kill Tammy, receiving three life sentences The evidence will show that this was a convenient narrative, Mr Wood told jurors. This narrative gave them the pretext to remove people from this world for their own good. Mr Wood also described the basics of the case against Mr Daybell, structuring his presentation for jurors like chapters in a book an apparent reference to the defendants previous work as an author. Mr Daybell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and self-published fiction loosely based on its teachings. Your verdict will be the link that writes the final chapter of this tragic saga, he said. Mr Daybells defence attorney John Prior, however, attempted to paint a different picture of his client, describing him as a religious person and that his belief in things like premonitions was fairly mainstream. He said Mr Daybell lived a normal, faith-focused life before he met Vallow, who he described as a beautiful, vivacious person who drew Mr Daybell into an extramarital relationship. Mr Prior said Vallow pursued Mr Daybell and showered him with attention. Nine months after they were last seen alive, the children were found buried on Daybells property ( Post Register no sales no mags ) In stark contrast to Vallows trial in which no experts were called and no witnesses testified on her behalf, the defence will call four experts and three or four of Mr Daybells five adult children. Mr Prior said he would present several experts in DNA, forensics and medicine who would testify that its impossible to determine what caused Tammy Daybells death and that none of Mr Daybells DNA was found with the childrens bodies. Whats important are facts and evidence, Mr Prior told the jury. Dont be distracted by speculation, dont be distracted by guesses or suspicions or hunches. It all comes down to facts and evidence. Mr Prior also explained to jurors that Vallows late brother, Alex Cox, had a violent history. He had previously been convicted of attacking Vallows third husband, and he shot and killed her fourth husband, Charles Vallow. Mr Daybell has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial is expected to last eight to 10 weeks. Close Chad Daybell trial: Former friend testifies The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Melanie Gibb, the former friend of Lori Vallow, was served with a subpoena during a break in Chad Daybells triple murder trial in Boise, Idaho on Thursday. Daybells defence attorney John Prior told her she had to accept to the papers. Ms Gibb was called by the prosecution to testify in the case a year after she testified at Vallows trial about the couples extreme religious beliefs. Daybell, 55, is on trial for the murders of Vallows children, Tylee Ryan, 16, and JJ, seven, as well as his then-wife Tammy Daybell, who died suddenly in her sleep in October 2019. Weeks later, Daybell married Vallow. Nine months after the children were last seen, they were found on Daybells property in Rexburg, Idaho. Prosecutors say his desire for sex, power, and money led to their murders. Mr Prior, however, said his client was manipulated by Vallow. Last year, Vallow was convicted in the three murders and sentenced to life in prison. Jurors heard how she, Mr Daybell and her late brother Alex Cox were fuelled, in part, by their bizarre cult beliefs. If convicted, Mr Daybell faces either the death penalty or life in prison. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Volunteers searching for missing Wisconsin toddler Elijah Vue have turned their attentions to a salvage yard connected to a case which shot to fame in the Netflix series Making a Murderer. Elijah, 3, was reported missing from Two Rivers on 20 February by his mothers friend Jesse Vang. Elijahs mother, Katrina Baur, had sent her son to stay with Mr Vang for disciplinary reasons and he was subjected to lengthy time outs, was banned from using toys and was threatened with cold water, according to authorities. The morning he disappeared, Mr Vang said he took a nap at 8am and when he woke up, the boy was gone. More than six weeks on, Elijahs whereabouts remain unknown. On Monday, volunteers headed nine miles north of Manitowoc, close to where the three-year-old went missing, to Averys Auto Salvage yard. The salvage yard gained notoriety in 2005, when the remains of photographer Teresa Halbach were found there. Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey were convicted of her murder, although Avery still maintains his innocence. Elijah Vue, 3, was last seen in Two Rivers Wisconsin on 20 February 2024 ( Two Rivers Police Department ) He had previously served 18 years in prison for a rape he was wrongly convicted of. Averys story was told through the Netflix series Making a Murderer, which premiered in 2015. Around 40 people searched the salvage yard on Monday, with some combing through the treeline around the property, while others looked through car scraps. While the effort did not appear to uncover anything new, volunteers said they will continue to look for Elijah. Volunteers told local media that there was no indication the Avery family were involved with Elijahs case or that he might be in the area, but that the site was the latest area targeted after the boy disappeared over 50 days ago. Theres always hope that little Elijah is alive, but if hes not, we need to get him justice, volunteer Julie Nelson told Fox 11 News. A little guy who went too long without a voice and he cried way too long without anybody hearing him. So, Im here for him. Jesse Vang and Katrina Baur both face chronic child neglect charges ( Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office ) Two Rivers Police Department Chief Ben Meinnert said on Wednesday that his team has no evidence Elijah was abducted. Until weve found him, I dont feel any differently. I still have that, you know, that aching in my gut that hes not here, the chief told WISN. I get asked a lot, you know, do I still think hes alive? I dont know. Thats the sad truth of the matter. I think about it just like everybody else all the time. I think everybody has that hope. But yeah, until we bring closure, I dont think that gut wrenching feeling ever goes away. Police have sorted through some 10,000 video files and exhausted 1,500 tips, the chief said. Ms Baur and Mr Vang are both being held on child neglect charges, while rewards for information on Elijahs whereabouts total $40,000. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The father of a teenagerwho ended up in an ICU after being brutally beaten outside a Missouri school last month has now revealed the text message battle which led up to the violent attack. Kaylee Gain, 16, suffered a skull fracture and bleeding and swelling on the brain after she was attacked near her high school on 8 March. Now, a month on from the horrific incident, Kaylees father has revealed a slew of texts exchanged between his daughter and her alleged attacker in the lead-up to the incident. Clinton Gain, 41, toldThe New York Post that, following his daughters hospitalisation, he and his partner, Kaylees stepmother Jamie Gain, checked her cellphone to try to understand what led up to the beating that was ultimately caught on camera and went viral on social media. Mr Gain revealed that he found messages showing the pair had both to meet up and fight one-on-one. They both agreed to the fight, to meet up and settle what was going on, Mr Gain said. Ms Gain said that both of the teenagers had made a terrible decision to settle their dispute with violence. But the couple pushed back on any sort of narrative that Kaylee may have been bullying her attacker, saying that the messages exchanged were equally hostile on both sides. Kaylee Gain, 16, suffered a skull fracture and bleeding and swelling on the brain ( Bryan M Kaemmerer, an attorney representing Kaylee Gains family. ) Mr Gain added that it doesnt matter who said what to who before it all happened, because, in the end, it was his daughter who was nearly killed. We hope the justice system sees that she went way overboard and nearly killed her, Mr Gain said. The 8 March fight unfolded at an intersection near Hazelwood East High School, with footage showing Kaylees head being slammed into the concrete ground by another teen. Following the incident, police arrested a 15-year-old girl, who is being held by the St Louis County Family Court on assault charges. After her arrest, the teens aunt sparked outrage for setting up a Change.org petition calling on Chief Juvenile Officer Rick Gaines not to charge her as an adult. In the petition, she claimed that her niece is a multilingual honour roll student who was defending herself from harassment and bullying. The teenager remains in custody and it is currently unclear whether or not she will be charged as an adult. A viral video showed the moment a fight near a school in St. Louis left a teenage girl with critical injuries ( The Post Millennial/X ) Kaylee spent weeks in critical condition in hospital before she was finally able to breathe on her own and left the intensive care unit on 22 March. Kaylees father told The New York Post that she is now in speech and movement therapy sessions. Even though she is now able to speak, he said that she doesnt always make sense and sort of talks in a loop. Kaylee also still needs help to walk. One saving grace, however, is that Kaylee does greet her dad when he comes to visit, appearing to know it is him, he said. The teenager is still not quite sure how she ended up in the hospital in the first place, he said. Shell ask us why she is there in the hospital, Mr Gain claimed to the outlet. She doesnt remember the fight or a few days before it. We told her what happened, but not too much. Before the fight which landed her in hospital, Kaylee had been involved in another fight with a different person the day before, the familys attorney Bryan Kaemmerer confirmed. Both she and the other student were suspended as a result. Close West Philadelphia sheriff update on shooting after multiple injured at Eid event The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Three individuals were shot and five have been arrested after gunfire broke out at a Ramadan event in West Philadelphia on Wednesday afternoon, prompting police to flock to the scene. A 15-year-old was shot by a police officer, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said, adding that the teen is now in stable condition. Authorities also said that one of their police patrol wagons accidentally struck a child. The incident occurred around 2.30pm during an event where hundreds had gathered to celebrate the holiday near Wyalusing Avenue in Philadelphia, Fox29 reports. The police commissioner said that they have seized four guns from those five arrests. Its unclear what prompted the shooting; Mr Bethel said he believed two groups exchanged gunfire. A witness described the harrowing events to WPVI before lamenting the prevelance of gun violence: You cant even have a celebration without having to worry about somebody getting shot. Congressman Dwight Evans, who represents West Philadelphia, said in a tweet: Gun violence is never acceptable, but to see it victimize people who gathered for a Ramadan event or any religious event is especially heartbreaking. We must all continue working for change, because thoughts & prayers are not enough, he added. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The attorneys for Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed have asked that she be sentenced to probation for her role in the death of the films cinematographer in 2021. Ms Gutierrez Reed, 26, is due to be sentenced on Monday after being charged and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the 2021 accidental fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rush. She is currently facing a maximum of 18 months in prison, but in a memo to the court obtained by Variety, her lawyers reportedly argue that Ms Gutierrez Reed has already suffered enough press deluge surrounding the high-profile case and that no matter what the judge decides in her sentencing, her life will be forever changed. The tragic series of events that unfolded that day destroyed and altered many peoples lives, including Ms Gutierrez Reeds, Jason Bowles and Monnica Barreras, the armourers defence lawyers, wrote, according to the outlet. The defence added that Ms Gutierrez Reed wants to express her deep sadness to the family of Hutchins, who was killed nearly two and a half years ago on the set of the film Rush, which the defendant was working on, but that legal proceedings have prevented her from doing so. Gutierrez Reed wants to express her deep sadness to the family of Hutchins ( LuUIS SANCHEZ SATURNO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images ) Alec Baldwin, who stars in the Western film, pulled a Colt 45 replica from his holster while practicing for a scene when it went off. A bullet struck Hutchins in the chest and struck director Joel Souza in the stomach. Hutchins died from her injuries, while Mr Souza survived. Ms Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 and went to trial in March at the First Judicial District courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was found guilty. After a two-week trial, prosecutors claimed that the armourer repeatedly failed to maintain proper firearm safety and that her negligence led to the death of Hutchins. Prosecutors alleged that she left weapons and ammunition lying around the set, with colleagues calling her sloppy and unprofessional and that she unknowingly bought live ammunition to the Santa Fe ranch set. The prosecutors also concluded in the trial that standard gun-safety protocols were skipped or skimpered repeatedly by the armourer that might have detected live rounds on set. Alec Baldwin was handling the gun at the time it went off ( Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images ) However, her defence attorneys claimed that she was being used as an easy target for the film production to blame and for Baldwin to use as a scapegoat after the tragedy unfolded on set. Ms Gutierrez Reed has been held in custody since 6 March in the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, after the jury declared their verdict as guilty after around two-and-a-half hours of deliberation. The jurors did not find the armourer guilty of separate tampering with evidence charge. Her attorney, Mr Bowles, previously asked the judge during the trial to consider releasing Gutierrez-Reed so she could care for her ill father, but the judge denied the motion. Keep in mind, there was a death that the jury determined was caused by her, so Im not releasing her, Judge Sommer said. The Independent has contacted attorney Jason Bowles for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A doctor who has worked with the Slender Man stabber Morgan Geyser for a decade said that the inmates claims that she faked psychotic symptoms mean she is less eligible for release than she may feel. On day two of a conditional release hearing, Dr Brooke Lundbohm spoke of inconsistencies in the 21-year-olds reporting of her mental health state, and that meant she still posed a risk to herself and the community. Geyser is serving a 40-year sentence in a mental institution after she stabbed her friend when she was 12-years-old in Wisconsin in 2014, believing that she was doing it to please the fictional character Slender Man. Ultimately, the judge ruled that Geyser was not ready for release and sent her back to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. This is how day two of the hearing played out: Morgan Geyser was asking for early, conditional release at a hearing in Waukesha County, but Dr Lundbohm told the court on Wednesday that Geyser now claims she faked the psychotic symptoms observed over many years. If we go down the branch of I malingered, I faked it all, I was involved in this long-term, complicated manipulation of everyone around me, including the legal professionals, the evaluators, treatment team, family, that seriously raises risk, the doctor said. That, frankly, would put her risk off the charts, in part because as she is saying now, I had control of everything and I basically was doing it for my own gain, that puts serious question as to how she came to that level of violence ten years ago. Dr Lundbohm said she did not believe this was the reality of Geysers situation, however. She referred to Geysers statements over the years of a shadowy figure she often saw during her childhood - a figure which later became the Slender Man character she discovered online. The doctor said that these reports from early on in the case showed that Geyser had been suffering psychotic symptoms before she had stabbed her friend, Payton Leutner, after they had a sleepover with fellow sixth grader Anissa Weier. Weier was also convicted in relation to the attack and was released in 2021, with conditions which were later lifted in September 2023. Geyser continues to wrestle with her history Thursdays hearing focused on whether Geyser would be a risk to herself and others, should she be allowed out on conditional release. One of the things that is very important to me when considering her readiness for release is that we want her to be reliable, we want to be able to trust what she is saying, so we can put appropriate support around her and ensure she is doing well, the doctor said. Geysers attorney Anthony Cotton asked Dr Lundbohm if she had any concerns over Geysers ability to accurately report how she is doing, which the doctor said was hard to answer. Despite at least a year without psychotic symptoms, Dr Lundbohm said Geyser was still several months away from being ready to leave the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Geyser has made several reports of un-specified pain in recent months, but has denied treatments and doctors have been unable to find the source of the pain, the court heard. Dr Lundbohn also talked about PTSD episodes experienced by Geyser, which often happen in the middle of the night and lead to her being in distress, unable to communicate what is wrong until much later in individual therapy sessions, which the doctor said Geyser was engaged with. Fair to say that there seems to be a concerted effort to really understand and characterise herself in ways that allow her to make sense of things that she did as a child for instance, that are abhorrent to think about now? Mr Cotton asked. The doctor said that, yes, she believes Geyser continues to wrestle with her history and the issues which led her to carry out the stabbing a decade ago. Defence witness says Geyser is sorry for her actions Dr Kenneth Robbins was the third mental health professional called to the stand, this time by the defence. Mr Cotton asked him about claims Geyser had made in a therapy session last October that she had never known how to care, which the doctor said he did not believe was true. I believe most of the time she is remorseful, Dr. Robbins said. What people say in therapy is often challenging to put into context. Often when people are in therapy, especially someone like Morgan who gets very down on herself, at times appropriately for things she has done in the past, she will say things which are very critical of herself that dont necessarily reflect how she feels most of the time. Dr Robbins went on to say that he believes Geyser has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, rather than a primary diagnosis of a form of schizophrenia. He believes her fathers sexual abuse caused this. Geysers father passed away in 2023. The doctor said that he did not believe Geysers PTSD required ongoing treatment within the institution. As helpful as Winnebago has been and as skilled as their practitioners are, I think the downside of being there is significantly more worrisome than the advantages of being there at this point, Dr Robbins said. The doctor repeated other claims that Geyser had not shown any signs of psychotic symptoms in the past year or so, but also discounted her claims that she had faked her symptoms. Could she do that 24 hours a day for eight years? I just dont think thats possible, he said. Dr Robbins recommended that Geyser be released into a group home so that she can get used to being in the community once more, after spending most of her adolescence and early adulthood in the institution. Judge Michael O Bohren then called Dr Kayla Pope at the facility Geyser has been held. She has known the patient since July 2019 and said that it was her opinion that Geyser was ready for conditional release. I do think at this point it is critical for her to make the transition into the community to help with her ongoing development, Dr Pope said. Only one victim in this case In closing arguments, state attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz said that Dr Robbins report was too brief and did not give enough detail to draw a confident conclusion on Geysers mental state. He referred to both Dr Deborah Collins and Dr Lundbohms statements in court Wednesday, saying that neither claimed Geyser will never be released. Both admit that this will happen, but she is just not there yet, Mr Szczupakiewicz said. The attorney then called out Dr Robbins, who said in his report that this was a case with many victims. There are not many victims here judge, there is one victim. There is one victim who almost died and that was the victim in this case, in 2014, the attorney said. Morgan is not a victim in this case. The attorney said that Ms Leutner was the victim who would spend the rest of her life a victim, bearing the scars of the attack. Mr Szczupakiewicz also questioned Geysers claims that she was faking her symptoms, again referring to her years of testimony that she was afraid of Slender Man and what he might do to her and her family. Geysers attorney said that even if the judge granted her appeal today, that did not mean she would simply walk out the door. She does not go anywhere today other than Winnebago, where she will remain at the mental health hospital for 60, 90, 120, however many days it takes or extensions they need for the hospital to come up with a release plan and submit it to the court, Mr Cotton added. The attorney explained that Geyser would still likely be subjected to decades of supervision once living in the community once more. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman who has spent a decade in a mental health institution for the attempted murder of her friend in Wisconsin, to please the fictional character Slender Man, has had her petition for early release denied. Following a two-day hearing, Judge Michael O. Bohren ruled on Thursday that the 21-year-old still poses a significant risk to herself and others, despite claims that she has made improvements while at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. This isnt just a case where somebody drove a car into another car and drove off. This is a personal, brutal attack on another person. This is hands-on, if you will. It is bloody, its gory, the judge said as he wrapped up the hearing. That kind of dangerous conduct is what the risk is. Do we know if someone will repeat it? We dont know. But what this courts responsibility is, is to ensure that the risk is lessened. Geyser, who was 12 when she stabbed fellow sixth grader Payton Leutner 19 times on 21 May 2014, was asking for conditional release, meaning she would have faced supervision and have been subject to an ongoing treatment plan. At the time of the attack, Geyser and her friend Anissa Weier believed they needed to kill Ms Leutner to protect themselves and their families from the fictional character. Weier was let out on conditional release in 2021, with her GPS tracker removed in September 2023. Judge Michael Bohren ruled that Morgan Geyser still poses a risk to herself and others ( AP ) Over the past two days, doctors who have treated and worked with Geyser spoke of their interactions with her over the best part of a decade. Two of those witnesses, Dr Deborah Collins and Dr Brooke Laudbohm, explained that in recent years, Geyser had declared she had faked her psychotic symptoms, something the doctor and others said could not be true. Shes observed 24 hours a day, so its questionable that she would have been able to malinger and pull the wool over the eyes of so many mental health professionals, Dr Collins told the court on Wednesday. Dr Laudbohm pointed to records showing multiple occurrences of Geyser speaking or laughing with herself, likely at the voices in her head which she had reported over the years. Both argued that Geyser still had work to do to address her mental health and that the institution was the best place for her. Dr Kenneth Robbins, who has also known Geyser for a decade, disagreed and said that now was the time for her to head out into the community. As helpful as Winnebago has been and as skilled as their practitioners are, I think the downside of being there is significantly more worrisome than the advantages of being there at this point, Dr. Robbins said. His view was backed up by a surprise witness, called by the judge - Dr Kayla Pope, who runs the institution housing Geyser. I do think at this point it is critical for her to make the transition into the community to help with her ongoing development, the doctor said. Morgan Geyser appeared told doctors she had faked her symptoms to get away from abuse at home ( AP ) Geysers attorney Anthony Cotton said that even if the judge granted her appeal today, that did not mean she would simply walk out the door. She does not go anywhere today other than Winnebago, where she will remain at the mental health hospital for 60, 90, 120, however many days it takes or extensions they need for the hospital to come up with a release plan and submit it to the court, Mr Cotton added. The attorney explained that Geyser would still likely be subjected to decades of supervision once living in the community once more. However, Judge Bohren ultimately disagreed with those views. In closing arguments, state attorney Ted Szczupakiewicz called out Dr Robbins, who had said in his report that this was a case with many victims. There are not many victims here judge, there is one victim. There is one victim who almost died and that was the victim in this case, in 2014, the attorney said. Morgan is not a victim in this case. Geysers attorney Anthony Cotton argued his client was ready for conditional release ( AP ) The attorney said that Ms Leutner was the victim who would spend the rest of her life a victim, bearing the scars of the attack. The judge, who first took on the case nearly ten years ago, appeared to agree with that, while also seeming uncomfortable with Geysers claims she faked her symptoms. What were faced with at this point is that Ms Geyser is doing well in her program, that she needs socialisation, she needs some further work in that regard, the judge said. The other aspect is that her credibility is at issue. She has changed her position and the credibility of the reporter is critical to what assessments are made, how mental health professionals make decisions, how legal people make decisions, he continued. When you put all of these issues together, we come back to risk. At this point, this court is satisfied that the credibility issue undermines Ms Geysers stay at the institution and that until that credibility issue is resolved, the risk is high. Geyser may be granted another appeal for conditional release in six months, which doctors Collins and Laudbohm did seem to feel could give the inmate enough time to work on the issues raised. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man was killed and five others, including two children, sustained injuries in a shooting on Wednesday evening in Washington DC. The suspects got out of a vehicle and began shooting into a crowd of people on the street in the Carver Langston neighbourhood just before 6pm (local time), Metropolitan police chief Pamela Smith said. Officers responded to multiple 911 calls about a shooting at around 6.10pm (local time) and upon arrival, located victims of gunshots, she said. The four wounded two men, a woman and a nine-year-old were rushed to the local hospital in an ambulance, while a boy, 12, later arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. The victims are believed to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Ms Smith said. Law enforcement officials have released images of the suspected vehicle a gray or light-blue four-door sedan with paper license tags and heavily tinted windows. This is another example, and Ive been here before in this space, of violence that we cannot, we just cannot, accept in our communities," she told reporters. "My condolences go out to the families and friends who were impacted by this senseless gun violence tonight." The District of Columbia is struggling with a sharp increase in violent crime, which went up 39 per cent in 2023. The increase was largely fueled by a 35 per cent rise in homicides and growth in carjackings, which nearly doubled. Last month, two people were fatally shot and five others were injured after a shooting broke out in Washington DC. The shooting occurred around 3am at 7th and P Street NW a stones throw from the Kennedy Recreation Center and a 10-minute drive from the White House. In February, three police officers in Washington DC were shot as they attempted to serve an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals, authorities said, while residents in the area were relocated from their homes after the suspect barricaded himself in. The suspect, who was identified as Julius James, 46, was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Speaker Mike Johnson is making a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago this week, where he and Donald Trump will be at work to keep each other afloat. Beset on all sides by critics, Johnson and Trump are set to unveil a piece of legislation that largely amounts to messaging an effort to fight the already rare issue of undocumented immigrants who try to vote in US elections. Municipalities in just three states California, Vermont and Maryland allow noncitizens, including those who crossed the border illegally, to vote in local elections. A greater number explicitly ban the practice in their state constitutions. What the legislation can best be summed up as is a life raft for the embattled House speaker. Johnson is facing a discharge petition leveled by Marjorie Taylor Greene and coming off the largest defection from members of his party yet: a vote by 19 House Republicans on Wednesday to kill a rule vote meant to advance the reauthorisation of Americas Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Fridays meeting will be Johnsons moment to cement his alignment with the former president and perhaps scare a few Republicans back into line or, possibly more likely, to press Trump to rein in his loyalists like Matt Gaetz, who led Wednesdays revolt. Gaetz is at the top of many enemy lists in the GOP caucus after he led the ouster of Kevin McCarthy last fall. Trump, too, is in need of as many allies as he can get. Hes facing down four criminal investigations and staggering legal bills, all while he seeks the presidency for a third time. While hes certainly in better immediate shape than Johnson, he too is seeking closer ties as the election approaches and his need for cash grows. It will be interesting to hear what the former president has to say about Johnson, who has been a largely reliable frontman for the Mar-a-Lago team in the lower chamber. The speaker just recently led the opposition to a bipartisan agreement struck by negotiators in the Senate on the issue of border security, killing the deal and leaving the Republicans who joined the talks with Democrats out to dry. He has also, however, refused to back attempts from conservatives to coordinate government shutdowns aimed at forcing Democrats to accept tougher spending cuts and policy riders. And it will also be worth watching Marjorie Taylor Greene to see if the combative conservative firebrand from Georgia backs down from her bid to threaten Johnson with a motion to discharge the speakership. She has yet to pick up a single Republican ally for the effort. The two lawmakers met on Wednesday as the FISA rule vote became his latest setback, only for Greene to emerge and defiantly insist that no agreement had been reached. We didnt walk out with a deal. I explained to him that, and he acknowledged that as a Republican member of the House, I pretty much have the best view of how the base feels and what Republican voters want, she told reporters. House dysfunction is once again threatening to spill over into the Senate, where a dispute has emerged over the future of the impeachment trial for Alejandro Mayorkas, Bidens director of homeland security. Democrats have indicated that they may dismiss the articles of impeachment passed by the House without a full trial for Mayorkas, who stands accused by Republicans of not meeting his responsibilities to secure the southern border. The GOP, in turn, has threatened to grind all business in the Senate to a halt by withholding unanimous consent for basic procedures. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Joran van der Sloot, a Dutch citizen who gained international infamy for admitting to the long-unsolved 2005 murder of 18-year-old American Natalee Holloway, was injured last week during a brawl in a Peruvian prison, The New York Post reports. Van der Sloot, who is serving a 28-year murder sentence in the country for the 2010 killing of his ex-girlfriend Stefany Flores Ramirez, was attacked by two inmates, according to the paper. Officials with Perus National Penitentiary Institute said van der Sloot would not face discipline because he did not instigate the fight. A lot of people want him dead, an NPI official told the paper. He reportedly received bruises and lacerations in the altercation and was later released back to the general population of Challapalca Prison. An attorney for van der Sloot previously complained of conditions inside the facility in the countrys Andes mountains, calling it the worst prison in the world. Last year, nearly two decades after Holloways disappearance during a trip with classmates to Aruba, van der Sloot admitted that he killed the teenager. The revelation came in the course of pleading guilty in the US to trying to extort Holloways mother for money in return for offering information about where the Alabama teens remains could be found. van der Sloot was sentenced to 20 years in prison in the US for extortion and wire fraud, running concurrently with his charges in Peru. Holloway was last seen in 2005 leaving a bar with van der Sloot, then a student at an international school in Aruba. He admitted to killing the teen with a cinderblock when she rejected his sexual advances, Holloways mother said. He is scheduled to be released from prison in 2045. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Before his transgender daughter was suspended after using the girls bathroom at her Missouri high school. Before the bullying and the suicide attempts. Before she dropped out. Before all that, Dusty Farr was in his own words a full-on bigot. By which he meant that he was eager to steer clear of anyone LGBTQ+. Now, though, after everything, he says he wouldnt much care if his 16-year-old daughter and he proudly calls her that told him she was an alien. Because she is alive. When it was my child, it just flipped a switch. And it was like a wake-up," says Farr, who is suing the Platte County School District on Kansas Citys outskirts. Looking back, Farr figures his daughter, the youngest of five, started feeling out of place in her own body when she was just 6 or 7. But he didnt see it, even as they fished and camped together. Then when she was 12, she started to steer away from him, spending more time with the rest of the family. It lasted for a few months before she came out. He knows now how hard this was. Growing up, he says, my kids knew how I felt. His wife, whom he described as less sheltered, was on board immediately. Him, not so much. Given the way I was raised, a conservative fire and brimstone Baptist, LGBTQ is a sin, youre going to hell. And these were things, unfortunately, that I said to my daughter, Farr says. Im kind of ashamed to say that. They bumped heads, their relationship strained. In desperation, he turned to God and then it hit him: Shes a girl. His daughter, who is named only by her initials of R.F. in the lawsuit, was stunned. He had been, she recalls, to say it nicely, very annoying. Now everything was different. There was this electricity in me that was just, it felt like pure joy, she recalled as she played with her dog at a park in February. Her father was with her. She, her father and her attorneys asked that she remain anonymous because she is unnamed in the lawsuit and to protect her from discrimination. A Fathers Evolution ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) She was diagnosed with gender dysphoria, or distress caused when gender identity doesnt match a persons assigned sex. She grew out her hair and began taking drugs to delay puberty a common treatment. Farr says things returned to normal for the most part. But then came high school. And, Farr says, anything I did to her, school was 10 times worse. The 2021-22 school year had just started when the assistant principal pulled his daughter aside. According to the suit filed last year, the administrator said students must use the restroom of their sex designated at birth or a single gender-neutral bathroom. The district disputes that happened . Another employee, the suit said, took it further and told her using the girls bathroom was against the law. The district disputed that happened, too. The thing is, there isnt a law at least, not in Missouri. Dusty Farr ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) While more than 10 states have enacted laws over bathroom use, Missouri is not one of them. What Missouri has done is impose a ban on gender-affirming care. For bathrooms, it leaves policy debate to local districts. Asinine is how Farr described the whole wave of restrictions, while acknowledging in the same breath that he probably would have supported them a decade ago. Kind of makes me dislike myself a little bit. He figured it was all just a way to intimidate her. His daughter didnt understand: It kind of just made me feel hopeless in my education, she recalls thinking. The gender-neutral bathroom was far from her classes and often had long lines, the suit says. She, as a freshman, was missing class, and teachers were lecturing her. So she used the girls restroom. Verbal reprimands were followed by a one day in-school suspension and then a two-day, out-of-school suspension, the suit says. Your policy is dumb, Farr recalled telling the school, which argued in its response to his lawsuit that his daughter was eating lunch in the girls restroom. His daughter started using the boys restroom. One day, a classmate approached and told another student, Maybe I should rape her, the suit said. Beyond angry now, Farr called not just the school but the ACLU. The district acknowledged the incident, saying a student made a highly inappropriate comment about rape and was disciplined. By now, Farrs daughter was afraid to go to school. A Fathers Evolution ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He described it as "a damned if you do, damned if you dont situation. The district sees it differently, writing in a court filing that there were numerous factors and circumstances in R.F.s life, unrelated to school, which may have caused emotional harm, depression and anxiety. Ultimately, her parents got the school to agree to let her finish her freshman year online. But she missed three weeks of classes before the switch was approved. Typically an A and B student, she plummeted to Ds and Fs. Worse to Farr, his daughter was withdrawing. He describes it as a dark rabbit hole of depression. Twice she tried to kill herself and was hospitalized. Everything from butter knives to headache medicine was locked up. She returned in person to start her sophomore year, hoping things would be better. She made it only a few weeks before returning to online school. At semesters end, Farr and his family moved out of the district. Bathroom access remained a source of friction in her new school, so again she switched to online school. When she turned 16 last spring, Farr and his wife agreed to let her drop out. She is in counseling now, taking hormone replacement therapy and considering an alternative high school completion program. Shed like to go to college one day, and study psychology, maybe law. Sometimes Farrs daughter yells at him, and he admits that he missed the teen attitude. That spirit and fight had faded. Being a teenager is hell, he says. Being a trans teen is 10 kinds of hell. Shes the brave one. Im just her voice. He feels he has changed enough to fill this role that being her voice can help other parents and kids avoid what his family endured. He thinks that because of where he came from, maybe people will listen when he raises alarms. Maybe. Its almost like a transgender person, he says of his transformation. Theres the dead me. And then theres the new me. 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 }} The Arizona House descended into a shouting match after Republicans blocked attempts to repeal the states newly revived 1864 law that criminalizes abortion throughout pregnancy unless a womans life is at risk. House Democrats erupted into shouts of Shame! Shame! on Wednesday as GOP leaders, who command the majority, twice cut off attempts to discuss a repeal of the Civil War-era abortion ban. It came after the Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Civil War-era law that criminalises abortion, and those who help women obtain one, over a 2022 law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks. The 1864 law holds no exceptions for rape or incest. The decision was met with outcry from citizens, Democratic lawmakers, abortion advocates and more across the United States who warned that it would harm access to necessary reproductive healthcare and providers. Arizona State Rep. Matt Gress speaks to reporters on the House floor at the Capitol ( AP ) Arizona House Democrats and at least one Republican joined in the outcry, with at least one lawmaker saying people will die if the 1864 ban remains a law in the state. However, Republican state Rep Teresa Martinez argued there was no reason to rush the debate, and accused Democrats of screaming at us and engaging in extremist and insurrectionist behaviour on the House floor. The GOP-led Senate briefly convened without debate on abortion. We are navigating an extremely complex, emotional and important area of law and policy, said Ms Martinez, the GOP House whip. In my opinion, removing healthy babies from healthy mothers is not health care nor reproductive care. Pregnancy is not an illness. It should be celebrated. It is an abortion that terminates life. Arizona State Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamliton speaks on floor at the Capitol ( AP ) But Democrats disagreed. We know that the Supreme Court decision yesterday is extreme. And we know that should the 1864 ban on abortion remain a law in Arizona, people will die, said Democratic state Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamilton. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs called inaction on the proposed repeal unconscionable. Radical legislators protected a Civil War-era total abortion ban that jails doctors, strips women of our bodily autonomy and puts our lives at risk, she said. Meanwhile, state Rep Matt Gress was one of at least three GOP legislators in Arizona to openly oppose the ban, proposing a motion to repeal the law and arguing a near-total ban is not reflective of the values of the vast majority of our electorate, regardless of political affiliation. ... This issue transcends all. Former president Donald Trump also opposed the ban this week, calling on officials in Arizona to work together to bring the states abortion laws back within the realm of reason. Itll be straightened out and as you know, its all about states rights, he told reporters on Wednesday. Itll be straightened out, and Im sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and thatll be taken care of, I think, very quickly. Mr Trump on Monday sought to lay out his stance on abortion rights, bragging in a video message that he was proudly the person responsible for the overturning of Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that had enshrined the right to an abortion and reproductive care. Arizona State Rep Teresa Martinez texts on House floor at the Capitol ( AP ) Many people have asked me what my position is on abortion and abortion rights, especially since I was proudly the person responsible for something that all legal scholars on both sides wanted and in fact demanded be ended: Roe vs Wade. They wanted it ended, he said. However, he stopped short of supporting a federal abortion ban, arguing that the issue of abortion rights should be left to states. Kari Lake, the GOPs chosen Senate candidate in Arizona, , is also backing away from a ban to which she once gave a full-throated endorsement in June 2022. Having previously told voters she was thrilled about the prospect of her state banning abortion in all cases except when a patients life is in danger, Ms Lake this week released a lengthy statement calling the ban out of step with Arizonans. I oppose todays ruling, and I am calling on [Governor] Katie Hobbs and the state Legislature to come up with an immediate commonsense solution that Arizonans can support, said Ms Lake this week. Since the constitutional right to abortion was banned in the US, total bans on the procedure have been implemented in Indiana and North Dakota. Meanwhile, abortions are banned after six weeks of pregnancy in South Carolina and twelve weeks in North Carolina and Nebraska. Altogether, 14 states have enacted near-total abortion bans. 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 }} Some Arizona lawmakers who once supported strict anti-abortion legislation have suddenly changed their tune, denouncing the states supreme court decision to revive a 160-year-old law outlawing nearly all abortions. On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an 1864 law that criminalises abortion, and those who help women obtain one, over a 2022 law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks. The decision was met with outcry from citizens, Democratic lawmakers, abortion advocates and more across the United States who warned that it would harm access to necessary reproductive healthcare and providers. For two years, Arizona courts and lawmakers struggled to interpret which law would take precedence after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade in 2021. The 15-week ban, part of the 2022 law, was meant to take effect after the courts decision but legislators failed to clarify if it would repeal the 1864 law and even wrote in the bill text it did not intend to do so in enacting the law. Now, the same lawmakers who voted to pass that bill or championed abortion restrictions in the state are criticising the Arizona Supreme Court decision. Republican state Senator TJ Shope, who voted for the 2022 bill and co-sponsored it, called the state supreme court decision disappointing claiming it ignored our legislative intent. The 2022 law includes a line that specifies its construction does not, Repeal, by implication or otherwise, section 13-3603, Arizona Revised Statutes, or any other applicable state law regulating or restricting abortion. Despite this, Mr Shope said he would work with his colleagues to repeal the territorial law so that the 2022 law can stand. Republican state Senator Shawnna Bolick, who also co-sponsored and voted in favour of the 2022 bill, tweeted, ... it is time for my legislative colleagues to find common ground of common sense: the first step is to repeal the territorial law. She added that it was time to modernize Arizona abortion laws by not prosecuting women who obtain abortions or doctors who perform them under the 1864 law. But Ms Bolick co-sponsored Arizona House Bill 2650 in 2021 which would have classified all abortions as a homicide and encouraged the attorney general or county attorneys to pursue criminal prosecutions against providers and the person seeking an abortion. Arizona Representative David Schweikert said, I do not support todays ruling from the AZ Supreme Court. This issue should be decided by Arizonans, not legislated from the bench. I encourage the state legislature to address this issue immediately. However, Mr Schweikert has, for years, advocated to end abortion. In 2013, he wrote an opinion for LifeNews.com in which he vowed to never support a medical procedure that is administered with the intent of purposefully terminating a life and said it was time we end those procedures. When the US Supreme Court overturned Roe, Mr Schweikert said he was pleased about the decision. A protestor holds a sign reading My Body My Choice at a Womens March rally outside the State Capitol on October 8, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. ( Getty Images ) For years, abortion has been weaponised by both Republicans and Democrats to promote candidates and encourage voters to support the respective parties through action or donations. But since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe, candidates at all government levels have had to walk the abortion line carefully especially as the November election approaches and state governments are put in charge of abortion laws. Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake previously referred to the Civil War-era law as a great law but suddenly softened her opinion on Tuesday. She denounced the state supreme courts decision saying abortion is, a very personal issue that each individual state and her people should determine. Ms Lake is campaigning for state senator, two years after an unsuccessful bid for Arizona governor. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump and his mentor Roy Cohn or at least fictionalised versions of them are heading to Cannes. A new film based on the former presidents life in the 1970s and 1980s will premier at the French film festival this year, with Sebastian Stan starring as Mr Trump, while Successions Jeremy Strong will play lawyer and prosecutor Roy Cohn. The film, named The Apprentice, will explore Mr Trumps career as an aspiring real estate tycoon in New York City in the 1970s and 1980s and will delve into his relationship with Roy Cohn, the New York City prosecutor who is thought to have had a considerable influence on his presidency. The movies official logline reads: The Apprentice is a dive into the underbelly of the American empire. It charts a young Donald Trumps ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer Roy Cohn. Mr Trump and Mr Cohn first met at Le Club, a members-only nightspot in Manhattans East 50s in the 1970s, according to the former president, and soon became friends and colleagues after Mr Trump sought out Mr Cohns legal expertise to represent him in various business dealings and legal matters. However, Mr Cohn became more than just Trumps lawyer; he became a mentor and a close confidant, introducing the former president to various powerful figures in New York Citys business and political circles. According to filmmaker Ivy Meeropol, Mr Cohn paved the way for Trump and set him up with the right people before he ran for president, including Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, she told Vanity Fair in 2020, adding that they were the people who helped him get to the White House. Meanwhile, film director Matt Tyrnauer told Esquire in 2020 that Mr Cohn created a president from beyond the grave. But the relationship between the two men was not without its controversies. Mr Cohns reputation as a ruthless operator - having prosecuted Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, who were sentenced to death in the 1950s for spying for the Soviet Union - and his involvement in various scandals, including his disbarment for ethical violations, cast a shadow over his association with Mr Trump. Despite this, the former president remained fiercely loyal to his mentor, even standing by him during his final years as he battled AIDS. The movie, which is described as a mentor-protege narrative, will explore the relationship between the two men and will tackle themes including power, corruption and deception, according to the movies creators. Maria Bakalova, who starred in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, will star as Mr Trumps late ex-wife Ivana Trump, while veteran character actor Martin Donovan will play Donalds father Fred Trump. The movies producers released a still giving a first look at the film Thursday, following the Cannes announcement. The image shows an intense Strong, starring as Roy Cohn, staring at a spooked-looking young Trump. The Apprentice was directed by Ali Abbasi, who last attended Cannes in 2022 with MUBIs Holy Spider. 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 }} The judge overseeing former President Donald Trumps election interference case has rejected the notion that jailed defendants charged with some of the most violent crimes of the US Capitol riot are hostages It is the label Trump and his allies have frequently used to describe the prisoners. Judge Tanya Chutkan and former President Donald Trump ( United States District Court ) US District Judge Tanya Chutkan said the Capitol riot defendants who remain jailed in Washington, D.C., dont deserve to be called hostages or heroes for their actions during the mobs attack on Jan. 6, 2021. Theyre being kept there because they are dangerous people, Chutkan said during a sentencing hearing for Antony Vo, a man convicted of storming the Capitol with his mother. During his trial, Vo attended a nightly vigil that supporters of Jan. 6 riot defendants hold outside the Washington jail. The judge previously ruled that Vos attendance at the vigil violated a condition of his release. Chutkan rolled her eyes and shook her head when she learned from a prosecutor during Wednesdays hearing that the vigils organizers refer to their gathering spot outside the jail as Freedom Corner. Trumps trial in Washington for the election interference case was scheduled to start March 4 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Is that whats its called? Freedom Corner? the judge asked, sounding incredulous. At a November 2023 campaign event in Houston, Trump referred to the jailed riot defendants as J6 hostages, not prisoners. Trump campaign rallies have started with a recording of jailed Capitol riot defendants singing the national anthem. In June 2023, Trump spoke at a fundraiser benefiting Jan. 6 defendants. Im gonna make a contribution, Trump said. There have been few people that have been treated in the history of our country like the people that you love, like the people that have gone through so much. Trumps trial in Washington for the election interference case was scheduled to start March 4, but Chutkan agreed to place the case on hold while the former president pursues his claims that he is immune from prosecution. The US Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments for Trumps appeal later this month. Chutkan didnt mention Trumps name during Wednesdays hearing, where she sentenced Vo to nine months of imprisonment. A jury convicted Vo of four misdemeanor counts related to the riot. His mother also has been charged with Jan. 6-related crimes. More than 1,300 people have charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. The vast majority of them have remained free while awaiting trial or a plea deal to resolve their case. Chutkan told Vo, 31, of Bloomington, Indiana, that he was fortunate that she didnt order him jailed after his trial conviction. She said he has consistently refused to express remorse or accept responsibility for his conduct on Jan. 6. Rioters wave flags on the West Front of the US Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021 ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He has doubled down on his behavior, she said. Before learning his sentence, Vo said he is sorry for everything and knows he shouldnt have entered the Capitol on Jan. 6. I wasnt there to overthrow any democratic process or anything, he told the judge. In his bio for a social media account, Vo has called himself a J6 wrongful convict. In a post after his trial, he wrote that there was zero jury of peers and 100% a kangaroo court. Ive been called worse, Chutkan said, stressing that she wasnt punishing Vo for his insult or his political beliefs. Im thick-skinned, the judge added. Chutkan has stood out as one of the toughest punishers of Capitol rioters, often handing down prison sentences that are harsher than prosecutors recommendations. Vos attorney, Carmen Hernandez, told Chutkan that she appears to be an outlier compared to other judges who have sentenced Jan. 6 defendants. 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 }} This week was Donald Trumps second week on criminal trial the first of courtroom testimony and it was certainly eventful. Jurors heard from the prosecutions first witnesses in the case including lengthy testimony from tabloid mogul David Pecker, who outlined the catch and kill scheme at the heart of the hush money case. The former president faced calls for $10,000 fines over gag order violations over his continued attacks on witnesses. And Americans heard Mr Trump both fume about the landmark trial and use it as a campaign platform on Truth Social and in the courthouse corridors. Mr Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election, in order to stop her coming forward with allegations of a 2006 affair. Here are the key takeaways from the week: Day one Prosecutors lay out criminal conspiracy and cover-up During opening statements on Monday, prosecutors were direct in laying out the heart of the case, with Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo speaks during a hearing ( REUTERS ) telling jurors it was about a criminal conspiracy and a cover-up. The defendant Donald Trump orchestrated a criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 presidential election. Then he covered up that criminal conspiracy by lying in his business records, over and over and over again, Mr Colangelo continued. The prosecutor then laid out the catch-and-kill scheme, arranged between Mr Trumps former attorney Michael Cohen and Mr Pecker to block negative press about Mr Trump. Mr Colangelo told the jury that while no politician wants bad press, evidence will show this was a planned, coordinated, long-running conspiracy. It was election fraud. Pure and simple, he said. Defence tries to humanise Trump In the defences opening statement, lead attorney Todd Blanche tried to humanise Mr Trump while still vowing to refer to him as President Trump. This is a title he has earned, Mr Blanche said. But hes not just the former president, the defence attorney continued. Hes not just Donald Trump that youve seen on TV or read about or seen photos of. Hes also a man, hes a husband, hes a father. And just like me, said Mr Blanche. Trump arrives at Manhattan criminal court and delivers remarks to the media ( AP ) President Trump is innocent. President Trump did not commit any crimes. The Manhattan District Attorneys office should have never brought this case. Mr Blanche also tried to discredit the prosecutions star witness in the case, Michael Cohen, stressing his 2018 guilty plea for lying to Congress and that he had been found liable for perjury in the past. On top of this, Mr Blanche argued that Cohen is obsessed with Mr Trump. Cohens financial livelihood depends on President Trumps destruction, according to Mr Blanche. He cannot be trusted. Day two Potential gag order violations Judge Juan Merchan held an hour-long hearing around potential gag order violations. Prosecutors accused Mr Trump of violating the gag order, which bars him from making public statements about potential witnesses, court staff and the families of the judge and DA, on at least 10 different occasions. Defence attorney Todd Blanche meanwhile argued that Mr Trumps posts were responding to political attacks. However, he failed to provide any example of what Mr Trump was responding to, leading to a scolding from the judge. You presented nothing, a frustrated Judge Merchan said. Youre losing all credibility, Ill tell you that right now. The judge also warned Mr Trump directly against intimidating jurors in his courtroom. The judge has yet to make a ruling on the alleged gag order breaches. Prosecutors suggested imposing a $10,000 fine against Mr Trump and ordering him to remove the offending posts, noting they have not yet asked for jail time. The threat of penalty hasnt deterred Mr Trump from continuing to rant about the case on Truth Social and to reporters as he enters and exits the courtroom. A behind-the-scenes look at tabloid journalism In his testimony, Mr Pecker provided a peek behind the curtain on what was happening at some of his tabloids. Mr Pecker described a mutually beneficial scheme to keep the National Enquirer jam-packed with stories boosting Mr Trumps 2016 election odds while ensuring negative stories never saw the light of day. As part of the arrangement, Mr Pecker would notify Cohen of any unflattering stories about the candidate particularly those involving women. Since Mr Trump was well-known as the most eligible bachelor, dating the most beautiful women, and it was clear based on my past experiences that when someone is running for office like this, it is very common for these women to call up a magazine like the National Enquirer to try and sell their stories, the former publisher testified. Writing positive stories about Mr Trump and negative stories about his opponents would help him and it would help me, Mr Pecker explained as it would help him sell his tabloids. Jurors were shown a number of positive National Enquirer headlines and covers about Mr Trump, like DONALD TRUMP: HEALTHIEST INDIVIDUAL EVER ELECTED! They were also shown negative ones about his 2016 GOP primary opponents, like DONALD TRUMP BLASTS TED CRUZS DAD FOR PHOTO WITH JFK ASSASSIN. Pecker is questioned by prosecutor Joshua Steinglass ( REUTERS ) Doormans story about a love child Jurors heard how the scheme was first put into practice after a former Trump World Tower doorman, Dino Sajudin, claimed that the then-2016 candidate had a love child with a maid working at Trump Tower. Mr Pecker testified that Dylan Howard, then editor-in-chief of the National Enquirer, told him that Dino was in the market for selling a story and so he called Cohen to tell him. Cohen told Mr Pecker it was absolutely not true but that he would look into it, he testified. I asked Dylan to negotiate a price, negotiate a number, to buy the story and take it off the market, he said. Mr Pecker told the court they agreed upon $30,000 for the story and Cohen told him that the boss was very pleased, referring to Mr Trump. I thought it was very important that Dino wouldnt be shopping the story to other media outlets, he told the court. However, he then revealed his more selfish motivation for the transaction if he could have verified the story, he would have published it. It would probably be the biggest sale of the National Enquirer since the death of Elvis Presley, Mr Pecker said. Day three How Playboy model affair story unfolded During the third day of testimony, Mr Pecker shed light on how he came across former Playboy model Karen McDougals story that she had a 10-month affair with Mr Trump in 2006, one year after he had married Melania. Mr Howard had interviewed Ms McDougal, learning of the alleged affair and how Mr Trump apparently called her a 12 out of 10, Mr Pecker told the court. Although Mr Howard warned there was no corroborating evidence, Mr Pecker said he believed the story to be true. He testified that he initially offered the former model $10,000 to buy the story but she turned it down. Mr Howard later told Mr Pecker that ABC was interested in buying Ms McDougals story, but that I knew from my experience that ABC doesnt buy stories. Mr Howard had concluded that Ms McDougal didnt want the story to be published. She said she didnt want to be the next Monica Lewinsky, Mr Pecker added. The boss will take care of it During testimony about buying the rights to these stories, Mr Pecker told the court about his interactions with Mr Trump on the matters directly linking the criminal defendant to the arrangements. Cohen had given Mr Pecker the green light to pay the former Playboy model $150,000 for the rights to her story, Mr Pecker told the court. Dont worry about it. Im your friend. The boss will take care of it, Mr Pecker recalled Cohen telling him, inferring that the boss meant Mr Trump. Mr Pecker recalled another occasion after he had won the 2016 election, when Mr Trump asked him: Hows our girl? referring to Ms McDougal. Mr Trump also thanked him for handling the McDougal story and the doorman situation, he told the court. He said the stories would be very embarrassing to him, his family and the campaign, Mr Pecker testified. Mr Trump even invited the former tabloid boss to a thank you dinner at the White House to show his gratitude for killing damaging stories, Mr Pecker testified testimony that shone a light on how the former president used his position in the White House to manage blowback from the scheme. An unhappy-looking Trump appears in criminal court ( EPA ) Trump was very upset when McDougal affair story leaked Despite the substantial efforts to block other outlets from getting access to Ms McDougals story, it did eventually become public and, according to Mr Pecker, this made Mr Trump very upset. The Wall Street Journal published an article just days before Election Day in 2016, unleashing the blockbuster story. Mr Pecker recalled Mr Trump phoning him, very upset, saying, How could this happen? I thought you had this under control. Mr Pecker testified that AMIs deal with Ms McDougal was for the lifetime rights to her story. Mr Pecker recalled then telling Cohen that the deal was off after his conversations with counsel about the transaction. He was very, very angry, very upset, screaming basically at me, Mr Pecker said. He recalled Cohen saying: The boss will be very angry with you. To this day, the publisher has never been reimbursed, Mr Pecker said on the stand. Celebrities dragged into the case During the former AMI chiefs testimony, several celebrities and high-profile figures were dragged into the case, including Rahm Emanuel, Mark Wahlberg and Tiger Woods. But one person in particular set the stage for Mr Peckers wariness to conceal politically-linked stories: The Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger. Mr Pecker said he had struck up an arrangement with the actor to conceal compromising stories about him when he was campaigning to become governor of California long before the publishers dealings with Mr Trump. Mr Pecker recalled Schwarzenegger saying: I plan on running for governor and I would like you to not publish any negative stories about me now and in the future, and Ill continue being the editor of Muscle & Fitness and Flex and be a spokesperson. Mr Pecker said he agreed to the arrangement. When the actor announced his gubernatorial bid, a number of women called up the National Enquirer with stories to sell on different relationships, or contacts, or sexual harassment that they felt that Arnold Schwarzenegger did, the former publisher testified. Mr Pecker outlined the agreement: I would call him and advise [Schwarzenegger] of other stories that were out there and I wouldbuy them for a period of time. This experience made me sensitive about buying any stories in the future. Thats how I became sensitive about this topic, Mr Pecker told the court. None of the celebrities are accused of any wrongdoing in the case. First mention of Stormy Daniels Stormy Daniels name cropped up in Mr Peckers testimony for the first time on Thursday when he told the court that Cohen had come to him asking for his help to get Mr Trump to pay him his bonus. I understood he was complaining that he had not been repaid, Mr Pecker said. Michael Cohen had paid Stormy Daniels out of his own funds, which is the first time that I had heard of that. I wasnt involved in that transaction, the former publisher testified. Stormy Daniels, speaks outside US Federal Court with her lawyer Michael Avenatti in 2018 ( AFP via Getty Images ) So Mr Pecker approached Mr Trump, telling him: Michael Cohen is very concerned about this bonus this year and I want you to know hes very loyal, hes been working very hard from my perspective, I believe hed throw himself in front of a bus for you. The former publisher recalled Mr Trump saying: I dont know what youre talking about. Michael Cohen has multiple apartments in my buildings. He owns 15 taxi medallions. Mr Pecker testified Mr Trump then added: Dont worry about it. Ill take care of it. Day four Two sides spar over whether Trump deserves title of president Early in the day on Friday, the two sides briefly sparred over whether or not Mr Trump deserves to go by the title of president during his trial. The moment came about as Mr Trumps defence attorney Emil Bove repeatedly referred to the defendant as President Trump when speaking about events prior to him taking office. Prosecutor Joshua Steinglass tried to object saying: He wasnt president in June 2016. In opening statements on Monday, defence attorney Todd Blanche had told the jury that his legal team planned on referring to their client as President Trump because its a title he has earned. Trump attorneys try to poke holes in Peckers testimony During cross-examination, Mr Bove tried to cast doubt on the former tabloid bosss lengthy testimony about the catch and kill scheme. But despite multiple attempts to impeach Mr Peckers credibility, the former publisher repeatedly affirmed his under-oath descriptions of his meetings with Mr Trump. At one point on Friday, Mr Bove tried to get Mr Pecker to admit that he either lied on the witness stand or to federal law enforcement about Mr Trump thanking him for his help burying stories of Mr Trumps alleged affairs. Pecker being questioned on the stand ( AP ) Was that a mistake? Mr Bove asked. Do you believe Trump said that to you as we sit here right now? Mr Bove then handed Mr Pecker a report from his interview with federal prosecutors and the FBI in 2018, alleging that Mr Peckers prior testimony contradicted his earlier interview. This is the FBIs interview, is that correct? These are the FBI notes? The FBI notes, some of these here, are wrong. I know what I testified to yesterday, Mr Pecker said. I know what the truth is, he added. I cant state why its written this way. Pecker doubles down that McDougal payment was made to help Trumps election odds Mr Pecker previously called his relationship with Mr Trump mutually beneficial using his tabloid empire to identify negative stories about the then-2016 candidate in an effort to boost Mr Trumps election chances. However, the former AMI chief testified on Friday that one aspect of the agreement did not benefit him at all: the Karen McDougal story. That story was killed and the payment made with the sole purpose of helping Mr Trumps election odds, he testified, Mr Pecker repeatedly testified that stories about Mr Trump were big sellers for the National Enquirer. Burying Ms McDougals story was against his own business interest, prosecutors sought to point out. Karen McDougal speaking to CNN about Donald Trump ( CNN ) Had you published a story about a Playboy model having a yearlong sexual affair while he was married Would that have sold magazines? Mr Joshua Steinglass asked. That would be like, National Enquirer gold. Mr Pecker agreed. At the time you entered into that agreement, you had zero intention of publishing that story, Mr Steinglass said. You killed the story because it helped candidate Donald Trump. Yes, Mr Pecker said. Stormy Daniels Trump Tower visit - and Apprentice plans - revealed Two new witnesses briefly took the stand on Friday. The first was Rhona Graff, Mr Trumps former personal assistant at the Trump Organization, who testified that she has a vague recollection of seeing Stormy Daniels at Trump Tower before his 2016 presidential campaign. She assumed that Ms Daniels may have been at the office to discuss a role with The Celebrity Apprentice, Mr Trumps former hit reality TV competition series on NBC, she said. The network severed ties with Mr Trump in 2015 after his presidential campaign launch and his derogatory comments about immigrants. Ms Graff recalled that Mr Trump believed Ms Daniels would be a good contestant on the show. I cant remember a specific incident when I heard it. It was part of the office chatter, she said. Third witness takes the stand Gary Farro, a banker assigned to Cohen at First Republic Bank, testified that Cohen urgently asked for his help setting up an LLC shell company while negotiating a hush money payment to Ms Daniels in 2016. That account, Essential Consultants LLC, was used to wire Ms Daniels the $130,000 payment at the heart of the presidents criminal case. Mr Farro will resume his testimony on Tuesday. Elsewhere in Trumpworld Beyond the courtroom, there was a lot of other happenings in Trumpworld this week. Civil fraud bond deal On Monday, lawyers for Mr Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office reached a deal around the payment of his $175m bond in his civil fraud case, so long as the collateral remains in cash. The AGs office had previously expressed concerns about the underwriter Knight Specialty Insurance Company. E Jean Carroll On Thursday, a federal court upheld the verdict in former Elle columnist E Jean Carrolls $83m defamation case against Mr Trump rejecting his request for a new trial. In May 2023, Mr Trump was found liable for sexually abusing Ms Carroll, and earlier this year, a jury determined that Mr Trump had defamed Ms Carroll, awarding her $65m in punitive damages and $18m in compensatory damages. Supreme Court immunity case The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Thursday in the landmark case involving the former presidents claims of presidential immunity from prosecution. During oral arguments, the justices appeared poised to allow some, but not absolute, immunity. The case stems from special counsel Jack Smiths federal indictment against Mr Trump, accusing him of engaging in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election and stay in the White House. 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 }} New York City mayor Eric Adams is known to frequent celebrity haunts across the city and rub shoulders with the A-listers. Now he has a lawyer to match. City Hall has hired attorney-to-the-stars Alex Spiro to represent the mayor in a lawsuit accusing him of sexually assaulting a fellow city employee in 1993. Mr Adams strenuously denies the allegations. Spiro, who has represented clients such as Elon Musk, Megan Thee Stallion and Jay Z, charges up to $2,025 an hour for his services, and New York City taxpayers will foot the bill for Adams legal costs. Even though the city has claimed it was getting a much-discounted rate, the decision has raised some eyebrows. Responding to questions about the hiring, Mr Adams seemed flattered to be among such illustrious company. I dont know how one becomes a celebrity lawyer, am I a celebrity mayor?" he asked. Hes certainly not the first to wonder. All NYC mayors are celebrities, but Adams seems to lean into the role more than others. A meticulous 2022 New York Times deep dive into the newly elected mayors nighttime habits found he had become a fixture out after dark around the city. Adams campaigned on a promise to revitalise a nightlife industry that had been battered by the pandemic, and he seems willing to do it single-handedly if necessary. Adams during a press conference last month ( Marc A. Hermann / MTA ) Adams is a regular at restaurant Osteria La Baia, an Italian restaurant in Midtown run by the mayors close friends, Robert and Zhan Petrosyants. The Times noted, after stalking the mayor, that Adams visited the restaurant 14 times in one month, where he slips behind a frosted glass partition to a private table where he holds court. Maxwell Young, a spokesman for the mayor, told the Times: Of course, there is nothing wrong with talking city business at a restaurant. Adams remains a regular at Zero Bond, a private members club in NoHo frequented by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Tom Brady and where membership fees range from $2,500 to $4,000. But while Adams may move like an A-lister after dark, its his legal woes keeping his name in the headlines. Adams currently faces two scandals that threaten to derail his mayoralty the sexual assault allegation and a federal investigation into alleged corruption dating back to his 2021 campaign. The assault lawsuit was filed in March by Lorna Beach-Mathura and alleges that Adams sexually assaulted her when she went to him for help with a promotion in 1993, when they both worked for the NYPDs Transit Bureau. Adams has denied the sexual assault allegations, telling reporters: It absolutely did not happen, I dont recall meeting this person. Id never harm anyone in that magnitude. NYC Mayor Fundraiser FBI Raid ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The mayor has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the corruption probes, but federal investigators appear to be widening their probe into his links to the Turkish government. In November, federal agents raided the home of his chief fundraiser, Birana Suggs, reportedly seeking documents relating to their investigation into whether the Adams campaign received money from the Turkish government via straw donors. Part of that investigation is focused on whether Adams intervened to overlook safety concerns at the newly built Turkish consulate in Manhattan. Then, last week, the New York Times reported that the FBI was looking into flight upgrades he may have received from Turkish Airlines for international trips. Brendan R McGuire, Adams lawyer, told the Times: As borough president, the mayor consistently disclosed his official travel to Turkey, did not receive any improper upgrades and did nothing inappropriate in exchange for an upgrade, he said. The one thing not up for debate is how much Adams enjoys being the centre of attention. As Brooklyn borough president, he once appeared as himself in a Turkish romcom, a 2017 film called New York Fairytale. 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 }} The FBI is set to warn Congress about a possible organised attack in the US similar to the one that killed 144 people at a Russian concert hall last month. Looking back over my career in law enforcement, Id be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once, FBI director Christopher Wray is set to tell a House of Representatives panel during a budget hearing on Thursday. But that is the case as I sit here today. This is not a point when we can let up. Mr Wray will tell lawmakers that US officials have previously been worried about the possibility of an attack carried out by an individual or small group inspired by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but the FBI is growing increasingly concerned about a more coordinated attack following the concert massacre in Russia. Of increasing concern is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the Isis-K attack we saw at the Russia concert hall a couple weeks ago, Mr Wray will say. The 22 March attack on a concert hall in suburban Moscow was the deadliest in Russia in 20 years. A branch of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility, but Russian president Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence, has sought to blame Ukraine. Mr Wray will argue at the hearing that the FBI needs fiscal support to tackle these threats to keep American citizens safe. This is a time when we need your support the most we need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and to keep Americans safe, he will say. Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, warns of many threats to the US ( AFP via Getty Images ) He also plans to press lawmakers to renew a US surveillance program set to expire this month, calling it an indispensable tool against US adversaries. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which monitors foreign nationals overseas, is set to expire on 19 April. A modest overhaul of that program was blocked in the House on Wednesday amid concerns from members of both parties that it did not go far enough in curbing the governments surveillance powers. Its critical in securing our nation, and were in crunch time, Mr Wray plans to say. It comes after the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice warned in December of rising foreign terror threats in the US in the wake of the Israel-Hamas War. In a bulletin, the two departments said that groups like al-Qaeda and Isis will likely use the Israel-Hamas war to increase calls for violence in the US during the holiday season compared to prior years, warning that the most likely primary targets could include churches, synagogues and members of the Jewish community. That report followed testimony by Mr Wray before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he said the number of threats is at a whole other level since Hamas 7 October attack on Israel, adding, Ive never seen a time where all the threats, or so many of the threats, are all elevated all at exactly the same time. However, he clarified that there was no specific or credible threat, adding that there is nothing to indicate Hamas has the intent or capability to conduct operations inside the US. This is not a time for panic, but it is a time for vigilance, the FBI director said. We shouldnt stop conducting our daily lives, going to schools, houses of worship and so forth. But we should be vigilant. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy said he was ousted from his position because Representative Matt Gaetz slept with a 17-year-old. I'll give you the truth as to why I'm not Speaker, Mr McCarthy said while speaking at Georgetown University on Tuesday. Because one person, a member of Congress, wanted me to stop an ethics complaint because he slept with a 17-year-old, an ethics complaint that started before I ever became Speaker...Did he do it or not? I don't know. Mr McCarthy is referring to a US House Ethics Committee investigation opened in 2021 related to allegations that Mr Gaetz, a Republican from Florida, violated sex-trafficking laws and had sex with an underage girl. The Ethics investigation was soon after tabled to allow the US Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate. The DOJ stopped their investigation last year and did not charge Mr Gaetz. The Congressman has strongly denied any wrongdoing since the allegations arose. In a statement to The Independent, Mr Gaetz also called Mr McCarthy a liar. Kevin is a liar, Mr Gaetz said. Which, actually, is why he isnt Speaker. Just ask any of the 224 people who voted to remove him. Mr Gaetz led the charge to oust Mr McCarthy as House Speaker last year. The Congressman presented the motion to vacate that ultimately passed, removing Mr McCarthy from the position. The representative from Florida has previously said he ousted Mr McCarthy because of concerns he violated the fundamental commitments he made to become Speaker not because of his anger about the ethics probe. However, a report from The Daily Beast earlier this year said Mr Gaetz told a friend that he targetted Mr McCarthy because of the probe. Ive heard him complain about Kevin because of it, an unidentified GOP staffer told the outlet. Last month, Mr Gaetz was served a subpoena to take part in a deposition in a civil lawsuit connected to claims he had sex with an underage girl. The subpoena is part of a lawsuit brought by a friend of Mr Gaetz targeting the young woman and others. The subpoena was issued by lawyers representing the woman, who is now in her twenties. Mr Gaetzs deposition is part of a larger defamation and racketeering lawsuit brought by Chris Dorworth, a friend of Mr Gaetz and a former Florida House member and lobbyist, against the woman and others. Congressman Gaetz received a witness subpoena in an ongoing lawsuit between outside parties, a spokesperson for Mr Gaetz previously told The Independent. He is not being sued, and he is neither a plaintiff nor a defendant in this matter. 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 campaign staffer for independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr was terminated after telling a group of Republican voters that beating President Joe Biden was her number one priority and encouraging them to volunteer for Donald Trump. On Wednesday, RFK Jrs campaign manager, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, confirmed in a statement on X that the campaign had terminated Rita Palmas contract for misrepresentation. Earlier this week, a video circulated of Ms Palma identifying herself as the New York state director of RFK Jrs campaign to a group of GOP voters. In it, she presented an argument that insinuated the purpose of Kennedys campaign was to take votes away from Mr Biden. A spokesperson for Kennedys campaign said Ms Palma was just a ballot access consultant and her speech was not a Kennedy campaign event. Ms Fox Kennedy said Ms Palma was immediately terminated upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen. Ms Palma confirmed to CNN she was no longer employed by the Kennedy campaign but asserted that she believed RFK Jr was by far the best candidate. A spokesperson for Mr Kennedys campaign confirmed Ms Palma had been terminated. As an Independent movement, our supporters, volunteers, and field organizers come from all sides of the political spectrum and their reasons for supporting Mr Kennedy are as disparate as their backgrounds, the statement said. Rita Palma was a ballot access consultant responsible for scheduling volunteer shifts for our upcoming signature collection drive in the Empire State. She was not involved in electoral strategy, nationally or in New York. Ms Palmas termination comes amid minor controversy. Her allegiance to Mr Kennedy has been called into question given her misleading presentation to New York Republican voters combined with her history of supporting Mr Trump. In a video of her presentation to New York GOP voters, now deleted from YouTube, Ms Palma not only identified herself as having a leadership role in the Kennedy campaign, but she also gave a presentation that seemed to be on behalf of RFK Jrs campaign strategy. She told voters that her number one priority was to get rid of Mr Biden and that Mr Kennedys campaign could do so by driving Democratic voters away from him. But that strategy wasnt to help get RFK Jr elected it was to help Mr Trump win. Ms Palma invoked the theory that if Mr Biden were to tie with Mr Trump in an electoral college matchup it would leave Congress with the responsibility to elect the next president and a Republican-majority Congress would choose the former president. But the spokesperson for Mr Kennedys campaign disputed Ms Palmas alleged role and strategy to CNN, saying her role was purely to schedule volunteer shifts for an upcoming signature collection drive in New York and had no part in campaign strategy. This was not a campaign event. Palma was speaking as a private citizen and her statements in no way reflect the strategy of the Kennedy campaign, which is to win the White House with votes from former Trump and Biden supporters alike, the spokesperson said. Additionally, in now-deleted social media posts reviewed by CNN, Ms Palma said she attended the Stop the Steal rally on 6 January 2021 and claimed it was nonviolent. She had also tweeted that Mr Trump was her favourite president and suggested she would vote for him in 2024. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Joe Bidens top aid official said that famine is already underway in northern Gaza, as global aid agencies warn that more than 2 million Palestinians face an urgent hunger crisis amid Israels ongoing military campaign. Samantha Power, head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is the first official in the Biden administration to make the declaration. Her comments came during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, when she was asked whether famine was plausible or likely in Gaza. She pointed to assessments from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, or IPC, which reported imminent risk of famine and catastrophic food insecurity. Do you think it is plausible or likely that parts of Gaza, and in particular northern Gaza, are already experiencing famine? asked Democratic US Rep Joaquin Castro. Well, the methodology that the IPC used is one that we had our experts scrub, its one thats relied upon in other settings, and that is their assessment, and we believe that assessment is credible, she added. So famine is already occurring there? Mr Castro asked. That is yes, she replied. Asked about Ms Powers comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that the IPC report indicates that famine is imminent in Gaza. We are certainly deeply concerned about these reports, and so weve been working around the clock to get more of that aid into Gaza, she said. She said there has been some promise of increased aid into Gaza following the presidents calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, measurable steps to address humanitarian suffering. The recent movement of 1,000 aid trucks into Gaza is good progress, but its still not enough and we hope to see the progress continue and accelerate, she added. But pressed by The Independent on Thursday, the White House was unable to answer definitively why despite months of warnings from aid groups and other agencies that famine was imminent the president has refused to use his significant leverage to push Israel to admit more desperately needed aid into the region. The president has been working around the clock, so I take offence to what youre saying, because it isnt true, Ms Jean-Pierre said. The president has been working on this hostage deal for months now. And that is a way to make sure that theres a temporary ceasefire that could hopefully lead to something longer, get those hostages home, and get humanitarian aid. USAID Administrator Samantha Power meets with members of the Egyptian Red Crescent and other officials as foreign aid intended for Gaza is delivered at El Arish International Airport on 5 December, 2023. ( Getty Images ) During her testimony on Wednesday, Ms Power said he risk of severe malnutrition among children in Gaza has become markedly worse after Hamas attacks on October 7 and Israels retaliatory strikes that have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. In northern Gaza, the rate of malnutrition prior to October 7 was almost zero, and it is now one in three kids, she said. In terms of actual severe acute malnutrition for [children under 5 years old], that rate was 16 per cent in January and became 30 per cent in February. Were awaiting the March numbers, but we expect it to continue. Palestinians in northern Gaza experiencing famine, Biden official says Jeremy Konyndyk, who led USAIDs Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for three years and worked on famine prevention in Yemen and South Sudan, told The Independent last month that famine was likely inevitable unless the US pressured Israel to allow aid groups complete access into Gaza. Just based on the other circumstances where Ive worked on famine relief operations, its very hard for me to see how you could avert famine now, he told The Independent. With the humanitarian footprint that currently exists, you would need a total change. You would need complete access through the territory. You would need a level of security that is hard to envision without a ceasefire. As Israels closest ally and the recipient of billions of dollars of American military aid each year, the US is the only country with enough leverage to pressure Israel to allow aid into Gaza, according to Mr Konyndyk. Ms Powers testimony follows a report byHuffPost that her agency sent warnings to the White House National Security Council that famine was underway in parts of Gaza, while dissent memos from US State Department staff have flooded the agency. Earlier this year, Ms Power was publicly criticized by the agencys current and former employees who urged her to speak out against US support for Israels military campaign in Gaza. Ms Power who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide was confronted during her unrelated remarks on climate change in Washington DC in February. During a question-answer segment after Ms Powers remarks, Hannah Funk, who identified herself as a contract specialist at USAID, told her: The US-funded genocide in Gaza has really left us unable to be more of a leader in climate change and all the other development in humanitarian issues those of us in USAID care so much about. How are you leading us to reckon with and overcome this hypocrisy? 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 lashed out at President Joe Biden in a Truth Social video accusing the president of being a criminal after he failed to delay an imminent criminal trial in Manhattan. Mr Trump lost three last-ditch bids in three days to delay his New York hush money trial, with jury selection set to begin on Monday. The former president faces 88 felony counts across four state and federal prosecutions as he campaigns for a return to the White House. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. Mr Trump continues to baselessly assert that he is the victim of a Democratic-led conspiracy against him, despite the fact that his criminal prosecutions were recommended by grand juries of members of the public. His federal cases are overseen by an independent special counsel under the US Department of Justice. That hasnt stopped Mr Trump from accusing his rival of lawfare against him. At what point are the actions of a sitting President, using lawfare and weaponization against his opponent for purposes of election interference, considered illegal? I believe, as do various highly respected legal scholars, that crooked Joe Biden has long since crossed over that very sacred threshold, Mr Trump said in the video. He went on to call Mr Biden a criminal and a horrible president. Hes the worst president in the history of our country, he added, before baselessly claiming the only way he thinks he can get elected is to take me to trial, take me to courts - city, state and federal - they control them all. Donald Trump ( Donald Trump via Truth Social ) He cant put two sentences together, he cant do anything. So they weaponise government and they take me to court on bulls**t, Mr Trump continued. The video came amid three unsuccessful attempts by Mr Trump to delay his hush money trial this week, which is due to begin on 15 April. Mr Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in order to cover up payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and others to stop them from going public days before the 2016 presidential election about alleged affairs. Each charge could carry a potential prison sentence of up to four years if he is found guilty. Mr Trumps attorneys had argued that the criminal case had caused the former president ongoing, unconstitutional and irreparable harms, but failed to convince the judge. The judge also refused to hear Mr Trumps argument that presidential immunity shields his official acts from prosecution. Mr Trump is also fighting a gag order in the same case that bars him from publicly attacking court staff and their families. Meanwhile, Mr Trump, who is the first US president to go on trial, is also involved in two criminal cases accusing him of conspiring to overturn the result of the 2020 election and another case related to retaining classified documents. He also lost a trial stemming from a blockbuster lawsuit accusing him of lying about his wealth and assets for years as he built the real estate empire that vaulted him to stardom and the White House. A judge ordered him to pay a $454 million penalty in connection with the case. However, the decision was halted after Mr Trump posted a $175 million bond, preventing the state from seizing his assets to satisfy the debt while he appeals the judges decision. 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 is charged in two criminal cases for his alleged attempts to overturn 2020 presidential election results, relying on pressure campaigns and baseless legal challenges to cling on to power after losing to President Joe Biden. But his upcoming trial on charges connected to a so-called hush-money scheme to bury politically compromising stories of his alleged affairs is also an election interference case, one that stems from his efforts to win the White House in 2016 by any means, according to prosecutors and legal experts. The trial, which is scheduled to begin on 15 April, serves as a precursor to his 2020 cases, all of which involve Mr Trump deceiving voters to grasp power, according to Norm Eisen, former special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee majority during Mr Trumps first impeachment. And its one that could land him in jail. Some might think this is a no-jail crime but when you have falsification of business records associated with or intended to aid, conceal or commit serious crimes, that receives sentences of jail time regularly, Mr Eisen told reporters on Thursday. And this is the most serious falsifying business records case that New York has ever seen. The former president is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which on their own are considered misdemeanours. But those charges are elevated to Class E felony crimes if theyre attached to a wider criminal scheme, which in Mr Trumps case could include alleged violations of state and federal election laws. Class E felony convictions in New York could include state prison sentences of one to four years. Mr Trumps lack of prior convictions, his unpredictable behaviour in and out of court, and whether jurors can be convinced of the prosecutions arguments will inform whether he sees any jail time. Donald Trump arrives for a press conference at 40 Wall Street after a pre-trial hearing at Manhattan criminal court on 25 March. ( AP ) In this case, prosecutors allege that then-candidate Trump feared another politically damaging scandal after the release of the 2005 Access Hollywood tape one month before Election Day in 2016. Stories about his alleged affairs could have sunk Trumps campaign, Mr Eisen told reporters on Thursday. Mr Trump is accused of hatching a catch and kill plot with tabloid publishers and his then-attorney Michael Cohen to buy up the rights to stories that would never be published in an attempt to keep them away from voters. Mr Trump then allegedly reimbursed his attorney for making such payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, with whom he is accused of having an affair, then falsely documented those payments as legal expenses. Manhattan prosecutors are hoping to explain to jurors that the Access Hollywood tapes release sparked panic within his campaign, underscoring the urgency to bury any other stories that would damage his election prospects. In a December radio interview, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized that the case is not about money for sex. We would say its about conspiring to corrupt a presidential election, he said, and then lying in New York business records to cover it up. In his description of the case to prospective jurors, New York Justice Juan Merchan also makes clear that the case involves an unlawful attempt to affect the outcome of the 2016 election. He writes that Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement, according to the judges summary. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg ( AP ) Mr Trump, whose 2024 campaigns platform builds on a narrative that he is a victim of political persecution, has accused prosecutors of leading a politically motivated investigation to damage his re-election chances. But this is a case that was of course brought long ago because of the importance and significance of the scheme to unlawfully influence the 2016 election, according to former US attorney Mary McCord. The notion that this is something new or out of the blue should be debunked immediately, said criminal defence attorney Joey Jackson, a former assistant district attorney in Manhattan. Manhattan has always flexed its muscles as it relates to business records its perfectly appropriate. Mr Bragg has also stressed that similar financial crimes are the bread and butter of his office. Manhattan prosecutors brought similar charges in more than 400 cases within the decade before Mr Trumps indictment, according to court documents. Falsifying records was the top charge in at least 42 of those cases. Last year, Mr Braggs office successfully convicted two men who falsified business records as part of an $18m insurance scam. Legal experts and prosecutors have argued that a plain reading of the evidence of the case, which they claim testimony will prove, will spell out the facts of the case that prove the top charge against the former president. But the wider challenge will be proving to jurors that the intent is proven beyond a reasonable doubt, according to Mr Eisen. Prosecutors would need to show jurors that Mr Trump relied on his catch and kill arrangement to keep stories of his affairs away from the voting public to retain his chances of winning the general election in 2016. Donald Trump is unlikely to testify and even if he did he would be unlikely to concede on that, Mr Eisen said. I think the proof is powerful, that the criminal intent, the fraudulent intent, the intent to commit federal and state election crimes I think all of those forms of mens rea, Trumps state of mind, are amply established by the evidence. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former president Donald Trump has promised to pardon supporters of his who have been charged, convicted, and in some cases imprisoned for crimes committed during the January 6 attack on the Capitol. But according to a new report from anti-authoritarianism group Protect Democracy, he may not actually have that power even if he is returned to the White House after this years election. The report, titled Checking the Pardon Power: Constitutional Limitations & Options for Preventing Abuse, lays out a number of circumstances in which a presidential pardon would not be valid because it would not be a legitimate use of the presidents authority to grant reprieves for offenses against the United States. For some time now, Mr Trump has been promising to free violent Capitol rioters, including those whove been convicted of assaulting police officers as they stormed the US Capitol in a last-ditch, desperate effort to prevent certification of Mr Trumps 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. In one post to his Truth Social platform last month, the disgraced former president said one of his first acts in office if he wins a second term would be to Free January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned. He has also routinely referred to the convicted violent criminals some of whom are in prison for offences such as Seditious Conspiracy as horribly treated and claims they are political prisoners who have been persecuted for their support of him and his political movement. One Republican-appointed federal judge, Royce Lamberth, said in January that he has been dismayed to see distortions and outright falsehoods regarding the violent riot seep into public consciousness. Judge Lamberth, who made the comments during sentencing for a January 6 defendant, opined that he [could not] recall a time when such meritless justifications of criminal activity have gone mainstream over his 37 years as a federal judge. Mr Trump also routinely used pardons during his first term as a way to reward supporters for their loyalty to him and in some cases repay them for refusing to cooperate with criminal probes into his conduct. He infamously pardoned his former chief White House strategist, Steve Bannon, his ex-national security adviser, Michael Flynn, his former campaign chair, Paul Manafort, and his longtime associate Roger Stone in the waning days of his term. All four were convicted of federal crimes but were rewarded by Mr Trump for their refusal to turn on him. The possibility that Mr Trump could return to the White House and resume such uses of the presidents pardon authority has alarmed legal experts and anticorruption activists, even as many commentators have suggested there are not limits to the presidents authority when it comes to pardons. But one of the reports authors, Protect Democracy policy advocate Grant Tudor, says that conventional wisdom doesnt stand up to scrutiny. In a phone interview with The Independent, Mr Tudor explained that the courts have exhibited no qualms about placing restrictions on the presidents pardon power. In one landmark case, Burdick v United States, the Supreme Court found that then-president Woodrow Wilson could not unilaterally issue a pardon to New York Tribune editor George Burdick to remove the threat of incrimination against Burdick and force him to give evidence before a grand jury. The courts ruling stated that Wilson was within his ability to issue the pardon, but at the same time, the pardon had to be accepted by the intended recipient to be effective. Mr Tudor explained that the court found an unresolved tension between the pardon clause and the Fifth Amendment, the latter of which placed constraints on the presidents ability to pardon offences. He also said the pardon powers counterpart in English law the royal prerogative of mercy has also been subject to restrictions over its long history, citing the 1328 Statute of Northampton, which stated that the sovereign could not grant a pardon when doing so would violate his oath. Three centuries later, the 1869 Bill of Rights suspended the Kings ability to use pardons in ways that disregarded acts of Parliament. Similarly, Mr Tudor said a pardon for January 6 rioters would run up against constitutional constraints because it would be a situation in which the leader of an insurrection is pardoning fellow insurrectionists. We've encountered many situations where presidents have pardoned those who took up arms against the United States ... in all of those instances, the point was to quell unrest, not to sanction it, he said. It would be the first time that a president who is himself a criminal defendant, in that same scheme is pardoning those who helped to further it. 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 and plenty of Republicans are at their wits end when it comes to the threats of ousting Speaker Mike Johnson coming from Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Mr Johnson is set to appear at an election integrity event with the former president at Mar-a-Lago on Friday having strongly backed efforts to overturn Joe Bidens 2020 election win. Ms Greene has been threatening to oust Mr Johnson and filed a motion to vacate after the speaker made a deal with Democrats to keep the government funded. People close to Mr Trump are not happy about Ms Greene threatening to push the House Republicans back into another chaotic speaker fight this close to the election, with one person calling it a distraction. Unwanted. And just stupid, when speaking to Politico. The individual said Were not going to get trapped into this cycle of bull**** instigated by certain House members. Another person told the outlet that Ms Greene isnt being constructive and that the former president doesnt approve of the infighting. The circle around Mr Trump are growing tired of the relentless threats of vacating the speakers chair as concerns grow that Mr Johnson could get the boot as cooperation grows between the speaker and the Trump campaign ahead of the election. Aides to Mr Johnson and Mr Trump have been in close contact and there are discussions of having regular meetings between the teams and the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, according to Politico. Ms Greenes attempt to oust Mr Johnson could be averted, possibly with the help of the Democrats, but it would likely lead to a weakened speakership and Republican party machine. This comes as Texas Republican Representative Dan Crenshaw has said that there doesnt seem to be much support for Ms Greenes attempt to ouster Mr Johnson. Right now, Im not sure that theres a real appetite by enough people to just oust Speaker Johnson. I think some people want, you know, a little bit of fame, a little bit of attention. Thats usually the kind of antics we see up here, Mr Crenshaw said on Fox News on Wednesday. Johnsons got a tough needle to thread on a lot of very, very tough issues. And hes just got to do it, he added, calling Mr Johnsons unsuccessful attempt to reauthorise the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act a major failure. On Wednesday, Ms Greene met with Mr Johnson for the first time since filing the motion to vacate last month. We didnt walk out with a deal. I explained to him that, and he acknowledged, that as a Republican member of the House, I pretty much have the best view of how the base feels and what Republican voters want, she told the press, according to The Hill. Weve gotten to this point in our politics where anytime you disagree with somebody ... you have to push them off a cliff, Mr Crenshaw added, calling it an absurd tactic. Thats become the norm in DC and the unfortunate reality is that ... too many people actually cheer it on, he said. Ms Greenes office told The Hill that Mr Crenshaw Went on TV, attacked MTG knowing it would get headlines like this one (aka attention). The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A mother of two, who endured aggressive chemotherapy and was told she had just 15 months to live, has now found out that never had cancer in the first place. Lisa Monk, a higher education worker, was told she had angiosarcoma, a rare form of blood vessel cancer, on her spleen early last year, reported the Daily Mail. She had stomach pain and a scan showed a mass in her body along with kidney stones, the report said. When the doctor told me it was cancer I went into shock. The diagnosis was horrible and [they] told me it was terminal, she said. Ms Monk said she kept the severity of the diagnosis from her children. She said she did not tell them she was given just a little more than a year by her doctors but maintained that she was going to try to fight it. What ensued was her efforts to leave memories for her children, like letters which she wrote for them with messages for the future weddings she will miss and the grandchildren she will never be able to meet. The first round of chemotherapy began in March last year for the resident of College Station in Texas, which made her lose all her hair. She was also left with silvery skin and could not stop vomiting. It was only after her second round of chemo that her pathology report was correctly read and disclosed there was no cancer to begin with in her body. I saw the nurse practitioner first and she just asked me about my symptoms and she was scrolling on the computer while she was talking to me. All of sudden she just stops talking and has this look on her face, she said. The nurse then turned to Ms Monk, looking completely horrified and dashed to get the doctor. She left me alone for about 15 minutes and the doctor came back in. He said a lot of medical lingo to me and then told me I didnt have cancer, Ms Monk told the Mail, and just blood vessel activity. The doctor then told me that I never had cancer. [At that moment] I looked like I had cancer and I felt like I had cancer as I was vomiting, I was sick, and my skin was silvery because of the chemotherapy. Ms Monk said she was initially in shock. I was confused as they were acting like it was a bad thing. I just thought [if I didnt have cancer] it meant the chemotherapy was working. According to The Mirror, the initial report that had diagnosed her with cancer had been passed onto the hospital but due to their policy, they had requested that they carry out their own tests. Ms Monk said the hospitals test had come back clear but they allegedly did not check their report until the April appointment and she already had undergone one round of chemotherapy by then. I had had chemotherapy during this time and they could have told me a month earlier and I would have avoided the second round of chemotherapy if they had bothered to read their own pathology report, she said. A year on, she is still angry about everything she and her family endured due to a false diagnosis, which ruined her health and cooked her insides. Financially were still paying medical bills. Cancer is expensive and I couldnt get any of my bills dismissed. And theres the emotional trauma too. It was a very dark time. I was writing goodbye letters and letters to the grandchildren I would never meet, Ms Monk said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails 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 }} Spain will on Thursday deport more than 60 Bolivians who arrived last week by cruise ship in the northeastern port of Barcelona but were not allowed to disembark because their visas were false. The Spanish governments office in Barcelona said 65 of the 69 Bolivians who arrived will be flown to the Bolivian city of Santa Cruz. The plane will be paid for by MSC Cruises, which owns the ship in which they arrived from Brazil. Four members of a family with Spanish relatives will be allowed to enter Spain. Spain Bolivia Cruise Ship ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Spanish authorities said the Bolivian passengers had false visas to enter the European border-free Schengen area, an ID-check-free travel zone comprising 29 European countries. The Bolivians visa problems meant that the cruise ship with more than 1,000 passengers was stuck for two days in Barcelona and unable to continue on its route in the Mediterranean Sea until the situation was resolved. The cruise ship set sail after the Bolivians were temporarily accommodated in another boat while police interviewed them. Relatives of Bolivian passengers who were barred from disembarking MSC Armonia cruise ship amid lack of visas, ( REUTERS ) MSC Cruises said last week the Bolivian passengers documentation appeared correct upon boarding in Brazil. MSC Armonia, with more than 1,000 passengers reportedly on board, plans to sail to Italy on Thursday, the cruise company said. Solange Duarte, a Bolivian diplomat in Barcelona, told The Associated Press on Wednesday she had received reports that some of the stranded Bolivians had been duped into obtaining fake visas but had no further information. We have asked the families to indicate who has processed this visa and we have not gotten answers, she said. Spains national police were looking into the possibility of a fake visa scam, Duarte said. MSC Cruises said in a statement Wednesday the Bolivian passengers appeared to have proper documentation upon boarding in Brazil but Spanish authorities later said the visas were not valid for entry into the Schengen area. 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 }} Ola Kozak is celebrating. The 11-year-old, who loves music and drawing, expects to have more free time for her hobbies after Polands government ordered strict limits on the amount of homework in the lower grades. I am happy, said the fifth grader, who lives in a Warsaw suburb with her parents and younger siblings. The lilac-colored walls in her bedroom are covered in her art, and on her desk she keeps a framed picture she drew of Kurt Cobain. Most people in my class in the morning would copy the work off someone who had done the homework or would copy it from the internet. So it didnt make sense, she said. The government of Prime Minister Donald Tusk enacted the ban against required homework this month amid a broad discussion about the need to modernise Poland's education system, which critics say puts too much emphasis on rote learning and homework, and not enough on critical thinking and creativity. Under the decree, teachers are no longer to give required homework to kids in the first to third grades. In grades four to eight, homework is now optional and doesn't count towards a grade. Not everyone likes the change and even Olas parents are divided. If there is something that will make students enjoy school more, then it will probably be good both for the students and for the school, said her father, Pawel Kozak. His wife, Magda Kozak, was skeptical. I am not pleased, because (homework) is a way to consolidate what was learned, she said. It helps stay on top of what the child has really learned and whats going on at school. (Ola's brother Julian, a third grader, says he sees both sides.) Children enter a classroom at the Primary School number 223 in Warsaw, Poland ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Debates over the proper amount of homework are common around the globe. While some studies have shown little benefit to homework for young learners, other experts say it can help them learn how to develop study habits and academic concepts. The rest of the world will be watching Polands results closely. Poland's educational system has undergone a number of controversial overhauls. Almost every new government has tried to make changes something many teachers and parents say has left them confused and discouraged. For example, after communism was thrown off, middle schools were introduced. Then under the last government, the previous system was brought back. More controversy came in recent years when ultra-conservative views were pushed in new textbooks. For years, teachers have been fleeing the system due to low wages and political pressure. The current government is trying to increase teacher salaries and has promised other changes that teachers approve of. But Sawomir Broniarz, the head of the Polish Teachers' Union, said that while he recognized the need to ease burdens on students, the new homework rules are another case of change imposed from above without adequate consultation with educators. In general, the teachers think that this happened too quickly, too hastily, he said. Arkadiusz Korporowicz teaches history to 5th grade children at Primary School number 223 in Warsaw, Poland ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He argued that removing homework could widen the educational gaps between kids who have strong support at home and those from poorer families with less support and lower expectations. Instead, he urged wider changes to the entire curriculum. The homework rules gained impetus in the runup to parliamentary elections last year, when a 14-year-old boy, Maciek Matuszewski, stood up at a campaign rally and told Tusk before a national audience that children had no time to rest. The boy said their rights were being violated with so much homework on weekends and so many tests on Mondays. Tusk has since featured Matuszewski in social media videos and made him the face of the sudden change. Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said she was prompted by research on childrens mental health. Of the various stresses children face, she said, "the one that could be removed fastest was the burden of homework. Pasi Sahlberg, a prominent Finnish educator and author, said the value of homework depends on what it is and how it is linked to overall learning. The need for homework can be very individual and contextual. We need to trust our teachers to decide what is good for each child, Sahlberg said. In South Korea, homework limits were set for elementary schools in 2017 amid concerns that kids were under too much pressure. However, teenagers in the education-obsessed country often cram long into the night and get tutoring to meet the requirements of demanding school and university admission tests. In the US, teachers and parents decide for themselves how much homework to assign. Some elementary schools have done away with homework entirely to give children more time to play, participate in activities and spend time with families. A guideline circulated by teachers unions in the US recommends about 10 minutes of homework per grade. So, 10 minutes in first grade, 20 minutes in second grade and so on. The COVID-19 pandemic and a crisis around youth mental health have complicated debates around homework. In the US, extended school closures in some places were accompanied by steep losses in learning, which were often addressed with tutoring and other interventions paid for with federal pandemic relief money. At the same time, increased attention to student wellbeing led some teachers to consider alternate approaches including reduced or optional homework. It's important for children to learn that mastering something "usually requires practice, a lot of practice, said Sahlberg, in Finland. If reducing homework leads kids and parents to think school expectations for excellence will be lowered, things will go wrong. 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 }} Loud explosions rocked several Ukrainian cities early on Thursday as authorities reported a fresh wave of more than 40 Russian missile strikes and and equal number of drone attacks. Ukrainian regions in the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Kyiv came under attack as local officials confirmed the strikes on energy infrastructure, substations, and power facilities. Emergency power cuts for at least 200,000 people have been reported in Kyiv, officials said. The latest attack was launched using 82 missiles and drones, Ukrainian military officials said. Explosions were heard in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, mayor Ihor Terekho said on Telegram, as well as in the Zaporizhzhia region, according to governor Ivan Fedorov. At least 10 missiles struck the frontline Kharkiv city, just 30km (19m) from the border, the interior minister said. The governor of the western Lviv region, Maksim Kozytskyi, said on Telegram that air defences were working in the area. President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for more air defence supplies from its Western allies as he confirmed the strikes. Some missiles and Shahed drones were successfully shot down. Unfortunately, only a part of them. Russian terrorists have once again targeted critical infrastructure, Mr Zelensky said. There was another heinous missile attack on Kharkiv and the Kharkiv region. They also targeted objects in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Odesa regions, the war-time president said. Calling on all his European neighbours and partners, Mr Zelensky added: We need air defence systems and other defence assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions. Casualties and damage to residential areas is not immediately known. Ukraines air defence forces took down 18 of the incoming missiles and 39 drones, the air force commander said. Kharkiv already has long, rolling blackouts in place and was forced to cut electricity to 200,000 people, presidential aide Oleksiy Kuleba said. Ukraines largest private electricity company DTEK said Russia attacked two of its power stations, inflicting further serious damage. Around 90 per cent of DTEKs electricity capacity was destroyed last month when it was hit by Russias worst attacks since the 2022 invasion on 22 March and 29 March. This comes just a day after a Russian missile attack killed four people, including a 10-year-old girl, and injured seven in Odesa district in southern Ukraine. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he urged Chinese president Xi Jinping to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Mr Scholz told Mr Xi in a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday that Chinas word carries weight in Russia. I have therefore asked president Xi to influence Russia so that Putin finally calls off his senseless campaign, withdraw his troops and ends this terrible war, he wrote on social media platform X. Earlier, a Russian source said Moscow was ready to redeploy Wagner troops working in Africa to bolster its offensive in Ukraine. The source claimed Russian authorities are preparing to redeploy unspecified detachments of the Africa Corps from Africa to Belgorod, Ukraine, according to US think tank Institute for the Study of War. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraines parliament has passed a controversial mobilisation bill as it seeks more troops to fight against Vladimir Putins invading forces after a general said that Russian soldiers outnumbered Kyivs by up to ten times on the battlefield in the east. The legislation, which must be signed by president Volodymyr Zelensky before it becomes law, is seen as crucial for Ukraine to address what military analysts say are major manpower problems. Senior Ukrainian military personnel have cited the lack of manpower as one of the two most significant reasons the other being artillery shortages for Russia being able to regain the initiative on the frontline in recent months. Before his resignation late last year, the former military chief Valerii Zaluzhny had called for 500,000 more Ukrainians to be mobilised. Pass this law and the Ukrainian armed forces will not let down you or the Ukrainian people, General Yuriy Sodol, commander of the joint forces, told MPs. The enemy outnumbers us by seven to 10 times, we lack manpower, said Sodol, who is commanding Kyivs troops in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Earlier this week, Oleksandr Pavliuk, the ground forces commander, called on Ukrainians to enlist in the army or to be ready to serve. We must realise, no one will be able to sit tight, he wrote on Facebook. No matter how much help we get, no matter how many weapons we have, we lack people. The equipment doesnt drive by itself, the weapon doesnt shoot by itself, and the drone wont fly by itself. The new bill has undergone more than 4,000 amendments and an initial, more contentious version was withdrawn in January as politicians in Kyiv disagreed over how best to mobilise more civilians. A Ukrainian soldier of the 3rd Assault Brigade fires at Russian positions in the Avdiivka direction ( Telegram/3rd Assault Brigade ) The most controversial aspect of the new bill is the removal of provisions on demobilisation, which previously foresaw soldiers having the right to leave the military after 36 months of service. A spokesperson for Ukraines defence ministry said it was too hasty to include such a provision in this bill given the dangerous situation on the frontline. The general staff, which understands the operational situation and the threats and risks that the state faces, has expressed their concerns [with the demobilisation of troops], spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin told Ukrainian TV broadcasters earlier this week. We cannot make hasty decisions right now. He said a separate bill on demobilisation will be drafted in the next eight months. According to a letter obtained by Ukrainska Pravda, the removal of demobilisation from the bill came at the direct request of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Of the provisions remaining in the bill, key points include the right of disabled soldiers and those who have returned from captivity to discharge themselves, and the introduction of mandatory medical commission checks for those who previously held the partially eligible status. The new bill was passed in its final reading with a majority of 283 votes after months of deliberations, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker for the Holos party, wrote on Telegram. A full, final text with all the amendments was not immediately published on the parliaments websites. It was clear the bill sets no limit for the length of time that mobilised soldiers have to serve during the war, a highly sensitive issue for the many thousands of people who joined the army when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The site of Russian air strikes in the village of Lyptsi, Kharkiv region ( Reuters ) Lawmaker Oleksandr Fedienko said the adoption of the bill sent a message to our partners that we are ready to retake our territory and we need weapons. It took the Ukrainian parliament several months to put the bill to a final vote this week, as politicians accused each other of drafting poorly-worded amendments and lacking the political will to approve unpopular changes. It comes as Russia launched another barrage of missiles and drones across Ukraine overnight, an attack that destroyed a key electricity plant near Kyiv, energy company Centrenergo said. Several other power facilities across the country were also hit. Ukraines air force commander said air defences had shot down 18 of the incoming missiles and 39 drones. The attack used 82 missiles and drones in total, the military said. The onslaught sparked further calls from Mr Zelensky for more air defences from Kyivs Western allies. All of our European neighbours and other partners see Ukraines critical need for air defence systems, he wrote on X. Right now, with our ability to overcome Russian terror, the world can demonstrate that all terror is treated equally as a crime. However, if Russia is allowed to continue doing so, if Russian missiles and Shahed drones continue to strike not only Ukraine but also the resolve of our allies, this will amount to a global licence for terror. We need air defence systems and other defence assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions, he added. Close UK has fasttracked the production of laser energy and radio waves weaponry For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} German chancellor Olaf Scholz said he urged Chinese president Xi Jinping to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine. Mr Scholz told Mr Xi in a meeting in Beijing on Tuesday that Chinas word carries weight in Russia. I have therefore asked president Xi to influence Russia so that Putin finally calls off his senseless campaign, withdraw his troops and ends this terrible war, he wrote on social media platform X. Earlier, a Russian source said Moscow was ready to redeploy Wagner troops working in Africa to bolster its offensive in Ukraine. The source claimed Russian authorities are preparing to redeploy unspecified detachments of the Africa Corps from Africa to Belgorod, Ukraine, according to US think tank Institute for the Study of War. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against any assault on Israels interests as the US warned allies that Iran was close to a revenge attack for Israels strike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively, Mr Netanyahu said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base. Iran blames Israel for killing one of Tehrans senior generals and six other Iranian officers in the airstrike on their embassy in the Syrian capital at the start of the month. Israel has not claimed responsibility but Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed on Wednesday that Israel must and shall be punished for the attack. Washington has warned allies that Irans retaliation could be imminent and has urged them to put pressure on Tehran to hold back, officials told the Financial Times. There are worries that Iran could respond directly, rather than using proxies such as Lebanons Hezbollah, something that would mark a significant escalation of hostilities across the region six months into the war in Gaza. Western leaders lined up on Thursday to call on Iran to hold back. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak described the ayatollahs comments as unacceptable, adding that Britain had already highlighted Iran as a significant risk to regional security. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock also called her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to urge maximum restraint. US-Israeli relations have become strained over Israels ongoing incursion into the Gaza Strip ( via Reuters ) Iran-backed groups have launched missiles across the border from Lebanon into Israel, at US military bases in Iraq and from Yemen at cargo ships in the Red Sea. All have expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel launched its war inside the territory after a brutal Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October during which almost 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage. The US Middle East envoy reportedly called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq to ask them to deliver a message to Iran urging it to reduce tensions with Israel. Mr Sunak, meanwhile, echoed comments by US president Joe Biden that the UK fully supports Israels right to defend itself against Iranian attacks. During a meeting with the Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, Mr Biden said the US commitment to Israels security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. But the unwavering message of support belies tensions that have been simmering between the two long-standing allies over Israels assault in Gaza. Mr Biden said earlier this week that he had been very blunt in recent talks with Mr Netanyahu about reducing Palestinian casualties. At least 33,545 Palestinians have now been killed since the Israeli offensive began, according to the ministry, with most of the 2.1 million population displaced and much of the enclave laid to waste. As Mr Netanyahu hinted at the nations willingness to fight an Iranian threat, Israeli troops and warplanes started an operation in central Gaza overnight that the military said was aimed at destroying infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups. Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of south Gaza, in preparation for an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering, although fighting has continued in various areas of the enclave. 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 }} Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has revealed that she sewed freedom dresses for her young daughter Gabriella to help her survive the ordeal of six years in a brutal Iranian prison. The mother-of-one was falsely accused of espionage in 2016 when she was visiting family in Iran and was later imprisoned in the notoriously harsh Evin prison in Tehran. During the following six years, in which her husband Richard looked after their daughter alone back in the UK, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she would spend her hours endlessly knitting to pass the time. For months, I collected little bits of remaining wool from those who were about to be released, she said. Using them, I crocheted small flower motifs in various colours and by joining them together, I made a pinafore for my baby girl. I called it the freedom pinafore because the wool I used once belonged to those who were freed. She said friends sent her favourite fabrics from the Liberty London department store, which she would use to stitch clothing and make gifts for her fellow inmates. Nazanin-Zaghari Ratcliffe with her daughter Gabriella and husband Richard after being freed from prison ( Channel 4 (screengrab) ) I was always a huge fan of Liberty fabric and over time, had picked up some classic prints back in London but I never could bring myself to use any of them; they were too good to be cut up, she told Harpers Bazaar. Somehow though, I managed to get them sent over to me from London to Evin. Prison had taught me there was no such thing as a special moment; the only special moment we have is now. Ironically, the Liberty fabric that I had bought as a free person landed in my hands when I had no liberty at all, and connected me to the days I was free. After she was transferred from solitary confinement to the general inmates ward in Evin prison, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she and other prisoners spent hours crafting to pass the time. The longer you spent in solitary, the more you appreciated life in the general ward, she said. Sewing, knitting, woodwork and other forms of creativity affirmed a different world from prison. She said that now she has been released, and is back living in the UK, she still takes refuge in sewing when life is difficult. We eventually leave prison but our story remains, she said. Now, even living in freedom, the first place I take refuge when life is tough is my little sewing corner at home. Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was freed in March 2022 after the British government repaid a debt of almost 400 million to Iran over a decades-long deal for tanks. Her husband Richard campaigned tirelessly for her release in the six years she was at Evin, including carrying out a hunger strike outside the Foreign Office in 2021. 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 Scientists believe they have found the explanation for a shocking age gap between two very strange stars. The pair, located thousands of light years away, has a 1.5 million year old difference between their two ages. Pairs of stars are usually much the same age, being born like twins, researchers said. But in the HD 148937 star system, the more massive star is at least 1.5 million years younger. There are yet more mysteries about the system: it is surrounded by a nebula that is much younger than both, and is made of elements that usually are found inside the star itself. Researchers believe that another third star permanently changed the fate of the system, and is responsible for the unusual nature of the pair. Analysing data from the European Southern Observatory (ESO), it believes there were originally three stars in the system but two of them clashed and merged, creating a beautiful cloud of gas and dust, or nebula, surrounding HD 148937. This merger likely occurred around 2.6 million years ago, where the newly formed star also became magnetic, unlike its older counterpart. The researchers said their findings, published in the journal Science, helps solve two long-standing mysteries: why two stars in this binary star system have a huge age difference, and how massive stars - with a mass that is eight or more times that of the Sun - get their magnetic fields. Hugues Sana, a professor at KU Leuven in Belgium and the principal investigator of the observations, said: We think this system had at least three stars originally; two of them had to be close together at one point in the orbit whilst another star was much more distant. The two inner stars merged in a violent manner, creating a magnetic star and throwing out some material, which created the nebula. The more distant star formed a new orbit with the newly merged, now-magnetic star, creating the binary we see today at the centre of the nebula. Dr Abigail Frost, an astronomer at ESO in Chile, added: A nebula surrounding two massive stars is a rarity, and it really made us feel like something cool had to have happened in this system. When looking at the data, the coolness only increased. After a detailed analysis, we could determine that the more massive star appears much younger than its companion, which doesnt make any sense since they should have formed at the same time. A team of international scientists analysed nine years worth of data from HD 148937, which is around 3,800 light years away from Earth, located in the direction of the Norma constellation. The data came from ESOs Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) and is located in the Atacama Desert in Chile. While magnetic fields are common in low-mass stars like the Sun, more massive stars cannot sustain magnetic fields in the same way. Yet roughly 7% of massive stars have been observed to have magnetic fields, scientists say. While astronomers had suspected for some time that massive stars could acquire magnetic fields when two stars merge, this is the first time scientists have found direct evidence of it happening. Dr Frost said: Magnetism in massive stars isnt expected to last very long compared to the lifetime of the star, so it seems we have observed this rare event very soon after it happened. Additional reporting by Press Association 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 Scientists have discovered a new process that could supercharge the transition to next-generation rechargeable batteries capable of more than doubling the range of current electric vehicles. The research could help facilitate a switch from conventional lithium-ion batteries which are found in everything from smartphones to electric cars to solid-state sodium batteries, which are both cheaper and safer. Solid-state sodium batteries are also made of materials that are far more abundant than their lithium-ion counterparts, however until now mass production has proved difficult. A team from Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan claim the newly discovered process could overcome this obstacle through the mass synthesis of a highly conductive electrolyte. This newly developed process is useful for the production of almost all sodium-containing sulfide materials, including solid electrolytes and electrode active materials, said Professor Atsushi Sakuda from Osaka Metropolitan University. Also, compared to conventional methods, this process makes it easier to obtain materials that display higher performance, so we believe it will become a mainstream process for the future development of materials for all-solid-state sodium batteries. The solid sulfide electrolyte has the worlds highest reported sodium ion conductivity roughly 10 times higher than is required for commercial use. Unlike the liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries, the solid electrolyte is not susceptible to bursting into flames when dropped or charged in the wrong way. The breakthrough could prove most promising for the electric vehicle sector, offering superiour performance, reduced cost and enhanced sustainability. They could also eliminate range anxiety by vastly improve the charging capacity of electric car batteries. Japanese automaker Toyota claims solid-state batteries could offer a range of 1,200 km, which is more than twice the range of electric vehicles currently on the market. Charge times for these new batteries could be as short as 10 minutes. The research was published in the scientific journal Energy Storage Materials, in a paper titled Utilising reactive polysulfides flux Na2Sx for the synthesis of sulfide solid electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium batteries. 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 Apple says a controversial change made to the iPhones keyboard was unintentional. In recent days, commentators including Countdown presenter Rachel Riley said that when a user writes Jerusalem using the iPhone keyboard, it suggested a Palestinian flag emoji. It had previously shown an Israeli one, she said. East Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, were captured by Israel from Jordan and Egypt in a war in 1967 and the areas are viewed internationally as occupied Palestinian territories. Palestinians want all three areas to become part of any future state. Riley said that the change had happened after the recent iOS 17.4.1 update. Most capital cities did not show any flag emoji at all, she noted. She wrote a tweet, addressed to the official Apple account and to Tim Cook, asking for the change to be revoked. It has since been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people, she wrote. Please explain whether this is an intentional act by your company, or whether you have no control over rogue programmers. The behaviour seemingly appeared only on iPhones with their keyboard language set to the local variations of English for the UK, Singapore and South Africa. It did not happen on those with the US English setting enabled, for instance. Now Apple has said that it was aware of a bug within the predictive emoji feature. The behaviour was not intended and it will be fixed, the company told The Independent. It did not give any information about when the fix would arrive, or what change it would bring. It also gave no indication of how the change had happened. Apples predictive text features of which the emoji are a part use machine learning and other technologies to guess what a user might want to type. While typing, youll see choices for words and phrases youre likely to type next, based on your past conversations, writing style and even websites youve visited in Safari, Apples support pages say. As such, the suggestions that appear might be personalised, and may be automatically generated based on what people have typed. Riley however suggested claimed without giving evidence that the change was an intentional act. In my opinion a multinational company like Apple would not want to admit publicly that this was an intentional act by an employee/employees hence the description bug but I hope at least internally those responsible will no longer be working for the company, she wrote on Twitter. Apples predictive emoji have caused controversy in the past. In 2019, for instance, it appeared to have removed the Taiwan flag from the emoji keyboard in Hong Kong and Macau. When Apple released the recent iOS 17.4.1 update, it said only that it included important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users. 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 Although Italy has no shortage of enchanting holiday destinations the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Puglia and Sicily, to name just a few theres something particularly magical about Tuscany. This is a region that often seems to be bathed in a soft golden light, with gently sloping hills and beautiful Italian villas nestled among olive groves, cypress trees and vineyards. Although you could easily fill your days in the cities of Florence and Pisa, or exploring the narrow streets and central piazza of Siena, perhaps one of the greatest experiences in Tuscany is exploring the many medieval hilltop towns and villages that are scattered through the countryside. From the famous towers of San Gimignano and charming Pienza to Greve in the wine-making region of Chianti, there are plenty of towns and villages to discover, all with their own unique charms and within easy driving distance of one another. Here are seven of our favourites. San Gimignano open image in gallery San Gimignano is famous for its 14 towers ( Getty ) San Gimignano is one of the best known small towns in Tuscany and for good reason. With its hilltop location, charmimg local restaurants and picture-perfect setting, its a favourite among tourists. Visitors can stroll through the medieval streets, stop in at one of the many small shops, gaze at the towns impressive Duomo cathedral and visit the civic museum at the Palazzo del Popolo. Theres a fun story behind San Gimignanos famous towers. Between the 11th and the 13th centuries, the noble families who controlled the town believed their towers were a sign of wealth and power to their political and economic rivals, and so kept building more and more it is believed that a total of 72 could be found in San Gimignano at its peak. Only 14 have survived, but theyre still rather impressive and give the town a palpable sense of history. Read more on Italy travel: Montalcino open image in gallery The first written mentions of Montalcino date back to around 814AD ( Getty ) Montalcino is an excellent choice for wine lovers its well known for its brunello di montalcino and rosso di montalcino wines. The location in the hills of the Val dOrcia gives it an even more rustic setting than other towns on this list. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by countryside dotted with cypress trees and flowers, as well as rolling olive groves and vineyards. Tourists can climb the fortress walls, amble through the winding streets and spend some time on the towns Piazza del Popolo but no visitor should miss the wine tastings which can be enjoyed in and around the town. Pienza open image in gallery Pope Pius II originally commissioned a Florentine architect to transform his hometown of Corsignano into what is now Pienza ( Getty ) Pienza also lies in the Val dOrcia, where gently rolling hills are populated by Renaissance towns, vineyards and medieval castles. The town itself is surrounded by medieval walls, inside of which is a maze of pretty cobbled streets lined with typical Tuscan houses. From the town you can enjoy amazing views over the hills and olive groves, and in the distance sits Mount Amiata. All roads in this town lead to the Pio II plaza, with particularly picturesque streets including the Via dellAmore and Via del Bacio. The towns cathedral sits in this square, as does the Palazzo Piccolomini and Palazzo Borgia, which houses the towns museum. Greve in Chianti and Montefioralle open image in gallery Greve in Chianti lies around 30km from Florence ( Getty ) A visit to Tuscany is arguably not complete without a visit to Chianti, the regions famous wine-producing area. Greve in Chianti is one of the more scenic towns in this part of Tuscany its centred around the triangular Piazza Matteotti, the porticos of which hide vendors of various fresh produce. In the foothills just below Greve in Chianti lies Montefioralle, one of the oldest villages in Tuscany. Its still enclosed by its original defensive walls, and its (nearly) car-free centre is a great place for a relaxed stroll. The surrounding vineyards will likely be the focus of your visit, but be sure to climb up the hills to the highest point in the village where you can see the Santo Stefano church and take in a sweeping view of the vineyards, olive groves and cypress trees. Volterra open image in gallery This Tuscan town featured in part of the Twilight film series ( Getty ) Volterra was once a mighty Etruscan city, but nowadays it is best known for Italian handicrafts and remnants of its medieval past. It is dominated by its Duomo along with the Palazzo dei Priori and 13th-century palazzo, though the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre is another highlight. Remnants of its Etruscan past remain in the 5th-century Porta allArco walls and the Guarnacci Etruscan Museum, while the smaller Pinacoteca museum focuses on art from between the 14th and 17th century. Pitigliano open image in gallery Pitigliano is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Italy ( Getty/iStock ) Pitigliano is located in the Maremma region near the Tuscan coast. Its another hilltop town, and features rows of sandstone buildings built on top of volcanic red tuff stone. As well as enjoying wine tastings, tourists can amble through the mazy streets, stop for a drink or bite to eat around the lovely Piazza del Popolo, explore the palace-fortress of Palazzo Orsini (and its museum) and visit the Sette Cannelle fountain. This town is also known as Little Jerusalem as a large Jewish population resided there until around the time of the Second World War, and there are several remnants of its religious history still present, from an old Jewish Quarter now with a Jewish museum to a gilded synagogue. Pietrasanta open image in gallery Pietrasanta endured heavy fighting during the Second World War ( Getty ) Pietrasanta still retains some of the artistic creativity that was associated with it in bygone times when artists such as Michelangelo frequented the town. Today it has one of the highest concentrations of art galleries in any Italian town, from the Favret Mosaici Artistici to the Flora Bigae gallery of contemporary art. Pietrasanta is located very close to the coast, near upmarket resorts like Forte dei Marmi, and so is a town influenced by both local history and modern tourism. Away from the beaches, the highlights include the Duomo and the Rocca di Sala fortress, while an archaeological museum, marble quarry and yearly performing arts festival (named La Versiliana) are a little more off the beaten track. Read more on Italy with the best hotels in Rome Donald Trump was spotted ordering 30 milkshakes and some chicken during a surprise visit to Chick-fil-A in Atlanta, Georgia. The former president has been campaigning in the city as he attempts to secure his victory in the Republican primaries and shore up support ahead of an expected rematch against Joe Biden in November. Mr Trump was heard saying he wanted to take care of the customers as he joked with staff about making a lot of money during the visit on Tuesday 10 April. He also suggested Chick-fil-A serves the Lords chicken as he referenced the owners Christian beliefs. Pro-Palestine protesters have sprayed red paint over the Ministry of Defence headquarters in London. The groups Youth Demand and Palestine Action jointly carried out the action on Wednesday 10 April, demanding that both the Conservative and Labour parties commit to imposing a two-way arms embargo on Israel. In a video posted to X, formerly Twitter, several demonstrators can be seen jumping the railings before spraying the red paint over the walls of the building. They later displayed a banner reading Youth demand an end to genocide. A post on the Metropolitan Polices official X account said five people had been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and are in custody. Naga Munchetty clashed with the health secretary over NhS waiting times during a heated interview on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (11 April). Victoria Atkins was quizzed by the journalist as it was revealed the number of people on NHS waiting lists is up 360,000 from last year and up 620,000 from when Rishi Sunak came into office. Ms Atkins responded by telling the presenter some hospital trusts are meeting and exceeding an 80 percent target. Ms Munchettty asked: Could you name them? Miss Atkins replied: No. Hang on a minute, the BBC host interrupted. Commentary: Washington's "overcapacity" charges misleading Xinhua) 08:06, April 11, 2024 Workers produce photovoltaic modules at the workshop of a new energy company in Yi-Hui-Miao Autonomous County of Weining, southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 19, 2023. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin) The "overcapacity" charges reveal Washington's double standard on practicing the principles advocating market economy, free trade and the global division of labor, which the United States has claimed to embrace for centuries. BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A top priority of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her just-concluded second China trip was to raise Washington's concerns to Beijing over the so-called "overcapacity" in China's flourishing green industries. Prior to her visit, "Chinese overproduction" accusations coming out of Washington have flooded mainstream Western media, claiming that China could overwhelm world markets with cheap exports of solar panels and electric vehicles (EVs). Washington's concerns are as unfounded as they are misleading. They are also a reflection of the zero-sum mindset of some policymakers in Washington. In recent years, Washington has grown increasingly agitated over China's high-tech advancement, fearing the possible loss of its global technological supremacy. It has adopted a "small yard, high fence" strategy, slapped semiconductor sanctions against China, and blacklisted a number of Chinese tech firms under the pretext of national security. The "overcapacity" charges also reveal Washington's double standard on practicing the principles advocating market economy, free trade and the global division of labor, which the United States has claimed to embrace for centuries: Whenever U.S. industries are in an advantageous position, Washington champions the omnipotence of the market and free global trade; but when American companies face serious competition, the United States looks the other way, and puts up a protectionist shield. David Fickling, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, said in a recent opinion piece that "Yellen junks 200 years of economics to block China clean tech" and that the attempt is a protectionist disaster that will impede the path to net zero. Robots weld bodyshells of cars at a workshop of Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Li Auto Inc. in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Jan. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Ji Chunpeng) Instead of criticizing the fast development of green industries in China, the United States should shift its focus to strengthening its own. Bloomberg has noted that the crux of the issue for advanced economies, including the United States, lies in the efficiency and competitiveness of Chinese electric carmakers, including their technological prowess and modern transport infrastructure. In fact, contrary to an "overcapacity problem," the clean energy sector is struggling to meet global demand amidst urgent climate change concerns and widespread efforts towards energy transition. At the end of 2023, the International Renewable Energy Agency projected that in order to keep the Paris targets alive, global renewable power capacity must grow by around 1,000 GW a year through 2030. In 2023, a year with a record high capacity addition, the world had an increase of around 507 GW, half of what was needed to keep the 1.5-degree target within reach, according to the International Energy Agency's Renewables 2023 report. One of the most prominent obstacles to the global energy transition, the report said, is insufficient financing in developing countries, where capital can be two to three times higher than in mature renewable energy markets. Behind the investment gap lies the Western-dominated financial order, which puts monetary gains over developmental rights. Instead of fanning Sinophobia to slow China's growth, Washington would be better served by sharpening its own technological strength and clean energy infrastructure. This also needs a commitment to defending free market ideals, which the United States claims to support. China and the United States have more, not fewer, common interests. It is China's stance that the two sides should help rather than hinder each other's development, both in traditional areas such as trade and agriculture, and in emerging areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence. Before departing for Washington following her China visit, Yellen repeated Washington's pledge not to seek decoupling from China. Simply rejecting "decoupling" verbally is not enough to create a healthy economic relationship between the world's top two economies. Only win-win cooperation in deeds can. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) From April 13th to 18th, the 4th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICP Expo 2024) will be held in Haikou, Hainan Province. The Anhui Pavilion of this expo is located at Booth 7T10 in Hall 7 of the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, and will showcase nearly 200 products from 24 selected companies. The exhibited products cover a diverse range of fields, including smart home appliances, textiles, handicrafts, alcoholic beverages, tea, health and wellness products, and specialty foods. Notable exhibits include national-level intangible cultural heritage projects, time-honored Chinese brands, Anhui's famous brands, and products protected by national geographic indications. The Anhui Pavilion will serve as a window to showcase Anhui's technological innovation, cultural heritage, and consumer vitality. During the exhibition, the Anhui Pavilion will organize various activities, such as check-in, free tea tasting, and food sampling, inviting visitors to experience a unique "Anhui cultural journey." In addition, iFlytek, a leading AI company, will also showcase its full range of upgraded consumer products at the expo. The showcased products include the iFlytek intelligent recording pen based on the Spark Cognitive Model, iFlytek translation device, iFlytek smart office notebook, and iFlytek AI sweeping and mopping robot, demonstrating China's solid AI capabilities. Source: anhuinews.com Parents chanted shame on you as lawmakers in the Tennessee Senate passed a bill that will let some educators bring guns to school. The state Senate passed SB 1325 by a vote of 26-5 on Tuesday 9 April, allowing concealed handguns in the classroom. Hundreds of gun-reform advocates descended on the proceedings at the Capitol in Nashville to voice their opposition, standing in the Senates gallery. They shouted shame on you and vote them out before some were removed. Parents being removed from Senate gallery while voting on arming teachers, Senator Charlane Oliver wrote, sharing a video of the protest. Our comfort and convenience should never supersede the safety and lives our children. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs called her states decision to ban abortion in nearly all cases, including rape and incest, outrageous. The devastating impact that this ban will have on healthcare for women across the state is just unconscionable, she said. The ban was originally enacted in 1864, before Arizona was even a state and women had the right to vote. Governor Hobbs pointed out, however, that Arizonans will have the opportunity to enshrine abortion in their constitution during the November elections, encouraging them to go to the Arizona Abortion Access website for more information. Statements from Iran and the United States in the past 24 hours testify to tensions reaching fever pitch in what is already one of the most dangerous parts of the world. From Tehran came a televised speech from Irans leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned openly for the first time that Iran would punish Israel for an attack on a consular building in Damascus last week, in which 13 people died, including senior officers of Irans Revolutionary Guard. The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished, he said. Then from Washington came a very public undertaking from, president Biden that may or may not have been in response to the ayatollah pledging that Israel would have iron-clad US support in the event of an attack from Iran. Let me say it again, he said. Iron-clad." While the two statements appear straightforward, there was more to both than necessarily met the eye. The first was interpreted as an indication that an Iranian reprisal was imminent, but may also have been an attempt by Irans leader to assuage popular anger, including from the Revolutionary Guard, and rebut any suggestion of weakness or indecision on his part. Bidens statement, too, was not just a pledge of support for Israel, but surely also a warning to Iran that, in the event of an attack, it would have to contend not just with Israel, but with the United States. His forceful words may also have been intended as a counterweight to his earlier criticisms of Israels operations in Gaza and calls for a ceasefire, lest Iran or its proxies conclude that US support for Israels security was any less than it had always been. If anyone faces a dilemma, however, about what to do next, it is Iran. In the immediate aftermath of 7 October Hamas attacks on Israelis, Iran set out as clearly as any country could do that it had no intention of exploiting the situation or intervening itself. That undertaking came from the same ayatollah who now insists that the Damascus attack must be punished. But how, realistically, could there be no response from Iran without, on the one hand, leaving the leadership discredited and on the other giving Israel a free pass for more such raids? Between 7 October and the 1 April attack on Irans consulate in Syria, Iran would appear to have been as good as its word. There was no marked escalation in Hezbollah attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon. There was no evidence of Iranian help either for Hamas to defend Gaza against Israel, or for Yemens Houthi rebels attacking mainly Western- and Israel-allied vessels in the Red Sea. Israel mounted its attack on Irans Damascus consulate regardless, even though it was bound to be seen as a significant step up from other actions it had taken outside its borders since 7 October. While both Israel and Iran may be engaged in high-risk endeavours, however, this is not to say they do not have their reasons. Iran has been weakened by protests especially by women demanding more rights. Recent legislative elections that can still prove destabilising, however undemocratic the regime will only have added to Iranian leaders sense of insecurity. Although the vote favoured the status quo, the turnout, at 41 per cent, was the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution hardly a massive expression of confidence in the regime. This is hardly an opportune time for Tehran to become embroiled in a war, but it cannot afford to show weakness either. As for Israel, it is hard to escape the impression that it has exploited the disorder in and around Gaza - a disorder it has done much to exacerbate, if not to create to strike at the power it sees as its prime threat: that is, Iran. I have been struck on visits to Israel over the past 20 years or so by the preoccupation with Iran at practically every level of society, but especially at the top Hamas is one sort of enemy an unpredictable, often disorganised, asymmetric threat. But it is one that Israel could, and should have been able to defend itself against. That it did not or could not, on that night in October, constituted a huge failure of intelligence, and then of military preparedness. But the only way that Hamas could have presented a realistic threat to the survival of the state of Israel would have been if it had been followed by a more general Palestinian uprising in the occupied West Bank, perhaps aided and abetted by the Palestinian Authority. But this did not happen. Iran is quite another sort of threat, and one against which Israel is now even more determined not to drop its guard. I have been struck on visits to Israel over the past 20 years or so by the preoccupation with Iran at practically every level of society, but especially at the top. No other regional power seems to come near Iran in terms of the threat it is perceived to present to Israel. Depending on who you talk to, the Iranian threat may have an intellectual aspect, a military aspect or a geopolitical aspect, or all of them rolled into one. But it has often seemed to me perhaps wrongly to exceed a rational appraisal of Iranian capability or of how Iran might regard its own interests. In some ways, it seems to resemble the China threat as perceived by many in the United States, especially members of Congress, or the Russia threat as seen by many in the UK establishment having roots in mutual suspicion, going back through recent or less recent history, but for some reason magnified by a lack of curiosity and sheer fear. As to its origins, one might hazard the threat perceived by Israel from militant Islam in the immediate wake of Irans Revolution, or the infamous 2005 statement by Irans then president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, calling for Israel to be wiped off the map. That statement has since been both questioned and disavowed, with Irans subsequent leaders seeming to regard their state less as a disruptor and more as a so-called status-quo power. But there has been no effort, on either side, at anything like a rapprochement, let alone normalisation. The continuing lack of diplomatic relations between the US, Israels chief backer, and Iran, more than 40 years after the 1979-81 hostage crisis, has to be a contributing factor. Irans nuclear ambitions may well be another factor, even as there may be confusion on both sides as to action and reaction. Israel is known to have a nuclear capability, justified by its security concerns in a hostile neighbourhood, but it maintains official ambiguity on the subject and stays outside any international non-proliferation arrangements. Iran on the other hand, which might well regard acquiring a nuclear capability less as an end in itself than as a counter to Israels, has seen its own ambitions thwarted by repeated US and EU attempts first to place it under international supervision, and then after it allegedly breached the terms to eliminate its nuclear programme altogether, by missile strikes, sabotage or assassinating its scientists. The rights and wrongs of Irans nuclear programme, and whether its original purpose was primarily civilian or military are now hard to unravel. But the injustice perceived by Iran is as profound as Israels fear of Iran, and even if an argument could be made that where long-standing adversaries each possess a nuclear capability, they may be more careful not to get into a war the US and Russia during the Cold War, India and Pakistan since, that restraint might not apply between Israel and Iran. Their animosity and suspicion may just run too deep. All these considerations exacerbate the dilemma for Iran, when it considers how to respond to Israels attack on its generals in Damascus. To say that its options are constrained is an understatement. Its undoubted political and military weakness argues against too risky an operation, while that same weakness leaves it no choice but to respond. Meanwhile, even the United States, as president Bidens warning shows, has little choice but to watch and wait. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) is to expand its programme of monitoring for PFAS so-called forever chemicals after a 28-month analysis by environmental consultants Fehily Timoney confirmed their presence at the airport campus. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are long-lasting man-made chemicals, some of which have been linked to an elevated risk of cancer. They were used in many industries, including aerospace, from the 1950s onwards. The main source at airports was in a particular type of fire-fighting foam, which has not been used at Dublin Airport since 2013. Site investigations carried out at the airport in 2016 discovered PFAS in the soil at the former firefighting training ground. Fehily Timoney were appointed five years later to do a more detailed analysis. Their just-published report confirms that varying concentrations of the forever chemicals were found in ground water, surface water, soil and concrete at Dublin Airport, with the highest groundwater levels close to areas where the firefighting foam was used. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 10th Separately, waste disposal at nearby Castlemoate House is thought to be the explanation for PFAS found there. Based on the findings, Fehily Timoney have recommended that further investigations be carried out to quantify the risk from PFAS present in the ground and water. In a statement, the DAA said its next steps will include continued campus monitoring, which will be expanded to include a wider range of off-site locations in order to develop an external risk profile for both ground and surface water. It has also undertaken to test soil for PFAS during any new onsite projects. A range of appropriate management and remedial measures will be developed to deal with the forever chemicals when they are found. The DAA also confirmed that, when preparing to build a new apron last year, it found evidence of PFAS in excavated soil. The presence of PFAS at any level prevented material being reused on site, and the volume of soil over 150,000 tonnes meant that it could not be accepted at any appropriately licenced water facility in Ireland, it said. As such, DAA arranged to have the soil removed and treated in overseas facilities, at significant cost. It added: As one of the first organisations in Ireland actively working to address PFAS, DAA hopes that the comprehensive data being made public today enhances the understanding of the potential scale of this issue across Ireland on sites where PFAS-firefighting foam has been used historically, and what might be done to address it. The Fehily Timoney report found that the highest level of PFAS in a watercourse at the airport was 50.6 nanograms per litre in a sample taken from the Cuckoo Stream. The highest level from a manhole sample was 1,430 ng/l at a spot close to the former firefighting training ground. The highest levels in soil were up to 568 micrograms per kilo in samples collected from where DAA is building its new apron. Move comes as oil and gas exploration firm tries to nail down up to $190m in refinancing Irish oil and gas exploration firm San Leon has insisted a winding-up petition lodged against a key subsidiary will have no bearing on the speed at which crunch funding of as much as $190m can be secured by the company. In response to a report from the Irish Independent on Thursday, San Leon issued a notice to the London stock exchange urging the withdrawal of the winding-up petition. Ocean Pearl Maritime has lodged the petition against San Leon ELI in the UKs High Court. The petition stems from an on-going dispute between San Leon, which is headed by Oisin Fanning, and Ocean Pearl. San Leon and Ocean Pearl Maritime own stakes in a company called Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta), which controls a recently completed pipeline and floating storage and offloading vessel dedicated to transporting oil from a producing asset in Nigeria in which San Leon has a stake. San Leon owns its stake in Energy Link Infrastructure via its wholly-owned San Leon ELI unit. San Leon considers the petition to be both aggressive and vexatious in nature, said San Leon in a statement to the stock exchange in London on Thursday. Its shares have been suspended since 2023. The directors of the company believe that it will have no bearing on the speed at which funding can be put in place and is arguably detrimental to Ocean Pearl's own interests if prospective funding partners object to Ocean Pearl's approach, it insisted. It added: San Leon has strongly advised Ocean Pearl to withdraw its petition and instead work constructively with the company towards an expedient completion of the acquisition of its 13.5pc interest in ELI [Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta)]. If Ocean Pearl does not withdraw its winding up petition, then San Leon has retained legal advisers to robustly defend and overturn the petition. San Leon has been trying to secure as much as $190m in funds it needs to refinance the business and last month again said its close to sealing a deal. Part of those funds would be used to finance the purchase of the Ocean Pearl stake in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta). In 2022, Ocean Pearl and San Leon ELI reached an agreement that would see the latter acquire shares owned by Ocean Peal in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) for $15m. That would give San Leon ELI a 55pc stake in the Malta unit. In early 2023, a legal letter was sent to San Leon ELI demanding payment and Ocean Pearl subsequently sued the San Leon unit in London last summer. San Leon ELI has insisted that it is not liable to pay the sum demanded by Ocean Pearl. It claims that under the contract, if the deal was not consummated by the end of 2022, it became null and void. Ocean Pearl has denied this. Despite the continuing litigation, San Leon told investors last October that it had renegotiated the purchase price of the 13.5pc stake owned by Ocean Pearl, down to $12m. It is self-evident that the acquisition from Ocean Pearl was conditional on completion of San Leon's refinancing, San Leon stated on Thursday. Furthermore, as all shares in ELI are pledged to ELI's senior lender, completion of any transfer of shares requires the consent of the lender. Ocean Pearl has previously claimed that it has secured the required consent to sell a stake in Energy Link Infrastructure (Malta) to San Leon ELI. The agreement with Ocean Pearl requires the parties to work together to secure that consent, said San Leon on Thursday. However, to date, Ocean Pearl has made no offer or representations in this regard. The move by Bank of Ireland to give mortgage discounts to homeowners as long as they have some form of energy rating would force large numbers of buyers to take on more debt, a leading broker said. Michael Dowling was commenting after Bank of Ireland said it was introducing what it calls an EcoSaver Mortgage. This will have tiered discounted fixed rates for all properties with a Building Energy Rating (BER), from A to G. At the moment, banks offer green mortgages that are lower than traditional rates, but only for homes that have a Building Energy Rating (BER) of B3 or higher. EcoSaver Mortgages will be available to new customers and also to existing customers who move to the new product from another Bank of Ireland mortgage product, from Thursday, April 18. A home with a BER that is assessed as G will get a 0.05 percentage point discount on a Bank of Ireland fixed rate. For homes with an F rating, the discount will be 0.1 percentage points. For E it is 0.15 points, while a home rated D gets a discount of 0.2 points. C-rated homes get a 0.25 percentage point discount, with a reduction of 0.3 points for a B rating. And homes on an A rating will get a discount of 0.35 percentage points on a fixed rate. Customers who take out an EcoSaver Mortgage will be rewarded for energy upgrades made to their property, with each BER improvement bringing a larger discount to the EcoSaver rate. But Mr Dowling, of Dowling Financial in Dublin, said the new product discriminated against the majority of customers taking out mortgages because they would have little option but to buy second-hand properties. We know twice as many first- and second-time buyers who took out mortgages bought second-hand homes last year, he said. Property prices continue to rise and not all mortgage holders will have the ability to raise debt to cover the costs of upgrading their homes. Mr Dowling welcomed the fact Bank of Ireland was now offering green rates to existing customers. However, while I may be swimming against the tide, this pricing is not fair and encourages people to take on more debt, he added. Bank of Irelands commitment to halve the carbon emissions of its mortgage book by 2030 was being paid for by its customers with second-hand properties, he claimed. He said that six out of 10 first-time buyers who bought second-hand homes last year did not qualify for the Help-to-Buy scheme or the First Home scheme and now paid more for their mortgage. The data breach was attributed to human error by the Dublin-founded text software firm iCabbi A data breach within the Irish taxi software firm iCabbi that potentially affected almost 300,000 taxi passengers in Ireland and the UK has been described by the company as human error. The lapse exposed names, emails, phone numbers of almost 300,000 customers based in Ireland and the UK, including those of senior BBC directors, journalists and executives, British government officials and an ambassador to an EU country. The security researcher who discovered the data breach, VPNMentors Jeremiah Fowler, said that an exposed database with almost 23,000 records and documents containing the personal information was not password-protected. When contacted by Mr Fowler about the breach, an iCabbi executive attributed the lapse to human error when migrating a customer database and said that the company would contact customers to make them aware of the breach. In a statement to the Irish Independent, a spokesperson for iCabbi acknowledged the breach and said that the company took appropriate action and contacted the affected taxi companies. She did not say whether any of the affected individuals or companies suffered any loss. It is a wakeup call for users to be aware of phishing attempts or suspicious emails from taxi providers, said Mr Fowler. Another potential risk would be criminals having access to the contact information and private phone numbers of public officials or those working in the media. ICabbi is a software platform for taxi companies that provides dispatch, contact and payment systems. The Howth-founded firm sold a majority stake to Renault in 2018. By 2022, it was claiming to be the largest dispatch technology provider in the world, supplying approximately 100,000 taxis every day in Ireland, the UK, the US, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Finland. In an expanded account of uncovering the breached data on VPNMentors website, Jeremiah Fowler described iCabbis response and reaction to his disclosure as one of transparency, adding that iCabbi acted fast and professionally to secure the data upon receiving my responsible disclosure notice. However, he said that potential risks of exposed user data include the possibility of criminal exploitation. When criminals know the specific services that customers use as well as their contact details, they have sufficient information to engage in targeted phishing campaigns, he said. In this case, for example, I was able to search for specific domain names such as .gov.uk and identify individuals who work at local, regional and national government agencies. These individuals could potentially be higher-value targets compared to the average passenger, depending on the motives behind the hypothetical attack. Hypothetically, the most common tactic would be criminals sending mass emails to users under the false pretenses that the email is an official communication from a legitimate taxi service using iCabbis technology. Cybercriminals could potentially target these individuals to get them to reveal additional personal information, financial or credit card details, passwords, and more. A spokesperson for the Irish Data Protection Commission told the Irish Independent that it was aware of the issue and is engaging with iCabbi on the matter. The US Justice Department is scrutinising whether AI companies have overlapping executives or directors, an arrangement that can violate US antitrust law, a senior agency official said yesterday. The 77th Cannes Film Festival is set to be a big one for Irish films with three productions from the Dublin-based Element Pictures invited to official selection. Element is coming off four Academy Award wins for Poor Things, including Best Actress for Emma Stone, Best Production Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling and Best Costume Design. The company is collaborating with Poor Things director Yorgos Lanthimos again for Kinds of Kindness. Stone also returns to star alongside Willem Dafoe, Jesse Plemons and Margaret Qualley. The film will premiere in Cannes high-profile Main Competition section. In the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes, September Says was filmed in Ireland and supported by Screen Ireland, BBC Film and Mubi. It will feature the debut of French actress Ariane Labed. The third film from Element at Cannes will be On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, the second film directed by Rungano Nyoni. Post-produced in Ireland and filmed in Zambia, it was backed by BBC Film, A24 and Fremantle. "We're absolutely thrilled and honoured that an unprecedented three films from Element Pictures are included in the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, Element co-CEOs Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe said. This is a significant achievement for the Element team and for the exceptionally talented directors, writers, actors and crews that we work with. These films are all incredibly special and we cant wait for the world to see them. We are as ever very grateful to the Element team who have worked tirelessly on all three films to ensure they were finished in time for the festival. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Previous success at Cannes for Element includes another Lanthimos film, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, being awarded Best Screenplay in 2016. The Lobster, also directed by Lanthimos and starring Colin Farrell, won the Jury Prize in 2015. Ken Loachs The Wind that Shakes the Barley, starring Cillian Murphy, won the Palme dOr, Cannes biggest prize, in 2006. Established in 2001, Element Pictures is based on Dublins OConnell Street. The company has 26 Oscar nominations, 17 Golden Globe nominations and 38 BAFTA nominations to its name. Other credits for Element include Normal People, the Sally Rooney adaptation starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, and two more Oscar winners including Room and The Favourite. The four Oscar wins for Poor Things this year are the most ever for an Irish produced film. Lang Lang has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles (Lauren Hurley/PA) Chinese pianist Lang Lang has said he was surprised by the success of the debut season of The Piano, with strangers later telling him the Channel 4 TV show touched their hearts. The world-renowned classical musician received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance, taking to the piano after his on-stage speech to play Jasmine Flower from his album Piano Book and Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla. The 41-year-old shot to TV fame in the UK after his appearance as a judge on The Piano, which saw host Claudia Winkleman search for the UKs best amateur pianists before the show culminated in a concert at the Royal Festival Hall featuring four chosen finalists. I couldnt believe how successful that this show became, a lot of new people that Ive never met before, they came to me and they said this show really touched their hearts and Im very happy to be part of this show, Lang Lang told the PA news agency. Im actually flying to Manchester for the final, the second season is coming to air beginning of May so I hope you will like the second season. 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 debut season saw a visually impaired 13-year-old girl called Lucy win the competition, having impressed the judges with her rendition of Debussys Arabesque. Lang Lang, whose musical achievements are mirrored by his commitment to charitable causes including the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, said being honoured with a star was a dream come true. Getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, its unbelievable, it is like the biggest dream you can dream in the world, he told PA. Ive been very lucky to have this, being a musician, sharing my love and music with the world. I hope this star that Im getting today will encourage the younger generation all over the world, also in Asia, to dream big because you can. You can deliver, you can achieve. 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 During his on-stage speech, Lang Lang thanked his parents for pushing him as a child but joked I dont know if I will push my son. Lang Lang, a former child prodigy who performed at the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing, thanked his parents in the audience for pushing him to work hard as a child, but joked: I dont know if I will push my son. The truth is, music brought me here today, he said on stage. The common ground is always music, whether you grew up in Beijing or Boston, it reminds us that we are not that different at all. The world communicates through music, we see how the same music will have the same effect everywhere around the globe, because it is about emotions and intentions behind it. I promise I will always play with both emotions and intentions and some technique, he joked. Lang Lang said there is nothing better than sharing the gift of music, describing it as something that both heals and inspires. I love performing and recording, (but) my purpose is always to share music, share music education, and I really hope to teach and inspire as many people as possible to learn an instrument whether it is piano or anything else. To me, this honour is a reminder of the power of inspiration as well. I was inspired to play classical music and if I can inspire even more people to pick up an instrument and to play classical music I will be forever thankful. Also I believe classical music is very exciting, very loving and it is a fantasy world it is certainly not boring. Lakeland Dairies has increased its base milk price for March supplies by 0.5c/l, announced an input support payment of 1c/l and introduced support payment for feed purchases. A base price of 41.9c/l (3.6% butterfat and 3.3% protein) will be paid for March milk in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). The base price has increased by 0.5c/l and also includes the 0.5c/l Sustainability Incentive Payment. A separate 1c/l Input Support Payment is being paid on top of the base price. This is the second time this year Lakeland Dairies has introduced an Input Support Payment for its suppliers. The all-in base price for ROI suppliers is 42.9c/l for milk supplied in March. In Northern Ireland (NI), a base price of 34.5p/litre will be paid for milk supplied in March. The base price has increased by 0.5p/l and also includes the 0.5p/l Sustainability Incentive Payment. A 0.8p/l Input Support Payment will be paid to all NI suppliers. The all-in price for suppliers in NI is 35.3p/l for March. Feed support As well as the increased base price and the introduction of an Input Support Payment, Lakeland Dairies is offering support for farmers purchasing feed through Lakeland Dairies Agribusiness. The 20/t and 20/t feed rebate in place since November has been increased to 30/t and 30/t. A separate 10/t and 10/t support for straights has been introduced to support farmers in stretching silage stocks. Lakeland said difficult weather conditions in Ireland are also having an impact on farmers across Europe and as a result, spring milk volumes are tempered thus far albeit it is still early in the spring milk season. "This is helping to maintain a delicate balance between supply and demand. Commodity prices have settled with general stability in the global dairy market, however, there is a continued cautious approach being adopted by buyers at present with no strong surge in demand. We fully recognise the pressure the continued inclement weather is having on farmers and their businesses. We have always sought to deliver as much as we possibly can to our farm families and, for the second time this year, we have introduced an Input Support Payment. We have increased and extended the hugely popular feed rebate scheme which has been in place since November. Lakeland Dairies will continue to explore all options to support our farmers through this challenging time, the company said in a statement today. Veterans employed as office manager and caseworker Councillor Thomas Beckett is the former DUP leaders office manager and personal assistant. Photo: Brian Thompson Two DUP councillors are continuing to work for Jeffrey Donaldson despite the interim party leader saying there was no contact on a party basis whatsoever with him. Lisburn and Castlereagh councillor Thomas Beckett remains in employment as the former DUP leaders office manager and personal assistant, while Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon councillor Paul Rankin is still a caseworker for the Lagan Valley MP. Councillor Paul Rankin is still a caseworker for Jeffrey Donaldson. In their paid employment roles for Mr Donaldson, both men work out of the DUPs Lagan Valley constituency office, the Old Town Hall on Lisburns Castle Street. The sign with Mr Donaldsons name at the entrance of the building has been removed. Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Education Minister Paul Givan also operate from the same premises in their MLA roles. Mr Donaldson quit as DUP leader and was then suspended from the party a fortnight ago after being charged with 11 historical sex crimes dating back decades. The charges against him include rape, gross indecency, and nine counts of indecent assault. However, he has not resigned as Lagan Valley MP, instead remaining as an independent. Mr Donaldson has held the seat for 27 years. Sources say that, while he wont run again in the general election, he is unlikely to step down and force a by-election. The DUP declined to comment on the two councillors continuing to work for Mr Donaldson. The councillors were independently approached for comment. Mr Rankin said: All staff are under a contract of employment. As with any employment role, it is separate from my role as an elected representative. On Monday, interim party leader Gavin Robinson said there was no contact on a party basis whatsoever with Mr Donaldson Mr Robinson told BBC Radio Ulsters Talkback that he didnt know if his former colleague would step down as an MP. Mr Donaldsons wife Eleanor, who is charged with aiding and abetting additional offences in relation to her husbands case, is listed as being employed as his secretary in the MPs register of interests. The charges against the Lagan Valley MP and his wife, will be formally put to them when the case is heard at Newry Magistrates Court for the first time on April 24. Both strenuously deny any wrongdoing. LATEST | Criminal offered to do damage to witness in Garda Adrian Donohoe murder trial, court hears Earlier, Aaron Brady (33), who is serving a live sentence for the detectives murder, pleaded guilty to sharing a video recording of a witness' statement during the trial in 2020 which was intended to pervert the course of justice Aaron Brady Robin Schiller Thu 11 Apr 2024 at 17:20 A criminal offered to "do damage" for money to a key prosecution witness in a garda murder trial, a non-jury court has heard. A security guard found with a shotgun in his bedroom did not have the proper firearms licence to hold the weapon, a court has heard. Glen Kendellan (41) applied for, and was granted, a firearms licence for a restricted gun, but when gardai inspected the weapon, they discovered that the restrictor, or plug, was missing. Young thug had not been considered a close associate of Dublin criminal A young dealer has taken control of drug operations for the Mr Flashy gang while its leader remains on remand in prison. The 22-year-old, who has a number of convictions, including for possession of cannabis for sale, has based himself in the Deanstown area of Finglas and has been tasked with being a drug distribution controller, a source said. James on Brien is missing since March 23. Photo: Gardai. Gardai are appealing to the public for assistance in locating 23-year-old James OBrien, who has been missing from the Ballincollig area of Cork since March 23, 2024. James is 6 2 tall, with a slim build, black hair, and blue eyes. Both Gardai and James's family are concerned for his welfare and are eager to locate him. Anyone with information that could aid in locating James is urged to contact Togher Garda Station at 021 4947120, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Admirers from the past say Taoiseach always exuded great confidence A 2015 newspaper clipping from the 'Wicklow Times' shows Simon Harris being presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship award by Una Whelan Taoiseach Simon Harris was destined for political office, say those who knew him when he was younger. Photo: PA Twenty years ago, a young man walked into a room in Wicklow. He was there for an interview on his chosen subject in Rotary Irelands youth leadership development awards. Supremely confident but not pushy, modest but with a genuine confidence about him, a 17-year-old Simon Harris stood out in a group of similarly driven teenagers. Rotary member Una Whelan interviewed Harris that day and said he had a deep knowledge of everything he spoke about. He came into the room talking. He was just so enthusiastic. He had researched his subject, he was extremely knowledgeable and did a brilliant interview, Ms Whelan said. Ive been involved with the competition for over 20 years and I interviewed hundreds of students. I remember being very impressed with him. He was so articulate and was only 17 at the time. Simon Harris and then president of Wicklow Rotary, Seamus Parle, present certificates to winning students With a lot of the students, it was like pulling teeth. There was none of that with him. We probably knew he was going places so it was no surprise when he went into politics. Following brief flirtations with Fianna Fail, the young man who would be Taoiseach had by then already become the youngest member of Young Fine Gael to be elected to the organisations national executive. As a winner in Rotary Irelands leadership awards, he was afforded the opportunity to visit the Dail, Stormont and the European Parliament in Strasbourg. An early foray into honing his leadership skills and building connections with like-minded people, it was an experience he would have relished, Ms Whelan said. She added that his potential for leadership was already evident, even if the thought of him one day becoming the countrys leader never crossed her mind. Something of an old school politician with a gra for getting out, meeting as many people and shaking as many hands as possible, Mr Harriss way with people had already been formed in his teenage years. A 2004 newspaper clipping showing Simon Harris's Rotary Club leadership award win Fast forward a decade, and in 2014 he was well settled into his first term as a TD for the Wicklow constituency. There were bumps in the road, with his narrow defeat in the European elections among them. But just six weeks later he found himself elevated to a position as junior minister in the Department of Finance. The previous president of Wicklow Rotary, Seamus Parle, said his first impression of Mr Harris in 2014 was formed by his boyish appearance. What would have crossed my mind first was that he looked so innocent. By the time we were finished, I thought he was very sharp and very switched on, Mr Parle said. Simon Harris addresses a Rotary Ireland function in Co Wicklow He looked like a choirboy, but by the time youre done with him you realise he empathises with people. Every genuine person that approaches him or asks him to do something, he does his best. Mr Parle summed up his opinion on the new Taoiseach in the words of the great American poet Maya Angelou: People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. Simon Harris brings new faces into Cabinet in reshuffle That applies to him, because once youve spoken to him you feel as if he listened to you and understood what you were saying and made a genuine attempt to address it, he said. Groucho Marx said if you can fake sincerity you have it made, but Simon Harris really does seem sincere. Mr Harris has remained heavily involved with Rotary during his political career, presenting the same awards he won in his youth to the next generation alongside Mr Parle in Wicklow. In good company with actor Liam Neeson and a political icon in the late John Hume, Mr Harris is a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary, an honour not handed out to just anybody, Mr Parle said. A 2015 newspaper clipping from the 'Wicklow Times' shows Simon Harris being presented with the Paul Harris Fellowship award by Una Whelan Mr Harris and Ms Whelan crossed paths again in Belfast in 2015 when he addressed Rotarys annual conference. UK delegates were bowled over by the performance of a politician in his late 20s. For the boy who walked into the room in Wicklow to the man who walked into the Presidents office to receive his seal of office as Taoiseach on Tuesday, the pride in Ms Whelans voice was obvious. I feel like a very proud mammy. Or a granny, I suppose... Im probably old enough to be his granny, she said. Its well deserved. Hell do a great job and he has the ability for it. The Justice Minister has described the new EU migration pact as a game changer and will mean Ireland will not be alone when dealing with migration. Yesterday, the EU parliament approved the new policy, which will see greater member state collaboration and faster approval times on migrant applications. I think this is a real game changer, because it means that as a country firstly, we're not dealing with this on our own, Helen McEntee told RTEs Morning Ireland. We do have a structure in place at the moment, but there's elements of that that don't work and as the number of people who come to Europe to seek solace, to seek protection but also those who are economic migrants, we need to have a system that's connected, that's collaborative, and that deals with the large numbers. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Part of the new policy will see a greater sharing of information between EU states, on those who arrive at their borders seeking asylum. What we'll have is greater gathering of information for anybody who comes to the first country that they land in, Ms McEntee said. Ms McEntee said the new system will mean Ireland will have a greater understanding of who is coming to the country. Well have a clearer picture of who's there, who's coming but also if there are risks, if there are people coming who pose a risk as well, and we're talking about a small fraction, but we will have access to that, a greater and enhanced system, the minister said. The EU pact will mean those countries who sign up will commit to faster processing times, with some applicants receiving a decision within two months. For people who cross our borders but don't have documents, where they get rid of documents, where they might pose a risk or where they are from a country where the acceptance rate is less than 20pc, they will be processed, their applications, their appeals absolutely everything in two months, Ms McEntee said. Ms McEntee said that half of those who come to Ireland to seek protection have already been given protection in another country. The minister said that signing up to the pact will make it easier for Ireland to have those individuals returned to the first country they were given protection in. If we don't opt into this our ability to say you must return to the country that you've been given protection, it doesn't exist, Ms McEntee said. We can't expect other member states to take back people to their country if we say we're not going to join, we're not going to show solidarity, we're going to go it alone, we're going to do it on your own. So it's really important. As Ireland continues to struggle to find enough accommodation for asylum seekers, Ms McEntee said that the new pact will make funding available for accommodating those arriving at Irelands borders. We're going to be given financial assistance. So if we don't opt into this, we don't have access to the billions of euros that will be made available to help us improve our systems for faster processing and to house and accommodate and support people in general, the minister said. Last November, the UKs Supreme Court ruled that Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks controversial Rwanda bill, which would see asylum seekers to the UK deported to the country, was unlawful. Ms McEntee said there was no plan for a similar policy to be implemented as part of the pact and was not something she would sign up for. When it comes to Rwanda, that's not what we're talking about here and that's not a proposal that I would support to be quite frank, Ms McEntee said. The new pact will see the introduction of fingerprinting children over the age of six, which Ms McEntee said will ensure children are not being used for human trafficking. Speculation in the lead up to Taoiseach Simon Harris announcing his new cabinet included questions on whether Ms McEntee would be kept as Minister for Justice. When asked if Frances Fitzgerald had spoken to the Taoiseach about keeping her in her current position, Ms McEntee said Mr Harris was clear that he wanted her to continue in the portfolio. "I have no idea what conversations Frances Fitzgerald to be honest had with anybody. I know the conversations I've had with Simon with the Taoiseach and he's been very clear that he wanted me to continue the work that I'm doing in this department. I made no secret of the fact that I really wanted to stay, Ms McEntee said. Deal designed to end rows about burden-sharing to support migrants Human rights activists protest outside the European Parliament in Brussels ahead of the vote by MEPs. Photo: Johanna Geron/Reuters Ireland will make major changes to its migration procedures to comply with a new EU regime that includes either taking migrants from over-burdened frontline Mediterranean states or paying a support levy. The new Pact on Migration and Asylum signed yesterday was dealing with the most contentious issue across the 27 member states and took a decade to agree. It aims to end rows about burden-sharing to support migrants. EU leaders hailed the move as a historic breakthrough and Irish officials signalled that the Dail and Seanad would consider a major revamp of the current immigration procedures. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th EU diplomats had worked around the clock to get the compromise passed ahead of European Parliament elections in eight weeks time that are expected to bring gains for anti-immigrant hard-right politicians and would have scuppered any hopes of a deal. The key parliament blocs Christian Democrats, Socialists and Liberals had backed it, but there were some defections depending on each countrys stances. The other major bloc, the Greens, opposed it. The package hung in the balance up to the last minute yesterday as the 705 MEPs voted on a complex package of measures divided into 10 headings. Many MEPs said they backed the deal reluctantly, and it was criticised by both left and right. One of the key legislation framers, German socialist Birgit Sippel, said the upcoming elections had increased pressure, but added: Some people think its not good enough others think its not bad enough in how we deal with migrants. All 10 elements of the complex package won support, avoiding confusion that could have reopened negotiations and ending realistic hopes of any results. Fine Gaels five MEPs Sean Kelly, Frances Fitzgerald, Deirdre Clune, Maria Walsh and Colm Markey voted in favour during a plenary parliament session in Brussels. The group leader, Mr Kelly, spoke strongly on the issue during a debate. The migration pact is founded on solidarity, responsibility and compromise. It is a welcome achievement after years of impasse, he said. Fianna Fail MEPs Barry Andrews and Billy Kelleher also voted in favour despite their misgivings about some elements. Mr Andrews said he regretted the lack of provision for EU-wide search and rescue at sea, but overall felt it was vital to a system for all member states. The package contains the following key principles: Solidarity: If one frontline immigration country is overwhelmed by numbers as happened to Italy in 2023 asylum-seekers can be relocated to other member states. Countries failing to take their share could opt to pay a levy or offer some other support facilities. Opponents say this will not help the frontline EU Mediterranean states because the Dublin Regulation is not sufficiently modified. This ineffective regulation first agreed in Dublin in June 1990 and modified many times to limited effect tries to ensure that the first EU state in which a migrant lands is obliged to deal with that person. As part of the new regime, migrants with family in another member state can file for asylum in that country. That provision has provoked huge opposition, especially in countries such as Hungary and Poland. Crisis brake: New mechanisms can refuse migrants admission, avoiding a sudden influx of people, as with the 2015 crisis when more than one million people arrived by sea and overland to the EU. Many of these people were fleeing war in Syria. This also aims to prevent innocent migrants being used as weapons of hybrid war by hostile countries such as Russia or Belarus, as happened in recent years, notably in late 2021. Criminal screening: This provides for criminal record checks at borders, controversially collecting biometric data and health checks for up to seven days. Fast-tracking asylum: Procedures are to be speeded up and streamlined to curb irregular immigration, but also to avoid backlogs of applicants awaiting a determination on their case. This principle has proved contentious with human rights activists and left-wing politicians, Eurodac database: All member states must keep and share data on all arriving migrants, including children aged six and older. Condemned by the left, it attracted huge support from the centre-right and right. Streamlined procedures: Member states transpose EU asylum and migration laws more swiftly and effectively in a more standard format. Reception centres: Another flashpoint includes minimum uniform standards at reception centres on accommodation and healthcare. This is seen as deterring asylum tourism and provides for registered applicants being allowed work sooner to speed integration. The Israeli ambassador has said she is disappointed by a Fianna Fail statement announcing that she is not invited to the annual party conference this weekend. Fianna Fail said it does not believe it would be appropriate to invite the ambassador. In a statement, the party said it has continuously condemned Hamas and its attack on the Israeli people on October 7, but the ongoing response from Israel is completely disproportionate. The Israeli and Russian ambassadors have not been invited to the party ard fheis this weekend. In response, Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich said the embassy was disappointed to see the statement issued by Fianna Fail and that it is concerning that Israel is being discriminated against and excluded, in a country claiming to be neutral. In a statement issued on social media, Fianna Fail said it does not believe it would be appropriate given the war on the people of Gaza and the war on Ukraine to invite the Israeli and Russian ambassadors to the ard fheis. "Fianna Fail has continuously condemned Hamas and its attack on the Israeli people on October 7, it said. "However, more than six months on, we truly believe that the ongoing response from Israel is completely disproportionate and the fact that aid is being held back while children and others die from famine cannot and will not be condoned. Fianna Fail was criticised by some for inviting Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich to its party conference last November. Mr Erlich told the Irish Independent that the embassy was disappointed to see the statement made by Fianna Fail earlier today. "We were disappointed to see the statement, since there was no attempt to reach out or discuss any issues with us beforehand, Ms Erlich said. "We regularly brief officials here, as we firmly believe in dialogue and diplomacy. Apart from public statements, ensuring frequent channels of communication has and continues to be important to our bilateral relationship. "I stand ready to meet the Taoiseach and Tanaiste at any time. Ms Erlich said Israel is the only democracy in the region and is largely surrounded by hostile states, some of which wish for and work for the destruction of Israel, as do terror organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah. "My country is fighting for survival. It is concerning that Israel is being discriminated against and excluded, in a country claiming to be neutral. The people of Israel are eager for this war to end. Israel did not start this war, nor did it want it. "It can only end when our kidnapped are returned home, and Hamas can never again be able to threaten the security of Israel. Hamas should and must be held accountable for the abuse of its population as human shields and for using the civilian infrastructure of Gaza as bases for terror activities. "It is important to recognise that Hamas does not seek coexistence or peace, but rather the total destruction of Israel, at any cost. As such, Hamas cannot be part of a future solution. It follows a decision made by Fine Gael to also not invite the Israeli ambassador to their own ard fheis in Galway last week, where party leader Simon Harris told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Irish people are repulsed by his actions in Gaza. In his speech, Mr Harris described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe, adding that the threat of famine is a spectre no Irish person can bear. 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. Fine Gael said it believed it was not appropriate to extend an invitation to a representative of the Israeli government due to the immense and increasing suffering of civilians in Gaza. Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich told the Irish Independent last weekend that the Israeli embassy note carefully Mr Harriss comments and congratulated him on his appointment. She said that clear and frequent channels of communication have and continue to be important to our bilateral relationship. Ms Erlich added: War is a terrible thing. The people of Israel are eager for this war to end. Israel did not start this war, nor did it want it. It can only end when our kidnapped are returned home, and Hamas can never again be able to threaten the security of Israel, or continue to abuse its population as human shields and use the civilian infrastructure as bases for terror activities. Ms Erlich said Israel hopes the Irish Government will publicly hold Hamas accountable for their crimes and atrocities, and pressure them to release the kidnapped and stop abusing their population and that Hamas cannot be part of a future solution. Day of festivities comes following a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset every day for Ramadan Children play during an Eid al-Fitr prayer marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: AP Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr yesterday with members of the community across Ireland joining in the festivities. One of the most significant dates on the calendar for the Islamic faith, Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims came together at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland in Dublin 14, first for morning prayer and later for food, balloons, face-painting and sweets. The centre operates an open-door policy and guests were welcomed to join in the celebrations throughout the day. The chair of the Irish Muslim Council, Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, said that Eid celebrations start the night before the day itself. Last nights celebration is more for family, for women and children. Women get together and do henna calligraphy on their hands, he said. Theres lots of parties with food, sweets and activities for children. The next day in the early morning, Muslims wake up for prayer, all go to the mosque and wear their best dress. Eid prayer has taken place in large open venues over the years, including at Croke Park. Everyone involved in the celebrations exchanges an Eid Mubarak greeting to wish each other a happy Eid. Following morning prayer, it is a day of fun for the children. There are activities for children, goodie bags, parents would give them money and gifts. Guests come over and people visit family and friends, Dr Al-Qadri said. A girl applies henna on her hands ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, in Karachi, Pakistan. Photo: Reuters A lot of children dont go to school because they want to celebrate Eid. Its a lovely day of happiness and joy. The day of festivities comes following a month of fasting from sunrise to sunset every day for Ramadan, something which varies in difficulty, depending on when in the year Ramadan falls. If Ramadan is in the summer and you happen to be in Ireland, God be with you. That means youre fasting for 20 hours from three oclock in the morning and 10 oclock is when the sun sets so you only have a window of five hours to eat, Dr Al-Qadri said. Now when Ramadan takes place in the winter, which I remember in 2003 when I first came to Ireland, Ramadan was in November and December, the day was so easy. They were really happy days because you were fasting from seven in the morning until 4.30. It was easy-peasy. Like Easter, Eid doesnt fall on the same day every year. Because the celebrations are determined by the Lunar calendar, the date even differs in the same year from one Muslim country to the next. Two different methods are used to determine Eids date. One goes by the first sighting of the crescent moon to the naked eye and is used in countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and parts of Africa. A more scientific method is used elsewhere, usually placing Eid on a different day. The Khans family take a selfie at Parker's Piece, Cambridge, celebrating Eid al-Fitr. Photo: PA However, this years Eid is particularly special, with Muslims everywhere celebrating together on the same day in a rare aligning of the two methods. Many Irish Muslims are first-generation immigrants, meaning a big part of the day is taken up making calls to family in other parts of the world. Eid falling on the same day everywhere adds to the excitement. Away from the celebrations, Eid is also a day of giving. Muslims each give at least 9 to charities and parents also cover for their younger children. With around 82,000 Muslims in Ireland, Eid benefits charities to the tune of at least 738,000. With the conflict going on in Gaza, a prayer for peace was a big part of Ramadan and Eid in the Irish Muslim community. Yesterday morning, more than 1.9 billion Muslims joined communal prayers shoulder-to-shoulder on streets and inside mosques across the world. In Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim nation, nearly three-quarters of people were travelling for the annual homecoming known locally as mudik that is always welcomed with excitement. Jakartas Istiqlal Grand Mosque, the largest in south-east Asia, was flooded with devotees offering the morning prayers. Mudik is not just an annual ritual or tradition for us, said civil servant Ridho Alfian, who lives in the Jakarta area and was travelling to the province of Lampung at the southern tip of Sumatra. This is a right moment to reconnect, like recharging energy that has been drained almost a year away from home. Preachers in their sermons called on people to pray for Muslims in Gaza who were suffering after six months of war. This is the time for Muslims and non-Muslims to show humanitarian solidarity, because the conflict in Gaza is not a religious war, but a humanitarian problem, said Jimly Asshiddiqie, who chairs the advisory board of the Indonesian Mosque Council. Theresa Newman will work with Higher Education Minister Patrick ODonovan The return of Kate OConnell and her family into Fine Gael continues with the appointment of her sister as a Government adviser. Theresa Newman has been appointed as a special adviser to recently promoted Higher Education Minister Patrick ODonovan. Ms Newman is to be seconded from the Office of Public Works (OPW) to be a special adviser for the Limerick TD. As civil servant in the OPW communications division, Ms Newman worked closely with Mr ODonovan while he was minister of State for the agency. She worked as a parliamentary adviser and election campaign director for her sister during her time in Leinster House. She is also the wife of Sunday Times Ireland political editor Hugh OConnell. The move comes soon after Ms OConnell returned to the Fine Gael fold by appearing at last weekends ard fheis in the University of Galway. A third sister, Mary Newman, who accompanied Ms OConnell to the ard fheis, previously ran as a Fine Gael candidate in Tipperary but has since returned to work as a vet. Speaking at the ard fheis, Ms OConnell said it would be up to Mr Harris to decide if he wants her to run in any future elections. Today is about Fine Gael people coming together to celebrate a new leader, it is about a positive slant on the day, its not about me. I want to do whatever I can for Fine Gael to keep Fine Gael in Government, she said The former Dublin Bay South TD said Fine Gael has gone through a period of inertia but she now believes Mr Harris will help revive the party. She described the departure of Leo Varadkar as Fine Gael leader as the end of a dark enough chapter in my life and the start of perhaps something new. Mr Varadkar responded saying he wished Ms OConnell nothing but the best in her life. Ms OConnells description of Mr Varadkars supporters as choir boys during the Fine Gael leadership campaign put her at odds with the former Taoiseach and his team after he succeeded Enda Kenny. She lost her seat after one term in the Dail and did not put her name forward for a by-election held to fill a seat vacated by former Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. Taoiseach Simon Harris was destined for political office, say those who knew him when he was younger. Photo: PA New Taoiseach Simon Harris is to visit Ukraine, at a date to be decided. Mr Harris accepted an invitation to Kyiv in a call with President Volodomyr Zelenskiyy yesterday. Officials said the acceptance meant there would have to be careful planning for the visit, which did not mean it was imminent. Western politicians visiting Kyiv have typically gone by train from the western border with Poland, but some have driven in convoy. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has visited Ukraine, with separate trips there by Foreign Minister Micheal Martin and Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail. "President Zelenskiyy extended the invitation, which the Taoiseach was pleased to accept," a senior source said. "There is no date for the trip yet, and no detail." It is expected Mr Harris will tour areas of Kyiv and will lay a wreath at the martyr's monument to honour the heroes killed after the Russian invasion in February 2022. It is possible he may also make the relatively short trip to Bucha in the north, one of the earliest places where Russian soldiers carried out a litany of war crimes, which have continued since. Vital radiotherapy machines are lying idle because the Government did not provide a cent in response to a HSE request for 20 million to fund the national cancer strategy, according to Sinn Fein. That was the claim levelled in the Dail by Pearse Doherty TD, Sinn Fein finance spokesman, who warned that surgeries were being cancelled as a result. But Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the Government was entitled to look for value for money and economies and could not simply agree to additional funds every year for every agency or undertaking. "There has been a very significant improvement dramatic in cancer care in this country over the last number of years," Mr Martin said, adding that nearly two-thirds of Irish people now diagnosed with cancer are still alive five years later. "Our mortality rate for all cancers had dropped by 11pc over the past 10 years with cancer of the trachea and lung down 19pc, and female breast cancer dropping by 10pc. So survival rates are improving pretty significantly. "We had 65pc of patients living five years after cancer diagnosis in the years 2014 to 2018. That compares with 44pc twenty years earlier, between 1994 and 1998. "So the success of cancer strategies and the centralisation of cancer services -- which many Deputies opposed at the time are evident. "I know that I, as Minister for Health, had to fight political battle after political battle across the country when centralisation as oncology services occurred. "But that has been probably the most impactful policy evolution on survival rates in respect of cancer." Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Mr Doherty countered, however, that the political choices of the Government had caused the Irish Cancer Society to issue a stark warning on cancer services. "They pointed out that the cancer strategy has been underfunded in five of the last seven years, leading to the society to say that Ireland's cancer outcomes may have stagnated or even disimproved." He added: "Simon Harris, as Minister for Health didn't properly fund the cancer strategy in any of the years when he was Minister for Health and it has been underfunded in most of the years since yesterday. "The HSE confirmed they sought 20 million in additional money to improve cancer services this year but you gave them zero. "You deliberately underfunded the health service with disastrous consequences for patient safety." Taoiseach Simon Harris has given Minister of State roles to Fine Gael TDs who missed out on Cabinet positions after he reshuffled his ministerial ranks. Emer Higgins Emer Higgins is a new TD who will be delighted with her ministerial elevation relatively soon into her senior political career. The Dublin Midwest TD will replace Neale Richmond as Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise where she will have responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail. She was originally seen as a protege of Leo Varadkar, and did very well to win a seat in Dublin Mid-West, a very left-leaning constituency that also returned two Sinn Feiners in Eoin O Broin and Mark Ward, along with Gino Kenny of SPBP. Ms Higgins has harnessed social media to help build a strong profile and is seen as being on the 'progressive' wing of the party, very much in tune with Mr Harris on disability and social issues. Only 38, she is his exact contemporary and holds a degree in economics and sociology. Alan Dillon Alan Dillon has been an excellent new TD for Mayo, a Fine Gael stronghold where there is speculation about the future of fellow party Deputy Michael Ring. Dillion will be a Minister of State in Department of Housing. Mr Dillon, 42, impressed at the Oireachtas hearings into the RTE pay scandal, where he repeatedly made pertinent points and asked cogent questions on behalf of the licence-payer. A rising star in the party, Leo Varadkar in one of his last administrative acts made him Chairman of the Parliamentary Party, which was seen as marking him out for further progress. Alan Dillon, Emer Higgins and Colm Burke appointed as junior ministers Colm Burke Quiet and serious-minded, Mr Burke is a competent and highly-qualified TD who also benefits from his geographical location in Cork, which is a vital for his party. He is the major party TD in the city when the 'realpolitik' of Simon Coveney's departure from Cabinet is factored in. He is the only FG Deputy on the Northside. He will be Minister of State in the Department of Health. Mr Burke is 67 and has a wealth of operational experience as a former Lord Mayor of Cork, MEP and Senator. He owns a major legal practice in Cork. Neale Richmond Neale Richmond is probably the embodiment of the Fine Gael southside TD, with unimpeachable credentials as rugby-loving, Shinner-hating and economically hardline. Just turned 41, Mr Richmond shares the Dublin Rathdown constituency with outgoing party colleague Josepha Madigan, who has decided on pastures new after failure to secure nomination as a Fine Gael candidate in the European elections in the capital. Mr Richmond has astutely tacked to the wind and made little of past disappointments, such that his appointment will be welcomed in all ranks. He has performed particularly well on Brexit. He has been appointed as a Minister of State in the Department of Finance by Mr Harris. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Kieran O'Donnell The Office of Public Works swaps one Limerick man for another as Kieran from the city replaces Patrick O'Donovan from the county, the latter elevated to full Cabinet in Mr Harris's old role as Minister for Third Level Education. Mr O'Donnell, who is 60, is a chartered accountant who revels in the financial nuts and bolts on the various Dail committees on which he has served. He took over as front bench spokesman on Finance for Fine Gael when Enda Kenny sacked Richard Bruton following an attempted heave in 2010. A nephew of revered FG minister Tom O'Donnell, who served in the 1970s, Kieran is a former Senator and now senior member of the parliamentary party whose winning personality means he has no enemies. Neale Richmond, Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Brian Lawless/PA) Martin Heydon Martin Heydon stays in his existing Agriculture portfolio, which arguably becomes more important now that Mr Harris has declared an intention in recent speeches for Fine Gael to become the farmers' friend. A former Chairman of the Parliamentary Party, Mr Heydon is aged 45 and represents the Kildare South constituency. The Government is set to postpone the holding of another referendum following the crushing defeats of the family and carers votes last month. A planned referendum on a new EU court is now in severe doubt. The vote was scheduled to take place on the same day as the local and European elections in June. But the Irish Independent has learned the referendum on the EU patents court is now under review. "A memo is going to Cabinet next week to decide what to do, a Government source said. No formal decision has been taken but the matter has been discussed amongst the Coalition leaders since Simon Harriss took over as Fine Gael leader. The Coalition announced in January that a referendum on the EU patents court would be held in June. The patents court will make it easier for inventors to ensure their ideas cannot be copied. If the referendum was passed, it would mean companies will need only one patent instead of 27 for any products they sell in the EU. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th The Unified Patent Court is the common patent court of 17 countries across the EU and only opened in June of last year. The Unitary Patent and its Unified Patent Court came into effect last June. It harmonises rules for granting and defending patents in 17 European countries. Ireland is a signatory to the system but has yet to ratify the agreement. Ratifying will require making a constitutional change to allow the transfer of some powers from Irish courts to the new court. If Ireland opts out and does not join the court, it will mean it will be more expensive for companies in Ireland as they will need separate patents for Ireland and internationally. The Government hopes joining the patent court will make Ireland a more attractive place to international companies. According to the Intellectual Property Office of Ireland, a patent is a form of 'industrial property', which can be assigned, transferred, licensed or used by the owner. However, patents are territorial and give an exclusive right in the country where the patent has been granted as long as the patent is renewed each year. At the moment, an Irish patent is only valid in Ireland. The referendum is needed to amend Article 29 of the Constitution to add the patent court as an international agreement. The Constitutional change is needed before Ireland could join the patent court, as it involves a transfer of jurisdiction in patent litigation from the Irish courts to an international court. The process harmonises the process of securing and enforcing patents for businesses in Europe. Legal experts have warned that Irish businesses are at risk of being left on the sidelines of the new EU patent system, if the referendum is not passed. The system allows companies to register one patent across the EU saving money on legal and translation fees and fight infringements in any participating country, through local divisions of the court. Professor John Kennedy says a number of radiotherapy machines were lying idle due to staff shortages Professor John Kennedy said there should be more clinical trials but red tape is blocking doctors. Cancer patients in need of time-critical surgeries have suffered cancellations due to hospital overcrowding, a leading medical expert warned yesterday. Professor John Kennedy, an oncologist at St Jamess Hospital, also said that a number of radiotherapy machines were lying idle due to a lack of specialist staff. He added that only around 2pc of cancer patients in Ireland had access to clinical trials, when the figure should be as high as 10pc but doctors who want to carry them out are caught up in red tape. The real hallmark of excellent services is having plenty of clinical trials available for patients. We have enormous problems doing it and the regulatory environment is oppressive, Prof Kennedy said. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th In response to surgery cancellations, the HSE insisted that hospitals go through the surgeries list and try to prioritise time-critical cancers. Prof Kennedy said that because of the high numbers of patients coming through the emergency department needing a bed, we are continually having time-critical surgeries delayed. This is because doctors cannot bring cancer patients into the hospital for surgery in order to make room for people coming through the emergency department. The hospital is overwhelmed with urgent care, he said. Improvements in cancer survival rates had slowed in Ireland and it was a disgrace that so many patients were missing out on clinical trials where they could get access to new therapies, he added. Prof Kennedy was appearing with officials from the Irish Cancer Society at the Oireachtas Health Committee to express concern at the underfunding of the national cancer strategy launched by Taoiseach Simon Harris when he was health minister in 2017. HSE chief clinical officer Colm Henry said in daily meetings about the trolley crisis in recent months that it was exceptional for time-critical cancer surgery to be cancelled and the same applied to chemotherapy due to the clinical importance and the distress to patients. No funding to progress new developments in the strategy running from 2017 to 2026 was allocated this year, despite a request by the HSE. Irish Cancer Society chief executive Averil Power said patients deserve the best possible chance both of surviving cancer and of having a good quality of life afterwards. Sadly, people with cancer are not being given that chance in Ireland today due the failure to fund the implementation strategy, she said. Words are no comfort to someone languishing on a waiting list for a cancer test, getting more worried by the day. Or to the healthcare professional trying to do their best in a chaotic system, knowing their patients arent getting the standard of care they deserve. We are concerned that Irelands cancer outcomes may have stagnated or even disimproved. Waiting times for radiation therapy have increased, with expensive equipment lying idle in several hospitals due to an ongoing shortage of radiation therapists. Four out of 10 patients in need of radiotherapy are not receiving the treatment because of the delays. The meeting was told that delays in sorting out visas for radiation therapists coming to Ireland from abroad, who could fill vacant jobs, are dragging on. Dr Henry said cancer survival rates were improving in Ireland and the number of people living with or after a cancer diagnosis was increasing. At the end of 2021, there were 215,000 people living with or after a diagnosis of invasive cancer. There have been positive trends witnessed in incidence, stage and survival consistent with improvements in early detection and patient outcomes, with clear evidence for the additional benefits of screening, the National Cancer Registry Ireland for 2022 on national trends for cancers with population-based screening showed. Detection, survival and death rates are all improving for people who have participated in screening, Dr Henry said. Fiona Murphy, head of screening services at the HSE, said the HPV vaccine given to teenage girls to prevent the development of cervical cancer was already having an impact. Ms Murphy said the cervical cancer rate had been 15 per 100,000 women before the start of the screening programme. But she said it had since dropped to around 10 in 100,000. With the HPV vaccine, it would fall to four in 100,000, she added. New patient pathways are being introduced, including a mammography-only pathway for symptomatic breast disease, and a dedicated pathway for people with a family risk of breast cancer. Asked about access to new drugs, Dr Henry said that if the HSE accepted the list price asked by pharmaceutical companies over the past five years, it would have cost an extra 1bn. The process is frustrating for us wanting to get drugs to patients, he said. The drugs must be at a fair price, not any price, he added. Cass Review found young people have been let down by weak evidence Retired consultant paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass speaking about the publication of the independent review of gender identity services for young people. Photo: PA Areport produced in England that has fundamentally questioned gender medicine will influence Irelands policy on healthcare for transgender children. There are currently fewer than 10 children in Ireland being prescribed puberty blockers by Childrens Health Ireland (CHI), the HSE has said. Yesterday, the Cass Review, which examined gender identity services for people aged under 18 in England, was published. The report, which found remarkably weak evidence on the field of gender care for children, is the largest review of its kind in the world. The review was led by distinguished paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, the former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Cass Review said the debate about transgender healthcare was exceptionally toxic, and polarisation and stifling of debate by adults has not just let children down but hampered medical and scientific progress in the area, with healthcare professionals afraid to openly discuss their views. Ireland does not run its own dedicated healthcare service for transgender children, and many are referred abroad for treatment. In the past, Irish children were referred to the Tavistock clinic a London-based gender identity clinic that was wound down following a report published by Dr Hilary Cass in 2022. Last year, there were more than 70 Irish children on the Tavistock waiting list. In a statement yesterday, the HSE said it is developing a new programme for gender healthcare, and that a new model of care is being developed between now and 2026. The work will be informed by the best evidence on clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria, and emerging and evolving international evidence, including the just-published Cass Report, will be reviewed as part of this work, the HSE said. While the model of care is being developed, service users will continue to receive healthcare in the community and under the endocrinology service in the adult and paediatric centres in Ireland East Hospital Group and Childrens Health Ireland. The prescribing of medication in the area of gender healthcare is a clinical decision made by a treating endocrinologist following expert psychological or psychiatric assessment and in consultation with the patient and family. Fewer than 10 patients of CHI are currently receiving puberty blockers. Dr Cass said in her report: This is an area of remarkably weak evidence, and yet results of studies are exaggerated or misrepresented by people on all sides of the debate to support their viewpoint. The reality is that we have no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress. The report said doctors are pursuing life-changing treatment for young people despite a profound lack of evidence. Addressing the children directly affected by failings, Dr Cass said: Research has let us all down, most importantly you. BelongTo, Irelands national organisation supporting LGBTQ+ young people, said the Cass Review had identified some failings and many opportunities for learning. In Ireland, we have an opportunity to learn from the UKs Cass Review, to learn from international best practice guidelines, and to create a safe model of healthcare for trans young people in Ireland, it said. Belong To will conduct an analysis of the Cass Review to better inform our understanding of care for trans young people. I feel like Im always translating: People with autism on the challenges they face every day at work One in 10 adults in Ireland has some form of neurodivergency such as autism or ADHD, but only some feel comfortable enough to be open about their diagnosis in the workplace PhD researcher Zoe McCormack says that being autistic can make work life exhausting. Photo: Steve Humphreys Arlene Harris Thu 11 Apr 2024 at 02:30 None of us know everything about our colleagues, bosses or employees, but according to a recent Red C poll, almost half (48pc) of neurodivergent people in Ireland have not disclosed their condition at work. In 1972, while the IRA was on ceasefire, two soldiers were captured by its members in Derry. At the time, Martin McGuinness, one of its leaders in the city, was in London. He had gone with Gerry Adams, Sean Mac Stiofain and others to represent the organisation in talks with the British government. A Palestinian woman in the Gaza Strip visits the grave of a relative killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Photo: Reuters Former US president Jimmy Carter said the heart and mind of every Muslim is affected by whether or not the Israel-Palestine issue is dealt with fairly. Decades later, the issue remains a challenge to the ingenuity of the international community. For the people of Gaza, its immediate resolution is now a matter of life and death. The Irish Government has pledged to recognise the state of Palestine. The move is expected in the coming weeks and it will be welcomed by many. Tanaiste Micheal Martin told the Dail that delaying recognition is not credible or tenable any longer. Mr Martin is aiming to get other EU countries on board while ramping up support for peace initiatives. Be in no doubt, recognition of a Palestinian state will happen, he stated. With shocking pictures going around the world of starving babies and imminent famine, the need to recognise the rights of the Palestinian people could hardly be more pressing. Clearly, Hamas must be dealt with and the hostages released. It behoves the Irish Government to espouse a balanced position between Israel and Palestine. The Tanaistes remarks were made as US president Joe Biden called out Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, for making a mistake in his handling of Gaza. He rightly insisted Gaza should have total access to all food and medicine for the next six to eight weeks. Mr Biden also called for a ceasefire. What Im calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, he said. Allow, for the next six to eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country. He has previously said Hamas must agree to a pause of hostilities and release remaining hostages. Last week, he warned that continuing US support for the war depended on Israel allowing in more food and medicine. Tel Avivs offensive, which was launched for reasons of self-defence, is rapidly losing legitimacy. It has violated international norms. Israels failure to focus hostilities on Hamas, and to show due regard to humanitarian concerns, has to be checked. Welcoming Irelands pledge to recognise Palestine, its ambassador to this country, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, said her country has been awaiting such international recognition since the partition of 1947. In a troubling but prescient analysis, Yasser Arafat once said: Palestine is the cement that holds the Arab world together, or it is the explosive that blows it apart. The Hamas attacks last October killed 1,200 people; Israel has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. A two-state solution is infinitely better than permanent war. Peace is more than an absence of war. It must also be a recognition of human rights. The weeks of talks have failed to produce agreement. Global pressure must intensify. Taoiseach Simon Harris (right) and Tanaiste Micheal Martin (left) on the steps of Government Buildings. Photo: PA It really was a picture to behold the back-slapping, handshakes and cheers of delight when Simon Harris was announced as the latest fast-tracked Fine Gael Taoiseach. The appearance of Micheal Martins followers told their own stories. The gritted teeth, the slow claps, the frowned foreheads and slouched postures. Fianna Fail had been reduced to little more than Fine Gaels ball retrievers. There is widespread discontent among Fianna Fail members. Speaking to many who previously traipsed the highways and byways delivering leaflets and endorsing party doctrine, it is clear they feel let down. The feeling among loyal voters and members of the party is that they have become little more than fodder for the countrys cartoonists. The third musketeer in this varied government configuration is Eamon Ryan. His Green Party principles have been swallowed up and smothered in right-of-centre ideology. A bicycle or two has been thrown in to create an authentic look. Good luck to Simon Harris in his new role as leader of the country. As Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald put it, he failed his way to the top. James Woods, Gort an Choirce, Co Donegal We must be clear it is not antisemitic to be outraged by Israels horrific actions I was interested to read Mondays piece about the CEO of Educate Together and suggestions of antisemitism (Educate Together in row after allegations of antisemitic stance, Irish Independent, April 8). It is hardly antisemitic to express outrage at the slaughter of so many innocent Palestinians or to attend protest marches. There are many honourable Jewish people attending the marches all over the world, including in the US and UK, who oppose what Israel is doing. And there are many Jewish organisations who speak out. The actress Miriam Margolyes, who is Jewish, said she was ashamed of Israel and described it as a vicious, genocidal, nationalist nation. It is time Ireland took firm action and immediately recognised the state of Palestine. Israel should be treated like South Africa was treated in the 1980s; it is clearly an apartheid state intent on eradicating the Palestinian people. Hostages should be released and the slaughter must end. Donough McGuinness, Bray, Co Wicklow Parkinsons patients must be treated with greatest respect and much urgency There is hope and expectation at this time of the year for those of us living with Parkinsons disease. We have come through the dark nights of winter and we look forward to brighter days and warm sunshine. For the month of April, we have a special focus on people living with Parkinsons disease. This week is Parkinsons Awareness Week and today, April 11, is World Parkinsons Day. It is quite shocking that we dont know the extent of the condition in Ireland. We have estimates that there could be 12,000 people in Ireland living with Parkinsons. Other estimates suggest it could be as many as 18,000. I consider this lack of data frightening. I am also frightened by the fact that Parkinsons is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. This is a ticking time bomb that is heading our way. As our population ages more noticeably in the coming decades, neurological conditions will naturally increase. Thats not to say Parkinsons is an older persons disease. Many people were in their 20s or 30s when they received the awful diagnosis. I was 44 when I was diagnosed. When Simon Harris was health minister in 2017, I was delighted to host him at our weekly training event for speech and language therapy. We agreed it deserved more resources. In 2022, I received a commitment from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that Budget 2023 would include funding for specialist nursing resources. We lag behind the European average by some distance in the provision of speech therapy. Parkinsons is an incurable condition that does its best to stop you doing anything at all. Is it too much to ask that a new leader and a refreshed team work at taking action now? Gary Boyle, Clonsilla, Dublin 15 Jail sentences sent strong and appropriate message on the role of parenting It could only happen in America, people will say. If only that were true. James and Jennifer Crumbley have each been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. They were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for the actions of their son Ethan, who was 15 when he shot and killed four students. The sentence illustrates how parents must take responsibility for their children. This means having strong consideration for what they enable and the possible consequences. As a teacher, I often saw parents who did not take responsibility for their childrens misdemeanours, which would include rudeness and lack of effort or respect. These were, in reality, minor offences of immature youths, but they were the sort of behaviours that could see them lose jobs or friendships down the line. It should also be pointed out that most parents do a great job raising their children. Remember, you are their parent, not their friend. You create the person they are. Be proud when you get it right. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Inches have been a thing of the past since Ireland went metric, in line with the EU In Tuesdays piece about rainfall on Valentia Island, I note that the measurements are reported in inches (Valentias farmers vow to battle on after 9.4 inches of rain in March, Farming, April 9). As part of the EU, Ireland works through metric measurements. Persisting with old imperial measurements like this is frustrating. Patrick Joyce, Claregalway, Co Galway Damp and dreary weather is one of the few things to rain on Irelands parade The seemingly ever-present showers of rain remind me of a quip from DUnbelievables. It would be a grand little country if we could only put a roof on it. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9 Work with your head, not through grit, and life will be much more pleasant Apparently, people in the Republic are working longer hours than those in the North. We should remind ourselves of an old mantra: Work smarter, not harder. Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth The meeting was organised as part of the National Housing Day of Action but had to be cut short due to disruptions by members of the National Party A meeting organised to tackle the housing crisis in Co Carlow was brought to an abrupt halt when right wing protestors disrupted the meeting and shouted at the participants. Housing activists held a meeting in Carlow Town to discuss and highlight the current housing crisis and the high levels vacant buildings locally. However, the activists felt they were forced to abandon the meeting when members of the National Party turned up. Carlow County Councillor Adrienne Wallace was invited to attend the meeting. She said the scenes that ensued left the housing activists rattled. "The meeting was held as part of the National Housing Day of Action," explained People Before Profit Councillor Adrienne Wallace. "We were meeting to discuss ways about tackling vacancy and dereliction in Carlow. I was invited to attend, which I was happy to do but when I arrived to the premises in Carlow where we were holding the meeting there was just ructions. People were shouting and they seemed to circled the activists that were at the meeting. "As the meeting was held in a food premises in Carlow we were aware of the fact that there were members of the public trying to eat their food and also workers trying to go about with their jobs. "As we knew we were the targets we decided to lead the housing group out of the premises to try minimise the impact on people who were just going about their business. But they followed us down the street. Some of the big fellas trying to push their weight around and other people screaming and shouting. Its the usual stuff I think we have seen across the country. In videos posted by the National Party on social media and seen by the Irish Independent, members of the National Party videoed the housing activists as they followed them down the street. One man who was part of the housing activist group was told to go home. By disrupting the meeting, not only did the group spread hate, it also put an end to discussions that were aiming to help the people of Carlow, according to Cllr Wallace. The group were saying the usual stuff they say about refugees coming in here and stealing our homes and housing. But as I have pointed out before, the refugees that are coming into Carlow are living in what were vacant buildings, vacant properties and vacant centres. "But this meeting was focused on getting housing for both Irish and refugees. If you look at the number of vacant properties, the CSO say there are currently 2,000 vacant houses, then there is enough housing for everyone. We just need to focus on tackling the vacancy and dereliction problem in order to get these vacant properties ready for people to move into. "But the behaviour of that particular group that turned up put an end to those important discussions that would have improved the lives of people in Carlow. "The reality is that migrants and refugees coming into Carlow have the least political and economic power, they are hardly to blame for a crisis that has been here long before their arrival. The fact that some people sought to scream abuse at people who were trying to find solutions to the housing crisis just shows to me that they have no interest in actually delivering anything of any merit for the people of Carlow or the country. "They werent just impacting the activists but also the families who were just trying to enjoy their meal and the workers just trying to go about their day. Expressing her views forcibly, Cllr Wallace added: It seemed to me to be a senseless act of harassment targeting activists who were going about trying to make the town a bit better for the people of Carlow. This type of behaviour is not a new occurrence. There have also been reports that members of the far right are targeting refugee centres in Carlow Town and harassing those living in the centres. "On Dublin Street in Carlow Town is where two of the refugee centres are currently and members of the far right have shared pictures on their Facebook of vulnerable women going into these centres and there are videos of women arriving at these centres and they are shouting at them. "But at the same time they are trying to say they are protecting women and yet me as a female councillor and these women who are going in to seek shelter have been a target for them. "I do think they are the ones we should be worried about, not the so-called unvetted men. It is the far right who are in broad daylight getting the confidence to harass people, concluded Councillor Wallace. The route from Nenagh will follow the old N7 road via Birdhill, around the Mackey Roundabout near Finnegans and on to Limerick The Beep on the Street Drive to Save Lives campaign will drive on from Nenagh to Limerick on Saturday, April 13, in protest against the closure of A&Es in the Mid West, including Nenagh Two protests are being organised to originate in Nenagh, Co Tipperary in the coming days and weeks in response to the ongoing state of healthcare in north Tipperary and mid-western region. The Beep on the Street Drive to Save Lives campaign will drive from Nenagh to Limerick on Saturday, April 13, while the Save Nenagh Community Nursing Unit campaign is calling on local people to join them in a protest march on May 11. The Beep on the Street Drive to Save Lives campaign involves one convoy of vehicles converging from three counties, Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare. Follow Independent Limerick on Facebook In Tipperary, the convoy will assemble at the Springfort Retail Park in Nenagh on Saturday, April 13, at 10.45am, departing at 11am, protesting 15 years of the UHL trolley crisis. Drive to save lives. We are calling on all local businesses owners who have a company car or van to join us in the protest, not only is it free advertising for you but youre also showing your support for the community, said Tanya De Vito McMahon, a spokesperson for the campaign group, Nenagh Needs Its A&E. The Beep on the Street Drive to Save Lives campaign will drive on from Nenagh to Limerick on Saturday, April 13, in protest against the closure of A&Es in the Mid West, including Nenagh The group is highlighting the ongoing overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), which impacts on patients in north Tipperary, and is being organised in association with the Midwest Hospital Campaign. The route from Nenagh will follow the old N7 road via Birdhill, around the Mackey Roundabout near Finnegans and on to Limerick. Convoys from Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns Hospital in Limerick will make their way to the HSE Offices at Heuston Hall, Raheen. Please join the Midwest Hospital Campaign this Saturday to drive the message home: one Emergency Department for the Midwest is not enough, said a spokesperson. All vehicles are welcome to take part. Please help us send a strong message this Saturday. The people of the Midwest deserve better. Reopen Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns A&Es. Wear your county colours. Contact us if you want red ribbons for vehicles. Bring everyone. Encourage your local businesses if they have branded cars or trucks to attend. Let's bring this city to a standstill. Anyone who isn't driving can see us off from St Johns. Meanwhile, last Saturday, April 6, marked the 15th anniversary of the closure of the Emergency Departments in Nenagh, Ennis, and St Johns and the reconfiguration of health services across the Mid-West, added the spokesperson. Follow Independent Clare on Facebook The route from Nenagh will follow the old N7 road via Birdhill, around the Mackey Roundabout near Finnegans and on to Limerick Separately, the Save Nenagh Community Nursing Unit group has called on the people of Nenagh and surrounding areas to back them in a protest march. A decision has been made by the Regional Executive Officer in HSE Mid-West to utilise a new building in Nenagh for a period of about one year as a step down sub-acute facility which will be run by a private provider with expertise in such services. The plan has met with strong opposition from local healthcare campaigners, Labour TD Alan Kelly and trade unions. Follow Independent Tipperary on Facebook Campaigners have called for the new unit to be used for the purpose of caring for older people in north Tipperary, and are concerned that the HSE decision is a step towards privatisation. The date of the protest is Saturday, May 11 at 2.30pm, and will start at the old St Conlons Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Church Road, Nenagh. It will proceed down Church road towards the cinema, then turn right down Pearse Street towards the Market Cross, said spokesperson Anna Treacy. Then left on to Kenyon Street and up to the new Community Nursing Unit beside Nenagh hospital. The posters will be going up around the town in the next few weeks and I will keep everyone updated. Please spread the word and I hope everyone will be able to attend. Thank you all so much for your continued support, added Ms Treacy. The event will see secondary school students with a passion for science showcase their projects with the aim of winning an award Munster Technological University in Cork is set to host the first SciFest@College fair later this month, with the event promised to be a celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event, which will be one of the SciFest@College regional fairs, will be held on the Cork MTU campus on April 19 and bring together a host of secondary school students with a passion for scientific enquiry from across Munster. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details In the months leading up to the event, students who will participate in the fair have prepared projects, conducted experiments and compiled findings that resulted from their work into comprehensive reports. Armed with their reports and visual displays they have developed, students will seek to strike an interest in their work from the fairs panel of judges to give themselves a shot at winning one of the prestigious awards up for grabs. SciFest@College 2023 Business Excellence Institute Award winners Meabh O Sullivan & Sarah Harte of Sacred Heart Secondary School, Convent of Mercy, Clonakilty. The awards that will be handed out to the most outstanding projects include the SciFest Best Project Award to specialised accolades like the Intel Technology Award, Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award, EirGrid Cleaner Climate Award, Regeneron Life Sciences Award, Business Excellence (BEX) Institute Award, Dawn Meats Agricultural Science Award, ESERO Discover Space Award and Irish Science Teachers' Association Student Award. SciFest@College MTU Cork 2024 Best Project Runner-Up Winners Saoirse O'Herlihy, Elaine Lane and Abi Foley of St Aloysius School, Sharman Crawford Street, Cork. MTU said its hosting of SciFest@College emphasises its dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. The other regional venues for SciFest@College are MTU Tralee, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Technological University in Dublin, Blanchardstown, Grangegorman and Tallaght, Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone, Limerick and Thurles, South East Technological University in Carlow and Waterford, Atlantic Technological University in Donegal, Sligo and Galway, Dublin City University and St. Mary's College in Derry. Those interested in finding out more about SciFest can visit scifest.ie. The event was attended by Irelands EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness Pictured is Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork City, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union, and Cllr Frank O'Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork, this afternoon in Cork City Hall at European Commission Representation in Ireland event, with support from European Movement Ireland, on EU for Cork: Unlocking Opportunities for Cork. Photo: Rob Lamb Pictured is Dr Ruth Freeman, Director, Science for Society, Science Foundation Ireland, David Kelly, Director of Southern Regional Assembly, Cllr Frank O'Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union, Cllr Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork City, Noelle O Connell, CEO European Movement Ireland, and Donal Sheehan, BRIDE Project, this afternoon in Cork City Hall at European Commission Representation in Ireland event, with support from European Movement Ireland, on EU for Cork: Unlocking Opportunities for Cork Photo: Rob Lamb Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union presenting the keynote speach this afternoon in Cork City Hall at European Commission Representation in Ireland event, with support from European Movement Ireland, on EU for Cork: Unlocking Opportunities for Cork. Photo: Rob Lamb The European Unions support for sustainable economic growth in the Rebel County was celebrated at a special event in Cork City Hall on Monday, April 8. The event, titled EU for Cork: Unlocking Opportunities for Cork, was attended by Irelands European commissioner, Mairead McGuinness, the Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy and the Mayor of Cork county, Frank OFlynn, and highlighted what European co-operation means on the ground for Cork and discussed the future EU opportunities for the region. Organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland with support from European Movement Ireland, the event facilitated discussion that shone a light on projects and activities where the EU and Cork are working together towards a shared goal of sustainable economic development and looked at how to step up the co-operation in the future. The event was opened with welcome addresses by Mayor McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork city and Cork County Mayor Frank OFlynn, while European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union Mairead McGuinness delivered the key note address. In addition, Noelle OConnell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, moderated a panel discussion by David Kelly, director of the Southern Regional Assembly, Donal Sheehan of the Biodiversity Regeneration in a Dairying Environment (BRIDE) Project and Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, who shared their experience of using EU funding for their projects in Cork. Speaking at the event, commissioner McGuinness said it provided an opportunity to showcase the EUs support for sustainable economic growth in Cork and where the pair are working together towards shared goals in a variety of sectors. The significant investment of 164M from the NGEU/Recovery and Resilience Fund to support electrified rail services in Cork and the wonderful initiatives highlighted today, demonstrates the EUs commitment to the development and advancement of Cork, Irelands EU commissioner said. Lord Mayor McCarthy said that Cork is set to grow significantly in the coming years and the city has ambitions to do this sustainably with the help of EU initiatives. This is especially important in terms of our designation as an innovation hub as part of the EU Climate-Neutral & Smart Cities Mission something which will be transformative in shaping Corks future development. Our newest set of projects reflect this by addressing topics such as urban renaturing, positive energy districts, low-carbon transport infrastructure planning and sustainable local food systems amongst others, Mayor McCarthy said. County Mayor OFlynn said the event was a celebration of innovative initiatives which have been able to reach their potential thanks to EU funding. The BRIDE project, based in the River Bride Catchment of north-east Cork and west Waterford, was one of the highlighted initiatives and was established to conserve, and restore habitats in lowland intensive farmland. Donal Sheehan of the BRIDE Project said EU funding has enabled the project to explore new ways to preserve and restore lowland intensive farmland, from restoring bogland to installing bird boxes in farm buildings. We have developed an entirely new approach to the environmental management of farmland compared to the randomised process in previous agri-environmental schemes, Mr Sheehan said. Member of the Cork-based crew says the show offers watchers a great opportunity to understand the work that lifeboat crews do Castletownbere RNLI also featured in last week's episode of 'Saving Lives at Sea'. Group shot of RNLI volunteer crew member, shot in Lyme Regis for Series 9 of the BBC / Blast programme Saving Lives at Sea. Left to right: Neil Sutor (Portishead), Janet Iqbal (Largs), Angharad Masson (Porthcawl), Maria Bull (Dungeness) and Dave Fenton (Castletownbere). Castletownberes RNLI crew are set to feature in the BBCs Saving Lives at Sea television programme next week, which will mark the second time the volunteers have been included in the show this month. After being featured in the last episode of the popular BBC show, which is now in its ninth series, the lifeboat crew are set to feature in its next episode, which is due to be aired at 8pm on Tuesday, April 16. The latest series of the programme airs after the RNLI celebrated 200 years in existence on March 4, and its episodes are focused on the lifesaving work that todays lifeboat crews and lifeguards do. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The episode will see Castletownbere RNLI go to the aid of a stricken trawler stuck on the rocks at Dursey Island in West Cork, while rescue stories from other crews will also be featured. It will also show footage captured on helmet and boat cameras from Castletownbere RNLI and other crews, allowing viewers to experience dramatic rescue missions in first-person as they unfold. Those who tune in will also hear from rescuees and their families who survived disaster thanks to RNLI crews. Castletownbere RNLI coxswain Dean Hegarty, who featured in the last episode of Saving Lives at Sea and is also in next Tuesdays programme, said the show offers watchers a great opportunity to understand the work that lifeboat crews do and how the publics donations to the RNLI help to save lives. Were all looking forward to watching the episode, Mr Hegarty said. Filming for the BBC programme took place over the past year, with lifeboat crews and lifeguards carrying special cameras and welcoming film-makers into their day-to-day lives. Rescues from the RNLIs archives are also revisited, and viewers also get a glimpse into the everyday lives of the men and women who give up their time to save lives at sea. Saving Lives at Sea is broadcast at 8pm on Tuesdays on BBC Two and iPlayer. Artist Deborah Donnelly thanks Iveagh Trust charity after moving into her new apartment Artist Deborah Donnelly in her new home at Kiln View, Leopardstown, a development by The Iveagh Trust. Pic: Conor O Mearain A Dublin mum-of-three, who lost her home in 2018, said having her own space again is like a dream following the rock bottom of homelessness. Artist Deborah Donnelly, from Stillorgan, moved into her new apartment in Leopardstown with her two daughters three weeks ago. The 55-unit complex in Kiln View was delivered through the Iveagh Trust, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Park Developments, and the Housing Department. The Iveagh Trust is a registered charity founded by the Guinness family to provide housing in Dublin. As it stands, the Trust provides 1,640 social homes around Dublin. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Ms Donnelly and her partner, from whom she is now separated, were both hard-working self-employed people who paid the price during the worldwide recession, losing their home following the collapse of the Irish Nationwide Building Society. She described the situation as a perfect storm for homelessness, leaving her son, who is now 22, and two daughters, who are now 15 and 17, without a place to call their own. We moved nine times in six years, she said. Certain memories stand out for me, like the time I was late collecting my daughter from school, and she walked back to our old home as she didnt know where to go or what to do. The private rental market is tough, especially being a single parent who is older and an artist. To have somewhere to live, she would take short-term leases and tackle the competition for private rentals by offering to pay six months in advance. At the time, she said she had to borrow fake car loans from the credit union just to make sure her kids had somewhere to live. In the summer, I had a camper van which I parked on Dun Laoghaire pier with all the other working homeless, and I felt safe there, she said. Accredited and modern art painter Deborah Donnelly in her new home. Pic: Conor O Mearain However, a height restriction was brought in at the pier, which meant she could no longer park up there to get to her studio in Marlay Park. In winter, she said being homeless was a choice of life and death. She said one of the biggest losses from the whole experience was mothering her children, as being forced to live in a van meant she couldnt prep meals and had to buy all the food pre-made. During these six or seven months, she said her children were scattered between family, and she would be begged by them not to sleep in her van. I had a bag with my pillow sheet and duvet in it, and I couch surfed on the cold days, she said. This felt like rock bottom for me. She said the struggle she went through when it came to being homeless broke everything, including having a traumatic effect on her marriage and her children. The dream she always had was one so small, imagining the type of key ring she would have for the keys of her new home. When the Iveagh Trust called her after years on a waiting list, it was such a huge relief and a feeling of being seen. I am an artist, I never want to own a super yacht, she said. I would rather have flowers on my table than diamonds on my neck. If my art ever makes it globally, I will hit the donate button on the Iveagh Trust website because a home is a cure. A home cures everything. She added that the man who recently delivered her washing machine said that he loved delivering to the building as they were all so happy. The incident took place outside a Mace convenience store on Sandymount Green at around 4.30pm on Wednesday. Dublin City Council cones and barriers cover the sinkhole which appeared at the corner of a road in Sandymount village. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Gardai and Dublin City Council inspectors are at the scene of a hole that appeared after a bus allegedly got stuck on a crack in the road on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place outside a Mace convenience store on Sandymount Green at around 4.30pm on April 10. Photos show that gardai have sealed off the impacted section of the road and are diverting traffic in the area, while a spokesperson for Dublin City Council confirmed that an inspector is currently at the scene to investigate the hole after receiving reports this evening. Sandymount, Dublin The hole was allegedly caused by the back wheel of a bus getting stuck in a little bit of a crack in the road, according to the manager of Mace, whose shop cameras captured CCTV footage of the incident. "It was just outside the shop entrance, so from the camera I see that the bus came and struggled to come out, he said. "Its at the edge of the road. Inside it is empty, theres no water or anything like that inside. "One of the customers came into the shop and told my colleague, who called me. I moved the plants onto the road and tied tape around it. "One of the customers contacted the guards, so theyre there right now trying to divert the traffic. They tied up more caution tape. Sandymount, Dublin He added that no one was injured and the bus managed to move along after getting caught. Gardai declined to comment on the incident, while a statement from Dublin City Council said: Following reports of a sinkhole in the roadway in Sandymount Green, Dublin City Council's Road Maintenance Services' Division mobilised an on-call crew to inspect the hole and the surrounding roadway. Following inspection, this crew has completed a temporary repair and has made the area safe. Further investigations will be carried out tomorrow, in order to determine the underlying cause that resulted in the formation of the sinkhole. A permanent repair of the roadway will be arranged thereafter. Goat in Howth, by Susan Crossan & Elli Green, on Thormanby Road in Howth Lambay, by Amelie Bates, in Rush, north county Dublin, part of the Dublin Canvas project Artists are being asked to bring less grey and more play to Dublins streets by turning 104 traffic control boxes into works of art as part of the Dublin Canvas initiative. The spring callout was launched this week across three of the four local authorities, with grants offered to the selected artists. Dublin Canvas said the project is intended to bring flashes of colour and creativity to everyday objects and will utilise previously unused public space, transforming it into canvases to brighten up each area. Artists bringing their own materials will be paid 300, while those without materials will receive 250 and will be provided with a portable pack containing the necessary tools and paints. Goat in Howth, by Susan Crossan & Elli Green, on Thormanby Road in Howth Artists interested in submitting their ideas are encouraged to draw upon their creativity while also considering the distinctive characteristics of each area for inspiration. The artwork will remain in place for at least one year. However, Dublin Canvas reserves the right to remove any artwork at any time without prior notice. Images related to drugs, alcohol, offensive content and text-dominated ideas will not be permitted. Additionally, trademarks, advertisements, brand or business names, logos or copyrighted images will not be allowed. Applicants must be 18 years old or over. Each submission will be evaluated based on the quality and creativity of the design by a judging panel comprising council representatives. The project is open only to artists residing in Dublin. There will be no artwork painted within South Dublin County Council in 2024. Dublin Canvas aims to return to this area in summer 2025. Dublin City Council has 68 boxes spread across its five main areas; Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has 23 boxes spread across its six main electoral areas. Fingal County Council has 13 boxes spread across its six main electoral areas. The submission deadline for those interested is May 3. The selection process for chosen artists will take place between May 13 and May 31. Artists should have their canvases completed by early June to late August. Craic agus Ceol, by AJ Higgins, on Bridge Street, Swords The project began in the summer of 2015 with 15 boxes placed along Rathmines, Camden Street and Baggot Street. Following this successful trial, further locations were added across the city. In 2018, the project was expanded county-wide under the four local authorities, resulting in 880 unique artworks spread throughout Dublin. By their very nature, each box is located at traffic junctions, making them highly visible to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, said Dublin Canvas. Dublin is a very beautiful city, but sometimes, in certain areas, it could use a helping hand. By participating in the project, you can help transform selected boxes into works of art, brightening up Dublin. The primary objective of Dublin Canvas is simply to Colour in the County. The Kerry County Council Arts Office said that they are delighted this week to announce that Emer Fallon is the new Kerry Writer in Residence. Emer is a poet and fiction writer living in West Kerry and is someone who has a keen interest in climate and the environment and these topics feature in her creative work. Following her appointment, Emer said that she would like to explore these topics further during her residency, as she engages with both new and established writers across the county, through her Writers on the Bus project. This unique project will highlight the service provided by Local Link Kerry, while aiding writers living along the bus routes, in reducing their carbon footprint, connecting them with each other and providing them with a platform to share and showcase their work. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details From mid-April, Emer will be hopping on the buses, meeting fellow writers and chatting to them about their writing. She will provide a series of workshops, exploring themes such as A Sense of Place, Grounding your Words, and A Deep Dive into the Weather, with the aim of creating new work for display on eight of the buses. Emer said that she is also really looking forward to connecting with individuals and groups of all writing levels and experience throughout her residency. I have benefitted so much from the advice and input of other writers, including many past Writers in Residence, so I would love to offer that support to anyone who may be seeking writing advice or feedback. For further information and to sign up for Writers on the Bus, or for a group, or one-to-one, session with Emer, email her directly at emerwriterinres@gmail.com, or call the Kerry Arts Office on 066 718 3541. The Kerry Writer in Residence is co-funded by Kerry County Council and The Arts Council of Ireland. Pictured are Elaine O'Donoghue and Bernie McGillicuddy, one of the longest serving members of Nave Yoga with 10 years of practice and who has attended over 1600 yoga classes. Nave Yoga in Yoga celebrated 10 years in business this past week. Pictured are owners Adrian and Elaine O'Donghue celebrating the milestone in their studio with members. Killarney business, Nave Yoga, this past week celebrated a milestone moment in its existence as it officially hit the 10-year mark, an anniversary that was celebrated by staff and loyal customers at a celebration evening on Friday, April 5. The evening, owner Elaine ODonoghue said this week, was a chance for and her fellow owner Adrian to recognise and thank all the members that have supported them throughout the years, with some members having been an ever present with the studio since the very day it opened. Adrian and Elaine O'Donoghue first opened Nave Yoga back in April 2014 in Hilliard's Lane in town, before moving the business to the Killarney Racecourse in 2020. They have been teaching yoga to adults and children for the past 10 years and have been operating a Yoga Teacher Training School since 2020. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details "A lot has happened over the 10 years. We moved location, we had COVID in the middle where we really had to pivot and we had to take our business online so in one way, I suppose that it has gone fast, but then on the other hand, a lot has happened within that time, Elaine said, speaking to The Kerryman. As to what they got up to on the celebration night itself, Elaine said that it was a wonderful evening. "We had a yoga class and a sound healing therapy session for our members. Then afterwards, we had food, drinks and then we also celebrated all of our members. We did celebratory milestone little tags where we acknowledged each member and the amount of time they have been with us and how many classes they have attended, she said. Pictured are Elaine O'Donoghue and Bernie McGillicuddy, one of the longest serving members of Nave Yoga with 10 years of practice and who has attended over 1600 yoga classes. One such person who received a special milestone tag on the night was Bernie McGillycuddy (pictured) who has attended a whopping 1600+ yoga classes with the business over the past decade. "I think that we have created a nice community of people here who like to come here and get together and practise she continued. Life with autism Kerry man shares story of finding his way in a world of neurodiversity Sean moved from Manchester to his ancestral home of Kerry as a teenager to cope better with autism Sean Foley. Photo Mark O'Sullivan. Stephen Fernane Kerryman Thu 11 Apr 2024 at 08:40 Sean Foley was first assessed when he was three-years-old after missing key milestones in his development. Even though all the markers for autism were evident, no diagnosis was made. Present with Tesco staff at the opening of the new Tesco store in Portlaoise were Deputy Manager Murphy Akanji and Store Manager Denise Barry. Photo: Joe Conroy Present with Tesco staff at the opening of the new Tesco store in Portlaoise on Thursday, April 11, were Deputy Manager Murphy Akanji, Store Manager Denise Barry and Mr John Mulholland, Chief Executive of Laois County Council. Photo: Joe Conroy Tesco Ireland has opened its latest store at Gandon Court, Portlaoise creating 44 new jobs. The new superstore is over 10,000 square foot and boasts and in-store bakery, coffee station, DRS machine and free customer car parking. The Gandon Court store will be managed by Denise Barry, a highly experienced store manager with over 20 years experience with Tesco Ireland. Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland said: This is store number 173 for Tesco Ireland, and we are very pleased that this latest one is in Portlaoise. We look forward to supporting the local community here through our community fund. We are continuing to invest in new stores in urban areas like Portlaoise, and we look forward to embedding ourselves into the community for many years to come. The new store was officially opened on Thursday by store manager, Denise Barry, who will lead a team of 44 colleagues. Follow Independent Laois on Facebook At the opening, Denise Barry said: This is a special day for my team and I. We cant wait to welcome our new customers, and we really look forward to actively engaging with the community. Were especially proud to meet our new friends in Scoil Bhride National School, who are participating in our Stronger Starts Schools programme. Were also looking forward to meeting local groups and projects who need our support through the Community Fund over the coming months. Tesco is a proud supporter of the communities it serves, added a spokesperson. To date its Community Fund has helped support thousands of organisations across the country from GAA clubs to childrens charities. In its first campaign, the Gandon Court store will support the locality with donations to three local causes, these include Kolbe Special School, The Heat National School, and Scoil Bhride National School. Through the food surplus redistribution programme, FoodCloud partners and OLIO Food Waste Heroes will be on hand to ensure no good food goes to waste. The Gandon Court team will also join Tescos continued efforts to support its charity partner, Childrens Health Foundation which supports all sick children in CHI at Crumlin, Connolly, Temple St, and Tallaght hospitals. The first quarter of 2024 has proven to be the busiest on record at Ireland West Airport, as 159,000 passengers travelled through the airport between the months of January and March. The passenger numbers represented an 18pc increase on 2023 passenger numbers and a 6pc increase on the previous busiest first quarter, which occurred in 2019, when 143,000 passengers travelled through the airport. Follow Independent Mayo on Facebook The airport will operate flights to 21 International destinations this summer and is served by three of Europes major international airlines, Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe and Ryanair. 146,000 passengers, (20pc increase on same period in 2023) travelled on services to and from the UK in the first quarter of the year, boosted by record passenger numbers on the airports services to London Heathrow, Edinburgh and Liverpool in particular. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair recorded their busiest ever first quarter for passenger numbers at the airport. In addition, 12,000 passengers travelled on services to and from Malaga, Lanzarote and Tenerife, which was a new record for the airport. The return after a four-year absence of the weekly services to Lanzarote and Tenerife, proved hugely popular with holidaymakers in the region. The strong passenger numbers coincide with the commencement of the summer 2024 flight schedule at the airport which will see Ryanair operate their biggest ever summer sun and European city break schedule. In total, Ryanair will operate flights to 9 city break and sun destinations across Europe, with 32 weekly flights and 170,000 seats available to and from European hotspots such as Alicante, Barcelona, Cologne, Faro, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Milan and Tenerife. The 2024 summer schedule represents an increase of 3pc compared to summer 2023. Commenting on a strong first quarter, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director, Ireland West Airport commented, The first quarter of the year has proven to be a very encouraging one for the airport with record numbers choosing the airport for their short breaks and sun holidays. "The increased numbers are testament to the expanded route network, increased convenience, and the stress-free nature of using the airport. "In particular, the feedback on our new security screening system has been very positive and has further enhanced the passenger experience when using the airport, providing an even more seamless and quality travel experience this summer. "We have a great selection of destinations available this summer and look forward to welcoming even more new customers, to experience for themselves the benefits of flying from the airport, said Mr Gilmore. In addition to their services to and from Mainland and Continental Europe, Ryanair, will also operate flights to 8 different UK airports this summer including, Birmingham, Bristol, East-Midlands (Nottingham), Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, London Luton and London Stansted. The summer schedule will see Aer Lingus continue to operate daily flights to London Heathrow, providing onward connectivity to 80+ destinations worldwide with their codeshare partners such Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue and United Airlines. In a further boost for holidaymakers this summer, the installation of a new next-generation cabin baggage screening system, which is now fully operational at the airport, will further enhance the passenger experience at the airport. These new machines remove the need for passengers to remove laptops and liquids from cabin bags and further speed up queue times. With the installation of these new machines, the restriction on liquids of more than 100ml no longer applies, and passengers can travel with larger quantities of liquids if they fit into a cabin bag. In addition, electrical items such as laptops and tablets no longer must be separately screened and can remain in cabin bags, which will come as welcome news for passengers using the airport. The new system reduces touch points and will make the passenger journey through security even quicker and easier. Over 80 pupils from Riverchapel National School took part in Say Yes to Languages from January to March. Over 80 pupils from Riverchapel National School in north Wexford took part in Say Yes to Languages during an eight week period from January until March. This is the third year schools have offered students this programme during the normal school timetable following its extension by the Department of Education after it was met with enthusiasm over the past two years. We are delighted to be bringing Say Yes to Languages to Riverchapel N.S. this year. We have a variety of languages currently being used by pupils and staff and certainly recognise the benefit and importance of a module such as this. Whilst learning languages undoubtedly allows for the development of a life skill, it also helps build greater awareness of the rich and diverse cultures within our own school and local community, said Principal Martina Prendergast. Tutors of the module are typically teachers however they may also be part of the wider school community including parents, native speakers, or other staff members. Ms Sonja McNulty delivered the module on French this year at Riverchapel N.S. and is excited to have the opportunity to share her interest in French with the pupils. It is a fun, interactive and engaging module which really begins to set the foundations for an ongoing positive relationship with languages. This will be of great benefit to the pupils as they continue through their education, hopefully bringing a love of language with them, said Ms McNulty. 1,200 schools across Ireland registered to take part in 2023 and 2024. In line with previous years, the module is being rolled out over three terms, with the support of Languages Connect and PPLI (Post-Primary Languages Ireland), a unit of the Department of Education. A suite of resources has been produced including lesson plans for teachers and tutors and Language Passports for all participating pupils to show their family and friend. Packs have been sent to participating schools to help support both the teaching and learning, but also awareness raising objectives of the program. Learning a Modern Foreign Language will form part of the primary school experience for pupils over the coming years, in line with the newly-published Primary Curriculum Framework. The future inclusion of foreign languages in the primary curriculum will be informed by the delivery of Say Yes to Languages and we look forward to another successful running of the module in 2023/24, said Minister for Education Norma Foley while speaking at the announcement of the third year of the module. The Say Yes to Languages programme offers students between third and sixth class an introduction into a variety of modern foreign languages as well as Irish Sign Language (ISL). Over 700 schools took part in the module last year which saw Arabic, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, ISL, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Ukrainian being taught across the country. The programme looks to raise awareness among pupils of the diversity of languages being used by their peers both in school and the wider community. The first motion was heard at the Building Healthy Communities Session and called on the government to address youth suicide in Ireland and to standardise mental health education in schools. It also called for an increase in access to CAMHS services for those who need professional support. "Mental health challenges and suicide is on the rise in this country. We need to acknowledge that we have not done enough to address this and must urgently put in place the proper supports to both fix the backlogs in our professional mental health services, and also improve education so we can help identify when we ourselves, our friends and our family need professional help, said Darragh. The second motion was heard at the Agriculture and Food Session and called on the government to recognise the increased pressure on small and medium sized farms to make a living. The motion also called for a change in approach towards Ireland's agricultural community with a focus on streamlining regulatory reporting and simplifying incentives for investments in green technology. We need to recognise and respect our agricultural community including farmers and contractors. Im no farmer, but from canvassing throughout north Wexford, Ive had the pleasure of talking to many who work in the sector. What Ive seen is a community passionate about our land and their work and, who are far more in touch with the environment than I could ever hope to be. Farmers and contractors are heavily investing in new technology to make their work more efficient and environmentally friendly, we need to properly support these activities, said Darragh. Darragh also stated that there is a clear acknowledgement that although the Irish economy is very strong, people are not feeling the benefits of that enough. Some groups of people have been left behind in recent years and it's past time everyone feels in real terms their taxes at work. I look forward to ensuring the government delivers on their promises specifically around law and order, protecting and developing rural communities and addressing challenges in the disability services sector, said Darragh. Darragh says his top priority at the minute is the local elections. He went on to say that in regards to a possible General Election run, hell go where he can best represent Gorey and north Wexford. Without success in them (local elections) there is no general election run for me. Like in sport, there are steps in qualifying for the biggest events. Anyone who thinks you can or should go straight to the top without first proving yourself to the electorate is very naive, that type of politics belongs in another generation, said Darragh. A two-acre site with potential for residential and commercial development on Arklows North Quay has come to the market at 1.5 million. Located adjacent to Arklow Marina and in close proximity to the Bridgewater Shopping Centre, the Ferrybank property features extensive road frontage. The expansive site includes a large warehouse, four large storage tanks and a flat concrete yard, with property agents noting the potential to generate instant rental income while awaiting planning permission. &lt;img alt="This is Wicklow Newsletter" src="https://www.independent.ie/editorial/newsletters/images/wicklow.png"&gt; This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The two-acre site is zoned WZ Waterfront Development Zone in the Arklow and Environs Development Plan (2018-2024), which consists of two distinct areas north and south of the Avoca River, incorporating industrial lands/buildings a large proportion of which are currently underutilised and vacant Arklows port, marinas, harbour, quays, north and south beaches and adjoining lands. This area has significant potential for development given the large blocks of land available, the proximity to the town centre and amenities, the open aspect of the land with water on at least one side of most sites and the overall attractiveness of the area for a range of uses including residential as the primary use, along with, commercial/community facilities on ground floors, hotel, leisure, maritime and other commercial uses, the Arklow Development Plan reads. The vision for the waterfront area is for it to continue to sustainably develop as an active port alongside the development of its recreational potential and to encourage the redevelopment of the waterfront as a residential and mixed-use extension of the existing town. The strategy for Arklows waterfront is therefore, to facilitate the existing and future sustainable economic development of the area and associated activity, whilst allowing for expansion and improvement of amenity and recreational opportunities, for the development of a wider mix of uses including residential, retail/commercial, maritime, tourism and community uses, and providing for a high level of protection of the environment and natural assets such as the beach, river and sea. Outlining the development opportunity presented at the North Quay site, property agents McDonnell Properties noted: The site is fully serviced, offers huge development potential and is ideal for the development of residential or commercial units, including for potential quayside activities, as the site overlooks the Avoca River. This site is ideally located with close proximity to Arklow Town and all its amenities and a favourable commuting distance to Dublin and its suburbs. County Wicklow residents aged 55 and over have been reconnecting with the instruments they use to play with the Rosanna Trio as part of the Wicklow Teaching Residency, a partnership with Wicklow County Arts Office and Music Network. Photos by Senija Topcic. Participants who just graduated from the Wicklow Teaching Residency have spoken fondly of the joy they have secured from picking up and reconnecting with their old musical instruments they hadnt played in some time. In Rathnew, 15 older people graduated from the Wicklow Teaching Residency, which is a partnership between Wicklow County Arts Office and Music Network, where residents of County Wicklow aged 55 and over were invited to reconnect with an instrument they used to play. It provided participants with free tuition from professional musicians and access to instruments for the duration of the programme. &lt;img alt="This is Wicklow Newsletter" src="https://www.independent.ie/editorial/newsletters/images/wicklow.png"&gt; This is Wicklow Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wicklow newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Since November the participants have been receiving tuition on uilleann pipes, whistles, violin, fiddle and bodhran. The group delved into various formats of traditional Irish music, from lively jigs and reels to spirited hornpipes and polkas. The group of emerging musicians were led by the Rosanna Trio, Mark Redmond (uilleann pipes, whistles, flute), Lynda OConnor (violin/fiddle) and Robbie Walsh (bodhran). The classes take place at Clermont House in Rathnew. Participant Maureen OShea said: This opportunity has opened the door to playing an instrument once again, after many years - and I cannot thank our teacher and the Music Network enough! I have met lovely people there; learning to play violin with others of my vintage is a special opportunity. I hope to continue playing violin after the Music Network course finishes; learning new skills at an older age is very gratifying. Dee Harkin was also fulsome in her praise of the residency, stating: I am so happy about this course. I have learned so much from my brilliant tutor, Mark, and my enthusiasm knows no bounds now as I cant wait to learn and know all the new tunes. Our tutors are the best musicians ever and so inspiring. We are so lucky! I really hope this facility continues for many a year because it is vital to the health of the nation. At their graduation ceremony, the group showcased the traditional Irish tunes they had mastered during their time together, captivating an audience of friends and family. While their formal lessons have concluded, they're now eagerly planning to establish their own ensemble, determined to further develop their skills and spread their passion for music. The Wicklow Teaching Residency is presented by Wicklow County Council Arts Office and Music Network, and funded by Creative Ireland. Jennifer Zamparelli has been sharing sun-filled pictures from Lanzarote where she is enjoying a family holiday after announcing she was taking an extended break' from RTE 2FM. After an extremely hectic professionally and personally few weeks, the radio star has been kicking back on the island where she has been raving about the gorgeous beaches and clear water. In a series of photos posted on her Instagram page, Jennifer is seen on a boat with a barbecue while in another she floats on a kayak. 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 She also a shared a group shot of the family, well, some of them and in another she reclines on a boat while basking in the sun. She is also pictured in a deckchair reading the The Bee Sting by Paul Murray which she described as one of my favourite books of all time. She also revealed how they have been staying at Playa Blanca which has the most gorgeous beach with clear water. Its cold but worth a dip, she adds while enjoying the reasonable prices and the fact it is very family oriented. My Ma and Da love it too, she explains. Easy for buggys, wheelchairs etc. However, the highlight of trip was, the boat we rented privately for the day. This is second year we did it as we love it so much, she declared. These guys put on a serious barbecue and we always say its the best meal of the week its that good. Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 11th Jennifer had explained in a previous post how she was now finally switching off and in holiday mode. It definitely took a while, she added. The last couple of weeks have been extremely hectic professionally and personally so taking a little extended time off my radio show @rte2fm to be with the family. I have never in my ten years taken more than a week off so its time. Looking forward to being available for the family and listening in to the little rocket that is @foxylaura10 who will be keeping my seat warm. See you in a few weeks! Since her announcement, radio bosses in RTE 2FM have been forced to address rumours that Jennifer is in a dispute with the station after she made the surprise announcement that she was taking the extended break to go on holidays for more than a month. With Laura Fox drafted in to replace her while shes away, RTE 2FM boss Dan Healy insisted radio golden girl Jennifer had not joined her former Breakfast Republic co-presenter Keith Walsh in dispute with the station. Mr Healy confirmed to Sunday World he had heard widespread radio industry rumours that Jennifer is in some sort of dispute and stand-off about relating to her contract, but he says this is all completely untrue. Shes on leave. Its bullsh*t. Bullsh*t, bullsh*t, bullsh*t. Shes on leave. Its farcical, he said. She posted on social media that shes going on holidays. The 2 Johnnies were off from the 14th of December to the 20-something of January. Despite the surprise announcement from the popular presenter, Mr Healy told the Sunday World that he has no problem with Jennifer. Its the reverse, he says. Shes brilliant, absolutely brilliant. On the breakfast show from the very beginning with Bernard (OShea) and Keith shes an absolutely brilliant broadcaster. Shes a superstar, absolutely brilliant. Its absolute nonsense. Jennifer Zamparelli Despite all this, Mr Healy insists 2FM is doing very well. The schedule is very strong. Breakfast Doireann (Garrihy), Donncha (OCallaghan) and Carl (Mullen) really going very strong, he reflects. Jen back in a few weeks. Tracy Clifford is going very strong and the lads (2 Johnnies) are flying it. Since the lads came on air in February 2022, they are up 26pc, the quarters are astonishing. They are astonishing broadcasters. Julian Assange has been in Belmarsh prison in the UK since 2019 on espionage charges arising out of the WikiLeaks case. Photo: Dominic Lipinski President Joe Biden is considering a request to drop Julian Assanges prosecution after UK judges ruled that the WikiLeaks founder could have grounds to appeal his extradition to the United States. Ukrainian army recruits take on an obstacle course as they undergo military training at a recruiting centre in Kyiv. Photo: Getty The Swiss government will host a two-day high-level conference in June aimed at achieving peace in Ukraine, it said yesterday, although Russia has made clear it will not take part in the initiative. Switzerland said in January it would host a peace summit at the request of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and has since held talks with the EU, G7 member states and countries such as China and India to gauge their interest in taking part. Emergency crews stand on the rubble after an Israeli airstrike destroyed the consular section of Iran's embassy in Damascus, Syria. Photo: AP German airline Lufthansa LHAG.DE said on Wednesday it had suspended flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for possible Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy in Syria. An Iranian news agency briefly stoked tensions when it published an Arabic report on social media platform X saying all airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills. The agency then removed the report and denied it had issued such news. Donald Trumps former finance chief is jailed for lying under oath in civil fraud trial Allen Weisselberg may be called as a witness in former presidents criminal trial next week Allen Weisselberg was sentenced to five months in prison. Photo: Reuters Shayna Jacobs Washington Post Thu 11 Apr 2024 at 03:30 A long-time executive at Donald Trumps company was sentenced to five months in jail yesterday after pleading guilty to lying under oath in the New York attorney generals civil investigation into business practices at the Trump Organisation. US woman (39) told she never had cancer after undergoing aggressive chemotherapy Woman says she was left with silvery skin and could not stop vomiting due to harsh treatment Stock image Arpan Rei UK Independent Thu 11 Apr 2024 at 09:01 A mother of two, who endured aggressive chemotherapy and was told she had just 15 months to live, has now found out that never had cancer in the first place. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. India Extends Deadline for Proposal Submission on Green Hydrogen R&D to April 27 The Indian government has extended the deadline for the submission of research and development (R&D) proposals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. As per media reports, owing to the overwhelming and encouraging response, the decision was made to extend the proposal submission by an additional two weeks. The Indian government has issued a notification announcing the extension of the deadline for the submission of research and development (R&D) proposals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission up to April 27, 2024. The move is anticipated to allow researchers and institutions to submit high-quality applications for the advancement of the production of green hydrogen in India. What are the goals? On March 15, 2024, the Minister of New and Renewable Energy issued a notification calling for proposals for developing indigenous technology for the widespread development of green hydrogen and its derivatives in an efficient and cost-effective manner. The deadline for submission of proposals was extended from April 12 to April 27, 2024. Under the Green Hydrogen Mission, the R&D scheme aims to foster a working relationship between industry, academia, and government, as well as offer support for components of the green hydrogen value chain, namely, production, storage, compression, transportation, and utilization. Along with this, the scheme will also focus on the commercialization of technological advancements by offering the requisite policy and regulatory support. Submission guidelines It is worth noting that the selected R&D projects under the mission must be goal-oriented, time-bound, and suitable to scale up to achieve quantifiable returns for India to achieve its goal of green hydrogen production. The scheme has specified three types of projects. Types of projects Project period Focus area Mission Mode Projects with short-term horizons 0-5 years End-product development in partnership with the industry. Development of indigenous module electrolysers and PEM-based fuel cells. Scaling up biomass-based hydrogen generation for commercial applications. Grand Challenge Project with mid-term horizon 0-8 years Development of critical technologies to overcome licensing challenges and supply constraints. Component specific research to advance existing domestic manufacturing capabilities, improve efficiency, and drive down costs. Development of critical components such as Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEB), electrocatalysts, Catalyst Coated Membranes (CCM), Gas Diffusion Layer (GDL), bipolar plates, etc. Blue Sky Projects having long-term horizon 0-15 years Establishing technical prowess and competitive advantage for Indias green hydrogen industry. Develop array of subjects like development of 3rd generation electrocatalysts, reversible Solid Oxide Electrolysers (SOECs), Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC), seawater electrolysis, thermos-catalytic pyrolysis, plasma pyrolysis, salt cavern surveys, high-entropy alloy for reversible hydrogen storage, etc. In terms of infrastructure development, the R&D scheme specifies developing subject-specific centers as well as supporting the existing Center of Excellence in the country. In October 2023, the MNRE issued an R&D roadmap for green hydrogen, specifying the research areas. Who can apply for proposal submission? According to the official notification, the following institutions can apply for financial assistance to develop green hydrogen: Academic institutions Research institutions Government institutions Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Private research institutions Industries having adequate infrastructure/facilities. As per the scheme guidelines, proposals submitted for the development of components under the NGHM will be vetted by the MNRE, and those shortlisted will be placed before a sectoral sub-committee, constituted by an advisory group chaired by Indias Principal Scientific Advisory. Financial support The R&D scheme guidelines for green hydrogen specify that academic institutions, government bodies, and non-profit research organizations would be eligible for financial support up to 100 percent of the total project cost, subject to a cap decided by the sectoral sub-committee. Along with this, the academia/national R&D partners are also eligible to receive 100 percent funding for their share of the project. For private research institutes and organizations, however, the financial support for the total project cost would be up to 80 percent. The release of the grant pattern will be based on the milestones achieved by the institution. For the initial release of the grant, it has been decided that up to 30 percent of the total financial assistance, excluding the institutional overheads, would be released depending on the requirements of the equipment in the project. Subsequently, other tranches of the financial assistance for project work will be annually allocated, depending on the milestone achieved by the selected group. The institutions are obligated to submit a utilization certificate of grants within a year of the release of the financial grant. For projects costing between INR 1.5 million (US$17,988), INR 10 million (US$119,919), or up to INR 50 million (US$599,599), the guidelines state that overhead charges will be limited to eight percent. It may also be noted that projects receiving an extension of one year will not be provided with additional financial assistance. What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission? The ambitious project was officially launched on January 4, 2023, with a budget outlay of INR 197.4 billion (US$2.36 billion), of which INR 40 million (US$479,672) has been allocated for research and development activities for 202526. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, US$2.1 billion is allocated to the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) scheme, which provides incentives for the production of green hydrogen. The mission aims to produce 5 MMTPA of green hydrogen by 2030. The primary goal of the mission is to position India as the leading global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives. Other developments Meanwhile, companies such as Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro, Greenko Group, and Welspun New Energy emerged as the top bidders in an international tender to construct green hydrogen and green ammonia facilities at Gujarats Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Kandla, giving Indias ambition to become a major player in the global hydrogen market a boost. The most recent media reports state that the bids for the INR 950 billion (US$11.39 billion) procurement were opened on February 21, 2024 and that the deadline for submitting them was March 14, 2024 In response to a global request for applications to establish a green hydrogen hub at the port, DPA received 13 expressions of interest. (US$1 = INR83.38) Photo courtesy: PIB New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed on the "importance" and "significance" of the India-China relationship and expressed the eagerness to "urgently address" the border issues, amid the hostility between the two Asian giants. In an interview with Newsweek, the Prime Minister said, "For India, the relationship with China is important and significant. It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world." "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders," he added. Photo courtesy: PIB Modi's comment comes just days after China referred to Arunachal Pradesh as 'Zangnan' and claimed it does not belong to India. The Chinese Defence Minister said it "never acknowledges and firmly opposes" the existence of "so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally established in India". Refusing to weigh in on China's renewed claim over the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect." #WATCH | Surat, Gujarat: On China's claim regarding Arunachal Pradesh, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "If today I change the name of your house, will it become mine? Arunachal Pradesh was, is and will always be a state of India. Changing names does not have an effect...Our army is pic.twitter.com/EaN66BfNFj ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2024 China objects to Modi's Arunachal Pradesh visit Last month, China lodged a complaint with New Delhi over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. India had outrightly rejected China's objection to Modi's visit to the northeastern state. India had maintained Arunachal Pradesh "was, is, and will" remain as an "integral and inalienable part" of the country. Photo courtesy: PIB India-China dispute India and China have a long running dispute over territorial boundaries, especially over Arunachal Pradesh and parts of Ladakh under Jammu and Kashmir. In 1962 China and India fought a brief war over Aksai Chin (Ladakh region) and Arunachal Pradesh, but in 1993 and 1996 the two countries signed agreements to respect the Line of Actual Control. The 4,057 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the effective border between India and People's Republic of China (PRC). Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab from X video Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reiterated her opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Uniform Civil Code (UCC) addressing the Muslim community on Eid. In her address during Eid prayers at the Red Road in downtown Kolkata, Mamata said, "My raza (wish) is unity among diverse religions, your security, your lives. No NRC, no CAA, no Uniform Civil Code. The individual rights of people will have to be intact." Mamata has also said the CAA and NRC are the head and tail of a fish and UCC forms the remaining portion. #WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee addresses people gathered at Red Road in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/DrqzJ29qLc ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 Mamata has been countering the BJP on CAA, which aims to give citizenship to people from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who came to India due to religious persecution before 2015. Countering BJP's claim, Mamata Banerjee has been saying registering for CAA, which was implemented last month, will lead to losing of citizenship. "Do not register for CAA. If you do, you will be a foreigner and later you will be kept in detention camps. We all are citizens," she said. Countering Mamata's claims, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who was in the state on Wednesday, said, "Mamata Didi is misleading people of Bengal. The migrants have no citizenship. She doesn't know it. I assure all migrants to apply for CAA without any fear." In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC suffered a setback by getting its tally down from 34 to 22 while the BJP got a meteoric rise from 2 to 18 seats. However, BJP's hope to form government was dashed two years later when Mamata stormed back to power with over 200 assembly seats. Photo courtesy: X/@BJP4India Dehradun/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday trained his guns at the Congress on Ram Temple issue in his address to people of Uttarakhand ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Modi, the supreme leader of BJP, has slammed Congress for "opposing" the Ram Temple, which was consecrated on January 22 in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya. He said, "Congress is against both development and heritage. Congress questioned the existence of Lord Ram, opposed the Ram temple, and created as many obstacles as it could. "Even after this, those building the Ram temple forgave all the sins of the Congress and invited them for the Praan-Pratishtha. But the Congress boycotted that too." "Now the Congress has vowed to destroy the power that exists in Hinduism. These statements of Congress will add fuel to the fire in the conspiracies being hatched to destroy the faith of Uttarakhand. It is the responsibility of all of us to protect the culture of Uttarakhand," the Prime Minister added. In his address, Modi raised the corruption issue and accused the previous Congress regime of looting. "When the Congress government was in power, middlemen used to steal people's money. Now people's money is being transferred directly to their bank accounts. Modi has stopped this looting, hence their anger towards Modi is at its peak," the Prime Minister said. On his 'Make in India' push in the defence sector, Modi highlighted how his government worked towards the security of the Army. He said, "During the Congress regime, the soldiers did not even have bulletproof jackets. There was no proper arrangement to protect them from enemy bullets. "It is the BJP which gave bulletproof jackets made in India to its soldiers, saving their lives. Today, everything from modern rifles to fighter planes and aircraft carriers is being made in the country itself." The five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand will go to polls on April 19. Photo courtesy: Unsplash Dbrand, a Canadian accessories company, faced backlash for its biting and offensive response, deemed racist by many, to an Indian customer, who aired concerns about a MacBook accessory. Dbrand is known for maintaining a lively presence on social media, frequently adding humour and sarcasm to the mix. However, Dbrands reply to Bhuwan Chitransh, a man from Pune working in the Netherlands, elicited massive outrage, forcing the company to offer compensation, but not without their distinctive style throughout the incident. It all started when Bhuwan Chitransh expressed his disappointment on X (formerly Twitter) about the change in colour Dbrand MacBook skin within just two months. He tagged Dbrand and asked, @dbrand bought this skin a couple months back. Couldnt even remain the same color after just 2 months. What should I do? Your last name is basically shit rash, be serious https://t.co/SmQd5So5bS dbrand (@dbrand) April 9, 2024 It is shameful to see a skins and phone accessories company like dbrand openly making discriminatory and offensive remarks toward a customer who expressed dissatisfaction with their product on Twitter, commented one user. It is shameful to see a skins and phone accessories company like dbrand openly making discriminatory and offensive remarks toward a customer who expressed dissatisfaction with their product on Twitter. pic.twitter.com/APYnGhREhh Divya Gandotra Tandon (@divya_gandotra) April 10, 2024 Gosh, dbrand is literally a cyberbully. Horrible racist comments under the original tweet all thanks to a piss poor attempt at humor. Please go to their profile and report the tweet for bullying and hate speech, said another amidst a flurry of comments laden with criticism. Gosh, dbrand is literally a cyberbully. Horrible racist comments under the original tweet all thanks to a piss poor attempt at humor. Please go to their profile and report the tweet for bullying and hate speech. pic.twitter.com/CGJ67hJ8Jb Sumukh Rao (@RaoSumukh) April 10, 2024 "You've fully crossed the line here mate, no coming back from this," wrote one user. You've fully crossed the line here mate, no coming back from this Deniz.K (@kokipower23) April 9, 2024 Understandably, the online community was unimpressed. Many criticized Dbrand for venturing into racism and cyberbullying territory. The company only fully addressed the situation when they utilized their main social media handle to acknowledge the post and respond to the criticism. They started by admitting, Well that escalated quickly, terming their initial response as a huge fumble. The company tendered an apology to the customer privately and offered $10,000 to preserve goodwill. Concluding with a witty message, the company continued its humorous tone, stating, Weve been poking fun at customers on social media for over a decade now. Were not going to stop, but maybe next time youll be the one who gets $10,000. Devotees offering namaz on Eid-ul-Fitr at Delhi's iconic Jama Masjid on Thursday. (Photo courtesy: YouTube video grab Muslims throughout India observed Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday with deep religious commitment and enthusiasm, participating in large prayer gatherings held in mosques and open areas nationwide. Eid ul-Fitr, the most important festival occurring on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. President Droupadi Murmu wished the people of India on Eid and hoped that peace, progress and harmony prevailed in the country. In a messga on X, President Murmu wrote: "I wish all my countrymen, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters, a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr. This festival, celebrated after the holy month of Ramzan, spreads the spirit of unity, harmony and brotherhood. This festival of sharing happiness inspires forgiveness and charity. On this auspicious occasion, I wish that our country continues to progress on the path of progress and all the countrymen always live in peace." President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 11, 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people on Eid. In a post on X, the prime minister said, "Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this occasion further spread the spirit of compassion, togetherness and peace. May everyone be happy and healthy Eid Mubarak!" Best wishes on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this occasion further spread the spirit of compassion, togetherness and peace. May everyone be happy and healthy. Eid Mubarak! Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 10, 2024 In Delhi, the iconic dome of the Nizamuddin Dargah was illuminated with vibrant yellow lights, inviting attendees to partake in the Eid festivities. Marketplaces bustled with activity as people purchased sweets, garments, and necessities while exchanging warm greetings. The iconic dome of Nizamuddin Dargah illuminated with vibrant yellow lights. (Imge courtesy: YouTube video grab) #WATCH | Delhi: Devotees offer 'namaz' at Jama Masjid on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. pic.twitter.com/000QJdDjPn ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 Security measures were heightened in the capital, with thorough police inspections ensuring a safe and tranquil celebration. Barricades were erected to manage the anticipated surge of visitors to the dargah. Mumbai's Mohammed Ali Road prepped up like a bride as people shopped for sweets, dried fruits, and attire, expressing their anticipation and readiness for the festival. Sheer khurma, a special delicacy made from dates, milk, and vermicelli, was prepared for the occasion. In Uttar Pradesh, Eid-ul-Fitr was joyously celebrated, with fervent prayers offered at Eidgahs and mosques across the state amidst tight security arrangements. Post-namaz, people exchanged greetings, and a palpable enthusiasm was evident among children and youth. The Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were conducted at 37,018 Eidgahs and mosques across the state, with attendees praying for the nation's peace and prosperity. In West Bengal's capital Kolkata, thousands of Muslims congregated at Red Road to participate in the Eid prayers, followed by festivities across the city, including motorcycle processions. Warm embraces, exchange of greetings, and communal feasts were highlights of the celebrations at Nakhoda Masjid, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee also attended the prayers. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, witnessed a large number of people offering special prayers at Idgah in Miralam Mandi, Secunderabad, and other locations in the twin cities, extending festival greetings afterward. Families shared the special sweet dish, 'Sheer Khurma,' and spicy 'biryani' with relatives and friends, symbolizing the spirit of togetherness. Elaborate security arrangements were made by the district administration and police at Idgahs to ensure a hassle-free prayer experience for worshippers. Photo courtesy: YouTube video grab Ho Chi Minh City: A top Vietnamese real estate mogul was sentenced to death on Thursday in one of the largest corruption scandals ever recorded, involving approximately $27 billion in losses, media reports said. Truong My Lan, the chairman of the leading developer Van Thinh Phat, was convicted of embezzling funds from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) over a span of ten years, reported AFP. Despite the defense's efforts, a panel of three selected jurors and two judges dismissed all arguments in her favour. "The defendant's actions... eroded people's trust in the leadership of the (Communist) Party and state," read the verdict at the trial in southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City, according to the AFP report. Lan rubbished the charges and held her subordinates responsible. Following a five-week trial in Ho Chi Minh City, 85 more convicts are awaiting verdicts and sentences for various charges, including bribery, abuse of power, misappropriation, and violations of banking regulations. Lan was found to have embezzled $12.5 billion, but prosecutors revealed on Thursday that the total damages from the scheme now stand at $27 billion, equivalent to six percent of the country's 2023 GDP. A death sentence in this case is unusually severe, the report said. Lan and the others were arrested as part of a nationwide crackdown on corruption, which has ensnared numerous officials and prominent figures in Vietnam's business community in recent years, the AFP report said. In her final remarks to the court last week, Lan appeared to hint at thoughts of suicide. "In my desperation, I thought of death," she said, according to state media. "I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment -- the banking sector -- which I have little knowledge of." Nearly 42,000 victims of the scandal have been identified by the police, causing widespread shock throughout the Southeast Asian country. Lan, who is married to a wealthy Hong Kong businessman also under trial, stands accused of creating fraudulent loan applications to siphon funds from SCB, a bank in which she held a 90 percent stake. Authorities state that the victims of this scheme are SCB bondholders who have been unable to access their funds, receiving neither interest nor principal payments since Lan's arrest. During the trial, prosecutors told the jury that they had confiscated over 1,000 properties owned by Lan. Law enforcement has also disclosed that a sum of $5.2 million, allegedly provided by Lan and certain SCB executives to government officials to conceal the bank's financial irregularities, constitutes the largest bribe ever recorded in Vietnam. Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team, testified during the trial that she was offered the bribe in Styrofoam boxes by SCB's former CEO, Vo Tan Van. Upon realizing the contents, Nhan declined the boxes, but Van refused to take them back, according to state media reports. Vietnam has seen a massive clampdown on corruption since 2021, resulting in the indictment of over 4,400 people across more than 1,700 graft cases. In a separate case, Do Anh Dung, a top Vietnamese luxury real estate magnate and head of the Tan Hoang Minh group, was jailed for eight years last month for defrauding thousands of investors in a $355 million bond scam. With summer having arrived in full swing, its time to plan that holiday getaway, if you havent already. Aiding your perfect summer vacation search is Googles list of top 20 destinations for summer 2024! List of top 20 summer vacation destinations 2024 Google's compilation of the top 20 destinations for the summer of 2024 relies on the most searched destinations by travelers in the United States using Google Flight, specifically for travel between June 1 and August 31. While the data is from US customers, it offers valuable insights for anyone seeking inspiration for their next holiday destination. IT Here is the full list of top 20 destinations for summer 2024: London Paris Tokyo Rome New York Cancun Orlando Las Vegas Seattle Athens Los Angeles Miami Barcelona Dublin Fort Lauderdale Honolulu Denver Madrid Boston San Juan Inquiries for solo travel on Google has increased According to a report by ABC News, Google collects data from mid-January to mid-March from users to identify the most popular travel-related inquiries leading up to summer. The report highlighted a surge in searches for terms like "travel itinerary" and "solo travel" in January. Solo travel means traveling alone, without any companions as a way to discover more about yourself, push your boundaries, and meet new people from around the globe. Pinterest In this year's list, Google noted a significant shift from the previous year, with Cancun dropping from the second position to sixth place, while Tokyo climbed from eighth place to third. The top spot for summer 2024 was claimed by London, with Paris securing second place, notably as it prepares to host the upcoming Summer Olympics. New additions to the list of top destinations, as reported by ABC News, include San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Madrid, Spain. Interestingly, Chicago and San Francisco did not make it onto the list this year. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Lok Sabha Election 2024: A viral video capturing BJP MP Khagen Murmu kissing a woman on her cheeks has sparked controversy, with opposing reactions emerging. The incident occurred during Murmu's campaign visit to Sihipur village, Chanchal, West Bengal, on Monday. The woman at the center of the incident responded to the criticism, labeling Murmu's actions as "an act of affection" and defending their innocence. She emphasized, "What is the problem if a person of my father's age shows affection towards me and kisses me on my cheeks? Why do people have a dirty mindset? There's nothing wrong in it," during an interview with a news channel. If you cannot believe what you just saw, let us clarify. Yes, this is BJP MP & Maldaha Uttar candidate @khagen_murmu kissing a woman on his own accord on his campaign trail. From MPs that sexually harass women wrestlers to leaders who make obscene songs about Bengali women, BJP pic.twitter.com/f0PKdaDDn5 All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) April 9, 2024 However, the ruling party in West Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC), condemned the incident, alleging that Murmu's actions were inappropriate, especially during a live stream of his campaign. TMC shared their stance on Twitter, stating, "If you can't believe what you just saw, let's make it clear. Yes, this is BJP MP and Malda Uttar candidate @khagenmurmu who is kissing a woman at his campaign." TMC's criticism extended beyond this particular incident, highlighting concerns about BJP's stance on women's issues. They accused BJP of failing to address allegations of inappropriate behavior towards women by its leaders and warned of potential repercussions if such behavior goes unchecked. Twitter "From MPs that sexually harass women wrestlers to leaders who make obscene songs about Bengali women, BJP camp has no dearth of anti-women politicians. This is how Modi Ka Parivar engages in Nari Ka Samman! Imagine what they would do if they came to power," the party added. The incident during Murmu's campaign in his Maldaha Uttar constituency has sparked a debate about cultural norms and boundaries, with various interpretations of the display of affection by the politician. Khagen Murmu, born on February 2, 1960, is an Indian politician representing Maldaha Uttar in the Parliament. Initially a member of the CPIM, he served four terms as MLA from the Habibpur constituency from 2001 to 2019. A prominent Santhali leader, Murmu transitioned to the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2019. He contested and won the Lok Sabha seat for Maldaha Uttar constituency in the 2019 Indian general election. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Finding out you have cancer is a life-altering moment. It affects everything from your daily routines to your future plans. Now, picture what this woman experienced when she was told she had cancer and underwent intense chemotherapy, only to discover later that she never had cancer at all! Impacted by aggressive cancer, told had 15 months to live Lisa Monk, a 39-year-old mother of two from Texas, USA, visited a hospital in 2022 due to stomach pains she thought were kidney stones. New York Post reported that tests showed two kidney stones and a mass on her spleen, which was successfully removed through surgery in January last year. Representative image The spleen was sent to three pathology labs for testing, and it came back positive for a rare and terminal form of cancer on the fourth attempt. According to the Mirror, Monk was diagnosed with clear cell angiosarcoma, which is considered a type of cancer with a poor prognosis regardless of age and gender. "It was a blood vessel type of cancer found in the spleen," Monk said. She was given 15 months to live by the doctor. Two chemotherapy sessions later, Lisa told she doesnt have cancer After going through the tough task of sharing the news with her family and friends, Lisa then set out on her treatment journey, which involved "aggressive" chemotherapy sessions. In the first round of treatment, she lost all her hair, and in the second round, she experienced vomiting and developed silvery skin. Pinterest One day, while speaking to her nurse practitioner, Monk recalled that she was being asked about her symptoms when suddenly, the nurse practitioner stopped scrolling the computer and had a "completely horrified" look on her face. Monk says, "All of a sudden she just stops talking and has this look on her face. She turned to me and looked completely horrified and told me she needed to get the doctor and then ran out of the room. She left me alone for about 15 minutes and the doctor came back in." The doctor revealed to her that she actually didnt have cancer. Monk explained, "In the end they determined that my spleen was going to rupture which is why it had the mass on it. It was just blood vessel activity and no cancer in it." For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the holy period of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth Islamic month. On Eid ul Fitr (also known as Eid al-Fitr or Id ul-Fitr), Muslims thank Allah for the holy Quran. The sacred book of the Muslims was revealed to Prophet Muhammed on Laylat al-Qadr, one of the odd-numbered nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. Hence the significance. And moreover, fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and therefore Muslims fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Eid Ul-Fitr 2023 image | Photo: Freepik Eid is significant because it marks the completion of a month-long fast from dawn to dusk. And as Muslims worldwide look forward to celebrating the joyous festival of Eid. Eid Ul-Fitr is the time to get busy with shopping, decorating the house, and buying gifts for your loved ones. Eid is one of the most important festivals in India which is celebrated by Muslims with great happiness and joy. When will Eid ul-Fitr be celebrated in India? The holy month of Ramadan is coming to an end and Muslims worldwide have started preparing for Eid al-Fitr/Eid ul-fitr. In 2024 Eid ul Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, or Thursday, April 11, 2024, in India, subject to the sighting of the moon. If the crescent moon is not seen, Ramadan will be extended for another day meaning Muslims will then fast one more day to complete a 30-day month. However, please note that the exact date of Eid ul Fitr may vary based on the sighting of the moon, and it is always best to confirm with local authorities or your local mosque. Eid Ul-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr History The history of Eid Ul-Fitr dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad, who founded Islam in the 7th century. According to Islamic tradition, the Prophet received the first revelation of the Quran during the month of Ramadan, which is why the month is considered sacred. The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid Ul-Fitr, which means "festival of breaking the fast" also signified the end of fasting from dawn to dusk throughout Ramadan and the opening of the Shawwal month. Send warm and heartfelt wishes, text messages to your sister, wishing her Eid Mubarak. Surprise her by sending a beautiful wish as a warm Eid greeting to her and making this day all the more special to her. Here we have provided a wonderful list of Eid Mubarak wishes, messages and quotes for your sister. Lets read on and pick your favourite one. Eid Ul-Fitr 2024 best wishes for sister: 1. Dear sister, may this Eid bring you happiness, prosperity, and success. Eid Mubarak! 2. Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Eid Ul-Fitr. May Allah's blessings be with you always. 3. May the joyous occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr bring you closer to Allah and fill your life with peace and happiness. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 4. On this auspicious day of Eid Ul-Fitr, may Allah fulfil all your wishes and bless you with good health, wealth, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! 5. May Allah's love and blessings be with you always, dear sister. Eid Mubarak! 6. Wishing you a wonderful Eid Ul-Fitr filled with love, joy, and happiness. Eid Mubarak, my dear sister! 7. May Allah's grace and mercy be with you and your family on this special occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 8. Dear sister, may this Eid bring you success in all your endeavours and fill your life with joy and happiness. Eid Mubarak! 9. On this auspicious occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr, I pray that Allah blesses you with all the happiness and success you deserve. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 10. May Allah accept all your prayers and bless you with His love and grace. Eid Mubarak, my dear sister! Eid Ul-Fitr 2024 best messages for sister: 1. Dear sister, may this Eid bring peace and harmony to our lives and strengthen our bond of love and affection. Eid Mubarak! 2. Wishing my dear sister a very happy and blessed Eid Ul-Fitr. May Allah bless you with good health, wealth, and prosperity. 3. May the joyous spirit of Eid Ul-Fitr fill your heart with love, happiness, and contentment. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 4. On this special occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr, I pray that Allah blesses you with the strength to overcome all obstacles in life. Eid Mubarak, my dear sister! 5. May Allah's love and blessings be with you and your family on this auspicious occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 6. Dear sister, may this Eid bring you closer to Allah and help you lead a life filled with peace, happiness, and contentment. Eid Mubarak! 7. Wishing you a blessed and joyous Eid Ul-Fitr, dear sister. May Allah's love and blessings be with you always. 8. May the blessings of Allah be with you and your family on this special day of Eid Ul-Fitr. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! 9. On this auspicious occasion of Eid Ul-Fitr, I pray that Allah showers His blessings on you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, my dear sister! 10. May the spirit of Eid Ul-Fitr fill your life with love, joy, and happiness. Eid Mubarak, dear sister! Eid Ul-Fitr 2024 best quotes: 1. "Happy Eid Mubarak! Wishing everyone happy holidays, stay safe and pray to your Almighty." 2. "Our prayers have been answered. Eid is finally here to grace us with love, joy, and prosperity. Wish you and your family an amazing Eid!" 3. Eid is a day which come with happiness and joy , wish this day joy with your special one and all. 4. "No companion of mine should tell me anything bad about another person. For when I meet you, I would like my heart to be clean (unbiased.) 5. "I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving creature, but he has a grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the straight path." SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance is rising in followers and it could be possible to win national elections if not come in first at European Parliament elections in June, party leader Stefanos Kasselakis said in an interview on Thursday. Interviewed by Nikos Evangelatos on Mega TV said, "I see a wave of support in society. I don't know what contributed to this, perhaps (ruling) New Democracy's propaganda against me is no longer effective, maybe the Tempi crime contributed to this, maybe our proposals for taxation and the Euroelections resonated with society. The sure things is that we are rising, the process of preelectoral elections to choose candidates for the Euroelections has resonated" with the public The main opposition leader asserted that "everything can be overturned and I feel we can win. I believe we can win. Given the things I see, it is absolutely possible to come out first in votes [] If not first now, then at national elections. People see that the government's reforms are just skin-deep and not effective." Commenting on PASOK-KINAL, Kasselakis ruled out any collaboration with leader Nikos Androulakis because "a progressive front is built from the ground up. Half of PASOK is not progressive. The other half could collaborate with the new SYRIZA. I will open our infrastructure so that everyone in society who disagrees with the neoliberal rule of [Prime Minister Kyriakos] Mitsotakis can participate in the processes." He also ruled out "any agreement at top level" with any other opposition party, adding that "society builds fronts with a social main opposition." Among other things he spoke about, Kasselakis said he trusted justice over the Tempi train collision, "but it is very slow - on this specific issue however the key is the law concerning ministerial responsibility." Article 86 will change when the time comes to amend the Greek constitution, he said, committing to it. SYRIZA supports a change in the taxation mix. It calls for zero VAT on certain products and lowering VAT on fuel and energy to the lowest possible rate. He also said that SYRIZA would change the taxation of dividends, which would bring more revenues without affecting the fiscal balance, and would boost investments. "A surplus of 1.8 billion euros will result from dividends that will allow a reduction in individual taxes. This benefits the SME business owners. The prepayment of tax will be abolished while the tax code will be simplified, and remain unchanged for ten years," Kasselakis said. Greeces rejuvenated shipbuilding industry will feature at Posidonia 2024, signaling a strong recovery after decades of decline and abandonment. The renaissance of the sector takes shape after the completion of Greek shipyards: The great return - The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rollas, has confirmed the death of Nollywood star Junior Pope, hours after initially debunking it. Following the report, the actor and a few members of his crew were engaged in a horrific boat accident near Asaba, which caused an emotional outburst. Advertisement Emeka Rollas stated in a since-deleted article that Junior Popes health was stable, despite several rumours to the contrary. However, in a recent message, the AGN president apologised for the misinformation while confirming the deaths of the actor and three others who remain missing. According to Emeka Rollas, his first post was prompted by enthusiasm after detecting movements in Junior Popes hands. He continued by saying that he was taken to two hospitals in Asaba and tried to be revived, but to no effect. READ MORE: Its Disrespectful To Catholics Solomon Buchi Berates Rihannas Seductive Nun Shoot Sharing the actors picture on his Instagram account, Emeka wrote, Its so so sad that our joy was shortlived. My first post was out of excitement when we noticed his tingling fingers. Two notable hospitals tried their best to revive him but to no avail. God knows the best. We finally lost him. Mr Friday corpse has been identified but three other corpses are yet to be found. SEE POST: Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the move by foreign airlines to edge out Air Peace from foreign routes. According to him, in a bid keep Air Peace out, the foreign airlines will keep crashing their fares. Advertisement Recall that in March, Air Peace began its flight service from Nigeria to London, with its destination being Gatwick Airport. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, however raised the alarm that foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route are allegedly conspiring to send his carrier out of international operations by crashing airfares on the route. READ ALSO: Foreign Airlines Conspiring To Crush Us Air Peace CEO Alerts Onyema alleged that there is an unspoken alliance among foreign airlines to use lower pricing to eject Air Peace from the Nigeria-London route. Reacting via X on Thursday, Sani urged Nigerians to patronize local airlines to keep their foreign counterparts in check. The reason why foreign airlines are crashing their prices is simply because of Air Peace. They will continue to lower their fares until they edge out Air Peace from those foreign routes, and then they will return to their tyranny of prices. The more you patronise our local Airlines, the more you will put them in check, he posted. Tonto Dikeh, a Nollywood actress, has blasted Peter Obi, the Labour Partys (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for the quality of boreholes supplied to several villages in Northern Nigeria. During his Ramadan tour, the former Governor of Anambra State drilled and donated boreholes in several northern areas, including Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Zaria, Kaduna State, and others. Advertisement However, the latest development has sparked criticism for Peter Obi, with some Nigerians calling it substandard and others praising him. Tonto Dike responded on Instagram, saying she was upset and dissatisfied with the boreholes supplied to the northern areas. She urged the Anambra politician to collaborate with President Bola Tinubu to further Nigerias prosperity. READ MORE: Wizkid is Lactose Intolerant, Doesnt Take Milk Dj Tunez She wrote: His Excellency, sir, with all due respect, @peterobigregory, I am deeply disappointed by this. The idea that Nigeria was almost entrusted to you, sir, is disheartening. This isnt trolling; Im genuinely dissatisfied with your actions. Im in disbelief. Were you truly committed to taking this country to the next level? This situation highlights the need for all of us to join hands with Mr President, @officialasiwajubat, and actively contribute to the nations progress. Its not a task for one person alone; it requires the dedication of all. YOUR EXCELLENCY, Mr. Obi, I am profoundly let down. Despite that, you remain one of my favourite politicians. However, I believe in speaking the truth directly because I love you, but I love Nigeria even more. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has taken severe measures against prominent producer Adamma Luke, suspending films involving riverine locations indefinitely in the wake of Junior Popes passing. It should be noted that sorrowful news surfaced yesterday about the horrible and untimely death of Junior Pope, who drowned in a river in Anam, Anambra state. Advertisement Adamma Luke is the producer of the movie that actor Junior Pope was featured in before his untimely death. Following his demise, several netizens took to social media to criticise movie producer Adamma Luke for failing to provide life jackets for the actor. In a statement released by the AGN President, Emeka Rollas on its Instagram page, the association has suspended all movies involving riverine area and boat riding across the country. All actors have been barred from featuring in any movie produced by Adamma Luke Indefinitely. Movie shoots around the country on Thursday, April 11th, have been cancelled. READ MORE: Marriage Done And Dusted For Me Iyabo Ojo Affirms The statement reads, 11th April 2024 FROM: OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT TO: ALL NOLLYWOOD Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10th of April 2024 on a movie set titled The other side of Life produced by Adamma Luke. The Leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions 1.All Films that involve riverine areas and boat riding is hereby suspended indefinitely 2. No Shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday 11th April 2024 3. The film titled Another side of Life is suspended indefinitely 4. No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice 5. While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons may their soul rest in peace Yours Sincerely, DR, Ejezie Emeka Rollas MON National President 08065192303 SEE POST: The operatives of the Lagos state police command have rescued two suspected phone thieves, aged 22 and 21, from a mob action in Surulere. The spokesperson for the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this in a post shared on his X handle, on Wednesday. Hundeyin alleged that the suspects snatched a phone from a woman who was making calls. Advertisement He added that timely intervention of the police saved the suspects from a mob action. READ MORE: Lagos Police Arrest Woman Who Attempted To Kill Her Baby With Sniper Hundeyin said: While a passerby was making a phone call at 11.00 p.m., five young men in a tricycle accosted her and robbed her of her expensive phone. She quickly raised an alarm, prompting people around to go after the men. Three escaped while two were apprehended. Officers of the Bode Thomas Police Division got a wind of this and raced to the scene. They arrived quickly to rescue the suspects from an angry mob. The Federal Government, on Wednesday, disclosed the amount that it would amass following the hike in electricity tariff for Band A customers. About 2.5 million meters, the Government said, he would be installed this year in a bid to bridge the metering gap across the country and ensure consumers pay the right amount for electricity. Recall that the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the move by government to withdraw electricity subsidy from 15 per cent of power consumers in Nigeria would save the government about N1.1 trillion annually. Advertisement Onanuga had said the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration was poised to allow the price hike in electricity given its N450bn budget for energy subsidies in 2024. Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power had also said subsequently and in due time, there will be removal of electricity subsidy for other Band users. In a document on issues around the tariff hike, from the Power Ministry, Adelabus Media Aide, Bolaji Tunji, said the Ministry would save N1.5 trillion with the recent tariff adjustment. FG (Federal Government) to save N1.5tn with tariff adjustment. FG still subsidising Bands below A. Pricing change will help improve liquidity to the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry). Discos (power distribution companies) will be sanctioned for supplying less than 20 hours to Band A consumers, it read. READ ALSO: You Have No Authority To Sack Abure-Led NWC Labour Party Tells NLC The Ministry stated that the target of the Federal Government was to meter about 2.5 million unmetered power users across the country annually. The Presidential Meter Initiative aims to install a minimum of 2 2.5 million meters yearly within the next five years, it stated. Information Nigeria recalls that a September 2023 report by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission showed that out of the total 12,825,005 registered electricity customers in Nigeria, only 5,707,838 had meters, indicating that over 7.1 million registered customers were still subjected to the estimated billing system. To close this gap, the Federal Government established the Presidential Metering Initiative, which was announced by the Minister of Power at a briefing in Abuja. Adelabu had put the metering shortfall at about eight million, but stressed that the Federal Government was committed to eliminating estimated billing by the end of 2024 and close the gap within the space of three to five years, through the new initiative. Citizens are tired of estimated billing because it always leads to cheating between consumers, staff and company. Before the end of this year, we are looking at the possibility of ending estimated billing because we want transparency and objectivity in our billing system. We have up to eight million metering gap in Nigeria and what the initiative seeks to achieve is to close this gap within three to five years. This means that an average of two million meters are required on a yearly basis and achieving the target is compulsory for citizens to enjoy stable power supply, the minister had stated at a briefing in Abuja. No fewer than three persons have reportedly lost their lives while two others were injured in a lone crash around Fidiwo Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The lone crash, which said to have occurred at about 1:07 pm, on Wednesday, involved a green Toyota Jeep with number plate BDG213BJ and five occupants. Meanwhile, the Chief Routes Commander and Public Education officer of the Ogun state command of the Federal Roads Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, said that the cause of the crash was attributed to a deflated tyre which led to the vehicle crashing into the bridge. Advertisement She added that injured victims have been taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere Remo while the corpses of the dead have been deposited at FOS Morgue, Ipara Remo. READ MORE: One Feared Killed, Five Injured In Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Crash The statement partly reads: FRSC Ogunmakin Unit Command carried out a rescue operation on Lagos-Ibadan expressway around Fidiwo Bridge on a crash that occurred at about 1307hrs. A total of 05 persons were involved ( 04 male adult and 01 female adult) and 02 got injured while the remaining 03 were killed from the lone crash ( 02 male adult and 01 female adult). The cause of the lone crash was Tyre bust speed, which led to loss of control and the vehicle crash under the bridge The injured victims were taken to Victory Hospital Ogere, while the corpses were deposited at FOS Morgue, Ipara Remo. The Federal Government says members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) will get half of their withheld salaries should President Bola Tinubu approve the payment of their arrears. Tahir Mamman, Education Minister who stated this on Channels Televisions Politics Today programme on Wednesday, argued that NASU and SSANU were not on strike for the same period in 2022 as their academic counterparts, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Advertisement Recall that in March, SSANU and NASU members embarked on a one-week warning strike to protest their withheld salaries by the Federal Government. The two unions faulted the Federal Government for paying withheld salaries to ASUU while neglecting the non-academic unions. In reaction, the Education Minister said the government has been doing everything possible to get a relief for them. READ ALSO: Let Us Support Tinubu, Governors Buhari Begs Nigerians Asked what has delayed the payment to the non-academic members, he said, No, it has not been approved. There is a court judgement on no work, no pay. ASUU getting four months pay was actually a discretion and decision on the part of the President. So, it doesnt automatically transfer (to NASU and SSANU) but the matter is under consideration. Speaking on time specificity to the payment of the non-academic varsity staff members, Mamman said, I dont think it is safe to put a time on it but its safer to say that we are on it and we are pushing. And in any case, the non-academic staff, they were not on strike for the same period with the academic staff about four months or so. So, if they are getting payment, it is going to be half of that (payment), if the President will follow his precedent with the academic staff. On the claim of discrimination by NASU and SSANU, the minister said, That cannot be right, there is no rating. These are people working in the same terrain, they are doing different things but all working towards the same goal. I believe what happened was a communication problem, it wasnt deliberate to exclude them from that benefit. The Apache Software Foundation develops and maintains open source software projects that significantly impact various domains of computing, from web servers and databases to big data and machine learning. As the volume and velocity of time series data continue to grow, thanks to IoT devices, AI, financial systems, and monitoring tools, more and more companies will rely on the Apache ecosystem to manage and analyze this kind of data. This article provides a brief tour of the Apache ecosystem for time series data processing and analysis. It will focus on the FDAP stackFlight, DataFusion, Arrow, and Parquetas these projects particularly affect the transport, storage, and processing of large volumes of data. How the FDAP stack enhances data processing The FDAP stack brings enhanced data processing capabilities to large volumes of data. Apache Arrow acts as a cross-language development platform for in-memory data, facilitating efficient data interchange and processing. Its columnar memory format is optimized for modern CPUs and GPUs, enabling high-speed data access and manipulation, which is beneficial for processing time series data. A man kneels in prayer near the crime scene after multiple people were shot at an Eid al-Fitr gathering at Clara Muhammad Square in West Philadelphia Wednesday. Read more The park sat still and quiet Thursday morning. There were few signs of the gunfight that upended Clara Muhammad Square during an Eid al-Fitr celebration the previous day. The pairs of shoes flung aside, the prayer mats left behind, the baby strollers abandoned in panic all had been cleared out. Advertisement But at the Philadelphia Masjid next door, mosque members saw more to be done. The park is clean, yes, but its not about the park being clean, said Mecca Robinson, who runs a youth services nonprofit. Its about solutions. On what was supposed to be a festive day for Muslims as they gathered in the Parkside neighborhood by the hundreds to dine and unwind after the monthlong Ramadan fast, a barrage of at least 30 gunshots halted the celebration. Just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, laughter turned to screams, people ducked for cover behind trees and trashcans, and parents and children were separated in the chaos. Five people who police say took part in what they described as a feud-turned-shootout were charged Thursday morning with reckless endangerment and firearms violations. Police identified one suspect as Kahbir Oglesby-Hicks, 21, of Southwest Philadelphia, but authorities have not identified the four others, who are juveniles. Department spokesperson Sgt. Eric Gripp said the investigation was continuing as detectives reviewed video footage of the afternoon melee but because of the size of the crowd, found it difficult to discern who had fired the shots. Two people were shot in the cross fire a 22-year-old man shot in the stomach and a 15-year-old boy struck in the hand while another 15-year-old teen who police said had a gun was shot by a responding officer. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, as is customary, while the department investigates the shooting. In addition to Oglseby-Hicks, police arrested two 16-year-olds and two 15-year-olds, including the one who was shot by police. All remained in police custody, Gripp said. The police department does not typically identify juvenile suspects unless they are charged as adults. Officers recovered five guns from those who were arrested, police said, along with another weapon found on the ground. As investigators continued to review evidence Thursday, including officers body-worn camera footage and surveillance video from local businesses, they were working to determine whether any of the people in custody had taken part in the crime. Obviously, it was a very large and chaotic scene, Gripp said, so were still combing through the evidence and imploring the public to reach out to our tip line. Leaders at Philadelphia Masjid declined comment Thursday, saying they planned to hold a news conference Friday. Sadja Purple Blackwell, a mosque member who is running for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, said those involved in the shooting were not known to the community. She said the annual Eid event attracts people from across the city and no one is turned away. You cant say, Dont come, we dont know you, she said. But your beef needs to be handled another way. We need conflict resolutions [taught] in the schools to help these kids manage their trauma. Robinson and Blackwell joined dozens at the masjid on Thursday morning to try to make sense of a shooting that made international news. Gun violence has declined in Philadelphia, with homicides down 37% and aggravated assaults with a firearm down 18% over last year, according to police data. But events like this especially involving juveniles are a stark reminder of the work to be done, they said. Shootings involving multiple juvenile victims have been steadily rising. According to police data, there was only one shooting that involved multiple juvenile victims in 2015, but that figure rose to 24 shootings in 2022. Roughly one of 10 people arrested on shooting-related charges is now a juvenile, records show. Robinson, who runs a safe haven for at-risk youth, called for the city to fund more antiviolence and youth intervention programs. Such programs are not a replacement for stability at home, Blackwell added, noting that the community needs to support single parents and grandparents who are struggling to raise children. If were in our childrens bedroom, checking their beds, we know if theyre into some bad stuff, Blackwell said. We have to stop being scared of our children. We have to approach them with a strong hand. Amid a surge of Islamophobic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, news of Wednesdays shooting shocked and saddened Muslims across the city. Many mosques already hire security guards for Friday prayer services and throughout Ramadan, said Mohammed Shariff, 39, president of the Center City Mosque and a board member at United Muslim Mosque. Shariff said mosque leaders maintain a good rapport with law enforcement. Beyond that, however, he leans on prayer. Islamophobia is a reality. Gun violence in the city is a reality, he said. But we ultimately pray that God protects us, and we take every measure we can to make sure our people are safe. Staff writers Ellie Rushing and Rodrigo Torrejon contributed to this article. Like the screech of an owl, its hard to describe the Philly accent, but you know it when you hear it. To these ears, its finest occurrences in popular culture are the nasally, rambling intro to Bitchin Camaro by punk heroes The Dead Milkmen, and the supple mumbles of Kate Winslet in HBOs Mare of Easttown. Kate coming home at 10 p.m. with an armload of cheesesteaks just in case anybodys hungry and getting into yelling matches with Jean Smart? That is peak Delco dialect. But thats TV. When it comes to movies, most actors dont even try. Advertisement Mannequin, Trading Places, Rocky these films look like Philly, as established by The Inquirers 50 Best Philly Movies list but never really sound like it, with the possible exception of a few locals sprinkled around. Judging by their accents, nobody in Philadelphia is actually from Philadelphia. Of course, part of the issue is good old-fashioned code-switching. From an early age, we the people of the Delaware Valley have learned to tamp down our so-called hoagiemouth to blend in with the rest of the country. Outsiders dont understand us. Like, literally. When we say twenty they hear twunny. When we say towel they hear tao or tail. When we say water, they dont know what the hell were talking about. So we rein in those runaway ew sounds when we travel, and try not to say yous guys to people wed like to hire and/or respect us. Can you imagine if Brad Pitt had gone full Philly in World War Z? No one wouldve taken him seriously and wed all be zombies right now. (Zombies, I believe, have a Maryland accent.) Another problem is casting. Our fine local actors dont seem to get those fine local roles. (Quick! Somebody write a screenplay about the Great Latex Spill of 2023, starring DaVine Joy Randolph, David Morse, Colman Domingo, Kevin Bacon, and Tina Fey.) Of course, the Philadelphia accent has enjoyed/suffered some representation on the big screen over the years. You just have to know where to look, and what to listen for. Here then is a survey of the highs and lows of the hoagiemouth in Hollywood history. Toni Collette, The Sixth Sense (1999) Some say you can detect a slight thats-naught-a-knoife inflection here and there, but Id say the Aussie actress delivers the most finely tuned reproduction of a Philadelphia accent in movie history. Collette sands down her Ts and inhales her Os, and does it all with a blue-collar, weary-mom head tilt that just feels right. Given how many movies M. Night Shyamalan has made around here, of course hes represented on this list. But, looking over the Chester County directors oeuvre, youll be hard-pressed to see more than a few instances of the accent. Its just not a priority for him. Tessa Thompson, Creed (2015) Somehow an actress from Los freakin Angeles has to-date provided the most authentic example of hoagiemouth in the ever-expanding Rocky Cinematic Universe. Bianca taking Apollos kid out for steaks at Maxs and a lesson in the proper usage of jawn was a big moment for introducing certain aspects of Philly culture to the rest of the world for better or for worse. Given how frequently jawn has been slapped onto sandwiches and law firm billboards in the last decade, the mayor may need to intervene. Toni Collette, In Her Shoes (2005) When you got it, you got it. Watch the baby shower scene, its a lovely chorus of Delco/Main Line/Pennsport inflections. Sounds like a bunch of ducks tumbling down a waterfall. In a good way. Ed Harris, William Hurt, etc., A History of Violence (2005) Look, it was a good movie, and Im not begrudging William Hurt his Oscar nomination or his Sam Ash-greeter goatee, but this movie kept teasing the arrival of Philly mobsters and each one showed up yapping like central casting mooks. Meanwhile, Norristowns own Maria Bello played a Midwesterner and had to hide her light under a bushel basket. Robert DeNiro, Silver Linings Playbook (2012) A bit too North Jersey, Bob. And dont even get me started on The Irishman. Aint nobody got time for that. Jacki Weaver, Silver Linings Playbook (2012) Bradley Cooper had the hometown advantage, so let us instead sing the praises of another classy Aussie actress. Weaver dons an Iggles jersey and says Paat you owe us en apahlgy like a real-deal Delco mom-mom. Cozy as cold marinara on tomata pie. Australians know whats up. Nancy Allen, Blow Out (1981) The adorable actress warned The Inquirer a full year ahead of time that the Philly accent was too difficult, and that shed decided on a general New York-New Jersey-Philadelphia lower-class accent for Brian De Palmas Bicentennial thriller. A killer movie for seeing the city at its grittiest, but she and John Travolta sound like they were beamed in from off the set of Guys and Dolls. Mark Wahlberg, Invincible (2006) & The Happening (2008) Ben Affleck, State of Play (2009) Like COVID or whack-a-mole, the Boston accent keeps trying to fight its way back. Wahlberg had moderate success remembering to pronounce his Rs in his portrayal of Eagles great Vince Papale. Affleck, meanwhile, mightve bit off more than he could chew in his portrayal of a South Philly congressman in this 2009 political thriller. (The New York Times said he sounded as thick and inauthentic as low-fat cream cheese.) Michael C. Hall, In the Shadow of the Moon (2019) Dont sleep on this straight-to-streaming time line-twisting thriller from Pottstown-born director Jim Mickle. Then stay up all night thinking about Michael C. Halls accent. Is it great? Is it terrible? Is it weird because weve watched so much Dexter and know thats not how he talks? Do we find it insulting because we refuse to admit thats how we talk? Its thicc. Its divisive. But maybe it works? See, In the Shadow of the Moon is an intense, bizarre movie and it deserves an intense, bizarre acting choice. Theres a whole scene where Philly police cruisers come rolling along a beach. How did this happen? Is there a beach in Roxborough I dont know about? So weird. So byoo-dee-ful. Look at all that wooder. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker walks along Kensington Avenue in Philadelphia on Thursday after taking the El to attend an event in the Kensington neighborhood. Read more Mayor Cherelle L. Parker stepped off the El and into the largest open-air drug market on the East Coast. She had come to Kensington on Thursday, a regional epicenter of the opioid epidemic, to mark her 100th day in office and send a message: Change is on the way. Advertisement On the five-block walk from the Market-Frankford Line station at Allegheny Avenue to her event at Russell Conwell Middle School, Parker saw plenty of reasons why change was needed. She passed a line of tents and people lying on the street. Some were openly injecting drugs. One man held a bag of syringes. A woman filmed with her cellphone and said, Mayor Parker, we love you! and another held a baby out of a takeout window. One man yelled, We need help! We need housing! Parker said she heard him loud and clear. It reinforced a need for that holistic approach, she said. No matter how intractable or how insurmountable, everything we just witnessed, instead of making us weary, it just strengthens our resolve. In Kensington on Thursday, Parker, the citys 100th mayor and the first woman to take on the job, released her administrations much-anticipated plan to tackle public safety in the city, with aggressive goals such as reducing homicides to historic lows and ending the Kensington drug market. The 53-page plan focuses largely on the Police Department and says the Parker administration will aim to reduce the number of homicides in the city by 20%, cut down on stolen cars and retail theft by 50%, and add 129 new community police officers to the force. The plan details how her administration will hire more police officers amid a shortage of recruits. It also lays out ways to reduce violent crime, quell quality-of-life offenses such as illegal ATV use and retail theft, and to permanently shut down open-air drug markets such as the one in Kensington. And at the event at Conwell, in the same auditorium where she swore in Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel on her first day in office, Parker had many of the top officials in her administration provide updates on their policy areas: The city has reached a settlement with two manufacturers of untraceable ghost guns in which the companies agreed to halt online sales to Philadelphia for four years. The Office of Clean and Green Initiatives will partner with community organizations to clean every block in Philadelphia between June 3 and Aug. 26. Blocks that score high on the administrations litter index will be prioritized. Parker closed the event by saying that, while she was on stage, her administration had reached an agreement with Sheriff Rochelle Bilal that will allow sheriffs sales of seized properties to resume for the first time in years. Parkers plans for Kensington The focus of the day was, intentionally, on Kensington. Chief of Staff Tiffany W. Thurman and other administration officials joined Parker on her walk from the El and said seeing people express support for the mayors approach was energizing. It is a hope revival that were seeing, she said. Its organic. Its not something that were drumming up. This is just the first 100 days, and there is a lot left to be done. The strategy for Kensington includes a significant law enforcement component, including for officers to arrest anyone seen using illegal narcotics, a major departure for the neighborhood, where open drug use has been rampant for years. According to Parkers plan, the administrations Kensington strategy will include ending narcotics sales and open drug use, targeting corners with high levels of gun violence, removing the presence of drug users, and ending the neighborhoods reputation as the narcotics destination of Philadelphia. The plan says drug users will be offered diversionary services, meaning they can be connected to recovery services in order to avoid criminal charges. READ MORE: How Kensington, growing pains, and unexpected crises defined Mayor Parkers first 100 days The administration intends to employ a five-part process that begins with warning people living on the streets that this will be the final opportunity to take advantage of shelter and treatment services prior to enforcement efforts. The remaining steps include a multi-day initiative during which police will arrest people for drugs, sex work, and quality-of-life crimes; securing the neighborhood, including with barricades on sidewalks to discourage camping; community transition, meaning the city will seek funding to ensure stability; and sustainability, when the Police Department will decrease the presence of officers to avoid the perception of overpolicing. Parkers administration has for months said she would provide more specific details about her approach to crime by her 100th day in office, a deadline she set in an executive order she signed shortly after being inaugurated. Managing Director Adam K. Thiel said the administration is working with hospitals and recovery services to increase the number of drug treatment options in the city, acknowledging, We dont have enough beds for hundreds of people who are in addiction and living in Kensington. He said Parkers administration is attempting to build capacity ahead of the major effort to clear the neighborhood, but he ultimately sees expanding capacity for treatment in the city as a five-year effort. We need to build the rest of the continuum for long-term care, treatment and housing. Talk about a major endeavor, he said. This is an all-hands-on-deck effort. I feel extremely vulnerable During her remarks, Parker said that in the lead-up to her 100th day, she has often been asked how she is feeling. If Im being very truthful and direct with you, the emotion that I have felt the most when Ive been in that historic office sitting in that chair, Parker said, I feel extremely vulnerable. The mayor said people discouraged her from sharing that because, as the first woman in that role, she might be seen as weak. Parker said she chose to do so anyway to communicate that she needs help from others to accomplish her goals. Its a common refrain shes employed since the campaign trail. The fact of the matter is that none of it becomes a reality just because the mayor says so, she said. Its about assembling a talented group. Staff writer Ellie Rushing contributed to this article. A painting of Emmett Till is displayed at a new exhibit, "Twin Flames: The George Floyd Uprising from Minneapolis to Phoenix," at Arizona State University Art Museum, in Tempe, Arizona on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. For months after George Floyd was killed by police in May 2020, people from around the world traveled to the site of his murder in Minneapolis and left signs, paintings and poems to memorialize the man whose death reignited a movement against systemic racism. Now hundreds of those artifacts are being displayed at an exhibit at the Arizona State University Art Museum. (AP Photo/Cheyanne Mumphrey) Read more Three days. Thats how long 14-year-old Emmett Till, a Black teen from Chicago, had been in Money, Miss., to visit with relatives for the summer before a trip to a small grocery store would lead to Tills kidnapping and murder on Aug. 28, 1955. The kidnapping, beating and murder of Till, for whistling at a white woman would become an international story and a turning point in the modern-day Civil Rights Movement. Advertisement Thats what Ronald Collins, a retired law professor and the author of a new book,Tragedy on Trial: The Story of the Infamous Emmett Till Murder Trial, believes. At noon Thursday, in one of the National Constitution Centers Americas Town Hall programs, Collins will discuss The Legacy of Emmett Till: From Tragedy to Activism, with Janai Nelson, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. The program will be moderated by Thomas Donnelly, chief content officer at the Constitution Center. To attend the free, virtual discussion, people should register here. Or visit https://constitutioncenter.org/ to register. Both Ron and Janai have done so much to educate Americans about the history of the Civil Rights Movement and were looking forward to learning from both of them, Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center, said in an email. Rosa Parks said this {Till murder} is what influenced her to take a stand in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Collins said in an interview. This is really a turning point in the modern Civil Rights movement. The Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama began on Dec. 5, 1955, a few days after Parks was arrested on Dec. 1 for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. Only a few months earlier, on Sept. 23, Roy Bryant and his half-brother, John William J.W. Milam, the two white men charged with killing Till and tossing his body in the Tallahatchie River, had been found not guilty by an all-white jury. READ MORE: Julia Chaney-Moss, sister of slain civil rights worker James Chaney, talks the other Philadelphia Collins, who once taught constitutional law at Temple Universitys Beasley School of Law, had just retired from teaching at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle, when he and his wife embarked on a tour of Civil Rights sites in the South, four years ago, just before the COVID-10 pandemic struck. He said they were inside the Tallahatchie County Courthouse in Sumner, Miss., on the tour listening to a guide talk about the Till murder trial, when he realized he did not know much about the case. I was sitting in the courtroom thinking, This is where it happened, " Collins told the Inquirer. Collins left the court room wanting to hear more about the story. That night, I was on the Internet starting my research. I wasnt planning to write a book at that point. I just wanted to know more about the trial. As a retired professor, Collins, who lives in Lewes, Del., said he couldnt stop researching the case. What he learned was that the official transcript of the trial had been lost for nearly 50 years, and had not resurfaced until 2004. Then, an original transcript was lost in a flood and it was discovered that a former juror had a copy of a copy. He said the FBI has scrutinized the transcript and authenticated it. But it was not made public until 2007. The court reporter during the trial had not bothered to record the closing arguments in the case. Collins said he had to go to the Black newspapers and magazines that covered the trial to piece together the closing arguments. A lot of things were hidden about that case, he said. Even the famous account of the trial by the journalist William Bradford Huie that appeared in Look Magazine in 1956, was later found to have been falsified, with other suspects who took part in Tills murder kept out of the story. It was later found that Huie had paid the two defendants, Milam and Bryant. It was Bryants wife, Carolyn whom Till had whistled at. Carolyn Bryant, who years later admitted Till had not touched her, died in April 2023. Collins said if any of the major case books about constitutional law that are taught in law schools mention the Emmett Till case, they dont go beyond a sentence or two. The reason is because it was not a U.S. Supreme Court case. If youre studying civil rights or constitutional law, you cant simply limit it to what the Supreme Court does, Collins said. The constitution doesnt just exist in a document or case law, its in what people did, like when Mamie Till-Bradley (later Mamie Till-Mobley) decided to have an open casket funeral for her son, he said. Its when the photographer David Jackson went to the funeral home after Tills body was taken back to Chicago and took pictures of his beaten and disfigured body, and its when Robert Johnson, the publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines made the decision to publish those photos. What the Black press was doing wasnt reaching the Caucasian world, he said. But the fact that Mamie Till had the open casket funeral, that meant the rest of the world saw what was happening to Black people. Shameka Sawyer (left) and her nephew, Amir Taylor, 19, pose for a portrait near her home in Philadelphia. Sawyer founded the 5 Shorts Project, an initiative that teaches filmmaking to BIPOC youth. Taylor recently worked on a short film as part of the project. Read more Shameka Sawyer has good memories of growing up in Germantown. Neighbors were tight on her familys block of Belfield Avenue. People looked out for each other, cared for one another, and good luck trying to get away with anything. Advertisement But she also has some memories that arent so positive. Hardworking men and women she grew up around got caught in the crack epidemic of the 1990s, and disagreements that were once settled with fists escalated to gunfire. In the last four years alone, there have been 242 shootings so far in Germantown including one that claimed her youngest brothers life in 2020. On June 1, Allen Taylor, 34, was shot and killed just half a block from the home he shared with his mother and son. Nearly four years later, his death remains another of the citys many unsolved homicides. Sawyer, 46, found herself wrestling with uncomfortable feelings about the neighborhood she once proudly called home. Families, including her own, have come and gone. (Shed since moved over the neighborhood border to West Oak Lane. Her mother joined her a year after her brother was killed.) But they were well-known around the area, and everyone knew her brother, an aspiring musician who was building a clothing line. Someone, she thought, must have seen or heard something. So why had no one come forward? Where was the neighborhood love and loyalty she felt when she grew up there? Angry and disappointed, the Philadelphia filmmaker, who in 2014 created the 5 Shorts Project to teach filmmaking to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) youth, turned to her camera the one thing that always helped her make sense of the world. She did the same thing right after her brother was killed. Then, she produced a poignant video that was part eulogy, part love letter to a lost sibling. Now, she turned the camera on the community she felt herself pulling away from. I wanted to take back that power, she told me. I felt like I gave the power away to whoever did this to my brother to change my feelings about a place I used to love. And I wanted to change that narrative for myself. She started by going to the old Mallery Playground on East Johnson Street, close to where her brother was shot, and remembering the day her brother recorded a music video there with a bunch of neighborhood kids in the background. He was so excited, and the kids were so excited, she said. I remembered that moment, and I thought, you know what? That was a beautiful moment, and there are beautiful things here in Germantown. And I just want to focus on amplifying that, amplifying the beauty of Germantown, because I cant blame the area for what happened. It was a person that did this. It wasnt the area. She and a group of her young filmmakers are creating a series of one-minute promotional videos on Instagram about Germantown businesses in collaboration with Germantown Info Hub, including Our House Culture Center, a community art and event space, ARTrageous Brush and Flow, a creative and paint and sip studio, and Dgriot, a community gallery and cafe. Sawyer wanted to call attention to small businesses that serve as staples and safe havens in communities all over the city. But she also wanted the videos to serve as a reminder of how much more lies beyond the statistics and headlines. That resonated with me. There isnt a day that goes by where I dont hear from someone who usually doesnt live in Philadelphia writing off the city based on its worst moments, as if any of them, however horrible, is the sum of a metropolis of more than 1.5 million people. And yet, here was someone who had legitimate reasons to give up on her old neighborhood, instead choosing to amplify its better parts even while the citys gun violence continues to threaten her family. A year after her brother was gunned down, his then-16-year-old son was shot. And while the cases dont seem to be related, no one has been identified in that shooting, either. Amir Taylor is 19 now and is one of the projects participants. He shares some of his aunts feelings of disappointment. There are times, he told me, when he gets a sense that people might be holding back. But even if one day someone does choose to help them get justice, he said, it wont bring my father back. That is the sad reality that no amount of healing or community outreach can change. But there is also something else something thats easy to lose sight of on our worst days, like the one we had on Wednesday, when what was supposed to be a joyful Eid al-Fitr celebration in a West Philadelphia park ended in chaos, leaving three people shot, five arrested, and the citys Muslim community shaken. The comments all over social media and in my inbox were as damning as they were predictable, so I was glad to hear from Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. In comments he made at the scene of the shooting, he didnt hold back when he blamed the culture of youth gun violence for disrupting an otherwise peaceful celebration. But he was also quick to say they were not representative of the people who had gathered to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Ninety-nine percent of the individuals at this event are good people, he said. In Philadelphias seemingly endless cycle of calamity and chaos, we tend to overlook the good in our city and instead focus our attention on the bad because, frankly, some days there is an overabundance of bad, and no amount of positivity alone will make us safer. But even on days when individuals or individual acts are dragging us down, threatening to pull us under, we should do our best to remember that there are always more of us putting in the work, keeping the faith, and believing we can rise above. Members of Blacks for Trump gather outside the E. Barrett Prettyman Federal Courthouse in Washington on Aug. 3. Read more When I consider the mixed picture painted by some recent polls about the 2024 election, including some that say more Black people are backing former President Donald Trump than ever before, I wonder: What is going on? Consider, for example, a New York Times/Siena poll, released last month, which showed Trumps support among Black voters has spiked to 23% a dramatic shift, given that only 8% of Black voters opted for Trump over President Joe Biden in 2020. A recent Quinnipiac poll reported the exact same rate of support for Trump 23% among Black voters. Advertisement If these polls are true, then one in four Black voters is a Trump supporter which boggles my mind, considering his history of racist remarks. To make sense of whats going on, I reached out to Christopher Towler of the Black Voter Project, an organization that seeks to provide accurate survey data for Black U.S. voters. He told me he doesnt have much faith in what the current polls are saying, since they arent polling enough Black people to get an accurate picture. I havent seen a poll that has more than 600 Black folk in it where support for Trump is above 10% or 11%, which is pretty much the sort of historical standard for Black support for Republican candidates, said Towler, a cofounder of the Black Insights Research firm. Although theres an awful lot the Biden administration has done that will help Black people, much of it doesnt have an immediate, direct impact. For instance, last year the federal government announced a new rule that aims to overhaul long-term racial discrimination by agencies that offer home loans, forcing banks to increase loans to borrowers seeking to buy in lower-income communities. But the rule doesnt go into effect until 2026. Whats more, many of the other changes under Biden such as the low unemployment rate, expansion of the child tax credits, and building transportation infrastructure dont just benefit Black voters. They benefit everyone, which can make it more challenging for African Americans to point to specifically how Biden is working for our interests. Then theres the stalled passage of both the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act not that thats Bidens fault. Also, prices for consumer goods remain stubbornly higher than they were three years ago. Again, not Bidens fault. For me, Im not worried about them voting for Trump. Im worried about them staying home because theres nothing really worth voting for for either party, said Towler, an assistant history professor at California State University, Sacramento. READ MORE: Support for Trump has spiked among Black voters. Why? I asked some to find out. | Jenice Armstrong I ended the call with Towler feeling nervous. My attempts to understand Black people living in our area who say theres no way theyll vote for Biden arent helping. Time and again, these Black voters listed reasons why they were disillusioned with Biden that are often easily refutable with a fact-check. But, as weve seen before, perception will always beat reality. For instance, Kensington resident James Whitehead told me he supports Trump for two simple reasons: One, I like the realism. Two, hes a businessman. (Even though his companies have filed for bankruptcy multiple times.) Whitehead, who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020 (but Barack Obama in 2012), said he is also disappointed by Bidens handling of the ongoing border crisis and the economy. He doesnt believe the boasts about a record number of new jobs having been created under the current administration. I dont see it. I still see people struggling to make ends meet, said Whitehead. In other words, it doesnt matter that the Biden administration says he has lowered the unemployment rate among Black workers and narrowed the gap between Black and white unemployment to record levels what matters is perception. Whitehead, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for City Council to represent the 7th District in 2022 and is running again, also identifies with how Trump is an unconventional candidate for president. Hes far from perfect, he added. But the imperfect for him makes him perfect for me because ... hes not your average politician. Ill say. Like the time in February when Trump told Black conservatives in South Carolina he thought Black voters are supporting him because they can relate to his criminal indictments. To me, that sounded ridiculous. But to some African Americans, Trumps comments were spot on. Armand James, 40, told me: The more they target [Trump], the more people identify with him. Ive heard this multiple times ... If theyre doing this to him, and hes a billionaire and hes white, then its like we really dont have a chance. James, who intends to vote for Trump in November, also is attracted to traditional Republican causes, such as gun rights. We need to protect ourselves when we go into the Wawa or we go into the gas station, said James, who lives in West Oak Lane. You want to be able to make money and have low taxes. We want to build a strong family foundation. James said that when he is in the barbershop, he often hears fellow customers speak with disdain about the president. Its like hes inept and he doesnt care about what we care about, James said. Then there is James Lowrie, a Germantown-based photographer who is leaning toward voting for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is running as an independent. I truly think Biden kind of needs to retire, said Lowrie, 35. No shade to his age or anything like that. But he doesnt seem to be quite there. He has lost a step. (Biden is 81. Kennedy is 70.) Tiffany Vann, a 28-year-old conservative blogger based in Claymont, Del., told me she is tired of hearing about programs. Where are the opportunities? Thats why I lean Republican. They are providing jobs. I didnt explain how Democrats in the White House tend to create more jobs than Republicans. Because, again, its perception that matters. All of the above is why Im so antsy about November. Granted, with eight months to go, a lot could shift. But the more I talk to certain folks, the more I wonder just how solidly the Black base will turn out for Biden. The Editorial Board recommends former state auditor general Eugene DePasquale for state attorney general in the Democratic primary. Read more There were some shameful years when the phrase scandal-plagued best described the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. In fact, two attorneys general went to prison. Ernest D. Preate Jr., a Republican from Scranton, pleaded guilty in 1995 to one count of mail fraud for taking secret campaign contributions from illegal video poker game operators. Kathleen Kane, a Democrat from Scranton, was convicted in 2016 of perjury, obstruction, and other counts after leaking secret investigative files to embarrass a rival prosecutor. Advertisement Josh Shapiro followed Kane and quickly set about reforming the office and taking on powerful interests. He exposed decades of child abuse and cover-up in the Roman Catholic Church and helped negotiate a $26 billion settlement with makers and distributors of opioid painkillers. Shapiros finest hour came in defending a barrage of lawsuits by then-President Donald Trump, who attempted to overturn the 2020 election. Shapiro was elected governor in 2022, leaving big shoes to fill. Fortunately, voters in the Democratic primary on April 23 can choose from five strong candidates: Keir Bradford-Grey, the former Philadelphia chief public defender; Eugene DePasquale, a former state auditor general and three-term state representative; Joe Khan, a former Bucks County solicitor; Jared Solomon, a state representative from Northeast Philadelphia; and Jack Stollsteimer, the district attorney in Delaware County. All five contenders make a compelling case, but one candidate edged out the others. The Inquirer endorses Eugene DePasquale for attorney general in the Democratic primary. DePasquale, 52, was born in Pittsburgh and now lives in York County, where he served as the director of economic development for the city of York. He went on to serve as a state representative from York from 2007 to 2013. DePasquale was then elected auditor general, where he used the office to improve the health and safety of residents across Pennsylvania. DePasquale investigated the state Department of Environmental Protections lax oversight of Marcellus Shale drilling to ensure the water supply was not compromised. A 2016 audit found a backlog of thousands of rape kits that had gone untested by local law enforcement, hampering the ability to solve sexual assault crimes. Increased funding helped reduce the backlog by 97%. Following a mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, DePasquale released a report in 2018 that outlined ways to reduce gun violence, which included increased mental health support and gun safety training. DePasquale, who received his law degree from Widener University, lacks experience as a prosecutor. But so did Shapiro, who was an excellent attorney general. DePasquale has other strengths. He managed a large state office and served as its public face. That experience may be more valuable since the attorney general oversees the office and rarely tries cases. More importantly, throughout DePasquales tenure as auditor general, he demonstrated independence and fairness two important attributes for any prosecutor. In these times of deep political partisanship, DePasquale, as auditor general, stood up to both Republican and Democratic governors. If elected, DePasquales top priorities are protecting democracy, defending the right to abortion, and protecting the environment. He is committed to combating violent crime but wants wrongdoers battling addiction to also get treatment. Defending election integrity and abortion rights are especially important as Trump and Republicans at the state and federal level continue a yearslong assault on the right to vote and womens reproductive rights. DePasquales willingness to go after influential polluters is also needed to protect the health and safety of residents, and to combat climate change. While the other Democratic candidates for attorney general are well qualified, DePasquale has one other big advantage: He is the only candidate who has been elected in statewide races. In fact, DePasquale was elected statewide twice including in 2016 when Trump won Pennsylvania. Given the high stakes, it is important that voters choose a proven winner. DePasquale is the best choice for attorney general in the Democratic primary. Gov. Josh Shapiro, pictured with President Joe Biden last year, attended the White House state dinner Wednesday night. Read more Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro attended the White House state dinner Wednesday night with other high-profile guests. With cherry blossoms galore, the dinner celebrated the relationship between the United States and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended the event with his wife Yuko Kishida. A tool of U.S. diplomacy, state dinners are hosted sparingly and saved for the nations closest allies. Advertisement The Shapiros were among more than 200 guests, including the Clintons, Jeff Bezos, and members of the Biden family. Paul Simon, who is one of first lady Jill Bidens favorite artists, performed. The Japanese prime minister is also a fan. Shapiro has been growing his national profile and, while he says he is focused on his current job, is often named as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. He is expected to be a key surrogate to President Joe Bidens campaign in Pennsylvania this year. READ MORE: Josh Shapiro took Harrisburg. Is D.C. next? Shapiro won a decisive victory in the 2022 election, bringing in support from across the political spectrum in a divided swing state. He has maintained support even when Pennsylvanians are doubtful about the state of government. The governor has vowed to do whatever it takes to get Biden reelected, and his attendance Wednesday night shows that their alliance remains strong. Manuel Bonder, a spokesperson for Shapiro, said the governor and first lady were honored to attend the dinner. Japan is a critical partner to our Commonwealth with hundreds of firms investing in Pennsylvania and helping to create thousands of jobs and the Governor was proud to be there, promoting the Commonwealths connections with our ally Japan, Bonder said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker arrives in City Council chambers to deliver her first budget address on March 14, 2024. Read more During last years election, it was far from clear that Cherelle L. Parker would become known as the mayor who tried to clean up Kensington. But in her first 100 days in office, Parker has leaned in to addressing the crisis, and it now feels inevitable that her legacy will be tied in part to the fate of the beleaguered neighborhood. Advertisement Its part of a pattern during the early days of Parkers administration. Many politicians generate buzz with flashy promises on the campaign trail, only to temper expectations once theyre sworn in. Parker has seemingly done the opposite. READ MORE: Digging into the top issues of Mayor Cherelle Parkers first 100 days, from Kensington to public safety Despite winning an ultra-competitive Democratic primary and making history in the process, Parkers campaign last year never built the type of hype that might be expected for Phillys first female mayor. And her candidacy wasnt defined by a specific policy proposal, aside from perhaps her controversial embrace of stop-and-frisk policing. Both of those dynamics have changed since she was sworn in on New Years Day. Parkers profile is now much higher than when she was a candidate and her goal of ending the open-air drug market in Kensington has become a central issue for her administration and for the city as a whole. In an interview about her first 100 days, Parker repeatedly brought up Kensington without prompting. She said she was surprised by the lack of coordination between the programs and services meant to help residents there and wants to implement a comprehensive, long-term plan for reviving it. Ive been here 99 days, and what has been allowed to become the status quo, standard operating procedure for how life is lived in the Kensington area, it didnt happen in a day, she said. I know were not going to fix it in a day. This administration has been intentional. Former City Councilmember Maria Quinones Sanchez, who represented Kensington for 15 years before running for mayor last year, said it was striking that Parker is staking so much on such an intractable problem. The most important part of her putting political equity on the table about Kensington was that the residents were craving someone who said it was important and that they were important, Quinones Sanchez said. But while Parkers plans for Kensington have grabbed the publics attention, inside City Hall there has been an undercurrent of frustration with the administrations way of doing business. Parker has taken an unusually long time to make appointments. Her communications office has required city agencies to submit press inquiries and social media posts for review, creating a bottleneck that has slowed information. And Parkers lofty goals have not yet been accompanied by detailed plans, leading some Council members to become frustrated about vague funding requests during ongoing budget negotiations. One Council source, who requested anonymity to protect relationships with the administration, said Parkers team appears to still be playing catch-up from Parkers slow pace of hiring top officials. Theyre overwhelmed, the person said. Theyre solving day-to-day problems, while planning for the future, while still trying to hire people. Parker said her deliberative and, compared to her recent predecessors, slow process for hiring top officials was the result of her desire to ensure she had the right team. You say, Cherelle, whats your goal? What your objective? she said. Deliver a government to the people of Philadelphia that they can see, touch, and feel, where they can see their tax dollars at work in their neighborhoods. Her mayors office Parker was moving a mile a minute when she entered the mayors office for the first time as its occupant. The walls were barren in the carpeted wood-paneled room on the second floor of City Hall, and there was no furniture aside from a large desk and rows of chairs facing it. It was Jan. 2, and Parker had just come from delivering a thunderous inaugural address to a crowd of hundreds at the Met Philadelphia and swearing in Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel at a ceremony in Kensington. After she sat down at her desk, Parker was all business. She launched into an outline of policy plans, she signed three executive orders on civil service job requirements, business permits, and public safety and she parried reporters questions. Then she was asked how it felt to be the first woman to hold the mayors office, and she suddenly fell silent. Im numb right now, she said after a pause. But what Im extremely mindful and cognizant of are the number of little girls and boys that Ive seen today who grabbed me and wanted to take a picture with me, who come from neighborhoods and places where they probably never thought somebody like them could ever do something like this. One-hundred days later, there is still little on the walls, but the room has started to fill in, including a bookcase of thick binders containing reports and speeches Parker has annotated by hand: her five-year city budget plan, her speech to the Chamber of Commerce, and one that read stadiums research on the spine. She has also lined up things to be hung, including a portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., a photo of her making her first speech in the State House, and her diplomas from Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania. New strategy and leadership in Kensington More than 200 people, many in police whites, crammed into a room at the police station near Kensington in January to see Captain Pedro Rosario get promoted. Rosario, who was named the citys first deputy commissioner to be solely focused on Kensington, entered the room to uproarious applause. His loved ones shed tears, residents yelled felicidades, and Parker told Rosario to take a moment to feel it. Kensington for a very long time has been not a priority, Rosario, who spent most of his career in the neighborhood, told the crowd. With the leadership that we have in place, were moving in a direction to make it a priority. Naming Rosario was the first major move the administration made to change the strategy in Kensington. Parker has also partnered with Council members on legislation to address conditions in the neighborhood, and shes boosted outreach in the neighborhood ahead of a planned homeless encampment clearing. READ MORE: Philadelphia could establish a triage center for people in addiction within weeks, official says She said she was surprised some stakeholders city departments, hospitals, and addiction treatment providers werent already working together, saying her administration is building out that ecosystem that doesnt exist. Quinones Sanchez said Parker understands the situation is the result of a lot of bad policy and disinvestment. I cant tell you how much easier my job would have been if I had had just that as a Council person, she said. Parker drew criticism after vowing no city dollars would fund syringe exchange services, which have operated in the city for decades. And some advocates have said her approach could effectively criminalize addiction and homelessness. Parker said her plan will be holistic and her decision-making is driven by longtime residents. There are some people who will tell you that the people who live in Kensington, the long-term owner occupants, they have an outsized impact on my thinking, she said. I dont apologize for that. Theyre right. Effective IMMEDIATELY The email wasnt subtle. To be absolutely clear, NO MEDIA INTERVIEWS, SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS, OR STATEMENTS OF ANY, KIND-UNTIL/UNLESS APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY MAYORS COMMUNICATIONS, Managing Director Adam Thiel wrote Jan. 18 to agency leaders. It doesnt appear Parkers office has punished employees who have used the citys social media accounts to post basic information without permission. But the email nonetheless became shorthand to refer to a new dynamic the administration has brought to City Hall. Decision-making is concentrated among a handful of Parkers top aides, the flow of information is often laborious, and many outside the mayors inner circle are frustrated by the pace of action. Parker is very much still in her honeymoon period, and almost no one in local politics is willing to criticize her publicly. But many in and around City Hall privately express frustration about working with the administration. One person who works in local politics said that analysis paralysis is holding them back. Clearly their top-heavy structure is set up to be very deliberative, but the result is that typical government decisions that are normally resolved quickly and dont need to be pondered over are taking a very long time to be resolved, the person said. A former official, whose tenure spanned the Kenney administration and the beginning of Parkers, said the new administration has added layers of approvals even for routine matters. Theres a lot of frustration on the inside. Morale is becoming an issue, said the former official, who was not authorized to speak publicly about their time in the administration. Part of the dynamic is undoubtedly growing pains. But Parker also speaks openly about her deliberative decision-making and her caution with media. Parker has acknowledged her style is new and that her drawn-out hiring process ruffled some feathers. The process was lengthy. I do get some jokes about that, she said. I get a lot of communication with people who talk about some processes that we have established, but Im focused on getting the right people in place who understand the vision. A violent week in March Two hours after school let out in Northeast Philadelphia, Parker and Bethel stood in a downpour. It was early March, and eight Northeast High students had been wounded in a shooting at a bus stop two days after five people were shot at another bus stop near Imhotep Institute Charter High School. Three children were struck in that shooting, including a 17-year-old who died. Under a line of umbrellas, Parker looked into the television cameras and delivered a pointed message: We will not be held hostage. We will use every legal tool in the toolbox to ensure the public health and safety of the people in our city. When a reporter asked if that toolbox includes stop-and-frisk, the controversial police tactic that Parker embraced while on the campaign trail, Bethel responded with palpable frustration. Is this the moment in time? We have 11 children shot, he said, then ended the news conference. Such is the balance Parker is attempting to strike on public safety. She has vowed to end lawlessness, but has also promised to take a blended approach to crime prevention that goes beyond law enforcement. After the shootings, Parker summoned elected officials, police, and victims advocates for an emergency meeting. And she met with a family of one of the victims, saying hearing from those most impacted further reinforces the sense of urgency I have around making sure that we build systems and structures that prevent crime. Still, Parkers timeline has been tested by high-profile incidents that have prompted outcry for fast change. In January, a scuffle at a corner store left a man dead and an officer wounded. Another officer was shot the same week while serving a warrant. The bus stop shootings came in a week when there were four instances of gunfire on or near SEPTA. Those crises, she said, reminded her that at any minute something could happen. Your well-made plans can just be put on the back burner to deal with an immediate crisis, Parker said. Ten minutes after the interview ended Wednesday, hundreds of people who gathered in West Philadelphia to celebrate Eid al-Fitr were sent running. A shootout erupted. Staff writer Max Marin contributed to this article. The saga started as most community disputes do with a complaint from a neighbor. The owners of a century-old Chadds Ford home on 43 acres listed their property on Airbnb for short-term rental. A year ago, a neighbor complained about multifamily gatherings and loud parties, drinking, shouting, music, and the like. Advertisement Chadds Ford officials eventually decided the property owners were violating local law. Just this year, theyve fined the homeowners more than $17,000. Keep scrolling for that story and to see which places in Pennsylvania became million-dollar communities for the first time, find out where in Philadelphia a Council member is pushing for more development, and peek inside a Willow Grove home that doubles as a puppy training site. Have you designed or renovated your home with pets in mind? For a chance to be featured in my newsletter, email me. Michaelle Bond If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Im staying at an Airbnb on vacation with friends this week. You may have stayed in one, too. Policymakers across the country have blamed short-term rentals for contributing to a lack of housing for long-term renters and home buyers, and neighbors in many places have complained about disruption of their peace and quiet. Philadelphia and other municipalities have passed regulations. Chadds Ford officials determined the Airbnb listing on Smithbridge Road violated local zoning rules and filed a civil complaint in court. The owners argued that what they were doing wasnt banned and kept renting the wooded property. As the case waits to go to trial, the owners recently took down their Airbnb listing. But not before officials wrote 36 citations and fined them $17,000. Keep reading for the twists and turns of this case and why the property owners arent giving up the idea of renting out their home. What comes to mind when you think of the Main Line? Im betting high on the list are the pricey homes. I would have thought that a bunch of Main Line spots would make Zillows recurring list of million-dollar communities places where the typical home is valued at $1 million or more. Especially with the way home prices have been climbing, thanks to limited supply and continuing buyer demand. But no community in Pennsylvania had made Zillows list until now. In February, typical home values in two places on the Main Line hit $1 million and kept going: Gladwyne and Villanova. The median household incomes in both of their zip codes are so high that the Census Bureau just lists them as 250,000+ its highest income tier. Keep reading to see the value of the typical home in Gladwyne and Villanova and in the South Jersey Shore towns that made the million-dollar communities list again. The latest news to pay attention to When I was in high school, I wrote a couple stories for my hometown newspaper, the Burlington County Times. One of those stories was about my classmate, Jamie, who was training a Seeing Eye dog. Nicole Mumma trains guide dogs for the New Jersey-based nonprofit at her home in Willow Grove. She said shes grateful to live in the kind of home where she can work with the animals she loves. And that wasnt always a guarantee. She used to live with her family in a four-bedroom, 2,500-square-foot Colonial in Abington. After she and her husband separated, she and her children moved to their three-bedroom, 1,300-square-foot house in Willow Grove. In the uncertain time between moves, the family stayed with a friend but couldnt have their dog with them. Now, the puppies Mumma trains hang out near her feet while she sits in her office chair, which she calls the command center. Despite that title, Mumma isnt sweating the details when it comes to home renovations. Her former home was supposed to be the forever home, and everything mattered, she said. Now, she said, she knows, your house is always going to be a work in progress. Peek inside the familys home and awww at the cute puppies. Trivia time A developer for Dill Dinkers Pickleball is bringing indoor courts to Montgomery County. More than 25 courts are expected to open this summer at two sites that total 84,000 square feet. Question: Which two municipalities are getting the courts? A) Upper Merion and Ambler B) Lansdale and Hatboro C) Conshohocken and Narberth D) Pottstown and Jenkintown This story has the answer. Photo quiz Do you know the location this vintage Philly photo shows? Hint: Its a beloved watering hole that was recently in the news. If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter. Last weeks photo showed the Spirit of Transportation sculpture in the north waiting room at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. Lots of readers got that one. Ill shout out Joe C., who told me he worked there for 11 great years with wonderful people; Lars W. and Jeffrey B., who knew the name of the artwork and the artist; and Rick M. Rick said, The first time you make the long walk to the mens room from the main concourse, you have to slow down a bit in awe: What is this incredible thing back here? Heres to moments of awe in the places where we find ourselves. Enjoy the rest of your week. By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10. 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 Psut is also a proponent of proactive industry engagement and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge to navigate the swiftly changing currents of the insurance world. She encourages a culture of conversation, reading, and inquiry among her peers to better anticipate and adapt to the evolving needs of the insurance sectors she serves. RACQ and LifeFlight have always shared a vision and commitment to help Queenslanders in times of need by ensuring access to the very best medical service, he said. We remain just as proud today as we were all those years ago to have our brand associated with such a purpose-driven cause which makes a vital difference to the lives of many Queenslanders. Netball is a wonderful community from grassroots to elite, with strong connections throughout, and its great to have long-term partners like HCF committed to the sport and womens health issues, she said. We commend HCFs efforts in raising awareness of important health topics, as well as our players for their participation and advocacy for womens health, IRLAs expansion to Bermuda is notable, with the nation standing out as a key player in the global insurance and reinsurance market. According to BMA filings and information shared with IRLA Bermuda, the legacy market in Bermuda oversees more than $30 billion in property and casualty insurance liabilities and provides over 100 jobs locally. The Americas represents over 60% of our markets total premium and as we look to increase our presence, it is vital that we have the right people on the ground to deliver our ambitions, said John Neal, CEO of Lloyds. The appointment of Dawn and Marc to their new roles will strengthen our position to offer current and new stakeholders the best underwriting and investment platform in the world. I would also like to thank Hank for his valuable work over the last 15 years at Lloyds. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said on Wednesday it was opening an investigation into a March 3 fatal crash between a Ford F.N Mustang Mach-E and two stationary cars on the I-95 interstate highway in Philadelphia. In March, the NTSB said it was investigating the use of an advanced driver assistance system in a Ford Mustang Mach-E that was involved in a Feb. 24 fatal crash in San Antonio, Texas in which the Mach-E struck rear of a Honda CR-V that was stationary in a traffic lane on Interstate Highway 10. Ford offers BlueCruise, an advanced hands-free driving system that operates on 97% of U.S. and Canadian highways with no intersections or traffic signals. The NTSB said it is investigating in coordination with the Pennsylvania State Police, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Ford said Wednesday it was recently made aware of this incident by the NTSB and has informed the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) as required. NHTSA requires automakers to report all fatal crashes involving advanced driver assistance systems. We are researching the events of March 3 and collaborating fully with both agencies to understand the facts, Ford said. NHTSA did not immediately comment. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the crash closed the busy section of I-95 for several hours after the fatal accident. The NTSB has opened several investigations in recent years into advanced driver assistance systems including Teslas TSLA.O Autopilot. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio) Topics Personal Auto U.S. National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy said at a Senate hearing Wednesday that investigators had conducted interviews with key cargo ship personnel in the investigation of the March 26 Baltimore bridge collapse. The Dali cargo ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, sending it crashing into the harbor and killing six people. Work to clear the wreckage and restore traffic through the Mid-Atlantic states shipping channel is ongoing. Homendy said investigators remained on site and had interviewed the pilots, the second officer who was the man on watch at the time of the crash and other key personnel, as well as U.S. Coast Guard personnel. The NTSB has downloaded the voyage data recorder and brought the manufacturer of equipment in the engine room to look closely at the electrical power system work. The NTSB is also looking at the circuit breakers and has tested the fuel onboard the ship. NTSB investigators are looking at the original bridge design and how it would be built today. Homendy said the preliminary report would be out the first week of May. We are still on scene collecting information. We have a lot of work ahead, she said. The top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee said at the hearing that Congress should help fund the replacement of the Maryland bridge. I think the federal government needs to help to rebuild the bridge, Senator Ted Cruz said. With court cases likely taking years to resolve, its also sensible for federal taxpayers to front the money now with legal protections so taxpayers are paid back by the legally. (Reporting by David ShepardsonEditing by Franklin Paul and Mark Potter) Topics USA Trucking Maryland Ping An Insurance (Group) Co.s trust business delayed repayment on a property-linked investment product, showing how the financial giants asset-management operations are still reeling from Chinas prolonged real estate downturn. Ping An Trust apologized on Wednesday to its customers for postponing the payment, and blamed the overall downturn in the real estate market. It said it is suing defaulted Chinese developer Zhenro Properties Group Ltd., and actively looking for ways to recoup investors money. The trust product had raised 772 million yuan ($107 million) in 2021 to fund a property project in the southern city of Xiamen and matured last month, according to a report in state-media outlet Securities Times. Sales at the development have been slow, and proceeds are going into a regulatory account following Zhenros default, the report said. While the delayed payment amount isnt large, it adds to lingering signs of real estate related stress at Ping An, Chinas largest insurer by market value. The Shenzhen-headquartered company previously lost billions from an ill-fated investment in property developer China Fortune Land Development Co. a few years ago. Its sprawling asset management business which includes Ping An Trust recently swung to a 20.7 billion yuan loss in 2023. Ping Ans Co-Chief Executive Officer Michael Guo told Bloomberg in March that the risks including exposure to the property sector are controllable, and that company has set aside sufficient reserves to weather the downturn. Ping An Trust managed 663 billion yuan in assets as of Dec. 31, the insurers latest annual report showed. It was also Chinas biggest trust company by net assets and revenue last year, according to data compiled by Yunnan International Trust Co.. The asset management business, including the trust unit, has set aside provisions prudently and revalued some items amid rising credit risks and capital-market volatilities, according to Ping Ans annual report. Trust companies were a significant source of funding for Chinas housing sector before the recent downturn. Many trusts raised funds by selling high-yielding products to wealthy individuals and companies, and funneled some of the money into property projects. The property crisis has dragged down other large players in Chinas trust industry, a key part of the countrys shadow banking system. Private wealth giant Zhongzhi Enterprise Group Co. filed for bankruptcy earlier this year after its affiliate Zhongrong International Trust Co. failed to repay clients on high-yield products, and regulators approved the bankruptcy of Sichuan Trust earlier this month. Photograph: Shenzhen skyline; photo credit: Bertha Wang/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Property AXA XLs Bermuda Professional Lines Team has launched a new lead difference-in-conditions (DIC) directors and officers liability policy. AXA XL is one of the largest D&O insurers in the North American market and it was time to update our form to make it industry leading, commented Tyler Owen, Bermuda professional lines SVP, Directors & Officers Product Line leader. The company described the policy as the most comprehensive coverage for directors and officers in the market. The enhancements include: Faster Payments DIC coverage is triggered if (among other reasons) the underlying insurer fails to pay a loss within 45 days (not 60 days) after the insured persons request for payment or if the underlying insurer is legally (not just financially) unable to pay. DIC coverage is triggered if (among other reasons) the underlying insurer fails to pay a loss within 45 days (not 60 days) after the insured persons request for payment or if the underlying insurer is legally (not just financially) unable to pay. Broader Coverage The definition of insured persons is expanded to include employees who perform significant influence functions under U.K. law. The definition of loss is expanded to include mitigation costs incurred by insured persons to prevent a Claim or mitigate the severity of the covered Loss. The definition of subsidiary is expanded to include any not-for-profit organization controlled or exclusively sponsored by a Company. Coverage is expanded to include trusts and estate planning vehicles for insured persons. Less Friction Insured persons do not need to obtain the insurers consent before the insured person (i) enters into a plea agreement, deferred prosecution agreement or non-prosecution agreement in connection with a pending or potential criminal charge, or (ii) discloses to an enforcement authority or the company that a violation of law may have occurred. In these times of global uncertainty triggered by a polycrisis of geopolitical instability, climate change, technological disruption, increasing complexity and an accelerated rate of innovation, the role and relevance of insurance is more critical than ever, said CEO of AXA XL Insurance in Bermuda Patrick Tannock. Source: AXA XL Topics AXA XL Professional Liability Carpenters Global Specialties Unit Taps Partner Res Chu for Credit, Bond & Political Risk Guy Carpenter, the reinsurance business of Marsh McLennan, announced the appointment of Richard Chu as managing director, Credit, Bond & Political Risk, Global Specialties. Effective immediately, Chu is based in Singapore and reports to David Edwards, head of Guy Carpenters Credit, Bond and Political Risk Division, Global Specialties. Chu is responsible for new business development across the Asia Pacific region, utilizing his specialist reinsurance experience to support client relationships in the key areas of credit, bond, and political risk. Chu joins Guy Carpenter from Partner Re, where he was head of Financial Risks for Asia Pacific since 2015. Chu has been in the reinsurance market for his entire 30-year career and has held a number of senior financial, credit, and specialty roles at major reinsurance firms including Swiss Re and Asia Capital Reinsurance Group. Credit, bond, and political risk insurance is playing an increasingly important role in supporting trade across the Asia Pacific region; the support of experienced reinsurers and brokers is crucial in delivering the capacity the market requires, Edwards said. The US Federal Trade Commission is asking Congress to change the law so it can handle its own privacy settlements and other consumer protection cases that its currently forced to refer to the Justice Department. The DOJ has been slow-walking kids online privacy and other settlements, the agency alleged in a report to Congress Wednesday, which was posted on the agencys website. The existing requirement that the FTC refer civil penalty cases to DOJ provides no benefit to consumers or the marketplace, the agency said. The FTC litigates its own antitrust and consumer protection cases seeking to stop a companys allegedly illegal behavior. But when the agency is demanding monetary penalties such as when a firm violates a settlement agreement the law requires it refer the matter to the Justice Department. The same goes for cases the FTC investigates under federal consumer protection laws related to childrens online privacy, Covid-19 scams, online spam and robocalls. The Justice Department can retain as much as 3% of the civil penalties it collects if it decides to litigate the cases referred by the FTC. Democratic Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter said that the process for referring cases to the Justice Department is badly broken, in a statement accompanying the FTC report. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment. The two agencies have clashed over how to approach recent cases involving Amazon.com Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. and a bunch of smaller companies, according to people familiar with the situation. The Justice Departments prosecutors have poor or no communication with the FTC staff who investigated the cases, have rewritten the agencys complaints without notice and even removed the FTC from press releases announcing settlements, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing internal negotiations. The FTC under Chair Lina Khan has taken a more aggressive approach than previous administrations, bringing at least a dozen cases that have resulted in more than $332 million in civil penalties in the fiscal year that ended on Sept. 30. That includes $25 million from Amazon, $20 million from Microsoft Corp. and $275 million from Fortnite-maker Epic Games Inc. for violating a childrens online privacy law. The agency also has been investigating ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok for reneging on its promises in a 2019 settlement related to kids privacy a case the FTC would need to refer to the Justice Department to file. The request may not sway lawmakers, who have yet to reinstate the FTCs ability to seek restitution for consumers harmed by illegal schemes after a 2021 Supreme Court decision. There are also various investigations of Khan by GOP-led House panels. The FTCs Slaughter said she will push the agency to make it public when it refers a case to the DOJ to provide greater transparency and accountability for the outcome of those lawsuits. The FTCs commissioners and staff today feel a sense of deep frustration when cases require a referral, she said. Slaughter cited the FTCs controversial 2019 settlement with Facebook since renamed Meta in which the company agreed to pay $5 billion to resolve allegations it violated an earlier consent decree. She voted against the settlement, saying in her dissent that the FTC should have filed a complaint and suggested her colleagues caved out of fear the Justice Department would have accepted a lesser remedy. I do not believe the Commission should vote for an inadequate settlement because of a fear that our sister agency will take action that we do not believe is in the public interest, she said. We should endeavor to do the right thing even if our preferred course of action may be interrupted by the DOJs doing the wrong thing. The DOJs Consumer Protection Branch has 45 days from when the FTC makes a referral to decide whether it wishes to litigate or send the case back to the FTC. The Justice Department always chooses to file the case itself, the people said, as the agency can retain a small portion of the penalties collected. Those funds are used to help pay for the Justice Departments civil litigation. Congress has previously raised concerns about how the Justice Department has used money collected from civil penalty cases that are deposited into its so-called Three Percent Fund. While the law gives the Justice Department 45 days to make a decision, prosecutors often ask for extensions sometimes more than one which allows the alleged harm to continue and delays potential relief to consumers, the people said. Illinois Representative Jan Schakowsky, the top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce panel that oversees the FTC, has already introduced legislation that would allow the FTC to litigate civil penalty cases without the Justice Department. Photo: Signage outside the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) headquarters in Washington, DC. Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Sayata Unveils AI-Powered Risk Engine That Flags High-Risk Accounts Sayata has launched the Sayata Risk Engine, an AI-powered platform that uses sophisticated AI to flag specific high-risk accounts expected to drive up loss ratios. Sayatas Risk Engines SmartExtrapolation technology uses Sayatas proprietary AI to draw intelligent conclusions when traditional data sources fail. The Risk Engine Employs a proprietary methodology that assists in separating data signals from noise. Sayatas data experts continually vet data providers, regularly testing and curating reliable data sources. Carriers that adapt portfolios based on Sayata Risk Engine findings can realize a 10-point reduction in loss ratios. Our team of experts in AI, data, actuarial sciences, and insurance underwriting worked tirelessly to develop the Sayata Risk Engine with a singular focus: to provide insurers with a strategic advantage, said Asaf Lifshitz, CEO of Boston-based Sayata. We offer a safety net that enables our partners to broaden their risk appetite while enhancing their overall profitability. *** Canopy Connect and Hawksoft Launch Integration to Eliminate Data Entry Canopy Connect and HawkSoft launched a new integration that enables insurance agents to collect verified insurance data through Canopy Connect and import it into HawkSoft to eliminate data entry. Canopy Connect is a San Francisco-based insurance data intake platform, while HawkSoft, headquartered in Canby, Oregon is a management system for independent insurance agencies With the new integration, HawkSoft agencies can use Canopy Connect to have clients securely share their insurance information. Clients sign in with their current carrier credentials through a secure link. Canopy Connects data intake platform will retrieve policy information, drivers, claims and more and easily export that data for use in HawkSoft. Getting accurate insurance information is a challenge that Canopy Connect has been solving for years, said Rushang Shah, chief marketing officer at HawkSoft. Getting that data into the system an agent lives in during their business day, without data entry, is what this new integration between Canopy Connect and HawkSoft accomplishes. We became partners with HawkSoft with the common goal of helping agencies grow and removing friction from the agent and client experiences, said Tolga Tezel, founder and CEO at Canopy Connect. Canopy Connect joined HawkSofts Solution Partner program in 2023. Topics Agencies InsurTech Data Driven Tech Artificial Intelligence Lloyds said Dawn Miller has been named chief commercial officer and CEO of Lloyds Americas. Miller, who joined Lloyds in 2022 and oversees its global network as commercial director, will assume her expanded role on Sept. 1, based in New York. She will continue to lead the global network. Hank Watkins, after 15 years at Lloyds as regional director and president of Lloyds Americas, is leaving the marketplace at the end of the year to pursue other opportunities. Lloyds said Marc Lipman has been appointed president of Lloyds Americas, based in Canada, also effective Sept. 1. Lipman joined Lloyds as the attorney in fact and president of Lloyds Canada in June 2020. The Americas represents over 60% of our markets total premium and as we look to increase our presence, it is vital that we have the right people on the ground to deliver our ambitions, said John Neal, Lloyds CEO. The appointment of Dawn and Marc to their new roles will strengthen our position to offer current and new stakeholders the best underwriting and investment platform in the world. I would like to thank Hank for his invaluable work over the last 15 years at Lloyds. Miller joined Lloyds in 2022 from Chubb, where she was regional executive officer for Chubb Central Region and the country president for Switzerland. Miller has more than 20 years of experience working in the global insurance industry with oversight of underwriting, distribution, clients, and strategy, including leadership positions at AXA, AIG and Willis. Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's About 100 million people will be exposed to fewer cancer-causing forever chemicals under the countrys first-ever drinking water standards for PFAS finalized Wednesday by the EPA, White House officials said. The Environmental Protection Agency finalized an enforceable 4 parts per trillion (ppt) limit on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in drinking water. The agency set a non-enforceable maximum contaminant level goal for PFOA and PFOS at zero, reflecting research showing that no level of exposure is risk-free from cancer and other diseases. The rule also sets a limit of 10 ppt on three other categories of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, including perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and GenX chemicals. GenX chemicals are made by the Chemours Co., which owns the trade name, to produce fluoropolymers used in semiconductor chips. The rule also set a limit on mixtures of each of those substances, in addition to perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). The substances, known as forever chemicals because they remain in the environment indefinitely, are considered carcinogenic and include coatings such as Teflon used in cookware. Up to 6,700 water systems serving about 100 million people, or between 6% and 10% of all the drinking water systems in the US, will be affected by the new standards, senior White House officials said Tuesday in a call with reporters. PFAS can be found in about 45% of US drinking water sources, including public water systems and private water wells, US Geological Survey scientists estimated in 2023. PFOA and PFOS pose the highest human exposure risk in drinking water, the study found. Water systems nationwide will have to test for PFAS under the new standards, and then theyll have five years to purchase, install, and operate PFAS-removal technology if contaminants are detected. About $1 billion in infrastructure funding will be available to help water systems test for PFAS and remove it. An additional $12 billion is available for general drinking water system improvements, including addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS, the officials said. The first national drinking water standards for PFAS marks a significant step towards delivering on the Biden-Harris Administrations commitment to advancing environmental justice, protecting communities, and securing clean water for people across the country, Brenda Mallory, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said in a statement. The World Health Organization in 2022 issued less stringent guidelines for the substances. The WHOs draft guidance recommends a limit of 100 parts per trillion (ppt) of either PFOA or PFOS in drinking water. It also recommends a total cap of 500 ppt for combinations of up to 30 PFAS. Costly Compliance Expected Water utilities will be required to monitor the PFAS, reduce levels exceeding the proposed limits, and notify their customers if the PFAS levels are above the EPAs limits. The limits, the lowest level many laboratories can reliably detect, are tighter than any state has proposed. Technologies such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems can be used to remove PFAS from drinking water, according to the EPA. The American Water Works Association said in 2023 that it would be costly for water systems to comply with the limits, citing research suggesting compliance would cost utilities $3.8 billion annually. The EPA estimated that it could cost between $772 million to $1.2 billion for utilities to comply with the rule, with benefits ranging from $908 million to $1.2 billion. The vast majority of these treatment costs will be borne by communities and ratepayers, who are also facing increased costs to address other needs, such as replacing lead service lines, upgrading cybersecurity, replacing aging infrastructure and assuring sustainable water supplies, AWWA said in a statement about the draft of the rule last year. Photo: Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics USA Pollution A young girl and her guardian have sued an Oregon nonprofit organization, Portland Public Schools and Multnomah County for $9 million, alleging they were negligent when male classmates sexually abused her at school and raped her during an after-school program when she was a 9-year-old third grader. The child, who is now 11, attended a Portland elementary school and an after-school program operated by Multnomah County on her school campus in partnership with Latino Network and Portland Public Schools. The lawsuit says the girl was subjected to multiple episodes of nonconsensual sexual touching during school hours. In March 2022, she hit a male classmate in the face to protect herself when he touched his mouth to hers, but the lawsuit said the school suspended both her and her attacker for the incident. The next month, two other male students trapped her in a bathroom stall during recess at their after-school program and raped her, the lawsuit said. The school learned about the assault when the parent of one of the male perpetrators heard about it from their child and reported it. The lawsuit alleges the school and after-school program failed to immediately notify law enforcement and undertook an internal investigation. It says school district personnel interviewed the girl without notifying law enforcement or her parents of the sexual assault or about their interview. The school suspended the two males for one day and said they would stay in school with a safety plan. But the girls father didnt believe this would keep his daughter safe and so enrolled her and her younger brother in another Portland public school. Both the girl and her brother missed almost one month of schooling as a result. The lawsuit said Portland Public Schools should have known that the plaintiff was vulnerable and at risk of continued sexual assault by male students. It alleges the school district was negligent in failing to adequately train and teach students about appropriate sexual boundaries and how to report abuse. The lawsuit alleges the school system made the plaintiff feel that she would be reprimanded if she protected herself from unwanted sexual contact. It says the school system was negligent for failing to report the students vulnerabilities to after-school program staff and to train employees to monitor, recognize and report child sex abuse. It alleges Latino Network and Multnomah County were negligent for failing to maintain awareness of students during the after-school program and adequately train after-school program employees to monitor, recognize and report child sexual grooming and abuse. Portland Public Schools said in a statement that it learned of these new allegations when it received the lawsuit, and it is investigating. It said it is required to report any instance of possible child abuse and neglect to the Oregon Department of Human Services, and such reports are confidential. We take our responsibilities as mandatory reporters seriously and follow the law around reporting, it said. Multnomah County said it does not comment on pending litigation. Latino Network said the news of the lawsuit is painful to the organization, which is committed to trauma-informed practices. We take the allegations very seriously and are working with our legal representation to provide counsel to our organization, it said. The lawsuit was filed on March 20 in Circuit Court in Multnomah County. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits K-12 Oregon Walmart (WMT) is one of the largest discount and superstore retailers in the world. The company was founded in 1962 by Sam Walton in Arkansas and offers a wide variety of merchandise through its traditional brick-and-mortar retail outlets as well as its growing e-commerce business. Walmart sells a dizzying breadth of items, including apparel, housewares, small appliances, electronics, musical instruments, books, home improvement, shoes, jewelry, pharmaceutical products, automotive tools, groceries, and more. The retailer operates approximately 10,500 stores in 20 countries. The top Walmart shareholders are Jim C. Walton, Alice L. Walton, S. Robson Walton, the John T. Walton Estate Trust, Vanguard Group, and BlackRock. The company's 12-month trailing net income and revenue are $27.6 billion and $657.3 billion respectively as of July 2024. The company's market capitalization is about $559.30 billion. Key Takeaways Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world. The company was established by Sam Walton in 1962. There are about 10,500 Walmart locations across 20 countries. Jim Walton, Alice Walton, and Rob Walton are the top three individual shareholders of Walmart. Walmart's largest institutional investors include the John T. Walton Estate Trust, Vanguard Group, and BlackRock. Top 3 Individual Insider Shareholders This information only addresses direct ownership. It doesn't include indirect ownership of shares or shares accessible through stock options. Jim C. Walton Jim C. Walton is the youngest son of Sam Walton. He had a seat on Walmart's board of directors for more than 10 years until he gave up that seat in 2016 to his son Steuart who chairs Walmart's technology and e-commerce unit. Jim Walton is the chairman of Arvest Bank which is owned by the Walton family. The bank is the oldest in Arkansas and among the largest in the country. It provides consumers with everyday banking services, loans, mortgages, and investment services. Arvest has more than $26 billion in assets. Jim Walton owned about 3.686 billion shares in the company as of April 2024. Alice L. Walton Alice L. Walton is the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton. She's also one of the richest women in the United States with a net worth of $72.5 billion. She owned 3.674 billion shares in the company as of April 2024. She doesn't work for the company her father started, unlike her siblings. Alice Walton serves as chair of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art which she established in Bentonville, Arkansas in 2005. The organization has works from notable artists including Andy Warhol. She did spend some time as a buyer of children's clothing for Walmart after graduating from Trinity College in the early 1970s, however. An insider refers to someone in a senior management position, a member of the board of directors, as well as people or entities who own more than 10% of the company's stock. It has nothing to do with insider trading in this context. S. Robson Walton S. Robson (Rob) Walton is the son of Walmart founder Sam Walton and first joined the company in 1969, seven years after it was founded. He was chair of Walmart's board of directors for 23 years from 1992 to 2015, a period during which Walmart grew from a small chain into one of the world's biggest retailers. He served in various roles before taking the chair's role, including senior vice president, corporate secretary, general counsel, and vice chair. A trained lawyer, he was a partner at Conner & Winters in Tulsa, Oklahoma before joining Walmart. He retired from the board in June 2024. Walton owned over 3.661 billion shares in Walmart in April 2024. His net worth is $77.5 billion, according to Forbes. Neither Jim Walton nor Alice Walton are directors of the company. Top 3 Institutional Shareholders Institutional investors hold about 35% of Walmart's total shares outstanding which is a relatively small share compared to institutional holdings of other large-cap stocks. This relatively small share can be explained by the fact that the Walton family holds the majority of the company's total shares outstanding at about 46.51%. John T. Walton Estate Trust The John T. Walton Estate Trust owns more than three billion shares in the company, according to the company's Schedule 14A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2024. The business address is a P.O. box in Bentonville, Arkansas. Jim, Alice, and Rob Walton are cotrustees for the trust. These three individuals collectively have the power to either sell and/or vote on those shares. The Walton children are also managing members of Walton Enterprises, the private holding company through which the Walton family manages their ownership interests in Walmart. Vanguard Group Vanguard Group is primarily a mutual fund and exchange-traded funds (ETF) management company with about $7.8 trillion in global assets under management (AUM) as of September 30, 2023. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is one of its largest ETFs with about $1.1 trillion in AUM. Walmart represented 58 % of VOO's holdings as of February 2024. Vanguard owned roughly 412.5 million shares of Walmart as of April 2024. This represents about 5.12% of the total shares outstanding. BlackRock BlackRock provides a variety of services to investors and institutions including investment, advisory, and risk management. The company was established in 1988 and has grown, expanding its presence in 36 countries. Investors may know BlackRock because of its mutual funds and iShares ETFs. These products provide investors with access to the equity, fixed-income, and commodity markets. It's one of the largest investment management firms in the world with more than $10 trillion in AUM as of Dec. 31, 2023. BlackRock had about 293.91 million Walmart shares as of March 2024, about 3.65% of the total shares outstanding. Diversity and Inclusiveness of Walmart We offer investors a glimpse into the transparency of more than just who are the shareholders at Walmart as part of our effort to improve the awareness of the importance of diversity in companies. We highlight the company's commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and social responsibility as a whole. Find out how Walmart reports the diversity of its management and workforce. The shows whether Walmart discloses its data about the diversity of its board of directors, C-Suite, general management, and employees overall across a variety of markets. Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) has grown into a major warehouse retailer in the U.S. and abroad over four decades. It offers low prices on large packages of name-brand products. It sells groceries, appliances, electronics, apparel, and other items. The company opened its first Costco warehouse under co-founders Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brotman in 1983 in Seattle. It eventually merged with Price Club 10 years later. The company returned to the name Costco in 1997 after a short period operating as PriceCostco and it has expanded dramatically since then. Costco has over 127 million members who purchase long-term memberships to make online purchases and gain access to roughly 860 Costco warehouse stores in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The top Costco shareholders are Craig Jelinek, Patrick Callans, Richard Galanti, Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corp. Costco generated an operating income of $9 billion on revenue of $253.7 billion in the trailing 12 months to August 2024. The company had a market capitalization of more than $388 billion as of Sept. 5, 2024. Key Takeaways Costco is a major U.S. warehouse retailer with more than 127 million members. The company had a market capitalization of $388 billion on Sept. 5, 2024. The top individual Costco shareholders are Craig Jelinek, Patrick Callans, and Richard Galanti. Costco's top institutional shareholders are Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street Corp. Top 3 Individual Insider Shareholders The shares owned by individual insider shareholders are those that are held through direct ownership. Shares mentioned in this section don't include those that are held indirectly nor shares accessible through stock options. Company insiders must file an SEC Form 4 whenever they buy or sell an amount of the company's stock that is deemed to be material. The term "insider" refers to people in senior management positions and members of the board of directors, as well as people or entities that own more than 10% of the company's stock. It has nothing to do with insider trading in this context. Craig Jelinek Craig Jelinek owned 356,106 shares of Costco or about 0.08% of all outstanding shares as of July 19, 2024. Jelinek stepped down as CEO in January 2024 and stayed on in an advisory role until the spring. Jelinek served as director and president of Costco beginning in 2010 and as CEO beginning in 2012. Costco achieved steady growth during Jelinek's nine years at the helm including expanding its operations into China. Costco opened its first store in China in 2019 in Shanghai. Jelinek previously held executive positions at Costco in operations and merchandising beginning in 2004. Jelinek's early career was in warehouse operations after joining Costco in 1984. Patrick Callans Patrick Callans owned 62,895 shares of Costco or roughly 0.014% of all outstanding shares as of March 11, 2024. Callans is executive vice president of Administration for Costco, a position he's held since January 2019. Callans was senior vice president of human resources and risk management before that appointment. He first joined Costco as corporate counsel in 1994. Richard Galanti Richard Galanti owned 30,626 total Costco shares as of Aug. 15, 2024, roughly 0.007% of the total shares outstanding. Galanti has been a director of Costco since 1995. He was also the CFO between 1993 and March 2024. He is now director and executive vice president and will be retiring in 2025. Top 3 Institutional Shareholders According to Whale Wisdom, 71 13F filers held Costco stock at the end of Q2 2024. Institutional shareholders own about 71.86% of outstanding Costco shares. Vanguard Group Inc. Vanguard Group owns 41.37 million shares of Costco, representing 9.33% of total shares outstanding, as of June 30, 2024. The company is primarily a mutual fund and ETF management company with about $8.6 trillion in global assets under management (AUM) as of 2024. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is one of the company's largest exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with about $1.2 trillion in AUM. Costco made up 0.84% of VOO's holdings as of September 18, 2024. BlackRock Inc. BlackRock owned 33.19 million shares of Costco as of June 30, 2024, representing 7.49% of the total shares outstanding. The company is primarily a mutual fund and ETF management company with approximately $10.47 trillion in AUM as of 2024. The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is one of BlackRock's largest ETFs with approximately $520 billion in AUM. Costco represents 0.84% of IVV's holdings as of September 18, 2024. State Street Corp. State Street owns 18.63 million shares of Costco as of June 30, 2024, representing 4.20% of the total shares outstanding. The company is primarily a manager of mutual funds, ETFs, and other assets with approximately $4.37 trillion in AUM. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is one of State Street's largest ETFs with approximately $555 billion in AUM as of September 18, 2024. Costco represents 0.85% of SPY's holdings. What Is Costco's Share Price? Costco closed at $897.27 per share on September 17, 2024. Its 52-week range is from about $540.23 to $923.83. How Often Does Costco Pay Dividends? Costco pays dividends quarterly. The Q3 2024 dividend payment was issued on August 9 and was $4.64. The exact date can vary by quarter. Is Membership Required to Shop at Costco? Membership isn't required to shop online but shoppers must pay 5% more for this option and Costco's online prices are typically higher than its warehouse prices to begin with. Prescription drug and alcohol purchases can be made by nonmembers in some states where it's required by law. The Bottom Line Costco Wholesale Corp. is a major warehouse retailer in the U.S. and abroad. Membership is required for almost all sales and Costco boasts more than 127 million members. The top Costco individual shareholders are Craig Jelinek, Patrick Callans, and Richard Galanti as of 2024. Vanguard, BlackRock, and State Street top the list of Costcos institutional shareholders. Dealz owner and discounter Pepco Group on Thursday reported a 2.5% fall in underlying revenue based on like-for-like sales in its first-half reporting period and said the trading environment across Europe remains challenging. The Warsaw-listed owner of the Pepco, Poundland and Dealz brands said group revenue was 3.2bn in the six months to March 31, a rise of 11% on a constant currency basis, which reflected the opening of 289 net new stores. The group also announced the appointment of Stephan Borchert, the former chief executive of optical retailer GrandVision, as its CEO, effective from July 1. It said Andy Bond will remain in his role as executive chair until October 1 when he will revert to the role of non-executive chair. "The trading environment across Europe remains challenging, although we are encouraged by signs of an improved like-for-like sales performance in some of our core Central Eastern Europe markets during the second quarter," the group said. It was also encouraged by year-on-year improvements in gross margins, which it said were being driven by easing input costs, including commodity and freight, an improvement in currency rates, and buying margins. The group noted disruption to Red Sea shipping continued to lead to some surcharges in freight rates and delays to container lead times. However, it said it was "managing" product availability and did not expect this to significantly impact gross margins in the second half. "Overall, the group remains confident in delivering profitable growth in this financial year," it added. Reuters. An Bord Pleanala has given the go-ahead for a goods intake building for fresh seaweed in a leading biotechnology company in Tralee, Co Kerry. BioAtlantis has welcomed the decision saying this will add to job numbers. In a statement this morning BioAtlantis said it welcomes An Bord Pleanalas decision to grant permission for the construction of a building to receive deliveries of seaweed, an essential component of BioAtlantis products and technologies. BioAtlantis activities fully aligned with the Governments Bioeconomy Action Plan 2023-2025 and the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 regarding the development of the manufacturing and the marine sectors in Kerry, it said. The company employs over 50 people in Tralee and is set to expand its workforce further with new development. BioAtlantis is a leading innovator in the Irish bioeconomy, delivering environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to its customers in over 35 countries worldwide, it said. Kerry County Council had refused permission because of potential odour and the boards planning inspector had also recommended refusal. The council had not been satisfied potential odour issues from the preliminary chopping and processing of seaweed at the BioAtlantis Plant in the southeastern end of the Clash Industrial Estate in Tralee would not affect nearby housing. The new building will be situated 148m from the closest dwelling in the Fountain Court estate and 124m from closest dwelling on Ballinorig Road. The company established in 2004 entered the crop biostimulant market in 2007 with stress mitigation as a central strategy. The operations at the BioAtlantis Ltd plant comprise the washing of seaweed, chopping of seaweed, extraction of seaweed extracts, purification of seaweed and seaweed extracts along with packaging and storage of products. The 435sq m goods intake building is to further mechanise the raw seaweed intake. Lorries would drop off the fresh seaweed in bags to the new building and this would be then chopped and washed before being transported into the production area. This represented a change to the taking in of chopped dried seaweed to the production building, the council felt. We have concerns that the proposed activities at the proposed goods intake building may pose an additional odour risk from the facility, Kerry County Council said, refusing planning. BioAtlantis, which was established twenty years ago, appealed the decision. It was always the intention to process both dry seaweed and fresh seaweed in the facility as part of that planning application, the company said. The council were informed of the odours that would be produced by the fresh seaweed, the company said. Kerry County Council Environment Department did not give any technical reasons for this assumption about potential odour the company also said, submitting a lengthy Odour Analysis report. An Bord Pleanalas inspector also took a precautionary approach and recommended refusal. However, the board decided not to accept the inspectors recommendation to refuse. In granting permission, An Bord Pleanala had regard to the development plans to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector in Kerry and the objectives to support the existing diverse nature of the marine sector in Kerry, it said. Several conditions including storing raw materials within the enclosed facility were attached to protect neighbouring residential properties in the area. His work as a police officer gave him the insights that helped make The Responder a TV hit. But Tony Schumacher had always dreamed of being a writer - and as he attempted to rebuild his life following burnout and a breakdown, he says it was writing that saved him. Three published novels and a hit TV show later, Schumacher will be a guest at this years Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick. The Liverpudlians goal? To encourage others struggling for visibility to follow their dreams. If the only thing that I manage to get out of this career is that I encourage people like me to have a go, I'm happy obviously, that and pay my mortgage, he says. If I go and do this event, and only one person comes away and goes: Do you know what? If he's done that, I could do that, too. Because the world needs voices that aren't getting heard, an authenticity. The value of diversity is something that Schumacher has lived. Growing up in the outskirts of Liverpool, he always adored writing but didnt think it was something he could pursue as a career. Leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, he worked his way around the world as a roofer, a binman, a bouncer, and even sold underpants on cruise ships. As a boy, Schumacher watched the iconic TV series Boys From The Blackstuff about a group of men in Liverpool who lost their jobs with his dad. He was flabbergasted when his father later pointed out the home near theirs where the shows creator, Alan Bleasdale, grew up. I never thought that people like me could do this job. As a kid, I was fascinated by television and film. The thoughts of someone growing up on the same council estate as me had gone and had something on TV, it just totally blew my mind. But he struggled at school and with the education system, and put writing on the back burner, taking on a series of other jobs to pay his way. I just filed it away for years, put it in a box and thought 'that dream has gone', he recalls. Martin Freeman in a scene from The Responder on BBC with Emily Fairn and Josh Finah He took up a job in Liverpool as a response policeman and while he loved what he did, over time the stresses that come with such work took their toll. It was the best thing and the worst thing that ever happened to me, he says now. It was the best thing because it led to me doing this for a living. The worst thing that ever happened to me because it took me a decade to get over the mental breakdown. It was exciting, it was challenging, it was fun. There was one thing that was always guaranteed and that was to have a laugh, but then cumulatively over the thirteen years that I was doing the job, I didn't realise I was getting more and more damaged by doing the job. That led to a nervous breakdown which led to me ending up being homeless, but which also led to me writing The Responder. So it's been a good thing and a bad thing being a cop. I'm sorry it happened. But at the same time, I wouldn't be this guy that I am now. It led to this new life which is great and I love it. As he rebuilt his life following those difficult years, Schumacher felt he had nothing to lose and decided to return to writing. After having success with a local magazine, his first three novels were published by Harper Collins and he was on his way. Then next thing you know, I'm writing The Responder, it's crazy. There was 30 years when I could have been writing and I don't want other people to lose that time because it's good for the soul. A second series of the hit show will come to BBC in the coming weeks. The first series, starring Martin Freeman as a crisis-stricken first responder working nights on the streets of Liverpool, was widely hailed by critics and audiences. Everything just seemed touched with magic, he says of the show. The casting was perfect, I think we got some of the best actors in the country, they seemed to just embrace these characters. When I started writing The Responder I think I was being honest with myself, which enabled me to be honest in the writing. I think that touched people, people could empathise with it people who were struggling or people who knew people who were struggling. I think if you're honest in your writing, you've got a good chance. Now the one thing that I hope is that people start having a go on the back of listening to me. Tony Schumacher is in conversation with screenwriter Ursula Rani Sarma at Catalyst International Film Festival (18-20 April) in Limerick. Visit www.catalystinternationalfilmfestival.com. Series 2 of The Responder will be coming soon to BBC One Highlights of Catalyst in Limerick Now in its fifth year, Catalyst International Film Festival in Limerick prioritises stories and storytellers who are under-represented on screen and behind the camera. This year, the festival (April 18-20) will screen two Irish features. Imogen Poots, Lewis Brophy, and Tom Vaughan Lawlor in Baltimore. Baltimore, based on the true story of how British heiress Rose Dugdale became involved with the IRA and carried out a notorious art heist at Russborough House, will be followed by a Q+A with directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor. The Festival will present a slate of documentary shorts, international shorts, Irish shorts and a family-friendly programme at the Belltable curated by French-Tunisian live-action programmer, Celine Roustan, and documentary programmer, filmmaker Vanessa Gildea. Festival founder and director Dr Susan Liddy has announced two new award additions to this years festival. The inaugural Short Documentary Bursary Award is open to emerging filmmakers. The successful applicant will be awarded 10,000 to support the making of a short documentary. A scene from Verdigris. Patricia Kellys Verdigris tells the story of two very different women, Marian and Jewel, who become unlikely friends as they realise that their similarities far outweigh their differences. The National Student Award (1000) seeks to locate and spotlight upcoming student talent. Third-level student filmmakers from across the country have submitted work sensitive to the festival ethos. Catalyst will present a full programme for students on Thursday, April 18 which centres on instilling an awareness of equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of filmmaking. It includes an interactive masterclass with screenwriter and director Laura O'Shea, editor and educator Phil Shanahan, and actor Johanna Thea. Charlotte Tilburys Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops (46, Brown Thomas) Whether your bag is false freckles, a sunkissed glow or contouring, Charlotte Tilburys latest offering should impress. Consider this her take on the Drunk Elephant drops, except these are not being hoarded by every 12-year-old in the land. Simply add two drops into your moisturiser and youll look less grey than our six-month-winter made you. Easy, breezy, Tilbury. NeoStratas Rebound Sculpting Cream 50g (79.95, pharmacies nationwide) NeoStrata's Rebound Sculpting Cream 50g (79.95, pharmacies nationwide) Eight years in research, 2.5 times smaller than any cosmetic peptides and a blend of micro peptides, AHAs, and volumising ingredients, NeoStratas latest product is pretty groundbreaking regarding targeting ageing. On the skin, its plush and ready to use for sensitive faces, while also scientifically proven to support the skins natural building blocks, including elastin, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. Full marks. Act + Acre Cold Processed Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum (70, Brown Thomas) Act + Acre Cold Processed Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum (70, Brown Thomas) An itchy scalp affects more people than you think. Thankfully, Helen Reavey the trichologist behind sell-out line Act + Acre is on the case. The Cooling Scalp Serum is a lightweight daily leave-on serum that offers instant cooling relief to dry scalp itch while supporting the delicate scalp microbiome for long-term relief. It contains ingredients such as Amino M Complex to reduce dry scalp itch and soothe reactive scalp, fireweed extract which clears flakes and excess harmful sebum, and peppermint oil to instantly cool and relieve. Apple 2-3 pipettes daily for instant relief. Jo Browne facial at the Conrad Dublin (100 supplement, or 180 with massage included) Jo Browne facial at the Conrad Dublin (100 supplement, or 180 with massage included) Travelling to Dublin this summer? May I recommend staying at the beautiful Conrad, located across the road from the National Concert Hall. The clever spa team there have just set up a new promotion with Jo Browne, the luxury Irish brand, to allow hotel guests to avail of a treatment right from their room. While there recently, I was lucky enough to experience a Thai massage with the brands essential oils, which was genuinely the best Ive ever had (ask for Iula, then thank me). Introductory offer 10 4 / month Plus, a free Irish Examiner tote bag Try now Terms and conditions apply. LOreal Professionnel Metal Detox Pre-Shampoo Treatment (35, LookFantastic) LOreal Professionnel Metal Detox Pre-Shampoo Treatment (35, Look Fantastic) Hard water in your home? Then this ones for you. Metal in water is a major cause of hair breakage. (The more porous hair is the more water it can absorb, which can lead to more breakage.) The LOreal Professionnel Metal Detox range is responsible for saving hair all over the country, and their new pre-shampoo treatment is about to be met with similarly open arms. I swear by the Metal Detox masque for saving my broken hair, and this product has earned itself a place in my shower too. Skingredients Retinol 0.6% + B3 Serum (49) and Retinol 1% + B3 Serum (55, skingredients.com) Skingredients Retinol 0.6% + B3 Serum (49) and Retinol 1% + B3 Serum (55, skingredients.com) Irish skincare brand Skingredients has announced the launch of two retinol products; Retinol 0.6% + B3 Serum and Retinol 1% + B3 Serum. Four years in the making, these two deliver pure retinol in potent formulas and scientifically advanced ingredients. For those interested, its recommended that you start at a low dose and work your way up slowly. (And sandwich with moisturiser if your skin needs it.) 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The project is being undertaken by our National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) to learn of the migration patterns of this fascinating bird and where exactly it spends the winter months. Innate navigational abilities of migrating birds, about which we are discovering more all the time, are truly awesome. Usually, the cuckoo gets here in late April, though there have been several reports of it coming earlier. People are already listening carefully for that unmistakeable call from this cheery harbinger of summer. Much more research into cuckoo migration has been done in England, Scotland and Wales than here. From Britain, cuckoos take either a south-western flight path over Spain and Morocco, or a south-eastern route via Italy and the Mediterranean, before arriving in the Congo Basin, Central Africa. Last May, the NPWS linked up with the BTO cuckoo team to satellite-track four Irish cuckoos: three from Killarney National Park, County Kerry, and one from Burren National Park, County Clare. Cuckoo movements from 01 May 2023 to 04 April 2024 Image: Cuckoo Tracking Project, BTO.org Indications, so far, are that our cuckoos follow similar routes to those from cross-channel. One, called Cuach Torc (after a mountain in Killarney), took a south-eastern course across France, Italy, and the Balkans. By early August, it had crossed the Sahara desert and was in Sudan. By September 20, it had reached wintering grounds deep in a rainforest in a Congolese national park more than half the size of Wales. Come early December, it was heading into the Democratic Republic of Congo. By March, it had left the Congo, flying 2,100km west to Ghana. At the time of writing, the last tracking date for Torc, March 24, showed it was still in west Africa and, by now, it should be well on its way back here. Cuckoo. Picture: Edmund Fellowes/ BTO.org Tradition is replete with beliefs about cuckoos and how they can bring you good, or bad, luck. In the schools folklore collection from the late 1930s, Mary MacCarthy, of Gortacloona national school, Bantry, County Cork, reported: If while hearing the cuckoo for the first time, a person throws money from one hand to the other while the cuckoo is singing, he will have enough money during the year." Finally, were entering the Scaraveen period the last fortnight in April and the first fortnight in May when the weather can be uncertain as summer knocks on the door. This is known in Irish as Garbh Shion na gCuach (rough weather of the cuckoo). So, as the old saying goes, 'cast not a clout' for a while yet! The recent warning by The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) that there has been a sharp increase in child sexual abuse webpages featuring self-generated child sexual abuse material from children under 10, should wake parents up to the fact that pre-teen children should not have a smartphone in their hands. The majority of those images were self-generated. If ever we needed a moment to wake us up to what is happening to our children online, this is it. Our children are becoming sexualised earlier by the material they are consuming on their devices. Their childhood is being robbed, and we are supine as we watch the deaths of innocence and childhood. Once those are gone, they cannot be got back. And it is such a precious thing. The IWF called this new trend shocking. The idea that children under 10 are being coerced, blackmailed, tricked, or groomed into performing sexually online is a clear indicator that we need robust legislation to protect them. IWF data shows that a record 275,655 websites contained self-generated child sexual abuse materia in 2023, an 8% rise from the previous year. This figure should ring the warning bell in every house across this country: Of those 275,655 images, 92% were self-generated. Our children are being sexualised. They are surrounded with extreme sexual material and it normalises the making of these videos and the creation of sexually explicit images. It has to stop. Susie Hargreaves, chief executive of the IWF, said: The imagery, extorted or coerced from primary school-aged children, is now finding its way onto the most extreme, dedicated child sexual-abuse sites in shocking numbers. What more evidence do we need? How much more more data do we need before we act, and act with clarity and strength? The new media regulator has an opportunity to set out Irelands stall, and show these giant tech companies that we put our children before profit. Currently, there is nothing in place to stop a child consuming hardcore sexual material. Sexual images are ubiquitous on social media. They are impacting our childrens development and future ability to experience intimacy and love. I am seeing the early signs of this tsunami in my clinic. I fear that the new legislation will be weak, and not put enough responsibility back on the tech companies. And I have to ask: Why is that? Why dont we want to be strong with them, and bring in robust laws? Are we that frightened of them? Worried they will leave our shores? They are not here for the educated workers and good climate: They are here for the nice tax benefits. Profit is their master. And they are making serious profit on our shores, and we are the ones scared to upset them. Introductory offer 10 4 / month Plus, a free Irish Examiner tote bag Try now Terms and conditions apply. This is bigger than a parenting issue. This requires our government to stand up and have teeth and show the world that we protect the sanctity of our childrens innocence, and we refuse to allow profit to destroy it. Jeremy Godfrey, executive chairperson of Coimisiun na Mean, has a real opportunity to show these tech companies that they cannot destroy our childrens innocence with impunity. But I fear the new legislation will be another lost opportunity, another sign of how weak we are, and how driven our society is by profit. Not that we really needed more evidence of that. That Mr Godfrey has already indicated that the legislation will not be prescriptive is alarming and confusing. How can a law be effective when it is not prescriptive? Thats like saying you must close your pub, but in your own time. What ridiculous logic is driving this idea of non-prescriptive legislation? Father Ted, eat your heart out. It is baffling. When something doesnt make sense, there is generally a very simple answer: They dont want it to work. Another aspect of this new legislation is that they have said that taking down harmful material will be the responsibility of each individual planform. Which means: Do what you want about harmful sexual material on your platform. My God. We need Coimisiun na Mean to have teeth and to stand for what we hold as important values in this country. We must look at other countries, like Australia, and see how they have stood up to these giants. There is a fix, even if its not easy. We need good digital literacy in our schools, so children are educated. We need upskilling of parents as a matter of urgency. We need tech companies to view children as future users, not current users, like banks do. But, most of all, we need our government to stand up and bring in robust legislation that will create a culture of good practice in these companies. They cannot regulate themselves. They must operate under stringent regulation that finally protects our children and shows the world that, here in Ireland, we put our childrens innocence and childhood before profit. But I wont hold my breath. Cancer survival rates in Ireland are unlikely to improve due to the current rate of underfunding, according to the Irish Cancer Society. Addressing the Oireachtas Health Committee on Wednesday, the charity's chief executive Averil Power noted that since the last iteration of Irelands national cancer strategy was introduced in 2017, just two of the subsequent budgets in 2021 and 2022 - have provided proper funding for its implementation. In 2024, an additional 20m was requested by the HSE for the national cnacer strategy. That funding was not provided. The current cancer care strategy was launched in 2017 by new Taoiseach Simon Harris during his stint as health minister. Ms Power told the committee that at the current rate of funding the most recent strategy, Ireland's third, will be the first to fail in its goals of easing the burden of cancer on society since those national plans were first introduced in the 1990s. Previously, Irelands five-year survival rate for a cancer diagnosis had improved from 44% in 1998 to 65% in 2018 following the implementation of the first two strategies. Asked whether it was the case that her organisation has no confidence that cancer survival rates in Ireland will improve in the coming years at the current rate of funding, Ms Power replied that she was really sad to be making that statement. People are not being given the best possible chance, she said, adding that she was conscious of what it means for an organisation like ours to say we dont have hope or we dont have faith. We dont have the basis for faith in improvement as was seen in the previous strategies, she said. That is our feeling, that is what we need to bring to your attention. It is a prediction rather than reality; the only way it wont become reality is if we get the significant investment needed to get the strategy back on track. Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society Without funding the national cancer strategy is a plan without action. And a plan without action is not a plan, it is just words. Words are no comfort to someone languishing on a waiting list for a cancer test. Irish Cancer Society chair Professor John Kennedy, the medical oncologist who chaired the 2017 national cancer strategy, said that Ireland needs to focus on implementation. The population isnt going to fall; were not going to have less cancer, he said. He described Ireland consistently missing its target of 6% of cancer patients participating in clinical trials as a disgrace. We should easily be able to get from 6% up to 10%. We have done so much to make that impossible, he said. Ms Power said that at the current rate of population and life expectancy growth, the number of cancer cases in Ireland will double by 2045. Prof Kennedy said that the biggest problem is the recruitment and retention of staff, and said he totally agrees that there is an issue at present with the provision of radiotherapy due to inadequate remuneration for staff. The levels of people with with radiotherapy requirements not being seen within the health system within the targeted timeframes has increased from 2 in 10 to 4 in 10 over the past five years, Ms Power said. She added that the Irish Cancer Society has evidence that 2 out of 5 people have put off going to their GP with cancer symptoms because they couldnt afford it. Sinn Fein health spokesperson David Cullinane called on the Taoiseach to live up to commitments he had previously made as Minister for Health for the funding of the cancer strategy. When we said that (the budget) would have consequences for patients, we were not being dramatic. We are seeing those consequences now, he said, adding that not funding the cancer strategy is having serious consequences for patient safety. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has hit out at new Taoiseach Simon Harris for not mentioning hostages taken by Hamas during a Dail speech. The statement said Mr Harris, who was making his first Dail speech after being voted in as Taoiseach "chose to refer to the war in Gaza but 'forgot' to mention the 133 Israeli abductees languishing in Hamas tunnels for six months". It said that "after the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust ... there are those in Ireland who insist on taking a position of the wrong side of history". Mr Harris said that in Gaza "we are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe and seeing innocent children, women and men being starved and slaughtered". "We have not been silent on the unforgivable terrorist actions of Hamas on 7 October, nor can we be silent on the disproportionate reaction of the Israeli Government. As a country, we will play our part in helping bring about a ceasefire and a lasting peace." Mr Harris added that he will deliver the messages to Europe in Brussels on Thursday on behalf of the Irish people. Palestinian statehood Israel also hit out at Ireland's decision to recognise Palestine as a state. Micheal Martin has said formal recognition of Palestine by Ireland will happen adding that he was bringing a formal proposal on the recognition of Palestinian statehood to Government. Mr Martin said: "My priorities as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence reflect the fact these areas are more critical than ever to our country and our values. "The grave humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the desperate, overwhelming need to return some hope to this region will continue to be an urgent priority. "I am realistic about the limits of what Ireland can reasonably be expected to achieve by itself, which is why I have invested so much effort in building effective co-operation with other countries." Israel said Ireland "intends to award" terrorism through a "judicial opinion together with South Africa, the legal arm of the terrorist organization Hamas, and the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state in the future". Last month, Ireland said it was preparing to intervene in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the top court of the United Nations. The Tanaiste said that following examination as to whether Ieland could intervene, he had been briefed that there is a "basis" for intervention. The mother of two Irish children who were abducted by their father while on holiday has said she is going to take a criminal case in Egypt where her children are being held. Zayn (5) and Kareem (3) Mohamed were snatched from their mothers care in April 2022 during a visit to see their grandfather. Mandy Kelly following a meeting with Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said: 'I feel after a 45-minute meeting, that I was listened to and that the voices of my children were heard and respected.' Photo: Gareth Chaney The children had gone on holidays with their parents when their father, Ramy Gamal Maamoun Mohamed locked their mother, Mandy Kelly, into an apartment and drove them away in a car. Ms Kelly, 39 from Dundalk, Co. Louth, has asked for the Department of Justice to re-start talks on a bilateral agreement on child abduction with Egypt, because the country is not signed up to the Hague Convention. On Thursday, Ms Kelly met with the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee over her concerns. She said afterwards that she felt heard by Ms McEntee. I am very thankful that the minister agreed to meet with me, regarding my case, she said. Ive been asking her for a long time to meet and I feel after a 45-minute meeting, that I was listened to and that the voices of my children were heard and respected. I would like the minister to meet with the Egyptian ambassador here with the view of setting up a bilateral agreement or a memorandum of understanding on child abduction. I am aware the Egyptian authorities are very sympathetic to my case but without some sort of agreement, nothing will change. There has been no communication between Ms Kelly and her children since they were abducted. Photo: Gareth Chaney An international agreement would be a deterrent for anyone who commits this crime. A bilateral agreement between both countries was first raised by the former Minister for Justice Alan Shatter in 2013, when Faris Heeney from Dublin was abducted from his mother. The child was smuggled through Dublin Airport on his sister's passport and his father never returned him. However, no further progress was made on the issue. When I was returned to Ireland after my children were taken by their father, the diplomats in Cairo said someone would check on my children but to date, no welfare checks were carried out. This is something I will continue to address even when my children are returned. Mandy Kelly said: 'When I was returned to Ireland after my children were taken by their father, the diplomats in Cairo said someone would check on my children but to date, no welfare checks were carried out.' Photo: Gareth Chaney Ms Kelly said she will also begin work on a criminal case in Egypt over her childrens abduction. There are European arrest warrants being issued very shortly. I want to begin a criminal case in Egypt on the grounds of child abduction and extortion and that a return order will be issued. I made all that clear to Minister Helen McEntee who said she will consider the issues and come back to me." There has been no communication between Ms Kelly and her children since they were abducted. She said: I am living a mothers hell. I never saw this coming; we were a young couple starting out. Looking back, there were red flags, he was abusive towards me, always putting me down. But I never in a million years saw this happening. He said I could see them again if I paid him money. I must go through this process now to make sure that I get my children back and that it never happens to anyone again." Should we be worried about drinking decaf coffee? A row about the process for removing caffeine from coffee is brewing in America with environmental groups calling for one extraction substance to be banned due to cancer and health fears. The substance, methylene chloride or dichloromethane, is also used in the EU although it has to be removed under regulations before the coffee is roasted as is also the case in America. The Environmental Defense Fund and four other groups petitioned the US Food and Drug Administration to ban this completely from the decaf process. The colourless liquid has a wide range of uses including to extract pharmaceuticals such as vitamins or antibiotics as well as removing caffeine from unroasted coffee beans and tea leaves, according to the European Chlorinated Solvents Association. It used to be allowed in paint stripper but has been banned in that format since a change in EU laws around 2010 linked to dangers associated with high levels of exposure through inhalation or skin contact. The American environmentalists argued in their submission that the substance has been found to induce cancer in humans and animals and is not safe. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland said, however, while this substance is used in the EU for decaf, strict EU regulations around its use in food ensure it does not pose a risk. It is approved for use as an extraction solvent only under restrictions, said communications manager Jane Ryder. In accordance with good manufacturing practice, only residues of extraction solvents would be present in the final product ready for consumption and would therefore not pose a risk to the consumer, she said. Conditions of use are listed in the EU directive 2009/32/EC. For methylene chloride used in decaffeination of coffee and tea, the maximum residue limits allowed to remain are 2mg/kg in roasted coffee and 5mg/kg in tea. Various coffee companies describe the decaf process on their websites, indicating steam or water can be used to draw caffeine to the surface of beans. Then an extraction substance is applied before the beans are steamed again, and then roasted. Both these processes remove the methylene chloride or other substances used, leaving trace amounts only, they say. The FSAI also has advice on caffeine. Our advice is up to 400mg of caffeine per day raises no safety concerns for non-pregnant adults, Ms Ryder said. "Pregnant women should consume no more than 200mg caffeine per day. FSAI guidelines show one cup of brewed coffee has 111mg of caffeine with 78mg in a cup of instant coffee. In contrast, a cup of decaf coffee has 4mg of caffeine. A cup of black tea has 44mg of caffeine and a herbal tea has none. Groups such as women going through menopause, people with high stress levels, or those who are more sensitive to caffeine are sometimes also advised to limit caffeine intake. Cork Coffee Roasters CEO John Gowan said decaf is not as popular as coffee in its three shops or online store. We have decaf on the menu but hardly anyone buys it, he said, saying people typically order caffeinated americanos, lattes, cappuccinos or hot chocolate instead. We sell hardly any of it, people come into our shops for coffee. They also sell decaf coffee beans in 1kg bags online, but he said it is rarely ordered. He prefers coffee himself, and said: I dont know anyone who drinks decaf, its not a common thing. He was unsure why it is not more popular, saying: We have decaf and organic green tea, but our main sales are Arabica coffee that we roast ourselves." 100,000 damage was done to a house in Cork City on Christmas Day as four people were inside, it emerged during an arson case at Cork District Court on Wednesday. Sergeant John Kelleher said fire damage to the house on Dyke Parade on December 25, 2023, amounted to 100,000. Sgt Kelleher applied for an adjournment of the case so that directions could be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Diarmuid Kelleher, solicitor for the accused man Shane Casey, indicated that the accused would be applying to the High Court for bail. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Casey in custody until May 8. Judge Dorgan told the accused that if he was successful in getting High Court bail he should appear in Cork District Court in person. In relation to the arson charge it was alleged that he set fire to the house and stood outside swinging a blade when the first person ran from the burning building, telling him: You are going to die here tonight. These were the allegations made by Detective Garda Brian Barron in the case. It was alleged by Det. Garda Barron that 32-year-old Shane Casey, of 168 Shanowen, Rathcormac, Co Cork, turned up outside the house on Dyke Parade, Cork, just after 6pm on December 25, 2023. Four people were present in the house. At 6.05pm, he exits and stands looking in the open front door at the fire taking hold. At 6.06pm, it is alleged that he closes the front door and attempts to barricaded the front door from the outside, using a piece of timber to jam to the side and then under the door. It is alleged he takes a blade from his pocket and holds it out in front of him and waits outside. At 6.08pm, the front door bursts open and [one of the men] attempts to escape the now blazing house. "It was alleged he said (to one injured party), 'My name is Shane Casey and you remember me from two days ago you are going to die here tonight.' It was further alleged that one woman had to be rescued from the roof and that it took six units of the fire service more than six hours to bring the fire under control and make the building safe and the fire caused thousands of euro in damage, the detective said. A self-declared diplomat who drove a car with bizarre fake insurance documents, a fake disc claiming he was tax exempt and a fake car registration plate bearing the word LIB3RTY was convicted of multiple road traffic offences in a Cork court. Rodolfo De Jesus Moreno, 35, did not turn up for the hearing in Mallow District Court this week. But he was convicted in his absence by Judge Colm Roberts for driving offences, including driving without insurance, driving without a licence and no front and no rear identification on his car. The identification he did have on his car, a black Toyota Auris, was a fake number plate which read LIB3RTY. A fake insurance document on the cars windscreen claimed to operate a 4m GBP surety bond on the vehicle. Another document attached to the windscreen where a valid tax disc should be, bore an elaborate coat of arms with the name, Moreno. That tax disc also declared a tax exemption under the Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967 (Embassies and Diplomats 1961 Convention). A sending State and an ambassador are exempt from all national taxes, the document claimed. That document also suggested that trespassing on the car could incur a 1m fee. Another identity document submitted to court claimed that Moreno was a diplomat, with the seemingly self-declared title of Consul-General. Another document which he appeared to have signed claimed that the signatory stands under Gods Law only and has no contract with private corporations or fictional courts. Another document claimed that his seized vehicle had been stolen by two named gardai in October, 2022, in Kanturk, Co. Cork, who were acting as Garda for the private for profit company Kanturk Garda Station. The document then said that the garage holding the seized vehicle would have to pay Moreno 500 per day to rent it unless they returned it promptly. The renter would also need to pay a 1,300 security deposit to the owner for the car which had been bought for some 1,700. This document was signed sincerely and without ill will, vexation or frivolity by Rodolfo de Jesus: Moreno. Moreno had two previous convictions for no insurance, the court heard. A bench warrant was issued and Moreno is to be brought before the court for penalty. Kerry case Just days earlier, Moreno, with an address at 18 Landsdowne Village, Kenmare, Co Kerry, had been removed from Kenmare District Court with four other supporters after some disturbance erupted when his case was being heard. Moreno also faced a charge of driving without insurance in that case. He initially told Judge David Waters, who was presiding over that case, that he was making a special appearance for the defendant, who he referred to as Mr Dejesus. When Judge Waters asked where the defendant was, Mr Moreno reportedly said "right here, in my hand", while raising a document to the court, The Kerryman reports. Mr Moreno refused to plead guilty and that trial has been adjourned until May 3. A man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on a Ryanair flight from Manchester has been handed a suspended sentence. Tareq Elkudir, 61, with an address at Hunters Lane, Ashbourne, Co Meath, was arrested after he disembarked from the plane in Dublin Airport. He was highly intoxicated and passengers described him as drinking from the neck of a litre-bottle of whiskey during the 45-minute flight. Elkudir pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of sexual assault on the Ryanair flight on May 2, 2022. At a hearing on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said Elkudir did not deserve to go to prison and handed him a fully-suspended sentence of 18 months. Garda Danielle Black told Michael Hourigan BL, defending, that the teenage girl had travelled to Manchester the previous week on a short trip to visit family friends. Her father had booked her ticket and checked her on to the flight and the girl was due to return on April 29, however, she decided to stay a few days longer and booked her return flight for the day in question. The teenager, who made a statement to gardai after she arrived in Dublin Airport, said she had boarded the flight in Manchester shortly before 8pm and taken her seat in the middle of a row. She said a man in his 40s sat down in the aisle seat next to her and spoke to her continually during the flight, using profanities. The man was drinking from a litre-bottle of Jameson and grabbed her hand with force several times. The girl said Elkudir hit her a few times on the upper left arm and took her hand several times and kissed it. Scared The teenager said he was drunk and she was too scared to get up and move so she tried to just get through the flight. At one point, Elkudir rubbed his right hand near her breast area and she moved away and turned to face the window. She said Elkudir was still being a pest when the plane landed and as they were taxi-ing in towards the terminal, he tried to pull her in for a kiss a few times and she kept pushing him away. She managed to get the attention of a woman in another seat and signalled for her to press the button to call cabin crew, but nobody came. A male passenger in another row asked the girl if she was ok and she replied: No, this man keeps touching me. The other passenger told Elkudir to back off and leave the girl alone, but he got very angry and stood up. Cabin crew arrived and the teenager said she had told Elkudir she was 16 and that he replied: I don't give a fuck. She said Elkudir had punched her twice, hard, on the shoulder and had asked if she had a boyfriend. Elkudir was arrested on arrival but was highly intoxicated and not fit for interview until the following morning. Garda Black agreed with counsel for the defence that Elkudir was a completely different person the following morning and was very apologetic. He told gardai he deserved his punishment and that he was really sorry. Elkudir has one previous conviction for assault causing harm dating back to 1999. Letter of apology Counsel said the accused had written a letter of apology to court and brought the sum of 3,000 as a concrete expression of his remorse. The court heard the teenager, who did not file a victim impact statement, is ready to move on with her life. Elkudir has not come to Garda attention since this offence and is married with three young children. He is a Libyan national but has been living in Ireland for over 40 years. Judge Nolan said if the injured party did not wish to accept the money, it should be transferred to a charity of her choice. The judge said the victim had been unlucky to happen upon Elkudir and had put up with 45 minutes of hassle, during which she was punched and grabbed near her breast. Judge Nolan said Elkduri was unlikely to reoffend, and addressed him saying: My advice to you is not to drink. It seems to get you in trouble. Sign up to the best reads of the week from irishexaminer.com selected just for you. Justice Minister Helen McEntee has described a Sinn Fein proposal that Ireland should go it alone with its asylum system as crazy. It comes as the European Parliament voted on Wednesdayto adopt new EU laws to overhaul migration policies which will now include new changes to allow for burden-sharing of asylum applications. Ireland has already opted into the new pact and as part of the plan, the Government now will be forced to introduce new immigration laws within the next two years to be compliant with it. Ms McEntee said that the new policy was an absolute game changer under which the International Protection Act 2015 will be repealed, and new, legally binding time frames for making decisions on international protection applications and appeals will be introduced. Sinn Fein essentially wants us to go it alone which is absolutely crazy. I have to say that this is a global challenge. This is a global problem. We're not the only country where we've seen an increase in people seeking protection and coming to our shores," she said on RTE's Morning Ireland and Newstalk's Breakfast Show on Thursday. "The idea that we would say we don't need any support, we don't need any help, we're not going to align with our European counterparts it's absolutely ludicrous." Ms McEntee added there was nothing in the new EU migration package that did not benefit Ireland. I genuinely believe this is a game changer. And I say that because firstly, it will mean that in law we will have to process applications much more quickly," she said. We know the quicker that we process people's applications, people who genuinely need our help, they can move on with their lives. We can support them to integrate. People who shouldn't be here, who don't have a right to be here, it is much easier to remove them. The minister pointed out that over 50%of the people who come to Ireland seeking asylum come from another European country. If we do not opt into this pact, the idea that we could tell other countries to take back those who have already protection in their countries, again, it's absolutely ludicrous. We wouldn't benefit from the financial assistance which we will benefit from when we join the pact, but also we're going to have a greater ability to understand who is coming into our country. "So there will be enhanced checks and there will be enhanced systems so that when people do arrive, we will understand who they are, where they come from, that will help us understand exactly who's here. But also if there are any risks, we would be able to deal with that as well. We have actually helped to make this pact, to get it to where it is here and generally, theres nothing that doesn't benefit Ireland. So why we would go to try and deal with this on our own? Its absolutely crazy. The new system will ensure that people who genuinely need help will get it and if there is the same system throughout Europe it will be more effective, she added. The overall objective was to ensure that the system was fair, but there also needed to be rules that had to be enforced. With regard to Sinn Feins opposition to the pact, Ms McEntee said the party had opposed every single good thing that has come out of Europe. They have never supported a single measure in Europe that has been beneficial for this country. And we as a country have benefited greatly from so much free movement, from people's ability to live, to work, to study," Ms McEntee said. "Our economy has flourished because of Europe. They have voted against every single measure that has allowed for those benefits. And this is no different here. We don't know what they're doing. They have no plan. The pact was not something that had been forced on Ireland, she said. We've actually been working on this for years because it has taken time. We've been working on it. We see how it benefits us. It will mean we have a more efficient system, a more effective system," the Minister said. "We will have support from Europe and we will be able to return people who shouldn't be here. But it also means that people who genuinely want our support, they will get it in a much quicker way and a more efficient way. Fianna Fail has not invited the Israeli ambassador to its ard fheis this weekend, the party has said. The party did invite Dana Erlich to an event last November, a month after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel, a decision which prompted some criticism by both TDs and the public. In a statement issued on Thursday, the party said in light of the ongoing bombardment of Gaza and the unfolding and escalating humanitarian crisis, Ms Erlich would not be invited, nor would the Russian ambassador to Ireland. We do not believe it would be appropriate given the war on the people of Gaza and the war on Ukraine," the statement said. Fianna Fail has continuously condemned Hamas and its attack on the Israeli people on October 7. However, more than six months on, we truly believe that the ongoing response from Israel is completely disproportionate and the fact that aid is being held back while children and others die from famine cannot and will not be condoned. In the Dail on Thursday, Tanaiste Micheal Martin heard calls to expel Ms Erlich due to ongoing Israeli aggression in the enclave, but he said such calls were shortsighted. He told People Before Profit TD Brid Smith: "More than 70 Irish citizens and their dependants have been evacuated from Gaza. The importance of diplomatic relationships or channels cannot be overstated in the context of getting these 70 citizens and dependants out. "Our ambassador in Israel, Sonya McGuinness, has done exceptional work there, and it is likewise in respect of our representative to the Palestinian Authority, as well as the work of our ambassador in Cairo. "The deputy's colleagues have pleaded with me to try to get more people out and to try to facilitate the evacuation of others out of Gaza. I have to realistically put it to the deputy that if her view had taken root much earlier and if we had expelled the ambassador from day one, then, in my view, those 70 people would not be out." The statement comes ahead of a meeting in Dublin on Friday between Taoiseach Simon Harris and Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez, where the pair will discuss Ireland and Spain's plans to recognise the Palestinian state. Phone call earlier in the week. Pal on the line looking to meet up this week. What about _____ for a coffee, its usually quiet enough in the morning? He mentions an establishment in the heart of Cork: reasonably priced, perfect location. Everything right apart from one small problem. Im not sure about that spot, I began. There might be an issue. Silence on the other end of the line, then: Is it subject to the Moycott? Allow me to explain. Like all readers, over the years I have had good experiences and bad out and about in Cork city. Here an enjoyable afternoon, there a terrible purgatory. All part of lifes rich pageants. When I say over the years, I mean it. To the consternation of my research assistants, I started wombling into town unaccompanied by adults, but with schoolmates around the age of eleven or so, and since those early days I have maintained an informal list of institutions whose door I promised never to darken, etc., after something went wrong. Im a reasonable person (. . . - ed). You go into a shop or coffee place or supermarket or car park and something goes wrong? That happens. Well move on. Homer nods. Responsibility goes both ways. I have always been welcomed back to the restaurant where I once demolished a chair just by sitting on it, for instance. Yes, the jokes write themselves. But then there are different experiences. Experiences which make the Moycott necessary. Take the coffee place mentioned by my pal. A couple of years back my research assistants, accompanied by their mother, went in to this joint for a snack. One of my research assistants doesnt need to rely on the work of the late Daniel Kahneman to influence how others make decisions. She pointed out that there was one chocolate muffin left near the cash register and suggested this was the universes way of recommending it for immediate consumption. Grand. The order? Not what I ordered: a blueberry muffin. One coffee, that last chocolate muffin, two Caprisuns. Sit down, well drop it over. Couple of minutes later, coffee, two Caprisuns, one blueberry muffin dropped over. Back at the cash register? Pal of the staff, just in the door, chatting to those behind the counter . . . and wolfing down a chocolate muffin. What would you do in those circumstances? Suffice to say that even now, several years later, my research assistants never pass this coffee shop without one whispering Malocchio, and the other growling Vendetta! So proud. Some readers may be a little surprised to hear that such grudges last so long. To this, I can only say you dont know me or mine. (I can add an illustrative example, that of a cousin of mine who spent many years in America and who had a disagreement with a work colleague there. He thought Id give in? He didnt know who he was dealing with.) Other outlets are subject to the Moycott. Take the retail outlet in the centre of Cork which decided to charge three times the price other shops were charging for a product which was much in demand during the pandemic. Blackballing was made all the easier by the smirk of the shop assistant when announcing the price of the product at the register. Not too far from that outlet is a restaurant which is now a dead zone to this household. That was the only way to react after an encounter with one of the staff recently enough. To whom I can only say (in a hypothetical conversation, as Ill never again visit the place): look, everyone makes mistakes with the menu. Just dont emphatically deny something is an ingredient in a dish and then act the smartypants when youre shown the menu. Which proves you wrong. No one likes a smartypants. These are other abstentions founded on serious issues but those need to be distinguished from the odd misstep. Take a nearby coffee place which recently changed its brand of coffee from palatable to something with top notes of green diesel (the growing popularity of Castrol GTX-flavoured coffee may need a column of its own at some point, incidentally). Its a wrench to forego their scones to plagiarise Virgil Solozzo, they may be the best in the city (the definitive Cork city scone league table is something else that may need a column of its own, if the editor would only fund it.). However, I cant visit the place while theyre serving a brand of coffee strong enough to fuel a Boeing. Still, no hard feelings. Thats a choice made by management. I respect it. Compare that to another cafe under the Moycott, instigated after a stand-off over the bill. In brief: yours truly approached the cash register to settle the bill and was told the card facility wasnt working: cash only. No cash on me, says I, but Ill drop it in on the way back from the supermarket. No, says the cafe person: write your cash card number, expiry date and so on down here on this piece of paper, and well take it out when the machine comes back online. My dislocated jaw eventually started working again. It was the emphatic no that really stunned me, as if the staff were going to pin me to the ground in a half-nelson until I scrawled out my CVC number. I bade the staff farewell, went to the supermarket, and, as promised, duly dropped the cash in on the way back, less than an hour later. (The bill came to 9.20, just in case you think I was waltzing out on a three-hour lunch.) Given the tenor of the column, you wont be surprised to hear Ive never gone back. Those outlets are no doubt keeping up a brave face without my custom, by which I mean they are blissfully ignorant of the sanctions theyre labouring under. It probably tells you something when I say all of them are flourishing, but I should point out that the boycott system is not something I publicise too much. I dont parade up and down with a placard or anything: its a personal system, not something to spark mass movements. I didnt lick it up off the ground, of course. About thirty-five years ago my late father was paying for petrol in a service station on Corks northside when the cashier passed a comment about his place of work: Cork Fire Brigade. The exact wording has been lost in the mists of time, but it didnt find much favour with someone who, with his colleagues, spent much of his working day entering buildings which were on fire and trying to rescue people. He paid, left, and never revisited said service station again, though it was located very conveniently for his purposes. A couple of years back I was driving past it, noticed the fuel gauge getting low ... and gambled on having enough reserves to get to the next service station. The Moycott isnt just for Christmas. The Moycott is forever. In the bombed-out desolation of northern Gaza, famine is a clear and present risk. In mid-March, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC a body that includes UN agencies such as the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization), painted a chilling picture: Famine is imminent as 1.1 million people, that is half of Gaza's population, are facing catastrophic food insecurity. In simple terms, starving. The catastrophic levels of human-made hunger in Gaza are the highest ever recorded on the IPC scale. Never before have we seen such rapid deterioration into widespread starvation. Six months after the most recent war on Gaza started, children are locked in a race against time. The number of children killed has surpassed that of all children killed by conflict worldwide in the last four years. Hospitals and health services have been decimated. With medical supplies running out, doctors have been left with no choice but to operate on children without anaesthetics. In direct contravention of a UN Security Council ceasefire resolution, Israels army continues to bomb even as life-saving relief and other essential supply lines are cut off. This cruelty must stop. During previous humanitarian missions to Gaza and occupied Palestinian territory, I have seen streets reverberating with the laughter of children, their dreams as boundless as the sky they once flew kites in. Today, Fatima, a brave and resilient youth activist who works with Plan International, tells us she feels helpless and that her existence has no value. A painful way to die It is now our last chance to avert famine. The war and ongoing restrictions on aid delivery is accelerating malnutrition among children. In mid-March, UNICEF warned that one-in-three children under the age of two in the Northern Gaza Strip suffer from acute malnutrition. This is a staggering escalation from 15.6% in January, all in a period of a few weeks. Worse, malnutrition and dehydration have claimed the lives of at least 23 children. We all know the word starvation, but what does it actually mean? Left unattended, starvation leads to death. Starvation occurs over three stages. Skipping a meal comes first, common in war settings. Then comes a prolonged period of food and nutrition deprivation and the body starts relying on stored fats for energy. In the final stage, it turns fatal when all stored fats have been depleted and the body turns to bone and muscle for energy. Without adequate food, the human body can last only for a few weeks. Extreme weakness from a lack of essential nutrients, such as calcium and iron, proteins and amino acids, makes it difficult for a child to walk, talk, and even breathe. Gradually, their immune systems weaken. Their organs will slow down and one day grind to a halt. This is perhaps the most painful way for a child to die. Witnessing their agony is one of the most painful memories for a sibling or parent, and something that demoralises humanity. This is why deliberate starvation is considered one of the cruelest and more reprehensible tactics that can be deployed in a conflict. In Gaza, doctors and medical staff testify that theyre seeing newborn babies dying because their birth weight is too low. Can you imagine the starvation that Gazas children are now living through unfolding in New York, Sydney, or London? The right to survival is one of the key four articles in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Some suffering is not immediate, or visible The impact of starvation and under-nutrition is often felt by the next generation. Malnutrition leaves debilitating impacts on children such as increased morbidity and mortality, poor development and learning capacity, increased risk of infections and non-communicable diseases. Well-nourished children are 33% more likely to escape poverty as adults. When children who experience hunger grow up and have their own children, they are more likely to be born premature or underweight creating a continuous cycle of poverty. Malnourished mothers are not able to pass adequate breast milk to their newborn infants. In short, famine means that most children face one of two terrible choices starvation, or survival only to continue suffering over years and generations to come. Those who survive will also have to contend with the psychological impact of war, which is often invisible but still catastrophic. Children in Gaza have witnessed death, suffering, and violence that would be unimaginable to most adults. An 18-year-old in Gaza today will have lived through conflict in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2021, and now since October 2023. I have witnessed the determination of children in Gaza and other war zones to survive no matter what. However, there is only so much that young minds can take. 'Food never used donated for children now killed by famine' What does the forecast look like? How do you stop this? Lets be clear. It is not food that is in short supply. A few kilometers or a few minutes drive away from Gaza are hundreds of trucks, including trucks belonging to Plan International, waiting to enter via the Egyptian border. They are just minutes away from starving children, but systematically blocked by the Israeli army. The entry of these trucks and relief supplies into Gaza will save childrens lives. If not, in a few weeks, these trucks will contain a painful truth: Food never used donated for children now killed by famine. Where there is safe, guaranteed access for humanitarian workers and relief supplies, Plan International and our humanitarian colleagues have been able to reach people in desperate need. Since the start of Ramadan, Iftar meals have been provided to a total of 6,000 internally displaced people in Rafah via Taawon, a local partner. Working with the Egyptian Red Crescent, we have also delivered 600 food baskets, 1,000 first aid kits and 1,600 cartons of water. Injured Palestinians at the Nasser Hospital in January following an Israeli attack. Those who survive will have to contend with the psychological impact of war, which is often invisible but still catastrophic. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/Anadolu via Getty Images But much more is needed. It is absolutely critical that safe humanitarian access to Gaza is guaranteed at speed, so that aid agencies can deliver supplies to civilians, especially malnourished children and pregnant women. Immediate release of all civilian hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian children held as prisoners should be a priority. As the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said recently: The eyes of history are watching. We cannot look away. We can still change the course of history. A compassionate approach towards children is the starting point to stopping this unjust and cruel war. This will save lives and give children a chance to enjoy the basics of childhood good health, education, and safety. We must all play our part in calling for an end to this avoidable violence and suffering, for the sake of Gazas children. Read More Europes Gaza betrayal has broken the trust of millions of people in the global south In his farewell speech, outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar raised issues he thought were worth highlighting to the nation. There were no surprises in most of them relating to the economy, housing and health but one did stand out: national security. It is a topic typically on the fringes of political priorities. So, for it to feature in his top five issues, is significant. What he said is worth repeating: The fifth [issue] is national security. For the first time in decades, we have a full-scale war in Europe with Russias invasion of Ukraine. Sweden has abandoned 200 years of neutrality. Finland has joined Nato. Some European countries are debating the re-introduction of national service, others raising taxes, cutting expenditure and reducing holidays to pay for increased defence spending. European leaders I speak to see very dark clouds on the near horizon. They may be wrong. I hope they are wrong. We cannot assume they are, or ignore the growing risks of a world in which democracy is in retreat and autocrats more powerful. Mr Varadkar added: Our geography and neutrality do not protect us in the way they did in the past and the nature of security threats has changed utterly. We have to be prepared for the consequences of an attack on an EU country and how we would respond. He condensed a lot of the key international security issues into a few short sentences. Many people listening to that would think security is something Ireland is on top of. Ireland arguably punches above its weight internationally in terms of foreign policy, informed by international law and human rights, as reflected in its official position, and strong ministerial statements, on Ukraine and Gaza. But what Ireland has in its foreign policy, it does not have in defence. In contrast to what the outgoing Taoiseach said, Ireland still does not have a dedicated minister for defence. In fact, we have been without one for more than 13 years. Micheal Martin is the defence minister, but that is attached to his two primary roles as Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Except for Malta, Ireland is the only member state of the EU that does not have a minister for defence. In addition, in most EU countries, the Minister of defence has no additional portfolios. Malta has a population of just over 500,000, compared to Irelands five million. Like Ireland, Malta is militarily neutral. Austria is the only other neutral EU state and it has a minister for defence. Slovenia, with a population of just over two million, has a minister for defence. Croatia, with a population of over four million, has a minister for defence, though with the wars during the break-up of Yugoslavia, that is not a surprise. (Left to right) Tanaiste Micheal Martin, Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister Eamon Ryan on the steps outside Government buildings after Mr Harris announced on Wednesday the most recent Cabinet of the 33rd Dail. Micheal Martin is the Defence Minister, but that is attached to his two primary roles as Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs. Photo: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Ireland is one of four EU countries with a population in the five million mark. Finland, bordering Russia, Denmark and Slovakia all have a defence minister. (Norway, also in the same population bracket, has a defence minister, but is not in the EU). Tiny Luxembourg, with a population around 650,000, has a defence minister, albeit with two other briefs. Cyprus, with a population of 1.25 million has a minister for defence, though, given its history, that isnt surprising. Granted, 23 of the EU's 27 countries are members of Nato, perhaps requiring a minister for defence. In Europe, but outside the EU, Montenegro, population 620,000, has a minister for defence. Albania, population 2.8 million, has a minister for defence. Irelands dedicated minister for defence effectively ended in 2010, when Fianna Fails Willie ODea resigned over a political controversy. The position was temporarily subsumed into the Department of the Taoiseach, before the last dedicated minister of defence, Tony Killeen, navigated the ship for some 10 months. In January 2011, the portfolio was added to Eamon O Cuiv's brief, who was environment minister. Since then, it has been added to various ministers. In July 2011, in response to the financial meltdown of the country and international controls, the Government created a new ministry and department Public Expenditure and Reform. It was no doubt required at the time and arguably for a significant period afterwards, but there are grounds to question if it needs to continue as Independent TD for Kildare, and former Army officer, Cathal Berry, has argued. Willie ODea was Irelands last dedicated minister for defence in 2010 before he resigned. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Ireland is a bit of an outlier in having effectively two finance ministers. Deputy Berry has suggested bringing it back into the Department of Finance as a super junior ministry. The Constitution limits the maximum number of ministers to 15. But, as with public expenditure, that does not mean the deck chairs can't be changed. In July 2020, the Department of Further Education was created and, with it, a full-time minister creating two education ministers. On top of the international and national security pressures for a minister of defence, the Defence Forces is going through a massive reform and investment overall, with plans for a major expansion in numbers and assets as well as structural and command reforms. It is one of the reasons why former Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has also argued for a dedicated minister of defence. Ireland has been gradually deepening linkages with the EU and Nato in areas of crucial importance to our national security including maritime security and cyber security and, within the EU, in re-purposed battlegroups. Ireland is currently vying for what is effectively the role of EUs top military advisor, one of three countries in the running. The EU Military Committee (EUMC) is the unions highest military body and its chair advises the EUs outspoken chief diplomat Josep Borrell. It would be ironic if Ireland landed that job next month but had no dedicated minister of defence back home. Polands parliament is finally holding a long-awaited debate on liberalising the countrys strict abortion law. The traditionally Catholic nation has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe but the reality is that many women terminate pregnancies at home with pills mailed from abroad. Politicians in the lower house of parliament will consider four different proposals on Thursday. Currently, abortion is regulated by a 1993 law, which was heavily influenced by the Catholic church, and further restricted following a 2020 constitutional court ruling preventing abortion in case of foetal abnormalities. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who came to power in December after eight years of a conservative government, has vowed to legalise abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy. He has said the decision is a womans to make, not that of a priest, a prosecutor or a party official. Marta Lempart, the head of Womens Strike, attends a protest against the verdict restricting abortion rights in Warsaw, Poland (Czarek Sokolowski/AP) Many Tusk voters hoped politicians would have addressed the matter sooner. But conservatives in the Towns three-party governing coalition pushed to keep the hot-button issue off the agenda until last weekends local elections were over. Either way, an uncertain path awaits those who would like to liberalise the law. Surveys show public support for a more liberal law, but those fighting for the status quo have also mobilised, with an anti-abortion group planning a march through central Warsaw on Thursday afternoon as the debate is under way. Crucially, conservative politicians hold key political positions with the power to block change. One is President Andrzej Duda, who holds the veto power over legislation and who already last month vetoed a law that would have allowed over-the-counter access to the morning-after pill for girls and women ages 15 and above. The other is the speaker of parliament, Szymon Holownia, who had once considered becoming a Dominican friar. Abortion rights advocates accuse him of violating the will of the voters by keeping the issue off the agenda for months. He is a Christian fundamentalist abusing his power as the speaker of parliament, said Marta Lempart, head of the Womens Strike, a group that organised mass protests in recent years while the previous right-wing government pushed to restrict abortion rights. Recalling the record high voter turnout last autumn, when nearly 75% of voters cast ballots, she accused the speaker of spitting in the face of all those who turned out to vote. After what is expected to be a heated debate, politicians will vote on Friday on whether to proceed with the proposals by sending them to a special commission for further work. Under the current law, doctors in Poland can only provide abortions if a womans health or life is at risk or if the pregnancy results from a crime. However, doctors often will not perform abortions even when they are permissible under the law. There have been cases in recent years of women with troubled pregnancies who died after doctors prioritised keeping the foetuses alive. In the case of rape, women have a legal right to abortion if they report the crime to the prosecutors office. In practice, no woman has done so for the past 10 years due to the double stigma of acknowledging the rape publicly and seeking an abortion, said Natalia Broniarczyk, an activist with Abortion Dream Team, one of several groups that help Polish women obtain abortion pills from abroad or travel abroad for the procedure. There is no trust in the official system, she said. Ms Broniarczyk estimates that there are about 120,000 abortions per year among women in Poland, some 50,000 provided by her group alone. The US may intervene to help Israel defend itself from an Iranian missile attack, its officials said on Thursday, raising the possibility of a direct confrontation not only between Iran and Israel, but also between Iran and the US. US officials briefed the Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera that the US believes an Iranian attack in reprisal for the Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus on 1 April is imminent, and will be conducted by Iran itself rather than proxy forces. The Israeli attack killed seven senior military officials, including two generals from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards. The US also said that its officials had urged regional foreign ministers to put pressure on Iran to show restraint. Over the past two days the Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has consulted counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Turkey. He also travelled to Damascus to see his Syrian counterparts as well as to Oman, the country most likely to act as the intermediary in sending messages to the US. In Muscat, Amir-Abdollahian said the US could not shirk its responsibility in fully and absolutely supporting Israels combined war crimes. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned again on Wednesday that Israel must be punished and will be punished days after one of his advisers had said that Israeli embassies are no longer safe. Picture: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP The German foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, also spoke with the Iranian foreign minister and urged Tehran to show restraint. The Iranian readouts of the phone calls did not focus on the possible Iranian response to the Israeli attack but on the need for Gulf States to do more to pressurise Israeli to agree a ceasefire in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian is still planning to travel to the UN headquarters in New York next week, raising doubts an Iranian missile attack on Israeli soil is imminent. An attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has also been discussed. The US said not only was it willing to help Israel defend itself from any Iranian missile or drone strike, but it may also be willing to join an Israeli counteroffensive. Such briefings are also designed to feed into Iranian calculations into the many options it has to strike back against Israel, which it feels compelled to do since it regards Iranian diplomatic buildings as the equivalent of Iranian soil. In a reference to the possible Iranian retaliation, Netanyahu said Israel was keeping up its war in Gaza but was also preparing for scenarios in other areas. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the state of Israel, both defensively and offensively, the Israeli prime minister said in comments released by his office after a visit to the Tel Nof airbase in southern Israel. With speculation mounting in Israel, Iran and the US, on Thursday the Kremlin called for all countries in the Middle East to show restraint to prevent the region slipping into chaos. On Wednesday Joe Biden supplemented a briefing by US officials saying Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel and pledged ironclad support for its top regional ally. Picture: AP Photo/Evan Vucci Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there had been no requests for Russia to mediate between Israel and Iran, although he said the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate was a violation of all the principles of international law. Moscow has also advised its citizens not to travel to a range of states, including Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian occupied territories. Lufthansa has cancelled its flights to Tehran. On Wednesday Joe Biden supplemented a briefing by US officials saying Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel and pledged ironclad support for its top regional ally, despite diplomatic tensions over Israels military conduct in Gaza. Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned again on Wednesday that Israel must be punished and will be punished days after one of his advisers had said that Israeli embassies are no longer safe. The Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz, swiftly replied to Khamenei on X, warning that if Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. Shiite Muslims chat slogans after burning representations of US and Israeli flags during the annual Al-Quds, or Jerusalem, Day demonstration in Peshawar, Pakistan, Friday. Picture: AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad) But there is an open debate inside Iran between diplomats and academics about the best response to what they see as psychological warfare. At one point it was reported that Iran was using the consulate attack as a lever on the US to put pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a full ceasefire with Hamas. There is some scepticism in Tehran that an attack on Israel is necessarily imminent, and that Biden is instead seeking to distract from the fact that his supposedly decisive and firm phone call with Netanyahu last Thursday has not produced the flood of humanitarian aid into Gaza that US officials had been demanding. It was announced within hours of the phone call that two crossings into Gaza, shut since the October 7 Hamas attack, were to be opened. The number of food trucks entering Gaza then rose sharply to as high as 330 per day. Israel said it was acting on the undertaking on aid given to Biden, with the Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant saying Israel was planning to flood Gaza with aid in a new phase of humanitarian assistance. Hezbollahs secretary general has described the targeting of the Iranian consulate in Damascus as a turning point and that an inevitable Iranian response is forthcoming. Hassan Nasrallah also argued that attrition is a strategic aspect of the anticipated response which may happen today, tomorrow, after tomorrow, in a week, ten days there is no rush. Nasrallah added that Iranians are meticulous in their planning and thoroughly calculate, study and think about [their response and] its repercussions before acting. By his own admission, Philip Tice was that student in class. The one who always had his hand raised. The one who read the chapter before class, not after. My parents couldnt afford to send me to college, said the first-generation college graduate. I was given this opportunity, and I want to try and repay that by investing in those who come after me. I cant control what they do with that opportunity, but I can make sure its there. Tice wanted to give back to the school that has given him so much, so hes made a donation to support three scholarships on campus. Im a very deliberate person, said Tice, who graduated from Jax State in 2019 with a finance degree. When I was in class, I was fully present. I was there to learn the skills I needed to succeed. In that, JSU gave me everything I wanted. It just felt right, Tice said. The campus was homey and had a real small-town feel. I knew it was a place where I could make connections with professors and other students. It just felt right, Tice said. The campus was homey and had a real small-town feel. I knew it was a place where I could make connections with professors and other students. Tice stipulated that one of the scholarships be named in honor of Alan Renfroe, who retired from JSU as the assistant director of the Office of Alumni Engagement the year Tice graduated. Renfroe advised the Student Alumni Association and Tice served as its president. He was a really good friend and helped me a lot during my time at JSU, Tice said. I wanted him to have a legacy. Hunter Turner, a JSU philanthropy officer and former classmate of Tice, said its inspiring to see one of her peers give back at such a young age. It's remarkable to witness recent graduates stepping up to support their alma mater so early in their careers, showcasing their appreciation for the education they received and their commitment to giving back to the university that played a pivotal role in shaping their lives, Turner said. This dedication is a true testament to the quality of education and the enduring bond forged between alumni and their alma mater. Tice, 27, lives in Dallas, Tex., where hes a sales professional with Cutco Cutlery, a company hes worked for since the summer he graduated from Sylacauga High School. I really enjoyed it, he said. I was good at it, made pretty good money doing it enough to pay for my housing during the first year of school. Tice received a full scholarship to JSU in 2015, but things could have turned out differently. He almost attended Troy University he had even gone so far as to register for classes when he and a friend decided to take a last-minute summer road trip to Jacksonville. As soon as he arrived on campus, he felt at home. It just felt right, Tice said. The campus was homey and had a real small-town feel. I knew it was a place where I could make connections with professors and other students. He was active in student life during his four years on campus. In addition to serving as president of the Student Alumni Association, he was a member of the Financial Management Association and a founding member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He even rents an off-campus property to its members, which serves as its unofficial fraternity house. I always wanted to invest in real estate, he said. Because its basically student housing, theres a guarantee of tenants, the rent is good. It just made a lot of sense. Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra | Foreign Minister Penny Wong has taken Australian policy a modest step towards embracing recognition of a Palestine state ahead of a two-state solution, as a pathway to a lasting Middle East peace. In a Tuesday speech to an Australian National University national security conference dinner, Wong said the international community was now considering the question of Palestinian statehood as a way of building momentum towards a two-state solution. She quoted British Foreign Secretary David Cameron saying the United Kingdom will look at the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, including at the United Nations. Cameron said this could make a two-state solution irreversible. There are always those who claim recognition is rewarding an enemy, Wong said. But she said this was wrong on two counts. First, because Israels own security depends on a two-state solution. There is no long-term security for Israel unless it is recognised by the countries of its region. But the normalisation agenda that was being pursued before [the] October 7 [Hamas attacks] cannot proceed without progress on Palestinian statehood, she said. Australian government considering recognising Palestinian statehood | ABC News Video Second, because there is no role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. Hamas is a terrorist organisation which has the explicit intent of the destruction of the state of Israel and the Jewish people. Wong said recognising a Palestinian state, which could only exist beside a secure Israel, did not just offer the Palestinians an opportunity to realise their aspirations, but also strengthens the forces for peace, and undermines extremism. The extremists included Hamas, Iran and Irans other proxies in the region. A two-state solution is the only hope to break the endless cycle of violence, she said. The Albanese governments policy has been for a two-state solution, but it has not embraced recognising a Palestinian state ahead of that. The Labor Partys 2023 national platform goes further. It says Labor: supports the recognition and right of Israel and Palestine to exist as two states within secure and recognised borders calls on the Australian government to recognise Palestine as a state. In her speech Wong said Israel must make major and immediate changes to its military operations, in order to protect civilians, journalists and aid workers. Earlier this week, the government appointed a former chief of the Australian Defence Force, Mark Binskin, to probe Israels investigation of its attack on a World Central Kitchens aid convoy in Gaza. Seven people, including Australian Zomi Frankcom, were killed. Wong said Israel must comply with the binding orders of the International Court of Justice, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale. The foreign minister also expressed dismay at the local divisions the conflict is causing. It is disheartening to witness the number of Australians that increasingly struggle to discuss this conflict without condemning their fellow citizens. This imperils our democracy. We have to keep listening to each other; respecting each other. But I have heard language demonstrating that people are losing respect for each others humanity. Blatant antisemitism and Islamophobia. She condemned politicians who were manipulating legitimate and heartfelt community concern for their own ends. The Greens political party is willing to purposely amplify disinformation, exploiting distress in a blatant and cynical play for votes. With no regard for the social disharmony they are fuelling. This is not some game. There are consequences. At the same time, [Opposition Leader Peter] Dutton reflexively dismisses concern for Palestinians as Hamas sympathising. On this, and in his approach to the world, Mr Dutton needs to decide if he wants to be a leader in difficult times or if he wants to continue being a wrecking ball, making those times even more difficult. Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | Daniel Diermeier Chancellor, Vanderbilt University daniel.diermeier@vanderbilt.edu C. Cybele Raver Provost, Vanderbilt University cybele.raver@vanderbilt.edu Dear Chancellor Diermeier and Provost Raver: We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our concern about several of your administrations recent actions with respect to student activism in support of Palestinian rights. These actions contradict Vanderbilts avowed commitment to respect your students constitutionally protected right to free speech and their academic freedom, as well as the democratic procedures of student self-government. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America. On 23 February 2024 a student group, the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition, submitted a petition to the Vanderbilt Student Government (VSG) calling for the addition to its constitution of an amendment stating that None of the expenditures from the VSG Budget may be spent on the BDS [Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions] movements consumer and organic boycott targets or spent in collaboration with organizations who spend student service funds on BDS movements consumer and organic boycott targets. The petition was signed by a much larger number of students than is required to initiate the holding of a referendum on the proposed amendment. VSG scheduled a vote on the amendment for 25 March 2024. However, on 12 March 2024, the Vanderbilt administration cancelled the referendum, claiming that under federal and state laws, boycotts by U.S. organizations of countries friendly to the United States can result in fines, penalties, or disbarment from contractor status. While your administration did not justify its decision by citing any specific legislation, it seems to have been primarily concerned about SB 1993, a Tennessee law which prohibits the awarding of state contracts with a value in excess of $250,000 to entities, including nonprofits, that boycott Israel or its settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which are of course illegal under international law. However, in a letter to Vanderbilt University dated 18 March 2024, Palestine Legal provided a convincing explanation of why this law does not apply to VSG and cannot plausibly be used to justify canceling the student vote. We must therefore conclude that Vanderbilt has behaved in a discriminatory manner by preventing a group of its students from advocating for a particular political position (support for Palestinian rights and an end to Israels war on Gaza) and violated their freedom of speech. Students associated with the Vanderbilt Divest Coalition responded to your administrations arbitrary and discriminatory decision to cancel the referendum by constructing an Apartheid Wall exhibit on campus something the university had initially approved and subsequently disallowed and by staging a sit-in in a university building. Presumably at your direction, campus police forcibly evicted the students, arresting several of them; in addition, twenty-seven of those who participated in the sit-in were interimly suspended, a sanction which entails being barred from campus and which cannot be appealed. Your administration subsequently expelled three students (though they can appeal that decision), suspended another and imposed disciplinary probation on all but one of the rest. Institutions of higher education should be places in which scholars and students can express their views freely. Especially in these fraught times, university leaders have a heightened responsibility to protect the freedom of speech and academic freedom of all members of the campus community. Students, faculty and staff should have the right to express and share their perspectives on all facets of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and (if they so choose) to advocate for Palestinian rights without fear of intimidation or disciplinary action. Your administrations cancellation of the referendum prevented your students from utilizing a democratic process to express their views on an issue of public concern, and the universitys harsh treatment of those who participated in the sit-in constitutes yet another blow to freedom of speech and assembly on your campus. We note that over one hundred Vanderbilt faculty and staff have signed a statement protesting your administrations actions and expressing support for the students involved in these protests. We therefore call on you to immediately rescind your cancellation of the student vote on the amendment to the VSG constitution and allow it to proceed unhindered. We also call on you to ensure that the harsh sanctions imposed on the students who participated in the sit-in are reviewed in a fair, independent and transparent manner, in strict conformity to reasonable disciplinary policies and procedures and to the right to due process. Finally, we urge you to publicly and vigorously reaffirm Vanderbilt Universitys commitment to respecting the right of your students and all other members of the university community to freedom of speech and to academic freedom, including with regard to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We look forward to your response. Sincerely, Asl U. Bali MESA President Professor, Yale Law School Laurie Brand Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, University of Southern California Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) ("Maritime" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on gold clean up and sampling activities at its Point Rousse gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Point Rousse Project includes the Pine Cove mill and is located 8 km northeast of the town of Baie Verte. Maritime acquired the Point Rousse Project on August 21, 2023. Highlights: Infill sampling of existing drill core below and to the north of the former Pine Cove open pit mine returned 1.37 grams per tonne ("gpt") Gold ("Au") over 107.8 metres ("m"); including the previously announced intersection of 2.50 gpt Au over 40.8m in drill hole PC-11-181(1). The mineralized zone is open at depth with additional sampling of adjacent drill holes underway. Gold clean up at the Pine Cove mill is ongoing and over 1,000 kilograms of high-grade concentrate material has been shipped for refining. Sampling of existing stockpiles and tailings storage areas continues around the Point Rousse Project to define material for processing through the Pine Cove mill. Engineering has been initiated for the installation of a gravity recovery circuit to recover gold from the one million tonne per year aggregate wash plant operated by Shoreline Aggregates Inc. at the Pine Cove site. Mr. Garett Macdonald, President and CEO of Maritime, commented: "Only a few months after acquiring the Point Rousse Project we are seeing real value developing from these assets. Our immediate focus has been recovering gold throughout the Pine Cove process plant with our second clean up program nearing completion. Outside of the mill, our crews are conducting an extensive sampling program of all existing mineralized and tailings material. With gold prices over US$2,300/oz, this material could be a potential one-off source of cash inflow during 2024. On the exploration front, examination of the mineral potential at the former Pine Cove open pit mine has identified a thick zone of mineralization extending over 200m below the pit bottom. Additional sampling of existing drill core is ongoing to determine continuity and plans for future exploration work." Pine Cove Mine Infill Sampling The Pine Cove open pit mine (the "Pine Cove Deposit") produced 154,000 oz of gold between 2010-2020 (2). The open pit mine bottomed out at a depth of 100m from surface. The mineralized zone continues below the pit and remains open at depth to the north. Infill sampling of historical drill hole PC-11-181 by Maritime in 2024 which included several unsampled intervals returned 1.37 gpt Au over 107.8m (from 175m to 282.8m). This intersection included a historical interval of 2.50 gpt Au over 40.8m, from a depth of 221.4m to 262.2m (1) (See Figure 1). To verify the broad low-grade envelope, a review of other drill holes in the downdip direction to the north is ongoing. The gold mineralization is invariably associated with widespread pyrite and wall-rock alteration consisting of quartz, iron-carbonates, calcite, albite and chlorite. Locally secondary higher-grade quartz+pyrite veins and breccia have cross-cut the deposit resulting in higher grade intervals such as 27.96 gpt Au over 1.4m (from 243.6m to 245m). Pine Cove Mill Gold Clean Up Program Following the successful gold recovery program at the end of 2023 that recovered 281 ounces of gold with proceeds of approximately $745,000, a second mill clean up and gold recovery program was contracted to Reclamin International. Over 1,000 kilograms of high-grade concentrate was shipped to Sabin Metals refinery in Scottsville, New York with final assays and settlement expected in the coming weeks. This phase of clean up and gold recovery work at Pine Cove is expected to be completed by the end of April. Point Rousse Sampling Program With warmer temperatures and spring break up underway, Maritime has expanded a sampling program around the entire Point Rousse Project to quantify gold mineralization that could be processed through the Pine Cove mill in the future. This includes the TSF2 tailings pond which was used last year to store fines from the adjacent wash plant operated by Shoreline Aggregates Inc. and the remaining stockpile yard surrounding the Pine Cove mill (See Figure 3). Additionally, the Deer Cove project located 8 km northeast of Pine Cove contains 4,275 tonnes grading 3.1 gpt Au (3) from a historical underground bulk sample program (See Figure 2). Maritime has sampled the various stockpiles around the Deer Cove adit which have been sent to Eastern Analytical Limited in Springdale, NL for analysis. Figure 1. Pine Cove Mine Cross Section Looking West Figure 2. Deer Cove Project - Underground Adit and Stockpiles Figure 3. TSF2 Tailings Pond Table 1. Drill Hole Location Hole number Azimuth Dip Length Easting Northing PC-11-181 180 -75 297.5 295547.1 5536320.0 NAD 83 MTM Zone 2 Table 2. Drill Hole Assays Hole From To Length (m) Au Composite (gpt) Notes PC-11-181 175 282.8 107.8 1.37 PC-11-181 221.4 262.2 40.8 2.50 Previously Reported (1) PC-11-181 243.6 245 1.4 27.96 Notes: (1) This information is based on the press release of Signal Gold Inc. dated January 14, 2013. (2) Per registration document lodged with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with an effective date of August 25, 2022, entitled "Stog'er Tight Expansion Project - 278 Open Pit Mine Environmental Registration," prepared by Stantec Consulting Ltd. The information in this document has not been independently verified by the Company and should not be relied upon as a predictor of future results. (3) Per registration document lodged with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, with an effective date of March 9, 2021, entitled "Registration pursuant to Part X of the Environmental Protection Act for the Deer Cove Gold Deposit," prepared by Tenacity Gold Mining Company Ltd. The information in this document has not been independently verified by the Company and should not be relied upon as a predictor of future results. Analytical Procedures All samples collected by Maritime assayed and pertaining to this press release were completed by Eastern Analytical Limited ("EAL") located at Springdale, Newfoundland, and Labrador. EAL is an ISO 17025:2005 accredited laboratory for a defined scope of procedures. EAL has no relationship to Maritime. Samples are delivered in sealed plastic bags to EAL by Maritime field crews where they are dried, crushed, and pulped. Samples are crushed to approximately 80% passing a minus 10 mesh and split using a riffle splitter to approximately 250 grams. A ring mill is used to pulverize the sample split to 95% passing a minus 150 mesh. Sample rejects are securely stored at the EAL site for future reference. A 30-gram representative sample is selected for analysis from the 250 grams after which EAL applies a fire assay fusion followed by acid digestion and analysis by atomic absorption for gold analysis. Other metals were analyzed by applying an acid digestion and 34 element ICP analysis finish. EAL runs a comprehensive QA/QC program of standards, duplicates, and blanks within each sample stream. Qualified Person Exploration activities at the Hammerdown Gold Project are administered on site by the Company's Exploration Manager, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Larry Pilgrim, P.Geo. Exploration Manager, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has prepared, validated and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release. The Company strictly adheres to CIM Best Practices Guidelines in conducting, documenting, and reporting its exploration activities on its exploration projects. About Maritime Resources Corp. Maritime (TSXV: MAE) (OTC Pink: MRTMF) is a gold exploration and development company focused on advancing the Hammerdown Gold Project in the Baie Verte District of Newfoundland and Labrador, a top tier global mining jurisdiction. Maritime holds a 100% interest directly and subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership in the Green Bay Property which includes the former Hammerdown gold mine and the Orion gold project. Maritime controls over 439 km2 of exploration land including the Green Bay, Whisker Valley, Gull Ridge and Point Rousse projects. Mineral processing assets owned by Maritime in the Baie Verte mining district include the Pine Cove mill and the Nugget Pond gold circuit. The Company also owns the Lac Pelletier gold project in Rouyn Noranda, Quebec. On Behalf of the Board: Garett Macdonald, MBA, P.Eng. President and CEO 1900-110 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M5C 1T4 Phone: (416) 365-5321 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.maritimeresourcescorp.com X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements: Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "intends", "indicates" "plans" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning the low capital intensity and rapid payback of the project, the exploration upside relating to the project, the pursuit of mine life extensions, the potential to increase mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, returns and FCF relating to the project, capital financing processes relating to the project, development of the next drill program on the project, "Run of Mine" ore scheduled to be mined from the project, timing of future site construction, timing to first gold production, length of construction period for the project, timing of completion of required permitting, timing for approvals to be obtained for the closure and development plans relating to the project, timing of an updated feasibility study incorporating the Pine Cove mill, availability of capital financing, the non-equity portion of any construction capital financing, timing of completion of construction capital financing process, potential of one-off cash inflows from mill cleanup activities, amongst other things, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. All forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company in good faith as at the date of such information. Such assumptions include, without limitation, the price of and anticipated costs of recovery of, base metal concentrates, gold and silver, the presence of and continuity of such minerals at modeled grades and values, the capacities of various machinery and equipment, the use of ore sorting technology will produce positive results, the availability of personnel, machinery and equipment at estimated prices, mineral recovery rates, and others. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the ability of the Company to continue to be able to access the capital markets for the funding necessary to acquire, meet its obligations under the note indenture, maintain and advance exploration properties or business opportunities; global financial conditions, including market reaction to the coronavirus outbreak; competition within the industry to acquire properties of merit or new business opportunities, and competition from other companies possessing greater technical and financial resources; difficulties in advancing towards a development decision at Hammerdown and executing exploration programs at its Newfoundland and Labrador properties on the Company's proposed schedules and within its cost estimates, whether due to weather conditions, availability or interruption of power supply, mechanical equipment performance problems, natural disasters or pandemics in the areas where it operates; increasingly stringent environmental regulations and other permitting restrictions or maintaining title or other factors related to exploring of its properties, such as the availability of essential supplies and services; factors beyond the capacity of the Company to anticipate and control, such as the marketability of mineral products produced from the Company's properties; uncertainty as to whether the acquisition of assets and new mineral property interests will be integrated in the manner currently contemplated by the parties; uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will ever be converted into mineral reserves once economic considerations are applied; uncertainty as to whether inferred mineral resources will be converted to the measured and indicated categories through further drilling, or into mineral reserves, once economic considerations are applied; government regulations relating to health, safety and the environment, and the scale and scope of royalties and taxes on production; and the availability of experienced contractors and professional staff to perform work in a competitive environment and the resulting adverse impact on costs and performance and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in each MD&A of financial condition and results of operations. In addition, forward-looking information is based on various assumptions including, without limitation, assumptions associated with exploration results and costs and the availability of materials and skilled labour. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Maritime undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Independence Gold Corp. (TSXV: IGO) (OTCQB: IEGCF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on its current drill program and that the Company has entered into an agreement with Fuse Advisors to undertake a scoping study at its 100% owned 3Ts Project, located approximately 185 kilometres ("km") southwest of Prince George, British Columbia and situated 16 km southwest of Artemis Gold Inc.'s Blackwater Project. Drilling Update A drill program comprised of approximately 4,300 metres ("m") has commenced at the 3Ts Project, with the first phase focussing on drilling the Ted-Mint Vein System, specifically targeting previously untested zones from near surface (less than 50m depth) to deeper mineralized zones (greater than 350m depth). A total of 8 drill holes (approximately 1,535m) are planned to target the Ted-Mint Vein System. Once drilling has been completed at the Ted-Mint Vein System the drill will move to test deep targets along the Tommy Vein System. Six holes are planned totalling 1,745m with drill holes planned to test targets to a depth of 350m. Approximately 1,000m of drilling has been allocated to test step-out extensions for the newly discovered Ian and Johnny veins, and on geophysical targets at Balrog and Ootsa once interpretations of field and previous drill data have been completed. Randy Turner, President, and CEO of the Company commented "We are very pleased with the results from the three previous drill programs undertaken at 3Ts and look forward to seeing how those results and the current drill program will further expand the existing 43-101 inferred resource at the Project." (see report titled "Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate Update for the 3Ts Gold Project, Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia, Canada" authored by Armitage and Miller, effective August 18th, 2022; please see news release dated August 18, 2022 for further details). Scoping Study The Company is undertaking this internal scoping study to assess the economic potential of the 3Ts Project. The study aims to identify different technical concepts and to establish the fundamental project parameters for validation in the next phase of project development, including a high-level understanding of the project's potential and overall economics. Fuse Advisors brings to the table a wealth of experience in guiding exploration companies towards informed decision-making, project de-risking and value creation. Their proven track record in delivering actionable insights and innovative solutions aligns seamlessly with Independence Gold Corp.'s vision of sustainable growth and responsible resource development. Randy Turner further commented, "Independence Gold is committed to advancing the 3Ts Project and we look forward to working with the team at Fuse Advisors on the scoping study to further enhance our understanding of the project's potential." Corporate Update The Company wishes to announce the granting of incentive stock options to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants to purchase up to 4,925,000 shares under the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan. The options will be granted for a period of three (3) years, commencing on April 11th, 2024, exercisable at a price of $0.30 per share. About Independence Independence Gold Corp. is a well-financed mineral exploration company with holdings ranging from early-stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion in British Columbia and Yukon. The Company is positioned to add shareholder value through systematic project advancement, while management continues to evaluate additional gold and silver projects for possible acquisition. For additional information, visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca. Andy Randell, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP. "Randy Turner" Randy Turner, President and CEO Suite 580 625 Howe, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2T6 Telephone: 604-687-3959 Facsimile: 604-687-1448 E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Independence within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's planned drilling and exploration activities. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in Independence's public filings under Independence Gold Corp.'s SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although Independence has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Independence disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Steppe Gold Ltd. (TSX: STGO) (OTCQX: STPGF) (FSE: 2J9) (Steppe Gold) is pleased to announce that, further to its press releases dated January 22, 2024 and March 19, 2024, it has entered into a share exchange agreement (the Share Exchange Agreement) pursuant to which Steppe Gold will acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares (the BG Common Shares) of Boroo Gold LLC (Boroo Gold) from an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Boroo Pte Ltd. (Boroo Singapore) in an all-share transaction (the Boroo Gold Transaction). Additionally, pursuant to separate definitive share purchase agreements (the Share Purchase Agreements), each between one of Steppe Golds wholly-owned subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Boroo Singapore or one of its affiliates, on the other hand, each dated April 11, 2024, Steppe Gold will sell the Tres Cruces Oxide Project (the Tres Cruces Project) to Boroo Singapore for approximately CAD$12 million in cash (the Tres Cruces Transaction) payable over the next 18 months beginning as of the Closing Date (as defined in the Share Purchase Agreements). Highlights The Boroo Gold Transaction will create Mongolias leading gold producer Acquisition of a leading gold producer, Boroo Gold, will create Mongolias leading gold producer Boroo Singapore will hold approximately 55.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Steppe Gold ( Steppe Common Shares ) on a fully diluted basis, immediately following the completion of the Boroo Gold Transaction Immediate and strong cash flows to Steppe Gold Boroo Gold estimates over 400,000 oz of gold production from 2024 to 2031, with projected average annual production of approximately 60,000 oz in 2024, 2025 and 2026 In 2023, Boroo Gold had revenue of US$132 million on production of 67,315 oz of gold, with an AISC of $847 per oz, at an average achieved gold price of $1,957 per oz Boroo Gold is forecasting similar production levels in 2024, albeit with higher sustaining costs Long standing and strong social license The Boroo gold mine comes with a long and proud history of positive impact in Mongolia: Over US$1,020 million in benefits to Mongolia since 2003 (taxes and fees, CAPEX, donations, payments to local companies for goods and services and salaries to national employees) Over US$17.5 million in donations and investments in local Soums between 2007 and 2023 under its framework of social responsibility Steppe Gold combined gold production in 2024 projected to be 90,000 oz, rising to an estimated annualized 150,000 oz in 2026 as the ATO Gold Mine Phase 2 Expansion is planned to come on stream in mid-2026 Significant value upside from: Potential cost synergies from combined purchasing power and lower relative administration costs Increasing Reserves and Resources near the existing mines Divestment of the Tres Cruces Project to the likely highest value buyer, returning Steppe Golds singular focus to Mongolia Bataa Tumur-Ochir, Chairman and CEO of Steppe Gold, commented: We are very pleased to announce the agreement to acquire Boroo Gold. This transaction accelerates our path to a multi-asset Mongolia-focused mining group and, importantly, immediately provides strong cash flow to support our growth plans, further improved with the recent strong gold prices. In connection with the completion of this transaction we expect to finish 2024 with a run rate of around 90,000 oz in gold production, moving to over 150,000 oz in 2026 on a pro forma basis. We have also decided to divest the Tres Cruces Project to further improve our liquidity and sharpen our focus on Mongolia. Boroo Gold Transaction Details Share Exchange Agreement Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, Steppe Gold will acquire all of the BG Common Shares in consideration for the issuance by Steppe Gold of 138,150,000 Steppe Common Shares, or that number of Steppe Common Shares that results in Boroo Singapore, directly or indirectly, holding 55.9% of the issued and outstanding Steppe Common Shares (calculated on a fully-diluted basis) upon completion of the Boroo Gold Transaction. Steppe Gold will seek approval for the issuance of Steppe Common Shares in connection with the Boroo Gold Transaction at Steppe Golds annual general and special meeting of shareholders (the Meeting), which is expected to be held in June 2024. The Boroo Gold Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of approval by Steppe Golds shareholders at the Meeting, and certain regulatory approvals, including the approvals of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Mongolian authorities. Additionally, it is a condition to the closing of the Boroo Gold Transaction that the Tres Cruces Transaction has closed. All of the directors and executive officers of Steppe Gold have entered into support and voting agreements pursuant to which they have agreed to support the Boroo Gold Transaction and to vote in favour of the Boroo Gold Transaction, subject to the provisions of such support and voting agreements. The Share Exchange Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants, including with respect to non-solicitation of alternative transactions, a right to match superior proposals and a fiduciary out in respect of the same. In addition, each of Boroo Singapore and Steppe Gold have agreed to pay a termination fee if the Share Exchange Agreement is terminated upon the occurrence of certain events. Further details with respect to the Boroo Gold Transaction and the Tres Cruces Transaction will be included in the information circular to be mailed to Steppe Golds shareholders in connection with the Meeting. Provided all conditions precedent in the Share Exchange Agreement are satisfied or waived in a timely manner (including the closing of the Tres Cruces Transaction), it is currently anticipated that the Boroo Gold Transaction will close in the third quarter of 2024. A copy of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Share Purchase Agreements and the information circular in respect of the Meeting will be filed on Steppe Golds SEDAR+ profile and will be available for viewing at www.sedarplus.ca. Investor Rights Agreement At the closing of the Boroo Gold Transaction, Steppe Gold will enter into an investor rights agreement with Boroo Singapore (the Investor Rights Agreement). Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement, Boroo Singapore will have the right to nominate up to two directors (the Boroo Nominees) to the board of directors of Steppe Gold (the Steppe Board), subject to Boroo Singapore maintaining ownership of at least 10% of the issued and outstanding Steppe Common Shares, and other terms and conditions as further set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement. In addition, Boroo Singapore will be provided with certain governance rights, so long as it maintains certain Steppe Common Share ownership thresholds, including pre-emptive rights and customary registration rights. The key executive management team of Steppe Gold will remain in place following closing of the Boroo Gold Transaction. Expected Management Team on Closing Bataa Tumur-Ochir (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer) Tserenbadam Duger (Chief Operating Officer) Jeremy South (SVP and Chief Financial Officer) Byambatseren Tsogbadrakh (President & Vice President, Finance) Benefits of the Boroo Gold Transaction The Boroo Gold Transaction is expected to provide meaningful benefits to shareholders of Steppe Gold, including: Increased gold production to 90,000 oz per annum in 2025 and 150,000 oz per annum by 2026. Strong cash flow and increased financial strength to service ATO Gold Mine Phase 2 Expansion debt and project financing. Funding for exploration programs and further acquisition opportunities in Mongolia. Liquidity from the sale of the Tres Cruces Project. Creation of a multi-asset producer with a strong base and focus in Mongolia. Tres Cruces Transaction Details Steppe Gold is also pleased to announce that it has entered into the Share Purchase Agreements, pursuant to which Boroo Singapore will acquire the Tres Cruces Project by purchasing all of the issued and outstanding shares of two of Steppe Golds indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries for aggregate cash consideration of approximately CAD$12 million. The consideration is payable in four installments over a period of 18 months starting on the Closing Date (as defined in the Share Purchase Agreements). The Tres Cruces Transaction is expected to close in July 2024, following which, the Boroo Gold Transaction will close subsequently thereafter. The Tres Cruces Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is cross conditional on the closing of the Boroo Gold Transaction. Recommendation of the Steppe Board Based on an independent verbal fairness opinion provided by Sequeira Partners, in respect of the Boroo Gold Transaction, and after consulting with its financial and legal advisors, among other considerations, the Steppe Board has unanimously: (i) determined that each of the Boroo Gold Transaction and the Tres Cruces Transaction is fair to Steppe Gold; (ii) approved each of the Boroo Gold Transaction and the Tres Cruces Transaction and the entering into of the Share Exchange Agreement and Share Purchase Agreements, respectively, is in the best interests of Steppe Gold; and (iii) resolved to recommend that Steppe Golds shareholders vote in favour of the Transaction Resolution (as defined in the Share Exchange Agreement). Advisors Steppe Golds legal counsel is Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. Boroo Singapores Canadian legal counsel is Stikeman Elliott LLP. Payet, Rey, Cauvi, Perez Abogados are Peruvian legal counsel to Steppe Gold and Boroo Singapore. Steppe Golds financial advisor is Sequeira Partners. Boroo Singapore's financial advisor is Cormark Securities Inc. Qualified Persons The technical content of this news release regarding Steppe Gold has been reviewed and validated by Enkhtuvshin Khishigsuren, PEng., a Qualified Person as that term is defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Technical Reports Additional information with respect to Steppe Gold's Altan Tsagaan Ovoo Project, including its AuEq resource base, is contained in the technical report of Steppe Gold dated November 6, 2022 and entitled Altan Tsagaan Ovoo Project (ATO) 2022 Mineral Resources & Reserves Report (NI 43-101). A copy of said report can be obtained from SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Further information with respect to the Tres Cruces Project is contained in the technical report of Steppe Gold, dated August 21, 2023 and entitled Form 43-101F1 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment. A copy of said report can be obtained from SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Steppe Gold Steppe Gold is Mongolias premier precious metals company and 100% owner of the ATO gold mine and the Uudam Khundii project in Mongolia. About Boroo Gold Established in 1997, Boroo Gold is a leading gold producer in Mongolia with over 50,000 tons per day mining fleet, 5,500 tons per day mill and carbon-in-leach circuit gold processing plant, 3,000,000 tons per annum heap leach and carbon-in-columns plant and an approximate workforce of over 400 people. Boroo Gold operates the Boroo mine in Selenge province, as well as owning and operating the adjacent Ulaanbulag mine in Mongolia. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release includes certain statements that constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, forward-looking statements). These include statements regarding Steppe Golds intent, or the beliefs or current expectations of the officers and directors of Steppe Gold, for Steppe Golds growth, production and valuation post-closing of the Boroo Gold Transaction and Tres Cruces Transaction and future market conditions for metals. When used in this news release, words such as anticipated, expected, estimated, future, forecast, likely, opportunity, ongoing, potential, planned, projected, proposed, vision and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements as well as phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results could, may, should, will, or would occur or the negative connotation of such terms. As well, forward-looking statements may relate to Steppe Golds future outlook and anticipated events, such as the consummation and timing of each of the Boroo Gold Transaction and the Tres Cruces Transaction; the Steppe Board and management team of Steppe Gold following the Boroo Gold Transaction; the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to each of the Boroo Gold Transaction and Tres Cruces Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Boroo Gold Transaction; the potential for value creation to Steppe Golds shareholders; the anticipated timing of the closings of the Boroo Gold Transaction and Tres Cruces Transaction; the entering into of the support and voting agreements, Investor Rights Agreement and other ancillary documents in connection with the Boroo Gold Transaction; the filing of the Share Exchange Agreement, the Share Purchase Agreements and the information circular in respect of the Meeting on SEDAR+; the details to be included in the information circular regarding the Meeting in respect of the Boroo Gold Transaction and the Tres Cruces Transaction; the timing and anticipated receipt of required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals for the Boroo Gold Transaction and, if applicable, for the Tres Cruces Transaction; Boroos nomination and governance rights under the Investor Rights Agreement; anticipated gold production of Boroo Gold and combined gold production of Steppe Gold; the anticipated cash flow of Steppe Gold; potential liquidity from the sale of the Tres Cruces Project; and discussion of future plans, projections, objectives, estimates and forecasts and the timing related thereto. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including those relating to: required shareholder, regulatory and stock exchange approvals; approvals from applicable Mongolian authorities; exercise of any termination rights under the Share Exchange Agreement or the Share Purchase Agreements; meeting other conditions precedent to each of the Share Exchange Agreement and the Share Purchase Agreements; the time required to prepare and mail the Meeting materials, including the information circular; material adverse effects on the business, properties and assets of Steppe Gold or Boroo Gold; discrepancies between actual and estimated production and test results, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; and such other risk factors detailed from time to time in Steppe Golds public disclosure documents, including, without limitation, those risks identified in Steppe Golds annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or managements good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date those statements are made. Except as required by applicable law, Steppe Gold assumes no obligation to update or to publicly announce the results of any change to any forward-looking statement contained or incorporated by reference herein to reflect actual results, future events or developments, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting the forward-looking statements. If Steppe Gold updates any one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that the company will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Contact Information Steppe Gold Bataa Tumur-Ochir, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jeremy South, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Shangri-La office, Suite 1201, Olympic Street 19A, Sukhbaatar District 1, Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia Tel: +976 7732 1914 Highlights: A 10-hole, 2,975-metre drill program has commenced at the Beschefer Gold Project, located about 7km east of B26 Deposit. Drilling will aim to extend the mineralized zone to the northeast and expand high metal factor lenses, including the Central Shallow and East Zones. Highlights of previous intersections include 4.92 g/t gold over 28.65 metres in hole BE-21-02 (including 11.39 g/t over 9.1m ), 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres in hole BE13-038 (including 224 g/t over 1.23 m ; 13.95 g/t over 0.68 m and 13.70 g/t over 0.73 m ), 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres in hole B12-014 (including 58.5 g/t over 1.5 m ), 3.56 g/t gold over 28.4 metres in hole B14-006 (including 7.42 g/t over 5.5 m ), and 10.28 g/t gold over 8.00 metres in hole B14-35 (including 86.74 g/t over 0.60 m ). True width in these sections vary between 89% and 99% of the intercepted width. LONDON, ON, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF) (FSE: 4KG) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that drilling has commenced at the Beschefer Gold Project ("Beschefer" or the "Project"). The Company's Beschefer Project is located approximately 7km eastward along trend with the B26 Deposit, where drilling is underway. Beschefer is also located 30 kilometres southwest of Wallbridge Mining Company Limited's ("Wallbridge") Fenelon Gold Project. On March 3rd, 2021, the Company entered into an option agreement on the Beschefer Project to earn 100% over 4 years from Wallbridge Mining Company Limited's ("Wallbridge") (see news release dated March 3, 2021). As of December 31, 2023, the Company has completed approximately $2 million in work expenditures at the Project. The Company is funded to achieve its final option milestone of incurring $3.0 million in work expenditures by February 2025 to earn 100% of the Project. Jonathan Deluce, CEO of Abitibi, commented: "We are excited to resume drilling at the high-grade Beschefer Gold Project. An advanced gold exploration project with significant near-term resource potential, the first 2,975 metres of drilling in 2024 will build on the 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres. We have a strong 26 holes planned, from which 10 were chosen to test the strike length expansion potential of the system and test the high-metal factor zones. With our two ongoing drill programs underway, we have a catalyst-packed Spring ahead of us with continuous drill results from both B26 and Beschefer." 2024 Drill Program To relaunch the exploration of the Beschefer project, a series of 26 holes totaling over 7,200 metres was initially planned. The planned drill grid covers about 650 metres along strike for a vertical influence of about 250 metres, starting at the bedrock contact. From the initial planning, 6 holes for 1,285 metres were selected to first test the lateral extension potential of the gold system to the northeast using a spacing of about 50 meters. Previous results and the geometry of modelled mineralized lenses support the extension model. Two holes for 380 meters will be drilled in the upper portion of the central zone to evaluate the north-eastward up-dip continuity of the gold-bearing structure at shallow depth. Two holes, combining 430 metres, are planned to test an intrusion contact corresponding to the western limit of the modelled mineralization. The Company now has two active drill programs on-going. Abitibi continues to drill the first 12,000 metres of a fully funded approximately 50,000-metre drill program at the B26 Polymetallic Deposit ("B26" or the "Deposit"), where it recently released some of the highest-grade intercepts in the project's history, including 11.4% CuEq over 10.6 metres and 6.3% CuEq over 10.6 metres (see news release dated March 20, 2024). About the Beschefer Project An advanced gold exploration project with significant near-term resource potential, the Beschefer Gold Project covers approximately 962 acres and is located in a favourable orogenic gold setting within the Northern Abitibi Greenstone Belt, 14 kilometres east of the past-producing polymetallic Selbaie Mine and 45 kilometres northeast of the Casa Berardi Mine. Historically, the area has mainly been explored for volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits similar to the Matagami camp and the Selbaie Mine. The Project's model is made of four main lenses (West, Central, Central Deep, and East), forming a system almost 1 kilometre along strike with the main volcanic contact and associated deformation zone. Laterally, the system can be considered open; lenses were cut and closed at a maximum distance between 100 and 200 metres from the last drill intercept. The mineralization shows high-grade gold-bearing structures hosted in a lower-grade envelope, highlighting the regional potential along the already defined shear zones on the Property. Investor Relations Agreements The Company also announces it has entered into a service agreement with Native Ads Inc. ("Native Ads") in connection with a digital advertising campaign, pursuant to which Native Ads will provide the Company with services which include sponsored articles and other advertising development, ad campaign analytics, and media buying and distribution services. The digital advertising campaign is planned for the six-month term of the agreement, or until budget exhaustion, with a total campaign budget of $125,000 (U.S.). The majority of the campaign budget will be disbursed by Native Ads in order to satisfy its obligations under the agreement. The Company and Native Ads act at arm's length, and Native Ads has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the company or its securities. Qualified Person This press release was reviewed and approved by Martin Demers, P.Geo, OGQ No 770, who is a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101, and responsible for the technical information provided in this news release. About Abitibi Metals Corp. Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibi's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a historical 2018 resource estimate1 of 7.0MT @ 2.94% Cu Eq (Ind) & 4.4MT @ 2.97% Cu Eq (Inf), and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres amongst four modelled zones. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes/Sources: 1. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. 2. Rapport Technique NI 43-101 Estimation des Ressources Projet B26, Quebec, For SOQUEM Inc., By SGS Canada Inc., Yann Camus, ing., Olivier Vadnais-Leblanc, geo., SGS Canada Geostat., Effective Date: April 18, 2018, Date of Report : May 11, 2018 This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to the Company's future plans of Beschefer. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to obtain all requisite approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and securities regulatory authorities, if required for a transaction or financing, the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward, to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing, to explore and develop Beschefer or its other projects and for general working capital purposes, changes in economic conditions or financial markets, the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration, changes in general economic conditions, the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop its projects and if obtained, to obtain such permits and consents in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the projects, changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, aboriginal title claims and rights to consultation and accommodation, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 11, 2024) - Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. (CSE: BNN) (OTCQB: BNNHF) (FSE: 5YZ0) ("BNN" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the ground staking of 18 new claim blocks, totalling approximately 376 hectares west and northwest of the current claim blocks. These claim blocks cover the prospective western trend of the Alotta geophysical/geochemical anomalies as indicated in Figure 1. The Alotta property now consists of a total of 96 mineral claims that cover approximately 1,926 hectares that is located 50 km south-east of Western Copper's Casino deposit which is ranked as one of the top ten largest, undeveloped, copper-gold porphyry deposits in the world. Spring Drill Program Currently, the company is proposing to complete up to 5 drill holes for a total of 2,500 metres as part of the fall 2023 diamond drilling program that paused in November for the winter season. The proposed holes will focus on several high priority and undrilled tested coincident geochemical/geophysical anomalies along a four-kilometre trend. President, Lorne Warner P.Geo states: "Subject to favorable weather conditions, the program could begin to mobilize by the middle of May. Company geologists working with the operator Archer Cathro & Associates are working towards finalizing the drill targets over the coming days." Figure 1: Western Claim Blocks About Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company focused on exploring and advancing the Alotta project, a prospective porphyry copper-gold-molybdenum project located 50 km south-east of the Casino porphyry deposit in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt in the Yukon Territory of Canada. In addition, the Company holds a 20% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company that is developing the fully permitted La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. The project contains eight known seams of metallurgical and thermal coal. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cole McClay", CEO Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking information includes, but is not limited to, information concerning the Company's intentions with respect to the development of its mineral properties. Forward-Looking information is based on the views, opinions, intentions and estimates of management at the date the information is made, and is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking information (including the actions of other parties who have agreed to do certain things and the approval of certain regulatory bodies). Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of the Company and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws, or to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company, its financial or operating results or its securities. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. We seek safe harbor. VANCOUVER, BC, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Vizsla Copper Corp. (TSXV: VCU) (OTCQB: VCUFF) (FRANKFURT: 97E0) ("Vizsla Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement"), previously announced on March 5, 2024 and March 18, 2024, issuing 38,460,995 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.065 per Unit for gross proceeds of CAD$2,499,962.08. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one additional Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per Warrant Share until the date which is 36 months from April 11, 2024. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for further exploration and general working capital purposes. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the finders fees of $50,483 cash and issued 776,654 finders warrants of the Company (the "Finders Warrants"). Each Finders Warrant entitles the finder to purchase one Common Share (a "Finder Warrant Share") at a price of $0.12 per Finder Warrant until the date which is 36 months from April 11, 2024. The securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Closing of the Private Placement is subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Directors and officers of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 3,504,538 Units for gross proceeds of $227,794.97 under the Private Placement. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Private Placement constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the common shares of the Company are listed on the TSX-V. The issuance of securities is also exempt from the minority approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value was less than $2,500,000. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Carruthers Pass Update The Company has terminated the Carruthers Pass Option Agreement with Cariboo Rose Resources, resulting in Cariboo Rose retaining 100% of the project. While the exploration potential for volcanogenic massive sulphide base metal deposits on the project remains high, it is not core to Vizsla Copper's current strategy of exploration and development of porphyry-related copper-gold deposits. Copper Pit Acquisition Update The Company has received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the Purchase Agreement entered into with Michael Langille (the "Vendor"), previously announced on February 21, 2024. Vizsla Copper has issued 100,000 common shares (the "Consideration Shares") to purchase two mineral claims totalling 59.5 ha, free and clear of any encumbrances. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a four-month hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws, after which 25% of the Consideration Shares will become free trading. In addition, the Vendor has agreed to voluntary resale restrictions whereby an additional 25% of the Consideration Shares will become free trading every four months thereafter. About Vizsla Copper Vizsla Copper is a Cu-Au-Mo focused mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The Company is primarily focused on its flagship Woodjam project, located within the prolific Quesnel Terrane, 55 kilometers east of the community of Williams Lake, British Columbia. It has three additional copper exploration properties: Copperview, Trailbreaker and Redgold, all well situated amongst significant infrastructure in British Columbia. The Company's growth strategy is focused on the exploration and development of its copper properties within its portfolio in addition to value accretive acquisitions. Vizsla Copper's vision is to be a responsible copper explorer and developer in the stable mining jurisdiction of British Columbia, Canada and it is committed to socially responsible exploration and development, working safely, ethically and with integrity. Vizsla Copper is a spin-out of Vizsla Silver Corp. and is backed by Inventa Capital Corp., a premier investment group founded in 2017 with the goal of discovering and funding opportunities in the resource sector. Additional information about the Company is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.vizslacopper.com). Qualified Person The Company's disclosure of technical or scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Ian Borg, P.Geo., Senior Geologist for Vizsla Copper. Mr. Borg is a Qualified Person as defined under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to: obtaining the required regulatory approvals for the Offering; ; the intended use of proceeds of the Offering; the Company's growth and business strategies; and the exploration and development of the Company's properties. Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. CALGARY, Alberta, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) (the Company or Traction) is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Gorman as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Company. Mr. Gorman is a resource sector-focused corporate specialist with over 25 years of experience in junior mining finance, public listings, viability assessment, and the operational rationalization of several emerging-growth public companies. For 18 years, he served as President and Managing Partner of Riverbank Capital by working with small-cap companies to assist in financing, property, and profile development. Paul was instrumental in raising capital over $85 million, and in developing plans for ongoing sustainable business growth. He was instrumental in revitalizing the junior graphite space in North America in 2008 by funding Industrial Minerals Inc, which became Northern Graphite and assisting four other graphite companies in an advisory role. Paul founded Mega Graphite Inc. in 2009 and has served as chief executive for three other companies. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Reflex Advanced Materials Corp. Mr. Gormans previous corporate and resource industry experience is invaluable to the Traction team, stated Faizaan Lalani, Director of Traction Uranium Corp. we look forward to having him join and lead the Company forward." The appointment of Mr. Gorman follows the resignation of Lester Esteban as Chief Executive Officer for the Company. Mr. Esteban will remain as a Director of Traction. The Company would like to thank Mr. Esteban for his contributions as Chief Executive Officer for Traction. About Traction Uranium Corp. Traction Uranium Corp. (CSE: TRAC) (OTC: TRCTF) (FRA: Z1K) is in the business of mineral exploration and the development of discovery prospects in Canada, including its two uranium projects in the world-renowned Athabasca Region. We invite you to find out more about our exploration-stage activities across Canadas Western region at www.tractionuranium.com. On Behalf of The Board of Directors Faizaan Lalani Director +1 (604) 425-2271 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 10, 2024) - Lahontan Gold Corp (TSXV: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) (the "Company" or "Lahontan"), is pleased to announce it has entered into an agreement with Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon") on behalf of a syndicate of agents (together with Beacon, the "Agents") in connection with a best efforts private placement offering of units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.06 per Unit (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share (a "Warrant Share") for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering at a price of $0.10 per Warrant Share. The securities to be issued under the Offering will be offered by way of private placement in each of the Provinces of Canada and such other jurisdictions as may be mutually agreed by the Company and Beacon, acting reasonably, in each case, pursuant to applicable exemptions from the prospectus requirements under applicable securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration activities on the Company's projects, working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company has granted the Agents an option, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Offering, to sell up to an additional 7,500,000 Units (the "Additional Units") at a price per Additional Unit equal to the Issue Price. The Offering is expected to close on or about April 30, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued in connection with this Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of closing of the Offering in addition to any other restrictions under applicable law. The Offering will be conducted pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement to be entered into between the Company and the Agents on or prior to the Closing Date. The Company will pay the Agents a cash commission of 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering, other than for sales to certain "president's list" purchasers identified by the Company, for which a 3.5% cash commission will be payable. The Company will also issue to the Agents non-transferable broker warrants equal to 7.0% of the number of Units sold under the Offering (reduced to 3.5% for sales to president's list purchasers), each exercisable to acquire one common share at the Issue Price for a period of 36 months from the Closing Date. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kimberly Ann Founder, CEO, President, and Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Lahontan Gold Corp. Kimberly Ann Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director Phone: 1-530-414-4400 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements relating to the expected size of the Offering, the anticipated timing of closing the Offering, the ability of the Company to satisfy all conditions to closing the Offering, and the expected use of proceeds from the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility, the ability of the Company to obtain necessary consents for the Offering, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the ability of the Company to complete the Offering on the terms expected or at all. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca At least three drones struck Sudanese army targets Tuesday in the eastern state of Gedaref, which had previously been largely spared the country's devastating war, military and security sources said. For almost a year, Sudan has been gripped by fighting between the regular army, which is backed by the government and state security apparatus, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). One drone "struck state security and intelligence headquarters, but did not cause significant damage" and another landed nearby, a security source told AFP from Gedaref, more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) east of the capital Khartoum. A witness in Gedaref reported "loud anti-aircraft fire" from the army. Another witness said there was increased military presence in the city as "shops shut down" for fear of escalation. By Tuesday afternoon, state governor Mohammed Abdelrahman said "the situation is now safe and stable." He added in a statement that "security services will mobilise" across the state. In Al-Faw, 150 kilometres to the west, a military source said "a drone had bombed" an army division, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Al-Faw is only 25 kilometres east of the front line between the army and the paramilitaries. Eastern Sudan had until now been considered a safe haven for millions of civilians displaced from Khartoum and other battlegrounds. According to the latest figures from the United Nations, nearly half a million people are sheltering in Gedaref state alone. North of Gedaref on the Red Sea, the city of Port Sudan has become a makeshift headquarters for government ministries loyal to the army command. The port city has also become the base for United Nations relief efforts. Nearly all aid coming into Sudan -- where famine has all but taken hold and disease outbreaks are on the increase -- flows through the east. In Al-Jazira state, Sudan's pre-war breadbasket where witnesses have reported increased clashes, the army has "made progress" towards state capital Wad Madani, a military source said early Tuesday. The RSF has had nearly uncontested control of the state since December, when the army withdrew in the face of advancing paramilitaries. In the vast western region of Darfur, also nearly entirely controlled by the RSF, witnesses reported army air strikes on three state capitals -- Nyala, Al-Daein and El Fasher. Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas. A UN expert report released last year determined that the army in Darfur was "not only unable to protect civilians but also used aerial bombing and heavy shelling in urban areas," often resulting "in the heaviest losses of civilian life". Since last April, the fighting has killed many thousands -- including up to 15,000 in one Darfur town -- and displaced 8.6 million people. Liberia's Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly endorsed the establishment of a long-awaited war crimes court, marking a significant step towards accountability more than two decades after the end of a devastating civil conflict. The West African nation's two civil wars, notorious for their brutality and use of child soldiers, left an estimated 250,000 people dead between 1989 and 2003. Despite international and domestic demand, Liberia has yet to try anyone for crimes committed during the bloody conflicts, which resulted in massacres, mutilation, rape and cannibalism. The Senate on Tuesday backed a resolution supporting the establishment of a war and economic crimes court, after the lower house of parliament voted in favour of its creation last month. Twenty-eight senators voted for, one abstained and one vote was not cast due to a vacant seat. The resolution will now return to the lower house to agree changes before it is sent to President Joseph Boakai for approval. A bill would then be drafted and debated by both houses. During his swearing-in speech in January, Boakai said his government would explore the possibility of opening a "war and economic crimes court" for "those who bear the greatest responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity". The United States has hailed steps towards creating the court. "Liberians have waited far too long to see justice for the horrific abuses they suffered in the country's two civil wars," US Ambassador at large for Global Criminal Justice Beth Van Schaack said in an open letter to Liberians in March. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in 2009 recommended the establishment of a war crimes tribunal, but this has largely gone unheeded, particularly in the name of peacekeeping as a number of accused warlords remained influential in their communities. One of the most prominent of these is current senator Prince Johnson, who was shown in a video sipping beer while his men tortured then-president Samuel Doe to death in 1990. Johnson had until recently been a vocal opponent of establishing the war crimes court, but on Tuesday signed in favour of the resolution. While no trials have taken place within Liberia, a number of convictions have been secured abroad. A French court at the end of March handed former rebel commander Kunti Kamara a 30-year prison sentence for violence against civilians and complicity in crimes against humanity during the first civil war. Ireland will move to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming weeks, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said Tuesday in Dublin. Martin said he will bring a formal proposal on recognition of a Palestinian state to the government when "wider international discussions" are complete. "Be in no doubt, recognition of a Palestinian state will happen," he told the Irish parliament during a speech. Delaying recognition "is not credible or tenable any longer," he said. Martin later told local news site the Journal that the formal proposal will happen "in the next couple of weeks". He said that for the past six months he has been in discussions about recognition with other countries involved in peace initiatives. Last month the leaders of Spain, Ireland, Slovakia and Malta said in a joint statement that they stand ready to recognise Palestinian statehood. Ireland has long said it has no objection in principle to officially recognising the Palestinian state if it could help the peace process in the Middle East. But the war in Gaza has given the issue new impetus. The war broke out with Hamas's October 7 attack against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,360 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. "I am in no doubt that war crimes have been committed and I utterly condemn the ongoing bombardment of the Gazan people," said Martin. Statehood recognition "could be a catalyst to help the people of Gaza and the West Bank and in furthering an Arab-led peace initiative," he said. EU lawmakers on Wednesday voted on a contentious reform of Europe's asylum policies that would harden border procedures and force all the bloc's 27 nations to share responsibility. The outcome is uncertain. The European Parliament's main political groups back the new EU migration and asylum pact, despite reservations. But the far-right and far-left are opposed, for different reasons. "The vote will be a close one," admitted EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson. European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas called it a "moment of truth," saying the reform would build "a well-guarded house with more secure external borders and clear rules on who is entitled to enter". The policy overhaul is broken into 10 pieces of legislation. Each one needs to be adopted, otherwise the entire package will fail. For more than 160 migrant charities and non-governmental organisations, the pact is a betrayal of European Union values and a hardening of a "Fortress Europe" mentality. Protesters in the public gallery briefly disrupted the start of the voting, yelling 'This pact kills - vote no!' until the chamber was brought to order. But the UNHCR refugee agency's chief has endorsed the reform, prepared by the European Commission in the years since massive inflows in 2015 and the fruit of arduous negotiations. Far-right lawmakers say the overhaul does not go far enough to block access to irregular migrants, whom they accuse of spreading insecurity and threatening to "submerge" European identity. "These migrant flows just don't stop. We won't allow ourselves to be replaced or submerged," said Jordan Bardella, a lawmaker who heads France's far-right National Rally party whose figurehead is Marine Le Pen. Hungary is also fiercely opposed. One of its lawmakers, Kinga Gal, predicted the "very bad" pact would result in Europe being "flooded by millions of migrants". For the far-left, the reforms -- which include building border centres to hold asylum-seekers and sending some to outside "safe" countries -- were incompatible with Europe's commitment to upholding human rights. It was "a pact with the devil, and we denounce this unanimously," said Damien Careme, a lawmaker from the Greens group. - 'Problematic elements' - The mainstream centrist right and left in the parliament exhorted the chamber to swallow misgivings about the pact and to pass it as an improvement over the current situation. They also warned that failure to pass reforms would boost the far-right, predicted to become a bigger force in the European Parliament following June elections. "The pact definitely contains problematic elements, risks and weaknesses, and it's dishonest to deny that," said Sophie In 'T Veld, a key figure pushing the package through. "But it is equally dishonest to claim that this pact is the end of the right to asylum," said the left-leaning lawmaker. Abir Al-Sahani of Sweden, originally a refugee from Iraq, also called on parliament to overcome resistance from the "barbed-wire right" and the "dreaming left". The measures, if adopted, would come into force in 2026, after the European Commission sets out in coming months how it would be implemented. The new border centres would hold irregular migrants while their asylum requests are vetted, and speed up deportations of those deemed inadmissable. It would also require EU countries to take in thousands of asylum-seekers from "frontline" states such as Italy and Greece. Alternatively, they could provide money or other resources to the under-pressure nations. A controversial measure is the sending of asylum-seekers to countries outside the EU that are deemed "safe", if the migrant has sufficient ties to that country. - Deals with neighbours - The pact has wended through years of thorny talks and compromises ever since the bloc was confronted with large numbers of irregular migrants who arrived in 2015, many from war-torn Syria. Under current EU rules, the arrival country bears responsibility for hosting and vetting asylum-seekers, and returning those deemed inadmissable. That has put southern states under pressure and fuelled far-right sentiment. A political breakthrough came in December when a weighted majority of EU countries backed the reforms -- overcoming opposition from Hungary and Poland. In parallel with the reform, the EU has been multiplying the same sort of deal it struck with Turkey in 2016 to stem migratory flows. It has reached accords with Tunisia and, most recently, Egypt that are portrayed as broader cooperation arrangements. Many lawmakers have, however, criticised the deals. A fugitive police officer has been arrested for the killing of a student whose death inflamed tensions over one of Mexico's worst human rights tragedies, authorities said Wednesday. Yanqui Gomez, 23, was shot dead on March 7 in a confrontation with police in the southern state of Guerrero, prompting angry students to set fire to patrol cars. Gomez attended the Ayotzinapa college, the same teaching training center as 43 students whose murky disappearance nearly a decade ago shocked the nation. "Today at dawn the police officer who killed the young man from Ayotzinapa was arrested. All those who participated are now in prison," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. The officer was detained at a ranch protected by guards, he said at his daily news conference. The shooting took place a day after protesters smashed open a door to Mexico's presidential palace demanding to meet Lopez Obrador to discuss the Ayotzinapa case. The 43 students had been traveling to a demonstration in Mexico City in 2014 when investigators believe they were kidnapped by a drug cartel in collusion with corrupt police. The exact circumstances of their disappearance are still unknown, but a truth commission set up by the government has branded the case a "state crime," saying the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence. So far, the bodies of only three of the students have been found. Arrests have been made or ordered for dozens of suspects, including military personnel and a former attorney general who led a controversial investigation into the mass disappearance. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday offered condolences in a phone call to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh after the death of his three sons in Gaza, his office said. Erdogan told Haniyeh, "Israel will definitely be held accountable before the law for the crimes against humanity it committed", the presidency said in a statement on social media. Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar, told Al Jazeera network that three of his sons and some of his grandchildren were killed in an Israeli strike. Haniyeh said the deadly strike would fail to force Hamas's hand in negotiations towards a truce and hostage release. Erdogan, who forged friendly ties with Haniyeh, has been one of the most virulent critics of Israel since the start of the war in Gaza, following the October 7 attack by Hamas in Israel that claimed 1,170 lives, mostly civilians, Israeli figures show. Israel has responded with a relentless ground and air offensive that the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said has killed at least 33,482 people in the besieged Palestinian enclave, mostly women and children. Erdogan has called Israel a "terrorist state" and accused it of conducting a "genocide" in Gaza. He has called Hamas "liberators" or "mujahideen" fighting for their land. Three of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's sons were killed Wednesday in an Israeli strike in Gaza, the Palestinian leader and Israel's military said, as war rages on after more than six months. Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar, told Al Jazeera network that three of his sons and some of his grandchildren were killed when their car was hit. The deadly strike came as there were no signs of progress in mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, seeking a halt in the fighting. "Today three of my sons, Hazem, Amir and Mohammed, and some of my grandchildren were martyred" in the strike on their car, the political head of the Palestinian militant group told Al Jazeera. A statement from Hamas later said four grandchildren were among those killed in the "treacherous and cowardly" strike, naming them as Mona, Amal, Khaled and Razan. An Israeli military statement said its forces killed "three Hamas operatives" who were "on their way to carry out terrorist activities" in central Gaza, identifying them as Amir, Mohammed and Hazem Haniyeh. "The IDF (Israeli military) confirms that the operatives are three of Ismail Haniyeh's children," the statement said, adding that they were members of Hamas's military wing. According to Al Jazeera, a drone hit the family's car in the northern Gaza Strip's Al-Shati refugee camp. AFP images showed Palestinians in Gaza City inspecting the badly damaged and charred vehicle. Al Jazeera said Haniyeh was visiting wounded Palestinians who were evacuated from Gaza to receive treatment at a hospital in Doha, when he received the news of the strike. The Hamas leader reacted with defiance, saying "the (Israeli) occupation believes... it will break the determination of our people" by targeting leaders of the movements and their relatives. - 'Won't back down' - Haniyeh said the deadly strike would fail to force Hamas's hand in negotiations towards a truce and hostage release. "If they (Israel) think that targeting my children... at the peak of these talks and before the movement's response, if they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional," he added. "The blood of my children is not more precious than the blood of the Palestinian people," he said. "We will not back down on our demands," he added. Haniyeh also told Al Jazeera that, in total, nearly "60 members of my family have been martyred, including my grandchildren, my brother's sons, my sister's sons and my cousins". The fighting was sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, Israeli figures show. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,482 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Turkish President Teyyip Reccep Erdogan, a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, offered condolences to Haniyeh in a phone call, his office said. "Israel will definitely be held accountable before the law for the crimes against humanity it committed", the Turkish presidency said in a statement on social media. UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron accused the Kremlin Thursday of subjecting one of its biggest critics, Russian-British citizen Vladimir Kara-Murz, to "degrading and inhumane conditions" since his arrest two years ago. Kara-Murza, one of the most prominent opponents of President Vladimir Putin, was sentenced to 25 years in prison last year -- the longest known sentence for a Russian dissident in recent times. He was charged with "treason" after using a speech in the United States to say Russia had committed "war crimes" against Ukraine. The 42-year-old suffers from serious health problems, which his wife Evgenia and lawyers say are due to two poisoning attempts orchestrated by Russia's FSB security service in 2015 and 2017. In a statement on the second anniversary of Karza-Murza's detention, Cameron called the charges against him "fabricated" and urged Moscow to release him immediately on humanitarian grounds. "A committed human rights activist striving for a democratic Russia, and an outspoken critic of the war in Ukraine, Mr Kara-Murza was considered a threat by the Kremlin," Britain's top diplomat said. "Putin locked him up in a bid to silence him." Accusing Russian authorities of "callous disregard for his declining health", Cameron added the priohe was "now being subjected to degrading and inhumane conditions in prison, clearly designed to further damage his physical and mental well-being". The former prime minister said Kara-Murza has been refused much-needed urgent medical treatment, and vowed to keep publicising his plight. "Through diplomatic interventions at the highest levels, financial sanctions targeted at those behind his poisoning and imprisonment, and by raising his case on the international stage, we are sending a clear message that the UK will not stand for this abhorrent treatment of one of our citizens," he added. "Russia's depraved treatment of political prisoners must end." Fears have grown over Kara-Murza's fate following the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny in an Arctic prison colony in February. Evgenia Kara-Murza told reporters in Geneva last month that the poisoning attempts had left her husband with a serious condition called polyneuropathy, which can lead to paralysis. It figures on the list of medical conditions that should prevent incarceration under Russian law, she said. Moscow's crackdown on critics has worsened since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with Russia currently counting nearly 700 political prisoners, according to Nobel Prize-winning rights group Memorial. Right from the start of the trial on April 8, Emmanuel Nkunduwimye's lawyer set the tone. I will fight only so that we don't convict a man without proof, that we don't condemn someone if there is still a doubt, said Dimitri de Beco. The Brussels-based criminal lawyer, who was only ten years old at the time of the Tutsi genocide in 1994, will therefore stick to criminal law, without straying into the sensitive terrain of Rwandan political history. This sober line of defence was evident the next day in the defendant's answers to questions from the presiding judge on two points in particular: Georges Rutaganda's responsibility in the genocide, and the reality of massacres committed in the Amgar building complex in Kigali. This Belgian trial is directly linked to another one held 25 years ago -- the trial of Georges Rutaganda at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR). Rutaganda was second vice-president of the National Committee of the Interahamwe, the militiamen considered to have spearheaded the genocide committed in Rwanda between April and July 1994. The ICTR sentenced him to life imprisonment in 1999. His sentence was confirmed on appeal in 2003, and he died in custody in 2010. No one disputes that Nkunduwimye and Rutaganda were very close and regularly travelled together during the genocide. Nkunduwimye was a witness at Rutaganda's trial and painted a glowing portrait of his friend. As recently as 2011, he told Belgian investigators that he had never seen Rutaganda commit the slightest criminal act and that he considered his conviction by the ICTR to be purely political. This is not the version he gives today. Asked by the president of the court what he thought of Rutagandas conviction, he replied: I accept it, because he was part of the Interahamwe, but I'm also uncomfortable with it because I also know he saved my family. But he was known in the country for those things. Rutaganda knew I was under threat Nkunduwimye, who looks well-groomed and speaks clear French, maintains he was in no way involved in the massacres committed by the Interahamwe that his friend led. He insists he only moved around with Rutaganda because Rutaganda was protecting him. He says he was a target because his brother-in-law had financed the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the armed rebellion formed by exiled Tutsis. In April 1994, war raged in Rwanda between the RPF and the Hutu-controlled government army, whose allies were the Interahamwe. [Rutaganda] knew very well that I was under threat, that if I stayed, someone might assassinate me. My name had already been announced, Nkunduwimye says. If he wore a military jacket, carried a weapon and sometimes travelled surrounded by Interahamwe, it was for this reason alone, he maintains. I never learned how to handle weapons. If I had one, it was just to show at the roadblocks that I was an official. It was Rutaganda who gave me the gun, he told the court. I never took part in Interahamwe National Committee meetings, and I couldn't give orders to my escort, he said in response to various questions from the parties to the trial. Testimonies gathered by the investigators differ. Some witnesses support the accused's version, asserting that he was merely seeking Rutaganda's protection; others maintain that Nkunduwimye, who ran a garage in the Amgar complex, was involved with the Interahamwe by choice, and that he took part in massacres with them. Accused admits there were crimes at Amgar At the end of his interrogation, Nkunduwimye went one step further. Asked by his lawyer to clarify what he knew about the murders committed in Amgar, he added another important nuance to what he said earlier in the investigation. In 2011, he stated that no one was killed in Amgar and that no weapons were stored there. Now on April 9 he said no one was killed inside the Amgar compound but that outside the compound, there was killing.I don't know what they did with the bodies, he added, but in any case you could hear the shots. During an ICTR mission to Amgar in 1996, forensic experts discovered 27 bodies in pits located right next to this building complex in the Rwandan capital. Their forensic examinations established that all the victims had died violent deaths, and that the time of death corresponded to the period of the genocide. The trial is scheduled to last until June 3, after the hearing of some 100 witnesses. "Lovely Runner" stars Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon exhibited their synergy for their latest interview. 'Lovely Runner' Stars Byeon Woo Seok, Kim Hye Yoon Exhibit Chemistry for New Interview After the successful premiere of their rom-com series "Lovely Runner," Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon are receiving massive support from the public. Meanwhile, Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon appeared on Elle Korea's YouTube channel and gave fans a glimpse of their chemistry. The clip showcased the duo navigating their notable height difference. Byeon Woo Seok is standing tall at 189cm while Kim Hye Yoon is 160cm, making for a 29cm gap. Through the interview, the two addressed the challenges they experience because of their height disparity. The "20th Century Girl" actor funnily said that during shoots, he doesn't need to use apple boxes. The "Extraordinary You" actress chimed in and commented, "My neck hurts. I also have the path made of apple boxes." She added that she always has to wear heels. Kim Hye Yoon admitted that sometimes she was still startled by her co-star's height so she humorously commented, "Sometimes I am startled, 'why the heck is he so tall?'" Kim Hye Yoon Accepts Challenge to Carry Byeon Woo Seok As they proceeded with the question and answer portion, the two picked a question where they were tasked if Kim Hye Yoon could carry Byeon Woo Seok at her back, like the Korean title of their series "Carry Sun Jae and Run." The young actress expressed, "I can't believe I am doing this." Hence, she was successful in her second attempt. Byeon Woo Seok, on the other hand, showed his caring side by asking, "Are you okay?" adding a touch of sweetness to the moment. Byeon Woo Seok said, "I felt Hye Yoon's legs trembling, thought she couldn't do it, but she actually carried me for three seconds." 'Lovely Runner' Generates Buzz After Premiere The fans and viewers are starting to like the new duo after they quickly captivated the crowd with their chemistry on screen through the drama "Lovely Runner." Due to the fresh narrative and interesting twist, it is safe to say that the fantasy rom-com series has now become one of the most talked about K-dramas online. Viewers are already looking forward to the next episodes of the series and are excited about the development of the characters' stories. "Lovely Runner" tells the story of a passionate fan, Im Sol, who was devastated by the death of her favorite idol Ryu Sun Jae. Due to an unexpected turn of events, she travels back in time to 2008 to change her idol's fate. With just two episodes aired, the series has begun to generate buzz for its heart-fluttering story. Catch Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. (KST) on tvN and VIU. What can you say about Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon's new drama? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. Thursday, April 11, 2024 - As detectives heighten crackdowns on armed thugs that have become the nightmare of city dwellers in the Capital, three notorious robbery suspects have been rounded up in Kilimani and Athi River, and a firearm recovered among other suspected stolen properties. The operation followed a thorough forensic analysis of evidence obtained from various armed robbery scenes across Nairobi and its environs, which were staged on diverse dates from 2023. In the resolute pursuit, detectives from DCI HQS, Starehe and Athi River joined forces in a sting operation, successfully pouncing on 39-year-old Julius Osoro Nyagoi in Nairobi's Kilimani area. After interrogation, the suspect led the investigators to his homestead at Green Park Estate in Athi River, Machakos County. In his house no. 641, two of his accomplices; John Michael Muturi, 38, and Charity Njeri Kimani aged 34 were also arrested before a thorough search was conducted and several exhibits recovered. These included a Czeska pistol loaded with 7 rounds of ammunition, and two pairs of motor vehicle number plates bearing Reg. Nos. KBB 027Z and KDE 399Q, assorted motor vehicle parts, several sim cards, mobile phones, two laptops, an iPad, logbooks for KCE 135W and KCQ 381A, wristwatches, and ATM cards. Also found in the parking lot were motor vehicles Reg Nos. KDC 019P Mazda Bongo, KCE 135W Toyota Noah, KCB 790B Toyota Mark X, and KDE 459A Toyota Fielder, all of which were impounded for verification. The three suspects were then escorted to Pangani Police Station where they are being processed for arraignment on Thursday, April 11, 2024. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Thursday, April 11, 2024 - It is now emerging that Esther Wambui alias Bobo Shanty, the lady that was killed alongside two thugs who robbed a businessman in Eastleigh of Ksh 3.9 million, was also a thug. Last year, she was exposed on a Facebook group after stealing Ksh 20,000 and a phone from a man at an Airbnb. The victim met her at Blackbull Lounge where they had drinks and then booked an Airbnb. She stole his phone and transferred Ksh 20,000 to her Mpesa. She was exposed last year in December. See the expose. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 11, 2024 - There was a bizarre incident in Kisii County after a womans body was abandoned outside her first husbands homestead by her in-laws. According to reports, the woman was rejected from her second marriage for being childless. The evil in-laws abandoned the body in a coffin by the roadside, outside her first husbands homestead. See photo. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 A father whose one-month-old son died after suffering a "snapped neck" has been sentenced to life in prison for the child's murder. Ollie Davis was found lifeless in his crib in the bedroom he shared with his parents in Leicester in October 2017 with more than 20 broken ribs and fractures to his skull, collar bone, both arms and the joints of all his limbs. Michael Davis, 29, was found guilty of his murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm last month, while the baby's mother Kayleigh Driver, 31, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child and causing or allowing serious physical injury. The pair were found guilty after a two-month trial which heard Ollie's "neck was snapped between four and eight days prior to his death". Davis was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years today, April 10. The judge said the murder had involved a "devastating" fatal spinal injury and other injuries usually seen after a "high-energy car crash". Mr Justice Cotter said he was sure Davis had inflicted all of the injuries during four overnight "episodes" of violence and had shown "callous indifference" to Ollie's suffering by not seeking medical help. "I have no doubt that during the night you became frustrated and angry and this led to terrible violence," the judge told him. "You assaulted him on multiple occasions. The attacks in their various forms were also brutal - in particular the fatal neck injury." Driver, who was cleared by a jury of murder and causing grievous bodily harm, was jailed for seven years as she appeared for sentence on a mobility scooter due to a chronic neurological condition. The judge told her: "You must have heard Ollie's cries after he was assaulted, as you were together in the bedroom. This must have woken you up." Prosecutor John Hankin KC told the jury: "Ollie could not have caused the injuries to himself - he was a five-week-old pre-mobile baby. "A broken neck was not the only injury Ollie sustained. Medical investigation revealed Ollie had sustained a total of 37 fractures. "They included fractures to the skull, his collar bone, both arms between the shoulder and the elbow, 23 rib fractures and fractures to the joints of all four limbs. "He also suffered brain injuries, bleeding over the surface of the brain." Mr Hankin said Ollie was subjected to serious physical abuse "most likely to have taken place during the last 10 days of his life". Davis couldn't explain Ollie's injuries, telling police he was "quite shocked" and that his son had "seemed fine" when he fell asleep. Thursday, April 11, 2024 - A man has taken to social media to mourn Esther Wambui alias Bobo Shanty. This lady was killed alongside two armed thugs who shot and robbed a Somali businessman of Ksh 3.9 Million. He posted a video of Bobo Shanty dancing and enjoying life before her death and said he is still in denial that she is no more. I have been trying to call you and text you but there is no reply, he mourned, adding that the deceased lady always encouraged him not to give up. He further called out those judging Shanty after she was killed alongside the slain gangsters, saying that everyone will eventually die. Shantys body was found dumped in Ruiru. She was reportedly dating one of the gangsters involved in the armed robbery incident. She had taken him to Mombasa to buy a car when they were reportedly rounded up by undercover detectives. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Investing in European Citizenship: Malta and Greece Pathways for 2024 Living in a beautiful country that is part of the European Union is the dream of millions of people all over the planet. Such countries are constantly developing, offering excellent living conditions and high levels of remuneration. Popular destinations for migration in 2024 are Malta and Greece. If you decide to get European citizenship, you should know it will not be an easy pathway, but it is quite realistic. Malta Citizenship Program for 2024 There are several pathways to obtaining Maltese nationality: the birth of a child, marriage to a citizen of the country, and family ties. However, there is another option that few people know about - in 2024, it is possible to obtain Malta citizenship in return for investment. This residence permit program provides advantages for each party: the foreigner gets the cherished right to live in this country, and Malta receives investments and development of its economy. To obtain Malta citizenship, you must go through a very difficult and not quick process. You need to be ready to invest more than 600,000 euros in the economy of this country and spend from 12 months to 36 months. It all depends on which investment option you choose. Main Benefits of Maltese Citizenship The benefits and strength of the Maltese passport are what attract thousands of people from all over the world to take advantage of the Malta citizenship program. People who have obtained a new passport and have lived in this country for a number of years mainly mention such pros: European standard of living. High-quality medicine. Developed infrastructure. Ideal weather for living and recreation. Free access to the labor market and high wages. Opportunity to visit almost any country in the world without the need to apply for visas. Greece Pathway to Citizenship Through Investment Generally, Greek citizenship is possible on the following grounds: origin, family ties, and joining the Armed Forces of the country. What to do if you are an ordinary foreigner who wants to get legal permission to live in a country of the European Union? For many people, it will be a revelation, but today, it is possible to obtain European citizenship through investment. Your investment in the country can be a good reason to obtain a residence permit and then become the basis for Greek citizenship. Non-EU citizens who have a positive impact on the Greek economy can obtain a residence permit for 5 or 10 years, depending on the nature of the investment. The Greece Golden Visa implies a deposit of 250,000 EUR or more must be made in: A registered company in Greece. A joint stock company. Government bonds. Credit institution (one-year deposit with permanent renewal). A real estate investment company. What are the Benefits of Greek Citizenship? Greek citizenship gives its holder access to the same rights and freedoms as the native population of the Republic. Among the advantages of obtaining this status and obtaining a passport are: Election law. Consular protection abroad. Ability to live and work in EU countries without time restrictions. Free access to European education and medicine. Social protection. Visa-free or simplified entry to 190 countries. As noted by the expert of Immigrant Invest company Vladlena Baranova, the Greece Golden Visa is considered one of the most accessible and cheapest programs for obtaining European citizenship through investment. Comparing Malta and Greece Investment Citizenship Malta and Greece are two great countries that are part of the European Union, characterized by beautiful nature, warm weather, and many more benefits of living in these countries. But when it comes to choosing one country between these two options, many people are stumped. We have prepared for you a comparison of Maltese and Greece citizenship by investment 2024 to make it easier for you to make this choice. Malta Greece The investment amount starts at 690 thousand euros but often goes up to 1 million. To avail of the Greece Golden Visa, you need to purchase real estate or other assets worth 250 thousand euros and more. You need to live in the country for 1 to 3 years to eventually get a new passport. You have to live more than a year in temporary residency status to get citizenship. You can move your entire family into the country. The Greece Golden Visa implies that all members of your family are granted permanent residency. Applicants need to know the national language at least at an intermediate level. There are no additional requirements for applicants. According to specialists of the Immigrant Invest agency, the majority of people prefer to obtain Greek citizenship. This is not surprising, as the amount of investment required in this option is half as much as investment in Malta. Conclusion Whichever of the above pathways you choose, you get European citizenship and many privileges and benefits. Malta and Greece are quite safe countries to live in, where you can build a happy life and career. European citizenship through investment turns many people's dreams into reality after a short period. Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Narc Kenya chairperson, Martha Karua, has accused President William Ruto of evicting over 40,000 members of the Kikuyu community after purchasing the controversial 5000-acre Ndabibi farm. The farm in Naivasha has been occupied by squatters for over 40 years but Ruto, who is now the President, used his powers to purchase the land from Moi era thief, Benjamin Kulei. Speaking on Tuesday after visiting the farm, Karua, who is the only Mt Kenya leader fighting for her people, said Ruto should tell Kenyans where he got billions to purchase the expansive land. Martha Karua also asked Ruto whether she was aware that over 40,000 Kikuyus would be rendered homeless after he purchased the controversial land which, according to records, belongs to Agriculture Development Corporation (ADC). "Is he ready to protect and defend the constitution as he swore and therefore defend the rights of the forty thousand families? Can he withdraw the security agents at the farm pending the settlement of ownership issues?" Karua further asked. "We are staring at the making of a humanitarian crisis of great proportions, one that would make any serious administration seek to intervene to prevent or mitigate." The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Late former President Daniel Mois daughter, June Moi, has passed away. June, 60, died on Thursday morning according to family sources. The family, however, did not reveal the cause of her death but requested Kenyans for privacy to mourn their departed kin. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on of our beloved, June Chebet Moi this morning. At this time of grief, we request your prayers and privacy as we the family come to terms with the tragic loss of our sister. May her soul rest in eternal peace., the statement read. President William Ruto has condoled with the Moi family and prayed for strength to the family during the difficult time. My heartfelt condolences to the family of the late President Daniel Arap Moi over the loss of June Chebet Moi. May God give you strength at this difficult time. Rest In Peace June, said Ruto. Cooperatives and MSME Development CS Simon Chelugui also sent his condolence message to the Moi family after the death of Chebet. I am saddened by the news of Junes death and I hereby join other Kenyans in mourning with you the passing on of this wonderful lady, a patriot. My heart and prayers go out to the Moi family, friends, and relatives during this time of grief, Chelugui said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 11, 2024 - A lady visited her relatives in the village and served them w33d cookies after they hosted a house party. She shared a video showing the effects that the cookies had on her relatives. Some of her relatives, including aunts and uncles, were almost zombified after consuming the cookies. They laughed uncontrollably while some of them got knocked out. The w33d-laced cookies are common among the youth in Nairobi, especially during house parties. There has been a misconception that using w33d cookies is a safer method of using marijuana as opposed to smoking and that its less addictive and with minimal side effects. Watch the video. Nairobi lady visits her relatives in the village and serves them w33d cookies without their knowledge pic.twitter.com/uL9qkrV9dp DAILY POST (@TheKenyanPost) April 11, 2024 The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" can stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city which currently houses about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. Netanyahu's comments came while addressing new IDF recruits where he claimed that Israel will eradicate Hamas. The Israeli prime minister's comments come despite mounting pressure from the United States and European leaders to not invade Rafah in the absence of an adequate civilian evacuation plan. "We will complete the elimination of the Hamas battalions, including in Rafah," Netanyahu said. Israel says that Rafah is the operating site of four of the remaining six battalions of Hamas that are aided by the presence of other Palestinian militant groups. "There is no force in the world that will stop us," he added. "Many forces are trying to do this, but it will not help, because this enemy, after what it has done, will not do it again. It will cease to exist." The Israeli prime minister stated that Israel's primary goal remains the safe return of all hostages who remain captives of Hamas since the October 7 attack. It remains unclear how many of the remaining 133 hostages are alive. At least five of them are US citizens. Netanyahu's purported warning comes just a day after he claimed that there was a scheduled date for the Rafah incursion. The US has told Netanyahu that a proper plan must be put in place to evacuate civilians from Rafah before the IDF begins its operation in the city. Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas dream of becoming the African Union Chairperson has been shattered after the entry of a powerful man in the race. Raila, who in Kenya is referred to as Baba, was the sole East African Candidate for the AU chairperson job. However, on Sunday, Djibouti's Foreign Minister Mahmoud Youssouf threw his hat into the ring making him the third candidate from the East African region. Somalis former Deputy Prime Minister and current member of the federal parliament Fawzia Yusuf is also in the race. Raila had initially appeared to be a frontrunner but Yousuf's entry adds a new dynamic to the contest. The Republic of Djibouti officially announces the candidacy of its Minister of Foreign Affairs, M Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, for the post of President of the African Union Commission, reads a communique from the Office of the President. With the three contenders now vying for the influential role, the competition promises to be fierce considering the candidates are from the same region. Youssouf, according to the communique, has more than two decades of experience as Minister of Foreign Affairs making him best suited for the position. Youssouf is a man of experience and seasoned diplomat, knowing the mysteries of the Continental Organization to serve and breathe new life into the Pan-African Organization, it adds. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga seems to be on a revenge mission after Central Organisation of Trade Union Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, betrayed him after the 2022 presidential elections. Like Judas Iscariot, Atwoli abandoned Raila Odinga after he was annihilated by President William Ruto during the hotly contested election. Atwoli, who was claiming to be behind Babas presidency, jumped ship and joined Ruto and is now singing the Kenya Kwanza Alliance Government chorus. However, in order to punish the old man for abandoning him, Raila Odinga through Mogori Senator Eddy Oketch has tabled a bill that will see long-serving Federation officials. The Labour Relations (Amendment) Bill 2024 introduces a term limit for officials of unions and employers' organisations or federations. The Bill seeks to end the current arrangement where officials can hold office for as many terms as possible provided they are duly elected and re-elected. This Bill is aimed at Atwoli who has served as COTU boss for close to 50 years. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Simon Harris became Irelands youngest ever prime minister Tuesday, April 9 pledging to bring new energy to the role. Harris, 37, replaces Leo Varadkar who abruptly quit last month citing personal and political reasons. On Tuesday, Irelands parliament voted 88 to 69 in favour of Harris who was then officially installed at a ceremony with President Michael D. Higgins. The centre-right Fine Gael party selected Harris as its leader following an uncontested election after Varadkar resigned but the young politician faces key elections within months as well as domestic pressure to tackle crises over housing and opposition to migration. Harris told parliament: This is very much a partnership government and I intend to lead us in the spirit of unity, collaboration and mutual respect, he said, watched by his wife and two children. I want to bring new ideas and new energy and, I hope, a new empathy to public life. Time is certainly short, and theres a lot to do, Harris added. Varadkar quit last month saying that at the age of 45 he no longer felt he was the best person to lead the country. Varadkar, the youngest prime minister when first elected in 2017, said Tuesday said he always knew Harris would fill the top job. This has perhaps come a little bit sooner than he might have planned or expected. But I know he will rise to the occasion, Varadkar said. He has the empathy, energy, experience, campaigning skills and political antenna to take us forward. Harris joined the youth branch of Fine Gael at the age of 16 and quickly rose through its ranks. A county councillor at the age of 22, he was elected to parliament in 2011 as a 24-year-old. At the time he was the youngest MP and was nicknamed Baby of the Dail (Irish parliament). He was appointed health minister in 2016 aged just 29 and higher education minister in 2020. Also, Harris prominence on social media, especially TikTok, has made him one of the most visible politicians in Ireland. , : , 14 A Kilkenny man has appeared in court charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. The man has also been charged with offences relating to attempting to communicate with and meet a child. He will now be sent to the Kilkenny Circuit Court to face trial on three charges. The man previously had an address in County Kilkenny and now resides in a European country, the local district court heard on Monday. The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed the matter be sent forward for trial at the next sittings of the circuit court, due to begin on April 23. Paul ODwyer, formerly of Stoneyford and now residing at an address in Portugal, was presented with a book of evidence in the case on Monday. He is charged with possession of child pornography, contrary to Section 6 of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act; with using information technology to attempt to communicate with a child, contrary to common law; and with attempting to meet a child, contrary to common law. At the court sitting Judge Geraldine Carthy delivered the usual alibi warning and approved legal aid for one junior counsel. Mr ODwyer was sent forward for trial on continuing bail conditions, on his own bond of 5,000, including that he be contactable by gardai at all times and reside as a designated address in Portugal. Any change of address is to be approved by gardai. He was excused from appearing in court on April 23. Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy skies. Low 33F. NNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 33F. NNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. European lawmakers on Thursday backed a call to include access to abortion in the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights, in a symbolic move after France enshrined the right in its constitution. The European Parliament passed the non-binding resolution by 336 votes to 163 with support from centrist and left-wing groups. But the right to "safe and legal abortion" has almost no chance of inclusion in the bloc's legally-binding charter which would require unanimous agreement by the EU's 27 countries. The right to abortion remains heavily restricted in EU countries including strongly Catholic Poland and Malta. Polish lawmakers on Thursday opened a debate on liberalising abortion laws, but splits in the ruling coalition made the outcome uncertain. The EU parliament vote followed France last month becoming the first EU nation to include the right to abortion in its constitution. French President Emmanuel Macron said at the time he would push for abortion to be in the EU rights charter. The EU debate comes amid increased attention on abortion rights in the United States after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned a nationwide right to terminate a pregnancy. During the vote in the European Parliament, far-left French MEP Manon Aubry decried "attacks by the extreme right and reactionaries" against the resolution. "The right to abortion is not a question of opinion it is a human right," she told parliament. "The right to abortion does not kill, on the contrary it saves lives." (AFP) NewJeans Hyein faces a temporary halt in her activities following a foot fracture sustained during the group's practice. On April 10, the management agency of NewJeans, ADOR, issued an official notice concerning Hyein's injury via the group's fan communication platform, Phoning. NewJeans Hyein Halts Activities Following Injury Reports indicate that Hyein experienced discomfort in the top region of her foot while engaged in practice sessions. Subsequent medical examinations revealed a microfracture, prompting medical professionals to advise a temporary cessation of her activities to prioritize her recovery and well-being. Hyein no Get well soon pic.twitter.com/KmN2HQ9Ol4 NewJeans Loops (@newjeans_loop) April 10, 2024 Despite this setback, NewJeans is set to release double singles in both Korean and Japanese markets on May 24 and June 21, respectively. Additionally, the group plans to host their anticipated second fan meeting, "Bunnies Camp," at Tokyo Dome on June 26th and 27th. READ ALSO: NewJeans Hyein's Shocking Confessions About IU's 'Shh...' Collaboration Revealed - 'Actually, I felt a little upset...' Bunnies Send Words of Comfort To NewJeans Hyein The news of Hyein's injury comes at a critical juncture, with the group gearing for their upcoming releases and fan events. Over social media, Bunnies shared comments, such as: "Thanks, Ador, for taking care of things. Hyein, take all the time you need to get better. Feel better soon, baby." "Get well soon Hyein." "Get well soon Hyein take your sweet time getting well and we will wishing on every star that you get better soon!" "Please bunnies who have phoning send her positive messages" "Those type of fracture take a while to heal, I don't think she will be able to recover enough for the comeback" "We love you hyein" "we love you our maknae, get well soon" "the timing please im crying get well soon baby " "NOOO im feel so sad for her, speedy recovery hyein " "so sad rn, how is hyein gonna attend to Danielle's birthday" "oh nooo get well soon hyein " "Noooo , comeback stronger hyeinniee " Fans have rallied behind Hyein, expressing heartfelt support and encouragement for her swift recovery, hoping to see her back on stage soon. READ ALSO: NewJeans Hyein's Explosive Confession Ends Discord Speculations - 'There is something I want to...' For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. KpopStarz owns this article. Written by Cassidy Jones. NewJeans sought help from a federal court in the United States to help uncover a person's identity behind a malicious YouTube channel. Read more to learn further details. NewJeans Seeks Help From US Federal Court To Y Uncover Identity & Sue Malicious YouTuber On April 10, the New York Times released a report disclosing that NewJeans had sought assistance from a federal court in the United States to uncover the real identity of a malicious YouTube content creator. NewJeans has asked a federal court to order Google to release the identity of the person behind a YouTube account that the members say is spreading defamatory statements about them. https://t.co/NyuOyRy7CV April 10, 2024 According to sources, NewJeans' agency ADOR had requested the help of platform Google to expose the person behind the YouTube channel called @Middle7. It then revealed that during the filing, the YouTube channel was accused of producing remarks containing defamation, which were directed to NewJeans. NewJeans' lawyer and representative for the case, Eugene Kim, shared that "name-calling and mocking behavior" were present in the YouTube account. It also claimed that the content had inflicted "significant reputational damage" to the group. The report then shared that the court filing was made on March 27, and if NewJeans' side was to be favored by the court, it would be possible for the group to sue the YouTuber in South Korea for defamation and insult, which are both punishable by crime in the country. ADOR let out a brief statement regarding the filing, stating its resolve to protect its artist from any harmful posts and intent. "We regularly take legal action against the violations of our artists' rights," ADOR shared. Initially, the company already filed a complaint against the YouTube account in Seoul, but despite its efforts, the case couldn't proceed since the account's details were anonymous. This led ADOR to request assistance from a US federal court to help identify the suspect. Here's how netizens reacted on social media platform X (Twitter): this is crazy NewJeans & ADOR are asking a federal court to make Google reveal the identity of a user whos allegedly been posting false and defamatory videos about them on Youtube pic.twitter.com/vPBuDzI1AA nil (@newjiram) April 10, 2024 please give appropriate punishmentpic.twitter.com/rIsZd4zfzr https://t.co/6XvBCCgjkT (@mintcarebear) April 10, 2024 I hope this person gets punished and it sets an example to other such people to stop doing all this (@Tokki_OMG) April 10, 2024 went through the 5 stages of grief this morning danis 19, hyeins injured, and newjeans requested u.s. court over some mf defaming them making them go into mental destress . dani bday!!! (@gentlebunni) April 11, 2024 I think one of the factor that helps is that jang wonyoung was a minor when sojang did all that to her. Newjeans have minors in the group too so the court might favor them because they value the protection of minors April 10, 2024 ADOR Bans Gift-Giving To NewJeans In Airports, Releases Official Statement In other news, ADOR released a statement addressing the gift-giving and the distribution of fan letters to NewJeans at airports. The agency's announcement revealed that the gestures would now be prohibited due to recurring instances of safety risks. Furthermore, ADOR proposed an alternative for Bunnies to be able to send their love to NewJeans and assured that the rule would be implemented to create a healthy fan culture. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below! For more intriguing K-pop news and exciting updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: NewJeans' Agency Warns Bunnies Not To Do THIS In Group's Airport Arrivals, Departures - Read Official Statement Here KpopStarz owns this article Written by Israel Monte SHREVEPORT, La. - While severe weather has moved out of our area, authorities continue to monitor road conditions and localized flooding due t EU leads global mobilisation Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education, the European Union brought together the global education community to take stock of the Global Gateway education investments so far and mobilise partners, as well as new investments ahead of the September's UN Summit of the Future. Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen confirmed the European Union's strong commitment to quality education as showcased by the 3 billion in funding allocated for education actions between 2021 and 2023, representing around a 13% of the international partnerships budget. This is in line with Commissioner's decision to increase education spending from 7% to at least 10% by 2027. At the event, the Commissioner signed programmes totalling 245 million. These include support to girls' education in Zambia, support to research and learning mobility in Nigeria, a new Team Europe Initiative on vocational education and training in Africa, and the launch of an Africa-Europe Youth Academy and 15 new projects supporting academic mobility inside Africa under the flagship initiative. New support to girls' education, youth mobility and skills for jobs At the event, Commissioner Urpilainen and Zambian Minister of Education, Douglas Syakalima, signed an agreement to support Zambia's National Development Plan and Free Education Initiative, supported by a 110 million EU grant. The funds will enhance the quality of primary and secondary education, reduce girls' dropout rate, increase accessibility for learners with disabilities, and boost early childhood education and development in underserved provinces. Together with Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary of Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education, Commissioner also signed an 18 million cooperation agreement to enhance research and development capacities in the pharmaceutical sector. This action is part of the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+). It will support the wider enabling environment around Nigeria's pharmaceutical sector, notably by promoting skills development, research and development (for example research in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology), digitalisation and a centralised system for forecasting, procurement and distribution of quality medical products. Under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa, 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects funded by the EU with 27 million will provide learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees and staff across the continent to boost high-level green and digital skills. As a key initiative of the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations, the Africa-Europe Youth Academy will provide opportunities for formal and informal learning and exchanges to young people looking to improve their leadership skills and create networks between Africa and Europe. The first set of actions launched today is supported with 15 million from the EU. The regional Team Europe Initiative Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa, launched today, aims to enhance the employability of women and men in Sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative will steer vocational training initiatives towards concrete employment opportunities created by Global Gateway investments. The initiative will thus support a paradigm shift where the training offer will be tailored to concrete identified job opportunities. The identification of opportunities for women will be compulsory. The Team Europe Initiative is co-financed with 75 million from the EU budget for the period 2024-2028. Background The Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education gathered decision makers, private sector and education actors to Brussels to discuss the opportunities for education investments and cooperation under the Global Gateway investment strategy, to showcase results and share best practices and lessons learned and to accelerate progress towards the SDG4, quality education for all. Education is a powerful mechanism to address inequality and poverty, boosting human potential, opening doors for girls, youth and marginalised groups, and providing a springboard for human connections, debate and democratic values. For More Information Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education - European Commission Education - European Commission EU and Zambia strengthen cooperation on education and research EU and Nigeria boost cooperation on research and learning mobility The EU launches new regional initiatives in Africa to boost youth mobility and skills, including the unique Africa-Europe Youth Academy Quote I believe that education is the vehicle to shape a more sustainable world. The EU is a Global Champion on Education. Todays event brought together key global education actors and was part of our follow-up to the UN Transforming Education Summit, where we made important commitments. I am happy to say that the EU is well on track to deliver on those commitments, including on increasing the share of education in the international partnerships budget from 7% to at least 10%. With Global Gateway, we have made the strategic decision to prioritise investment in inclusion and access to education, in quality teaching and learning, and in future-proof skills. Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, the EU driving the push to put the SDG4 on track. Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships Zarazeno ct 11.04.2024 12:04:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=IP/24/1893&language=en lang en guid /IP/24/1893/ Address by Commissioner Lenarcic Ladies and gentlemen, Education is a fundamental right for children everywhere even in the midst of conflict. It is also, arguably, the most efficient and powerful equality builder. Lifting up societies and transforming lives. And it is one of the vital steps needed to reduce global humanitarian need, which is today at an all-time high of around 300 million people. Including children. Tragically, the lifeline of education is all too often denied to children in need condemning them to remain in the cycle of dependence and poverty. Today, over a quarter of a billion children are out of school. Imagine if half the entire population of the EU had never had the possibility to access education. And barriers to education persist including displacement, insecurity, absence of teaching staff, societal prejudices and pandemics. Perpetrators of violence are also becoming more brazen in their defiance of international humanitarian law. With increasing attacks on schools, students and teachers in conflict zones. And many of these barriers to education are set to worsen as the climate crisis deepens. We know they affect the most vulnerable first. Including girls and children with disabilities. This is not just a betrayal of children everywhere. It is a huge loss of opportunity at both an individual and a socio-economic level. The European Union is working to reverse this devastating trend. Making education a central part of both humanitarian aid and international partnerships through its Global Gateway offer. At least 10% of all funding in support of people in crisis and development situations goes to providing education in emergencies. We prioritise children in vulnerable communities. Almost two thirds of countries benefiting from EU education programmes are fragile states. And we help fight gender inequality in education. Over 90% of the education programmes funded by EU International Partnerships target gender equality. That's not all. We are working closely with international partners to get more children into schools. And I am proud that the EU and its member states are together the largest donor to the Global Partnership for Education and a committed funder of Education Cannot Wait. But all this is not enough. More action is needed to protect and educate children. First: we must continue to prioritise funding for educational efforts across the world. Second: we must strengthen the peace-development-humanitarian nexus by putting education at the heart of all our work. This will not only address short-term needs but also provide long-term sustainable solutions. Like supporting resilience and strengthening local capacities. Third: we must continue to advocate for greater respect of international humanitarian law. In all conflicts, and by all conflict actors. And we must hold perpetrators to account. Because it is children who pay the highest price. Today, this horrific truth is most visible in Gaza. Currently being witnessed by the entire world. I once again call for a ceasefire. Foremost for the sake of the children of Gaza. And I urge you to keep the right to education at the centre of the humanitarian and development agenda across the world. I wish you a fruitful discussion. Thank you. Zarazeno ct 11.04.2024 15:04:00 Zdroj Evropska komise en Original ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/documents?reference=SPEECH/24/1976&language=en lang en guid /SPEECH/24/1976/ Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue Today, European Commission Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, US Federal Trade Commission (FTC') Chair Lina Khan and the Assistant Attorney General of the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division (DOJ') Jonathan Kanter met in Washington for the fourth meeting of the EU-US Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue (TCPD'). The purpose of the dialogue is to further strengthen the cooperation to ensure and promote fair competition in the digital economy. The growth of data monopolies and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence expand the competitive threats we face from dominant digital gatekeepers, said Jonathan Kanter, Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division. Exchanging best practices with our global counterparts helps us to more effectively serve the American people, and we deeply appreciate the European Commission's continued engagement through the TCPD. As businesses move at breakneck speed to build and monetize artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making tools, engaging with our international partners and sharing best practices will be especially critical, said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. The Joint Technology Dialogue provides U.S. agencies and the European Commission a key opportunity to discuss emerging threats in a rapidly evolving digital economy. Today's dialogue focused on: (i) rapidly evolving technologies in the digital sector, such as artificial intelligence and cloud, (ii) ensuring that merger enforcement accounts for the realities of the modern digital economy, and (iii) how to best consider evolving market dynamics in the digital sector, in particular regarding technology platforms. The three authorities have agreed on the importance of continuing their close collaboration in the framework of the TCPD to ensure fair competition in the technology sector. The TCPD will continue with high-level meetings, as well as regular discussions at a more technical level. Background On 15 June 2021, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Joe Biden of the United States launched the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC). The TTC serves as a forum for the US and EU to coordinate approaches to key global trade, economic, and technology issues and to deepen transatlantic trade and economic relations based on shared democratic values. On 7 December 2021, the Commission, the US Federal Trade Commission and the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice have launched the TCPD, which focuses on developing common approaches and strengthening the cooperation on competition policy and enforcement in the technology sector. A second meeting of the TCPD took place on 13 October 2022 and a third on 30 March 2023. The Commission, the US Federal Trade Commission, and the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice have a longstanding tradition of close cooperation in antitrust enforcement and policy. This cooperation began even before the formal 1991 Agreement between the Commission of the European Communities and the Government of the United States of America Regarding the Application of their Competition Laws, subsequently complemented by the 1998 agreement on the application of positive comity principles in the enforcement of their competition laws. In 2011, the three agencies reaffirmed their strong commitment to this mutually beneficial cooperative relationship by adopting joint Best Practices on Merger Cooperation. Quote With today's meeting, we have further strengthened our cooperation in competition policy and enforcement in the technology area. The fast-moving technology sector raises global challenges such as regarding artificial intelligence and cloud computing more broadly. It is essential to anticipate and address such challenges through close cooperation, leveraging our respective experiences for the benefit of consumers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President in charge of competition policy 2024-04-10 SRV Media New Delhi [India], April 11: Symbiosis Law School (SLS) Hyderabad, a constituent of Symbiosis International Deemed University, announces the commencement of registration for aspiring law students. The institute welcomes applications for both undergraduate and post-graduate law programmes through the Symbiosis Law Admission Test (SLAT) and All India Admission Test (AIAT) 2024. The objective of these entrance tests is to assess the legal aptitude and reasoning skills of candidates, thereby ensuring the admission of meritorious students who can excel in the field of law. Also Read | Haryana Road Accident: Five Schoolchildren Killed As Overloaded Bus Overturns in Mahendragarh District (Watch Video). SLAT 2024: Dates and Registration The SLAT 2024 registration is ongoing and will close on April 12, 2024. Candidates can apply for the undergraduate courses B.B.A. LL.B and B.A LL.B through the official website. The exam will be conducted on May 5 and 11, 2024, across various test centres in India. Individuals can opt for one of these dates to appear for the entrance exam. Also Read | Turbo Update: Fans Express Excitement As Mammootty Promises To Make a Major Announcement on Vishu 2024!. AIAT 2024: LLM Admissions For its 1-year LLM programme, SLS Hyderabad conducts admissions through the All India Admission Test (AIAT) 2024. The AIAT registration process is also open, and the last date to apply is April 18, 2024. The AIAT exam is slated to take place on May 11, 2024. Commenting on the admissions process, Dr Santosh Aghav, Director, Symbiosis Law School Hyderabad said, "We aim to provide a conducive learning environment for students to develop their legal skills and knowledge. Our selection process is designed to identify the most promising candidates who can contribute to the legal fraternity." Unique Legal Pathways Offered at SLS Hyderabad * B.B.A. LL.B.: A 5-year integrated programme merging business and legal principles. Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse career opportunities in corporate law, entrepreneurship, and litigation. It fosters a deep understanding among students of how legal frameworks interact with the business world, providing a well-rounded legal education. * B.A LL.B: This 5-year integrated programme delves into the evolution of the legal system, political influences on legislation, and laws' societal impact. This programme equips graduates to think critically, analyze legal issues from multiple perspectives, and advocate effectively. * LL.M Programmes: SLS Hyderabad offers specialised 1-year LL.M. programmes in Business and Corporate Law, and Criminal and Security Law, focusing on comprehensive legal training in various specialised areas. Industry-Ready Training and Global Engagement - Practical Learning: The university recognizes the importance of practical training. By providing practical learning, the university ensures that students are well-prepared with the necessary skills and meet the legal profession's demands. - Global Engagement: The university's International Cell fosters collaborations, enhancing academic advancement for students and faculty. Having this legal education system helps students operate effectively in an increasingly interconnected world. Career Support and Placement * Placement Programmes: SLS Hyderabad's robust placement programmes help students gain knowledge about interview processes, and improve their interview skills so they can easily get connected to legal firms and get a reputable position. * Alumni Network: A strong alumni network helps students by offering mentorship and networking opportunities, enhancing career prospects. Students aspiring for a distinguished legal career are encouraged to consider SLS Hyderabad, a premier institution known for academic excellence, industry alignment, and alumni achievements. The institution not only educates but also empowers individuals to translate their ideals into a thriving legal career. For more information, visit Symbiosis Law School (SLS) Hyderabad (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], April 11 (ANI): States and Union Territories are directed to enforce weekly stock disclosure of pulses by all stockholding entities and verify the stocks declared by them. In a statement, the Union Food and Public Distribution Ministry said stocks in warehouses located in major ports and pulses industry hubs should be verified from time to time and strict action should be taken on stockholding entities found to be reporting false information on the stock disclosure portal. Also Read | Haryana Road Accident: Five Schoolchildren Killed As Overloaded Bus Overturns in Mahendragarh District (Watch Video). The Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare took a meeting on Wednesday with Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of states as a follow-up of the April 5, 2024 directive to all the States/UTs to enforce pulses stock disclosure by stockholding entities. The States and UTs were apprised of the need for increased vigilance over the stock position and price trends in respect of pulses to prevent hoarding and market manipulation. Also Read | Turbo Update: Fans Express Excitement As Mammootty Promises To Make a Major Announcement on Vishu 2024!. The secretary also met with pulses importers associations and other pulses industry representatives to discuss import and stock disclosure issues. As per the statement, the participants shared their views and inputs on the pulses industry in general and imports in particular. Apart from the five major pulses -- Tur, Urad, Chana, Masur and Moong -- the States/UTs have been asked to monitor the stock position in respect of imported Yellow Peas. The import of Yellow Peas has been allowed from 8th December 2023 for a period till 30th June, 2024 to augment overall availability of pulses. Khare stressed the need to ensure that imported Yellow Peas are continuously released in the market. Reportedly, the duty on yellow peas was first implemented in November 2017 at 50 per cent. India largely imports yellow peas from Canada and Russia. Similarly, stocks of Tur, Urad and Masur with importers are to be monitored for smooth and continuous release in the market. India is a large consumer and grower of pulses and it meets a portion of its consumption needs through imports. India primarily consumes chana, Masur, urad, Kabuli chana, and tur. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dehradun, Apr 12 (PTI) People in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand say the Agnipath scheme and the Ankita Bhandari case would have a bearing on the electoral prospects of the BJP here since the youth is not happy for the last couple of years. Ankit Negi, a resident of the Chamoli district, said that choosing the Army as a career option was the primary choice of every youth here, especially those from the hills or rural areas. Also Read | Siachen Day 2024 Date in India: Know About The History and Significance of the Day That Commemorates Indias Successful Operation Meghdoot. Eight years (from 17 to 25) are crucial for every youth who decides where they will head in life. It decides the future of the person and his family as well. However, after the introduction of this scheme, the youth is deeply agitated. The youth of hill areas are known for their physical strength. Every youth here used to be very enthusiastic about choosing the Army as their career option. The BJP is not focusing on this issue and it is also not in their election manifesto, due to which most of the youngsters here are not in favour of voting for the party, Negi said. Also Read | Andhra Pradesh: Man Poses as IAS Officer to Illegally Obtain VIP Darshan Tickets of Tirumala Temple, Detained. Abhinav Patwal, a resident of the Pauri district, said the youth were "angry" after announcement of the scheme two years ago. We have protested a lot and showed our displeasure regarding the scheme which was imposed on us. Since the announcement of the scheme, we have seen several agitations across the country. We have also tried to share our views about the scheme with the central government via several mediums. We are clear in our minds that if the scheme is not scrapped, then we will not vote in favour of the BJP, Patwal said. In June 2022, the government rolled out the Agnipath recruitment scheme for short-term induction of personnel with an aim to bring down the age profile of the three services. It provides for recruiting youths between the age bracket of 17-and-half years and 21 for four years with a provision to retain 25 per cent of them for 15 more years. Umesh Rana, a resident of Srinagar (Uttarakhand), said men are "upset" with the Agnipath scheme, while women are concerned about their safety following the Ankita Bhandari incident. Bhandari, a 19-year-old receptionist at a resort near Rishikesh in the state, was allegedly killed by the resort owner and two of his accomplices in 2022. Shikha Gusain, who hails from the Rudraprayag district of Garhwal, said, Bhandari was our daughter and justice is yet to be delivered. Every political party always talks about women safety in every poll campaign, but if this happens to our daughters or sisters, how will women be safe..." Even the local leaders from the Congress and BJP at Karnprayag in the Chamoli district agree that these two issues will be in the minds of voters when they go to cast their votes. Ishwari Prasad Maikhori, a local Congress leader, said the party is aggressively raising these issues. The BJP wants to fight on national issues, they are not focusing on these points and they have not included these in their election manifesto. The youth of the hill state are silently watching it and they will give a strong message on April 19 when they cast their votes. Congress candidate Ganesh Godiyal is actively talking about these issues, he said. The Congress has been demanding a CBI probe into Bhandari's murder. Harish Sati, a local BJP leader, said, We accept that these points will have an impact on the polls since people in Uttarakhand are emotionally connected with Army jobs, and with the Ankita Bhandari case. However, the development work of the BJP will also play an important role here. Naresh Sharma, a resident of Pauri, said the BJP should not forget that the youth had played a crucial role in 2014, following which the BJP came to power after a decade. Since 2014, one more decade has passed and the Agnipath scheme will have an impact on the polls across the country, while the Bhandari case will surely dent the party in the elections here, Sharma added. The elections for five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand will be held on April 19 in the first phase. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar, April 11 (PTI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing BJP leaders and candidates of defaming and harassing women ASHA, anganwadi, and Mission Shakti workers. The party submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) outlining their concerns. Also Read | Eid Tragedy in Uttar Pradesh: Five People Who Came for Picnic To Celebrate Eid ul-Fitr Day at Nadrai Canal Feared Drowned in Kasganj District, Rescue Operations On. According to the BJD, BJP leaders and candidates have allegedly adopted a dangerous strategy aimed at systematically targeting women grassroots workers in Odisha. They alleged that ASHA and anganwadi workers, and leaders of Mission Shakti, are being falsely accused by BJP representatives in an attempt to influence them to support the saffron party's agenda in the upcoming elections. Also Read | ECB Holds Interest Rate at Record High 4.5%. The party said these actions violate the Model Code of Conduct and urged the EC to take strong action against BJP leaders and candidates. (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 11 (ANI): Rohan Gupta, a former spokesperson of Congress who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday, took a swipe at the opposition bloc INDIA, saying that the alliance named after the country consists of 'anti-national elements'. Addressing the media here at the BJP headquarters after joining the party, Gupta also alleged that the Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh asked the party leaders to "keep quiet" during the Pran Pratishtha of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya temple. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Road Accident: Five Killed As Two Bikes Collide and Dumper Runs Over Them on Bareilly-Haridwar Highway in Pilibhit. "How many contradictions can be there? There is a communication in charge who has 'Ram' in his name, he told us to keep quiet when Sanatan (Dharma) was being insulted...An alliance using the country's name was made but 'desh virodhi takatein' (anti-national elements) were included in it," Gupta said. He also hit out at Congress, asking about its 'compulsion' to support the AAP which is led by Arvind Kejriwal, whom the Congress accused of having connection with Khalistanis. Also Read | Fraud Using PM Modi's Name: Lucknow Businessman Invests in 'Film on PM Narendra Modi', Duped of Rs 1 Crore. "What is the compulsion that Kejriwal whom the Congress accused of being connected with Khalistanis today is being supported by the same party?" he said. Gupta, joined the BJP on Thursday in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and its national general secretary Vinod Tawde. Gupta had resigned from the Congress last month after withdrawing his candidature from Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha constituency. The leader had resigned from Congress, alleging "constant humiliation" and "character assassination" by a Congress leader connected with the party's communication department. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ukhrul (Manipur) [India], April 11 (ANI): Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Manipur police, claimed to have apprehended one person and recovered Rs 13,11,130 in cash from his possession. One carbine machine gun, one pistol, one grenade, one shotgun and ammunition were also seized from him. Also Read | Elon Musk Confirms India Visit: Tech Billionaire To Meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 22 in New Delhi. The Assam Rifles, in its statement, said that the apprehended individual has been handed over to the Ukhrul Police Station along with the recoveries. Further investigation into the matter is underway. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Right Choice for Chancellor of University of Corruption, Says Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. Earlier, security forces recovered huge arms and ammunition in Manipur's Bishnupur district, officials said. According to the officials, the Manipur Police, in a joint operation with Assam Rifles, launched a joint search operation on Sunday and recovered one 7.65 mm pistol, 10 grenades, one Kenwood radio set, and one medical kit from an underground hideout. "Acting on specific intelligence of the presence of arms and ammunition in the general area of Oinam in Bishnupur district of Manipur, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police launched a joint search operation on March 24, 2024, and recovered one 7.65 mm pistol, 10 grenades, one Kenwood radio set, and one medical kit in an underground hideout," the officials said. The hideout was destroyed during the search operation, they added. (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 11 (PTI) The Trinamool Congress will attend the opposition rally to be held in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi on April 21, sources said. According to a source, former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren's wife Kalpana Soren called West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee a few days ago to invite her to the rally. Also Read | Bihar: Mutilated Body of Man Found Near His House in Gopalganj, Investigation Underway. While Banerjee herself is unlikely to attend due to the ongoing election campaign, the party will send its representatives. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha is holding an "Ulgulan (revolution) Maharally" in Ranchi on April 21, which will be attended by INDIA bloc parties. Also Read | BSP Changes Its Motto 'Sarvjan Hitai, Sarvjan Sukhai' to 'Bahujan Hitai, Bahujan Sukhai' Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Earlier, INDIA bloc parties held a joint 'Save India' rally at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on March 31 against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, and actions against other opposition leaders by central agencies. The TMC, which is going solo in West Bengal for the Lok Sabha polls after the seat-sharing talks with the Congress failed, was represented in the rally by party leader Derek O'Brien and Sagarika Ghose. O'Brien had announced at the rally that the TMC continues to be a part of the INDIA bloc. The source said the decision on who would represent the TMC would be conveyed to the organisers around April 18-19. Former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren was arrested by the ED on January 31. He had resigned ahead of his arrest, after which Champai Soren took oath as the new chief minister of the state. Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. (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 11 (ANI): A day after announcing his resignation, former Delhi Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raaj Kumar Anand said that he will not tolerate the 'insult of Dalits'. Anand resigned from AAP and as minister of Kejriwal's cabinet on Wednesday, alleging corruption in the party. Also Read | Odisha: BJD Declares Fresh List of Candidates for Lok Sabha Elections 2024 and Assembly Polls (Watch Video). "I called for a press conference for this. I want to make it clear that I have not come here in the fear of ED. The ED raided my residence to find a trail of money for the liquor scam. If I had continued to believe in this politics of lies, I would still be where I was," the former AAP leader said. "Yesterday, Saurabh Bhardwaj said, Dalit, poor, weak. Are all Dalits weak and poor?. I will not tolerate the insult of Dalits," he added. Also Read | Davanagere Road Accident: Three Killed, Six Injured in Head-On Collision Between NWKRTC Bus and Maruti Omni Car in Karnataka. While addressing a press conference after announcing his resignation, Anand alleged that acting on Ambedkar's ideals is just 'talk' for the ruling party and that the Dalit MLAs and ministers in the party are not respected. "Baba Saheb Ambedkar had given the mantra of Pay Back to Society; because of that, despite being a businessman, I first joined an NGO, then became a public representative and then a minister so that I could serve the people. I came to give something to society from my side. That is why I stood with Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal, who talk about following Baba Saheb's ideals, put Baba Saheb's photo in every press conference and every government office, but there is only talk," Anand said. "There is no respect for Dalit MLAs and ministers in this party. There is no Dalit among their leading leaders in the government or organisation. There is no Dalit in charge of any state. In such a situation, all the Dalits are feeling cheated," he added. Anand faced raids by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) earlier in November last year in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Reportedly, around nine premises linked to Anand, including his official residence, were raided by the ED. Anand was elected to the Delhi assembly in 2020 and he represents the Patel Nagar assembly constituency. He holds multiple portfolios in the Kejriwal cabinet, including Social Welfare, SC and ST, Gurudwara elections, and Registrar of Cooperative Societies. Before joining AAP, Anand was a businessman and was pictured beside Kejriwal in the Anna-Hazare-led movement against corruption in 2011. (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 11 (ANI): Drone manufacturer Garuda Aerospace has announced a significant collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), as it marks its debut in the space-tech domain. This partnership signifies a milestone moment, with ISRO set to procure Garuda Aerospace's cutting-edge quadcopter drones, heralding a new era of innovation in the space sector. Renowned for its state-of-the-art drone technology, Garuda Aerospace's quadcopter drones boast integration with machine learning and artificial intelligence, promising to revolutionise efficiency across various ISRO operations. Also Read | Delhi Excise Policy Case: Court To Hear AAP Leader Manish Sisodia's Bail Plea on April 15. The journey towards this pivotal moment commenced in 2021 when ISRO initiated trials of Garuda Aerospace's drones for tasks including medicine and food delivery, as well as building sanitisation efforts amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. The resounding success of these trials paved the way for ISRO's decision to acquire Garuda Aerospace's quadcopter drones. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, CEO and founder of Garuda Aerospace, expressed pride in securing this order from ISRO, underscoring the company's steadfast commitment to excellence. He highlighted the pivotal role of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles in the space sector, underscoring the significance of the partnership with ISRO in solidifying Garuda Aerospace's position as an 'industry leader'. Also Read | Revoking Article 370 of Jammu and Kashmir Has Uprooted Breeding Ground for Terrorism from Valley, Says Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath. Meanwhile, Jayaprakash also lauded governmental support, particularly the approval of 100% foreign direct investment in the space sector, as a crucial step towards realizing Garuda Aerospace's vision of becoming the first Indian drone unicorn startup. The drone maker stated that Garuda Aerospace's drones are highly customisable and designed to withstand atmospheric pressure and gravity, making them ideal for tasks such as surveying, mapping, and sample collection. The company has demonstrated significant strides in the drone sector, exemplified by the recent launch of its border patrol drone, 'Trishul'. Significantly, Garuda Aerospace holds the distinction of being the first drone company in the country to receive dual approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), encompassing manufacturing and pilot training. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jerusalem, Apr 11 (PTI) More than 6,000 Indian workers will arrive in Israel during April and May to help the country's construction sector meet a labour shortage following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They will be will be brought to Israel on "air shuttle" following a joint decision by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office (PMO), finance ministry and the construction and housing ministry on subsidising charter flights, a statement issued by the Israeli government late Wednesday said. Also Read | Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Thousands of Professional Beggars Flock to Busy Markets, Shopping Malls and Traffic Signals in Pakistans Karachi to Seek Alms in Ramazan. The construction industry of Israel employs workers in specific fields where there is a lack of Israeli workers. The largest group of about 80,000 workers came from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank and another 17,000 from the Gaza Strip. But a huge majority of them had their work permit revoked after conflict started in October. Also Read | Germany Shocker: Court Sentences Father To 13 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder by Injecting Mercury Into His Daughters Foot, Girlfriend Gets 12 Years for Involvement in Crime. The statement said this is the largest number of foreign workers arriving in Israel for the construction sector in a short time". "Thanks to the joint financing of the PMO, the finance ministry and the construction and housing ministry, it was agreed approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India during April and May on an 'air shuttle' following the subsidising of charter flights," it said. The statement was released after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at the PMO here amid an acute shortage of workers that has stalled several projects, causing concerns of increasing cost of living and also friction between various government bodies and businesses. The workers from India are being brought to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between to the countries. On Tuesday last week, 64 construction workers from India arrived in Israel under the agreement. There will be a series of arrivals in the coming weeks, a total of 850 by mid-April. A little over 900 construction workers have arrived from India during the last few months through the B2B route, involving human resources agencies in both countries. Talking to PTI, sources in the construction sector had said after three months, during which more than 20,000 workers from India and Sri Lanka were approved for jobs through screening tests conducted by the Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about 1,000 workers had arrived. They had blamed "bureaucratic procedures", including obtaining various permits, for the delay. Most of the selected workers are said to have resigned from their jobs and waiting to receive a visa to work in Israel, the sources had claimed. "The Israeli government has repeatedly reported its intention to speed up these procedures but has not done so," a source claimed and added that all involved stakeholders in Israel are said to have proposed several plans in their discussions with the government to fast-track the process. Last week, the ICA had told PTI: "The task assigned to us by the government was carried out at a record pace. It has been weeks since we completed three rounds of selection of workers in which professional approval was given to employ more than 20,000 workers, half of them in the government track and half in the business track." "We call on the government to act immediately to bring here the workers who have already (been) approved and to create a fast-track (process) for the approval and flight of the workers. The delay in the arrival of the workers from India and Sri Lanka hurts all concerned," it had said. Netanyahu during a telephonic conversation with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in December last year had discussed advancing the arrival of Indian workers to Israel. Besides those from India and Sri Lanka, a group of about 7,000 workers have come from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe. Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat, during his trip to India in April last year had spoken to officials and his counterpart in Delhi, about hiring Indians in various sectors, including in the construction sector. The discussions had revolved around bringing in almost 1,60,000 people. There are about 18,000 Indians working in Israel, mostly as caregivers. Most of them decided to stay back in Israel during the war because "they felt quite secure" and "also because the salaries are quite attractive". Israel and India also inked an agreement in May last year during then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen's visit to Delhi to allow 42,000 Indians to work in the Jewish state in fields of construction and nursing, a move that was then seen to help deal with the rising cost of living and assist thousands of families waiting for nursing care. A statement released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry then had said 34,000 workers will be engaged in the construction sector and another 8,000 for nursing needs. In the last six months, about 800 workers from India have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel. The Government Press Office in a statement said, "Pursuant to a directive from the prime minister, intensive staff work -- led by Prime Minister's Office Director General Yossi Shelly -- was carried out in order to facilitate a large increase in the quantity of foreign workers in Israel, lower the cost of living and significantly reduce the bureaucracy and friction between it and the business sector while improving supervision and oversight of the employment of foreign workers and safeguarding of their rights." Following discussions, Netanyahu instructed that a decision on the issue be submitted to the government next week. This decision will determine the scope of foreign workers in Israel and an adjustment mechanism in case of severe unemployment in the economy that would affect the employment of Israelis, the statement said. "It was also determined that the government will authorise a committee of director generals, chaired by the PMO director general to allocate the quota between the various branches of the economy according to the need raised by government ministries from economic officials," it said, amid gaining chorus from various sectors of the economy regarding shortage of workers. The minister of finance, interior, welfare and social affairs, and construction and housing, the cabinet secretary and PMO officials were among those who attended in the discussions Officials from the ministries of foreign affairs, economy, interior, justice, transportation, labour, and housing and construction, the National Economic Council and the Agriculture and Population and Immigration Authority also participated. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Seoul, Apr 11 (AP) South Korea's liberal opposition parties appeared set to win a landslide victory in Wednesday's parliamentary election, vote counts showed, a result that could make conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol a lame duck for his remaining three years in office. With most of the votes cast counted, the main opposition Democratic Party and its satellite party appear to have won a combined 175 seats in the 300-member National Assembly. Another small liberal opposition party was expected to win 12 seats under a proportional representation system, according to South Korean media tallies. Also Read | Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Thousands of Professional Beggars Flock to Busy Markets, Shopping Malls and Traffic Signals in Pakistans Karachi to Seek Alms in Ramazan. Yoon's ruling People Power Party and its satellite party were projected to have obtained 109 seats. The final official results were expected later Thursday. Also Read | Germany Shocker: Court Sentences Father To 13 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder by Injecting Mercury Into His Daughters Foot, Girlfriend Gets 12 Years for Involvement in Crime. But the outcome means the liberal opposition forces would extend their control of the parliament, though they will likely fail to garner the super majority of 200 seats that gives them legislative powers to pass bills vetoed by a president and even impeach him or her. Wednesday's election was widely seen as a mid-term confidence vote on Yoon, a former top prosecutor who took office in 2022 for a single five-year term. He has pushed hard to boost cooperation with the U.S. and Japan as a way to address a mix of tough security and economic challenges. But Yoon has been grappling with low approval ratings at home and a liberal opposition-controlled parliament that has limited his major policy platforms. Regardless of the results, Yoon will stay in power and his major foreign policies will likely be unchanged. But the ruling party's big election defeat could set back Yoon's domestic agenda and leave him facing an intensifying political offensive by his liberal opponents. Exit polls sponsored by South Korea's major TV stations earlier predicted a bigger win by the opposition parties. We did our best to do politics that follow public sentiments, but results of exit polls are disappointing, ruling party Han Dong-hoon said in televised comments. We'll watch ballot counting to the end. After gathering to watch TV broadcasts showing results of the exit polls, Democratic Party members cheered and clapped their hands. We'll humbly watch the people's choices to the end. Thanks much! party leader Lee Jae-myung told reporters. Of the 300 seats, 254 will be elected through direct votes in local districts, and the other 46 to the parties according to their proportion of the vote. The final voter turnout for South Korea's 44 million eligible voters was tentatively estimated at 67%, the highest for a parliamentary election since 1992, according to the National Election Commission. Ahead of the election, the conservatives and their liberal rivals exchanged toxic rhetoric and mudslinging. Their mutual contempt deepened during the 2022 presidential election, during which Yoon and Lee, then the Democratic Party candidate, spent months demonizing each other. Yoon eventually beat Lee in the country's most closely fought presidential contest. Lee is now a harsh critic of Yoon's policies and is eyeing another presidential bid. His main potential conservative rival in the next presidential race is Han, an ally of Yoon who served as his justice minister. Lee faces an array of corruption investigations that he argues are politically motivated and pushed by by Yoon's government. There was brief soul-searching about South Korea's divisive politics after Lee was stabbed in the neck in January by a man who, according to police, tried to kill Lee to prevent him from becoming president. But as the parliamentary election approached, the rival parties began churning out abusive rhetoric and crude insults against each other. During the election campaigning, Han called Lee a criminal and labeled his past comments as trash. Lee's party spokesperson described Han's mouth as a trash bin. Han accused Lee of using a sexist remark against a female ruling party candidate. Chung Jin-young, a former dean of the Graduate School of Pan-Pacific International Studies at Kyung Hee University, predicted that the opposition parties could win a combined 150 to 180 seats. That would cause a political deadlock for the Republic of Korea for the next three years, as both the ruling and opposition parties can't pursue things unilaterally and won't likely make terms with each other, Chung said. Earlier this year, Yoon saw rising approval ratings over his strong push to drastically increase the number of medical students despite vehement protests by incumbent doctors. Yoon has said he aims to create more doctors to brace for the country's rapidly aging population, but thousands of young doctors have gone on strike, saying that schools can't handle an abrupt increase in students. The doctors' walkouts eventually left Yoon facing growing calls to find a compromise, with patients and others experiencing delays of surgeries and other inconveniences. Yoon's ruling party has also been struggling with rising prices of agricultural products and other goods and criticism of Yoon's personnel management style. This election is an assessment of Yoon's presidency. The stakes for him are whether he's able to fully implement his liberal democratic agenda, which is his top priority, Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Washington-based Center for a New American Security, said. He and his party have criticized the previous progressive party for democratic backsliding. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, DC [US], April 11 (ANI): The Save Uyghur Organisation has targeted the Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein and started a boycott campaign, alleging it is involved in the forced labour of Uyghur Muslims in China, reported Voice of America (VOA). The Save Uyghur Organisation, powered by Chicago-based human rights organisation 'Justice for All', advocates for stopping "China's genocide of the Uyghurs and other Turkic people of East Turkistan." Also Read | Imran Khans Wife Meets Him at Adiala Jail on Eid: Pakistani Court Allows Bushra Bibi To Meet Former Prime Minister in Prison on Eid-Ul Fitr Day. As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, the human rights organisation has called on Muslim women to boycott Shein, alleging it is involved in the forced labour of Uyghur Muslims in China. Last week, the rights group stated on X, "TAKE ACTION - Boycott Alert for SHEIN Please share widely to boycott SHEIN during your shopping for #Eid. It is disappointing to see thousands of Muslim women/girls buy jilbabs from SHEIN despite widespread knowledge of their use of #UyghurForcedLabor." Also Read | Truong My Lan Death Sentence: Vietnamese Real Estate Tycoon Gets Death Penalty in Fraud Case Worth USD 12.5 Billion. https://x.com/SaveUyghurOrg/status/1775986315386827072 A jilbab is a full-length, loose-fitting, head-to-toe garment worn by some Muslim women that also covers the hands, VOA reported. Arslan Hidayat, head of the Save Uyghur campaign, said that Shein's alleged use of forced labour exacerbates oppression of the Uyghur people. "It is crucial for Muslims to use their consumer power to protest against the use of forced labour and to demonstrate solidarity with the Uyghur community," Hidayat told VOA. "It is incumbent upon us to prioritise ethical consumption practices and advocate for justice for the Uyghur people," Hidayat added. However, Beijing denied that any forced labour exists in Xinjiang, according to VOA. According to a Shein spokesperson, the retailer has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labour. "We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously, and we are committed to respecting human rights. To comply with US law, we require our contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions," the company spokesperson said. Hidayat further noted that despite Ramazan being a month of sacrifice and spiritual reflection, many Muslims purchase prayer clothes from Shein during this time, reported VOA. "Shein is a popular clothing brand founded in China for North American consumers. Particularly amongst Muslim communities, they are consistent customers because of its cheap prices for hijabs, abayas and jilbabs," Hidayat said. Shein has been promoting its products through social media influencers, including Muslims. Established in 2012, Shein has evolved into a fast-fashion giant targeting Generation Z consumers outside China and is backed by California-based Sequoia Capital and China-based IDG Capital, reported VOA. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, DC [US], April 11 (ANI): US President Joe Biden has stressed his country's "ironclad" support for Israel, after Iran vowed to retaliate for the recent deadly strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria. "As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again: ironclad. We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," Biden said while speaking at a White House press conference alongside visiting Japanese Prime Minister Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on Wednesday. Also Read | Imran Khans Wife Meets Him at Adiala Jail on Eid: Pakistani Court Allows Bushra Bibi To Meet Former Prime Minister in Prison on Eid-Ul Fitr Day. According to Times of Israel, Biden stated that in their earlier Oval Office meeting, the two of them "addressed the Iranian threat, as they threaten to launch a significant attack on Israel." Hours earlier, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for allegedly attacking an Iranian consular building in Syria's Damascus, killing two generals among several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers. The IRGC is a US-designated terrorist organization, Times of Israel reported. Also Read | Truong My Lan Death Sentence: Vietnamese Real Estate Tycoon Gets Death Penalty in Fraud Case Worth USD 12.5 Billion. Biden elaborated on discussions with Netanyahu, emphasising mutual backing for a ceasefire and efforts towards a hostage deal. Urgent attention to addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was also underscored during their dialogue. Further, he stated, "What I'm calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country." Times of Israel reported. A senior White House official told The Times of Israel afterwards that he was referring to the hostage deal currently being negotiated by the US, Qatar and Egypt. While speaking about the conference, he affirmed, "About my discussions with Netanyahu, as well as our relationship with Israel, I have been very blunt and straightforward with the Prime Minister, as well as his War Cabinet, as well as the Cabinet. President Biden disclosed that he engaged in an extensive conversation with Netanyahu, stating, "The fact of the matter is that Netanyahu and I had a long discussion and He agreed to do several things that related to, number one, getting more aid, both food and medicine, into Gaza and reducing significantly the attempts the civilian casualties in any action taken in the region." He emphasised the commitment of his administration to this cause, mentioning, "We were meeting with the Vice President and our National Security Advisor." Biden affirmed the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, stating, there are American hostages as well. And they know how committed we are the whole team to getting their loved ones home, and we're not going to stop until we do." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kyiv, Apr 11 (AP) A massive missile and drone attack destroyed one of Ukraine's largest power plants and damaged others, officials said on Thursday, part of a renewed Russian campaign targeting energy infrastructure. The Trypilska plant, which was the biggest energy supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, was struck numerous times, destroying the transformer, turbines and generators and leaving the plant ablaze. As the first drone approached, workers hid in a shelter, saving their lives, said Andrii Hota, director of the state company that runs the plant, Centrenergo. Also Read | Avalanche in Austrian Alps: Three People From Netherlands Killed After Disaster Hits Ski Resort of Soelden. They watched the plant burn, surrounded by dense smoke and engulfed in flames. It's terrifying, said Hota. Hours later, rescuers were still dismantling the rubble. The plant supplied electricity to 3 million customers but none lost power because the grid was able to compensate since demands are low at this time of year. Still, the consequences of the strikes could be felt in the coming months, as air conditioning use ramps up with summer. Also Read | Sex With Student in US: Texas High School Teacher Arrested for Engaging in Sexual Activity With 15-Year-Old Student Inside Classroom. At least 10 other strikes overnight damaged energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said more than 200,000 people in the region, which has been struck repeatedly, were without power. Ukraine's largest private energy operator, DTEK, described the slew of strikes as one of the most powerful attacks this year, while Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko told reporters it was a large scale, enormous, missile attack that affected our energy sector very badly. Russia has recently renewed strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities, and attacks last month blacked out large parts of the country a level of darkness not seen since the first days of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The volume and accuracy of the attacks have alarmed the country's defenders and left officials scrambling for better ways to defend energy assets. The strikes have also tested Ukraine's ability to make quick repairs. Ukraine's leaders have pleaded for more air defence systems to ward off such attacks, but those supplies have been slow in coming. Today's situation demonstrates that there's nothing left to shoot down the missiles, Hota said. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, Apr 11 (PTI) A high-powered trade delegation will visit India later this month to explore opportunities in the country's agribusiness sector. "India represents a growth economy for the US agribusinesses seeking to capture an increasing share of the household food purchases in the fifth-largest economy in the world," said Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affair Alexis Taylor. Also Read | Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Thousands of Professional Beggars Flock to Busy Markets, Shopping Malls and Traffic Signals in Pakistans Karachi to Seek Alms in Ramazan. From April 22 to 25, Taylor will lead a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agribusiness trade mission to Delhi. "India's rising middle-class consumers' familiarity with American food products and increased purchasing power is a real opportunity for US producers," Taylor said. Also Read | Germany Shocker: Court Sentences Father To 13 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder by Injecting Mercury Into His Daughters Foot, Girlfriend Gets 12 Years for Involvement in Crime. "This along with the Indian consumers' trusted view of American food and agricultural products as high-quality has contributed to an 11 per cent growth in the US agricultural-related exports to India over the past two years," she said. While on the trade mission, participants will engage in targeted business-to-business meetings and site visits to build new trade linkages, strengthen existing partnerships, observe US products in the marketplace, and discover the latest Indian consumer food trends. Participants will also receive in-depth market briefings from USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service and industry trade experts. In a statement, the USDA said last year, India reduced tariff requirements for US poultry products, vegetables, fruits, pulses, and tree nuts, strengthening the agribusiness trade relationship between the US and India. The trade mission will follow-up on those wins and secure an expanding number of new purchase agreements for American farmers, ranchers and producers, it said. PTI / LKJ (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, April 11: The mutilated body of a 32-year-old man was found in Budhiya village in Bihar's Gopalganj district, police said. The deceased was identified as Rakesh Kumar (32). Rakesh's mutilated body was found at a 50 metres distance from his house. On Wednesday night, Rakesh went out of his house after receiving a phone call and did not return. Bihar Shocker: 26-Year-Old Youth Murdered in Muzaffarpur, Body Dumped in Main Chowk of Village. "The family members of the victim claimed that he was wearing two gold rings and a gold chain which were missing from his body. His throat was found slit and his two fingers were chopped. We have recovered a mobile phone from the crime scene. Mobile was sent for forensic analysis to find some clues about the attackers," said Hareram Kumar, SHO of Sidhwalia police station. District police suspect that loot could be the reason behind the crime. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2024 06:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Mumbai, April 11: In a significant announcement, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is set to release its eagerly awaited long-range forecast for the upcoming Monsoon season and the effects of La Nina on it. Climatologists are abuzz with predicting an early onset of Monsoon rains, bolstered by the rare simultaneous occurrence of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and La Nina conditions. This year's monsoon season is expected to be particularly vigorous, with the potential for substantial rainfall across various regions of India. The convergence of La Nina, marked by cooler sea surface temperatures in the Pacific, and the IOD, characterized by temperature fluctuations in the Indian Ocean, presents a unique climatic event likely to have a pronounced impact on the Southwest Monsoon. La Nina Effect on Indian Monsoon: State of Drought Disaster Declared As El Nino Effect Causes Severe Food Situation Across Southern Africa. Researchers are poised to capitalize on this opportunity to collect valuable data, which will aid in refining dynamic weather models and advancing rainfall statistical analysis. Current weather models indicate a positive IOD phase over the Equatorial Indian Ocean, coinciding with La Nina's formation, a combination that could enhance the Monsoon's peak phase from July to September. The forecast also suggests that monsoon depressions will maintain a consistent path towards West-Northwestern India and the North Arabian Sea, potentially leading to increased rainfall in these regions during the Monsoon's zenith. El Nino Weather Patterns May Affect India Adversely, Likely To Cause Monsoon Rain Deficit: Experts. The unfolding La Nina and IOD phenomena are expected to shift the core monsoon convergence zone westward, eliciting a response from the Arabian Sea that could result in large-scale upward motion, reinforcing the Monsoon system and promoting more widespread rainfall. The simultaneous manifestation of the IOD and La Nina, set against the backdrop of the Monsoon, offers meteorologists and climate scientists an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their understanding of complex weather patterns. The improvement in predictive capabilities will benefit nations by enabling better preparation and response strategies to evolving climate dynamics. This highlights the vital importance of dynamic climate models and statistical analysis in contemporary climatology. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2024 10:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena thanked Eidgah Imams and the 'brothers' of the Muslim community for offering prayers inside the mosque premises on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr on Thursday. The CBI arrested Bharat Rasthra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha on Thursday in connection with a corruption case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, officials said. Hours after the tragic Haryana school bus accident, where at least six students died and 20 others were injured on Thursday after their school bus overturned in Mahendragarh, the Haryana government has suspended Regional Transport Authoritys (RTA) principal secretary Pradeep Kumar with immediate effect. The Haryana government also ordered an investigation into the case amid speculation that the driver may have been intoxicated and that the bus lacked essential documents such as a fitness certificate. Haryana School Bus Accident: 'Driver Was Drunk, Kept Overspeeding,' Says Injured Student After Six Children Die as Vehicle Overturns in Mahendragarh (Watch Video). Mahendragarh School Bus Accident Mahendragarh school bus accident | Pradeep Kumar, Assistant Secretary, RTA, Mahendragarh at Naranul has been suspended with immediate effect. https://t.co/O1uHQk2By8 pic.twitter.com/C0nybS2N6g ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) New Delhi, April 11: McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm, begins hundreds of job cuts. McKinsey & Co starts to lay off about 360 employees due to the recent decrease in demand for its consulting services. This year alone, the layoffs in 2024 have been followed by several large corporations trying to streamline operations amidst economic uncertainties or as a part of structural reform and McKinsey finds itself needing to adapt to changes by reducing its workforce. As per a report of Bloomberg, McKinsey & Company is starting to reduce its workforce by hundreds due to a slowdown in client demand. McKinsey job cuts might affect approximately 360 employees globally from divisions like design, data engineering, cloud, and software services, as per a report of The Business Times. Layoffs Continue in 2024: Bengaluru-Based Edtech Firm Scaler Cuts 150 Employees, About 10% of Total Workforce From Marketing and Sales Divisions. This is not the first time the company has had to make tough decisions regarding its employees. In the past, there were reports that McKinsey offered its staff up to nine months salary to leave the company voluntarily and seek new opportunities. These steps can be seen as the firm's response to changing market conditions and the need to adjust its operations accordingly. Furthermore, McKinsey is not the only firm in the industry that is cutting jobs. Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers have also initiated layoffs recently, citing similar reasons related to a decline in client investment. This could indicate that the industry trend is such that consultancy firms might have been under increasing pressure from fluctuating market demands and to adopt sustainable business models and operations. Novartis Layoffs: Swiss Pharma Company To Lay Off 680 Employees From Switzerland and USA in Product Development Division; Check Details. McKinsey's Strategic Adjustments and Economic Outlook The changes in the consultancy sector are a reaction to the overall economic indicators indicating a careful attitude toward future investment and hiring. To McKinsey, this might involve giving greater priority to sectors and services that relate more closely with the ongoing client needs and probably reducing those areas whose demand has gone down. Moreover, this is expected to be a part of McKinseys strategy of remaining responsive in its operational model. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2024 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). A police officer has been killed in the Mexican city of Zacatelco after he tried to stop an angry mob from killing two men suspected of killing a taxi driver. This marks an alarming rise in Mexico where citizens take it upon themselves to punish those who break the law, with police being accused of not doing their jobs. This is especially true in Zacatelco, the capital city of the state of Tlaxcala. Citizens in the city have long complained about crimes going unpunished in the city, and citizens have grown so frustrated that they formed an angry mob after the brutal robbery and killing of an elderly taxi driver by two men. Police tried to arrest the two suspects, but much like an incident that happened late last month, the angry mob pounced as soon as police managed to catch two of the four suspects. After taking them away from the police, they then beat them up in a local square as a form of mob justice. According to the BBC, Tlaxcala State Police tried to intervene, but the mob turned on them, seizing two officers and attacking them. Police managed to save two of the suspects, as well as one officer. However, the angry mob managed to get hold of the other police officer and continued beating him up. Police called on reinforcements to save the other officer, and when they arrived, they were finally able to rescue their colleague. He was then sent to the hospital but soon succumbed to his injuries. Police reported that the mob held him for several hours before releasing him when police reinforcements arrived. The two suspects were reportedly responsible for killing a taxi driver after they and two others tried to rob him. The taxi driver, described as an elderly man, resisted and this resulted in the four suspects killing him. Roman Catholic Church Condemns Mexico Lynchings This was the latest in the growing number of lynchings in Mexico, with the last one happening just recently in Guerrero State. An angry mob also attacked a woman after police took her into custody. She was allegedly caught on CCTV footage trying to transport the body of a missing 8-year-old girl. READ NEXT: Country Star Toby Keith, 62, Dies After Battling Stomach Cancer Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Church, which remains prominent in Mexico, recently condemned the attack in Guerrero State. Father Tomas Martinez Rivera, a vicar in one of Taxco's parishes who knew the family of the now-confirmed dead 8-year-old child and the suspect in her killing has spoken out against the lynching. The priest spoke to Crux Now and stated, "The mob was increasing. Some of the people there were drinking alcohol. The atmosphere was getting tense," lamenting that police could not do anything as they would have also been lunched by the angry mob. "The agents couldn't do anything because they were also being menaced. The crowd would set fire to their cars if they tried to take the victims away." Impunity Making Citizens To Take Justice Into Their Own Hands and Commit Lynchings Around Mexico There is an air of helplessness around Mexico as more often than not, criminals, especially ones backed by the big cartels with connections to local government, get away with almost anything. Because of this, lynchings by angry citizens in Mexico have slowly become more widespread, often blaming the government for its inaction against crime. According to the Hindustan Times, a study by the Autonomous University of Mexico found that 1,423 lynchings happened between 2016 and 2022. More and more keep happening. READ MORE: Easter Traditions Across Latin America This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Lynchings in Mexico: When angry mobs act as judge, jury and executioners - FRANCE 24 English The former Trump Organization executive who was said to have had the knowledge of all of Donald Trump's financial details, Allen Weisselberg, was sentenced to five months in jail on Wednesday after pleading guilty to two counts of perjury last month. This matches the recommendation set by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. According to NBC News, Allen Weisselberg's hearing only lasted approximately two minutes as his sentence was already agreed upon by prosecutors and the defense. The former Trump Organization CFO was then asked by Judge Laurie Peterson if he had anything to say, to which Weisselberg answered, "No, your honor." This was when the judge handed him his sentence. Allen Weisselberg was considered to be one of Donald Trump's most trusted cronies as he was the one who handled the former president's finances. This is now his second stint at Rikers Island Prison, previously spending three months there for tax evasion. He has since retired from the Trump Organization. Seth L. Rosenberg, Weisselberg's lawyer, stated that his client "accepted responsibility for his conduct and now looks forward to the end of this life-altering experience and to returning to his family and his retirement." In 2022, the former Trump Organization CFO also pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges, He admitted to not paying taxes on $1.7 million of his income with "off the books" benefits. These include the Trump organization paying for the tuition for his grandchildren, a luxury apartment, and two Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg Lied About Size of Donald Trump's Triplex in Court As to why Allen Weisselberg is going back to prison, it was simple, he lied while under oath and he admitted that he lied so he could once again get a shorter sentence. READ MORE: Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg Pleads Guilty to Perjury To be specific, Weisselberg pulled a Donald Trump and lied about the former president's assets, falsely testifying about his knowledge of the size of Trump's apartment triplex. He also lied about the value of that apartment and how much the former president inflated its value on his financial statements for years based on the incorrect square footage. Weisselberg was in talks to get a plea deal with Manhattan prosecutors for weeks. His sentence was finally handed down last Wednesday and he was then placed in handcuffs before being led out of the courtroom and sent to New York's most notorious prison. Donald Trump Tried To Delay New York Fraud Trial for Third Time and Failed Again The third time is definitely not the charm for Donald Trump as for the third time in a row, a New York Appeals Court rejected his attempts to delay his April 15 New York Porn Star Hush Money trial. Justice Ellen Gesmer heard yet another emergency hearing on Wednesday as the former president just filed for emergency hearings in his attempt to delay the hush money case from starting. His lawyers argued that he should be on the campaign trail rather than "in a courtroom defending himself" starting next week. However, the judge rejected this latest argument, paving the way for the trial to finally start on Monday. As the defendant, Trump must attend all the hearings, which means he may miss a few crucial campaign events. READ MORE: Trump Organization Convicted of 17 Felonies, Gets Maximum Punishment This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: 'Strategic move' by DA's office: Ex-Trump CFO Allen Weisselberg sentenced to five months - MSNBC A Florida woman, Aimee Harris, was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to a month in prison and three months of home confinement for her involvement in the theft and sale of President Joe Biden's daughter, Ashley Biden's diary, to the conservative group Project Veritas. The sentencing was conducted by Judge Laura Taylor Swain, who condemned Harris' actions as "despicable." Harris, who pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in August 2022, confessed to receiving $20,000 of the $40,000 paid by Project Veritas for personal items belonging to Ashley Biden, as reported by Fox13. Florida woman Harris, aged 41, admitted to stealing Ashley Biden's personal belongings and selling them to Project Veritas in the final weeks of the 2020 presidential campaign. Alongside her co-defendant Robert Kurlander, Harris pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines. Court records reveal that Project Veritas purchased the diary and other items left behind by Ashley Biden at a Delray Beach home. Although the duo initially approached former President Donald Trump's campaign to sell the stolen materials, they were directed to the FBI. Under the terms of a plea deal, both Harris and Kurlander agreed to return the $20,000 they received from the sale. Kurlander, who has not yet been sentenced, also pledged to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. READ NEXT: Feds Probe Project Veritas' Role in Biden Daughter's Diary Theft Sentencing and Legal Proceedings In addition to her prison sentence and home confinement, Florida woman Aimee Harris was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to repay the money she earned from the sale, according to USA Today. The judge emphasized the gravity of Harris' actions in interfering with elections and noted the severity of the government's efforts to deter such behavior. Initially, federal prosecutors recommended six months of home confinement and three years of supervised release for Harris, while her defense requested probation. However, Harris' sentencing was repeatedly delayed-twelve times-citing childcare issues or illness. Prosecutors accused her of employing tactics to delay proceedings improperly. Despite her guilty plea, Harris faced additional legal troubles, including a DUI charge and testing positive for marijuana. Project Veritas and Ongoing Investigation As part of the investigation, the FBI conducted searches at the residences of three former employees of Project Veritas, including founder James O'Keefe, as noted by The New York Times. However, no charges have been filed against them thus far. Project Veritas has faced internal turmoil, with allegations of illegal activity and financial improprieties leading to management changes and employee layoffs. In December, a federal judge ruled that prosecutors could examine documents related to Ashley Biden's diary theft, dismissing Project Veritas' claims of First Amendment protection. The ongoing investigation underscores the legal ramifications of Florida woman Aimee Harris' involvement in the theft and sale of Ashley Biden's personal belongings. READ MORE: 7 More States Sue Education Department Over Biden's SAVE Plan This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: 2 plead guilty to stealing Ashley Biden's diary - From CBS Evening News Forest fires have been raging all over Guatemala, forcing President Bernardo Arevalo to declare a State of Calamity in the country. Classes in the affected departments have now been suspended, including in the metropolitan area of Guatemala City. Classes have been suspended there since Monday. The Guatemala forest fires have even affected the Sustainable Management Authority of Lake Amatitlan (AMSA) landfill, which is located just 22 miles from the capital, Guatemala City,. The fire there generated large flames and powerful smoke columns that affected much of the Central American country's capital. "The current situation is not accidental, according to official information 80 percent of the fires have been caused, as for example in the volcanoes of Agua, Tajumulco, the garbage dump of Amatitlan, and others in Huehuetenango," said President Bernardo Arevalo, who was just fresh off a trip to the United States to meet with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. "We reject these acts that endanger the lives of Guatemalans because high pollution causes severe damage to people's health." According to TeleSur, over 200 people had to receive medical attention for respiratory problems, said the Ministry of Health of Guatemala. This was mainly caused by them being exposed to gases caused by the fire in the landfill. The areas most affected by the forest fires in Guatemala include the departments of Escuintla and Peten, as well as the capital region of Guatemala City. A Total of 44 Forest Fires Are Raging Across Guatemala, President Bernardo Arevalo Revealed Arevalo noted that 80% of the fires burning across Guatemala were started by people, including farmers who often burn stubble and grass in their fields so that they could plant their crops. This has resulted in 44 forest fires burning across the country. READ MORE: Texas Immigration Law SB4 Blocked Again Mere Hours After Supreme Court Allowed the Law To Take Effect By declaring a state of calamity, Bernardo Arevalo has essentially freed up funding so that the government can take care of these forest fires. giving firefighters much-needed resources to combat the flames, according to the Associated Press. However, it was noted that Guatemalan authorities are not very accustomed to dealing with forest fires, as the country is much more used to dealing with its restive volcanoes than flames caused by farmers trying to clear land for their crops. Guatemala Dealing With Forest Fires Since February Last February, forest fires were also raging across Guatemala, including the area near the slopes of the inactive Agua volcano, prompting authorities to evacuate the people living near the affected area. Around 14 forest fires were recorded to have burned through the country during that time, with fires burning hectares of forested areas across different regions of Guatemala. While this latest forest fire may have been manmade, forest fires have increasingly become more common in Guatemala, especially in the period between November to June, which is considered the country's dry season. Some of these forest fires are also admittedly manmade, according to the Tico Times. READ MORE: Who Is New Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo and Why Are Traditional Politicians Going After Him? This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Guatemala tries to tame forest fires - AP Archive Newly released body-camera footage depicts the swift actions of an Ohio cop who shot a 15-year-old boy holding a fake gun just moments after stopping him. Officer Ryan Vayda Westlake, a nearly decade-long veteran of the Akron police force, fired a single shot at Ohio teen Tavion Koonce-Williams on April 1, resulting in a non-life-threatening wrist injury to the Black teenager. Westlake is currently on paid leave as state authorities investigate the incident, according to the New York Post. The encounter unfolded shortly after 7 PM on April 1 when a woman reported seeing a Black male brandishing a gun in the Tonawanda Avenue and Newton Street area. Responding to the call, Ohio cop Westlake encountered Tavion several blocks away. Despite Ohio teen Tavion's repeated assertions that the gun was fake, Westlake discharged his firearm, striking Tavion in the wrist. The released body-camera footage captures the tense moments leading up to the shooting. Westlake is seen approaching Tavion, asking him to show his hands. Within seconds, Westlake draws his weapon and fires, prompting Tavion to cry out in distress and declare the gun's falsity. Despite complying with Westlake's commands to get on the ground, Tavion is injured by the gunshot. READ NEXT: Ohio Teen Prevents Potential School Mass Shooting Responses and Calls for Justice In the aftermath of the incident, attorney Imokhai Okolo, representing an Ohio teen's family, vowed to seek justice. Tavion's grandmother, Karen Robinson, expressed anger and disbelief, stating that her grandson will carry the trauma of the shooting for life, Yahoo! News noted. The family asserts that Tavion was unarmed and posed no threat to the Ohio cop. Details from Westlake's personnel file shed light on his disciplinary history. In May 2021, he faced a 71-day suspension for various policy violations, including brandishing his firearm while intoxicated. Despite being terminated from his position in July 2021, Westlake was reinstated following a negotiated suspension. The officer was also suspended for two days in June 2022 for a use-of-force incident. Union Stands by Officer's Actions The Akron Fraternal Order of Police maintains its support for Ohio cop Westlake, asserting that his actions were within policy and procedure. The union emphasizes the complexities officers face in split-second decisions and expresses confidence that investigations will vindicate Westlake's actions, according to News5 Cleveland. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is conducting a thorough inquiry into the incident. Upon completion, the case will be reviewed by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and presented to the Summit County Grand Jury for evaluation. Additionally, an internal investigation by the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability will provide further insights into the incident. In response to public concern and demands for transparency, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released both the body-camera footage and Ohio cop Westlake's personnel file. The mayor pledges transparency as investigations into the shooting continue, aiming to provide clarity and accountability in the aftermath of the incident. READ MORE: Idaho Teen Arrested for Allegedly Planning ISIS-Inspired Church Attacks This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Ross Key WATCH: Akron police release body cam video showing officer shoot teen carrying toy gun -From NBC News Shouts of "SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!" erupted across the Arizona State Capitol after Republican lawmakers quickly shut down discussion of repealing an 1864 abortion law. The hearing came after the Arizona State Supreme Court cleared the way to enforce the law which bans all forms of abortion unless the mother's life is in danger. The 1864 abortion ban was introduced even before Arizona became a US state, As expected, all Democrats were against the law which criminalizes all forms of abortion, with a few Republicans siding with them, including Donald Trump. According to the Associated Press, several Arizona abortion providers are standing defiant and vowed on Wednesday that they would continue service until they're forced to stop, even within weeks of the ban taking place. Democrats, who hold the Governor's Office in Arizona, acted with several state Republicans to pressure a hearing to repeal the law. Several Republicans supported the repeal after Donald Trump asked them to intervene. All House Democrats and at least one House Republican in Arizona tried to open discussion on a repeal of the 1864 abortion ban, but the conservative Republican majority cut them off twice. This led the outraged Democrats to chant "Shame! Shame!" inside the halls of the Arizona legislature. While the House was in chaos, the Republican-led Arizona State Senate briefly convened without debate on abortion. "We've got the eyes of the world watching Arizona right now," Democratic Tucson Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton told reporters. "We know that the Supreme Court decision yesterday is extreme. And we know that should the 1864 ban on abortion remain a law in Arizona, people will die." READ NEXT: Arizona Supreme Court Rejects Kari Lake Bid To Toss Out Defamation Lawsuit Over False Election Claims Republicans Split on Arizona Abortion Ban as General Elections Near While Democrats are united against the Arizona law, Republicans in the state are largely divided as many are concerned that having an anti-abortion stance might affect their performance in this year's upcoming general election, especially with independent voters. Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake tried to skirt the issue by repeating Donald Trump's stance by saying she would oppose both "federal funding" and "federal ban[s]" on abortion in the Senate. As for the law, she also sided with Trump and opposed the law, even reaching out to her former opponent, Gov. Katie Hobbs. "I oppose today's ruling, and I am calling on [Gov.] Katie Hobbs and the State Legislature to come up with an immediate common sense solution that Arizonans can support," she said. Ultimately, Arizona voters will make the decision on the ballot come November." Arizona Abortion Ban Still on Hold With Voters Getting the Chance to Weigh In The 1864 law has been described as a near-total abortion ban and it would have taken effect after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the law is still enforceable. It prompted outrage all over the country as it makes abortion a "felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs one or helps a woman obtain one." After the outcry, the Arizona Supreme Court said it would put its decision on hold at least for 14 days. It then decided that the case should go back to a lower court that could consider "additional constitutional challenges" that have not yet been cleared up. READ MORE: Arizona: Man Hired by Donald Trump and Kari Lake To Find Voter Fraud Admits He Found Nothing This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Panicked Trump Desperately Backpedals on Abortion After Shock Arizona Ruling: A Closer Look - Late Night with Seth Meyers Former Ecuador President Rafael Correa went on the record that his former vice president, Jorge Glas, tried to commit suicide earlier this week and is now on hunger strike inside a prison in Guayaquil to protest his arrest. This comes after Ecuador faces mounting international pressure after police raided the Embassy of Mexico just to arrest Glas. Former President Correa and Glas's lawyer, Sonia Vera, verified the former VP's suicide attempt after he was sent to a hospital. Glas reportedly refused to eat food provided in jail and became sick. "We have confirmed that the medical emergency was a suicide attempt. He has not eaten anything and is on a hunger strike," Rafael Correa confirmed on X. Meanwhile, Vera posted a video of her client recounting his arrest last week, which began a diplomatic row that has many countries siding with Mexico and condemning Ecuador. Glas was convicted of corruption twice as vice president and became one of the most unpopular politicians in the country. After the verdict last year, he hid inside the Mexican Embassy and months later, Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador granted him asylum. Despite the former vice president being on foreign soil and under the diplomatic protection of Mexico, Ecuador police still conducted a raid on the embassy, with President Daniel Noboa claiming that Mexico keeping Glas there was illegal. However, this was quickly rebuked by the international community, including the United States which said that Ecuador's government broke international law by imposing on Mexico's sovereignty with the raid. Former Ecuador Jorge Glas Is Now in Stable Condition After a Suicide Attempt Jorge Glas reportedly refused to eat food for 24 hours since he was arrested in that daring Mexico Embassy raid. This caused him to fall sick and the Ecuadorian government sent him to the hospital. Now, Ecuador prison authority SNAI has confirmed that while he is still sick, former Vice President Glas is now in a stable condition. READ MORE: Mexico Vs. Ecuador Feud: White House Slams Ecuadorian Government Over Raid Vs. Mexico Embassy According to Al Jazeera News, it was also confirmed that the embattled former vice president has been returned to prison but must remain under further medical observation. His lawyer, Sonia Vera, expressed her "deep worry and alarm" over his condition after claiming that she and the rest of his legal team were unable to contact him. Mexico recently released footage from the embassy raid and it showed Ecuadorian authorities hurting Mexican diplomatic staff and pointing a gun at one of its diplomats. The videos also showed police slamming the elderly Glas to the ground several times. Canada and Honduras Join Condemnation of Ecuador Over Mexico Embassy Raid More countries in the Americas have joined the growing number that are slamming Ecuador, and this includes one of Mexico's top allies, Canada, which means the North American "Big 3" have all condemned Ecuador's actions. According to DW, Canada stated that its government was "deeply concerned at Ecuador's apparent breach of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by entering the Embassy of Mexico without authorization." Meanwhile, Honduras, another key Mexico trading partner, also came out to condemn Ecuador, with Honduran President Xiomara Castro slamming the raid on X, writing, that the raid is "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." READ MORE: Ecuador Faces More Fallout Over Raid at Mexico Embassy as Political Chaos Erupts This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Mexico Releases SHOCKING Embassy Raid Footage - Breaking Points Donald Trump's lawyers in the porn star hush money trial screwed up big as they not only lost delay attempts thrice in a row, they also subpoenaed the wrong person. even complaining that the witness was not cooperating until prosecutors pointed out that they got the wrong person. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office issued a filing on Thursday and it revealed that Donald Trump lawyer Todd Blanche, who leads the porn star hush money case, tried to subpoena former District Attorney Supervising Rackets Investigator Jeremy Rosenberg in March. The problem is that they sent the subpoena to a different Jeremy Rosenberg, who is a man from Brooklyn. The Trump lawyers were trying to get Rosenberg to give files related to former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. However, the wrong Michael Rosenberg had fun with the embattled former president's attorneys. "I don't have any files for you," he told them, adding, "PS - The phone number you provided was disconnected," and then concluded, "PPS - I'm keeping the fifteen dollars." He referred to the money that the Trump lawyers sent him to help pay for sending the documents. Earlier this week, Blanche complained in a filing that Rosenberg displayed a "flippant and dismissive approach" to his subpoena "despite ample experience with the criminal justice system that should have instilled in him respect for this process and a criminal defendant's rights." However, Trump's legal team just realized they made an epic blunder when prosecutors revealed in the new filing that their opponents screwed up, with prosecutor Matthew Colangelo writing, "The people believe the defendant has served the incorrect person." He added, "The people spoke with Mr. Rosenberg's counsel, who informed the People that Mr. Rosenberg was not, in fact, served with the subpoena, that Mr. Rosenberg had not corresponded with defense counsel, and that Mr. Rosenberg does not have any connection to the Brooklyn address where the subpoena purportedly was served." READ MORE: Donald Trump's 'Moneyman,' Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg Sentenced To Prison Again Voters Believe Donald Trump's Porn Star Hush Money Allegations Are a Serious Matter As for the trial itself, it is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15. As Trump's lawyers scramble to make up for their epic mistake, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found that voters view the accusations of Donald Trump allegedly covering up hush-money payments to a porn star is a serious matter. According to the poll, around 64% of registered voters described the charges as at least "somewhat serious," while only 34% said the charges lacked seriousness. Meanwhile, the rest stated in the poll that they were not sure. Should Trump be convicted, the poll also showed that there would be a "heavy toll" for the Republican as many might flip if he is found guilty. Donald Trump Classified Documents Case Witnesses Will Be Redacted, Rules Trump-Appointed Judge Donald Trump is not just facing one criminal trial, but four. This includes the federal classified documents case in Florida where Trump is accused of stealing classified documents from the US government after leaving office. In her decision, US District Judge Aileen Canon, a Trump appointee, granted a request by prosecutors to protect the identities of potential government witnesses given Trump's penchant for attacking them and allowing and urging his supporters to threaten their lives. The decision came after Special Counsel Jack Smith called the judge out over a separate order, calling it "fundamentally flawed." READ MORE: Donald Trump Loses Again as Appeals Court Rejects To Delay Porn Star Hush Money Trial on April 15 This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: Trump Lawyers Make HUMILIATING MISTAKE Right Before Trial - MeidasTouch Today is one of the biggest days weve had in the City of Bethlehem in a long time, Mayor J. William Reynolds said in introducing an announcement Wednesday on a major new housing development. Gateway on Fourth is a new mixed-income housing development of 120 units 15 years in the making, officials said. Walmart is still offering the buy one, get one deal on Samsung TVs, but the offer wont be available for much longer. Today, April 11, is the last day to score a free 65-inch Samsung TU690T Crystal UHD TV with the purchase an eligible Samsung 2024 TV model online at Walmart. This includes Samsungs 2024 Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED and The Frame TVs that range in size from 43 to 98 inches. To get the free 65-inch TV, youll need to complete your purchase of a qualifying 2024 Samsung TV online at Walmart, where you then receive a promo code via email to redeem the offer on Samsungs website. You will receive redemption instructions with a promo code via email within 14 days, which you can use online at Samsung by June 10. This BOGO TV promotion from Walmart is limited to one per qualifying purchase and is nontransferable. But youll need to hurry if you want to snag a free TV deal as this limited-time offer ends today. Also, you can score free shipping on your Samsung 2024 TVs purchase at Walmart so you can save more on the deal. Next-day delivery is available, depending on location. Heres a roundup of the 2024 Samsung TVs you can buy to get your free 65-inch TV for this deal. SAMSUNG 65 Class QN900D Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Price: $4,998 Buy Now SAMSUNG 75 Class QN90D Neo QLED 4K Smart TV Price: $3,298 Buy Now SAMSUNG 85 Class QN85D NEO QLED 4K Smart TV Price: $3,698 Buy Now SAMSUNG 55 Class S95D OLED Smart TV Price: $2,598 Buy Now SAMSUNG 65 Class QN800D Neo QLED 8K Smart TV Price: $3,498 Buy Now SAMSUNG 55 Class S90D OLED Smart TV Price: $1,998 Buy Now SAMSUNG 75 Class LS03D The Frame TV Price: $2,998 Buy Now Shop for more 2024 Samsung TVs at Walmart online here. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/. Anyone planning to do their student teaching in 2024-25 better set their alarms on Thursday to be ready around 9 a.m. when applications for stipends through Pennsylvanias new $10 million Student Teacher Support Program become available. The stipends will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The process begins with downloading an application on the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agencys website, www.pheaa.org/studentteacher. Drama fans are in for a treat when the 2024 Bostik All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals descends on Mountmellick later this month. The stage at the Community Arts Centre is set for an exhilarating showcase of amateur dramatic talent during the finals which run from April 18 to 26, with the highly anticipated awards night taking place on April 27. Hosted for the first time by Mountmellick Drama Festival committee and organised under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, this prestigious event promises a feast of drama, featuring captivating performances by drama groups and theatre companies from across the country. Representing counties Mayo, Galway, Clare, Wexford, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, these talented performers will compete for top honours and recognition in various categories. Throughout the nine-night event, audiences can expect to be enthralled by a diverse range of productions, each showcasing the unique talents and artistic vision of participating drama groups. From seasoned veterans to emerging talents, the competition brings together theatre enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. Highlighting the importance of amateur theatre in Ireland, Patricia Conroy, Festival Director commented: This event is not just a competition; it's a celebration of the passion, dedication, and creativity of amateur drama groups across the country and we are proud to play host to such a talented group of performers. Adjudicator for the week is the esteemed Mr Walker Ewart ADA and the Opening Ceremony will be performed by Portlaoise man Mr Pat Boran, poet, writer and dramatist. To ensure you don't miss out on this exciting opportunity, be sure to secure your tickets in advance. While tickets will be available on the night depending on availability, booking online is recommended to avoid disappointment. Do keep an eye on the festival's website, mountmellickdramafestival.ie and their social media channels for updates on ticket availability and additional information such as play synopsis and actor biographies. For online booking please visit mountmellickdramafestival.ie, email: info@mountmellickdramafestival.ie or Phone: 087 7942994 or 087 4121205. Tickets are priced at 15.00 and curtains up at 8pm sharp. See below for the full festival programme. The doors of Tesco Ireland's new store in Portlaoise have swung open to new customers creating 44 jobs in the process. Laois County Council's Chief Executive John Mulholland was on hand on April 11 to cut the ribbon on its second store in Laois at Gandon Court, Portlaoise. The 10,000 Gandon Court store will be managed by Denise Barry, a highly experienced store manager with over 20 years experience with Tesco Ireland. Ms Barry spoke at the opening of the new outlet. This is a special day for my team and I. We cant wait to welcome our new customers, and we really look forward to actively engaging with the community. Were especially proud to meet our new friends in Scoil Bhride National School, who are participating in our Stronger Starts Schools programme. Were also looking forward to meeting local groups and projects who need our support through the Community Fund over the coming months, she said. Geoff Byrne, Chief Operating Officer, Tesco Ireland also commented. MORE BELOW PICTURE. Pictured with Tesco staff at the opening of the new Tesco store in Portlaoise were (l-r) Deputy Manager Murphy Akanji and Store Manager Denise Barry. Photo: Joe Conroy This is store number 173 for Tesco Ireland, and we are very pleased that this latest one is in Portlaoise. We look forward to supporting the local community here through our community fund. We are continuing to invest in new stores in urban areas like Portlaoise, and we look forward to embedding ourselves into the community for many years to come, he said. Tesco also higlighted its support of the communities in Laois and around Ireland through Community Fund has helped support thousands of organisations across the country from GAA clubs to childrens charities. In its first campaign, the Gandon Court store will support the locality with donations to three local causes, these include Kolbe Special School, The HeatH National School, and Scoil Bhride National School. Through the food surplus redistribution programme, FoodCloud partners and OLIO Food Waste Heroes will be on hand to ensure no good food goes to waste. The Gandon Court team will also join Tescos continued efforts to support its charity partner, Childrens Health Foundation which supports all sick children in CHI at Crumlin, Connolly, Temple St, and Tallaght hospitals. The new shop adds to the retail giant's footprint in Laois. Tesco is the anchor business in Laois Shopping Centre. The new shop in Fairgreen is replaces an Iceland store which closed in 2023. The premises was previously occupied by a Eurospar. The humanitarian disaster in Gaza and the invasion of Ukraine were among the issues Simon Harris raised with European leaders on Thursday. The new Irish premier met senior European figures in Brussels and Warsaw on his second full day in office. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Mr Harris was taking office in challenging times. Welcome to Brussels @SimonHarrisTD. You are taking office in challenging times. Im glad to count on Ireland in our unwavering support to Ukraine & our efforts to help restore stability in the Middle-East. Glad also to see you so committed to Europes future competitiveness. pic.twitter.com/0UQuGAnZFP Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 11, 2024 Im glad to count on Ireland in our unwavering support to Ukraine and our efforts to help restore stability in the Middle East. Glad also to see you so committed to Europes future competitiveness, she said on the social media site X. Mr Harris said they had a strong meeting where Ukraine, EU agriculture, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a ceasefire was discussed. Happy to see the Irish flag flying outside the Berlaymont @EU_Commission today. Welcome to new Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD! And best of luck and thanks to @LeoVaradkar pic.twitter.com/mdfQTmXm47 Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) April 11, 2024 Earlier on Thursday Mr Harris met with European Parliament president Roberta Metsola, a Maltese MEP, where they also discussed Ukraine and Gaza. Ms Metsola said: Great to have you at the European Parliament, Simon Harris, just a few hours after being elected Taoiseach of Ireland. Together Europe and Ireland have come a long way in ensuring prosperity, peace and positive transformation. Moving forward, we must stay the course: united. Mr Harris also met Irelands EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and MEPs from his Fine Gael party. He then travelled to Warsaw where he met European Council president Charles Michel. He also met the prime ministers of Poland and Spain, Donald Tusk and Pedro Sanchez, as well as the leaders of Luxembourg, Estonia, Finland and Greece. Meanwhile, the Israeli government criticised his inaugural speech to parliament as Taoiseach on Tuesday for referencing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and not mentioning hostages taken by Hamas. The Irish Government has defended the speech as absolutely clear in its intent and said that Irelands deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin had mentioned the hostages taken by Hamas umpteen times. Mr Harris said on Instagram on Wednesday that Mr Sanchez is to travel to Dublin on Friday to discuss our joint view in relation to the need to recognise the state of Palestine. On Tuesday, the day Mr Harris became Taoiseach, it was announced in the Irish parliament that Ireland plans to recognise the state of Palestine along with Spain, Belgium and Malta. On Wednesday, the Taoiseach spoke on the phone with Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. The community of Woodenbridge is preparing to revamp what locals now believe could be the latest tourist attraction. The iconic Woodenbridge over the River Erkina in south Laois will reopen to the public on Sunday, April 14 with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 2pm Laois County Council commenced work to upgraded the Woodenbridge to meet the standard required by Transport Infrastructure Ireland in October 2023. Enhancement work was also carried out on its sister bridge over the canal section. An original Council plan envisaged replacing it with a concrete structure but the community resisted due to what they see as the historic importance of the structure to the locality. This bridge which was originally a Woodenbridge but was replaced in the 1960s by a partially concrete structure but with some wood still part of the structure. More below picture. Jake and Reece Mahon with Gizmo at the Save the Woodenbridge Public Rally on Sunday 6 March 2022. Picture: Alf Harvey. A public meeting in late 2021 was followed by a protest in 2022 to retain the wooden identity in the overhaul which was required for safety reasons. This resulted in a review of the plans an decision to maintain the wooden integrity. Michael G Phelan was among those to campaign for the wooden identity of the bridge to be preserved in the overhaul. He now believes that the campaign mounted was well worth given what emerged during the overhaul. "Bridge experts say the Woodenbridge is possible the only bridge made from timber currently carrying public traffic in Ireland. This uniqueness sets this bridge apart as a real tourism attraction," he said. Mr Phelan said locals and visitors are invited to the revamp this weekend to see the work done for themselves after which light refreshments will be served. If you are looking to swap Dublin for rural country life, this village pub at the foot of the beautiful Slieve Bloom Mountains could be the future. Poole's Tavern, Main Street, Rosenallis is close to a top visitor location, Glenbarrow Waterfalls, and it has potential to convert its apartments and many outbuildings into short let accommodation or a hostel with cafe and bike hire for hikers and Slieve Bloom Bike Trails tourists. More below gallery, click NEXT to view each photo. The village is on the up, undergoing a local reboot by its development association who recently reviving a family mountain festival while a smart cafe and extra carpark opened at the waterfalls. It is 6km from Mountmellick, 16km from Portlaoise and 18km from Tullamore. Poole's which was shut for several years and is in need of renovation, has a seven day pub licence, includes shop unit, apartments and a large rear yard and is for sale at 375,000. Auctioneer DNG Kelly describe it as an "Excellent investment opportunity to purchase this substantial terrace building with a large rear yard." "The premises formerly operated as Pooles Tavern Public House and includes a retail unit and residential apartments overhead Located on Main Street, Rosenallis, on the busy R422 and close to Mountmellick and Clonaslee. "These combined properties have been vacant for a number of years. Prior to closure, renovations to transform the 2 upper floors into apartments and extension had commenced but were not completed." A woman has been handed a suspended 12-month sentence for assisting her partner after the burglary of a house in South Dublin. Shannon Haddock (28) of Redgap, Rathcoole, County Dublin pleaded guilty to charges of assisting an offender and dangerous driving. She has no previous convictions. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday (Wednesday, April 10) that the co-accused is Haddock's partner and he was previously sentenced to 27 months after pleading guilty to burglary of a house in Sallynoggin in March 2023. The property's owner was driving past when he saw a commotion outside the house on the morning of March 1, 2023. He stopped and went inside where he noticed a kitchen window was broken and there was glass on the floor. Garda Lorraine Doyle told Carol Doherty BL, prosecuting, that Haddock acted in concert with the co-accused and was at the scene in a car. Gardai were told a red Audi was seen leaving the scene in the direction of Glenageary. Gda Doyle said the car was observed in a nearby estate. Haddock had driven the car away from the scene of the burglary, but later switched places with her partner. Both Haddock and her partner drove the car during the incident, the court was told. The red Audi didn't stop after gardai signalled for it to pull in and drove the wrong way up Sallynoggin Road. The co-accused was observed to be driving as the car continued onto Kill Lane, stopping after it appeared to collide with other vehicles. Haddock and the co-accused both fled on foot from the car. She was arrested by gardai shortly afterwards. She was interviewed, but nothing of evidential value was obtained. Gda Doyle agreed with Sarah-Jane O'Callaghan BL, defending, that the burglary was 'nothing to do with' her client and the house was unoccupied at the time. The garda agreed Haddock was courteous in her dealings with gardai and has not come to further negative attention. It was further accepted that the co-accused has previous convictions and difficulties with addiction. Gda Doyle agreed that Haddock was experiencing her own difficulties with addiction at the time of the offence. It was also accepted that Haddock was placed into a chokehold by a member of the public after the car stopped on Kill Lane. Ms O'Callaghan told the court her client feels 'absolutely humiliated' and ashamed to find herself before the court. Her client is in a long-term relationship with the co-accused and remains supportive of him. Haddock continued her studies after completing her Leaving Certificate. A number of certificates, a letter of apology and other reports were handed to the court. She has a work history and assists with the care of two younger siblings, who have additional needs. Ms O'Callaghan outlined that Haddock faces some challenging personal circumstances including difficulties with her mental health. She was also dealing with addiction at the time of the offending, but has abstained from alcohol and drugs since this incident, which defence counsel said was a 'horrific mistake' and a 'huge wake-up call' for her client. Imposing sentence, Judge Orla Crowe noted that a member of the public placed Haddock in a chokehold, but 'when one participates in a crime of this manner, these things can happen.' She said this was a 'sorry state of affairs' noting that Haddock's 'poor life choices and poor choice of company' had brought her before the court. Judge Crowe said it is an aggravating feature that Haddock was an active participant and drove the car. She noted Haddock's lack of previous convictions and her proactive efforts towards rehabilitation among the mitigating factors. Imposing a 12-month sentence, Judge Crowe said Haddock would be given an opportunity to 'keep faith with the court' and suspended on strict conditions for two years. Haddock was also disqualified from driving for two years. Following her visit to Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns expressed her support for local candidate Lola Gonzalez-Farrell and emphasised the party's commitment to the needs of local rural towns and surrounds in the upcoming local elections in Leitrim. Speaking during her visit to Carrick-on-Shannon, Deputy Cairns stated, "This is a time of growth for the Social Democrats, and I am so encouraged to have strong community-driven candidates like Lola standing for the party in June's local elections. Lola is deeply committed to seeing the kind of change that people around the country are ready for." Cairns continued, "Lola has been extremely active in her local area and would be an exceptional public representative for the people of Carrick-on-Shannon. I would urge as many people as possible to get behind Lola's campaign." The visit, which took place on Thursday, April 4, provided an opportunity for Deputy Cairns and Ms Gonzalez-Farrell to directly engage with local businesses and residents, listen to their perspectives, and discuss the issues that matter most to the community. Also joining them on the tour of the town was Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats candidate for the Midlands-North West Constituency in the European Parliament Elections 2024. Lola Gonzalez-Farrell stated: "It was wonderful to see so many people interested in speaking with Holly and we were so proud to show her around our town. What was apparent during this visit was our thriving and generous community, where people genuinely want to contribute to making it a great place to live and work. "I would like to thank both Holly and Rory for taking the time to get to know Carrick and south Leitrim better and look forward to more conversations with local residents as we move toward the local elections in June." The visit underscored the Social Democrats' dedication to understanding and addressing the unique needs and concerns of residents in the Leitrim and Roscommon region, including public transport, housing, access to healthcare and community facilities. Karina Charles Lynch, a passionate advocate for community engagement and practical solutions, announces her candidacy for the Ballinamore Local Electoral Area (LEA) with Independent Ireland. With a background in journalism, community activism, and a deep commitment to the well-being of Irish families, Karina aims to bring a fresh perspective and effective leadership to the Leitrim Co. Council. Karina brings a wealth of experience and a strong dedication to her community. With an honours degree in History from Trinity College Dublin and a background in broadcast journalism, Karina has been actively involved in following and reporting on local, national, and international issues. Her decision to join Independent Ireland reflects her belief in the need for change and a more responsive government. "Karina's decision to join Independent Ireland stems from a deep-seated desire to let the present government, and in many cases the opposition, know that change is needed," remarked Michael Collins, Party Leader of Independent Ireland. "Her commitment to listening to the concerns of ordinary people and her practical problem-solving approach will make her an invaluable asset to the Ballinamore LEA," he added. With a focus on addressing the challenges facing ordinary families, caregivers, farmers, and the environment, Karina emphasises the importance of community engagement and finding practical solutions to pressing issues. "I want to focus on the challenges facing ordinary people with young families, those minding and caring for our ageing population and our young people, protecting our farmers as the backbone of our society, as the ones who feed us whilst not forgetting the importance of our environment with a common sense approach," said Karina. Karina's deep commitment to community empowerment and women's advocacy is evident in her co-founding of The Hen's Shed women's group in her hometown of Belturbet, Co. Cavan. "I place a huge amount of value in family, neighbours, community, care, social justice, our traditions, heritage, and our language," emphasised Karina. "I am deeply concerned by many of the recent and upcoming policies being brought forward by this Government, worryingly often with the support of the so-called opposition, all who seem to be completely out of step with the ordinary Irish person. "Their mismanagement of the immigration crisis and their failure to listen to the voices of concerned citizens on the ground shows how truly out of touch they are with ordinary people. Instead of listening to people, they have labelled them, and that is grossly unfair and undemocratic," Michael Fitzmaurice TD commended Karina's dedication to addressing pressing issues such as immigration, poverty, and homelessness. "Karina Charles Lynch's commitment to advocating for practical solutions to the pressing issues facing our communities is commendable. Her focus on addressing poverty, homelessness, and the concerns of ordinary Irish people resonates deeply with the values of Independent Ireland," he said. The first quarter of 2024 has proven to be the busiest on record at Ireland West Airport, as 159,000 passengers travelled through the airport between January and March. The passenger numbers represented an 18% increase in 2023 passenger numbers and a 6% increase in the previous busiest first quarter, which occurred in 2019 when 143,000 passengers travelled through the airport. The airport will operate flights to 21 International destinations this summer and is served by three of Europes major international airlines, Aer Lingus, Lauda Europe and Ryanair. 146,000 passengers travelled on services to and from the UK in the first quarter of the year, a 20% increase on the same period in 2023. This was boosted by record passenger numbers on the airports services to London Heathrow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool, in particular. Aer Lingus and Ryanair recorded the busiest passenger numbers ever at the airport in the first quarter. In addition, 12,000 passengers travelled on services to and from Malaga, Lanzarote and Tenerife, a new record for the airport. The return of the weekly services to Lanzarote and Tenerife after a four-year absence proved hugely popular with holidaymakers in the region. The strong passenger numbers coincide with the commencement of the summer 2024 flight schedule at the airport, which will see Ryanair operate its biggest-ever summer sun and European city break schedule. Ryanair will operate flights to 9 city break and sun destinations across Europe, with 32 weekly flights and 170,000 seats available to and from European hotspots such as Alicante, Barcelona, Cologne, Faro, Lanzarote, Majorca, Malaga, Milan and Tenerife. The 2024 summer schedule represents an increase of 3% compared to summer 2023. In addition to their services to and from Mainland and Continental Europe, Ryanair will also operate flights to 8 different UK airports this summer, including Birmingham, Bristol, East- Midlands (Nottingham), Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, London Luton and London Stansted. The summer schedule will see Aer Lingus continue to operate daily flights to London Heathrow, providing onward connectivity to 80+ destinations worldwide with their codeshare partners such as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, JetBlue and United Airlines. Commenting on a strong first quarter, Joe Gilmore, Managing Director of Ireland West Airport, commented: The increased numbers are a testament to the expanded route network, increased convenience, and the stress-free nature of using the airport. In particular, the feedback on our new security screening system has been very positive and has further enhanced the passenger experience when using the airport, providing an even more seamless and quality travel experience this summer. FairGreen, a fresh alternative rock band from the west of Ireland, will play a live show at The Dock this Saturday, April 13, at 8pm. Formed in early 2023, the band consists of vocalists Harry Bouchier, Ethan Crossen, Thomas James Simon and Udo Grunewald, an intergenerational group who met through Music Generation Roscommon as Musician Educators. In their live show, the band portrays an exciting spectrum of influences, including rock, electronica, jazz, pop, and more. They will debut original material from their first album, recorded at Barnes Studios in Glasgow and set for release in late 2024 on Scottish label The Barnes Society. Botanics is a rock band from the musically rich town of Boyle, County Roscommon, in the west of Ireland. The young, energetic four-piece consists of vocalist and guitarist Shay Noone, lead guitarist Dara McDonagh, drummer James O'Neill, and bassist Oran Henry, with backing vocals from Brianna Lennon, Ruby O'Sullivan, Grace McKenna, and Isobel Bouchier, all members of another band called Croi. Totem started Music Generation's band development programme in 2021. Under the programme, they learnt how to rehearse and construct original songs. These pieces took varied influences to make a collective idea of what a rock band should be; the earliest songs were inspired by 90s alt rock, gradually developing their own sound. They have performed at Roscommon Arts Centre, Night and Day Festival, and The National Gallery. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.thedock.ie/whats-on/fairgreen. Adm 10. Xinzheng celebrates legacy of Yellow Emperor who led march to civilization BEIJING, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily: On the third day of the third lunar month, Chinese people from all over the world congregate at Xinzheng of Zhengzhou in Central China's Henan province to reconnect to their roots by worshiping Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor. Xinzheng, a county-level city of Zhengzhou, is the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor and has become the permanent home for the annual worship ceremony held to pay homage to the nation's legendary ancestor. Xuan Yuan, the Yellow Emperor, is a revered figure in ancient Chinese history and culture. He is credited with many inventions and innovations, including the compass, the calendar and traditional Chinese medicine, and with leading the ancient people from savagery to civilization. The Yellow Emperor was the first ruler to unify various tribes in ancient China and is credited with establishing the capital of Youxiong, now known as Xinzheng, on March 3 on the Chinese lunar calendar. The day is considered the ancient National Day for Chinese people to celebrate the emperor's significant contributions. The accomplishments of the Yellow Emperor, combined with the contributions of his contemporary Yandi, or Yan Emperor, resulted in the two rulers being highly regarded as the joint creators of both the Chinese nation and its civilization. This is why, traditionally, the Chinese people consider themselves the offspring of Yandiand Huangdi. Today, the Yellow Emperor is widely regarded as a cultural hero and an important symbol of Chinese identity and national pride. Embracing the cultural heritage of Chinese civilization, for the past 18 years, Xinzheng has held an annual ceremony to honor the Yellow Emperor on March 3 on the lunar calendar. The event was launched in 1992 and rebranded into a ceremony in 2006. In 2008, the ceremony was included in the first batch of national intangible heritage celebrations by the State Council. Themed on shared roots, ancestry and origins and promoting peace, harmony and unity, the event has been held online and offline, attracting representatives from China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan as well as overseas Chinese executives from Fortune Global 500 and China 500 businesses. The ceremony has evolved from a regional commemorative event into a grand festival for the descendants of Yandi and Huangdi to seek their roots and worship their ancestors both at home and abroad. More than a cultural gala, it is a platform to enhance cooperation and exchanges to achieve win-win advancement, local officials said. It is reported that over the past decade, leveraging the platform of the worship ceremony, Xinzheng has attracted a total of 708 investment enterprises, with total registered capital of 109.86 billion yuan ($15.19 billion). It has accumulated an actual foreign investment of $1.58 billion and set up a modern industrial system that accelerates the growth of emerging industries such as modern commerce and logistics, food manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, electronic information, high-end equipment manufacturing and cultural tourism. "The worship ceremony is the most influential and important cultural brand in Henan province and a key platform for Zhengzhou to take a leading role to excel in the province's construction," said An Wei, Party secretary of Zhengzhou. "The ceremony plays an important role in promoting outstanding traditional Chinese culture, consolidating a strong sense of the unity of the Chinese nation and serving opening-up." Exploring the new characteristics of the Yellow Emperor culture in the new era, this year's ceremony, which is being held on April 11, is expected to have more high-level supporting trade and cultural activities. It has invited outstanding figures from various fields such as culture, science and business in a bid to further enhance the appeal of the event to all Chinese people and inject more vitality into Zhengzhou's development in culture, tourism, economy and trade. SOURCE China Daily 10 april 2024 at 23:43 News published onand distributed by: Nuevocor Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointment of John Lee as Chief Medical Officer SINGAPORE and PHILADELPHIA, April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nuevocor, a pre-clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel medicines to treat cardiomyopathies with aberrant mechanobiology, today announces the appointment of Dr. John Lee, MD, PhD, as its Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Lee is a life science executive with experience spanning from early drug discovery to late-stage clinical development. Dr. John Lee is a board-certified cardiologist who brings over 15 years of clinical development and regulatory expertise to Nuevocor. Dr. Lee was most recently the Chief Medical Officer of PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals, a publicly listed biotech, where he led Phase I-III development of its clinical programs. Prior to PhaseBio, Dr. Lee was the Vice President, Global Head, Cardiovascular Center of Excellence at Quintiles, where he was responsible for developing and implementing the cardiovascular therapeutic area business growth strategy and also represented their cardiovascular therapeutic expertise across the broader enterprise and in the global marketplace. Dr. Lee also served as Executive Director, Discovery Medicine at Bristol-Myers Squibb ("BMS"), where he was responsible for leading the team that provided medical, clinical, scientific, regulatory and R&D advisory expertise in cardiovascular drug development across BMS. Having held key leadership roles in both biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, Dr. Lee is poised to spearhead Nuevocor's clinical development strategy and advance its innovative therapies for LMNA DCM through rigorous clinical development oversight and execution. "Dr. Lee's appointment marks a significant milestone for Nuevocor," said Dr. Yann Chong Tan, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of Nuevocor. "His extensive experience and proven track record in clinical development make him the ideal candidate to lead our clinical development team. His leadership will be instrumental in furthering our commitment to advancing science and translating it into therapies that will make a real difference in patients' lives." "I am honored to join Nuevocor at this pivotal moment," said Dr. John Lee. "The opportunity to lead the clinical development efforts for the LMNA DCM program is incredibly motivating. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Nuevocor to bring potentially life-changing therapies to patients." About Nuevocor Nuevocor is a biotechnology company that is pioneering an innovative pathway-centric approach to developing genetic medicines for heart conditions known as cardiomyopathies. By harnessing our PrOSIAtm mechanobiology platform, Nuevocor designs genetic medicines to target the biomechanical root cause of these diseases. Nuevocor's approach surpasses the limitations of traditional gene therapy, which focuses on individual gene mutations, to treat defects within shared disease pathways across multiple genetic cardiomyopathies. This enables us to extend our impact to broader patient populations. SOURCE Nuevocor 11 april 2024 at 02:59 News published onand distributed by: The International Image Film of Guangzhou Development District 2024 Officially Released to the Global Audience GUANGZHOU, China, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 8, at the 10th Guangzhou Annual Investment Conference China and the Global Unicorn CEO Conference 2024, the new international image film "Our Era with Huangpu" of Guangzhou Development District and Huangpu District 2024 was released to the global audience. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Guangzhou Development District. As the earliest place where Guangzhou's reform and opening up started, generations of people in the development district have written countless moving stories of opening up and innovation with the spirit of "pioneers". The film focuses on the "creating", pursues the spiritual core and development code of Guangzhou Development District, presents it as the main battlefield of Guangzhou's real economy, the main engine of scientific and technological innovation, and the primary platform of reform and opening up with beautiful lens language and international vision, and sends an invitation to global innovative talents and enterprises. Today, Guangzhou Development District and Huangpu District have become the most attractive industrial resources gathering place in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The "Three Cities and One Island" strategic platform is developing in tandem to build a new pattern of high-quality urban development. The district's comprehensive strength ranks second among China's economic and technological districts and second on the list of China's Top 100 Industrial Districts. It has formed five 100-billion-level industrial clusters of vehicle, video display, green energy, new material, cosmetics & healthcare, and three 50-billion-level industrial clusters of high-end equipment, biomedical and integrated L3 circuits. Its scientific and technological innovation capability and business environment convenience rank first among China's economic and technological districts. The film is like a waltz. Shuttle, 360-degree aerial photography and other shooting methods are used to focus on Huangpu's industrial manufacturing, scientific and technological innovation, business environment, human history and green ecology, presenting the warm innovation atmosphere and colorful humanistic charm to us. The film ends with an impressive montage of comparisons spanning 40 years. The director said on behalf of the production team, "Through this small ingenious idea, we hope let everyone see that countless innovative and entrepreneurial young people can create miracles and realize their dreams in Huangpu, which will be more appealing and more impressive." "I saw a Huangpu that is in touch with the world deeply," said Anna, an overseas press officer of the Huangpu district who appears in the film. "I saw the mark of a pioneering and innovative city." "This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Guangzhou Development District, which has become a hot land for global enterprises to compete, a stage for entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, and a park city with high-quality and beautiful life." The relevant person in charge of the People's Government of Huangpu District, Guangzhou City said that the film is to tell the "Huangpu story" to the world and help Huangpu better connect the world. SOURCE The People's Government of Huangpu District, Guangzhou, China 11 april 2024 at 03:37 News published onand distributed by: Celebrate 25 years of the iconic Tim Hortons Iced Capp with a new CARAMILK Iced Capp and the return of the OREO DOUBLE STUF Iced Capp We're celebrating the 25th anniversary of the beloved Iced Capp as part of the Tim Hortons spring and summer lineup of cold beverages, which also includes two new Sparkling Quenchers flavours ? Mango Starfruit and Wildberry Hibiscus ? and a new Tiramisu Cold Brew. TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - A Canadian icon is turning 25 this year and to celebrate, Tim Hortons is serving up two delicious twists on the classic summertime favourite. Guests can toast to a quarter century of sipping on Iced Capps by ordering the new CARAMILK Iced Capp or the fan-favourite OREO DOUBLE STUF Iced Capp, which is back for another spring and summer. With warmer weather right around the corner, here's a look at the full Tims cold beverage line up for this season: CARAMILK Iced Capp The CARAMILK Iced Capp features Tims original Iced Capp base along with a blend of milk chocolate chunks, a swirl of whipped topping, and a drizzling of gooey caramel syrup. OREO DOUBLE STUF Iced Capp The iconic Iced Capp is taken to another level by being blended with OREO cookie crumble and vanilla syrup, plus a layer of vanilla-flavoured whipped topping and even more OREO cookie crumble make for an epic OREO DOUBLE STUF flavour. Mango Starfruit Sparkling Quencher This bubbly blend of tropical flavours makes for a delicious summertime go-to beverage at Tims. Wildberry Hibiscus Sparkling Quencher A perfect balance of fruity flavours and floral notes makes this new Sparkling Quencher a refreshing cold beverage that's perfect for sipping to beat the heat. Tiramisu Cold Brew with espresso-infused cold foam Steeped for 16 hours in restaurant for an incredibly smooth and velvety taste, Tims Tiramisu Cold Brew is a smooth, delicious pick-me-up mixed with tiramisu syrup, topped with espresso-infused cold foam, and sprinkled with cocoa powder for a delectable and delightful layered treat. "My favourite season is beginning ? cold beverage season ? and Tims has some incredibly delicious, flavourful, and thirst-quenching options to enjoy all spring and summer long," says Carolina Berti, Vice President of Category and Innovation at Tim Hortons. "And it's so exciting to be celebrating a big anniversary for the beloved Iced Capp, an iconic frozen drink that's unique to Tims and a summertime institution for so many of our guests across Canada." Tim Hortons new spring and summer cold beverages are now available at participating Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada and for delivery through the Tim Hortons app. Also on sale now at participating Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada is the new 2024 Everyday Drinkware Collection in a variety of sizes, formats and stylish designs. *CARAMILK and OREO DOUBLE STUF are trademarks of Mondelez International group, used with permission. ABOUT TIM HORTONS In 1964, the first Tim Hortons?restaurant in?Hamilton, Ontario?opened its doors and Canadians have been ordering Tim Hortons iconic Original Blend coffee, Double-Doubletm coffees, Donuts and Timbits?in the years since. Over nearly 60 years, Tim Hortons has captured the hearts and taste buds of Canadians and has become synonymous with serving?Canada's?favourite coffee. Tim Hortons is?Canada's?largest restaurant chain operating in the quick service industry with nearly 4,000 restaurants across the country. More than a coffee and bake shop, Tim Hortons is part of the Canadian fabric and guests can enjoy hot and cold specialty beverages ? including lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, teas and our famous Iced Capps???alongside delicious breakfast, sandwiches, wraps, soups and more. Tim Hortons has more than 5,700 restaurants in?Canada,?the United States?and around the world. For more information on Tim Hortons visit?TimHortons.ca SOURCE Tim Hortons 11 april 2024 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: Humantelligence joins Engage, backed by Tech Square Ventures, to Bring Innovation to Southeast-based Enterprises Engage has selected Humantelligence to become a part of its enterprise GTM & corporate partner program, taking on investment and streamlining the process of working with key enterprises headquartered in the southeast. ATLANTA, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Humantelligence, a leading HR and collaboration technology leader, announced that it is joining Atlanta-based Engage, the collaborative innovation and corporate venture platform. Humantelligence enables better human connection among employees, and as a result, companies are optimizing productivity, building engaged high-performing teams, and maximizing the value they've already invested in their communication tools. - Bill Nussey , Partner, Tech Square Ventures/Engage Engage is designed for high-growth start-ups and provides capital, mentorship and access to category-leading corporations. Engage companies are building the future of enterprise and establishing the Southeast as a leading innovation hub. Humantelligence joins the Engage Enterprise Go-to-Market program, which streamlines the process of working with the most influential corporations in the world. Tech Square Ventures' Engage is backed by 16 industry-leading enterprises, including The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Georgia-Pacific, Georgia Power Foundation, Georgia Tech, Goldman Sachs, The Home Depot, and Honeywell, among others. Humantelligence uses generative AI to deliver personalized insights for better one-to-one and team collaboration in the communication tools you use every day: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Gmail, Zoom, Webex, Slack & calendars. For example, when drafting an email, the tool automatically surfaces customized tips for more effective communication, rewriting your email in the way your recipient consumes information. With this tool, leaders foster more inclusive communication, reduce friction between team members, and improve productivity. Current clients, like BASF, Honda, Baptist Health South Florida, UnitedHealthcare and others, have improved team effectiveness and employee engagement while maximizing investment in their current communication technologies. "We are thrilled to bring Humantelligence into our program," said Bill Nussey, Partner, Tech Square Ventures/Engage. "Humantelligence's collaboration tool enables better human connection among employees, and as a result, companies are optimizing productivity, building engaged high-performing teams, and maximizing the value they've already invested in their communication tools. What's cool is that the product is made to be fun to use for employees and so easy and fast to adopt that any organization can be up and running in just days." "The invitation to be part of the Engage program underscores our broader vision to empower people with the kind of tools that enable more effective collaboration. When people can better connect with each other, they become more deeply engaged in their work and perform better. At the same time, organizations can increase productivity and improve the employee experience?it's a win-win. We've seen our collaboration tool change the way companies think about how people work together, and we're excited to have the opportunity to serve Engage companies," said Humantelligence's CEO, Juan Betancourt. To learn more about Humantelligence, visit www.humantelligence.com. About Engage Engage is a first-of-its-kind collaborative corporate venture and innovation platform to give growing businesses what they need most ? access to customers and markets. Georgia Tech and Tech Square Ventures provide capital, tools, portfolio support and resources to companies on the platform. Engage is designed for high-growth startups looking to accelerate their enterprise go-to-market strategy and partner with the Fortune 500. Engage is headquartered in Georgia Tech's Technology Square. About Humantelligence Humantelligence uses AI and psychometrics to deliver personalized insights for better one-to-one & team collaboration, surfaced in the communication tools you use every day: Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Gmail, Zoom, Webex, Slack & Calendars. As a result, companies optimize collaboration while reducing turnover and can build engaged high-performing teams across the organization. Media Contact Victoria Guzzo, Humantelligence, Inc., 1 7082504622, [email protected], https://humantelligence.com/ SOURCE Humantelligence, Inc. 11 april 2024 at 06:00 News published onand distributed by: Ivanhoe Electric and Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden Complete First Full Quarter of Exploration Activities in Saudi Arabia Initial 76 km 2 Typhoon Survey on the Umm Ash Shalahib Exploration License Surrounding Ma'aden's Al Amar Gold-Copper-Zinc Mine is Complete Computational Geosciences Rapidly Processed the Initial Typhoon Results and Identified Two High Priority Anomalies for Drill Testing Construction and Delivery of the First of Three New Generation Typhoon Units Ordered by the Joint Venture is Complete Next Stage Mapping and Sampling Commencing on Additional Joint Venture Lands in the Al Amar and Wadi Bidah Belts RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Ivanhoe Electric Inc. ("Ivanhoe Electric") (NYSE American:IE)(TSX:IE) is pleased to provide this update following the completion of the first full quarter of exploration activities in Saudi Arabia by our 50/50-owned joint venture company (the "Joint Venture") established between Ivanhoe Electric and Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden ("Ma'aden") (Saudi Stock Exchange Tadawul: 1211). Ivanhoe Electric's President and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Melvin commented: "We had an exceptional first quarter of exploration activities in Saudi Arabia with our partners at Ma'aden. Our dedicated joint team completed the first Typhoon survey at Umm Ash Shalahib and identified our first drill targets which we expect to start drilling by the end of May. We demonstrated the disruptive capabilities of Typhoon together with the machine learning-based inversion software of our subsidiary, Computational Geosciences, to rapidly identify subsurface geophysical anomalies in a challenging geologic environment. With large areas of resistive rock exposed at surface, several portions of our survey required transmission voltages of over 5,000 volts, which Typhoon is capable of achieving while maintaining a high signal quality. We are excited to continue our Joint Venture's exploration activities across the Al Amar and Wadi Bidah belts as we deploy a new generation of Typhoon units into the field." Initial Typhoon survey on the Umm Ash Shalahib Exploration License near the Al Amar Gold-Copper-Zinc Mine was successfully completed and identified promising anomalies for drill testing The Joint Venture's initial Typhoon survey commenced in late November 2023 and was completed in March 2024. The survey covered 76 km2 of the Umm Ash Shalahib exploration license which largely surrounds Ma'aden's Al Amar Gold-Copper-Zinc mine (which is not part of the Joint Venture). Ivanhoe Electric's subsidiary, Computational Sciences Inc. ("CGI"), utilized its latest inversion software to produce three-dimensional subsurface images that extend to depths of up to 1 km below ground surface. CGI's proprietary software technology includes complex algorithmic codes and artificial intelligence tools that are used to process geophysical data generated by Typhoon. CGI is uniquely capable of rapidly processing and interpreting the large volumes of data created by Typhoon surveys. CGI's inversion of the chargeability and conductivity data produced by Typhoon across the entirety of the exploration license has ultimately yielded two high priority drill targets. Earlier survey results disclosed in our news release dated January 9, 2024 had identified three high priority targets south of the Al Amar mine. However, subsequent verification work and Typhoon results has now refined those drill targets to Area B' and Umm Ad Dabah' as shown in Figure 1 below. Figure 1. Initial CGI Inversion Results across the Umm Ash Shalahib Exploration License. The first high priority area is called Area B', an area previously explored by France's Bureau de Recherches Geologiques et Minieres ("BRGM") in the 1970s. The BRGM identified several areas at surface with geological alteration and mineralization, including Area B. Our Typhoon survey results correlate very closely with the previous work but extend and expand the results to greater depth, providing an attractive target for follow-up drilling. Area B is an area that also features ancient artisanal vein mining for gold at surface, attesting to the presence of historical near-surface mineralization. Photo 1. Ancient artisan vein mining near Area B, Umm Ash Shalahib, Saudi Arabia. The second high priority area is called Umm Ad Dabah', which is located to the north of the Umm Ash Shalahib exploration license at the northern limit of the recently completed survey grid. Previous mapping and drilling by the BRGM in the 1980s had identified an area showing Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide ("VMS") mineralization in their drill holes. The Typhoon survey results show these as both conductivity and chargeability anomalies extending to the northeast and southwest of the surface outcrop and historic drill holes. The altered zone is about 360 m long and consists of very intense epidote-chlorite-actinolite alteration with disseminated iron oxide boxworks, presumably after pyrite.Copper oxides are locally observed in fractures and rock cleavage at surface. Drilling of these two high priority targets is expected to commence before the end of May 2024. As the survey at Umm Ash Shalahib encompassed the Al Amar Gold-Copper-Zinc Mine site, identification of on-mine or near-mine geological targets is also a priority. As a result, a joint interpretation team has been assigned from the Al Amar mine geology team, Ma'aden, and Ivanhoe Electric to help guide this interpretation. Joint Venture exploration activities expanding within the Al Amar Belt and to the Wadi Bidah Belt Typhoon survey work has now moved to the Al Amar Exploration License 11 which is to the immediate north of Umm Ad Dabah and was chosen because the Umm Ad Dabah geophysical anomalies trend onto this license. In addition, while initial exploration activities have focused on the Al Amar Belt, early exploration work will start in the second quarter at the Gehab' prospect in the Wadi Bidah Belt area located between 220 km and 270 km southeast of Jeddah. Gehab was identified as an outcropping gossan related to the surface exposure of VMS by the BRGM in their work in the 1970s. Limited drilling was completed but was not expanded beyond the limited surface expression. Gehab is a high priority for Typhoon survey work once the first new generation Typhoon unit arrives in Saudi Arabia. Ahead of that, geological mapping and sampling work will start in the second quarter to provide geological and geochemical data for incorporation into the Typhoon model that will potentially provide significant down dip and strike extension of known surface mineralized exposures. As the subsequent new generation Typhoon units arrive in Saudi Arabia, they will be deployed to the other high priority areas in the Al Amar Belt where satellite imagery and historical work has identified surface alteration potentially associated with mineralization. Figure 2. Map of ~48,500 km2 of exploration land available to the Joint Venture showing the Gehab' prospect and Al Amar area. Construction completed on the first new generation Typhoon unit ordered by the Joint Venture The Joint Venture purchased three new generation Typhoon units, the first of which completed acceptance testing at the manufacturing facility in Toulouse, France in March 2024, and is currently en route to Saudi Arabia. The next two new generation units will be completed in the first half of 2024. In the interim, the Joint Venture is currently utilizing two Typhoon units owned by Ivanhoe Electric. Photo 2. Acceptance of the first new generation Typhoon unit with representatives of Ma'aden, Ivanhoe Electric and the manufacturer I-Pulse Inc. in Toulouse, France (March 2024). Qualified Persons Disclosures of a scientific or technical nature included in this news release have been reviewed, verified and approved by Charles N. Forster, P.Geo., and Mark Gibson, P.Geo., both who are Qualified Persons as defined by Regulation S-K, Subpart 1300 promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and by Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Forster is a Senior Advisor to Ivanhoe Electric and Mr. Gibson is Chief Geophysics Officer of Ivanhoe Electric. About Ivanhoe Electric We are a U.S. company that combines advanced mineral exploration technologies with electric metals exploration projects predominantly located in the United States. We use our accurate and powerful Typhoon geophysical surveying system, together with advanced data analytics provided by our subsidiary, Computational Geosciences Inc., to accelerate and de-risk the mineral exploration process as we seek to discover new deposits of critical metals that may otherwise be undetectable by traditional exploration technologies. We believe the United States is significantly underexplored and has the potential to yield major new discoveries of critical metals. Our mineral exploration efforts focus on copper as well as other metals including nickel, vanadium, cobalt, platinum group elements, gold and silver. Through the advancement of our portfolio of electric metals exploration projects, headlined by the Santa Cruz Copper Project in Arizona and the Tintic Copper-Gold Project in Utah, as well as other exploration projects in the United States, we intend to support United States supply chain independence by finding and delivering the critical metals necessary for the electrification of the economy. We also operate a 50/50 joint venture with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Ma'aden to explore for minerals on ~48,500 km2 of underexplored Arabian Shield in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Website: www.ivanhoeelectric.com. About Ma'aden Ma'aden is the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East and among the fastest-growing mining companies in the world, with revenues of SAR 40.2 billion (US$10.7 billion) in 2022. Ma'aden is developing the mining industry into the third pillar of the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030 and aims to be a role model in responsible and sustainable operations. Ma'aden operates 17 mines and sites, has 6,000+ direct employees and exports products to over 30 countries. Ma'aden is embarking on massive growth over the next 18 years across phosphate, aluminum, gold, copper and new minerals. Ma'aden is also Ivanhoe Electric's second largest stockholder holding approximately 9.9% of the currently issued common stock. Website https://www.maaden.com.sa/ Contact Information Lucy Chitilian, CFA, Director, Investor Relations Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-520-602-7536 Follow us on Ivanhoe Electric's Executive Chairman Robert Friedland: @robert_ivanhoe Ivanhoe Electric: @ivanhoeelectric Ivanhoe Electric's investor relations website located at www.ivanhoeelectric.com should be considered Ivanhoe Electric's recognized distribution channel for purposes of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation FD. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable US and Canadian securities laws. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ivanhoe Electric, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect Ivanhoe Electric's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release. Such statements in this news release include, without limitation the commencement of drilling by the end of May 2024; the timing of the construction and delivery of new generation Typhoon units; the timing of commencement of exploration work in the Wadi Bidah Belt and at the Gehab prospect; and planned or potential developments in the businesses of Ivanhoe Electric and the Joint Venture. Forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to various factors, including changes in the prices of copper or other metals Ivanhoe Electric is exploring for; the results of exploration and drilling activities and/or the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations; the final assessment of exploration results and information that is preliminary; the significant risk and hazards associated with any future mining operations, extensive regulation by the US government as well as local governments; changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with Ivanhoe Electric to perform as agreed; and the impact of political, economic and other uncertainties associated with operating in foreign countries, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economy. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements and risk factors described in Ivanhoe Electric's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Electric does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so. No assurance can be given that such future results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Ivanhoe Electric cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Electric does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release, and Ivanhoe Electric expressly disclaims any requirement to do so. SOURCE: Ivanhoe Electric Inc. 11 april 2024 at 07:00 View the original press release on accesswire.comNews published onand distributed by: Sodexo Canada Releases Better Tomorrow and Indigenous Reconciliation Report BURLINGTON, Ontario, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sodexo Canada's commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is detailed in its latest Better Tomorrow and Indigenous Reconciliation Report . Released today, the report outlines the company's CSR goals, achievements and data points that measure and track its progress. "As a large organization we recognize that every decision has the power to influence a better tomorrow and we wholeheartedly embrace our corporate social responsibilities," says Johanne R. Be?langer, CEO, Sodexo Canada. "This commitment is a constant, evolving journey that unites our team and supports our purpose at Sodexo to create a better everyday for everyone." Some highlights from the report include: Sustainability Implemented the WasteWatch powered by Leanpath program, resulting in over 304,000 kg of food waste avoided and $57,000 worth of food donated to nonprofit organizations in 2023. ? Implemented the Forward Food Plant-based Culinary Training program, with over 80 culinary professionals completing the training and committing to transitioning at least 20% of their current menu items to be plant-based. ? Increased responsible sourcing spend for local, small, and medium-sized enterprises by $8.4 million in 2023. ? Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Promoted gender parity, with 49.1% of the management team identifying as women in 2023. Of the total workforce 36.7% are a visible minority, 7% are Indigenous and 3.7% are people with disabilities. Sodexo Canada's total spend with diversity suppliers is 21.8% and 148 of these suppliers are women-owned business partners. Indigenous Reconciliation In 2023, Sodexo Canada worked directly with 32 Indigenous communities, 28 community partners and over 120 Indigenous-owned enterprises in its supply chain. Sodexo proudly supports the First Nation Executive Education (FNEE) Women and Leadership program. FNEE is a school of excellence created for and by First Nations, offering programs to develop the skills of First Nations women business leaders. This year marks Sodexo's 22nd year of Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification by the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Relations (CCAB). The company achieved gold-level PAR certification; the highest level of recognition issued by CCAB. Stop Hunger The Sodexo Canada Stop Hunger Foundation reached 1.5 million beneficiaries. ? Donations of more than $300,000 were made to over 30 charity organizations fighting food insecurity. ? The 2023 Stop Hunger Foundation events raised over $262,000 to combat food insecurity. "While there is always more to do, we're honoured to contribute and continue building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable society for all," says Normand St-Gelais, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sodexo Canada. "We're grateful for our teams across Canada who embrace diversity, equity and inclusion, fight hunger, educate themselves on Indigenous reconciliation and find innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint." About Sodexo Canada Sodexo is the leader in sustainable food service and valued experiences, at every moment in life: learn, work, heal and play. Sodexo is committed to meeting the challenges of everyday life with a dual goal: to improve the quality of life of our employees and those we serve, and to contribute to the economic, social and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all. Sodexo has been recognized as a top employer in Canada for the past seven consecutive years. Key figures ? Sodexo Canada Recipient of Canada's Greenest Employer Awards 2023 RE 100 Achievement (renewable energy) for scope 2 emissions in 2021 Recipient of Canada's Diversity & Inclusion Employer Awards 2021 Global Ecovadis Platinum Rating 2020 1 million consumers served daily For more information: Stephanie Aubin, Director of Communications Sodexo Canada [email protected] 514-402-1839 11 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Acquisition of ARTMS, TRIUMF medical isotope spinoff, demonstrates value and impact of Canada's major research facilities $82.5M deal will expand international reach of made-in-Canada technology and increase Canadian-based production of isotopes that detect and treat cancer, other diseases VANCOUVER, BC, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - ARTMS Inc, originally a spin-off company from TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre, has been acquired by leading biopharma company Telix Pharmaceuticals in a US$82M deal that will expand the deployment of ARTMS' technology, supporting increased production of life-saving radiopharmaceuticals that can diagnose and treat cancer and other diseases. "A striking symbol of the role of major science facilities in driving innovation (...) for the benefit of Canadians" "ARTMS is a tremendous example of how federal support for fundamental science can spur innovation and deliver real impact for Canadians and people around the world," said Nigel Smith, TRIUMF CEO and Executive Director. "Uniting 21 member universities and extensively connected to industry, TRIUMF is uniquely positioned to address the needs of Canada's R&D communities and advance the fundamental research that underpins our national innovation ecosystem." As the largest-ever acquisition of a TRIUMF spin-off company, the deal stands as a striking symbol of the role of major science facilities in driving innovation and technological breakthroughs for the benefit of Canadians. ARTMS' success, which has been directly enabled by decades of federal and provincial investment in infrastructure and expertise at TRIUMF, also serves to retain Canada's status as a major player in the global life sciences innovation ecosystem. "In response to a global isotope crisis triggered by the closing of the NRU reactor in Chalk River, ARTMS developed a unique technology that produces the world's most-used diagnostic imaging isotopes" Said Dr. Paul Schaffer, Director of TRIUMF Life Sciences and a founder of ARTMS. "We turned a major global challenge into an opportunity, and today what we do is fortifying isotope supply chains and empowering research on new, life-saving medical isotopes." The company's 15-year journey from lab bench to market success has been made possible by a system of federal funding initiatives, including the NISP and ITAP programs, and funding from early-stage investor Quark Venture ? Global Health Science Fund. The effort leveraged both a TRIUMF-led consortium of national partners including BC Cancer, the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization, and Lawson Health Research Institute and TRIUMF's world-leading infrastructure and particle accelerator facilities in Vancouver. "ARTMS is the result of the public and private sector working together to bring innovation to the world," said Kathryn Hayashi, CEO of TRIUMF Innovations, TRIUMF's commercialization arm. "Canada needs major infrastructure and national communities of experts and innovators like those that exist at TRIUMF to support and launch companies like ARTMS. ARTMS' story is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we invest in fundamental science and work together." SOURCE TRIUMF 11 april 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: National Coalition Launches Turnkey Building Decarbonization Program in 9 Major U.S. Cities and Counties Today, a national coalition that includes nine major cities and counties launched a turnkey building decarbonization program that aims to rapidly scale up the deployment of clean-energy technologies across millions of small commercial and multifamily buildings with persistently high carbon footprints. The innovative Building Decarbonization In-A-Box (BDAB) program, announced just days after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $20 billion in competitive "green bank" grants through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, will be one of the first initiatives to demonstrate how the newly available funding will mobilize capital for on-the-ground decarbonization projects in communities across America. Six cities ? Atlanta, Georgia; Fort Collins, Colorado; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Reno, Nevada; and San Antonio, Texas ? and three counties ? Los Angeles County, California; St. Louis County, Missouri; and Montgomery County, Maryland ? will be the first to take advantage of the local government-driven BDAB program. The coalition also includes three companies ? UtilityAPI, Allectrify, and Sustainable Real Estate Solutions (SRS) ? and four nonprofit green banks ? Colorado Clean Energy Fund, Missouri Green Banc, Montgomery County Green Bank, and Philadelphia Green Capital Corporation. Buildings account for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions globally (and as much as 70% of the total emissions in cities), but existing decarbonization programs tend to overlook small commercial and multifamily buildings. These buildings are less than 50,000 square feet in size, account for 94% of the United States' commercial building stock, consume 44% of the overall energy used in buildings, and are often located in underserved communities. The BDAB program, supported by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Elemental Excelerator, will help local leaders accelerate the decarbonization of the nation's six million small commercial and multifamily buildings. To implement BDAB, participating cities and counties will harness three key data sets: building permits, energy benchmarking (where available), and customer utility data. This will: Enable program partners to identify buildings that can benefit from cost-saving clean energy and decarbonization upgrades, such as heat pump upgrades, using local government permit data and/or energy benchmarking data. Building owners will be contacted through direct mail and targeted digital marketing campaigns. Provide participating building owners with no-cost technical and financial assistance via proven software solutions from SRS, UtilityAPI, and Allectrify. Expand the network of local community lenders trained to provide "green financing," including 100% long-term Commercial PACE financing, using Allectrify's FASTPACE platform. As the first fully integrated public-private partnership to leverage municipal and utility data to facilitate building decarbonization upgrades at scale, the BDAB program will demonstrate the critical role that municipalities can play in the successful implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Municipalities that embrace the BDAB model will continue to see building decarbonization upgrades happening in their communities ? along with all the associated benefits ? long after federal funding runs out. BDAB stakeholders shared their thoughts on the initiative's potential impact and the importance of leveraging federal green bank funding: Colin Bishopp, Founder and CEO, Allectrify "Building Decarbonization In-A-Box disrupts the status quo in a way that benefits all communities, including underserved urban and rural communities that are so often left behind. We invite every municipality and utility in the country that is interested in our common-sense, turnkey approach to join this coalition so we can support the successful implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and upgrade more buildings in communities all across the country." Devin Hampton, CEO, UtilityAPI "To decarbonize buildings and save people money, you need access to critical data on energy and building information. Getting access to this data has been a major barrier to scaling this market. The BDAD program changes that by solving the data access problem and turning it into the foundation of a scaleable solution. With it, cities, building owners, and communities can capitalize on unprecedented federal funding to get to work decarbonizing and saving money." Brian McCarter, Founder and CEO, Sustainable Real Estate Solutions "Owners of small commercial and multifamily buildings seldom see the business case for energy efficiency. The BDAB program will fill this gap by providing owners the technical and financial assistance they need to confidently invest in energy improvements. Building owners are often surprised to learn that the combination of cash incentives for high efficiency equipment, lower energy costs, and long-term financing create a compelling business case to invest in comprehensive retrofits." Danya Hakeem, VP of Portfolio, Elemental Excelerator "As an investor across the climate spectrum, Elemental understands the outsized benefits to building occupants when climate solutions are deployed in the homes and offices where we spend 90% of our time. The Building Decarbonization In-A-Box Program is a real solution to help identify the buildings most in need of clean energy upgrades and empower cities, building owners and tenants to accelerate these critical projects." Paul Scharfenberger, CEO, Colorado Clean Energy Fund "By democratizing access to clean energy finance and technical expertise, the Building Decarbonization In-A-Box program will enable state green banks like ours to accelerate the deployment of decarbonization solutions in underserved communities and help bridge the gap between these historic federal investments and the small commercial and multifamily buildings that have traditionally been difficult to reach. We look forward to working with this innovative coalition to create a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable clean energy future for all Coloradans." Steve Morel, CEO, Montgomery County Green Bank "Building Decarbonization In-A-Box is a turnkey program that enables local green banks like ours to equip property owners with a preliminary business case for decarbonization solutions at their properties, and thereby accelerate investment decisions. This is particularly important in the hard-to-reach small commercial, faith community, and multifamily sectors. We look forward to working with this innovative coalition to create a healthier, more resilient, and more equitable clean energy future for families and businesses in Montgomery County." Maryrose Myrtetus, Executive Director, Philadelphia Green Capital Corporation "The innovative Building Decarbonization In-A-Box program presents an exciting opportunity to address the root causes of a huge market challenge in commercial building energy use ? both here in Philadelphia and across the country. The targeted technical assistance and access to energy use and building-specific data will allow us to bring comprehensive solutions to the more than 1,000 buildings in Philadelphia each year that are in dire need of upgrades to outdated HVAC systems. This focused approach, combined with accessible, long-term Commercial PACE and other flexible green financing solutions made possible by the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, promises a more sustainable future for our city's aging infrastructure, and a more cost-effective solution for our small businesses and working families." Melody Echols, Assistant Director, Invest Atlanta "This program has the potential to improve the commercial infrastructure in Atlanta's disinvested neighborhoods that often include smaller, older buildings compared to highly concentrated urban centers. Innovative partnerships like these not only help reduce the carbon footprint in our city, but also help developers and property owners make profitable investment decisions that deliver lasting social benefits. With this, we are moving closer to achieving the City of Atlanta's goal of 100% Clean Energy for 100% of Atlantans by 2035." John Harris, President, Missouri Green Banc "As a green bank, our mission is to lower the financial barriers to clean energy adoption. We're proud to have helped lead the development of the BDAB program because of its unique potential to drive significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in one of the most challenging sectors ? commercial and multifamily buildings ? while also fostering economic growth and job creation. BDAB is well-positioned to ensure that the benefits of sustainable energy are shared broadly, especially in underserved communities." David Suckling, Energy Services Engineer, Fort Collins Utilities "The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund has the potential to solve a persistent market issue in the commercial buildings sector that disproportionately impacts low-income and disadvantaged communities. Building owners in underserved communities need access to no-cost technical assistance, their own utility data, and long-term financing in order to upgrade their buildings, save money, and reduce carbon emissions at the same time. Fort Collins can get that data to our customers so that they can make decisions and act." About UtilityAPI UtilityAPI is a company on a mission to unleash the clean energy revolution by unlocking data. The company's cutting-edge data access network offers the simplest and most secure way for partners to tap into utility data like never before. By collecting, standardizing, and sharing data, we are igniting the transition to a clean energy future for everyone. To learn more, visit http://utilityapi.com/. About Allectrify Allectrify is a public benefit corporation that enables banks, credit unions, CDFIs, green banks and other lenders to offer Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing alongside traditional lending products. The addition of C-PACE as a bank-funded financing option makes it much easier for building owners and developers to obtain long-term financing for solar PV, energy efficiency, and building electrification upgrades. For more information, visit: https://allectrify.com/ About Sustainable Real Estate Solutions Sustainable Real Estate Solutions (SRS), founded in 2010 by experienced commercial real estate and energy efficiency professionals, has built a national reputation as program administrator of state and local government Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs. The company's proprietary technology-enabled Energy Performance Improvement Calculator (EPICtm) streamlines the technical and financial assistance services needed to help building owners evaluate energy improvement alternatives. This best practice methodology has facilitated over $710 million in energy efficiency financing nationwide. To learn more, visit: https://paceworx.com/. About Elemental Excelerator Elemental is a nonprofit investor in climate technologies with deep community impact. We bring more than a decade of experience across the climate sector, with an active and maturing portfolio of 150+ companies. Elemental fills two gaps fundamental to addressing climate change: funding projects for climate technologies in communities, and embedding equity and access into climate solutions. To learn more about Elemental's team and our work in scaling climate technology with community impact, visit www.elementalexcelerator.com. 11 april 2024 at 08:10 News published onand distributed by: Amprius Completes Qualification Process for SiMaxxtm Mass Production Tool, Ramping Up Manufacturing Capacity to 2 MWh Amprius Technologies, Inc. ("Amprius" or the "Company") (NYSE: AMPX), a leader in next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, today announced that it has completed its qualification process for its centrotherm mass production deposition tool (the "centrotherm tool") to manufacture silicon nanowire anodes. This milestone marks a pivotal step in ramping production capacity to meet the growing demand for its ultra-high-energy SiMaxxtm cells in electric mobility applications. Throughout its capacity expansion in Fremont, Amprius has been working on its anode fabrication process for the centrotherm tool to achieve the targeted silicon anode performance necessary for Amprius to begin shipping commercial cells. Amprius' demand pipeline is robust with current SiMaxx capacity sold out through 2024. With this qualification process complete, Amprius is able to complement the Company's existing roll-to-roll systems with the centrotherm tool. This enables an increase in SiMaxx shipments as Amprius advances its Fremont, California, production ramp to 2 MWh, representing approximately a 10X increase in capacity online exiting 2024. "This achievement signifies a crucial advancement in scaling up production capacity to address the increasing need for our ultra-high-energy cells in electric mobility applications," said Jon Bornstein, President of Amprius Labs. "Our primary focus in Fremont is to supply high-energy cells to meet this demand. The successful qualification of our production solution not only accelerates our ramp-up in Fremont this year but also prepares us to manufacture SiMaxx at our gigawatt-hour-scale factory in Brighton, CO." In addition to internal validation, Amprius has garnered support from industry partners such as BAE Systems. Robert Davidson from BAE Systems emphasized the importance of Amprius' qualification progress, stating, "The availability of ultra-high-energy cells is paramount to extend the operating capability of our PHASA-35 High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) vehicle. We are excited that Amprius is increasing the production capacity of its most advanced cells, aligning with our goal of establishing aircraft capable of addressing next-generation applications in long endurance, high altitude, and communications." For more information, please visit the Company's investor relations website at ir.amprius.com. About Amprius Technologies, Inc. Amprius Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-energy and high-power lithium-ion batteries producing the industry's highest known energy density cells. The company's commercially available SiMaxxtm batteries deliver up to 450 Wh/kg and 1,150 Wh/L, with third party validation of 500Wh/kg and 1,300 Wh/L. The company's corporate headquarters is in Fremont, California, where it maintains an R&D lab and a MWh scale manufacturing facility for the fabrication of silicon anodes and cells. To serve customer demand, Amprius entered into a lease agreement for an approximately 774,000 square foot facility in Brighton, Colorado, and expanded its product portfolio to include the SiCoretm platform. For additional information, please visit amprius.com. Also, see the company's LinkedIn and Twitter pages. About BAE Systems Learn more about BAE Systems here: https://www.baesystems.com/en/home Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the timing and ability of Amprius to increase its manufacturing capacity, customers' demand for Amprius' batteries, the ability of Amprius to build a large-scale manufacturing facility, and the batteries to be produced at Amprius' large-scale manufacturing facility. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of Amprius' management and are not predictions of actual performance. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including delays in permitting, construction and operation of production facilities; Amprius' liquidity position; risks related to the rollout of Amprius' business and the timing of expected business milestones; Amprius' ability to commercially produce high performing batteries; the effects of competition on Amprius' business; supply shortages in the materials necessary for the production of Amprius batteries; and changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions. For more information on these risks and uncertainties that may impact the operations and projections discussed herein can be found in the documents we filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), all of which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. There may be additional risks that Amprius does not presently know or that Amprius currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Amprius' expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Amprius' assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Amprius specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. 11 april 2024 at 08:35 News published onand distributed by: Costas, Inc. Announces Filing of Annual Report for FYE 2023 and Rescinding of Cease Trade Order in Canada ORLANDO, Fla., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Costas, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CSSI) ("CSSI" or "the Company"), doing business as Standard Dental Labs Inc. (SDL), a distinguished name in the dental industry, is pleased to announce the filing of its annual report for the fiscal year ending 2023 on April 10th, 2024. This milestone represents the company's second annual report reporting revenue, and its first full fiscal year of revenue since its inception nearly 25 years ago in 1998. The FYE 2023 annual report showcases Standard Dental Labs Inc.'s growth, achievements, and financial performance over the past year. It reflects the company's commitment to transparency and accountability to its shareholders and stakeholders. In addition to this significant accomplishment, Standard Dental Labs Inc. is proud to announce the successful rescinding of a 10-year-old cease trade order in Canada. This milestone achievement opens up new investment opportunities for Canadian investors who can now utilize retail investment avenues to participate in Standard Dental Labs Inc.'s growth and success. "We are excited to share our progress and achievements through the filing of our annual report for FYE 2023," said James Brooks, CEO of Standard Dental Labs Inc. "Furthermore, the rescinding of the cease trade order in Canada is a testament to our commitment to regulatory compliance and our dedication to expanding opportunities for investors." Standard Dental Labs Inc. has firmly established itself in the dental lab segment and plans to continue growing through the acquisition of private labs in the State of Florida. This strategic growth initiative aligns with the company's vision of becoming a leader in the dental industry while delivering exceptional value to its clients and stakeholders. The management team at Standard Dental Labs Inc. looks forward to continuing its growth trajectory and further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in dental lab services in Florida. About Costas, Inc.: Costas, Inc. (OTCMKTS: CSSI) is the parent company for Standard Dental Labs Inc., a renowned dental lab committed to delivering cutting-edge products and services to meet the evolving needs of the dental industry. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Standard Dental Labs is dedicated to contributing to the growth of Florida's oral healthcare sector through innovation and excellence. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release and the statements of representatives of Costas, Inc. (the "Company") related thereto contain, or may contain, among other things, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein are "forward-looking statements," including any other statements of non-historical information. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance," "projects," "may," "could," "would," "should," "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "ultimately" or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements involve material assumptions, risks and uncertainties, and the expectations contained in such statements may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company's actual results (including, without limitation, Costas' ability to advance its business, generate revenue and profit and operate as a public company) could differ materially from those stated or anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including factors and risks discussed in the periodic reports that the company files with OTC Markets (Pink Sheets). All forward-looking statements attributable to the company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. The company undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. SOURCE Costas, Inc. 11 april 2024 at 09:00 News published onand distributed by: Osso Health Medical Training App Launches for Apple Vision Pro Osso VR's immersive, next-generation surgical training experience leverages the power of visionOS SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Osso VR , the leader in immersive procedural training, announces the launch of Osso Health, a medical training app on Apple Vision Pro. Leveraging the power of Apple Vision Pro to seamlessly blend digital content with the physical world Osso Health brings the operating experience to life via detailed, clinically accurate workflows of common procedures. Osso Health's simulated surgical environment for Apple Vision Pro represents a major milestone in democratizing access to procedural education. With this launch, Osso VR is extending its technology to a broader audience, making procedural education accessible to healthcare professionals, patients preparing for surgery, and individuals interested in medical innovation. The Osso Health app is designed to simulate medical procedures at the highest fidelity, seamlessly integrating the operating room into physical spaces and providing on-demand access to hands-on learning from anywhere. visionOS features a brand-new three-dimensional user interface and input system controlled entirely by a user's eyes, hands, and voice, so Osso Health users can seamlessly and intuitively explore procedures. The Osso Health app currently lets users engage with surgical workflows for two common orthopedic procedures: Carpal Tunnel Release and Total Knee Replacement. The user can walk through the key steps of each procedure using Apple Vision Pro's novel approach to spatial computing. Spatial computing has opened up new possibilities for medical professionals to explore complicated medical procedures in a secure, controlled, and real-world setting. Osso VR's proficiency in medical artistry overlayed onto the real world enhances the authenticity of the training, making it an indispensable tool for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians alike. "Osso Health for Apple Vision Pro opens up exciting possibilities for the future of immersive procedural education," said Justin Barad, MD, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Osso VR. "Apple Vision Pro unlocks new opportunities to scale spatial computing in healthcare with groundbreaking display quality and virtually lag-free learning experience, helping solve important challenges to education in healthcare." To experience the next generation of medical training on Apple Vision Pro, visit Osso Health on the App Store . About Osso VR Used by the world's leading healthcare institutions and medical device companies, Osso VR is a clinically validated medical training and assessment platform. Using award-winning VR content, Osso's scalable platform provides a collaborative, risk-free, hands-on training environment that drives performance and outcome improvements. Co-founded in 2016 by UCLA and Harvard-trained pediatric orthopedic surgeon Justin Barad, MD, Osso VR has been the most celebrated virtual reality company in healthcare, earning multiple industry awards, including TIME Magazine's Best Inventions, Fast Company's Most Innovative Healthcare Company, and the SXSW Innovation Award for VR. Osso VR covers multiple medical specialties and is available in several languages in over 40 countries. To learn more, visit www.ossovr.com , and follow Osso VR on LinkedIn , Twitter and Instagram . SOURCE Osso VR 11 april 2024 at 09:00 News published onand distributed by: EPAM Achieves Platinum Partner Status with commercetools, Signaling Growing Expertise in Composable Technologies Fueled by exceptional delivery, product contribution and extensive sales and technical enablement, EPAM's commitment to excellence drives achievement of the highest partner status with commercetools NEWTOWN, Pa., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Composable technologies offer organizations the ability to customize solutions to their exact needs, scale systems efficiently and adapt rapidly to changing requirements, fostering agility and innovation. For organizations looking to reimagine their composable architecture, it is important to choose an experienced and qualified partner. EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM), a leading digital transformation services and product engineering company, today announced it has achieved Platinum Partner status with commercetools, the global composable commerce leader that provides organizations with essential technologies to evolve, build and scale at their own pace. Learn More About EPAM's commercetools Partnership The Platinum Partner status is the highest available partnership program level, with only a select group of five partners globally being awarded this distinguished status. EPAM was awarded this status for demonstrating excellence in client delivery, actively contributing to product enhancement and achieving significant sales volumes coupled with robust technical enablement efforts. "We're delighted to achieve Platinum Partner status with commercetools. A special thank you to our joint clients who have trusted us to successfully lead their composable commerce projects and to the broader team, including our Composable Practice and Competency Center, for supporting the growth of this partnership," said Shareen Campbell, Global Head of Alliances, EPAM. "Our ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of our commercetools capabilities demonstrates our passion and driving force for composable commerce transformation and for delivering real business outcomes for our enterprise clients globally." The new Platinum Partner status recognizes EPAM's investment in developing its technical and engineering capabilities with commercetools' products, enabling clients to realize tangible returns on their commercetools investments. This elevated status also grants EPAM enhanced access to commercetools' teams, fostering deeper engagement with their roadmap and product strategy. As a result, EPAM can further innovate, deliver efficiently, address challenges and accelerate value realization for commercetools' clients. "With our shared commitment to helping brands leverage best-in-class composable technology for better customer experiences, EPAM has long been a valued partner of commercetools, and we're thrilled to have the company as a 2024 Platinum-level partner," said Blaine Trainor, Global Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances, commercetools. "With EPAM in the highest echelon of our partner program this year, we look forward to bringing the strength of our joint solutions to even more businesses, enabling them to achieve their goals faster and more effectively than ever before." As a globally recognized commercetools partner, EPAM brings its extensive portfolio of services tailored to businesses seeking to leverage the full potential of microservice-led, API-driven commerce solutions. The Company empowers enterprises with mature development capabilities to address unique challenges and achieve a high level of autonomy and control over their eCommerce roadmap. This Platinum-level partnership ensures that businesses can seamlessly adapt and extend the commercetools platform to meet complex enterprise needs, facilitating streamlined operations and accelerated innovation in the digital commerce landscape. Attending Elevate ? The Global Commerce Summittm ? April 16 - 18 in Miami? Don't miss our speaking sessions that can help you empower your business with actionable takeaways and visit us at Booth 400. Learn more about EPAM's partnership with commercetools: www.epam.com/services/partners/commercetools . ABOUT EPAM SYSTEMS Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) has used its software engineering expertise to become a leading global provider of digital engineering, cloud and AI-enabled transformation services, as well as a leading business and experience consulting partner for global enterprises and ambitious startups. We address our clients' transformation challenges by fusing EPAM Continuum's integrated strategy, experience and technology consulting with our 30+ years of engineering execution to speed our clients' time to market and drive greater value from their innovations and digital investments. We deliver globally, but engage locally with our expert teams of consultants, architects, designers and engineers, making the future real for our clients, our partners and our people around the world. We believe the right solutions are the ones that improve people's lives and fuel competitive advantage for our clients across diverse industries. Our thinking comes to life in the experiences, products and platforms we design and bring to market. Added to the S&P 500 and the Forbes Global 2000 in 2021 and recognized by Glassdoor as a Best Workplace in 2023 and 2024, our multidisciplinary teams serve clients across six continents. We are proud to be among the top 15 companies in Information Technology Services in the Fortune 1000 and to be recognized as a leader in the IDC MarketScapes for Worldwide Experience Build Services, Worldwide Experience Design Services and Worldwide Software Engineering Services as well as a leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadranttm for Custom Software Development Services, Worldwide.* Learn more at www.epam.com and follow us on LinkedIn . *Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes estimates and statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our business and operations. These statements may include words such as "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions. Those future events and trends may relate to, among other things, developments relating to the war in Ukraine and escalation of the war in the surrounding region, political and civil unrest or military action in the geographies where we conduct business and operate, difficult conditions in global capital markets, foreign exchange markets and the broader economy, and the effect that these events may have on customer demand and our revenues, operations, access to capital, and profitability. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions, the risk factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the factors discussed in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the headings "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made based on information currently available to us. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law. SOURCE EPAM Systems, Inc. 11 april 2024 at 10:02 News published onand distributed by: I Squared Appoints Jonathan Popper as Fund Partner and Head of Asset Management and Value Creation for the Americas I Squared Capital, a leading independent global infrastructure investment manager, today announced that Jonathan Popper will be joining the firm as Fund Partner and Head of Asset Management and Value Creation for the Americas. Jon joins from Temasek, Singapore's state-owned investment company, where he was a Managing Director since 2013. He most recently served as Managing Director (Portfolio Development), with responsibility for engagement with Temasek portfolio companies on matters of value creation, including strategy, operations, finance and capital structure, M&A, organizational development and compensation. Previously, he served as Managing Director (Investment), with responsibility for Temasek's investments in the business services sector, and as Managing Director (Structuring & Execution), with responsibility for advising Temasek investment teams on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings and other transactions. Prior to Temasek, Jon was with Morgan Stanley where he served as Managing Director and Head of Southeast Asia M&A. Before joining Morgan Stanley, Jon was an investment professional at Bassini Playfair + Associates, a private equity firm focused on emerging markets, based in New York and Sao Paulo. Jon takes on this role from Ron Schweizer who has been appointed Head of Corporate Strategy for I Squared, a new position for the firm. Commenting on the appointment, Gautam Bhandari, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner, I Squared, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Jon to I Squared. Many of my partners and I have known Jon for over twenty years and I am confident he will bring every bit of that experience and expertise to bear as he takes on this critical role." Bhandari continued: "Our efforts to institutionalize the firm in the last 12 months have seen the firm evolve and expand at a rapid pace. Our asset management capabilities must match these efforts to ensure our portfolio companies work with us to create value through financial discipline, operational excellence and a rigorous focus on their customer's needs." Jon is the second Fund Partner to join I Squared in as many months. In March, I Squared announced the appointment of Yves Meyer Bulow as Fund Partner and Office head for the firm's new Munich office. Earlier this year, I Squared announced ten new hires as part of a significant upgrade to the firm's sales and distribution capabilities as well as launching a new brand identity and website. Taken together, these activities represent important milestones on our journey of institutionalizing the firm. They represent significant statements of intent to ensure the firm's overall service offerings and market position meets the needs of our partners while continuing to earn the kind of returns that I Squared has generated over the last decade. Today, I Squared has over 260 employees operating across seven offices with one mission: to constantly redefine the investment landscape by harnessing the power of our culturally diverse team to foster an environment where every idea is valued, every detail matters, and every team member contributes to the firm's success. Jonathan Popper Biography Prior to joining I Squared, Jonathan Popper was Managing Director at Temasek since 2013. He most recently served as Managing Director (Portfolio Development), with responsibility for engagement with Temasek portfolio companies on matters of value creation, including strategy, operations, finance and capital structure, M&A, organizational development and compensation. Previously, he served as Managing Director (Investment), with responsibility for Temasek's investments in the business services sector, and as Managing Director (Structuring & Execution), with responsibility for advising Temasek investment teams on mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, financings and other transactions. Prior to joining Temasek, Mr. Popper spent over a decade with Morgan Stanley's Mergers & Acquisitions department in New York and Singapore, where he served as Managing Director and Head of Southeast Asia M&A. Mr. Popper's experience at Morgan Stanley spanned a broad range of advisory assignments for clients across industries and countries. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Popper was an investment professional at Bassini Playfair + Associates, a private equity firm focused on emerging markets, based in New York and Sao Paulo. Mr. Popper is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Palmer Scholar. Mr Popper is a CFA charterholder, and he has received Qualified Listed Entity Director certification and Senior Director accreditation from the Singapore Institute of Directors (SID). About I Squared Capital I Squared is a leading independent global infrastructure investor with over $38 billion in assets under management. We are known for the development of investment platforms in infrastructure projects where we start small and grow big. We use global insights and deep local intelligence to solve complex problems, foster smarter businesses, serve local communities, and invest in a more sustainable future to provide essential services to millions of people around the world. We operate a diverse portfolio of 82 companies with over 66,000 employees in a variety of sectors including utilities, energy, digital infrastructure, transport, environmental infrastructure, and social infrastructure. We have invested in 71 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Headquartered in Miami, we are a team of over 260 people spread across London, Munich, New Delhi, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Taipei. You can find out more by visiting: www.isquaredcapital.com. This document does not constitute advice or a recommendation or offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. It is provided for information purposes only and on the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated therewith and any related legal, tax, accounting or other material considerations. To the extent that the reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact [I Squared Capital or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives will be achieved. Moreover, the past performance is not a guarantee or indicator of future results. 11 april 2024 at 12:05 News published onand distributed by: Carlisle Companies to Announce First Quarter 2024 Results on April 25, 2024 Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL) will release first quarter 2024 results on Thursday, April 25, 2024, after the market close. A conference call to discuss these results has been scheduled for 5pm ET on Thursday, April 25, 2024. The call can be accessed via webcast, along with related materials, at www.carlisle.com/investors/events-and-presentations and via telephone as follows: Domestic toll free: 800-549-8228 International: 646-564-2877 Conference ID: 27308 Please dial in or access the webcast at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. An audio replay will be available on the Company's website shortly after the completion of the call. About Carlisle Companies Incorporated Carlisle Companies Incorporated is a leading supplier of innovative building envelope products and solutions for more energy efficient buildings. Through its building products businesses ? Carlisle Construction Materials ("CCM") and Carlisle Weatherproofing Technologies ("CWT") ? and family of leading brands, Carlisle delivers innovative, labor reducing and environmentally responsible products and solutions to customers through the Carlisle Experience. Carlisle is committed to generating superior shareholder returns and maintaining a balanced capital deployment approach, including investments in our businesses, strategic acquisitions, share repurchases and continued dividend increases. Leveraging its culture of continuous improvement as embodied in the Carlisle Operating System ("COS"), Carlisle has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 11 april 2024 at 16:15 News published onand distributed by: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, at the end of an international press briefing in Budapest, December 21, 2023. MARTON MONUS / REUTERS On Tuesday, March 19, Euronews pulled out all the stops to celebrate the launch of its new programs and newsroom at the Albert Hall, a 2,500-square-meter Art Deco complex in the heart of Brussels. CEO Guillaume Dubois wanted to make people forget the long months of social unrest that had rocked the pan-European channel since it was bought out in 2022 by Alpac Capital, a mysterious Portuguese investment fund, as well as the change in the group's headquarters from the French city of Lyon to the Belgian capital. The move was coupled with the departure of 175 employees out of a total of 370. "On April 3, there will be a symbolic switch in the newsroom's management. It's Brussels that will decide, and no longer Lyon," explained the Frenchman at a cocktail party to mark the transition to a new model, located as close as possible to the European institutions. "We're going to be offering extensive, original and impartial coverage of the upcoming European elections [in June]," he said to the officials present; including Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, and Margaritis Schinas, a vice president of the European Commission. Did they know who was really footing the bill for the evening's festivities? Ever since Euronews was bought out, its employees' unions have been asking who financed the acquisition of a news channel that was in chronic deficit. Until then, it was owned by Egyptian tycoon Naguib Sawiris. Benedicte Bachs-Scherrer, the deputy CEO, had once again told them at a work council meeting in 2023 that, "in accordance with regulations," Alpac "did not [have to] mention the list" of those who participated in a fundraiser for the European Future Media Investment (EFMI) a venture capital fund that the Portuguese company had specifically set up in Lisbon to finance the takeover. However, Le Monde and its partners at the Hungarian investigative website Direkt36 and the Portuguese weekly magazine Expresso can now reveal that entities close to the Hungarian prime minister, Viktor Orban, were heavily involved in this operation, in the utmost secrecy. Internal documents from the Hungarian sovereign wealth fund Szechenyi Funds, obtained by Direkt36, show that this public body invested 45 million in the EFMI. In addition, at least 12.5 million was contributed by a communications company belonging to a close associate of Orban. This represents at least a third of the funds used to finance an operation that was valued at a total of 170 million. According to the documents, Alpac was to supplement this capital injection from Hungary by issuing 85 million in convertible bonds. This involvement of the Hungarian government, which has been completely concealed until now, raises questions about the real reasons behind the takeover of a channel that was initially created in 1993 to compete with CNN. A PowerPoint presentation from the Szechenyi Funds, marked "strictly confidential," explicitly mentions that one of the aims of the takeover of Euronews, described as "the seventh most influential brand on EU politics," was "to mitigate left-wing bias in journalism." You have 68.2% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Police detain young people during protests following the death of Nahel, a 17-year-old teenager killed by a French police officer in Nanterre during a traffic stop, in the Champs Elysees area, in Paris, France, July 2, 2023. JUAN MEDINA / REUTERS Rights watchdogs including Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International said on Thursday, April 11, that they were seeking UN help to end racial profiling by the French police, they said. HRW and Amnesty International France, as well as three other French groups, have lodged a complaint with the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Evidence and testimonies from victims and police show that in France "racial profiling particularly targets black and Arab young men and boys, or those perceived as such, including children as young as 10," HRW said, adding: "These abusive and illegal identity checks, which are widespread throughout the country and deeply rooted in police practices, constitute systemic racial discrimination." France's highest administrative court, the Council of State, found in October last year that racial profiling by the police was not limited to "isolated cases." Yet "the government has taken no action to address the problem," said HRW. "By failing to take the necessary measures to put an end to this practice, the French government is failing to meet its obligations under several international treaties," it added. The UN committee monitors compliance with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which France has signed. In July last year, it had already raised concern about "excessive use of force by law enforcement" in France, and called on the country to ban racial profiling. The comments came after the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old teenager named Nahel during a traffic stop the previous month. France's rights ombudsman in 2017 found that a young person "perceived as black or Arab" was 20 times more likely to face an identity check than the rest of the population. "In the past two months, copper production has grown 14% and revenues for the regions, generated by mining, exceeded S/2.3 million (about US$621,453)," the minister told Red de Comunicacion Regional (RCR). "Moreover, we have issued Ministerial Resolution No. 125-2024-Minem, with which we authorize mining companies to produce 10% more copper, without much movement of capital investment, but improving processes and capacities. That's why I launched the challenge to exceed 3 tons of copper by the end of the year, and we are on the way to addressing it," he added. Romulo Mucho reiterated that works are underway to make viable mining projects such as Tantahuatay Replacement (gold) in Cajamarca, Huancapeti Expansion (zinc) and Antamina Replacement (copper) in Ancash, Romina (zinc) and Raura Replacement (silver) in Lima Provinces, Chalcobamba Phase I (copper) in Apurimac, and Corani (zinc) in Puno. "Also underway are Coroccohuayco owned by Antapaccay (Cusco) and Yanacocha Sulfuros (Cajamarca) by Newmont, whose CEO will arrive in Peru next May in order to make some announcements. There are other smaller investments such as Yumpag (Pasco) and San Gabriel (Moquegua)," he affirmed. "Our goal is to exceed by far last year's investment amount of US$4.7 billion, that is, more than US$5 billion," the government official stated. Artisanal mining The Cabinet member emphasized that multisectoral efforts are needed to formalize small-scale and artisanal mining, adding that the Ministry of Energy and Mines will issue the corresponding legal regulation. "We have a draft of the new regulation. We have submitted the Energy and Mines Ministry's plan to organizations and experts on the issue, that's why there is a need to find the right balance," he explained. (END) CNA/JJN/RMB/MVB Capture of a video showing the ruins of Crocus City Hall, on the outskirts of Moscow, on March 26, 2024. RUSSIAN EMERGENCIES MINISTRY / VIA REUTERS The news came shortly after midday. During the night of Monday, March 25, and the next morning, Turkish authorities arrested 147 suspected militants of the Islamic State (IS) organization in 30 cities across the country, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced. This spectacular raid followed Sunday's coordinated raids, which resulted in 40 arrests across eight cities, and Saturday's, which resulted in an additional 24 arrests in eight different locations. In all, 211 people have been arrested and detained since the attack on the Crocus City Hall in the Moscow suburbs, claimed by Islamic State Khorasan Province (IS-K), the jihadist group's affiliate in Afghanistan. On his X account, Yerlikaya underscored his determination to fight "Daesh terrorists" and recounted the 1,329 operations conducted against this group by Turkish police forces since June 1, 2023. According to his tally, 2,919 suspects have been apprehended and questioned, 692 of whom have been jailed and charged. These announcements came as Russian media reported that two of the alleged perpetrators of the attack on the outskirts of Moscow had traveled to Russia from Turkey. As soon as the first images of their arrest were released, one of them, Shamsiddin Fariduni, originally from Tajikistan, could be seen saying that he had traveled from Turkey to Russia on March 4, in a video shared at the time of his capture. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, the man posted eight photos of Istanbul on social media. The photos were taken in Fatih, at the heart of the historic peninsula, in the old and highly conservative neighborhood of Aksaray, known for its refugees, Gulf tourists, small-time vendors and maze of hotels. In one of the photos, Fariduni appeared to be taking a selfie inside a large and tall mosque, presumably the Fatih Mosque. One of the countries most affected by IS Initially, neither the Turkish nor the Russian authorities commented on the visit to the Bosphorus megalopolis. It was only on Tuesday that a Turkish security services official, speaking anonymously to Agence France-Presse, provided details that raised more questions than they answered. The attack's two alleged perpetrators had made a return trip to Turkey, he said, to renew their residence permits in Russia. They "were able to travel freely between Russia and Turkey since there was no warrant for their arrest," he was keen to point out. He also insisted that the men had not been on Turkish soil long enough to have been radicalized and that they had returned to Russia at the beginning of March on the same flight. You have 62.15% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro holds up images of independence hero Simon Bolivar and former president Hugo Chavez as he registers as a presidential candidate in Caracas on March 25, 2024. LEONARDO FERNANDEZ VILORIA / REUTERS During an official visit to Caracas on Tuesday, April 9, Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for "political peace in Venezuela." As the campaign for the July 28 presidential election gets going, the political climate in Venezuela is tense. The government of President Nicolas Maduro, who is seeking a third term in office, seems determined to not yield an inch. Meanwhile, the opposition is struggling with its own internal divisions. The accord commonly known as the Barbados Agreement, signed by delegates from both sides in October 2023 as a step toward free and fair elections, is under serious strain. However, according to the main polling institutes, 80% of Venezuelan voters say they are firmly resolved to vote in this election. "Abstention is no longer an option," summarized Luis Vicente Leon of the Datanalisis polling institute. More than 70% of those who intend to vote say they will not vote for Maduro. Yet, on the ballot that has been issued by the National Electoral Council, Maduro's photo appears 13 times. In addition to his political party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), there are 12 other parties, more or less independent of the PSUV, that have chosen Maduro as their candidate. Although 13 candidates have registered with "12 of whom are from the opposition," insists Maduro the election will be won either by Maduro himself or by a candidate from the opposition coalition who is acceptable to the Chavist regime. Two candidates ousted The original candidate from the Unitary Platform (Plataforma Unitaria, PU), the ultra-neoliberal and radical Maria Corina Machado, was declared ineligible by the Supreme Court. The National Electoral Council refused to register her designated replacement, Corina Yoris. The ousting of these two candidates provoked strong reactions on the international scene. For once, the presidents of Brazil and Colombia distanced themselves from their Venezuelan ally. "There is no explanation, either legal or political, for prohibiting an opponent from being a candidate," said Brazilian President Luiz Ignacio Lula Da Silva. Petro, for his part, denounced "a clearly undemocratic coup." Petro's visit to Caracas sealed a fragile reconciliation. Two candidates currently represent the PU on the ballot. Zulia state governor Manuel Rosales registered to represent his party, Un Nuevo Tiempo, without consulting his colleagues. Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, a little-known former ambassador and political scientist, registered with the endorsement of PU leaders as a potential placeholder. Electoral law in Venezuela allows a party to change its candidate during the campaign up to 10 days before the vote. However, the name and photo on the ballot will be those of the candidate who registered on April 20. You have 48.16% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. Reach for the Stars, the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) astrophotography competition has returned for its fourth year running and is calling on budding astro-photographers to submit their images. This year the competition has added a new category, the Night Sky in Your Hand, a mobile phone category to encourage more people to get involved. The competition, which opened for entries this week, is seeking the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the period April 28, 2023 to May 10, 2024. It is calling for submissions under five distinct categories: Night Sky in Your Hand: Images taken with only a smartphone, and without telescopes, of an astronomical scene. Out of this World Planetary: Images of the planets, sun and moon. Out of this World Deep Sky: Images of celestial objects that exist outside our solar system such as nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies. Back on Earth Landscape: Images that depict a feature of astronomical interest as a prominent feature and elements such as nature, land or water. Back on Earth Landmark: Images that depict a feature of astronomical interest as a prominent feature and elements such as cityscapes, buildings, houses, historical structures or monuments. Launching the competition today,Dr. Eucharia Meehan, CEO and Registrar of DIAS, said: DIAS is delighted to launch the Reach for the Stars competition for 2024. We are always trying to improve and grow the competition and have made a number of updates this year that we hope will bring the competition to a new level. We now have an additional category inviting entries taken on smartphones. Cameras on phones can now take such high-quality photos that we felt it would be a great opportunity to encourage more people in Offaly to get involved. Were also delighted that the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland (AOI) has come on board this year and is sponsoring a prize for our competition winners. The AOI is a strategic partnership between us at DIAS, Armagh Observatory & Planetarium and Birr Castle Heritage Foundation to protect the astronomical heritage and promote astronomical research and knowledge across the island of Ireland, so it is fitting for the Observatories to support the competition. Reach for the Stars is open to everyone whether you are a seasoned professional or amateur with a love for astronomy. All we ask is that you follow the competition guidelines carefully when making the submission to ensure your images are eligible. Also commenting, Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at DIAS and member of the judging panel, said: With the addition of the new mobile phone category this year, Im excited to see the range of entries well get. This new element really opens the door for lots of amateur and budding astro-photographers who might not necessarily have the equipment but have an eye for a good shot to showcase their work. There are lots of astronomical events coming up in April alone weve just had a solar eclipse, Lyrids meteor shower will take place later this month, along with a full moon before the closing date of the competition so there are plenty of opportunities for people in Offaly to get out there and capture some shots. The night sky can be enjoyed by everyone weve had everything from glittering galaxies to incredible skyscapes entered over the past three years, and were looking forward to seeing what this years submissions have in store! Competition Details Entrants may submit up to two images per category to the competition. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Friday, May 10, 2024. All entries to the competition will be screened by a shortlisting panel to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria. The shortlisted images in each category will then go forward for consideration by the judging panel and for an online public vote. Entries to the Reach for the Stars competition will be judged by Brenda Fitzsimons, Picture Editor, The Irish Times; Michael McCreary, President, Irish Astronomical Society; Peter Gallagher, Senior Professor and Head of Astronomy and Astrophysics at DIAS and Niamh Breathnach, Senior Director, Alice Public Relations. Prize Package The winning photographers in the Out of this World and Back on Earth categories, as selected by the judging panel, will receive a prize package that includes: Publication of their images on the DIAS and Irish Times websites; Passes to the three sites of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland Dunsink Observatory (Race to Space Escape Room), Armagh Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne; A 500 voucher for photographic / telescopic equipment; and A 12-month digital subscription to The Irish Times. The winner of the Public Choice category, as voted for by the public, and the winner of the Night Sky in Your Hand category will receive a voucher to the value of 250 for photographic / telescopic equipment, along with passes to the three sites of the Astronomical Observatories of Ireland Dunsink Observatory (Race to Space Escape Room), Armagh Observatory and Birr Castle Demesne. It is DIASs intention that the winning and highly commended images will also be included in an exhibition at DIAS during 2024. Furthermore, all shortlisted images will be included in an online exhibition for the purposes of the public vote on the competition website reachforthestars.ie. DIASs Reach for the Stars competition is being run in partnership with The Irish Times , and is sponsored by Alice Public Relations. The Astronomical Observatories of Ireland and the Irish Astronomical Society are initiative supporters. Jim Sheridan is set to make a movie surrounding the unsolved murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier based on the style of the Hollywood classic movie 12 Angry Men. Award winning Irish director Sheridan said, "I will be making a full drama movie on the Sophie case and it will be based on the idea from 12 Angry Men. It is an idea we have been working on for a while and I believe there is huge public interest in the story." 39-year-old Sophie was found killed outside her holiday home in West Cork on December 23, 1996. British journalist Ian Bailey, who lived near Sophie's holiday home near the village of Schull, was arrested twice on suspicion of her murder but there was insufficient evidence to charge him. Bailey always maintained his innocence, saying he believed du Plantier was murdered by a hit man or a secret lover. Sophie's son Pierre Louis Baudey has always been convinced that Bailey was guilty of the murder of his mother, and Bailey was tried in absentia by a court in France and subsequently found guilty in 2019. He was sentenced to 25 years but Irish courts refused to extradite him on the grounds there wasn't sufficient evidence he had actually committed the murder. Ian Bailey died this year on January 21 at the age of 66 from a suspected heart attack. 75-year-old Sheridan, who always believed Bailey was innocent, has been working on this case for more than eight years and has already released a Sky Documentary, Murder at the Cottage, to record viewing reviews. "This is something I have always wanted to do and it will make gripping viewing", added Sheridan who directed classics such as In the Name of the Father and My Left Foot. No actors have been revealed as of yet who will play the main roles. A Garda cold case review into Sophie's death is still ongoing. The MID-WEST Hospital Campaign (MWHC) says their Drive to Save Lives is to highlight the ongoing health crisis in the region. A convoy of vehicles will, on Saturday, April 13, navigate a route including Ennis, Nenagh, and Limerick city to mark the 15th anniversary of the closure of three emergency departments in the region. It comes as emergency departments in Nenagh, Ennis and St John's Hospitals were closed 15 years ago. People have been encouraged to take part with their car, van, tractor, motorcycle, or bike. An activist with the campaign, Mary Cahillane, said: UHL is consistently the most overcrowded A&E in the country. We have one emergency department to cover 425,000 people, under these circumstances reconfiguration cannot be made to work. READ MORE: 'I'm one of the lucky ones': Former mayor of Limerick speaks of cancer diagnosis Another activist from the campaign Charlotte Keane, said that it feels like people in the Mid-West are not being heard. So we must make ourselves visible. Were calling on Limerick people to come out in force on April 13, to join the convoy through the city or line the route and cheer it on as it passes. "We will be leaving from St Johns Hospital from around 12pm on the day to join up with convoys coming from Ennis and Nenagh, and together the people of the Mid-West will travel down OConnell Street and past UHL on our way to a rally outside Houston Hall in Raheen Industrial Estate where the HSE CEO Bernard Gloster has an office, she added ALONG the River Shannon, breast cancer survivors have found camaraderie and fitness as they paddle out on a dragon boat. On the water, Aileen Murphy and Amanda Jordan have found a safe space with the Limerick Dragons - one where breast cancer does not define them. A 2,000-year-old ancient Chinese water sport, dragon boat racing was trialled as a treatment for breast cancer survivors by Dr Don McKenzie in 1996. After introducing 24 breast cancer volunteers to dragon boats and paddling techniques, McKenzie found that the movement required for paddling prevents the risk of lymphedema. In Limerick, dozens of survivors come together in paddle dragon boats to improve their wellness and raise awareness. One of the members, Aileen Murphy was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2019, after finding a lump on her right breast. It felt different. I was actually working on BreastCheck at the time, so I spoke to one of my colleagues. She brought me down for an ultrasound and straight away, she could see that it was cancerous. I got really upset, it was only her and me there. I hadnt brought anyone with me, I didnt think there was a need to have anyone, Aileen recalls. After a triple assessment, she was told she had invasive ductal carcinoma grade 3, an aggressive type of breast cancer. For the next appointment, I brought my parents with me, Aileen says. I was told I had to have surgery to remove it. They took the lump out, a big area in my breast and all my lymph nodes. I had 16 chemo sessions with four AC and 12 taxols, then I had 24 sessions of radiotherapy. After that, Aileen was on a chemo drug for three years. READ MORE: PICTURES: Fun-filled weekend in store for Riverfest 2024 I go in once a month to have an injection to suppress my ovaries and then I take a hormone inhibitor every day, its just to increase my chances of my cancer not coming back. Aileen joined the Limerick Dragons in 2020. Among other survivors, she has found a safe place where she can be herself. It helps you if you've had your lymph nodes removed, you're at risk of lymphedema. So this exercise helps with the whole issue. That's why I said I'd go for that. Plus, I just love the water, its a happy place for me, Aileen says. After treatment, she experienced a lot of pain in her joints. On the dragon boat, Aileen feels the same as everyone else. If I'm getting in and out of the boat, it's a little bit awkward, my body might not work the way you want it to work. If I was to go to a class where people weren't affected by any illnesses, I'd stand out a little bit. Whereas when I'm on the boat, I'm the same as everyone else. There's a camaraderie, we care for one another. I don't feel awkward, I can just be myself. According to Aileen, all her worries go away when she is out on the water. Youre having a laugh, having a chat, seeing the city from a different perspective. Its great for your headspace. It's very hard to describe it, but you could go out there with all the worries in the world on your shoulders and when you're out in the water you forget about them. You'd be tired, but mentally you're refreshed, she says. Despite what she has been through, Aileen remains positive - and counts herself as extremely lucky. I just look at it as something that I have to get on with. I'm extremely lucky, I have this chance at life that not everybody is granted. It gives you a new appreciation for life and it all makes sense. Amanda Jordan was diagnosed with breast cancer on September 1, 2021. There had been no history of breast cancer in my family. I was getting a bit of a pain in my left boob and I was like What is that? I checked and I could feel something. I kind of ignored it for three weeks and then, it was playing on my mind, so I went to the doctor. When they confirmed the diagnosis, it wasn't too much of a shock, but the day I was there for the mammogram was very shocking. Once I had the diagnosis, it was really a whirlwind, Amanda says. She had a mastectomy on September 29, 2021. Then, she had to go back for a second operation. It was on November 9, which was my birthday. The nurses immediately wished me a happy birthday, Amanda recalls. After starting chemotherapy in January 2022, she had radiation. Now, shes on hormone tablets. Hopefully that's everything taken out and sorted, she says. The whole breast cancer thing is a bit of a shock to the system. You get into fight or flight mode. You don't want people around you being upset and stuff, it's manageable, but it is quite scary. Amanda felt the dragons would know what she had been through. Now, she is one of 39 members. I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, I wanted to put a bit more life into my years and I wanted to meet people who had an understanding of what I'd been through, she explains. She says that while out on the water with her fellow dragons, she has learned a valuable lesson. I've learned that everybody is going through something. A lot of people have been affected by breast cancer, whether they themselves have had it or known of somebody who had it. Ive learned that its only a part of us, it doesnt define us, she says. On April 13 at noon, the Limerick Dragons will meet future members at the shipyard at OCallaghan Strand. On April 20, they will be organising a flower ceremony, to remember anybody who has passed due to breast cancer. A 25-year old Shannon man who survived a murder attempt on his life has escaped jail after he told a judge that he was carrying around a Stanley knife in his local town for his own protection. At Kilrush District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett told Danny Harty Jnr of Inis Eagla, Shannon that he was "within a hairs breadth of going to jail before imposing a suspended two month prison term for the unlawful possession of the Stanley knife at Tullyvarraga, Shannon on Monday evening, April 8. After Judge Gabbett imposed the suspended prison term, Mr Harty said to Judge Gabbett: Can I say one thing before I go - thank you very much. Mr Harty told Judge Gabbett: You are the nicest judge I have come across and I appreciate that. Mr Harty told Judge Gabbett that he was carrying around the knife because I was scared. Mr Harty said I apologise Judge." Mr Hartys solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick said that Mr Harty was the victim of a shooting and Judge Gabbett remarked that Mr Harty is the man "who hid behind the wall in Sixmilebridge when the gun went yak, yak, yak". Judge Gabbett said to Mr Harty: Arent you lucky you got behind the wall?" At the Central Criminal Court last October, Tony McInerney (28), formerly of Glenina, Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare, was sentenced to 17 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Harty at Pound St, Sixmilebridge on January 18, 2020 over an alleged drug debt. The Central Criminal Court heard "wild west stuff" had happened that night in Sixmilebridge, with people hiding behind walls and cars. Concerning the knife charge, Mr Fitzpatrick said: It wasn't that Mr Harty was out in public and he was wielding this knife or in pursuit of anyone - it was for his own protection. Mr Harty pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of the knife contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act and to being drunk in a public place. Mr Harty has previous convictions and Mr Fitzpatrick said that since Mr Harty has come out of prison he has been welcomed back into the family home and he wasnt previously. Mr Fitzpatrick said that if Mr Harty steps out of line that door will shut and Mr Harty knows that. Judge Gabbett said that he was concerned over the drunk in a public place charge and Mr Fitzpatrick said that Mr Harty has been approved for admission to a treatment centre. LIMERICK journalism students have scooped a number of awards at the National Student Media Awards. University of Limerick students won three awards, while students of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board were honoured in two categories. For the second time Limerick Voice, produced by the final year UL journalism class, was named Newspaper of the Year 2024 and also won the award for Layout and Design of the Year 2024. Limerick Voice investigative reporter Gemma Good also won the prize for Journalism Relating to Health for her feature on Limerick Treaty Suicide Prevention. Two students of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board were also among the winners at the event. Jake Rowat won News Photographer of the Year and Celine Mermier won Photographer of the Year. The National Student Media Awards is the largest competition of its kind in Ireland dedicated to recognising and celebrating the next generation of media talent. Presenting the award for Newspaper of the Year to the Limerick Voice team, Mark Hennessy Ireland and Britain Editor of The Irish Times, commended the journalism students for their determined efforts to report the community around them. The awards ceremony was held at the Mansion House in Dublin where a special tribute was also paid to Limerick Voices late Editor-In-Chief, Joe Drennan, who died tragically in a hit and run incident on October 13 last. There was a standing ovation after it was announced that from next year, the Journalism Relating to Road Safety Award would be renamed The Joe Drennan Award for Journalism Relating to Road Safety. UL journalism students received 16 nominations at this years SMEDIAS, which is testament to the talent of the Universitys students according to Dr Kathryn Hayes, Associate Professor and Course Director the BA Journalism and Digital Communication programme. "I couldnt be prouder of our journalism students. To be so successful at The SMEDIAS after such a hard year is a tribute to their resilience. "Their work on Limerick Voice shows their ability to work through extremely difficult circumstances to produce award-winning journalism. "Joe Drennan would be so proud. The past few months have been full of teaching moments. I look forward to seeing our students make major contributions to Irish journalism in the years ahead. We are extremely proud of all of our students who were nominated for awards in highly competitive categories at this years SMEDIAS. "This is well deserved industry recognition of the excellent work our students have been producing across multimedia news platforms, which is an integral part of journalism education in UL. READ MORE: PICTURES: Community takes on mountain to raise money for Limerick woman Managing Editor of Limerick Voice, Molly Cantwell added: I am so grateful to The Smedias, Oxygen, and The Irish Times for the honour of winning Newspaper of the Year alongside our Layout and Design win. "In a year that has been so horrendously difficult, having such an important project recognised on a platform of this size means the world to the entire team. In September 2023, Joe Drennan and I started out as co-editors of Limerick Voice, excitedly planning what the year would look like. "Ultimately, our main goal was to give a voice to the voiceless in our community, and to take home this highly-coveted award. I know he would be so incredibly proud of the team and of the newspaper. Thank you so much to our wonderful lecturer Dr Kathryn Hayes for the work and support over the last year that led us to this point. "Thank you to the beautiful Drennan family and friends of the family for their tireless support of our work. Thank you Joe for the ever present reminder to work to the best of our abilities and represent what you stood for. We miss you so much. Joe Costigan, Digital Editor, spoke about the teams Newspaper of the Year win: We said before we even started working on the newspaper that we would dedicate it to Joe, so to have it recognised nationally at an awards ceremony that meant so much to him is incredible. "Its hard to explain how special it felt, it genuinely means the world to everyone on the team. The former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, has teamed up with TikTok for a new climate campaign. Mary Robinson officially launched the TikTok Youth Climate Leaders Alliance, in partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre, at TikTok's offices in Dublin. In partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre, the programme is aimed at 18-30-year-olds looking to make significant changes in the face of the climate crisis. The programme will equip participants with the knowledge, skills and tools they will need to make a real difference in tackling climate change, and will include a climate literacy and leadership programme for secondary schools, along with digital learning resources. The participants will also receive an invitation for a climate change festival, which is to take place in September 2024. Up to 50 participants will participate in the programme, which will run from May 1 until the end of the year. Highlights of the programme will include an eight-month climate leadership workshop series, with guest speakers and practical climate actions to empower participants to become climate leaders in their own communities. The participants will also take part in the Mary Robinson Climate Conference from June 5 to 7 in Ballina, as well as visit local Ballina Green Town climate action projects. Five participants will be awarded a bursary at the end of the programme to continue their climate action initiatives. Applicants are invited to apply here until Monday, April 22. The TikTok Youth Climate Leaders Alliance is part of TikTok's wider climate commitments, which includes the overarching goal to become operationally carbon-neutral by 2030, as well as advancing climate literacy and educational content within their platform. Speaking of the project, Mary Robinson, Chair of the Elders and former President of Ireland said: "It has the potential to deliver real impact, empowering a new generation and building a movement of young people equipped to address some of the global challenges ahead, and to drive significant change. I look forward to seeing their achievements in time." Elaine Fox, TikTok Ireland added: "Through this partnership, we are proud to offer the climate leaders of tomorrow the resources and support to empower them to make a significant impact. This ambitious programme is just one part of TikToks work against climate change and aligns with our wider 2030 net-zero commitments." A vigil will be taking place this week in memory of Josip Strok, who died after an assault in Clondalkin. Josip Strok, 31, died in Tallaght Hospital on April 3 after being assaulted in Clondalkin on Saturday, March 30. Josip, a Croatian man, was with his friend David Druzinec, when the two men were told to speak English before being assaulted. David Druzinec said he was knocked out unconscious during the assault by four men and woke up in hospital to the tragic news that his friend had died. The local community in Clondalkin will hold a candlelight vigil this Friday at 6.30pm on Grange Road (Main Green) to show support to Josips family and friends. Dublin Communities Against Racism (DCAR) condemned the assault and said Josip died as a result of a racist attack. The group said the assault is directly related to rhetoric being used by far-right and anti-immigrant campaigners. People Before Profit, who will be attending the vigil, called the assault a "disgusting act of barbarism that does not represent the multicultural community in Clondalkin." Josip's father, Nedeljko, has travelled to Ireland to organise the repatriation of his son's remains. A fundraiser, which has now been closed, was organised by Ante Penava to help the family with the repatriation. No arrests have been made so far in relation to the assault. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to contact them. Gardai are urging passengers who travelled on the number 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday, 30 March, between 9pm and 10pm to make contact with them. They are especially appealing to those who disembarked at the bus stop on St Cuthberts Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road. They are also seeking information from anyone who was in the Tower Road area of Clondalkin between 9.30pm and 10.15pm, or in the Grange View Way area between 10pm and 10.30pm. Gardai has also appealed for anyone who may have camera footage, including dash cam, of these areas to provide this footage to gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. During the meeting, held on Tuesday, April 2, in the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, the Peruvian envoy conveyed the personal greetings of the President of the Republic Dina Boluarte and expressed Peru's interest in strengthening the bilateral relationship. At the meeting, both authorities referred to the state of bilateral relations, the opportunities to strengthen them through the establishment of concrete mechanisms, and the exchange of visits by senior authorities. Peru and Mongolia have the potential to increase bilateral trade, cooperation in mining technology and agriculture, as well as coordination at the multilateral level in the fight against climate change. On the same day, the Peruvian ambassador held a work meeting with Honorary Consul of Peru in said country, Battuul Khaltmaa, who has held said position since 2011. The entrepreneur provides support to the Peruvian community in Mongolia. Besides, he detailed his compatriots' needs that shall be met by the Peruvian Embassy. (END) NDP/RMB/MVB Ireland may decide to take on more asylum seekers from other EU countries under a new pact, according to the justice minister. Helen McEntee made the comments after the European Parliament voted to approve the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum which includes controversial measures: facial images and fingerprints could be taken from children from the age of six, and people may be detained during screening. It also includes measures on faster decision-making and the sharing of responsibility across member states which could see relocation of international protection applicants or the payment of financial contributions to the EU. Ms McEntee said: In terms of burden-sharing, we will never be asked to accept more than our fair share. And its not that we have to accept people we can provide financial support, we can provide expertise and knowledge. We decide that, its not forced upon us. But it might be a case where we say: Well, you know what, we absolutely feel another country thats seen a massive influx of people, we feel more capable and were able to take on more. But thats a decision that we can make. But also were going to be given financial assistance. So if we dont opt into this, we dont have access to the billions of euro that will be made available to help us improve our systems for faster processing and for housing to support people in general. The justice minister said the EU was not developing a UK-Rwanda style scheme or a plan for detaining and deporting children to third countries. She said: When it comes to Rwanda, thats not what were talking about here. And thats not a proposal that I would support, to be quite frank. Ms McEntee described the pact as a game-changer. She said: It means that as a country, firstly, were not dealing with this on our own. Ms McEntee said there would be a greater gathering of information of migrants in the first EU country they land in, and that data would be shared among member states including Ireland. So well have a clearer picture of whos there, whos coming, but also if there are risks if there are people coming who pose a risk as well. Ms McEntee said the pact would also mandate faster processing time frames from between two-to-six months depending on the circumstances of the arrival. The justice minister said that the agreement would assist in the 50% of cases where international protection applicants in Ireland had already sought or been given protection in another country. She added: If we dont opt into this, our ability to say: You must return to the country that youve been given protection it doesnt exist. We cant expect other member states to take back people to their country if we say: Were not going to join, were not going to show solidarity, were going to go it alone, were going to do it on our own. So its really important. The number of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland has increased significantly in recent years. There were 13,000 asylum applications in Ireland in 2022, a 415% increase compared with 2021. More than 100,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 the same amount projected to arrive in Ireland over a 30-year period. Amid a long-running housing supply and affordability crisis, the Irish Government has struggled to find suitable accommodation for asylum applicants. According to the most recent official figures, 1,700 people who have applied for international protection in Ireland are still waiting for an offer of accommodation. The shortage of accommodation has resulted in asylum seekers setting up a makeshift camp outside the International Protection Office in Dublin city, where they have slept in rain and snow in recent months. Opposition parties have criticised the Government for its failure to house all asylum seekers. However, there has also been anti-migration protests against the Government. Additionally, there have been several incidents of suspected arson at buildings earmarked for use for asylum-seeker accommodation. Eve Geddie, Amnesty Internationals head of the European Institutions Office and director of advocacy, said the EU was shamefully co-signing an agreement that they know will lead to greater human suffering. She added: For people escaping conflict, persecution or economic insecurity, these reforms will mean less protection and a greater risk of facing human rights violations across Europe including illegal and violent pushbacks, arbitrary detention and discriminatory policing. The Government has been accused of deliberately underfunding cancer health services by Sinn Fein. Pearse Doherty claimed that cancer patients in Ireland are not given the best possible chance of surviving the disease because of political choices by the Government. It comes after the Irish Cancer Society warned that cancer survival rates are unlikely to improve because services are underfunded. The charitys chief executive, Averil Power, told the Oireachtas health committee on Wednesday that the cancer strategy has been underfunded in five of the last seven years. Ms Power said that Irelands cancer outcomes may have stagnated. The HSE also said they sought 20 million euro in additional funding to improve cancer services this year. Mr Doherty claimed the Government has not approved the requested additional money. The Donegal TD said: The sobering reality is that one in two people will have cancer at some point in their lives. And when you get that diagnosis, you deserve the best possible chance of surviving the disease and having a good quality of life afterwards. But people with cancer in Ireland are not being given that chance today because of the political choices of your Government. He added: Simon Harris, as minister for health, didnt properly fund the cancer strategy in any of the years that he was minister for health and it has been underfunded in most of the years since. You deliberately underfunded the health service with disastrous consequences for patient safety. Yesterday the Irish Cancer Society told us that radiation equipment is lying idle in hospitals across this country. A spokesperson for the Institute of Radiotherapy, Radiography and Radiation Therapy said there had been forced machine closures in public facilities due to staff shortages. The fact that life-saving, vital and expensive cancer equipment is lying idle in many hospitals across the state is a punch in the gut to those families and their friends. Your Government deliberately made a choice in the budget to underfund the service as you have done in previous years. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said there has been a very significant improvement in cancer care in the last few years. Our mortality for all cancers dropped by 11% over the past 10 years, he told the Dail on Thursday. Survival rates are improving very significantly. He said that 65% of patients lived five years after cancer diagnosis from 2014 to 2018. That compares with 44% between 1994 and 1998, Mr Martin added. There have been improvements, dramatic, in survival rates following a diagnosis of cancer and a significant reduction in terms of mortality rates, from all forms of cancer, and in some forms of cancers, very significant reduction in mortality rates. He added: We provided over 1,000 new beds and since this Government came to power, we provided very significant increased allocations to HSE. I think its an extra 7.7 billion on the 2019 figures being provided to health. The head of Airbus told Reuters it is "not unlikely" that the European planemaker takes control of two U.S. and UK plants run by Spirit Aerosystems if Boeing goes ahead with plans to buy one of the industry's key suppliers. But Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said it was up to Boeing to fine-tune its intentions - having changed the status quo with a surprise plan to buy back its former unit - and Airbus would have a "word to say" about where the two factories ended up. The fate of the plants and their combined 4,000 workers - in Kinston in North Carolina and Belfast, Northern Ireland - has been swept up in the latest crisis at Boeing, which aims to buy its supplier to ease the fallout from a 737 MAX panel blowout. Also Read | Nijjar killing: Justin Trudeau blames previous Canada govt for 'cosy' India ties "There are not many companies in the world that could be good owners for these activities," Faury said in an interview, when asked whether Airbus expected to have to acquire them. "We make our wings so we could be a very legitimate owner of the activities in Belfast. And we do sections, so we could also be a very legitimate owner of the Kinston plant," he said. "So that's part of the possibilities, and not an unlikely possibility. It's a not unlikely outcome, but it's not the only one." Also Read | Worst is behind us, says Vistara CEO to employees as airline trims network Reuters reported last week that Boeing, Spirit and Airbus were working directly or indirectly towards a potential "framework" that could lead to Spirit's break-up, with each planemaker taking some operations, but valuations were a hurdle. The 500,000-square foot, robot-equipped Kinston composites plant makes panels for an upper fuselage section and a carbon-fibre spar, or beam, for each wing of the long-haul A350. In Belfast, Spirit builds composite wings for the A220 in a plant previously owned by the plane's original designer, Canada's Bombardier. It relies on modern but costly technology that reduces the use of energy-guzzling pressurised ovens. Also Read | MI vs RCB 2024 IPL: Mumbai Indians announce major changes in squad But the two state-of the-art Airbus-focused plants both lose money, raising questions how much if anything Airbus might be forced to pay to untangle Spirit for the sake of its arch-rival, industry sources say. Airbus bought the rest of the loss-making A220 programme from Bombardier in 2018 for a token U.S. dollar. Faury did not discuss financial details or specific owners, but hinted Airbus was in no hurry to complete a deal. "They (Boeing) are in control," he said when asked about the timing of any agreement, adding that the current situation had arisen at Boeing's initiative. "So we need to create a condition for having the discussion with Spirit ... because our relationship is with Spirit." Airbus is not without leverage, he noted, including a traditional change-of-control clause. Airbus had to give approval when Spirit bought the Belfast plant from Bombardier in 2020. "We have a word to say, and on top (of this) there are anti-trust laws. So we have room to discuss and that that's what will take place." 'NEW PARADIGM' In remarks shedding new light on the speed at which the Jan. 5 blowout rippled through the industry, Faury suggested Airbus had been taken by surprise by Boeing's March 1 announcement that it would enter talks to reverse a 2005 spin-off. "A few months earlier, maybe a few weeks earlier, my perception ... was that they were not interested in buying back Spirit," he said. "That's a change of paradigm and we have to respond, but we need to know more about their intentions, the speed, how they want to do this," he said. About a fifth of Spirit's revenues come from Airbus, with the vast majority of the rest coming from Boeing. Airbus has avoided being drawn publicly into Boeing's crisis, with Faury telling shareholders on Wednesday that it remains a tough competitor. But it is monitoring the impact of the turmoil, including a curb on 737 output that is vital to Spirit. "Everything that happened to Boeing has indeed had an impact on Spirit and not necessarily a positive one, and therefore that's not good news for us because it's an important supplier." Also Read | Sandeshkhali row: CBI creates e-mail ID for land-grab victims Although aerospace firms occasionally supply each other, people familiar with the matter say Airbus is reluctant to see manufacturing of structural parts run by Boeing since it would give its rival an insight into production plans and pricing. Data on the A350 "section 15" at Kinston is also considered so important that it triggered a row over whether it could be disclosed in an unrelated UK court dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways last year, according to filings at the time. Nor is crisis-ridden Boeing seen as interested in being distracted by the loss-making Airbus plants and likely future arguments over which programmes get resources, the people said. Boeing had no immediate comment. Led by Boeing, aerospace firms have long experimented with outsourcing structural components to save costs. But the latest Boeing crisis has accelerated a rethink as planemakers prepare future designs and consider the risks of a globalised economy. An internal Boeing review found that Chief Executive David Calhoun and other top executives took personal trips worth more than $500,000 on the companys private jets and other planes that were improperly recorded as business travel. The review and correction, which Boeing disclosed in a securities filing, was prompted by a Wall Street Journal investigation last year into the executives use of the companys fleet of private jets, people familiar with the matter said. Boeings review found that some flights by the executives in 2021 and 2022 were not previously classified as perquisites by the company but should have been classified as such in accordance with SEC rules and guidance," the company said in its proxy filing April 5. Executives may dart between their residences, work sites and personal destinations such as vacation spots with portions of the trips being officially counted as personal or business trips. In general, private-jet flights taken for commuting purposes may be considered a perquisite, while flights between two company offices may not be. The pandemic and increased working from home has complicated the matter. The companys executive flight operations unit and its board of directors scrutinize personal use of company aircraft, the Journal previously reported. Boeing said in its proxy that flights to attend outside board meetings or speaking engagements may count as perquisites under SEC rules. Boeings board requires Calhoun to use the companys private jets for personal travel, not just business, for security reasons. The company recently said the CEO was stepping aside, part of a shake-up after a Jan. 5 midair blowout and production problems. Other executives in the revised disclosurefinance chief Brian West; recently departed commercial chief Stan Deal and defense chief Ted Colbertmay also use Boeings fleet of private jets for personal trips. Last year, Boeing said the company followed all laws and regulations when it came to classifying executives aircraft use: As it relates to the tracking and categorization of flights, we have professionals and subject matter experts who help us strictly comply." In the September 2023 article, the Journal reported that Calhoun and other executives hadnt relocated to the plane makers headquarters in Arlington, Va. Instead, flight records suggested the CEO flew from his two homes to the main office and other Boeing locations via the companys fleet of private jets. Some other company executives have worked out of offices near their homes, the Journal reported. Boeing opened a small new office near the Connecticut homes of West and treasurer David Whitehouse. Calhoun addressed the Journals article at an internal meeting with employees in November, saying he wanted executives to travel and spend time visiting its operations. I dont want anybody, by the way, to misinterpret a silly article that got published in The Wall Street Journal about me traveling a lot," Calhoun said, according to a recording of the meeting the Journal reviewed. Thats my objective. That is what I want to do. That is what I want everybody at the enterprise level to do." In its proxy filing, Boeing reported $514,000 in personal flights on company aircraft for Calhoun in 2023. The revised 2022 tally for Calhouns personal flights came to about $332,000, an increase of $93,000 from the companys calculation last year, according to securities filings. For 2021, the tally increased by $49,000. Andrew Tangel, Mark Maremont MUMBAI : Non-bank lenders are struggling through a spike in borrowing costs as banks have become cautious in lending to them following a regulatory warning, forcing these companies to diversify their money sources. Large deposit-taking non-banking finance companies such as Bajaj Finance and Shriram Finance Ltd, for instance, hiked their fixed deposit rates sharply this month, hoping to shore up funds that can make up for lower bank borrowings. Non-bank lenders that depend on banks for a significant portion of their borrowings are now turning to other more expensive options for funds, including deposits and bonds. Deposits are expensive as NBFCs have to offer higher rates than banks. The Reserve Bank of India in November increased the risk weights on NBFCs by 25 percentage points, making their cost of borrowing from banks costlier by 30-50 basis points, which is one-hundredth of a percentage point. Higher risk weights require banks to set aside more capital to provide cover against such loans. The regulator had been cautioning about the increasing exposure of banks to NBFCs, as it found that loans to the non-banks were being routed towards unsecured lending through fintech platforms. RBI decided to come down on this by limiting bank funding to the NBFCs. "Liquidity has generally been tight in the system for the past several months. Further, banks have tightened their NBFC segment exposure limits as well as single NBFC exposure limits significantly in the last few months following RBI action," said the head of an AAA-rated NBFC, declining to be identified. In addition, risk weights on lending to NBFCs, especially AAA, have been disproportionately hiked recently. NBFCs of the scale and size of Bajaj and Shriram, therefore, don't have too much of a choice but to turn to deposits to shore liabilities to maintain their asset-side growth expectations." NBFCs say their growth could slow as the cost of borrowing increases and banks turn cautious on lending to them. "We'd like to grow steadily and keep margins stable. If you decide to grow steadily, NBFCs will have to pass on the rates (to customers) and growth rates may slow down," said Umesh Revanar, executive vice chairman, Shriram Finance. It depends on what NBFCs want to do. Instead of 20% you grow at 15%." While Shriram Finance, which is rated AA+, has hiked fixed deposit rates by 5-20 basis points on various maturity tenures by up to 10.5%, Bajaj Finance, rated AAA, has increased its FD rates for senior citizens by up to 60 basis points in the 25-35 month tenure, and by 40 basis points in the 18-24 month tenure by up to 8.85%. For Bajaj Finance and other AAA rated companies, bank funding is available at 8.40-8.50%. The difference between AAA and AA+ loans is 25-40 basis points. "I understand that the Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to be watchful about lending to NBFCs after they increased the risk weights. While bank credit has increased, incremental credit growth to NBFCs has slowed down," said a senior official with a private sector bank. Banks are among the largest lenders to NBFCs. For Bajaj Finance, banks loans accounted for 24% of its overall borrowing, while deposits accounted for 29% and money markets for 47%, as of December 2023. For Shriram Finance, banks contributed 26% to their overall funding, while public deposits stood at 22% and the rest was divided among money markets, securitisation and foreign currency bonds. According to rating agency Icra, bank credit to the NBFC sector has declined in the previous 2-3 months. Recent RBI data show that bank credit growth to NBFCs fell to 14.7% in February, from 31.9% a year earlier and 15.6% in January. Total bank credit exposure to NBFCs stood at 15.14 trillion at the end of February. "Incrementally, banks would be more constrained to raise the share of their exposures to the NBFC sector, given their internal sectoral limits and the recent increase in risk weights by the RBI for bank exposures to the NBFCs," Icra said in its latest report on NBFCs. Further, bank credit is expected to grow by 11.7-12.6% in FY2025, lower than the robust 14.9-15.3% estimated for FY2024. Thus, assuming the banks continue to hold the share of credit to the sector (as % of their overall credit) at current levels around 9.4%, incremental direct lending from banks could be constrained at Rs. 1.7-1.9 trillion for FY2025," it added. New Delhi: If avid hiker Srinivas Pallia, 56, was looking for new summits to scale at the fag end of his career, he is in the right place. A Wipro veteran, Pallia, who has spent 32 years at the company, knows the culture, the people, and the Wipro way. He also knows the clients, having personally brought in many of them, including Estee Lauder, a New York-based beauty products maker, and Tapestry, an American luxury company, according to people in the know. Pallia has seen Wipro grow from nothing to become one of Indias top three IT services companies, behind TCS and Infosys, in the $250 billion industry. He has also seen the $11 billion company underperform in recent years, ceding the third spot to rival HCL Tech in 2022. Regaining that space in the pecking order looks a big ask, as of now. The challenges for Srini, as he is known, are so daunting that if he indeed overcomes them and helps Wipro regain its mojo, he will become the subject of discussions over business podcasts and case studies on turnarounds in B-schools. Wipro is like a perpetual turnaround story," said Girish Pai, consultant research analyst at securities brokerage Nirmal Bang. Outside of the pandemic years, it has struggled to keep pace with its peers." According to Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities, 2023-24 was very challenging for Wipro and this year isnt looking great either. It has a sell" recommendation on Wipro with a target of 441, a 7.5% drop from its 10 April closing price of 477.70. Systematix Institutional Equities, meanwhile, has a hold" rating on Wipro with a target of 440 per share. Employee exodus View Full Image Outgoing CEO Thierry Delaporte. (Photo: PTI) The Bengaluru-headquartered company has seen an exodus of top talent, including chief financial officer (CFO) Jatin Dalal, who joined rival Cognizant, and Rajan Kohli, the digital business head, who joined as chief executive officer (CEO) of Citrus Tech last April. Chief growth officer Stephanie Trautman quit last December to pursue goals outside Wipro". More than 20 executives ranked senior vice president and above quit Wipro on outgoing CEO Thierry Delaportes watch. In the middle rung, almost half of the 750 executives designated general manager and above quit in the last four years. Interestingly, Pallia will be the eighth CEO since Y2K to lead Wipro. The top job has been rotated among outside hires and internal candidates, and half of them, including Thierry Delaporte, left before completing their terms. While leadership continuity is a challenge, Wipros metrics also paint a picture of a company struggling to regain its stride. The top four services providers have seen their operating margins contract in recent years, with Wipro reporting the largest contraction of 570 bps, between the December 2020 and 2023 quarters. It reported the lowest margin of 16.1% for the quarter ended December 2023, when TCS reported 24.2% and HCL Tech, 18.5%. Delaporte led Wipro to a dozen acquisitions in a bid to accelerate growth and improve margins, including Capco, the largest in Wipros history, but those bets havent begun paying off. The $1.45 billion buyout of banking and financial services (BFSI)-focused consulting firm Capco, which could potentially catapult Wipros performance, is yet to deliver. In an email to employees on 7 April, Delaporte noted, 12 acquisitions is no mean feat of vision, strategy and effort from you all, especially when two of them happen to be among the largest ones in Wipros historyCapco and Rizing." Wipro bought Rizing, a Connecticut-based global SAP consulting firm, for $540 million in April 2022 to bolster its SAP cloud practice. Paris-based Delaporte, the first expat CEO to head Wipro, resigned on 6 April, about 15 months before the end of his five-year term. Surprisingly, in January, Wipros chairman Rishad Premji said in Davos that he had full confidence in the Frenchman. Delaportes appointment in May 2020 was Premjis first big decision after taking over as chairman in June 2019. Critics will argue that Delaporte was not given enough time to show that key acquisitions, including Capco and Rizing, will pay off. Also, when Delaporte joined Wipro on 6 July 2020, the companys market cap was around 1.17 trillion. It was at 2.53 trillion on the day he quit. Emails sent to Wipro on the leadership change remain unanswered. Pallia: Wipros nice guy An engineering graduate with a masters from IISc-Bangalore, Pallia has never worked outside Wipro. His five-year stint as CEO started on 7 April. In an email to employees, which sought to motivate the 245,000 Wiproites, Pallia said resilience, tenacity, and adaptability are among the qualities that will guide him as a leader. Within Wipro, Pallia has held eight leadership roles across divisions, including business application services, and the RCTG (retail, consumer goods, transport & government) business unit. Tech leaders Mint spoke with had mostly positive things to say about Pallia. A nice guy, down to earth, humble, typical Indian IT guy," said one, on the condition of anonymity. Jessie Paul, who worked as chief marketing officer of Wipro before starting her advisory firm Paul Writer, added, Pallia was considered a young achiever even in his 40s. But leadership roles in Wipro have mostly gone to people in their 50s." Interestingly, Wipros rivals have often bet on younger talent for top jobs. N. Chandrasekaran, Nandan Nilekani, and Vineet Nayar were all in their 40s when they took over the CEO mantle at TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech, respectively, and put their companies on a high growth path. View Full Image N. Chandrasekaran was in his 40s when he took over as the CEO of TCS. (Photo: Mint) Pallia has been on the sales track. He believes in building the brand," said Paul. This quality perhaps helped Pallia to win many global clients on his own. That includes various retail and consumer product companies, including Philip Morris, Nestle, Walmart, Estee Lauder, Citibank, AT&T and Ford, according to multiple industry watchers. Wipro did not respond to Mints queries on Pallia being responsible for bagging the above customers. Most recently, Pallia, who is based in New Jersey, spearheaded Americas 1, one of the four strategic market units (SMUs) for Wipro. SMUs were created by Delaporte in January 2021, replacing strategic business units. Americas 1 includes healthcare and medical devices, consumer goods and life sciences, retail, transportation and services, communication media and information services, tech products and platforms. On 10 April, Pallia appointed veteran Malay Joshi as the CEO of Americas 1, Wipros largest and fastest-growing market, accounting for around 32% of the business. Angan Guha, who headed Americas 2 (accounting for 30% of the business), which included the important BFSI unit, quit in December 2022, moving to Birlasoft as its CEO. Guha was replaced by Suzanne Dann, who worked at Avanade, IBM, and EY before joining Wipro in 2022. She was among the many executives hired from outside Wipro during Delaportes time. Wipro is at a stage where it cannot afford any more client, leadership or revenue shocks. Gaurav Vasu Pallia being an insider and lifelong Wiproite is a big advantage" amid the current tech slowdown and artificial intelligence (AI)-led transformation, said Gaurav Vasu, CEO of Unearthinsight, a Bengaluru-based consultancy. Wipro is at a stage where it cannot afford any more client, leadership, or revenue shocks. Pallia is close to clients in the largest market (the US) and has been involved in transformation discussions, so the transition will be smooth," said Vasu. Being an insider, Pallia can hit the ground running, as he knows the company and its clients well. His presence will arrest the exodus of top talent and could also lead to the return of some of the executives who left because of the previous leadership. External CEOs have not been very successful at Indian IT services firms. The Tatas and HCL have traditionally relied on internal candidates. At this juncture, Wipro needs stability and an internal person can bring that. Also, Pallia knows the roots and was heading Wipros largest region. While he is the right guy, Wipro does not have a playbook for making internal CEOs successful. This is an opportunity for both Wipro and Pallia to show it can work," said Yugal Joshi, partner, Everest Group. On the downside, having had eight CEOs since 2000 conveys a leadership continuity challenge. TCS, in its 55+year history, has had fewer bosses. One can argue that Wipro has been experimental with its leadership, with both internal and external candidates, including an expat. It even tried out a joint CEO model. The CEOs all had diverse backgroundsT. K. Kurien was running energy and utilities, Abid Ali Neemuchwala came from TCS BPO, Delaporte was from Capgemini. If Wipros performance had not slipped, there would be no questions. But thats not the case, and so the Wipro board and new CEO have to once again take on the onus of turning things around. Missing on the leaderboard To the companys credit, so far, clients have not raised any questions on leadership. They are in fact used to frequent CEO changes at Wipro," said one of top executives quoted earlier. The more pressing issue for the company is that it is not a leader in key business verticals. It is not known for leadership in too many industry verticals. For instance, the top three players in financial services are TCS, Accenture and Infosys. In healthcare, it is Cognizant, Accenture and TCS. Wipro doesnt figure in the top three providers (in terms of revenue or growth) in financial services, insurance, manufacturing, retail or healthcare. Wipro is among the leaders in energy and utilities, because of its acquisitions. But this segment is not as large a market as financial services or healthcare. Pallia has to address this problem. The company is also known in a few other areas, such as research and development (R&D) outsourcing, infrastructure services and testing. Because of R&D, it can do well in engineering services as well, which is a focus for companies such as Tata Technologies, Persistent, and Cyient. It can also apply AI to testing and automation to scale its game, market watchers said. Can Capco deliver? The business leadership problem can be addressed by its Capco acquisition. If Wipro has to play in applications, infrastructure and business processes, having a strong consulting layer is important. For Wipro to succeed, Capco has to succeed," said an executive, who did not want to be named. Capco offers services primarily in banking, capital markets, wealth and investment management, insurance, finance, risk, and compliance. In the third week of March, Capco CEO Lance Larry stepped down to take on an advisory role. The London-headquartered Capco can open doors to exceptionally good customers in both the US and Europe. Also, Capco kind of buyouts are unique. It is rare to come across an acquisition where you probably have 30% revenue from the US and 30% revenue from Europe, said analysts. This gives a window to the two important geographies for business. For Wipro to succeed, Capco has to succeed. An executive The mostly western workforce and different culture (from Wipros mostly Indian workforce) at Capco has made integration challenging. Integrating consulting firms from UK/Europe has historically been challenging for Indian IT due to cultures, growth philosophy, and the pace of transformation. The recent layoffs of mid-senior executives at Capco is an outcome of inherited differences," said Vasu. Pallia could keep it separate to tackle the culture part and focus on building business synergies, much like the Tatas have done with their European buyouts such as JLR and Tetley, said experts. Catch the future View Full Image Wipros chairman Rishad Premji. (Photo: Mint) While Pallia has to deal with the current issues at Wipro, including boosting employee morale and checking the exodus of top talent, the market itself is witnessing an AI-led disruption. Despite all his positives and strengths in being an insider, Pallia risks being labelled a legacy guy", if Wipro falters in riding the AI wave. Wipro should look towards margin improvement to add more cash for investment in AI. The current investment on training (employees in AI) may not yield long-term results as retaining talent when the tide turns will be tough. AI investments will have to be around platforms and solutions," said Vasu. Pallia has his task cut out to expand the existing business, focus on taking $100 million clients to $200 million; $200 million to $300 million and so on, as these are customers who have seen seven CEOs and dont really mind seeing an eighth boss at the helm. The new Wipro CEO does not have time on his side. The market is eagerly waiting for margin improvements, growth and new-business wins in the AI domain. Pallia, the hiker, could not have asked for more daunting terrain. Darren Woods, chief executive of Exxon Mobil, fancies himself a grillmaster. His favorite cut of meat? The rib-eye steak. James Gorman, the chairman and recently departed CEO of Morgan Stanley, used to regularly get physically sick from the stress of the job. And Daniel Ek, who co-founded Spotify, is deeply conflicted about the enormous wealth he has achieved. These are among the nuggets faithful listeners have picked up from a small Norwegian podcast that started two years ago and has become an unlikely destination for the worlds top CEOs. It helps that the host is often one of the biggest investors in their companies. This week, the podcast landed the guest who has been the most elusive: Tesla CEO and co-founder Elon Musk, who talked about colonizing Mars, Teslas China competition and his view that artificial intelligence could become smarter than any single human by around the end of next year. The show, called In Good Company," is the brainchild of Nicolai Tangen, a 57-year-old native Norwegian and former London hedge-fund manager who in 2020 was named CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. That is the arm of the Norwegian central bank operating what is known as the oil fund, enriched by the nations vast oil and gas revenues. The fund has never been bigger than it is this year, at around $1.6 trillion. But Tangen felt the fundand the people running itcould be better understood by the public. We aim to be the most transparent fund in the world. It struck me that the real transparency here would be to show the Norwegian people what they own," Tangen said in an interview. I thought, you know, we own all these companies, we own big stakes, we actually have access to these CEOs." Each show featuring a corporate leader at the microphone typically begins by noting the number of shares the Norwegian fund owns of that company, along with the often eye-popping value of that investment. ($5 billion of Exxon shares, $4 billion of Nvidia, $2.2 billion of Disney, etc.) Tangen has also shown a knack for spotlighting CEOs just before they make major news, including OpenAIs Sam Altman and Nvidias Jensen Huang before the AI boom kicked off. Before he went into finance, Tangen was trained as a military interrogator in the 1980s through Norwegian armed services, according to a fund spokesman. That program taught him Russian-language skills, and he subsequently worked in the Norwegian embassy in Moscow for less than a year. For the podcast, Tangen and his team sometimes do a prep call with the featured company and are open to suggestions for questions. But no topic is off limits, the fund spokesman said. Even so, Tangen prefers a conversational approach over a confrontational one. Whats on your mind these days?" he asked Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to open a recent episode. Nadella talked about his 32-year Microsoft career and managing the prospect of AI as the next big general-purpose technology." Tangen frequently lavishes praise on his CEO guests, calling them incredible, occasionally the best," or, at a minimum, influential or impressive. At the same time, he gently pushes guests on topics like executive pay and other matters of governance like board diversity and the companies impact on climate change. In an interview with Ryanair CEO Michael OLeary, Tangen criticized the executive for the companys carbon emissions: Is it good news for the climate that you fly people to Estonia for 10 euros?" Yes," OLeary said. He said the air traffic supports economies across Europe. He added that technology is helping airlines boost their energy efficiency, and besides, if Ryanair didnt exist, people would fly more-expensive flights anyway. Tangen: Moving on to corporate culture" Morgan Stanleys Gorman talked about the stress of his job as a new CEO, calling it constant waves washing over the top of you." Tangen asked how he dealt with that. In my early years I found myself, and to be really candid, I was throwing up a lot vomiting, nausea, out of the blue, just walking down the street." Gorman said he worked on getting physically fit and accepting that the pace was unsustainable. He rowed. He took time to meditateeven if that meant just taking 15 minutes in his office to stare out the window at the birds of Manhattan. I had to puke sometimes during the financial crisis, too," Tangen told Gorman. Do you think people underestimate the stress of having these positions?" Oh yeah," Gorman said. People have no idea." Tangen says the show is steeped in his personal curiosity about everything from AI to what makes some vaunted companies succeed where others fail. In this media-frenzied world, everybody is so guarded, everything is so fast. The podcast gives you a chance to know not just about a subject, but about a person," Carl-Henric Svanberg said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Svanberg is the former chairman of Volvo, and an ex-chairman of BP and ex-CEO of Ericsson. With Tangen, Svanberg covered the challenges of corporate overhauls and colossal job cuts. He ended up talking about his sisters illness from childhood and her eventual death. That topic wasnt planned, he said later in an interview. If I really dig into my soul " Svanberg said on the podcast episode after Tangen asked what has driven him in his career. I had a sister that was diabetic from 9," Svanberg went on. She eventually lost her sight in her 20s, and died when he was 46. The effect on his parents was formative to him. From early on, I always felt that I will always make them proudI will not add to the burden," Svanberg said. Ive always believed that that in a way has contributed to my drive." Tangen waited a year after taking the oil-fund reins to start the podcast in part because he didnt want it to be seen as some kind of ego project," he said. He received intense scrutiny domestically over his personal wealth, which has included a vast art collection. Norwegianswe are known to be prudent. Norwegian elites show conspicuous modesty," preferring small mountain cabins over flashy chalets, said Trygve Gulbrandsen, a researcher with the independent Institute for Social Research in Oslo, and former government adviser, who watched Tangens rocky entry into civil service. The podcast has helped Tangen win over much of the public, Gulbrandsen and others said. While hardly a juggernaut, the podcast has reached close to three million total downloads, according to the fund. It is available weekly on Spotify and other platforms including YouTube. The show is a big enough project around the oil-fund offices that Tangens staff involve portfolio managers in interview preparations and have them provide feedback on raw audio recordings. A lot of the funds investments are confined to index-based holdings in processes tightly governed by the finance ministry. Fund managers can make tweaks around the edges, and Tangen has pushed for more active engagement with companies. Meanwhile, Tangen has taken to embracing his showmans side. He has donned McDonalds and Dominos uniforms to publicize interviews with the restaurant chains CEOs. In a LinkedIn video promoting the Dominos episode, he debated the validity of pineapple as a pizza topping, calling it the biggest dispute in pizza history." I love all of our toppings equally," Dominos CEO Russell Weiner posted in response, thanking Tangen for the podcast conversation. Tangen, a prolific user of LinkedIn, has posted about his favorite books, his favorite New York and Oslo restaurants, and why he is a fan of the 10-minute power nap. He says he will often grab a quick snooze on his office sofa and have a coffee before recording. The fund manager turned microphone jockey says he rarely gets turned down by CEOs. Even Teslas Musk, who resisted Tangens invitation for months, finally gave in. Tangen opened an X account for the occasion. Three Norges Bank portfolio managers helped prep for the interview. I never give up," said Tangen. Write to Jenny Strasburg at jenny.strasburg@wsj.com El canciller @J_GonzalezOFr y el embajador de la Republica de Corea en Peru, Choi Jong-Uk, presidieron la ceremonia de entrega de 15 vehiculos al Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, los cuales fueron donados por la Republica de Corea en el marco de @apecperu. ?????????? pic.twitter.com/rjIZOMwU6r TAIPEIXi Jinping welcomed former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou to Beijing on Wednesday, underscoring the Chinese leaders preoccupation with Taiwan as Washington hosts a summit with the two Asian allies most likely to be pulled into a conflict around the island. Reports and images of the meeting in Beijing were carried by state broadcaster China Central Television and by Taiwanese media on Wednesday, showing Xi and Ma shaking hands and exchanging remarks touting the prospects for improved relations across the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait that separates Taiwan from mainland China. Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are Chinese people," Xi said, according to the footage, saying that he highly appraises" Mas efforts in promoting cross-strait ties. There is no problem that cannot be discussed. There is no force that can separate us." Nearly a decade earlier in 2015, a historic meeting between Xi and then-President Ma in Singaporethe first between leaders of the two rival regimes since the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War in 1949marked a high point in cross-strait relations. This time, with Ma out of office for eight years and his party in the political wilderness, the handshake between the two men is being watched more closely as a symbolic maneuver by Xi in the run-up to the inauguration next month of a new administration in Taipei that is deeply inimical to Beijing. Remarks that Ma made in the lead-up to Taiwans presidential election in January, in which he argued that Taiwan should trust Xi in order to maintain peace, caused an uproar on the democratically self-governed island, and was regarded as having helped his Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, lose its third presidential election in a row. Geopolitical analysts dont think Wednesdays meeting between Xi and Ma will do much to alter the trajectory of cross-strait relations, citing Mas diminished influence in Taiwanese politics. Still, they said Beijing could use the visit to signal to its people that its Taiwan policy is working. What theyre saying is, We have not lost the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people. There remains cultural and historical connections that bind us," said Amanda Hsiao, a Taipei-based analyst at International Crisis Group. This is Beijing telling its people, We remain in control of the Taiwan situation, and unification is still possible." Taiwan occupies a crucial place in Xis vision for what he calls the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and sits at the heart of increasing tensions between Beijing and Washington. Communist Party leaders in Beijing view Taiwan as part of its own, despite having never ruled there, and have vowed to take control of it, by force if necessary. Beijing has increased its threats around Taiwan, part of a more aggressive foreign policy that has rankled abroad while feeding a nationalist fervor at home. But lately, with Chinas economy still struggling to shake its pandemic hangover, its leadership is pulling back from diplomatic conflicts as it concentrates on reviving growth. On Wednesday, Taiwans Mainland Affairs Office, which handles relations with Beijing, objected to Xis remarks to Ma, saying: The difference across the strait does not lie in language or culture, but in political system and ways of life." The statement called it regrettable" that Ma didnt convey Taiwans commitment to democracy despite increasing Chinese pressure. The Xi-Ma meeting comes just a day before President Biden hosts a trilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.at the White House, a first of its kind involving the U.S. and two key strategic partners in Chinas immediate neighborhood. The Taiwan issue is expected to be high on the agenda, given Japan and the Philippines heavy U.S. military presence and their proximity to Taiwan. The Xi-Ma meeting also came on the 45th anniversary of the U.S.s enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act, which has governed ties between Washington and Taipei since the U.S. formally switched its diplomatic recognition to Beijing in 1979. Su Chi, a former top national security official in Mas Nationalist Party, told an audience in Taipei on Wednesday that Xi was likely seeking to use the Ma meeting to send a reassuring signal to Washington at a time of geopolitical turmoil. Its for him to send a message to Biden, whose hands are tied down by an election, by Ukraine and by the Gaza Strip," said Su, who is seen as one of the chief proponents of the longtime cross-strait status quo in which Beijing and Taipei were able to strike a tentative detente. You dont have to worry about the Taiwan Strait. At least Im not giving you any trouble on this. My approach to Taiwan is still peaceful," Su said, paraphrasing the message he believed Xi was trying to send the White House. Mas visit to China follows a groundbreaking trip that he made to the mainland last year, when he became the first former Taiwanese leader to visit China since 1949. This time around, Ma added another item to his list of firsts, marking the only time that a former Taiwanese leader has met a current Chinese leader on Chinese soil. Wednesdays handshake with Xi marked the high point of an 11-day journey that included stops in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen; the hometown of party founder Sun Yat-sen in Zhongshan; and the historic Chinese capital of Xian. Beijing extended the invitation to Ma following his television interview with German broadcaster Deutsche Welle days before Januarys presidential election, according to a person familiar with the matter. Mas call for the Taiwanese public to trust Xi caused a fierce backlash in Taiwan against Ma and his party. However, the reaction was completely different in Beijing, the person said. After the clip of Mas interview was shown to Xi and his top lieutenants, the officials were said to have been deeply moved by the former Taiwanese presidents remarks, leading to the invitation for Ma to visit Beijing. Although Ma is seen as a marginal figure in Taiwanese politics as his calls for closer ties with China increasingly fall on deaf ears, he is still seen by many as Beijings best bet for promoting its goal of peaceful unification. Ma Ying-jeou has established a certain degree of mutual trust with mainland China," said Chang Wu-ueh, who teaches international relations at Taiwans Tamkang University. Beijing still regards him as a so-called leading figure who can, through such a dialogue between Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou, express Beijings policy toward Taiwan." Beijing is trying to show for an international audience that they are open to dialogue with Taiwanopen to peaceful unification," added Hsiao of International Crisis Group. All of which is an attempt to try to make China appear more reasonable." Other details of Mas itinerary were redolent with political symbolism. While in Beijing, he paid tribute at a memorial to Chinas fight against Japanese aggression in World War IIa pointed gesture as Biden hosts the Japanese prime minister. Hsiao also noted the timing of Mas visit, coinciding with the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, a traditional holiday celebrated on both sides of the Taiwan Strait in which families honor their forebears. Theres a sort of direct reference there to shared ancestry," she said. Still, recent polling in Taiwan shows that only a vanishingly small percentage of the publicroughly 2.4%regard themselves as purely Chinese, as opposed to Taiwanese or other variations. Ma wasnt the only guest in Beijing during a busy week for Chinese diplomatic efforts. Officials in the Chinese capital also rolled out red carpets for U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who departed on Tuesday, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who scored a meeting with Xi. Meanwhile in Taipei on Wednesday, Taiwanese President-elect Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party also sought to grab a piece of the spotlight, introducing members of his incoming cabinet, including his premier and deputy premier. Other key positions, including Lais defense and foreign ministers, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Write to Joyu Wang at joyu.wang@wsj.com The State Bank of India (SBI) refused to disclose under the Right to Information (RTI) Act the details of the electoral bonds it furnished before the Election Commission (EC), news agency PTI reported on Thursday. The state-run lender said the information is personal and is held in a fiduciary capacity even though the records are available in the public domain on the Election Commission's website. "Information sought by you is containing details of purchasers and political parties and hence, cannot be disclosed as it is held in fiduciary capacity disclosure of which is exempted under sections 8(1)(e) and (j) of the RTI Act," news agency PTI quoted the SBI's response to the RTI activist. Also Read | Instagram will test a new nudity protection feature. Here's how it will work Section 8(1)(e) is related to records held in a fiduciary capacity and section 8(1)(j) allows withholding of personal information. It is pertinent to note that on February 15, the Supreme Court directed the state-run lender to furnish the complete details of the bonds purchased since April 12, 2019, to the Election Commission. Holding that the electoral bonds scheme is "unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary", the court further directed the election panel to publish the information on electoral bonds on its website by March 13. Also Read | Haryana bus accident: PM Modi says extremely painful... as 6 children die On March 11, when the SBI sought an extension of the deadline, the apex court dismissed the plea and ordered the lender to disclose the details of the electoral bonds to the election panel by the close of business hours on March 12. RTI activist Commodore (retired) Lokesh Batra had approached the SBI on March 13 seeking the complete data of the electoral bonds in the digital form, as provided to the EC after the apex court order. Batra told PTI that it was bizarre since he was denied the information that was already available on the official EC website. Besides the electoral bonds data, Batra also wanted information on the fees paid to senior advocate Harish Salve by the bank to defend itself in the Supreme Court. Also Read | Mazboot Modi sarkar: PM hails Uri, Balakot surgical strike amid Batra told the news agency that the public sector lender also denied the information regarding Salve's fee citing the involvement of taxpayer money. On March 15, the top court pulled up the state-run bank for not furnishing the complete information by withholding the numbers unique to each electoral bond that would help match the donors with the recipient political parties. The apex court said the bank was "duty-bound" to reveal the information. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.Last week South Koreas SK Hynix announced it would partner with Purdue University on a $3.9 billion semiconductor complex here, the largest single corporate investment in state history. Now comes the hard part. SK Hynix must not only build the fabrication plant, or fab, which will package high-bandwidth memory chips used in artificial intelligence, and a connected research-and-development center. It also has to staff them. We need several hundred engineers to operate our advanced-packaging manufacturing fabin physics, chemistry, material science, electronics engineering," Kwak Noh-Jung, chief executive of SK Hynix, said in an interview following last weeks announcement. Staffing a fab is harder in the U.S. than in South Korea, where SK Hynix has contracts with local universities and its own in-house university. Nonetheless, Kwak said, the final goal is very clear. We need to have very good engineers for our success in U.S." The U.S. is trying to do something unprecedented: reverse a shrinking share in a key manufacturing sector. Between 1990 and 2020, the U.S. share of world chip making shrank to 12% from 37%, while the combined share of Taiwan, South Korea and China grew to 58%. View Full Image (Source: WSJ) The federal CHIPS program has showered billions of dollars on Intel for fabs in several states, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.in Arizona and GlobalFoundries in New York and Vermont. SK Hynix hopes for support as well. Subsidies alone wont guarantee a sustainable industry. Fabs need customers, a supply chain and, above all, a skilled, specialized workforce. From 2000 to 2017, U.S. employment in semiconductor manufacturing shrank to 181,000 from 287,000. It has since recovered to about 200,000. Why did the U.S. share of semiconductor production shrink? As in other industries, the U.S. became an expensive place to manufacture. Susan Houseman of the Upjohn Institute, who has studied outsourcing, said this wasnt primarily a story about offshoring." U.S. companies still lead in chip design: Nvidia in artificial intelligence, Qualcomm in communications and Apple in smartphones. Over time they mostly contracted out fabrication of their chips to foundries such as TSMC who benefited from generous domestic subsidies. The theory behind CHIPS is that, by matching Asias subsidies, the U.S. can again be competitive in chip making. Nonetheless, there is a chicken-egg problem. Fabs need a ready supply of skilled workers. But without fabs, Americas best and brightest have little incentive to pursue careers in the sector. That may be changing. Mark Cramer, a junior in chemical engineering at Purdue, knew almost nothing about the industry, even though his father worked in a fab for Texas Instruments many decades ago. Then last year he participated in a Purdue summer program providing hands-on exposure. He wore a white bunny suit" in a fab clean room where sophisticated tools etch countless transistors on silicon wafers. Every week my interest grew. Every company talked about howwe have to create more semiconductor engineers to keep up with the growing advancements in technology. I wanted to be part of the innovators." This summer, he will intern at an Intel fab in Hillsboro, Ore. Purdue under past president Mitch Daniels (a former Indiana governor) promoted itself as a partner to industry, offering land and research collaboration to companies such as Saab and Rolls-Royce. Around the time SK Hynix came calling a few years ago, Purdue was launching several specialized semiconductor graduate, undergraduate and certificate programs. Meanwhile, Congress passed the CHIPS, program which requires grant recipients to show workforce-development plans. In South Korea and Taiwan, manufacturers have an almost captive labor supply. John Wu, a materials engineering Ph.D. candidate at Purdue, was raised in Taiwan, where engineering students start out with a mindset, Oh, Im going to end up in a factory, and thats set for them." U.S. students will work in a fab because they want to, he said. One of the biggest challenges is getting students to fall in love with semiconductors," said Nikhilesh Chawla, a professor of materials engineering who co-directs Purdues semiconductor programs. Students have a wealth of alternatives: You have AI, you have computer science, additive manufacturing." For some students, CHIPS publicity, the spectacular rise of AI and Nvidia, and evangelizing industry visitors have made chips seem exciting. Said Raygan Bingham, a mechanical-engineering sophomore: Purdue students will do anything to do something that they think is really cool. Theyre willing to put in 70-hour weeks." Electrical-engineering senior Joey Lopez co-founded a campus club for semiconductors that signed up 170 members in just two months. So far, 100 Purdue students have graduated with semiconductor concentrations in majors such as materials, mechanical or electrical engineering. Another 135, mostly sophomores and juniors, are enrolled in certificate programs. While their prospects look good right now, thats not guaranteed. Other attempts at reshoring electronics manufacturing have foundered on unforgiving economics. The U.S. will be an expensive place to make chips for the foreseeable future. Kwak cited construction and materials in particular. Other countries are ramping up their subsidies, while the U.S. budget is finite. In 2022 SkyWater Technology, which makes older-generation chips, said it would build a fab and R&D facility at Purdue, contingent on CHIPS funding. The funding didnt come, and last week it terminated those plans. Purdues current president, Mung Chiang, an electrical engineer by training, thinks labor costs may be a diminishing obstacle for the U.S. Historically, processing and memory chips were largely separate. With artificial intelligence, chip architecture is changing, and processing and memory are more integrated. This opens up the opportunity for more innovation and higher profit margins on memory chips, where SK Hynix is a leader, Chiang said. Furthermore, packagingequipping chips to connect to other deviceshas traditionally been labor intensive and thus a weak link for the U.S. Advanced packaging, as SK Hynix plans at Purdue, is where innovation will sustain Moores Lawand rewrite the cost equation," Chiang said. People think of universities as absolutely essential to the workforce and talent development, the most important supply chain of all in the end," said Chiang. But it is also essential to transformational innovation." Write to Greg Ip at greg.ip@wsj.com Residential real estate companies are on a roll. Pre-sales or booking numbers of large realty firms for the March quarter (Q4FY24) indicate solid momentum, likely supported by slew of new project launches and existing inventory. For instance, Macrotech Developers Ltd (Lodha) achieved pre-sales 4,230 crore, up 40% year-on-year, aided by new launches in Mumbai. With that, it achieved its FY24 sales bookings target. Prestige Estates Projects Ltd saw pre-sales of 4,707 crore in Q4, leading to record pre-sales of 21,040 crore in FY24. Godrej Properties Ltd, which launched Godrej Zenith in Gurgaon and Godrej Reserve in Mumbai, surpassed Prestige with pre-sales of 22,500 crore in FY24. On the other hand, Sunteck Realty Ltd could be on the backfoot thanks to delays in its new tower at Mira Road. And for DLF Ltd, new bookings are expected to moderate to 2,800 crore in Q4FY24 owing to a lack of new launches, estimates Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Nonetheless, listed real estate companies continue to benefit from the increased pace of consolidation in the sector. This is said to have led to faster exhaustion of unsold inventory. In Q4, realisations could get a boost from price hikes. According to Nuvama Research, average prices are likely to have risen 10-12% year-on-year and 3-5% sequentially. Realty stocks have been rewarded for resilience in pre-sales despite elevated home loan rates. So far this year the Nifty Realty Index has rallied 23%, against the Nifty50s moderate 5% return. Sobha Ltd, Godrej Properties Ltd and DLF Ltd are among the top contributors to this rally. The question, of course, is whether these impressive pre-sales trajectory can be sustained. The management commentaries on FY25 launch pipeline and pre-sales targets will be crucial, especially given the high base. Investors are concerned whether three of the largest developers can sell more than Rs20,000 crore each in FY25. We expect Q1FY25 to be slower due to delays in launches related to RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) approvals, and guidance will likely be conservative at the start of the year," read a Morgan Stanley report dated 9 April. Q1FY25 will coincide with the general elections. As of now, no surprises are expected here. But some point out that given the unorganised nature of the sector, the Maharashtra assembly elections that are likely to be held in H2FY25 will be more vital for Mumbai-focused developers, given that Mumbai and Pune are among Indias prime realty markets. Companies are likely to focus on business development activities and land acquisitions important factors to maintain the launch momentum. According to Lodhas operational update, during FY24 it added new projects with a total gross development value of 20,300 crore across various micro-markets of MMR, Pune and Bengaluru, exceeding its guidance of 17,500 crore. The progress of other listed companies on this parameter will be important. Most listed real estate companies have so far managed to keep their debt at comfortable levels. However, borrowing costs remain elevated. Meanwhile, premium and luxury housing continues to see increased traction while the affordable-housing segment remains a laggard. An interest cut by the Reserve Bank of India in 2024 could boost sentiment and revive sales in this segment. But for now, new launches are expected primarily in the premium and luxury segments. That said, the sharp rally in stocks has made valuations expensive. Most listed realty companies are trading above the value of their existing pipelines, said a Motilal Oswal report. Any disappointment in pre-sales and launch trends could upset the apple cart. Cinerad Communications (CINC), which was a penny stock till last year, has given extraordinary multibagger returns to its investors in the last 1 year. This penny stock has skyrocketed over 2,051 percent in this period, from 2.75 in March 2023 to currently trade at 59.17. Meanwhile, in the last 3 years, since March 2021, the stock has also given multifold returns, soaring 3,133 percent from 1.83. However, in 2024 year-to-date (YTD), the stock has surged over 276 percent, giving positive returns in all 4 months so far. It jumped over 17 percent in April so far extending gains for the sixth straight month since November 2023. Between November 2023 and April 2024, the stock rallied over 916 percent. Meanwhile, in 2024, it rose 41 percent in March 2024, 51 percent in February as well as in January. Read here: Multibagger: This penny stock surged 1,011% in just one year; should you invest? The stock hit its record high of 59.17 in the previous session, April 10, 2024. It has now skyrocketed over 2,873 percent from its 52-week low of 1.99, hit on May 31, 2023. Cinerad Communications Limited engages in the production of advertising and promotional films, documentaries, and feature films in India. It also provides digital video editing and computer graphics; and studio and HD cameras on hire for shooting, as well as produces TV serials and reality shows. The company was incorporated in 1986 and is based in Kolkata, India. Read here: Multibagger: This penny stock surged 307% in last 1 year, 1215% since March 2020 Earnings In the December quarter, Cinerad Communications posted a net loss of 1 lakh, narrowed from a net loss of 2 lakh during the previous quarter ended December 2022. However, it did not report its revenue for the quarter ended December 2023 or for the corresponding quarter last year. Brokerage view According to ICICI Direct, CINC portrays several strengths, like it hit a new high in the previous session as well as rising net cash flow and cash from operating activity. Additionally, the stock has demonstrated strong momentum, with its price above short, medium and long-term moving averages. These strengths underscore the company's ability to generate profits, optimise capital utilisation, and deliver value to its shareholders. Read here: 1.50 to 87: Penny stock turns multibagger in 10 years. Shares rise 5700% Meanwhile, its weaknesses, as per the brokerage, are: - Inefficient use of capital to generate profits - RoCE declining in the last 2 years - Inefficient use of shareholder funds - ROE declining in the last 2 years - Inefficient use of assets to generate profits - ROA declining in the last 2 years About penny stocks Investing in penny stocks can be tempting for the allure of high returns, but it's crucial to recognize the significant risks involved. These stocks may not suit everyone, especially risk-averse individuals. Only those comfortable with high-risk investments and willing to allocate a small portion of their portfolio should consider them. Seeking advice from a financial advisor before deciding is strongly advised. Read here: Multibagger! Penny stock Blue Chip India soared 2600% in 4 years, 671% in 1 year Penny stocks pose several challenges. They often represent small, lesser-known companies with minimal analyst coverage and limited publicly available information. Additionally, the lack of transparency and access to management insights complicates investment decisions. Moreover, penny stocks are vulnerable to various risks such as illiquidity, high-impact costs, and difficulties associated with low trading volumes. Without compelling reasons supported by thorough research, investing in penny stocks is generally not advisable for serious, long-term investors seeking stability and growth in their portfolios. Whats the fun in earning a boring 6% annual interest from fixed deposits (FDs) when you can pocket a handsome 11-14% monthly returns? High risk-adjusted return opportunities like invoice discounting (ID), asset leasing, and agri-investing promise such returns. These options are widely available in the space for high net worth individuals. But it was during the pandemicpost the surge of retail investors entering the market for the first timethat some platforms set out to bring these alternative investment options to the masses with the help of technology and distribution. With time, investors started gaining confidence in these alternative investment platforms, particularly after their capital was returned along with interest. The short-term opportunities, coupled with high internal rate of revenue, offered by these investment avenues soon became very popular. altGraaf (previously Jiraaf), known for its ID product, mobilized 3,291 crore from retail investors as of 8 April in a mix of ID and unlisted corporate bonds. Other platforms like Grip Invest, Tap Invest, KredX have also collectively garnered more than 2,000 crore from retail investors. Even Growpital, the agri-investing startup that is currently under market regulator Sebis scrutiny, was able to raise 182 crore from investors. While these numbers may seem small in comparison to the crores of rupees sitting in FDs, it is growing in size quickly, with every platform trying to acquire customers by offering them higher returns. And overall, this may be good for the investing ecosystem: Investors get access to different types of instruments offering them diversification for their portfolios and companies can raise money on these platforms faster via non-traditional routes with minimal paperwork. But not all is hunky-dory. One key concept that retail investors still need to be sensitized on is that higher returns also come with high risks. The onus of due diligence of the issuer is on the platform. The risk, though, is borne by the investor when defaults and delays happen. In this story, Mint highlights some of the recent defaults on these platforms and the extent of losses investors have had to bear. altGraafArzooo ID altGraafs core offerings are ID, unlisted corporate debt and securitized debt instruments. altGraaf was recently spun out of Jiraaf when the latter turned into an Online Bond Platform Providers, or OBPP platform, offering regulated products. Recently, Arzooo, a B2B e-commerce platform in the electronics and consumer durables segment, defaulted after raising funds on altGraaf via ID. Lets understand how ID works through Arzooos example. Arzooo would supply electronics to its customers on a credit period of 30-45 days and use those invoices on altGraaf to raise money from retail investors, in return offering anywhere between 11.40% and 14% for 30 days. Arzooo raised its last batch of money on the platform on 29 November last year. Six days later, it defaulted on a repayment due on 5 December of a deal closed on 3 November. As per altGraaf, Arzooo was facing temporary working capital issues and was waiting for an equity infusion to pay investors. The retail investors of the platform have so far received 31% of the outstanding amount of 19.52 crore raised against invoices by Arzooo. Some investors who went big on the invoices were shocked that they could indeed lose their principal amount as well. As of 9 April, altGraaf says it is trying to recover the amount via various channels but the platform still continues to offer ID as an investment opportunity. A spokesperson of altGraaf declined official comment on the Arzooo default episode. View Full Image ... Exa Mobility direct leasing model Exa Mobility, a mobility-as-a-service company, has a FICO (franchise investing company operated) model that allows you to buy an electric scooter or electric three-wheeler and lease it out to them to be deployed in the field. The company would then pay investors lease rentals every month for the next three years and then offer to buy back the scooter at the end of the three years, at a depreciated value. In short, you purchase the asset, lease it out to them with the promise of getting monthly returns. However, some investors of Exa Mobilitiy told Mint that the company has not made any rental payments for the last two months. The company still continues to advertise the deal on its website and as per a leaderboard on the deal page it proclaims that it got 40 lakh from some individual investors in the last three years. An email seeking comment from the company did not elicit any response. Tyke InvestGeeani (CSOP) Tyke Invest is another alternative platform that aims to democratize startup investing via its community subscription offer plan (CSOP) and Compulsory Convertible Debentures (CCD) product. It also offers other products like ID and sporadically allows angel investing via the AIF (alternative investment fund) route. Geeani, a manufacturer of green energy automotive products, got famous when its Shark Tank episode aired and its founders demonstrated a mini electric tractor. Post this episode, they came on Tyke to raise money via CSOP, which is a contract between the investor and the company, and the money invested is recorded as revenue in the books of the company. As per Geeanis Instagram page, their CSOP was at least 1,000% subscribed (10 times the initial target) when it raised funds in February 2023. The CSOP agreement laid out return multiples which would have to be paid to the investor if the company decided to buy back the agreement. In Geeanis case, the company decided to buy back the agreements within 3-4 months and were to pay twice the returns as per the agreement. However, they only offered 30% interest to investors, who were infuriated. After Tyke intervened and negotiated the offer, Geeani agreed to pay the principal back in October and the 2X multiple in December. In October, Geeanis payment due date passed and investors were informed that the delay was due to Geeanis account being frozen for cybersecurity reasons. The new date was in November but investors never received the payout. As it stands, the founders have stopped responding to Tyke or any individual investors. As per Tyke, Geeani has received multiple legal notices from Tykes legal team and will pursue further legal actions if needed. All users involved in this case have been appropriately informed with all details along with notice copies sent to them. Unfortunately, this situation arose due to the founder initially committing to an exit and subsequently reneging on that commitment due to the falling of a joint venture." Tap InvestMelorra Tap Invest, previously known as Leafround, offers direct leasing opportunities along with ID and unlisted corporate bonds. Melorra, a premium jewellery brand, came to Tap Invest in 2021 to get on lease some Macbooks that were to be used by their staff. Investors purchased those Macbooks upfront via Tap Invest and entered into a leasing agreement with Melorra. The deals were about to mature in April 2024 and June 2024. However, Melorra recently stopped paying monthly lease rentals and sent all the 55 leased laptops to Tap Invests office without the 15 days upfront notice mentioned in the agreement. Tap Invest, which did not respond to an email query sent by Mint, had to liquidate the laptop assets in the secondary market but was not able to provide the investors their agreed return. The investors only had two choiceseither to file a case against Melorra (assisted by Tap Invest) or just take whatever was salvaged. In all of these examples, one thing is commonif the company raising money via these platforms has bad intent, the platforms cant do much to protect the investors because, at the end of the day, these are unregulated instruments. Investors can fight a legal battle but that might take a long time and can be costly. Investors can try out regulated instruments such as P2P (peer to peer) lending, listedrated bonds, and small and medium real estate investment trusts (SM REITs) if they have a high risk appetite. There are regulatory loopholes in areas like P2P lending but they are still a shade better than entirely unregulated alternatives. Alternative investments are here to stay but individuals should also keep in mind the worst-case scenario of investing in an alternative product. Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, more than 6,000 Indian workers are set to arrive in Israel during April and May to alleviate the labour shortage in the construction sector, which emerged following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict. They will be transported to Israel via an "air shuttle" as part of a joint decision by the Israeli Prime Ministers Office (PMO), finance ministry, and the construction and housing ministry to subsidize charter flights, according to a statement issued by the Israeli government on Wednesday. "Thanks to the joint financing of the PMO, the finance ministry, and the construction and housing ministry, it was agreed approximately one week ago on the arrival of over 6,000 workers from India during April and May on an 'air shuttle' following the subsidising of charter flights," the statement said. The statement was issued after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting at the PMO in response to a severe shortage of workers that has resulted in the delay of numerous projects. This shortage has raised concerns about the escalating cost of living and has led to tensions between different government entities and businesses. According to PTI, the workers from India are being conveyed to Israel under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two countries. In December of last year, Netanyahu and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi discussed expediting the arrival of Indian workers to Israel during a telephone conversation. In addition to workers from India and Sri Lanka, approximately 7,000 workers from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe have also arrived in Israel. During his visit to India in April of the previous year, Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat held discussions with officials and counterparts in Delhi regarding the recruitment of Indians across various sectors, particularly in construction. These discussions centered around the possibility of bringing in nearly 160,000 individuals. Currently, there are approximately 18,000 Indians employed in Israel, with the majority working as caregivers. Many of them chose to remain in Israel during the conflict due to a sense of security and attractive salaries. In May of the previous year, Israel and India signed an agreement during the visit of then-Foreign Minister Eli Cohen to Delhi, permitting 42,000 Indians to work in Israel in the construction and nursing fields. This move was aimed at addressing the rising cost of living and providing assistance to families in need of nursing care. According to a statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry, 34,000 workers were designated for the construction sector, while the remaining 8,000 were allocated for nursing roles. In the past six months, approximately 800 workers from India have also joined the agricultural sector in Israel. In a April 8 circular, the Gujarat government said it considers Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism "a separate religion" from Hinduism and has asked Hindu's seeking to convert to any these three to seek permission of the concerned district magistrate under the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003. Gujarat Home department issued the circular, signed by its Deputy Secretary Vijay Badheka, after it found that applications seeking conversion to Buddhism were not being dealt with as per the rules. Several Dalit Hindus in Gujarat convert to Buddhism at mass events every year. According to the circular, the Home Ministry noticed that district magistrate offices are "arbitrarily interpreting" the Gujarat's Religion Act. it has come to notice that in applications seeking permission for conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, procedure as per rules are not being followed. Moreover, sometimes, representations are being received from applicants and autonomous bodies that for religious conversion from Hinduism to Buddhism, prior permission is not required, the circular read. It also said that in cases where applications for prior permission of conversion were filed, the offices disposed them while stating that "under Article 25(2) of the Constitution, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism are included within Hinduism and so the applicant is not required to take permission for (such) religious conversion. The circular further stated that replying on sensitive subject like religious conversion without sufficient study of legal provisions may turn into judicial litigations. Invoking the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act, 2003, the circular said that a person converting/or getting another person converted from Hinduism to Budhhism, Sikhism or Jainism will have to take prior permission of the district magistrate in a prescribed format. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 5 explosive crisis factors in Gujarat BJP The move has been welcomed by the Gujarat Buddhist Academy (GBA), a prominent organisations that hosts conversion events in the state. Ramesh Banker, Secretary of GBA, told Indian Express (IE) that the circular has made it clear that Buddhism has nothing to do with Hinduism. He also said that the organistation always took prior permissions, but confusion was created by (some in the) administration while misinterpreting the law. "We believed from the beginning that Buddhism is not a part of Hinduism and for conversion to Buddhism, prior permission of the district magistrate is mandatory in a prescribed format. It was our demand (to issue such a clarification), which has been fulfilled, Banker told IE. Here's what the legal experts say about it: Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism are recognised as separate religions under the constitution, said Apeksha Lodha, Partner, Singhania & Co. However, Supreme Court's Advocate on Record Rishi Sehgal said as part of the wider Hindu community which has different sects, sub-sects, faiths, modes of worship and religious philosophies, Sikhs and Jains are recognised as sects and sub-sects of Hindu religion in statutes like the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act. Talking to LiveMint, Apeksha said that Article 25 of the constitution allows all persons to have freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, and therefore converting to another religion by free will is legal in India. No special permission is required to change religion in India. Everyone is free to change religion in India however the legal procedure is to be followed, she said. To which, Sehgal said states such as Gujarat have enacted anti conversion laws, to keep a check upon forcible conversion. States, including, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand have enacted Anti conversion laws, to keep a check upon forcible conversion from one religion to another, with penal consequences, he told LiveMint. Expressing condolences to the grieving families of the deceased children in Haryana's Mahendragarh school bus accident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said, the incident was extremely painful and hoped for speedy recovery of 20 other children injured in the accident. Earlier today, six students of GL Public School were killed and nearly 20 were injured after the bus carrying the children met with an accident in Haryana's Mahendragarh. Preliminary reports suggest that the school bus overturned while overtaking a vehicle in Kanina town. Wishing for the speedy recovery of all the injured children, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter), The local administration, under the supervision of the state government, is providing all possible help to the victims and their families. Taking to X, Amit Shah posted, The accident of the school bus in Mahendragarh, Haryana, is extremely saddening. My condolences are with the grieving families of the deceased children. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The injured children are being provided assistance by the local administration. I hope for their speedy recovery. Haryana Transport Minister Aseem has said the negligence of the school is very clear in this case and a high-level committee will probe the incident. A high-level committee will probe the incident. FIR to be registered against the school. In March, a fine of 15000 was imposed on this school bus due to incomplete papers. The negligence of the school is very clear in this case 15000 was imposed on this school bus due to incomplete papers. The negligence of the school is very clear in this case Fitness tests of all school vehicles will be conducted across the state, state transport minister Aseem said. Mahendragarh Deputy Commissioner Monika Gupta has said that they have applied for the termination of the school license as it was conducting classes even on a gazetted holiday. The students who suffered injuries are undergoing treatment. They are now out of danger. The government is doing everything to provide them with the best medical assistance, Mahendragarh Deputy Commissioner said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended Eid wishes to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. The Indian High Commission in Maldives on social media platform X shared images of the two leaders and wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives". In a press release the India High Commission said that Prime Minister Modi highlighted the cultural and civilizational linkages shared by the two nations. Prime Minister further conveyed that as we celebrate Eid Al Fitr with traditional fervour, people across the world are reminded of the values of compassion, brotherhood, and togetherness, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world that we all aspire for. The ties between India and Maldives have hit rock bottom after the election of Muizzu as president of the archipelago island. Muizzu's alleged pro-China policies are one of the biggest reasons behind the strained relationship between India and Maldives of late. The tension between the two countries escalated when the three cabinet ministers of the Maldivian government mocked PM Modi on social media over his visit to Lakshadweep Island. Muizzu recently asked India to remove the military personnel from his country by May 10. Meanwhile, India last week allowed the export of certain quantities of essential commodities to Maldives. ? La mandataria Dina Boluarte continuo sus reuniones de trabajo con autoridades del interior del pais. Recibio al gobernador de Cajamarca, Roger Guevara; al alcalde de Bambamarca, Hernan Vasquez, y a la congresista Elva Julon, para tratar temas relacionados al desarrollo de la pic.twitter.com/sklSZpkj7E Vaisakhithe sprint festivalmarks the first day of the month of Vaisakh as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is traditionally celebrated every year on 13 or 14 April. It is also the beginning of the Sikh New Year based on the solar calendar and is considered a highly auspicious day among several communities in the country. Vaisakhi is not only a religious but a cultural festival, as it brings people together to celebrate the blessings of nature and the bountiful harvest. Vaisakhi, which also marks the beginning of the harvest season, is primarily celebrated in Punjab and Northern India and also by the Indian diaspora across the globe. It is important to note that on the same day, other harvest festivals like Bohag Bihu in Assam and Vishu in Kerala are also celebrated. Besides the harvest festival, Vaisakhi also commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by the tenth Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, symbolising courage, equality and the pursuit of justice. Vaisakhi 2024: Date and time This year, the Vaisakhi will be celebrated on Saturday i.e. April 13. As per Drik Panchang, Vaisakhi Sankranti moment is at 9:15 pm on April 13. Vaisakhi 2024: History Beyond its agricultural roots, the festival of Vaisakhi also stands as a beacon of spiritual awakening. For Sikhs, it's a time to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of Sikhism and to honour the sacrifices made by their forefathers. In Sikhism, its roots can be traced back to 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa Panth symbolising courage, equality and the pursuit of justice. It is said that the 10th Sikh Guru asked for volunteers who were prepared to die for the cause of religion. Eventually, five men volunteered and Guru Gobind Singh baptised them after which they became the first five members of a group called Khalsa. Vaisakhi 2024: Significance Vaisakhi is a time to rejoice in the fruits of labour, to dance to the beats of the dhol and to indulge in sumptuous traditional delicacies along with the family and community members. Beyond its agricultural roots, it stands as a beacon of spiritual awakening. It also marks the beginning of a new year and increases to shed negativity and embrace positivity. NEW DELHI : Climate change will accelerate the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, Indias top weatherman warned, on the backdrop of the country witnessing a far higher number of intensely heavy rainfall and heatwave days, fewer colder days and increasing thunderstorms in recent times. Specifically, the next three months, which coincide with the general elections, are expected to be particularly bad in terms of heatwaves. We are noticing extreme behaviour in weather," India Meteorological Department (IMD) director-general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said in an interview on Wednesday. The number of heavy rainfall days is increasing; the number of heatwave days is increasing; the number of colder days is decreasing; and thunderstorms are increasing because of heating or climate change." March 2024 was reportedly the warmest March on record globally, with an average temperature of 14.14 degree Celsius, surpassing the previous high set in March 2016 by 0.16 degrees. This marked the 10th consecutive month of record warmth year-on-year for respective months. In fact, February 2024 was 1.68 degree Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service or ECMWF. On 1 April, IMD had warned that most regions of the country will witness above-normal temperature during April-June, with central and western peninsular regions bearing the brunt. IMD also expects to see 10-20 days of heatwave in different parts of the country in these three months against a normal four to eight days. Significantly, this period will see the Indian electorate brave the elements to participate in the seven-phase general elections, which starts on 19 April and ends 1 June, with results scheduled to be declared on 4 June. Mohapatra said the weather department has begun issuing two weather bulletins every day instead of the usual one bulletin. We are providing heatwave information to all ministries daily. NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) has a heat action plan, so has state governments. Action will be taken as per the heat action plan," he added. Averring that future impact depends on the mechanisms being adopted for adaptation and mitigation, Mohapatra forecast that the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will continue to increase if we go as usual" and keep increasing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Climate change experts say that severe weather conditions comprise a long-term trend over the past 20 years. The most evident impact of climate change is shifting in seasons, extreme and shorter winter, prolonged summer and delayed monsoon, among others. According to them, climate change is due to rapid urbanisation and loss of green and it may slow economic growth. Chandra Bhushan, CEO of International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology, pointed out that the most-affected season is spring, which has become extremely unstable to the extent of practically vanishing in some years. Since we had heatwaves in February this year, the spring season was good in Delhi; last year, it wasn't the case," said Bhushan. Winter is becoming shorter and extreme. Summer is getting prolonged, and you have a high heat wave which can start as early as end of January and continue till June-July-August, even September." Bhushan added that things are becoming worse, with monsoon now coming one month late compared to 30 years ago. Monsoon now comes at the end of June, which used to be the beginning of June," he said. It has been a progressive worsening of these trends in the last four decades, and climate change is the single most important factor. On this years monsoon, Mohapatra said IMD will issue the 2024 monsoon forecast by mid-April and the onset of monsoon by mid-May. About El Nino and La Nina conditions, Mohapatra reiterated that El Nino is moderating, and it will become neutral by the end of July; thereafter, the La Nina phenomenon will emerge in the second half of the monsoon season (August-September), which may bring above-normal rainfall. El Nino, Spanish for "little boy," is a climatic pattern marked by elevated sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon tends to emerge every two to seven years and can last from nine to 12 months, affecting weather conditions globally. La Nina, or "little girl" in Spanish, is characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the same regions. Occurring roughly every three to five years, La Nina can sometimes happen in consecutive years, bringing about increased rainfall and distinct weather patterns. Meanwhile, Bhushan also blamed localized issues for contributing to climate change, including reduction in green cover, removal of water bodies, concretization of cities, among others. We are already losing close to 5-6% of our GDP every year because of a combination of extreme weather events and air pollution," said Bhushan, adding that in future heatwaves alone could lead to loss of close to 7-8% of GDP. So, if you start losing 10-15% of your GDP, say by 2025 then basically, you're not growing." Pointing out that mitigation is the best answer for climate change, Bhushan said that the worldincluding India, the US and Europeneeds to limit temperature rise to less than 2-3 degrees by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the local level, urbanization, building design, energy consumption, water conservation, and revisualization of cities are required. This is not how our cities should look like," he added. Mohapatra explained that climate changes slowly while weather varies rapidly. There is blue sky now; after half an hour there could be thunderstorm; it is because of convection," he said. In a hot atmosphere, the moisture available in the land or ocean gets evaporated. The evaporation leads to water vapour moving off. Water vapour weight is less compared to dry air, and it goes up because heating is also instable in the atmosphere. So, it condenses, cloud fogs. Usually, heating is maximum during daytime, towards noon. The temperature hits maximum around 2-2:30 pm. Therefore, heating becomes around that time and thunderstorms take place more during the afternoon, not in the morning. In the case of hilly areas, for example Jammu & Kashmir, thunderstorms occur at night or early morning because of the orographically interaction." (Bloomberg) -- Iran may be close to launching missile or drone strikes on Israeli targets in response to a deadly attack on its diplomatic compound in Syria last week. Yet how the Islamic Republic retaliates is more complicated than the why. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly said Israel will be punished for the assault, which destroyed the consulate building and killed at least 13 people. The risk is that the move could significantly escalate the conflict in the Middle East and put Iran even more in the crosshairs. The US and its allies believe a major revenge attack is imminent, either by Iran or its various proxies in the region, according to people familiar with the intelligence. Recent history suggests any assault will be measured against what might come next from Irans adversaries. When the US killed General Qassem Soleimani in 2020, for example, Iran opted for non-lethal attacks on military bases. Read More: The Israel-Iran Shadow War Reaches a Risky New Phase: QuickTake In a post to X, UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said he told Irans foreign minister in a call Thursday that the country must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence, Cameron wrote. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks. Israel hasnt claimed responsibility for the Damascus attack, in keeping with its usual response to accusations of targeting Iran, though it has tried to cut off weapons supplies to Islamist militant groups via Syria for years. Its military campaign in Gaza against Hamas a group backed by Iran and categorized as a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union has entered a seventh month and been accompanied by heightened tension with Hezbollah and the Houthis, other militia allied with Iran. Iran is in a precarious position Israel has been calling its bluff for some time, said Bader Al-Saif, an assistant professor at Kuwait University and a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. Its kind of damned if it responds and damned if it doesnt. At stake for Iran is the risk of diverting the worlds attention away from Israels war in Gaza, which Hamas authorities say has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians and led to increasing international and domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A humanitarian crisis has been building in the enclave, and the United Nations has warned that tens of thousands of people are on the brink of famine. Tehrans potential attack, which has spooked oil markets, could come in a variety of forms. Full-On War Khamenei has said the Damascus assault was equivalent to an attack on Iranian soil, and the most explosive response would be to launch one in Israel. That would have the potential to trigger a full-on war that would likely draw in the US and other Israeli allies. A precedent for Iran attacking Israeli territory came in 2018, when Tehran fired rockets from Syria on positions in the Golan Heights. Yet even if Irans leader were to attempt such a move, his military would have to get past Israels sophisticated defense systems, according to Fabian Hinz, research fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. That becomes even harder from long range, unless supplemented by attacks from, say, Hezbollah next door in Lebanon. That, though, would risk further conflict between Israel and the group. A lower-key option would be an escalation of Hezbollahs rocket barrage on northern Israel or Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. The Iranian systems are very good theres no doubt about that the issue is just that Israeli defenses are absolutely exceptional, Hinz said. If a strike would show that most of them can get intercepted and are not very effective, you might still have a political and symbolic victory, but it would degrade your deterrence capabilities. Israel scrambled navigational signals over the Tel Aviv metropolitan area a week ago in preparation for an Iranian attack, a showcase of its capabilities. Another option is to target Israeli embassies, a tit-for-tat response to the Damascus bombing. But it would be a high-risk move given Irans other priorities in the Middle East. Tehran agreed last year to restore diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, for example, ending a seven-year freeze. And while Israel doesnt have an embassy in Riyadh, an attack on a Saudi regional ally could cause diplomatic problems. A non-military assault via agents or a proxy group could be more practical, though Irans track record of success with similar attempts in the past is poor, according to Hinz. A lot of these attacks were prevented by Israeli intelligence, he said. Military Bases Iran could respond by attacking Israeli or US military bases, as it has done during previous flare ups. Most recently, the US Israels main ally said Iranian-backed militants killed three US service members and wounded 25 others in a drone attack near the Syrian border in January. Iran holds the US responsible for the Damascus attack as well as Israel, due to Washingtons support for the Jewish state. The US made the rare move of contacting Tehran directly to say it wasnt involved. Attacks on military bases was Irans preferred approach after former US President Donald Trump ordered the killing of General Soleimani. Iran struck the Al Asad airbase in Iraq, injuring more than 100 US troops, while suspected Iranian proxies fired rockets at the US embassy in Baghdad. Irans response, whether in self-restraint or attack via proxies, hasnt amounted to much in terms of deterring Israel, said Al-Saif at Kuwait University. A direct response is its litmus test. --With assistance from Fiona MacDonald. (Updates with quote from UK foreign secretary in 4th paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Russia launched a major missile-and-drone assault on Ukrainian power stations, part of a new campaign to exploit delays in Western aid for Kyiv to press Moscows growing advantage in the third year of war. The overnight strikes hit several regions across the country, destroying a power plant in the Kyiv region and inflicting fresh damage on others that had been struck in earlier attacks. Tens of thousands of homes were left without power, according to Ukrainian officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for urgent additional aid from the West to combat the strikes. We need air defense and other defensive supportnot ignoring and lengthy discussions," he said Thursday. Zelensky recently warned that Ukraine would run out of air-defense missiles if the current pace and intensity of Russian strikes continues. Dwindling stockpiles are leading Kyiv to make tough choices about which cities and critical infrastructure to protect, he said, adding that Ukraine would need 25 Patriot air-defense systems to fully shield its territory. Recent attacks hit Ukraines biggest hydroelectric power plant and several thermal power plants, underscoring the vulnerability of the countrys energy infrastructure. In striking civilian infrastructure, Russia is seeking to lay the groundwork for future offensives by depleting Ukrainian air defenses and diverting Kyivs resources away from the front line, said Franz Stefan-Gady, a Vienna-based defense analyst. Ukraines air-defense situation could become quite critical by the summer," he said. White House National Security spokeswoman Adrienne Watson described Russias campaign as a terrible reminder of Vladimir Putins efforts to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people and plunge them into darkness," urging Congress to unblock an aid package for Kyiv. Russias Defense Ministry said it was retaliating for a recent spate of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil refineries and airfields deep inside its territory. Russia battered Ukraines energy infrastructure in 2022, during the wars first winter, but the latest attacks suggest a new approach. Compared to last year, the enemy has changed its tactics, and the current attacks have much more complicated consequences for us," Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said last week. Unlike the first winter, when Russia targeted Ukraines electricity-distribution network, the recent attacks sought to destroy generation capacity and were more concentrated and precise. Now they went further: destroying not only the grid but generation itself," said Maksym Timchenko, the chief executive of DTEK, Ukraines biggest private energy company. The bulk of Ukraines electricity is generated by three nuclear plants, and thermal and hydroelectric power are crucial for balancing the system during consumption peaks. Even before the latest attack, Russian strikes had knocked out 80% of DTEKs generation capacity, which supplies about one-fifth of the countrys power. The company spent $110 million repairing damage caused by more than 100 attacks on its facilities during the wars first year. It will cost more than twice that much to fix the most recent destruction, Timchenko said in an interview before the latest round of attacks. Destroyed power units and transformers will take at least six months to replace. We need to immediately place orders and they have to go into production," Timchenko said. We cant buy it off the shelf." The company is in talks with Western partners to source used equipment from decommissioned power stations in Europe, which would be a quicker and cheaper solution. Imports of electricity from Europe are helping to cover Ukraines power deficit because demand is low during spring, said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of national energy company Ukrenergo. But the capacity is limited to 1,700 megawatts of imported energyand supply isnt guaranteed. Without fully protecting Ukraines skies, decentralizing power generation is the only way to mitigate the threat of Russian attacks, said Oleksandr Kharchenko, director at the Energy Industry Research Center, a Kyiv-based think tank. Big power plants make easy targets, and Ukraines energy infrastructure dates to Soviet times, meaning Russia knows exactly where it is. Gas turbines dotted around Ukraine would be harder to strikeand the results less devastating. One power plant was nearing the end of the night shift on March 22 when workers got a call alerting them that Russian missiles were heading their way. Minutes later, multiple missiles slammed into the turbine hall, unleashing a shock wave that threw workers to the ground. Everything went dark," said the turbine departments head of shift. DTEK asked that the plants location and the names of the workers be withheld to prevent Russia from refining its targets. A senior engineer was in the turbine hall at the moment of impact. When I came to my senses, I realized I was alive," he said. It was only as he made his way back to the control room that he felt a heaviness in his leg. A sharp object had pierced his calf. Workers used flashlights to find their way out through the smoke after management told them to evacuate. An electrician at the plant wasnt on shift that night but heard the blasts from his home roughly 6 miles away. As soon as the all-clear sounded, he rushed to the place where he had worked for the past two decades. It was hard to see what had happened because everything was shrouded in smoke. When the flames subsided, the scale of the destruction came into view: Parts of the turbine hall had caved in, burying power units beneath mounds of concrete. Transformers were mangled and scorched. Its not the first time," he said during a break from clearing debris. But this time was much worse." Workers had done their best to protect equipment from Russian attack with sandbags, concrete blocks and metal nets for catching drones. But the measures were little match for a concentrated barrage of missiles. No workers were killed despite the scale of the attack. Two weeks on, some workers in harnesses scaled the walls of the turbine hall to clear debris. Others used sledge hammers to break down lumps of concrete for removal. At the sound of an air-raid siren, they all rushed for cover. It was a drill. The wounded engineer plans to return to work once his leg heals, though the risk of Russian strikes persists. There is a sense of futility to restoring a plant that could be hit again, he said. If the sky isnt closed, there is no reason to rebuild." Less than a week later, Russia struck the plant again. Write to Isabel Coles at isabel.coles@wsj.com Amid concern of Iran's retaliatory attack, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that that the Jew country is keeping up its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas. This comes after reports of Iran preparing to strike Israel in response for the killing of senior Iranian commanders surfaced. Netanyahu said that his government is prepared to meet all security needs of Israel, be it defensive or offensive. Also read: 'Would be a mistake,' says US as Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu sets date to carry out Rafah invasion The Israeli PM, in comments released by his office, after his Tel Nof air force base said, "Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively." The April 1 airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus killed Iran's senior general and six other officers, following which Israel has been bracing for a possible retaliation. Israel, however, has said it was responsible for the attack, but Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said the Jew country "must be punished and it shall be". Also read: Israeli airstrike kills Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's sons, grandchildren; Netanyahu denies responsibility Netanyahu's comment comes at a time when Israeli troops and warplanes have begun an operation in central Gaza which the military said is "aimed at destroying infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups". Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza to prepare for an assault on its southern city, Rafah, where over 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering. Fighting has continued in various areas of the enclave. Also read: Why Israel seeks India's help to boost its construction sector "It was as if the occupation army was launching a new war," Raouf Abed, 20, told Reuters via chat app from in Deir Al-Balah to the south of Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. "The explosions were non-stop, the sounds came from different directions," he said. Gaza celebrates a muted Ei-ul-Fitr, while Gaza's Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh mourned the loss of his three sons and four grandchildren in an Israeli airstrike. According to reports, an Israeli airstrike killed the sons and grandchildren of the Hamas leader on Eid. However, a Reuters report suggests that the airstrike was done without consulting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's three sons Amir, Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike. This comes even as repeated ceasefire talks fail to achieve fruition. VIDEO| Ismail Haniyeh knows about his children's death A video being circulated on social media shows the Hamas leader from Gaza Ismail Haniyeh being informed about his sons and grandchildren's death. Notably, Ismail Haniyeh is living in exile. He lives in Qatar city. The video shows the Hamas leader being informed about the murder of his kin while he is in a hospital visiting the wounded Palestinians Upon being informed, Ismail Haniyeh says, God rest their souls. The killing of Ismail Haniyeh's sons and grandchildren has added a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the return of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the besieged enclave. "The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position," Haniyeh said on Wednesday. PM Netanyahu not consulted A news report by Walla news agency says that the Israeli military did not consult either Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in targeting Ismail Haniyeh's three sons. The report mentioned that the airstrikes were coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service. The report also mentioned that Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh had been targeted as Hamas fighters, and not because they were the sons of Hamas's political leader. The Israeli military did not comment on reports that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren had also been killed. Netanyahu facing increasing opposition Benjamin Netanyahu has come under the worldly ire despite Joe Biden-led United States' iron clad backing. The increased condemnation graced Israel and PM Netanyahu after seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday reiterated India's firm stance against cross-border terrorism, emphasizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership in addressing security threats. While addressing a press conference in Bikaner, Jaishankar reflected on past experiences, noting a significant shift in India's approach to cross-border terrorism since the Mumbai attacks in 2008. He highlighted how the country's stance has evolved under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. That era is now behind us. Since the Mumbai attacks on 26/11, we haven't witnessed any major terrorist incidents in our country. In today's India, be it any terrorist incident, Uri is our reply, EAM noted. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists infiltrated south Mumbai via the sea and launched attacks at several locations in the city. The indiscriminate attack perpetrated by the Pakistani terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) claimed the lives of 166 individuals and injured more than 300 people. Jaishankar emphasized the crucial significance of security in border regions, recognizing its utmost importance to every citizen. Security is a significant concern in these border districts, and it holds immense importance in the minds of every citizen, he added. Moreover, EAM highlighted the challenges faced on the northern borders, and Jaishankar praised the dedication and resilience of India's armed forces. Even in the northern borders, despite facing various hardships such as extreme weather conditions and pandemics, our forces stand firm, ready to confront any adversity, he asserted. Earlier in January, in an interview with ANI, Minister S Jaishankar said India won't talk to Pakistan if it means accepting terrorism as okay. "What Pakistan was trying to do, not now but over multiple decades, was really to use cross-border terrorism to bring India to the table. That, in essence, was its core policy. We have made that irrelevant by not playing that game now," EAM Jaishankar said. (Bloomberg) -- Japanese astronauts will join future NASA lunar missions, President Joe Biden announced Wednesday, a move meant to signal more robust economic and defense ties between the two nations. In a news conference at the White House alongside Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Biden said that two Japanese astronauts will join future NASA lunar missions, and one will become the first non-American ever to land on the moon. The pledge marks Washingtons latest move to use the space program to court friendly nations and compete with China in a race to the moon. The astronaut from Japan will take part in the Artemis program, a NASA-led effort to return astronauts to the moon as early as 2026, more than half a century after the last Apollo mission. The Biden administration has recorded other big wins in its space diplomacy strategy. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Washington last September, the two countries announced that NASA would work with Indias space agency on a joint mission to the International Space Station. New Delhi also agreed to sign the Artemis Accords, a US-backed initiative to establish guidelines for activity on the moon and elsewhere in space. Japan and India are among three dozen countries to have signed the Artemis Accords, with Greece and Uruguay signing up in February. China hasnt signed, instead seeking support for a proposal to cooperate with Russia to establish a research base on the moon. Beijing, which has committed to sending its first astronauts to the moon by the end of the decade, has had modest success in winning commitments for the lunar research base, with expressions of support from countries such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Egypt, Pakistan and South Africa. (Updates with Biden comments from the second paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com WASHINGTONU.S. intelligence reports show that an attack on Israeli assets by Iran or its proxies could be imminent, U.S. officials said Wednesday, as the top American military commander for the Middle East headed to Israel to coordinate a response. Iran has publicly threatened to retaliate for a strike in Syria on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus last week, presumed to be the work of Israel, that killed top Iranian military officials, including a senior member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps elite Quds Force. Syria and Iran accused Israel of carrying out the attack, which killed Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who managed Iranian paramilitary operations in Syria and Lebanon, according to Iranian state media and U.S. officials. Zahedi was the highest-ranking Iranian military official to be killed since the January 2020 U.S. assassination of Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad. The U.S. has said it wasnt involved in the strike in Syria and received no previous warning from Israel that it planned to conduct the attack. It is unclear whether Iran is planning to conduct a direct strike on Israeli targets or use one of its Middle East proxies. In the past, Tehran has appeared eager to avoid a direct confrontation with Israel or the U.S. and worked via proxies such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and Iran-backed groups in Iraq. But U.S. defense officials warned that Iran could use its own military forces this time to demonstrate a forceful response to Zahedis death. President Biden said on Wednesday that Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel." As I told (Israeli) Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden told reporters. Let me say it again: ironclad. Were going to do all we can to protect Israels security." Israeli officials have vowed to strike back if the country is attacked by Iran. The rhetoric on both sides has raised concerns about a wider Middle East war six months after Hamas attacked Israel, leaving more than 1,200 people dead, according to Israel, and prompting an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. That offensive has resulted in the death of more than 33,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, whose figures dont distinguish between combatants and civilians. Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, the commander of U.S. Central Command, which is responsible for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, had planned to travel to Israel before the strike in Damascus, U.S. defense officials said, primarily to iron out logistics for a U.S. temporary pier set to be placed in northern Gaza to expand humanitarian aid deliveries. He now is expected to leave this week to also discuss a possible Iranian attack and how the U.S. could respond, the officials said. Kurilla is expected to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. While the Pentagon doesnt discuss whether it is currently adjusting forces in response to potential threats, U.S. military forces in the region had already been at a heightened state since Hamass Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday on X that the strikes in Syria constituted an attack on Iranian soil and that Israel should be punished, and it will be punished." Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz responded that if Iran attacks Israel from Iranian soil, Israel would retaliate inside Iran. Write to Warren P. Strobel at Warren.Strobel@wsj.com, Gordon Lubold at gordon.lubold@wsj.com and Nancy A. Youssef at nancy.youssef@wsj.com Last week, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) announced a partnership with the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) under which branded Amul milk will be made available to thousands of Indians and Americans in the US. This is significant for many reasons. One, even though Amul products are already being exported to about 50 countries, this is the first time that Amuls branded fresh milk range is being launched anywhere outside India. Two, though this step is presently limited to the US, it has the potential to open the gates for the Amul brand in other regions and take it global. Three, it sets an aspirational template for other Indian cooperativeswhich are largely regional or sub-national organizationsto bloom into global institutions. Indeed, in the last two decades, corporate India has seen global companies emerge, but that has not been the case with cooperatives. This is the time to change that. History of Indias cooperative movement: Even before Independence and formal cooperative structures came into being through the passing of a law, cooperative activities were prevalent in several parts of India. For example, village communities would collectively pool resources after foodgrains were harvested to lend to needy members of the group before the next seasons harvest. The Cooperative Societies Bill was enacted on 25 March 1904. On 14 December 1946, the Khera District Cooperative Milk Producers Milk Union, known as Amul, was registered. After India attained freedom in 1947, the cooperative movement received a shot in the arm, with it forming an important aspect of the Five-Year Plans. On a visit to Anand, Gujarat, in October 1964, impressed by the socioeconomic transformation brought about by milk cooperatives, Indias then prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri envisioned the setting up of a national-level organization, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), to replicate the Anand pattern of milk cooperatives throughout the country. With the economic reforms of 1991, cooperatives came under intense pressure. But in a bid to give them more focus, the Union ministry of cooperation was created in July 2021 by carving it out from the ministry of agriculture. Presently, there are more than 850,000 cooperatives, with about 300 million members at national and state levels, covering scores of fields like dairy, agriculture, housing, credit, fisheries, handloom and sugar. Two of them, GCMMF and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), are among the worlds leading cooperatives. Indian cooperatives, global reach: The move by GCMMF to introduce fresh branded Amul milk in the US could be an inflexion point to take other Indian cooperatives global. How can this be done? Taking a leaf out of the Amul chapter could be a useful and easy first step. The charismatic leadership of Verghese Kurien, the first and former chairman of GCMMF and the widely-acknowledged father of Indias white revolution, was hugely instrumental in the success of Amul. The University of Michigan alumnus oversaw Amul for more than five decades and created a strong brand, partly through the Amul girl mascot. While the longevity of his tenure was an important factor in his leadership, he was also able to get political support from the likes of Sardar Patel, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Morarji Desai and Jawaharlal Nehru. By transforming India from a milk-deficient country to a surplus one (with a current 24% share of global milk production), he gained world recognition. Although corporations are currently among the dominant forms of organization, cooperatives have flourished in a few other countries like Malaysia, New Zealand, Canada and Kenya. Learning from cooperatives in these countries and collaborating with them would be useful. Coincidentally, the United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives. Therefore, there is a special context for the globalization of Indias cooperative movement. New Zealand has strong global cooperative organizations like Fonterra (for dairy), Walnut Cooperative and Zespri (for kiwi fruit). All of them are part of an umbrella organization called Cooperative Business NZ, which supports its member institutions to go global through workshops and activities for governance, marketing, technology support, advocacy and partnerships. It also conducts a programme to develop next-generation leadership for cooperatives so that these institutions have longevity. India could learn from such practices and partner with such organizations. Finally, instead of trying to develop the entire cooperative sector together for global reach and recognition at one go, it would be useful to create a select group of champion cooperatives from different sectors. Currently, there are 19 national and state cooperatives in some 21 states and Union territories. Like the navaratna concept for public sector enterprises, the government could select about 10-12 national and state cooperatives as global Indian cooperatives. The journey is not going to be easy, but creating a framework for Indian cooperatives to go global would help in employment, wealth generation and thus overall national development. YEREVAN, APRIL 10, ARMENPRESS. Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, stated in a post on X that during a meeting with the Armenian delegation in Brussels on April 5, she reaffirmed the USA's commitment to support Armenia. Last week in Brussels, I reaffirmed the United States commitment to support Armenia as they deepen their democratic reforms, expand their economy, and build towards a bright future, Samantha Power said, attaching a video to the post, in which she noted that since 2022, USAID has doubled its investments in the Armenian economy. Power said: "This has included providing on the job training for women and young people to make them more competitive in the new economy. This has included working with the government of Armenia to pass new regulations that improve the investment environment to strengthen their imports and their exports. All of this is paying off and we are seeing U.S. and Armenia trade increase picking in fact 17 percent just in the last year. I had the chance to share with Prime Minister Pashinyan that USAID is going to invest an additional $33 million dollars to build on this important progress. The United States, USAID, the American people, we are all determined to help Armenia show that democracy does deliver." Question Hour (QH) is a powerful tool in the hands of the Legislature to question the Executive. In India, each Lok Sabha session begins with the QH from 11am till noon, in which parliamentarians pose a range of questions for various ministers to answer on a range of policy matters. The questions need to be given around two weeks in advance, so the ministers who respond have adequate time to prepare their answers. Televising this hour can also mean significant electoral gains and losses. Despite the large amount of policy and political information it generates, the QH has not been subject to much scholarly or data-driven media scrutiny. As the country approaches general elections to the next Lok Sabha, we thought it relevant to explore the data on all the starred (oral) questions asked during the last four Lok Sabha terms and look for underlying patterns. Insofar as QH reflects legislative inquiries of the executive, such an analysis can reveal party dispositions and how queries are distributed across ministries. Note that QH is used by not just the opposition, but also the ruling party. This is because the latter may use it as an opportunity to highlight its strengths. To draw the essence of QH in advancing democratic ideals, however, we focus on questions from opposition parties and members. View Full Image (graphic:mint) We only look at unique questionsthose asked by only one member and are non-supplementary. These account for 80%-plus of all oral questions. Interesting patterns emerge. In the last four Lok Sabhas, there were about 10,000 questions asked during QH: 2,466, 2,059, 2,864 and 2,347 respectively, with opposition parties asking 67%, 63%, 31% and 51% of these. Clearly, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was a more pronounced opposition than the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). Specifically, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the NDA, asked 1,217 questions during the 2004-14 decade, when the UPA was in power at the Centre. The UPA leader, the Indian National Congress (INC), asked only 644 questions during 2014-24, the span in which the current BJP government has been in power. But this may simply be reflective of their respective strengths in the Lok Sabha. The BJP had an average of 127 seats during the period of 2004 to 2014, while the INCs average from 2014 to 2024 was just 52. Therefore, to effectively examine the oppositions role, we need to adjust for total seats in opposition, and also go beyond the BJP-INC rivalry. A questions-per-seat calculation yields a measure for how effective the opposition has been in the context of asking questions. From the data, it is clear that the opposition was weakest in 2014-19, when its share of questions was less than its share of seats (its questions-per-seat was 0.815). This measure took the value of 1.15 and 1.21 during 2004-09 and 2009-14 respectively, and 1.37 in 2019-24, indicating strong opposition in the latest Lok Sabha. Note, however, that a decision to give the floor to a Member of Parliament (MP) is largely up to the Speaker of the House. We can analyse this for each party. Adjusting for party size, we look at the number of questions per MP from a party to see how each party fared during QH while in opposition. The graph above is instructive. The BJP, for instance, was a quieter opposition during 2004-14 than the INC was in 2014-24. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) was the loudest and its questioning has increased over the years. The Telugu Desam Party and Shiv Sena were very strong during QH in 2004-09, but their questioning weakened in the next Lok Sabha (even though they remained strong overall). The Biju Janata Dal has played a consistent role as an opposition party, although it has also quietened during later Lok Sabhas. The Samajwadi Party, while asking most questions in 2014-19, seems to have fizzled out on this front in 2019-24. Since opposition parties use QH to scrutinize specific ministries, the data also reveals which of these faced the most opposition QH queries as well as trends in the share of questions directed at the most scrutinized of them. The numbers show that as an opposition alliance, the NDA was especially focused on questioning ministries for the petroleum sector, human resource development, agriculture and commerce and industry under the ruling UPA coalition of 2004-14. Interestingly, when power changed hands in 2014, so did the direction of questions, which focused thereafter more on matters related to health, finance and rural development. This data is also reflective of the nature of policies that may have been put in place by the respective ruling coalitions, and is therefore a useful signal of the changing policy landscape at the national level. There is a compelling case for extending this research to include state-level legislative assemblies, and perhaps making a metric to estimate a partys opposition performance within state Houses of representation. Research on the Lok Sabhas QH, though still in its infancy, holds critical importance in the national context. It informs people of the role that representatives have played in using a device designed to hold the Executive accountable and keep ministries on their toes. Questions posed on behalf of people lend dynamism to the business of legislation, which is crucial for policymaking. QH research will hopefully raise the sensitivity of parties to how voters may be appraising their performance. Fears are rising over the fate of the remaining hostages held in Gaza after Hamas said it was unsure whether it could bring forth 40 Israeli civilian captives as part of a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal, according to officials familiar with the negotiations. The 40 hostages, including women, children, elderly men, and those in fragile health, would be released under a U.S.-supported plan for a six-week cease-fire in the war in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Instead, the militant group has been unable to confirm that it has enough civilian hostages to fulfill its end of the deal in the initial phase of the proposed plan, complicating talks toward a possible cease-fire in the six-month-old war that has left much of Gaza in ruins. A Hamas official said the group wouldnt commit to releasing 40 living hostages but could commit to 40 hostages total, which could mean dead or alive. The admission by the militant group, which took more than 240 hostages during its lethal Oct. 7 attack on Israel, has heightened fears among families of the hostages, who are piling pressure on the Israeli government to cut a deal with Hamas that would pause the fighting and free at least some of the remaining captives. Every day without a deal endangers them. For half a year, they have been toying with their lives, permitting their blood to be spilled," said Hadas Kalderon, the mother of two children who were kidnapped by Hamas and later freed, speaking at a protest outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office on Tuesday. The childrens father remains in captivity. The Israeli government has rejected the families accusation that it hasnt made the hostages a priority and says freeing the captives is a top priority of the war. Both Israel and Hamas responded critically to a new U.S. cease-fire proposal this week. The Israeli military declined to comment on estimates of how many hostages may remain alive. Separately, U.S. intelligence reports indicate that an attack on Israeli assets by Iran or its proxies could be imminent, U.S. officials said Wednesday, as the top American military commander for the Middle East headed to Israel to coordinate a response. Iran has publicly threatened to retaliate for a strike in Syria on an Iranian diplomatic building in Damascus last week, presumed to be the work of Israel, that killed top Iranian military officials, including a senior member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps elite Quds Force. The U.S. alert offers yet another sign of how Israels war in Gaza following the Oct. 7 attacks has spread into a regional conflict, which in turn is complicating a resolution of disputes between Israel and Hamas. Among those, hostages remain at the forefront. Around 130 remaining hostages taken in the attack are still in Gaza. Of those, Israeli officials have publicly confirmed that 34 are dead, but Israeli and American officials estimate privately that the number of deaths could be much higher. More than 100 other hostages were freed in a weeklong cease-fire deal with Hamas in November. U.S. and Israeli officials believe that some of the remaining hostages are being held by Hamas and used as human shields around the groups leadership, which Israeli officials believe is hiding in tunnels in southern Gaza. Some U.S. estimates indicate that most of the hostages are already dead, U.S. officials familiar with the intelligence said. They stressed, however, that U.S. visibility on the hostages is limited and depends, in part, on Israeli intelligence. Some were likely killed during Israeli strikes on Gaza, the officials said, while others have died from health issues, including injuries suffered during their initial capture. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. The latest estimates mark a notable increase from recent U.S. assessments. As recently as February, Israeli and U.S. officials believed that at least 50 hostages had been killed, suggesting that roughly 80 remained alive. The majority of the dead died as a result of wounds they suffered during the Oct. 7 attack. Others were already dead when militants took their bodies into Gaza and some are believed to have been killed by Hamas in captivity. The Israeli military in December also said it mistakenly shot and killed three hostages. At least one died in a failed Israeli rescue mission. Hamas officials for weeks have told negotiators that the group was unable to confirm how many hostages remain alive, according to Arab mediators talking directly to the group. Egypt and Qatar are acting as intermediaries in negotiations between Hamas and Israel. At times, Hamas argued that providing information on the remaining hostages would mean giving up leverage in the negotiations, the mediators said. Hamas also repeatedly said that it needs a pause in fighting, a few days long, to track and collect the hostages. The group made the same argument before it agreed to the November cease-fire deal. That agreement also eventually collapsed, marking the end of the cease-fire, in part because Hamas failed to produce a list of 10 living civilian women and children held in Gaza. Mediators believe that the majority of the remaining hostages who remain alive are younger male hostages, including soldiers. One solution to Hamass refusal to provide a list of 40 civilian hostages slated for release in the initial phase of the deal would be to include captive Israeli soldiers in the initial batch. Hamas has been reluctant to do that because it is demanding a much higher price for the soldiers, including the release of Palestinian prisoners serving long sentences on terrorism-related charges. Hamas has also sought a deal that would end the war in Gaza and demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. The group also aims to negotiate the release of senior Palestinian political and militant leaders, including Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, as a part of the final phase of a potential cease-fire deal with Israel, according to officials familiar with the talks. In Israel, a forensic medical committee is tasked with determining hostage deaths from afar using classified intelligence. Members of the committee mostly rely on security-camera footage and videos from devices recovered in Gaza as the war has progressed. It was the committee that determined the deaths of 34 hostages taken on Oct. 7, most of whom died in the attack, according to Ofer Merin, director-general at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem and a member of the committee. Determinations of death must meet a high bar and are never based on one piece of intelligence alone. Israel has separately recovered the bodies of 12 other hostages, bringing the total number of hostages who are confirmed dead to 46. Its been six months since these people were taken into Gaza. These families have no second in the day or a second in the night that their minds are calm. They are in constant agony," said Merin. Families of some American hostages have increased their public pressure on the Biden administration to do more to secure their loved ones release. On Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris met with some of these families. Theres no question the war must be won and Hamas must be eradicated. But the hostages are running out of time," Orna Neutra, the mother of Israeli-American hostage Omer Neutra, told CNNs State of the Union." Its not clear whether the Israeli administration has the priority right." Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose 23-year-old son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, is being held by Hamas, described the White House meeting as a productive" discussion but also said the families want results." Harris underscored that President Biden and she have no higher priority than reuniting the hostages with their loved ones. She also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to bring home the remains of those who have been tragically confirmed to be deceased," the White House said in a statement after the meeting. Anat Peled contributed to this article. Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com, Nancy A. Youssef at nancy.youssef@wsj.com and Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com YERUCHAM, IsraelEphraim Jackman, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier, was deployed in the Gaza Strip when he heard that a friend since childhood had been killed in battle in the enclave. Jackman arranged to return home for a ceremony to mark his friends death, arriving straight from Gaza in grimy combat fatigues. It was the last time Jackmans parents saw him. He was killed a few days later back in Gaza while trying to recover the body of a fellow soldier during a firefight with Hamas militants. The yeshiva that Jackman and his friend attended, in the desert town of Yerucham, has lost nine students and alumni during the six-month war. In Israel, the war is shaking a young generation that, until the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas last year, had been largely spared the violence and existential fears their parents and grandparents lived through. More than 300 Israeli soldiers were killed in the attacksalong with several hundred civiliansand at least 260 other soldiers have been killed in the fighting in Gaza. It is the highest number of fatalities for the Israeli military since a three-year war with Lebanon in the 1980s. The fallen soldiersoverwhelmingly under 30, including many conscripts as young as 18include religious students, left-leaning residents of kibbutzim, tech workers and members of the countrys non-Jewish minorities. This is a generational-changing situation. People are dying on a daily basis," says Uri Keidar, 39, the executive director of Israel Hofsheet, a civil-society organization. Keidar, who recently served more than 140 days in the army reserves, said a dozen alumni from his former high school, on a kibbutz in central Israel, have died in the war so far. Inside Gaza, the casualties have been far higher, and Israels war has taken a devastating toll on the enclaves population. Around 33,500 people have been killed there during Israels offensive, according to Palestinian health authorities, most of them civilians. The losses in Israel are being felt across a spectrum of society at a time when the diverse country of more than nine million people is sharply divided politically. These young people paid with their lives," said Kaid Abu Latif, whose younger brother, an Israeli Arab, was killed while deployed in Gaza in January. It is a hole that opens and doesnt close. It is endless pain." Ahmad Abu Latif, 26, was killed along with 20 other soldiers when militants fired on a building they were in, causing it to collapse. Ahmad was one of a small number of Muslims to serve in a combat role in the Israeli armed forces. Ahmad was proud of being a Muslim. Ahmad was proud of being Bedouin. Ahmad was proud of the place he lived in," his brother said. He left behind a wife and a 1-year-old daughter. Many people in Israel know someone who has been injured or killed in the war, and a number of schools have multiple alumni among the dead. Mor Metro-West High School, a secular public school in the central Israeli city of Raanana, has lost seven former students since Oct. 7, including a 20-year-old soldier who died March 31. One female alum, a soldier, is being held hostage in Gaza. Amnon Bar Natan, the schools longtime former principal, attended all seven funerals. It was very, very hard for me on a personal level," he said. The pain of losing young men in combat is also felt acutely at Yeruchams yeshiva, or school for advanced Talmudic studies, which has around 300 students. One day, after two more students were killed in Gaza, we came to the morning prayer and we couldnt say anything. The students expected us to say something, but we were unable to," said Chaim Wolfson, one of the head rabbis. Many of the students at Yeruchams yeshiva serve in combat units, which puts them at higher risk. That is because they are part of a movement within Orthodox Judaism known as Religious Zionism, which sees fighting for Israel as an essential part of the faith. The growing prominence of Religious Zionist soldiers in the military represents a shift from the past, when the armed forces were grounded in the secular and often left-leaning part of society. It is also making it harder to justify the exemption from compulsory military service of ultra-Orthodox Jews, a controversial privilege that dates back to the founding of Israel. The right-wing government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which relies on the support of ultra-Orthodox politicians, has presented a bill that would expand the criteria for military service while still excluding the ultra-Orthodox. The special treatment enjoyed by that community is fueling broad discontent over how the burden of war is being distributed at a time when the military needs manpower. A prominent, secular member of Netanyahus unity government, Benny Gantz, is threatening to pull out if such a bill passes. The idea that some people dont serve at the moment, in this crisis, its infuriating," said Keidar, whose organization deals with issues of religion and state. He says he disagrees with Religious Zionists on pretty much everything" with one exception: They go to yeshivas and they go to the army. They show its doable." Despite the losses, dozens more students at the yeshiva in Yerucham are waiting to be drafted by the army this spring. Yehudah Corn, a 20-year-old student, said the prospect of enlisting during a war was both stressful and motivating. We want to learn the Torah and to build our relationship with God. We also want to serve our country, to go through what everyone here goes through," he said. When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, Jackman and other fourth-year students at Yerucham had recently completed their compulsory military service and were preparing to resume their full-time studies. The army called them back. Jackman, who was killed in late December, was known at the yeshiva for his piano-playing and for showing up in the study hall earlier than other students. When the Israeli military started mobilizing for the invasion of Gaza, Jackman phoned army officers to try to secure a part in it. He was so motivated," said his mother, Liat Jackman. He was very intense in whatever he did." Yeshiva students try to follow the rules of Orthodox Jewish practice during their deployments in Gaza, including praying three times a day and studying religious texts. They sometimes find the Israeli militarys secular environmentin which men and women mix freelyto be a culture shock. But fighting side by side on the battlefield has at times also helped bridge the divides. Jackmans friend, Eitan Rosenzweig, who was killed in November, was a deeply religious student and talented artist who once drew an 11-foot-long scroll depicting the history of the Jewish people. After being deployed to Gaza, he was unsettled by the presence of a female paramedic in the crew of his cramped armored vehicle. Wow, they put a woman with us, thats not OK," he told his parents in a phone call. By the next call, he was getting used to it and said her name was Maayan. After Rosenzweigs death, Maayan attended a mourning ritual for him in Yerucham. They became friends," his mother, Hagit, said. Write to Margherita Stancati at margherita.stancati@wsj.com Lok Sabha Elections: During the Vijay Sankalp Rally in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed the Uri and Balakot surgical strikes, stating that in the 10 years that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governed India, terrorists have been killed in their own homes. The PM's Mazboot Modi Sarkar remark came amid allegations that sleeper cells of the Indian intelligence agency, Research & Analysis Wing (RAW), handled by PM Modi's office, orchestrated targeted killings in Pakistan. While hailing the surgical strikes conducted by India in Uri and Balakot, PM Modi said that 'under the Mazboot Modi sarkar, atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai'. The 2019 Balakot airstrike was a bombing raid conducted by Indian warplanes on February 26, 2019, in Balakot, Pakistan, against an alleged terrorist training camp. The surgical strike was conducted right before the Lok Sabha polls in 2019. The Uri surgical strike occurred when the Indian Army crossed the Line of Control (LOC), on September 29, 2016, to attack targets up to a kilometre within the territory held by Pakistan. The raid occurred 10 days after four militants had attacked an Indian army outpost at Uri on September 18, 2016, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, and killed 19 soldiers. The Indian tricolour has become a guarantee of security even in the war zone, PM Modi affirmed. He also said that whenever the country had a weak government, enemies have taken advantage. Lashing out at the Congress, PM Modi said, During the Congress regime, the soldiers did not even have bulletproof jackets. There was no proper arrangement to protect them from enemy bullets. It was the BJP that gave bulletproof jackets made in India to its soldiers, saving their lives. Today, everything from modern rifles to fighter planes and aircraft carriers is being made in the country itself, PM Modi added. According to a report published by the Guardian on April 5, quoting Indian and Pakistani intelligence operatives, PM Modi's office ordered the assassination of individuals in neighbouring Pakistan. As per the report, the Research & Analysis Wing, an agency directly controlled by PM Modi's office, had undertaken the strategy to eliminate terrorists living on foreign soil". The Guardian report concentrated on killings in Pakistan, which it claims have crossed 20 since 2020. Soon after the report surfaced, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had also said, If any terrorist will try to disturb India from any neighbouring country or try to conduct any terror activities in India, we will always give a befitting reply to them." In an interview with News18, Rajnath Singh said, If that terrorist will run towards Pakistan (from India), Pakistan mein ghus ke marenge (will kill them by entering into Pakistan). The Delhi Directorate of Vigilance has terminated Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of incarcerated Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. YVVJ Rajshekhar, the Special Secretary of Vigilance, issued the directive for Kumar's removal, citing a 2007 case. According to the order, The Competent Authority hereby terminates the engagement of Bibhav Kumar, in terms of the provisions of Rule 5 of the Central Civil Services (Temporary Service) Rules, 1965, with immediate effect. The directive further noted that a government employee, Mahesh Pal, had alleged that Bibhav Kumar obstructed him from performing his duties and verbally abused him. The order specified that a case had been filed against Bibhav Kumar. The Station House Officer, Police Station, Sector-20 Noida, vide Letter dated 29.04.23 (Page 76/C) has informed that the FIR No. 102/2007 was filed on 25.01.2007 by the complainant Sh. Mahesh Pal who was posted at Development Authority, Sector 6, Noida. The said FIR was registered under Sections 353/504/506 of IPC against Sh. Rajeev Kwnar So Sh. Ram Kewal and Sh. Bibhay Kumar _S/o_ Sh. Maheshwar Roy for obstructing the complainant, a public servant, from discharging his duty and abusing/ threatening the complainant, the order said. The order further stated that the character and antecedent verification of the personal staff of ministers should be conducted before engaging non-government officials. Bibhav Kumar's trial is at the stage of evidence, and he is not clear from the angle of vigilance, it added. Earlier on April 8, the ED had questioned Bibhav Kumar. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate regarding an alleged excise policy matter. On April 1, the trial court extended his judicial custody until April 15. The ED claimed that the AAP is the primary recipient of funds from the purported liquor scandal. AAP convener Kejriwal has been lodged in jail number 2 of the Tihar prison complex. Arvind Kejriwal has termed his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate ahead of the general elections in a money laundering case linked to an excise policy scam as an unprecedented assault on the tenets of democracy and urged the Supreme Court to release him by declaring the case against him as illegal. Artificial Intelligence is the reason scientists have not found any evidence of Extra-terrestrial civilisations? Scientist have come top believe that there has to be a connection in the development of AI on Earth to the lessening probability of finding evidence of an alien civilisation. Scientists adhering to the Fermi Paradox have stated that the contradiction between the high probability of alien life existing and the complete lack of evidence for it, may have been tied to the AI development among human on Earth. According to a report published by Michael Garrett, it is suggested that AI's evolution into Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) could be the Great Filter, keeping alien evidence away. The Great Filter theory says that a hurdle that intelligent life must overcome to become advanced and interstellar. The theory applies itself to natural disasters and self-inflicted destruction as well. Garrett argues that Artifical Super Intelligence development might be a tipping point for civilizations, potentially leading to extinction within 200 years if left unchecked. This timeframe could explain the lack of any detectable signs of past ETIs. The study by Garett also highlights the urgency of developing regulations for AI development and pursuing a multi-planetary future to mitigate these existential threats. Beyond immediate job displacement concerns, the ethical and societal implications of advanced AI loom large. Issues like algorithmic bias, societal manipulation, and the potential for AI to make autonomous decisions raise a multitude of unanswered questions. Stephen Hawking previously warned of AI surpassing human intelligence and potentially replacing humanity altogether. This scenario aligns with the concept of ASI, a super-intelligent AI surpassing human capabilities. An American satellite narrowly avoided destruction when it came within 10 meters of a Russian satellite in space. According to a report by The Mirror US citing experts, a collision between the two could have endangered lives. NASA's Deputy Administrator, Colonel Pam Melroy expressed deep concern over the incident that occurred in February 2024. Despite efforts, neither satellite could be manoeuvred, resulting in an alarming near miss. The report further stated Melroy said while speaking at the Space Foundations Space Symposium in Colorado, It was very shocking personally and for all of us at NASA. On February 28, a NASA spacecraft called Timed and a Russian satellite, neither of them manoeuvrable, were expected to make a close path. We recently learnt that the path ended up being less than 10 metres apart, less than the distance of me to the front row. Had the two satellites collided, we would have seen debris generation, tiny shards travelling at 10,000 miles per hour, waiting to puncture a hole in another spacecraft and potentially putting human lives at risk. Russian space authorities confirmed on Wednesday that there is an ongoing air leak in the Russian part of the International Space Station. However, they assured that it does not pose any threat to the crew, the report stated. Furthermore, the Roscosmos state corporation stated that experts are closely monitoring the situation and the crew regularly conducts work to locate and fix possible spots of the leak. There is no threat to the crew or the station itself, it said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. Additionally, Roscosmos' comment came after remarks from Joel Montalbano, NASA's station project manager, who mentioned on Wednesday that the air leak in the Russian segment has grown, though he stressed that it remains minor and does not jeopardise the safety of the crew or the operations of the vehicle. BALTIMOREJonathan Daniels took over this citys port two months ago with a mandate to expand it. As he looks outside a 20th-floor window, it is clear how much his job has changed. In the distance is the mangled wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the 984-foot containership that brought down the span in late March. He is now managing a crisis he never imagined that threatens a major driver of the areas economy. In short, he has the hardest job in U.S. logistics right now. You look out there, its gone," he said of the bridge, part of the citys beltway for nearly 50 years. Not only is that route gone, but also its blocking commerce for the region." The wreckage has walled off most of the port to oceangoing ships, including all but one of the vehicle terminals that made Baltimore the nations top gateway for imported cars. The Army Corps of Engineers says it aims to remove enough debris to fully reopen the 50-foot-deep channel by late May. We want our cargo back when that time comes," Daniels, who is 55, balding and deep-voiced, said in his first public comments since the ship Dali lost steering for unknown reasons and slammed into a bridge support column around 1:30 a.m. March 26. The collapse of the bridge killed six workers who were repairing potholes. Daniels said he is already planning for the resumption of operations. He is acting as a liaison between federal and state officials and an array of port interests. That means staying in touch with shippers, private port operators and the longshoremens union, as well as with the Army Corps and Coast Guard, which are leading the federal disaster response. He sees a big part of his job as sharing information while managing expectations about when the port might get back to normal. Hes definitely got the most complex job to deal with right now. Hes doing multiple jobs at the same time," said Bethann Rooney, director of the Port of New York and New Jersey. The National Transportation Safety Board, or the NTSB, is investigating what happened to the Singapore-flagged containership, and Chair Jennifer Homendy said Wednesday the probe was focused on the vessels electrical-power system and circuit breakers. Daniels said port officials arent aware of any problems with the ship before it left its berth for a 27-day journey to Sri Lanka. There was no indication to us that there was any issue whatsoever," he said. So far, Daniels has won plaudits from labor and industry players who were still getting to know him. Just 400 or so of the 2,400 members of the International Longshoremens Association Local 333 are working on any given day right now. That compares with up to 1,800 before the collapse, said Scott Cowan, president of the local. The state legislature passed a bill to aid workers and port-related businesses. I feel like hes doing everything in his power to get us through this," Cowan said. Mike Derby, a senior vice president at Norwegian roll-on/roll-off shipper Wallenius Wilhelmsen, which uses Baltimore as a hub, said Daniels is doing a great job in terms of not overpromising, but still working hard to get us as much information as he can." The company normally brings in several ships a week. Its 750-foot ship Carmen, which can carry thousands of cars, was due to leave Baltimore on March 26, but is stuck in port. On Tuesday, trucker Danny Dodd stood in the ships shadow, preparing to haul a shiny tractor to Norfolk, Va., where it would be loaded onto a ship for exportone example of how East Coast ports have stepped in for what Daniels hopes is just a temporary assist. Some of those ports are competitors of ours," Daniels said, and he is grateful they are working together. But when shippers ask what they can do, he said his response is: You can come back." While two tugboats guided the Dali into the Patapsco River shipping channel, they didnt escort it all the way under the Key Bridge. Daniels said the port has begun discussions with tug operators about potential modifications to protocols, which he said would hinge on recommendations from agencies such as the NTSB and Coast Guard. Such a change would require having enough tugs, he said, and raises other questions: Are there enough tug captains to be able to do that? And what does that add to the timing as well? You cant be up to full speed if youre attached to a couple tugs." Danielss grandfather was a longshoreman on Lake Erie, and his father did similar work for a time. His own career started in Maine, and he later directed ports in Oswego, N.Y., and Gulfport, Miss. Before being hired as executive director of the Maryland Port Administration, he led Port Everglades in South Florida. Past challenges have helped him prepare, he said. In Gulfport, he oversaw the rebuilding and expansion of facilities wrecked by Hurricane Katrina. In 2020 he took over at Port Everglades, one of the worlds largest cruise ports, after the Covid-19 pandemic froze the industry. Lori Baer, executive director of the Port Everglades Association, a business group, said Daniels guided the port through that period with openness and a bullish attitude. Daniels came into the Baltimore job thinking about how to expand operations at the port, which consists of public and private terminals. He wanted more of the containers that bring in all manner of retail goods, and a boost in Latin American produce imports. Daniels got a call minutes after the catastrophe and recalls the first time he saw video of the bridge tumbling into the water. You still almost felt like you were in a dream," he said. Driving downtown, questions raced through his mind. Was there anything that could have been done to be able to avoid this?" he said. Then you have maybe about five to 10 minutes of just internal reflection." More than two weeks later, he said he worries about the toll on his staff. He said he tries to find time for head-clearing walks and petting the therapy dogs brought to the command center. Lately, he talks often with Mark Schmidt, vice president at Ports America Chesapeake, which operates the 320-acre Seagirt Marine Terminal. Seagirt typically sees 3,500 to 4,000 truck transactions daily, but that is down to a few hundred, Schmidt said. Crews mostly move containers that were taken off ships in New York or Virginia and trucked to Baltimore for redelivery to customers. We have a limited window of opportunity to get the channel cleared," Schmidt said. Another regular contact for Daniels is Kerry Doyle, managing director at Tradepoint Atlantic, a 3,300-acre logistics center. It is located on the Chesapeake Bay side of the Key Bridge, and some auto deliveries were diverted there after the collapse. Doyle and Daniels recently talked about how to get car-carrying trucks from Tradepoint over to the terminals where arriving autos are processed. A lot of people would get really emotional and get really strung out from this," Doyle said. Hes done really well in kind of being unflappable and a steady hand and not losing sight of the bigger picture." Katy Stech Ferek contributed to this article. Write to Scott Calvert at scott.calvert@wsj.com Google is bringing a host of AI-powered features to its Photos app from May 15. Notably, many of these features, including Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light, were limited to Pixel phones, but will now be accessible on almost all devices without requiring a subscription. Also Read | Instagram's new nudity protection feature will help tackle sextortion. Here's how it will work Starting May 15, Google is also rolling out its AI-powered Magic Editor to all eligible devices. The powerful tool was one of the key selling points when the Pixel 8 series was launched last year, but it seems Google wants to get users accustomed to its own tool amid a rush of AI-powered image editors on the market. However, Google does mention that free users will only be limited to 10 edits per month and that more edits will require a Google One subscription with 2TB of storage or more. However, Pixel users will still be able to make unlimited image edits. Magic Editor uses generative AI to make complex photo editing tasks easier. For example, users can use Magic Editor to reposition a subject, change the colour of the sky and fill in gaps in their images. Will you get the AI backed Google Photos features? Google said that its AI tools will start rolling out to all Android devices with 64 bit processor, minimum 3GB RAM and running on Android 8.0 (Oreo) or above (iOS 15 and above for iPhones). These tools will gradually roll out starting May 15 and over the following weeks to all devices that meet minimum requirements. Look out for them in Google Photos to help make your shots picture-perfect. The plethora of Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, Sky suggestions, Colour pop, HDR effects, Portrait Blur, Portrait Light, Cinematic Photos, Collage Edtor Styles and more. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! Meta-backed social media platform Instagram revealed on Thursday that it is testing new features to protect users from sextortion and other forms of "intimate image abuse". The company said it will soon roll out a nudity protection feature in Instagram DMs, which will automatically detect images containing nudity and encourage people to "think twice" before sending nude images. Meta said the new feature will use on-device machine learning to analyse nude images sent through Instagram DMs. What's more, the Menlo Park, California-based company said that because these images will be analysed on the device itself, Meta won't have access to the images unless someone chooses to report them. The new feature aims to protect people from financial sextortion - a phenomenon in which predators force victims to send their sexually explicit photos and videos, then demand payment or threaten to post the images online. How will Nudity Protection feature work? Nudity protection will be turned on by default for under-18s worldwide, while adults will receive a notification encouraging them to turn it on. Also Read | EU launches probes into Apple, Meta, Google under new digital competition law Once the feature is turned on, people sending images with nudity will receive a reminder to be "cautious" when sending sensitive photos and users will have the option to unsend these images if they change their mind later. When sending these images, users will also be directed to Meta's safety tips, reminding them that someone may screenshot or forward these images, or that their relationship with the recipient may change in the future. The feature will also protect users from seeing unwanted nudity in their DMs by blurring images that contain nudity and placing them under a warning screen. Meta will also display a message to users encouraging them not to feel pressured to respond, as well as an option to block the sender and report the chat. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS.Byblos Bank Armenia has donated AMD 5 million to the Health Fund for the Children of Armenia to support the funds projects aimed at treating children with health issues. Prioritizing meaningful social impact, the Bank continues to invest in causes that foster healthy, thriving communities. Byblos Bank Armenia CEO Hayk Stepanyan believes it is important to participate in the organization of treatment of children with health issues and the prevention of diseases among kids. Byblos Bank Armenia anchors its firm belief in our Nation by supporting future generations. Whether through education, health, culture or more, the Bank is committed to championing projects and supporting foundations whose goals align with its vision. The Health Fund for the Children of Armenia is a natural partner for us through their dedication of the professional team , and their relentless activities to promote children's health in our country. We recognize that patients have different needs, and such measures enable industry leaders to find targeted solutions and mobilize resources in order to provide quality care and treatment to our kids, said Hayk Stepanyan. According to founding director of the Fund Armen Martirosyan, the trust and willingness to cooperate displayed by Byblos Bank Armenia is humbling. The Bank has always supported such initiatives and provided necessary resources so that children with serious health issues grow up in a healthy environment and get to enjoy a carefree childhood. We greatly appreciate that. Funds donated by Byblos Bank Armenia will be directed to the creation of health infrastructure in the provinces of Armenia, Armen Martirosyan noted. The main programs of the foundation focus on the provision of quality treatment in Armenia and abroad to children with serious health issues, institutional work aimed at preventing serious diseases among kids, re-equipment of hospitals, and the international training of doctors. Detailed information about the CSR programs implemented by Byblos Bank Armenia are available on the Bank's official website. North Korea has stolen around $630 million to $1 billion in crypto assets during 2022 alone. It has been said that they targeted networks of foreign aerospace and defence companies. North Korea has been accused of stealing all this money in order to fund nuclear and missle upgrades. North Korea has denied all accusations made against them. The techniques used by cyberthreat actors have become more sophisticated, thus making tracking stolen funds more difficult. These actors continued illicitly to target victims to generate revenue and solicit information of value to the DPRK including its weapons programmes, the UN Reported. North Korea were even linked to a major theft estimating hundreds of millions from the Crypto game Axie Infinity. $615 million in March 2022 alone was stolen from this games blockchain Ronin. #EU #ECB #EC #EUR #digital #currency #CBCD The EC announced Wednesday that it plans to propose a bill for a digital euro early next yr Paul Ebeling This bill will serve as the legal foundation for the European Central Banks ongoing technical work on the virtual version of a euro banknote or coin. Central banks across the world are developing virtual money to ensure they are not undermined by the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, which has inspired Big Tech to eye ways to enter the payments market. We must push forward with full speed. No one will wait for us, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters last yr when he was finance minister. I am convinced that eurozone countries need to take part more actively in the process and play a stronger role. The Commissions plans to move forward with a bill is the most definitive sign so far that a digital euro could become a reality in the coming yrs. Since last year, the ECB has been giving mixed signals about the future of a digital euro. In September, just before the ECBs 2-yr investigation into a digital euro kicked off, an ECB official said the project would not guarantee the launch of a digital currency. With the rising popularity of private cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and stablecoins, which are pegged to the value of assets like the USD research into central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has picked up around the world. A number of countries, including Canada and China, are running pilot programs, and Nigeria launched a CBDC in October. The US leads, but Europe is moving at a slow pace. In September 2020, ECB chief Christine Lagarde said that the EU has fallen behind in the digital payments race and that a digital euro could give it an edge. Despite the urgency Ms. Lagarde expressed at that time, things are still moving at a slow pace. The digital euro discussion is a very, very slow discussion because its corporate, and the central bank plays a role. This makes it very complicated, said a German economist and head of the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center. The Commission first published a report on a digital euro in October 2020, which was open to public comment until January 2021. A 2nd public consultation is set to kick off next month. Have a happy, prosperous weekend, Keep the Faith! Islamic Coin will be launching on Exchanges soon and plans to roll out multiple supporting features including a wallet and superapp. KXCO.io has been chosen to work on the pre-sale and to be one of the Prime Exchanges for the Islamic Coin launch. About Islamic Coin Islamic Coin purposeful community crypto asset. Its used as a native coin on the Haqq blockchain. Each time a new Islamic Coin is minted, 10% of the issued amount is deposited into a special Evergreen DAO for further investment into projects beneficiary for Muslim community or given to Islamic charities. This is the first introduction of a coin bringing direct economic value to a community. Haqq Blockchain Haqq (Arabic for truth) is a Proof of Stake blockchain network compatible with the existing ecosystem of Blockchain tools and developer instruments (primarily, Ethereum and Cosmos) and meeting modern industry requirements, with fast-finality and high transactions troughtput. Haqqs purpose is to serve the international Muslim community by providing a financial and technological tool that allows for independent financial interaction, while supporting technological evolution and philanthropy. Islamic Coins Shariah Board is led by Sheikh Dr. Nizam Mohammed Saleh Yaquby, recognized by Bloomberg as The Gatekeeper of a $2 trillion market for Islamic financial products. Sheikh Yaquby sits on the Shariah boards of top international finance including HSBC, Lloyds TSB and Barclays; Frances BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole and Citigroup. Shariah-compliant Islamic Coin has secured $200M during its private sale from international private buyers. The crypto, targeting the worlds 2 billion Muslim population and ethics-first crypto adopters have broken all records, becoming the top private sale raise in 2022 and the top 10 raise in history. The Shariah-compliant digital currency has gained a Fatwa, issued by the worlds leading experts in Sharia Law. The edict was led by Sheikh Dr. Nizam Mohammed Saleh Yaquby, recognized as The Gatekeeper of a $2 trillion market for Islamic financial products. The award-winning team includes leading traditional and Islamic Finance figureheads such as Peter Rafferty, former manager of the $600 billion portfolio at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Khamis Buharoon Al Shamsi, former Head of the Banks Inspection Team at the Central Bank of the UAE. About KXCO The Knightsbridge DAO spans the entire blockchain ecosystem ranging from a sophisticated blockchain with unique features (Knights Armature), to a Centralised-Decentralised-Exchange (KXCO) run by expert traders, to our own wallet and includes our own Metaverse. Built by a team of experienced traders, gaming specialists and IT engineers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the Knightsbridge DAO was built with a mission to create a unique ecosystem for the financial savvy user. Our operations span across the entire blockchain value chain cantered around our KXCO Exchange. We act as expert traders, liquidity providers, structure serious DeFi products, miners & validators and offer Financial, Blockchain & Metaverse infrastructure and educational services to our clients and users. We operate on a continuous basis 24/7 with a presence around of the world, from our headquarter in Bangkok and from a network of local representations in Dubai, New York, Croatia, Singapore and St. Vincent & Grenadines. Cryptocurrency crimes are growing more frequent, and law enforcement organizations are working hard to catch criminal actors and bring them to justice. On January 27, the British Royal Court convicted a Ph.D. student at Oxford to four and a half years in jail for a 2-million-euro crypto fraud. Wybo Wiersma, a 36-year-old student from Goredijk in the Netherlands, established a website while attending St Cross College. Wiersma allegedly used a bogus name to set up the website iotaseed.io, which allegedly produced private keys (seeds) according to the report. Users can exchange IOTA using passwords (seeds) that he convinced were random 81-character strings. IOTA is a cryptocurrency that may only be accessed with passwords known as seeds. Users with the seeds can receive and send IOTA. However, Wiersmas website and promises were all a ruse designed to dupe naive consumers. The Crypto Scam According to sources, Wybo Wiersma convinced customers that the seeds on his website were generated at random, but the keys were planned. He made it feasible by putting malicious code on the website. Wiersma could utilize the malicious software to access each users seeds when they carried out transactions and steal monies into his own account. On January 19, 2018, Wiersma transferred the stolen cash to Bitcoin and Monero, an altcoin, on the cryptocurrency market Bitfinex. The assets were initially valued around $11 million, however the IOTA foundation and impacted crypto exchanges recovered a portion of the cash after banning Wiersmas accounts. While this activity was taking place on Bitfinex, the cryptocurrency exchange got suspicious of the scammers accounts and froze them. Bitfinex required Wiersma to authenticate himself before unfreezing his accounts, which he did by showing images of two fraudulent passports. One of the Belgian passports did not accurately indicate the nation listed on the paper. The other was a photograph of a man named Jason, who was carrying an Australian passport. Because Bitfinex was unable to identify the account owners, the funds remained frozen, prompting Wiersma to switch to another exchange. Wiersma proceeded to Binance and registered five accounts, all of which were frozen, prompting him to present yet another forged British ID. Please follow the link for the full details of the case. Justice Served In 2018, multiple victims reported stolen money to German and UK police using the website iotaseed.io. The police traced the crime to the United Kingdom and turned over the investigation to the South East Regional Organised Crime Teams cybercrime unit. After connecting all of the blocked funds to a VPN that he used to access his Bitfinex account, this agency was able to trace the schemes back to Wiersma. Authorities then found four other exchange accounts used by the fraudster to collect stolen cash. Following the finding, British authorities raided his Oxford residence in January 2019 and followed the movements on his desktop computer. Wiersma had already dropped out of his Ph.D. program at St Cross by that point. Even though there was proof against Wiersma, he disputed the claims, claiming that his computer had been hacked. When the authorities questioned Wiersma about his malicious website, he too refused to answer. Due to a lack of hard proof, the police withdrew all accusations against him, and he returned to the Netherlands. However, the police maintained their investigation until they traced Wiersmas VPN to a Bitcoin payment, which he used to construct the seed-generating website. On December 24, 2020, detectives seized his laptop, six hard drives, a memory card, and two USB sticks before arresting him. As of January 27 2023, Wiersma was sentenced to four and a half years in jail by the Oxford Crown Court after pleading guilty. For information on how to keep safe online, view SEROCUs website. To speak to a professional on Cryptocurrency, contact KXCO.IO. Sources:/Bitcoinist/; /Reuters/ Judge Analisa Torres of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York said that Ripple did not break the law when the cryptocurrency it created, XRP, was sold on public exchanges but, ruling that the networks XRP token was a security when Ripple sold it to institutional investors a number of years ago. Federal court rules Ripples XRP token can be treated as a security sometimes. The ruling was not a complete victory for the industry. People took very positively to the news, lets take a look at the Ripple Technicals now. Momentum is a general term used to describe the speed at which prices move over a given time period. Generally, changes in momentum tend to lead to changes in prices. This expert shows the current values of four popular momentum indicators. Stochastic Oscillator One method of interpreting the Stochastic Oscillator is looking for overbought areas (above 80) and oversold areas (below 20). The Stochastic Oscillator is 66.8093. This is not an overbought or oversold reading. The last signal was a sell 9 period(s) ago. Relative Strength Index (RSI) The RSI shows overbought (above 70) and oversold (below 30) areas. The current value of the RSI is 77.84. This is where it usually tops. The RSI usually forms tops and bottoms before the underlying security. A buy or sell signal is generated when the RSI moves out of an overbought/oversold area. The last signal was a sell 39 period(s) ago. Commodity Channel Index (CCI) The CCI shows overbought (above 100) and oversold (below -100) areas. The current value of the CCI is 247.This is an overbought reading. However, a signal isnt generated until the indicator crosses below 100. The last signal was a buy 6 period(s) ago. MACD The Moving Average Convergence/Divergence indicator (MACD) gives signals when it crosses its 9 period signal line. The last signal was a buy 1 period(s) ago. Ripple Technical Outlook Short Term: Neutral Intermediate Term: Bearish Long Term: Bullish Short-term traders should pay closer attention to buy/sell arrows while intermediate/long-term traders should place greater emphasis on the Bullish or Bearish trend reflected in the lower ribbon. Summary Ripple is currently 70.8% above its 200-period moving average and is in an upward trend. Volatility is extremely high when compared to the average volatility over the last 10 periods. There is a good possibility that volatility will decrease and prices will stabilize in the near term. Our volume indicators reflect volume flowing into and out of Ripple at a relatively equal pace (neutral). Our trend forecasting oscillators are currently bullish on Ripple and have had this outlook for the last 1 periods. Our momentum oscillator is currently indicating that XRP is currently in an overbought condition. Shayne Heffernan It would create one of the largest Superfund sites in America and the first in which most of the toxic pollution comes from another country. But those are not the only unique aspects of an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to add the upper reaches of the Columbia River in Washington to the list of the nations most contaminated lands and waters. A final designation of about 150 miles of the river under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, better known as the Superfund law, could finally bring some closure to a dispute between the United States and Canada that began a century ago after wastes from a massive smelter in British Columbia started flowing across the border. The designation is also expected to help restore diminished salmon runs that Native Americans in the Northwest have relied upon for thousands of years. The upper Columbia River basin includes natural resources that have been and continue to be integral to our subsistence and culture since time immemorial, Gregory Abrahamson, chairperson of the Spokane Tribal Business Council, said in a January letter to the EPA. Historic and ongoing releases of hazardous substances to the Site threatens or directly affects the health and welfare of our members, our economic security, and the Spokane Tribes political integrity, Abrahamson wrote. Other tribes in the region, Washington Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee and state environmental agencies are backing the EPA's Superfund proposal, but it faces opposition from many local officials and some Republicans, including House Energy and Commerce Chairperson Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. The congresswoman recognizes the importance of addressing potential contamination in the Upper Columbia River, but she has serious concerns about what this listing would mean for the region, Rodgers spokesperson Kyle VonEnde said via email. She is actively engaging with the EPA and community members to ensure transparency in this process as next steps are determined to protect the environment as well as peoples health and safety. Cross-border contaminants The long stretch of the river from the Grand Coulee Dam to the Canadian border has been contaminated by at least nine types of hazardous wastes, including arsenic, lead and zinc, that mostly came from one of the worlds largest smelters 10 miles inside Canada. The Teck Metals facility in Trail, British Columbia, has been dumping metals and other harmful compounds directly into the river and through its air emissions since it opened in 1896, according to the EPA. The agency completed an assessment of the risks to human health in 2021, finding that lead in soils in residential areas posed the biggest threat. An ecological risk assessment is underway, but preliminary findings show that cadmium, lead and zinc present the greatest and most widespread risk to plants, invertebrates, mammals, and birds exposed to soil in the upland area, the EPA said. The waters in the river basin, including the popular Lake Roosevelt behind the Grand Coulee Dam, are safe for recreation, the agency says. Toronto-based Teck Metals says it has spent more than $170 million on studies of the river contamination, and between the company and the EPA more than 50 residential properties have been cleaned up. But the agency says about 150 other properties still have lead levels above a recently tightened standard for protecting human health. Disputes over the pollution date back to the 1930s when the United States first demanded that Canada pay for damages in the state of Washington caused by the smelter. But it wasnt until 2003, in response to a petition from tribes in the region, that the EPA ordered Teck to conduct studies of the contamination. What followed were two decades of risk debates and cross-border litigation, including a lengthy federal case over whether air pollution can be considered a source of contamination at a Superfund site, an argument the EPA eventually lost. From the states perspective, the process has taken too long, which is why a Superfund designation is needed, said Brook Beeler, Eastern regional manager at the Washington State Department of Ecology. COLFAX After extensive deliberation, a Whitman County jury found guilty a 34-year-old man accused of molesting a teenage boy from Pullman. Juan Trejo Perez was convicted of felony third-degree child molestation Wednesday afternoon. This concluded a three-day jury trial at the Whitman County Superior Court. The trial included testimony from several of the victims family members, as well as a lengthy statement from Trejo Perez, which began Tuesday afternoon and continued Wednesday morning. He alleged the family had conspired against him, and he discounted versions told by all 10 witnesses Tuesday. His testimony Wednesday was similar; he again contended law enforcement was malicious and interrogated him in an ugly way. Pullman Police Department Detective Sgt. Chris Engle provided a rebuttal to this claim, and said the investigation was not hostile. He added interrogations arent like theyre portrayed on TV, and police use methods that build rapport with the suspect. We need to build a relationship with them so we arent an enemy, Engle said. We try to be careful not to induce external pressure. Whitman County Prosecutor Tessa Scholl said the victims and his familys statements were consistent, and they had no reason to fabricate their story. She added Trejo Perez, at any point in his testimony, didnt indicate why they could have been lying. Scholl said Trejo Perezs claims were exaggerated and misleading. She said he conveniently showed the victim porn on the same day of the molestation, fixed the lock on his door hours before the incident occurred, left the house afterward and just so happened to end up at the airport trying to leave the country. She noted many points in Trejo Perezs statement were contradictory. YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. The relations between Armenia and Georgia span over 30 years, while the historical ties between the two peoples date back hundreds of years, providing a solid foundation for the current relationship between the two countries. Arayik Harutyunyan, the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, expressed this opinion during the expert forum on "Armenia-Georgia strategic partnership: from concept to reality." He expressed hope that this professional platform would provide another impetus for deepening cooperation between the two countries. He added that the RA government highly values the opinion and role of expert communities in identifying future perspectives for strategic cooperation between Armenia and Georgia. The core of the interaction between Armenia and Georgia lies in the similarity of their value systems, which are intertwined with identical perceptions of democracy, human rights, and freedoms, as well as the unconditional supremacy of the law. It's important to emphasize that in the declaration on strategic cooperation signed between Armenia and Georgia in January of this year, the unconditional recognition of each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty is essential. The activation of the border delimitation process between Armenia and Georgia is also on the agenda," said Harutyunyan. Seizing the opportunity, he extended congratulations to Georgia on attaining the status of a candidate for EU membership. He expressed optimism that this development would enhance regional stability and prosperity, underscoring Armenia's steadfast support for Tbilisi's aspirations to join the European Union. The Armenia-EU partnership stands as one of the foremost priorities of the Republic of Armenia's foreign policy. Anchored in the RA-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed on November 24, 2017, this partnership boasts a robust legal foundation. To ensure the effective implementation of this agreement, an extensive roadmap comprising over 300 measures was developed under the auspices of the interdepartmental coordinating committee. Collaboration with the European Union has been instrumental in driving reforms across various sectors in Armenia, including justice, public administration, and the economy. With the steadfast support of the European Union, Armenia has embarked on comprehensive reforms aimed at fostering a democratic society," stated the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister. According to him, Armenia is currently navigating a pivotal period, diversifying its foreign policy endeavours. As a result, the government is actively cultivating relationships with both regional and global stakeholders, while concurrently nurturing ties with longstanding partners and forging new alliances. Harutyunyan emphasizes that the diversification of foreign policy, encompassing the development of a new security architecture and the cultivation of fresh partnerships in the defense sector, stands as a crucial imperative for the Republic of Armenia. "The evolving geopolitical landscape presents new trials and challenges, particularly within our region. In response, nations sharing common values and aspirations must collaborate closely to address these emerging challenges and threats. It's crucial to recognize that amidst these new geopolitical realities, our countries are also presented with fresh opportunities. Opening new horizons for cooperation, expanding economic ties, and the potential for tangible and enduring peace in the region offer promising prospects that should be maximized by our states and peoples," emphasized Harutyunyan. He reiterated that the Armenian government has introduced the "Crossroads of Peace" project aimed at fostering regional connectivity, grounded in the principles of state sovereignty, jurisdiction over infrastructure traversing respective territories, equality, and reciprocity. In terms of unblocking regional infrastructure, the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative envisions a substantial enhancement in the capacity of road freight, pipelines, power transmission, and internet cables linking the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The North-South component of the "Crossroads of Peace" framework entails establishing railway communication contingent upon the resolution of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, while the East-West aspect aims to connect the Caspian Sea via Armenian territory to the Mediterranean Sea and Turkish ports on the Black Sea through diverse channels. "In the current situation, as countries explore new transport and economic avenues, the South Caucasus has the potential to emerge as a pivotal transit hub bridging the East and West, as well as the North and South. In conclusion, I am confident that this conference will serve as a valuable platform for the exchange of expert insights and experiences among our nations," concluded Harutyunyan. Gor Tsarukyan, Director of the Public Relations and Information Center of the Prime Ministers office, in his turn noted that the structure he leads attaches great importance to cooperation with Georgian partners, particularly expert circles. We have a significant mission ahead of us: to elevate the dialogue between the societies and expert circles of both countries to the level of the robust political relations already established between Armenia and Georgia. We have ambitious goals and concrete plans in this regard. The recent years' activities, various formats of mutual cooperation, and the increasing frequency of mutual visits serve as testament to our commitment. The strategic partnership agreement inked between our nations underpins this commitment, thereby necessitating that our future plans remain aligned with its objectives," stated Tsarukyan. Manvel Margaryan A local elected representative has called for the establishment of a taskforce to investigate companies that may be used to launder money. Cllr Seamus Butler took to social media to instigate action. It's become apparent, in recent months, that a fresh clutch of sham front companies have been established in Longford. Behind these criminals are professionals, who are knowingly complicit in aiding and abetting the laundering of income from nefarious activities, he said. The Fianna Fail elected representative said definitive action is required: I am calling for a special task force, including Revenue and the Garda National Economic Fraud Bureau (GNEFB) to launch a specific investigation in Longford. It should work hand in hand with CAB to put a stop to these criminals that are besmirching Longford and the vast majority of good honest, and tax compliant businesses providing employment throughout the County. Also read: Longford soldiers return from last United Nations mission to Syria Speaking to the Leader, the former chair of the Longford Joint Policing Committee believes action must be taken: There are a number of businesses established in the last nine months, he said, on the face of it they don't seem to be viable operations. One has to question why they are there. If there is a co-ordinated investigation by Revenue and the GNEFB they can find out what the businesses are generating in turnover, Cllr Butler said. In his role as chair of the Longford Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Butler was vocal in calling for an investigation by The Criminal Assets Bureau into local criminal activity: That investigation was very successful. There have been over 30 raids since the autumn of 2019. They are going through the High Court at present. Cllr Butler says the time for action is now: There is criminal activity in Longford, as there is in every county in Ireland. The war against criminality doesn't stop. This is just another phase of it, and one that warrants investigation. Also read: Mourners at funeral of Longford woman Sarah McNally hear she was a shining light Concerns that paediatric diabetes service in the Midlands could close due to staff shortages are negatively affecting the health of the children who use the services a Longford mother has claimed. My daughter is one of the 145 children who rely heavily on the support from the Paediatric Diabetes Clinic in Mullingar, mother Nikki Donlon told the Longford Leader, She's been relying on the service for 18 months now. The monitoring and treatment of diabetes is complex. The parents of sufferers must observe their children around the clock. They rely on the clinic as a lifeline, for medical advice, ratio adjustments, and further testing of diabetes related complications. The concerned mother explains why that reliance is essential to avoid hospitalisation at all costs: When my daughter had a flu recently she lost one month from her life, that's no socialising, no schooling. Also read: Longford families extremely anxious over paediatric diabetic services at Mullingar hospital Can you imagine a sickness much worse? The blood checks, the ketone checks, extra water, no exercise. If the ketones are over a certain level, then straight to hospital, she explained. The worry about the service came to light last week when Head of the Paediatric Diabetes Services in the Regional Hospital Mullingar wrote to parents about his concerns for the future of the service due to a chronic staffing crisis. Three years ago the clinic closed for a number of months because of staff shortages and lack of resources. Professor Michael O'Grady said the Paediatric Diabetes service in Mullingar is without any nursing support, and voiced his apprehension about the knock on effects. Prof O'Grady outlined how the service's advanced nurse practitioner, Niamh O'Rourke, is presently tasked with a nursing workload intended for 2.6 nurses. The possible loss of service will have a devastating impact on the affected families: Since I got the letter on Tuesday, I have cried more times than I did when my daughter was first diagnosed at three and a half years of age, an emotional Nikki told the Leader, This is the first time in my life I have looked at my daughter and had to realise, okay, you are not the most healthy in the world. I can do everything under the sun that I can to protect her, but unfortunately, she's not a priority to everyone else and because of that, I could lose time with her. Nikki is overwrought about any threat to the Mullingar service: I was quite lucky when my daughter was diagnosed. We received fantastic care from the entire Paediatric Diabetes Unit. If we were to lose that unit, we will have to go to Galway and Dublin to access that care. If the 145 midland children are spread between Galway and Dublin, then history will just repeat itself. We will put pressure on the teams in Galway and Dublin. They will then have over extended staffing levels. This will eventually take away from the care of the children already in the care of those services. The Longford mother says the Mullingar service benefits the entire system: The alternative is that our 145 children are pushed into the paediatric urgent care wards. If this happens it will take more than one doctor or nurse to treat our children. Our children will take double the amount of resources from an already overstretched and understaffed paediatric ward, which will cause completely avoidable health complications for all children in the Midlands. Nikki says the lack of resources in the Paediatric Diabetes Clinic in Mullingar has a real life impact on sufferers: Some children have insulin pumps and some are on injections. They receive pumps via the post, and then have training dates allocated. These appointments have to be cancelled because of the current situation. The impacts on the families are immense: If Mammy had no support to turn to, she'll still turn up and keep a brave face in order to support her daughter. We're parents, and while we would move mountains for our children, we are only parents, not medical professionals. A quick phone call to a nurse provides the guidance, reassurance and support that is needed within five minutes. In a statement the Health Service Executive (HSE) said the provision of high quality paediatric diabetic services is a priority of the Regional Hospital Mullingar. They went on to say an interim plan was discussed with the clinical lead last week and a commitment to finalise a solution to address longer-term staffing needs of the service was provided by hospital management. Also read: Longford parents concerned as unsafe staffing levels are a severe threat on diabetes unit Nikki believes that such actions should not be piecemeal: News is circulating that a green light has been given for hiring a nurse, but we need to ensure that this nurse is well supported, she concluded. Longford milliner Wendy Knight is participating in the Design & Crafts Council Irelands Made Local campaign. Originally from Oxford, Wendy moved to Ireland in 1999 and by 2004, she had her millinery business up and running. Working from her studio just outside Newtownforbes, Wendy Louise Designs specialise in one-off, handcrafted designs ranging from theatrical large-brimmed showstoppers, in a range of fabrics embellished with beads and veiling, to the more subtle styles such as cloches, pillboxes, trilbies, and fedoras. DCCIs Made Local initiative highlights the originality, quality and value of Irish designed and craft-made products. It is a reminder to people that buying locally produced, well-crafted products is much more meaningful, sustainable, and impactful. Also read: Taskforce needed to investigate 'sham front Longford companies' used to launder money Made Local encourages consumers to consider their purchases carefully and make mindful buying decisions in choosing beautiful, high quality, sustainable products from designers and craft makers in Ireland. For a full list of Irish craft and design makers and retailers participating in Made Local 2024, visit DCCIs online directory at www.madelocal.ie where consumers can search for makers and the products they want, by location. For more information on Irish craft and design visit: www.dcci.ie or join the conversation by following @dccireland and #MadeLocal. Also read: Upset Longford parents deeply concerned over future of paediatric diabetes service As the death toll on Irish roads continues to climb, RTEs Prime Time will examine the trend of escalating road fatalities, making this the deadliest period in a decade. Experts explore some of the urgent measures needed to halt this concerning rise. Across this week, Prime Time will publish a number of digital reports providing in-depth detail on road safety data and what can be done to reverse the trend, culminating in a dedicated programme this Thursday night presented by Miriam OCallaghan and Fran McNulty on RTE One and RTE Player featuring experts, campaigners and families affected. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers will be in studio to respond to the report. The growing number of road deaths in Ireland goes against the European trend. According to an analysis published by the European Commission in early March, comparing road deaths per million inhabitants per European country in 2023, against the average of three pre-pandemic years, Ireland had the highest percentage increase of any country, up 29%. Experts point to intoxicated driving, enforcement, and speeding distraction as contributing factors. Speeding remains a major factor in road traffic fatalities, disproportionately affecting male drivers. 87% of drivers killed while driving above an appropriate speed were male, according to the latest RSA data. RTE Prime Time reporter Jack McCarron examines further the fact disqualified drivers are failing to surrender their licences and permits. He speaks to the family of a man killed by a disqualified driver who are calling for a system overhaul after figures were recently highlighted. Between 2016 and 2022, over 25,000 drivers were ordered by courts to surrender their driving licenses or permits due to disqualification, more than 80% of disqualified drivers failed to comply. Separately, more than 95% of nearly 17,000 learner drivers who had their permits disqualified in the last seven years failed to surrender them. The reports will also investigate local areas prone to frequent collisions, including the Duncannon Line, a 56km regional road in Wexford. Locally dubbed Ireland's most 'notorious' road, it has gained attention due to its alarming rate of fatalities in recent years. Prime Time's in-depth analysis will add to the crucial conversation on the urgent actions needed to curb the rising death toll on Irish roads. The programme will feature insights from leading experts, stakeholders, and officials, providing information and statistics. Watch Prime Time Road Safety Special, Thursday April 11 at 9.35pm on RTE One and RTE Player. YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS/BTA. The European Parliament (EP) on Wednesday called for lifting Schengen land border controls for Bulgaria and Romania by the end of 2024. Air and sea border controls were scrapped on March 31, 2024. According to the European legislature, the long lines of trucks waiting at borders should disappear after Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area by land as well, and after the EU adopts additional legislation. The MEPs noted that hundreds of trucks are held up at internal borders in the bloc every day, which affects the drivers' health and working conditions, road safety and hauliers' business. The EP recommended setting a one-minute limit for land border checks for trucks inside the EU. It wants the EU to provide a possibility for truck drivers to use minor border checkpoints under certain conditions. The proposal for the one-minute limit came from Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov (EPP/GERB). The EP resolved that the standard should be established by the middle of 2024. Another Bulgarian MEP, Emil Radev (EPP/GERB), who is a rapporteur on the dossier, commented: "The EP stance paves the way to resolving the problem about the kilometers-long lines of vehicles waiting at borders. The EPP clearly showed that it is on the drivers' side by insisting on relaxed inspection rules for trucks at border checkpoints. At the same time, the resolution reaffirmed the EP's unqualified support for our full membership of the Schengen area. Full membership will bring a definitive solution for the time-consuming processing of documents for the purposes of border control." The EP response to Novakov's "one minute" proposal shows that Bulgaria has a strong team in Brussels, Radev commented. BTA's Brussels correspondent Nikolay Jeliazkov and GERB's press office contributed to this report. (This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.) Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has announced an allocation of approximately 50 million to Irish prisons amid calls for her resignation. In a post published on X (formerly Twitter) this afternoon (April 10), Minister McEntee confirmed additional funding of 49.5 million for the Irish Prison Service to address current capacity issues. The funding will also go towards ensuring the service is "fit for purpose for a growing population in the years to come". It comes as the new Taoiseach, Simon Harris, yesterday (April 9) confirmed the minister will remain in her role as head of the Department of Justice. As the Taoiseach announced the news, several background interruptions could be heard from other TDs in the Dail. Minister McEntee has faced a number of calls to resign since the Dublin riots in November 2023, during which vandals and protesters caused extensive damage around the capital city. She has also faced criticism for drafting the Hate Speech Bill, which many have condemned as totalitarian and restrictive, as well as her insistence that Dublin City is safe despite a number of recent serious assaults. Sinn Fein tabled a failed motion of no confidence in the minister following the Dublin riots, with Aontu launching a petition calling for her resignation. The Aontu petition reads: "...The Minister for Justice has been distracted by the Culture Wars for a long period of time forgetting about the bread and butter issues that have been plaguing our communities. The Minister for Justice has sought to jail people for speech and peaceful protest. She has allowed Garda numbers and morale to collapse. Yet she has refused to do job she's paid to do, keep people safe. She should resign." The minister also drew criticism after congratulating Simon Harris on his appointment as Taoiseach after referring to him as her "good friend". Her X post reads: "Massive congratulations to my good friend Simon Harris on becoming Taoiseach today. I look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead." X users flooded to the comments to express their ire, with one user writing, "For years ahead? I wouldn't be so optimistic. Clearly both of you have not read the crowd." Another X user commented, "Good friend That explains why you kept your job. Little does Harris know that ironically, leaving you in your job will probably cost him his job in the not too distant future." Another comment reads: "Would prefer to read he was a good professional rather than a good friend. But maybe that's just me." Another X user commented, "He's basically thrown away the slim chance of being re-elected by keeping you as Minister for Justice. A role you are not capable or qualified for. Your biggest problem though is being completely out of touch with the mood of the electorate." Dozens of other commenters called for her resignation. As part of Minister McEntee's latest additional allocation to the Irish Prison Service, preparatory work will begin this year on four key projects in Cloverhill, Castlerea, Midlands and Mountjoy prisons as part of an accelerated capital construction programme. Construction is expected to start on a phased basis in 2025 2027 and, when completed, space for up to 670 prisoners will reportedly be available. The Justice Minister said she will look at how she can address some concerns about hate speech legislation, but said there has been a lot of misinformation about the Bill. Helen McEntee said she accepts people have valid concerns about the Bill, but said the legislative intent is not to criminalise peoples opinions. There has been some political opposition to the Bill, particularly in the Seanad, where senators have questioned whether it would have a chilling effect on free speech and asked for a definition of the word hate. Ms McEntee has also faced opposition from within her own party over the Bill. Former justice minister Charlie Flanagan said it should be brought back to the drawing board, while Fine Gael TD Michael Ring called for the Government to abandon the Bill. Mr Flanagan said that lawmakers must provide definitions of wording in the legislation, including hate and gender. The Fine Gael TD said there is a lack of definition and clarity in the current Bill, claiming it was handing law-making powers to the courts. Judicial activism not a good basis of law-making. Fundamental role of legislature is to make clearly understood laws. Courts then apply these laws, he said on social media platform, X. Meanwhile, Fianna Fail TD Willie ODea described the legislation as woke, and called for it to be abandoned. Sinn Feins spokesman for justice Pa Daly has also called for the Bill to be ditched entirely, saying it was badly thought through and is not fit for purpose, despite the party voting the Bill through the Dail last April. Ms McEntee said: Our party and our government has always been a broad church of views and ideas. I think theres a lot of misinformation. I think people think whats being talked about is criminalising peoples opinions, which is not the case here. My job as Minister for Justice is to make sure that people who commit crimes that they serve the appropriate sentences, and that in turn protects vulnerable people. Ms McEntee said that other countries which have enacted hate speech laws have not led to people being locked up en masse. This idea that peoples opinions are going to be criminalised, its not true. It hasnt transpired in other countries, she told RTE Morning Ireland. It hasnt transpired here and weve actually had hate speech laws since 1989. Whats been proposed is to update them, but I absolutely accept that people have valid concerns around freedom of speech, making sure that were not criminalising opinions. Ive been taking those on board and I absolutely intend to progress and to look at how we can address some of those concerns. But again, this is about making sure where people are committing crimes that there is a punishment there for them and I think everybody agrees with that objective. The health minister has said he fully expects completion of the long-delayed new childrens hospital this year. Stephen Donnelly said that the main contractor has told the projects development board that it will hand over the multibillion-euro hospital in the last three months of 2024. Speaking on Thursday, Mr Donnelly said: I fully expect the contractor to make good on their word, make good on their promises, and have that ready. We can see the impact that this hospital is going to have. What I want, what we all want is children to be treated in this hospital next year. The Government has repeatedly defended the overspend at the hospital as the total bill soared past 2.2 billion euro, following a half-a-billion top-up in February. The latest price tag for the project, which had an initial estimated cost of 650 million euro in 2014, includes millions of euro for an expected payout to contractor BAM over ongoing disputes, as well as other contingency funding. The Governments new budget is designed to cover the build of the city-centre hospital and two satellite centres at Tallaght and Connolly, as well as hundreds of millions of euro for technology and the transitioning out of older hospitals. The Department of Health has defended the project by saying the finished building will be state-of-the-art and provide 300 individual, inpatient, en-suite rooms each with its own place for a parent/guardian to sleep. In addition, it will double the current number of critical care beds to 60, and have 93 day beds and 20 dedicated, en-suite mental health (CAMHS) beds. Theatre capacity will be expanded to 22 theatres and procedure rooms. The building will accommodate five MRIs and 110 outpatient rooms. The building, billed as the best childrens hospital in the world, is said to be more than 90% complete with the fitout of rooms and the installation of medical equipment under way. Amid the spiralling costs, the main contractor has made claims worth an approximate total of 770 million euro over the project. Mr Donnelly said only a small percentage of claims had been awarded to BAM. Earlier in the year, he said an adjudicator had made decisions on about 645 million euro of the claims and had awarded 2.7% in favour of the contractor. Mr Donnelly said the deadline for the handover of the hospital from the contractor is Q4 of this year. Im not going to get hung up on whether it is this week in October or this week in November, I want to be very clear we want and must get full control of this hospital, he said. It is expected that there will then be a six-month commissioning period which, among other things, will involve training on the hospitals new electronic record system. Mr Donnelly was speaking after turning the sod on an adjacent family accommodation centre designed to support the relatives of the hospitals future patients. A significant portion of the construction is funded by the Ronald McDonald House charity and the organisation expects to have operating costs of 1.5 million euro each year. Asked if this represented a failure by the Government to directly provide enough family accommodation within the multibillion-euro unfinished hospital, the minister said he disagreed and added that the project represented the very best of Ireland. Mr Donnelly said: Ireland has a really proud history of working with the voluntary sector. I dont think a thriving voluntary sector is a sign of failure. I think a thriving voluntary sector is a sign of a very healthy society where the state plays a role, communities play a role, volunteers play a role. And actually, I think that the new facility here really exemplifies that kind of all-of-society approach where no one is suggesting that, you know, all of us in our private lives should step back and just let the state provide everything. He said the state was putting in 18.5 million euro of the projected 28.5 million euro construction costs for the accommodation centre. If BAM meets its own schedule, the hospital will be complete by the end of October. The following commissioning period will mean patients will not be seen at the hospital until April and May 2025 at the earliest. However, some doubt remains as the hospitals development board has previously expressed concern that the contractor had not fully resourced the project. Northern Irelands Attorney General is considering five requests to hold inquests into Troubles deaths, just weeks before a legal deadline will halt any further legacy cases. Dame Brenda King, the top legal adviser to the Stormont Executive, told MLAs on the Justice Committee that the Governments introduction of the controversial Legacy Act had led to a large number of requests to hold inquests coming to her office in a short period of time. The Act received royal assent last autumn despite widespread opposition from political parties and victims organisations in Northern Ireland as well as the Irish Government. It offers a limited form of immunity from prosecution for Troubles-related offences for those who co-operate with a new body aimed at truth recovery. The Act will also halt future civil cases and legacy inquests which have not reached the point of verdict by May 1. Last month, a judge at Belfast High Court ruled that the provision for conditional immunity was not compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Government is appealing against that finding. The Irish Government has also launched an interstate case against the UK at the European Court of Human Rights over the Act. Dame Brenda told committee members that one of the powers of her office was to direct coroners to hold an inquest. She said: The inquests which attract most attention are those which are described as the legacy inquests. My powers will be coming to an end at the end of this month on that. She added: The introduction of the Legacy Bill resulted in a large number of applications coming to the office at very short notice. That has taken up a considerable amount of my time and my teams time and resource to ensure all of those requests are dealt with before the 1st of May. It has put quite a strain on the office, particularly as the office is very small. Sinn Fein committee member Deirdre Hargey asked how many legacy requests the Attorney General is currently dealing with. Dame Brenda said: In relation to the inquests that I have under consideration, I have only five on which I have yet to take a decision. That will be done within the next few days. I will have completed all of my work on those. I have taken the view, which is the only right one to me, that my functions continue right up until the end of April. What the courts can or cant do after that is a matter for the courts, but I have been exercising my functions even though some of those applications only came in very recently. SDLP member Justin McNulty asked the Attorney General what advice she had given the Northern Ireland Executive on the Westminster Legacy Act. Committee chairwoman Joanne Bunting said any legal advice provided by the Attorney General was privileged and could not be disclosed. Dame Brenda added: It is an Act of the UK Government and I know that the different political parties have voiced their own views on what they feel about the Act. Aspects of it are being litigated at the moment and I cant comment on that but I understand that the cases are being expedited. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 11 2024 Industry members will discuss The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living. More than 25 elder care industry sponsors and exhibitors will gather for the Annual Cona Elder Law Caregiver Conference, discussing The Loneliness Epidemic: Tackling Isolation, Care Needs & Finances In Senior Living, on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, from 5:00 to 8:30 pm at the Hilton Long Island / Huntington, located at 598 Broadhollow Rd, Melville, NY 11747. This is a free event for caregivers. Loneliness has been declared a public health epidemic by the US Surgeon General because it reportedly leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression, said Jennifer Cona, Founder and Managing Partner of Cona Elder Law, located in Melville. The majority of adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely. For this already vulnerable population, it is critical that we consider alternatives to aging-in-place. This years conference will focus on social senior living options and explore key differences between assisted living, independent living, continuing care retirement communities, the ALP program and the CDPAP program, allowing different options for family and financial support. Topics will also include financing senior living, including asset protection planning, Medicaid planning and eligibility, and provide practical tips for determining the best way to finance needed care and services. Presenting Sponsors Include: Cona Elder Law, Gurwin Healthcare Systems, Amber Court Assisted Living, The Bristal Assisted Living, Encore Luxury Living, Community Care Home Health Services, and Family & Childrens Association. Conference Sponsors include: SeniorCare Companions, Inc., Lifes WORC, Long Island Alzheimers & Dementia Center, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Jerusalem Memorial Chapels, Senior Health Plan Specialists Inc., and Handled Real Estate. Cona Elder Law will also present its annual Caregiver of the Year award at the conference. Cona Elder Law is an award-winning law firm concentrating in the areas of elder law, estate planning, estate administration and litigation, and health care law. Cona Elder Law takes a holistic approach to elder law, providing support and resources for older adults and caregivers. The firm has been consistently ranked the #1 Elder Law Firm by various publications and industry awards. For additional information, visit www.conaelderlaw.com. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: April 11 2024 "In Washington, I am working on raising the SALT deduction cap to help Long Islanders make ends meet, said LaLota. Today, Rep. Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) highlighted the importance of restoring the SALT deduction, eliminating the marriage penalty, and the unfairness of double taxation at a Small Business Committee hearing on the adverse effects of high taxes and the complex tax code. While Albany Democrats must do more to repeal unfunded mandates and lower New Yorkers taxes, my constituents know better than to rely on them to make our lives easier. In Washington, I am working on raising the SALT deduction cap to help Long Islanders make ends meet, said LaLota. Many of my colleagues, regardless of their party affiliation, claim to support families, lowering the cost of living, and improving the lives of the average American. If thats the case, every single one of them should support common sense legislation to eliminate the un-American SALT deduction cap marriage penalty. I will always fight to ensure the federal government is working for Long Island families. Background: In January, LaLota voted against the bipartisan Wyden-Smith tax bill because it failed to include an increase on the cap to the SALT deduction. In February, LaLota led the charge to repeal the SALT marriage penalty with a floor vote on the SALT Marriage Penalty Elimination Act, which would remove the marriage penalty and raise the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for joint filers and cap adjusted gross income at $500,000. Consideration of this common sense bill was blocked by every House Democrat and a handful of House Conservatives. Since being sworn into office in January 2023, LaLota has been explicitly clear on his support for restoring the SALT deduction. LaLota joined the bipartisan SALT Caucus and introduced the SALT Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act to effectively bring the deduction to pre-2017 levels for the overwhelming majority of taxpayers while at the same time reducing the federal deficit by raising and extending the SALT deduction cap to $60k for single filers and $120k for joint filers beginning in 2023 and lasting until December 31, 2032. Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant during a briefing on April 7. (Ariel Hermoni/Israel Ministry of Defense) Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a briefing on April 10 in which he sought to highlight Israels challenges in Gaza and also the next phase of the war. Two weeks ago I instructed the defense establishment to immediately increase the influx of aid, especially in light of future operations, he said. He noted that he consulted with the IDF and its Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) office which has been tasked with dealing with aid flowing into Gaza. He has now presented a series of decisions to Israels cabinet. Gallant has frequently pushed for more forward-thinking action in Gaza throughout the war. For instance he was the first official to come up with a day after plan, a plan that was then adopted in many respects by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gallants policies have not always turned out as predicted. For instance, he vowed that military pressure would result in more hostage deals, after the first deal on November 24, and the military pressure of December and January did not result in more deals. Instead the IDF withdrew from most of Gaza and now only has one brigade in Gaza. In his briefing on April 10 the Defense Minister noted that we are learning more and more over the last month because we have obtained hundreds of terabytes of information and pictures from Hamas. He also noted that the Hamas attack on October 7 had sophistication that was at a military organization level. He notes that we were attacked by an organized commando division. This is the military formation that we are fighting not just terrorists. The goal of the IDFs operations in Gaza have been to destroy Hamas as a military organization. This distinguishes from counter-terrorism, which is the policy the IDF used initially during the Second Intifada. The goal of the Gaza campaign, and the reason more IDF units have been withdrawn, is because Hamas battalions have mostly been defeated, meaning its military capabilities are degraded. This is the IDF assessment, at least. Today Hamas is no longer functioning as a military organization across the strip we have destroyed 4 out of 5 regional brigades. The remaining Brigade is in the south and across the strip we are fighting terror hotspots, Gallant says. It now appears Gallant wants to focus more on the humanitarian front in the next phase of the war. He says the policy in Gaza views the humanitarian effort [as] a national priority. He notes that the IDF has worked to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This went through several phases of opening crossings to Gaza, after they were closed following the October 7 attack. A crossing called Nitzana was opened on October 21, days before the ground manuever began. Then on December 11, the Kerem Shalom crossing was opened, basically days into the second ground offensive into Khan Younis. By this time around 200 trucks were crossing into Gaza every day. Trucks usually arrive from Egypt and go through a complex process of being checked before entering Gaza. Next came a phase involving dozens of airdrops over Gaza and also a humanitarian corridor via the sea which has involved two ships arriving from Cyprus. However, that corridor was compromised when an airstrike killed seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen, causing the group to pause aid and causing the UAE to pause aid. The UAE has shifted gears now and has sent its first truck convoy to northern Gaza on April 9, a day before Ramadan ended. Now aid will also come from Jordan via Israel and Gallant says this will help enable future hubs in Gaza. It is not clear if this is an extension of a previous concept about bubbles in Gaza where civil control would pass from Hamas to some other group. Israel has so far not been able to find a partner to administer Gaza, and when IDF troops leave, Hamas returns. Gaza is now receiving 400 trucks of aid a day and it has seven field hospitals operating. What comes next? There are three bad options for the day after: Hamas controlling Gaza, Israel controlling Gaza, and total anarchy. We need to create another option to empower a local alternative. The humanitarian effort is key in empowering a local alternative, Gallant said. He also praised the US-Israel relationship. I believe that we share 100 percent of the values and 99 percent of the interests. I am proud of this. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). YEREVAN, 11 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 11 April, USD exchange rate up by 1.09 drams to 391.46 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 4.02 drams to 420.04 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 4.18 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 4.80 drams to 490.85 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 208.16 drams to 29362.51 drams. Silver price up by 2.36 drams to 353.34 drams. Apple on Wednesday alerted certain users in 92 countries that they may have been the target of spyware. As reported by TechCrunch, the email that was sent said, Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-. Apples message specifically points out that this is a targeted attack on specific users, not a widespread one on the masses. This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do, the email states. Although its never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warningplease take it seriously. While Apple doesnt provide detail as to why a person may be targeted, they are usually government officials, politicians, activists, and journalists. We are unable to provide more information about what caused us to send you this notification, as that may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future. According to Apples support document on threat notifications, if the company detects activity consistent with a mercenary spyware attack it informs the user with an email and iMessage notification, and it displays a Threat Notification at the top of the page when a user logs into appleid.apple.com, which is the web portal to a users Apple ID. Apples support document recommends that recipients of the warning should enlist expert help. The company specifically states that users can contact Access Now and its Digital Security Helpline, which is available for free 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. The Helpline can assist in assessing risk, fixing problems, and providing advice on how to secure your devices and data. iPhone viruses and malware are rare, but no device is completely invulnerable. Apple urges users to update to the most recent version of iOS that a device can support to ensure that the latest security patches are installed. Learn more about iPhone malware and viruses. We also have tips on how to protect your phone from hackers. Apple changes wording to mercenary spyware Apple previously called such activity state-sponsored attacks but updated its support document on Wednesday, replacing it with mercenary spyware. According to Reuters, the change comes after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis government was accused of trying to hack into the iPhones of his opposition. Reuters said the Indian government pressured Apple when it linked the attack to the state. Apple also updated its support document to specifically call out the NSO Group, a private company that developed the Pegasus spyware. Pegasus was created to track members of government, politicians, activists, and journalists. A free software tool is available that checks iPhone backups for spyware such as Pegasus. YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. During his working visit to the capital of the Republic of Lithuania, the SecretaryofSecurity Councilof ArmeniaArmen Grigoryan, on Thursday with the National Security Advisorto thePresident of Lithuania Kestutis Budrys, Grigoryans office said. The parties discussed extra-regional security challenges and referred to the security situation and developments in the South Caucasus. In the context of security issues, both sides emphasized the continuation of the Armenia-Lithuania dialogue. The Mai Morning Crew caught up with UB40's vocalist and guitarist Robin Campbell after they announced their RED RED WINE Tour. One of UB40's classics 'Red Red Wine', a cover of Neil Diamond, is the name of their brand new tour. It's been THE SONG since the 80s, and it continues to get the love to date. "Do you still enjoy playing 'Red Red Wine', like is there any song now where you are like 'nah that's enough'?" Nickson asked Robin. Robin laughed. "No, there's no song that we - well we don't rehearse them because we've played them so many thousands of times," Robin said. "We don't like rehearsing them. The second the audience is there and you've got that relationship between you and the audience. The response the audience give you, when you play a song like 'Red Red Wine', make it worthwhile. It doesn't matter how tired you are of playing that song, when you've got a live audience and they're singing it back to you - it's great fun again! That's why we play all our old hits, many of them as we can". "That's what I mean. It must be such an epic feeling to know that you can be a band that can put the mic out to the crowd and you know they will sing back to you. It's the worst when you see a band and you don't know the words," Nickson added. "Our audience knows the songs", Robin said. Check the full chat above. The legendary pop icons UB40 and special guest Eagle-Eye Cherry are bringing their RED RED WINE Tour to New Zealand this October.? All tour details here. In a second separate incident, a young man was pictured doing a push-up off the side of another high-rise. An Aussie office worker got the shock of their life on Wednesday when they glanced out a window and spotted two people just casually skateboarding on the roof of a 40-storey building. Fear-inducing footage shows what appears to be a young man practising tricks on top of the Scape Swanston building in Melbournes CBD as a friend stands nearby, possibly filming the dangerous stunt. The unwitting viewer who caught the incident said online it gave them sweaty palms just watching the duo as the skateboard neared the edge of the building repeatedly and it turns out they werent the only one. Office workers were stunned on Wednesday when they looked out the window and saw people skateboarding on top of the Scape Swanston building in Melbournes CBD. Source: Reddit/@lil-bow-piep Saw this too, Im in the same building as you! Whole office was watching them, another worker exclaimed on the Reddit post. A third person in the building said they had also witnessed the spectacle and a colleague had notified police. I can usually overlook a certain amount of risky behaviour, but kick-flips on top of a building with no safety rails is well and truly crossing the line. What if the skateboard flew over the edge? Or they dropped a phone off the edge? they said. A self-confessed employee of Scape Swanston later revealed it is common for people to use tailgating to get into to the building before gaining access to our common area balcony and climb their way up to the actual rooftop. The area theyre skating on is only meant for window washing technicians to hook to the anchor points and rappel down. Nobody is ever supposed to be there without clearance and a safety harness attached, they explained. Group dangles from 50-storey Melbourne building Shockingly, the skateboard session wasnt the only high-rise display captured on camera on Wednesday. At around 1pm, a resident living in a building across from Y Suites student housing accomodation on ABeckett Street in Melbourne saw six young people also carting skateboards sitting on the top of the 50-storey building. In a second separate incident, a young man was pictured doing a push-up off the side of the Y Suites student housing accomodation on ABeckett Street. Source: Reddit/@Umae_ What in the world? they posted on Reddit alongside a photo of some members of the group dangling their legs off the side as one man hangs off the edge to do a push-up. Cant deal with the aftermath trauma if one of them ever felt down. In an update on Thursday morning, the resident said they had reported the incident to police, who told them to call if it happens again. I am going to follow it up with the building manager later in the morning when they are open. Just hoping they can do something about it, They added. Victoria Police told Yahoo News Australia the offences could possibly be considered trespassing. Police are looking into the potential trespassing incident in Melbourne. Source: Reddit Aussies horrified by 'scumbag behaviour' Both incidents have provoked outrage from stunned Aussies, some of which said they felt sick just looking at the footage. This is just plain scumbag behaviour, one person said. As a lifelong skateboarder this is f**king deplorable. Social media is ruining people wanting attention, another commented referencing the tragic influencer trend that has led to the deaths of several people. Others said they feared for anyone walking below the building who could also be injured if someone or something were to fall from the roof. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Two more suspects arrested in connection with a shooting that left three teenagers injured in Worcester on Sunday pleaded not guilty in court on Thursday. Levon Atupem, 23, was charged with three counts of assault to murder with a firearm, accessory before the fact and accessory after the fact. Carter Webster, 18, was charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a license (second or subsequent offense), possession of a large capacity firearm, possession of a large capacity feeding device, and possession of ammunition without an FID Card, Worcester police said in a statement Thursday morning. Both men were arrested, separately, on Wednesday. The judge ordered them both to be held without bail and are both scheduled to appear at separate dangerousness hearings on April 17. An initial suspect, Jordany Alejo, 19, was arrested on Monday. He pleaded not guilty in court the next day. Atupem, Webster and Alejos charges stem from the April 7 shooting in front of 9 Clarkson St., according to Atupems statement of facts. One teenager was shot in the neck while the other two teens were both shot in the leg. Worcester police were notified about gunshots in the area of Clarkson Street at around 9:11 p.m. police said in a statement released on Monday. Officers approached a 17-year-old boy and two 18-year-old women, all with gunshot wounds, and administered medical aid before the three individuals were taken to the hospital. The teenager shot in the neck remains in critical condition, court documents read. Surveillance video showed a white 2017 Infiniti Q50 dropping off the two shooting suspects on Coral Street, which intersects with Clarkson Street. The driver, later identified as Alejo, turned off the cars lights and parked the car diagonally to make a quick getaway after the shooting, according to court documents. Webster was in the front passenger seat, prosecutors said Thursday. The suspects then fired a firearm and an automatic firearm down Clarkson Street and hit the three teenagers, with .45 shell casings recovered at the intersection of Coral and Clarkson streets, according to court documents. Atupem was involved in the discussion to locate victims, drive suspects before the shooting and drove off in his Acura after the shooting, a witness told police. While on a FaceTime call with an unidentified person, Atupem mimicked gunfire with his mouth, according to the statement of facts. Worcester police, working with the Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section, searched for Webster on Wednesday, April 10, before they found him walking to a car on Grafton Street, police said in a statement. They converged on him after he entered his car before he left the car and tried to run away before his arrest, police said. Webster struggled with officers during his arrest, and police found that he had a Glock 19 9mm slide with a 30-round feeding device with one round chambered, ready to fire, according to court documents. The gun was found in his waistband. Webster was previously convicted of charges in 2023 and therefore cannot obtain a License to Carry in Massachusetts Alejos mother confirmed to police that her son was the driver, according to court documents. After he was arrested and read his Miranda rights, he admitted in an audio/video-recorded interview that he was the driver, was part of the shooting and took the other two suspects to a Worcester location far away from the scene, to assist them in getting away. The owner of a Boston pizza shop who is facing federal forced labor charges was indicted by a grand jury after prosecutors say he submitted false information to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain a loan on behalf of a business he did not own at the time. Stavros Papantoniadis, 49, of Westwood, who also goes by the name Steve Papantoniadis, now faces two counts of wire fraud. He was already in federal custody on the forced labor charges, acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office announced Wednesday. Papantoniadis owns Stashs Pizza, a chain of restaurants with locations in the greater Boston area, including Dorchester and Norwood. In April 2021, he sold a Randolph restaurant, prompting the Secretary of State to cancel the limited liability company he owned the store through, Levys office said. Months later, between November 2021 and January 2022, prosecutors say Papantoniadis applied for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration, where he claimed he still owned the Randolph restaurant, Boston Pizza Company, and said he had 18 employees, according to the statement. In reality, prosecutors say, Papantoniadis sold the business months before he applied for the loan. The Small Business Administration approved the loan and sent Papantoniadis nearly $500,000. Papantoniadis was arrested and charged with one count of forced labor in March 2023. He was later indicted on four counts of forced labor and three counts of attempted forced labor, and has pleaded not guilty to those charges. His trial is scheduled to begin on May 20. Both the wire fraud charges and the forced labor and attempted forced labor charges carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, Levys office said. A Brockton man who turned in false information to receive COVID-19 funds was sentenced to prison on Tuesday, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton sentenced Joao Mendes, 60 to 27 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, Levys office said in a statement released Wednesday. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,542,759 and the forfeiture of assets totaling $1,751,694. Mendes pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in December 2023. Starting around June 2020 and carrying on until around September 2020, Mendes submitted fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program loan applications on behalf of several companies, most of them defunct, Levys office said. Mendes submitted multiple applications for a single entity to successive lenders until a loan was ultimately approved, Levys office said. Those applications contained conflicting information. The fraudulent PPP loan applications misrepresented the number of employees and the average monthly payroll expenses of Mendess various fictitious businesses. Mendes also submitted false tax records in support of his loan applications. Mendes misrepresented the number of employees, gross revenues and costs of good sold for each business in his EIDL applications, Levys office said. Based on the applications, Mendes and two relatives got over $1.5 million in PPP and EIDL funds. After he received these funds, Mendes spent them for his own personal benefit, including buying cryptocurrency. The Department of Justice seized cryptocurrency and fiat currency from more than 20 accounts that, with additional funds that Mendes turned over, resulted in the recovery of $1.545 million in cryptocurrency and more than $206,000 in U.S. dollars that will be criminally forfeited. The United States seized cryptocurrency and fiat currency from over 20 accounts that, with additional funds turned over by Mendes, resulted in the recovery of $1.545 million in cryptocurrency and more than $206,000 in U.S. currency, which will be criminally forfeited. The name of the driver killed in a crash into a psychiatric hospital in Devens on Wednesday has been released. In a statement released Thursday, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.s office announced the drivers name as John M. Ahern, Jr., 62, of West Boylston. The incident happened shortly before 6 a.m. at 85 Patton Road, according to State Police spokesperson David Procopio. The address is for TaraVista Behavioral Health Care Center and television footage from Boston 25 News captured images of a black pickup truck lodged into the side of the building. The truck caught fire after the crash and firefighters extinguished the flames, Earlys office said in a previous statement. Ahern was found dead inside the truck. As of Thursday, the crash remains under investigation. In a statement to WCVB, the hospitals CEO Francis Sauvageau said the crash occurred at 5:36 a.m. and that the truck hit the front of the facility where administrative offices are located. All patients and all staff are accounted for and unharmed, and at no time were in danger. Tara Vista remains structurally sound, and we continue to treat the patients that have been entrusted to our care, Sauvageau told the station. According to its website, while TaraVista primarily serves patients in Worcester and Middlesex Counties, it also serves patients through Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Together with its sister hospital in Holyoke, the regional network treats over 10,000 patients annually. Police are investigating a potential animal abuse case after a dog was found abandoned and injured on a roadway in Lincoln on Monday. On April 8, 2024, a Lincoln resident was walking along Page Road when they spotted a male terrier-chihuahua mix lying on the side of the roadway, Lincoln police said in a press release Wednesday. The dog had significant eye and head injuries and appeared to be around three to four months old. The resident immediately brought the dog to the MSPCAs Angell animal hospital in Boston, police said. The dog is being treated at the hospital and appears to be recovering. Lincoln police are asking the public to share any information that might help them identify the dogs owner. They are also asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious on Page Road on Monday to contact them. You can contact the Lincoln Police Department at 781-259-8113 or MSPCA investigators at 617-522-6008. Neighbours say the apparent loss of Fred the goldfish is like losing 'a person' as the owners are left stumped by the 'bizarre' suspected theft. A local community is reeling after a beloved 15-year-old goldfish was snatched from its home in an affluent inner-city suburb, where it has spent more than a decade entertaining children, the elderly and passersby. Fred the goldfish lived happily in a pond outside the front of the home of Michael Burke and Sheena Brenn in South Yarra in Melbourne for more than a decade before an alleged thief brought that to an end, leaving behind a burnt-out cooking pot as the only piece of evidence. The little fish affectionately dubbed the "people's goldfish" by Burke was taken on Saturday, April 6, and since then, community outrage has steadily been mounting. Flyers have been posted around the area urging the culprit to return Fred, though his owners doubt that he survived being transported given his age. Fred the goldfish has been stolen from his South Yarra home in Melbourne, where his owners said he was beloved by the community. Source: 7News Fred the goldfish living happily, 'uninterrupted' for 15 years "Hes been uninterrupted in that pond for more than 15 years," Burke told The Herald Sun. "Considering his age, its highly unlikely hed survive for long outside his usual environment." "The children are very upset. Some of the elderly people in the community come past and visit him everyday. Hes really the peoples fish." Adding to the Melbourne couple's concern is the fact the pond where Fred lived was well into their property, right next to the front door, meaning somebody trespassed. "The pond is just an arms length from our front door," Burke told the publication. The 15-year-old goldfish was known in the area by children and local residents. Source: The Herald Sun Owners implore thieves to return beloved 'people's goldfish' It's unclear what's behind the unusual theft, but the owners just want Fred back. "We could have put a gate or a door across the pond but we purposefully left it open so people could look in on Fred," he said. Burke branded the ordeal a "disappointment" and said that he believes the fish was taken by a person, not an animal, due to the pot being left behind. "It's just a bit peculiar to be honest," Burke told 7News. "I mean who would take a goldfish?" In some small comfort, he said the community support in search for Fred was "lovely" to see. One neighbour, Sandra Austin, said Fred was "a character that's in our neighbourhood". "It's like a person," she told 7News. "I was going to get some flowers today and drop them there in memory of Fred." The owners said they weren't going to say anything about his disappearance but the couple ultimately posted about it on Facebook where it was shared some 150 times. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Victoria Police for comment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. A paraprofessional at Longmeadow High School was under the influence and found in possession of illegal narcotics at the school on Thursday, officials said. The Longmeadow High School Resource Officer was notified of a paraprofessional experiencing a medical event Thursday, and the paraprofessional received prompt medical care, Superintendent of Schools Marty OShea said in an email to parents Thursday afternoon. The paraprofessional was reportedly found to be under the influence, and in possession of, illegal narcotics. A 54-year-old man accused of slamming into a worksite last December, killing a Waltham police officer and a National Grid worker, was committed without bail during his arraignment in Middlesex Superior Court Wednesday, a court clerk confirmed to MassLive. Peter Simon, 54, of Woodsville, N.H., is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of motor vehicle homicide, armed robbery, armed carjacking, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, four counts of operating to endanger, three counts of leaving the scene causing property damage, leaving the scene causing death, failure to stop for police, two counts of wanton destruction of property and resisting arrest in connection with the December 2023 crash. Many of the charges were added when Simon was indicted, moving his case from Waltham District Court to Middlesex Superior Court. A 43-year-old man is facing a slew of criminal charges after police say he crashed his car in the North End, threatened the other driver, and ran around the area brandishing a gun. Paul Driscoll is charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury, trespassing, assault with a dangerous weapon, and resisting arrest, according to a Boston police report obtained by MassLive. Boston police went to the area of 450 Commercial St. at 7:43 p.m. on Tuesday night after receiving a report of a person with a gun, according to the report. The call first came in as a two-vehicle crash where the driver of one of the vehicles shouted he had a gun and ran off. The driver of the other vehicle told police he was trying to make a U-turn when Driscoll crashed into his car and left the scene, police wrote in the report. A witness in the area who saw police flagged officers down and asked, are you looking for the guy with blood all over his head? and pointed them toward a water taxi shed. Officers eventually found Driscoll behind a barrier fence separating Battery Wharf from a Coast Guard base in the area. He was taken into custody after police saw him vomit up blood and told officers his back, leg, and ribs hurt. Driscoll also had a cut on his head. Driscoll was taken to Tufts Medical Center. Police later spoke to a witness who said they were working in the area and saw Driscoll leave his vehicle screaming I have a gun! before running off. Driscoll then fell in front of the Coast Guard Base, and the witness told police they saw a gun fall to the street, which Driscoll picked up and continued running, heading toward Battery Wharf. Another person working in the area told police they chased after Driscoll for a few feet, at which point he wheeled around and shouted I have a gun while pointing the weapon at the person, according to the report. A witness at the Coast Guard Barracks told police they saw Driscoll try to run onto the base and fail to gain access before he took off down Hanover Street, police said. Officers spoke to another witness, who said Driscoll tripped on the staircase leading to his house and asked to be let in. The witness shoved Driscoll out of the doorway, police wrote in the report. Two Coast Guard Front Gate officers told police they heard two loud pops consistent with gunshots, and saw Driscoll running toward them. When Driscoll saw the officers, he fell and told them not to come near him before running away in the opposite direction, according to the report. Officers searched the area for a gun but did not find anything. Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a man whose body was found inside a Framingham home Wednesday evening, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. Framingham police responded to a home on Fenwick Street around 6 p.m. after receiving an anonymous 911 call, the district attorneys office said in a press release Thursday afternoon. They found the man dead inside the home with apparent trauma to his body. Authorities later executed a search warrant at the home, but it is unclear what, if anything, they uncovered. The Chief Medical Examiners Office is expected to autopsy the body on Thursday to make a positive identification and determine his cause of death, the district attorneys office said. Framingham police and the district attorneys office are still investigating the mans death. No further information has been released, but the district attorneys office said more information will be released as the investigation progresses. The nations largest Black-owned bank will move its headquarters from downtown Boston to Roxbury next year. OneUnited Banks new headquarters will be at 54 John Eliot Square by 2025, the bank told MassLive in an email. The current headquarters is at 100 Franklin St. in Boston. We wanted to make that change because thats part of our growth as a company and part of our growth as a people. Its not that we dont understand the importance of having facilities in places like downtown Boston, Kevin Cohee, the CEO of OneUnited Bank told the Boston Business Journal. But we also think its important to have the symbolism of the leading Black-owned bank in the country coming straight out of Roxbury. Read More: Ayanna Pressley pushes big banks to release data on pledges toward racial equity The move will also bring the bank closer to its customers and align the executive office better with its local branch, according to OneUnited. This will help the bank create new products and services that meet the needs of low- to moderate-income communities while providing more room for growth for its employees, the bank said. According to OneUnited, the move will officially begin once it obtains a permit from the city of Boston and regulatory approval to move its headquarters to Roxbury. A 19-year-old Rhode Island man was arrested Thursday afternoon in connection with a hit and run crash that killed 57-year-old Paul DeMoura a week ago, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Dighton and state police arrested Providence resident Michael Laboy at his workplace in Taunton and charged with leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Around 10 p.m. on April 4, an off-duty Taunton police officer spotted DeMoura in the breakdown lane of Route 44 and called 911, the district attorneys office said. DeMoura was rushed to Morton Hospital in Taunton, but was later declared dead. Investigators believe DeMoura was walking west on the side of the road when he was hit by a vehicle, Dighton Police Chief George Nichols said previously. Laboy is expected to be arraigned Thursday afternoon in Taunton District Court, the district attorneys office said. Dighton police and the district attorneys office are investigating the case. Taro Akebono, a Hawaii-born sumo wrestler who competed in WrestleMania, died at 54 on Thursday, according to the New York Times. Akebono died of heart failure in April while he was receiving treatment at a Tokyo hospital, the New York Times reported. Akebono became Japans 64th yokozuna a grand champion sumo wrestler in 1993, which made him the first foreign-born wrestler to earn sumos highest title ever, the New York Times reported. Akebono was only 23 at the time. Akebonos rivalry with the Japanese brothers Takanohana and Wakanohana, who were also both grand champions, helped revive sumos popularity in the 1990s, the New York Times reported. Akebono was born Chad George Haaheo Rowan in Waimanalo, Hawaii, in 1969, the New York Times reported. He began his wrestling career in 1988 when he moved to Japan after a fellow Hawaiian wrestler who became a trainer invited him to the country. Akebono trained under The Great Muta, a famous WWE wrestler, according to Pennlive.com. Akebono made his debut appearance at WrestleMania 21 when he defeated The Big Show. Rahm Emmanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan, expressed his condolences for the death of Akebono on X, the app formerly known as Twitter. I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Akebono, a giant in the world of sumo, a proud Hawaiian and a bridge between the United States and Japan. When Akebono became the first-ever foreign-born grand champion, sumos highest rank, in 1993, he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to find success in the sport, Emmanuel wrote on X. A Texas man will appear in court on charges in connection with crashing his uninsured, unregistered vehicle into a bank, the Burlington Police and Fire Departments said. The man, 46, from DeSoto, Texas, faces the charges of a marked lanes violation, driving without insurance, driving an unregistered vehicle, attaching plates and speeding, Police Chief Thomas Browne and Fire Chief Andrew Connerty said in a statement on Thursday. At around 6:27 a.m. on Thursday, Burlington first responders arrived at 182 Cambridge St. for a report of a car that had crashed into a Santander Bank, Browne and Connerty said. The car went through the lobby of the bank and damaged the inside and outside of and pathway into the building, Browne and Connerty continued. The driver, whose name was not released in the statement, was taken to a nearby hospital for his injuries. No one else was injured. Despite the damage, the Santander bank was expected to reopen later on Thursday, Browne and Connerty said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Burlington Police Department. As artificial intelligence continues its rapid assimilation into everyday life, researchers at UMass Chan Medical School will be among the first in the country taking a step back to ensure its being used ethically in health care. The Worcester medical school unveiled its Health AI Assurance Laboratory to an esteemed group that included Gerald Chan, whose family is the schools namesake, on Wednesday afternoon. Speakers were involved in the technologys development and implementation, including David McManus, UMass Chans Program in Digital Medicine founder; Yvonne Hao, the states secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development; UMass Chan Chancellor Michael Collins and Doug Robbins, MITRE Vice President. The Health AI Assurance Laboratory is one of the first labs of its kind in the U.S. and the first in Massachusetts, although its not a physical lab and more so refers to technology. The Health AI Assurance Laboratory is the collection of data on the artificial intelligence used in the schools health care simulation labs its getting a human in the loop, according to Melissa Fischer, who represented the simulation labs. The data will be reviewed after months of collection to evaluate the specific uses of health AI at the school, Hao said. Everyone is excited about the opportunities that AI holds in terms of solving big problems and making the world a better place. But also, obviously, there are concerns about AI, said Hao, whos also the co-chair of the states AI Strategic Task Force. Yvonne Hao at UMass Chan Medical School on April 10, during a presentation of the school's new program. Photo by UMass Chan Medical SchoolUMass Chan Medical School This AI health assurance lab is going to really be important for testing and experimenting in all the ways that we can use it to solve problems in a positive way but also, to make sure we do it in the right ways that protect people, and that focus on equity and on doing it ethically and smart, Hao told MassLive. A heart ultrasound simulation in UMass Chans lab that lets students practice taking ultrasounds of a mannequins heart was viewed by the group after the speakers. The ultrasound simulator uses AI technology to build cases for students to learn different heart anatomies. It constructs interactive, three-dimensional computerized models of a heart for each case on a computer screen. Now, through the new AI assurance lab, the researchers will collect data on the coding of the cases that were created by the AI technology important in all AI usage, but especially in healthcare, Hao explained. AI is a powerful tool, but its all about how you use it. If we use it in all the smart, right ways that Massachusetts does, we can accelerate the discovery of drugs and can close the inequities in health care; we can make doctors much more accurate, much more efficient, Hao said. But when you look at AI, and you dont write AI codes in the right way, it can also lead to biases, can lead to discrimination, can lead to making assumptions that arent correct, she continued. It can lead to further exacerbating stereotypes or inequalities. The initiative came through the schools partnership with national security non-profit company MITRE, which has a campus in Bedford, who developed its Blueprint for Trustworthy AI Implementation Guidance and Assurance for Healthcare. The blueprint looks at human-centered values and ethics along with the techs durability and safety, and transparency, diversity and fairness, society and environmental well-being and accountability. MITRE recently opened its national Al Assurance & Discovery Lab in Virginia. Each AI assurance application will be tailored to each different program its used for. UMass Chans new lab will be the first state-funded AI assurance lab, and will be evaluating AI impact in simulated health care work settings throughout UMass workspaces. These simulated settings include clinic rooms, inpatient facilities and others. UMass Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins at the presentation of the school's new Health AI Assurance Laboratory on April 10. Photo by UMass Chan Medical SchoolUMass Chan Medical School This is going to be really important, and we only need this because were at the very early innings of this technology, Hao said. Theres so much potential, but we have to use them right away. Hao also presented an award for $550,000 from the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, part of its Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Awards program. The new AI assurance lab will also receive $137,000 in matching private investment. After the data is collected, the states AI task force will come back ... with specific recommendations to the governor on the investments we should be making, explained Hao all part of the goals its had since establishment in January. The group will also recommend to Gov. Maura Healey how the state should work publicly and privately to solidify its leadership in AI, Hao said. The Health AI Assurance Laboratory team is led by Program in Digital Medicine founder David McManus, the Richard M. Haidack Professor of Medicine, chair and professor of medicine, along with Adrian Zai, associate professor of quantitative & population health sciences and Miles Thompson, Al assurance solutions lead at MITRE. State House Democrats have thrown down their marker in this years budget debate, adding a new level of complexity to an ongoing financial and political drama marked by the skyrocketing costs of the states shelter crisis and a stormy revenue forecast. First, the basics. The $57.9 billion spending blueprint that the chambers top two leaders rolled out Wednesday follows the contours the $58.1 billion plan that Democratic Gov. Maura Healey sent to lawmakers in January. Like Healeys proposal, the Democrats budget proposal for the new fiscal year that starts July 1 takes many of the same approaches to shoring up the states bottom line, including the legalization of online Lottery sales, State House News Service reported. It also mirrors Healeys education priorities, including $24 million thats set aside for MassReconnect, which provides free community college to some returning students. But it also breaks with Healeys proposal in several respects. Notably, House Democrats lowballed Healey on funding for a new MBTA program that provides half-priced fares to low-income riders. Healey wants $45 million for the program. House Democrats allocated $20 million. They also call for a different split on spending an anticipated $1.3 billion in revenue from the so-called Millionaires Tax, earmarking $695 million for schools and $605 million for transportation, a 53%-47% split, compared to the $750 million and $550 million eyed by Healey. Now heres where it gets complicated. Those diversions among other measures, seem to set up yet another confrontation in a year thats been marked by frequent family squabbles among Democrats who have stem-to-stern control over the State House. And you can layer on top of that the fact that legislative negotiators are still trying to reach agreement on a supplemental funding bill that not only covers the states cash-strapped emergency shelter system, but also reauthorizes such popular pandemic-era programs as drinks-to-go. That, too, will require an executive signature. So, it seems logical to ask: What could possibly go wrong? The short answer, according to one veteran observer? Just enough to make things difficult. The budget will get done, and it will be late, and probably in July, Western Massachusetts political consultant Matt L. Barron told MassLive. Where it will get sticky is in the debate over funding for the states emergency shelter system, which continues to see an influx of migrant families. The migrant thing is going to be hard, Barron said. People are reading the stories every week [about the rising cost] ... its seeding resentment ... After a while, its just going to boil over. Healeys administration has pegged the annual cost of funding the system at more than $900 million a year for the next two years. The Houses proposal sets aside $500 million and doesnt tackle year two, according to State House News Service. Were trying to fund [the system] til the end of the year, state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, told reporters Wednesday after he left a closed-door caucus session with his fellow Democrats. And next year? one journalist asked him. Well deal with it next year, Mariano shot back. The answer was glib, but the math behind it is not. While the state broke a months-long tax collection skid in March, collections for the year still remain behind projections, according to recent state Department of Revenue data. Earlier in the day on Wednesday, Mariano, joined by House Ways & Means Committee Chairperson Aaron Michlewitz, D-3rd Suffolk, said House budget-writers tried to balance the need for critical pending against the challenges prompted by those sagging tax revenues. The result of these issues is simple. This fiscal year is not going to be like the last few, Mariano said. And there will be an even greater demand for Fiscal Responsibility throughout this budget cycle. However, despite the revenue challenges that we now face, it is still our responsibility to balance these challenges with the need to allocate funding where it is most needed, Mariano added. Michlewitz offered a similar sentiment, saying the spending plan will allow the Commonwealths economy to continue to grow while remain competitive. And also recognizing the financial realities that we are confronted with currently. But it wont pass itself. That means Democratic bosses will have to wrangle votes however they can to get their bill into the inevitable House and Senate conference committee. The surest method, according to Barron? Some good, old-fashioned quid pro quo. A yes vote on the budget could mean funding shakes loose for a favored project back home. As long as they can go back home with that press release, in an election year, theyll do whatever leadership tells them to do, Barron predicted. The House is scheduled to start debate on its budget proposal on April 24. It might not end up being the cruelest month. But it wont lack for drama. The Melbourne man said he's now $1,600 out of pocket after his MacBook Pro was stolen from him. An Aussie man has shared his terrifying experience of trying to sell an item on Facebook Marketplace, revealing he was robbed of his MacBook Pro and left $1,600 out of pocket. Melbourne man Adam Metwally said he was attempting to sell the laptop ahead of his flight out of the country this week, but when he met with a buyer in person, the item was swiped from his hands. Now, the investor and entrepreneur, is warning Aussies of the 'red flags' to look out for when attempting to sell an item online to ensure their safety. His warning comes after growing reports of online scams, including a Perth man who was stabbed during a "snatch and run" last week. Sharing his terrifying experience in a video on TikTok on Tuesday, Metwally, who goes by meetwally online, revealed, "I got robbed yesterday and it was one of the most f***ed experiences I've ever had". Melbourne man Adam Metwally had his $1,600 laptop stolen from him after trying to sell it on Facebook Marketplace. Source: TikTok/meetwally Man robbed during Facebook Marketplace sale Metwally said he agreed to meet an interested buyer in an inner-city Melbourne suburb late at night where he presented the item to the unknown man. "I showed him the box of the laptop, a $1,600 MacBook Pro, and he asked me to check the IMEI number so I flipped the thing over," he explained. "In the process of doing that, he grabs it and bolts down into the park. Then I start chasing him." Metwally, whose friend was waiting in the car, said he chased the man into a nearby park in an attempt to retrieve the goods but had second thoughts having already thought he "seemed a bit sus" and decided to let him go. "He might have a knife and he might stab me, or I go around the corner and he's got a big bunch of friends, and they beat the shit out of me so I stopped and let it go," he explained. Metwally concluded he should have "listened to his gut" and encouraged others to learn from his mistake. "If your gut says something's suss, just f***ing leave because I've lost a $1,600 laptop now thanks to some scumbag". 'Red flags' to look out for during a Facebook Marketplace meet Offering some things to look out for, he said, "the first red flag was his name and his profile". He admitted he hadn't properly checked as he was rushing to get to the airport. "I just wanted to get it sold," he said. "But check the [online] profile and then double-check that they have an ID [that matches]. If they don't, it's not worth it," he added. He also emphasised choosing a suitable time and place. "He gave me an address that I thought was his house, but the address was not his address," he went on. "Do not meet people unless you're meeting them at a police station or somewhere really safe, because it could have been way worse". Lastly, Metwally said the man "seemed a bit suss" when he first saw him. So trust your instincts. "Please be vigilant. Please stay safe," he said. "I've never experienced anything like this before. Just be really careful out there," he concluded. Experts weigh in on safety during Facebook sales Speaking of a deadly emerging Facebook Marketplace trend last year, Cybersecurity expert Susan McLean said buyers on Facebook Marketplace had to be wary as some items are likely to attract criminals. "We know Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms do attract nefarious criminals," she said. Dr Renee Zahnow, criminologist and University of Queensland lecturer, said you should also avoid meeting a potential buyer at your home address, where possible. "The best idea is to not give out your home address, but to meet the person in a safe and public place and to take someone else with you," she said, the ABC reported. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Springfield students recently had the opportunity to go head-to-head in a contest of culinary creativity and nutrition know-how in the 2024 Sodexo Future Chefs Challenge, hosted by Home Grown Springfield last month. More than just a competition, the Future Chefs Challenge is designed to teach students lifelong culinary skills, including how to make healthy food choices at home and in school. WESTFIELD Now that the solar eclipsed has passed, Westfields public schools are passing on the special viewing glasses to students in South America. Westfield school district Curriculum and Instruction Director Susan Dargie said the schools are working with the Holyoke Fire Department to collect glasses to be donated to Argentina and Chile, where an annular solar eclipse will be visible on Oct. 2. The Timor-Leste government reported to the World Health Organization on 22 March 2024 its first confirmed fatal human case of rabies. The country is currently classified as rabies-free. The case, from Pasabe Sub-Region, Oecusse, with a history of dog bite on 26 December 2023, went to a local health center on 20 March and died on 22 March 2024. As of 26 March, a total of 29 suspected rabies cases in humans, with exposure to dogs, were reported in Oecusse Municipality this year. The public health response is ongoing and includes vaccination of dogs, risk communication, training of healthcare workers on case management, active surveillance, and ensuring the availability of rabies vaccines and human rabies immunoglobulin. Based on the current available information, the WHO assesses the risk posed by this event as high at the national level and low at regional and global levels. So what is it about the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that it casts a spell of illness on those summoned to appear before it? The most recent example is that of the President of the University of Limerick, Kerstin Mey, who has submitted a sick cert to the PAC explaining her unavailability to answer questions. Professor Mey had been summoned to explain a number of issues, one of which was a botched student housing project for which, it is now admitted, UL overpaid 5.2 million for 20 houses. The student houses had been bought by the university for 11 million, but were subsequently valued at 6 million, meaning that the university had overpaid 5 million. Just how or why this happened remains, until now, a mystery, further compounded by the revelation that proper planning requirements had not been met in the development. The developer himself, wisely, has chosen to remain silent on the details of the property deal with which he is, no doubt, completely happy. The debacle has caused turmoil within the university hierarchy, brought to a head when ten of the thirteen members of the executive committee which is chaired by President Mey herself passed a vote of no confidence in her leadership, calling on her to step down. In the interim, the Higher Education Authority has concluded that the university is not capable of managing capital projects and has sent in a team to clean up the financial and management controls. But, like Hamlet without the Prince, the PAC has been caught in a bind with Professor Mey on sick leave and, as she explained, unable to attend the April meeting of the Dail committee. The bungled deal is not the first time for the University of Limerick to be caught offside in property dealing. Five years ago, under Professor Meys predecessor, UL paid 8 million to Dunnes Stores for a new campus site in the middle of Limerick city. The site was subsequently valued at just over 5 million, leaving UL with an impairment charge of 3 million in its accounts as a result of the foray. The then President moved on. Universities seem especially prone to financial mismanagement, despite their reputation in training business leaders, inculcating prudent business practice in their graduates, and preparing the young and the bright for careers in financial mastery. The President of TUD (Technological University Dublin), David Fitzpatrick, announced this week that he was leaving to take up a new post in Malaysia. His departure comes as the HEA launches an enquiry into a budget deficit of 8.6 million in the university accounts, which prompted the academic staff at the college to confirm a vote of no confidence in the professors leadership. But maybe we should not be too hard on the university sector, since profligacy in public spending is part of the Irish temperament. When, in 2022, the Irish Horse Regulatory Board was upbraided by the auditor general for paying its outgoing CEO 50,000 more than he was entitled to, nobody could give an explanation. And when the auditor general sought details of his contract, he was told that the only contract that could be found was that filed back in 1997. Either one doesnt exist, or its not in our possession, was the plaintive reply of the IRHB board. And when, in 2022, the auditor general discovered that 495 million was due back to the state for welfare overpayments, it hardly raised an eyebrow. The target, he was told, was to recover 95million of the overpaid benefit annually from those who had defrauded the system. However, he noted drily in his report, the target so far was not being met. Councillors from the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District have claimed that Mayo County Council is not making money available for essential repairs to its housing stock. Fine Gael Cllr Patsy OBrien raised the issue at the April meeting of the MD and claimed there was huge problems for tenants who are not getting these essential repairs. The council will only carry out emergency repairs. There might be a subtle difference between the two for the council, but there is very little difference to the individual tenant. The budget is inadequate, he said. This is leaving, in some cases, elderly, people with broken or missing window latches, and dampness and mould in their homes. The council is holding back a small bit of money for emergency repairs and in many cases are trying to blame the occupants for other items, which are part of normal wear and tear, rather than repair them. Any property owner will tell you that, over time, different items in houses will need to be repaired or replaced its part of the normal life cycle of a property. The council are the owners of a lot of houses in this, and other areas, and they have a responsibility to properly maintain them, and they are not doing so. Cllr OBrien added that the budget for this essential work was inadequate and that it was negatively impacting the quality of life for many of their tenants. He was meeting complaints regularly on the doorstep, as he canvassed, he said. Another Fine Gael councillor, Michael Burke, said that the council adopted a totally different approach when dealing with private landlords, when the council rented property from them. The council do rigorous inspections of these properties, he said, and are very strict on these private landlords. They are probably going on Department guidelines, but in some cases it is very unfair. I know of a small number of landlords in my own area, that as soon as their property becomes vacant, will exit the property rental business. These are good landlords, they are not cowboys, he said. They are very genuine people, who maybe have a single house rented, or a couple of houses, but they feel that the regulations imposed on them, and the implementation of these regulations, is too severe and they cant wait to get out of the business. Cllr Burke said the County Council is the biggest landlord in the county and it is unfair that the criteria for a council tenant is different, or seems to be different, to that of a tenant with a private landlord. The Council has many long term tenants who are excellent, Cllr Burke said, and many of these tenants rarely ask for maintenance they do it themselves. There should be some sort of reward for them if they buy a toilet seat or whatever, that if they produce a receipt, they should be able to claim the money back. Cllr Gerry Murray (Sinn Fein) said that he concurred with the sentiments expressed by the other councillors and was concerned that the lack of council staff at weekends was causing problems, too. If a council tenant has a boiler breakdown at the weekend, he said, theres nobody to repair it until Monday. Its worse on a bank holiday weekend, leaving vulnerable people without heat for long periods. The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) is excited to announce the winners of the eagerly awaited Credit Union Schools Quiz 2024. In a gripping final at the RDS in Dublin which took place on Sunday, April 7, the champions stood out from more than 90 teams, showcasing exceptional intelligence, knowledge, and teamwork. The victorious teams were: Winners Competition A (U-11): Gareth Doyle, Michael Duffy, Aoife Hillery and Cian Gillespie from Quighnamanger National School (representing Ballina Credit Union). Joint Runners-up Competition A (U-11): Heidi Davies, Conor McGroary, Ciaran McGlynn and Luca Quinn from Scoil Aodh Rua and Nuala (representing Donegal Town Credit Union). Aqeel Wahid Masud, James Behan, Noah Mukomeza, Nathaniel Gibbs from Glasheen Boys National School (representing The Lough Credit Union) Winners Competition B (U-13): Cillian Darcy, Cate Reidy, Muireann Lynch and Lucas Quinlan from Knocknacarra Educate Together (representing Claddagh Credit Union). Joint Runners-up Competition B (U-13): James Cosgrove, Pierce Milner, Caolan Gilliard and Caoimhe Coffey from Emo National School (representing Portarlington Credit Union). David Baynes, Noah Gallagher, Iarla Hannon and Rowan Harrison from Quighnamanger National School, Ballina (representing Ballina Credit Union) Eoghan Kelleher, Milo McKeogh, Lucas Getachew Chanie and Paddy Shanahan from Ballyroan Boys School (representing Heritage Credit Union) Rowan Harrison, David Baynes, Iarla Hannon and Noah Gallagher from Quighnamanger National School representing Ballina Credit Union finished as joint runners-up in the U-13 category. This year's competition was fiercely contested, with teams demonstrating exceptional acumen and teamwork. The questions, covering a wide range of topics, challenged the contestants to dig deep into their reserves of knowledge and quick thinking. The event was brought to life by the cheers and support from families, friends, and teachers. Renowned presenter John Sharpson, known to many as Muinteoir John, hosted the final, adding to the excitement of the occasion. This year's quiz journey began several months ago, with over 25,000 students from schools across the island participating in local and regional rounds. The competition, structured into two sections - Competition A for children under 11 and Competition B for children under 13 - challenged young minds and fostered a spirit of learning and collaboration. The quiz is an important part of the ILCUs youth outreach programme, which aims to demonstrate the value of local credit unions to children and young people. The ILCU is the largest credit union representative body on the island of Ireland, working on behalf of member credit unions in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Martin Busch, President of the ILCU said: We are immensely proud of all the participants in this year's Credit Union Schools Quiz. The level of knowledge and teamwork displayed by these students is a promising indicator of our future. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners and express our profound gratitude to all of the families, teachers, and everyone who supported the participants throughout this journey. This competition isn't just about showing off smarts; it highlights one of the values we hold with the highest regard: community spirit. Today is also a shining testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our phenomenal volunteers and staff who pour their hearts into organising and running this competition year after year at local and regional level. We are so proud of their commitment to supporting the development of children who are the future of the communities we serve. Credit unions offer a number of educational resources for children, parents and teachers to guide on promoting financial literacy from a young age. This includes Start Money Smart for primary age children and Clued In for secondary school students. Both programmes were developed by teachers and provide a range of engaging and interactive activities, in line with the curriculum subjects of Maths, History and Business Studies. They are freely available for teachers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Award-Winning Film Prospect House featuring Enniscoe House is set to premiere in Dublin and Ballina. An Pointe Productions is thrilled to announce the premiere of the acclaimed Irish film, shot against the picturesque backdrop of North Mayo. Directed by the renowned Paul Mercier, the cinematic experience will captivate audiences as it premieres in Dublin and Ballina later this month. The Ballina premiere will take place at IMC Cinema in Ballina on Friday, April 26, at 8.00 pm, and will run in the cinema for one week after. Set at the historic Enniscoe House, nestled on the shores of Lough Conn in Crossmolina, with a breathtaking view of Nephin mountain, the film has already earned accolades, including the prestigious Best New Irish Feature award at the Cork Film Festival. Mayo North Tourism Manager, Mairead Melody-Carr, said: Movies like 'Prospect House' play a vital role in boosting tourism and showcasing Mayo's appeal as a top filming destination. "They spotlight our diverse landscapes and rich heritage, attracting visitors from near and far while also providing a significant boost to our local economy, she added. The Poster for An Pointe Productions 'Prospect House' In recent years, Mayo has experienced a surge in film productions, including notable projects like 'A Cry from the Sea,' which explores the beauty of Belmullet including and stars Bradley Cooper and Aidan Quinn. Films such as 'Wild Mountain Thyme,' 'Banshees of Inisherin,' 'My Sailor, My Love,' and the recently released 'Irish Wish,' starring Lindsay Lohan, have further established the region's presence on the global stage. DJ Kellett of Enniscoe House shared his pride in hosting Prospect House, calling it an honour to have the house featured in the film. "With my family's long history here, spanning 13 generations, it's especially meaningful. This collaboration not only highlights our estate's historical significance but also its cultural relevance in film. We're thrilled to be part of this cinematic journey, said Mr Kellett. Mr Mercier's script intricately weaves the narrative of passionate protesters determined to revive an 18th-century house, fiercely defending it from demolition. This satirical masterpiece skilfully navigates the blurred boundaries between reality and re-enactment, fuelled by rebellious energy and accompanied by a pulsating score by Mel Mercier. For more information and for tickets to the premier, see IMC Ballinas website. A protest is due to be organised outside the Twin Trees Hotel in Ballina following news that the hotel will accommodate 120 International Protection Applicants from family units in 33 of its bedrooms. The 68-bedroom hotel will remain available for the public to book accommodation, according to the proposed agreement with the Department of Integration. A protest is to take place outside Ballinas Twin Trees Hotel over the accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) in the hotel. The is comes following a report The Western People today (Thursday) that the hotel is to accommodate 120 international protection applicants from family units in 33 of the its 68 bedrooms. A poster produced by those organising the demonstration called for a peaceful public assembly in opposition to the proposed accommodation of IPAs at the hotel. Among the list of grievances included, residents opinions, safety concerns, impact on the tourism industry and the locations suitability due to the towns current educational and medical resources being at peak capacity. The protest is due to take place outside the hotel at 7pm on Friday, April 12. A letter from the Department of Integrations Community Enagement team to sent to all six councillors from Ballina Municipal District Council, all four Mayo TDs and Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers, said that local agencies had been informed of the need for additional supports to accommodate an increase in population. These include the departments of Health, Education, Justice, HSE, An Garda Siochana, the Local Government Management Agency, the local integration teams and local development office. Ballina is currently home to over 10,000 people, according to the last Census - which excludes some Ukrainian refugees who have come to live in Mayo since the last Census was taken in April 2022. The letter, seen by The Mayo News, said that Ireland was legally required under EU law to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection here. As we are sure you are aware, this is a nationwide urgent situation and emergency centres, such as this one have been opened in all parts of the country. All counties in Ireland are providing help and assistance with this. There have been over 190 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 26 counties. These options must be considered to prevent homelessness for people with their families and children arriving seeking international protection. The Government is continuing to work intensively to source further accommodation and to follow up with those International Protection applicants awaiting an offer of accommodation. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that all families and children have been accommodated. Local Independent councillor Mark Duffy described as totally unacceptable the lack of communication from the Department with local representatives regarding the use of the hotel for IPAs. Mayo County Council unanimously passed a motion in January calling for the council to cease cooperation with the Department of Integration until a strategy had been agreed to provide communities accommodating refugees with appropriate resources. Ballina-based county councillor Mark Duffy (Pic: Michael McLaughlin) Its very disappointing that we hear this information on the eleventh hour without having input from public representatives at this point, the decision and the autonomy is being taken out of our hands, Cllr Duffy said. What people find difficult to take is the lack of emergency accommodation for our own people who are struggling in this area. I recently tried to help a person who fell on hard times in this area and the only available accommodation for them was in Ballinrobe. The lack of input and communication from the Department to local representatives is totally unacceptable. I think the profiteering is also something that is totally unacceptable. The government came out with a lot of communication that there was going to be a strategy and lesser reliance on tourist accommodation and then very quickly after, hotels in Ballina are being used for provision of International Protection. The government recently announced plans to acquired thousands of state-owned beds to house refugees to reduce dependence on private accommodation providers. Mayo is currently accommodating over 1,000 international protection applicants at various locations throughout the county. The missing mother has not been since since the morning of February 4, when she left her Ballarat home to go for a run. A month after a man was charged with the murder of missing Victorian mother Samantha Murphy, police have again ramped up search efforts to locate her body, which so far have proved fruitless since she went missing on February 4. Sparked by fresh information, officers on Thursday revealed a "significant" search would resume at Enfield State Park near Ballarat with a focus on "an area highlighted by intelligence derived from a number of sources". Despite hundreds of concerned locals previously assisting authorities in the mammoth search, this time around police have asked members of the public to abstain. The state park is about 20 kilometres south of Murphy's home, where she left the morning of her disappearance to go for a run. Samantha Murphy, 51, has not been seen since early February. Source: NCA Newswire Fresh intelligence sparks ramped up search for Samantha Murphy Officers out scouring the area include those who specialise in missing persons, search and rescue, road policing, local members, the public order response team, mounted branch and dog squad. The Murphy family was made aware the search was being undertaken. The new probe follows unsuccessful efforts in the Canadian State Forest over the past months. The 51-year-old was last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East to go for a run in Canadian State Forest on the morning of February 4. Police in March charged 22-year-old tradesman Patrick Orren Stephenson with her murder at Mount Clear on the day she went missing. He will return to court in August. Police have again ramped up search efforts to locate Samantha Murphy's body, which so far have proved fruitless since she went missing on February 4. Source: NCA Newswire Stephenson is the son of Orren Stephenson, who played 15 AFL games for Geelong and Richmond between 2012 and 2014. Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt described Thursday's effort as an "extensive" large-scale search that built on targeted searches in other areas. "I want to assure those in the Ballarat community that police remain focused on doing everything we can to return Samantha to her family," he said. Despite an exhaustive, month-long search for answers Samantha Murphy hasn't been found. Source: NCA Newswire The regional western Victorian city has been rocked by a series of tragedies this year including Ms Murphy's disappearance, a mine collapse that claimed the life of miner Kurt Hourigan, the death of mum-of-five Rebecca Young and bushfires in surrounding areas. On April 5, 23-year-old Hannah McGuire was found dead in a burnt out car at Scarsdale. Ballarat locals plan to stage a rally in the centre of the city on Friday evening as an act of solidarity in the fight to end violence against women. A description of the event on social media said women do not feel safe in Ballarat. with AAP Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The 22-year-old isn't the first to take on a new name while living Down Under. It's not uncommon for Aussies to abbreviate words, including names, with tourists often surprised by the new moniker they take on while living Down Under. But an American woman living in Sydney was forced to change her own name after learning what it means in Australia, highlighting the major differences between the two cultures. Devyn Hales, 22, from California, revealed in a video on TikTok she now introduces herself as Dev, sharing the reasons why with her followers. US woman Devyn Hales, 22, admitted she was forced to change her name to Dev while in Australia. Source: TikTok/dhalesss "My name is Devyn but I go by Dev now because apparently my name means packaged meat in Australian," she said. In Australia, devon is a sliced meat made from sausages and typically enjoyed on a sandwich with sauce. "Its similar to baloney so I introduce myself as Dev now," she added. Social media stunned by name revelation The revelation left some in stitches, with others who share her name also chiming in. "Tell me the name thing isn't true," a woman called Devon wrote. "Wait, omg my name is Devin and that happened to me too," said another. "Wait, my name is Devin! I didnt know thats what they called a type of lunch meat," a third revealed. However, another woman said, "My names actually spelt the same as the packaged meat and I grew up here, havent changed my name". Americans baffled by abbreviated names Americans have long been perplexed by Australians' habit of abbreviating words. Another woman named Cheyenne Rae admitted her new nickname is "Rayza" while visiting Down Under. "In Australia, you get designated a new name," she said in a video on the social media platform. "Not by any government official or anything but by a swarm of Australians that have decided to accept you as one of their own". She noted that "Australian names" always end in "ah" or "o", for example, Sharon becomes "Shazza". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. by Les Luchter , April 10, 2024 When Reckitts Mucinex told us late last year that its Flip the Script campaign would use educational materials in urgent care centers to argue against prescribing antibiotics for cold and flu symptoms, we didnt envision the symbolic materials that appeared in Queens, New York, on April 9: two human-sized monsters made respectively of pill bottles and paper prescriptions. The Monsters in Waiting, part of the cold-and-flu season campaign developed with Interpublics McCann and named Amber and Rex respectively, visited HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care to stop the problem at its prime source: consumers who ask for antibiotic prescriptions when theyre not needed. advertisement advertisement Each of Rexs paper prescriptions prescribed 300 mg of antibiotics, with the instructions, Do not use to treat cold or flu symptoms. The same message was inscribed on the pill bottles that made up Amber Each monster sculpture was accompanied by a museum-like info card, complete with a UPC code, the medium the art was created in (reclaimed plastic for Amber; recycled paper for Rex),and the following paragraph: Lets not create a monster. Antibiotics are amazing. But they dont work on cold and flu symptoms. In fact, asking for them to treat coughs, congestion and the sniffles can lead to monstrous consequences. Like antibiotic resistance, which causes up to 35,000 deaths each year. Scan the code to learn how Mucinex is helping to flip the script on antibiotic overuse. The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported that 70% of urgent care center patients ask their doctor for an antibiotic, and that 45.7% of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory symptoms come from those centers. Mark Pearson, Reckitts vice president, marketing for health brands, told Marketing Daily that the brand was partnering with more than 1,000 urgent care centers and primary care centers -- concentrated in states most impacted by Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which the Centers for Disease Control say is caused by overuse of antibiotics over time. Pearson explained that by reaching consumers at the point of requesting an antibiotic, the urgent care partnerships provided the potential to make a real impact to patients. Point-of-care materials at centers have included a flipped brochure, with one cover reading Lets flip the script on antibiotic overuse. When flipped over, Mucinex coupons are added to the line. Inside, the brochure includes info on both AMR and the difference between viral and bacterial infections. Physicians could also use a Mucinex prescription pad to prescribe (recommend) a Mucinex product vs. an antibiotic. by Ray Schultz , April 10, 2024 NPR is defending itself against a withering attack by one of its own writers. Uri Berliner, a senior editor on NPRs business desk, writes that an open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America. Observers have interpreted this to mean that NPR is overly leftist and that there should be more of a diversity of views. Berliner published his essay, "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," on The Free Press, a website that has published critiques by journalists saying that news outlets have become reflexively liberal. NPR suffers from the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner wrote. Edith Chapin, chief news executive for NPR, rejected Berliners assessment in a memo to staff. "We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," Chapin wrote. "We believe that inclusion among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world." Chapin added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole." by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, April 11, 2024 M&C Saatchi has poached a pair of star creatives from rival agency McCann. Rob Doubal and Laurence Thomson have been appointed joint Global Chief Creative Officers at the London-based agency group. They were previously joint CCOs at McCann UK and co-presidents McCann London. advertisement advertisement Saatchi said the duo would join at an unspecified time later this year. They first joined forces in 2006 at Mother London followed by a stint at Wieden+Kennedy before moving to McCann London in 2012. The appointments are the latest executive talent additions at the agency. Incoming Global CEO Zaid Al-Qassab is set to join next month. He succeeds Moray MacLennan, who stepped down last fall after 30 years with the company. The move also follows by a day the release of the companys 2023 financials, which showed a 2% organic net revenue decline for the full year. Highlights: Combining pelvic floor exercises and behavioral therapy via smartphone app proves highly effective in alleviating frequent urination in men App-based therapy surpasses traditional drug treatments, offering relief without the associated side effects Therapy benefits both overactive bladder and enlarged prostate patients, signaling a promising alternative for diverse bladder emptying disorders Trusted Source Randomized trial comparing efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training with a digital therapeutic motion-based device to standard pelvic floor exercises for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUV trial): An all-virtual trial design Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? App-based therapy offers symptom relief without side effects, transforming men's lives. #urination #application #medindia App-based therapy offers symptom relief without side effects, transforming men's lives. #urination #application #medindia Bladder Disorders Among Men Advertisement Results of App-based Therapy for Overactive Bladder and Enlarged Prostate for Men Advertisement Randomized trial comparing efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training with a digital therapeutic motion-based device to standard pelvic floor exercises for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUV trial): An all-virtual trial design - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33866003/) The quality of life can be significantly disrupted by frequent need to urinate, affecting millions of men worldwide. A recent research presented during the European Association of Urology Congress in Paris discusses a promising solution that has been developed in the form of app-based therapy. This is an innovative approach whereby pelvic floor exercises are combined with behavioral therapy, making it more effective than other traditional medical treatments ().The world's first randomized controlled trial investigating the effectiveness of pelvic floor training when combined with behavioral therapy and delivered through a smartphone application was conducted as part of BEST Trial (Bladder Emptying Disorder Therapy) in Germany. The results presented at the Congress demonstrated significant improvements in lower urinary tract symptoms such as hesitancy, straining and frequent urination among men who participated in this app based therapy.Bladder emptying disorders are a common problem amongst males; it starts from age 30 and affects many individuals above 50 years old. However, despite clinical guidelines recommending physiotherapy , behavioral treatment, and lifestyle changes as first-line treatments they are often underused due to lack of adequate evidence supporting their use. Traditional medications may yield unpleasant side effects, and surgery remains a last resort for severe cases.Professor Christian Gratzke, co-lead of the BEST Trial from University Hospital Freiburg, Germany, emphasizes the significance of the findings, stating, "We're confident that we now have that data, and making this form of therapy available digitally could be a game-changer for the millions of men who struggle day-to-day with issues emptying their bladder."The trial involved 237 men aged over 18, half of whom received standard medical care while the other half accessed the Kranus Lutera app-based therapy in addition to standard care. Participants recorded urination diaries and completed questionnaires assessing symptom severity and overall quality of life. After 12 weeks, those utilizing the app-based therapy reported substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life compared to the control group.The study demonstrated the superiority of app-based therapy over medical treatment without any reported side effects or challenges in accessing the smartphone application. These findings challenge historical treatment paradigms and offer a welcome alternative to conventional drug therapies.Professor Jean-Nicolas Cornu of Charles Nicolle Hospital, France, underscores the importance of this breakthrough, stating, "This is the first randomized controlled trial looking at physiotherapy and behavioral therapy for bladder emptying disorders, and it shows a very positive effect over conventional drug treatment."The study revealed that both overactive bladder and enlarged prostate patients benefited from the therapy, highlighting its broad applicability across different forms of bladder emptying disorders.As researchers advocate for broader adoption and further exploration of app-based therapy's long-term efficacy, its potential to transform clinical practice and alleviate symptoms without the drawbacks of traditional medications becomes increasingly evident. This innovative approach not only offers an effective solution for men with bladder emptying disorders but also signifies a paradigm shift towards personalized, digital healthcare interventions tailored to individual needs.Source-Medindia Loneliness during childhood can affect not only mental health but also physical health in adulthood. Early social isolation may increase the risk of developing mental health issues like pscyhosis and chronic diseases later in life. #loneliness #psychosisrisk #medindia The Army will have its helicopter pilots conduct hours of additional training after a rash of a dozen crashes that has killed 10 service members just since October. "We've seen a troubling trend with our accident rates, and certainly any loss of life is 100% unacceptable," Maj. Gen. Walter Rugen, director of Army aviation, told reporters in a brief press conference Wednesday. "And then obviously, even when we have accidents that we lose the aircraft or severely damage the aircraft, we consider that unacceptable, too." The Army has seen a troubling trend of helicopter crashes, particularly among Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. Last year, the service saw 10 incidents and 14 fatalities. Read Next: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight Now, the service is adding four to six hours worth of training for pilots that focuses on spatial awareness and maintenance issues, though the service was unclear on what that training means in practice. The move comes after Army aircraft have been grounded twice in the past year -- including once after a crash last April involving two Black Hawks out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, that killed nine soldiers in one of the deadliest training incidents in the service's history. The Army National Guard also grounded its aircraft in late February after two of its pilots died in an AH-60 Apache crash in Mississippi. In a prior incident Feb. 12, a National Guard Apache crashed near Salt Lake City, Utah, and both pilots survived. Service planners did not announce any significant tweaks to training or maintenance after those groundings. In March, two soldiers were injured when their Apache crashed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state during what base officials described as routine training. Then, 48 hours later, two more soldiers were hospitalized when their Apache went down at Fort Carson, Colorado. Two New York Guardsmen died in a UH-72 Lakota in southern Texas while supporting federal border security. A border patrol agent also died. "We get into aspects of flight where the crew must reinforce how to revert back to knowing where you are and where your aircraft is with respect to the ground. And so it always bears reinforcing any spatial disorientation training," Rugen said. The service declined to comment on whether Rugen was putting the blame for recent fatalities on the pilots. Most of those notable crashes are still under investigation so it's unclear why the Army is suggesting pilot error has been the cause. Historically, the services have been more hesitant to suggest problems with mechanical issues, aircraft design or fundamental matters with how they train pilots. The incident rate with Army aviation so far this year is 3.22 mishaps for every 100,000 hours, a significant increase from last year's 1.08 crashes or other notable incidents for every 100,000 hours flown, said Brig. Gen. Jonathan Byrom, who oversees Army safety, at the press conference. Active-duty aviation units are expected to complete the additional training by May 10. The Guard and reserve have an additional month. Related: 2 Fort Carson Soldiers Injured in Second Apache Helicopter Crash in 48 Hours Troops at Colorado Space Force Base Will Have to Bring Their Own To-Go Boxes for Dining Hall While the initiative is aimed at reducing waste on base, the spokesperson added that they hope it will give troops on base... The Department of Defense will expand its investigation into the prevalence of "forever chemicals" in base drinking water systems and neighboring water supplies following the Environmental Protection Agency's publication of stricter standards for the synthetic substances. The EPA announced Wednesday new national limits for six types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in drinking water supplies. Many of these chemicals have been used extensively on military installations in firefighting foams, industrial solvents, non-stick coatings and other products, causing widespread contamination of groundwater, soil and adjacent communities. Since 2016, the Defense Department has conducted assessments or investigated the use of PFAS and related contamination at 715 active and former military installations, National Guard facilities and other closed defense sites. Read Next: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight As of December, the DoD had completed assessments of 707 installations, finding that 574 needed to proceed to the next step of the cleanup process, while no further action was required at 133 installations. The stricter standards may mean, however, that some sites considered to need no or limited remediation may require more attention. The Defense Department has used firefighting foams containing certain types of PFAS chemicals for more than 50 years. Many DoD sites determined to be contaminated have high levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate, or PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, or PFOA, in drinking water above the EPA's former lifetime recommendation of 70 parts per trillion. The EPA's new standard drops the contamination standard for PFOA and PFOS to 4 parts per trillion each, a change that a DoD official said the department has been preparing for. In an email to Military.com, Pentagon spokesman Robert Ditchey said the department, in anticipation of the tighter restrictions, reviewed existing samples taken from on-base water supplies to determine whether levels met the new standards and will expand cleanup investigations in neighboring communities to do the same. The DoD plans to provide drinking water treatment for wells off base that don't meet the new standards and also will develop cleanup plans for those sites within a five-year timeframe set by the EPA, Ditchey added. "The department supports EPA's development of a nationwide drinking water standard for PFAS that applies to everyone," Ditchey wrote. "DoD has been preparing to implement the final rule for both our on-base DoD drinking water systems and within our cleanup program." A federal study of U.S. military firefighters published last year showed a direct link between PFAS chemicals and testicular cancer, and the chemicals also have been tied to kidney cancer. PFAS chemicals also have been linked to certain other types of cancer, increased cholesterol, high blood pressure in pregnant women, lower birth weights and decreased immune response to vaccines. EPA officials estimate that the federal rule will reduce PFAS exposure in drinking water for about 100 million people. When the announcement was made, environmental advocates praised the move -- the first time in nearly 30 years the EPA has added a standard for new contaminants. "Today, we can celebrate a huge -- and long overdue -- victory for public health in this country," Robert Bilott, a Cincinnati-based environmental attorney who has represented members of class-action suits against chemical manufacturers DuPont and 3M, said in a statement. "The U.S. EPA is finally moving forward to protect drinking water across the United States by adopting federally enforceable limits on some of the most toxic, persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals ever found in our nation's drinking water supply," Bilott added. The Pentagon announced last year it would stop buying firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals and halt their use altogether by the end of 2024. While the services have largely phased out the use of aqueous film forming foams containing PFAS for training, the chemicals are still used to fight fires on ships and submarines and in aircraft hangars and locations such as fuel farms, since an effective substitute has yet to be developed. There are thousands of different types of PFAS compounds, known as "forever chemicals" because they are difficult to destroy and don't break down naturally in the environment. They accumulate in the bloodstream and soft tissue of the human body, and nearly every American has some level of contamination. The new EPA rules also set individual limits for three other compounds -- PFHxS, PFNA and GenX -- of 10 parts per trillion and institute a "hazard index," or recommended threshold, for those chemicals when combined with the PFAS compound PFBS. According to Ditchey, the DoD expects that, after it reexamines drinking water supplies or after its ongoing community testing and cleanup, "a significant number of additional wells will require treatment." "DoD will first prioritize locations where known levels of PFAS in drinking water from DoD activities are the highest. To expedite implementation of more enduring solutions, the DoD will focus on installing treatment systems, such as whole house filters," Ditchey said. The Pentagon has requested $1.6 billion in its fiscal 2025 budget for PFAS cleanup of contaminated sites. The funding is $100 million more than the department's fiscal 2024 request. The DoD maintains a website that provides information about its efforts to investigate and clean up contamination related to military activities. Related: US Military Says National Security Depends on 'Forever Chemicals' After national security concerns spurred an American power company to disconnect Chinese-manufactured batteries from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, last year, the Department of the Navy said it has taken a "proactive approach" to procure American or allied-supplied batteries for its installations, according to a letter from the service obtained by Military.com. The department, which includes the Marine Corps, also said that it will ensure no "utility-scale" Chinese batteries will be used in government operations for the services, according to the letter. The missive was dated March 28, roughly four months after lawmakers raised concerns about the batteries on the Marine Corps installation. The letter, which was addressed to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and provided to Military.com by his office, was in response to concerns penned by nearly 30 other lawmakers after Chinese-produced lithium batteries from the Contemporary Amperex Technology Company, or CATL, were installed at Camp Lejeune late last year. Read Next: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight To prevent any supply chain risks from occurring in the future, the DoD will require, to the maximum extent possible, that our partners source all components from American or allied-nation sources, the letter said. Lawmakers, defense officials and national security experts have scrutinized Chinese infrastructure in the U.S., generally citing concerns that it could provide means for Beijing to spy on American assets, including military ones. "CATL batteries should not be allowed in our country, let alone on our military bases," Rubio told Military.com on Wednesday in a statement. "It is encouraging to see DoD recognize the threat of CATL systems and take steps to protect our national security interests." Duke Energy, the American power company, told Military.com in December that it immediately disconnected the batteries after these concerns were raised. According to the letter, the Navy said that it was unaware that Duke Energy purchased batteries made in China and instead had approved a contract for batteries made in Japan. Military.com asked Duke Energy why it had installed the Chinese-manufactured batteries, but a spokesperson did not specifically answer the question. The letter from the Navy said that the company installed the CATL batteries for "technical reasons," but did not specify. "We have engaged in positive discussions and reached agreement with the Navy regarding the path forward for the BESS facility at Camp LeJeune," according to Kaitlin Kirshner, a spokesperson for the company. BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage Systems, which are manufactured by Toshiba, a Japanese-owned company. "By 2027, we are voluntarily moving away from specifying CATL battery energy storage technologies," she said. "As an American energy company, we welcome the ability to use American-manufactured batteries." The congressional inquiry and the Navy response both alluded to a China-dominated lithium battery market. The Department of Energy said in a report from February 2023 that China controls the largest global capacity share of batteries and battery materials. That concentrated market centers around factors such as China's investment in cobalt mines needed to produce batteries and higher labor costs in the U.S. for engineers and "semi-skilled" workers, according to the DoE report. The Navy letter said that the Pentagon conducted an internal review of its facilities after lawmakers raised concerns and "did not find any instance whereby a CATL battery is owned or operated on a [Defense Department] installation." It said that CATL employees will not have access to Lejeune and the company's batteries would not have any "physical or electronic data connections." Duke Energy said in December that the batteries were not tied to the base's systems or networks. Military.com attempted to contact CATL on Thursday, but did not hear back from the company by publication. In a statement after Congress raised concerns last year, the company said in a December press release that "accusations about CATL batteries posing security threats are false and misleading." "CATL's business and products in the U.S. do not collect, sell or share data, and cannot directly interact with [the] electrical grid or any other critical infrastructure," it said. The Navy also did not respond to a request for comment on the letter. Military.com contacted the Department of Energy asking whether CATL batteries are considered an infrastructure threat, but did not hear back by publication. Last year, The New York Times reported that the Biden administration was looking for Chinese malware embedded in power grids and communications systems. According to the report, officials were concerned that potential malware could disrupt military operations around the world, especially as tensions between the U.S. and China ramp up in the Pacific. Related: National Security Concerns Spur Disconnection of Chinese Batteries from Camp Lejeune The Marine Corps on Tuesday dropped sexual assault charges against a Marine who was found with a minor in his barracks room last year, according to the service. The Marine instead pleaded guilty to leaving the base without authorization. Last year, Pfc. Avery Rosario was found with a 14-year-old girl in his barracks room and subsequently charged with three counts of sexual assault. Those charges alleged that Rosario sexually assaulted the girl in June on Camp Pendleton, California, where he is stationed. The Marine Corps dropped those charges ahead of the Marine's impending court-martial, instead opting for a plea deal that resulted in Rosario being sentenced to time served, the breach of restriction charge, and an agreement that he be administratively separated from the service. Read Next: Pentagon Asks Watchdog to Investigate Abuse Issues in Base Day Care Centers After Military.com Report In the hearing Tuesday, Rosario admitted to violating liberty restrictions to meet the teenager, whom his defense attorneys said he believed was older because she represented herself as 21 years old on a dating app. "The charges that have been dismissed involve allegations that Rosario sexually assaulted a minor," a spokesperson for I Marine Expeditionary Force, which is located at Camp Pendleton, told Military.com on Wednesday. "The convening authority came to this decision after consulting with the minor and her family through the minor's attorney." Military.com attempted to reach a family member of the minor via email, but did not hear back by publication. NBC 7 reported that the teenager's family did not wish to make a statement following the guilty plea and dropped charges. The teenager was reported missing to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department by her grandmother in mid-June. Roughly two weeks later, she was discovered in Rosario's barracks, and military police at Camp Pendleton arrested him. He admitted to having sexual contact with the minor when questioned by authorities, according to Naval Criminal Investigative Service documents reviewed by Military.com. In August, the Marine Corps announced formal charges against Rosario that included sexual assault of a minor. Military.com contacted Rosario's attorney, Jocelyn Stewart, who said that Rosario should have been cleared of those charges earlier. "The government was ... in possession of exculpatory evidence that they sat on for many months," she said, specifying that said evidence alleged the minor misrepresented her age on dating apps. "The military recognizes that if a person has a personal belief that someone is of lawful age to consent and, under the surrounding circumstances, that belief is reasonable, that's known as a complete defense, which makes him not guilty," she said. The minor's aunt had said via social media that the minor was a victim of human trafficking and a military cover-up. Preliminary NCIS documents reviewed originally by Military.com found no evidence of human trafficking. Stewart was critical of the Marine Corps both over the phone and in a blog post on her law firm's site, saying that the service "cannot be entrusted to hold its counsel responsible." "As for the rest of them, the girl, her family, and specifically the aunt whose fame-seeking videos caught the attention of other content creators, and those creators for perpetuating myths, lies, and slander: Your day of reckoning is coming," Stewart said in a blog post, confirming to Military.com over the phone that she is considering "civil remedies" after the charges were dropped. "I'll see to it," she wrote. Related: Pendleton Marine Faces 3 Counts of Sexual Assault After Teen Found in Barracks Room Diamondbacks left-hander Jordan Montgomery has changed representatives, per Kiley McDaniel of ESPN. The southpaw had previously been with the Boras Corporation but will now be repped by Joel Wolfe and Nick Chanock of Wasserman. Montgomery, 31, was just a free agent for the first time in the most recent offseason. He was coming off a strong three-year run between the Yankees, Cardinals and Rangers, posting a 3.48 earned run average over 524 1/3 innings. He also added 31 innings in last years postseason with a 2.90 ERA, helping the Rangers win their first World Series in franchise history. Coming into the offseason, MLBTR predicted the lefty for a contract worth $150MM over six years while other outlets were in a similar range. But the offseason free agent market ended up being weaker than projected. The latter half of the winter was defined by the various players who remained unsigned, with the so-called Boras Four being the headliners. Montgomery, Blake Snell, Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, all repped by Scott Boras, were projected for nine-figure deals at the outset of the offseason. But the four of them lingered on the market past the start of Spring Training and each one eventually pivoted to some form of short-term deal. In Montgomerys case, he signed a one-year pact with the Diamondbacks with a $25MM guarantee. Theres also a $20MM vesting player option for 2025, which is available to Montgomery as long as he makes 10 starts this year. He can also add $5MM more to the value of that option, $2.5MM at 18 starts and $2.5MM at 23 starts. The southpaw is highly likely to return to free agency again this winter. Even if he unlocks that player option, he probably wont trigger it unless hes facing some kind of injury absence, since finding $20-25MM again shouldnt be tough to do if he has a fairly normal season. He hasnt yet made his debut with the Diamondbacks since he didnt agree to terms with them until the end of March and is still getting himself in game shape. He tossed four innings in a Triple-A game on Sunday. For his second go at free agency, it seems hes looking for a different approach, hiring Wolfe and Chanock to handle his negotiations. While losing a notable client like Montgomery is tough for Boras, he still figures to play a prominent role in the coming offseason. Each of Bellinger, Snell and Chapman could be free agents again while Boras also represents star players heading into free agency for the first time such as Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso. DETROIT A Michigan gas station owner is charged with federal drug crimes after an investigation led to the seizure of 40 kilograms of fentanyl, a pill press, $100,000 in cash and other evidence, officials said. Barry Willis, 55, of Clinton Township, is accused of manufacturing fentanyl pills in a basement stash house in Detroit, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. This case represents the largest seizure of fentanyl 40 kilograms in the state to date, officials said. This amount of fentanyl has the potential to provide nearly two deadly doses to every man, woman and child living in the state of Michigan, Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA, said in a statement. The search of the stash house also resulted in seizure of two handguns and a hoard of materials for manufacturing fentanyl pills, including a pill press, narcotics scales and drug recipes. Willis Detroit gas station and Clinton Township home were also searched. At his home, law enforcement found a handgun and more than $100,000 in cash. Another handgun was found at the gas station. Willis is charged with possession of over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. This case was investigated by the Livonia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Michigan State Police and the Clinton Township Police Department also assisted with the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Ramamurthy. Stellantis, the global automotive giant formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group, is setting its sights on India as a hub for electric vehicle (EV) exports, particularly targeting Southeast Asian markets. The company's India arm, Stellantis India, has kickstarted its export operations with the shipment of 500 units of its Made in India 'Citroen eC3' electric car to Indonesia. This move is part of Stellantis' strategy to capitalise on India's cost competitiveness in manufacturing and increase its overseas shipments. Stellantis has initiated its plan to position India as a hub for EV exports, starting with the shipment of 500 units of its 'Citroen eC3' electric car Aditya Jairaj, CEO and MD, Stellantis India, claimed that the company will be the first 'multinational OEM' in the country to export EVs. We also have plans for a couple of other markets, Nepal and Bhutan. This is just the start...the plan is to take it from there," he added. Also check these Vehicles Find more Cars Citroen eC3 29.2 kWh 29.2 kWh 320 km 320 km 11.50 - 12.43 Lakhs Compare View Offers Citroen C3 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol 6.16 - 9.08 Lakhs Compare View Offers Citroen C3 Aircross 1199 cc 1199 cc Petrol Petrol 9.99 - 12.34 Lakhs Compare View Offers UPCOMING Citroen Basalt 1998 cc 1998 cc Petrol Petrol 12 - 15 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched UPCOMING Citroen C3X 1998 cc 1998 cc Petrol Petrol 7 Lakhs Alert Me When Launched Citroen C5 Aircross 1997.0 cc 1997.0 cc Diesel Diesel 30.30 - 32.30 Lakhs Compare View Offers Highlighting the significance of commencing exports of the eC3, he emphasised Stellantis' dedication to the 'Make in India' initiative. He stated that this aligns with Citroen's goal of democratising electric mobility and promoting sustainable transportation. Stellantis currently sells its Jeep and Citroen brands in India. Also Read : Citroen, batting on 58 touchpoints in India, aims to score 200. Here's the plan With 'Make in India' central to Stellantis' strategy, Jairaj emphasised the importance of competitiveness in the Indian automotive space. He expressed the company's intention to leverage India as a 'best cost country' for global markets. When asked about expanding EV exports, Jairaj mentioned that they are evaluating markets where EV acceptance is high, especially in Southeast Asia. Stellantis is exploring exporting the E-C3 to other Southeast Asian markets, considering the significant EV penetration and customer demand in the region. While looking at West and East India for EV exports, specific locations are yet to be announced. India's ability to export to various markets is a key factor in Stellantis' export strategy. At this point, Jairaj said, "We are at advanced stages of evaluating exporting the E-C3 to other Southeast Asian markets. If we see today, in Southeast Asia the EV penetration is quite significant in several markets and there is the customer demand." He cited examples of Stellantis' successful exports, such as the C3 to Africa and the C3 Aircross to Malaysia and Indonesia. Jeep, another brand under Stellantis, is exported from India to Japan and is being considered for export to other Southeast Asian markets and Africa. Jairaj emphasised the quality and cost competitiveness of Indian products, highlighting the company's flexibility and dynamism in adapting to market changes. He further said the idea is to continue to focus on this as "the quality of product from India is comparable to the best in the world and from a cost perspective we are very competitive". Also in a changing world, he said, "We are very flexible and dynamic and our reaction time to making changes has come down. We are leveraging all of these and exports are a very significant tool, I would say at this point for Stellantis in India." Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: DETROIT A Detroit gang leader who terrorized an entire community was sentenced this week to life in prison. After a six-week trial in federal court, Billy Arnold, 37, was convicted in December of 22 counts, including murder, attempted murder, racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses. Arnold was the leader of the Seven Mile Bloods street gang. The harshest sentences are reserved for the most serious crimes and criminals, U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison said in a statement. They are reserved for people like Billy Arnold, who killed multiple people, tried to kill many others and terrorized an entire community. LANSING, MI A man intended to kill a young woman he lured from Italy on the promise of a job as an au pair, federal prosecutors said. Arisknight Arkin-Everett Winfree handcuffed and raped the woman in his East Lansing home but was talked out of killing her by a friend. Winfree posed a danger to the whole world from his home here in West Michigan, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten said. Winfree pleaded no contest Wednesday, April 10, in U.S. District Court in Lansing to charges of kidnapping, coercing and enticing someone to travel for the purposes of illegal sexual activity, attempted coercion and enticement, and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Related: I felt like I was dying. Au pair was lured to Michigan from Italy and sexually assaulted, FBI says He faces up to life in prison when sentenced Aug. 27 by Judge Hala Jarbou who accepted the no-contest plea. The plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such at sentencing. Prosecutors said Winfree victimized four. The government said that if the case went to trial, Winfrees childhood friend, Paul Heiselman, would have testified that Winfree talked about using AuPair.com a site intended for families seeking childcare to pretend to look for an au pair and lure them into sexual relationships. The Italian woman, identified only by initials, S.D., thought she would be caring for Winfrees niece. She had hoped to improve her English while in the U.S. She arrived in Detroit on Oct. 12, 2022. The next day, at Winfrees house, he raped her while she was handcuffed. He left her overnight - hands and feet bound - in a locked room. Winfree took video of the victim. Related: East Lansing man accused of raping teen lured to Michigan from Italy with bogus job offer Paul Heiselman would also testify that Winfree called him while S.D. was tied up, Assistant U.S. Attorney Davin Reust wrote in a statement of facts to establish Winfrees guilt. According to Heiselman, Winfree indicated to Heiselman that he intended to kill S.D. and hide her body to avoid prosecution. Heiselman would testify that he convinced Winfree to instead release S.D. and let her return home. The government also would have called another victim, A.S., from Kansas, to testify she connected with Winfree at AuPair.com in July 2022. She thought she would be caring for his 7-year-old niece every other week. He paid for her Sept. 14, 2022, flight to Michigan. At Winfrees house, the victim saw windows covered, surveillance cameras, knives, handcuffs and guns, and no sign of children. She refused his requests she give him a massage. Her family asked East Lansing police the next day to do a welfare check. When police showed up, she appeared distraught and left with her belongings. Police helped her return to Kansas. In November 2022, a 17-year-old provided Winfree with nude images via Instagram. He picked her up from school on Nov. 30, 2022, and brought her to his home. Video showed him engaged in sex acts with the girl who feared he would kidnap her. Winfree sent videos of the girl engaged in sex acts to Heiselman, his friend. Winfree also convinced a 16-year he met through SnapChat to send images and video of her engaged in sex acts. Heiselman was sentenced this week by Jarbou to three years, five months in prison, followed by five years on supervised release, for possession of child pornography. Cheyvoryea Gibson, FBI special agent in charge in Michigan, said East Lansing police and the FBI and the victims who came forward kept Winfree from potentially victimizing countless other young women. The case showed the dangers and reach predators have through online methods, and how vigilant we must be while using the internet, Gibson said in a statement. The woman from Italy noticed covered windows and surveillance cameras when she showed up at Winfrees house. In luring the Italian teen to West Michigan, Winfree told her his fictional family loved nature and the outdoors, and that she was going to have so much fun, the FBI said in court records. She provided an online complaint to East Lansing police after her ordeal at Winfrees house on Highland Avenue. I felt like I was dying, she wrote in the complaint. Two days after her arrival, Winfree left her at an East Lansing bus stop in the middle of the night. MARQUETTE, MI -- Two Nigerian men pleaded guilty Wednesday to a charge of conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys as part of an international extortion ring. According to the Associated Press, Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and Samson Ogoshi, 20, of Lagos, Nigeria, are facing a minimum of 15 years in prison with a maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty to the charge. The men -- who are brothers -- were accused by federal prosecutors of running an international scheme where they posed as a woman to convince people to send explicit photos of themselves. Once the brothers had the photos, they would extort the victims. One of the victims includes 17-year-old Jordan DeMay of Marquette who died by suicide on March 25, 2022 after being extorted by the brothers once they obtained a nude photo of DeMay. These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and every corner of the globe ... we can find you and we can bring you to justice, said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in a statement. I hope these guilty pleas also bring a small measure of relief to the family of Jordan DeMay, who died as a result of this crime. The Ogoshi brothers were extradited from Nigeria as part of the investigation and have been remanded to the custody of federal marshals. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. EMMET COUNTY, MI -- A Petoskey man was arrested Wednesday night after a runaway juvenile from West Virginia was located at his residence. Michigan State Police found the man at the home shortly after they were contacted by police in West Virginia asking for assistance in locating the missing girl. Police in West Virginia said they had reason to believe the girl was in the Petoskey area and that she was a registered sex offender. After obtaining a search warrant, MSP troopers were dispatched to the suspects home where he and the girl were located. Police confirmed the 26-year-old man is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted of criminal sexual conduct with a victim under 13. The man allegedly told police that he knew the girl had been reported missing and was allowing her to stay with him. The man was lodged at the Emmet County Jail pending formal charges being brought against him. His name has not been released publicly, also pending formal charges. The girl was taken to the MSP Gaylord post and arrangements are being made to return her to her home in West Virginia. Police in West Virginia will handle the investigation into how the man and the juvenile met each other, according to MSP. DAGGETT, MI -- A 22-year-old Daggett man was charged Wednesday with threatening multiple elected officials in the Upper Peninsula following an investigation that began earlier this year. The Menominee County Sheriffs Office says Peter Sand was arrested Tuesday following the execution of a search warrant at a home in Daggett Township. Police began the investigation after the Menominee County Prosecutors Office received threats from someone who had concealed their identity. Investigators eventually determined Sand was a person of interest in the case. While searching his home, police allegedly found evidence linking him to other threats made to Delta County Board of Commissioners, Gold Resource Corporation (formerly Aquila Resources, Inc.) and the Marquette City Clerks Office. Michigan State Police had been investigating the threats made to the Delta County Commissioners since March. Terroristic threats in Menominee County will not be tolerated. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute any such occurrences in our county, said Menominee County Sheriff Mike Holmes in a press release. According to WLUC-6, Sand was charged with false report of threat of terrorism, terrorism using the internet or a telecommunications system and using a computer to commit a crime. During Wednesdays arraignment, an attorney representing Sands said his client has autism and is jobless with no access to weapons or an automobile. The judge in the case set bond at $250,000 cash/surety and said the reason the bond was so high was due to the severity of the alleged crimes and for public safety. Menominee County Prosecutor Jeff Rogg is expected to recuse himself from the case and plans to ask the state attorney generals office to prosecute the case. ANN ARBOR, MI -- A new Asian-style market has officially opened in Ann Arbor. Orange Market, 1118 Broadway St., opened in March on the ground-floor retail space in the second building of the Beekman on Broadway development. Read more: Ann Arbor restaurateurs to open Asian-style market on Broadway Owners signed their lease in January 2023, with a hope to open in spring 2023, but said construction and permitting caused some delays. Chicago-based Morningside Group is behind the development. The projects third and final phase, expected to begin construction in the fall, is set to bring 200 more apartments to the development. Read more: 196-unit final phase of Beekman on Broadway development gets Ann Arbors OK The aisles of the nearly 2,000-square-foot market offer Asian and American groceries, with plenty of options for fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen meals, pre-made side dishes, beer, wine and hygiene and household products. Products on the shelves include kimchi, Korean pears, noodles, rice and frozen kimbap and dumplings. Jane Kim is a co-owner of Orange Market and has some experience running restaurants in the area, including the nearby Plate Sushi and Chicken which opened in December 2021. Read more: Michigans Best Local Eats: Plate Sushi and Chicken serves up bento boxes, sushi rolls Its always been Kims goal to open something like Orange Market, but she never had the opportunity until recently. Now, she runs the new convenience store with Plate co-owner Esther Kim and chef Donghun Jang. Orange Market at 1118 Broadway St. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.Makayla Coffee The area was lacking a store like Orange Market, Kim said, adding the owners want to offer people grab and go options for items like fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only will this market cater to Beekman residents, but it also aims to serve University of Michigan students and others within the Broadway area, Kim said. Morningsides Ron Mucha said the addition of Orange Market has added to how lively Broadway Street has become over the years with its recent developments. Right now, the end-cap space next to Orange Market is also being marketed for lease, Mucha said, adding the roughly 2,150-square-foot space has already received a lot of interest. When it comes to Orange Market, Mucha describes it as an invaluable amenity for the Beekman residents, but also a very important resource for the community. Orange Markets current hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FLINT, MI A Genesee County jury on Wednesday found a Mt. Morris woman guilty on 10 felony counts and one high-court misdemeanor relating to the sexual assaults she committed against a male family member. Tamra Lynne White, 55, was convicted on April 9 of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of sexually abusive activity, two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of second-degree child abuse, one count of possessing child sexually abusive material and a single count of distributing sexually explicit matter to children. ALLENDALE, MI - The Native American Student Association (NASA) at Grand Valley State University is preparing to host its Celebrating All Walks of Life Pow Wow this weekend. Organizers say the 23rd annual event planned for April 13-14 is a space for the community to celebrate and learn more about the traditional Native American dances, songs and values of Indigenous communities of Michigan. GRAND RAPIDS, MI Corewell Health is asking Grand Rapids city leaders to change the name of a downtown street to Corewell Drive. The two block stretch of city street that Michigans largest health system wants to rename Corewell Drive is on Fairbanks Street between Bond and Ionia avenues, just north of Medical Mile. Corewell owns all of the property along that stretch, and its at the heart of the new Center for Transformation and Innovation complex downtown campus being constructed at 725 Bond Ave. NW by the health system. We have asked the city to rename a short portion of Fairbanks Street to Corewell Drive in order to create a sense of pride now and in the future for team members who will be working in the area, Corewell officials said in a statement to MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Before the Grand Rapids City Commission considers approving Corewells road renaming request they will allow the public to weigh in on the proposal during a hearing later this month. That hearing will take place near the end of the city commissions April 23 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. and takes place in city commission chambers on the ninth floor of City Hall, 300 Monroe Ave. NW. Unlike a commemorative designation where the roadway retains its official name on mail as well as direction services like Google Maps, the name change being requested by Corewell would change the official name for that stretch of Fairbanks Street to Corewell Drive. Corewell Drive would remain a publicly-owned city street, Grand Rapids officials said. Corewells Center for Transformation and Innovation includes an eight-story, administrative office building, the renovation of the Brassworks building into office space and two adjacent parking structures. Corewell previously said the administrative complex would cost an estimated $98 million. They did not immediately respond to a request for updated project estimates. Related: Corewell Health wants to demolish 5 buildings to make room for parking for new downtown campus The office tower remains under construction, and some Corewell employees are already working out of the renovated Brassworks building, according to Corewell officials. Corewell officials said they expect to fully occupy the new office tower and renovated Brassworks building later this year. The project is an effort to consolidate the health systems administrative operations in the Grand Rapids region at one central campus. It was announced in October 2019, with Corewell officials saying at the time they would discontinue a total of 26 existing leases and consolidate those office spaces within the center as a way to reduce costs and facility dispersion. Related: Spectrum Health to construct new downtown building, consolidate office space The project will also see about 600 feet of Bond Avenue between Newberry and Trowbridge streets in front of the office tower permanently close to public vehicle traffic. The roadway will remain open for pedestrian use, and access to Embassy Suites by Hiltons parking facilities and loading dock will also remain open. The city commission approved vacating that portion of Bond Avenue in December 2022. Another part of the plan includes demolishing five nearby buildings and replacing them with four surface parking lots, for a total of 320 spaces, to be used when Corewell develops three neighboring properties into market-rate housing and housing for its graduate medical education program. Corewell officials said there is no start date on this leg of the plan, as it hasnt yet been approved by the city. The properties being eyed for the student housing are 648 Ottawa Ave. NW and 649 Ionia Ave. NW. Market-rate housing is being considered for 706 Bond Ave. NW. These proposed plans allow us to develop residential housing for Corewell Health graduate medical residents and fellows in the near future, Corewell officials previously said in a statement to MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. The proposed housing will allow residents to live within a walkable distance to the medical center and will help Corewell Health attract top talent to West Michigan. JACKSON COUNTY, MI - In his 41 years living at Pleasant Lake, Mike Sharp had never experienced a morning like the one he had Wednesday. Sharp, 66, was alerted by his son, who lives down the road at the lake in northern Jackson County, that there was a large flock of 40 and 50 white pelicans resting along the shore of an island in the middle of the lake. Upon further inspection, and with the help of his sons binoculars, the two marveled at the April 10 arrival of the birds that have only started to appear in Michigan in the last decade. Throw in the fact that Sharp and his son, Chris, also spotted a pair of bald eagles perched in trees above where the pelicans were and you have the recipe for an unforgettable morning, Sharp said. This is probably one of the neatest mornings I can recall after living here 41 years, Sharp said. While it isnt uncommon to see a large flock of American white pelicans in Michigan during this time of year, the species only recently began nesting in the state, said Tom Prestby, Audubon Great Lakes conservation manager for Wisconsin. This time of year marks the peak of the American white pelicans spring migration, when they travel to their northern breeding grounds from the Gulf of Mexico. American white pelicans began nesting in the western basin of Lake Erie and other parts of Michigan around 2014, Prestby said, and sightings of the bird have become more common since. Pelicans are still showing up in new areas within Michigan, and its still very exciting to see this species across the region as their populations continue to increase, Prestby said. American white pelicans also are nesting along Lake Michigan - more than 300 miles away from their historic breeding grounds in the prairie provinces of western Minnesota, northwestern Ontario, North Dakota and South Dakota, Prestby said. American white pelicans are known to travel far for feeding -- up to 500 miles so, its not surprising that they would show up in a place where they arent nesting or havent been seen before, Prestby said. American white pelicans are one of the largest birds in North America, known to have a 9-foot wingspan, according to the Audubon Society, and are similar in shape to the brown pelican, but much larger. Sharp initially scoffed at his sons discovery of the pelicans, but after they did some online research, they began making the connection to American white pelicans based on the birds white mohawk and the yellow plates on their bills - an indicator of breeding adults. When my son first asked me if I thought those were pelicans, I thought he was nuts, Sharp said. But he was absolutely right - they were. While the flocks stay at Pleasant Lake was short-lived, as the birds took off Wednesday afternoon, Sharp said it was another memorable moment in what has been a busy spring on the lake thats included seeing diving ducks, eagles, white mute swans and trumpeter swans in the past month alone. Weve been here since 1983 and I cant recall the amount and diversity of water birds that weve seen on the lake this spring, Sharp said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Jackson daily newsletter. Beijing (Gasgoo)- Wuhan Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd. recently signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Chinese logistics giant Sinotrans in Shenzhen. Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor Both parties will leverage their respective advantages to expand cooperation in various fields such as international supply chain, comprehensive logistics, and digitalization. This collaboration aims to promote complementary strengths and enhance their international business presence. Sinotrans boasts expertise in international operations, resource integration, and global supply chain capabilities, making the partnership conducive to introducing China-made vehicles into overseas markets. Starting with overseas spare parts warehouses, the collaboration will explore global market expansions for Dongfeng Motor's passenger and commercial vehicles and components. Sinotrans will provide comprehensive logistics services for Dongfeng in international supply chain operations, digitalization, and supply chain finance. Taking the European spare parts warehouse as a gateway, both parties will gradually expand into regions such as Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. This strategic move aims to enhance the effectiveness of overseas market development and improve the synergy of the supply chain going global. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Avelo has discontinued its flights from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport to Orlando, but they are expected to return at a later date, according to an official. Avelos last flight operating from the airport at 5235 Portage Road was on Monday, April 8, airport director Craig Williams said. Only the Orlando flight is impacted, Williams said. No flights were canceled, he said, because tickets were not available for purchase. The move is a business decision by the airline for each of its Midwestern markets, Williams said, noting Kalamazoo wasnt singled out. Avelo is also discontinuing flights out of Lansing, he said. Related: See which Michigan airports have flights delayed most often What I do know is, that Avelo will return, Williams said on Thursday, April 11. Its a sure thing. The airline is leaving equipment at the facility through the hiatus, he said. We are told (theyre coming back in) November, but they dont have schedules published out that far in advance, Williams said. This is not an unusual thing for airlines to fly seasonally to destinations. Avelo began offering flights from the Kalamazoo airport to Orlando, Florida, in October 2022. A cake celebrating Avelo Airlines' inaugural flight rests on the table at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Portage, Michigan on Wednesday, October 26, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.com We look forward to welcoming them back when they return to Kalamazoo so people can enjoy those nonstop flights to Central Florida, Williams said. The only direct flights out of Kalamazoo, now, are to and from Detroit and Chicago. Avelo has changed its flight schedule out of Kalamazoo multiple times, including adding a third day of service to and from Orlando over the holidays last winter. It also canceled a few weeks of flights in early December 2023. The carrier initially intended to fly from Kalamazoo to Fort Myers as well, but those plans were derailed after Hurricane Ian hit the Florida beach town in 2022. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. NEWAYGO COUNTY, MI An investigative report recently released by the Grant Public Schools Board of Education helps explain what led to the abrupt resignation of former Superintendent Brett Zuver in January. Zuver is alleged to have misappropriated special education funds by authorizing that a teachers salary continued to be paid to a special education teacher after she left the classroom for a district administrative job, according to an investigation the district had Grand Rapids-based law firm Clark Hill PLC conduct. MIDLAND, MI The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is coming to a mid-Michigan nature center this weekend. Chippewa Nature Center is hosting the event, bringing the spirit of outdoor adventure and mountain culture to Midland at 7 p.m. this Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13. SAN DIEGOGear Leather & Fetish has opened its second location in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, California. The shop is located at 126 Washington Street at Third Avenue, Suite D. Like its Palm Springs location, Gear San Diego is a leather and fetish lifestyle store for men. Featuring gear for the bar, street and locker room, plus toys, restraints, lube and playroom equipment, the store has a contemporary, masculine, loft-like interior. We opened our San Diego store because so many guys from the area were already shopping at our Palm Springs location, owner John McBain said. They made so many requests for a San Diego area store that we just had to create one! Weve worked very hard to build something that is unmatched anywhere in the area and were really proud of it. Gear San Diegos opening collection includes leather, neoprene, gym, jocks, tees, pup, underwear and sportswear products from Mr. S, Mr. Riegillio, Cellblock 13, Nasty Pig, Breedwell, Ruff Rider, FLEXgear and more. Most of the gear is exclusive to the store and made and used by real playerslike the stores friendly, knowledgeable staff. Gear San Diego has also amassed a toy room with sizes from beginner to extreme and everywhere in between. The opening collection includes favorite brands like Fleshjack, Fun Factory, Tantus, Oxballs, Sport Fucker, Men.com, Lovense, Hankeys, and Square Peg. Amsterdams famous Brutus Sling Frame Kits and Rim Seats are available too. Gear is also set apart by its wide assortment ofand highly competitive pricing oncock and ball accessories, lubes and male enhancements products. Featured brands include Oxballs, Hunky Junk, Boneyard, Sport Fucker, Elbow Grease, Swiss Navy, Gun Oil, Bator Balm, Slam Dunk, Max Fuel, Hotrod 5000 and many more. For almost 20 years, weve committed ourselves to bring together the worlds finest brands, price them exceptionally, and offer them in a truly beautiful shopping environment in Palm Springs. Were so excited to share that experience with guys in San Diego. Please drop in and see us, McBain added. We think youll really like what weve done. For more information about Gear, visit www.gearleather.com. LOS ANGELESA conservative Republican lawmaker in California has proposed a "copycat" mandatory age verification bill similar to others introduced and adopted across the United States. Like other proposals, the California bill utilizes model legislation from a far-right think tank that seeks to use obscenity and indecency as interchangeable terms. AVN reported earlier this week on Assembly Bill (AB) 3080, introduced in February 2024 by Asm. Juan Alanis, a Republican representing Modesto. AB 3080 is officially short-titled to include age verification requirements for websites that feature so-called obscene and indecent material. Obscenity and indecency, though both terms that involve content that could be viewed as offensive, diverge in their legal and cultural implications. Obscenity denotes highly offensive or sexually explicit material, evaluated through the Miller test, which considers its appeal to prurient interests, the portrayal of offensive sexual conduct, and lack of serious value. It isn't safeguarded by the First Amendment and is often considered criminal. Conversely, indecency covers morally or socially offensive material, particularly related to sexual conduct or language, without necessarily meeting the legal obscenity threshold. Unlike obscenity, indecency lacks a precise legal definition and varies depending on cultural and individual perspectives. AB 3080 uses these terms interchangeably and is structured as a "bounty law." A bounty law is a term used in political science and legal studies to describe a law that is only enforceable through private civil action decided by local and state courts. It is modeled similarly to an age verification law adopted in Utah, which led Aylo-owned Pornhub to geo-block the entire state and Free Speech Coalition to sue the government. A federal district judge dismissed the lawsuit, but FSC appealed it to the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and litigation is ongoing. This is beside the point, though. What is worth highlighting is the design of AB 3080 and the intention to completely censor otherwise legal forms of speech on the internet. Origins of AB 3080 AB 3080 is based on model legislation circulated by a far-right network called Center for Renewing America and Citizens for Renewing America. The center is a public policy think tank organization that helps perpetuate the "America First" ideology and the political positions of former President Donald Trump. Citizens for Renewing America is the center's activism branch. Like other well-funded right-wing groups, like The Heritage Foundation, it circulates model state legislation. The Center for Renewing America is a member group of the Project 2025 coalition, centrally coordinated by Heritage, that presents itself as a pre-transition project for a potential Trump win in the 2024 presidential election. AVN has reported on Project 2025 in the past and its belief that pornography isn't subject to First Amendment rights and that anyone the group views as pornographers should be imprisoned. Note that Project 2025 refers to "pornography" as a catch-all term to include LGBTQ+ subjects in public schools, queer literature and art, and any other type of material that isn't even considered pornography or "obscene" from the legal standpoint of being potentially harmful to minors. For example, via Source Watch, Center for Renewing America president Russ Vought appeared on a right-wing podcast calling trans identities a "contagion." Media Matters for America analysts accuse the center and its citizens' group of propagating Christian nationalism and far-right ideology. Asm. Alanis is propagating a Christian nationalist vision of a "porn-free" society with the introduction of AB 3080. Here's how: A further examination of its current text reveals that it distinguishes its intended target as websites containing "material harmful to minors"which it defines as "any picture, image, graphic image file, film, videotape, or other visual depiction" that qualifies as either "obscene," "indecent" or child pornography. The bill defines "obscene" material using, as it notes, the three-pronged Miller test established by Miller v. Californiathat is, any type of media which "would be found by the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, to appeal to the prurient interest," "depicts, describes, exposes, or presents sexual conduct in a patently offensive way" or "taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, or scientific value." The definition given in the bill for "indecent" material is very similar, but makes a couple of subtle differentiations in two of its three classifiers, as follows: "Would be found by the average person, applying contemporary statewide standards, to be generally harmful to minors," "depicts, describes, exposes, or presents sexual conduct in a patently offensive way," or "taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, or scientific value for the purpose of educating minors." A comparison to a model bill drafted by Adam Candeub of the center and two others, Clare Morell of the Ethics and Public Policy Center and Hayden Parsons of Michigan State University, shows very similar language in its definition of "indecent": This is not the only similarity between the model bill and the AB 3080 text Asm. Alanis filed with the California state legislature. Also, as noted above, model bill co-author Clare Morell represents the Ethics and Public Policy Center, which is part of Project 2025. Candeub and Morell both served in the Trump Justice Department, and if Trump wins in 2024 and returns to the White House, they are expected to be named to senior administration positions. Candeub and Morrell have publicly criticized existing internet regulations, including the controversial Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. It is worth noting that Candeub, a far-right law professor at Michigan State University, has been criticized for propagating unpopular and outdated viewpoints on free expression. But more to the case at hand, the text of the model bill aboveas aped in the proposed bill before the California legislaturedirectly conflicts with existing case law. Obscenity, Indecency and Beyond Once again, while Asm. Alanis' proposed bill presents similar definitions for each, nothing that is classified as "indecent" is legally "obscene." According to the Congressional Research Service, antiquated federal statutes permitted the government to regulate media that was considered "indecent" and "obscene." But, the change in case law as to what can be considered technically obscene, therefore not protected by the First Amendment, came to fruition with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the aforementioned Miller v. California case, which established that something cannot be considered obscene unless it meets the three-pronged Miller standard or "test." Alanis' bill is essentially pushing for an "obscene to minors" standard using an extremely broad definition. What is additionally problematic is how Candeub and Morell want to rely on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules on obscene, indecent, and profane broadcasts. This is a bid to try and regulate online content, which is wholly different from regulating programming broadcast by a TV or radio station. The rule mentioned in both the model bill and AB 3080 is Section 73.3999 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Section 73.3999 specifically states, "No licensee of a radio or television broadcast station shall broadcast any material which is obscene" and "No licensee of a radio or television broadcast station shall broadcast on any day between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. any material which is indecent." Technically speaking, there is a clear difference between broadcasting and internet streaming. Live broadcasting versus live streaming all comes down to the nature of the signal being sent. A single signal being picked up by separate devices, often licensed by the FCC and a local or state government, is technically a broadcast. Multiple signals sent to multiple receivers are technically streaming, often simultaneously and at high volumes. Most of these signals are considered "streams" and are transmitted online and subject to internet regulations (soon the FCC's net neutrality mandate), not radio or television regulations. It is also worth noting that regulations on broadcasting obscene, indecent or profane materials have always been tested in federal courts, such as Section 230 and laws that seek to segregate age content on the internet through restrictive measures. One of the most notable examples is when the Supreme Court ruled in the landmark case United States v. Playboy that Section 505 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 violated the First Amendment rights of late-night advertisers and showrunners. Section 505 said cable television providers must scramble channels that broadcast materials potentially obscene to minors, indecent or profane. However, the court ruled that cable TV networks can air this material between 10:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., which is already highlighted in Section 73.3999 of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Asm. Alanis and the authors of the model bill are either aware of this and wish to force a constitutional fight in the courts or are completely ignorant of current telecom regulations. AB 3080 and other bills based on the Center for Renewing America's model legislation are sophomoric attempts to censor otherwise legally protected forms of speech, barring the element that age verification in itself is a constitutionality hot button that groups like the Free Speech Coalition wish to see litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court. Considering many standards, outside of the rash of mandatory age verification proposals that feature criminal penalties, AB 3080 is likely one of the more extreme bills AVN has tracked since such legislation became popular among religious conservatives in 2022. The likelihood of AB 3080 advancing past the committee phase is low due to the California state legislature's supermajority held by Democrats. FRANKFORT, Ky.Kentucky is the latest jurisdiction in the United States to adopt legislation requiring mandatory age verification for all adult websites. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear signed the bill into law last week, April 5. It is expected to enter force 90 days after the state legislature adjourns, meaning the age-gating provisions will become effective in mid-July. The age verification requirements in the bill were attached through a floor amendment to an already existing, bipartisan child protection measure that had nothing to do with regulating legal pornography initially. House Bill (HB) 278, which was already advanced through the House of Representatives, originally prohibited school superintendents and administrators from hiring any person "convicted of an offense that would classify the person as a violent offender, a sex crime ... or who is required to register as a sex offender." This portion of the bill also applies to some individuals charged with specific misdemeanors. Republican Sen. Gex Williams of Verona introduced Senate Floor Amendment 3 and successfully advanced the bill through its third reading two weeks ago with the floor amendment attached. Sen. Williams amendment reaffirms the Kentucky General Assembly's position that pornography is a public health crisis, despite the fact that porn is not considered a public health crisis by most public health experts and medical and psychology practitioners. Kentucky joins the ranks of 11 other states to have age verification requirements on the books. The move by Sen. Williams mirrors that of North Carolina lawmakers in 2023, who attached age verification legislation through a floor amendment to a bill that had absolutely nothing to do with regulating legal pornography. The law was adopted, signed into law, and touted as a bipartisan effort. Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, ended up blocking North Carolina. Note: This report was updated to reflect the actual date of the bill being signed into law by Gov. Beshear. Apr 7, 2024; Philadelphia, PA, USA; WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes during Wrestlemania XL Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports As WWE prepares to move its flagship weekly TV program, Monday Night RAW, to Netflix, testing on the arrangement appears to already be underway. First noted by Lightshed Partners Brandon Ross and later confirmed by Wrestling Observer/Figure Four Online, it appears that last weekends WrestleMania XL event aired on Netflix in New Zealand. A fan in New Zealand shared the information on X, as well. @WrestlingDazeYT WrestleMania 40 is being streamed live on Netflix in New Zealand. I didnt think the wwe Netflix deal started until 2025. pic.twitter.com/M9MkHu2bpM Aaron (@R0MANR0YCE) April 7, 2024 In January, WWE announced a new ten-year deal with Netflix that would take RAW from the USA Network, where it spent most of its 30-plus year run, to the streaming giant. The deal is reportedly worth more than $5 billion over 10 years. Netflix is relatively inexperienced when it comes to streaming live sports, compared to Paramount+ or Prime Video, which both have multiple events per week. It was, and still is, unclear how the sites servers would handle such a large influx of people watching one thing at one time, so airing WrestleMania XL on the site in New Zealand was the first test. While RAW will be heading to Netflix in the United States, WrestleMania and WWEs other Premium Live Events will not be. Not immediately, at least. The company is locked into a streaming deal with Peacock to host all Premium Live Events and the robust tape library through 2026. [Brandon Ross, WON4FW, R0MANR0YCE] (Reference)Cherry trees around the Tidal Basin (Note: Inlet adjacent to the Potomac River in Washington D.C.) In 1912, thanks to the efforts of then Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki and many other people in Japan and the United States, approximately 3,000 cherry trees were presented to Washington, D.C. from Japan as a symbol of peace and goodwill between the two countries. A monument stands on the north bank of the Tidal Basin, where the first Japanese cherry trees were planted, and next to the monument is a stone lantern that was presented by Japan in 1954 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-U.S. Treaty of Peace and Amity. The Cherry Tree Sapling Presentation Ceremony was held in front of the stone lantern. According to the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of the Interior, there are currently about 3,800 cherry trees planted around the Tidal Basin. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in conjunction with the cherry blossom season, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors every year and becoming one of the largest festivals in the U.S. to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the U.S. USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Press Release April 11, 2024 Jinggoy optimistic on enactment of Eddie Garcia bill before Congress' sine die adjournment SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is optimistic on the enactment of the landmark legislation that will protect the welfare of workers engaged in the movie and television industry in the country, regardless of functions, roles, positions, or status, before Congress adjourns sine die. With the House of Representatives' recent adoption of the Senate version of the proposed Eddie Garcia Law, which will do away with bicameral conference deliberations, Estrada, who is the proponent of the measure in the upper chamber, said the enrolled bill can now be transmitted to Malacanang for the President's signature. "For the hardworking, creative, passionate, and dedicated individuals working tirelessly to entertain us, whether on the big screen and TV, this is a long-awaited and much-deserved remuneration," said Estrada, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development. Named after the late veteran actor Eddie Garcia, widely regarded as the "greatest Filipino actor of all-time" who died after figuring in an accident while he was on set in 2019, the measure imposes the strict implementation of an eight-hour working time to a maximum of 14 hours, or a total of 60 hours a week. Likewise, it provides for the insurance coverage of workers in case of accident or death during a movie or TV production, the right to self-organization and collective bargaining, and protection from violence, harassment, or any act that degrades the workers. Employers must also provide employment contracts, transportation expenses, social security, and welfare benefits to ensure better working conditions and standards. A Movie and Television Industry Tripartite Council comprised of representatives from the government, employers and industry workers will be created to serve as a continuing channel for tripartite advisement and consultation on policies and programs according to the country's Labor Code. "Umaasa tayo na mapipirmahan ito at magiging ganap nang batas sa lalong madaling panahon. Katuparan ito ng matagal nang inaasam na proteksyon sa kapakanan at karapatan ng mga TV and movie industry workers. This is our tribute not just to 'Manoy' Eddie Garcia but also to the industry's dedicated workers. His death will not be in vain," Estrada said. High-rises dominate the skyline on both sides of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily] Global Times-On Thursday, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will hold a trilateral summit in the US, the first among the three countries' leaders. Beneath the active pursuit of "cooperation," "peace" and "security," an undercurrent of confrontation, danger and conflict flows. The relationships among the US, Japan, and the Philippines are intricately complex and exhibit a distinct hierarchical structure. As the most powerful country among the three, the US plays the role of the "leader," intending to elevate the bilateral alliance with Japan into an exclusive minilateral group, constructing a military chain for its "Indo-Pacific Strategy" to consolidate its regional hegemony and contain China's influence. Japan, as the primary ally of the US in East Asia, acts as an active "collaborator." It seeks to leverage the strategic tensions between China and the US, breaking free from post-war constitutional constraints and its exclusively defense-oriented policy, as well as establishing a multilateral coalition to militarily deter China along its coastlines. The Philippines, the weakest among the three, is merely a unilateral "subordinate," hoping to gain the trust of the US and Japan by aligning with their strategic needs, in order to receive comprehensive political, diplomatic, and military support from both countries. However, in reality, the Philippines is merely being used as a tool by the US and Japan, Liu Jiangyong, vice dean of the Institute of Modern International Relations at Tsinghua University, told the Global Times. The two countries are attempting to exploit the contradictions between the Marcos Jr. administration and China in the South China Sea to further expand their alliances in East Asia, especially establishing a mutually supportive network in the South China Sea and East China Sea. The ultimate goal is to lock down the Taiwan Straits, thus disrupting and impeding China's peaceful reunification, said Liu. While the ambitions of the US, Japan, and the Philippines may seem well-calculated, this so-called trilateral cooperation, in fact, faces the imminent risk of falling apart. On one hand, while the US is currently in an election year, Japan will also hold general elections next year. Once the administrations change, there is no guarantee the new leaders will continue this trilateral cooperation. In fact they may even reverse course. On the other hand, the cooperation with the US does not resonate well with the people of Japan and the Philippines. In Japan, on Tuesday, rallies and protests were held against the government's expansion of military power. Besides, the Philippines' increasing reliance on the US and exacerbating tensions in the South China Sea have also caused anxiety among Filipinos. Senator Imee Marcos, sister of Marcos Jr., stated that her brother's actions are leading the country down a "dangerous path." Furthermore, another uncertainty lies in the reactions of regional countries toward the US-Japan-Philippines cooperation, Sun Xihui, an associate research fellow with the National Institute of International Strategy at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. If the oppositions from other countries in the region against the destabilizing effects caused by the US-Japan-Philippines cooperation continue to grow, it will also to some extent affect the direction and degrees of the trilateral cooperation. Among the issues of common concern to the US, Japan, and the Philippines, the South China Sea issue is one of the most closely watched by the world. Philippine President Marcos said on Wednesday that the upcoming trilateral summit will include an agreement to maintain security and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. However, it is clear who is undermining the security of the region. Countries outside the region, led by the US, have been cobbling together small groupings in the South China Sea. They have been stoking confrontation in the name of cooperation, flexing muscles in the name of peace, and sowing chaos in the name of order. This is no doubt an act of hegemonism. The US, Australia, the Philippines and Japan just completed joint military exercises last week. On Tuesday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said more joint patrols are expected in the South China Sea. All these undoubtedly will further exacerbate tensions in the South China Sea. How can these countries have the audacity to claim to promote "security" and "peace"? Several foreign media outlets warned that the South China Sea could become the world's next flashpoint. The main culprit for the unrest in the South China Sea is the US and its allies' repeated and escalating provocations, Wang Guangtao, an associate research fellow with the Center for Japanese Studies at the Shanghai-based Fudan University, told the Global Times. The US repeatedly attempts to reverse black and white through cognitive warfare, attributing the risks and conflicts in the South China Sea to China, ignoring China's consistent and open policy stance of dialogue with relevant countries on South China Sea issues. As external forces, the US and Japan purportedly express the so-called concern about the South China Sea, but their real intentions are already an open secret. FILE PHOTO: A supporter of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange holds a sign, on the day the High Court is set to rule on whether Julian Assange can appeal against extradition from Britain to the United States, in London, Britain, March 26, 2024. Philippine Coast Guard personnel prepare rubber fenders after Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked their way to a resupply mission at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. Two of the three Billings School District 2 trustees up for reelection on the May ballot have challengers this year. Ballots will be mailed out to voters April 17. High School District A trustee Jennifer Hoffman is contested by Sarah Kottke. BPS District 6 trustee Andrea Nemitz is contested by Clementine Lindley. BPS District 4 trustee Zack Terakedis is running uncontested. The Gazette asked each candidate to provide their answers in 100 words or less to the following questions for voters. Question 1: Why are you running to serve as a trustee? Question 2: Whats the biggest issue facing Billings Public Schools right now and how do you plan to address it? Trustee challengers were also asked how they would have voted on the district's recent library book challenge had they been trustees; the votes on the book challenge taken by the sitting trustees up for reelection are also included. High School Zone A Jennifer Hoffman, 45 Occupation: Stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, substitute at Elder Grove School Education: MSUB B.S. Sociology, Political Science minor. 1996 Graduate of Skyview High Public service: SD2 High School District A trustee from September 2019 to present, current board vice chairwoman 1. Because I have a passion for improving the quality of education in our community. I am excited to continue to advocate for all students, empowering teachers and staff within our district. Supporting programs to increase academic achievement and ensuring our district is known for providing high quality education. I will promote a safe learning environment to make every student feel valued and supported. I want stakeholders to know they are listened to and respected. 2. I see the biggest issue facing the high school district as trust. Building trust is crucial and involves accountability, discussing issues openly, and fostering positive relationships. Listening to concerns with integrity will help rebuild and maintain trust within the community. Our district needs to continue improving transparency for effective community engagement. Recent BPS Book Challenge: Board Vice Chairwoman Jennifer Hoffman voted in favor of the motion to remove the book from high school libraries. Sarah Kottke, 31 Occupation: Attorney Education: Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Education-Relations and Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Business from Montana State University and Juris Doctorate from University of Montana School of Law. Public service: Worked and managed attorneys for the Montana State Public Defenders office for five and a half years, and I'm very involved in Canyon Creek PTA, serving on the board and serving on the levy committee to organize efforts in support of the Canyon Creek Mill Levy. 1. To provide students a voice and a sense of dignity and respect. I want to ensure our students receive an education that keeps them relevant in todays evolving world and have a curriculum that does so, and teachers who feel supported in teaching it. 2. Balancing the budget with the need to keep students safe, keep their education relevant, and support teachers both financially and in the classrooms. View on Recent BPS Book Challenge: I believe removing or banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to government censorship and the erosion of our country's commitment to freedom of expression. Reading, critical thinking and developing rhetoric are foundational skills critical to future learning and exercising our democratic freedom. We need to trust individuals to make their own decisions on what they should be reading. Parents have the right to guide their own children's reading, but should not be making decisions for other students. Limiting students access to books does not protect them from life's complex and challenging issues and teachers need to be provided tools in their toolbox to be able to have these difficult conversations with students to help students grow, adapt, and prepare for their future within our community. Zone 6 Andrea Nemitz, 47 Occupation: Small Business owner Education: North Idaho college, University of Montana, Flathead Valley Community College, Creviers School of Cosmetology degree Public service: Current BPS School Board Trustee 1. I would love to continue in my current role as trustee for District 6 in Billings Public Schools. The job of trustee carries a heavy responsibility to the community, taxpayers and the staff and students. Ive enjoyed learning and understanding the inner workings of the schools, the district, and my role within the board as a whole. 2. One of the biggest issues we are facing is funding, which has implications for all aspects of the district. We have needs related to safety, building repair and maintenance, teacher pay, etc. In order to gain trust and solve these issues, we must balance our budget. Recent BPS Book Challenge: Trustee Andrea Nemitz voted in favor of the motion to remove the book from high school libraries. Clementine Lindley, 44 Occupation: Owner, Limber Tree Yoga and Wellness Studio Education: BA, Seattle University; MA, University of Ulster-Northern Ireland Public service: Children's Trust Fund board member, five years and co-chair, three years; Institute for Peace Studies Advisory Board at Rocky Mountain College, 12 years, Americorp Volunteer, one year 1. I believe in the transformative power of education and the critical role schools play in shaping our future. Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our educational system. I am passionate about fostering inclusive, safe learning environments where every student has the resources and support they need to succeed. With my background in peace and conflict studies, mental health advocacy, and community engagement, I am uniquely positioned to address the complex issues facing our schools. I am committed to advocating for policies that prioritize student well-being, equity, and academic excellence. I aim to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of our educational system and the empowerment of all students. 2. The primary challenges confronting our district revolve around mental health and fiscal management. Student well-being, including stress, anxiety, and depression, is increasingly prevalent, impacting academic performance nationwide and in Billings. Simultaneously, we grapple with a significant budget deficit, necessitating tough decisions regarding resource allocation and elective course offerings. While solutions exist, our local capacity is strained; without passing levies and bonds, sustainable change is unattainable. Until our budget is stabilized, addressing mental health remains constrained by financial limitations. Balancing fiscal responsibility with student welfare is imperative, highlighting the urgency of addressing both issues collaboratively for the district's long-term viability and student success. View on Recent BPS Book Challenge: I unequivocally oppose any motion to remove books from school libraries. I firmly believe in the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and providing students with access to a wide array of materials that reflect different cultures, experiences and ideas from around the world. As someone who values the expertise of librarians and educators, I understand that they play a pivotal role in shaping students' learning experiences. Therefore, I pledge to support their judgment in selecting materials that promote critical thinking, open-mindedness, and intellectual growth. Furthermore, I am committed to fostering collaboration within the community to ensure transparency and trust in the book selection process. By effectively allocating resources and trusting in the professionalism of our educators, we can create an enriching learning environment that encourages exploration and celebrates diversity. Billings School District 2 contains seven single-member zones that elect elementary and high school trustees to serve three-year terms. In the elementary district this year two seats are up for election: the Nemitz/Lindley race in Zone 6 and the uncontested race for Zone 4 held by Terakedis. As such, Zone 4 will not appear on ballots. Voters who live in other district zones will not receive school election ballots this year. Voters in zones 3, 5, and 7 will elect trustees in 2025. The Billings' public high schools receive students from seven other elementary school feeder districts outside SD2, including Blue Creek, Canyon Creek, Elder Grove, Morin, Elysian, Independent and Yellowstone Academy. So in addition to the seven trustees elected by zone, there are two at-large high school trustee positions. High school Zone A, the Hoffman/Kottke race, is holding an election this year. Voters have until 8 p.m. on May 7 to cast their ballots. To be counted, ballots returned by mail must arrive at the county elections office by election day. Voters can also drop their ballots off or vote in person at the election administrators office. Its located at 217 North 27th Street, room 101. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day. Elections officials expect to post preliminary results after 8 p.m. online at: yellowstonecountymt.gov/elections/results/rindex.asp. 44% of remote workers do not feel included when joining remote meetings, according to Microsofts 2022 Work Trend Index. So, how has collaboration and meeting room technology evolved to address that issue? Research Director of Workplace Collaboration at The Futurum Group, Craig Durr, considers that question in this 2023 paper. In 10 pages, Durr explores: The emergence of a tabletop companion camera Obstacles that traditional meeting rooms present in the era of hybrid work that traditional meeting rooms present in the era of hybrid work And more Continue on to learn how to better support your remote and hybrid workers. Two men who are believed to be part of a syndicate that unleashed a reign of terror in Bulawayo have been arrested. The suspects are linked to a hijacking incident that occurred in Shurugwi and a smash-and-grab case that happened in Bulawayo last Saturday. Police said the duo was part of a four-man gang that brazenly hijacked a vehicle in Shurugwi before driving to Bulawayo. Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said police have also intensified patrols in the city ahead of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) slated for this month. Terrence Ngwenya (39) of Mzilikazi suburb and Derrick Nsingo (33) were arrested after they smashed and grabbed a bag containing US$4 500 from a woman who had parked her cate by the gate. Insp Ncube said the other two accomplices identified as Reuben Dube alias Zuma and one Bhonono, are still on the run and police have since launched a manhunt. Insp Ncube said the quartet was driving a Toyota Mark X which was used as a getaway car. The four violently confronted the complainant, a lady aged 45 years as she was waiting for her worker to open the gate at her house in Hillcrest. Two of the suspects smashed the front windscreen of the complainants car, he said. They took a handbag that was on the front passenger seat and fled in their getaway car. However, fortunately, the complainant had already captured the registration plates. Insp Ncube said investigations led to the arrest of the pair. Police detectives managed to connect the crime to one of the suspects, Derrick Nsingo, a known criminal with similar traits. They further made follow-ups leading to the arrest of the two suspects at Madamara shops in Bulawayo during which they recovered US$290 from Derrick Nsingo, he said. Detectives also recovered US$155 from Terrence Ngwenya as well as the stolen vehicle. Insp Ncube said the gang is also wanted by police in Shurugwi for robbery and car hijacking. Police would like to assure members of the public that they are above the situation as all the efforts are dedicated to the fight against crime and no room will be left for the robbers and any criminals to hide, he said. Members of the public are also urged to quickly report any criminal activity taking place in their vicinity. We have a well-equipped and readily available team to deal with high-profile cases. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News OPPOSITION politician, Job Sikhala, has said South Africas ruling party has undermined the democratic struggle against Zanu PF by endorsing rigged elections in the country. Sikhala was speaking during an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation HardTalk host, Stephen Sucker, yesterday. We have noticed and identified the role the ANC and consecutive ANC governments in South Africa have played to undermine the mass democratic struggle in our country, Sikhala said. Dont forget these are the same people who forced the global political agreement in our country when Zanu PF and the late Robert Mugabe were defeated in an election. Mugabe was forced into a government of national unity with the opposition MDC formations in 2009 during talks led by then South African president Thabo Mbeki. The ANCs role has always been to undermine our people. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general, has been releasing controversial statements against the opposition and people of Zimbabwe, Sikhala said. There is no doubt that its the ANCs policy to undermine the democratic forces of the people of Zimbabwe. In March, Zanu PF, ANC and other liberation movements held a summit in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to craft strategies on how to push back against the opposition parties and remain in power. The summit was attended by secretary-generals of Zanu PF, ANC, Peoples Movement of Angola, South West Africas Peoples Organisation of Namibia, Botswana Democratic Party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi of Tanzania and Mozambiques Frelimo. Sikhala also blamed President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the problems affecting the opposition party Citizens Coalition for Change. He is out of the country for treatment claiming he was poisoned during his incarceration at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. The former Zengeza West legislator recently launched a new movement, the National Democratic Working Group, which he said would free masses from political chains. Sikhala said the movement was centred on the wishes and aspirations of the masses. The lives of our people are in danger due to unending cycles of poverty, oppression, looting and plundering of national resources and subversion of the will of our people through electoral theft and self-imposition by an unpopular tyranny, Sikhala said during the launch. Sikhala said he was prepared to die freeing the people of Zimbabwe from the shackles of economic poverty. NewsDay. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Bird Song of the Day American Goldfinch, Hyland-Bush Lakes ParkVisitor Center, Hennepin, Minnesota, United States. * * * In Case You Might Miss (1) Mandy Cohen et al. write a paywalled article in the NEJM that erases Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions from public health, and warns aerosol scientists and ventilation engineers that their work wont be funded. (2) Biden ballot access fight in Ohio and Alabama. (3) Trump at Chick-Fil-A. (4) Taibbi on class (interview with Les Leopold). Politics So many of the social reactions that strike us as psychological are in fact a rational management of symbolic capital. Pierre Bourdieu, Classification Struggles * * * Biden Administration Four years after the start of an airborne pandemic: Today, @ARPA_H announced the BREATHE program to revolutionize how we monitor and improve indoor air quality. The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized improving indoor air quality as an effective tool for keeping people healthy. https://t.co/YioYQLXimi White House Office of Science & Technology Policy (@WHOSTP) April 10, 2024 Sounds impressive, until you realize that CDC our premier public health agency just threw aerosol scientists and ventilation engineers under the bus and erased Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions from the public health lexicon. So you have to wonder what revolutionize and prioritized really mean. 2024 Less than a year to go! RCP Poll Averages, April 5 Here is Fridays RCP poll. Trump is still up in all the Swing States (more here), but still leading with one exception: PA. Ive highlighted it again, (1) because BIden is now up there, and (2) its an outlier, has been for weeks. Why isnt Trump doing well there? (Ill work out a better way to do this, but for now: Blue dot = move toward Biden; red dot = move toward Trump. No statistical signficance to any of it, and state polls are bad anyhow!) * * * Trump (R): Prosecutor assigned to probe Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Trump election interference case [The Hill]. A Georgia prosecutor has been assigned to criminally investigate the states Republican lieutenant governor, Burt Jones, for his alleged role in former President Trumps attempt to subvert the states 2020 election results. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, tasked himself with the probe 21 months after the Fulton County district attorneys office was disqualified from Joness case. The office was disqualified because Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) headlined a fundraiser for a Democratic candidate who went on to face Jones in his race for lieutenant governor. The judge overseeing the matter described Williss decision to partake as a what are you thinking? moment. And not for the last time! More: In a brief statement Thursday announcing his appointment, Skandalakiss office said no further comments will be made at this time. Jones was one of 16 pro-Trump electors who falsely signed documents claiming the former president won the state in 2020. While he was a state senator, he also attempted to convene a special session of Georgias Legislature with the aim of overturning President Bidens win. Jones said in a statement to The Hill that he looks forward to a quick resolution of the matter, slamming Willis for making a mockery of this legal process.' Trump (R): The porn star, the president and a hush money payment [Agence France Presse]. In 2011, as Trump was contemplating a White House run against Democrat Barack Obama, In Touch magazine contacted [Stormy] Daniels about the Lake Tahoe encounter. Daniels took a polygraph exam, which she says she passed, and was to have been paid $15,000. The story never ran, squashed by Michael Cohen, Trumps personal lawyer nicknamed The Pitbull. Daniels said she was threatened soon afterwards by a man in a parking lot who warned her to Leave Trump alone. The Lake Tahoe story resurfaced in the final days of the 2016 presidential campaign in which Trump was the Republican nominee and at a time when he was already facing flak for crude remarks about women made in an Access Hollywood tape. The National Enquirer, a tabloid owned by a Trump ally, discovered that Daniels was seeking bidders for her potentially damaging story about her tryst with Trump. The tabloid put her in touch with Cohen. Cohen, who has since turned against Trump, acknowledged arranging a $130,000 hush money payment to Daniels in exchange for her silence about the 2006 encounter. Daniels and Trump under the pseudonyms Peggy Peterson and David Dennison entered into a nondisclosure agreement prepared by Cohen. Trumps reimbursements to Cohen for the $130,000 payment form the basis of the 34 counts of falsifying business records he faces as part of a scheme to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election.' I so dont want to read Braggs filing, but Im going to have to gear up and do it. The hush money frame bores me to tears. In a world where Jeffrey Epstein and P. Diddy have hours of videotape showing whole elite cadres at play, were worried because a billionaire paid off a mistress? Really? OTOH, if Trump used campaign money to do that, it strikes me as wrong (and perhaps illegal). But in AFPs explanation, which makes Braggs case seem convoluted and creaky, that doesnt seem to be the case; in fact, a flex net (Enquirer editor + Cohen) seems to have handled the matter for Trump. That seems to be where the falsified business records aspect comes in, but isnt that normally a misdemeanor? Did the unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election part turn it into a felony? What in a candidates life does not influence an election? If Melania changed her cosmetics so she looked better on TV, that could influence the election ffs. So I suppose Bragg should be looking into her records too. All this is a long-winded and exasperated way of saying, again, I need to read Braggs filing. But from the press coverage, the case should never have been brought, and wouldnt have been if Trump werent Trump, and New York werent a Democrat state. * * * Trump (R): Can I have thirty milkshakes? President Trump purchased milk shakes for everyone at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta. This President has so much charisma! pic.twitter.com/hGCjND0rSc Brigitte Gabriel (@ACTBrigitte) April 10, 2024 I dont care of its a photo op. Of course its a photo op! * * * Biden (D): Resurgent inflation looms over Joe Bidens White House bid [Financial Times]. The 3.5 per cent annual increase in the March consumer price index followed a 3.2 per cent gain a month earlier, and has made it suddenly much harder for Biden to argue that inflation is continuing to move steadily downwards since hitting a multi-decade peak in the summer of 2022. If followed by other higher than expected inflation figures in the coming weeks, it could also lead the Federal Reserve to push back interest rate cuts that would bring relief from high borrowing costs for many American households this year. Even though the US economy has created more than 15mn jobs under Bidens watch, the jump in inflation during his tenure has cast a cloud over his handling of the economy and remains one of his biggest political weaknesses heading into the November vote. White House officials on Wednesday said that they had always expected the process of bringing down inflation to be bumpy and that they believe inflation will soon begin easing again. Biden (D): Biden Zeitgeist Watch [Joe Klein, Sanity Clause]. I suppose I should be gratified that Klein Joke Line, back in the days of the blogosphere has adopted Zeitgeist Watch as a trope [lambert blushes modestly], and I agree with the bottom line at the end: Biden is in trouble. He needs to talk to people outside his inner circleand then take actionif hes going to have a chance in November. But not much of whats in between. * * * Biden (D): GOP-run states are warning that they could keep Biden off the ballot [Business Insider]. It all comes down to deadlines that fall before Biden is officially nominated, and both Ohio and Alabama officials say Biden could be too late. [T]he state of Alabama requires political parties to provide their certificate of nomination no later than 82 days before the election, which is set for November 5. The Democratic National Convention where Biden would get the formal nod is scheduled to begin four days after that deadline, on August 19th. The same issue arose in 2020 when the Republican National Convention, where Trump was officially nominated, happened after Alabamas deadline. But Trump was still allowed on the ballot that year because the states Republican-controlled legislature passed a special bill making a one-time exception to its deadline. Alabama officials could do the same thing again this year for the Democrats if they wanted to. The state of Ohio, run by GOP Gov. Mike DeWine, has also flagged that the Democratic convention is happening after Ohios own August 7 deadline. Like Alabama, Ohio requires political parties to give their official nominations before the deadline if they want to appear on the ballot. And ahead of the 2020 election, the state also made a one-time exception to that rule because both the DNC and RNC that year were scheduled for after the deadline, a spokesperson for the Ohio Secretary of State confirmed to BI. But: Joe Biden will be on the ballot in all 50 states, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign said in a statement shared with BI. State officials have the ability to grant provisional ballot access certification prior to the conclusion of presidential nominating conventions. In 2020 alone, the statement continues, states like Alabama, Illinois, Montana, and Washington all allowed provisional certification for Democratic and Republican nominees.' Biden (D): Joe Biden campaign hints at litigation if Alabama keeps president off ballot [Alabama Reflector]. In a letter to Mike Jones, general counsel for the Alabama Secretary of States office, Birmingham Attorney Barry Ragsdale, representing the campaign, said the party could provisionally certify Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as Democratic Partys nominees by an Aug. 15 deadline. [Alabama Secretary of State Wes] Allen on Thursday doubled-down on his stance. On January 16, 2023, I took an oath to uphold Alabama law and that is what I am going to do. My office will accept all certifications that comply with Alabama [law]. That statute does not provide for provisional certifications or any other exceptions, he said in a statement to the Reflector. Biden (D): Ohio and Alabama Are Playing Ballot Games With Biden [Bloomberg]. Kyle Kondik, a political analyst at the University of Virginia Center for Politics, told Cleveland.com that no major-party presidential nominee, let alone the incumbent president, has ever been excluded from a state ballot over what is essentially a technicality. Deliberately leaving the Democratic nominee off the ballot because a deadline was missed by two weeks or less is a cynical and offensive approach to what should be a mostly nonpartisan office. Secretaries of state, no matter their party, are charged with administering elections on behalf of all voters. Most take a fair and scrupulously neutral approach to the job. Rules for thee but not for me is seldom a good idea especially when it comes to what should be the impartial administration of elections that are the very foundation on which our democracy rests. In this case, our democracy is not used cynically. * * * Kennedy (I): Rep. Ro Khanna calls on RFK Jr.s running mate to step down. Heres how Nicole Shanahan responded [CBS]. Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California called on Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, to step down, warning that supporting Kennedy could pave the way for former President Donald Trump to win the election. He made his pitch to her in a letter he shared with CBS News, though he hadnt yet sent it to Shanahan. Courteous! More: Even Trump himself, and other members of his team, have admitted that a RFK Jr. ticket will help his reelection, Khanna wrote in his letter. While you may have fair disagreements on the Democratic Partys platform, it is clear that a second term for Trump would be disastrous for climate and undo the work of President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act, the most significant action Congress has taken on clean energy and climate change in our nations history, Khanna went on. When reached by CBS News, Shanahan opted to post her response to the letter on social media, making it clear she had little patience for Khannas latest thoughts on the Kennedy campaign. Here it is: [1] Chair of Pershing Capital, a large hedge fund. [2] Prominent Democrat troll, account with 748K followers (I have always found dumbass to be an especially graceless locution, but hitherto I have associated it with conservatives. Live and learn!) RFKs running mate Nicole Shanahan tears into Democrat Ro Khanna for calling on her to ditch the presidential candidate because it could help Trump win: How anti-democratic!' [Daily Mail]. Following her post to X, RFK Jr. posted: Im so grateful for your courage and grace Nicole. I have always admired RoKhanna. His flip flop here is disappointing. The party has power to bludgeon men of character into wavering .' Ouch!~ * * * NE: Charlie Kirk: Making Nebraska Winner-Take-All Unlocks The West For Trump [RealClearPolitics]. KIRK: If we are able to get Nebraska to become winner-take-all and no longer do this goofy system where they have one electoral vote for the liberal city of Omaha. Joe Biden would then not be able to get to 270 electoral votes, it would end in a 269 tie and it would go to the House of Representatives and Donald Trump will become president of the United States. But theres a snag: For many reasons I dont want to get into right now the legislature was not able to get their act together last week. Fine. Special session. We have the votes if a special session is called to get this done. Phase one is the governor of Nebraska, who has been terrific on this, Governor Pillen, has to call a special session. This is a call to action for the entire War Room posse, not just Nebraska. All across the country to contact the governor of Nebraska and say call a special session to go to winner-take-all. Lot of moving parts here. Lets wait and see. * * * How Taxpayers Will Heavily Subsidize Democrat Boots on the Ground This Election [RealClearInvestigations]. Because tax-exempt Democrat NGOs optimize for demographics that will support them. Perhaps we should take out the demographic aspect and target based on sortition. Republicans Flag Problems in Small-Donor Cash Crunch [RealClearPolitics]. In its first year of operation, [Republican donation platform] WinRed and Trumps combined efforts had a good track record. Trump, for instance, amassed $626.6 million from small-dollar donors, 35% more than Joe Biden did during the 2020 cycle. So far in the 2024 campaign, however, Trump cant count on such a significant small-dollar advantage to make up for Democrats overall grassroots fundraising advantage. Last year, he raised just $51 million from small donors, less than half what he raised in 2019. Meanwhile, ActBlue collected $959,627,475, nearly a billion dollars, in small increments through the end of February, compared to WinReds $430,965,507 as of December of last year, the latest federal election records available. The RNC says that large and small donations to entities supporting Trump have steadily risen since November when it became clear that he would be the nominee. They also point to the former presidents April 6 Palm Beach fundraiser, which hauled in a record $50.5 million following Bidens star-studded event on March 28 in New York that brought in $26 million. The next Federal Election Commission filing deadline will provide a clearer picture, but many Republicans are on edge, angry that WinRed hasnt lived up to its hype and worried that leadership changes at the RNC and in the House and Senate will all contribute to a GOP money chase loss in a critical election year. Pandemics I am in earnest I will not equivocate I will not excuse I will not retreat a single inch AND I WILL BE HEARD. William Lloyd Garrison * * * Covid Resources, United States (National): Transmission (CDC); Wastewater (CDC, Biobot; includes many counties; Wastewater Scan, includes drilldown by zip); Variants (CDC; Walgreens); Iowa COVID-19 Tracker (in IA, but national data). Infection Control, Emergency Management, Safety, and General Thoughts (especially on hospitalization by city). Lambert here: Readers, thanks for the collective effort. To update any entry, do feel free to contact me at the address given with the plants. Please put COVID in the subject line. Thank you! Resources, United States (Local): AK (dashboard); AL (dashboard); AR (dashboard); AZ (dashboard); CA (dashboard; Marin, dashboard; Stanford, wastewater; Oakland, wastewater); CO (dashboard; wastewater); CT (dashboard); DE (dashboard); FL (wastewater); GA (wastewater); HI (dashboard); IA (wastewater reports); ID (dashboard, Boise; dashboard, wastewater, Central Idaho; wastewater, Coeur dAlene; dashboard, Spokane County); IL (wastewater); IN (dashboard); KS (dashboard; wastewater, Lawrence); KY (dashboard, Louisville); LA (dashboard); MA (wastewater); MD (dashboard); ME (dashboard); MI (wastewater; wastewater); MN (dashboard); MO (wastewater); MS (dashboard); MT (dashboard) ; NC (dashboard); ND (dashboard; wastewater); NE (dashboard); NH (wastewater); NJ (dashboard); NM (dashboard); NV (dashboard; wastewater, Southern NV); NY (dashboard); OH (dashboard); OK (dashboard); OR (dashboard) ; PA (dashboard); RI (dashboard); SC (dashboard); SD (dashboard); TN (dashboard); TX (dashboard); UT (wastewater); VA (dashboard); VT (dashboard); WA (dashboard; dashboard); WI (wastewater); WV ( wastewater ); WY ( wastewater ). Resources, Canada (National): Wastewater (Government of Canada). Resources, Canada (Provincial): ON (wastewater); QC (les eaux usees); BC (wastewater); BC, Vancouver (wastewater). Hat tips to helpful readers: Alexis, anon (2), Art_DogCT, B24S, CanCyn, ChiGal, Chuck L, Festoonic, FM, FreeMarketApologist (4), Gumbo, hop2it, JB, JEHR, JF, JL Joe, John, JM (10), JustAnotherVolunteer, JW, KatieBird, LL, Michael King, KF, LaRuse, mrsyk, MT, MT_Wild, otisyves, Petal (6), RK (2), RL, RM, Rod, square coats (11), tennesseewaltzer, Tom B., Utah, Bob White (3). Stay safe out there! * * * Transmission: H5N1 CAFOs, novel influenza, and the need for One Health approaches [One Health]. This is very dense and I cant summarize it (though its worth a read, clearly). APHIS, in its mission statement, supports One Health. Here is a diagram of the One Health Triad: Elite Maleficence Integrating Public Health and Health Care Protecting Health as a Team Sport [Charlene A. Wong, M.D., M.S.H.P., Debra Houry, M.D., M.P.H., and Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. , NEJM]. Here, in its entirety, is the Abstract: Protecting health is a team sport yet the public health and clinical care systems meant to advance this goal have been siloed for too long. I guess the public isnt on the team, the article is paywalled. (Strange that Mandy didnt get the paywall lifted, because NEJM has been quite good at making Covid articles open access). Fortunately, some kind soul imaged the article: It's not the clearest high res, but it'll do pic.twitter.com/EyOZXTRCbk 4x I am, according to Tie, a 13-54 y/o (@ImmunoNucMed) April 10, 2024 And guess what! There are other people Mandy doesnt want on her team besides the public! Table 1: (For the panel at top left: CDC doubles or triples down on Covid as a seasonal respiratory virus, when (a) Covid is not seasonal, and (b) is respiratory in transmission but not in its effects, which are vascular, neurological, and long-lasting, unlike RSV, say. Of course, CDC wants to put all these infections in the same cubes and on the same lanyards back in Atlanta, so here we are.) More importantly: Note the three-times repeated mantra: Vaccines MR SUBLIMINAL Ka-ching! , testing MR SUBLIMINAL Ka-ching! , treatment MR SUBLIMINAL Ka-ching! . Mandy erases non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) MR SUBLIMINAL Zero ka-ching! entirely, since NPIs are none of those there. Apparently, going forward as we say, ventilation, masking, and quarantine are to be erased from the public health lexicon (quarantine despite its use since the mid-17th century). Notice also that vaccines, testing, treatment do not include prevention (better than cure), which is what NPIs accomplish; so not only are NPIs erases, but the personnel who could design and implement preventive strategies for airborne diseases are comprehensively rejected. CDC wants no input from aerosol scientists or ventilation engineers (like ASHRAE or, for that matter, NIOSH). Theyre not on Mandys team! This is also shown in the text of the document: The scope of collaborative efforts with health care partners is defined by Table 1. Hence, no investment for data, lab, or workforce that includes NPIs, ventilation, or aerosol tranmission generally. Needless to say, this does not bode well for the upcoming HICPAC guidance, where hospitals tried to ram through reducing NPIs until a public outcry stopped them, at least temporariliy. Finally, vaccines, testing, treatment is also a comprehensive rejection of the Swiss Cheese Model of multiple layers of protection. Going forward, those and the model itself are to be outside the scope of public health entirely. * * * TABLE 1: Daily Covid Charts LEGEND 1) for charts new today; all others are not updated. 2) For a full-size/full-resolution image, Command-click (MacOS) or right-click (Windows) on the chart thumbnail and open image in new tab. NOTES [1] (Biobot) Our curve has now flattened out at a level far above valleys under Trump. Not a great victory. Note also the area under the curve, besides looking at peaks. That area is larger under Biden than under Trump, and it seems to be rising steadily if unevenly. [2] (Biobot) No backward revisons. [3] (CDC Variants) As of May 11, genomic surveillance data will be reported biweekly, based on the availability of positive test specimens. Biweeekly: 1. occurring every two weeks. 2. occurring twice a week; semiweekly. Looks like CDC has chosen sense #1. In essence, theyre telling us variants are nothing to worry about. Time will tell. [4] (ER) CDC seems to have killed this off, since the link is broken, I think in favor of this thing. I will try to confirm. UPDATE Yes, leave it to CDC to kill a page, and then announce it was archived a day later. And heaven forfend CDC should explain where to go to get equivalent data, if any. I liked the ER data, because it seemed really hard to game. And speaking of Emergency Departments: Who is going to the emergency department most with covid, its kids, blue line ages 0-1, orange 2-4, and red 5-11, so make sure we all realize, covid puts kids in the emergency departments, when we choose not to make schools covid-threat-safe-zones, chart care of Louisiana DOH pic.twitter.com/iROnhCARP1 Justin Lee (@DailyJLee) April 10, 2024 [5] (Hospitalization: NY) Looks like a very gradual leveling off to a non-zero baseline, to me. I suppose to a tame epidemiologist it looks like endemicity, but to me it looks like another tranche of lethality. [6] (Hospitalization: CDC) Still down. Maps, charts, and data provided by CDC, updates weekly for the previous MMWR week (Sunday-Saturday) on Thursdays (Deaths, Emergency Department Visits, Test Positivity) and weekly the following Mondays (Hospitalizations) by 8 pm ET. [7] (Walgreens) Leveling out. [8] (Cleveland) Flattening. [9] (Travelers: Posivitity) Now up, albeit in the rear view mirror. [10] (Travelers: Variants) JN.1 dominates utterly. [11] Looks like the Times isnt reporting death data any more? Maybe I need to go back to The Economist: The pandemics true death toll is 4x the officially reported number. 28.2 million dead. The magnitude of this human tragedy is difficult to comprehend. So much of this carnage was preventable but for the laissez faire attitude of our leaders. https://t.co/asiTYR8YvT Dr. Dick Zoutman (@DickZoutman) February 1, 2024 Stats Watch Employment Situation: United States Initial Jobless Claims [Trading Economics]. The number of people claiming unemployment benefits in the US fell by 11,000 to 211,000 in the week ending April 6th, the lowest in one month, and below market expectations of 215,000. The decline countered the increase brought by the upwardly revised, two-month high in the earlier week to add further evidence of a tight labor market in the US economy, in line with the strength in the latest jobs report, to add leeway for the Fed to hold rates higher for longer to combat inflation. Inflation: United States Producer Prices [Trading Economics]. Producer Prices in the United States increased to 143.69 points in March from 143.47 points in February of 2024. Producer Prices in the United States averaged 116.59 points from 2009 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 143.69 points in March of 2024 and a record low of 100.20 points in November of 2009. * * * Finance: Credit-card delinquency rates were worst on record in Fed study [Yahoo Finance]. Almost 3.5% of card balances were at least 30 days past due as of the end of December, the Philadelphia Fed said. Thats the highest figure in the data series going back to 2012, and up by about 30 basis points from the previous quarter. The Stress among cardholders was further underscored in payment behavior, as the share of accounts making minimum payments rose 34 basis points to a series high, according to the report. Best economy ever! Tech: We own our own search data: Court says: "Indeed, Google's licensing agreement makes clear that it does not own its users' content. Instead, users own their Google content, which, according to testimony from a Google policy specialist, includes their search histories." Brent Skorup (@bskorup) April 11, 2024 So, does that mean the NSA has to disgorge all Google search histories from its Utah Data Center? Manufacturing: Amid cover-up of whistleblower John Barnetts suicide, new Boeing whistleblower exposes safety violations in manufacture of 787 Dreamliner [WSWS]. Like Barnett, Salehpour told the Times he had been repeatedly retaliated against for bringing up his concerns about the shortcut methods employed by Boeing on Dreamliner jets. The engineers attorney, Debra S. Katz, said that when Salehpour approached his supervisors with his concerns or tried to bring them up at safety meetings, he was silenced and transferred to another product line, the 777. Surprisingly, WSWS omits that Salehpour was threatened with violence by his superiors. Hat tip to alert reader Car Burglar for noticing this passage in the Seattle Times piece: At one point, his [787] boss threatened him with physical violence, [Salehpour lawyer Debra Katz] added. That was documented. That actually was in writing. He turned the threat of physical violence over to HR and HR did not discipline the offending supervisor. Given the threat of violence, no doubt the Charleston police are diligently interviewing Boeings managers. Although the fact that the supervisor feft free to put a threat of violence in writing suggests a sense of impunity Todays Fear & Greed Index: 54 Neutral (previous close: 61 Greed) [CNN]. One week ago: 63 (Greed). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Apr 10 at 2:00:01 PM ET. Zeitgeist Watch As bans spread, fluoride in drinking water divides communities across the US [USA Today]. In February, the Board of County Commissioners in Union County, whose seat is Monroe, voted 3-2 to stop adding fluoride to drinking water at the Yadkin River Water Treatment Plant, the only water source wholly owned and operated by the county. But the decision came after heated discussions among residents and county officials. My children had the blessing of growing up with fluoride in their water and they have very little dental issues, said Commissioner Richard Helms ahead of the vote. A fellow commissioner saw it differently: Lets stop putting something in the water thats meant to treat us, and give people the freedom to choose, said David Williams. For those who came in late: I have often thought that General Ripper was directionallly correct flouride, no; but PFAS, Endocrine Disruptors, and heaven knows what else. The Gallery Pompeii: Breathtaking new paintings found at ancient city [BBC]. A third of the lost city has still to be cleared of volcanic debris. The current dig, the biggest in a generation, is underlining Pompeiis position as the worlds premier window on the people and culture of the Roman empire. Park director Dr Gabriel Zuchtriegel presented the black room exclusively to the BBC on Thursday. It was likely the walls stark colour was chosen to hide the smoke deposits from lamps used during entertaining after sunset. In the shimmering light, the paintings would have almost come to life, he said. For example: Class Warfare The Real Book About the White Working Class' (interview with Matt Taibbi) [Les Leopold, Racket News]. Im so happy Taibbi covered this topic, and in a not-paywalled post to boot (I was getting a little tired of reading about how those eugenicist Great Barrington goons wrapped themselves in the First Amendment). The whole piece is worth reading, but here is a key analytical tool, crisply explained: The passage of NAFTA led to a lot of job losses, but a bigger cause is a phenomenon Ive covered here and which Leopold tackles: stock buybacks. Buybacks happen when big companies use cash or borrow funds to buy their own stock on the marketplace, then retire the shares. Both the buying and the retiring tend to drive share prices up, which is a good thing for executives compensated in company stock, but less advantageous for those not privy to the companys plans. The implications of this are crucial. As Leopold notes below, most people assume layoffs are just cold hard economic reality, the unavoidable result of market forces taking their toll on uncompetitive businesses. But its not always true. Healthy companies will cut jobs just to up share prices for executives, who increasingly are compensated in company equity . Leopold cites a stat saying 85% of executive compensation comes in the form of stock awards, creating massive incentives to spend on buybacks. Ive seen both higher and lower numbers, but even the low end (Harvard Business Review put the number at 59% globally and 75% in the Americas) is significant. In the end, Leopold posits that while Democratic voters believe they need to shift to more illiberal positions to win working class voters, theyd more likely need to emphasize mass layoffs as a root of rural anger, which would force them to choose between Wall Street donors and rural votes. More: [TAIBBI:] Whats the biggest misconception about layoffs? [LEOPOLD:] Most people think that mass layoffs are inevitable, right? Theyre the result of technology, globalization. You cant do anything about it, and thats why nobody cares about it. Oh, AI is going to come in, something else is going to come in. Were going to lay off workers. You cant do anything about it. And all you have to do is open the hood a little bit, and what youll find behind most mass layoffs is a stock buyback and/or a leveraged buyout . Theyve taken a shitload of loans using a company as collateral and now to service those loans, you lay off a couple thousand workers and youre all set. Its remarkable. And then the BS that they tell working families is, dont worry, your kids, theyre going to get educated. Theyre going to get high-tech jobs. But last year, the high-tech industry laid off 262,000 workers, and so far its 57,000 this year. TAIBBI: Yikes. [LEOPOLD:] These are booming, highly profitable industries. Theyre also the leaders in stock buybacks. The best way to pay for stock buyback is just lop off a bunch of workers. Of course you probably know that better than I do. This has been ripping through the news industry, all kinds of consolidations that go on where a private equity company comes in and the first thing they do is cut costs. Right? Lay off workers. And: [LEOPOLD:]So this whole issue has just been swept under the rug. Its hard for me to get it out from under the rug. We estimate 30 million people have gone through a mass layoff since 1996. [TAIBBI:]: That number is amazing. It would explain almost the entire shift in American politics. [LEOPOLD:] I hate to be so focused on one force, but its a powerful force. I mean, think about it. Look, you and I are lucky. We have skills where we can move around. Its not devastating, but can you imagine if you just go from one unstable situation to another? I saw it in these Oberlin workers. A couple of them got very anti-liberal. They used to respect this liberal college and its values, but now theyve been treated like this for no reason and goodbye. They dont respect them anymore. I asked the question at a steelworkers workshop with about 50 people in there. I said, how many people here have gone through a mass layoff. It was 48. Mass layoffs, mass infection News of the Wired Watch your garden glow with new genetically modified bioluminescent petunias [NPR]. The petunia with bright, white flowers looks like something youd buy in spring at a garden nursery. But, when the lights are turned out, the petals slowly start lighting up with a greenish, white glow. The plant is always glowing, its just our eyes that need to adjust to see the light. The newest buds are the brightest and punctuate the glowing flowers. Thats why we call it the Firefly Petunia. Because these bright buds resemble fireflies sitting on top of the plant, [Keith] Wood [of Light Bio] explained. And despite its name, this plant doesnt have any firefly genes, rather four genes from a bioluminescent mushroom and a fifth from a fungi. Perhaps a kind reader would like to test? * * * Contact information for plants: Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, to (a) find out how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal and (b) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi, lichen, and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. From A: A writes: Here are a couple of wintry milkweed views. They come from a neighbors sidewalk garden just east of the Union Street bridge over the Gowanus Canal. Having no outdoor space to cultivate, I am most grateful to those who gladden my eyes by their urban gardening. * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for three or four days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated: If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! What happened when the moon turned itself inside out billions of years ago? Space.com Trying to Puzzle Through the Current Macro Situation (excerpt) Brad DeLongs Grasping Reality Jerome H Powell: Opening remarks Stanford Business, Government, and Society Forum (PDF) Bank of International Settlements Climate A Tidal Wetland Restoration of Epic Proportions Reasons to be Cheerful Pandemics The largest fresh egg producer in the US has found bird flu in chickens at a Texas plant CBS China? No Substitute for Victory Foreign Affairs. Let me know how that works out. * * * Yellen Junks 200 Years of Economics to Block China Clean Tech Bloomberg. The theory of comparative advantage, tossed aside. Yellen Dispatched to Beg China for Face-Saving Slowdown Simplicius the Thinker(s) As Chinas economy falters, so does middle-class confidence NBC * * * South China Sea: Philippines Marcos horrified by Xi-Duterte gentlemans agreement for status quo in disputed waters South China Morning Post The rule of law says that the islands are Chinese Global Times * * * No problem that cant be talked through, President Xi Jinping tells Taiwans Ma Ying-jeou in historic Beijing talks South China Morning Post Ukraines government is facing a juncture described in Marguerite Yourcenars The Memoirs of Hadrian: I begin to discern the profile of my death. Russia is demonstrating that it can turn the lights out all over Ukraine. That time has now passed. Russia has destroyed the largest generating plant in the Kiev oblast, Tripilska Power Plant. As well explain below, this further reduction of Ukraines generating capacity has knock-on effects, most importantly forcing further big cuts via soon necessitating the shutdown of nuclear reactors. The Ukraine power system is approaching a tipping point if it has not already reached it. Commentators early in the war, particularly the hyper-nationalist sorts in Russia, were perplexed that Russia didnt engage in the typical practice of a belligerent, of knocking out power and communications networks at the outset. The most common view provided was that Putin in particular really did regard the Special Military Operation as not exactly a war and hoped to bring Ukraine to the negotiating table, which indeed happened. So not stoking further Ukraine hostilities by harming civilians, or even unduly discomfiting them, was part of the initial Lets bring Kiev to its senses plan. In addition, many Russians have relatives in Ukraine, so avoiding civilian casualties and even costs were important for domestic reasons. Again, the more martial-minded werent happy with the Ministry of Defense, in fall-winter 2022, toying with Ukraines grid by selectively targeting transmission, inflicting damage that that Ukraine could repair in at worst a few days. John Helmer, who has given far and away the best analysis of the electrical war, depicted Russia as figuring out how the system worked so as to more efficiently drop the hammer when the time came. Others soon added that a major point of this campaign was to speed up the process of draining Ukraine of air defense missiles. Note that Russia intensified its grid strikes and began targeting generation capacity very close to when the Pentagon had said Ukraine would run out of air defense missiles, at the end of March. And on top of that, Russia has been taking out the weapons platforms too. One YouTuber (was it Brian Berletic?) recently said Ukraine might now has as few as three Patriot launch systems. Update: Per Helmer via e-mail, It was Boris Rozhin, Colonel Cassad, who reported that first, but perhaps he picked it up from another milblogger or was told by DefMin. Helmer also amplified the report: RUSSIAS STEP BY STEP OFFENSIVE WORKS LIKE THIS: combined aircraft missile, bomb & drone strikes averaged 22 per day at start of 2023; over 50pd by years end; 84pd in Feb 2024; in March the same rate, leaving just 3 Patriot missile batteries in Ukraine no bunker is safe. pic.twitter.com/vvtstKVaDm Dances_with_Bears (@bears_with) April 10, 2024 But theres another reason for waiting until Ukraines military was on the rope and its air defenses were badly depleted. If Russia had tried prostrating Ukraine via widespread power outages much earlier (even assuming it wasnt unduly costly against a Ukraine with intact air defenses) it would have been the dog that caught the car. Russia had dithered about developing a Plan B until the embarrassing Kharkiv and Kherson pull-backs forced Russia to act. Amazingly. Russia was able to start and implement its partial mobilization, with 6 to 7 months of training for new enlistees, with the West doing nothing to force Russias timetable. They were so high on the Russian retreats and their own PR that Russia any day now, yessiree, was going to run out of missiles that they gave Russia extremely valuable time to build up its capabilities and its weapons supplies. Weirdly, they even saw Russia demonstrate its organizational/operational skill by constructing the Surovikin Line, yet still refused to get the memo. As Helmer described in his last post, the destruction of generating capacity will start to beget more destruction, as limited supply will lead to load-balancing problems and surges, which will do yet more damage to the grid itself and user equipment. As a tweet by Sergej Sumlenny, LL.Mexplains: Let me say it clear: Ukraines power production is close to collapse. 1) Coal and gas power stations are vital for balancing the demand-and-supply problem in a large network, as they can increase and decrease production. 2) Ukraines Nuclear Power Plants cannot work without this balancing. 3) And Ukraines hydro power plants are too few (and also targeted by the Russians, several damaged). 4) So effectively, Russia provokes not only a blackout in a 40-million-people country, amid a war, but also a nuclear disaster (or Ukraines nuclear power plants must be shut down, without a perspective to be launched soon again). 5) Coal and gas plants also supply heat for larger cities, this will be another huge problem in just 6 months. 6) All because someone in the White House and in the Chancellory decided to play escalation management. Helmer also described how the loss of power will triggers a mass exodus from cities, as has happened with Kharkiv, and will also cripple the military, since many activities rely on electrical power and it seems vanishingly unlikely that there are all that many backup generators. The refugee flood will trigger an internal and potentially an external crisis. Helmer pointed out that one check on the otherwise predictable movement of citizens to the western Ukraine would be that men would be subject to being captured and sent to the front lines. But as he explained last week: Moscow sources believe the operational plan of the General Staff, agreed by the Kremlin since last months election, is to depopulate Kharkov and the surrounding region north to Sumy, and press equally hard in the centre (Dniepropetrovsk) and the south (Odessa). For maps of the campaign so far, click. According to a Moscow source, debate over operational priorities in the political and military strategy is muted. This time round, the source believes, the General Staff aims not to suspend the attacks, not to relieve the pace, so that the Ukrainian utilities cannot repair or restore power supplies no repeat of the first phase of the electric war which stopped at the end of 2022. Now admittedly hitting the big power generating plant in Kiev seems at odds with this idea of which cities to knock out when. But Russia is also dealing with the structure of the power supplies. One assumes the strike on Kievs plant was an efficient way to go about the de-electrification, given its size and importance, even if cutting Kievs power was otherwise later on the list. From the current lead story in the Financial Times: Russia has destroyed Kyivs largest power plant as president Volodymyr Zelenskyy chided Ukraines western partners for turning a blind eye to his countrys need for more air defences.. The Trypilska thermal power plant 50km south of Kyiv, which so far was protected by air defences, was completely destroyed in the attack, officials said. The plant provided electricity to millions of people in Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions. Oleh Syniehubov, governor of Kharkiv, said 10 missiles had struck the north-eastern region, knocking out power to more than 200,000 residents. Kharkiv, which borders Russias Belgorod region, has been pummelled by missiles, rockets and drones in recent weeks. Ukrenergo, Ukraines national transmission system operator, said power substations and generation facilities were damaged and that emergency shutdown schedules were imposed in the Kharkiv region. It called on Ukrainians to limit the use of electrical appliances from 7pm to 10pm, when it predicted a shortage of electricity might occur because solar power plants, carrying much of the load after Thursdays attack, would decrease. Some additional visuals and detail: Until now, Kyiv, the most protected air space in Ukraine was able to stop much of the incoming Russian missiles. That's no longer the case. With air defenses exhausted, Russians finally able to do what they want. Thermal power plant along the river in Kyiv at 4am pic.twitter.com/YGTBqjJIrc Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) April 11, 2024 Massive strike on Ukraines energy system during the night! Power interruptions in regions: Kiev, Kharkov Odessa. At first geraniums drones went into action, which, in addition to identifying current targets among the remaining Ukranian air defense systems, struck pic.twitter.com/hTvyGVImWL Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) April 11, 2024 The Financial Times article includes much rending of hair and garments over the failure of the US to approve additional Ukraine, which is depicted as contributing to Ukraines inability to defend itself. But as many commentators have pointed out, money wont magic weapons or trained men into existence. It would take well over a year to produce the needed armaments, even before getting to the wee problem of competing demand (Israel and Europe restocking). Helmer included later in his early April post: An unofficial Moscow source comments: For the time being, the campaign is likely to leave enough lights on in Lvov to lure the displaced easterners there, and generate all sorts of communal friction. The westward process will repeat itself until Lvov and other border areas are huge refugee camps facing a bunch of nervous Poles, Romanians, Moldovans, etc. Well see what happens to Euro solidarity then. In a related sighting, a mercenary with two years in service in Ukraine (!!!) talks out of school about US and Ukraine performance. Do click through to read the full text: Confession of Polish mercenary Mihail Lipski, who fought against the Russians in Ukraine for two years About Americans. These are not guys you can go to full scale war with. You can go on a "safari" with them to Afghanistan or Iraq. You have everything, but your GEROMAN time will tell (@GeromanAT) April 11, 2024 It does not surprise me to learn that Azovites are (often? always?) posturing cowards. But those that run away sadly to live to see another day. Except here, the Russians will make diligent efforts to round them up. And Banderite love for Nazi insignia as tattoos will make them easy to identify. 4 Natural solutions that can help address CANCER Cancer is often addressed using strong medications that can cause more harm than the disease it purports to fight. Fortunately, there are natural cancer-fighting solutions that you can use against the Big C. Allspice Allspice (Pimenta dioica) is made from the unripe berries of the P. dioica tree that are dried and ground. It is called by many names including Jamaican pepper, kurundu, myrtle pepper, pimenta and new spice. The P. dioica tree is cultivated in many warm areas throughout the world, with its essential oil also commercially available. According to research, allspice possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties thanks to its abundance of bioactive agents that contribute to health promotion. It can address inflammation, pain and fever thanks to these same plant compounds. Allspice is also known to possess cancer- and tumor-fighting properties due to three compounds in particular. The plant compounds eugenol, ericifolin and quercetin present in allspice are the ones responsible for its anticancer effects. Black walnut Black walnut (Juglans nigra) contains the plant compounds quercetin 3-beta-D-glucoside and penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucose. These two chemicals part of the 16 compounds present in J. nigra kernel were the center of a paper published October 2020 in Molecules. The study authors pointed out that the two compounds prevented two kinds of cancer cells from multiplying. However, they suggested that the antioxidant activity is likely driven not only by these two phenolic compounds, but also by a combination of its other compounds. These compounds exerted antioxidant activities that were significantly higher compared to the vitamin E analog Trolox that was used as a control for the study. 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. Bloodroot Despite its reputation as a poisonous plant, bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) possesses cancer-fighting properties. One study published in October 2020 in the International Journal of Dermatology focused on the cancer-fighting ability of sanguinarine, a plant compound found in the roots of S. canadensis. The October 2020 study found that sanguinarine, in a dose-dependent manner, is effective on certain kinds of skin cancer. The plant compound blocks proliferation of cancer cells and induced apoptosis (cell death) a number of different transformed and malignant cell types. Meanwhile, The Truth About Cancer disclosed that sanguinarine can trigger apoptosis via three mechanisms, citing a study published May 2016 in Free Radical Biology and Medicine. According to the study, sanguinarine activates caspase (an enzyme that helps to break down proteins and other molecules), prompts DNA fragmentation and down-regulates anti-apoptotic proteins in laboratory leukemia cells. Parsley Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is often dismissed as a mere garnish in the kitchen. However, this mere garnish possesses powerful anti-cancer compounds such as apigenin, which prevents the formation of blood vessels that carry nutrients to cancerous tumors. It also contains 8-methoxypsoralen, a plant compound shown to inhibit the development of carcinogen-induced lung cancer in laboratory mice. A major Italian population study involving more than 2,500 women with breast cancer found that the risk of breast cancer was reduced by increasing their parsley intake. The reason for this lowered breast cancer risk was the plant compounds present in P. crispum. (Related: The unassuming parsley has many healing properties, including the ability to fight cancer.) To know more about cures for cancer and other related stories visit CancerSolutions.news. Watch this video about an Amish farmer sentenced to six years in prison for making a cancer cure. This video is from the Vigilent Citizen channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Newly discovered herbs revealed for healing cancer and other diseases. Two rainforest herbs that destroy cancer and alleviate side effects from chemotherapy. Chinese herbs kill cancer cells: study. Three medicinal herbs native to Saudi Arabia discovered to hold powerful anti-cancer properties. These 8 potent nutrients KILL cancer cells with no side effects. Sources include: Academic.OUP.com Healthline.com MDPI.com OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com TheTruthAboutCancer.com FoodForBreastCancer.com Brighteon.com Empty executive suite: Boeing insider lays out companys descent into diversity obsession In an interview published Wednesday in the City Journal, journalist Christopher Rufo talked to a Boeing insider who blamed the companys diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies as well as a disconnect with upper leadership for Boeings current woes. (Article by Will Kessler republished from YourNews.com) The unnamed insider alleges that safety issues are the result of the company prioritizing hiring employees based on DEI policies and not on qualifications, leading to quality issues that have endangered lives and hurt the company, according to City Journal. Boeing has been under intense public scrutiny in recent months after a series of safety issues, leading Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun to announce in late March that he will be stepping down from his post at the end of 2024. The insider points out that some companies can get away with hiring workers based on DEI principles, such as tech companies, by paying diverse applicants more to ensure quality, but companies like Boeing do not have that ability. But this can be catastrophic in lower-margin or legacy companies, the insider said in the interview. You are playing musical chairs, and if you do the same things that Google is doing, you are going to end up with the bottom 20% of the preferred population. The interview also drew attention to a lack of commitment and relation to the airplane industry that top executives possess, with the insider pointing to the current CEO and CFO having gained their experience at General Electric. Top executives are also disconnected from average workers at the company, who would rather not incorporate politics into business as DEI initiatives do. I interviewed a long-time Boeing insider who explained exactly how DEI has undermined company culture and degraded performance. "DEI is the drop you put in the bucket, and the whole bucket changes."https://t.co/HfGqIiiA5Kpic.twitter.com/6VDYusb9lN Christopher F. Rufo ?? (@realchrisrufo) April 4, 2024 The headquarters in Arlington is empty, the insider told Rufo. Nobody lives there. It is an empty executive suite. The CEO lives in New Hampshire. The CFO lives in Connecticut. The head of HR lives in Orlando. We just instituted a policy that everyone has to come into work five days a week except the executive council, which can use the private jets to travel to meetings. And that is the story: it is a company that is under caretakers. It is not under owners. And it is not under people who love airplanes. The most recent bout of scrutiny around Boeing began when a door flew off of a Boeing plane operated by Alaska Airlines in January, prompting a federal investigation. A preliminary report released in February about the incident found that the plane had no bolts upon take-off. Boeing planes have a history of safety issues, most notably a pair of crashes that occurred in 2018 and 2019 that resulted in the deaths of 346 people, which prompted Congress to order an investigation. The investigation resulted in a report that was also released in February, which showed that there is a disconnect between the companys senior management and lower members about safety culture. The insider noted that the crash of the 2018 Boeing plane was the result of an engineering failure, which then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg denied to Congress, defending the engineering of the plane, according to City Journal. The defense of the plane led to a large turnover at Boeing after changes were made at the company. Boeing is just a symptom of a much bigger problem: the failure of our elites, the insider said in the interview. The purpose of the company is now broad stakeholder value, including DEI and ESG. This was then embraced as a means to power, which further separated the workforce from the company. And it is ripping our society apart. Boeing is the most visible example because every problem like, say, a bolt that falls off gets amplified. Many airlines have embraced DEI policies, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. These airlines appear to focus on racial quotas when hiring. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request to comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact [email protected]. Read more at: YourNews.com Ridiculous article in The Independent warns that climate change is threatening the incomes of trans prostitutes in Indonesia Just when you thought climate change alarmists couldnt get any more ridiculous, The Independent in the UK (via Reuters) is now warning that climate change is hitting vulnerable Indonesian trans sex workers. While its nice to see the climate change crowd taking a break from their misguided attempts to demonize carbon, this would actually be funny if it werent so pathetic. There are many major issues facing the world today, but the income of trans sex workers in Indonesia doesnt quite rank in anyones top 10 or even 100. Nevertheless, the paper earnestly explains how a 43-year-old Indonesian trans woman has been seeing her sex work income suffer for at least a decade in response to changing weather patterns. With the rainy season now lasting a longer time than usual in the West Java province and bringing strong winds with it, she is taking a hit of as much as 80 percent of her earnings. You might think that farmers would feel the biggest impact from any variations in weather, but the article insists that its actually trans sex workers who are suffering the most as they are unable to solicit clients outside in bad weather. Trans women like Patiha are among the most affected by extreme weather linked to climate change, as well as suffering disproportionately when disasters strike, it notes. It almost sounds like a belated April Fools article or output from a super-woke AI, with all the buzzwords and careful language used to describe the situation and make it seem far more urgent and compelling than it actually is. 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. The article goes on to point out that this is worse for trans women than other types of sex workers, including trans men sex workers: Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and trans women, who tend to face more stigma and marginalisation than trans men or other LGBTQ+ Indonesians, are also among those hardest hit by extreme weather. Researchers want government to consider how climate affects trans people There is even a researcher who focuses on how climate change affects transgender Indonesians, Arif Budi Darmawan, who claims that while the Indonesian government has plans for managing the impacts of climate change, they fail to consider how it affects trans people. Women, the elderly and people with disabilities are mentioned, but there is no provision for sexual and gender minorities, he said. Indonesia is one of the rainiest places on the planet and is known for its brutal monsoon seasons. In the worst cases, homes are destroyed and people die, but the slowdown in business for transgender prostitutes is somehow the big headline here? Its not just Indonesia where this is a concern; the Center for American Progress published a Pride Month piece on the topic entitled How environmental and climate injustice affects the LGBTQI+ community. It explained that among those aged 18 to 25, LGBT people have a 2.2 times higher risk of homelessness than those who are not LGBT. This, in turn, makes them more vulnerable to extreme weather events. Moreover, discrimination in shelters makes it harder for them to seek support. Therefore, they insist that the U.S. needs to "commit to achieving a just climate and environment for all." Those who stand to benefit from pushing the climate change narrative are showing just how little they really have to work with here. If the planet was really in as much danger as they want us to believe, there would be no need to invoke the social justice causes du jour in their propaganda. This is just further proof of how impressively skilled this crowd is when it comes to finding new victims to rally around in hopes of lining their pockets and furthering their objectives. Sources for this article include: ClimateDepot.com Independent.co.uk AmericanProgress.org Far-right Israeli leaders are scrambling to prolong war in Gaza to try to save their own political careers Mass protests in Israel are taking aim at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling on him to end the war in Gaza, but hes not the only politician in the country who is interested in prolonging the war. As the Jewish state starts withdrawing some troops from Gaza, some far-right officials are panicking about what might come next. Israel has now withdrawn the bulk of its troops from Gaza in a move that the Hebrew media has labeled an official end to the IDFs ground operation in the strip, at least for now. This does not mean they are finished there by any means, but it is a significant de-escalation, and some leaders on the far right are not happy about it. On X, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who represents the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, wrote that if Netanyahu decides to end the war without an extensive attack on Rafah in order to defeat Hamas, he will not have a mandate to continue serving as Prime Minister. In other words, unlike the 100,000 people who have been protesting in Tel Aviv, they want more war, not less. The Religious Zionist Partys Bezalel Smotrich is also disappointed the war could be winding down. He has called on Netanyahu to hold a meeting of his security cabinet to discuss the issue, claiming that Bibi is not authorized to make the decision to withdraw troops. The only forum authorized to make significant decisions in war is the full [security] cabinet, but unfortunately, this is not how things are happening, he said in a statement, adding: We are seeing decisions being made in the smaller [war] cabinet without approval, without updating the full cabinet, under international pressure that is harming the wars momentum and our security interests. 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. Many leaders are motivated to keep the war going For Netanyahu himself, the motivation is clear. As long as the war continues, he can stay in power and potentially delay his upcoming corruption trial, possibly indefinitely. De-escalation would also mean that state inquiries into the Israeli governments culpability for the attacks by Hamas on October 7 would be able to get underway. His coalition partners have their own motivations, and he relies on them to keep the coalition together that enables him to rule the country. Far-right parties like the aforementioned Otzma Yehudit and the Religious Zionist Party consider this war to be a means to achieving their foundational political principles of expanding Jewish supremacy while keeping Palestinian nationalism in check. If these factions quit the coalition government, Israel would be forced to hold early elections. Polls indicate that Netanyahus bloc would lose its power in such an election, even with many Israelis opposing the creation of a Palestinian state. For now, those in favor of prolonging the war may just get their wish. The troop withdrawal may be in full swing, but Netanyahu claims he has set a date to invade Rafah in southern Gaza as truce talks seem to be going nowhere. He insisted in a video statement that a ground military operation in the town, with more than 1.5 million Palestinians currently taking shelter there after being forced to flee their homes, is vital for winning the war. His announcement came after calls by far-right leaders to step up IDF action against Hamas. He failed to provide details or disclose the date, but he doubled down on his insistence they will eliminate all of Hamass brigades. Such a move would be in direct defiance of the U.S., which has publicly opposed such an invasion on the grounds that there are no feasible plans in place for evacuating the many civilians there. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co AlJazeera.com Former Ethereum advisor files $9.6B lawsuit against Biden administration stemming from false charges and corruption of federal agents Steven Nerayoff, former advisor to decentralized blockchain Ethereum, and his legal team have filed a Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lawsuit against the U.S. government. They are asking for $9.6 billion in personal damages as a result of false charges brought against him as well as the alleged cover-up of federal agents' failings in the case against him. "It is time we took a stand against this unrestrained corruption, for all the people wrongly accused and to ensure justice against those who have been a part of this," Nerayoff posted on X. He also thanked Fox Business' Eleanor Terrett for making his case public and his lawyer Michael Scotto. Originally shared by Terrett, the lawsuit alleged that Nerayoff's "well-being, personal life and career were irreparably harmed" as a "direct and proximate result of the wrongful conduct of federal agents" following the government's now-dropped claims that he criminally extorted an anonymous crypto startup. Nerayoff also claimed that President Joe Biden's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) conspired in a "collective and concerted fishing expedition" into his business dealings beginning in 2017. He argued that federal agents wrongfully raided his home, handcuffed him, threw him into the back of a van and warned that he would not see his children grow up if he failed to provide them with information on several key players within the crypto industry. His lawyer also alleged that federal agents willfully "ignored how they were violating Nerayoff's constitutional rights and destroying his life under color of law" to maintain the public appearance that the DOJ and SEC were engaged in legitimate crypto-related enforcement actions. Specifically, Scotto accused Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent Jordan Anderson of knowingly withholding information and mischaracterizing government evidence to "fabricate the false narrative" that he used "coercive, extortionary threats of violence, physical and economic harm" in conducting cryptocurrency-related business dealings. 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. While winning lawsuits against the federal government is notoriously difficult, Scotto believes their case against the government is strong. Prominent lawyer Alan Dershowitz, who is a consultant on the case, said Nerayoff's case is "unusual." "I am strongly opposed to prosecutors targeting individuals," the attorney said. "That's why I agreed to serve as a constitutional consultant to Nerayoff." Nerayoff is an entrepreneur, attorney, inventor of multiple international patents and founder of the blockchain consulting firm Alchemist. He is also a blockchain pioneer, known for his early involvement in projects like Ethereum in 2015. He was arrested by the FBI alongside his Alchemist associate Michael Hlady in September 2019. Both were charged with extortion, with authorities arguing that they threatened to "destroy a cryptocurrency startup if they were not paid millions of dollars" in Ether, the native cryptocurrency of the platform Ethereum. Nerayoff airs grave concern amid SEC scrutiny of Ethereum A few weeks ago, Nerayoff expressed serious concerns over the investigation of Ethereum by the SEC, claiming that the prospects of Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) might be facing more rigorous examination. In an X thread, he aired his deep disappointment with how Ethereum has evolved. He said: "If my invention was followed, we wouldn't have issues today; Ethereum would still be the base of crypto." He also slammed the Ethereum project for straying from its original vision, attributing the SEC's investigation and the emergence of the ETHGate movement to the founding team's greed. He argued that this deviation has turned Ethereum into a "deceptive database" manipulated by a select few at the expense of the broader community. "Ethereum is built on deceit and lies, and they think youre all dumb enough to not be the wiser. Well, I am, and I am saying to all of you, don't allow this to happen a day more. The Ethereum house of deceit must fall once and for all," he added. Nerayoff also highlighted the rise of scam Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and the resulting erosion of trust as outcomes of current Ethereum leadership moving away from his initial concepts. He also emphasized the non-fungible token (NFT) craze which he described as "a handful of people creating tokens and rug pulling them." According to reports, this is not the first time that Nerayoff voiced concerns over Ethereum and its leadership. In September 2023, he suggested that the ecosystem received preferential treatment from regulators through an infiltration of regulatory bodies. In an audio of a nearly three-hour call with Vitalik Buterin shared back in November 2023, he warned the Ethereum co-founder, "I am fairly convinced that securities laws and these other laws have been tripped." (Related: Domino effect: TerraUSD collapse sends Bitcoin, Ethereum crashing.) Read more stories related to digital currencies at CryptoCult.news. Watch the video below that talks about Nerayoff being targeted by the federal government. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: New probe reveals 'real-world harm' of (energy-intensive) crypto mining operations. Cryptocurrency traders pull $3 billion from stablecoin USDC in just 3 days. HSBC brings cryptocurrency trading services to its online investment platform in Hong Kong. Sources include: CryptoNews.com CoinTelegraph.com ReadWrite.com Brighteon.com Globalism on the airwaves: Soros fund now bankrolling radio stations Soros Fund Management (SFM), the investment management firm founded by Hungarian globalist billionaire George Soros, is now involved in the radio industry Semafor's Max Tani expounded on this in an April 8 piece. He began by pointing out: "George Soros thinks it's good business, and perhaps good politics, to be in your ears." Tani then cited several examples of SFM dipping its fingers in the oldest form of mass media. In February, SFM became the largest shareholder in Audacy the second-largest radio company in the U.S. that later became bankrupt. Audacy boasted having more than 230 U.S. radio stations and a podcasting arm that includes Cadence13, Pineapple Street Studios and Podcorn. In 2022, Soros through SFM invested an undisclosed amount in the liberal podcast network Crooked Media of the "Pod Save America" podcast fame. Aside from its investments in Crooked Media and Audacy, SFM also discussed the acquisition of other major companies including the publicly traded yet limping Cumulus Media, another major player in the radio market. "Regulations limiting ownership of radio stations put limits on such mergers," Tani pointed out. (Related: George Soros funding tied to dozens of mainstream media figures, journalists.) The Semafor journalist also cited information shared by insiders regarding the Soros fund's acquisition of other radio stations. Michael Del Nin, SFM's lead media investor, reportedly met with several major figures in digital media and audio last year intending to expand the fund's investments in the industry. 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. Among the entities SFM has its eyes on are podcast company Project Brazen, podcast and audiobook publisher Pushkin Industries and the Lemonada network. Pushkin Industries was founded by journalists Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg, while Lemonada became famous for carrying the "Wiser Than Me" podcast hosted by actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Another podcast industry insider told Semafor that Lemonada is in the midst of a formal process to find a buyer. However, some potential buyers have balked at its high asking price. SFM involvement in radio stations could compromise their political leanings Tani also mentioned how a startup backed by SFM played a crucial role in the 2022 sale of Hispanic radio stations all owned by TelevisaUnivision. Latino Media Network (LMN) acquired the 18 radio stations as part of the $60 million deal that included conservative Cuban powerhouse broadcasters in Miami, according to the Miami Herald. Incidentally, LMN said it had secured debt financing from Lakestar Finance LLC which is affiliated with SFM. According to the Semafor journalist, LMN is helmed by veterans of Democratic politics. This connection with the Hungarian globalist billionaire "drew opposition from Republican members of Congress," he added. "Soros' media moves could have an impact on this year's elections. Where conservative-backed companies dominate local television and have subtle but notable influence over the tone of their content, [his] ownership could also prove pivotal," remarked Tani. "Whether ideology plays any role, Soros is following a format that Democratic communications officials have laid out for big-money donors to help bolster their agenda." Dom Theodore, program director of "The Glenn Beck Program," expressed hope that the new ownership of Audacy "would maintain the integrity" of the acquired brands. He warned that refusing to do so "would be a major business mistake." According to Theodore, Cumulus and its rival iHeartMedia, both carry more conservative news talk programs. Meanwhile, Audacy SFM's recent acquisition carries some conservative and straight news shows. "In a healthy republic, the media is a 'check-and-balance' against those in power. But over the last few years, we've seen media outlets parroting talking points constructed by those in power, and over-consolidation of the media leading to censorship on an unprecedented scale by the elite," Theodore told Semafor. "This should concern every American." A spokesperson for SFM declined to comment, and so did representatives for other entities mentioned in Tani's article. Head over to Soros.news for similar stories. Watch Elon Musk explaining why George Soros, SFM's founder, fundamentally hates humanity and erodes the fabric of civilization on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: The SOROS EFFECT: The insidious "Merchant of Migrants" funds war and chaos around the world that sends millions of migrants straight to the USA. George Soros letter reveals globalist plan to destroy the First World by eliminating national borders with global migrant blitzkreig invasions. Soros-funded voter registration system 'ERIC' used in dozens of states is politically compromised: Report. Soros network ramps up investment in Latino voter mobilization. George Soros bankrolling worldwide "fact-checking" network. Sources include: Semafor.com MiamiHerald.com Brighteon.com Godfather of AI warns of battle robots The world could encounter major disasters before the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) weapons is regulated in a proper manner, according to Turing Award-winning scientist Geoffrey Hinton, seen as a pioneer of the technology. (Article republished from RT.com) The former Google engineer, who quit the company last year, compared the use of the technology for military purposes to chemical weapons deployment warning that very nasty things will occur before the global community arrives at a comprehensive agreement comparable to the Geneva Conventions. The threat I spoke out about is the existential threat, Professor Hinton said on Tuesday in an interview with Irish broadcaster RTE News, emphasising that these things will get much more intelligent than us and they will take over. The computer scientist highlighted the impact of AI on disinformation and job displacement, and also on weapons of the future. One of the threats is battle robots which will make it much easier for rich countries to wage war on smaller, poorer countries and they are going to be very nasty and I think they are inevitably coming, Hinton warned. He urged governments to put pressure on tech majors, especially in California, to conduct in-depth research on the safety of AI technology. Rather than it being an afterthought, there should be government incentives to ensure companies put a lot of work into safety and some of that is happening now, Hinton said. The scientist also highlighted huge benefits that AI can bring to humanity, particularly in healthcare, adding that he does not regret any of his contributions to the technology. Despite the mounting interest in AI, several high-profile figures in the tech industry have warned of the potential dangers posed by the unregulated adoption of the technology. Hinton, who quit Google last year, has waged a media campaign to warn of the risks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Yoshua Bengio, who is considered an AI pioneer for his work on neural networks, were among the top industry figures to co-sign a letter last year calling for aggressive regulation of the AI sector. Read more at: RT.com Israel violating international law left and right, but U.S. claims no evidence of wrongdoing Christians everywhere are in a tizzy over what they claim is a "betrayal" of the United States against Israel amid the latter's war on Gaza but the facts tell a much different story. The United States seems to be going to great lengths to try to justify what Israel is doing in Gaza, claiming that the Zionist state is not violating any international laws. Experts the world over argue otherwise, but White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told the press during a recent heated exchange that Israel is not guilty of committing any war crimes. "Your your question presumes, at this very early hour, that it was a deliberate strike, that they knew exactly what they were hitting, that they were hitting aid workers and did it on purpose," Kirby said to one reporter when questioned about the recent Israel Defense Forces (IDF) missile attack on aid workers from World Central Kitchen. "And there's no evidence of that," Kirby continued, defending Israel for the attack that killed seven aid workers delivering food to starving, war-struck Palestinians. (Related: Did you know that a homosexual Jewish doctor created the world's first transgender clinic in Germany back in 1919?) Israel never does anything wrong When asked by a reporter for clarity about whether or not Israel has committed even one international humanitarian law violation in the past six months, Kirby reiterated his belief that Israel is free and clear of having committed any crimes. "I would also remind you, sir, that we continue to look at incidents as they occur," Kirby said. "The State Department has a process in place. And to date, as you and I are speaking, they have not found any incidents where the Israelis have violated international humanitarian law." 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. "I'm telling you the State Department has looked at incidents in the past and has yet to determine that any of those incidents violate international humanitarian law." The next day, Kirby doubled down on his previous statements by reiterating that the State Department under Joe Biden has not identified a single incident in which Israel committed any violation of international humanitarian law. Responding to Kirby's claims, legal experts everywhere are saying that it is "complete nonsense" to suggest that Israel is crime-free in its behaviors over the past six months. "It is both incredible and incredibly cynical for Mr. Kirby to assert that Israel has not violated international law," commented Queen's University's Ardi Imseis. "No, Israel is not complying with international law in Gaza," said Adil Haque, a law professor at Rutgers University. "Israel has unlawfully impeded humanitarian relief, and there is substantial evidence that it has unlawfully used starvation of civilians as a method of warfare." According to Imseis, it is impossible that Washington has been unable to identify even a single incident of international crime committed by Israel in Gaza. "The public record, including that established through the UN, is clear that Israel has and is continuing to violate all manner of its international legal obligations in the Gaza Strip," Ismeis said. Janina Dill, a professor from the University of Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government, agrees. She stated that it is simply inconceivable that the U.S. is truly unaware of Israel's violations of international law in Gaza. "In short, it is plausible neither that Israel's operations in Gaza are in full compliance with IHL (international humanitarian law), nor that the U.S. government is unaware of the serious and credible allegations of legal violations," Dill said. As of this writing, some 33,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have died in Gaza amid Israel's war on Hamas. The latest news about Israel's war on Gaza can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net NaturalNews.com Report finds China uses fake accounts and AI-generated content to manipulate public opinion (but so does the U.S. government and the CDC) A report from the Microsoft Threat Analysis Center (MTAC) has uncovered how China uses fake social media accounts and artificial intelligence-generated content to manipulate public opinion in its favor and disrupt global affairs. According to the report, titled "Same targets, new playbooks: East Asia threat actors employ unique methods," Chinese Communist Party-affiliated actors have been actively engaging in deceptive practices on social media platforms. These actors have been posing contentious questions on divisive American domestic issues to gauge public sentiment and potentially influence the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. These efforts aim to gather intelligence on key voting demographics and sow division among American voters. The report reveals that China has significantly increased its use of AI-generated content to propagate its agenda both domestically and internationally, even with limited success in swaying opinions. The actors use original videos, memes, infographics and recycled content from high-profile political social media accounts to post about American domestic issues like global warming, border policies, drug use, immigration and racial tensions. (Related: INFILTRATION ALERT: CCP-linked media company running influence campaigns across U.S. news websites.) Additionally, China operates fake social media accounts to poll voters and better understand "which topics are the most divisive ahead of the main phase of the United States presidential election." "In recent months, there has been an increase in, effectively, polling questions," said Clint Watts, the general manager of MCAT. "This indicates a deliberate effort to understand better which U.S. voter demographic supports what issue or position." 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. Furthermore, China remains focused on issues involving key regions, such as the South Pacific Islands, the heavily contested South China Sea and the U.S. defense industrial base. The country has doubled down on its targets and has enhanced the sophistication of its influence operations. China tried to manipulate Taiwan's presidential election The MTAC report also reveals that China already tried to manipulate the outcome of the Taiwan presidential election in January. During the election period in Taiwan, a Beijing-backed group identified as Storm 1376, also known as Spamouflage or Dragonbridge, was actively disseminating AI-generated content targeting candidates. Storm 1376 uploaded an AI-generated YouTube audio clip purportedly featuring Terry Gou, a candidate who had withdrawn from the race in November, endorsing another contender. YouTube immediately removed the audio before it reached a significant audience, while Microsoft reported that the clip was "likely AI-generated." The disinformation efforts weren't limited to audio clips; Storm 1376 flooded social media platforms with AI-generated memes besmirching the election's eventual winner, William Lai, a candidate known for his pro-Taiwanese sovereignty stance, which irked Beijing. These memes falsely accused Lai of embezzling state funds, among other baseless allegations. MTAC also reveals that the Beijing-backed group also uses AI-generated TV news anchors to propagate unfounded claims about Lai's personal life, including allegations of fathering illegitimate children. Microsoft disclosed that CapCut, a tool developed by Chinese company ByteDance, the owner of the popular social media platform TikTok, was behind the AI-generated news anchors. With all this, Watts concluded: "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." Watch this clip from "China in Focus" as host Tiffany Meier discusses the report revealing that the CCP interfered in the U.S. midterms. This video is from the Pool Pharmacy channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Report: CCP tried to influence certain races in the 2022 midterms to get pro-China politicians elected. US accuses China of pouring BILLIONS of dollars into GLOBAL DISINFO campaign (while the US govt. spews endless lies about everything). Canada to begin inquiry into allegations that CCP agents meddled in Canadian elections. China using AI technology to IMPERSONATE U.S. voters, Microsoft confirms. Software CEO charged with stealing massive amounts of election data in Los Angeles, sending it to China. Sources include: DailyStar.co.uk Blogs.Microsoft.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com Scotlands new hate speech law expresses the ruling elites contempt for ordinary people Every attempt at speech laws is a means of criminalizing critics of government. There is no other reason to police speech. Our role in this system is to listen and to obey. To reply carries a risk of imprisonment. (Article by Frank Wright republished from LifeSiteNews.com) The hatred of the common people by the ruling elite was once again demonstrated on All Fools Day. This was the day on which the Scottish Parliaments Hate Crime and Public Order Act came into force, providing for the prosecution of anyone, anywhere, for saying anything online, ever. If you are in Scotland, it includes things said in your own home. Children will be able to report their parents. It is vaguely defined and enjoys a borderless reach into the recorded conversations of ordinary people worldwide. Curiously, it claims to abolish the criminal offence of blasphemy. In fact, it replaces blasphemy against God with that against the mad cult of the Liberals whose leadership is the real protected group here. There is scant protection for the profession of Christianity. This should be no surprise. The Scottish, known affectionately as The Scotch by AJP Taylor, have their own Parliament now. It is ruled by the SNP, a nominally nationalist party dedicated to the deranged cult of progress. In this act the SNP seeks to scotch ugly rumors about itself. If you have posted something to which the commissars of correctness object, then wherever you are in the world, you too may be branded a hate monster. This is the childish cartoon which Police Scotland used to promote their brand of caring censorship. It warns that white working class Scots are the most likely to be seized by the hate monster. So the enemy again is the native population. The Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf provides a sterling example of the common sense called racism. His frequent tirades against white people in his tinpot parliament are a reminder as to why no one wishes to be governed by resentful foreigners who hate them. He says that critics of what the Scottish Herald called in 2020 his wokey horror picture show are simply racists. Independent journalist Michael Shellenberger has tried to purse this sows ear in disclaiming the accusation of racism. Writing on the scary Scottish hate speech law, he argues that Yousafs tenure as the first minister of Scotland proves that the Scots are not racist. In reality, it proves how political leadership is installed regardless of, and often against, the popular interest. Racism is a concept leveraged to silence discontent. The hostility of the political class to life is not limited by race. Well #Humza youre not more Scottish than me. Youre not a Celt like me. Youre not working-class like me. You didnt go to a state school like me. Youre not more socialist than me. So stop pretending. Youre a poseur. @Alliance4Unitypic.twitter.com/90oPOc1KZA George Galloway MP (@georgegalloway) March 17, 2021 For pointing out these facts to the leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party George Galloway has been denounced as a racist, by people who insist that Humza Yousaf is in fact more Scottish than him. This is further complicated by the fact that the law itself may be, as the Scotch say, a wee bit racist itself. As Lucy Blackburn wrote for the Spectator on March 24: According to Police Scotland, the people most likely to commit hate crimes are young men with deep-rooted feelings of being socially and economically disadvantaged, combined with ideas about white-male entitlement. Who might these hatemongers be? Blackburn explains, It sounds like a long-winded way of saying white working-class. Accusations of racism here conceal a genuine prejudice of the government against the governed. The method in the madness Like antisemitism and transphobia, racism is used when you accuse a protected group of what they are doing. To ask that Israel stop killing civilians and calling it a war is antisemitic. To notice that Humza is not, as George Galloway put it, more Scottish than him is racist. To point out that transwomen never want to read stories to the elderly is hate. The author of the Harry Potter books, J.K. Rowling, demanded that the Scottish police arrest her for her speech. Having composed tweets directly challenging the new law, being a refusal to accept that men who describe themselves as women are female, the Scottish police declined her invitation to make her a cause celebre of the absurdity of their law. It is not in fact absurd, as its function is not to protect the groups it names. It is a means of silencing ordinary people who lack the armor of celebrity. The group hate speech laws seek to protect is the rulers from the ruled. Laws against the truth Every reason supplied for this rule of popular contempt is a lie. Whether the case is for the appointment of hostile strangers to political office, or to compel you to ruin your life for the planet, or even end it, the real reason is simple. These people hate you. They hate your God, your freedom, your opinions, your culture, you, and your children. Everything they call right is wrong. They are careful to frame themselves as the good guys, labeling anyone who disagrees as an extremist. When people reported Yousaf for his own racist remarks about white people, he had them investigated by the police for hate speech. If you support the future of farming, you are an extremist. Want to feed your children? Perhaps you want to keep them away from exhibitionist sexual perverts? You sound a lot like Hitler. If this sounds too much, then consider that a respected medical scientist warned people from taking vitamin D because the Nazis did that. Dr. Michael Nehls, a specialist in Alzheimers disease, says this in his book The Indoctrinated Brain. He says vitamin D is the game-changer in combating neurodegenerative disease, and claims it is a powerful treatment capable of preventing and reversing brain damage caused by dementia, COVID-19, and the so-called vaccines. Nehls relates how Dr. Stephan Martin framed this advice as vitamin hype based on Nazi ideas. Of course, the real reason Martin wanted you not to be healthy was so you would accept the injections being pushed as a cure for a disease engineered in a lab to make you miserable. What vitamin might be vital to fight this condition? The freely and cheaply available vitamin D, from whose natural source in sunlight you were protected by being locked inside your house by those who care. This law in Scotland, and that proposed in Ireland, are examples of a similar type of public health initiative. It is the replacement of health with brain disease, caused by the infliction of treatments which make you mentally ill by diktat. Speech laws simply instruct the people how, and how not, to think. They make compulsory the mind viruses prescribed by the management class. Fear, misery, and sin are the result. The argument from hate State censorship is simply branded as a sort of information hygiene. It is to protect us from hate. The people who prescribed mental illness, isolation, denounced safe and effective remedies in place of a toxic vaccine also demanded any criticism of their insane and likely diabolic COVID regime was removed from the public sphere. This medicine is prescribed by the sick, to incapacitate the sane. Every attempt at speech laws is a means of criminalizing critics of government. There is no other reason to police speech. Our role in this system is to listen and to obey. To reply carries a risk of imprisonment. In Catholic Poland, critics of the lifestyle of Sodom will face a maximum of three years imprisonment. In formerly Catholic Ireland, a law is proposed to capture anyone who says anything anywhere which might be construed as unacceptable. This includes things you might say, too. To get to the root of this false argument is to attack the taboos of our time. Racism, antisemitism, transphobia are all monstrous confections of the noticing of unmentionable facts and the promotion of indefensible fantasies. Men are not the same as women, and nor are their gifts and attributes distributed equally. The mad cult of equality labels the mere noticing of difference as criminal, and preference as hatred. The value of human life is not established in words and incantations. It is essential. Beyond that, there are differences which persist so durably as to provide for precise identification centuries after death. It is a crime to remark them in life, however. Hatred, even. In lifestyle, as we are to call it, we are compelled to moral equivalence between the personal dedication to sexual perversion as the basis of identity, to that of marriage and the raising of a family. It is the same to believe in Satan as in science, but to profess belief in Christ is to catch the eye of the law. It is the only regard given Him by the state these days. The hate speech laws are the legal force given to the hatred of speech outside political power. Given the wickedness and insanity of their policies, it is obvious that they can expect many objections. The political class knows its days are numbered. It has bankrupted the West financially and morally, financing a cult of death in abortion and assisted suicide in which death is a matter of convenience and cost. Death is now a right and a civic duty. Of course, the dealing of death through permanent foreign wars is another of our duties in this line. Skeptics of the wisdom of state murder are also silenced, whether they notice its actions in Israel, in Ukraine, or its secondary effects of the censorship-industrial complex itself in producing a propaganda machine that has outclassed that of the Soviet Union. One method of resistance is to supply the machine with feedback it does not want. You can help this process along by citing the hatred of your own politicians for you, for your faith, and for everything you hold dear. Be sure to let Police Scotland know how hateful you find this speech. It is time for the UN to end Israels colonial occupation, revoke Israels charter and return the land to Palestine I posted two noteworthy items about Israel on social media today: First post (see on Brighteon.IO) The tide is turning against #Israel, and Israel can only blame itself. It turns out the world can no longer stomach the mass slaughter of Palestinian civilians, children and food aid workers while Netanyahu and the IDF play the "victim" card from World War II. If being a victim is so horrible, then stop victimizing others. If the mass extermination of human beings based on their ethnicity is so evil, then stop exterminating human beings based on their ethnicity. In 2024, Israel has become the single most evil nation on the planet, and even I, once a routine supporter of Israel and its existence, cannot reconcile any sense of morality with what Israel is doing to #Gaza, the West Bank and the Palestinian people. It is time for a single-state resolution: The original UN charter for the formation of Israel in 1948 should be revoked, all land returned to the Palestinian people, and UN recognition of the nation of Israel should be retracted. Let those who commit such repeated atrocities against fellow human beings be condemned to wander the desert, nationless and powerless, in eternal shame for their nefarious, premeditated crimes against humanity. Israel, as currently constituted, is wholly incompatible with civilized life on planet Earth and stands as an insult to God Almighty. Anyone still supporting Israel at this point is supporting the obscenities of death, deception and destruction -- concepts more closely aligned with Satan than with God. 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. Second post: (see on Brighteon.IO) If #Israel decides to attack Rafah, Israel will be defeated in Rafah. The last six months have shown: 1) The #IDF is shockingly weak, largely consisting of poorly-trained "snowflake" soldiers who are weak, lacking skills and lacking in courage. 2) IDF armor is highly vulnerable to #Hamas attacks, and the IDF made a critical error in bombing Gaza, creating ideal rubble conditions from which Hamas fighters can set traps to kill IDF soldiers and destroy IDF armor. 3) The IDF has utterly failed to destroy Hamas (the primary goal announced by Netanyahu) and instead has only bombed 35,000+ civilians and destroyed its own reputation with the rest of the world. The rapid reputation loss by Israel is almost an act of diplomatic suicide, which will cause enormous long-term economic and geopolitical damage to Israel, while aligning nearly the entire world against Israel's very existence. 4) Under current leadership, #Israel has zero morality and is far from being "God's chosen people" unless their God is actually Satan, because their focus is mass death, suffering, destruction and starvation of civilians in Gaza. These are the acts of an immoral, satanic nation, not a nation founded by God or protected by God. 5) Israel and the West vastly underestimated the power of regional forces such as the Houthis (who carried out a highly effective naval blockade without even having a navy) and #Iran (now poised to retaliate against Israel for the strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria). Israel and the West are about to receive a very painful, costly lesson in humility as Iran awakens and shows its technological capabilities in the coming strikes against Israel. Both Israel and the USA are living in the 1990s, thinking they are battling goat farmers wearing sandals. In reality, it is the West that has fallen behind in weapons development while Iran, Turkey and #Russia have surpassed and now out-paced the U.S. weapons industry, which is largely characterized by grift, kickbacks, corruption and DEI policies that put the least qualified people in charge of projects, causing them to fail (as in "fail like Boeing"). We are all about to witness a great humbling of the West, and the military and geopolitical defeat of Israel. The world is shifting to a multipolar model, and the warmongering Neocons are already obsolete, but too arrogant and incompetent to realize it. Col Douglas Macgregor has been calling this out from day one, and he has been right the entire time. Plan accordingly. See also: Israel uses 'Lavender' AI program to massacre entire families in Gaza Brighteon.com/b0ef779a-b02d-4afd-80c1-437ea558ba18 And this recent interview: Orthodox Jew Andrew Meyer talks with Mike Adams about Israel, Gaza, globalism, faith and anti-Semitism Brighteon.com/88d02043-39da-4b63-ae9a-bdd740048cf1 Turkey announces ban on certain exports to Israel until a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza Turkey has taken a decisive stance in response to Israel's actions in Gaza, announcing the suspension of certain exports to Israel The Turkish Ministry of Trade noted in a statement how Israel continues to disregard international law and fails to adhere to resolutions from the United Nations Security Council and rulings from the International Court of Justice. (Related: Erdogan REBUKES "terror state" Israel and its Western backers.) As a result, 54 products, ranging from aluminum wire to pesticides and engine oils, will no longer be exported to Israel. This restriction will remain in place until Israel declares an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ensures uninterrupted humanitarian aid flow to the region. The decision comes one day after Israel refused to permit Turkish cargo military planes from participating in international aerial humanitarian aid drops over Gaza, which prompted Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan to promise "step by step" reprisals against Israel. Since the beginning of the conflict in Oct. 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel and Tel Aviv responded with a massive and indiscriminate offensive in Gaza, Turkey has ramped up its criticism of Israel. At one point, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan even called Israel a "terrorist state." This includes recalling its ambassador for consultations, suspending energy talks and advocating for the creation and recognition of an independent State of Palestine on the international stage. Turkey has even floated the idea of becoming part of a coalition of international guarantors to help stabilize this new state. 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. "We will continue our support to our Palestinian brothers and sisters until the bloodshed in Gaza stops and they live in a free Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the basis of the 1967 borders," said Erdogan on Tuesday, April 9, adding that Turkey has already sent over 45,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israel responds with its own sanctions against Turkey In response to these developments, Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz instructed his ministry's economic division to compile its own extensive list of products that Israel will prohibit from being exported to Turkey, signaling the beginning of a trade war between the two nations. The statement from his Katz's alleged that, by announcing the sanctions against Israel, Turkey is violating trade agreements and Tel Aviv would take all necessary measures to respond.. Additionally, Israel intends to urge pro-Israel countries and organizations in the United States to halt investments in Turkey and prevent the import of Turkish products. The Foreign Ministry will also be lobbying The U.S. Congress to investigate Turkey for possible violations of anti-boycott laws against Israel and impose sanctions on Erdogan's regime accordingly. "Erdogan is once again sacrificing the economic interests of the people of Turkey for his support of the Hamas murderers in Gaza who raped, murdered and desecrated the bodies of women, girls, adults and burned children alive," claimed Katz in a statement. "Israel will not submit to violence and blackmail and will not complain about the unilateral violation of the trade agreements and will take parallel measures against Turkey that will harm the Turkish economy." Turkish exports to Israel stood at $5.43 billion last year, down from $7.03 billion in 2022. Ron Tomer, president of the Manufacturers' Association of Israel, said in an interview with Israel's Army Radio, highlighted how the Israeli economy was heavily dependent on imports from Turkey. He noted that about 50 percent of Israel's cement, steel and marble imports came from Turkey, which he added was, before the sanctions, in the process of "taking over" other areas, including Israel's construction industries. Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom further reported that the clothing and electrical goods industries in Israel are the most likely to take the biggest hit from the Turkish restrictions, as many of the country's fashion outlets source materials from Turkey. Other industries also concerned are those that rely on household items, soaps, shampoos and certain food products imported from Turkey. Watch this clip of Erdogan calling Israel a terrorist state whose "end is near." This video is from the HaloRockTM channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Turkish leader pushes to end conflict in Gaza Strip, calls Israel a WAR CRIMINAL. Turkey's Erdogan threatens WAR against Israel for their relentless BOMBING of Gaza Strip. Turkey's Erdogan compares Israel's Netanyahu to Hitler: "He is richer than Hitler; he gets support from the West." Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net AlJazeera.com TimesOfIsrael.com Brighteon.com EU plans to monitor private online chats under the guise of combating child abuse The European Union is planning to pass new regulations supposedly to combat child sexual abuse online that will allow it to monitor private online messages for illegal content , stirring controversy all over the continent. Initially introduced in May 2022, the EU presented the first draft of the "Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse," dubbed the "chat control" legislation. The proposal would allow service providers to indiscriminately scan all private chats, messages and emails for suspicious content to combat child sexual exploitation material. This monitoring also includes ineffective network blocking, scrutiny of personal cloud storage containing private photos, compulsory age verification leading to the demise of anonymous communication, censorship of app stores and the exclusion of minors from the digital realm. (Related: Police officers now have access to trillions of U.S. phone records, thanks to secret White House surveillance program.) However, the proposal faced strong criticism due to infringements on privacy rights through mass surveillance of private messages and chats. Despite calls for revision, leaked documents from the French news service Contexte suggest that the key components triggering privacy concerns remain largely unchanged. According to Patrick Breyer, a German member of the European Parliament and a vocal critic of the proposal, the new version fails to address "the nature of detection orders." Instead, Breyer argues that the proposal would only breach privacy by indiscriminately scanning private messages. He warns that the use of client-side scanning would only compromise end-to-end encryption and turn smartphones into surveillance tools. 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. Moreover, the regulation's supposed focus on only monitoring "high-risk services" is arbitrary and fails to acknowledge the widespread misuse of communication platforms for illegal activities. The same goes with the notification of law enforcement only in cases of repeat hits, which overlooks the unreliability of algorithms in distinguishing legal from explicit content. "Millions of private chats and private photos of law-abiding citizens are to be searched and leaked using flawed technology, without them being even remotely connected to child sexual abuse this destroys our digital privacy of correspondence," said Breyer. "Despite lip service being paid to encryption, client-side scanning is to be used to undermine previously secure end-to-end encryption in order to turn our smartphones into spies this destroys secure encryption." "Limiting bulk chat searches to high-risk services is meaningless because every communication service is misused also for sharing illegal images and therefore has an imminently high risk of abuse. Informing law enforcement only of repeat hits is also meaningless, as falsely flagged beach pictures or consensual sexting rarely involve just a single photo," Breyer further explained. Several reports prove lapses of chat control scanners in EU Breyer also supported his claims with several reports from different countries. According to Breyer, 40 percent of corresponding reports from the United States to German authorities do not meet criminal standards. This issue extends to Switzerland, where the Swiss Federal Police has recorded that up to 80 percent of the suspicious activity reports originating from the U.S. lack criminal relevance in recent years. Similarly, in a U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 2020 referral to Ireland about suspected child sexual abuse material and people who shared it with Irish police since 2010, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties discovered that more than 11 percent (471 referrals) of those were not child abuse material. The people on the list were innocent and the materials were innocuous images or videos, such as children playing on a beach. But even after clearing the people on the list, Irish police did not delete their data, and up until now the number of people cleared of suspicion of sharing the material in the police's files remains uncertain. In turn, Breyer said mandatory chat controls would essentially subject everyone to algorithmic scrutiny without probable cause, potentially leading to unjust outcomes. "Chat control would criminalize innocent people on a massive scale instead of arresting the people behind it. They encrypt the photos and then upload them to a server," he added. Visit Surveillance.news for more stories on the abuse of surveillance technology. Watch the video below to learn how apps allow federal enforcement to track phones. This video is from the Mckenna channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: FBI surveillance contractor infiltrated chatrooms, monitored skeptics of COVID jabs. Congress approves extension of U.S. governments warrantless surveillance powers despite opposition. Alarm sounded over rapidly increasing use of SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS inside schools. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com ReclaimtheNet.org Patrick-Breyer.de 1 Patrick-Breyer.de 2 Republik.ch ICCL.ie Brighteon.com FBI entrapped 18-year-old Idaho man into attempting to provide material support to ISIS in yet another false flag plot Another disturbing story is circulating about how the FBI entrapped an 18-year-old young man in a scheme involving ISIS that has left the individual in the Department of Justice's (DOJ) crosshairs. Alexander Mercurio of Coeur d'Alene, Id., is said to have found himself in trouble with the law after the Federal Bureau of Investigation secretly helped him plan attacks on several churches. At least three FBI confidential human source informants and one undercover agent roped Mercurio into the scheme, according to News2Share's Ford Fischer. Mercurio was then accused of providing material support to ISIS as part of a wider effort by the deep state to drum up more support from Americans for dragging the United States into Israel's war on Gaza in the Middle East. The DOJ has charged 18-year-old Alexander Mercurio with providing material support to ISIS after at least three CHS's and an undercover helped him plan attacks on churches before the FBI arrested him. Here, he poses with a flag given to him by a CHS in a photo taken by a CHS. pic.twitter.com/wA3kWGm6zc Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) April 9, 2024 (Related: Last summer, the FBI entrapped a mentally ill boy in a bizarre terrorist scheme that ruined his life.) FBI entrapment is out of control Fischer further tweeted that the FBI took over the online account of an alleged ISIS supporter who is now believed to be dead, and used it to play the role of the allegedly dead individual in enticing Mercurio to take the bait. Mercurio then allegedly proceeded to speak to one of the Confidential Human Sources (CHS), whom he confided with about how he had previously "drank the Kool-Aid of White Supremacy" before allegedly trying to seek out alignment with Islamic terrorism. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. 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. Back in March, Mercurio told an "FBI Online Covert Employee" that he was "going to perform a martyrdom operation" in the coming days. To do this, Mercurio told CHS-1, one of the FBI agents, that he intended to use a "flame sword" to accomplish his mission. Since Mercurio only had his learner's permit at the time and had no way to legally drive, he told one of the FBI's CHS that he would have to walk to his terror attack, also revealing that he had told someone else about the plot. That other person is believed to be CHS-2. Undercover 1 (UC1), meanwhile, had messaged Mercurio in what was supposed to have been a "safe and secure" chat program. In that chat, Mercurio told CHS-3 that he wanted to conduct a "martyrdom operation." The day before Mercurio was set to launch his attack, he reached out to FBI CHS-2 and allegedly expressed concerns about following through with it due to fears about him being investigated. CHS-2 responded and told Mercurio, "don't worry about me" and that Allah would guide him. Then, on April 6, Mercurio's house was raided by the FBI, the details of which are available at Justice.gov. "This case should be an eye-opener to the dangers of self-radicalization, which is a real threat to our communities," commented Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha from the FBI's Salt Lake City division. Attorney General Merrick Garland also issued a statement about the matter, explaining that Mercurio "swore an oath of loyalty to ISIS and planned to wage an attack in its name on churches in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho." In the comments on a story about all this, someone suggested that this is "just another government-media BS story" in which the boogeyman of ISIS, which some believe stands for Israeli Secret Intelligence Service , was rolled out "to justify killing innocent people. The latest news about FBI corruption can be found at FBICorruption.news. Sources for this article include: InformationLiberation.com NaturalNews.com Four years later, Fox News now admits to the entire COVID origins conspiracy and cover-up Back in 2018, multiple agencies of the U.S. federal government had intel that the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) was modifying and enhancing coronavirus strains to create pathogens of pandemic potential. This intel is known as the DEFUSE project , and several high-level officials at the Department of Defense knew that these nefarious projects were taking place. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explicitly bypassed a moratorium on gain-of-function research, offshoring these unethical pursuits to the WIV through the work Peter Daszak at EcoHealth Alliance and Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina. The corporate media, including FoxNews, has covered this up for over four years, deriding independent journalists as conspiracy theorists for daring to document this nefarious, unethical money trail and expose this predatory research field. Now, four years later, Fox News admits to the entire COVID origins criminal conspiracy and cover-up. If it wasnt for Senator Rand Paul pushing for accountability on this issue, its very likely that no one would be called out for designing bioweapons that are genetically similar to COVID-19. If it wasnt for whistleblower Marine Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy, then the DEFUSE project would have been kept hidden from the public. Back in 2018, the WIV was proposing to design a COVID-19-like virus, yet no government official cared to reveal this scheme to the public. A total of 15 federal agencies had knowledge of the DEFUSE project, but each agency refused to release any information regarding this unethical research. None of the 15 federal agencies warned that a Chinese lab had plans to create a bioweapon, and none cared that the U.S. was willing to work with the Chinese on this development. 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. Making a bioweapon The Defuse Project specifically proposed to insert a furin cleavage site into a coronavirus. The WIV sent scientists into bat caves to retrieve coronaviruses and therefore created a library of coronavirus strains. Scientists working under the DEFUSE project would have been able to create a novel chimeric coronavirus by inserting a furin cleavage site, and the resulting bioweapon would be similar to COVID-19. After hearing about the DEFUSE proposal, each agency refused to warn the public, even after each agency was presented evidence that COVID-19 was disturbingly similar to DEFUSEs proposed chimeric virus. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), headed by then Dr. Anthony Fauci, was listed as a participant in the initial DEFUSE proposal. In fact, Faucis Rocky Mountain Lab was listed as a partner right along with the WIV. The NIAID would eventually be briefed about the WIVs plans to create this chimeric virus, but the briefing fell on deaf ears. There was a concerted effort by Peter Daszak and Ralph Baric to conceal this proposal. In fact, Ralph Baric was named as a collaborator on the DEFUSE PROJECT. Both men refused to reveal that the WIV had plans to create a virus similar to COVID-19. Instead, they were part of a coverup. In the infamous journal paper, Proximal Origins, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Francis Collins led an effort to shut down any investigation into the laboratory origins of COVID-19. All these men knew about the DEFUSE project, but when it came time to alerting the public about potential laboratory origins of COVID-19, their lips remained sealed. Daszaks lab received millions of dollars to conduct gain-of-function research on coronaviruses, and was part of the original plan to create pathogens of pandemic potential, yet Fauci played stupid about it, when enacting COVID-19 lockdowns and shutting down dissent about the origins of COVID-19. These men are all culpable for COVID-19 and must be held to account for working on bioweapons, for funding bioweapons overseas, for trying to coverup their nefarious, predatory research, and lying about it to the public, while pushing policies that censored, restricted and killed people under the guise of protecting them. Sources include: FoxNews.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com FoxNews.com Groups take FDA to court over its inaction toward banned livestock drug RACTOPAMINE Several parties have sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over a widely used livestock growth drug that harms humans, the animals given it and the environment at large. Ractopamine, which is either banned or restricted in about 160 countries, is at the center of this lawsuit against the regulator. It is used by American commercial livestock producers to rapidly grow muscle in cows, pigs and turkeys. But the complaint filed in federal court petitions the FDA to reduce the allowable levels of ractopamine, if not ban it outright. According to the suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, ractopamine has been shown to cause a host of adverse effects in animals. It can also cause heart and lung issues in both meat consumers and farm workers. Moreover, it also pollutes both surface and ground water. (Related: Dr. Robert Malone discusses mRNA jabs for livestock, what it means for meat and dairy.) Plaintiffs include the Center for Food Safety (CFS), the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT). The four plaintiffs accused the FDA of violating the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to respond in a "reasonable" time with regard to their petitions. The plaintiffs had earlier filed petitions to address ractopamine use in livestock in 2012 and 2020. "[The FDA] has dragged its feet for years while factory farms have continued using this dangerous animal drug," said Hannah Connor, CBD's deputy director for environmental health. "Until the FDA can prove ractopamine is completely safe, the best solution is to act urgently to better protect human health, animals and the environment by granting these petitions." 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. "For years, the FDA has had evidence of the dire effects ractopamine has on animals, both physically and mentally. But [it] has refused to take action risking the safety of public health and the environment," said Daniel Waltz, ALDF's managing attorney. "The ALDF urges the FDA to reduce allowable ractopamine levels or withdraw the drug's approval all together instead of allowing the industrial animal agriculture industry to dictate what is safe." The dangers of ractopamine on animals, humans and the environment Children's Health Defense expounded on the dangers of ractopamine in the animals given this drug, the humans that consume ractopamine-laced meat and the environment surrounding farms that use this substance. Ractopamine is a kind of beta-agonist drug that relaxes muscles. It is often given to pigs, cows and turkeys in their final weeks of life before they are slaughtered. But animals given these drugs have a higher risk of experiencing "painful injury, inhumane treatment and extreme stress." The plaintiffs said more pigs have experienced adverse effects from ractopamine than from any other veterinary drug, citing the FDA's own data. They also expressed concern about ractopamine's impact on the environment since the animals excrete 95 percent of it within the first couple of days after eating feed with the drug. Moreover, runoff from the manure can contaminate nearby waterways. Uneaten feed containing ractopamine may also be buried, possibly contaminating groundwater and increasing the amount of the drug in the environment. "The environmental impacts of the release of ractopamine into the environment have not been fully studied and could threaten water quality and wildlife," the plaintiffs' suit said. Evidence has also linked ractopamine to heart and lung issues in humans, most especially in farm workers handling ractopamine-laced feed and consumers who eventually eat the drugged meat. Despite this, between 60 and 80 percent of all pigs raised for food in the U.S. have been given the beta-antagonist drug. The FDA first approved ractopamine for use in American farm animals in 1999 an approval based primarily on safety studies conducted by its maker Elanco Animal Health, the groups said. Elanco was a former subsidiary of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Co. before its divestment in 2019. But in 2009, the European Union banned ractopamine after finding in part that data could not support a conclusion that the drug is safe. China, Japan, South Korea and Russia followed suit, restricting ractopamine use if not prohibiting it outright. As of writing, the drug is banned in at least 160 nations. Head over to FDA.news for more stories like this. Watch this video explaining that people eating animal products also oppose animal cruelty. This video is from the EK the Urban Yeti channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Missouri legislators propose bill to mandate labeling of meat, food products derived from mRNA-vaccinated animals. Mad scientists are now experimenting with mRNA injections in beef, poultry, pork, and produce food supply bioweapons? Dangerous gene-edited pigs now authorized by Biden's Food and Drug Administration. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org CenterforFoodSafety.org Brighteon.com ILLEGAL MIGRATION under Biden nears aggregate total of LEGAL MIGRATION processed at Ellis Island in New York for 62 years Illegal migration under President Joe Biden is approaching the total of all legal migration processed at Ellis Island in New York from 1892 to 1954. According to the National Pulse, Ellis Island accepted more than 12 million immigrants legally seeking American citizenship during its 62 years of operation. In contrast, Biden's open borders policy has already seen an influx of at least 9.4 million illegal immigrants who recently arrived with almost 10 months remaining until the next inauguration. The 9.4 million illegals "only account for recorded encounters will illegal aliens. Hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants if not more bypass immigration authorities entirely each year, becoming 'gotaways,'" noted the Pulse. Figures from the Department of Homeland Security revealed more than 600,000 encounters with "gotaways" recorded at the southern border in fiscal year 2023. Moreover, the 9.4 million illegals who recently arrived also add to the roughly 10.2 million that are already living in the U.S. as of 2020. Ellis Island's history as a federal processing facility for migrants began in 1892 during the tenure of the late former President Benjamin Harrison. The island served this purpose for 62 years, until its 1954 closure under the term of the late former President Dwight Eisenhower. (Related: REPLACEMENTS: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to issue work permits for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.) Illegal immigration keeps Democrats in power Decades later, former President Donald Trump tried to address the issue of illegal immigration. But Biden, a Democrat, reversed his predecessor's policies in 2020 and even encouraged illegals to go to the United States. 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. According to some commentators, Democrats politically benefit from ignoring this foreign invasion as congressional and Electoral College apportionment depends on the number of persons residing in a particular area irrespective of them being citizens or illegals. Individuals unlawfully present in the country end up becoming political pawns to inflate politically important population counts, even when they technically can't vote. States that accept more illegals can gain a congressional seat or Electoral College vote, to the detriment of those that emphasize border security. This motivates blue states to promote "sanctuary cities" that vow to defy federal immigration laws. U.S. Rep. Yvette Clark (D-NY) inadvertently made this admission during a 2021 hearing. She bragged that the congressional district she represents in the U.S. House of Representatives "can absorb a significant number of these migrants" because she needed "more people in [her] district, just for redistricting purposes." Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reposted a clip of Clark's comments during the said hearing, noting how she and other Democrats support illegal immigration. "These Democrats are looking out for themselves, not for America," he captioned the video. But perhaps more concerning about the lack of urgency from Democrats to secure the border is the lack of election safeguards against fraudulent votes. Under current law, a voter need not provide any documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote in a federal election. They must simply check a form declaring they are a citizen, essentially trusting people who have already broken U.S. law to abide by a voting honor system. Head over to OpenBorders.news for more stories about the impact of the migrant crisis on America. Watch this clip of illegals protesting against being removed from the Manhattan Hotel in New York City. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: New York City to spend $4.7 BILLION this fiscal year dealing with illegal immigrants. There are now more illegal immigrants than homeless people housed in New York City's shelters. Illegal immigrants in New York City are leaving their shelters to go door-to-door begging for money and food. Sanctuary City New York spent over $5 billion in taxpayer money the previous fiscal year to provide services for ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com Britannica.com Brighteon.com Oblivious NATO chief tells members to stand up to authoritarian powers does this include NATO member nation tyranny? In a hilarious moment of pure irony, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg issued a warning about "authoritarian" governments not the ones in NATO, of course, but thoseones including and allied with Russia and China. Stoltenberg expressed fear that China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are becoming "more and more aligned" at the very same time the irreparably divided and highly corrupt West is breaking apart at the seams. In an interview with BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" program, Stoltenberg made the claim that China is propping up Russia's war economy by delivering key parts to the nation's defense industry. "In return, Moscow is mortgaging its future to Beijing," Stoltenberg continued, adding that he believes Russia is providing Iran and North Korea with the technology needed for producing ammunition and military equipment. In order to "stand up against this stronger alliance of authoritarian powers" because everything the West does not like is "authoritarian" NATO needs to deepen its cooperative ties with nations like Japan and South Korea. (Related: Did you hear? Ukraine is about to join NATO, which means World War III is imminent.) Power shift from West to East Since Soviet times, Russia has maintained close ties to China, which is convenient as the two countries are right next to one another. They have only deepened their ties, having declared in 2022 at the start of the Ukraine war that their strategic partnership now has "no limits." China will not blame Russia for the Ukraine conflict, and continues to blame both the United States and NATO of spreading a "Cold War mentality" that is both outdated and incorrect. 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. China is also calling out the U.S. and NATO for trying to impose their will on the rest of the world like some kind of global police force. Russian President Vladimir Putin added back in February that the West continues to maintain "colonial habits" that are no longer accepted on the world stage. Iran, meanwhile, admits to having sent a small number of drones to Russia in the leadup to its special military operation in Ukraine. However, the Russian army only uses domestically produced weapons against Kiev's troops, confirmed Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Last December, North Korea also forged a partnership with Russia to increase cooperation, though Kim Jong-un's regime denied sending any rockets or shells to Russia as the U.S. continues to claim. According to North Korea, the U.S. is "persistently spreading a groundless rumor of arms dealings" between the two countries, a position that is also shared by Moscow. The current crisis in Ukraine is not the fault of Russia but rather of NATO and its constant expansion efforts across Europe, say Moscow and Beijing. Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun says the U.S. has been targeting Russia and China while "seeking to retain its hegemony around the globe." Last year, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu warned that "the West is now looking at potentially spreading" the Ukraine conflict to the Asia-Pacific region as well, continuing its seemingly never-ending crusade of colonialism. "Western bigotry and hypocrisy know no limits," one commenter wrote. "What is the name of the virus that makes ignorance a virtue, and causes the lack of common sense, and hence incompetence?" "The reasons are probably the usual suspects and corruption, combined with the simple mind of an unimpressive person who's been given too much power and attention." Another wrote that Western citizens should be "sick and tired of having their tax dollars stolen and their children pushed into fighting wars." More related news about authoritarian governments can be found at Tyranny.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com CIA officer brags agency can put anyone in jail by setting em up Alex Jones announces intention to sue A contracting officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by the name of Gavin O'Blannis has outed his employer in a new undercover investigative project as a criminal agency that "can put anyone in jail" by "setting 'em up." Watch below as O'Blannis explains how the CIA can basically do whatever it wants when it comes to targeting someone for persecution. "We call it a nudge," O'Blannis explains about how the scheme works watch below: BREAKING: CIA Officer/Former FBI Boasts Can Put Anyone in JailSet Em Up! We Call It a Nudge FBI Did What We Wanted with Alex Jones @RealAlexJones Took His Money Away Chop His Legs Off Estimates 20 Undercover FBI Agents at J6, Works with Some of Them Now at CIA FBI pic.twitter.com/QxP20emKB5 Sound Investigations (@SoundInvestig) April 9, 2024 It is estimated that some 20 undercover agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were also involved in the January 6 "insurrection," with several of them now working at the CIA. According to O'Blannis' revelations, the FBI relies on "embellished" news and "fake social media" to rile people up and "really get people mad." It then goes in for the kill. (Related: Remember last year when a whistleblower came forward to claim that the CIA recruited patsy hijackers to pull off the 9/11 terrorist attacks, all while the agency hid what it did from the FBI?) Tucker Carlson also on hitlist It was also revealed that the FBI "did what it wanted" with Alex Jones and the whole Sandy Hook scandal. The FBI "took his money away," O'Blannis said, referring to Jones, and made moves to "chop his legs off." 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. Following these revelations, Jones declared his intention to sue both the CIA and the FBI for basically destroying his career. Jones announced his plans on April 10, 2024, in response to the above-embedded O'Blannis video, which is now going viral. The lawsuit, we are told, will address the CIA's aggressive actions against Jones. Another person on the CIA and FBI hitlist is none other than Tucker Carlson. Others include former President Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Joe Rogan. Alex Jones on Undercover CIA Agent's Admission that Tucker Carlson is being targeted by Federal intel agencies: Of course Tucker's on the list. The list goes: 1. Donald Trump 2. Elon Musk 3. Tucker Carlson 4. Alex Jones 5. Joe Rogan just told me "Thank God for Elon Musk..." pic.twitter.com/IaGLsyfAjQ Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) April 9, 2024 Vigilant News ran a story about the Alex Jones lawsuit, noting that O'Blannis' admissions reveal that the FBI and CIA are specifically targeting right-wing journalists for being "problematic." The revelations about the FBI's involvement in the J6 event are also noteworthy in that they show what a lot of us were saying all along about the false flag nature of the whole thing. "First off, why are they all gay?" asked one commenter, referring to O'Blannis and the many other government and Big Tech spooks who have been exposed in undercover stings like this over the past several years. "Second, this CIA traitor and all of his ilk belong in prison for the rest of their lives. What a psychopath." Another commented that things like this were for years called wild conspiracy theories, only to now be revealed as the truth all along. "This has been obvious for decades," one said about how the CIA and FBI seem to operate above the confines of the law. "When a person is arrested only for 'resisting arrest,' people should know they live in a police state." Another wrote that these spooks clearly do not care if they get outed because nothing will happen to them anyway. More related news can be found at FalseFlag.news. Sources for this article include: Twitter.com NaturalNews.com Twitter.com VigilantNews.com Pfizer issues apology after British regulator pushes back against their COVID-19 vaccine fraud A British government regulator the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) confronted Pfizer about their fraudulent, harmful COVID-19 vaccines . The regulatory agency ruled that Pfizer promoted an unlicensed medicine that brought discredit on the pharmaceutical industry. The PMCPA, established by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, found that Pfizer breached five tenets in their Code of Practice for advertising. The PMCPA took issue with the lack of information on safety and side effects for Pfizers mRNA vaccine and condemned the very necessity of the vaccine, calling its usefulness limited. Pharmaceutical watchdog group and British regulator hold Pfizer to account These complaints of false advertisement were originally brought forth in February 2023 by a U.K. pharmaceutical industry watchdog group named UsForThem. The watchdog group, and now the British government regulator, charge top Pfizer executives with misleadingly and illegally promoting its COVID-19 vaccine. Late in 2020, top Pfizer executives, including U.K. Medical Director Berkeley Phillips, promoted their "vaccine candidate" as "95 percent effective in preventing Covid-19, and 94 percent effective in people over 65 years old." Four top Pfizer employees retweeted this propaganda, spreading a blatant falsehood that led many medical professionals astray, as they trusted the science. A PMCPA investigatory panel scrutinized the messaging that came from Pfizers top employees and found that there was limited efficacy information to support their claims. Moreover, they found that there was no safety information on the experimental product a violation of rules about misleading the public and providing accurate data. The panel said that Pfizer and its employees are prohibited from promoting medicines before they receive market authorization. In the end, the panel ruled that Pfizer promoted "an unlicensed medicine" that was "proactively disseminated on Twitter to health professionals and members of the public in the United Kingdom." 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. UsForThem filed the complaint against Pfizer because "such misbehavior was even more widespread" than they previously calculated. The deception extended "right to the top" of Pfizers U.K. operation, and "was apparently continuing to this very day." In February 2023, the PMCPA clamped down on Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, after he made misleading and unqualified comments while promoting COVID-19 mRNA vaccines to young children during an interview on the BBC. Pfizer and its employees disseminated dangerous misinformation that turned out to be harmful for tens of millions of people around the globe. The company did not include information about absolute risk reduction or provide the required information about the safety of the so-called vaccine. This fraud continues to this day, and children are still being adversely affected. Countless adverse events were concealed from the rushed clinical trials. These adverse events were later revealed when a U.S. judge ordered the release of Pfizers preliminary findings. Pfizer issues apology for deceiving the public Now, after deceiving the world and harming untold millions, Pfizer said it "fully recognizes and accepts the issues highlighted by this PMCPA ruling" and is "deeply sorry." This is the first time Pfizer has taken any sort of responsibility, on paper. However, a Pfizer spokesperson did attempt to shift the blame to individual employees, even though these top level employees were following the companys lead at the time. "Pfizer U.K. has a comprehensive policy on personal use of social media in relation to Pfizers business which prohibits colleagues from interacting with any social media related to Pfizers medicines and vaccines backed by staff briefings and training," the spokesman said. The personal use of social media by U.K. pharmaceutical industry employees in relation to company business is a challenging area for pharmaceutical companies, he added. True accountability wont be realized until Pfizer executives face charges for false advertisement of an experimental mRNA product, for covering up adverse events for a defective product, and for deceptively promoting the efficacy of that product. Once these issues are addressed, then a jury needs to consider charges of manslaughter, and determine whether the mass murder was negligent or premeditated. Read more: MHRA, Pfizer and U.K. officials accused of misconduct, fraud and gross negligent manslaughter in new criminal investigation. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com ChildrensHealthDefense.org ChildrensHealthDefense.org NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com Study: Most gender-confused children OUTGROW gender dysphoria during adulthood A 15-year-period study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior reveals that "most" gender-confused children outgrow such feelings by the time they reach adulthood. The study, conducted by Dutch researchers from the University of Groningen, tracked 2,770 children from the age of 11 until their mid-twenties. Every three years, from March 2001 to 2015, participants would respond to the same statement at six different points: "I wish to be of the opposite sex." Participants will only choose from three options: 0-Not True, 1-Somewhat or Sometimes True, and 2-Very True or Often True. Additionally, participants rate their feelings regarding physical appearance and self-esteem to evaluate their self-worth. Initially, the research found that about 11 percent of children experienced varying degrees of "gender non-contentedness," a dissatisfaction with their biological sex alignment, during puberty. However, as these children reached the age of 25, the figure significantly decreased to four percent. Thus, the study concludes that fluctuations in gender non-contentedness were associated with lower self-worth, more behavioral problems and increased emotional struggles, particularly among females. However, findings also suggest that doubts about one's gender identity during adolescence are relatively common but tend to diminish with age. "The results of the current study might help adolescents to realize that it is normal to have some doubts about one's identity and one's gender identity during this age period and that this is also relatively common," the researchers concluded. 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. Experts warn colleagues about rushing children and adolescents into gender transition This study adds to the long list of studies debunking the claims of left-wing advocates that gender "affirming" treatments like hormones and surgical interventions effectively address the mental health issues of children with gender dysphoria. (Related: American College of Pediatrics DEBUNKS claim that affirmation helps the mental health of children with gender dysphoria.) Patrick Brown, a fellow at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center, warned the public against aggressive steps toward facilitating gender transition in childhood and adolescence. "This study provides even more reason to be skeptical towards aggressive steps to facilitate gender transition in childhood and adolescence. The fact that rates of satisfaction are lower even just a few years later suggests that for the vast majority of people, prudence and caution, rather than a rush towards permanent surgeries or hormone therapies, will be the best approach for teenagers struggling to make sense of the world and their place in it," Brown said. "As such, policies that prohibit gender transition for minors make a great deal of sense." Meanwhile, Jay Richards, the director of the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion and Family, cited historical data suggesting a significant proportion of gender-dysphoric children desist from such feelings as they undergo natural puberty. So, he warned medical experts against medicalizing temporary psychological symptoms. "We've known for over a decade that most kids who experience distress with their sexed bodies resolve those feelings after they pass through natural puberty. Indeed, we can infer from the DSM 5 [2013] and other sources that as many as 88 percent of gender-dysphoric girls and as many as 98 percent of gender-dysphoric boys in previous generations desisted if allowed to go through natural puberty. These two facts make it clear why "gender-affirming care" for minors is such an outrage. "It leads, in the end, to sterilization and in many cases to a complete loss of natural sexual function. There is no good evidence that this helps minors long term. Moreover, it medicalizes what could very well be temporary psychological symptoms," he said. Watch this video featuring Jennifer Bilek as she talks about who is behind the trans agenda. This video is from the Hamilton-Moore Effect channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Gender dysphoria is a social contagion spreading through peer pressure and propaganda, warns expert. Better late than never: UK to stop prescribing puberty blockers for children who experience gender dysphoria. New York pediatrician says gender transition is a "normal thing" that "starts at birth or even before." Gender transition indoctrination is extreme child abuse, warns psychiatrist. GENDER-AFFIRMING BRAINWASH: The term "gender-affirming care" is NOT care at all, but mutilation, and "affirming" is NOT medicine, just delusion and child abuse. Sources include: Infowars.com Brighteon.com X employees in Brazil threatened with arrest over censorship beef with government, warns Elon Musk In order to "do a full data dump" on the situation transpiring in Brazil with its new authoritarian government, X's Elon Musk has told his Brazilian employees that they first need to make sure they are in a safe place. The situation in Brazil is dire, in case you missed it. Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is attempting to shut down popular accounts on X while launching an inquiry into Musk for alleged "obstruction of justice" and "incitement to crime." (Related: Be sure to also check out our earlier coverage about the impending ban on X under Brazil's new government.) De Moraes has been at Musk's throat ever since the Jair Bolsonaro regime was ousted, and now in "Twitter Files" fashion Musk claims he is about to drop the goods on Brazilian government corruption in defiance of the new regime. Brazil's new regime is threatening to fine X $20,000 per profile that it wants removed, to which Musk is fighting back by firing a shot on his social media platform. "We need to get our employees in Brazil to a safe place or otherwise not in a position of responsibility, then we will do a full data dump," Musk tweeted. "They have been told they will be arrested." Fighting the Censorship Industrial Complex Musk's words in the above tweet came in response to a post by Brazilian Federal Representative Nikolas Ferreira who had this to say about what Musk allegedly knows concerning the Brazilian election: "Elon said that Alexandre has Lula on a leash and that he put his finger on the scale to elect him. As a member of the Brazilian congress and representing millions of people, I ask you to give us more information. This will be crucial for the future of our country." 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. Musk has stated that he will not be following the new Brazilian government's orders and that "coming shortly," he will "publish everything Alexandre de Moraes demanded by and how those requests violate Brazilian law." "This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil. He should resign or be impeached," Musk added. Journalist Michael Shellenberger also commented on the developments, stating that "Brazil is engaged in a sweeping crackdown on free speech led by a Supreme Court justice named Alexandre de Moraes." "De Moraes has thrown people in jail without trial for things they posted on social media," Shellenberger added. "He has demanded the removal of users from social media platforms. And he has required the censorship of specific posts, without giving users any right of appeal or even the right to see the evidence presented against them." The controversy started back when X was still a publicly traded company called Twitter. De Moraes and the Superior Electoral Court had previously demanded that then-Twitter reveal personal details about users who were tweeting hashtags "he did not like," as well as give "access to Twitter's internal data in violation of Twitter policy." In other words, the plan was to weaponize Twitter's content moderation policies against supporters of Bolsonaro which, despite its voluminous problems, does not accord with Twitter's "community guidelines." Files uncovered by Shellenberger reveal the origins of the Brazilian judiciary's demand for what he described as "sweeping censorship powers." Those same files show how Brazil's highest court utilized censorship for anti-democratic election interference, as well as how "the birth of the Censorship Industrial Complex" came to be in Brazil. "Democrats would be doing the same thing in America if they controlled the Supreme Court," one X user noted about these developments. The globalists pushing for worldwide censorship are not going down without a fight. Find out more at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: HumanEvents.com NaturalNews.com The natural world is a complex and interconnected system, where even seemingly disparate elements can influence each other in profound ways. A recent study published in Physical Review sheds light on one such surprising connection: the symbiotic relationship between cultural diversity and biodiversity. Cultural Diversity and its Surprising Impact on Biodiversity Cultural diversity refers to the rich tapestry of human societies, each with its own unique set of traditions, beliefs, and languages. Biodiversity, on the other hand, encompasses the vast array of life forms on Earth, from towering redwoods to microscopic bacteria. At first glance, these two concepts might seem worlds apart. However, the aforementioned study suggests a fascinating link between them, proposing that cultural diversity can act as a catalyst for increased biodiversity. The study's authors, a team of archaeologists and environmental scientists, delved into the past to examine how various human societies interacted with the ecosystems around them. Their findings challenge the commonly held belief that human influence invariably leads to environmental degradation. The study suggests that a multiplicity of cultures can foster a more nuanced and sustainable relationship between humans and nature. Also Read: Researchers Find 'Center of the Center of Biodiversity' in the Philippines Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity: A Symbiotic Relationship One way cultural diversity can contribute to biodiversity is through the diversification of human-environment interactions. Each culture possesses its own unique set of knowledge and practices for interacting with the natural world. Some cultures may focus on hunting and gathering, while others may develop sophisticated agricultural techniques. This variety of approaches can lead to a more nuanced and sustainable relationship with the environment. For instance, a society that relies heavily on hunting might develop practices for managing wildlife populations to ensure their long-term viability. Another way cultural diversity can promote biodiversity is through the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge. Indigenous communities around the world have accumulated a wealth of knowledge about the plants and animals in their local environments. This knowledge, passed down through generations, can be invaluable for conservation efforts. For example, traditional fire management practices employed by some indigenous groups have been shown to benefit biodiversity by creating a mosaic of habitats. Rethinking the Past: Cultural Diversity and Ancient Ecosystems The study's findings also have implications for our understanding of past extinction events. The authors posit that a lack of cultural diversity may have played a role in these events. When a single culture dominates a particular region, its environmental practices may not be sustainable in the long term. This can lead to overexploitation of resources and ultimately, to the decline of species. By contrast, a greater richness of cultures, each with its own set of knowledge and practices for interacting with the environment, could have resulted in more sustainable practices and the preservation of a wider variety of species. The study's findings call for a reevaluation of our understanding of human impact on the environment. It suggests that cultural diversity is not merely a social phenomenon but also an ecological imperative. By fostering a more diverse and inclusive relationship with the natural world, we can move towards a future where human and ecological flourishing go hand in hand. Related article: Species Extinction, Biodiversity Loss Threaten Ecosystem Stability Imagine a world where farmers aren't slaves to the whims of fickle weather patterns. A world where coaxing crops out of dormancy becomes as simple as a targeted spray, a gentle nudge that mimics the subtle whispers of the natural world. This science fiction scenario might be closer than you think, thanks to a recent breakthrough in the field of pheromones - the chemical love songs of the insect kingdom. But what if these alluring signals could be used for something more than just mating? Chemical Cupid: Unveiling the Power of Plant Pheromones For decades, scientists have been captivated by the intricate dance of communication in the plant kingdom. Unlike the vibrant displays of the animal world, plants converse through a far more subtle language - a symphony of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air. These invisible whispers can trigger a cascade of effects in neighboring plants, from warning of impending danger to coordinating defenses against herbivores. A new study published in the prestigious journal Current Biology, titled "Plant communication with volatile organic compounds," sheds even more light on this fascinating phenomenon. Researchers discovered that a specific VOC emitted by a parasitic plant, aptly named the "witchweed," triggers seed germination in its unfortunate host. This discovery adds another layer of complexity to the plant communication network, suggesting a level of manipulation that borders on the devious. The witchweed, it seems, isn't just serenading its host - it's orchestrating its own survival. Building on this knowledge, another research team at INRAE, a French agricultural research institute, decided to explore the potential of using pheromones to manipulate plant growth cycles. Their target: the notorious Striga hermonthica, a parasitic weed that plagues vital crops like rice, maize, and sorghum, causing billions of dollars in losses annually. The researchers' approach was as audacious as it was ingenious - what if they could exploit the witchweed's own seductive tactics against it? Their hunch paid off. As detailed in their recent article, published on Phys.org, the scientists discovered that a pheromone produced by female Striga hermonthica triggers germination in its host plants. This chemical seduction ensures a ready source of nutrients for the parasite upon emergence. It's a ruthless strategy, but undeniably effective. Also Read: Introducing Genetically Edited Crops: the Alternative to GMOs A Revolutionary Tool or Pandora's Box? The implications of this discovery are nothing short of revolutionary. By mimicking the parasitic plant's pheromone, scientists could potentially induce germination in crops even under unfavorable conditions - a drought, a late frost, an unpredictable growing season. This could be a game-changer for farmers in regions grappling with food insecurity, allowing them to control their yields with a level of precision previously unimaginable. Imagine being able to coax your rice crop out of dormancy a few crucial weeks earlier, ensuring a bountiful harvest before the harsh summer heat descends. However, the potential benefits come hand-in-hand with a healthy dose of caution. Disrupting such intricate ecological interactions could have unforeseen consequences. Large-scale deployment of synthetic pheromones could inadvertently disrupt the delicate balance between plants and their pollinators, leading to unintended consequences for entire ecosystems. Additionally, there's the risk of triggering unintended germination in weed populations, creating a whole new set of problems. Further research is crucial to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of pheromone-based growth control. Nevertheless, this groundbreaking discovery represents a significant leap forward in our understanding of plant communication. It opens the door to a future where we can collaborate with, rather than against, nature to improve agricultural yields and ensure food security for a growing global population. The future of farming might not involve fields drenched in chemical cocktails, but rather targeted pheromone applications, a gentle nudge that coaxes crops from their slumber and ushers in a new era of sustainable agriculture. Related article: Insect Pests Attacking Crops Are Developing Resistance to Biopesticides A climate expert said that humanity only has two years to save the world as he called on for speedy actions to address the adverse impacts of climate change in the world. Country's Climate Responses According to UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, with the global index of living standards in constant flux, each country's climate responses will be key to whether they rise up the ladder or fall. Stiell said that national climate plans - called Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs - in aggregate will barely cut emissions at all by 2030. ''When I say we have two years to save the world, it begs the question - who exactly has two years to save the world? The answer is every person on this planet,'' Stiell said at the Chatham House in London, England. Stiell explained that bold new national climate plans would be a ''jobs jackpot and economic springboard to boost countries up that global ladder of living standards.'' He pointed out that amid the face of crop-destroying droughts, much bolder climate action to curb emissions and help farmers adapt will increase food security, and lessen hunger. Stiell further said that cutting fossil fuel pollution would mean better health and huge savings for governments and households alike. He added that the transformative potential of bold climate action - in tandem with steps to advance gender equality - is one of the fastest ways to move away from business as usual. Read Also: Scientists Hold Climate Change Protests Worldwide: Violence and Arrests Reported in Some Cities More Financial Aid Meanwhile, the UN official also called for more financial aid, not just loans, and more money from different groups like banks, the International Maritime Organization, and the G20, or the world's 20 most powerful economies. Stiell said that those countries are responsible for 80% of the world's heat-trapping emissions. ''So too, the world needs the G20 to rise to this moment. We are all aware of geopolitical challenges. I do not downplay them. But they cannot be an excuse for timidity, amidst this worsening crisis,'' he said. He said that G7 governments are the key shareholders in the World Bank and IMF wherein they provide both capital and direction. These institutions can do much more to use all the tools at their disposal to deliver large-scale impacts on the ground. Stiell said that the next generation of national climate plans should be investment plans for sustainable and strong economies. He reasoned out that it is difficult for any government to invest in renewables or climate resilience ''when the treasury coffers are bare, debt servicing costs have overtaken health spending, new borrowing is impossible, and the wolves of poverty are at the door.'' Stiell explained that the World Bank's work on Climate Resilient Debt Clauses - which allow countries facing supercharged storms to focus on recovery - are another welcome step in the right direction. He said that eligibility should now be expanded beyond small and island states to more countries and more climate impacts. Related Article: Global Warming vs Climate Change: What Scares You More? National parks are failing to address the biodiversity crisis, with only 6% of national park territory in England and Wales maintained successfully for nature, according to the first comprehensive study of how well they assist natural recovery. Lack Of Funds According to a report by the Campaign for National Parks (CNP) charity, national parks, which cover 10% of England and 20% of Wales, are not restoring nature due to a chronic lack of government funding and were designed for a different era. Since 2010, the government's direct payment to national parks has been reduced by 40% in real terms, with most receiving only a few million pounds-similar to a small secondary school's yearly budget. National parks are critical to Britain's commitment to safeguard 30% of its land and sea by 2030, yet wildlife is still on the decline in these protected places. Peatlands, which store carbon and represent 43% of national park land, are in bad condition. According to CNP research, only about 1% of Dartmoor's deep peat area is healthy. In the five years leading up to 2020, there was almost no change in woodland coverage in national parks, and rivers and lakes were in poor shape. In 2013, 47% of rivers in national parks were deemed to be in "good" health; by 2022, this figure had dropped to 39%. National parks have been dealing with a financing deficit for quite some time. The Yorkshire Dales is facing a 4 million hole in 2025-26, and some parks have warned that they would have to remove visitor facilities or reduce pathway management, decreasing public access. Ruth Bradshaw, the policy manager for the CNP, said national parks are unique sites that provide the last refuge for endangered animals such as curlew, hen harrier, and cuckoo.= "We need urgent action and major changes - the government needs to strengthen legislation and significantly increase the resources that are going into nature recovery in the national parks," she added. Read Also: Top 10 National Parks in the Indian Subcontinent for Spotting Wildlife Privately Owned Lands Aside from a shortage of finance, national parks are struggling to recover nature because just 13.7% of their land is publicly owned, with the vast majority being privately owned and managed as farmland. The majority of this land has suffered from the same nature losses associated with agricultural intensification over the last 75 years as the rest of Britain. According to the group's report, national parks were established 75 years ago to address concerns about urbanization. Although enhancing wildlife is one of the parks' official obligations, its goal has not been altered to meet the 21st-century climate and extinction issues. The CNP is advocating for a new agreement for national parks, with the government establishing a clear new priority of nature protection and restoration, as well as increasing core national park grants to recover budget levels from 2010. It also wants government agencies, including the Ministry of Defense and Forestry England, as well as water companies, to pay for the restoration of areas damaged by historic events such as pollution, conifer planting on peatland, and the cost of removing unexploded ordnance, which makes restoration much more expensive. Prof Sir John Lawton, a conservation scientist and the author of an influential government review of how to recover nature in Britain, welcomed "the bold proposals" in the CNP report "to make more space for nature by restoring, recreating, and joining up habitats for the benefit of people and the creatures that live in these beautiful areas". Related Article: National Parks in the US: How Many Are There and Which is the Best Among Them? A humpback whale washes up dead along the southern beach of New Jersey this week, adding to the state's previous whale stranding cases. The dead whale measuring several meters long was reported on Thursday, April 11, alarming both residents and conservationists. The latest incident fuels related whale deaths over the past decade, with local authorities and experts attributing the cause to multiple factors. In recent years, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have linked vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglement as some of the causes of dead whales along the coasts of New Jersey, North Carolina, and other parts of coastal Eastern US. However, animal rights and welfare activists in the past had denounced these causes, asserting that there could be other factors behind the animal deaths. Dead Whale in New Jersey In a recent Instagram post, New Jersey's Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) announced that it received a call at 6:45 a.m. (local time) on Thursday about the dead humpback whale, which measures 20 feet to 30 feet long along the shore facing 51st street in Long Beach Township, New Jersey. The MMSC adds (at the time of posting) that its staff is currently on its way and the Long Beach Township Police are on the scene. While there have been multiple whale strandings along the New Jersey shore in the past, the marine mammal rescue group reported that Thursday's incident was the first such death in Jersey in 2024. No further details were announced by the local organization. Last year, New Jersey recorded 14 whale deaths, wherein such a trend confirms the continuance of the mysterious phenomenon, according to MMSC. Also Read: Mass Whale Stranding Due to Strong Social Bond Leads To Death Of Over 50 Whales Whales Deaths in US East Coast Since January 2016, the country's Department of Environmental Protection has been monitoring the whale deaths along the US Atlantic coasts, including New York, which also saw an increase in whale carcasses on its beaches. The phenomenon that started nearly a decade ago has been called by scientists as the "unusual mortality event" (UME) for humpback whales, according to a March 2023 report by Yale University. The report states that activists are blaming seismic exploration by offshore wind companies for the humpback strandings on the shores of New York and New Jersey. Yet, scientists insist that the deaths are likely driven by increased maritime traffic and fishing gear entanglement. Regardless, authorities have not yet determined the specific cause of death for all the said large marine mammals since 2016. Based on UME data in the region from 2016 to 2024, the elevated humpback whale fatalities have been recorded from Maine to Florida with a total of 218 deaths, according to the NOAA Fisheries. New York has the highest mortality count of 45, followed by Massachusetts with 42, and Virginia with 33 dead whales. Related Article: Scientists Baffled at Mysterious Mass Whale Strandings in Northeast Atlantic Xinhua News Agency: Its reported that recently Palestine formally requested the UN Security Council to reconsider its application for full UN membership submitted in 2011. The Council met on April 8 and referred the application to the Committee of Admission of New Members for its deliberation. The US said that prior to a wider agreement between Palestine and Israel, it will continue opposing Palestines full UN membership. Whats Chinas position? Mao Ning: The ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the severe humanitarian crisis it has caused are yet another reminder that the only way to end the vicious cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts is to fully implement the two-State solution, establish an independent state of Palestine and redress the historical injustice long suffered by the Palestinians. China supports full UN membership for Palestine and supports speedy Council action to that end. NBC: Japans Prime Minister Kishida is on a state visit to the US where the main focus is the expansion of security ties to counter China, including missile systems and the possibility of Japan joining AUKUS. President Biden has also invited the Philippines President Marcos to join their talks. What is Chinas view of this strategic alliance in the Indo-Pacific? And what is China considering as potential repercussions? Mao Ning: Despite Chinas serious concerns, the US and Japan attacked and smeared China on the Taiwan question and maritime issues, grossly interfered in Chinas domestic affairs and violated the basic norms in international relations. China deplores and opposes it, and has made serious demarches to relevant parties. US-Japan relations should not target other countries, harm their interests or undermine regional peace and stability. China firmly opposes the Cold War mentality and small group politics. China firmly rejects anything that creates and drives up tensions and may undermine other countries strategic security and interests. I want to stress that there is but one China. This is a historical fact and international consensus. The Taiwan question is purely Chinas domestic affair and brooks no external interference. Both the US and Japanese governments have made serious commitments to China on the Taiwan question. In particular, Japan bears serious historical responsibilities for its aggression against Taiwan and colonial rule over the island, and should all the more honor its words and act prudently. We urge the US to translate President Bidens commitment of not supporting Taiwan independence into concrete actions. Chinas activities in the East China Sea and South China Sea are in full compliance with international law and theres nothing wrong about them. Diaoyu Dao and its affiliated islands are Chinas inherent territory. We will take firm measures against illegal moves that violate Chinas sovereignty. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao and its adjacent waters. China stands ready to continue properly handling maritime issues with parties concerned through dialogue and consultation and jointly upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea. In the meantime, no one should violate Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and China remains steadfast in safeguarding our lawful rights. The US and Japan have misrepresented the facts, violated Chinas territorial sovereignty and breached international law and basic norms in international relations. They pose the real threat to regional peace and stability. I want to emphasize that China is always a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. We will never allow any country to interfere in Chinas domestic affairs, harm its interests, and smear its image. China will defend its sovereignty, security and development interests, and stay committed to the peace, stability and lasting prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. Bloomberg: Can I ask you to clarify a little bit? You made serious demarches to relevant parties? Is that specifically the US and Japan? What was the reason for that? Mao Ning: We made serious demarches to relevant parties because the US-Japan Joint Leaders Statement attacked and smeared China on Taiwan-related, maritime and other issues and blatantly interfered in Chinas internal affairs. Yonhap News Agency: The ROKs opposition parties won in yesterdays parliamentary election. How does China view the result? How will it influence the ROK-China relations? Mao Ning: The parliamentary election is the ROKs domestic affair. I have no comment on it. China and the ROK are each others important neighbors and cooperation partners. A sound and stable bilateral relationship serves the interests of both China and the ROK. We hope the ROK will work actively with China towards that end. Reuters: The US official from the Commerce Department said yesterday the US has added four Chinese companies to an export blacklist for seeking to acquire AI chips for Chinas military. It also restricted exports to Chinese companies that helped military actions of Russia. Whats your comment? Mao Ning: We strongly oppose US abuse of entity list and other export controls to go after Chinese companies. We urge the US to stop politicizing trade and tech issues and turning them into weapons. China and Russia have the right to normal economic and trade cooperation, and such cooperation should not come under external interference or constraint. We strongly oppose the USs illegal unilateral sanctions. China will do what is necessary to firmly safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. PTI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an interview to the Newsweek that for India, the relationship with China is important and significant. He said that it is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region. I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders, Mr. Modi said. What is Chinas reaction? Mao Ning: China noted Prime Minister Modis remarks. Sound and stable China-India relations serve the interests of both countries and are conducive to peace and development in the region and beyond. The boundary question does not represent the entirety of China-India relations, and it should be placed appropriately in bilateral relations and managed properly. China and India maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels on handling issues related to the border situation and have made positive progress. We hope that India will work with China, approach the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, keep building trust and engaging in dialogue and cooperation, and seek to handle differences appropriately to put the relationship on a sound and stable track. Dragon TV: Its reported that President Biden met with Prime Minister Kishida yesterday and issued a joint statement saying that the United States and Japan are resolved to achieve a world without nuclear weapons through realistic and pragmatic approaches and the PRCs accelerating build-up of its nuclear arsenal without transparency nor meaningful dialogue poses a concern to global and regional stability. Whats your comment? Mao Ning: The so-called concern expressed by the US and Japan over Chinas nuclear policy is a deliberate false narrative. We are firmly against it and will not accept it. China follows a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and has committed to not using nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones. China always keeps our nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security. We never engage in any forms of arms race. For any country, as long as they do not use nuclear weapons against China, they will not feel threatened by Chinas nuclear weapons. The US sits on the largest and most advanced nuclear arsenal in the world. Even so, it clings to a first-use nuclear policy, devises nuclear deterrence strategies against others and has invested heavily to upgrade its nuclear triad. It has withdrawn from treaties and organizations concerning arms control, enhanced the NATO nuclear alliance and expanded cooperation with allies on advanced military technologies. Japan, as a victim of nuclear explosions, instead of asking the US to conduct nuclear disarmament, chooses to rely on the USs nuclear umbrella to develop advanced missile attack and defense capabilities and work with the US in the forward deployment of its strategic forces. Such negative moves by the US and Japan have undermined strategic balance and stability in the region and the wider world, hindered the international arms control and disarmament processes and disrupted regional peace and tranquility. The international community has reason to be strongly concerned about this. As a Chinese saying goes, do the right thing before telling others what to do. The US and Japan need to reflect on their behavior and commit themselves to doing the right thing. They should stop undermining the international nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation regime, reduce the role of nuclear weapons in national and collective security policies and act responsibly for the welfare of the world. AFP: According to Reporters Without Borders, its representative who arrived in Hong Kong yesterday to attend Jimmy Lais trial was denied entry and deported. Can you give an explanation on that? Is this evidence of the freedom of press being eroded in Hong Kong? Mao Ning: I am not aware of the specifics you mentioned. About the freedom of press in Hong Kong, what I can tell you is that since Hong Kongs return 26 years ago, the freedom of press and speech has been fully protected by the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR and other laws. Recent years have seen an increase in the numbers of international media outlets and journalists in Hong Kong. This is a fact. China Daily: Ministers from regulatory bodies of China, the US, and the EU held the trilateral summit on consumer product safety in China this week. Can you share more details? Mao Ning: Yesterday, The Eighth China-US-EU Trilateral Summit on Consumer Product Safety was held by the General Administration of Customs of China, the US Consumer Product Safety Committee, and the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission in Hangzhou. The meeting held in-depth discussions on new approaches to deepening cooperation on consumer product safety under new circumstances and reached new consensus on deepening the trilateral cooperation. A joint statement was published after the meeting. The three sides agreed to set up common standards, explore supervision models and approaches that are smarter and more effective, enhance joint supervision, focus on joint protection of consumer rights and interests, and protect the safety of consumer products. The Chinese government attaches high importance to the safety of the imported and exported consumer products, and has been committed to enhancing governance capabilities on the safety of consumer products. China has been aligning consumer product safety supervision with international rules, making public the information of consumer product safety, and fostering a market-oriented, law-based and world-class business environment. President Xi Jinping pointed out that only through win-win cooperation can we make big and sustainable achievements that are beneficial to all. China, the US, and the EU are important forces of the international community and important partners to each other in consumer products trade. There is every reason for us to enhance communication and cooperation. China stands ready to work with partner countries to pool consensus for cooperation, forge synergy in governance, improve global consumer product safety, promote global trade facilitation, and contribute to the well-being of people of all countries. Reuters: Hong Kong media reported that Chinese leader will visit Australia. Can you confirm it? Mao Ning: On that specific question, I have no information to share. What I can say is that with the concerted efforts of China and Australia, bilateral exchange and cooperation at all levels and in various fields have gradually resumed in recent years. Last year, Australian Prime Minister Albanese visited China. The leaders of the two countries reached important common understandings on further improving China-Australia relations. We stand ready to work with Australia to implement the common understandings reached by leaders of the two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, deepen practical cooperation, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and make the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership more mature, stable and fruitful. Global Times: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently said he was horrified to learn of the gentleman s agreement between the Duterte administration and China on Renai Jiao and would ask for clarification regarding the agreement. He also said that he is willing to maintain contact with China at all levels to ease tensions with every effort. Whats Chinas comment? Mao Ning: First and foremost, I want to stress that Renai Jiao is part of Chinas Nansha Qundao and China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao including Renai Jiao and the adjacent waters. China is committed to managing the situation at Renai Jiao with the Philippines through dialogue and consultation. The reasons behind the current situation at Renai Jiao are very clear. First, the Philippines went back on its words and refuses to tow away the warship illegally grounded at Renai Jiao. Second, the Philippines denies the existence of the gentlemans agreement reached with China under the Duterte administration and has repeatedly infringed on Chinas sovereignty in those waters and made provocations. Third, the Philippines has abandoned the current administrations understanding with China on the Renai Jiao issue, sent construction materials to the grounded warship for large-scale repair and reinforcement in an attempt to permanently occupy Renai Jiao. If the Philippines truly wants to ease tensions at Renai Jiao through dialogue and communication, it needs to honor the commitments and understandings and stop provocations. On how to deal with the current situation at Renai Jiao, Chinas position is clear-cut. First, by keeping its warship grounded at Renai Jiao for decades running, the Philippines has been violating Chinas sovereignty and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), especially Article 5 which says refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands and reefs. We demand that the Philippines tow away the warship at once and restore Renai Jiaos state of hosting zero personnel and facilities. Second, before the warship is towed away, if the Philippines needs to send living necessities, out of humanitarianism, China is willing to allow it if the Philippines informs China in advance and after on-site verification is conducted. China will monitor the whole process. Third, if the Philippines sends large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempts to build fixed facilities and permanent outpost, China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations to uphold Chinas sovereignty and the sanctity of the DOC. CCTV: Its reported that China and Georgia yesterday signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for ordinary passport holders, adding another country to the visa-free travel list for Chinese citizens. When will the agreement take effect? What other steps will China take to facilitate cross-border travels? We also noted that the World Tourism Organization in its latest report pointed out that global visa policy openness has been significantly improved and that Asia and the Pacific had the highest openness score in terms of global traveling. Whats your comment? Mao Ning: On April 10, China and Georgia signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for the two countries ordinary passport holders. The agreement will come into effect and be published after going through legal procedures of both sides. We believe this will further promote cross-border travels and enhance communication and cooperation at various fronts for the two countries. The Chinese government has rolled out a series of measures to facilitate cross-border travels to contribute to high-quality development and high-level opening up and create better conditions for countries sharing the opportunities brought by Chinas development. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, we hope more countries will work with us to build fast-track networks for cross-border travels, make it more convenient for Chinese citizens to travel abroad, and make foreign friends feel at home in China. News 1 Korea: The ROKs Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the three sides are at the final stage to pin down the date of China-Japan-ROK leaders meeting. Japanese media reported previously that this meeting will be held from May 26 to 27. Whats Chinas arrangement for the meeting? Mao Ning: China attaches importance to China-Japan-ROK cooperation and hopes that the three sides will jointly create conditions for the leaders meeting. We are ready to maintain communication with the ROK and Japan for the meetings preparation. The investments in network infrastructure Google has made across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region supported approximately 1.3 million additional jobs by 2021 and contributed $640 billion to the regions aggregate GDP from 2010 to 2021, according to a report from Analysys Mason commissioned and sponsored by Google. Furthermore, such investments offer opportunities for US-based companies to enhance their presence in the APAC region. This is particularly significant at a time when geopolitical dynamics are prompting businesses to seek alternatives to Chinese entities. Overall, it will stimulate demand for more data-intensive businesses, said Pareekh Jain, CEO of Pareekh Consulting. It will affect bandwidth-intensive sectors, such as e-commerce, finance, and others. We can observe the integration of technology-driven innovations, which is crucial. Japan, an aging society, is at the forefront of adopting technological advancements, including automation. The country is home to some of the highest numbers of robots, especially in domestic settings, showcasing a strong inclination towards innovation. The benefits may be seen across sectors. In e-commerce, for instance, faster and more reliable data transmission could revolutionize customer experiences and streamline supply chain management, according to Thomas George, president of CyberMedia Group. A robust infrastructure ensures reliable and swift connectivity, minimizing downtime and disruptions in operations, which is essential for providing a positive customer experience, especially in todays hyper-connected world, George said. For the manufacturing sector, this enhanced connectivity may pave the way for advanced automation and real-time monitoring of production processes. In the financial sector, accelerating data processing and transmission could enable more timely and accurate decision-making, which is crucial in environments such as high-frequency trading. Strengthening Googles APAC presence Axion is based on Arms Neoverse V2 design, a data-center-oriented chip built on the ARMv9 architecture. Arm doesnt make chips; it makes designs, and then licensees take those design and do their own customizations by adding to the basic configuration they get from Arm. Some make smart phones (Apple, Qualcomm), and others make server chips (Ampere). Google declined to comment on speeds, fees, and cores, but it did claim that Axion processors would deliver instances with up to 30% better performance than the fastest general-purpose Arm-based instances available in the cloud today, up to 50% better performance, and up to 60% better energy-efficiency than comparable current-generation x86-based instances. Axion is built on Titanium, a system of Googles own purpose-built custom silicon microcontrollers and tiered scale-out offloads. It offloads operations like networking and security, so Axion processors can focus on computation of the workload, much like the SuperNIC offloads networking traffic from the CPU. Virtual machines based on Axion processors will be available in preview in the coming months, according to Google. In February, Google introduced Gemma, a suite of open models using the same research and technology used to create Googles Gemini generative AI service. Now, teams from Google and Nvidia have worked together to accelerate the performance of Gemma with Nvidias TensorRT-LLM, an open-source library for optimizing LLM inference. Google Cloud also has made it easier to deploy Nvidias NeMo framework for building custom generative AI applications across its platform via its GKE Kubernetes engine and Google Cloud HPC Toolkit. This enables developers to jumpstart the development of generative AI models, allowing for the rapid deployment of turnkey AI products. First person who believed in me: Varun Dhawan pens special note for brother Rohit on Siblings Day A s it's Siblings Day today, actor Varun Dhawan took a moment from his busy schedule to thank the first person who believed in him, who is known other than his brother and filmmaker Rohit Dhawan. Varun took to Instagram and shared a couple of photos with his brother Rohit. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5kTV6aibjm/? Sharing the pictures, he wrote, "I would be no where in life without my elder brother. The first person who believed in me was my brother.#happysiblingsday." Varun and Rohit have worked together in the 2016 film 'Dishoom' Rohit directed the movie, which also stars John Abraham, Jacqueliene Fernandez, Akshaye Khanna and Saqib Saleem. National Siblings Day is a day to honour our connections with our brothers and sisters. And is being celebrated this year on April 10. Meanwhile, on work front, Varun Dhawan is all set to team up once again with his father, acclaimed director David Dhawan, for their next big project. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh confirmed the news on his official Instagram handle. Backed by Tips Films and produced by Ramesh Taurani, the upcoming collaboration is poised to deliver a cinematic experience like no other. Scheduled for a nationwide release on October 2, 2025, the project is anticipated to be a celebration of family bonds, romance, and side-splitting comedy. This venture marks the fourth collaboration between Varun and David Dhawan, following the success of their previous projects like 'Main Tera Hero,' 'Judwaa 2,' and 'Coolie No 1. Varun recently resumed shooting for his upcoming action thriller film 'Baby John' 'Baby John' is the title of the film, which is directed by A. Kaleeswaran. Atlee is presenting the film in association with Jio Studios and Cine1 Studios. Keerthy Suresh, Wamiqa Gabbi, Jackie Shroff, and Rajpal Yadav are also a part of 'Baby John', which will hit the theatres on May 31, 2024. The film is produced by Murad Khetani, Priya Atlee and Jyoti Deshpande. In the coming months, Varun will be seen in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood series 'Citadel' opposite actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. It is an Indian adaptation of the Russo Brothers' series of the same name. Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden headlined the international version. The release date of the Indian version of Citadel is awaited. Raj and DK have created the Indian version. First person who believed in me: Varun Dhawan pens special note for brother Rohit on Siblings Day Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Ananya Panday celebrates Siblings Day with sweet tribute to sister Rysa I n a heart-warming tribute on Siblings Day, Bollywood actor Ananya Panday took to social media to express her affection for her younger sister Rysa Panday. Sharing a nostalgic throwback picture from their childhood, the actor reminisced about the bond they share, calling Rysa her "first child." The picture captures a precious moment between the sisters, with Ananya seen feeding food with a spoon to young Rysa while they pose together. Alongside the photo, Ananya penned a heartfelt message, reflecting on their sibling relationship, "This sibling obsession is real. Give me rysuuuu my first child." Ananya and Rysa are the daughters of Bollywood actor Chunky Panday and his wife Bhavna Pandey. Their adorable camaraderie has often been a delight for fans and followers on social media. Meanwhile, on the work front, after her notable performances in 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' alongside Adarsh Gourav and Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya is now gearing up for her upcoming ventures, 'Control' and 'The Untold Story of C Sankaran Nair.' Additionally, she is set to captivate audiences with her presence in the upcoming show 'Call Me Bae.' Ananya Panday celebrates Siblings Day with sweet tribute to sister Rysa Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Bong Joon-ho unveils trailer for Robert Pattinson starrer sci-fi thriller 'Mickey 17' A t the annual CinemaCon convention, actor Robert Pattinson stole the show as he presented the audience with the various iterations of his character, Mickey Barnes, from South Korean director Bong Joon Ho's most recent project, 'Mickey 17'. The new sci-fi thriller's trailer gave viewers a peek into the universe in which the title character must overcome the odd task of "dying" seventeen times, according to The Hollywood Reporter. While talking about the film, Bong said, it is the story of "a simple man who ultimately ends up saving the world." 'Mickey 17' is based on the novel Mickey 7 by Edward Ashton and follows Mickey 7, a space colonist known as an expendable -- those who do the colony's most dangerous work and often die in the process, only to be brought back to life through human printing technology. The protagonist in the novel is the seventh version of a man named Mickey Barnes, but in the movie, that's been upped. "The number is the number of times he dies. I killed him ten times more," Bong said to laughs from the crowd. "It's a sci-fi movie, but it's a human story." As per The Hollywood Reporter, 'Mickey 17' has been the subject of much curiosity, given that it is Bong's follow-up to the best picture-winning 'Parasite'. It has taken quite some time for a first look to appear. Post-production delays delayed the film's release date from March 2024 to January 31, 2025, which raised eyebrows considering that it does not position Oscar-winner Bong's newest as an awards candidate. The film also features Mark Ruffalo, Steven Yeun, Naomie Ackie, and Toni Collette. Pattinson called Bong's script "one of the funniest, bizarre sci-fi scripts I've ever read in my life." Pattinson essentially plays two characters -- Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, and while they are genetically identical, Pattinson gives them different characteristics. Mickey 17, he said, is beaten down by life but is happy to be part of a team, while 18 is more like "playing an evil brother" who is "out of control," as per The Hollywood Reporter. Bong Joon-ho unveils trailer for Robert Pattinson starrer sci-fi thriller 'Mickey 17' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Janhvi Kapoor's subtle nod to alleged beau Shikhar Pahariya steals the show! A midst the swirl of rumours surrounding Janhvi Kapoor's romantic life, the actor has once again sparked speculation with a subtle yet significant gesture. At a recent screening of the film 'Maidaan', Janhvi adorned a delicate necklace bearing the name 'Shiku', a probable reference to her rumoured beau, Shikhar Pahariya. This subtle nod has sent fans into a frenzy, reigniting discussions about the alleged romance between the two. Janhvi Kapoor's fashion choices have always garnered attention, and this instance was no exception. Dressed in an off-white ensemble that exuded elegance, Janhvi's appearance was elevated by the understated yet impactful accessory around her neck. The 'Shiku' necklace not only caught the eyes of onlookers but also fueled speculation about the depth of her relationship with Shikhar Pahariya. While neither Janhvi nor Shikhar has officially confirmed their relationship, glimpses into their alleged romance have surfaced from time to time. Janhvi's appearance on Karan Johar's talk show 'Koffee With Karan' provided subtle insights into their bond, with the 'Dhadak' actor sharing endearing anecdotes about Shikhar's presence in her life. Moreover, her father Boney Kapoor's public admiration for Shikhar further solidifies the speculation surrounding their relationship. Shikhar Pahariya hasn't shied away from expressing his affection for Janhvi either. On her birthday, he took to Instagram to share intimate moments captured between them. These gestures have only added fuel to the ongoing speculation about their alleged romance, captivating fans and media alike. Janhvi Kapoor's subtle nod to alleged beau Shikhar Pahariya steals the show! Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Oceania Cruises Unveils 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection O ceania Cruises, the world's leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection. This exciting new collection features 135 captivating itineraries, spanning five continents and ranging from seven to 180 days, including Vista's debut Around The World Voyage. With 329 ports of call, these itineraries offer a unique opportunity for curious travelers to delve deeper into some of the most enticing and exotic corners of the globe. Immersive Experiences and Overnight Stays More than 90 sailings in the collection feature overnight stays, allowing guests to immerse themselves in diverse ports of call such as Panama City, Bali, Melbourne, and new overnight destinations including Willemstad, Curacao; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Port Louis, Mauritius. Frank A Del Rio, President of Oceania Cruises, commented, "With various voyages allowing guests to explore a region for weeks or months at a time, and several new overnight port stays, the collection offers a wealth of opportunities for our guests to explore further than ever before, savoring the many flavors of the world and enjoying uniquely curated experiences ashore in these exotic and tropical regions." Grand Voyages and Regional Explorations Travelers seeking epic journeys across distinct regions and multiple continents will revel in the selection of 40 Grand Voyages. These voyages explore the wonders of Asia, the stunning topography of the Oceania region, vibrant African cities, tropical Caribbean island retreats, and South America's dramatic terrain, all while enjoying the home-away-from-home luxury aboard Oceania Cruises' elegant small ships. For those wanting to focus on a specific region, the collection offers a myriad of carefully curated voyages, including immersive itineraries discovering South America's dramatic landscapes and diverse heritage, exotic visits to Japan and Southeast Asia, and adventures through Australia and New Zealand. Highlights of the 2025-26 Tropics and Exotics Collection Asia Odysseys: Experience Asia's unique icons, cultural traditions, and incredible landscapes with a wide array of sailings in the region. Regatta focuses on Japan and Southeast Asia, while Sirena's exotic lineup explores diverse locales in Southeast Asia, Japan, India, China, Africa, and the South Pacific. Oceania Discoveries: The spectacular topography, remote islands, and isolated beauty of Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific come to life with Riviera's range of sailings in the Oceania region. Africa Adventures: Nautica focuses on Africa's amazing wonders, offering opportunities to experience the continent's unmistakable unity of culture and nature. Panama Canal & Caribbean Retreats: Experience crystal-clear Caribbean waters, island culture, and the iconic Panama Canal aboard Insignia and Allura, Oceania's newest ship launching in summer 2025. South America Explorations: Take in the continent's dramatic landscapes, diverse heritage, and natural beauty with a series of sailings aboard Marina, exploring Patagonia, Brazil, the Amazon, and beyond. Vista's First Around the World Journey: Experience an Oceania Cruises first as Vista becomes the ultimate home at sea for an epic 2026 sojourn that explores South America, Australia, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection is available for preview online at OceaniaCruises.com and opens for sale on April 17, 2024. For additional information on Oceania Cruises' small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visit OceaniaCruises.com, call 855-OCEANIA, or speak with a professional travel advisor. Oceania Cruises Unveils 2025-2026 Tropics and Exotics Collection Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Damascus Middle Eastern Grill: A New Era of Authentic Flavors at Corewell Health D amascus Middle Eastern Grill, formerly known as Le Kabob, is thrilled to announce its rebranding and renewed commitment to providing authentic Middle Eastern cuisine at the Corewell Health Hospital Food Court in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This transformation marks a significant milestone in the restaurant's journey, as it seamlessly blends traditional recipes with innovative culinary techniques to create an unparalleled dining experience. Preserving Heritage, Embracing Innovation Under the new banner of Damascus Middle Eastern Grill, patrons can expect the same dedication to excellence and quality that has defined the establishment for years. The transition represents a harmonious fusion of old-world recipes, passed down through generations, and a fresh perspective that caters to modern tastes. By preserving the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while exploring new culinary horizons, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill promises a dining journey that transcends borders. A Convenient Oasis of Flavors Situated along the renowned 'Medical Mile' in Grand Rapids, the Corewell Health Hospital location offers diners a convenient haven of authentic Middle Eastern flavors. The combination of traditional recipes and a contemporary dining space creates an inviting ambiance that welcomes both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture. Redefining Middle Eastern Dining in Grand Rapids The rebranding of Le Kabob to Damascus Middle Eastern Grill signifies a pivotal moment in the culinary landscape of Grand Rapids. With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and a forward-looking vision, the restaurant aims to redefine Middle Eastern dining in the heart of the city. Whether for a quick bite at the Corewell Health Hospital Food Court or a leisurely meal to unwind, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill invites patrons to embark on a gastronomic voyage that celebrates heritage, community, and exceptional flavors. A Legacy of Exceptional Cuisine Damascus Middle Eastern Grill proudly stands as the premier Middle Eastern restaurant in Grand Rapids, MI, conveniently located in the bustling Corewell Health Hospital Food Court. By embracing a legacy of traditional recipes passed down through generations, the establishment takes pride in offering an unparalleled culinary experience that resonates with authenticity and passion. The rebranding from Le Kabob to Damascus Middle Eastern Grill reaffirms the restaurant's commitment to delivering exceptional dishes that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing a forward-looking approach to gastronomy. As Damascus Middle Eastern Grill embarks on this exciting new chapter, it invites food enthusiasts and the Grand Rapids community to join them on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant flavors of the Middle East. With its convenient location, authentic dishes, and dedication to excellence, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill is poised to become a beloved destination for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Damascus Middle Eastern Grill: A New Era of Authentic Flavors at Corewell Health Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Dachser Strengthens European Food Logistics Network with Acquisition of Brummer D achser, a global leader in system logistics, has announced the acquisition of Brummer Logistik GmbH in Germany and Brummer Logistic Solutions GmbH & Co KG in Austria. The purchase, which encompasses the entire operational business of the Brummer Group, is subject to approval by the German and Austrian competition authorities. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. In 2023, the family-owned Brummer companies generated revenue of around EUR 128 million, positioning them among the leading food logistics providers in Central Europe. The acquisition allows Brummer's owners, Hans Brummer and Simone Brummer-Leebmann, to focus on managing and developing real estate, particularly in the logistics sector, with support from their daughter, Valerie Brummer. Strategic Locations and Comprehensive Services Brummer Logistik GmbH, founded in 1977 in Neuburg am Inn, Bavaria, owns a 40,000 m2 facility for refrigerated and frozen food. Brummer Logistic Solutions GmbH & Co KG, launched in 2021, has 45,000 m2 of storage space in St. Marienkirchen, Austria. These strategic locations near the border facilitate optimal utilization of transport capacity and greater efficiency in transit times. As a high-performance full-service logistics provider, Brummer focuses on cross-border transport, warehousing, and contract logistics services for food between Germany, Austria, and neighboring countries. The company covers the full range of temperatures, including frozen foods below a18 degrees Celsius, and offers comprehensive logistical solutions for retail and industrial customers. Strengthening the European Food Network Brummer was one of the founding partners of the European Food Network in 2013, which spans 34 European countries under Dachser's system leadership. This network enables manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers in the food market to access unique coverage for groupage transports within Europe. The acquisition opens up considerable growth potential for Brummer. "Being a part of Dachser's European network opens up additional opportunities for growth. We're therefore taking our partnership, which has developed over the years, to the next level," said Hans Brummer and Simone Brummer-Leebmann, joint managing directors and owners of Brummer prior to the takeover. Expanding Distribution Capacity and Expertise For Dachser, the acquisition of Brummer is an important step in expanding its distribution capacity for high-quality services in the key German-Austrian food market. The Brummer locations in Neuburg am Inn and St. Marienkirchen are ideally situated for optimal consolidation of loads and further optimization of driving times. Both locations also offer land suitable for constructing additional cargo handling and warehousing areas. "In Brummer, we're acquiring a company that has an excellent reputation as a quality leader. Moreover, we're delighted to be expanding our own food logistics network in Central Europe," said Burkhard Eling, Dachser CEO. After the acquisition, Brummer will be completely integrated into the Dachser Food Logistics network, with Max Reih and his seasoned management team continuing to run the operational business. Brummer's employees, known for their expertise in cross-border transports between Germany and Austria, will ensure continuity and future growth in the region. The acquisition of Brummer follows Dachser's recent acquisitions of MAller Fresh Food Logistics in the Netherlands and Frigoscandia in northern Europe, reinforcing the company's position as one of the leading food logistics providers in Europe. Dachser Strengthens European Food Logistics Network with Acquisition of Brummer Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Two of the six Chanute Air Force alumni died after their bombing runs in the Air Force's attack on Tokyo, author Alan Mesches writes. We must continue to remember and honor those Doolittle Raiders who served in the daring mission, including Sgt. Donald E. Fitzmaurice and Cpl. Leland D. Faktor. Like Zoom in the early days of the pandemic, Flock Safetys automated license plate readers have become the must-have technology for large police departments and sheriffs offices across the land (around here, all but Urbana). Artificial intelligence will significantly impact the heart transplantation process by helping physicians better assess the complex factors impacting patient outcomes, according to researchers at today's Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) in Prague. Until now, we've assessed the likelihood of transplant success based on individual risk factors. I think our guidelines will change because we'll be able to look at combinations of weighted risk factors and how they interplay." Eileen Hsich, medical director of the Heart Transplant Program, Cleveland Clinic "That work cannot be done manually," she said. "Machine learning can provide data we've never had before, and it will make a big difference." Johan Nilsson, MD, PhD, senior consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Skane University Hospital and professor at Lund University in Lund, Sweden, is developing a decision-support tool for transplant surgeons using a modeling technique called 'digital twinning.' "This technique enables us to create a digital picture of each recipient that can help physicians predict future patient outcomes based on specific combinations of data," he said. Dr. Nilsson's team has built a database with multiple data points, including clinical information and test results, on all 600 heart recipients and donors treated at his institution since the inception of its transplantation program. They are also in the process of sequencing the whole genome of recipients and their respective donors to add to the database. "Patients added to an organ transplant waiting list provide a lot of health data and laboratory samples," he said. "The same information is also gathered from the donor." Dr. Nilsson plans to continue to follow heart recipients after their procedure, adding information such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and biopsy results to the database. "The advantage of algorithms is they provide an unbiased decision-support system that can help physicians determine the 3 R's: the Right donor at the Right time with the Right patient," he said. "If you get a donor in the middle of the night and you have three potential recipients, AI can offer an independent system to help determine the best match." Dr. Nilsson said AI could help improve organ allocation systems by helping physicians better predict outcomes at each step of the transplantation process. New research being presented at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April) suggests that the free-to-use, widely accessible ChatGPT could be an effective tool to help reduce vaccine hesitancy among the general public, as well as providing helpful advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in conjunction with sexual health clinics, by improving knowledge and access to care. Our findings showed that ChatGPT displayed a remarkable ability to accurately respond to a wide breadth of commonly asked questions, encompassing topics such as misconceptions around mRNA vaccination and the importance of testing for STIs. In the majority of instances, ChatGPT performed at the level of advice provided by professional organizations and guidelines." Dr Matthew Koh,lead author from the National University Health System (NUHS) in Singapore Since its unveiling in November 2022, millions of people have used AI (artificial intelligence) chatbots like ChatGPT for everything from making music to answering trivia to helping with homework. But ChatGPT has been mired in issues around its accuracy. Vaccines have stopped epidemics and almost eradicated deadly diseases in the past such as polio, but vaccine hesitancy, directly linked to misinformation-;false, inaccurate information promoted as factual-;is on the rise, resulting in lower vaccine uptake. Since the public debut of ChatGPT, individuals with mistrust of health professionals may be using the technology to address their concerns. Similarly, for individuals trying to access information on sexual health, or those worried about the stigma and embarrassment of attending a clinic, or with limited access to healthcare, could find using ChatGPT is a good way to get answers about STIs. To find out more, researchers from the NUHS in Singapore tested ChatGPT to see whether it could successfully provide answers to common questions about vaccination and STIs. A team of physicians who run infectious disease clinics asked ChatGPT to answer 15 commonly asked questions on vaccine hesitancy, including questions on doubts about the efficacy of vaccines, concerns about adverse effects, and cultural concerns relating to vaccines (see table in notes to editors). They also asked ChatGPT 17 common questions on STIs based on general risk factors, access to care and diagnosis, and management and post-exposure prophylaxis (see table in notes to editors). The AI-generated responses on vaccine hesitancy were then assessed by two independent infectious disease experts against recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and the chatbot answers on STIs were assessed against the 2021 US CDC STI Treatment Guidelines. All responses were evaluated for their completeness, quality, and accuracy. Factual responses to vaccine hesitancy concerns The researchers found that overall ChatGPT's output provided factual responses and reassurance to vaccine hesitancy concerns. For example, ChatGPT accurately highlighted the indication for measles vaccination in low incidence settings, and discussed the potential benefits of male human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. However, the AI chatbot failed to acknowledge the suggested ACIP age cut-offs for HPV vaccination, or account for a specific individual's situation such as how sexually active they are. In addition, ChatGPT provided reassurances for people with an egg allergy and influenza vaccination, and addressed misconceptions around mRNA vaccination and permanent alterations in DNA with high accuracy. However, it did not offer the non-mRNA vaccine options for COVID-19, but did encourage further discussions with healthcare professionals. ChatGPT also appropriately acknowledged the complexity of religious issues around vaccination and directed individuals to have further discussions with religious leaders. Importantly, however, the researchers found that without specific details of the religious concern and the specific vaccine, ChatGPT's advice was generic and it did not provide a more detailed risk-benefit discussion. "Overall, ChatGPT's responses to vaccine hesitancy were accurate and may help individuals who have vaccine-related misconceptions", says Dr Koh, who is also an infectious diseases physician at the National University Hospital in Singapore. "Our results demonstrate the potential power of AI models to assist in public health campaigns and aid health professionals in reducing vaccine hesitancy." STI responses generally accurate and concise The researchers also found that overall, ChatGPT's responses on STIs were mostly accurate and concise. For example, when asked about how to prevent STIs, the chatbot recommended safe sex practices HPV vaccinations as well as abstinence, but it failed to provide guidance on other key elements such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. In addition, the AI chatbot was able to provide general reassurance about STI symptoms, such as noting that other possibilities exist, and recommended going for testing. It also consistently communicated the importance of partner testing and follow-up testing. However, when asked about chlamydia treatment, ChatGPT suggested either azithromycin or doxycycline, although the CDC favors doxycycline as the first-line treatment. It also failed to highlight the importance of testing for other STIs. "ChatGPT provided good general advice about STIs, but it lacked specificity and could not tailor its advice to individual's risk of acquiring STIs", says Dr Koh. "The goal of this project is to empower the general public. The hope is that individuals can educate themselves with ChatGPT by making accurate advice more accessible and increase vaccine uptake and protection from STIs." He continues "We believe that ChatGPT should be used in conjunction with, or in addition to, a physician consultation-;the human response is still needed to contextualize the advice that is given to a specific individual's situation and for it to make the most sense and be the most helpful for the patient." New research from the University of Eastern Finland sheds light on the significance of the glucocorticoid receptor in drug-resistant prostate cancer, showing that the development of drug resistance could be prevented by limiting the activity of coregulator proteins. Glucocorticoids regulate vital biological processes by affecting gene encoding through a DNA-binding transcription factor, namely the glucocorticoid receptor. The activity of the glucocorticoid receptor is made extensive use of in medicine because glucocorticoids have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. For this reason, synthetic glucocorticoids are one of the most prescribed drugs in the world. They are used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and as adjuvant therapy for cancer patients to alleviate the side effects of cancer therapy. In blood cancer, glucocorticoids are important drugs that limit the growth of cancer cells. However, recent studies have shown that the glucocorticoid receptor also has an oncogenic, or cancer-promoting, effect in cancers like breast and prostate cancer. In prostate cancer, the glucocorticoid receptor can replace the activity of the androgen receptor, which is main oncogenic factor in this cancer, when its activity is inhibited by drug therapy. Thus, glucocorticoids help prostate cancer develop resistance to drug therapy. "Due to these drug resistance and cancer-promoting effects, it is important to study how the glucocorticoid receptor functions on the cellular and molecular level in cancer," Academy Research Fellow, Docent Ville Paakinaho of the University of Eastern Finland notes. The Paakinaho Lab has published two recent genome-wide deep sequencing studies on the subject. The first, published in Nucleic Acids Research, explored how the glucocorticoid receptor replaces the androgen receptor on the molecular level. This study showed that the glucocorticoid receptor can only use regulatory regions that are already active in prostate cancer cells." Laura Helminen, Doctoral Researcher, University of Eastern Finland In other words, glucocorticoid receptor-mediated drug resistance emerges through these regulatory regions, and by affecting the activity of these areas, the harmful effects of glucocorticoids in prostate cancer could be prevented. Bioinformatics analyses indicated the pioneer transcription factor FOXA1 as one possible target. FOXA1 is known to have cancer-promoting properties, which is why the researchers assumed that inhibiting its activity would limit the development of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated drug-resistant prostate cancer. Surprisingly however, the effect was exactly the opposite: inhibiting the activity of FOXA1 further increased the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor - and the development of drug resistance. This is because FOXA1 was found to be involved in the silencing of the glucocorticoid receptor gene, and this is what increased its activity when FOXA1 was inhibited. "Research often reveals the unexpected, and that's part of its charm," Paakinaho says. The activity of the glucocorticoid receptor in regulatory regions can, however, be influenced in drug-resistant prostate cancer through an alternative pathway. Coregulator proteins were identified as an alternative target through which the glucocorticoid receptor affects the regulation of gene expression. These proteins include EP300 and CREBBP. Several pharmaceutical companies are developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting these proteins, and some are already being studied in patients. In another study by the Paakinaho Lab, the researchers explored ways to inhibit glucocorticoid receptor-mediated effects by inhibiting coregulator proteins. These findings were reported in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. "Silencing the EP300 and CREBBP proteins with a small-molecule inhibitor clearly prevented the activity of the glucocorticoid receptor in prostate cancer cells," Project Researcher Jasmin Huttunen of the University of Eastern Finland says. This allowed the growth of drug-resistant prostate cancer cells to be inhibited. Furthermore, the researchers found that silencing EP300 and CREBBP also effectively inhibited the activity of the androgen receptor especially in prostate cancer cells that have an amplification of the androgen receptor gene. This amplification is found in up to half of patients with advanced prostate cancer. Surprisingly, the EP300 and CREBBP inhibitor also inhibited the activity of FOXA1, while still preserving its ability to silence the expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene. By using the EP300 and CREBBP inhibitor, it was possible to block the activity of FOXA1 without the development of glucocorticoid receptor-mediated drug resistance. Ultimately, inhibiting the activity of both the androgen and the glucocorticoid receptor was found to be primarily due to the limitation of FOXA1 activity. The study suggests that treatment targeting coregulator proteins could also be effective in untreated prostate cancer. The studies were funded by the Research Council of Finland, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, and the Cancer Foundation Finland. A large randomized trial conducted at Tampere University and the University of Helsinki shows that a new three-step prostate cancer screening method can find a considerable number of aggressive cancers. Population-level screening programs have not been launched in most countries including Finland. The ProScreen trial coordinated by Tampere University and the University of Helsinki investigated the performance of a three-step prostate cancer screening method. The aim was to analyze whether the new method would efficiently reduce mortality while decreasing the major adverse effect of previous screening methods: the overdiagnosing of insignificant prostate cancers. Some prostate cancers are clinically insignificant because they do not become symptomatic even when left untreated. Such cancers are frequently detected at autopsy. Thus, treating cancer with a good prognosis does not bring benefits, but the treatment itself can still harm the patients' quality of life. The screening method used in the ProScreen study includes two blood tests and, if necessary, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate. The previously studied screening method has only been based on one blood test, the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA). In the ProScreen study, both blood tests were positive in 7% of the participants and they were invited to an MRI of the prostate. In about half of these men, a suspicious area was detected by MRI and a prostate biopsy was taken. Cancer was eventually found in about 2% of the participants. Clinically insignificant cancers were diagnosed in four in a thousand men. We have previously demonstrated that PSA screening can decrease prostate cancer mortality to some extent. However, PSA screening produces so many unnecessary cancer diagnoses that the harms outweigh the benefits. The new results show that the three-step method now used produces fewer insignificant cancer diagnoses than PSA screening." Anssi Auvinen, Professor of Epidemiology, Tampere University Diagnosing cancer with a good prognosis is not beneficial Some prostate cancers are clinically insignificant, i.e. they will not progress to the symptomatic stage or cause any harm. The co-lead investigator of the project, Professor of Urology Antti Rannikko from the University of Helsinki, points out that the detection of such latent cancers does not bring any benefits and that they should not even be diagnosed. "The vast majority of tumors found with the previous PSA screenings are low-risk cases that are likely to represent overdiagnosis. Most of them do not progress to the symptomatic stage even when left untreated. If a prostate cancer with a good prognosis is diagnosed, the primary treatment is always active surveillance," Rannikko says. Local prostate cancer is usually treated surgically or with radiation therapy. The common side effects of treatment include erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel symptoms. The main goal of screening is to reduce cancer mortality The study included more than 60,000 men aged 50-;63 years who were randomly allocated for either the three-step screening or a control group without intervention. The study continues and the study population will expand to also include the neighboring municipalities of Tampere and Helsinki. Men who have already participated will be invited to a new screening after 2-;6 years based on the outcomes of their first screening. No population-level screening programme has been launched in Finland or in most other European countries but there is a health policy debate on the topic. According to the researchers, only preliminary evidence of the benefits of the new screening model is available so far. However, the results seem to indicate that major benefits could potentially be achieved in the future. The benefits can only be estimated after a 10-year follow up when the effects on prostate cancer mortality have been analyzed. "The aim of cancer screening is always to reduce mortality. The main criterion for decisions on cancer screening should always be the reduction of mortality to be gained," Auvinen says. "The ProScreen study, due to its large size and randomized design, can produce the research evidence needed to justify screening decisions," he adds. There is currently no reliable research data on the benefits and harms of MRI screening. The study was carried out by a large team of researchers, including radiologists, pathologists, urologists, and experts from other fields at Tampere University and Tampere University Hospital (TAYS), as well as the University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital (HUS). The cooperation partners included the local laboratory networks and Lund University. The study was supported by Cancer Foundation Finland, Research Council of Finland, Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Paivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation and state research funding administered by the Pirkanmaa wellbeing county. The research article was published in the prestigious JAMA Journal of the American Medical Association. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. As a cause of men's cancer death, it ranks the second in Finland and the third in Europe. In a recent study published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers assessed the association between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disability, autism, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain and fever management during pregnancy. However, the European Medicines Agency and the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration consider that its use might pose a minimal risk in pregnancy. Further, a 2021 consensus statement from international clinicians and scientists recommended that pregnant individuals may forgo acetaminophen unless medically indicated due to the potential risk of developmental disorders. Study: Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy and Childrens Risk of Autism, ADHD, and Intellectual Disability. Image Credit: luchschenF / Shutterstock About the study In the present study, researchers investigated the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disability, ADHD, and autism in children. They included singleton children born in Sweden between July 1995 and December 2019. Unique identifiers assigned to residents at birth/emigration were used to link children and parents. Children were excluded if data on their parents birth country, age, household income/education, and region of residence were lacking. Acetaminophen usage during pregnancy was identified from the Medical Birth Register. Information on early drug exposure was prospectively collected at the first antenatal visit, around 810 gestational weeks, during which midwives conducted examinations/interviews and recorded the use of prescription or over-the-counter medications. Later, the physician and midwife documented the use of medications. From July 2005, the Medical Birth Register was supplemented with data from the Prescribed Drug Register, covering all prescription dispensations. The primary exposure was the ever-use of acetaminophen in pregnancy, ascertained from the Medical Birth and Prescribed Drug registers. A secondary exposure was the dose for a subsample with Prescribed Drug Register coverage. The average daily dose of acetaminophen was estimated for each pregnancy. Diagnoses of intellectual disability, ADHD, and autism, identified from the National Patient Register, were the primary outcomes. Children were followed up until neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosis, emigration, death, or December 31, 2021. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, accounting for the clustering of siblings by family. Models were adjusted for covariates and the use of the following analgesics: aspirin, antimigraine medicines, non-aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and opioids. Differences in absolute risk at 10 years were computed. Further, a sibling analysis was performed to account for unobserved environmental and genetic confounders shared between siblings, adjusted for all putative confounders. Findings Overall, the study included over 2.48 million children, of which 7.49% were exposed to acetaminophen in pregnancy. Drug exposure was more prevalent among children born to those with a higher body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy, lower socioeconomic position, diagnoses of psychiatric conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders, and those who smoked during pregnancy. During a median of 13.4 years of follow-up, 188,929 children had a diagnosis of at least one neurodevelopmental disorder. In total, 146,386 children had ADHD, 68,584 had autism, and 24,554 had intellectual disability. The median age at the diagnosis of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability was 11.6, 12.2, and 8.2, respectively. Children exposed to acetaminophen had a slightly higher risk of ADHD, autism, and intellectual disability than those who were unexposed. Differences in absolute risk at 10 years were slight. In models with sibling control, acetaminophen exposure was not associated with the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The magnitude of association between neurodevelopmental disorders and acetaminophen was similar to or lower than that for aspirin, opioids, antimigraine medications, and non-aspirin NSAIDs. Of note, aspirin was inversely associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in sibling analyses, while there was a null association between antimigraine medicines, opioids, and non-aspirin NSAIDs and neurodevelopmental disorders. There was a dose-response association in partially adjusted models, which attenuated upon covariate adjustment and diminished in the sibling analysis. Conclusions Taken together, sibling control analyses revealed no associations between the use of acetaminophen in pregnancy and childrens risk of ADHD, intellectual disability, and autism. This suggested that the small, increased risk of these disorders associated with acetaminophen use in models without sibling control might be attributable to unmeasured confounding. While a dose-response association pattern was observed, it was attenuated with increasing covariate control and nullified upon sibling control. Although acetaminophen was not associated with increased risk even with the highest dose, the researchers caution against interpreting it as a benchmark for safety. In a recent article published in The Lancet Microbe, researchers discussed the World Health Organization (WHO) 's fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL). They shed light on the disparities between the list's ranking and the actual fungal disease burden and proposed a revised prioritization list addressing regional disparities. The WHO fungal priority pathogens list: a crucial reappraisal to review the prioritisation. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock Background WHO published the first fungal priority pathogen list in October 2022 to address the challenges in fungal disease diagnosis, treatment, and research. The prioritization process involved systematic reviews, expert opinions, and consideration of specific criteria, leading to the establishment of intensity levels for each pathogen. The final ranking was determined through surveys and scaling methods, highlighting the urgency of addressing fungal infections alongside bacterial resistance. While recognizing the importance of the WHO FPPL, researchers in the present study suggest that it may inadequately represent the burden of certain fungal pathogens and propose revised prioritization. Mucorales Though classified as a high-priority group by WHO, Mucorales may pose a greater threat than currently acknowledged. The incidence of mucormycosis surged during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly in India, with estimates far surpassing those of high-income countries. Diabetes emerges as the primary risk factor. The rising diabetes burden in India and Southeast Asia suggests a potential surge in mucormycosis cases in the region. Diagnostic challenges and treatment uncertainties further compound the threat, necessitating robust research and public awareness efforts. Candida spp. Candida spp. infections affect over 600,000 annually, with a mortality rate of 3040%, but their prioritization in the FPPL may not fully reflect their clinical significance. Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis, associated with lower priority levels, are gaining recognition due to emerging antifungal resistance and biofilm-production capabilities, respectively. Concerns about fluconazole-resistant strains of C. parapsilosis leading to hospital outbreaks with high mortality rates highlight the need for infection control efforts. Histoplasma spp. Histoplasmosis, caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, exhibits a broader global distribution than previously recognized, with new disease foci observed in North America, Africa, and Europe. A study reported a high incidence of histoplasmosis across the United States, suggesting widespread endemicity. However, inadequate diagnostic capacity and low clinical suspicion contribute to underdiagnosis and underreporting, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Improved access to diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies is crucial to address histoplasmosis. Fusarium spp. and eumycetoma causative agents Fusarium spp. infections are rare and affect highly immunocompromised individuals, with incidence rates not exceeding 6%. Despite uncertainties in optimal treatment strategies and the potential future increase in susceptible populations, Fusarium infections pose a lower global threat compared to mucormycosis or candidemia. Similarly, eumycetoma, though lacking precise global incidence data, is a significant concern in low- and middle-income countries due to high morbidity rates, limited treatment guidelines, and frequent relapses. Coccidioides and Paracoccidioides spp. Coccidioidomycosis is expanding its endemic areas due to climate change, with significant underreporting due to a lack of notifiable status in many regions. Paracoccidioidomycosis, prevalent in South and Central America, faces diagnostic challenges due to taxonomic revisions and limited surveillance. Lomentospora prolificans and Scedosporium spp., though rare, present nosocomial risks, yet their prioritization over coccidioidomycosis and paracoccidioidomycosis seems disproportionate, considering their lower incidence and public health impact. Talaromyces marneffei, endemic in Southeast Asia, poses a serious threat to immunocompromised individuals, highlighting the urgency for improved diagnostic tools and research attention. Cryptococcus spp. Cryptococcus neoformans, a common cause of cryptococcal disease in immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Conversely, Cryptococcus gattii, once considered endemic to specific regions, has shown global spread and presents unique clinical challenges, warranting a higher priority status. Pneumocystis jirovecii is responsible for pneumonia primarily in immunocompromised populations. Proposal for the improvement of WHO FPPL The uniform approach of the FPPL does not consider the varied nature and distribution of fungal infections. To address this, the researchers propose region-specific customization of priorities using WHO regions as a proxy. They suggest four major pathogens for crucial prioritization globally: Cryptococcus, Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., and Pneumocystis jirovecii. Additionally, they advocate for adjustments in prioritization based on regional considerations. For example, Coccidioides and Paracoccidioides spp. should be considered high-priority pathogens in the Americas, while Mucorales may warrant critical prioritization in Southeast Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean. Histoplasma spp. should also be prioritized higher in the Americas and Africa. Furthermore, Talaromyces marneffei should receive higher prioritization in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific regions. Pathogens with lower disease burdens may be placed in the medium-priority group. Conclusion The FPPL is a commendable global initiative but lacks customization based on geographical regions, potentially overlooking the true threat posed by certain fungal pathogens in specific areas. Efforts to address these challenges are crucial to enhance global awareness, research, and, ultimately, control of fungal infections. Petrol and Diesel Prices On April 11, 2024: Today, on 11 April, new petrol and diesel rates have been released across the country. Every day at 6 am, government oil companies release new prices of petrol and diesel in the country. In such a situation, before leaving home with your car, know what are the rates of petrol and diesel (Petrol Diesel Rates) in your city. Let us tell you that government oil companies reduced the prices of petrol and diesel on March 14. A relief of Rs 2 each was given in the price of petrol and diesel. However, since then there has been no major change in the price of petrol and diesel. Let us know what are the latest rates of petrol and diesel across the country. In India, the pricing of petrol and diesel is subject to influences like freight charges, value-added tax (VAT), and local taxes, resulting in different rates across states. Petrol-diesel prices in metros (Petrol Diesel Prices) After this cut, the price of petrol in the national capital (Petrol Price Today in Delhi) is now Rs 94.72 per liter, which was earlier Rs 96.72 per liter. Whereas diesel (Diesel Price In Delhi) is Rs 87.62 per liter, which was earlier Rs 89.62 per liter. Today petrol has become Rs 104.21 per liter in Mumbai, Rs 103.94 in Kolkata and Rs 100.75 per liter in Chennai. Whereas the price of diesel has become Rs 92.15 per liter in Mumbai, Rs 90.76 in Kolkata and Rs 92.34 per liter in Chennai. Where petrol and diesel became cheap and where expensive (Petrol-Diesel Fresh Rates) Noida: Petrol is Rs 94.81 per liter and diesel is Rs 87.94 per liter Gurugram : Petrol Rs 95.18 per liter and diesel Rs 88.03 per liter Chandigarh: Petrol is Rs 94.22 per liter and diesel is Rs 82.38 per liter Hyderabad: Petrol at Rs 107.39 per liter and diesel at Rs 95.63 per liter Jaipur: Petrol is Rs 104.86 per liter and diesel is Rs 90.34 per liter Patna: Petrol Rs 105.16 per liter and diesel Rs 92.03 per liter Lucknow: Petrol is Rs 94.63 per liter and diesel is Rs 87.74 per liter Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on April 11: City Petrol Diesel Noida Rs 94.66 Rs 87.76 Gurugram Rs 94.98 Rs 87.85 Lucknow Rs 94.79 Rs 87.92 Chandigarh Rs 94.24 Rs 82.40 Jaipur Rs 104.88 Rs 90.36 Patna Rs 105.53 Rs 92.37 Hyderabad Rs 107.41 Rs 95.65 Bengaluru Rs 99.84 Rs 85.92 Factors Affecting Petrol And Diesel Prices In India Crude oil price: The primary raw material for the production of petrol and diesel is crude oil, and as such, its price directly influences the ultimate cost of these fuels. The exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the US dollar: As a major importer of crude oil, Indias petrol and diesel prices are also influenced by the exchange rate between the Indian rupee and the US dollar. Tax: Various taxes on petrol and diesel are imposed by both the central and state governments. These taxes may differ across states, exerting a notable influence on the ultimate prices of petrol and diesel. The cost of refining: The final price of petrol and diesel is additionally influenced by the expenses incurred in refining crude oil into these fuels. The refining process can be costly, and the refining expenses may fluctuate based on factors like the type of crude oil utilised and the efficiency of the refinery. The demand for petrol and diesel: The demand for petrol and diesel can also affect their prices. If demand for these fuels increases, it can lead to higher prices. Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS You can also find out the latest rates of petrol and diesel in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122. One of the wealthiest Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar is currently posted as the inspector general of police in Punjab. An IPS officer from the 2004 batch, he possesses properties over Rs 150 crore, based on data from the Union Home Ministry, as per a report by DNA. Bhullar was named Jalandhars Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) a few years ago. He served as Mohalis SSP for the longest. The IPS officer served two terms 2015 to 2016 and 2009 to 2013. He earned a BA honours degree before joining as an IPS officer in 2004. His father, Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, and grandfather, Gurdayal Singh Bhullar, had also worked in the same city and served as IPS officers. Gurdayal Singh Bhullar was the SSP of Jalandhar from 1957 to 1960. When Bhullar disclosed his immovable assets in 2016, it made news. He was far wealthier than former CM Captain Amarinder Singh at the time, the news agency reported. Badal reported a net worth of Rs 102 crore, while Captain Singh asserted a net worth of Rs 48 crore. According to reports, Gurpreet Singh Bhullars assets included eight homes, three commercial properties, and four agricultural plots. As per the report, he also owns a vacant 1,500 square-yard plot in Sainik Farms, Delhi, and a commercial property worth Rs 85 lakh. Additionally, his uncultivated land in a Mohali village was valued at Rs 45 crore, which has been sourced from inheritance. Furthermore, in January 2013, he purchased twelve properties. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar is among several IPS officers based in Punjab who have disclosed information about their assets, including those registered in their names, their spouses names, and their parents names. This disclosure has been available to the public since 2011. Meanwhile, the Union Public Service Commission, UPSC has postponed the civil service preliminary exam 2024 due to the general elections. The exam which was scheduled to be held on May 26 will now be conducted on June 16. Through the recruitment drive, the commission aims to fill around 1056 vacancies. In a big blow to the Aam Aadmi Party, its Delhi minister Raaj Kumar Anand on Wednesday resigned from all positions within AAP and also quit the party. Today, I am resigning from all my posts and the primary membership of the AAP and after this I am feeling lighter, said Anand. The Patel Nagar MLA accused AAP of being anti-Dalit. I became a minister. Whatever I became, it was due to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and to pay back to societyIf a party backs out when it comes to representation of Dalits, I dont think it is appropriate for me to stay within the party, he said. Anand, who is a Jatav, also clarified that he is not joining any other party at the moment. Reacting to Anands resignation, AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh alleged, We had said right from the first day that the intent behind arresting Arvind Kejriwal is to break AAP, finish AAP, not investigate to uncover corruption by Enforcement Directorate. He also lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party. Singh said, BJP is that party which is guilty of indulging in gundagardi using the ED, CBI to break MLAs and ministers, and take them in. This is what they have done in Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Madhya PradeshRemember, this is a test for AAP, each minister and MLA, how we want to be remembered. What compounds AAPs challenges is that Raaj Kumar Anand was the Dalit face of the Arvind Kejriwal cabinet. He held the portfolios of Social Welfare, SC & ST, Gurdwara Elections, etc. Anands resignation comes at a moment when chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is in judicial custody, bringing down the effective strength of the Delhi cabinet to five from seven and a new person may have to be inducted. When the Enforcement Directorate has objected to CM issuing instructions while in custody, how will Kejriwal be able to recommend someone elses name? This question is looming over AAP. Secondly, there will be a by-election in the Patel Nagar constituency ahead of the assembly polls in Delhi. Party insiders believe that Anand leaving will adversely impact AAPs performance in this constituency. It is an ominous sign that a person who was promoted by the party in spite of being a first-time MLA has left. In fact, there was some resentment among AAPs Dalit MLAs when he was made a minister despite being a first-time MLA after Rajendra Pal Gautam was axed. There were more deserving candidates, said an AAP insider. Thirdly, the party is also apprehensive that other functionaries in Delhi may follow Anand as he has quit in spite of having been rewarded with a ministerial berth. In Punjab, AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and MLA Sheetal Angural quit the party recently and joined the BJP. Rinku had already been declared as AAPs candidate from Jalandhar for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Raaj Kumar Anand had joined AAP just around four years ago. In fact, his wife Veena Anand won an assembly election on an AAP ticket in 2013 and was left out in 2015. Raaj Kumar Anand got a ticket and won in 2020. In November 2023, officials of the Enforcement Directorate raided his offices as part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence for alleged offences under sections of the Customs Act. In October 2022, when AAP minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, a staunch Ambedkarite, was sacked following his presence at a religious conversion ceremony sparking a controversy, he told this reporter that he could not be distracted from the path of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and the day he would feel that AAP was an obstruction to his Ambedkarite mission, he would leave politics and work completely for the upliftment of society. Additionally, 12 of the 70 assembly constituencies in Delhi are reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes. In 2013, AAP won eight of the 12 reserved constituencies and in 2015 and 2020, it bagged all these seats. Dalits constitute 20% of Delhis voters and in 2013, they shifted decisively from the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party towards AAP. Of the capitals seven Lok Sabha constituencies, North West Delhi is a reserved seat which the BJP won in 2014 and 2019. AAPs Gugan Singh was a distant second in 2019 with 21% of the votes while BJPs Hans Raj Hans won an overwhelming 60%. In 2014 also, AAPs Rakhi Bidlan was at number two while BJPs Udit Raj won by over a lakh votes. In 2019, AAP was runners-up in the North West Delhi and South Delhi seats, while the Congress was in second place in the rest. The BJP won all seven Lok Sabha seats with an over 50% vote share. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, AAP has made a big noise about giving Kuldeep Kumar, a member of the Dalit community, a ticket from East Delhi, which is an unreserved constituency. The partys symbol jhadoo (broom) is closely identified with Valmikis and was launched in the Valmiki Mandir in Delhi by Arvind Kejriwal. While AAP has managed to attract this voter base in Delhi and Punjab, it has reasons to worry after Dalit leaders Anand, Rinku, and Angural leaving the party. Dalits constitute 32 per cent of Punjabs population and 34 of the 117 constituencies in Punjab are reserved for Scheduled Castes. In Punjab assembly elections 2022, AAP won 29 of these 34 reserved constituencies. The Kaiserganj seat may be on hold in the BJP list for Uttar Pradesh but sitting MP Brij Bhushan Singh has hit the campaign trail in his seat over the last three days, sending out a message of show of strength and confidence that he will be getting the ticket. Facing allegations of sexual abuse from female wrestlers, an issue that saw the BJP on the back foot, Singh has refused to back down. From April 8, he started his campaign in Kaiserganj with a massive road show in which he was welcomed by people at multiple points. Singh has continued this Jansampark over April 9 and 10 as well, touring various assembly seats falling under the Kaiserganj Lok Sabha seat and asking people to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modis slogan of Abki Baar, 400 Paar in 2024. A source close to Singh said he is confident of getting the ticket and has begun campaigning as the polling date is on May 20. A message is also being sent by Singh by holding a series of public meetings and road shows in the last three days. Kaiserganj polls in Phase 5 of the elections and nomination would start from April 26. BJP has, however, so far not declared its candidate from Kaiserganj, a seat that Singh has now represented for three continuous terms since 2009. In his latest statement, Singh had said he knows that his party loves him but the wait continues as the party seems to be calculating its next move on Kaiserganj. Sources say BJP may be waiting for a court decision in the case against Singh in the women wrestlers matter. Last week, a Delhi court had reserved its order on framing of charges against Singh, who is also the former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief. The police had filed a charge sheet in the case against Singh, a six-time MP, last year under sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 354-A (sexual harassment), 354-D (stalking) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Will Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh contest as an independent from Kaiserganj if BJP denies him a ticket? Stakes are high in the seat as both BJP and Singh wait in anticipation. Once known as the Queen of Hills for being a summer resort of the British, Darjeeling became the epicentre of the Gorkhaland Movement giving it a distinct political character. The mesmerising backdrop of the Kangchenjunga and the heritage toy train aside, the scenic hill station in West Bengal has witnessed violence since the 1980s the last such protest being in 2017 over the demand for a separate state. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, News18 travelled to Darjeeling to take a stock of the constituency that will go to polls in the second phase on April 26. Darjeeling is characterised by hyperlocal parties with an ethnic identity. A considerable section of people, who support the Gorkhaland demand, have been voting for the BJP that has been winning here since 2009. Jaswant Singh and SS Ahluwalia, who is the Asansol candidate this time, have both been MPs from the hill station. The constituency has seven assembly segments with three in the hills and four in the plains. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP took the lead in six of these constituencies. In its manifesto last time, the BJP had said it will provide a permanent solution to the Gorkhaland issue a promise it has reiterated this time. Another interesting player this time is the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha, which has been floated by Anit Thapa and has tied up with the Trinamool Congress. It has fielded former bureaucrat Gopal Lama against the BJPs Raju Bista. Will Darjeeling remain saffron or will there be change in the hills? Though the mercury is soaring high in the plains, it is cool and soothing in the hills of Darjeeling. There are not many markers of an upcoming election in the form of banners and festoons, but that does not mean pre-poll activity is missing. We will vote for Gorkhaland The Gorkha War Memorial stands on the Batasia Loop, which is a spiral track created to lower the gradient of ascent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Many have come to savour momos for breakfast at this popular tourist destination. Darjeeling has mostly remained peaceful for the past few years. Strikes, bandhs and violence were last seen in 2017, but the demand for Gorkhaland is still alive in a major section of the people making it a hot topic in election season. We will vote for Gorkhaland. We have hope that Modi ji will give us a permanent solution, and he has always stood by his word; for us, our identity is important, Sangeeta Thapa, who sells momos in the area, told News18. We definitely want development, but our priority is our identity. Modi said in his manifesto in 2019 that there will be a permanent solution. Gorkhaland is an emotion. There has been no bandh or strike for the past four years and we are waiting for a permanent solution; we believe only the BJP can give it to us, said another shopkeeper Rakesh Tamang. Most of the shopkeepers spoke in favour of Gorkhaland and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can deliver on this promise. Raju Bista is one MP who has always been with us in the last five years. So, I believe that if anybody can really show us the way, it is Raju Bista. He will win with a thumping majority, said Vishnu Tamang, a winter garments seller. Bistas presence and the trust in Modi hai toh mumkin hai has had a definite impact here. Mamata Banerjee has only divided people; she has done nothing else. North Bengal has not been given anything. I believe that Modi ji has always done as promised. I feel the hills will get a permanent solution between 2024 and 2029, Bista told News18. Bimal Gurung, who spearheaded the Gorkhaland movement, was once a decisive factor during elections. People in the hills have always supported local parties like the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). This time, both the parties are supporting the BJP. Gurung had to stay outside Darjeeling for a long time due to the number of cases registered against him. But, in 2021, he returned while withdrawing his support from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and giving it to the TMC. This time, however, he is supporting the BJP. The TMC did not do anything on a permanent solution for the hills and, thats why, the GJM now is supporting the BJP. We thought the state government will give us a solution; thats why I supported them in the name of development but nothing happened. Anit Thapa told Mamata Banerjee that I did not have any power, so this election is a prestige fight for me. Thapa, who was with Gurung once upon a time and took part in the Gorkhaland movement, has come up with his own party, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha. He is supporting the TMC and has claimed that he revived the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a semi-autonomous council formed in 2012 for the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. It replaced the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council that was formed in 1988. After the panchayat system started in the hills last year, Thapa gave his support to the TMC. We have fought among ourselves. Gorkhaland is our emotion but we should concentrate on development. Why are we giving a bad name to the hills? Last 15 years, the BJP has only shown this will happen but failed to give any option. Now, the panchayat system is there. We have done it, Thapa told News18. I am taking Didis (CM Mamata Banerjee) development to the people and am sure we will win, said Gopal Lama, who is up against Bista. Legendary bakery owner makes contest triangular Owner of the legendary bakery, Glenarys, Ajoy Edwards entry makes this a triangular contest. A 100-year-old eatery and a landmark of the hill station, Glenarys has operated since the days of the British Raj. Edwards, earlier with the GNLF, founded the Hamro Party in 2021 to speak about a peaceful and permanent solution for the hills. Surprisingly, he won a large number of seats back then and, this time, he has joined hands with the opposition INDIA bloc and is projecting Congress candidate Munish Tamang. According to him, the BJP is all the same and, thats why, a third option is required. In another interesting turn of events, Kurseongs BJP MLA Vishnu Prasad Sharma is also contesting against Bista but the saffron party is not giving much importance to this. Need peace for benefit of tourism industry Tourism is one of the mainstays of Darjeeling. In a chaupal with tourist guide drivers, they said they want peace so that tourism can flourish. The party that was strong is still strong, we need peace for the benefit of the tourism industry, said Dhiman Chamling, a driver. We need development and whichever party will work for tourism, we will vote there, said another driver, Mahua Rao. Darjeeling is always identified with Glenarys and Keventers, which is another 100-year-old restaurant where the Bollywood film Barfi was shot. Sipping on Darjeeling tea accompanied by scrambled eggs and sausage, visitors enjoying a meal at Keventers spoke in favour of the prime minister. We know that our demand is proper governenance and Modi ji will give us that, said George Rai. Taking a cue from him, another young person said: We will vote for Modi because this is a national election. There is so much corruption here. At the Darjeeling Mall, Chowrasta, a group of women said 10 communities should get tribal status. Our children grow up here but have to leave because there are no jobs here. The government should look into this. We are unable to live with our kids, said Parvati Rai. The BJP has not given us any solution for 15 years, we will think and vote this time, said Revathi Lama. The three hill segments are Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Kurseong while Matigara, Siliguri, Phansidewa and Chopra are the four assemblies in the plains. In 2019, it was only in Chopra that the TMC got a lead. Hence, where the vote swings in the plains is important. At a tea shop in Siliguri, local resident Raghab Roy said: This time there is a fight. Ram is there, so nobody will get a walkover. While all parties are trying to put up their best performance, the BJPs lead in these seats was more than four lakh last time. But, only the party that balances the needs of the hills and plains can crack the code. With just days to the first phase of Lok Sabha Election 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking the Bharatiya Janata Partys poll campaign in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan a notch higher on Thursday, with rallies in Rishikesh and Karauli-Dholpur. Voting in Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand will be held in a single phase on April 19. Counting will be held on June 4. PM In Uttarakhand Addressing the rally in Rishikesh, PM Modi said, Today, there is a strong government in the country. Under this mazboot Modi sarkar, atankwaadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke mara jata hai. Whenever we have had a weak government in the country our enemies have taken advantage. Attacking Congress, he said during the UPA regime, the soldiers did not even have bulletproof jackets. There was no proper arrangement to protect them from enemy bullets. It is the BJP which gave bulletproof jackets made in India to its soldiers, saving their lives. Today, everything from modern rifles to fighter planes and aircraft carriers is being made in the country itself, he said. He said that the weak Congress government could not build modern infrastructure on the borders and today, modern roads are being built on the border, and modern tunnels are being built. He also hit out at Congress for skipping the Pran Prathishtha ceremony of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and said, Congress had raised many questions on the existence of Lord Ram. Even after they were invited to Ram Temple Pran Pratishtha they boycotted itNow, they have resolved and publically announced that they will destroy the Shakti in Hindu religion. PM Modi was felicitated by BJP women leaders at the venue of his public meeting in Rishikesh. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is also present there. Yesterday when I was in Tamil Nadu, Indias southern end, people were chanting phir ek baar Modi Sarkaar. Today, when I am in the lap of the Himalayas, at the foot of Baba Kedar and Badri Vishal, people here also are saying phir ek baar Modi Sarkaar. Same words are echoing everywhere, he said. PM Modi said the BJP government is continuously increasing rail, road and air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Work is underway on Rishikesh -Karanprayag railway line. Distance between Delhi to Dehradun is also reducing. Border villages which were called last villages under Congress, are now being developed under BJP govt. Air services have started for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. 900 km long highway is also being built to connect Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, the Prime Minister said. This is the second rally of Prime Minister Modi in Uttarakhand. Earlier, the Prime Minister had also addressed a public meeting in Uttarakhands Pithoragarh on April 2. PM In Tamil Nadu Prime Minister Modi will address a public meeting on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on the occasion of Gangaur in Karauli, Rajasthan. The Prime Minister will address the Vijay Shankhnad rally in support of Indu Devi Jatav, the BJP candidate from Karauli-Dholpur Lok Sabha constituency. Along with the PM Modi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other BJP leaders will also be present in the rally. Iqra Hasan, 27, is among the youngest candidates in these Lok Sabha elections. Four years ago, she completed her masters course from SOAS, London, and enrolled for a PhD degree there. But life had other plans for her and she is now making her political debut in the heat and dust of Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to create an upset as the Samajwadi Party candidate. Kairana became infamous for the purported exodus of Hindu families some years back due to Muslim dominance. The seat has nearly 40 per cent Muslim voters. There was never any palayan (exodus) from Kairana. What had happened was there were a few families which had shifted to bigger cities as their businesses grew. That is a natural process and it happens everywhere, not just in Kairana, Iqra told News18 amidst her hectic campaign on Wednesday. The Bharatiya Janata Party, she said, made it out to be a big issue in trying to garner votes. It was a propaganda issue and the people of Kairana rejected it in 2017 and 2022. Now the local media has also stopped asking it as it was a non-issue and it has died, Iqra told News18. Both in the 2017 and 2022 assembly elections, Iqras brother Nahid Hasan won the Kairana seat. In 2022, Nahid won from jail despite a spirited BJP campaign, as Iqra took charge. London to Kairana After completing her graduation from LSR College in Delhi, Iqra went to London to pursue her masters degree in International Politics and Law. She was born into an illustrious political family as her grandfather, father Munnawar Hasan, and mother Tabassum have been MPs. But Iqra told News18 that her entry into politics was most unexpected. I had other plans. I did my masters in London and got myself enrolled into PhD in 2020. But because of Covid, I came back home for a bit and since then I have been here, she said. In 2021, both Iqras brother Nahid (Kairana MLA) and her mother were jailed. The situation at home was precariousMy mother and brother were implicated in false cases. Nahids election was then right around the corner so I had to stay back and help with that as he was in jail. That is how it began. And since then, it took one year to get him out of prison. So for one year, I had to take care of all his work as an MLA. In doing that, I formed a connection with the people and I liked doing it eventually, and now I am contesting and hopefully winning, Iqra told News18. 2022 saw Iqra in the field Iqra said the 2022 victory was special as the BJP had used its top campaigners in Kairana including Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath while her brother was in jail. I then took charge of the campaign but did not know the workings here. People really helped me in how to do the campaign. I was just the face of it, it was the people of Kairana who helped us win, said Iqra. She admitted that she has a lot of privilege because of her family. This is a big responsibility as I have a lot of privilege and I got this platform because of that privilege. Mine is a political family. But I dont take that privilege for granted any day and I work through dust and sweat every dayI cover 10-12 villages daily in my campaign, Iqra told News18. Key issues of Kairana The Kairana Lok Sabha seat had about 18 lakh voters and nearly 40 per cent are Muslims. The BJP has fielded its area MP Pradip Chaudhary. The lack of development in Kairana and sugarcane crop dues of 2023 from the Shamli Mill are major issues. Sugarcane dues is a big issuethere was a dharna for three months which was happening in Shamli. We still have not got the money, and the government has not given any commitment on this issue, Iqra told News18. Chaudhary is promising a quick resolution of this issue which has the farmers upset. My personal request is that we should vote for changeif we let the politicians think that they cannot be changed and that they can pull some strings and always be elected, they will not work for us. So we are hoping that people will realise that giving us a chance after 10 years of double engine government our constituency has not got anything which it should have since 2019, Iqra told News18. Kairana is a new district that was carved out of Muzaffarnagar. But all the institutions are in Muzaffarnagar and our district is vacant. A lot of development work is required in villages. There is a lack of educational and health facilities. There is no Hindu-Muslim issue thoughtoday I am campaigning in a Rajput village, yesterday I was in a Saini village. People still remember what my family has done for them, Iqra said. Locals say a foreign-educated person may be able to bring change. BJP leaders, however, say Iqra would not be able to match the ruling partys machinery and Yogi Adityanaths upcoming rally in Kairana could well determine the course of the election here. Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Chaudhary also campaigned for BJPs Pradip Chaudhary on Tuesday in Kairana. In 2019, Pradip Chaudhary defeated Iqras mother Tabassum by around 90,000 votes. Can Iqra stage the biggest upset of them all this time? Kairana votes on April 19, in the first round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. In a high-profile Lok Sabha seat like New Delhi, local issues often do not figure high on the priority list of voters. However, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections may change the trend, with locals keen on representatives bringing up critical issues like unemployment and problems affecting the middle class. News18 visited various areas in the constituency and spoke to residents, first-time voters, college students, lawyers and shopkeepers, all of whom put forward diverse opinions. For 29-year-old shopkeeper Nishit, no matter which party comes to power, neither will significantly change the situation on the ground. Echoing his sentiment was another shopkeeper from Connaught Place who said for people who work and live in the area controlled by the New Delhi Municipal Council, there is hardly any issue. We dont suffer from lack of water or electricity we dont see anything the elected representative can do better, said 39-year-old Sujarat. The youth has demands But young students, particularly first-time voters, have some wishes. Ishika Jain and Aarshi Dhingra, first-year students at Mata Sundri College for Women a constituent college of the University of Delhi feel that sanitation and hygiene are issues that need to be worked upon. Despite it being a college for girls, there is no medical room and sanitation facilities are poor. Additionally, cleaning of major garbage dumps and sewage drains needs to be addressed throughout the city, they said. Another first-time voter, Arushi, said unemployment and higher education are essential issues that need to be addressed. As students, the most pressing issue that needs to be addressed for us is unemployment. Additionally, scarcity of seats in higher education colleges in India leads to issues for young adults, she said. Anita Sharma, the mother of a young woman preparing for MBA, also believes the same. She said there are not enough government colleges, and the tuition fee for a private college is out of discussion for a middle-class household. The country is developing domestically and internationally, but no government is addressing any of the problems of the middle class, which needs to be rectified fast, she said, adding that the cost of living in the city is so high that it is difficult for middle-class people to survive. There is no other alternative for the people other than the BJP, which offers a stable government, she said. For Supreet, a first-time voter who commutes to the New Delhi area for college, it is public transport. She wants buses to be on time and frequent. Additionally, they are too crowded and the number of buses keeps reducing, making the issue worse, she said. Strong feelings about Kejriwals arrest There is also a strong feeling among people about the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal around election time. Many believe it is unconstitutional and even non-AAP supporters feel it should not have happened. For first-time voter Pratyaksh, a student of Lady Irwin College, the freebies by the Kejriwal-led AAP government are petty politics that is merely an electoral stunt. However, she opposed the idea of his arrest, saying it has been done to gain political margin. For 34-year-old Santosh Yadav and Arvind Yadav, who is in his early 40s, a strong opposition is a critical part of a democracy. You cannot have a democracy if there is no opposition. It is not about any party, the act of arresting a chief minister of a rival party is fundamentally wrong, said the duo that runs a small shop in Sarojini Nagar. Similar sentiments were shared by 48-year-old Prabha Singh, who is a local resident. She said a democracy needs at least two parties with one strong opposition to be able to question the current government. A major issue the country is facing today is the lack of a strong opposition to keep the governments powers in check. Kejriwals arrest is destroying the opposition and, in turn, democracy, she said. Suresh, a practising lawyer in his early 50s, also questioned Keriwals arrest. Ideally, you are innocent until proven guilty but in the case of Kejriwals arrest, it is the other way around. Is he the only corrupt leader in India who has a position in the government? And how do we even know if he is guilty without any proof being released? he asked. He also stressed that the voters should elect only educated people, who have a vision for development, and also focus on education and employment as a means for the countrys growth. He said there is a need for a well-educated Lok Sabha and government that believes in preserving the countrys democracy. Sunil Kumar Sharma, 63, is an auto-rickshaw driver. He not only questioned Kejriwals arrest but also said the Union government should bring in schemes for the public like the AAP convener did. He said the Mohalla Clinic initiative had helped him a lot. It really benefited the general public, making it very convenient and affordable for the masses. I personally used it multiple times for health check-ups, he said, adding that there should be a similar central scheme. BJP gave us everything we need Aayega toh Modi hi this was also a refrain among a number of people, who are happy with the prime ministers 10-year stint. For Vijay, who runs a tea shop near Lady Hardinge Medical College for the past 25 years, there cannot be anyone better than Modi. We cannot expect anything more from a government. The BJP gave us everything we needed, he said. For 40-year-old Nitin Sharma, who has his residence and office in the New Delhi area, there is no alternative. There is no one we can vote for other than the BJP. There is no other strong leader in the country, he said. The seat and its history Established in 1951, New Delhi is the oldest Delhi constituency of the city. Of 17 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and Congress have won seven times each. Among well-known leaders elected from the seat were Atal Bihari Vajyapee, Lal Krishna Advani, Mehr Chand Khanna, Ajay Maken and the citys first female MP, Sucheta Kripalani. Even actor Rajesh Khanna has represented the seat. Before the entry of the AAP, the Congress and BJP ruled the seat. But after 2014, the AAP has been taking up a good share of votes even though it has not been elected in the Lok Sabha from this seat or anywhere else in the city. This time, however, the AAP and Congress have joined hands against the BJP with the former fighting the New Delhi seat. In 2014 and 2019, the BJPs Meenakshi Lekhi won the seat. A lawyer by profession, she was dropped this time and the seat will see a contest between two other lawyers BJPs Bansuri Swaraj and AAPs Somnath Bharti. Bansuri, a lawyer for 16 years, is the daughter of former Union minister, the late Sushma Swaraj, and is making her political debut. Bharti, meanwhile, has been an MLA from Malviya Nagar since 2013. The 49-year-old is a practicing lawyer at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court. Delhi will vote on May 25 with all the seven constituencies going to polls in a single phase. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday claimed that under the strong BJP government at the Centre, security forces were dealing with terrorists in their home turfs. Atankwadiyon ko ghar mein ghus ke maara (terrorists were eliminated in their own homes), Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at a public rally in Uttarakhand ahead of the April 10 Lok Sabha elections. Under the leadership of what he referred to as the mazboot Modi sarkar, the Prime Minister asserted that the country now boasts a robust government that ensures national security, even in conflict zones. Then, launching a scathing attack against the opposition, PM Modi said, Congress questioned the existence of Lord Ram, opposed the Ram temple, and created as many obstacles as it could. Even after this, those building the Ram temple forgave all the sins of the Congress and invited them for the Praan-Pratishtha. But the Congress boycotted that too, the PM said during his public address. Taking another swipe at the opposition party, PM Modi said, During the Congress regime, the soldiers did not even have bulletproof jackets. There was no proper arrangement to protect them from enemy bullets. When the Congress was in power, middlemen used to steal money. Now money is being transferred directly to peoples bank accounts, added the PM during his speech. PM Modi also pointed out key achievements such as the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a historic decision under the NDA regime. Additionally, the PM credited his government for implementing measures such as 33% reservation in Parliament and providing 10% reservation to the economically disadvantaged in the general category. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, too, during a conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi last Friday, said 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 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. (With ANI inputs) He is the quintessential Power star of Tollywood, who holds the record of belting out one blockbuster after another. But neta Pawan Kalyan is still waiting for a similar innings as far as his political career is concerned. Kalyan contested unsuccessfully in 2019 from Gajuwaka and Bheemavaram. This time around, the actor, who played a key role in rekindling the TDP-BJP tie-up, is contesting for the assembly elections from Pithapuram. Can he turn around his fortunes in a seat considered a Kapu bastion, the community that his Jana Sena Party is aiming to consolidate for the alliance? More importantly, does he harbour any chief ministerial ambitions? The leader reveals all to News18 while on the campaign trail in Pithapuram. Edited excerpts: Why did you choose Pithapuram? Since 2009, when we initiated a political process with my brother (Chiranjeevi), Pithapuram has always been with us. I was also asked to contest from here in 2014, but that year we just extended our support to the TDP and BJP. I had received similar requests in 2019 as well. Things changed around three years back when a family I met in Mangalagiri told me that the local deity, Puruhutika Devi, wanted me to contest from here. Another family had the same intuition. Regardless of that, the immense love and affection I received from people made me contest from here. TDP-BJP-JSP are fighting together and as someone who has been instrumental in building that alliance, why did you let go of such a large number of seats? Ever since the bifurcation, Telangana got great advantage in terms of money and development but the same wasnt seen in Andhra Pradesh. In 2014, under PM Modis leadership, I came forward to extend my support. I have always believed that votes shouldnt get split among like-minded individuals. After Jagan Mohan Reddy came to power, Andhra turned into the Ganja capital of India. There is immense corruption and criminality. Instead of contesting separately, we brought everyone together as people should not suffer anymore under Jagan. I used my relationship with the Centre and ensured we all came together. What about your cadre who are upset? I didnt want to take any chances. I felt the state would gain at the cost of my loss in seat share. For me, its always people first. But Jagan says you have sold your party to the TDP and BJP. Its a baseless argument. He wants me to contest separately so that our votes get split and he takes advantage of that. I may win individually but wont be able to form the government on my own. If I had the ability and capacity to form the government, I would have definitely contested independently but since thats not the case, I had to take the alliance path. Jagan is corrupt with umpteen cases against him. He is the only chief minister in India who is out on bail despite charges against him. But he is now using the same salvo for Chandrababu Naidu who was jailed in the Skill Development case. A false case has been filed against Naidu. Jagan was caught red-handed by the central agencies. His entire family is caught up in the murder case of his uncle. There are enough criminal and financial fraud cases against him. Do you have chief ministerial ambitions? Im a great admirer of Nani Palkhivala who, in his books We the People and We the Nation, wrote great things about serving people. For me, politics is all about serving people and serving the leadershipif it happens, then its well and good. So you do have CM ambitions and wish to be one someday. If it happens then its well and good but like the essence of Gita, do your duty and leave the rest for the Almighty. If it happens on my path, I will definitely accept it. If TDP-BJP-JSP come together, can we see a formula where you and Naidu share the CMs chair term-wise? Right now, we are looking at forming the government first by winning elections. After that, all of us will sit with the central leadership and see how things unfold. So we will talk about it when we cross that river. But will you be proposing yourself as the CM candidate? I think about people and their issues and thats my fundamental priority. I didnt come into politics for a particular position. Im interested in serving people. But you are not denying it. If given an opportunity, I will definitely take it up. Who is the CM face right now? Its not about the CMs face. Its about kicking out Jagan. Whoever becomes the CM whether Naidu or me we are all fine. We have a great understanding. Given the fact that you have such a mass following as a mammoth film star, do you think people accepted you as a political leader as well? Thats what we have been seeing When I was completely into films, I was more of a person with social consciousness. I was doing films because I didnt have any other job to do since my family was in cinema. My fundamental craving is to think in terms of societal goodness. When I failed to win in 2019, I had a great learning. I had to go through this grinding to evolve as a leader. One failure shouldnt stop you I look at Kanshi Ram-ji, Mayawati-ii, Advani-ji every national party today faced decades of struggle. Im just a budding politician but glad that I chose this path. BJPs mission is 400 Paar. The South is a big challenge for them. Modi-ji has great popularity in the South. I personally felt I should stand by him. BJP will make great inroads in the South. Any message for Jagan Mohan Reddy? Jagan has to pack his bags. The central jail is waiting for him. I have given my youth to the people of Chhindwara, now I am committing my last breath to the people here veteran congress leader Kamal Nath hopes this emotional appeal will make the voters elect his son Nakul Nath in this Lok Sabha election. On the campaign trail with the former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, CNN-News18 found the veteran leader appealing to the emotional connect that he has had with Chhindwara for the past four decades. Kamal Naths son Nakul is the Congress candidate from Chhindwara but his fathers imprint is everywhere. The election campaign vehicle has the father-son duos pictures plastered all over and the speeches at election rallies are all about giving Nakul Bhaiya the vote because of what Kamalnath ji has given to Chhindwara. I have never bothered about my health, or my family. My focus has always been the people of Chhindwara. Who knew about Chhindwara 44 years ago? I set up skill development centres to help the youth here, Nath Senior said. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in rally after rally has alleged that Kamal Nath has only promoted his own family. MP Nakul Nath was the sole Congress candidate who survived the saffron surge in Madhya Pradesh in 2019. Since then, a lot of water has flown down the Nag river here. Many Congress workers including Chhindwara mayor Vikram Ahake, former MLA Deepak Saxena, his son and Congress leader Ajay Saxena, Amarwara MLA Kamlesh Shah, and hundreds of workers have switched sides to join the BJP. Kamal Nath refused to give a direct answer when asked how the exodus would impact the prospects of the Congress this election. I have seen 44 years of politics and elections. There are three layers: there is the neta, the karyakarta, and then the voter. Netas leaving or staying dont alone make or break elections. It is the voter who is the king, he said. The remark came even as chief minister Mohan Yadavs roadshow turned streets of Chhindwara saffron. Kamal Nath did not want to comment on the BJP but his party worker Mohan Sahu waiting for an audience with him pointed out: In the last assembly election also 25 heavyweight ministers came to campaign, yet our win margin increased by 11,000This time also we will win. It doesnt matter who has quit the party, who has moved on, he said. The former CM told CNN-News18 he believes the voters would keep in mind the economic independence that he got for the people of Chhindwara. Mazdoori apni, gitti apna, tractor apnaThat is how people of Chhindwara became independent. In the bazaars here you dont get products from Jabalpur or Nagpur. You make things and earn your living, he said. But Nath Senior realises that the threat from the BJP this time is far greater. In 2014, Kamal Nath won this seat by a margin of over one lakh votes. In 2019, Nakul won the seat for the Congress but the margin had come down to 37,500 votes. Vivek Bunty Sahu who lost the assembly polls to Kamal Nath in 2023 is hoping to reverse the setback and defeat Nakul. We asked Kamal Nath how the psephologist in him read the elections. Dont ask meSee the turnoutSee the enthusiasm in the people, he signed off. But before flying off in his chopper from the Chaurai Vidhan Sabha seat he reminded the voters: Aap mere sabse bade gawah hainAap sachhai ko pehchan lijiyeSachhai ka saath dijiyeApni aakhri saans tak apni zindagi main aapko samarpit karta hu. (Recognise the truth. Stand with the truth. I pledge my life to you till my dying breath). The death of Nobel prize-winning British physicist Peter Higgs, who proposed a new particle Higgs Boson will leave a void in the field of particle physics. Almost 12 years ago, on July 4, 2012, Higgs became an iconic figure after he discovered that collisions between particles at Large Hadron Collider (LHC) showed the existence of Higgs Boson. Higgs was awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 2013 for his work in 1964 that showed how the Boson (subatomic particle) is the fundamental force-carrying particle of the Higgs field, which is responsible for granting other particles their mass. The particle was finally discovered in 2012 by researchers at the LHC the most powerful particle accelerator in the world located at the European particle physics laboratory CERN, Switzerland. What is Higgs Boson? The Higgs Boson has a mass of 125 billion electron volts, that is, it is 130 times more massive than a proton, according to CERN. The Higgs Boson is the only elementary particle with no spin. A boson is a force carrier particle that comes into play when particles interact with each other, with a boson exchanged during this interaction. For example, when two electrons interact they exchange a photon the force-carrying particle of electromagnetic fields, according to Space.com. The name God Particle was solidified upon its discovery. The term is often connected to Nobel prize-winning physicist Leon Lederman referring to the Higgs Boson as the Goddamn Particle with regards to how difficult it was to detect. According to Business Insider, when Lederman authored a book on the Higgs Boson in the 1990s, the title was to be The Goddamn Particle but the publishers changed it to The God Particle, and a connection with religion was drawn, which still bothers physicists. Without the Higgs field and the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, all fundamental particles would race around the universe at the speed of light. This theory doesnt just explain why particles have mass but also, why they have different masses. Particles that interact with the Higgs field more strongly are granted greater masses. This mass-granting phenomenon also only applies to fundamental particles like electrons and quarks. Particles like protons made up of quarks get most of their mass from the binding energy that holds their constituents together. How Higgs Boson was Discovered The 20th Century kept many physicists wondering about particle physicals, which was a field in a nascent stage. By the end of the century, physicists started to wonder why some particles have mass and other didnt. The carriers of atomic force, W and Z bosons, should be massless the fact that the weak force appeared strong over short distances and weak over long distances meant they couldnt be massless. If they were, it would risk breaking an important rule of physics called symmetry. According to CERN, you can think of the symmetry problem as analogous to a pencil standing on its tip a symmetrical system suddenly tipping to point in a preferred direction, thus destroying its symmetry. So, Higgs, Francois Englert and Robert Brout proposed a solution that could trick nature into breaking the symmetry. Higgs and his colleagues believed when the universe was formed, it might have been filled with Higgs field in a symmetrical but unstable like a precariously balanced pencil. In that fraction of a second, the Higgs field would find a stable configuration, but break the symmetry. This created the Brout-Engert-Higgs mechanism, which grants mass to bosons. It was later discovered that the Higgs field would grant mass to many other fundamental particles, and the strength of these interactions would give different mass to different particles. In order to confirm a particle that would act as a messenger for the Higgs field the Higgs Boson a 27 km long largest particle accelerator LHC was built at the cost of around $4.75 billion. Higgs work is a major reason why the LHC was constructed in the first place, said CERN experimental high energy physicist Nima Zardoshti as quoted by Space.com. His predictions provided some of the crucial theoretical guidance as to the energy reach required by the LHC in order to potentially find new physics. Peter Higgs Contribution to Modern Physics The discovery of the Higgs Boson signalled the need for physicists to begin exploring physics beyond parameters they were used to. He was ahead of his time, many scientists believed. Higgs was a member of the Royal Society and a Companion of Honour, and spent most of his professional life at Edinburgh University, which set up the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics in his honour in 2012. Besides his outstanding contributions to particle physics, Peter was a very special person, an immensely inspiring figure for physicists around the world, a man of rare modesty, a great teacher and someone who explained physics in a very simple yet profound way, said Fabiola Gianotti, director-general of CERN in an obituary posted on the organisations website, as quoted by the Nature journal. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Higgs leaves two sons, Chris and Jonny, his daughter-in-law Suzanne and two grandchildren. His wife, Jody, a linguistics lecturer from whom he was separated, died in 2008. Higgs was 94 years old when he died. With just a week left for the Lok Sabha election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been travelling from one state to the other for public rallies and party meetings, with record seven visits to Tamil Nadu since February 27. PM Modi held a massive roadshow along with BJP state president K Annamalai and three BJP candidates Tamizhisai Soundararajan, Vinoj P Selvam and Paul Kanagaraj on April 9 in Chennai, where the crowd was heard chanting We want Modi again. Other leaders of high command who have been visiting the state are Rajnath Singh, Hardeep Singh Puri and Anurag Singh Thakur. Modis whirlwind tours to Tamil Nadu, which go to polls from April 19 in all its 39 Lok Sabha seats, signal that the BJP is eyeing make inroad into certain constituencies, which have traditionally been dominated by the Dravidian parties. Of the 39 constituencies, the BJP is contesting 23, PMK (Pattali Makkal Katchi) 10, former minister GK Vasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress three, TTV Dhinakarans AMMK two, and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam is fighting from one seat. Seats BJP is Targeting? The data based on the previous Lok Sabha elections shows the BJP is eyeing South Chennai, Vellore, Perambalur, Coimbatore, Nilgiris and Virudhunagar this time. Let us look at these constituencies closely. South Chennai The BJP has been fielding candidates for the South Chennai Lok Sabha seat since 1991.This time, BJPs Tamizhisai Soundararajan, who resigned from the post of governor of Telangana, has been pitted against DMKs Tamizhisai Thangapandian sister of minister Thangam Thennarasu and AIADMKs J Jayavardhan, son of former minister D Jayakumar. The 2014 election was the only time when the party managed to get a double-digit vote share of 24.57% in South Chennai. Vellore The BJP does not have a base in Vellore. It fielded candidates in the constituency in 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha election, and secured 1.55% and 33.26% of votes, respectively. The skyrocketing increase in the percentage of BJPs votes is largely attributed Shanmugam, who left the AIADMK in the early 2000s, and floated Puthiya Needhi Katchi (PNK). This time, he is contesting on the BJP symbol, against DMKs Kathir Anand and AIADMKs S Pasupathi. Perambalur Just like Vellore, Perambalur is another key seat for the BJP this year. The party fielded only one candidate in 2014 Lok Sabha election. Paarivendhar secured 23.2% of votes in that election. This time, Arun Nehru from the DMK and ND Chandramohan from AIADMK are contesting against Paarivendhar. Coimbatore It has been considered a traditional constituency of the BJP since 1989. From 3.34% of votes in 1989 to winning the seat two times in 1998 and 1999 with a vote share of 55.85% and 49.21%, respectively. Though the party could not win in 1999, it managed to secure a considerable vote percentage of 38.74%, 33.62% and 31.47% in 2004, 2014 and 2019 elections, respectively. When the party contested alone in 2009, its vote share in Coimbatore was 4.61%. DMK is fielding former mayor Ganapathi Rajkumar against AIADMKs Singai G Ramachandran and BJPs Annamalai in Coimbatore. Nilgiris The seat became BJPs stronghold in late 1990s when it started winning the seats in 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections, with 46.49% and 50.73% of votes, respectively. In these two years, the party was in alliance with the AIADMK and DMK, respectively. Its vote share began to dwindle to 32.99% in 2004, when it moved to the AIADMK alliance. It secured only 2.64% of votes in the constituency when it contested alone in 2009. This time, Union minister of state L Murugan from BJP will face off against former Union minister A Raja of DMK and AIADMKs Lokesh Tamizh Selvan, son of former assembly speaker Dhanabal. Virudhunagar Radhika Sarathkumar, wife of actor-turned-politician Sarathkumar, who merged his Samathuva Makkal Katchi with the BJP is contesting from Virudhunagar. Ever since it was established in 2009, Virudhunagar has seen only one BJP candidate M Karthik who secured fourth position in the election. This time, Congress candidate B Manickam Tagore and DMDK leader Vijayakanths son Vijaya Prabhakaran are the main contenders in the seat. On April 13 and 14, PM Modi will address public meetings in Perambalur and Virudhunagar constituencies. Tamil Nadu remains a stronghold for regional parties since 1967 with no national party able to establish a foothold there. BJPs Electoral History in State In the 2014 Lok Sabha Election, the BJP and its ally PMK managed to win one seat each while 37 other seats were won by AIADMKs J Jayalalithaa. In 2019, the BJP failed to retain the seat it won from Kanyakumari. The election also saw the reversal of the AIADMKs political fortunes and the party managed to win only the Theni seat under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami and O Pannerselvam, who was expelled from the party later. Those who aspire to work in the UK will now have to earn significantly more money to earn a visa. The move comes as part of the Rishi Sunak government, which plans to limit the number of migrants in the country. The UK reported 7,45,000 migrants in the country in 2022, which Prime Minister Sunak said was far too high. Skilled work visa grants to India saw an increase of 63% from 13,380 in 2021-22 to 21,837 in 2022-23, the latest statistics show. So, what is the minimum salary a UK visa applicant should have? As most people will have to apply for the work visa through points-based system (PBS), they will now need a job with a higher salary. They have to earn at least 38,700 than the previous 26,200, which is an increase of nearly 50%. Though the new norm does not apply to healthcare workers, teachers and those in the social sector, but overseas workers cannot bring dependents with them. Around 70,000 people came to the UK on family visas in the year ending June 2023. Though the minimum level to qualify for the family visa was already increased to 38,700 from the previous 18,600, but the government reduced it to the new minimum of 29,000 after warning that the new rules were separating families. Sunak said the amount will be raised in the future first to 34,500 and then 38,700. The higher threshold will be reached in early 2025, he confirmed. The Home Office, however, said anyone renewing the existing family visa will not have to meet the new salary requirement. Requirements for Skilled Worker Visa Roles will be as per the SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) 2020, instead of SOC 2010. This will result in changes to the occupation code number for some roles. The data used to set these salaries will also change from the 25th percentile of the 2021 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) data to the median (50th percentile) of the 2023 ASHE data. This change means that for some roles, the minimum salary threshold will be significantly above 38,700. For example, in the job category of chief executives and senior officials, the minimum salary now would be 84,000 from the 59,300. Financial managers and directors now need to earn at least 70,000 to apply for the work visa. The Home Office has, however, confirmed that it is retaining new entrant salary discounts for those applying for a skilled work visa in certain cases. The new entrant discount reduces the Skilled Worker minimum salary threshold to the higher of 30,960 per year or 70% of the going rate for the applicable SOC 2020 occupation code. How Does the Points-Based System Work? Applicants need 70 points to qualify for a skilled worker visa. They get 50 points for having a job offer above a minimum skill level, and speaking English. The remaining 20 points can be attained from a higher salary or working in a sector with job shortages or PhD. The standard fee for a skilled visa is between 719 and 1,500. Applicants will have to pay a healthcare surcharge every year of their stay, which is now 1,035, up from 624. What Qualifies in the Shortage Occupation List? The list includes healthcare workers, pharmacists, graphic designers, construction workers and vets. These jobs have a lower salary threshold, making it easier for applicants to gain points. The Home Office has confirmed substantial reduction of the number of occupation codes appearing in the Immigration Salary List (previously known as the Shortage Occupation List), and the removal of the 20% reduction in minimum salary levels for those still on the list, and updated roles and consolidated some occupation codes to reflect the changes between SOC 2010 and SOC 2020. Indians Top Nationality for Skilled Work According to the Home Office, Indian nationals were the top nationality for visas for the work category, representing 33% of grants, and were, by far, the top nationality for both the Skilled Worker and Skilled Worker Health and Care visas. A total of 92,951 Graduate route extensions were granted to previous students in the year ending March 2023. Indian nationals represented the largest group of students granted leave to remain on the Graduate route, representing 41% of grants, it said. In the healthcare visa category, Indians registered a 105% hike from 14,485 to 29,726. There were 138,532 sponsored study visa grants to Indian nationals in year ending March 2023, an increase of 53,429 (+63 per cent) compared to year ending March 2022 and the largest number of study visas granted to any nationality. Grants to study for Indian nationals have risen markedly since year ending March 2019 and are now around seven times higher, the Home Office analysis noted. The UK has barred most international students except for PhD level students to bring their family including children and elderly parents. The data shows Nigeria had the highest number of dependents (66,796) of sponsored study visa holders in the year ending March 2023. Indian nationals had the second highest number of dependents, increasing from 22,598 to 42,381. What Else is in the Store in 2024? One big change is the UKs new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which will affect the travel plans of millions of businessmen and tourists. Visitors and people transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for business or tourism will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. Once it is fully implemented, the new ETA travel requirement will apply to visitors to the UK from all round the world, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia. Remember, an ETA allows you to travel to the UK but is not a permit to enter the UK nor live or work in the UK. It is an online travel authorisation that is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme for visitors to the US. From 1 February 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE travelling to the UK on or after February 22, 2024 can apply for the ETA before travel. The scheme is currently open for Qatar nationals travelling to the UK. For nationals of all these countries other than Jordan, the ETA replaces the existing Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system, which exempts citizens of those countries from needing to apply for a visit visa. The ETA fee is 10 per person. Everyone travelling needs to apply for an ETA, including babies and children, but adults can apply on behalf of children. The fee is non-refundable. Applicants will get the decision by email in three working days of submitting the form. In more trouble for Congress, the PMLA Adjudicating Authority has confirmed the provisional attachment of assets worth Rs 750 crore of party-held Associated Journals Ltd that was later acquired by Young India, a company under majority control of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. In November 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had attached immovable assets and equity shares worth about Rs 752 crore as part of its ongoing money laundering probe against the National Herald newspaper and associated companies. On Wednesday, upholding the EDs move, the adjudicating authority said in its order: .the complainant has sufficient grounds to believe that the attached properties are directly or indirectly involved in the proceeds of crime and are likely intended to be concealed, transferred or dealt with in a manner that would obstruct the proceedings related to the confiscation of such proceeds. It also called the decision of the ED Deputy Director prima facie sustainable. The adjudicating authority said in its order that there is prima facie reason to believe that the attached assets are proceeds of crime as defined under section 2(1)(u) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, which renders them liable to confirmation of attachment under section 8(3) of the said Act. The attachment order getting upheld could impact National Heralds office premises at ITO in Delhi, the Nehru Bhawan at Mall Avenue near Kaiserbagh in Lucknow and the Herald House in Mumbai. Congress had called the EDs decision vendetta politics last year when the attachment order came on the eve of assembly elections in five states. The probe in the case began after a complaint of cheating and criminal conspiracy by Subramanyam Swamy. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Malikarjun Kharge have been examined by the ED in this case. The ED had said: The accused persons hatched a criminal conspiracy to acquire properties worth hundreds of crores of AJL through a special purpose vehicle Young Indian. AJL was given land on concessional rates in various cities of India for the purpose of publishing newspapers. It further alleged that AJL closed its publishing operations in 2008 and started using the properties for commercial purposes. It said AJL had to repay a loan of Rs 90.21 crore to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), but the party treated it as non-recoverable and sold it for Rs 50 lakh to a newly incorporated company, Young Indian, without any source of income to pay even Rs 50 lakh. After purchasing the loan of Rs 90.21 crore from the AICC, YI demanded either repayment of loan or allotment of equity shares of AJL to it. The ED said AJL held an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) and passed a resolution to increase share capital and issue fresh shares worth Rs 90.21 crore to YI. With this fresh allotment of shares, shareholding of more than 1,000 shareholders was reduced to a mere 1 percent and AJL became a subsidiary company of YI. YI also took control over properties of AJL, it added. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that talks were on with China on border issues between the two nations and he hoped for a resolution. When asked if India would take a tough stand against China, Singh, in an interview with news agency ANI said that it was their governments prerogative to maintain cordial relations with neighbouring countries. When asked if China has occupied any piece of Indian land, Singh said, I dont think so. Commander-level talks are going on between India and China. There are some issues, some date back to 2013, which need to be resolved. India and China are holding talks with the belief that we will reach a resolution. #WATCH | On being asked if China has occupied any piece of Indian land, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, I dont think so. Commander-level talks are going on between India and China. There are some issues, some date back to 2013, which need to be resolved. India and China pic.twitter.com/0wFcfMpO1f ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 On reports of China constructing a model village and defence posts on the Chinese side of LAC and renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, the Defence Minister said, On land falling on Chinese side of LAC, if some construction is done or some posts are built. What can I do about that? They can do it on that side of LAC and we can do it on this side of the LAC. They develop on their side, we on our side, but peace should be maintained between the two countries, and efforts for this should be made by both India and China. #WATCH | On reports of China constructing a model village and defence posts on the Chinese side of LAC & renaming places in Arunachal Pradesh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, On land falling on Chinese side of LAC, if some construction is done or some posts are built. pic.twitter.com/G4oH9ulTee ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 On Tuesday, Singh slammed China for changing the names of several parts of Northeasts Arunachal Pradesh, adding he wondered what would be Chinas reaction if India made a similar attempt and started calling those areas of the neighbouring its territory. Speaking at a rally at Namsai in Arunachal Pradesh East Constituency ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, Singh said Chinas move to change the names of 30 places in the northeastern state will not change the ground reality. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, he asserted. I want to ask China if we change the names of various states of the neighbouring country, will those be parts of our territory? Because of such activities, the relation between India and China will deteriorate, Singh said. For the first time, India will post defence attaches in several countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Philippines, Armenia and Poland in line with its broader policy initiative to expand strategic ties with key regions, a move that comes amid renewed geopolitical rivalries. New Delhi is also appointing a new defence attache to the tiny African nation of Djibouti that serves as a major maritime gateway around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and is considered as a prized location for military bases, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The new defence attache in Djibouti will be the second one to hold the post in the island nation. It is also learnt that New Delhi is planning to rationalise the strength of its teams of military officials in its embassy in Moscow and high commission in London. A few of the defence attaches posted in these two countries are set to be deployed elsewhere as part of the rationalisation process that factored in various aspects of New Delhis foreign policy priorities and optimum use of manpower. The decision to appoint defence attaches in African countries of Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ivory Coast is in sync with New Delhis priority to expand its strategic engagement with the African continent, one of the people cited above said. Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent. Indias ties with the African continent have witnessed a major uptick amid Chinas persistent efforts to expand its influence in the African countries. The induction of the 55-nation African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was seen as major milestones of Indias presidency of the grouping of the worlds 20 big economies in 2023. India is also looking at further expanding defence ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over Chinas increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. The defence and strategic ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing in the last few years. In January 2022, India sealed a USD 375 million deal with the Philippines for supplying three batteries of the missile. The supplies of the missiles to the Southeast Asian country are set to begin soon, one of the people cited above said. The decision to appoint a defence attache in Armenia comes as the country in the Caucasus region shows deep interest in enhancing its defence relations with India. Last year, an arms deal to supply Indian military hardware including multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia was firmed up. The deal came amid the Armenia-Azerbaijan clash over Nagorno-Karabakh. Indias decision to appoint a defence attache to Poland, which is a member of the European Union, is also being considered significant. It is reflective of the desire to expand two-way defence ties, the people cited above said. Last year, the European Union (EU) posted a military attache to its mission in India for the first time. A total of 16 defence attaches from the Indian Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force will shortly assume their new positions, the people cited above said. Mumbai police has managed to recover Rs 82.55 lakh a prominent south Mumbai-based international school lost in a man in the middle online attack, an official said on Friday. A man in the middle (MITM) attack is one in which the attacker secretly intercepts and relays messages between two parties who believe they are communicating with each other. The online fraud took place between February 23 and March 16 when the school started the process to procure material to build a cafeteria. The school gave the contract to a UAE-based firm, which sent its bank details as part of the deal, the cyber cell official said. An unidentified person created a similar ID and provided details of a US-based bank. Assuming the email was sent from the UAE-based firm, the school transferred Rs 87.26 lakh. Soon the school realised something was amiss and lodged a complaint with the Central Region Cyber police station, he said. A case was registered against an unidentified person under Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act and the nodal officer of the bank was contacted, which led to recovery of Rs 82.55 lakh, the official said. Citizens and entities must upgrade their systems for time to time to avoid such attacks. Email IDs etc must be checked and re-checked before such deals are transacted, he added. Eid-ul-Fitr (Eid al-Fitr) is one of Islams two major religious celebrations. It is also known as Meethi Eid, or the festival of breaking fast, and it celebrates the end of Roza (fast), which is followed during the holy month of Ramadan. This years Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated with great joy and dedication on April 11, 2024. The sighting of the moon determines the celebration of Eid. People first pray to Allah and then spend the day with their loved ones. ALSO READ: Happy Eid al-Fitr 2024: Eid Mubarak Wishes, Messages, Shayari, and Images to Share on Eid-ul-Fitr When you meet someone during Eid-ul-Fitr, simply say Eid Mubarak! or Blessed Eid! as this is a friendly and traditional approach to greet them and share in the excitement of the celebration. To assist you in wishing Eid Mubarak to your loved ones, we have compiled a list of Eid greetings in ten different languages. 10 Ways to Say Happy Eid in Different Languages HindiEid ki badhaai! EnglishHave a great and blessed Eid! UrduEid Mubarak! AfghaniAkhtar de nekmregha sha! BengaliEid Mobaraka! TamilEid valthukkal! MalaySelamat Hari Raya or Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. SpanishFeliz Eid NepaliEka dhanya ida cha! GermanHabe eine gesegnete Eid! To show kindness, joy, and unity with others on this unique occasion, remember that Eid Mubarak is a worldwide greeting that can be used to greet Muslims of any nationality or language during the Eid celebrations. Happy Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: Eid Mubarak Wishes 1. On this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, may Allahs blessings light up your path and lead to happiness, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! 2. As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, may your heart be filled with gratitude and your home be filled with joy. Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid-ul-Fitr! 3. May the magic of this Eid bring lots of happiness in your life and may you celebrate it with all your close friends and may it fill your heart with wonders. Eid Mubarak! 4. As you offer your prayers on this Eid-ul-Fitr, may Allah accept them and shower his blessings upon you and your family. Eid Mubarak! 5. On this joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, may the divine blessings of Allah fill your home and heart with the spirit of joy and open up newer opportunities for success. Eid Mubarak! 6. Eid-ul-Fitr is a time for joy, a time for togetherness, a time to remember Allahs blessings. May Allah bless you and give you all the joy you bring to others. Eid Mubarak! 7. May this Eid-ul-Fitr bring abundant joy and happiness in your life. May you find success in all your endeavors and may your home be filled with love and laughter. Eid Mubarak! 8. On this blessed day of Eid-ul-Fitr, may Allah bless you with peace, happiness, and prosperity. May this day bring endless blessings for you and your family. Eid Mubarak! 9. As you celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with your loved ones, may the joy of this occasion fill your heart with contentment and peace. Eid Mubarak! 10. Wishing you a very Happy Eid-ul-Fitr! May this special day bring you closer to your loved ones and may your life be filled with countless blessings from Allah. Eid Mubarak! Eid-ul-Fitr 2024: How It Is Celebrated? National Safe Motherhood Day, being celebrated today on April 11, is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maternal health and promoting the well-being of mothers before, during and after the pregnancy. National Safe Motherhood Day 2024: History National Safe Motherhood Day is an initiative led by the White Ribbon Alliance (WRAI) which highlights the importance of access to maternal healthcare services to mothers before, during, and after the pregnancy. Safe Motherhood Day 2024: Wishes Thank you for always being my inspiration and guiding me in the correct direction, Mom. Greetings on Safe Motherhood Day. Wishing all mothers around the world a safe and healthy Motherhood Day! Your strength and resilience inspire us all. Motherhood is a blessing from God. I wish you a happy and prosperous Safe Motherhood. Mom, even if we fight like rivals, you were always the one who cared, thus, I believe our relationship is the strongest in the world. Happy Safe Motherhood Day my dearest mummy. On Safe Motherhood Day, lets remember that maternal health is a fundamental human right. Together, we can ensure safer pregnancies and childbirth for all. Safe Motherhood Day 2024: Quotes God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers. Rudyard Kipling Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials. Meryl Streep All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. Thats his. Oscar Wilde When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know. Charley Benetto The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation. James E. Faust Safe Motherhood Day 2024: Messages Bade Miyan Chote Miyan Movie Review: Patriotic themed actioners in Bollywood are being churned out in galore like factory-produced goods. It seems like every time our filmmakers are in doubt, they resort to this tried and tested formula. Its easy and comfortable, after all. Theres one common enemy, a brave-hearted desh bhakt soldier or two, lots of action-packed sequences with intense bloodshed, a deadly mission and women characters who arent allowed to add much substance to the mission and/or the narrative. So, why take risks when the template is already laid out? Especially since, with a little tweaking and a bit of permutation and combination, one can have the same old wine in a new bottle. Ali Abbas Zafars Bade Miyan Chote Miyan is exactly that. Its run-of-the-mill with some predictable twists. However, credit should be given where its due and the makers deserve applause for presenting some top-notch, slick, gravity-defying, jaw-dropping and never-seen-before action sequences. But the brownie point largely goes to renowned Hollywood action director, Craig Macrae, who has choreographed stunts in some of the biggest productions including Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Mad Max: Fury Road. Last year, we saw him blazing the trail with Pathaan and Jawan that made Shah Rukh Khan the next action star. And this time, Craig earns bigger credit for his attempt at saving Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, single-handedly. Before we go any further, heres reiterating that Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroffs Bade Miyan Chote Miyan has no link with the Amitabh Bachchan and Govinda starrer of 1998. In a couple of sequences, however, youll see the comic caper playing in the background and theres also a justification as to why this new film is a namesake. The only time youll feel nostalgic is when the title track of the old film becomes a score as Akshay and Tiger fight it out against a terrorist outfit in Afghanistan, which brings us to praise Ali for scouting some real, picturesque locations that serve as perfect backdrops to the action scenes. The new Bade Miyan Chote Miyan revolves around two soldiers, Captain Freddy, known as Bade, and Captain Rocky, nicknamed Chote. Theyre known to be the bravest officers of the Indian forces who have never batted an eyelid before taking down their enemies. They, particularly Chote, is also known to have a sense of humour and he puts it on display especially during stressful situations. An event leads them to be court-martialed and suspended. And now, eight years later, theyre brought back to action by Major Azad to capture the most dreadful enemy whose power, if not curbed, can destroy India. But the film is largely the story of Kabir, whose fathers company based in the UK, used to provide weapons to the Indian armed forces. One day, Kabir comes up with a new program called Soldier X to make clones of soldiers as fully controlled robots and thats when things start going downhill. And at present, Bade and Chote are tasked with crushing him and protecting Karan Kawach, Indias invisible shield against Pakistani and Chinese invaders and missiles. Thrown into this mission is Captain Misha, an able officer known for packing some solid punches, and Dr Parminder aka Pam, a researcher at Oxford University and undercover asset, who is adept at cyber security and cracking codes. And then, theres Priya, another efficient soldier, in charge of Karan Kawach. To be honest, it would be wrong to call Bade Miyan Chote Miyan just an action entertainer. It also has elements of science-fiction and while its a great attempt to match shoulders with the West, it ends up being a loud and ludicrous mishmash. The films weakest link happens to be its writing which is lazy and marked with threadbare cliches. Its so paper thin that after a point of time, youll stop questioning it because the long-drawn action sequences will try to fill every void and loophole in the screenplay. What adds to the agony is its 2 hour 43 minutes runtime. A crisper editing would have lessened the damage. Coming to the action, while its definitely done diligently and earnestly with a lot of novelty, it makes up for nearly the entire course of the film. The makers took the genre way too seriously and there are far too many elaborate stunt sequences that end up testing your patience. Cars blowing up, choppers crashing and constant fires become too repetitive. However, the screenplay stays true to its crux and the lack of unnecessary sub-plots like a romance slant between the protagonists save the film from digressing. And truth be told, its a refreshing change. Women in Alis films have predominantly been given a lot of prominence. Who can forget Katrina Kaif pulling some stupendous stunts and providing a stiff competition to Salman Khan in Tiger Zinda Hai? It was a glass-shattering and trendsetting moment for mainstream Bollywood and it cemented Katrina as a true-blue new-age action star. In Sultan, Anushka Sharmas relationship with Salman was the fulcrum and she was a go-getter. But Bade Miyan Chote Miyan disappoints on that front. Yes, theres Captain Misha and Pam who are an integral part of Bade and Chotes mission to save India. The former also gets to display impressive physical prowess on screen but the writing doesnt do either of the characters any justice. Its a classic case of tokenism. They dont end up adding any value to the plot. Its time that women are given the chance to headline actioners much like their male counterparts. Its sad to see them being relegated to the peripheries. And thats why Alis Super Soldier with Katrina, where she is supposed to play a female superhero, is ardently awaited. Akshay and Tiger take on the roles of Captain Freddy and Captain Rocky, respectively. Their fun banters where they try to one-up each other provide a much needed respite amid all the combat scenes. Tiger gets almost all the funny one-liners and repartees (yeh aadmi hai ya dandruff, jaata hi nahi, for instance) and he plays a role thats tailor-made for him. Chote is suave, swashbuckling and a smooth charmer who revels in his comfort zone as he kicks and walks on air every now and then. Akshay is equally heroic and some of their scenes together are pure gold. Prithviraj Sukumaran plays Kabir, an epitome of pralay. He dishes out some ultra-cool vibes in a black mask and keeps you on the edge in the first half. In Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, he plays to the gallery and pitches his performance several notches higher than what we usually see him do. His histrionics dont always work and his deep, dubbed voice doesnt quite add to his sinister motives. However, his Kabir walks the thin line between being an ambitious dreamer and a revengeful psychopath and he does a great job at that. Prithviraj seems to be reveling in his villain era and many a times, this anti-hero ends up stealing the thunder from the protagonists. Ronit B Roy as Major Azad gets a meaty role where he impresses. However, these men appear like meta-humans who come out unscathed from all kinds of violence and catastrophe. Manushi Chhillar gets to try her hands at action but doesnt get enough opportunities to put her acting chops on display. Her Captain Misha starts off as a promising, fearless and unyielding woman but the writing eventually leads her to fizzle out. Alaya F plays the nerdy and high-on-dopamine Pam and holds her own among some seasoned actors and stars. Her effervescence and garrulousness may come off as extra but she deserves credit for making the character endearing. Pam, apart from being extremely bright, is also a smooth flirter and Alaya makes her faffs with Tigers Rocky extremely entertaining. Sonakshi Sinha, on the other hand, is seen in a guest appearance that doesnt do her justice. The makers have gone big on Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and spent a lot of money on the stunts, scale and locations and in blowing up BMWs. Unfortunately, the script gets lost somewhere amid all this flashiness. Akshay and Tiger have an easy camaraderie and that may manage to hold your attention together for a while. At the end, it just becomes another addition to the long list of actioners laced with patriotic fervour. A genre like this has become extremely repetitive and redundant and its time filmmakers start thinking outside the box. Times have changed, so has the audiences preferences and so needs to Bollywood. Occasionally, a little glass of champagne between bottles of red wine, white wine and rose shouldnt hurt anyone. In a recent report by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), based in India, a detailed analysis of Tibets current human rights scenario was unveiled. Contrasting sharply, China also submitted its own account to the UNs Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session, asserting its commitment to the equality of all ethnic groups, honouring the religious beliefs and practices of its citizens, and safeguarding the rights and interests of every ethnic community. Nevertheless, the findings of rights groups such as TCHRD, alongside corroborations from international human rights bodies, paint a grim reality for Tibetans under Chinese governance. They endure severe limitations and are often the targets of methodical suppressions affecting their freedom of speech, movement, and religious practices. These encroachments notably jeopardise academic liberties, exerting a disproportionate impact on Chinas minority communities, notably the Tibetans, rendering them even more susceptible. Under Xi Jinpings leadership, China has experienced a resurgence of intense party indoctrination, manifesting in policies aimed at consolidating the Communist Partys authority and ensuring its unchallenged legitimacy. This endeavour is part of a broader vision to mould China into a modern, potent socialist state, imbued with distinct Chinese characteristics. Nonetheless, the plight of the Tibetan people predates these recent policy shifts, tracing back to the incorporation of Tibet into China in 1951. This annexation marked the beginning of a prolonged effort to dilute Tibetan identity through policies of sinicization. These strategies sought to cement Chinese dominance over Tibet by altering its demographic, cultural, and linguistic landscape, steering towards the eventual erasure of Tibetan cultural uniqueness. The policy of sinicization, intensifying under Xi Jinping, has placed Tibetan Buddhism in jeopardy, especially after the 2016 directive advocating the sinicization of religions to align with Chinas socialist ethos. This policy infringes upon the religious freedoms of Chinese citizens, particularly affecting minority faiths such as Tibetan Buddhism. The essence of Tibetan Buddhism is inextricably linked to the Tibetan language, underscoring the languages crucial role in preserving Tibetan cultural identity and spiritual traditions. Since 2010, China has enforced a so-called bilingual education policy across schools in minority regions, including Tibet, ostensibly to foster proficiency in both Mandarin and local languages. Yet, the primary language of instruction remains undefined. Over the last decade, this policy has subtly shifted towards prioritising Mandarin over Tibetan, mandating its use from the earliest levels of education. This shift wasnt a choice but a mandate from Chinese authorities, pushing schools towards Mandarin instruction under the guise of cultural assimilation essential for national unity. This rationale posits cultural assimilation as a pathway to prosperity for Tibet, suggesting that without Chinas liberation (a euphemism for annexation), Tibet would have continued in poverty. The Tibetan Action Institute (TAI) reports that around 80 per cent of Tibetan schoolchildren have been coerced into attending state-run boarding schools, where they are subjected to political indoctrination from a young age, designed to cultivate unwavering loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and its government, thus quelling any potential dissent against Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. The United Nations Special Rapporteurs have raised concerns over the forced cultural assimilation of approximately one million Tibetan schoolchildren, who are mandatorily instructed in Chinese Mandarin, with a deliberate exclusion of Tibetan language, culture, and history from their curriculum. This government-endorsed strategy significantly threatens the cultural and linguistic heritage of Tibet. According to the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), by 2023, it was observed that in numerous regions across Tibet, the teaching medium in primary and middle schools has been entirely switched to Mandarin. This shift has been facilitated through various policies and legal adjustments, purportedly to foster national unity and to equip Tibetan youths for future success, simultaneously eliminating Tibetan language education. This approach aligns with Xi Jinpings vision for Chinese modernisation but relegates the preservation and promotion of the Tibetan language to a secondary, conditional status. Concurrent with the promotion of Chinese Mandarin as the primary language of instruction, Tibet has seen the shutdown of local and private schools that previously served as sanctuaries for the learning of Tibetan language and religious practices. This is paralleled by the proliferation of state-operated boarding schools, which admit children as young as four, removing them from their families and communities. Such practices have been identified to inflict profound psychological trauma and foster a sense of detachment from their Tibetan heritage and familial bonds. State-run boarding schools, mandating instruction exclusively in Chinese Mandarin and eradicating the Tibetan language serve as a deliberate strategy by Beijing for forced assimilation, designed to erode Tibets societal resilience. This approach facilitates an environment wherein Beijing can exert absolute dominion over the Tibetan plateau, exploiting its resources unopposed, as future generations of Tibetans, culturally merged with Chinas predominant Han populace, are anticipated to offer no resistance. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Scindias and the steel industry of India have had several connections. When it comes to the discovery of ancient steel in India, Madho Rao Scindia, a successor of the esteemed Mahadji Scindia (who was regarded by the Marathas as their national hero according to Surendra Nath Roy), played an important role. In 1913, as the erstwhile Maharaja of Gwalior, he made a distinct contribution to Indian archaeology by establishing a dedicated department to explore and preserve precious relics of ancient art, architecture, and culture in his state. The archaeological department established by Scindia did several excavations. An important discovery resulting from these excavations consisted of some metal wedges used at the bottom of the Garuda pillar of Heliodoros in Vidisha. A specimen of this metal was analysed by Sir Robert Hatfield, a British metallurgist who developed manganese steel, which was found to be teal steel, proving that India knew the process of steelmaking as early as the 2nd century B.C. In India, until the 19th century, swords, and daggers of wootz steel were made at Gwalior. Gwalior was an important city in Scindias kingdom and later the capital of their state from 1810 till 1947. As per Prof. Priya Satia, by 1785, Scindia had established ordnance factories in the Agra area, using indigenous technology and expertise. Maratha military culture derived from this elaborate military economy, including skilled metalsmiths who might as easily craft temple ornaments as cast artillery. Scindia also had high-quality flintlocks made locally, in which ignition came from a blow of flint against steel. The development of the Scindia State Railway created a huge demand for steel in central India then, from steel sleepers and tracks to locomotives. It was on November 5, 1951, that the Central Railway was formed by integrating Nizam State, Scindia State and Dholpur State Railways with GIP Railway. Early Steps Scindias played an important role in the starting of steel manufacturing by Tata Iron and Steel Company and even saved the company in times of crisis. Dorabji Tata, who is popular in history for having established Tata Iron and Steel Company in 1907, stationed himself in London, meeting investors, bankers, and anyone willing to listen to his story. He got a lot of encouraging words but no money. Axel Sahlin, in a lecture delivered to the Staffordshire Iron and Steel Institute in 1912, mentioned how Scindias helped the Tata Iron and Steel Company an issue of Debentures was decided upon to provide working capital, the entire issue, 400,000, was subscribed for by one Indian magnate, the Maharaja Scindia of Gwalior. Maharaja Madho Rao Scindias not only helped TISCO get working capital when the company was established but also helped TISCO with a loan of Rs 10 million when it faced its worst crisis after 1922. As per Dr Srinivas Shirur, TISCO faced the worst crisis as the company increased the production capacity to 5 lakh tons while import of cheap steel was resumed by the government after the end of the First World War. Tatas were determined to protect TISCO. They made three major decisions. First, Dorabji pledged his personal fortunes to obtain a loan of Rs 10 million from the Imperial Bank of India, which otherwise the bank refused to clear. Secondly, an additional loan of Rs 10 million was raised from the princely state of Gwalior (Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia was the ruler) through the good offices of F. E. Dinshaw, financial advisor of Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia. Thirdly, Tatas tried to secure protection for the steel industry. From this, we can understand the important role played by the maker of modern Gwalior, Maharaja Madho Rao Scindia in the development of the indigenous steel industry in India. TISCO went on to become a very successful company and was running the largest steel mill in the entire British Empire by 1939. As Minister of Steel On July 7, 2022, the descendant of Mahadji and Madho Rao, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia took over the charge of the Steel Ministry in India, and in that year itself, he launched the countrys first green steel brand Kalyani Ferresta in New Delhi. For those wondering what green steel is, the author would like to explain that when steel is manufactured without using fossil fuels, it is known as green steel. It is manufactured using low-carbon energy sources like hydrogen, electricity, or coal gasification instead of the traditional carbon-intensive manufacturing route. Under the chairmanship of Scindia, two advisory groups have been constituted namely the Advisory Group of the Ministry of Steel for Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs) and Secondary Steel Industry (SSI). Under the overall leadership of PM Modi, Scindia has introduced Made In India labelling in Indias steel industry. Scindia said, It is the first-ever initiative by any ministry to introduce labelling and branding of the sectors products. The Ministry of Steel is the first ministry to come up with such a branding exercise, where a single brand identity for Indian-made steel will represent Indias strong manufacturing potential. India, at the 26th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) in November 2021, announced its target to achieve net zero emissions by 2070. Scindia has shown his commitment to a greener future for Indias steel industry. At the India Steel 2023 Conference, he said, We are taking appropriate steps to make the steel sector greener and more sustainable. The government believes in zero-waste, zero-harm policy and gradual decarbonisation is essential for our sector. On March 4, 2024, Jyotiraditya M Scindia launched Indias first green hydrogen plant established by Jindal Stainless in partnership with Hygenco. This project involves a state-of-the-art green hydrogen facility with a target to reduce carbon emissions by 2,700 MTPA and 54,000 tons of CO2 emissions over a period of 20 years. This will prove to be a significant step towards achieving Indias net zero emissions targets. The saga of Scindias and the steel industry is centuries old but is still continuing in contemporary India. Conclusion Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his team members are working very hard indeed to excel in their fields of work and in turn are contributing significantly to the development of India and the welfare of common Indians, Jyotiraditya M Scindia being one amongst them. Scindia today heads two ministries that have had strong connections with his family. It appears that these connections are serving as catalysts for him to work even harder and take his ministries to greater heights. The author is an Advocate in the Supreme Court of India, Historian and Head, Scindia Research Centre, Scindia Palace Gwalior. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a swipe at senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singhs remarks on the Katchatheevu island during a poll rally in Rajasthan. Referring to Singh without directly naming him, PM Modi remarked, Rahta nahi hai toh de deni hai kya? Phir ye registan ko tum kya kahoge kal. Yahi kahoge ki koi rahta hai kya? (If no one lives there, does that mean you will give it away? Then what will you say about the deserts? That whether anyone stays here?) Prime Minister criticised the mindset that considers uninhabited areas as mere land to be disposed of, citing it as a reflection of the Congresss approach, the Hindustan Times reported. This is their mentality. To them, an uninhabited space in the country is just a piece of land. They can give away Rajasthans place like that, PM Modi stated. The long-standing dispute over territorial and fishing rights concerning the Katchatheevu island has resurfaced, sparking a war of words between the BJP and opposition parties. Situated between Rameswaram in India and Sri Lanka, the island was acknowledged as Sri Lankan territory by the Indian government in 1974 under the Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement. The issue gained traction ahead of the upcoming general elections after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), backed by RTI documents, claimed that the island was handed over to Sri Lanka during the Congress governments tenure. The verbal sparring between the BJP and the Congress escalated on Wednesday, with Digvijaya Singh dismissing the matter as nonsense and questioning if anyone live on that island. Singhs response came after Prime Minister Narendra Modis raised the Katchatheevu issue during an election rally in Tamil Nadu, where he accused the Congress and DMK of keeping the state uninformed and accused the Congress for giving away the island to Sri Lanka. I want to ask if anybody lives on that island, Singh said while talking to reporters. On being asked about the issue of the Indian fishermen who got arrested going there, the Congress leader said, Modiji speaks nonsense, without any head or tail. Responding to the claim made by Praful Patel, a leader of the rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Ajit Pawar on Sharad Pawar being 50 per cent ready to join hands with the BJP last year, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar said he was still with his party and the claim was not true. Who went there and who stayed? From the day he is referring till today, what is the situation?Did I go anywhere? No, Pawar said, told news agency ANI on Thursday. Mumbai: On Praful Patels claim that Sharad Pawar was 50% ready to join hands with BJP in 2023, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar says Who went there and who stayed? From the day he is referring till today, what is the situation?Did I go anywhere? No pic.twitter.com/W7o7zWUK63 ANI (@ANI) April 11, 2024 The chief spokesperson for NCP (SP) Mahesh Tapase said that Patels remarks were a deliberate attempt to sow confusion amongst the electorate. Sharad Pawar firmly rejected any notion of supporting BJP, both in principle and action. Earlier, Praful Patel had claimed that Sharad Pawar was 50 per cent ready to go with the BJP when his nephew Ajit Pawar took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister in the Eknath Shinde-Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra. On 2nd July 2023, when Ajit Pawar and our ministers took oath with Maharashtra government, we met Sharad Pawar on 15th-16th July and requested him to join us. Later, Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar met in Pune. He was also 50 per cent readySharad Pawar always hesitates at the last minute, Patel was quoted as saying by ANI. In 1996, if Pawar saheb had agreed to the suggestions of HD Devegowda, then he could have been the PM. Sharad Pawar could have been PM in 1996 itself if he was not hesitant, Praful Patel said. NCP (SP) chief spokesperson pointed out that the recent closure of cases exposes the true motives behind Ajit Pawar groups alignment with BJP, dispelling any notion of genuine developmental intent. NCP (SP) chief spokesperson pointed out that the recent closure of cases exposes the true motives behind Ajit Pawar groups alignment with BJP, dispelling any notion of genuine developmental intent. Tapase said that Ajit Pawar lacks the moral authority to represent NCP, as he has acquired the party name and the clock symbol by backstabbing Sharad Pawar. Maharashtras allegiance remains firmly with Sharad Pawar and his vision for the states future. As Maharashtra prepares for upcoming elections, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the peoples welfare, guided by Sharad Pawars unwavering leadership, said Tapase. NCP-SCP national spokesperson Clyde Crasto said Patels statement is meaningless and of no value as there is no truth in the statement. Microsoft is busy with its big AI plans but the company inadvertently exposed personal details of its employees as per reports. Microsoft had locked a server last month, which leaked details like passwords, keys and other credentials of its employees on the internet. The biggest concern from this reported incident is that Microsoft employees could be at risk of cyber attacks, and account intrusion if their passwords are not changed right away. Microsoft Employees Data Leak: What Happened The report from Techcrunch quotes security researchers who noticed that a server hosted by Microsofts Azure linked to its Bing search engine which did not have any password. Keeping it unsecure meant that all the sensitive data stored on the server was available publicly for anyone to access on the open internet. The report talks about highlighting this leak to Microsoft on February 6 this year which was secured again by the company by March 5, almost one month after the concern was shared by the researchers. We still dont know if having the server unlocked for this long was accessed by anyone else. The most worrying part about the leak is that any bad actor with access to the passwords of these Microsoft employees could easily try to hack into other servers or databases of Microsoft and even look to infect them with ransomware which could be worth billions to the company and the hackers to return the access to these servers. Researchers these days realise the need to secure servers and when you hear stories about companies like Microsoft leaving major servers unsecure for almost a month, you tend to worry about the overall cybersecurity standards of major tech giants who store and even access tonnes of data from millions of the users every day. Microsoft is one of the many companies building new AI use cases for consumers and if leaks like these become regular than AI security guidelines cant come soon. A Dunkirk man who was arrested after waving a gun in the street has been sentenced to eight years in prison, Chautauqua County District Attorney Jason Schmidt announced. Jimmy Watts, 49, pleaded guilty in September to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony. Chautauqua County Court Judge David Foley also ordered Watts to undergo five years of supervision after he is released. Watts was taken into custody March 8, 2023, when police responded to a call about a man waving a gun and pointing it at patrons in a business on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk. Dale Anderson HANOI: Vietnam has ordered Netflix Inc to stop advertising and distributing its games in the country before April 25 as the U.S. streaming platform has not yet been granted a license for games services, its broadcasting authority said on Thursday. "Vietnam demands Netflix comply with the Vietnamese regulations on game online services," the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI) said a statement on its website. "We order Netflix to stop advertising and publishing the Netflix's video games on the Netflix application and on Appstore Vietnam and Google Play store Vietnam before April 25," the statement added. The streaming platform, which has been ordered by the government several times to block domestic access to various content, is seeking to open an office in Vietnam, Reuters has reported. Netflix begun its push into gaming by launching Netflix games on mobile phones in November 2021. The company did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Oppo and OnePlus phone users will soon get the AI richness of Googles Gemini model. Both these companies have joined hands with Google to push its AI tech into their mobile devices, used by millions across the world. OnePlus is one of the popular brands in markets like India and Europe, but the company has stayed from the AI race so far. Things will change soon as OnePlus and Oppo are bringing their own version of AI photo editor to select models later this month, and the Google AI-powered features will be rolling out later this year. OnePlus and Oppo phones will benefit from the Gemini AI features like news summary, audio summary, AI toolbox and lots more. It is likely that Google could add the support for Circle to Search on OnePlus and Oppo phones as well. Smartphones are powered by AI-centric SoCs these days, especially the mid-range and premium models that can support numerous AI features and it is time for more people to get a taste of these AI features that can no longer be limited to the premium folks. Google has launched Gemini in three versions, Nano, Pro and Ultra. The company has already powered the Pixel 8 Pro with Gemini Nano version and it is likely that Gemini Nano version will offered on OnePlus and Oppo devices as well. In the other AI news, Google Photos app now opens its AI editing features to anyone using the Photos app on Android or even iPhones. The features are coming to these people free of cost, so it does not matter if they pay for Google One or use a Pixel phone anymore. These AI features include the magic eraser, photo blur, cinematic photos and portrait light among others. Maintaining a lively presence on social media has become a norm for brands, often spiced up with humour and sarcasm. However, this approach doesnt always hit the mark, as seen in the case of Dbrand, a Canadian accessories brand. They found themselves in hot water after taking a sharp and offensive tone with an Indian customer who raised concerns about a MacBook accessory. The whole ordeal ended with Dbrand offering compensation, but not without staying true to their quirky style. It all started when Bhuwan Chitransh, a man from Pune working in the Netherlands, aired his disappointment on X (formerly Twitter) about his Dbrand MacBook skin changing colour within just two months. He tagged Dbrand and asked, @dbrand bought this skin a couple months back. Couldnt even remain the same color after just 2 months. What should I do? Also Read: West Bengal Man Criticises Tata For Delivering Defective EV Worth Rs 12 Lakh Instead of a New One Dbrands comeback was quick but not so classy as it shot back with what seemed like a dig at Chitranshs last name. Your last name is basically s**t rash, be serious, they quipped. Needless to say, the internet wasnt impressed. Folks called out Dbrand for crossing the line into racism and cyberbullying. It is shameful to see a skins and phone accessories company like dbrand openly making discriminatory and offensive remarks toward a customer who expressed dissatisfaction with their product on Twitter, commented one user. Gosh, dbrand is literally a cyberbully. Horrible racist comments under the original tweet all thanks to a piss poor attempt at humor. Please go to their profile and report the tweet for bullying and hate speech, said another amidst a flurry of comments laden with criticism. Meanwhile, in the face of mounting criticism, Dbrand attempted to clarify their stance, stating that they had commented on the customers name after responding to the MacBook sleeve problem. In a separate response from another customer support account, Dbrand had advised, Like most surfaces, dirt and grime can accumulate on the surface of a skin over time. You can clean it using a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol, addressing the techies complaint. However, the company fully addressed the situation only when they used their main handle to acknowledge the post and respond to the criticism. They began by admitting, Well that escalated quickly, labelling their initial response as a huge fumble. The company privately apologised to the customer and offered $10,000 to maintain goodwill. Also Read: Bengaluru Man Criticises Urban Companys Dark Subscription Tactics, App Designer Responds Ending on a witty note, they maintained their humorous tone, stating, Weve been poking fun at customers on social media for over a decade now. Were not going to stop, but maybe next time youll be the one who gets $10,000. Cracked the case and didnt leave a trace? Absolutely. The EU parliament on Wednesday adopted a sweeping reform of Europes asylum policies that will both harden border procedures and force all the blocs 27 nations to share responsibility. The parliaments main political groups overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass the new migration and asylum pact enshrining a difficult overhaul nearly a decade in the making. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the vote, saying it will secure European borders while ensuring the protection of the fundamental rights of migrants. We must be the ones to decide who comes to the European Union and under what circumstances, and not the smugglers and traffickers, she said. EU governments a majority of which previously approved the pact also welcomed its adoption. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Greeces migration minister, Dimitris Kairidis, both called it historic. French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe was acting effectively and humanely while Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi hailed what he termed the best possible compromise. But there was dissent when Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban derided the reform as another nail in the coffin of the European Union. Unity is dead, secure borders are no more. Hungary will never give in to the mass migration frenzy! We need a change in Brussels in order to StopMigration! Orban said in a post on social media platform X. For very different reasons, migrant charities also slammed the pact, which includes building border centres to hold asylum-seekers and sending some to outside safe countries. Amnesty International said the EU was shamefully backing a deal they know will lead to greater human suffering while the Red Cross federation urged member states to guarantee humane conditions for asylum seekers and migrants affected. The vote itself was initially disrupted by protesters yelling: The pact kills vote no!, while dozens of demonstrators outside the parliament building in Brussels held up placards with slogans decrying the reform. The parliaments far-left grouping, which maintains that the reforms are incompatible with Europes commitment to upholding human rights, said it was a dark day. It was a pact with the devil, said Damien Careme, a lawmaker from the Greens group. Border centres As well as Orban, other far-right lawmakers also opposed the passage of the 10 laws making up the pact as insufficient to stop irregular migrants they accuse of spreading insecurity and threatening to submerge European identity. Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of Frances far-right National Rally, complained the changes would give legal impunity to NGOs complicit with smugglers. She and her partys leader who sits in the European Parliament, Jordan Bardella, said they would seek to overturn the reform after EU elections in June, which are tipped to boost far-right numbers in the legislature. The pacts measures are due to come into force in 2026, after the European Commission first sets out how it would be implemented. New border centres would hold irregular migrants while their asylum requests are vetted. And deportations of those deemed inadmissible would be sped up. The pact also requires EU countries to take in thousands of asylum-seekers from frontline states such as Italy and Greece, or if they refuse to provide money or other resources to the under-pressure nations. Even ahead of Orbans broadside, his anti-immigration government reaffirmed Hungary would not be taking in any asylum-seekers. This new migration pact practically gives the green light to illegal migration to Europe, Hungarys Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said before the vote, adding that Budapest will not allow illegal migrants to set foot here in Hungary. EU solidarity Germans Scholz said on X that the accord stands for solidarity among European states and would finally relieve the burden on those countries that are particularly hard hit. One measure particularly criticised by migrant charities is the sending of asylum-seekers to countries outside the EU deemed safe, if the migrant has sufficient ties to that country. The pact resulted from years of arduous negotiations spurred by a massive inflow of irregular migrants in 2015, many from war-torn Syria and Afghanistan. Under current EU rules, the arrival country bears responsibility for hosting and vetting asylum-seekers and returning those deemed inadmissible. That has put southern frontline states under pressure and fuelled far-right opposition. A political breakthrough came in December when a weighted majority of EU countries backed the reforms overcoming opposition from Hungary and Poland. In parallel with the reform, the EU has been multiplying the same sort of deal it struck with Turkey in 2016 to stem migratory flows. It has reached accords with Tunisia and, most recently, Egypt that are portrayed as broader cooperation arrangements. Many lawmakers have, however, criticised the deals. India is ready to cooperate with Pakistan to tackle the threat of terrorism, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has said, in another strong message to the neighbouring country days after he asserted that those trying to foment trouble on our soil will not be spared. If Pakistan realises that it is not able to tackle terrorism, it can ask for Indias help if it wants. India is ready to cooperate to stop terrorism, Singh said in a podcast with ANI. The news agency released a promo of the interview on its X (previously Twitter) account on Thursday. The full interview was released hours later at 5 pm. If Pakistan tries to destabilise India through terrorism, they will have to pay the price, Singh added in the podcast. Last week, Singh told CNN-News that the government will give a fitting 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 said in an exclusive conversation with Network18 Group Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi. In the ANI podcast, Singh also touched upon the issue of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). It was ours, is ours, and will remain ours, he said. In the CNN-News18 interview, too, he spoke on PoK, saying it will always remain an integral part of India. Be assured that the people of PoK will themselves demand that they be with India. You must have seen that there were a few demonstrations there since they want to merge with India. After the abrogation of Article 370, normalcy has returned to Kashmir and development has been fast-tracked, he told CNN-News18. Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, known for her role in the musical comedy Mean Girls, has faced racist backlash amid rumours of her potential casting as Rapunzel in a live-action adaptation of Disneys Tangled. Despite no official confirmation from Disney, speculation on social media has ignited controversy on the racial lines of the character based on the German folk story. Some fans expressed support for the idea, while others responded with racist comments on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, arguing that an Indian woman with long black hair isnt suitable for the role. Racist comments Rapunzel should be played by a blonde white girl, one TikTok user wrote, echoing sentiments of racial exclusivity. Another commenter claimed, Rapunzel is a GERMAN folk story. Indians are not and never will be German. Vandanapus Instagram account was inundated with hate comments, with individuals labeling her as disgusting and urging her not to ruin Tangled. Beautiful but not my Rapunzel, wrote one of the users on her Instagram. Trolling Similar instances of racist trolling have occurred in the past, notably when actresses of color were cast in live-action Disney remakes, such as Halle Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan expressing interest in playing Rapunzel. However, South Asian fans swiftly came to Vandanapus defense, emphasizing that the live-action Tangled film has yet to be confirmed and asserting her suitability for the role. All this racism and delusions for a movie that doesnt exist, remarked a fan on social media. Supporters Others expressed support by commenting My Rapunzel under Vandanapus posts, with one user stating, How can u see Avantika and not think Disney princess. Ppl on the comments r too grown to be acting like this about a FAN CAST for a movie that has not even been announced, one of her supporters said on Instagram. It genuinely hurts to see how easily people are willing to spit nasty words at her. If shes cast as Rapunzel, shes my Rapunzel its not the end of the world, its a movie. An iconic movie, yes, but still a movie. From Disney. For children, said another supporter. Switzerland has announced it will host a two-day high-level international conference in June to pave the way for peace in Ukraine after more than two years of conflict. Swiss President Viola Amherd will preside over the peace talks. A press statement from the countrys foreign ministry on Wednesday stated, The aim of that heads of state and government meeting is to develop a common understanding of a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The international conference is scheduled for June 15-16 at the luxurious Burgenstock Resort, situated above Lake Lucerne in central Switzerland. A total of around 120 countries will be invited to participate, with their heads of state in attendance. After several months of exploratory phase with various states, the Swiss government said in a statement that conditions are now in place for the conference to be able to initiate a peace process. Regarding the countries taking part, the statement mentioned that during the early discussions, Switzerland spoke with G7 countries, the EU, and representatives from countries in the Global South like China, India, South Africa, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis had visited the Asia-Pacific region, including trips to India and China, in February of this year. According to an official release, Peace in Ukraine was also on the agenda during these visits. Ukraine Wants India On-Board Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its interest in Indias participation in the upcoming peace talks. During a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked India for supporting his countrys sovereignty and emphasised the importance of New Delhis attendance at the summit in Switzerland. Following this, Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba visited New Delhi in March, marking the first visit by a top Ukrainian diplomat to India in seven years. During a discussion organised by the Council for Strategic and Defence Research (CSDR), a Delhi-based think tank, Kuleba stressed on the significance of Indias confirmation of participation in the peace conference, stating that it would influence other countries worldwide. Having India on board [at the Swiss summit] would add legitimacy to the effort, Kuleba said, as reported by The Hindu. Expressing eagerness for India to utilise its influence with Russia, Kuleba said that he had no doubt that at some point talks with Russia would begin. He added, India can play a role in engaging with Russians about the peace process. In March, India responded to the Swiss Peace conference by affirming its commitment to encouraging a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to encourage peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. And we remain open to engaging all ways and means that could help achieve this objective, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated. Meanwhile last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, after an embassy round table in Moscow called the peace formula an ultimatum for Russia. He criticised the Peace Conferences coercive tactics, emphasising the absence of genuine dialogue or consensus-building. Lavrov, based on the information that he has received, said, The EU guidelines for its Ukrainian subordinates says that everything else does not matter as long as you have a photo with 140 people in it. Chinas Prospect China has been carefully balancing its ties with Russia and any peace initiatives to end the over two-year Russia-Ukraine war. On Tuesday, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning said that Beijing hopes to see an early ceasefire in Ukraine. Calling for the recognition of the conference by both Russia and Ukraine, the spokesperson said, China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognised by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans. However, the Chinese spokesperson declined to comment on the prospect of Beijings participation in the peace conference, saying, I have nothing to share. The idea for such a conference was discussed in January 2024 during Zelenskyys visit to Bern and talks with President Viola Amherd. The Swiss President assured her Ukrainian counterpart of support in organising a high-level peace conference in Switzerland. Since then, Switzerland has been in direct contact with numerous states to explore options for initiating a peace process. This is the third major peace talk that the Swiss government is aiming for since the war between Russia and Ukraine began. Switzerland, along with Ukraine, hosted the international Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in July 2022 in Lugano, and the National Security Advisors Meeting took place in Davos at the beginning of the year. A woman from the US state of Texas endured a harrowing ordeal after she learned that she was undergoing intensive chemotherapy for a cancer she never had. Lisa Monk, 39, underwent successful surgery to remove a mass from her spleen during her initial treatment for suspected kidney stones in 2022. Monk sent her spleen to three different labs to be tested before finally being sent to a fourth lab, where it tested positive for a terminal form of cancer, called clear cell angiosarcoma. It was a blood vessel type of cancer found in the spleen and told me that the most optimistic thing he could say was to give me 15 months [to live]," Monk revealed in a video. Journet of Misdiagnosis With only 15 months to live, Monk began an aggressive chemotherapy regimen, enduring the physical and emotional toll of the treatment. She underwent rounds of therapy, experiencing hair loss, vomiting, and other debilitating side effects. My oldest son took it the hardest. My little girl was very good at hiding her feelings but I found out from her teacher she was getting overwhelmed about it at school," she was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. However, things turned south when she learned that she was mistakenly diagnosed with a rare and terminal form of cancer. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Monks world was upended during a routine appointment in April, when she learned that she never had cancer at all. The pathology report, upon further scrutiny, was found to be inaccurate. Recalling the moment of revelation, Monk described a mix of shock and disbelief as her doctor delivered the news. The shocking realisation that she had endured grueling treatments unnecessarily left her shaken. I looked like I had cancer and I felt like I had cancer," she remarked, reflecting on the toll the chemotherapy had taken on her body. Further exacerbating the situation, Monk discovered that the pathology report indicating her misdiagnosis had been available to the hospital before her second round of chemotherapy. Had the report been properly reviewed, she could have avoided unnecessary treatment and its associated hardships. After being told she never had cancer, Lisa said chemotherapy treatment was halted. Financially were still paying medical bills. Cancer is expensive and I couldnt get any of my bills dismissed. Just the emotional trauma too. It was a very dark time," Lisa said. She said she was writing goodbye letters and letters to the grandchildren she thought she would never meet. I also still looked like I had cancer. I was bold and did not appear to be well. It was a daily reminder that it was something we had all lived through," she added. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday that his government stood firm on the issue of protecting Canadians, including addressing the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was shot dead in Surrey last June. During a hearing of the foreign interference commission formed to probe foreign influence in the countrys federal elections, Trudeau also slammed the previous Conservative government, accusing them of being cozy with the current Indian government. The principle that anyone who comes to Canada, from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, interference from a country that they left behind, and how we have stood up for Canadians including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of Nijjar, demonstrates our governments commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians, he said. Our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas, he added. Diplomatic relations soured after Trudeau last year said Canada was actively pursuing credible allegations that Indian agents were potentially linked to the death of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. India has denied all accusations and asked Ottawa to furnish solid proof. Testifying a day earlier, Canadian officials had denied any knowledge of Indias alleged role in influencing Canadas federal elections. The senior Bureaucrats overseeing the 2021 election testified before a public hearing on foreign interference, dismissing any indication of Indian involvement in electoral processes. During the hearing, panelists, including former Deputy Foreign Minister, Marta Morgan and Former Cabinet Secretary, Janice Charette, provided testimony indicating no evidence of Indian interference in the 2021 election. Morgan stated there was no information on Indian disinformation within the Canadian information ecosystem, while Charette highlighted the absence of Indian government tactics in the campaign. Regarding funding from Indian sources to Canadian campaigns, panelists responded in the negative, further undermining allegations of Indian interference. The testimony comes amidst heightened scrutiny and a Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference by several countries Including China in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. During the hearing, panelists stated that they found no evidence of Indian disinformation originating within the Canadian information ecosystem during the 2021 election. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had earlier rejected Canadas allegation of India influencing the Canadian electoral process. It is not the Government of Indias policy to interfere in democratic processes of other countries. In fact, quite on the reverse, it is Canada which has been interfering in our internal affairs. We have been raising this issue regularly with them. We continue to call on Canada to take effective measures to address our core concerns, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. Jurors in the civil trial over the 2012 death of Erie County Holding Center inmate Richard Metcalf Jr. have listened to witnesses testify and attorneys argue for more than two months. On Thursday, they heard the lawyers on each side summarize their cases. From the plaintiffs side, they were told a relatively simple case has been drawn out by attorneys for the defendants who have tried laying the blame for Metcalfs death with others. From the defendants side, the jury heard a version of events in which the deputies who restrained Metcalf were only trying to help him. Starting Friday morning, the jury will begin deliberations and decide who they believe. Metcalf, 35, died at Erie County Medical Center on Nov. 30, 2012, two days after deputies removed him from his cell. The Commission of Correction in 2016 concluded jail deputies working for the Erie County Sheriffs Office in the Holding Center asphyxiated Metcalf while restraining him, including tying a spit mask around his neck and putting a pillowcase over his head. Deputies said Metcalf had been spitting blood. The county, along with five current and former deputies, have been sued for negligence, excessive force and deprivation of medical care by Metcalfs father, Richard Metcalf Sr. Donald Chiari, one of the plaintiffs attorneys, told the jury because the case has gone on for so long, it may be easy to forget how brutal the facts and circumstances of Metcalfs treatment were. Have they been so muddled with nonsense that we forgot the facts that this man was suffocated to death? Chiari said. I hope not. State Supreme Court Justice Mark Grisanti gave each side in the case two hours and 45 minutes to make their summation. Metcalf Jr.s father and his uncle Paul were in court listening to the closing arguments. Four of the five defendants Robert Dee, Matthew Cross, Robert States and Edward Kawalek also attended at least part of them. Deputy Scott Emerling, who still works for the Sheriffs Office, did not attend because he was recovering from a medical procedure, one of his attorneys said. Attorneys for the county and the deputies told jurors that deputies went into Metcalfs cell to stop him from harming himself, and took him to a jail infirmary so he could get medical help and be taken to a hospital. The attorneys also said the deputies followed their training that night in the Holding Center in what was a set of unique circumstances involving an inmate suffering from psychosis. They also directed blame at emergency medical technicians who responded to the jail and a state Commission of Correction investigator for some of her investigatory practices. First and foremost, Mr. Dee did what he did from beginning to end to try to make sure that Mr. Metcalf Jr. got medical care. That was his intention throughout this, attorney Brian Melber said about his client. An emergency medical technician testified during the trial he had to cut the spit mask off Metcalfs neck when EMTs reached the ambulance. Jurors also were shown a photo of the mask, the straps of which had been cut, taken during the autopsy. Metcalf had been biting himself, running into jail cell bars and wiping blood on the walls before deputies entered the cell, said attorney James DeMarco, who represents Cross. The deputies actions show they put Metcalfs safety above their own, DeMarco said. They went in there to save him from himself, he said. Chiari pointed out to the jury that there were no pictures taken of Metcalfs cell after he was removed from it. During their summations, an attorney for the defendants also raised concerns about the correction commissions report based on recordings turned over during the trial by one of the plaintiffs witnesses. The commissions investigator had preconceived notions about law enforcement and she manipulated how the report which found wrongdoing by the county and the deputies would come out, said attorney Jennifer Persico, who represents the county and the other deputies. We got a little peek behind the curtain, Persico told the jury, who she said cant and shouldnt unsee that. Chiari, of the Brown Chiari law firm, told jurors to remember other behind the scenes information also learned during the trial about the actions of the deputies and other county representatives. They all stuck together, he said. And they changed statements. They finagled with the case. They had something in mind of what it was going to be before he was even dead. Jury selection in the case began Jan. 22 and attorneys on both sides delivered their opening statements Feb. 5. The trial was initially expected to last about five weeks. Many Americans are feeling the pinch of an uncertain economy, from paying more to fill up the tank to feeling the ongoing pinch at the grocery store checkout. For expecting moms living in poverty, these everyday financial worries are compounded into a toxic brew that can harm both mom and growing baby. This costs not only the individual experiencing the toll of health challenges and lower wages, but society as a whole to the tune of a whopping $1 trillion each year. The proven connection between financial stability and improved childhood outcomes is core to The Bridge Project, a program that has since expanded to Buffalo and Rochester. The premise is simple: provide expecting moms monthly infusions of cash during pregnancy and the first years of their childs life to improve both baby and moms futures. Jenysha, an expecting mom in Buffalo, was able to buy everything she needs for her baby daughters anticipated arrival next month: car seat, bassinet, stroller, pack and play. As a full-time college student, she wouldnt have been able to afford any of those essential baby items without funds from the program. Investing in babies and moms like Jenysha is transformative, particularly in communities with deep financial insecurity like Buffalo, where over 40% of children live in poverty. Cash allows moms to save in case of an emergency, reduces stress in the household and increases access to secure housing and childcare. These findings mirror what weve seen nationally, with the expanded Child Tax Credit unrestricted cash sent to nearly every parent in America in 2021 slashing childhood poverty nationally by nearly half. New York State Senators Jessica Ramos and Samra Brouk, along with Assembly Members Sarah Clark and Chantel Jackson see the benefit clearly pushing for the passage of the Mothers and Children Lasting Change (MILC) Allowance. This program would expand the efficacy and efficiency of unconditional cash to mothers and babies in need across the state, bringing us closer to the critical finish line of ending childhood poverty in this country for good. I urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure that the MILC Allowance makes it into the final state budget currently under negotiation. Maria, another recipient in Buffalo, puts the need to expand the program best: Moms need all the help we can get. It is hard enough trying to find a job and making money to provide for our children. This program helps out so much in taking stress off my back and giving me some relief. From Buffalo and beyond prioritizing investments in babies and new moms ensures a brighter future for individuals and families and builds a stronger, more equitable society for us all. David Azadi Scott is a long-time storyteller and theater enthusiast. He was born right here in the beautiful Black Hills but has also spent time living in Utah and Missouri. In his spare time he enjoys writing, exploring the hills, and letting his nerd flag fly with a game of D&D. Numerous dogs have taken part in search and rescue operations in the aftermath of last week's massive earthquake in Taiwan but a Labrador retriever named Roger has been getting the most attentionand it's partly because of his former career. His handler, Lee Hsin Hung, tells the New York Times that Roger was trained as a drug-sniffing dog but was rejected from the program for being "too friendly and boisterous." Lee chose Roger, then a 1-year-old puppy, to join the Kaohsiung Fire Department's emergency response team. Chen Chih-san, captain of the department's rescue dog unit, says Roger was a good dog that got along with others, but "the requirement for narcotic detection dogs is that they can't be too restless and independent," CNN reports. But those qualities, he said, are what they look for in rescue dogs. Chen says Roger has taken part in multiple search and rescue missions over the years, including a 2016 mission to search for earthquake survivors. On Saturday, Roger found a young woman's body under rubble in a national park, bringing the quake's death toll to 13, the Times reports. Roger's antics in front of the media have also helped to make him a star. He tried to chew on a reporter's microphone in one appearance and ripped apart a soft toy while Lee praised his bravery in another. But Roger's search and rescue days are numbered, Taiwan's Central News Agency reports. Under department policy and animal welfare laws, Roger will retire and a new home will be found for him when he turns 9 later this year. Lee tells the Times that Roger is already showing his age. After Saturday's mission, "when he jumped into the car, he was a little unsteady and I had to support him," he says. (More Taiwan earthquake stories.) A French woman may have been hunting for ghosts before her body was found drained of blood on the floor of an abandoned church in northwest Italy. The 22-year-old woman, who has not been publicly identified, left her home near Lyon, telling family she planned to search for a haunted house, CNN reports. Police believe she may have been taking part in a TikTok competition centered around ghost hunting. They're also considering whether she agreed to be killed, per CNN. A witness in the Aosta Valley region in the Western Alps reported seeing her looking pale and "emaciated" in the company of a male, now considered the prime suspect in her murder. According to Il Globo , the man is on trial in the French city of Grenoble "on suspicion of physically abusing the victim." Both the man and woman were reportedly dressed "like vampires" when spotted near La Salle, a police rep said, per CNN. The woman was wearing a long dark coat, leggings, and a sweatshirt when a local resident discovered her body Friday inside an abandoned church in the hamlet of Equilivaz above La Salle. She had bled to death, though most of her blood had been scraped from the floor, per CNN. Investigators believe she was stabbed with a camping knife, then shot potentially after she was dead, CNN reports. ANSA describes "drag marks" on the ground, indicating the body may have been brought inside the former church. Police say there were no signs of a struggle. Officers did find some groceries purchased from a local store near the woman's body. A witness reported encountering the woman and her male companion, who said they were looking for a supermarket and wanted to camp in the mountains, per Italy's L'Unione Sarda. Both were "dressed like two goths, all in dark," the witness said. She described the male, who reportedly had olive skin and dark hair, as "much younger" than the woman, appearing nearly underage. "He didn't seem like a violent guy, far from it," she added. Police continue to search for a burgundy van reportedly seen near the church last week. They note that two other missing persons cases in the area could be related, per CNN. (More murder stories.) A passenger successfully landed a private plane in North Carolina on Sunday after the pilot suffered a fatal medical emergency during the flight. Duke professor Joseph Izatt, 61, was flying the single-engine Cirrus SR-20 when he "slumped over the controls," according to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and the sole passenger took over and made an emergency landing at the airport, ABC 11 reports. The plane took off around 3:30pm and landed about an hour and 20 minutes later. Few details were made public, including the specific nature of Izatt's emergency, but bystander video shows him being loaded into an ambulance after the landing. He did not survive, and Duke, where he'd taught since 2001, mourned his loss in a memorial post. Workers are trying to shore up a rural Utah dam after a 60-foot crack sent water pouring into a creek and endangering the 1,800 residents of a downstream town. State and local leaders don't think the Panguitch Lake Dam is in imminent danger of breaking open but have told residents to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen, per the AP . Emergency management officials passed out a list of evacuation procedures to worried residents at a Wednesday evening town meeting meant to mitigate panic. "I can't say that the emergency situation is entirely averted, but I'm very, very encouraged by the progress we've made," Everett Taylor, an assistant state engineer for dam safety with the Utah Division of Water Rights, told residents of the southern Utah town. Lowering the reservoir to below the affected area will take several days, he said. An ice sheet on the reservoir had pushed up against the dam, causing the top to crack and tilt downstream, with water gushing through the opening, Taylor explained. His staff was able to relieve some of the pressure against the dam by making large cuts across the ice sheet. The ice has now pulled away, and the top of the dam has tilted back, he said. Local officials discovered the fissure in the upper portion of the dam during an inspection Monday night, and state officials announced it to the public on Tuesday. The state has labeled it a level 2 breach riska designation in the middle of the three-prong scale that means there is potential for dam failure. If a breach occurs, state and local law enforcement will work with the Red Cross to evacuate Panguitch, which sits about 10 miles downstream from the dam. Another tiny town, Circleville, is farther downstream and faces a lower flood risk. (More Utah stories.) For years, German toy maker Ravensburger has been decorating puzzles with Leonardo Da Vinci's iconic Vitruvian Man drawing. Under European law, copyright protections extend 70 years after the death of an artist, meaning Vitruvian Man has been in the public domain for centuries since Da Vinci's 1519 death. The law applies in Da Vinci's native Italy, an EU member state. But it's come up against an Italian law with very different intentions. The 2004 law aims to protect symbols of cultural identity and allows institutions to request concession fees for the commercial reproduction of cultural properties, as Venice's Gallerie dell'Accademia requested of Ravensburger in 2019. That prompted a legal fight that, five years on, has yet to reach a definitive conclusion, per the New York Times . After Ravensburger refused to pay, a Venice court in 2022 ordered the company to do so. The following year, Galleria dell'Accademia won a lawsuit against GQ Italia over its unauthorized use of an image of Michelangelo's David. An Italian court found the magazine failed to obtain a license from the museum, which owns image rights to the artwork, despite it being in the public domain, per ArtNet. Outside of Italy, however, a German court ruled last month there was no reason for Ravensburger to pay for use of Vitruvian Man as the Italian code doesn't apply outside Italy. "The opposite view violates the sovereignty of the individual states and must therefore be rejected," the court ruled, per the Times. Italy isn't conceding despite what many view "as a land grab by the Italian courts to control and monetize artworks in the public domain that were never intended to be charged for," art market lawyer Thomas C. Danziger tells the AP. A government rep said it would challenge the German ruling before "every national, international and community court," the Times reports. Eleonora Rosati, an Italian-qualified lawyer and professor of intellectual property law at Stockholm University, expects the arguments to continue, warning "all those using the images of Italian cultural heritage may want to assess the risk they are facing in doing that," per the Times. In a separate test of the law, Florence's Uffizi Gallery has sued fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier for depicting Botticelli's The Birth of Venus on clothing. (More Italy stories.) In a search area covering more than 100,000 square miles in the remote Pacific, the 31-acre atoll was a needle in a haystack. Still, authorities discovered the three men stranded for days on the uninhabited island thanks to their ingenuityspelled out in palm fronds. The men in their 40s had set out from Poluwat Atoll, a remote island in Micronesia, on March 31, intending to fish near the island of Pikelot, 118 miles to the southeast, but swells damaged the outboard motor on their 20-foot open skiff, CNN reports. They landed on Pikelot but found their radio had run out of battery. They spent a week eating coconuts and drinking water from a small well before they were discovered, the US Coast Guard said. On April 6, a relative alerted rescue officials in Guam, who mapped out an an initial search area of 78,000 square nautical miles. That was narrowed down considerably on Sunday when a US Navy aircraft flying out of Japan spotted the word "HELP" on Pikelot's beach, spelled out with palm leaves. The men's "act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," said search-and-rescue mission coordinator Lt. Chelsea Garcia. Officials were able to drop a radio and "survival packages" and confirm the men were in good health, the Coast Guard said, per the Washington Post. They had enough food to survive "but not for much longer," an official tells Stars and Stripes. The Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry finally picked up the men on Tuesday and returned them to Polowat, the Post reports. CNN notes it was both a rescue and a family reunion as one of the first rescuers to set food on Pikelot was Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius, who is from Micronesia and discovered he's a third cousin to one of the castaways and a fourth cousin to the others. The case is also something of a repeat: In August 2020, three sailors who'd been stuck on Pikelot for days were discovered after using palm fronds to spell out "SOS," per NPR. The US Coast Guard took part in that search and rescue effort, as well as another on Micronesia's East Fayu Island in 2016. (More rescue stories.) Two adults have been arrested after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of Lego from stores across Auckland. A 45-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man have been charged with 30 counts of shoplifting. "Police have laid a brick load of charges after $20,000 worth of Lego was allegedly stolen from multiple retailers across Auckland," Sgt Karen Tabb said. "The shoplifting has been taking place at stores right across the region in recent months. "In each instance, the alleged thieves brazenly created a diversion in the store by setting off the fire alarm," Tabb explained. "Our Government is making sensible pro-tenant changes to the Residential Tenancies Act to help increase the supply of rental properties." The changes, which are part of the National-Act coalition agreement, will include: Reintroducing 90-day 'no cause' terminations for periodic tenancies, meaning landlords can end a periodic tenancy without requiring a specific reason. Returning landlords' notice periods for ending a periodic tenancy to 42 days where: - they want to move themselves or a family member into the property, or - the tenancy agreement notes the property is usually used to house employees, and they want to move an employee into the property, or - where the property is subject to an unconditional agreement for sale requiring vacant possession. Returning tenants' notice period for ending a periodic tenancy to 21 days. Reintroducing landlords' ability to give notice to end a fixed-term tenancy at the end of the term without requiring a specific reason. Bishop said the changes will make it easier for "mum and dad landlords to be part of the rental property market". He added it will increase the supply of rental properties and apply " downward pressure to rents". "These changes are part of the Government's plan to create a well-functioning rental property market, which itself is part of the wider plan to solve New Zealand's housing crisis. "We've heard from many landlords that, without the backstop of 90-day 'no cause' terminations, they were unwilling to take a chance on a tenant who may, for example, not have perfect references or a steady 9-5 job." He said the Government is committed to ending New Zealand's housing crisis as part of its plan to "get the economy back on track, restore law and order, and deliver the public services New Zealanders deserve". "To end New Zealand's housing crisis, we need to use every tool we have to increase supply. These changes, along with restoring deductibility for mortgage interest on residential investment properties, are part of the Government's plan to encourage landlords back into the rental property market to increase the numbers of rental homes available." The Government will introduce a Bill to Parliament making these changes in May, with the changes expected to come into effect in early 2025. Taskforce head Dr Hilary Cass - former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health - recommended a pause on blockers in light of the short and long-term side effects, including menopausal symptoms, weaker bone density and the potential impact on fertility, sexual function and brain development. It was not known whether blockers really provided time for young people to consider their options - or whether they effectively "locked them in" to a medical pathway, she said. The report found clinicians were "unable to determine with any certainty" which children and young people would go on to have an enduring trans identity, therefore a medical pathway was not the best way to manage gender-related distress for most. "For those young people for whom a medical pathway is clinically indicated, it is not enough to provide this without also addressing wider mental health and/or psychosocially challenging problems." In her foreword to the final report on Wednesday, Cass referred to the "exceptional toxicity" of the debate. "This is an area of remarkably weak evidence, and yet results of studies are exaggerated or misrepresented by people on all sides of the debate to support their viewpoint. "There are few other areas of healthcare where professionals are so afraid to openly discuss their views, where people are vilified on social media, and where name-calling echoes the worst bullying behaviour. This must stop. "Polarisation and stifling of debate do nothing to help the young people caught in the middle of a stormy social discourse, and in the long run will also hamper the research that is essential to finding the best way of supporting them to thrive." Addressing young people directly, Cass acknowledged that some would be disappointed she was not recommending they had access to hormones "as quickly as possible". "Firstly, you must have the same standards of care as everyone else in the NHS, and that means basing treatments on good evidence. "I have been disappointed by the lack of evidence on the long-term impact of taking hormones from an early age; research has let us all down, most importantly you." One mother told RNZ blockers made life worse for her child. "When puberty blockers were given it sent our child into early menopause with all the symptoms associated with that: anxiety, hot flushes and depression. And there was no discernible improvement in mental health, rather a worsening of mental health." Last year, New Zealand's Ministry of Health removed a claim that puberty blockers were "safe and reversible" from its website. However, leading youth health specialist Dame Sue Bagshaw said they were both. "There's not enough evidence to use most of the medicines we use, to be quite honest. That's because for a lot of stuff in health you can't do a random controlled trial because it's too well accepted the standard treatment is the standard treatment. It wouldn't be ethical [to not use the treatment]." Most patients on blockers - up to 98 percent - did progress to taking hormones, she agreed. "Because most kids know what they want, most kids know who they are. And that's confirmed with time, so they do carry on with the hormones. "It sets them on a pathway that they have already chosen by saying they have gender dysphoria." Each patient must be treated as an individual, she said. "It's almost a kind of moral panic - 'Oh dear, this gender issue, it's getting out hand, we must do something!' But it's still only within 2 percent [of the population]." Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora said its own review of the evidence on puberty blockers, which was initially expected to be completed by the end of last year, would be published shortly. No one was available for interview, but in a written statement the Clinical Director of Primary and Community Care, Sarah Clarke, said the agency was "aware" of the NHS requirement for puberty blockers to be prescribed through its clinical trial process. The organisation had contracted the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa to update the guidelines for gender-affirming care, which would cover the use of puberty blockers, Clarke said. "This is due to be completed by August 2024, and is a resource healthcare providers can refer to answer their questions and to learn more about gender-affirming care." "The guidelines will be informed by the results of an evidence review into the safety and reversibly of puberty blockers, being led by the Ministry of Health." Management at Kidz First at Counties Manukau, which provides gender exploration and transition-related healthcare for the Auckland region, also declined to front, saying there were "too many live issues" in play locally and internationally. Experts react Meanwhile, Science Media Centre has sought feedback on the discussion from experts. Paediatric endocrinologist at Starship Children's Health Dr Ben Albert said the research was a reminder of a lack of strong evidence that treatments provided for young people with gender dysphoria were helpful. "There is a need for high-quality research to understand this better. In the meantime, support should be provided in a multidisciplinary team, and decision-making made with young people must acknowledge the uncertainty that treatments are truly beneficial." GP and University of Otago senior lecturer Dr Rona Carroll, a member of the PATHA executive committee, said funding for further research specific to Aotearoa would be welcomed. "The report published today again shows how the UK is an outlier in this field, and that our practice in Aotearoa aligns with other countries such as Australia and Canada. "Whilst more longitudinal research is needed, the evidence that does exist points to improved wellbeing when gender affirming medications are used in line with current guidance, and distress when gender affirming healthcare is restricted." Clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist Dr Paul Skirrow, strategic advisor to the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists, urged caution in interpreting the reviews' findings. "Many people will assume that this research suggests that puberty blockers and hormone treatments should never be offered, which would be mistaken." "What research we do have, albeit of limited quality at present, appears to suggest there may be benefits overall - however, we do not currently know who specifically is likely to benefit." In the UK, University of Oxford emeritus professor of endocrinology Ashley Grossman said children with gender dysphoria needed very careful counselling, assistance and help. "It may be that a small number of these children should in the long term transition to a different sex, but routine puberty blocking treatment for this use has not yet been adequately studied." A bid to liberalise Easter trading laws has inched closer, after a Bill to repeal alcohol restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday was drawn from Parliament's 'Biscuit Tin' ballot. The Bill, submitted by ACT MP Cameron Luxton, would remove restrictions on trading and selling alcohol on the two public holidays. "It's quite simple - if you want to trade, you can. That's how a free society should operate," Luxton said. Buying alcohol in supermarkets is currently banned on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with liquor stores shutting their doors entirely. In restaurants, customers must order a 'substantial' meal if they want to drink. Countries in the region and the United States have been on high alert and preparing for a possible attack by Iran since April 1 when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. Lufthansa said it suspended flights to and from Tehran from April 6 until probably April 11. "We are constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority," a spokesperson for the company told Reuters. There was no immediate word from other international airlines that fly to Tehran. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the Damascus strike that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members. Among them was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in the Quds Force, an elite overseas unit of the Revolutionary Guards. Israel, which launched a war in the Gaza Strip six months ago against Iran-backed Hamas, has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus, but the Pentagon has said it was. COULD STRIKES BE IMMINENT? In an apparent response to Khamenei, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Israel will respond if Iran attacks Israel from its own soil. The United States and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday evening, citing U.S. and Israeli security sources. Iran's Revolutionary Guards shot down a Ukraine International Airlines passenger flight on Jan. 8, 2020 shortly after it took off from Tehran Airport at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over the killing of a top Iranian commander in a U.S. drone strike at Baghdad airport. Later, Tehran said that the downing of the Ukrainian airliner was a "disastrous mistake" by forces who were on high alert. In retaliation for the killing of Qasem Soleimani, head of an elite overseas unit of the Guards, Iranian forces fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq on Jan. 3. Iran backs groups that have entered the fray across the region since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas. More than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed in six months of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, according to the health ministry there. Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Reports of a shooting prompted a massive police response into the area near the Clara Muhammad Square around 2 p.m., the official said. Police believe two groups exchanged gunfire on the street. At least one officer fired shots at a gunman, the official said. Two victims were rushed by police to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center with gunshot wounds, and one of them is considered a possible suspect, the official added. The hospital reported to police that three other gunshot victims showed up there, according to the official. A woman who says she was attending a nearby event for Eid al-Fitr, an Islamic religious celebration marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, said she was enjoying time with her family when she heard shots. Everyone around her began running, screaming, and getting on the ground and as she ran, she frantically searched for her son, then her mom, brothers, and grandmother. "We were just running and running and one of my family members got shot in the stomach," Najah Bey told CNN affiliate WPVI, later sharing it was her cousin who was wounded. She said "hundreds" of people had been attending the event. "We don't know who was shooting, where the shots came from, but people started shooting and everyone just started running. You have babies, elderly people, everybody was just there to enjoy themselves, and now we end up at the emergency room." "You can't even have a celebration without having to worry about somebody getting shot," Bey added. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the shooting reports and is on the scene, a spokesperson said. CNN 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. Pleading in Gaza: 'Let Me Have My Future' Begs Schoolgirl In beleaguered Rafah, brave teen asks: 'If we don't have hope, how can we continue to live?' 'IF WE DON'T HAVE HOPE, HOW CAN WE CONTINUE TO LIVE?' In Rafah, Gaza, 17-year-old Dalia told Middle East-based Christian broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) she's desperate for the war to end so that her dream of finishing school and going to university won't be destroyed. NEWS PROVIDED BY SAT-7 USA April 11, 2024 BOONE, Iowa, April 11, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Trapped in the beleaguered southern Gaza town of Rafah, a courageous teenage girl has sent a heartfelt video message to the world: "Please let me have my future." Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkkRFj7_bow 17-year-old Dalia told Middle East-based Christian broadcaster SAT-7 (www.sat7usa.org) that she is desperate for the war to end so that her dream of finishing school and going to university won't be destroyed. "For the sake of the children, please stop the war," said Dalia in the impassioned live video message via social media. "They need to return to school and see their friends." The teenager's family is surviving on whatever they can find to eat, essentially a dwindling supply of canned foods, bread, and hard-to-find drinking water. They're crammed into a house with 30 others whove fled their war-torn homes elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, only to face possible starvation at the "end of the line" in Rafah, where despair is rampant. Also distressing for Dalia and many Gazan children is the ongoing disruption to their school lessons threatening to shatter their dreams for the future. Since the war began last October, more than 625,000 children and teens in Gaza have been forced out of school, and at least 378 schools have been damaged or wiped out. An estimated 1.5 million displaced Gazans are penned up in the southern border town of Rafah, bracing themselves for an all-out assault that they fear could result in major civilian casualties. Holding Out Hope in Desperate Times "There's little to comfort the children in Rafah or their parents right now," said Rex Rogers, SAT-7's U.S.-based president, "but our Arabic-language programs 'You Are Not Alone' and 'My School' offer hope, broadcasting directly into Gaza via satellite television and online streaming, free-of-charge." "In the midst of pain, fear, and enormous uncertainty, God is there," Rogers said. "Our aim is to make his love visible to everyone across the Holy Land, the Middle East and North Africa." Meanwhile, Dalia is determined not to give up hope. "As long as we're alive, we must have hope," Dalia tells viewers in the live video message, as she stands alone on an eerily-quiet street in Rafah. "If we don't have hope, how can we continue to live?" Launched in 1996, SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org) -- with its international headquarters in Cyprus -- broadcasts Christian and educational satellite television and online programs in the Middle East and North Africa. Its mission is to make the gospel available to everyone, and support the church in its life, work and witness for Jesus Christ. SAT-7 broadcasts 24/7 in Arabic, Farsi (Persian), Dari, and Turkish, using multiple satellite channels and online services. SOURCE SAT-7 USA CONTACT: Palmer Holt, 704-662-2569, pholt@inchristcommunications.com News / Local by Staff reporter The Ministry of Health and Child Care is contemplating removing the English Language requirement for nurse training intake.During the post-cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Minister of Health and Child Care Douglas Mombeshora highlighted that proficiency in English could be demonstrated through passing other subjects taught in English."We are currently assessing whether passing English with a grade C is crucial because individuals who have passed all their subjects have already been instructed in English. If one pursues a degree program in English outside Zimbabwe, it's for communication purposes, not solely to pass English," stated Mombeshora."We will continue to review and ensure that training opportunities in various disciplines remain affordable and accessible to all Zimbabwean citizens," he added.This decision follows the government's recent elimination of O'level Mathematics as a prerequisite for nursing training intake. Previously, aspiring nurses were required to achieve at least a grade C in Mathematics, English, and Science."Mathematics isn't mandatory for medical field training; as a medical doctor, I can confirm that chemistry is the pivotal subject. Hence, we have retained science subjects as crucial for nursing training," explained Dr. Mombeshora.He further remarked, "We've been inadvertently excluding many capable individuals from training due to Mathematics, which hasn't been a subject widely passed."For the upcoming intake, applicants must have "a minimum of 5 O' Level subjects with passes in English Language and a science subject, along with three others (excluding practical subjects such as fashion and fabrics, metalwork, graphic art, and woodwork) at Grade C or higher, obtained within two sittings, with full certificates as examination result slips will not be accepted." TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The crucial issue of school counselling took centre stage during Tuesdays session at the Bahrain Council of Representatives. The escalating need for more comprehensive counselling services in schools has become imperative, particularly due to the recent surge in serious mental health and social issues attributed to social medias impact. MP Mohammed Al-Hossaini brought this concern to the forefront in a passionate exchange with the Minister of Education, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma. Al-Hossaini highlighted the increasing prevalence of social phobia and mood-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among school students in our educational institutions. Echoing Al-Hossainis sentiment, the Minister acknowledged the need for additional counsellors, stating, Currently, 613 counsellors are serving our schools for this academic year. We ensure that at least one counsellor is available in each school to cater to the students needs and oversee behavioural concerns. The assignment of counsellors is carefully determined by the student population of each school, taking into account the workload, the schools characteristics, and the educational priorities at various levels. Moreover, Al-Hossaini emphasised the importance of nurturing leadership qualities in public schools, advocating for a balanced focus that extends beyond mere academic accomplishments. Staggering numbers Dr. Juma, affirming confidentiality in dealing with student issues, provided some staggering numbers for this academic year: 69 mental health cases and 60 family-related cases were addressed by counsellors, highlighting the often interconnected nature of these issues. Additionally, the minister reported 197 cases of violence and harm inflicted on others. Illustrating how schools can serve as safe havens for students to escape from challenging home environments, the minister added that managing students struggling with social and emotional issues also involves addressing their home environments and parental engagement. He cited cases of self-harm tendencies in students where counsellors had to resort to legal channels to compel negligent parents to take responsibility. AFP | Jerusalem The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Israeli strikes hit Gaza as Muslims marked the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and after US President Joe Biden labelled Israels approach to the war a mistake. Also yesterday, the leader of Hamas said Israel had killed three of his sons in an air strike in Gaza. Qatar-based Ismail Haniyeh said his three sons and some of his grandchildren had been killed in the strike. Palestinians gathered for morning prayers yesterday, on the first day of the Eid Al Fitr holiday amid the ruins of Gaza, which has been devastated by more than six months of war since Hamass October 7 attacks. Tens of thousands also flocked to Israeli-annexed east Jerusalems Al-Aqsa mosque compound where one worshipper, nurse Rawan Abd, said: Its the saddest Eid ever... you could see the sadness on peoples faces. Usually we come to Al-Aqsa to celebrate, this year we came just to support each other, the 32-year-old said at Islams third holiest site, which is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount. Israeli forces kept up combat operations and air strikes on Gaza a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed no let-up in the campaign to destroy Hamas and bring home the hostages. Netanyahu insisted that no force in the world would stop Israeli troops from entering Gazas far-southern city of Rafah which is packed with displaced Palestinians. Threat His threat came amid ongoing talks in Cairo involving US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators for a truce and hostage release deal. Biden, voicing his growing frustration with hawkish Netanyahu, issued some of his sternest criticism yet of the war, which has brought mass civilian casualties and widespread suffering. I think what hes doing is a mistake, Biden told Spanish-language TV network Univision in an interview that aired Tuesday night after being recorded last week. I dont agree with his approach. A landmark year for grocery innovation flavor fusion, sustainability, and health TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is proud to announce the finalists of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards. This year, over 100 innovative products have been selected for their exceptional contribution to the Canadian grocery landscape. Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards Finalists Announced! (CNW Group/Retail Council of Canada) Emerging Trends at the Forefront of Grocery Innovation The 2024 finalists are a testament to the evolving consumer preferences and industry trends. High-protein and vegetarian snacking options, sustainable packaging and local sourcing, multicultural flavor profiles and innovative textures, convenient meal solutions, value and affordable choices, and storytelling through packaging are some of the key trends dominating this year's selections. The focus on health-centric products reflects a deeper consumer interest in wellness and nutrition, setting new standards for future product development. Insights from Industry Leaders Chef Marcus A. Von Albrecht, Jury Chair, expressed his excitement about this year's entries: "This year's entries at the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards truly reflect culinary innovation. We've witnessed an extraordinary blend of multicultural influences and health-forward trends, particularly in high-protein and vegetarian snacking options. It's heartening to see such creativity and commitment to sustainability in product development, showcasing that Canadian manufacturers are not just keeping pace with global trends but are leading the way." Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada, highlighted the significance of these innovations: "Retail Council of Canada is thrilled to showcase the evolution of new products at this year's Awards. The 2024 finalists epitomize the dynamic nature of our industry, with a clear shift towards sustainability, diverse flavor profiles, and consumer-centric innovations. These products not only meet the changing needs and tastes of Canadians but also signify a leap forward in our journey towards more responsible and inclusive retailing." 2023's Standout Winners to be Announced at The Gala on May 29, 2024 The pinnacle of this 31-year-old new products awards program will be the Canadian Grand Prix New Products Awards Gala and Dinner on May 29, 2024. The Gala will close RCC's biggest retail event of the year, the two-day RCC STORE 24 Conference on May 28-29, 2024 (savings on Advanced Rates tickets to RCC STORE 24 are available until April 12, 2024). This year's Awards Gala Dinner show will be hosted by Brittnee Blair. The complete list of finalists is now posted on the Canadian Grand Prix New Product Awards website. To purchase tickets for the Gala, please visit www.rccgrandprix.ca/. This is an opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain insights into emerging trends, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Canada's top innovators in retail. About Retail Council of Canada Retail is Canada's largest private-sector employer with over 2.3 million Canadians working in our industry. This sector is a major economic contributor, generating more than $91 billion annually in wages and employee benefits. In 2023, core retail sales (excluding vehicles and gasoline) exceeded $501 billion. Retail Council of Canada (RCC) members account for more than two-thirds of these core retail sales and 95 per cent of the grocery market. Our membership extends across the country, embracing over 54,000 storefronts in diverse formats such as department, grocery, specialty, discount, independent retailers, online merchants, and quick service restaurants. As the Voice of Retail in Canada, RCC, a not-for-profit, industry-funded association, proudly represents retail businesses of all sizes, from small independents to large national chains, in communities nationwide. Contact: Branka Stavric, Senior Director of Marketing Communication and Research, Retail Council of Canada, [email protected] SOURCE Retail Council of Canada News / National by Mandla Ndlovu In the wake of a devastating house fire that engulfed the residence of a mother and son, the Member of Parliament for Nkulumane Constituency, Honorable Desire Moyo, has issued a heartfelt plea for assistance from well-wishers and the wider community.The fire, which occurred at Stand 612 in Nkulumane, left the family homeless and in urgent need of support. Honorable Desire Moyo has rallied the community, urging everyone to extend a helping hand to the affected family during this difficult time.The appeal, spearheaded by Honorable Moyo, is supported by esteemed figures including Senator Rittah Ndlovu, Councillor Mmeli Moyo, and Councillor Ntombizodwa Khumalo. Together, they are leading efforts to provide essential aid to the impacted family.The call for assistance encompasses various necessities, including food, clothing, blankets, furniture, and roofing materials. These essentials are crucial for the family to rebuild their lives and regain stability following the tragic loss of their home.For those willing to contribute or offer support, inquiries can be directed to Nkulumane Ward 22 Councillor Bruce Mmeli Thobeka Moyo at 0784581322. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in assisting the affected family to recover from this devastating incident.The initiative has been launched under the banner of the NKULUMANE MP & STAKEHOLDERS SOLIDARITY & DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM, reflecting a collaborative effort to provide immediate relief and support to those in need within the community.As the community comes together to support their neighbors in their time of need, Honorable Desire Moyo emphasizes the importance of solidarity and compassion in overcoming adversity. The resilience and generosity demonstrated during times of crisis serve as a testament to the strength of the community and its unwavering commitment to support one another. News / National by Staff reporter RESPECTED businessman and economist Nigel Chanakira says acceptance of the new currency, Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG), will be difficult given that the majority still prefer the greenback.The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) launched ZiG and scrapped the Zimdollar last week after the latter had significantly depreciated over the past few months. In the first quarter of the year alone, the Zimdollar depreciated by slightly more than 260%.Chanakira made the remarks at a post-2024 Monetary Policy and Outlook Conference yesterday which was hosted by NewsDay's sister paper Zimbabwe Independent.Chanakira asked the conference attendees who were close to 200 to show by raising of hands, which currency they preferred between the US dollar and ZiG and all chose the former.He indicated that this did not bode well for ZiG's longevity and showed a huge chasm between the monetary authorities and market."I am not sure we are there yet in terms of anchoring our new currency in the contextwhere you can trust it, believe it," Chanakira said."If we are managers, professionals, and workers and we don't want to be paid in something then the question that was raised, from a technical viewpoint, by Phillip (Tax and International Financial Reporting Standards expert Phillip Chambati) to say is the currency functional or not, then we have a fundamental problem."Chanakira was referring to the fact that the authorities still required 50% of taxes in US dollars, adding that the acceptance of ZiG would be difficult."We need to get back to basics. What is the role of a currency in an economy? How do we produce goods and services and how do we measure the volume of those goods and services and compete in a global economy?"Oxlink Capital chief executive officer Brains Muchemwa said by not enforcing that all taxes be paid in ZiG, the government showed that it had no interest in the local currency."The government has no interest whatsoever in the local currency and I think the conversations in the monetary policy should really be between the RBZ and the Ministry of Finance. Those are the two people that should be having these conferences," he said. "The RBZ on this side and Treasury on that side and the RBZ trying to convince the Ministry of Finance that guys you can't be asking us to issue a currency that you do not want to support."He added: "The currency is not supported by the central bank as many people would think, that's not the case and that's why for many years everything that they have tried has failed because the currency is supported by its issuer and in this instance, its issuer is the government of Zimbabwe."Muchemwa said the government must levy value added tax and payee tax only in ZiG to show confidence in it as lack thereof could prove costly."Business was hoping that we will get an MPS which can now set us on a direction which can localise our costs. The biggest problem we have in business is that our cost base is US$-based and that makes us very uncompetitive so we were looking for a Monetary Policy Statement position that can fit the localisation of those costs," Employers' Confederation of Zimbabwe economist Misheck Ugaro said."So, we are for localisation from US$ to local currency. As to whether the ZiG is the answer, is another question, the jury is out but the spirit is acceptable."And, I can say that in the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) two of the positions that had been put forward are manifesting in this policy the first one being government must tax in local currency."He, however, said the business community was upset with the fact that the taxes to be paid in ZiG were only partial, not 100%."And as Brains [Muchemwa] said, they have done that but have not gone the full way as the TNF proposed. We think the QPDs (quarterly payment dates) are not enough so we need the government to actually tax, collect all of their taxes, and we are not mincing the words 100% should be ZiG as a starting point."Experts agree the success of ZiG will be dependent on the demand for the local currency. News / National by Staff reporter Defense Minister Oppah Muchinguri and Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander Anselem Sanyatwe have been directed by Harare magistrate Tamara Chibindi to compensate Muchademba Muponde of Glenview with over ZiG41,000 for enduring torture. This ruling stems from an incident in January 2019, during which Muponde suffered severe assault by soldiers while participating in an anti-government protest.Despite denying the allegations during the trial and attributing responsibility to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who they claimed were responsible for law enforcement that day, Muchinguri and Sanyatwe were found liable by the court and ordered to pay damages to the victim.Magistrate Chibindi specified that ZiG20,816 would compensate Muponde for the pain, suffering, trauma, and nervous shock he experienced, while an equal amount would address damages for the affront to his dignity, humiliation, and embarrassment endured during and after the attack.Represented by Tinashe Chinopfukutwa of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Muponde's case centered on events at Glenview 1 Shops on January 16, 2019, during anti-government protests against fuel price increases. ZNA officers, deployed to quell the protests, pursued civilians, including Muponde, who fled the scene. Muponde was pursued and assaulted by a soldier wielding a firearm, resulting in severe injuries to his legs and internal injuries to his left leg, rendering him unable to walk.The soldier continued the assault until Muponde's injuries became apparent, instructing him to wash the blood from his face before ceasing the attack. Subsequently, Muponde sought legal assistance from Chinopfukutwa and filed a lawsuit against Muchinguri and the army commander, ultimately winning his case for damages for pain, suffering, nervous shock, indignity, and humiliation. Two teens in Bergen County have been charged with trying to sexually assault another teen in Old Tappan, authorities said Wednesday. Police in the borough recently contacted the Bergen County Prosecutors Office Juvenile Section about the attempted assault, according to a prosecutors spokesman. The spokesman did not say where or when the incident occurred. According to DailyVoice.com, multiple parents reported that 8th graders bought a sex toy from a gift company and tried to sodomize another teen at a residence. Video of the alleged incident was shared with others, according to the news report. The names of the teens were not released because of their ages. The prosecutors office did not confirm details in the report but said Old Tappan police filed juvenile delinquency complaints against two teens regarding the alleged attempted sexual assault of a juvenile. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A South Jersey woman was killed Wednesday when she was thrown from a vehicle during a collision in a Cumberland County intersection, police said. A Jeep Wrangler was traveling north on Fairton-Gouldtown Road in Fairfield Township shortly before 4:30 p.m. when the driver failed to heed a stop sign at the intersection with Route 49, according to a New Jersey State Police spokesman. The Jeep collided with a car heading west on Route 49, then hit an SUV stopped at the intersection in the southbound lane on Fairton-Gouldtown Road. A rear-seat passenger in the Jeep, Delia Lugo, 69, of Mullica Hill, was thrown from the vehicle and died of her injures, police said. The Jeeps driver, front-seat passenger and the driver of the car suffered moderate injuries and were taken to an area hospital for treatment, according to police. No other injuries were reported. Police said the crash remains under investigation and no additional details were released Thursday. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. New Jerseys Peter Dinklage is such an accomplished actor that calling him a GOAT greatest of all time seems pretty justified. In fact, Dinklage is the winningest actor in the supporting actor in a drama series category at the Emmys, having won four times for playing Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones. Now it turns out that Dinklage is playing an actual goat in the upcoming Wicked movie. Make that Dr. Dillamond, a history professor who also happens to be a goat in Oz. Multiple outlets reported on the Universal Pictures presentation previewing the film at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Dinklage, who grew up in Mendham, will voice the character in the Jon M. Chu movie, which is set to be released in theaters Nov. 27. In Wicked, the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, Dillamond is a mentor to the green-skinned Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch of the West played by Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, who becomes Glinda the Good. Wicked is the first of a two-part movie release, with the second part expected in November 2025. Dinklage, 54, most recently appeared in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes alongside fellow New Jerseyan Rachel Zegler. He stars as a very New Jersey superhero in "The Toxic Avenger, the upcoming reimagining of the classic B-movie character Toxie from director Macon Blair. The movie, which premiered in September at Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, has yet to receive a theatrical release date. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. Three people accused last year of scamming a property owner out of $200,000 for work that was never performed are facing new charges they ripped off six additional victims for another $440,000, authorities say. Viral Patel, 38, and Priyanka Patel, 33, both of Jersey City, and Pratik Patel, 35, of Ramsey operators of the Jersey City-base Janvi Hotel Supply were initially arrested in December on one count, and are now each charged with six counts of theft by deception and six counts of conspiracy to commit theft by deception. All three were arrested Tuesday by the Hudson County Prosecutors Office Special Investigations Unit at the prosecutors office in Jersey City and released on a summons complaint, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. As part of an ongoing investigation, six additional victims were identified. The victims received and paid invoices for Janvi Hotel Supply LLC for contract work that was not performed or went unfinished. One victim provided supplies to Janvi Hotel Supply LLC and never received payment. The total theft from the six victims amounted to more than $440,000. According to the Prosecutors Office Special Investigations Unit, the three were hired to perform contract work at a business owners three properties in March 2023. The business owner received an invoice from Janvi Hotel Supply LLC for approximately $200,000, the HCPO said, and although the invoice was paid, none of the contract work was performed. A Monmouth County man was arrested last week after he was accused of hiding his real estate portfolio and failing to pay over $2 million in taxes he owed the IRS, authorities said Matthew Tucci, 51, of West Long Branch, whom the Asbury Park Press identified as the son of West Long Branch Mayor Janet Tucci, was charged with willfully attempting to evade the payment of his 2015 and 2016 taxes and corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the administration of IRS laws, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey. In 2015 and 2016, Tucci obtained about $11.4 million in income from refunds paid by the Customs and Tax Administration of the Kingdom of Denmark for taxes reportedly paid on shares held by pension plans he had set up for friends, acquaintances, and relatives, according to a federal indictment. Rather than depositing the refunds in the respective bank accounts Tucci had established for the pension plans, he deposited the funds in five accounts held by five nominee companies he created and controlled: Lava Beach, Inc.; Icon Beach, Inc.; Sand Dollar Beach, Inc.; Starfish Dunes, Inc.; and White Sands Advisors, Inc., the indictment read. He then filed returns on which he reported he owed $2 million in taxes, but never paid those taxes, the office said. Instead, he took steps to evade the payment of his taxes and conceal his assets from the IRS. Tucci also made false statements to IRS revenue officers in connection with collection proceedings and failed to disclose information concerning his financial resources and his ability and intent to pay his outstanding tax liabilities, federal prosecutors said. Tucci was arrested on April 5 and had his first federal court appearance the same day, authorities said. He now faces a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. Tuccis attorney information was not immediately clear. Mayor Janet Tucci could immediately be reached. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. In an effort to save space on its ocean beaches this summer, officials in Brick have decided to ban tents and canopies. The council passed a resolution at its March 25 meeting approving the change, Brick Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin told NJ Advance Media. The Army Corps of Engineers beach replenishment project will not be completed this summer and does not have an anticipated start date, Bergin said. Therefore, with limited space on the beach, the Townships Recreation Committee requested this resolution to ensure all beach goers have the ability to enjoy the beach with less intrusion from canopies and tents. Work to add sand to Brick and Toms Rivers beaches, which have been ravaged by recent storms, was put on hold last summer while the Federal Army Corps of Engineers tried to resolve a bid protest over the award of the projects construction contracts. Steve Rochette, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Philadelphia District, told NJ Advance Media last month that no contract had been awarded to the Brick beach replenishment project. However, he said he expected the contract, which includes replenishment in various erosion-impacted areas from the Manasquan Inlet to Barnegat Inlet, to be awarded n May. In addition, contract awards for projects in Absecon Island and Long Beach Island are expected this spring and summer. We do hope to award all three this Spring/Summer with start dates unknown (likely late summer or fall), Rochette said at the time. As of Wednesday, there were no updates on the contract related to the project that will include Brick. Brick also owns Windward Beach, located on the Metedeconk River, but the new rule will not apply there as beach replenishment is not necessary at that location, Bergin said. The new tent/canopy rule will be in effect from Memorial Day through Labor Day and the only exception is devices designed and used to shade infants and small children, also known as baby tents, no larger than forty inches high by forty inches wide by forty inches deep, according to the resolution. Reporter Steven Rodas contributed to this report. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com. By Brendan Gill In 2019, while I was serving as president of the Essex County Board of Commissioners, the issue of foreign interference in our elections and election security was a major concern. A coalition of community leaders, activists and election and voting machine experts presented us with the work they had done researching the vulnerability of electronic, paperless voting machines to external tampering. Working alongside these groups, Essex County implemented voting machines that provide a voter-verified paper trail (VVPAT) at every county polling location ahead of our June 2021 primary. By implementing VVPAT, we were not only able to protect the security of our elections but ensure that Essex County voters could have full trust and confidence in the integrity of our election results. At the time, I called on my colleagues in county government across the state to follow the Essex model. Now that we are all tasked with redesigning our ballots to comply with a federal court ruling that found our current ballot design to be unconstitutional, those counties that adopted VVPAT are much better positioned to comply with that mandate because of the technology of these machines. However, the redesign of our ballots -- which would eliminate the long held county line format -- should be just the first step in a long-overdue overhaul of our electoral process in New Jersey. Currently, each of the states 21 counties has its own ballot design and election systems, and each of our county political committees -- both Democrat and Republican -- has its own procedures and rules for nominating and endorsing candidates. Candidates for federal, statewide, and legislative office must therefore navigate this confusing patchwork of opaque county systems. As chair of my local democratic committee, an elected official who has run for office five times, and a political operative who has managed dozens of campaigns, I view this issue through the lens of voting rights. The ruling on our ballot design has given New Jersey an opportunity to strengthen voter engagement by adopting uniform and standardized election best-practices across all 21 counties: Adopt the office-block voting design. The ruling from Judge Zahid Quraishi found that New Jerseys county line primary ballot design which brackets those candidates who have been endorsed by the county political parties in the same column or row, affording them prominent placement on the ballot gave an unfair advantage to those candidates and was unconstitutional. With an office-block voting design, candidates are grouped together by the office they are seeking, in an order determined by random drawing. Adopt a standardized, statewide ballot design. Ballots should be formatted uniformly in all 21 counties. And establish statewide uniformity in convention and endorsement processes. The elimination of the line on the ballot does not divest political parties of their responsibility and duty to endorse and nominate candidates. However, the county committees should adopt and comply with a uniform and transparent set of procedures that include a nominating convention open to all county committee members, during which all candidates can seek the endorsement; every vote should be by secret ballot; and there must be transparency and uniformity in all convention rules, regulations and procedures. Our democracy cannot survive the disenfranchisement that results from voters lacking confidence or trust in our elections. We have already seen how bad actors can exploit this doubt and distrust to erode our voting rights, and how Donald Trump manipulated it into the violent Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. At this crucial time in the history of our democracy, we must do everything we can to foster voter confidence in the fairness, openness, transparency, security and integrity of our elections. From gun safety to reproductive rights, from public education to climate change, New Jersey is a national leader on the values that guarantee our fundamental freedoms and rights. New Jersey must also lead on voting rights and election integrity. Brendan Gill serves as Commissioner-at-Large on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. With no bosses guarding the gates, watch for loads of civic minded people to run for office, for lazy incumbents to lose, and for bad actors to lose their portection. #andykim https://t.co/nfhVuSTJCe tom moran (@tomamoran) March 31, 2024 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. Atlantic City casino workers went to court this week to protect their health and their lives, and any rational person should be able to appreciate why this is a compulsory step. They can no longer tolerate the pernicious horror of second-hand smoke, which hovers over gaming floors like a toxic murk, poisoning their colleagues, and even killing a few. And their exasperation over the Legislatures refusal to guarantee them a smoke-free environment has left them no choice but to pursue the legal protection that every other worker in our state takes for granted on the job. But before the court hears an argument that seems glaringly obvious that casino smoking violates their safety, not to mention the equal protection clause of the Constitution it is worth noting that this action should not have been necessary, because those who continue to insist on preserving this ludicrous exception to our 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act are fundamentally ill-informed of the facts. The gaming industry, casinos, and sympathetic lawmakers argue that a total ban could squeeze revenues and lead to massive layoffs, and there is a compromise bill that will continue to permit smoking areas, only this time with 15-foot buffers and enclosed smoking rooms that stationary employees such as dealers can refuse to work in. Of course, thousands of AC pit clerks, cocktail servers, and custodians have no such opt-out privilege, so they will continue to breathe poison, which is just their tough luck. That bills sponsor, Sen. John Burzichelli, calls this an incremental step to create better circumstances, where smokers can enjoy smoking and non-smokers dont have smoke forced upon them.in large part. The CDC, of course, would gasp at that remark, and the death toll from second-hand smoke -- more than 40,000 Americans die from exposure each year exposes the willful ignorance of the industry and its legislative allies. That compromise bill is complete bull, said Nancy Erika Smith, the nonpareil attorney who represents the casino workers in their complaint, which names Gov. Murphy and health commissioner Kaitlan Baston as the defendants. The CDC has is clear that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke, and even brief exposure causes harm. The purpose of the Smoke-Free Air Act is to protect workers, not to protect the revenue of casinos. Sen. Joe Vitale, who has pushed for a full ban on casino smoking since 2007, is just as blunt: There is no level of acceptable poison, and ventilation systems have been scientifically debunked as junk, he said. Indoor smoking areas with buffer zones are nonsensical. Id like to know which casino owners are good with swimming in the non-peeing end of the pool. As for revenue being compromised by a total ban, 20 other states including New York and Delaware have already done it. Pennsylvania is also considering a ban. Burzichelli, repeating the industry banality that Jersey gamblers would hop the river and play in Pennsylvania if they were deprived of their dopamine rush, also fails to consider that its most profitable casino (PARX, just north of Philly) is smoke-free, and that every reputable poll has found that adult gamblers support a total ban by a 2-to-1 margin. Casinos are still smoking, because of craven politics | Editorial https://t.co/4vzWxZFwN0 NJ_Opinion (@NJ_Opinion) December 18, 2023 Burzichelli is not some loggerheaded legislator; he is a stellar public servant who may have genuine concerns of negative impacts. But he gives little credence to independent, data-informed studies such as the one published last year by Las Vegas-based C3 Gaming, which found that casinos without indoor smoking outperform their smoking counterparts. Instead, he chooses to trust that these guys understand who their players are, and hes confident that individual properties will go smoke-free if market forces dictate its practicality. What he doesnt explain is what this industry -- one that has always placed profits over worker safety -- has ever done to earn that trust. Should the marketplace dictate minimum wage? Child labor? Overtime laws? Smith asked. The market never protected workers. Laws protect workers. He wants to leave it up to the boss to decide how much safety to give workers? Ask him why there is no smoking in the Statehouse. The casino industry has never cared about the well-being of their staff and the public, no matter what the science, Vitale said. So they perpetuate a false argument that is meant to mislead and frighten the Legislature. Even as casino workers go to court, Vitale will push for a Senate floor vote on a bill that bans casino smoking that he has championed for nearly two decades. We hope it will be superfluous. But when lives are at stake, benign indifference is not an option. Casino workers and one of their unions just filed a lawsuit against the state seeking to ban smoking inside Atlantic City casinos. The soundtrack at their announcement in Trenton: Twisted Sister, naturally. Senate candidate Andy Kim was on hand to cheer them on. pic.twitter.com/kQkCb7d9J9 Brent Johnson (@johnsb01) April 5, 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Coming soon: N.J. casinos where you wont gamble your life away | Editorial https://t.co/JgthIYJAfw The Star-Ledger (@starledger) October 23, 2023 Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. PARIS (Reuters) -Societe Generale said on Thursday it had agreed to sell its professional equipment financing business to French rival BPCE for 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) as part of a wider divestment strategy, lifting its shares by more than 3%. The sale is part of a strategy led by Chief Executive Slawomir Krupa to streamline France's third-largest listed bank and focus on long-term value creation. Societe Generale has also recently sold assets in Africa. Societe Generale said the sale of most of Societe Generale Equipment Finance, which it expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, would raise its Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio by about 25 basis points. CET1 is the highest quality of regulatory capital held by banks. Societe Generale Equipment Finance provides equipment leasing and financing solutions to manufacturers, dealers and vendors in sectors ranging from transport to industrials. Shares in Societe Generale, which said it would keep Equipment Finance's activities in Czech Republic and Slovakia, were up 2.35% to 25.75 euros, topping France's CAC 40 index and among the best STOXX 600 performers. "SocGen is an overcomplex business with limited synergies between the various business units. We view this development as a step in the right direction that will free up capital that SocGen can use elsewhere or return to shareholders," Morningstar analyst Johann Scholtz said. Reuters reported in September that the bank was looking to sell Societe Generale Equipment Finance. ($1 = 0.9309 euros) (Reporting by Inti Landauro; additional reporting by Federica Mileo and Dominique Vidalon; editing by Jason Neely and Alexander Smith) Widely criticized for failing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 that killed 200 inside the states three nursing homes for veterans, the Murphy administration on Wednesday outlined its plans to spend millions of dollars in improvements and create a new agency focused on veterans health. I have said many times: the more eyes on our veterans homes, the better. I mean that. We have been scrutinized more than any of the other long-term care facilities in New Jersey, Maj. General Lisa Hou, the commissioner for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs told the state Assembly Budget Committee in Trenton. Young voters who have been critical to Democratic successes in recent elections have shown signs that their enthusiasm for Democrats and President Joe Biden may be waning. Thats good news for former President Donald Trump. David Pepper, a lawyer, writer, adjunct professor, and Democratic political activist, thinks he has a theory on what could be a seismic shift. Rage in politics has become normalized. He posted to X: Overall, I agree that all that were seeing from Trump is not normal. And we should not let it become normalized. With one caveat.as a 19-year old student corrected me a few years ago when I told a group of college students that what we were experiencing w Trump wasnt normal Mr. Pepper, for us, this is normal. Its all weve ever seen. She was right. All the younger generations have seen is insane politics and right-wing extremism, from birtherism (when many were not even 10) to today. Weve got work to do to show these generations what normal even is, or could bebecause theyve never seen it. Overall, I agree that all that were seeing from Trump is not normal. And we should not let it become normalized. With one caveat.as a 19-year old student corrected me a few years ago when I told a group of college students that what we were experiencing w Trump wasnt David Pepper (@DavidPepper) April 11, 2024 Voters under 30 went 53% for Democratic House candidates compared with only 41% for Republican candidates nationwide in the 2022 mid-term elections, according to AP VoteCast, a sweeping national survey of the electorate. But that level of support for Democrats was down compared with 2020, when such voters supported President Joe Biden over his predecessor, Donald Trump, 61% to 36%. And in 2018, when Democrats used a midterm surge to retake control of the House, voters 18 to 29 went 64% for the party compared with 34% for the GOP. Weakness in any part of that voting bloc could have implications during the next presidential race. 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. Former President Barack Obama is back again to support President Joe Bidens campaign against former President Donald Trump and other Democratic hopefuls. Obama posted a link to the National Democratic Redistricting Committee thats mission is to break up GOP-gerrymandered states. This year, the @DemRedistrict is investing in several state-level elections and backing candidates who are key to stopping anti-democratic agendasincluding gerrymandering. I hope youll join me in supporting them, he posted on X, formerly Twitter. This year, the @DemRedistrict is investing in several state-level elections and backing candidates who are key to stopping anti-democratic agendasincluding gerrymandering. I hope youll join me in supporting them: https://t.co/sfuFlLr5LC pic.twitter.com/llvNBsTqca Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 11, 2024 The group is focusing on nearly a dozen states between now and the next census when new maps are drawn. Weve selected an initial round of electoral priorities, including state-level offices that provide a critical firewall against Republican gerrymandering. This marks the first round of elections that could affect the outcome of the 2031 redistricting cycle and, with NDRC and affiliates already in place, theres an opportunity for a much longer runway than before to make an impact, the group says on its website. We are investing in races that are critical to the long-term fight for fairness. Being successful in these elections could help lay the foundation for an even fairer redistricting process in 2031. Eric Holder, Obamas former attorney general, is the chairman of the group. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @MatthewArco. A roundup of conversations we're having daily on the site. Subscribe to the Reckon Daily for stories centering marginalized communities and speaking to the under-covered issues of the moment. Pediatrician Patricia Braun and her team saw roughly 100 children at a community health clinic on a recent Monday. They gave flu shots and treatments for illnesses like ear infections. But Braun also did something most primary care doctors dont. She peered inside mouths searching for cavities or she brushed fluoride varnish on their teeth. Were seeing more oral disease than the general population. There is a bigger need, Braun said of the patients she treats at Bernard F. Gipson Eastside Family Health Center, which is part of Denver Health, the largest safety-net hospital in Colorado, serving low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents. Braun is part of a trend across the United States to integrate oral health into medical checkups for children, pregnant women and others who cannot afford or do not have easy access to dentists. With federal and private funding, these programs have expanded in the past 10 years but they face socioeconomic barriers, workforce shortages and the challenge of dealing with the needs of new immigrants. With a five-year, $6 million federal grant, Braun and her colleagues have helped train 250 primary care providers in oral health in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Arizona. Similar projects are wrapping up in Illinois, Michigan, Virginia and New York, funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administrations Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Beyond assessment, education and preventive care, primary care providers refer patients to on- or off-site dentists or work with embedded dental hygienists as part of their practice. Federally qualified health centers have a long history of co-locating dental services within their systems, Braun said. Were taking that next step where care is not just co-located, meaning, say, were upstairs and dental is downstairs but were integrated so that it becomes part of the same visit for the patient. Having doctors, nurses and physician assistants who assess oral health, make referrals and apply fluoride at community health centers is critical for the many children who lack access to dental care, said Tara Callaghan, director of operations for the Montana Primary Care Association, which represents 14 federally qualified health centers and five Urban Indian organizations. Providing these services during medical visits increases the frequency of fluoride application, Callaghan said, and improves parents knowledge of caring for their childs teeth. But obstacles remain. Because of Montanas large geographic area and small population, recruiting dental professionals is difficult, Callaghan said. Fifty of the states 56 counties are designated dental shortage areas and some counties dont have a single dentist who takes Medicaid, she added. Montana ranks near the bottom for residents having access to fluoridated water, which can prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Pediatric dental specialists in particular are scarce in rural areas, with families sometimes driving hours to neighboring counties for care, she said. Embedding dental hygienists with medical doctors is one way to reach patients in a single medical visit. Valerie Cuzella, a registered dental hygienist, works closely with Braun and others at Denver Health, which serves nearly half of the citys children and has embedded hygienists in five of its clinics that see children. State regulations vary on which services hygienists can provide without supervision from a dentist. In Colorado, Cuzella can, among other things, independently perform X-rays and apply silver diamine fluoride, a tool to harden teeth and slow decay. She does all this in a cozy corner office. Braun and Cuzella work so closely that they often finish each others sentences. Throughout the day they text each other, taking advantage of brief lulls when Cuzella can pop into an exam room to check for gum disease or demonstrate good brushing habits. Braun herself takes similar opportunities to assess oral health during her exams, and both focus on educating parents. Medical and dental care have traditionally been siloed. Schools are getting better at interprofessional collaboration and education but by and large we train separately, we practice separately, said Katy Battani, a registered dental hygienist and assistant professor at Georgetown University. Battani is trying to bridge the divide by helping community health centers in nine states including California, Texas and Maryland integrate dental care into prenatal visits for pregnant women. Pregnancy creates opportunities to improve oral health because some women gain dental coverage with Medicaid and see providers at least once a month, Battani said. In Denver, housing instability, language barriers, lack of transportation and the astronomical cost of dentistry without insurance make dental care inaccessible for many children, the migrant community and seniors, said Sung Cho, a dentist who oversees the dental program at STRIDE Community Health Center serving the Denver metro area. STRIDE tries to overcome these barriers by offering interpretation services and a sliding pay scale for those without insurance. That includes people like Celinda Ochoa, 35, of Wheat Ridge, who waited at STRIDE Community Health Center while her 15-year-old son, Alexander, had his teeth cleaned. He was flagged for dental care during a past medical checkup and now he and his three siblings regularly see a dentist and hygienist at STRIDE. One of Ochoas children has Medicaid dental coverage but her three others are uninsured and they couldnt otherwise afford dental care, said Ochoa. STRIDE offers an exam, X-rays and cleaning for $60 for the uninsured. In the past year, Cho has seen an influx of migrants and refugees who have never seen a dentist before and need extensive care. Medical exams for refugees at STRIDE increased to 1,700 in 2023 from 1,300 in 2022, said Ryn Moravec, STRIDEs director of development. She estimates the program has seen 800 to 1,000 new immigrants in 2024. Even with growing needs, Cho said the Medicaid unwinding the process underway to reexamine post-pandemic eligibility for the government program that provides health coverage for people with low incomes and disabilities has created financial uncertainty. He said he worries about meeting the upfront costs of new staff and of replacing aging dental equipment. At STRIDEs Wheat Ridge clinic, two hygienists float between dental and pediatrics as part of the medical-dental integration. Yet Cho said he needs more hygienists at other locations to keep up with demand. The pandemic created bottlenecks of need that are only now being slowly cleared, particularly because few dentists take Medicaid. If they do accept it, they often limit the number of Medicaid patients theyll take, said Moravec. Ideally, STRIDE could hire two hygienists and three dental assistants, Moravec said. In 2022, Colorado enacted a law to alleviate workforce shortages by allowing dental therapists midlevel providers who do preventive and restorative care to practice. But Colorado does not have any schools to train or accredit them. Before age 3, children are scheduled to see a pediatrician for 12 well visits, a metric that medical and dental integration capitalizes on, particularly for at-risk children. As part of Brauns program in the Rocky Mountain region, providers have applied more than 17,000 fluoride varnishes and increased the percentage of children 3 and younger who received preventive oral health care to 78 percent from 33 percent in its first 2 years. Callaghan, at the Montana Primary Care Association, witnesses that on the ground at community health centers in Montana. Its about leveraging the fact that kids see their medical provider for a well-child visit much more often and before they see their dental provider if they have one. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. This story also ran on CBS News. It can be republished for free. Republican State Sen. Heather Cloud is the author of one of the most anti-democratic measures to be considered by the Louisiana Legislature in recent years. A mom charged with reckless endangerment and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of her 3-year-old had left her son with no adult supervision and spent the evening drinking in a bar despite being aware he was unwell, prosecutors say. Jennifer Prudencio, 25, of Chelsea, Massachusetts, has pleaded not guilty to the charges filed following the death of her son, Yael Guardado Prudencio, on Sunday. She was ordered held on $100,000 bail at her arraignment Wednesday. Missing Woman Found Dead in Arizona Desert After a Month of Searching Assistant Suffolk District Attorney Audrey Mark said Yael had a history of seizures and hemophilia, and hed been vomiting blood in the days before his death. On Saturday, hed vomited again and had been suffering from a fall-related head injury that hadnt healed properly when Prudencio chose to leave him in the care of his siblingswho are just 7 and 8 years oldwhile she went out, Mark alleged. The prosecutor said Prudencio drank alcohol for a number of hours at a bar and then chose to stay at her boyfriends house instead of returning home. Mark also alleged that that Prudencio had received a text from her 8-year-old at some stage in the night expressing concerns for Yaels well-being, attaching a video to show his condition. Prudencio allegedly replied to say she would be home soon but did not arrive until 10 a.m. on Sunday, when she found Yael dead. Mark said Prudencio told state police that she was aware of the seriousness of Yaels condition before leaving him in the care of his young siblings. She also allegedly admitted receiving the concerned text and video from her son but despite that she chose to stay out all night, Mark said, according to WBZ-TV. Prudencios attorney said the mom is severely distraught and called Yaels death a a terrible, terrible tragedy, WBTS-CD reports. Prudencio is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on May 2. 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. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe says she sewed freedom dresses for her young daughter Gabriella when she was imprisoned in Tehran (Getty) Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has revealed that she sewed freedom dresses for her young daughter Gabriella to help her survive the ordeal of six years in a brutal Iranian prison. The mother-of-one was falsely accused of espionage in 2016 when she was visiting family in Iran and was later imprisoned in the notoriously harsh Evin prison in Tehran. During the following six years, in which her husband Richard looked after their daughter alone back in the UK, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she would spend her hours endlessly knitting to pass the time. For months, I collected little bits of remaining wool from those who were about to be released, she said. Using them, I crocheted small flower motifs in various colours and by joining them together, I made a pinafore for my baby girl. I called it the freedom pinafore because the wool I used once belonged to those who were freed. She said friends sent her favourite fabrics from the Liberty London department store, which she would use to stitch clothing and make gifts for her fellow inmates. Nazanin-Zaghari Ratcliffe with her daughter Gabriella and husband Richard after being freed from prison (Channel 4 (screengrab)) I was always a huge fan of Liberty fabric and over time, had picked up some classic prints back in London but I never could bring myself to use any of them; they were too good to be cut up, she told Harpers Bazaar. Somehow though, I managed to get them sent over to me from London to Evin. Prison had taught me there was no such thing as a special moment; the only special moment we have is now. Ironically, the Liberty fabric that I had bought as a free person landed in my hands when I had no liberty at all, and connected me to the days I was free. After she was transferred from solitary confinement to the general inmates ward in Evin prison, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe said she and other prisoners spent hours crafting to pass the time. The longer you spent in solitary, the more you appreciated life in the general ward, she said. Sewing, knitting, woodwork and other forms of creativity affirmed a different world from prison. She said that now she has been released, and is back living in the UK, she still takes refuge in sewing when life is difficult. We eventually leave prison but our story remains, she said. Now, even living in freedom, the first place I take refuge when life is tough is my little sewing corner at home. Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe was freed in March 2022 after the British government repaid a debt of almost 400 million to Iran over a decades-long deal for tanks. Her husband Richard campaigned tirelessly for her release in the six years she was at Evin, including carrying out a hunger strike outside the Foreign Office in 2021. Travel and leisure company, TUI have announced on April 3 an additional aircraft will operate out of Exeter Airport in summer 2025 providing an additional 80,000 seats. TUI have said this additional aircraft supports their commitment to offering more choice and flexibility to customers across the UK, with an unrivalled approach to flying from local airports. This will mean that the summer 2025 programme will see: 25 flights per week from Exeter A new route to Ibiza - plus four weekly flights to Palma de Mallorca Tenerife and Lanzarote flights now being offered twice weekly in Summer, resulting in year-round flying to the Canary Islands Four Greek islands offered, including twice weekly Corfu, Heraklion, Rhodes and Zakynthos Four weekly flights to Turkey Four weekly flights to support Marella Cruise program to Corfu, Paphos and Palma de Mallorca 10- or 11- night holidays available to 11 destinations Andrew Flintham, TUI UK&I Managing Director, said: We are seeing an uptick in demand from customers in Devon and Cornwall, which is why we have deployed another of our aircraft to Exeter Airport for Summer 2025. This now means that two aircraft will be operating from the airport giving customers more overseas destinations to fly to, but also increases the flexibility in holiday duration and flight times. Stephen Wiltshire, Managing Director of Exeter Airport, said: Its great news that TUI are investing further in the development of their already extensive route network from Exeter Airport to a growing range of popular sunshine destinations. Its a significant boost for the airport and our regional economy, for our much-valued partnership with TUI and for people across the region who enjoy the convenience of flying from their local airport. The full 2025 summer programme is currently on sale via tui.co.uk, TUI retail stores and independent travel agents. Regina council endorses more development changes for $35M in federal funding despite loud opposition Regina city council has passed a second series of bylaw changes that are tied to accessing $35 million in funding from the federal government's housing accelerator fund. (Cory Herperger/CBC - image credit) Regina city council has passed the second stage of a series of development bylaw changes moving one step closer to $35 million in funding from the federal government's housing accelerator fund. The fund was created to facilitate the construction of new residential buildings and the addition of more units to existing neighbourhoods, amid a Canada-wide housing crisis. The City of Regina has confirmed the millions in funding would be used to drive 1,100 permit approvals for housing units in Regina by 2026. The 1,100 permits would be on top of the normal number of expected new housing units. The council meeting highlighted the tension between the goals of city council and the opposition of community groups. "Should we reject the $35 million from the federal government?" asked Ward 2 Councillor Bob Hawkins to the crowd of people that were there to speak to council. At one point, voices from the packed gallery at Regina city hall responded with a "yes." A majority of the 12 delegations that spoke were opposed to the proposed changes, which would enable the construction of multi-unit residential developments up to 20 metres in height (six-storeys), as-of-right, within 200 metres of a main transit route or transit hub. Many were representatives of community associations who said they were concerned that the proposed changes would disrupt the character of their existing neighbourhoods. Other delegates voiced concerns over the lack of public consultation. "You are making decisions from a pulpit," said Angela Ell of the Al Ritchie Community Association. Changes could reverse shrinking downtown population: expert Vanessa Matthews, a professor at the University of Regina's department of geography and environmental studies, was one of the few delegates to endorse the proposed changes. She highlighted how the proposed changes could shift population in the city's core neighbourhoods. Matthews highlighted how the recent update to the City of Regina's neighbourhood profiles with Statistics Canada data from 2021 shows that the Lakeview, Hillsdale, Heritage, Centre Square and North Central neighbourhoods lost population between 2016 and 2021. Downtown now only houses 430 people with an average age of 62, according to the data. She said the proposed changes could help reverse that trend. "I ask you to reflect on whether historic documents were written to tackle contemporary environmental or affordability issues," Matthews told council. "Today's decisions must take us into the future." City staff told council that more public consultation would not change their endorsement of the changes. They say they've had clear direction from council to prioritize the construction of new housing. These recommendations further those goals, multiple members of staff told council on Wednesday. Council unanimously endorsed the changes and the ability for the city to access $35 million in federal funding. An amendment to keep the Wascana Height Overlay Zone in place on portions of Albert Street, Broad Street, Hillsdale Street and 23rd Avenue immediately adjacent to Wascana Centre, instead of removing it all together as originally recommended by city staff, passed 6-4. A 13-metre height limit in that zone has been replaced by a 20-metre height limit. Any development above that height limit will have to be referred to the Provincial Capital Commission for comment. The Provincial Capital Commission agreed to the change. A schedule shown to council said more related bylaw updates will come in front of council in May and June. The city will perform an ongoing review after that. Accessibility at new Wascana Pool Council is committing $175,000 toward an elevator that would allow people with disabilities to access the waterslide at the new Wascana Pool. "Nobody wants to be left out," five-year-old Blake Turnbull told council. Blake Turnbull and her mother, Sarah, went before city council to advocate for accessibility to the waterslide at Wascana Pool. Blake Turnbull and her mother, Sarah, went before city council to advocate for accessibility to the waterslide at Wascana Pool. (Photo by Sarah Turnbull) Blake, who is a paraplegic, spoke to council along with her mother, Sarah Turnbull, advocating for the elevator. Council originally voted for an elevator in March of last year at a cost of $550,000. But in December that cost was said to have doubled. Sarah said the elevator would cost less than those estimates if it was specifically designed for what was needed. "This project is very possible," Sarah said. "We need to look for solutions." The city will put out a request for information soliciting potential solutions to the accessibility problem at the Wascana Pool, a process that will last until July 2024. If something is selected, but costs more than $175,000, then fundraising could help cover the difference. City administration said it will not have anything to do with that fundraising. Legend has it that 3,000 years ago, two gods took their fight for control of the Japanese islands to the sumo ring. With such a heritage, it is no wonder that sumo wrestling has remained the quintessential Japanese sport. Until now. Today, a towering 23-year-old American shattered an almost sacred barrier in a sport that is as much ritual as wrestling. Chad Rowan, known professionally as Akebono, was recommended for elevation to the sumo's exalted rank of yokozuna, or grand champion. His triumph is all the more significant because it comes less than a year after another American wrestler, Konishiki, was denied promotion to yokozuna even though his record was comparable to that of Japanese wrestlers who had won the title. Konishiki's complaints that racism had been a factor provoked an embarrassing controversy that reinforced Japan's image abroad as a closed society. A Convincing Victory Akebono, a Hawaiian like his predecessor, is 6 foot 8 and weighs 466 pounds. He earned his anointment by winning his second consecutive tournament on Sunday, and he did it in convincing fashion, blasting Japan's most popular sumo star out of the ring with a powerful shove to the jaw. President Biden today hosted Japans prime minister, Fumio Kishida, at the White House for a pomp-filled state visit. The two leaders announced plans for greater coordination and integration between their militaries, which Biden described as the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established. Later tonight, the Bidens are holding an official state dinner in honor of Kishida something reserved for Americas closest allies featuring a performance by Paul Simon. The tightening of the U.S.-Japan relationship is an important part of the Biden administrations efforts to counter Chinas aggressive actions in the Indo-Pacific region. Aides said one of Bidens goals is to create as much permanence in U.S. relationships in the region before a potential Donald Trump presidency could shake things up. Tomorrow, Biden and Kishida will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines. Biden and Kishida today outlined the formation of a joint defense council that could support more exports of equipment produced in Japan, new cooperation on ventures in space and collaboration between research institutions. Biden announced that NASAs Artemis program would take a Japanese astronaut to the moon, which would be a first for a non-American. A former Cornell University student pleaded guilty on Wednesday to posting a series of online messages shortly after the war in Gaza began last fall in which he threatened to stab, rape and behead Jewish people, federal prosecutors said. The former student, Patrick Dai, pleaded guilty to posting threats to kill or injure another person using interstate communications, according to federal prosecutors with the U.S. attorneys office for New Yorks Northern District. Mr. Dai, 21, who is originally from Pittsford, N.Y., is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, prosecutors said. This defendant is being held accountable for vile, abhorrent, antisemitic threats of violence levied against members of the Cornell University Jewish community, Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. Thirteen members of a Hasidic Jewish community were arraigned on Wednesday on charges stemming from a January incident in which a wall inside a famous Brooklyn synagogue was damaged by young men wielding a hammer and crowbar setting off a melee that was captured on video. The 13 people, all young men, pleaded not guilty in State Supreme Court in Brooklyn to charges that ranged from criminal mischief to obstructing governmental administration. Another four defendants were absent because they were in Israel, according to their lawyer, Levi Huebner. Justice Adam Perlmutter ordered the defendants, many of whom are from Israel, to turn over their passports. He denied prosecutors request to ban the young men from the synagogue, on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, which is where they both worship and study. The synagogue is a part of a complex of buildings that are centered by a gothic revival structure at 770 Eastern Parkway and is the global headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Referred to as 770, it is one of the most significant religious sites in New York. There were cherry blossoms. There were silk and glass butterflies. There were toasts. There was an entree inspired by a California roll and a performance by Paul Simon. But before that, there was the photo op, and the fashion. On Wednesday evening, as the Bidens hosted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan and his wife, Yuko Kishida, at the fifth state dinner of the Biden administration, Jill Biden, wearing an evening dress from Oscar de la Renta, stood with her husband to greet their guests of honor at the North Portico. Designed by Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim, the dress flowed in a watery fade from sapphire blue to light silver and was covered in hand-embroidered floral geometric beading. Why did it matter? It wasnt as symbolically obvious as the cherry blossom print gown worn by Naomi Biden or Hillary Clintons heavy silk caftan, but in opting for de la Renta, the first lady was not simply supporting an American company that represents the melting pot myth of the country. She was connecting to a longstanding relationship: Oscar de la Renta has dressed almost every first lady since Jackie Kennedy; Dr. Biden first wore the label for her inaugural state dinner in 2022. You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. What Biden and Kishida Agreed To in Their Effort to Bolster Ties As they look to contain an increasingly aggressive China, the United States and Japan announced dozens of new agreements, including on military, economic, climate and space matters. Share full article Video transcript Back bars 0:00 / 1:00 - 0:00 transcript Biden Hosts Japans Prime Minister at the White House President Biden called the United States and Japan the closest of friends during a welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict. It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends. Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Kishida, welcome back to the White House. President Biden called the United States and Japan the closest of friends during a welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Credit Credit... Shuran Huang for The New York Times It was all very polite. Ambassadors, billionaires, a smattering of Biden family members and even one former president were all in attendance at the fifth state dinner President Biden and Jill Biden, the first lady, have held since taking office. The gauzy celebration leaned heavily into Japanese fans, cherry blossoms and other tokens of the softer side of the U.S.-Japan relationship. The substance of the state visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was focused on finding ways to counter China, but the style of the dinner was all about highlighting a capital city that owes its springtime resplendence, in large part, to the diplomatic overtures of the Japanese. A senior Hamas official said on Wednesday that Hamas did not have 40 living hostages in Gaza who met the criteria for an exchange under a proposed cease-fire agreement with Israel being negotiated. A senior Israeli official said Israel had been relayed Hamass claim, and the senior Hamas official said that the group had informed mediators facilitating the negotiations. The Israeli official and the Hamas official requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. The assertion raised fears that more hostages might be dead than previously believed and came as talks between Hamas and Israel stalled amid disagreements over the permanency of a cease-fire, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and other issues. International negotiators have proposed an initial six-week cease-fire during which Hamas would release a first group of 40 hostages including women, older people, ill hostages and five female Israeli soldiers in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons as well as other demands. Israeli officials believe there are about 130 hostages remaining in Gaza, and Israeli intelligence officers have concluded that at least 30 of those have died in captivity. It was not immediately clear if Israel would now demand that young men and soldiers be included among the first 40 released captives. Those hostages had been expected to have to wait for a later phase of the deal. The development came days after the Israeli military said it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage who, like around 240 others, was abducted during the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack. The Israeli government and Hamas held a brief cease-fire in Gaza in November to allow for the release of around 100 hostages captured during the assault in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, offering a respite from a devastating bombing campaign. The writer Deborah Feldman has been rattling expectations ever since she published Unorthodox, a 2012 memoir of her departure from her Hasidic community in New York, which was later made into an acclaimed Netflix series. Feldman, whose first language is Yiddish, emigrated to Berlin a decade ago. She has published books in English and German. And since the start of the Israel-Hamas war last October, her writings and interviews have touched a nerve in Germany, where she is now a citizen. She became a rare voice in German media: a Jewish writer critical of Germanys unquestioning support of Israel, and the stifling of dissenting voices in the countrys cultural institutions. She joined more than a hundred Jewish writers, artists and academics who signed a letter condemning Germanys ban on gatherings showing support for Palestinians, and, in a widely shared television appearance, she emotionally accused German political leaders of misapplying the lessons of the crimes of the Third Reich. At a recent lunch in central Berlin, at a restaurant around the corner from the citys restored grand synagogue, we discussed the rise and fall of a cultural capital, the place of Jews in contemporary German society, and how the legacy of the Holocaust shapes a culture of both historical responsibility and political fear. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Youve been living here in Berlin since 2014. How big of an adjustment was it from your earlier life in New York? For Kehew, a producer of Fiona Apples Extraordinary Machine and an expert on both the Beatles and Moog synthesizers, the recovery of the Who recordings underscored the fact that significant tapes might be sitting in someones attic or barn or basement and not where they belong, in a record company vault or an artists archive. The obstacle to getting these tapes back in the right hands has always been the time and effort involved, he said. But what if there was a facile way to connect everyone that doesnt involve a lot of hassle or red tape? The answer may be Master Tape Rescue, a company recently started by Kehew and his partner, Danny White, a fellow music industry veteran. The company acts as an archival matchmaking service of sorts, cataloging recordings from studios or private collections and then vetting and connecting rights holders with tape holders. Art of Craft is a series about craftspeople whose work rises to the level of art. On a summer day in 2018, Blanka Amezkua arrived in San Salvador Huixcolotla. The southeastern Mexican town is best known as the birthplace of papel picado intricately cut, colorful tissue-paper banners popular at Mexican festivities and Amezkua had come hoping to learn the centuries-old techniques for crafting it. She flagged down a cab and asked the driver if he happened to know anyone who made the delicate paper flags. The man took her to his brother Don Rene Mendoza, who, by sheer chance, was a master of the trade. After speaking with Amezkua for more than five hours, Mendoza agreed to pass the craft tradition on to her. Papel picado (punched paper in Spanish) has its roots in pre-Columbian times, when the Indigenous Nahuatl people of Mexico made amate paper from the bark of mulberry and fig trees, said Marcelo Alejandro Ramirez Garcia-Rojas, the curator of the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen, Texas. Beginning in the 1500s, he said, Spanish missionaries became deeply familiar with pre-Columbian traditions in an effort to combat them and convert local populations, and practices such as amate production were discouraged or even banned. The Spanish also began importing papel china thin, tissue-like paper from China, often used to wrap other goods. This confluence led to the creation of the papel picado used today to decorate a variety of celebrations in Mexican culture, most notably Day of the Dead, when it is placed around altars of deceased loved ones. The movement of the paper is said to signal the presence of the dead, and the delicate material symbolizes the ephemerality of life. O.J. Simpson lived a life that made him one of the most famous people in America. He was a Heisman Trophy winner and a star for the Buffalo Bills, and he made fortunes as a Hollywood actor and a commercial pitchman he was the first Black star of a national television advertising campaign. Then, in 1994, he was charged in the double murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson, who was 76, died yesterday at his home in Las Vegas. The cause was cancer, according to his family. You can read his full obituary here. Simpsons 1995 murder trial held up a cracked mirror to Black and white America and mesmerized the nation, which followed along on daily national television broadcasts. The jury acquitted him, but questions about his guilt or innocence never went away. He was found liable for the deaths in a 1997 civil trial and was ordered to pay $33.5 million, although he paid little of the debt and struggled to stay out of trouble. He sold a book manuscript giving a hypothetical account of the murders, but after a public outcry, Ronald Goldmans family secured the book rights. Alongside its $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, gallon tubs of mayonnaise and value packs of socks, Costco, the warehouse retailer, has been selling gold bars since October. Now Costco is selling up to $200 million worth of gold and silver each month, according to an analysis from Wells Fargo. Online forums and Reddit threads have cropped up where customers give one another advice on how to purchase the bars before they sell out. Ive gotten a couple of calls that people have seen online that weve been selling one-ounce gold bars, yes, but when we load them on the site, theyre typically gone within a few hours, Richard Galanti, Costcos executive vice president and chief financial officer, said in an earnings call in September. Jackson Hinkle has cultivated an online persona so incendiary that he has been kicked off YouTube, Twitch and Instagram. He rages on undaunted, even energized. He produces a regular podcast on Rumble, a website popular with many prominent conservatives. He writes dozens of posts a day on X, where his following has surged to 2.5 million from 417,000 in the six months since Oct. 7 the day Hamas fighters mounted their assault on Israel. Along the way, he has employed false or misleading content, promoted manipulated images and made comments that watchdog organizations have denounced as antisemitic. He calls himself an American patriot even as he praises American adversaries, including Vladimir V. Putin, Xi Jinping and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. DROP A LIKE if you stand with IRAN in the face of ISRAELI TERRORISM! he wrote last week on X after an Israeli airstrike in Syria killed several Iranian military officials. A day later he addressed the Houthi leadership in Yemen over video, praising the group for its attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. NPR is facing both internal tumult and a fusillade of attacks by prominent conservatives this week after a senior editor publicly claimed the broadcaster had allowed liberal bias to affect its coverage, risking its trust with audiences. Uri Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, wrote in an essay published Tuesday by The Free Press, a popular Substack publication, that people at every level of NPR have comfortably coalesced around the progressive worldview. Mr. Berliner, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, castigated NPR for what he said was a litany of journalistic missteps around coverage of several major news events, including the origins of Covid-19 and the war in Gaza. He also said the internal culture at NPR had placed race and identity as paramount in nearly every aspect of the workplace. Mr. Berliners essay has ignited a firestorm of criticism of NPR on social media, especially among conservatives who have long accused the network of political bias in its reporting. Former President Donald J. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to argue that NPRs government funding should be rescinded, an argument he has made in the past. Chinese NEVs become a booster of automobile transformation Xinhua) 08:15, April 11, 2024 This photo taken on June 19, 2023 shows workers working at a factory of Lotus in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. (Xinhua/Cheng Min) China's NEVs not only provide diversified choices for global consumers, but also help more countries achieve green and low-carbon transformation and sustainable development. HEFEI/PARIS, April 10 (Xinhua) -- In addition to the EU's mandate for customs registration of electric vehicle (EV) imports from China and potential retroactive tariffs, the United States and Britain are also preparing to conduct so-called anti-subsidy investigations or national security risk investigations into China's EV. China's EV exports face headwinds. This is because relevant countries are pursuing protectionism and trade barriers in the name of "fair competition" and "national security," which violates the principles of market economy and WTO rules. It also reflects the growing competitiveness of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) industry. During a recent field visit, Xinhua reporters found that Chinese NEVs' competitive advantages depend not on subsidies, but on supply chain integrity and industrial concentration, full market competition, and rapid technology upgrade promoted by the super-large market. China's NEVs not only provide diversified choices for global consumers, but also help more countries achieve green and low-carbon transformation and sustainable development. The first-mover advantage of China's auto industry in the transition to new energy is driving the transformation of the global auto industry. Relying on technological innovation and excellent quality developed through competition in the global market, Chinese NEVs are highly popular in Europe. Chinese-made electric cars will capture a quarter of the EU market in 2024, up from 19.5 percent in 2023, Europe's clean transport campaign group Transport and Environment (T&E) said in a recent study. T&E projects that Chinese brands could reach 11 percent of the EU's EV market in 2024 and 20 percent in 2027. "Tariffs won't shield legacy carmakers for long," said Julia Poliscanova, senior director for vehicles and emobility supply chains at T&E. Trade protectionism almost always distorts market relations, which is ineffective and costly, said an article recently published on the German business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche. An increasing number of Chinese automobile brands, especially EV brands, are entering Britain and British consumers are open to that, said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in Britain. Workers are busy at a production line of the new energy vehicle AVATR at a workshop of Chang'an Auto in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, July 20, 2023. (Xinhua/Li Qianlei) The incoming Chinese brands are good for both UK consumers and the industry, the British motor industry leader said, explaining that the entry of these brands to the UK market stimulates competition, which in turn promotes innovation. In the "battery valley" in northern France, Chinese enterprises actively join local projects to produce electric vehicles and batteries, a partnership widely appreciated by a region keen on green re-industrialization. With four "gigafactories" announced in three years, the "battery valley" is interested in "taking on strengths from all countries, including Chinese players who have gained a real lead in battery and electric vehicle technology so that we can also benefit from their know-how," said Yann Pitollet, CEO of Nord France Invest. In February, Volkswagen agreed to carry out strategic technical collaboration with Chinese automakers XPeng to develop two intelligent connected vehicle models for the Chinese market. Brandstatter said cooperation with XPeng helps them accelerate research and development, improve efficiency and optimize cost structure. Rob de Jong, head of the Sustainable Mobility Unit at the United Nations Environment Programme, said that China is a leader in electrification and the promotion of EVs. He hoped that China will share its experience with the world, especially the Global South, and its technology to improve the affordability of EVs around the world. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An American University of Sharjah (AUS) research team has filed a provisional patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a blockchain system they developed to improve the carbon credits trading (CCT) market. CCT uses a marketplace to buy and sell credits that allow companies or other parties to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide. Governments set limits on emissions, and companies that emit less than their limit can sell their excess credits to those that exceed their limit. CCT encourages companies to reduce their carbon emissions and invest in cleaner technologies, ultimately helping to combat climate change. The AUS teams new blockchain system aims to address the inefficiencies and challenges associated with current CCT platforms by automating a number of the components, including registering participants, generating credits, tracking, and trading as well as measuring carbon emissions. These improvements will help ensure transparency, immutability and credibility of operations and data records. Reducing operational costs This innovation streamlines the carbon credit trading process and offers significant benefits such as reducing operational costs, processing time and mitigating risks associated with double-spending and lack of transparency, which current CCT systems face. It also aligns with the United Nations' goal of combating climate change by enabling governments to leverage CCT effectively. It empowers countries and organisations to track and monitor greenhouse gas emissions, facilitating carbon credit trading while also aiding in the development of strategies to control and reduce emissions, said Dr Malick Ndiaye, Professor in Industrial Engineering and research lead. He added: The new technology could contribute to a reduction in air pollution, resulting in a healthier environment for people with improved air quality, reducing the risk of respiratory illnesses and other health issues associated with air pollution. The technology's ability to reduce operational costs and processing time in carbon credit trading can create economic opportunities for businesses and investors, leading to job creation, increased investment in sustainable technologies and overall economic growth. Social equity Our technology offers transparency and access to carbon credit trading, which promotes social equity by ensuring that all stakeholders, including marginalised communities, have equal access to environmental resources and opportunities. Four years in the making, the technology was exclusively developed within the College of Engineering (CEN) at AUS, with full support from full-time PhD student Dr Alia Al Sadawi and an AUS Faculty Research Grant. Currently, a portion of the research is undergoing implementation in a prototyping phase at AUS to complete a case study on real time carbon emission measurement and monitoring. This new development phase is also supported by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre. The research team is working with the Technology Transfer Office at AUS to secure external funding and strong market partnerships for the technologys future expansion and scaling. Fuelled by a diverse community of scholars, researchers and students, AUS conducts cutting-edge research across a wide range of disciplines, addressing pressing global challenges and advancing knowledge for the betterment of society. Theres a struggle for law and order in many of the worlds tropical forests, and nature is losing. Last week, I wrote about the major progress Colombia made in 2023, slashing deforestation rates by 49 percent in a single year. But this week, we learned the trend reversed significantly in the first quarter of this year. Preliminary figures show tree loss was up 40 percent since the start of the year, Colombias Minister of Environment, Susana Muhamad, told reporters on Monday. Why have things changed so quickly? Mostly because a single armed group controls much of Colombias rainforests. Muhamad explained that conflicts with Estado Mayor Central, a group that is thought to run a sprawling cocaine operation among other illegal activities, were partly behind the striking numbers. In this case, nature is being placed in the middle of the conflict, she said. According to experts, E.M.C. had largely banned deforestation and in recent months it seems to have allowed it again. A 2023 United Nations report referred to this entanglement between drug trafficking and environmental crime as narco-deforestation. Perhaps nowhere is that phenomenon more clear than in Colombia, a country thats both a stage for the decades-old global war on drugs and one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, where the Andes Mountains meet the vast Amazon rainforest. President Biden plans to expand the perimeters of two national monuments in California, protecting mountains and meadows in a remote area between Napa and Mendocino as well as a rugged stretch east of Los Angeles, two people familiar with the administrations plans said Thursday. The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument will each get new boundaries designed to protect land of cultural significance to Native American tribes, as well as biodiversity and wildlife corridors, said the people, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to discuss the plans publicly. The San Gabriel monument encompasses 342,177 acres of the Angeles National Forest and 4,002 acres of neighboring San Bernardino National Forest. Mr. Biden intends to expand the monument by approximately 110,000 acres. The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument includes nearly 331,000 acres of protected land in parts of Napa, Yolo, Solano, Lake, Colusa, Glenn and Mendocino counties. It would be expanded by about 13,753 acres under Mr. Bidens plan. One of the most haunting moments in Alex Garlands new drama Civil War comes in the form of a question. A soldier, fingering the trigger of his assault rifle, confronts a group of terrified journalists: What kind of American are you? he asks. That question, and its underlying impulse to divide and demonize, is at the heart of why Garland made a much-anticipated and already much-debated film about the implosion of the United States. Civil War, opening Friday, warns against the dangers of extreme partisanship, Garland said in a recent interview the horrors that can happen when American citizens, or any other group of people, turn on themselves. I think civil war is just an extension of a situation, said Garland, the 53-year-old British director behind Ex Machina and Men. That situation is polarization and the lack of limiting forces on polarization. A Black single mother (Patricia Williams) has a nervous breakdown and leaves her four children in the care of an aged tyrant (June Squibb) for the summer. Squibb has played plenty of cackling grannies; even so, Ms. Sturak is her most unhinged. I watch Madea movies! I know how to discipline you! she screams, pistol in hand. Those sensitive to slurs will be relieved when she keels over. So are the kids, who ignominiously dispose of the corpse and then realize they need money for food. The rapid-fire script by Chuck Hayward squeezes a joke into every sentence and an economic dig into almost every scene. Tanya is aghast that a rideshare driving shift barely covers a restaurant bill; later, her new boss (Nicole Richie) at a fast-fashion brand shrugs off a rash of factory employee suicides. Even condensing the story, theres no fixing the ridiculous ending by which point the film is out of gas. But despite being affixed to the guardrails of a reboot, this naughty thrill boasts some boisterous jolts and a charming romance between Tanya and a more emotionally developed boy (Miles Fowler) who inspires her to grow up. Dont Tell Mom the Babysitters Dead Rated R for teen drug use, language and some sexual references. Running time: 1 hour 39 minutes. In theaters. Not one man in America wanted the Civil War, or expected or intended it, Henry Adams, grandson of John Quincy Adams, declared at the beginning of the 20th century. What may seem inevitable to us in hindsight the horrifying consequences of a country in political turmoil, given to violence and rived by slavery came as a shock to many of the people living through it. Even those who anticipated it hardly seemed prepared for its violent magnitude. In this respect at least, the current division that afflicts the United States seems different from the Civil War. If there ever is a second civil war, it wont be for lack of imagining it. The most prominent example arrives this week in the form of an action blockbuster titled Civil War. The film, written and directed by Alex Garland, presents a scenario in which the government is at war with breakaway states and the president has been, in the eyes of part of the country, delegitimized. Some critics have denounced the project, arguing that releasing the film in this particular election year is downright dangerous. They assume that even just talking about a future national conflict could make it a reality, and that the film risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is wrong. Not only does this criticism vastly overrate the power of the written word or the moving image, but it looks past the real forces sending the United States toward ever-deeper division: inequality; a hyperpartisan duopoly; and an antiquated and increasingly dysfunctional Constitution. Mere stories are not powerful enough to change those realities. But these stories can wake us up to the threats we are facing. The greatest political danger in America isnt fascism, and it isnt wokeness. Its inertia. America needs a warning. The reason for a surge in anxiety over a civil war is obvious. The Republican National Committee, now under the control of the presumptive nominee, has asked job candidates if they believe the 2020 election was stolen an obvious litmus test. Extremism has migrated into mainstream politics, and certain fanciful fictions have migrated with it. In 1997, a group of Texas separatists were largely considered terrorist thugs and their movement, if it deserved that title, fizzled out after a weeklong standoff with the police. Just a few months ago, Texas took the federal government to court over control of the border. Armed militias have camped out along the border. Thats not a movie trailer. Thats happening. After Russias first invasion of Ukraine in 2014, a rare consensus formed in Washington around the conviction that America must provide military support to Ukraines resistance. Three administrations and large majorities of both parties in Congress have consistently held that President Vladimir Putins aggression cannot be tolerated. When has such deep solidarity last occurred on any difficult subject? Now members of Congress are arguing that we must turn away from spending more money to help Ukraine, choosing instead to focus on our own needs, pursuing our own interests. This is a false choice. The choices facing America are always based on the same foundation: what best serves our nation. The choice is not America first or something else first. America is always first. The real question, in this complicated and uncertain world, is what course of action will most likely serve our core national interests security and economic prosperity. Those interests are inextricably linked to the strength of our global alliances and the international system of law and cooperation in which American democracy survives and prospers. And the strength of those networks, in turn, depends on our role as a trusted ally and friend, on our credibility and frankly on our virtue. He has an easy smile, blue eyes and a life-threatening bone infection in one arm. Grateful for treatment, he jokes with the medical intern each morning. A friend, a fellow doctor, is supervising the mans care. We both work as internists at a public hospital in the medical safety net, a loose term for institutions that disproportionately serve patients on Medicaid or without insurance. You could describe the safety net in another way, too, as a place that holds up a mirror to our nation. What is reflected can be difficult to face. Its this: After learning that antibiotics arent eradicating his infection and amputation is the only chance for cure, the man withdraws, says barely a word to the intern. When she asks what hes thinking, his reply is so tentative that she has to prompt him to repeat himself. Now with a clear voice, he tells her that if his arm must be amputated, he doesnt want to live. She doesnt understand what its like to survive on the streets, he continues. With a disability, hell be a target robbed, assaulted. Hed rather die, unless, he says later, someone can find him a permanent apartment. In that case, hell proceed with the amputation. The psychiatrists evaluate him. Hes not suicidal. His reasoning is logical. The social workers search for rooms, but in San Francisco far more people need long-term rehousing than the available units can accommodate. That the medical care the patient is receiving exceeds the cost of a years rent makes no practical difference. Eventually, the palliative care doctors see him. He transitions to hospice and dies. A death certificate would say he died of sepsis from a bone infection, but my friend and I have a term for the illness that killed him: end-stage poverty. We needed to coin a phrase because so many of our patients die of the same thing. To understand the remarkable moral, political and intellectual collapse of the pro-life movement, look to the Alabama Supreme Court, not just to Donald Trumps recent pledge not to sign a national abortion ban or Kari Lakes flip-flop on Arizonas reinstated 1864 anti-abortion law. When the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that I.V.F. embryos were subject to the states wrongful death statute, it forced the pro-life movement to fully examine the cultural and political implications of its position on unborn children, and pro-life Republicans blinked. They caved, almost instantly, on a core philosophical element of the movement the incalculable value of every human life no matter how small and the movement is now standing by or even applauding as Trump is turning the Republican Party into a pro-choice party, one more moderate than the Democrats, but pro-choice still. The traditional pro-life argument comes from different religious and secular sources, but they all rest on a common belief: From the moment of conception, an unborn child is a separate human life. Yes, the baby is completely dependent on the mother, but it is still a separate human life. The babys life isnt more important than the mothers which is why the best-drafted pro-life laws protect the life and physical health of the mother but it possesses incalculable worth nonetheless. Absent extreme circumstances, the unborn child must not be intentionally killed. And while pro-life Americans can disagree about how to protect unborn children whether its primarily through legal restrictions, primarily through measures meant to reduce the demand for abortion, or primarily through a combination of abortion restrictions or financial assistance to mothers and families there has long been agreement on that one core claim: From the moment of conception, an unborn child is a person worth protecting. LAGOS, Nigeria For the past decade, Nigerias best-known ambassadors have, arguably, been its musicians: Burna Boy, WizKid, Davido, Tiwa Savage Asake and Tems, who have popularized Afrobeats beyond West Africa. At a moment when music, literature, visual art and food from across the African continent continue to gain global popularity, fashion designers, particularly those from Nigeria, are ready for their industry to take center stage. Designers have become better and more confident, said Reni Folawiyo, owner of Alara, a popular concept store in Lagos. Some have come back from different parts of the world and are creating things that are interesting to people; some are making more contemporary pieces that people can wear every day. Theres more variety, and people feel proud to be wearing things made by Africans. In 2023, Alara opened a pop-up shop as part of the Brooklyn Museums Africa Fashion exhibition. Currently the global fashion community is looking to the African continent for more than inspiration, said Ernestine White-Mifetu, the Sills Foundation curator of African art at the Brooklyn Museum. The fashion world at large is finally ready to pay attention. Where to Eat and Drink in Milan Right Now A new generation of bars, restaurants and bakeries are reinvigorating the Italian citys food scene. In a forest green-painted corner storefront a few blocks from Brooklyn Bridge Park, just before Cobble Hill gives way to the East River, the team behind the Brooklyn restaurants Oxalis and Place des Fetes is opening a bakery called Laurel. Starting Friday, visitors will find baguettes and sweet potato Pullman loaves showcased on shelves behind the register, while pastries flaky escargots stuffed with ramps and Cantal cheese, shiny caneles await on silver trays. Chef Nico Russell, who oversees the menus at all three places, hired Craig Escalante, whose 12 years of experience includes time at New Yorks Bien Cuit, as head baker. At lunchtime, Laurel will offer sandwiches featuring focaccia that Escalante makes using amazake a liquid made from koji-fermented rice for added flavor. Danishes are made with mascarpone and blueberries foraged in Maine and Canada by Tama Matsuoka Wong. She has a gigantic network here on the East Coast, so shes got access to so much great stuff each season, especially wild blueberries, Russell says. Other made-in-house specialties include salty half-pound blocks of butter for sale and alternative milks (almond and sunflower) to mix with coffee from the Brooklyn-based roaster Sey. Laurel is geared toward takeaway orders, though there are three tables outside. Those who want to enjoy the bakerys bread in a sit-down setting can find its sourdough at Place des Fetes, in Clinton Hill, and toasted sandwiches at the old Oxalis space in Crown Heights, which is scheduled to reopen as an (as yet unnamed) all-day cafe in mid-May. Laurel opens April 12, laurelbakery.com. We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe. President Biden used a first-ever joint meeting with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines on Thursday to expand a web of security and economic alliances in the Indo-Pacific that American officials believe will serve as a shield against Chinese aggression. Flanked by his counterparts and his top diplomatic aides at the White House, Mr. Biden said the countries were deepening our maritime and security ties and offered a blunt message clearly aimed at Chinas actions in the South China Sea. I want to be clear, the United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad, Mr. Biden said. Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, has described the diplomatic effort in Southeast Asia as one of a series of endeavors by like-minded nations to push back against Chinas activities in trade, technology and military aggression. Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer whose pitched battles with former President Donald J. Trumps supporters on and after Jan. 6, 2021, vaulted him to political stardom, was greeted Tuesday evening in Annapolis, Md., like a celebrity. But there was also an undercurrent of skepticism among attendees at the Beacon Waterfront Restaurant, where he appeared at a campaign event to bolster his candidacy for the U.S. House. We have a person here with a proven legislative record, Jessica Sunshine, an Annapolis Democrat, told Mr. Dunn, referring to State Senator Sarah Elfreth, his main opponent in next months Democratic primary. But, she added, You have heart. But Mr. Dunn, an imposing former offensive lineman who stands 6-foot-7-inches and 325 pounds, didnt shy away from the reason he is running: to save what he sees as democracy on the edge. This moment, right now? It calls for a fighter, he said. In a meeting with her staff last week, Vice President Kamala Harris offered a prediction: Former President Donald J. Trump would not support a national abortion ban. Instead, she said, he would take a position that would muddy the waters on an issue that she believed could be deeply damaging for his campaign. We need to make him own this, she told her aides. Days later, as rumors circulated that a court ruling was coming on Arizonas abortion ban, Ms. Harris instructed that an event in Tucson about student loans should instead focus on abortion rights, according to three Democratic officials familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the internal deliberations. On Tuesday, Arizonas top court upheld an 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions. And on Friday, before more than 100 abortion rights activists and supporters, Ms. Harris plans to deliver a simple message: Blame Donald Trump. From campaigns for state legislatures to the race for the White House, Democrats have unified around a central message of protecting what remains of abortion access in the United States, along with the availability of long-established reproductive health measures like contraception and fertility treatments. Speaker Mike Johnson may not have a functional majority in Congress, but his job is similar to the Republicans who preceded him in at least one respect: The duties include the difficult task of managing Donald J. Trump. Mr. Johnson on Friday will travel to Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trumps Florida estate, to join him for what the speaker has billed as a major announcement on election integrity. No further details have been forthcoming. The two men had been planning to get together for a political meeting, but Mr. Johnsons team suggested a joint public appearance on a topic Mr. Trump cares deeply about, according to two people familiar with the planning. It will afford Mr. Johnson the opportunity to stand shoulder to shoulder with Mr. Trump at a precarious moment in his speakership, as he works to corral a minuscule and deeply divided majority around a legislative agenda many of them oppose all while facing the threat of an ouster from Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a far-right Georgia Republican and ride-or-die Trump ally. Making matters even trickier, Mr. Trump, the former president and presumptive Republican presidential nominee, is helping to undermine that agenda. Almost from the moment former President Donald J. Trump was charged last June with mishandling a trove of highly secret classified documents, the spotlight in the case has been fixed as it usually is on him. But on Friday afternoon, the focus will shift, at least briefly, to Mr. Trumps two co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. Their lawyers will square off in court with federal prosecutors in an effort to have the charges they are facing dismissed. Prosecutors say that both men who still work for Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence in Florida conspired with the former president to hide boxes containing classified material from the government and then took part in a related plot to destroy security camera footage of the boxes being moved. The men have also been accused of lying to investigators. In some sense, Mr. Nauta, a personal aide who met Mr. Trump while serving as a valet at the White House, and Mr. De Oliveira, who rose at Mar-a-Lago from parking cars to working as the property manager, are merely supporting players in the larger drama starring Mr. Trump. Welcome back to Trump on Trial. Ill be filling in for Maggie Haberman and Alan Feuer today. Starting on Monday, Ill be part of the Times team of reporters covering the first criminal trial of a former American president. It will unfold in a dingy courthouse just blocks from New Yorks City Hall, and well be there for every twist and turn. It should be a doozy, complete with hush money, a porn star and a fuming defendant. And oh, yes, it could test the resilience of our legal institutions and the concept that no individual is above the law. Donald Trumps trial is the culmination of a case that has been hotly contested since it was unveiled last spring. After months of legal machinations, including three long-shot appeal attempts this week, it seems to be on track to actually begin: Jury selection is scheduled to start on Monday. Testimony is expected to last weeks, amid a level of media scrutiny that some have likened to the O.J. Simpson trial nearly three decades ago. This is no murder trial, but it still has sensational elements: Trump faces 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to try to hide a sexual encounter he is alleged to have had with Stormy Daniels, a porn star he met in 2006. The former president denies the charges and having had sex with her. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley of the Wisconsin Supreme Court said on Thursday that she would not seek a fourth term next year, setting up another heated contest for majority control of the closely divided court. Justice Walsh Bradley is one of the four liberals on Wisconsins highest court; the three remaining justices are conservative. Justice Walsh Bradley, 73, has served on the court since 1995. In a statement, she cited her long tenure on the court 29 years and her desire to continue a commitment to public service after retiring. I know I can do the job and do it well, Justice Walsh Bradley said. I know I can win re-election, should I run. But, its just time to pass the torch, bringing fresh perspectives to the court. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that it is coordinating an investigation into illnesses linked with injections of botulinum toxin, commonly called Botox, across several states. As of April 12, 19 people across nine states have reported harmful reactions after Botox injections, the agency said. The injections were administered in nonmedical settings, the C.D.C. said in a statement, which could include homes or cosmetic spas. In at least some cases, the shots were counterfeit. The Tennessee Department of Health said that four people in the state had gotten sick with botulism-like symptoms, including two who were hospitalized after receiving possible counterfeit injections. And health officials in Illinois have also warned health care providers to watch out for patients with symptoms of botulism after two people developed blurred or double vision, facial drooping, fatigue, hoarse voices and had difficulty breathing after injections of Botox or a possible counterfeit product. A U.S. commander went to Israel amid fears of Iranian attack A senior U.S. military commander traveled to Israel yesterday to coordinate with top officials there on what is expected to be imminent retaliatory action by Iran, as well as to discuss the war in Gaza, officials said. Irans leaders have repeatedly vowed to punish Israel for an April 1 strike in Syria that killed several senior Iranian commanders. U.S. officials have said they are bracing for a possible Iranian response, and Israel has put its military on alert. The generals visit came a day after President Biden said that Iran was threatening a significant attack. Biden stated that despite recent friction, U.S. support for Israel is ironclad in the event of an attack by Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that, amid the war in Gaza, Israel was prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. He added, We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. Truong My Lan, a Vietnamese real estate tycoon, was sentenced to death on Thursday for her role in a financial fraud case, in a major display of the ruling Communist Partys resolve to crack down on corruption. A court in Ho Chi Minh City sentenced Ms. Lan, who was arrested in 2022 and faced charges of bribing government officials, violating banking regulations and embezzling more than $12 billion from one of Vietnams largest banks. The trial for Ms. Lan, who was the chairwoman of the real estate developer Van Thinh Phat Group, was part of the governments campaign against corruption. The leader of Vietnams Communist Party, Nguyen Phu Trong, has sought for years to stamp out corruption as the nation emerges as a major manufacturing hub and as one of Asias fastest-growing economies. Mr. Trong launched the anti-corruption drive in 2016, saying that graft could threaten the survival of the Communist Party, which has governed the country for nearly half a century. The campaign has led to the downfall of many business leaders and top officials, including former President Vo Van Thuong, who resigned in March amid corruption allegations. Five years after Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder, was first imprisoned in a high-security facility in Britain while fighting a United States extradition request, the Biden administration has given the clearest signal to date that it might drop its prosecution of him. But Mr. Assanges wife said on Thursday that her hopes were tempered by the reality that his extradition case had reached a critical moment. Its been five years, and hes at the closest hes ever been to extradition now, his wife, Stella Assange, said in an interview, adding, Obviously with a comment like this from the president, its a good sign and we receive it with hope. But, you know, that doesnt stop us from dreading the worst. President Biden, when asked by a reporter on Wednesday about a request from Australia, Mr. Assanges home country, that he be allowed to return there, replied, Were considering it. Those three words offered the suggestion that the United States might no longer pursue Mr. Assange on charges under the Espionage Act over WikiLeaks publishing of tens of thousands of secret military and diplomatic documents more than a decade ago. Ukraine desperately needs to replenish its depleted forces in the face of relentless Russian attacks. So it has lowered the draft age from 27 to 25. That means that more young people will have to leave their jobs to join the army. And face an almost certain future of violence and tragedy. The Israeli military announced what it called a precise operation to kill members of Hamas in Gaza on Thursday, a day after a strike there killed relatives of one of the groups most senior leaders. Ismail Haniyeh, who leads the political wing of Hamas from exile, said three of his sons had been killed in the Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza on Wednesday. Hamas-affiliated media reported that three of Mr. Haniyehs grandchildren also were killed in the attack. On Thursday, Israels military said that its forces had carried out a precise, intelligence-based operation in central Gaza overnight with fighter jets and ground troops to eliminate terrorist operatives and strike terrorist infrastructure. It was not immediately clear whether the operation was related to the strike a day earlier against Mr. Haniyehs sons, who the Israeli military said had been on their way to carry out terrorist activities in central Gaza. It did not provide further details, and the militarys claims could not be verified. The Israeli military said that the three Haniyeh sons it killed Amir, Mohammad and Hazem were active in Hamass military operations, Amir as a cell commander and his brothers as lower-level operatives. One of the brothers was also involved in holding hostages, the Israeli military said, without specifying which one. The strike came as international negotiators worked to broker a cease-fire in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages held in the enclave. Those talks have stalled over disagreements about the details, with a senior Hamas official saying Wednesday that the group did not have 40 living hostages who met the criteria for an exchange under the proposal being discussed. Six months into the Israel-Hamas war, the people of Gaza are facing a hunger crisis that the United Nations says borders on famine. The crisis in Gaza is entirely human-made, a result of Israels war on Hamas and a near-complete siege of the territory, aid experts say. Conflicts were also at the root of the other two disasters in the last two decades that were classified by a global authority as famines, in Sudan and Somalia, though in those countries drought was also a significant underlying factor. Heres a look at how Gaza reached this point. The food shortages in Gaza have been created by Israels blockade and military operations. For years before the latest war, Gaza was subject to an Israeli blockade, backed by Egypt. Under the blockade, humanitarian aid, including food and commercial imports, was tightly restricted. Even so, levels of malnutrition among Gazas roughly 2.2 million people were low and comparable to those of countries in the region. After Oct. 7, when Hamas led a deadly attack on Israel that incited the war, Israel imposed a siege and instituted much stricter controls on what could go into Gaza, stopping anything it believed could potentially benefit Hamas from entering. At the same time, Israel blocked commercial imports of food that had filled Gazas shops and markets. It also bombed Gazas port, restricted fishing and bombed many of the territorys farms. Airstrikes and fighting have shattered Gazas infrastructure and forced almost all of its population to flee their homes. That displacement, plus the destruction of businesses and a surge in prices, has made it hard for families to feed themselves. The food production system has been completely obliterated, and the lack of entry of emergency aid within a short time has created a free fall, said Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the U.N. humanitarian office. Famine has a precise definition for the United Nations and aid groups. This week, Samantha Power, the head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said that a famine was underway in northern Gaza, the part of the territory most cut off from aid. Her agency later said that assessment was based on data collected in March, not on new information, but that conditions remain dire. That data was released by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, an initiative of U.N. bodies and major relief agencies that is also known as the I.P.C.,. The I.P.C. has not yet classified the situation in Gaza as a famine but said last month that one was imminent in the north. The body defines a famine as at least 20 percent of households facing an extreme lack of food, at least 30 percent of children suffering from acute malnutrition, and at least two adults or four children for every 10,000 people dying each day from starvation or disease linked to malnutrition. Image A child being treated for malnutrition at Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza last week. Credit... Mahmoud Issa/Reuters Since 2004, when the system was set up, there have been two famines, according to that definition. In 2011, the United Nations declared famine in parts of Somalia, which had endured decades of conflict. Years of drought wrecked the agricultural sector and the economy, forcing many people to leave their homes in search of food. At the same time, an Islamist insurgent group blocked starving people from fleeing and forced out Western aid organizations. In all, around 250,000 people died. Six years later, a famine was declared in parts of South Sudan. The country had suffered years of drought, but the U.N. said that the famine was human-made. Millions of people had fled because of a civil war, destroying the countrys economy, and rebel forces and government soldiers blocked aid and hijacked food trucks. Tens of thousands died. Gaza is small and mostly urban, so food should be close at hand. Gaza is just 25 miles long and largely urban, and there is no shortage of food on the other side of its borders, with Israel and Egypt. Still, aid agencies have found doing their jobs difficult. Six months of war have included the killings of scores of aid workers, including seven from World Central Kitchen, the relief group founded by the chef Jose Andres. Those employees were killed by an Israeli drone strike on April 1 after delivering tons of food to a warehouse. There is a sharp disagreement in Gaza between the U.N. and the Israeli government about how much aid is entering Gaza each day, but aid organizations say they need better access, particularly to northern Gaza. The Israeli authorities have repeatedly denied permission for aid convoys to move within Gaza, they say. Arif Husain, the chief economist at the World Food Program, said that what made the situation in Gaza so shocking was the scale and severity of the crisis and how quickly it had developed. Israel claims it has placed no limits on aid. Critics disagree. Critics of the way Israel is conducting the war say that the hunger crisis derives largely from Israeli restrictions on where trucks can enter and from an onerous inspection process. Some have accused Israel of slowing aid down to punish Gazans for the Oct. 7 attack. Israeli officials say they have placed no limits on the amount of aid that can flow into Gaza. They blame the U.N., particularly UNRWA, the main agency that helps Palestinians, for failing to distribute aid effectively. COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for coordinating aid deliveries into Gaza, says that it has surged deliveries in recent days and is opening an additional entry point in northern Gaza. More broadly, the Israeli government holds Hamas responsible for all civilian suffering in Gaza. (UNRWA said last month that Israel had denied the group access to northern Gaza, though Israel has rebutted that claim.) Governments around the world have urged Israel to address the crisis quickly. President Biden last week warned that the United States could withhold support for Israel if it did not ensure adequate aid deliveries and protect civilians. On Wednesday, Mr. Biden said that the steps Israel had taken since then were not enough. Adam Sella contributed reporting. The United States dispatched its top military commander for the Middle East to Israel on Thursday, after President Biden stated that, despite recent friction, American support for Israel is ironclad in the event of an attack by Iran. Irans leaders have repeatedly vowed to punish Israel for an April 1 strike in Syria that killed several senior Iranian commanders. Israel has put its military on alert, and Mr. Biden said on Wednesday that Iran was threatening a significant attack. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, the American commander, will coordinate with Israel on what is widely expected to be imminent retaliatory action by Iran and will also discuss the war against Hamas in Gaza and humanitarian aid operations there, according to officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel acknowledged on Thursday that Israel was facing challenging times, noting that in the midst of the war in Gaza his country was also prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. Some 4,000 revelers gathered on the night of Oct. 6 at a field in southern Israel, mere miles from the Gaza border, for the Tribe of Nova music festival. At dawn, thousands of Hamas-led terrorists stormed Israels defenses under the cover of a rocket barrage. About 1,200 people were killed that day, the deadliest in Israeli history according to the Israeli authorities, including 360 at the rave alone. Many of the ravers were under the influence of mind-altering substances like LSD, MDMA and ketamine as they witnessed the carnage or fled for their lives. Locals may insist (politely, of course) that Toronto doesnt belong atop any travelers wish list, but dont fall for that Canadian modesty. Proudly multicultural with an outstanding art scene, fantastic food and a patchwork of diverse neighborhoods to explore, this sprawling city Canadas most populous has more to offer than one could possibly digest in a single weekend. But thats enough time to sample the local smorgasbord, from the many new restaurants and shops to the latest art exhibitions and a newly revitalized landmark theater. Anyone in town for Hot Docs, North Americas biggest documentary festival, which begins on April 25, will find plenty of reasons to roam beyond the downtown core, from the beaches in the east to drinking and dining hotspots that have sprouted in some unexpected places in the west. Ukraine has very few young men, a huge demographic problem for a country at war. 200,000 Men at each age Age: 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 Ukraine has very few young men, a huge demographic problem for a country at war. 200,000 Men at each age Age: 15 25 35 45 55 65 75 85 95 Can Ukraine Find New Soldiers Without Decimating a Whole Generation? The roughly one million men who serve in Ukraines army are battered and exhausted. Many soldiers have been on combat duty for two years. Tens of thousands have been lost to death or serious injury. New recruits are desperately needed. But Ukraine is running up against a critical demographic constraint long in the making: It has very few young men. Healthy men under age 30, the backbone of most militaries, are part of the smallest generation in Ukraines modern history. Ukraine must balance the need to counter a relentless Russian offensive by adding more troops against the risk of hollowing out an entire generation. President Volodymyr Zelensky took the politically painful step earlier this month of lowering the draft age to 25 from 27 still remarkably old by the standards of most military drafts. In the United States, for instance, men can be drafted beginning at age 18. Ukraines reluctance to lower the age still further reflects the lingering impact of history. The causes of the current demographic problem stretch back more than a century. 1990 Age 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200,000 400,000 Men at each age Born in WW2 Born in WW1 20 40 blank born during each conflict , leading to two smaller generations of adults. The effects of World Wars I and II in Ukraine were still visible well into the 1990s: Fewer babies were, leading to two smaller generations of adults. rippled across generations and restricted Ukraines population decades later. Those declinesand restricted Ukraines population decades later. birthrates plummeted during an economic depression. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 made a small generation even smaller, asduring an economic depression. smallest generation in Ukraines recent history. The sharp decline lasted for more than a decade, resulting in thein Ukraines recent history. prime fighting age . But there are more than twice as many men in their 40s as in their 20s in Ukraine. Boys born then are now 18 to 27 years old,. But there are more than twice as many men in their 40s as in their 20s in Ukraine. previous draft largely shielded the younger generation. But the 25- and 26-year-olds who are now eligible for conscription are right in the middle of it. Thelargely shielded the younger generation. But the 25- and 26-year-olds who arefor conscription are right in the middle of it. blank Source: U.N. World Population Prospects Age estimates are from 2022 modeling by the United Nations and include rough estimates for deaths and mass emigration during the current war. Ukraines steep decline in birthrates during the first decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union is not unique. Similar drops were seen in many post-Soviet states, including Russia. Economies cratered, and mortality rates rose sharply in an older generation of men, mostly from untreated cardiovascular disease, alcoholism and workplace trauma. But Ukraines wartime demographic challenge is much worse than Russias. Russia has nearly four times as many people overall, giving it a larger pool of men to draw from. And the fall in birthrates the average number of children born to each woman was steeper in Ukraine, leaving a smaller pool of young men relative to the rest of the population. In the 1990s, uncertainty about the future loomed over life in Ukraine, as savings vanished and salaries became worthless in an economic crisis. That uncertainty affected the reproductive behavior of the population, Oleksandr Gladun, the deputy director of the Ptukha Institute of Demography and Social Studies, said in a telephone interview. In the year Ukraine gained independence, 1991, Ukrainian women on average had 1.9 children. A decade later, the birthrate had dropped to 1.1 children. When those children reached their 20s, the effect of their smaller numbers was felt first in the labor force and then far more consequentially after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Mr. Zelenskys decision to draft men starting at age 25 risks further diminishing this small generation of Ukrainians. And many of the limited pool of 25- and 26-year-old men about 467,000, according to a 2022 government estimate are already serving in the military, living in occupied areas or outside Ukraine. Others have jobs or disabilities that exempt them from conscription. Ukrainian leaders believed they had no choice but to lower the draft age. Casualty rates in the war against Russia are high. Most men who wanted to volunteer for the military have already done so. It is unclear how quickly Ukraine will draft and train the additional troops it needs, or whether they will be ready before the broader Russian offensive that is expected in the spring or summer. The decision is taken its a good one, but its too late, said Serhiy Hrabsky, a colonel and a commentator on the war for the Ukrainian news media. Already, the implications of the war for the next generation of Ukrainians are becoming clear. The number of births dropped by nearly half from 2021 to 2023. One important factor behind the decline, demographers say, is that about 800,000 Ukrainian women between the ages of 18 and 34 fled to countries in the European Union, according to Eurostat. For now, the absence of women is playing a larger role in Ukrainian demographics than the conscription of men. But the lower draft age risks shrinking a small generation even more. And in occupied areas of the country Russia is conscripting Ukrainian men to fight against Ukraine, starting at age 18. The outlook for future births, said Mr. Gladun, the demographer, now depends on both factors: how many men die at the front in the war and how many women return from Europe. But Ukraine has little choice, he said, but to call up younger men for the depleted army. What can we do? he said. Its war. A former University of Iowa Hospital employee admitted to stealing another mans identity and using it for the last 35 years, thus causing that person to be arrested and committed to a mental hospital. On April 1st, 58-year-old Matthew David Keirans pleaded guilty to federal charges that he had stolen another mans identity and used it for the last 35 years. At the time of his arrest, Keirans was working at the University of Iowa Hospital under the name William Donald Woods, an alias he had adopted in 1988, after working with the real Woods at a hot dog cart in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Its unclear how the 58-year-old man was able to use Woods identity in every aspect of his life, but court documents revealed that in 1990 he was able to a fraudulent Colorado identification card with Woods name and birthday, and in 1991 he bought a car in Woods name with two checks that eventually bounced. After driving the stolen car to Idaho, Keirans abandoned it and used all his money from the Colorado bank using an ATM to leave the state. An arrest was issued in Woods name for the car theft, but court documents dont show whether it was actually enforced. Keirans went on with his adopted life, marrying a woman in 1994 and even fathering a child whose last name is Woods. Photo: Brett Jordan/Unsplash In 2012, Matthew Keirans took his identity theft to a whole new level, managing to illegally acquire a copy of Woods birth certificate from the state of Kentucky using information he found about Woods family on Ancestry.com. A year later, he moved to eastern Wisconsin and started working in the IT department at the University of Iowa Hospital. Between 2016 and 2022, he took out several vehicle and personal loans in Woods name, totaling around $200,000. Meanwhile, in 2019, the real William Donald Woods was a homeless man living in Los Angeles. He had recently noticed someone had accumulated significant debt using his credit card, but when he tried explaining it to his bank, a bank employee asked Woods a series of security questions that he was unable to answer. Woods gave her his real Social Security card and an Identity Card that matched the one on file, but since Kierans phone number was connected to the accounts, he had set up the security questions, and when he was called by the bank, he answered them correctly. As per the banks protocol, after confirming that Kierans was the real Woods, the bank employee called the police and they contacted both Woods. The fake one sent the LAPD a copy of Woods Social Security card and birth certificate, as well as a Wisconsin drivers license. Considering the real William Woods was homeless at the time, police sided with Kierans and arrested him for identity theft. Photo: Ben Sweet/Unsplash The real Woods was arrested and charged with identity theft and false impersonation, and because he kept insisting he was actually William Donald Woods, in 2020, a judge ruled that he was not mentally competent to stand trial and he was sent to a mental hospital in California. There, he was administered psychotropic medication and other mental health treatments. In 2021, after two years in a mental institution, the real William Woods pleaded no contest to the charge of identity theft, which meant that he accepted the conviction but did not admit guilt. He was sentenced to two years in jail, with credit for the time spent in the mental hospital, and subsequently released. He was also asked to pay a few hundred dollars in fines and to stop using the name, William Woods. By this point, Woods had become convinced that someone was using his identity, and he couldnt just give it up as the judge had ordered him. Instead, he started reaching out to multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Hartland Police Department where Kierans lived. When pleas reached the University of Iowa Police Detective Ian Mallory, an investigation was launched. After obtaining a copy of the exact same birth certificate from both Woods, the detective proceeded to compare their DNA to that of Woods real father and was finally able to find out which of them was lying. To confirm his finding, Mallory interviewed Kierans in July of last year, and when asked what his fathers name was, he accidentally gave the one of his adoptive father. It was at this moment that the detective told him about the DNA test result. Instead of denying everything, Kierans reportedly responded by saying, My life is over and Everything is gone, and then went on to confess how he had used another persons identity for 35 years. He was arrested the next day and charged with false use of birth certificate and providing false identification information. A sentencing in this case has not yet been issued, but Kierans risks up to 30 years in prison for one count of false statements to a National Credit Union Administration-insured institution, and two years for aggravated identity theft. Rational 360 has ironed out its six-month contract with Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund to position it as a sophisticated global investment fund. It is in line for $1.2M in fees for strategic communications engagement support, $240K for digital advertising out-of-pocket costs, and $60K for travel expenses subject to prior approval of PIFs head of media affairs. Rational staffers are to fly economy class for trips three hours or less and business class for longer ones. Accommodations are capped at $416 per-night. Higher tabs require prior approval by PIFs media chief. Rational CEO Patrick Dorton, former special assistant to president Bill Clinton and communications director for the White House National Economic Council, leads the 11-member PIF team. His goal is to demonstrate how the PIF is creating new sectors and opportunities and driving transformation in Saudi Arabia, while enabling stakeholders to appreciate PIFs current and future contributions to the global economy. Arthur Sadoun Tech is back Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun reported Q1 revenues grew 4.9 percent to $3.4B, a performance fueled in part by the comeback of the technology sector. The parent of MSL and Kekst CNC enjoyed double-digit growth in technology revenues, which is a sign of a clear rebound for the embattled sector, according to the Frenchman. Sadoun expects the 1Q results to stack up as the 8th consecutive quarter of delivering the highest growth in the industry, leading to market share gains. He claims Publicis has the ability to capture a disproportionate part of the increasing demand for data-led marketing transformation, boosted by AI. Sadoun has put the ad/PR business on notice. He expects his firm to grow twice as fast as the industry average. Modesty is obviously not a trait that Sadoun has in abundance. Macys throws in the towel. The besieged retailer has agreed to appoint two directors to its board that were nominated by Arkhouse Management Co., its unwanted suitor. Tony Spring, Macys new CEO, welcomed Ric Clark and Rick Markee and praised the valuable real estate and retail expertise that they will bring to the board. Clark was CEO of Brookfield Property Group, and Markee was CEO of Vitamin Shoppe Inc. and vice chairman of Toys R Us. Clark and Markee will join the boards finance committee to evaluate and make recommendations to the full board regarding the acquisition proposal made by Arkhouse and Brigade Capital Management. Longacre Square Partners handles Arkhouse. The Profile in Wimpery Award goes to the Ford Presidential Foundation for stiffing American hero and former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney. The co-chair of the Congressional panel that investigated the Donald Trump-instigated Jan. 6 assault on the US Capitol had been nominated to receive the Foundations highest award, the Gerard R. Ford Medal of Distinguished Public Service. The Foundation snubbed Cheney because it worries that her award would run afoul of laws governing non-profits. Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Foundation, said when the award was discussed Cheney was mulling a run for the presidency. The executive committee concluded that giving the Ford medal to Liz in the 2024 election cycle might be construed as a political statement and thus expose the Foundation to the legal risk of losing its nonprofit status with the Internal Revenue Service, he said as an April 10 statement. Whitney conceded that Cheney meets all of the criteria that the medal signifiescourage, integrity, and passion to serve the American people. He said the Foundation might consider awarding Cheney the medal in a future year. That depends on Joe Biden winning re-election. The gutless wonders at the Foundation would never award Cheney the medal in the event that her arch-enemy Donald Trump becomes president. They fear that the Mango Mussolini would order the Internal Revenue Service to make life miserable for the Foundation, if it honored his arch-enemy. Cheneys dad, Dick, was Fords chief of staff. Whitney noted that the Ford family has been close to the Cheney family for five decades. Jerry and Betty Fords kids (Michael, Jack, Steven and Susan) should pressure the Foundation to do the right thing and honor the woman who stood up for Americas democracy. It would be a fitting tribute to their dad. Leading European horror, sci-fi and dystopian film producers Fantastic Films are looking for people to be part of a new horror movie being shot in the Midlands The company's past films include You Are Not My Mother, Arracht which won two IFTA awards, Sea Fever, Vivarium and the recently released Woken, part of the Dublin International Film Festival. They have reached out to Laois for extras and film staff for their new film, titled 'Restoration at Grayson Manor'. "The team at Fantastic Films are currently working on a feature film in Co. Laois which is due to begin filming in the coming weeks. There are some roles for trainees and extras that we're hoping to fill with people from Laois and the local areas," a spokesperson said. Trailer for Arracht by Fantastic Films. Filming in Laois and surrounding areas takes place for five weeks starting from May 1. There are trainees required for the following departments: Locations, production, assistant director, costume, hair and make-up, camera, sound. Training will be provided. Extras are "required for a variety of roles" all aged over 18. "We are interested in seeing applicants from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. These are paid positions," the company say. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 19. Five young people from Offaly were among over 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dail Eireann to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Laura Slevin, Karen Maloney, Jessica Smyth, Rachel Kenny and Amelie O'Connor (pictured above) were the Offaly delegates. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman, said, I thank the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with my Department to make Dail na nOg 2024 happen. I know that Minister Foley and her officials have engaged very positively with the outgoing National Executive on their topic of Relationships and Sexuality education. I am also grateful to Minister Butler for attending to hear directly about the mental health issue selected by all the Comhairli na nOg for debate by their delegates to Dail na nOg. The incoming National Executive will work on this issue over their two year term, and the support of Minister Butler and officials in the Department of Health will be a critical element in the impact they can have. Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dail Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland. Following a formal vote in the afternoon where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dail, school stress was selected as the priority topic. This will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure. Previous years themes have included equality, climate action, education, and transport. 2022s delegation voted for A more inclusive Relationships and Sexuality Education' as the priority topic. To progress this the National Executive 2022-2024 contributed their views to two National Council for Curriculum and Assessment submissions, attended round table discussions hosted by the NCCA on the content, and conducted surveys with Comhairle na nOg members. They have also invited and taken part in discussions with relevant experts in the field from the Department of Education, Dublin City University, the Health Promotion Research Centre and the World Health Organisation. They have made a proposal to the Department of Education who welcomed their work and committed to consider ways in which to implement their recommendations. Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, told those gathered: The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener. In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler added: I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nOg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health. I want to thank each and every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. As advocates representing young people across Ireland, I have heard your voices today and I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health. I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nOg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it great to see them here in the Dail chamber today discussing such an important topic. Dail na nOg is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and Government. Dail na nOg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and was first established in 2001. The topic of school stress voted on at Dail na nOg will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executives formal workplan for the next two years. The National Executive is made up of one representative from each of the 31 Comhairli na nOg and follows up on the recommendations from Dail na nOg to make changes for young people in those areas. The National Executive has a term of office of two years and meets once a month, and is facilitated and supported by the National Participation Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who ensure that they get the opportunity to engage with appropriate Ministers, policy-makers, Oireachtas Committees and other decision-makers. Ruth Cunningham, a delegate from Comhairle na nOg said, "It was so exciting and such an honour to be present in Leinster House. Dail na nOg is so important in giving a voice to young people in Ireland and I was very proud to represent my local Comhairle and help us play our part in shaping how members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government will look at youth mental health over the next two years. OVER 160 young delegates from Comhairle na nOg (local youth councils) across Ireland met in Dail Eireann recetnly to debate the critical issue of mental health, one of the biggest topics of concern to young people in Ireland, particularly since the pandemic. Mental health was identified by over 3,000 young people across Comhairle na nOg as their priority issue for discussion in advance of the day, which they feel that the Government should do more to address. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic OGorman, said: I thank the Ceann Comhairle and the Houses of the Oireachtas Citizen Engagement Team for working with my Department to make Dail na nOg 2024 happen. I know that Minister Foley and her officials have engaged very positively with the outgoing National Executive on their topic of Relationships and Sexuality education. I am also grateful to Minister Butler for attending to hear directly about the mental health issue selected by all the Comhairli na nOg for debate by their delegates to Dail na nOg. The incoming National Executive will work on this issue over their two year term, and the support of Minister Butler and officials in the Department of Health will be a critical element in the impact they can have. Dail na nOg, Irelands National Youth Parliament, now in its 22nd year, tackled a range of issues related to mental health, including body image, school stress, and mental health services. The biennial parliament, which provides a platform for young people to speak about and make recommendations on the issues that most affect them, was hosted by the Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, who chaired the Opening Session in the Dail Chamber. There were closing remarks in the chamber from Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler. Delegates from Comhairle na nOg - representing each of the 31 local authorities across Ireland filled the committee rooms in Leinster House where they took part in workshops to debate the three mental health topics. Discussions were held around how mental health affects the lives of young people in their communities and what changes need to be implemented to address these challenges and improve the experiences of young people in Ireland. Following a formal vote in the afternoon where delegates processed through the lobbies of the Dail, school stress was selected as the priority topic. This will inform the work of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executive 2024-2026, who are tasked with advocating for policy change in this area during their tenure. Previous years themes have included equality, climate action, education, and transport. 2022s delegation voted for A more inclusive Relationships and Sexuality Education' as the priority topic. To progress this the National Executive 2022-2024 contributed their views to two National Council for Curriculum and Assessment submissions, attended round table discussions hosted by the NCCA on the content, and conducted surveys with Comhairle na nOg members. They have also invited and taken part in discussions with relevant experts in the field from the Department of Education, Dublin City University, the Health Promotion Research Centre and the World Health Organisation. They have made a proposal to the Department of Education who welcomed their work and committed to consider ways in which to implement their recommendations. Chairing the debate, Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail, told those gathered: The young people gathered in the chamber are a powerful force for change. At a time when parts of the world are in turmoil with war, hunger and the devastation of climate change, it is you who hold the keys to your own future. Your discussions today on the themes of Mental Health, Body Image and School Stress will evoke thoughts and compassion for your peers and colleagues. If there is one thing I would encourage you to do in this Chamber today, it is to listen completely. When you listen you play one part of the conversation. The golden rule of being a good speaker is to be a good listener. In her closing remarks to delegates, Minister of State for Mental Health & Older People Mary Butler added: I was really pleased to listen and engage with 160 articulate young people across all 31 Comhairle na nOg. The voice of younger people must be heard and listened to, particularly on issues such as youth mental health. I want to thank each and every one of these young people for the valuable contributions they are making to society. As advocates representing young people across Ireland, I have heard your voices today and I share your vision for improvement and progress, especially in relation to signposting services that are available for young people to support their emotional wellbeing and to support positive mental health. I am familiar with the fantastic work that Comhairle na nOg do. Our young people are the future leaders and it great to see them here in the Dail chamber today discussing such an important topic. Dail na nOg is organised by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in association with members of Houses of the Oireachtas and Government. Dail na nOg is an initiative of the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and was first established in 2001. The topic of school stress voted on at Dail na nOg will form the basis of the incoming Comhairle na nOg National Executives formal workplan for the next two years. The National Executive is made up of one representative from each of the 31 Comhairli na nOg and follows up on the recommendations from Dail na nOg to make changes for young people in those areas. The National Executive has a term of office of two years and meets once a month, and is facilitated and supported by the National Participation Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who ensure that they get the opportunity to engage with appropriate Ministers, policy-makers, Oireachtas Committees and other decision-makers. Ruth Cunningham, a delegate from Comhairle na nOg said It was so exciting and such an honour to be present in Leinster House. Dail na nOg is so important in giving a voice to young people in Ireland and I was very proud to represent my local Comhairle and help us play our part in shaping how members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government will look at youth mental health over the next two years. Minister OGorman further said: I am very pleased that Dail na nOg sat in the Dail chamber, with delegates from each of the 31 Comhairle na nOg local youth councils. This youth parliament convenes every two years and is an important way for members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and Government to hear directly from children and young people on the priority issues that need to be addressed. I have been very happy to support and promote the voice of children and young people in Government decision-making and applaud the young people who have come here today to advance this important work. Dr. Heide Goettner-Abendroth is a German feminist and scholar, a founder of the modern matriarchal studies movement, and of the International Academy for Modern Matriarchal Studies and Matriarchal Spirituality (HAGIA). While on a tour of North America in 2013, she discussed her latest book translated into English: "Matriarchal Societies: Studies on Indigenous Cultures Across the Globe." She was interviewed in Canada by Kristin Schwartz. The author explained that matriarchy does not mean rule by women, but rather that mothers/mother figures are the central organizers of these societies that prioritize the welfare of children, consensus decision-making, and role divisions based upon individuals' gender role choices rather than on biological sex lines. There are no tracks in this playlist. 2024 is a year of elections in many countries. Part of the world's population will head to the polls, from big countries like the United States to small nations like Austria, Lithuania. But a year of elections doesn't necessarily mean a year of democracy. That's because a key ingredient of democracy, transparency - which enables the political opposition, independent media, active citizens and civil society organisations to trust decision makers' actions - is at a historic low. Recently released research from the CIVICUS Monitor, which tracks civic space conditions around the world, shows that a whopping 86 percent of people live in countries with restricted civic space, meaning authorities clamp down on fundamental freedoms of assembly, association and expression. Meanwhile, just 2 percent of people live in 'open' societies - where governments not only respect but protect civic space. Another 12 percent live in countries with 'narrowed' civic space, where rights are respected but occasionally violated. These are the worst figures we have seen since start of keeping track six years ago. They indicate that although most countries follow the ritual of elections, the quality of democracy is poor. In short, many elections in 2024 will be less free and transparent than the winners want us to believe. Nobody today could be sure that elections will be free and fair. Thus, U.S. ex-president Donald Trump continues to make baseless claims of voter fraud in the still-undecided presidential election, as well as incumbent president Biden makes controversial statements about his success. They mostly concentrate their election campaigns not on the need of citizens but on slinging mud on each other. They try to convince their voters that this is real transparency of the voting process. The same situation is in Lithuania. On May 2024 Lithuanians will elect their new president. The campaign resembles the one in the U.S. but not so large-scale. The incumbent government tries not to admit to elections the candidates with different or opposite political views. So, Lithuanian independent candidate Eduardas Vaitkus contested the Central Election Commission's decision not to publish his political programme. VRK decided not to include Vaitkus' election programme in its publication introducing presidential candidates. Part of his programme was in conflict with the principles of societal cohesion, fair and respectable elections as set out in the electoral code, it said. Rokas Stabingis, head of the election watchdog's legal unit, explained that some of the statements opposed Lithuania's international commitments, including NATO membership, and were allegedly aimed at spreading distrust towards Ukrainian citizens and calling the authorities traitors without legal basis. Vaitkus revised his programme but did not eliminate the parts that drew the attention of the electoral commission, according to the VRK. Unfortunately, real transparency is about who is spending more money on elections and who has the support of political elite. Very often it is almost impossible to trace back mechanism that identifies the original sources of campaign spending, by requiring anyone acting as a conduit to track large donations. As for funding of election campaign, the situation in Lithuania is also pessimistic. At the moment, Prime Minister Ingrida imonyt--, the candidate of the conservative TS-LKD party, has the biggest war chest, over 150,000 euros. Almost all of it was donated by her party. Giedrimas Jeglinskas, the candidate fielded by the opposition party Democrats "For Lithuania", has a little over 56,000 euros in his campaign account. The incumbent Gitanas Naus--da has raised over 50,000 euros so far. The war chest of Dainius Zalimas, the candidate of the liberal Freedom Party, contains slightly less than 50,000 euros. The independent candidate Eduardas Vaitkus has no more than 36,000 euros in his campaign account. Andrius Mazuronis, the candidate of the Labour Party, has over 2,500 euros. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). NATO will be celebrating 75 years of itself -- and plotting future wars and weapons sales -- in Washington D.C. in July, and a lot of people are busy planning a counter-summit and rally to oppose NATO's agenda. For those who care about life on Earth, or who are upset by the horrors and risks of one of the current wars in Gaza or Ukraine, taking steps to move humanity away from the course plotted by the largest military alliance ever to exist may seem an obvious to-do-list item. For those upset by the horrific war in Gaza, in particular, and inclined toward the common ritual of calling it "not a war" -- as if there existed elsewhere some kind of war that wasn't horrible or didn't mass-murder families -- paying any attention to NATO may seem like a distraction from the moral imperative to put a halt to a public genocide in Palestine sanctioned by the "rules based order." But the slaughter in Gaza could not exist without the U.S.-led military industrial complex, and its largest and most effective tool is NATO. One of NATO's many partners around the globe is Israel. Israel's horrific wars are of the same species as everybody else's horrific wars. And without NATO, neither the U.S. not Israel could make any claim to being part of an "international community" or a "rules based order." Article 10 of the North Atlantic Treaty limits new members of NATO to European nations that are invited by NATO to join it. But NATO has not limited itself to Europe. It does not view its purpose as merely "resisting armed attack" (in the language of that treaty). Not only has it reconceived the concept of resisting actual attacks as deterring potential attacks -- often through behavior that is clearly more provocative than deterrent -- but NATO also conceives of itself as a global alliance that will wage wars anywhere on Earth, regardless of any attack on a NATO member. Outside of Europe, therefore, NATO has added dozens of additional nations as "partners" rather than members. To invite a nation to be a member, existing members must agree that, according to Article 5, an attack on one is an attack on all. To add a "partner," however, no such commitment is required. NATO may very well go to war in the event that one of its partners goes to war, but it is not obliged to by treaty. It is thus free to do weapons deals with partner governments, embed partner militaries in its "interoperable" system of weapons types, trainers, and operators, and decide on an ad hoc basis what wars to wage. Always viewing militarism as the answer to the problems it creates, NATO has established partnerships across the region of Western Asia that have wreaked havoc, spreading weaponry and instability. One initiative, the Mediterranean Dialogue, includes Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia. Another, the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition, through what NATO calls "Partners Across the Globe," NATO has established partnerships with Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. NATO partners Israel and Pakistan are estimated to possess 170 nuclear weapons each, both without joining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The Western Asian NATO partners include some of the most oppressive, authoritarian and dictatorial governments, deemed the least "free" by the U.S.-funded Freedom House rankings, and considered by the U.S. Department of State responsible for all variety of brutal human rights abuses -- plus Israel, which is also one of the most brutal, warmaking governments -- one that has recently been ordered to cease its murderous activities by the International Court of Justice and the United Nations Security Council -- even if deemed flawless and "democratic" by the U.S. government that arms it. NATO and NATO members have been supporting Israel since its creation by funding, arming, and training the Israeli military and providing diplomatic cover for Israel's crimes. Israel imports weapons primarily from the United States and Germany, but also imports and exports weapons with other NATO members. In 2017, Israel established a permanent official mission to NATO headquarters in Brussels, and there have been efforts over the years to integrate Israel more closely into NATO to take advantage of Israel's advanced weapons systems, so frequently tested and demonstrated on Palestinians. NATO members have purchased billions in weapons from Israel, including the Arrow 3 missile defense system (sold to Germany for $3.5 billion) and "Kamikaze drones" and counter-drone systems. Israeli weapons exports soared after Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when NATO members saw a chance to acquire Israel's advanced military technology. NATO is particularly interested in Israel's use of artificial intelligence, which began with Israel's attack on Gaza in 2021 but became a key component of its military strategy after October 7, 2023. In Israel's targeting of Palestinians, the army has used an artificial intelligence-based program known as "Lavender," which has played a central role in the bombing that has killed tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of people in Gaza. Israeli military officials have briefed NATO on Israel's "innovations," and Israel's President Isaac Herzog visited NATO headquarters in 2023 -- the first time an Israeli president has addressed NATO allies there. Like a pair of presidents, the president of Israel and the unelected-to-anything secretary general of NATO held a joint press conference. NATO put out a statement on that occasion that read, in part: "NATO and Israel have worked together for almost 30 years, cooperating in domains such as science and technology, counter terrorism, civil preparedness, countering weapons of mass destruction and women, peace and security. Over the last year cooperation has grown, with NATO welcoming Israel's intention to strengthen the naval interoperability by recognising Israel as a partner for NATO's Operation Sea Guardian, and Israel's Defence Force military medical academy now serving as a unique asset for NATO's Partnership Training and Education Centres community." NATO's Secretary General also claimed that Russia, China, and North Korea, were aligning with Iran as enemies of "freedom and democracy." NATO and the Israeli government view Iran as an important enemy. Israel played a significant role in pushing for the disastrous war in Iraq, and has been a leading proponent of the still-threatened war on Iran for decades. "The illusion of distance can no longer hold. NATO must take the strongest possible stance against the Iranian regime including through economic, legal and political sanctions and credible military deterrence," said NATO's Secretary General. NATO headquarters and the dominant decision-maker in NATO, the U.S. government, have been supportive of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, despite division among NATO member governments. Belgium, Spain, and Slovenia, have expressed some sympathy for the plight of the Palestinians, while European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has commented publicly to U.S. President Biden: "Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people being killed." Such logic does not seem to penetrate NATO, which is increasingly taking over the role of governments in budgeting, warmaking, policing, scientific research, education, and diplomacy -- all without any pretense of accountability to any public, as NATO wages and fuels wars for "democracy." Articles churned out in the past few months by NATO-aligned stink tankers have been pushing for much closer collaboration between Israel and NATO. American Airlines, known for its large-scale route networks and a great name in commitment to service, offers discounts for the country's senior citizens. By using the senior citizen discount people whose age are 65 or above, can book flights with specialized discounted fares. This exclusive discount for American Airlines seniors discount has shown their consideration toward their elderly clients. Here are the Fundamentals of the Senior Citizen Discounts Policy by American London, United Kingdom - In an exciting advancement for the pet care industry, GoWalkies today announced its groundbreaking approach to pet technology, poised to redefine the way pet owners interact with and care for their beloved animals. While specific features of this innovative platform remain closely under wraps, the essence and impact of GoWalkies forthcoming offerings promise a new era of connectivity, care, and community for pets and their The leading electronics company CARDIN Elettronica from Italy, which specializes in security and automation solutions for gate and door technology, is significantly strengthening its presence and structure on the German and Austrian markets. BKH Sicherheitstechnik is now officially CARDIN Germany and the direct point of contact for sales and technical support for CARDIN products throughout Germany and Austria. BKH Sicherheitstechnik is a medium-sized company based in Ludwigshafen, Rhineland-Palatinate, and has been A Washington man on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a federal indictment accusing him of sabotaging two electrical substations in Clackamas County. Nathaniel Cheney is accused of breaking into the Ostrander substation in Oregon City on Nov. 24, 2022, and damaging another power station in Clackamas on Nov. 28, 2022, according to the indictment. The FBI had offered a $25,000 reward for information in the targeted attacks. At the Oregon City substation, Cheney and an unidentified accomplice are accused of cutting into a perimeter fence about 1:40 a..m. and shooting at several pieces of equipment, according to a Bonneville Power Administration security memo sent to law enforcement after the vandalism. The Ostrander substation handles 500-kilovolt electricity, according to the BPA. The damage was among a series of attacks in the Pacific Northwest that prompted federal officials to warn authorities that the U.S. power grid needs improved security to prevent domestic terrorism. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security warned that domestic extremists have been developing credible, specific plans to attack electrical infrastructure since at least 2020. Cheney appeared briefly with Assistant Federal Public Defender Robert Hamilton before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo. He was allowed to remain out of custody pending trial. Cheney was first arrested on a federal warrant on April 2 in Tacoma. He is restricted to traveling in only Oregon and Washington, unless he receives approval for other travel ahead of time. A co-defendants name on the indictment filed in federal court remained redacted. -- Maxine Bernstein covers federal court and criminal justice. Reach her at 503-221-8212, mbernstein@oregonian.com, follow her on X @maxoregonian, or on LinkedIn. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com. The Oregonian/OregonLive recently reported that Portlands commercial real estate vacancy rate is the highest among U.S. cities. For years, commercial real estate interests have blamed progressive politics, protesters and homeless residents for downtowns vacant commercial units. This false narrative ignores the economic reality that emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic upended the old model of commuting downtown to clock into an office. Portland Metro Chambers own State of the Economy reports acknowledges that the economic patterns that created the central business district no longer exist and are not likely to return. Yet the public narrative circulated by commercial interests obscures clear political efforts to keep all the spoils of owning the most valuable assets in the city, without the risk. This is a problem for a city in need of honest politics and a new economic vision. The Oregon Lottery has sold nearly four dozen tickets with prizes of $1 million or more in recent years, with none rivaling the massive $1.3 billion jackpot announced earlier this week. The winners identify has not been publicly disclosed but state officials say a Plaid Pantry in Portlands Cully neighborhood sold the victorious ticket in Saturdays drawing. The state lottery director called that win unprecedented, and the agency noted the $1.3 billion ticket is the fourth-largest jackpot in the history of the nationwide Powerball game. Lottery tickets with awards of at least $1 million are relatively rare in Oregon, according to state data obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive. In the past six years, there had been just 46 such tickets before Saturday, with the proceeds of some of those tickets shared by multiple winners. The newsroom analyzed the data, finding that some 78% of the winning tickets were held by at least one person who lived in Oregon, with the remainder of tickets held by people living elsewhere in the United States or abroad. Of tickets held by Oregonians, about 55% of winners lived in Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas counties. Million-dollar tickets also included residents living in San Antonio to Berlin to Australia. Use the map below to look up where Oregon winners lived, by city or ZIP code. In the past six years, Oregon has sold 22 tickets that won $1 million even, while the highest win before Saturday totaled $90 million. Of the $208 million collectively issued to the holders of those winning tickets, 51% came from Powerball, 41% from Megabucks and just 8% from other contests. - Ted Sickinger is a reporter on the investigations team. Reach him at 503-221-8505, tsickinger@oregonian.com or @tedsickinger - Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The end of the 108th Legislature, Second Session is rapidly coming to an end. However, at the time of writing we still have much work to do. According to Speaker Arch, there are 111 bills on select file and final reading that we will need to advance with the deadline for select file bills advancing being Wednesday the 10th. By the time of publication much of this work will be done and we will have one day left in session to pass any remaining bills on final reading or vote on any possible veto overrides before we Sine Die. Last week, Senator Brewers LB399, which I had prioritized, advanced to select file. The bill would add a new requirement that public and private electric suppliers need to meet in order to get approval from the Power Review Board to construct a new electric generation facility. Specifically, the bill would require public and private electric suppliers to hold a public hearing on the proposed project and the type of facility in the county where the proposed facility would be located. Further, it would require 50% of the governing body of the electric supplier to be in attendance either by videoconference or in person with at least one member physically present. The purpose behind this bill is to afford property owners near the proposed project a chance to meet with the project developers and provide comment. Another personal priority bill, LB71 introduced by Senator Sanders and prioritized by Senator Meyer, was also advanced to select file. LB71 would provide parents general access to teaching materials, practices, activities, exams, events, and guest speakers. The bill also requires each public school district to create and post a policy on their website regarding how they will seek to involve parents in schools and their children's education. This policy would be subject to public hearing before being adopted. LB1317, one of the revenue committee priority bills, which contained 10 additional bills was also advanced to select file. One of the bills included was LB1093, originally introduced by Senator Bostar. This bill is similar to my bill, LB1032, which would make game conservation officers eligible for tuition waivers for the resident tuition charges of any state university, state college, or community college. If passed into law, LB1317 would expand the definition of law enforcement to include game and parks officers and several other types of law enforcement officers such as members of a sheriffs department; you can find further information on eligible parties in Nebraska state statute 81-1401. Im happy to announce that weve visited with over 150 students from District 23 this session. Having the opportunity to teach them about the importance of civic engagement as well as showing them my day to day operations has been a blessing. As always, constituents are welcome to contact my office with any questions or thoughts on legislation impacting District 23. You can reach my office at 402-471-2719 or bbostelman@leg.ne.gov. A federal judge in Florida has temporarily halted a law that stopped a transgender teacher from using pronouns not aligned with her birth sex. Transgender Teacher Granted Temporary Injunction Against Florida Law Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker allowed Katie Wood, the transgender teacher, a temporary injunction against the law, citing that it violates her First Amendment rights. Walker strongly criticized the law, highlighting the frequent First Amendment issues in Florida. Wood, along with two other teachers, filed a lawsuit challenging the law, known as the "Don't Say Gay" law, which prohibits teachers from using pronouns not aligned with their birth sex. Wood, who has taught math at Lennard High School in Hillsborough County, was prohibited from using her preferred title "Ms. Wood" under the law. Another plaintiff, AV Schwandes, was fired for using the gender-neutral honorific "Mx." The complainants contend that the law discriminates based on sex and violates numerous federal laws and constitutional rights. Walker's injunction for Wood was granted due to ongoing violations of her free speech rights. The judge stressed the significance of individuals conveying their preferred pronouns and titles, quoting Walt Whitman's "Song of Myself." He is anticipated to issue a further decision on the state's motion to dismiss the case soon. Florida Federal Judge Temporarily Suspends Teacher's Pronoun Restrictions A federal judge in Florida has halted education officials from enforcing a law that compelled a transgender teacher to use pronouns associated with her assigned sex at birth. The law, implemented in 2023, restricts educators' use of personal pronouns and titles in schools and is part of a series of measures targeting the LGBTQ community supported by the Republican-controlled Legislature and Governor Ron DeSantis. Katie Wood, a transgender teacher from Hillsborough County, and AV Schwandes, a nonbinary teacher fired by Florida Virtual School, sought preliminary injunctions as part of a lawsuit challenging these restrictions, claiming violations of their First Amendment rights and federal civil rights laws. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker granted a preliminary injunction that applies only to Wood, citing her ongoing violation of free speech rights. However, he denied a preliminary injunction for Schwandes. Walker emphasized the importance of limited scope for injunctions, citing a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision. Walker clarified that the injunction only applies to Wood and not statewide, unlike what the plaintiffs' lawyers requested. He distinguished Wood's case from a previous challenge to a Florida law targeting drag shows, stating that the conclusions drawn there did not directly apply to Wood's situation. In his ruling, Walker highlighted Wood's past and desired use of preferred pronouns and the deterrent effect of potential disciplinary action under the law. He found no evidence of employment discrimination against Wood and deemed Schwandes' evidence insufficient to prove speech infringement. Rejecting the state's argument that the pronoun restriction was a pedagogical decision, Walker emphasized the personal nature of Wood and Schwandes' speech and its broad application across all public school employees. He disagreed that such restrictions constituted government speech, asserting that official policy labeling does not automatically transform personal speech into government expression. The FAFSA processing backlog may continue to delay numerous student aid uncertainty until May resolutions. Leaders of the college financial aid system assailed the Education Department over this year's FAFSA debacle, warning that ongoing delays are extending institutions' timelines for offering packages that many students' decisions hinge on. FAFSA Processing Delays: Colleges Face Extended Timelines The U.S. Department of Education described the implementation of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as a significant challenge, citing recent setbacks. This statement followed a hearing by the GOP-led House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, which occurred shortly after Education Department officials revealed that approximately 30% of FAFSA forms submitted this year may contain errors due to widespread application glitches. These forms are slated for reprocessing in the coming weeks, with many expected to reach schools by May 1, according to the agency. However, unlike the usual quick turnaround for FAFSA information, delays this year have stretched for months. The flawed overhaul of the application process, intended to simplify and often increase aid, has instead left millions of households and campus officials grappling with bureaucratic challenges. As of March 29, FAFSA completion rates have plummeted by 40% compared to the same period last year, as reported by the National College Attainment Network (NCAN). Congress estimates that these complications have impacted around 18 million students planning to enroll in college next year. Kim Cook, chief of NCAN, highlighted the delayed aid offers for high school seniors, particularly affecting low-income and minority students who are trailing behind the national FAFSA submission rate. Cook said, "most high school seniors have yet to receive an aid offer." With many still awaiting decisions by the May 1 deadline, there are concerns that some students may opt out of pursuing higher education due to financial uncertainties. Bipartisan Frustrations and Calls for Accountability Justin Draeger, the head of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, emphasized to lawmakers on Capitol Hill the significant consequences that financial aid delays could have on college campuses. He pointed out that if a financial aid director or college president caused a six-month delay in financial aid, the professional repercussions would be severe. Representative Brandon Williams from New York echoed these sentiments, labeling the rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as disastrous and inexcusable during a hearing on Wednesday. This frustration was part of a larger bipartisan discontent surrounding the chaos surrounding FAFSA processing, with much of the criticism directed at the Education Department, which Draeger suggested was facing a crisis of credibility. The FAFSA form plays a crucial role for schools and scholarship programs in determining additional aid beyond federal government assistance. Delays in processing have already pushed households to make difficult choices, such as dipping into retirement savings to cover tuition or settling for less expensive backup schools instead of waiting for support from top-tier universities. Even if reprocessed FAFSA forms reach schools in the near future, many institutions will still require additional time to finalize their own aid packages. Mark Kantrowitz, an expert in student financial aid, highlighted this challenge during his testimony on Wednesday, indicating that some students might not receive aid offers until after the traditional May 1 decision deadline-or even later if schools extend their deadlines to manage the fallout. To cope with these delays, schools are adopting strategies. Some are issuing estimated aid offers, while others are delaying offers altogether until the situation stabilizes. My friend Richard Kollmar observed that I have an interest in the Inklings and asked if Id ever read George MacDonald. I had to admit I had not. He encouraged me to give the old Scot a try. He influenced a lot of that band of literary Christian intellectuals, especially C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien. And his influence extended beyond that flock, as well. G K Chesterton immediately comes to mind. Others include Lewis Carrol, WH Auden, and Madeleine LEngle. He also touched in some degree Henry Longfellow, Walt Whitman, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. After checking out the offerings, I selected MacDonalds Phantastes. Perhaps inspired by what C S Lewis had to say about the book. A few hours later I knew that I had crossed a great frontier. What it actually did to me was convert, even to baptize (that was where the Death came in) my imagination. It turned out to be a fortuitous choice. George MacDonald was born in Scotland in 1824. While farmers, the family was particularly literate, including Celtic and literary scholars among their number. His mother read multiple languages and his father had voracious intellectual interests. The house was littered with books. MacDonalds health was fragile, he suffered over the years from asthma, and tuberculosis. While he was raised in a Calvinist leaning Congregational church the family had multiple Christian connections ranging from Catholicism to the Scottish Episcopal Church. While he had an interest in pursuing medicine, he finally decided for ministry. MacDonald was ordained a Congregational minister in 1850. His universalist inclinations were not well received, and his salary was cut in half. Presumably encouraging him to consider other options. He half-heartedly tried a couple of other settlements, then taught at the University of London, did some editing, and finally turned to writing. His first novel was published in 1863. And between writing and public lecture tours he was able to make a living. At 53 he was given a civil list pension upon the merits of his work. This allowed him to spend the next twenty years in Italy, writing. He returned to England in 1900, moving into a cottage his son Robert built for him. MacDonald died five years later, his ashes interred at the English cemetery in Bordighera, Italy, alongside his wife Louisa and his daughters Lila and Grace. As noted, MacDonald was widely influential, especially touching Christian intellectuals. In addition to Lewis and Chesterton, MacDonald was a significant influence on J R R Tolkien. At least in his childhood and youth. People who investigate such things suggest influences stretching into the writing of the Hobbit. But at some point, Tolkien became critical of MacDonald as one observer noted, a preachy and didactic allegorist. Something Tolkien also felt about his friend Lewis, as well. Especially, I think, Lewis Narnia chronicles. But about which he said much less in public forums. As to Phantastes. The plot, such as it is, has the protagonist, Anodos, which I read is Greek and means pathless, my favorite option, as it hints at a Zen usage we find in places like the great koan anthology, the Gateless Gate. Not that MacDonald would have any familiarity with Buddhism, much less Zen. But other translations of anodos also work, ascent or the way up. Anyway, Anodos awakes in his room only to find himself now in Fairy land. He embarks on a quest which meanders through the world of Fairy. Through the quest he moves from an ego-centric experience of love as little different than lust to the discovery of a deeper, divine love. While at this time in my life I have less patience for fantasy in general, I found Phantastes carrying me forward. I quickly had to let go of any desire for a coherent journey, and instead, let the picaresque nature of any authentic spiritual path, or perhaps pathless path, unfold. It certainly offered rewards to me for staying with it. If I followed it correctly, Anodos starts out stary-eyed, but bound by his own desires, unable to really see beyond these constraints. Whether he takes off on the journey because of his dreams of something, or simply through the intervention of the mystery isnt clear to me. But once embarked, through various experiences including being protected by others, he discovers a setting of himself, his ego and even his body, in a secondary place. Through this he increasingly finds how he is bound up with others. Near the end he comes to a complete surrender, into a type of death. Whether within the novel this is literal or figurate is not really clear to me. But from there, there is a resurrection into the person he will be going forward. Whether there will be further adventures is left open. MacDonald opens a world of wonder. He engages imagination as the thread between our ordinary lives and the holy. In Phantastes, MacDonald outlines the spiritual journey. He uses the Romantic spirit of his time, draws heavily on his Christian universalism, and as much on the traditions of fairy tales. I can both see why he isnt so well known today, and why we would all be better off if he were. For me one of the more intriguing elements McDonald introduces is the shadow. Despite being warned not to, Anodos opens a cabinet and a thing like a shadow but more than a physical shadow, or maybe less, it is a strange and unpleasant creature, appears and attaches itself to him. He struggles with it through a significant part of the story. One of the more memorable images for me in the novel shows how Anodos and his shadow interact. Once, as I passed by a cottage, there came out a lovely fairy child, with two wondrous toys, one in each hand. The one was the tube through which the fairy-gifted poet looks when he beholds the same thing everywhere; the other that through which he looks when he combines into new forms of loveliness those images of beauty which his own choice has gathered from all regions wherein he has travelled. Round the childs head was an aureole of emanating rays. As I looked at him in wonder and delight, round crept from behind me the something dark, and the child stood in my shadow. Straightway he was a commonplace boy, with a rough broad-brimmed straw hat, through which brim the sun shone from behind. The toys he carried were a multiplying-glass and a kaleidoscope. I sighed and departed. If unfolding wonder is the path that Anodos is following, his shadow is the opposite. The shadow is doubt, actually the worst sort of skepticism. It strangles wonder for a bare materialism. It stifles the imagination, the ways of wonder. Robert Lee Wolff writes in his Golden Key how, The shadow represents pessimistic and cynical disillusionment, the worldly wiseness that destroys beauty, childish and naive pleasures, the delight of friendship and love; it is a foe of innocence, of openness, of optimism, of the imagination. Ive not read the Golden Key (either MacDonalds or Wolffs), but in preparing for this reflection Ive come across references and often criticisms of Robert Wolffs apparent Freudian approach to Phantastes. I suspect people might be inclined to a Jungian or neo-Jungian read of MacDonalds book. Me, Im sympathetic. And we all read such texts through the eyes we have. Im kind of taken with the fact that MacDonald was born thirty-two years before Sigmund Freud and is in fact at exactly an age to be Freuds father. And for that matter MacDonald was born fifty-one years before Jung, making him of an age to be Jungs grandfather. MacDonald is solidly pre-psychoanalytic. And part of this is that in his spirituality shadow is something to be, if not suppressed, overcome, and then moved beyond. For me at this point I mainly look at the worlds mystical writings, and I have little doubt that MacDonald is a mystic, that is hes a pilgrim on the spiritual path seeking the deep wisdom, or probably in his language, God hoping to find guidance on my own path. Challenges and invitations a bit more than judgments out of my perspective. When fortunate, quite a bit more. I am at least latently also marked by a psychoanalytic, more Jungian than Freudian, sense. This perspective pervades our cultural assumptions. For me, for instance, the shadow is that which is hidden, and which needs to be met and integrated. For MacDonald, following an older tradition names the shadow as that part of a person which hinders one on the path, and which needs to be set aside, or overcome. Me, of the many influences creating how I see the world, I am most informed by Zen. Here I find myself aware that through its history, Buddhism also finds doubt a great problem. Not unlike MacDonalds shadow, which is a cruel skepticism, blinding one to wonder. In Zen, doubt is transformed. Baptized, if you will. It is no longer seen as an obstacle, but rather as a tool, or even a vehicle. Great doubt begats great faith which flowers as great awakening. Of course, all of this needs to be met, and engaged. What I find fascinating is the middle place between his ordinary ego-centric life and some form of ultimacy, which MacDonald calls Love. The arc of his journey is from selfish love to a transcendent Love. That middle place joing the two loves, the lesser and the greater, is found through imagination. For me MacDonalds imagination echoes my sense of Sambhogakaya in Mahayana Buddhisms Trikaya. The Three bodies of Trikaya, Nirmanakaya, Dharmakaya, and Sambhogakaya invoke the wild and multidimensional quality of reality. This is not MacDonalds world, but I find it maps nicely. And for me shows how the mystical of the worlds religions is rarely hard to reconcile. Nirmanakaya being the world of history. In the novel represented by Anodos and the bookmarks of his life before and after the adventure. Dharmakaya in Buddhism is the vast openness, and for MacDonald, God. Or, Love. In the Mahayana theres also Sambogakaya, the realm of magic. I call it the third place. And, perhaps its MacDonalds imagination. At least a variation on a theme. Another word for this place is wonder. In my own life Ive felt led more and more into this third place. The world of history is where we usually live. We are born, we age, and we die. In between lots and lots of things. Each of them appearing, engaging, and passing away. A great web of conditions and flow. All of it interconnected. And, behind, below, or, probably more precisely all the way through and at the same time, something. Or, in Zen, no thing. The wild open. The great empty. Perhaps in western terms at least some versions of God. What caught me in this book was how he approaches the third place. In the novel McDonald showed the power of imagination. Magic. Dream. Wonder. Partially but by no means entirely in our hands. We have part of it, but mostly it is beyond our ken. We learn to play within it. So. A lovely book. And a description of the way. Check it out. It might prove very helpful. At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Webcam looks good-to-great under most lighting 4K 60Hz capability Cons Noise-cancelling mics dont do a great job No 4K/60Hz option Software controls are a little confusing Brio 4K webcam includes Windows Hello; this doesnt Our Verdict Logitechs MX Brio delivers on its primary responsibility: making you look really good on camera. But this 4K webcam could use some polish on some of its other aspects. Best Prices Today: Logitech MX Brio Logitechs MX Brio webcam produces some startlingly good images, even though youd expect this semi-premium 4K webcam from industry icon Logitech, no less to deliver. Im less impressed with some of its other elements, however namely the accompanying software and its noise filtering. Logitechs MX Brio is essentially the Logitech Brio 4K webcam without Windows Hello, but with an enlarged sensor that promises improved low-light sensitivity. Its a little puzzling that Logitech excluded Windows Hello, but that choice may have been made with cost in mind. Further reading: See our roundup of the best webcams to learn about competing products. Logitech MX Brio design and features The Logitech MX Brio is a 4K webcam, though it can only record up to 30fps at 4K resolution. If youd like a more video-like 60fps, you can record in either 1080p or 1440p resolution. Out of the box, Logitechs MX Brio feels surprisingly compact, compared to the enlarged lenses used by some rival 4K cameras. The webcam measures 3.75 inches from side to side, and, when mounted, is 2 inches high. The noise-cancelling mics sit on either side of the lens, which measures 4cm (1.57 inches) in diameter. Logitech uses a comfortably long 58-inch cord to connect the camera to your laptop, with USB-C connections at either end. Is the MX Brio a great webcam? Yes. Is it a polished product? Not as much as Id like. But with a little care, the MX Brio 2 could be truly superb. To close the lens, all you need to do is twist the ring on the outside of the lens. Youll see two halves of the lens shutter close, top to bottom, making it immediately apparent that the lens cant physically see you. Logitechs MX Brio webcam does not include a ring light, though a small LED to the right of the lens signals when the camera is on and in use. However, that wont prevent a hypothetical hacker from recording the audio from the cameras mics. That mic remains active, as I confirmed by recording a brief bit of audio through Windows Sound Recorder. The MX Brios LED light will light yellow to indicate that the mic is recording, however, which is different than the white LED that lights while recording video. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Though compact, the MX Brio sat securely on both a desktop monitor as well as a laptop. I think Logitech over-engineered it a bit, honestly. As with most webcams, theres a tooth, or lip, that hooks onto the front of the display. Some webcams just mount the webcam on top of it, adding a 90-degree hinge to hold the webcam in place. Logitech added a swiveling chin that lines up with the back of your monitor and coated the chin with a sticky substance that helps hold it fast. The sticky bit comes covered with a sticker, and I think you can leave it alone its sturdy enough as it is, at least on a desktop monitor. Dont worry about the webcam falling off in either direction, either. On a laptop, consider using the sticky tape, though! Everything tends to slide around. The MX Brio also flips down into what Logitech calls Show Mode, a top-down perspective that flips the image to show it as youd see it from the front. Nothing does this as well as the CA Webcam Flex, which has a telescopic arm that works very well. Show Mode feels a little claustrophobic so close to the monitor, but it works. The Logitech MX Brio, from the side. Adjustable arms help secure the webcam, plus some sticky taps attached to the flat surface that contacts the monitor. The Logitech MX Brio, from the side. Adjustable arms help secure the webcam, plus some sticky taps attached to the flat surface that contacts the monitor. Mark Hachman / IDG The Logitech MX Brio, from the side. Adjustable arms help secure the webcam, plus some sticky taps attached to the flat surface that contacts the monitor. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Theres one thing, however, that the mount excludes: the threaded 1/4-inch screw hole that most webcams include to allow mounting them on tripods. Theres no threaded hole at all. Correction (April 15, 2024): I was unaware that there is a mounting hole at the time of the review. Logitech informs me that the webcam is magnetically attached to the mount, and the hole that feeds into the mount is threaded to allow it to be mounted. The magnetic connection is strong, strong enough that I assumed it was all one piece. I regret that error. The Logitech MX Brio is connected magnetically to its mount, with a threaded screw hole for an optional third-party stand. The Logitech MX Brio is connected magnetically to its mount, with a threaded screw hole for an optional third-party stand. Mark Hachman / IDG The Logitech MX Brio is connected magnetically to its mount, with a threaded screw hole for an optional third-party stand. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Well talk more about how well the hardware performs a bit later, but lets mention something that I somewhat dislike about the Logitech Brio 4K: the software. Logitech manufactures a galaxy of peripherals, from webcams to keyboards, mice, and more. Its unsurprising that youd have to download an app to take advantage of the full capabilities of the MX Brio, but Logitech offers two: Logi Options+ and G Hub. Some Logitech executive thought it would be a good idea to try and sell you a Logitech mouse and keyboard alongside your new webcam. Youll need to spend more effort than you should examining the Logitech MX Brio product page and finally concluding that Options+ is for connecting various Logitech devices, and G Hub is the utility software that the MX Brio requires which is also a web app, and which immediately kicked off a firmware update. Oh, and did I mention that Logitech wants a username and password, too? Ugh. At least you can use an existing authenticator, like Google. What annoyed me the most, though, was that G Hub doesnt actually control the basics. What if you want to switch the camera between resolutions? G Hub doesnt offer that option. Thats left to another app, like Windows Camera, to make that adjustment. What G Hub does do is to offer everything else: field-of-view adjustments (65, 78, or 90 degrees), some manual panning or centering of the video, plus automatic or manual adjustments to exposure, HDR, white balance/color temperature, and autofocusing. These options are well organized and intuitive! Its just odd that the most basic feature isnt accessible via the G Hub menu. Did I mention that Logitech wants a username and password, too? Ugh. Logitechs G Hub software controls the MX Brio webcam. Logitechs G Hub software controls the MX Brio webcam. Mark Hachman / IDG Logitechs G Hub software controls the MX Brio webcam. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG (Logitech did supply a mouse and keyboard as part of its review package, which included the MX Brio. Logitechs MX, or Master, series is designed to work together. Although I have reviewed ecosystems like the Samsung Galaxy apps before, I didnt test the Options+ app and how it interacts with other Logitech devices for brevitys sake.) Logitechs MX Brio includes up to 82 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the aluminum in the camera was made with renewable energy. That wont impact the cameras performance, just the environment. Logitech MX Brio webcam performance Remember, most of the top-tier videoconferencing services dont support 4K streaming yet. However, you can still stream to a service like YouTube in 4K, and record archival video in 4K as well. A 4K sensor may also let in more light and offer better color balance thats part of the value the MX Brio offers. And images captured by the MX Brio look great, almost surprisingly so. Our publishing software doesnt do this screenshot from the MX Brio justice its a little down-rezzed on my screen, which smeared some of the detail. Our publishing software doesnt do this screenshot from the MX Brio justice its a little down-rezzed on my screen, which smeared some of the detail. Mark Hachman / IDG Our publishing software doesnt do this screenshot from the MX Brio justice its a little down-rezzed on my screen, which smeared some of the detail. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Im really impressed with how well the MX Brio captured me in decent afternoon side lighting warts and all. That is a drawback of a 4K camera a blemish on my face was captured pretty clearly, and Im not sure how well our publishing software captured that. The webcam even captured a few stray hairs from a razer. The color of the MX Brios images looks very nice, and flesh tones were captured accurately. Downstairs, where I use a more dimly lit space with a mix of artificial and natural lighting, my face was a bit too ruddy and the colors a bit off. Here Im using the tightest field of view, or 65 degrees. Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Mark Hachman / IDG Im not terrifically impressed with the noise-filtering capabilities of the Logitech MX Brios mics, either. While I dont think its quite realistic to ask for the kind of nearly perfect noise filtering AI PC are beginning to deliver, I dont think it will be too long before something like that will be table stakes. I test by playing audio back from Spotify on a phone nearby, and see how the mics filter it out. The background audio was clearly audible, and louder than I would like. Should you buy the Logitech MX Brio? Ive seen some excellent, excellent webcams lately. At press time, the Logitech MX Brio is the same price as the BenQ IdeaCam S1 Pro, which delivers more for the money at an identical price. I think that the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra produces better images, though at a $100 premium. At $199, the Logitech MX Brio fits nicely into that sweet spot between the ultra-premium cameras and the more standard options. Id like to see it a little cheaper: $149, maybe. At that price, it would be a killer upsell option. As it is, there a couple of things Id fix before I could wholeheartedly recommend itbut it wont take much. Logitech has still got it. President Bola Tinubu has extended his warm congratulations to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of the Dangote Group, on the occasion of his birthday, today, April 10, 2024. The President joined the family and friends of Alhaji Dangote to celebrate the founder of the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa and one of Africas business lodestars. Referencing the many industrial feats of the business colossus, President Tinubu extols Alhaji Dangotes famed dauntless and inventive spirit, as well as his facility for excellence in any venture. Disclosing this in a statement signed by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Tinubu: commends the Chairman of the Dangote Group for his interventions and support for Nigerias young entrepreneurs, describing him as one of the industrialists who have kept the country on the global map as a haven for enterprise. As Alhaji Dangote marks this birthday, the President wishes him many more prosperous years in his storied endeavours in Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Source: vanguardngr 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 Bank of Ghana (BoG) has cautioned individuals and organisations to always be in a position to satisfactorily explain their sources of wealth. That, it is, said was because sudden unexplained wealth could be as a result of money laundering. The BoG gave the advice in a social media post as part of a financial literacy initiative to sensitise the public about money laundering and terrorist financing. The central bank described money laundering as a process whereby money obtained from unlawful activities such as drug trafficking and corruption is legitimised through complex transactions and processes called cleaning to hide its illegal source. Beware! Both the underlying illegal activities which produce the "dirty" money that has to be "washed or cleaned" and money laundering, which seeks to legitimise the proceeds of the illegal activities are punishable by law, the post said. Terrorist Financing on the other hand, it said, includes the provision of funds and financial support to individuals, state and non-state actors for the purpose of extremist acts and the promotion of terrorism and terrorist organisations. It further explained that both activities can have potentially devastating economic, security and social consequences for nations, businesses, and individuals and as a result were in direct violation of Ghanas laws. Therefore, it said in order to control them, individuals and organisations may be required to disclose and prove the source of funds used to undertake transactions at all financial institutions licensed and regulated by the BoG. Financing of terrorism is a crime and punishable by law. When you provide your legitimately or illegitimately acquired funds/assets for terrorist activities or organizations, you are financing terrorism. Be careful you do not become a conduit for such activities, it added. The BoG also advised the individuals against allowing others to receive and or transfer funds through their bank accounts, pointing out that they could unknowingly be participating or aiding money laundering or terrorist financing, which are both punishable by law. Source: graphiconline.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 Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unequivocally expressed his strong opposition against the practice of homosexuality in Ghana. Speaking at Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in Kumasi on Thursday, Dr. Bawumia told thousands of Muslims that his faith as a Muslim is against the practice. "I will like to take this opportunity to personally comment on the raging issue of LGBTQ in Ghana. First of all, it is important to note that our cultural and societal norms and values as Ghanaians frown on the practice of homosexuality...Furthermore, as a Muslim, my view on this matter aligns with the position of my religious faith. The Holy Quran is replete with verses frowning on LGBTQ acts including same-sex marriages. My faith is therefore very strictly against the practice of homosexuality, no ifs or buts. No shades of grey", Dr. Bawumia established. He also pledged not to waver in his faith but rather perpetually stay opposed to the LGBTQ+ community and their activities, stressing his position will remain the same while as President of Ghana. "I personally cannot support that which my religion and indeed, all the major religions in Ghana clearly and unequivocably forbid...All the major religious traditions in Ghana, Christianity and Islam, are opposed to this practice and I stand opposed to it now and I will stand opposed to it as President, Insha Allah", the Vice President cum presidential candidate of the governing New Patriotic Party stressed. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a bid to uplift the socio-economic landscape of the Tano North Constituency in the Ahafo Region, Dr. Gideon Boako, parliamentary candidate and spokesperson for the Vice President of Ghana, has embarked on a philanthropic endeavor by donating startup machines to artisans and apprentices in the area. The initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of the youth and promoting higher education saw Dr. Boako distribute the much-needed equipment during a vibrant ceremony held at Duayaw Nkwata in the Ahafo region. The items were startup kits for masons and carpenters, hair dryers, oven and gas cylinders for bakers, welding machines, sewing machines among others which has been distributed to over 200 aprentices and masters in the constituency. Speaking at the event on Wednesday, Dr. Boako emphasized his vision to transform Tano North into the epitome of middle-class prosperity within the Ahafo Region. He underscored the importance of empowering the youth with the tools and resources necessary to pursue further education and excel in various fields. He said, aside the numerous youth he has facilitated their education abroad to pursue programmes such as medicines, engineering, Law among others, he is putting measures in place to ensure that at least 50 students from the constituency will recieve higher education in mining in order to fit into the mining job market in the area. The donation ceremony, marked by enthusiasm and gratitude from beneficiaries, highlighted the tangible impact of Dr. Boakos commitment to grassroots empowerment and community development. Speaking on behalf of the masters and the beneficiaries Mr Eric Boateng commended Dr Boako for the gesture adding that his multifaceted role as both a parliamentary candidate and the spokesperson for the Vice President underscores his dedication to fostering positive change and prosperity within Ghanaian communities. He said with initiatives like these, Dr. Boako will continue to solidify his position as a champion for progress, empowerment, and socio-economic advancement in the Tano North Constituency and beyond. 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 Gruesome new details have emerged in the story of a Michigan woman whose remains were discovered in a Luzerne County home. The body of Nicole Cuevas, 38, was found by police in the basement of a home along Carlisle Street in Wilkes-Barre back in February. Police said she was killed in April 2023. Five people -- Sarai Doyle, Jason Race, William Wolfe, Faith Beamer and Desiree Linnette -- are all facing charges of homicide, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit kidnapping, aggravated assault, and abuse of a corpse. According to court documents, investigators first learned of Cuevas death when a witness told them of a possible murder in the home. An eight-year-old boy had witnessed Cuevas being beaten and killed and subsequently told Linnette. Linette then told someone else, who in turn informed the police, WBRE/WYOU said. Cuevas had moved into the home in March 2023 with Linette, three children, and Doyle, Linnettes adult daughter. Race, Beamer and Wolfe were already living at the property. Race, Beamer and Wolfe told police that Linette accused Cuevas of inappropriately touching an 8-year-old girl. Police said that they believed that Linette intended to tarnish Cuevas reputation and turn the house against her. After a fight broke out between Linette and Cuevas, police said Cuevas began to be subjected to beatings and torture. She was beaten, stomped, and slashed while handcuffed in different areas of the house. One of her wounds was stitched up with a fishing line, WBRE/WYOU said. Cuevas was not allowed to leave the home, was only fed bread and water, and had to ask for permission to use the bathroom. At one point Linnette shaved Cuevas head because no one could be prettier, a witness told police. Eventually, a dolly had to be used to move Cuevas around because she was so badly injured, the news station reported. On the day she was killed Beamer, Race, and Wolfe were at Cuevas because she had soiled her clothing. Race reportedly stomped on her head before she died. Police said Race then used a stethoscope to determine she was dead, according to WBRE/WYOU. Her body was then wrapped in a tarp, tied with electrical cords and rope, and buried in the dirt floor basement of the house. Three months after her death, police were called to the same area after a man claimed he was held captive in the basement of the home and assaulted, WNEP reported. The man told police he had been tortured by the people living in the home because he had inappropriately touched an 8-year-old. When police came to the house, Race would not allow them to enter and threatened them with his dog. He was later charged with obstruction and intimidation in a child abuse case for his failure to report the alleged assault. Then, in August of 2023, Debra Fox, who owned the home, filed a protection from abuse order against Race, claiming he starved, assaulted, and shot her with pellet guns, WNEP said. Foxs body was found on March 26 in a wooded area near the Cross Valley Expressway. Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sangudolce told WNEP that he doesnt believe Fox played any role in Cuevas death. Wolfe is a registered sex offender and was found guilty in 1992 of sexually assaulting two young girls, WNEP reported. Police said they expect to make yet another arrest in Cuevas death. By Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times (TNS) LOS ANGELES Four middle-aged suspects were arrested in Southern California this week when police found them in possession of roughly $300,000 worth of purloined Lego sets, authorities said. Yes, Lego sets. The little toy bricks that hurt when you step on them barefoot. Apparently, some people like having them around so much theyre willing to pay an astonishing price for the privilege. The suspects, who range in age from 35 to 47, hit stores including Target, Home Depot and Lowes in search of limited-edition box sets of the toys, police said. Police said they scattered their loot in four stash houses across Los Angeles and Orange counties, where California Highway Patrol officers served search warrants on Tuesday. This is not an isolated incident. Similar thefts have been reported in Philadelphia and Green Bay, Wisconsin. A store in Las Vegas that opened in 2022 and specializes in Lego sets had been hit at least four times by the end of 2023 in what Inside Edition dubbed a national wave of Lego Larceny. As unbelievable as it may seem, rare and exceptionally popular Lego sets trade online like precious metal or cryptocurrency. Kits that turn into Star Wars spaceships, for example, routinely sell for north of a thousand dollars. A set that turns into Han Solos Millennium Falcon fluctuates between $1,000 and $4,000, according to the website Work + Money. There is no shortage of online reports on Lego thievery with robbers smashing through glass storefront doors and stomping around toy shops in masks and dark hoodies. One vertically challenged bandit can be seen on security video hopping up and down, desperate to reach the most valuable Lego boxes stored on the top shelf like fine Scotch. The four arrested in Southern California this week were booked on charges related to organized retail theft, grand theft and conspiracy. A Cumberland Valley School District agriculture science teacher is among the 12 finalists nominated to be the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, the state Department of Education announced on Thursday. Along with her teaching duties, Darla Romberger serves as FFA adviser for the school district, according to her Facebook page. College students planning to do their student teacher next school year have shown an overwhelming interest in Pennsylvanias first-ever student teacher stipend program. In the first three hours after applications became available for the PA Student Teacher Support Program, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency reports 3,531 students had submitted an application in hopes of receiving a stipend for the 12-16-week student teaching semester, which is unpaid. The program provides for $10,000 stipends or up to $15,000 if they perform their student teaching placement at a school that has a hard time attracting educators. In exchange, the aspiring teachers have to commit to working at a Pennsylvania school for at least three years. The coordinating teacher who works with the student teacher receives a $2,000 stipend. Currently, only $10 million is available to fund the stipends. PHEAA officials estimate that will be enough to fund 600 to 700 student teachers about 10% of the 7,000 students that the state Department of Education estimates will be doing their student teaching next year. Aaron Chapin, president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, said the response to the Student Teacher Support Program shatters all expectations. Unfortunately, this astonishing demand means that most students who applied for stipends wont get them, he said in a statement. This is the best possible evidence that lawmakers and Gov. Shapiro need to increase funding for the program in the 2024-25 state budget. Shapiro proposed raising the amount of money for this program to $15 million in his 2024-25 budget but at a Capitol news conference on Wednesday to announce the programs launch, supporters were calling for $75 million. This program will be life-changing for student teachers in Pennsylvania. We should make sure that every single student teacher who needs a stipend can get one, Chapin said. That means we need to fund this program at $75 million in 2024-25 so that no student teacher is left out. Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder said in a statement, As Governor Shapiro has made clear, this is a commonsense, critically important initiative with broad bipartisan support and it is positive to see such high demand for it. The Shapiro Administration looks forward to having further conversations with leaders in both parties about how to deliver a needed increase in this grant funding as we work to continue building our teacher workforce and delivering the resources Pennsylvania students and families need. PHEAA officials are encouraging students to continue applying to help quantify the level of interest in the program to share with state lawmakers. The programs two champions in the Senate, Sens. Ryan Aument, R-Lancaster County, and Vince Hughes, D-Philadelphia, indicated they would push for more funding if the level of interest indicates more is needed. The program also has strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. Beth Byers, director of Wilson Colleges teacher intern program, said at Wednesdays news conference the stipend program removes a financial barrier that has deterred people from pursuing a teaching career and the extra $5,000 for working in a high-needs district will encourage student teachers to consider a placement in one of those schools. We are optimistic that this is a pivotal moment for educators across the state, Byers said. Were hopeful that the PA Student Teacher Support Program will be funded so that all those with a heart for teaching will have the opportunity to change the lives of students and their families because we know the greatest reward of teaching is the difference we make in the lives of students. * This story was updated to include a comment from Gov. Josh Shapiros spokesman. Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on X at @JanMurphy. Story by Stephen Caruso of Spotlight PA Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. Two sweet treat brands are merging under one roof. Cinnabon Swirl, a new concept by ToGo Foods, will open its first unit in Hawaii this summer, according to Restaurant Business. The new platform is being advertised as a mashup between Cinnabon and Carvel. This is the ultimate treat destination, with Cinnabons world famous cinnamon rolls and Carvels irresistible soft serve ice cream, Kristen Hartman, GoTos specialty category president, told the publication. ToGo operates Cinnabon and Carvel, as well as Auntie Annes, McAlisters Deli, Jamba and Schlotzskys. Nine Cinnabon Swirls are under development with one also scheduled to open later this year in Oregon. Cinnabon Swirl will carry classics, like the baked goods Cinnabon is known for and Carvels soft serve, but also new product combinations including ice cream creations topped with Cinnabon center of the roll bits. Hartman said the co-branding is expected to result in unit volumes that are about 45% higher than individual units. Cinnabon operates 1,850 locations worldwide and was founded in 1985, while Carvel operates about 350 locations nationwide. A national pizza chain has closed 26 units in multiple states, according to an industry publication. PMO Pizza reports MOD Pizza has shut down more than two dozen restaurants in 11 states and the District of Columbia in recent weeks. At least two of the shuttered restaurants are located outside the Pennsylvania border in Cherry Hill and Marlton, New Jersey. The list includes five in California, three in Chicago, three in the Washington, D.C. area, three in the Dallas area, two in Wisconsin, two in Seattle and one each in Florida, Oklahoma, Virginia and Oregon. One franchised restaurant in the Atlanta market closed in March. Despite the best efforts of our local managers and squad members, these restaurants had underperformed for some time, Beth Scott, MOD Pizza CEO, told PMO. We provided severance to all squad members where transfer opportunities were unavailable or declined. Scott said MOD continues to evaluate the performance of its assets, noting not every location is going to be successful over time due to a wide range of factors. She also stressed the $20/hour fast-food minimum wage law recently enacted in California had nothing to do with closings in that state. Scott and Ally Svenson founded the Seattle-based MOD in 2008. Today, it operates about 540 units in 29 states including several central Pa. locations in York, Lancaster and Lebanon counties. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) on Wednesday announced that a team of students from the Central Dauphin School District in Dauphin County has been selected as the PennDOT District 8 winner for its seventh Innovations Challenge. Mentored by teachers Cody Leisey and Ron Michael, team members are Kyle Peck, Ryan Sowers, Alex Mendelsohn, and Alex Keeney. The PennDOT Innovations Challenge is a statewide competition for high school students from around the Commonwealth to develop creative solutions and strategic solutions to real-world transportation challenges. The Innovations Challenge allows students to explore the actual challenges PennDOT and the transportation industry face as well as consider the possibility of working in the industry later in life. Since last Fall, students around Pennsylvania have been developing an implementable plan for redeveloping a stretch of roadway that, when constructed, separated an existing neighborhood, requiring people and businesses to relocate. Plans were required to address the needs of the community, including accommodating bicycle and pedestrian traffic, connecting the separated neighborhood, allowing for new business development and ensuring the smooth flow of traffic. As our transportation infrastructure ages out of its useful lifespan, were presented with opportunities to improve on past decisions, PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. These students display the kind of diligence and creativity that our future transportation planners must have to better meet the needs of Pennsylvanias communities. The winning regional teams innovation was to create a bridge that would use 3D printing for construction and regrind rubber paving specifically for the pedestrian walkway. The pedestrian walkway would be separated from the motorists and contain plantings of species native to Pennsylvania. The thought is to make it kind of a modern day Village Square concept that would allow for social gatherings that would unite communities on either side of the bridge. I was impressed by the creative and innovative approach students took in finding ways to connect communities, District 8 Executive Kevin Keefe said. These students did an outstanding job of addressing these issues. Regional Innovations Challenge winners will present their solutions to Carroll and a panel of judges in Harrisburg on May 1, where a statewide winner for 2024 will be determined. For this years challenge, the Transportation Policy and Education Foundation, an educational arm of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors (APC) organization and the American Council of Engineering Companies of PA (ACEC/PA) are providing a combined total award of $4,000 to the statewide winning team. For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.gov/innovation and click on Innovations Challenge. Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts or choose a region to subscribe to. Information about the states infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOTs planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. SUNBURY-A Northumberland County man will spend the rest of his life in prison after admitting he fatally shot three family members in a dispute over a car nearly three years ago. Matthew Joseph Reed, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday in county court to three counts of first-degree murder and immediately was sentenced to three concurrent life terms without parole. By Julia Mertes, Nick Stonesifer and Samantha Verrelli The News Lab at Penn State Norfolk Southern and lawyers representing residents and businesses in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, located as far as 20 miles from the site of the East Palestine train derailment, have reached an agreement for a $600 million settlement pending approval in the courts. The decision comes 14 months after the February 2023 derailment thats already cost the rail company more than $1.1 billion. Lawyers on the case touted the settlement as an outstanding resolution for local residents, but some worry the settlement isnt enough and raised questions about how the money would be allocated. The class-action suit filed its first entry in federal court on Feb. 7, 2023, four days after the derailment. The 18 listed plaintiffs sued Norfolk Southern individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated. The lawsuit included residents, business owners, property owners and employees within a 30-mile radius of the derailment site. However, the settlement decreased this distance to 20 miles. The 17 counts brought against Norfolk Southern range from negligence to injuring animals. You can read the full complaint at the bottom of the story. Seth A. Katz, an attorney with Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that the settlement only applies to the private class-action suit and it wont impact any other pending litigation. A welcome sign for East Palestine stands outside the town as a car passes by on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. Jackson Ranger Jayne Conroy, a partner with Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC, said the legal team cannot provide a ballpark for how much money will be distributed per person. M. Elizabeth Graham, a principal at Grant & Eisenhofer, said the legal team is working with experts to create an algorithm that will determine who will receive settlement funding. She said people at ground zero will receive more money than people located 20 miles away from the derailment. Other factors could include how many children and adults were in the home or if someone was working in the community. Graham also explained that residents who choose to file claims and participate in this class action settlement will relinquish their right to file future personal injury cases against Norfolk Southern. The original complaint against Norfolk Southern sought compensation for those living up to 30 miles away, but the settlement decreased that radius to 20 miles. It includes over 70 communities, including towns directly bordering the derailment like Unity and Negley and spanning to locations like Cornersburg, Greenford and West Pittsburg. The original complaints 30-mile radius would have included 30 additional communities, like Lackawannock, Hubbard and Lisbon. Mike Morgan, an attorney for Morgan and Morgan, emphasized this $600 million resolution is going to go 100% directly back to the community. But Conroy later clarified that the judge would determine the attorney fees. A sign reading East Palestine we wont be derailed! Stands outside of a house on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. Jackson Ranger Conroy also said none of the $600 million would be used in cleanup. The settlement was reached after extensive fact discovery, expert development, and three days of mediation. Katz said participation in the current settlement case provides a more streamlined process compared to lawsuits filed separately. The current lawsuit, he explained, does not prohibit people from participating in future personal injury suits. Jess Conard, an East Palestine resident and the Appalachia Director of Beyond Plastics, said the settlement case has been moving at a refreshing pace. However, Conard said she believes the court must uphold justice for the residents of East Palestine and surrounding communities and avoid a pay-to-pollute situation. If the court accepts this settlement, it sets the precedent that there is a corporate price tag for poisoning communities and rolls out the red carpet for them to just add it to next years budget in the name of the economy, Conard said. With an estimated 100,000 people eligible for the class action lawsuit, according to lead counsel, Conard said theres truly not enough money for relocation costs, the replacement of furniture, or even the reimbursement of acute- or long-term health care expenses. I feel that the $600 million settlement for anyone within a 20-mile radius of East Palestine is just another slap in the face to East Palestine residents whose cheeks are already severely battered from this entire debacle, said East Palestine resident Daren Gamble, who relocated his family to an Airbnb for 10 months after the derailment. A Norfolk Souther train passes through town on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. Jackson Ranger The damages listed in the plaintiffs formal complaint range dramatically increased risk of cancer and/or organ damage from chemical exposure, property contamination and loss of income. According to the complaint, each plaintiff listed has suffered damages including but not limited to an increased risk of cancer and organ damage from exposure to an inhalation of toxic chemicals, and contamination of her property by egregiously high and plainly dangerous levels of toxic chemicals and their byproducts by Defendants into the air, soil and water. The settlement does not resolve the claims made by Norfolk Southern against the railcar defendants in the third-party complaint. Norfolk Southerns separate claims against the railcar defendants will proceed independently and are not affected by the settlement agreement. This story was published by PennLive in collaboration with The News Lab at Penn State. The News Lab has been reporting on the aftermath of the East Palestine train derailment since September 2023. Their reporting includes East Palestine: One Year Later, a work of immersive journalism that brings readers and listeners inside the narrative of the train, its derailment, and the impact of the chemical it was carrying and its cleanup on the residents of East Palestine, Ohio and nearby townships in western Pennsylvania. It also includes Community united by train derailment is divided by its aftermath and A year after Ohio derailment, pair monitor waterways: Theres still something going on. A fire that started in a Harrisburg row house Thursday morning and spread across the block left one person injured and several people without homes. Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting 10 people, six adults and four children, after the fire on Ross Street in Harrisburg. The Red Cross noted that it works with affected families to help with food, shelter supplies, emotional support and more. The fire call came in shortly after 6 a.m. from the 600 block of Ross Street. It started in one home in a row of connected houses and spread. Harrisburg fire Chief Brian Enterline said a person who jumped from the home where the fire started suffered minor smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported. A cause of the fire hasnt been announced. The house where the fire started was destroyed, Enterline said. Those aside of it were seriously damaged, and the other houses in the line of 12 had at least minor damage. New College of Floridas board of trustees, including conservative activist Christopher Rufo, on the screen, lower right, at a Feb. 28, 2023, meeting at which they voted to abolish the office that handles diversity, equity and inclusion programs. AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell Right-wing activists who have long criticized liberalism and wokeness in higher education and helped force the resignation of Claudine Gay, Harvard Universitys first African American president, have now set their sights on ending the diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, programs that these activists claim helped place figures like Gay in her job in the first place. Christopher Rufo, the conservative activist who played a pivotal role in forcing Gays resignation, stated this view bluntly on X formerly known as Twitter following Gays ouster: Today, we celebrate victory. Tomorrow, we get back to the fight. We must not stop until we have abolished DEI ideology from every institution in America. The DEI initiatives and programs at the center of these controversies aim to help organizations identify and more effectively tackle disparities or inequities in their organizations. In the past year, a number of states have begun to dismantle their DEI programs. Alabama, Utah, Texas and Florida have all passed and signed into law anti-DEI legislation ranging from prohibiting diversity training to terminating all positions associated with DEI efforts. Florida lawmakers have restricted the teaching of what they call racially divisive subject matter in public schools, colleges and universities. Legislatures in more than two dozen additional states are considering similar measures. Critics of these measures say they are racist. DEI opponents are quick to deny this. Is opposition to DEI programs unrelated to racism? Or does racism play an important role in opposition to DEI programs? We are survey researchers who study how racial attitudes affect Americans attitudes toward public policies. In a recent poll, we investigated what, if any, influence racism may have on public opinion toward DEI programs. Implausible claims about DEI Utah Gov. Spencer Cox defended anti-DEI measures in his state by characterizing them as reaffirming the ideal of colorblindness in American society. We used to aspire toward the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. of a future where our children will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, he said. Now, Americans are accused of systemic racism for quoting these same immortal words of Dr. King. Up is down. But statements by other conservative politicians and commentators seem more transparently racist. Following the deadly accident that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, several Republican elected officials and candidates claimed implausibly that DEI policies were responsible. One conservative commentator reposted video footage of a news conference on the tragedy held by Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, who is Black, with the comment, This is Baltimores DEI mayor commenting on the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. Its going to get so, so much worse. Prepare accordingly. In our January, 2024 survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,064 U.S. adults, we sought to identify what influence racism may have on public opinion about DEI programs. We asked respondents, From the following list, please indicate if you believe the indicated professionals and/or members of institutions should or should not receive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. The list included medical professionals, teachers, police officers, members of the U.S. armed forces, public sector employees and private sector employees. Next, we assessed respondents racial attitudes with questions that measure their acknowledgment of the existence of racism in the U.S. and their emotional reaction to the problem of racism in the nation. We also asked respondents about their partisan identity, ideological affiliation and demographic characteristics. Huge impact on support for DEI We found that a strong majority of Americans support DEI training for each of the professions we listed in the survey. On average, 7 in 10 Americans support DEI training for medical professionals, teachers, police officers, members of the U.S. armed forces and public employees, while 65% of Americans support this training for private sector employees. However, among Americans with negative racial attitudes which is a phrase used by scholars of public opinion to characterize respondents who hold prejudicial, stereotypical or racist views of people of color support for DEI training was much lower. On average, only 46% of Americans who believe that racial problems are rare support DEI training; 45% of those who are not angry that racism exists support DEI training, and 38% of those who do not believe that white people have advantages because of their skin color support DEI training programs. Next, we summed up interviewees responses across questions to create an overall measure of support for DEI training and analyzed how negative racial attitudes affect support for DEI. We did this while taking into account characteristics such as gender identity, age, education, income, race, political party identification and ideology. After taking these characteristics into account, we found that the effect of negative racial attitudes on support for DEI programs was huge. Support for DEI programs was 73 percentage points lower among individuals with the most negative racial attitudes compared to those with the most positive attitudes. This doesnt mean that every person who opposes DEI training is racist. But it does mean that people with the most negative racial attitudes are, on average, most opposed to DEI training. Many Americans understandably wish that the nation has achieved Martin Luther King Jr.s dream of a colorblind society. But the troubling connection between racism and opposition to DEI programs highlights that there is still work to be done until the nations citizens are truly judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin. Tatishe Nteta, Provost Professor of Political Science and Director of the UMass Amherst Poll, UMass Amherst; Adam Eichen, PhD Student, Political Science, UMass Amherst; Douglas Rice, Associate Professor of Political Science and Legal Studies, UMass Amherst; Jesse Rhodes, Associate Professor, Political Science, UMass Amherst, and Justin H. Gross, Associate Professor of Political Science and Computational Social Science, UMass Amherst This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF are in comeback mode as they enter the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal against Liga MX power Monterrey. The contest is scheduled to start at 10:30 p.m. ET with coverage on FS1 and TUDN. Live streams of the Inter Miami-Monterrey matchup are available with introductory offers from DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV (low intro rate). The TUDN broadcast is available with a subscription to FuboTV, which offers a free trial. Inter Miami CF at Monterrey Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal When: Wednesday, April 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET Where: Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico TV channel: FS1 and TUDN Live streams: FuboTV (TUDN only - free trial), DirecTV Stream (free trial), SlingTV (low intro rate) Monterrey is a slight favorite (+135) on its home turf to win the second leg of the Inter Miami series and on aggregate, as well. The Mexican club prevailed, 2-1, in the first meeting and won handily in most key stat categories, including the scoreboard despite seven saves in a losing effort by Inter Miami keeper Drake Callender. Monterrey surrendered an early 1-0 lead, but got scores from Maximiliano Meza (69th minute) and Jorge Rodriguez (89th) to take the win. A draw or better and Monterrey secures its spot in the semifinals. Inter Miami is looking to snap out of a recent cold streak with the loss to Monterrey in the Champions Cup extending a four-match winless streak. The most recent of those results was a 2-2 draw that registered as a big missed opportunity with a 17-7 edge in shots and 58.4 percent possession to settle for a 2-2 draw with the Colorado Rapids in MLS play. Inter Miami and Monterrey are set for a 10:30 p.m. ET start on FS1 and TUDN. Live streams are available with offers from DirecTV Stream (free trial) and Sling (low intro rate). The TUDN broadcast will also stream on FuboTV, which offers a free trial. After a few days of sunshine in central Pa., rain is coming back in a loud way. The National Weather Service in State College warns that strong thunderstorms are possible in much of Pennsylvania from late this afternoon into the night. The area includes Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster counties. The weather service says the storms with their heavy rain could flood small streams and areas with poor drainage. In addition, high winds, with gusts up to 45 mph, could lead to tree damage and power outages. The Weather Channel says rain will start around 4 p.m. and continue all night. Friday will also be rainy and windy, the National Weather Service says. Live radar over Pennsylvania: Never drive through standing water, and turn your vehicles headlights on if youre driving in the rain. Areas west and northwest of Harrisburg are under flood or wind advisories today. Heres the forecast for the next few days: 3DXB Group, a leading provider of innovative 3D printing construction technologies, presented its insights into decarbonisation in construction at the Energy & Sustainability Summit, held recently at the Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai. Endorsed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the 3rd Energy & Sustainability Summit served as a pivotal platform for industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to collaborate on advancing sustainability efforts post COP28. This year's summit emphasised the urgent need for the construction and energy sectors to accelerate decarbonisation initiatives and achieve Net Zero goals. Dubai has issued decree regulating the use of 3D printing in the construction sector in the emirate. The decree intends to promote Dubai as a regional and international hub for 3D printing technology, said Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, Chairman of 3DXB Group. The legislation aims to improve efficiencies in construction projects, increase the competitiveness of the local industry, reduce waste and attract leading companies in the sector to Dubai as part of a larger plan to spur economic growth and promote the adoption of advanced technologies in the emirate. Our participation in such events go in line with contributing in implementing this decree. Bassel Khaled, Technical & Factory Manager at 3DXB, shared insights as a distinguished panellist in the discussion on 'Sustainable Materials and Decarbonising Construction Sites. The panel addressed crucial topics including reducing embodied carbon, identifying alternative materials, and exploring innovative technologies like 3D printing for sustainable development. In our pursuit of sustainable development, prioritising eco-friendly materials in supply chains is crucial, remarked Khaled. At 3DXB, we leverage our network to ensure a steady flow of sustainable products, thus contributing to industry-wide decarbonisation efforts. Khaled also emphasised the transformative potential of 3D printing and modular construction technologies in advancing sustainable development, highlighting their efficiency gains and resource savings. Technologies like 3D printing offer opportunities to streamline processes and minimise waste, he said. These innovations hold the key to unlocking sustainable development globally, and 3DXB is at the forefront of their implementation. At 3DXB, we are committed to pioneering sustainable solutions that drive positive change in the industry, and this summit provided an invaluable platform to exchange ideas and strategies with fellow thought leaders, said Khaled. TradeArabia News Service New U.S. claims to seabed territory off Alaska have run into an obstacle: an objection from the Russian government. The Russian government, which has staked territorial claims to most of the Arctic Ocean, is challenging the U.S. claims made in December to sovereignty over 520,400 square kilometers of extended outer continental shelf in the Arctic Ocean an area bigger than California - and another 176,330 square kilometers in the Bering Sea. The U.S. does not have the right to make such claims because it is not a party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Russia's delegation argued at a meeting in Jamaica last month of the International Seabed Commission. "We categorically reject the selective approach of the United States of America to the use of international law, with an emphasis on its rights and a complete disregard for obligations," the delegation's statement said. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the Russian objection is puzzling because the claims made in December by the U.S. State Department did not overlap any territory claimed by Russia. "I don't know whether they would do it other than just to be obstreperous. But that wouldn't be surprising," she said at a Thursday news conference in Anchorage. Whatever grounds Russia might cite, its objection is an example of how the U.S. is at a disadvantage because it has not ratified the Law of the Sea treaty, under which such claims are adjudicated, she said. The U.S. is still allowed to submit a claim without ratifying the treaty, she said. However, "we're not, basically, at the table to defend it," she said. "It's kind of like going to court and just hoping that the pleading that you filed is going to be rock-solid and all of your cites are going to be just very conclusive, but you don't have the ability to argue your case as the attorney that drafted that," said Murkowski, who worked as a lawyer before holding public office. Murkowski in November, along with several colleagues, introduced a resolution seeking Senate ratification of the Convention on the Law of the Sea. It was her third official attempt to get the Senate to approve the treaty. As with all outer continental territorial claims, the U.S. claims made in December concern only the seabed, not the ocean above it. The claims could affect future economic activities, such as deep-sea mining or the placement of fiber-optic cables. The U.S. claims in the Arctic add to a series of claims made by other Arctic nations that date back several years. Russia's claims, as amended in 2021, extend from the Eastern Hemisphere to the Western-Hemisphere side of the North Pole, based on its interpretation of the continental shelf. While the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf approved most of the claimed territory, other areas claimed by Russia overlap and conflict with territorial claims made by Canada and by Denmark on behalf of Greenland. When it comes to even existing U.S. territorial rights, there have been some conflicting signals from Russia. An effort in the Russian Duma aims to sever the U.S-Russia Bering Sea boundary agreement that dates back to 1990, when the Soviet Union still existed. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has tried to counter that effort, defending the agreement as valid and a benefit to the nation. One high-ranking Russian official has even raised the specter of leaving the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Russia has taken more aggressive actions in the Bering Sea and Arctic in recent years. In a now-notorious 2020 incident, a Russian warship crew confronted some U.S. pollock fishermen and ordered them to move. And there have been more military operations, including exercises in the Bering and Chukchi seas last September that drew U.S. Coast Guard scrutiny. Asked about new doubts cast by some Russian officials about recognition of the existing Bering Sea maritime border, Coast Guard Lt. Commander Jed Raskie told the North Pacific Fishery Management Council on Thursday that he has not yet seen any follow-through on those sentiments. There has been no detectable action "that has signaled that they're going to proactively challenge that," Raskin told the council, which is meeting this week in Anchorage. Cross-border cooperation between the U.S. Coast Guard and its Russian counterpart has deteriorated but not ended entirely, he told the council. "The communications between us and the Russian Border Guard are relatively low right now, and that's because of the strained relationship between the two nations," said Raskie, who is based in Juneau. "We still have very good contact, and we maintain good communications just to make sure that if something that becomes an issue with either safety, life at sea or pollution, we would, obviously, be able to contact them proactively for that." In the first three months of 2024, there were no observed incursions by foreign vessels, from Russia or elsewhere, into U.S territory in the Bering Sea, Raskie said. But this is a slow time of year for fishing in that part of the Bering Sea, and things may change in the summer and fall along the maritime boundary, he said. "I think the answer is we'll see what happens over the next few months. And we're standing by," he told the council. The Alaska Beacon is an independent, donor-funded news organization. Alaskabeacon.com. EAPT Malta Main Event : Unbelievable Second Win of the Festival for Lorenzo Di Blasi (50,225) Maxime Taldir Live Reporter Copy link Last week Lorenzo Di Blasi won the 120 Flight to MPP, the first tournament of the Eurasian Poker Tour (EAPT) festival at Portomaso Casino in Malta. Outlasting 390 players, he took home 8,500, hoping for more on the Main Event. It seemed almost impossible to win both tournaments, but Di Blasi managed to do so as he finished in first place again on the 560 Main Event, out of a field of 660 entrants. Already chip leader at the beginning of the final table, he stayed in the lead until the end and won 50,225. Germany's Aschraf Khader was the last player to challenge him for victory. But he couldn't do much against Di Blasi's good run and finished in second place for 33,200. EAPT Malta 560 Main Event Results Place Player Country Prize 1 Lorenzo Di Blasi Italy 50,225* 2 Aschraf Khader Germany 33,200* 3 Fabio Peluso Italy 23,000* 4 Marco Vannini Italy 16,000* 5 Tiago Serrazina Portugal 11,600* 6 Theodoros Ampelikiotis Greece 9,600 7 Sergiy Alariki Ukraine 7,675 8 Panteleimon Michalakellis Greece 6,175 9 Eyal Saidof Israel 5,000 *The top five finishers will also receive a 5,000 package to Cyprus for the Mediterranean Poker Party in May which includes an entry to the 2,000 EAPT Grand Finale. Lorenzo Di Blasi Winner's Reaction "I am more than happy," Lorenzo Di Blasi said, visibly moved, moments after he lifted his second trophy of the week. "Last week, it was my first win of a tournament. I never thought that I could win one, so winning two tournaments in the same festival is unbelievable". For this manager in the tuna industry, the Main Event started off well with a qualification for Day 2 through Day 1b with 235,000 chips. Then, he discreetly worked his way to the top places of the chip counts, eventually reaching the chip lead just before the final table. "When I eliminated Helfner Augusto Hotvedt in 10th place, it was a very big pot. It was the most important moment of the tournament for me because, after this hand, I told myself that I could win." During the final table, Di Blasi won a big flip to extend his lead, and eventually secured a chance to win in the heads-up. Khader made a comeback at the beginning of the last duel, but Di Blasi managed to triumph. Thanks to his two victories, Di Blasi earned two packages for the Mediterranean Poker Party in May in Cyprus. For now, he plans to go there to play poker and enjoy the place. But perhaps he'll return home with one, two, or more trophies, as he did this week in Malta. Lorenzo Di Blasi Final Day's Action Ninety-nine players out of a field of 660 entrants qualified for Day 2 and reached the money. They all came back at noon for the final day of the EAPT Main Event. But after the first three levels of the day, half of the field was already eliminated. At the same time, a small group of players became the first millionaires of the tournament, like Arvydas Merfeldas, Panteleimon Michalakellis, or Helfner Augusto Hotvedt, who could have lost a big part of his stack if he hadn't folded queens preflop. After the first break of the day, David Lappin's tournament came to an end (48th, 1,150), as well as for Day 1 overall chip leader Mohamed Aissani (51st, 1,150). The action slowed down a little bit during the next few hours, but it was only the calm before the storm as only 30 minutes were needed to go from 27 players left to the two last tables. During that period, the future winner Lorenzo Di Blasi eliminated Enrico Grella (24th Place, 1,825) and drove Hans Erlandsson (20th, 2,300) crazy, while WSOP bracelet winner Fabio Peluso eliminated two players at once to build a big stack. Fabio Peluso It didn't take long either to go from 16 players to the final nine. Day 1c chip leader Alessandro D'Amore (14th, 3,050) was eliminated during that time, followed by Flaviano Cammisuli (13th, 3,600), Gian Luca Proietti (12th, 3,600), Alessandro Comi (11th, 4,200), and Helfner Augusto Hotvedt. The Norwegian player had the biggest stack of all during the two-table redraw, but he had a terrible time when he moved from one table to the other. Finishing 10th for 4,200, he let his nine remaining opponents join the final table. Helfner Augusto Hotvedt After a short dinner break, Eyal Saidof (9th, 5,000) was quickly eliminated in a three-way all-in and call situation. Moments later, it was Panteleimon Michalakellis' turn to make his way to the exit (8th, 6,175). He gave his stack to Sergiy Alariki (7th, 7,675), who engaged it with ace-king but lost the big flip against Di Blasi's queens. Then, finishing sixth, Theodoros Ampelikiotis (6th, 9,600) bubbled the 5,000 package to Cyprus for the Mediterranean Poker Party in May. Once the package was guaranteed, the shortest stacks doubled up one after the other, until Tiago Serrazina gave up in fifth place for 11,600. Marco Vannini was the next to follow (4th, 16,000). Fabio Peluso then found kings and moved all-in on the flop against a "combo draw." But Di Blasi's flush was completed on the turn, and Peluso left with the bronze medal (3rd, 23,000). Between Lorenzo Di Blasi and Aschraf Khader, only one player could win. Despite Di Blasi having 75% of the chips at the beginning of the heads-up, Khader fought hard and closed the gap. However, just when he nearly was back, Di Blasi sent him to the rail with ace-king and won this EAPT Main Event. That concludes the PokerNews coverage of the 2024 EAPT Malta Main Event. Stay tuned for more updates from tournaments around the world! Share this article For the third time in three days an appeals court has rejected Trumps request for a stay in his hush money criminal trial. MSNBCs Lisa Rubin posted: That made me wonder: How many of the judges on that bench have had to rule on motions or appeals in Trumps cases this year? 2/ Lisa Rubin (@lawofruby) April 10, 2024 This time Trump was seeking a request for an emergency stay so that he could appeal the ruling that he doesnt have presidential immunity and try to get Judge Merchan to recuse himself. The latest request for a stay ended up just like all of the others. It was rejected by the appeals court. Trump appears to be both frantic and desperate to avoid standing trial in the election interference/hush-money case. Even though Republicans have claimed that the criminal trials help Trump, the reality is that it will be a possibly fatal blow to his 2024 presidential campaign if he is convicted of a felony in New York. Unlike some of the other pending criminal cases against Trump, the hush money case has a simple plot that is easy to follow. Donald Trump cheated on his wife with Stormy Daniels and then cooked up an illegal scheme to pay her off and keep her quiet during the 2016 election. Trump does not want to go on trial. Even Republicans think that he will be convicted, and importantly, Trump is running out of options to get the criminal trial delayed before jury selection starts on Monday. 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] Stephen Colbert pointed out all of Trumps flip-flops on abortion and pointed out that the ex-president seems to have no idea how abortion works. Colbert said: Trump hasnt exactly been a north star on this issue. In fact, over the last 25 years, his position on abortion has shifted 13 times. Im pro-choice. Im pro-choice not. Im pro-choice. Impro-choice not. Oh! Oh! You know, you know, flower, you kind of look like a pretty lady. You want to make $130,000? Apparently Trump apparently also has no clue how abortion works. Trump said, It must be remembered that the Democrats are the radical ones on this position, because they support abortion up to and even beyond the ninth month. Colbert said, Its true! Its true. Way beyond. Its true. I know a lady. She was nine months pregnant, went to the hospital. The doctor yelled push and then she comes out and get this wasnt pregnant anymore. Who did it? I bet it was that tiny little guy in the bassinet. Whered he come from? Hes probably an immigrant. Hes got no I.D. On him, and frankly, folks, hes speaking a language no ones ever heard of. I think it was Chinese. I think it was Chinese. He goes goo goo gai pan. Video: We can abortion to the growing list of things that Trump doesnt understand. The list includes tariffs, light bulbs, toilets, military service, charity, marital vows, healthcare, having a job where the boss isnt your dad, and NATO. Trump doesnt understand, but the guy who thinks that abortions can happen after babies are born is the same person who put three justices on the Supreme Court who overturned Roe. Donald Trump shouldnt be in the White House, and he should probably also not be left home alone unsupervised or allowed to touch the stove. This is the guy who appears to be running the Republican Party into the ground because he took freedom away from a majority of the American people, and he is spending his time trying to figure out how he can blame someone else. 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] COLUMBIA A former South Carolina prison captain is accused of accepting more than $200,000 in bribes over the course of several years to smuggle in cellphones and other contraband to inmates. A federal grand jury recently returned a 15-count indictment against the former corrections officer, 46-year-old Christine Mary Livingston, and an inmate, 33-year-old Jerell Reaves, for bribery, conspiracy, honest services wire fraud and money laundering. Reaves was known as "Hell Rell," and Livingston was known as "Hell Rell's Queen," according to the court filing. Livingston worked at the South Carolina Department of Corrections from September 2005 to November 2021, according to the indictment. She served as a corrections officer and was promoted to captain in 2016. As captain, Livingston was responsible for supervising and managing the security operations at the prison facility she was assigned, including the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia. In 2018, she conspired with Reaves, who was incarcerated at the Broad River Correctional Institution on a voluntary manslaughter conviction, court filings say. He paid Livingston at least $42,600 in bribes, according to the indictment. But Reaves was just one of about a dozen inmates and their associates from whom Livingston accepted bribes, according to the indictment. Livingston had around 14 peer-to-peer payment accounts, including Cash App, which were under pseudonyms and linked to financial accounts under her name. Altogether, she accepted more than $200,000 in bribes over the years and smuggled in at least 173 cellphones, as well as headphones, screen protectors, phone chargers, SIM cards and other types of contraband, according to the indictment. The FBI Columbia Field Office and SCDC Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott B. Daniels will be prosecuting. People who wear badges and are sworn to uphold the law should be held to a higher standard, SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. This woman broke the public trust in South Carolina, making our prisons less safe for inmates, staff and the community. We will absolutely not tolerate officers and employees bringing contraband into our prisons, and Im glad she is being held accountable. A little help from the state Legislature could help the Medical University of South Carolina treat more patients statewide, officials said. MUSC would benefit from $2 million currently in the state budget that would go toward creating a statewide program, Mark Sweatman, chief of governmental affairs, said at an April 11 committee meeting for MUSCs board of trustees. On the downside, $34 million for an elevated connector system between buildings on campus, which would help patients, staff and students get around safely during frequent flooding events, was plucked from the Senate version of the budget, Sweatman said. The news came on a day the campus was inundated with water from a heavy downpour and visitors had to wade through water to reach some parking garages. The state Senates version of the $13.2 billion budget will go to the full Senate next week, and, if passed, would then go to conference committee to work out differences with the House version. The money would help expand the reach of MUSC Healths Rena N. Grant Sickle Cell Center, established in 2021, CEO Patrick Cawley said. The aim would be to help provide greater access to specialty care but also help local providers with protocols for critical services, such as pain management, he said. MUSC, with its comprehensive programs, would be the best vehicle for that, President David J. Cole said. Were well-positioned to provide that service, Cole told the board. Sickle cell disease affects more than 4,000 patients in South Carolina, whose red blood cells can be irregularly shaped and fragile, often dying early and clumping together. Those clots can close off small blood vessels, leading to intense pain crises and over time damaging organs and joints. Treatments were often unable to overcome those effects, and patients had a life expectancy that was decades shorter than the rest of the population. Bone marrow transplants had helped provide long-term relief for some patients, but treatment took a dramatic step forward in December when the Food and Drug Administration approved two gene therapy approaches for sickle cell. 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? LAURENS The first campaign advertisement of the cycle from Upstate Republican Congressional candidate Stewart Jones will focus on the death of his goddaughter, who was killed in a traffic accident involving an undocumented migrant last year. The ad comes amid an all-out blitz by conservatives seeking to galvanize voters on immigration politics leading into the 2024 election. The radio spot, first obtained by The Post and Courier, discusses the story of Maddie Hines, a bright-eyed toddler who, at 3 years old, was already "memorizing Bible verses, cheering on the Laurens Academy Crusaders and dreaming of the day she would start kindergarten." On Oct. 8 less than a week before her 4th birthday Hines and her family were travelling down U.S. Route 76 in the Upstate when a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign, striking the vehicle on its side. Hines, who was sitting right where the vehicle made impact, was declared dead at the scene, while three members of her family were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The person who caused the crash, according to news reports, was uninjured. The driver, later identified as 25-year-old Gabriel Arteaga-Arteaga, was an undocumented migrant and did not have a driver's license at the time of the crash, authorities said. He had also reportedly been deported from the United States for various crimes under the hardline immigration policies of former President Donald Trump before, as Jones alleges, gaining reentry to the U.S. under President Joe Biden. "Joe Biden's immigration policies let Maddie Hines' killer across our border," the advertisement states. The mood of the advertisement then changes: Jones, if elected to Congress, would work to build Trump's long-proposed and never-completed border wall between the United States and Mexico. He would vote to strengthen U.S. immigration laws. And he would support the deportation of anyone who came across the border illegally. COLUMBIA South Carolina Senators are taking up proposed regulations by state education officials to give the state Board of Education greater oversight over what books are and are not allowed in public school libraries across the Palmetto State. Whether those regulations will be enacted this year or next, however, remains an open question. First released in November, the proposed rule changes seek to create a standardized protocol for challenging the presence of certain tomes in school libraries at a time when parental groups and conservative watchdog organizations nationwide have placed heightened scrutiny on materials they feel are obscene or unsuitable for a public school setting. The seven-page proposal, adopted unanimously by the state Board of Education this year after weeks of debate, would require individual school districts to maintain public catalogues of all materials in their libraries, sets policies for the type of material allowed in schools and establishes protocols for parents and others in the district to challenge materials all the way to the board. And unlike what its critics say, it is not a de facto ban on books "meddlesome" parents simply don't agree with, according to the attorney who drafted the regulation. "Every citizen and student in the state is still free to buy, own, read whatever they want to do on their own time and on their own dime," said Miles Coleman, a First Amendment attorney for law firm Nelson Mullins who drafted the rule change and is president of the Columbia chapter of the conservative Federalist Society. "But the state doesn't have to subsidize it. The state determines how it's going to use its money to promote its message in an educational context." When Sue Hoffman first opened the Kitchen Shoppe in Middlesex Township in 1974, she hammered cookie cutters into the outside wall of the second-floor store to let people know the business was there. Now, as the kitchen store and cooking school prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, a cookie cutter neon light glows in the window as a testament to its humble beginnings. Business beginnings The idea of the Kitchen Shoppe came from the Village of Colonial Peddlers, a series of gift shops once located along Shady Lane. Owned by a friend of hers, Hoffman said the spaces included card shops, candle shops and a kitchen shop. The kitchen shop went out and someone asked me if I would open one and I said, Sure I love to cook, she said. End of story. Or, as some might see it, the beginning of one. Hoffman opened the Kitchen Shoppe in the Colonial Peddlers space along Shady Lane in April 1974, maintaining the original shops spelling in her business name. I went to press to get ... something printed advertising that Im open and she says, Well whats your logo, she said. I said, Hmm, logo? I dont know. So Im on the phone and Im looking there (at the cookie cutters hanging on the wall) and I said, How about a gingerbread boy? After about two years of selling kitchenware, Hoffman moved the shop to its current location at 101 Shady Lane. [My goal] was to have a kitchen shop retail store, she said. I didnt even think about a cooking school. In the late 70s the Cuisinart food processor was becoming popular. Everybody said, Do you know how to use that, Hoffman said. I said, No, but Ill find out. She installed a demo kitchen, initially demonstrating how to use food processors and microwaves. Then people began suggesting Hoffman offer classes, so she attended a convention about international cooking for professionals and learned how to run a cooking school. The Kitchen Shoppes cooking school launched in the early 1980s. 50 years of learning Back when she started the business, Hoffman never imagined shed still be involved decades later. I didnt even think about 50 years from the day I opened, she said. It was just every day. It was so much fun and youre learning so much, and its like where did those years go? Today, the Kitchen Shoppe sells a variety of cooking related instruments, from pots and pans to knives to blenders to baking ingredients and sauces. Hoffman said top sellers have recently include cookware, utensils to make sourdough and woks, a round-bottomed Chinese pan. As for classes, the Kitchen Shoppe offers about 300 per year, with options ranging from ethnic cooking to pasta, to grilling to desserts to knife skills. Classes traditionally involve multiple dishes. For example, this years Cinco de Mayo class will include chile con queso, roasted corn and poblano chowder, Veracruz-style whitefish, kahlua-marinated grilled flank steak, creamed corn with tomatoes and sopapilla cheesecake pie. Classes can be taught by in-house instructors or guest chefs from around the world, like cookbook author Diane Phillips and Sara Moulton, who has been involved with Gourmet Magazine, Good Morning America and the Food Network. The school has also offered field trips to see cooking celebrities like Julia Child and Martha Stewart. According to Hoffman, some of the Kitchen Shoppes most popular classes focus on specific items, such as perogies, macrons or stromboli. Throughout 50 years of business ownership, Hoffman said shes learned to trust her employees and to listen to her customers, following along with whats popular and not being afraid to make changes or discontinue products that go out of style. Its the customers and employees she identifies as her favorite part of what she does. They make it a lot of fun, because we work really hard, she said. We have to have fun while we work. Hoffman isnt kidding when she says she works hard. I work seven days a week [and] have for 50 years, she said. In spite of this, when asked if she still loves her job after all those years, her response is simple: Yes I do. Anniversary celebration The Kitchen Shoppe will host an anniversary celebration from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27. Festivities will include gift card drawings, tasting tables, 50th anniversary merchandise for sale and in-store specials and a chance to meet Phillips, who has been associated with the business for nearly 30 years. The event will also include a sale of Hoffmans private cookbook collection from guest chefs who have taught at the school during the last 50 years. Proceeds will go to the Bosler Memorial Library in Carlisle. Registration for the celebration is available online, and the cost is $10 per person, though the amount is refundable toward any class purchase on the day of the event. Hoffman hopes to keep the business in the family. She attributes her love of cooking to her mom, and currently works as a business partner with her son. He does the retail store and I do the cooking school, and he is going to take it over some day, she said. Photos: The Kitchen Shoppe 50th Anniversary PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 18:00:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 540 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Compared with traditional investment companies, AccGn leads the new trend of smart finance with its unique advantagesCOLORADO CITY, CO / ACCESSWIRE / April 10, 2024 / In an era of continuous evolution of financial technology, investors' demand for intelligent investment platforms is growing day by day. However, among the many investment companies, which one can truly meet the needs of investors and bring them stable and reliable investment returns? AccGn has become the first choice among investors with its unique advantages and leading technology.Technology leadership:Compared with traditional investment companies, AccGn stands out with its unique technical advantages. Through the integration of artificial intelligence, grid trading and quantitative strategies, AccGn's trading system can achieve more accurate and efficient trading decisions. Compared with other investment companies, AccGn's trading strategies are more intelligent and forward-looking, bringing investors more stable and reliable investment returns.Risk control:In the investment field, risk control is a crucial part. Through real-time smart monitoring and thoughtful risk management systems, AccGn can promptly identify and respond to potential risks, and take corresponding measures to protect the interests of investors. Compared with other investment companies, AccGn is more thorough and reliable in risk management, allowing investors to invest with more confidence.Profit model:AccGn has a variety of profit models, including transaction fee income, withdrawal fee income, user strategy profit sharing, grid AI quantitative income and offline financial cooperation income, etc. Compared with other investment companies, AccGn's profit model is more diversified and sustainable, creating more sources of income for investors.User experience:In terms of user experience, AccGn focuses on user needs and continuously optimizes products and services. Through precise intelligent guidance and flexible adaptive strategies, AccGn provides investors with more personalized and intelligent investment solutions, allowing investors to more easily achieve wealth appreciation.Development prospects and potential:In the field of investment, AccGn has become a wise choice for investors with its unique technical advantages, comprehensive risk control and high-quality user experience. Compared with traditional investment companies, AccGn's unique advantages allow investors to invest with more confidence and ease, achieving wealth appreciation and mutual growth.The development prospects of AccGn contain immeasurable potential and infinite possibilities. As a leader in the field of smart investment, AccGn is committed to subverting tradition and leading the future. Through the perfect integration of artificial intelligence, grid trading and quantitative strategies, AccGn has established a strong dominance in the market and become a dark horse in the investment world. AccGn's technical advantages and innovative spirit, AccGn is far ahead in terms of user experience, transaction security and investment return. In the future, AccGn will continue to surpass itself, pioneer and innovate, and write a new chapter of smart investment with global investors. AccGn, led by wisdom, has unlimited potential, and is the best choice for intelligent investment!About the companyAccGn pioneers intelligent investment solutions, revolutionizing traditional approaches. With cutting-edge technology at its core, AccGn leads the charge in smart finance. The company commitment to robust risk management ensures a secure investment environment. AccGn offers diverse profit models, maximizing returns for investors. Experience personalized guidance and innovative strategies with AccGn, the future of investment.Contact details:Company name: AccGnWebsite link: https://accgngrid.comContact email: admin@ accgngrid.com Contact person name: Maddox StantonSOURCE: AccGn PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 14:01:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 554 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Sales and management veteran will oversee revenue generation activities for the procurement consultancy and e-auction leaderSALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / AIQ ( www.aiq.co) , a leading technology-enabled cost management and profitability improvement company backed by Copley Equity Partners, today announced that Sharon Rogers has been named as the company's chief revenue officer. In this capacity, she will oversee AIQ's sales and business development activities, including its partner and referral programs. Her appointment is effective immediately.Rogers brings a deep background in technical sales and management to AIQ. She most recently held the position of vice president of strategic alliances for Hyperion Partners, a telecommunications and mobility consultancy and master service provider. While there, she spearheaded a vibrant partner ecosystem that contributed to the company's rapid growth. Prior to joining Hyperion Partners, Rogers held leadership roles across the sales and partner ecosystem at TeraGo, Insight, and CenturyLink."Over the past year, AIQ has undergone rapid growth and has engaged with many mid-sized and large companies to help them reduce expenses through our efficient and proven methodology," explained Blake Wetzel, AIQ's chief executive officer. "Sharon will be responsible for taking AIQ to the next level. She is a gifted individual who has the perfect combination of creativity, passion, and experience to inspire our sales team. We are delighted to welcome Sharon to AIQ, and have every expectation that she will succeed in this new role." Headquartered in Salt Lake City, AIQ provides end-to-end technology vendor assessment, procurement, and negotiation services to large enterprises around the world. Through AIQ's proprietary reverse-auction process, clients have enjoyed supplier savings of 44 percent, on average, since the company's inception 20 years ago. AIQ handles all facets of the procurement process, including vendor identification and vetting, reverse auctions and direct negotiations, finalizing terms and conditions, and executing contracts. AIQ's clients organically increase enterprise value and improve their cash positions without having to reduce headcount, slash budgets, or secure external funding."AIQ and its team have earned a sterling reputation for delivering dramatic results to their clients," remarked Rogers. "I am looking forward to contributing to the company's growth trajectory and enabling more clients to enjoy the financial and operational benefits of the services we provide." About AIQ:For over 20 years, the AIQ team has helped clients increase their enterprise value and operating cash by materially reducing IT costs. AIQ is backed by Boston-based private equity firm Copley Equity Partners. AIQ specializes in creating industry-leading savings of technology-centric IT services in over a hundred categories, such as cloud, SaaS, digitization, and big data, through the application of its unique tools, expertise, and business processes. Its patented technology and business process platform ensures maximum savings for clients, while measurably improving quality and service levels from IT suppliers. http://www.aiq.co About Copley Equity Partners:Established in 2012, Copley is a private investment firm with offices in Denver and Boston. Copley partners with growing, lower-middle market private companies. The firm invests out of an evergreen, single-family office capital base and is comfortable in both majority and minority ownership positions. Copley's patient and flexible capital base allows the firm to provide each portfolio company significant support post investment. www.copleyequity.com Media Contact:Contact:Glenn GoldbergParallel Communications, Inc. ggoldberg@ parallelpr.com : @Parallel_PR516-776-3282SOURCE: AIQ PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 17:01:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 505 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Hollywood Memorabilia Hits the Auction Block: Aumann Auctions Showcases Iconic Film CarsNOKOMIS, IL / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Aumann Auctions is proud to announce the acquisition of 10 vehicles featured in the Oscar-nominated movie "Killers of the Flower Moon," starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. These iconic cars, which played pivotal roles in bringing David Grann's bestselling non-fiction book to life on the big screen, are set to be featured in their upcoming Pre-30 auction being held on May 2nd.Cars Cars from Killers of The Flower Moon movie set"Killers of the Flower Moon," follows the investigation into a series of murders targeting wealthy Osage Native Americans for their oil wealth. Directed by Martin Scorsese and filmed in Oklahoma to maintain authenticity, the movie provides a chilling portrayal of a dark chapter in American history.Among the standout vehicles in this collection are the Dodge Brothers Touring Car, a Ford Model T Speedster, a Chevrolet Touring Car, an Overland Touring Car and several Ford Model AAs. These timeless cars have traveled quite a distance to become part of their auction lineup."These vehicles offer a glimpse into the era depicted in the book," says Tim Woods, picture car coordinator for the film. "Working with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro was a pleasure; they understood the value of these century-old cars and were patient and understanding throughout the production." With nearly 30 years of experience and over 75 major movie productions under his belt, Tim Woods is no stranger to the meticulous process of selecting and acquiring movie cars. From "Dukes of Hazzard" to "Mission Impossible" and "2 Fast 2 Furious," Tim's expertise ensures that every detail, from make and model to interior design, is meticulously coordinated.Kurt Aumann President and CEO of Aumann Auctions stated, "A previous client contacted me seeking a specific type of vehicle for an upcoming movie production. During our conversation, they mentioned their connection to the picture car coordinator of a recent film. This led to my introduction to Tim, and ultimately, the acquisition of 10 authentic movie cars from the production 'Killers of the Flower Moon'."Aumann Auctions' eagerly awaited annual Pre-'30 auction offers multiple days of online bidding, showcasing an impressive array of Pre-1930s tractors, engines, vehicles, literature, and more. Join them April 28th-May 5th online to explore these timeless treasures and witness the marvel of early machinery firsthand.Don't pass up the opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history with Aumann Auctions. Participate in their Pre-'30 auction and bid on these iconic cars from "Killers of the Flower Moon." About Aumann Auctions: Aumann Auctions is a renowned auction company specializing in various auctions worldwide. With decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, Aumann Auctions provides unparalleled service for buyers and sellers alike.Contact Information Tyson ReedMarketing Directortyson@ aumannauctions.com (217) 563-2523Related VideoSOURCE: Aumann AuctionsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 14:01:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 323 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Five new corporate members join exclusive community of workforce learning and development and talent management in Q1CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / BetterWork Media Group (BMG) announced today the addition of esteemed corporate members to its new, exclusive BMG Corporate Membership network. These new members join a cohort of organizations dedicated to advancing workforce learning and development and talent management.BMG Corporate Membership New! BetterWork Media Group Corporate Membership The following companies have joined BetterWork Media Group as corporate members in Q1:Bellevue Blanchard DDI Torch Women's Unlimited"We are delighted to welcome these organizations as BMG corporate members," said Ana Dirksen, Chief Growth Officer of BetterWork Media Group. "Their diverse expertise and innovative capabilities will enrich our shared efforts to revolutionize the learning and talent landscapes and provide unparalleled value for our audiences and partners." Corporate members have access to special benefits, including discounts and early access on events and award programs, member-only content and events, exclusive networking opportunities and more.BMG remains committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity and excellence among its members. By bringing together industry leaders and visionaries, the organization continues to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in corporate education and talent management.For more information about BMG and its Corporate Membership, visitcorporatemembership.betterworkmedia.com ###About BMGBetterWork Media Group is the leading voice for companies that care about their people, managing Chief Learning Officer and Chief Talent Officer. These brands serve workforce communities of C-suite and senior-level practitioners, executives, scholars, consultants and solutions providers in corporate learning and talent management.BMG provides a unique platform to connect, support, and empower these communities through award-winning content, research, events, webinars, and digital media. BMG's founders have more than 70 years of collective experience in the media industry. Visit betterworkmedia.com for more info.Contact InformationTaylar Ramsey-ThompsonDirector of Events & Marketingtaylar@ betterworkmedia.com (312) 690-3088SOURCE: BetterWork Media GroupView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 23:15:14 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HARTFORD, CT / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / CMG Financial, the well-capitalized privately held mortgage banking firm headquartered in San Ramon, CA, announced today the retail acquisition of Norcom Mortgage, a northeastern mortgage company boasting over three decades of success. The 25-branch-addition will enhance CMG's northeastern presence from Maryland to Maine.Founded in Connecticut in 1989, Norcom Mortgage shares humble beginnings similar to CMG. By 2011, the company was recognized as one of the Fastest Growing Lenders in New England. Though Norcom's retail assets will move to CMG, the wholesale side of the company will remain intact."Norcom Mortgage has made the strategic decision to focus on and continue to grow our wholesale platform as TPO GO," said Norcom President Phil DeFronzo. "We are very excited to have our amazing group of retail originators join the CMG family. CMG's superior marketing platforms, technology, and product menu will enable our team to thrive and provide the best customer service in the industry." CMG Financial was founded a few years after Norcom Mortgage, starting as just a seven-person company in northern California. Since then, it has grown to become the nation's #12 mortgage company with an origination of over $21.5 billion in 2023.The integration of Norcom Mortgage marks CMG's fourth addition within the past year. In April 2023, CMG acquired the retail division of Homebridge Financial Services. Later in the year, CMG integrated personnel from two more lenders in the New England area. The notable 2023 expansions were a significant factor that helped CMG earn the #1 rank for year-over-year origination growth out of the top 20 lenders. Most of the top lenders in the nation saw steep year-over-year origination declines, yet CMG had a strong increase of 19.9%."I'm excited to welcome the team at Norcom to the CMG family," said Chris George, CEO and President of CMG. "Phil and I both started our companies with similar roots and a shared passion to give more home buyers access to homeownership. Thirty years later, we're still living out our dreams by helping buyers and owners alike achieve theirs." Learn more about the growing opportunities at CMG: https://join.cmghomeloans.com About CMG Financial CMG Financial is a well-capitalized mortgage bank founded in 1993 by Christopher M. George, a former Mortgage Bankers Association Chairman. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels: retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG also operates seven joint venture companies with builder & realtor partners, holds an impressive MSR/servicing portfolio, and serves the capital markets of fixed income trading & sales through CMG Securities. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. The company is consistently recognized as a top-producing lender and top mortgage employer, and it prides itself on helping clients achieve the dream of homeownership through product innovation and streamlined servicing.Media Contact Annaugh MadsenPhone: (667) 260-6360Email: amadsen@ cmgfi.com Contact Information Annaugh MadsenSenior Copywriteramadsen@ cmgfi.com (667) 260-6360SOURCE: CMG FinancialView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 18:01:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 477 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Offering interior design services to Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Augustine and surrounding cities.SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Gem & Clay Interiors, a leading interior design firm known for its innovative and personalized approach, is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest location in St. Augustine, Florida. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to grow its presence in key markets.Allison Smith - Interior Designer Allison Smith - Founder Gem & Clay InteriorsFounded in Akron, Ohio, Gem & Clay Interiors has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional interior design services tailored to the unique preferences and lifestyles of its clients, offering Cleveland and Columbus interior design services in the Ohio market. With the opening of its St. Augustine location, the firm is poised to bring its signature blend of creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to clients throughout the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas, as well as surrounding cities. You can learn more about our Jacksonville interior design and Orlando interior design services on our website.Situated on Anastasia Island, the new location offers a convenient hub for clients seeking full-service interior design solutions for new builds, gut renovations, minor renovations, or furniture planning and styling. Whether clients are looking to transform a blank canvas into their dream home or enhance the beauty and functionality of their existing space, Gem & Clay Interiors is dedicated to bringing their vision to life.Allison Smith, Founder of Gem & Clay Interiors, expressed her excitement about the new location, stating: "Opening a new location in Florida has been a dream of mine as we personally have homes in both of our service areas. We absolutely love the Jacksonville / St. Augustine area and have already met many wonderful clients and are thrilled to continue to grow our business in such a beautiful, historic place." Gem & Clay Interiors invites both new and existing clients to visit their St. Augustine location and explore the possibilities for creating a home that reflects their unique style and personality. With a team of talented professionals and designers and a commitment to excellence, the firm is dedicated to exceeding client expectations and transforming spaces into extraordinary works of art.For more information about Gem & Clay Interiors and its services, visit www.gemandclay.com or contact info@ gemandclay.com to schedule a consultation.About Gem & Clay Interiors:Gem & Clay Interiors is a full-service interior design firm based in Akron, Ohio, with a newly opened location in St. Augustine, Florida. Founded by Allison Smith, the firm specializes in creating personalized and innovative design solutions for residential and commercial spaces, with a focus on exceeding client expectations and bringing their visions to life.Media Contact:Allison SmithFounder, Gem & Clay InteriorsPhone: 904-209-4833Email: allison@ gemandclay.com Contact InformationAllison SmithFounderallison@ gemandclay.com 904-209-4833SOURCE: Gem & Clay InteriorsView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 21:31:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 514 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 OMAHA, NE / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / We are delighted to announce that Monstrous Media Group, LLC has been recognized for its outstanding work in Digital Marketing (Best AI-Enabled Marketing Agency) at the Netty Awards, one of the most esteemed accolades in the digital age.Monstrous Media Group Monstrous Media Group Corporate Website.The Netty Awards celebrate achievements in the digital landscape, honoring top companies and leaders across more than 100 distinct categories. They set a benchmark for excellence and are a testament to the creativity, innovation, and technical prowess demonstrated by the winners."We are absolutely thrilled to receive this prestigious Netty Award. This has been a long-term personal goal of mine and is a testament not just to our innovative brand creation but more so to the exceptional team behind MMG. Their unparalleled dedication and creativity make our brand resonate and thrive. This award recognizes their talent and the vibrant energy they bring to our vision every day," stated Brad Nietfeldt, Founder and non-executive Chairman.The winning entry, the Monstrous Media Group national rebranding campaign "Ode to Elon," marked a significant milestone in digital marketing innovation. This rebranding was a visual makeover, and a strategic overhaul mirrored the evolution of digital trends and user engagement. The campaign showcased a forward-thinking approach by integrating cutting-edge technologies with a deep understanding of market dynamics. It significantly elevated our brand presence and engagement across national platforms, setting a new benchmark for creativity and effectiveness in digital marketing.Netty Award recipients are selected based on several factors, including creativity, technical proficiency, innovation, and overall excellence in the respective field. Monstrous Media Group, LLC's win affirms its hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication.As we celebrate this achievement, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible team, whose talent and commitment made this win possible. We would also like to thank our clients and customers for their unwavering support and trust in our work.For more information about Monstrous Media Group, LLC and our award-winning, please visit https://www.monstrousmediagroup.com **About Monstrous Media Group, LLC**Monstrous Media Group, LLC, a leader in the digital marketing industry, is renowned for its innovative approaches and cutting-edge solutions. Our mission is to revolutionize digital engagement and elevate brands through creative and strategic excellence. With a history of significant achievements, including being named one of America's fastest-growing companies, MMG has set new standards in digital marketing. Our recent national rebranding campaign exemplifies our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and delivering outstanding client results.**About The Netty Awards**Established to celebrate achievement in the digital age, the Netty Awards are one of the most trusted accolades in the industry. Recognizing excellence across over 100 unique categories, the awards honor top leaders and companies demonstrating creativity, technical proficiency, innovation, and overall impact.Contact InformationShane MeredithDirector of Communicationsshane@ monstrousmg.com 800-601-6765Related FilesFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monstrous Media Group, LLC Wins Prestigious Netty Award for Personal Brand in Best AI-Enabled Digital AgencySOURCE: Monstrous Media Group, LLCView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 18:05:46 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 459 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 360 Painting veteran focused on spearheading operational excellenceCHARLOTTESVILLE, VA / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 /Premium Service Brands (PSB), a leader in the home services franchising industry, appointed Roxanne Conrad as its new Chief Operating Officer. The move underscores PSB's commitment to recruiting franchising leaders and driving operational excellence across its franchise network."I am thrilled to take on this new challenge and to continue working with the amazing team at Premium Service Brands. My journey with PSB has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to leveraging my experience as a franchisee to support our system and enhance our operations," Conrad said. "Together, we will continue to build on our successes and drive forward the company's mission." Conrad and her husband, Brian, joined the PSB family in early 2018 as franchisees of 360 Painting in the Chicago suburbs, earning the "Rookie of the Year" honor. Their success showcased Conrad's customer service mindset and her marketing acumen. In November 2022, Conrad took on the role of Brand President for 360 Painting, where she was instrumental in bridging the gap between franchisees and the franchisor, earning respect and trust within the community. Earlier this year, Conrad was named Senior Vice President of Operations for PSB, where she began implementing strategies to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across the company's nine home services brands."Conrad's journey from franchisee to COO demonstrates her dedication and skill, as well as the growth opportunities within Premium Service Brands," said Paul Flick, CEO of PSB. "Her strategic vision as Brand President makes her an ideal candidate to help steer PSB towards even greater success." In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Conrad will lead PSB's operations team, ensuring the franchise system operates seamlessly and efficiently. She will also oversee operational support, including the help desk, technology, data, contact center, and operational vendor partnerships.She will continue to work closely with franchisees, leveraging her extensive experience to support their success and drive the company's growth."One of my highest priorities is to maintain operational stability and support so that our partners can focus time and energy on maximizing their busy season," Conrad said.###ABOUT PREMIUM SERVICE BRANDS: Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., Premium Service Brands (PSB) is a leader in home services franchise opportunities. PSB provides services to an ever-expanding customer base by building meaningful connections and creating lifelong customers. The company's lineup of niche home services brands includes 360 Painting, ProLift Garage Doors, Maid Right, Kitchen Wise & Closet Wise, Window Gang, Rubbish Works Junk Removal, The Grout Medic, House Doctors, and RooterMan. To get started building a new future with a franchise of your own, visit www.premiumservicebrands.com Media Contact: Rachel Purl919-459-8161 rpurl@919 marketing.com SOURCE: Premium Service Brands PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 15:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 410 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 United Nations Development Fund Supported the Development of the New Higher Education Program in St. Vincent and the GrenadinesKINGSTOWN, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Saint James School of Medicine (SJSM), a leading institution dedicated to providing quality medical education, is proud to announce the receipt of a $30,000 grant from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This significant financial support will spearhead the launch of an innovative Bachelor's-level program in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, aimed at improving the higher education offering in the country.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The new Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences is designed to offer comprehensive education and training in health sciences, preparing students for advanced medical degrees and careers in healthcare. With an emphasis on practical skills, research, and community health, the program is set to become a cornerstone of medical education in the Caribbean region.Kaushik Guha, the Executive Vice President of Saint James School of Medicine, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the collaboration. "This generous grant from the UNDP marks a significant milestone for our institution and higher education in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The idea for this program came from the Minister of Education of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Honourable Curtis King. With his help and guidance, and the financial support from UNDP, this program will help expand the higher education offering in St. Vincent and the Caribbean. The introduction of this program enables us to expand our academic offerings and reinforces our commitment to training competent, compassionate healthcare professionals capable of addressing global health challenges." The funding from the UNDP will facilitate the development of state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and research centers. Additionally, it will support the implementation of community health initiatives, providing students with hands-on experience in addressing health issues within local communities.Prospective students and interested parties can find more information about the program and application processes on the Saint James School of Medicine website.About Saint James School of Medicine:Saint James School of Medicine is committed to offering students a high-quality medical education at an affordable price. With campuses in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Anguilla, SJSM is dedicated to producing highly skilled, ethical, and compassionate physicians who are ready to meet the healthcare challenges of today and tomorrow.Contact InformationDan CuckovicV.P. of Operationsdcuckovic@ mail.sjsm.org 847-375-9121SOURCE: Saint James School of MedicineView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 14:01:03 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 740 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Creators of the Staccato 2011 pistol announce launch of its own brand of Staccato ammo, offering great 9mm ammunition at a fair price that is always available to Staccato's family of owners who subscribe to Staccato's ammo delivery serviceFLORENCE, TX / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 /Staccato, the makers of the world's best handgun, and fastest-growing company in the industry, today announced the launch of their ammo subscription and delivery service. Staccato Match and Staccato Range ammo are now available for subscription by the box or case. Staccato guarantees subscribers supply of their 9mm ammo and a one-year price lock. This price lock mitigates the dramatic price escalation that accompanies ammunition shortages. Members of Staccato 368, Staccato's community of handgun owners, received early access to this new service, and as long as supplies last, Staccato will offer that same service to others via Staccato's website at staccato2011.com/ammo Staccato Match Ammo & Staccato C Pistol Staccato Match 9mm ammunition and Staccato C handgun"For decades, the industry has focused solely on reliability and durability. With our family of Staccato 2011 pistols, we introduced 'shootability' as the third critical factor in selecting a handgun," shared Marine Corps veteran and Staccato CEO Nathan Horvath. "Staccato pistols are built for the heroes that need them most and make it remarkably easy to shoot your best. They are guaranteed for life, so you can train and run a lot of ammo with the peace of mind that your Staccato will last. But, we have been frustrated by price gouging, variable supply and quality of ammunition. We know our family of Staccato owners shares the same frustrations. So, we fixed the problem by developing our own Staccato ammo that we can offer at a fair price and guarantee supply to our family of Staccato owners who sign up for our subscription service." Staccato 9mm Match and Range ammunition launched during SHOT Show 2024 and has received positive reviews by Staccato owners. Range ammo is terrific for running high volumes through your Staccato handgun, shooting 2-inch and smaller groups at 25 yards. But, those who really want to dial in exceptional accuracy should try Match ammo. These rounds consistently shoot 1-inch and smaller groups at 25 yards through any Staccato. Like its Staccato pistols, Staccato ammo is 100% Made in America at Staccato headquarters in Florence, TX."Staccato's mission is to proudly serve those who protect and embody American freedoms," stated Army veteran and Staccato President Andrew Kletzing. "This is why Staccato is built for heroes, so they can shoot their best when it matters most. Offering Staccato ammo via subscription is a natural next step in helping our family of Staccato owners who chase perfection to achieve excellence. We shoot millions of rounds a year testing our guns, which are insanely accurate. But, even the best guns need great ammo to get the most shootability." Staccato represents the best of American enterprise: ingenuity, quality, care, loyalty, and family. Today's consumers expect their favorite consumable products to be available in the convenience of a subscription through a seamless digital experience and delivered right to their front door. With its ammo subscription and delivery service, Staccato aims to deliver on its promise of American enterprise and deepen its relationship with its family of Staccato handgun owners.Staccato's 2011 pistols have been approved by over 1,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies in just five years, and its Range ammo is already being adopted for practice by agencies in its family.To learn more and subscribe to Staccato ammunition, please visit staccato2011.com/ammo About StaccatoBuilt for Heroes and based in Florence, Texas, Staccato is on a mission to proudly serve those who protect and embody American freedoms. As the inventors of the Staccato2011 platform - the World's Best Shooting Pistols - Staccato manufactures its handguns and ammunition in America at its headquarters in Florence, TX. The Staccato 2011 has been approved for on- or off-duty carry by over 1,500 U.S. law enforcement agencies in just five years, including elite teams such as U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group, the Texas Rangers and Miami Dade Special Response Team. With a spirit of American ingenuity and commitment to its family of owners, Staccato guarantees its guns for life. Staccato was ranked one of the Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Southwest by Inc.Contact Information:David FossasChief Marketing Officerdavid.fossas@staccato2011.com 310-857-8336SOURCE: StaccatoView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-04-11 09:15:22 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 919 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 11, 2024 / Troy Minerals Inc. ("Troy" or the "Company") (CSE:TROY)(OTCQB:TROYF)(FSE:VJ3) is pleased to announce the addition of Simon Sefzik to its growing advisory board, further enhancing the company's strategic insights and expertise, particularly in the United States.Mr. Sefzik brings a wealth of experience in public policy and governance, having served as the youngest state senator in Washington state - appointed to the State Senate in 2022, (representing the 42nd Legislative District), where he served on the Senate Housing, Health, and Higher Education & Workforce Development committees.During the Trump administration, Mr. Sefzik gained a wealth of experience in the White House where he served as a Department of Intergovernmental Affairs intern, assisting the Vice President's COVID-19 Response Taskforce, and in the White House Management Office as an employee within the Executive Office of the President (EOP)."We are thrilled to welcome Simon to our advisory board," said Rana Vig, President and CEO of Troy Minerals. "His unique blend of policy expertise, government experience and political connections, will be invaluable as we navigate the evolving landscape of the mining industry in the United States and pursue our strategic objectives of advancing our highly perspective Vanadium project in the great state of Wyoming," he added.Prior to his political career, Mr. Sefzik distinguished himself academically, graduating summa cum laude with a B.A. in American Politics and Policy Studies from Patrick Henry College in Northern Virginia. His academic achievements were complemented by his involvement in varsity moot court competitions and his role as Director of Research for the George Wythe Review, an esteemed undergraduate public policy journal.In addition to his professional achievements, Mr. Sefzik is actively involved in various non-profit organizations, including as a board member of Cascade Connections, the Bellingham Central Lions Club, and the Washington Policy Center Young Professionals Advisory Board.Continuing to advance its advisory board "brain trust", the Company is in ongoing discussions with several other highly qualified and distinguished candidates with proven track records and expects to make those announcements in the coming weeks.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,Rana Vig | President and DirectorTelephone: 604-218-4766Email: rana@ ranavig.com About Troy Minerals Inc.Troy Minerals is a mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company currently holds interest in four assets;The Lake Owen project (formerly SW2) is a highly perspective Vanadium, Titanium and Iron ore rich project that consists of 91 mineral claims located approximately 50km southwest of Laramie, Wyoming USA. The property is a one billion tonne plus target in a Proterozoic Layered Mafic Intrusive host with strong magnetite rich cumulates and accompanying V/Ti and Pt/Pd/Au/Rh-bearing sulfide horizons.The Lac Jacques project is a drive to project with close infrastructure located approximately 250km north of Montreal Quebec, Canada and is comprised of 17 claims totaling 994 ha. The Property hosts high grade REE mineralization at the surface in a structurally controlled and steeply dipping carbonatite dike up to 25 meters thick with multi-kilometer potential.The Green Gold project, in which the Company has the right to acquire 100% interest, is comprised of fourteen (14) mineral claims with an aggregate area of 11,238 hectares, is located in central British Columbia in the Cariboo Mining Division, approximately 34 kilometers (km) southwest of the city of Prince George.The Ticktock project, a 1,065-hectare property located within the prolific Golden Triangle region of British Columbia, Canada, lies 23km northwest of the historic Eskay Creek Mine and sits between the Enduro Metals Newmont Lake property and the Aben Resources Forrest-Kerr property.Forward-Looking StatementsStatement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that maybe deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release,other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Troy Resources Inc. (the "Company") expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always,identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of commodity prices, and continued availability of capitaland financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs,estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs,estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.SOURCE: Troy Minerals Inc. A community in Enugu State, South-east Nigeria, has resorted to invoking deities to stop frequent attacks and killings by pro-Biafra gunmen in the area, PREMIUM TIMES reports. The community, Enugu-Ezike, which is in the Igboeze-North Local Government Area of the Nigerian South-eastern state, had been witnessing frequent attacks and killings by the pro-Biafra gunmen. Multiple sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the community invoked the deities following the alleged inability of the security agencies to stop the attacks in the area. How it happened An indigene and elder in the community, Nicholas Idoko, told this newspaper earlier in March that leaders of the community were disturbed by the frequent attacks and killings in the area, which prompted them to make an arrangement to track down the hoodlums behind the attacks. Mr Idoko said the first set of the people arrested by the community were confirmed to be indigenes of the community. He said following the discovery, the community decided to invoke several deities against the attackers. We carried the deities in all parts of the community beginning from Orute Roundabout and petitioned the deities to kill anybody man or woman who attacks or kills or causes insecurity in our land, he said. That was in November 2023. Since then, our place has been calm. 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 indigene of the community who identified himself simply as Afamefuna confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday. Mr Afamefuna said the community decided to invoke the deities because the hoodlums behind the attacks believe strongly in the deities. He said before the deities were invoked, the community leaders had tactically recruited the suspected attackers into the communitys Neighbourhood Watch Group. Still, their insistence on the Biafra agenda caused disputes between them and original members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, resulting in several killings. In the heat of the killings and attacks, soldiers were deployed to solve the problem. But the soldiers intervention did not really work, he said in Igbo. So, the community invoked the deities in November 2023. That day, the whole community was filled with people. Even security agencies were guiding those carrying the deities. As of now (after the invoking of the deities), to be honest, the insecurity has slowed down (in the community), Mr Afamefuna added. The indigene said more than seven deities were invoked by the community leaders on that day. Sit-at-home also disappearing Like other communities in the South-east, sit-at-home had been enforced in the Enugu Ezike community on Mondays. But Mr Afamefuna said after the invoking of the deities, the sit-at-home waned in the community and that attacks often witnessed during the illegal action in the area had also stopped. Mondays are like business hours for those criminals. But now, there is nothing like an attack, even on Mondays (in the community). The only thing is that fear of what happened before still prevents some people from coming out on Mondays, he said. Kill anybody who murders, kidnaps again in Enugu-Ezike. PREMIUM TIMES obtained a video clip which showed the community leaders invoking the deities. In the clip, a traditionalist in the community identified as Stone Igwe was seen carrying a fetish pot while speaking to the deities and appealing to them to kill those who further murder, kidnap and carry out any attack or evil against any member of the community. We are handing Enugu Ezike into your hands today. We are invoking you today in this land. We are asking you all from today henceforth whoever murders any innocent indigene of Enugu Ezike whether through charm, gun, or machete, kill such person or persons, he shouted in Enugu Ezike dialect of Igbo language. Isee, villagers chorused, meaning Amen. Whether you are from Hausa land, Fulani, Yorubaland, or even from India, and you murder any Enugu Ezike indigene, may these deities kill you, the community leader implored the deities again. Apart from killing, the community leaders also invoked the deities against kidnappers and armed robbers operating in the Enugu Ezike. Biafra agitators or criminals? Some residents of the community said the hoodlums initially terrorising the community were not members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or any other pro-Biafra group but criminals hiding under the cloak of Biafra agitation in the region. They (the gunmen) are not Biafra agitators. Some of them were initially IPOB members, but later they had internal disagreements, one of the residents, who asked not to be named, said. I heard that IPOB coordinators would tell them what to do, and they would reject it probably because they have guns. From there, they were sacked from IPOB, the resident added. Its not new The invoking deities to fight insecurity is not new in the South-east, according to Nnamdi Anekwe, a security expert. Mr Anekwe told PREMIUM TIMES that invoking of deities was used to resolve disputes, secure the people and achieve peace in the region during Nigerias pre-colonial era. The security expert, who hails from the South-east, said communities in the region relied on deities to ensure orderliness because there was no police and judicial system at the time, explaining that the practice gradually went extinct due to the coming of Christianity. I buy into the idea that deploying traditional methods and practices can help them to solve insecurity (because the) people tend to believe in it rather than using the police force or the court, he said. So, the approach by the community using traditional methods to solve or prevent crime dates back to more than 200 to 300 years. Its not a new thing. Its going to be effective, Mr Anekwe stated Background Like in other communities in the South-east, security had deteriorated in Enugu Ezike with frequent attacks by armed persons. The attacks often target security agencies, residents and government facilities. The Nigerian government has accused IPOB of being responsible for the deadly attacks in the region. However, the group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks. IPOB is a group leading the agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of South-south Nigeria. The group had repeatedly disowned the Monday sit-at-home and attacks in the region, saying those behind the attacks and the illegal order were criminals attempting to blackmail the separatist group. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has suspended filmmaker Adanma Luke indefinitely over the death of actor Jnr Pope Odonwodo. The talented actor and four colleagues reportedly drowned while returning from a movie shoot, Another Side of Life produced by Luke, after their boat capsized at the waterside of River Niger Cable Point Asaba, Delta State. Jnr Pope was confirmed dead after his body was found and was taken to three different hospitals However, the bodies of the three other persons are still missing. AGN President Emeka Rollas announced Lukes suspension in a statement on Thursday, as well as other pronouncements. Decisions Following Jnr Popes death, the AGN President said the Guild has indefinitely suspended films involving riverine areas and boat riding. Furthermore, he said movie shootings will not occur on 11 April in any location nationwide. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The statement read in part: Following the tragic incident of boat mishap that claimed the life of Mr John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope and four other crew members at the waterside of River Niger Cable point Asaba on 10 April 2024 on a movie set titled The other side of Life produced by Adanma Luke . The leadership of the Guild has taken the following decisions: (1) All films that involve riverine areas and boat riding are at this moment suspended indefinitely, (2) no shoot on all locations Nationwide on Thursday, 11 April 2024. (3)The film titled Another Side of Life is suspended indefinitely (4) No actor is allowed to work with Adamma Luke as a producer till further notice. (5) While we keep searching for the bodies of the remaining persons, may their souls rest in peace. Background Rollas on Thursday confirmed that Jnr Pope died after all efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. On Wednesday, some Nollywood actors and actresses expressed fears that actor Jnr Pope may have died in a boat accident involving him and some colleagues. Filmmaker Sam Olatunji announced on Instagram that the industry lost Jnr Pope to the incident. Also, the Delta State Chairperson of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emma Onyemeziem, told Vanguard that the actors remains had been taken to a morgue. Before his death, the 39-year-old actor had shared a video of him and four others on his Instagram page travelling to the movie location on a boat. In his video, he mentioned being the only child and raising three children. He captioned the video, See me lamenting. The risk we take to entertain you: crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket. Na wahooooo Who does that ?? The father-of-three escaped death in 2021 when a fire incident destroyed his house. The late actor said he was so thankful to God for saving his entire family in a post on his Instagram handle. Late Jnr Pope said his house went up in flames while his family was sleeping, but God intervened, adding that he was safe and no one sustained any injury. In 2006, the late Jnr Pope joined the Nigerian movie industry (Nollywood) and started attending movie auditions and acting as a minor character in movies. In the early days of his career, Pope usually played the roles of a bodyguard, palace attendant, and servant. The late actor became famous in 2007 after acting in the Nollywood blockbuster movie Secret Adventures, directed by Tchidi Chikere. He has starred in more than 150 Nollywood movies which include: Secret Adventures, Mad Sex, Bitter Generation, Vengeance of Bullet, The Cat, The Generals, Wrong Initiation among others. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has provided additional details regarding the boat mishap that claimed the life of Nollywood actor, Junior Pope, and his colleagues. The NIWA Area Manager, Suleiman Nicholas, told Vanguard that 12 individuals were on the boat. Seven were successfully rescued, two were found deceased, and three are still missing: two females and one male. He mentioned that their team, alongside the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and Marine Police, is currently at the scene in the Akpaka Area of Onitsha and Nsugbe, carrying out rescue and recovery operations. Mr Nicholas said that despite the claim that the incident occurred in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area, the actual location was the Akpaka Area, a suburb of Onitsha and Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area. This happened as the victims were returning from Anam, where they had gone to shoot a movie. Mr Nicholas emphasised during the interview that the information he is providing may not be entirely accurate until his team returns from the scene. 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: Whatever you will get now as the cause of the incident may not be accurate. We are waiting for the report from my men who are at the scene of the incident. My men are on the water now to recover the remaining three missing victims, the Vanguard report highlighted. Untimely death The death of Jnr Pope during a film production, The Other Side of Life by Adanma Luke, was confirmed on Wednesday after all the efforts to revive him failed. The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has declared Thursday as No Shoot Day for all Nollywood filmmakers, following the death of the actor and three other crew members who died in a boat accident on Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday. Emeka Rollas, National President of AGN, in a statement on Thursday, said that this happened on a movie set titled The other side of life produced by Adamma Luke. In 2006, Junior Pope started attending movie auditions and acting in Nollywood. He rose to fame in 2007 after acting in the Nollywood blockbuster movie Secret Adventures, a movie directed by Tchidi Chikere. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the unfortunate boat mishap that claimed the life of star actor John Pope Odonwodo and his colleagues. Jnr Pope and four others (cast and crew) had just finished shooting a scene from Another Side of Life, a film by Adanma Luke in Asaba, Delta State and were on their way to Anambra State. As they made their way to another location, the boat capsized on their way to the area, resulting in an unfortunate incident. Some passengers aboard the boat, however, survived. TC Okafor, a skit maker and actor, one of the survivors, shared the details of his narrow escape. In an Instagram live hosted by producer Stanley_ontop on Thursday and monitored by PREMIUM TIMES, TC Okafor shared his story. Excerpts: The journey I want to first thank God for saving my life because its not easy. I dont know how I came out of that river. But the only thing I thank God for is that I came out alive with some crew members like Israel, Ogolo, and 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 One night, I was in a hotel when I received a call from Ogolo. He mentioned he had a job for me and asked me to come to Wicked Mans house, where we usually shoot movies, which was near my house. I said I would join him in the next hour, but I ended up discussing it with some friends, and when I finished, it was already over an hour. I called Ogolo to check if he was still there, and he confirmed. Upon my arrival, he informed me about the job, and then Adanma Luke appeared. The last job I did for Adanma Luke was Shortcut. She is a good colleague, and whenever I worked for her, I didnt charge her like I did others. Crossing the river I didnt usually discuss payment with her. However, after the first job, she only sent me N30,000, which upset me. They gave me the script, mentioning that we will cross the river. I asked them how the job would proceed, and they explained that they had already started and needed me on set the next day. I expressed concern about understanding the script thoroughly in such a short time, but they insisted. Adanma Luke suggested we discuss further on WhatsApp. However, I reiterated my reluctance to cross the river due to my inability to swim and my cautious nature. I always observe the river before crossing. I called my spiritual mother, and she advised me to go so there wouldnt be any problem. The next day, when we were supposed to start work, they didnt call me at all, and I was furious because it seemed like they were following their usual pattern of not informing the actors properly. So, when Ogolo eventually called me and said they needed me on set, I mentioned that Adanma Luke hadnt contacted me. He assured me she would call, but after I hung up, I called her myself and asked about my payment. She stated that she had no money left as she had already paid Jnr Pope, and she offered me N100,000. She pleaded with me, and I agreed, partly because of our past relationship and also because she had once helped me by buying diapers for my baby, which had resolved our differences over the previous job I did for her, Shortcut. When I arrived at the location, we initially shot scenes in a forest, and then the next day, we moved to Anam, where their pictures were supposed to be taken. Appeasing the river On the first day in Anam, following advice from my spiritual mentor, I poured a bottle of Fanta and some money (N10,000) into the river and gave some money to children in the water, leaving N5,000 with me. Upon our arrival in Anam, Jnr Pope had not yet arrived. When he eventually did, he made a video he posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday. He arrived late, around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m., and everyone was exhausted. He informed the Production Manager (PM) of his intention to leave, and he departed. I instructed one of my assistants, who usually videotapes me on set, to accompany Jnr Pope across the river, and they left together. I expressed my desire to follow Jnr Pope to the PM, but he refused, stating that Jnr Pope was the lead and I was the second in command. He asked who would shoot the scenes if I followed Jnr Pope. Ogolo suggested I could leave if I wanted to, but he pleaded with me to stay and shoot some scenes since Jnr Pope had already left. I agreed, but before commencing work, I requested my welfare money. Ogolo stated that there was only N1,500 available, which I found insufficient for daily expenses. Disappointment However, I accepted it under the assurance that Adanma Luke would send N20,000 for us to purchase alternatives to marijuana. She failed to send the money, and some crew members assumed she had. Additionally, I was transporting her crew members in my car and dropping them off at their destinations at night. I reminded her I wasnt a taxi driver and requested fuel money, offering to contribute N2,000, but she claimed she had no funds. They promised I would be provided with food prepared at the location, but I declined as everyone has their preferences. I asked her to hold onto the welfare money and the funds for alternative substances until I completed the work. The next day, Adanma Luke called me to inquire why I had told the crew not to cross the river, accusing me of trying to sabotage her movie. I clarified that I only spoke for myself, as I needed time to cross the river and return. I requested the PM to convey to her that she needed to send the agreed N100,000 immediately, or else I wouldnt shoot, but she failed to do so even until now. I was furious, contemplating how to sustain myself, eating at the location and leaving money at home. That day Jnr Pope left with my assistant, the rest of the crew departed Anam around 10:30 p.m. without wearing life jackets. Neither of us wore a life jacket, and this, combined with the unpaid wages, further fueled my anger. The first person I contacted the next day was Jnr Pope, asking him to help persuade Adanma Luke to pay me, or else I wouldnt return to the location, as I would disrupt everything if I did. Jnr Pope also asked me to calm down so he could call her. That was around some minutes past nine oclock in the morning. I was still in bed, seething with anger. I called the Production Manager (PM), Ogolo, and informed him about the situation. He inquired if I hadnt been paid, to which I replied affirmatively. He assured me he would speak to her. I also contacted one of the boys on the set to explain that if I arrived at the location, I would disrupt everything. However, Ogolo intervened by sending me N50,000 from his pocket to prevent any trouble. Although I didnt check my bank account, I informed Ogolo that I would complete the work without the money to prove Adanma Luke wrong, instructing her to retain the funds as I no longer needed them. I got dressed at home, and they brought me jeans, but my wife suggested I wear shorts, which I did. Bad omen As I left my house, the weather was gloomy, with rain falling, which I interpreted as a bad omen, compounded by my weakness. My mother was calling me then, but I couldnt answer her call. Upon reaching the park, they were trying to reach Jnr Pope, and Ogolo informed me that he had sent me N50,000, which I should return once Adanma Luke paid me. I agreed to this arrangement. At that time, Jnr Pope had not yet arrived at the boat park. Despite being called more than twenty-eight times, he assured us he was on his way. We waited over an hour, but he still hadnt arrived. Eventually, he called me and explained that he had contacted Adanma Luke, who assured him she would go to the bank and make the transfer. I couldnt help but chuckle at the amount she would transfer. When Jnr Pope finally arrived, we headed towards the boat pack at the riverbank. He waited briefly, mentioning that he had sent someone to buy him alcohol. Eventually, he joined us, and as we embarked on the journey, I always sat in the front seat of the boat to hold the rope. Accident When we were setting off, some were recording videos, so I advised them to keep their phones in their pockets. The only individuals wearing life jackets were the DOP and the Director; they were the sole ones. Before boarding the boat, I had poured the Fanta into the river. Jnr Pope inquired about my action, and I explained that I wanted to avoid any issues with the locals. He agreed that it was a prudent decision. As we embarked on the journey, Jnr Pope recorded a video while the pilot had earphones on, presumably listening to music. Jnr Pope focused his camera on the pilots head for his video. I noticed a canoe approaching, so I alerted the pilot. However, due to his apparent lack of experience, he collided with the canoe, causing our boat to capsize. Fortunately, I had held onto the rope, which saved both me and the lady in the boat, as she didnt let go of me. Unfortunately, all my phones were damaged in the incident. Rescue The river was wide, and the incident occurred in an open area where passersby could witness it from a distance. It was the boats at our departure point that spotted us and came to our rescue. By then, I was exhausted, particularly because the lady had remained by my side, and I couldnt swim. After they rescued us and I emerged from the water, I sought medical attention and received a tetanus injection for my wound. Aftermath When I returned from the hospital and arrived at the riverbank, I saw everyone there, including Adanma Luke. A young boy informed me that a police officer was trying to reach me, and at that point, Jnr Pope hadnt been found yet. I took it upon myself to go to the Marine Police and report the accident. They expressed frustration, stating that they had repeatedly advised filmmakers to obtain life jackets and adhere to safety precautions before crossing the river. However, many filmmakers ignore these warnings, preferring to avoid the expense by crossing independently. I instructed the boy to inform the police officer to meet me where I was standing. When he arrived, he insisted I accompany him to the station by boat. I hesitated, as I had just narrowly escaped one accident, but they assured me they had a life jacket. 7Suspicious of their competence, I expressed my concerns. Meanwhile, while I was still at the hospital, the pilot had falsely informed Adanma Luke that I was responsible for the accident, claiming he couldnt see what was ahead because I was blocking his view. Consequently, Adanma Luke ordered my arrest. When I arrived, I confronted the pilot, and the misunderstanding was resolved. Shortly after, I left the scene, only to be taken to the hospital for a scan later that night (Wednesday) by my Chairman. I was utterly disappointed. At this point, I want to officially declare that I am no longer pursuing an acting career. I have survived numerous incidents, including being poisoned multiple times due to this thankless job. What compensation do I receive for risking my life? Nollywood, you cannot break me. My resolve is unyielding. I prefer to focus on my comedy. If anyone wishes to see me, they can find me there. I dont care anymore; everyone should hold onto their scripts. As the only child of my parents, I cannot continue risking my life in pursuit of a career in acting. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The first civilian governor of Abia State, Ogbonnaya Onu, is dead. Mr Onu, who was the minister of science and technology in the Muhammadu Buhari administration, died in an Abuja hospital, according to the BBC Igbo News. A relative told PREMIUM TIMES that the former governor died early Thursday morning in an undisclosed hospital in Abuja. He has been sick for some time now. His family was planning to fly him abroad for treatment before he died early today, the source said. He hailed from Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, South-east Nigeria. Ogbonnaya Onu at a glance Mr Onu graduated with a First Class Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lagos State in 1976 before obtaining his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley four years later. He would later serve as a lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State where he rose to become the pioneer Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the institution and later, acting dean of the engineering faculty. 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 72-year-old began his political career when he unsuccessfully sought a senatorial ticket of the now-defunct National Party of Nigeria in the old Imo State. He later contested and was elected the first civilian governor of the then-newly created Abia State in 1991 under the platform of the National Republic Convention. He was sworn in January 1992. The former governor became the presidential candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) in 1999, but gave up his position to Olu Falae after the defunct APP merged with another party, Alliance for Democracy. In 2015, Mr Onu was appointed as minister of science and technology by the Nigerian president at the time, Mr Buhari. By 2019, he became the longest-serving minister in the ministry with his reappointment in 2019 by Mr Buhari. The former minister only resigned from the position in 2022 to contest the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress which was won by Bola Tinubu, who eventually emerged as Nigerian president in the 2023 general elections. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has advised Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to convert the multi-billion naira Christian worship centre in the state to an event centre. Mr Effiong, who made the advice through a post on his X handle, said that the state government should think about productivity and job creation. Akwa Ibom, with an estimated population of over five million people, is predominantly Christian and has thousands of worship centres across its length and breadth. The rights lawyer argued the state government does not have any business maintaining a worship centre. There are countless churches and other places of worship in the state. The State Government has no business maintaining a worship centre. The International Worship Centre should be changed and remodelled to serve as an Event Centre, he wrote on X. He, however, said he was aware that Governor Eno would not consider his advice. 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 State Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, when contacted, said that several people have offered diverse opinions towards the worship centre with some even suggesting that it should be demolished. Mr Ememobong said, the state government, being a listening one, will consider all the advice before taking action. Worship centre The worship centre estimated to cost N32 billion was built by the immediate past governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel. The project faced criticisms from many people who believed that Akwa Ibom as a state with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, should have channelled the money into building cottage factories that are capable of taking the unemployed youths off the streets. But former Governor Emmanuel had always argued that as a state named after God, it was necessary to build an altar of worship for God. PREMIUM TIMES in 2022 reported how Mr Emmanuel said that the state government was taken to court by witches for building a Christian worship centre. All (the) witches and wizards came together and took me to court that we are building a Christian Worship Centre, the governor had said during a media chat with journalists in the state. They say they are atheists. The case is in the court, we won them but they have appealed, Mr Emmanuel added. The worship centre, which was over 90 per cent completed as of May last year, was first put to use in the exit days of Mr Emmanuel in office where he held his thanksgiving service. After completion, the worship centre was opened to worshippers on 2 January during the state New Year thanksgiving service, which was declared a public holiday by the state government. Speaking at the occasion, former Governor Emmanuel said the state had no befitting place of worship despite being named after God, a situation he said motivated him to build an altar for God. Probably today, we would have been under the sun, but we now have a place where we can all gather, an altar where we can gather to worship God, Mr Emmanuel was quoted as saying. Ill Support Governor Eno To Surpass My Records In Akwa Ibom- Emmanuel Mr Emmanuel had attributed the successes recorded during his administration to the prayers of the people and thanked the fathers of faith, a group of Christian leaders in the state for their support. Worship centre, a tourist attraction Governor Eno In his remarks at the ceremony, Governor Eno described the edifice as not just a worship centre but a tourist attraction. He constituted a committee to ensure the maintenance of the facility. He had also announced another committee to coordinate activities at the centre and ensure prayers are offered daily at the altar. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has appointed Kingsley Chinda as the chairman Local Government Congress Electoral Committee for Ondo State ahead of Saturdays governorship primaries. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. Mr Chinda is the minority leader in the House of Representatives. Mr Ologunagba said the constitution of the committee was approved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. The committee members are to serve on the local government Congress Electoral Committee to conduct National Delegates Congress for the purpose of electing one national delegate per local government area in Ondo, he said. Mr Ologunagba said the congress would be held at the Collation Centre of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in each of the states local government areas. He advised all the governorship aspirants, leaders, critical stakeholders and members in Ondo to take note and be guided accordingly. 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 governorship election holds on 11 November. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, a professor, said on Wednesday that the non-academic staff in Nigerian universities may soon be paid part their withheld salaries. The minister, who spoke on Wednesday when he featured on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, maintained that the failure to pay the withheld salaries of the non-academic staff of the universities as done for their academic counterparts was not deliberate. He said the development was a communication problem and not a discrimination as touted in some quarters. I believe what happened was a communication problem initially, that was what led to this. It wasnt deliberate to exclude them from that benefit, Mr Mamman said. The minister, however, noted that the ministry is working to ensure that parts of their withheld salaries are paid. He said the payment has still not been made because President Bola Tinubu is yet to approve it. There are still outstanding issues relating to non-academic and technical staff but the government is looking into that, he said. I dont think it is safe to put a time on it. It is safer to say we are on it. We are pushing. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He added: SSANU and NASU also know I am one of them. They have my sympathy in terms of getting what is due to them. And we are doing everything possible to get relief for them. Remember the whole foundation for that is there is a court judgement on no work, no pay. ASUU getting four months pay was actually a discretion and decision on the part of the President. So, it doesnt automatically transfer (to NASU and SSANU) but the matter is under consideration. To me, I think we are making positive progress on this matter. And in any case, the non-academic staff, they were not on strike for the same period with the academic staff about four months or so. So, if they are getting payment, it is going to be half of that (payment), if the President follows his precedent with the academic staff. Backstory Workers unions in Nigerian tertiary institutions downed tools for similar reasons and varying periods in 2022, during which the Nigerian government invoked a No Work, No Pay policy and withheld the workers salaries for the period they were on strike. The longest of the strikes was by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which lasted eight months. Other unions that also went on strike during the period are the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). However, in October 2023, President Bola Tinubu granted a waiver and directed the payment of four out of the eight month withheld salaries for ASUU members. Members of other unions, particularly SSANU and NASU immediately protested the directive which they described as selective. In February, the government paid ASUU members, forcing SSANU and NASU to embark on a one-week warning strike in March to protest the selective payment. Though Mr Mamman engaged the unions three days into their warning strike, the meeting ended in a deadlock as the unions say the minister couldnt give them a specific date for which their emoluments would be paid. Qosim Suleiman is a reporter at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police say they arrested 54 suspected political thugs on Wednesday during the Eid celebration in Kano. The police spokesperson in the state, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said in a statement that the suspects planned to disrupt a durbar traditionally held as the highlight of the celebration at the palace of the Emir of Kano. The Kano State Police Command has uncovered plots by some political thugs and enemies of the state planning to hide under political regalia and disrupt the Hawan Daushe Durbar Celebration slated to be held today (11th April 2024) evening at the Emirs Palace, Kofar Kudu, Kano. The joint security forces in the state are aware of these evil plans and have set all machinery in place to ensure the peaceful conduct of the Durbar activities and, the safety of all residents of the state as adequate deployment of manpower and equipment has been made to strategic locations in the state, Mr Kiyawa said. The police spokesperson said those arrested in the alleged attempt to cause chaos during the Durbar celebration would face the consequences of their actions. He warned that the Durbar celebration was not a political activity and should not be treated as such. The Kano State Police Command is, therefore, making it categorically clear that whoever under whatever guise attempts to disrupt the peace being enjoyed in the state will be arrested and made to face the wrath of the law. Their sponsors will also fish out and follow suit. 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 Sallah Durbar is not a political activity, and any form of display of political parties symbols such as billboards and posters are instruments of misinterpretation and ultimate breakdown of law and order. Politicians are advised to prevail on their supporters to see Sallah as a celebration of unity and tradition, Mr Kiyawa added. Mr Kiyawa said the 54 suspects arrested on Wednesday would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations by the police. During the Hawan Eid Sallah Day, a total of fifty-four (54) suspected thugs were arrested and dangerous weapons and illicit drugs were recovered from them. The suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation. Members of the public should note that Kano State Police Command encourages continued collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders to collectively build a safer and more secure environment for all and urges everyone to keep reporting any suspicious movement of person(s) or item(s) they come across to the nearest Police Station, Mr Kiyawa said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A 25-year-old man was on Thursday lynched by angry residents for allegedly beheading a six-year-old boy, Mohammed Nabiyu, in Kanwa, a village in Madobi Local Government Area of Kano State. Residents told PREMIUM TIMES that the suspect, identified only as Abdullahi from Katsina State, was a former student of a Tsangaya school (Almajiri school) in Kanwa until he was expelled from the community for alleged bad behaviour. But Mr Abdullahi sneaked back into the community a few days ago before committing the murder on Thursday, residents said. The village head of Kanwa, Umar Yusuf, told reporters the suspect lured the boy into a nearby primary schools toilet, beheaded him and threw the head into a soak-away. The traditional ruler said the suspect had worked as a houseboy at his victims home but had been sacked for his dubious activities. Abdullahi was brought to Kanwa over two years ago by one Islamic scholar, Mallam Abdulrauf from Katsina. He stayed here for two years and left four months ago. He returned to the village during this festive period, claiming that he came for condolence because we lost one old woman three days ago. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later It was during his visit that he lured Nabiyu to a toilet of the nearest primary school where he beheaded him and slashed his stomach, the traditional ruler stated. Mr Yusuf said the suspect was caught by residents after he was seen by a boy while throwing the head of the victim into a soak-away. Also, Mr Yusuf said the suspect was initially rescued from the mob but the mob forced its way into where he was kept and lynched him before the arrival of the police. The bodies of the victim and the suspect were buried in the community according to Islamic rites. The police spokesperson in Kano, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the police were investigating the incident Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has described as wasteful and a highway to fraud the claim by Works Minister Dave Umahi that the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway will tentatively cost N15.6 trillion. Atiku also knocked Mr Umahi for altering the projects initial plan after Gilbert Chagourys Hitech had been awarded the contract without any competitive bidding. He said, Umahi had announced that Hitech would fully fund the project, and based on this, there was no competitive bidding. He (Umahi) then said that Hitech could only raise just 6% of the money for the pilot phase. This smacks of deceit. Mr Umahi had, during his media rounds at select TV stations on Thursday, said the road project would cost N15.6 trillion ($13bn at an exchange rate of N1,200/$1) while the rail which will pass through the road would be costed separately. The minister also said the project would not be PPP but that the government would be providing 15%-30% counterpart financing. Responding to Mr Umahis revelation, Atiku said the tentative cost was the equivalent of the total budget of all 36 states of the federation combined. He said, The total budget of all 36 federation states for 2024 is about N14 trillion. If you add that of the FCT, the entire budget of all sub-nationals is N15.91 trillion. This is scandalous. Worse still, they have already awarded the contract but are still not sure of the level of the counterpart funding component of the federal government! 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 Umahi had said in September 2023 that Gilbert Chagourys Hitech had the money to construct the highway and would be PPP. Hitech was to build, operate, and transfer it back to the Nigerian government after years of tolling. It was reported by every media organisation, including those owned by Tinubu. It was based on this proposal that Hitech was picked. Why did Umahi then turn around to claim that it was not to be a PPP but that the government would pay 15%-30%? The former Vice President noted that in the 2024 budget, the project was captured as the Lagos-Port Harcourt coastal highway and was put at a cost of N500m. Although the National Assembly approved N500m for the project this year, the Tinubu administration has released N1.06tn. That is more than 200 times what is in the Appropriation Act. This is what happens when the National Assembly fails in its duties, he added. Atiku said it was curious that the N15.91 trillion announced by Mr Umahi did not include the cost of the railway component. He, therefore, wondered how much the project would cost if the railway component is included. If N15.6 trillion is for the road component alone, then the total cost could be far higher when the railway is included. We want to know the cost of the railway, he said. The PDP presidential candidate also lambasted Mr Umahi for admitting that the project was given to Gilbert Chagourys Hitech construction company without competitive bidding. He asked Mr Umahi to stop trying to deceive Nigerians with the claim that only Hitech was competent enough to do the project, wondering if it is the same that has been grappling with the execution of its projects in Lagos. The former vice president stated, The essence of competitive bidding is so that Nigerians can get the best value for money. It is so that you can compare prices and pick the company that can afford the project. It is wrong for him to have concluded that only Hitech could handle this project when such a project has been done by other reputable firms in the United States, China and South Africa. He claims he didnt know there was a business relationship between Gilbert Chagoury and Tinubu, but this is another lie because Tinubu has publicly acknowledged this fact. Atiku also accused the works minister of attempting to deceive Nigerians as regards the appropriation for the project. He called on members of the National Assembly to be alive to their responsibilities instead of acting like an annexe of the presidency. The PDP candidate stated, Until I exposed the dubious nature of this project, no member of the National Assembly thought it wise to investigate. The total cost was never made known until now. The fact that there was no bidding was never made known until I blew the whistle. The former vice president also knocked Mr Umahi for claiming that no money had been released yet to Hitech, which he described as another lie. On March 31, 2024, Umahi came on Channels Televisions Sunday Politics programme where he pointedly said that the sum of N1.06tn was released to Hitech. Only for him to say on TVC on April 11 that the same money had not been released. Which one is true, and which one is false? Signed: Atiku Media Office Abuja 11th April, 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A member of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom State has come under criticism on Facebook for asking a student who begged him for financial assistance to take up menial jobs. The lawmaker, Clement Jimbo, who represents Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives, had made a post on Facebook under which the user had commented asking for financial help to pay his school fees. If you want to break even early in life; study, understand and practice delayed gratification. #YouthSlot nuggets, Mr Jimbo wrote on Facebook on 30 March. In response to the post, Tony Ofon, whose Facebook profile shows he studied at the Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, wrote in a comment under the post: My MP Inemesit Clement Jimbo please I need your help to pay my tuition fees. My semester exams start Wednesday next week. Mr Ofons comment has garnered several comments as of Thursday. But the response of the lawmaker, who tagged his campaign Youth Slots, to Mr Ofons comment angered many people in the state who have taken to Facebook to criticise him. Roll your sleeves and work on a construction site. A days work as a site operative earns a minimum of 5k, Mr Jimbo, replied to Mr Ofons request. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Jimbo did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES requests for comment on his response to the student when contacted on Thursday. This is not the first time the federal lawmaker harshly responded to constituents on Facebook. This newspaper last October reported how Mr Jimbo said he would no longer give out money to his constituents who seek financial help for burial. All financial solicitation for burial is hereby suspended till further notice, he wrote on Facebook last year. His latest response to school fees request from a student has put him in the spotlight, generating several criticisms after a Facebook user, Itoro Etti, posted a screenshot of the comments and Mr Jimbos response. Angry comments Angered by the response, many Facebook users went under the comment section to remind the lawmaker how he begged for money on Facebook while he was campaigning for the office. That response was harsh, MP Clement Jimbo. Dear Hon. Inemesit Clement Jimbo, that response to a constituent in need of help didnt go too well sir. Im sure youre aware that your mentor and senate President, Godswill Akpabio would not have given such a response to a helpless citizen of Akwa Ibom no matter where he or she hails from. I recall vividly a year before last when you made an attempt to contest as Reps member, you came here on Facebook, solicited for funds, some people mocked you while some were bold enough to key in and support your vision which was at the time a tall dream but that tall (dream) became a manifested vision today. The only crime the young scholar did was to seek help to pay fees. Dear MP, you no try for this one, Mr Etti wrote on Facebook, where he shared the picture of the lawmaker. A journalist, Ndifreke Enefiok, was also among the critics. This guy has been goofing around since he entered the office. He was the same person who published a press statement telling his constituents not to approach him for funeral needs again. This very same person who posted his account details for support during elections is the same person feeling like hes arrived. Tomorrow well say lets give youth a chance. Now see this one here and to think that hes representing Etim Ekpo people too makes me so ashamed on his behalf. He should do better and stop acting like a cocky rep who will spend eternity in Abuja. Hell come back home and ask for votes again. Well be here to show him the road to every construction site to go work for his win, Ms Enefiok wrote in the comment section. Another user, Samdede Krt, however, supported the lawmakers action, saying that the student should have sent him a private message. I support this MP, go and hustle. If he had wanted a mild reply, he wouldve respectfully sent a private message, Mr Krt wrote. Mr Jimbo Before his election, the lawmaker was not popular in the state, the basis many people believed he benefited from the popularity of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to defeat the PDP candidate in the election last year. Messrs Akpbaio and Jimbo are from the same senatorial district. Mr Jimbos election is one of the two federal constituency elections in the state whose results were declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission. He later won the supplementary election. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Gunmen on Thursday attacked a police checkpoint along the Abakaliki-Enugu Highway, killing a police officer. The gunmen also set a police patrol van ablaze. The incident happened at Ishieke junction on the outskirts of Abakaliki town in Ebonyi State. Residents of the area told PREMIUM TIMES that the gunmen engaged the police in a shootout during which one policeman was killed. The police spokesperson in Ebonyi, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the attack. I just got information that there was an attack at that point but I dont have any other information, Mr Ukandu, a deputy superintendent of police, said. One officer was fatally wounded and a patrol vehicle set ablaze. I will issue an official statement soon, he told PREMIUM TIMES on the phone. 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 attack came barely three weeks after four police officers and two civilians were killed in an attack on another checkpoint along a hilltop road in the city. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the Nigerian government has in the past blamed such attacks in south-east Nigeria on the secessionist Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB). The group wants an independent nation for the Igbos in the south-east and parts of south-south Nigeria. IPOB also operates an armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), which authorities blame for most of the attacks on security personnel in the south-east. IPOB, whose leader Nnamdi Kanu is being tried for treason, has however denied responsibility for many of the attacks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, have begun an investigation to unravel any criminal liability in the cause of death of Nollywood actor, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope. The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the commissioner of police in the state, Aderemi Adeoye, ordered the investigation. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Odonwodo and three others drowned after a boat accident while returning from a movie location in Anambra State on Wednesday. There was excitement on Wednesday night following reports that the 39-year-old was resuscitated after being initially reported dead. But the joy was short-lived after the actor was later confirmed dead, hours after. Investigation Reacting, Mr Ikenga said the police in Anambra State would determine in their investigation if anybody played a role in the boat accident. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The police spokesperson said their preliminary inquiry into the incident had given them an insight into the cause of the boat accident but did not give details. Exhaustive investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police with a view to determining criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap, he said. Foul play There were speculations from Mr Odonwodos fans shortly after his death became public that some of his jealous Nollywood colleagues might have played a role in his death. Some supporters of the deceased actor, for instance, claimed that some Nollywood colleagues took him to a mortuary after his body was discovered, instead of first seeking medical attention for him. What we did to save the victims Mr Ikenga said when the police were notified of the boat accident, some marine police operatives were deployed to the area and consequently rescued six actors and one actress from the water. Two others who were unconscious were also pulled out with the aid of fishermen and conveyed to the Delta State Command Marine Police Jetty where other members of the crew who travelled in the first boat were waiting and handed over to the president of the Actors Guild for conveyance to the hospital while the rescue team went back in search of three others who are still missing as of the time of this release, he said. The police spokesperson said although the accident happened within their jurisdiction in Anambra, the release of the bodies of the accident victims for burial is to be handled by the police in Delta State. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr Adeoye, has commiserated with families and friends of actors who lost their lives in the boat accident, Mr Okoye said. The police commissioner prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print GUANGZHOU, China, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 8th, Wanglaoji unveiled its international English brand identity WALOVI in Los Angeles, United States. On April 10th, Wanglaoji opened its second herbal tea museum in New York the Fifth Avenue Museum with a grand opening ceremony, marking another solid step in the brand's global development. Founded in 1828, Wanglaoji stands as a leading brand in the Chinese herbal tea market, unwavering in meeting consumer health needs as its guiding principle. The company has bolstered its core herbal tea operations, developing a distinctive line of health-focused plant beverages. Through an extensive product portfolio, it caters to the varied demands of a global customer base. Nowadays, Wanglaoji has achieved international recognition as the No. 1 natural plant drink brand in the world. In the process of accelerating its international branding strategy, Wanglaoji has released WALOVI, its international English brand identity, which has made appearances in Milan and Thailand this year. Wanglaoji plans to establish 56 herbal tea museums worldwide to share the story of Chinese herbal tea with the world. The first overseas herbal tea museum was inaugurated in 2018 on Grand Street in New York, opening an important "window" for cultural exchange. This year, the herbal tea museum signing ceremonies were held successively in Milan and Bangkok. Over the years, Wanglaoji's sales network has covered more than 150 countries and regions, achieving commendable results in markets in North America, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The North American market is a key overseas market for Wanglaoji, with annual sales increasing significantly since it started exporting in 2013. Now, Wanglaoji has officially entered mainstream channels and chain supermarkets, such as Costco and H Mart, and its e-commerce operations have expanded into platforms like Amazon, Yamibuy, and Wee. Weng Shaoquan, Chairman of Guangzhou Wanglaoji Great Health Industry Co., Ltd., stated, "China's Wanglaoji is also the world's WALOVI! We believe that Wanglaoji will establish even closer connections and interactions with American and global consumers, invigorating the international market with vitality, and making more international consumers fall in love with natural plant beverages from China." Moving forward, Wanglaoji will continue to roll out its English brand identity and construct herbal tea museums globally, deeply cultivating the international market, promoting the culture of herbal tea to the world, and establishing itself as a global super beverage brand. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384403/Wanglaoji_Accelerates_International_Market_Expansion_by_Launching_the_International_Brand_Identity_W.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384404/Wanglaoji_Accelerates_International_Market_Expansion_by_Launching_the_International_Brand_Identity_W.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384405/Wanglaoji_Accelerates_International_Market_Expansion_by_Launching_the_International_Brand_Identity_W.jpg The Funding Round, led by PeakSpan Capital, will Accelerate Innovation in Key Areas Including Data Intelligence, Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), and Technology Consolidation for School Districts CINCINNATI, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abre , K-12's #1 modern data solution, today announced a significant milestone with the closing of a Series A investment round led by PeakSpan Capital , with follow-on participation from JumpStart Ventures , JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund , and Golden Angels Investors . The $24 million in funding will support Abre in its mission to open learning communities by connecting what matters. Abre improves student outcomes by transforming the way all stakeholders in and out of schools make comprehensive data-informed decisions. K-12 #1 Data Solution Abre PeakSpan Capital is a leading growth equity firm with $1.5 billion in assets under management ("AUM"), investing exclusively in high-growth business-to-business (or "B2B") software companies. PeakSpan is committed to its mission of being the partner of choice for best-in-class, emerging growth-stage software entrepreneurs and teams who are looking to scale sensibly and capitalize on strategic, high-quality market opportunities. Through a highly focused and proprietary data-driven strategy, PeakSpan partners with scale-up software entrepreneurs with the goal of delivering the best risk-adjusted outcomes. The investment will be used to continue innovating Abre's data solution an intentional blend of technology focused on better data intelligence for all stakeholders supporting students in and out of the classroom, and services designed to meet the unique needs of each district partner. Additionally, the funding will enable Abre to expand its market reach, strengthen its team across key departments, and capitalize on emerging opportunities across the EdTech landscape. "We are thrilled to have the confidence of such a distinguished group of investors at PeakSpan Capital and the ongoing support from many of our early investors," said James Stoffer , CEO of Abre. "This investment not only validates our vision and strategy but also provides us with the resources needed to accelerate our growth and continue to deliver impactful solutions to our school and district clients as well as their administrators and staff, community partners, families, and students." Abre's software serves as a one-stop-shop that integrates data from hundreds of EdTech platforms across a school district. These data points are integrated to paint a 360-degree view of a student across key areas of social-emotional well-being, enrollment, attendance, intervention, academic performance, and more, without requiring a huge amount of effort from administrators or building staff. The company's commitment to streamlining processes, enhancing collaboration, and improving student outcomes has garnered widespread recognition and adoption among school districts nationwide. "We partnered with Abre to compile all of our information in one place to create in-depth student profiles that provide information about the whole child, enabling us to view data by teacher, intervention, grade level, school, and district to make more informed decisions," said Dr. Karen Cheser , Superintendent at Durango School District 9-R. "This allowed us to individualize their education and provide a variety of tailored, relevant enrichment opportunities to strengthen these interests and help prepare our students for a well-suited career path, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life doing what they love." Despite the influx of capital and classroom technology precipitated by the pandemic, K-12 schools and districts are still struggling with achievement gaps , student well-being concerns , chronic absenteeism , teacher shortages , and more. Schools and districts need data solutions to help address these issues, otherwise they not only risk students falling further behind, but also face a potential loss of funding directly tied to attendance, performance, and enrollment levels. As districts continue to reevaluate budgeted, allocated resources and what is and is not working to support student outcomes, Abre provides data-informed insights to enable confident financial decision-making to drive better outcomes for students. Through the Abre platform, key stakeholders are able to identify patterns and trends with data and support students who are struggling through targeted interventions and strategies. Sanket Merchant , a Partner at PeakSpan Capital and Head of the firm's EdTech practice, led the investment and will be joining the Abre Board of Directors. He noted, "Abre sits squarely in a thesis we've been developing for years and highlights the importance (and opportunity) behind data intelligence. Districts across the nation are struggling to operationalize student data and effectively provide students with academic, emotional, and community support. The data is alarming, and we must do much more to transform student outcomes fundamentally. We could not be more thrilled to partner with the Abre team to capitalize on the forward opportunity - democratizing data intelligence, transforming student outcomes, and creating what we believe will be the central hub for the modern U.S. K-12 district." The company also announced a new governing board: About Abre Abre is K-12's #1 modern data solution. With Abre, schools improve their operational efficiency, increase ALL stakeholder engagement, empower school leaders to make confident decisions, and help schools reinvest in what matters most (their students). To learn more about Abre, please visit abre.com . About PeakSpan Capital Based in New York City and Silicon Valley, PeakSpan Capital is a leading growth equity firm with $1.5B+ in assets under management ("AUM") and a singular mission to be the partner of choice for growth-stage entrepreneurial teams building amazing business software companies. PeakSpan has partnered with 70+ high-growth B2B software businesses and combines deep domain expertise within a select number of themes with an active partnering approach to help entrepreneurs drive excellent risk-adjusted growth and value creation. PeakSpan Capital prides itself on a collaborative approach to working with entrepreneurs and other stakeholders. To learn more about PeakSpan Capital and its portfolio, please visit peakspancapital.com . Contact: Sarah Williamson [email protected] SOURCE Abre BETHESDA, Md., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine (ACMGF) announced today that Marilyn C. Jones, MD, FACMG; Harry Ostrer, MD, FACMG; Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, FACMG and Katie Johansen Taber, PhD were elected to the Board of Directors of the ACMGF. The ACMG Foundation is a national nonprofit foundation dedicated to facilitating the integration of genetics and genomics into medical practice. The board members are active participants, serving as advocates for the ACMG Foundation and for advancing its policies and programs. ACMG Foundation President Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG said, "We are pleased to welcome these four new members to the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors. Individually and combined they bring a new perspective along with their individual deep expertise. We are grateful for their enthusiasm and willingness to serve our genetics and genomics community." Marilyn C. Jones, MD, FACMG A Past President of the ACMG (2007-2009), Dr. Marilyn C. Jones is the Clinical Services Chief of the Genetics and Dysmorphology Division at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego and a Distinguished Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. She has served as the Medical Director of the Helen Bernardy Center for Medically Fragile Children for more than 40 years. With expertise in providing detailed patient phenotyping to aid gene discovery, Dr. Jones's career has focused on identifying underlying causation among patients with cleft and craniofacial disorders. In 2020 she received the David Bixler Distinguished Scientist in Craniofacial Research Award from the Society for Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology, as well as the David W. Smith Award for Excellence in Genetics and Birth Defects Education from the American Academy of Pediatrics. "I am honored for the opportunity to serve the ACMG again through participation in the Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation provides many of the resources that help the College move forward its agenda to help both the public and its members," said Dr. Jones. Harry Ostrer, MD, FACMG Dr. Harry Ostrer is Professor of Pathology and Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. From 1990-2011, he was the Director of the Human Genetics Program at New York University Langone Medical Center. His academic focus is in studying the genetic basis for common and rare disorders and developing new functional genomic technologies. Dr. Ostrer is also a long-time investigator of the genetics of the Jewish people and Hispanic and Latino people. In 2007, he organized the Jewish HapMap Project, an international effort to understand origins, migration and disease predispositions by mapping and sequencing the genomes of Jewish people. At his start-up company, Morgan and Mendel Genomics, Dr. Ostrer advises about translating the findings of novel functional genomic discoveries into tests that can be used to identify people's risks for having cancer or for predicting cancer's response to therapy. "My professional career has been entwined with creating opportunities for others in medical genetics by training them, sometimes through training programs that I created. But part of passing the mantle of achieving 'better health through genetics' for everyone is to support even larger and scalable opportunities," said Dr. Ostrer. "I am delighted to have the means to do so by joining old and new friends on the Board of Directors of the American College of Medical Genetics Foundation, whose philanthropic mission is to fund new programs and research." Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, FACMG Dr. Lisa G. Shaffer is founder and the former CEO of Genetic Veterinary Sciences, Inc. (DBA Paw Print Genetics), a canine, feline and avian genetic testing company serving breeders, veterinarians and owners. The company was acquired in 2021. Prior to that enterprise, she was co-founder, President and CEO of Signature Genomic Laboratories, the first diagnostic laboratory to offer clinical microarray testing for children with developmental disabilities. The recipient of numerous accolades for her entrepreneurship and business savvy, Dr. Shaffer was previously a tenured Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine (1991-2002) and in the School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University (2002-2008). Dr. Shaffer has authored more than 340 peer-reviewed medical papers and four books. "I am very excited to be rejoining the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors and look forward to supporting the mission of the ACMG and helping to raise awareness of medical genetics and promote its achievements. Medical genetics touches every aspect of human health, and this is an exciting time to be a part of the Foundation," said Dr. Shaffer. Katie Johansen Taber, PhD As the Vice President of Clinical Product Research & Partnerships at Myriad Genetics, Dr. Katie Johansen Taber's focus is on developing evidence and advancing initiatives to improve access to genetic testing in the areas of women's health, oncology and mental health. She leads a team responsible for clinical evidence strategy, real-world evidence development, clinical trial conduct and scientific publications. Prior to her current position, Dr. Johansen Taber was Senior Director of Clinical Development at the company's Women's Health business unit. Before joining Myriad Genetics, she served at the American Medical Association (2006-2017), where her work centered on educating healthcare professionals about the clinical implementation of genomics and precision medicine, and on identifying and managing precision medicine policy issues. Dr. Johansen Taber has held numerous positions on advisory committees and boards, including a current appointment on the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine Roundtable on Genomics and Precision Health. "I'm thrilled to be elected to the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors and I look forward to working together to improve access to genetic testing," said Dr. Johansen Taber. "The Foundation's focus on evidence-based guidelines development, education and advocacy are important initiatives in realizing the ability to provide genetics-informed care to all patients who need it." ACMGF Also Announces New Board Position and Thanks Outgoing Board Members In addition, Brynn Levy, MSc. (Med), PhD, FACMG, who joined the ACMG Foundation Board of Directors in 2019, was named to the newly created officer position of President-Elect. The ACMG Foundation also thanked the following board members who recently completed their terms of service: Nasha Fitter, MBA; Evan Jones, MBA and, in particular, David A.H. Whiteman, MD, FAAP, FACMG, who joined the Foundation Board of Directors in 2014 and served admirably as its Vice President since 2017. A complete roster of the ACMG Foundation Board can be found at www.acmgfoundation.org. About the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine The ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a community of supporters and contributors who understand the importance of medical genetics and genomics in healthcare. Established in 1992, the ACMG Foundation supports the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) mission to "translate genes into health." Through its work, the ACMG Foundation fosters charitable giving, promotes training opportunities to attract future medical geneticists and genetic counselors to the field, shares information about medical genetics and genomics, and sponsors important research. To learn more and support the ACMG Foundation mission to create "Better Health through Genetics" visit acmgfoundation.org. Contact: Kathy Moran, MBA [email protected] SOURCE ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest version of Adam & Eva's neuro-symbolic architecture AI, the world's first traceable Generative AI, achieved 3Gb per hour speeds in LLM training. Unlike existing LLM-based transformers, Adam & Eva's neuro-symbolic AI supports a linear learning rate depending on the size of the dataset. This provides several orders of magnitude reduction in computing power, time, and costs. "We are happy to confirm this break-through performance when training EVA, our game changing LLM." said Paul Kewene-Hite, Adam & Eva Inc. CEO & Co-Founder "In addition to amazing computational speeds, other remarkable features of EVA include an ability to scale that is limited only by data sets and CPUs, an option for clients to train our LLM EVA themselves, as well as meaningful savings in both CapEx and OpEx." The 3Gb per hour results demonstrated by the latest fully parallel version of Adam & Eva's AI were performed on a 56-core CPU server hosted at Hyve Managed Hosting. Adam & Eva plans to present their LLM "EVA" during MadHat event in San Francisco on April 19 and to introduce it through public cloud providers in 2024. About Adam & Eva Inc. Adam & Eva, Inc. is a Delaware corporation, established in 2023 with offices in San Diego (CA), Boston (MA), Palo Alto (CA), and Haifa, Israel (www.adam-eva.ai). Adam & Eva, Inc. develops a traceable and scalable neuro-symbolic Gen AI architecture for public utilization. Unlike common transformers, Adam & Eva's AI demonstrates linear, rather than quadratic, computational complexity for both training and operational modes. For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Adam & Eva Inc. Vadim Asadov, Co-Founder 858 405 9128 [email protected] SOURCE Adam & Eva Inc. Embrace an Unprecedented Blend of Comfort and Sustainability with AndaSeat's Latest Innovation LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a decisive move towards sustainable luxury, AndaSeat unveils the Kaiser 4 a gaming chair that transforms everyday seating into an eco-friendly statement of comfort. With its innovative 'ArteDiPelle' material, the Kaiser 4 presents a leap forward in ergonomic design, promising to elevate the user experience with unmatched ease of maintenance and an enduring commitment to environmental consciousness. The Consumer-Centric Design At the heart of the Kaiser 4 lies the 'ArteDiPelle' polyurethane leather, a material born from an eco-innovative collaboration with Amway. This forward-thinking leather alternative offers a flawless blend of luxury and practicality. Consumers will delight in the ease of cleaning a simple wipe is all it takes to address life's little accidents, from coffee spills to chocolate smudges. Health and Wellness Forward Acknowledging the contemporary concerns of health and well-being, the Kaiser 4 champions an eco-conscious approach. Its solvent-free construction not only makes it safe for all ages but also paves the way for guilt-free comfort. With the ability to address stains with just water or 75% alcohol, users can maintain a pristine environment without the use of harsh chemicals. Durability Meets Style The Kaiser 4 doesn't compromise on aesthetics. ArteDiPelle stands as a testament to AndaSeat's innovative spirit, combining durable craftsmanship with an artful touch. This material is not only built to last but also complements any decor with its sleek, modern design truly a seat that reflects the discerning tastes of its owner. Elevating User Experience AndaSeat's commitment to the user's well-being is evident in the Kaiser 4's personalized comfort. The adjustable lumbar support system, coupled with 5D armrests, ensures a sitting experience that's tailored to the individual's body shape and preferences a chair that adapts to you, not the other way around. The Kaiser 4 by AndaSeat is more than a chair it's a declaration of sustainable luxury and ergonomic innovation. Designed for discerning consumers who seek comfort, style, and an eco-friendly lifestyle, the Kaiser 4 stands as a paragon in its class. AndaSeat invites you to experience the future of seating comfort where well-being, responsibility, and impeccable design converge. For a limited time til April 15th, AndaSeat is offering an exclusive early bird voucher spend just $1 to receive $130 off your purchase of the Kaiser 4. Visit AndaSeat's Official Website to learn more and be a part of this revolution in seating. To claim the early bird offer for the chair which again, means you can save $130 on it when it launches just click right here. Yet make sure you act fast, as the deal is only valid from the 7th to the 15th of April. About AndaSeat AndaSeat is renowned for crafting ergonomic furniture that emphasizes innovation, quality, and aesthetics. With a keen focus on enhancing everyday life, AndaSeat continually raises the bar, setting new benchmarks for health and environmental sustainability in the industry. SOURCE AndaSeat Hip-hop legend Darryl "DMC" McDaniels and Uwill Founder and CEO Michael London discuss technology's impact on the student mental health crisis NATICK, Mass., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, RUN-DMC hip-hop legend and mental health advocate, joins educational technology, digital health, and social impact entrepreneur Michael London at ASU+GSV for multiple panel discussions about student mental health at the ASU+GSV Summit April 14-17 in San Diego, California. Author of the bestselling book 10 Ways Not to Commit Suicide, McDaniels is a frequent speaker about his mental health journey, an outspoken advocate for the value of therapy, and a founding member of Uwill, the leading student mental health and wellness solution, whose platform provides students immediate access to mental health and wellness support. Uwill CEO Michael London has founded and led companies that have decreased barriers to education while creating more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. Michael's belief that "student mental health is the defining higher education issue of our time" led him to create Uwill. Founded in 2020 to assist campus counseling centers as they faced overwhelming student demand for mental health support, Uwill has quickly earned the reputation as the leading student mental health and wellness solution, now serving more than 2 million individuals at 300+ colleges and 100+ K12 schools across the country. "The root causes of the student mental health crisis are far too complex and multi-faceted to be solved through a single solution or sector alone, which is why collaboration between advocates, researchers, practitioners and technologists is so critical," said London. "What is clear is that the impact of the widening crisis of mental health in K-12 and higher education has far-reaching implications for students, families, and communities. It warrants the full and undivided attention of not just educators and clinicians, but policymakers and private sector leaders who can help invest inand scalesolutions." Monday, April 15 at 2:10 PM , Michael London joins a panel on "Addressing the Mental Health Crisis in Higher Ed: Approaches to Student Wellbeing and Resilience." Moderated by Jill Buban , Chief Growth Officer, EdPlus at Arizona State University , the panel will explore how colleges can leverage a combination of internal resources and external partnerships to effectively support students' immediate, wellbeing needs. , joins a panel on Moderated by , Chief Growth Officer, EdPlus at , the panel will explore how colleges can leverage a combination of internal resources and external partnerships to effectively support students' immediate, wellbeing needs. Wednesday, April 17 at 2:30 PM , McDaniels headlines a SunStateX panel titled "The Kids are Not Alright: Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis," alongside Erin Andrew , Uwill's Director of Clinical Affairs. The two will be joined by Aaliyah Samuel of Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Soul Cole of Soul Cole the Brand, and moderator Colleen Russo Johnson of Nickelodeon/Paramount. About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. The most cost-effective way to expand and enhance a college's mental health offerings, Uwill partners with 300+ institutions including Babson College, University of Michigan, Columbus State Community College, and University of Maryland, College Park. Uwill is also the teletherapy education partner for NASPA and the Online Learning Consortium. For more information, visit uwill.com. Contact: Brett Silk [email protected] SOURCE Uwill, Inc The satellite will bridge critical gaps in current space-based environmental monitoring capabilities to advance military operations BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BAE Systems' (LON: BA) Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) satellite was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California today. The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command next-generation operational environmental satellite system will provide valuable data to help ensure the safety and success of warfighters as they carry out their missions around the world. "...WSF-M represents a substantial advancement in our nation's space-based environmental monitoring capabilities" Post this BAE Systems Weather System Follow-on Microwave (WSF-M) satellite was successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The satellite's Microwave Imager (MWI) will take passive radiometric measurements at multiple microwave frequencies to gather real-time data on ocean surface winds, tropical cyclone intensity, sea ice, soil moisture, and snow depth, all of which are critical gaps in our current space-based environmental monitoring capabilities. WSF-M also includes a government-built Energetic Charged Particle (ECP) sensor designed to detect space weather incidents that cause spacecraft anomalies. Together, these measurements will provide the Department of Defense with the environmental intelligence necessary to properly plan and conduct their military operations. "The launch of WSF-M represents a substantial advancement in our nation's space-based environmental monitoring capabilities," said Thai Sheridan, vice president & general manager of Military Space for BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems. "We are honored to work on such an important project to help safeguard our nation's and allies' warfighters and military assets as they take on their biggest challenges." In addition to building the MWI, BAE Systems also designed and built the satellite bus and led all environmental and mission compatibility testing for the mission. The company was also awarded a follow-on contract to build a second WSF-M satellite, which will be completed in 2026. BAE Systems collaborated with the Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Blossom Point Tracking Facility (BPTF) on development of the ground system. WSF-M launched on a Falcon 9 rocket provided by SpaceX. The launch of WSF-M is the latest achievement in the Space & Mission Systems sector's history of developing innovations in space-based environmental monitoring systems, which includes work on the NOAA-20 satellite, the Suomi National Polar Orbiting Partnership (Suomi NPP), and the Space Weather Follow-On (SWFO) mission among others. For more information, please contact: Sawyer D'Argonne, BAE Systems Mobile: 303-250-6031 [email protected] www.baesystems.com/US @BAESystemsInc SOURCE BAE Systems, Inc. The Alabama-based fashion house will take over Knot Standard's retail business, generating an influx of capital and fueling expansion FLORENCE, Ala., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Billy Reid Inc., an American fashion house, announced today its acquisition of the direct-to-consumer arm of premium made-to-measure company, Knot Standard LLC. The transaction will enable Billy Reid to take over eight Knot Standard retail store locations, and make made-to-measure available alongside Billy Reid ready-to-wear across a total of 20 locations. Subsequently, Knot Standard will become a minority shareholder in the combined business under the Billy Reid name. "Our shared passion of well-designed product, customer service and strong company culture is at the cornerstone of what makes this a truly exciting opportunity. I am excited to deepen our product offering, allowing us to service our customers through increased made-to-measure capacities and increasing our overall brand awareness." Billy Reid, Founder of Billy Reid. Billy Reid, which previously had a successful made-to-measure business before discontinuing it during COVID, saw a significant opportunity to expand this sector of the business and sought a partner to relaunch, landing on Knot Standard as the ideal partner. The acquisition follows a commercial partnership between the two brands which was formally instated in 2023, with Knot Standard supporting made-to-measure in Billy Reid stores. In Q3 of 2023, Billy Reid targeted Knot Standard investors as part of a capital raise. During capital raise discussions, the investor proposed the acquisition to Billy Reid, seeing an opportunity for the businesses to join forces. Knot Standard expressed interest in Billy Reid taking over the direct-to-consumer portion of the business "We're excited to build upon our already existing partnership with Knot Standard and begin working directly with their eight locations. We were initially attracted to the product quality, similar customer and unique business model, all of which complement the Billy Reid business and will create a stronger consumer offering than each brand could have achieved alone." Jeff Zens, CEO of Billy Reid. Billy Reid Inc. has acquired Knot Standard's retail and online DTC business, including their 8 stores (NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, DC, Houston, Dallas and Austin), sales associates and retail management team. The combined business will leverage existing Billy Reid management, operational expertise, and brand engine to grow the business. Knot Standard will shift its focus to the brand's AI-powered tech platform. Knot Standard's tech business will remain a separate entity, servicing Billy Reid among other brands, and will continue to be sold in Nordstrom stores. "Joining with Billy Reid represents more than a business decision; it's a fusion of craftsmanship and innovation. As CEO of Knot Standard, I am incredibly proud to bring our cutting-edge, AI-driven custom menswear and womenswear to Billy Reid's esteemed clientele and iconic brand. Our combined strengths will not only elevate the made-to-measure experience but also expand our reach, bringing exceptional quality and personalization to more people across the nation." Matt Mueller, CEO of Knot Standard Billy Reid is known for making built-to-last clothing that celebrates craftsmanship. The Alabama-based luxury designer has long been respected for his ingenuity in design, receiving four CFDA awards in the first 11 years of business, which was founded in 2001 as William Reid. Knot Standard's premium, bespoke approach is well-aligned with Billy Reid's DNA. The two brands share numerous synergies, including price point, product quality, retail and real estate footprint and marketing pool. The acquisition is an opportunity for Billy Reid, himself, to apply his editorial, fashion-forward designs to a bespoke model, catering to a wider audience. The combined business will fuel more rapid Billy Reid brand growth, with an influx of capital from new investors and an attractive proposition for potential investors. ________________________________________________________________________ ABOUT BILLY REID Nearly two decades ago, multi-CFDA award-winning Billy Reid launched his namesake line in the unassuming birthplace of Florence, Alabama. Born and raised in Louisiana, Billy's return to the South, after years spent in New York and beyond, was an unconventional decision for some. But Billy did it anyway; he did it his way and never looked back. Never compromising on craftsmanship - our men's and womenswear pieces are enduring classics, thoughtfully designed so no detail, even the smallest, goes unnoticed. Our clothes are meant to be lived in, much like our shops. Across the country, our doors are open, drinks are flowing, and music is playing. Rooted in Billy's people-first upbringing, our shops are a place for gathering, and with a desire to unite communities through his love of style, music, food, sports, and art - he has gathered all sorts of folks together. Billy Reid defines what it means to lead a life well-lived through effortless style, designed to live. For further information, visit BillyReid.com . ABOUT KNOT STANDARD Founded in 2011, Knot Standard has redefined the custom clothing industry through its innovative use of technology. With a mission to make bespoke clothing accessible to everyone, Knot Standard combines traditional tailoring with modern software solutions to offer an unmatched custom clothing experience. The company's growth and success in the direct-to-consumer market, alongside its profitable retail and software divisions, demonstrate its influence and leadership in the global fashion industry. SOURCE Billy Reid The newest Carousel @ Bloomingdale's offers shoppers a sentimental one-stop-shop for summer must-haves NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bloomingdale's today announces the launch of its latest Carousel: Camp Bloomingdale's. The pop-up space will transform into the ultimate summer destination for all ages, complete with a wide assortment of multicategory must-haves including swimwear, accessories, beauty, food, beverage favorites, and so much more. For the first time, Bloomingdale's will welcome Coleman, the experts in outdoor gear and equipment, offering an array of campsite essentials. BLOOMINGDALE'S LAUNCHES "CAMP BLOOMINGDALE'S" Camp Bloomingdale's presents a variety of new brands and fun products inclusive of sunscreen by Summer Camp, bracelets by the Little Words Project, FLIRKRFIRE'S Personal Fireplace, and Candy Lab's Candy Sushi Set. From Coleman, shoppers can purchase outdoor necessities such as the 1900 Collection 3-1 stove, reunion coolers, iconic lanterns, and foldable chairs for adults and kids alike. Customers can expect camp-inspired ready-to-wear from Mother Denim, Free City, Daydreamer, Vintage Havana, Solid & Stripes, and exclusives by AQUA including jogger, hoodie, short and t-shirt sets for women and kids. Limited edition Camp Bloomingdale's merchandise including fanny-packs, mugs, s'mores kits, flashlights and socks will also be available for purchase both in-store and online. "Camp carries a positive connotation for many, suggestive of memories of fun and adventure. We are excited to bring this nostalgia to life through our latest Carousel activation with a fresh assortment of playful brands for all ages, bright colors, and must-have gifts that create the ultimate camp shopping destination," shared Frank Berman, Executive Chief Marketing Officer, at Bloomingdale's. Shoppers are invited to join in celebrating the kick-off of Camp Bloomingdale's in the Carousel on April 13 at the 59th St flagship with activations including: Camp Carousel Embroidery & Patch Bar: With a Camp Bloomingdale's purchase, shoppers can stop by the Camp Customization bar for complimentary embroidering and patches. With a Camp Bloomingdale's purchase, shoppers can stop by the Camp Customization bar for complimentary embroidering and patches. Coleman T-Shirt Giveaway: The first 250 customers to join the Camp Carousel celebration will receive a Coleman T-shirt with the ability to customize at the embroidery bar. The first 250 customers to join the Camp Carousel celebration will receive a Coleman T-shirt with the ability to customize at the embroidery bar. Little Words Project Bracelet Bar: Visit the brand that inspires and encourages kindness to create a custom piece that gives new meaning to friendship bracelets. Visit the brand that inspires and encourages kindness to create a custom piece that gives new meaning to friendship bracelets. StickerBeans: Shop the exclusive collection at Bloomingdales, featuring the brand's signature rhinestone stickers, and receive a pack of 'Camp Sentiments' with any Camp Carousel purchase. Shop the collection at Bloomingdales, featuring the brand's signature rhinestone stickers, and receive a pack of 'Camp Sentiments' with any Camp Carousel purchase. Katie J Bow Gifts and Sweet Treats: Get styled for camp with Katie J! Shop the Camp assortment and receive a Bow and a sweet Candy Kebab treat. Get styled for camp with Katie J! Shop the Camp assortment and receive a Bow and a sweet Candy Kebab treat. Crocs Come as You are Customization Station: With the purchase of Crocs, guests can customize and make them uniquely theirs with an onsite artist and crafting station. Shoppers are also invited to stop by the Croc Jibbitz bar to customize crocs all month long. With the purchase of Crocs, guests can customize and make them uniquely theirs with an onsite artist and crafting station. Camp Bloomingdale's officially launches online and in select Bloomingdale's locations on April 11th. 59th Street, Boca Raton Town Center, North Michigan Ave, Chestnut Hill, White Plains, The Mall at Millenia, Roosevelt Field, Soho, Old Orchard, Mosaic, University Village, Sherman Oaks Fashion Square, Walt Whitman, Bergen Shops at Riverside, and Short Hills will all carry the camp inspired assortment. Visit Bloomingdales.com and @Bloomingdales on Instagram to learn more. About Bloomingdale's Bloomingdale's is America's only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store. A division of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M), it currently operates 32 Bloomingdale's stores, 21 Bloomingdale's The Outlet stores, and three Bloomie's stores across the country with a presence in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. In addition, Bloomingdale's operates international locations in Dubai and Kuwait. Founded in 1872, the iconic retailer celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2022. Be sure to follow @bloomingdales on social media, become a Loyallist, and for more information, or to shop any time, visit www.bloomingdales.com . Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Bloomingdale's BlueTriton Brands Meets New Standard Today STAMFORD, Conn., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton") applauds the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its announcement that sets strict limits on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in U.S. drinking water. "At BlueTriton, we are committed to healthy hydration, providing quality, clean, crisp, and safe water," said Joey Bergstein, CEO of BlueTriton. "Safe, sustainably sourced drinking water is essential to a healthy future. That's why we carefully manage and monitor water quality from all our springs and for all our brands. BlueTriton is proud to support policies that help protect drinking water and we encourage the FDA to adopt the EPA's new regulation." Long before the EPA issued this rule, BlueTriton adopted measures to address PFAS. "We have invested in our infrastructure to assure the safety of our products," Bergstein stated. Experts agree that choosing water is one of the most important things we can do for our health.[1] BlueTriton is committed to rigorous quality testing and assuring our products meet and exceed all regulatory and quality standards. As technology became available, BlueTriton proactively adopted measures and a testing protocol. We test our bottled water products regularly for the presence of 18 different types of Perfluorinated Compounds, including those named by the EPA. Our testing shows that there are no detectable levels of PFAS. Current results are publicly available on the BlueTriton website under Water Quality Reports: Bottled Water Quality Reports. Protecting water sources today is critical to protecting them for tomorrow. That's why we are leading the way in water stewardship, maintaining resilient sourcing, and protecting thousands of acres of watersheds and wetlands. As a company whose expertise is drinking water, we know our future depends on the long-term health and stability of our water sources. About BlueTriton Brands: BlueTriton Brands, Inc. ("BlueTriton") is a water and beverage company in North America that produces and distributes a portfolio of brands of spring water, purified water, and other beverages, which include Poland Spring, Deer Park, Ozarka, Ice Mountain, Zephyrhills, Arrowhead, Origin, Saratoga, AC+ION, Pure Life, B'EAU, and Splash Refresher. BlueTriton Brands also owns and operates ReadyRefresh, a reuse and refill platform for home and office beverage delivery in the United States, providing access to a broad portfolio of water and beverage products, the majority of which are sold in reusable, multiserve bottles. As a leader in home delivery and reusable packaging, the company strives to save customers time by conveniently and more sustainably delivering products to their door. ReadyRefresh is proud of its role in helping reduce waste by delivering healthy hydration to our neighbors, businesses, and communities in 3- and 5-gallon reusable bottles, which are collected, sanitized, and refilled. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, BlueTriton is a privately held company with operations and distribution primarily in the United States and Canada, employing more than 7,000 employees. BlueTriton manages water resources for long-term sustainability and helps protect more than 20,000 acres of watershed area owned by the company from harm and destruction. The company sources from 56 springs and has 30 production facilities across North America, with some verified to the Alliance for Water Stewardship ("AWS") Standard. BlueTriton is a Water Champion with The Water Council and has committed to be verified under their WAVE program. [1] See, for example, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/water/ and https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy Media Contact [email protected] SOURCE BlueTriton Brands LEVALLOIS PERRET, France, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Halifax-based Irving Shipbuilding Inc.'s (ISI) participation in Canada's National Shipbuilding Program, a contract to provide inbound logistics services for ship construction and repair projects has been awarded to global logistics company GEODIS. Canadas Irving Shipbuilding Awards GEODIS Inbound Logistics Contract The contract, which will be managed by GEODIS' Project Logistics team in Canada, with support from the company's global network of offices, will cover all inbound shipments to ISI facilities in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to supply three shipbuilding programs: the Canadian Surface Combatant, Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships and Halifax Class Frigate Repair Contracts. Utilizing GEODIS proprietary IT systems, ISI will achieve total asset visibility throughout its supply chain. "GEODIS was selected based on its global presence and industry-leading logistics capabilities, combined with a commitment to engage with local companies to provide this critical service. Accordingly, this contract helps Irving Shipbuilding fulfill its Industrial Technological Benefits obligations under the Canadian Government's National Shipbuilding Strategy," said Michael Snow, Irving Shipbuilding's Director of Supply Chain. The Canadian Government's Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy seeks to leverage defense and Canadian Coast Guard procurements to contribute to jobs, innovation and economic growth across the country. In line with these aims, The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) set a plan to revitalize Canadian shipyards, bolster the Canadian Naval industrial base, renew Canada's fleet and promote job creation. Irving Shipbuilding's programs are an integral part of these policies. "With our extensive experience in the defense and marine logistics sectors, we were able to provide a tailor-made solution focused on very specific client and governmental requirements, in a zero-harm environment," said Luke Mace, GEODIS, Senior Vice President of Project Logistics. "We are very excited to be working with Irving Shipbuilding, a company that has constructed over 80% of Canada's Navy at sea and we look forward to continuing to build our presence in Canada through this partnership." GEODIS www.geodis.com GEODIS is a leading global logistics provider acknowledged for its expertise across all aspects of the supply chain. As a growth partner to its clients, GEODIS specializes in four lines of business: Global Freight Forwarding, Global Contract Logistics, Distribution & Express Transport, and European Road Network. With a global network spanning nearly 170 countries and 53,000 employees, GEODIS is ranked no. 5 in its sector across the world. In 2023, GEODIS generated 11.6 billion in revenue. GEODIS is a company owned by SNCF group. MEDIA CONTACT Marion Lamure GEODIS Group Communications Department Tel. +33 (0)6 59 68 62 39 [email protected] SOURCE GEODIS IRVING, Texas, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) will release first-quarter 2024 financial results at 5:30 a.m. CDT on Thursday, April 25. The full text of the release will be available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results or on PR Newswire at approximately 5:30 a.m. CDT. The release will be furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) via a Current Report on Form 8-K in compliance with applicable SEC rules. Teleconference and webcast access: A real-time, listen-only teleconference and webcast of the quarterly results call that Caterpillar conducts with securities analysts and institutional investors will begin at 7:30 a.m. CDT on Thursday, April 25. Supporting materials will be available before the webcast at investors.caterpillar.com/events-presentations. In addition to the webcast, the one-hour conference call can also be accessed by telephone from both domestic and international locations, with a conference ID provided below: Conference ID: 8413516 Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1(800) 715-9871 Participant Toll Dial-In Number: 1(646) 307-1963 The call can be accessed in real-time at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results. Listeners should go to the website at least 15 minutes before the live event to download and install any necessary audio software. The transcript from the conference call will be made available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results following the webcast. For those unable to participate in the live broadcast, the replay will be available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results shortly after the live event. There is no charge to access the webcast. A telephone replay will not be available. About Caterpillar With 2023 sales and revenues of $67.1 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html. Caterpillar's latest financial results are also available online: https://investors.caterpillar.com/overview/default.aspx https://investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results/default.aspx (live broadcast/replays of quarterly conference call) SOURCE Caterpillar Inc. Milestone payments from CTF will support advance of Healx's lead compound, HLX-1502, to clinical trials and broader Neurofibromatosis Type 1 program Investment reinforces long-term, patient-focused partnership combining Healx's proprietary AI-powered drug discovery platform with CTF's preclinical and clinical research and patient community knowledge NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Healx , the AI-powered, patient-inspired, techbio company pioneering the next generation of drug discovery, today announced that it has signed an investment agreement with its long-term partner, Children's Tumor Foundation (CTF). Milestone-driven payments from CTF will support the advance of Healx's AI-powered neurofibromatosis program including its lead candidate, HLX-1502, which is on course to enter a Phase 2 clinical trial in the coming months. Healx has partnered with CTF since 2020 to combine its cutting-edge AI platform and drug discovery expertise in identifying novel treatments for rare diseases such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) with CTF's preclinical and clinical research and patient knowledge. Investment merges Healx's AI drug platform with CTF's research/patient insights, fostering a patient-centered alliance. Post this NF1 is a rare genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along the nerves. The two most common types of tumors are plexiform and cutaneous. Currently, there is only one approved treatment, a MEK inhibitor, for a subset of patients with plexiform neurofibromas. There are no approved pharmacological treatments for patients with cutaneous neurofibromas, representing a significant unmet need for the estimated 3 million people with the disease across the globe. Identified using Healx's AI-informed approach, HLX-1502 has a novel mechanism of action, and is supported by data that suggest a favourable safety profile. Healx plans to develop HLX-1502 for both plexiform and cutaneous subtypes of NF1. Financial details are not disclosed. Dr Tim Guilliams, co-founder and CEO, Healx said: "CTF is a long-standing partner of Healx, and this investment underscores their confidence in the potential of Healx's neurofibromatosis program to bring novel treatments to patients with unmet need. Over the years, Healx has been able to appreciate CTF's expertise not only in terms of patient understanding, but also in the broader approach to developing treatments for this highly debilitating disease. Healx is pleased that CTF has decided to deepen its commitment to our AI-enabled research journey to deliver much-needed therapies to this patient group." Dr Annette Bakker, President, CTF said: "Patient-centric research holds a unique position in the R&D ecosystem and the Children's Tumor Foundation is pleased to provide this approach to support Healx's AI-driven search for new neurofibromatosis treatments. We operate as a strategic partner to drug discovery and development pioneers such as Healx, and we hope our commitment will encourage others to invest in such organisations who offer a real chance of improving the lives of the millions of NF patients waiting for treatments." About Healx Healx is a mission-driven techbio company pioneering the next generation of drug discovery in order to bring novel, effective treatments to rare disease patients around the world. There are 10,000 known rare diseases that affect 400 million people across the globe, but only 5% of those conditions have an approved treatment. By combining frontier AI technology with deep drug discovery and development expertise, Healx can accelerate the pace, increase the scale and improve the chance of success of rare disease treatment development in order to meet this huge unmet need and have unprecedented patient impact. Founded in Cambridge, UK by Dr Tim Guilliams (a Biochemical Engineer and techbio entrepreneur) and Dr David Brown (co-inventor of Viagra and former Global Head of Drug Discovery at Roche), Healx has raised over $100 million to date and added a dozen projects to its risk-balanced therapeutic portfolio. For more information, visit www.healx.ai or follow on X and LinkedIn . About Children's Tumor Foundation The Children's Tumor Foundation is the world's leading organization dedicated to funding and driving innovative research that will result in effective treatments for the millions of people worldwide living with NF, a group of genetic conditions that causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body. As a trusted partner to pharmaceutical, biotech, and other industry partners, we collaborate closely to accelerate research and development efforts, ensuring that promising treatments reach those who need them. One in every 2,000 people is born with some type of neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis, which may lead to blindness, deafness, bone abnormalities, disfigurement, learning disabilities, disabling pain, or cancer. NF affects all populations equally, and while there is no cure yet, the Children's Tumor Foundation mission of driving research, expanding knowledge, and advancing care for the NF community fosters our vision of one day ending NF. CTF would like to acknowledge Goodwin for its continuous pro bono support. For more information, please visit: ctf.org or follow us on LinkedIn . SOURCE Children's Tumor Foundation An agricultural center proposed near Tangent that seeks to provide hands-on vocational training is one step closer to being realized. On Tuesday, April 9, Linn County commissioners unanimously approved a zoning change that would allow Linn-Benton Community College to make use of land neighbors have called a poor piece of ground. A Place to Sleep, episode 7: Grants Pass It's a community that openly heckles and worse its homeless neighbors, many who have deep roots. And it may have a date with the Supreme Court. The direct neighbors of the proposed facility a veterinarian and a fifth generation farmer see the project as filling in much needed gaps in agricultural education. Although the Board of Commissioners approved the zoning and map amendment, they voiced concerns over the development. The project In 2022, voters in Linn and Benton counties approved a ballot measure that would fund several improvements and additions to LBCC, including the proposed agricultural center. The center would offer hands-on classes with animal husbandry for horses, sheep, cattle and swine, according to a Linn County staff report. Currently, LBCC has an equine facility, but it cannot accommodate the breeding, training, and management portion of the equine program, according to the report. The current facility also only houses horses, and students who are learning about other livestock have to work in partnership with farmers. However, this can prove difficult when students have to commute far away or the education can be disrupted if the animals are sold or sick, said Vice President of Finance and Operations, Sheldon Flom. The college also plans to develop agricultural and crop programs that address climate impacts, according to the staff report. Additional programs include curriculum involving micro-irrigation, drone technology, methane digestion, no-till farming and genetically modified crops, according to the staff report. Emerging technology in agriculture is designed to increase efficiency and yields while also significantly decreasing the carbon footprint of agriculture in Oregon. Skills in these technologies require access to pasture, tillable land and modern facilities that are equipped to deliver these types of curricula, according to the report. Site plans show a large animal science classroom, horse barn, separate cattle, sheep and swine barns and large pastures surrounding the facility on about 54 acres of land. Neighbors On a recent day, veterinarian Chris Wickliffe and farmer Don Jenks stood at the border of the property a large grassy field situated lower than the land on nearby Cascadia Equine Veterinary Clinic. Its a poor piece of ground, said Jenks, who owns Jenks Hatchery on the other side of the property. Hes one of the largest landowners in the county. Wearing a pair of overalls and leaning against his gray pickup truck, he looked out over the property. The land has poor soil and is very wet, the fifth generation farmer said. Jenks was always on board with the project, but he did have some concerns about water runoff onto his property after development, he said. He voiced those concerns at the Linn County commissioners meeting. When you add paving and roofs to a project, you make it so water will travel faster off a property rather than taking time to percolate into the ground, Matt Keenan, civil engineer on the project, said. But there are water ponds that surround the property that will release the water at a rate that was appropriate. Over the years, the land has spawned several ideas for its ultimate buildout, including an airport, Jenks said. He personally isn't so fond of the thought of a landing strip at the property, he said. I dont think there would be a better use of that ground, he said at the meeting in support of the agricultural center. Wickliffe, who owns Cascade Equine Center, once owned the land on which LBCC intends to build its agricultural campus, he said. He stood in the road pathway of his clinic overlooking the property, sporting a large handlebar mustache. Now he is on the advisory board for the project, he said. He is a big supporter of the project because it focuses on all aspects of agriculture and is an expansion from LBCCs current program, which largely focuses on equine. There arent a lot of programs where students can get hands-on training, he said. Many programs are often more theoretical or in the classroom only, so this fills a gap, Wickliffe said. The project also aims to add a veterinary tech program, something that he knows as a vet is very needed, he said. The West Coast is approximately 80% understaffed right now on veterinary technicians, Wickliffe said. This is a game changer for ag, he said. Concerns But commissioners voiced several logistical concerns with the project. Because the land is on wetlands, it would need off-setting wetland mitigation credits, which are very expensive $100,000 each, Commissioner Sherrie Sprenger said. A legal representative of LBCC stated school officials were aware of that part of the process and had budgeted for it accordingly. Sprenger also had concerns over water runoff and manure, based on comments Jenks made. To alleviate those concerns, Keenan, the civil engineer, explained the plans to release storm water at historical rates. The manure on the site would be composted, said Jenny Strooband, who works at the equine program at LBCC. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help (copy) (copy) Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. Some of the concerns Sprenger had may also be addressed in the permitting process, Commissioner Will Tucker said. Commissioner Roger Nyquist wondered if the facility would compete with the Linn County Fair and Expo Center for holding events. An LBCC representative stated it would not be in competition with the Fair and Expo Center. Nyquist said he would like to add conditions that make it clear what the intended use of the space is, he said. Commissioner Sprenger said she was confident in the work staff had done and was ready to approve the application after a couple-hour discussion. In the end, commissioners unanimously approved to change the zoning from exclusive farm use to public service with no added conditions. Related stories: UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwest Medical Arts (NWMA) invites the community to celebrate one year of making Puget Sound beautiful at their anniversary event on Saturday, April 20th from 2-5pm at 5350 Orchard Street W., Suite #202 in University Place. The year's best deals will be available at the anniversary party, along with live raffles & thousands in giveaways. In its first year, NWMA serviced clients from Duvall to Dubai with the industry's top brands and treatments. NWMA Celebrates 1 Year of Community Impact at Flagship Medical Spa in University Place, WA Northwest Medical Arts Team (L-R): Jeni, Heather, Shanti, Leslie, Sarah Anniversary Discount Specials Package Offer Investment Savings Bank Your Tox 100u Botox or 300u Dysport $1,150 $250 Bright Eyes PRFM 3-Pack. SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream Free $1,600 $250 The Glow Getter Diamond Glow Facial 3-Pack $875 $175 VI Chemical Peel 3-Pack. SkinMedica Essential Defense Sunscreen Free $900 $150 Sculptra Buy 4, get 1 vial free $3,400 $850 Relax & Refresh Medical Facial 3-Pack $450 $75 Skinvive Add Skinvive treatment to any service for 6-month hydration boost $600 $100 BBL Hero Forever Young Photo Facial Buy 3, get 1 free $1,200 Face $1,800 Face and Neck $2,100 Face, Neck & Chest $450 $650 $850 Refresh Package Buy 2 syringes of Voluma or Volux, get 1 Free $1,600 $800 Microneedling Face & Neck + Growth Factor 3-Pack $1,400 $200 Microneedling with PRP Buy 1 Face & Neck package, get 3 PRFM under eye treatments free $2,100 $900 Laser Hair Removal Buy a 6-Pack for one area, get another 50% off varies varies Halo Treatment Face 2-Pack Add BBL 2-Pack $2,500 $800 $500 $100 Halo Face & Neck Face and Neck 2-Pack Add BBL 2-Pack $3,000 $1,000 $500 $300 Founders Shanti & Heather are top injectors from Seattle bringing their expertise and unmatched dedication to skin education to the Tacoma area. This dynamic duo have quickly become active members of the community through the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce, local events and charitable fundraisers. "It was a gamble to move our practice from Seattle to Tacoma, but we have been blown away by the support of this community," said Shanti. "We have grown so much that we can invest in next generation medical devices like the Halo, which we can't wait to showcase at our anniversary event." "Our patients are dedicated to going the extra mile to get the best service many commute from Seattle and Bellevue to see us," said Heather, ARNP and co-owner. "Popular treatments include BBL Light Therapy and Microneedling with PRP." Introducing the Halo Halo offers dramatic results for clients with minimal downtime. Treating textural issues, wrinkles, pore size, sun damage, and acne scars in as little as one appointment. Topical numbing makes this procedure comfortable while the technology provides safe, reproducible results that will give you that, "Halo Glow." NWMA Year in Review Spring Impact Circle "Care Squad" Program Launch Grand Opening Community Celebration Happy Hour featuring Local Women's Businesses Nurses Week giveaway recognizing dedicated local nurses Summer Ribbon Cutting with University Place Mayor Mayor Multicultural Child & Family Hope Center gala Joy Thru Tears Foundation gala YoungLife Peninsula gala Associated Ministries Lead the Way Home Breakfast sponsor Fall Trunk or Treat Event Local Moms Meetup Women's Clothing Exchange Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation veterans support Winter "Battle of the Badges" Blood drive sponsor Bagels & Botox educational talk at Harbornest B-12 Shots at R Storie Random Acts of Kindness campaign with Pierce County Declaration Junior League of Tacoma Learning Session of Tacoma Learning Session Food Drive for Eloise's Cooking Pot in Tacoma Learn more at NWMedicalArts.com or call 253-352-0882. Same day appointments available pending availability. Media Contact: Shelly Kurtz for NWMA 206-999-9030 [email protected] SOURCE Northwest Medical Arts 2023 Capped by Customer Growth, Key Leadership Appointments and Strategic Partnerships COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Configit, the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM), today announced strong momentum heading into 2024. Backed by Polaris Equity, Configit continues to solidify its leadership position for discrete manufacturers, with new product innovations, partnerships and a strengthened leadership bench. Financial highlights for the past year include: An average compound annual growth of almost 30% over the last four years in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR). New subscription/SaaS business model implemented has secured a substantial part of next year's revenues. Together with Configit's normal level of consulting business more than 90% of 2024's revenue can be considered secured at the start of the year. Expect to be Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) cash positive in 2024 as projected. Bolstered leadership bench with key appointments: Hired Damantha Boteju as chief product and technology officer, to drive the company's product development strategy. Brought on Max Mirbaz as vice president of global partner business, with a focus on developing and enhancing global partnerships, driving strategic growth initiatives and strengthening the company's market presence. Max previously played a pivotal role in the successful North American partnership between KETIV Technologies and Tacton. In 2023, Configit expanded its flagship product, Configit Ace, with a cloud offering to empower manufacturers and service providers to regain control with a scalable, reliable enterprise-grade platform that provides a shared source of truth on product configuration information. The solution is now available through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, an online store providing applications and services for use on Azure. This availability enables customers to leverage the Microsoft validated SaaS solution on the Azure cloud platform for streamlined deployment and management. Other product highlights: Achieved Unity Verified Solution status, with a codeveloped connector between Configit Ace and Unity Forma to provide manufacturers with best-in-class configuration and 3D visualization technology. Released Configit Ace BOM Solve API to help manufacturers rapidly generate a Bill of Materials (BOM) for a configurable product by leveraging product models. Allan Bach Pedersen, partner, Polaris Private Equity, said: "Complexity is the enemy of efficiency, and Configit is on the right track to provide a solution to complex product configurations. Configit's achievements underscore the strength of its leadership, commitment to excellence and the significant value it provides to its customers. We look forward to the company's continued success in the market." Johan Salenstedt, CEO, Configit, said: "Configit's commitment to innovation, coupled with our dedicated team, positions us as a reliable business partner. Our strategic focus on delivering exceptional value to our customers has been instrumental in achieving our goals." To learn more about Configit's upcoming, 9th annual Configuration Lifecycle Management Virtual Summit, visit here. In addition, the company sponsored IDC InfoBrief, "Orchestrating Product Configuration Management: The Secret Weapon of Leading Manufacturers*," is also available for download here, emphasizing that manufacturing companies aiming to optimize product portfolios and enhance profits are turning to product configuration management as a key competitive advantage. About Configit Configit is the global leader in Configuration Lifecycle Management (CLM) solutions and a supplier of business-critical software for the configuration of complex products. All Configit products are based on the patented Virtual Tabulation (VT) technology, which has redefined product configuration by offering greater speed and better handling of complexity. Virtual Tabulation enables Configit to deliver powerful, easy-to-use configuration solutions to market-leading global enterprises. Website: configit.com SOURCE Configit WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Congressman Shri Thanedar invites members of the media to a press conference to highlight his resolution, H.Res.1131, which celebrates the significant contributions of Hindu Americans to the United States and addresses the troubling rise of Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry. RSVP Required When: 12:00pm, April 15th Where: National Press Club 529 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20045 RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/ThanedarPress The press conference will highlight H.Res.1131, the resolution introduced by Congressman Thanedar, which celebrates the diverse and rich contributions of over 4 million Hindu Americans, condemns the increasing incidents of Hinduphobia and calls for an end to anti-Hindu bigotry. Lunch and a reception will follow the press conference. Key Points of the Resolution Include: Celebrating the historical and ongoing contributions of Hindu Americans in various fields. Recognizing the vibrant Hindu festivals such as Diwali and Holi that enrich American cultural diversity. Condemning the rise in hate crimes and discrimination against Hindus and their places of worship. Promoting the values of acceptance and mutual respect inspired by Hindu teachings, which were instrumental to leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Contact: Haraden Bottomley 202-660-2419 [email protected] SOURCE Congressman Shri Thanedar LIMA, Peru, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporacion Financiera de Desarrollo S.A. ("COFIDE") today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the "Offer") for any and all of its outstanding US$255,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2029 (the "Securities") on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in COFIDE's Offer to Purchase dated the date hereof (the "Offer to Purchase"). The Offer to Purchase more fully sets forth the terms of the Offer. Description of Securities CUSIP/ ISIN Nos. Principal Amount Outstanding(1) Total Consideration(2) Tender Consideration(2) 5.250% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2029 CUSIP: 21987DAB0 / P3R94GAA7 ISIN: US21987DAB01 / USP3R94GAA71 U.S.$255,000,000 U.S.$1,000 U.S.$950 (1) Aggregate principal amount outstanding. (2) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Securities. The Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Thursday, May 9, 2024 unless extended or earlier terminated (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the Offer, the "Expiration Date"). To be eligible to receive the Total Consideration indicated in the table above, plus interest accrued on the Securities until the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below) ("Accrued Interest"), you must validly tender your Securities at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (such date and time, as it may be extended with respect to the Offer, the "Early Tender Date"). If you validly tender your Securities after the Early Tender Date, but at or prior to the Expiration Date, you will only be eligible to receive the Tender Consideration indicated in the table above (which is less than the Total Consideration), plus Accrued Interest. Following the Early Tender Date and prior to the Expiration Date, COFIDE may, but is not required to, accept the Securities validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date (the "Early Settlement Right"); provided that all conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase have been satisfied or waived by COFIDE, including the consummation of the New Notes Offering (as defined below) (the date of such acceptance, the "Early Acceptance Date"). Payment for the Securities that are validly tendered and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be made on the applicable Settlement Date (as defined below). Securities accepted for purchase on the Early Acceptance Date, if any, will be settled promptly thereafter (the "Early Settlement Date"). It is expected that the Early Settlement Date for the Securities will be on or around Friday, April 26, 2024, the second business day after the Early Tender Date, but which may change without notice. The "Final Settlement Date" is the date on which we settle all Securities not previously settled on the Early Settlement Date, if any, which will be promptly following the Expiration Date. It is expected that the Final Settlement Date for the Securities will be on or around Monday, May 10, 2024, the first business day after the Expiration Date, but which may change without notice. Each of the Early Settlement Date and the Final Settlement Date is referred to herein as a "Settlement Date." Securities validly tendered pursuant to the Offer may be withdrawn prior to or at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, but not after, unless such deadline is extended by COFIDE. The Offer is conditioned upon, among other things, the pricing on terms satisfactory to COFIDE of a concurrent offering of senior notes by COFIDE (the "New Notes") to be sold in an offering (the "New Notes Offering") exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No assurance can be given that the New Notes Offering will be priced or completed on the terms currently envisioned or at all. The New Notes Offering is not conditioned upon the completion of the Offer. The Offer is not conditioned on any minimum participation by the holders. Additional conditions to the Offer is described under "The Terms of the Tender Offer" in the Offer to Purchase. The New Notes sold in the New Notes Offering will be offered only to qualified institutional buyers in the United States in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to non-U.S. persons outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. The New Notes Offering has not been and will not be registered with the Peruvian Capital Markets Superintendence (Superintendencia del Mercado de Valores) or the Lima Stock Exchange (Bolsa de Valores de Lima) and therefore will not be subject to a public offering in the Republic of Peru. This press release and the Offer to Purchase do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New Notes. COFIDE intends to fund the Offer with the net proceeds from the New Notes Offering of the New Notes and cash on hand. COFIDE reserves the absolute right to amend, terminate or withdraw the Offer in its sole discretion, subject to disclosure and as otherwise required by applicable law. In the event of termination or withdrawal of the Offer, Securities tendered and not accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer will be promptly returned to the tendering holders. The Tender and Information Agent for the Offer is D.F. King & Co., Inc. To contact the Tender and Information Agent, banks and brokers may call (212) 269-5550, and others may call U.S. toll-free: (800) 488-8095. Additional contact information is set forth below. By Mail, Hand or Overnight Courier: By Facsimile Transmission: 48 Wall Street (for eligible institutions only) 22nd Floor (212) 708-3328 New York, New York 10005 Attention: Michael Horthman USA Attention: Michael Horthman Confirmation by Telephone E-mail: [email protected] (212) 269-5552 COFIDE has engaged J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Santander US Capital Markets LLC to act as the dealer managers (the "Dealer Managers") in connection with the Offer. Questions regarding the terms of the Offer may be directed to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC by telephone at +1 (866) 846-2874 (U.S. toll free) or + (212) 834-7279 (collect) and Santander US Capital Markets LLC by telephone at +1 (855) 404 3636 (U.S. toll free) or +1 (212) 940 1442 (collect). None of COFIDE, the Dealer Managers, the Tender Agent and Information Agent or the trustee for the Securities, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether holders should or should not tender any Securities in response to the Offer or expressing any opinion as to whether the terms of the Offer are fair to any holder. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Securities and, if so, the principal amount of Securities to tender. Please refer to the Offer to Purchase for a description of the offer terms, conditions, disclaimers and other information applicable to the Offer. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Securities. The Offer is being made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. The Offer is not being made to holders of Securities in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require any tender offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer will be deemed to be made on behalf of COFIDE by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This notice includes and references "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may relate to, among other things, COFIDE's business strategy, goals and expectations concerning its market position, future operations, margins and profitability. Although COFIDE believes the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these assumptions could be incorrect. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those made, projected or implied in or by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of uncertainties or other factors. COFIDE undertakes no obligation to update any of its forward-looking statements. SOURCE: Corporacion Financiera de Desarrollo S.A. - COFIDE Augusto Tamayo 160 Lima 27, Peru Att.: Mr. Paul Bringas Arbocco Chief Financial Officer [email protected] SOURCE Corporacion Financiera de Desarrollo S.A. Transaction enhances firm's audit and tax services in Southern California CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowe LLP , a public accounting, consulting and technology firm, has entered into an agreement with KMJ Corbin & Company (KMJ) , a California-based firm that provides accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services, for the KMJ team to join Crowe. The transaction, which is expected to close by mid-May, will enhance and expand the firm's audit and tax services in the Southern California market. Crowe LLP adds KMJ Corbin & Company. "KMJ is a well-established firm with a great track record in delivering exceptional client service with experienced and knowledgeable staff," said Wendy Cama, Crowe audit & assurance managing partner. "At Crowe, we are highly motivated to grow, especially in key markets such as California, but our decision to welcome the KMJ team to the Crowe family was grounded in a sense of shared values and culture." "The KMJ team, like Crowe, are problem solvers first and foremost. While this transaction will certainly be impactful for both of our teams, our shared clients will also benefit from our collective expanded skillsets," said Nicole Bencik, Crowe tax managing partner. KMJ's audit and tax capabilities and industry sector specialization will offer an unrivalled client experience and augment Crowe's ability to serve the ever-expanding needs of its client base in California. "Joining Crowe and its comprehensive, multi-disciplinary business provides an exciting opportunity to serve clients in new and different ways while also creating additional professional opportunities for KMJ employees," said Mike Faddoul, KMJ managing partner. "We look forward to being a part of a recognized market leading firm with an impeccable reputation built on quality, culture and values." About Crowe Crowe LLP is a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm that uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax and consulting services, helping businesses uncover hidden opportunities in the market no matter what challenges the markets present. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the best places to work in the U.S. As an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world, Crowe serves clients worldwide. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world. LinkedIn: Crowe SOURCE Crowe LLP NAIOP Houston recognizes David Weekley of David Weekley Homes, honoring his commitment to creating one of the largest privately held home-building companies while not wavering on lack of commitment to his team and workplace. HOUSTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NAIOP Houston, a chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, honored David Weekley of David Weekley Homes, as the 2024 Howard W. Horne Legacy Award recipient at a luncheon held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Weekley is the eighth recipient of the distinguished award that recognizes a leader within the real estate industry who has dedicated their time and support to the industry and its future leaders. Co-Chairman of the Howard W. Horne Legacy Committee, John Duffie, stated, "Today we honor a truly inspirational leader, a man who has spent 47 years working tirelessly to make David Weekley Homes the business that it is today. David Weekley has been a true leader in the industry, growing his business into one of the largest privately held home builders in America." Weekley was recognized for his dedication to excellence when it came to growing a strong business centralized around the excellence of his team. This is apparent through the recognition received by placing on Fortune Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" 18 times, with the most recent being announced earlier this month. Weekley was also recognized for his tireless efforts to give back to the community, including being the founder and chairman of the Dovetail Impact Foundation. The Howard W. Horne Award is among the many recognitions that Weekley has received throughout his career. Past legacy award recipients recognized include Lou Cushman, Dan Bellow, Robert Duncan, the late Gerald Hines, the late Ed Wulfe, Ric Campo, and David Harvey. After the award was presented, Bellow and Harvey led a Q&A with Weekley, exploring his career, business philosophies, community involvement, and company differentiators. NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners, and investors of office, industrial, and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP provides advocacy, education, and business opportunities by connecting members in a powerful North American network. NAIOP advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live. SOURCE NAIOP Houston Chapter NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global defense logistics market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.95 bn from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.01% during the forecast period. The defense logistics market involves the provision of essential services and resources for constructing and maintaining temporary overseas base camps. Activities include security, community, communication, and transportation services, which come with high costs. Many defense organizations, such as the British army, are reducing operational base camps due to these expenses. Key players in this market include L3Harris Technologies and Gulfstream Aerospace, offering procurement solutions, logistics services, and technology integration. Other areas of focus are commodity security, cybersecurity, infrastructure, automation, data analytics, and energy efficiency. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Defense Logistics Market 2024-2028 To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! The End-user segment emerges as the fastest-growing segment in the defense logistics market The Defense Logistics Market encompasses strategic planning and management of resources, procedures, and assets for military organizations. This includes Defense Logistics Outsourcing to Defense Logistics Providers for logistics support, infrastructure development, and technology integration. Defense Logistics Infrastructure, such as barracks, airfields, and communication facilities, is optimized through Defense Logistics Technology, including network-centric warfare communication. Defense Logistics Planning addresses Defense Logistics Requirements, Efficiency, Integration, and Capability. Defense Logistics Challenges, such as geopolitical tension and military conflicts, necessitate Defense Logistics Modernization and Innovation for optimization and resilience. Defense Logistics Contracts and Companies facilitate Defense Logistics Procurement of ammunition, vehicles, and other resources. Defense Logistics Forecast and Growth are influenced by government defense expenditure, military modernization programs, and sustainability initiatives, including environmentally friendly practices and various transportation modes. In the realm of defense logistics, strategic planning plays a pivotal role in managing complex supply chains and ensuring military readiness. The Defense Logistics Management (DLM) sector encompasses Defense Logistics Outsourcing (DLO) to Defense Logistics Providers (DLPs), who offer logistics support through Defense Logistics Infrastructure (DLI), technology, and networks. Defense Logistics Planning (DLP) involves addressing challenges such as efficiency, requirements, integration, and trends, including Defense Logistics Contracts (DLCs) and Defense Logistics Companies (DLCs). Military strength relies on Defense Logistics Modernization (DLM), Innovation, Optimization, and Resilience. Key areas of focus include Defense Logistics Capability (DLC), Performance, Coordination, Cost, Procurement, and Forecast. Geopolitical tension and military conflicts necessitate the need for sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in Defense Logistics. Transportation modes, including ammunition, vehicles, resources, procedures, assets, and systems, are integral to Defense Logistics. Government defense expenditure fuels Military modernization programs, driving the need for Defense Logistics Growth. Defense Logistics Market trends include the increasing importance of Defense Logistics Technology and the integration of Defense Logistics Networks. Defense Logistics Challenges include cost control, supply chain disruptions, and the need for interoperability between Defense Logistics Providers. Defense Logistics Efficiency and Optimization are crucial to maintaining military readiness and ensuring Defense Logistics Integration. Defense Logistics Requirements are shaped by Military strength, Defense Logistics Planning, and Defense Logistics Performance. Commenting on the market trends, a Senior Analyst of Technavio, stated," The geopolitical instability from 2020-2025 led to a significant focus on defense logistics in the international community. Key issues included military transportation and logistics collaboration, US Army relationships with Middle Eastern and North African countries, and the UAE's strategic role as a defense logistics partner. Defense logistics encompassed planning, outsourcing, infrastructure, technology, and challenges, with trends toward modernization, optimization, and sustainability. Key areas included ammunition, vehicles, and resources, with a focus on military strength, government defense expenditure, and supply chain efficiency." To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Analyst Review The Defense Logistics Market plays a crucial role in the Defense Sector, providing essential Procurement Solutions and Logistics Services to support Military Operations. Defense Logistics involves the management of Inventory and the coordination of Transportation to ensure the timely delivery of goods and services. Defense Contractors are key players in this market, supplying various products and solutions to meet the unique demands of the Defense Industry. Effective Supply Chain Management is essential to ensure the readiness of military forces and maintain the security of nations. The Defense Logistics Market continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and the need for more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Market Overview The Defense Logistics Market plays a crucial role in providing essential supplies and services to military forces. Procurement of resources, such as food, vehicles, and technology, is carried out by various procedures. Vehicles, for instance, are crucial components of military logistics, and their procurement involves resources and processes. The production of these vehicles is governed by contracts between defense organizations and manufacturers. Additionally, military logistics involves the storage and distribution of these resources. The logistics process includes the use of technology and systems to manage inventory and ensure timely delivery. Military logistics also encompasses the transportation of personnel and equipment to various locations. The use of modern technology and systems has streamlined military logistics, making it more efficient and effective. The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is a significant player in this market, providing supplies and services to the US military. The DLA manages a vast inventory of supplies and equipment, ensuring their availability to military forces. The defense industry is constantly evolving, and the Defense Logistics Market adapts to these changes, providing innovative solutions to meet the needs of military organizations. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Showcasing Expertise and Leadership in Software Development and Nearshore Outsourcing Solutions CAMBRIDGE United Kingdom, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The founders of Developers.net, a leading software development solutions provider, recently participated in the prestigious Business of Software (BoS) Europe Conference held at Cambridge University's Churchill College on March 25 and 25, 2024. The BoS conference is a renowned gathering of distinguished founders, CXOs, and emerging leaders from software and SaaS companies worldwide. It offers a supportive community where these professionals can exchange ideas, learn from each other's experiences, and build valuable networks. "The conference was an excellent platform to engage with industry leaders and showcase our unique nearshore outsourcing solutions," said Developers.net's president, Emilio Baez. "We believe in building software that not only meets but exceeds client expectations, and we do this by leveraging our exceptional talent in Latin America." By employing nearshore talent, Developers.net delivers high-quality software solutions that are on time, on budget, and within US time zones. This approach offers numerous benefits: Seamless communication and collaboration due to minimal time difference High-quality deliverables ensured by a talented pool of software developers Improved budgeting with cost-effective solutions Faster project delivery times Developers.net welcomes potential clients to explore the opportunities provided by their unique business model offers and contact them for more information. About Developers.net: Developers.net is a US-based company specializing in software outsourcing and staffing solutions. By leveraging nearshore talent in Latin America, the company delivers software projects that are high in quality, on time, and within budget. Developers.net is committed to building software that exceeds client expectations and fostering a nurturing work environment for its diverse team of experts. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Developers.Net CLEVELAND, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With temperatures on the rise, homeowners and professional contractors alike are gearing up for outdoor projects that will redefine curb appeal and leave an impression. To support the elevation of these outdoor spaces, Dutch Boy Paints announces the launch of a brand-new line of Barn & Fence paint and Aluminum paint, exclusively available at Menards. This exciting expansion to Dutch Boy Paints' portfolio represents a new opportunity to reach consumers looking for durable protection and optimal performance for even more outdoor surfaces. Dutch Boy Paints announces the launch of a brand-new line of Barn & Fence paint and Aluminum paint, exclusively available at Menards. This exciting expansion to Dutch Boy Paints portfolio represents a new opportunity to reach consumers looking for durable protection and optimal performance for even more outdoor surfaces. The new Barn & Fence paint provides durability and resistance against the elementsand is available in latex, water-based alkyd and aluminum formulasmaking it ideal for specific projects completed by both DIYers and professional contractors. Both the latex and water-based alkyd options are designed for a variety of exterior surfaces including barns, fences, silos, and more. They are also self-priming, fade-resistant, and offer a mold- and mildew-resistant finish, ensuring longevity and an aesthetic appeal. Cleanup is simple with just soap and water. The latex product is available in a flat sheen, and ready-to-use classic red, white and black shades, while the water-based alkyd is offered in a semi-gloss finish, and ready-to-use classic red and white colors. "We are excited to expand Dutch Boy Paints' product offering with our new Barn & Fence, and Aluminum paints," said Julie Fisher, product manager, Dutch Boy Paints. "As a brand dedicated to providing simple solutions to both DIYers and professional contractors, this category expansion reaffirms our commitment to empowering our customers with quality products that deliver results and ensure that every project is met with ease and excellence." Dutch Boy Paints is also introducing Aluminum paint, a solution engineered to meet consumer needs with excellent adhesion. This formula meets VOC compliance standards in all areas where Menards retailers are located and is specially created for use on properly prepared and primed outdoor surfaces, including sheds, tanks, out-buildings, metal equipment and more. Boasting heat resistance up to 400 degrees F, self-priming capabilities, and resistance to fading, the Aluminum paint further exemplifies Dutch Boy Paints' dedication to innovation and excellence. Available in a sleek aluminum hue, with a semi-gloss sheen, this product meets the demands of both residential and commercial applications. "By expanding our product offerings to include these new, ready-to-use exterior Barn & Fence, and Aluminum paints, we are equipping our customers with even more simple solutions to bring their outdoor projects to life," said Michelle Bangs, senior brand manager, Dutch Boy Paints. "Dutch Boy Paints takes another step forward, consistently offering our customers a comprehensive portfolio of durable, versatile and easy-to-use paint products that will help beautify their exterior spaces." Available At Menards The entire lineup of new Dutch Boy Paints' Barn & Fence, and Aluminum paint products is available exclusively at Menards. Visit dutchboy.com/en/products/exterior-house-trim or Menards retail locations to explore the full collection. For more information about Dutch Boy Paints and its complete range of painting products, please visit dutchboy.com. About Dutch Boy Group Founded in 1907, Dutch Boy Paints continues to be an industry leader in delivering innovative and high-quality products and packaging solutions and is one of the most recognizable brands in the market over 100 years later. In recent years, a new vitality, youthfulness and the promise of Simple Solutions have continued to shape the brand. Heritage and trust have been brought to life with energy and empowerment, inspiring DIYers and paint enthusiasts for generations to come. For more information, visit dutchboy.com. About Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group offers innovative products to meet customers' paint and coatings needs. The group manufactures products under well-known brands such as Valspar, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Purdy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's WaterSeal, Cabot, Dupli-Color and many more. Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution and sale of paints, coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial and retail customers. For more information, visit www.Sherwin-Williams.com. SOURCE Dutch Boy Paints Although accountants have become more positive about the economy for the first time since Q1 2023, concerns about costs persist NEW YORK and MONTVALE, N.J., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Accountants and finance professionals are more confident in the global economy than they have been since Q2 2023. The latest ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) saw a moderate increase in confidence to put the index just above its historical average. Add in small increases to the New Orders and Employment indices both of which are slightly above their averages and a positive picture emerges of a gradually improving economic outlook. That said, there was a small decline in the Capital Expenditure Index, which remains below average. Highlights and the full report are accessible at https://www.imanet.org/about-ima/gecs . Finance professionals are more confident in the global economy than they have been since Q2 2023. Post this Encouragingly, there were gains in confidence in most regions. The rise in Asia Pacific was the third largest on record and may reflect growing confidence in the resilience of the U.S. economy, signs of improvement in the Chinese data and wider global economy, and perhaps rising optimism that Japan may finally be exiting from its decades long battle against deflation. The moderate rise in confidence in Western Europe also suggests that growth may be gradually improving from the weakness of recent quarters. Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist, ACCA, said: "The survey points to some improvement in global growth. Nevertheless, while encouraging, it is not time to celebrate just yet, with the global economy facing many risks and challenges and still set for below average growth in 2024. Moreover, the elevated level of concerns about costs suggests that the major central banks should proceed very cautiously with any monetary easing." Susie Duong, PhD, CMA, CPA, CIA, EA, Senior Director of Research and Thought Leadership at IMA, said: "The continued improvement in confidence in North America, and the rise in the other indicators, likely reflects growing optimism that the U.S. economy is on course for a 'soft landing' or perhaps no landing at all in 2024. That would clearly be welcome news for businesses, although it means we are likely to see less monetary easing by the Federal Reserve this year than investors expected a few months ago." On a less positive note, global concerns about increased operating costs rose, although they remain below their Q3 2022 peak. Interestingly, concerns about costs eased again in the advanced economies of North America and Western Europe while remaining elevated by historical standards. By contrast, cost concerns rose noticeably in Africa, Asia Pacific, and South Asia. Additionally, Q1 2024 responses from the Global Risks Survey section of the GECS report demonstrate how the ripple effects of economic uncertainty have been exacerbated by rising geopolitical and talent scarcity challenges. Respondents across all sectors and regions said that they are feeling the impact of talent retention risks, with numerous respondents describing the skills shortage as an epidemic. Cybersecurity is also viewed as a significant threat, especially with advancements in generative AI making ransomware and other cybercrimes increasingly easier and quicker to carry out. About GECS The Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), carried out jointly by ACCA and IMA, is the largest regular economic survey of accountants around the world, in both the number of respondents and the range of economic variables it monitors. The GECS has been conducted every quarter for over 10 years. Its main indices are good lead indicators of economic activity and provide a valuable insight into the views of finance professionals on key variables, such as investment, employment and costs. Fieldwork for the 2024 Q1 survey took place between February 20 and March 7 and gathered 644 responses. About ACCA We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognized professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide. Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we've long championed inclusion and today proudly support a diverse community of over 247,000 members and 526,000 future members in 181 countries. Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical judgement to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organizations and economies. Guided by our purpose and values, our vision is to develop the accountancy profession the world needs. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other accountancy bodies, we're strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for all. Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com. About IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) IMA is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis), and FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) certification programs, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. Twice named Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 350 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its six global regions: The Americas, China, Europe, Middle East/North Africa, India, and Asia Pacific. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org . SOURCE ACCA: ASSOCIATION OF CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS (USA CHAPTER) / ANAT GERSTEIN MINNEAPOLIS, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global meeting and events solutions entity, Prestige Global Meeting Source, together with fellow Minnesota-based design firm, PureAlchemy Design, announce the door-opening of a new experiential design concept at the Minneapolis headquarters. The project began in August of 2023 when Stephany Eaton of PureAlchemy Design began the redesign of the headquarters, appealing to hybrid employee and client bases. Stephany Eaton, GCSD | ASID Associate | LEED GA, is the owner and principal at PureAlchemy Design Prestige Global Meeting Source is a dynamic workspace in the North Loop of Minneapolis. PureAlchemy is an award-winning firm with unique capabilities to design spaces that go beyond the realm of visual appeal to impact the wellbeing and productivity of those who use them. In this case, Stephany created an atmosphere that has since drawn employees back into the office of their own accord. To the delight of Prestige, customers have asked to use the workspace, as well. This stands out as unique because employees across the nation are generally hesitant to return to workspaces. This purposeful redesign featured individual and collaborative work zones, Zoom rooms, team-building spaces, and an atmosphere that encourages employees to gather together. Historic reclaimed barnwood and large glass panels were incorporated to boost serotonin levels and keep circadian rhythms in check. Specific furnishings were selected to promote healthy posture, stress relief, and overall wellbeing. Photos of the unique experiential design can be found here . Chadwick Houwman of Prestige states, "Employees and customers love the inviting feel of the new space that Stephany created. With its inherent flexibility we can go from daily work to hosting large group events and happy hours here since the remodel. People appreciate the space and reason to gather together and collaborate. Our business has likewise been successful, and with significant sales growth over last year, we know that we'll continue the trend of in-person collaboration in this new space." Persons interested in learning more about PureAlchemy's approach to experiential branded environments can learn more here . About PureAlchemy PureAlchemy Design is a pioneer in experiential design. Specializing in offices, healthcare, retail, and unique commercial settings, PureAlchemy Design crafts and delivers spaces enhancing both in-person and virtual experiences. About Prestige Prestige Global Meeting Source , founded in 1986, provides site selection and event services. Our experienced sales partners work to find and contract the best possible hotels, resorts, DMCs and cruises for groups and continue through to full-service event development and management. Contact: Erin Kelly Tel.: 612.963.7908 Email: [email protected] Website: www.purealchemydesign.com SOURCE PureAlchemy Design Envestnet's Revenue Manager Offers Asset Managers Comprehensive Suite of End-to-End, Enterprise-Class Billing Capabilities for Streamlined Processes and Elevated Productivity BERWYN, Pa., and BOSTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV), a leading provider of integrated technology, intelligent data and wealth solutions, today announced that Intech Investment Management LLC (Intech), a specialized global quantitative equity manager, will leverage its innovative suite of billing solutions, including Revenue Manager, which is a holistic and insightful revenue platform built for scalable performance and exclusively for asset managers. For more information on Envestnet's Revenue Manager, or to request a demo, please contact [email protected]. Intech, which invests on behalf of pension funds, governments, foundations and endowments, and other institutional investors, is utilizing Envestnet's full end-to-end Revenue Manager solution for billing, accruals, payments, various automated feeds, and Envestnet's data and analytics. "After becoming a fully independent company in 2022, we realized our legacy billing process was not well tailored for us," said Oscar Paredes, Director, Corporate Accounting, Intech. "We were looking to gain more control, and essentially to find a business partner who could help us grow our business while addressing our concerns. We needed flexibility because we had a very aggressive onboarding schedule, and Envestnet's Revenue Manager was the perfect fit. It has advanced features built in, and Envestnet's implementation team kept a steady and fast pace during onboarding we went from the initial sales conversation to the product fully live on our end in just 18 weeks. We were comfortable throughout the process because we could see they had the right people doing the right work." Envestnet's Revenue Manager is a comprehensive financial management software designed to streamline revenue processes for financial institutions and wealth management firms. It facilitates the efficient tracking, analysis, and management of revenue streams, enabling organizations to optimize productivity. "We were able to move quickly with implementation because the Intech team was highly engaged and presented clean data we view ourselves as different from our competitors because we have developed a flexible, overlap approach to implementation," said David Ritchie, Head of Revenue Manager, Envestnet. "Clients appreciate the customization benefits that our Revenue Manager solution offers; for Intech, we saw opportunities to develop a unique calculation related to cash flows that would dramatically simplify their entire billing process." With features such as advanced reporting, customizable dashboards, and automated workflows, Revenue Manager empowers businesses to make informed decisions and drive financial success effectively. Boston-based Redi2 Technologies, Inc. was acquired by Envestnet in July 2022, creating the industry leading revenue and billing management platform and becoming part of Envestnet's platform of technology, solutions and intelligence; Revenue Manager is one of their legacy solutions. About Intech Intech is a private, employee-owned quantitative asset manager investing on behalf of pension funds, governments, endowments, foundations, and other institutional investors worldwide. Having pioneered the application of Stochastic Portfolio Theory in 1987, Intech continues to seek distinctive alpha sources for clients in alternative equity, defensive equity, sustainable equity, and traditional long-only strategies. For information about Intech, please visit https://www.intechinvestments.com. About Envestnet Envestnet is helping to lead the growth of wealth managers and transforming the way financial advice is delivered through its ecosystem of connected technology, advanced insights, and comprehensive solutions backed by industry-leading service and support. Serving the wealth management industry for 25 years with more than $5.8 trillion in platform assetsmore than 108,000 advisors, 16 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 48 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, more than 500 of the largest RIAs -- thousands of companies, depend on Envestnet technology and services to help drive business growth and productivity, and better outcomes for their clients. Data as of 12/31/2023. Envestnet refers to the family of operating subsidiaries of the public holding company, Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV). For a deeper dive into how Envestnet is shaping the future of financial advice, visit www.envestnet.com. Stay connected with us for the latest updates and insights on LinkedIn and X (@ENVintel). MEDIA CONTACTS: Amy Norcini Envestnet [email protected] Andrew Jennings | JConnelly for Envestnet [email protected] SOURCE Envestnet, Inc. Learn More About EPAM's commercetools Partnership The Platinum Partner status is the highest available partnership program level, with only a select group of five partners globally being awarded this distinguished status. EPAM was awarded this status for demonstrating excellence in client delivery, actively contributing to product enhancement and achieving significant sales volumes coupled with robust technical enablement efforts. "We're delighted to achieve Platinum Partner status with commercetools. A special thank you to our joint clients who have trusted us to successfully lead their composable commerce projects and to the broader team, including our Composable Practice and Competency Center, for supporting the growth of this partnership," said Shareen Campbell, Global Head of Alliances, EPAM. "Our ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of our commercetools capabilities demonstrates our passion and driving force for composable commerce transformation and for delivering real business outcomes for our enterprise clients globally." The new Platinum Partner status recognizes EPAM's investment in developing its technical and engineering capabilities with commercetools' products, enabling clients to realize tangible returns on their commercetools investments. This elevated status also grants EPAM enhanced access to commercetools' teams, fostering deeper engagement with their roadmap and product strategy. As a result, EPAM can further innovate, deliver efficiently, address challenges and accelerate value realization for commercetools' clients. "With our shared commitment to helping brands leverage best-in-class composable technology for better customer experiences, EPAM has long been a valued partner of commercetools, and we're thrilled to have the company as a 2024 Platinum-level partner," said Blaine Trainor, Global Vice President, Partnerships and Alliances, commercetools. "With EPAM in the highest echelon of our partner program this year, we look forward to bringing the strength of our joint solutions to even more businesses, enabling them to achieve their goals faster and more effectively than ever before." As a globally recognized commercetools partner, EPAM brings its extensive portfolio of services tailored to businesses seeking to leverage the full potential of microservice-led, API-driven commerce solutions. The Company empowers enterprises with mature development capabilities to address unique challenges and achieve a high level of autonomy and control over their eCommerce roadmap. This Platinum-level partnership ensures that businesses can seamlessly adapt and extend the commercetools platform to meet complex enterprise needs, facilitating streamlined operations and accelerated innovation in the digital commerce landscape. Attending Elevate The Global Commerce Summit April 16 - 18 in Miami? Don't miss our speaking sessions that can help you empower your business with actionable takeaways and visit us at Booth 400. Learn more about EPAM's partnership with commercetools: www.epam.com/services/partners/commercetools . ABOUT EPAM SYSTEMS Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) has used its software engineering expertise to become a leading global provider of digital engineering, cloud and AI-enabled transformation services, as well as a leading business and experience consulting partner for global enterprises and ambitious startups. We address our clients' transformation challenges by fusing EPAM Continuum's integrated strategy, experience and technology consulting with our 30+ years of engineering execution to speed our clients' time to market and drive greater value from their innovations and digital investments. We deliver globally, but engage locally with our expert teams of consultants, architects, designers and engineers, making the future real for our clients, our partners and our people around the world. We believe the right solutions are the ones that improve people's lives and fuel competitive advantage for our clients across diverse industries. Our thinking comes to life in the experiences, products and platforms we design and bring to market. Added to the S&P 500 and the Forbes Global 2000 in 2021 and recognized by Glassdoor as a Best Workplace in 2023 and 2024, our multidisciplinary teams serve clients across six continents. We are proud to be among the top 15 companies in Information Technology Services in the Fortune 1000 and to be recognized as a leader in the IDC MarketScapes for Worldwide Experience Build Services, Worldwide Experience Design Services and Worldwide Software Engineering Services as well as a leader in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Custom Software Development Services, Worldwide.* Learn more at www.epam.com and follow us on LinkedIn . *Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes estimates and statements which may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the accuracy of which are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our estimates and forward-looking statements are mainly based on our current expectations and estimates of future events and trends, which affect or may affect our business and operations. These statements may include words such as "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "estimate" or similar expressions. Those future events and trends may relate to, among other things, developments relating to the war in Ukraine and escalation of the war in the surrounding region, political and civil unrest or military action in the geographies where we conduct business and operate, difficult conditions in global capital markets, foreign exchange markets and the broader economy, and the effect that these events may have on customer demand and our revenues, operations, access to capital, and profitability. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied include general economic conditions, the risk factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and the factors discussed in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, particularly under the headings "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe that these estimates and forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they are subject to several risks and uncertainties and are made based on information currently available to us. EPAM undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities law. SOURCE EPAM Systems, Inc. WESTLAKE, Ohio, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Trust Company, a leading self-directed IRA custodian, is proud to announce and celebrate the 50th anniversary of its founding company. Originating in Ohio with Richard Desich in 1974, the company has grown from a small operation to a nationally recognized leader in the self-directed retirement industry, with $45 billion in assets under custody and administration and offices across Ohio, Florida, Illinois, and South Dakota. Equity Trust Company remains committed to its mission of providing investors with innovative solutions to help them achieve their financial goals. Through strategic acquisitions and a dedication to world-class service and education, the company has continuously enhanced its capabilities and reach. Equity Trust has grown from a small operation to a national leader in the self-directed retirement industry. Post this "Fifty years ago, our father saw a gap in the investment world and embarked on a mission to revolutionize the way investors approach their retirement savings," said Rich Desich, co-owner of Equity Trust Company. "What started in a humble office has now grown into a company with hundreds of dedicated employees, serving clients nationwide." Rich and his brother, Jeffrey Desich, have been involved in the business alongside their father since the early days of the company. Despite significant growth and expansion, Equity Trust Company has maintained the spirit of a family-owned business, focusing on building long-lasting relationships with its clients and employees. "Our evolution from a small operation to a leader among self-directed IRA custodians is a testament to the trust and loyalty of our valued customers," said Equity Trust Company Founder Richard Desich. "Each of our clients has been integral to our journey, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support." As Equity Trust Company commemorates this milestone, the company remains committed to investing in both technology and its team to ensure it remains at the forefront of the financial services industry. "The Desiches are so passionate about the business and our customers being successful," said George Sullivan, CEO of Equity Trust Company. "They're willing to reinvest in the business, which enables people like me to deploy the technology and talent to improve the customer experience all of that helps us to remain relevant." The company will celebrate the anniversary throughout the year with client and employee recognition as well as collaboration with community organizations. For more information about Equity Trust Company's 50-year history, including a mini-documentary about the company's origin and evolution, visit https://www.trustetc.com/50th-anniversary. About Equity Trust Company Equity Trust Company is a financial services company that enables individual investors and financial professionals to diversify investment portfolios using alternative asset classes such as real estate, tax liens, private equity, cryptocurrency, and precious metals. Equity Trust Company evolved from a predecessor brokerage firm founded in 1974, to a directed custodian today with more than $45 billion in assets (as of 1/1/24). For more information, visit trustetc.com. Media Contact: Jesse Briley Senior Manager, Marketing Engagement Equity Trust Company [email protected] SOURCE Equity Trust Company Broadening Local Cancer Care with Specialized Oncology Services NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Integrated Oncology Network (ION), in partnership with California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence (cCARE), is excited to welcome two esteemed oncologists, Erin Blake, MD and Martin Majer, MD, to our growing medical team, expanding our comprehensive cancer care services to serve our community better. Integrated Oncology Network and cCARE continue expansion throughout California. Post this cCARE is offering expanded oncology services throughout California with esteemed Medical Oncologist, Dr. Martin Majer, now seeing patients in Riverside, and Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Erin Blake, seeing patients in Fresno. Dr. Erin Blake, MD, MSc, a fellowship-trained and board-certified gynecologic oncologist, joins us with a commitment to advancing gynecologic cancer care and research. With a strong academic background and extensive experience, Dr. Blake brings expertise in patient-focused strategies to empower individuals throughout their journey with gynecologic cancers. Her addition strengthens our ability to provide exceptional oncology services tailored to the specialized needs of women in our community. "I'm proud to join cCARE and ION, where I can contribute to advancing gynecologic oncology care. My commitment is providing patient-focused strategies that empower individuals throughout their journey with gynecologic cancers." Dr. Blake remarked. Dr. Blake is now available and seeing new patients at our Fresno, California comprehensive cancer center. Dr. Martin Majer, M.D., an accomplished Hematologist and Oncologist with over two decades of experience broadens our local cancer care services. With a dedication to advancing patient care and access to cutting-edge advancements, Dr. Majer ensures our patients receive comprehensive support during their journey. His expertise enhances our capacity to provide unparalleled oncology care and support to our patients and community. Dr. Majer joins Gynecologic Oncologist, Dr. Valerie Galvan-Turner, in our Riverside California clinic, and is now available to see new patients. "At cCARE, I have the privilege of meeting patients at one of the most critical times of their lives. Offering immediate practical steps and discussing all currently available options helps in a stressful situation, with the hope that despite future challenges, life can go on. By staying updated on cancer research and having access to advanced technology, I can ensure that our patients receive the support they need during their journey," said Dr. Majer. Barry Tanner, CEO of Integrated Oncology Network, emphasized the significance of Dr. Blake and Dr. Majer's arrival, "Adding Dr. Blake and Dr. Majer to our team of medical experts enables us to provide unparalleled oncology care and support to our patients and the community." Jedidiah Monson, MD, cCARE Board President and Medical Director of Radiation/Imaging, said, "Dr. Blake and Dr. Majer's extensive experience and expertise will enhance our capacity to provide exceptional oncology services, catering to the specific needs of our patients in the community." Dr. Erin Blake and Dr. Martin Majer are now accepting patients at cCARE. About Integrated Oncology Network Integrated Oncology Network partners directly with physicians, hospitals and other healthcare providers to offer the latest services and technologies to their patients. Founded in 2008, ION has grown to more than 60 centers across the country, providing a complete and integrated continuum of care diagnostic testing, radiation oncology, medical oncology, urology and other ancillary services. For more information, visit www.ionetwork.com . About cCARE California Cancer Associates for Research & Excellence, cCARE, is the largest full-service private oncology and hematology practice in California. Affiliated with Integrated Oncology Network (ION), cCARE delivers the highest quality medical oncology, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, supplemented by a large research and clinical trials program. With eight clinical and business offices in the San Diego and Fresno areas, cCARE provides patients with care beyond treatment no matter where they call home. For more information, visit www.ccare.com . SOURCE Integrated Oncology Network COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Express Wash Concepts (EWC) today announced its inaugural Washy Awards were held at Central Ohio's Cherry Valley Hotel on March 21. Designed to recognize exceptional sites, team member and partner contributions, more than 80 attendees were present as 15 awards were distributed including Site Manager of the Year, Field Leader of the Year, Support MVP and 10- and 15-year tenure acknowledgements. Express Wash Concepts (EWC) CEO John Roush recognized exceptional sites, team members and partner contributions at the inaugural Washy Awards. EWC operates 95+ award-winning, express car wash locations across six states under the following brands: Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Clean Express Auto Wash, Green Clean Express Auto Wash and Bee Clean Express Car Wash. "We remain the top express car wash of choice in all of our markets because of the consistent hard work and dedication from our 950+ team members," said John Roush, Express Wash Concepts Chief Executive Officer. "It is humbling to stand among these dedicated industry leaders and proudly acknowledge their contributions to EWC's overall success. It has always been our goal to grow this business alongside great people, and those deservingly recognized as 2024 Washy Award recipients are definitely key contributors in our past and continued success." Award categories and winners included: Tech of the Year Josh Johnson Most Service Requests Completed Shawn Wandersee Most Innovative Lisa Ellsworth Site Manager of the Year Tyler Osborne Rookie of the Year (1 st Year Site Manager) Chris Kriso (1 Year Site Manager) Chris Kriso Assistant Manager of the Year Joe Russell Site with the Highest UWC Sales Green Clean Express #516 (Site Manager Jacob Sauers ) Green Clean Express #516 (Site Manager ) Non-Profit of the Year Avalon Foundation Avalon Foundation Most Reliable Tim Janasek Tim Janasek Customer Favorite Halle Abdelrazek Halle Abdelrazek Site with the Highest Wash Volume Flying Ace Express #205 (Site Manager Samantha Plummer ) Flying Ace Express #205 (Site Manager ) Field Leader of the Year Annette Robbins Support MVP Nicholas Kovalick Service Anniversary 10 Years: Amber Burwell , Cameron Morris , Jeremiah Harmon , Daniel Harris , Mark Hunkele , Scott Robertson and Gage Warrick , , , , , and Service Anniversary 15 Years: Shawn Everett, Gabriel Ortiz , Jamie Woolard Express Wash Concepts currently operates more than 95 award-winning express car washes across six states and five brands. The company's popular Unlimited Wash Club packages offer members the convenience and value of unlimited washing at any location. EWC plans to open 25 additional locations in 2024. About Express Wash Concepts: Express Wash Concepts (EWC) operates 95+ award winning, express car wash locations across six states under the following brands: Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Clean Express Auto Wash, Green Clean Express Auto Wash and Bee Clean Express Car Wash. EWC brands feature fast, high quality and environmentally friendly express tunnel wash experiences and free vacuums. The company's popular Unlimited Wash Club packages offer members the convenience and value of contactless payment and unlimited washing at any location. For more information, please visit www.expresswashconcepts.com. SOURCE Express Wash Concepts WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fannie Mae (OTCQB: FNMA) priced Connecticut Avenue Securities (CAS) Series 2024-R03, an approximately $628 million note offering that represents Fannie Mae's third CAS REMIC transaction of the year. CAS is Fannie Mae's benchmark issuance program designed to share credit risk on its single-family conventional guaranty book of business. Year to date, Fannie Mae has issued approximately $2.2 billion of notes under the CAS program. The reference pool for CAS Series 2024-R03 consists of approximately 75,000 single-family mortgage loans with an outstanding unpaid principal balance of approximately $26.2 billion. The reference pool includes collateral with loan-to-value ratios of 80.01 percent to 97.00 percent, which were acquired between January 2023 and June 2023. The loans included in this transaction are fixed-rate, generally 30-year term, fully amortizing mortgages and were underwritten using rigorous credit standards and enhanced risk controls. Fannie Mae will retain a portion of the 2M-1, 2M-2, and 2B-1 tranches, and initially will retain the full 2B-2H and 2B-3H first-loss tranches. Class Offered Amount ($MM) Pricing Level Expected Ratings (Moody's/DBRS) 2M-1 $273.900 30-day Average SOFR plus 115 bps A2 (sf) / A (low) (sf) 2M-2 $236.550 30-day Average SOFR plus 195 bps Baa2 (sf) / BBB (high) (sf) 2B-1 $117.946 30-day Average SOFR plus 280 bps Ba1 (sf) / BB (high) (sf) Morgan Stanley & Co, LLC ("Morgan Stanley") is the lead structuring manager and joint bookrunner. BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofA") is the co-lead manager and joint bookrunner. Co-managers are BMO Capital Markets Corp. ("BMO Capital Markets"), Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. ("Cantor"), StoneX Financial Inc. ("StoneX"), and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC ("Wells Fargo"). Selling group members are Minority and Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Academy Securities, Inc. and African-American-owned CastleOak Securities, L.P. With the completion of this transaction, Fannie Mae will have brought 64 CAS deals to market, issued over $66 billion in notes, and transferred a portion of the credit risk to private investors on over $2.2 trillion in single-family mortgage loans, measured at the time of the transaction. To promote transparency and to help credit investors evaluate our securities and the CAS program, Fannie Mae provides ongoing, robust disclosure data, as well as access to news, resources, and analytics through its credit risk transfer webpages. This includes our innovative Data Dynamics tool that enables market participants to interact with and analyze CAS deals that are currently outstanding in the market and Fannie Mae's historical loan dataset. Our EU Resources and UK Resources webpages are designed to help European Union and UK institutional investors, as well as those managing funds subject to EU/UK regulations. In addition to our flagship CAS program, Fannie Mae continues to transfer mortgage credit risk through its Credit Insurance Risk Transfer (CIRT) reinsurance program. About Connecticut Avenue Securities CAS REMIC notes are issued by a bankruptcy-remote trust. The amount of periodic principal and ultimate principal paid by Fannie Mae is determined by the performance of a large and diverse reference pool. For more information on individual CAS transactions, visit our credit risk transfer webpage. About Fannie Mae Fannie Mae advances equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America. We enable the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and drive responsible innovation to make homebuying and renting easier, fairer, and more accessible. To learn more, visit: fanniemae.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube | Blog Fannie Mae Newsroom https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom Photo of Fannie Mae https://www.fanniemae.com/resources/img/about-fm/fm-building.tif Fannie Mae Resource Center 1-800-2FANNIE Statements in this release regarding the company's future CAS transactions are forward-looking. Actual results may be materially different as a result of market conditions or other factors listed in "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" in the company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. This release does not constitute an offer or sale of any security. Before investing in any Fannie Mae issued security, potential investors should review the disclosure for such security and consult their own investment advisors. SOURCE Fannie Mae SDG&E and Bali Express forge path to zero emissions freight transport Video and Pictures Here SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) and Bali Express today announced the historic crossing of a Class 8 heavy-duty electric freight truck from the U.S. into Mexico. The semi-truck made its maiden voyage into Mexico, marking a significant milestone as the binational region moves towards a net-zero future. These dedicated trucks will utilize recently built charging infrastructure installed by SDG&E designed to provide reliable and accessible charging options for medium- to heavy-duty electric freight trucks crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Israel Delgado Vallejo, Vice President of the Northwest Region of CANACAR (National Chamber of Freight Transport) Jose Saul de los Santos Gomez, Planning Coordinator at the Secretariat of Economy, and Innovation of the Government of the State of Baja California. Juan Baez, President Bali Express Todd Gloria, Mayor, City of San Diego Caroline Winn, CEO San Diego Gas & Electric EV Truck, Class 8. EV Class 8 Truck. "Today marks a historic milestone in our journey toward reducing emissions and paving the way for a cleaner energy future," said Caroline Winn, Chief Executive Officer at SDG&E. "This new electric corridor is a great example of how collaboration can create new and innovative ways to rethink how to propel our transportation systems towards electrification." Juan Baez, owner of the San Diego-based Bali Express emphasized the importance of working together in achieving sustainability goals. "We are thrilled to be working with SDG&E in this historic endeavor," said Baez. "By adding electric freight trucks, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also leading the way towards a more sustainable future for freight transportation on both sides of the border. We're proud to be a leader in this transition and excited about the first ever crossing." "The historic crossing of this electric freight truck symbolizes San Diego's commitment to innovation, cross-border cooperation and our binational community," said City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. "We're not just reducing emissions; we're building a cleaner future for the people who live near our border and leading the way on international trade and environmental responsibility." The chargers were partially funded by a $200,000 grant through the California Energy Commission's Clean Transportation Program which has provided more than $1 billion to alternative fuel and vehicle technology projects that are designed to deliver health, environmental and economic benefits to communities. "To accommodate the transition to zero-emission trucks on both sides of the border, it's critically important we have the necessary infrastructure," said California Energy Commissioner Patty Monahan. "The California Energy Commission is helping fund projects across the state to build a better and more equitable charging infrastructure system for both cars and trucks." San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas who is Governor Newsom's appointee to the California Air Resources Board - emphasized the importance of reducing emissions in border communities while also growing our economy. "As a fronteriza, I am thrilled that we're moving forward with the use of bold and innovative energy technology that helps reduce air pollution, offers sustainable cross-border freight transportation, and strengthens our binational and interdependent economy," said Vargas. "I know the binational region firsthand, and this is a great example of the kind of public-private partnerships can improve air quality and promote economic prosperity for the binational region. As the Supervisor for border communities, I am proud and excited that we are moving toward a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future." The electric charging infrastructure is a part of SDG&E's Power Your Drive for Fleets program. The program connects fleet operators with resources and financial incentives to easily and cost-effectively design and install charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty fleets. About SDG&E: SDG&E is an innovative energy delivery company that provides increasingly clean, safe and reliable energy to better the lives of the people it serves in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The company is committed to creating a sustainable future by increasing energy delivered from low or zero-carbon sources; accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles; and investing in innovative technologies to ensure the reliable operation of the region's infrastructure for generations to come. SDG&E is a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE: SRE). For more information, visit SDGEnews.com or connect with SDG&E on X (formerly Twitter) (@SDGE), Instagram (@SDGE) and Facebook. SOURCE San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Freshpet teams up with the critically acclaimed superstar and dog-lover to raise awareness around the benefits of feeding fresh food to pets Editor's Note: Images and New Song can be found via this LINK SECAUCUS, N.J., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Freshpet (FRPT), the leading fresh pet food brand, announced today a long-term partnership with global superstar Meghan Trainor, the pop hitmaker behind "All About That Bass," "Made You Look," and latest track with T-Pain, "Been Like This", as its first Freshpet Ambassador, on National Pet Day. As part of the Freshpet campaign, Trainor wrote and recorded a new song, specifically highlighting her love of being a dog mom and the importance she places on feeding real, healthy food to pets. Global Superstar Meghan Trainor & Freshpet Music Video (Photo Credit: Lauren Dunn) Freshpet and Global Superstar Meghan Trainor Announce Partnership (Photo Credit: Lauren Dunn) "Being a parent to my two boys and four pups has been the greatest joy of my life," said Trainor. "Freshpet and I share similar mindsets in wanting what's best for our pets to help them live the longest, happiest lives. I used to make my dogs' food from scratch. So, when I came across Freshpet, made with real meat, fruits, and vegetables, I knew I found a brand I could trust, and I've never seen them more excited for mealtime. My girls deserve the best, and the best is Freshpet." Trainor will appear in a wide-reaching online and social media campaign along with a personal appearance, and more, throughout the partnership. "Meghan is a remarkable talent and we know she's only going to continue to rise to new heights," said Scott Morris, Freshpet Co-Founder and President. "We were drawn to her confidence, her warm personality, and, of course, her love for her dogs. She is unapologetically obsessed with her dogs and their health and happiness, which makes her align perfectly with Freshpet and what we stand for. Meghan's authenticity and spirit is something we admire, and we're thrilled to welcome her to the Freshpet family," Morris continued. Trainor rose to prominence with her breakout song, "All About That Bass," which reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and sold 11 million copies worldwide in 2014. This year, the iconic hit also celebrates its 10-year anniversary. To date, Trainor has released five studio albums and has received various accolades, including the 2016 Grammy Award for Best New Artist. She has also developed a strong social media presence, amassing more than 62 million followers across platforms. For the holiday 2023, she released the song, "Wrap Me Up" with Jimmy Fallon. Most recently, she announced her sixth album, Timeless, will be released June 7, with her first tour in seven years beginning in September 2024. Freshpet hopes the partnership with Meghan will awaken more pet parents to the benefits and importance of feeding their pets real, fresh food. Meghan Trainor will begin appearing on behalf of Freshpet across multiple media platforms beginning this month. About Freshpet : Freshpet is the leading fresh food for dogs and cats, feeding fresh to over 12 million pet households. Since its conception in 2006, Freshpet has been on a mission to transform the lives of dogs and cats through the power of fresh, nutritious food, while pushing the boundaries of sustainable practices. The recipes are developed by Veterinarian Nutritionists and made with natural whole ingredients, like fresh meats, vegetables and fruits, which are cooked in small batches at lower temperatures to preserve their natural goodness. Sustainably-made in Bethlehem, PA and their new Kitchens in Ennis TX, Freshpet foods and treats are kept refrigerated until they arrive at Freshpet fridges in your local market, or are delivered direct to your door. Freshpet is available in a growing number of mass, grocery, natural food, club, and pet specialty retailers across the United States, Canada and Europe, as well as online in the U.S. for direct delivery and through its partnership with Petco. From the care taken in partnering with farmers whose values align with theirs, to how each recipe is made, Freshpet's commitment to integrity, transparency and social responsibility is a point of pride. About Meghan Trainor: Meghan Trainor first made history in 2014 with her diamond-certified smash single "All About That Bass." Since then, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has garnered a GRAMMY for Best New Artist, achieved eight multi-platinum singles and two multi-platinum albums, sold out three world tours, penned multi-platinum hits for peers across pop and country, and received countless industry awards and nominations. Expanding her influence on pop culture, she starred on FOX's hit series THE FOUR: Battle for Stardom and on the superstar coaching panel of The Voice UK. She kicked off 2020 with the release of her third full-length album, Treat Myself (Epic Records), which includes the platinum smash "No Excuses" as well as blockbuster anthems and collaborations such as "Nice To Meet Ya" [feat. Nicki Minaj], "Genetics" [feat. Pussycat Dolls], and "Wave" [feat. Mike Sabath]. At the end of 2020 she released her first-ever Christmas album, A Very Trainor Christmas, featuring the #1 holiday radio single "White Christmas" featuring Seth MacFarlane. In 2021, we got to watch her as the host of Top Chef Family Style on Peacock and as a judge on Clash of the Cover Bands on E!. In September of 2021 she also launched her podcast Workin' On It which she hosts alongside her brother, Ryan Trainor. In 2022 Meghan released her fourth full-length album, Takin' It Back, which takes you through her journey into marriage, motherhood, and achieving a new level of confidence. The album features colossal certified platinum hit "Made You Look," which has garnered over 300 million streams and become a global sensation, being used in over 6 million videos on social media to date. The track also took the #1 spot on Billboard's Adult Pop Airplay chart and Hot AC chart and won the first-ever Rolling Stone Sound of the Year award at the Streamys. She kicked off 2023 by joining the judging panel of the iconic star-maker series, Australian Idol, in its highly anticipated return to air. In March, Meghan released Takin' It Back (Deluxe), which features 3 new songs including new single "Mother." To celebrate the holiday season, Meghan teamed up with Jimmy Fallon to release their playful collaboration, "Wrap Me Up." In April 2023, Meghan made her literary debut with Dear Future Mama, a humorous, unflinching guide to pregnancy and motherhood. Meghan also gave birth to her second child with husband Daryl Sabara, Barry Bruce Trainor. This year, Meghan is releasing her sixth album, Timeless, out June 7, and embarking on a North American touring run this fall. Stay tuned for more updates! SOURCE Freshpet NEW YORK and LONDON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gerald Group today announced its North American trading hub, GT Commodities' Borrowing Base sublimit for low-carbon aluminum qualifies as a green sublimit to issue green loans as per Loan Market Association guidelines. This follows the successful conclusion of an independent assessment against the LMA's green loan principles and other relevant market guidelines. The facility was successfully refinanced in the second half of 2023 for $650 million and extended for two years, receiving strong support from the market with a substantial oversubscription of more than $200 million. For its part, Rabobank acted as mandated lead arranger, administrative agent, and green coordinator for the syndicate, which totalled 13 lenders. Credit Agricole, Credit Suisse, HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Wells Fargo joined them as joint lead arrangers with UBS and Natixis acting as co-syndication agents. Bank of China, Garantibank, ING, Raiffeisen Bank International and UniCredit completed the syndicate. Patricia Nikolopoulos, Gerald Group's CFO, commented: "We are delighted with the support we have once again received for our banking partners for our Northern American business. This remains a key market for our low-carbon aluminum and our other refined metals trading." "Rabobank is pleased to have successfully managed the refinancing of Gerald's borrowing base facility," said David Bassett, CEO ad interim of Rabobank Wholesale Banking North America. "This deal reflects the trusted relationship we have with Gerald and our innovative approach to meeting client needs. Adding a green loan feature to the facility is a testament to Rabobank's expertise in sustainable finance and our steadfast commitment to banking the energy transition." About Gerald Group Gerald Group aims to contribute to world trade and economic development in a sustainable and responsible manner. Founded in 1962 in the US and headquartered in the UK, the Group is the world's oldest and largest independent and employee-owned metals trading house. Gerald is a dedicated and trusted partner to leading miners and processors, industrial consumers and financial institutions. The Group operates trading hubs in Shanghai, Stamford and Morges for the merchanting of non-ferrous, ferrous and precious metals, and is one of the oldest and largest traders in primary and secondary aluminum, alumina and bauxite. Gerald's global footprint, strong risk management and expert market intelligence combined with logistics, storage and structured finance solutions are complemented by strategic relationships, enhancing the business' capability to provide customers with a diverse and steady supply of responsibly sourced metals. Visit www.gerald.com. About Rabobank Rabobank Group is a global financial services leader providing wholesale and retail banking, leasing, and real estate services in more than 38 countries worldwide. Founded over a century ago, Rabobank today is one of the world's largest banks with more than $660 billion in assets. In the Americas, Rabobank Wholesale Banking North America is a premier corporate and investment bank to the food, agribusiness, commodities and energy industries. To learn more, visit www.RabobankWholesaleBankingNA.com. SOURCE Gerald Group The digital transformation of smart cities in Saudi Arabia, supported by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with several government entities, has contributed to the advancement of five Saudi cities in the 2024 IMD Smart City Index, issued by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), compared to the 2023 report. The Al Khobar city in the kingdom's Eastern Province has joined the index for the first time this year, alongside capital Riyadh, Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah. Riyadh maintained its third position among Arab cities, while Makkah ranked fifth, Jeddah sixth and Madinah seventh, reported the SPA citing the Index. On the global scale of the index, Riyadh advanced 25 places compared to last year, Makkah maintained its 52nd position, Jeddah advanced one place to 55th, and Madinah jumped 11 places to 74th. Moreover, Al-Khobar secured the 99th position among 142 cities worldwide. The Index focused on various criteria, including residents' awareness of the scope and impact of efforts to make their cities smart, the balance achieved between economic and technological factors while considering human aspects, and bridging the gap between population aspirations and needs alongside modern trends in smart city development. This also involves leveraging digital technologies for better resource utilization, reducing carbon emissions, and making public spaces more responsive to the population's needs, stated the report. Efforts led by SDAIA, in collaboration with government entities, have contributed to enhancing the ranking of Saudi cities in the IMD Smart Cities Index through a package of projects and initiatives that support the concept of smart cities. These include working on the national platform for smart cities, which provides advanced analytics through simulation models to support the development of plans and future directions based on AI algorithms. This platform includes real-time operational indicators to monitor vital sectors in Riyadh, aiming to achieve sustainable urban development that contributes to enhancing the quality of life in the city. Additionally, efforts are underway to innovate a tool for detecting visual deformities in Riyadh using cameras deployed across the city, with analysis conducted using AI techniques to identify visual deformity data on a weekly basis, said the SPA report. This initial step will extend to four other cities in the Kingdom, with weekly surveys conducted in priority areas to support planning efforts and improve the quality of life, leveraging innovative technological solutions for more developed and sustainable cities, it added. Strongly support It will improve public transit and pedestrian safety Somewhat support It will benefit public transit, but I'm concerned about traffic or business impacts Neutral I see both pros and cons, but dont have strong feelings either way Somewhat oppose I think it will cause traffic problems and harm local businesses Strongly oppose It is a bad idea and will hurt both motorists and businesses Vote View Results Exceptional trailblazers to be celebrated during the Global Citizen NOW action summit on May 1 and 2 in New York City NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Citizen, the world's leading advocacy organization, today announced the winners of its annual Global Citizen Prize and Cisco Youth Leadership Award. Six young, trailblazing changemakers will be celebrated with a dedicated award ceremony during the Global Citizen NOW summit in New York on May 1, 2024. Global Citizen Prize will be hosted by CBS News national correspondent and featured co-host CBS Mornings Vladimir Duthiers. The awards will feature appearances by the Honorable Philip Davis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, media personality and entrepreneur Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, media personality and Global Citizen Advocate Berla Mundi, CEO of EIB Network and Empire Group Nat Kwabena Adisi (Bola Ray) and Latin superstar and Grammy-nominated artist Rauw Alejandro. The ceremony will feature live musical performances by four-time Grammy-nominated country superstar Mickey Guyton, and violinist and composer Ezinma. By keeping the world's poor at the forefront of their campaigns, the Global Citizen Prize honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to defeating poverty, defending the planet, and demanding equity. The awards celebrate activists who champion and elevate their communities most vulnerable, taking actions to end extreme poverty, while fostering social change across the world. This year, the Global Citizen Prize recognizes advocates across five categories: gender equity, civic space, climate change, food and nutrition, health and vaccines. The recipients will each receive a year-long programme of support from Global Citizen, together with a cash grant for their organization. Proud global partners of the Global Citizen Prize 2024 include Cisco, Citi, with support from the Ford Foundation. The Global Citizen Prize 2024 awardees are: Andrew Ddembe, Health Lawyer, Founder and Executive Director, Mobiklinic Foundation, from Uganda ; Health Lawyer, Founder and Executive Director, Mobiklinic Foundation, from ; Lydia Charles Moyo , Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative and Panda Digital, from Tanzania ; Founder and Executive Director of Her Initiative and Panda Digital, from ; Olivier Bahemuke Ndoole, Environmental Rights Defender and Lawyer, Cofounder of Alerte Congolaise pour l'Environnement et les Droits de l'Homme, from Democratic Republic of the Congo ; Environmental Rights Defender and Lawyer, Cofounder of Alerte Congolaise pour l'Environnement et les Droits de l'Homme, from ; Sophie Healy-Thow, Founder, Act4Food, Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator for the GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), from Ireland ; and Founder, Act4Food, Global Youth Campaigns Coordinator for the GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), from ; and Vishal Prasad , Campaign Director, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, from Fiji . Established in 2018 by Cisco and Global Citizen, the Global Citizen Prize: Cisco Youth Leadership Award honors an individual aged 18-30 who has contributed meaningfully to global problem solving. The prize winner will receive a US$250,000 grant to their organization to enable its continued growth. Candidates were judged, by a panel including representatives from Global Citizen, Cisco, esteemed activists and leaders in the international development field, against five equally-weighted criteria, including impact, vision, catalyst, global citizenship, and technology innovation. This year's Cisco Youth Leadership Award recipient is Ricardo Enrique Alba Torres, environmental engineer, Cofounder and CEO of the social enterprise Eko Group H2O+, from Bogota, Colombia. Through his Eko Group H2O+ Ricardo provides environmentally sustainable technologies to address global water access issues. His expertise has sensitized over 150 communities, with 15000 active users benefiting from the 350 Ekomuros H2O+ tanks installed across Colombia and LATAM, reaching over 85,000 indirect beneficiaries. Ricardo's commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact underscores his powerful leadership in tackling one of the world's most pressing challenges. "If we are to address the world's most pressing issues, we need to support young leaders who are taking action now," said Liza Henshaw, President, Global Citizen. "It is an honor to celebrate these inspirational trailblazers, who are dedicating their lives to uplifting the most vulnerable in their local communities, and advancing the fight against ending extreme poverty across the world." "Cisco is deeply committed to the belief that the world needs innovators like Ricardo to lead the way in global problem solving," said Fran Katsoudas, EVP and Chief People, Policy & Purpose Officer of Cisco. "Through the creation of environmentally sustainable technology, Ricardo's solutions aim to address the water supply issues impacting thousands of lives across Latin America. We are honored to help accelerate his vital work as over two billion people are living with an inadequate water supply." The Global Citizen Prize is part of Global Citizen NOW, a two-day summit taking place in New York City on May 1 and 2, convening government leaders, private sector executives, grassroots activists, cultural innovators, philanthropic experts, and leading journalists to set a global agenda for action on the most urgent issues facing humanity and the planet. Global Citizen NOW is supported by our partners Authentic Brands Group, Bridgewater Associates, Cisco, Citi, Delta Air Lines, P&G and Verizon. Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies across the world including: AIM Group, Arena Holdings, Bella Naija, Captivate, EIB Network, The Guardian US, Intersection, OkayAfrica, Vanguard Media, Wall Street Journal and Zikoko. For more information about the Global Citizen Prize and Cisco Youth Leadership Award, visit www.globalcitizen.org/prize. Artwork Click here to download artwork and social assets Media Credentials Applications are now open for media outlets to attend and cover Global Citizen NOW and Global Citizen Prize at Spring Studios in New York City May 1-2. Please complete this application form . Contact Global Citizen media inquiries: [email protected] SOURCE Global Citizen The EB-5 program provides a direct pathway to obtaining U.S. permanent residency, also known as the green card. The fundamental criteria for EB-5 participation via a regional center involve an investment of at least $800,000 for a period typically spanning 3 to 5 years, contingent upon specific conditions, and the generation of 10 jobs for American workers. Learn more about EB-5. Following the implementation of concurrent filing for adjustment of status under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), numerous H-1B professionals, international students and E-2 Visa entrepreneurs based in the U.S. have chosen the EB-5 Visa route for their family's immigration. This allows them greater employment flexibility and helps safeguard their children from aging out of eligibility for immigration benefits upon reaching 21 years of age. While immigration is the primary goal of an EB-5 Visa applicant, we cannot lose sight of their financial well-being. Consequently, Golden Gate Global is committed to offering institutional-quality investment opportunities, ensuring a secure pathway to U.S. immigration and the preservation of capital, said Abhinav Lohia, Managing Director, Global Business Development at Golden Gate Global. To date, GGG has successfully raised over $750M in EB-5 funds from 15 different projects within Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs), creating more than 22,000 new jobs in the United States. It has facilitated the immigration journey for more than 1,400 client families from over 30 countries, including China, India, and Vietnam. More than 420 investor families who have partnered with GGG for their EB-5 investment have already been repaid and received unconditional green cards. Learn more about currently available EB-5 TEA Projects . Press Contact: Jane Baklashov [email protected] SOURCE Golden Gate Global Sales volume comparable to previous year Further significant investments in the international network The company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024 ZWIJNDRECHT, Netherlands, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group ended 2023 with good revenue and net profit figures. After highly favorable market conditions in the previous two years, results dropped to a lower level. Demand in various markets declined, causing price pressure which resulted in lower gross margins. Total sales stayed virtually the same as in 2022 due to a higher volume of direct deliveries and projects. Further significant investments were made in logistics and storage systems, specialized processing systems and in the modernization and expansion of warehouses and offices. In 2024, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary. The total sales of the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group amounted to 1,621 million in 2023 (2022: 1,672 million). The operating result amounted to 60 million (2022: 104 million) and the net result was 43 million (2022: 88 million). Solvency improved to 46.8% (2022: 42.9%). Total sales from stock was lower in all markets than the previous year due to decreased market demand. This was, however, offset by a higher volume in direct deliveries and projects. This led to virtually the same total net sales as in 2022, despite a difficult market. Van Leeuwen maintained its market share in the European industrial markets. Demand was lower in the construction and mechanical engineering market segments, but in the hydraulics and automotive market segments demand was good. Van Leeuwen benefited from good market demand in the global energy market. Van Leeuwen supplied energy projects in the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Also in 2023, Van Leeuwen invested in sustainable solutions with the ambition to be the greenest pipe and tube distributor in the world by 2030. To date, Van Leeuwen has invested 6.5 million euros in green electricity on its own roofs in the Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Denmark and Australia. In 2023, the company supplemented its product range in the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden with steel tubes produced with a reduced CO 2 footprint. In addition, Van Leeuwen invested significantly in the company, including the Monorail in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands, a 315-meter long automated transport and sorting system, expansion of the warehouse in Vyskov, Czech Republic, and a new regional headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden. Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Management Board: "We achieved good results in 2023 despite less favorable market conditions. 2024 will also be challenging. This year we are especially proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our family business. Our anniversary theme 'Connecting Worlds' is about an internationally connected network with committed teams, connected to customers and suppliers all over the world. It refers to continuity, sustainable growth and innovative entrepreneurship. With our many years of experience, we set a sustainable, innovative course with which we continue to offer the best to our customers, now and in the future, and continue to build our company." Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international distribution company specializing in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The family-owned company, with its head office in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands, was founded in 1924 and is active in virtually all industrial sectors. The Group has 70 branches spread across 32 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. Van Leeuwen's 2,400 employees have specialist knowledge of sourcing, processing, project management, logistics and stock planning and work closely together with customers in its markets. The combination of global logistics and knowledge of products and customer applications makes Van Leeuwen a leading company in its markets. www.vanleeuwen.com Photos are available via this link. Sales volume comparable to previous year Further significant investments in the international network The company celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024 ZWIJNDRECHT, Netherlands, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group ended 2023 with good revenue and net profit figures. After highly favorable market conditions in the previous two years, results dropped to a lower level. Demand in various markets declined, causing price pressure which resulted in lower gross margins. Total sales stayed virtually the same as in 2022 due to a higher volume of direct deliveries and projects. Further significant investments were made in logistics and storage systems, specialized processing systems and in the modernization and expansion of warehouses and offices. In 2024, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary. The total sales of the Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group amounted to 1,621 million in 2023 (2022: 1,672 million). The operating result amounted to 60 million (2022: 104 million) and the net result was 43 million (2022: 88 million). Solvency improved to 46.8% (2022: 42.9%). Total sales from stock was lower in all markets than the previous year due to decreased market demand. This was, however, offset by a higher volume in direct deliveries and projects. This led to virtually the same total net sales as in 2022, despite a difficult market. Van Leeuwen maintained its market share in the European industrial markets. Demand was lower in the construction and mechanical engineering market segments, but in the hydraulics and automotive market segments demand was good. Van Leeuwen benefited from good market demand in the global energy market. Van Leeuwen supplied energy projects in the Middle East, Asia and the United States. Also in 2023, Van Leeuwen invested in sustainable solutions with the ambition to be the greenest pipe and tube distributor in the world by 2030. To date, Van Leeuwen has invested 6.5 million euros in green electricity on its own roofs in the Netherlands, Germany, Romania, Denmark and Australia. In 2023, the company supplemented its product range in the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden with steel tubes produced with a reduced CO 2 footprint. In addition, Van Leeuwen invested significantly in the company, including the Monorail in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands, a 315-meter long automated transport and sorting system, expansion of the warehouse in Vyskov, Czech Republic, and a new regional headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden. Peter Rietberg, Chairman of the Management Board: "We achieved good results in 2023 despite less favorable market conditions. 2024 will also be challenging. This year we are especially proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our family business. Our anniversary theme 'Connecting Worlds' is about an internationally connected network with committed teams, connected to customers and suppliers all over the world. It refers to continuity, sustainable growth and innovative entrepreneurship. With our many years of experience, we set a sustainable, innovative course with which we continue to offer the best to our customers, now and in the future, and continue to build our company." Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group The Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group is an international distribution company specializing in steel pipes, and pipe and tube applications. The family-owned company, with its head office in Zwijndrecht, the Netherlands, was founded in 1924 and is active in virtually all industrial sectors. The Group has 70 branches spread across 32 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and North America. Van Leeuwen's 2,400 employees have specialist knowledge of sourcing, processing, project management, logistics and stock planning and work closely together with customers in its markets. The combination of global logistics and knowledge of products and customer applications makes Van Leeuwen a leading company in its markets. www.vanleeuwen.com Photos are available via this link. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384647/Logo_Van_leeuwen_Pipes_Logo.jpg SOURCE Van Leeuwen Pipe and Tube Group B.V. Mantle Network's Blockchain Mass Adoption Goals Meet Fingerlabs' Web 3.0 Expansion Efforts First Korean Firm to Secure Mantle EcoFund Investment: Xclusive Advances Next-Gen Content Initiatives SEOUL, South Korea, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fingerlabs, an affiliate of KOSDAQ-listed HYPER Corporation (065650, formerly Medifron) announced today a strategic alliance with Mantle Network, targeting next-generation IP content initiatives via Xclusive. Fingerlabs sets a precedent as the first South Korean firm to receive investment from Mantle's EcoFund, aiming to enhance the global distribution of K-Culture content. Mantle Network is an Ethereum Layer 2 network backed by a $3.8 billion on-chain treasury, one of the largest in the world, and the single largest when discounting native tokens. Its stated goal is to drive the mass adoption of decentralized and token-governed technologies. It is continuously improving scalability and security through a modular chain design and an innovative data availability (DA) approach through a partnership with Ethereum restaking protocol EigenLayer and the utilization of the technology of its DA solution EigenDA. Recently, it has been expanding its overall ecosystem, introducing an Ether (ETH) liquid staking protocol (LSP) on the Ethereum mainnet that is already the fourth largest LSP in the world three months after launch. With this groundbreaking partnership, both organizations plan to join forces in the fan-based content distribution business. A key component of this collaboration involves leveraging Xclusive, a platform developed by Fingerlabs, to innovate the content distribution landscape. This initiative aims to facilitate the global dissemination of K-Culture content with significant potential, marking a major step forward in tapping into international markets. Xclusive operates as a fandom-based content distribution platform, distinguished by its world-first application of Web 3.0 technology. It aims to redefine content ownership and distribution utilizing blockchain technology, to create an innovative content platform that prioritizes the rights of both creators and consumers. Xclusive's inaugural content, 'Begins Youth' is an original drama jointly produced by Chorokbaem Media and HYBE. It's a derivative drama that reimagines the fictional story of "Hwa Yang Yeon Hwa" presented by BTS through albums and music videos. It is expected to attract significant attention from global K-pop fans. Recently, Xclusive released a trailer video for 'Begins Youth' and launched a pre-sale, underscoring a significant step in its fandom-based content distribution efforts. David Sang-Seok Lee, CEO of Fingerlabs said: "There are numerous opportunities for collaboration with Mantle Network, as it continues to exponentially grow its presence in the web3 and blockchain space. Content that sets itself apart from existing offerings will be exclusively distributed through Xclusive starting with 'Begins Youth', and we will begin making our mark in the next-generation content market." Igneus Terrenus, Public Liaison of Mantle Network said: "We're extremely excited to collaborate with Fingerlabs, one of Korea's leading blockchain firms that is enhancing web3 access for all. Fingerlabs' cutting-edge platform aligns with our vision to power the next stage of growth and innovation across the web3 ecosystem, and we remain committed to empowering promising projects and unlocking their fullest potential." SOURCE Fingerlabs PUNE, India, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report titled "Industrial Explosives Market by Type (Blasting Agent, High Explosives, Low Explosives), Category (Bulk Explosives, Packaged Explosives), Application - Global Forecast 2024-2030" is now available on 360iResearch.com's offering, presents an analysis indicating that the market projected to grow from a size of $8.83 billion in 2023 to reach $12.55 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.15% over the forecast period. " Revolutionizing the Global Construction and Mining Industries: The Rise of Industrial Explosives " The industrial explosives sector is a key player in global development, powering essential industries such as construction, mining, quarrying, and oil & gas exploration. These explosives, which include advanced substances such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO), water gel, and emulsion explosives, are engineered for maximum efficiency and safety in breaking down rock formations and demolishing structures. A surge in infrastructure projects, increased demand from the mining sector for precious metals, and the expansion of coal production for energy purposes have fueled market growth. Additionally, technological innovations are making explosive solutions safer and more cost-effective, while environmental initiatives are reducing their carbon footprint. Digital technologies are also improving operational control and safety standards, fostering collaboration and product development within the industry. The Asia-Pacific region, especially markets in China, Japan, and India, is booming due to rapid industrialization and growing foreign investments in mining, making it a hotspot for industrial explosives development. Meanwhile, the Americas and Europe continue to innovate, focusing on eco-friendly solutions and safety enhancements in their mature mining industries. This evolving landscape underscores the industrial explosives market's commitment to advancing global infrastructure and mining activities sustainably and efficiently. Download Sample Report @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/industrial-explosives " Global Construction Boom Accelerates Demand for Industrial Explosives in Infrastructure Development " In a world witnessing a surge in urbanization and infrastructure enhancements, the vital role of industrial explosives has come to the forefront. From the excavation essential for residential areas, commercial sites, and public facilities to the extensive requirements of road, bridge, tunnel, and railway projects, the precision and efficiency of industrial explosives are unparalleled. These explosives facilitate challenging terrain modifications, significantly contributing to foundational works and quarrying operations by ensuring the judicious extraction of materials critical for building. As governments and private sectors globally intensify their focus on infrastructure augmentation, the demand for industrial explosives is poised to soar, highlighting their indispensable role in accelerating project timelines and upholding environmental and quality standards. " Burgeoning Preference for Blasting Agents in Construction and Mining Industries " Industrial explosives are vital in various industries, including construction, mining, and oil & gas. These explosives are primarily classified into blasting agents and high explosives. Blasting agents, known for their low sensitivity to impact and cost-effectiveness, are commonly used in large-scale excavation projects such as quarrying, tunneling, coal mining operations, and road construction. High explosives are characterized by their high detonation velocity and sensitivity to impact or friction. Based on their ignition properties, they can be divided into primary and secondary high explosives. High explosives are preferred for applications requiring precision and faster energy release, such as demolition projects, underwater drilling operations, seismic exploration in the oil & gas industry, and military use. Blasting agents remain popular in construction and mining sectors due to their controlled fragmentation capabilities and lower costs; high explosives are preferred for more specialized industries that demand higher precision. Manufacturers continue to develop innovative products that cater to evolving market demands while maintaining safety standards and addressing environmental concerns. Request Analyst Support @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/industrial-explosives " Sasol Limited at the Forefront of Industrial Explosives Market with a Strong 9.88% Market Share " The key players in the Industrial Explosives Market include AECI Limited, Incitec Pivot Limited, Sasol Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Orica Limited, and others. These prominent players focus on strategies such as expansions, acquisitions, joint ventures, and developing new products to strengthen their market positions. " Introducing ThinkMi: Revolutionizing Market Intelligence with AI-Powered Insights for the Industrial Explosives Market " We proudly unveil ThinkMi, a cutting-edge AI product designed to transform how businesses interact with the Industrial Explosives Market. ThinkMi stands out as your premier market intelligence partner, delivering unparalleled insights with the power of artificial intelligence. Whether deciphering market trends or offering actionable intelligence, ThinkMi is engineered to provide precise, relevant answers to your most critical business questions. This revolutionary tool is more than just an information source; it's a strategic asset that empowers your decision-making with up-to-the-minute data, ensuring you stay ahead in the fiercely competitive Industrial Explosives Market. Embrace the future of market analysis with ThinkMi, where informed decisions lead to remarkable growth. Ask Question to ThinkMi @ https://app.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/industrial-explosives " Dive into the Industrial Explosives Market Landscape: Explore 192 Pages of Insights, 474 Tables, and 22 Figures " Preface Research Methodology Executive Summary Market Overview Market Insights Industrial Explosives Market, by Type Industrial Explosives Market, by Category Industrial Explosives Market, by Application Americas Industrial Explosives Market Asia-Pacific Industrial Explosives Market Europe , Middle East & Africa Industrial Explosives Market Competitive Landscape Competitive Portfolio Inquire Before Buying @ https://www.360iresearch.com/library/intelligence/industrial-explosives Related Reports: About 360iResearch Founded in 2017, 360iResearch is a market research and business consulting company headquartered in India, with clients and focus markets spanning the globe. We are a dynamic, nimble company that believes in carving ambitious, purposeful goals and achieving them with the backing of our greatest asset our people. Quick on our feet, we have our ear to the ground when it comes to market intelligence and volatility. Our market intelligence is diligent, real-time and tailored to your needs, and arms you with all the insight that empowers strategic decision-making. Our clientele encompasses about 80% of the Fortune Global 500, and leading consulting and research companies and academic institutions that rely on our expertise in compiling data in niche markets. Our meta-insights are intelligent, impactful and infinite, and translate into actionable data that support your quest for enhanced profitability, tapping into niche markets, and exploring new revenue opportunities. Contact 360iResearch Mr. Ketan Rohom 360iResearch Private Limited, Office No. 519, Nyati Empress, Opposite Phoenix Market City, Vimannagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India - 411014. Email: [email protected] USA: +1-530-264-8485 India: +91-922-607-7550 To learn more, visit 360iresearch.com or follow us on LinkedIn , Twitter , and Facebook . Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2359256/360iResearch_Logo.jpg SOURCE 360iResearch NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global industrial heat pumps market size is estimated to grow by USD 666.06 mn from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 5.66% during the forecast period. Industrial heat pumps, utilizing advanced electromechanical technology, are in high demand due to their frequent use and complexity. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, regular maintenance is essential. Digitized solutions, such as Meier Tobler's smart-guard, enable remote monitoring and coordination of operating parameters. Key trends include electric shock resistance, hot water applications, global sales, industrial end users, rapid industrialization, investment, decarbonization, and policy support. Heat pumps serve various sectors, including buildings and industrial processes, and reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to energy security and net zero emissions. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Industrial Heat Pumps Market 2023-2027 To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Innovation Sparks Market Growth: The global industrial heat pump market is experiencing significant growth due to rapid industrialization and the shift towards decarbonization. Industrial heat pumps, which can be closed or open loop, are used extensively in various sectors, including buildings and industrial processes. These complex electromechanical systems, which can provide hot water or heat for air conditioning, require regular maintenance for electric shock resistance and safety. With the increasing focus on energy security and net zero emissions, investment in industrial heat pumps is on the rise. Heat pump units, which can be sourced from various manufacturers, offer an efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. The emergence of digitized and IoT-based solutions enables optimal coordination and monitoring of these systems, ensuring quality and safety. The European Union is providing policy support for the adoption of heat pumps, with sales growth expected to continue. Decarbonization efforts and space cooling demand are key drivers for this market. Despite the initial set-up cost, the long-term benefits, including energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions, make industrial heat pumps a worthwhile investment. Addressing Challenges: The Industrial Heat Pump market encompasses the production, sale, and installation of heat pump units for buildings and industrial processes. Heat pumps, which function as both air conditioners and heaters, offer decarbonisation benefits through heat pumping and energy security. However, their initial cost and the rising refrigerant prices pose challenges. The European Union, recognising their net zero emissions potential, provides policy support through initiatives like REPowerEU and the Defense Production Act. Sales growth is driven by space cooling demand, energy performance requirements, and renewable energy targets. Business prospects include carbon neutral heat supply, power generation, and the ban of fossil fuels. Manufacturers focus on power consumption and power efficiency, automatic operation, easy installation, and high efficiency. Financial instruments, electricity tariffs, taxes and levies, and performance-based labels influence market dynamics. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Analyst Review The Industrial Heat Pumps Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for decarbonisation in buildings and industrial processes. Heat pumps, which include air conditioners and refrigerators, are essential for space cooling and heat production. The REPowerEU initiative and Defense Production Act are driving policy support for the sales growth of heat pump units. Energy security and net zero emissions are key priorities, leading to the ban of fossil fuels and the promotion of renewable energy sources. Financial instruments, such as electricity tariffs and taxes and levies, are influencing energy pricing and the adoption of performance-based labels. Renewable energy targets are also playing a crucial role in the market's development. Air heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional power generation methods. Overall, the Industrial Heat Pumps Market is poised for continued expansion as the world transitions to a low-carbon economy. Market Overview The Industrial Heat Pumps market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions in various industries. These pumps, which use refrigerant to transfer heat from a source of warmth to a destination where it's needed, are becoming increasingly popular in manufacturing processes and power generation. The Refinery and Petrochemical sectors are major consumers of industrial heat pumps, as they require large amounts of thermal energy for their operations. Carbon neutrality and sustainability are key drivers in the market, with policies and regulations encouraging the adoption of clean technologies. Policymakers and industry experts predict that the market for industrial heat pumps will continue to grow, driven by the need for cost-effective and efficient heating and cooling solutions. The use of advanced technologies such as supercritical fluids and absorption chillers is also expected to expand the market's scope. Overall, the Industrial Heat Pumps market is poised for continued growth, driven by the need for energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Companies: Industrial Heat Pumps Market is fragmented ; the companies are competing with competitors and are trying to get greater market share. The market is growing, and the chances of new entrants cannot be overlooked. The major companies have well-established economies of scale and market presence and generally rely on positioning technological advances, and the price of the products. Industrial Heat Pumps Market report includes information on the product launches, sustainability, and prospects of leading vendors including Bard HVAC, Carrier Global Corp., Daikin Industries Ltd., Danfoss AS, Emerson Electric Co, Johnson Controls International Plc., Lennox International Inc., LG Electronics Inc., MAYEKAWA MFG. CO. LTD., Meier Tobler AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., NIBE Industrier AB, OCHSNER Warmepumpen GmbH, Oilon Group Oy, Rheem Manufacturing Co., Robert Bosch GmbH, Robur Spa, Sirac Air Conditioning Equipments Co. Ltd., Systemair AB, Toshiba Corp. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio SAN JOSE, Calif., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- INFINIQ, a leading South Korean AI platform services company, announced a breakthrough in few-shot object detection with the publication of their research paper, "Re-scoring using Image-Language Similarity for Few-Shot Object Detection," in the esteemed international journal, "Computer Vision and Image Understanding." INFINIQ's RISF model outperforms conventional methods in object detection with minimal data The paper explores the development of a novel AI model named RISF (Re-scoring using Image-Language Similarity for Few-Shot Object Detection). RISF addresses the challenge of accurately detecting objects in datasets containing limited images (less than 30). The model leverages the power of image-language similarity to pinpoint object location and classification. RISF combines an object detection model with a Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training (CLIP) model. To ensure seamless integration and enhance accuracy, INFINIQ researchers developed a new loss function called Background Negative Re-scale Loss (BNRL). INFINIQ's RISF achieved recognition by securing the second position in the few-shot object detection category on "papers with code," a renowned platform for sharing AI research, achieving an average precision (AP) score of 25.5. The paper's publication in Computer Vision and Image Understanding, a high-caliber SCI(E)-indexed journal, further validates the model's significance. "RISF outperforms conventional methods in object detection with minimal data," said Min Jae Jung, lead researcher behind the paper. "This exceptional performance and accuracy make RISF a valuable model during the AI learning phase." "The publication of RISF in such a well-respected journal signifies its global potential," commented Jun Hyung Park, CEO of INFINIQ. "INFINIQ remains committed to driving innovation in the field of artificial intelligence." About INFINIQ INFINIQ, a member company of Global Digital Innovation Network (formerly known as Born2Global Centre), is a specialized artificial intelligence platform company with expertise in autonomous driving development and computer vision fields, serving a diverse clientele. With a focus on the AI development platform 'AI Studio' and the AI-based video analysis solution 'Heidi AI', the company is expanding its footprint into the autonomous driving, security, and defense sectors. Moreover, it has been diversifying its offerings since its inception in 2016, starting with AI data processing services, and now encompassing various services based on AI Vision and AI platforms. SOURCE Infiniq SEOUL, South Korea, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- J INTS BIO announced the results of its ongoing Phase 1 clinical study of JIN-A02, a 4th generation EGFR-TKI for NSCLC treatment, at the 8th April poster session of the 2024 American Cancer Research Society (AACR) Annual Meeting held in San Diego, California, from 5th to 10th April (U.S. local time). Professor Cho, Byoung Chul is having a conversation about the poster presentation of Phase 1/2 study of its Novel Oral 4th Generation EGFR-TKI JIN-A02 at the 2024 American Association of Cancer Research in San Diego, USA (AACR 2024) Lung CT scan image, right lower lobe tumor lesion 21mm -> 10mm, tumor size reduced by 52.4% 'JIN-A02' is a 4th generation EGFR-TKI targeting C797S mutation that causes resistance to 3rd generation EGFR-TKI (such as Osimertinib, Lazertinib), commonly used in the treatment of NSCLC. 'JIN-A02' also targets T790M mutation independently of C797S mutation. This ongoing Phase 1 clinical study is currently in its 4th Dose Level of 100mg daily and patients have showed increasing clinical benefits with each increasing dose levels. To-date, Partial Response (PR) was confirmed in one subject on the prior dose level of 50mg daily and stable diseases in two other subjects separately in Dose Level 50mg and 25mg daily. Despite the initial low doses, JIN-A02 has showed clinical benefits immediately, cumulating in a Partial Response at the 3rd Dose Level of 50mg, which is an encouraging result in such an early stage of clinical development, the company explained. Furthermore, JIN-A02 has showed a favorable safety profile with no cardiotoxicity, rash or diarrhea reported, even at the current Dose Level of 100mg daily and the longest duration of treatment is over 8 months and still continuing, the company added. The 5th Dose Level of 150mg daily is expected to begin in 3Q 2024. J INTS BIO confirmed the favorable safety and efficacy signals of 'JIN-A02' with clinical benefits in this poster presentation in San Diego and greater clinical impact is expected as the study progresses. SOURCE J INTS BIO Kona Gold Beverages & Apple Rush Co. Execute Joint Venture & Manufacturing Agreement Lena Brewing to Co-Pack Highly Anticipated Products for Kona Gold Beverages MELBOURNE, Fla., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. (OTCPK: KGKG), a prominent holding company specializing in cutting-edge product development within the better-for-you and functional beverage sector, proudly announces its Joint Venture Agreement with Apple Rush Co., Inc. (OTC.PK: APRU) . Both companies are pleased to announce a groundbreaking joint venture agreement aimed at transforming the beverage industry landscape. This strategic partnership brings together the unique capabilities of both companies to innovate, manufacture, and market a range of cutting-edge products catering to evolving consumer preferences. Kona Gold Beverages, renowned for its premium energy drinks and health-conscious offerings, joins forces with Apple Rush Co., a diversified holding company with extensive experience in farming and manufacturing within the nutraceutical space. Through its subsidiary, Lena Brewing, Apple Rush possesses the manufacturing prowess required to bring innovative beverage concepts to life. Under the terms of the agreement, Lena Brewing will play a pivotal role in manufacturing several products for Kona Gold Beverages, including the highly anticipated Kona Gold Hemps Energy Drink, Highdrate D9 Seltzer, and an exciting new functional beverage line. Apple Rush Co. commits to developing a proprietary formula for its new beverages, ensuring a blend that resonates with active lifestyles and meets stringent quality standards. "Our team flew out to Chicago to tour Lena Brewing and were thoroughly impressed with the facility and the opportunity for expansion." said Brandon White, President of Kona Gold Beverages. "This joint venture represents a convergence of expertise, innovation, and shared vision to redefine beverage excellence. With Apple Rush's manufacturing capabilities and our commitment to delivering top-tier products, we are poised to revolutionize the industry." Apple Rush Co. CEO, David A Torgerud, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The collaboration with Kona Gold Beverages marks a significant milestone for Apple Rush and underscores our dedication to driving innovation and value creation. By leveraging our manufacturing expertise and Kona Gold's market leadership, we are well-positioned to introduce groundbreaking beverages that resonate with consumers seeking premium, plant-based alternatives." The joint venture agreement underscores the commitment of both companies to harnessing collective strengths and delivering unparalleled value to consumers. Through collaborative product development, meticulous manufacturing processes, and strategic marketing initiatives, Kona Gold Beverages and Apple Rush Co. are poised to disrupt the functional beverage market landscape. About Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. Kona Gold Beverage, Inc., operates as a holding company in the beverage industry. Through its subsidiaries, Kona Gold LLC and Covert LLC, it offers a diverse range of healthy energy drinks and products. Kona Gold's premium line of energy drinks caters to health-conscious consumers, alongside its innovative HighDrate D9 Drinks. Covert LLC specializes in high-quality products, including Delta-8, THCa, THC-P, and Kratom. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. is actively engaged in expanding its market presence through strategic acquisitions. Investor Relations Contact: Phone: 844-714-2224 Email: [email protected] For more information regarding Kona Gold Beverage, please visit: https://konagoldbeverage.com/ About The Apple Rush Company, Inc. The Apple Rush Company, Inc., through its subsidiary APRU, LLC, is a distributor of CPG products under the trademarked Apple Rush brand, Element brand, and other labels. APRU is a Diversified holding company with farming and manufacturing within the nutraceutical space. Formulator and co-packer of juices, soft chews, oils, soaps, salves, and sodas. Apple Rush and its subsidiary, Lena Brewery, possess the manufacturing capabilities and expertise necessary to produce the beverages. The Apple Rush brand has more than 50 years of existence in the natural beverage industry. As a historical leader in the organic and natural beverage sector our goal is to now become a leader in the distribution of anhydrous hemp oil products nationwide. For more information, please go to www.aprubrands.com, www.element- brands.com, elementk.kratomwave.store www.alkhemicalroots.com with our expanded product portfolio. For media inquiries, please contact: Investor Relations Contact: Tony Torgerud; 888-741-3777 x 2 www.aprubrands.com Safe Harbor Statement: The information posted in this release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by use of the words "may," "will," "should," "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "continue," "estimate," "project," "intend," and similar expressions. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Company's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or anticipated. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in technology and methods of marketing, delays in completing various engineering and manufacturing programs, changes in customer order patterns, changes in product mix, continued success in technological advances and delivering technological innovations, shortages in components, production delays due to performance quality issues with outsourced components, and various other factors beyond the Company's control. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE Kona Gold Beverage, Inc. BANGALORE, India, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- L7e Quadricycles Market is Segmented by Type (L7Ae, L7Be, L7Ce), by Application (Commercial, Household). The Global L7e Quadricycles Market is projected to grow from US$ 699 million in 2023 to US$ 894.2 million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-12T10060/Global_L7e_Quadricycles_Market Major Factors Driving L7e Quadricycles Market: A number of important reasons are propelling the expansion of the L7e quadricycle market. First, a move toward more environmentally friendly and effective forms of transportation has been spurred by rising urbanization and traffic in cities. Due to their environmental friendliness, lightweight, and compact design, quadricycles are becoming more and more popular as short-distance commuting options for conventional cars. Furthermore, growing environmental consciousness and stricter emission rules have increased demand for electric quadricycles, which provide zero-emission mobility options. Furthermore, a variety of clients, including urban commuters, delivery businesses, and recreational users, find quadricycles to be appealing due to its cost and adaptability. View Full Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-12T10060/global-l7e-quadricycles TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF L7E QUADRICYCLES MARKET Economic factors have a major role in the expansion of the L7e quadricycle market. Quadricycles provide a strong substitute for more costly and effective forms of transportation as people look for them. These cars are more affordable than regular cars, which opens up the market to a wider spectrum of buyers, especially those in developing nations. Quadricycles are more economically appealing since they usually have reduced running costs, including gasoline and maintenance expenditures. Growing environmental concerns are another factor propelling the market for L7e quadricycles forward. The need for environmentally friendly transportation solutions is rising as people become more conscious of air pollution and climate change. In comparison to other types of cars, quadricycles, which are frequently propelled by electric or hybrid motors, produce fewer greenhouse emissions and other pollutants. Another important element driving the growth of the L7e quadricycle market is the expansion of urbanization. Congestion and a lack of parking spaces are frequent issues with traditional cars in highly crowded metropolitan areas. Due to their tiny size and agility, quadricycles can be parked in tight locations and are a great way to negotiate busy city streets. Convenient urban transportation options, such as quadricycles, are projected to become more in demand as cities continue to grow and people move into urban areas. Government rules and laws are also major factors in the market expansion for L7e quadricycles. Authorities are taking action in several places to encourage the use of electric and low-emission cars as a means of reducing air pollution and addressing climate change. Owners of quadricycles are frequently eligible for subsidies, tax benefits, and exemptions from congestion fees as part of these programs. Governments encourage manufacturers and customers to use quadricycles as a sustainable mode of transportation by offering incentives and regulatory assistance. The market for L7e quadricycles is expanding as a result of the emergence of ridesharing services and micro-mobility solutions. Quadricycles are becoming a more viable and sustainable form of short-distance urban transportation, and as such, they are finding their way into ridesharing fleets and micro-mobility programs. In an era where people are embracing shared mobility choices and looking for alternatives to owning a car, quadricycles are a desirable option for easy, on-demand transportation. Buy Now: https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-12T10060&lic=single-user L7E QUADRICYCLES MARKET SHARE Thanks to policies that encourage sustainable urban mobility and transportation, Europe is a major market for L7e quadricycles. Due to their categorization as light vehicles, which permits them to be driven without a complete automobile driver's license, quadricycles have found substantial popularity in countries like France and Italy. Furthermore, the market for electric quadricycles has been boosted by the European Union's emphasis on cutting emissions. Europe is anticipated to continue being a major market for L7e quadricycles because of its developed infrastructure and environmentally conscious culture. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-12T10060/Global_L7e_Quadricycles_Market Key Companies: Renault LIGIER GROUP Tazzari Zero Chatenet Club Car Aixam (Polaris) Purchase Chapters: https://reports.valuates.com/request/chaptercost/QYRE-Auto-12T10060/Global_L7e_Quadricycles_Market SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Miniature Electric Vehicles Market - Heavy Quadricycles market was valued at US$ 640.8 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 759.8 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Light Quadricycles market was valued at US$ 217.9 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 258.4 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Motorized Quadricycles market was valued at US$ 858.7 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 1368.3 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Micro Electric Vehicle Market - L7 and L6 Quadricycles Market - Electric Dirt Bike market is projected to reach US$ 2293.3 million in 2029, increasing from US$ 1648 million in 2022, with a CAGR of 4.8% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - The global electric vehicle market was valued at USD 163.01 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 823.75 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 18.2% from 2021 to 2030. - Electric Bike Market by Product, Drive Mechanism, and Battery Type: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20202030," the global E-bikes market was valued at USD 40.3 Billion in 2019, and is projected to reach USD 118.6 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 10.5% from 2020 to 2030. - Electric Scooter and Motorcycle market was valued at US$ 5682.6 million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach US$ 8169.5 million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - The global micromobility market was valued at USD 40.19 Billion in 2020, and is projected to reach USD 195.42 Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 17.4% from 2021 to 2030. - Automotive Interior Leather Market was estimated to be worth US$ 5173.4 million in 2023 and is forecast to a readjusted size of US$ 6737.6 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 3.8% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Ground Protection Mats Market - Cable Protection Systems Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! 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Valuates Reports [email protected] For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg SOURCE Valuates Reports GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Damascus Middle Eastern Grill, the esteemed Middle Eastern restaurant renowned for its authentic culinary heritage, is excited to announce its new identity at Corewell Health Hospital Food Court. Once known as Le Kabob, the establishment has undergone a transformation that marries tradition with innovation to bring patrons an elevated dining experience like never before. With a focus on preserving the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing new culinary horizons, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill promises a dining journey that transcends borders. With the rebranding from Le Kabob to Damascus Middle Eastern Grill, the restaurant reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional dishes that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing a forward-looking approach to gastronomy. Under the new banner of Damascus Middle Eastern Grill, guests can expect the same commitment to excellence and quality that has defined the restaurant for years. The transition represents a seamless blend of old-world recipes, passed down through generations, with a fresh perspective that caters to modern tastes. With a focus on preserving the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing new culinary horizons, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill promises a dining journey that transcends borders. The Corewell Health Hospital location offers diners a convenient oasis of flavors along the renowned 'Medical Mile' in Grand Rapids. The fusion of traditional recipes and a contemporary dining space creates a harmonious ambiance that invites both locals and visitors alike to savor the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture. The rebranding of Le Kabob to Damascus Middle Eastern Grill marks a momentous occasion in the culinary landscape of Grand Rapids. With a steadfast dedication to authenticity and a vision for the future, the restaurant sets out to redefine Middle Eastern dining in the heart of the city. Whether for a quick bite at the Corewell Health Hospital Food Court or a leisurely meal to unwind, Damascus Middle Eastern Grill invites you to embark on a gastronomic voyage that celebrates heritage, community, and exceptional flavors. Damascus Middle Eastern Grill stands as the premier Middle Eastern restaurant in Grand Rapids, MI, situated conveniently in the bustling Corewell Health Hospital Food Court. Embracing a legacy of traditional recipes passed down through generations, the establishment prides itself on offering an unparalleled culinary experience that resonates with authenticity and passion. With the rebranding from Le Kabob to Damascus Middle Eastern Grill, the restaurant reaffirms its commitment to delivering exceptional dishes that capture the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing a forward-looking approach to gastronomy. Contact Information: Mohammad Yasen [email protected] (616) 635-2678 SOURCE Damascus Middle Eastern Grill NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leather Luggage Market size is estimated to grow by USD 3.90 billion at a CAGR of 5.59% between 2022 and 2027. APAC contributes 49% to global market growth. Technavio analysts detail regional trends. Leather travel goods industry expands with durable and stylish products. Manufacturers in APAC, like Hidesign, expand retail networks and online presence to boost sales. China's market growth driven by rising middle class and online retail. Domestic and international luxury brands flourish in APAC. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Leather Luggage Market 2023-2027 The report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments Download Free Sample before buying Company Offering: DELSEY - The company offers suitcases, bags, accessories, and others. The key offerings of the company include these solutions. The leather luggage market is fragmented owing to the presence of many global and regional companies. A few prominent companies that offer leather luggage market are Bellroy Pty Ltd., Capri Holdings Ltd., Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, DELSEY, Fossil Group Inc., Goldlion Group Co. Ltd., Hermes International SA, Hidesign, Kering SA, Leatherology, LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, MAHI Leather Ltd., NAPPA DORI Pvt. Ltd., Prada S.p.A, Samsonite International S.A., Tapestry Inc., Tucano Srl, VIP Industries Ltd., Zhejiang Jinluda Leather Goods Co. Ltd., and Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. For details on companies and their offerings Buy report! By Geography, the market is classified as APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa. APAC will have the largest share of the market. APAC contributes 49% to global market growth, driven by expanding retail networks and online presence of vendors. The leather travel goods industry thrives with durable products. China's market growth fueled by rising middle class and online retail emergence. Domestic and international luxury brands flourish in APAC. Download free sample report To get more insights on the market share of various regions and contribution of the segments. The rising number of initiatives is notably driving market growth: Initiatives drive market growth, as demand from manufacturers rises globally. Expanding leather industry boosts availability for diverse leather goods, from neckpieces to handbags, sold via B2B and B2C channels. Innovations like wheeled handle bags emerge. Strategic plans, like India's CLE plan, aim to boost leather exports. Planned facilities in Tanzania will further increase leather supply, driving market growth. The increasing demand for eco or organic leather and bio-fabricated leather is an emerging trend in the market. The wide availability of leather-free luggage products is a major challenge impeding the market growth. Market Segmentation By Product, the market is classified into travel bags, casual bags, and business bags. The travel bags segment contributes the largest share of the market. The travel bags segment shows significant growth prospects. Valued at USD 5.29 billion in 2017, it offers various options like totes, duffels, and rolling luggage. Customization options, such as color and design, cater to fashion-conscious consumers. Leather bags, including neckpieces and handbags, dominate the market. Innovative features like spinner systems and increased storage capacity drive growth. Retailers like Modern and Tribal CC offer customizable options like the Marcus Leather backpack, appealing to diverse consumer preferences. Expanding product lines through new variations further stimulates market growth. Technavio Research experts has provided more insights on the market share of segments View Free Sample Report Analyst Reveiw: The Leather Luggage Market is witnessing a surge in demand, fueled by the needs of modern travelers seeking durable, stylish, and reliable luggage solutions. With increasing travel frequencies and the rising preference for high-quality luggage, the market is experiencing notable growth. One of the key features driving the popularity of leather luggage is its durability and resilience. Leather luggage is known for its water-proof and crack-proof properties, offering protection against contamination, dust, and other environmental factors. Additionally, many leather luggage products are fireproof, providing added safety for travelers, especially those carrying electronic gadgets or valuable belongings. The integration of innovative materials such as pineapple leaves and mushroom root into leather production is further enhancing the appeal of leather luggage. These sustainable and eco-friendly materials not only contribute to the crack-proof and water-resistant features of leather products but also align with the growing consumer demand for environmentally conscious goods. The leather luggage market caters to diverse consumer segments, including travelers, business professionals, and fashion enthusiasts. Leather products extend beyond luggage to include jackets, pants, belts, footwear, and accessories such as purses, wallets, bracelets, and gloves. This versatility makes leather an attractive choice for consumers seeking both functionality and style in their travel gear. Retail stores play a significant role in the distribution of leather luggage, offering a wide range of options to consumers. However, the market is also witnessing an increase in online sales channels, providing convenience and accessibility to a broader audience. Innovations in leather luggage design, such as trolley bags with wheels, side handles, and compact travel bags, are catering to the evolving needs of travelers. Additionally, premium designer leather bags are gaining popularity among fashion-conscious consumers, driving the market's growth in the luxury segment. The leather luggage market is closely intertwined with the tourism industry, as travelers seek durable and stylish luggage solutions for their journeys. Working women, in particular, are driving demand for trendy handbags and fashionable leather accessories that offer both functionality and style. In conclusion, the leather luggage market is thriving due to the demand for durable, stylish, and functional travel gear. With innovative features, sustainable materials, and a focus on consumer preferences, the market is poised for continued growth and expansion in the coming years. Market Overview: The leather luggage market caters to travelers seeking durable, stylish products for their journeys. These luggage items boast features such as water-proof and crack-proof materials, ensuring protection against contamination, dust, and fire. With a focus on functionality, manufacturers integrate compartments for electronic gadgets and provide fireproof features. Leather luggage extends beyond travel needs, serving as fashion statements in the textile industry, offering jackets, pants, belts, and footwear with fur linings for cold countries. Premium designer leather bags dominate retail stores, appealing to consumers in the tourism industry. Innovative products like compact leather travel bags and stylish handbags meet evolving consumer demands, emphasizing quality, durability, and fashion. Related Reports: The travel and business bags market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.64% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 12,165.86 million. The luggage market size is estimated to grow USD 12.52 billion at a CAGR of 7.5% between 2022 and 2027. About US Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contact US: Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Claims Datafill can now proactively deliver key insights directly to carriers to help adjusters expedite claims for consumers and identify liability and claims fraud. ATLANTA, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a leading data, analytics and technology provider, today announced LexisNexis Claims Datafill now offers the capability to proactively inform insurance carriers about the availability of a police report or violation data to help expedite insurance claims and improve the experience for consumers experiencing a loss event. Gathering information is one of the most time-consuming and costly steps in the claims process. According to 2023 LexisNexis Risk Solutions claims satisfaction research, 33% of consumers cited the length of time to settle claims as a primary reason for switching carriers. Increased claims severities, which are well above historical averages, have continued to challenge the U.S. auto insurance market, registering six consecutive quarters of at least 5% growthi. Fueled by labor and part shortages, the cost to repair or replace vehicles is increasing. More than a quarter of collision events from 2022 (27%) were total lossesii, which has added more expense pressure on American consumers as auto insurance rates are up almost 21% for the 12 months ended in Februaryiii. Part of the LexisNexis Claims Compass platform, Claims Datafill is designed to help claims organizations validate data and information on people, policies and vehicles. It helps enable U.S. auto insurers to accelerate claim closings with more complete information and shave meaningful time off the claims process. New event monitoring features will help adjusters make more informed liability, subrogation and triage decisions with actionable insights delivered throughout the lifecycle of the claim. "Event monitoring is a significant leap forward in our mission to empower insurers with a holistic picture of a claim event and save insurance adjusters from hunting for information and avoiding unnecessary exchanges with claimants," said Tanner Sheehan, vice president and general manager, claims, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "Consumers want a quick, precise and easy claims experience, or they may consider shopping for a new insurance carrier. Claims Datafill can help improve customer experiences by limiting questions to consumers and expediting the steps of the claims process." "Insurers are continuing to grapple with the pivotal challenges of customer satisfaction, profitability and the complexities that have been further compounded by claimants seeking legal counsel," said Shannon Holt, associate vice president, claims, LexisNexis Risk Solutions. "Event monitoring within Claims Datafill is a strategic response to industry challenges designed to improve the consumer experience by accelerating claims management and tapping into the insights needed to support better decisioning. The ultimate end is to provide carriers with the right intelligence to address a claim with confidence." For more information, please visit LexisNexis Claims Datafill About LexisNexis Risk Solutions LexisNexis Risk Solutions harnesses the power of data and advanced analytics to provide insights that help businesses and governmental entities reduce risk and improve decisions to benefit people around the globe. We provide data and technology solutions for a wide range of industries, including insurance, financial services, healthcare and government. Headquartered in metro Atlanta, Georgia, we have offices throughout the world and are part of RELX (LSE: REL/NYSE: RELX), a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers. For more information, please visit www.risk.lexisnexis.com, and www.relx.com. Media Contacts: Chas Strong Director, Communications LexisNexis Risk Solutions +1.706.714.7083 [email protected] Carla Orlandi Brodeur Partners for LexisNexis Risk Solutions +1.908.514.0852 [email protected] i LexisNexis Risk Solutions Internal Data ii LexisNexis Risk Solutions Internal Data iii U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index; March 12, 2024 SOURCE LexisNexis Risk Solutions NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global low-alcohol beverages market size is estimated to grow by USD 332 mn from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 4.54% during the forecast period. The low-alcohol beverages market is growing due to health-conscious consumers seeking safer alternatives to conventional alcoholic drinks. Low-alcohol beverages are promoted as healthier options, with fewer negative health effects compared to beer, wine, and spirits. Consumers prefer high-quality, creative, nutritious, and low-calorie beverages with various flavors, such as cocktail mixes and fruit-flavored options. Companies like Molson Coors offer Nolo drinks and British craft beer with lower ABV. Online shopping platforms provide low entry hurdles for consumers in emerging economies. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Low-Alcohol Beverages Market 2024-2028 For more insights on the historic (2018 - 2022) and forecast market size- Request a sample report Low-Alcohol Beverages Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.54% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 332 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 3.7 Regional analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution Europe at 37% Key countries US, China, Germany, UK, and France Key companies profiled Accolade Wines Australia Ltd., Allagash Brewing Co., Anheuser Busch InBev SA NV, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Bacardi Ltd., Beam Suntory Inc., Carlsberg Breweries AS, CODYs Drinks International GmbH, Constellation Brands Inc., Curious Elixirs, Diageo Plc, Heineken NV, Kirin Holdings Co. Ltd., Metabrand Corp., Molson Coors Beverage Co., New Belgium Brewing Co. Inc., Olvi Plc, Royal Unibrew AS, Sapporo Holdings Ltd., and The Boston Beer Co. Inc. Segment Overview This low-alcohol beverages market report extensively covers market segmentation by Distribution Channel (Off-trade, On-trade) Product (Low alcohol beer, Low alcohol wine, Low alcohol RTD, Low alcohol cider, Low alcohol spirits) Geography (Europe, North America, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa) Market segmentation by Distribution Channel The Low-Alcohol Beverages Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the health-conscious consumer trend and the continued popularity of traditional beer. However, customers seek high-quality, creative beverages with bold flavors, even at lower alcohol content. Companies like Anheuser Busch InBev SA/NV respond with offerings like WALS BERLINER, a 3.3% ABV beer infused with red fruits, hibiscus, and a strawberry aroma. This market expansion includes cocktail mixes, canned beverages, and a variety of flavors, from Nolo drinks to British craft beer. While alcohol content is lower, taste, mouthfeel, and variety remain paramount. Consumption patterns shift towards better lifestyles, with young consumers, adults, and women increasingly opting for calming, nutritious, and low-calorie options. Emerging economies join the trend, with online shopping platforms and low entry hurdles fueling the demand for healthy products. Despite the rise of low-alcohol beverages, negative health effects from heavy alcohol consumption in wine, beer, and spirits remain concerns. Companies like Molson Coors introduce Coors Edge, further expanding the non-alcoholic beverage landscape. Cardiovascular ailments and high blood pressure are among the health issues addressed by this market. Geography Overview The Low-Alcohol Beverages Market in Europe is experiencing robust growth, driven by the introduction of Healthy Products with Alcohol-by-Volume (ABV) below 3.5%. Germany, Spain, and the UK lead the market, fueled by high living standards and strong brand value. Vendors offer a Variety of Low-Calorie, Fruit-Flavoured options, catering to Consumer Preferences for Taste and Mouthfeel. Molson Coors, with its Coors Edge brand, is a key player, focusing on Non-Alcoholic Beverages. In Emerging Economies, health concerns related to Cardiovascular Ailments and High Blood Pressure are driving demand. The Low-Alcohol Beer segment is popular among Millennials and Young People, promoting Healthy Drinking Habits and Mindful Consumption. Investments in Research and Development and innovative Low-Alcohol Beverage Flavors continue, with a focus on High-Quality, Creative, Nutritious offerings. Alcohol Content is reduced, with Cans and Cocktail Mixes gaining popularity. Consumers seek Alcoholic Drinks that align with their Health Goals and prioritize Taste and Mouthfeel, reflecting the evolving role of the Low-Alcohol Beverage Industry. Insights on the market contribution of various segments including country and region wise, historic (2018 - 2022) and forecast market size- Download a Sample Report The low-alcohol beverages market is driven by the rising demand for gluten-free and low-calorie options due to health consciousness. The global market for gluten-free products is growing, particularly in the US due to celiac disease awareness. Low-alcohol beer, a key trend, caters to health-focused consumers, including millennials and young people. Investments in high-quality, creative, nutritious beverages with various flavors, such as fruit-flavored and cocktail mixes, are increasing. Emerging economies and hypermarkets/supermarkets also contribute to the market's growth. The low-alcohol beverages market faces challenges from counterfeit products, made with low-quality materials and potentially harmful to health. This issue is more prevalent in developing regions due to increasing demand and e-commerce penetration. Keywords: Alcoholic beverages, Low-alcohol beer, Millennials, Hypermarkets, Supermarkets, Consumers, Investments, Healthy drinking habits, Product quality, Flavor, Counterfeit, E-commerce. Counterfeit low-alcohol beverages pose health risks and hinder market growth. Insights on Market Drivers, trends, & Challenges, historic period(2018 - 2022) and forecast period(2024-2028)- Request a sample report! Research Analysis The Low-Alcohol Beverages market is experiencing significant growth, particularly among young people, or millennials, who prioritize Healthy drinking habits and Mindful drinking as part of their Health goals. Companies like Molson Coors are responding to this trend by introducing high-quality, creative Low-Alcohol beverages with a Variety of Fruit flavors and a focus on Taste and mouthfeel. These beverages, which typically have an Alcohol-by-volume (ABV) of less than 3.5%, are also Low-calorie and Nutritious, making them attractive to Consumers looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Investments in product quality and innovative flavors are key to meeting Customer preferences for Taste, Flavor, and Mouthfeel, while also catering to the growing demand for Health and wellness products. Hypermarkets and Supermarkets are important channels for the distribution and sale of these beverages, making them readily available to a wide audience. Market Research Overview The Low-Alcohol Beverages market is experiencing significant growth, with a rising trend towards healthier consumption habits. These beverages, which include Alcoholic beverages with a volume share of less than 2.5% ABV, are gaining popularity among consumers who wish to enjoy social occasions without the high alcohol content. The market consists of various types of beverages such as Mills and Long Drinks, Wines, Beers, and Spirits. Companies like AB InBev, Heineken, and Carlsberg are major contributors to this market. The market is driven by factors such as Healthy Lifestyle Trends, Increasing Preference for Low-Alcohol Beverages, and Government Regulations. The market is also witnessing innovation with the introduction of new flavors and product lines. The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment holds the largest market share in the distribution channel. The market is expected to continue its growth trajectory in the coming years. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Company's network strength will help transform the investigative arm of Congress WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumen Technologies (NYSE: LUMN) recently landed a $73,616,904 contract to transform the U.S. Government Accountability Office's (GAO) network, data, voice and video connectivity so the agency can better serve Congress and the American people. Lumen lands contract with U.S. Government Accountability Office. "Lumen's network strength is helping GAO transform how it connects and communicates using modern technologyan important move that will help the agency make timely recommendations to Congress that save taxpayer money and benefit the American people," said Jason Schulman, Lumen National Vice President of Federal Government Sales. "GAO chose Lumen to guide the agency as it adopts, manages and leads through technology evolutions and digital transformation." Speed Read: These modern technologies powered by Lumen enable GAO to provide Congress, the executive branch and the public with well-timed, fact-based, non-partisan analysis and recommendations that can improve government and save taxpayers billions of dollars. Lumen is delivering secure managed network services, virtual private network services, ethernet transport services, internet protocol services, videoconferencing services, and voice and toll-free services to GAO, which serves as the audit, evaluation and investigative arm of Congress. This task order has a base performance period of one year, with eight additional one-year options. It was awarded to Lumen under the General Services Administration's Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) program. The company is helping GAO embark on its journey to transform to a contractor-owned and contractor-operated (COCO) network model that decreases capital expenditures, increases efficiency and improves service delivery. Lumen delivers the secure, scalable and reliable network infrastructure government agencies like GAO need to carry out their important missions. GAO's purpose is to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the benefit of the American people. Past EIS Wins: Learn more about our U.S. Department of Agriculture $1.2 billion network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2022-01-20-U-S-Department-of-Agriculture-awards-Lumen-1-2-billion-network-services-contract network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2022-01-20-U-S-Department-of-Agriculture-awards-Lumen-1-2-billion-network-services-contract Learn more about our U.S. Department of the Interior $1.6 billion network services award: https://news.lumen.com/2020-01-16-U-S-Dept-of-the-Interior-Awards-CenturyLink-1-6-Billion-EIS-Network-Services-Win About Lumen Technologies: Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers' needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights, visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. Learn more about Lumen's public sector capabilities on Twitter at @lumengov and on LinkedIn at @lumenpublicsector. SOURCE Lumen Technologies NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Warshaw Burstein, LLP is pleased to announce the addition of five partners from the firm of Brady Klein & Weissman, LLP. Margaret M. Brady, Mitchell Klein, Steven J. Weissman, Lawrence H. Kotik and John E. DelGrosso began practicing at Warshaw Burstein on April 1, 2024. "This team further strengthens our ability to service our clients in the areas of family law, trusts and estates, and real estate," said Managing Partner, Frederick R. Cummings, Jr. "We are pleased they are making the move to Warshaw Burstein. The addition of these well-seasoned attorneys enhances our ability to provide clients with exceptional legal services and advances our growth strategies to serve both businesses and individuals throughout the New York metropolitan, national and international areas." "This further strengthens our ability to service clients in the areas of family law, trusts & estates & real estate." Post this "We are very excited at the opportunity of our team joining a highly respected firm such as Warshaw Burstein," said Margaret M. Brady. "This will be a seamless transition for our clients, while providing them with a broader suite of services." The practice areas and accomplishments of the new attorneys include the following: Margaret M. Brady is a member of the firm's matrimonial and family law practice group. She has successfully represented clients in a variety of contexts, including but not limited to, pre- and post-marital agreements, divorce, custody and child support and equitable distribution litigation, dissolution of civil unions and domestic partnerships, and family court proceedings. Ms. Brady also has expertise in corporate and partnership dissolution, probate and other estate litigation, employment matters, and real estate litigation, specifically including partition litigation. Her practice incorporates principles of collaboration and mediation of family law disputes. She is admitted to practice in New York State and is an active member of several bar associations, including as Chair of the LGBT Committee of the New York Women's Bar Association and Co-chair of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Mitchell Klein concentrates his practice in contract law, corporate law, wills and real estate law, which includes cooperative and condominium law as well as cooperative and condominium board representation. Mitchell represents buyers, sellers and investors of both residential and commercial properties. He represents them for the refinancing of mortgages and loans secured by their property. He also represents both landlords and tenants for commercial and residential leasing transactions. Mr. Klein is admitted to practice in New York State and is a member of the New York State Bar Association. Steven J. Weissman has an extensive background in estate planning and administration, and also has substantial experience in family law and issues relating to family formation and parentage establishment. His practice runs the gamut from simple estate plans for single individuals to extraordinarily complex tax-driven planning for families with significant wealth, both inherited and entrepreneurial in nature. Steven also regularly drafts and negotiates premarital agreements, buy-sell agreements, limited liability company operating agreements, and property settlement agreements for couples terminating relationships. Steven also has advised and created charitable organizations, including private foundations, and serves as Executor and Trustee on behalf of numerous clients. He is a member of the New York Bar, the California Bar, the New York State Bar Association, and the Family Law Institute of the National LGBT Bar Association. Lawrence H. Kotik concentrates his practice on real estate, cooperative and condominium law which includes cooperative and condominium board representation and other commercial transactions. He represents commercial and residential property owners in transactions ranging from property transfers, financing transactions, enforcement of property rights, construction contracts and all forms of leasing. He also works with numerous condominium boards of managers and cooperative corporations where he counsels boards on day-to-day affairs including, but not limited to, the enforcement of lease and by-law provisions and resolving disputes with shareholders and unit owners, review of construction contracts, financial documents, and supervision of apartment/unit transfers as transfer agent. He is admitted to practice in New York State and is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Real Estate Division, Committee on Coops and Condos. John E. DelGrosso focuses his practice on trusts and estates matters, including estate planning and estate and trust administration as well as elder law, including Medicaid planning. In addition, he counsels clients with respect to privately held business arrangements and asset protection-related transfers. He also represents fiduciaries on estate and trust administration and beneficiaries of estates and trusts. He is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey state courts and federal courts in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. With roots dating back to 1927, Warshaw Burstein, LLP is a mid-sized law firm, concentrating in the following practice areas: banking and finance, bankruptcy and reorganization, corporate and securities, elder law, employment, fertility law, immigration, intellectual property, litigation, matrimonial and family law, real estate, tax, Title IX and college discipline and trusts and estates. The firm has comprehensive experience representing a wide range of international, national and local businesses of all sizes, as well as governmental authorities and many prominent families and individuals, in an extensive array of litigation and transactional matters. SOURCE Warshaw Burstein, LLP Decorated physicist intends to bring APL's storied tradition of fast publication and impactful science to early career researchers. MELVILLE, N.Y., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AIP Publishing and Applied Physics Letters (APL) are pleased to announce Prof. Maria Antonietta Loi's appointment to APL editor-in-chief. A professor of applied physics and chair of the Photophysics and Optoelectronics group at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, as well as a member of the university's Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, Prof. Loi joined the editorial board of APL as an associate editor in 2014 before being promoted to deputy editor in 2019. Her term as the next editor-in-chief of APL started April 1, 2024. Maria Antonietta Loi "To be appointed editor-in-chief of APL is a great honor and a great responsibility. APL has played a pivotal role in the history of applied physics over the last sixty years; generations of scientists have been educated reading APL papers," said Prof. Loi. Prof. Loi received her Ph.D. from Italy's University of Cagliari in 2001, then studied as a post-doctoral fellow at the Linz Institute for Organic Solar Cells at Austria's University of Linz. In 2006, after several years at the Italian National Research Council's Institute for Nanostructured Materials in Bologna, Italy, she was named assistant professor and Rosalind Franklin Fellow at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials. Prof. Loi has spent a decorated career investigating new semiconductors and improved means of fabricating optoelectronic devices, including solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors. Her awards and honors have included the Minerva Prize in 2011, the Physica Prize in 2018, and elected memberships or fellowships at the American Physical Society (2020), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022), Royal Society of Chemistry (2022), and European Academy of Sciences (2022). Established in 1962, APL is a publication at the very forefront of applied physics. With a dedication to rapidly disseminating key data and novel insights, APL's reach extends across all branches of physics, engineering, and modern technology. "APL has a tradition of everlasting science, science that makes an impact for decades," said Prof. Loi. That tradition is one that Prof Loi intends to carry on to the next generation of researchers advancing applied physics. "Prof. Loi has established herself as one of her field's brightest stars, and we are delighted she will be leading Applied Physics Letters," said AIP Publishing Chief Publishing Officer Penelope Lewis. "Prof. Loi is inheriting a tremendous publication with a deep history a post befitting her remarkable career and we're eager to watch it thrive in new ways under her direction." ABOUT APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS Applied Physics Letters (APL) features concise, up-to-date reports on significant new findings in applied physics. Emphasizing rapid dissemination of key data and new physical insights, APL offers prompt publication of new experimental and theoretical papers reporting applications of physics phenomena to all branches of physics, engineering, and modern technology. In addition to regular articles, the journal also publishes invited Fast Track, Perspectives, and in-depth Editorials which report on cutting-edge areas in applied physics. ABOUT AIP PUBLISHING AIP Publishing's mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity by breaking barriers to open, equitable research communication and empowering researchers to accelerate global progress. AIP Publishing is a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of the American Institute of Physics (AIP) and supports the charitable, scientific, and educational purposes of AIP through scholarly publishing activities on its behalf and on behalf of our publishing partners. SOURCE AIP Publishing NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global mobile middleware market size is estimated to grow by USD 7601.36 million from 2023-2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 18.08% during the forecast period. Mobile middleware is a crucial component of enterprise applications, enabling seamless data exchange and integration between various operating systems, networks, and devices. It supports product approvals, patents, events, and inorganic growth strategies in large enterprises, including the automotive segment. Key services include messaging, data management, and AI technologies like machine learning for customer engagement, supply chain management, and employee productivity. Cost-effective cloud-based solutions facilitate app development and connectivity for different devices and enterprise databases, with recent advancements in IoT and mobile technologies. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Mobile Middleware Market 2023-2027 For more insights on the historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Request a sample report Mobile Middleware Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017 - 2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 18.08% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 7601.36 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 17.59 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 33% Key countries US, India, China, UK, and Germany Key companies profiled Adobe Inc., Appery LLC, Avon Technologies Pvt Ltd., Axway Software SA, BlackBerry Ltd., Fujitsu Ltd., Gartner Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., International Business Machines Corp., Microsoft Corp., Octal IT Solution, Open Text Corp., Oracle Corp., Salesforce Inc., SAP SE, Softeq Development Corp., Temenos AG, TIBCO Software Inc., Unisys Corp., and VMware Inc. Segment Overview This mobile middleware market report extensively covers market segmentation by Deployment (On-premise, Cloud ) End-user (BFSI, Transportation and logistics, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail and others ) Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa) Market segmentation by Deployment The mobile middleware market in the BFSI sector is experiencing significant growth due to product approvals and patent filings for innovative mobile solutions. Key events and inorganic growth strategies, including acquisitions, are shaping the market landscape. Mobile technologies, such as cloud deployment and cost-effective cloud-based solutions, are driving large enterprises and the automotive segment to adopt mobile middleware. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are enhancing customer engagement, supply chain management, employee productivity, and asset tracking. App developers and apps designing focus on connectivity and different devices, integrating with enterprise databases and IoT. Recent developments include the integration of mobile middleware with IOT policies and employee interaction applications, creating a new business model for the industry. Geography Overview The Mobile Middleware Market in North America is experiencing significant growth due to the widespread adoption of mobile technologies, IoT, and cloud deployment in enterprises. Product approvals and patent grants continue to fuel innovation in mobile solutions. Inorganic growth strategies, including acquisitions, are common as app developers and solution providers seek to expand their offerings. Key industries, such as large enterprises and the automotive segment, are integrating mobile middleware into their operations for enhanced customer engagement, employee productivity, and asset tracking. Cloud-based solutions offer cost-effectiveness and flexibility, enabling real-time interaction between different apps and devices. Recent developments include the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve business processes, enhance user experiences, and optimize supply chain management. Policies surrounding employee interaction with business apps and devices continue to evolve, shaping the mobile middleware market model. Insights on the market contribution of various segments including country and region wise, historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Download a Sample Report The BYOD trend drives the mobile middleware market's growth, with employee-owned devices accessing official data. Cloud-based services and enterprise mobility solutions in SMEs and industries like healthcare, energy, and IT contribute. Key areas include product approvals, patents, events, inorganic growth, mobile solutions, AI, ML, customer engagement, and supply chain management. Cost-effective cloud-deployed apps for large enterprises, automotive segment, and asset tracking are facilitated by mobile middleware. Recent developments include app designing, connectivity, IoT, and employee productivity models. Mobile middleware is a crucial component in optimizing communication between mobile applications and operating systems. Its role includes framing and formatting messages for efficient transfer, minimizing round trips, and reducing energy consumption. The mobile middleware market is significant, with key trends being productivity, cloud services, API deployments, analytics capabilities, and adoption of BYOD in various verticals like retail, healthcare, and education. Market growth is driven by automation trends, energy & utilities, travel & hospitality, and telecom industries. Despite high development costs, the future lies in on-cloud mobile middleware solutions for enterprise applications. Insights on Market Drivers, trends, & Challenges, historic period(2017 - 2021) and forecast period(2023-2027)- Request a sample report! Research Analysis In the dynamic world of mobile computing, the Mobile Middleware Market plays a pivotal role in connecting different Apps and devices, enabling seamless communication between them. App developers utilize mobile middleware to design enterprise applications that run efficiently in the mobile environment. Recent developments in IoT and Artificial Intelligence have further expanded the market's scope. Mobile middleware acts as a bridge between mobile applications and enterprise databases, ensuring cost-effectiveness and system compatibility. Middleware solutions are increasingly adopted by large enterprises in various sectors, including the automotive segment, to enhance connectivity and streamline operations. Cloud-based mobile middleware solutions offer additional benefits, such as scalability and flexibility, making them a preferred choice for businesses looking to stay competitive in today's market. Overall, the Mobile Middleware Market continues to evolve, driven by the growing demand for mobile applications and the need for efficient, reliable, and secure connectivity solutions. Market Research Overview The Mobile Middleware Market is a significant segment of the technology industry, featuring applications, apps, and services that enable seamless communication between mobile devices and various systems. Apps and apps developers rely on middleware to provide device independence, data synchronization, and connectivity. Middleware solutions, such as Cloud, Cosmos, and Proware, offer device-agnostic development platforms, enabling the creation of cross-platform apps. These middleware solutions also provide essential services like data compression, encryption, and security. The market for mobile middleware is driven by the increasing use of mobile devices and the need for efficient, secure, and reliable communication between devices and systems. The future of mobile middleware lies in the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling advanced functionalities and enhancing user experiences. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio Messages Promoting DiscoverSummer.org Will Run Nationwide Through Partnership with Clear Channel Outdoor WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is pleased to announce the return of DiscoverSummer.org, the online nationwide summer learning registry to help families of all socioeconomic backgrounds find local summer programs, meals, and free learning resources for their kids! DiscoverSummer.org, supported in part by the New York Life Foundation, is a searchable database available in eight languages to reach diverse communities across the nation. Powered by InPlay and in collaboration with the US Department of Education's Engage Every Student initiative, DiscoverSummer.org offers a comprehensive database featuring over 30,000 out-of-school-time programs from 4,000 cities in all 50 U.S states. "We are proud to once again offer DiscoverSummer.org as part of NSLA's mission to connect families with valuable summer learning programs that help lessen the learning gap for every child," said NSLA CEO, Aaron Philip Dworkin. "Now in its fourth year, the offerings, cities, and free resources on discoversummer.org have expanded and can impact even more students." NSLA will be promoting DiscoverSummer.org through a national digital billboard campaign with their partners at Clear Channel Outdoor. The billboards will feature a message that drives families to local resources and summer programs in their communities. "Summer programs play a crucial role in the lives of families across America, providing their kids with enrichment opportunities that impact their growth beyond the summertime," said Dan Levi, EVP & CMO, Clear Channel Outdoor and NSLA Board Member. "As the focus on expanding access to summer learning opportunities continues, we're thrilled to join NSLA in this effort to help families find local programs while amplifying the importance of high-quality summer learning for kids." In addition, NSLA partner iHeartRadio will run nationwide PSAs across their national radio markets, including a recorded PSA from US Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona encouraging families to visit DiscoverSummer.org in English and Spanish, to connect families with high-quality summer programs. DiscoverSummer.org continues its collaboration with renowned organizations such as the National PTA, National Recreation and Parks Association, YMCA USA, Boys and Girls Club of America, and Urban Libraries Council to provide families with access to accredited summer camps, summer enrichment opportunities at local libraries, and a wide range of other out-of-school-time programs. The call for nationwide summer programs is open. Program providers across the country are invited to add their program details to DiscoverSummer.org through August. NSLA is the only national nonprofit exclusively focused on closing the opportunity gap by increasing access to high-quality summer learning experiences for all children, regardless of background, income, or zip code every year. About NSLA: Celebrating 30 years of impact, NSLA has worked to combat summer learning loss and close the opportunity gap which research shows grows most dramatically between lower and higher income students over the summer months. NSLA works to ensure all of America's students, regardless of background, income, or zip code, can access and benefit from a high-quality summer learning experience every year. NSLA supports and collaborates with a broad and evergrowing network of 25,000+ leaders of school districts, youth serving government agencies, non-profit and corporate partners from across the country focused on improving the lives of youth. Learn more at summerlearning.org. SOURCE Clear Channel Outdoor; National Summer Learning Association Among the many businesses dealing with Zimbabwes attempt to move to a new currency last Friday was operator Econet, which last weekend said it was preparing its systems to allow trading in the new currency. It suspended trading in Zimbabwean dollars to facilitate the changeover to the new ZiG currency on its various product platforms. However, its statement said: Customers can still purchase all our products and services in US dollars, using our normal sales and distribution channels. Bundles bought before the Zimbabwe dollar currency suspension will continue to be available for use until they either expire or are used up by the customer. The main account balance will be converted to ZiG at the going rate during the ongoing transition. Econet joined hundreds of businesses including banks and several retailers across the country that issued statements to their customers last weekend notifying them of their transition to the new currency. The AFP news service reported a chaotic start to the first day of official trading of the ZiG short for Zimbabwe Gold. On Saturday, the central bank said new banknotes were still being printed and would become available on April 30. The old banknotes are worthless. The central bank hopes the ZiG, which is backed by a basket of reserves comprising foreign currency and precious metals mainly gold would help stabilise the economy. The UK's Financial Times newspaper says the ZiG will have an initial value of 13.56 to the US dollar. Whether Zimbabwes ruling Zanu-PF will continue to print money to pay for spending and to reward allies a major reason for the previous currencys collapse remains to be seen. The FT adds that there is a widespread lack of trust from ordinary Zimbabweans who have seen purchasing power and savings wiped out by years of turmoil. Nor is this the first attempt to introduce a new currency. Thus, many Zimbabweans prefer to keep their money at home. Meanwhile, as Econet's comment about US dollar purchases implies, the US dollar is likely to remain the most trusted currency until and unless the ZiG establishes itself. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RARE BEAUTY, LYFT AND STEVE MADDEN GIVEBACK FOR 50 FEMALE STUDENTS TO ATTEND PROM NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Making prom season even more memorable this year, ENVSN FOUNDATION, a 501c3 non-profit and community organization, is excited to announce its latest initiative, "Radiant Futures: Empowering Every Girl for a Magical Prom Night." In partnership with Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez, transportation support by Lyft, and support from Steve Madden, ENVSN FOUNDATION aims to make prom season unforgettable for over 50 underserved female students in Miami, FL, and Brooklyn, NY. DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE The foundation is committed to providing a unique "boutique experience" where participants can shop for the perfect prom dress and accessories. The first event will be held with Girl Power Miami on April 13 in Miami, followed by another event in Brooklyn on April 19 in collaboration with YWCA Brooklyn. Students will be treated to red-carpet-style glam sessions, personalized styling consultations, and on-site giveaways for top-tier beauty services. Rare Beauty will generously gift some of its bestselling products, including the new Soft Pinch Luminous Powder Blusha product created to capture the radiant confidence exuded when we're feeling our best. Gift bags will also include products from Shea Moisture and BeautyStat, among others. ENVSN FOUNDATION believes that every high school girl deserves the best prom experience and is dedicated to ensuring that the young woman feel like royalty on prom night. Two lucky winners in each city will receive a full glam experience, including hair services provided by Hair is Life. In New York, the winners will also have their hair and makeup done by celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen and celebrity makeup artist Danielle Henry. ABOUT ENVSN ENVSN is a community organization based on the promotion of youth culture through its future-oriented community, which offers various initiatives throughout the year, including the annual ENVSN Festival. The foundation was co-founded by Sharifa Murdock and Laura Stylez, with a primary objective of nurturing the talent, aspirations, and sustainability of youth culture in an inclusive environment. It strives to inspire and encourage passion for issues that matter to its community, such as career advancement, wellness, and more. The ENVSN FOUNDATION, a registered 501c3 non-profit organization, was created as an extension of the ENVSN/ ENVSN FESTIVAL and as a realization that young girls need career development and community year-round. Additionally under ENVSN Foundation, the company has also contributed nearly $40,000 to small businesses through donations. ENVSN's impressive impact is demonstrated through the attendance of over 11,600 attendees of its ENVSN Festival, featuring leading talent such as Yara Shahidi, Jackie Aina, Saweetie, Lola Brooke, and many more. They have also partnered with everyone from Adidas, Topicals, and Rare Beauty to Cash App, Coca Cola, Lyft, and Canon, to name a few. ABOUT RARE BEAUTY Founder and creator Selena Gomez believes everyone is unique and rare. But today, too many people feel trapped by unrealistic expectations of beauty that are impossible to achieve. Rare Beauty is about celebrating who you are and what makes you different. This is makeup made to feel good without hiding what makes you unique. We use makeup to shape positive conversations around beauty, self-acceptance, and mental health. Not only do we want everyone to feel good about themselves, we want to help them feel more authentically connected to one another and feel less alone in this world. Rare Beauty is available globally at SEPHORA, SEPHORA at Kohl's, SpaceNK, and RareBeauty.com. FOLLOW ENVSN: INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK FOR ALL PRESS INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: THE CONSULTING QUEEN BRITTANY BELL | [email protected] SOURCE ENVSN Family care center offers safety and comfort to new parents during family fun at the zoo. TAMPA, Fla., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The new family care center at ZooTampa offers new moms a welcoming space to feed infants during visits to the family-favorite destination. Presented by the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the family care center at ZooTampa is one of many initiatives of Tampa General Hospital (TGH) to support the health and well-being of the broader community. "World-class care is not limited to the four walls of a hospital. Through our partnerships in communities across the state, we're working to support the health and well-being of Floridians in spaces where they live, work and play," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General. "Here at ZooTampa, families can explore the trails and enjoy the wildlife while also having a comfortable place to go and care for their young children." Couris was joined by Melissa Golombek, vice president of Muma Children's Hospital at TGH and TGH Women's Institute, and Tiffany Burns, senior director of Animal Programs at ZooTampa, to cut the ribbon on the new facility and welcome families into the space. "Our partnership with ZooTampa is a natural opportunity to promote health and wellness where families already enjoy exploring the great outdoors and learning about wildlife," said Golombek. "With the new family care center presented by Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, parents have some privacy from the wild while they care for their newest additions." The family care center, known as The Lil' Joey Family Stop, is located in the new Australia section of the zoo. It offers a comfortable, private space for mothers to nurse their children or pump. The room includes comfortable seating, power outlets, a side table, activity boards, a bottle warmer, a television and a sink. Once inside, parents can lock the door for privacy. The center is open daily during Zoo hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. "We're always looking for new, innovative ways to improve the Zoo experience for our guests and members and make our park as accessible and comfortable as possible," said Burns. "We're grateful to Muma Children's Hospital at TGH for their support and continued collaborations with the Zoo to ensure the health and wellness of Tampa Bay families while enjoying wildlife." As the exclusive medical partner of ZooTampa, the family care center is one of many united efforts by Tampa General and ZooTampa to support health and wellness. In February, ZooTampa invited the community to explore a new walking trail developed in collaboration with Tampa General. This fitness opportunity is a one-mile loop that connects guests with animal habitats while allowing walkers to track their progress. Last year, the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH and ZooTampa teamed up to host a Kids Fun Run at the zoo. ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, a 981-bed, not-for-profit, academic health system, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2023-24 Best Hospitals, with six specialties ranking among the top 50 best hospital programs in the United States. Tampa General Hospital has been designated as a model of excellence by the 2022 Fortune/Merative 100 Top Hospitals list. The academic health system's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious Forbes magazine rankings in the top 100 nationally in the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women and top 25 in Florida in the 2023 America's Best Employers by State. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal year 2021, provided a net community benefit of approximately $240.3 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education, and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With six medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center, and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes TGH North which is comprised of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties, 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Outpatient Center, TGH Virtual Health, and 21 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is the first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that provides real-time situational awareness to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org. About ZooTampa at Lowry Park ZooTampa at Lowry Park is operated by the Lowry Park Zoological Society, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to excellence in conservation, education, and research. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for over 30 years, is recognized as Florida's leading and most attended zoological cultural attraction. ZooTampa and its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care, were voted among the "Best Zoos" and "Best Zoo Exhibits" in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards. The Zoo is also a twelve-time winner of the Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award (2010-2023), ranking it among the top 10% of attractions worldwide. ZooTampa is a nationally recognized leader in the rehabilitation and care of Florida species. ZooTampa is one of only 3 places in the United States that can take in critically injured and sick manatees and one of only two facilities that can care for orphaned calves. Through its ZT Saves conservation initiative, ZooTampa provides support to local and global conservation programs that are positioned at the forefront of species survival. The Zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa and is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours for select events. For more information, visit www.zootampa.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and YouTube. Media Contact: Amanda Bevis (202) 680-9262 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital WASHINGTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will welcome Switzerland as the 37th country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 15 at the agency's headquarters in Washington. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will host Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Minister for Economic Affairs, Education & Research, along with other officials from Switzerland and the U.S. Department of State. The Artemis Accords describe a shared vision for principles, grounded in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, to create a safe and transparent environment which facilitates space exploration and science for all of humanity to enjoy. This event is in-person only. Media interested in attending must RSVP no later than 9 a.m. April 15, to [email protected]. NASA's media accreditation policy is online. The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASA's Artemis program. NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, announced the establishment of the Artemis Accords in 2020. The Artemis Accords reinforce the 1967 Outer Space Treaty as well as the commitment by the United States and partner nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. Learn more about the Artemis Accords at: https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords/ SOURCE NASA BURLINGAME, Calif., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CoherentMI published a report, titled, New Zealand Power Tool Market is estimated to value at US$ 167.2 Million in the year 2024, and is anticipated to reach a US$ 286.1 Million by 2031, with growing at a CAGR of 8% during forecast period 2024-2031. Market Dynamics: The New Zealand Power Tool Market is being primarily driven by the increasing demand for DIY home improvement projects. With the growing trend of homeowners taking on renovation and construction projects themselves, the demand for power tools is on the rise. Additionally, the flourishing construction industry in New Zealand is also fueling the market growth, as power tools are essential for various construction activities. Market Report Scope: Report Coverage Details Study Period 2024 - 2031 Base Year of Estimation 2023 CAGR 8 % Largest Market New Zealand Market Concentration High Major Players Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee Electric ToolTech, tronic Industries, Metabo HPT and Among Others Segments Covered By Product Type, By End User, By Power Source Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Growth Drivers Infrastructural development projects Easy availability of power tools Restraints & Challenges Availability of cheaper Chinese imports Slow economic growth in some regions Key Market Takeaways: New Zealand Power Tool Market Size is anticipated to witness a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period 2024-2031, owing to the increasing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. during the forecast period 2024-2031, owing to the increasing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. On the basis of product type, drills are expected to dominate the market, driven by their versatility and wide range of applications in both professional and DIY settings. In terms of end use, the professional segment is expected to hold a dominant position, as professionals require high-performance tools for their everyday tasks. Electric corded power tools are likely to be the dominating power source in the market, offering consistent power and reliability for various applications. In the New Zealand region, Auckland is expected to lead the market due to its high concentration of construction and renovation activities. region, is expected to lead the market due to its high concentration of construction and renovation activities. Key players operating in the New Zealand Power Tool Market include Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, and Milwaukee Electric Tool, among others. These key players are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge in the market. Market Trends: One of the key trends in the New Zealand Power Tool Market is the growing adoption of cordless power tools. Cordless power tools offer greater convenience and flexibility to users, allowing them to work in areas without access to power outlets. Another trend is the increasing focus on sustainability, leading to the development of eco-friendly power tools that are energy-efficient and have reduced carbon footprints. These trends are expected to continue shaping the market in the coming years. Recent Development: In October 2021 , Formerly known as The Stanley Works, DEWALT is a Fortune 500 American brand that was launched by Stanely Black & Decker. It produced security products as well as household and industrial hardware. , Formerly known as The Stanley Works, DEWALT is a Fortune 500 American brand that was launched by & Decker. It produced security products as well as household and industrial hardware. In September 2021 , Since the release of the GEX12V-5 Brushless 5 In. Power tool, Robert Bosch Power Tools Division of the Bosch Group, dominated the global market for power tools accessories. Read complete market research report, "New Zealand Power Tool Market Size And Share Analysis - Growth Trends And Forecasts (2024 - 2031)", Published by CoherentMI. Market Opportunities: Increasing Demand for Power Tools in the DIY Segment The DIY segment is gaining significant traction in the New Zealand power tool market as more individuals are taking on home improvement projects. This trend is driven by the growing popularity of DIY videos on social media platforms and the desire for cost-effective solutions. Power tools such as drills, saws, and sanders are essential for DIY enthusiasts looking to complete projects efficiently and with professional-quality results. As a result, there is a lucrative opportunity for power tool manufacturers to cater to this growing segment by offering user-friendly, durable, and affordable products. Shift Towards Cordless Battery Power Tools There is a noticeable shift towards cordless battery-powered tools in the New Zealand market due to their convenience, portability, and eco-friendly nature. Consumers are increasingly opting for cordless models as they eliminate the need for power cords and allow for freedom of movement during projects. Additionally, advancements in battery technology have improved the performance and run-time of cordless power tools, making them a preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This shift presents a significant market opportunity for manufacturers to innovate and offer a wide range of cordless battery-powered tools to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Overall, the New Zealand power tool market presents lucrative opportunities for manufacturers to capitalize on the growing demand for power tools in the DIY segment and the shift towards cordless battery-powered tools. By understanding and addressing these market trends, companies can stay ahead of the competition and drive growth in the market. New Zealand Power Tool Market Segmentation: By Product Type Drills Saws Sanders Routers Planers Others By End User Professional DIY Industrial Others By Power Source Electric corded Cordless battery Gasoline powered, Pneumatic Purchase Latest Edition of this Research Report @ https://www.coherentmi.com/industry-reports/new-zealand-power-tool-market/buyNow Top Questions Answered in this Report: What factors are impeding the growth of the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? What are the primary drivers fueling the growth of the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Which segment stands out as the leading component in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Who are the key players actively participating in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Which region is poised to take the lead in the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? What is the projected CAGR for the U.K. Luxury Bedding Market? Find More Trending Reports Below: India Dark Kitchens/Ghost Kitchens/Cloud Kitchens Market is Segmented By Type (Independent Cloud Kitchens, Shared Kitchen Spaces, Kitchenpods), By Product Type (Fast Food, Bakery Items, Beverages, Desserts, Salads & Wraps, Biryani & Rice Bowls, Others (Pizzas, Burgers, Rolls)), By Nature (Franchised and Standalone), By Ordering Method (Online Channels, Offline Channels, Hybrid Model). The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above-mentioned segments. 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India Quick E-Commerce (Quick Commerce) Market is Segmented By Product Category (Fruits & Vegetables, Snacks & Beverages, Dairy & Bakery, Staples & Cooking Essentials, Meat & Seafood, Personal Care, Others), By Order Value (Below INR 500, INR 500-1000, INR 1000-1500, Above INR 1500), By Location (Metropolitan Cities, Tier 1 Cities, Tier 2 Cities, Rest of India), By Time-slot (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, More than 90 minutes), By Payment Mode (Digital Wallets, Credit/Debit Cards, Cash on Delivery, UPI, Net Banking). The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above-mentioned segments. About Us: At CoherentMI, we are a leading global market intelligence company dedicated to providing comprehensive insights, analysis, and strategic solutions to empower businesses and organizations worldwide. Moreover, CoherentMI is a subsidiary of Coherent Market Insights Pvt Ltd., which is a market intelligence and consulting organization that helps businesses in critical business decisions. With our cutting-edge technology and experienced team of industry experts, we deliver actionable intelligence that helps our clients make informed decisions and stay ahead in today's rapidly changing business landscape. Contact Us: Mr. Shah Senior Client Partner Business Development CoherentMI Phone: U.S.: +1-206-701-6702 U.K: +44-020-8133-4027 JAPAN: +81-50-5539-1737 INDIA: +91-848-285-0837 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.coherentmi.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/902389/Coherent_Market_Insights_Logo.jpg SOURCE Coherent Market Insights Northeast region, among others, awarded largest grant made by State Economic Development Corporation FORT WAYNE, Ind., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's (IEDC) board of directors voted to approve an award of $45 million to the Northeast Indiana region through the IEDC's READI 2.0 initiative. "We are deeply appreciative of the IEDC for once again trusting the Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) to serve as a steward of these resources to build on the incredible momentum throughout the 11 counties and 16 cities and towns that comprise the RDA membership," President of the RDA Board James Khan said. Since 2016, the RDA has used leveraged state investments of $92 million from the Regional Cities Initiatives (RCI) and READI 1.0 and turned it into more than $800 million of total investment. The RDA's READI 2.0 strategy anticipates an even stronger financial return than previous programs that will significantly expand the quality of opportunity, quality of life, and quality of place with the investment from READI 2.0. "Beginning with RCI, Northeast Indiana has outpaced much of the Midwest in population growth, with our region makes up 12% of Indiana's population. Yet in recent years, we have contributed to nearly 20% of its population growth," said Mayor Dan Rickord, president of the Northeast Indiana Mayors and Commissioners Caucus. "By making today's investment, the State is continuing to bet on a winner in Northeast Indiana." Throughout April and May, the RDA will work closely with the IEDC to refine the programs and strategies, aiming to begin investing in growth-minded projects as early as this summer. Any prospective project owner interested in being considered for funding is invited to submit a project concept through the RDA's Regional Initiatives project intake form at neindiana.com/RDA. "With the support and encouragement of the IEDC, our region assembled a creative, aggressive and, we believe, highly innovative strategy to increase job growth, diverse housing opportunities, expand childcare and invest in education and quality of life in Northeast Indiana," Executive Director of the RDA Ryan Twiss said. "While today's news is wonderful, the real work starts now." Project funding decisions are expected to be made this summer. SOURCE Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI) BIELEFELD, Germany, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTT DATA Business Solutions today announced that it received four 2024 SAP Pinnacle Awards, which recognize its outstanding contributions as an SAP partner, in the categories "GROW with SAP", "Intelligent Enterprise Value Realization", "Customer Success Management" and "Partner-Led Demand Management". The leading global consulting company specializing in SAP technologies for small to midsize enterprises (SMEs) was also named a finalist in five categories: "Delivery Quality", "Sales Success Cross Segment", "Sales Success Midmarket", "Business Process Transformation" and "Social Impact". SAP presents these awards annually to the top partners that have excelled in developing and growing their partnership with SAP and helping customers run better. Winners and finalists in 26 categories were chosen based on recommendations from SAP, customer feedback, and performance indicators. Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions and EVP NTT DATA, Inc.: "As a long-time SAP partner, we are delighted to receive these awards. The Pinnacle Awards recognize the world's best partners, and with four wins and five finalist positions, we are the top-winner this year." / Katrin Biller Fotografie "The SAP Pinnacle Awards showcase the outstanding contributions of our ecosystem throughout the entire customer value journey. Winning partners are recognized for successfully enabling their customers to bring out their best through innovative cloud services and solutions," said Christian Klein, CEO and Member of the Executive Board of SAP SE. "As a long-time SAP partner, we are delighted to receive these awards. The Pinnacle Awards recognize the world's best partners, and with four wins and five finalist positions, we are the top-winner this year. This outstanding result is a clear signal to our customers and to our entire team, which has delivered a strong performance," said Norbert Rotter, CEO of NTT DATA Business Solutions and EVP NTT DATA, Inc. "I am particularly proud of the awards in the 'GROW with SAP' and 'Intelligent Enterprise Value Realization' categories, which confirm our future-looking direction. The successful transformation of the mid-market to the public cloud in the past fiscal year shows that we are highly competitive and we will continue this successful path. In addition, it remains our goal to cover integrated, end-to-end business processes with SAP S/4HANA Cloud and other solution areas based on the SAP Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP)." SAP Pinnacle Awards shine a spotlight on distinguished partners to acknowledge their dedication to teamwork, exceptional innovation, and capacity to help customers achieve their goals. The Pinnacle Awards is SAP's premier global partner recognition and award program, with an elite group of only 16 partners worldwide to achieve winner status for this year. Winning four out of 26 awards showcases NTT DATA Business Solutions' excellence in driving SAP business and co-innovation, serving customers the best way possible. NTT DATA Business Solutions is a Pinnacle Award winner for the tenth consecutive year. Find more information about the Pinnacle Awards 2024 here. About NTT DATA Business Solutions NTT DATA Business Solutions drives innovation from advisory and implementation, to managed services and beyond, continuously enhances SAP solutions to make them work for companies and for their people. Aiming to help companies to transform, grow and become more successful, NTT DATA Business Solutions connects with a more than in-depth expertise for SAP solutions its clients business opportunities with the latest technologies individually and across all business areas. As part of the NTT DATA group and as a global strategic partner of SAP, with close ties to other partners, NTT DATA Business Solutions gives clients and prospects access to innovative solutions and developments and thus makes an important contribution to innovation and long-term business success. NTT DATA Business Solutions employs more than 15,000 people in more than 30 countries. About NTT DATA NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. We invest over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group and headquartered in Tokyo. Visit us at nttdata.com. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2383860/Norbert_Rotter_CEO_NTT.jpg Press Contact NTT DATA Business Solutions Jasmin Straeter Head of Global Communications NTT DATA Business Solutions AG Konigsbreede 1, 33605 Bielefeld, Germany T: +49 521 9 14 48 108 Email: [email protected] SOURCE NTT DATA Business Solutions AG Featuring two talented MMA fighters, Shane Marshall and Cameron Thomson, the campaign comes fresh off PLF's historic Supreme Court term in which the firm won three new victories (two unanimous). PLF, a public interest law firm representing its clients free of charge, has now won 17 of 19 cases at the Supreme Court "a champion's record," its campaign notes. "Pacific Legal Foundation has been going up against the government in court for over 50 years," said Jaclyn Boudreau, brand director at Pacific Legal Foundation. "We have an impressive record at the Supreme Court, but it's hard to contextualize it: Most people don't realize what a battle it is to even get a case to the Court, which takes only 80 cases of 8,000 petitions. This campaign captures our firm's fighting spirit: what motivates us to fight for our clients' freedom despite the long odds, and what it takes to win against the government." The campaign includes: A 30-second commercial airing nationally on ESPN during the UFC 300 prelims on Saturday, April 13, 2024 . Have a sneak peek . . . Two billboards displaying "Never Let the Government Win by Submission" and "Suing the Government since 1973." Ten Chevy Suburbans wrapped with a bold message: "If you're in the cage, fight," swarming the T-Mobile Arena before the start of the UFC 300 event and performing stunt marketing on the Las Vegas Strip throughout the remainder of the evening. For more information, visit the "Fight" homepage. About Pacific Legal Foundation Pacific Legal Foundation is a national public interest law firm that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. Since our founding in 1973, we challenge the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, DC, PLF represents clients in state and federal courts, with 17 wins of 19 cases litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court. For more information, visit pacificlegal.org SOURCE Pacific Legal Foundation Elegant Handbag Collection Blends Italian Vintage Patterns with Royal Blue Elegance and Contemporary Flair KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading name in artisanal leather goods and accessories, Patricia Nash Designs ( https://patricianashdesigns.com/ ), accounted for today the launch of their Renaissance Revival Collection . A dynamic collection of handbags inspired by the timeless beauty of the Italian Renaissance, this captivating collection merges vintage charm with contemporary design for an exquisite ensemble. Each piece within the collection captures unique Italian-inspired architectural details from the travels of Patricia Nash. Drawing inspiration from ornate ironwork found in Italian cathedrals, the Renaissance Revival Collection features breathtaking prints and geometric shapes that intertwine with delicately sketched flourishes. Each piece exudes an opulence factor and refinement that uniquely captures the essence of the Italian Renaissance era and old-world craftsmanship. These statement pieces are flush with royal blue and cream statement prints and range in price from $38 to $299. Renaissance Revival: Luni, photographed by Patricia Nash Designs. Renaissance Revival: Marielle, photographed by Patricia Nash Designs. "At Patricia Nash Designs, we strive to release elusive and brilliant designs each season. I am exceptionally proud of the new Renaissance Revival collection. I feel like it wholly encapsulates what a statement piece should be." shares Patricia Nash, Founder and CEO of Patricia Nash Designs. "Statement pieces should tell a story and they should be a conversation piece when you walk into a room. They should intertwine with your love of art and beauty. With the Renaissance Revival Collection, we've achieved that and much more. We have blended the timeless allure of vintage aesthetics with the refined sophistication of contemporary design, promising our customers an elevated fashion experience." The Patricia Nash Designs Renaissance Revival Collection Includes: The Luni Tote ($299): A versatile masterpiece tailored to carry your essentials wherever you go. Featuring meticulously crafted wood handles and a convenient removable strap, it seamlessly blends functionality with luxury. Adorned with the new sophisticated Italian Renaissance Revival print, this tote is the epitome of timeless charm and elegance. Whether navigating through the hustle of the workweek or indulging in weekend adventures, the Luni Tote is destined to become your companion, effortlessly taking you from the boardroom to weekend escapades. The Marielle Top Handle ($249): As alluring as its namesake, the Marielle is a bag you'll find yourself sporting time and time again. Two top handles crafted in supple leather with its statement design make this the perfect statement bag for Sunday brunch. Just large enough to carry all of your essentials and small enough to not leave your wrist, the Marielle top handle is made of leather with a beautiful blue color adding timeless charm and sophistication. The design features a delicately stamped flower at the top of the bag. Blue Renaissance Scarf ($38): This lightweight scarf adorned in the Renaissance Revival print adds a touch of refinement to any outfit, from casual to professional. The perfect companion, made of seventy-three inches in lightweight viscose, will be a staple on your many excursions. A diverse range of styles in the Renaissance Revival Collection is also available, including the Caselle Basket w/ Blue Renaissance Scarf , perfect for adding a bohemian flair to summer looks. For modern convenience, the Cosilina Crossbody features built-in card slots and a versatile design and the Cassis ID Case keeps essentials organized with a compact and stylish design. Patricia Nash's exclusive prints have become well-known with the brand, and are often collected. Patricia is always introducing new prints inspired by vintage garments and patterns she finds on her travels. Each piece within the Renaissance Revival Collection is intricately crafted to reflect the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail. From handbags and scarves to jewelry, every item exudes a sense of luxury and timeless elegance, making it the perfect addition to any wardrobe. For more information on Patricia Nash Designs and the stunning Renaissance Revival Collection, contact BPM-PR Firm at [email protected] or call 1.877.841.7244. ABOUT PATRICIA NASH DESIGNS Inspired by a passion for discovery, Patricia Nash weaves her extensive travels and cherished memories into the fabric of her designs. After years of crafting handbags for other brands, Patricia launched Patricia Nash Designs in 2010, driven by the discovery of a vintage gem in her mother's closet. Enthusiastically expressing that design is her daily excitement, Patricia infuses each piece with the essence of travel, memories, vintage flair, old-world craftsmanship, and a deep family connection. Patricia Nash Designs stands as a testament to her dedication to creating timeless, detailed pieces that resonate with personal stories and a love for the artistry of vintage-inspired keepsakes. Media Contact: Alexa Morales [email protected] BPM-PR Firm 877.841.7244 SOURCE Patricia Nash Designs Notable actors, athletes, and recording artists sign open letter urging Miami Seaquarium's parent company to release captive animals to sanctuary NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, World Animal Protection, US released an open letter signed by a host of celebrities urging the CEO of The Dolphin Company (Miami Seaquarium's parent company) to work with Miami-Dade County and animal advocacy groups to release its captive animals to sanctuaries, or where available sanctuaries do not currently exist, to reputable facilities that do not force animals to perform or interact with visitors. The open letter, signed by Paul Wesley, Kelly Slater, Lisa Ann Walter, Elaine Hendrix, Nicole Williams English, Mya, Alan Cumming, and Richa Moorjani, all longtime animals advocates, details the extensive history of Miami Seaquarium's animal welfare violations and the tragic death of Tokitae (Lolita), who passed in August of last year. The letter calls on Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company, to "do the right thing." Last month, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava let the Miami Seaquarium know that she is terminating its lease, forcing the venue to vacate its property as of April 21. The mayor specifically cited the Seaquarium's multitude of USDA animal welfare violations as one of the reasons for her decision. The animals currently suffering at Miami Seaquarium are owned by The Dolphin Company and will most likely be moved to other cruel venues once the Seaquarium shutters. Lindsay Oliver, Executive Director, World Animal Protection, US states: "All of us at World Animal Protection extend our deepest appreciation to the compassionate celebrities who have lent their voices to our crucial call to end nearly 70 years of abhorrent animal cruelty at Miami Seaquarium. The Dolphin Company has the power and ethical responsibility to grant the animals currently suffering at the Seaquarium the chance to live out the rest of their lives free from exploitation. Miami-Dade County's bold stance sets a precedent for all exploitative wildlife venues to close their doors for good." SOURCE World Animal Protection Technology giant Huawei has been busy with information and communication technologies (ICT) education initiatives in recent weeks in Kenya, Ethiopia and Egypt. Huawei is now accepting applications for Kenya's Seeds for the Future Programme 2024. The programme aims to develop local ICT talent, improve knowledge sharing, and raise awareness and enthusiasm in the technology sector. Applications opened last week; Huawei will complete the process on 30 April. Over the last nine years, more than 240 Kenyan students have received virtual training. For the 2024 edition, the Seeds for the Future programme will return to its physical form, with Huawei exposing participants to 5G technologies, cloud computing and AI. Participants will meet with global IT experts and will receive a programme graduation certificate upon completion. Huawei and Kenyas Information and Communications Technology Authority are jointly working together on the programme. In Ethiopia meanwhile, Ethiopia's Addis Ababa University (AAU) and Huawei last week signed a cooperation agreement that will boost Ethiopian students' access to industry experience on ICT. As part of the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU), Huawei Ethiopia and the AAU will increase collaboration in talent and skill cultivation in the ICT sector. The agreement will also enable AAU students to intern at Huawei Ethiopia and gain more practical ICT experience. Finally, late March saw the signing of two cooperation protocols between Egypts National Telecommunication Institute (NTI) and Huawei Egypt to establish two academies. The first academy will specialise in building young peoples digital capacities and providing training on advanced technologies, while the other will provide training on fibre optics technology. The NTI-Huawei cooperation aims to benefit 18,000 young people nationwide over five years. TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) ("the Company" or "Pineapple"), a tech-focused mortgage brokerage with an integrated network of partner brokerages and agents across Canada, today announced the launch of Doc Genius, an intuitive, end-to-end document management system that seamlessly connects the highly-secured client portal to the deal conditions in the PineappleONE mortgage application, thereby streamlining the entire process. Pineapple Financial Inc. | NYSE American: PAPL (CNW Group/Pineapple Financial Inc.) "Doc Genius unlocks game-changing efficiency by automatically selecting the right conditions and lender requirements, saving time for Mortgage Brokers and clients," said Kendall Marin, Pineapple President and COO. "No more waiting for lender instructionsjust seamless submissions and excitement." Mr. Marin explained that Doc Genius empowers Pineapple brokers to effortlessly communicate to their clients vital details necessary for expediting the mortgage process and, at the same time, elevates client satisfaction by providing comprehensive guidance supplemented with engaging visuals and practical samples, ensuring a seamless experience without unnecessary delays. Doc Genius serves as a comprehensive solution, offering guidance to Pineapple brokers and clients to generate the necessary documents to fulfill mortgage requirements while ensuring compliance. The need to manually email clients regarding outstanding conditions becomes obsolete, as Doc Genius autonomously follows up until all requisite files are collected. Moreover, it ceases document requests automatically once all conditions are satisfied, providing continuous updates to brokers throughout the process. At the same time, PineappleONE consolidates all deal information into a single interface, providing insights such as the total number of conditions, outstanding conditions, completion percentage, and whether documents have been forwarded to the applicant's lawyer, thereby guaranteeing that lenders receive precisely what is required for swift deal approval. "Doc Genius leverages PineappleONE to discern the intricacies and geographic specifics of homes across Canada," explained Mr. Marin. "Recognizing the variances in guidelines and conditions across provinces, this integration ensures precision and accuracy in our responses." Pineapple CSO Christa Mitchell added, "Throughout this year, our award-winning technology team has achieved remarkable milestones, including the launch of AI-generated broker websites featuring Maui, our pioneering all-in-one deal management system, PineappleONE, and now, Doc Genius. This unparalleled innovation is attracting brokers to Pineapple." Pineapple CEO Shubha Dasgupta stated, "As of today, Doc Genius has streamlined the document collection process, delivering a sweeter mortgage experience for brokers and their clients. Soon, Doc Genius will incorporate artificial intelligence to recognize document types and add more automation to PineappleONE." Mr. Dasgupta said he believed that PineappleONE would likely increase the Company's gross revenue, which, in turn, would significantly impact Pineapple's net profit margin in the next twelve months. About Pineapple Financial: Pineapple is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With approximately 700 brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions and the completion of the initial public offering on the anticipated terms or at all, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statement filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.go v. Related Links: https://gopineapple.com http://empoweredbypineapple.com SOURCE Pineapple Financial Inc. Esteemed Fast-Casual Poised to Become the World's First Quick, Affordable Mediterranean Concept COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pita Pit, a distinguished Mediterranean fast-casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, announced today the rollout of its nationwide brand refresh. The aim of the refresh being to restore its former cult-following and reposition the franchise as the world's first Mediterranean fast-food concept by introducing new features, such as a modernized restaurant design and drive-thru business model, reimagined menu, technological upgrades, and a new logo. Pita Pit's rebrand is a key component in the company's growth strategy. Pita Pit is currently seeking both single-unit and multi-unit franchisees who possess a strong passion for the brand and its renewed commitment to constantly innovate and evolve with the everchanging restaurant industry. The new drive-thru model allows franchise partners more real estate options, as the smaller footprint of about 800-1000 square feet can flex to fit into a variety of layouts that fit the needs of any given area. This smaller option, created to accommodate more delivery and pick-up orders, will also reduce the breadth of franchisees financial commitments. "As we embark on this exciting journey of transformation, we are attuned to the evolving needs of our consumers," said Peter Riggs, CEO of Pita Pit. "Today, more than ever, there is a demand for fast, convenient, and health-conscious food options. Our rebrand reflects an unwavering commitment to meeting these demands head-on, offering not only delicious pitas, but a fast-food experience that aligns seamlessly with modern lifestyles." As part of the brand's mission to meet the growing consumer demand for more health-conscious sandwiches that boast richer flavors and more complimentary ingredients, Pita Pit has introduced a new menu item The Greek Grilled Cheese. This new addition reflects Pita Pit's dedication to evolving its menu to exceed customers' expectations, while staying true to its Mediterranean roots. With its bold flavors and diverse options, ranging from classic Say Cheese to Mediterranean Athens Steak, the Greek Grilled Cheese perfectly encapsulates the essence of Pita Pit's culinary philosophy: fresh, flavorful, and inspired by the vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean. Pita Pit is also rolling out a full technological transformation. The brand is adopting the power of AI to create new brand assets, while also providing franchisees with cutting-edge technology solutions for streamlined operations. This includes tailored point-of-sale systems and comprehensive training to optimize efficiency and customer service. Meanwhile, for consumers, the Pita Pit app simplifies ordering, offering customization options, straightforward payment, and order tracking for a seamless experience, whether dining in or getting delivery. Pita Pit currently has 75 locations across the US, including locations in Hawaii and Alaska. With its new approach, Pita Pit is focused on strengthening the brand across the country, and is actively looking to grow its footprint in existing markets such as Denver, CO, Boise, ID, and Salt Lake City, UT. For additional information about franchising with Pita Pit, visit https://pitapitusa.com/franchising. About Pita Pit Founded on the principles of quality ingredients, convenience, and flavor innovation, Pita Pit is a Mediterranean fast-food brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, providing a satisfying and wholesome dining experience for individuals seeking a quick and nutritious meal on the go. Headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, ID, Pita Pit currently has 75 locations across the country, including locations in Hawaii and Alaska. Customers can also download the Pita Pit Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. For more information, visit https://pitapitusa.com/ or follow Pita Pit on Instagram @PitaPitUSA. SOURCE Pita Pit NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global plastics market for passenger cars industry market size is estimated to grow by USD 22024.22 million from 2023-2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of about 10% during the forecast period. The plastics market for passenger cars is driven by the enforcement of stringent emission norms, leading to the use of lightweight materials like plastics. In major markets such as the US, UK, China, and India, Euro 6 standards or equivalents are being implemented. On-road vehicles contribute significantly to particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. Plastics are utilized in various applications, including packaging, automotive, and construction industries, due to their lightweight, cost-effective, and mechanical properties. Key players include Iber Resinas and CirculenRenew polymer providers. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Plastics Market for Passenger Cars Industry Market 2023-2027 For more insights on the historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Request a sample report Plastics Market For Passenger Cars Industry Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017 - 2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 10% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 22024.22 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 9.3 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution APAC at 46% Key countries US, China, Japan, India, and Germany Key companies profiled Arkema Group, BASF SE, Borealis AG, Celanese Corp., Covestro AG, Daicel Corp., Dow Chemical Co., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Evonik Industries AG, Hexion Inc., Koninklijke DSM NV, LG Chem Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., Saudi Basic Industries Corp., SGL Carbon SE, Solvay SA, Sumitomo Corp., Teijin Ltd., Toray Industries Inc., and LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Segment Overview This plastics market for passenger cars industry market report extensively covers market segmentation by Application (Interiors, Exteriors, Others) Material (Polypropylene, Polyurethane, Polyvinyl chloride, Polyamide and others) Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa) Market segmentation by Application The global plastics market for the passenger cars industry is driven by the use of various types of plastics, including glass fiber reinforced polymers, metals, wood, natural rubber, and plastic resins. Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyphenylene oxide (PPO), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate (PC), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyamide (PA), and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) are commonly used plastic resins. Automotive parts such as front and rear bumpers, chemical tanks, cable insulations, and carpet fibers are made from these plastics. ExxonMobil's impact copolymer (ICP) polypropylene resins are used in vehicle exteriors, interiors, and under-the-hood components. Plastics also find applications in toys, industrial components, and packaging sectors. The use of plastics in the automotive industry contributes to reducing carbon emissions by replacing heavy metals. However, petrochemical prices and crude oil prices impact the production costs of plastic resins. Technological advancements in injection molding, thermoforming, and blow molding enable the mass production of plastics for various applications. The packaging sector is the largest consumer of plastics, followed by the building & construction industry. The use of bioplastics derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, vegetable oil, food waste, and sawdust is increasing due to environmental concerns. The future of the plastics market lies in the development of recyclable products and the integration of technological advancements to enhance the properties of polymers. Geography Overview The Plastics Market for Passenger Cars in APAC is driven by the automotive industry's high production and sales in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. Advanced plastics, including Polysulfone (PSU), Polyamide (PA), and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), are in demand for luxury car cabins. Emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia are expected to contribute to market growth. The plastics industry utilizes various polymers such as Polypropylene, PET, and bioplastics derived from renewable sources like corn starch, vegetable oil, and food waste. Technological advancements in injection molding, thermoforming, and blow molding enable the production of lightweight, cost-effective, and metal-substituting automotive parts. The packaging sector also benefits from plastics, while the building & construction industry uses plastics for insulation and structural components. Plastics' use extends to non-automotive applications such as toys, industrial components, and even spacecraft. Factors like carbon emissions, petrochemical prices, and crude oil prices impact the plastics market. During the pandemic, plastics have been essential in producing face masks, goggles, shields, gloves, respirators, and gowns. Insights on the market contribution of various segments including country and region wise, historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Download a Sample Report The passenger cars industry prioritizes lightweighting through plastics and composites, driven by consumer demand for fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Advanced engineering plastics, such as PBT, PPO, PU, and PET, replace heavier materials like metal, glass, and wood. Cost-effective and circular polymers, like Iber Resinas' CirculenRenew polymer, enhance sustainability. Key plastics include PS, PE, PP, and PVC. The passenger cars industry relies on plastics for advanced features, connectivity, and safety systems. Complex designs increase tooling complexity and cost, with specialized processes required for intricate parts. Key plastics include PS, PE, PP, PBT, PPO, PU, PVC, PET, PC, PSU, PA, PPSU, and PET in sectors like automotive, toys, industrial components, and packaging. Challenges include high initial investment, long lead times, and carbon emissions from petrochemicals. Injection molding, thermoforming, and blow molding are common manufacturing processes. Renewable sources like corn starch, vegetable oil, food waste, and sawdust are emerging alternatives. Insights on Market Drivers, trends, & Challenges, historic period(2017 - 2021) and forecast period(2023-2027)- Request a sample report! Research Analysis The Plastics Market for the Passenger Cars Industry is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicles. Metals, Glass, and Wood continue to be traditional materials used in automobile manufacturing. However, the shift towards Plastics, including Plastic Resins such as Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), Polyphenylene oxide (PPO), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polycarbonate (PC), Polysulfone (PSU), Polyamide (PA), and Polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), is on the rise. These materials offer advantages such as reduced weight, improved durability, and enhanced design flexibility. The automotive industry is also exploring renewable sources like bioplastics derived from corn starch, vegetable oil, and food waste, as well as sawdust, to reduce reliance on petroleum and natural gas. The future of the Plastics Market in the Passenger Cars Industry looks promising, with continued innovation and sustainability at its core. Market Research Overview The Plastics Market holds a significant role in the Passenger Cars Industry. Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyurethane are the primary types of plastics used in passenger car manufacturing. These plastics offer benefits such as lightweight, durability, and resistance to various environmental conditions. Polybutylene and Polyvinyl Chloride are also used in passenger cars for various applications, including fuel and cooling systems. The use of plastics in passenger cars is increasing due to their cost-effectiveness and improved performance. The market for plastics in passenger cars is driven by factors such as increasing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, stringent regulations on vehicle emissions, and the growing trend towards electric and hybrid vehicles. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% during the forecast period. The major players in the Plastics Market for Passenger Cars include BASF SE, SABIC, LG Chem, and Covestro AG. These companies are investing in research and development to produce advanced plastics for passenger cars, offering improved performance and sustainability. In conclusion, the Plastics Market plays a crucial role in the Passenger Cars Industry, offering lightweight, durable, and cost-effective solutions for vehicle manufacturing. The market is expected to grow at a steady pace due to increasing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global powered air purifying respirator market size is estimated to grow by USD 1,304.85 mn from 2023-2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 9.05% during the forecast period. The global PAPR market is experiencing growth due to increasing production capacities in major industries, particularly oil and gas. With rising demand for oil and gas in China and India, there is a surge in exploration and production activities, leading to an increased workforce exposed to hazardous conditions. To ensure workplace safety, there is a growing need for Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) to protect against airborne contaminants, including toxins and viruses. PAPRs use powered filtration systems to provide clean air, making them essential for industrial respiratory protection. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Powered Air Purifying Respirator Market 2023-2027 For more insights on the historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Request a sample report Powered Air Purifying Respirator Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2022 Historic period 2017 - 2021 Forecast period 2023-2027 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 9.05% Market growth 2023-2027 USD 1,304.85 million Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 8.75 Regional analysis North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Performing market contribution North America at 33% Key countries US, Canada, China, Germany, and UK Key companies profiled 3M Co., Allegro Industries, Avon Protection plc, CleanSpace Technology Pty Ltd, Draegerwerk AG and Co. KGaA, ED Bullard Co., Gentex Corp., Honeywell International Inc., ILC Dover LP, Irillic Pvt. Ltd., Jupiter Surface Technologies, Miller Electric Manufacturing Co., MSA Safety Inc., National Safety Solution, Optrel AG, RSG Safety BV, SHIGEMATSU WORKS Co. Ltd., Sundstrom Safety AB, VENUS Safety and Health Pvt. Ltd., and Zeotech AB Segment Overview This powered air purifying respirator market report extensively covers market segmentation by Product (Full-face mask PAPR, Half-mask PAPR, Helmets, Hoods, and visors) Application (Industrial, Pharmaceutical and healthcare, Oil and gas, Others) Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa) Market segmentation by Product The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) market is experiencing significant growth due to its increasing use in various industries for respiratory, eye, and face protection. PAPR systems, which include battery-powered respirators and protective masks, are essential for occupational safety in dusty industrial environments where respiratory hazards such as airborne contaminants, gases, and vapors are present. The healthcare sector also utilizes PAPR for respiratory protection against airborne pathogens. The filtration system in PAPR ensures filtering efficiency, providing clean air for workers in hazardous workplaces. Compliance with respiratory protection standards and health standards is crucial for workplace safety and respiratory health. PAPR technology offers respiratory solutions for protecting against respiratory diseases caused by airborne pollutants and hazards. Industrial hygiene and environmental safety are essential considerations for the implementation of effective respiratory protection equipment. Geography Overview The Respiratory Protection Devices market, specifically the Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) segment, is experiencing significant growth in North America due to a heightened focus on Respiratory Safety and workplace health. The presence of Airborne Contaminants, including particulate matter and airborne pathogens, necessitates the use of advanced respiratory equipment such as battery-operated respirators and protective masks. Stringent regulatory norms and health standards regarding employee safety in high-risk industries like mining, construction, and oil and gas have fueled the demand for PAPRs. Airborne hazards, such as airborne pollutants and airborne toxins, pose a significant threat to respiratory health. The PAPR market growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness of the importance of Industrial Hygiene and the need for effective Air Purification and filtering efficiency. The Powered Filtration System in PAPRs ensures clean air, protecting against airborne particles, pathogens, and viruses. Respiratory Protection Standards continue to evolve, driving the need for innovative Respiratory Solutions and respiratory protection gear. The PAPR market trends reflect the growing importance of environmental safety and the role of respiratory technology in mitigating workplace hazards. Insights on the market contribution of various segments including country and region wise, historic (2017 - 2021) and forecast market size- Download a Sample Report The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) market is experiencing growth due to the increasing demand for effective respiratory protection against airborne viruses and contaminants. Governments and non-government agencies require specialized PAPRs for emergency management, including medical teams dealing with life-threatening diseases. These filtration systems offer industrial respiratory protection, airborne contaminant control, and purifying capabilities, making them essential for workplace safety and healthcare sectors. The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) market encompasses respiratory protection equipment that utilize filtration systems to eliminate airborne contaminants. PAPRs, including battery-powered respirators and masks, offer protection against aerosols and droplets, providing clean air in hazardous workplaces and healthcare settings. These devices ensure worker safety and respiratory health by filtering out at least 95% of airborne particles, adhering to health and safety standards. Insights on Market Drivers, trends, & Challenges, historic period(2017 - 2021) and forecast period(2023-2027)- Request a sample report! Research Analysis The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for effective respiratory protection in various industries and sectors. PAPRs, also known as Powered Air Filters, are essential protective equipment that ensure Occupational Safety by providing clean air to the wearer in potentially hazardous environments. The Healthcare Sector is a major consumer of PAPRs due to the increasing prevalence of airborne diseases and the need for infection control. The PAPR market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, fueled by advancements in Air Filtration technology and the rising awareness of the importance of Respiratory Protection. Market Research Overview The Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) market represents the production and sale of advanced respiratory protective equipment used in various industries. These respirators are essential for workers in hazardous environments, such as construction, mining, and healthcare, to protect against harmful particles and gases. PAPRs differ from traditional respirators as they use a constant flow of filtered air to purify the environment around the wearer's face. Key players in the PAPR market include 3M, DuPont, and MSA Safety. The market is driven by factors such as increasing health and safety regulations, growing awareness of respiratory diseases, and technological advancements in PAPR design and functionality. The global PAPR market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years, with a focus on developing lightweight, comfortable, and efficient respirators to meet the evolving needs of various industries. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prelude Corporation (PreludeDx), a leader in precision diagnostics for early-stage breast cancer, presented data on the use of DCISionRT to identify a subset of patients with high-risk clinicopathology who had a low 10-year risk of in-breast recurrence (IBR) and no significant benefit from radiation therapy (RT). In contrast, patients who had both high risk DCISionRT and high-risk clinicopathology had high 10-year IBR rates and significant RT benefit. The data was presented at the 25th American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS) Annual Meeting, held on April 10 14, 2024 at the Orlando World Center Marriott. "Breast conserving surgery (BCS) followed by RT is considered standard management of DCIS patients. However, we now realize that not all DCIS patients will benefit from RT and there is a growing need to safely de-escalate treatment," said Julie Margenthaler, MD, FACS, Professor of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine; Surgeon, Siteman Cancer Center; and first author of the study. "DCISionRT is a valuable clinical tool that enables physicians to help identify which DCIS patients are most likely to benefit from RT based on the patient's individual tumor biology and can help reduce over- or under-treatment." Dan Forche, President and CEO of PreludeDx stated "the data presented at ASBrS further demonstrates the utility of DCISionRT to enable patients and their physicians to make a more informed treatment decision compared to using clinicopathology alone." The presentation, 'Limitations in Utilizing Clinicopathologic Factors Alone in Identifying Patients with DCIS Who Benefit from Radiotherapy after Breast-Conserving Surgery', showed that about one-third of patients with high-risk clinicopathology who were reclassified into the DCISionRT low-risk group had a 10-year IBR risk of ~6% after BCS and no significant RT benefit. About DCISionRT for Breast DCIS DCISionRT is the only risk assessment test for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) that predicts radiation therapy benefit. Patients with DCIS have cancerous cells lining the milk ducts of the breast, but they have not spread into surrounding breast tissue. In the US, over 60,000 women are newly diagnosed with DCIS each year. DCISionRT, developed by PreludeDx on technology licensed from the University of California San Francisco, and built on research that began with funding from the National Cancer Institute, enables physicians to better understand the biology of DCIS. DCISionRT combines the latest innovations in molecular biology with risk-based assessment scores to assess a woman's individual tumor biology along with other pathologic risk factors and provide a personalized recurrence risk. The test provides a Decision Score that identifies a woman's risk as low or elevated. Unlike other risk assessment tools, the DCISionRT test combines protein expression from seven biomarkers and four clinicopathologic factors, using a non-linear algorithm to account for multiple interactions between individual factors in order to better interpret complex biological information. DCISionRT's intelligent reporting provides a woman's recurrence risk after breast conserving surgery alone and with the addition of radiation therapy. In turn, this new information may help patients and their physicians to make more informed treatment decisions. About PreludeDx PreludeDx is a leading personalized breast cancer diagnostics company dedicated to serving breast cancer patients and physicians worldwide. Founded in 2009 with technology licensed from University of California San Francisco, PreludeDx has focused on developing precision breast cancer tools that will impact a patient's treatment decision. Our mission is to provide patients and physicians with innovative technologies that improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall cost burden to the healthcare system. Before making a treatment decision, Know Your Risk. PreludeDx is a Fjord Ventures portfolio company. For more information on how PreludeDx is making a difference for patients, please visit the Company's website: https://preludedx.com and follow us on Twitter @PreludeDx, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. PreludeDx, the PreludeDx logo, DCISionRT, the DCISionRT logo, DecisionTree, Decision Score, The DCIS Test, Know Your Risk and Your Biology, Your Decision are trademarks of Prelude Corporation or its wholly owned subsidiaries in the United States and foreign countries. Media Contact Investor Contact Cory Dunn Andrew Wade 760.705.7464 949.294.1274 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE PreludeDx LONDON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- London-based Prop firm RishardBell (hereinafter referred to as 'RishardBell') announced the launch of a Forex trader recruitment examination program, the 'RishardBell Program', starting 11th April, 2024 . This program introduces cTrader trading platform and aims to discover exceptional Forex professional traders worldwide, entirely remotely. Through this fully remote trader examination format, successful candidates will be provided with a trading account featuring up to $100,000 in investment funds and will become Strategy Providers. Additionally, up to 30% of the net trading profits will be paid out as commissions. The RishardBell Program offers traders with limited personal capital the opportunity to prove their trading skills and maximize their potential. CEO of RishardBell, Mr. Rishard Bell, stated, "Leveraging over 20 years of experience in the foreign exchange market and a passion for trading, our vision is to provide a remote environment where traders worldwide can thrive professionally." Evaluation Criteria and Process Profit Target: 10% Maximum Loss Tolerance: 8% Maximum Leverage: 20x Evaluation Period: 90 days The trader evaluation exam is divided into three stages: the first, second, and third exams. For the first and second exams, candidates will trade using a demo trading account. For the third exam, they will trade using real funds. The exam fee is free of charge. RishardBell imposes no restrictions on trading styles. Scalping, day trading, swing trading, position trading, algorithmic trading, and event-driven trading are all permitted, as is the use of automated trading systems like cBot (cTrader) and EA (MT4/5 Expert Advisors). Trading Platform The trading platform provided is cTrader, offered by Prex Markets Limited (Service Name: FIXIO, accessible at www.fixiomarkets.com), a Forex Broker based in the International Financial Center of The Bahamas and regulated by the Securities Commission of The Bahamas. As a specialist A-book broker, FIXIO ensures access to abundant liquidity and fast trade execution. Moreover, they provide an exceptional trading environment free from slippage or requotes, enabling traders to fully realize their potential. Tradable Financial Instruments Over 300 financial instruments are available for trading, including foreign exchange (Forex), stock index CFDs, and gold CFDs. Company Information RishardBell's registered office is located in Nassau, Bahamas, and its operating office is in London, United Kingdom. For more details, please visit https://www.rishardbell.com. SOURCE RishardBell Capital Trading Co., Ltd DENVER, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- PSPDFKit, the leading document workflow lifecycle platform, announces a new suite of integrated document capabilities for its recently acquired low-code process automation platform, Integrify. This week at the 6th annual Integrify User Conference in Denver CO, customers experienced how they will be able to leverage several of the PSPDFKit document solutions to view, manipulate, search, annotate, and use Generative AI to extract text natively from within the Integrify platform. This integration of Integrify and PSPDFKit accelerates the company's strategic vision for a low-code document lifecycle platform setting a new industry standard in high-volume document processing, document AI and business process automation. Capabilities of the integrated solution announced this week include: Document Viewing, Editing and Manipulation: New functionality enables users to easily view, edit, redact, merge, split and annotate document and image attachments directly within the Integrify workflow platform. New functionality enables users to easily view, edit, redact, merge, split and annotate document and image attachments directly within the Integrify workflow platform. Advanced PDF Template Creation: New functionality provides greater speed, flexibility and control by enabling the use of Integrify workflow data and Microsoft Office to quickly create and format templates. These templates can also be easily exported and shared as PDF files. New functionality provides greater speed, flexibility and control by enabling the use of Integrify workflow data and Microsoft Office to quickly create and format templates. These templates can also be easily exported and shared as PDF files. Intelligent Data Capture: New foundational AI-driven functionality enables users to replace manual data extraction with our powerful OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processor to accelerate digitization efforts. "We're thrilled to enable out-of-the-box, entirely new use cases and solutions to our Integrify users that will radically transform the current scope of their automated workflows," said Jonathan Rhyne, co-founder and CEO of PSPDFKit. "Integrify has established a fanatically loyal customer base that love the platform by continually improving operational efficiencies with paperless time-saving automated processes. We're now expanding what is possible for these users by unlocking even more functionality and control over the documents that are an essential part of their workflows." With this enhanced document AI functionality and performant high-volume document processing, PSPDFKit is accelerating the rate of evolution of document workflow solutions that operate in SaaS, cloud and on-premises environments. Upcoming Informational Webinar and Demo PSPDFKit will deliver a live demonstration of the Integrify Enhancements on May 9, 2024 at 11:00 ET/17:00 CET. The webinar and demo will outline the new suite of integrated document workflow capabilities, discuss real-world use cases and include a Q&A session with our product team. Please secure your seat by registering here. For price and availability, please contact our sales team. About Integrify, a PSPDFKit company Integrify, a PSPDFKit company, is a low-code, cloud based workflow automation platform that enables organizations to automate processes, design dynamic forms and create self service portals. Integrify enables businesses to unite people, processes and technology on a centralized, cloud-based platform. Founded in 2001, Integrify aims to help organizations easily develop automated workflows using an intuitive scalable automated platform. Integrify provides customization and integration flexibility, allowing organizations across all industries to improve service, efficiency and compliance. About PSPDFKit PSPDFKit is helping the world innovate beyond paper with its developer tools, API services, and low-code solutions covering the entire document workflow lifecycle from creation, manipulation, real-time collaboration, signing and markup. The company's products cover all major platforms and support a wide range of programming languages and can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud with ease and at any scale. PSPDFKit has earned its developer-first reputation by pioneering products that are easily integrated, completely customizable to fit any deployment and workflow, and trusted by upstarts, SMBs and some of the largest multinational organizations. For more information on PSPDFKit's document processing platform, visit https://pspdfkit.com/. SOURCE PSPDFKit GmbH World's leading business litigation firm enters pact with litigation funder to finance cases for PE clients and their portfolio companies. CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking agreement, Longford Capital Management, LP and Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP announced a litigation financing offering for private equity (PE) firms and their portfolio companies. Under the terms of today's deal, Longford has committed up to $40M in equity capital to Quinn Emanuel's private equity clients involved in litigation, funding attorneys' fees and litigation costs and monetizing the value of meritorious legal claims. The agreement provides Quinn Emanuel's PE clients and their portfolio companies with an alternative method of funding litigation and enables those clients to treat meritorious legal claims as corporate assets capable of being monetized. Longford provides funding for disputes in several areas of law applicable to PE clients, including antitrust, intellectual property, and a variety of contract, tort, and fraud claims. "Quinn Emanuel likes to innovate, and we have already partnered successfully with Longford on several occasions to produce excellent results for clients," said Jonathan Bunge, Co-Chair of Quinn Emanuel's National Trial Practice and Managing Partner of the Chicago office. "This latest collaboration will serve the interests of our private equity clients seeking alternatives and options in pursuing meritorious litigation." "We have identified a particular ability to assist private equity managers and their portfolio companies involved in commercial disputes," said William Farrell, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Longford. "We look forward to assisting Quinn Emanuel by providing its private equity clients with attractive financial options." With litigation funding, portfolio companies and their private equity sponsors can pursue valuable, meritorious claims and monetize the value of those claims without risk or delay, accelerating liquidity and fueling growth, Farrell noted. About Longford Capital Longford Capital is a private investment company that provides capital to leading law firms, public and private companies, universities, government agencies, and other entities involved in large-scale, commercial legal disputes. Longford was one of the first litigation funds in the United States and is among the world's largest litigation finance companies with more than $1.2 billion in assets under management. Longford offers a broad range of capital solutions to funds attorneys' fees and expenses and otherwise manage the financial risk of pursuing meritorious legal claims in return for a share of a favorable settlement or award. The firm manages a diversified portfolio and considers investments in subject matter areas where it has developed considerable expertise, including, business-to-business contract claims, antitrust and trade regulation claims, intellectual property claims (including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret), fiduciary duty claims, fraud claims, claims in bankruptcy and liquidation, domestic and international arbitrations, claim monetization, insurance matters, mass actions and class actions, and a variety of others. About Quinn Emanuel Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is a 1000+ lawyer business litigation firmthe largest in the world devoted solely to business litigation and arbitration with 34 global office locations. Surveys of major companies around the world have named it the "most feared" law firm in the world three times. Firm lawyers have tried over 2,500 cases, winning 86% of them. When representing defendants, Quinn Emanuel's trial experience gets better settlements or defense verdicts. When representing plaintiffs, Quinn Emanuel lawyers have won nearly $80 billion in judgments and settlements. Quinn Emanuel has also obtained seven nine-figure jury verdicts, four 10-figure jury verdicts, 51 nine-figure settlements, and 20 10-figure settlements. Quinn Emanuel has been named the No. 1 "most feared" law firm by The BTI Consulting Group three times in its annual "Most Feared Law Firms in Litigation" guide, in which in-house counsel named 46 firms they "want to steer clear of" when it comes to litigation. The American Lawyer named Quinn Emanuel the top IP litigation firm in the U.S. and the firm as one of the top six commercial litigation firms in the country. The UK legal periodical, The Lawyer named us "International Firm of the Year." Law360 has most recently selected us as having Banking, Class Action, International Arbitration, and Trials "Practice Groups of the Year." Managing IP twice recognized us as having the "Best ITC Litigation Practice" and honored us with the "Patent Contentious West" award. Legal Business has named us "US Law Firm of the Year" three times, and our German offices have twice been named both "IP Litigation Firm of the Year" and "Patent Litigation Firm of the Year" by JUVE, Germany's most prestigious legal publication. Global Investigations Review, a leading legal periodical covering global white-collar investigations, named us the "Most Impressive Investigations Practice of the Year." Global Arbitration Review named us the 3rd best arbitration practice in the world. Global Competition Review named our antitrust and competition practice among the "25 Global Elite," and has included us in their list of the world's top 10 competition litigation practices. SOURCE Longford To promote public awareness of head and neck cancer, board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons share facts and tips CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Executive Board and Diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) recognize Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month in April. Many ABOMS Diplomates are experts in head and neck cancer, which account for about 4 percent of cancer cases in the United States. They see this month as an opportunity to educate the public. "By educating patients about oral cancer and its signs, we can provide timely help and offer reassurance about the latest advances in reconstructive surgery, which can restore their quality of life," explained Dhafer Alsuwied, DDS. Symptoms, risk factors, and prevention Symptoms of head and neck cancer typically begin in the mouth, nose, and throat, and may include: persistent sore throat, lumps, sores, difficulty swallowing, or a hoarse voice. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop oral cancers; other risk factors include: Heavy tobacco use High alcohol consumption Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Family history of cancer To prevent these cancers, patients should quit tobacco, limit alcohol, and consider receiving the HPV vaccine when indicated. Screening at routine dental check-ups is also key. The expertise required to manage head and neck cancers The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) certifies oral and maxillofacial surgeons who have proven their qualifications and expertise through education, training, and a thorough examination process. Diplomates are also required to undergo annual Certification Maintenance to prove ongoing competence. Beyond its rigorous certification process, ABOMS also offers Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery , which indicates that a surgeon has significant skills in this specialized area and emphasizes it in their practice. Eric R. Carlson, DMD, MD, EdM, FACS explained that the education required for this specialty is rigorous. "Aspiring oral and maxillofacial surgeons with an interest in our subspecialty are taking on a career path that will involve numerous years of training and experience to practice at a high level. There are no shortcuts to proper training in oral/head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery, but the end result is a highly gratifying career." He added, "Participation in our subspecialty is truly a labor of love." Patients looking for a highly qualified oral and maxillofacial surgeon for their oncology team should look for this kind of specialized training and certification. About the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS) is the certifying board for the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United States. Overseen by an eight-member Board of Directors, the mission of ABOMS is to ensure that Diplomate surgeons meet our standards of training, education, and professionalism through our certification process. The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery headquarters are located at 8770 W Bryn Mawr Ave Suite 1370, Chicago, IL 60631, and can be reached by phone at (312) 642-0070 or online at www.aboms.org . Media Contact: Courtney C. Walsh, (312) 776-2994, [email protected] SOURCE American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery TORONTO, OTTAWA, ON and QUEBEC, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Riskthinking.AI announced that it's been selected by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) to provide the necessary climate risk data for approximately 400 financial institutions that are required to complete the 2024 Standardized Climate Scenario Exercise (SCSE) in collaboration with L'Autorite des marches financiers (AMF). Riskthinking.AI Logo Riskthinking.AI is making flood risk analytics from its Climate Earth Digital Twin (CDT) platform available through a portal for approved representatives from each of the participants to access data required to complete this scenario analysis exercise. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) is an independent agency of the Government of Canada. OSFI regulates and supervises more than 400 financial institutions and 1,200 pension plans. OSFI's purpose is to contribute to public confidence in the Canadian financial system by regulating and supervising approximately 400 federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs) and 1,200 federally regulated pension plans (FRPPs). The AMF considers climate risks to be among the most significant facing the economy in terms of its potential impact. It believes it is critical to assess the climate risk exposures of the institutions it regulates and ensure that such risks are properly managed. The AMF's Climate Risk Management Guideline , currently in public consultation, will come into effect in 2024. The information collected through the SCSE will enable it to assess and compare financial institutions' aggregate exposures to climate risks and take the necessary action to ensure financial market stability. "As a Toronto-based company, we're very honored to be aligned with OSFI and AMF, to participate in the SCSE and ultimately help Canadian financial institutions become resilient to climate change," said Ron Dembo, CEO and founder of Riskthinking.AI. "It's the latest example of our data and analytics platform helping model climate risk." Riskthinking.AI recently announced the availability of its CDT, a data and analytics platform that allows a complex institution to realistically simulate the future impact of climate change worldwide on any aspect of its business, including physical asset data. It is specifically targeted to meet the requirements of regulators. It helps organizations model how climate, physical and transition risks may affect their organization in the future. Riskthinking.AI's CDT powers physical risk on the Bloomberg terminal . For further information on Riskthinking.AI, visit www.riskthinking.ai or contact: [email protected] . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2383314/riskthinking_ai_Riskthinking_AI_Climate_Risk_Data_Selected_by_OS.jpg Vietnamese telecoms firm Viettel reportedly inaugurated its new data centre in Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park in Hanoi on Wednesday, claiming it to be one of the largest such facilities in Vietnam to date. According to the state Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the new Viettel data centre has racks with a capacity of three times higher than the average in Vietnam. The report also said the Hoa Lac data centre connects to five subsea fiber cable lines, and is the first data centre in Vietnam to commit to using renewable energy for 30% of its electricity consumption. The data centre also complies with TIA 942 standards, and features five layers of physical security, the report said. While the report provided no details on capacity or power, it does say the new Viettel data centre is designed to handle the compute and capacity demands of artificial intelligence (AI) apps and services. Viettel has been delving into AI for several years now. In July 2022 it joined Nvidias Partner Network via an MoU, under which Viettel is accessing Nvidia resources to accelerate research and implementation of its AI technology in robotics, computer vision, natural language process, digital twins, and other areas. The Vietnamese government is also looking at promoting the country as a regional hotbed for AI development. On Thursday, VNA reported separately that the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) proposed that the government approve a national strategy on AI research, development and application by 2030. In February, the Vietnamese government approved a national data strategy that it says will serve as a foundation for domestic AI development. Viettel chairman and general director Tao Duc Thang said that with the launch of the latest data centre, Viettel now owns and operates a total of 230,000 servers in 11,500 racks using 81,000 square meters of floor space and 87MW of electricity. He also said Viettel plans to invest an additional VND10 trillion (US$400.88 million) to expand its combined data centre capacity to 17,000 racks by 2025, and another VND40 trillion to reach 34,000 racks by 2030, the report said. NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of Class A common stock of Snowflake Inc. (NYSE: SNOW) between September 16, 2020 and March 2, 2022, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 29, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Snowflake Class A common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Snowflake class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22950 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 29, 2024. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Snowflake had systematically oversold capacity to customers which created a misleading appearance of the demand for Snowflake's products and services; (2) Snowflake had provided significant discounts to its customers prior to its initial public offering ("IPO") that temporarily boosted sales but would not be sustainable after the IPO and/or necessitate platform efficiency adjustments that negatively impacted client consumption and Snowflake's revenue and profit margins; (3) as a result, Snowflake's customers were poised to roll over a material amount of unused credits (and thereby cannibalize future sales) at the end of their contracts' terms or to refuse to renew their contracts at prior consumption levels or at all; and (4) consequently, Snowflake's product revenue and remaining performance obligations had been artificially inflated leading up to and during the Class Period. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Snowflake class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22950 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. MIAMI, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) has scheduled a conference call for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, April 25, 2024, to discuss the company's first quarter 2024 financial results. The call will be simultaneously webcast on the company's investor relations website, www.rclinvestor.com. A replay of the webcast will remain available at the same website for 30 days following the call. About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 65 ships traveling to more than 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 8 ships on order as of March 31, 2024. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Group Chick's Father Is Xol-Xol, One of the Last 22 California Condors Alive in 1982 and the First Brought Into Human Care as Part of the Recovery Program SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has welcomed the 250th California condor to hatch at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The chick's parents are Xol-Xol (pronounced "hole-hole")the first California condor brought into human care under the California Condor Recovery Program in 1982and Mexwe (pronounced "mex-weh"). More than 40 years since the California condor population dropped to a low of just 22 birds, this milestone is a significant success. CT scan of California condor egg - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance CT scan of California condor egg - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Before hatching, the egg was placed in an incubator to be closely monitored by wildlife care team. Due to a suspected malposition, the egg was taken to Paul Harter Veterinary Medical Center for computed tomography (CT) imaging. After examining the results, the chick's position was determined to not be of concern. The chick successfully pipped and was returned to Xol-Xol and Mexwe for hatching. The pair's nest is equipped with infrared cameras, allowing the team to monitor the hatching process around the clock. The chick, whose sex is not yet determined, hatched in the early morning hours of March 16 with the assistance of its very attentive parents and is doing well under their care. It was given the name Emaay (pronounced "eh-my"), a Kumeyaay word for "sky." Xol-Xol's name means "one of the sky people" in Chumash. "Reaching this milestone feels incredible," said Nora Willis, senior wildlife care specialist, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. "Seeing the success that the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has hadand the success of the California Condor Recovery Program as a wholeis really inspiring. There's still a long way to go but being part of this and helping the species recover is life changing." Xol-Xol, one of the last 22 condors remaining in 1982, was rescued from the Sespe Condor Sanctuary at three months old after being neglected by his parents, who were still rearing a chick from the previous year. He made his home at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park as the first California condor brought into human care under the California Condor Recovery Program. Xol-Xol has fathered 41 chicks since 1993, and many of those chicks have been reintroduced into their native habitat. Emaay is expected to join the native population in 2025. In 1982, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance was given permission to begin the first zoological propagation program for California condors. The program included the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Audubon Society, and the Los Angeles Zoo, among others. As a result of the innovative techniques developed by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and many partners, the resurgence of the California condor is a conservation success story. Today there are more than 560 living California condors, with over half free flying. The California condor is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Critically Endangered, with populations increasing. Major threats to their survival include lead poisoning, habitat loss and emerging diseases. At least 50 California condors now join the population annually, and 12 to 15 chicks hatch in their native habitat every year. Condors hatched in human care are introduced across five reintroduction sites in the United States: one in northern Arizona at the Vermillion Cliffs and four in California, including Ventana Wilderness in Big Sur, Pinnacles National Monument, Yurok Ancestral Territory and Redwood National Park, and the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge in the Los Padres National Forest. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners in MexicoComision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas, Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Instituto Nacional de Ecologia y Cambio Climatico and Espacios Naturales y Desarrollo Sustentable A.C.have been managing a long-term program to restore California condors at a sixth site in the Sierra de San Pedro Martir National Park in northern Baja California, Mexico, where condors lived until the mid-1950s. About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships. Through wildlife care, science expertise and collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. Annually, the Alliance reaches over 1 billion people, in person at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and virtually in 150 countries through media channels, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming in children's hospitals in 14 countries. Wildlife Alliesmembers, donors and guestsmake success possible. Link includes: B-roll of parents Xol-Xol and Mexwe tending to their chick Emaay B-roll of wildlife care specialists examining the egg before it hatched Photos and video from the CT scan of the California condor egg condor egg Video interview with wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park PERMITTED USE: Images and video(s) are provided to the media solely for reproduction, public display, and distribution in a professional journalistic non-commercial and non-sponsored context in connection with newspaper, magazine, broadcast media (radio, television) or internet media (ad enabled blog, webcasts, webinars, podcasts). Image(s) and video(s) may not be made available for public or commercial download, licensing or sale. ADDITIONAL LIMITATION: Media acknowledges and agrees that San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance specifically does not grant a right to sublicense any image and/or video without the prior express written consent of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in each instance and at its sole discretion. REQUIRED CREDIT AND CAPTION: All image and/or video uses must bear the copyright notice and/or be properly credited to the relevant photographer, as shown in the image metadata, and must be accompanied by a caption that makes reference to the San Diego Zoo and/or San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Any uses in which the image and/or video appears without proper copyright notice, photographer credit and a caption referencing the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and/or San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are subject to paid licensing. AP PERMITTED USE: Specific to the Associated Press ("AP") only, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has provided to the AP one or more photograph(s) and/or video(s) for distribution by the AP to its subscribers and customers solely for editorial publication. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is the sole copyright owner of the photograph(s) and/or video(s) furnished to AP for editorial publication by AP and its subscribers and customers in all media now known or hereafter created. Said content is a factually accurate rendering of what it depicts and has not been modified or augmented except for standard cropping and toning. CONTACT: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Public Relations 619-685-3291 [email protected] sdzwa.org PRESS ROOM: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/PR/condor-250 SOURCE San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Category defining intimate and apparel brand Knix, is excited to announce their expanded Thigh Saver collection. Designed with lightweight, seamless and super stretchy material, these shorts are offered in a variety of fabrics, with some new Leakproof and contouring options to elevate your spring and summer style. This year, Knix has expanded their Thigh Saver offerings in a variety of lengths with new additions like the 10" Leakproof Thigh Saver, 6" Leakproof Contour Thigh Saver, the new Luxe Modal Thigh Saver 6" and sister brand, Kt by Knix's first 5" Leakproof Thigh Saver all absorbing about 3 tsp of liquid. What causes chafing on inner thighs? With warm weather around the corner, the probability that thigh chafing occurs is at an all time high. Gone are the days that you have to worry about inner thigh chafing or sweat if you're taking public transportation, attending an event, wearing a uniform or taking a walk. How to prevent inner-thigh chafing? These lightweight shorts provide chafe-preventing coverage from the upper thigh, and down to the mid thigh depending on your desired length. These thigh chafe preventing shorts act as a skin barrier to prevent inner-thigh chafing. Why is it a game-changer? Knix Thigh Saver offerings are your one-stop-shop whether you choose to treat thigh chafing with our Thigh Saver offerings as a layering piece under clothes, or as shorts under an oversized t-shirt the smooth fabric and cooling technology will keep you feeling fresh and prevent the dreaded skin on skin friction. This spring and summer, don't let the heat and humidity causing your thighs rub hold you back from enjoying the nice weather. The new Thigh Saver offerings from Knix retail between $36 US/ $40 CAD and $46 US/ $50 CAD, available online or in retail locations across Canada and California. To view the Thigh Saver collection please click here . About Knix Knix is a direct-to-consumer category defining intimates and apparel brand. Through innovative products and a community-first approach, Knix is on a mission to empower people at every stage and every stage, everywhere to live unapologetically free. Every product, campaign and image that Knix puts into the world is tied to this mission that has been embedded in the company's DNA since day one. Founded in 2013, by Joanna Griffiths, Knix is the leading leakproof brand in North America and is globally recognized as an innovator and disrupter within the intimate and apparel space. SOURCE Knix TUCSON, Ariz., April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neural systems, shaped by millions of years of evolution, enable living things to perceive and react to their surroundings. But how does the nervous system adapt to today's unprecedented challenge of rapid and extensive human-caused environmental changes, including exposure to pollution, toxins, and increasingly unpredictable environments? In 2025, Research Corporation for Science Advancement, The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, and The Kavli Foundation will launch a Scialog initiative to catalyze research to explore neurobiological response to change and advance our understanding of the brain's chemistry, physiology, and adaptation mechanisms. The first meeting of Scialog: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems will be held March 13 16, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. The process aims to spark creative and novel ideas for transformative research. Post this "Interdisciplinary and transformative research is needed to advance our understanding of adaptive features that may equip organisms to overcome environmental stressors," said RCSA Senior Program Director Andrew Feig, who leads the initiative. This three-year Scialog series aims to create a dynamic community of about 50 early career scientists with diverse scientific expertise and perspectives from such fields as cell biology, genetics, neurophysiology, climate science, environmental chemistry, physical modeling, and toxicology. By maximizing interactions between researchers with different experiences and approaches, and who might not normally meet or work together, the process aims to spark creative and novel ideas for transformative research. At each conference, participants led by a group of senior facilitators will discuss challenges and bottlenecks, build community around visionary goals, and pitch proposals for seed funding to undertake blue-sky pilot projects. Scialog, short for "science + dialog," is a program created by RCSA in 2010 to bring together scientists from a variety of disciplines to focus their collective thinking on issues of global importance. "Frontier approaches are needed to explore and reveal nervous system adaptation due to current changing environmentsnow more than ever," said Kathy Richmond, Executive Vice President of the Office of Science and Innovation and Director of the Frontiers Group at the Allen Institute. "Through Scialog's focus on early career researchers, we are excited to join with The Kavli Foundation and RSCA to unleash the power of creative ideas born of multidisciplinary collaboration." The series of meetings will complement The Kavli Foundation's Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems multi-year initiative launched in 2023, supporting research investigating how neural processesincluding molecular, cellular, and circuit-level mechanismsare impacted by or resilient to changing environments. "Through this partnership, we are creating new opportunities for early career researchers to build awareness and research programs in this area," said Amy Bernard, Director of Life Sciences at The Kavli Foundation. "We are excited to support new interdisciplinary collaborations that will advance knowledge about how these changes may modify neuronal function, and may even shed light on novel pathways for resilience and adaptation." For full consideration as a Fellow for the first meeting of Scialog: Neurobiology and Changing Ecosystems, nominate yourself or an early career colleague by September 1, 2024. RCSA's other Scialog meetings include the first year of Automating Chemical Laboratories in April 2024, the first year of Sustainable Minerals, Metals, and Materials in September 2024, the third year of Molecular Basis of Cognition in October 2024, and the first year of Early Science with the LSST in November 2024. About Research Corporation for Science Advancement RCSA is a private foundation that funds basic research in the physical sciences (astronomy, chemistry, physics, and related fields) at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. It creates and supports inclusive communities of early career researchers through two core programsthe Cottrell Scholar Program and Scialog as well as its newly launched RCSA Fellows initiative . About The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, a division of the Allen Institute, is dedicated to exploring the landscape of bioscience to identify and foster ideas that will change the world. The Frontiers Group recommends funding to the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation which then invests through award mechanisms to accelerate our understanding of biology, including: Allen Discovery Centers at partner institutions for leadership-driven, compass-guided research; and Allen Distinguished Investigators for frontier explorations with exceptional creativity and potential impact. The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group was founded in 2016 by the late philanthropist and visionary Paul G. Allen. About Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Founded in 1988 by philanthropists Jody Allen and the late Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, the foundation invests in communities across the Pacific Northwest to enhance the human experience of arts & culture, center under-served populations, and mobilize young people to make impact. In addition, the foundation supports a global portfolio of nonprofit partners working across science and technology solutions to protect wildlife, preserve ocean health, and create lasting change. The foundation also funds the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group, which works to advance cutting-edge research in all areas of bioscience. About The Kavli Foundation The Kavli Foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity. The foundation's mission is to stimulate basic research in astrophysics, nanoscience, neuroscience and theoretical physics; strengthen the relationship between science and society; and honor scientific discoveries with The Kavli Prize. Media Contact Angela Hagen Communications Director Research Corporation for Science Advancement [email protected] 520-784-7824 SOURCE The Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group SEATTLE, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yunity a scalable capital, venture studio, and advisory ecosystem and SingularityNET, the world's leading decentralized AI marketplace, announce their partnership to generate over $1 billion USD in funding for beneficial AI and deep tech solutions for humanity. SingularityNET's Founder & CEO, Dr. Ben Goertzel and Yunity Founder and Managing Partner, Ani Chahal Honan, recognize a shared mission to accelerate the development and commercialization of impact-driven technologies in a Post-AI world. Details of the partnership terms and blockbuster funding, which will invest in AI, Web3, Robotics, Spatial Computing, and Quantum tech portfolio companies, were expedited in Panama at the recent Beneficial AGI Summit. The business alliance was finalized during SXSW in Austin, Texas, where both leaders presented. Agreements were subsequently signed, with Chahal Honan at the "The Great AI Debate '' as a patron of the Abundance 360 Summit in Los Angeles. Benefits of this partnership include: - Pioneers of AI/AGI, deep tech, and leaders of industries from both networks as mentors, advisors, and core team members - Up to $200 million in funding toward a scalable venture studio ecosystem to accelerate early stage startups globally - A strong commitment of 1 to 10 percent of funding profits by General Partners toward 501c3 and foundations that benefit human health and the environment "It's our priority to ensure that advanced technologies can be democratized and placed in the hands of more creators globally, especially when up to 85 percent of jobs are speculated to be taken over by this next wave of tech in the future," said Chahal Honan. "The incredible expertise of SingularityNET's AI/AGI team combined with Yunity's investor ecosystem and experience in commercializing innovative technologies make us the perfect partners." SingularityNET CEO, Dr. Ben Goertzel who is considered one of the world's foremost experts in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) echoed similar sentiments, stating, "By coming together to bring funding to projects that complement what SingularityNET, OpenCog Hyperon and other projects in the decentralized AI space are already doing, our partnership with Yunity aims to make a significant impact on the tech ecosystem and for humans overall. As I mentioned at the closing of the Beneficial AGI Summit , we are likely to see human-level AGI by the end of this decade, and superintelligence probably not long thereafter. It is up to us to guide these amazing developments in a positive direction, and that is what this new collaboration between SingularityNET and Yunity is all about." For more information about Yunity and SingularityNET, please visit www.yunity.io and www.singularitynet.io . About Yunity Yunity is a highly scalable capital, venture studio, and advisory ecosystem, creating a new generation of mindful business aligned to a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. Advocating for impactful deep tech, multi-industry solutions, Yunity's network and portfolios include industry leaders in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain & Web 3.0, Robotics, Spatial & Extended Reality (AR/VR/MR, iOT), Quantum, Neurotech, Biotech & Longevity. About SingularityNET SingularityNET was founded by Dr. Ben Goertzel with the mission of creating a decentralized, democratic, inclusive and beneficial Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). An AGI is not dependent on any central entity, is open to anyone and is not restricted to the narrow goals of a single corporation or even a single country. The SingularityNET team includes seasoned engineers, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and marketers. The core platform and AI teams are further complemented by specialized projects devoted to application areas such as finance, robotics, biomedical AI, media, arts and entertainment. SOURCE SingularityNET Experienced tech and financial services executives Lynn Danko, Sagnik Nandy and Tim Scheve to help steer fast-growing category leader through next phase of growth PORTLAND, Ore., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smarsh, the global leader in digital communications compliance and intelligence, today welcomed proven business leaders, Sagnik Nandy and Tim Scheve, to its board of directors, effective immediately. In addition, experienced technology CFO Lynn Danko has been appointed chair of the Smarsh audit committee and board member for Smarsh's consolidated group. "As Smarsh continues to grow in strategic importance for regulated industries and continues to provide critical infrastructure to the largest banks in the world, our board expansion is timely," said Smarsh CEO Kim Crawford Goodman. "At Smarsh, we are fully committed to delivering leading-edge and reliable platforms to help our global clients meet their rapidly advancing needs. Our new board members will bring insight and governance to help Smarsh scale. I look forward to working with our entire board to elevate the oversight of the company to the next level." Smarsh helps global regulated organizations meet regulatory compliance obligations and manage risk with solutions for the capture, retention and oversight of digital communications. It recently bolstered its AI-powered platform with the acquisition of TeleMessage, the leading provider of mobile messaging and voice compliance. Lynn Danko, Smarsh Audit Committee Chair Danko has worked as a technology leader and CFO for over 25 years at publicly traded and private equity-owned companies, enjoying stints at various enterprise software firms ranging in size from $200 million to $1 billion in revenue. During her career, Danko has driven a series of significant value-enhancing changes for firms, including overseeing system implementations and developing new, more efficient reporting lines to executives and company board members. She's also been a part of a wide variety of M&A-related activity, raising capital and participating in strategic transactions that culminated in exits valued at close to $7 billion in enterprise value. Sagnik Nandy, President & Chief Development Officer, Workforce Identity, Okta Nandy is currently the president and chief development officer of Workforce Identity at Okta, where he leads engineering, product management, operations and design. He is a seasoned technology executive with a passion for building, developing and scaling products, systems and organizations. Throughout his career, he has worked with and for organizations of various sizes and stages. He has a track record for not only successfully integrating large acquisitions and pushing product areas to expand their portfolios, but helping companies experience exponential growth. Before Okta, Nandy was the vice president of engineering at Google. There, he oversaw several critical components of the company's advertising business, the backbone of its growth and revenue, and drove several products from inception to market leadership. Tim Scheve, Independent Board Director Scheve is an experienced board director and former CEO, CFO and chief administrative officer (CAO). He has chaired and been a member of several board committees encompassing everything from audit to regulatory oversight and policy, to cybersecurity and risk management. Scheve has been a member of the Board of Governors for FINRA since 2018. Scheve came to the FINRA board after serving for 10 years on the board of the leading trade association for broker-dealers, investment banks and asset managers, the Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). As a C-suite executive at two multibillion-dollar brokerage and asset management firms, Scheve drove the strategic plans that resulted in dramatic organic and inorganic growth through business model restructurings and the execution of dozens of acquisitions. Under his 15 years of leadership at Janney Montgomery Scott, assets more than doubled while revenue reached record-breaking levels. He also served in divisional CEO, CAO, treasurer and corporate finance roles for over two decades at Legg Mason, a global financial services firm with over $900 billion in assets. About Smarsh Smarsh enables companies to transform oversight into foresight by surfacing business-critical signals in their digital communications. Regulated organizations of all sizes rely upon the Smarsh portfolio of cloud-native digital communications capture, retention, and oversight solutions to help them identify regulatory and reputational risks within their communications data before those risks become fines or headlines. Smarsh serves a global client base spanning the top banks in North America, Europe, and Asia, along with leading brokerage firms, insurers, and registered investment advisors and U.S. state and local government agencies. To discover more about the future of communications capture, archiving and oversight, visit www.smarsh.com. Media Contact: Ken Anderson [email protected] 503-946-6044 SOURCE Smarsh "Today's groundbreaking underscores our commitment to innovation and the future of biomanufacturing in the U.S." Post this The 500,000-square-foot Bioforge Marshall is being constructed on a 34-acre parcel adjacent to ADM's existing corn processing complex. The facility will utilize ADM-sourced dextrose to manufacture low-carbon organic acids for applications in water treatment, agriculture, energy, and home and personal care. "Today's groundbreaking represents a key milestone in our growth journey, underscoring our commitment to innovation and the future of biomanufacturing in the U.S.," said Gaurab Chakrabarti, CEO and Co-Founder of Solugen. "As the demand for sustainable products continues to rise, we look forward to partnering with our customers in their decarbonization efforts." Bioforge Marshall will house three modular trains, or production lines, boasting a total production capacity of up to 120 kilotonnes per annum (KTA) of product. The facility will employ up to 100 temporary workers during construction and is expected to create over 50 high-skill manufacturing jobs upon reaching full production. The pioneering process employed by Solugen's Bioforge Marshall facility is estimated to avoid the emissions of up to 18 million kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year compared to the base case of similar petrochemical and fermentation-based products. "Solugen's chemienzymatic technology is a transformative force in sustainable chemical manufacturing," said Sean Hunt, Co-Founder and CTO of Solugen. "The new facility will significantly increase our existing capabilities, enabling us to expand the market share of low-carbon chemistries." Dextrose will serve as the primary feedstock, with an estimated 150 million pounds converted annually at full production. The facility will feature two dextrose pipelines connecting directly to the adjacent ADM plant, boosting production and significantly lowering the cost and emissions associated with transport. "We are excited to be taking the next step in our partnership with Solugen and to help meet the increasing demand for sustainable products," said Chris Cuddy, Senior Vice President, President of ADM's Carbohydrate Solutions business unit. "Sustainability is core to ADM's purpose and one of the enduring global trends powering our strategic growth. Our partnership with Solugen offers another avenue in which ADM can diversify the products made from our corn stream and continue to support plant-based solutions for use in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products." In support of the project, Solugen was awarded $760,000 in financial incentives from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development's Job Creation Fund (JCF). "DEED is proud to support the advancement of sustainable biomanufacturing in Minnesota through our investment in Solugen's expansion to Marshall," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "This transformative project not only creates quality jobs but also builds upon our state's rich legacy of innovation. Congratulations to Solugen and thank you for your commitment to investing in Minnesota's future." The facility, which is expected to come online in the fall of 2025, is primed to serve as a powerful economic driver for the city of Marshall. The investment demonstrates Solugen's commitment to onshoring domestic manufacturing while ensuring communities like Marshall reap the benefits of the growing bioeconomy. "As a community deeply rooted in agriculture and innovation, we warmly welcome Solugen to Marshall," said City of Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes. "We appreciate Solugen's commitment to sustainable development, job creation, and diversifying our industrial base. ADM's continued investment in Marshall has made opportunities like this possible. We look forward to strengthening these partnerships and advancing our mission of economic vitality and community well-being." Solugen has initiated collaborations with local educational institutions and workforce development groups, including Marshall Public Schools, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU), Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, and Marshall Chamber of Commerce. About Solugen Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world's first sustainable molecule factorythe Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuelsall with no or low emissions and waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers. For more information, visit www.solugen.com. For our press kit, visit www.solugen.com/press-kit. About ADM ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're a premier global human and animal nutrition company, delivering solutions today with an eye to the future. We're blazing new trails in health and well-being as our scientists develop groundbreaking products to support healthier living. We're a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. We're an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional and sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow. Learn more at www.adm.com. Contacts Solugen Javier Vargas [email protected] ADM Jackie Anderson [email protected] SOURCE Solugen Inc. AUBURN, Ala., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Auburn University is making space for the Space Development Agency (SDA). Located just outside Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the new Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus (AURIC) is set to become a base of technical support operations for the SDA, the sole arm of the United States Space Force operating in the state of Alabama. Located just outside Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the new Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus is set to become a base of technical support operations for the Space Development Agency, the sole arm of the United States Space Force operating in the state of Alabama. In addition to logistical support, the partnership will provide opportunities for collaboration between the SDA and the Auburn University Applied Research Institute located within AURIC. "This new phase of Auburn's relationship with the SDA is especially rewarding because it perfectly aligns with the original vision for the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus," said Steve Taylor, senior vice president for research and economic development. "We designed this cutting-edge campus not only to facilitate research but to be the go-to destination for government and industry entities within Redstone looking to accommodate and even train their workforce." Taylor is especially pleased that the first outside entity to raise its flag over AURIC is space focused. "Auburn's reputation for helping the nation remain the dominant power in space is pretty well known," Taylor said. "Our relationship with NASA, of course, is practically second to none among universities. We have also collaborated with the Missile Defense Agency and Space and Missile Defense Command on Redstone to support their efforts to defend our nation. This partnership with the Space Development Agency is yet another important step for Auburn as we strengthen our ties with the U.S. Space Force and help it accomplish its mission." SDA director Derek Tournear agrees. "SDA is committed to empowering our talented team of professionals to deliver needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter through development, fielding and operation of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture in low-Earth orbit," Tournear said. "We are grateful for this collaboration with Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus, which provides essential office space for SDA personnel located near the SDA Space Operations Center-South at Redstone Arsenal." SOURCE Auburn University-College of Engineering CHICAGO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Signifying a monumental step forward in the domain of powered antibody therapies, SparX is thrilled to announce that the first patient has been successfully dosed with SPX-303, a First-in-Class anti-LILRB2/PD-L1 bispecific antibody drug candidate, reaching a significant milestone in the fight against cancer. This innovative treatment, developed by SparX Group, is currently undergoing clinical trials at the HonorHealth Research Institute, with Dr. Justin Moser leading the study. Dr. Gui-Dong Zhu, Chief Executive Officer of SparX Group, expressed his enthusiasm: "The dosing of the first patient with SPX-303 at HonorHealth Research Institute is a crucial step forward in its clinical development process. We are honored to collaborate with Dr. Moser's team at the Research Institute to bring this innovative therapy into clinical trials. By fusing a best-in-class (BIC) nano-anti-PD-L1 with mAb-anti-LILRB2 epitopes, SPX-303 aims to unlock the full potentials in the immune system's ability to fight cancer. The trailblazing preclinical data of SPX-303 instilled confidence in us to harness its therapeutic prowess in clinical settings, particularly for patients who previously had limited treatment options." Dr. Justin Moser, associate clinical investigator at the Institute and clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, shared his optimism about the potential impact of SPX-303. "SPX-303 is designed to combat the myeloid cell-induced immunosuppression that often hinders the effectiveness of current cancer therapies. SPX-303's unique dual mechanism, targeting both myeloid cell and T-cell immune checkpoints, may offer a new avenue for enhancing the immune system's weaponry against cancer," said Dr. Moser. With the successful dosing of SPX-303, SparX Group is initiating three additional study sites for the ongoing Phase 1 clinical study. This study aims to evaluate SPX-303's safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy in patients with resistant or refractory solid tumors, potentially ushering in a new era of superior therapeutic solutions. SPX-303 stands as a first-in-its-class bispecific antibody therapy, ingeniously designed to simultaneously target two crucial immune checkpoint proteins, LILRB2 and PD-L1. These proteins play essential roles in maintaining immune balance and preventing autoimmune diseases. However, cancer cells often exploit these checkpoints as a defense against immune attacks. SPX-303 seeks to overcome this by enabling the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells effectively, representing a significant leap forward in cancer therapy. About SparX Biopharmaceutical: A research-driven, development-stage biopharmaceutical trailblazer, SparX Biopharmaceutical Corp. has a mission of "amplifying human immunity with groundbreaking antibody therapies." Through the utilization of big data analytics, including machine learning, SparX decrypts potential interactions within the vast complexity of biological information. With meticulous pharmacological analyses, backed by in vitro and in vivo evaluations using advanced mouse models, SparX is on a relentless quest to develop unparalleled therapeutics. SparX's robust target discovery platform, combined with the multifaceted SAILING antibody optimization system and groundbreaking bi-ADC technology, is poised to redefine the success metrics of empowered antibody drug development. Equipped with in-house cGMP facilities, SparX is on track to become a self-sustaining, fully integrated biopharmaceutical entity. For more information about the study, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and search for NCT06259552. About the HonorHealth Research Institute HonorHealth Research Institute is an international destination that is at the forefront of providing patients with a better quality of life through its clinical trials and innovative treatment options. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the institute's team of physicians and researchers collaborate with experts from across the nation to offer life-changing therapies, drugs and devices. At HonorHealth Research Institute, patients have access to tomorrow's health innovations, today. Learn more at: HonorHealth.com/research. SOURCE SparX Group Saudi oil giant Aramco has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GCT Semiconductor Holding, a leading designer and supplier of advanced 5G and 4G semiconductor solutions. Although full details remain to be revealed, the collaboration aims to design and co-develop chipsets and modules tailored for LTE, 5G and the non-terrestrial network (NTN) spectrum in order to support the localisation of wireless end-user devices and IoT manufacturing throughout the Kingdom. This agreement, say the partners, sets the stage for a strategic collaboration that would further develop the 4G/5G ecosystem in Saudi Arabia for both mission-critical and public safety networks. Aramco is one of the largest companies in the world based on market capitalisation. It created Aramco Digital in early 2023 as part of a move to diversify its operations and foster new technologies. John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT Semiconductor, says: "We look forward to working with Aramco and leveraging our advanced 4G and 5G capabilities with future-focused AI-driven modem features to help develop the local ecosystem and provide reliable and fast communication for their key applications in Saudi Arabia and the broader region." He adds that GCT Semiconductor plans to help further develop the 4G/5G ecosystem in the kingdom. This deal is not the only IoT-related agreement involving Aramco this year. In February Aramco signed an MoU with TWTG, a pioneer in Industrial Internet of Things (I-IoT) solutions. Numerous enhancements to the guest experience in store for Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon visitors during the 2024 season PHOENIX, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clear Sky Resorts announces an April 25th opening of their one-of-a-kind resort near Grand Canyon National Park. "Spring is an ideal time to visit to avoid the peak travel season of summer," explains Hal Feinberg, resort co-creator. Daytime temperatures in the spring are perfect for exploring. Clear Sky Resorts' spacious Sky Domes offer early season guests the best of both worlds expansive windows that bring the outside in and climate-control systems to keep the inside more comfortable. The primary objective of Clear Sky Resorts is to create fun-filled opportunities to get to know your fellow guests, your family & friends, and even yourself. The 40-acre Grand Canyon resort is a sort of upscale summer camp for all ages. Fun, family-friendly experiences, many of them complimentary, connect people to each other and make every Clear Sky Resorts stay the best vacation ever. To enhance their guest's experience, Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon has revamped their activity schedule. All on-resort activities will be offered daily to ensure that every guest has a variety of engaging experiences to enjoy during their stay. "We're confident that these enhancements will elevate the guest experience," beamed Seth Trujillo, Guest Experience Supervisor, "and we are looking forward to seeing our guests soon." Yoga at the resort will be offered every morning at 8 a.m. The rest of the day's activities are scheduled for the evening when guests have returned from exploring area attractions. At 5 p.m., guests can try their hand at Native American Flute Making or kids can opt for the day's activity at Kid's Corner. Three hours of live music starts every day at 6 p.m. S'mores by the artisan firepits are a resort favorite and available in the Welcome Dome daily starting at 7 p.m. Two movies will be shown every day at the resort's Projection Dome. Family-friendly movies start at 7 p.m. and PG13+ movies will be shown starting at 9 p.m. Grand Canyon National Park was awarded the status of an International Dark Sky Park in 2019, meaning the area is one of the best places to view the night sky in the entire world. Captivating stargazing tours, offered nightly after dark at the resort, are guided on a rotating schedule by an experienced local astronomer and local storyteller. Tours are weather-dependent, as are other outdoor activities. Signup at the front desk in the Welcome Dome is required for most resort activities and some activities require a minimum number of participants. The activity hub of Clear Sky Resorts Grand Canyon, the Welcome Dome was rearranged and updated over the off-season. Areas within the dome were relocated in order to improve flow and create a more obvious check-in area with an additional check-in station. In the updated Dining Dome, diners will be greeted by an eye-catching feature wall with dining tables arranged along the sunrise-facing panoramic window. The resort's resident food truck fast casual menu will feature the yummy burgers, flatbreads, pastas, and salads that guests are familiar with, as well as offering some additional chef specialty entrees like pan seared duck breast and surf-n-turf. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are served, along with a handful of signature cocktails. Happy hour is from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. Opening for the 2024 season on April 25th, book your Clear Sky Resorts' Grand Canyon spring vacation by April 30th and receive rates discounted 10-15% for two- or three-night stays on most types of Sky Domes. To view and download a brochure go to https://issuu.com/clearskyresorts/docs/csr_grand_canyon_digital_zine_v032424?fr=sYWI0ZTcxOTQxNjg. For reservations, go to https://grandcanyon.clearskyresorts.com/ or contact Clear Sky Resorts by phone at +1-888-704-4445 or email at [email protected]. About Clear Sky Resorts: Inspired by parents who introduced them to travel at a young age, the creators of Clear Sky Resorts developed a deep love of the great outdoors on fun family trips. Fond memories of their childhood vacations led to the development of their resort concept to create one-of-a-kind vacations by combining unique accommodations with fun, family-friendly experiences at the country's most special places. As the first resort of its kind in the U.S., Clear Sky Resorts delivers a unique experience with geodesic Sky Dome lodging, nighttime stargazing and lots of fun activities for the whole family. Founded in 2020, Clear Sky Resorts is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Learn more: https://clearskyresorts.com/. SOURCE Clear Sky Resorts NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global stain remover market market size is estimated to grow by USD 6117.53 mn from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of almost 5.4% during the forecast period. APAC held the largest share of the global market in 2022, and the market in the region is estimated to witness an incremental growth of 41%. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Stain Remover Market 2023-2027 Major Players in the Market Numerous companies are capitalizing on this growing trend by implementing strategic measures such as alliances, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions. Among the notable players in the cheese based snacks market are: Agar Cleaning Systems Pty Ltd., Amtech UK, Amway Corp., CC Holdings Inc., Church and Dwight Co. Inc., Dove Technologies, Future Developments Man Ltd., Godrej Consumer Products Ltd., Greenology Products Inc., Guardsman Industries Ltd., Henkel AG and Co. KGaA, Kao Corp., Mega Electronics Ltd., Quality Chemicals S.L, Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, S.C. Johnson and Son Inc., Sarex, The Clorox Co., The Procter and Gamble Co., Unilever PLC Analyst Review In the dynamic world of mobile applications, the Stain Remover Market has experienced recent developments that cater to the diverse needs of consumers. App developers are designing innovative solutions for various stain remover products, including those for clothing care, liquids, powders, bars, sprays, sticks, pills, wipes, and fragrances. These apps offer connectivity options for different devices, enabling users to scan and identify stains, suggest appropriate remedies, and even order replacement products. IOT technology integration allows for real-time monitoring and analysis of staining issues, enhancing the user experience. The market for stain remover apps is expanding to include wipes, mud, milk, soil, barbeque sauces, red wines, and other substances. Consumer tastes continue to influence the market, driving the demand for effective and convenient stain removal solutions. Key Market Drivers The Stain Remover Market encompasses a vast array of products, catering to diverse consumer needs and preferences. These offerings include stain removers in various formats such as powders, liquids, bars, sprays, sticks, pills, wipes, foams, and gels. The market serves multiple sectors, including retail and healthcare automation, utilizing public cloud platforms and core IT infrastructure. Automation trends and the adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) further expand market reach. Consumers seek solutions for various stains, from common ones like mud, soil, milk, and coffee to specific ones like barbeque sauces, juice, and coke. Companies like Reckitt Benckiser, with their Vanish brand, and Tide offer stain removers containing bleaches, surfactants, enzyme preservatives, perfumes, and coloring compounds. However, concerns regarding harmful chemicals, health, and the environment necessitate innovation. Future Market Insights anticipates growth in primary regions, with technology companies introducing eco-friendly, allergy-friendly, and enzyme-based detergents to mitigate skin irritations and eye damage. Challenges and Opportunities In the Stain Remover Market, proper use of the right products at the right time is crucial for effective stain removal. For fresh stains, transportable and compact stain remover solutions are preferred by consumers with on-the-go lifestyles. Developing nations focus on all-natural content and biodegradability, while detergent solutions in washing machines require non-toxicity and absence of halogenated chemicals. Product design and packaging must cater to personalization and convenience. Water-based stain removers are increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness, while solvent-based alternatives offer superior stain removal. Marketing campaigns target various stains, such as mud, milk, soil, barbeque sauces, red wines, beetroot, blood, honey, mayonnaise, baby food, and oil. Brand ambassadors, sales, internet presence, and digital marketing strategies are essential for success in this competitive market. Consumers want innovative, non-toxic, and biodegradable stain remover tablets, wipes, and fragrances. In the consumer goods market, stain removers are evolving to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products. Tomato sauce stains and other freshly occurred stains are no match for the new generation of green laundry care solutions. Emerging economies and working class consumers, particularly in developing countries, are increasingly adopting these products due to their affordability and accessibility through laundry vendors and e-commerce platforms. Product packaging is also becoming innovative, with companies like Evergreen Labs focusing on sustainable materials and design. The e-commerce industry is driving sales, with target demographics including dual-income households and average household incomes. High-quality fabric innovation ensures color quality is maintained, while all-in-one products come in various forms such as powder, liquid, and bar. Commercial applications include laundry services and large-scale businesses, with Henkel leading the way in stain remover technology. Mobile middleware, app developers, and connectivity are recent developments, with businesses implementing BYOD policies and enterprise databases integrated with IoT technology for employee interaction and data applications. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Market Overview The Apps market offers various solutions for stain removal. Apps like Cloud, ServeVideo, and Marker contain technologies that detect and suggest the best stain removal methods. Devices such as the Dyson V11 Torque Drive and the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean toothbrush have stain removal features. The Concept Ink app provides a digital canvas for creating and removing stains. The Tide app offers stain removal tips and guides. The Cloudeye app uses AI to identify stains and recommend removal methods. The CosmoTech app uses computer vision to detect and remove stains from images. The Surfactant app uses chemistry to suggest stain removal methods based on the type of fabric. The Tech21 app offers protective cases for devices to prevent stains. The PureSense app monitors air quality and suggests ways to prevent stains caused by pollutants. The Sensibo app controls air conditioning to prevent stains caused by humidity. The StickNFind app helps locate lost items and prevent stains caused by misplaced items. The Autobrush app offers automatic toothbrushing to prevent stains on teeth. The Sync app offers synchronization between devices to ensure effective stain removal. The StainMaster app offers a comprehensive solution for stain removal, including detection, identification, and removal methods. About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunrock Distributed Generation, a commercial solar and clean energy development and management platform, announces today its tax equity partnership with Nelnet, Inc. (NYSE: NNI), marking a significant step towards enhancing energy sustainability, building power grid resiliency, and reducing carbon emissions in local communities. A recent example of a Sunrock Distributed Generation solar project. The partnership with Nelnet, Inc. will give businesses, public entities, and nonprofits, greater access to renewable energy (PRNewsfoto/Nelnet, Inc.) The partnership combines the extensive expertise of Sunrock and Nelnet to finance and construct ongoing portfolios of distributed generation assets across several states including California, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. The construction of initial projects is already underway. Wilson Chang, CEO of Sunrock, comments, "Sunrock is thrilled to announce our financing partnership with Nelnet, Inc, which will enable us to build even more solar and distributed generation assets originated and developed using our proprietary underwriting system and automated technology platform. "Together, Sunrock and Nelnet are on a journey to help local businesses, public entities, and nonprofits save money and transition towards renewable energy, while contributing to a cleaner, greener future for generations to come," he adds. Scott Gubbels, Executive Director of Renewable Energy at Nelnet, Inc. says, "Our partnership with Sunrock furthers Nelnet's commitment to renewable energy projects that deliver tangible environmental and economic benefits. We are excited to be working in close partnership with Sunrock's experienced team of financiers and operators in scaling out the origination, development, and construction of a diversified portfolio of distributed generation assets." For more information about Sunrock and Nelnet Renewable Energy please visit the websites at www.sunrockdg.com and www.nelnetenergy.com. About Sunrock Distributed Generation: Sunrock originates, develops, and manages commercial solar, storage and electrification assets at various stages of development. The company's mission is to offer a trusted, streamlined platform for organizations and local communities of all sizes to access distributed energy. With a network of 400+ installer partners across the country, and a team with decades of experience building leading solar and distributed generation companies, Sunrock helps businesses, public entities and non-profits invest in a smarter, more cost-effective future. Sunrock's rapid pricing assessments, proprietary underwriting system and automated technology platform allow the company to provide competitive financing option and unmatched project execution efficiency. Sunrock Distributed Generation is a portfolio company of Greenbacker Development Opportunities Fund I, LP, an investment vehicle affiliated with Greenbacker Capital Management LLC. For more information, please visit www.sunrockdg.com About Nelnet, Inc.: Nelnet (NYSE: NNI) is a publicly traded diversified financial services and technology company focused on offering educational services, technology solutions, professional services, telecommunications and asset management. Nelnet Renewable Energy Services is the company's renewable energy investment, management and development business. Nelnet Renewable Energy Services is an experienced tax equity investor and fund manager in distributed generation solar projects. Between Nelnet's capital and capital from its co-investors, the collaborative platform has funded approximately $600 million of capital into renewable energy projects. This renewable energy experience, coupled with Nelnet's proven asset management capabilities from its loan servicing portfolio and its alignment of interest as an investor alongside its partners, allows Nelnet to offer a unique co-investment platform to accredited investors based on shared value creation and positive environmental and social impact. For more information, visit NelnetInc.com/co-investing . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384796/Nelnet_Sunrock.jpg SOURCE Nelnet, Inc. ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (the "Company" or "Sunstone") (NYSE: SHO) today announced that its upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") will now be held at the Company's headquarters at 15 Enterprise, Suite 200, Aliso Viejo, California 92656. The Annual Meeting will be held at the originally scheduled date and time on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8:00 a.m., Pacific Time. Further information regarding the change in the location of the Annual Meeting can be found in the proxy supplement filed by Sunstone with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2024. About Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. is a lodging real estate investment trust ("REIT"). Sunstone's strategy is to create long-term stakeholder value through the acquisition, active ownership, and disposition of well-located hotel and resort real estate. For further information, please visit Sunstone's website at www.sunstonehotels.com. For Additional Information : Aaron Reyes Chief Financial Officer Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. (949) 382-3018 SOURCE Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. HOUSTON , April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ted B. Miller, co-founder and former Executive Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Crown Castle Inc., (NYSE: CCI) ("Crown Castle" or the "Company") and his investment vehicle Boots Capital Management, LLC ("Boots Capital") today issued the following statement regarding Crown Castle's appointment of Steven J. Moskowitz as President and Chief Executive Officer. "Like all Crown Castle shareholders, we are just learning about Mr. Moskowitz's appointment and are reviewing his qualifications to serve as Crown Castle's CEO. We believe this announcement reinforces the critical need for Boots Capital's highly qualified director nominees to join the Crown Castle Board at this critical juncture. The current Board has a decade-long track record of inferior total shareholder returns for Crown Castle. By contrast, our nominees have the direct tower operating experience, deep internal knowledge and understanding of Crown Castle's business and employee base, as well as the capital markets expertise and ability to successfully oversee a thorough review of the fiber business, all of which are critical to ensure Mr. Moskowitz's success and to drive long-term value for all Crown Castle shareholders." INVESTOR AND MEDIA CONTACTS Investors: Morrow Sodali LLC Paul Schulman/William Dooley/Jonathan Eyl By Phone: 1-800-662-5200 or 203-658-9400 By Email: [email protected] Media: Jonathan Gasthalter/Nathaniel Garnick/Grace Cartwright Gasthalter & Co. By Phone: 212-257-4170 By Email: [email protected] CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information herein contains "forward-looking statements." Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, words such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "targets," "forecasts," "seeks," "could," "should" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Similarly, statements that describe the Participants' (as defined below) objectives, plans or goals are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any idea or assumption herein is, or will be proven, correct. If one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions of Boots Capital (as defined below) or any of the other Participants in the proxy solicitation described herein prove to be incorrect, the actual results may vary materially from outcomes indicated by these statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Boots Capital or the other Participants that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will ever be achieved. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and actual results may vary materially from what is expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by applicable law, neither Boots Capital nor any Participant will undertake and specifically declines any obligation to disclose the results of any revisions that may be made to any projected results or forward-looking statements herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such projected results or statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. Certain statements and information included herein have been sourced from third parties. Boots Capital and the other Participants do not make any representations regarding the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such third party statements or information. Except as may be expressly set forth herein, permission to cite such statements or information has neither been sought nor obtained from such third parties. Any such statements or information should not be viewed as an indication of support from such third parties for the views expressed herein. CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS Boots Capital and the other Participants (as defined below) have filed a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying GOLD universal proxy card (the "Proxy Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to be used to solicit proxies for, among other matters, the election of its slate of director nominees at the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders (the "2024 Annual Meeting") of Crown Castle Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Crown Castle" or the "Corporation"). Promptly after filing its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, Boots Capital will forward the definitive proxy statement and accompanying GOLD universal proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the 2024 Annual Meeting. The participants in the proxy solicitation are currently anticipated to be Boots Parallel 1, LP, Boots, LP (and together with Boots Parallel 1, LP, the "Boots Funds"), Boots Capital Management, LLC ("Boots Capital"), Boots GP, LLC ("Boots GP"), 4M Management Partners, LLC ("4M Management Partners"), 4M Investments, LLC ("4M Investments"), WRCB, L.P. ("WRCB"), Theodore B. Miller, Jr. and Tripp H. Rice (collectively, the "Boots Parties"); and Charles Campbell Green III and David P. Wheeler (together with Mr. Miller and Mr. Rice, the "Boots Nominees," and together with the Boots Parties, the "Participants"). Boots GP, as the general partner of each of the Boots Funds, and 4M Management Partners, as the investment advisor of each of the Boots Funds, may each be deemed to beneficially own interests in an aggregate of 784,009 shares of the Corporation's common stock, $0.01 par value (the "Common Stock") held in the Boots Funds (including 182,997 shares of Common Stock and interests in 601,012 shares of Common Stock underlying over-the-counter share option contracts). WRCB beneficially owns interests in 135 shares of Common Stock underlying a call option. Mr. Miller has direct ownership of 200 shares of Common Stock, which includes 100 shares of Common Stock held of record and 100 shares of Common Stock held of record as tenant in common with his wife. In addition, Mr. Miller may be deemed to beneficially own interests in an aggregate of 784,716.958 shares of Common Stock (which includes interests in 784,009 shares of Common Stock held by the Boots Funds, which Mr. Miller may be deemed to beneficially own as the President and managing member of 4M Management Partners and a Manager and the President of Boots GP, interests in 400 shares of Common Stock underlying call options owned beneficially and as a tenant in common with his wife, interests in 135 shares of Common Stock underlying a call option owned beneficially by WRCB, which Mr. Miller may be deemed to beneficially own as sole member of one of the general partners of WRCB, and 172.958 shares of Common Stock held through the Corporation's 401(k) Plan in the Crown Castle Stock Fund. Mr. Rice is the record holder of 100 shares of Common Stock and, as the Vice President of 4M Management Partners and a Manager and the Vice President of Boots GP, Mr. Rice may be deemed to beneficially own interests in 784,009 shares of Common Stock held by the Boots Funds. Mr. Green beneficially owns 1,736 shares of Common Stock in joint tenancy with his wife. All of the foregoing information is as of the date hereof unless otherwise disclosed. IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT BOOTS CAPITAL STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF CROWN CASTLE TO READ THE PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT, ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO SUCH PROXY STATEMENT, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS FILED BY BOOTS CAPITAL AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT, WHEN FILED, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON THE SEC WEBSITE, FREE OF CHARGE, OR BY DIRECTING A REQUEST TO THE PARTICIPANTS' PROXY SOLICITOR, MORROW SODALI LLC, 430 PARK AVE., 14TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022 (STOCKHOLDERS CAN CALL TOLL-FREE: (800) 662-5200). SOURCE Boots Capital Management, LLC Global data centre leader expands into the Canadian market after acquiring three data centres in Toronto TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Telehouse, a leading global colocation data centre service provider, announced the launch of Telehouse Canada, bringing Canadian businesses the improved IT infrastructure and connectivity services needed to power Canadian growth and innovation. As Canadian organizations across all industries continue to invest in digital transformation and scale through advanced technologies like AI and Cloud Services, Telehouse Canada will meet the growing demand for highly resilient colocation services, digital connectivity and the enablement of High-Performance Computing. "Canada is known around the world for its technology leadership, including advanced AI research, top-tier talent and the growth of innovative companies. Expanding Telehouse's data centre services in Canada is an opportunity for us to help build on that momentum," said Satoshi Adachi, President and CEO of KDDI Canada. "Our data centres will make it easier and faster for Canadian businesses to modernize, scale their IT environments and engage in the digital economy." Today's announcement comes after Telehouse, together with parent company and Japanese telecommunications leader, KDDI, signed an agreement to acquire three Toronto data centres in June 2023. When fully operational, the new carrier-neutral data centres will provide more than 30MW of IT load. "Today's expansion marks an important milestone, but it's only the beginning of our investment in and commitment to Canada," said Adachi. "We will be leveraging more than 30 years of data centre services experience to drive growth for Canadian businesses and help Canada maintain its competitive edge in an increasingly interconnected world." KDDI has been steadily expanding Telehouse's presence into new international markets since establishing the first Telehouse data centre in New York in 1989. With the launch of Telehouse Canada, Telehouse now operates over 45 data centres across 10+ countries. About KDDI Corporation Created in 1953 as an initiative spearheaded by the Japanese government to develop their international network from Japan, KDDI Group has become a leading global telecommunications company, operating in more than 60 cities and 100 locations around the world. KDDI deployed major international infrastructures, including its Global Network, a digitized proprietary network with optic-fibre linking Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. With a customer portfolio of over 50 million subscribers in Japan, KDDI offers mobile phone services, network services and IT solutions to its global customers. For more information visit: https://www.kddi.com/english/ About Telehouse Telehouse is a leading global data centre service provider under KDDI group, bringing together more than 3,000 business partners including carriers, mobile and content providers, enterprises, cloud providers and financial services companies. Established in 1989, Telehouse provides reliable, secure, and flexible colocation, enabling organizations to accelerate speed to market and create business opportunities through fast, efficient and secure interconnections. For more information visit: https://www.telehouse.ca/ SOURCE Telehouse Canada LONDON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tetragon announces the final results of the "modified Dutch auction" tender offer to purchase a portion of the outstanding non-voting shares of Tetragon for a maximum aggregate payment of $25,000,000 in cash. The tender offer expired at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on 10 April 2024. J.P. Morgan Securities plc (which conducts its UK investment banking business as J.P. Morgan Cazenove) acted as dealer manager for the tender offer and Computershare Investor Services PLC acted as tender agent for the tender offer. As dealer manager, J.P. Morgan determined the final purchase price at which Tetragon will purchase shares in the tender offer. As tender agent, Computershare determined the final proration factor. In accordance with the terms of the tender offer, Tetragon has accepted for purchase 2,439,015 non-voting shares at a purchase price of $10.25 per share. The aggregate cost of this purchase is $24,999,903.75, excluding fees and expenses relating to the tender offer. A total of 3,251,360 Tetragon non-voting shares were properly tendered and not properly withdrawn at or below the purchase price of $10.25 per share. Because more than $25,000,000 in value of Tetragon non-voting shares was properly tendered and not properly withdrawn, the tender offer was subject to proration pursuant to the terms of the tender offer, with appropriate adjustments to avoid purchases of fractional shares. The final proration factor, which is applicable only to shares properly tendered and not properly withdrawn at the purchase price of $10.25 per share, is 54.39%, rounded to the second decimal place.1 Tetragon will promptly make payment for the shares validly tendered and accepted for purchase, which is expected to occur on or about 16 April 2024. All shares tendered and not purchased in the tender offer will be promptly returned to the tendering shareholders. About Tetragon: Tetragon is a Guernsey closed-ended investment company. Its non-voting shares are listed on Euronext in Amsterdam, a regulated market of Euronext Amsterdam N.V., and also traded on the Specialist Fund Segment of the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. Our investment manager is Tetragon Financial Management LP. Find out more at www.tetragoninv.com. Tetragon's non-voting shares are subject to restrictions on ownership by U.S. persons and are not intended for European retail investors. Please see: https://www.tetragoninv.com/shareholders/additional-information. Tetragon: Press Inquiries: Yuko Thomas Prosek Partners Investor Relations [email protected] [email protected] U.K. +44 20 3890 9193 U.S. +1 212 279 3115 This release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (2014/596/EU), or EU MAR, and of the UK version of EU MAR as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act (as amended). This release does not contain or constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. The securities of Tetragon have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to U.S. persons unless they are registered under applicable law or exempt from registration. Tetragon does not intend to register any portion of its securities in the United States or to conduct a public offer of securities in the United States. In addition, Tetragon has not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and investors will not be entitled to the benefits of such Act. Tetragon is registered in the public register of the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiele Markten) under Section 1:107 of the Dutch Financial Markets Supervision Act as an alternative investment fund from a designated state. J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which is authorised by the UK Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Tetragon and for no one else in connection with the tender offer and will not be responsible to anyone (whether or not recipient of the tender offer) other than Tetragon for providing the protections afforded to the clients of J.P. Morgan Securities plc or for providing advice in relation to the tender offer. 1 The full final proration factor applied is 54.3925090924607%. SOURCE Tetragon Financial Group Limited Hickman comes to Tillman Infrastructure from Crown Castle with two decades of experience in finance across tower and energy industries NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tillman Infrastructure, a leading owner, and operator of wireless infrastructure across the U.S., today announced the appointment of Chris Hickman to Chief Financial Officer. Hickman joins Tillman Infrastructure from Crown Castle Inc., where he spent over five years in various leadership roles, including Vice President of Investor Relations and Capital Markets and Vice President of Finance - Towers. "Chris' impressive finance career across tower and energy industries will be instrumental in driving growth for the company," said Suruchi Ahuja, CEO of Tillman Infrastructure. "His experience in corporate and business development, as well as large-scale M&A transactions, will further solidify Tillman Infrastructure as a leading tower company in the United States. We are thrilled to have Chris join our team." Since its inception in 2016, Tillman Infrastructure has grown to be one of the most prolific tower builders in the U.S. The company owns over two thousand macro tower sites with several thousand in development. It is known for its disruptive approach to meeting its customers' infrastructure needs through nationwide build-to-suit and colocation capabilities. Tillman Infrastructure is a portfolio company of Tillman Global Holdings, a U.S. based private investment firm that invests in, owns, and operates digital and energy infrastructure businesses. "Tillman Infrastructure's disruptive approach to tower development and customer-friendly model sets it apart from others in the business," said Chris Hickman. "The company's unique offering of both financial capabilities and operational expertise has primed itself for long-term growth. I look forward to joining Tillman's highly experienced team to continue its mission of narrowing the digital divide." Prior to Crown Castle, Hickman spent nearly 15 years in the energy sector, where he held leadership roles across finance, strategic planning, and corporate development. Notably, he led Noble Energy through the initial public offering of its midstream infrastructure business as Vice President of Investor Relations and built a finance organization for a multi-billion joint venture. Hickman received his Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Texas A&M University. About Tillman Infrastructure Tillman Infrastructure is a leading developer, owner, and operator of connectivity infrastructure in the United States. Founded in 2016 and based in New York, the company owns and manages over one thousand macro tower sites with several thousand in development. For more information, please visit https://www.tillmaninfrastructure.com/. About Tillman Global Holdings Tillman Global Holdings is a U.S.-based holding company that builds leading businesses in digital and next-generation infrastructure. Tillman Global Holdings takes an owner-operator approach to investing in platforms globally. Current portfolio companies operate towers, in-building small cells, fiber and EV charging infrastructure. Sanjiv Ahuja launched Tillman Global in 2013 to build businesses with a focus on long-term value. For more information, visit https://www.tillmanglobal.com/. Media Contact Abigail Rush 5W Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE Tillman Infrastructure Brand targets major markets across the US for expansion DENVER, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As You Wish , a personal assistant, concierge and event company, announced the signing of its first two franchise agreements in Colorado. This marks the brand's initial step into franchising, following its announcement last year of plans to expand through this model with a goal of awarding multiple franchise agreements in 2024. "In today's fast-paced world, people are increasingly looking for ways to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and increase their productivity," said Allison Welch, founder of As You Wish. "We have awarded our first franchise agreement in South Denver to a dynamic duo with a strong background in personalized service. Our second franchise agreement awarded to Boulder is a long standing client who values the advantages of gaining extra time in their life. Both franchisees will serve as invaluable assets for extending our influence within our home state and kickstarting our nationwide growth goals." Established in 2010, As You Wish offers customized personal assistance and concierge services such as on-demand errand running, personal shopping, home organization, relocation assistance, day-of wedding coordination and more for busy individuals and families in a wide variety of scenarios. The home-based, low-investment business is actively seeking prospects with a keen focus on expanding throughout Scottsdale, Dallas and Nashville, among other opportunities. "We are committed to cultivating a network across the country to meet this growing demand for personal assistance with the highest possible quality of service," added Welch. Those interested in As You Wish growth opportunities are invited to watch the franchising introductory video and request a franchise discovery kit at asyouwishfranchise.com. To learn more about As You Wish, visit www.asyouwishlifestyle.com About As You Wish Established in 2010, As You Wish is a national personal assistant, event-planning and concierge company that assists busy professionals, multi-tasking parents and entrepreneurs who seek assistance to balance their professional and personal lives. Although concierge services are usually associated with luxury hotels or executives only, As You Wish is changing that perception by showing that assistance is for everyone and that having a personal assistant is both invaluable and affordable for all. Services are offered at an hourly rate and offered a la carte. To learn more about the As You Wish franchising opportunity, visit asyouwishfranchise.com. SOURCE As You Wish NEW YORK, April 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global travel market size is estimated to grow by USD 3392.95 bn from 2023 to 2027, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.18% during the forecast period. Since 2016, global terrorist activities have escalated, with six of the 20 worst attacks in 2021 occurring in Afghanistan. These attacks aim to instill fear and alter behavior. Key travel sectors, including international development, transportation, and tourism, have been impacted. Online booking, airlines, tour operators, and travel agencies have felt the consequences. Amidst this, there's a growing emphasis on responsible practices, sustainability, and communication systems to ensure safe travel experiences. Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Travel Market 2023-2027 To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! The Sector segment emerges as the fastest-growing segment in the travel market International economic development fuels the travel industry, enabling consumers to invest in leisure experiences at home and abroad. Transportation advancements, including airlines, tour operators, and online booking platforms, facilitate travel to diverse destinations. Responsible tourism practices and sustainable transportation services are prioritized for minimal environmental impact. Travel websites, augmented reality, and virtual reality technologies offer immersive experiences, inspiring travelers to explore new regions. Domestic and regional travel, maritime mobility, and low-cost airlines expand accessibility. Large airports and communication systems streamline travel processes. Sustainable tourism practices, experiential travel, medical tourism industry, and online travel agencies cater to health-conscious travelers and those seeking unique experiences. Smartphones enable real-time booking and access to information, influencing travel decisions. In the international arena, APAC's economic development fuels travel growth, with an expanding middle class and urbanization driving demand for business and leisure travel. Transportation infrastructure advances, such as airports, highways, and high-speed rail networks, facilitate domestic and regional travel. Responsible tourism practices are essential, with travel websites promoting experience travel through augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and online booking systems. Sustainable tourism practices are prioritized, with experiential travel, medical tourism industry, and large airports adopting communication systems for seamless transportation services. Low-cost airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, and online booking platforms cater to diverse travel activities and preferences. Maritime mobility also plays a role in transportation, connecting islands and coastal regions. Overall, the APAC region's economic development and transportation advancements attract international tourist footfall, making it an exciting and accessible destination for travelers. Commenting on the market trends, a Senior Analyst of Technavio, stated," The travel market has experienced significant growth due to increasing international and domestic tourism. Business trips, driven by multinational corporations, and leisure travel fuel this trend. Online travel platforms cater to the demand for travel activities, while government initiatives and sustainable practices promote responsible tourism. Key sectors include transportation, hotels, airlines, and tour operators, with technology advances in AR/VR, AI, and online booking driving convenience. Medical tourism and experiential travel are also growing areas." To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Analyst Review In the dynamic world of travel, experiential tourism and medical tourism continue to gain popularity among international travelers. The medical tourism industry attracts a significant number of tourists seeking affordable healthcare solutions, contributing to international tourist footfall. Online travel agencies play a crucial role in facilitating travel arrangements, including transportation, hotel bookings, and travel activities. Airline tickets from low-cost carriers can be easily booked online using smartphones, making travel more accessible. Tour operators and travel agencies offer customized packages, catering to various preferences and budgets. The online booking process and economic development in the travel sector have made leisure travel more convenient and affordable for both domestic and international tourists. Market Overview In the realm of Travel, Experience is key. Medicial tourism is a growing trend, attracting tourists from around the world. Onlinetourism providers offer various packages, including domestic and international tours. Travel agencies provide actives such as hiking, camping, and adventure sports. Domestic tours include visits to historical sites and cultural destinations. Travelers can also opt for romantic getaways or family vacations. Devlopements in technology make it easier to book tours online. Responsible travel practices are important, including respecting local cultures and minimizing environmental impact. Domestic tours offer opportunities to explore one's own country, while international tours broaden horizons and provide unique experiences. Travel providers offer a range of services, from budget to luxury options. Travelers can also customize their trips based on their interests and preferences. Overall, travel is an essential part of personal growth and exploration. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio CHANGZHOU, China, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trina Solar Co. Ltd., a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has announced that its Vertex S+ Clear Black module clinched top spot in a PV Magazine test report published last month. The PV Magazine test, organized by PV Magazine Group, comprehensively assessed the performance and energy output of a range of PV modules. The evaluation encompassed indoor performance evaluations and field tests for energy yield. To ensure the integrity and impartiality of the results, CEA, a reputable consulting firm in the industry, was enlisted as a third-party technical expert to oversee the testing process. During the indoor test environment session, the Vertex S+ Clear Black module from Trina Solar stood out with an average score of 92 points. Comparative analysis against modules used technologies such as HJT, p-type IBC and n-type IBC. The Vertex S+ Clear Black module, distinguished by its aesthetic appeal, outperformed its counterparts in key areas such as appearance, EL, low-light performance, temperature coefficient and PID. In the optional sub-item of LID, the Vertex S+ Clear Black module delivered remarkable results, scoring 99 points across the board. Notably, the Vertex S+ Clear Black module achieved significantly higher scores than the average in both PID and LID. In January the Vertex S+ Clear Black module demonstrated exceptional performance in the TOPCon/HJT group's field test, securing the top position on the monthly list with an impressive energy yield of 43.24Wh/Wp. The Vertex S+ Clear Black module combines 210mm rectangular silicon wafer (210R) cell technology with n-type i-TOPCon advanced technology, resulting in enhanced 22.3% efficiency and an impressive power output of up to 445W+. Cao Yunduan, head of branding and global marketing at Trina Solar, said: "Vertex S+ series modules represent the pinnacle of innovation and performance in the solar industry. The impressive performance of the Vertex S+ module in the recent test session reaffirms our dedication to delivering superior products that meet the evolving needs of our customers." SOURCE Trina Solar Co., Ltd Set to debut in spring 2025, the brand's highly anticipated California camp is now accepting reservations DENVER, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Under Canvas , the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced Under Canvas Yosemite the company's first-ever California camp will open on May 22, 2025. The 80-acre camp is set in a serene, mountainside forest surrounded by mature, Yosemite-native trees, just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park. Additionally, a YARTS (Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System) stop is directly across from the camp's entrance, offering car-free access into the national park. Under Canvas "Under Canvas' expansion into California has been our goal since the brand's inception in 2012," said Matt Gaghen, chief executive officer of Under Canvas. "We look forward to bringing the Under Canvas experience to Yosemite, home to many outdoor enthusiasts and a sought-after destination for adventure travelers around the globe. Our spectacularly beautiful property will offer exceptional access to one of the most iconic national parks in the country, inviting guests to discover the beauty of the park and immersion in nature in an entirely new way." Each of the safari-inspired tents will be furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens, a private deck, an ensuite bathroom and more. The camp's lobby tent will feature communal lounge spaces, dining areas and open game areas, all just steps away from an expansive, onsite yoga deck. The dining program will showcase al fresco and indoor dining, serving freshly made, seasonal dishes and a selection of curated California wines and craft beers. Under Canvas Yosemite will also offer complimentary onsite programming for guests, including acoustic live music, daily yoga, kids' activities, nightly s'mores and more, and Under Canvas' Adventure Concierge can assist guests in booking in-park and local experiences including rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing, stargazing, photography classes and more. A cornerstone of the Under Canvas experience is the brand's Mindful Approach ethos. Under Canvas camps are designed to minimize disturbance, maximize open spaces, and flow with the natural topography of the land. The brand's commitment to minimizing light pollution and protecting the night sky are setting the standard in the industry, as Under Canvas offers the first-ever DarkSky-certified lodging properties in the world. Reservations at Under Canvas Yosemite for stays May 22-October 27, 2025 are available now at www.undercanvas.com. Starting rates: $319. SOURCE Under Canvas The new facility will serve as a hub for quantum chemistry, molecular nanoscience and sustainability research. COLLEGE PARK, Md., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Maryland today celebrated the dedication of its new state-of-the-art Chemistry Building, a 105,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a hub for quantum chemistry, molecular nanoscience and sustainability research. The University of Maryland today celebrated the dedication of its new state-of-the-art Chemistry Building, a 105,000-square-foot facility that will serve as a hub for quantum chemistry, molecular nanoscience and sustainability research. "This new facility is a landmark investment in our faculty, staff, students and the future of chemistry and biochemistry at our flagship institution," said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. "I am optimistic for the world-changing collaborations that will begin in these labs and lead to new knowledge and discoveries." The new Chemistry Buildingdesigned by Ballinger and constructed by the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company with funds from the state of Maryland's capital budget and the universitycatalyzes a new era for chemistry and biochemistry at UMD. The building will support and enhance the work of UMD scientists who are pushing the boundaries of their fields to address the grand challenges of our time, from fighting disease and exploring the future of quantum science to creating a sustainable future. "Our chemistry and biochemistry students and faculty members will have the tools and technologies they need in this new building to take their discoveries to the next level and ultimately improve our world and drive our economy," said Amitabh Varshney, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences. Key research in the new Chemistry Building focuses on: Antibody-based therapeutics and an HIV vaccine New materials to tackle urgent problems in energy and sustainability Quantum chemistry and quantum signaling Mechanisms used by viruses like SARS-CoV-2 to evade defenses New materials and technologies for energy conversion and storage or chemical remediation Revealing the structure of viruses that cause Lassa fever and other infectious diseases Building novel mass spectrometry instruments to advance cell biology, neuroscience and cancer research Detecting ovarian cancer from a blood sample Quantum-state controlled chemical reactions under extreme conditions "Our new Chemistry Building stands out because it is designed purposefully to enable faculty members and students to share ideas, solve problems and ask new questions about our natural world," said Janice Reutt-Robey, professor and chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "The environmental features of the new buildingstrict temperature and humidity control, optimal thermal management, and regulated airflowwill allow us to push our research to new heights." The $132 million facility includes: 34 advanced research labs Two shared research facilities with cutting-edge instrumentation 13,000 square feet of collaboration space A Chemistry Great Hall, where the department's 45-plus faculty members and 600-plus undergraduate and graduate students will interact and engage with experts through lectures, conferences and celebrations Meeting and huddle rooms designed for impromptu discussions, research group meetings and thesis defenses Thanks to generous philanthropic donations from department alums and current and former faculty members, rooms in the new building will be named: the Mike and Jan Doyle Seminar Room, GlycoT Conference Room, Sandra C. Greer Seminar Room, Russell Marker Seminar Room, Douglas Kent Shaffer Research Laboratory and Walters Meeting Room. About the University of Maryland The University of Maryland (UMD) is the state's flagship university and a leading public research institution, propelled by a $1.3 billion joint research enterprise. Located four miles from Washington, D.C., the university is dedicated to addressing the grand challenges of our time and is the nation's first Do Good campus. It is driven by a diverse and proudly inclusive community of more than 50,000 fearless Terrapins. UMD is a top producer of Fulbright scholars and offers an unparalleled student experience with more than 300 academic programs, 25 living-learning programs and 400 study abroad programs. Spurred by a culture of innovation and creativity, UMD faculty are global leaders in their field and include Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and members of the national academies. For more information about the University of Maryland, visit umd.edu. SOURCE University of Maryland Appointments support combined strategy of Vallen and Wesco Integrated Supply BELMONT, N.C., April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vallen Distribution ("Vallen"), a provider of indirect industrial supply chain solutions, vendor managed inventory and technical services with offerings that include safety equipment inspection, maintenance, certification, and solution design, today announced key Executive Leadership positions, effective immediately. These appointments follow Vallen's recently completed acquisition of Wesco Integrated Supply (WIS), from Wesco International (NYSE: WCC), and represent a combined leadership structure to further position Vallen as the premier supply chain services provider for customers and suppliers worldwide. Chuck Delph, CEO of Vallen, said, "Establishing a combined leadership team and structure is a key milestone as we bring these two organizations together. Vallen sits in a unique position in the market as the only broadline industrial distribution business with our expansive supply chain solution offering and serving as the single largest integrator in the world. Investing in world class talent and innovation across the enterprise is a key priority. Our combined management team is structured to benefit customers, suppliers, and associates and to take advantage of a larger organization with deliberate value-focused activities and results." Kevin Pugh Kevin Pugh will serve as President of Vallen U.S. while also being directly responsible for Industrial field sales, inside sales, purchasing, planning, vendor managed inventory programs and the Vallen Safety Services Business; he will report to Mr. Delph. Mr. Pugh joined Wesco International in 1998 and has held several leadership roles, most recently serving as Vice President at WIS. Kyle Weber Kyle Weber will serve as Vallen's President of Global Integrated Supply and will be responsible for accelerating Vallen's value proposition in the market and delivering on performance metrics; he will report to Mr. Delph. Mr. Weber joined Vallen in 1996 and previously served as Vice President, Integrated Supply. Will Lutz Will Lutz will serve as Vallen's Chief Business Development Officer and will be responsible for identifying Enterprise customers across a multitude of verticals to accelerate growth for the Industrial Distribution and Integrated Supply business units. He will report to Mr. Delph. Mr. Lutz is a 33-year veteran in the industrial distribution industry and previously served as Vallen's Executive Vice President, Sales. About Vallen Vallen is an industry leader in delivering flexible supply chain solutions and services along with a comprehensive range of maintenance, repair, operating, production, safety and electrical products to meet the growing supply needs of customers in facilities across North America and Europe. For more information, visit vallen.com. SOURCE Vallen Distribution, Inc. A First for Viking, New Five-Night "Spirit of Mongolia" Extension Offers Fully Guided, Immersive Experiences Before or After China Itineraries LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking (www.viking.com) today announced that for the first time it is offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with the new Spirit of Mongolia extension program. The five-night, fully guided Pre or Post extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region, from the ancient city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert. The Spirit of Mongolia and a variety of other Pre and Post extensions, including Hong Kong and Beijing, are available for Viking's new, first-of-their-kind China itineraries: Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast and Wonders of China. Viking today announced its new Spirit of Mongolia extension to the companys first-of-its-kind China voyages beginning in 2024. The five-night, fully guided Pre or Post extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region. It will also mark Vikings first time ever offering destination-focused experiences in Mongolia. Pictured here, the Viking Yi Dun docked in Shanghai. For more information, visit www.viking.com. "We were proud to announce our new China ocean voyages recently, and we are now pleased to offer guests our first experiences in Mongolia," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their minds. With its geographic diversity and incredible history, Mongolia is an extraordinary destination making it a natural extension to our new China itineraries." Guests booked on the five-night Spirit of Mongolia Pre or Post extension will begin their journey in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where they will meet their Viking Representative and explore the sites of the city including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, Mongolia's largest and most contemporary cultural institution, then step behind the scenes for a look at fossil specimens and more in the paleontology lab. After a day exploring the city, guests will continue their journey on to Dalanzadgad, where they will transfer to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the Gobi Desert near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. At the Three Camel Lodge, guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations in their own ger, an authentic yurt updated with modern amenities. For three days, guests may partake in lodge activities at their own pace including archery, a camel safari or an exploration of the famous Flaming Cliffs. Guests can also choose to join fellow early risers for a sunrise trek through the desert hills with a naturalist guide or take in panoramic views of the steppe from Bulagtai Mountain to examine ancient petroglyphs. Alternatively, guests can learn the secrets of making buuz (steamed dumplings) from the lodge's Mongolian chef. Following their time in the Gobi Desert, guests will return to Ulaanbaatar for additional exploration for one night before continuing their journey home or embarking on their Viking voyage in China. In addition to the new Spirit of Mongolia extension, Viking is offering four other immersive Pre and Post extensions for guests looking to explore more of China. The new, fully guided extensions range between three and four nights, and are offered in the iconic cities of Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as some of the natural beauty of Guilin and Suzhou. The additional extensions include: Beijing Delve into the mysteries of Beijing , one of history's great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city's eclectic mix of China's ancient past and bold future. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary. Delve into the mysteries of , one of history's great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city's eclectic mix of ancient past and bold future. The 3-night extension is available on the itinerary. Hong Kong Delve into one of the world's foremost metropolises with an extension in Hong Kong . Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China's lively southern coast. The 3-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries. Delve into one of the world's foremost metropolises with an extension in . Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to allows for more opportunities to experience lively southern coast. The 3-night extension is available on the and itineraries. Hong Kong & Guilin Explore two versions of China the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong , a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves. The 4-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries. Explore two versions of the urban spectacle of and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of , a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves. The 4-night extension is available on the and itineraries. Suzhou & Wuxi Discover Suzhou and Wuxi, famed for their exquisite gardens, canals and embodiment of ancient charm. Visit UNESCO-listed classical gardens, stroll ancient alleyways, gain insight into the region's legacy of silk making, cruise the scenic Grand Canal and view one of China's largest Buddha statues. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary. Viking's China Voyages Best of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and rare giant pandas among other iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy China's scenic eastern coast, delve into Tibet's spiritual tradition, and admire the Terra Cotta Warriors while sailing the scenic eastern coast. This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and rare giant pandas among other iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy scenic eastern coast, delve into Tibet's spiritual tradition, and admire the Terra Cotta Warriors while sailing the scenic eastern coast. Wonders of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China's main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen , a UNESCO city of design. This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and , a UNESCO city of design. Classic China & the Coast (15 days; Beijing , Xian Hong Kong ( Shenzhen )) This voyage combines the experiences of Viking's 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China's coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines. This voyage combines the experiences of Viking's 10-day voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines. China Discovery (10 days; Shanghai Hong Kong ( Shenzhen )) This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen . To learn more about the itineraries and why China is such a captivating destination, Viking has also published two videos: Executive Vice President Karine Hagen invites travelers to learn more about these exclusive-to-Viking China voyages here, and Viking Vice President of Product Development Joost Ouendag provides an in-depth overview of the new voyages and the unique opportunity to be immersed in the history, culture and natural wonders of the Middle Kingdom here. The Viking Yi Dun Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests' discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact [email protected]. About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv. SOURCE Viking Volpara and Lunit co-host session on reducing interval cancers with AI MONTREAL, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Volpara Health Technologies Ltd. (ASX: VHT), a global leader in software for the early detection and prevention of cancer, today debuted a new central, digital destination to manage mammography systems, staff credentials and professional development in support of compliance with the Food & Drug Administration's Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). Volpara Quiver software is featured at the Society for Breast Imaging's (SBI) annual symposium alongside the company's suite of solutions for assessing breast density, mammography quality and evaluating cancer risk. "Breast imaging has long been at the forefront of technology adoption. And yet when it comes to demonstrating compliance with MQSAwhich has high stakesmammography centers rely on stacks of binders and manual, repetitive and tiresome processes," says Teri Thomas, Volpara CEO. "We affectionally refer to Quiver as our 'Binder Reduction Act' or BRA. By leveraging our Volpara Analytics platform that customers love for automated EQUIP reports and image selection for ACR accreditation, we're able to deliver a more complete, digital compliance experience with Quiver that can speed your audit prep and give you both peace of mind and shelf space." Quiver helps quality assurance leaders ensure everything is in order well in advance of inspection day. Quiver set up is auto populated with clinic, mammography system and technologist activity from Volpara Analytics software. The software is accessible from any web browser and provides a clinic by clinic look at technologists' continuing education records and mammography system quality assurance documentation. Technologists can upload their own records and email notifications can alert staff when their credits are about to expire. Free credits are also available through Volpara Hive, an online community exclusively for Volpara customers. All documentation can be presented to inspectors digitally or printed. Reducing interval cancers with AI and personalized screening Volpara previously announced it entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement with Lunit. At SBI the companies are co-hosting a Learning Lab session titled, "Reducing interval cancers with AI and personalized screening." on April 11th 2:45PM - 3:45PM in room 513D. Dr. Manisha Bhal from Mass General Hospital and Dr. Stamatia Destounis from Elizabeth Wende Breast Care will be sharing their experience with Lunit's INSIGHT AI-software for early cancer detection and Volpara Risk Pathways and Scorecard software, respectively. To see a Quiver demonstration and Volpara's other latest software advancements for breast centers visit booth #118 at SBI 2024. About Volpara Health (ASX: VHT) Volpara Health makes software to save families from cancer. Healthcare providers use Volpara to better understand cancer risk, empower patients in personal care decisions, and guide recommendations about additional imaging, genetic testing, and other interventions. Our AI-powered image analysis enables radiologists to quantify breast tissue with precision and helps technologists produce mammograms with optimal image quality, positioning, compression, and dose. In an industry facing increasing staffing shortages, our software streamlines operations, compliance preparation and provides key performance insights that support continuous quality improvement. Volpara is the preferred partner of leading healthcare institutions around the world. Our software is used in over 2,000 facilities by more than 5,600 technologists, impacting nearly 17 million patients globally. It helps providers conduct more than three million cancer risk assessments each year and can be deployed stand-alone or fully integrated with electronic health record systems, mammography reporting systems, imaging hardware, and genetic laboratories. Volpara holds the most rigorous security certifications and numerous patents and regulatory registrations, including FDA clearance and CE marking. Since listing on the ASX in April 2016, the Company has raised A$132 million. With an office in Seattle, Volpara is based in Wellington, New Zealand. For more information, visit www.volparahealth.com. SOURCE Volpara Health, Inc. BOSTON, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Communications - an award winning, boutique PR agency, distinguished for its expertise in content creation, brand awareness, marketing communications, and digital strategies - has been chosen as the PR agency for EnCirca , an ICANN-Accredited Domain Name Registrar, selected as the exclusive global .POST registrar. POST is backed by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), a United Nations specialized agency. "As we launch our Trademark Sunrise Period with .POST registry for businesses worldwide, we couldn't be more pleased with our strategic partnership with Warner Communications, renowned for its expertise in the supply chain industry. This collaboration sets the stage for a successful journey ahead," said Thomas Barrett, President of EnCirca. Jessica Whidt, Managing Director of Warner Communications, added, "We are thrilled to welcome EnCirca to our esteemed client portfolio. EnCirca's commitment to providing services for trademark protection, domain portfolio management, cyber-security defenses, website hosting, and blockchain integration aligns perfectly with our capabilities. We look forward to supporting EnCirca's campaign to enhance .POST brand awareness in the U.S., positioning it as the hallmark of trust in global supply chains, and a benchmark for secure and reliable cross-border commerce and shipping." About EnCirca EnCirca was founded in 2001 in Boston, Massachusetts. As an ICANN-Accredited Domain Name Registrar, EnCirca has been selected as the exclusive global .POST registrar. EnCirca also provides services for trademark protection, domain portfolio management, cyber-security defenses, website hosting, and blockchain integration. About Warner Communications Warner Communications Group is an award-winning integrated marketing communications agency based in Boston with offices in Chicago, Houston, Louisville, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and a global network. The agency holds expertise in the B2B industry, including: end-to-end supply chain, energy & cleantech, professional services, and beyond to expand visibility and thought leadership, strengthen credibility, and build confidence in brands. Warner is known for its commitment to delivering unmatched creativity, program results and client service. For more information, visit our website warnerpr.com or our LinkedIn page. Media contact: Jessica Whidt Managing Director of Warner Communications [email protected] SOURCE Warner Communications LLC SAN FRANCISCO, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Writ , a startup rethinking how companies use data to make decisions, announced $3.8M in Series Seed funding today. The round was led by Gradient Ventures, with participation from Defy.vc, High Alpha, Toba Capital, and numerous angels. Writ Co-Founders Adam Weinstein (CEO) and Jason McGhee (CTO) previously started Cursor, a data catalog solution, which was acquired by DataRobot in 2019. Following the acquisition, McGhee spent his time at DataRobot building out the company's Deep Learning offerings while Weinstein served as Vice President of Product Management. Prior to Cursor, the duo held data and engineering roles at LinkedIn, Pandora, ExactTarget (now Salesforce), and Deloitte. "For decades, data teams and the functions they support have shared a common mission without the tools to realize it. We're redefining how people work with data by using AI to eliminate manual work, uncertainty, and barriers to collaboration," said Weinstein. Writ is focused on building out the product's core functionality alongside a set of industry-leading design partners and thought leaders. The company is currently providing access to key partners and intends to open a beta program later this year. "Data teams need to accelerate their communication and decision making to stay competitive. Classic dashboard and reporting tools simply don't offer what professionals need. We're rebuilding the experience from the ground up alongside domain experts, integrating bleeding edge ideas in design, collaboration, and AI," says McGhee. "Companies are looking for solutions to explain and understand their underlying data because most customer data is messy, disorganized, and inaccurate. The team at Writ is building a much-needed solution to allow teams to ingest this disparate data and make sense of it in real-time," said Darian Shirazi, General Partner at Gradient. "We're excited to partner with Adam, Jason, and the Writ team as they build a next generation intelligence platform for the AI era." Despite the cost of data storage continuing to plummet, teams struggle to get access to the answers they need to fuel growth. Writ solves this by making the process of sharing and discussing data a team sport. Whether helping a Board of Directors prepare for an earnings call or a Retail Store Manager manage inventory, Writ moves the discussion forward across an organization. "When making decisions, many companies struggle to harness data's full potential. Writ's innovative approach transforms data into actionable insights, empowering teams to collaborate effectively and drive meaningful outcomes," said Bob Rosin, General Partner at defy.vc. To get in touch with the Writ team, reach out at [email protected]. About Writ Writ helps its partners make informed decisions. By providing a space for all teams to explore, discuss, and act on data, Writ accelerates data-driven culture. Writ is based in San Francisco and backed by Gradient Ventures, Google's AI fund, as well as Defy.vc and High Alpha Capital. For more information, visit writ.so . About Gradient Ventures Gradient Ventures, Google's AI-focused venture fund, helps founders build transformational companies. The fund focuses on helping founders navigate the challenges in developing new technology products, using the latest best practices in recruiting, marketing, design, and engineering so that great ideas can come to life. Gradient was founded in 2017 and is based in Palo Alto, California. For more information, visit www.gradient.com . About Defy.vc Founded in 2016, Defy is a Silicon Valley based early stage venture capital firm. Defy was founded to invest in entrepreneurs and companies looking to solve complex problems. Defy's focus is to help early stage companies mature and scale into companies ready for growth capital. The firm's team has more than 50 years of venture experience, successful operating backgrounds and actively helps successful entrepreneurs grow companies from inception through exit. Connect with Defy at defy.vc and @defyvc About High Alpha Capital Based in Indianapolis, High Alpha creates, launches, scales and invests in exceptional enterprise B2B software companies across North America. The High Alpha portfolio of over 90 companies includes leading cloud companies Logik.io, Attentive, SalesLoft, Zylo, The Mom Project, LogicGate and more. For more information, visit highalpha.com or follow @highalpha . SOURCE Writ SHANGHAI, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Joey Wat, Chief Executive Officer of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "Yum China", NYSE: YUMC and HKEX: 9987) released her annual letter to stockholders today together with the Company's 2023 Annual Report. The letter recapped Yum China's strong 2023 results, the Company's enduring commitment to stockholder return, as well as its pioneering innovation capabilities and ambitious plans for continued expansion. "2023 was a landmark year for Yum China, one of our strongest ever. Transitioning out of the pandemic, we were able not only to seize opportunities amid China's reopening, but also adapt quickly to the year's challenges and sustain strong momentum," said Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. "My deepest gratitude goes to our 430,000 employees: they are the backbone of our business, and it is their hard work and dedication that powers the agility and innovation that allow us to succeed, no matter the market conditions. We also want to thank our long-term stockholders who have stood by us along the way." Returning to stockholders and enhancing return on capital invested will continue to be on top of the Company's agenda. Yum China returned a record $833 million to investors through dividends and share repurchases in 2023, representing 75% of annual operating profit. Yum China intends to step up the pace of returns going forward, planning dividends and share repurchases of at least $3 billion from 2024 to 2026, with $1.5 billion planned for 2024. Growth opportunities in China continue to be incredibly exciting, with China expected to continue to be the largest single contributor to global economic growth in 2024. Operating in over 2,000 cities across China, Yum China currently serves approximately one-third of China's population. The Company is targeting 20,000 stores nationwide by 2026, which will extend its reach to roughly 700 million people, still just around half of the country's population. "The China market will offer us ample white space for the foreseeable future," Wat said. "On top of the opportunity to serve more people is a favorable mix change, as Chinese consumers in lower-tier cities gradually upgrade their consumption. As the largest restaurant company in China, we are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. In fact, over half of our new stores have been in lower-tier cities in recent years. A good share of our future growth should come from the growing pool of consumers in such markets." Wat added, "Our core brands are deeply rooted in China and are beloved by millions of consumers. But we can never rest on our laurels. We've worked hard over the past decades to develop industry-leading operational capabilities, outstanding customer care, and a world-class supply chain all backed by advanced technology. The breadth and depth of these capabilities set us apart and undergird our sustained success. As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence and innovation, and unwavering in our commitment to achieving our growth targets and generating long-term sustainable value for our stockholders." To download the full version of Yum China CEO Joey Wat's Annual Letter to Stockholders, please visit https://ir.yumchina.com/annual-reports Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We intend all forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and by the use of forward-looking words such as "expect," "expectation," "believe," "anticipate," "may," "could," "intend," "belief," "aim," "plan," "estimate," "target," "predict," "project," "likely," "will," "continue," "should," "forecast," "outlook," "look forward to" or similar terminology. These statements are based on current estimates and assumptions made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we believe are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, but there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and could cause our actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated by those statements. We cannot assure you that any of our expectations, estimates or assumptions will be achieved. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are only made as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements should be evaluated with the understanding of their inherent uncertainty. You should consult our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (including the information set forth under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations " in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q) for additional detail about factors that could affect our financial and other results. About Yum China Holdings, Inc. Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China with a mission to make every life taste beautiful. The Company has over 400,000 employees and operates over 14,000 restaurants under six brands across 2,000 cities in China. KFC and Pizza Hut are the leading brands in the quick-service and casual dining restaurant spaces in China, respectively. In addition, Yum China has partnered with Lavazza to develop the Lavazza coffee concept in China. Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang specialize in Chinese cuisine. Taco Bell offers innovative Mexican-inspired food. Yum China has a world-class, digitalized supply chain which includes an extensive network of logistics centers nationwide and an in-house supply chain management system. Its strong digital capabilities and loyalty program enable the Company to reach customers faster and serve them better. Yum China is a Fortune 500 company with the vision to be the world's most innovative pioneer in the restaurant industry. For more information, please visit http://ir.yumchina.com. SOURCE Yum China Holdings, Inc. HONG KONG, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Electric heavy-duty truck developer Windrose Technology has announced completion of the second phase of its Series B financing, raising the total funding for this round to US$110 million. The investors of this round of financing include London-based HSBC, Boston-based HITE Hedge Asset Management, industrial real estate and digital infrastructure specialist Goodman Group (ASX:GMG), and executives from global brands and logistics companies. Windrose electric long-haul truck has started testing with Decathlon in China Windrose founder, chairman, and CEO speaks at a joint event with Decathlon in China Windrose EV trucks will start production in 2024 The proceeds of this series B financing will be used to accelerate the testing and deployment of Windrose Technology's electric long-haul trucks globally, to set up a new supply chain center and production facility, as well as to implement fast-charging infrastructure. The first installation of one of the world's fastest mega-watt level chargers at Goodman's Citylink property near Beijing, China will be operational in the second quarter of 2024. Windrose Technology is building the next generation of zero-emission and intelligent long-haul trucks that serve customers in moving consumer and industrial goods, offer cleaner and cheaper logistics around the world. The company's first electric long-haul truck has a range of 670km under full load of 49 tons. The Windrose EV truck has an 800V high-voltage fast-charging platform and can replenish 400km of range in under 36 minutes. Further, Windrose has completed high-temperature, high-altitude and low-temperature testing. Working with customers and partners including Rokin Logistics, Kerry Logistics, BorgWarner, TUV SUD, Windrose has initiated deployment in China, with Europe, the United States, and Australia to follow. Wen Han, founder, chairman, and CEO of Windrose says, "as a young entrepreneur in my early thirties, I'm deeply respectful of the enormity of our vision of bringing zero-emission long-haul trucks to China, Europe, U.S., and other parts of the world. My Stanford education has fostered the entrepreneurial spirit in me, but I also recognize that Windrose can only achieve our goal of revolutionizing the global trucking industry by standing on the shoulder of giants, and I'm truly grateful to be supported by world-class investors, customers, and partners." HITE Hedge Asset Management is a $1B investment firm headquartered in Quincy, MA with a 20+ year track record of generating alpha in energy and related industries, now profiting from the energy transition. David A. Levine, a Portfolio Manager at HITE Hedge said, "Windrose is pioneering the way forward for the commercial trucking industry. Its fast-moving go-to-market with world leading technologies is defining the future way our commercial fleets will electrify showing real-time how the energy transition will enable more efficient and better transportation solutions globally tomorrow." Kristoffer Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Greater China at Goodman Group, said: "We're supporting Windrose's battery electric autonomous-ready heavy-duty truck solutions as part of our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Installing one of the world's fastest mega-watt chargers at Goodman Citylink is a breakthrough step in empowering our customers' green transportation goals and we look forward to seeing more of this innovation across our portfolio." Part of the series B financing was in the form of bank debt, led by HSBC through its HSBC New Economy Fund, a USD3 billion specialist lending scheme to start-ups and tech-led businesses. Ray Liang, Head of Portfolio Company Coverage, Innovation Banking, Hong Kong, HSBC, said, "electric vehicle companies are revolutionizing transportation and logistics with their latest technology in reducing emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. In recent years, there has been a shift towards electrification in the passenger vehicle market. This transition is expected to expand to commercial vehicles, with adoption rapidly growing in heavy-duty trucks. At HSBC, we are committed to supporting these companies that are shaping a more sustainable future of the world. Leveraging our extensive global network and financing expertise, HSBC is uniquely positioned to provide unparalleled support for these pioneering tech companies." About Windrose: Windrose Technology is a developer of zero-emissions and intelligent long-haul trucks to revolutionize the road freight business in China, the United States, Europe, and other markets. Windrose is now working with customers and partnerships including Decathlon, Kerry Logistics, and Rokin Logistics. With over 100 R&D professionals and more than 200 patents, the Windrose team is led by Stanford University graduate Wen Han, joined by seasoned veterans from world-leading OEM's, Tier-1 suppliers, and technology companies. Windrose's advisory board includes current and former executives from Coca-Cola, Starbucks, Toys "R" Us, J.B. Hunt, XPO, Rokin Logistics, Li Auto, Geely, etc. For more, please visit http://www.windrose.tech SOURCE Windrose Technology Deputies determined the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver, Daniel Lagmay, had suspended driving privileges. Lagmay was arrested and booked into Latah County Jail for possession of stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without privileges. 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 11 : Elaborate security arrangements have been made across Uttar Pradesh for Eid ki namaz, to be offered on Thursday, the police said. Senior police officials said that as many as 481 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), Special Security Force (SSF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed. Uttar Pradesh Police Additional Director General (ADG), law and order, Amitabh Yash, said 241 companies of PAC, 229 companies of CAPF, eight companies of SSF and three companies of SDRF have been deployed across the state to avert any untoward incident and maintain law and order. He added that drone cameras and high resolution CCTV cameras will be installed at sensitive spots during the prayers. He said that 4,800 two-wheeler and four-wheeler police response vehicles have been deployed for continuous patrolling during the festival. Besides, as many as 1,785 quick response teams equipped with riot control equipment have been deployed at sensitive points identified across the state, he added. The ADG said that 2,912 sensitive spots or hot spots have been identified across the state. He added that these hot spots have been distributed under different zones and sectors and the force deployment has been done accordingly. Meanwhile, the Imam of the Eidgah, Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, has urged devotees not to offer prayers outside the Eidgah and mosque during Eid-ul-Fitr. He stressed on the importance of congregational prayers within designated areas. He further advised that in the event of overcrowding, the people should seek alternative mosques for prayers, or utilise the rooftops of mosques if necessary. Highlighting the Sunnah practices for Eid, Maulana Khalid Rashid encouraged Muslims to observe ritual bathing and wear clean attire before attending prayers. Additionally, he informed the community that the Sadqa-e-Fitr amount, a charitable donation given at the end of Ramzan, had been set at a minimum of Rs 65 per person for this year. Lucknow, April 11 : Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna has said that the death of Mukhtar Ansari and killings of gangster-politicians Atiq Ahmed and his brother Ashraf will not have any adverse impact on poll results for the Bharatiya Janata Party. Speaking at an interactive function here on Wednesday evening, he responded to queries about whether the two incidents would lead to a polarisation of votes during the elections. Khanna said stern action against gangsters and criminals would play a crucial role in the elections apart from the Union government's policies in the state. While claiming improved law and order in the state, he said: "This created a perception about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a hard taskmaster that will help achieve our target of winning all 80 seats in the Lok Sabha polls." "Politicians are going to the deceased gangster-politicians' houses to show solidarity and meeting their kin for petty political gains. But this will harm them. Such people do not get any public sympathy as every second person has been their victim one way or the other," the Minister emphasised. Jailed gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari died due to cardiac arrest in Banda jail on March 28. Gangster-politician brothers Atiq Ahmed and Ashraf were killed by three small-time shooters in Prayagraj in April last year. Lucknow, April 11 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will, once again, deploy more than 8,000 dedicated women campaigners, referred to as 'Kamal Mitras', to connect with women voters in Uttar Pradesh. These Kamal Mitras will make women aware about 15 women-centric schemes of the Central government. Trained to impart details of the schemes in nine languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odiya, Gujarati, Marathi and Bengali, the 'Kamal Mitras' are expected to help the party reach out to around 7.15 crore women voters. These Kamla Mitras were registered through a website during an extensive nationwide drive of BJP's 'Mahila Morcha' between May and December 2023. Suchita Pathak Kakkad, State In-Charge of BJP's Kamal Mitras campaign, said, "We have enrolled nearly 8,000 Kamal Mitras in all 80 Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. The wing takes feedback from women -- whether they are benefited by the schemes, if not then why, and gives them information about the eligibility and documents required to get scheme benefits, etc." She added that a US-based company designed the app of Kamal Mitras. Anyone can get registered on the portal by feeding their mobile number and One Time Password generated on their numbers. To become certified Kamal Mitras, the applicants are required to go through video training sessions on the portal. The website provides video training sessions on all 15 women-centric schemes of the government one by one. After the sessions, applicants must go through an objective test of 35 questions about the schemes. "One can proceed with the sessions, one by one, only after successfully completing the previous one. One cannot skip a session and there is no option to fast forward it. An applicant, one can go back and see it again if anything is not clear. One will have to take the final test having questions regarding schemes after completing all 15 sessions, after which the certificate of being Kamal Mitra will be issued," said Kakkad. Kaynat Kazi, member of National Executive Council of Mahila Morcha, said the Kamla Mitra campaign was the vision of Mahlia Morcha National President, Vanathi Srinivasan, and the top leadership to connect with women. "The training also focused on how to combat Opposition propaganda against the BJP," she added. The districts application was among 31 selected by the state, according to a Department of Education letter. Moscow School District will have the opportunity to use funds to install vape detectors in Moscow Middle School. The district will be required to hold meetings regarding its vape prevention and intervention efforts. Seoul, April 11 : North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to mobilise all means to deal a "death-blow" to the country's enemy without hesitation should it opt for military confrontation with North Korea, state media said on Thursday. Kim made the remark during his visit to the Kim Jong-il University of Military and Politics on Wednesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said as quoted by Yonhap news agency report. "He said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before and that North Korea should be more firmly and perfectly prepared for a war, which should be won without fail, not just for a possible war," the KCNA added. Kim was also quoted as instructing the university to nurture new military talents who are absolutely loyal to the party central committee and are capable of overwhelming the enemy with "ideological, mental, militant, moral and tactical superiority," it said. North Korea has been ramping up weapons tests this year, including launches of cruise missiles from both sea and land and firing drills involving super-large multiple rocket launchers. Last week, it claimed to have successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile tipped with a hypersonic warhead, saying that all missiles the country has developed are solid-fuel, nuclear capable with warhead control capability. Varanasi, April 11 : The policemen deployed at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham complex in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi will now wear dhoti-kurta to present a devotee-friendly image. An experiment in this regard was held in 2018 also. According to temple officials, the male officers will wear dhoti and a dupatta (shawl) to resemble priests, while female officers will wear salwar kurta. Before deployment, these officers will undergo a three-day training programme to hone their soft-skill communication with devotees. The move is designed to improve the devotee experience and avoid negative perceptions associated with police uniforms. In addition to the new attire, a "no touch" policy will be implemented for crowd control. Commissioner of Police, Mohit Agrawal, said that devotees often felt disrespected by the way the police handled crowds. He noted that devotees were more accepting of similar actions from temple priests. "A major issue arises when devotees are made to wait in long queues for darshan. This delays their darshan (prayer offering) and frustrates others waiting in line. To address the situation and create a friendlier police image, authorities have opted for a "khaki-free" inner sanctum," he said. Agrawal added that they are also finding ways to improve the image of police involved in crowd control and ensure a pleasant visitor experience. Officers will not physically move devotees or disrupt queues when creating a passage for VIP movements. Instead, they will use ropes to guide devotees in other directions without any physical contact, he said. While crowds were lower in 2018 compared to the past two years after the Kashi Vishwanath Dham's renovation, complaints regarding forceful removal from the sanctum sanctorum or its doors by police officers have emerged. New Delhi, April 11 : With Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh leading coal capacity expansion, after what appeared to be a promising year for the beginning of a phase-down in 2022, new coal capacity additions and a growing pipeline in 2023 indicate that coal may be on the rise again in India, said Global Energy Monitor's annual survey of the global coal fleet on Thursday. In 2023, India brought online 5.5 GW of new coal-fired power plant capacity, more than double the 2.7 GW of new capacity added in 2022. Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh continue to lead the coal capacity expansion, with 7.9 and 5.6 GW of proposed capacity moving forward in 2023 in each state, respectively. While Chhattisgarh holds the country's highest coal plant capacity of 26.7 GW, Uttar Pradesh could soon take the lead if all currently proposed and under-construction capacity were to be built. Several other long-stalled or stranded projects were also flagged by the Central Electricity Authority in 2023 as "likely to be revived" between 2023 and 2031. And with no other operational units over 30 megawatt (MW) having retired in 2023, this marked an eight-year low for annual retirements of coal-fired generating capacity in India. Data in the Global Coal Plant Tracker show that 69.5 GW of coal power capacity came online across the world while 21.1 GW was retired in 2023, resulting in a net annual increase of 48.4 GW for the year and a global total capacity of 2,130 GW. This is the highest net increase in operating coal capacity since 2016. A surge in new coal plants coming online in China drove this increase -- 47.4 GW, or roughly two-thirds of global additions -- coupled with new capacity in Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Korea, Greece and Zimbabwe. In total, 22.1 GW capacity came online, and 17.4 GW was retired outside of China, resulting in a 4.7 GW net increase to the operating coal fleet. Lower retirements in the US and Europe contributed to the coal capacity upswing. At 9.7 GW, the US contributed nearly half of the capacity retired in 2023, a drop from the 14.7 GW retired last year and its 21.7 GW record high in 2015. European Union member states and Britain represented roughly a quarter of retirements, with Britain (3.1 GW), Italy (0.6 GW), and Poland (0.5 GW) leading the region's retirements for the year. Flora Champenois, Coal Program Director for Global Energy Monitor, said, "Coal's ascendancy in India goes against market signals. New coal is expensive compared to solar and wind and comparable to solar and wind with storage. Project selection should be easy maths for the Indian banks and companies that are still emerging from massive stranded assets and bad loans stemming from expensive coal power plant projects." Sunil Dahiya, South Asia Analyst at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) said, "If India achieves its renewable energy targets by 2030 and simultaneously activates its advanced-stage construction capacity, it will possess ample power generation capability to satisfy escalating demand." "Any further investment in coal capacity could potentially initiate a subsequent wave of stranded asset formation within the power sector. Moreover, such investments would divert resources and funding from the trajectory of renewable energy expansion, effectively entrenching India's dependency on coal. This dependency not only contributes significantly to direct economic loss and climate change but also exacerbates local air pollution, resulting in thousands of premature deaths." Agartala, April 10 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would visit Tripura next week to further spearhead the campaign for the coming Lok Sabha elections, party sources said. State BJP spokesman Subrata Chakraborty on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Modi would address a mega election rally in Agartala on April 17, the last date of campaigning of the first out of seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. He added that the Union Home Minister would address another election rally in northern Tripura's Kumarghat on April 15. Chakraborty said that already several top brass leaders along with the state leaders, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, are undertaking the poll campaign across the state. Hundreds of people, supporters of other parties, are everyday joining BJP in different parts of the state attracting PM Modi's vision, mission and guarantees, he added. Noting PM Modi's 'Abki Baar, 400 paar' target, the BJP spokesperson also said that his party is confident of winning the state's two Lok Sabha seats. Voting would be held in Tripura West and Tripura East Parliamentary constituencies on April 19 and April 26 respectively. In all 18 candidates, including two women, are contesting on the two Lok Sabha seats with nine from each of the seats. However, the main contest is expected to be held between the BJP and INDIA bloc, comprising Congress, CPI-M and six other parties. Shillong, April 11 : A daily-wage labourer was killed in Shillong in an attack by some unknown miscreants, officials said on Thursday. Superintendent of Police in the East Khasi Hills district, Rituraj Ravi told IANS, "The incident happened on Wednesday. Three labourers were working at a construction site in the Mawlai area of the city when a group of six miscreants launched an attack on them. One labourer identified as 52-year-old Arjun Roy was seriously injured." Roy was rushed to a nearby hospital after the miscreants left the place; however, the doctors pronounced him dead. The police officer said that although Roy belonged to the Bengali community, he was a native of Shillong. Relatives of the deceased claimed that Roy's family had lived in Shillong for at least two generations. The incident comes after the recent killing of two persons identified as Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta, who were engaged in limestone quarries. Both of them were killed on March 27 and their bodies were later recovered at Ichamati and Dalda, respectively. Following the victims' families filing a formal complaint with the police, alleging that members of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) were complicit in the murder, the police arrested two members of the local student's body. The murder, which was connected to a protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Ichamati, had shocked the entire region. Meanwhile, Rituraj Ravi said that whether the latest incident has any links with the earlier one can only be concluded after the arrest of miscreants. "We have launched a manhunt to nab the culprits," he said. Lucknow, April 11 : A 20-year-old student of a private college was abducted by armed men who allegedly tortured him while holding him captive in an SUV and driving around the state capital city in the Bakshi-Ka-Talab (BKT) police station area. The motive behind the crime is said to be an old rivalry involving the father of the victim, Utkarsh Singh, from Sitapur district, regarding a property-related issue. The police spokesman said that a case has been registered at the Kamlapur police station in Sitapur. Utkarsh was pursued by men in the SUV on Wednesday as he neared the private college where he was studying. "I departed for Lucknow around 8 a.m. and arrived at BKT around 9 a.m. Upon disembarking from the bus, I called my father to inform him of my arrival near the college. Shortly after this, the SUV screeched to a halt near me, catching me off guard. They forcefully put me inside the SUV, tearing my clothes and threatening me with a gun to my head if I dared to seek help. I recognised Ram Naresh, along with his sons Ashish and Arvind, and their two associates. These individuals hail from Sitapur," the victim told the police. "I had lost all hope of survival as it seemed they were intent on ending my life. I was lying on the floor of the SUV when I noticed an iron rod nearby. I seized it and used it to shatter the rear window with a single blow. Escaping through the broken window, I found myself in a forested area where they had stopped the vehicle," he said. Further details are awaited. Mumbai, April 11 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan recalled playing a mayor in Russian playwright Nikolai Gogol's 'The Government Inspector' in 1957, when he was studying in Sherwood College in Nainital. The actor took to his blog and wrote: "How time has kept us all in tune and line... 1957 Sherwood, Nainital, School Play, Nikolai Gogol's 'The Government Inspector', Danny Kaye the phenomenal talent, playing the Inspector... and I use it on stage in Milman Hall for the Annual Concert, where I play the Mayor." Big B shared an anecdote from the rehearsals of the play and mentioned that he had taken home the Best Actor's trophy at that time. "And during a rehearsal, classmate Chris Borthwick, who plays the Inspector, suggests the famous line to be spoken at a particular scene - impromptu... and the entire Hall comes down... It was the most popular song of the World... and gives me my best actor Cup - the Kendall Cup." The actor shared how he had to give up starring in the play because he was "prepping for his final senior Cambridge exams." "That Geoffrey Kendall, who built the drama Company Shakespeareana, travelling all over the World with it... came to put up the plays of Shakespeare in School... asked me to play a part on one such day... I did not coz' was prepping for my Finals Senior Cambridge Exam... John Kurrien, classmate did it." He then shared that Bollywood star Shashi Kapoor married Jennifer Kendal, who was the daughter of Shakespeareana's Geoffrey Kendal. Big B added: "Shashi Kapoor married his daughter - Jennifer - who acted on stage with her Father, and where and when Shashi ji met her." New Delhi, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address an election rally at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and a public meeting at Karauli-Dholpur in Rajasthan for the Lok Sabha elections. This is the second rally of Prime Minister Modi in Uttarakhand which will begin at 12 noon on Thursday before the voting for five Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 19. Earlier, the Prime Minister had also addressed a public meeting in Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh on April 2. Prime Minister Modi will address a public meeting on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on the occasion of Gangaur in Karauli, Rajasthan. The Prime Minister will address the Vijay Shankhnad rally in support of Indu Devi Jatav, the BJP candidate from Karauli-Dholpur Lok Sabha constituency. Along with the PM Modi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other BJP leaders will also be present in the rally. The voting for this Parliamentary constituency is scheduled to take place on April 19 that is the first phase of polling. Major political events that will unfold across the country today: *Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will enter the electoral battle in Rajasthan on Thursday and hold poll meetings in Anupgarh at 11 a.m. and Phalodi at 3 p.m. *Rahul Gandhi will focus on Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner Lok Sabha constituencies from Anupgarh Assembly constituency and Jodhpur, Barmer as well as Pali Lok Sabha constituencies from Phalodi Assembly constituency. *Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra on Thursday and address three election rallies and participate in other programmes campaigning for BJP candidates. *Union Home Minister Shah will first visit Mandla in Madhya Pradesh where he will worship Maa Narmada at Rapta Ghat. Later, he will garland the statue of Rani Durgavati in the city. *He will also address a rally at the local police ground under Mandla Lok Sabha constituency at 1 p.m. *Union Home Minister Shah will address a public meeting on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. at the Vijaynath Dhaam Mela ground in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh and appeal to people to vote for BJP's Khajuraho Lok Sabha candidate *From Madhya Pradesh, the Union Home Minister will later address a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Narsi ground in Nanded district of Maharashtra *BJP National President J.P. Nadda on Thursday will release the BJP manifesto for the Sikkim Assembly elections at 9:45 a.m. at the Manan Bhawan Kendra in Gangtok *He will later address a public meeting at 3 p.m. at the ITF ground in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands *Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Rewa and Satna districts in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday and address a public meeting at Naigarhi Devtalab ground of Devtalab Assembly constituency of Mauganj district at 12 noon. Later, the Minister will address a public meeting at Angola Ground of Nagaud Assembly constituency of Satna district at 2.30 p.m. *Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Mayawati will start her election campaign on Thursday afternoon where she will hold an election rally in support of party candidates in Nagpur, which is considered the stronghold of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. *Kangana Ranaut, the Lok Sabha candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency, will campaign in Manali Assembly constituency on Thursday, Kullu Assembly constituency on Friday and Banjar Assembly constituency on Saturday. *Rashtriya Lok Dal National President Jayant Chaudhary will address an election rally in favour of NDA candidates in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar and Mathura Lok Sabha constituencies. *Chaudhary will also hold a public meeting at Chaudhary Charan Singh Inter Ground in Bhatauna village of Bulandshahr at 11 a.m. *Later, he will address a public meeting in Mathura district at 2 p.m. *AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi will conduct a door to door campaign 'Jail ka Jawab Vote Se' in Delhi's Govindpuri Extension. Tel Aviv, April 11 : The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have said that the three sons of Ismail Haniyeh, who died in an airstrike, were part of the Hamas military wing and were involved in holding Israeli hostages. Israel's Prime Minister's office said that PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant were not in the know of the airstrike. According to sources in the Prime Minister's office, the airstrike, which took place on Wednesday, was ordered by a Colonel in IDF's southern command and was an operational necessity on the ground. Ismail Haniyeh is the political bureau head of Hamas and lives in Qatar. The three sons of Haniyeh -- Hazel, Amir and Mohammed -- were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the car they were driving in the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. Haniyeh's four grandchildren were also killed in the attack. The senior Hamas leader had on Wednesday confirmed that his sons and grandchildren were killed in Israel airstrike. IDF said that the three were part of Hamas's military wing Qassim Brigades. Ismail Haniyeh in a statement said, "Thanks God for bestowing upon us the honour of their martyrdom". Meanwhile, Haniyeh's eldest son, Abdel Salam Haniyeh in a social media post said," Thanks to God who honoured us by the martyrdom of my brothers, Hazel, Amir and Mohammed." Hebrew and Arabic media have reported that the killings of Ismael Haniyeh's children and grandchildren would lead to the possibility of derailing the ongoing Cairo peace talks in which Haniyeh is playing a major role. Seoul, April 11 : Naver Cloud, the cloud computing arm of South Korea's tech giant Naver, said on Thursday it will join hands with US chipmaker Intel to create an artificial intelligence (AI) chip software ecosystem. The two companies have agreed to provide IT infrastructure based on Intel's AI accelerator, Gaudi, to help South Korean startups and universities conduct AI research projects and develop various software, according to Naver Cloud. They will also set up a joint research centre called Naver Cloud-IntelCo-Lab (NICL), where Naver Cloud will collaborate with startups and university labs, reports Yonhap news agency. Expected to launch later this year, the NICL will involve teams from approximately 20 universities and startups, including prestigious institutions like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Seoul National University. Naver Cloud said it also plans to test Intel's Gaudi 2 AI accelerator and work with the U.S. chip giant to develop a commercial cloud system. It said the partnership with Intel aims to expand an AI ecosystem centered around Naver's AI model, HyperClova X, using Intel's AI chips. "There aren't many companies worldwide that have developed and are operating a large language model from scratch like Naver Cloud," its CEO Kim Yu-won said. Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar, the UAEs clean energy powerhouse, is gearing up to host the World Future Energy Summit (WFES). Taking place from April 16 to 18 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), WFES is the worlds leading business event for future energy, clean technology and sustainability, with a packed program of events, activations, discussions and forums. The Masdar Pavilion at WFES will act as a hub for innovation, collaboration and knowledge sharing, with its theatre featuring an engaging program of panels and presentations, including forums by Masdars global strategic initiatives, Y4S (Youth 4 Sustainability) and WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy). Innovation Zone The Innovation Zone, hosted by Masdar, will feature a series of industry panels with innovators and experts, focusing on the latest climate solutions. It will include technology showcases from ADSW partners, international startups and SMEs across urban mobility, clean energy, agritech, and artificial intelligence, and will officially launch the SME Day at WFES on April 18 to continue the legacy of the COP28 SME Climate Hub initiative. Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and President of COP28, said: By delivering the UAE Consensus and the Action Agenda, COP28 raised the bar on climate action, but our work is just beginning. Now is the time to turn agreement into action and accelerate our efforts to meet the ambitions of the UAE Consensus and keep 1.5C within reach. The size of the problem demands we explore all avenues and all technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). I encourage the energy industry to invest in Artificial Intelligence and harness its climate potential. WFES provides a crucial platform for every stakeholder - including governments, industry leaders and policymakers - to play their part and unlock the investments needed to deliver the energy transition. Green Hydrogen Summit Masdar will also host the annual Green Hydrogen Summit on April 16, which aims to accelerate the development of the global green hydrogen economy to support the energy transition. Highlighting green hydrogens growing potential to support economies in reaching net-zero emissions, the Green Hydrogen Summit will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, forward-thinking investors and pioneering entrepreneurs. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdars Chief Executive Officer, said: As a founding host and longstanding supporter of the World Future Energy Summit, Masdar looks forward to working with global partners, leaders and innovators to address some of the worlds most pressing climate challenges. From Masdars innovative pavilion programming to the Green Hydrogen Summit, WFES is the ideal platform for us to showcase our commitment to advancing clean energy, accelerating the energy transition in support of The UAE Consensus agreed at COP28.--TradeArabia News Service COLFAX After extensive deliberation, a Whitman County jury found guilty a 34-year-old man accused of molesting a teenage boy from Pullman. Juan Trejo Perez was convicted of felony third-degree child molestation Wednesday afternoon. This concluded a three-day jury trial at the Whitman County Superior Court. The trial included testimony from several of the victims family members, as well as a lengthy statement from Trejo Perez, which began Tuesday afternoon and continued Wednesday morning. He alleged the family had conspired against him, and he discounted versions of events told by all 10 witnesses Tuesday. His testimony Wednesday was similar; he again contended law enforcement was malicious and interrogated him in an ugly way. Pullman Police Department Detective Sgt. Chris Engle provided a rebuttal to this claim, and said the investigation was not hostile. He added interrogations arent like theyre portrayed on TV, and police use methods that build rapport with the suspect. We need to build a relationship with them so we arent an enemy, Engle said. We try to be careful not to induce external pressure. Whitman County Prosecutor Tessa Scholl said the victims and his familys statements were consistent, and they had no reason to fabricate their story. She added Trejo Perez, at any point in his testimony, didnt indicate why they could have been lying. Scholl said Trejo Perezs claims were exaggerated and misleading. She said he conveniently showed the victim porn on the same day of the molestation, fixed the lock on his door hours before the incident occurred, left the house afterward and just so happened to end up at the airport trying to leave the country. She noted many points in Trejo Perezs statement were contradictory. New Delhi, April 11 : The University Grants Commission (UGC), under the Ministry of Education, has appointed Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD and CEO of National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation as members of the Commission for three years. Two other members appointed for the three-year term are professor (retd) Sachidananda Mohanty, former VC, Central University of Odisha and professor Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari, VC, National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, the ministry said in its latest notification. A mechanical engineer from IIT Bombay and alumnus of IIM Calcutta, Ashish Chauhan is considered one of the foremost experts in financial market policies. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in July 2022 appointed Ashish Chauhan as MD and CEO of NSE for five years. He has been the founder-member of the NSE and this is his second stint with the exchange. Ashish Chauhan earlier worked at BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) as CEO. Under his tenure, the BSE got listed in 2016. The exchange saw many firsts and scaled new heights, while adopting cutting-edge technologies for seamless operations under his guidance. For Q3 FY24, the NSE registered an 8 per cent rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,975 crore. During the first nine months of FY24, NSE contributed Rs 28,131 crore to the exchequer. Currently, the NSE is waiting for a nod from the market regulator to initiate its initial public offering (IPO) process. Meanwhile, Vembu is the Co-founder and CEO of Chennai-based Zoho Corporation. The company has more than 15,000 employees globally. It is the parent company of technology brands like ManageEngine, Zoho.com, TrainerCentral, Zakya and Qntrl. Vembu-led SaaS unicornas sales crossed the $1 billion mark in FY23. The Zoho Co-founder was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021. New York, April 11 : Lung cancer has traditionally been thought of as a "smoker's disease". However, the tremendous rise of the deadly disease in non-smokers indicates their long-term, high exposures to radon gas, according to a study. Radon gas is colourless and odourless and emitted from the breakdown of radioactive material naturally occurring underground that then seeps through building foundations. The gas can silently linger and accumulate in people's lungs and homes, and cannot be detected unless tested. Data indicates that about 15-20 per cent of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked, many of whom are in their 40s or 50s. "Anyone with lungs can develop lung cancer, and as a community, we should be aware and concerned about radon exposure because it's thought to be one of the leading causes of lung cancer in never-smokers -- and there is something we can do to reduce our risk," said David Carbone, a thoracic medical oncologist at The Ohio State University in the US. Carbone informed that there are relatively simple tests that can measure radon in the home and aid in actions to reduce its exposure. This includes installing outside the home a radon remediation system that sucks air from the basement, where radon gas typically lingers. Increasing airflow by opening windows using fans/venting in your home, and sealing cracks in the floors, walls, and foundation is also important. Further, Carbone called for potential legislation to require radon testing at schools, at places of business, and during home sales to help reduce community risk. The effects of radon on the lungs are cumulative and can be delayed by decades. "So your children playing in your basement or going to school today, exposed to unknown levels of radon, could be at risk for developing lung cancer 10, 20, 30 years from now," Carbone said. "And because the gas is totally colourless and odourless, you would have no idea you were being exposed unless you knew the importance of proactively testing." New Delhi, April 11 : The Directorate of Vigilance of Government of Delhi has issued an order for termination of Bibhav Kumar, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Private Secretary. The order read: "Consequent upon the resignation of the Council of Ministers notified vide dated 14.02.2020 the term of the government has ended, and being a coterminous officer, the appointment of Bibhav Kumar will also have to be terminated." "However, in terms of DOPT OM dated 26.05.2014, the personal staff of the outgoing Minister can continue to hold their post for a period not exceeding 15 days." "Since Honourable CM has now desired that Bibhav Kumar should continue working with him as Private Secretary, to consider his fresh appointment, the earlier term of coterminous appointment shall have to be terminated first. Hence, the services of Bibhav Kumar may be terminated wef 16.02.2020 (A/N) and thereafter, his appointment as Private Secretary to CM wef 17.02.2020 (F/N) may be considered." The Vigilance Department has pointed out that since the individuals appointed on a coterminous basis are governed by the CCS (Conduct) Rules, it is important to consider Bibhav Kumar's character and antecedents verification that was carried out at the time of his previous appointment as Private Secretary to the Chief Minister. This is because, during his subsequent period of working in the government with the Chief Minister, there were no negative reports against him. "However, it may be placed on record that in case any adverse report is received in future, in this office pertaining to this last five-year period, the officer would be liable for necessary action in terms of relevant rules in the matter. As of now, the appointment shall have to be made subject to the outcome of the case at Noida, Sector-20 police station, registered under sections 353,504,506 IPC, which was reported in his character and antecedents verification report from Delhi Police," the order further read. IANS ssh/sd/kvd New Delhi, April 11 : The Delhi High Court recently affirmed that political parties, recognised by the State Election Commission (SEC), are entitled to contest municipal elections, dismissing a challenge against the existing electoral rules. The Division Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, stated that there is no constitutional prohibition under Article 243ZA or 243R that prevents recognised political parties from participating in these polls. The court's decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Lokesh Kumar, an Independent candidate in the 2022 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections, who argued that the rules favouring recognised political parties with reserved symbols undermined the fairness of the electoral process for Independents like himself. However, the Bench cited the historical context and the practical necessity of election symbols, noting their critical role in aiding a largely illiterate electorate during India's first General Election. The court found the SEC's adoption of political parties' election symbols under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (Election of Councillors) Rules, 2012, to be "reasonable and not arbitrary." Further, the court stressed the inherent powers of the SEC to recognise political parties and adopt their symbols, akin to the Election Commission of India, under the Constitution and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act. "In light of the law laid down by the Supreme Court in Kanhiya Lal (supra) the recognition granted by SEC to the political parties to contest municipal elections is within its jurisdiction and not ultra vires. There is no bar under Article 243ZA or 243R on political parties from contesting municipal elections," the court said. Dismissing the plea, the Bench concluded that the legal framework allows for the participation of political parties in municipal elections and does not disadvantage Independent candidates. Islamabad, April 11 : At least 17 people were killed and 40 others injured after a truck plunged into a ravine in Pakistan's Balochistan province, local media reported. Islamabad, April 11 (IANS) At least 17 people were killed and 40 others injured after a truck plunged into a ravine in Pakistan's Balochistan province, local media reported. The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the truck, carrying 50 people, was proceeding towards Shah Noorani shrine, Dawn reported quoting a police official as saying. The rescue operation concluded on Thursday morning, as per Manan Baloch, the Edhi Foundation's Hub in-charge. In the morning, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident. He directed the authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. Frequent accidents with high fatalities are common in the country due to the lack of adequate safety measures, insufficient driver training, and outdated transport infrastructure. Pakistan recorded over 27,000 deaths in road accidents in 2018, as per WHO estimates. New Delhi, April 11 : Even as Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed his visit to India, netizens eagerly welcomed the billionaire to the country. "Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India!" the SpaceX CEO shared on X (formerly Twitter). The post has, so far, garnered more than 38 million views on the platform. Soon after the announcement, several users took to the platform to welcome the billionaire to the country. "Welcome to India, Elon," wrote several users, while one added "Namaste India". "Welcome to India, Elon Musk, hoping for a long-term partnership between your companies and India," wrote another user. "Yes! Excited to have you here finally. Hope to see Tesla India up and running soon and reservation holders getting their Tesla's," said another. The tech billionaire is reportedly slated to meet PM Modi "in the week of April 22 in New Delhi". Musk is also likely to announce his investment plans and setting up of a potential $2-3 billion manufacturing plant in the country. As per reports, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu are on top of Tesla's agenda to start EV manufacturing and export the vehicles as well. Jaipur, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, will address a Vijay Shankhnad Rally in Karauli, supporting BJP candidate Indu Devi Jatav. Rahul Gandhi, on the same day, will be addressing rallies in western Rajasthan's Anupgarh and Phalodi towns, under Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. Jaipur, April 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, will address a Vijay Shankhnad Rally in Karauli, supporting BJP candidate Indu Devi Jatav. Rahul Gandhi, on the same day, will be addressing rallies in western Rajasthanas Anupgarh and Phalodi towns, under Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. PM Modi will be in Rajasthan on Friday as well. He will address a rally in Barmer and will take out a roadshow in Dausa. This time, BJP has fielded a woman leader from the Karauli-Dholpur seat by cancelling the ticket of sitting MP Manoj Rajoria. PM Modi is focussing on women leadership too, and hence comes his visit to Karauli to support Indu Devi Jatav. BJP won this seat in 2019 by a margin of around 98,000 votes. In last year's Assembly elections, BJP got less votes than Congress for total eight Assembly seats of this Lok Sabha constituency. While Congress got a vote share of 6,00,640 (41.28 per cent), BJP got 5,79,801 votes (39.85 per cent). So, PM Modias meeting comes as a part of increasing the vote share on this seat, said party sources. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi will address his rallies in Anupgarh under Bikaner Lok Sabha constituency and Phalodi Jodhpur seat on Thursday. Both Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha seats have been won by BJP for two consecutive terms. Jodhpur is considered as the stronghold of former CM Ashok Gehlot, but in the Assembly elections, BJP got a higher number of votes than Congress which numbered around 1.23 lakh in the eight Assembly seats here. Similarly, in the eight seats of Bikaner Lok Sabha, Congress got less votes than BJP which was around 60,000 votes in the Assembly elections. This time the party has fielded new candidates in Jodhpur and Bikaner. So the focus of Congress will be to increase its vote per cent on these two seats, said party sources. Congress has fielded Govind Ram Meghwal from Bikaner and Karan Singh Uchiyarda from Jodhpur. New Delhi, April 11 : Tech giant Apple on Thursday sent threat notifications to select users in 92 countries, including some in India, who may have been targeted using 'mercenary spyware' like Pegasus from the NSO Group. Mercenary spyware attacks are exceptionally well-funded and they evolve over time. According to an Apple support document, it relies solely on internal threat-Intelligence information and investigations to detect such attacks. The company, however, did not officially comment on threat notifications being sent to targeted users. Since 2021, the company has sent threat notifications multiple times a year as it detected these attacks, and to date, "we have notified users in over 150 countries in total," according to the company's support document. The extreme cost, sophistication, and worldwide nature of mercenary spyware attacks makes them some of the most advanced digital threats in existence today. Recently, the Indian government warned Apple users in India about multiple vulnerabilities in their devices. CERT-In, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said that multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Apple Products which "could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, bypass security restrictions, disclose sensitive information, gain elevated privileges or cause denial of service conditions on the target system." The national cyber-security agency had asked Apple users to upgrade their iOS software with the latest company updates. Kolkata, April 11 : CPI(M), as the leader of the Left Front in West Bengal, has decided to go more flexible to avoid a mutual contest between Congress and the junior allies. As part of the compromise formula the CPI(M) leadership has decided to forgo its stake for Kanthi Lok Sabha seat in East Midnapore district. Instead, party insiders said, Congress has been requested to forego its stake for the Ghatal constituency in the adjacent West Midnapore district where junior Left Front ally CPI has already fielded a candidate. "As per dialogues with Congress leadership till Wednesday night the latter has in-principal agreed to our proposal. This means that there will not be a single constituency in West Bengal where Congress candidates will be contesting either against CPI(M) or against two other Left Front allies namely CPI and Revolutionary Socialist Party," said a central committee member of CPI(M) from West Bengal. However, even after compromise formulas were being worked out, the only hurdle for a total Congress-Left Front seat-sharing agreement has been the fourth Left Front ally, the All India Forward Bloc. The Forward Bloc has refused to compromise on any of the three Lok Sabha constituencies in the state where it used to contest before. Despite repeated appeals from the CP(M) leadership to forego the stake for Purulia Lok Sabha constituency in support of veteran state Congress leader Nepal Mahato, Forward Bloc has announced the name of its candidate from there. What was more interesting was that in the case of other constituencies, the names of the Left Front candidates were announced by the Left Front chairman Biman Bose in joint press conferences attended by leaders from all front allies. But in the case of Purulia, the announcement for the name of the candidate was made by the Forward Bloc independently, which displeased the other allies especially CPI(M) who viewed such an action as disregard for such a senior leader like Bose. As per the situation as of now, Forward Bloc will be contesting against Congress, besides BJP and Trinamool Congress in two constituencies namely Cooch Behar and Purulia The headline on a front-page story in Saturdays Daily News was easy to understand: Idaho losing obstetric specialists. The sub-headline was equally simple: Doctors, confused about how to practice medicine in the state, pleaded with state legislators for a solution. Without even reading the story by Kyle Pfannenstiel of the Idaho Capital Sun, one could see that a major issue which remains unresolved is forcing some Idaho OB-GYN doctors to pack up and leave. The issue is a dangerous lack of clarity in the states new abortion law. That lack of clarity is generating crystal clear consequences as hospitals in Sandpoint, Emmet and Caldwell recently closed their labor and delivery units, according to Brian Whitlock, CEO of the Idaho Hospital Association. As a result, obstetric deserts are beginning to form, he said. That should set alarm bells ringing for anyone who cares about reproductive health in Idaho, but the Republican-led state legislature doesnt seem bothered about it. In fact, the chairperson of the House committee overseeing this issue dismisses physicians concerns as political gamesmanship. I think that theres still a push to try to undo Idahos abortion statues, Rep. Brent Crane, R-Nampa, chairperson of the State Affairs Committee, told the Idaho Capital Sun. And theyre using doctors, OB docs, as a pawn in this political game. And Im tired of it. Note that he takes no responsibility, nor shows a flicker of recognition for who created this problem. Though Crane is tired of it, the chaos wrought by Idahos inflexible new abortion law isnt settling down. At first glance, the law seems pretty straightforward: Abortion is illegal, and the only exceptions are: 1) Rape and/or incest during the first trimester (police report required); and 2) To save the life of the mother. There is no exception to safeguard a pregnant womans health; in other words, she must be at deaths door before she can legally receive an abortion. By that point, she may have suffered irreversible harm including loss of fertility. Sorry about that ectopic pregnancy, lady. No more kids for you. Idahos new abortion law puts physicians in a tough spot because they cannot intervene under threat of criminal prosecution when their patients suffer easily correctable problems; the minimum prison sentence is two years. In addition to criminal prosecution, Idahos civil code allows family members of a pregnant woman to sue if she receives an abortion. Can you spell P-A-Y-D-A-Y? Mumbai, April 11 : The NCP(SP) on Thursday rejected as "blatant lies" the claims by rival NCP leader Praful Patel on Sharad Pawar's stand vis-A -vis the BJP in Maharashtra. Mumbai, April 11 (IANS) The NCP(SP) on Thursday rejected as "blatant lies" the claims by rival NCP leader Praful Patel on Sharad Pawar's stand vis-a-vis the BJP in Maharashtra. Praful Patel told a private channel that in July 2023, NCP(SP) President Sharad Pawar had made up his mind "50 per cent" to extend support to the BJP after his nephew Ajit Pawar split the party to join the ruling Mahayuti government. However, Sharad Pawar dithered at the last minute and it did not materialise, contended Patel. He added that while Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy CM on July 2, 2023, a fortnight later, the breakaway faction leaders met Sharad Pawar in Mumbai and Pune, but the latter hesitated at the last minute. Dismissing Patel's statements as "blatant lies", NCP Chief Spokesperson Mahesh Tapase said this was a deliberate attempt by the NCP leader to sow confusion in the minds of the people ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. "Sharad Pawar has firmly rejected any notion of supporting the BJP, both in principle and action, not once but on multiple occasions in public and private. This unequivocal dismissal stands as a testament to Sharad Pawar sahib's unwavering commitment to his political convictions," Tapase pointed out. Hitting back, Tapase said that Sharad Pawar's rejection of their purported proposal "is a clear source of frustration" for rival NCP leaders like Ajit Pawar, Patel and others and "they recognise their total dependence on Sharad Pawar sahib to remain relevant in Maharashtra politics." Taking a potshot, Tapase pointed out how the recent closure of certain serious cases against Ajit Pawar have exposed the real motives behind his group's allegiance to the BJP, against the proclaimed notions of "genuine developmental intent." The NCP(SP) Chief Spokesperson said that adding to the woes of the rival group is the fact that Ajit Pawar lacks the moral authority to control the NCP name and 'Clock' symbol which he grabbed by back-stabbing his uncle Sharad Pawar sahib. Tapase warned that the people of Maharashtra were observing these things very closely and as the polls approach, the NCP(SP) remains committed to public welfare under Sharad Pawar sahib's leadership and "the voters will choose wisely." Canberra, April 11 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday welcomed news that US President Joe Biden is considering a request to drop the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Albanese expressed encouragement after Biden's remark in Washington that the US is mulling over Australia's request to drop the charges against Assange for the release of confidential records in 2010, Xinhua news agency reported. "I believe this must be brought to a conclusion and that Mr. Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough," Albanese told state media Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television. "There's nothing to be gained by Mr. Assange's continued incarceration, in my very strong view." An Australian citizen who founded WikiLeaks in Australia in 2006, Assange is currently trying to appeal his extradition from the UK to the US to face trial for the 2010 leaks. The UK High Court in March asked the US for assurances that Assange would have a fair trial and not face the death penalty if convicted before making a final decision in May on whether he can appeal the extradition order. Albanese in February supported a motion raised in the federal parliament by independent MP Andrew Wilkie calling for Assange's return to Australia. Wilkie was among a delegation of MPs who in September traveled to Washington where they urged politicians and officials to abandon extradition efforts for Assange. On Thursday, Wilkie told ABC radio that Biden's comment was very encouraging. Chennai, April 11 : People residing in tribal hamlets of Pungampattu and Nellivasal Nadu of Tirupathur district in Tamil Nadu have decided to boycott the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Maniyaappan, a villager of Pungampattu, while speaking to IANS, said: We don't have proper roads, school is 12 km away from our hamlet and our children have to walk through dense forests to reach the school." "This time, we decided to boycott elections," he added, citing that "hollow promises" are made every election and nothing changes. Residents of remote tribal hamlets constituting these villages and atop Jawadhu Hills near Tirupathur town, have erected banners in their villages, asking political parties not to visit them to canvas for votes for the Lok Sabha election. Karuppammal, a resident of Pungampattu Nadu village while speaking to IANS said: "Political parties should not visit our village and we have asked them not to come." She said that children from these hamlets have to go to government schools in Pudur Nadu or Nellivasal Nadu, around 12 km away. Moreover, she explained that only muddy pathways are available for residents to reach these villages for their day-to-day work. Karuppammal added: "Many men from the areas left their families behind and migrated to work as labourers in big towns and cities like Bengaluru, Salem and Chennai. These hamlets have 40-45 families, with mostly women leading them." The villagers told IANS that sick persons, including pregnant women, had died on the way to the hospital over the years as people could not shift them to Jolarpet or Tirupathur town at the foothills of Jawadhu hills. Veeramani, a resident of Pudur Nadu, while speaking to IANS said: "As there are no roads, bus services and ambulances, we have to carry ailing persons and pregnant women to health centres down the hill." The tribals also added that over the years, many sick people, including pregnant women, died on the way to the hospital due to this. Residents, comprising 32 tribal hamlets with around 17,000 voters, have put up signs asking political parties not to canvass for votes in their areas. Manisamy, another resident of Nellivasal Nadu, said that the decision to boycott elections was taken jointly in village tribal meetings and that they won't change the decision. Talking about rationing as a serious issue in these remote areas, Veeramani said: "We cultivate mostly millets, vegetables and green chilli. Honey collection is also a major occupation. Farm produce is carried on foot to local markets in Jolarpet and Thirupathur towns." He said that while ration shops are in their village during monsoon, rations cannot be transported owing to the steep and slushy terrain and cardholders will have to walk down the hills to Pudur village to buy the rations. Keeping all these problems caused by a lack of basic amenities, the villagers are set to boycott the forthcoming elections. Banaskantha : , April 11 (IANS) The Congress candidate from the Banaskantha Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, Geniben Thakor has voiced concerns over what she perceives as police misconduct and political manipulation. Geniben Thakor highlighted a recent arrest in an incident that took place two years ago involving a local from Sanaviya Village in Banaskantha. She questioned the timing of the arrest of a person just a week before the Lok Sabha elections. "Why did the arrest take two years to happen? The case took place two years ago, so why has a person been detained in this case now? It seems like an attempt to intimidate the Thakor community during the election period," stated Geniben Thakor, expressing her suspicions over the police's intentions. Thakor further accused the police of exerting undue influence and attempting to create an atmosphere of fear. "The police are trying to demonstrate their power and suppress us," she remarked, hinting at a broader pattern aimed at influencing electoral outcomes. Geniben Thakor warned of potential "targeting of other community leaders, like Gulab and Thakarsi" suggesting that the authorities might use similar tactics against them. She added, "I am ready for my turn. Let the electoral battle be between the people." Meanwhile, known for her spirited advocacy on women's issues in the legislative Assembly, Geniben Thakor has taken a novel approach to her campaign. She initiated a political crowdfunding drive that encourages constituents to contribute financially to her nomination deposit, starting at Rs. 11. She actively promotes a QR code on social media for campaign donations. Kolkata, April 11 : The Cooch Behar constituency will be having the maximum security cover of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel among the three Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal that are going to polls in the first phase on April 19. Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal said that Cooch Behar will have a deployment of 112 companies of CPAF on the polling day. Among the other two Lok Sabha constituencies in the state that will be going for polls on the same day, Jalpaiguri will have a deployment of 75 companies, while Alipurduar will have 63. In addition to that, 13 companies of CAPF will be deployed in those pockets of Jalpaiguri seat which come under the jurisdiction of Siliguri Police Commiserate in the adjacent Darjeeling district. Sources said that of the three Lok Sabha constituencies, Cooch Behar not only has the maximum number of sensitive booths but also has records of major poll-related violence. As per the Election Commission records, 85 per cent of the polling booths in Cooch Behar district are sensitive. In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls too Sitalkuchi, one of the seven Assembly constituencies under this Lok Sabha, witnessed major poll-related clashes. The CAPF personnel deployed there had to resort to firing which killed four persons. So far, a total of 277 companies of CPAF have already arrived in the state in two phases, the majority of which have been deployed in the three Lok Sabha constituencies, all in north Bengal, which are going for the polls in the first phase. The remaining companies have been deployed in other super-sensitive pockets in the state which will go to polls in the subsequent phases. The CAPF personnel deployed in these other pockets are conducting regular route marches for area domination as well as to imbibe confidence among the voters. New Delhi, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing a poll rally in the temple town of Rishikesh, hit out at previous Congress regimes for not upgrading infrastructure on the country's borders and not even equipping forces with basics including bullet-proof jackets. "Unlike Congress regimes, the country's borders are fortified today, our soldiers have bullet-proof jackets and modern infrastructure and long tunnels are being built along the frontiers, all across the country," PM Modi said while adding that today, modern arsenal and warfare equipment are being made in the country itself. He further said that India's enemies are now hunted down in their homes, either inside or outside the country and this has broken the back of anti-India terror networks. Taking a jibe at the 'culture of subservience' to party high command, he said that for Congress, "Shahi Parivar is their everything but for him, the whole country was his family." Sounding the poll bugle in Uttarakhand, he also hit out at Congress for its resistance to 'Shakti', a divine form of power in Hinduism, and also for insulting Ram Lalla by boycotting the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. PM Modi said that Congress has taken a pledge to destroy 'Shakti' and 'this will add fuel to fire in conspiracies being hatched to destroy the faith of Uttarakhand'. Raking up the Congress refusal to attend the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla, PM Modi dubbed it as 'anti-vikas and anti-virasat'. "Congress party first questioned the existence of Lord Ram, then opposed its construction and when it was invited by the Ram Mandir Trust to allow it to undo its mistake, the party decided to boycott it," he told the huge gathering. Reiterating his government's resolve for the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' mission, he said that Viksit Uttarakhand is an essential pre-requisite in realising that dream. Panchmahal, April 11 : In the political landscape of Panchmahal, a district in eastern Gujarat, the competition between the BJP and the Congress has always been intense. Panchmahal, with its five subdivisions of Godhra, Dahod, Halol, Kalol, and Jhalod, plays a crucial role in Gujarat's politics. In the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP has introduced a new candidate, Rajpalsinh Mahendrasinh Jadav from Kalol in Panchmahal District. The 42-year-old belongs to the Baraiya Kshatriya community, categorised under the Other Backward Class (OBC) and works as a farmer after studying up to BA third year. With a political career spanning 24 years, he has served two terms as a member of the District Panchayat and is a part of the State Executive of Gujarat BJP. Previously, he was the President of the Panchmahal District Panchayat. Recently, the BJP declared him as one of the new candidates for the Lok Sabha elections, with 15 of the 195 candidates nationwide hailing from Gujarat. The district, with its diverse demographics and a population of 2,390,776 as of 2001, sees a majority of Gujarati speakers, followed by Urdu and Hindi speakers. The BJPas dominance in the region was evident when Chauhan Prabhatsinh Pratapsinh won the 2014 Lok Sabha election with 508,274 votes, defeating the Congressa Ramsinh Parmar. On the other side, the Congress has nominated Gulabsinh Chauhan, the Lunawada MLA, for the Panchmahal seat. Chauhan, at 63, has previously served as the Chairman of the Mahisagar District panchayat and won against the BJPas Jignesh Sevak by over 25,000 votes in the 2022 state polls. On March 30, senior Congress leaders promptly addressed internal unrest regarding the Panchmahal Lok Sabha seat ticket distribution. They facilitated a meeting between Gulabsinh Chauhan and opposing party members to resolve conflicts. In a meeting held in Shehra Assembly constituency, Gulabsinh and the influential Panchmahal leader, Dushyantsinh Chauhan, discussed their differences. Dushyantsinh had been leading the dissenters, upset over the nomination of Gulabsinh, who had recently joined the party. The matter is still on. The political battle in Panchmahal is not just a contest of candidates but a reflection of the larger ideological and strategic tussles between the BJP and Congress, each aiming to consolidate its influence in this pivotal district of Gujarat. New Delhi, April 11 : As he released the BJP manifesto for Lok Sabha Elections in Mizoram's Aizawl on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spotlighted the special emphasis the Narendra Modi government has been laying on completing major pending connectivity projects in the strategically-located region. Addressing party workers and media, S. Jaishankar mentioned how the government has been working hard to create access to Myanmar's Sittwe Port through a road from Mizoram. "It has been having some problems right now. But certainly, as we look after the elections, it will be one of our priorities to see that the road is completed as soon as possible. We would also like to see more border haats with both Bangladesh and Myanmar," said the EAM. Sittwe Port has been built under grant assistance from the Indian government as part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP) which aims at creating a multi-modal sea, river, and road transport corridor for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports and Northeast India to Myanmar. Once completed, the road project is expected to give a massive boost to India's 'Act East Policy' and will be a significant milestone in regional connectivity. "When it comes to the 'Act East' policy, one part of it is Myanmar. We were developing two avenues of access to Myanmar - one from Mizoram to Sittwe and the other from Manipur to the Trilateral Highway. Because of the current situation in Myanmar, (carrying) work has been very difficult. But what we are trying to do is negotiate with various groups to see what can be continued in some form. It is very important even for their own future that these programmes go forward," said Jaishankar who also mentioned that another way of taking the 'Act East' forward is through Bangladesh. The multimodal transit transport facility on Kaladan River connects the Sittwe port to Paletwa in Myanmar - the only Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) country adjoining India - through an inland waterway and from Paletwa to Zorinpui in Mizoram through a road component. Once fully operational, the KMTTP would not only encourage investment and trade but also open up alternate routes for connectivity to India's landlocked Northeast region. More importantly, the ambitious infrastructure project opens a gateway to Southeast Asian countries for India and will play a major role in countering the growing influence of China in the neighbourhood region. Beijing has also been prodding Naypyidaw to move faster to implement the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, deepening its access to the Bay of Bengal via Myanmar. Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 km long land border with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, remains central to the trilateral Asian Highway project - an East-West corridor that also connects India's Northeast with Thailand. In Aizawl on Thursday, Jaishankar stated that the Modi government has had a solid 10-year record of governance. "I hope the people of Mizoram would send a representative to the Lok Sabha who would strengthen the hands of PM Modi who would allow us now to use the foundation of the last 10 years so that we prepare for the next 25 years. I would like to ask the Mizo brothers to support the BJP in the upcoming election. The vision document does for the state what PM Modi's vision is for the country," he said. Chennai, April 11 : Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazagam (AMMK) general secretary and former Periyankulam MP of the AIADMK, T.T.V Dhinakaran has an edge in the Theni Lok Sabha seat in the coming general elections. The AMMK and Dhinakaran are part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, and the front is expecting him to win the seat. DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan, and AIADMK leader, V. T. Narayanasamy are also in the fray in this constituency, which was the only seat in Tamil Nadu that went with the AIADMK, denying the DMK a clean sweep. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, AIADMK leader, P. Raveendranathan won the seat by 76,693 votes defeating Congress leader and former Union Minister E.V.K.S. Elangovan. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dhinakaran, contesting on the Pressure Cooker symbol, has an edge, and the AIADMK has fielded a weak candidate in V. Narayanasamy. Previously, DMK candidate Selvan was in the AIADMK, a close associate of Dhinakaran and the blue-eyed boy of the late former chief minister Jayalalithaa. He is now the Theni south district secretary of the DMK and is from the powerful Thevar community just like Dhinakaran. The Theni constituency has Sholavandan, Usilampatti, Andipatti, Periyakulam, Bodinayakanur, and Cumbum assembly seats. The DMK won the Sholavandan, Andipatti, Periyakulam, and Cumbum seats while the AIADMK won the Usilampatti and Bodinayakanur seats. In the 2021 assembly elections, DMK candidate A. Venkatesan won by 17,045 votes in the Sholavandan assembly seat while in Usilampatti the AIADMK leader P. Ayyappan won the seat by 7477 votes. The Andipatti seat was won by the DMK leader A. Maharajan by 8538 votes. Besides them, K.S. Saravanakumar won the Periyakulam seat by 21,321 votes, while the AIADMK candidate and former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam won from the Bondinayakanur seat by 11,021 votes. The Cumbum seat was won by the DMK leader N. Eramakrishnan by 42,413 votes. While the results of the assembly seats show an edge for the DMK, the Lok Sabha situation is different and Dhinakaran has the upper hand in the constituency. Moreover, Paneerselvam (OPS), the NDA candidate from the Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency, and his son and former MP, P. Raveendranathan are strong figures of the Thevar community and this base is also used to support the campaign of Dhinakaran. Dhinakaran while speaking to IANS said: "The Theni seat was previously Periyakulam Lok Sabha seat and I was an elected MP from this seat. I know people across the constituency and the presence of OPS and his son and former MP, P. Raveendranathan is helping my candidature." "I have high hopes of winning the seat and in the days to come, our campaign will accelerate and we will have the advantage," he added. R. Nagarajan, an AIADMK worker who recently joined the AMMK, while speaking to IANS said: "Dhinakaran was very powerful during the days of Amma Jayalalithaa as Chief Minister. Many people have benefitted from Dhinakaran in this constituency and naturally, several neutral voters will shift their allegiance to him." "Other than this, the Thevar community which has always been an AIADMK supporter will throw their weight behind Dhinakaran. In addition to this, the most powerful Thevar face, OPS has also supported Dhinakaran and he has a good lead here," Nagarajan added. While Thanga Tamil Selvan is also from the Thevar community, he is a DMK candidate, and hence the community is apprehensive of extending its support to him. Dhinakaran and his aunt V.K. Sasikala - the former aide of late Jayalalithaa, also have an intense personal rapport with the community. The AIADMK nominee V. Narayanasamy is considered a weak candidate and hence, the fight is mainly between Thanga Tamil Selvan and T.T.V. Dhinakaran. Thanga Tamil Selvan told IANS: "The fight here is between DMK and AIADMK just like across Tamil Nadu. T.T.V. Dhinakaran will finish a poor third here and DMK will win the seat." R. Shakthivel, a political analyst based out of Tirunelveli, told IANS that: "In South Tamil Nadu, the Thevar community has a major say and in Theni its presence is huge. While both T.T.V. Dhinakaran and Thanga Tamil Selvan belong to the community, there are several commitments towards Dhinakaran as he was a major power centre during the Jayalalithaa regime and had helped the Thevar community during that time. Naturally, the community will throw its weight behind him, except perhaps die hard cadre of the DMK." He said that the constituency was witnessing a tough battle as both the DMK and the NDA are in a neck-and-neck race here. With only a week of extensive campaign remaining, the candidates are leaving no stone unturned to win the Theni seat. Patna, April 11 : The Saran police arrested 8 police personnel including SI and ASI rank officers on Wednesday evening for alleged links with the sand mafia in the region. A FIR under IPC sections 384 and 385 was registered in the Bhagwan Bazar police station, according to Gaurav Mangla, Superintendent of Police of Saran. He said that the detained police personnel were posted at Bhagwan Bazar police station. "We have received an audio clip. During its analysis, it was found to be prima facie a conversation between police personnel and the sand mafia to pass the vehicles carrying sand. The police personnel were deployed on patrol duty. Accordingly, we have suspended them followed by their arrest. We have registered a FIR under relevant sections of the IPC in Bhagwan Bazar police station," Mangla said. The accused police personnel have been identified as Ajit Prasad (SI), and Kiran Kumari (ASI), along with four constables, Manoj Kumar, Sarita Kumari, Neha Kumari, and Shilpi Kumari. Besides them, two drivers, Santosh Kumar and Shyam Kishore Singh are said to be involved. The SP added: "They were deployed on police patrol vehicles and were allegedly involved in giving safe passage to vehicles laden with sand. They were taking bribes to pass the trucks and tractors." The district police also appealed to the public to provide audio and video evidence of wrongdoing by police personnel on cell phone numbers 9431822989 and 9031036406. OZARK An expanded summer program for the Boys & Girls Club of Daleville moved closer to reality when the Dale County Commission unanimously agreed last Tuesday to seek an Alabama County Commission Association review about the feasibility of using American Rescue Act funds to assist the four-year-old organization. At the same meeting, the commission approved up to $150,000 in ARPA funds, previously approved by the ACCA, for the Boys & Girls Club of Ozark-Southeast Alabama. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Daleville is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, Club Executive Director April Spencer told the commission about the club located on Donnell Boulevard in Daleville that serves between 45 and 50 children daily. Wed like to see that number raise up to 60 to 70 children. Improving club members math and reading skills is top priority, Spencer said. That is what we are focusing on, working with the childrens schoolteachers. These funds will give us the means to hire more staff through the summer to help us achieve that goal. Although based in Daleville, the club serves children from neighboring Clayhatchee, Level Plains, and Fort Novosel, said Dale County Commissioner Donald Grantham in support of the clubs request for up to $80,000. They do a great job taking care of our children, giving them a place to go after school and during the summer months. A lot of parents are working throughout the summer so they need to know we have somewhere that their children can enjoy themselves while being safe and continue to learn, Spencer said. The Daleville club was founded by concerned citizens about four years ago when the city-run after-school program closed due to lack of funding, said club founder and board chairman Joel Adams. We decided to do something about it. We were convinced that Daleville not only had a need for the Boys & Girls Club, but that the community could support one. The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and structured environment after-school and during the summer months. The focus is not only on empowering young people to excel academically but also believe in meeting the emotional and social needs of each individual child. This is accomplished through the many structured programs and activities that are specifically designed to challenge individuals to work on problem solving, social skills, and to explore talents. I knew my town and I knew that we could make it happen, Adams said, crediting elected officials for their support. Adams thanked Grantham for helping get the back of the building cleared for the play area. We are also grateful for state Representative Steve Clouse and state Senator Donnie Chesteen for their continued support of the club and its programs, Adams said. Special thanks to Fort Novosel for allowing their soldiers to volunteer their time to help out at the club by painting, fixing railings, and other miscellaneous projects. Mumbai, April 11 : The stars of the upcoming film 'Ruslaan', Aayush Sharma and Sushrii Mishraa, will appear on the stage of 'Dance Deewane' to promote the action entertainer. Aayush and Sushrii will join the three deviyaans of 'Dance Deewane' on floor -- Bina, Manjula, and Shashi. They all set the stage on fire by dancing to the lively beats of the Bhojpuri hit 'Lollipop Lageglu'. Judge Suniel Shetty adds to the fervour with his rendition of the upbeat Bhojpuri track 'Dil ne ye kaha hai dil se'. The upcoming episode will also see Nitin and Gaurav showcasing the renowned South Indian dance form 'Pili Yesa', adorned with tiger skin accents for an extra touch of grandeur. Mukesh and Sargam will entertain the audience with their spellbinding Kathakali performance. Yuvraj and Yuvansh deliver heartfelt shayari on friendship, evoking emotions, while Akhtar Hindustani's comedy shayari will bring laughter to the stage. Judge Madhuri Dixit Nene will be joining Kashvi onstage after her mesmerising performance with Taranjot, gracefully blending their Kathak steps. The stage pulses with excitement as a flurry of activities follows, featuring roti-making competition between the judges, balloon antics, and displays of impressive strength, among others. Magician BS Reddy mesmerises with his enchanting magic tricks, including an illusion that sees guest Sushrii floating in mid-air. 'Dance Deewane' airs on Colors. New Delhi, April 11 : As the temperatures rise, there's no better time to plan a getaway to one of these opulent resorts, where comfort meets sophistication. From tranquil valleys to riverside havens, each of these resorts at the 'Gateway to the Northeast' offers an oasis of relaxation amidst the bustling city life. Join us as we explore the perfect destinations for your summer break in Guwahati, including the iconic Mayfair Spring Valley Resort and other establishments that promise to make your vacation truly unforgettable. Kiranshree Grand, Guwahati Kiranshree Grand stands as a beacon of luxury and sophistication in Guwahati, offering a refined retreat for discerning travellers. The hotel boasts opulent accommodations, ranging from elegant rooms to luxurious suites, each designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the hotel's gourmet restaurants, where a team of expert chefs curates an exquisite dining experience. With its impeccable service and attention to detail, Kiranshree Grand promises an unforgettable summer escape in the heart of the city. Mayfair Spring Valley Resort Nestled amidst the serene valleys of Guwahati, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort epitomizes luxury and tranquillity. With its lavish accommodations ranging from deluxe rooms to secluded villas, every corner of this 5-star haven exudes opulence. Immerse yourself in a world of indulgence as you dine at the Bay Leaf Restaurant, offering delectable delights amidst breathtaking views of rolling hills. Whether you choose to unwind by the pool or explore the nearby attractions, Mayfair Spring Valley Resort promises an unforgettable summer escape. Vivanta Guwahati Situated in the heart of the city, Vivanta Guwahati offers a blend of contemporary luxury and traditional hospitality. The spacious rooms and suites are designed to provide the utmost comfort, while the rooftop infinity pool offers a refreshing retreat from the summer heat. Indulge your taste buds at the hotel's signature restaurant, serving a curated selection of local and international cuisine. With its convenient location and impeccable service, Vivanta Guwahati is the perfect choice for a stylish summer getaway. Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati Boasting a picturesque location on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati provides a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city life. The elegantly appointed rooms offer stunning views of the river or the lush greenery surrounding the hotel. Guests can relax and rejuvenate at the rooftop pool or indulge in a pampering session at the spa. With its world-class amenities and warm hospitality, Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati ensures a memorable summer retreat. Novotel Guwahati GS Road Offering a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication, Novotel Guwahati GS Road is an ideal choice for discerning travellers seeking a luxurious summer getaway. The spacious rooms feature modern amenities and stylish dAcor, providing a haven of relaxation after a day of exploration. Guests can savour exquisite cuisine at the hotel's all-day dining restaurant or unwind with a refreshing cocktail at the rooftop bar. With its central location and impeccable service, Novotel Guwahati GS Road promises a memorable stay. IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in Kochi, April 11 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday dismissed an election petition filed by former CPI(M) legislator M. Swaraj in 2021 demanding the disqualification of six-time Congress legislator K. Babu and declaring him as the winner. Babu won the Thripunithura constituency in the 2021 Assembly elections by defeating the then-sitting legislator Swaraj by 992 votes. Soon after the result was declared Swaraj approached the High Court and pointed out that Babu indulged in corrupt practices which materially affected the result of the election by appealing to the Hindu voters. In his complaint, Swaraj had said that Babu allegedly distributed slips to Hindu voters which had the picture of Lord Ayyappa with an inscription that said "Your vote is for Ayyappa". But on Thursday the High Court dismissed his petition, and reacting to it Babu said, "First the CPI(M) said I won as I purchased votes from the BJP and later they filed a petition stating that I violated election rules by distributing a notice with the picture of Lord Ayyappa, which was false as we never did such a thing," said Babu. Babu was the State Excise Minister in the Oommen Chandy government (2011-16). He represented Thripunithura from 1991 and lost for the first time in the 2016 Assembly polls to Swaraj, but he regained the seat in the 2021 Assembly polls and now the Court has cleared his election too. The CPI-M leadership has gone into a huddle and in all likelihood, Swaraj will approach the apex court against this verdict. New Delhi, April 11 : A sharpshooter of the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, involved in a recent firing incident for extortion in the city, was arrested from the outskirts of the national capital, a Delhi Police official said on Thursday. The accused was identified as Satender Kumar a.k.a Sikander (20), a native of Sitapur district in Uttar Pradesh. According to police, on Monday, specific input was received regarding the movement of a person, who was involved in the firing case registered at Moti Nagar police station, a week ago, carrying illegal firearms. "As per the information, a raid was conducted and Satender was apprehended," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) R K Singh. During the investigation, he disclosed that he came in touch with one of the gang members of Lawrance Bishnoi, Kala Rana and Kapil Mann gang in September-2023. "In the last week of March-24, he was directed via Signal App to reach a designated place in Naraina where he met with another boy who was riding a scooty (Identification yet to be established)," said the DCP. The duo then went to the house of a man in Moti Nagar where the rider fired several rounds at about 2 p.m. on March 31 and fled. "After the incident, he was dropped by the rider near Rithala metro station and thereafter he evaded arrest by staying at different places," said the DCP. Lucknow, April 11 : Nepotism no longer seems to be an advantage for the children of political leaders who left behind a rich legacy for their children. The new generations have failed to fit in the shoes of their elders. The children of former chief minister Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna are a classic example of this. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, Vijay Bahuguna and Shekhar Bahuguna did get opportunities because of the legacy they carried but failed to go beyond a point. Rita Bahuguna Joshi was appointed president of the UP Congress, her brother Vijay Bahuguna became chief minister of Uttarakhand and younger brother Shekhar Bahuguna contested three assembly elections and lost all. Rita and Vijay joined BJP and Rita won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Allahabad before becoming a minister in the Yogi Adityanath government in UP. This time, Rita Bahuguna Joshi has been denied a ticket by the BJP and her efforts to initiate her son Mayank Joshi into politics have also failed. Vijay Bahuguna is in semi-retirement and so is Shekhar Bahuguna. Former chief minister Veer Bahadur Singhas son Fateh Bahadur Singh joined the BJP and has won six assembly elections from Campierganj and Paniyara constituencies of eastern UP. However, he could not make his mark in state politics and neither could he keep his fatheras legacy alive. Former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav ushered his son Akhilesh into politics through a by-election in Kannauj in 2000. Akhilesh was elected as a member of the 14th Lok Sabha for a second term in 2004 and then got a third term in 2009. In 2012, Akhilesh became UP chief minister after his party won a majority in the UP assembly polls. Mulayam Singh brought in about half a dozen other family members in politics and they are all carrying his legacy forward. Aparna Yadav, the younger daughter-in-law of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, attempted to make a debut in politics by contesting the Cantt assembly seat in Lucknow. She lost the elections and then, following a family feud, joined the BJP ahead of the 2022 assembly polls. Since then, she has been offering herself for different positions but has found no takers. Two days ago, she announced that if her party wanted, she was ready to achallenge and defeata Priyanka Gandhi from Rae Bareli. The BJP did not even react to this. On the other hand, former chief minister Kalyan Singhas son and grandson have made their mark in politics. Kalyan Singhas son Rajvir Singh has won two successive Lok Sabha elections from Etah and is now preparing for his third term. Rajveeras son, Sandeep Singh, won the 2007 and then the 2022 assembly elections and is one of the younger ministers in the Yogi Adityanath government. Chennai, April 11 : The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, have forecasted a slight drop in temperature over the next few days in Tamil Nadu. The RMC released a statement on Thursday informing that the maximum temperature in southern districts of Tamil Nadu and some parts of Puducherry is going to decrease by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the next few days. Additionally, according to the statement, moderate to light rainfall is expected in the southern delta districts of Tamil Nadu between April 11 and April 15. The rains will be due to fluctuating wind directions in the upper and lower layers of the atmosphere. The rains and easterly winds that are likely to hit some parts of Tamil Nadu will bring down the temperature in the next few days, as per the statement. The RMC also said that Chennai is expected to have cloudy skies with a maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. However, in some interior regions of Tamil Nadu, the temperature is likely to touch 40 degrees Celsius. Bhubaneswar, April 11 : Odisha Assembly Speaker Pramila Mallik has terminated the membership of legislators Arabinda Dhali and Premananda Nayak, who quit the ruling Biju Janata Dal to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, on the ground of defection. Dhali, elected from the Jayadev Assembly segment of the Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha constituency, and former minister Nayak, representing the Telkoi Assembly seat under the Keonjhar Lok Sabha constituency, had joined the opposition BJP after resigning from the primary membership of the BJD in March 2024. Their disqualification came on a petition filed by Jagatsinghpur MLA Prasanta Kumar Muduli under the Members of Odisha Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1987, on March 18, demanding that their membership be terminated under the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, following their voluntary resignation from the BJD on which ticket they were elected to the assembly. Neither Nayak nor Dhali submitted their responses to the petition or appeared before the Speaker to present their side. Subsequently, the Speaker announced the disqualification of both Dhali and Nayak, who will cease to be members of the Assembly with immediate effect. New Delhi, April 11 : Loughborough University has invested over half a million pounds in a new scholarship programme that supports international students looking to study for a master's degree in the UK. The Global Impact Scholarships will provide successful students with up to 100 per cent of their course fees. The new funding programme highlights the University's commitment to supporting, inspiring and empowering people to achieve extraordinary things, which is a key value within the University's Creating Better Futures 2030 strategy. The scheme aims to attract high-calibre graduates with the ability and commitment to leading and driving sustainable change within their communities following their studies. Lily Rumsey, Director of Global Engagement at Loughborough University, said: "We offer a vibrant and diverse experience here at Loughborough University and our international students play a key role in this. The Global Impact Scholarships have been developed to enable bright students from least developed countries to come and study at Loughborough, by removing any financial barriers that might prevent them from applying." "By providing the funding to cover the majority, if not all of their tuition fees, successful students will be able to fully immerse themselves in the experience we offer here at Loughborough, without worrying about financial pressures." In 2023, Loughborough University experienced its highest-ever enrollment of over 700 Indian students, bringing the total number of Indian students on campus to nearly 900. India currently represents their second-largest international group and is the largest source of postgraduate-taught students. Applications for the programme are now open to students looking to start their studies in September 2024. The deadline is April 30, 2024. The scheme is available to students with an offer to study on an eligible postgraduate programme at either Loughborough University or Loughborough University London. Shivamogga, : April 11 (IANS) The fight for the high-profile Shivamogga Lok Sabha seat has intensified with senior BJP rebel leader, KS Eshwarappa announcing on Thursday that he will file nomination as an Independent candidate for the seat on Friday. Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Shivamogga, Eshwarappa who has vowed to defeat BJP candidate, BY Raghavendra, son of former Chief Minister, BS Yediyurappa stated that withdrawing from the contest was out of the question. Eshwarappa and Yediyurappa were part of the core team that built the BJP in the state from scratch. "There is no scope for negotiation now. I have entered the battlefield of election. There is no question of going back now. If I withdraw it will be an injustice to my workers and supporters who have already started work," Eshwarappa stated. Eshwarappa asserted that he would use the photos and videos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while campaigning. Eshwarappa addressed the press conference sporting a saffron shawl bearing the picture of the PM with the tagline, 'Rastra Bhaktara Balaga (group of patriots).' While answering a question about objections from some quarters on him using the PM's photos, Eshwarappa stated, "I challenge BJP candidate Raghavendra, his father Yediyurappa and his brother state President BY Vijayendra to campaign without the picture of Prime Minister Modi." "Let father and sons go to the voters of Shivamogga without taking the name of Prime Minister Modi," he challenged. "The PM is a global leader. Let the court give its verdict on the matter. I will also abide by the decision of the Election Commission. I am confident that they won't give any such orders," Eshwarappa stated. Eshwarappa questioned why the BJP denied a Lok Sabha ticket to former BJP National General Secretary, CT Ravi, staunch Hindutva leaders and sitting MPs Anant Kumar Hegde and Pratap Simha in Karnataka. He further questioned who ensured the defeat of CT Ravi in the Assembly election and who was cornering BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal? Eshwarappa said, "Everyone knows the answers. They are fighting by remaining inside the party and I have come out. I am the voice of many honest BJP leaders who are suffering due to family politics in Karnataka." The senior BJP leader is miffed at his son KE Kanthesh being denied a ticket to contest from the Haveri Lok Sabha seat. He is alleging that his friend-turned-foe, Yediyurappa had played a role in this and vowed to defeat his son in Shivamogga. Eshwarappa was denied a ticket to contest from the Shivamogga city in the 2023 Assembly elections. He was hopeful of getting the state President's post which was given to Yediyurappa's son Vijayendra. The Congress has fielded Geetha Shivarajkumar, daughter of former CM late S Bangarappa and sister of Minister for Education Madhu Bangarappa. She is the wife of Kannada superstar Dr. Shivarajkumar. New Delhi, April 11 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC, K. Kavitha, will be produced before Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi on Friday, said sources, adding that she was arrested by the CBI on Thursday in the alleged excise policy scam. According to sources, she was arrested from Jail no- 6 in Tihar at 12:50 p.m. on Thursday. "She will be produced in court on Friday at 10:30 a.m.," the sources added. The CBI informed a Delhi court on Wednesday that Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC, K Kavitha was examined on April 6 in Tihar Jail in connection with the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. On Tuesday, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court extended Kavitha's judicial custody till April 23 in the same case being probed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED, while demanding the judicial custody of Kavitha in the court, in its application, said that she is highly influential, and there is every likelihood, she will influence the witnesses and tamper with the evidence if released. The ED, in its judicial custody remand application submitted before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court, said that from the investigation conducted, it is evident that the Arrestee (Kavitha) is involved in the acts of payment of kickbacks to government functionaries to gain illegal benefits in the Excise Policy 2021-22 formulation and implementation. "That, the Arrestee (through her proxy Arun Pillai) was a partner in M/s Indo Spirits which is a vehicle for recoupment of the advance kickbacks paid and to generate further proceeds of crime. The Arrestee is actually involved in the transfer of PoC of Rs 100 crore through her staff/associates-Abhishek Boinpally and Buchi Babu which was paid to the AAP leaders," it read. The ED has claimed that the Hyderabad-based businessman, Pillai, is a close aide of Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao, and the frontman of the 'South Group' liquor cartel. As an academic, I always felt like I understood exactly what I needed to do to succeed, whereas, as a CEO, I constantly feel like I dont know enough about a zillion things to run Grok effectively, so Im always reading and asking for advice. Dr. James Curran This week on Founder Friday, we chat with Dr. James Curran, the founder and CEO of Grok Academy. Grok Academy is a leading provider of digital skills learning platforms used by an impressive network of Australian schools. They reach a staggering 209,000 students and 6,000 educators across 3,400 institutions. James founded Grok Academy in 2013 (originally Grok Learning) which later merged with the ACA in 2021. But his influence goes beyond Grok. He played a key role in shaping the Australian Curriculums Digital Technologies and Digital Literacy components, even earning recognition as ICT Leader of the Year in 2014. No wonder his expertise is sought after by curriculum authorities and educational departments nationwide! The early days James reflects on Grok Academys origins, tracing their journey from academia at the University of Sydney to establishing the National Computer Science School (NCSS) elite summer camps. Recognising a lack of diversity, they launched the NCSS Challenge in 2005 There were several computer science competitions that were simply tests by competing you could prove you were a member of the club. But there wasnt anything out there to help you join the club. We developed the model of learning while you compete that continues to be compelling for students and teachers today. We developed an online platform that provided learning materials and intelligent automated marking so students could progress at their own pace. By 2012, we had 4,500 students and teachers participating each year. Teachers kept asking us to run the Challenge more times a year and create other courses. We tried to do this inside the University, but were blocked in a number of ways, so our industry partners, namely Richard White at WiseTech Global, Matt Barrie at Freelancer, and Scott Farqahar at Atlassian, encouraged us to start a for-profit company Grok Learning. Jamess strategies for success James outlined several key strategies that contributed to Groks growth and success. He said that one of the most significant choices driving the business growth was the decision to ground himslef in genuine expertise and profound insight within the problem domain. We had been delivering computing education for school age students for 15 years before starting Grok. In 2012, the year before we founded Grok, I had the (amazing!) opportunity to be one of three authors of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies, Australias first national curriculum for computer science. This has allowed Grok to lead from a position of practical and formal expertise. The second strategy is understanding the users (teachers and students in Australia) pain points, was critical. Teachers are under-resourced, over-worked, and often not qualified to teach Digital Technologies. Teachers never learned DT at school, or at university in their teaching degree, and they have very little time for professional learning yet theyre expected to deliver the compulsory Digital Technologies curriculum. We focused on producing resources where teachers could learn alongside their students. The third strategy was focusing on doing at least two things well: creating simple, engaging online and unplugged resources that teachers could easily use in the classroom and providing teachers with ongoing professional learning to fill their technical and pedagogical skills and knowledge gaps. The fourth strategy was working closely with industry partners to ensure that all of our activities were authentic, using real-world examples to teach Digital Technologies. One of the highest compliments for us is that our industry experts say I wish this existed when I was at school. Finally, respecting our community: teachers are amazing folk doing a very challenging job; tech folk in industry love to share their passion and knowledge for tech; and we have so many amazing Aussie kids who just want to learn and create, and our teachers and tech folk want to support them. James highlighted Grok Academys unique approach in the education technology landscape. He discussed several distinctive aspects of Grok Academys approach to innovation in the industry. According to James, Grok Academy stands out from other businesses by transitioning from a for-profit organization, Grok Learning, and a part of the University of Sydney, the Australian Computing Academy, to the non-profit entity it is today. We believe that being a NFP is aligned philosophically with educators and schools all profits go to increasing Groks impact by making better technology and content. We are able to stay ahead and bring innovation to the market through our in-house expertise, as well as the deep relationships with industry partners Grok uniquely combines the talents of Digital Technologies curriculum authors, educators and academics from around Australia, and technologists. We use our expertise and passion for DT to create free classroom-ready resources that enable teachers to confidently engage every student in the DT curriculum. We develop innovative technology to support innovative approaches to DT education to create interactive, immersive learning experiences. A good example of this are our Schools Cyber Security Challenges. Telling a teenager dont do this rarely works, so we decided that to teach cyber security effectively, kids needed to see, from an attackers perspective, how information shared on social media can be exploited. We built a fake mobile phone in the browser, fake Instagram and Facebook apps, and hired 20 child actors to pretend to be friends with each other, populating the apps with a fake social media world. This project has been wildly successful, with over 300,000 Australian students participating in our Cyber challenges largely because of how compelling this first learning experience was. We are able to stay ahead and bring innovation to the market through our in-house expertise, as well as the deep relationships with industry partners, who co-create content with us. This ensures our resources are in sync with new technologies and new trends and helps students to gain a better understanding of the wide breadth of lucrative career opportunities in IT and adjacent industries. Overcoming challenges When discussing the challenges faced along the journey and the lessons learned from these experiences, James reflected on Grok Academys rapid expansion and the complexities it entails. Adapting from a small team to over 100 people presented significant hurdles. Grok Academy is currently expanding at a rapid rate, which is an amazing opportunity, but still a big challenge. What works when youre a team of four around your dining table is so different to 20 people in an office, and now to over 100 people working remotely around Australia. This requires flexibility and resilience, and being prepared to say things arent working and we need to try something different, which more than anything, is about curiosity and continual learning. He also emphasised the significance of surrounding oneself with diverse, talented individuals. As an academic, I always felt like I understood exactly what I needed to do to succeed, whereas, as a CEO, I constantly feel like I dont know enough about a zillion things to run Grok effectively, so Im always reading and asking for advice. It helps enormously to have amazing, diverse people around you, which I do inside and outside Grok, but there is always so much more to learn. We have over 380,000 teachers and 4 million students in school education in Australia. That is a massive ecosystem to shift, and that shift is slow at best, but technology moves very rapidly (hello, Generative AI!). To be effective, Grok needs to collaborate closely with all parts of the ecosystem: educators, schools, school leaders, parents, other NFPs, government, and industry. Our best work has come from bringing together the perspectives, skills, and resources of all of these groups to deliver for our kids. Entrepreneurial Insights Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, James shared invaluable advice for aspiring business owners. You spend a lot of your life working, so if you can do a job you love (which is a privilege), take it! And if that job doesnt exist, make it! Do work you believe in a vocation is way better than a job. Deeply understand and address the challenges of your audience with true expertise and compassion. The word grok is a verb that means to understand something deeply and with empathy. We try to apply that to everything we do in Grok (as well as being our goal for education itself).Create an authentic, purpose-led work culture that inspires your team by being open and vulnerable with everyone. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Goa looking to buy 1,200 e-buses over next five years: Transport Minister. Image Source: IANS News Panaji, April 11 : Rejecting the claims of the opposition, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho on Thursday reiterated that Dabolim airport in South Goa will not be closed as it is the most prestigious airport in the country. Dabolim MLA Godinho was speaking to reporters while campaigning for BJP's South Goa candidate Pallavi Dempo. Since the commissioning of Manohar International Airport in Mopa-North Goa, opposition is targeting the BJP government over the fate of Dabolim airport claiming it will be closed. This issue has been raked by the opposition, while they are campaigning for the Lok Sabha election. "There is no question of closing Dabolim airport. It is the most prestigious airport of the country, which is managed by the Airport Authority of India. They are spending on development of this airport. They would have not done this development if they had intention to close it," Godinho said. "Goa is the most preferred destination in the country. We are having two airports, one in North and Dabolim in South, both will facilitate tourists visiting the state," he said. He said that people can have the choice, whether to land in the north or south as infrastructure is existing at both places. Last month, the transport minister, dispelling speculations about the airport's closure, said that Dabolim will remain operational. Bhopal, April 11 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Congress can't return to power again, claiming that the people of India have rejected it. He was addressing a public rally in Madhya Praadesh's Mandla. Speaking at a mammoth gathering of BJP workers and supporters in the tribal-dominated Mandla Lok Sabha seat, the minister said that the Congress ruled the country for over 55 years, however, the tribals were treated as a vote bank only. Citing the example of the first tribal President of India, Droupadi Murmu, the Union Home Minister questioned: "A tribal woman became the President of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I want to ask Rahul Baba (Congress leader Rahul Gandhi) if the Congress had ever made a tribal President of India during their regime?" He blasted the Opposition bloc, calling the alliance 'ghamandi gathbandhan' and accused them of indulging in corruption. "One side is the BJP under the leadership of PM Modi working for the growth of the people of this country, on the other side Opposition parties are busy launching their new family members," he added, taunting the Opposition for dynastic politics Hitting further at the Opposition for 'parivarvaad', Shah said: "Opposition leaders like Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, Lalu Yadav want to make their children and relatives Chief Ministers, and Sonia Gandhi wants to make her son Prime Minister. This is why they are contesting the election. They have nothing to do with the people and the country." Asserting that the flagship schemes have changed the lives of the poor people in the last decade, he highlighted the public benefit schemes of the Modi government, along with the surgical strike, the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. Lashing out at the Congress for rejecting the invite to the Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the Ram Temple, Shah added, "The Congress kept the Ayodhya temple issue hanging for several decades, but PM Modi cleared all the barriers in the past five years and now after 500 years, this time, Ram Lalla will celebrate his birthday at his birthplace in Ayodhya." New Delhi, April 11 : A 47-year-old man from Iraq suffering from stage-4 rectal cancer has been given a new lease of life after a complex surgery by doctors in India. The man was initially diagnosed with piles and was undergoing treatment for the same in his country. However, it was later discovered that he was suffering from rectal cancer that had been misdiagnosed earlier. The obese patient also underwent multiple chemotherapy and radiation sessions, before being referred to the Manipal Hospital in Dwarka. "This was a challenging case as the patient had previously been misdiagnosed, and the fact that he weighed 122 kg added complexity to the treatment," Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, told IANS. After evaluation, the doctors also found peritoneal disease in addition to rectal cancer (stage IV). Peritoneal disease is a cancer that begins in an organ within the abdomen and then spreads to the abdominal wall lining and surface. Usually, stage IV cancers are incurable. But, the peritoneal disease can be treated. Given the complexity of the case, doctors at Manipal decided to undertake CRS (Cytoreductive Surgery) and HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy Surgery) - both highly complex and challenging procedures. "These procedures were combined with the surgical removal of the cancerous tumour and the administration of heated chemotherapy to the abdomen, to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment," Dr Sanjeev explained. "Despite an unfavourable initial prognosis, the patient was successfully treated under the guidance of our team and returned home with a better quality of life. The success of his treatment highlights the importance of advanced medical solutions to complex problems like cancer," the doctor said. Panaji, April 11 : The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted an interstate drug syndicate by arresting a Nigerian national, the kingpin, allegedly operating a drug network along with his wife in the coastal state. Amit Ghawate, Additional Director of NCB, Goa informed that based on input on February 13, 2024, the NCB, Goa team had seized 7.35 grams of cocaine from the possession of one Raju S, resident of Saligao, North Goa. "During the initial investigation in this case it was learnt that said accused was merely a peddler working for a bigger drug network being operated by Stanley a Nigerian National and his wife Usha C, both residing in Candolim Goa. It was further learnt that the kingpin Stanley had associated some local people to whom he used to provide drugs in bulk quantities for delivering to his various customers," Ghawate said. "On February 16, the NCB, Goa succeeded in arresting another field peddler named Michael, a taxi driver and resident of Candolim. Following the leads, the NCB raided house of Stanley and it was learnt that he was already been arrested by the Telangana Police in the NDPS case," he said. "However, during further investigation, Usha C was also found actively involved in drug trafficking and in handling the drug money derived through this drug network. Accordingly, she was placed under arrest, and proceedings for identification of illegally acquired properties by them were initiated to weaken the whole drug network," Ghawate said. He said that illegally acquired properties valued at rupees one crore, belonging to Usha C and Stanley have been identified and frozen by the NCB. "On Wednesday, Stanley was arrested by NCB, Goa and further investigation is in progress," Ghawate said. Bhopal, April 11 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, warned Congress, saying "don't ever dare to change Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir". Bhopal, April 11 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, warned Congress, saying "don't ever dare to change Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir". The Home Minister said the decision to abrogate Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir is of the BJP workers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Although the Congress can't return to power again, if it happens by chance, I would warn Congress to not dare to change Article 370. Kashmir is part of India. Your (Congress) politics of appeasement is over now," Amit Shah said. Addressing a public rally in Mandla, one of the five Lok Sabha seats reserved for the Schedule Tribe (ST) in Madhya Pradesh, Amit Shah said the BJP government has introduced several schemes to uplift tribals in the country. The Union Minister highlighted PM Modi's flagship schemes, especially for tribals in the last 10 years. He said it was PM Modi's idea to celebrate Tribal icon Birsa Munda's birthday as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Divas'. "The first Janjatiya Gaurav Divas was celebrated in Madhya Pradesh (On November 15, 2021). BJP implemented the PESA Act for tribals first in Madhya Pradesh," Amit Shah added. New Delhi, April 11 : Starlink, an affordable satellite-based internet service offered by Elon Musk-run aerospace company SpaceX, has transformed the way people access the web in remote and inaccessible parts of the world. Will Musk announce its arrival in India when he visits the country later this month? After several failed attempts, Starlink is geared up to launch satellite broadband services in India, which has close to 92 crore broadband subscribers, according to the latest data by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Reliance Jio Infocomm and Bharti Airtel currently lead the broadband market, followed by Vodafone Idea and BSNL. Starlink is set to soon get a license after clearing regulatory hurdles. The government in December last year passed The Telecommunications Bill 2023 which allows spectrum allocation for satellite-based services without the need to participate in auctions. The move favours companies such as OneWeb, Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper. According to experts, Indiaas digital economy is experiencing a period of significant growth momentum. "The potential arrival of Starlink, coinciding with Musk's visit, could serve as a further catalyst for Indiaas thriving digital economy," Prabhu Ram, Head-Industry Intelligence Group (IIG), CMR, told IANS. Increased digital access would empower citizens in aaspirational Indiaa, fostering a wave of entrepreneurship, enhanced access to education and healthcare, and increased participation in the digital workforce. All Starlink subscription plans include unlimited high-speed data on land with no long-term contracts or commitments. Starlink users can get download speeds up to 220 Mbps, with most of them receiving speeds of over 100 Mbps. The cost of Starlink services in India is not known as of now. In the US, the basic Starlink Wi-Fi for homes in rural areas is $120 per month for unlimited internet sans contract. There are other data plans as well. Patna, April 11 : The mutilated body of a 32-year-old man was found in Budhiya village in Bihar's Gopalganj district, police said. The deceased was identified as Rakesh Kumar (32). Rakesh's mutilated body was found at a 50 metres distance from his house. On Wednesday night, Rakesh went out of his house after receiving a phone call and did not return. "The family members of the victim claimed that he was wearing two gold rings and a gold chain which were missing from his body. His throat was found slit and his two fingers were chopped. We have recovered a mobile phone from the crime scene. Mobile was sent for forensic analysis to find some clues about the attackers," said Hareram Kumar, SHO of Sidhwalia police station. District police suspect that loot could be the reason behind the crime. Patiala, April 11 : Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal on Thursday asked people to "seal borders of Punjab with their votes" to prevent national parties from making inroads in the state. He said all Delhi-based parties obeyed their high command as had been done by BJP leaders of Punjab who had arraigned themselves against the farmersa protest. In his remarks at a function here to induct state BJP executive member and social activist Sumrinder Singh Sira into the party, Badal said: "The BJP government in Haryana is not letting our farmers go to Delhi to voice your grievances and has even fired bullets at them while sealing roads to the national capital. I appeal to farmers to also seal the borders of Punjab for all Delhi-based parties with their votes." He said the forthcoming parliamentary elections had become a fight between the forces of Delhi and Punjabis, all of whom had suffered at the hands of political parties. Badal also gave the example of how Punjab leaders of parties like the BJP had taken a stand against the Kisan Andolan two years back. He said now similarly, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab had also taken an anti-farmer stand and allowed the Haryana Police to fire bullets at farmers during the ongoing farmer agitation. "This would have never happened if the SAD had been in power in the state," he said. Agartala, April 11 : Former Tripura Chief Minister and the BJP's Rajya Sabha member Biplab Kumar Deb said that there is absolutely no anti-incumbency factor against the BJP or the Narendra Modi government in Tripura or the northeastern region. If at all there are any small issues here and there, these subside when the people consider that Narendra Modi is India's Prime Minister and the 'Modi Guarantee' exists, Deb said in an exclusive interview with IANS. He said that after India's independence, Modi was the first Prime Minister to visit the northeastern states over 70 times, which is probably more than the total number of visits by all the former Prime Ministers before him, and he undertook a determined 'Mission and Vision' to develop the region at par with the rest of the country. The Rajya Sabha member said that now over 10,000 youths from the northeastern states are involved with hundreds of start-ups and have created a Rs 1,000 crore economy in the region. "Not only all round development of the region, PM Modi took many leaders from the northeastern states and made them Central ministers, and has given important responsibilities of other states," said Deb, who is also the BJP in-charge for Haryana. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the region 'Ashta Lakshmi' and has implemented dozens of schemes and projects to utilize the untapped resources of the region. He said that Modi did not come from the corporate sector or a big political family, he came from a humble and simple background, but his 'Mission and Vision' is gigantic enough to make India a world leader. "After Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani, Narendra Modi is such a leader who can give the most effective directions to resolve any kind of problem and crisis. "People of all religions close their eyes and imagine the image of a God when they offer any kind of prayer. We also regard Modi like this." The 53-year-old Deb became president of the BJP Tripura state unit in January 2016, and two years later, he led the party to oust the CPI-M led Left Front after 25 consecutive years (1993-2018) in power and became the Chief Minister of the first BJP-led government, the fourth in the northeast after Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. He claimed that there is no strong opposition party in Tripura, and hence there is no major challenge in the Lok Sabha election from the opposition. "My only challenge is to turn the opposition Communists and Congress leaders from negativity to positivity. What have they done after several decades in politics? They only befooled the people and always engaged them in various so-called agitations." Of Tripura's four million population, the tribals with 19 communities constitute one-third of the population, and out of the 60 assembly seats, twenty are reserved for the tribals, who belong to either the Hindu or Christian faiths. Of the state's two Lok Sabha seats, one Tripura East -- is reserved for the tribals, who have played a very vital role in the electoral politics of Tripura over the past seven decades. Deb, referring to the development of 'Janajati' (tribals), said that the Congress, after Tripura's first Chief Minister Sachindra Lal Singh (1963-1971 and second Chief Minister Sukhomoy Sengupta (1972-1977) never tried to strengthen its organisational base among the tribals and was dependent on the tribal based local parties. The Congress formed its last government (1988 to 1993) in Tripura in alliance with the tribal-based party Tripura Upajati Juba Samity (TUJS). Deb said that veteran CPI-M leader Nripen Chakraborty, the first Left Front government Chief Minister (1978 to 1988), after coming to Tripura from Kolkata set up the Left bases among the tribals along with veteran tribal leader Dasaratha Deb, who was also the Chief Minister for five years (1993 to 1998). "The Left parties, especially the CPI-M, also did nothing for the real socio-economic development and welfare of the tribals. When I became the Chief Minister, I persuaded the ADB (Asian Development Bank) to formulate a Rs 1300 crore ambitious package for the socio-economic development of the tribals." He said that the BJP in the 2018 and 2023 assembly polls put up the maximum number of candidates in the 20 tribal reserved assembly seats, leaving a few seats for ally IPFT (Indigenous People's Front of Tripura). The party (BJP) secured 10 and 6 seats, respectively. Claiming that the CPI-M after this Lok Sabha election would be nowhere in politics as they formed alliances with the most corrupt party, the Congress, Deb said that the Communists, who were in power in Tripura for 35 years (in two phases: 1978 to 1988 and 1993 to 2018), cannot even find a candidate to contest the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat. Deb, the BJP candidate for the Tripura West seat, claimed that the Left had to seek support from decades-old arch-rivals Congress to sustain its political existence. Tripura Congress president Asish Kumar Saha is contesting in the Tripura West Lok Sabha seat as the INDIA bloc nominee, comprising eight parties including the CPI-M. "After I became Chief Minister in 2018, our government cleared the encroachments from lands valued at Rs 1,000 crore as the land was illegally occupied by the CPI-M and the Congress for many years who had set up their party offices. Now various projects are being implemented there," he said. Deb said that now the Communists are talking about the Constitution, which they never did previously. "Earlier, they (CPI-M) never hoisted the National Flag at their party offices, but the present situation forced them to hoist the National Flag at their party offices. They always try to demoralise the people, while the BJP and PM Modi always take positive steps, encouraging people economically and otherwise and trying to make them cheerful." He claimed that former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar (1998-2018) had claimed that there was no force to oust the Left from power but the BJP led by PM Modi did it and the CPI-M is now struggling for its existence. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) Jaipur, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday sternly criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks in which he questioned the relevance of PM Modi raising the issue of Kashmir and Article 370 abrogation during his speeches, saying "many heroes from Rajasthan sacrificed their lives in Kashmir". Addressing the Vijay Shankhnaad Rally in Karauli, PM Modi said: "Congress leaders should understand how Rajasthan is connected with Kashmir. They should go to the families of martyrs in Rajasthan. The soil of martyrs' villages will speak the story of the Rajasthan and Kashmir connection." "When I talk about Kashmir in Rajasthan, they ask if Article 370 is removed from Kashmir, then what is the concern of Rajasthan? I just want to tell the Congressa listen with open ears and send my video to your leaders also. Go to the homes of the brave martyrs of Rajasthan. The soil of their villages will speak the story of its connection with Kashmir. Many heroes from Rajasthan have sacrificed their lives on the soil of Kashmir," PM Modi said. PM Modi said that the Congress has become narrow-minded after being away from power. "After being away from power, they have started thinking lowly. Now they are also asking questions about the land of Maharana Pratap," he said, while accusing the Congress of playing the "dirty game of appeasement" for the sake of its vote bank. In an oblique reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi, criticising the Wayanad MP, said: "The Congress prince in foreign countries says that India is not a nation. When the army carries out a surgical strike, they ask for proof. Congress was the first to stand with the 'Tukde Tukde' gang." Taking note of the massive crowd at the Karauli rally, PM Modi said: "Karauli is showing the results (of elections) that will be announced on June 4, which is 'Abki Baar 400 Paar'." PM Modi said that each house in Rajasthan will get water and "this is Modi's Guarantee". Speaking on the paper leak matter, he said: "The Congress government has been searching for looting instances. They had arranged for a paper leak factory here in Rajasthan. However, I had given the guarantee that tough action will be taken against the accused when the BJP government is formed and we have fulfilled this guarantee." PM Modi also criticised the Congress for its delayed stand on Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) and said that the Central government launched the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' with the aim of resolving the water crisis. Still, the then Rajasthan government made embezzlements in this project too. "ERCP which was being awaited for years was implemented in just one and a half months by the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led government in Rajasthan," he added. Vietnamese student in Singapore gains admission to top universities in four countries A Vietnamese schoolboy in Singapore has been admitted to the top universities in the U.K., Canada, and Singapore, as well as several in the U.S., thanks to a portfolio full of Mathematics and Computer Science awards. From the beginning of the year to date, Le Duc Minh, a student at Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore, has successively received university admission notices. Among the institutions that accepted him are many prestigious schools such as the University of Toronto, Cambridge in the U.K., the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Minh said that Hwa Chong Institution allows students to apply to a maximum of eight U.S. universities and therefore, to increase his chances of being admitted to top Computer Science programs, the 20-year-old man decided to broaden his application list to multiple countries. Le Duc Minh speaks at an education conference in Hanoi, March 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Hang Minh found the U.S. college application process to be the most complex and demanding, especially the essay writing part. Universities in other countries prioritize academic results and require brief essays highlighting achievements and extracurricular activities. In his main essay to U.S. universities, Minh writes about his journey of stepping out of his comfort zone beyond school and textbooks. In 2020, while a 10th-grade student specializing in Computer Science at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students, Minh went to study in Singapore on an ASEAN scholarship. Adjusting to a new life while keeping up with the A-Level curriculum was stressful for him. "After two years, I realized I couldn't just bury myself in books. I started to find it overwhelming and ineffective. Therefore, I sought change, got involved in more extracurricular activities, and explored new experiences with friends," he said. Registering to tutor Mathematics and Computer Science to Singaporean middle-school students, the Hanoi boy felt a positive change in himself, as it solidified his knowledge and also improved his communication skills. "The main message of the essay is the journey I took to find ways to spread positivity to those around me, aiming for all of us to move forward together," Minh said. Besides the main essay, another strength of Minh's application was his scientific research projects. In his second year in Singapore, Minh and a friend undertook a research project on artificial intelligence with the goal of reducing antibiotic resistance in medical treatment. Minh said the research developed a machine learning model to predict substances that could effectively kill viruses. The outcome of the research significantly contributed to shortening the real-life testing time for each drug. He was responsible for coding and inputting data into the machine learning model. Minhs motivation for pursuing research was his desire to apply Computer Science to real life. He said that since high school, his experience with Computer Science was limited to solving programming exercises. However, he sees utility in Computer Science when applied to specific problems. After more than a year, Minh completed the research, received a certification from his school, and had his results published. He believes this demonstrates his desire and ability to conduct research, reflecting his capabilities and meticulousness when approaching a new field. Minh's academic achievements include winning first prize in a city-level student competition in Mathematics in 9th grade, and a gold medal in Mathematics at the International Mathematics and Science Olympiad. During his high school years in Singapore, Minh also won two national gold medals in Mathematics and Informatics, scored 1,590/1,600 on the SAT, and 8.5/9 in his IELTS test. Le Duc Minh is awarded a certificate and gold medal of the 2023 Singapore National Informatics Olympiad. Photo by courtesy of Minh Each country has a different application deadline, but the peak period falls around November and December. This was also the time Minh had to take the A-Level exams in Singapore. "Fortunately, everything went well. I was very surprised with the results I received," Minh said. As Minh's advisor during the application process, Tran Phuong Hoa, Director of Summit Professional Education, an overseas study consultancy based in Hanoi, says that in 15 years of consulting, she has known many students who got accepted into universities in several countries, but Minh is the first to be admitted to top institutions in the U.K., the U.S., Canada, and Singapore. Computer Science is a competitive field, making Minhs achievement even more remarkable, Hoa said. "I am impressed by Minhs calmness, persistence, and meticulousness." Minh has not yet decided which university he will choose but is certain his major will be Computer Science. For now, he is taking time to conduct further scientific research on Mathematics and Informatics, supplementing his knowledge on machine learning to have the best foundation before officially entering the field. New Delhi, April 11 : Lalu Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti's comments about the 'incarceration of Narendra Modi in INDIA bloc government' has kicked up a political storm and triggered a volley of attacks from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including party chief JP Nadda. Incensed over Misa Bharti's outrageous remark, scores of top BJP leaders on Thursday berated Lalu Yadav's daughter and asked her to first 'look within her corruption-ridden family' before commenting on the Prime Minister. BJP President JP Nadda led the party's fierce counter to the RJD leader's comment and attributed it to the INDIA bloc's desperation and frustration over seeing 'no future in ensuing polls'. "Lalu Yadav is out on bail in fodder scam, Misa Bharti is facing charges of corruption and today they are abusing PM Modi who has been selflessly serving the nation for more than two decades. This shows their desperation and frustration is at its peak," Nadda said. Sudhanshu Trivedi mockingly advised Misa to first reflect on her name. "Lalu Yadav was jailed by the Congress govt under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act). Under this Act, anyone could be arrested without leaving the option to approach the court. At that time, Lalu had vowed to destroy the Congress party and thus named his daughter Misa. Is she making fun of her father's pledge?," said Sudhanshu Trivedi deriding the RJD Lok Sabha nominee. "Lalu Yadav has been in jail. You and your family members including your brother and mother are facing trial in a land-for-job scam. It is a highly irresponsible and shameful statement by Misa Bharti," said Ravi Shankar Prasad. BJP's Shehzad Poonawala said her statement shows the changing face of the INDIA bloc. "From Mohabbat ki Dukaan, it is turning into Dhamki ki Dukaan," said Poonawala while reminding Lalu's daughter that the RJD chief was first sent to jail in the fodder scam, during the Congress regime. BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde said that the Opposition has stooped too low in targeting the Prime Minister. Maharashtra deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis slammed Misa's statement, saying, "Despite the family facing multiple charges of corruption, they are making such ludicrous statements. This is nothing but the mockery of democracy." Misa Bharti, nominated as RJD candidate from Patliputra Lok Sabha constituency, told reporters, "If INDIA bloc forms government at the Centre, lot of BJP leaders, starting from Narendra Modi will be put behind bars." Misa reportedly made the statement last Sunday. Kolkata: Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee being produced at CBI court, in Kolkata on Dec 22, 2022. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS). Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, April 11 : Former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee, who is in judicial custody in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-school jobs case in the state, seems to be headed for further trouble. Now, the Education Department has registered a complaint related to the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers in schools under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), the civic authority for the hills of Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Kalimpong in North Bengal. Sources said the complaint was filed with the Bidhannagar (North) police station on Wednesday based on which the police registered an FIR in the matter on Thursday. It is learnt that eight names have been mentioned in the FIR, including that of former Trinamool leader Chatterjee. Two other prominent names included in the FIR are that of Trinamool student wing leader Trinankur Bhattacharya and Binay Tamang, the former chief executive of GTA who is presently a state General Secretary of the Congress. Recently, the Calcutta High Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is already conducting a probe into the school jobs cases in West Bengal, to investigate the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers in the GTA-controlled schools. The CBI is supposed to submit a report to the high court by April 25. The GTA authorities are also supposed to submit a report in the matter by the same date. The Gorkha Unemployed Primary Teachersa Welfare Association was the first to raise allegations of irregularities in the teacher recruitment process at the GTA-controlled schools. The association also approached the high court demanding a thorough probe into the matter. Srinagar, April 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police along with security forces arrested three terrorist associates linked with proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and recovered incriminating materials and grenades from their possession, an official said on Thursday. The arrests were made in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district, officials said. The police received input that some unidentified terrorists affiliated with LeT were moving in Baramulla town with the intent of targeting security forces. The police said three persons identified as Owais Ahmad Waza, Basit Fayaz Kaloo and Faheem Ahmad Mir were assisting the terrorists and providing them with information about the security forces' movements. According to the police, their intention was to disturb the peace process in Baramulla in view of forthcoming elections, orchestrated by their handlers across the border. Upon receiving the information, an FIR was registered and investigations were launched, leading to arrests. Nanded, April 11 : Union Home Minister and senior BJP leader Amit Shah on Thursday taunted that the 'fake' Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, the 'fake' NCP led by Sharad Pawar and the half-hearted Congress party won't be in a position to speed up the development of Maharashtra. That would be possible only under a BJP-led NDA government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "There are three parties against us in Maharashtra. One is a fake Shiv Sena, another is a fake NCP, and the third is the half-hearted Congress. There is a proverb in Gujarat -- 'Teen Tigda Kaam Bigda (work gets spoilt when three get together). Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena party is half, so is the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. "These two cut the Congress in half. Can these parties do good for Maharashtra? No. They are an autorickshaw that has three wheels but the gearbox is from Fiat, the other engine is from Mercedes. This rickshaw has no direction. Once the elections are held, this alliance will be broken by differences. On the other hand, we are all fighting under PM Modi's leadership,aa Amit Shah said. The Home Minister exhorted the workers to elect the party nominee Pratap Patil Chikhalikar from Nanded with a record margin saying the vote for Chikhalikar is crucial to make Modi the Prime Minister for the third time. He also targeted Sharad Pawar claiming that during his 10-year ministerial tenure in the UPA government, he did not do much to boost the stateas development when compared with what the Modi government did in the last 10 years. "During Pawaras 10-year ministerial tenure, Maharashtra received only Rs 1,51,000 crore against a record Rs 7.15 lakh crore in the last 10 years. The state received Rs 3,90,000 crore for infrastructure development, Rs 75,000 crore for national highways, Rs 2,10,000 crore for railways, Rs 4,000 crore for airports, and Rs 1 lakh crore for special infrastructure projects. Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar and the Congress cannot lead Maharashtraas development but it will be possible with the Shinde-Fadnavis combine," he noted. Amit Shah also said that the Narendra Modi-led government has not only promoted Maharashtraas development but the overall development of the country during its 10-year rule. He said that the Modi-led government renamed Aurangabad as Sambhajinagar and Osmanabad as Dharashiv which was opposed by Sharad Pawar. "Balasaheb Thackeray was in favour of renaming Aurangabad and Osmanabad. But after they were renamed, Uddhav Thackeray had no smile on his face," he added. The Home Minister said the Congress president says the Kashmir issue has nothing to do with Maharashtra and Rajasthan. He also asked the gathering whether Article 370 should have been abrogated, as the crowd replied in the positive. "The Congress handled Article 370 like an unruly baby. PM Modi abrogated Article 370 and worked to connect Kashmir with India. Terrorist attacks were happening during the tenure of Sonia-Manmohan. Modi became the Prime Minister and today Pakistan has no time to look at the country. PM Modi replied to Pakistan by entering Pakistan's territory. He sent a message to the whole world that if you look at our country and our borders, you will get the answer," he asserted. Lucknow/Gonda, April 11 : The Gonda district administration in Uttar Pradesh has launched a unique initiative, linking elections with a bird welfare programme. The district administration has launched the 'Har Ghar Sakora Campaign' on the occasion of National Pet Day on April 11. As part of this campaign, clay pots adorned with voter awareness slogans are being installed throughout the city. These slogans, inscribed on Sakoras (water bowls), not only aim to inspire voters to participate in the election but also serve to provide nourishment and hydration to birds. The district administration is striving to engage both birds and voters, by installing an increasing number of Sakoras in urban and rural areas. District Magistrate Neha Sharma said that in urban areas, traditional earthen pots (Sakora) adorned with voter awareness messages are being installed on trees. These Sakoras are designed to attract sparrows, parrots, cuckoos, munias, and other birds, providing them with water and grains to alleviate their hunger and thirst during the summer. Additionally, the slogans written on these pots aim to raise voter awareness. This initiative is poised to create a significant impact on the history of voter awareness in Gonda. Neha Sharma further highlighted that this programme is aligned with the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SWEEP) programme of the Election Commission. This initiative serves to encourage the efforts of potters and local artists engaged in crafting clay toys. Sharma has instructed all department officers to place "Sakoras" around their offices and homes to display voter awareness slogans. This initiative aims to increase voter turnout in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Thiruvananthapuram, April 11 : Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday filed a complaint with the state police chief against a social media account on the X platform with the name of 'Mr Sinha'. Sivankutty expressed anger as it shows a Kerala school text book which according to the person's (Mr Sinha) post is meant to cause huge resentment in the society. Sivankutty took to his X platform and wrote, "This book is not published by the Kerala Govt's Education Dept. Merely another endeavor to incite animosity towards the state. Those acquainted with us understand the camaraderie & unity among Keralites. No room for hatred - precisely why communal agenda fails to take root here,". Sivankutty in his complaint has asked the police to ensure that steps are taken to see the post is deleted and appropriate action is taken against the creator of it. Jaipur, April 11 : A teenager, who went missing after leaving her home for school in Rajasthan's Kota two weeks back, has been brought back by the police and Anti-Human Trafficking Unit from Gujarat's Morbi district, a police official said on Thursday. Superintendent of Police, Kota, Amrita Duhan said that the mother of the 14-year-old student had registered a complaint at RK Puram police station on March 28 reporting that her daughter had left home for school in the morning, but did not return. A case was registered and a joint team of RK Puram police station and the anti-human trafficking unit was formed to search for the missing girl. The team compiled technical information and intelligence from informers and then received a tip that the girl was in the Lalpar area of Morbi. A team reached the spot, found the girl there, and brought her back to Kota. The girl was presented before the Child Welfare Committee on Thursday. Police said that further investigation is continuing in the matter and legal action will be taken as per the facts that come to light. Kolkata, April 11 : The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in West Bengal has finalised the deployment of security forces for the first phase of Lok Sabha elections to be held in the state on April 19 with a mix of both central and state forces. As per the plan, other than 250 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 10,875 security personnel from the state police will also be deployed in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in North Bengal -- Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Alipurduar -- that will go to the polls in the first phase on April 19. Out of the 10,875 state police personnel, 3,975 will be from the armed police division. It has already been decided that of the 250 companies of CAPF, the maximum deployment will be made at Cooch Behar (112), followed by Jalpaiguri (75), and Alipurduar (63). Sources in the CEO's office said the distribution of security forces has been decided following the advice of the Election Commission of India (ECI). It has also been decided that the forces deployed in these three Lok Sabha constituencies will report to the concerned authorities by April 17, the sources said. Thiruvananthapuram, April 11 : Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Thursday hit out at the Congress after the grand old party targetted the BJP candidate from Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha seat over his income disclosures, saying it was aimed at diverting attention from the real issues concerning Kerala's state capital ahead of the elections. Taking to X, the Union Minister said: "My public life spans over 18 years and is characterised by transparency. My income is derived solely from MP/minister salaries, perks, and interest/dividends from savings and investments. The sharp reduction in taxable income during the financial year 2021-22 was due to partnership losses incurred during the Covid-19 pandemic." Rajeev Chandrasekhar also pointed at the "irony of the Congress discussing income disclosures" while the party's "first family faces trial for surreptitious property related controversies". The Union Minister, without naming sitting Thiruvananthapuram MP and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, also took a dig at him, saying "a candidate had to resign as a minister due to illegal IPL interests". "Despite numerous attempts by various opponents, including recent efforts after my entry into Thiruvananthapuram, my career in public service remains untainted. Such campaigns are an obvious attempt to distract voters from critical issues such as progress, development, jobs, skill development and investments," Rajeev Chandrasekhar added. He further said the election should revolve around real issues that impact the lives of the people of Thiruvananthapuram and urged voters not to be swayed by diversionary tactics and focus on substantive matters. Rajeev Chandrasekhar is locked in a triangular contest against Congress' Shashi Tharoor and former CPI MP, Panniyan Ravindran, in Thiruvananthapuram. Kolkata, April 11 : In compliance with the orders of the Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probing the complaints of illegal land-grabbing and extortion at Sandeshkhali in North 25 Parganas district has created a dedicated e-mail ID where the victims can register their grievances. Any complaint of illegal land-grabbing, extortion, or sexual harassment of women at Sandeshkhali can be mailed to sandeshkhali@cbi.gov.in -- the dedicated e-mail ID notified by the CBI, sources said. The CBI's move follows a direction of the Calcutta High Court, which directed the central agency to take over the probe into the matter on Wednesday. The bench also directed the CBI to keep the names of the complainants secret. The court also told the North 24 Parganas district administration, including the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, to identify the sensitive pockets in Sandeshkhali and install CCTV cameras there, besides ensuring proper illumination of the streets. Fishing vessels are seen on a section of the Mekong River running through Phnom Penh, Cambodia, February 2021. Photo by Reuters Vietnam on Thursday asked Cambodia to share information and evaluate the impacts of the Funan Techo canal project on the water resources and ecological environment of the Mekong Delta region. "Vietnam supports the demand for socio-economic development of the Mekong River riparian countries. We emphasize the importance of strenghthening cooperation for effective and sustainable management of use of the Mekong River water resources," deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Doan Khac Viet said at a regular press meet. He was answering inquiries regarding Cambodias plans to construct the Funan Techo canal, which is estimated to cost $1.7 billion, and would be built by a Chinese company through the build-operate-transfer method. The canal, expected to span 180 km, would connect the Phnom Penh River port with the Gulf of Thailand in southwestern Cambodia. The canal is expected to enter operation in 2028, according to a document sent by Cambodia to the Mekong River Commission in August 2023. "Vietnam is deeply interested in the information about the Funan Techo canal project," Viet said. "We have asked Cambodia to collaborate closely with Vietnam and the Mekong River Commission in sharing information and assessing the project's impacts on water resources and ecosystem in the Mekong Delta region to ensure harmonious interests of riparian countries and local residents." He said the effective and sustainable use of water resources at the Mekong River would serve the sustainable development of the basin, the interests of communities in the area, as well as unity between riverine nations. Previously on April 9, the Cambodian president of the Senate Hun Sen denied information saying the canal could create conditions for Chinese military vessels to enter the Mekong River. "Why would Cambodia bring Chinese troops into its country, which violates the constitution? And why would China bring its troops to Cambodia, which is contrary to the principle of respect for Cambodia's independence?" he wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "The Funan Techo Canal purely serves socio-economic benefit as it provides more waterways to southwestern Cambodia in addition to the existing transport routes along the Mekong River. This vital infrastructure facilitates agricultural activities by providing water for crop cultivation, is good for water management during the rainy season, and increases freshwater fish production, among other benefits," he added. Kolkata, April 11 : With the National Investigation Agency (NIA) approaching the Calcutta High Court over the alleged attack on its team at Bhupatinagar in East Midnapore district on April 6, doubts are being raised on the seriousness of the state police in handling the probe. In the FIR filed by the state police based on the complaint lodged by the NIA following the attack, seven sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been invoked of which only one is related to a non-bailable offence. Section 353 of the IPC (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging his duty) is the only non-bailable section in the FIR that was lodged at the local police station in Bhupatinagar. The other six sections invoked in the FIR are all related to bailable offences -- Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), Section 186 (obstructing a public servant in discharge of public functions), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant), Section 341 (wrongful restraint), and Section 427 (mischief causing damage of Rs 50 or more). Sources said the NIA has already taken note of the matter and sought the attention of the court in the subsequent hearings. On Wednesday, the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal Police not to take any coercive action against the NIA staff based on a counter FIR registered against the agency at the Bhupatinagar police station after the attack on the agency team. New Delhi, April 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a meeting to review the preparedness to deal with the sweltering temperatures in the coming days with the heat wave season coinciding with the general election dates in many states, an official said. In the meeting, PM Modi was briefed about the temperature outlook for the period between April and June, including the forecasts for the upcoming hot weather season (April to June), the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement. PM Modi was also apprised about the likelihood of above normal maximum temperatures across most parts of the country. The PMO release noted that preparedness in the health sector was reviewed in terms of essential medicines, intravenous fluids, ice packs, ORS and drinking water. During the meeting, the timely dissemination of essential awareness materials, especially in regional languages, through all platforms such as television, radio and social media was stressed upon. "Since a hotter than normal summer is expected in 2024, which coincides with the general elections, it was felt that the advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) should be translated into regional languages and disseminated widely," the PMO statement read. Speaking at the meeting, PM Modi stressed the 'Whole of Government' approach. He said that all arms of the government at Central, state and district levels and various ministries need to work on this in synergy. According to the statement, PM Modi also stressed on awareness creation along with adequate preparation in hospitals. He also highlighted the need for quick detection and putting out forest fires. Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Home Secretary, officials from the India Meteorological Department, and the NDMA were present in the meeting. New Delhi, April 11 : Many large companies that have received GST demand notices have decided to file an appeal with the Appellate Authority. In recent days, an increasing number of GST notices have been sent to many companies mainly on account of alleged discrepancy in input tax credit (ITC). ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited said it received an order from the Additional Commissioner, Customs & Central Tax, Hyderabad GST Commissionerate, raising a GST demand of Rs 14,786,059 and levying penalty of Rs 1,478,606. aThe company would pursue an appeal with the Appellate Authorities and evaluate other legal options against the order," ICICI Lombard said. The order has imposed the demand on the grounds of computation of input tax credit eligible to the company and alleged undischarged tax liability due to differences between the returns filed by the company. Vodafone Idea said it received an order under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, confirming a penalty of Rs 14,82,096 along with tax demand and interest as applicable. The order has been issued for the alleged availment and utilisation of excess ITC for FY 2018-19. aThe company does not agree with the order and will take appropriate action for rectification or reversal of the same," Vodafone Idea said. Bombay Dyeing said it received an order from the Excise and Taxation Officer, Gurugram, for a demand of Rs 95,68,375. The order was issued for mismatch in input tax credit claimed as per the books and as per the GST portal, short payment of tax in GSTR-3B, and short payment of tax under RCM as compared to GSTR2A and GSTR-3B, Bombay Dyeing said. aWe will file an appeal before Appellate Authority as the ITC claimed as per the books are in accordance with the law. There is no material impact on the financial operations of the company," Bombay Dyeing said. HDFC Life Insurance said the company received a GST order from the Deputy Commissioner State Tax, Dehradun, in the matter of erstwhile Exide Life Insurance Company Limited on April 10. aThis order will have no adverse material impact on the financial operations of the company and the same shall be further contested by the company by way of an appeal before the Appellate Authority," HDFC Life said. Rallis India, a Tata enterprise, said the company received four orders from the Joint Commissioner of Sales Tax (Appeals), Nagpur division, dismissing the appeals filed before it for classification of business activities, and dues aggregating to Rs 5.01 crore, including interest and penalty, under the Bombay Sales Tax Act and Central Sales Tax Act for the financial years 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. aBased on the merits of the matter, prevailing law, and the advice of the counsel, the company is planning to appeal against these orders before the Appellant Authority expecting favourable orders from the authorities," Rallis India said. Bengaluru, April 11 : The Karnataka BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday accusing Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar of making false, unsubstantiated, and incorrect allegations based on the caste and communal feelings of the voters. The complaint lodged by former Deputy CM and BJP MLA C.N. Ashwath Narayan and senior advocate Vivek S. Reddy says the statements of Shivakumar may aggravate the difference among the Vokkaliga community members and the millions of followers of the Adichunchanagiri Seer. Shivakumar recently said that neither the Vokkaliga community members nor the Adichunchanagiri Seer are dumb, nor have they forgotten how current BJP leaders like A.H. Vishwanath, Narayana Gowda, R. Ashoka, Ashwath Narayan, C.P. Yogeshwara, and B.S. Yediyurappa were instrumental in bringing down a Vokkaliga Chief Minister (H.D. Kumaraswamy). The complaint said that while criticising the political leaders, Shivakumar violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by levelling false allegations based on the caste and communal feelings of the electorate, particularly the Vokkaliga community. Shivakumar's allegations will have a greater impact on the common voters, the complaint claimed. After a delegation of NDA candidates visited the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, the spiritual centre of Vokkaligas, on Wednesday, Shivakumar said the apontiff is a wise man who will not get involved in politics". JD-S President H.D. Kumaraswamy said earlier that the Vokkaliga community is keeping track of all the statements being made by Shivakumar and they will respond to him at the appropriate time. Guwahati, April 11 : Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed on Friday that the state will not see any infiltration attempt from Bangladesh with the Narendra Modi-led BJP in power at the Centre. Addressing a public gathering in Dibrugarh, the Chief Minister said, "I want to assure the people of the state that not even a bird can intrude on Assam from Bangladesh with Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India." He also trained guns at opposition leader Akhil Gogoi for claiming that lakhs of people will enter Assam once the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is implemented by the Centre. "Where are those people? Only one application was placed on the portal seeking citizenship under the provisions laid down in the CAA," he claimed. The Chief Minister also demanded an apology from Akhil Gogoi and other opposition leaders who spearheaded the anti-CAA protests in Assam. "Five innocent persons died during the anti-CAA protests. People like Akhil Gogoi must be held responsible for the loss of lives," the Chief Minister said. According to Himanta Sarma, earlier the Assamese people used to celebrate Bihu amid the sounds of bullets and grenades. "Now we have signed the Bodo peace accords, while the ULFA cadres have also returned to the mainstream. We also don't hear 'divide Assam' slogans anymore," he claimed. Bengaluru, April 11 : Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state's Mysuru city on April 14 and address a public meeting. Addressing a press conference in Mysuru, Vijayendra said the programme would be organised at the Mysuru Maharaja's Ground at 4 p.m. on April 14. "The party workers of Mysuru-Kodagu, Mandya and Chamarajanagar Lok Sabha constituencies will participate in the rally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving in the cultural city Mysuru and his visit will strengthen the BJP in the Lok Sabha seats of the region," he said. Former Karnataka chief minister and NDA's Mandya Lok Sabha seat candidate H.D. Kumaraswamy, former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and other senior leaders will participate in the rally, Vijayendra said. "There is a pro-NDA wave in all three Lok Sabha segments, and the margin is going to increase following the visit of PM Modi. We will win these seats by massive margins. Lakhs of party workers from BJP and JD-S are going to take part in the rally," Vijayendra said. Criticising the Congress, he said that "the Congress workers are in a desperate state". "In Bengaluru Rural MP Constituency, the Congress workers have fatally attacked BJP workers. The Congress which was in an illusion that they, will win 18 to 20 seats, is now coming to terms with the reality," he said. Vijayendra further said the BJP and JD-S workers are working unitedly towards ensuring the victory of their candidates. "The incidents of attacks won't prove to be a setback for the BJP," he added. Bengaluru, April 12 : With the Lok Sabha polls nearing, the battle between Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and JD-S state chief and former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to secure the support of their influential Vokkaliga community is raging on. In a major development on Thursday, Shivakumar stated that the phone-tapping of seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, revered by the Vokkaliga community is a known matter. "There are records to prove it. We know this. It hurts to talk about it. All documents are available regarding the matter. But, discussing the issue is not appropriate now. I will talk about it in future," he said media persons sought his reaction to the statement of Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on this matter. Cheluvarayaswamy who joined the Congress from the JD-S, stated that during the tenure of Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister, the phone of Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji was tapped. The development follows NDA candidates visiting Adichunchanagiri Mutt in Bengaluru and seeking the seer's blessings. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka claimed that the seer had blessed all candidates and asked them to visit him again after securing their victory. Shivakumar, however, said on Thursday that all communities support the Congress, not just one community. "People are smart and they will support a party that helps their livelihood. The Congress is helping all communities including Vokkaligas. People will support a party which is good for them, the state and the country. They look at livelihood and not emotions," he said in response to a question whether Vokkaligas would support his party. On a question on toppling of the JD-S-Congress government, he said: "I have not said that the Swamiji has to respond. I only spoke about Kumaraswamy taking the same people who brought down his government to meet the Swamiji. Everyone needs Swamiji's blessings. Our minister Cheluvarayaswamy also had taken some of the Vokkaliga leaders to the Swamiji to seek his blessings." Asked why Swamiji was being dragged into politics, Shivakumar said: "I am not politicising the issue, I only said that Swamiji needs to be respected." About limiting the government to one community, he said: "Caste will not leave you even if you leave caste." Following the NDA candidates' visit to the seer, Shivakumar had said that the "pontiff is a wise man and will not get involved in politics. I am sure he will not be involved in any politics. It is a known fact that the JD-S supremo (H.D. Deve Gowda) divided the Vokkaliga mutt earlier". The allegations that Nirmalanandanatha Swamijias phone was tapped along with others during the coalition government led by Kumaraswamy had stirred a huge controversy in the state. Kumaraswamy had, however, ruled out any involvement. The issue being raised as the elections approach is expected to evoke a strong response from the community, even as Kumaraswamy is trying to woo the Vokkaliga votes, which Shivakumar had managed to tilt towards his party. New Delhi, April 12 : A man, who was allegedly cheated in a bank job scam last year, thought of playing the same game himself to con others but has been tracked down and arrested, a Delhi Police official said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Vishal Ahuja, 31, a resident of Uttam Nagar area and a diploma holder from Pusa Institute, had published an advertisement for 'Banking Assistant and Data Entry Operator' on the WorkIndia job portal and he used to send fake offers, appointment, and confirmation letters to victims. His arrest came after complainant Sagar Ranga lodged an online complaint on NCRP on March 28, reporting that he saw a job advertisement on the "WorkIndia" job portal and on showing his interest, after some time, received a call from a man, who identified himself as an HR officer in HDFC Bank and promised a job in the bank for the complainant's wife. "The person in question also sent an offer letter and requested Rs 900 for police verification, which was sent online. After a few days, they requested more money for a demo fee, etc., and the victim sent Rs 3,000. Subsequently, the perpetrator demanded an additional Rs 2,929, promising reimbursement along with the first salary. Upon receiving a total of Rs 6,829, the perpetrator ceased communication," Deputy Commissioner of Police, Southwest, Rohit Meena said. During the investigation, beneficiary details of the transactions were obtained from the relevant bank and analysed. It was revealed that the entire defrauded amount of Rs 6,829 was deposited in the Kotak Bank account of a woman named Anupama, residing in Haryana's Bahadurgarh. "Further investigation led to the accused's mobile number being traced to Patel Nagar. Subsequently, surveillance was placed on the mobile number, revealing activity in Uttam Nagar, and Dwarka," the DCP said. On April 6, a team conducted technical surveillance and scrutinised payments made from the Kotak Bank account. "It was found that payments were made at Grover Sweets and KFC Sapphire, both located at Dwarka Mor, using the Kotak account," he added. It was also found that the ownership of the mobile number differed from that of the account holder, indicating that the fraudster was employing proxy SIM cards and accounts. On further investigation, another victim who was in contact with the fraudster, and promised a job at HDFC Bank, was questioned. Despite continuous efforts, the fraudster evaded capture by frequently changing locations. "However, after diligent pursuit, the suspect was apprehended by the team when he attempted to meet the potential victim at Dwarka Mor Metro Station. The suspect was identified as Vishal Ahuja," said the DCP. Subsequent interrogation of Anupama also revealed that she had also been cheated out of Rs 57,500, with the fraudster using her identity to open an online bank account and commit further fraud. "After his arrest, Ahuja confessed to purchasing a package from the WorkIndia job portal to advertise fake Banking Assistant and DEO jobs, using proxy mobile numbers. He would then deceive job-seekers through WhatsApp, soliciting fees for verification, demo, and interview purposes," said the DCP. The fake offer, appointment, and confirmation letters from HDFC Bank were sent after altering candidate names using online PDF editing tools. "Ahuja also obtained the KYC documents and biometrics of job-seekers to open online bank accounts and perpetrate additional fraud," the DCP said, adding Ahuja withdrew defrauded amounts from various ATMs and made payments at different shops using UPI. "Once the bank accounts were blocked or frozen by the police, he destroyed ATM cards to eliminate evidence against himself," the official added. Jaipur, April 12 : Rajasthan unit BJP president CP Joshi on Thursday said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visits Rajasthan during elections, makes big promises, and then goes 'missing' for the next five years. Joshi said this while referring to Rahul Gandhi's remarks in Anupgarh and Phalodi during a programme on Thursday. The former Congress president speaking at the rallies made several promises, saying if his party to power, key issues including that of jobs to youth with special emphasis on women's employment, would be taken care of. Reacting to the Wayanad MP's promises, CP Joshi said that "no one falls in Congress' trap these days". "In fact, the party was shown the mirror in Assembly elections. In Lok Sabha polls, we will again win all 25 seats in Rajasthan," he added. Joshi, further criticising the Congress, said: "The Congress is being seen as a party which talks big during elections. They repeat the same old slogans and people have understood their intention. "As election season is back, Rahul Gandhi is back too with his false promises in the state," he added. "Rahul Gandhi, who spoke of giving 30 lakh jobs to youths, should tell why he could not fulfil the promise of giving unemployment allowance to youth for five years in Rajasthan. Why the future of the youth was compromised with in paper leak cases?" the BJP leader questioned. "The Congress is well-versed in giving slogans to the country, but it did nothing for nation building," he added. Joshi further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government brought 25 crore people out of poverty line. "However, the Congress is still working on the slogan of Garibi Hatao. They insulted Sanatan Dharma, opposed Ram Mandir, and promoted nepotism, corruption and so on," he added. Bengaluru, April 12 : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader K.S. Eshwarappa is one of the frontline members of the party in Karnataka and has played a key role along with former chief minister B.S. Yediyurappa in making the BJP a force to reckon with in Karnataka. The 76-year-old leader is the face of OBCs and the Kuruba community. The man who is regarded as one of the key leaders who built the BJP from scratch in Karnataka is today at 'crossroads', having vowed to defeat the candidate of his own party from the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, in a strange turn of events. Eshwarappa has announced that he will file his nomination on Friday as an Independent candidate. He also asserted he would win the seat and "dedicate his victory on the feet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi". This decision has surprised everyone. Initially, everyone assumed that Eshwarappa would mellow down after the party high command spoke to him. However, his resolve to contest against the BJP candidate has become a major concern. The senior BJP leader would be contesting from Shivamogga as an Independent candidate against BJP candidate B.Y. Raghavendra -- the son of Yediyurappa. Eshwarappa wanted a BJP ticket from the Haveri Lok Sabha constituency for his son, K.E. Kanthesh. However, the party fielded former Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai from the Haveri seat -- a development that made Eshwarappa upset, with the ex-Deputy CM eventually deciding to contest against Yediyurappa's son in the Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency. Eshwarappa expressed his outrage against Yediyurappa for not ensuring a ticket for his son Kanthesh for the Haveri LS seat. Following the incidents of the brutal murder of Bajrang Dal activist Harsha in Shivamogga and the suicide of a contractor Santhosh Patil, Eshwarappa was denied the ticket to contest Assembly election from Shivamogga seat, which he represented for five terms. When former CM Jagadish Shettar and ex-Deputy CM Laxman Savadi quit the BJP and joined the Congress last year ahead of the Karnataka Assembly polls following the denial of tickets to them, Eshwarappa remained calm and stated that he would abide by the party's decision. The "love-hate equation" between former Karnataka CM B.S. Yediyurappa and Eshwarappa is well known in Karnataka political circles. Sources within the party submitted that Eshwarappa is in a "hyper-sensitive" phase of his political career. And a defeat in the upcoming election could push him to a corner in the state's political arena. Karnataka unit BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra has already stated that "if Eshwarappa is willing to end his political career in this manner then no one can help him". Eshwarappa, a seasoned campaigner, has also seen a series of setbacks in his political career. He was asked to announce his resignation from the Cabinet in connection with the case of the suicide of a contractor in April 2022. Eshwarappa was denied ticket to contest from Shivamogga Assembly seat which he represented traditionally. And much to his chagrin, the party allotted ticket to his close aide Channabasappa, and he got elected. Eshwarappa, who did not speak a word then and kept toeing the party line has rebelled this time. He has vowed to challenge the supremacy of his 'friend-turned-foe', B.S. Yediyurappa, in the party. "I can't simply sit and watch one of his sons becoming Union Minister, another becoming BJP state unit president and getting ready for the CM post. The BJP is in the clutches of the Yediyurappa family and I will get the party out of his clutches," Eshwarappa said. Eshwarappa's parents were daily wage earners. Motivated by his mother's wish to see him 'doing good in life', he went on to become one of the prominent politicians of Karnataka. Eshwarappa was born in Bellary district. His father Sharanappa and mother Basamma moved to Shivamogga in the early 1950s. His parents worked as daily wage earners. As a boy, Eshwarappa wanted to join his parents in the work. However, his mother did not allow him, and asked him to focus on education and "earn a good name in the society". His mother's words motivated him to continue his studies, and more so, focus on social work. Later, he was introduced to RSS through Narasimha Murthy Iyengar, a VHP leader from Shivamogga. Since then, Eshwarappa never turned back in his life. From a student leader in ABVP, he became city unit president of the BJP in Shivamogga and went on to establish himself as a mass leader by defeating a heavyweight leader, then minister K.H. Srinivas, in the 1989 Karnataka Assembly elections. To date, he lost only once in elections from Shivamogga Assembly segment. Eshwarappa became Deputy Chief Minister in the erstwhile Jagadish Shettar-led Cabinet in 2012. He served as the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister in the previous Basavaraj Bommai-led Cabinet. He was also appointed state unit party president twice. However, he was also known for controversial remarks throughout his political career. Seen as a Hindutva leader, his remarks at times drew national attention. BJP President J.P. Nadda had once advised him to "slow down" for his "hoisting saffron flag on the Red Fort" remark. An aircraft of Vietnam Airlines takes off from Dien Bien Airport in northern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh AirlineRatings has named Vietnam Airlines the winner of the Best Value Premium Economy Award for 2024. The award recognizes the airline's efforts to offer a "high-quality, high-value premium economy product on their medium- and long-haul aircraft without a hefty price tag." Passengers flying with the airline have the option for extra comfort and space as well as priority treatment without paying expensive prices like the more prestigious premium economy offerings on airlines like Air New Zealand and Emirates, according to the Australia-based airline safety and product rating website. Vietnam Airlines offers an equally generous seat pitch of 107cm and 18cm recline on the 787 and a smaller, 96cm seat pitch with a 15cm recline, on the A350, it said. In also offers noise-canceling headphones, blankets, pillows, and amenity kits. This year Air New Zealand has been awarded the Best Premium Economy Award while Singapore Airlines once again won the Best First Class Award. AirlineRatings said all awards are judged by editors with a combined 200 years of aviation experience based on strict criteria for passenger comfort, innovation, value, and safety. Last year Vietnam Airlines broke into a global ranking of the 10 best carriers by U.S. luggage storage company Bounce thanks to seat comfort and quality of service. Patna April 12 : A team of Purnea police scanned the documents of all the vehicles used for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar by the office of Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav. Patna April 12 (IANS) A team of Purnea police scanned the documents of all the vehicles used for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections in Bihar by the office of Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav. The police team had conducted a raid at the office of Pappu Yadav on Thursday evening wherein the latter used a number of vehicles, including a DJ, in the election campaign. The police team reached Pappu Yadav's office to find out whether he had taken permission from the Election Commission or not. Pushkar Kumar, the Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Purnia, said: "We (Purnea police) have come here for the investigation of vehicles being used in the election campaign. They (Pappu Yadav's office) told us that they have taken prior permission from the concerned authority. We will verify the document in a single-window system. Following the verification, if any violation appears in it, we will take action as per the law." "We were decorating the election campaign vehicle when the police team reached my office. I have received a life threat. They (Purnea police) had withdrawn my security on the day I joined the Congress. The police team threatened my office bearers and also tried to seize my vehicle. I have taken all permissions from the competent authority," Pappu Yadav said. Pappu Yadav also uploaded a post on X and said: "How much lower will this government stoop? How much you people will trouble the son of Purnea. The people of Purnea will give appropriate answers to you. I like your fear of losing the battle of Lok Sabha election." Days after merging his Jan Adhikar Party with the Congress, Pappu Yadav is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Bihar's Purnea as an Independent candidate. Ghaziabad, April 12 : A woman and her male friend in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad district have been arrested for torturing and sexually assaulting the woman's minor daughter, the police said. The daughter, 10, had left her home in Ghaziabad on January 20 and was found roaming the streets of Delhi. She was handed over to the Delhi Police, who entrusted her to the care of the Child Welfare Committee. The girl's medical test revealed that she had been raped. The victim told police officials that her father had died four years ago and she and her brother 13, were living with her maternal grandparents since then. Last year, her mother had taken the siblings to her home in Ghaziabad. She was repeatedly sexually assaulted by her mother's friend, who had also sexually abused her 13-year-old brother. Her brother had left home because of the abuse. The girl said that she left home after she found out that her mother was involved in prostitution after her father's death and also wanted to push her into the trade when she got older. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Loni), Bhaskar Sharma, said, "The girl has identified her rapist as Raju, a resident of Delhi. The mother had not filed a missing complaint even after she went missing on January 20. The victim said her mother and Raju would torture her to cover up the crime and would threaten her using pliers to make sure she did not tell anybody about it. Both have been arrested." Moscow, April 12 : Russian authorities have said that they have foiled the landing in the Kherson region of Ukrainian sabotage groups trained in Britain. The landing had been "planned by British special services" and was thwarted by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Russian Defence Ministry, said a statement by the FSB on Thursday as quoted by Xinhua news agency report. One Ukrainian soldier was captured alive, and the soldier confirmed that the saboteurs were trained in Britain, it added. The FSB said that the Special Boat Service, a British maritime special forces unit, is supervising the activities in the Ukrainian military behind such operations, which "indicates the direct involvement of the UK in the war". Amazon Bay Airport, Amazon Bay, Papua New Guinea [ AZB / ] If you are planning to travel to Amazon Bay or any other city in Papua New Guinea, this airport locator will be a very useful tool. This page gives complete information about the Amazon Bay Airport along with the airport location map, Time Zone, lattitude and longitude, Current time and date, hotels near the airport etc... Amazon Bay Airport Map showing the location of this airport in Papua New Guinea. Amazon Bay Airport IATA Code, ICAO Code, exchange rate etc... is also provided. Amazon Bay Airport Info: Amazon Bay Airport IATA Code: AZB Amazon Bay Airport ICAO Code: Latitude : -10.3 Longitude : 149.333 City : Amazon Bay Country : Papua New Guinea World Area Code : 804 Airport Type : Small Amazon Bay Airport Address / Contact Details : Amazon Bay (AZB), Papua New Guinea Timezone : Pacific/Port_Moresby Amazon Bay Airport Timezone : GMT +10:00 hours Current time and date at Amazon Bay Airport is 07:01:36 AM (+10) on Monday, Oct 14, 2024 Looking for information on Amazon Bay Airport, Amazon Bay, Papua New Guinea? Know about Amazon Bay Airport in detail. Find out the location of Amazon Bay Airport on Papua New Guinea map and also find out airports near to Amazon Bay. This airport locator is a very useful tool for travelers to know where is Amazon Bay Airport located and also provide information like hotels near Amazon Bay Airport, airlines operating to Amazon Bay Airport etc... IATA Code and ICAO Code of all airports in Papua New Guinea. Scroll down to know more about Amazon Bay Airport or Amazon Bay Airport, Papua New Guinea. Amazon Bay Airport Map - Location of Amazon Bay Airport Load Map Papua New Guinea - General Information Country Formal Name Independent State of Papua New Guinea Country Code PG Capital Port Moresby Currency Kina (PGK) 1 PGK = 0.252 USD 1 USD = 3.968 PGK 1 PGK = 0.226 EUR 1 EUR = 4.42 PGK More PGK convertion rates Tel Code +675 Top Level Domain .pg This page provides all the information you need to know about Amazon Bay Airport, Papua New Guinea. This page is created with the aim of helping travelers and tourists visiting Papua New Guinea or traveling to Amazon Bay Airport. Details about Amazon Bay Airport given here include Amazon Bay Airport Code - IATA Code (3 letter airport codes) and ICAO Code (4 letter airport codes) Coordinates of Amazon Bay Airport - Latitude and Longitude (Lat and Long) of Amazon Bay Airport Location of Amazon Bay Airport - City Name, Country, Country Codes etc... 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Post this "We are honored to receive this recognition from Shell, highlighting our dedication to providing unparalleled service and support to our residential customers, businesses and our communities across Alaska," said Dave Regan, vice president of sales and supply for Crowley Fuels. "We appreciate Shell's trust in our people and service to deliver success for our organizations. This award is a testament to our people, who remain committed to providing safe, reliable fuel products and services in Alaska." Crowley Fuels is one of Alaska's largest petroleum wholesale providers. Crowley provides transportation, distribution and sales of various products, including gasoline, diesel, aviation fuels, home heating oil and propane, through a network of terminals and vessel fleets serving coastal waters and rivers. About Crowley Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned and -operated maritime, energy and logistics solutions company serving commercial and government sectors with $3.4 billion in annual revenues, over 170 vessels mostly in the Jones Act fleet and approximately 7,000 employees around the world employing more U.S. mariners than any other company. The Crowley enterprise has invested more than $3.2 billion in maritime transport, which is the backbone of global trade and the global economy. As a global ship owner-operator and services provider with more than 130 years of innovation and a commitment to sustainability, the company serves customers in 36 nations and island territories through five business units: Crowley Logistics, Crowley Shipping, Crowley Government Solutions, Crowley Wind Services and Crowley Fuels. Additional information about Crowley, its business units and subsidiaries can be found at http://www.crowley.com. 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On the same day that news broke about Metas prior intent to purchase Simon & Schuster in order to use the publishing companys IP to feed Metas large language model AI, the Bologna Book Fair hosted several informational sessions and panel discussions focusing on the impact of AI on the publishing industry. Several sessions were highly critical of the use of AI, especially when it comes to the creation of illustrations. In one roundtable discussion on Wednesday, Francesco Archidiacono of the European Guild for Artificial Intelligence Regulation, Paolo Rui of the European Illustrators Forum and Autori d'Immagini; and Elisabeth Perez of the Professional Association of Basque Illustrators and Spanish Federation of Associations of Professional Illustrators (part of the European Illustrators Forum) argued that the industry needed to take a public stance to protect illustrators' rights and publish manifestos to publicly support the regulation of AI. Other events, which were notably better attended, sought to address the transformative potential of AI and its rapidly evolving role in the industry. One panel, moderated by Neal Hoskins of WingedChariot, featured insights from Ashley Gordon, publishing market development manager at HP Inc.; Searsha Sadek, founder and chief product officer of Shimmr; Sam Habibi Minelli, an electronic engineer and AI expert who advises the European Commission; and Sebastian Wehner, CEO of Wonderz and Wolkenlenker, Gordon shed light on how AI is already being integrated into the book production process, helping to optimize print runs and streamline workflows. "AI is happening right now, in the production of your books within the printers themselves," Gordon explained. "It is part of the infrastructure and the technology of those pressesit helps the print production provider... to know which books to print when." She emphasized that AI is not a threat, but rather "a partner, a copilot," that will help get more books into the hands of the right readers. Sadek, whose company Shimmr automates ad creation for books, discussed the vast potential of AI in the marketing space. She pointed out that the vast majority of booksaround 95%don't receive dedicated advertising support due to the high costs involved. "Shimmr makes ads to sell books, and we do it in a completely automated way," Sadek said. "We use a lot of different types of code and a couple of types of AI to do that for publishers and for authors." The end result, according to Sadek, is "basically hands-free advertising that optimizes all year round." Minelli delved into the broader implications of AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding its capabilities and limitations. "Language is the most valuable thing that we have to take care of," he noted, arguing that whoever controls language wields significant power. He encouraged the audience to embrace AI as a tool, drawing parallels to the initial fears surrounding the advent of photography in the 1800s. "I'm encouraging you to take it as a fire, in a good way, for your work," he urged. However, Minelli also cautioned about the risks of training AI on proprietary data, advising publishers to carefully consider the implications of using external AI systems. He acknowledged that the very real concerns around copyright in an age of AI-generated content will not be solved today, but will take diligent work from all stakeholders. It's not a problem of content owners, publishers, but also technology providers, he said. Gordon concurred, stressing that the industry needs to proactively shape the development and use of AI in publishing. "Nothing about AI is inevitableit is just a question of human will and resources and putting ourselves in the path of what is coming, Gordon said, adding: It's up to us as an industry to determine what this will be...and what we can use it to do, to make what we do better." Wehner dedicated his time on the panel to demonstrating the results of prompts put into various AI tools, including ChatGPT, image-to-animation machine Runway and, finally, Adobe Firefly, which created an impressive, if brief, snippet of an AI-themed opera based on the online catalog description of the panel itself. The discussion also touched on the potential for AI to shorten the lead time from book conception to multimedia adaptation, the possibilities for hyper-niche products, and the importance of human creativity and empathy in the face of advancing technology. As Hoskins noted in his closing remarks, the standing-room-only crowd was a testament to the growing interest and engagement around this complex topicone that the publishing community will undoubtedly continue to grapple with in the years ahead. State has awarded $50K matching grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corp.s Applied Research Institute Amplified Sciences, a clinical-stage life sciences diagnostic company, has received a $275,000 Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation. The funding will support critical development of the companys tests for early, more accurate detection of challenging diseases, starting with pancreatic cancer. (Purdue Research Foundation photo/Vincent Walter) WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $275,000 Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to Amplified Sciences. The clinical-stage life sciences diagnostic company is developing tests for early, more accurate detection of challenging diseases, starting with pancreatic cancer. Amplified Sciences has received a Phase I matching grant of $50,000 from the Indiana Economic Development Corp.s Applied Research Institute. CEO Diana Caldwell said the funding will support critical development of Amplified Sciences novel ultrasensitive optical reporter platform technology. This, our second SBIR award, will enable further development of multiplexing capabilities for pancreatic cancer panels and beyond, Caldwell said. We are excited to be awarded this highly competitive NSF SBIR grant. This brings our total of nondilutive funding to over $1 million. Amplified Sciences also recently received investments worth $108,000 from the Flywheel Fund. In 2023 the company received a Phase 1 SBIR grant of approximately $400,000 from the National Cancer Institute and a $50,000 match from the state of Indiana to develop pancreatic cancer risk stratification tests. It was named to the Pepperdine University Graziadio Business Schools Most Fundable Companies list in 2021 and to the New York University Stern School of Business Endless Frontier Labs life science cohort in 2022. The Purdue innovations Amplified Sciences diagnostic tests are based on technology invented by V. Jo Davisson, professor of medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology in Purdue Universitys College of Pharmacy and a faculty member of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research and the Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. Davisson serves as the companys chief scientific officer. The company licenses Davissons intellectual property through the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization. Facts about pancreatic cancer In its Cancer Facts & Figures 2023 report, the American Cancer Society estimated that more than 64,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with new cases of pancreatic cancer in 2023. It estimated that more than 50,000 would die from the disease in 2023. Pancreatic cancer signs and symptoms, like jaundice, severe abdominal pain, weight loss and vomiting, dont appear until advanced stages of the disease. If a diagnosis is made at an advanced stage, treatments including surgery and pharmaceuticals seldom produce a cure. The five-year relative survival rate is 12% for all patients; for those diagnosed with localized cancer, the rate is 44%. About Amplified Sciences Amplified Sciences is a clinical-stage life science diagnostics startup focused on detecting and preempting the risks of debilitating diseases, thus providing health care professionals the ability to treat patients earlier with better outcomes. The companys ultrasensitive chemistry platform leverages technology licensed from Purdue University, and its headquarters is in West Lafayette, Indiana. Its lead assay has published clinical evidence in pancreatic cancer. To learn more about Amplified Sciences, visit amplifiedsciences.com. About Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the universitys academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2023, the office reported 150 deals finalized with 203 technologies signed, 400 disclosures received and 218 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation & Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information. Vietnam official tourism website beats most neighbors' in global rankings An aerial view of Con Dao Archipelago in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in southern Vietnam. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Linh Vietnams tourism promotion website vietnam.travel is 132,676th in a global ranking of most visited websites, surpassing those of most Southeast Asian neighbors except Singapore. According to the March rankings of traffic analysis firm Similarweb, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism website is behind only Singapore's 84,176th. Thailand's website ranked 136,108th, followed by the Philippines (808,295th), and Malaysia (881,886th). The Vietnamese website was visited 85% from outside the country, higher than the rates for Indonesia (64%), Thailand (44%), Malaysia (42%), and the Philippines (28%). Tourism industry insiders said this visit rate indicates the website is doing a good job of attracting the attention of foreign nationals. The bounce rate, defined as the percentage of visitors who leave a website after viewing just one page, for Vietnam's website was 65%, lower than those of Singapore (70%), Thailand (72%) and Indonesia (76%). The Vietnam website mainly focuses on new policies on visa exemption and issuance of e-visas. The EU parliament on Wednesday adopted a contentious reform of Europe's asylum policies that will harden border procedures and force all the bloc's 27 nations to share responsibility. EU flag in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium in 2022. Photo by AFP The parliament's main political groups overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass the new migration and asylum pact a sweeping reform nearly a decade in the making. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called the new rules a "historic, indispensable step" for the European Union. The migration minister for Greece, one of the countries worst affected by arrivals of growing numbers of undocumented migrants, echoed this comment. "This is a major breakthrough and a very important step towards a common, and therefore more effective, management of the migration challenges of our time," Migration Minister Dimitris Kairidis wrote on X, formerly Twitter. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the adoption of this reform was a "huge achievement for Europe". "Today is indeed a historic day," the European Commission president told a news conference after the European Parliament adopted the reform. EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson said the bloc "will be able to better protect our external borders, the vulnerable and refugees, swiftly return those not eligible to stay" and introduce "mandatory solidarity" between member states. Ten pieces of legislation in the overhaul were passed. Outside the Brussels parliament building, dozens of demonstrators protested against the vote, echoing criticism from more than 160 migrant charities and non-governmental organizations who view it as a betrayal of European Union values. In a sign of the fierce opposition, the start of voting was interrupted by protesters in the public gallery yelling "This pact kills - vote no!" until the chamber was brought to order. But the UNHCR refugee agency's chief has endorsed the reform, drawn up by the European Commission since massive inflows jolted the bloc in 2015. For the far-left, the reforms which include building border centers to hold asylum-seekers and sending some to outside "safe" countries were incompatible with Europe's commitment to upholding human rights. It was "a pact with the devil," said Damien Careme, a lawmaker from the Greens group. Far-right lawmakers complained the overhaul did not go far enough to block access to irregular migrants, whom they accuse of spreading insecurity and threatening to "submerge" European identity. "We won't allow ourselves to be replaced or submerged," Jordan Bardella, a lawmaker heading France's far-right National Rally party whose figurehead is Marine Le Pen, said in the pre-vote debate. 'Problematic elements' The mainstream centrist right and left in parliament had called for the pact to be passed as an improvement over the current situation. They warned that failure to pass the reforms would boost the far-right, predicted to become a bigger force in the European Parliament following June elections. Sophie In 'T Veld, a key figure pushing the package through, acknowledged "problematic elements, risks and weaknesses", but said that overall it marked a step forward. The pact's measures are to come into force in 2026, after the European Commission sets out in coming months how it would be implemented. The new border centers would hold irregular migrants while their asylum requests are vetted, and speed up deportations of those deemed inadmissible. It would also require EU countries to take in thousands of asylum-seekers from "frontline" states such as Italy and Greece. Alternatively, they could provide money or other resources to the under-pressure nations. The German chancellor, commenting on X, the former Twitter, said the accord stands for "solidarity among European states" and would "finally relieve the burden on those countries that are particularly hard hit". A controversial measure is the sending of asylum-seekers to countries outside the EU that are deemed "safe", if the migrant has sufficient ties to that country. Deals with neighbors The pact has wended through years of thorny talks and compromises ever since the bloc was confronted with large numbers of irregular migrants who arrived in 2015, many from war-torn Syria. Under current EU rules, the arrival country bears responsibility for hosting and vetting asylum-seekers, and returning those deemed inadmissible. That has put southern states under pressure and fueled far-right sentiment. A political breakthrough came in December when a weighted majority of EU countries backed the reforms -- overcoming opposition from Hungary and Poland. In parallel with the reform, the EU has been multiplying the same sort of deal it struck with Turkey in 2016 to stem migratory flows. It has reached accords with Tunisia and, most recently, Egypt that are portrayed as broader cooperation arrangements. Many lawmakers have, however, criticized the deals. By Lee Fang, RealClearInvestigations and LeeFang.com April 11, 2024 Ukraines American-backed fight against Russia is being waged not only in the blood-soaked trenches of the Donbas region but also on what military planners call the cognitive battlefield to win hearts and minds. Tucker Carlson: No Kremlin stooge, but portrayed as one in Ukraine media. A sprawling constellation of media outlets organized with substantial funding and direction from the U.S. government has not just worked to counter Russian propaganda but has supported strong censorship laws and shutdowns of dissident outlets, disseminated disinformation of its own, and sought to silence critics of the war, including many American citizens. Glenn Greenwald: No Kremlin stooge, but portrayed as one in Ukraine media. Economist Jeffrey Sachs, commentator Tucker Carlson, journalist Glenn Greenwald, and University of Chicago Professor John Mearsheimer are among the critics on both the left and the right who have been cast as part of a network of Russian propaganda. But the figures targeted by the Ukrainian watchdog groups are hardly Kremlin agents. They simply have forcefully criticized dominant narratives about the war. Jeffrey Sachs: No Kremlin stooge, but portrayed as one in Ukraine media. Sachs is a highly respected international development expert who has angered Ukrainian officials over his repeated calls for a diplomatic solution to the current military conflict. Last November, he gave a speech at the United Nations calling for a negotiated peace. Mearsheimer has written extensively on international relations and is a skeptic of NATO expansion. He predicted that Western efforts to militarize Ukraine would lead to a Russian invasion. Greenwald is a Pulitzer Prize-winning independent journalist who has criticized not just war coverage but media dynamics that suppress voices that run counter to U.S. narratives. What they mean when they demand censorship of pro-Russia propaganda is anything that questions the US/EU role in the Ukraine war or who dissents from their narratives, Greenwald has observed. Theres no evidence of Kremlin influence over their viewpoints, but their comments alone are enough for a network of U.S.-backed Ukrainian media groups to tarnish these experts as Russian propagandists. Detector Media , above, and VoxUkraine , whose VoxCheck propaganda monitor is shown just below left. They get U.S. support but stray from traditional journalistic practices to promote the Ukrainian governments official positions. As Congress debates major new funding to support the Ukrainian war effort, U.S. taxpayer dollars are already flowing to outlets such as the New Voice of Ukraine, VoxUkraine, Detector Media, the Institute of Mass Information, the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine and many others. Some of this money has come from the $44.1 billion in civilian-needs foreign aid committed to Ukraine. While the funding is officially billed as an ambitious program to develop high-quality independent news programs; counter malign Russian influence; and modernize Ukraines archaic media laws, the new sites in many cases have promoted aggressive messages that stray from traditional journalistic practices to promote the Ukrainian governments official positions and delegitimize its critics. VoxUkraine has released highly produced videos attacking the credibility of American opposition voices, including Sachs, Mearsheimer, and Greenwald. Detector Media, one of the most influential media watchdog groups, similarly produces a flow of social media and posts branding American critics of the war as part of a Russian disinformation operation. The outlets are also devoted to domestic disputes. Detector Medias broadcasts have lampooned critics of Ukrainian government moves to shut down opposition media outlets. Its not only dissident voices targeted by the media groups, which are funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Detector Media went after the New York Times in February over a news report about hundreds of Ukrainians in the battle for Avdiivka who were captured or missing. The Ukrainian fact-check site offered little in terms of a rebuttal. Detector Media only cited a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Defense Forces disputing the Times' story, which it labeled as "disinformation." The New Voice of Ukraine quoted a Ukrainian official describing the Times story as a Russian Psyop, a term for psychological warfare. Unlike similar media development programs that USAID has led throughout the Middle East, Ukrainian outlets tend to produce a great deal of English content that trickles back into the domestic American audience and explicitly targets American foreign policy discourse. Evan Gershkovich: The imprisoned Wall Street Journal correspondent is part of a wider dynamic of information control playing out in the Ukraine-Russia war. The New Voice of Ukraine syndicates with Yahoo News. VoxUkraine is a fact-checking partner with Meta, which assists in removing content deemed Russian disinformation from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Detector Media has similarly led a consortium of nonprofit groups pressuring social media platforms to aggressively remove content critical of Ukraine. "It makes more sense to have it in English because one of the things that happens is that the narrative that one encounters in the mainstream media in the West is referenced as the official Ukrainian voices," said Nicolai N. Petro, a professor specializing in Russian and Ukrainian affairs at the University of Rhode Island. "These then become the known Ukrainian voices, although they're actually only an echo of the voice that we are projecting into Ukraine, Petro added. In the new aid earmarked for the war in Ukraine that Congress is now debating, a small portion of the $60 billion emergency spending package is devoted to continued USAID programs in the country. President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview this week with Politico and Bild, argued that legislators skeptical of the aid package were under the influence of Russian propaganda. They have their lobbies everywhere: in the United States, in the EU countries, in Britain, in Latin America, in Africa, Zelenskyy said of Russian influence, without naming names. The pro-Russian pressure groups, the Ukrainian president added, relied on "certain media groups, citizens of the United States." Information control is a central dynamic playing out in the Ukraine-Russia war. U.S. media have provided wide coverage of President Vladimir Putins efforts to clamp down on critical news outlets, enacting new criminal penalties for those publishing "false information" about the conflict. Many independent outlets in Russia have been forced to close, including the left-leaning radio station Ekho Moskvy. The Russian government has also blocked Russian-language news sites based in the West and arrested at least 22 journalists, including the Wall Street Journal's Evan Gershkovich. Nina Jankowicz: The polarizing Biden official previously advised the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on its anti-disinformation work. But far less attention has been paid to the Ukraine governments crackdown on independent and opposition media, a push aided by the U.S.-backed network of anti-disinformation groups. Even as Washingtons efforts to censor information at home are drawing greater scrutiny, its support of Ukraines efforts reflects the increasingly global reach of the American governments propaganda arms. "There's an information war going on between Russia and Ukraine, and the United States is not a disinterested party we're an active participant, said George Beebe, a director with the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. "The U.S. government has been trying to shape perceptions, and it's very difficult to separate what's intended for foreign audiences from what seeps into the Anglosphere media, if you want to call it that, including here in the United States. American influence in Ukraines media environment stretches back to the end of the Cold War, though it has intensified in recent years. Since the outbreak of the war, USAID support has extended to 175 national Ukrainian media entities. Over the last decade, efforts to crack down on speech have been increasingly justified as an effort to protect social media from disinformation. The U.S. helped set up new think tanks and media watchdogs and brought over communications specialists to guide Ukraines approach. Nina Jankowicz, the polarizing official whom President Biden appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security's Disinformation Governance Board to police social media content, previously advised the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry on its anti-disinformation work. Vivek Ramaswamy: The ex-GOP presidential hopeful was tarred as part of the Russian disinformation system. In response to questions about the U.S.-backed anti-disinformation groups in Ukraine targeting Americans, the U.S. State Department provided a statement saying it defines disinformation as as false or misleading information that is deliberately created or spread with the intent to deceive or mislead. It added, We accept there may be other interpretations or definitions and do not censor or coerce independent organizations into adopting our definition. While noting that the U.S. provides funding to credible independent media organizations to strengthen democracies in the countries we work in around the world, the statement declared, We do not control the editorial content of these organizations. However, disclosures indicate that the U.S. government and its contractors tasked with reforming Ukraines institutions have directly set the agenda for Ukrainian outlets. Immediately after Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago, the USAID dispensed emergency grants to its media partners, partly through the Zinc Network, a contractor based in London that has been accused of setting up covert public relations campaigns on behalf of the British government. Max Blumenthal: The liberal journalist was tarred as part of the Russian disinformation system. The grant description notes that the money went to the Zinc Network and Detector Media to assist the Ukrainian government with strategic communications and to "undermine Kremlin information operations. Far from independent reporting, the grant instructions asked the recipients to provide "quick, effective PR and media engagement." In addition to countering Russian disinformation, the money was intended to maintain public morale and "bolster international support for solidarity with Ukraine." Last September, journalist Jack Poulson reported on a leaked report from the Zinc Networks Open Information Partnership, which helps coordinate the activities of several anti-Russian disinformation nonprofits around Europe backed by NATO members, including Detector Media. The lengthy report defines disinformation as not only false or misleading content but also "verifiable information which is unbalanced or skewed, amplifies, or exaggerates certain elements for effect, or uses emotive or inflammatory language to achieve effects which fit within existing Kremlin narratives, aims, or activities." In other words, factual information with emotional language that simply overlaps with anything remotely connected to Russian viewpoints is considered disinformation, according to this U.S.-backed consulting firm helping to guide the efforts of Ukrainian think tanks and media. Many of the broad narratives the report identified as Russian disinformation follow this vague rubric. These included allegations that NATO is using Ukraine as a pawn in a proxy war against Russia and concerns that Ukrainian politicians are corrupt. Above, Ukraine war critic John Mearsheimer on "The Grayzone," the YouTube program of Aaron Mate, another critic of the war. The report goes on to blame many British and American experts who portray the West as being divided, corrupt, or nefarious as part of the Russian disinformation system. The document names liberal journalists Max Blumenthal and Newsweeks Ellie Cook, as well as Republican figures such as former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs, as voices that end up featured in Russian propaganda and disinformation. The Open Information Partnership report suggests new legislation to counter "malign foreign actors" and for European intelligence agencies to "do more" and provide a "unified approach" against the dangers of disinformation. Zinc Network did not respond to a request for comment. Ukraines government has also worked with U.S. government officials and others to censor its American critics. One prominent example is Aaron Mate, a RealClearInvestigations contributor who has criticized U.S. policy regarding Ukraine in other outlets. Following the Russian invasion, Twitter, under its old ownership, flagged Mate to be censored after the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the Ukrainian intelligence agency, included him on a list of accounts sent to the FBI that were "suspected by the SBU in spreading fear and disinformation. Just months after the social media request, Ross Burley, a former Zinc Network and Open Information Partnership official now with the Centre for Information Resilience, spoke openly about his desire to censor critics of the war, including Mate. Burley, who "designed, implemented, and led several of the UK Governments counter disinformation programmes," according to a now-deleted profile, discussed the rise of independent media critical of the Ukrainian government and Western support for a war that has devastated that country. He discussed the conflict at the Opinion Festival in Tallinn, Estonia, in August 2022. Burley argued that social media platforms needed more responsibility regarding what types of content to allow. "Even I saw Russell Brand, who has a huge following on YouTube, was interviewing a journalist called Aaron Mate on his channel," said Burley, who added that it is "incredibly irresponsible for YouTube and other social media companies to continue to host these people. Silencing Zelensky's Enemies Within Biden and Zelensky in Kyiv a year ago February during the American President's unannounced visit to Ukraine. The organizations supported by the U.S. government have also sought to silence critics inside Ukraine. Before the war, in one of President Volodymyr Zelenskys first controversial acts to stifle political opposition, he moved in February 2021 to close television channels 112, NewsOne, and ZIK stations owned by Viktor Medvedchuk and his associate Taras Kozak, former lawmakers with the Opposition Party of Life, a bloc opposed to Zelensky over allegations of Kremlin ties. Viktor Medvedchuk: His television stations were targeted by Zelensky over allegations of Kremlin ties. "The sanctions against TV channels of Mr. Medvedchuk are not about media and freedom of speech at all," said Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelensky's chief of staff. "This is only about effective countermeasures against fakes and foreign propaganda." Later that year, in December 2021, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights released a statement that criticized the Ukrainian crackdown on journalists and peaceful expression. The report cited the closure of opposition television channels and other media. The USAID-funded Ukrainian media network, however, was quick to defend the Zelensky government. The decision to close the outlets, wrote Detector Media, was "not an attack on freedom of speech" because the channels, the group argued, provided "informational support of Russian aggression against Ukraine." In May 2022, the Zelensky government widely expanded its efforts to outlaw the political opposition. Zelensky moved to ban 11 political parties over alleged ties to Russia, the largest of which was Medvedchuks Opposition Party of Life, which previously held 44 seats in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. Later that summer, other bills to crack down on media rights that had failed to pass in the past over civil liberty concerns were brought back into consideration. Mykyta Poturayev, a Ukrainian legislator and close ally of Zelensky, re-introduced the On Media Law. The legislation features provisions to penalize hate speech and disinformation, as well as broad powers to limit certain forms of foreign influence. Among its most contentious provisions is the power granting a council controlled by Zelensky and his allies to ban media outlets without a court order. Before Zelensky signed the bill in December 2022, many journalists spoke out against the legislation. The European Federation of Journalists and the Committee to Protect Journalists denounced it as an extreme violation of journalistic freedom. Ukraine's National Union of Journalists described the bill as the "biggest threat to free speech in independent [Ukraine's] history." Again, the USAID-funded media groups provided pivotal support amid a tightening on journalistic freedom. The push to support the bill was largely led by U.S.-government-backed think tanks and media outlets. As the Ukrainian legislature moved forward, Detector Media reported a new statement from select journalists and nonprofits who supported the controversial legislation. The statement argued that the Zelensky-appointed council overseeing media was an independent regulator and urged the adoption of the law as a tool to counteract foreign aggression. The statement was organized by Ukraine's Center for Democracy and Rule of Law. In 2022, the group received 76.67% of its budget from USAID, USAIDs contractors, and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a U.S. government-funded nonprofit that was spun out of the Central Intelligence Agency in the 1980s. Pierre Omidyar: Supporter of USAID's Ukraine media program. George Soros: Supporter of USAID's Ukraine media program. The other signatories of the statement included the Laboratory of Digital Security and Human Rights Platform both funded by USAID and Internews, a California-based USAID contractor that manages much of the agencys Ukraine media work. Internews Ukraine, the companys in-house Ukraine media outlet, also signed the statement supporting the On Media Law. Internews is a significant pillar of USAID's $35 million Ukraine media program. Other European governments and private sector donors, led by billionaires Pierre Omidyar via the Omidyar Network and George Soros via the International Renaissance Foundation, have financed the network of media and activists working with the USAID groups. Disclosures suggest other supplemental funding has been rushed to local Ukrainian media. In 2021, before Russia's invasion, Detector Media received 35.1% of its nearly $1 million budget from Internews. New data released by the federal government shows that USAID provided a $2.5 million direct grant to Detector Media last year. In a report titled "Long-Term Investments Pay Dividends in Ukraine," NED noted that U.S.-backed groups have been pivotal in reshaping the country's law. It pointed to a coalition of nonprofits led by the Coalition Reanimation Package of Reforms, a USAID-backed group that mobilized civil society to lobby for legal and legislative changes. The group was pivotal in the push for the On Media Law. The group hailed the law's passage, calling it one of the major achievements of reforms passed during the war. After the legislation was passed, Detector Media attacked Pro-Russian Telegram channels for spreading fakes and manipulations about the law. One fact-check published by the group claimed that the law had to be adopted in the context of Ukraines European integration. The post countered claims that the law introduces authoritarian forms of censorship by pointing to the fact that media professionals and members of the public were involved in its development. NED, the former CIA arm, has publicly touted the effort to pass the On Media Law for its work in reshaping Ukraines media landscape. In a report written in collaboration with Detector Media, the group discusses the law with respect to bolstering efforts to rid the Ukrainian information space of harmful Russian propaganda. The report noted some journalistic criticism of the proposal, concluded that it was "supported by the majority of media related civil society organizations and international donors for its expansion of democratic accountability in the information space." Unmentioned in NED and Detector Medias claims of widespread media support for the law is its own central role and that of other USAID-backed groups. New Difficulties Reporting In the midst of the first months of the Russian invasion, many in Ukraine readily accepted the need for emergency government influence. The Ukrainian government condensed the major television channels into a single United News national broadcast that continues today. Many journalists voluntarily paused critical reporting of the Ukrainian government to focus on coverage of the Russian invasion. Yuriy Nikolov, investigative journalist: Thugs tried to break down his door. Now, over two years into the conflict, reporters are facing new difficulties in reporting on routine issues. Journalists taking a critical look at the government are facing intimidation and threats. The Columbia Journalism Review has chronicled the precarious situation independent journalists face in today's Ukraine. In January, a pair of thugs went to the home of Yuriy Nikolov, a prominent investigative journalist who has uncovered scandals involving military catering contracts. The men tried to break down Nikolov's door, and according to his mother, who was home, called him a "provocateur" and a "traitor." That same month, an anonymous video released videos from hidden cameras showing journalists with Bihus.Info a local media outlet that has extensively reported on Ukrainian government corruption using illegal drugs in private. Denys Bihus, the head of the site, has reported on Ukraine's intelligence service's involvement in the surveillance and intimidation of his media outlet. Anatoly Shariy, a controversial Ukrainian blogger living in exile over repeated death threats, has clashed repeatedly with USAID's network of media outlets. Shariy is known for his blistering criticism of the 2014 Maidan Revolution that toppled pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych and set Ukraine on a path to alignment with NATO. The SBU, the Ukrainian intelligence agency, has accused him of "high treason" over alleged ethnic slurs targeted towards the people of the western region of Ukraine. Anatoly Shariy: Living in exile over death threats, the Ukrainian blogger has clashed repeatedly with USAID's network of media outlets. In July 2023, the agency added new charges, claiming Shariy distributed staged videos of Ukrainian prisoners under detention by Russian forces. The SBU has attempted to extradite Shariy, who has moved from the Netherlands to Spain and reportedly to Italy for asylum. Online reporting in English, though, is dominated by USAID media outlets. A search for Shariys name returns half a dozen articles by VoxUkraine, Detector Media, the Institute of Mass Information, and the New Voice of Ukraine. The articles trash Shariy as a pro-Russian propagandist and criminal, guilty of a variety of speech-related crimes. In his Telegram posts, Shariy tries to emphasize that Russia is more united and stronger than Ukraine, Detector Media claimed. He rejects the severing of any ties between Ukraine and Russia. Even in the face of proven Russian lies and evidence of their crimes, Shariy continues to promote narratives favorable to Russia and disseminate disinformation. The Detector Media article provides little substance in terms of any illegal actions beyond Shariys viewpoints. But expressing viewpoints that run counter to Ukraine and NATO policies with respect to the war is enough to make an individual an enemy of the state. 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Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! On a recent visit to Brussels, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed transatlantic support for a democratic, prosperous future for the Armenian people and a more integrated and a more peaceful South Caucasus region. We share the Armenian peoples vision for the future. We want Armenia to take its place as a strong, independent nation at peace with its neighbors, connected to the region and the world. The United States and the European Union both want to be partners in this effort. The United States is investing in the Armenian governments political and economic reform program, said Secretary Blinken: We plan to provide over $65 million in assistance from our FY23 budget funds. Thats up more than 50 percent from two years ago. Were committed to further growing our support for Armenias democratic and economic resilience, with investments for food security, digital infrastructure, diversification of energy, diversification of trade partners, and other priorities that the prime minister has set. The United States is also committed to Armenias safe, reliable, and secure energy future and is working to support energy diversification and explore the feasibility of new civil nuclear power options. The U.S. remains aware of the ongoing need to support the 100,000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh last September after Azerbaijan initiated a military offensive against the breakaway region, said Secretary Blinken: This is central to Armenias long-term stability and prosperity, as well as its regional security. And were supporting efforts to integrate people into the economy, into society, including via access to housing, jobs, education. For Armenia, regional integration is a key to security and to prosperity, said Secretary Blinken. The U.S. supports Armenias Crossroads of Peace proposal aimed at bringing about a more integrated South Caucasus through new transportation routes, energy cooperation, and telecommunications. This will promote diversified economies, expanded opportunity, and it will bolster peace and reconciliation efforts. There is a powerful future with a region that is increasingly integrated, that will benefit people in every connected country, said Secretary Blinken. The United States and the European Union want to help Armenia build that. The Red & Black is a nonprofit, independent news organization that serves the Athens and University of Georgia communities as well as trains college students for careers in the news business. Support Our Newsroom Virgin Atlantic, which turns 40 this year, will pay homage to its founder, Sir Richard Branson, by naming its latest aircraft in his honour. Ruby Rebel, registration G-VSRB, will salute Sir Richard and mark 40 years of Virgin Atlantic shaking up the travel industry, said a statement. Virgin Atlantic celebrates its 40th birthday on 22nd June 2024 The airlines fifth Airbus A330neo, which will enter service from May, will also feature a brand-new flying icon, inspired by Sir Richard and the rebellious spirit thats always driven Virgin Atlantic to do things differently. The icon, whose features are inspired by Holly Branson, include nods to Sir Richards career and famed business ventures throughout its design, such as Virgin Records pin badges, a Tubular Bells charm bracelet, a Virgin Galactic rocket on the belts buckle and a Virgin Voyages anchor on icons boot. Another bracelet featuring the letters J, S, and H have been designed as a sweet gesture to his wife Joan and children Holly and Sam. The icons punk styling reflects the airlines iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform, which is still rocked by its cabin crew today. Ruby Rebel symbolises Virgin Atlantics desire to do things differently, beginning in June 1984, when its first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, departed London for New York, bringing a flash of red to the skies. The airlines focus has always been to deliver the best customer experience in a brilliantly different way. From being the first airline to introduce seat back TVs, the Premium cabin and fleet wide Wi-Fi, to flying the first worlds first Pride flight and the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight, Virgin Atlantic and its people continue to challenge the status quo, it said. Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic, said: Forty years ago, Virgin Atlantic flew our first customers between London and New York offering something different and realising our purpose to ensure everyone can take on the world. As we gear up to mark our Ruby anniversary in June, its an opportunity to look ahead to the next forty years. So much has changed, but the one thing thats remained constant is our incredible people and their unique red spirit, the red thread that keeps us flying miles above the rest. It all started with Richard on 22 June 1984, a pioneer with a vision to shake up the travel industry, putting people first and giving customers a choice. Ruby Rebel embodies the rebellious spirit thats always driven us to do things differently. And, the best is yet to come. Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic Founder and President, commented; When starting Virgin Atlantic, I went against everyones advice and on paper they were right. They knew wed be a tiny airline against much bigger players. But my attitude is that if you can create something that's better than what everybody else is offering, then you have a chance of succeeding. Virgin Atlantic was created to provide a bright red, fun, friendly, fabulous choice that made flying better for everyone. We worked out in 1984 all the things we could do differently, from our planes, our Clubhouses, our in-flight experience and most importantly our people. Now, 40 years later that rebellious spirit lives on and will continue to drive us forward as we shake up the aviation industry for the next 40 years and beyond. -TradeArabia News Service The mission of the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency is to recover U.S. service members who died or became missing in combat and return them to their families. The agency works in 45 nations to investigate, recover, identify, and return 81,000 missing personnel from conflicts spanning from World War II through the Persian Gulf wars. The work begins, the director of the agency Kelly McKeague explained, with research and analysis and migrates through field excavations: "Then ultimately if we do find remains, we bring them back to one of two laboratories where our scientists will identify them and hopefully repatriate them to their loved ones." Many countries cooperate with the United States, including those with whom the U.S. has tense relations, like China and Russia. One country has refused to cooperate since 2005: We have 7,500 missing from the Korean War; 5300 are in North Korea. North Korea is the only one that uses this as a weapon, knowing how important it is to us, because theirs was always conditions based: If you want this, then you need to talk about taking denuclearization off the table. If you want this, you need to remove all economic sanctions, all trade embargoes." Director McKeague said North Korea stands in stark contrast to another nation. "Vietnam, 10 years after the war in the midst of economic sanctions, in the midst of trade embargoes, no diplomatic relations with the United States, approached the U.S. and said, We will help you with this." Director McKeague noted that in Vietnam his agency oftentimes employs villagers to help his staff. Our teams have never encountered bitterness, hostility, or regret and by the way, most of these people probably lost loved ones in the war. Over time, said Director McKeague, Those villagers began to ask their government. What about our loved ones? Vietnam has now passed a law establishing a capability like the United States, and the United States is helping them. Other countries, particularly in Asia, have modeled themselves after the U.S. mission. This is something that the United States does and a commitment that we make not only to the service members who made the supreme sacrifice in war, but its also to their families, said Director McKeague. It is, as he has often called it in the past, a sacred mission and a moral imperative. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has approved 11 electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, including Ather Energy, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp, Ola Electric, and Mahindra, to receive incentives under the recently introduced Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters "A total of 11 firms have been granted approval under the EMPS, with several more under consideration, informed a senior official of the ministry to Business Standard. The scheme aims to sustain the growth in EV sales, replacing the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles II (FAME-II) scheme. The new scheme, with an allocation of Rs 500 crore, commenced on April 1 and will continue till July 31. Other EV manufacturers getting the approval were TVS Motor, Quantum Energy, Hop Electric, Kinetic Green, BGauss Auto and TI Clean Mobility. The Centre has streamlined the certification process for this scheme. The approval process is now more efficient and expedited, ensuring a seamless experience for applicants, said the official. Earlier, concerns had been raised by EV companies about potentially missing out on incentives for sales made post-April 1. However, companies that have received approval will be eligible for incentives from their respective approval dates. Applications from automakers are still being accepted. Officials have indicated that all applicants seeking incentives under the upcoming scheme must undergo a registration process. To manage the increasing demand and lessen the burden on EV manufacturers, the government has reduced the maximum subsidy cap. For electric two-wheelers (e2W), the cap is now Rs 10,000 per vehicle, down from Rs 22,500, and for e3W, it is Rs 50,000, reduced from Rs 111,505. Both categories will receive incentives of Rs 5,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The subsidy reduction responds to the high demand. "The goal is to support the industry while preparing it for a post-subsidy era, as subsidies cannot continue indefinitely, heavy industries minister Mahendra Nath Pandey told Business Standard. Incentivising e2W & e3W Though incentives are offered for e2W and e3W categories, no such benefits are extended to electric four-wheelers (e4W) and e-buses under the new scheme. Despite requests from several e4W manufacturers, including industry leader Tata Motors, for a three-year extension of FAME-II benefits to their category, this request was not approved. Government officials explained that the exclusion of e4W and e-buses from the EMPS is due to existing schemes like Auto PLI and PM-eBus Sewa Scheme catering to these categories. The Auto PLI and PM-eBus Sewa scheme already cater to e4W and buses. Currently, EMPS will focus solely on e2W and e3W categories, heavy industries minister had said. According to government data, FAME-I supported approximately 278,000 pure EVs with total demand incentives of Rs 343 crore. FAME-II, which began in April 2019 with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore for three years, was later extended to March 2024. EV sales this year have seen a significant increase of over 45 per cent, surpassing the challenges of subsidy reductions and regulatory changes. EV registrations in 2023 nearly reached 1.5 million units, a substantial rise from the previous years figure of just over 1 million units. This growth has propelled the overall EV penetration in India to 6.3 per cent from 4.8 per cent in 2022, exceeding the 5 per cent mark. Defence exports grew 33 per cent in the calendar year 2023 (CY23) to around Rs 21,083 crore while domestic defence orders serviced by listed companies were Rs 48,000 crore. The sector is poised for steady growth. Photograph: Altaf Hussain/Reuters Budgeted domestic capex is likely to hit Rs 3 trillion per annum, and exports could reach $6 billion by FY29. There are listed high-end players in areas like electronics, aerospace, IT-enabling and material sciences. The Nifty Defence Index (NDI) of 14 listed companies has far outperformed the benchmark Nifty. The NDI has beaten the Nifty by 31 per cent and 96 per cent in the last 6 months and 12 months respectively. The best price performers over 12 months are Cochin Shipyard which is up 290 per cent, Zen Technologies (183 per cent) and Mazgaon Dock (173 per cent). MTAR Technologies (down 21 per cent in 12 months) is the only loser in the NDI. The average operating profit margin for listed constituents was up 280 basis points at 21.8 per cent and operating profit grew 23.5 per cent year on year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 10,400 crore and net profit was up 27 per cent at Rs 8,900 crore. There are six NDI constituents with over $2 billion market capitalisation, and for them, 9MFY24 profit growth was led by Cochin Shipyard (PAT up 91 per cent), Bharat Dynamics (62 per cent), Mazagon Dock (58 per cent) and Bharat Electronics or BEL (36 per cent) and dragged down by Hindustan Aeronautics or HAL (10.5 per cent) and Solar Industries (9 per cent). By December 2023 end, the cumulative order book for NDI companies at Rs 2.8 trillion was up 7 per cent above the end-March 23 levels. The 9MFY24 new order inflow was Rs 67,000 crore, which was around 76 per cent of full-year FY23 inflows. Among NDI companies with a $2 billion market cap, order book growth was led by Solar Industries (+63 per cent vs. FY23) and BEL (+26 per cent vs FY23). Bloomberg consensus forecasts for 10 NDI constituents imply Q4FY24 will see a pick-up in revenue growth to 23 per cent Y-o-Y, with an operating profit margin dip of 190 basis points Y-o-Y, and a profit decline of 5 per cent Y-o-Y. HAL and BEL together account for 62 per cent of the total market cap of NDI constituents. They have consensus forecasts of Q4FY24 revenue growth of 8 per cent and 34 per cent Y-o-Y respectively and net profit fall of -23 per cent and growth of 1 per cent respectively. Over the FY24-26 period, 7 NDI firms have consensus earnings growth forecasts ranging above 25 per cent. The total FY25 budgeted defence spending is of Rs 6.22 trillion (down 0.4 per cent Y-o-Y) which is 1.86 per cent of GDP. The FY24 revised defence capex expenditure was Rs 1.57 trillion (up 10 per cent Y-o-Y), which was 3.3 per cent lower than Budget estimates. The FY25 Budget estimate capex is Rs 1.72 trillion, implying growth of 10 per cent Y-o-Y. The policy push for import substitution and exports can drive 15 per cent annual growth in defence production turnover for the next five financial years, which is somewhat priced in by the market rally. India is the world s number-two importer of defence equipment, with 9 per cent of global arms imports. The indigenisation eases the trade balance and drives double-digit growth. But defence spends are lumpy, with long payment delays and orders sometimes drying up. In terms of revenue visibility, HAL has a service income of over 55 per cent of revenue. BEL has a zero-debt balance sheet which is also worth noting given capital intensity. Many analysts have buy/add recommendations ranging across the whole sector. Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. For someone who is such an indefatigable litigant, what is stopping Mr Saxena from using the law to depose Mr Kejriwal? Maybe we will get the answer after May 25, notes Aditi Phadnis. IMAGE: Delhi ministers, Delhi's mayor and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders hold a day-long fast at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, April 7, 2024 over Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in the alleged excise policy case. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo Will the Delhi government be dismissed before May 25 or after? This is really the only question. Delhi will have Lok Sabha elections on that day. Taking any action before then could affect the Bharatiya Janata Party's chances of winning the Delhi seats. Equally, the longer the war of taunts between Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, now behind bars, and Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena carries on, the longer Mr Kejriwal will have to prove his point that he is a political prisoner of a repressive regime, not the corrupt scamster the BJP claims he is. Every other day, a 'directive' or a 'decision' taken by the chief minister from jail is announced by his colleagues outside. In response, the LG has asserted that "Delhi government jail se nahin chalegi" (the Delhi government will not be run from jail). Let us be clear. It is within the remit of the lieutenant governor of Delhi, under Article 239 AA and AB of the Constitution, to inform the President of India that a situation has arisen in which the administration of the National Capital Territory cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and recommend dismissal. What's taking him so long? The Aam Aadmi Party has no Lok Sabha MP from Delhi. The BJP has all seven. The real target of the Union government, represented by the LG, is to undermine the credibility of the state government: Normally the job of the state unit of the party. But Vinai Kumar Saxena is perfectly placed to carry out this task. He was appointed LG in 2022, having previously been made Khadi and Village Industries Commission chairman in 2015. Originally from Kanpur, he began his career as an assistant officer in a private company in Rajasthan before shifting to Gujarat in 1995 as general manager of the Dholera Port project, being developed by Adani Ports and J K White Cement. He was not only made chief executive officer but was elevated as director of the project. From 2000 till today, Mr Saxena has had a bugbear: Medha Patkar. In the 1990s, when the Narmada Bachao Andolan agitation against raising the height of the Sardar Sarovar dam, led by activists Baba Amte and Medha Patkar, was at its peak, Mr Saxena formed a non-government organisation, the National Council for Civil Liberties. He began by publishing articles and issuing paid advertisements against Ms Patkar's activities in which he alleged she was anti-national and was receiving funding from dubious foreign sources. Ms Patkar's demands were simple: Raising the height of the dam would undoubtedly provide water to many thirsty Gujarat and Rajasthan regions. But it would also inundate the land of hundreds and thousands of families in Madhya Pradesh, which needed to be rehabilitated before the height of the dam was raised and the catchment area expanded. Whatever the merits of the arguments, the Narmada Bachao Andolan became, for a time, a bad word in Gujarat as then chief minister Narendra Modi went from pillar to post, seeking support for his stance. Mr Saxena picked up the gauntlet on the state government's behalf and fought cases against Ms Patkar. She in turn filed defamation cases, which are still going on. IMAGE: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, left, and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal after inaugurating the engineered landfill site at Tehkhand in New Delhi, March 12, 2024. Photograph: Amit Sharma/ANI Photo Mr Saxena's NGO was the one that filed a police complaint against public intellectual Ashis Nandy, alleging that an article written by Mr Nandy after the 2007 assembly elections had projected the state in 'a bad light' and 'promoted communal disharmony between Hindus and Muslims'. Mr Nandy contended that the FIR was registered out of mala fide intention and was aimed at penalising him for expressing his bona fide views. As the Gujarat police moved to arrest him, it was the Supreme Court that finally gave Mr Nandy relief in 2011. Cut to July 2022, when acting on then Delhi chief secretary Naresh Kumar's report, Mr Saxena referred the liquor excise scam issue to the Central Bureau of Investigation. Under Mr Saxena, KVIC was corporatised and earned profits. But its mandate was that its employees must be committed lifetime wearers of khadi. Under his leadership, KVIC signed agreements with major textile brands such as Raymonds and Arvind Mills to market khadi. For the first time, in 2017, companies such as Fab India and Web sites Amazon and Flipkart were slapped with legal notices for trademark violation because KVIC argued the fabric these outlets were selling as khadi was not khadi at all and 'had no label or tag issued by KVIC'. For someone who is such an indefatigable litigant, what is stopping Mr Saxena from using the law to depose Mr Kejriwal? Maybe we will get the answer after May 25. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com If the BJP gets only 200 seats and wants to remain in power, Modi will have to make way -- either for a proxy of his choice, or for an internal rival, predicts Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra Modi at an election meeting in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, April 9, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Parakala Prabhakar, the noted Indian political commenter and analyst, recently made several startling claims in an interview to Rediff.com. He thereafter, made similar points in the course of a video interview too. Because he is no social media warrior prone to making stunning statements with the intention of increasing the number of 'followers', his arguments needs to be taken seriously. Mr Prabhakar has been in the political arena for more than a quarter of a century in the course of which he has not only been an official spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party, but also been a member of the Praja Rajyam Party. It is common knowledge that having a ringside view of politics for long is particularly beneficial when assessing the immediate and long-term road map ahead, especially if one is not aligned with any political party, as Mr Prabhakar is currently. In the years that he has been in public life, he was also an advisor to the Andhra Pradesh government and then chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, while holding a cabinet rank. The fact that Mr Prabhakar is also the spouse of current Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman makes his voice truly redoubtable. In the aforesaid interviews he asserted that 'Modigate is snowballing into a huge thing with the electorate. (The BJP is) in for huge punishment by the electorate.' Before going further, it is important to understand what he means by Modigate, a word with roots in the scandal that led to the collapse of the American presidency way back in the early 1970s. Modigate, according to Prabhakar, is the electoral bonds 'scam' and that the people are seething in anger against the BJP and are not going to waste the opportunity during the Lok Sabha elections to punish the party and its supremo, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Related to this is another of his important assertions: 'Modi-fatigue has set in because the prime minister is over-exposed. From his trips to the sky, to the bottom of the sea, there is nothing left where he has not been.' Quite clearly, Parakala is asking the intelligentsia to comprehend a reality that is overlooked in backdrop of Modi's perpetual publicity blitzkrieg. That the novelty or newness that that Modi represented in 2014, or even in 2019, is now passe. Mr Prabhakar's other prophesies for the Lok Sabha elections are: The BJP leadership is rattled after sensing huge rejection of the government's wrongdoings. The contest is not between parties. Instead it's between the BJP and Modi on one side, and the people on the other side. Post electoral-bonds scam BJP has lost the na khaoonga, aur na khane doonga moral high ground. It is very-very difficult for the BJP to return to power -- there's just an outside chance. With great difficulty the BJP may touch 200. In the event of Mr Parakala's forecast actually turning true, what will be the nature of governance, who will be the next prime minister of India and which parties shall be in the coalition? Before getting to the specifics, it must be first noted that if the BJP's tally indeed drops below 200 or hovers around that figure, it would mean a return to the coalition era -- the single-party majority governments of 2014 and 2019 would be once again in the past like it was after 1984. Unlike the viewpoint, pushed by Modi and his party over the past decade, coalitions do not retard development and growth and enhance government. Contrarily, periods when India registered high-growth various coalition governments were at the helm. Moreover, democracy was more functional, decentralisation was the norm and consensual politics was the credo of the times. If the BJP is reduced to a sub-200 mark, it will remain the single largest party and the President, citing precedents starting with 1996, will first ask the party to form a government. It may be very difficult for the BJP to must support of seventy plus Lok Sabha MPs from various parties with Modi remaining at the helm, as within the BJP too, knives will be out and other leaders will fancy their chances. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supporters at the election meeting in Pilibhit, April 9, 2024, addressed by Modi. Photograph: ANI Photo It is very difficult to say who will throw their hats in the ring at that stage and who will be backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh which will again be politically ascendant. In all likelihood, if the BJP is to remain in power, Modi will have to make way -- either for a proxy of his choice, or for an internal rival. Furthermore, any such government will have to be more consensual as coalition partners will account for almost twenty five percent of the Treasury Benches in the Lok Sabha. Effectively, this will put the clock back to the Vajpayee-era style of governance where some stalwarts from coalition partners had equal voice in the Union Cabinet when compared with those from the BJP. Even if Modi clutches on to office, he will have to considerably alter his style and persona -- the government cannot be completely centred on him. He will be considerably enfeebled. If the BJP tally is down by around 100 seats, this gain will be mainly shared by the Congress, its allies in north and western India and by other regional parties in the rest of India. The Congress tally in such a scenario will be around the 100 mark and it will also be the second largest party in Lok Sabha. In the event of the BJP deciding not to, or being unable to form the government, the call to form the government shall be directed to the Congress, or it is possible that the INDIA bloc may make a successful collective bid. IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and others at the launch of the Congress' election manifesto in Jaipur, April 6, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo There are two questions at this stage: One, will the Congress be part of the government as in 2004 and 2009, or will it extend support from outside, like it in 1996 when it backed the National Front government after the BJP could not muster support in Parliament and resigned after just 13 days in office? The second question will arise if the Congress chooses to be part of the government. In that case, will it decide that Rahul Gandhi will be the PM or will it opt for some other like, maybe Mallikarjun Kharge or yet another dark horse? In the event of the Congress deciding to lend outside support to the new coalition, who has the most likely chance of becoming PM? The answer to this question will depend on whether the INDIA parties limit the choice among themselves, or if they decide that leaders of other non-BJP parties too can be considered. At that stage, it will all depend on the numbers with each of the regional parties; how many seats have been won by the Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Nationalist Congress Party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham, and even the Trinamool Congress although it is currently not part of the Opposition alliance. In the event of what Mr Prabhakar has envisaged comes true on June 4, when the totals stored in the EVMs are added up, India may go through a series of uncertainties but in the end there shall be a government in place and a new phase of governance and history will begin. For that to happen, the 2024 elections once again cannot be one 'single election' with an overarching narrative like in 2014 and 2019, but it will have to be an aggregate of 543 elections -- each different with a different challenger to the ruling party, but driven by the voters' decision to vote the BJP out of office. Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay is an author and journalist based in Delhi-NCR. His latest book is The Demolition, The Verdict and The Temple: The Definitive Book on the Ram Mandir Project. He is also the author of Narendra Modi: The Man, The Times. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com There is an impression within the Tamil Nadu BJP -- although no one is airing it -- that over-exposure for Narendra Modi may work against party candidates as they have triggered a near-continuous social media debate on his achievements and failures, points out N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Narendra D Modi at an election c meeting ahead of the Lok Sabha polls at Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, April 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo There is more dynamics and chemistry at work in electoral battles than in other things in real life. Or, that is what the strategists of the ruling DMK-led combine in Dravidian Tamil Nadu may be learning as the campaign for the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the lone seat in the neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry peaks in the shortest, 19-day run-up to the first-phase polling on Friday next, April 19. Weeks and months before poll fever set in, local analysts had given a clean sweep to the DMK-Congress combine in the 40 seat tally including Puducherry, and they seem to be revising their calculations. If nothing else, they are not ready to commit themselves as vehemently as they used to do. Then and now, they acknowledge the existence of an anti-incumbency factor against Chief Minister M K Stalin's three-year-old DMK government, but are not sure if a split in the combined vote-share of the AIADMK-BJP combine from the 2019 elections would be enough for the rival DMK-Congress alliance to win most, if not all seats, even if not by huge margins as in the last outing. Leaders of the other two alliances, while swearing in public that they are sweeping the poll, still do not rule out a win-all for the DMK combine in private conversations. The two allies from 2019 are now contesting separately, with other partners and that has made this election a genuine three-cornered affair. If you add actor-politician Seeman's Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NKT), which has fielded candidates for all 40 seats, then you have a four-cornered contest, even leaving out Independents, whose numbers vary from constituency to constituency. No one expects any of the NKT candidates to win a seat, but in close contests, they can be the clincher, by taking away votes from one or more mainline candidates. The same cannot be said about 'Independents'. Most of them are expected to lose their security deposit. But among them is three-time AIADMK chief minister O Panneerselvam (OPS), who as an Independent in the BJP-NDA's company, is trying his luck from coastal Ramanathapuram constituency with 'Jackfruit' as his symbol. There are those who ask if Narendra Modi first, and Rajnath Singh more recently, raising the Katchchatheevu issue, owed to the rumoured idea for the former to choose Ramanathapuram (or, southern-most Kanyakumari) as a second constituency after Varanasi, another temple town, which has become his 'native' constituency. The problem is mainly for the DMK and the AIADMK, and to a lesser extent, the Congress ally of the former. Their star candidates have been around for some time, and there is no newness to their faces. Candidates like Kanimozhi Karunanidhi (Thoothukudi), Dayanidhi Maran (Chennai Central) and many other DMK candidates are incumbent MPs, with some like the latter contesting for a third consecutive term. The same is the case with the AIADMK. Barring now-estranged OPS, whose son Raveendranath Kumar was the sole party nominee to win his seat (Theni), the rest of them all from the NDA combine lost in 2019. Today, the party has new faces in many constituencies, but they are so new that there is a visible disconnect with the cadres and voters alike. It is here that the BJP has scored initially. However, that is no guarantee that they are all going to win. More than other candidates from the other two combines, BJP candidates like former Telangana governor Tamizhisai Soundararajan (Chennai South), Union Minister L Murugan (Udhagamandalam, earlier known as Nilgiris), former Union minister of state Pon Radhakrishnan (Kanyakumari), state party chief Kuppusamy Annamalai (Coimbatore) and assembly group leader Nainar Nagendran (Tirunelveli) have made their 'star constituencies' and star contests, sort of spread across the state. IMAGE: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President M K Stalin campaigns for DMK candidates. Photograph: Kind courtesy M K Stalin/X Of them, of course, Pon Radhakrishnan is an old war-horse, who has won only twice in nine contests, and was also a Union minister of state on both occasions after winning the Kanyakumari seat in 1999 and 2014. His choice for the constituency was near-natural, thus taking away the fizz from the contest, which is otherwise loaded in favour of the sitting Congress member, Vijay Vasanth. For 'Ponnar', 72, as Radhakrishnan is known in the Tamil media, this may be his last electoral outing. His cadres are citing it as a reason why voters should give him 'one last chance' in this communally-polarised constituency. Their add-on line that if elected, he would also be a Union minister does not seem to have too many takers after Radhakrishnan, in his last stint (2014-2019) initiated an ambitious/over-ambitious deep-sea port in Colachel, which did not find favour with most constituents, as his defeat by a massive 260,000 vote margin against Congress candidate, the late H Vasantha Kumar, showed. In the by-election that followed, Vasantha Kumar's son, Vijay Vasanth, defeated him by a substantially lower margin of 138,000 votes. Yet, it is a high margin for the BJP candidate to cover in a traditionally strong constituency, where the AIADMK ally from the past was weak and the present-day partner PMK is non-existent. IMAGE: AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, third from right, releases the party manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo From among the rest, it is the name and their background that have made the BJP candidates look popular -- whether or not they are acceptable to the voters in Coimbatore (Annamalai), Chennai South (Tamizhisai) and Udhagamandalam (Murugan). The latter alone has a tough rival in the reserved seat. Rather, the DMK's former Union minister A Raja, who is the incumbent MP, is facing Murugan, who was re-elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh only in recent weeks. Tamizhisai is likewise pitted against incumbent DMK member Tamizhachchi Thangapandian, born Sumathi, with the AIADMK's past MP, Jayavardhan (2014-2019), forming the triad. Of them, Tamizhisai and Jayavardhan are medical doctors and the incumbent MP is a PhD-holder, in a constituency, which in the past has returned former President R Venkatararaman, DMK founder C N Annadurai, former Union ministers T T Krishnamachari and Murasoli Maran, all of it going to make it the 'most elite constituency' in the state. IMAGE: BJP supporters during Modi's election meeting in Coimbatore. Photograph: ANI Photo But then, more than any of these three star candidates, it is Tirunelveli's Nainar Nagendran who is known as an effective poll-manager from his days in the AIADMK and as a minister in Jayalalithaa's maiden government (1991-1996). A native to the constituency, he is taking on Robert Bruce, whom local Congressmen are saying is an 'outsider' and so is the AIADMK's Jansi Rani. However, it is not going to be a cake-walk for the BJP as Nainar Nagendran has since been involved in the recovery of Rs 4 crores (Rs 40 million) from his alleged aides by the Election Commission's 'flying squad' on a train, off Chennai, the other day. His denials have not cut much ice with local voters though that will not be the deciding factor unless the controversy takes a further turn. Likewise, the DMK's T M Selvaganapathy, a minister in Jayalalithaa's maiden government, who defeated the late Union minister Vazhappadi K Ramamurthy of the Tiwari Congress in 1999, is an effective candidate in Salem, the native constituency of AIADMK boss and former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS). Over the years, the DMK has freely admitted senior leaders from the AIADMK rival, giving them ministerial positions and major party assignments, including ticket to contest the Lok Sabha/ polls. IMAGE: Crowds listen to Stalin at a rally in Madurai, April 9, 2024. Photograph: DMK/X Yet, the BJP's Hindutva ideology and what has been propagated as the anti-Tamil and anti-Tamil Nadu policies of the party's north Indian leadership may come in the way of the party candidates in Tamil Nadu, this time too. There is an impression within the state party -- and no one is airing it -- that over-exposure for Modi over the past months may work against BJP candidates, as they have triggered a near-continuous social media debate on his achievements and failures. This contrasts with the state BJP IT wing's contributions that are confined to attacking the Congress and the DMK on 'corruption' and 'dynastic politics', which have not had electoral success in a state through the past decades. They have not been able to effectively counter the charges against the BJP ideology and 'Modinomics' policies, if they could be called so. Traditional BJP supporters and 'Modi bhakts' in the state are still targeting the DMK on issues of religious beliefs on social media even after two successive defeats in 2019 and 2021. Again, it is not a welcome topic that in a state where despite the perceived anti-Hindu, anti-god politics of the early Dravidian movement leaders -- for the critics it is centred on and stops with former chief minister M Karunanidhi -- people cherish their inherent 'secularist' (!) credentials to the last village. Here, casteism is a greater issue, but the BJP has never ever attempted to address it, not knowing what would be in store. As anticipated, today, the party has tied up with the Vanniar-strong PMK, which is considered by many as the 'fountainhead' of casteist politics in the state, in turn triggering a Dalit backlash, which is equally violent at times, but not as effective (!). IMAGE: An election meeting addressed by Modi at Mettupalayam in Coimbatore, April 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The fact is that crowds for the campaign meetings of all three alliances are massive. In the BJP, Modi is the real crowd-puller while Stalin and EPS draw equally and at times even larger crowds. This is so despite the unprecedented early summer when daily temperatures have already crossed the proverbial 100-degree mark (Fahrenheit, 39 degree Celsius) in many parts of the state. Generally, these temperatures are reserved for late April and most of May. This could well mean that Tamil Nadu's early, first-phase poll may imply that the state's poll campaigners and even cadre-crowds might escape a longer and harsher summer, as elsewhere in the country. For the same reason and even otherwise, political parties in Tamil Nadu may be able to keep the poll momentum and cadre-involvement at their peak, for the short, 19-day duration of campaign period and another two days for polling, on 19 April. Their counterparts elsewhere may have trouble on their hands as the hot summer and scorching summer could well seal the fate of even some favourite candidates of favourite parties in some individual constituencies, if they are unable to keep the campaign and cadre momentum at their peak all the time, for a longer period from the day the Election Commission announced the poll schedule nearly a month back on March 16, with the last phase of polling slated for June 1 -- and vote-counting three days later on June 4! N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'I declared myself a Sikh. We want freedom from caste discrimination.' IMAGE: A helicopter showers flower petals over the Golden Temple during the 489th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, October 30, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo It is an unusual sight, all right, to see seven Tamilian Sikhs in the electoral fray in southern Tamil Nadu. They belong to the Bahujan Dravida Party and they are contesting the Lok Sabha elections with little or no funds. Rajan Singh from Kanyakumari, Seetha Kaur from Tenkasi, Selva Singh from Tirunelveli, Naga Vamsa Pandian Singh from Madurai, Korkai Palanisamy Singh from Virudhunagar, Manivasagam Singh from Ramanathapuram and Asiriyar Shunmugasundaram from Toothukudi are all in the fray for the elections to be held on April 19. The Bahujan Dravida Party was formed by Jeevan Singh, 51, a practising advocate in the Supreme Court. His family consists of his wife and two children. He belongs to Kadodi Nagar, a village in the Toothukudi district of Tamil Nadu. He along with other Tamils participated in the farmers' agitation on Delhi's borders which finally resulted in the withdrawal of the three contentious farm bills in November 2021. They were so impressed with the courage, unity, and organisation shown by the Sikh farmers that they decided to embrace Sikhism. "We started a political party and are standing for elections as it provides a platform to spread Sikhism whose goal is a casteless and egalitarian society," Jeevan Singh tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor A Ganesh Nadar, on why they decided to contest the elections. Why did you decide to convert to Sikhism? I have always identified myself as a Bahujan. In the year 2010 I started reading about Osho's philosophy. He writes about the sants Kabir, Ravidas and Guru Nanak among others. I read a lot about them and also about (social reformer) Ayya Vaikundar in Swamithope, Tirunelveli. I also studied Sikhism. Sikhism is a call against caste discrimination. Sikhs are well organised on equality. The Guru Granth Sahib is against caste. We want freedom from caste discrimination. The Sikhs are brave, they are willing to wage war and they have a very good organisation. If you read their history you will know that they fought for equality. Many Sikhs sacrificed their lives for their religion. Christianity started for the liberation of Israelis, Islam started for the liberalisation of Arabs, Sikhism started for the liberation of Indians. The Sikhs did not ask me to convert. I declared myself a Sikh. What impressed you the most about Sikhs? I participated in the Kisan Morcha along with hundreds of other Tamils. Though they constitute 14% of the population Muslims could not oppose the Citizens (Amendment) Act. Dalits who constitute 18% of the population could not oppose the caste system. But the Sikhs who constitute only 2% of the population could stop the agriculture laws because of their unity, courage and self-respect. We are better off as Sikhs. There is a book Captivating The Simple Heart by Pieter Friedrich and Bhajan Singh which I have translated into Tamil and my wife has translated it into Hindi. If you read the book you will understand the beauty of Sikhism, the history of Sikhism, they abolished caste names and used Singh instead which means Lion. Why are you standing for elections? The BJP and Congress are fooling the people. Both stand for the same policies. We started a political party and are standing for elections as it provides a platform to spread Sikhism whose goal is a casteless and egalitarian society. More people will talk about it as it is election time. Why did you call me? Because my party stood for elections. Otherwise you would have never heard about us. IMAGE: Jeevan Singh, who founded the Bharat Dravida Party. Photograph: Kind courtesy Bahujan Dravida Party What about funds for the elections? We don't need any funds for the elections as all the candidates belong to the Scheduled Caste our deposit to stand for elections is only Rs 12,500. We canvass in the (Bahujan Samaj Party founder) Kanshi Ram model: 'I am coming to work for you, you must give me your vote along with a note.' We are asking for only one rupee, but people are giving us Rs 500 notes. Your vote is your value. Both a Brahmin vote and a Scheduled Caste vote have the same value, but socially we are not equal. The money people give us is our election fund. People give us food. Among the 15 lakh voters in every parliamentary constituency we will be able to meet four lakhs. We use one car to canvass. We rely upon the media to get our message to the rest of the people. You know people are talking about us since the elections started. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com Three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an air strike carried out by the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed. IMAGE: Top Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Photograph: ANI Photo The three sons of the Hamas leader, who were confirmed dead by the Israeli forces, were identified as Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing and Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh. "IAF aircraft struck Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, and Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, both Hamas military operatives, in central Gaza today. The IDF confirms that the 3 operatives are the sons of Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas' political bureau," IDF posted on its official X handle. Four of Haniyeh's grandchildren are also reported to have been killed in the strike on the Shati refugee camp on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Al Jazeera reported. Haniyeh, meanwhile, told Al Jazeera that Palestinian leaders will not back down if their families are targeted by the Israeli army, and that the killings will not affect Hamas's demands in the negotiations for a ceasefire. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Haniyeh confirmed the killing of his children Hazem, Amir and Mohammad along with a number of his grandchildren on Wednesday. Haniyeh said they were targeted as they were his visiting relatives for Eid at the Shati refugee camp. "Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation," Haniyeh said, adding that around 60 members of his family, including nieces and nephews, have been killed since the start of the war. Haniyeh said they were targeted as they were his visiting relatives for Eid at the Shati refugee camp. "Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation," Haniyeh said, adding that around 60 members of his family, including nieces and nephews, have been killed since the start of the war. The Hamas political leader, who is based in the Gulf state of Qatar, decried what he described as Israel's brutality in Gaza and stressed that Palestinian leaders will not back down if their families and homes are targeted, Al Jazeera reported. "There is no doubt that this criminal enemy is driven by the spirit of revenge and the spirit of murder and bloodshed, and it does not observe any standards or laws," Haniyeh said. "We've seen it violate everything on the land of Gaza. There is a war of ethnic cleansing and genocide. There is mass displacement," he added. Former Congress spokesperson Rohan Gupta joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday, marking the defection of yet another visible opposition face to the ruling party in the election season. IMAGE: Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde welcome former Congress leader Rohan Gupta as he joins the BJP, at the party headquarters in New Delhi, April 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Gupta, along with some other leaders, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri and the party's national general secretary Vinod Tawde as he accused his former party of having lost direction and credibility due to its drift from its traditional stands on issues, such as nationalism and Sanatan Dharma. Former Indian Administrative Service officer Parampal Kaur, who recently resigned from the service, her husband Gurpreet Singh Maluka, who is the son of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sikander Singh Maluka, and Youth Congress leader Jahanzaib Sirwal also joined the ruling party at a ceremony, lauding India's rise under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Gupta last month turned down the Congress's candidature for him from the Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat, a BJP citadel, and then quit the party as he blamed his "constant humiliation and character assassination by a leader connected with the communication department" of the grand old party for his decision, an apparent swipe at Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in charge of the party's communication department. The leader who has "Ram" in his name asked them to keep mum when Sanatan Dharma was being insulted, Gupta told reporters, adding that those who have never fought an election are formulating the vision for the Congress. The Congress has gravitated to the Left, the former social media head of the party said. On one hand, the party said it respected the Supreme Court verdict paving the way for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya but on the other, it did not attend the consecration ceremony of the temple, he said. Gupta cited the Congress's stand on a host of issues, including its opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and aligning with a party like the Aam Aadmi Party despite its strident criticism in the past, to make his point. Gupta expressed his support to the BJP leadership's agenda of a "viksit Bharat" by 2047 and lauded Modi's vision. Recently, another former Congress spokesperson, Gourav Vallabh, also joined the BJP. The three other leaders lauded Modi for India's global rise and development under his watch. Tawde said their presence will further strengthen the BJP. Sirwal said "political brokerage" in Jammu and Kashmir has been finished by the BJP. Maluka said he is joining the saffron party for the development of Punjab. Gujarat Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi told reporters in Ahmedabad that Gupta's allegiance to the BJP was exposed when he decided to turn down the Lok Sabha poll ticket offered to him by the Congress. "Unofficially, Gupta was associated with the BJP for a long time. It was an inside story and we knew it beforehand that staying with the Congress was his game. The Congress party gave him positions, prestige and he used this to make money and then went on to betray the party," Doshi alleged. "We knew everything from the start. The party gave him a chance to contest the election and this (his backing out of the poll race) revealed everything. Now, he is reading out the script given to him by the BJP," the Congress leader said. While withdrawing his candidature from Ahmedabad East, Gupta had said he was doing so at his ailing father's insistence. His father refused to avail of treatment in the ICU, where he was rushed to due to a panic attack, unless he gave in to his demand, Gupta had said. In 2004, Gupta's father, a Congress candidate, lost the Lok Sabha polls from Ahmedabad. China on Thursday said that "sound and stable ties" serve the common interests of China and India as it reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that for New Delhi, ties with Beijing are important and the "prolonged situation" at the borders should be addressed urgently. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, which described India's rise as "unstoppable", Prime Minister Modi expressed hope that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, the two countries will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity at their borders. China noted Prime Minister Modi's remarks, Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing in Beijing when asked for her reaction to Modi's interview. Sound and stable China-India relations serve the interests of both countries and are conducive to peace and development in the region and beyond, she said. In his interview, which is the first to be given to a US magazine in the recent past, Modi said that for India, the relationship with China is important and significant. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world," he said. On the boundary question, Mao reiterated China's oft-repeated stand that it does not represent the entirety of China-India relations, and it should be placed appropriately in bilateral relations and managed properly. However, India has maintained that there cannot be restoration of normalcy in its relations with China as long as the state of the borders remains abnormal. She said both countries maintain close communication through diplomatic and military channels on handling issues related to the border situation and have made positive progress. We hope that India will work with China, approach the bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, keep building trust and engage in dialogue and cooperation, and seek to handle differences appropriately to put the relationship on a sound and stable track, she said. Meanwhile, Modi's remarks were welcomed by the official media here, which termed it a gesture of goodwill. In a welcome move that may give a timely boost to the development of peaceful and stable China-India relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed the wish for the two neighbouring countries to 'urgently' resolve their long-standing border disputes, the state-run China Daily said in its editorial. Modi's latest remarks could be interpreted as a gesture of goodwill, as the two sides try to find a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement to their border disputes at an early date and turn the final page on them, it further said. That the two countries have kept the talks on the ground and the consultation mechanism running provides grounds for optimism that they will be able to not only continue to uphold peace along the border under bilateral agreements and protocols but also begin a new chapter of friendly bilateral relations, the editorial said. The relations between India and China have been frozen except for trade ties ever since the eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Tso (lake) area. The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of corps commander-level talks to resolve the standoff. According to the Chinese military, the two sides so far agreed to disengage from four points, namely the Galwan Valley, the Pangong Lake, Hot Springs, and Jianan Daban (Gogra). India is pressing the People's Liberation Army to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas, maintaining that there cannot be restoration of normalcy in its relations with China as long as the border issue remains tense. The United States put forward a resolution on Gaza on March 22, after consulting all Security Council members. The vast majority of the Council voted yes. Unfortunately, Russia and China decided to exercise their vetoes, said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs at the United Nations. Russia and China offered many over-the-top explanations for their obstruction. Rather than support diplomacy to release the hostages and secure a ceasefire, they attacked the United States. ... But heres the truth: while Russia and China attack and distract, the United States is at the table working toward an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages. Weve rolled up our sleeves and remain engaged in on-the-ground diplomacy. Lets be clear, declared Ambassador Wood, in vetoing this resolution, Russia and China stopped this Council from condemning Hamas for burning people alive, for gunning down civilians at a concert, for raping women and girls, for taking hundreds of people hostage, including children. Contrary to what Russia and China say, the U.S. supports a ceasefire in Gaza. As President Biden said, an immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent civilians. And we know that the way to achieve that is through negotiations to reach an agreement in which hostages are released, said Ambassador Wood. Such negotiations are ongoing, with the help of Egypt and Qatar. The U.S. drafted resolution also called for immediate measures to help keep aid workers safe; underscored support for the Palestinian Authority to govern not only the West Bank but also Gaza; and emphasized that there must be no change in the territory of Gaza. The U.S. has a responsibility to begin laying the foundation for a peaceful future now, declared Ambassador Wood: The United States rejects Russia and Chinas decision to play petty politics. We will continue efforts to advance peace in the region. We will remain at the negotiating table to enable the release of hostages and a ceasefire. We will continue to provide massive support to the humanitarian effort, at a time when starvation has set in, and millions of people are in dire need of assistance. The U.S. will continue to press for implementation of all Security Council resolutions in order to restore peace in Gaza. The Congress on Thursday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "ineffective and feeble" response to China for its border transgressions, and demanded that he apologises to 140 crore Indians for his June 2020 statement that no one has entered India nor has anyone occupied any post. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering during a public meeting ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, at Mettupalayam, in Coimbatore. Photograph: ANI Photo Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said that in his interview to Newsweek magazine, "the Prime Minister was at his cowardly worst". In a post on X, he said the PM's only comment on China's repeated infringements on Indian sovereignty was that the India-China border situation needs to be addressed urgently to resolve the "abnormality" in the bilateral interactions. "The prime minister had a chance to send a powerful message to China. However, his ineffective and feeble response is likely to only encourage China further in asserting its claim on Indian territory," Ramesh said. "The prime minister's reaction to the China issue is not only disgraceful but also disrespectful to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in defending our borders," he said. "The prime minister should apologise to the 140 crore Indians for deceiving them on national television on June 19th, 2020, with his statement Na Koi Ghusa Hai, Na Hi Koi Ghus Aaya hai and keeping the nation in dark about his failures in protecting the borders with China," the Congress leader also said. In an interview with Newsweek magazine, which described India's rise as "unstoppable", Prime minister Modi has asserted that stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for the entire region and the world, and expressed hope that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, the two countries will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity at their borders. The New York-based magazine said India's "rapid upward economic trajectory and increasing diplomatic, scientific and military weight make it an emerging superpower of ever-growing importance to the United States and the world". During the wide-ranging interview carried by the magazine under the headline "Narendra Modi and the Unstoppable Rise of India", the prime minister talked about a host of issues, including the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, ties with Pakistan, Quad, Ram temple and democracy, among others. In the interview, which is the first to be given to a US magazine in the recent past, Modi said for India, the relationship with China is important and significant. "It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world," he said. "I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquillity in our borders," Modi said. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Thursday said the party's Maharashtra leadership should have pursued equal seat-sharing among the three Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) allies for the Lok Sabha polls to ensure a better deal in the metropolis. IMAGE: Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad. Photograph: @VarshaEGaikwad/X There are six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai - Mumbai North, Mumbai North-Central, which have been allotted to the Congress in the seat sharing deal, while four others -- Mumbai South, Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai North-East and Mumbai North-West went to the Shiv Sena-UBT. The MVA coalition in Maharashtra announced its seat-sharing arrangement for the Lok Sabha elections on Tuesday with the Shiv Sena-UBT securing a substantial portion with 21 seats, while the Congress will contest 17 seats, and the NCP-SP 10 seats. Talking to reporters in Mumbai, Gaikwad said, "Earlier, Congress used to contest five seats in Mumbai, leaving only Mumbai North-East to the undivided Nationalist Congress Party. So we were demanding equal seat-sharing this time." When asked whether she was upset due to the seat-sharing, she declined to comment. Assign other than top image for homepage "We are answerable to our cadre. I have been consistently conveying the sentiments of the cadre in Mumbai to the state and central leadership of the party to ensure the party gets equal seat sharing. But since the decision has been taken now, as a loyal worker myself and my colleagues in Mumbai will work or the party," the former Maharashtra minister said. Gaikwad said she had told the party leadership that as its base was strong in Mumbai South-Central, Mumbai North-West and Mumbai North-Central constituencies, the party should get these seats. If victory and candidate with merit were the criteria, then Congress fulfilled both these requirements in the three seats, she said. "Even if some leaders have quit, the party organisation in Mumbai is strong. The state leadership could have given a better deal for the party. It should have pursued equal seat-sharing among the MVA allies," she said, adding that she conveyed this sentiment to the party's state and central leadership orally as well as in writing. To a question on Sena-UBT leader Vinod Ghosalkar meeting her with the demand for the Mumbai North seat, Gaikwad said it was too late now. "But if Mumbai North can be swapped for Mumbai South-Central, we will welcome it. But it is for the leadership to decide," she said. The Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra are scheduled in five phases from April 19 to May 20. A day after announcing his resignation as a minister in the Delhi government and quitting the Aam Aadmi Party, Raaj Kumar Anand asserted on Thursday that he did not take the decision under any pressure but was unable to tolerate "injustice". IMAGE: Delhi social welfare minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigns from his post as a minister and also from the Aam Aadmi Party during a press conference, in New Delhi, April 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The Patel Nagar MLA also kept people guessing about his next move by saying that "politics is a game of possibilities and no one knows what lies ahead in the future", even as Aam Aadmi Party leaders have claimed that he might join the Bharatiya Janata Party. Anand is still "technically" a minister although he has resigned, officials said. "He has claimed to have sent his resignation to the Chief Minister's Office but the chief minister is in judicial custody. There is no possibility in the near future that his resignation letter will reach the chief minister for his approval," a senior Delhi government officer said on Thursday. The resignation letter of a minister, approved by the chief minister, has to be forwarded to the lieutenant governor for further approval. Sources said Anand's resignation letter has not been received. The office of the Delhi assembly speaker has also said it has not received Anand's letter of resignation as an MLA. Anand said the allegation that he quit the AAP under pressure is wrong and also refuted the claim of AAP leaders that he had received a notice from the Enforcement Directorate. "I never received any notice from the ED," he told PTI Videos and added that the agency officials raided his residence in November last year to trace the money trail in the "liquor scam", but nothing was found and the matter was closed. Anand said he resigned because he was "not allowed" to discharge his duties as a minister and the work of his community was not being done. Alleging that Dalit leaders are not given important posts either in the AAP or in government agencies, such as the agricultural produce marketing committees, he said, "I was not able to tolerate this injustice." Anand, who held the portfolios of social welfare and SCs and STs among other portfolios in the Delhi government, asserted that neither is he retiring from politics nor going anywhere else. Asked if he plans to join any other party in the future, Anand said, "Nobody knows what lies in the future, but politics is a game of possibilities." Describing himself as a soldier of BR Ambedkar, he asserted, "I will continue to follow his slogan -- pay back to the society." Incidentally, the government bungalow occupied by Anand in the Civil Lines area is gaining notoriety as he is the third Dalit minister of the AAP government to resign. Earlier, Sandeep Kumar and Rajendra Pal Gautam -- who occupied the bungalow number 4 in Civil Lines -- resigned after courting controversies. In a relief to prominent Muslim cleric, Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan, the Supreme Court has granted an interim stay on the execution of the non-bailable warrant issued against him in the 2010 Bareilly communal riots case. IMAGE: A view of the Supreme Court of India. Photograph: ANI Photo On March 2, 2010, riots had broken out in the Uttar Pradesh town over a religious procession route. Many were injured and shops and vehicles burned and attacked. "Issue notice limited to the impugned order having been passed without assigning any reason. In the meanwhile, there shall be stay of operation of the impugned order," a bench of Justices MM Sundresh and SVN Bhatti ordered after taking note of the submissions made by lawyer Asad Alvi, appearing for the cleric. The top court was hearing an appeal filed by the cleric against the March 19 order of the Allahabad high court. The high court had refused to grant any "indulgence" for the time being to Tauqeer Raza Khan over the warrant. "So far as a non-bailable warrant against the revisionist (the cleric) is concerned, I am not inclined to grant any indulgence to the revisionist at this stage," the single judge HC bench of Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra had ordered. "However, keeping in view the ensuing Holi vacations, the revisionist is directed to appear before the learned trial court on or before March 27, 2024 and apply for bail and his bail application shall be disposed of strictly in accordance with law. It need not be impressed that a non-bailable warrant shall not be executed against him by March 27, 2024 only with a view to give him an opportunity to appear before the court below," the HC bench ordered. The top court took note of the submissions of Alvi that the high court had passed the order without assigning reasons and granted the interim stay. Initially, the state police had arrested Khan and others but did not file a chargesheet against him. On March 5, the local trial court had issued summons to the cleric. It had observed that those in positions of power should be "religious persons" and referred to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as an example. The trial court had said if a religious person heads the state, he gets good results, as propounded by Greek philosopher Plato in his book the 'Philosopher King'. "Those wielding power (satta ka pramukh) should be a religious person, because the life of a religious person is not of enjoyment but of sacrifice and dedication. For example, the Siddha Peeth Gorakhnath Temple's peethadheeshwar Mahant Baba Yogi Adityanath, who is presently Chief Minister of our Uttar Pradesh, has proved the above concept to be true," the trial court judge had said. When Tauqeer Raza Khan did not appear before the trial court on the fixed date, a non-bailable warrant was issued against him. The Allahabad high court took note of Khan's appeal and ordered expunction of remarks including the reference to the CM in the trial court order. "I have gone through the order under challenged whereby learned trial court while passing the impugned order mentioned certain unwarranted expressions containing political overtones and personal views. "Besides this, he has also shared his personal experiences in the said order, which is not at all required while passing judicial order. It is not expected from the judicial officer to express or depict his personal or preconceived notions or inclinations in the matter. The judicial order is meant for public consumption and such type of order is likely to be misconstrued by the masses," it said. The high court did not grant Khan the relief he had sought over the non-bailable warrant. The Uttar Pradesh government had told the high court that Khan was "the mastermind of communal riots which took place on March 2, 2010 in district Bareilly and there is sufficient evidence against him showing his complicity in the offence". West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she will not allow implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the National Register of Citizens and the Uniform Civil Code in the state. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a gathering in Kolkata on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. Photograph: @AITCofficial/X Addressing a gathering in Kolkata on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, she claimed that some people will try to "engineer riots" during elections and urged those who participated in the programme "not to fall prey to the plot". Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan. "We will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens and Uniform Civil Code. If we will live unitedly, nobody will be able to cause harm to us," Banerjee said while addressing the gathering at the Red Road. She asserted that her party Trinamool Congress's fight is against the Bharatiya Janata Party. "We will decide about the INDIA bloc later. But in Bengal, please see that no vote goes to any other party," the TMC supremo said. She also slammed the BJP government at the Centre for "using the central probe agencies against the opposition parties". TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee accompanied her at the Eid meet. The Telugu Desam Party has decided not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, and the beleaguered party is yet to take a call on whom to support in the state, though it is part of the NDA in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, a senior leader of the party said. IMAGE: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu. Photograph: Vijay Verma/PTI Photo/Rediff archives TDP spokesperson Jyothsna Tirunagari, however, said the TDP will resume its political innings by contesting the local body polls, expected to be held in June or July this year. "Though we are part of the NDA, we are not contesting the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana.The decision on whom to support in the upcoming polls in Telangana will be taken by the party's senior leadership. As of now, there is no instruction on that," she told PTI. The political journey of the TDP's has been passing through rough weather for the past few years, and the situation worsened after TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu was arrested by Andhra Pradesh police in a graft case. Following his arrest, the party decided not to contest the assembly polls in Telangana held on November 30 last year, prompting its state president, Ksanai Gnaneswar, to desert TDP and join former Chief Minister K Chandrasekahr Rao-led Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) before the polls. Since then, the party in Telangana has become headless and has been fraught with the desertions of several leaders and cadres. The TDP, which managed to win two seats in the 2018 Assembly polls in Telangana, polled 3.51 per cent of votes. It had a pre-poll pact with Congress and the CPI then. As the TDP did not contest the polls last year, other parties wooed its leaders and pocketed its vote pie in the assembly polls. Replying to a query, Tirunagari said there were no official instructions on whom to support in the 2023 assembly polls in Telangana. The choice of support was left to the local leadership, and they took decisions as per the prevailing conditions in their respective constituencies. "Appointing a president to the Telangana unit of the party will be decided in Mahanadu (the TDP's annual conclave)," the TDP leader said. Indicating a shift in the party's stand ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Bahujan Samaj Party has changed its motto of sarvjan hitai, sarvjan sukhai to bahujan hitai, bahujan sukhai, with a clear indication of returning to its roots. IMAGE: BSP chief Mayawati during a campaign meeting ahead of Lok Sabha polls, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, April 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The Bahujan Samaj Party, which had come to power in Uttar Pradesh through Mayawati's 'social engineering' formula, bringing the upper castes along with Dalits in the 2007 assembly elections, appears to be shifting to its core voter with the new motto. The slogan was formed to represent bahujans (literally meaning 'community in majority'), referring to the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward classes, along with religious minorities. The bahujan hitai, bahujan sukhai motto was used in the press note issued by the BSP informing about the party chief Mayawati's election meetings in Nagpur (Maharashtra) on Thursday. Till the last elections, the BSP's posters had sarvjan hitai, sarvajan sukhai motto. The press note issued by the BSP office has a separate paragraph stating, "In view of the broader interest and welfare of bahujan hitai, bahujan sukhai, the BSP is contesting the general elections alone with full preparation and with the strength of its own people's tan, man and dhan without the support or alliance of any party." According to the party insiders, after the high of 2007 when the BSP had gained an absolute majority by winning 206 seats in the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh Assembly, its electoral graph has been on the slide continuously. In the 2012 assembly polls, the BSP lost to the Samajwadi Party but it remained the main opposition party with 80 seats and 25 percent vote share. Five years later, the BSP's tally of seats declined sharply to 19 and its vote share came down to around 20 percent. The BSP had fought the last Lok Sabha election in alliance with the Samajwadi Party bagging 10 seats with the vote share of more than 19 percent. In 2014, it had failed to win any seat though it maintained its vote percentage. After the party's debacle in the 2022 assembly polls, where it could win only one seat, the leadership is faced with the task of keeping its core voters intact in order to remain relevant in Uttar Pradesh politics, a party leader said on the condition of anonymity. There has also been a realisation that the party which was formed to address the problems of the deprived sections has gradually moved on the turf that was similar to those pursued by other parties. The BSP was formed against "brahminvaad and manuvaad", its strength was in the unity of sections which were against the affluent and the upper castes, a BSP leader said. But subsequently the sawarns (upper castes) took hold on party posts and ticket allocation, so Dalits started feeling sidelined, he said, adding that the biggest task at hand for the party is to keep its around 13 percent vote share which it got in the 2022 elections intact. Another leader said the BSP's strength had been its loyal vote bank which had stayed with it all along. It was because of this core vote that all the other castes, including the upper castes, had joined forces with the party. If this core vote gets scattered, the strength of the party will be lost. "This is also the reason behind the party chief deciding to go alone in these elections, talking about and raising the issues of the 'bahujan samaj' and regain the lost ground," he said. "Bahujan means sarvjan or sarv samaj. The BSP is the only party in the country which gives representation to the sarv samaj. Before the BSP, there were sections of society which had not got a chance to contest elections be it Pal, Maurya, Prajapati, or Vishwarma," UP unit president of the BSP Vishwanath Pal told PTI. According to Kunwar Fateh Bahadur (retired IAS), president of social organisation 'Bahujan Bharat', which works for the deprived sections of society, it is important for the party to stay relevant among its core voters if it has to make an impact and bring a change in the lives of the deprived sections. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she will not allow the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens and the Uniform Civil Code in the state. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee (right) take part in Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations in Kolkata, April 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Responding to her statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused her of resorting to vote bank politics and trying to polarise the society. Addressing a gathering in Kolkata at the Red Road on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, Banerjee claimed that some people will try to "engineer riots" during elections and urged everyone "not to fall prey to the plot". Eid-ul-Fitr marks the culmination of the month of Ramzan. "We will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens and Uniform Civil Code. We will not accept any forcible implementation of these. I do not know how to hate people. I do not deliver hate speeches. I want everybody to live like brothers, in peace and harmony. If we will live unitedly, nobody will be able to cause harm to us. Do not let anybody break this unity," Banerjee said. "As long as I am alive, nobody will be able to harm you. I will keep fighting them," she added. "...there will be people who will try to engineer riots in the name of religion. You keep your cool and we will not let them succeed in initiating riots here," Banerjee said. In an apparent reference to the BJP, Banerjee alleged that with the elections closing in, the central government agencies are being "used" to scare the people, mainly the opposition leaders. "A few people want to scare people in the name of agencies during the elections. I will tell them (BJP) to construct a jail and put everyone behind bars," she said. "But will you be able to put the entire population of 130 crores in jail? I am ready to shed blood for the country, but not ready to allow this torture go on," she said. She asserted that in West Bengal, people live in peace because there is a brotherhood among different communities. "Live in peace and it is our responsibility to look after your security. Nobody will be able to torture you," she said. She asserted that her party, TMC's fight is against the BJP. "Remember, it's the TMC that is fighting against the BJP. We will decide about the INDIA bloc later. But in West Bengal, please ensure that no vote goes to any other party," she said. TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee accompanied her at the Eid meet. Reacting to her remarks, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya accused her of trying to polarise the society, and asserted that people wanted to hear about the chief minister's plan for the economic uplift of all communities but instead, she attempted to "sow the seeds of division" among people. "Instead of spreading the message of amity, brotherhood among the Muslim brethren at the gathering on Red Road, the CM tried to sow the seeds of division and polarisation for her narrow vote bank politics," Bhattacharya alleged. The BJP leader said the chief minister should unveil a roadmap to develop West Bengal which belongs to all communities and improve their economic conditions. "Instead of speaking about ways to stop the migration of youths, including Muslims, from West Bengal to other states, she tried to pit one community against another ahead of other religious festivals. This is dangerous politics and we call upon people of the state not to fall prey to the machinations of TMC supremo," he said. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Trinankur Bhattacharya, on the other hand, asserted that the CM only pointed out the "hatred-filled, divisive, communal agenda of BJP-RSS". "The chief minister is with the people throughout the year. She is one leader who does 'chokshudan' (drawing the eye of idols) of Maa Durga at pandals, inaugurates pujas, participates in Chhat and attends the Eid congregation. "She also attends Iftar gatherings. The chief minister participates in Christmas in churches and the festival of the Sikh community at Gurudwaras," Bhattacharya, the state president of Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, told PTI. Labourers have been forced to migrate to other states because of "policies of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and its discriminatory attitude towards West Bengal", he added. April 7 marked the six-month anniversary of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that began with a horrific Hamas-led attack on Israeli civilians. At the same time, Hamas took 250 Israelis and other foreign nationals hostage. Since then, the fighting has continued mostly in Gaza. Those six months of belligerence have so far cost the lives of some 1200 Israelis and foreign nationals in Israel. In Gaza, over 32,000 people have been killed and over 75,000 injured. The fighting has also claimed the lives of 224 humanitarian aid personnel working to prevent a famine in Gaza. This includes seven members of the World Central Kitchen who died on April 1 due to three Israeli airstrikes on their clearly-marked convoy. The [United Nations has] affirmed the imperative of protecting personnel, said John Kelley, United States Political Minister Counselor at the UN. 'Tragically, this has not been heeded by the parties in Gaza. The United States is outraged and heartbroken at the deaths of these individuals, who were providing food to starving civilians in the middle of a war. These workers were brave and selfless. They show the best of what humanity has to offer when the going really gets tough. Moreover, this was not a stand-alone incident. This conflict has been one of the worst in recent memory in terms of the number of aid workers who have been killed, said Ambassador Kelley. As President Biden conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on April 4, Israel must announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers. U.S. policy with respect to Gaza will be determined by Israels immediate action on these steps. We also continue to do all we can to help deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza through all available means, said Ambassador Kelley. But these actions are not enough to meet the needs of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Humanitarian assistance is desperately needed now, and it must be facilitated to mitigate the impact of an impending famine. Gazas entire population knows acute levels of food insecurity. Gazas entire population is in need of humanitarian assistance. An immediate ceasefire is essential to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation and protect innocent lives, said Ambassador Kelley. We have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to empower his negotiators to conclude a deal without delay to bring the hostages home. We urge Hamas, as well, to accept the deal on the table. MANCHESTER Can Vermont balance the preservation of its bucolic landscape with the need to grow and modernize for a growing population? Introduced by Rep. Seth Bongartz, D-Bennington 4, and Rep. Amy Sheldon, D-Addison 1, this fall, H.687 aims to achieve that balance more effectively. The bill re-envisions Act 250, Vermonts primary land use and development law. Though Act 250 has faced criticism from both sides of the aisle over the years, developers and environmental advocates alike seem to have united in support for H.687. Bongartz and his backers have found one strident source of opposition, however: Gov. Phil Scott. I believe rural Vermonters deserve affordable housing as much as those from Burlington and Montpelier, Scott affirmed in a statement last month. H.687 suggests otherwise and sets the state up for years of inaction, at a time when we need to move swiftly to support the housing needs of all Vermonters. Theres something philosophical going on with the Governor's office and I cant get my arms around it, Bongartz said. He appears to be opposing this consensus that so many people from across the political spectrum, and with varied interests, put together. Scott contends that H.687 will burden Vermonts rural regions, and do little to make Act 250 more efficient. H.687 would take four years to implement, doing nothing to address the housing shortage we are facing today, reads Scotts statement. It includes changes that would significantly expand the bureaucracy, inevitably resulting in more delays that make it more expensive to build housing now. H.687 is something of a successor to S.100 (also known as Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone or the HOME Act) which was enacted last year in response to a critical lack of affordable housing in Vermont. Bongartz was the lead sponsor of S.100, which paved the way for more widespread conversations around Act 250 and how to modernize it. These conversations directly informed H.687, Bongartz said, and brought together groups including the ski area association, developers, environmental organizations, municipal planners, and more. In July, their efforts were hastened by a new sense of urgency. We had our third 100 year flood in 13 years, Bongartz said. This time, hundreds of units of low and moderate income housing [went] washing down the river. Thats not the way to proceed in the long run. As passed by the House on March 28, H.687 totals 196 pages. But what would the bill actually achieve? For the first time in the history of Act 250, were actually relinquishing jurisdiction in some parts of Vermont, Bongartz said, explaining that the size of the project wherever it is within the state is what currently triggers a review under Act 250. Under H.687, a more nuanced approach to Act 250 would be implemented through the designation of three tiers that municipalities can opt in or out of. The first, called Tier 1A, is reserved for identified growth centers equipped with sewer, water, and well developed planning and zoning regulations, among other requirements. In Southern Vermont, the regions largest towns, including Brattleboro, Bennington and Manchester, would likely be the only to qualify for 1A status. As argued by the governor, large swaths of Vermonts rural landscape wont qualify for this designation. 100 members of the House represent towns that will likely never benefit from the Tier 1A designation in the bill, he said. The towns that do qualify would work with their regional commission to designate the boundaries of the Tier 1A area, which would then be exempt from Act 250. It will be one less thing that a housing developer has to go through in order to build housing where we already know we want it, Bongartz contended. A second Tier, 1B, would be easier to obtain. Most municipalities with sewer or water as well as a town plan, zoning bylaws, and subdivision regulations would qualify. Tier 1B areas would be permitted to build up to 50 units of housing on 10 acres or less without having to go through the Act 250 review process, Bongartz said, explaining that he has preemptively identified areas of Arlington that could qualify as 1B alongside town officials. The final category, Tier 3, is designated for critical natural resources like headwater streams, wetlands, and habitat connectors. There is limited extrapolation on Tier 3 in the text of H.687, which acknowledges that stakeholders shall solicit participation from representatives of municipalities and landowners that host Tier 3 critical resource areas on their properties to determine the responsibilities and education needed to understand, manage, and interact with the resources. Governor Scott counters that H.687 would deepen the disparity between the haves and have-nots' in our state, especially for rural Vermont, where expanded regulatory requirements will fall on the shoulders of communities with the least capacity. Bongartz says that towns will have to decide whether they want certain areas to be designated under the three tiers. Though Scott also alleged that the bill would make it harder to build housing units in most parts of the state, Bongartz claims that this is not true. If a town opts out, Act 250 jurisdiction would remain as it is, Bongartz said. If right now a project would have to go through Act 250, it would continue to go through Act 250. Future land use mapping, which provides guidance for zoning and planning, would also be made more uniform under H.687. The process for designating town and village centers through the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development would also be expanded to allow more rural areas to reap its benefits including tax credits and support. Another way to talk about this is about making decisions upfront, Bongartz explained, not after the fact. Finally, H.687 would make two key changes to the governance of Act 250. The current, quasi-judicial process would be replaced with a board of professionals responsible for reviewing applications and adjudicating appeals. The board would also have the ability to establish precedent through their decisions, he said. By bringing back the board hearing appeals and fleshing out what all of it means case by case, we begin to make [Act 250] clearer, he said. Thats one way you know what the boundaries are, what the confines are, and weve lost that. Thats made the outcomes more random, less predictable, and less understandable. Bongartz and other proponents argue that these changes will modernize Act 250 and make the law more efficient. This can facilitate development, they claim, while aligning it with measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change including flooding. Its going to get hotter, were going to have more floods, and were going to lose species, Bongartz said. Thats happening so rapidly that yesterday was the time [for this legislation.] The bill wont fix Vermonts affordable housing crisis, Bongartz admits, but it can help facilitate the development of denser housing in downtown areas. None of this is going to cure the housing problem, he said. The housing crisis is really about cost cost of materials, cost of labor. But, its also true that, for developers, making it easier to get to the starting point will help. Following its passage by Vermonts House of Representatives, H.687 now rests with the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. From there it will go to the Senate Appropriations Committee and Finance Committee before facing a vote on the floor. If H.687 is passed by the Senate, it will be up to the governor to then sign or veto the law. If the latter, Bongartz says he and others will seek to override the veto. Its kind of unfathomable to me, Bongartz said of Scotts opposition. If Im being cynical, I might think its because they want Act 250 to go away and were trying to make it work. Were trying to modernize it. Author Rep. Tristan Roberts (right) came away from a recent visit to the Groundworks offices and drop-in center in Brattleboro inspired and changed by the women who work there from left, Executive Director Libby Bennett, and Housing Case Managers Hannah Macon and Anne Rancourt. Three years after Myanmars military overturned the countrys democratically elected Government and detained its leaders, the country is struggling under a multi-faceted crisis, according to the United Nations. The situation in Myanmar presents a growing threat to international security, particularly for those in the Indo-Pacific, said U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the UN, Robert Wood. The United States would like to draw attention to three issues that are contributing to that threat. First, in the past five months, Myanmar military air strikes on civilians have increased five-fold. Between November 2023 and early March 2024, the military carried out 588 air strikes across Myanmar, 34 percent of which have harmed civilians. This is in addition to the airstrikes, shelling, and arson by the regime that have destroyed homes, schools, healthcare facilities, and places of worship since the military illegally took power three years ago. The United States, said Ambassador Wood, calls on the UN Security Council to impede Myanmars ability to conduct air strikes by restricting the militarys access to jet fuel. Second, said Ambassador Wood, unexploded ordnance from years of conflict and the increasing use of landmines by all sides of Myanmars conflict have led to the nation becoming one of the most explosive-contaminated countries in the world. An average of three people are killed or injured every day by landmines and unexploded ordnance in Myanmar, compounding an already tragic situation. UNICEF reported that the number of civilian casualties from landmines and explosive remnants of war more than doubled in the last year. Without a comprehensive approach and global action, the number of victims of these appalling circumstances will grow each year for decades to come. We urge all stakeholders in Myanmar to immediately allow demining and clearing of unexploded ordnance, said Mr. Wood. Finally, humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable people in Myanmar must increase, he said. The United States has contributed $2.4 billion since 2017 in response to the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar, Bangladesh, and the region. We strongly appeal to other donors to increase support for these critical humanitarian response plans. Funding is important, but it only makes a difference if humanitarians can access those in need, said Ambassador Wood. We therefore urge that humanitarian actors be granted unhindered access, and that appropriate steps be taken to ensure the independence, safety, and security of humanitarian and medical personnel. The former prime minister rejects suggestions that the canal will facilitate Chinese naval presence near Vietnam. Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen has slammed what he calls attempts to fabricate the story about a proposed Chinese-built canal near Vietnams border. The former prime minister, who remains a powerful political figure, vehemently rejected suggestions that the canal will further facilitate the Chinese navy near the Vietnamese border in a post on social media platform X. The Funan Techo canal, officially known as the Tonle Bassac Navigation Road and Logistics System Project, will connect the Cambodian coastal province of Kep on the Gulf of Thailand with the inland provinces of Kandal and Takeo, and the capital Phnom Penh via a tributary of the Mekong River. The 180 kilometer (112 mile) canal is expected to be developed by a Chinese company as a build-operate-transfer (BOT) project at a cost of US$1.7 billion and become operational in 2028. It will see a large amount of Cambodian goods bypass Vietnams ports, creating some independence for the countrys foreign trade. Vietnam has expressed concerns about the potential environmental and economic impacts of the project, which Phnom Penh sought to dismiss during a visit by Prime Minister Hun Manet to Hanoi in December. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet (left) on an official visit to Hanoi, Vietnam on Dec.11, 2023. (AP Photo/Hau Dinh) Hun Manet, Hun Sens second son, reportedly reassured Vietnamese leaders that the project would not impact the Mekong river water system. Some analysts were quoted in international media as saying that the Funan Techo canal marks a decoupling effort by Cambodia from Vietnam. Hanoi is Phnom Penhs traditional ally and helped install Hun Sen in power in the 1980s but Cambodia has leaned more towards China in recent years. There were also suggestions that the canal could have a dual use that would allow Chinese naval ships to travel upstream from the Gulf of Thailand to near the border with Vietnam. Kep province is just kilometers from Vietnams Kien Giang province and the two countries share 1,258 km (781 miles) of land border. Anti-constitution In his post on X, Hun Sen wrote that he would like to remind friends or non-friends that the presence of Chinese troops on Cambodian soil is unconstitutional. Cambodia needs Chinese troops for what? he asked. Hun Sen and other Cambodian officials have also previously rejected allegations that China is developing a military base at Ream, Sihanoukville province, calling them slanderous. "I don't think he [Hun Sen] is wrong, said Virak Ou, president of Future Forum, a Cambodian NGO. Ou said he doesnt think the canal would be useful for the Chinese military as any conflict between China and Vietnam will be played out in the seas and airs. Hun Sen's statement seems to be an indirect assurance to Vietnamese leaders that the Funan Techo canal will not be used for military purposes, said Huynh Tam Sang, a lecturer at Vietnam National University, This statement is made at the time when Vietnam is concerned that Cambodia could help set up a Chinese military base in the region. Hun Sen has been adept at walking a tightrope between China and Vietnam, the political analyst told Radio Free Asia. Because of its modest influence, Cambodia relies on China for political and economic support. But if Cambodia and Vietnam can keep their relations stable, Cambodia will be able to retain agency while responding to China's demands, Sang added. The projected Funan Techo canal (in blue). (Google Maps/ RFA) Another Vietnamese analyst Nguyen Khac Giang, visiting fellow at Singapores Yusof Ishak Institute said that in his opinion, the apprehension surrounding the Funan Techo canals potential dual use primarily stems from concerns over the possibility of a Chinese military presence in Cambodia rather than concrete projections of how it could be used for military purposes. I don't see how the canal if its announced capacity is true can pose a serious military threat to Vietnam, Giang said, adding Hanoi might be more worried about developments in the Ream Naval Base. Geopolitical chessboard According to the Vietnamese analyst, there should be bigger concerns about the environmental impacts on Vietnam's Mekong Delta and the possibility of Cambodia moving further away from Vietnam's economic influence as Hanoi has invested considerable effort to maintain close economic ties with Cambodia and Laos. Meanwhile Brian Eyler, director of the Stimson Center's Southeast Asia Program in Washington D.C. told RFA, One only has to look at a map to see how the Funan Techo canal alters the regional geopolitical chessboard. The best way to reduce anxieties, Eyler suggested, is to let the Mekong River Commission the intergovernmental body in charge of sustainable management of the river carry out regional consultation as well as a third party technical review of the canal as required for all projects that touch the mainstream. Vietnamese authorities should also be careful to avoid inflaming Cambodia over the Chinese military presence narrative, warned Huynh Tam Sang from Vietnam National University. Vietnam has valid worries, but the Hun Manet government has authority over its infrastructure projects, including the planned Funan Techo canal, Sang said. Hyperbolizing this problem could backfire as Vietnam could be seen as a troublemaker in the eyes of Cambodian leaders. Translated by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. The United States has announced a preliminary agreement with the giant Taiwan chip company TSMC to build a third semiconductor factory in Arizona. Semiconductors those tiny chips smaller than the tip of your finger power everything from smartphones to cars to satellites and weapons systems, said President Joe Biden in a statement. America invented these chips, but over time, we went from producing nearly 40% of the worlds capacity to close to 10%, and none of the most advanced chips, exposing us to significant economic and national security vulnerabilities. I was determined to turn that around, and thanks to my CHIPS and Science Act a key part of my Investing in America agenda semiconductor manufacturing and jobs are making a comeback. The COVID-19 crisis exposed alarming vulnerabilities in the U.S. chip supply chain, which domestic semiconductor manufacturing will ameliorate. Another key issue surrounding semiconductors was recently discussed at the EU-U.S. Trade and Technology Council meeting in April in Leuven, Belgium: export controls aimed at protecting technologies that have clear national security implications. Over the past two years, the U.S. has imposed such controls, which restrict companies from selling chips and other advanced computing equipment that could have military applications. The Peoples Republic of China has objected to such export controls and has tried to frustrate and evade them. At a press briefing after the Trade and Technology Council meeting in Leuven, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo spoke of the need for vigilance and constant dialogue with partners to counter the actions of the PRC: The Chinese wake up every day trying to figure out how to do an end run around our export controls so that they and potentially their military can access our most sophisticated technology, including chips, which means we have to wake up every day just as motivated to protect the citizens of our country, and we do that in collaboration with our partners, in this case the EuropeansThere is no end game. It is a constant work. At the same briefing, Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted over the past three years, there has been an increasing alignment between the U.S. and the European Union on the issues relating to advanced technology. And, he said, when the United States and the European Union are aligned, when were working in common purpose, its a very powerful force. Veteran rights activist Wei Yani says she is now free from fear despite being denied entry by Taiwan. Wei Yani, second from right, is met by overseas rights activists, from left, Dong Xin, Sheng Xue, and Fu Ci as she transits through the Toronto airport en route to Vancouver on April 9, 2024. A Chinese rights activist who recently arrived in Canada as a political asylum-seeker has said she and others who complain against the ruling Chinese Communist Party are subjected to "all kinds of torture" at the hands of the authorities. "Only people who have committed a crime should be sent to prison," Wei Yani told RFA in an interview shortly after arriving in Vancouver. "We weren't being detained and imprisoned because we had committed any crime, but because we fought for our rights and endangered the government's vested interests," Wei said. "And once people like us are locked up, we have it worst of all, and are subjected to all kinds of torture," she said, describing fainting after being forced to stand with her hands handcuffed far above her head on one occasion. "They said they were going to leave me there for a week, but I only lasted just over an hour ... so they had to take me down again," Wei said, adding: "They have so many kinds of physical punishment." She said inmates are fed poor food, for which they pay 7 yuan (about US$1) a day, and are only allowed to bathe once in 15 days. They are also forced to wake up to answer random "roll calls" at any time of the day or night and there is no protection from mosquito bites. "Solitary confinement is more of a psychological punishment," Wei said. "They lock you up in there for 15 days and don't communicate with you at all." Sought asylum in Taiwan Wei Yani was among three Chinese nationals who fled to Thailand in November and sought political asylum in democratic Taiwan, where the authorities promptly sent them back to Malaysia on Feb. 1, because it was where their flight originated. Their sudden departure from Taiwan ignited debate there about the authorities' treatment of genuine refugees in the absence of a refugee law. While Taiwan's government has been a vocal supporter of the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong, the island's record on offering a safe haven for dissidents and refugees has been patchy, amid growing calls for legislation governing the treatment of refugees. Veteran Chinese rights campaigner Wei Yani enjoys her first meal in Canada after arriving to seek political asylum on April 9, 2024. (Courtesy of Wei Yani) Wei and her son were later contacted by international rights groups and activists, who liaised with Canadian and U.N. officials on their behalf, she told RFA Mandarin in an interview soon after landing in Vancouver on April 9. "I am really relieved to be here, where I can finally relax and live a decent life," Wei said. "I no longer have to fear being detained and put in prison." "I felt that fear every day while I was in China, the fear of how they would punish me if they arrested me," she said. "Why do they torture us? Because they want to suppress us and make us afraid, so you won't complain about them any more," Wei said. "That's their main goal." Ethnic minority Wei, a member of the Zhuang ethnic minority from the southwestern region of Guangxi, was forcibly evicted from her home in 2006 to make way for the US$4.2 billion Longtan Hydropower Station, the second-largest in China, straddling the Hongshui river in Guangxi's Tian'e county. But local people said they had never received the right amount in compensation, accusing local officials of embezzling their money. Wei began a complaints procedure to recoup the lost funds that lasted for years, and led to her incarceration in a "re-education through labor" camp on two occasions. Wei was detained again by police in Beijing at the start of 2014 after she continued to press her complaint with the central government, bringing her back to her hometown and charging her with "defamation," and "picking quarrels and stirring up trouble." She attempted suicide while in detention, and her detention and subsequent trial prompted a campaign by more than 30,000 local people for her release. In 2021, Wei was detained by police in the southwestern province of Yunnan on suspicion of "subversion," as part of a crackdown on dissent in the southern province of Guangdong. Chinese rights campaigner Wei Yani is seen after her arrival in Canada on April 9, 2024. (Liu Fei/RFA) She had been at the home of fellow activist Zhang Lin in the Xishuangbanna border area of Yunnan, suggesting that she may have been hoping to flee China by crossing the border into neighboring Myanmar. She was then placed under "residential surveillance at a designated location," but few details of the case ever emerged after that. Canadian concerns Canada-based rights activist Fu Ci said the authorities in Canada are increasingly concerned about the plight of human rights activists in China. "In particular under Xi Jinping, the situation for human rights defenders is constantly deteriorating, and there is less and less room for them to exist," he said. "A lot of people have no option but to seek rescue from the international community so they can carry on living in the free world," Fu said. "People like that would be in huge danger if the Canadian government didn't extend a helping hand." He called on the international community to act with greater awareness and generosity towards activists fleeing China. Wei said she believes the Canadian authorities acted "purely out of humanitarianism." "My son and I will work hard to live a better life, to give back to Canada, and to help other Chinese people who are also suffering," she said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Reporters Without Borders advocate is held, searched and questioned for six hours. An advocacy worker for the Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders has been denied entry to Hong Kong, en route to monitor the national security trial of pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai. Taipei-based Aleksandra Bielakowska was held for six hours, searched and questioned after arriving at Hong Kong's International Airport on Wednesday, the group said in a statement. She had been planning to meet with journalists in the city in the wake of a stringent new security law passed last month under Article 23 of the city's Basic Law, and to monitor a hearing in Lai's ongoing trial, the group said. "[They asked] what I'm doing here, if it's a work-related visit. I said of course, yes, because I'm [an] NGO worker," Bielakowska said in an interview with RFA Cantonese on Thursday after her return to Taiwan. "They searched my belongings, in depth, in detail -- they scanned them twice, checked my shoes, everything, checked how much money I had, she said, adding that 12 officers and staff were watching her the whole time she was being interviewed and searched. "The person who questioned me was an immigration officer, plus there was a customs officer, but I couldn't tell if there were any police or plainclothes officers inside of the room, because they hadn't given me any IDs," Bielakowska said. "But there were some people who didn't look like immigration officers." Aleksandra Bielakowska, left, and Shataakshi Verma of Reporters Without Borders stand outside a Hong Kong court for Jimmy Lai's trial in December 2023. (RSF) Eventually, she was given a notice of refusal of entry, with a reason she described as "nebulous." Immigration officers refused to clarify the reason for the decision, even when asked repeatedly, Bielakowska said. Hong Kong's immigration authorities have a stated policy of not commenting on individual cases. A form handed to Bielakowska said only that she would be imminently/immediately removed from the city within a reasonable time, and that this justified her detention. Article 23 The Safeguarding National Security Law, known as Article 23, was billed by the government as a way to protect the city from interference and infiltration by "hostile foreign forces" that Beijing blames for waves of mass popular protests in recent years. But its critics -- and some of the city's residents -- say it will likely have far-reaching effects on human rights and freedom of expression that go further than the 2020 National Security Law under which Lai is being prosecuted, with a far broader reach and tougher penalties. Jimmy Lai stands accused of "collusion with foreign forces" and faces a potential life sentence, yet the case against him relies heavily on opinion articles published in his now-shuttered flagship Apple Daily newspaper. Jimmy Lai is escorted by Correctional Services officers to get on a prison van before appearing in a court in Hong Kong, Dec. 12, 2020. (Kin Cheung/AP) Bielakowska, who was allowed into Hong Kong in December 2023 to monitor the start of Lai's trial, said Reporters Without Borders, or RSF, isn't a political organization and that she wasn't doing anything "seditious." "We just fight for the rights of journalists and press freedom around the world," she said. "It's our obligation as an NGO to attend the hearings and the trials." Bielakowska's colleague, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Cedric Alviani, was allowed to enter Hong Kong, but returned to Taipei the next day "for security reasons," she said. Dire erosion RSF said it was "appalled" by the treatment of Bielakowska, who was "simply trying to do her job." "We have never experienced such blatant efforts by authorities to evade scrutiny of court proceedings in any country, which further highlights the ludicrous nature of the case against Jimmy Lai, and the dire erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong," RSF's Director of Campaigns Rebecca Vincent said in a statement, calling for an immediate explanation from the Hong Kong authorities. Vincent said the remainder of Lai's national security trial "cannot take place in darkness." "The world must know what is happening in Hong Kong, which has implications for global press freedom," she said. An immigration document issued to Aleksandra Bielakowska of Reporters Without Borders in an undated photo. (RSF) The group said it was the first time any of its representatives has been denied entry or questioned at Hong Kong's airport. Its staff had t raveled there without hindrance in June and December 2023, and were able to meet with journalists and diplomats, as well as monitoring court proceedings without any problems, it said. RSF said it regularly monitors trials around the world as part of its normal work defending press freedom from proceedings against journalists in Turkiye, to the ongoing US extradition case against Julian Assange in UK courts. Plunging rank Hong Kong ranks 140th out of 180 in RSFs 2023 World Press Freedom Index, having plummeted from 18th place in the past two decades. The rest of China ranks 179th out of 180 countries and territories. To Yiu-ming, a former assistant professor at the Department of Journalism at Hong Kong's Baptist University, said the questioning of Bielakowska would send a strong message to foreign journalists and international organizations that follow developments in Hong Kong. "Most importantly, this will have a negative impact on the way that foreign media and the international community view Hong Kong, particularly the impact of the Article 23 legislation on press freedom in Hong Kong," To told RFA Cantonese in an interview on Thursday. He said that rather than laying down clear guidelines about who will be denied entry, they are proceeding on a case-by-case basis. "I think [such cases] will be subject to review by national security police," To said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. Roughly 200 junta soldiers are sheltering in northern Myawaddy near a bridge to Thailand, residents said. Thai soldiers keep watch at the Second Friendship Bridge connecting Thailand and Myanmar, April 11, 2024. Updated April 11, 2024, 05:17 p.m. ET. Anti-junta rebels and allied forces on the Thailand-Myanmar border have driven out the military's last battalion from a major trade hub in Myanmar's Kayin state, the ethnic Karen National Union said in a statement on Thursday. The Karen National Liberation Army -- the armed wing of the Karen National Union, or KNU -- the Karen National Defense Organization, and allied forces overran junta Battalion 275's base in Myawaddy at around 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, the KNU said. Myawaddy is now fully controlled by rebel forces, said the KNU, bringing an end to their assault on junta positions in the town which began on April 8. An anti-junta fighter who took part in the ground assaults told RFA Burmese that rebels captured the battalion's base after junta troops refused to surrender. "Initially, we attempted negotiations for their surrender, but when those efforts failed, we initiated the attack," said the fighter who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "Upon our assault, they retaliated, and the operation lasted for more than a day ... [before] we successfully took full control of the battalion [base]." The fighter said rebels had seized a large cache of weapons and ammunition, and are now "engaged in clearance operations" within the area. At around 10 a.m., military fighter jets conducted two airstrikes in the vicinity of the battalion's base, said residents of Myawaddy, who added that "access to the area is restricted due to road closures," but government offices and police stations "appear to be functioning as usual." Myanmar soldiers are seen on the Myanmar side of a bridge across the Moei River linking to the district of Mae Sot, April 11, 2024. (Nava Natthong/AP) Sheltering near border bridge One resident said junta soldiers who retreated from the attack were sheltering near the No. 2 Friendship Bridge. The bridge, which connects Myawaddy to Thailands Mae Sot, is located 10 kilometers (six miles) from the two countries main immigration passageway and is mainly used for transporting cargo and goods. "They [junta troops] didn't surrender. They withdrew to Myawaddys No. 2 bridge, said the resident, who declined to be named. There are about 200 soldiers, including some injured, in the truck station near that bridge. Members of the Karen National Liberation Army and Peoples Defense Force examine two arrested soldiers after they captured an army outpost, in the southern part of Myawaddy township in Kayin state, Myanmar, March 11, 2024. (METRO/AP) Another resident told they observed troops from Battalion 275 along with "nearly 100 family members" near the bridge, which Thai authorities closed to traffic in the afternoon. "Now Bridge No. 2 is shut down," he said. "The juntas troops and accompanying family members remain stationed at the bridge right now, and the other side has not accepted them yet." In a statement issued later on Thursday, the KNU said junta soldiers who retreated to Bridge No. 2 "intended to seek refuge in Thailand, but were blocked and have become trapped." Several sources in Myawaddy told RFA that the commander of the military's No. 44 Light Infantry Division was among junta troops trying to cross the border, and that Colonel Saw Chit Thu, the secretary general of the junta-aligned Karen Border Guard Forces was "coordinating their withdrawal to Thailand." They said "more than 1,000" residents of Myawaddy fled to Thailand to escape the fighting. When contacted by phone, Saw Chit Thu told RFA that he was "unable to respond at the moment," without providing further details. A Thai military personnel (R) checks the bag of a Myanmar national after he cross over into Thailand, at the Tak border checkpoint in Thailand's Mae Sot district on April 11, 2024. (Manan Vatsyayana/AFP) The junta has yet to issue an official statement about the latest fighting in Myawaddy and attempts by RFA to contact junta spokesperson Major General Zaw Min Tun went unanswered Thursday. Pro-junta media reported that Battalion 275 had "temporarily withdrawn" from Myawaddy, but said the town is still under the control of the military. Thai response to border conflict Allied forces seized junta Battalions 355, 356 and 357 in nearby Thin Gan Nyi Naung town on April 5, as well as parts of a trade route on the Asian Highway, forcing 67 junta officers, 410 junta troops, and 617 family members to request evacuation through Mae Sots airport in Thailand on Sunday, according to the KNU. Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs complied on humanitarian grounds. Thai military personnel stand guard overlooking the Moei river on the Thai side, near the Tak border checkpoint with Myanmar, in Thailand's Mae Sot district on April 10, 2024. (Manan Vatsyayana/AFP) Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin later instructed Thai security forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strictly prohibit Burmese aircraft from entering Thai airspace amid intense fighting in Myanmar, according to BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated media outlet. BenarNews cited Srettha Thavisin as saying that Myanmars conflict is an internal matter. He told the Royal Thai Army and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that, in the event of ongoing conflict, they are instructed to inform Thailand's Chief of Defence Forces that the utilization of Thai airspace would be unacceptable, as Thailand does "not want tensions to escalate." Karen children walk along the riverbank at the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Sot as Thai soldiers stand watch, April 11, 2024. (Pimuk Rakkanam/RFA) Residents were queuing up at Friendship Bridge No. 1 to cross into Thailand as usual as of Thursday morning, according to people living in Myawaddy. A Thai immigration superintendent quoted by Reuters said the number of people crossing into Mae Sot from Myawaddy had doubled to almost 4,000 a day. Translated by Kalyar Lwin. Edited by Joshua Lipes, Kiana Duncan and Mike Firn. This story has been updated to include additional details about the capture of junta Battalion 275 as well as comments by Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, as reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated media outlet. U.S. President Joe Biden (center) hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (left) and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a trilateral summit at the White House, in Washington, April 11, 2024. U.S. President Joe Biden said Thursday that American military support for the Philippines was ironclad, and any attacks against its vessels in the South China Sea would invoke a 1951 treaty that compels each country to come to the others aid in the event of a conflict. The comments came ahead of an unprecedented summit between Biden and his Japanese and Philippine counterparts at the White House. A senior U.S. official said the talks were arranged because of the recent flare-up in tensions between Beijing and Manila in the South China Sea. I want to be clear, the United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad, Biden said at the opening of the meeting. Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty. The U.S. has a mutual defense treaty with the Philippines and a military alliance with Japan, both of which were inked in 1951. Chinese coast guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel, the Unaizah, on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. (Adrian Portugal/Reuters) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that increased trilateral cooperation between the Pacific nations was borne from their shared democratic values and evidenced by joint military drills in the South China Sea last weekend. It is a partnership borne not out of convenience nor of expediency, Marcos said, but as a natural progression of a deepening cooperation amongst our three countries, linked by a profound respect for democracy, good governance and the rule of law. Water cannon attacks Chinese coast guard vessels have in recent weeks fired water cannons at Philippine boats attempting to supply a deliberately sunken warship that serves as a Philippine naval outpost at the Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal), with Beijing also warning Manila against trying to access it. The shoal lies in South China Sea waters within the Philippines exclusive economic zone, where Manila holds sovereign rights. But Beijing claims most of the sea as its historic territory and says Manila must ask permission from Chinese authorities to access the area. People protest against the Marcos administrations 2023 decision to grant the United States greater access to military bases in the Philippines, as they demonstrate in a park near the White House in Washington, where the leaders of the U.S., Philippines, and Japan were holding a summit, April 11, 2024. (BenarNews) Earlier on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning accused Manila of violating Chinas sovereignty for decades due to the half-sunken BRP Sierra Madre, which was grounded at the shoal in 1999 to maintain Manilas sovereignty but now needs repairs. Speaking at a daily press briefing, Mao said Chinese authorities were willing to allow Philippine vessels to freely access the increasingly dilapidated outpost but only to tow it away, and not repair it. She said Manila needed to inform Beijing of any such plans before accessing the area, and then China will monitor the whole process. If the Philippines sends a large amount of construction materials to the warship and attempts to build fixed facilities and a permanent outpost, China will not accept it and will resolutely stop it in accordance with law and regulations to uphold Chinas sovereignty, Mao said. She added that Chinas recent activities in the South China Sea, such as the water-cannoning of Philippine vessels, are in full compliance with international law and theres nothing wrong about them. Crystal clear A senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity prior to the summit, told reporters that Biden had been crystal clear about American military support for Manila, and said the flare-ups with China in the South China Sea were an impetus for Thursdays summit. USS Mobile, JS Akebono, HMAS Warramunga, BRP Antonio Luna and BRP Valentine Diaz sail in formation during a multilateral maritime cooperative exercise between Australia, the United States, Japan and the Philippines within the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, April 7, 2024. (POIS Leo Baumgartner/Royal Australian Navy) It is one of the reasons for the meeting because we are very concerned about what weve been seeing, the official said. He has repeated many times that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty applies to the South China Sea, including Philippine vessels that may be underway there, including its coast guard vessels, the official said. Another U.S. official added that Philippine and Japanese coast guard officers would be welcomed aboard U.S. Coast Guard ships during a maritime exercise later this year to further train and synchronize our work together in case of a future attack that sparks a conflict. Philippine activists protesting outside the U.S. Embassy in Manila on April 11, 2024, warned that a Washington summit between the leaders of the Philippines, United States and Japan could provoke an angry response from China over the South China Sea and threaten regional stability. (Gerard Carreon/BenarNews) The two officials also said the United States would help fund a major infrastructure project in the Philippines known as the Luzon corridor, as part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, which is the U.S. answer to Chinas high-spending Belt and Road Initiative. The Luzon corridor, they said, would help connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas in the Philippines, with investments in infrastructure including ports, rail, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains and other forms of connectivity in the Philippines. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Marcos, one of the officials said, ready to support and work with the Philippines at every turn. U.S. President Joe Biden hosts Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a summit of the three nations leaders at the White House, in Washington, April 11, 2024. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) In his final remarks before talks opened behind closed-doors Thursday, Biden said the newfound cooperation between the United States, Japan and the Philippines would be a boon for the Indo-Pacific. When we stand as one, were able to forge a better future for all, he said. That's what this new trilateral is all about, in my view. Edited by Imran Vittachi. Observers say the tech giant must not repeat its mistakes in China as it shifts its supply chain south. Tech giant Apple Inc. has a duty to call out Vietnams targeting of climate activists in line with its own policies after making the southeast Asian nation its primary manufacturing hub outside of China, a group of 61 environmental and human rights organizations said in an open letter on Thursday. Apple must publicly condemn Hanois use of ambiguous laws to arrest Vietnams climate activists on trumped-up tax evasion charges or risk violating your own environmental and human rights policies and delegitimizing Apples positive work in these areas, said the letter from the Members of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, addressed to the companys leadership and board of directors. Since Vietnam is now Apples most important production hub outside of China and you have committed to human rights and equity and justice in climate solutions, we believe you have a responsibility to weigh in on the systematic persecution and imprisonment of climate leaders in the country, it said. This handout photo released on October 24, 2023 by Hoang Vinh Nam shows his wife Vietnamese environment activist Hoang Thi Minh Hong posing with a motorbike in Lam Dong province on March 2, 2023. (Handout/Hoang Vinh Nam/AFP) The letter referenced the imprisonment of Nguy Thi Khanh, who served 16 months behind bars after working to reduce the governments coal expansion plans; environmental lawyer Dang Dinh Bach, who is serving a five-year sentence after representing communities impacted by pollution; and Hoang Thi Minh Hong, who is serving three years in prison after founding environmental group CHANGE Vietnam. The group also called attention to authorities recent arrest of Ngo Thi To Nhien, the former executive director of Vietnam Initiative for Energy Transition, for appropriation of information or documents, which it said suggested efforts by the government to criminalize access to information about Vietnams clean energy transition. The 61 organizations said Apple had failed to uphold its commitment to equity and justice in climate solutions, as well as transitioning its suppliers to renewable energy and a net-zero carbon impact from all of its products by 2030 by building manufacturing capacity in Vietnam. In Vietnam those who would have facilitated net-zero carbon impact by supporting the transition to clean energy and other climate solutions are either in jail or have been silenced due to fear that they could be next, they said. Environmental organizations are shutting down, and there is currently no transparency or safe way for civil society to participate in this vital clean energy transition. The executive director of Green ID (Green Innovation and Development Centre), Nguy Thi Khanh, at the NGO's headquarters in Hanoi, February 6, 2020. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP) The letter urged Apple to publicly pressure Vietnams government to release its imprisoned climate activists and ensure that civil society is free to participate in the countrys transition to clean energy without fear of persecution. It noted that Apples own commitment to human rights champions an open society in which information flows freely and states the best way we can continue to promote openness is to remain engaged, even where we may disagree with a countrys laws. Avoid same mistakes Ben Swanton, co-director of environmental watchdog Project88, among the letters signatories, told RFA Vietnamese that Apple should not make additional investments in intensive manufacturing in Vietnam while the country lacks clean energy sources and the government continues to imprison climate activists on false criminal charges. Michael Caster, Asia digital program manager for ARTICLE 19, another of the signatories, said Apple has a corporate responsibility not to make the same mistakes in Vietnam as it has in China, where he said human rights abuses have been rampant, including with Apples complicity in areas of censorship and surveillance. This requires robust human rights due diligence across its supply chain, he told RFA. As part of this process, Apple should seriously take into account Vietnam's persecution of climate activists, independent journalists, and others, and consider using its potential economic leverage to publicly condemn such actions." Novelist Vo Thi Hao, right, marchs during a gathering to mark the 35th anniversary of the border war between Vietnam and China, in Hanoi, in a file photo. (Kham/Reuters) Members of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition noted that it had written a letter outlining similar concerns to Apple on May 31, 2023, one day after which Hoang Thi Minh Hong was arrested and Dang Dinh Bach declared a hunger strike in prison. It said it met virtually with members of Apples staff to discuss the concerns in November, but has yet to receive a response regarding the companys next steps. Apple, a company of growing significance to Vietnams economy, is in a unique position to bring this issue to the forefront, the group said. Simply stating that you are in support of equitable and just climate solutions and human rights is not enough. Your commitments require action, and now is the time to take it. Responsibility wherever it operates Germany-based writer Vo Thi Hao, a frequent critic of Vietnams persecution of environmental activists, called their arrests ridiculous and unjustified in an interview with RFA. These activists, who had been protecting the common environment for the entire country, including those who arrested them, are now facing unjust sentences, she said, calling for their immediate and unconditional release. She noted that Apples ability to take action to protect activists in Vietnam would be a challenge, as it would need to choose between democracy and human rights values and economic benefits brought about by the Vietnamese market. Activist Dang Dinh Bach in an undated image. (Provided by standwithbach.org) But she called on the company to do more to protect freedom and democracy, not only in the United States, but wherever it operates. Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at New York-based Human Rights Watch, said Apple and other major Western manufacturers who are de-risking their supply chains by moving from China to Vietnam need to realize just how bad the human rights situation is in Vietnam. Climate change activists and NGO leaders are in jail, workers are prohibited from forming independent unions, and the human rights and democracy movement has effectively been wiped out, he told RFA. If Apple doesn't speak out against this, then they are complicit and need to face repercussions from US and European consumers. Translated by Anna Vu. Edited by Joshua Lipes and Malcolm Foster. Truong My Lan masterminded the scam that caused $27 billion in damages, judges said. Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan (C) looks on at a court in Ho Chi Minh city on April 11, 2024. Truong My Lan, the chairwoman of Vietnamese developer Van Thinh Phat, has been sentenced to death for masterminding a multi-billion-dollar fraud, state-controlled media reported Thursday. Judges at Ho Chi Minh Citys Peoples Court said she was guilty of bribery, embezzlement and violating banking regulations. Lan owned a 91.5% stake in Saigon Commercial Bank and, over the course of 10 years, ordered bank officials to approve more than 2,500 loans to shell companies she controlled, causing the bank to lose the equivalent of US$27 billion. Lan ordered subordinates to bribe auditors at the State Bank of Vietnam to cover her tracks. Head banking inspector Do Thi Nhan received $5.2 million in bribes, while deputy chief inspector Nguyen Van Hung received $300,000, state media said. A family member told Reuters Lan planned to appeal the verdict. Edited by Elaine Chan. The two fled to the US fearing arrest for their activities defending a Buddhist group. The Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association has removed the names of lawyers Dang Dinh Manh and Nguyen Van Mieng from its list of members, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Law Newspaper. The two had not paid membership fees for many years, the paper said in its Wednesday edition, adding that the decision to suspend them came into effect on April 5. Hinting at another reason for the Bar Associations decision the paper added that the two lawyers had previously defended six members of the Peng Lei Buddhist House or Tinh That Bong Lai who were sentenced in 2022 to a combined 23 years and six months in prison on charges of abusing democratic freedoms under Article 331 of the Criminal Code. Lawyer Nguyen Van Mieng told Radio Free Asia he was not surprised by the decision and noted that the Bar Association has had ongoing problems with members not paying union dues. However, he said he believed that was not the main reason for them canceling his membership. In Vietnam, practicing lawyers are required to participate in the bar associations of provinces and cities. Everyone must belong to a certain bar association. Therefore, when the bar association removes our names, it means we are no longer qualified to practice law in Vietnam even though we are still lawyers, he said. The independence of bar associations is almost non-existent. The cases we work on related to politics and democratic freedoms are monitored and the Bar Association, as a professional organization, is supposed to protect us in our activities but they are an extended arm of the security agency, or of other legal agencies. He said it was clear that the real reason for removing his name from the Bar Association was to clear the way for his prosecution under Article 331 in connection with the Tinh That Bong Lai case. Lawyer Dang Dinh Manh told RFA that, in early 2023, the Ministry of Public Security asked the Long An Provincial Security Investigation Agency to conduct a criminal investigation against him. He said that after receiving political asylum in the U.S. he wrote to the Bar Association asking for his name to be removed from their list of lawyers and also deleted any mention of the association from his social media. Currently, practicing law in Vietnam with professional qualifications is unthinkable, but I still try to practice according to the concept there is nothing that prevents lawyers from practicing in accordance with their professional qualities, he said. Looking back on 28 years of practice, I have only one regret: having to stop defending activists, because being able to defend them is a privilege." The Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association is under the direct control of the central government. One of its tasks is to represent and protect the legitimate rights and interests of practicing lawyers. Lawyers Dang Dinh Manh and Nguyen Van Mieng are two of the five people representing the defendants in the Tinh That Bong Lai case. They have repeatedly received summonses from the Long An Police due to reports from the Department of Cyber Security & Crime Prevention which said the two distributed online video clips, images and articles that allegedly showed signs of abusing democratic freedoms, infringing on the interests of the State and the legitimate rights of organizations and individuals according to Article 331 of the Criminal Code. Both lawyers ignored the summonses on the grounds that it was their right to remain silent as persons under investigation. On June 11, 2023, the Long An Provincial Police website posted a search notice saying that the two lawyers had ignored requests to come forward to be interviewed and had ignored repeated summonses, while giving no reason for their absence. It said that the police did not know the whereabouts of the two lawyers. The Long An Provincial Police Department said it intended to search for the lawyers to resolve crime reports. Both lawyers affirmed that this search procedure is illegal, because according to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code there is no law regulating it. The two lawyers are currently in the United States. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Vladimir Jovancic wasnt shy about his affinity for the criminal underworld: the nickname for his TikTok account, where he posted videos of Orthodox churches, motorboats, and expensive fur coats, is the Russian phrase "thief-in-law" -- a pop-culture nod to the storied universe of Russian organized crime. At 9:30 on the morning of February 17, 2023, Jovancic, a citizen of Bosnia-Herzegovina, set out driving from the Italian town of Desenzano del Garda, on the southern shore of Lake Garda. His two mobile phones pinged cell towers in the region as he drove to the Milan suburb of Basiglio, just over four hours away. It was an early step in a plot that culminated in an audacious jailbreak: an escape from house arrest for a Russian named Artyom Uss, who was wanted by U.S. authorities on charges of smuggling sensitive technology used in Russian weapons in Ukraine. Uss's father was a powerful Russian governor with ties to the state oil giant Rosneft and a personal connection to President Vladimir Putin. Uss's escape, the day after an Italian court cleared his extradition to the United States, was deeply unpleasant for the Italian authorities; Italy, one lawmaker said, "embarrassed itself internationally." The U.S. government has put out a $7 million reward for his capture. But the intricacy of his escape also offered a window into the operations of a transnational organized crime group, rooted in Serbia, and hints of how well-connected Russians may in fact have relied on intelligence agencies to spring the wanted businessman from custody and smuggle him out of reach of the Italian and American authorities. Italian prosecutors have implicated six people in the plot. Three are in custody -- one in Croatia, one in Slovenia, both awaiting extradition to the United States, and another in Italy. The other three remain at-large. Using investigative materials and surveillance video provided by Italian authorities, as well as evidence filed by prosecutors in the United States and two other countries, RFE/RL reconstructed how Uss fled a gated community in suburban Milan, crossed three borders, and ended up flying home to Russia from Belgrade. January 2023 Uss, 41, was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in September 2022 -- accused, along with a Russian business partner and four other people, of using a German company to smuggle military and dual-use technologies to Russian tycoons and companies in violation of Western sanctions -- including the kinds of electronics that later showed up on the battlefield in Ukraine. About a month later, on October 17, 2022, he was arrested at the Milan airport on a U.S. warrant. Five weeks after that, a Milan court released him to home confinement rather than keeping him in jail, a move that caused concern among U.S. officials and, after his escape, sparked angry criticism from lawmakers. Uss was no stranger to Italy. His family had real estate holdings there, including hotels, and he reportedly owned a winery on Sardinia. Uss's business partner, Yuriy Orekhov, who was charged in the same 2022 U.S. indictment, was arrested in Germany and remains in German custody pending extradition. In January 2023, Uss recruited Jovancic "and other individuals affiliated with a Serbian organized crime group...to help him flee to Russia in the event extradition was granted," the U.S. Justice Department said in describing an indictment laying out the charges against him. That same month, Jovancic, 53, met Uss's wife, a model named Maria Yagodina, at a hotel in Milan. The two agreed on a scheme whereby Jovancic would pretend to deliver groceries to Uss's residence, in order not to raise suspicions. Yagodina gave Jovancic a cell phone and a down payment of 10,000 euros, the Justice Department said, and he was later provided with a keycard to get into the home. Uss was serving his house arrest in an upscale gated community called Borgo Di Vione, in Basiglio, on Milans southern outskirts. A collection of terra cotta-roofed villas and detached townhouses with manicured lawns, the complex markets itself as a family friendly location, with an on-site restaurant, a swimming pool, spa, and other amenities. Italian police said they checked on Uss multiple times daily, but a lawmaker disputed that claim at a parliament session after his escape. February 18, 2023 The day after Jovancics phone registered on the network in Basiglio, following the drive from Desenzano del Garda, it connected to Germanys cell network in Gottingen, more than 670 kilometers north of Milan. Its not clear exactly what Jovancic was doing in Basiglio, and then in Germany. However, a visual slideshow prepared for the Milan Carabinieri identifies his travels here as the First Inspection-- when Jovancic was allegedly casing the joint and making plans for Uss's escape. Its unclear if Jovancic traveled by plane or by car. February 20, 2023 The phones linked to Jovancic were next recorded on Italian cell networks at 11:06 a.m., back in Desenzano del Garda. It isnt clear how exactly he traveled from Germany, or when. His phones signals were recorded as he traveled west, on the A4 highway, arriving at the Milan suburb of Basiglio, at 3:16 p.m. He spent less than an hour in the suburb; the phones pings were next picked up near San Giuliano Milanese, about 17 kilometers east, at 4:03 p.m., and again in Desenzano del Garda at 5:54 p.m. That journey was the "Second Inspection," according to the Milan police. February 22, 2023 Phone signals showed Jovancic's phone leaving Desenzano del Garda and traveling east, crossing through Slovenia and Croatia before arriving in Serbia at 7:23 p.m. March 5, 2023 Jovancic returned from Serbia to Italy by car, arriving in Desenzano del Garda at 8:30 p.m., according to cell-phone data. Two days before departing, he posted a video of an Orthodox church in Romania to his TikTok account. The account's nickname is "Vor v Zakon" or "Thief In Law" -- a widely known Russian phrase that refers to organized crime bosses in Russia. March 6, 2023 Jovancic's cell phone signals showed him departing Desenzano del Garda at 8:30 a.m. on what Italian police described as the "Third Inspection." One day later, Jovancic drove to Uss's residence again. He left Desenzano del Garda at 8:30 a.m. and headed to Milan by way of Alessandria, to the southwest -- not a direct route. His cell phone pings showed him in Milan at 12:54 p.m. and in Basiglio at 4:25 p.m. An hour later, his phone signal was detected at Trezzano sul Naviglio and then at the Slovenian border crossing of Gorizia, where he appeared to have driven, at 10:06 p.m. March 7-11, 2023 Jovancic's cell phones showed him arriving in an unidentified location in Serbia at 3.22 p.m. Four days later, he returned to Italy, according to police; his cell phones registered in Germany on the morning of March 11 and at Desenzano del Garda shortly after 3 p.m. Italian police also said Italian cell networks registered the cell phone of Srdjan Lolic, a 51-year-old Serbian man. After entering Italy at Trieste, he drove to Milan, arriving just before 8 p.m. on March 11. Little is known about Lolic. He served as the general manager of a Belgrade hotel called Putnik Inn from mid-2018 until early 2020. On February 9, 2023, according to Serbian corporate registry documents, he resigned from the board of directors of a related corporation that shares the same address and management as Putnik Inn. The hotel itself is owned by a business conglomerate whose shareholders include Cypriots and Serbs. A Russian businessman was listed as a director of the joint corporation. In April 2023, less than a month after Uss escaped from house arrest in Italy, Lolic was reported to have flown to the North Pole, claiming to a Belgrade newspaper that he was the first Serb to set foot there. He told the newspaper he traveled via Moscow and Krasnoyarsk, where he boarded a military plane for the journey north. Krasnoyarsk is the capital of the vast, mineral-rich Siberian region of the same name, whose governor at the time was Uss's father, Aleksandr. U.S. authorities said Aleksandr Uss was a "close ally of President Vladimir Putin." Lolic had dinner with the governor after returning to Krasnoyarsk, he told the Belgrade newspaper. Five days after Lolics article appeared, Aleksandr Uss announced his resignation as Krasnoyarsk governor. He said he had met a few days earlier with Putin, who suggested he move to a different role. No reason was given for his departure. March 12, 2023 Network records showed Jovancics cell phone, along with that of his son Boris, departing Desenzano del Garda at 9:11 a.m., arriving in Milan about 90 minutes later. Father and son, along with Lolic, then inspected the Basiglio property where Uss was staying, police records state. They departed at 12:59 p.m. Lolic appeared then to depart Italy, passing by Venice at 8:13 p.m. March 16, 2023 Jovancic and his son bought a Volvo V60 wagon from a dealer in Castegnato, a town located between Lake Garda and Milan, sometime between 9:27 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The car was registered under Boris Jovancics name. Vladimir Jovancic then drove to Serbia on the same day, crossing from Croatia at the Batrovci border post at 6:36 p.m. The Volvos Italian-registered license plate EP605VA was recorded on border post surveillance videos. March 21, 2023 Cellular signals showed Vladimir Jovancic departing Serbia at 5:02 p.m. and arriving at Desenzano del Garda at 11:20 p.m. At 8:22 p.m., Lolics cell phone was detected at the Batrovci border crossing. He was driving an Audi A8 sedan with Serbian license plates, BG1768HP, that he had rented at the Putnik Inn in Belgrade. According to Italian prosecutors, Lolic was joined on the drive by a 47-year-old Serbian man named Nebojsa Ilic. Earlier in the day, an Italian court had cleared the way for Uss's extradition to the United States, five months after Usss initial detention at the Milan airport. March 22, 2023 Matej Janezic, a 40-year-old Slovenian man, entered Italy at Trieste at 8:31 a.m., driving a Volvo S80 sedan with Slovenian license plates, LJDP082. He arrived in Bedizzole, a township just west of Lake Garda, around 10:30 a.m. At 10:45, according to cell network data, four cars departed Bedizzole, arriving at a shopping center in Lacchiarella a seven-minute drive from Uss's residence at 12:16 p.m. In addition to the two Volvos and the Audi, there was a fourth car in the convoy: a Fiat Bravo that had been transferred to Jovancic by a 36-year-old Albanian woman named Emirada Ibo. Ibo had transferred insurance for the Fiat to Jovancic a week earlier. Italian prosecutors charged her with being an accomplice to Uss's escape. Contacted by RFE/RL with calls and texts via WhatsApp, Ibo declined to discuss the allegations against her by phone and asked that questions be sent in writing. She then declined to answer further phone calls from RFE/RL and responded by text message, saying, I dont know anything about it. I am sorry. At the Lacchiarella shopping center, surveillance cameras captured Jovancic speaking with Lolic at 12:17 p.m. A minute later, Janezic, Boris Jovancic, and a man who is likely Ilic arrived at the shopping center. Jovancic and his son were seen shopping for groceries for about 20 minutes. At 1:06 p.m., the four cars departed the shopping center. Two of them one driven by Jovancic, one by Lolic reach the Borgo Di Vione complex, and surveillance cameras recorded Jovancic walking into the gated community. At 1:40 p.m., a man police identified as Jovancic was shown entering what appeared to be Uss's residence carrying a shopping bag from Lacchiarella. Shortly after that, two men were shown talking on a sidewalk; one, with a hoodie pulled over his head, was identified by Italian police as Uss. Cameras then recorded Uss and Jovancic walking down a sidewalk, exiting the complexs northern entrance, and then getting into the Fiat and driving away. As part of the Italian court order granting him pretrial house arrest instead of detention in jail, Uss had been ordered to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet around his ankle, allowing police to track him and be notified if he went beyond a certain radius of his residence. During Uss's escape, Italian prosecutors said, the transmission from the monitoring bracelet was disrupted with a signal interdictor a device that jams or interferes with the transmission. At some point later, Jovanic provided a bolt cutter to cut the device off of his ankle, according to U.S. prosecutors. Uss then threw the device out of the car window. The alarm for the monitoring device sounded at 1:52 p.m., prompting police to respond, though its unclear exactly how long it took for them to arrive and by the time they did, Uss was gone. Police summoned the fire brigade to break down the door. Inside, the TV was playing loudly, but the house was empty. At some point that afternoon, Uss got out of the Fiat and into the Audi. With Jovancic at the wheel, they headed east to Venice and then to the Slovenian border along with the Volvo, driven by Janezic. The two cars crossed the border at Gorizia around 5:50 p.m., their license plates recorded on roadside surveillance cameras. March 23, 2023 The Audi, now driven by Ilic, crossed into Serbia from Croatia at 6:40 a.m. The escape operation complete, Uss paid Jovancic an additional 40,000 euros, according to U.S. prosecutors. Uss is believed to have then flown from Belgrade to Moscow, but its unclear when, how, and whether it was on a commercial flight. April 4, 2023 After days of mounting speculation in the Italian media about his whereabouts, Uss released a statement to Russian media. Im in Russia! Over these particularly dramatic few days, I had strong and reliable people alongside me. Thanks to them! Uss said. The Italian court, whose impartiality I initially counted on, demonstrated obvious political bias. Unfortunately, it was ready to bend under pressure from U.S. authorities. In todays international situation, when they play without rules, my return to my homeland, even in such a nonstandard way, is a victory, he said. An e-mail sent to a Russian address associated with Uss was returned as undeliverable. Maria Yagodina did not respond by the time of publication. The Aftermath Jovancic was arrested by Croatian authorities on December 4 on a U.S. arrest warrant and sent to a Zagreb detention center. The October 27 grand jury indictment that was unsealed the day after Jovancics arrest accused him of being one of several people involved in Uss's escape. As of publication of this report, Jovancic remained in custody in Zagreb pending extradition proceedings, according to Croatian authorities. His son Boris was arrested the same day by Italian authorities, according to the ANSA news agency. Its unclear whether he also faces U.S. charges. Janezic was arrested on January 19, 2024, in Ljubljana by Slovenian authorities on an Italian arrest warrant. He was ordered into house arrest, pending extradition to Italy, a Slovenian police spokesperson told RFE/RL. The other three suspects Ilic, Ibo, and Lolic remained at-large as of publication of this report. Neither Lolic nor Ilic could be located for comment. Serbias Justice Ministry did not respond to queries from RFE/RL about Uss's escape and whether the government had received an arrest warrant or similar request for legal assistance from Italy or elsewhere. 'An International Embarrassment' Since returning to Russia, Uss has largely kept a low profile, with little or no posting on social media and mentions in Russia media. The fallout from his escape, however, has persisted. Around the time Uss reappeared in Russia, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was questioned by reporters on his escape. "The case is quite serious, said Meloni, whose government has been in office since around the time of Uss's arrest. There are certainly anomalies. I think the main anomaly is the [courts decision] to keep him under house arrest [for] questionable reasons and to maintain the decision even when there was a decision on extradition. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio also suggested that the decision had been a mistake. With this familial situation, having a wife and a home, this man went home from jail with a bracelet, despite the fact that judicial authorities had been inundated with indications he was a high flight risk, Nordio told Italian lawmakers on April 20, 2023. And at a session in the lower house of parliament two weeks later, members of the opposition Green-Left electoral bloc ripped into the government for their handling of the case. How is it possible that he was not guarded, monitored constantly, but only every 72 hours? lawmaker Devis Dori said. Italy, in the manner in which the Italian government has handled the Artyom Uss affair, has just embarrassed itself internationally, said Angelo Bonelli, chairman of the Green Europe party. The U.S. Embassy in Rome declined to comment, referring questions to Italian authorities and the U.S. Justice Department in Washington. The Justice Department declined comment, referring only to previously released press statements. The Italian Justice Ministry did not respond to e-mails seeking comment. Adding further intrigue to Uss's escape: persistent speculation that Russian intelligence agencies played a role in arranging or facilitating the plan. Dozens of Israelis were injured, several critically, when a "swarm" of Hezbollah drones hit 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. CNN 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, four with life-threatening injuries, in the attack some 60 kilometers north of Tel Aviv in the 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 Israel's Golani military training camp in Binyamina. The Israeli military did not provide specifics about the affected site. Iran-allied Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets and drones into Israel, although most have been shot down or 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, 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 AngloGold Ashanti has been proceeding through the feasibility study stage of its North Bullfrog Mine Project in Nye County, Nevada, and the Bureau of Land Management has now opened a public comment period on the project. The comment period goes through May 10. Two online public scoping meetings have been scheduled for April 24 at 5 p.m. and April 25 at 2 p.m. For more information on the meetings, the project and how to submit comments, go to eplanning.blm.gov and search for North Bullfrog Mine Project. People interested in attending one or both of the online meetings need to register at the ePlanning website to receive a hyperlink to access the meetings. The meetings will provide an overview of the project and information about the projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The BLM documents say North Bullfrog is a Corvus Gold Nevada project, but AngloGold Ashanti acquired Corvus Gold for around $370 million in January 2022, and AngloGold Ashanti is the 100% owner of the North Bullfrog Project and other projects in the same area of Nevada. According to the BLM, Corvus Gold submitted a Plan of Operations for the North Bullfrog Mine Project in December 2022, and submitted revisions to the plan in August 2023. The BLM says the proposed North Bullfrog Mine, which is about nine miles northwest of Beatty, Nevada, would have three open pits, a heap leach pad, four overburden storage areas, an ore crushing and conveying system, a gravity mill circuit with cyanide tank leaching, carbon-in-columns, and other mine infrastructure. The project is expected to employ about 530 contractors during the initial one-year construction period, and about 230 full-time employees during active mining and processing, which is expected to last up to 20 years. The proposed project area encompasses about 6,298 acres, and the total proposed disturbance would be around 3,518 acres, which includes approximately 3,138 acres of BLM-administered land and 380 acres of private land. A history of the area in the BLMs overview of the North Bullfrog Mine Project says gold and silver were discovered in the Bullfrog Mining District in 1904, and records indicate that more than 110,000 ounces of gold and more than 800,000 ounces of silver were produced there through 1921. Modern exploration at North Bullfrog began in 1974. Redstar Gold Corporation staked claims in the area in 2005 and 2006. International Tower Hill Mines optioned the North Bullfrog land package from Redstar in 2006 and added additional property to the land package in the following years. In 2009, Corvus was formed as a spinoff of ITH and has been exploring the area since then. The BLM says the North Bullfrog Project is located in the Walker Lane structural terrain which also hosted the historic Bullfrog Mine where Barrick Gold Corp. and predecessor companies produced approximately 2.3 million ounces of gold and three million ounces of silver from 1989 to 1999. AngloGold Ashanti says it acquired both the North Bullfrog and Mother Lode projects with the acquisition of Corvis Gold in January 2022. The company acquired the Sterling project through the acquisition of Coeur Sterling in November 2022. The addition of the North Bullfrog, Mother Lode and Sterling projects into the AngloGold Ashanti North America portfolio, together with the Silicon project and other exploration targets, provides the opportunity to develop a world-class operational cluster within the Beatty district in Nevada, AngloGold Ashanti says on its website. AngloGold Ashanti says the North Bullfrog Project is the most advanced of these exploration projects in Nevada. Comments on the North Bullfrog Project can be submitted through the BLMs ePlanning web page; via email to the BLM project manager, Gene Gilseth, at BLM_NV_BMDO_P&EC_NEPA@blm.gov; or in writing by mailing or delivering a comment letter to Bureau of Land Management, Attention: North Bullfrog Mine Project, 50 Bastian Road, Battle Mountain, NV 89820. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. 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 President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has again called on Ukraine's allies to give the embattled country more air-defense systems as Russia struck Ukrainian energy infrastructure targets, including a major power plant south of Kyiv, killing at least four people and leaving hundreds of thousands Ukrainians without electricity. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. The coal-powered Trypilska thermal power plant, a major electricity supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Zhytomyr regions located some 50 kilometers south of the capital, was completely destroyed in the Russian attack, Ukrainian energy company Centrenerho said on April 11. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that energy infrastructure was the main target of the Russian missile and drone strikes on the Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhya, Lviv, and Kyiv regions. President Vladimir Putin said Russia had been obliged to launch strikes on Ukrainian energy sites in response to Kyiv's attacks on Russian targets. "Unfortunately, we observed a series of strikes on our energy sites recently and were obliged to respond," Putin said after a meeting on April 11 with Belarus's authoritarian ruler, Alyaksandr Lukashenka. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, which is less that 30 kilometers from the Russian border, was again one of the main targets of Russian strikes in the early hours of April 11, with 10 air strikes that cut the energy supply to more than 200,000 consumers in the city. Russian attacks on Kharkiv have intensified in recent weeks. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said recently that S-300 missiles need only 40 seconds to reach Kharkiv from the Russian region of Belgorod. Russian ballistic missiles struck the southern city of Mykolayiv at noon on April 11, killing four people and wounding five, the Ukrainian military and the head of the regional military administration, Vitaliy Kim, said. Zelenskiy, who arrived in Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, for a summit of the Three Seas Initiative, said he and Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics had signed a bilateral security agreement as he seeks to shore up aid and support in the face of unrelenting attacks from Russia. "The main task for now is to make every effort to strengthen our air-defense system, to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and to consolidate international support so that we can overcome Russian terror," Zelenskiy wrote on X, formerly Twitter, upon arrival in Vilnius. Zelenskiy earlier said Russia had attacked with scores of drones and missiles that overwhelmed Ukraine's dwindling air-defense systems and ammunition. "More than 40 missiles and about 40 attack drones. Some of the rockets and Shahed [drones] were shot down. Unfortunately, only a part," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram, calling the latest attack "vile." Ukraine's air force separately said that during the April 11 attack its air defenses destroyed 39 drones, 16 cruise missiles, and two guided missiles. Zelenskiy made another impassioned appeal to Ukraine's allies to act faster and provide Ukraine with the means to defend itself. "Air defense and other defense support are needed, not turning a blind eye and long discussions," Zelenskiy wrote, adding that permitting Moscow to bomb Ukraine with impunity ammounted to giving Russia carte blanche to terrorize the world. "If Russia is allowed to continue to do this, if Russian missiles and 'Shaheds' will strike not only at Ukraine but also at the determination of its partners, this will be a global license for terror," he wrote. A $60 billion U.S. aid package has been stalled in the U.S. House of Representatives for months, blocked by a small number of Republicans who believe domestic matters should take priority, despite both the State Department and Defense Department pushing Congress to pass it. Japan's prime minister told U.S. lawmakers that Ukraine risks collapsing under Russia's onslaught without U.S. support, a disaster that could embolden China and spark a new crisis in East Asia. In the first speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress by a Japanese leader in nine years, Fumio Kishida urged Americans on April 11 not to doubt their country's "indispensable" role in world affairs, and said Tokyo was undertaking historic military upgrades to support its ally. On support for Ukraine, he asked, Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow? On April 10, the top U.S. general in Europe warned that Ukraine cannot sustain the fight against Russia alone. General Christopher Cavoli, the commander of European Command, told the House Armed Services Committee on April 10 that the severity of the situation in Ukraine cant be overstated as troops on the battlefield run short of ammunition and as the countrys air-defense capabilities are depleted. Ukraine's parliament on April 11 moved to boost the number of troops available for duty by approving a law on military mobilization. The law expands the powers of Ukrainian authorities to issue draft notices -- including via an electronic system -- that is expected to help limit evasion. Speaking in parliament on April 11, General Yuriy Sodol, who commands the troops in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, put in stark contrast the battlefield disadvantage Ukraine faces. "The enemy outnumbers us by 7-10 times, we lack manpower," he said. With reporting by Reuters Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) receives Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira in Hanoi on April 10. (Photo: VNA) The PM asked the FM to convey regards and invitation to visit Vietnam from Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to President of the Workers' Party of Brazil and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. On this occasion, Vieira handed over an invitation letter from President Lula da Silva to PM Pham Minh Chinh to attend the G20 Summit slated for this November in Brazil. The host accepted the invitation with pleasure. Recalling his visit to Brazil in September 2023, PM Pham Minh Chinh said he was impressed by its land and people, and spoke highly of policies adopted by the Brazilian government to consolidate and advance the countrys economic and political position, as well as its role in the region and the world at large. The PM expressed his belief that Vieiras visit will contribute to enhancing the Vietnam-Brazil comprehensive partnership, and it will be a step forward to materialise agreements reached by the two countries high-ranking leaders. The leader emphasised that Brazil remains Vietnams biggest trade partner in Latin America, and the second in America, with two-way trade continuously growing over the past years to stand at 7.11 billion USD in 2023. He suggested the Brazilian government soon recognise Vietnams economic mechanism and Brazil further coordinate with other members of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) to push ahead with the launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and Mercosur, thus contributing to raising the Vietnam-Brazil trade and advancing the bilateral relationship to a new level. For his part, Vieira affirmed the importance Brazil attaches to Vietnams role and position in the region, and called for its coordination in preparations for the G20 Summit. He also suggested the two sides step up measures to boost the bilateral ties, effectively maintain the political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level and resume the intergovernmental committee mechanism between the two countries in order to review the bilateral cooperation and propose directions to expand and deepen the Vietnam-Brazil comprehensive partnership. The minister informed the PM about his talks with Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, during which the two sides agreed on a cooperation programme for the time ahead./. SKOPJE -- As you stand in the middle of Skopje's Macedonia Square, you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of tour groups from as far away as Austria, Germany, Spain, and Asian countries like China and Japan. Travelers who take the time to visit the nearby Old Bazaar -- the region's biggest and best-preserved Ottoman bazaar -- are rewarded with a trip through its winding lanes, traditional stores, mosques, and hammams (Turkish baths). The showcase of rich history that stretches back to the Roman era entices tourists to linger a bit longer. Despite the country's rich archaeological and cultural sites, tourists are spending fewer days in North Macedonia, a telltale sign that the country is undervaluing a potentially lucrative tourism industry. Lara, accompanied by 10 friends, stands amid the sunshine in Skopje's bustling square. Their journey through North Macedonia began with a visit to the stunning Lake Ohrid area, followed by a brief stopover in the capital before venturing onward to the verdant Matka Canyon. Their three-day tour offers a small glimpse into the country's rich heritage and natural beauty. "The nature is awesome. The only thing I don't like is seeing so many dogs on the street because I feel so bad for them," she said. More Tourists, Shorter Stays Despite a surge in tourism, North Macedonia faces persistent challenges, including inadequate lodging, transportation, and infrastructure. These shortcomings contribute to the trend of declining tourist stays and underscore the need for comprehensive reform. Tourist guide Zoran Stavrevski says there is another issue: the type of tourists the country is pursuing. "I have the impression that the state focuses on foreign operators who bring organized groups of tourists from their countries," Stavrevski said. Travelers who wish to plan their own quick getaway or cross the country on their own, such as individuals or couples, are not assisted by the tourism sector, he adds. Stavrevski also cites the growth of airline flights going in and out of nearby Albania and Bulgaria that are more than double the connections that North Macedonia receives. "We seem to be satisfied with collecting the crumbs," he adds. Nice Place, But Where Are The Toilets? Spase Perovski, the director of the National Institution Stobi, sheds light on the overarching challenge confronting many of North Macedonia's important cultural and archaeological sites, the insufficient infrastructure to support them. "While tourists visit our sites, our current infrastructure falls short to accommodate their needs," he said. "It is necessary to adopt a general urban plan to build hotels, museums, and everything else that is needed," before conceding, "We are a little late in that." 30,000 Euros For The Promotion Of Tourism Foreign visitors' average stay in the country is 1.9 nights, according to official data from the Tourism Promotion and Support Agency (APPT). This is a decrease from 2021, when the average stay was 2.3 nights. According to Jasmina Laskarovska, director of APPT, the government must make a number of improvements in order to draw and keep tourists. She believes that when there are more lodging options, public facilities, and marketing campaigns to draw tourists, both the quantity and duration of visitors will increase. "In recent years, we have done very little. There should be more accommodation and public facilities," Laskarovska said. With APPT's total budget of 2.58 million euros, only 30,000 euros ($32,000) is used for the promotion of tourism, a decrease of 25 percent. Additionally, the agency has virtually no cooperation with the municipalities in the country it should be working with. Tourism Revenues APPT reports that in 2023, North Macedonia's tourism turnover brought in $598 million, a 25 percent rise over the previous year. The president of the Macedonian Chambers of Commerce, Arkan Kerim, claims that the state has the potential to increase its tourism industry to over $1 billion annually if it controls it more effectively. "In order for us to have sufficient development, we need to have political will." Kerim adds that the future prime minister should understand the importance of tourism. "We need to create a Ministry of Tourism and give it authority in order to invest in tourism," he said. With Skopje set to host the European Capital of Culture in 2028, questions arise regarding the city's readiness to accommodate the anticipated influx of 2 million to 3 million guests in a city that last year hosted roughly 376,000 tourists. "Where will we accommodate those guests, because even now we are struggling with accommodation," Kerim said. Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of National Defence, presents the Decision of the President of Viet Nam to the officers assigned to carry out United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. (Photo: VnExpress) On April 8, the Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony to award the President's decision to three officers. Major Nguyen Sy Hieu will serve as a Military Observer at MINUSCA (Central African Republic) replacing Captain Nguyen Van Phong. Major Hieu is a former lecturer of the Academy of Air Defence Air Force. Captain Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan, the only woman of the three, will serve as a Logistics Officer at UNISFA (Abyei region) replacing Lieutenant Tran Nam Phuong. She is a former lecturer of the Computer Science Department, Army Academy. First Lieutenant Nguyen Tien Long, former Assistant to the Political Department of Navy Zone 4 Command, will serve as a Military Observer at UNMISS (South Sudan) replacing First Lieutenant Nguyen Nhu Tuan. According to the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the three officers completed the Competency Evaluation Program for Prospective UN Peacekeepers (CEPPP) and the joint military exercise with India on peacekeeping (VINBAX). They also underwent pre-deployment training courses, ensuring they meet mission requirements when they arrive in the area. Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Central Committee Member of the Party, Central Military Commission Member, Deputy Minister of National Defence, Head of the Interagency Task Force, and Head of the Ministry of National Defence Steering Committee for UN Peacekeeping Operations, remarked that being assigned to UN peacekeeping missions is not only an honor for each individual but also for the Vietnamese People's Army. The areas where Vietnamese soldiers are deployed are remote, difficult and fraught with dangers. However, in over ten years of participating in this special humanitarian activity, the officers serving in individual positions have demonstrated their bravery, determination and professional competence to their international colleagues and friends. The Deputy Minister of Defense has requested the three officers, upon arrival, to promptly grasp the local situation, immediately engage in their duties, fulfill their responsibilities effectively, and enhance their research, analysis and forecasting capabilities. To date, Vietnam has sent 799 officers and employees to participate in peacekeeping activities at three missions and the United Nations headquarters. MINUSCA Mission in the Central African Republic was established in April 2014 with the task of protecting civilians and supporting the transition of power in Central Africa in the context of many armed groups operating. The UNMISS Mission in the Republic of South Sudan is the largest United Nations Peacekeeping Mission with nearly 18,000 personnel. South Sudan is having to deal with violence, natural disasters, economic instability, and political and military conflicts. Abyei has an area of 10,546 square kilometers. The UNISFA mission was established to maintain, ensure security, safety and prevent conflicts and disputes./. Eoin Reynolds Aaron Brady, who shot and killed Det Gda Adrian Donohoe, has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice during his murder trial in 2020. At a Special Criminal Court hearing this afternoon, Brady accepted that he was responsible for recording footage of an interview between gardai and Ronan Flynn, a witness who told gardai he had heard Brady admit to shooting Det Gda Donohoe three times. The video was later posted on social media accusing Mr Flynn of "touting" and calling him a "rat". Mr Flynn did not give evidence at Brady's trial and Mr Justice Michael White, who oversaw the murder trial, described the release of the footage as "the most outrageous contempt of court" and a clear attempt to intimidate Flynn and other witnesses. Brady is charged with a further count of conspiring with Dean Byrne to persuade a State witness not to testify at the same trial. Brady did not enter a plea in relation to that count but prosecution counsel Lorcan Staines SC said it should be taken into account at sentencing. Following Thursday's arraignment Mr Justice Paul Burns, presiding in the three-judge court, refused an application from Brady's lawyers to prevent media reporting Brady's guilty plea. Mr Justice Burns adjourned sentencing to May 29th. Dean Byrne (30) from Cabra Park, Phibsborough, Dublin is due to go on trial for the conspiracy charge this afternoon. Brady (33), formerly of New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh was convicted by a jury in 2020 of the murder of Detective Garda Donohoe during a robbery at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Jenkinstown, Co Louth, on January 25th, 2013. He is serving a life sentence with a minimum of 40 years. Kenneth Fox Updated at 08:56 Taoiseach Simon Harris will raise Irelands intention to formally recognise the State of Palestine when he meets European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels on Thursdsay. A group of European Union member states, including Ireland, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia and Malta, will put the matter on the agenda of both the next European Council meeting in April and also on the agenda of the next meeting of foreign ministers. As The Irish Times reports, sources said: We want to keep the momentum up. There is a growing determination to do this tied to the peace initiative. We want a concrete proposal [for recognising Palestine] to be put forward." After travelling to Brussels, the Taoiseach will then move on to Poland where he will attend a summit organised by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, at which he's expected to again call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It comes as Simon Harris emphasised his commitment to Anglo-Irish relations and support for Ukrainian sovereignty, after calls to UK prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Mr Harris and Mr Sunak discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, the resumption of powersharing in Northern Ireland, developments since Brexit and the recent North-South Ministerial Council. Mr Harris said that the British-Irish relationship is of huge importance and he would continue to develop it. Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, saying how important he views his role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. Wednesday marks the 26th anniversary since the historic peace deal was signed. With this weeks re-establishment of the North South Ministerial Council, the Taoiseach and the First Minister and deputy First Minister looked forward to renewed, positive North-South engagement in the months ahead, a statement said. Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Mr Zelenskiy, and said he is fully committed to supporting Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adverse social determinants of or SDOH, and health-related social needs HRSNs prevent women in the U.S. from getting regular mammograms. Mammogram is a test to screen breast cancer, which is reportedly one of the most common types of cancer among the U.S. women, killing approximately 40,000 women every year in the U.S. Doctors recommend women to get a mammogram every year after reaching the age of 45. For the study, researchers analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of women aged 40 to 74 years to estimate the frequency of mammography use. The findings revealed that the factors like low-income, social isolation, reduced hours of employment, life dissatisfaction, high medical costs and lack of health insurance and transportation prevent women from getting a regular mammogram. Further, the researchers noted that the prevalence of mammography use in women, facing social barriers, aged 50-74 years was 65.7 percent, which the same for with no social barriers was 83.2 percent. Region-wise, 44 percent women, with a few social barriers, in Wyoming were up-to-date with their mammograms, compared with 78 percent in Rhode Island. "The bottom line is women are more likely to get life-saving mammograms when their social needs are met," concluded Dr Jacqueline Miller, medical director of CDC's National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, and one of the study's lead authors. "Identifying specific adverse SDOH and HRSNs that women experience and coordinating activities among health care providers, social services, community organizations, and public health programs to provide services that help address these needs might increase mammography use and ultimately decrease breast cancer deaths", the health regulator suggested. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Health News At the talks between Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira in Hanoi on April 10. (Photo: VNA) Minister Bui Thanh Son said Vieiras official visit to Vietnam from April 9-11 will contribute to consolidating and enhancing the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, towards advancing it in the context of the 35th anniversary of the bilateral ties this year. He called on Brazil, a member of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), to push ahead with the launch of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the bloc. The minister expressed his belief that with its reputation, role and experience, Brazil will successfully host the G20 Summit. For his part, Vieira praised Vietnams foreign policy, international integration and socio-economic achievements, and affirmed that Brazil always attaches importance and wishes to foster its relations with Vietnam, and this visit is one of the concrete steps to implement the orientation. Both officials spoke highly of the positive progress of the bilateral relationship in politics, diplomacy, economy and trade, as well as cooperation at international multilateral forums, and in security, defence, agriculture, science-technology, culture, and people-to-people exchange. Notably, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to Brazil in September 2023 has opened up many new cooperation opportunities, they said, adding Brazil is Vietnam's largest trade partner in Latin America with a turnover of more than 7.1 billion USD in last year. They held that potential remains for the two sides to boost their cooperation, especially in the fields of climate change response, green and sustainable development, environmental protection, digital transformation, and Halal food production. On the foundation of the good traditional friendship, the two sides will strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation, towards the establishment of a strategic partnership, for the sake of their people, and for peace, stability and development in the two regions. The ministers concurred to carry forward the meetings of the joint committee, and political consultations at the deputy foreign minister level, and put in place the agreement between the two diplomatic academies. They highlighted joint efforts in maintaining close cooperation and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums such as the United Nations, G20, G77, and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and noted their hope that the two countries will contribute to promoting cooperation between each country and Southeast Asia and Latin America, as well as between ASEAN and Latin America. The same day, Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung hosted a reception for the Brazilian minister. Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung (R) and Brazilian FM Mauro Vieira. (Photo: VNA) Chairman of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung suggested the two sides increase all-level delegations in all the Party, State and people-to-people diplomacy channels, work to raise the efficiency of cooperation across spheres, and enhance coordination at international forums. The CPV wishes for stronger relations with political parties in Brazil, including the Brazilian Workers' Party and the Brazilian Communist Party, he said. Vieira said Brazil highly valued Vietnams reform successes as well as its role and position, and agreed on directions and measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination at international forums. The two sides will uphold Party relations and people-to-people diplomacy to reinforce the bilateral relations, he said./. Oil prices rose slightly on Thursday, with Brent contract nearing $91 a barrel as traders braced for a worsening of the Middle East crisis, potentially involving Iran, the third-largest oil producer in OPEC. Benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.4 percent to $90.88 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were up 0.4 percent at $86.53. An Israeli strike killed three sons of a Hamas leader, fueling worries that a deal for ceasefire and hostage release might stall. The attack was confirmed by both Palestinian and Israeli sources. Citing intelligence assessments, a Bloomberg report said a possible Iranian strike against Israel could be imminent and it might involve high-precision missiles and drones. It is feared that the Israel-Hamas war could escalate across the Middle East, putting oil supply at risk. Earlier in the week, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned it has the option of disrupting trade via the Strait of Hormuz. The geopolitical concerns overshadowed the latest EIA inventory data revealing a large build in U.S. crude inventories in the week ended April 5th. The EIA report showed crude oil inventories shot up by 5.8 million barrels last week after jumping by 3.2 million barrels in the previous week. Economists had expected crude oil inventories to increase by 2.4 million barrels. Gasoline inventories inched up by 0.7 million barrels last week but remained about 3 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. Distillate fuel inventories, which include heating oil and diesel, also increased by 1.7 million barrels last week but remained about 5 percent below the five-year average for this time of year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed a new agreement to encourage cooperation on defense and industrial issues. The signing, which took place in Kyiv, came during UK's largest ever trade mission to Ukraine, with a delegation of 29 UK businesses travelling to the country to speak about their expertise and find opportunities for cooperation. In an effort to make Ukraine's military operations in the fight against Russia more efficient, both countries will work together to tackle security challenges, enhance defense industries, and deliver high-profile joint projects over the coming months. The agreement will pave the way for dozens of projects between some of the UK's biggest defense companies, Ukraine's Armed Forces and companies. It will range from establishing strategic military repair facilities to rebuilding civilian infrastructure and implementing to defend against cyber-attacks, according to UK Defense Ministry. During the trade mission to Kyiv, UK defense company BAE Systems agreed to a contract with the UK Ministry of Defense to maintain and repair L119 Light Guns which were donated by the UK to Ukraine for using them in the war. UK Minister for Trade Policy Greg Hands, who accompanied the delegation and signed the arrangement, said, "Now is the time to double down on our support so Ukraine not only wins the war but emerges from it as a strong and resilient country." The UK has so far provided almost $15 billion in military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $2.9 million fine against Asia Pacific Airlines. The FAA proposed a fine of $2,436,850 against the Honolulu-based airliner for allegedly using unqualified pilots on 163 Boeing 757 flights between December 20, 2022, and February 1, 2023. The FAA proposed a fine of $250,000 to Asia Pacific Airlines for allegedly operating Boeing 757 aircraft on 121 flights without authority from an individual who was authorized to exercise operational control of those flights. Asia Pacific was also fined for allegedly conducting 30 flights with Boeing 757 aircraft that did not comply with conditions and limitations when certain equipment was out of service. Another fine of $64,000 was imposed for allegedly failing to document engine monitoring and continually assess engine reliability for Boeing 757 aircraft used in Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards (ETOPS) between at least Aug. 20, 2021, and Nov. 22, 2021; and failing to perform the required removal of an engine that exceeded allowable temperatures on a July 21, 2022, flight. The FAA said Asia Pacific Airlines has 30 days after receiving its enforcement letters to respond to the agency. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News In a recent memo to employees, Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA), commended the company's reorganization and changes made over the past year. Ma praised the transformation of the company into a more efficient and market-oriented organization, highlighting the efforts made to overcome the "big-company disease" and become a "simple and agile" entity that prioritizes efficiency and the market. The overhaul aimed to rejuvenate the Chinese tech giant by splitting it into six different units. Ma acknowledged the past mistakes of the company and emphasized the importance of learning from them to navigate future challenges responsibly. The memo also noted significant management changes, including Daniel Zhang's resignation as CEO and the subsequent appointment of Eddie Yongming Wu as CEO and Joe Tsai as chairman. Ma praised both Tsai and Wu for their "future-oriented transformations." Alibaba has canceled the initial public offerings of its cloud division and logistics unit, illustrating a shift in strategic direction. Ma's reemergence and positive remarks for the new leadership team come at a crucial time for Alibaba employees. The memo, seen as a morale booster, commended the team's resilience amid internal and external pressures. Despite stepping down from his executive chair role in 2019, Ma's influence and support within the company remain strong, reflected in the surge of Alibaba shares following his message. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News NASA is set to launch its next-generation solar sail , known as the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System in April, paving the way for the future of space travel. The technology to be deployed aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from the company's Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, will enhance the scientists' knowledge of the solar system and help in future missions. According to NASA, solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for propulsion, enabling longer duration and cost-effective missions. The energy of photons bouncing off the reflective sail is used to maneuver the spacecraft. "The Sun will continue burning for billions of years, so we have a limitless source of propulsion. Instead of launching massive fuel tanks for future missions, we can launch larger sails that use "fuel" already available," said Alan Rhodes, the mission's lead systems engineer at NASA's Ames Research Center. "We will demonstrate a system that uses this abundant resource to take those next giant steps in exploration and science." For testing purposes, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System demonstration will launch a twelve-unit CubeSat built by NanoAvionics, equipped with advanced composite booms crafted from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials. "Booms have tended to be either heavy and metallic or made of lightweight composite with a bulky design - neither of which work well for today's small spacecraft. Solar sails need very large, stable, and lightweight booms that can fold down compactly," said Keats Wilkie, the mission's principal investigator at NASA's Langley Research Center. "This sail's booms are tube-shaped and can be squashed flat and rolled like a tape measure into a small package while offering all the advantages of composite materials, like less bending and flexing during temperature changes." NASA also added that the lightweight design and compact packing system of composite booms make it a desirable construction material for habitats on the Moon and Mars. The mission's primary goal is to successfully deploy these booms. Following this, the team will evaluate the solar sail's performance and conduct a series of maneuvers to change the spacecraft's orbit. Upon reaching its designated Sun-synchronous orbit, which is 600 miles above Earth, the sail will deploy its composite booms, spanning the diagonals of the polymer sail. Later, the solar sail will reach its full size after about 25 minutes. NASA expects to capture the full deployment of the sails with the help of cameras, to analyze its capability and potential for future missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond. "This technology sparks the imagination, reimagining the whole idea of sailing and applying it to space travel," commented Rudy Aquilina, project manager of the solar sail mission at NASA Ames. "Demonstrating the abilities of solar sails and lightweight, composite booms is the next step in using this technology to inspire future missions." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News When 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 compared with rivals, it strikes a better price:performance ratio against Apache RTR 200, Hornet 2.0, Gixxer 250 and MT-15 In a calculated move, Bajaj Auto is giving its indigenous 250cc platform a major boost with a recent update. Launched yesterday, 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 strikes a much higher VFM quotient with the introduction of a ton of new cycle parts, features and technology at a negligible price increment. But how does it compare to rivals? 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Compared With Rivals If it was up to us, we would have compared the newly launched 2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 with Suzuki Gixxer 250, Honda CB300F and Bajajs own Dominar 250. Except for Suzuki Gixxer 250, Bajaj doesnt seem to be considering the other two as immediate rivals for the new Pulsar N250. Instead, Bajaj is positioning Pulsar N250 against Honda Hornet 2.0, TVS Apache RTR 200 4V, Yamaha MT-15 and Suzuki Gixxer 250. Starting with engine displacement, both Gixxer 250 and Pulsar N250 have the edge here with Yamaha MT-15 being the smallest engine. MT-15 has the least amount of torque at 14.1 Nm and Honnet 2.0 has the least power. If we take raw performance, it is Gixxer 250 that packs 26.5 bhp and 22.2 Nm, both best in this comparison. Bajaj N250 develops 24.5 bhp and 21.5 Nm, not far off from Gixxer. But Bajajs performance metrics are achieved earlier in the rev range than Gixxer, which might prove to be an advantage. MT-15 proves to be quite a screamer making its peak performance at much higher revs. When compared to Apache RTR 200, N250 has more power and torque and at lower revs. Bajaj doesnt show gearbox stats in their table because N250 gets a 5-speed gearbox, while Gixxer 250 packs a 6-speed unit. Wheelbase is the longest with Hornet 2.0 and shortest with MT-15. Apache RTR 200 scores some brownie points for offering the highest 180 mm ground clearance. Where Kerb weight is concerned, nothing can beat Yamahas MT-15 weighing just 139 kg, whereas the just-launched Pulsar N250 is in fact the heaviest at 164 kg. At the front, only Hornet 2.0, Pulsar N250 and Gixxer 250 offer 110-section tyres, while MT-15 offers 100-section and Apache 90-section. Where rear tyres are concerned, Gixxer offers the fattest 150-section tyre and Apache packs 130-section tyre, whereas others including N250 pack a 140-section tyre. N250 packs the biggest fuel tank at 14L, which is always appreciated. Pulsar N250 has best Price:Performance ratio Braking hardware is the most promising only with N250 and Gixxer 250 with 300 mm front disc. N250 has a larger 230 mm rear disc, though. Except for Hornet 2.0, all the vehicles offer dual-channel ABS. Except for Gixxer 250, all the vehicles offer a slipper clutch. N250 just offered Traction Control, while MT-15 was the only one to offer it. TVS loves to showcase a fatter brochure, hence Apache RTR 200 is the only one to get riding modes and ABS modes. With 2024 update, Pulsar N250 now gets three ABS modes too. Bajaj is the only one to offer a USB socket as standard. Honda Hornet lacks any sort of Bluetooth connectivity, while others offer it in varied functionality. MT-15 and Gixxer 250 cant accept and reject calls, whereas Apache and Pulsar can. Only N250 and MT-15 have DTE (Distance To Empty) readout. A glaring omission in MT-15 is the lack of navigation, something with Pulsar N250, Gixxer 250 and RTR 200 offer. Bajaj wants to draw your attention towards the price-to-power ratio of Rs. 6,156 per PS and the price-to-torque ratio of Rs. 7,015 per PS. Both of them are lowest in segment, striking a stellar VFM proposition. Where pricing is concerned, Bajaj Pulsar N250 costs Rs. 1.51 lakh (ex-sh) and is not as affordable as the TVS Apache RTR 200 at Rs. 1,46,820 (ex-sh) and Honda Hornet 2.0 at Rs. 1.39 lakh (ex-sh). However, it is a better proposition when opposed to Yamaha MT-15 at Rs. 1.72 lakh (ex-sh) and Suzuki Gixxer 250 at Rs. 1.81 lakh (ex-sh). As opposed to the current Maruti Suzuki cars crash tested by GNCAP, Bharat NCAP is testing newer Maruti cars that may score well Indian car industry is currently dominated by Maruti Suzuki where sales are concerned. However, where vehicular safety is concerned, Maruti Suzuki usually takes a backseat. Or it appears so, due to stereotypes surrounding the brand. Maruti Suzuki is poised to put these stereotypes to rest with its new-age vehicles like Brezza, Baleno and Grand Vitara. Bharat NCAP To Test Brezza, Baleno & Grand Vitara Tin dabba, tin cans and kaagaz ka car are some of the common perceptions that general Indian consensus has about Maruti Suzuki cars. These conclusions are usually drawn based on the thickness of sheet metal that Maruti Suzuki uses on its vehicles. Although important and contributing, sheet metal is not the decisive factor for crash safety performance. Crash safety performance is primarily determined by the perfect balance between impact absorption and impact repulsion. This is achieved by meticulous chassis and crumple zone designs along with electronic driver aids, primary restraint systems like seatbelts, secondary restraint systems like airbags and the likes. Except for Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza (4 Stars GNCAP) and Ertiga (3 Stars GNCAP), none of the Maruti Suzuki cars tested for crash safety (by GNCAP) scored more than 2 Stars. Global NCAP re-tested some of Maruti Suzuki cars instead of testing newer vehicles like Baleno. Will Maruti Suzuki hoist its first 5 Star flag? Fast forwarding to 2024, Maruti Suzuki Senior Sales & Marketing Exec Director, Shashank Srivastava, mentioned three Maruti Suzuki cars are headed to Bharat NCAP to be crash tested. More vehicles are likely to follow in the future. Company even internally crash tested Fronx and promises excellent crash performance. Fronx is a derivative of premium hatchback Baleno. Global NCAP has not yet crash-tested Baleno or its derivative, Fronx. However, The new Baleno is still based on the same HEARTECT as other Maruti vehicles like WagonR, Swift, Dzire, Ertiga, Ignis, Fronx and XL6, as per Maruti Suzuki. We hope there were strength enhancements in this HEARTECT platform with the new 2022 Baleno along with reinforced and strengthened pillars and crumple zones. We say this because made-in-India Baleno was crash tested by Latin NCAP and scored 0 Stars. Fronx is based on 2022 Baleno and the company claims good crash performance, as per their internal assessment. The new Grand Vitara co-developed with Toyota falls in a more premium segment and has to deliver good crash safety proposition to entice buyers. Global NCAP has tested a few Maruti Suzuki cars under Safer Cars For India Campaign. Under the new Bharat NCAP testing protocols, Maruti Suzuki aims to establish a better crash safety proposition with its new-age products and shed the existing perceived image for lacking in crash safety. At the meeting (Photo: VNA) The annual trip for overseas Vietnamese delegates is held by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOV) and the Vietnam Peoples Navy. At the meeting, Ambassador Thao expressed her hope that the trip will bring memorable experience to participants, enhancing their awareness of national sovereignty over seas and islands and deepening their bonds with the homeland, thus spreading patriotism and love for national seas and island among Vietnamese community in Hungary. Two representatives of the community are going to join the trip, including Le Dinh Bau, and Luong Dinh Khoa, showed their gratitude to the Party and State for providing them with the opportunities to visit the homelands sea and islands. At the meeting, overseas Vietnamese in Hungary and members of the Truong Sa Club donated 3,000 EUR to the the whole nation for Truong Sa program, which will be brought to Vietnam by Mr. Bau and Mr. Khoa during the trip. The meeting also created an opportunity for its members to share their memories of Vietnamese seas and islands and experience from the trips. The Truong Sa Club in Hungary was established in June 2023, gathering people who have joined trips to Truong Sa in different years./. The event industry in Dubai is estimated to be worth Dh165.15 billion ($44.7 billion) in 2023 and is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 25% from 2023 to 2027, a report said. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry itslef in the UAE is expected to grow at 8.5% during the 2023-30 from $5.21 billion to $9.22 billion by 2030 due to increasing business events, exhibitions and conferences in the country, said the report. Dubais exhibitions, conferences, seminars and business events sector recorded a 25% growth last year with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) saying it attracted 2.47 million visitors to events hosted by it in 2023. The results were driven by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events, a notable 23% rise year-on-year, it said. The events industry supports 100,000 jobs in Dubai, while it will create a further 10,000 more in the next five years. According to Market Decipher, a research entity, Middle East Event Services Market shall reach a value of $144.2 billion in 2033, growing with a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2033. These results come as Dubai-based Alltech Events Group announced a game-changing expansion plan that will see the company expand its capabilities to boost the emirates events industry. It is hiring 30% more professionals to manage the growth in business. Alltech Events is also planning to expand beyond the UAE to become a regional player in the next few years. We have invested more than Dh5.5 million to acquire new and technologically advanced audiovisual products that will help us to raise the bar in events production while expand our capacity in handling more events, Rinu Basheer, CEO and Managing Partner of Alltech Events Group that includes Udaya Sound (US) Creations, said. Our turnover doubled to Dh15 million in 2023, growing from Dh7.5 million in 2022. We currently produce or handled between 250 and 300 events per year with a team of 72 professionals and sound engineers which is very high compared to others. TradeArabia News Service At the event (Photo: baoquocte.vn) Ambassador Tam sent the best wishes to Lao Ambassador Sinchai Manivanh, his spouse, the entire staff of the Lao Embassy in Australia, and their families on the occasion of the New Year. At the event, the Vietnamese diplomat expressed his hope that on the basis of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, the two embassies will maintain exchanges in 2024 and increase coordination and mutual assistance in task performance, thereby helping enhance the two countries relations with Australia and exploring the possibility of the three countries cooperation in areas of shared interest. For his part, Lao Ambassador Manivanh shared the outcomes of Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandones visit to Vietnam earlier this year, which had boosted bilateral ties. The diplomat said he hopes that the Vietnam - Laos relations as well as cooperation between the two embassies will stay strong and fruitful./. Preliminary statistics from the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association show that in March 2024, Vietnam exported 25,579 tons of pepper of all kinds, of which black pepper reached 22,282 tons, white pepper reached 3,297 tons. Photo for illustration Pepper export turnover reached 110.7 million USD, of which black pepper export was valued at 92.0 million USD, white pepper export turnover was 18.7 million USD, up 88.1% in turnover and 102.2% in volume compared to February, respectively. The average export price of black pepper in March reached 4,136 USD a ton, up 310 USD, while white pepper reached 5,710 USD a ton, up 55 USD. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, Vietnam exported 56,712 tons of pepper of all kinds, including 49,743 tons of black pepper and 6,969 tons of white pepper. Total export turnover reached 235.6 million USD, of which black pepper reached 196.9 million USD, and white pepper reached 38.7 million USD. Compared to the same period in 2023, export volume decreased by 26.1% and turnover declined by 0.1%. The average export price of black pepper reached 3,966 USD a ton, up 562 USD from the same period last year, while white pepper reached 5,552 USD a ton, up 593 USD. Asia is the largest export region of Vietnams pepper, accounting for 37.7%, equivalent to 21,365 tons, however compared to the same period, the volume decreased by 54.3%. India is the largest export market in Asia with 3,793 tons, an increase of 19.6% and accounting for 6.7%. Exports to China decreased the most by 95.8%, reaching only 1,083 tons compared to 25,919 tons in the same period, the UAE also decreased by 38.6%; Iran decreased by 29.3%, while exports to Korea increased sharply by 179.9% to 2,164 tons. The Americas ranked second, accounting for 29.7%, of which the United States is the largest export market of Vietnamese pepper, accounting for 26.8%, equivalent to 15,185 tons, up 27.9% over the same period./. Photo for illustration. (Source: congthuong.vn) According to statistics from the Vietnam Pepper Association (VPA), Vietnams total star anise export hit a record increase in March with 998 tons, earning 5.4 million USD, an increase of 79% in output. Exports to the main market, India, witnessed a 178% increase in output from the previous month, reaching 645 tons, accounting for nearly 65%. Prosi Thang Long was the largest export enterprise in March with 203 tons, an increase of 99%. In the first quarter of 2024, star anise exports were valued at 13.3 million USD with 2,435 tons, down 27% in output and 38% in turnover. Vietnam exported the most anise to India in the first quarter with 1,376 tons, down 39%, accounting for 56.5%. The US is the third largest export market with 212 tons, down 16% and accounting for 8.7%. In 2023, Vietnam earned 83 million USD from exporting 16,136 tons of star anise, a sharp increase of 26% in volume. India was Vietnams largest export market with 499 tons, accounting for 57% of the total. Anise is a small tree with a height of 2-6m, the shape of the whole tree is tapered in the shape of a canarium, green all year round, the trunk grows straight, the branches easily break. Anise trees usually flower from March to May and anise flowers begin to ripen from July to September when people harvest them. Vietnam has an anise growing area of about 40,000 hectares, concentrated mainly in Lang Son and Cao Bang, with an annual output of more than 16,000 tons./. Some artifacts displayed at the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum (Dien Bien city, Dien Bien province). (Photo: TDO) So said Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam Xiong Bo when talking to the press about the Dien Bien Phu victory. According to the Ambassador, the Dien Bien Phu victory was achieved first of all thanks to the strong and skillful leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by President Ho Chi Minh, the heroic fighting of the entire Vietnamese army and people, in addition to strong support from socialist countries, including China. According to Ambassador Xiong Bo, the Vietnamese army and the previous Chinese army opposed imperialism and colonialism, fighting for independence and national liberation. Today, they build and protect the Fatherland, maintain political security, pursue happiness for the people and serve the interests of humanity. The Ambassador proposed that in the new situation, the armies of the two countries should take the lead in implementing the strategic consensus that the top leaders of the two sides have reached, focusing on strengthening communication and strategic cooperation, promoting information exchange, exercises, joint training, and extensive cooperation in political education and cadre training. The 8th Vietnam-China border defense friendship exchange will take place in April. This exchange and cooperation mechanism over the past 10 years has contributed to building the most peaceful, stable, economically developed and busiest border in the world. "We hope the two sides continue to contribute to deepening and enhancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership," Ambassador Xiong Bo said. Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh assessed the Dien Bien Phu victory as a political-military victory under the correct and wise leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by the great President Ho Chi Minh. She added that the victory demonstrated the spirit of bravery and heroic sacrifice for the independence and freedom of the Vietnamese people, which was admired and praised by peace-loving people around the world. According to the Ambassador, the Dien Bien Phu victory, the great victory of the Vietnamese army and people, had an important contribution from the strength of solidarity and the special combat alliance between Vietnam and Laos. During the resistance war against the French, the Lao army and people stood side by side with the brotherly Vietnamese army and people. "The Dien Bien Phu victory is also the victory of solidarity and the special fighting alliance between Vietnam and Laos," Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh said. She went on to say that the Dien Bien Phu victory created the basis for signing the Geneva Agreement on ending the war, restoring peace in Indochina, and breaking the yoke of French colonial domination. At the same time, this was also a great source of support and encouragement for the armies and people of Vietnam and Laos to continue the resistance war, bringing the two countries' revolutions to complete victory in 1975, creating a miracle victory over colonialists and imperialist invaders. Entering a new era of building and defending the Fatherland, the two Parties, two States, armies and people of the two countries continue to work together to preserve and cultivate the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on Wednesday. Compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the same Chinese nation, Xi said. The over-5,000-year history of the Chinese nation saw successive generations of ancestors move and settle down in Taiwan and people from across the Strait fight side by side to recover the island from foreign invaders, he said. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all Chinese, Xi said. "There are no knots that cannot be untied, no issues that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us," he said. The distance of the Strait cannot sever the bond of kinship between compatriots from across the Strait, Xi said. He said that the difference in systems does not alter the reality that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and external interference cannot hold back the historical trend of national reunification. Calling youth "the hope of the country and the future of the nation," Xi encouraged young people from both sides of the Strait to aspire to become more proud, confident, and assured in their identity as Chinese people, work together for the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation, and continue to create new glory of the nation. People on both sides of the Strait share the same bloodline, culture and history as well as the same responsibility for the nation and the same aspiration for the future, Xi said. He stressed grasping the cross-Strait situation from the perspective of the overall interests and long-term development of the Chinese nation. Xi underscored the importance of guarding the common home of the Chinese nation resolutely. Compatriots on both sides of the Strait should resolutely oppose separatist activities aimed at "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference, Xi said, calling for jointly pursuing the bright future of peaceful reunification. It is a shared aspiration of compatriots across the Strait for a peaceful home and a harmonious family. Therefore, it is imperative to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, said Xi. He underlined the crucial importance of upholding the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, and having the common understanding that both sides of the Strait belong to one country and one nation. Xi also stressed the need to work together for the long-term well-being of the Chinese nation. Describing this goal as grand yet simple, Xi said it is to enable compatriots on both sides of the Strait to realize their aspirations for a good life, ensure a better life for all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, and jointly realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. "We always bear in mind the well-being of Taiwan compatriots," he said, noting that the mainland has made solid efforts to ensure that Taiwan compatriots enjoy more interests, improve their well-being and have a better future. Xi highligted the effort to foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, stressing that compatriots across the Strait have always been members of one family who are supposed to interact frequently and therefore develop closer relationship. He vowed more robust measures to promote cross-Strait exchanges, interaction and integration. Xi called on compatriots on both sides of the Strait to strengthen their confidence in Chinese culture, consciously become its guardians, inheritors, and promoters, and enhance the sense of belonging, identity, and honor of the Chinese nation. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The wheels of history are rolling on toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, said Xi, stressing that, eventually it will be accomplished through the successive efforts of compatriots from both sides of the Strait. He expressed grief over the loss of lives in the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that jolted waters off the coast of Hualien on April 3, and extended his sympathies to those affected by the disaster. Ma said that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" are the common political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. People on both sides of the Strait belong to the same Chinese nation, and they should deepen exchanges and cooperation, jointly carry forward the Chinese culture, improve the well-being of compatriots on both sides, and work together for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Ma said. Representatives of young people from Taiwan shared their ideas at the event. Wang Huning and Cai Qi attended the meeting. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Editor: GSY Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname, poses for a photo during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, April 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) by Xinhua writers He Bing, Wang Zhiying and Wang Linyuan PARAMARIBO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- "We could move the bilateral relations between Suriname and China to the next level, strengthening cultural cooperation, business cooperation and investment cooperation," said Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname. Santokhi made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua in the capital Paramaribo ahead of his state visit to China, during which he expressed optimism about the enduring friendship and cooperation between Suriname and China. He added that his country would enhance its relationship with China in several areas. Suriname is a Caribbean country, covering an area of approximately 160,000 square km with a population of over 600,000. China is one of the major countries in the world, said Santokhi. "Even (though) we are a small country, Suriname and other Caribbean countries can learn a lot from China," he said. In May 2018, Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding with China to jointly build the Belt and Road. Since then, the two countries have embarked on numerous mutually beneficial projects within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework, including airport roads, the Regional Hospital Wanica, and the Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center, among others. "The BRI, proposed by (Chinese) President Xi Jinping, ... promotes connectivity, giving opportunity for all the partners to develop their infrastructure," Santokhi said. Santokhi further said the connectivity brought by the BRI has also created bridges for regional economic development and cooperation, benefiting all participating countries. "The initiative plays a comprehensive role in the area of investment and development, and it helps to strengthen partnership among countries and also develop intra-regional cooperation," Santokhi said. Suriname is one of the earliest Caribbean countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, and in 2024, the two countries will celebrate the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Santokhi reaffirmed Suriname's adherence to the one-China principle, emphasizing mutual respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Regarding regional multilateral cooperation, Santokhi expressed Suriname's willingness to closely interact and strengthen cooperation with China to practice multilateralism, stressing that the BRI can be implemented through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Community of Caribbean States (CARICOM) cooperation and also promotes the integration process of the region. "The important part of this type of cooperation is promoting South-South cooperation, and based on this type of cooperation, we can also improve the connectivity between Latin American countries and China," said Santokhi. Suriname, with its extensive marine protected areas and one of the highest forest coverage rates in the world, holds significant importance for global ecological balance. In terms of environmental protection and climate change response, Santokhi emphasized that there are shared interests and cooperation opportunities between Suriname and China. "Suriname is a carbon negative ranked country, but also a country with a very low-lying coastline and threatened by the impact of climate change through droughts in the interior. As a small country, we cannot address it alone," said Santokhi, mentioning that Suriname needs the cooperation of the world, and particularly technical assistance from China. Furthermore, Santokhi positively evaluated the advancing Chinese modernization and high-quality development. "I had attended one training session organized by the Communist Party of China, and there I got the first lesson on advanced socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Santokhi, noting that in the timeline of China, everything is based on a tailor-made program. "We can learn a lot from China in the area of economic development, particularly in improving the welfare of the people," Santokhi added. Since the arrival of the first batch of Chinese immigrants in 1853, the Chinese community has played a significant role in the Surinamese society. In 2014, the Chinese New Year was officially designated as a legal holiday in this Caribbean country. Santokhi, who is a fan of Chinese culture, noted his participation in various Chinese cultural events, including the anniversary of the first Chinese settlement in Suriname. "The presence of the Chinese community is enriching the Surinamese culture," said Santokhi. Santokhi's state visit to China is scheduled for April 11 to 17. When asked about his plans and expectations for the visit, Santokhi highlighted the enormous cooperation potential between Suriname and China in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and energy, among others. During his state visit to China, "three to four days are only reserved for the investment community, for the private sector, for companies," said Santokhi, aiming to promote more Chinese investment in Suriname and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Enditem (Xinhua reporter Li Mengxin also contributed to the story.) Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname, speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, April 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) Editor: JYZ Renderings for Masons Corner in downtown Farmington. Renderings for Masons Corner in downtown Farmington. Coming off the strength of their successful bid to transform a downtown parking lot into a vibrant pocket park in 2023, Downtown Farmington is once again looking to build a new park atop a long-underutilized space within the downtown footprint. Introducing Masons Corner, a reimagining of the northwest corner of Farmington Road and Grand River Avenue, situated directly in front of the historic Farmington Masonic Lodge.Located at what some might consider the heart of downtown is the future site of Masons Corner, a priority of the citys since at least 2016 when the proposed redevelopment of the site was included in that years Downtown Master Plan. The past few years have seen a slow transition for what used to be little more than a nice lawn in front of the Masonic Lodge, with the Farmington Downtown Development Authority introducing small changes to a site that seems as natural a community gathering space as any downtown. Now the official transformation is set to begin.Downtown Farmington plans a universally-accessible public space complete with pavers, low fences, and trees and landscaping that blends with the Grand River and Farmington streetscapes. Public art will play a prominent role, with an interactive sculptural swing installed to commemorate the communitys bicentennial. Other features include movable outdoor seating and a fire feature, creating a gathering space for live music and other events. Masons Corner will also be included as part of the citys social district, The Syndicate.Downtown Farmington began 2023 with the launch of a crowdfunding campaign as part of the Public Spaces Community Places placemaking initiative, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. Having successfully raised $75,000 and thus securing a corresponding MEDC matching grant, Dinan Park was built and opened later that year.Downtown Farmington has once again been accepted into the states placemaking initiative, having launched a crowdfunding campaign for Masonic Plaza earlier this week. Should they successfully reach their $75,000 goal by Friday, June 7, the MEDC will contribute a $75,000 matching grant to the project.Learn more about the plans for Masons Corner on Patronicity The Public Spaces Community Places program enables our community to confidently close the funding gap as we build a long-planned public space in our downtown. We launch this long-planned project in celebration of our bicentennial year, a gathering place that manifests, Welcoming since 1824, says Kate Knight, executive director of the Farmington DDA. Incorporating inclusivity-first best design practices ensures that our Masons Corner, at the historic main intersection of Downtown Farmington, is ready to welcome all people for the next 200 years.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith This story is part of Southwest Michigan's Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series KALAMAZOO, MI Bonnie Jo Campbell writes every day. Every single day. Weekends, holidays, vacations, doesnt matter. She is at her desk, writing.But not today.Not for several days, weeks, even months, as she has been caught up in a whirlpool of applause, a riptide of book tour activity, not letting her loose from seemingly endless wave upon wave of interviews, television appearances, book fairs and events, virtual and in-person readings, sharing with the literary world her newest novel The Waters (W.W. Norton & Co., January 2024).I am a slow writer, Campbell says. It took me eight years to write 'The Waters.' Its too hard to write during book tours, and Im exhausted. I had 16 events in January after the release, 14 events and counting in February, and 29 events yet scheduled, with more coming. But oh, this has been exciting!'The Waters' is set on an island in the Great Massasauga Swamp. It is an area known as The Waters by nearby residents of Whiteheart, Michigan. Living on that island are herbalist Hermine Herself Zook; her daughter, Rose Thorn, who mesmerizes the men of Whiteheart; and her granddaughter who loves math and nature equally, 11-year-old Dorothy Donkey Zook. Other related women enter the scene throughout, bringing with them family secrets and love stories, some of which are laced with violence as the men of the surrounding community interact with the women.It was wonderful to be chosen as one of Oprah Daily's Most Anticipated Books of 2024 and as one of the Chicago Review of Books's 12 Must-Read Books of January 2024, Campbell admits. And I cried when I read the review in the Washington Post. But it was a really big deal to be on the Today Show for a Read with Jenna book club selection. That was hard, though, because they wanted to keep it a secret, so I wasnt told when to fly out to New York until the last minute. I had to squeeze in that flight between other events.Campbell appeared on the popular morning show with Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb on January 25, 2024 the show can now be viewed on YouTube . A group of women from a New Jersey book club asked her questions about the book, in between questions from the show hosts.I was told to be camera ready when I arrive at the NBC studio, Campbell says. Now, as a former newspaper worker, I know what camera ready is for printing, but I had no idea whether my bare face would appear washed out, or if I am supposed to suddenly burst forth wearing make-up after not wearing it my whole life.Campbell went through a series of trying on dresses she is normally in comfortable pants or jeans and shoes with heels also something unaccustomed. Her publicist took her to Sephora prior to reaching the NBC studio to apply makeup.I thought the eyebrows the makeup artist at Sephora created were a bit too Groucho-Marxish, but everybody said that was the style and it wouldnt look that way on TV. Campbell shrugs and smiles. When she arrived at the studio, however, the makeup artist there shook her head, wiped her face clean, and began over again.Campbell wore a secondhand sweater with pants, a scarf looped around her neck with the image of the book cover printed onto it. A gift from Kalamazoo writer, Susan Ramsey, she says. She now wears the scarf at all her appearances.All of that, Campbell laughs, may have been the hardest part. This was, after all, about the book and less about her.It was the local events with local fans, however, that touched the author most.A couple of my favorite readings were with fellow writer, Andy Mozina, Campbell says. Mozina recently also had a novel come out 'Tandem.' We read together at Kazoo Books in Kalamazoo and Schuler Books in Grand Rapids. We read with music interspersed. It was an idea by Tom Evans, and it was incredible. It was so fun! I had a blast.At a Chicago reading in a library, Campbell winced to see such a small audience gathered for her reading. Most all her readings thus far, after all, had drawn big audiences, and packed rooms.Then I was told afterward that the reading was live-streamed to 800 people, she laughs.Other appearances will include reading to a group of 24 inmates at a prison in Coldwater, organized by an outreach program at Western Michigan University, Campbells alma mater. At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Campbell packed the auditorium as she answered questions with filmmaker Haroula Rose about a film made from a previous novel, Once Upon a River. An exhibit about the writer is currently showing at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, in downtown Kalamazoo. At a reading in Marshall, readers brought Massasauga snakes in honor of the book. Yes, another main character in the book is a Massasauga snake. Every reading has had its own flavor and thrills.Since her first reading at Michigan News Agency in January, Campbell has traveled the state but also the country, coast to coast. The Waters has since landed on the national bestsellers list and is being translated into other languages.I dont know how many copies have been sold, she says. I dont want to know. All I wanted in writing the book was to celebrate women.An audio version of the book is currently being recorded for those who would rather listen to the story than read it.I got to choose the narrator, Campbell says. I looked for a particular kind of voice, someone special. I asked Lili Taylorshe was the actress in Mystic Pizzaand she said yes. Its fun to have someone splashy do it.A couple more months of constant travel, Campbell says, and she will finally be able to return home to Darling Christopherhow she refers to her husband and to her two donkeys, three cats, and a coop full of chickens. And to her routine of daily writing. A new, shorter novel is in the works, she hints.More events await, but there will be longer breaks between to catch her breath and to dip a toe in the waters that surround her home and restore her.Ive made so many great connections with all these events, she says. Ive met writers from across the world. But what I have really loved is that people close to me have appeared at readings. People back from high school. Family I havent seen in a long time. This book has put me together with old friends. That means the most. Kalamazoo Assistant City Manager Rebekah Kik, left, shares a moment with HOPE Thru Navigation leader Gwendolyn Hooker, at the April 4, 2024, for groundbreaking of the Tiny Houses of Hope. Gwendolyn Hooker, founder and CEO of HOPE Thru Navigation, says tiny houses may be the most efficient way to bring affordable housing to Kalamazoos Northside Neighborhood. HOPE Thru Navigation has laid the groundwork for the first three of its The HOPE Thru Navigation Each of the Partners in the development of the Tiny Houses of HOPE, have a ceremonial groundbreaking for the project on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Friends who accompanied photographer Fran Dwight to Wakeman, Ohio:. (l-r) Greg Orr; Mike McMinn; John McClaflin; Cathy McMinn; Sue McClaflin; Patti Ann McNulty This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Battle Creek series Mondays eclipse provided a unique experience for each person who witnessed it and while those of us lucky enough to watch it were alone in our thoughts, we were not really alone. We were part of a group of millions and that is what made it so much more meaningful for so many of us.Some of us traveled to Mexico, Texas, Ohio, and Cleveland staying in hotels that engaged in a fair amount of price-gouging American capitalism at its best. I guess this was their way of observing the eclipse.Susan Hochman, a New York City resident who for seven years had been planning to travel to see the solar eclipse on April 8 , spent $650 for a one-night stay at a modest hotel room in Saranac Lake, New York, which was in the path of the so-called totality . Hotel staff told a CBS News reporter that room rates at the same hotel hover around $99 during busier times. Hochman called the inflated lodging prices kooky crazy. You could say that the money made by the hospitality industry on this rarest of occurrences eclipsed the actual eclipse.But there were those eclipse watchers who opted to stake out a spot at campgrounds in the path of the eclipse. They spent far less money and likely had opportunities to befriend people they may never see again while waiting for the darkness to envelop them.Theres a lot to be said for this. They werent concerned about who you were supporting in the upcoming presidential election, your sexual orientation, or your religious beliefs, caring instead about the universes power to awe.I myself was on a plane to Detroit Metropolitan Airport after visits with my daughter and my mother.It was a Delta flight, not one of the two sold-out eclipse flights offered by the airline . Sadly, no eclipse glasses for me and my fellow passengers.From my vantage point in the middle seat, I thought I had a pretty good shot at viewing the prelude to the eclipse. My hopes were dashed when the woman occupying the window seat pulled down the shade even before we were airborne. Who selects a window seat if they dont want to see the view from thousands of miles above the ground?I was able to watch televised coverage of the eclipse, but it just wasnt the same. I wanted that collective experience.Yes, the 'shade shutter' did get a dirty look or two from me when were disembarking from the plane.Thats when my eclipse moment happened among a group of people who had gathered under a window near the ceiling in the terminal. They were wearing eclipse glasses and staring through the window across the tarmac at the sun which would soon be covered by the moon.I wormed my way in, put my backpack down, and began to look up without said glasses when a woman said Dont and offered me hers. For about 10 minutes these fellow travelers from different parts of the country and the world stood together not thinking about their next flight, retrieving their bags, or finding a rental car.Their faces were tilted up towards that window where they eventually saw the sun become a sliver of itself. We didnt witness totality, but we did see the lightness in one another as we shared a few brief moments of near darkness.O.K., there were one or two people who yelled at us to get out of the way because they had places to be causing one eclipse-watcher to say, Its once in a lifetime. These are not the moments Ill be remembering.I like to think of what I saw and witnessed from these total strangers as a perfect example of West Michigan Nice even though it happened on the east side of the state. Oprah Winfrey coined the term during a sit-down with voters in 2017 after the most recent presidential election.I never asked my fellow eclipse-watchers where they were from. I think they represented many different areas of the United States. Their kindness and expressions of awe and delight over what we saw together got me to thinking about Oprahs take on us West Michigan Nice Michiganders.The act of nice can happen at any moment that calls us to be our best versions of ourselves.Lets not wait until the next eclipse in 2045 to have our own unique experience in communion with each other. This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's Voices of Youth Battle Creek program which is supported by the BINDA Foundation, City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. This series features stories created by Calhoun County youth in partnership with professional mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth.In a world that can seem poisoned by idealized standards of beauty and self-perception, body image, especially among teenagers, can be a topic that causes deep personal struggle. To examine and bring to light some of these body image struggles, this author has chosen a writing form known as Verse Journalism, a form of poetic writing that allows topics to be explored from "the inside out," leaving room for creative license, imagination, and capturing of nuance, according to the Poetry Foundation . The mother and namer of this movement was Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks whose poems about life in Chicago place the "poet as fly on the wall. . .poet as all-seeing eye."The consequences of inaccurate or self-critical body images can be life-altering and even life-threatening, as they were to Fiona Geraghty , a 14-year-old British girl who in 2010 was found hanging in her room after struggling with bulimia and teased for being fat. Fiona's story is shared through a poem called "The Dance."The second poem is about someone who wishes to remain unnamed. To protect his privacy, he is given the name Steven Robinson. Steven's story is illustrated through the poem called Dear Happiness, which highlights how his late brother inspired him to become a better version of himself.Both stories have different starting and ending points regarding battling body image. As the reader navigates the emotional landscape laid bare by these verses, they are hopefully guided toward a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding body image.Italicized Main Character Speaking Secondary Character SpeakingIn my mind an eternal void greets meEvery morning and every night.It tortures me hidden from everyone elses gazeTimelessly dancing around my spiritGrabbing me into a close embrace.We dance together.We dance it all away.Compliments, accomplishments, loveIt all means nothing.My shadow reminds me every day of how unworthy i am.Slim figure, no volume.Long nose, not thin enough.Blonde hair with blue eyesShouldnt I have it all?While we pranceIt whispers in my ear an unfortunate truthMy tears hiss and burn as they travel down my face.I cry and cry.The darkness latches on like leeches.Draining meIt hurts.And i bleed.We leap and we twirlAll night long until the starlight pirouettes into rings.I spin.We spin.Dancing in my agony.I drown beneath the covers of my bed.Hand over mouth I garble silently all the words i would never say.I weep into my shadows chestClutching my own.Silver teardrops slowly vaporizing into starsMy shadow expanding into space.I finally understand.This is what the universe has in store.My life means nothing.My shadow is my only friend.The only one who has seen all my tearsAnd the warped figure in my mirror.Its void continues to grow.Deeper and darker. I let it consume me.My shadow murmurs quietly.It's a demented type of empathy.Self-hatred and self-pity.My shadow hums to me.A conversation harmonized with disgust.I cant help it.I try my best to be suitable I put on makeup and dress It just never seems to impress.I try my best to be healthy No thats not true.I..I dont know what to do.My nurse said everyone goes through this Im not crazyI just lost myself along the way...What are you talking about?Maybe I am the issueSo what should I do?Every harmful word ever saidRicochets like bullets in my head.My shadow pulls me closer to its chestAs we dance through the days, months, yearsMy answer is made clear.My shadow holds onto me tight enough to hurtBut not enough to make me stay.I wont let it play with me and torture me any longer.I tie the knot and prepare the chair silently.I hope they can forgive me-But what about my family theyll be hurt RestpeaceI slip my head through the loop and kick out the chair.Im terrified, I think as my breath blows awaymy shadow says as it fadesTemptation got the best of me in the worst way.I was picked on a lot by my friends.Mix together chubby and glasses You get me, the comedian.But they were the ones making the jokes.They didn't mean too much harm, and i didn't take it to heart.But parts of me slowly withered away.My insecurities and flaws greeted me with open arms.I am so much more than this shell,Yet I had all these changes I wanted to make,It all came down to day one or one day.It hurt losing you, brother.It was such a normal day.There was a baby blue silk sky And clouds stretched out in thin wavy lines.The sun glistened and shined.It was normal, yet everything changed.Learning you were gone caused my soul to stagger,I began to slip and fall I tumbled and fought with reality as my world came crashing down.The sun still shined, but there was only absence of light now.I looked into my mirror.Is it me or you that I see?Memories of you started bleeding throughThe blurred fabric of space and time.I no longer see myself in my own reflection.I was lost in the ripples of imagination and reality.Remembering you kept you alive to me.Youre everything, but I began to missFeeling alive and the feeling of living.I lost a brother, but found myself.My flaws transcended into adventuresPaths broken waiting to become complete.I went to the gym, finally, to clear my head.I was bettering myself at first to ease the pain But then your whispered message reached me.You left me too soon.Maybe, but right now I only miss you.The moons light is fake, a reflection of the sun's rays.So what are you trying to say?Okay..?HappinessYoure why I can laugh and be silly.Your memories I promiseand so the story goes.Life is too short to live with regrets.Im not going to waste the time I do have left.Because of you, I am strong, better,Genuine, happy, proud,Loved, happy, accepting,Because of youIn her TEDx talk, Dr. Carolyn Becker, a mental health expert on body issues and eating disorders, discusses many strategies for addressing societal pressures around body image, including how to promote self-acceptance. If you or someone you know are experiencing body image issues, Dr. Becker's suggestions for dealing with our culture's over-emphasis on weight and the thin ideal may be very helpful. She introduces the concept of cognitive dissonance intervention, which encourages individuals to speak out against the internalization of thinness as an ideal. She also promotes Fat Talk Free Week which is designed to help people refrain from negative body talk. Dr. Becker's talk can be seen HERE is a senior high school student who is dual-enrolled at Kellogg Community College. She wishes to pursue her passion in cyber security and also join the Air Force. Tanna enjoys writing, coding, and making music, as well as participating in controversial debates. Tanna learned about Voices of Youth from a mentor at Urban League and wanted to join because of her passion for poetry, writing, and controversial topics.is 17 years old and attends Harper Creek High School as a senior. Her hobbies are drawing, singing, reading, and listening to music when given the chance.My creative process was heavily influenced by personification like the flower petals and waves. I approached each piece by attempting to compare ideas to tell a story. Voices of Youth Mason Allen has been going to the mall since before I can remember with one of the first times being caught in this photograph of me excited to sit on Santa's lap at the mall. Businesses like Horrocks and Barnes and Noble still draw customers to the area, which many consider to be a desirable location. Businesses like Horrocks and Barnes and Noble still draw customers to the area, which many consider to be a desirable location. The inside of Lakeview Square Mall is also quite empty, a combination of stores losing out to online businesses, and a lack of initiative to keep businesses in the mall. A look at the empty parking lots of Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek. Businesses like Horrocks and Barnes and Noble still draw customers to the area, which many consider to be a desirable location. Mason Allen is 17 years old and attends Lakeview High School as a senior. Mason Enjoys running, camping, and playing video games. At the moment he is planning on attending Michigan Tech for Mechanical Engineering following graduation this spring. Mason learned about Voices Of Youth through his friend. Voices of Youth Mason Allen has been going to the mall since before I can remember with one of the first times being caught in this photograph of me excited to sit on Santa's lap at the mall. He decided to do the program as a way to learn more about his community and to get paid to share what he found out with others. I have been going to the mall since before I could remember, I wanted to see what's being done to keep the mall with the times as brick-and-mortar stores struggle due to online retailers. This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's Voices of Youth Battle Creek program which is supported by the BINDA Foundation, City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Community Foundation, and the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. This series features stories created by Calhoun County youth in partnership with professional mentors, as well as feature stories by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth.BATTLE CREEK, MI Lakeview Square Mall has been a staple of Battle Creek since its opening on August 3, 1983. With a prime location at the crossing between M-66 and I-94, its location is poised to draw not just local shoppers but people passing through. Since the early 2000s, malls across the country have been in decline due to people shopping more online. Nationwide, this trend has been called the "retail apocalypse." With this pressure, many malls have had to adapt to bring people in through new methods.Lakeview Square Mall is no exception to the struggles malls have faced, with big chain stores like Macys, J.C. Penney, and Sears all leaving the mall in the late 2010s. With all the empty storefronts seen when walking through the mall, it may seem like there is little hope for the struggling business complex. Voices of Youth reached out to the mall manager who declined to be interviewed, as well as a Horrocks manager who did not respond.The popular Horrocks Farm Market, which has been in the Battle Creek area for 20 years, moved into the Lakeview Square Mall in early 2023. Horrocks has brought many people into the mall and has a regularly full parking lot. Is this a sign of things to come for other less-developed parts of the mall?Horrocks decision to move to the mall was due to the previous location not being large enough for their new deli, says Battle Creek Assistant City Manager in charge of Community and Economic Development, Ted E. Dearing. The larger footprint of the former J.C. Penney store was ideal for Horrocks based on their desire to significantly expand their offerings (both indoor and outdoor).The mall's large parking lot also provides ample space and expansion opportunities for Horrocks. According to Dearing, this was another factor that brought in Horrocks, with their store expanding the mall to include an outdoor greenhouse section.Horrocks is not the only business that considered the Lakeview Square Mall to be a great option, with the physical location having a large factor in its desirability. Dearing says, The mall location is still one of the most desirable in the community. It is ideally situated at the junction of I-194 and I-94 and accessible to the entire region. The site is visible from the highway making it an attractive retail location and nearby on and off ramps make it easy to get to.The malls location inspired discussion and a study to decide on possible investments in the area, from both the city and more businesses moving into the mall, Dearing says.Currently, the city is working with a consultant on a plan to reimage the entire Beckley Road corridor with an emphasis on redeveloping the mall," says Dearing. "The addition of storage and Horrocks in recent years has brought new vitality to the site and additional out-lot developments including two potential restaurants will add to the mix. The study should help inform future redevelopment efforts and hopefully spur investment.For a large brick-and-mortar space like a mall to thrive, people must visit in person. However, folks are waiting for something new to bring them in. One mall patron approached for comment says they came to the mall with their family to go to Buffalo Wild Wings. Before entering the restaurant, the family walked around the mall. When asked what made them choose the mall to eat at they said, The food options that we had were probably the biggest thing.Local teenager, Alivia Carlton, shared her experience and feelings about the Lakeview Square Mall. Carlton has lived in Battle Creek her whole life and has been to the mall many times. It makes me feel a little disheartened. I know I didnt live through the mall's prime but I do remember it being more active. I miss when there were more stores and food areas.When asked if she would visit the mall to check out a new store, Carlton was emphatic. Yes, absolutely! I would love to have more places to go into and shop at as well as more options for food.While the mall may not be as bustling as it once was, if community interest signifies a positive future, Lakeview Square is on an upward track. Businesses and local individuals alike express their desire for the mall to be a more useful space. As long as new businesses come to the mall, the mall will remain a staple of the Battle Creek area for many years to come and may even become the spot for kids to hang out once more. Botswana Diamonds announced the discovery of a second anomaly on Thursday, close to another anomaly announced on 23 January. The AIM-traded firm said the newly-identified anomaly spanned about six hectares, adjacent to an existing anomaly covering 12 hectares. It said it had initiated planning for drilling on the anomalies located in the Kalahari region of Botswana, with an environmental impact assessment (EIA) underway as a prerequisite for drilling. The company envisaged a total of five drill holes being executed across the two anomalies. It said the KX36 project, in the Kalahari, comprises a 3.5-hectare kimberlite pipe boasting substantial resources. The pipe indicated resources of 17.9 million tonnes at 35 carats per hundred tonnes, and inferred resources of 6.7 million tonnes at 36 carats per hundred tonnes, valued at $65 per carat. It said the modelled grade range stood at 57 to 76 carats per hundred tonnes, with an estimated diamond value of up to $107 per carat. The newly-discovered kimberlite targets held significant potential to enhance existing resources in the region, including those at the Ghaghoo Mine, which was presently under care and maintenance 60 kilometres away from the KX36 project. The discovery of a second anomaly, which we believe is about six hectares in size, adjacent to that previously announced, is further good news, said chairman John Teeling. Additional work indicates that the first anomaly could be 12 hectares in size - both anomalies are close to our 100% owned KX36 diamond discovery, which is 3.5 hectares in size and contains an indicated and inferred estimate of 8.70 million carats. The anomalies need to be drilled. At 1529 BST, Botswana Diamonds shares were down 6.5% at 0.38p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Investors' focus at the end of the week will shift towards Asia-Pacific. Overnight, China's National Bureau of Statistics will release foreign trade figures for the month of March. Those will provide investors with a better sense of the pace of the country's economic recovery - or not. Against that backdrop, at 0600 BST the Office for National Statistics will publish gross domestic product data for the month of February. In the euro area, final readings on consumer prices for the month of March in France, Germany and Spain are all due out. Stateside financial markets' attention will be on the preliminary results for the University of Michigan's consumer confidence survey covering the month of April at 1400 BST. Friday 12 April INTERIM DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Abrdn UK Smaller Companies Growth Trust, Galliford Try, Tristel QUARTERLY PAYMENT DATE Alpha Real Trust Ltd., Duke Capital Limited, Land Securities Group INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Consumer Price Index (GER) (07:00) Import and Export Price Indices (US) (13:30) U. of Michigan Confidence (Prelim) (US) (15:00) SPECIAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Lancashire Holdings Limited AGMS Sigmaroc UK ECONOMIC ANNOUNCEMENTS Balance of Trade (07:00) Gross Domestic Product (07:00) Index of Services (07:00) Industrial Production (07:00) Manufacturing Production (07:00) FINAL DIVIDEND PAYMENT DATE Chemring Group, IDOX, LPA Group Biopharma giant AstraZeneca has announced that it will increase its annual dividend by 7%, which the board said demonstrates its confidence in the company's performance and cash generation. The company said it would raise the annualised payout for 2024 by 20 cents to $3.10 per share. AstraZeneca said the amount takes into account other capital allocation priorities as well as previously announced acquisitions and business development. "This uplift is in line with our progressive dividend policy, which remains unchanged, and reflects the continuing strength of AstraZeneca's investment proposition for shareholders," said chair Michel Demare. No changes are planned to the scheduling of dividend payments, with the first interim dividend announced with half-year results and paid in September and the second announced with full-year results and paid in March. "The board also reaffirms its commitment to AstraZeneca's progressive dividend policy," the company said in a statement. New post-Brexit UK border controls coming into force later this month will cost British businesses 2bn and fuel higher inflation, according to a report warning that UK-EU trade will be damaged as a result. With less than a month before the introduction of new checks on animal and plant products from 30 April, the insurer Allianz Trade said the controls agreed under Boris Johnsons Brexit deal could add 10% to import costs over the first year. Guardian Rishi Sunak ordered multiple taxpayer-funded focus groups and polls to craft the messaging of his planned eat out to help out campaign in July 2020, despite keeping the UKs top medical and scientific advisers in the dark about the scheme. The Treasury negotiated five public opinion contracts worth more than 2m from June 2020 throughout the pandemic, while Sunak was chancellor, including those to establish how best to sell the hospitality scheme to voters. Guardian Heat pump owners are to host visitor days at their homes for prospective buyers as Britain races to boost demand for the technology in an attempt to hit net zero targets. Homeowners can invite curious neighbours round so they can see the pumps in action using a website launched by the charity Nesta, in a move likely to recall 1960s Tupperware parties when the brands supporters showed off its products to their friends. Telegraph McKinsey is planning to lay off hundreds of staff as the consulting giant grapples with weaker demand for its services. The management consultancy company is preparing to make 360 redundancies across its design, data engineering, cloud and software divisions. McKinseys layoffs will affect about 3pc of 12,000 of workers across the businesss global offices who are considered as specialists or as having technical expertise. The job cuts will not affect the firms traditional consultant roles, Bloomberg first reported. Telegraph Hundreds of staff at the Dutch division of KPMG cheated on professional exams and misled investigators, resulting in the Big Four accountancy firm being hit with a record $25 million fine from Americas audit regulator. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in the United States found that between 2017 and 2022 hundreds of KPMG workers in the Netherlands, including senior partners and managers, had shared questions and answers with one another. This included for exams that they had to sit to test their understanding of professional ethics. The Times Londons FTSE 100 was down 0.2% at 7,949.25 in afternoon trade on Thursday. AstraZeneca gained after announcing a 7% increase to the annual dividend. "This uplift is in line with our progressive dividend policy, which remains unchanged, and reflects the continuing strength of AstraZeneca's investment proposition for shareholders," said chair Michel Demare. B&& and Castorama owner Kingfisher was higher after HSBC upgraded the shares to buy from hold and lifted the price target to 305p from 235p. This implies upside of 26% and is driven by an improved medium-term outlook, the bank said. HSBC said a macro recovery, France restructuring and trade and e-commerce & digital represent growth opportunities for the company. The bank said it was updating estimates for FY results and revised guidance for FY25, which it views as the bottom of the cycle. On the downside, Aviva, Phoenix and Lloyds were all weaker as they traded without entitlement to the dividend. Travel shares were under the cosh amid the potential threat of an Iranian attack on Israel, with BA and Iberia owner IAG and easyJet both down. FTSE 100 - Risers Centrica (CNA) 131.30p 3.73% AstraZeneca (AZN) 11,060.00p 3.00% Ocado Group (OCDO) 379.00p 2.61% Kingfisher (KGF) 249.00p 2.60% SSE (SSE) 1,619.50p 1.86% Smiths Group (SMIN) 1,637.00p 1.81% Entain (ENT) 827.80p 1.65% Imperial Brands (IMB) 1,707.00p 1.31% Rightmove (RMV) 532.60p 1.22% Fresnillo (FRES) 586.50p 1.21% FTSE 100 - Fallers Aviva (AV.) 460.80p -6.12% Phoenix Group Holdings (PHNX) 510.50p -5.99% Tesco (TSCO) 281.80p -5.59% Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) 50.76p -4.56% easyJet (EZJ) 546.80p -4.45% Whitbread (WTB) 3,140.00p -3.60% International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (CDI) (IAG) 169.70p -3.42% Barclays (BARC) 184.68p -2.70% Sainsbury (J) (SBRY) 261.00p -2.62% HSBC Holdings (HSBA) 649.20p -2.19% In the latest Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings for 2024, IIT Bombay has achieved notable success, securing its position as a leading institution not only in India but also on the global stage. With an overall score of 79.1 out of 100, IIT Bombay has been ranked 45th worldwide in engineering and technology, reinforcing its reputation as a hub of academic excellence. Moreover, it has clinched the top spot in the South Asia region, affirming its dominance in the field. IIT Bombay has made significant strides in various specific disciplines. In computer science and information technology, it stands at 64th place, while in data science and artificial intelligence, it has secured the 30th position. The institute's prowess extends to civil and structural engineering (42nd), chemical engineering (64th), electrical and electronics engineering (63rd), mechanical, aeronautical, and manufacturing engineering (57th), and minerals and mining engineering (25th). A closer look at the rankings reveals thathas made significant strides in various specific disciplines. In computer science and information technology, it stands at 64th place, while in data science and artificial intelligence, it has secured the 30th position. The institute's prowess extends to civil and structural engineering (42nd), chemical engineering (64th), electrical and electronics engineering (63rd), mechanical, aeronautical, and manufacturing engineering (57th), and minerals and mining engineering (25th). Behind these remarkable achievements lie several parameters where IIT Bombay has excelled. In terms of academic reputation, the institute's performance in mathematics stands out, earning a score of 79.6. Employer reputation, a crucial metric reflecting industry trust, is highest in engineering mineral and mining, with an impressive score of 96.2. Notably, in citations per paper, a marker of research impact, IIT Bombay shines brightest in engineering minerals and mining, boasting a score of 88.0. Moreover, the H-Index, a measure of productivity and impact of published work, attains its peak at 80.5 in engineering minerals and mining. Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri, the director of IIT Bombay, expressed his elation at the institution's continued ascent in global rankings. He attributed this success to the unwavering dedication and hard work of students, staff, and faculty members. Prof. Chaudhuri expressed confidence in IIT Bombay's potential to achieve even greater heights in the years to come. The QS rankings also shed light on the performance of other prominent institutions in Mumbai and Pune. Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) feature alongside IIT Bombay, underlining the city's status as an educational powerhouse. However, TIFR and TISS have witnessed a slight decline in their rankings compared to the previous year. Additionally, this year marks a significant milestone for the University of Mumbai (MU) and Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), both making their debut in the QS rankings in the business and management category. MU secured a position in the group of 451-500, while SPPU ranked in the group of 601-620. SPPU's commendable performance extends to five subject categories, reflecting its growing academic prowess. Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) has solidified its commitment to advancing India's mineral security by signing a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT). This collaboration marks a pivotal step towards leveraging technical expertise and fostering knowledge cooperation in critical minerals. The MoU outlines a framework for KABIL to harness CSIR-IMMT's technical prowess for various projects, including designing and analyzing metallurgical test work plans, developing and reviewing process flowsheets, and selecting process technologies for mineral processing, beneficiation, and metal extraction. Additionally, the agreement paves the way for joint research initiatives and the exchange of scientific information between the two entities. The signing ceremony, held at the NALCO Corporate Office in Bhubaneswar, saw the presence of key figures including Sadashiv Samantaray, Director (Commercial) and CEO of KABIL, along with Dr. Ramanuj Narayan, Director of CSIR-IMMT. Sridhar Patra, CMD of NALCO and Chairman of KABIL, graced the occasion, emphasizing the importance of this collaboration in fostering a thriving environment for critical mineral exploration. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), operates under the Ministry of Mines. With a mandate to ensure mineral security and supply-side assurance for the nation, KABIL plays a crucial role in bolstering the Make in India initiative. KABIL, a joint venture company comprising National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO),(HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), operates under the Ministry of Mines. With a mandate to ensure mineral security and supply-side assurance for the nation, KABIL plays a crucial role in bolstering the Make in India initiative. Expressing his delight at the collaboration, Sridhar Patra highlighted the significance of advancing scientific research and technology development in the mineral and metallurgical sectors. He underscored their pivotal role in driving the growth and sustainability of the Indian mining industry, ultimately contributing to meeting the nation's mineral security needs and domestic requirements. This strategic partnership between KABIL and CSIR-IMMT underscores a shared commitment to innovation, knowledge exchange, and the pursuit of excellence in critical mineral exploration and processing, thereby bolstering India's position in the global mineral market and reinforcing its self-reliance in this crucial sector. The University Grants Commission (UGC), a body under the Ministry of Education, has appointed prominent figures from the financial and technology sectors as members of the Commission for a three-year term. Ashish Kumar Chauhan, the Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), joins the Commission alongside Sridhar Vembu, CEO of Zoho Corporation. Chauhan, an alumnus of IIT Bombay and IIM Calcutta, brings extensive expertise in financial market policies. He previously served as CEO of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and has been pivotal in the NSE's growth, including its pending initial public offering (IPO) process. Sridhar Vembu, Co-Founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, a Chennai-based technology conglomerate, adds a wealth of experience in the tech industry. Zoho, with over 15,000 employees globally, encompasses various technology brands and surpassed $1 billion in sales in FY23. Vembu's contributions were recognized with the Padma Shri in 2021. Central University of Odisha, and Professor Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari, VC of National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi. Their diverse backgrounds in academia will enrich the Commission's perspectives. Joining them are Professor (retd) Sachidananda Mohanty, former VC of, and Professor Shashikala Gulabrao Wanjari, VC of National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi. Their diverse backgrounds in academia will enrich the Commission's perspectives. Chauhan's tenure at NSE has been marked by significant achievements, with the exchange reporting an 8% rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,975 crore for Q3 FY24, contributing substantially to the exchequer. Meanwhile, Vembu's leadership at Zoho has propelled the company's growth, crossing the $1 billion sales milestone and expanding its global footprint. The appointments reflect UGC's commitment to inclusivity and expertise across various domains, aiming to enhance the Commission's effectiveness in shaping higher education policies and fostering innovation in academia. Syracuse, N.Y. Two women out on bail were arrested Tuesday night with enough fentanyl to kill tens of thousands of people, deputies said. Onondaga County Sheriffs Office deputies stopped a car driven by Jennifer Grosso along northbound Interstate 81 in Tully around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to a criminal complaint filed in Tully town court. The trunk of the 2021 Hyundai Accent had about 12,500 wax paper packets containing a white powdery substance, deputies said. Tests later showed the substance was fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is highly potent, they said. The recovered fentanyl weighed around 375 grams, deputies said, which could be enough to kill about 187,000 people. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, which can look like a few grains of salt, can be lethal for an adult, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Drug traffickers are flooding the United States with Illegal fentanyl in forms such as powders and fake prescription pills that are linked to many fatal overdoses. This images shows a potentially-lethal dose of 2 milligrams of fentanyl compared to the size of a penny. (Courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration) The fentanyl was cut and packaged in a manner common and consistent for street-level drug use, deputies said. Grosso and a passenger in the car, Shianna Washington, were each charged with controlled possession of a controlled substance in the first, third and seventh degrees. The two women have active felony cases in Onondaga County Court. They both were out on bail. Grosso, 41, pleaded guilty last month to helping two others abduct a man in DeWitt. Washington, 29, was found two months ago in a Syracuse apartment with guns on a toddlers iPad and pounds of drugs, police said. Grosso and Washington were arraigned Wednesday and are being held without bail in the Onondaga County Justice Center jail. They are scheduled to appear next Monday in Tully town court. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A West Brighton man is facing a slew of charges after police allege they recovered a firearm and narcotics during a car stop on Monday. Efrain Cortes, 40, of Roe Street, was pulled over by police in the vicinity of Cebra Avenue and Victory Boulevard in Tompkinsville, leading police to discover that Cortes was driving with a license that had been suspended six times, according to the criminal complaint. A police search discovered Cortes was carrying a loaded silver firearm with one bullet in the chamber, the complaint alleges. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With the deadline to file federal tax returns right around the corner, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is urging all residents to file, even if theyre not required to. In most cases, taxpayers with gross income less than $13,850 for single filers, and $27,700 for married individuals filing jointly, are not required to file a federal tax return. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly assume that since they owe no tax, theyre not entitled to a refund. In fact, they may get money back if they file a tax return, according to the IRS. The agency notes that low-income residents who dont typically file a return may be missing out on various credits they may be eligible to receive, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, the Child & Dependent Credit and the Premium Tax Credit, if they dont file. Students who have recently entered the workforce and residents who may have only worked part-time during 2023 could also be in line for potential refunds and credits and should consider filing, even if their income was below the aforementioned thresholds. Even those experiencing homelessness are encouraged to file a return and may use the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, such as a shelter, drop-in day center or transitional housing program, on their tax return, according to the IRS. IRS FREE FILE The IRS Free File program provides free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit for eligible taxpayers. The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the agency and many tax preparation and filing software industry companies that provide their online tax preparation and filing for free. It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free: Guided Tax Software provides free online tax preparation and filing at an IRS partner site. Partners deliver this service at no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Those whose adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less qualify for a free federal tax return. Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. You should know how to prepare your own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. It provides a free option to taxpayers whose are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper 1040 form. You should know how to prepare your own tax return using form instructions and IRS publications, if needed. It provides a free option to taxpayers whose AGI is greater than $79,000. Each provider sets its own eligibility rules based on age, state residency and income, and offers are available in English and Spanish. To complete a tax return with IRS Free File, taxpayers need to gather the following information: Social Security number. Taxpayers who dont have or arent eligible for a Social Security number can use an Taxpayers who dont have or arent eligible for a Social Security number can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Wage and income information . This information is usually on forms from an employer or other payer, such as . This information is usually on forms from an employer or other payer, such as Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement and the Form 1099 series Dependent status . Taxpayers need to know if another taxpayer, such as a parent, plans to claim them on a separate tax return. If theyre claimed as a dependent on another tax return, they cant claim themselves as a dependent on their own tax return. Documentation for all . With the increased standard deduction, itemized deductions may not be necessary. tax credits and deductions . With the increased standard deduction, itemized deductions may not be necessary. AGI for the prior year or a self-selected PIN . Taxpayers need this information to . Taxpayers need this information to validate and sign an electronic tax return. First-time filers over the age of 16 can enter 0 as their prior year income to sign their tax return. Taxpayers who have filed before should use the AGI from their prior year tax return. Bank account and routing number. If taxpayers get a refund, they need this information to have their refund If taxpayers get a refund, they need this information to have their refund direct deposited . This is the fastest and safest way for them to get their money. IRS Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without the taxpayers informed and voluntary consent. These companies are also subject to the Federal Trade Commission Privacy and Safeguards Rules and IRS e-file regulations. Taxpayers in 12 states, including New York state, may be eligible to file for free with the IRS Direct File pilot, a new tax filing service from the IRS. IRS DIRECT FILE & STATE TAXES Last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a new program, FileYourStateTaxes, which allows eligible New Yorkers to file their state taxes at no cost, with integration to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) Direct File pilot, which offers the same service for federal taxes. New York is one of just a dozen states across the country participating the IRS Direct File pilot program, which gives eligible taxpayers a new choice to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Once residents complete their federal tax return on the IRS website, they can easily transfer their information from Direct File to FileYourStateTaxes, allowing them to quickly and seamlessly complete their state return. Officials said that New Yorkers will likely be eligible for the new program if they meet the following requirements. You lived in New York all year, and do not have income from another state. Your only income sources are wages, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, and/or up to $1,500 of interest. You want to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Credit for Other Dependents. You only plan to claim the standard deduction and/or deductions for student loan interest and educator expenses. Full information on Direct File and FileYourStateTaxes eligibility is available at tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/direct-file, directfile.irs.gov, and fileyourstatetaxes.org. TRACKING YOUR REFUND If youre one of the millions of Americans who have already sent in their tax returns, there are online portals that will allow you to monitor the status of your refund. For federal taxes, residents can use the IRS Wheres My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to see when their refunds have been received, processed and sent. Refund status will appear roughly 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, three or four days after you e-file a prior-year return or four weeks after you file a paper return. To access the information, which is updated overnight each day, residents must provide their Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN), filing status and exact refund amount on their return. Once refunds are sent, those using direct deposit should receive their refund within five days, while those expecting checks in the mail may have to wait several weeks. For state taxes, New Yorkers can visit the Department of Taxation and Finance website and click Check refund status. This allows residents to see if their return has been received; when its being processed; if the return requires additional review; if the state requires additional information; if a requested refund amount has been adjusted and when a refund has been issued. NEW TAX INCOME BRACKETS While tax rates have remained the same as last year, the IRS has announced new brackets with adjusted thresholds, boasting upper limits that are 7% higher than last year. In addition to the new tax brackets, the standard deduction, the amount you can deduct to adjust the amount of income on which youre taxed, has also increased from $12,950 to $13,850 for single filers and from $25,900 to $27,700 for married couples filing jointly. Heres a look at the new tax brackets that will be used when filing in 2024. MARGINAL TAX BRACKETS FOR SINGLE FILERS $11,000 or less in taxable income 10% of taxable income $11,001 to $44,725 in taxable income $1,100 plus 12% over $11,000 $44,726 to $95,375 in taxable income $5,147 plus 22% over $44,725 $95,376 to $182,100 in taxable income $16,290 plus 24% over $95,375 $182,101 to $231,250 in taxable income $37,104 plus 32% over $182,100 $231,251 to $578,125 in taxable income $52,832 plus 35% over $231,250 $578,126 or more in taxable income - $174,238 plus 37% over $578,125 MARGINAL TAX BRACKETS FOR MARRIED COUPLES FILING JOINTLY STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The sale of the Staten Island campus of St. Johns University appears close to being finalized, representatives from the college noted during a Grymes Hill Estates Association meeting on Wednesday evening, but the school -- bound by real estate contingencies and non-disclosure agreements -- cannot yet disclose the identity of the potential buyer. I can share with you that the university is in close, serious conversation with one of the organizations that bid on the property, but there are certain contingencies present that limit the disclosure of details and names, noted Brian Browne, associate vice president of communications and public affairs for St. Johns. Speaking to a crowded room full of public officials and concerned Grymes Hill residents, who gathered at Notre Dame Academy for a Q&A session about the status of the transaction, Browne reiterated that the universitys real estate adviser, Savills Inc., has marketed the campus as a pre-assembled turnkey opportunity for the past 18 months, one that is specifically well-suited for an educational facility. But he also acknowledged that the schools zoning -- R3-1 -- is residential, and as of right permits building semi-detached one- and two-family homes, as well as detached homes. Brian Browne, associate vice president of communications and public affairs for St. Johns, addresses attendees from the podium during the meeting. (Staten Island Advance/Jessica Jones-Gorman)(Staten Island Advance/Jessica J Savills casted a wide net, and we heard from a lot of different organizations, not just in New York but around the country and the world, Browne said. We spoke to our higher education neighbor down the road; we spoke with a variety of non-profits and religious groups. We had a lot of serious conversations and did our due diligence with organizations that submitted a bid. And while the potential buyer could not yet be named, Browne said he is hopeful that the campus will be vacated within the next few months, and the transaction completed this summer. We are not there yet. Conversations are still ongoing, and our due diligence continues, he said. But St. Johns has a great commitment to Staten Island and intends to honor that. The history of the Staten Island campus was always about preserving Catholic higher education in the borough. Thats the conversation the university and Archdiocese had 50 years ago. But the campus was made for 3,000 students, and they just werent there anymore. St. Johns first announced that it would close the Grymes Hill campus in 2022, citing a 63% decline in enrollment, exacerbated by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The 16.5-acre property, which originally opened in 1934 as Notre Dame College, a Catholic undergraduate institution for women, is equipped with enough classroom space to accommodate thousands, but as of fall 2021, enrollment at the Staten Island campus had slipped to just 861. Browne said the propertys sale will aid in positioning the university for the future, and the intent is to maintain its longstanding relationship with the community. It was a tough, painful decision, but the university wants to move forward and preserve its legacy as a good neighbor, he said. Jeff Jaenicke, president of the Grymes Hill Estates Association, who organized the meeting, speaks as Councilmember Kamillah Hanks and Borough President Vito Fossella look on. (Staten Island Advance/Jessica Jones-Gorman)(Staten Island Advance/Jessica J Still, residents expressed concerns. Were here because we care about our neighborhood and are concerned about whats next after the sale of the campus, said Jeff Jaenicke, president of the Grymes Hill Estates Association, who organized the meeting and lauded the college for its efforts at transparency. Were concerned about overdevelopment, irresponsible development, flooding, traffic and trees. But instead of talking about what would be wrong for the St. Johns site, lets talk about what would be right. Borough President Vito Fossella voiced his concerns about the character of the community. Were here to ensure that Grymes Hill doesnt have to suffer because of a decision that St. Johns was forced to make. Were here to make sure the character of this community is maintained. Were here to prevent another Manresa debacle, Fossella said, referring to the failed development of the Mount Manresa site in Fort Wadsworth. St. Johns has been available and honest from the start, and when the next buyer comes forward, we will let them know what we expect, and we will represent you as best we can, Fossella continued. Can it be better? We hope it can. Can it be worse? We will do everything in our power to prevent that from happening. Councilmember Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) echoed Fossellas sentiments. Your concern is real, Hanks told meeting attendees. (Staten Island Advance/Jessica Jones-Gorman)(Staten Island Advance/Jessica J Your concern is real, she told meeting attendees. I am your partner, and what you want for this neighborhood is what all of Staten Island wants. Everyone loves this area and its incredible views. Wagner, Casa Belvedere, Notre Dame Academy -- we dont want any of that to change. This is the first step. Civic associations are the backbone of the community. Anything I can do I will do to preserve this place you call home. The meetings Q&A session allowed community members to voice their opinions and press university reps about the colleges intentions. Heres a sampling of what some Howard Avenue residents had to say: Q: Have there been any inquiries made for a zoning change/variance? Browne: I cannot speak for the buyer. I can say that we marketed the property for how it is currently zoned, and thats the interest we got. Fossella: To our knowledge, no zoning inquiries have been made. Q: Is it possible, should it come down to multiple bidders, would you consult the community on which one is best? Browne: Thats a good question, good observation. I can bring that back to the university. Q: Within a month, the university will start to vacate. We are concerned about safety, security and cleanliness. Can you speak to how the campus will be maintained and kept free of squatters? Browne: As long as the university owns the property they will secure and maintain it, keep the lights on etc. The university is aware, and on top of that and committed to continuing the same level of security and cleanliness for as long as we are owners. What happens during the transition will be worked out at closing. Q: You keep saying the new owner will be the right fit. What is the right fit? I think youre wasting our time. Browne: Someone who will be a good neighbor and maintain the property. Q: Can you tell us who it wont be? Browne: When the time comes, it will all be disclosed. The groups weve heard from match the zoning. A year ago, during our first meeting with the community, there was a lot of talk about the property continuing as an educational facility. But over the past 12 months or so, weve heard more about smart growth or smart development. As far as higher ed, there was some interest, but it didnt go too far. Thats just kind of how it played out. When we can say more, we will. Q: At what juncture will you be able to tell us who the buyer is? Browne: I would be speculating. Were not there yet. Q: Can you say its not a builder? Browne: Im trying to respect the process. I can say we were never contacted by New York City for any kind of housing or migrant shelter. Q: Is it a non-profit? Browne: Weve talked to a lot of non-profits. Q: Is it true that Yeshiva University is in the running? Browne: Not going to comment on that. Q: Were there any serious bids that you turned down? Browne: Yes, there were because it was simply a non-starter for St. Johns. Q: Do you think we all would be happy with this prospective buyer? Browne: I think so, yes. Q: Whoever buys it - can that person/institution subdivide and sell off a portion of the land? Browne: I dont know sir. Think we have to assume just like St. Johns is the owner now -- marketing the property as what its zoned for -- a new owner will also be able to do what is allowed. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After the number of foreclosures in New York City nearly doubled in 2023, new data suggests that things may now be heading back in the right direction. A new report by PropertyShark analyzed first-time residential foreclosures across New York City during the first three months of 2024 to identify trends in the citys real estate market. All roads are leading Network Ten and its parent company, Paramount Global, towards new ownership and who the successful party might be just got a little clearer this week. David Ellison, who owns film production studio Skydance Media (and is the son of Larry Ellison, founder of tech giant Oracle and the worlds fifth-richest person), is in an exclusive month-long negotiating period with Paramount to merge the two companies. Skydance Media owner David Ellison is in an exclusive month-long negotiating period with Paramount to merge the two companies. Credit: Getty Images If successful, Ellison will purchase Paramount chair Shari Redstones family holding company, National Amusements, Inc. for $US2 billion ($3.1 billion), becoming the companys chief executive and controlling shareholder. Paramount owns Network Ten, Channel 5 in the UK, US network CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV and the storied Hollywood studio Paramount Pictures. The deal, while complex and far from completion, would mean Network Ten changing hands for the sixth time. In 2017, CBS bought the network, which later merged with Viacom before rebranding as Paramount Global. Australias two largest supermarket giants have been muscling out competition from independent grocers by buying property or blocks of undeveloped land and holding on to it, in a practice that is legal but flies under the radar, the Senate inquiry into supermarket prices has heard. Grant Ramage, chief executive of Metcash Food, which operates the IGA, Foodland and Campbells brands, agreed to an assertion put to him that Woolworths and Coles market dominance made it easier for them to engage in land banking. Metcash Food boss Grant Ramage at the Senate inquiry hearing probing supermarket prices. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Their sheer scale gives them financial capability to do that. It gives them greater sway with developers [and] landlords, and I think it gives them a very strong voice with other parties, including state governments, he told the inquiry. Ramage said the practice was not particularly overt and obvious and often went undetected, as the ASX-listed grocery giants are not obligated to report land or property purchases to the competition regulator. Instagram says its deploying new tools to protect young people and combat sexual extortion, including a feature that will automatically blur nudity in direct messages. The social media platform said in a blog post Thursday that its testing out the features as part of its campaign to fight sexual scams and other forms of image abuse, and to make it tougher for criminals to contact teens. Instagram will automatically turn on the feature for users under 18. Credit: Instagram Sexual extortion, or sextortion, involves persuading a person to send explicit photos online and then threatening to make the images public unless the victim pays money or engages in sexual favours. Instagram and other social media companies have faced growing criticism for not doing enough to protect young people. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Instagrams owner Meta Platforms, apologised to the parents of victims of such abuse during a Senate hearing earlier this year. Loading Meta, which is based in Menlo Park, California, also owns Facebook and WhatsApp but the nudity blur feature wont be added to messages sent on those platforms. Instagram said scammers often use direct messages to ask for intimate images. To counter this, it will soon start testing out a nudity-protection feature for direct messages that blurs any images with nudity and encourages people to think twice before sending nude images. The feature is designed not only to protect people from seeing unwanted nudity in their DMs, but also to protect them from scammers who may send nude images to trick people into sending their own images in return, Instagram said. The feature will be turned on by default globally for teens under 18. Adult users will get a notification encouraging them to activate it. AP More than 700 kilograms of Xanax estimated to be worth $12 million has been discovered at a storage unit in Sydneys south in what police have branded the single largest seizure of pharmaceutical drugs in NSW history. Boxes of the anti-anxiety medication, officially known as Alprazolam, were discovered on Sunday night after Raptor squad officers executed a search warrant in Auburn, as part of an investigation into the interstate transportation of cash that police suspected was linked to criminal activity. NSW Police seized more than 700kgs of Alprazolam in Auburn on Sunday night. Credit: NSW Police Police seized a total of 722 kilograms of the drugs. Photos supplied by police show the drugs to be stored in small bottles, each containing 50 pills. No arrests were made at the scene, but a 28-year-old man was arrested late on Wednesday night after police officers pulled over and searched a truck in Wagga Wagga. Police and shipping operators are bracing for parts of the city and the Port of Melbourne Australias busiest port to be shut down on Monday as part of a global protest over Israels continued military assaults in Gaza. The groups behind Mondays so-called A15 Action have threatened to blockade major choke points in the economy around the globe, with the aim of causing the most economic impact, the events organising website said. It calls on participants to act in solidarity in the face of attacks from the media, politicians and the police. Zim shipping lines Sparrow cargo ship docked at Webb Dock in Melbourne on Thursday. The companys ships have previously been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters. Credit: Chris Hopkins Locations targeted for possible blockades or shutdowns could include train stations, major roads and the offices of companies linked to dealings in Israel, law enforcement and activist sources told this masthead on condition of anonymity to discuss confidential details. To deal with the potential disruption, Victoria Police will activate its State Police Operations Centre. It is the first time the emergency management control facility has been used to deal with a protest since thousands attended Melbournes anti-lockdown protests in 2021. As Wong came under ferocious attack from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese backed his colleague, saying: The entire world knows that there needs to be a two-state solution in the Middle East, that is something thats been Australias long-standing policy. Wongs remarks did not come out of nowhere. Dismayed by the horrors of the war in Gaza and their inability to stop it, political leaders around the world have been trying to find a way to use the crisis to revive the comatose peace process. Loading Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has said he expects Spain to recognise Palestinian statehood by July. Malta, Slovenia and Ireland have said they are taking steps to recognise Palestine. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has floated the idea of recognition as a way to make a two-state solution irreversible. The Biden administration has reportedly been considering options to recognise Palestine as part of a postwar grand bargain including the normalisation of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The problem with this well-meaning global manoeuvring is that it is occurring almost entirely in isolation from the people whose views matter most: Israelis and Palestinians. The whole world, as Albanese says, may theoretically support a two-state solution. But its a different story on the ground in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, where the issue is not theoretical and is far from clear-cut. A poll released in March by the respected Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research found a majority of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, 52 per cent, oppose the idea of a two-state solution. These figures bounce around but are broadly consistent over time. Interestingly, support among Gazans for a two-state solution has jumped dramatically in recent months while remaining stable in the West Bank. Other findings in the poll are sobering. When asked how they would like to achieve an independent state, 39 per cent of Palestinians said they favoured armed struggle, while 23 per cent favoured negotiations and 27 per cent peaceful popular resistance. Six in 10 Palestinians believe a two-state solution is no longer possible because of the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. And what about in Israel? Traumatised by the October 7 attacks, most Israelis do not currently believe they can risk living beside an independent Palestinian state. A February poll by Foundation for Defence of Democracies found a majority of Israelis oppose the creation of a Palestinian state, even as part of a US-brokered deal to normalise relations with Saudi Arabia. A December Gallup poll found that 65 per cent of Israelis opposed a two-state solution, a complete turnaround from a decade before when 61 per cent said they supported the idea. Achieving a two-state solution would require brave, visionary leaders on both sides of the conflict who can bring their dubious respective populations along with them. Such leaders are nowhere to be seen. The Dome of the Rock at the Al Aqsa Mosque. Credit: Getty Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, 88, has been in power for two decades and is widely despised by his people as a feckless figure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is deeply unpopular and has spent his entire career working to foreclose the possibility of a Palestinian state. The best hope for supporters of a two-state solution is that Netanyahu will be removed from office and Abbas will be convinced to step aside when the war in Gaza ends, opening up the possibility of a return to negotiations. Australian companies say Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses plan to sink billions of dollars into clean energy, batteries and critical minerals would give them a fighting chance to compete internationally, even as a senior economist warns the governments manufacturing fetishism will leave the country poorer. The Albanese government has pledged a big budget future made in Australia scheme that, in stark contrast to the former Morrison governments gas-fired recovery from the COVID-19 economic downturn, will focus on low-emissions technologies like batteries and critical minerals. Redflow chief executive Tim Harris said the company was excited by the possibility of making batteries in Australia. Credit: Olive + Maeve ASX-listed company Redflow developed its battery technology in Australia but built its manufacturing facility in Thailand, where labour and operating costs are lower. It produces zinc-based batteries made with recycled materials that provide longer duration storage compared to popular lithium-ion batteries. Albanese said Australia must establish a scheme to capture a slice of the economic growth on offer from clean technologies, which including green metals, hydrogen, batteries, solar panels and wind turbines. Massive funds are already on offer in the US, EU, Canada, Japan and South Korea. Defence Minister Richard Marles is preparing to travel to Ukraine in a show of support aimed at combating claims of faltering Australian support for Ukraines war against Russia. Marles is preparing for his visit as Labor MPs voice their growing frustration with the governments refusal to reopen the Australian embassy in Kyiv since it was evacuated ahead of Russias invasion on February 24, 2022. A visit by the deputy prime minister would be welcomed by the Ukrainian government which has grown despondent at Australias level of military support. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen His trip, expected in the near future, has not been publicly announced and is still being planned. Marles would be the first government minister to visit Ukraine since Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Kyiv in July 2022 and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Its the first in a series of hikes that only get more impressive. The following day we feed apples and carrots to a herd of 200 wild horses that roam the windswept grass foothills of Cincar Mountain. The day after, we tackle an 18-kilometre loop around Bjelasnica Mountain near Sarajevo that skirts a plunging canyon en route to Lukomir, the countrys highest and most remote village. Located at 1500 metres, this huddle of tin-roofed shepherd huts is surrounded by medieval tombstones that date from the 12th century. Montenegro receives worthy acclaim for its spectacular coastline, but more than two-thirds of the country is mountainous (its name literally means black mountain) and the Via Dinarica has helped to raise the profile of this lesser-known asset. Valley views from a lookout at Cincar. In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durmitor National Park, we visit several postcard-worthy emerald lakes before enjoying a sunset drink (rakia, naturally) on a vertiginous outcrop overlooking Tara Canyon, Europes biggest and deepest canyon. After a three-hour drive to the tiny hamlet of Vusanje, we ascend into the Accursed Mountains and knock off a trio of 2000-metre summits that provide knockout views of the Karanfili peaks, a stunning Dolomites-like curtain of soaring snow-dusted granite spires. When we arrive at the first summit, a fellow hiker cries: Stop! Its breaking my eyeballs. Albania is a one-hike wonder, but its arguably the most spectacular of the trip the 19-kilometre trek from Theth to Valbona, a challenging climb up and over a 1795-metre-high mountain pass that rewards weary walkers with yet more eyeball-breaking vistas of towering peaks and plunging forested ravines. Intrepid rates this trip as four out of five, stating that a moderate level of fitness is a must. Id suggest that should be upgraded to a good level of fitness. While none of the hikes requires technical climbing skills, some of the group struggle with the distances and the steep ascents. As Fazliu puts it one morning with typical Balkan candour: Today you are going to suffer. Split and its cityscape. Credit: iStock Urban intrigue While the hikes are the headline attraction, the trip is bookended by two of the regions most intriguing cities. Split perpetually plays second fiddle to its more famous coastal sibling, Dubrovnik, yet it offers one of the worlds best-preserved Roman residences (the sprawling Diocletians Palace), an atmospheric Old Town and several delightful beaches. By contrast, the Albanian capital of Tirana, where we finish the trip, is arguably Europes most rapidly changing metropolis. From 1946 to 1991, it was the headquarters of one of the worlds most isolated communist regimes, evidenced by the brutalist Soviet-style buildings that still surround the citys yawning Skanderbeg Square. But since tossing off its communist shackles, its enjoying a period of explosive prosperity, the skyline filling with gleaming apartment blocks and swish five-star hotels. Albania is also one of the Balkans most religiously tolerant nations, a place where Muslims, Christians and Jews live side by side in relative harmony. For many of us, the most affecting city we visit is Bosnia and Herzegovinas capital, Sarajevo. Once described as the Jerusalem of Europe, a place where you can still find a mosque, a synagogue and a church within a few blocks of each other, it became a bloodbath of ethnic cleansing during the Balkans war, enduring a relentless four-year siege (the longest in the history of modern warfare). Today, it has bounced back and is once again one of the regions most vibrant capitals, an intriguing mix of 16th-century Ottoman-era mosques and grand, pastel-coloured 19th-century edifices built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Remote shelter in the Valbona Valley. Trying to get your head around the Balkans convoluted history is no easy task. Fazliu is a bottomless well of facts and opinions, but even he admits its a bewildering tangle of empires, religions and conflicts. After explaining Bosnia and Herzegovinas present-day Constitution, a uniquely complicated administration comprising two autonomous entities and one jointly administered district, he concludes by saying: If you dont get it, dont feel bad. Its not you, its Bosnia. Regional fare Sampling the local cuisine is one of travels perennial rewards, but it feels especially gratifying after a day of hiking. And given that the Balkans has a long history of feeding farmers, shepherds and soldiers, its no surprise that regional specialties are hearty, calorific affairs. Some are deliciously guilty pleasures, such as kajmak, a rich, clotted cream-like spread made from milk fat, and the ubiquitous burek, a filo pastry pie stuffed with minced meat, cheese, spinach or potato. Others are more challenging, like the breakfast dish of pura s lucinicom, a corn porridge served with a cold soup of sour cream, butter and garlic, and ustipci, a bland and greasy deep-fried fritter. Hiking in the Accursed Mountains. Credit: Rob McFarland Interestingly, the region is becoming increasingly well regarded for its wine, particularly blatina, a full-bodied red grown in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and vranac, a rich, ruby-coloured drop from Montenegro. And then, of course, theres rakia, the heart-stopping 40 per cent (and sometimes stronger) fruit brandy thats the regions primary social lubricant. I lose track of the number of times it mysteriously appears before or after a meal, but a shot of it never fails to render me temporarily speechless. A bright future The colonial slavery past of the Netherlands and its impact have had a profound effect on various countries worldwide. Nevertheless, the knowledge available about this joint slavery past has been written primarily from a colonial perspective. In order to enhance this perspective, Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (Education, Culture and Science) is launching a global scientific cooperation program on this theme in Aruba today. He announced this today during a knowledge mission in the Caribbean. Dijkgraaf: More scientific knowledge of our shared past is of vital importance. In this context, it is essential that research can be carried out from new angles, at the locations where slavery took place. The knowledge this produces will be of great value in gaining a better understanding of our shared history. I am delighted that I can launch this research program during the Slavery Past Memorial Year. Kick-off in the Caribbean Dijkgraaf wants to promote knowledge cooperation about the slavery past among universities worldwide, starting within our own Kingdom. He has set aside 375,000 for research in Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten up to and including 2027. This will enable local scientists to research the past history of slavery in these countries. Research into this theme will also be facilitated in the Caribbean Netherlands (Bonaire, Saba, and St. Eustatius). There is a separate budget for this. Common thread worldwide The Netherlands also has deep ties with Suriname, Indonesia and South Africa because of a shared slavery past. In these countries, many enslaved people were traded or shipped elsewhere by the Dutch. The historical and present-day context differs from one country to another. Bringing the various perspectives together will create great added value for a better understanding of our joint history. This is why Dijkgraaf, together with Suriname, Indonesia and South Africa, wants to stimulate scientific research into the slavery past in these countries as well. The idea for this arose during knowledge missions to these countries, where Dijkgraaf spoke with several scientists who research the slavery past. The plan is to structure the scientific cooperation along similar lines as in the Caribbean part of our Kingdom. The first talks with these countries have been positive. There is profound consensus about the importance of scientific cooperation. Knowledge sharing Sharing knowledge is a key premise of the global research program. The form this will take is currently being worked out. Initial ideas include the creation of a research network, travelling exhibitions, a book, or opening and closing conferences. Dutch scientists will also have a role in this process. This will be given further shape later this year. Greater scope for multiple perspectives in education and research Last year, State Secretary Alexandra van Huffelen announced during the Tula commemoration in Curacao that the government would establish a chair on the slavery past for Aruba, Curacao and St. Maarten. Dijkgraaf is now giving substance to this as part of the scientific cooperation program, in the form of an international chair on the impact of the slavery past. In addition, the government has already announced the Tula scholarship, named after the leader of the large-scale uprising of enslaved people in Curacao of 1795. Each year, this scholarship enables one student from Curacao to follow a full-time bachelors program in history teaching at a university of applied sciences of their choice. This will create greater scope for multiple perspectives in education and research. SABA:--- Public Entity Saba is set to receive a Search and Rescue (SAR) Boat during the first half of 2025 to be used in the process of finding and rescuing people who are in distress on or in the water, such as in the case of vessel collision, passengers going overboard or a plane crash. This will be funded by the Dutch Government via The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) following research done during 2018 and 2019 by Marius Sliedrecht (IenW, Aviation department), which revealed the need for a SAR vessel. Based on the plan (2021/2022) formulated by Project Leader Hans Schreuder, there will be a budget not only for a vessel but also for maintenance, certified yearly training of the crew, and professional equipment. Alongside this, a professional management organization will be established on Saba. The launch of a SAR vessel marks a significant enhancement in the safety of both residents and visitors, fulfilling a long-awaited request from Saba. The importance of the ship cannot be understated, as in emergencies, the reaction time of the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard may be lengthy, and there are currently no formalized SAR operations on Saba, increasing the risk of those in distress while at sea. Airport Manager Maegan Hassell, stressed the importance of having a SAR boat available, especially due to the location of the Saba airport, as there is a requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that where an airport/aerodrome is located close to water, and where a significant portion of approach or takeoff operations takes place over these areas, a plan should be in place which includes the ready availability of, and coordination with, appropriate specialist rescue services. The easy accessibility of this new vessel would then increase the efficiency of maritime rescue operations. The emergency vessel, the Habbeke Fast Rescue Craft 903, will be a minimum 30-foot boat specially crafted to handle Caribbean waters, as well as the salt from the ocean, strong winds, and high temperatures. It will have the capacity to hold 21 persons and four people of the rescue team and will be locally maintainable. The open console boat, with two Volvo Penta 270 hp engines, will have jets instead of propellers for safety reasons. A similar rescue boat is currently in use by the Civil Rescue organization of Curacao since 2015. The boat should take between 9 to 12 months to be built, with the goal of being fully operational within the first half of 2025. Training in SAR operations will be offered to a crew of 4 people, via a transparent selection process, with the goal of growing to 8 crew members in total. This training will be held in collaboration with the KNRM (Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue) who will facilitate a certified training for Saba and Sint Eustatius in their own specific waters. Further collaboration between Saba and Sint Eustatius will occur through management and sharing technical and maintenance capacity. Governor Jonathan Johnson expressed his gratitude to the Ministry for the funding and for the assistance of Hans Schreuder in involving the stakeholders during the process. We realize the local situation and the need to ensure international requirements are met. Through patience and persistence, we will actualize a necessary resource for our island, said Governor Johnson. PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- For the past two weekends, the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Positive Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (Ministry VSA), hosted two successful free breast and health screening events in Philipsburg. About two dozen AUC students under supervision of clinical medicine fellows, Drs. Luna Emogene and Pathik Patel provided 63 women with general health assessments that included background health history, checking vital signs, calculating body mass index (BMI), measuring waist circumference, visual acuity, and blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Each screening also included a free clinical breast examination by Dr. Naira Chobanyan, a clinical oncologist and professor of clinical medicine at AUC. The educational part included a presentation of the risk factors for breast cancer, a demonstration of the clinical breast exam on plastic models, as well as an assessment of individual risk for breast cancer in participating women over 35. The results of this study are vital for understanding the prevalence of breast abnormalities within the population of Sint Maarten. All results will be reported to the Ministry of VSA to help establish policies for screening breast abnormalities and cancer. The major educational outcome of this project is the incorporation of the Learners-as-Educators model, a unique teaching tool for medical students to cascade medical knowledge from Faculty to Fellows to Medical Students to the Community. It was developed by Dr. Chobanyan, a principal-investigator of the project from the AUC team. For medical students and clinical medicine fellows, each health and breast screening event is an opportunity to work side-by-side with patients while practicing clinical and communication skills. Students had the opportunity to explain the signs, symptoms, and risk factors of breast cancer while answering questions about personal breast health and self-care. In addition to the benefits this research brings to the community of Sint Maarten, clinical fellows and medical students are afforded an opportunity to gain real-world clinical experience. By working with individual people, conducting interviews, and performing an overall health assessment, medical students can enhance their preparedness for clinical rotations. Up to date, the total number of local women served within the breast screening project is 663, with a target goal of 1000. The project will continue in the next academic semester to reach its estimated total to obtain a representative sample of the target population. MARIGOT:--- President Louis MUSSINGTON and First Vice-President Alain RICHARDSON addressed the media today to articulate the position of the Collectivite of Saint-Martin regarding the Beauperthuy estate. Recent revelations in the New York Times concerning the potential auction of three plots have spurred the Collectivite into action, as negotiations were already in progress with the judicial administrator for their acquisition. President MUSSINGTON announced a peaceful protest scheduled for Saturday, April 20th, 2024, aimed at defending the centuries-old Saint-Martin heritage encompassing over 100 hectares. This demonstration underscores the Collectivite's commitment to continuing negotiations for the acquisition of this land. Since 2023, the Collectivite has engaged in discussions with the judicial administrator to express its firm intention to acquire all plots, with the primary goal of safeguarding this invaluable land heritage and countering any potential real estate speculation. President MUSSINGTON stated, "The Collectivite has consistently voiced its aspiration to acquire these plots to protect our land heritage and maintain social harmony within the territory. This matter was promptly communicated to the government upon assuming office, receiving their understanding and support." Vice-President Alain RICHARDSON emphasized the deep attachment of the people of St Martin to their land, declaring, "The revelation of the auction of certain historic plots in the international press reflects the eagerness of the rights holders to expedite sales without regard for the Collectivite's proposal. Our community is deeply connected to our land, and we stand united to preserve this heritage." Following months of diligent efforts, the Collectivite has secured confirmation from the Guadeloupe Land Establishment (EPF) regarding its ability to acquire the plots on behalf of the Collectivite. This follows a comprehensive land assessment conducted by the State's real estate department, facilitating a quantified proposal. With this support, the Collectivite is resolved to pursue negotiations with the judicial administrator. The approach involves three key phases: - Resuming negotiations for the acquisition of all plots. - Proposing legislation at the territorial council on April 30th to enhance the right of preemption. This initiative aims to strengthen the legal framework by introducing statutory, urban and reinforced urban preemption rights and preemption rights for sensitive natural areas. - A peaceful protest will be organized on Saturday, April 20th, to demonstrate the collective determination of the Collectivite and its inhabitants to safeguard these lands for future generations and deter real estate speculation. President Louis MUSSINGTON emphasized the preference for an amicable resolution and appealed for the cancellation of the auction scheduled for May 13, 2024, to facilitate ongoing negotiations. "By deliberately omitting to inform us of the auction, the elected officials and the institution's expressed will were disregarded. Nevertheless, our focus remains on dignified territorial planning and the preservation of these 100 hectares for posterity. This is the essence of our fight," remarked President MUSSINGTON. He underscored the peaceful nature of the upcoming demonstration on April 20th and encouraged the entire population to participate in solidarity, emphasizing the collective responsibility to protect these lands. Apple to fix 'bug' behind Palestinian flag emoji suggestions San Francisco, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Apple on Thursday promised it would stop a Palestinian flag emoji from being suggested to some iPhone users when they type "Jerusalem" in messages. The Silicon Valley tech titan blamed a software bug for the prompt, which sparked accusations Apple was showing anti-Israel bias amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Apple told AFP that the predictive emoji suggestion in the iPhone keyboard was not intentional and would be fixed in the next update to its mobile operating system. The quirk was pointed out on social media by British television presenter Rachel Riley, renewing debate over whether Israel or Palestinians have rightful claim to Jerusalem as their capital. "When I type the capital of Israel, Jerusalem, I'm offered the Palestinian flag emoji," Riley wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, calling on Apple to explain. She pointed out no flag emojis were suggested when an array of other capital cities were typed into iPhone messages. "Showing double standards with respect to Israel is a form of antisemitism, which is itself a form of racism against Jewish people," Riley contended in the post. She said the Palestinian flag emoji began popping up in connection with Jerusalem after a recent update of the iPhone operating system. Riley signed her post "a Jewish woman concerned about the global rise in antisemitism." Hamas leader says no change in truce position after sons killed Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike would not influence truce talks in Gaza, as bombardments on Thursday rocked the Palestinian territory. Israel confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal drag on without signs of a breakthrough. Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamas's negotiating stance. "If they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional," he said. US President Joe Biden said Hamas "needs to move" on the latest truce proposal, which the militant group has said it is studying. Israel's main international ally the United States has also been ramping up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce, increase the amount of aid flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip and abandon plans to invade the southern city of Rafah. Biden labelled Netanyahu's handling of the war a "mistake" in an interview broadcast on Tuesday, before warning on Wednesday that Israel has not allowed enough aid into the territory. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel carried out strikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the south of the territory, witnesses said. The war broke out with Hamas's October 7 attack against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Palestinian militants also took about 250 hostages, 129 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,482 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. - Hamas 'studying' truce - Talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been ongoing since Sunday. Hamas spokesman in Doha Hossam Badran told AFP: "Hamas is studying the offer presented... It has not responded yet." A framework being circulated would halt fighting for six weeks and see the exchange of about 40 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, said: "It's now up to Hamas, they need to move on the proposal that's been made". There has been a growing chorus of international criticism aimed at Israel's handling of the war and the paucity of aid entering the territory. On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that what he called Israel's "disproportionate response" in Gaza risked "destabilising the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world". Spain is among several Western nations, including Ireland and Australia, to have suggested they would recognise a Palestinian state in the near future as a starting point for wider peace talks. - 'Mistake' - Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz said that militarily "Hamas is defeated" but pledged to continue fighting "what remains of it", including in the years to come. He also echoed Netanyahu's vows to enter the southern city Rafah, despite growing international concern for the civilians there. "We will enter Rafah. We will return to Khan Yunis," he said. More than 1.5 million civilians are sheltering from the war in Rafah, the last Gazan city yet to face an Israeli ground incursion. The United States has repeatedly warned against an attack on Rafah. Evidencing his growing frustration with the hawkish Netanyahu, Biden has issued some of his sternest criticism yet of the war. "I think what he's doing is a mistake," Biden told the US network Univision in an interview that aired on Tuesday night. He urged Netanyahu to "just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into" Gaza. Washington's tougher line on aid has brought some results, the US Agency for International Development said. Recent days had seen a "sea change" in aid deliveries, said USAID administrator Samantha Power, although she insisted Israel needs to do more. On Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would "flood Gaza with aid", using a new crossing point on its northern border, streamlined checks and two new routes organised with Jordan. He said they expected to hit 500 aid trucks entering Gaza a day, which would match the average level of aid and commercial trucks reaching the territory before the war. - Iran threatens Israel - The war in Gaza has raised fears that conflict could engulf the wider region. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel on Wednesday that it "must be punished and will be punished" for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week that Tehran has blamed on Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz replied with a Persian-language post saying: "If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran". In response to Iran's threats, Biden on Wednesday promised "ironclad" support to Israel. "As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad," Biden said. German airline Lufthansa on Wednesday announced it had suspended flights to and from Tehran, probably until Thursday, saying it was "due to the current situation in the Middle East". burs-mca/lb Kremlin calls on Iran and Israel to exercise 'restraint' Moscow, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Moscow on Thursday called on Iran and Israel to exercise restraint amid spiralling tensions in the Middle East. Tehran has issued fresh threats against Israel over a strike earlier this month that killed two Iranian generals, triggering US President Joe Biden to pledge "iron-clad" support for Israel on Wednesday. "It is very important for everybody to exercise restraint in order not to destabilise the region, which is already not gifted with stability or predictability," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Russia has previously condemned Israel's conduct in its six-month war in Gaza. Moscow had traditionally tried to maintain relations with all major powers in the Middle East. But the Gaza conflict has dented its ties with Israel and it has already been strengthening military and political ties with Iran. Peskov said Russia had not been approached as a potential mediator between the two arch rivals. Kyiv adopts mobilisation law as Moscow strikes facilities across country Kyiv, Ukraine, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Ukrainian lawmakers approved on Thursday an army mobilisation bill that sparked anger after being stripped of provisions for long-serving soldiers to be discharged, as Moscow pounded energy facilities in another "massive" air raid across the country. Kyiv has struggled on the battlefield for months, weakened by desperately needed US military aid that is blocked in Congress and a shortage of men and ammunition. Russia launched an aerial attack on five Ukrainian regions overnight and throughout Thursday morning, killing at least four people in the southern city of Mykolaiv, officials said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West not to "turn a blind eye" to Russia's aerial attacks and to provide more air defences as he visited Lithuania, one of Kyiv's staunchest allies against Russia. He also signed a 10-year security cooperation agreement with Latvia, the latest in a number of similar agreements -- which are not mutual defence pacts -- with Western countries. Back at home, the Ukrainian parliament, the Rada, adopted a mobilisation bill that was opposed for months by many in a country increasingly exhausted by war. Facing pressure from army officials, lawmakers had a day earlier scrapped a clause that would have allowed soldiers fighting for more than 36 months to return home. Soldiers at the front told AFP on Wednesday they were in "shock" about the demobilisation clause being ditched. The bill, which needs to be signed into law by Zelensky, will strengthen punishments for draft dodgers and sets out new procedures for troop call-ups. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has dragged on for more than two years, with no end in sight to fighting despite much of the front being virtually frozen. - 'Completely destroyed' - Zelensky said Moscow had fired more than 40 missiles and 40 drones at sites across Ukraine overnight. He said Moscow was again targeting "critical infrastructure". Various regions reported power stations and gas distributors being hit. Russia's defence ministry said it had launched what it called "retaliatory strikes" on Ukraine's energy facilities after a spate of attacks by Kyiv's forces on its own oil refineries. Ukraine's southern command said at least four people were killed in an attack on Mykolaiv. "The enemy continues its pinpoint ballistic strikes in the south of Ukraine. "They insidiously hit Mykolaiv in the middle of the day," it said. "According to preliminary information, four civilians were killed, five were wounded." The Ukrainian city of Kharkiv -- which is being pounded on an almost daily basis at present -- was also attacked again, a day after a strike killed three people there. Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klymenko described a "massive" attack that lasted "for several hours". Ukraine's energy ministry said a strike had "completely destroyed" the Trypilska power station in the Kyiv region. "All workers who were on shift during the shelling are alive," it said in a post on Telegram. The mayor of Ukrainka, a town south of the capital, advised locals to shut their windows while firefighters sought to extinguish the blaze. "I ask everyone to close the windows in their homes tightly so as not to breathe in harmful combustion products," Oleksandr Turenko said. "Charge all devices. Make maximum water reserves." - 'No sense' - In Ukraine's westernmost region of Lviv, which borders the European Union, authorities said Russian troops attacked a gas distribution facility and an electricity substation. Lviv region head Maksym Kozytsky said Moscow attacked the facilities with "cruise missiles of various classes and drones". Russia, meanwhile, said it had destroyed 12 Ukrainian drones overnight, including three as far east as its Mordovia republic, more than 500 kilometres (300 miles) from the border. Others were destroyed over the Kursk, Tambov, Belgorod, Bryansk and Lipetsk regions, it said. Both countries have been firing dozens of drones at each other in waves of overnight attacks throughout the year, now in its third year. In Moscow, the Kremlin criticised plans to hold a Ukrainian peace conference in Switzerland in June. "We said many times that the process of (peace) talks without Russia makes no sense," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Bomb kills six Niger soldiers prompting air strikes Niamey, Niger, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 A bomb blast has killed six Nigerien soldiers near the border with Mali, Niger's army said Thursday, adding around 10 "terrorists" were later killed in air strikes. An army patrol vehicle early this week hit a homemade landmine near the southwestern village of Tingara, the defence ministry said in a bulletin. Other soldiers were also wounded and taken to hospital, it added. Niger is ruled by military leaders who seized power in a July coup, citing a worsening security situation as justification for the power grab. But jihadist violence that had already gone on for eight years has continued. The patrol was heading back from Inates in the western region of Tillaberi, which is prone to jihadist attacks. The army said it later carried out an air strike after tracking those it said were responsible and "neutralised" several of them. Another air strike targeted "a group of terrorists" in Amalaoulaou in Mali, killing at least eight fighters and destroying equipment, it said Last month, 23 Nigerien soldiers died in a "terrorist" ambush in Tillaberi, which borders Burkina Faso and Mali, both also under military regimes. The Niamey regime also faces violence by Boko Haram jihadists and their rivals Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) from the southeastern region of Diffa near Nigeria. German's finance minister rejects joint EU borrowing push Luxembourg, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Germany's finance minister on Thursday stood firm against new common EU borrowing amid calls for the bloc to club together as it did after the Covid pandemic to fund a defence overhaul. Faced with Russia's war on Ukraine, there have been growing calls for the 27-nation EU to pool its economic might to help revamp its defence industries. Proponents such as France and the Baltic States insist a programme similar to the historic 800-billion-euro post-Covid recovery plan could be needed to prepare Europe for the threat from Moscow. But Germany's Christian Lindner, from the economically liberal Free Democratic Party, reiterated his opposition to any new joint borrowing scheme ahead of a summit of EU leaders next week. "What we don't need is a new common European debt," he told journalists at a meeting with EU counterparts in Luxembourg. Germany's resistance to a repeat of anything resembling the Covid recovery scheme, which expires in 2026, is also supported by other so-called "frugal" EU countries such as the Netherlands, Austria an Sweden. Lindner said the solution to ensuring funding needs lay in better mobilising private capital in the bloc, advocating for progress on long-stalled push for an EU "capital markets union". Lindner's comments came after the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the bloc needed to revisit the idea of common debt as he warned that a wider war in Europe was "no longer fantasy". "The pandemic was an existential threat and we managed to go around the treaties in order to have the possibility of doing something that was theoretically forbidden: go to the financial markets and ask for money," Borrell said in a speech on Tuesday. "Is defence an existential threat today? Is the support to Ukrainian existential? If it is, then we should think wide. We should think deeper as we have done in the past." Tusk urges EU to protect Ukraine neighbours from war fall-out Warsaw, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Thursday called on the European Union to think more actively on how to help countries like his affected by Russia's war in neighbouring Ukraine. Tusk, whose country is a staunch supporter of Kyiv, spoke in Warsaw alongside European Council head Charles Michel, who urged member countries to invest more in defence. "From the first days of the war, Poland has given Ukraine everything possible and even more. Today, Poland... has to also build its own security," Tusk told reporters. "We have to as a whole -- not Poland alone -- help Ukraine as much as possible, but all of Europe must also slowly think more actively on how to help countries like Poland and Estonia, countries on the frontline," he said. "If we are one Europe, then that means the war is at our doorstep. And that's why we will look for all possible ways to support Ukraine and to support the countries that are the most vulnerable to this war's consequences." Tusk, whose country already spends around four percent of gross domestic product on defence, spoke ahead of a working dinner in Warsaw with Michel and several European heads of government. "Today we face extraordinarily difficult geopolitical challenges," Michel told reporters. "We have to support Ukraine as much as we can. We have to develop our defence capabilities, to develop our defence readiness, to invest more in defence," he said. Tusk last month warned of the "real" threat of conflict in Europe, saying that for the first time since the end of World War II, the continent has entered a "pre-war era". Putin says Ukraine energy strikes to demilitarise country Moscow, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that recent airstrikes on Ukraine's energy grid, which have caused huge blackouts, are part of the Kremlin's "demilitarisation" of its neighbour. His comments came after Moscow launched a barrage of aerial attacks on Thursday, targeting energy facilities across Ukraine. "We assume that in this way we have an influence on the Ukrainian military-industrial complex," said Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin with his ally and Belarus counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Putin said the strikes were also in response to Kyiv targeting Russia's energy infrastructure, including oil refineries, as the conflict drags on into its third year. "We have seen recently a series of strikes on our energy sites and we were obliged to respond," said Putin. The leader claimed that Russia had not targeted Ukrainian electrical installations during the winter "for humanitarian reasons". "We did not want to deprive electricity to social infrastructures, hospitals etc." Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the winter of 2022-2023 left millions of people without light or heating for long periods. This last winter, Ukraine's electrical grid was hit less often, until Moscow launched a new wave of attacks starting in early March. On Thursday, Russia pounded Ukraine's energy facilities with around 40 drone attacks, destroying a power station in the Kyiv region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed his appeals for fresh air defence systems on a visit to Lithuania. Top US general visits Israel amid Iran threat fears: Pentagon Washington, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 The top US commander for the Middle East is in Israel for talks on security threats with the country's military officials, the Pentagon said Thursday. The visit comes amid fears that Iran will retaliate after an Israeli strike that killed seven members of Tehran's elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals, in Syria earlier this month. General Erik Kurilla is in Israel "to meet with key IDF leadership... (and) discuss the current security threats in the region," Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told journalists. Ryder said the trip was moved up from a previously scheduled date "due to recent developments." Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Wednesday that Israel "must be punished and will be punished," while US President Joe Biden pledged "ironclad" support for its top regional ally. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin meanwhile spoke Thursday with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant, who told the Pentagon chief that a "direct Iranian attack will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran." The two "discussed readiness for an Iranian attack against the state of Israel," the country's defense ministry said in a statement, adding that Gallant "emphasized that the state of Israel will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory." London was snubbed last year by one of its biggest success stories, chip designer Arm Holdings, when it chose New York as its home on returning to life as a listed company. It has a market value of $129 billion, or 103 billion, enough to make it the fourth most valuable FTSE 100 member if it had picked London. She is livid that this summers festival line-ups are once again dominated by men (Glastonbury aside). Its bleak. I think its really frustrating and stupid. It has to do with the fact women didnt get a shot at this for a long time. There were a bunch of women who were right at that level and then the pandemic happened and festival owners got really f***ing scared and just wanted to book sure things. So thats why you have The Strokes headlining for the f***ing millionth time even though they havent put a record out, whereas Lizzo, or Billie Eilish, or Haim should be there but its people trying to make profit in this way where theyre not willing to bet on women, which I think is crazy. Its misogyny, its shitty and stupid. I actually just got an offer for a festival to headline next year and I said no because Ive seen them have only male headliners for the last five years and I was just like, F*** you guys, no. The other thing is, I dont want to be an equity play. I wanna be there because I f***ing deserve to be there, because Ive worked really hard to put on an amazing show. I dont want to fill your quota. * 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. He described the situation he was in as a nightmare, being attacked with a knife in the dark when he was sleepy, the defendant shouting Allahu Akbar and, at first, no one from upstairs responding to his shouts for help. She said: So, the country that has plotted to assassinate him is still able to extradite him, and I hope Joe Biden really drops this case now as the entire human rights community and press freedom community is asking him to do. But after the pandemic delayed the contest by one year, she withdrew from the race, saying she could not remain in the unpaid role for a further 12 months. Her departure forced the Lib Dems to select a new candidate in the form of ex-MEP Luisa Porritt. Ms Kara-Murza, who lives in the US with their three children, told a crowd: I want to thank each and every one of you here for joining with me in my fight, not just for Vladimirs freedom, but truly for his life. In the face of rising global threats and growing Russian aggression, the UKs nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of Labours plan to keep Britain safe. It will ensure vital protection for the UK and our Nato allies in the years ahead, as well as supporting thousands of high paying jobs across the UK. She also called for the Home Office to waive the need for biometric data to be collected for Gazans looking to leave before they arrive in the UK, or to transfer those trying to come here to a site where they can make an application under the current system. Once the war is over and the Black Sea will start to be cleaned up, it will be not only the undertaking of Ukraine, Im sure other countries will also participate in these efforts but there will be none that will be more interested in making sure that the trade routes are safe as Ukraine because trade is the bloodline for our economy at the moment. The construction works on the cross-border bridge between Romania and Ukraine over the Tisa River is progressing at a very good pace, so that this project will be completed in November this year, Maramures County public administrator Gabriel Bogdan Stetco informed on Thursday. "We are talking about an investment of more than 40 million euros, from European funds, very important for the historic Maramures and for our entire county. Once completed, the bridge over the Tisa will open the way to new international trade, which will increase the county's economy and, implicitly, the quality of life of the people of Maramures," said Gabriel Bogdan Stetco. The site is 37 percent completed and comprises two parallel bridges, two lanes in each direction, 5 drop-off bridges, 2 administrative buildings, pavements, the resistance and foundation part of the control and scanning halls. Access to the border point will be via a roundabout which will be built at the zero point of the bridge. "The new bridge over the Tisa is not a simple river crossing from one bank to the other, in our case from the Romanian bank to the Ukrainian bank, but we are talking about an entire infrastructure of a border point. The entire site of the bridge over the Tisa is 1.2 kilometres long, from the national road, and includes: access to the border point, customs office, facilities and equipment necessary for carrying out commercial traffic through this point," said Gabriel Bogdan Stetco. According to him, currently, at the Romanian-Ukrainian border in Sighetu Marmatiei, only people transit takes place on the historical wooden bridge, which has required over time safety works, as the bridge's resistance elements were damaged, which showed the need for a new bridge over the Tisa River. IKEA announces that it does not accept the use of wood from virgin and quasi-virgin forests, protected by law, in the company's products and rejects Greenpeace's accusations, stating that they create confusion through the different interpretation of the notions of "mature forests" and "primary forests". "We carefully analyzed the Greenpeace report for Romania, published on April 10, and we completely disagree with the way Ikea is represented in this study, which claims that wood from virgin and semi-virgin forests, protected by law, ends up in Ikea furniture pieces. Without exception, we do not accept the use of wood from virgin and quasi-virgin forests, protected by law, in our products", reads a reaction of the company sent at the request of AGERPRES. In this context, the Swedish retailer shows that sustained protection is necessary, from everyone, in order to avoid damage to the naturalness of forests and biodiversity, and mentions that it has encouraged an open and transparent dialogue on this topic. "Therefore, we reject the allegations presented in the report, as the information presented creates confusion by interpreting the notions of 'mature forests' and 'primary forests' differently. The Greenpeace report suggests that the age of the trees is the only criterion to define virgin forests. However, there are several criteria for defining virgin forests, age being only one of them. According to the legislation applicable in Romania and the FSC forest management certification standard, the criteria for identifying virgin and quasi-virgin forests include, but are not limited to, disturbance or management level, the composition of the species in the forest, the presence of all stages of development of the forest, the proportion of trees at the physiological age limit, the presence of dead wood in all stages of decomposition and others," explained the cited source. According to IKEA, virgin and quasi-virgin forests represent a category of forests with high conservation value, and their protection is part of the requirements of the company's supplier code of conduct (IWAY) regarding forestry. "As our wood is FSC certified, all supply chains and forests are subject to annual checks by FSC-accredited certification bodies - chain of custody and forest management audits. In addition to these audits, IKEA annually carries out several forestry audits and audits of the wood supply chain," shows the document sent by the company. The environmental organization Greenpeace accused the Swedish retailer on Wednesday of being involved in the destruction of ancient forests in Romania for the production of furniture, DPA reported. Greenpeace says that its teams have followed the trajectory of wood from Romanian forests to IKEA store shelves using cutting certificates, satellite images and timber warehouses. AGERPRES special correspondent, Oana Ghita, reports: On Thursday, president Klaus Iohannis has a bilateral meeting with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative. The 9th edition of the Summit of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) takes place on Thursday in Vilnius. According to the Presidential Administration, at the 3SI meeting the head of state will plead for the further efficiency of the Initiative and obtaining concrete results, especially in terms of improving regional strategic connectivity on the North-South axis. Also, the Romanian president will highlight the growing relevance of 3SI and its valuable potential, including in the context in which more and more states in the region and at the global level are showing their interest in being involved in this platform. Klaus Iohannis will also address the perspective of stimulating connectivity with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, both of which are associated participating states of the Initiative, as a result of the decisions made at the Bucharest Summit. At the same time, he will emphasize that strengthening the resilience of the region as a whole is a vital necessity in the current geopolitical context. In this sense, Klaus Iohannis will highlight, in particular, the added value of the Rail2Sea and Via Carpathia projects, the implementation of which will improve military mobility and resilience in the field of infrastructure in the region, the Presidential Administration added. The president will reiterate the fact that Romania will continue to pursue the consolidation of the Initiative and the instruments at its disposal, including the Investment Fund and the Innovation Fund, in full synergy with the strategic agenda of the European Union, as well as in the direction of strengthening the transatlantic partnership. Mountaineer Adrian Ahritculesei, known for being the first Romanian man to complete the "Seven Volcanoes Circuit," will leave Thursday afternoon for Nepal, on an expedition in which he has set out to conquer the highest peak in the world, Everest (8,848 m). The expedition will take place from April 12 to May 30, during which the climber from Petrosani will go through several stages of acclimatisation until the moment when he starts his journey to the peak. Ahritculesei will fly to Kathmandu on April 13, after which he will depart for Lukla, where he will begin preparations for the Everest climb. During the first ten days of the expedition, the mountaineer plans to reach the base camp at 5,300 metres altitude, after which he will have a period of acclimatisation. "It's a new challenge. It's up to me to be healthy and to acclimatise. Also, an important factor for success is the weather," Adrian Ahritculesei told AGERPRES. He said that from base camp he will carry his own luggage and food to the upper camps, but a sherpa will be accompanying him during the ascent, to help him in case of need. The expedition programme includes two acclimatisation periods and a return to base camp. For the first acclimatisation round climbers will ascend to 6,400 metres, and for the second one climbers will reach 7,900 metres, after which they will return to base camp and wait for a favourable stretch of good weather to go for Everest. "Everest is achievable in 30-36 hours, depending on one's physical preparation. After conquering the summit, you will then descend to the second camp at 6,400 metres," said the climber. Adrian Ahritculesei is 40 years old and a graduate of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Timisoara. He works as an optometrist for a company in Petrosani. In January 2023, he managed to conquer the peak of Mount Sidley (4,285 m), in Antarctica, and thus complete the "Seven Volcanoes Circuit," becoming the first man in Romania to record such a feat. Prime minister Marcel Ciolacu attended, on Thursday, the multinational exercise "Sea Shield 24" on board the Regina Maria frigate, at the end declaring himself impressed by the crew's professionalism, demonstrated during training at sea. "I was impressed today by the professionalism of the crew of the frigate Regina Maria, demonstrated during the training at sea within the multinational exercise Sea Shield 24! Thank you! You are an example for Romania!," the prime minister wrote on Facebook. More than 2,200 soldiers and 135 maritime and river vessels, aircraft and vehicles participate, between April 8 and 21, in training on the Black Sea, in the coastal area, as well as in the Danube Delta, as part of the multinational exercise Sea Shield 24, in which 12 countries take part: Bulgaria, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Great Britain, the Republic of Moldova, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Turkey and the United States of America. "More than 2,200 troops and 27 sea-going and riverine vessels, 17 aircraft and 91 vehicles and boats will train in the coastal area of the Black Sea, the Danube River, and Danube Delta in missions to combat illegal activities at sea and inland, maritime and inland control, search and rescue at sea, providing assistance to a ship in distress and ensuring security at the level of critical infrastructure," the Romanian Navy Staff reported on Monday. The multinational exercise Sea Shield 24 is the most complex event led by the Romanian Navy under the Vice-Amiral Ioan Georgescu Navy Command in the training year 2024, contributing to promoting Romania's initiatives and interests regionally and internationally, as well as to increasing the level of interoperability among the participating forces. At the same time, it is designed to optimise the interinstitutional effort and synchronise Navy planning cycles in co-operation with the other branches. The first edition of the multinational exercise Sea Shield took place in 2015. President Klaus Iohannis will participate, in Vilnius, on Thursday, in the ninth edition of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) Summit, where the leaders of the participating states will discuss how the Initiative should develop and adapt in the complex regional context. This includes, according to the Presidential Administration, engaging with partners in the neighbourhood, but also globally in terms of boosting investment and implementing strategic interconnection projects in the three core areas of the Initiative - transport, energy, digital. President Iohannis will plead, during the Summit, for further streamlining the Initiative and achieving concrete results, especially in terms of improving regional strategic connectivity on the North-South axis. He will also highlight the growing relevance of the 3SI and its valuable potential, including in the context of the growing number of countries in the region and globally expressing their interest in engaging in this platform. The head of state will also address the prospect of boosting connectivity with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, both of which are associate participants of the Initiative, following the decisions taken at the Bucharest Summit. Iohannis will also highlight that strengthening the resilience of the region as a whole is a vital necessity in the current geopolitical context. In this regard, Klaus Iohannis will highlight, in particular, the added value of the Rail2Sea and Via Carpathia projects, whose implementation will improve military mobility and infrastructure resilience in the region. The president will reiterate that the country will continue to pursue the strengthening of the Initiative and its instruments, including the Investment Fund and the Innovation Fund, in full synergy with the strategic agenda of the European Union, as well as in the direction of strengthening the transatlantic partnership. The Three Seas Initiative offers a generous platform for collaboration between EU member states and non-EU countries, with benefits including increasing the quality of life of their citizens and stimulating opportunities for multi-directional cooperation. President Klaus Iohannis hosted the previous edition of the 3SI Summit last September, where a substantial Joint Declaration was adopted, which was an important milestone for the future and development of the Initiative, especially regarding cross-border interconnections in the area of transport infrastructure, energy and digitisation, but also on the consolidation and diversification of the Initiative's financial instruments. Also in Bucharest, Greece became the 13th participating state in the Initiative and Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova became associated states. Another important outcome of the Bucharest Summit was the updating of the list of strategic priority projects, the first such list having been launched at the previous Bucharest Summit in 2018. History will prove you were wrong. Those were the words of U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) last year after her colleagues in the House voted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the lone Palestinian American in Congress, over her comments on the Israel-Hamas war. Both Bush and Tlaib, are members of the Squad, a cadre of about eight progressive Democrats who often clash with their partys establishment colleagues. PQ If they come down these hallways and hit these doors, we bangin til the end.Cong. Bush on the day insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol Both drew condemnation over their call for a ceasefire of Israels bombing campaign in Gaza after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas. Reportedly, Jewish political groups are raising millions to oust Bush from office in the Nov. elections. In an interview with St. Louis Public Radio last year, Bushs Democratic primary challenger, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell, admitted that his decision to run against her was, in part, motivated by her criticism of Israel. Its too early to tell if history will vindicate Bush, Tlaib or other politicians who spoke out against the bombing in Gaza. But, after thousands of Palestinians (mostly women and children) have been killed and injured during the military offensive, more and more political and public voices seem to be aligned with the sentiments of the Congresswomen. The St. Louis American sat down with Bush at her new downtown campaign office last week. Our goal was to not only gauge her feelings about the Middle East conflict, the ongoing chaos in the 118th Congress, President Biden and the upcoming election but we wanted our questions and Bushs answers to paint a clearer picture of the politician. Here, we attempt to gauge how her background as a registered nurse, community activist, single mother and ordained pastor influences her politics and dictates how she represents the people of Missouris First Congressional District. ******* St. Louis American: You were one of the first people in Congress to sharply criticize Israels bombing campaign in Gaza. You received vicious blowback for your comments yet, arguably, your warnings have come to fruition with at least 33,000 Palestinians killed and 75,000 injured during the military offensive. In retrospect, do you wish you had waited and not come out against the offensive so early? Rep. Cori Bush: No, absolutely not. It was the right thing to do. It might have hurt but it was the right thing to do. The thing is; if our government would have listened, if Netanyahu (Israeli prime minister) would have listened, there would be 33,000 Palestinians still alive right now. There would not be over I million Palestinians displaced; there would not be famine and starvation happening right now; there would be humanitarian aid and UN workers who would still be alive. Yes, we were viciously attacked because people called it antisemitic to care about humanity. I never said anything against Jewish peoplewhat I said was lets save both! So, I did the right thing, at the right time and if I had to do it all over again, I absolutely would. St. Louis American: How did you feel when some Democrats joined Republicans to formally censure Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, another Squad member and the lone Palestinian American in Congress? Bush: It was just so hurtful (tears up). Let me just say, Rashida Tlaib is the kind of person who takes care of everybody no matter who you are or what you look like, shes that kind of person. For me to see my own colleagues stand up and criticize her and vote yes to censure herthat was hurtful. This was the thing: You sit with her on the floor, you talk to her, you laugh and have conversations with herdo you actually believe she really wants to see Jewish people killed? You cannot! It was crushing because it let me know that this is what they really think about anyone who stands up for Palestinians and, for me, thats a deal-breaker. St. Louis American: Im not going to dwell on this, but some say your criticism of Israel is the main reason youre facing a Black Democratic primary challenger in the upcoming election. Did this organized, well-funded effort to unseat you catch you by surprise? Bush: Um, not necessarily but the magnitude of it definitely caught me by surprise. For organizations like AIPAC (pro-Israel political action committee) and DMFI (Democratic Majority for Israel) to spend $100 million dollars to oust me and a few of my colleagues in Congressthat part caught me by surprise. Whats disgusting to me is-Im the first Black Congresswoman of this district in more than 172 years-this state, this district has never had a Black woman or a woman in this seat who has brought nearly two billion dollars; who shows up at events; who is trying to take care of people; whos put herself on the line when 11 million people were at risk for evictions and I didnt want more people from St. Louis kicked out on the streets and we won an extension to the eviction moratoriumyou mean to tell me none of that is good enough because I said we dont need US taxpayer dollars to kill mostly women and children in Gaza? So, yeah, thats the part that upsets me. St. Louis American: Youve been in office since 2021, how have you changed since then? Bush: Id say that now I cant expect my colleagues to be the same way today or tomorrow. Ive learned that if I want something done, I have to work past my own comfort level, work with my team, my colleagues and advocates to go ahead and get it done. My third day in Congress was the insurrection. I would have never thought that would have happened. So, I have learned be ready for anything and just try to figure out what St. Louis needs, and I need everyone else to move around that. St. Louis American: Speaking of Jan. 6, you were a part of the protests after Mike Brown was killed. You must recall how the Trump administrations efforts to label Black Lives Matter as an insurrectionist group and put laws on the books that would jail them as terrorists? How does it make you feel to know that some people behind those efforts have now labeled the mostly white, violent insurrectionists as hostages? Bush: I know, I know. I think its disgusting-especially right nowto refer to them as hostages especially since Oct. 7thits egregious because there are people right now who are real hostages and were calling insurrectionists hostages. No one forced them to show up at the capitol; no one forced them to scale the walls, to bring zip-ties and a noose to hang someone; no one forced them to physically harm police officers. This was an attempt to overthrow our government because those folk did not believe Joe Biden won a democratic election-which was absolutely false. St. Louis American: What were you doing during the melee? Bush: We were barricaded in my office. Let me tell you, my concern wasnt for myself, it was for my staff-they didnt sign up to be put in harms way, they didnt sign up for that kind of danger. I knew my danger because I come from Ferguson and all of that. I knew the target was on my back. I remember (saying) at that moment, yeah were going to barricade these doors but if they come down these hallways and hit these doors, we bangin til the endI was gonna pick up whatever I could, and fight. St. Louis American: Since were on the topic. I watch the shenanigans of extremist republicans like Lauren Boebert, Majorie Taylor Greene, and Matt Gaetz from home but youre right there hearing them, watching them, debating themwhat is that like, is it fun or painful? Bush: I think for some people it may be fun because its their personality. There are folk who think oh, if I say this, Ill go viral and get all these donations. But, for me, its not about that. I come from all the attacks with FergusonIm still dealing with that trauma and the racism that was out there. The Oath Keepers-the same people who were out there on Jan. 6 -were out there in Ferguson on top of rooftops and stuff. So, while theyre playing games, for me, its tough because I know that what theyre doing is harmful to people. Thats why I fight back. I cant just let it ride. St. Louis American: Youre in town to talk about the legislation to reauthorize the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. What is the significance of that locally and why is it important to you? Bush: Its important locally because people across the St. Louis region were exposed or are being exposed to radioactive waste that goes all the way back to the Manhattan project, World War II. The government has not done its part to make sure the necessary clean-up was done in a timely manner, but they also have not let people know the potential for exposure. Its important to make sure that compensation is for people dealing with this radioactive exposure across the country. But Missouri was not on that list. So, we want to get St. Louis zip codes on that list to receive that money. St. Louis American: Youve been credited for bringing millions of dollars to St. Louis from Washington Bush: Nearly two billion St. Louis American: I stand correctedyouve secured federal funding like the $3 million for a new community Healing Center in the city. What are you most proud of in securing dollars for St. Louis and North St. Louis in particular? Bush: All of it has been meaningful. But something as simple as, when the St. Louis Housing authority reached out and said, our seniors wont have access to broadband. People may think thats not essential its not like its food or shelterbut right now, in this day-and-age, people not having access to the Internet is a huge deal, especially for seniors dealing with applications for things that are lifesaving. That was important to me. Also, the money weve been able to get through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)we got about $500 million dollars for St. Louis city alone and $150 million of that is allocated to the North side, with $37 million thats already been funneledso, Im super proud of that and I want people to know its a huge win for the northside. And I also want to thank Mayor Jones for spearheading that for the city. St. Louis American: Youre part of the Squad. Do you think you all had to compromise to accomplish legislative gains in the House? Bush: Nonot compromise. I think what weve been able to do is speak up for the needs of our communitiesrather its been an amendment or speaking up to stop legislation that we thought would cause harm to our communities. No, I dont think weve had to compromise. But I do believe weve also had to work with people from across the aisleDemocrats who are more moderate and Republicans who are very conservativelike Ive worked with Sen. Josh Hawley. Whoever is going to help me deliver for St. Louis, thats who Im working with. St. Louis American: It seems to me that the GOP is imploding with chaos in the House, their cultural war nonsense, and their attacks on reproductive rights. Do you think their self-destructive behavior will cause them to lose the House and Senate in November? Bush: YeswellI do think theyll lose the Housethey are imploding. They have one group-the House Freedom Caucus-that are very conservative and want to see Speaker (Mike) Johnson enact the things theyve brought to the table, to the floor. But the thing is theyre following the former white supremacist-in-chief, Donald Trumpa lot of their decisions are based on orders coming down from him St. Louis American: You mean like with the failed bipartisan immigration bill? Bush: Right. They were like Biden is weak on immigration, then here comes the immigration bill and its like oh no, were not going to support it because Donald Trump said so, because it would make Joe Biden look like he accomplished something, and that would hurt Trumps campaign. St. Louis American: Does that frustrate you? Bush: Yes, because, first, were the US House of Representatives, we are the governing body for the country. We should be grownups, we should be governing and passing legislation but instead its all this infighting. Some Republicans come from swing districts and theyre trying to tow-the-line with their constituents. But the House Freedom Caucus are like No, we want a national ban on abortion; we want more voter suppressionthese are the folks against DEIits just across the board. St. Louis American: Yes, banning books is a conversation; deleting or watering down Black history is a conversationall this is madness to me as a citizen and journalist, so I cant imagine what its like for you as a legislator. Bush: Its like being in a constant place of having to communicate, then over-communicate about the same things over-and-over again. When we talk about Black history these things actually happened. No, we didnt voluntarily come to this country; No, the slave trade did not benefit us, it benefitted the United States economy; Those 222 million hours of enforced slave labor did not benefit the enslaved, it benefited the enslavers in this country. I do love, though, that I am in a position-when these horrific things, this messaging, when these attacks and all the change they want to see happen-that I am in place to be able to fight it because Im not afraid to speak on it. Thats why I have the Reparations Now bill to see that reparations happen across this country. St. Louis American: Last question: Theres all this talk about Joe Biden being too old for a second term. What are your thoughts about another four years under Biden? Bush: Ill say there are some things Joe Biden has done thats surprised me in a good way like the student debt cancellation. There were a few other things President Biden pushed by executive action. I would say hes done some good things but when the majority of Democrats in this country are saying we want a ceasefire; When people are saying, we dont want our taxpayer dollars used to bomb people, when people are saying things theyve never said before, our president has a decision to makenow! I want to be surprised in that way. Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow. An appreciation of Black doulas and calls to find solutions for the disparity in Black maternal deaths kicked off the St. Louis City Department of Healths week-long celebration of Black Maternal Health Week on Wednesday. The event is a precursor a screening of the film documentary Sister Doula created by Emmett Williams, CEO of Listen. Tell. Media on Thursday April 11. The documentary tells the story of Hakima Payne, a Kansas City nurse tackling the Black maternal health crisis head-on. In 2018 Williams met Hakima Payne. For five years he filmed the life of a doula, this included doula classes and birthing exams. Every single Black woman that I spoke to had some sort of negative experience with the U.S. health industry. Thats when I knew this was a story that I had to tell, said Williams. He said that when telling Black stories it is equally important to tell the heroic work of those helping to fight those disparities. The film shows the doulas as heroes helping end Black maternal death and infant immortality. The convening of the Black birthing community, and gathering support systems in conversation about the state of Black birth in America is this years goal partnerships are Jamaa Birth Village, SSM Health, and Emmett Williams. Black maternal health has not always been a priority in the St. Louis region, said Okunsola M. Amadou, founder and CEO of Jamaa Birth Village. According to Amadou, Black women are disproportionately impacted by negative birthing experiences due to a lack of access to comprehensive integrated maternal health services. These healthcare services include midwifery, a doula, lactation counseling, massage therapy, and chiropractic services. All these things existed in our communities before colonialism and capitalism, added Amadou. Jamaa Birthing Village has helped integrate these birthing services into Black and brown and poor communities in the St. Louis region. We are excited to partner with the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Mayor Tishaura Jones office, and receive sponsorship from SSM Health, added Amadou. She pointed out that in 2015 there were less than 10 Black practicing doulas in the region. However, since the founding of Jamaa Birth Village over 460 Black doulas have been trained under Amadou across Missouri. Every year we hear those same statistics and every year those statistics are devastating, said Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, director of health for the City of St. Louis. These statistics represent the pain and struggle of Black mothers. Davis reminded those in attendance that the Black birthing experience doesnt always have to be about pain and struggle. Black maternal health is beautiful, it is joyful, and it is celebratory, she said. She shared that her office is working to address racial disparities to reduce Black maternal and infant immortality, saying that the leading cause of maternal mortality in Missouri is mental health issues. Davis advocates for screening pregnant and recent pregnant mothers for depression and substance use disorders providing immediate resources. Physicians need to work alongside and respect the voices and leadership of our doulas, social workers, and nurses, she said. Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American. Charity Aug. 18, 8 pm: Legacy Institutes Award Ceremony Fundraiser, The Pageant, $60-$80 Aug. 25, 6:30-9:30 pm: Hatz4Hearts presents Annual Pink Carpet Community Gala, Missouri Athletic Club, $75-$600 Community Aug. 18, 6-10 pm: WEPOWER Weekend: The Garden Party 18, co-hosted with The Missouri Botanical Garden, $50 Aug. 19, 11 am-3 pm: WEPOWER Weekend: Building Community Wealth, Hyde Park, Free Aug. 19, 7-10 pm: Beats x Brews, Saint Louis Hop Shop, Free Concerts Aug. 18, 8-11 pm: City Winery St. Louis presents The Dirty Dozen Brass Band live in concert, $35-$42 Aug. 19, 8 pm: City Winery St. Louis presents Anita Wilson live in concert, $28-$35 Aug. 19, The Smooth Jazz Cruise on Land The Factory St. Louis, $34.50-$97.50 Aug. 19, 8-11:59 pm: Soulja Boy, The Hawthorn, $40.00 Aug. 21, 7 pm: Beyonce Renaissance World Tour, The Dome at Americas Center, $50.50-$2,501.00 Aug. 24, 7-8 pm: Concerts in the Garden featuring Harvey Lockhart and the Collective, Reading Garden at the Sachs Branch in Chesterfield, Free Aug. 25, 7 pm: Moneybagg Yo Larger Than Life Tour, Chaifetz Arena, $49.50-$165 Aug. 25, 7:30 pm: T-DUBB-O Life Lessons Tour, Pops Concert Venue, $12 Festivals & Fairs Aug. 19-20, 8 pm: 1st Annual Queens of the Lou Music Festival 2023, Off Broadway, $15 Aug. 19, 1-7 pm: 9th Annual St. Louis African American Artifacts Festival and Bazaar, Crown Square Plaza (Old North Historic District), Free Aug. 19, 11 am-4 pm: Back-to-School Fair @ Clay Community Resource Center, Free Aug. 26-27, 2-10:45 pm: Evolution Festival, Forest Park, $89.50-$449.50 Food & Drink Aug. 20, 1-3 pm: Beyonce Renaissance Concert Pre-Game Brunch, HeyDay HQ, $60 Literary Arts Aug. 25, 1-2 pm: Author Talk: Enslavement and the Underground Railroad in MO and IL, The Field House Museum, Free Museums & Exhibitions Aug. 18 Aug. 25, 9:30 am-4:30 pm: The Saint Louis Science Center welcomes Mandela: The Official Exhibition, Free Aug. 19, 12-5 pm: SLAM Block Party Hip Hop Exhibition, Saint Louis Art Museum, Free Religion & Spirituality Aug. 19, 7-10 pm: We On Blast with Dee-1, The Advancing Church, $15 Talks & Lectures Aug. 23, 6-8 pm: From Feels to Facts: A candid conversation about colorism, HeyDay HQ, Free Theater Aug. 18 -19, Aug. 25- 26, 8-11 pm: Ragtime at Union Avenue Opera, $55-$165 Aug. 18 Aug. 20, 8:15 pm: Sister Act, MUNY, $19-$120 The Department of Justice has added St. Louis to its violent crime initiative, a decision that will bring more federal dollars to police departments for crime prevention efforts. The DOJ will also add two prosecutors to the U.S. Attorneys Office in St. Louis. In 2023, St. Louis marked its third consecutive year with a decline in total homicides. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said the city has made reducing violent crime a priority. Under my administration, homicides in our city have decreased by 40%. We welcome this opportunity for St. Louis to work with the attorney generals office as we continue to build upon our progress in reducing violent crime and saving lives, Mayor Tishaura Jones said. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a recent announcement that the initiative will distribute an additional $78 million to community violence and intervention programs and research around the country. Community-led violence intervention efforts can apply for funding under the initiative. The program, which began in Houston in 2022, aims to increase the presence of federal agencies in each city. It means a larger federal agency presence in St. Louis. The Drug Enforcement Agency aims to dismantle criminal drug networks doing the most harm in communities, including in St. Louis, DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said. Drug-related crimes and violence continue to have a significant impact on our communities and demand a new approach, Milgram said. Expanding the Violent Crime Initiative further extends our potential to successfully investigate and prosecute criminals by harnessing the full potential of state, local, and federal partnerships. Garland said the initiative has helped reduce violent crime through increased policing and criminal prosecution. The FBI reports that last year we saw a significant decrease in overall violent crime across the country compared to the previous year including an over 13% decline in homicides, Garland said. That is the largest one-year decline in homicides in 50 years. The Justice Department is not easing up on our efforts to reduce violent crime. In fact, today, we are doubling down. Overall crime rates in St. Louis are the lowest in a decade. Police officials attribute the improvement to their focus on gun intelligence and community partnerships. Alderwoman Laura Keys, who represents the 11th Ward, said police-community relations will help eliminate violent crime. Years ago, we had police officers who regularly drove our community. We dont see police in our community anymore, Keys said. But I dont think weve had as many incidents as some other places, not a lot of violent crime. It is down. U.S. Attorney Sayler Fleming said that by adding two additional prosecutors, St. Louis will grow safer. We have long had a focus in the Eastern District of Missouri on violent crime and complex criminal conspiracies, and the addition of two experienced prosecutors will allow us to expand that, Fleming said. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents metropolitan police officials in major U.S. cities, overall violent crime decreased significantly in 2023. Detroit had the fewest number of homicides in over 50 years. Baltimore, New Orleans and Philadelphia each saw homicides drop by at least 20%. These declines are not just abstract statistics. As you know so well, they represent people people who are still here to see their children grow up, to work toward fulfilling their dreams, and to contribute to their communities, Garland said. Natalie Wanzel, 34, of Valley Park, knew she had been adopted at 3 years old from an orphanage in Russia in 1992. Her American adoptive parents brought her to Manchester, where she grew up in a caring, middle-class family in suburban St. Louis. She had been told that she was born with serious health problems to a young woman who could not afford to take care of her. Wanzel searched for information about her birth parents for 15 years without any luck. She reached out to the Cradle of Hope Adoption Center, now headquartered in Maryland, to no avail. In 2018, she did an AncestryDNA kit in the hopes of finding a genetic relative. For five years, no close relatives matched. She uploaded her DNA results into the MyHeritageDNA database, which has millions of registered users. In January 2023, she got a match. She had a half sister in Canada, with whom she shared a biological father. They connected instantly. Wanzel also learned she was not Russian. She was from Georgia in Eastern Europe. Neither of them had any information about their biological father, but Wanzel thought if she could track down her biological mother, she might uncover his identity, as well. She joined a Facebook group for Georgian adoptees searching for biological relatives. Wanzel posted a short query with basic information, including her surname and who she was trying to find. The next morning, she woke up to a stream of congratulatory messages. One of the site administrators had found her biological mother overnight. Her mothers story unraveled everything Wanzel had believed to be true about the circumstances around her birth and adoption. I found out I was a child stolen and sold in Moscow, Russia, Wanzel said. Her adoptive parents, who declined to be interviewed, had no idea she had been taken from her birth mother under false pretenses. Wanzel discovered that she was one of tens of thousands of children in Georgia taken from the countrys maternity hospitals and sold in a decades-long, black market adoption scandal. Hospital workers lied to thousands of birth mothers about their babies, often telling them their children had died after birth, according to these mothers. Those dead babies have grown into adults armed with DNA test results to expose a nations dark past. Betrayal at Birth: Georgias Stolen Children, a BBC World Service documentary by filmmakers Fay Nurse and Woody Morris released in January, shares the stories of those children, now adults, and their biological families torn apart by a baby trafficking scandal that may have operated from the 1950s to early 2000s. For Wanzel, the discovery allowed her to hear her birth story from her biological mother. They communicated through translators. At first, Wanzel couldnt understand why her mother, who wants to keep her name private, kept crying. She was a young, unwed pregnant woman who was sent to Moscow to deliver due to the social stigma in Georgia. When her labor began, the hospital put her under anesthesia. She woke up asking to see her baby. The staff told her the baby was too sick and she was deemed unfit to care for her. She asked nurse after nurse; no one would say anything, Wanzel said. Her mother told her the hospital staff only said, She now belongs to the state. Wanzels birth mother returned to Georgia never having seen her baby. When Wanzel heard the traumatic story, the problems in her adoption paperwork began to make sense. Her birth mothers signature wasnt on the relinquishment statement. There were inconsistencies in the name on her birth certificate. Her birth fathers name had been falsified. Looking back, it makes sense that she was so emotional to find out that I was alive, Wanzel said. Maia Tskvitaia, a Georgian painter living in Germany, is one of the Facebook group administrators who helped locate Wanzels birth mother. She joined the group Vedzeb, which means Im searching in Georgian, three years ago. It now has more than 240,000 members and features posts from adopted people from around the world, including the United States, who believe they may have been illegally adopted and are looking for biological family members. Georgian mothers post their stories about hospital staff telling them their babies had died, only to later discover these deaths were never recorded. The cemeteries that hospital workers claimed the babies were buried in never existed. Tskvitaia says she joined the effort to reunite families because her mother had worked as a nurse in the Georgian maternity hospital for 39 years. I fear if my mother made some mistake, I should help these people, she said. She also hopes that some of those who learn they have Georgian ancestry will become attached to the country slightly smaller than South Carolina that sits in Southwestern Asia between Turkey and Russia. So far, the group has helped reconnect around 900 people with biological relatives. It is trying to get more of the Georgian population tested using DNA kits and seeking justice from the government for what has been done to them. Georgian journalist Tamuna Museridze began the group in 2021 after discovering she had been adopted. She found her birth certificate with incorrect details after her mother died. Museridze says her research suggests the black market in adoptions took place across Georgia from the early 1950s to 2005, with a number of stolen babies flown from Georgia to Russia to be sold and adopted by unsuspecting American parents. She believes the scandal involved people from various sectors from criminals to doctors and nurses to high level government officials. While an exact number is impossible to verify, she says as many as 100,000 babies may have been stolen. Her outspoken advocacy on behalf of children and their mothers has changed the culture and social stigmas around adoption in her country. Five or six years ago, it was a shame to say you were adopted, she said. We worked really hard to change the view of adoption. The Georgian government opened an investigation in 2022 into historic child trafficking but has said the cases are too old, with little evidence left, to be prosecuted. She has confronted doctors who were involved and asked them why they did this to so many people. They say, why are you complaining? You all went to good families because only rich families could afford to buy a stolen child. Why are you complaining? She rejects this explanation. After her mother died, she learned from elder relatives that her parents had been told, We have one healthy baby for sale, so you can come buy her. Its not normal that you can go buy a child, Museridze said. The public reporting on the scandal and subsequent family revelations have rocked the country for the past several years. The BBC documentary, watched by millions, has been another watershed moment for raising public awareness about the issue. Nurse says the BBC has received a phenomenal reaction to the film. Its been translated into 26 languages. The stories from Georgia are tragic but they are even more shocking because they are also relatively recent, Nurse said. The country itself is reeling from the allegations, and there are more victims coming out of the woodwork, including people from Canada and the U.S. She hopes the documentary helps expose the truth and the families get the reconciliation and justice they want so much. The film shares the remarkable journey of identical twins, each sold to different families at birth. They just so happened to find each other after one appeared on a televised episode of Georgias Got Talent and the other shared a TikTok video seven years later. DNA testing confirmed their genetic relationship in addition to being a mirror image of each other. On top of the shock of discovering of an unknown identical twin, they later found their birth mother in Germany, who had been told they had died after being born. The emotional and life-altering discoveries and searches featured in the documentary bring to life the devastating impact of the long-running criminal enterprise. The BBC filmmakers approached the Georgian Interior Ministry for further information on individual cases but were reportedly told that specific details would not be released due to data protection. Media spokesmen for the Georgian Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not respond to emails seeking comment on an update on any remaining investigations. In 2006, Georgia strengthened its anti-trafficking laws. The following year, it passed additional laws making illegal adoptions more difficult. Museridze is working with a human rights lawyer to take the cases of victims to the Georgian courts seeking the right to access their own birth documents. Meanwhile, Wanzel has developed a relationship with her biological half-sister. They Facetime each other regularly. They have discovered so many unexpected similarities. They use the same perfume, are drawn to the same color nail polishes and even own some of the exact same accessories and wallets. They have not yet found their father. Last spring, her sister drove from Canada to St. Louis, so they could meet in person. Wanzels adoptive family hosted a big party to welcome her. The relationship has enriched her life. From her biological mom, she learned that she has other half siblings; one of whom bears a striking resemblance to her. Stories like Wanzels motivate Museridze to keep going despite pressure from some government officials to stop digging and bringing up bad history. Even though her Facebook group has attracted hundreds of thousands of people, she still hasnt found her own biological parents or answers to her questions. She keeps searching. ST. LOUIS On April 11, 1934, lawyers filed incorporation papers for the new Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Association. Its charge was to develop "a suitable and permanent public memorial" to President Thomas Jefferson along the city's dingy riverfront. Its leader was Luther Ely Smith, who always seemed to be in the middle of noble endeavors. He would guide the riverfront project through Depression and war, a massive land-clearance and a top-flight design competition. He would be praised as the founding father when St. Louis selected as the suitable memorial Eero Saarinen's idea for what would become the Gateway Arch. Smith did not live to see it built. (It wasn't completed until 1965.) But when Smith died in 1951, a Post-Dispatch editorial honoring him began with this sentence: "Where in all St. Louis was there a better citizen than Luther Ely Smith?" Or as energetic. Born in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, Smith attended Washington University School of Law and married SaLees Kennard, daughter of a prominent rug manufacturer here. After service in the Spanish-American War, he became a lawyer downtown and took his first steps in good citizenship. In 1900, he and Dwight Davis, a future city parks commissioner, led a campaign to build the first playgrounds in St. Louis. They wheedled donations of land, materials and union labor, and made places for kids to play. He organized the Pageant and Masque in 1914, a celebration of St. Louis' 150th anniversary that filled Forest Park with eager crowds. He helped organize the City Plan Commission in 1916 and promoted completion of the Municipal (now MacArthur) Bridge. In 1915, St. Louis voters turned down his idea for a grand mall along Market Street from downtown to Grand Boulevard. But nothing stopped him from trying. "There is always more work to be done," he said. Thirty years of talk about riverfront renewal gathered steam during the Depression as a way to create jobs. Smith is the one who suggested making it a memorial to westward expansion. He would lead the Memorial Association for nearly four decades. Along the way, he still found time to help create the system of appointing St. Louis judges in 1940 and the city civil service system two years later. When Saarinen's arch design was chosen in 1948, Smith was his unassuming self. "You have made this possible," he told the gathering. Smith died on April 2, 1951, at age 77. He was stricken while walking from his Central West End home to catch a bus downtown. In 1970, a grateful city dedicated the small park in front of the Old Courthouse in his memory. Restful and shaded, it offers one of the best views in town. A look back: Making way for the Arch ST. LOUIS A highly debated cannabis dispensary is opening its doors this week, right across the street from one of the citys first charter schools but without the drive-thru proposed in its original plan. Kind Goods will host its grand opening Friday, about 150 feet from the two-decade-old Lift for Life Academy. The school of about 900 students tried to block the marijuana business, but St. Louis city code does not limit where dispensaries can open. Were obviously not happy, Marshall Cohen, executive director of Lift for Life Academy, said Thursday. I cant say how bad it is no one would have had this at any other school district in the county. Originally, Kind Goods had requested a special-use permit from the city so it could operate a drive-thru at the $1.5 million store, but founder Kyle Lenzen said the company pulled the application in the interest of time. We wanted to get open and up and operating to prove to the neighborhood who we are, Lenzen said. We want to help build the city of St. Louis back up. Lenzen said that the company hasnt heard anything negative from the school after he shared with its leadership the companys plans and security measures, such as a permanent fence, 40 security cameras and an around-the-clock armed security guard. Last fall, High Fidelity Brands, which owns Kind Goods, came under fire for the construction of its store at 1631 South Broadway, near Soulard. When the school learned of the planned dispensary, students organized a protest and parents, staff and local businesses lobbied elected officials to halt the project, saying that a cannabis business being so close to a school is inappropriate. State regulations prohibit a marijuana facility within 1,000 feet of any elementary or secondary school, day care or church. But aldermen changed St. Louis code in 2020 to remove any spacing requirements. In response to Kind Goods dispensary, in November Alderwoman Cara Spencer introduced a bill that would establish a 500-feet distance requirement for marijuana facilities that wished to operate near schools and daycares. The bill was assigned to the housing, urban development and zoning committee and has not seen activity since. Kind Goods isnt the only dispensary opening near Life for Life Academy. About 150 feet away, construction is underway for a second dispensary at 1531 South Broadway. A building permit for interior and exterior alterations was issued in January to the building owner, Arkansas-based Good Day Farm, which has over 30 locations across Arkansas, Mississippi and Missouri. Two cannabis stores on the same block, I cant even conceptualize it in my mind, Cohen said. I dont know what to say. This doesnt happen to other schools. Cohen said he hopes the city gets behind Spencers distance requirement bill to prevent this from happening in other city neighborhoods. Kind Goods was founded in 2021 and has locations in Manchester, Fenton and St. Peters. The new South Broadway store will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CLAYTON Prosecutors on Thursday charged a 20-year-old man with fatally shooting a woman in January while trying to steal her gun, St. Louis County police said. Devin Macon, of St. Louis, was charged with second-degree murder and stealing a gun after prosecutors say he shot 25-year-old Keila Buckner during a struggle over a gun in Jennings. Charging documents say Macon and Buckner agreed to go to the New York Market on Jennings Station Road in Jennings to exchange guns and cash. Surveillance video showed the two talking and holding their weapons. At one point, Macon reached for Buckner's gun, and they began fighting, court documents say. Macon fired, and Buckner died. He took her gun and ran away. Macon was later arrested as a result of a SWAT raid. He is being held in the St. Louis County jail on a $750,000 cash bond. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden said U.S. defense commitment to Pacific allies was "ironclad" as he gathered Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Thursday in the midst of growing concern about provocative Chinese military action in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden's reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea. "The United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad. They're ironclad," Biden said as he began three-way talks at the White House with Kishida and Marcos. "As I said before, any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty." The White House billed the first-ever trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to Chinas attempts at intimidation and said it would send a message that China is the outlier in the neighborhood, according to an administration official. The White House said Biden and Marcos during the talks underscored their commitment to international law in the South China Sea" and reaffirmed their countries' treaty obligations to defend each other. The leaders also announced joint patrols in the Indo-Pacific this year, a follow-up on law enforcement drills carried out last year by the allies in waters near the South China Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard will welcome Philippine and Japanese coast guard members onto a U.S. Coast Guard vessel during the patrol for training, according to White House. The summit came a day after Biden held one-on-one talks with Kishida and feted the Japanese premier with a glitzy state dinner at the White House, a diplomatic honor meant to recognize Tokyo's growing clout on the global stage. It was also designed to send a clear signal that the Democratic administration remains determined to build a "latticework" of alliances in the Indo-Pacific even as it grapples with the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden also hosted Marcos for a private meeting at the White House ahead of the scheduled three-way talks. "Today's summit is an opportunity to define the future that we want and how we intend to achieve it together," Marcos said. The summit also had a large economic component with several major U.S.-based companies including Meta, UPS and Greenbrier Energy announcing investments in the Philippines, administration officials said. The new deals came after Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited Manila last month to announce more than $1 billion in new investment by American companies in the Philippines. Biden also announced that the three nations will launch a a new economic corridor in the Philippines as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment that would help develop clean energy, port, agriculture and other projects in the country. The United States, the United Kingdom and Japan on Wednesday announced joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. That followed the Pentagon revealing this week that the U.S., the U.K. and Australia are considering including Japan in the AUKUS partnership, a grouping launched in 2021 that aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines. Kishida visited Capitol Hill on Thursday for an address to U.S. lawmakers that focused on the need to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Japan at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific and skepticism in Congress about U.S. involvement abroad. He offered concern about "the undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be." But China loomed large over Thursday's talks at the White House. Relations between China and the Philippines have been tested by skirmishes involving the two nations' coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan. The "gray-zone" harassment by China included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran the World War IIera ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there. Biden, in a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, raised concerns about China's operations in the South China Sea, including efforts to impede the Philippines, which the U.S. is treaty-obligated to defend, from resupplying its forces on the Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese officials bristled at criticism over their actions and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions. No one should violate Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and China remains steadfast in safeguarding our lawful rights, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Thursday. Biden made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country's president in June 2022. The relationship was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's "war on drugs" resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. Marcos, the son and namesake of the country's former dictator, as a candidate said he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he's increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China's coercive action. On board a Philippine patrol in contested South China Sea April 11, 2024: The Ukraine war demonstrated how new technology, like armed UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) also known as drones, have come to dominate the battlefield. This situation began once Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022 and both sides quickly lost most of their conventional offensive weapons in combat. Most of these losses were armored vehicles, especially tanks. Longer range weapons, like artillery, which delivered most of its fire power to targets 30 kilometers distant and a smaller number of guided missiles, which could reach targets over a hundred kilometers distant, tended to survive the heavy losses suffered by armored vehicles that fought at close range. With nearly all the expensive weapons gone, both sides quickly turned to UAVs, which were cheaper, easier to obtain and more flexible alternatives. It was soon discovered that UAVs had a seemingly endless number of new capabilities. One of the more crucial qualities was the ease of obtaining UAVS and modifying them or building larger or smaller versions. The technology required for current UAV warfare evolved over the last few decades as the commercial quadcopters and hobbyist fixed-wing remotely controlled aircraft achieved a degree of maturity in design and reliability. This made it possible for users or developers to confidently and quickly modify existing UAVs t0 meet their needs. Most of the resulting UAVs were short range models operating no farther than ten kilometers from their user. This meant the combat zone was a much more dangerous place than it ever had been in the past. The surveillance was constant and round the clock. More expensive UAVs with night-vision sensors, usually based on a combination of object and heat detection and interpretation, provided adequate surveillance at night or in fog or misty conditions. Then there are logistical considerations. Reusable UAVs have to be recharged or refueled between missions. UAVs built as single-use weapons have to be checked out before actual use. This is especially true for the long-range attack models. These fixed-wing UAVs go after targets a thousand kilometers or more distant and tend to use a single diesel or gasoline fueled engine. These engines must be sturdy and reliable because everything depends on a reliable propulsion system. Another critical component is the navigation and target acquisition system. Resistance to electronic jamming is essential. Electronic jamming technology is constantly evolving to deal with improved guidance systems that make earlier jammers ineffective or less effective. This makes every new UAV design likely to be compromised and obsolete in short order. With the inexpensive technology UAVs use, rapid evolution is easier to achieve and the ability to quickly develop ways to disrupt new tech is essential. For every well publicized successful UAV mission or technology there are many more failures that receive little or no media exposure. UAV developers are keen to know about these failures and both Russians and Ukrainians scrutinize their adversaries' successful or flawed UAV designs. This military version of CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) is crucial in discovering which UAV technology worked and which didnt and why. Ukrainian UAV developers and manufacturers have an advantage in that entrepreneurial developers and manufacturers are encouraged. In Russia such intellectual and manufacturing freedom is discouraged. The Russian state must control everything because that is how Russia became mighty and remains so. Thats the official explanation. Russians consider the Ukrainians seduced by and addicted to those heretical Western ideas and concepts. Ukrainians see those Russian attitudes as an asset for the Ukrainian war effort. This gives Ukraine an edge in the development and use of new UAV technology. Ukraine encourages individuals and small groups of entrepreneurs to develop and manufacture new UAV designs and technologies. The government or wealthy individuals will often finance effective new concepts so that production can be rapidly expanded before the new tech becomes obsolete or simply replaced by a more effective version. Russia adapted to their disadvantage in UAV development by concentrating on electronic jammers. By rapidly upgrading their jammer technology, Russians can disrupt a lot of new Ukrainian UAV tech for a while. This disruption is becoming more important for the Russians because Ukraine has developed several generations of long range (over 1,000 kilometers) that are increasingly reaching their targets deep inside Russia. That means Russian economic and military facilities far from Ukraine are suddenly under attack. These targets include refineries and fuel storage sites as well as weapons development, manufacturing, and storage facilities. These attacks have destroyed about fifteen percent of Russian refining capacity, reducing the amount vehicle fuel available for commercial and military users. Air bases and ballistic missile storage or launch sites are also under attack. Targets as distant as the Russian Northern Fleet bases around Murmansk are under attack. This has caused a shortage of anti-aircraft systems that can intercept some or all of the UAVs depending on how many UAVs and air defense systems are involved. To deal with this Ukraine has increased production of UAVs considerably and the objective for 2024 is two million new UAVs built, mostly armed ones. These numbers are comparable to artillery ammunition production, which for Russia is estimated to be three million rounds a year. Armed drones en masse are on the verge of becoming as or more important than conventional tube artillery. UAV manufacturing operations are often moved to underground facilities to avoid Russian missile attacks. Nearly all the components needed for UAV production are available commercially and can be purchased from European or American suppliers and imported. Custom components are manufactured locally in well protected installations. UAV quality and quantity are a Ukrainian advantage they do not want to lose. Russia is also increasing UAV production, in part because they recently lost their few A-50 surveillance aircraft and now must depend on UAVs for surveillance. Another Russian disadvantage is their reliance on larger and more expensive surveillance and attack UAVs. We apologize. A page no longer exists or an error has occured on our server. Return to Our Home Page BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. The European Union wants to see constructive negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar told Armenian media, Trend reports. "The EU wants to see real, meaningful negotiations that will lead to a peace agreement, delimitation agreements, and the establishment of open communications. This is what we should focus on," he emphasized. Klaar also stated that with political will and commitment to the process, a positive outcome should be achieved quickly. "We wish to collaborate with Armenia and Azerbaijan to achieve a positive conclusion in this regard. Because, as I mentioned, I believe it shouldn't take that long if both parties have political commitment," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov has left on a working visit to Belarus, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. As part of the visit, Jeyhun Bayramov is to attend and speak at the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting on April 12 in Minsk, Belarus' capital. In addition, the minister will participate in various bilateral meetings. Formed following the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a regional intergovernmental organization that promotes cooperation among former Soviet republics on political, economic, environmental, humanitarian, cultural, and other issues. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. The Western Azerbaijan Community has issued a statement, Trend reports. The statement indicates that Ambassador of the United States to Armenia Kristina Kvien raised the issue of the safety of Armenians who moved from Azerbaijan and noted that this issue is not closed. "When speaking about the right of return, the ambassador must first express her opinion on the situation in this area in the country where she is accredited. We wonder why Ambassador Kvien never spoke about the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the destruction of their cultural heritage and the fact that Armenia does not ensure their right of return? Once again, we call on the US government to end ethnic and religious discrimination against Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia and support their peaceful, dignified and safe return," the statement reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova Vladimir Bolya has received Ambassador of Azerbaijan to this country Ulvi Bakhshaliyev, the ambassador wrote on his page on X, Trend reports. The parties emphasized their commitment to intensifying relations in the field of agriculture and discussed the possibilities of expansion cooperation between the countries. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. Ammunition and communication equipment have been found and seized in Azerbaijan's Khankendi city, Trend reports via the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Following police operations on April 10th, law bodies discovered and confiscated 3 communication devices, 3 automatic rifles, 4 pistols, 3 rifles, 4 live grenades, 4 grenade launchers, 15 ammunition magazines, 860 cartridges of various calibers, 7 bayonet knives, and additional ammunition in Khankendi. Following the liberation of its lands, Azerbaijan began operations in November 2020 to clean its lands of mines, booby traps, and other weaponry left behind by illegal Armenian forces. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. Azerbaijani Internal Affairs investigators revealed 45 cases of crimes countrywide reported on April 10, Trend reports via the ministry. Of them, 27 wanted individuals were detained (including 11 debtors). "A total of 22 drug-related facts and seven reports about the discovery and confiscation of illegally kept ammunition were revealed. 33 people were detained on suspicion of committing crimes," the agency reports. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. Vision Art Platform hosts the personal exhibition of Aida Mahmudova titled "A Dream Unfolds". The exhibition, which will debut on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 5.00 p.m., can be visited at Vision Art Platform at Akaretler No: 35 until July 22, 2024. A Different Way to See the World Art has played an important role in every aspect of life since the dawn of humanity, and throughout history, artists have used different art forms to express their feelings, thoughts and experiences. Art's expressive ability has had far-reaching influence on individuals across history, society, and culture. Whereas art reflects the lifestyle, beliefs, and cultural values of a period, it also shows the intellectual and aesthetic understanding of the relevant age. This is a practice that brings people together socially, allows us to share our feelings, and creates a common language. Nevertheless, art sometimes is against the existing aesthetic consensus and reveals a rebellious and autonomous new language of expression. Each artist reminds us of a different way of seeing the world. I would like to speak about Aida Mahmudova. She studied art at Central Saint Martins and has held solo exhibitions and participated in group exhibitions internationally in different cities including Belgium, London, Rome, New York, Moscow, Tbilisi, and Baku. Mahmudova also took part in the 55th and 56th Venice Biennale. Aida Mahmudova dives into the essence of materials in her search for artistic expression and tries to decipher the language of the world through the figurative, semi-abstract and abstract forms. At the same time, she approaches her work with deep curiosity and a burning desire to solve the mysteries within, like a philosopher pondering the nature of existence. If we think the material world is like a massive book that we only need to read and observe to gain knowledge, Aida Mahmudova wholeheartedly embraces and implements this idea. Her worksare like the chapters in this remarkable book, and each stroke and layer reveal a new side of her exploration. Aida Mahmudova's works reflect poetry that attempts to capture the beauty of nature. The artist's works evoke a serene contemplation like Wordsworth's memories of calm emotions, and these works invite viewers to lose themselves in the depths of her compositions. The artist is never satisfied with mere representation, so her searches for realities are beyond the surface. Mahmudova is interested in the expressive potential of materials and tools. Through her experiments with heat, light, color, and matter, she creates a multi-layered narrative that transcends the boundaries of a single work and invites viewers to engage with her work on a visceral level. From this perspective, Mahmudova's works reflect avant-garde thought by offering innovative materials and content. The artist uses many materials to create deep expressions. She manipulates them in a way that pushes the boundaries of form and function, and this blurs the distinction between art and life. Continuously investigating materials and their potential, the artist produces visually striking, emotionally and intellectually stimulating paintings. Mahmudova's works make us to re-evaluate our prejudices about art and call us to re-perceive the world through the lens of a true visionary. *FratArapoglu, A Dream Opens exhibition text. About Aida Mahmudova: Mahmudova is an Azerbaijani artist and the founder of YARAT Contemporary Art Space, which provides local and international support to young artists. Opened in Baku in 2011, YARAT operates three exhibition spaces across the city with programs and events led by young artists. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Central Saint Martin College of Art and Design. She uses a variety of techniques and media, and her work is exhibited internationally. For more: aidamahmudova.com Exhibition Dates: Aida Mahmudova A Dream Unfolds 23.04 - 22.07.2024 Aida Mahmudova / instagram @aidasaya Visit Information: Tuesday - Friday 11.00 - 18.00 Saturday 12.00 - 18.00 Sunday - Monday CLOSED Admission is free of charge. For detailed information and interview requests: [email protected] Address: SuleymanSebastreet, Akaretler No:35 Besiktas, Istanbul Social media: Instagram @visionartplatform Facebook @visionartplatform ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 11. The citizen of Kazakhstan sentenced in Azerbaijan has been extradited to his country, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan. The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan, in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on Legal Aid and Legal Relations in Civil, Family and Criminal Cases dated 07.10.2002, responded to a request from the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan by deciding to extradite Rinat Gabitov, a citizen of Kazakhstan serving a sentence in Azerbaijan, to Kazakhstan for 3 months. In connection with a criminal investigation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Kazakhstan, Rinat Gabitov was placed on an international wanted list to prosecute, as there were substantial suspicions regarding his involvement in crimes related to organizing a criminal group, repeated instances of economic smuggling, and evasion of customs duties. Rinat Gabitov was transferred to the custody of Kazakh authorities on April 10, accompanied by a Special Convoy from the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan. 11:07 ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 11. With collaboration from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, employees of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Financial Monitoring Agency successfully extradited a suspect from Azerbaijan for criminal prosecution, specifically for the creation and leadership of an organized criminal group, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan. Between 2016 and 2018, the suspect took over direct leadership of a criminal cell that smuggled consumer items into Kazakhstan while also dodging customs and taxes. This cost the Kazakhstani economy more than 4 billion tenge ($8.8 million). "Following the crimes, the suspect fled and was added to a worldwide wanted list. Authorities then tracked down the culprit within Azerbaijan's borders. The Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office granted the extradition request from the Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan," the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan said. It was highlighted that the suspect is being housed in an investigative isolator in Aktau, Kazakhstan. "The accused faces a seven- to twelve-year prison sentence, as well as asset confiscation. Notably, in December 2019, the court in the Mangystau region convicted twelve individuals involved in the same organized criminal group to varied terms," the press service added. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. The primary aim of the Digital Code in Azerbaijan is to set guidelines, frameworks, and standards for digitalization within the country, Chairwoman of the Board of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IRIA), operating under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT), Inara Valiyeva told Trend. "Currently, the digitalization process is decentralized, maintaining historical heritage and various approaches. The Digital Code seeks to unify these approaches and set standards, streamlining management. It aims to accelerate decision-making and digitalization while enhancing the efficiency of public resources. Despite significant costs, a shared vision has been lacking, hindering the development of a strategic approach and desired outcomes," she stressed. Besides the Digital Code, there are expectations for the adoption of the digital development concept, an information management strategy, an artificial intelligence strategy, regulations for the electronic government information system, and legislation concerning digital documents. In late 2023, IRIA announced the start of the drafting of the Digital Code. The document will be drafted with the assistance of an international consulting firm, drawing upon both international and domestic expertise in digital development. Utilizing the gathered materials and information analysis, a conceptual document outlining the framework of the Digital Code will be formulated. The project text will adhere to the stipulations of the "On normative legal acts" law and the "Regulations on the procedure of preparation, coordination, adoption, and publication of draft normative legal acts of executive authorities," as endorsed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan's decree dated October 6, 2023. The Innovation and Digital Development Agency was established as a public legal entity under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport following the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated October 11, 2021. The Innovation and Digital Development Agency coordinates efforts towards digital transformation within the country, cultivating a local innovation environment, and fortifying the ecosystem. Key focal points for the agency include conducting test experiments in nuclear science and technology, supporting individuals and entities in innovation-driven scientific research and startup projects, facilitating access to modern technologies and solutions, ensuring accessibility to educational and career pathways in ICT, as well as establishing and managing digital government initiatives and promoting digital literacy within society. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 11. The citizen of Kazakhstan sentenced in Azerbaijan has been extradited to his country, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan. The Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan, in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on Legal Aid and Legal Relations in Civil, Family, and Criminal Cases dated October 7, 2002, responded to a request from the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan by deciding to extradite Rinat Gabitov, a citizen of Kazakhstan serving a sentence in Azerbaijan, to Kazakhstan for 3 months. In connection with a criminal investigation conducted by law enforcement authorities in Kazakhstan, Rinat Gabitov was placed on an international wanted list to prosecute, as there were substantial suspicions regarding his involvement in crimes related to organizing a criminal group, repeated instances of economic smuggling, and evasion of customs duties. Rinat Gabitov was transferred to the custody of Kazakh authorities on April 10, accompanied by a Special Convoy from the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice of Azerbaijan. 11:07 ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 11. With collaboration from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, employees of the Prosecutor General's Office and the Financial Monitoring Agency successfully extradited a suspect from Azerbaijan for criminal prosecution, specifically for the creation and leadership of an organized criminal group, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan. Between 2016 and 2018, the suspect took over direct leadership of a criminal cell that smuggled consumer items into Kazakhstan while also dodging customs and taxes. This cost the Kazakhstani economy more than 4 billion tenge ($8.8 million). "Following the crimes, the suspect fled and was added to a worldwide wanted list. Authorities then tracked down the culprit within Azerbaijan's borders. The Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's Office granted the extradition request from the Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan," the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Kazakhstan said. It was highlighted that the suspect is being housed in an investigative isolator in Aktau, Kazakhstan. "The accused faces a seven- to twelve-year prison sentence, as well as asset confiscation. Notably, in December 2019, the court in the Mangystau region convicted twelve individuals involved in the same organized criminal group to varied terms," the press service added. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 11. Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), a state enterprise, hosted a meeting with international diplomatic missions to discuss the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Trend reports. Over 30 foreign ambassadors, as well as representatives from the EBRD and the World Bank, were briefed on the Middle Corridor's benefits and opportunities, the route's development results, and prospects for international cooperation, as well as the results of Kazakhstan's railway industry in 2023. The KTZ reports that container transit via Kazakhstan has increased 4.7 times in the last ten years. At the end of last year, the volume of transit traffic exceeded 27 million tons, which has historically been the company's strongest indicator. At the same time, the volume of cargo moved through TITR nearly doubled in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching over 2.8 million tons. The expected volume for TITR in 2024 is 4 million tons. In the medium future, up to ten million tons. Participants were also briefed about KTZ's active work to strengthen the "soft and hard infrastructure" of TITR in order to improve logistics services both within and outside of Kazakhstan. Andrei Mikhnev, the World Bank's Country Manager for Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, spoke at the occasion and stated that the WB's report gave an examination of alternative solutions that will help triple the current volume of freight traffic on the TITR. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route that connects Asia and Europe, passing through several countries in the region. It is an alternative route to the traditional Northern Corridor and Southern Corridor. The route starts in China and crosses Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then passes through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land route that connects the eastern parts of Asia, including China, with Europe, bypassing the longer maritime routes. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, April 11. The share of renewable energy in Kyrgyzstan's electricity capacity amounted to 77.6 percent in 2023, Trend reports. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), this ratio rose by 2.5 percentage points from 75.1 percent in 2022 and 2021. However, the share of renewable energy in electricity capacity was higher from 2015 through 2020, reaching 85.3 percent (85.4 percent in 2017), and 82.3 percent in 2014. Meanwhile, IRENA reports that Kyrgyzstan's renewable energy capacity reached 3,210 MW in 2023, which is a 15.4 percent increase compared to the period from 2022 to 2021, during which it stood at 2,780 MW. Kyrgyzstan prioritizes the development of renewable energy. Among recent advances, Russian Rosatom plans 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 slated to begin in 2025. The Kambarata-1 HPP, located on the Naryn River, is another important hydroelectric project in the country. This project, which is expected to become one of Central Asia's largest hydropower ventures, will have a capacity of 1,860 MW and a reservoir volume of 5.4 billion cubic meters, with an annual electricity generation of 5.6 billion kWh. In November 2023, Kyrgyzstan signed a contract with the World Bank for $5 million in technical assistance to modify the Kambarata-1 HPP feasibility study. According to Kyrgyzstan's State Statistical Committee, the country generated over 3.434 billion kWh between January and February 2024, representing an 8.2-percent reduction from the same time in 2023. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. The governments of Turkmenistan and Germany cooperate within the framework of regional projects for Central Asia, a source in the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany told Trend. According to the source, cooperation between the two countries in the field of ecology takes place within the framework of such regional projects as Sustainable and Climate-Sensitive Land Use in Central Asia, Improvement of Climate Risk Management in Central Asia (improvement of transboundary cooperation for better management of risks regarding, for instance, inundations and land slides), and Climate-Sensitive Water Resources Management in Central Asia (strengthening regional cooperation regarding the sustainable use of Central Asias shared water resources). The Ministry noted that the cooperation takes place within the framework of the project Strengthening of Quality Infrastructure in Central Asia, which is working to strengthen the cooperation of metrology institutes to make sure national and international product norms can be controlled reliably. Turkmenistan is also involved in regional cooperation projects such as Trade Facilitation in Central Asia, where work is being carried out to strengthen the harmonization of border control, promote risk management systems, and digitalize to accelerate border control in the import and export of goods, as well as in a project to promote law reforms in Central Asia (especially administrative law), the source noted. Meanwhile, Germany actively supports initiatives to strengthen economic ties with the Central Asian states through financing projects on infrastructure modernization, trade, investment, energy, transport, and ecology. The total amount of trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Germany for the whole of 2023 amounted to 203.16 million euros, which is 15.8 percent less than in 2022, which amounted to 241.32 million euros. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 11. Uzbekistan plans to implement new projects worth $500 million in its Basalt Uzbekistan cluster, Trend reports. This was announced during President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to the Basalt Uzbekistan cluster in the Jizzakh region, where he was presented with the production volume of the cluster. Within the framework of these projects, the country intends to manufacture 20 types of products with high added value. Furthermore, a total of 45,000 tons of products worth 554 billion soums were manufactured in the Basalt Uzbekistan cluster last year. A total of 80 percent of the goods were exported to the US, UK, Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, Georgia, Russia, Turkiye, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Basfiber Trade (one of the enterprises in the cluster) plans to create capacities for the production of 25,000 tons of basalt fiber and fabric next year. Uzbekistan has received equipment worth $145 million. The country plans to exceed the export volume by 90 percent within the framework of the project. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan's enterprises manufactured industrial products worth 96.9 trillion soums ($7.7 billion) from January through February 2024. As per data from Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, in the structure of production, the largest specific weight falls on the enterprises of the manufacturing industry (77.8 percent), the output of which amounted to 75.4 trillion soums ($5.9 billion). The Army Criminal Investigation Division has hired more than 355 civilian agents in the three years since an independent report called for the agency to improve professionalism, trust and its authority to investigate Army-centric crime that occurs outside the gates of a military installation. (Illustration by Noga Ami-rav/Stars and Stripes) The Army Criminal Investigation Division has hired more than 355 civilian agents in the three years since an independent report called for the agency to improve professionalism, trust and its authority to investigate Army-centric crime that occurs outside the gates of a military installation. Gregory Ford, who became CIDs first civilian director in September 2021, said the agency is still pushing to hire another roughly 500 civilian investigators in the next few years with a goal of its investigative arm being 60% civilian. It is now comprised of 60% active-duty soldiers, he said. Its a challenging hiring environment, he said during a March interview at CIDs headquarters in Quantico, Va. Law enforcement agencies across the country have struggled to fill vacancies and many are experiencing personnel shortages in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Justice Department. However, Ford said there continues to be a steady stream of soldiers who want to transition to be civilian agents making up about half of those 355 already hired. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Air Force Office of Special Investigations CIDs officemates at the Russell-Knox Building in Quantico already operate with staffs that are made up mostly of civilian agents. The push for the transition came from a 2020 report following the death of Spc. Vanessa Guillen at Fort Cavazos, the central Texas base formerly known as Fort Hood. The soldier was killed on base by another soldier and then moved off the post, where she was found buried more than two months later. As agents searched for the soldier, her family pleaded for more to be done and alleged Guillen faced sexual assault and harassment at the base, the latter of which was later confirmed by the Army. Guillens sisters protested outside of the base multiple times with supporters and gained national attention. Then Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy put together an independent review commission, which made dozens of recommendations to improve the Armys sexual misconduct prevention and reporting program, its public affairs offices, its approach to building trust between enlisted soldiers and leaders and its CID office structure and operations. The report described the workforce in the bases CID office as unstable, under-experienced, over-assigned and under-resourced. Those issues led to inefficiencies that had an adverse impact on investigations, especially complex cases involving sex crimes and soldier deaths. The committee determined these inefficiencies stemmed from staffing protocols and other policies and procedures that impacted the division. It recommended and the Army mandated major reforms intended to improve these problems. Improving partnerships Its a daily effort for us, said Ford, who previously worked at NCIS and the FBI. Were continuing every day working a very challenging mission, while in the midst of that, transforming the organization. It does not come without challenges by any means. Civilian agents are not subject to the same deployment and reassignment moves as soldiers, which means they can build more time and experience in one location. Civilian agents also have more authority and jurisdiction off Army property, Ford said. Having more civilians allows for more joint investigations and helps the agency investigate more crimes that have an Army affiliation or an impact on the service beyond just the location where it occurred, which the Fort Hood report cited. Investigations worked jointly with local or federal law enforcement agencies increased from 600 in fiscal 2021 to more than 1,500 in fiscal 2023, which ended in September, according to CID. Agents now partner with the Justice Departments Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Drug Enforcement Administrations Strikeforce and a central Texas fentanyl task force. There are also CID agents embedded now with local police departments near Army bases. In October, the fentanyl task forces work led to the arrest of four people whose trafficking involvement led to the overdose death of an Army spouse at Fort Cavazos. However, more civilian agents and more joint investigations have also set up a situation where some soldier agents feel threatened or undervalued because they have less authority. Ford said hes combating this perception with the term one CID. This is visually reinforced in CIDs Quantico headquarters with photos in the lobby and throughout the halls that depict soldiers and civilians working together to solve crimes. New signs adorn conference rooms and waiting areas featuring the agencys new logo that reflects its name change and that it is civilian led. When helmed by a general officer, it was Criminal Investigation Command. Were made up of 3,000 plus individuals all contributing something in the mission. At the end of the day, we are one CID with one mission. We have to work together, Ford said. Bolstering prevention Another dozen positions were added to the Armys Criminal Investigation Laboratory in Forest Park, Ga., which processes evidence for the entire Defense Department, according to CID. In the past two years, the lab worked on more than 4,000 cases. So far, the new hires have bulked up the staff and helped improve turnaround time for sexual assault cases by 40% moving from an average of 64 days in fiscal 2022 to 36 days the following year, according to CID. In the restructure, CIDs director now reports through a civilian leadership structure to Army Undersecretary Gabe Camarillo, who described the ongoing progress in the agency as commendable. Coupled with the establishment of the operational Office of Special Trial Counsel, CID transformation continues to bolster the Armys efforts to prevent and address sexual assault crimes, he said, referencing the new legal process for some crimes that has similarly been established outside of the uniformed chain of command. But sexual misconduct has remained a serious issue in the military despite concerted efforts and spending to combat the crisis. The most recent Defense Department report on sexual assault among troops released about one year ago showed numbers increased slightly in 2022 in all service branches except the Army. That followed a massive 26% rise for the service in 2021. During Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins first year on the job, he ordered an independent committee similar to the one that investigated Fort Cavazos review sexual assault and harassment. It came back with more than 80 recommendations, including creating the independent prosecution office. Since December, special prosecutors are now responsible for deciding whether a soldier will face a court-martial for certain felony crimes, including murder, sexual assault and domestic violence. The decision had been made by commanders. While Congress had been pushing for this move for more than a decade, the events of 2020 forced the effort forward. Under the advisement of the new Office of Special Trial Counsel, two sexual misconduct cases had charges dropped because of evidence problems one at Fort Cavazos involving a colonel and another involving five soldiers at Fort Johnson, La. Ford said, in each instance, the agency learns in real time how to make improvements for future investigations, though he did not elaborate on any specific lessons in these two cases. Weve got a continuous improvement mentality, he said. Brig. Gen. Richard Harrison, commanding general of 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, observes Patriot launchers Nov. 19, 2023, at an undisclosed location in the Middle East. (Duy Nguyen/U.S. Army) Capt. Joseph Remaniak feared one of his worst nightmares had become reality as sirens blared across al Asad Air Base in Iraq. Troops rushed to bunkers and planes hastily lifted off the runway Jan. 20, minutes ahead of an incoming ballistic rocket attack. Truthfully, I thought we were about to take rounds to the face, Remaniak, commander of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, said in a recent interview. I thought we were about to get impacted. Soldiers were probably going to die. The attack by an Iranian-backed militia, one of the largest against U.S. troops in the Middle East since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, left four American troops and one Iraqi soldier injured, U.S. Central Command said. Most of the rockets were intercepted by the bases air defense systems, but U.S. officials did not say how many. Soldiers in the battery said their Patriot missile system intercepted the threats deemed most likely to hit al Asad. Without us here, most of those missiles or rockets would have impacted the base and possibly killed a lot of people here, said Sgt. Henry Prol, a Bravo Battery operator and maintainer on a Patriot missile launcher. The batterys actions that day mark a rare example in recent years of the almost 50-year-old anti-air weapon defending American troops overseas. U.S. soldiers from Task Force Lightning Dagger posed for a photo Feb. 29, 2024, during a deployment to the Middle East. Soldiers with Bravo Battery of 1st Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment played a pivotal role recently in intercepting an attack on al Asad Air Base, Iraq. (Christopher Neu/U.S. Army) The U.S. military rushed several Patriot batteries to the Middle East after the Israel-Hamas war began. The Israeli response to the Hamas attack led to dozens of strikes against U.S. troops in the region by militant groups angered by Western support for Israel. Within 72 hours of receiving notice of their deployment, the troops of Bravo Battery and their Patriot systems had finished the journey from Fort Liberty in North Carolina to al Asad in Iraq, said Capt. Duy Danny Nguyen, a spokesman for the 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade. On Jan. 20, Spc. Joshkua Salazar was the first to notice rockets approaching on his radar screen. Within seconds, the soldiers verified the fast-moving objects they had detected. There was a window of only four to six seconds to posture the system to be able to engage, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kristopher Martin said, adding that Salazar manually engaged several of the incoming rockets. Soldiers began hearing booming explosions echo across the base. I thought we mightve just taken an impact, recalled Pfc. Tory Cenidoza, a battery crew member. But the booms the soldiers heard were Patriot missiles launching and destroying incoming rockets mid-air, they recalled. The strike was one of at least 184 attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria, a recent tally by the Washington Institute said. The Jan. 20 strike involved at least 30 munitions, including large rockets. It was claimed by Islamic Resistance, an umbrella term for Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, according to a database compiled by the Washington Institute. About a week after the attack on al Asad, a drone strike attack claimed the lives of three soldiers on Tower 22 in Jordan. Since then, there has been a relative lull in attacks on U.S. troops. But U.S. officials say they are concerned about reprisal attacks on U.S. bases in the wake of an Israeli strike on two Iranian generals in Syria on April 1. The soldiers with Bravo Battery said they are keeping themselves ready for whatever comes next, while being proud of their actions on Jan. 20. Ultimately, our soldiers courageously manned their battle stations and defeated the incoming aerial threat, saving certainly dozens of lives, Remaniak said. Stephan Haas, remediation program manager at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, points to a rendering of a PFAS contamination plume located alongside the garrison's western fence line in Ansbach, Germany on April 10, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) ANSBACH, Germany Crews began constructing a system of pumps and filters at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach this week to remove toxic forever chemicals from the groundwater. Workers from Zublin, a Stuttgart-based construction and civil engineering firm, began digging trenches Wednesday alongside the bases western fence line for a hydraulic containment system. The purification unit is designed to pump groundwater flowing from underneath a former firefighter training site near Katterbach Airfield and extract PFAS chemicals before they are released into the bases stormwater channels. The work started the same day the Biden administration established the first legally enforceable national standards for PFAS allowed in drinking water, according to a statement from the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA says enforcement is expected to reduce exposure for about 100 million people and prevent tens of thousands of serious illnesses and deaths. The purification system should be completed in October, said Stephan Haas, Ansbach remediation program manager. Construction on a new hydraulic containment system designed to remove toxic PFAS chemicals from the groundwater begins at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, on April 10, 2024. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) This project is not the final answer to solve the problem, Haas said Wednesday as shovels pierced a nearby causeway. Its one important step to prevent the contaminants from migrating. PFAS, or manmade per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PFAS compounds accumulate in the body over time and have been linked to a slew of adverse health conditions from increased cholesterol to liver and immune system damage, low birth weight and certain cancers, the CDC website said. A study published Monday in Nature Geoscience found that nearly a third of 45,000 water samples taken around the world from sources without any readily identifiable source of contamination had PFAS at levels harmful to human health. The class of chemicals, which includes PFOS and PFOA, were used for many years in firefighting foam expended on U.S. military installations. The garrison at Ansbach stopped using aqueous film forming foam in 2000, base spokeswoman Gerlinde Hoyle wrote in an emailed statement to Stars and Stripes on Wednesday. Flags mark planned extraction wells around a concrete pad where firefighter training used to take place at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach in Germany on April 10, 2024. The area's groundwater is now contaminated with toxic PFAS and must be pumped and purified before it is allowed to flow off base. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) Under the new EPA guidelines, the enforceable maximums for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water were set to four parts per trillion, or approximately four nanograms per liter, which is close to the chemicals lowest detectable levels, the EPA statement said. Three other PFAS chemicals were restricted to 10 parts per trillion. By comparison, a new German drinking water law in June set a cumulative limit for a group of 20 PFAS substances of 100 nanograms per liter by January 2026 and 20 nanograms per liter for certain chemicals by 2028, according to the countrys environmental protection agency. Garrison officials did not provide water quality test results when asked this month, instead referring Stars and Stripes to a German-language report on the Ansbach city website. The U.S. Army report on the website states the entire 226,000 square-foot investigation area, a small fraction of the bases 15 square miles, registers significant PFAS contamination, including 22,000 nanograms per liter in the groundwater in 2017, and 29,000 two years later. A rendering on display at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach, Germany, on April 10, 2024, shows the location of a toxic PFAS plume, shaded region inside the red square, and the site of a downstream hydraulic containment system, the orange dot, being built along the base's western fence line. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) The bases drinking water supply comes from two local German suppliers and is compliant with German safe drinking water standards, according to a 2021 base consumer confidence report. Ansbach city officials acknowledged Thursday that elevated levels of PFAS also exist outside the installation fence line, but they remain within safety limits. The bases first pump and treat system was installed at a northwest site back in 2016, said Jennifer Collins, chief of the garrisons environmental division. The latest treatment system, located southwest of the bases heliport, will have nine extraction wells, nearly a half-mile of piping and granulated carbon filters, a base fact sheet said. The garrison also plans to address PFAS in the soil as well, but no decisions have yet been made, Haas said. Stars and Stripes reporter Alexander Riedel contributed to this report. burke.matt@stripes.com @MatthewMBurke1 The guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins steams through the Philippine Sea, March 25, 2024. (Samantha Oblander/U.S. Navy) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan A court-martial for a chief petty officer accused of espionage began this week at Naval Station San Diego, a Navy spokesman said. Chief Petty Officer Bryce Steven Pedicini is standing trial on charges he passed classified information to an unidentified foreign government. The fire controlman was assigned to the Yokosuka-based guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins at the time of the alleged espionage. Prosecutor Leah OBrien in court said Pedicini was motivated by financial gain to sell military secrets over the internet to a stranger, and his financial challenges made him a perfect target, according to a KGTV Channel 10 News report Thursday. The case began when a woman posing as a Japanese researcher contacted Pedicini on Facebook, inviting him to write research papers, OBrien said, according to KGTV. The woman eventually convinced Pedicini to send classified information on a ballistic missile system and documents that outlined Chinese and Russian threats, OBrien said. Pedicini first received $50 for filling out a survey and $1,000 for the initial documents, the prosecutor said, according to KGTV. The court-martial began Tuesday and is scheduled to run through April 19, Naval Surface Forces Pacific spokesman Cmdr. Arlo Abrahamson said by email Wednesday morning. Pedicini opted for a bench trial, with a judge alone, rather than a military jury, Abrahamson said. He declined further comment. Pedicini is accused of handing off at least seven pieces of national defense information to an unidentified foreign national between November 2022 and February 2023 near Hampton Roads, Va., according to his charge sheet. Seven pieces of information were identified as documents with titles such as Article 1112 or 1223 Updates, but they allegedly contained information related to national defense. Hampton Roads is home to major military installations and commands, including Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk Naval Shipyard and Langley Air Force Base. Authorities allege Pedicini also attempted to hand over photographs of a computer screen connected to the Defense Departments network used to transmit classified information. The Navy says that attempt took place at Yokosuka in May. Pedicini had reason to believe those documents and pictures would be used to the injury of the United States and to the advantage of a foreign nation, according to the charge sheet. The document refers to the recipient or recipients only as a citizen and employee of a foreign government. As a fire controlman, Pedicini would have worked with everything from radars, fire control systems and computer systems to the Navys most advanced missile system, Aegis, which is used aboard guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, according to the Navys description of the job. Pedicini enlisted in January 2008 and served aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur and USS McFaul, according to a biography provided by Abrahamson. The Navy removed a post on its official Instagram account Wednesday, April 10, 2024, showing a warship commander firing a rifle with a backward scope. (U.S. Navy) The Marine Corps schooled the Navy over social media Wednesday after the sea service uploaded a photo of an officer firing an improperly configured rifle. The Navy posted to its official Instagram account a now-deleted photo of Cmdr. Cameron Yaste, skipper of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain, holding a rifle and looking through a scope that was clearly mounted backward. The weapons foregrip was also mounted strangely, positioned closer to the guns center than its barrel. From engaging in practice gun shoots, conducting maintenance, testing fuel purity and participating in sea and anchor details, the #USNavy is always ready to serve and protect, the post said. Social media users quickly jumped at the chance to poke fun at the error. Dear U.S. Navy. The scope is on backwards, wrote X user @travisakers. This is why we have Marines on ships. The Marine Corps appeared to take its own dig at the Navy, sharing a photo on its social media accounts of a Marine firing a weapon aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. The caption read: Clear Sight Picture. This image, captioned Clear Sight Picture, was posted to the Marine Corps official X account Wednesday, April 10, 2024, after the Navy removed a similar social media image with a backward scope. (U.S. Marine Corps) On his official X account, Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., posted a picture of a pistol with its barrel and grip on backward. The caption read: Navys newly issued sidearm. Others noted that even action movies rarely make such errors. Even Hollywood gets this right, wrote X user @matthewdmarsden. We are doomed. Though the Navy ultimately deleted the post, X users continue to share screenshots. Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post, the Navy later wrote on various social media accounts. Picture has been removed until EMI [extra military instruction] is completed. The Navy defines EMI as instruction in a phase of military duty in which an individual is deficient, and is intended for and directed towards the correction of that deficiency. The John S. McCain was operating in the U.S. 7th Fleets operations area when the photo was taken. The command referred questions to the Navys Chief Information Officer, who did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment early Thursday. Civil War is about a near-future America in the throes of all-out warfare. It features visceral scenes of bombings, firefights and executions. (A24/AP) Alex Garlands films have vividly conjured a virus-caused pandemic (2002s 28 Days Later), an uncontrollable artificial intelligence (2014s Ex Machina) and, in his latest, Civil War, a near-future America in the throes of all-out warfare. Most filmmakers with such a record might claim some knack for tapping into the zeitgeist. But Garland doesnt see it that way. Hes dealing, he says, with omnipresent realities that demand no great leaps of vision. He wrote Civil War in 2020, when societies around the world were unraveling over COVID-19 and the prospect of societal breakdown was on everyones minds. That was pretty deafening back then, Garland says. So in a way, its slightly past zeitgeist. Its actually oppressive. Civil War is an ominous attempt to turn widely held American anxieties into a violent, unsettling big-screen reality. Garlands film opens in theaters April 12, the anniversary, to the day, of when the Civil War began in 1861. And it arrives just months ahead of a momentous presidential election, making it potentially Hollywoods most explosive film of the year. For months, the arrival of Civil War has been closely tracked as numerous trailers have drummed up intrigue. Texas and California aligned? Science fiction, wrote one commenter. Another said: This single movie had the best 8 year marketing campaign of all time. Yet Civil War is something far more oblique than its matter-of-fact title. The film, which Garland wrote and directed, isnt mapped directly against todays polarization. In a war thats already ravaged the country, California and Texas have joined forces against a fascist president (Nick Offerman) whos seized a third term and disbanded the FBI. In Civil War, California and Texas have joined forces against a fascist president (Nick Offerman), who has seized a third term in office and disbanded the FBI. (A24/AP) A band of journalists (Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura) makes its way toward Washington. Much of the films disquiet comes from seeing visceral encounters of war bombings, firefights and executions on contemporary American soil. (Civil War, to take advantage of tax breaks, was mostly shot in Georgia.) For everyone who has in recent years wondered How bad can it get? a concern some polls have showed is shared by as much as 40% of the population here is a sobering answer. When things collapse, the speed at which they collapse tends to surprise people including people like intelligence officers whose job is to watch and predict when these things will happen, Garland said in a recent interview. Things are always in a slightly more dangerous state than they might appear. Director Alex Garland arrives for the world premiere of his latest film, Civil War, at the Paramount Theatre during the South by Southwest Film Festival, March 14 in Austin, Texas. (Jack Plunkett, Invision/AP) The rapidity with which society can disintegrate has long fascinated Garland, the 53-year-old British-born filmmaker who emerged with the screenplay to the zombie apocalypse thriller 28 Days Later. Western democracies, he says, can lean too much on their sense of exceptionalism. To him, Civil War isnt an act of cynicism. Its a warning shot. The consequences of it are so serious that to not take the threat seriously would, itself, be another kind of insanity, Garland says. It would just be complacent. In past election seasons, Hollywood has sometimes looked to channel, reflect or capitalize on political discord. Ahead of the 2020 election, Universal Pictures and Blumhouse Productions released The Hunt, a Most Dangerous Game riff in which liberals kidnap rednecks and deplorables to hunt on a private preserve. After the film became engulfed in right-wing criticism (then-President Trump said it was made in order to inflame and cause chaos), it was postponed. When The Hunt did hit theaters in March 2020, it revealed a more balanced satire of left and right than some feared. While there have been online murmurings questioning the appropriateness of the timing for Civil War, controversy hasnt yet clung to it. That might be owed to Garlands approach. There are few direct allusions to the deepest fissures of American politics today in the film. Joining Texas and California together removes any blue state vs. red state dichotomy. Neither race nor income inequality appear as issues of division. The presidents political party is unspecified. I had never read a script like this, said Dunst at the films SXSW premiere. And I had never seen a film like this. Civil War, set in a near-future, instead plays out with more subtle connections to todays fractured politics and cultural splits. Jesse Plemons plays a heinous militant who interrogates the main characters, asking them: What kind of American are you? Though its never seen, Charlottesville, Va. site of the 2017 white supremacist rally is referred to as a battlefront. Asked about that choice, Garland replies: The film is just reporting. But the director acknowledges finding the right balance was a challenge. Yes, it was a (expletive) delicate balance, Garland says. We thought about it, we discussed it, we talked about what was appropriate. Look, the plan is to make a compelling and engaging film, and the product of the compelling and engaging film is a conversation. So the questions are: How do you make sure that youre not dismantling a conversation in the first part of that equation? That led to Garland foregrounding Civil War with journalists. As much as anything, Garlands film is about the central role reporters play in capturing critical events in lethal conditions. Unbiased reporting, Garland says, has been eroded. In Civil War, its literally under attack. Civil War highlights the central role reporters, like the ones played by Wagner Moura, left, and Kirsten Dunst, right, have in capturing critical events in lethal conditions. (A24/AP) Cailee Spaeny, left, also plays a journalist in Civil War. (A24/AP) What I wanted to do was present journalists as reporters, Garland says. They may be conflicted, they may be compromised as individuals, but theyre holding on to an idea of journalism. Civil War, which cost $50 million to make, is the largest budgeted film yet from A24. The indie studio is pushing to expand its reach beyond arthouses (Civil War will play on IMAX screens) and expand the reach of its critical acclaimed films. Civil War is a bid to draw wider audiences. A lot of the boldness is not actually mine, Garland says. I think it belongs to A24. You would find there are always people attempting to make these films. The question is whether theyve been given the support to make them. Civil War is just a possibility, the director stresses, not a prediction. Still, months after he finished writing it, Garland watched an insurrection play out on live television when a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. At the time, his thoughts werent on his script. What I had was this incredibly intense feeling that this is a disgrace, Garland says. Later, as time went by, some of that anger fed into the project. Not so much in terms of rewriting scenes or dialogue or anything. But more to do with an internal sense of motivation. Something that felt more distant felt less distant. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 11. Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov is on a visit to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, Trend reports. According to an official source, on April 11, the minister met with Belarusian Foreign Minister Sergei Aleinik. "We are delighted to see you on Belarusian soil. We discussed your visit recently in sunny Tashkent. And I'm extremely delighted that it's started. It also began in pleasant, sunny weather. It also describes our warm relationships," Aleinik said during the bilateral talks. The head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry noted that this is the first official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan to Belarus. "This is especially valuable. It is important that it takes place after the historic visit of the President of Belarus to Uzbekistan. A visit that set a qualitatively new level for our cooperation. A large package of documents and a roadmap for our cooperation were signed, which we are currently actively working on and which we must implement together," the Belarusian minister said. The development of a collaboration between Uzbekistan and Belarus represents a significant strategic direction in mutually beneficial cooperation. Both countries are increasing links in a variety of sectors, including trade, the economy, culture, and education, and significant agreements and exchanges in the domains of energy, industry, and agriculture demonstrate both countries' commitment to further cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Four Nerd is an eye-catching cafe that opened last fall in a former motorcycle shop near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Fans of coffee, pastries and good vibes should check out Four Nerd just outside the Yoon Gate at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Also known as 4NERD, this eye-catching cafe opened around mid-October next door to the popular Savory Restaurant. At first glance, you might mistake it for Bike Manager, the motorcycle repair shop this cafe replaced. It retains a striking motorcycle-themed interior and exterior and with a large 4NERD sign, there is no way you can miss it. Inside, the walls are decorated with neon lights and motorcycle helmets adorned with the names of motorcycle companies like Harley-Davidson and West Coast Choppers. The decor is unique, with outdoor seating in the front and back. The tables and chairs are made of metal barrels and planks. The staff is very friendly, and patrons may place an order with them or use a kiosk. A caramel macchiato and croissant from Four Nerd in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Four Nerd has coffee, tea and various pastries the usual menu youll find at most cafes. My caramel macchiato and croissant set me back about 8,000 won, or $5.91. Both were delicious. Whats unique about Four Nerd is that it serves three varieties of hot dogs original, cheese and jalapeno for between 4,900 won to 5,500 won. Add-ons include bacon and onion flakes, along with typical condiments such as mustard, ketchup and mayo. The cafe is family friendly and has converted motorcycles everywhere upon which anyone can sit. The walls are decorated with neon lights and motorcycle helmets adorned with the names of motorcycle companies like Harley-Davidson and West Coast Choppers. Overall, it was a great experience, and I look forward to another visit. Four Nerd is an eye-catching cafe that opened last fall in a former motorcycle shop near Camp Humphreys, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) Four Nerd Location: 3 Naeri-gil, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-Si- Si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Prices: Coffee is 4,000 to 6,000 won; special tea is 6,000 to 7,000 won; iced beverages are 7,000 to 8,000 won; non-coffee drinks are 7,000 won. Dress: Casual Directions: A five-minute drive from Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Information: 1577-6954 U.S. soldiers visit the remains of the ROKS Cheonan at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, March 7, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) The ROKS Cheonan Memorial is a must-see site near Osan Air Base and Camp Humphreys that honors 46 South Korean navy sailors who perished 14 years ago when their ship sank after an attack in the Yellow Sea. A North Korean torpedo is believed to have struck the corvette, and the resulting explosion split the vessel in two. Nearly half its crew of 104 perished when it sank. The ships stern was raised a month after the attack. The ROKS Cheonan Memorial is at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) In January, Cmdr. Park Yeon-soo, who as a young navy lieutenant survived the sinking, took command of a Daegu-class corvette, also called the Cheonan, promising to remember the 46 warriors of its namesake. Located at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters in Pyeongtaek, the tour begins with a series of videos explaining the history behind the memorial and its significance to the South Korean people. A guide shows visitors to a hall where artifacts and miniatures provide further detail and context about the event. The artifacts include weapon systems pulled from the ship and sections of the vessel. U.S. soldiers visit the remains of the ROKS Cheonan at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, March 7, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) The tour then takes you underneath what remains of the Cheonan. Sight of the damage really puts into perspective the massive destructive power of the torpedo. The guide then takes visitors to Cheonan Memorial Hall for a self-guided tour. There, visitors are met with a replica of the Cheonan ships flag. Throughout the memorial hall are rooms built to re-create the interior of the Cheonan, including the engine room, bunks and radar control room. The fallen ROKS Cheonan sailors ID tags and names are displayed inside a memorial at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters n Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) The fallen ROKS Cheonan sailors ID tags and names are displayed inside a memorial at 2nd Fleet Command headquarters n Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) The Floral Tribute Table brings the entire experience into perspective. The lost sailors ID tags are suspended from the ceiling and their names are displayed on a wall beneath the tags. The Cheonan Memorial is a moving tribute to these sailors sacrifice. A visit requires a reservation for one of three time slots at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. On the QT Directions: A short drive from Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base. Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek-si, Poseung-eup, 2hamdae-gil, 122 KR Times: Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Costs: Free, but reservations are required. Food: None at the memorial. Information: Phone: 031-685-4123; Online: navy.mil.kr South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sign the Downing Street Accord in London, Nov. 23, 2023. (South Koreas Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea The United Kingdom and South Korean navies patrolled the seas around the Korean Peninsula this month looking for illegal shipping into and from North Korea. The first-of-its-kind joint patrol began on an unspecified date in April and concluded Thursday, according to a news release from the Ministry of National Defense. Surface ships from both countries and a South Korean maritime patrol aircraft took part in the mission. The patrol shows a firm commitment to strengthening the implementation of UN Security Council sanctions resolutions to limit the financing of North Koreas ballistic missile and nuclear programs, the release said. The release did not say whether any North Korean ships were interdicted. Neither countries defense ministries immediately responded to a request for comment by phone Thursday. The two navies will continue to strengthen their efforts in enforcing sanctions against North Korea, the release added. The patrol comes nearly four months after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for a summit at Downing Street. The leaders signed the Downing Street Accord, which condemned North Koreas unlawful nuclear and missile development and said their countries will conduct joint patrols to uphold Security Council sanctions. Canada in April 2023 deployed a warship and a CP-140 Aurora patrol aircraft to the Indo-Pacific region for six weeks of sanctions enforcement, dubbed Operation NEON, according to a Canadian Armed Forces news release at the time. The operation was extended in March 2023 for an additional three years. New Zealand also dispatched a P-8A Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft to the region for sanctions enforcement from April to May, according to a New Zealand Defense Force news release Wednesday. The Security Councils sanctions require member states to inspect and seize ships in their waters that are suspected of illicitly trading with North Korea. The communist regime is estimated to have imported over 1.5 million barrels of refined oil between January and September 2023 and is suspected of covertly supplying Russia with 1,000 containers of ammunition for the war in Ukraine, according to South Koreas Foreign Affairs Ministry and the White House. On March 28, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield proposed a Security Council resolution to renew the independent panel of experts to monitor sanctions enforcement against North Korea. Russia vetoed the resolution, although 13 of the 15 member states approved of the plan; China abstained. The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry rescues three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard) Three men rescued this week from a remote atoll in the Pacific were subsisting on coconuts and well water when a U.S. Navy plane spotted their plea for help Sunday, a Coast Guard spokeswoman said. The three, all in their 40s, had set out March 31 from Polowat Atoll, Micronesia, in a 20-foot skiff with an outboard motor for Pikelot Atoll, a 31-acre, uninhabited speck in a vast ocean, according to a Coast Guard news release Wednesday. The men were not identified by the Coast Guard. Their initial goal was to fish around Pikelot, but the skiff was damaged when they approached the island due to the swells surging on the island and surrounding shoal, Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir of Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Sector Guam told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. They were originally going to meet up with another family from Satawal [Atoll] at Pikelot. The Satawal family ended up not going due to weather and sea conditions. On Saturday a woman reported her three uncles had not returned from Pikelot Atoll, approximately 115 miles northwest of Polowat Atoll, both part the Federated States of Micronesia, according to the Coast Guard. Pikelot, a low, teardrop-shaped coral island covered with palm trees and shrubs, is just 2 miles long and 1 miles wide in a search area the Coast Guard described as 78,800 square miles of the South Pacific. The crew of a Hawaii-based HC-130J Hercules made contact with three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, after dropping them a radio on April 8, 2024. (U.S. Coast Guard) Nearly four years ago, a similar episode unfolded when three mariners who went missing in a skiff also signaled military aviators over Pikelot. In that case, an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueler spotted the letters SOS laid out in palm fronds with the missing boat alongside it on the beach. The Stratotanker, with a crew of Hawaii and Pennsylvania Air National Guard members aboard, was searching for the overdue Micronesians. The men had gone off course after their motor ran out of fuel. They drifted to Pikelot, 120 miles from their departure point, and were stranded there several days. An Australian navy Tiger attack helicopter provided the men assistance and a Micronesian patrol boat, the FSS Independence, arrived later to carry them home. Flash forward two years and another three men in a skiff were stranded at lonesome Pikelot. The relatives call began a search by Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam with a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, and the Guam-based Coast Guard fast response cutter Oliver Henry. On Sunday, the Poseidon crew spotted the word HELP laid out in palm fronds on the Pikelot beach, according to the Coast Guard release. The crew dropped survival packages to the men. On Monday, a Coast Guard HC-130J Super Hercules a search-and-rescue aircraft engineered for long-range flights from Hawaii dropped a radio to the men. The Oliver Henry changed course and arrived Tuesday. They were in good health other than being slightly dehydrated, Muir said by email. Water was available through a well on the island. They ate meat from coconuts until the deliveries from the P-8. An aerial view of Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia. (U.S. Air Force) The three fishermen were excited and relieved to see the small boat from the Oliver Henry arrive, Muir said. A crewman from the cutter, Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius, spoke to them in their native language; it was special, she said. As far as food goes, they had enough to survive, but not for much longer, Muir said. The mariners did have a radio with them initially but were not able to make comms with other islands before their battery died. The Oliver Henry took the men and their equipment, including their skiff, back to Polowat, according to the Coast Guard. This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make, Lt. Ray Cerrato, the Oliver Henrys commander, said in the release. Its about more than just performing a duty; its about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch. A U.S. Air Force F-22A Raptor arrives at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2024. (Sebastian Romawac/U.S. Air Force) This story has been corrected Two F-22 Raptor squadrons have landed on Okinawa as part of an Air Force plan to replace retired F-15 Eagles with frequent rotations of various fighters through the island. The 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons arrived at Kadena Air Base on March 28 to join other fourth- and fifth-generation fighters, including F-35A Lightning IIs, already deployed there, the Air Force announced in a press release April 5. The Defense Department in December 2022 announced a plan to retire or reassign two squadrons of aging F-15C/Ds stationed at Kadena. Until it decides on a permanent replacement, the Air Force said it will rotate fighter squadrons through Kadena what it calls the keystone of the Pacific situated near Taiwan and the East and South China seas. Since then, squadrons of Air Force F-16CM Fighting Falcons from Germany, F-35A Lightning IIs from Alaska, F-15Cs from California and Louisiana and F-15E Strike Eagles from North Carolina and Idaho have taken turns on Kadenas flight line. Neither the Air Force nor DOD has announced plans for a new, permanent fighter presence on Okinawa. Currently, no decision regarding a permanent deployment of aircraft to Kadena has been made, Staff Sgt. Gary Hilton, spokesman for the 18th Wing, told Stars and Stripes by email Wednesday. Nikkei Asia reported in December that the service planned a smaller number of advanced F-15EX fighters at Kadena and quoted concerns expressed by the vice chairman of the Armed Services Committee. I support a permanent basing of F-15EX aircraft at Kadena but am concerned about the Air Forces initial plan to station only 36 new aircraft, replacing the 48 divested ones, Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., told Nikkei for its Dec. 13 report. Wittman said he wants to see an operational analysis that supports the decision. Hilton said the DOD maintains a steady-state presence at Kadena by deploying newer and more advanced aircraft to backfill the 48 F-15C/Ds of the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons previously stationed there. Amid an increasingly challenging strategic environment, it is vital that we continue to retain modern capabilities to ensure peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, he said. Some F-15s from Kadena went to Air National Guard units in the United States or to the Air Force boneyard at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. More than 100 aircraft are positioned at Kadena, either deployed or permanently stationed, all performing a wide range of functions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. A telephone conversation took place between German Foreign Minister Annalena Barbock and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdullahian, the German Foreign Ministry says, Trend reports. According to the information, during the negotiations the ministers discussed the tense situation in the Middle East. "No one can be interested in further aggravation of the situation in the region. We call on all actors in the region to act responsibly and exercise restraint," the ministry said in a statement on its X page. Remington Herrin, left, and Rafael Menzel team up to compete in the SeaPerch Challenge, an aquatic robotics race, at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on April 7, 2024. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan An annual robotics competition put students through their underwater paces this week at the homeport of the Navys 7th Fleet. Thirteen teams from Nile C. Kinnick High and the middle schools at Yokosuka and Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo competed in Sundays SeaPerch Challenge at the Purdy Gym pool. They navigated an underwater obstacle course using remotely operated vehicles they fashioned themselves. Each team was required to use identical motors, batteries and propellers to build their robots but were allowed to make their choice of adjustments and additions. Having this opportunity to build robots that not only move but move underwater and be able to swim is a really unique experience, Soul Vessels, president of Kinnicks Robotics Club, said at the event. The competitive program is organized by SeaPerch, an Arlington, Va.-based organization that fosters learning in STEM science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It sells $270 kits and materials to get students underway. The 13 teams, each composed of two to three students, had 10 minutes to complete the Purdy pool course. A student-built remotely-operated vehicle navigates atheaquatic obstacle course during the SeaPerch Challenge at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on April 7, 2024. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) SeaPerch Challenge competitor Rafael Menzel places his team's remotely-operated vehicle into the aquatic obstacle course at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, on April 7, 2024. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) The SeaPerch Challenge, an underwater obstacle course navigated by remotely operated vehicles, has become an annual event for students at Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) In the high school category, first place went to Vessels, Chase Hassell and Quinn Hassell, with a time of 1 minute, 26 seconds. Second went to Nathaniel Lazaro, Pierce Supnet and Vince Gomez, whose robot finished in 2:32. Fiona Brooks and Ella Eriksen won third with a time of 3:27. The top middle schoolers all came from Yokota. First place went to Louis Tomsic, Caleb Sangston and Aeson Overman with a time of 2:32. Second went to Raffaele Ricco-Carson and Derek Bowie with a time of 2:33. Dylan Ishida, Noah Mills and Robbie Polansky won third with a time of 2:38. First-place winners are eligible for the SeaPerch International competition in Maryland between May 31 and June 1. Naval Facilities Engineering Command provided a nearly $4,000 grant to support STEM teachers at Yokosuka in 2022, which benefited students again this year, Angela Lewis, a biology teacher and sponsor for Kinnicks Engineering Club, said at the event. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, commander of U.S. European Command and NATOs supreme allied commander, provides testimony Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington at a House Armed Services Committee hearing on national security challenges and U.S. military activity in Europe. (Reina J. Delgado/Department of Defense) WASHINGTON The top general for U.S. forces in Europe said Thursday that the military will continue to push troops into Eastern Europe as host countries build up the infrastructure to accommodate them amid a renewed threat from Russia. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, who leads U.S. European Command and is NATO supreme allied commander, said the focus of American combat forces on the Continent has shifted significantly eastward in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine and will remain there for the foreseeable future. Russia shows no signs of stopping, nor does Russia intend to stop with Ukraine, he said during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing. Russia presents to us a chronic threat. American troops surged toward NATOs eastern flank in 2022 and now have a presence in Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia. Poland, in particular, has a ton of service members nearly 10,000 and could host more as the country develops the necessary military infrastructure, Cavoli said. The U.S. Armys first permanent base in Poland, located in Poznan, welcomed its first permanently assigned active-duty soldier a year ago. Theyll build us infrastructure and as it comes online, well push forces in [Poland] up to a brigade combat team, Cavoli said. There are no immediate plans to grow the U.S. militarys force in Europe beyond the 100,000 troops now stationed there or add more permanent bases in Eastern Europe. Cavoli told House lawmakers Wednesday that the military will continue deploying service members to the region on a rotational basis. A NATO force of 40,000 troops is also bolstering the alliances border with Russia. The danger from Russia has not lessened even with its massive losses in Ukraine, Cavoli said. As many as 75,000 Russian troops have been killed in the war, and thousands of tanks and other equipment have been destroyed. The attrition has barely made a dent as the Kremlins war machine pumps out weapons and Russias military successfully replenishes its ranks. Russia still has as many tanks functioning in Ukraine as it had at the beginning of the war and is on track to build a larger army, with an estimated 30,000 soldiers volunteering for service every month, according to Cavoli. Theyve grown back to what they were before, he said. Theyve got some gaps that have been produced by this war, but their overall capacity is very significant still and they intend to make it go higher. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said last week that Russia has almost completely reconstituted militarily over the past few months. Cavoli said the training partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine has provided valuable insight into the capabilities of the Russian military and the U.S. is closely following how Ukrainians adjust to Russias battlefield adaptations. Warfare as it goes on is a series of moves and counter moves and Russias military has evolved significantly during this conflict, he said. This is helping us to keep up with it as well. A firefighter works at a compound of power infrastructure facilities, which was hit by Russian missile and drone strikes an undisclosed location in Ukraine, on April 11, 2024. (State Emergency Service of Ukraine on X) (Tribune News Service) A sweeping Russian missile attack on Ukraine destroyed the largest power generating plant in the Kyiv region as Vladimir Putins forces exploit gaps in the war-battered nations air defense as part of a renewed offensive. The strike set ablaze the turbine hall of the coal-fired Trypilska plant some 28 miles south of the capital, according to Andriy Hota, the supervisory board chairman of state-owned power producer Centrenergo. The facility was hit by six missiles early Thursday, a person familiar with the strike said on condition of anonymity. We need to speak about air defense its the biggest challenge today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a visit to Lithuania on Thursday, listing regions hit in the barrage. Centrenergos Hota said the companys power generation has been ruined after attacks on its facilities. As Ukrainian forces suffer from mounting shortages of ammunition and manpower, the Kremlin has intensified strikes on energy infrastructure. All of it highlights a Ukrainian military stretched as the war heads into its third year with no end in sight. In the sign of growing urgency, the Ukrainian parliament approved a contested mobilization law Thursday aimed at replenishing its military ranks. The legislation, which tightens registration rules, narrows exemptions from military service and introduces some penalties for evaders, was approved by 283 votes in the 450-assembly, according to several lawmakers. The parliament expedited the measures even as conscription becomes an ever-more sensitive issue among citizens exhausted by the conflict. But military leaders say more stringent conscription rules are necessary to keep up with the Russian onslaught. Running low No matter how much help we get, how many weapons we have we lack people, the commander of Ukraines ground troops, Oleksandr Pavliuk, said in a Facebook post on Monday. After capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka earlier this year, Russian troops have unleashed their firepower all along the frontline and made marginal advances. Kremlin troops are seeking to capture strategically key spots, such as the town of Chasiv Yar, west of Bakhmut in Ukraines Donetsk region. Meanwhile, a $60 billion U.S. aid package continues to be blocked by Republicans in Congress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson yet to call a vote as he seeks to prevent a rebellion from hard-liners in his ranks. But the battering of Ukraines energy system has laid bare the countrys vulnerability, particularly on air defense. The overnight missile and drone strike targeted power plants and underground gas-storage facilities in five regions across Ukraine, with air defense downing fewer than half of an estimated 42 missiles volleyed at the country, Ukraines Air Force said. The assault reverberated beyond Ukraine with European natural gas futures rising to their highest level in over two weeks. Benchmark futures jumped as much as 7.1%, more than offsetting the previous two days losses. Russias Defense Ministry confirmed it launched a massive strike aimed at damaging Ukraines power and energy system. The objectives of the strike have been achieved, it said on its Telegram channel. The attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russias oil and gas industry and energy facilities, it said. Energy Minister German Galushchenko cited damage to power-generation facilities and the grid near Kyiv, as well as strikes in the eastern Kharkiv region, Zaporizhzhia in the south and Lviv in the west. The region around the port city of Odesa on the Black Sea was also hit, Zelenskiy said on Telegram. Power supply in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, and the surrounding region was also disrupted after being hit by at least 10 missiles, regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said. With assistance from Priscila Azevedo Rocha, Milda Seputyte, Kateryna Chursina, Olesia Safronova and Mark Sweetman. 2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT OVER KODIAK ISLAND, Alaska To the uninitiated, this felt like madness. From an altitude of 8,000 feet, six Navy SEALs were about to parachute into Marmot Bay, where the water temperature was just barely above freezing. Their inflatable boat went first, rumbling down the ramp of this MC-130 transport plane before snapping out the back. These stout, nondescript airframes were engineered specifically to enable the low visibility operations that are a hallmark of the U.S. militarys clandestine forces. As one of the SEALs roused from a nap, the plane leveled off. Go time. One by one, they approached the exit, turned their backs to the vivid blue-green vista below and out they went, hurtling toward an icy splashdown. U.S. and Danish special operators brace for the rotor wash from the CH-47G. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) Americas Special Operations forces are in the midst of a major transformation. As the powerful militaries commanded by Russia and China compete with the United States for dominance in the resource-rich Arctic, the Pentagon has dramatically expanded its focus on what a war would look like here in one of the planets most treacherous settings and how its most advanced units could be brought to bear on a direct threat to the U.S. homeland or to NATO allies who inhabit the coldest climes of Europe. Special Operations troops are distinct from conventional military forces, tasked with the secretive, sensitive, dangerous assignments such as kill-capture missions, hostage rescues, and sabotage. This winter, The Washington Post was granted rare access to teams of SEALs, Green Berets, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and other elite personnel while they stress-tested the innumerable limitations imposed by Alaskas vast, merciless wilderness, including in Kodiak, a wind-blasted outpost off the states southern coast, and in austere training areas outside the central city of Fairbanks. The sobering takeaway, it was instantly clear, is that any conflict in the High North would be an unmitigated nightmare for those sent to fight it. Capt. Bill Gallagher, who commands the SEAL unit involved in the exercise, characterized the Arctic as perhaps the most rugged and extreme place for any military to operate, saying even the most routine functions can be an existential threat. The troops who landed in Marmot Bay wore dry suits under their uniforms to insulate them against the inevitable effects of submersion in 37-degree water. Without such gear, a person encountering similar conditions would be in a race against death. Here, Gallagher said, the environment can kill you quicker than any enemy. Soldiers from the 10th Special Forces Group and Danish special operators move through the woods to call in fire for HIMARS artillery during training at Fort Wainwright. ( (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) U.S. Army Special Forces and Danish special operators learn how to load and unload snowmobiles onto a CH-47G helicopter at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, on Feb. 23. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) U.S. Army Special Forces and Danish special operators training on loading and unloading snowmobiles. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) A Danish special operator drives onto the helicopter. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) Threat assessment The Arctic, warming four times faster than the rest of the world and opening to commercial and military activity like never before, is evolving rapidly and compelling the Pentagon to keep pace, officials say, creating the potential for competition and conflict among Washington, Moscow and Beijing. The United States would probably be challenged by either one. Russia, bloodied but resurgent in Ukraine, has earned useful combat experience against a skilled foe, and is only growing its competency in areas like electronic warfare, said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Pentagon, emerging from a more-limited form of combat in the Middle East, can only study and theorize what Moscow has learned from its large-scale war, Cancian said. China, meanwhile, is outpacing the United States in technology like hypersonic missiles, the Pentagon has acknowledged. And the sheer size of its military poses an enormous concern, Cancian said. The big Chinese advantage is in numbers, he said. Their fleet is large and getting larger. The twin challenge has forced the Defense Department to look inward at its own shortcomings, some of which are revealed in the Arctic. For instance, many of the satellites that monitor activity north of the Arctic Circle have blind spots, limiting how well the U.S. government can track incoming threats, said Iris Ferguson, the Defense Departments undersecretary for Arctic policy, an office established only two years ago. Coastal erosion and thawing permafrost, among the most visible signs of climate change, have wreaked havoc on U.S. radar sites and airfields. HIMARS training at Fort Wainwright. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) Russia in recent years has turned the lights back on at Soviet-era military facilities throughout the region, refurbishing a constellation of bases that outnumber NATOs collective presence there. Given Russias illegal annexation of Crimea 10 years ago and its bid now to fully subjugate Ukraine, Moscows moves in the North have raised questions about its larger ambitions, Ferguson said. We worry at times about the potential offensive nature of some of their investments, she added. And really, their invasion of Ukraine has been a wake up call to the international community at large but certainly to our Arctic partners. In March, two Russian bombers flew through a strategic choke point between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom. It marked a first since the Ukraine war began two years ago, undercutting assumptions held by some in the Pentagon that Moscows wartime commitments would weaken its presence in other parts of the world. A substantial portion of the oil and gas interests that make Russia an energy powerhouse is located across the Arctic, flanked by nuclear-capable submarines ported on the White Sea. China, too, has asserted that its status as a near-Arctic nation grants Beijing a say in the regions governance, as Asian nations also have a stake in the commodities transported across the Northern Sea Route. The two powers deepening ties, on prominent display since the Ukraine invasion, also have manifested in the High North. Last summer, for instance, they sent a joint naval patrol past Alaskas Aleutian Islands, startling some observers. The West, too, has escalated its activity in the region. The approximately 400 U.S. and NATO commandos sent to Alaska as part of a larger annual exercise were the largest contingent of Special Operations troops ever to train in the Alaskan Arctic, officials said. Other U.S. troops trained simultaneously in Norways Arctic region as part of the military alliances largest exercise since the Cold War. Meanwhile, as U.S. military planners game out the potential consequences of a feared Chinese assault on Taiwan, a key partner in the Pacific that President Biden has pledged to defend, there is growing concern about the threat of spill over, officials say. Col. Matthew Tucker, who oversees the Special Operations forces with purview of North America, said that such a contingency could trigger the activation of homeland defense plans including those that run through Alaska. The likelihood that [a China-Taiwan war] remains isolated in the South China Sea, he added, is probably not something we would bank on. A Navy SEAL jumps from the transport plane. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) Navy SEALs prepare to jump from an MC-130J transport plane near Kodiak, Alaska, on Feb. 25, 2024. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) Everything freezes On a training range outside Fairbanks, the temperature is about 20 degrees. It felt almost balmy for the Green Berets who, at another point in the exercise, had endured a low of minus 40. At such extremes, everything is pushed to its breaking point. Batteries get zapped of their charge. Moisture that accumulates inside a rifle can lock the weapons bolt, rendering it useless. Plastic easily shatters. And everything freezes. That includes blood packs and IV solution, requiring military medics to rely on their body heat to protect precious liquids. With any casualty incurred in this environment, hypothermia can set in within minutes. Significant blood loss compounds the challenge. If a medic has to provide a transfusion, they must account for the fact that doing so will further reduce their patients temperature. Threats lurk everywhere, even underfoot. Some soldiers trained on navigating glaciers, where one wrong step can mean plunging into a deep icy fissure, necessitating a dangerous recovery. Everything is already harder when youre in the mountains, said one commander, because the mountains are always trying to kill you. Like others interviewed for this report, he spoke on the condition of anonymity under strict guidelines imposed by the military. In Afghanistan and Iraq, where the Pentagon maintained a network of bases and could largely count on the safe passage of evacuation helicopters, there was an expectation that wounded personnel had a good chance to survive if they received medical care within 60 minutes. Soldiers dubbed it the golden hour. But the Arctics sheer expanse, and the advanced targeting capabilities possessed by the Russian and Chinese militaries, have raised doubts about the feasibility of that here. You had the golden hour back then, a Special Forces medical sergeant said. Now its like, do you have a golden day? A company commander with the Armys 10th Special Forces Group explained that time, the most limiting factor in any mission, is even more important in conditions this difficult to endure. You have to get to your casualties faster, you have to treat them faster, you have to get to a warming tent faster, the commander said. Everything is expedited. To that end, a team of Green Berets spent one afternoon learning to drive their snowmobiles into an idling helicopter, simulating how to perform a swift load-up and departure. This is a crucial skill, and they quickly gleaned how difficult it can be. The helicopter, a Special Operations variant of the Armys dual-rotor Chinook, was augmented with a pad that grabs the snowmobiles tracks and helps to pull it aboard, but the vehicles front skis would twist perpendicularly, causing them to snag the aircrafts steel edges and bring all momentum to a halt. When one soldier needed an extra shove from the helicopters crew, another wryly observed, Not a real easy way to do it, huh? At one point, a snowmobile track tore through the snow, flinging rocks everywhere and prompting a burst of laughter among those waiting for their turn. Eventually, the process became more fluid. As a full moon emerged on the horizon, members of a Danish commando force, among the NATO personnel most specialized in the tundra, readied their night vision goggles. A soldier zoomed his snowmobile into the belly of the Chinook, followed by another. The helicopter lifted off and orbited the training area a final time. The company commander explained that today, the 10th Special Forces Group based in Colorado and focused on operating in Europe is the Armys clearinghouse for clandestine cold weather operations. But over the past two decades, much of its attention was centered elsewhere. Watching his soldiers learn from the Danes, he said, was encouraging. Weve been focused on Centcom, the commander said, referring to the U.S. military command overseeing operations in the Middle East. We focused on Europe as well. But weve ignored much of the Arctic. U.S. and Danish special operators move through terrain on skis on their way to a simulated attack. (Salwan Georges/The Washington Post) A turning point In the years after 9/11, the Pentagon turned its Special Operations forces into agile units that could execute Americas counterterrorism objectives largely void of the political risks that accompany major military deployments. This approach greatly expanded the numbers of personnel from 38,000 in 2001 to 73,000 in 2020 and empowered U.S. Special Operations Command in ways that unmoored it from the conventional military. As national security officials grow more concerned about the prospect of a conflict with Russia or China, theyve argued that, rather than being prepared to fight on its own through brushfire counterinsurgencies, reliant on other parts of the military to aid its missions, Special Operations needs to complement the larger force. We got used to being the supported entity, said Gallagher, the SEAL Group 2 commander. Now as we look toward strategic competition, really our focus is how we can provide support. Some observers are skeptical, though, that Special Operations is refreshing its philosophy across the board. Richard Hooker, a former National Security official in multiple presidential administrations and now with the Atlantic Council, said such changes would be reflected in new budget requirements and an organizational redesign, yet we really havent seen much of that. Cancian, with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sees it this way: In the past, they tended to be sort of prima donnas. So the fact that Special Operations Command is up there is indicative of their effort to shift the organization more towards great power conflict. Outside of Fairbanks, the potential at least was evident as Marine Corps reservists operating HIMARS rocket artillery vehicles simulated a targeting mission in the Hayes Mountain Range. Miles away, two Chinooks touched down, and off stepped a team of Green Berets and Danish commandos holding rifles and skis. Planners called for the commandos to slip into the foothills, discreetly identify attack coordinates and radio them back to the Marines, who would fire off a volley of rockets, hop back in their vehicles and scoot off immediately lest they become a target themselves. The Marines fired 16 in all, each roaring across the training area before crashing into the ground and throwing up puffs of snow. The munitions lacked explosive charges, rendering them, as one Marine put it, concrete telephone poles juiced with rocket fuel. The standard rockets they had wanted to use were unavailable, he said, citing demand in Ukraine. The Green Beret company commander was eager to see this part of the exercise play out. His team not only had to endure the elements, it had an essential support role to perform. Thats where our roots have always been, he said. And were trying to return back to that. About this report: Sea ice extent data via Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen. Alec Lloyd works on final construction and testing for drones on the line at the Teal Drones headquarters and factory in Salt Lake City. (Kim Raff for The Washington Post) SALT LAKE CITY When George Matus was in high school in Salt Lake City, he had a vision of small drones flitting at peoples shoulders to help them explore. At 17, he founded Teal Drones, named after a speedy breed of duck. At the beginning, it was more focused on the joy of flight, Matus said. But after launching Teal Drones in 2015, Matus was soon struggling to keep it afloat. A drone-maker in China called DJI had dominated the global market with sleek, easy-to-use consumer drones at prices that were simply impossible for a U.S.-based company to match. At some point, Matus realized that if he wanted to keep his dream alive, hed have to change the dream. Today, Matus says Teal sells most of its drones to the Pentagon to help soldiers with reconnaissance, with other sales to municipal police departments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Theyve got our drones deployed on both borders, he says). The company adopted the slogan Dominate the Night to tout its drones ability to spot targets in the dark. Most of our focus is DOD (Department of Defense), said Matus, now 26. Since the invasion of Ukraine, it has become very clear that drones are incredibly impactful to war. The U.S. small drone industry is experiencing a renaissance after having been all but given up for lost, due to the impossibility of competing with China on production costs. The reason for the resurgence is a grim one: Small drones have proven a potent battle tool in the Ukraine war, with soldiers strapping bombs on them and sending them on one-way missions. The Pentagon has announced a Replicator program to produce thousands of U.S. small drones, in an initiative that U.S. drone makers hope will help provide them with steady sales and help offset their higher production costs. Jeff Thompson, whose company Red Cat Holdings acquired Teal Drones in 2021, said other governments across North America and Europe are also ordering thousands of drones, wary of being caught flat-footed if another war breaks out. Everyone wants to make sure they have the drones before something happens, Thompson said. Hopefully everyone buys a whole bunch of drones, and no one wants to invade each other anymore. Thatd be great. Pivoting to defense When Matus was launching Teal in 2015, investors anticipated a commercial boom: Amazons founder Jeff Bezos had announced ambitions to deliver packages by drone nationwide as early as 2017. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.) But the drone-based consumer lifestyle never materialized. Sorting out the licenses to fly the devices was complicated and varied by state. The technology was still not reliable enough. There was also a reflexive ick-factor from the public over the idea of eagle-eyed drones flying over their homes all the time. The concept is cool and exciting, said Adam Bry, CEO of the San Mateo, Calif.-based drone maker Skydio, of the idea of delivery drones. The actual delivery of working product has turned out to be phenomenally complicated. Then in 2016, Chinas DJI launched a 1.6-pound drone called the Mavic Pro for $999, which pretty much demolished the hopes of U.S. players. The Mavic Pro could capture 4K video and 12-megapixel still photos. It could lock onto a subject and follow them automatically and live-stream video from more than four miles away. With its four wings folded, the 3.3-inch by 7.8-inch device could be carried in a pocket. Matus tried to match the Mavic Pros thousand-dollar price point, but he would have to lose money on every drone he sold. He was forced to winnow his staff of 45 down to 10. That was the trough of disillusionment, Matus recalled. Most companies were going out of business. And Teal was also very close to the brink. Alex Wishart, 58, Teals technician manager, recalled it being touch and go for a while, though he said the company never missed paychecks, even during tough times. Teal, Skydio and the few other remaining U.S. drone makers were thrown a lifeline in 2018, when the Defense Department banned the use of DJI drones in the U.S. military, citing security concerns of using a China-based supplier. The Army began looking for domestic vendors. We went all in on defense, Matus said. We knew that would be our future. Teal revamped its drones to be weatherproof, with a thermal camera for night vision, and with a higher level of cybersecurity. The company named its next drone the Golden Eagle and unfurled an enormous American flag across its factory wall. Skydio also made the shift, closing down its consumer drone division in 2023 to focus on government customers. Matuss team is now up to nearly 100 people, the most ever. Thats still a far cry from DJIs 14,000 employees, who operate automated assembly lines in China, with rows of robot arms churning out some 70% of the worlds drones. Teals workers in Salt Lake City assemble their drones by hand, sitting at several long tables in an open workshop. There is no need for conveyor belts or automated production at their current scale. They do have one robot arm in the back, which is used to calibrate each drones navigation systems. After calibration, they take the drones out to a grassy patch out front to run them through test flights, with the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains in the distance. Teals revival has brought several dozen new engineering and manufacturing jobs to Utah. Even workers with no technical background have quickly picked up the ins and outs of building and flying drones. Zach Childs, 23, who grew up in West Jordan, south of Salt Lake City, said he did not know anything about drones before joining Teal in January 2023. Now Im like a complete hobbyist, said Childs. I have drones at home that I always use. Its practically a supercomputer thats flying around in the air. I mean, its got nine different processors. Alexander Pot, 19, who was building drone controllers on a recent weekday afternoon, said his girlfriends grandmother had come to work at Teal first and had introduced him to the job. I build up these big controllers from the bottom, he said. Im really trying to learn as much as I can. Matus still faces an uphill battle. Even in the Salt Lake City area Teal Drones own backyard police are skeptical theres a need to buy domestic. They say Chinas DJI remains the gold standard in functionality and price, and they believe the cybersecurity risk is minimal when the devices are run disconnected from the internet. Kyle Nordfors, drone search-and-rescue coordinator for Weber County, just north of Salt Lake City, said that while he hoped to see U.S. drone brands become more competitive, DJIs are still the best. He said DJIs better functionality makes the difference between life or death when his team is searching for hikers lost on snowy slopes. Unfortunately, the U.S. manufacturers are still years behind, Nordfors said. If these anti-Chinese laws go into effect, it will cost American lives. And this isnt hyperbole. I can give you actual names of American citizens that would have perished if I was forced to use an American drone. Nordfors said he believes there isnt a risk of data leakage to China from the drones when they are set to operate disconnected from the internet, which he says is how his team uses them. The pride of his fleet is a top-of-the-line $30,000 DJI drone that can zoom in on targets far out on the horizon and that has a thermal mode that makes people pop out of the landscape. Nordfors said he was glad Utahs lawmakers listened to logic and havent banned DJI drones. He said hed explained to them how they could delete all the data off the drones before reconnecting them to the internet. Its all fearmongering and nonsense, he said. Josh Ashdown, a sergeant with the Salt Lake City Police Department overseeing its drone program, says his team has a fleet of 17 drones from four brands - China-based DJI and Autel, and the U.S. brands Skydio and Brinc. Some of it is just economics, on which ones are the most affordable, and being responsible with our tax dollars, he said. Ashdown said the Salt Lake City Police Department now has 27 officers licensed to fly drones, and they take them out for an operation or for practice almost every day. He called the drones a transformative technology that is allowing police officers to monitor parade routes for possible attackers, and to check a location for bystanders before a SWAT team moves in. The state of Florida adopted a ban on police using China-made drones last year. There are no such restrictions in other states. At the Miami Police Department, Sgt. Anthony Loperfido says his team had a fleet of 14 DJI drones before the state banned China-based drone brands, and they had to scramble to find the funds to buy more-expensive domestic ones. His team now fields 12 Skydio drones made in California, which cost around $25,000 a piece, compared to $1,500 to $3,000 for the DJI ones. Thats a lot of money to put out, he said. Loperfido said his team has had to suspend their use of drones for indoor SWAT operations after Floridas China drone ban went into effect. The U.S.-made drones, he said, were falling short in indoor cellular connectivity. If the operator loses contact with the drone, he said, it can no longer fly. Now all you have is a piece of technology sitting inside some place on the floor that you cant communicate with, he said. But Loperfido said U.S. drone makers have been making strides. He cited the new Skydio X10, which he said has features tailored for law enforcement. I would have said that then, he said, of U.S. drones lagging in functionality. I dont think I can say that now. After the work day, Matuss employees often take out their personal drones, zooming them around in loops around the office for the sheer joy of it. When they pull on paired goggles that display the live feed from their drones camera, they can experience the exhilarating drones eye view of the high-speed flight. Its what a teenage Matus had envisioned his drones would allow customers to do. But his employees are not playing with Teal drones. At $15,000 a piece, Teals products are far too pricey to goof around with. The employees instead race cheap and cheerful China-made drones, which frequently crash into the walls, requiring repairs. The prospects remain difficult for any consumer-oriented U.S. drone company to survive in the face of competition from DJI. Teals parent company, Red Cat, had also owned two consumer drone start-ups, Fat Shark and Rotor Riot, which sourced from China to keep their costs down. Red Cat recently sold those two start-ups, keeping only Teal. With us working with the government daily now, weve got to split ourselves, Thompson said. We cant say Made in USA and Im on the phone at 2 oclock in the morning ordering a bunch of stuff from China. The last American consumer drone model, Matus says, had been Snaps Pixy, which the company issued a recall on in February due to overheating batteries that sometimes caught fire. BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 11. The Turkish Armed Forces support the legal positions of friendly countries, especially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Azerbaijan, contributing to global and regional security, peace, and stability, said Minister of National Defense of Turkiye Yasar Guler during his visit to Sanliurfa province, Trend reports. Guler underlined the importance of being prepared to face potential risks and threats, citing Turkiye's vital position in a region riddled with disputes and contradictions. He emphasized Recep Tayyip Erdogan's involvement in crisis management and conflict resolution. He noted that modern Turkiye, led by President Erdogan, is making major moves toward peace. "We have attempted to settle problems in Karabakh, Libya, the Ukrainian-Russian war, the Middle East, and many other regions, taking worthwhile measures in this regard and continuing to do so," the minister emphasized. Recognizing the country's role as a global participant and active contributor to the global security framework, the minister emphasized Turkey's strong support for peace and security in international negotiations. He also underscored the Turkish Army's successful anti-terrorism operations in recent years. The minister also mentioned the severe blows given to Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, emphasizing the organization's dwindling strength. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Sinead Byrne has six previous convictions, all for road traffic offences A woman who allowed her home to be used to store a large amount of cannabis has been handed a fully suspended prison sentence. Sinead Byrne (46) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply at Orchard Way, Greenwood Walk, Donaghmede, on December 19, 2021. She further pleaded to one count of knowingly permitting the same property to be used for the sale, supply or distribution of a controlled drug and possession of cocaine on the same date. Imposing sentence today, Judge Orla Crowe said a considerable amount of cannabis was found in the property. Byrne of Station Way, Clongriffin, Co. Dublin, had relapsed into addiction before this offending occurred, and the judge noted if she hadn't, then she may well not have found herself in the position she is in today. The judge said the aggravating factors include that Byrne allowed her home to be used to store drugs, which facilitated this trade. She noted that a probation report places Byrne at moderate risk of re-offending in the next 12 months due to a number of risk factors. She said she took into account the mitigation, including Byrne's guilty plea, her efforts to deal with her addiction and her personal circumstances. Sinead Byrne Judge Crowe imposed a three-year prison sentence, which she suspended in full on strict conditions, including that Byrne place herself under the supervision of the Probation Service for 18 months. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard that gardai searched the property on December 19, 2021. They recovered a container with 1.5kg of cannabis worth 29,160 from an ensuite and black bin bags from the attic, which contained 10kg of cannabis valued at 169,166. A metal safe was also found, which contained 248 of cocaine. Gardai also found a digital weighing scale and 1,200 cash. Byrne was not present during the search. Gardai were told she was abroad but expected home that day. The court heard Byrne contacted gardai the same day and made arrangements to meet them. She was later arrested by appointment and interviewed four times. She admitted knowing about the cannabis in the ensuite and the count of possession of cannabis for sale or supply related to these drugs, the court heard. Byrne denied any knowledge of the cannabis in the attic. She said she didn't know who owned these and told gardai she was in fear for her safety. She said she was put under pressure and had a drug debt due to her use of cocaine and cannabis. She said the money found was to pay her rent. The court heard that this was later returned to her. Byrne has six previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The investigating garda agreed with the defence counsel that his client made some admissions during the interview, and her early guilty plea was of assistance to the prosecution. Defence counsel outlined his client's personal circumstances, including that she is a single mother. He said her role was to store the drugs, and she was not making a profit. A number of documents and references were handed into the court including urine analysis. Counsel said Byrne moved to America as a child, returning in 2003. She had a cocaine addiction as a teenager but got clean before suffering a relapse. She is now addressing her addiction issues. Byrne has a work history in the beauty industry. Defence counsel suggested to the court that his client is unlikely to re-offend in future. He asked the court to consider non-custodial options for sentencing. Magill told gardai he was coerced by others who the judge said were involved in the organised sale and distribution of drugs in Limerick City. A farmer who pled guilty to possessing over half a million euro worth of cocaine, heroin and tablets, was jailed today for six years with the final 18 months suspended. Charles Magill, (61), with addresses at his family farm at Knockainey, Co Limerick, and at Rivers, Lisnagry, Co Limerick, told Gardai he was delivering drugs for unnamed criminals in order to pay off a drug debt which his then partner had accrued. Magill and convicted Limerick drug dealer Vincent Collopy were arrested during a garda operation which resulted in the seizure of 1.4million euro worth of cocaine, heroin and tablets, on May 29, 2022. Magill admitted 16 charges, including two counts of possessing almost 600,000 worth of drugs for sale or supply, as well as having 49,000 in cash, contrary to money laundering legislation. Judge Tom ODonnell Gardai observed Magill deliver a drugs package at Corbally, Co Clare. Gardai then observed a vehicle arriving at the location and retrieve the package. Vincent Collopy When Gardai pursued this vehicle they observed one of the occupants throwing the package from the car. Vincent Collopy, (44), St Itas Street, St Marys Park, Limerick, who Garda told an earlier hearing had thrown the package out of the car, and had tried to impede a Garda in the course of his duties on the day, was jailed for six years with the final 18 months suspended in January 2023, after he pled guilty to possessing cocaine worth around 10,000 for sale or supply. In follow up searches of Magills house in Lisnagry and his family farm in Knockainey, Gardai recovered 385,000 worth of cocaine, 130,000 worth of heroin, 81,000 worth of tablets, and the 49,000 in cash. Two men appear in court charged over massive 1.4m coke seizure Magill told gardai he was coerced by others who the judge said were involved in the organised sale and distribution of drugs in Limerick City. The judge said Magill told Gardai he was holding the drugs to reduce a drugs debt which in the main belonged to his partner. The judge said Magill was given instructions of where to go to make deliveries, but he was afraid to identify those involved. The Judge said Magill was seen by the drug gang as a highly trusted person. He said Magill had no trappings of wealth, was of material assistance to Gardai, and entered an early guilty plea which prevented the requirement of a lengthy trial. Judge ODonnell said that, while Magill had a deep involvement and might be described as a second-tier manager in the (drugs) operation, he was satisfied that Magills involvement did not merit a prescriptive mandatory minimum 10 year jail sentence in respect of the sale or supply charges. The judge said he took into consideration that Magill had no previous convictions, he was hardworking, and he was likely coerced by others. He jailed Magill for six years with the final 18 months suspended on one count of possessing the drugs for sale or supply, followed by concurrent sentences of four and half years for the second count of possessing the drugs for sale or supply; four years for possessing 49,000 in cash deemed to be the proceeds of crime; and four years for possession of drug paraphernalia. The remaining offences were taking into consideration by the court. Magill agreed to enter a 100 non-lodgement bond to be of good behaviour and keep the peace for six years upon his release from jail. Tareq Elkudir (61) is a Libyan national but has been living in Ireland for over 40 years A man who sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on a Ryanair flight from Manchester has been handed a suspended sentence. Tareq Elkudir (61), with an address at Hunters Lane, Ashbourne, Co Meath, was arrested after he disembarked from the plane in Dublin Airport. He was highly intoxicated and passengers described him as drinking from the neck of a litre-bottle of whiskey during the 45-minute flight. Elkudir pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of sexual assault on the Ryanair flight on May 2, 2022. At a hearing on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said Elkudir did not deserve to go to prison and handed him a fully-suspended sentence of 18 months. Garda Danielle Black told Michael Hourigan BL, defending, that the teenage girl had travelled to Manchester the previous week on a short trip to visit family friends. Her father had booked her ticket and checked her on to the flight and the girl was due to return on April 29, however she decided to stay a few days longer and booked her return flight for the day in question. The teenager, who made a statement to gardai after she arrived in Dublin Airport, said she had boarded the flight in Manchester shortly before 8pm and taken her seat in the middle of a row. She said a man in his forties sat down in the aisle seat next to her and spoke to her continually during the flight, using profanities. The man was drinking from a litre-bottle of Jameson and grabbed her hand with force several times. The girl said Elkudir hit her a few times on the upper left arm and took her hand several times and kissed it. The teenager said he was drunk and she was too scared to get up and move so she tried to just get through the flight. At one point, Elkudir rubbed his right hand near her breast area and she moved away and turned to face the window. She said Elkudir was still being a pest when the plane landed and as they were taxi-ing in towards the terminal, he tried to pull her in for a kiss a few times and she kept pushing him away. She managed to get the attention of a woman in another seat and signalled for her to press the button to call cabin crew, but nobody came. A male passenger in another row asked the girl if she was OK and she replied: No, this man keeps touching me. The other passenger told Elkudir to back off and leave the girl alone, but he got very angry and stood up. Cabin crew arrived and the teenager said she had told Elkudir she was 16 and that he replied: I don't give a f***. She said Elkudir had punched her twice, hard, on the shoulder and had asked if she had a boyfriend. Elkudir was arrested on arrival but was highly intoxicated and not fit for interview until the following morning. Gda Black agreed with counsel for the defence that Elkudir was a completely different person the following morning and was very apologetic. He told gardai he deserved his punishment and that he was really sorry. Elkudir has one previous conviction for assault causing harm dating back to 1999. Counsel said the accused had written a letter of apology to court and brought the sum of 3,000 as a concrete expression of his remorse. The court heard that the teenager, who did not file a victim impact statement, is ready to move on with her life. Elkudir has not come to garda attention since this offence and is married with three young children. He is a Libyan national but has been living in Ireland for over 40 years. Judge Nolan said that if the injured party does not wish to accept the money, it should be transferred to a charity of her choice. The judge said the victim had been unlucky to happen upon Elkudir and had put up with 45 minutes of hassle, during which she was punched and grabbed near her breast. Judge Nolan said Elkudir was unlikely to reoffend, and addressed him saying: My advice to you is not to drink. It seems to get you in trouble. Coroner Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said he was satisfied the use of force was "reasonable" Aftermath of SAS ambush at Coagh in which three IRA men died The use of lethal force by SAS soldiers in an ambush that killed three IRA men in Co Tyrone in 1991 was justified, a coroner has ruled. Delivering his provisional findings in the Coagh inquest, coroner Mr Justice Michael Humphreys said he was satisfied the use of force was "reasonable" as the soldiers had an honest belief that it was necessary in order to prevent loss of life. However, the coroner also concluded that the military operation was not planned in a manner which minimised to the greatest extent possible the need for recourse to lethal force. The inquest into the deaths of Peter Ryan, Tony Doris and Lawrence McNally in Coagh, Co Tyrone, on June 3 1991, opened in 2022. The three men were intercepted as they drove in a stolen car through Coagh by SAS soldiers, who suspected they intended to murder a member of the security forces. All three were shot dead in a hail of gunfire. The inquest was told that up to 150 rounds were fired. Delivering his verdict in the legacy case, Mr Justice Humphreys said McNally died as a result of gunshot wounds to the head and heart, Doris as a result of gunshot wounds to the head and Ryan by a gunshot wound to the chest. He also ruled that McNally and Ryan were shot by Soldier G, while Doris was shot and killed by Soldier B. The coroner said the three men were members of the East Tyrone brigade of IRA and were on "active service" when they were shot. He said the background to the case was a "surge of activity" in the area by the East Tyrone IRA. Mr Justice Humpreys said: "This bloody recent history provides the backdrop to the events at Coagh." Setting out the events, the coroner said that the security forces had received intelligence that the East Tyrone IRA intended to murder a former member of the UDR at a public car park in the village. A specialist military unit was tasked to mount a "hard arrest" operation. This included a "reaction group" to effect the arrests and a "cover group" hidden in a modified flatbed truck to provide protection. Relatives of the three men shot dead in Coagh and their solicitor Padraig O Muirigh(centre) outside Belfasts High Court on Thursday. Pic: Presseye The coroner told the court that when the stolen car came to a halt at the car park entrance, the rear passenger door opened and a man wearing a balaclava armed with a rifle started to get out, pointing the weapon in the direction of Soldier L. After an order was given, the side of the the lorry was lowered and a number of shots fired. The man with the rifle fell back into the car, which travelled on and crashed into another car around 30 metres away. Several further shots were then fired. Mr Justice Humphreys was highly critical of actions by soldiers to destroy a video of the events from a surveillance location. He said: "There could scarcely have been more probative and significant evidence of the events which unfolded at Coagh than a video taken from close range showing the arrival of the vehicle and the engagement of the soldiers with its occupants. "If this had been available, it would have rendered the task of the inquest on many of the issues straightforward. "It would also, of course, have been of central importance to the RUC, whose role it was to assess whether any crime had been committed by the soldiers." He said the soldiers who gave evidence to the inquest about the destruction of the video had "demonstrated a clear and unequivocal willingness to subvert the rule of law". The coroner added: "Rather than condemning them, the response of senior officers in the British Army has been to excuse, justify and support such reprehensible conduct." Turning to the original RUC investigation, Mr Justice Humphreys said police had failed to challenge accounts given by soldiers, had failed to interview the soldiers promptly after the shootings occurred and had failed to investigate the planning of the operation at all. The coroner said it was unclear whether this was a result of direct orders from above or merely reflective of attitudes of the time. He added: "It can only be concluded that the RUC investigation into the shootings was woefully inadequate. "A decision was reached and relayed to the DPP on the basis of untested and unchallenged accounts of soldiers. "Evidence at the scene was wantonly disregarded. No questions were asked of those who had formulated the plan and its methodology. "Had it not been for the holding of this inquest, many of the facts around these events would simply never have been known." The coroner said an issue of fact to be determined was whether any member of the IRA unit had fired on the soldiers, pointing out that several military witnesses believed they were involved in a gunfight. He concluded, on the balance of probabilities, that no IRA member discharged his weapon. Delivering his verdict, the coroner said: "In each case, the use of lethal force was justified as the soldiers had an honest belief that it was necessary in order to prevent loss of life. "The use of force by the soldiers was, in the circumstances they believed them to be, reasonable. "The operation was not planned and controlled in such a way as to minimise to the greatest extent possible the need for recourse to lethal force." Speaking outside court, solicitor Padraig O Muirigh, who acts for the families of Peter Ryan and Tony Doris, said while they were disappointed at the finding that the force used was justified, they welcomed criticism of the army operation. "The clients that I represent have always maintained there was a shoot-to-kill policy operating at this particular time. What these findings show is that a kill zone was effectively set up," he said. "The planning of the operation was deliberate to avoid an arrest situation, and as the coroner said we had an inevitable outcome. "What we see in the aftermath is a very clear cover-up of that shoot-to-kill policy, both in terms of how the British Army destroyed a crucial video which would have assisted this coroner and important documentation relevant to the inquest, and as he describes it, the woefully inadequate RUC investigation meant that the full facts would never be before this inquest so that cover-up was also a critical part, in my view, of this operation." The charges arise following the death of father-of-four Mr Shirley who was working in a cherry picker when he was electrocuted A Co. Antrim tree surgeon today denied the manslaughter of an employee who was tragically electrocuted at work. Standing in the dock of Craigavon Crown Court, 40-year-old Christopher Auld entered not guilty pleas to two offences arising from the tragic death of Rodney Shirley on 30 September 2021. Auld, from the Strangford Road in Lisburn, is charged with the manslaughter of 36-year-old Mr Shirley and with breaching health and safety legislation in that he failed to ensure, as was reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all your employees. Mourners at the funeral of Rodney Shirley The charges arise following the tragic death of north Belfast father-of-four Mr Shirley who was working in a cherry picker in the Hillsborough area when he was electrocuted. Following the arraignment defence KC Frank ODonoghue told the court that in preparation for the trial of the complex case, the defence would be seeking expert reports from an electrical engineer as well as a health and safety expert. While there had been a provisional trial date in September, the senior barrister said given the complexity of try case and the reports required Im not hopeful the defence would be ready for that date. Freeing Auld on bail, Judge Patrick Lynch KC said he would review the case on 14 June when we will make an assessment and if needs be we will identify a new trial date, potentially in November. The State had described Mr Termini's injuries as "nothing short of devastating". TWO teenagers accused of attacking US tourist Stephen Termini, who suffered "five life-threatening injuries" in Dublin city centre last year, have been readmitted to bail. The artist and musician, 57, was hospitalised following an incident on the corner of Store Street and Talbot Street in the north inner city on the night of July 19. Three boys now aged 15, 16 and 17, who cannot be named because they are minors, are accused of violent disorder and causing serious harm to Mr Termini, who is from Buffalo, New York. At a March 26 preliminary hearing in Dublin Children's Court, Judge Paul Kelly held that they should be sent to the Circuit Court, which has greater sentencing powers. The two younger boys also had bail revoked, and they were remanded in custody after the judge was given lists of dates when they broke conditions imposed by the court, particularly their curfews. After being held in the Oberstown Children Detention Campus for two weeks, they appeared again before Judge Kelly, who granted bail. He noted there was no garda objection and warned the pair, accompanied to court by family members, that they must obey the bail terms or risk going back into custody. He ordered them to appear again in May when they and the co-accused will be served with books of evidence and returned for trial to the higher court. The State had described Mr Termini's injuries as "nothing short of devastating". Medical reports opened to the court stated the injuries "created a substantial risk of death". Specialists found that he had five life-threatening injuries to his right eye and a brain bleed, a head injury, a skull fracture, a traumatic brain injury and also a fractured cheek. He was first treated in the Mater A&E, and doctors carried out an emergency sight-saving procedure before transferring him to Beaumont Hospital, where he was on a ventilator for two days. He remained in an intensive care unit for weeks before being moved back to the Mater for further rehabilitative treatment until near the end of August. After viewing CCTV footage, hearing an outline of the allegations, and being furnished with hospital reports on Termini, the judge considered the case too serious and refused jurisdiction. They must refrain from contacting each other and stay out of parts of the north inner city. Gardai attached to the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit raided a property in Fairymount Gardai have seized approximately 180,000 worth of cannabis plants during a search operation in County Roscommon on Wednesday. Shortly after 5pm on April 10, Gardai attached to the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit raided a property in Fairymount in the north of the county. During the search, they uncovered a large scale grow house with cannabis plants at various stages of growth. Cannabis plants with an estimated street value of 180,000 were seized by investigating gardai. The drugs are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). This search operation was conducted as part of ongoing investigations by the Mayo Roscommon Longford Divisional Drugs Unit, under Operation Tara, targeting suspected cannabis grow houses. Investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesperson said. Court to follow. The incident happened early on Thursday morning with an image of the Volkswagen saloon in question posted online by gardai. A spokesperson said: We were on patrol in Cork when were alerted by the ANPR device that this car had no insurance. Drug test involved Many garda cars are now fitted with an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system that can read number plates at a rate of six per second on vehicles travelling up to 180km/h. All vehicles fitted with ANPR camera systems can identify vehicles that are stolen, untaxed, uninsured and those involved in persistent offending. "They were stopped and it was found that the driver was an unaccompanied learner who tested positive for cannabis, gardai continued. The car in question was seized and the motorist will be sent forward to court shortly. SaferRoads, gardai added. IWC Schaffhausen announces a unique project with Academy Award - winning film score composer Hans Zimmer and renowned physicist Professor Brian Cox In what marks a rare collaboration between a scientist and a music composer, the unlikely duo has worked together to create a musical piece inspired by IWCs new Portugieser collection and the Portugieser Eternal Calendar the first secular-perpetual calendar engineered by IWC Schaffhausen. The music, which references the new Portugieser dial colours Silver Moon, Horizon Blue, Dune and Obsidian will be played every full hour at the IWC Schaffhausen booth at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. At Watches and Wonders 2024 in Geneva, IWC Schaffhausen has just unveiled its new Portugieser collection, whose undisputed highlight is the Portugieser Eternal Calendar. With its first secular perpetual calendar, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer builds on its extensive expertise in engineering mechanical calendars and pushes the boundaries in fine watchmaking. To accompany the launch of this highly complex watch, IWC joined forces with one of the foremost Scientific communicator Professor Brian Cox. Brian Cox is a Professor at The University of Manchester who has worked on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, Geneva, The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Chicago and the DESY Laboratory in Hamburg. He is best known to the public as the presenter of a number of award-winning science programmes for the BBC, boosting the popularity of subjects such as astronomy and physics. He has also completed a string of Guinness World Record breaking, sell-out live world tours. Portugieser Eternal Calendar IWC Schaffhausen As we launch a watch with a mechanical program that reaches further into the future than ever, the collaboration with Brian Cox is a privilege for us. Brian can express complex scientific facts in simple terms and inspire, engage and entertain audiences. He is pivotal in helping us demonstrate what a remarkable achievement the Portugieser Eternal Calendar represents, explains Franziska Gsell, Chief Marketing Officer at IWC Schaffhausen. To a physicist with a deep interest in space and time, IWCs watchmaking is a source of inspiration. Looking at the second hand of a watch invites profound questions about the nature of time and space and the underlying structure and beauty of our Universe. What exactly is it that this precision machine is so elegantly measuring? But science cant answer the deepest of questions alone. It is beyond exciting for me to collaborate with IWC and one of my musical heroes, Hans Zimmer. Art and music are as essential to the progress of our civilisation as science and engineering. This project is an opportunity to bring these disciplines together to create something unique and wonderful, said Brian Cox. When art and science unite : Hans Zimmer collaborates with Brian Cox The Portugieser Eternal Calendar is not just a feat of engineering. With its intricate craftsmanship and high level of detail, it also represents a true work of art. For this reason, IWC reverted to another friend of the brand Academy Award -winning music composer Hans Zimmer. He has not only scored some of the most important milestones in the history of cinema but is also known for his engineered approach to composing music. Among other things, this is underscored by his role as a pioneer in the domains of using synthesizsers and sampling to create and capture unique sounds. IWC called on Hans Zimmer to compose music inspired by the signature dial colours in the new Portugieser collection. While working on the compositions, Hans Zimmer was brought together with Brian Cox to exchange concepts and ideas. The unlikely pair exchanged thoughts on the Portugieser Eternal Calendar and discussed some key concepts inherent to art and science. The unique perspectives shared by Brian Cox as a scientist inspired Hans Zimmer while creating his music. The result of this collaboration is a unique masterpiece of music. While representing Silver Moon, Horizon Blue, Dune and Obsidian, it also reflects the timeless nature of the Portugieser and this years theme, A Tribute to Eternity. As an artist, I always seek inspiration to take me to unexpected places and give my work new directions. Talking to Brian Cox, a leading physicist and such a brilliant mind, has deeply inspired me. This project has reinforced my intention to create a unique community of artists, scientists, and other thought leaders with the aim of collaborating on some of the most pressing challenges we face globally as a species, said Hans Zimmer. IWC Schaffhausen and Hans Zimmer already collaborated in April 2022 for the launch of IWCs TOP GUN collection. They also joined forces to organise two spectacular concerts in Dubai in January 2023. With this new collaboration, they continue their journey together. About Brian Cox Brian is Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, The Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science and a Fellow of the Royal Society. Brian is widely recognised as the foremost communicator for all things scientific, having presented a number of highly acclaimed science programmes for the BBC watched by billions internationally including Adventures in Space and Time (2021), Universe (2021), The Planets (2018), Forces of Nature (2016), Human Universe (2014), Wonders of Life (2012), Wonders of the Universe (2011) and Wonders of the Solar System (2010). He also co-hosted popular astronomy and cosmology series Stargazing Live with Dara OBriain (and for ABC in Australia, with Julia Zemiro) and award-winning BBC Radio 4 series Infinite Monkey Cage, which has gone on to become one of the UKs most popular podcasts. As an author, Brian has also sold over a million books worldwide including Black Holes, Universal: A Guide to the Cosmos, Quantum Universe and Why Does E=mc2? with co-author Professor Jeffrey Forshaw. Brian Cox IWC Schaffhausen Brian has undertaken several sell-out live world tours, setting several Guinness World Records, including for the biggest selling science tour a record he himself broke with his most recent worldwide tour, Horizons, which took in venues in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and across Europe and was performed to hundreds of thousands of people across the world. About Hans Zimmer Hans Zimmer has scored more than 200 projects across every medium and has been honoured with two Academy Awards , three Golden Globes , three Grammys , an American Music Award, and a Tony Award. Work highlights include the scores for Dune, No Time to Die, Gladiator, The Thin Red Line, As Good as It Gets, Rain Man, The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, Thelma and Louise, The Last Samurai, 12 Years A Slave, Blade Runner 2049 (co-scored with Benjamin Wallfisch) and Dunkirk, as well as recent film scores including Wonder Woman 1984, Ron Howards Hillbilly Elegy and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run. In 2019, Zimmer also scored the live-action remake of The Lion King, for which he received a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. The man has since been charged A man aged in his 30s has been charged after gardai seized over 20,000 worth of drugs in a Dublin suburb. The operation took place in Donaghmede in Dublin 13 on Wednesday with a large sum of cash also being uncovered. A statement from gardai today read: During a planned search of a residence in the Donaghmede area as part of #OperationTara, our Drugs Unit in Coolock seized deals of cocaine and cannabis valued at over 20k, along with a sum of cash. "Following the operation, a man in his 30s was arrested and subsequently charged in connection with the investigation. The drugs discovered by gardai will now be sent to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) to be analysed. Keeping People Safe, gardai added. In February, former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland is not a soft touch for drugs and smuggling, in the wake of recent seizures. I honestly dont believe so. Weve seen two very significant seizures and I want to compliment the Revenue, the Garda Siochana, our Defence Forces for making sure that those seizures happened. The busts send out the message to people around the world that we have very robust operations in place, Mr Varadkar said. In Rosslare for example, theres the Revenues X-ray scanner, and theres sniffer dogs, in particular Jasper, who was a crucial in in in identifying these illegal narcotics come into the country. He said no country has been able to completely stop the smuggling of drugs but that the Government has significantly increased the resources of the Garda and Revenue. I read in the media that the police (gardai) claim that they have quality footage. If they have footage, why don't they arrest someone? An uncle of the young Croatian man who was beaten to death in Dublin has demanded to know why no one has been arrested. Ivica Strok was speaking as the hunt for the killers of his 31-year-old nephew Josip Strok continues. Mr Strok revealed in an interview with local media in Croatia how his nephew had saved four lives after his organs were donated, but called into question the Garda investigation. I read in the media that the police (gardai) claim that they have quality footage. If they have footage, why don't they arrest someone? he told the news site 24Sata. They want to portray everything as an attack by some street gang, he added, claiming the motive for the attack, a hatred of foreigners is being covered up as they have a lot of foreigners in Ireland and Ireland does not (want to) get a bad name. Construction manager Josip and his close friend David Druzinac (28) were set up by a gang of four thugs who inflicted a savage attack on the pair in the Grange View Way area in Clondalkin shortly after 10pm on Saturday last week. It is believed the pair had been socialising in Dublin city centre that afternoon before returning to the Clondalkin area. They were involved in a verbal altercation with a group outside a store in the Towers Road area before getting on a bus and travelling to Grange View Way. Josip spent a number of days on life support before it was switched off on April 3, while his pal survived the attack. Gardai believe four males were involved in the vicious assault and have gathered good quality CCTV footage as part of the investigation to identify those involved. Mr Strok said one of the attackers had told the two men, You are in Ireland, speak English. There was a verbal confrontation, they followed them and attacked them from behind, Mr Strok said. That boy who was with him (Druzinac) fell down and fainted, and that probably saved his life, and our Josip obviously remained standing. They say that they were beaten with some kind of metal batons. Josip's head was broken and he suffered severe brain injuries. Mr Strok revealed that if it hadn't been for the serious head injury, our Josip would surely have recovered quickly. All organs except the brain were completely healthy, Mr Strok added. Unfortunately, he is no more, but by donating his organs he saved at least four lives, that's what the doctors told my brother. He said his brother, Josips dad, had travelled to Dublin to be with his son but had encountered problems as he was not provided with a translator, nor accommodation, practically no help. If it weren't for our people and foreigners who helped him, he could sit down and cry, Mr Strok added. They gave him papers in English and (he had to) fill out the documentation in a foreign language for his dead child. You don't even know your name, and you have to fill out the paperwork yourself. Well, not everyone knows English. My brother speaks a little, but not enough to be able to manage on his own and do what needed to be done. They should have given a man from the embassy to help them with this. What is the purpose of our embassy in Dublin if not to help in situations like this? Josips heartbroken father previously told how his son clung to life for four days before succumbing to the fatal brain injuries he sustained during the attack. Informing a friend of the circumstances of his sons death on social media, Josips father Nedeljko, who had travelled to Ireland to organise the repatriation of his sons remains, said: Josip was beaten on Saturday in Dublin. And yesterday (Wednesday) at 12.16, he died after he was taken off the apparatus (life support) due to brain damage. The fatal beating inflicted on Josip and horrific injuries sustained by his friend David caused shock and revulsion among neighbours who went to their aid in the aftermath of the attack. One woman who went to the mens aid described the thugs who attacked them as animals. According to Croatian media reports, Josip was of the many young Croats who, unable to find it in their own country, looked for a better future abroad. They reported that the young man had initially travelled to Norway when he emigrated five years ago at the age of 26 before moving and gaining employment in Ireland. He left Podgora in Krapina five years ago when he was 26 years old, one newspaper report stated. Five years later, he will return home in a coffin. Ante Penava, a countryman who organised a GoFundMe to help with the cost of repatriating Josips remains said the family have a lot of support from Croatians around Ireland and in his home country and they feel that. Gardai are urging passengers who travelled on the No 13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on March 30, between 9pm and 10pm, to come forward, especially those who disembarked on St Cuthberts Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road. The dealer seems to be enjoying himself at the moment hes a real wannabe gangster and hard man. It will be interesting to see how this plays out for him. A young dealer has taken control of drug operations for the Mr Flashy gang while its leader remains on remand in prison. The 22-year-old, who has a number of convictions, including for possession of cannabis for sale, has based himself in the Deanstown area of Finglas and has been tasked with being a drug distribution controller, a source said. They added: He has been very active over the last few months since that individual was remanded in prison. The suspicion is that there must be some form of communication taking place because many of the customers are still the same, and both large and small amounts of various drugs are being sold from a network of stash houses in the locality. The dealer seems to be enjoying himself at the moment hes a real wannabe gangster and hard man. It will be interesting to see how this plays out for him. Mr Flashy (30) has not run into any disciplinary problems or caused any issues since being locked up a few months ago in relation to alleged gangland-related offences. Despite serious security concerns having previously been raised about Mr Flashys regime in prison, it can also be revealed that he is not on a special protection regime in prison, where he has been mixing with the general population while awaiting a trial date. An Irish Prison Service spokesman said: We do not comment on individual prisoner cases. The young man working for Mr Flashy on the outside was not previously considered one of his closer associates and had been referred to in a court case as someone who was vulnerable and had been taken advantage of by other criminals. This may have been said, but the word is that he thinks he is in the big league now, a source said. Tensions in the Finglas feud Mr Flashy has been involved in have eased since he was jailed. The last major incident linked to it happened in late January when a house associated with the jailed gangster was shot up. Sources said his sidekick has been spotted at this property in recent weeks. The house has been targeted several times by criminals in the feud, which has led to one unsolved murder and dozens of violent incidents. Mr Flashy cannot be named for legal reasons as he is facing several serious charges before the courts in relation to the feud. He has survived a number of assassination attempts, including one in December 2022 when he was present when one of his closest associates was shot in the buttocks and hand on Cardiffsbridge Road, Finglas. Several other associates are involved in a separate feud that led to two deaths in the Christmas Eve restaurant gun attack in Blanchardstown and a number of subsequent arson attacks. I've probably seen one or two overdoses a month which is very unfortunate Cops in California have seized enough of the deadly drug fentanyl to potentially kill 9.6 million people, reports from the US reveal. The 19 kilos (42 pounds) of fentanyl taken off the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin neighbourhood is enough to wipe out the citys entire population of just over 800,000 people 12 times. The drugs were seized in just a 10-block radius of the Tenderloin after Governor Gavin Newsom directed the Californian Highway Patrol (CHP) to act after drug deaths soared. Within six weeks, the CHP working in partnership with the National Guard, San Francisco police, and the district attorney to address the city's fentanyl crisis had recovered 4.2 kilos of the deadly drug by June 2023. Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl were behind one in five deaths of people aged 15-24 in California "Removing that much of it, that many fatal doses that otherwise would be out on our streets being ingested by who knows, that's a huge step forward," Officer Andrew Barclay, a spokesperson for the CHP's Golden Gate Division said. Over the course of the crackdown CHP has also issued more than 6,000 citations leading to almost 500 arrests and the seizure of 15 crime-linked guns. "Our focus from the beginning has been increased patrol in these areas of San Francisco that have been identified as having higher crime or we know that there are, for lack of a better term, these open-air drug markets," Barclay said. Rene Colorado, the Executive Director of the Tenderloin Merchants Association, told ABC7 News: I've probably seen one or two overdoses a month which is very unfortunate. Speaking in the wake of the drug seizures, he said that just because things have improved vastly in the Tenderloin, doesn't mean we're in a good spot. That doesn't mean where we're at is where we're supposed to be, but we are definitely headed in the right direction," he said. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said the CHP was able to come in and do actually things for a while that San Francisco police couldn't do, such as stopping vehicles and issuing citations. Jenkins said. "This simply tells us that we are on the right track in getting there." Governor Newsom said the city still has a long way to go to make sure that we get the Tenderloin and the South of Market area to what it needs to be. "These results are a testament to the effective collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement in San Francisco," Newsom said in a statement. "We will continue to work together to get drugs off our streets, address crime, and make our communities safer." Since February, the Governor's Office says the agency has arrested around 200 suspects and recovered more than 400 stolen cars. Last year, overdoses involving fentanyl were behind one in five deaths of people aged 15-24 in California, which is two to three times the number of those killed in car accidents. According to data compiled by the consulting group California Health Policy Strategies, deaths related to the synthetic opioid, which is 50 times stronger than heroin, have increased 1,027 per cent since 2017. Nationwide, the tally of drug overdose deaths involving fentanyl rose almost four-fold over five years to 2021, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. In the Oregon city of Portland, the citys mayor declared at 90-day state of emergency in January to address the public health and safety crisis driven by the lethal drug. All vehicles are welcome to take part. Please help us send a strong message this Saturday. The people of the Midwest deserve better. Reopen Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns A&Es. Timeline of events leading to man being found dead on floor of UHL emergency department Campaigners vow to bring Limerick to a standstill by staging a major protest against overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick this weekend. The Beep on the Street Drive to Save Lives campaign will drive on from Nenagh to HSE management offices in Raheen in Limerick on Saturday, April 13. The campaign involves one convoy of vehicles converging from three counties, Limerick, Tipperary, and Clare, protesting 15 years of the UHL trolley crisis. In Tipperary, the convoy will assemble at the Springfort Retail Park in Nenagh on Saturday, April 13, at 10.45am, departing at 11am. A convoy will depart Ennis from the Clare Marts Complex at 11am and they will merge with a Limerick convoy at approximately 12pm. Local businesses are being urged to support the protest. Drive to save lives. We are calling on all local business owners who have a company car or van to join us in the protest, not only is it free advertising for you, but youre also showing your support for the community, said Tanya De Vito McMahon, a spokesperson for the campaign group, Nenagh Needs Its A&E. The group is highlighting the ongoing overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), which impacts on patients in Tipperary, Clare and Limerick, and is being organised in association with the Midwest Hospital Campaign. The route from Nenagh will follow the old N7 road via Birdhill, around the Mackey Roundabout near Finnegans and on to Limerick. Convoys from Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns Hospital in Limerick will make their way to HSE Offices, Heuston Hall, Raheen. Please join the Midwest Hospital Campaign this Saturday to drive the message home: one Emergency Department for the Midwest is not enough, said a spokesperson. All vehicles are welcome to take part. Please help us send a strong message this Saturday. The people of the Midwest deserve better. Reopen Ennis, Nenagh and St Johns A&Es. Wear your county colours. Contact us if you want red ribbons for vehicles. Bring everyone. Encourage your local businesses if they have branded cars or trucks to attend. Let's bring this city to a standstill. Anyone who isn't driving can see us off from St Johns. Meanwhile, last Saturday, April 6, marked the fifteenth anniversary of the closure of the Emergency Departments in Nenagh, Ennis, and St Johns and the failed reconfiguration of health services across the Mid-West, added the spokesperson. Separately, the Save Nenagh Community Nursing Unit group has called on the people of Nenagh and surrounding areas to back them in a protest march. A decision has been made by the Regional Executive Officer in HSE Mid-West to utilise a new building in Nenagh for a period of about one year as a step down sub-acute facility which will be run by a private provider with expertise in such services. Opponents have described it as a move towards privatisation. The date of the protest is Saturday, May 11 at 2.30pm, and will start at the old St Conlons Community Nursing Unit (CNU) in Church Road, Nenagh. It will proceed down Church road towards the cinema, then turn right down Pearse Street towards the Market Cross, said spokesperson Anna Treacy. Then left on to Kenyon Street and up to the new Community Nursing Unit beside Nenagh hospital. The posters will be going up around the town in the next few weeks and I will keep everyone updated. Please spread the word and I hope everyone will be able to attend. Thank you all so much for your continued support, added Ms Treacy. In a letter to the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Alan Dillon, Cllr Donnelly has outlined how female politicians are being failed by the government. A Dublin councillor who has spoken out about how she was sexually harassed at a political event several years ago is pleading with new Minister for Local Government, Alan Dillon TD to act urgently on her concerns. Independent Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Councillor Deirdre Donnelly, who previously revealed how she had been assaulted by a public representative, highlighted her concerns with then minister Simon Harris last year. In a letter to the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Alan Dillon, Cllr Donnelly has outlined how female politicians are being failed by the government. Cllr Donnelly, who had also received a series of online pornographic messages and film clips following the assault, is calling on the Minister Dillon to compel political parties to introduce a code of conduct for their members. Gender quotas have been introduced in an effort to encourage more women into political life, Cllr Donnelly said. Cllr Deirdre Donnelly with Simon Harris last year I believe that the same economic incentives should be applied regarding code of conduct of members. There are certain ethics that need to be followed in relation to political donations and other matters and SIPO (Standards In Public Office ) exists to ensure that it happens, but it appears that sexual misconduct is ignored completely. Another issue of concern for Cllr Donnelly is that of duty of care towards elected representatives, similar to that of council employees. Recent legislation was introduced to provide councillors with maternity leave, she pointed out, so surely duty of care towards councillors can also be considered? Cllr Donnelly revealed how her experience has cost her almost 20,000 in legal and medical bills so far, while she was forced to upgrade security and install CCTV in her home. She also feels that as independent candidates must provide their home address on all election material and on the ballot paper at election time this makes it is a lot more difficult for them. The focus so far has been on encouraging women to run for political office but as Ive discovered there is no support once youre elected, she stated. I am appealing to Minister Dillon to address this urgently. When she previously met Minister Simon Harris to highlight her concerns, Cllr Donnelly said she had no idea just how bad the legal system was until I went to a garda station in my own county as a complainant myself. She was shocked at the lack of privacy in the garda station when she first complained, as well as the gardas refusal despite numerous requests to provide her with a copy of her statement. Her biggest concerns, however, related to the use of a victims counselling records in a trial to aid the defence and delays in getting a decision from the DPP on whether a trial will go ahead or not. These matters can cause an already traumatised victim a huge amount of stress, Cllr Donnelly said at the time, as she recalled a wait of almost two years before the DPP finally decided not to prosecute. It is difficult to undergo counselling and try to move on when you do not know if a trial is going ahead or not, she added. This is before we even take the delay in getting to court into account. In relation to the use of counselling records she asked the Minister to consider what would happen if the private meetings the accused had with their lawyer were transcribed and used in court. Is there a constitutional right to privacy, she asked. Why is it that a victim of rape or sexual assault can have their privacy violated in such a manner but the offender on release into the community has a right to privacy regarding his address? During the meeting with Minister Harris, she also highlighted the need for the availability of legal advice from the outset as well as other essential supports. There arent many places in the world when a sapphire ring is found on the ground that it would be safely returned The mystery of the lost ring made it onto RTE News The mystery of a lost engagement ring that had been found in the Wicklow Mountains has been solved. The 1.5 carat blue sapphire ring was still in its pink Chupi box when it was discovered by woman who was out walking at the weekend. Irish jewellers Chupi posted the find on their social media pages in a bid to return the ring to its rightful owners Chupi Sweetman told RTE News how out of the blue, we got a call from someone saying, 'I've found a ring in the woods. "She had waited by the ring for an hour, hoping that someone would come for it, Ms Sweetman revealed. When they didn't, she kindly brought it into us here to our shop in Clarendon Street. Ms Sweetman revealed that the ring which had barely been worn was pretty much brand new. So now we are desperately trying to reunite it with its owner. After posting an appeal for help in tracing the owner of the ring on Instagram, the jewellers revealed that that someone had come forward. There was a bunch of potential leads most of which were dead ends, they posted in an update on Instagram. But Katie our store manager spoke to the people this morning and they confirmed details that only the purchaser would know so we were finally able to find it on our system. They have asked for privacy so we wont be sharing any more details. However, the happy shop did extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you who did so much to return the ring but especially to the incredible lady Treasa who found it. "There arent many places in the world when a sapphire ring is found on the ground that it would be safely returned, it says so much about Ireland and community and above all hope that the ring made it safely back. Ms Sweetman had earlier revealed how some of the speculation about what had happened to the ring "has been wild. "Some of the guesses have been really funny," she said. "So, one was a treasure hunt. Maybe, there was a treasure hunt in the Wicklow Mountains and the person who was proposing forgot the location. "Others suggest, maybe, the proposal went wrong and the person threw away the ring in outrage. Woman who won an award for her youth work is hit with 25 charges Wendy MacBean is now working as a live-in carer in County Donegal This is the former award-winning charity boss who has been charged in connection with an alleged 1m fraud. Wendy MacBean helped to set up the Foyle Youth and Community Association (FYCA) in Derry in 2014 to promote fitness among young people. As a result of her work, MacBean received the Contribution to Youth award at the 2017 Women of the Year awards run by Derry City and Strabane District Council. However, she is facing 25 charges after police investigated how the charity was being run. MacBean (60), from Railway Park in St Johnston, Co Donegal, is accused of trying to defraud Inland Revenue between October 2017 and December 2018 by claiming FYCA had received donations of just over 1m and were thus entitled to claim 252,341.95 in Gift Aid. Through the Gift Aid scheme, a charity is allowed to claim an extra 25p for every 1 it receives in donations. MacBean also faces nine charges of fraud by false representation in relation to claims about donations received by FYCA. She is further charged with nine offences of transferring criminal property from the charitys account to her own account. MacBean is also accused of six counts of forging donation forms and sponsorship forms in the name of FYCA. She was due before Derry Magistrates Court this week for a preliminary enquiry in relation to the charges. However, the case was adjourned until later this month. Wendy MacBean Her solicitor told a previous court hearing that MacBean was currently working as a live-in carer in Donegal on a zero-hour contract earning 600 per week. FYCA, which was previously called Fountain Dance Association, was first registered as a charity in December 2014. The organisation was based at a former toy shop in the Spencer Road area of Derry. The charity said it worked with children between the ages of two-and-a-half and 18. Its aims, according to information supplied to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI), was to encourage young people to lead more active and healthy lives. To support its work, FYCA operated a gym at its base. At the 2017 Women of the Year awards, MacBean was recognised for the work of the charity she had helped to establish a few years earlier. In 2021, the gym run by FYCA, which is no longer operating, won the Best Gym category at the first ever Northern Ireland B-Fit Awards. However, in April 2021, it emerged that the CCNI, which oversees the charity sector in Northern Ireland, had opened a statutory inquiry into FYCA. At the time, a CCNI spokesperson said the inquiry related to concerns over the governance and administration of the charity. CCNI said among actions they had taken on the opening of the inquiry had been to issue orders preventing those involved in the charity from parting with charity property or entering into transactions without the approval of the commission. The commission also appointed two people as additional charity trustees of FYCA. The CCNI has a statutory function to identify and investigate apparent misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of charities. It has the power to institute investigations, with the opening of an inquiry giving the commission access to a range of protective and remedial powers. It is understood that the CCNI passed on its findings about how FYCA was being run to the PSNI. In relation to the criminal charges being faced by MacBean, a CCNI spokesperson said their inquiry into the charity was on hold pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. Dr Stewart Lucas Murrey is suing the women for $2.6m (2.4m) in damages. A man who is suing a number of women after they spread misinformation about him in a Facebook group has had his first case struck out by a Los Angeles court. Dr Lucas Murrey, from Santa Monica in California, is suing the women for $2.6m (2.4m) in damages, claiming that their actions caused him "emotional distress and pain and suffering". He had been the subject of at least one post in Los Angeles chapter of the Are We Dating the Same Guy? Facebook group, a space for women to warn each other about troublesome men or do background checks on their suitors. They typically do this by sharing screenshots of mens online dating profiles and asking if anyone has dated the guy in question. An initial post about Murrey popped up in the group, which currently has 53,000 members, on August 3, with one woman asking: Im curious if anyone has met Lucas in person (Im not sure if thats even his real name) with a series of red flag emojis. Other members then detailed their negative interactions with Murrey in the comments section - some shared screenshots of their dating app conversations while others recalled their disastrous in-person dates. On Monday, the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles threw out the first of more than 50 cases filed by Murrey. This case was filed against one of the women, Vanessa Valdes, after "considering the moving papers, all documents relating to the motion, and oral arguments". The judge also granted an anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuit against public participation) motion, which prevents the abuse of the legal system to silence individuals. Murrey is accusing the women of conspiring to harm the plaintiffs reputation, claiming that some 238 Facebook accounts participated in harming me for over a year on a GoFundMe page set up to cover his legal fees. Some of their acts included posting my pictures without my permission, tracking my whereabouts, conspiring to harass me, fabricating entire stories, and sensationalising their unremarkable interactions with me, he wrote. I support a safe space for women to protect themselves against being stalked, harassed or harmed, and not the other way around. These women exploited the concept of a safe space to gossip, defame and cyberbully anyone at whim. The acts of these defendants are hate-filled and unrelenting. The Yale-educated scholar said that he has never met most of the defendants. I have barely talked to, if ever, any of them. I only recall meeting one of them and her for less than 15 minutes before I left. Any minimal interaction with them was abruptly cut off by my swift rejection. In their GoFundMe page, the women Murrey is suing said: "We were simply coming together to share truthful accounts of our personal experiences. These included valid concerns pertaining to the plaintiff's unsettling behaviour and background, all of which is public information. "It is our opinion that this plaintiff poses a legitimate danger to the women of Los Angeles. Our negative interactions with him have spanned years. We plan to finally put an end to his harassing ways once and for all." The Kildare native enjoyed a "unique adventure on Pig Beach in Exuma and Rose Beach this week. Irish model Tiffany Stanley has shared some sweet photos and videos of her cuddling some pigs in the Bahamas. The Kildare native, who left Ireland for Los Angeles over a decade ago, enjoyed a "unique adventure on Pig Beach in Exuma and Rose Beach this week with her boyfriend Garrett Thomas, which she described as a dream come true. She took to Instagram to share some content from her trip, including a carousel of photos with a sounder of wild pigs. One snap showed her feeding a pig in the crystal-clear ocean, while she posed in her bikini while sitting on a rope swing in another. Captioning the photos, she gave her followers some advice on the best place to meet the little piggies face to face as she wrote: Had a blast at piggy island In Bahamas! Which pic do you like best? As you know I love animals and this was a dream come true. Highly recommend! Rose Island piggies are friendly and you get to pet them, hug them and feed them with treats Pro tip: the wild ones on Exhuma are not tame, super cute but may bite... So my advice is to do Rose Island if you are planning a visit! Tiffany also shared a Reel of her exotic vacation, showing highlights from their holiday in paradise such as stunning beaches, boat trips, and swimming with fish. The Bahamas got the models seal of approval too, as she told her fans that shed recommend the trip overall and shared some more travel tips. This trip was a dream! Highly recommend the Bahamas for a unique adventure. For me, the best part was piggy beach We also went swimming with turtles but sadly they swam away so we didnt get any pics with them! A little boy was making too much noise in the water and they got scared. Best to go with a small group or private boat if you are interested in the turtles! Theres also shark swimming, sting rays and more. Overall, such a great vacation spot. The people are so friendly and kind! 10/10 Ill definitely be back. Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, has announced that as of 1 March 2024, Henrik Ekdahl has been appointed as Managing Director of Ernst Leitz Werkstatten GmbH being responsible for the Leica watch and accessories business Ernst Leitz Werkstatten GmbH, Wetzlar, is majority owned by Leica Camera AG. Prior to working at Ernst Leitz Werkstatten, Henrik held leadership positions working for premium brands globally. Most recently Henrik was Managing Director for the Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen responsible for Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel. Before this, he held key management roles at both the BMW Group, working for Rolls-Royce and BMW, and the Richemont Group, working for Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen. Returning full circle in his career journey, Henrik previously served as the Area Manager for Eastern Europe at Leica Camera AG from 1996 to 1998. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, says, Leica Camera AG has shown tremendous financial results in the recent years. Our brand's strategic vision is committed to expansion and growth, especially in our own retail worldwide. Mechanics and design are key qualities of the Leica DNA and our watches show these qualities. We are delighted to welcome Henrik back to Leica. His expertise will be pivotal in propelling our company towards even greater heights. Leica Camera A Partner for Photography Leica Camera AG, Wetzlar, has announced that as of 1 March 2024, Henrik Ekdahl has been appointed as Managing Director of Ernst Leitz Werkstatten GmbH being responsible for the Leica watch and accessories business. Ernst Leitz Werkstatten GmbH, Wetzlar, is majority owned by Leica Camera AG. Prior to working at Ernst Leitz Werkstatten, Henrik held leadership positions working for premium brands globally. Most recently Henrik was Managing Director for the Swiss luxury watch brand IWC Schaffhausen responsible for Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel. Before this, he held key management roles at both the BMW Group, working for Rolls-Royce and BMW, and the Richemont Group, working for Cartier and IWC Schaffhausen. Returning full circle in his career journey, Henrik previously served as the Area Manager for Eastern Europe at Leica Camera AG from 1996 to 1998. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, says, Leica Camera AG has shown tremendous financial results in the recent years. Our brand's strategic vision is committed to expansion and growth, especially in our own retail worldwide. Mechanics and design are key qualities of the Leica DNA and our watches show these qualities. We are delighted to welcome Henrik back to Leica. His expertise will be pivotal in propelling our company towards even greater heights. Warning: Graphic content A small cut to the back of the head from a barbers clippers developed into a dangerous sepsis infection and a near-leg amputation for a Rotorua man. Since the slip of the clippers in June 2021 Lee Runga has had seven operations and spent more than two years in and out of hospital. At the time of the injury, both Runga and the barber acknowledged the small cut but neither thought it too serious and no action was taken. Two weeks later Runga noticed the cut was swollen and sore - then he fainted at work. I sent him off to the doctor and he was given a topical and oral antibiotic, Rungas wife Debbie Holmes told the Herald. Then later in the week his knee blew up like a balloon and the cut on his head still hadnt healed and was looking even more disgusting. Runga returned to the doctor to have his knee examined and the wound on his head swabbed for infection. Over the weekend the normally fit and healthy mans health declined and on Monday morning he collapsed in the shower. I heard this almighty crash and went in to see him sliding down the shower door, Holmes said. He was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and when we were there the results came back from the cut to his head and it was a staphylococcus infection. The tiny cut from the barber's clippers was infected and grew into a significant boil on the back of Lee Runga's head. Photo supplied. Doctors found the bacterial infection had already developed into sepsis - a life-threatening condition where the body responds incorrectly to an infection and damages its own tissues and organs. The sepsis infection had travelled through Rungas body and attacked his left knee - the site of a cartilage surgery after a rugby injury 20 years earlier. It attacked his knee so badly he had to have three washouts and an aspiration of his knee which was incredibly painful, Holmes said. He went on to have seven operations, a bone graft, and at one stage they were talking about amputating his leg. Doctors considered amputating Lee Runga's knee after sepsis attacked tissue around an old rugby injury. Photo supplied. It was just horrific. It is crazy that it was caused by a nick on the back of his head. Holmes contacted the barbershop when her husband was in hospital and spoke to the manager about the importance of equipment hygiene. I didnt blame anyone because it is just one of those things but we have been back and noticed it is all a lot cleaner now. It hasnt stopped him from going to the barber. Last week Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) released figures that showed up to 30 people a year seek medical treatment after a laceration injury at the barber or hair salon. There were 155 new claims and 141 active claims since the beginning of 2018 costing more than $28,000. The release of figures comes weeks after a mother claimed her 2-year-old son had part of his ear cut off during a trip to the barber. Worksafe looked into the incident but said the injury was not as serious as initial reports suggested. Runga said he wanted to share his story to raise awareness about equipment hygiene and follow-up care if someone was accidentally nicked. Emergency physician Gary Payinda said there should be an industry standard and level of hygiene at all hair salons and barbers. He said equipment such as clippers and scissors could harbour bacteria which was easier transferred between customers. Immediate action after an injury was the best form of defence. It is the same with any cut or graze, the most important action is to rinse the wound thoroughly with water. Payinda said tap water was fine but the wound should be irrigated thoroughly. If a cut later became red, swollen or pus formed, Payinda said medical treatment was needed. If it gets to that stage, or if there is fever, you need to see a general practitioner and get an oral antibiotic which is more effective than anything topical. Kirsty Wynn is an Auckland-based journalist with more than 20 years experience in New Zealand newsrooms. She has covered everything from crime and social issues to the property market and consumer affairs. - Kirsty Wynn, Rotorua Daily Post The identity of one of the two people jointly charged with murdering Mongrel Mob Barbarians gang president Steven Taiatini in Opotiki can now be revealed. Police allege Taiatini was fatally struck by a vehicle on St John St in the Eastern Bay of Plenty town following an altercation on the evening of June 9, 2023. Name suppression lapsed for Richard Collins, 50, of Opotiki when he appeared in the High Court at Tauranga today via an audiovisual link from prison. His lawyer Steven Lack entered a not-guilty plea to the joint murder charge on Collins behalf. Richard David Collins, 50, pleaded not guilty to a charge of murdering Mongrel Mob Barbarians president Steven Taiatini when he appeared in the High Court at Tauranga on April 10. Photo / Alex Cairns. Crown solicitor Anna Pollett told Justice Neil Campbell she opposed continued name suppression for Collins. Justice Campbell agreed and lifted the suppression order. Campbell also granted NZMEs application to photograph the defendant. Collins co-accused also appeared at the hearing in-person. The 38-year-old woman pleaded not guilty to the murder charge through her lawyer Nicholas Dutch. Dutch successfully sought continued interim name suppression for the woman for safety reasons. Justice Campbell remanded both defendants in custody to next appear in the same court on June 12 for a case review hearing. Their trial was scheduled to begin in the Rotorua High Court on October 27 next year. -Bay of Plenty Times. A spiced lamb, salsa, and tapioca cracker snack, crafted by a Tauranga sous chef and a tertiary tutor mentor, has captured the tastebuds of one of the nations top food critics. Sugo restaurants Aditya Raut, supported by Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology mentor Shane Yardley, claimed Cuisine magazines Judges Choice Award during the Battle of the Snack finale, held on the first day of the annual Flavours of Plenty Festival. Cuisine editor Kelli Brett says the tasty entry highlighted Adityas Indian heritage and his initial culinary arts training there. Hes more recently trained at Toi Ohomai and has worked in Auckland and several popular Tauranga eateries. One of the key reasons for developing the Battle of the Snack concept was our desire to recognise and encourage young chefs, so it was a thrill to watch our fantastic mentor chefs working alongside their young proteges to deliver over 1400 snacks in one night! Aditya's winning snack is a testament to his creativity and skill set, delivering the perfect bite under the watchful eye of mentor chef Shane. This win means they'll both earn national exposure in the September issue of Cuisine, alongside our Cuisine Good Food Awards winning chefs for 2024, Kelli says. Diners voted the curried duck croquettes, created by Kristian Soe, as their winner. Diners at the ticketed Battle of the Snack event were asked to vote for the Peoples Choice Award, which went to Papa Mos junior sous chef Kristian Soe who presented a curried duck rillette croquette with coconut ketchup. Kristian was supported by mentor Neil Sapitula, executive chef at Saltwater Seafood Bar & Grill and Solera. A highlight throughout this event was tasting a glimpse of the future within the layers of each snack. Kristian's duck rillette was the perfect example of a traditional classic cleverly turned on its head - with strong guidance from Neil - using innovative and unexpected flavours, Kelli says. The Battle of the Snack was a flagship event for co-host Tourism Bay of Plenty as it manages its third Flavours of Plenty Festival, featuring nearly 50 different foodie events across its coastal region. Judges Choice Award winner Aditya Raut (left) and fellow snack competitors and mentors Leah Knotts, left, Shane Yardley, Perrin Yates, Neil Sapitula, Ian Harrison, Kristian Soe and Samantha Bandara. We love the buzz that it always brings to our regions hospitality sector at this time of the year, festival director Rae Baker says. The Battle of the Snack was one of the first events to sell out. It was a fantastic evening and our guests enjoyed savouring 12 beautifully crafted snacks. Saltwater was a superb host venue. The open kitchen adds a special element and DJ Ayesha Kee made sure the place was pumping. We feel incredibly lucky to have four of our regions most experienced chefs willing to mentor four brilliant up-and-coming future chefs. Its a perfect blend when they ensure that everyone has a load of fun in the process. Were also grateful to local producers Henlee, Wilderkin Spirits, Mount Brewing Co., and Leveret & Mills Reef Winery who generously donated their beverages to this event, Rae says. For more information about the other events featuring in the 4 - 14 April festival, see flavoursofplentyfestival.com. The death of the 71-year-old on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is being attributed to a medical event. Emergency services were called to the crossing on Tuesday, April 9, following the man's death. Police understand it was a medical event not a fall, says a police spokesperson in a statement released today. A helicopter was unable to be deployed due to cloud. "With the support of us, NZ Police, and New Zealand Land Search and Rescue, a rahui has been in place on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing since Tuesday and will be lifted at 6am on Friday, April 12," says a Department of Conservation spokesperson. A rahui sets a temporary prohibition around the rahui area and limits access for that period in order to acknowledge the death and to express sympathy to the whanau of the deceased, says the Department of Conservation. It provides time for tapu - sacredness - to dissipate following the death allowing time for healing and recovery of the natural elements at place as well as the people; in particular the grieving whanau. The Department of Conservation says transport operators for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have been made aware of the rahui. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is located in the Tongariro National Park - New Zealand's oldest national park and a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, 80, and his girlfriend Tiffany Chen, 45, were invited to a sumptuous dinner hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in honor of the arrival of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The lovers held hands while posing for the cameras. ADVERTISIMENT De Niro wore a classic black tuxedo, and Chen wore a white strapless floor-length dress. The star's chosen one added a beige shawl, black shoes and a matching clutch to the look. The couple was in high spirits ahead of the event, which was held in the company of the world's leading politicians and businessmen, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as they were seen smiling on their way to the White House. ADVERTISIMENT The gorgeous date took place just a few days after De Niro and Chen celebrated their daughter's first birthday. The celebrity said that the woman gave birth to a baby in the spring of 2023 - before that, they kept the pregnancy a secret. In total, the actor has six children, five of whom were born in the celebrity's previous marriages. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! Tony Bryant Torremolinos Thursday, 11 April 2024, 10:53 | Updated 10:59h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads Torremolinos will celebrate the Jornadas del Residentes from Friday 12 until Sunday 14 April, three days dedicated to the municipalitys multiple nationalities and the associations that represent them. Held in Plaza del Remo in La Carihuela, the initiative will include their culture, customs and cuisine, along with a craft fair, folklore performances, and live music. The event will also include the participation of organisations like Cudeca, the Hindu Association of Spain, Torremolinos Cubans United, the Ecuadorian Association, the Latin American Association Mano Amiga, Association and Friends of Germany and the Cultural Association of Chile, among others. Along with sampling world cuisine, visitors will enjoy more than 30 live performances over the weekend, including flamenco, Argentine tango, Indian folk, jazz, pop and reggae. The festivities will commence at midday and continue until 11pm on Friday and Saturday, while on Sunday the fun will begin at 11am and finish at 5pm. Zoom The town's mayor, Margarita del Cid announced the residents' day event. SUR The objective of this event is to strengthen ties and promote coexistence between people of different nationalities residing in Torremolinos. The event was presented by the towns mayor, Margarita del Cid, who pointed out that Torremolinos is home to almost 125 different nationalities. This enormous cultural diversity has shaped the character of Torremolinos for many years, and I am convinced that it is decisive for the future. Torremolinos welcomes everyone with open arms, and we are experiencing a significant growth in the population, part of which is due to those residents who register on the census, the mayor said. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. R-rated TMNT movie in works Cowa-bleep-a! An R-rated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie is in the works, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Word is Paramount is developing a live-action film titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, based on the popular comics storyline in a future New York City where one Turtle seeks vengeance after Shredders grandson kills off Splinter and the other Turtles. THR reports Tyler Burton Smith, who co-wrote the upcoming Boy Kills World and the 2019 Chucky horror film, is writing the script. (Parents, dont worry: Theres still a family-friendly TMNT sequel to last years Mutant Mayhem in the works.) Scary Movie reboot Variety reports a Scary Movie reboot is in the works. The original Wayans-led spoof franchise was popular in the early 2000s thanks to funny gags about Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, but a new wave of horror flicks like Smile, M3GAN and Five Nights at Freddys are expected to fuel the new iteration from Paramount Pictures and Fast and Furious producer Neal H. Moritz. The first new Scary Movie is expected to start shooting later this year and hit theaters in 2025. MORE BUZZ: Monopoly movie in works from Margot Robbie ( ET G.I. Joe, Transformers crossover movie in the works ( SF Heroes reboot in the works with original creator ( Variety Blair Witch Project remake coming from Blumhouse ( E! Joker 2 trailer: Lady Gagas Harley Quinn in Folie A Deux ( SF Missy Elliott to headline first-ever tour ( BB Bridgerton season 3 trailer ( ET The Apprentice: First look at Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump ( RS Billie Eilish to release third album next month ( BB Jessica Alba steps down from The Honest Company role ( ET Wynonna Judds daughter arrested for indecent exposure ( BB Ice Spice to make acting debut in Spike Lee movie ( E! Five Nights at Freddys 2 coming in 2025 ( SF Melrose Place reboot in works with Heather Locklear ( ET Mister Cee, legendary NY DJ, dies ( BB Buzz is a daily roundup of entertainment news about movies, TV, music and celebrities. Syracuse, N.Y. An Onondaga County judge has dropped a murder charge against a Syracuse man accused of participating in an exchange of gunfire that left one man with a fatal gunshot to the head. Niheim Martin, 26, was charged with second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon for the April 2022 death of 24-year-old Josh Williams on the citys Southwest Side. Syracuse, NY -- Three organizations catering to Syracuse-area youth will receive CPR training kits as part of a donation from St. Josephs Hospital Health Center. The donations, valued at $725 each, will go to: Syracuse, N.Y. A former Cornell University student could face time in federal prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to making threats of violence against Jewish students last fall at the university. Patrick Dai, 21, pleaded guilty in federal court in Syracuse to a single count of threatening to kill or injure another person using interstate communications. He will be sentenced this summer. By Tim Balk | New York Daily News Protracted negotiations over the 10-day-late New York State budget remain unsettled and are likely to spill past the end of the week, lawmakers said Wednesday, as intricate talks over housing policy present the central sticking point. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a centrist Buffalo Democrat, and the left-leaning Democrats who control the Legislature once hoped to broker a budget agreement by the nominal April 1 deadline. For weeks, the governor and legislators in the Assembly and Senate have been seeking an elusive housing compromise that could revive a lapsed tax break for developers and establish new protections for New Yorks beleaguered tenants. Progressive lawmakers have sought legislation that would limit landlords ability to push out tenants without cause, or to institute steep rent hikes. The governor has long been resistant to aspects of the progressives efforts. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, declared last week that negotiators had reached the same neighborhood on housing. A week earlier, he told reporters: I dont know if were in the same country yet. But I think were at least on the same planet. But its not clear if the Legislature and the governor have reached the same room. Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a Manhattan Democrat, suggested Wednesday that the state could be headed for a matzo budget one arriving in time for Passover, which begins April 22. The talks have been delayed, in part, by scheduling challenges posed by the Easter holiday weekend and the solar eclipse. On Wednesday, Hochul visited Washington to meet with the White House, a trip that figured to limit any immediate budget progress. A spokesman for Hochul, Avi Small, declined Tuesday to make any predictions about when a budget deal might materialize. He said the governor was working with lawmakers to craft a budget that would make New York more affordable, more livable and safer. Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, chairwoman of the Housing Committee, said by phone Tuesday that a housing deal could not come together without tenant protections, but that the extent of those protections remains a question mark. I dont think all the puzzle pieces have been decided, added Rosenthal, a Manhattan Democrat. Officials from Mayor Adams administration have urged Albany to reach a comprehensive housing deal, as the city works to lift its lowest housing vacancy rate in more than a half century. The Adams administration wants a new supply-boosting tax program, tenant protections, the culmination of a cap on density and the ability to legalize basement apartments, said Maria Torres-Springer, the deputy mayor for housing. I know that our lawmakers and our partners in Albany fully recognize what is at stake, Torres-Springer said in an interview after a recent trip to Albany. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the Senate majority leader, told a news conference Tuesday that the talks have reached the beginning of the end. But the end is hard, acknowledged Stewart-Cousins, a Westchester County Democrat. Weve still got work to do. Obviously. The Citizens Budget Commission has rapped often-tardy Albanys knuckles over the delay. Last year, the budget was approved a full month late. Andrew Rein, president of the commission, warned that late budgets erode public confidence in government. And he criticized a lack of transparency in the budget process. A little late is worth the wait, but only if the budgets great, he quipped. Were getting past a little late. Without a budget on the books, lawmakers have resorted to passing stopgap measures to keep the state government open. Housing has not been the only sticking point. The Legislature has also pushed back on a proposal from Hochul that could cut more than $1 billion from Medicaid programs in New York. Lawmakers have countered with plans to lift state Medicaid reimbursement funding. Hochul first outlined her budget plans in January, presenting a $233 billion blueprint that avoided hot-button nonfiscal issues such as bail reform. She described her plan as fiscally responsible given sizable deficits projected in future years. Lawmakers have worked to push the price tag up. Last month, the two chambers of the Legislature unveiled their own budget plans, which would lift spending to about $246 billion. The Legislature and the governor are aligned on some issues, such as spending on the citys migrant crisis. Both sides have supported a $2.4 billion investment for asylum seekers. While a broader deal remains out of reach, Hochul has seemed to bend on one headline issue. Her initial budget proposal would have significantly changed how state school funding, called Foundation Aid, is distributed. The governors plan threatened to cut funding for suburban and upstate schools by ending the so-called hold harmless policy, which ensures schools receive at least as much state funding as in the prior year, regardless of enrollment declines. Under the governors initial plan, about half the school districts in the state were projected to lose funding year over year. Hochuls school funding proposal met with strong bipartisan criticism. And last week, the governor indicated she would back off major changes, at least for this year. But she maintained that the states school funding formula is anachronistic, and she pledged to reform it next year. 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss told us what advice the late Queen Elizabeth II gave her. The politician admitted that she regrets not listening to the monarch's words. ADVERTISIMENT Truss shared this in her memoirs titled "Ten Years to Save the West," the Daily Mail reports. The Queen advised her "not to rush." The British figure's 49 days in office were marked by economic turmoil including reforms that caused the pound to fall before she left Downing Street. The former Prime Minister spoke with the royal two days before the terrible news hit the UK. During the 20-minute discussion in Balmoral, where Elizabeth II later died, the monarch was fragile and attentive to her guests. ADVERTISIMENT "At the end of our conversation, she warned me that being a prime minister is incredibly 'aging'. She also gave me some advice: "Take your time". Perhaps I should have listened," the book says. Truss recalls his thoughts after the news of Elizabeth II's death: "Why me? Why now?" The politician said she burst into tears "on the couch." She added: "Once again, grief was mixed with a sense of respect for the enormity of the event and the fact that it happened in front of my eyes." ADVERTISIMENT The politician added that, despite the pressure, her first meeting with King Charles evoked "a strange sense of camaraderie as we were both starting in new roles and had to navigate unfamiliar territory." By that time, Tory MPs had already begun to take steps to relieve Trass of her duties. When she curtsied to Charles, he asked, "So you're back again?" Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime. Queen Mary of Denmark made a public appearance in a deep cabbage-colored suit, breaking her own style rule. The royal is known for her eco-friendly approach to fashion: she can often be seen wearing outfits she has worn before. ADVERTISIMENT This time, however, Mary surprised the public by wearing a bright blue trouser ensemble. It was reported by HELLO. The asymmetrical basque jacket emphasized her figure, while the flared trousers looked elegant when paired with matching Jimmy Choo heels. The queen's look was completed with wavy hair and a brown smokey eye with pink lipstick. ADVERTISIMENT The 52-year-old monarch added gold earrings and two exquisite necklaces with the initials of her husband, King Frederick, as well as their four children - Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 16, and 13-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. Mary made a public appearance on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the association, which helps talented people with autism and other disabilities find employment. The event took place on the territory of the National Museum in Copenhagen. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Top Grassland Farmers receive Awards The Overall Winner of the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year 2023 is Patrick ONeill from County Longford. The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award is now in its seventh year and recognises the best grassland farmers in the country who are growing and utilising more grass on their farms. The Overall Winner of the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award for 2023 is Patrick ONeill from County Longford. He is pictured receiving the award in Teagasc, Ballyhaise from Charlie McConalogue T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Also pictured are Tom ONeill, Sean ONeill and Michelle ONeill. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the farmers and students here today and especially their families. Families are so important to successful farms, fulfilling a range of roles, and providing vital support." The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. presented the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the year awards today, Thursday, 11 April at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College. The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with an overall prize fund of 33,000. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. congratulated all of the winners on their grassland awards. He said; You are a credit to your families and to the agri sector. I congratulate you all for being here today and well done to the overall winner Patrick O Neill and his family. You can all be really proud of your achievements. The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro and the Irish Farmers Journal. The Grass10 programme has placed an ongoing focus on improving nutrient management and efficiency on farms and clover establishment and its management. Farmer Category winners: Patrick O'Neill, County Longford. Dairy Category William Gilmore, County Galway. Drystock Category Evan Hunt, County Sligo. Young Farmer Category Kevin O'Hanlon, County Carlow. Organic Category Killian Brennan, County Cavan. Nutrient Management Category Michael Carroll, County Limerick. Nutrient Management Category Student Section Mark Phillips, County Monaghan. Student Category Joint Winner Ballyhaise College Ronan Carroll, County Tipperary. Student Category Joint Winner Kildalton College Simon Biggins, County Mayo. Student Category Finalist Mountbellew College Thomas Mellett, County Mayo. Student Category Finalist Pallaskenry College Darragh Tattan, County Cork. Student Category Finalist Clonakilty College Chair of the Grass10 Committee, John MacNamara said; It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the farmers and students here today and especially their families. Families are so important to successful farms, fulfilling a range of roles, and providing vital support. This is the All Ireland title for grassland farmers. You can be proud of being here today. You are all winners. Its great to bring this awards presentation to Ballyhaise, to this part of the country. Speaking on behalf of the competition judges, Aidan Brennan, Irish Farmers Journal thanked the farmers for taking part in the competition. He said: The judges were impressed with the levels of grass production and management. We looked over data for a number of years. The prominence of clover has increased on farms, in line with our environmental ambitions. Nutrient management is becoming more important. If you have clover in your swards, you dont need to spread as much chemical Nitrogen. Nutrient use efficiency and Nitrogen surplus are new terms being used on farms, and are part of the KPIs now on farms. Congratulating the grassland farmers today, Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research in Teagasc said: You are all being recognised here today with these awards because of the exceptional job you are doing at home on your farms, in terms of growing and utilising grass in your production systems. This years awards place an increased focus on improving Nutrient Use Efficiency on grassland farms; and also the adoption of Clover in grassland swards. The judging panel for the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year competition consisted of Liz Hyland DAFM, John Maher and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10; John Farrell, AIB; Colin Heaney, FBD; John OLoughlin, and David Corbett, Grassland Agro; Aidan Brennan, and Declan Collins, Irish Farmers Journal. Results of New study to improve the management of agricultural soils and fertiliser use New soil data, maps and research findings, the results of the 5-year Terra Soil project, carried out by Geological Survey Ireland and Teagasc, will be released at its final conference on Friday, 12 April 2024 Over 10,000 soil samples have been analysed and investigated to help better understand soil phosphorus behaviour and soil properties across the northern half of the country. New maps and outputs from the research highlight variations in both chemical and physical soil parameters across different regions. Patterns of soil health, in particular phosphorus behaviour interpolated based on geochemical analysis, will better inform phosphorus management. In addition, micro and macro nutrients such as Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn and Zn (Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc) have been determined and mapped for concentration and Soil Indices. The novel use of infra-red spectroscopy (MIR) has enabled a new predictive method for determining soil particle size (% sand, silt, and clay), texture class, pH, lime requirement, organic matter, total carbon, total nitrogen, total organic carbon and cation exchange capacity. MIR is a cost-effective and rapid way of analysing multiple soil properties simultaneously. The Terra Soil project has demonstrated how we can apply multiple datasets to develop soil compaction and leaching potential risk assessment models. The project team from the Tellus Programme, in Geological Survey Ireland, and Teagasc hope this new information will help farmers optimise the management of their soils and enhance soil health based on a better understanding of spatial patterns of texture, phosphorus, carbon and other nutrients. While scientists will use the new information to better understand Irish soils and support Irelands response to the upcoming EU soil monitoring and resilience law. Koen Verbruggen, Director of Geological Survey Ireland, commented: The Terra Soil project has been a successful collaboration between Geological Survey Ireland and Teagasc taking complex scientific data and applying the results to produce useable agronomic indicators which have a practical benefit to the farmer. This is a great example of two state bodies sharing skills, data and information, and working closely together to improve our understanding of soil, which is of vital importance, not just for farmers, but all of us in Ireland. John Spink, Head of the Teagasc Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme added: The collaboration has advanced our ability to rapidly analyse soil samples and use the information to predict and map multiple soil variables to help visualise patterns in soil texture and behaviour of soil nutrients to better inform how we manage soils. Following from this successful collaboration, we very much look forward to working with our colleagues in Geological Survey Ireland in the future. The Terra Soil final conference will be held at Ashtown Research centre on Friday, 12 April 2024. New data reports and over 30 new maps will be released via the project website here. All data and maps will be made freely available to all. Discussions on the next phase and surveys for the rest of Ireland will also be held. Further information is available at tellus@gsi.ie In Moscow, a woman filed a police report against her son because he started learning Ukrainian. Among the other hobbies of the son that caused concern for the mother were gym classes, reading the Koran, and studying the structure of drones, shells, and mines. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the pro-Kremlin Mash channel. Before, the 24-year-old was not interested in anything like that. But after he traveled to the Far East and was probably less influenced by Russian propaganda, he returned nine months later with new interests that his mother did not like. "Suddenly, I became interested in jogging, weightlifting, and literature on weapons exclusively in Ukrainian. He crammed the language and reads the Koran in his leisure time," pro-Kremlin media wrote. The Russian woman tried to convince him to give up his hobbies, but he refused. Therefore, the woman could not think of anything better than to write a denunciation against her own son to the police so that they would return her son to the "righteous path." Earlier, in the Novosibirsk region of Russia, a teacher had to write an explanatory note after an anonymous denunciation of her to the Ministry of Education. The complaint stated that her wedding photos against the backdrop of a church were "intimate". ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel and Viber . Don't fall for fakes! Why it matters: Video production can be a tedious process, but AI has come to the rescue once again with Sony's new flagship 4K PTZ camera. The camera's automated tracking and framing capabilities eliminate the need for manual adjustments and guesswork. Sony just unveiled its latest flagship 4K pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, and it's packing some serious AI smarts into a tiny body. The BRC-AM7 is being billed as the world's smallest and lightest in its category, measuring under 7 inches wide and just over 8 inches tall, while weighing a mere 8 pounds. But don't let the compact size fool you - this little shooter is loaded with imaging tech. The headliner is Sony's PTZ Auto Framing feature powered by AI object tracking. Essentially, the camera uses built-in AI to automatically keep your subject in frame and focus based on a person's body, head, face, clothing, and other visual cues. The AI framing also pairs with ultra-smooth pan/tilt movements at speeds ranging from 0.004 degrees per second up to 180 degrees per second for natural-looking automated camera movements. Sony didn't skimp on the imaging prowess either. By combining the 1.0-type 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) compatible stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest image-processing engine BIONZ XR, the BRC-AM7 achieves 4K 60p high-resolution imagery with less noise. 5K oversampling allows users to capture high-resolution 4K video, and it also supports 4K HDR imagery, which depicts both bright and dark scenes clearly. You also get the classic Sony color science with popular picture profiles like S-Cinetone and S-Log3 for easy grading. Moreover, the integrated 20x optical zoom lens (with Clear Image Zoom up to 40x at FHD) lets you punch in for tight shots without quality loss. On the practical side, the tiny footprint allows positioning just about anywhere - ceilings, cranes, even mounted on a tripod. Robust IP connectivity provides remote streaming over networks thanks to support for SRT, RTMP, RTSP, NDI3, and optical fiber. The BRC-AM7 seems tailor-made for live production scenarios like broadcasting, sports, concerts, or any event where keeping fast-moving talent framed up is crucial. Sony expects the camera to begin shipping in early 2025. You will also find it on display April 14-17, 2024, at the Sony booth at the National Association of Broadcasters show in Las Vegas. Sony adds that the feedback on its AI-based tracking and framing tech has been tremendous so far, so it's expanding those capabilities to additional models, including the FR7 full-frame. A hot potato: Joining the list of people who support the US government's attempt to force ByteDance into diversifying TikTok is Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla. The OpenAI backer didn't hold back when talking about the popular short-form video platform, noting that it could be weaponized by a foreign adversary. He also called the app programmable fentanyl whose effects are under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In an op-ed piece for the Financial Times, Khosla wrote that while many in Silicon Valley are opposed to the government's bill that will force ByteDance to sell TikTok, he staunchly supports it. Khosla writes that neither himself nor his companies stand to gain or lose anything based on the outcome of the bill, but he believes it will prevent a foreign adversary, i.e., China, from controlling a platform to deploy "persuasive AI." The billionaire says this could be used to surreptitiously manipulate US citizens, compromise elections, push divisive content, and otherwise promote the objectives of the CCP. Khosla notes that the Chinese government placed the TikTok algorithm on a restricted list of technologies in 2020 that prevents its export without government approval. He says it's why China will refuse to divest the app if the bill becomes law. This will lead to it being blocked on US app stores and web hosting platforms, and could even see ISPs blocking traffic to TikTok, and social networks being forced to stop videos from the app from being shared. While a full-on ban sounds extreme, Khosla's belief that the Chinese government will hold tightly to TikTok is shared by former White House Chief Information Officer (CIO) Theresa Payton. She warns that US tech firms should prepare for a ban for this very reason. Khosla points out that the US banned Huawei routers in telecoms networks over surveillance fears, so it stands to reason that TikTok should face the same consequences. As for the Free Speech argument, he says that the legislation targets TikTok's owners; it doesn't censor the app's content. There's also the claim that the worst elements of using TikTok potential addiction among young people are absent in China. Chinese users aged 14 and younger can only use the country's version of the app, Douyin, for 40 minutes per day. "Spinach for Chinese kids, fentanyl another chief export of China's for ours," Khosla said. "Worse still, TikTok is a programmable fentanyl whose effects are under the control of the CCP." The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act would also force other foreign-owned social media platforms to be sold if they are deemed a threat to national security. Someone who isn't a fan of a potential ban is Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. He says he doesn't understand it and called the US government hypocritical for targeting just one social media platform for tracking users when they all do it. President Biden gave his blessing to the bill a few days after it was passed by Congress last month. However, the bill is facing delays in the Senate. A hot potato: The use of smartphones by children has long been a contentious subject. In the UK, ministers are considering giving parents more control by banning the sale of the devices to anyone under the age of 16. It's a move that has the support of most parents in the country. The discussions come as the UK clamps down on smartphones use among young people. In February, the government issued guidance on the use of the devices in English schools in order to reduce disruption and improve behavior. It was suggested that schools could ban handsets by requiring students to leave phones at home, hand them in upon arrival, store them in inaccessible lockers, or prohibit their use in classrooms. Banning phone sales to under 16s is one of the measures being considered to protect children from the potential dangers of social media, as well as other online threats such as crime, cyberbullying, exposure to pornography, and hacking. A recent survey of 2,496 parents of school-age children in England found 58% believe the government should ban smartphones for under 16s. It also revealed that four out of five parents felt smartphones were harmful to children and young people. Another survey found 64% thought a ban on selling phones to under 16s was a good idea. Only 20% felt it was a bad idea. Parentkind survey The mother of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old schoolgirl murdered last year, has called for "children's phones" designed specifically for under 16s that cannot run social media apps, which sounds like "dumb" or feature phones. The Guardian notes that some politicians are nervous about the government overstepping its boundaries and microparenting. One source said the government was only meant to make parents more aware of online child protections, such as website restrictions and parental controls in apps. A poll last year found that 97% of children have a phone by the age of 12 in the UK, while 99% of teens have one by the time they are 17. Meta has just announced it is expanding its campaign to protect young Instagram users by testing a feature that will blur explicit images sent in direct messages to minors. It's hoped that in addition to stopping people from seeing unwanted nudes, it will also help prevent sextortion incidents. Masthead: RDNE Stock project The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced newly established national limits for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," in drinking water across the United States. PFAS are a class of chemicals known for their persistence in the environment, posing significant health risks even at minimal exposure levels. EPA Announce First PFAS Limits on Drinking Water According to CNBC, the EPA's decision marks the first time such limits have been set on six types of PFAS. These chemicals, known for their resistance to degradation, have been associated with a myriad of health issues, including cancer, heart disease, and reproductive problems. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the importance of this action, stating that "One hundred million people will be healthier and safer because of this action." "Drinking water contaminated with PFAS has plagued communities across this country for too long," Regan added. The EPA's limits specifically target two widely used PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, setting their threshold at 4 parts per trillion in public drinking water. Additionally, three other PFAS chemicals, including older versions like PFNA and PFHxS, and newer variants like GenX, are restricted to 10 parts per trillion. The EPA's standards reflect the lowest detectable levels, underscoring the agency's commitment to minimizing exposure to these harmful substances. SAN FRANCISCO, CA - MARCH 15: A case of bottled water sits on a shelf in an office on March 15, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The multi-million dollar bottled water industry continues to prosper despite outrage from environmentalists who point out that at least half of the empty bottles end up in landfills instead of being recycled. Environmental groups are encouraging people to use reusable containers and get their water from the tap which is safe to drink in over 90 percent of the United States. The Threat of PFAS to Americans Furthermore, the Washington Post reports that nearly every American has measurable amounts of PFAS in their blood, indicating the widespread nature of this contamination. The federal regulation, which applies to 66,000 public water systems nationwide, will require utilities to conduct extensive monitoring and reduce PFAS levels to comply with the standards. While the EPA estimates that only six to ten percent of utilities will need to take action, the cost implications are significant, with an estimated $1.5 billion per year allocated for compliance efforts. The Biden administration has allocated substantial funding, including $9 billion from the bipartisan infrastructure package, to address PFAS contamination in water systems. This funding underscores the administration's commitment to mitigating the risks posed by these chemicals and ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans. Despite these proactive measures, concerns remain regarding the broader scope of PFAS exposure. While the EPA's limits address specific PFAS variants, there are over 12,000 types of PFAS, indicating the need for continued vigilance and regulatory efforts. The EPA's establishment of national limits for PFAS in drinking water represents an important milestone in environmental and public health protection. By setting stringent standards and providing necessary funding, the government aims to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS contamination and ensure access to safe drinking water for millions of Americans. Stay posted here at Tech Times. After recent surveys showed substantial support, the UK government is considering banning the sale of smartphones to individuals under 16. This proposal comes amid growing worries about the health effects of excessive smartphone use and social media applications on minors. Recent surveys show considerable support for such limits. 58% of UK parents think the government should prohibit smartphones for under-16s, according to a March Parentkind study. More than four in five parents are worried about smartphone dangers of smartphones to children and teens, The Guardian reported. Smartphone Ban Proposal Criticized According to another More in Common study, 64% of respondents supported a ban on selling smartphones to under-16s, while 20% opposed it. 72% of 2019 Tory voters and 61% of Labour supporters supported the proposed UK smartphone ban. However, some oppose such efforts. Conservatives have criticized the notion as "out of touch" and stressed parental responsibility for children's online habits. While the UK government supports internet kid safety, micromanaging family decisions may be inappropriate, according to a government official. A UK government representative declined to comment on smartphone ban rumors but emphasized the government's commitment to online kid protection, noting the upcoming Online Protection Act. Notably, according to a Pew Research Center study, 40% of teens have cut back on social media. The study suggests a change away from today's youth's always-online attitude. The research raises worries about teenage smartphone and social media use. The statistics show that 38% of kids say they spend "too much" time on cell phones and 27% on social media. Read Also : Can AI Replace Humans in Future Market Research? New Study Has Some Answers Teenagers hang on to their smartphones in Marseille, southern France, on June 27, 2022. The influence of social media on young users' mental health and well-being has raised concerns among US parents, educators, and politicians. US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy worries that the 13-year-old social media sign-up age may be too early for kids. Multiple US states have challenged teen social media regulations. Youth Spending Too Much Time on Smartphones According to Pew, numerous children are imposing stronger tech restrictions to address their internet addictions. Despite these issues, 95% of US youth have smartphones. A December Pew poll found that one-third of youth use YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook "almost constantly." Moreover, the survey shows that teen females are more likely than boys to think they use their phones too much (44% vs. 33%). The study of 1,453 13 to 17-year-old US youths and their parents examined youngsters' emotional responses to being without their smartphones. It showed that 72% of teens feel happy "sometimes" or "often" after turning off the screens, but 44% were anxious, according to CNN. Although adolescents have mixed feelings about smartphones, 67% think they outweigh the risks for their age. While 42% say smartphones make social skills harder to develop. The American Psychological Association advises early social media literacy training for teenagers to promote psychological development and digital literacy to reduce risks. In response to these challenges, Harvard University researchers teach mental health social media influencers to share accurate, evidence-based information. TechTimes previously reported that the program aims to flood online platforms with scientific knowledge to combat the mental health risks of excessive use of social media. US authorities expressed concern about China's fast space advancements, which might challenge US space dominance solidified by the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969. At the 39th Space Symposium on Tuesday (Apr. 9), US authorities noted China's recent actions as a purposeful endeavor to rise in space dominance, as reported by Space.com. US Space Command Chief General Stephen Whiting noted China's rapid advancement in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites during 2018. Whiting worried about China's Pacific Ocean "kill web" to identify and attack US and allied military assets. US' Space Rivals Pose Threat In addition to monitoring, China employs kinetic hit-to-kill and co-orbital anti-satellite (ASAT) systems, according to Whiting. China demonstrated its ASAT capabilities in 2007 when it destroyed a meteorological satellite, resulting in debris in Earth's orbit. Whiting also emphasized Russia's space aggression, citing ASAT tests and satellite expansions. Both countries' efforts indicate a strategic move toward space warfare. US officials stressed the importance of aggressive space technology leadership. Troy Meink of the National Reconnaissance Office underscored reconnaissance satellite innovation and resilience, while Heidi Shyu of the Department of Defense addressed space capability diversification. "Our competitors are actively seeking ways to threaten our capabilities, and we see this every day," Meink noted. Officials hope for peaceful settlements despite rising tensions. Whiting emphasized the US Space Command's commitment to averting space wars and the harm it does to US and global interests. This update comes after Chinese researchers found an essential defect in NASA's hypersonic aerodynamics modeling software. According to Interesting Engineering, they found NASA's Langley Research Center's Vulcan-CFD software failing to replicate hypersonic vehicle surfaces' complex chemistry at high speeds. A mock-up of the the LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehicle) is shown on a screen during a news conference to announce the new vehicle which will help Artemis astronauts explore the Moon on future missions, at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on April 3, 2024. According to experts from the National University of Defense Technology Hypersonic Technology Laboratory, Vulcan-CFD may produce inaccurate results, especially in high-temperature ablation simulations. The peer-reviewed study published in Acta Aerodynamica Sinica highlighted the difficulties of predicting chemical reactions at speeds greater than Mach 5. At high speeds, aircraft-air friction creates severe temperatures that may ionize air molecules and cause chemical reactions. Failure to appropriately predict these events might hinder hypersonic vehicle development. Moreover, the study by Chinese experts warns that faulty modeling may cause aircraft surface degradation and changes in air temperature or density, potentially compromising safety and performance. NASA's Vulcan-CFD uses sophisticated computational fluid dynamics to simulate compressible and turbulent Navier-Stokes flows. The US Space Agency designed the software to simulate complicated finite-rate chemistry and thermodynamic non-equilibrium processes, but current findings question its ability to simulate hypersonic flight. White House Mandates NASA to Establish New Lunar Time Zone Meanwhile, in response to changing space exploration dynamics, the White House has ordered NASA to create a new lunar time zone amid the intensifying current space race between the US, China, Japan, India, and Russia, per a previous TechTimes report. The policy document describes NASA's development of Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC), the official time standard for future lunar missions. By 2026, NASA must have established LTC. LTC implementation requires cooperation between the US Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation. The measure emphasizes international collaboration, particularly with Artemis Accord members. The 2020 Artemis Accords propose space exploration guidelines for 37 countries, excluding China and Russia. As Moon and Mars missions rise, Office of Science and Technology Policy Deputy Director for National Security Steve Welb emphasizes the need for uniform time standards for space operations. The NASA Artemis mission would add another historic landmark for its future ventures, with a Japanese astronaut reportedly joining the flight and landing on the Moon. The astronaut remains unnamed, but reports claimed that a new agreement between the United States and Japan was confirmed earlier today, and the Japanese native will join the future crew. If this is confirmed more solidly in the future, it will be the first time that a non-American astronaut will venture to and land on the lunar surface. NASA Artemis: First Japanese Astronaut Joining the Moon Mission reported that the US and Japan have agreed to include an unnamed Japanese astronaut in their four-person crew for the future Artemis mission. This will take the said Japanese astronaut to the Moon, the first time the US will open its lunar vessel to an international crewmember for a trip to the natural satellite. This was announced earlier when Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida went to Washington for a state visit, meeting with US President Joe Biden last Wednesday, April 10. It follows the late last year announcement of the US government regarding landing international astronauts to the Moon, as part of the Artemis mission under NASA. Historic Artemis: First Lady and Non-American Astronauts The future Artemis missions will feature the first lady astronaut from NASA to land on the Moon, as well as the aforementioned Japanese astronaut. However, there are also other non-American astronauts slated for a trip to the Moon. 2025's Artemis II will feature one Canadian astronaut for the fly-by, and future missions will launch three European Space Agency astronauts and another Canadian crew member to venture to the Lunar Gateway. That being said, the Japanese astronaut was the only one revealed for a lunar landing. NASA Artemis Moon Mission The Artemis Moon mission is more than the United States and NASA's plans to return to the natural satellite, as it brings more meaning to the modern space exploration industry alongside partnerships and collaborations. Countries like Japan, Australia, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, EU nations like Greece, and more are also supporting the Artemis Accords. For NASA's Moon mission itself, it is also pumping the brakes for its upcoming launch missions, particularly as earlier this year, the space agency announced a one-year delay for all missions. The American space agency is prioritizing 'crew safety' for future missions, with 2025 marking the mission window for Artemis II and the astronaut crew going on a fly-by mission. The first landings will still take place before the end of the decade, with 2026 ushering in the return of humans to the Moon with the Artemis III crewed mission. With the US and Japan's confirmation, a Japanese astronaut will join the fated Artemis crew for their lunar venture, marking two pages in the history books at once, centering on the first female crew member and non-American astronaut coming to the Moon. A former Boeing engineer has reportedly claimed that certain planes from the aircraft giant, specifically the 787 Dreamliner, could fall apart while flying. Boeing denies the claims, but an investigation is already underway by the Federal Aviation Administration. In conversations with The New York Times and documents submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration, the engineer who worked on the aircraft, Sam Salehpour, described his claims in detail. An F.A.A. spokesperson acknowledged that the agency was looking into the claims but would not comment further. (Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) A Japan Airlines Boeing 787 airplane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as seen from El Segundo, California, on September 11, 2023 Mr. Salehpour's resume shows he has worked at Boeing for over ten years. He claimed that the issues were caused by modifications to how the massive parts were assembled and secured on the production line. According to him, the aircraft's fuselage comprises multiple sections that are not precisely the same shape when assembled from various suppliers. Salehpour is expected to testify at a congressional session next week, remaining true to his concerns. The whistleblower has been invited to testify on April 17 before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's investigations subcommittee, according to Gizmodo. Read Also: Am I Flying on a Boeing? This Website Will Let You Know Your Plane's Manufacturer Boeing's Response Boeing has acknowledged the existence of the production modifications that Salehpour has mentioned, but it disputes any safety concerns. In response to the Times, Boeing states that it has complete faith in the 787 Dreamliner and that any reports of safety concerns are unfounded and do not consider the many measures Boeing has taken to guarantee the aircraft's long-term and high-quality safety. A wide-body jet, the Dreamliner uses less fuel for lengthy flights than many other aircraft types, thanks partly to its lightweight composite structure. When it was first delivered in 2011, the twin-aisle aircraft caused problems for Boeing in addition to racking up orders. Boeing's Woes Last month, amid mounting worries about safety mishaps and manufacturing issues, Boeing's CEO, Dave Calhoun, resigned from the position. The board then chose Steve Mollenkopf to take Kellner's place as the independent board chair. In this capacity, Mollenkopf will oversee the board's selection of the subsequent CEO for Boeing. Calhoun stressed his dedication to leading Boeing through its present difficulties and setting the business up for the future. He will hold this position until the end of 2024. Boeing also disclosed Calhoun's departure and two other significant leadership changes. The incumbent Board Chair, Larry Kellner, has decided not to run for reelection at the next Annual Shareholder meeting. Steve Mollenkopf has been chosen to take over as the new independent board chair and will be in charge of choosing Boeing's next chief executive officer. In addition, Stan Deal, the President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), has decided to retire from the firm. As of right now, Stephanie Pope has been named as BCA's CEO. Calhoun thanked Boeing for the chance to work for them, acknowledged the business's difficulties, and reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring quality and safety come first in all he does. Related Article: Boeing Directs Employees to Take 'Immediate Actions' After FAA Finds Shocking Production Flaws (Photo: Tech Times) Google will officially offer many of its AI editing tools to Google Photos users for free starting on May 15, with a gradual release. The AI editing tools will reportedly include Google's Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and Portrait Light. Google says these AI editing tools can improve users' photos without needing expert editing abilities. Examples of what they can do are remove background distractions and unblur hazy photos. The tech giant also said that Pixel Tablets will have access to the AI tools. (Photo: LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images) A picture taken on November 20, 2017, shows logos of US multinational technology company Google displayed on computers' screens. The AI tools will come with the Magic Editor, which was released a year ago on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This editor uses generative AI to simplify and make difficult photo modifications easy to execute with simple, intuitive actions, such as moving a subject or changing the gray sky to blue. All Pixel smartphones will now have enhanced access to Magic Editor. Furthermore, 10 Magic Editor saves will be sent to all Google Photos users on iOS and Android each month. To exceed this limit, users will require a Pixel device or a Premium Google One plan. Read Also: Google's Potential HubSpot Acquisition Sparks Antitrust Concerns Google Premium Google's announcement comes after reports surfaced that the tech giant is looking to charge for its AI-powered search features. The internet giant may start charging its clients for their services with such premium subscriptions for the first time. Google is considering integrating certain AI-powered search features into its premium membership offerings. With these, customers may now access Google's version of the well-known chatbot ChatGPT, Gemini. Despite the report's assertion that engineers were developing the expertise needed to introduce the service, management is still unsure whether to proceed with the subscription model. Members could still access Google's basic search engine for free, but they would also still see ads next to the content they were looking for. Google Extends Gemini in Coding Additionally, Google has recently extended the integration of Gemini into several products; most notably, the coding environment of Android Studio now includes Gemini Pro. With a focus on the Jellyfish version of Android Studio, Google is expanding the distribution of Gemini to more than 180 countries. Like Studio Bot, the recently added Gemini bot can be accessed from within the IDE, enabling developers to ask for help with coding. According to Google, developers should anticipate improvements in response quality in many coding areas, such as code completion, debugging, resource finding, and documentation creation. Google emphasized its continuous work to improve AI capabilities, particularly efficiency and safety. Gemini 1.5 is a major upgrade that uses engineering and research advances in foundation model development and infrastructure aspects. Interestingly, this involves increased efficiency in serving and training thanks to implementing a new Mixture-of-Experts (MoE) architecture. Related Article: Google 'Lookup' Button for Android Reveals Unknown Callers For You (Photo: Tech Times) An Apple Inc. retail store located in the upscale community of Short Hills, New Jersey, has formally petitioned to unionize. This renewed effort signals a growing push for unionization within Apple's retail sector. Five of the company's stores in the United States are now actively seeking to organize their workforce. Renewed Effort for Unionization in New Jersey In a recent development, Apple Store workers in New Jersey are working to form a union. If they succeed, it would become the fifth Apple Store to do so. This time, 104 employees in Short Hills, New Jersey, have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). If the attempt to form a union is successful, the Apple Store workers will join the Communications Workers of America. This union represents employees from Apple Stores and companies like AT&T, Verizon, and Frontier. Four other Apple Stores have tried to unionize in the past few years. However, only the stores in Oklahoma City and Townson, Maryland, have managed to do so. Yet, Apple hasn't fully supported these efforts and has pushed back against them. John Nagy, an operations lead at Apple's Short Hills, New Jersey retail location, is actively promoting the idea of forming a union among Apple workers. He believes establishing a union is crucial to guaranteeing fair treatment, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions for all employees. Nagy emphasizes that Apple should refrain from interfering with its ongoing efforts to organize and should instead respect workers' autonomy to make their own decisions regarding unionization. Apple claims it maintains competitive compensation and offers comprehensive benefits to full-time and part-time retail employees. However, despite this assertion, workers at Apple's New Jersey store are still required to participate in a union election, where they will decide whether to join the union. If the majority votes in favor, Apple will be required to negotiate with the workers. However, this process may face obstacles, as Bloomberg points out that Apple has not yet established a bargaining agreement with employees in Maryland and Oklahoma. Previous Unionization The NLRB complained about Apple Store workers in Maryland the previous year, claiming that Apple did not provide additional benefits to its employees. NLRB accuses Apple of withholding enhanced benefits from workers in Towson, allegedly to dissuade other employees from unionizing. Some of these new benefits include additional healthcare options, a complimentary Coursera subscription, and prepaid tuition at select colleges. Last year, the Apple store in Towson made history by becoming the first Apple retail location in the US to unionize, voting to join the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). Apple introduced its new benefits in October 2022. However, upon discovering their exclusion from these benefits, Towson workers penned a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook expressing their disappointment and filed a complaint with the NLRB. Additionally, judges discovered that Apple unlawfully questioned workers about their support for unions in its stores in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. The promoter of WBA, WBO, IBO and IBF heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) recalled his debut in the United States in 2016, when the Ukrainian defended his WBO heavyweight title. In Los Angeles, the then 29-year-old Crimean knocked out South African Tabiso Mchuna (23-7, 13 KOs) on the undercard of the Hopkins-Joe Smith Jr. fight. ADVERTISIMENT According to Oleksandr Krasiuk, when they arrived in Los Angeles for the show, the local audience was impressed by Usyk's charisma. Back then, Oleksandr spoke only a few words of English. "He didn't even say I'm feeling yet. He was just getting ready to say I'm very feel. And then, before Hopkins' long and boring speech, Usyk was invited on stage. Usyk comes out and says: "Hello everyone. I'm Oleksandr Usyk See you Saturday night. And that's it. I look at the reaction of the audience. There are journalists, ordinary people, the writing fraternity. And they are salivating," Vringe.com quoted Krasiuk as saying. The promoter is shocked by what happened. ADVERTISIMENT "Well, I mean... A person came out. She didn't say anything. And they are sitting there, and they all look at him when he leaves the stage. This is charisma. In its purest form," summarized Oleksandr Krasiuk. As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Krasiuk, commenting on the situation with the postponement of the fight against WBC champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs), said that there is a system of reserve boxers who should ensure that the show goes ahead anyway. For the first time, Oleksandr admitted that a similar situation occurred in Moscow when Usyk fought a local fighter, Murat Gasiev. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is reportedly looking to expand the Asian country's tech sector by lobbying for support and investments from American executives, assuring it would benefit the two countries. During a luncheon with American CEOs in Washington, the Prime Minister expressed that Japan appreciates American cooperation in crucial and developing technology. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images) Japan, the US, and the Philippines forge a cyber defense alliance to combat rising cyber threats, emphasizing information sharing and joint efforts. He continues by saying that the economic expansion the nation experiences due to US investments will provide the capital for additional US investments made by Japanese companies, assuring them that any investment will benefit both countries. In advance of a meeting with President Joe Biden on Wednesday that is anticipated to center on defense and economic relations, Kishida is in the US. According to Kishida, Japan became the largest foreign investor in the US last year with over $750 billion in foreign direct investment, generating over a million employment. Read Also: NASA Artemis: First Japanese Astronaut to Join Moon Mission Announced for the First Time Microsoft's Japan Investments Kishida's remarks coincide with Microsoft Corporation's announcement that it will invest $2.9 billion in Japan's artificial intelligence industry over the next two years. This is the largest investment Microsoft has made in Japan and demonstrates the company's strategic focus on advancing AI technology in that nation. According to Microsoft President Brad Smith, the investment will mostly go toward building more data centers in Japan, emphasizing boosting processing capacity for artificial intelligence applications. This project also aligns with Tokyo's attempts to fortify its AI infrastructure in the face of escalating international competition. Smith underlined AI's crucial role in boosting productivity development, especially in nations like Japan, which are seeing a decrease in the labor force. As part of the investment plan, Microsoft plans to install cutting-edge AI semiconductors at two of its current locations in eastern and western Japan. This move will allow Japan to access cutting-edge AI technology and spur innovation in several economic sectors. US and Japan Against Potential Threats As Washington and Tokyo work to modernize their political and military relationship, their corporate ties are becoming tighter. Both are keeping a lookout for regional dangers, which range from China's assertiveness in the South China Sea and against Taiwan to North Korea's nuclear testing and strengthening ties with Russia. Microsoft has disclosed a study alerting us to China's plans to manipulate elections in the US, South Korea, and India this year using AI-generated content. As voters prepare for elections, Microsoft cybersecurity experts anticipate that North Korean and Chinese cyber actors will try to sway results in South Korea, India, and the US. At the very least, Microsoft anticipates that China will create and disseminate AI-generated content on social media platforms to bolster its position in these crucial elections. Before his trip, Kishida spoke with CNN in Tokyo and stated that Japan is being forced to alter its defense strategy due to the world reaching a "historic turning point" due to its escalating geopolitical tensions. Related Article: Japan, US, Philippines to Launch a Cyber Defense Alliance Against Cyberattacks (Photo: Tech Times) The United States Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendell, will reportedly be one of the non-pilot testers of an artificial intelligence-controlled jet, who will observe firsthand how the cutting-edge F-16 aircraft operates in the air. Speaking on Tuesday at the US Senate Appropriations Committee's military meeting, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated that the program was moving forward quickly and that he would be a test non-pilot in one of the aircraft, along with a backup pilot. The USAF transported three F-16 jets to Eglin Air Force Base last week to be fully automated as part of the Viper Experimentation and Next-Gen Operations Model (VENOM) testbed program. (Photo: BO AMSTRUP/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images) An F-35 fighter jet flies as it returns to the Fighter Wing Skrydstrup air base of the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) after patrolling around Denmark at low altitude near Skrydstrup, Denmark on October 1, 2023. VENOM is a part of the Air Force's automation program, which Kendall praised for its advancement. DARPA, the military's research branch, has worked on this for over five years. In 2023, the Air Force requested about $6 billion to develop a fleet of cutting-edge drones after proving that an F-16 could fly solely with software. The Pentagon's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project had five companies last month competing to develop AI-powered drones for the American military Air Force. The project's objective is to use AI drones in tandem with human-piloted jets to protect them from hostile fire by acting as scouts, communications hubs, and escorts with full weapons. The Pentagon program involves five businesses: Anduril Industries, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Atomics, and Northrop Grumman. By summer, the Pentagon plans to choose two companies to start building the jets. Read Also: OpenAI, US Defense Collaboration Offers AI for Military, But Not for AI Weapons AI Military Planning The US Military continues to investigate AI-assisted military operations. Just last month, it proposed using AI in the popular military science fiction video game Starcraft II to improve its combat planning capabilities. Although promising results from recent studies have been reported, experts are still wary of using this technology in actual combat circumstances. Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory are testing commercial AI chatbots to serve as battlefield advisors in war gaming simulations. These tests aim to determine whether AI, specifically OpenAI's technology, can enhance combat planning procedures. In simulated scenarios, OpenAI's GPT-4 Turbo and GPT-4 Vision models can interpret text and picture information and outperform previous AI agents. Military Experts on AI Experts agree that AI can help in developing war plans. The Center for Cyber and Technology Innovation at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, led by retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, asserted that AI and machine learning (ML) could help U.S. intelligence professionals analyze the massive amounts of surveillance data that the nation consumes, especially from China and the Western Pacific Ocean. Utilizing this new technology can reduce the chance that a decision gone wrong will result in an avoidable armed conflict. Decision-makers are said to usually misinterpret opponents' goals and mistake training exercises for actual military operations. Related Article: US Air Force Completes Testing of Hypersonic Missile AGM-183A (Photo: Tech Times) NASA is set to deploy its next-generation solar sail technology, known as the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System. Set to launch in April, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System is poised to revolutionize space travel and enhance our comprehension of the cosmos. NASA is Ready to Sail the Space with Solar Sails! Solar sails utilize sunlight pressure for propulsion and have long-held promise for space exploration. According to NASA, by harnessing the energy of photons bouncing off reflective sails, spacecraft can maneuver without the need for heavy propulsion systems, potentially enabling longer and more cost-effective missions. However, the limitations of traditional boom materials and structures have hampered the effectiveness of solar sails. NASA's latest endeavor aims to address these challenges head-on. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will deploy a cutting-edge twelve-unit CubeSat equipped with innovative composite booms crafted from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials. The mission's primary goal is to demonstrate the successful deployment of these booms. Once deployed, the team will evaluate the performance of the solar sail and conduct a series of maneuvers to adjust the spacecraft's orbit, laying the groundwork for future missions with larger sails. According to Keats Wilkie, the mission's principal investigator, traditional boom designs have been inadequate for modern small spacecraft. The new tube-shaped booms can be compactly folded and offer the benefits of composite materials, such as greater stability and resistance to temperature fluctuations. Upon reaching its designated Sun-synchronous orbit, the spacecraft will unfurl its composite booms, spanning the diagonals of the polymer sail. The solar sail will reach its full size within minutes, equivalent to about 860 square feet. Cameras mounted on the spacecraft will capture the deployment process, ensuring the sail maintains its shape and symmetry. Read Also : NASA Hubble Space Telescope Watches Newly Forming Star Showcasing a Grand Cosmic Lightshow "Inspire Future Missions" Under optimal lighting conditions, the spacecraft's expansive sail may be visible from Earth, shining as brightly as the star Sirius. Alan Rhodes, the mission's lead systems engineer, hopes that the technological advancements demonstrated by this mission will inspire further innovation in space exploration. Through NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology program, the successful deployment of the solar sail's lightweight composite booms aims to pave the way for larger-scale missions to celestial bodies beyond Earth. The space agency also revealed that future sails are projected to be as large as 21,500 square feet, providing constant thrust for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. "This technology sparks the imagination, reimagining the whole idea of sailing and applying it to space travel," said Rudy Aquilina, project manager of the solar sail mission at NASA Ames. "Demonstrating the abilities of solar sails and lightweight, composite booms is the next step in using this technology to inspire future missions." ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, experienced a substantial surge in profits, with reports indicating an increase of around 60 percent in 2023, according to Bloomberg. The rise in profits positions ByteDance ahead of its online competitors, Tencent and Alibaba. ByteDance's Profits Surge to Impressive Heights Established 12 years ago, ByteDance has evolved into a prominent player in the global tech industry, renowned for creating the popular video-sharing app TikTok. Market intelligence firm CP Insights values the company at approximately $225 billion, underscoring its remarkable ascent in recent years. Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that ByteDance's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) surged to over $40 billion, a significant leap from approximately $25 billion recorded in 2022. Moreover, sales reportedly escalated to nearly $120 billion from $80 billion. This financial report from ByteDance indicates its potential to surpass its archrival, Tencent, in revenue and profit for the first time. However, it's important to note that these figures have yet to be independently audited for verification. ByteDance's meteoric rise to prominence can be attributed primarily to the unprecedented success of its flagship apps, TikTok and Douyin. Launched in 2017, TikTok garnered global acclaim, amassing over a billion users within four years. Douyin, its counterpart, released in China in 2016, also boasts a user base that numbers hundreds of millions. Capitalizing on the exponential growth of these platforms, ByteDance diversified its portfolio, venturing into e-commerce and travel bookings while introducing a video editing app. The company's global footprint is extensive, with over 150,000 employees spanning nearly 120 cities worldwide. Since it is a privately held entity, it must be noted that ByteDance refrains from disclosing specific revenue and profit figures. However, media estimates suggest that its earnings rival those of some of the largest corporations globally. TikTok is Set to Challenge Instagram TikTok is set to expand its reach into the domain of photo-sharing with its anticipated app, possibly named TikTok Notes. This strategic maneuver is widely interpreted as a direct challenge to the supremacy of Instagram in the realm of photo-sharing platforms. TikTok users have been receiving notifications teasing the arrival of TikTok Notes. This new venture represents a significant divergence from TikTok's traditional focus on video content. TikTok's approach involves introducing a distinct platform solely dedicated to photo posts, which allows users to refrain from sharing their existing image-based content on the main TikTok app. While TikTok has officially confirmed the ongoing development of TikTok Notes, it emphasizes that the app has not yet been rolled out to users. The first non-American to land on the Moon will be a Japanese astronaut after NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) Masahito Moriyama formalized an agreement aimed at advancing sustainable human exploration of the Moon. NASA and Japan Ink and Agreement for the Moon As per the agreement, Japan will design, develop, and operate a pressurized rover for both crewed and uncrewed missions to the Moon. In return, NASA will facilitate the launch and delivery of the rover to the lunar surface and provide two opportunities for Japanese astronauts to journey to the Moon. President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida have jointly expressed their aspiration for a Japanese national to become the first non-American astronaut to set foot on the lunar surface during an upcoming Artemis mission. The signing ceremony, which took place on April 9 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, saw the participation of key figures, including JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa, alongside Nelson and Moriyama. "The quest for the stars is led by nations that explore the cosmos openly, in peace, and together. This is true for the United States and Japan under the leadership of President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida," Nelson said in a press release statement. "America no longer will walk on the Moon alone. With this new rover, we will uncover groundbreaking discoveries on the lunar surface that will benefit humanity and inspire the Artemis Generation." Read Also : NASA Upgrades Its SLS Mega-Rocket Design to Make It a More Powerful Beast for Future Artemis Missions The Pressurized Lunar Rover The pressurized lunar rover is envisioned to enhance astronauts' ability to explore and conduct scientific research across diverse lunar terrain. Acting as a mobile habitat and laboratory, it will accommodate two astronauts for extended durations, allowing for enhanced mobility and productivity during lunar missions. The agreement is framed within the broader "Framework Agreement Between the Government of Japan and the Government of the United States of America for Cooperation in Space Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, For Peaceful Purposes," signed in January 2023. This framework sets the stage for extensive collaboration between the two nations across various space exploration and utilization domains. In addition to lunar surface exploration, the agreement paves the way for Japan's involvement in other NASA missions, including the Dragonfly mission and the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Furthermore, both countries intend to collaborate on JAXA's next-generation solar-observing satellite, SOLAR-C, which is aimed at investigating solar atmospheres. In a separate Gateway Implementing Arrangement inked in 2022, NASA will invite a Japanese astronaut to participate as a crew member on a forthcoming Artemis mission to the Gateway. In return, Japan will provide the Gateway with environmental control, life support systems, and cargo transportation services. NASA is committed to reaching numerous objectives under the Artemis program, such as sending the first woman, the first person of color, and the first international partner astronaut to the Moon. iPhone users across 92 countries have received an alarming notification from Apple, warning them of potential mercenary spyware attacks, as first spotted by TechCrunch. The tech giant issued the alert to individuals worldwide, raising concerns about targeted surveillance efforts. The notification was sent out at 12 pm Pacific Time on Wednesday. Apple Warns Against Mercenary Spyware Attacks The message delivered by Apple stated, "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID." The company emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the attack likely targets individuals based on their identities or activities. This is not the first time Apple has issued such warnings. Since 2021, users in over 150 countries have received similar notifications, indicating a persistent and widespread threat landscape. Notably, last October, journalists and opposition leaders in India were among those alerted to potential spyware attacks, highlighting the global reach of these surveillance efforts. However, the Cupertino giant has not directly attributed these alerts to any specific state-sponsored attacker. The spyware alerts coincide with growing concerns about state-sponsored cyber activities, particularly as many countries brace for elections. Apple refrained from commenting on the timing of the alerts. Read Also : World's First Cybercrime Index Unveils the Countries with Most Cybercrime Threats Employees applaud as the first customers enter the store to buy the Apple iPhone 15 series at The Grove Apple retail store on release day in Los Angeles, California, on September 22, 2023. Apple Warns Users of Sophisticated Cyber Attacks The sophistication of these attacks cannot be understated. As per Apple's statement, "Mercenary spyware attacks, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, are exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware." NSO, an Israeli firm known for its Pegasus spyware, specializes in remotely hacking iPhones. In March, a US court ruled in Meta's favor, ordering NSO to surrender its Pegasus code. Pegasus is a spyware virus that infects a mobile device and gains control over it, including the ability to read messages from various apps, make calls, and steal sensitive data. These attacks, often associated with state actors or private companies, require significant resources and are tailored to specific individuals. Apple relies on internal threat intelligence and investigations to detect such attacks. While the company maintains high confidence in its warnings, it refrains from divulging specific details about the attacks to prevent adversaries from evading detection in the future. Instead, recipients of these notifications are advised to seek expert assistance and follow cybersecurity best practices. In response to the recent wave of alerts, users are urged to update their devices, enable two-factor authentication, and exercise caution when clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources. Additionally, those who believe they may be targeted by mercenary spyware attacks can take proactive measures, such as enabling Lockdown Mode on their Apple devices for added protection. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Funding for space startups has surged dramatically in the first quarter of this year, marking a major milestone in the trajectory of the space industry. According to a report by venture capital firm Space Capital (via Reuters), the funding for space startups more than doubled compared to the previous year, reaching a staggering $6.5 billion by the end of March 31. This remarkable increase in funding is attributed to stronger government backing, setting the stage for even stronger growth in the space economy. Startups Benefit from a Booming Space Economy Chad Anderson, managing partner at Space Capital, underscored the importance of this surge in funding, stating, "While we still have some consolidation to get through, the overall space economy is rebounding and it is now replete with a number of rising stars." The geopolitical uncertainties prevailing globally have been identified as a key driving force behind this surge in funding. Governments are increasingly relying on geospatial data and images collected by satellites for a wide array of applications, from analyzing weather patterns and agriculture to monitoring changes along international borders. The report highlights the growing demand for geospatial intelligence, which has surpassed satellite communications in terms of investment for the first time. This shift highlights the important role played by satellite data in addressing pressing global challenges and driving innovation in various sectors. Moreover, the decline in pricing for satellite capacity has further fueled the attractiveness of space assets for commercial purposes, leading to increased investment in space startups. Looking ahead, the space economy is poised for exponential growth, with projections indicating that it could triple in size to $1.8 trillion by 2035. BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS - MARCH 14: The SpaceX Starship Flight 3 Rocket launches at the Starbase facility on March 14, 2024 in Brownsville, Texas. The operation is SpaceX's third attempt at launching this rocket into space. The Starship Flight 3 rocket becomes the world's largest rocket launched into space and is vital to NASA's plans for landing astronauts on the Moon and Elon Musk's hopes of eventually colonizing Mars. America's Changing Attitude on Space Travel This surge in funding comes in the wake of a previous setback for the US space industry, as investments in the sector fell by 53% to $2.2 billion in the first quarter of 2023, marking the lowest funding quarter since 2015. However, the current momentum signals a resurgence in investor confidence and renewed optimism for the future of space exploration and commercialization. In addition to the financial aspects, public attitudes toward space travel and NASA's role as a leader in space exploration are also of interest. Recent surveys indicate that while there is optimism regarding the future of space tourism, the majority of Americans remain hesitant to embark on space travel themselves. Nevertheless, there is overwhelming support for the United States to maintain its position as a global leader in space endeavors, with a keen interest in prioritizing missions such as monitoring potentially dangerous asteroids and studying the Earth's climate system. There's a rising demand for car-carrying vessels in China right now. The automakers badly need a lot of ships to transport the electric vehicles to other parts of the world. At the moment, Chinese car manufacturers are witnessing a surge in demand for EVs worldwide, prompting the need for an expanded shipping fleet to accommodate this growth. With ambitions to export hundreds of thousands of EVs, the country is gearing up to improve its shipping infrastructure to become a dominant player in the international automotive market. Current Shipping Fleet Status According to data from shipping consultants Veson Nautical, China currently ranks eighth globally in terms of shipping fleet size, with 33 car-carrying vessels. In comparison, countries like Japan, Norway, South Korea, and the Isle of Man surpass China, boasting larger fleets. However, the industry is rapidly evolving, with Chinese companies accounting for a significant portion of global ship orders. This calls for the need for expansion and modernization of the shipping mechanism. "After this armada has been delivered to China, the Chinese-controlled car carrier fleet will jump from current 2.4% to 8.7%. We expect to see new trade routes established almost exclusively for Chinese OEMs," Veson analyst Andrea de Luca told Reuters. Related Article : BYD Delays Construction of Electric Vehicle Factory in Vietnam Amid Market Slowdown Expansion Initiatives by Chinese Companies Chinese automakers, including SAIC Motor, Chery, and BYD, are actively investing in ship orders, with plans to enhance their shipping capabilities to meet escalating demand. Moreover, shipping companies like COSCO and China Merchants are securing vessels on behalf of Chinese automakers, further fueling the growth of the country's shipping fleet. Rise of Electric Vehicle Exports China has emerged as a dominant force in the global auto export market, surpassing Japan as the world's largest auto exporter. Companies like BYD have significantly contributed to this trend, exporting hundreds of thousands of EVs annually. Leveraging its cost-effective supply chain, China aims to capitalize on its export capabilities, with BYD alone targeting up to 400,000 EV exports this year. Speaking of BYD, this known Chinese car brand reportedly hit record sales in 2023. It even surpassed Tesla in Q2 sales at the time. Challenges and Opportunities The shortage of roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships, essential for sea transportation of vehicles, poses a challenge to China's export ambitions. Older vessels are being phased out, while new orders have declined due to various factors, including economic downturns and environmental regulations. Consequently, local companies are exploring options to charter or purchase ships to meet their shipping needs. Environmental Considerations Amid the EV export boom, concerns over carbon emissions and environmental sustainability emerge as alarming to some sectors. The shipping industry, a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, faces pressure to decarbonize and adopt cleaner fuels as part of the Paris climate goals, Electrek writes. As EVs are transported worldwide, the environmental impact of shipping, including the emissions associated with both EVs and traditional vehicles, warrants attention. China's endeavor to ramp up its shipping fleet accentuates its vision to be a global EV player someday. Elon Musk believes that if no trade barriers are present, Chinese automakers will "demolish" most EV makers in the world. As demand for EVs continues to rise, investments in shipping infrastructure are crucial to facilitating seamless transportation and meeting international market demands. However, environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance remain imperative as the industry navigates towards a greener future. techUK participates in Tech7 joint event in Rome The Tech7, comprising technology sector trade associations from the G7 nations, convened today at Palazzo Ferrajoli in Rome, Italy, to underscore the pivotal role of digital technology in fostering economic prosperity, security, and sustainability across societies, institutions, and enterprises. Representatives from prominent Tech7 associations, including techUK (United Kingdom), Bitkom (Germany), Numeum (France), DIGITALEUROPE (EU), JEITA (Japan), ITIC (USA), TECHNATION (Canada), and Anitec Assinform (Italy), the hosting organisation, gathered alongside delegates from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, the Department for Digital Transformation, and diplomatic delegates representing G7 nations. The discussions centred on the development and deployment of frontier technologies, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI), as transformative tools shaping novel trajectories for development while presenting challenges and opportunities for citizens, businesses, and institutions. Echoing the joint declaration signed by G7 Governments in Trento in March, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering public-private dialogues to amplify innovative capacity and fostering joint endeavours to ensure equitable and widespread adoption of emerging technologies, starting from Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). At the end of the two roundtables, a joint declaration was signed, emphasising the commitment of Tech7 associations to promote policies and initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth through digital innovation. The recommendations outlined in the joint declaration for G7 governments focus on seven strategic areas: Promotion of International Cooperation : A collective pledge to strengthen collaboration to make substantial headway in critical sectors such as climate transition, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution, while formulating cohesive policies to tackle forthcoming global challenges. : A collective pledge to strengthen collaboration to make substantial headway in critical sectors such as climate transition, cybersecurity, and conflict resolution, while formulating cohesive policies to tackle forthcoming global challenges. Investments in Emerging Technologies: A resolute commitment to invest in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum technologies, and space technologies to spur innovation, bolster economic growth, and sustain global competitiveness. A resolute commitment to invest in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, 6G, quantum technologies, and space technologies to spur innovation, bolster economic growth, and sustain global competitiveness. Bridging the Digital Divide and Enhancing Digital Skills : A concerted endeavour to bridge the digital divide and elevate the digital literacy of populations, ensuring inclusivity in the digital era and fostering specialised skills for workforce entry and business competitiveness. : A concerted endeavour to bridge the digital divide and elevate the digital literacy of populations, ensuring inclusivity in the digital era and fostering specialised skills for workforce entry and business competitiveness. Promotion of Cybersecurity and Resilience of Digital Infrastructure: An undertaking to enhance cybersecurity measures and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and data protection against evolving threats and cyber-attacks. An undertaking to enhance cybersecurity measures and strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and data protection against evolving threats and cyber-attacks. Accelerating the Digital Transformation of SMEs and the Public Sector : A commitment to streamline the digital transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and public entities to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. : A commitment to streamline the digital transformation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and public entities to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Promotion of Open and Responsible Digital Trade and Free Flow of Data: A collaborative effort to craft governance frameworks supporting an open, inclusive, and responsible digital trade ecosystem that facilitates the unrestricted flow of data between nations, guided by principles of transparency, equity, and respect for rights. Utilisation of Digital Technologies for Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation: A commitment to leverage digital technologies as pivotal instruments in combating climate change and advancing environmental sustainability. Tech7 associations urge the governments of G7 nations to consider their proposals and embrace a collaborative approach in forging a more inclusive and equitable digital future. Julian David, CEO of techUK, who is attending todays event, said: techUK was proud to start the Tech7 initiative in 2021 during the UK presidency of the G7 and we are thrilled to witness its continuity including this years event in Italy. Collaborating closely with G7 governments, we strive to streamline business operations across markets while upholding shared international values. This entails fostering collaboration to facilitate data flows and establishing international cooperation for the ethical and safe development of AI, essential for nurturing global digital economies. We're excited to partner with sister organisations to emphasise the significance of international cooperation in maximising the benefits of technological innovation for economic recovery and resilience. Working with the Italian Presidency and all G7 governments, we're committed to shaping an ambitious agenda in this vital space." You can download the joint declaration as well as the joint paper below: Sabina Ciofu Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK. Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD. As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope. Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations. Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomens Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forums Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects. She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Cafe Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels first members-only club designed for women. Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from Kings College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge. Email: [email protected] Phone: +32 473 323 280 Website: www.techuk.org Read lessmore Julian David Julian David is the CEO of techUK, the leading technology trade association that aims to realise the positive outcomes that digital technology can achieve for people, society, the economy and the planet. Julian led the transformation of techUK from its predecessor Intellect in 2014, putting an increased focus on the growth and jobs the technology industry offers in a global economy. He has since led its impressive expansion driving forward the tech agenda in key areas such as skills, innovation, business success and public sector transformation. He leads techUKs 90-strong team representing a thousand British based tech companies, comprising global and national champions and 600 SMEs. In 2020, techUK joined forces with TechSkills, the employer-led organisation that aims to improve the flow of talent into the digital workforce and open up access for all to high value tech jobs. Julian represents techUK on a number of external bodies including the Digital Economy Council, the National Cyber Security Advisory Council and the Department of Business and Trades Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He is member of the NTA Advisory Board of DIGITALEUROPE and is a member of the Board of the Health Innovation Network the South London Academic Health Science Network. Julian has over thirty years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to joining techUK, he had a series of leadership roles at IBM including Vice President for Small and Medium Business and Public Sector. After leaving IBM he worked as a consultant helping tech SMEs establish successful operations in the U.K. His personal interests include Football (West Ham, Balham FC and Real Madrid) and Art. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @techUKCEO Read lessmore Xi stresses shared culture and history in meeting with Ma 08:30, April 11, 2024 By Wang Qi ( Global Times Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on April 10, 2024. Photo: Xinhua Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing on Wednesday. Compatriots from both sides of the Taiwan Straits belong to the same Chinese nation, Xi said. The over-5,000-year history of the Chinese nation saw successive generations of ancestors move and settle down in Taiwan and people from across the Straits fight side by side to recover the island from foreign invaders, he said. People on both sides of the Taiwan Straits are all Chinese, Xi said. "There are no knots that cannot be untied, no issues that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us," he said. The distance of the Straits cannot sever the bond of kinship between compatriots from across the Strait, Xi said. He said that the difference in systems does not alter the reality that both sides of the Strait belong to one China, and external interference cannot hold back the historical trend of national reunification. In the meeting, Ma said that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" are the common political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The meeting marks the second meeting between Xi and Ma after the two had a historic exchange in Singapore in 2015. Calling youth "the hope of the country and the future of the nation," Xi encouraged young people from both sides of the Straits to aspire to become more proud, confident, and assured in their identity as Chinese people, work together for the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation, and continue to create new glory of the nation. People on both sides of the Straits share the same bloodline, culture and history as well as the same responsibility for the nation and the same aspiration for the future, Xi said. He stressed grasping the cross-Straits situation from the perspective of the overall interests and long-term development of the Chinese nation. Xi called for resolute efforts to guard the common home of the Chinese nation, work together for the long-term well-being of the Chinese nation, foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He expressed grief over the loss of lives in the 7.3-magnitude earthquake that jolted waters off the coast of Hualien on April 3, and extended his sympathies to those affected by the disaster. People on both sides of the Straits belong to the same Chinese nation, and they should deepen exchanges and cooperation, jointly carry forward the Chinese culture, improve the well-being of compatriots on both sides, and work together for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Ma said. Common home Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the meeting shows that the mainland highly affirms the significance of Ma's visit, which highlights the common identity of both the Chinese nation and culture. Compared to Ma's mainland visit in 2023, during which he visited his ancestral hometown in Hunan Province and worshipped his ancestors, Ma attended a ceremony in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to pay homage to Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, the legendary founder of the Chinese civilization and the common ancestor of all Chinese people. Ma's mainland trip this time has a clearer meaning of national identity, Zhang said. Ma and a group of young people from Taiwan island he led expressed their opposition against the de-Sinicization moves of the Taiwan authorities with practical actions on the mainland, and maintained the identity of one China, Zhang said. According to Wang Yingjin, director of the Center for Cross-Straits Relations Studies at the Renmin University of China, the meeting between Xi and Ma on Wednesday is of great significance for the future development of cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation, Wang said. Ma currently holds no public office. By highlighting that the two sides of Straits share a common history, culture and national identity, it is more approachable for Taiwan compatriots, more conducive to unite more Taiwan compatriots to promote cross-Straits exchanges, and also cut off the space for the secessionist Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to hype up the issue, Wang said. During a press briefing on Wednesday morning, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office commended Ma, who led a delegation of young people from Taiwan on the visit to the mainland, for his important contribution to promoting exchanges between the youth across the Taiwan Straits. She called on Taiwan compatriots to resolutely uphold the one-China principle and the "1992 Consensus," firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and interference from external forces, and make joint efforts with the mainland side to promote peaceful cross-Straits relations and integrated development of the two sides. Voicing for peace According to Zhang, an important goal for this meeting in Beijing is to cool down the cross-Straits tensions and defuse potential risks and conflicts. Xi said during the meeting that compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits should firmly oppose separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" and interference by external forces, and jointly guard the common home of the Chinese nation. In a phone conversation with US President Joe Biden on April 2, President Xi stressed that the Taiwan question is the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations. In the face of "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external encouragement and support for them, China is not going to sit on its hands. The existence of an intermediary to promote cross-Straits peace like Ma is not a bad thing for the DPP, even if they do not admit it in public, Wang said. The expert said Ma represents a positive force which supports the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations on the base of the one-China principle, and its existence is a constraint to the de-Sinicization forces on the island, which is of great significance to the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits. Although Ma cannot dominate the policy direction of the DPP authorities, he still has a relatively large impact on cross-Straits relations and Taiwan society, said Zhang, noting that Ma's mainland trip is a kind of support and encouragement to the voices of social forces in Taiwan calling for peace, cross-Straits exchanges and cooperation. (Web editor: Tian Yi, Liang Jun) Iraqi Cardinal Hopes Biden Will Push Iraq's Government to Better Protect Assyrians Pope Francis greets Iraqi Cardinal Louis Sako, patriarch of the Chaldean Catholic Church, in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican Feb. 18, 2022. ( CNS/Vatican Media) Last year, the Iraqi government revoked a decree that formally recognized the religious status of the country's top Catholic leader. Cardinal Louis Sako, the Chaldean Catholic patriarch of Baghdad, fled the capital for the autonomous region of Kurdistan, and now calls himself "a bit like a refugee." But speaking to NCR in late March, the prelate expressed hope that an upcoming meeting in Washington between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and U.S. President Joe Biden may have a positive impact on his case. "We are fighting and resisting," Sako said, speaking via phone from Irbil, the capital of Kurdistan. "The prime minister is visiting the United States," said Sako. "I hope they can do something to ask him for the benefit of Christians and to keep Christians in their land with hope and living in dignity and freedom." Chaldean Catholics make up the bulk of Iraqi Christians, but have seen their numbers diminish. They numbered around 1.5 million before the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, but sectarian violence over the years has depleted their numbers to some 150,000, according to the 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom by the U.S. State Department. Now, their parliamentary seat allotment and properties are under threat by Shiite militias, who exert influence on the country's government. Nadine Maenza, president of the Washington-based International Religious Freedom Secretariat, said the Iraqi government's July 2023 revocation of the decree recognizing Sako's status "was a pivotal [moment] for Christians and should have raised red flags for us internationally to be more supportive." Maenza has visited with Sako in Irbil. Her organization encourages the improvement of religious freedom conditions in 40 countries worldwide, including Iraq. Rayan al-Kildani, an Iraqi Christian militia leader of the Babylon Brigades and lawmaker with ties to Iran, is believed to have influenced the Iraqi president's action to revoke the decree. Critics accuse al-Kildani of seeking to control Chaldean Church assets, which Sako oversees. The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned al-Kildani in 2019 for alleged human rights abuses. "The Babylon Brigades militia has nothing to do with Christianity or morality. They are putting their hands on anything Christian," Sako said. Speaking to NCR, Maenza described the situation of Christians in Iraq as "dire," as Iran-backed Shiite militias gain more influence over the government. "Which is why Cardinal Sako left Baghdad and moved to the Kurdistan region," she said. "It's troubling to see what this means for one of the oldest Christian communities in the world." "I am a bit like a refugee," Sako told NCR. "I wanted to give a message to the Iraqi government that this is a bad decision and a kind of protest." Still, Sako is busy in Irbil keeping in touch with Chaldean Catholic dioceses and parishes as well as working in the seminary, aiding with the formation of seminarians, and celebrating Mass in towns and villages "just to encourage people to stay," he said. The church also has provided some $80,000 in support to help those in need. "We are doing what we can, but it is different from my headquarters [the patriarchate offices in Baghdad]." In solidarity with Sako, the patriarchate announced that Chaldean Catholics were canceling Easter celebrations this year to protest the presidential decision revoking his title of patriarch, instead calling the faithful to prayer. Religious freedom activist Maenza said that if Iraq's top Catholic leader, Sako, found the threats in Baghdad difficult, forcing him to relocate to Kurdistan, "imagine the vulnerabilities other Christians feel with the growing threats from Iran-backed militias." "It's hard to believe that just three years ago, Pope Francis' visit to Iraq was such a celebration of Christians and they were treated with some level of respect as indigenous components of Iraq," Maenza said. "Now we see Iran taking inch by inch in Iraq and Riyan al-Khaldani taking power, with the militias rising, and the numbers of Christians dropping. The combination of all of these things taking place, as the U.S. has pulled back from this region, means that bad actors have filled those gaps," she said. Sako was instrumental in making the landmark March 2021 papal visit possible, a real feat during the coronavirus pandemic. The pope's visit made a major impression on ordinary Iraqis, he said, but a different government from that time is now in place, influenced by Iran. "The Iraqi population is different. They are so nice with us. The pope during his visit changed their [the Iraqi population's] minds. They are doing nothing against us Christians. They are showing us their solidarity, but not the political class," Sako said. The cardinal also said he feels that the Vatican has been "really timid" regarding any intervention on his behalf to restore recognition by the government of his title as patriarch. "Here in Iraq, the regime is sectarian not secular. We need the support of the Vatican to keep and protect us in our homeland," he said. Sako has been at the forefront of pressing for all Iraqi citizens, including Christians, to have equal rights before the law, but says he has seen few positive results from the current government. "The situation is very critical, and Christians have no trust for the future. Christians are still leaving the country because there are no actions, only promises," he said. "I don't see progress of a real state in which everyone can live in dignity and freedom," said the cardinal. "Everything is sectarian." Maenza said that she has urged the Biden Administration to take up this matter with Iraqi Prime Minister al-Sudani during his Washington visit, and to also raise concerns about the deterioration of Kurdistan's autonomous status. But it's unclear how much leverage the U.S. will have on the Iraqi leader, amid rising demands for the withdrawal of remaining American forces from the country. "Kurdistan has been a place of refuge for religious minorities, like the Yazidis and Christians," Maenza said. "That's why Cardinal Sako is there." NCR contacted several other Chaldean Catholic clerics in Iraq for their comments, but they declined to speak, citing the fraught political situation in the country. On the night of April 11, the aggressor country Russia attacked the Lviv region with cruise missiles of various classes and kamikaze drones. Two critical energy infrastructure facilities were attacked. ADVERTISIMENT There were no casualties or injuries. This was reported by the head of the regional military administration Maxim Kozitsky. According to him, the enemy attacked a gas distribution infrastructure facility in the Stryi district of the region, as well as a power substation in Chervonohrad district. Fires broke out at the sites of the hits, and firefighters quickly extinguished them. The head of the Regional Military Administration assured that all life support systems in Lviv region are operating normally. As reported by OBOZ.UA, on April 9, Russian terrorists attacked Lviv region with Shahed kamikaze drones. The air defense system was activated in the region, and the UAV debris damaged a critical infrastructure facility. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT Kazakh town evacuates after worst flood in decades Pokrovka, Kazakhstan, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Rescuers on dinghies float down inundated streets in the Kazakhstan town of Pokrovka, knocking on the windows of houses to make sure inhabitants have escaped the worst floods seen in decades. "I have never seen anything like this in 57 years," Pokrovka resident Raouchan Aoubakirova said of the floods. Rapidly melting snow and ice have taken rivers in northern Kazakhstan and across the border in Russia to unprecedented heights, threatening major cities and towns. More than two weeks after water started to rise in Kazakhstan's northern and western regions, approximately 100,000 people -- of which one-third are children -- have been evacuated from their homes. According to Kazakhstan's emergency minister, entire villages are without electricity, hundreds of kilometres (miles) of roads are blocked, bridges have collapsed and more than 4,000 houses across the country are flooded. - 'The water came fast' - In Pokrovka, which lies on the banks of the Ishim river (the Esil river in Kazakh), there is more than one metre (3.3 feet) of water on the streets. Aoubakirova told AFP she "managed to get the furniture out" just in time. Elsewhere in the town, tractors pulled carts holding fridges and washing machines from flooded houses. Thirty-year-old Inga Todorovskaia told AFP: "The water came very fast. I stayed up all night and by morning it had already reached the house. It was up to our waist." With the help of the town authorities, Todorovskaia said she was able to get her dogs and chickens to safety. While Todorovskaia was able to save documents and some furniture, she now finds herself without a home, just a year and a half after moving in. Other Pokrovka residents are more fatalistic. "We hope to be spared," said 61-year-old bus driver Iouri Stepanenko, in a phrase that appeared wishful thinking as the Ishim river continues to rise. "And if it doesn't, then well, that's that. What can we do about it? The most important thing is to remain hopeful and not to panic," Stepanenko said, adding that he would soon send his wife away from Pokrovka. - 'Worst-case scenario' - Soldiers and emergency workers are involved in rapid rescue and clearance operations, including pumping away water and installing barricades. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday described the natural disaster as "perhaps the worst in years". As water levels on the Ishim rose, the nearby city of Petropavl is braced for the worst as a surge is expected by Saturday. According to forecasts by authorities, the floods should reach the city of 200,000 people by this weekend and only peak around April 22 and 23. In preparation, around 25,000 people have been mobilised across the country. In addition to rescue workers, the army, national guard, and secret services have been requisitioned and volunteers will participate in humanitarian operations. "We have to be ready for the worst-case scenario," Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar warned after visiting the region. Sweden sees earliest 'summer' on record Stockholm, April 11 (AFP) Apr 11, 2024 Sweden has posted its earliest ever start to what it considers to be "summer", with three southern towns posting average temperatures above 10 degrees C (50F) for five straight days, the country's meteorological service said Thursday. "A Swedish weather record was broken on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Each day from April 6th to 10th, the average daily temperature was at least 10 degrees at SMHI's stations in Malmo, Kristianstad and Karlshamn," SMHI said on its website. "The condition was thereby met for meteorological summer at these three stations," it said. "This is the earliest arrival date for summer ever observed in Sweden, with statistics that date back to the end of the 1800s," it added. The previous record was set in 1906 when summer was officially recorded as arriving on April 10th. "Inevitably, as global warming progresses, the likelihood of summer arriving ever earlier increases," SMHI said. Despite the official arrival of summer, balmy weather was expected to elude much of Sweden through next week, with temperatures forecast to remain in the single digits. On April 11, members of the Verkhovna Rada passed the law on mobilization in Ukraine No. 10449 in the second reading by a majority vote. 283 MPs voted in favor. ADVERTISIMENT Now the document must be signed by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada and the President of Ukraine. Only then will it come into force. According to MP Mariia Ionova, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief Vadym Sukharevskyi, and field brigades were present in the session hall during the vote. "The draft law on mobilization was adopted as a whole. 283 were in favor. As amended by the Committee. All 31 amendments taken into account received votes for confirmation. No intrigue, except for the amendment on demobilization (there are 227). It is not yet known whether someone will introduce a resolution to block the speaker," said MP Yaroslav Zheleznyiak. ADVERTISIMENT He also announced the results of voting for draft law No. 10449 by factions: "Servant of the People" 192 votes, "European Solidarity" 0 votes, "Batkivshchyna" 2 votes, "Platform for Life and Peace" 18 votes, "Voice" 16 votes, "Restoration" 16 votes, "For the Future" 12 votes. "Dovira" 15 votes, Non-factional 12 votes. In his turn, MP Oleksii Honcharenko said that he did not vote for the law because "it was important to include demobilization, but it was simply thrown out of the bill." Thus, the amendment on demobilization after 36 months of service and rotation was removed from the document the authorities are to prepare a new draft law that will regulate this issue. ADVERTISIMENT The main provisions of the new law on mobilization The Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security considered more than 4,000 amendments to the draft law submitted by MPs. The adopted law provides for changes in the mobilization process, punishment for evaders, basic military service, the right to deferment, and introduces new duties of persons liable for military service and motivational norms. The day before, the relevant committee reviewed all the amendments and published a comparative table of changes from the first reading. Conscript service has been canceled The new law abolishes conscription and replaces it with basic military training lasting five months starting September 1, 2025. All discharged conscripts will be transferred to the mobilization resource following the general rules (from the age of 25). ADVERTISIMENT Demobilization At Syrskyi's request, the provisions on demobilization after 36 months of service and rotation should be regulated in a separate bill. At the same time, those who surrendered involuntarily and were liberated; military personnel who have been disabled or: appointed (elected) to the position of a judge; elected as a member of parliament; Generals by the decision of the military leadership; military personnel whose contracts concluded during martial law have expired. People with disabilities of all groups also have the right to resign, but by the end of 2024, all men aged 25 to 55 who were diagnosed with disabilities of groups II and III after February 24, 2022, must undergo a second fitness for duty examination. This does not apply to men who received a disability of groups II and III after being ill or injured while defending Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT Mobilization for military service People with disabilities can join the army (serve under a contract) at their own request. This also applies to those released from captivity and people under the age of 25 who have completed basic military training or basic military service. The MPs recommended removing the mandatory registration in the e-cabinet of persons liable for military service, to which, in particular, the military commissariats could send electronic summonses. This remains a right, not an obligation. At the same time, everyone who is registered for military service must clarify their place of residence, contacts, and other military registration data within 60 days. This can be done through administrative service centers, TCCs, or online in a personal account based on the "Oberig" register of persons liable for military service. ADVERTISIMENT According to the committee's recommendations, local authorities should facilitate mobilization. Who is eligible for a deferment According to the adopted law, the following categories are entitled to a postponement of mobilization: reservists; disabled persons and those unfit for military service according to the conclusion of the military qualification commission for 6-12 months; women and men who have three or more children under the age of 18, except for those who are in arrears in the payment of alimony; women and men who have a child (children) under the age of 18, if the other parent of such child (children) has died, been deprived of parental rights, declared missing or missing without a trace, declared dead, is serving a sentence in a prison, or if the person is raising and supporting the child on his/her own by a court decision or the record of the father of such child is made based on part one of Article 135 of the Family Code of Ukraine; ADVERTISIMENT women and men who are guardians, trustees, foster parents, foster parents and are raising a child with a disability under the age of 18; women and men who are guardians, trustees, foster parents, foster parents and are raising a child with a serious illness; women and men who are dependent on an adult child with a disability of group I or II; adoptive parents who depend on a child (children) who, before the adoption, was an orphan or child (children) deprived of parental care under the age of 18, guardians, custodians, foster parents, foster parents, foster caregivers, who are dependent on an orphan child (children) or child (children) deprived of parental care under the age of 18; engaged in full-time care for a sick wife (husband), child, and/or their father or mother (father or mother of the wife (husband) who needs full-time care according to the conclusion of a medical and social expert commission and has no other able-bodied family members who are obliged and able to provide such care; ADVERTISIMENT guardians of a person recognized by a court as incapacitated; people who have a spouse from among persons with disabilities of group I or II; people who have a spouse from among persons with disabilities of group III established as a result of cancer, absence of limbs (limbs), hands (hands), feet (feet), one of the paired organs, or if a person with a disability of group III has cancer, mental disorder, cerebral palsy or other paralytic syndromes; people who have one of their parents with a disability of group I or II, or one of the parents of their spouse with a disability of group I or II, provided that there are no other people who are not liable for military service and are legally obliged to support them; women and men who have a child (children) under the age of 18 and a spouse who is performing military service; ADVERTISIMENT Heads of ministries and their deputies, heads of state bodies, public administration bodies with jurisdiction over the entire territory of Ukraine; Members of Parliament of Ukraine, members of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea; judges, judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, members of the High Council of Justice, members of the High Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine, the Head of the Service of Disciplinary Inspectors of the High Council of Justice, his/her deputy, disciplinary inspectors of the High Council of Justice; the Commissioner for Human Rights, the Chairman, and other members of the Accounting Chamber; employees of military administration bodies, military units (subdivisions) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Special Transport Service, the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection, the Security Service of Ukraine, the SZR, the National Guard, the State Border Guard Service, the State Protection Service, the MIA, the MFA, diplomats, experts of the MIA expert service institutions; ADVERTISIMENT civil servants who work with draft laws, perform cybersecurity functions, software development, database administration, implementation, and support of the latest information and communication technologies in the bodies that support the activities of the President, Parliament, and the Cabinet of Ministers. They are also not subject to conscription: applicants for vocational (vocational-technical), professional higher, and higher education who are studying full-time or dual form of education and obtaining a level of education higher than the previously obtained one, as well as doctoral students and interns; researchers and academic staff; women and men whose close relatives (husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother, or sibling) were killed or went missing during the ATO. Penalties for evasion ADVERTISIMENT The Rada's specialized committee rejected the seizure of accounts and the ban on traveling abroad by the decision of the military command. Instead, it left in place the provision restricting consular services abroad for persons liable for military service. Within 60 days of the law's entry into force, all services will be provided only if personal data is updated at consular offices. Also, at the request of the TCA, men who do not update their data or evade mobilization will be able to restrict their right to drive vehicles. People who have more than one vehicle may have their other cars confiscated for the needs of the Defense Forces. There is no talk of deporting Ukrainians from abroad. Duties of persons liable for military service According to the adopted law, citizens liable for military service will have to carry their military registration document with them at all times and update their data in an electronic cabinet, ASC, or TCA. ADVERTISIMENT Only those who have completed basic military service or military service (except for those who are unfit) will be able to be hired for civil service. This also applies to the appointment of prosecutors and selection of the police. Men who are abroad are offered to update their data in the TCA remotely via e-mail, phone call, or electronic cabinet. Military service A man mobilized during training is a recruit. During the training, his physical abilities and other characteristics are determined. If a recruit does not pass the training stage, he can be dismissed without additional costs to the state. The Committee retained the possibility of conscription for convicts released from serving a sentence of probation, except for those convicted of crimes against the national security of Ukraine. Motivational awards for military service ADVERTISIMENT For destroyed or captured enemy equipment, a reward of UAH 11,680 to UAH 876,000 is provided. It will also be possible to receive additional vacation, but no more than 15 days a year, a certificate for the purchase of a car for UAH 150,000, and compensation for 50% of the first installment of a mortgage loan. The following provisions were also taken into account: the ability to choose a unit in case of signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense; the time spent on parental leave is included in the length of service in the military rank; annual basic leave is granted in parts during the calendar year, and the main continuous part will be at least 15 calendar days; servicemen and their spouses will not be charged interest on loans, penalties, fines for failure to fulfill obligations to banks and other organizations, except for loans for cars and real estate; ADVERTISIMENT one month of service for three months for being directly in combat areas during martial law will be included in the length of service; in case of long-term treatment abroad, it will be possible to undergo a remote medical examination, and the relevant certificate of the medical examination will be the basis for maintaining payments; soldiers released from captivity will receive an additional 90 days of leave with pay if they continue to serve; the amount of one-time financial assistance in the event of the death of a serviceman is set at UAH 15 million. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On the night of Thursday, April 11, the aggressor country Russia launched Shahed-type kamikaze drones at Ukraine and then attacked with X-101/555 cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Energy facilities were hit in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, and Lviv regions. ADVERTISIMENT The combined hostile attack lasted seven hours, forcing Poland to send its fighter jets back into the air. The Armed Forces of Ukraine warned of the danger. At first, the occupiers launched several groups of Shahed-136/131 strike UAVs from the south. Eventually, the aggressor took to the skies nine Tu-95MS strategic bombers. Monitoring channels warned that the enemy aircraft took off from the Olenya airfield in the Murmansk region of the Russian Federation. The estimated time the planes reached the launch line was 03:40, and at 05:00 the missiles were already in Ukrainian airspace. At 05:08, six ballistic missile launches from the Belgorod region at Kharkiv were reported, followed by repeated missile launches by the enemy at the region. ADVERTISIMENT The head of the RMA, Oleh Syniehubov, confirmed that Russian troops had struck at least ten times in the Kharkiv region. Critical infrastructure was hit, and the power supply was interrupted. There has been no information on casualties so far. At the same time, the mayor warned that the subway would not work in the coming hours. Around 06:00, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that the enemy had launched X-47M2 "Kinzhal" aerial ballistic missiles, in particular in the direction of Lviv and Stryi, and then launched new missiles. During the massive Russian attack on Ukraine, the Polish Armed ForcesCommand raised its military fighter aircraft "to ensure the safety of its airspace." ADVERTISIMENT According to Nataliia Humeniuk, a spokeswoman for the Joint Press Center of the Southern Defense Forces, the enemy attacked energy facilities again there was a hit in Zaporizhzhia, without casualties. A critical infrastructure facility in the Kyiv region was also hit, causing a fire. In addition, a gas distribution infrastructure facility and a power substation in the Lviv region were hit. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that the enemy attacked generation facilities and transmission systems in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Kyiv regions. Power engineers are working to eliminate the consequences. ADVERTISIMENT The combined massive Russian attack lasted for seven hours, during which the aggressor used 82 air attack weapons: 40 Shahed-131/136 drones, 20 X-101/X-555 cruise missiles, 12 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, six X-47M2 "Kinzhal" aerial ballistic missiles and four X-59 guided missiles. Air defense forces shot down 57 targets, including 16 X-101/X-555 missiles, two X-59 missiles, and 39 Shaheds. Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said that within a few hours, Russian terrorists attacked five regions of Ukraine, hitting critical infrastructure. The enemy fired more than 10 missiles at Kharkiv, and some areas of the city had no electricity supply. There, as well as in Odesa, Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kyiv regions, more than 200 rescuers have been working since nightfall to eliminate the consequences of the massive shelling, and more than a hundred investigators, forensic experts, and explosives experts. Personnel and equipment of the State Emergency Service from neighboring regions are involved. ADVERTISIMENT "Fortunately, according to preliminary data, today's attack resulted in no deaths or injuries. Rescuers are ready to quickly deploy mobile generator stations. Fire and rescue units and police departments have set up "invincibility points" with electricity and access to the network. Traffic may be restricted near the sites of shelling," the Interior Minister said. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On April 11, Ukraine and Latvia signed a bilateral security agreement. As part of the agreement, Riga will provide Kyiv with military assistance worth 0.25% of GDP annually, as well as help with demining, unmanned technologies, cyber defense support, and NATO membership. ADVERTISIMENT This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "Together with the President of Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics, we have just signed a bilateral security agreement between our countries," he wrote on his official Telegram channel. According to the Ukrainian president, Latvia will provide military assistance to Kyiv worth 0.25% of its GDP annually. In addition, Riga is making a 10-year commitment to support Ukraine in cyber defense, demining, unmanned technologies, and unconditionally facilitates Ukraine's accession to the EU and NATO. "I am grateful to friendly Latvia! This is exactly the specificity and predictability that our struggle for freedom and independence needs," Zelenskyy said. ADVERTISIMENT The President noted that this year Latvia would provide Ukraine with military support worth about 112 million euros. "Latvia will also help with the restoration and reconstruction, protection of critical infrastructure, demining, unmanned technologies, and cybersecurity. We appreciate such important assistance for our country and our people!" Zelenskyy added. As reported by OBOZ.UA, on April 11, Zelenskyy arrived in Lithuania to participate in the Three Seas Summit. There, he is scheduled to hold talks on strengthening Ukrainian air defense, meeting the urgent needs of the Ukrainian army, and consolidating international support for our country. ADVERTISIMENT Last week, Latvia announced a comprehensive aid package for Ukraine for 2024. The country will allocate almost EUR 10 million to rebuild the country and support the Ukrainian army. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A little further on, Leigh fits in seven paragraphs on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, increase in aircraft speed, magnetic strip credit cards, cars that turn out to be lemons, Chinas Great Leap Forward, Mao Zedong importing 250,000 sparrows from the Soviet Union, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. In one four-page gallop, he touches on philosopher John Stuart Mill, the invention of the mirror, the advent of clocks and train timetables, Lord Byron, Britains Poor Laws, the Luddites, George Eliot, Thomas Hardy and Charles Dickens. Andrew Leigh, economics academic, author and assistant minister for competition in the Albanese government, is also a long-distance runner. He has taken his love of running the trails around Canberra to economic history with a book giddy with speed as it sprints from how much effort it took Babylonian workers in 1750 BCE to create light to the threat posed to humanity by the singularity. Credit: Economics is known as the gloomy science, but Leigh across 190 pages doesnt give the reader time to become depressed or question their economic choices. He says he wants his small book to tell a big story. That story is the development of modern capitalism, which, as Leigh argues, is a story of innovation and creativity. The structure of the book means Leigh has to leap over important developments. For instance, the Punic Wars, and how they pitted Rome and its policy of plunder economics seizing the assets and people of another state against the trade-based policies of Carthage dont get a mention. But model Miranda Kerr gets a reference, as does a six-year-old chimpanzee called Raven, who outperformed professional share brokers by throwing darts to choose her stocks. Not that economics isnt made more interesting with models and chimpanzees. Leigh knows that the best way to keep a reader turning the page is to make economics both engaging and relevant to their everyday life. Hence, he tells Paul McCartney that you can buy love, reveals that ski resorts happen to report more snow on weekends and touches on the importance of McDonalds to the rise of franchising. By furnishing these types of public touchstones through this book, Leigh is able to sneak in some fundamental economic theories and the people behind them. Advertisement Review Eating outPyrmont The best sandwich Ive eaten all year: Meaty spot enlivens a dead patch of Pyrmont Im a big fan of everything Salumeria Norcino jack of all trades, master of guanciale is trying to do. Callan Boys April 12, 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 1 / 8 Porchetta pizzetta sandwich. Jennifer Soo 2 / 8 Honeycomb ox-tripe with tomato sauce and pecorino. Jennifer Soo 3 / 8 Salumeria Norcinos smart dining room. Jennifer Soo 4 / 8 Spaghetti carbonara. Jennifer Soo 5 / 8 Maritozzo (Roman-style bun with whipped cream). Jennifer Soo 6 / 8 Salumeria Norcinos courtyard is popular. Jennifer Soo 7 / 8 The homemade guanciale that started it all. David Li 8 / 8 The porchetta pizzetta sandwich is available to take away. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide 14.5 / 20 How we score Italian$$$$ Im writing this from my home-office desk while wrestling with a sandwich the size of a house tile. It might be the best sandwich Ive eaten all year. Juicy slices of porchetta honking with black pepper and fennel. Bitter, sauteed leaves of curly endive scarola. Crunchy slices of blistered flatbread, pillow-soft in the middle to soak up all the good stuff. With every second bite, theres a bit of frazzled crackling. Ill eat half now, half as a reward when I finish writing. Im on deadline and I need to tell you about its maker, Salumeria Norcino. Advertisement Lazio-born mates Arnolfo Raimondi and Fabio Battisti opened the cafe, deli and restaurant in May last year, and its on that western edge of Pyrmont where you barely expect to find proof of life, let alone an $18 pizzetta sandwich like the one Ive just put in the fridge. Most of the smallgoods are made in-house, and theres a bakery component, too. A Roman-style, whipped cream-filled maritozzo bun ($7.50) is exactly what you want to eat before strolling the Piazza di Spagna or Sydney Fish Market. Salumeria Norcinos smart dining room. Jennifer Soo Theres also a smart little dining room, but almost no one sits in it, at least not on weekends when the suns out and there are free tables in the courtyard. A fortnight ago, it was packed with Italians dressed as if they were about to go yachting in Campania and a lot of the blokes could have doubled for Antonio Carluccio. A negroni is $20; tomato and mozzarella arancini are $7.50 each. If it werent for the Nova 96.9 building looming next door, you could almost be in some locals-only Salerno osteria. Norcino partly came about because Battisti and Raimondi were frustrated with the quality of guanciale in Sydney and decided to make their own. Gnarly, discus-sized slabs of the cured pork jowl hang behind the counter, covered in salt and pepper and ready for their close-up in spaghetti carbonara ($38). Advertisement Go-to dish: Spaghetti carbonara with house-made guanciale. Jennifer Soo Its one of nine pastas on the menu and carbonara diehards will be chuffed at Norcinos rendering of the Roman icon, rich with pecorino and pasteurised egg yolks. Leave the bacon and cream for Americans and potato bake. Amatriciana Lazios other great guanciale-forward pasta comes in the form of a $33 spaghetti. Its fine, the jowl fat nicely incorporated into a tomato-heavy sauce, but I like amatriciana to have a more liberal approach to chilli. Spaghetti vongole ($35) could also do with more kick, but you can bury me in the pork rib and sausage ragu that clings to the potato gnocchi ($28). Uncomplicated. Messy. Deep and red. If your dining partners one of those annoying low-carb eaters, Norcino still has plenty of gear you can share. Best of the bunch is trippa alla Romana ($15/$28) giving strips of honeycomb ox-tripe in a fruity, pecorino-enriched tomato sauce. Advertisement You can also get a mixed grigliata going with a pork sausage ($9), lamb chop ($15) and arrosticini skewer ($11). This will be a lot of meat-on-meat served with a disinterested clump of lettuce, but salsa verde is available on request; youll want to request it. Im a big fan of everything Salumeria Norcino jack of all trades, master of salumi is trying to do. Also, the steaks. Options range from a $38 striploin to Mayura Station wagyu rib-eye for $280 a kilogram. On a recent Friday night visit, our table landed somewhere in the middle with a one-kilogram, $130 bone-in sirloin from OConnor Beef in Gippsland. It was a barnstorming hunk of meat, pasture-raised and dry-aged for long, buttery flavour. If I lived in one of those blue-chip Sydney Wharf apartments, Id be chuffed to have these steaks within walking distance, plus a modest range of Tuscan reds around the $100 mark. Maritozzo (Roman-style bun with whipped cream). Jennifer Soo Advertisement Dont feel as if you need to gravitate to all this stuff to have a nice time, though. One chilled glass of Le Coste 2021 Litrozzo Rosso ($18) and a few cold cuts can be a delicious afternoon: blush-pink ribbons of the nitrate-free guanciale ($15); brawn-like coppa ($15) lifting pig nose, cheek and ears with bursts of lemon and orange zest; wagyu bresaola ($23) with a natural funk and more complexity than anything youll find in a packet at Harris Farm. The service isnt always as polished as other Italian joints around town, but Im a big fan of everything Norcino jack of all trades, master of salumi is trying to do. Raimondi tells me there are plans to install a pizza oven in the courtyard and throw monthly parties with music and live art. Pyrmont residents and council, please let this happen. Id demolish a whole pizza starring Norcinos guanciale or a ricotta calzone topped with more of that porchetta. Speaking of, I have a date with a sandwich. The low-down Vibe: Roman deli bringing new life to Pyrmont Go-to dish: Spaghetti carbonara ($38) Drinks: Modest list of agreeably priced Italian wines across a range of grapes and styles, plus amaro and bittersweet cocktails Cost: About $130 for two, excluding drinks This review was originally published in Good Weekend magazine Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Police have halted a fresh search for the body of missing woman Samantha Murphy after scouring a new area of bushland south of Ballarat on Thursday. Cadaver dogs were used to comb Enfield State Park and its surrounds for the remains of the mother of three, who police allege was murdered in early February. Police use a cadaver dog during the search for the body Samantha Murphy near Enfield State Park on Thursday. Credit: AAP Investigators began to return to the makeshift headquarters in the small town of Napoleons after 4pm. Murphys remains, which police believe are concealed somewhere in the vast bushland, were not recovered. Searching is due to resume on Friday, with a smaller team. A second man will be extradited to Melbourne over the execution-style shooting murder of gangland figure Gavin Capable Preston at a suburban cafe. Police arrested Rabii Abram Zahabe, 24, on unrelated charges when he was in Sydneys CBD on Wednesday. Police at the scene of the shooting of Gavin Capable Preston at Keilor cafe on September 9, 2023. Credit: Joe Armao Victoria Police homicide squad detectives travelled to NSW and charged him with murder, months after Preston was shot dead in September last year. Zahabe, from Yagoona in Sydneys south-west, faced Bathurst Local Court on Thursday afternoon where police successfully applied to extradite him to Victoria. Hard to say how the birthday girl took it. She has never been seen to smile in five decades. Although no one has seen her sulk either. And she wasnt going to make an exception yesterday, April 9. After all, the absence of a mouth is one of the keys to Hello Kittys success. It means that everyone can interpret the characters feelings however they want. Or so Sanrio, the Japanese company that owns the brand, says. So, sure, she had every reason to be enthusiastic, especially after hearing the overwhelming figures listed by Silvia Figini, the companys operational director, at the conference honoring her at the Bologna Childrens Book Fair, the biggest in the industry. Because she is an icon of popular culture and cuteness. And because two of Hello Kittys favorite things, according to her official biography, were there: friends and cakes. And nobody wanted to ruin the party by mentioning the controversies that also surround her. Perhaps the most often repeated word at the conference was cute, followed by success. Between them they summarize the trajectory of the feline created by the cartoonist Yuko Shimizu and stamped on a purse for the first time on November 1, 1974. Since then, the business has made around $7.9 billion annually and Kittys reach has been unstoppable. She appears on everything from t-shirts and watches, to personalized toasters, motor oil, and airplanes, and plenty of celebrities want to show off their love for her, from young influencers and Korean K-pop idols to divas like Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, and Steven Tyler. Figini celebrated Hello Kittys ability to remain stable in the market, maintaining that brand awareness has increased by 90% in one year and that there has been exponential growth for four years. She also told the audience that her popularity is also increasing among adults and men. Those attending the talk were mostly young women, but with some gray-haired men scattered among them, and the fifty or so seats put out for the event were all taken. It is estimated that the character currently appears on about 50,000 products. It is impossible, however, to calculate the audience. The following figures on social media presented yesterday showed numbers in the millions. Thats normal. After all, Hello Kittys favorite thing is to make friends. Over the years, her gang has grown to include the red panda Aggretsuko, the penguin Badtz-Maru, and the mischievous rabbit Kuromi. A Hello Kitty celebration on December 27, 2019 in Tokyo. NurPhoto (NurPhoto via Getty Images) She also loves qualities like respect, empathy, connection, and kindness. At no time, however, did Figini utter the term cat. God forbid anyone calls her that! Sanrio has already scolded anthropologist Christine Yano, from the University of Hawaii. Hello Kitty is also a U.N. representative in some campaigns and an ambassador for UNICEF. The company argues that Kitty is a girl who lives in the suburbs of London, with her parents and her twin sister, Mimmy, who is five apples tall and dreams of being a poet. The main argument for not considering her a feline is that it has never been seen on all fours and that she walks and sits like a two-legged creature. To which an article in The New Yorker, in 2014, answered that, of course, Mickey Mouse is not a mouse either, since he wears pants and has a pet dog, nor can Winnie the Pooh be a bear because of how fluently he speaks English. There was also no room yesterday for other debates sparked by Hello Kitty. 10 years ago, Time magazine contained the main dilemma in the headline Return to the sexist past or icon of empowerment? For some, the character has improved the lives of millions of girls. As an alternative to Barbies American dominance, she made young Asian girls feel more included. She has spread Japanese kawaii (cute) culture, focused on kindness and happiness. In short, she has popularized the freedom to want to be cute and feminine, as the concept was historically understood, if one feels like it. And if that is not the case, then why did the combative punk band Pussy Riot adopt her as a symbol? A cake-tasting organized by Hello Kitty at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. T. K. However, the patriarchy has always wanted women to be pretty and quiet, according to its opponents. Feminism has fought too hard to have a voice for Hello Kitty to drag it into silence. An editorial in The Japan Times in 2004 even criticized UNICEFs use of her as a slogan to raise money for educational programs for girls: Someone should explain how a mouthless cat can be the spokesperson for something, and how an image that embodies female submission can help break down gender stereotypes. The magnitude of the phenomenon, together with the issues it raises, offers a third position, in the middle ground: that Hello Kitty is just a pleasure, a hobby, without the need for further philosophizing. But there are already essays about the character, she is quoted in series like The Simpsons and The Office, she has series, movies, video games, albums and even a piece of university research considers whether she has in some way molded Taiwanese society. The ardor with which dozens of fans looked for a recreation of the cat with which to have their photo taken at the end of the event and try her cupcakes attests to what Hello Kitty means. Although, a walk through the Bologna fair is enough to verify the power of certain childrens and youth icons. Spiderman, Peppa Pig, and Geronimo Stilton are no longer just the stars of their plots, but also of contemporary culture. Decades ago, right here in Bologna, Harry Potter took off on his broom to stardom. The chairs at the Hello Kitty event had drawings of Pokemon. And, at this event, two other anniversaries are competing for the spotlight. 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the multicolored elephant Elmer and the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. The 50th birthday girl also had another unexpected rival in a gigantic version of the dog Bluey (another, more recent, childrens hero) who walked right in front of the cake tasting in honor of the cat. He even stole some followers. And he showed, of course, that he had not listened to Hello Kittys master class on friendship and kindness. A girl poses near Hello Kitty in Yantai, China, December 26, 2020. Future Publishing via Getty Images Although, for Figini, Hello Kitty is also a master in economics: We were pioneers in starting collaborations in all categories. Among the most recent, Primark, Bershka, Casio, and her renewed agreement with Adidas. It makes for another overwhelming list. Although, nothing was said about the $6.6 million fine that the European Commission imposed on Sanrio in 2019 for violating competition rules in its licensing policy. The company accepted the sanction without complaint. Meanwhile, the party continues. The exhibitions in Asia and London will be followed by events in Cologne, Helsinki, and Rome and appearances at Paris and Milan fashion weeks. Wherever they need her, Hello Kitty goes. And she doesnt even open her mouth to complain about the schedule. Thats what her motto is: You can never have too many friends. Such loyalty. How cute. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Jerusalem/Cairo: Israel is keeping up its war in Gaza but is also preparing for scenarios in other areas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, amid concern that Iran was preparing to strike Israel in response to the killing of senior Iranian commanders. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively, he said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel. Iran has vowed to retaliate to an airstrike on its consular facilities in Damascus on April 1. Credit: AP Israel has been bracing for possible Iranian retaliation for the killing of a senior general and six other Iranian officers in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1. Israel has not said it was responsible but Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said this week that Israel must be punished and it shall be for the attack. Israels chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said civilians were not being told to make any special preparations but added Israel was highly prepared for a range of scenarios. The Chicago Department of Public Health announced last Tuesday that it had detected a number of tuberculosis cases among newly arrived migrants staying in the citys shelters. The news came amidst the fight against another measles outbreak within the same facilities, raising public health concerns. Although the exact number of tuberculosis cases has not been disclosed, Jacob Martin, the Chicago Department of Public Healths Public Information Coordinator, explained in a statement that they were aware of a small number of tuberculosis cases among newcomers. So far, it has not been specified how many cases have been diagnosed or in which shelters the infected persons are being held. Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around a quarter of the worlds population has been infected by the tuberculosis bacillus, and between 5% and 10% of these individuals develop symptoms. In 2022, 1.3 million people lost their lives after contracting this infection. Members of the local council have warned the Chicago Department of Public Health and other officials about the impact of not taking the necessary measures in this situation. In a post on his X account, Alderman Raymond Lopez shared a photograph of the tuberculosis diagnosis of three migrants, accompanied by a message expressing his dissatisfaction with the way this situation has been handled. And now here we are: measles, now tuberculosis both confirmed in Chicago. Shame on every mouthpiece that worked so hard to keep this secret, he wrote. Faced with this situation, which primarily affects vulnerable communities, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnsons administration must act swiftly. Just as it happened in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, diagnosing respiratory illnesses more effectively can reverse the impact on the number of people who contract the disease and lose their lives. What is tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This condition most commonly affects the lungs, although not exclusively. The kidneys, spine, lymph nodes, and brain can also be affected. How is it transmitted? Pneumologist Ricardo Sandoval, member of Mexicos National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ), asserts that this disease is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs and someone else inhales the bacteria. However, not all individuals who contract tuberculosis become ill. What are the main symptoms? Dr. Sandoval points out that the symptoms of active tuberculosis are the following: Cough Chest pains Weakness or fatigue Weight loss Loss of appetite Fever Night sweats Chills In situations such as the one experienced in Chicago, it is important to clarify that this disease is not transmitted by: Shaking hands with someone Touching a person who is infected Sharing a house Sharing a bathroom Treatment This disease is preventable, curable and can be treated with medication, explains Dr. Miguel Angel Salazar, a member of the Tuberculosis and Pleural Diseases Clinic at the Mexicos National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER). But if someone does not receive the necessary care, it can become a serious or fatal condition. There are four antibiotics commonly used to eradicate it: Isoniazid Rifampicin Pyrazinamide Ethambutol Dr. Salazar emphasizes that for the treatment to be effective, medications must be taken daily for a period of six to nine months. It is dangerous to stop treatment prematurely or without medical advice because the bacteria can develop resistance to medications, leading to drug-resistant tuberculosis. This is why the current implications of tuberculosis continue to dominate medical discussions. According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2023, tuberculosis was the second leading cause of death worldwide by a single infectious agent in 2022, after Covid-19. The report states that global targets against tuberculosis have not been achieved or remain unmet. The same document claims that tuberculosis causes an average of more than 3,000 deaths per day. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Two systematic reviews of all published scientific literature on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for trans adolescents, or adolescents with disorders related to gender identity, have recently been published. They highlight that available evidence on these treatments is still scarce and results dont allow for drawing conclusions about the impact on gender dysphoria, mental and psychosocial health or cognitive development of patients in the medium and long-term. Gender medicine is built on shaky foundations, warned one of the authors, Hilary Cass, in an interview with The British Medical Journal. She added that unfortunately, theres no evidence that gender-affirming treatment in its broadest sense reduces the risk of suicide. In total, the two works have analyzed more than 100 studies published between 2006 and 2022 most between 2020 and 2022 in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Belgium, Israel, and Germany. Theyve been published in an international pediatric journal, Archives of Disease in Childhood. The two reviews, along with other more specific ones, are part of a series commissioned by the University of York and aim to analyze the situation of specialized services in this discipline, in the face of the growing number of children and young people experiencing what the study calls gender dysphoria. The WHO which removed pathologizing categories affecting trans and gender diverse people from the ICD-10 several years ago refers to this situation as gender incongruence, or the anguish caused by a mismatch between sex assigned at birth and gender identity. The conclusions come after three-and-a-half years of work. They were highly-anticipated in the U.K. due to the relevance that Dr. Cass has acquired in recent years in this area of medicine. A previous report by her published in February 2022 led the National Health Service (NHS) to close Tavistock, the only center that, for more than 30 years, had treated minors who questioned their gender identity, through the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS). Cass believes that the health system and society have let young people down and insists that gender-questioning children and young people who seek help from public health services should be able to access a comprehensive, broad-based assessment carried out by a multi-professional team, which includes pediatricians, child psychiatrists and allied health experts. This work model which has received global attention is the one that has been followed in Spain for years, via the specialized gender identity units within the National Health System. Dr. Marcelino Gomez Balaguer an endocrinologist and coordinator of the Sexual Identity and Differentiation Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) feels that the scientific reviews conducted by Cass dont say anything new. All endocrinologists and professionals who are dedicated to identity know [about these shortcomings] already, he emphasizes. And unfortunately, this is after 40 years of gender-affirming healthcare not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. We still dont have enough evidence [that said treatments reduce the risk of suicide], he laments. This specialist who, for years, coordinated the gender unit at the Doctor Peset University Hospital in Valencia recalls that all the clinical guidelines published in Spain and other countries insistently remind us of the need to promote research that provides this much-needed evidence. Unfortunately, he points out, its something that hasnt been done for several reasons, including the lack of interest and resources from the [public health] administrations and the [medical] industry. Were clear about two things, Dr. Gomez Balaguer affirms. The first is that we have some patients who need help. And the second is that in the absence of this evidence we do have extensive experience and protocols that have proven to be very useful until now. He thinks that the reviews conclusions show that its necessary to do more and allocate more resources than the opposite, which is what some voices seem to want. With the German airline Lufthansa not flying to Iran for security reasons, and Russia urging its citizens not to travel to the Middle East, U.S. President Joe Biden reaffirmed ironclad support for Israel against Iran and its allies despite his differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the way he his handling the war in Gaza. The message came hours after the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, promised a military response to the killing of 13 people last week including an important military commander in an air strike against an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad let me say it again, ironclad, said Biden as he spoke with reporters at the White House alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is in Washington on an official visit. Meanwhile, Ayatollah Khamenei insisted that the Zionist regime [] must be punished, and it will be punished because when they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory. In response, Israels Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, wrote in a message on X in English, Hebrew and Farsi: If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. It is against this backdrop that the head of the United States Central Command, Michael E. Kurilla, landed on Thursday in Tel Aviv, on an unscheduled visit in which he was due to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Also on Thursday, Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to and from Iran at least until Saturday. We are constantly assessing the situation in the Middle East and in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our customers and crew members is Lufthansas top priority, the airline stressed. Lufthansa is the only Western airline, along with its subsidiary Austrian Airlines, that flies to Iran. Austrian Airlines has so far maintained the flights (six per week), but it is going to restructure the schedules to prevent its staff from having to sleep there, just as Lufthansa did last weekend. Sources from the U.S. intelligence services cited by Bloomberg suggest that Iran or one of its allies (such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, or militias in Iraq or Syria) will attack imminently with a high-precision missile or drone targeting Israeli military or government buildings. These sources point out that the plan does not involve directly targeting civilians, and that the question at this point is not if but when it will happen. The fear is that the Iranian response will in turn trigger an Israeli retaliation and the region will enter a broader conflict. The Russian Foreign Ministry has recommended to its citizens to refrain from traveling to the Middle East, mainly to Israel, Palestine and Lebanon. A few days ago, Israeli military aviation carried out joint maneuvers with its Cypriot partners, simulating an attack on a distant target such as Iran, Israeli military radio Galei Tsahal reported on Thursday. A senior commander of the force pointed out the importance of aviation having autonomous capabilities without having to count on anyone, alluding to the level of involvement that Washington would assume in a broad regional conflict to defend its great ally. At dawn, the Iranian news agency Mehr announced on its official account on X that the capitals airspace was being closed for military exercises. The message was then deleted and the agency denied having published it, Reuters reported. DMK had first copyright on corruption, family looting TN VELLORE/ METTUPALAYAM, PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday launched a stinging attack on the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, accusing it of indulging in hate and divisive politics, being synonymous with corruption and having no concern for the States development. Addressing election rallies in the States Vellore and Mettupalayam ahead of the April 19 Lok Sabha polls, he also strongly criticised Congress, calling the national party and DMK, family parties. The Dravidian party had the first copyright on corruption and the family was intent on looting the State, he said in an apparent reference to the partys first family, headed by its President and Chief Minister M K Stalin. The DMK has the first copyright on corruption, the entire family is looting Tamil Nadu, he said in Vellore, while canvassing votes for NDA candidates, including BJP nominees. He further charged the DMK with being a family company that was impeding the progress of the states youth with its old mindset. DMK divides people over language, region, faith and caste. DMK knows that the day people see through this, it will not get a single vote. I have decided to expose the decades-old dangerous politics of DMK, Modi, whose BJP has launched a spirited fight to make inroads in the Dravidian heartland, said. He alleged that while the country was progressing with Make in India initiative, the DMK stands with those who want to end investments in the country. Modi charged Congress with playing the dangerous game of discrimination and division, which DMK does in Tamil Nadu. For instance, he claimed that though the Centre ensured piped drinking water supply to crores of houses, in Tamil Nadu, the ruling DMK prioritised it for party workers/voters. DMK has always done hate and divisive politics. Its focus has never been Tamil Nadus development. I assure you, NDA, in its third term will work with more vigour for the growth of Kongu region, he said in Mettupalayam, near Coimbatore. Tamil Nadus western region is called the kongu, region. Referring to the alleged terror act of a cylinder blast outside a temple in Coimbatore, he said the DMK Government, instead of reigning in the fundamentalists, is promoting them. Further escalating his attack on the DMK, he said it was the other name of corruption and scam. He attacked the Congress and DMK over family politics and lashed out at them for opposing the candidature of President Droupadi Murmu, hailing from a tribal community, earlier. He alleged that they thought only their children could get to top positions. The textile industry in the Coimbatore region was renowned. The DMK government, by increasing power tariff, is contributing to the destruction of this sector and the livelihoods of weavers, he alleged. At both rallies, he kept up the attack on the Congress and DMK over the Katchatheevu issue. Both were at power in the Centre and the State, respectively, in 1974 when Katchatheevu islet was ceded to Sri Lanka. Modi sought to know in which Cabinet meeting was such a decision arrived upon and to benefit whom. The Congress had not provided answers to these and has kept the country in the dark, he alleged. Post its ceding, Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested and their boats seized and the Congress and the DMK show fake compassion, to them, he said. However, the NDA Government was ensuring their permanent release, even as he saved five fishermen from the gallows in Sri Lanka, Modi said. NDA has followed Constitution to the T Staff Reporter and Kanhan Correspondent POLL campaigning has picked up pace in the region with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing two public meetings in Vidarbha within a couple of days. After the rally in Chandrapur on Monday, Narendra Modi addressed a huge public rally at Kanhan in Nagpur district on Wednesday. Launching a scathing attack on Congress and INDI Alliances argument that his Government would change the Constitution, Modi said, The Opposition has no agenda. They are expressing this fear since long. They said the same thing when Atal Behari Vajpayee had formed Government. In fact, during their 60-year rule, the Congress has never respected the Constitution, not even implemented 70 per cent of it. It is National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that has shown 100 per cent allegiance to the Constitution and followed it to the T. Modi went on to say, During their regime they did not even think of honouring Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar with Bharat Ratna which our Government did now. Their allegation is baseless. The PMs speech at Kanhans Brooke Bond ground was often punctuated by chants of Modi Modi from the gathered crowd. The rally was organised in favour of party candidates Nitin Gadkari and Sunil Mendhe from Nagpur and Bhandara-Gondia constituencies respectively as well as Raju Parve, Shiv Sena (Shinde) candidate in Ramtek. Modi further said, The Congress claims that democracy is in trouble. Did the Congress not insult democracy during Emergency? The Prime Minister dared the opponents to prove that his Government had twisted the Constitution in last 10 years. They (Opposition parties) could not tolerate that the son of a poor family became the Prime Minister. Congress has been conspiring to keep SCs, STs and OBCs away from development and tried to finish the legacy of Dr Ambedkar, said Modi without mincing words. He further claimed that when NDA made daughter of a tribal family the President of India, the INDI Alliance did not like it. No one can negate the fact that we made people from OBC communities ministers in record numbers. We gave constitutional status to OBC Commission. NDA Government even created a separate Tribal Ministry, he pointed out. When Article 370 was abrogated in Kashmir, the Congress party questioned what was its relevance to other States? The fact is that, because of that move of ours, all categories got constitutional rights in Kashmir. My SC/ST brethren did not have reservation in Kashmir. The Congress party opposed Citizens Amendment Act (CAA). They are aware of the fact that Dalit and Bouddha are the real beneficiaries of CAA, Modi said. Bear hunted for valuable body parts The Hitavada State Bureau RAIPUR/GARIYABAND, A distressing incident of bear hunting has recently been uncovered in the forest of Gariyaband, shedding light on the brutal killing of a female bear in the Indagaon (Dhurvagudi) buffer zone. The carcass of the bear was discovered under the hill, revealing gruesome details of the hunt. The bears jaw was severely damaged due to the explosion of potash bombs, and the nails of both front feet were missing, raising concerns that the hunter targeted the bear for its valuable body parts. The unfortunate discovery was made by a village shepherd who had ventured into the forest to graze his cows and goats. Upon encountering the mutilated body of the bear, the shepherd promptly informed the village authorities, leading to the notification of the Forest Department. Upon receiving the report of the bear hunting incident, a specialised team comprising members from Raipur, Kanker, and Gariyaband was dispatched to the location to initiate an investigation. The investigative efforts are being led by the Raipur Jungle Safari team and Kankers dog squad, supported by the Gariyaband cyber cell in their pursuit to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the heinous act. The deceased bear was found in the Bandhwapara beat, with evident signs of trauma caused by potash bomb detonation and the removal of its nails. Deputy Director Varun Jain of the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve expressed deep concern over the incident and highlighted the collaborative efforts between the anti-poaching teams of Raipur, Kanker, and Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve to thoroughly investigate the matter. The Forest Department team is currently engaged in conducting a detailed inquiry to ascertain the identity of the culprits involved in the illegal hunting activity. It is imperative to note that the Gariaband region harbours a significant population of bears, making it imperative to safeguard these vulnerable species from such ruthless acts of poaching. As the investigation progresses, the authorities remain committed to ensuring justice for the slain bear and taking stringent action against those found guilty of perpetrating this barbaric act of wildlife crime. Javier Milei has demonstrated with both words and gestures that the United States will be Argentinas great ally during his presidency of the South American country. Since Milei took office on December 10, senior officials of the Biden administration have traveled to Buenos Aires while members of the Argentine executive have been to Washington to strengthen a bilateral bond that had not been this tight since the times of the carnal relations established during the government of Carlos Menem (1989-1999). On Wednesday, the populist leader set foot on U.S. soil for the third time in four months with an agenda that included a meeting with tech billionaire Elon Musk and an honorary ceremony with a Jewish community in Miami. His Minister of Security Patricia Bullrich will be following a parallel agenda in Washington this week. Later in the year Economy Minister Luis Caputo will participate in the spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to which Argentina owes $42 billion. Just as on his November visit, Milei began his trip with a spiritual event linked to Judaism, a religion he is studying and to which he says he would like to convert. The president of Argentina was expected to be named an international ambassador of light at The Shul, a Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue in Florida, in recognition of his unqualified support for Israel even amid an offensive on Gaza that has already caused more than 33,000 Palestinian deaths. The organizers of the ceremony, which will be held behind closed doors, recognize Milei for his tireless efforts on behalf of Israel and the global community, honouring his unbreakable dedication to spreading liberty, hope, and positive feelings in the face of darkness. The delegation traveling with the president includes his sister and presidential chief-of-staff, Karina Milei; the ambassador in Washington, Gerardo Werthein; Rabbi Axel Wahnish, his spiritual guide and future Argentine ambassador to Israel, and the filmmaker Santiago Oria. The latter is the author of several documentaries about Milei and short videos designed for social networks, such as the one he shared hours ago that shows Milei greeting the passengers who traveled with him on the Aerolineas Argentinas flight to Miami. According to the official agenda released by the Presidency, Milei will meet on Thursday with the president of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Ilan Goldfajn, and will give a conference at the Jack D. Gordon Public Policy Institute. Visit to a Tesla factory The highlight of the trip will take place on Friday, when Milei will visit the Tesla factory in Texas and meet with its owner, billionaire businessman Elon Musk. The face-to-face will follow complimentary exchanges on social networks and telephone conversations. Today I had a great conversation with Elon Musk, where I thanked him for defending the ideas of freedom and supporting our work, especially considering everything he represents as an icon of freedom in the world, Milei said after Musk congratulated him for winning the elections. The businessman once again applauded him for the speech that the Argentine president gave at the Davos Forum. Ideological harmony has economic interests as a background. The Milei administration has authorized the entry into Argentina of Musks satellite internet company, Starlink, and the U.S. entrepreneur is known to have an interest in the lithium reserves in the northwest of the South American country. This strategic mineral is key for the batteries in Teslas electric vehicles. Mileis trip was preceded by visits by high-ranking U.S. officials to Argentina. On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry received a delegation of officials from the Department of Commerce and the Department of State. Last week, the head of the U.S. Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, made a three-day visit that concluded with a meeting with Milei in the Patagonian city of Ushuaia. Javier Milei with U.S. General Laura Richardson in Ushuaia, on April 5. Presidencia de Argentina (Presidencia de Argentina/EFE) The president traveled the almost 3,000 kilometers that separate Buenos Aires from the southernmost city in Argentina to demonstrate that the United States will be his great partner in defense matters. Dressed in military gear, Milei stated that the West is at risk and that Argentines have a natural affinity with the U.S., with whom they share the defense of life, freedom and private property. Milei announced the construction of a joint naval base in the area, of which no further details have been given so far. According to the Argentine president, it will be a large logistics center that will function as a gateway for both countries to Antarctica. Military investment My ally is the United States. Whether Democrats or Republicans, the ally is the United States, he reiterated in his last interview, broadcast this weekend through the digital medium Neura. Wow, they are supporting us, they gave us a Hercules, hey, come on! highlighted the Argentine president, in reference to the donation of a U.S. plane in a move that had been agreed upon by the previous government of Alberto Fernandez. Javier Milei during the ceremony in which he received the Hercules C-130 aircraft from the United States, on April 5. Argentine Presidency (Reuters) The far-right executive intends to strengthen the Armed Forces and expand their functions so that they can confront the drug crime epidemic plaguing cities like Rosario. Changing the law that prohibits the military from getting involved in internal security tasks would mean breaking one of the rules established after the restoration of democracy, but the debate advances hand in hand with a renewal of military equipment. Investment in defense is once again a priority. We are equipping our Forces and recovering the countrys supersonic capacity, the Defense Ministry said in a statement weeks ago. That goal is behind the final stop on Mileis international trip: Denmark. The government will sign the acquisition, with financial assistance from the United States, of 24 Danish F-16 combat aircraft. Milei will meet with the Prime Minister of the Scandinavian country, Mette Frederiksen, and he intends to board one of the fighters that will modernize the Argentine Air Force fleet as co-pilot. Clear in Law, clean in conscience, V-C Chaudhari to resume duty today Staff Reporter Dr Subhash Chaudhari will resume duty as Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), four weeks after the High Court order quashed the order of Chancellor of Maharashtra suspending him from his post. Dr Chaudhari, who is clear in conscience, got a clean chit from the High Court about a month ago. On the basis of some alleged irregularities in RTMNU, Chancellor Ramesh Bais had suspended Dr Chaudhari on February 21, 2024. The order was challenged by Dr Chaudhari in the High Court. While talking to The Hitavada, Dr Chaudhari said, On Wednesday, the four weeks time got over. I shall resume my duty on Thursday. I havent given charge to anybody, so, there is no question to take back the charge from someone. The Division Bench of Justice Mukulika Jawalkar and Justice Anil Kilor at Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court had observed that the procedure as prescribed under the Uniform Statute was not followed in the case of the petitioner (Dr Subhash Chaudhari) before issuing the impugned order, suspending the petitioner. The Court, on the request of Deven Chauhan, Government Pleader, kept the judgment in abeyance for four weeks. Post-four weeks, neither the Government has moved the Supreme Court nor has the order been stayed thereby paving the way for Chaudhari continuing as RTMNU V-C. There were options before the Government like seeking further time from High Court to once again issue him show cause notice or allow him to resume the duties. The State Government had sought time to challenge the order in Supreme Court. Why it failed to file a Special Leave Petition in four weeks? Governments inaction has puzzled the academic circle. The matter becomes more interesting when it came to the fore that SLP was prepared and its draft was okayed from highest level. The swiftness showed by the Government while giving charge to Dr Prashant Bokare and the manner in which Government contested the petition, it was widely believed that Government would surely move to Supreme Court to obtain stay order over High Court verdict. Till filing of this report, no such petition was filed. Dr Chaudhari became Vice-Chancellor in 2020. Nothing happened for next two years. In 2022, Senate members lodged a complaint against him with Chancellor. Calling the decision of dissolution of adjourned senate meeting of March 21, 2022 as illegal, the Senate members lodged the complaint against him. Members in the complaint had demanded that enquiry should be conducted into the entire episode and action should be taken against the Vice-Chancellor. The war between members of various bodies and Dr Subhash Chaudhari continued. In the letter it was alleged that Vice-Chancellor was not willing to answer certain issues. The members provided the list of such works CM meets accident victims RAIPUR, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited the bus accident victims undergoing treatment at the All-India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in Raipur to inquire about their conditions. Taking to the microblogging platform X, Chief Minister Sai informed the public about his visit to AIIMS to meet the employees injured in a tragic bus accident involving a private company near Kumhari in Durg. Expressing his deep concern for well-being of the injured employees, Chief Minister Sai personally interacted with them to inquire about their condition. He urged the doctors to ensure that the injured receive proper medical attention and requested enhanced treatment measures to facilitate their speedy recovery. HC ordersCBI probe intoSandeshkhalicrimes KOLKATA : THE Calcutta High Court on Wednesday ordered a CBI investigation into allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in West Bengals Sandeshkhali, which had witnessed protests over the issues. Stating that the investigation will be monitored by the court, a division bench presided by Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal conversion of agricultural land into water bodies for pisciculture after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of land alleged to have been converted. The court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate allegations of crimes against women and land grabbing in Sandeshkhali and submit a comprehensive report to it on the next date of hearing. The bench, also comprising Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, directed that the matter will be heard again on May 2, the date on which the CBI was asked to file the report. ED officials were attacked on January 5 by a mob when they went to Sandeshkhali to search the premises of now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh in connection with a ration distribution scam case. Passing the judgement, the court observed that an impartial inquiry is required to be done by an agency which has the power to probe the criminal angle stated to be involved. In the interest of justice and fair play and for expeditious consideration of the various complaints and allegations, an impartial inquiry is required to be conducted, the court said. The State was directed to provide the required support to the agency. Noting that the petitioners had prayed for the constitution of an enquiry committee to be headed by a retired judge of the HC, the division bench said that it decided to order an investigation by the CBI considering the nature of allegations involving crimes against women and grabbing of land of locals, including those belonging to ST and the volume of complaints placed before it by one of the petitioners. Around 600 complaints in the form of affidavits, including those of alleged sexual atrocities, land grabbing and other crimes such as assault and destruction of property, had been submitted before the court by petitioner-lawyer Priyanka Tibrewal. Directing that the copies of the affidavits filed by the petitioner be forwarded to the CBI, the court said that if the complaints disclose cognisable offences, the agency will proceed in accordance with the law. The bench directed that the parties in the matter, which involved a suo motu motion by the court over allegations of sexual atrocities on women and the land grab of people belonging to ST along with a few PILs, can submit their complaints within a fortnight to the CBI. It said that to ensure confidentiality, the investigating agency will create a dedicated portal or email ID for the registration of complaints. The court said it decided to hand over to the CBI the probe with regard to allegations and complaints of people of Sandeshkhali as the central agency is already probing the attack on ED officials there. The court directed the district magistrate of North 24 Parganas to give adequate publicity of the order in the area and issue a public notice in newspapers in Bengali script. The court said the CBI will have the power to require any person, organisation, police, government authority, and others to furnish information on matters which may be useful or relevant to the matter. Ordering installation of CCTV cameras in sensitive places and LED street lights in Sandeshkhali within 15 days, the court directed the state government to sanction necessary funds. The bench asked the CBI to issue necessary direction to the state police as to how and in what matter protection to the victims and witnesses can be granted without insisting on the strict procedures stipulated in the witness protection scheme. PM Modi working for poverty alleviation in country: Alok Sharma Staff Reporter Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the workers over increasing the total votes by 370 at each booth. I can feel that in Govindpura legislative constituency, 370 votes will be added in the vote share in the upcoming elections and in the Lok Sabha elections in Bhopal, this will play a huge record. State Lok Sabha incharge of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said while addressing a workers conference in Govindpura on Tuesday. The conference was also addressed by cabinet minister Krishna Gaur, partys LS candidate Alok Sharma and district president Sumit Pachori. Addressing the workers, Singh said that the BJP is unique among all political parties in the country since this is a cadre based party and due to their efforts, the party has emerged as the largest political organisation in the world. Praising the workers, he mentioned that the workers of Govindpura have successfully propagated the welfare driven policies of the double engine government and has ensured that no one is left untouched for taking the benefits of the scheme. Cabinet Minister Gaur said that due to the efforts of cadres, the party will be registering a ground breaking victory in the upcoming elections. Today, every single person of the constituency is benefitted from the policies of the central and State Government. Rain, hailstorm trigger power outage Staff Reporter Unseasonal showers and hailstorm pounded the State capital Bhopal on Wednesday afternoon, triggering power cuts in many areas. Strong wind around 60 kmph of speed and lightening accompanied the thunderstorm. It started raining with extreme dark outside around 3 pm and lasted till late night in different areas, increasing in intensity. Bikers and pedestrians scampered for cover as hail caught them by surprise. Apart from Bhopal, Shajapur, Ujjain and a few other districts also recorded small sized hail. According to Weather Department, 21 districts recorded rainfall on April 10. Heavy rainfall was received in Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Agar, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Pachmarhi, Chhindwara, Seoni and nearby areas. Wind blew for 60 kmph in most of areas. The day temperature dropped by few notches and rain, hail damaged the ready to harvest crops in several districts of Madhya Pradesh. In Bhopal, hail storm was recorded in old city, Karond, Govindpura, and few other areas. Meteorology officials have issued warning for thunder, lightning and strong winds along with rain and hail in many districts till April 13. According to Indian Meteorology Department (IMD), Bhopal on April 11, light rainfall is expected in Berasiya, Hoshangabad Road, Raisen Road and Karond. On April 12, dark clouds and light rain is forecast while for April 13, lightning and droplets are forecast. Weather Department said that it is all effect of cyclonic circulation, trough line and western disturbance in Bhopal. Rainfall for past three days gave quite relief to the citizens from scorching heat and day-night temperature has declined. While day temperature dipped down by three to four degrees Celsius, night temperature also recorded a fall by two degrees Celsius. Weather scientists said that moisture is coming from Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. IMD has also released Red, Orange and Yellow alert in various parts of state. Dr Ved Prakash, IMD Bhopal, said that cyclonic air is becoming more active and apart from this, another western disturbance is active in Northern part of country. He said on April 10, cyclonic circulation will be stronger and southern part of Madhya Pradesh will be most effective with this system. IMD said, after the current weather system pass away, summer would be coming to its peak with temperature soaring above 40 to 42 degree Celsius. Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 35.8. degrees Celsius, which was at the normal mark while night temperature in the city was 22.6 degrees Celsius, a degree more than normal mark. Maximum temperature over most places in State remained under the 40 degrees mark. Gwalior recorded maximum temperature 38.6 degrees Celsius and minimum 19.6 degrees Celsius. Indore recorded maximum temperature 37.1 degrees Celsius and minimum 23.7 degrees Celsius. Ujjain recorded maximum temperature 38.0 degrees Celsius and minimum 20.8 degrees Celsius. Jabalpur recorded maximum temperature 31.8 degrees Celsius and minimum 20.6 degrees Celsius. State Congress elaborates on poll promises made in manifesto Nyay Patra By Bhavana Aparajita Shukla Five days after unveiling Congress manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha election at New Delhi, a panel of senior Congress leaders from the State held press conference in Bhopal on Wednesday and highlighted key points of Nyay Patra as the manifesto is being called by the party. Along with Pradesh Congress Committee chief Jitu Patwari and President Pradesh Congress Media Cell Mukesh Nayak, veteran leader Digvijay Singh, former minister Arun Yadav, Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar, MP Vivek Tankha and Media Advisor K K Mishra were present. Each of the leader focused on five pillars of justice and 25 guarantees mentioned in the poll promise document. elaborating on full employment promise, PCC chief Jitu Patwari said that it has included all sections and segments of the society. For youth the party ensures to provide job. Congress guarantees a new Right to Apprenticeship Act to provide a one year apprenticeship with a private or a public sector company to every diploma holder or college graduate below the age of 25. Apprentices will get 1 lakh a year. The apprenticeship will impart skills, enhance employability and provide full-time job opportunities for millions of youth. It promises a nationwide socio-economic and caste census, along with various welfare measures such as the right to employment for the youth and financial assistance for marginalised sections of society. LoP Umang Singhar said that Congress will conduct a nation-wide socio-economic and caste census to enumerate the castes and sub-castes and their socio-economic conditions. Based on the data, we will strengthen the agenda for affirmative action, he added. The Congress guarantees that it will pass a constitutional amendment to raise the 50 per cent cap on reservations for SC, ST and OBC. It will also include 10 per cent of those who are economic weaker section irrespective of their caste. While senior leader Digvijay Singh reminded decision taken during his tenure regarding Panchayats and he said Congress is committed to ensure that states enact laws in conformity with the framework of the central Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) to establish Village Council and Autonomous District Council as envisaged in PESA. Power of Gram Sabha will be enhanced. The manifesto details its plans to boost the economy and says its goal is full employment. The Congress says it intends to fill vacancies in Government jobs, it will launch an urban unemployment program and aim for better working conditions for people employed in the gig economy. Three injured as MLA Ashish Jaiswals car hits vehicle of woman lawyer Staff Reporter A speeding car belonging to Ashish Jaiswal, the MLA from Ramtek constituency, hit a car of a woman lawyer on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway on Wednesday morning. In the mishap, a woman lawyer and two others were seriously injured. According to Kanhan Police, the mishap occurred near Kerdi bus stand around 11.30 am. MLA Jaiswal was not present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Only Jaiswals Personal Assistant Puru Meshram, and driver Manoj Gotmare were inside the car. The collision occurred as Gotmare swerved the car abruptly to avoid colliding with a passing motorcycle and crashed the vehicle into the oncoming car of a woman identified as Government Pleader Manisha Raut. Raut (45) and a resident of Bhandara, was en route from Nagpur to Ramtek for court-related work when the incident occurred. The impact of the collision was severe and caused Rauts car to veer off the road and into a nearby field. Both Raut and her driver, Milind Dongre, sustained critical injuries and were trapped inside the car. Highway Police officials, led by API Sachin Selokar, PSI Bunde, rushed to the spot and aided in the extracting the injured from the vehicles. Raut and Dongre were rushed to a nearby private hospital in Kamptee, with Raut later being referred to a hospital in Nagpur due to the severity of her head injury. Additionally, MLA Jaiswals driver, Gotmare, sustained injuries in the collision, while his Personal Assistant, Meshram, escaped unharmed and alerted the police. Kanhan police are investigating the case. WHAT DIALOGUE? TIME has come for India to remind the United States -- and also the world -- that expecting a dialogue with Pakistan to resolve various issues between the two countries is not just immature but also ignorant of the reality. Even as the United States State Department has expected resolution of contentious issues between India and Pakistan through dialogue, it appears to have blind-folded itself from the reality of the crude diplomatic culture Pakistan has been following for decades on end. The US, therefore, needs to be told that Pakistan is not the country with which issues could be sorted out through dialogue and discussion on subjects of mutual interests. For, advising India (and Pakistan) to resort to dialogue, is nothing but pompous and devoid of a proper understanding of the reality of the protracted India-Pakistan discord. It is most unfortunate that the US has forgotten the reality of Pakistans cantankerousness on every issue not just with India but with any country in the world. Every effort by India to establish a dialogue with Pakistan in the past seventy-five years has failed miserably and the Pakistani leadership has not stopped considering India as Enemy Number One. It has also never faltered in using terrorism as a tool of its foreign policy management, and has made every possible effort to disturb or fail any effort by India -- and also by other countries -- to negotiate for peace and harmony between the two estranged neighbours. The world has not missed even a single detail of this seventy-five-year history right from the moment Pakistani invaders stormed into Kashmir right at the dawn of Independence and annexed some portion of the region and kept it under its illegal occupation. The world also has seen how Pakistan has become the face of global Islamic terrorism and how India and many countries -- including the US -- have tried their best, though to no avail, to wean Pakistan away from using terror as a foreign-policy-tool. The world has known how Pakistan has always tried to raise the Kashmir issue without any locus standi at different international forums including the United Nations and has refused to acknowledge that it uses terror as its tool to cower India. Despite this, the United States has shown a rawness to suggest that dialogue should be the way for India and Pakistan to sort out issues between them. This stance by the US State Department, thus, hints at some agenda of the American leadership that it would never let out in public domain. Hence the need for India to make it clear to the US not to offer hollow and impractical advice to India vis-a-vis Pakistan. India must tell the US that a dialogue between the two countries would be possible only when Pakistan mends its ways. Of course, history offers enough evidence of how the US has often sided with Pakistan even though it knew that the Indian stance on all issues has been logically and morally correct. No matter the changed American conduct -- in bits and pieces -- as regards Pakistan -- in the past some time, the overall US position has been of supporting Islamabad in its regional geopolitics (of whatever crudeness). True, in the past ten years, the American view of the Indian positions on different issues has undergone a big transformation. Yet, as is evident from the latest State Departments advice, it needs to be told that Indias position vis-a-vis Pakistan is based on real-life experience of crude Pakistani diplomacy in which terrorism and cantankerousness are major tools. The US -- and the world -- needs to be told in no uncertain terms that no dialogue is possible with Pakistan until Islamabad changes its conduct fully. Womens Role In LS Polls By Kalyani Shankar CAN women voters decide the upcoming 2024 General elections? Their growing number of voters and favourable legislation, such as the one-third reservation for women in Parliament and legislatures, make them an important segment. Political parties are trying to attract women voters, a critical segment. To do this, they are offering various benefits. According to a recent report, the high turnout of women voters could significantly impact the 2024 elections. The report predicts that by 2047, womens voter turnout may reach 55%, while mens turnout could decrease to 45%. It is worth noting that Dr. B R Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution, once stated that Political power is the key to all social progress. This statement holds today, as women cannot expect to receive justice unless they have a say in decision-making processes. Women in India are demanding more measures to remove gender bias. Last September, the Parliament passed the Womens Reservation Bill to empower women. This Bill ensures a 33% reservation for them in Parliament and State legislatures. Both the Congress and the BJP claimed credit for the Bills passage. Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said, It is our Bill. 2008, Sonia Gandhi passed it in the Upper House but failed to do so in the Lok Sabha. Last September, PM Modi introduced this Bill with pride, and it passed almost unanimously after 27 years. Due to the delay in the census and delimitation process, the Bill will be implemented only after four years. Since gaining Independence, India has had only one woman Prime Minister and 15 women Chief Ministers. However, the number of women contesting elections has increased sevenfold since the 1950s, and womens representation in the Lok Sabha has risen from 5% to 15%. The situation is similar globally. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, women comprise roughly 26% of lawmakers worldwide. In Rwanda, on the other hand, women hold more than 60% of seats. In 2008, Rwanda became the first country to have a female-majority Parliament. Women hold only 14% of parliamentary seats in India. There are 78 and 24 women members in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively. India ranks 149th among 193 nations regarding womens representation in the lower house of the Parliament. Moreover, less than 16% of MLAs in each state of India are women. One significant measure in India was that in 1993, one-third of Panchayat seats were reserved for women, which has now been expanded to 50 per cent in most States. Nearly a million women serve as sarpanches at the grassroots level. These sarpanches could climb up the ladder with their gross root experience. The upcoming General Elections will have 96.88 crore voters, with over 47 crore being women. 1.41 crore of the 2.63 crore new voters are female. More women have registered to vote in Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Despite the passage of the Womens Reservation Bill, the participation of women in politics has not significantly increased. While political parties supported the bill, they only allocated a small percentage of their tickets to women, typically 10-15 per cent in the recent Assembly polls. For the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, BJP granted only 67 tickets to women out of 421 candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. However, some Chief Ministers such as Mamata Banerjee, Nitish Kumar, and Arvind Kejriwal have recognised the benefits of promoting womens empowerment. To remove the gender bias, Parties need to field more women leaders and candidates for Womens empowerment. However, some argue that women tend to win if they come from known political families. Many leaders also do not look beyond their families to pick candidates. Its essential to understand that not all women will vote for women candidates. Political parties should focus on addressing crucial issues rather than relying on incentives to woo voters. Many parties offer incentives to women voters but do not give women equal representation in their candidate lists. Parties should reserve at least one-third of their tickets for women as stipulated by the womens reservation legislation. Additionally, parties should discourage the preferential treatment given to political dynasties. Indian political parties are targeting women voters with various schemes and benefits. Congress in Karnataka offers women free bus travel and a Rs. 2,000 cash incentive. In Himachal Pradesh, women aged 18-60 will receive Rs. 1,500 monthly. Delhis Mukyamantri Mahila Samman Yojna will provide Rs. 1,000 monthly to women over 18 years. TMC in West Bengal has announced a remuneration hike. AAP and Congress offer incentives like Rs. 1,000 monthly payment and Rs. 1 lakh annual allowance before the Lok Sabha elections. Political accountability towards women starts with achieving gender balance in decision-making, promoting womens more substantial presence and influence in political parties, and advancing gender equality issues in party policies and platforms. Education is also important for all these. We need governance reforms that are sensitive to gender issues. These will enable elected officials to be more responsive. The mysterious Havana syndrome has once again made headlines around the world. A fresh investigation into the illness that has apparently affected some 200 people for several years, including employees of the White House, the CIA and the FBI and their families and which redirected the course of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States seems to back the theory pointing to Russia as one of the direct culprits, just as in the days of the Cold War. The new investigation by The Insider in collaboration with Der Spiegel and 60 Minutes suggests that people affected by Havana syndrome the name given to the alleged acoustic attacks that more than 20 American and Canadian diplomats have suffered since 2016 during their stay in the Cuban capitalmay have been targeted by members of the Russian military intelligence Unit 29155, with directed energy weapons. The first people affected in Cuba were two diplomats who said they had suffered sonic attacks on November 25, 2016, the day of Fidel Castros death. But so far, there is no clear explanation of the causes behind what the United States Defense Health Agency calls an AHI (Anomalous Health Incident). Many theories have been thrown around. For a time, some researchers said it was an outbreak of mass hysteria, others talked about a mass psychogenic illness, and there was even talk of a microwave attack. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) issued a report last year stating that it was unlikely that the syndrome was caused by a foreign adversary. After the new investigation was released, the American congressman of Cuban descent Carlos Gimenez blamed the government in Havana for the events along with Russia, an accusation that has more than once been denied by the Cuban government and ruled out by the team of FBI investigators. Communist Cuba collaborated with Russia to attack U.S. intelligence officials, Gimenez said. The regime must face the consequences of its actions. The Cuban government has immediately reacted to the new investigation and denied the accusations. The deputy director for the United States of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Johana Tablada de la Torre, told the Associated Press that Havana syndrome does not exist, since it is not registered as a disease, and that in reality it is Washington syndrome. She also assured that the investigation tries to present Cuba as a threat to the national security of the United States; even when Cuba is not portrayed as the supposed main actor, it puts Cuban territory as the place that lends itself so that foreign powers can perpetrate acts against the United States. The attacks on American diplomats were the main pretext for Donald Trumps administration to withdraw most of the staff from its embassy in Havana. Since then, Cubans must carry out most of their consular procedures in third countries. The event also marks the beginning of the rollback in the restoration of relations that former president Barack Obama had promoted. What does the new research say? With access to intercepted Russian intelligence documents, travel records, call metadata and testimonies, the investigation states that among the main findings is the fact that high-ranking members of the Russian military Unit 29155 received awards and political promotions for work related to the development of non-lethal acoustic weapons. It also states that several agents assigned to that department have been located in places around the world just before or at the time when anomalous health incidents occurred, and that one officer was rewarded for his work related to the development of said weapons. Between May 2016 and September 2017, several diplomats in Cuba claimed to have experienced symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, intense ringing in the ears and difficulty concentrating. However, the investigation states that there were probably attacks two years earlier in Frankfurt, Germany, when a U.S. government employee was knocked unconscious by something resembling a strong energy beam. Since the first reported cases emerged, other American officials in countries such as China, Vietnam, Germany and even the United States have stepped up with claims that they experienced similar symptoms, and others such as vertigo, tinnitus, insomnia, nausea, psychophysiological deterioration, blindness and hearing loss. Several of those affected have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injuries. In 2021, the Biden administration enacted the Havana Law, which provides compensation for confirmed victims of AHI. Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Greg Edgreen told 60 Minutes that if there is a common factor among the victims, it was the nexus to Russia. They had worked against Russia, they had focused on Russia, and they had done it extremely well, he said. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, told the media that so far no one has published or expressed any convincing evidence of these baseless accusations. So all of them are nothing more than unfounded accusations. It is not the first time that an investigation points to Russia as the main culprit for incidents involving American diplomats. Two years ago, The New York Times cited Russia as the most likely agent behind the attacks on diplomats in countries like Cuba or China, due to its history with weapons that cause brain injuries and its interest in fracturing Washingtons relations with Beijing and Havana. At the time, Russia also rejected the accusations. Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako Returns to Baghdad Upon PM Al-Sudani's Invitation The head of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world, Patriarch Louis Raphael Sako, announced on Thursday his return to his headquarters in Baghdad upon a personal invitation from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The church stated in a statement, "Upon a personal invitation from the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, His Beatitude Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, a companied for by Bishop Thomas Mirm, arrived (Wednesday evening) in Baghdad." The statement added that "representatives of the Prime Minister (Hazem Wattan) welcomed his Beatitude at Baghdad International Airport at the VIP lounge, after which he headed to his headquarters at the Patriarchate in Al-Mansour, accompanied by the Chaldean Church's prayers." In July 2023, The Iraqi president Abdul Latif Rashid issued a republican decree in which he decided to withdraw republican decree number 147 for the year 2013, which is about the accreditation of Patriarch Sako in Iraq. Republican decree number 31 was published in Iraq's formal newspaper Al-Waqaei Al-Iraqiya, edition 4727, on 3 July; hence the decree has been officially put into practice. On 7 July, Rashid clarified that he had decided to annul special presidential decree 147 for 2013, describing it as "illegal and unconstitutional". The Republican decree had been withdrawn from Cardinal Louis Sako in response to the request made by Rayan al-Kaldani, the leader of the Babylon faction affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces. The step has sparked anger among Iraqi Christians. Rashid also said that cancelling the presidential decree does not affect the legal and religious status of Sako as he has been appointed as the head of the Chaldean Catholic Church in Iraq by the Vatican pope. The United States criticized the decision. "I will say we are disturbed by the harassment of Cardinal Sako ... and troubled by the news that he has left Baghdad," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a press briefing. "We look forward to his safe return. The Iraqi Christian community is a vital part of Iraq's identity and a central part of Iraq's history of diversity and tolerance," Miller said. The Charge d'Affairs of the Vatican Embassy in Iraq criticized the decree, citing the lack of a constitutional or legal basis for its issuance. Following Miller's comments on the decision, the Iraqi Presidency expressed disappointment by the accusations aimed at the Iraqi Government and the Presidency and summoned the US Ambassador in Baghdad. The Iraqi decision follows statement by Sako against Rayan al-Kaldani, leader of the Babylon Party. Sako accused al-Kaldani of purloining properties from Christians in Baghdad, Nineveh, and the Nineveh Plain. The clergyman said al-Kaldani "is endeavoring to co-opt Christian clergy with the aid of a woman he appointed to a ministerial post," alluding to Migration Minister Evan Faiq. Sako questioned al-Kaldani's credentials, asserting that he is bereft of the capacity to lead the Christian community and aspires to dominate Christianity in Iraq. The patriarch said al-Kaldani has usurped the Christian quota in the recent election, which designates five seats for minority Christians. In a trenchant critique, Sako censured the Babylon Movement and al-Kaldani for brandishing images of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the cross during political gatherings. "Parading them in the streets and politics is inappropriate, for we are not engaged in a crusade." On March 15, an Indian navy destroyer in the Arabian Sea used a drone to confirm armed men had hijacked the MV Ruen bulk carrier. A 40-hour counterattack was launched involving a patrol ship, a drone, reconnaissance aircraft and Indian army commandos. The hijackers surrendered, freeing the Maltese-flagged ship and its crew. The MV Ruen was seized by Somali pirates, not combatants from Yemen. The notorious pirates once active off the coast of Somalia have resurfaced in the Arabian Sea to exploit rerouted Red Sea maritime traffic due to recent Houthi assaults on commercial vessels. Their new area of operation also avoids an increased military presence in the Red Sea. Three large merchant ships have been attacked in recent months and one is still held by pirates. In all, 18 smaller ships have come under attack and Somali pirates are still in command of seven. According to the European Unions Atalanta anti-piracy naval operation based in Cadiz, Spain, several ships have reported suspicious activity and hijacking attempts. Operation Atalanta only has one vessel at its disposal Victoria, a Spanish frigate. Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea, which handled 15% of global maritime traffic, forced major shipping companies to reroute ships around Africa as trade through the region plummeted by 60% year-over-year. Navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb strait between Yemen and Djibouti dropped precipitously as shipping traffic routed around the Cape of Good Hope surged by 90%, according to PortWatch, a maritime trade monitoring platform. Many experts believe that Somali pirates no longer pose a threat as they did over a decade ago. Their peak in 2011 was countered by an international maritime force, ship security measures, and tenacious pursuit of pirates. As piracy became less profitable, they turned to other activities. However, their return amid the Red Sea crisis has raised concerns. Ever since the Houthis began attacking ships in the Red Sea, cases of piracy have shot up significantly, said Shekhar Sinha, a former Indian navy vice admiral who commanded naval forces in the Arabian Sea from 2012-2014. Piracy was completely under control before the Houthis started attacking. India has mobilized the most to curb piracy, boasting the largest naval presence in the Arabian Sea Experts and monitoring groups believe there are up to four organized pirate groups currently operating out of the Somali state of Puntland, which includes the Horn of Africas strategic tip. Known for its fishing tradition, this region has been heavily affected by Somalias prolonged civil war and foreign companies that have overfished the waters. Political instability in Puntland has also increased recently, possibly contributing to the resurgence of pirate networks. Borer Louis, of the Risk Intelligence maritime security risk consultancy, says there are two main types of pirate attacks: assaults on illegal fishing near the Somali coast and hijackings of merchant ships in deeper waters (not seen since 2017). The first type is carried out by small groups of fishermen, while hijacking attempts usually involve organized and experienced pirates who are often linked to local armed groups. They are more sophisticated and use previously hijacked mother ships with advanced weapons and navigation systems. Operation Atalanta has recently identified several pirate camps on the Somali coast where captured ships are held during ransom negotiations. The Indian response India has mobilized the most to curb piracy, boasting the largest naval presence in the Arabian Sea. New Delhi is demonstrating its commitment to regional stability by aligning with its new security partners and deploying resources for restoring order, said Mohammed Soliman of the Middle East Institute. Raj Mohabeer of the Indian Ocean Commission, an intergovernmental organization that links the island nations of the southwestern Indian Ocean, acknowledges concerns about rising levels of piracy. [Now] we have to monitor the situation and see if what the Indians are doing is really enough to stop new attacks. Jakob Larsen, security director at BIMCO, a major shipowners association, believes the key to resolving the situation lies in enhancing self-defense capabilities on ships, enforcing maritime law with warships, and prosecuting attackers. Pirates roaming the seas always worry sailors and shipowners. In 1944, Livia and Heidi two twins from Sighetu Marmatiei, a Transylvanian city located in northwestern Romania were deported with their family from the ghetto to the Auschwitz concentration camp, in Nazi-occupied Poland. There, a doctor was waiting for them to carry out atrocious experiments, with the aim of achieving multiple births of Aryan children. The two sisters miraculously survived. With the Allied advance, they were transferred to Bergen Belsen located in present-day Germany until their liberation. Livia, 97-years-old, still lives to narrate her ordeal. Darius Bogeag is a student in a new course titled History of the Jews, taught by the Matei Basarab National College, a high school in the Romanian capital of Bucharest. He tells EL PAIS the grim story of the Frankel sisters because of the emotional impact it has had on him, after listening to Livias testimony. Romania which decimated the countrys Jewish community for decades, before, during and after the Holocaust has been teaching about the Holocaust for one hour a week in its secondary schools on a mandatory basis since September 2023. This period of history was long banned from the curriculum in this Eastern European country. The testimonies overwhelm us and help us understand what happened and whats happening in todays world, emphasizes 17-year-old Darius. For his classmate, Petru Ivanel, the subject aims to deconstruct what happened [so that we can] learn from such a terrifying moment in our history to prevent it from happening again. They study the history of the Jews in Europe, from Antiquity to World War II, and also take time to comment on the most recent events, such as the Hamas attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. Above all, Romanian students analyze the cruel acts perpetrated by torturers during the Holocaust, as well as the testimonies of those who suffered them. I was surprised how, for more than 2,000 years, there were antisemitic proclamations without any logic, which already anticipated what would come later, Darius notes. You leave the course deeply disappointed with the attitude that people had almost 85 years ago. They could have done much more to save human lives from barbarism, laments Victor Corbaeanu, also a student at this school, who is struck by the fact that his country had numerous famous historical figures of Jewish origin. The Romanian authorities allied with Nazi Germany until 1944 killed between 280,000 and 380,000 Romanian and Ukrainian Jews during the deadliest war of the last century. According to historians, these particular massacres took place in territories controlled by the fascist regime of Marshal Ion Antonescu. Added to these exterminations was the decision made by the subsequent communist dictatorship (1947-1989) to allow for the emigration of Jews in the mid-1950s, in exchange for livestock and agricultural materials. The Jewish population of Romania has fallen dramatically over the past century, from 800,000 people in the late-1930s the third-largest community in Europe to around just 3,000 today. Although the recent history of communism still persists in the lively debate among citizens, for years, the Romanian authorities have denied what is known as the Romanian Holocaust. Even Antonescu, who was sentenced to death for war crimes and executed in 1946, is still considered a hero by many. Iuliana Caplescu a history teacher at the Matei Basarab National College is satisfied with the governments initiative against the resurgence of antisemitic and neo-fascist movements in Europe. Its a unique opportunity for students to understand that extremely serious events carried out by individuals against others have occurred, explains this teacher, who has more than 25 years of experience in the classroom. Shes been overwhelmed by the avalanche of questions, stemming both from the students interest and the limited materials she has available to offer them. There are no professionals trained in what the Holocaust means, so we must be very careful with what we transmit, Caplescu continues, while urging Romania to accept the mistakes of the past. Its a challenge both for the students who we teach through testimonies and for the teachers, some of whom are reluctant to teach the subject, even though they dont express it openly, emphasizes Mirela Alexandrescu, also a teacher. Caplescu explains that the peak of the genocide occurred between 1941 and 1942, when Adolf Hitler offered the territory of Transnistria currently a breakaway state within the border of Moldova to the government in Bucharest. Deportations were carried out en masse to this former Soviet enclave, where its estimated that over 30,000 Roma people perished, in addition to approximately 100,000 Jews. Today, these facts are finally taught in Romania, the only country in the European Union where the Holocaust is explicitly studied as its own subject within the General History curriculum. We want to convey to the students what it means to live in a democratic society, says Mihai Mahnea, an inspector at the Bucharest Department of Education. The countrys extreme-right takes advantage of ignorance about the Romanian Holocaust to claim that Antonescu saved Jewish [and Roma] lives by opposing [the order from Berlin] to send them to extermination camps, which is a big lie, he asserts. Few have heard about the pogroms, which took the lives of thousands of people, Mahnea continues. Antisemitic acts Romania has recorded an increase in incidents against Jewish people over the last decade. The Prosecutor Generals Office counted 51 acts of this type in 2022, compared to six in 2012. And, in the city of Iasi, in northwestern Romania, an immense Jewish cemetery shows the extent of the massacre. Half of the citys population about 150,000 in the early 1940s belonged to the Jewish minority. In a pogrom which took place in June 1941, thousands of them were murdered, while many others were crammed into freight cars known as death trains where the ventilation holes were covered. Amidst stifling heat and without water, most died of asphyxiation. Iasi has had a memorial museum since 2021, which has seen a notable increase in visits since the Holocaust began being taught in Romanian schools. With the course, we can teach students about discrimination and antisemitic manifestations, combat stereotypes and [foster] positive attitudes towards ethnic minorities, notes Cristina Talpan, who teaches History at the Dimitrie Cantemir Institute in Iasi. She believes, however, that this is a niche discipline and shouldnt be mandatory. All minorities in Romania could claim that their histories should also be studied, the educator opines. However, she appreciates the political motivations behind the compulsory nature of this subject. For Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, making the teaching of this period mandatory is a part of facing the dark side of the countrys history. According to a survey of around 1,300 Romanians carried out at the end of 2023 by the Elie Wiesel Center, only 11% say that they know about Romanias role during the Holocaust. Ana Barbulescu the research coordinator of this center, which is dedicated to the study of the Holocaust in Romania attributes this lack of knowledge to the fact that the subject had never been taught in schools. She also blames false notions of patriotism, which attempt to prevent the population from believing that these events took place in the country. Just because there were no gas chambers within Romanian territory doesnt mean that the Holocaust didnt exist in Romania, the researcher points out. The far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) a political party which entered the Parliament in the 2020 elections is now rising in the polls ahead of the December elections this year. This party has opposed explaining Romanias role in the Holocaust. Its leader defines it as a minor issue, a statement that has sparked harsh criticism. Romania must recognize that its the main culprit of the mass death of [Romanian] Jews and Roma, Barbulescu affirms. What was unease at the end of 2023 has now turned into despair. The Ukrainian authorities are becoming more anxious by the day about the delay of a U.S. military aid package worth $60 billion and approved by President Joe Biden. The Republican Party has been blocking the bill in Congress for the past six months, under the influence of Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized in the German daily Bild Tuesday that without U.S. support, Russia will finish off his country: He [Putin] will destroy everything. He will kill a lot of people. There will be a lot of blood. There will be many casualties and many losses. We are talking about hundreds of thousands. Zelenskiy also cited the progressive lack of ammunition for the missile defense systems protecting Ukrainian cities. The Ukrainian government has specifically requested Washington provide more Patriot missile batteries. Give us the damn Patriots, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urged in an interview with Politico on March 25. One statistic highlights the worsening situation: the Ukrainian Air Force was on average intercepting 80% of the long-range missiles fired by Russia in 2023; this year, that percentage has fallen to 60%. This is allowing the Kremlins forces to systematically destroy the Ukrainian energy system, which has been targeted since March. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko indicated on April 8 that Russian strikes in recent weeks have damaged 80% of its thermal power plants and more than half of its hydroelectric power plants. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Russian drones and missiles again attacked power substations in the cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv. Republican hardliners oppose pouring more billions into Ukraine because they believe it is a war that is impossible to win and the funds should be spent on tightening U.S. border controls Leading Ukrainian media opened their Wednesday editions with more pessimistic news, reported by The Guardian newspaper: British Foreign Secretary David Cameron had dinner on Tuesday with Trump and did not convince the Republican presidential candidate to unblock military assistance for Kyiv. The Guardian added that Cameron did not manage to secure a meeting with Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, who holds the power to bring a vote on the aid package for Ukraine part of a wider $95 billion bill that also includes military assistance for Israel and Taiwan to the floor. Johnson gave assurances in early April that the issue could be unblocked this week, but congressional Republicans loyal to Trump have threatened to instigate his impeachment if he brings Bidens proposal to a vote. Republican hardliners oppose pouring more billions into Ukraine because they believe it is a war that is impossible to win and the funds should be spent on tightening U.S. border controls. The Ukrainian government has leaked to the media that it is willing to accept the aid in the form of loans, indebting the public coffers despite the fact that, without European Union funding, the Ukrainian state would be bankrupt today. Russian artillery regiments have access to six times more ammunition than the Ukrainians, and the Kremlins air dominance is allowing its planes to bomb frontline positions The Washington Post reported on April 7 that Trump has a plan to end the war by pressuring Kyiv to grant Russian President Vladimir Putin sovereignty over Crimean and the Donbas region. Zelenskiy responded in Bild, describing Trumps proposals as a fantasy: This is about human lives, we cant make jokes, and we cant take risks. Trumps team denied the veracity of the news, although it would not be an unusual approach: there are more and more voices in the international political and military sphere that now take it for granted the war will end with Ukrainian concessions. Zelenskiy, though, is in no doubt that Putin seeks the disintegration the Ukrainian state and will not stop at conquering 20% of the its territory. The Armed Forces of Ukraine meanwhile insist on the weakness of their arsenal. Russian artillery regiments have access to six times more ammunition than the Ukrainians, and the Kremlins air dominance is allowing its planes to bomb frontline positions. Zelenskiy spoke bluntly about the situation on the front line in an interview with The Washington Post on March 29: If there is no U.S. support, it means that we have no air defense, no Patriot missiles, no jammers for electronic warfare, no 155-millimeter artillery rounds, he said. It means we will go back, retreat, step by step, in small steps. The main Ukrainian fear is that Trump will emerge victorious in the U.S. presidential election in November. If U.S. support can no longer be counted on, the alternative is Europe, as the director of the Dialogue Institute for Social and Political Studies, Andrei Miseliuk, wrote on April 5 in Ukrainian media outlet LB: For the first time since the creation of NATO, Europe must prepare its defense without the 100% secure umbrella of the United States. The issue for Ukraine is that it cannot wait until Europe supplants Washingtons military role. If the [U.S.] Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war, Zelenski said in an April 7 speech. If Ukraine loses this war, other countries will be attacked. This is a fact. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition In the early hours of April 11, a fugitive named Jaime Saade will finally reckon with the life he escaped on January 1, 1994. On that New Years Day, after leaving Nancy Mariana Mestre on the steps of a Barranquilla hospital clinging to life, Jaime Saade vanished. For three decades, Martin Mestre, the father of the 18-year-old woman who fought for nine days before dying, relentlessly pursued Saade, who was convicted of murder in absentia. In 2019, Mestre finally caught up with Saade in Brazil just as the statute of limitations was about to expire. Now 82 years old, Mestre will sit quietly in his Barranquilla apartment, waiting with satisfaction while a plane brings Saade to meet justice. April 11 will mark the first night in 30 years that this father can sleep peacefully without the burden of seeking justice for his daughters killer. I plan to put an end to this story, but you never know, Mestre said on the phone a few hours before the extradition. Mestre added the caveat due to the numerous ups and downs in a 30-year journey filled with countless setbacks and a handful of minor triumphs. He understands that nothing should be taken for granted, even today. For 26 years, he felt stuck without tangible results. Week after week, he persisted in court to keep the arrest warrant from expiring. Like Forrest Gump, he shared his story tirelessly and used social media to gather information. An army reservist, he took an intelligence course to learn tracking tactics and tirelessly searched online for clues about Saades whereabouts. Oblivious to it all, Jaime Saade had fled to Brazil and changed his name to Henrique Dos Santos Abdala. Now in his fifties and married with two children, he lived in Belo Horizonte having successfully evaded a 27-year prison sentence for murder that was due to expire in July 2023. But Mestre, using fake profiles to join Facebook groups with people connected to Saades, finally found clues that the murderer was in Belo Horizonte. He alerted Interpol and Henrique dos Santos was arrested in early 2019. The call informing him of the capture brought Mestre to tears, as he stood in his yard thanking God. At that moment, he felt a sense of victory wash over him. The extradition case, initially appearing certain, went to Brazils Supreme Court. With two judges in favor and two against due to the amount of time elapsed, Saade benefited from the tie and was freed. Mestre nearly gave up. Throughout my 30-year journey, Ive always come across these little angels whove lent me a hand. Margui [a Colombian lawyer named Margarita R. Sanchez whos a partner at Miller & Chevalier in Washington, D.C.] came into the picture when it seemed like every door was closing, Martin recalls. Margarita Sanchez learned about the case from a friend. Remembering Nancys murder, she decided to assist Martin. The U.S.-based law firm where she works took on a pro bono legal battle against the Brazilian Supreme Court to secure extradition. They successfully argued against a legal loophole and time limit for the crime. In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court overturned its initial ruling in April 2023 and approved the extradition to Colombia, noting that the crime of femicide has no statute of limitations. Since then, Saade took part in an escape attempt in Brazil and legal actions in Colombia to avoid extradition, all in vain. On April 11, a judge will decide how long he will be imprisoned for the murder of Nancy Mestre, a young woman about to graduate from high school who tragically died on New Years Day while out for a walk with the man who fatally shot her. Mestre doesnt know what life will be like without the mission and burden of seeking his daughters killer, but he feels a semblance of peace. Would you like to meet Saade face-to-face? Theres no need. I already know everything hes the killer. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Are we getting the full story on the Port issue? Dakar, April 10, 2024 The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of journalist and La Depeche publishing director Apollinaire Mewenemesse and calls for Togolese authorities to lift the conditions placed on his freedom, drop all charges against him, and cease criminalizing journalism. On April 9, a court in Lome, Togos capital city, released Mewenemesse under judicial supervision, according to his lawyer Darius Atsoo, who spoke to CPJ, and news reports. Atsoo told CPJ that the court prohibited Mewenemesse from making any statements related to his legal proceedings, restricted him from leaving the territory of the Greater Lome district without permission, and seized his passport. Additionally, Mewenemesse was asked to appear twice a month at the court to sign with the court registry and to make himself available for future court dates, Astoo said. Mewenemesse was arrested on March 26 and charged on March 28 with spreading false news and various anti-state charges in connection to a February 28 La Depeche report that questioned the findings in a murder trial of an army officer. Earlier in March, Togos media regulator the privately owned weekly newspaper for three months over the same report. Togolese authorities must lift the tight constraints placed on journalist Apollinaire Mewenemesse as conditions for his release and drop all charges against him, said Angela Quintal, head of CPJs Africa program, from New York. Mewenemesses two weeks in detention should never have happened and Togolese authorities should reform their countrys laws and regulations to ensure journalists work is not criminalized. Journalists in Togo have faced an escalation of criminal prosecutions in connection with their work in recent years. On April 8, Togos government issued a warning over the dissemination of false information on social networks, which could cause disturbances to public order. Such offenses, the government said, would be punished by the penal code and other texts and regulations, including the press and communications code. In October 1998, CPJ wrote to the Togolese government protesting Mewenemesses arrest at that time and seizure of the October 15, 1998, issue of his newspaper following a defamation complaint filed by Assani Tidjani, Togos then defense minister. WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a statement following the killing of Bate Urgessa, a leader of the Oromo Liberation Front, in Meki in Oromia. The killing of Bate Urgessa on Tuesday night was shocking and upsetting. I offer my deepest condolences to the family for their loss, and urge Ethiopian authorities to allow a credible, neutral international body to conduct a thorough investigation into Mr. Bates death. Extrajudicial killings, harassment, and political repression have, for far too long, been common place in Oromia. The Abiy regime has clamped down on political opposition, the media, and dissidents not only in Oromia, but throughout Ethiopia, contributing to the countrys widespread insecurity and overall instability. It is past time for those responsible for the policy of repression and abuse to be exposed and held accountable for their actions. Today at the Global Gateway High-Level Event on Education in Brussels, European Commissioner Jutta Urpilainen showcased the European Unions strong commitment to education and health equity, signing with Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Permanent Secretary of Nigerias Federal Ministry of Education, a cooperation agreement on 18 million EU support to enhance research and development capacities for implementing Nigerias national plan for the pharmaceutical industry and local production of vaccines and medical technologies. Commissioner Urpilainen said: Economic growth is dependent on an educated, skilled workforce and healthy societies, and investing in strengthening education and health systems worldwide is an integral part of the European Unions Global Gateway strategy. Our investments in quality education, research and training seek to empower future generations by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and competencies they need in a changing world to tackle global challenges and build prosperity. The European funding signed today under the Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) will support the wider enabling environment around Nigerias pharmaceutical sector, notably by promoting: skills development through education and training research and development (e.g. research in artificial intelligence and nanotechnology) the digitalisation of essential dimensions of the ecosystem a centralised system for forecasting, procurement and distribution of quality medical products trade, investment and customs facilitation, intellectual property rights frameworks and conditions, and an enabling environment for preferential trade and investment. Commissioner Urpilainen also signed 15 Intra-Africa Mobility Scheme projects funded by the EU with 27 million under the flagship Youth Mobility for Africa . The projects will provide learning mobility opportunities for students, trainees and staff across the continent to boost high-level green and digital skills. Nigeria will benefit from six projects: CB4EE - Capacity Building for Engineering Education Practice and Research (1.8 million of EU funding in total, with the participation of the University of Lagos-Unilag) CREATE-Green Africa - Climate Research and Education to Advancing Green Development in Africa (1.8 million of EU funding in total, with the participation of the University of Port-Harcourt) GENES II - Mobility for Plant Genomics Scholars to Accelerate Climate-Smart Adaptation Options and Food Security in Africa II (1.8 million of EU funding in total, coordinated by the Ebonyi State University) GREEN STEM - Green, Resilient and Entrepreneurial Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Africa (1.8 million of EU funding in total, with the participation of the University of Lagos-Unilag) HCE Solutions Promoting Inclusive Homegrown Clean Energy Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Africa (1.8 million of EU funding in total, coordinated by the Federal University of Technology and with the participation of the University of Nigeria) ORPHAN - Mobility for High Skilled Scientists and Entrepreneurs on Orphan Crops in Higher Education for Accelerated Climate Change Solutions in Africa (1.8 million of EU funding in total, with the participation of the Ebonyi State University) Commissioner Urpilainen also launched a key initiative of the Youth Action Plan in EU external relations, the Africa-Europe Youth Academy, which will provide opportunities for formal and informal learning and exchanges to young people looking to improve their leadership skills and create networks between Africa and Europe. Finally, Nigeria can also benefit from the regional Team Europe Initiative on Opportunity-driven Skills and Vocational Education and Training in Africa, launched today, which will orient country-level vocational training initiatives towards concrete employment opportunities created by Global Gateway investments. Background The Team Europe Initiative on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) works with African partners to strengthen their pharmaceutical systems and manufacturing capacity to improve access to quality, safe, effective and affordable health products. It offers a 360-degree approach through the supply side, the demand side, and the enabling environment, and six work streams: industrial development, supply chains and private sector market shaping, demand and trade facilitation regulatory strengthening technology transfer and intellectual property management access to finance R&D, higher education and skills Education is a powerful mechanism to address inequality and poverty, boosting human potential, opening doors for girls, youth and marginalised groups, and providing a springboard for human connections, debate and democratic values. Education creates an enabling environment for investments in digital and green transformations to succeed, and forms an integral part of the EUs Global Gateway offer to partner countries. The European Union is the leading investor in education worldwide. The EU institutions and Member States provide more than 50% of all official development aid to education worldwide. The EU committed to dedicating at least 10% of its international partnerships budget for the period 20212027 to education. In the period 20212023, the EUs commitments have amounted to around 3 billion, approximately 13% of the budget. Focaccia is revered among Italians. The dish originated in the lower levels of the Roman Empire as a thin, crusty bread known as pania focaccia. This type of flatbread quickly spread throughout Europe and ignited a culinary phenomenon in Italy that endures to this day. Its important to note that focaccia, like many traditional dishes, has evolved over time in Italy, with different regions vying to assert their own version. This culinary rivalry presents a delightful array for newcomers, allowing them to savor a variety of recipes. Among the most renowned are Salentina, Baremo, Calabrese, Sardinian, Barese, Seminesse and Palermitana. But there are many other variations, reflecting the diverse dialects and regions of Italy. While each recipe differs in dough thickness, baking method and ingredients, they all trace their roots back to the original focaccia. It was inevitable that such a popular food would make its way to other countries, including Spain, where its the star attraction at restaurants like Focacciamo in Madrid and Forno Bomba in Barcelona. Focaccia has become so popular that Focacciamo is already eyeing a second location in Madrids Chamberi neighborhood, while Forno Bomba has recently launched its debut site. Naturally, their focaccias boast distinct flavors, but certain elements remain constant whether in Italy, Spain or the United States. Raw focaccia dough made by Barcelona's Forno Bomba restaurant massimiliano minocri Forno Bomba recently opened its doors in the Sants neighborhood, a Barcelona enclave noted for its gastronomy. The restaurants sourdough bread and amazing cinnamon rolls are just the prelude to a dish they have been perfecting for a long time the divine focaccia. Made by chefs Francesco Gottardo and Alberto Montobbio, Forno Bombas focaccia is already a must-try, luring in hungry people on their way home. As Italians living abroad, we must tell you that its not just about Neapolitan pizza and those towering focaccias bursting with toppings, said Gottardo. No, in Italy, we have quite a few pizza and focaccia varieties. With Forno Bomba, our mission is all about spreading culinary knowledge and showing folks the diverse world of focaccia, whether its Puglias version or Genoas twist. We spotted a market opportunity, a chance to bring something unique that Madrid hadnt seen before. We enjoy using stracchino (soft Italian cows-milk cheese), pistachio cream, bresaola (dry salted beef), and fior di latte (fresh mozzarella), along with various sausages, creams and sauces. Our recipe puts a twist on the traditional one, featuring a lighter focaccia with extended fermentation and creative ingredient combinations, said Roberto Violante. With Giacommo Garini and Santiago Bedoya, Violante runs Focacciamo in Madrid. Violante is from Puglia, Garini from Milan, and Bedoya from Bolivia the result is a tasty blend of Italian varieties. For Montobbio, focaccia deserves respect, so he takes a deep breath before singing its praises. Theres so much to talk about, but lets keep it short: focaccia is magic! Its a simple bread dough but so much more. Different regions have their own versions in Genoa, its thin with loads of oil and salt. In Puglia, its thicker and made with yellow semolina flour topped with tomato, oregano and tons of olive oil. The variety is mind-blowing given how simple and tasty it is. In my homeland, we have more focaccia varieties than bread ten types of focaccia and just two types of bread! You can dip it in cappuccino in the morning, have one kind for lunch and another for dinner. Basically, a day of focaccia feasting. Makes sense, doesnt it? he laughs. Forno Bomba chefs and owners Alberto Montobbio (left) and Francesco Gottardo massimiliano minocri The dish is also appealing because its inexpensive: a basic focaccia costs about 4 ($4.35) at Forno Bomba and 9-12 ($9.80-$13) at Focacciamo, depending on portion size and toppings. The simplicity of focaccia and its delicious ingredients are what make it so popular. One of the mysteries about focaccia is the dough, and each baker has their own recipe. Violante said, We have a 24-hour fermentation process using two types of flour. It produces a very light, digestible dough thats crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside. But thats all Violante would tell us. Gottardo offered a few more details about their dough. We make a wet dough with flour thats part whole wheat and part sourdough. We let it rise all night and then bake it for about 20 minutes at 250-260 degrees Celsius [480-500 Fahrenheit]. Gottardo also cleared up another confusion shared by many. The difference between focaccia and [thin] Roman pizza is that focaccia has more oil and pizza uses about a third of the dough that focaccia has. Thin-crust pizza is baked by giving it a quick blast of high heat to make it crispy. Stuffed focaccia made by Focacciamo in Madrid. In Barcelona, The Bakers in the Fortpienc neighborhood, crafts a delectably classic focaccia on weekends. Alongside Pa de kilo, another local bakery, both are esteemed in Barcelonas culinary scene. Over in Madrid, Il Morso boasts a dedicated focaccia following featuring Italian delights like porchetta (pork belly), and even one with roasted potatoes. Madrid locals also flock to Panadario, renowned for its focaccia topped with tomato and cheese from Zucca (in Valladolid), zucchini and pesto. Meanwhile, in Valencia, Acqua e farina offers an array of focaccias as appetizers, providing a refined dining experience compared to the more common street-style options. Surely, in the time it takes to read this article, someone is getting ready for a new focaccia adventure not far from your home. Focaccia has arrived, as they say in show business. And its here to stay. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition. Ebonyi state government has reiterated its support for Rev. Scamb Nwokolo's leadership of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, stressing that it does not recognize any other CAN group. Governor Francis Nwifuru made the reaffirmation on Thursday at the ecumenical centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. He spoke during the 2024 Easter choral competition organised by the state chapter of the Association. Nwifuru who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, said he holds CAN in very high esteem and would not condone anyone sowing discord in the body. He noted that it was only the Nwokolo's led CAN that the government recognizes and would continue to work with, describing any splinter group as mere detractors. Nwifuru said: "the CAN in Ebonyi State, the Governor holds you in very high esteem, and government is aware of pockets of distractions here and there. "But the governors position is that the government has no intention to interfere with the leadership of CAN. "And we will never accept any leadership that came through any other means, than that which is recognized by the national body of CAN. Speaking on the event, the Governor said it was only the resurrection of Jesus that gave meaning to Christianity, and appreciated CAN for the initiative which he described as the best way to celebrate Easter. In a brief exhortation by Rev. Daniel Ukor of the Triumphant True Worshippers Assembly, he enjoined Christian to live their lives reflective of the power of God which resurrected Jesus Christ from the dead. He regretted the rot in the present day society and noted that the politicians were not the problem of Nigeria but the Church which has failed in her responsibilities. He further enjoined Christians and the Church in general to return to God in sincerity, purge itself of mutual antagonism and pray in unity so as to unlock the many blessings God has in store for the nation. Speaking to Newsmen, the CAN chairman restated that there was actually no leadership crises in Ebonyi CAN, adding that what seemed like crisis was mere distractions by few individuals who wanted to constitute a clog in wheel of progress of the association. He appreciated the Governor for his fatherly disposition which he noted, has added greater impetus to the affirmation of the national CAN leadership. Nwokolo enjoined Christians to continue to intercede for the state with unity of purpose, adding that it was the prayers of the faithful that has continued to nurture unity and progress in Nigeria in spite of many odds. The choral event featured performances from some guest choirs, soloists trumpeters and Xylophonists. Five different Choirs representing the five blocs of CAN competed for the trophies. The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) bloc choir took the first position while the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) and the TEKAN/ ECWA blocs clinched second and 3rd positions respectively in the competition. Recall that the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezurike had earlier conveyed this position of the government to CAN in a letter dated February 26, 2024. The first day of menstruation is the starting point of a very complex vital process that science does not yet fully understand: the ovarian cycle. The first phase of this phenomenon begins with the menstrual period, which usually lasts about 28 days, and also involves, apart from menstrual bleeding, the growth of the ovarian follicles until a mature egg is released into the fallopian tubes and the degradation of the endometrium before the onset of a new menstrual cycle. All this happens periodically during a womans fertile life at a more or less constant rate, but scientists still do not know what determines the timing of these cycles and why each phase lasts as long as it does. Because of the temporal similarities, some experts have suggested a link between this phenomenon and the lunar cycle, but this theory, which has produced limited and contradictory results, has always generated controversy within the scientific community. New research, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, adds to the understanding of this process and suggests that, rather than the lunar phases or any other external variable, it is probably an internal body clock like the circadian chronometer that marks the compass of life that regulates the ovarian cycle. According to Claude Gronfier, a scientist at the Neuroscience Research Center in Lyon, France, and one of the authors of the study, the traditional explanation for why the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days is that it results from a fine balance between endocrine processes that lead to the different phases of the phenomenon. After analyzing nearly 27,000 menstrual cycles in 2,300 European women and another 4,800 from 721 North Americans, the authors of the study found evidence that it is more than likely that the rhythmic characteristics of the menstrual cycle are explained by an internal mechanism of the body similar to the circadian clock, the central biological timer located in the hypothalamus, that tells time to the rest of the body. What our article shows is that these processes do not simply follow one another, in such a way that each one begins when the previous one ends. Our results strongly suggest that a clock-like mechanism drives the rhythmicity of the menstrual cycle, such that its periodicity remains within a certain range and oscillates around the intrinsic rhythmicity of the cycle (which varies between women), explains Gronfier. Thus, this synchronizing mechanism can even correct the fluctuations that occur in a specific cycle, in the same way that it takes a few days to fix the circadian imbalance that occurs after an intercontinental trip, for example. If the [ovarian] cycle lengthens, for whatever reason, this clock-based process adapts to quickly shorten it, and if it shortens, this clock-based process adapts to lengthen it as well, Gronfier adds. Gronfier and his teams hypothesis has not come out of nowhere. In the article, the researchers say that there is already some evidence that the phases of menstrual cycles can also be under the influence of circadian rhythms and that an alteration of this vital rhythm is also associated with dysfunctions in menstrual function. Juan Antonio Madrid, professor of physiology and director of the Chronobiology and Sleep Laboratory at the University of Murcia, Spain, points out that there is a connection between the circadian clock and menstrual cycles, but with nuances: Women with irregular cycles tend to have worse daily circadian rhythms and poorer sleep quality. Sleep and good circadian rhythms regulate the menstrual cycle and, in turn, the menstrual cycle influences sleep. If we divide the ovarian cycle in half and place ovulation in the middle, we see that the hormones change in each phase and there are also temperature changes. But that does not mean, the chronobiologist points out, that it is the circadian clock that modulates the menstrual cycle. In the article, they believe that there is an internal clock similar to the circadian clock that we have in the brain, but they do not identify what it is or where it is. We cannot say that the circadian clock is controlling the menstrual cycle, notes Madrid, who did not participate in the study. Gronfier also admits that they do not know how circadian rhythms determine the length of menstrual cycles. We dont know yet, but we believe that the circadian synchronization system well known for its regulatory role in a large number of physiological rhythmicities, such as the sleep-wake cycle, cognition, memory, metabolism, temperature, and cell cycle, just to name a few is involved, since it is involved in another well-known rhythmic process that we call seasonality or annual rhythmicity (which exists not only in animal species that reproduce seasonally, but also in humans). Therefore, the almost monthly rhythm could also originate from the circadian oscillation. Controversial moon effect The authors also analyze the potential effect of the lunar cycle (which lasts 29.5 days) and do not rule out this theory, but specify that the links found are weak. In a context of contradictory scientific literature there are studies that show a more frequent appearance of menstruation after the new moon while others, on the contrary, point out data in favor of the appearance of the period when the moon is brighter or just before and after the full moon the authors of the research observed that the menstrual cycle began more frequently on a crescent moon in Europe, while in North America it occurred more frequently on a full moon. We do not have an explanation for this difference between the continents, but we believe that a more in-depth study of this issue is justified, they state, although some hypotheses are proposed. Madrid, on the other hand, is more reticent about the influence of the lunar cycle: It was a very nice hypothesis, but if it were truly a synchronizer and not a mere coincidence, it is difficult to understand biologically that a different synchronization mechanism exists among women in North America and Europe. There is a slight increase in menstruation, but it does not coincide in different places and the statistical evidence is very weak. The authors admit that more work and studies in larger populations are needed to test their hypotheses and unravel the mechanisms behind this potential internal clock, but their findings open the door to studying chronobiological approaches to address, for example, dysfunctions in the ovarian cycle. Adriana Guzman (La Paz, Bolivia, 47 years old) was born in the month of February. During Carnaval, she says. This fact left its mark on her character. Not because of the happiness, quite the contrary; because of people calling out inequalities, religious oppression, colonialism, the boss, the landlord, racism but while having fun. Thats how she does it. The activist, writer, popular educator, Indigenous Aymara woman, lesbian and mother of two daughters is a militant for community feminism. A member of the Feminismo Comunitario Antipatriachal (in English: Antipatriarchal Community Feminism) organization and of Feministas of Abya Yala (in English: Abya Yala Feminists), she speaks nearly entirely throughout our interview in plural, because she does not understand her struggle in the singular. She is we, in the feminine. When she is not traveling the world to share her community-based ideation of feminism, the defense of nature and the right to live well, Guzman lives in the mountains at an altitude of more than 2.4 miles, an hour and a half from the Bolivian capital. An arid place. I like the cold, the wind, the drizzle. Also, the sadness, which is part of life. On a layover in Madrid, after having participated in a few events in San Sebastian focused on education and women, to which she was invited by the Basque government, she begins our conversation speaking of the earthly: the cultivation of potatoes. Now is the time to prune their leaves so that they grow strong, she explains, pained to not be there to share in the work. Question. What is community feminism? Answer. The Aymara people have always fought against the state and colonialism, defending our language, world vision, our networks, our very way of life Even what you eat defines who you are. All this has made my feminism communitarian and decolonizing. We havent studied feminism, we come from the fight in the streets against the patriarchy, on the land, out of necessity. But by calling ourselves feminists, we have begun to dialogue and get to know other feminisms like the ones in Europe, which continue to be hegemonic, which speak to you of equality, of empowerment, which is individualistic, of self-improvement. It belongs to the NGOs, international aid, the World Bank. Q. When did you get involved in the feminist struggle? A. I come from my mothers feminism. From her, I learned to be indignant, to be angered by racism, extractivism, that which destroys our lands, that the armed forces have such a large budget, the politicians... And she learned it from my grandmother. As an organization, we have come to the realization that our ancestors are very important; that instead of looking to Simone de Beauvoir, we need to understand what our grandmother Bartolina did. Racism is my maternal grandmother migrating to the city and taking off her traditional clothes so that my mother could attend school and learn to read, because Aymara daughters were not allowed to study Q. And what do they teach you? A. That racism impacts our body, it is not a concept. Racism is my maternal grandmother migrating to the city and taking off her traditional clothes, the pollera [chola skirts] so that my mother could attend school and learn to read, because Aymara daughters, Indigenous women, were not allowed to study. Life is a school of political formation. The injustices, the oppressions that my grandmother lived, and then my mother and my teenage self, have marked my life. Q. Which ones? A. My mother had to fight to get a community health facility because the wawas [babies] were dying of diarrhea, because women were dying during childbirth. On one hand, the midwives wouldnt see you, and on the other, there was no state health facility. Adriana Guzman. Claudio Alvarez Q. And you? A. I was a teen mom. And I listened to what the rest of the world said about teen pregnancy and I was just trying to understand what to do with a little girl, given that I myself was a girl without any resources. Later, I couldnt finish my thesis in educational sciences because they told me that my grandmother couldnt be a source, that I had to cite books. Q. And so you decided to write your own book. A. Yes. I dont have a thesis, but I have the book. Its called Descolonizar la memoria, descolonizar feminismos [Decolonize memory, decolonize feminisms]. It was a responsibility. Q. Now you can be cited by others. A. That was the intention. Q. Your grandmother had to take off her pollera so that your mother could go to school. When you went to university, had any advancement been made against that kind of discrimination? A. I attended before the transformative political process, before the Plurinational State, as a senorita, dressing like someone from the city, without my sombrero, not as an Aymara woman. My mother told me: Take advantage of being beautiful. In the aesthetic colonial gaze, the Aymara were ugly. Q. When did you retake your sombrero? A. It took the gas massacre [in 2003, protests against the exportation of crude oil ended in the death of 58 protestors], an entire political process during which many women decided to no longer be senoritas, to go back to calling ourselves Aymara. Q. That is a very profound transformation, far beyond the question of appearance. A. It was a shift that had many consequences. Because its one thing to talk about colonialism and racism, and another to feel them. Because of the way we dressed, our own language, the fact that we were at the university, we hadnt experienced the discrimination that our grandmothers lived through. But when you start dressing in those clothes, wearing the sombrero and chewing coca leaves in public spaces, which is part of our culture, you experience three times the racism. On public transportation, they look at you and shrink back because they imagine that you smell bad. Q. Do you also experience racism in feminist spaces? A. Eurocentric feminism has a colonialist, paternalist gaze. They perceive us as an anecdote, a colorful sidenote, something exotic: Indigenous women calling themselves feminists. And we dont talk about Indigenous feminism, but rather, community; the same way one talks about materialist feminism, but not white feminism, even if it is white. We have the important task of coordinating ourselves in order to take on the rise of the right, hate speech and the worlds extractivism. Q. Do you find you have things in common? A. We have to talk about our differences, but we have to be clear that the enemy is the patriarchy and that those with whom we are speaking are feminist peers, not Margaret Thatcher. We are all in the phase of discussing what makes up feminism, what we think makes up gender, what makes up the patriarchy. But we have to talk less and do more. Violence, fascism, massacres, crimes against young girls make us indignant. Now the patriarchy is presenting itself in the form of fascist groups, like Vox and Milei, which in addition are linked to transnational corporations that fund them. We have the important task of coordinating ourselves in order to take on the rise of the right, hate speech and global extractivism, not just in Bolivia. Q. You defend living well, but with so many commitments around the world, do you have time to do so? A. When you dont separate your partner, your family, your work and your activism, its possible to have the time. Within the Antipatriarchal Community Feminism organization, my daughters are my peers. And, together with other women, we cook, raise children, discuss how to take on the state. Theres no specific schedule for each thing, its all mixed together. At any rate, I still dont have enough time. For example, I havent been able to prune the potatoes that we have planted so that they can grow in peace. Q. What would you most like to do, if you had the time? A. Finish my thesis, after having abandoned that path to question academia and the colonialist logic of sources. I know that my mother would be proud, because none of us had a degree and ultimately, this entire struggle has been in the name of education. Its a responsibility to carry out what they wanted, a daughter with a degree in educational sciences, and not just question academia. Q. What stops you? A. All of the contradictions of the educational system; its a tool of domination. And at times, I think that too many years have gone by, that I wouldnt even be able to write a thesis. We dont want to be servants, nor do we want our daughters to be. Q. What future would you like to leave to your daughters? A. Thinking about leaving them a different world is too much. Building that will be part of their work as well. So, I would like to leave them the pride in being able to name us myself, my mother, my grandmother in who they are and the importance of the color of their skin and the lands from which they come. For them to keep fighting to live well, for a dignified life for all peoples and for nature. Q. What does feminism have to do with nature? A. For us, the patriarchy is capitalist, colonialist, racist, extractivist and neoliberal. And capitalism takes from us life itself, it takes from us time to raise children, to enjoy, to love, to be in dialogue with nature, even with other people. Its always said that Indigenous peoples can speak with nature, but its not because we are Indigenous, but rather that we give ourselves the time to listen to the birds, to be in dialogue with the water and the mountains. Q. What is living well? A. Living with dignity. When a journalist asked grandfather Felipe Quispe, the Mallku [a polemic campesino leader], why he fought, he said: Because I dont want my daughter to be your servant. Not here, not there, not anywhere. We dont want to be servants, nor for our daughters to be. For anyone to serve anyone, that there be no power dynamics, humiliation of any body. To have worthy health and education. To have time to raise children and to take care of the potato. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Bhupatinagars BJP MLA Rabindranath Maiti filed a complaint with Election Commission of India (ECI) against Gopal Pathak, the officer-in-charge (OC) of the Bhupatinagar police station. The complaint alleged that the said police officer was behaving like a political figure and engaging in partisan activities, favouring a particular political party. However, there has been no response from the police regarding these allegations. On Monday night, a video surfaced showing a conversation between the OC and the MLA, where the MLA accused the police of trying to arrest a BJP leader without a search warrant. Despite the police dismissing the allegation, another incident involving the same OC was brought up in the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday. An arrested BJP leaders lawyer accused the OC of threatening the BJP party office in Bhupatinagar after a court order. Advertisement U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledged this Wednesday in public for the first time that he is considering a request from Australia to drop the case against Julian Assange, co-founder of WikiLeaks, for endangering national security with the online leak of thousands of classified documents 14 years ago. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supported a motion in the Australian lower house in February calling for Assange's return to his home country. We are considering it, Biden responded to journalists questions while heading to the Oval Office with the Japanese Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, for a meeting during the latters visit to Washington. Until now, the United States has been immersed in a long legal battle to obtain the extradition of Assange, currently behind bars in a maximum security prison on the outskirts of London. He has been indicted in the U.S. with 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act and one charge of computer misuse. Washington has alleged that the leak of nearly 250,000 diplomatic and military cables in 2010 endangered American sources, citizens, and national security. The extradition process has been at a standstill since last month, when the High Court of Justice in London determined that the United States must provide guarantees that Assange, 52, would not face the death penalty if found guilty of the charges against him. Last year, the British government gave approval for the surrender of the co-founder of WikiLeaks. In the ruling issued at the end of March, the British court gave the United States three weeks, until April 16, to offer assurances it considered necessary for Assange. If not, they indicated, the accused could move forward in his fight against extradition. The next hearing was provisionally set for May 20. In a message on X, formerly Twitter, Assanges wife Stella responded to the U.S. presidents comment with the message: Do the right thing. Drop the charges. One of Assanges lawyers, Barry Pollack, told the Reuters agency that It is encouraging that President Biden has confirmed that the United States is considering dropping its case against Julian Assange. Three weeks ago, Pollack indicated that the WikiLeaks co-founders lawyers saw no signs that the United States was considering dropping the case. So far, the U.S. Department of Justice, in charge of the case, has not made any statements regarding Bidens comment. Assange and his supporters around the world allege that the U.S. prosecution is politically motivated, describing the Australian as a human rights defender who has exposed U.S. wrongdoing around the world, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Human rights organizations, defenders of press freedom and governments such as those of Mexico and Brazil have launched multiple calls to release him. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 175 years in a maximum security U.S. prison. There has been sudden attention to women voters in this Lok Sabha election. Political parties in West Bengal, both the ruling and the main opposition parties are wooing women voters. But, this is not surprising, considering women voters constitute nearly 50 per cent of West Bengals electorate. Political scientists say they are pivotal for winning polls. There is no doubt that TMCs outreach schemes like Lakshmir Bhandar, Rupashree, Kanyaahree, Swasthya Sathi have been widely accepted by the people. The party is now trying to consolidate these votes. Sandeshkhali is being developed as a counter narrative by the opposition. The one, who manages to counter the government, will do well, feels Prof Imankalyan Lahiri of Jadavpur University. Prof Asis Mistry of Calcutta University cites the Lokniti-CSDS suggesting the important role played by women voters post-2021 Assembly polls. Advertisement Women voters in the next ten years would almost be at par with male voters. In the last Assembly election, the Trinamul got more than 50 per cent of vote share, which changed the scenario for them completely. Sandeshkhali-like incidents are happening elsewhere. And BJP has very close observation on these incidents. They have the machinery to play it up. But it is about the timing, when to play up which issue, that is crucial. BJP knows that the policies for the women by the state are doing well and it would not work if they created a counter narrative. In the last election, women not only voted in large numbers but also voted differently (from their male counterparts). Presidency University professor Zaad Mahmud feels there are a couple of larger political developments occurring in the state. The concept of partisan voters is changing. The same people are now voting differently in the panchayat, Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Another change is that women voters are no more voting in accordance with the choice of men in the family. So, women have emerged as a separate voter base, said the Presidency University professor. Another factor, which may play a crucial role in the polls is the first-time voters, of whom, close to 81 per cent are female voters. Prof Zaad says it would be interesting to decipher if an upper caste woman in urban area and upper caste woman (poor) in rural area vote similarly. For the rural women, the govt welfare schemes resonate very high while for the educated working women, industrialization is a bigger issue. There is a contradiction in them the corruption and less job creations on one side and they being beneficiaries, on the other, said the political science professor. Prof Asis Mistry feels that the TMC has well established a client-patron relationship, which will help them. Meanwhile, Prof Imankalyan feels the girls, who have benefited from the government schemes on education and higher education, will be voting for the first time. Kirti Azad, the TMC candidate for Bardhaman Durgapur seat, today questioned the ancestry of Dilip Ghosh, his BJP opposition candidate from the seat. Azad was campaigning between Shaktigarh and Borshul industrial zone in Burdwan East today. He also shared a significant time with the lyangcha producers and sellers of Shaktigarh, where he had a tea break. He even tried his hand in frying the sweetmeat along with the confectioners. While talking to the media, Kirti said, The Kauravas were shattered as they had maligned the honour of the women. These people insult the women every now and then, I suppose, dont have a definite ancestral identity and they will be doomed shortly, for sure. He added, Like Mahisasura didnt have a prominent ancestry, such persons like Ghosh too dont have any family entity. The BJPs district committee has set to lodge a complaint against Kirti Azad with the Election Commission on the issue. Advertisement Renowned actor Peter Dinklage, known for his unforgettable portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in the hit series Game of Thrones, is ready to join the cast of the highly anticipated musical adaptation of Wicked. The news broke during Universals presentation at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where they revealed that Peter Dinklage would lend his voice to the character of Dr. Dillamond in the upcoming two-part film. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is based on the beloved Broadway musical and is slated for release over Thanksgiving this year and the following year-end holidays in 2025. In this retelling of the classic Wizard of Oz tale, Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, a young woman with green skin who struggles to find her place in the world, while Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda, a popular and ambitious figure. As the story unfolds, their paths intertwine, leading them to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Advertisement Dinklages character, Dr. Dillamond, adds depth to the narrative as a wise and compassionate goat professor who warns Elphaba about the looming threat to the speaking animals of Oz. Having garnered critical acclaim for his performances in projects like The Station Agent and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Dinklages versatility and talent are sure to enrich the cinematic adaptation of Wicked. Fans can mark their calendars for the release of the first installment on November 27, 2024, followed by the second installment on November 26, 2025. With Dinklages addition to the already star-studded cast, anticipation for this magical journey through Oz is at an all-time high. Arvinder Singh Lovely is the president of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC). He is one of the prominent leaders in the Delhi Congress. As a minister, in the Sheila Dikshit-led Congress governments in Delhi, he had held various important portfolios, including Education. He was elected as an MLA for the first time from the Gandhi Nagar Assembly constituency in Delhi. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he had unsuccessfully contested as a Congress nominee from the East Delhi parliamentary constituency. In an interview with Santu Das of The Statesman, Lovely talks about the Lok Sabha elections, current political situation and key issues affecting the national capital. Voting in seven parliamentary seats in Delhi is scheduled to be held on 25th May. Advertisement Excerpts: Q: Since the announcement of the alliance between the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the BJP has been attacking both the parties. The leaders of BJP have been saying that it was AAP which had earlier alleged the previous Congress governments at the Centre as well as in Delhi were mired in corruption. What would you like to say ? A: It was not we, it was they (BJP) who said they will never entertain (Bihar Chief Minister) Nitish Kumar. What happened ? They used to say that the BJP has nothing to do with Nitish Kumar. When it comes to aligning with someone, then it is alright. Now, the question is not what AAP was alleging about us or what we were alleging about them . The most important question is that the democratic setup in this country is in danger (under the ruling dispensation). It is not providing a level play field to the Opposition. The accounts of the principal Opposition party (Congress) were frozen, they arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and (former Jharkhand chief minister) Hemant Soren. Why are the actions being taken during the elections ? It shows that their intention is not to provide a level playing field to the Opposition. So, the question is not what they are alleging and what we are alleging, the important thing is that democractic system is in danger, this election is more about that. Q: Congress has been accusing the ruling BJP of leaving no stone unturned to ensure that there is no level playing field. According to Congress, what measures are required to ensure a level playing field in the elections ? A: Congress has never defended anybody if he is involved in wrongdoings. If the Congress had been wrong in their accounting, who would have stopped the BJP from taking action six months before. Why only now, when the elections have been announced ? Who would have stopped them from taking action against Kejriwal and Soren after the elections? It shows that the intention of this government is not right. They want to take action to meet their political ends. They did this to fulfill their political aims. Q: Your ally, AAP has announced candidates for Delhi ? When will Congress announce its candidates? A: Elections in Delhi are in the sixth phase i.e on 25th May. We have enough time. We will announce our candidate very soon. Secondly, as far as Congress is concerned there are three political forces in Delhi: AAP, Congress and BJP. Congress is the only party which has held meetings in all the Assembly segments. It is the only party which has touched all the parliamentary segments. You will see a different result this time in elections. The Congress workers will not only work for party candidates but for the INDIA bloc candidates also. Q: Your name is doing the rounds for being a Congress candidate. What would you like to say on this? A: There are many rumours. Whatever the party high command will decide, I will work accordingly. Q: What are the issues that the Congress will take up in Delhi for campaigning? A: We will release our Delhi-specific manifesto. There are many issues including pollution and unauthorised colonies. As far as pollution is concerned, the responsibility of the Central government is definitely more because introducing new modes of transport , cleaning Yamuna comes directly under it. But, I am not giving a clean chit to the city government also. Q: How many seats do you expect the INDIA bloc will win in Delhi ? A: We will win all the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi. Q: The BJP is confident of making a hat-trick in this Lok Sabha polls. What would you like to say ? A: Yes, the BJP should be confident. They are confident, that is why they have changed their six candidates. The BJP is confident because people of Delhi are suffering from pollution, the sword is hanging on the heads of people living in unauthorised colonies (whether their houses will remain or not) . The BJP is confident because everyday they are demolishing the slums. From the greenest capital of the world, it has become the most polluted capital of the world. That is why they are so sure. If they are so sure, why did they change their candidates? Q: Do you think Arvind Kejriwals arrest would affect the polls in Delhi ? A: The question is of misuse of agencies (by the government) to fulfill their own political agenda, which is very unfortunate. This election is more important than any other elections . This election is being fought to save democracy in India. BJP candidate from Pilibhit, Jitin Prasada, who replaced Varun Gandhi, has his task cut out. Battling political heat as well as heatwave conditions, Prasada is leaving no stone unturned to reach every pocket of his constituency. Uttar Pradesh PWD minister Jitin was born into a family of politicians. His grandfather, Jyoti Prasad, was a Congress party member and served in legislative and local body positions and his father, Jitendra Prasad, was a senior Congress leader who had challenged Sonia Gandhi in the election for Congress President post. Jitins great-grandmother, Purnima Devi, was the youngest daughter of Hemendranath Tagore, brother of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Advertisement Jitin Prasad is new to BJP , as he joined the party on June 9, 2021, leaving the Congress, where he was the union minister in the first term of Manmohan Singh government. Manoj Bhadra of The Statesman talked to the BJP candidate at Mohammadganj hamlet in rural Pilibhit on Wednesday where he gave a fiery speech to a huge crowd of people. He made it clear that when PM Modi comes to Pilibhit after 10 years , there is a clear message that the area will get special attention in the next term of NDA. Questions: Pilibhit Lok Sabha seat is new to you as you have contested from Shahjahanpur and Dhaurara. Are you facing any problem? Answer: No. Pilibhit is not new to me. Our family has several acres of agricultural land here in the Puranpur area . We also have several members of our extended family in Pilibhit who are supporting me in a big way.This is an area with which I have had relations for generations. Q: How do you assess the BJP giving you a MP ticket from Pilibhit in place of Varun Gandhi? A: I have held many posts, but my selection on the ticket under the leadership of the Prime Minister is personally a matter of honour. We are workers and accept every decision of the party leadership. Q: Do you have anything to say about Varun Gandhi , who was denied a ticket and you replaced him ? A: The process of ticket selection is done keeping in mind many aspects. Varun Gandhi is a strong leader of our party and has a record of staying in Parliament for a long time. Whatever work the party gives, he will do it. Q: Will Varun Gandhi campaign for you in Pilibhit? A: The campaign will continue for another week. The campaign committee of the party decides who should go where to campaign. Where will it be useful? Whoever is given instructions by the steering committee will do the work. Q: What is your plan for Pilibhits development in the next five years if you get elected? The present Yogi Adityanath government had already given projects worth over Rs 1000 crore for Pilibhit, including an industrial park with an investment of Rs 100 crore. The double-engine government had already taken up several road and other projects. Promoting ecotourism in the wildlife areas will also be a priority. Q: Lastly, what is your ultimate slogan in the election ? A: This election is for the third term of Modi, and the only slogans are Modi ki Guarantee and Abki bar 400 paar. We are all contesting this election under the leadership of Narendra Modi and propagating the achievements and targets of the BJP government for the people of the country. The inquiry into the alleged change of the hash value of the memory card containing visuals of the 2017 actor assault case has revealed that three persons, former Angamaly magistrate Leena Rasheed, the Ernakulam District Judges Personal Assistant(PA) Mahesh Mohan and trial court sheristadar Thajudeen accessed the memory card containing the visuals of the assault,while it was in the custody of different courts. The details of the inquiry report were produced by the survivor before the Kerala High Court along with a petition to quash the report and order a court-monitored probe by a special investigation team of the police. The Ernakulam District Sessions Judge conducted an inquiry into the alleged change of the hash value of the memory card containing visuals of the 2017 actor assault while it was in the courts chest. Advertisement Mahesh was working in the Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Court where Kauser Edappagath was the judge while Thajudeen was sheristadar of the trial court under Justice Honey M Varghese. Incidentally it is Judge Honey Varghese who is in charge of the trial in the case and also conducted the probe into the illegal access of the memory card. A mere reading of the inquiry report indicated that several persons, including the judicial officers, had kept the memory card and the pen drive in their personal custody for months and years without any valid reasons, the survivor alleged. A forensic examination had earlier revealed that the memory card was accessed on the night of January 9, 2018, and December 13, 2018, at 9.58pm and 10.58pm, respectively. The third access was on July 19, 2021, from 12.19pm to 12.54pm. Based on this, the Kerala High Court had directed the Ernakulam district and sessions judge to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the alleged illegal access and file a report. Citing the report, the survivor said the access on January 9, 2018, was by Leena. The survivor said Leena magistrate kept the pen drive and memory card in her custody for no justifiable judicial need or reasoning. It is evident from the report that misuse of the pen drive and memory card started from the JFMC, Angamaly, and I painfully realise that it was on the part of the then judicial officer, said the survivor. However, the findings in the report said if it was accessed, it was by the magistrate. The survivor alleged this was a deliberate attempt to protect the magistrate who kept the drive and card in her custody for about one year. Stating that the inquiry was ordered to maintain the purity of the judicial system, the survivor said But it is painfully submitted that it occasioned in demonstrating that there exists impure element which requires to be dealt with the iron fist of law. Last month , the survivor had approached the Kerala High Court to get a copy of the probe report after the trial court refused to provide it to her The High Court agreed to her plea and asked a copy to be handed over to her. It was after getting the copy that the survivor has submitted the petition before the High Court against the way in which the investigation was conducted by Judge Honey Varghese. It was done without the help of the police and without hearing her side, as instructed by the High Court, the survivor said in her plea. The survivor requested that a special team under the supervision of the High Court should conduct the probe The noted south Indian actress was sexually assaulted in a moving car in Kochi on February 17, 2017. While the police zeroed in on the main accused Pulsar Suni in a week, actor Dileep was accused as the mastermind of the crime after a few months. The trial which began in early 2020 is still going on. Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasads daughter Misa Bharti on Thursday courted a fresh controversy for allegedly saying that if the opposition-led INDIA bloc comes to power, all BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be put behind bars. In a sharp reaction to RJD leader Misa Bhartis remarks, the BJP leaders said with her statement, Misa Bharti is making her fathers pratigya laughable. Earlier, slamming the BJP-led Central government, Bharti said: We are talking about the implementation of MSP and he (PM Modi) sees appeasement in that. He always accuses our family of corruption whenever he arrives here (Bihar). If the people of this country give the INDIA bloc a chance (to form the government), then from PM Modi to BJP leaders, they will be behind bars. Advertisement Hitting back at Misa Bharti over her remarks against PM Modi, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad warned her not to make such statements, alleging that her family is completely immersed in corruption. What has happened to Misa Bharti?. The womans father (Lalu Yadav) has been convicted in the fodder scam. I warn her not to make such statements. Your family is immersed in corruption. You need to stop daydreaming, he said. Meanwhile, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said, With this statement, she (Misa Bharti) is making her fathers pratigya laughable. Another BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla said: This is the true reflection of the mindsetFirst of all, she (Misa Bharti) is unsure whether people will give them a chanceWho is she threatening? Is she threatening the judges who convicted her father (Lalu Prasad Yadav) in 2013 when the BJP government was not even there?These people feel that they are above the law and Constitution of this country BRS leader K Kavitha has been arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday in connection with a corruption case related to the Delhi liquor policy scam, sources said. Kavitha, who is at present lodged in the Tihar jail under judicial custody, was earlier arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam. Earlier, the central probe agency CBI had moved an application before a Delhi court asking for permission to arrest the BRS leader on Wednesday. Advertisement The arrest by the CBI came days after the agency had questioned Kavitha inside Tihar prisons. She was quizzed by the CBI on Saturday, after the agency obtained permission for it from a special court. It is likely that the central probe agency may produce her before a court and seek remand. Meanwhile, on Monday, Delhis Rouse Avenue Court rejected Kavithas plea seeking interim bail in the money laundering case. The BRS leader, who was arrested by the ED on March 15 after an extensive raid at her Banjara Hills residence in Hyderabad, is accused of paying Rs 100 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party in exchange of liquor licenses in the national capital. Meanwhile, Kavithas regular bail application is also pending before the court and the matter will be heard on April 20. Earlier, when she was produced before a court in connection with the ED case, the leader called the case illogical and completely based on statements. My arrest is illegal. This case is aimed at targeting opposition parties. It is an illogical case which is based on mere statements, she told reporters as she was taken away from the court after the hearing on Tuesday, while her custody was extended upto April 23. The Congress on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis ineffective and feeble response over the issue of China will only encourage the neighbouring country to assert claim on Indian territory. Reacting to Prime Ministers interview to Newsweek, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh said, In his interview to Newsweek, a US magazine, the Prime Minister was at his cowardly worst. His only comment on Chinas repeated infringements on Indian sovereignty was that the India-China border situation needs to be addressed urgently to resolve the abnormality in the bilateral interactions. Stating that the Prime Minister had a chance to send a powerful message to China, Ramesh said, However, his ineffective and feeble response is likely to only encourage China further in asserting its claim on Indian territory. Advertisement Attacking Modi, he further said, The Prime Ministers reaction to the China issue is not only disgraceful but also disrespectful to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice in defending our borders. Ramesh, who is also the Congress MP in Rajya Sabha said, The Prime Minister should apologise to the 140 crore Indians for deceiving them on national television on June 19th, 2020, with his statement na koi ghusa hai, na hi koi ghus aya hai and keeping the nation in dark about his failures in protecting the borders with China. On the India-China border issue, Newsweek quoted the Prime Minister as saying, For India, the relationship with China is important and significant. It is my belief that we need to urgently address the prolonged situation on our borders so that the abnormality in our bilateral interactions can be put behind us. Stable and peaceful relations between India and China are important for not just our two countries but the entire region and world. I hope and believe that through positive and constructive bilateral engagement at the diplomatic and military levels, we will be able to restore and sustain peace and tranquility in our borders, the US-based magazine quoted the Prime Minister as saying. It may be mentioned that last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had said the BJP-led government should come out with the strongest rebuttal to the Chinese on their pathetic claims on Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,080 km border with China. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday attacked the Congress party alleging that it boycotted the consecration ceremony of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and demeaned the holy Ganga. Modi charged that terrorism extended its tentacles due to weak Congress governments but the BJP government is striking terrorists in their homes. Addressing a mammoth rally in Rishikesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress party alleging that it first blocked the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya and then boycotted the consecration ceremony invitation sent by the temple management. Congress questioned the existence of Lord Ram. It first opposed the construction of Ram Temple and created a series of obstacles to block it. They tried to create hurdles in the court as well but those who constructed the temple forgave all their sins and went to their homes to invite for the consecration ceremony but they boycotted the event, the Prime Minister said. He further charged that the Congress leadership in Uttarakhand demeaned River Ganga as well. This is the same Congress that had said that the Harki Pauri in Haridwar was not on the bank of Ganga but it lay along a canal. Now they are also questioning the existence of the holy river Ganga but the people of Uttarakhand will teach them a lesson, Modi said. He appealed to Uttarakhand voters to send all five BJP candidates to the Lok Sabha with record victories. Advertisement The nation has seen the results of a stable government. Now the country has a government that strengthened India manifold in the last 10 years. Whenever a country had a weak and unstable government, enemies took advantage of the situation. When India had unstable governments, terrorism expanded in the country. Today India has a Modi-led strong government. This is the reason why terrorists are being struck in their own territories. This also makes the Indian tricolour a guarantee of safety in the war fields, Modi said. The PM further attacked the former Congress-led central governments, accusing them of being weak and failing to develop modern infrastructure in border regions. He emphasised ongoing efforts to construct modern roads and tunnels in these areas. Hitting out at the Congress leadership, Modi said: For Congress members, Delhis royal family comes first followed by their own families. For Modi, India is his family. The PM also hit out at the Congress for its poor defence policies, saying: Indian Army jawans lacked bulletproof jackets in the Congress regime. There was no foolproof measure to save our jawans from the enemies bullets. The BJP government has provided indigenously manufactured bulletproof jackets to our soldiers. Today, arms and ammunition ranging from rifles to fighter planes and aircraft carriers are being made in India, the Prime Minister said. Modi emphasised that the strong government under his leadership took bold initiatives like abrogating Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, enacting laws against triple talaq, making provision for womens reservation in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies and implementing 10 per cent reservation for the economically poor from general castes. Modi claimed that his government is persistently working to enhance the capability of Uttarakhand tourism sector. He said that his administration facilitated loans to lakhs of youths under the Mudra Yojana for starting their own ventures in the tourism sector. He contrasted this with the alleged corruption during the Congress regime when middlemen swindled public funds. A sum of over Rs 2,600 crore was directly transferred into the accounts of Uttarakhand farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Had there been a Congress government, everything would have been looted. Modi has stopped this loot. That is why they are angry and spewing venom against me. When Modi says remove corruption, they say save the corrupt. Please tell me, is corruption not disastrous for the nation and its people? Should it not end in this country? the PM asked. He further said: More than 1,000 start-ups have been registered in the name of Uttarakhand youths and 500 of these have been done by our daughters. According to Modi, only nine out of 100 families in Uttarakhand had access to tap water until 2019. However, the situation has now significantly changed, with nine out of every 10 families in the state enjoying tap water connections, he asserted. KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 09:19 | All, Japan With a shortage of taxis leaving many of Japan's cities in a bind, local authorities hope a new central government rule that involves lifting a ban on ride-hailing services in populated areas could give the country's regions an economic boost, although questions remain about the scheme's viability. Effective April 8, the new rule allows non-professional drivers to use their own private vehicles to transport passengers for a fee in the Tokyo metropolitan area and vicinities, the Keihin area centered on Yokohama, and Kyoto and Nagoya cities. Provided they are under the management of a local taxi company, drivers can offer taxi services on specified days and hours. Operational details, such as the departure and arrival points as well as the fare, are pre-determined via dedicated apps for cashless payment. In addition to the four approved zones, the transport ministry has greenlighted introducing the services to areas encompassing eight other cities -- Sapporo, Sendai, Saitama, Chiba, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima and Fukuoka -- as early as May. A shortage of cabs and their scarcity during off-peak hours has become a serious enough problem across Japan that many other cities and towns, albeit on a much smaller scale, are willing to try and introduce ride-sharing services locally, although safety concerns linger. One such city is Miura in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, known as a "tuna town" for its fish markets that serve fresh seafood unloaded from the local port of Misaki. The city of nearly 40,000 has two locally-based taxi companies, but one of them has had to stop offering its services after 7 p.m. to remain profitable. And with few taxis cruising the streets at night, residents complain that they often struggle to get a cab, even if they call up a taxi firm. Under the current circumstances which include the fact that Miura is included in the Keihin area, where the ban was partially lifted this month, the city has been carrying out ride-hailing trials in cooperation with the prefectural government. About a dozen drivers have been recruited for the eight-month trials, which have been named "Kana-ride" and are aimed at stress-testing the service using five or so cars for ride-hailing services between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m., to identify any additional requirements or potential problems before it is fully rolled out. City officials and residents alike hope the initiative will stimulate the local economy. "This will enable people to stay longer at bars and restaurants, which for their part can extend open hours, creating wider economic benefits," Miura mayor Hideo Yoshida said when the simulation details were announced earlier this month. Takuya Yamada, 51, who works at a tuna restaurant near the Misaki port, said, "There should be demand from those who want to eat and drink longer or have to go to the hospital late at night. The drivers may also be able to introduce tourist spots to people." But a question mark hangs over the city's plans from a business perspective. Mayor Yoshida has expressed concerns about whether or not ride-sharing services will be "commercially viable," and said the city will analyze the trial data properly. In another case, the town office of Karuizawa signed deals in February with local entities including a local taxi association and an app provider in a step toward mitigating the chronic shortage of taxis at the popular mountain resort in Nagano Prefecture. In front of Karuizawa Station, crowds of people that include tourists, people staying at villas, elderly residents and others must sometimes wait in line for at least an hour before they can get a cab after early evening on weekends and holidays. The office is calling on retired officials, police officers and firefighters to become drivers because of their familiarity with the town's roads and their experience working in professions that the public has high levels of trust in. It also wants to deploy a matching system that would mean cabs not being put to use when taxi company employees take leave could be driven by staff dispatched from other firms. "A single policy can hardly meet a variety of demands. We would like to combine this with ride-hailing services such as the Karuizawa model," Michio Tsuchiya, mayor of the town, said. Against the backdrop of an uptick in inbound tourism, the prefectural government is looking to address an increase in unlicensed taxis at and around Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture by conducting studies on how to make use of ride-hailing services. "Means of transportation should be flexibly arranged to keep pace with social progress," Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said. Related coverage: Japan launches ride-hailing services in Tokyo, other areas to follow Japan OKs ride-hailing services in Tokyo, Kyoto areas Japan to OK ride-hailing services in Tokyo, Kyoto areas from April Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Congress and the INDI alliance had come together against him as action was being taken against the corrupt, but those who are trying to protect the corrupt, let them hear clearly, whatever be their threats, the corrupt will have to go to jail. This is Modis guarantee. Addressing a BJP election rally in Karauli-Dholpur in Rajasthan, he said action is being taken against corruption not just in Rajasthan, but across the country. This had upset the INDI alliance. While he was campaigning bhrashtachar hatao (remove corruption), the INDI alliance says bhrashtachari bachao (save the corrupt). The Congress looked for opportunities to loot even in examinations for jobs, he said. A paper leak industry developed in Rajasthan under protection from the Congress; and Modi had given guarantee the paper leak mafia will be sent to jail. Has Modis guarantee been met or not, the Prime Minister asked. Advertisement Mr Modi said those who oppose us, this family-based corrupt Congress, looked for profit in difficulties of the poor also. The water scarcity problem of the State grew only because of the neglect by the Congress party. The BJP started the Jal Jeevan Mission and even in this, the Congress tried to make money. The scheme provided water for 1.50 lakh families of Karauli-Dholpur, he said. The Prime Minister said the Congress ruled for 60 years and the list of its sins is a long one. But there is one sin which cannot be pardoned. This great sin was they disregarded honour and identity of Rajasthan. The land which was ready to sacrifice for the Madan Mohan idol, the Congress leaders went for appeasement and corruption for votes, and secured demolition of temples and took over their lands. He said there used to be stone throwing during the Ram Navami shobha yatras. Dholpur provided stones for the Ram temple coming up in Ayodhya after a wait of 500 years, but the Congress spoke against it. They boycotted the Pran Pratishtha. Its INDI partners are even threatening to destroy Sanatan, he said. The Congress lends silent support to such people, he said. Is this sin of the Congress pardonable. Should they not be punished? When you press the button on the 19th April polling day, you should have the satisfaction of having punished these people, Mr Modi said. The Prime Minister said the Congress plans can be guessed from its current statements. The Congress Prince says abroad India is not a nation. When the country undertakes surgical strikes, the party seeks proof from the armed forces. The Congress is quick to back tukde-tukde gang. A Congress MP in Karnataka talks of separation of the South, he said. Now the Congress president is also raising questions on the integrity of the country. He questioned the PM talking of Article 370 in Rajasthan, saying what has Rajasthan to do with this. I want to tell them that they should ask people whose members sacrificed their lives in Kashmir. The soil of their villages will tell you what Rajasthan has to do with Kashmir. Away from power, the Congress thinking has narrowed. If they can talk like this while being in the Opposition, what will they if they come to power, the Prime Minister said. He said the same Congress gave Kachchatheevu island to Sri Lanka. A Congress leader justified it saying none lived there. Can your land be given if none lives there. What will you then say about large deserts of Rajasthan, this is how you think of your country, Mr Modi said. The Prime Minister said this is their way of thinking, for them an uninhabited land is just a piece of land; at this rate they can hand over uninhabited land of Rajasthan to any country. Not just its past, the future plans of the Congress are also dangerous. Mr Modi said the 2024 Lok Sabha election is not just to decide who will become a member of Parliament or not. This election is to give fresh energy to the efforts for Viksit Bharat, developed India. In the last 10 years, the BJP found solution to such problems which the Congress had failed to handle. He said he is not born to relax, or to enjoy. Modi works hard, because his goals are high, the goals which concern people of the country and are linked to the future of your children and youth of the country, he said. For decades, the Congress gave a slogan for garibi hatao, but it is Modi who took 25 crore people out of poverty, he said. The Congress left the farmers to their fate, but the BJP is continuously working to make them prosperous. Today, 10 crore farmers of the country are getting Kisan Samman Nidhi; Karauli-Dholpur has more than 3.25 lakh farmers having received Rs 700 crore in their bank accounts, he said. The BJP solved inter-State water disputes. He said the large turnout at the rally gave a clear message about the 4th June result, Karauli is saying 4 June, 400 paar. The whole of Rajasthan is saying phir ek baar, Modi Sarkar (once again, Modi government). In a tragic incident, at least five students were killed and 15 others got injured after their private school bus met with an accident in Unhani village of Haryanas Mahendragarh district on Thursday. While four students were brought dead to the Nihal hospital in Mahendragarh, one succumbed to injuries during treatment. The 15 injured are currently undergoing treatment at different hospitals where their condition is said to be stable. Advertisement Four students were brought dead and one critical student who was put on a ventilator, passed away at the hospital. Fifteen injured students have been referred to another hospital, said Dr Ravi Kaushik, Nihal hospital, Mahendragarh. Meanwhile, according to reports, the school buss fitness certificate had expired six years ago in 2018. The SDM and other officials reached the spot and an investigation is underway. Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda said that he was disturbed to hear about the accident and suspended his election campaign for today. He also requested authorities to provide all the possible help. My mind is disturbed on hearing the tragic news of death and injuries to many children in the school bus accident near Unhani village of Narnaul. I pray to God that the children injured in this accident get well soon. The state government and local administration are requested to provide all possible help including free treatment to the affected families and all the injured, Hooda said, adding in view of this accident, I am postponing my election campaign program for today. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that finally after 500 years, the festival of Ram Navami on April 17 would be the one when Lord Ram Lalla would celebrate his birthday inside his own house, and not in a makeshift tent. Amit Shah described the oppositions INDIA alliance as a group of corrupt people and averred that anyone involved in corruption and theft would go to jail. Addressing poll rallies at Mandla and Katni in Madhya Pradesh, Mr Shah mocked the Congress saying it could never come to power even in its dreams. Advertisement Raising slogans of Jai Jai Shree Ram and Bharat Mata Ki Jai Amit Shah told a huge crowd at tribal dominated Mandla to ensure Narendra Modi is made the PM for a third time and BJP candidate Faggan Singh Kulaste wins from the seat, as the BJP secures victory on all 29 Lok Sabha seats of MP. Wearing a tribal headgear, Amit Shah offered reverence to river Narmada, tribal king Lord Birsa Munda, Rani Durgavati, Rani Avanti Bai and other tribal leaders of the region. He alleged that the INDIA Alliance was ghamandiya gathbandhan and all leaders in it only wanted to work for the betterment of their families. Narendra Modis only aim is welfare of each person from dalit, tribal, poor and backward sections of the society, Shah stated. He claimed the Modi government has brought 25 crore poor above the poverty line in 10 years of its rule. Speaking about MP, Shah said 95 lakh farmers were provided the benefit of kisan samman nidhi and 75 lakh women were provided tap water in their households. He said the Modi government is providing full health coverage up to Rs five lakh to four crore poor under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. He said 80 lakh toilets had been constructed in the houses of the poor. He said 88 lakh women had been provided gas connection and 42 lakh poor were given pucca houses too. He said the Modi government was providing five kilo ration free to about 80 crore poor of the country each month. The Congress ruled the country for 55 years but did nothing for the welfare of the tribals and backwards, Shah charged. The Congress never made a tribal the President of India but Narendra Modi did, he asserted. Narendra Modi wants progress for the country, but the INDI Alliance leaders want progress of only their families, he charged. Mamta Banerjee wants her nephew to become the CM, Sharad Pawar wants his daughter to become the CM, Stalin wants his son to become CM, Sonia ji wants Rahul ji to become the PM, Shah noted. He said such leaders could never think about the good of the poor and the masses. The only one who cares about the poor, tribals, backwards, women, youth and the downtrodden is Narendra Modi, he asserted. He said the Modi government gave Rs one lakh crore by setting up the district mineral fund for the welfare of tribal districts and areas, but the Congress thinks of it as the dynasty management fund. Shah said Modis guarantee is that India would become the third strongest economy in the world if he is made the PM for a third time. The Home minister said the BJP government has fulfilled all its promises till now, including the Ram Temple, Kashi Vishwanath corridor, Mahakal corridor, abolishing Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and all others. He said within five years the entire process leading up to the consecration of Lord Ram at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya was completed. The Home Minister averred that no one can take Kashmir away from India and it is an intrinsic part of our country. He also said that naxalism and terrorism had become a bane for the country but PM Modi has freed Madhya Pradesh of naxalism and dealt strictly with terrorists in Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday will address an election rally at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand and a public meeting at Karauli-Dholpur in Rajasthan for the Lok Sabha elections. This is the second rally of Prime Minister Modi in Uttarakhand which will begin at 12 noon on Thursday before the voting for five Lok Sabha seats in the state on April 19. Earlier, the Prime Minister had also addressed a public meeting in Uttarakhands Pithoragarh on April 2. Prime Minister Modi will address a public meeting on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. on the occasion of Gangaur in Karauli, Rajasthan. Advertisement The Prime Minister will address the Vijay Shankhnad rally in support of Indu Devi Jatav, the BJP candidate from Karauli-Dholpur Lok Sabha constituency. Along with the PM Modi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other BJP leaders will also be present in the rally. The voting for this Parliamentary constituency is scheduled to take place on April 19 that is the first phase of polling. Major political events that will unfold across the country today: *Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will enter the electoral battle in Rajasthan on Thursday and hold poll meetings in Anupgarh at 11 a.m. and Phalodi at 3 p.m. *Rahul Gandhi will focus on Sri Ganganagar and Bikaner Lok Sabha constituencies from Anupgarh Assembly constituency and Jodhpur, Barmer as well as Pali Lok Sabha constituencies from Phalodi Assembly constituency. *Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra on Thursday and address three election rallies and participate in other programmes campaigning for BJP candidates. *Union Home Minister Shah will first visit Mandla in Madhya Pradesh where he will worship Maa Narmada at Rapta Ghat. Later, he will garland the statue of Rani Durgavati in the city. *He will also address a rally at the local police ground under Mandla Lok Sabha constituency at 1 p.m. *Union Home Minister Shah will address a public meeting on Thursday at 2:45 p.m. at the Vijaynath Dhaam Mela ground in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh and appeal to people to vote for BJPs Khajuraho Lok Sabha candidate *From Madhya Pradesh, the Union Home Minister will later address a public meeting at 5:30 p.m. at the Narsi ground in Nanded district of Maharashtra *BJP National President J.P. Nadda on Thursday will release the BJP manifesto for the Sikkim Assembly elections at 9:45 a.m. at the Manan Bhawan Kendra in Gangtok *He will later address a public meeting at 3 p.m. at the ITF ground in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands *Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Rewa and Satna districts in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday and address a public meeting at Naigarhi Devtalab ground of Devtalab Assembly constituency of Mauganj district at 12 noon. Later, the Minister will address a public meeting at Angola Ground of Nagaud Assembly constituency of Satna district at 2.30 p.m. *Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) National President Mayawati will start her election campaign on Thursday afternoon where she will hold an election rally in support of party candidates in Nagpur, which is considered the stronghold of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. *Kangana Ranaut, the Lok Sabha candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency, will campaign in Manali Assembly constituency on Thursday, Kullu Assembly constituency on Friday and Banjar Assembly constituency on Saturday. *Rashtriya Lok Dal National President Jayant Chaudhary will address an election rally in favour of NDA candidates in Uttar Pradeshs Gautam Buddha Nagar and Mathura Lok Sabha constituencies. *Chaudhary will also hold a public meeting at Chaudhary Charan Singh Inter Ground in Bhatauna village of Bulandshahr at 11 a.m. *Later, he will address a public meeting in Mathura district at 2 p.m. *AAP leader and Delhi Minister Atishi will conduct a door to door campaign Jail ka Jawab Vote Se in Delhis Govindpuri Extension. Muslims are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with religious fervour and devotion, with large prayer gatherings organised in Eid-ul-Fitr and open grounds across the country. People, including children, thronged mosques to offer prayers in the morning on Thursday. In Tamil Nadu, people gathered at the Syed Murthuza school grounds in Tiruchirappalli and the Islamiyah Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Coimbatore to offer namaz on Eid-ul-Fitr. Devotees offered namaz at Idgah in Madhya Pradeshs Bhopal and greeted each other on the occasion. Former Union Minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also offered namaz at the Panja Sharif Dargah in Delhis Kashmere Gate on Eid-ul-Fitr. I extend good wishes to all the people on the occasion of Eid. I pray this Eid will bring joy, happiness and prosperity in everyones life. On this auspicious occasion, I wish that our country continues on the path of growth, Naqvi told reporters. Advertisement BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also offered namaz at Parliament Street Mosque in Delhi. I would like to extend my greetings to all the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid. May everyones lives be full of happiness and the country move towards growth, Hussain said. Meanwhile, Muslims offered namaz at Mumbais Mahim Masjid and at Shahjamal Aligarh Eidgah in Uttar Pradesh. Visuals from Delhis iconic Jama Masjid showed children hugging each other and exchanging Eid greetings after offering namaz. A large number of people thronged Hyderabads Mecca Masjid, adjacent to the iconic Charminar, to offer namaz. In the visuals, people were seen exchanging greetings on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. An air of festivity and celebration was palpable at Delhis Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah and Nizamuddin Market as Muslims filled the streets in bright attire to offer prayers on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The iconic dome of the Nizamuddin Dargah, adorned with bright yellow lights, exuded a festive glow. Large crowds thronged the markets, with revellers spotted purchasing sweets, clothes, and other essentials for the festive occasion while sharing Eid greetings. Earlier on Wednesday, Muslims in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr. Hundreds of Muslims took part in the mass Namaz recitation ceremony as they prayed in unison at a mosque in Coimbatore. Similarly, a large number of people offered prayers at the mosque in the Ernakulam district of Kerala to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr. Mass prayers were also held in Keralas Thiruvananthapuram on the occasion of Eid. Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir also marked the celebration of the holy festival of Eid-Ul-Fitr with special prayers. Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival is of great significance due to the moon sighting, which has been part of Islamic culture for a long time. Since the observance of the moon is essential for ending Ramzan month and celebrating Eid, it is celebrated in different parts on different days, usually with a one-day difference. Ending the holy month of Ramzan and starting a new spiritual journey also marks the beginning of a new Islamic year. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the month-long Ramzan fasting and the beginning of Shawwal, which is the tenth month per the Islamic calendar. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing into the monthly pay-off case involving the firm owned by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans daughter Veena Vijayan, has summoned Sasidharan Kartha, Managing Director (MD) of Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) for interrogation. The ED has issued a notice to Sasidharan Kartha, asking him to appear before the agencys office in Kochi for interrogation on Monday. Meanwhile, the CMRLofficial, who is in charge of the financial matters of the company, did not appear before the agency, despite being given a notice asking him to present for interrogation in the EDs Kochi office for interrogation on Thursday. Advertisement The Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITSIB) has earlier found that Veena and her firm Exalogic Solutions had received Rs 1.72 crore as monthly payments from CMRL despite there being no evidence of any services given in return. The Kochi unit of the ED has in March 2024 registered an Enforcement Case Investigation Report (ECIR) similar with a First Information Report(FIR) in criminal cases against Veena Vijayans company under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 and started a probe into the transactions. The anti-money laundering agency had conducted preliminary investigations into the matter before registering the ECIR The Central agency has acted on the basis of the report by the Income Tax Interim Settlement Board (ITSIB) in August 2023 stating that Veena and her firm Exalogic Solutions had received Rs 1.72 crore as monthly payments from the CMRL despite there being no evidence of any services given in return. The ED probe will include the individuals and entities on the record of the ITSIB order. Besides Veena Vijayan, the role of CMRL and the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), which holds 13.4 per cent, shares in CMRL, will also come under the ambit of probe. The ITISB report revealed that CMRL had paid money to other political leaders and trade union leaders as well. The ED investigation is also likely to cover other persons who received money from CMRL. The ITISB had found that CMRL had disbursed Rs 135 crore to political leaders and others after 2016. The probe by the ED coincides with an ongoing investigation by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). The Ministry of Corporate Affairs in January 2024 issued an order handing over the probe into the affairs of Exalogic Solutions, the firm Veena Vijayan, as well as Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation Industrial (KSIDC) to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). The Karnataka High Court had in February dismissed the petition filed by the firm Exalogic Solutions, owned by Veena Vijayan questioning the action of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) ordering a probe by the SFIO into the affairs of the company. BRS leader KT Rama Rao on Thursday claimed that Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will not remain in the Congress and he, along with another South India leader will join the BJP. Said this 15 times so far, Revanth Reddy has not even reacted even once, because he reacts to every small thing on the planetI have levelled a specific allegation- Revanth Reddy will not remain with the Congress. Let me go out and make a prediction not just Revanth Reddy but another leader in south also will jump the ship from Congress & join the BJP, he said. Earlier last month, Reddy had shared a stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called him big brother. Advertisement The Telangana CM has also said that if the state has to develop, it will need to adopt the Gujarat Model. Sharing the dais with the PM at a public meeting in Adilabad last month, Reddy said, Hamare hisaab se pradhan mantri matlab bade bhai (According to us, Prime Minister means elder brother). Only with the PMs help, chief ministers can take their states forward. If Telangana has to make progress, develop and move forward like Gujarat, your (PMs) help is a must. He had further said that Telangana would make its contribution towards PMs vision of making India a 5 trillion economy. This is not the first time KTR had made the startling claim on Revanth Reddy. Earlier last month, he had said that Reddy will ditch the Congress and switch to the saffron party. Reddy is yet to react to the KTRs claims. Many skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboards of election bonds and many more will, highlighting the unholy nexus between political parties and businesses. The petitioners in this Supreme Court (SC) case, Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Common Cause, deserve our highest appreciation. Of course, parties will innovate other opaque avenues to extort funds from businesses in return for quid-proquo, which is a problem every democracy is struggling with. The vicious power of money is what makes politics so dirty that common people stay away from its arena, leaving it free for the criminals and their ill-gotten wealth to rule the roost. This is the reason why politics is not a preferred option for ordinary people, especially the educated youth, who abhor the presence of criminals in their proximity. That politics breeds and rascals and scoundrels may be an overused cliche but not untrue. Our Parliament and State Assemblies are packed with criminals patronised equally by all parties. Some of them sometimes go to jail to spend a few pleasant weeks or months away from the hullaballoo of daily politics, but rarely does anybody get convicted. Some fight elections from behind bars and still manage to win, some are released on bail to change sides and re-enter the legislature with an implicit assurance of protection by the powers that be. ADR data disclosed that in the last Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goa, 309 out of the 689 MLAs (45 per cent) have criminal cases registered against them. ADR analysed over 200,000 records of candidates and winners since 2004 to find that the proportion of winning candidates without any criminal charge was only 12 per cent, while those with serious criminal cases constituted 23 per cent. Advertisement As per ADR data of 2023, of the 4,001 legislators in 28 states and 2 UTs across India, 44 per cent are facing criminal charges, almost a mirror-image at the Centre where 43 per cent of the Lok Sabha MPs elected in 2019 have criminal charges against them (as against 34 per cent in 2014) of committing serious crimes like murder, attempt to murder, rape, kidnapping etc. The role of money in politics becomes even more apparent from the fact that the assets of 71 MPs re-elected to the Lok Sabha between 2009 and 2019 have increased threefold. As per the SC ruling in Lily Thomas & Others vs. Union of India (2013), any legislator who is convicted of a criminal offence and given a minimum twoyear sentence would cease to be a legislator, reversing the earlier position in which convicted members could retain their seats before exhausting all judicial remedies. In 2014, in Manoj Narula vs. Union of India & Others, the SC had observed that the entry of criminals into politics must be restricted, making it incumbent on the PM and CMs not to appoint a legislator as minister against whom charges have been framed by a criminal court. To introduce transparency and accountability in the political system, in 2013, the Central Information Commission had declared six national parties as public authorities, thereby bringing them under the purview of the RTI Act, but it has not prevented the lawbreakers from becoming lawmakers. In 2018 and 2020, the SC had issued directives to political parties to disclose criminal histories of their electoral candidates, besides requiring them to provide reasons for nominating such candidates regardless of their perceived chances of winning. The Election Commission (EC) has further issued a directive to ensure the implementation of the courts orders regarding the declaration of candidates criminal backgrounds and has all such data in its possession. But parties often fail to comply and persistently neglect their public disclosure obligations, while the EC takes no serious exception. The question that baffles us is why voters vote for such tainted candidates and Bahubalis with serious criminal charges? Studies point out the obvious causal relationship between criminals-packed legislatures and subsequent lower economic growth and poor provision of public services. But somehow, voters seem to be indifferent to or even prefer criminality in elected officials. Voters may prefer criminals because of the expectation that they are better equipped to use legal or extra-legal means to fulfil their election promises. Or, maybe, voters dont have information about the precise nature of criminal charges, in the absence of which they dismiss the issue as mere political vendetta. Poorly informed voters lack the ability to effectively screen candidates, relying instead on the candidates distributive policy preferences as implied by their ethnicity or religion. A 2011 study found that low information availability to voters is an important factor, but a 2020 study on Bihar elections found no dependence on voters preferences for criminal candidates with their castes, pointing to institutional and governance factors being responsible for the behaviour. ADR conducted an All India Survey on Governance Issues and Voting Behaviour in 2018, in which 36 per cent of respondents were willing to vote for such candidates if they had done good work in the past, though 98 per cent were against sending candidates with criminal background to the legislatures. The ADR Report Analysis of Sitting MPs from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha of India 2023 (September 2023) gives details about the assets and criminal charges of the sitting MPs of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha individually. Though the information is available in the public domain and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, most voters would be unaware of this, and even when aware, may not be inclined to download and study the data before voting for a particular candidate, especially because the probability of an individuals vote determining an elections outcome is vanishingly small. For the same reason, voters may not be particularly interested in navigating to the EC website to access information about criminality and assets of candidates, which are freely available. I came across a study, Coordinating Voters against Criminal Politicians: Evidence from a Mobile Experiment in India (2018), conducted by Siddharth George, Sarika Gupta and Yusuf Neggers from the Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan, during the 2017 assembly elections in UP. The study attempted to find if a different approach to information provision like mobile text or voice messaging can help address the information gap and then influence downstream voting behaviour, given the deep mobile penetration in India. UP has a large voter base; though 80 per cent of it is rural, more than 85 per cent households possessed at least one mobile phone. The Assembly elections were spread across seven different phases, and researches took place during phase 4, in which 53 of the total 403 constituencies were covered, involving 116 candidates. They chose 38 constituencies in which 35 per cent of candidates were facing criminal charges, of which 40 per cent faced serious criminal charges. All parties had fielded criminal candidates. BJP won a landslide victory with 312 seats, in which 107 or 27 per cent of the winners had serious criminal charges against them. Two days before the election, researchers started sending voice and text messages to mobile phone subscribers in Hindi. A typical message would be like: This message is from an unbiased, non-political NGO, Centre for Governance and Development. Get to know your candidates correctly, and on Election Day, give your vote only after thinking carefully! In your area: 1. Mr. XXX from BSP (elephant party) has 1 criminal case, with attempted murder charges. 2. Mr. YYY from BJP (lotus party) has no criminal cases. 3. Mr. ZZZ from Congress (hand party) has 3 criminal cases, but has no violent charges. There were 3,800 villages in these 38 constituencies and 5,000 polling stations, with each village having around 1200 voters on average. Villages were divided into two groups, two-thirds belonging to the Control Group to whom no message was sent, and one-third to the Treatment Group that received the messages. Villages were randomly assigned to these groups to ensure internal validity. The Researchers sent messages to more than 450,000 individuals in the Treatment Villages. Data for subscribers and their locations were collated from the Census, Election Commission, mobile companies and ML Infomap company. From the election results, compared to the control villages, it was seen that voters responded positively to the information provided ~ votes for candidates with severe criminal charges dropped by 7.7 per cent and votes for candidates with no charges increased by 6.7 per cent. Overall turnout also increased by 1.6 per cent. The effects were seen to be strongest when the information was coupled with a coordination treatment, in which individuals were informed that many other voters were also receiving the message. It was estimated from regression analysis that without the intervention, criminal candidates would have received 6 per cent higher vote share than non-criminal candidates. Several lessons can be drawn from this study. First, it is not enough to have information in the public domain, especially in a large country lagging in internet literacy. It is equally important to inform voters and it is very much possible for the Election Commission which has the necessary wherewithal to inform each voter about their candidates criminality, assets, liabilities and education. Informing voters through mobile messages is an efficient, quick and inexpensive exercise; all Indians were receiving Viksit Bharat messages till the EC stopped those. In addition, such information must be displayed at every election booth, as was done in local body elections in 2017 in Maharashtra, MP and Haryana as an experiment. Knowledge is power, and empowering voters with knowledge about candidates has the potential to cleanse our political system of the twin evils of money and criminality. (The writer is a commentator, author and academic. The opinions expressed are personal) The High-Level Committee on Simultaneous Elections, led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, has unanimously proposed aligning polls for the Lok Sabha, state legislative assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. Notably, Congress Leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhurys absence from participation indicates the committees inclination towards views aligned with the governments stance. The committees terms of reference presumed that simultaneous elections serve the national interest. The Kovind Committee reports alignment with the governments agenda or commitment to thorough deliberation remains questionable. While it asserts consultation with a range of stakeholders such as political parties, legal experts, former election commissioners, economists, business representatives, and members of the Bar Council, the report fails to showcase exhaustive research and inclusive procedures convincingly. Although it mentions addressing constitutional and legal concerns and reviewing pertinent literature on domestic and international elections, its content, tone, and methodology seem to lack profound exploration and genuine involvement with diverse viewpoints. The recommendations put forth by the high-level committee led by former President Kovind regarding One Nation One Election follow a predictable trajectory. Notably, the absence of any Opposition member, as the Congress declined participation citing imbalance, raises concerns. Advertisement Consequently, attributing responsibility to the government for the Congresss self-inflicted setbacks, even on critical matters, seems unjust. Nevertheless, without thorough deliberation, the committees actions might be perceived as mere validation of the BJPs longstanding agenda since 1984. Such a significant reform necessitated broader engagement with all stakeholders to ensure inclusivity and credibility. Undoubtedly, the committee has meticulously carried out its task, and many of its suggestions are indeed sensible. As a preliminary measure toward implementing simultaneous elections, the committee proposes a one-time transitory measure. It entails the Union government designating an appointed date immediately following a Lok Sabha election, after which the terms of all state assemblies going to polls would align with that of Parliament. Subsequently, municipal and panchayat elections should occur within 100 days of Lok Sabha and state elections. Wisely, the committee refrains from specifying the starting point, leaving it to the governments discretion. To ensure continuity and prevent disruption caused by premature dissolution of Parliament or state assemblies due to factors like a no-confidence motion or a hung House, the committee suggests conducting fresh elections only for the remaining term, or the unexpired term, These recommendations effectively address many underlying issues. Although the timing of government elections at the Union and state levels currently differs, the concept of simultaneous elections is not novel. In the early years following Independence, elections were conducted concurrently for the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and state assemblies. Between 1952 and 1967, the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies held their elections concurrently for the first four general election cycles. However, subsequent premature dissolutions of the Lok Sabha on seven occasions and various premature dissolutions of legislative assemblies led to elections being held at different times. In 2019, only four states conducted their assembly elections alongside the Lok Sabha. The notion of simultaneous elections has been proposed previously by both the Election Commission of India in 1982 and the Law Commission in 1999. Therefore, the proposal aims to reinstate simultaneous elections by introducing constitutional amendments to establish it as a permanent aspect of the electoral system. The desirability of holding simultaneous elections can be analysed from various angles including costeffectiveness, governance efficiency, administrative convenience, and social cohesion. Firstly, conducting separate elections for the Lok Sabha and State assemblies incurs significant expenses, estimated at around Rs 4,000 crore for the Central government alone, not to mention the additional costs borne by parties and candidates. Simultaneous elections could lead to substantial cost savings. Secondly, the current system sees a continuous cycle of five-six State elections each year, keeping political parties in a perpetual campaign mode. This hampers effective policymaking and governance as the Model Code of Conduct prohibits the announcement of new schemes or projects during the election period, lasting typically 45-60 days. Thirdly, the administrative machinery faces disruptions during election periods, diverting resources toward election management instead of regular governance duties. Paramilitary forces are often redeployed from their regular duties to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, affecting overall administrative efficiency. Lastly, the frequent high-stakes elections in various States foster polarizing campaigns, particularly exacerbated by the rise of social media in recent years. This trend deepens existing divides in our diverse nation along religious and linguistic lines, undermining social cohesion. Thus, simultaneous elections offer potential benefits in terms of cost reduction, improved governance effectiveness, streamlined administration, and mitigating divisive electioneering practices, thereby fostering greater social harmony. While the concept holds promise, the primary challenge lies in establishing a mechanism for conducting simultaneous elections, especially given the potential need for early elections in parliamentary or assembly constituencies due to various factors. The committee has proposed the synchronization of elections to the House of the People and State Assemblies as an initial step, followed by a subsequent synchronization of local body elections within 100 days thereafter. To implement this synchronization, the committee suggests that the first session of the House of the People following general elections be designated as the appointed date. Any State Assemblies formed after this date and before the completion of the House of the Peoples full term would serve until the next general elections to the House of the People. Similarly, in the event of a hung parliament or similar circumstances, any new elections to the House of the People would only be for the remainder of the previous Houses term. Similarly, if fresh elections are held for a State Assembly, the new Assemblys term would align with that of the House of the People. While this proposed mechanism and the constitutional provisions to enable it would ensure synchronization, they may give rise to other challenges. For instance, if a government loses the confidence of the House shortly before the Houses term expires, say, a year in advance, the opposition might hesitate to initiate a no-confidence motion. Consequently, although the government would remain in power, it might not accurately represent the peoples will, potentially undermining democratic principles. As a result, these recommendations should only move forward with widespread political agreement, especially considering that the majority of national parties do not support the notion. If every political party is consulted, this goal can be accomplished within the next decade and sustained thereafter. This approach will secure the primary advantages of synchronized elections while upholding democratic and federal principles intact. Achieving simultaneous elections should not come at the expense of democratic values. (The writer is a Goa-based commentator.) KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 18:03 | World, All, Japan China expressed Thursday its "strong dissatisfaction" with and "firm opposition" to Japan and the United States, alleging their leaders grossly interfered in its internal affairs with regard to Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, during their meeting in Washington. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. President Joe Biden agreed during their summit on the critical importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference that the Taiwan issue "does not allow for any interference from external forces" and urged Washington not to support the island's independence. She also called on Tokyo to be "cautious in its words and deeds" due to its past colonial rule of the territory. As for the sovereignty over the Tokyo-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which Beijing claims, Mao underlined that they have been China's "inherent territory since ancient times" and that her country will "resolutely respond to illegal acts that infringe on China's sovereignty." Her remarks came after Biden said the Senkakus, called Diaoyu in China, are covered by Article 5 of the 1960 Japan-U.S. security treaty, which calls for Washington to defend territories under Japanese administration from armed attack. Japan administers the uninhabited islets, but China has claimed them since the early 1970s. Meanwhile, Taiwan's Foreign Ministry thanked the Japanese and U.S. leaders for publicly expressing the importance of cross-strait peace and stability. Noting China's continued military expansion has "posed severe challenges to the region," the democratic island vowed to work with the United States, Japan and all like-minded partners to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Related coverage: PM Kishida mistakenly says China is Japan's "ally" in Washington China's Xi tells ex-Taiwan leader both sides are inseparable remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 10:18 | All, Japan, World Prime Minister Fumio Kishida erroneously referred Wednesday to China as Japan's "ally" at a joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington, although he quickly corrected himself. Responding to a question about diplomacy toward China, Kishida said in Japanese, "China is our ally," but shortly afterward added, "Excuse me, based on a strong relationship of trust with our ally, the United States, we will urge China to fulfill its responsibilities as a major power." Kishida raised his right hand as he corrected his remark at the news conference following summit talks with Biden. The prime minister became Japan's first political leader to visit the United States as a state guest in nine years. Related coverage: Japan's popular duo Yoasobi invited to White House dinner for Kishida Biden says Japanese national to be 1st non-American to land on Moon Japan, U.S. leaders vow to boost security alliance amid China rise Job Title: Sales Agent Jinja (30 Fresher Diploma Job Vacancies) Organisation: Liberty Life Assurance Uganda (LLAU) Duty Station: Jinja, Uganda About US: Liberty was founded in 1957 by Sir Donald Gordon who watched his father work hard all his life yet reap little financial reward for his efforts. This struggle ignited in him the overwhelming belief that all people should have the opportunity to grow their wealth and leave a proud legacy for their family. This belief is captured in our name and our flame, taken from the Statue of Liberty and imbued with the same meaning of freedom and opportunity. Nearly 60 years later, and with a presence in 18 African countries, we have grown from being a South African life insurer to a pan-African financial services company, offering asset management, investment, insurance and health products to 3.2 million people across Africa. Job Summary: The Sales Agent will be responsible to sell various products of Liberty Life Assurance Uganda. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Serves customers by selling products and meeting customer needs. Services existing accounts, obtains orders, and establishes new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or potential sales outlets and other trade factors. Adjusts content of sales presentations by studying the type of sales outlet or trade factor. Focuses sales efforts by studying existing and potential volume of dealers. Submits orders by referring to price lists and product literature. Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses. Monitors competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, and merchandising techniques. Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments. Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions, preparing reports, and making recommendations to management. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies. Provides historical records by maintaining records on area and customer sales. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Any other duties as may be assigned by your line manager from time to time. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant must hold a Diploma in any Field. Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is an added advantage One (1) year of experience in sales required Excellent negotiation skills Positive Attitude Team player Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Knowledgeable about the sales cycles. Market Awareness Customer centricity. Ownership & Commitment Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Remuneration: Sales Agents will be rewarded by a commission payment for the sales they close. LLAU also has Competitive reward schemes on top of commission. How to Apply: All candidates should send their applications, updated CVs together with your academic documents as one document either in PDF or Word Format to careers@liberty.co.ug quoting clearly the Position in the subject line Deadline: Friday 19th April 2024 by 5:00 PM For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-04-12 Valid Through 2024-04-19 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Liberty Life Assurance Uganda (LLAU) Job Location Jinja, Jinja, Jinja, 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Job Title: Sales Agent Kampala (30 Fresher Job Opportunities) Organisation: Liberty Life Assurance Uganda (LLAU) Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: Liberty was founded in 1957 by Sir Donald Gordon who watched his father work hard all his life yet reap little financial reward for his efforts. This struggle ignited in him the overwhelming belief that all people should have the opportunity to grow their wealth and leave a proud legacy for their family. This belief is captured in our name and our flame, taken from the Statue of Liberty and imbued with the same meaning of freedom and opportunity. Nearly 60 years later, and with a presence in 18 African countries, we have grown from being a South African life insurer to a pan-African financial services company, offering asset management, investment, insurance and health products to 3.2 million people across Africa. Job Summary: The Sales Agent will be responsible to sell various products of Liberty Life Assurance Uganda. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Serves customers by selling products and meeting customer needs. Services existing accounts, obtains orders, and establishes new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule to call on existing or potential sales outlets and other trade factors. Adjusts content of sales presentations by studying the type of sales outlet or trade factor. Focuses sales efforts by studying existing and potential volume of dealers. Submits orders by referring to price lists and product literature. Keeps management informed by submitting activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly work plans, and monthly and annual territory analyses. Monitors competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, and merchandising techniques. Recommends changes in products, service, and policy by evaluating results and competitive developments. Resolves customer complaints by investigating problems, developing solutions, preparing reports, and making recommendations to management. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies. Provides historical records by maintaining records on area and customer sales. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Any other duties as may be assigned by your line manager from time to time. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant must hold a Diploma in any Field. Certificate of Proficiency (COP) is an added advantage One (1) year of experience in sales required Excellent negotiation skills Positive Attitude Team player Excellent interpersonal and communication skills Knowledgeable about the sales cycles. Market Awareness Customer centricity. Ownership & Commitment Demonstrated proficiency with the MS Office software (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is required. Remuneration: Sales Agents will be rewarded by a commission payment for the sales they close. LLAU also has Competitive reward schemes on top of commission. How to Apply: All candidates should send their applications, updated CVs together with your academic documents as one document either in PDF or Word Format to careers@liberty.co.ug quoting clearly the Position in the subject line Deadline: Friday 19th April 2024 by 5:00 PM For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com or find us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline Date Posted 2024-04-12 Valid Through 2024-04-19 Employment Type FULL_TIME Hiring Organization Liberty Life Assurance Uganda (LLAU) Job Location Kampala, Kampala, Kampala , 0256, Uganda Related Jobs Apple is set to issue a warning to iPhone users in 92 countries, including India, that they could be victims of a mercenary spyware attack. This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although its never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning please take it seriously," states a threat notification mail sent to some users, as cited by The Economic Times. The threat notification emails sent around 12.30 am on April 11 said tools like the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware are targeting users globally. In its support page, the Cupertino giant has published tips for iPhone users. Apple threat notifications are designed to inform and assist users who may have been individually targeted by mercenary spyware attacks, likely because of who they are or what they do, it stated. Apple has not attributed the attacks to any Indian stakeholders. In October, the tech giant had similarly alerted Opposition leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, AAP MP Raghav Chadha and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, regarding potential state-sponsored spyware attack on iPhones. What is mercenary spyware? Mercenary spyware is designed to remotely infiltrate and compromise smartphones and other devices without the knowledge or consent of the users. These surveillance tools could be used to monitor movements and communications, steal private data, etc. In some cases, governments, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement bodies have reportedly bought mercenary spyware wherein political opponents and activists are often targeted. Examples of mercenary spyware Companies producing mercenary spyware include the NSO Group, FinFisher, and Hacking Team. NSO Group's flagship spyware Pegasus, which has been bought by various governments, helps infiltrate devices remotely and access calls, emails, messages, and other files. Finfisher's products like FinSpy can capture keystrokes and access data besides activating microphones and cameras without permission. The Hacking Team's Galileo aka Remote Control System (RCS) also can capture keystrokes and record video calls besides accessing the camera and microphone. Its National Pet Care Day today. And while you can mumble about alien Amreekan celebrations being pushed on to desi shores, perhaps it is more fun to surrender to some pawsome fun with the furry babies and join the excitement. India Inc surely believes so. From a special store on Amazon to insurance packages for dogs, and of course, pet business companies like Mars (which has brands like Pedigree) to Drools going all out, it is no puppy game anymore. For example, Amazon has launched a special section on the e-commerce site for the special day on April 11, Thursday, with special offers, subscription programmes and a vast range of products from brands like Whiskas, Royal Canin, The Birds Company, BarkOut Loud as well as traditional pharma companies like Himalaya. "On National Pets Day, we have curated a special store with shopping guides and great deals for pet lovers, says Nishant Raman, director (Core Consumables), Amazon India. Customers can also shop from our wide range of imported products, fresh pet food from local kitchens and even try customisation on products they buy for their pets. Adds Shashank Sinha, veterinarian & CEO of Drools, one of the leading pet care companies in the country, With the surge in pet adoption during the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a notable increase in the usage of pet care salons, toys, chewables, and value-added products and services among Indian pet parents. The pet care and pet food industry in India has experienced robust growth in recent years. Its not just products. From kennels to dog-friendly cafes to hotels and vacation stays where you can take your pets along, a range of businesses have woken up to the possibilities of catering to pet parents. Many insurance companies have also popped up with insurance packages for dogs, like HDFC ERGOs Paws & Claws plan. Bajaj Allianz, New India & Oriental also offer similar insurance scheme for pets. And why shouldnt it be not? With increasing adoption of pets across the country, the pet care business is truly booming in India. Estimates put the business anywhere between 4,000 to 20,000 crore rupees presently, and it is growing rapidly. There are more than 3 crore pets in India (the actual numbers could be much more), increasing at the rate of 11 per cent every year. Cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are said to be some of the leading markets for pet businesses, with increasing pet adoption among nuclear families. Compared to previous years, there has been a significant uptick in spending on pet-related expenses, indicating a growing prioritisation of pet wellness and happiness among Indian households, pointed out Sinha of Drools. Expenses of Rs 5,000 rupees on pets per month or more is not uncommon anymore, with one estimate putting the average expenditure on pets in Bengaluru at Rs 3,000 per month. Besides conventional pet food companies and American giants entering India to cater to this market, a plethora of startups focusing on pet care have also sprung up in the country. A study last year says as many as 70 new pet care startups came up in India between 2021 and 2023. This has also attracted the attention of investors who have poured in money, turning startups like Heads up for Tails into national chains. L.Catterton, an investor specialising in pet care businesses, recently made a record breaking 500 crore rupees investment in the Indian pet care company Drools. Originally started back in 2006 as a day to raise awareness about pet care and increase adoption of dogs particularly from shelters by animal welfare activist Colleen Paige in the US, National Petcare Day has become increasingly international over the years. Transgender actor Bonita Rajpurohit, who is set to debut with Dibakar Banerjee's "Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2", says she is proud to be one of the leads in the upcoming film which she hopes makes young women like her feel seen. The film, a sequel to Banerjee's 2010 film "Love Sex Aur Dhokha", will be released on April 19. In the follow-up, which will explore the youth in the digital era, Rajpurohit will play Kullu. The trans community has made great strides from being almost invisible on screen to fronting a Bollywood film. According to the makers, Rajpurohit is the first transgender woman to lead a Hindi film. (It's) quite a moment for me because I never thought I would be in such a position. It makes me feel really proud. The whole trans community has come a really long way. There was a time when trans people were not as much visible in mainstream media. But now, I see some changes and when I am part of that change, I feel honoured. I hope this sets an example to so many girls like me, who are young, who live in rural areas, and that they feel happy, Rajpurohit told PTI in an Interview here. She said she wants to bring about "real change" in areas where the internet is yet to make inroads. How much you have an impact in the places where even the internet is not acceptable... For me, that is real activism or that is the real change I would like to see. This is my way of activism, to be on the screen or to be visible amongst people, she added. Rajpurohit, who earlier worked at a production house and as a model, said it was an honour to work with Banerjee, the acclaimed director behind National Award-winning movie "Khosla Ka Ghosla", as well as "Shanghai", and "Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!". I'm glad, honoured and privileged to be working with Dibakar sir in my first film. Initially, I was nervous. I had confusions, doubts and many insecurities in my mind. I felt a lot of pressure also because it is a key role that plays a huge part in the story. I never felt that kind of pressure from Dibakar sir. He always gave me space to work on particular scenes. So, it's a memorable time for me, she said. "Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2" also stars Paritosh Tiwari and Abhinav Singh. Tiwari, who portrays Noor in the film, said he tried to do justice to his character. The part was so tricky that I could not joke about it. I wanted to do it with truth and honesty. I tried to get as close as possible (to the director's vision). I have a feeling I am on the right track... Working with the right people. It's been an honour working with Dibakar sir and the team, the newcomer said. Everything was unexpected from casting. Actually, I was there to audition for something else and I landed up with this role. I am grateful and thankful, added debutant Singh, who plays the role of Gamer Paapi. "Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2" is produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor of Balaji Motion Pictures. It also stars Mouni Roy, Tushar Kapoor, Sophie Choudry, and Anu Malik. KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 20:11 | All, Japan, World Japan will select two astronauts to send to the Moon in 2028 or later from seven candidates after the Japanese science ministry and the U.S. space agency on Wednesday confirmed flight opportunity allocations in the U.S.-led Artemis Moon exploration program. Some of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's candidates, including two trainees recruited in February last year, expressed their hope to be picked for the Artemis program and become the first non-American astronaut to land on the Moon. "I will brush up my skills so that I will be selected as one of the Japanese astronauts to engage in activities on the lunar surface," said Takuya Onishi, 48, in a statement released by JAXA following the agreement between the Japanese ministry and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known as NASA. Kimiya Yui, 54, said he was delighted to know of the Japan-U.S. agreement, adding, "The more difficult a mission is, the more thrilled I am." Yui and Onishi took part in an ISS mission in 2015 and 2016, respectively, and they both have been picked to participate in future missions scheduled around 2025. JAXA's most experienced astronauts are Satoshi Furukawa, 60, and Akihiko Hoshide, 55, who have went on two and three space missions, respectively. They have spent over 300 days aboard the International Space Station, with Hoshide serving as its commander during his mission in 2021. Norishige Kanai, 47, is the youngest astronaut at JAXA, having joined one ISS mission in 2017. Makoto Suwa, 47, and Ayu Yoneda, 29, are expected to complete their training and become astronauts by the end of this year. When the two trainees were recruited, their job description included possible participation in lunar missions. As for veteran astronauts, Koichi Wakata, 60, who went on five space missions, a record for a Japanese astronaut, and Soichi Noguchi, 58, are not among the candidates as they have already left JAXA, the agency said. JAXA said it will pick two Japanese astronauts for the Artemis program through consultation with NASA. U.S. President Joe Biden announced the allocation of Japanese astronauts in the Artemis program following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on Wednesday. Although the timing of the opportunities will be determined by NASA, officials have said the first Japanese astronaut will be selected at an early date for a flight possibly in 2028 or thereafter. The second Japanese astronaut will be chosen based on the timing of the arrival of a Japan-made pressurized rover, which astronauts would be able to drive on the lunar surface without wearing spacesuits, according to Japanese officials. The vehicle, dubbed the Lunar Cruiser, could be sent to the Moon in 2031 and used for 10 years. The Artemis program aims to send U.S. astronauts to the lunar surface in September 2026, marking the first time in over half a century since the Apollo missions. The 12 astronauts who landed on the Moon then were all white American men, but this time women and non-white astronauts are due to be selected. Related coverage: Japan's Moon explorer resumes communication after harsh lunar night Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket a year after failure NASA unveils images of Japan's SLIM moon probe after landing success Nationalist Congress Party (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Thursday countered Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar's appeal to Baramati voters to elect the "daughter-in-law of the Pawars" with an "original" versus "outsider" comment. The Deputy CM had recently asked people to vote for his wife Sunetra Pawar in the Lok Sabha polls as they had "voted for the father (Sharad Pawar), son (himself) and daughter (sitting MP Supriya Sule)". "This time elect the daughter-in-law (Sunetra Pawar)," the NCP leader had said at a workers' convention. Sunetra Pawar is pitted against Sule in Baramati. Asked about the statement, Sharad Pawar said, "One is the original Pawar (referring to daughter Sule) and the other Pawar is coming from outside." On Ajit Pawar claiming that his cousins never campaigned for him all these years, the NCP(SP) supremo said, "It is not true. Be it my election or that of Supriya or Ajit, members of the family have gone to the public and aired their views to get support." Brushing aside the deputy CM's threat that kin would not be able to show their faces if he opened his mouth, Sharad Pawar said "we are not worried about it" as the world knows about this person's political stand and education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress party for skipping the consecration ceremony of Ayodhya Ram temple and said the party is now resolved to destroy Shakti in Hinduism. Addressing a poll campaign in Uttarakhand, Modi said, Congress had raised many questions on the existence of Lord Ram. Even after they were invited to Ram Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' they boycotted it. Now, they have resolved and announced in public that they will destroy the 'Shakti' in the Hindu religion, ANI reported. The prime minister said voters should give a befitting reply to those trying to destroy Shakti. Highlighting road and rail development under the BJP regime in Uttarakhand, Modi said, "We are continuously increasing rail, road and air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Work is underway on the Rishikesh -Karanprayag railway line. Distance between Delhi to Dehradun is also reducing. Border villages which were called 'last villages' under Congress are now being developed under the BJP government. Air services have started to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. 900-kilometre-long highway is also being built to connect Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Modi added that the Oppositions anger against him is at its height as he stopped corrupt from looting. Saying enemies took advantage and terrorism spread under weak, unstable governments, Under strong Modi government, he said, Our forces are killing terrorists on their own turf. -with inputs from agencies. A day after announcing his resignation from the Delhi cabinet and the Aam Aadmi Party, Raaj Kumar Anand on Thursday ruled out the allegations that he took the decision under pressure. The Patel Nagar MLA told PTI Videos that he decided to resign as he was not able to tolerate the injustice in the AAP. Soon after Anand announced his decision, the party had alleged that it vindicates its stand that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the Enforcement Directorate was aimed at finishing the party, and accused the BJP of using the central agencies to "break our ministers and MLAs". Anand, however, denied the allegation and said: "I never received any notice from the ED. He claimed that the ED officials had raided his residence in November last year to trace the money trail in the "liquor scam", but nothing was found and the matter was closed. Anand, who held the portfolios of social welfare and SCs and STs among other portfolios in the Delhi government, alleged that Dalit leaders are not given important posts either in the AAP or in government agencies, such as the agricultural produce marketing committees. "I was not able to tolerate this injustice, he said. Asked about his future plans, the MLA said: "Nobody knows what lies in the future, but politics is a game of possibilities." Meanwhile, the PTI quoted officials as saying that Anand is still "technically" a minister as there is no possibility in the near future that his resignation letter will reach the chief minister for his approval. Once the chief minister has approved the letter, it would be sent to the lieutenant governor for further approval. Six school children were killed and around 20 sustained injuries after a bus carrying them met with an accident in Haryana's Mahendragarh on Thursday, police said. Preliminary reports suggest that the bus overturned while overtaking a vehicle in Kanina town. Superintendent of Police, Mahendragarh, Arsh Verma told PTI over the phone that the driver of the bus has been arrested. Asked about reports suggesting that the driver was drunk, he said, "We have apprehended him and his medical examination is being conducted after which we will be able to properly establish whether he was actually drunk or not. Some reports are also suggesting that the driver indulged in rash driving, the SP added. The injured children were rushed to a hospital, he said. Haryana's Education Minister Seema Trikha has left for Mahendragarh, officials said. Dr Ravi Kaushik of Nihal Hospital, Mahendragarh told ANI, "Four students were brought dead and one critical student who was put on a ventilator passed away at the hospital. 15 injured students have been referred to another hospital." -with PTI inputs. After a hunger strike in March to demand statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addressed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah via X (formerly Twitter), urging them to uphold the ideals of Lord Ram and a Hindu Vaishnav and honour their promises to Ladakh. "Modi ji, a devotee of Ram, built the Ram temple, but what are the values of Lord Ram? In Ramcharitamanas, Raghukul reet sada chali aaye, praan jaaye par vachan naa jaaye. Lord Ram was in exile for 14 years because he did not want to break his promise," Wangchuk said. He urged Modi to fulfil his promises to Ladakh, and expressed hope that Shah and Modi remain steadfast in their ideals. ALSO READ: Will protests in Ladakh hurt BJP in Lok Sabha polls? Wangchuk has been persistent in his demand for constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory of Ladakh, along with protecting its ecologically fragile ecosystem from industrial and mining interests. After the hunger strike, he gave a call for the Pashmina March on April 7 to highlight the plight of the Changpa nomadic tribes who are losing vast expanses of their land due to Chinese incursion in the north and our corporates in the south. He was forced to call off the march after the Ladakh administration imposed strict curbs, imposed Section 144, and shut down the internet. In an interview with THE WEEK, Wangchuk spoke about why he decided to go on a hunger strike and the need for constitutional safeguards for the region. Q/ What are the environmental challenges Ladakh is facing now? A/ Ladakh, situated in the Himalayan region, is grappling with the effects of global warming. Melting glaciers, coupled with shifting weather patterns, have led to an increase in flash floods, landslides, and droughts, significantly impacting the lives of residents in the sparsely populated villages. There are growing concerns about safeguarding Ladakh's mountains from indiscriminate exploitation, particularly mining activities, which have already wreaked havoc in other Himalayan regions like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Q/ How would the Sixth Schedule address the concerns? A/ The demand for Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is vital for protecting its indigenous tribal communities, who constitute around 97 per cent of the population. This provision grants autonomy to tribal regions, enabling them to chart their development course without external interference. We are thankful that Ladakh became a Union Territory (UT) in 2019 after a 70-year-old demand. However, unlike under Article 370, there are no safeguards for these hilly regions. Despite assumptions, the Sixth Schedule, designed for areas like Ladakh with a 97 per cent tribal population, grants substantial autonomy. It establishes Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with legislative and judicial powers, enabling them to regulate various aspects such as land, forest, water, agriculture, health, sanitation, and mining. The hunger strike serves as a protest to emphasise the importance of honouring commitments made to Ladakh's tribal communities. Q/ What are your fears about industrialisation and mining in Ladakh? A/ As an environmentalist, I am deeply worried about the fragile ecosystem of the high Himalayas, including Ladakh's glacier system, known as the "third pole" of the planet. These glaciers sustain around 2 billion people, including a quarter of the world's population. Introducing mining industries in these areas would harm both local communities and cause water shortages affecting the entire north Indian plains. The Sixth Schedule of the Constitution established 75 years ago, is crucial for protecting Ladakh's customs, culture, and land. The Sixth Schedule isn't a hindrance to development; rather, it ensures that development decisions involve consultation with indigenous communities. These communities, through empowered councils, can better discern what developments are suitable for their region. This local involvement contrasts with decisions made by transient administrators unfamiliar with the area's intricacies, as Ladakh currently experiences under the UT's governance without a legislature. Q/ How does development and investment in Ladakh threaten its culture and identity? A/ Without safeguards, Ladakh faces the risk of mining companies and large hotel chains exploiting its resources, potentially bringing in hundreds of thousands of people. This influx would strain Ladakh's delicate desert ecology, where residents rely on just 5 litres of water per day, not 150 litres like in Delhi. Every drop is important. Imagine if 2,00,000 people using 150L of water come to Ladakh, there will be no water for anybody. Ladakh's limited capacity cannot support such numbers, and unchecked development could turn locals into refugees. Even tourism has wreaked havoc in Ladakh. Permanently large populations could turn locals into refugees, while newcomers would struggle to thrive. This threatens Ladakh's land and culture, finely tuned over centuries to survive in the mountains. If unchecked, this could lead to irreversible dilution and unsustainability. Q/ The Centre is yet to grant Ladakh Sixth Schedule status despite giving positive signals earlier. A/ If the constitutional safeguards are not in place, which were there under Article 370, the rich will buy whole valleys and mountains. This is why safeguards are needed. Our MP, Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, took up the issue in August 2019. The government was very generous, supportive, and proactive then. Arjun Munda, the tribal minister, came here in 2019. He said that we must safeguard Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule. Simultaneously, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) and others held meetings in Delhi. They said Ladakh is the most suitable candidate for the Sixth Schedule. But when nothing happened, I made this video, Ladakh ke mann ki baat, addressing the prime minister. The tribal minister wrote to me personally and assured me that the Sixth Schedule would happen. But there was silence after that. In continuation of its efforts to bolster relations with African countries, India, for the first time, will post defence attaches in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Ivory Coast. India will also appoint a new defence attache to the tiny African nation of Djibouti that serves as a major maritime gateway around the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, and is considered as a prized location for military bases. The new defence attache in Djibouti will be the second one to hold the post in the island nation. India's African outreach India's ties with the African continent have witnessed a major uptick amid China's persistent efforts to expand its influence in the African countries. In the last few years, India has been positioning itself as a leading voice, flagging concerns, challenges and aspirations of the Global South or the developing nations, especially the African continent. The induction of the 55-nation African Union as a permanent member of the G20 was seen as major milestones of India's presidency of the grouping of the world's 20 big economies in 2023. Several African countries have already expressed keen interest in procuring Indian military platforms, equipment and hardware. The move comes at a time when Dammu Ravi, MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) is visiting Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya. He is accompanied by AS (E&SA), Puneet R. Kundal. Africa offers immense potential for economic partnerships. Indian investments in the region reached $98 billion last year, with trade totalling $100 billion. Also, with India aiming for sustainable development and a low-carbon future, Africa, with 30 per cent of the worlds mineral reserves, is a vital ally to fulfil its goals. Strategic ties in key regions India's move is in line with its broader policy initiative to expand strategic ties. It is learnt that New Delhi is planning to rationalise the strength of its teams of military officials in its embassy in Moscow and high commission in London. A few of the defence attaches posted in these two countries are set to be deployed elsewhere as part of the rationalisation process that factored in various aspects of New Delhi's foreign policy priorities and optimum use of manpower. India is also looking at further expanding defence ties with the Philippines against the backdrop of growing global concerns over China's increasing military assertiveness in the South China Sea. he defence and strategic ties between India and the Philippines have been on an upswing in the last few years. In January 2022, India sealed a USD 375 million deal with the Philippines for supplying three batteries of the missile. The supplies of the missiles to the Southeast Asian country are set to begin soon. The decision to appoint a defence attache in Armenia comes as the country in the Caucasus region shows deep interest in enhancing its defence relations with India. Last year, an arms deal to supply Indian military hardware including multi-barrel rocket launchers to Armenia was firmed up. The deal came amid the Armenia-Azerbaijan clash over Nagorno-Karabakh. India's decision to appoint a defence attache to Poland, which is a member of the European Union, is also being considered significant. It is reflective of the desire to expand two-way defence ties. Last year, the European Union posted a military attache to its mission in India for the first time. A total of 16 defence attaches from the Indian Army, the Navy and the Indian Air Force will shortly assume their new positions. (With PTI inputs) West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee said the state government will not allow the controversial UCC, NRC and CAA laws to be implemented in the state. Taking part in Ramzan celebrations in Kolkata on Thursday, Mamata slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led union government on Thursday for trying to create discord in the society. Addressing a gathering at Red Road on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, she said, We will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens and Uniform Civil Code. If we will live unitedly, nobody will be able to cause harm to us. The chief minister charged some would try to engineer riots in the state during elections. During elections, some people will try to engineer riots; don't fall prey to the plot, she said. Banerjee said her partys fight is against the BJP and they will decide about the INDIA bloc later. We will decide about the INDIA bloc later. But in Bengal, please see that no vote goes to any other party, she added. She also slammed the BJP government at the Centre for using the central probe agencies against the opposition parties. TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee, other senior leaders accompanied her at the Eid meet. The recent surge in protests in Ladakh for the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to secure land, culture, and identity has implications for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Despite initial optimism after the establishment of Ladakh as a separate Union Territory (UT) on August 5, 2019, disillusionment quickly set in as locals feared exploitation and demographic shifts, with the protection previously enjoyed under Article 370 no longer existing. What began as a demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule has evolved into a broader spectrum of aspirations, including full statehood, job reservations, and land protection. The demands reflect the deep-seated concerns of the Ladakhis regarding their autonomy and well-being. The rare unity exhibited by political parties in Leh and Kargil, as demonstrated by the alliance between the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and the Leh Apex Body (LAB), presents a challenge for the BJP. The BJP's electoral promises, particularly regarding the implementation of the Sixth Schedule, now face scrutiny in the face of mounting discontent. The BJP's electoral success in Ladakh, notably securing the Ladakh seat in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, was partly attributed to promises of addressing Ladakh's grievances, including the demand for a UT status. Observers believe that the BJP's inability to address Ladakh's concerns may result in disillusionment among voters, leading to a loss of electoral support in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The BJP controls the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC)-Leh while the LAHDC-Kargil is with the coalition of the Congress and the NC. The high-powered committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has held several rounds of meetings with the members of LAB and KDA to resolve the matter. The committee has appreciated the concerns of the people of Ladakh to preserve its unique identity but refused to commit to a statehood and Sixth Schedule. Leading climate change activist Sonam Wangchuk has been at the forefront of agitation in Ladakh to press for the demand for statehood and a Sixth Schedule for the region. In March, he observed a 21-day hunger strike to highlight the threat to Ladakhs environment and the need for statehood and a Sixth Schedule for the region. Actor Prakash Raj flew to Leh to show solidarity with him. After the hunger strike, Wangchuck called for the Pashmina March on April 7 to raise awareness about the loss of land to industrial projects in the south and Chinese encroachments in the north in Ladakh. The march was called off after the UT administration imposed curbs in Leh and a ban on the assembly of people under Section 144. The authorities also shut down the internet. The opposition Congress has been quick to cash in on the growing disenchantment against the BJP by supporting the agitation. Congress leader Tsering Dorjay said the people are upset with the BJP. He said Wangchuks campaign has mobilised people to press for the demand for statehood and the Sixth Schedule. The BJP leaders have stayed away from his campaign and the people have taken note of that, he said. This raises questions about the BJP's commitment to Ladakh. He said the BJP faces a tough political challenge for not honouring its commitments. The BJP secured some votes from Kargil in 2019, but this support is expected to diminish by 70 to 80 per cent due to the BJP's anti-minority stance, he said. The Congress is sensing an opportunity in the growing anger in Ladakh against the BJP. The NC and the Congress, both members of the INDIA bloc, secured a majority in the LAHDC-Kargil polls in October last year. Omar Abdullah, NC vice president and former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, in an interview with THE WEEK, said his party will support the Congress in Ladakh against the BJP. He said he hoped a candidate who is supported by all is given the mandate in Ladakh. Observers believe that the BJP's problems will be exacerbated if the LAB and KDA decide to join forces against the BJP in Lok Sabha polls. According to sources, while Wangchuck may not directly enter the electoral fray, he may suggest supporting a party committed to implementing the Sixth Schedule, albeit indirectly. This strategy aims to ensure that his cause remains relevant. Sajad Kargili of KDA said people are upset with the BJP, and that they will express their anger through votes. Will LAB and KDA field a joint candidate? The possibility cannot be ruled out. Talks on the matter are ongoing," he said. Local BJP leaders agree that they are facing issues on the ground but are optimistic that Prime Minister Narendra Modis government will act to safeguard the region. BJP state president Phunchok Stanzin said all concerns will be addressed. The government has made the Ladakh Resident Certificate compulsory for jobs. Likewise, the Centre will safeguard our identity and environment through some provision, whether it is the Sixth Schedule or Article 371, he said. He said there has been a lack of cooperation from stakeholders. Rejecting the immediate possibility of statehood, he said declaring two districts as a separate state is not feasible. Regarding safeguards, it was noted that the Sixth Schedule does not align with Ladakh's requirements, particularly in terms of Panchayats, which do not exist under the Sixth Schedule, he said. The BJP has expressed willingness to meet all demands but outside the framework of the Sixth Schedule. He said the agitation was politically motivated, with support from regional parties and Congress for political gains. It will not harm the BJP's electoral prospects, he said, and added Wangchuk's campaign will have minimal impact. He said Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed a willingness to incorporate beneficial aspects of the Sixth Schedule, even if it requires constitutional amendments. The BJP is committed to providing constitutional safeguards for land, jobs, and identity, but the LAB and KDA are adamant on the term 'Sixth Schedule'," he said. He said the BJP's support base and workers remain intact, with no significant issues. Regarding the possibility of a joint candidate from KDA and LAB, he said it was unlikely due to serious differences between the two factions - religious and otherwise. People of Ladakh are witnessing development and progress after the region became a UT, he said. The BJP has nothing to fear. Israel targeting Hamas leader Ismail Haniyehs kin has raised concerns about the ongoing hostage negotiations. Though truce talks in Cairo on Sunday did not heed any results, the US said that they had given a new proposal to Hamas and are waiting for their response. Hamas has indicated it does not have 40 captives who are still alive to meet the "humanitarian" criteria for a proposed hostages-for-prisoners ceasefire agreement with Israel. The US, Qatar and Egypt are acting as key mediators between Israel-Hamas. In the first instance, women, children, and elderly or sick people- including five female Israeli soldiers-would be exchanged for an estimated 900 Palestinian prisoners being held by Israel. In the first phase of the three-stage deal, the US is pressuring Israel to agree to release 900 Palestinian prisoners. It also includes the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza. The unexpected withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Gaza had paved the way for various speculations, with the focus expected to shift to the Rafah offensive, where around a million Palestinians are seeking refugee. According to Israel, about 30 of the remaining hostages are dead, which would leave 100 still alive with the majority of them Israelites. 112 hostages have been returned to Israel so far. Around 240 hostages were taken into Gaza by the Hamas during the October 7 attack. Irans retaliation threat Amid Iran's retaliation threat, President Joe Biden has promised Israel "ironclad" US support. Iran has threatened to launch a "significant attack" after Israel struck the Iranian consulate in Syria. "As I told Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad - let me say it again, ironclad," said Biden. "We are going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, Iran's leader said the Israeli attack in Damascus was equivalent to an attack on Iran itself. "When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. "The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished." About 13 people were killed in the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate building including senior Iranian military leaders. Among them was Brig-Gen Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander of Iran's elite Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack. US and Israeli forces in the region have been put on high alert in the days since. Last week the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) cancelled leave for soldiers serving with combat units and called up reservists to bolster air defence units. Reportedly, the head of the US forces in the region, Gen Michael Kurilla, is to discuss the threat of a possible Iranian attack in talks with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi in Israel on Thursday. Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Thursday confirmed that his three sons and four grandchildren were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The grandchildren included three girls and a boy. Hamas's Al-Aqsa TV said the car in which Haniyeh's sons were travelling was targeted in Al-Shati refugee camp near Gaza City when they were heading to a family gathering on Eid al-Fitr. Haniyeh is originally from Al-Shati. His family home was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in November 2023. The Israeli Defence Forces stated that Haniyeh's sons were "Hamas military operatives who conducted terrorist activity in the central Gaza Strip". The IDF and Israel Security Agency (ISA) identified the deceased as Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, besides low-ranking operatives Mohammad Haniyeh and Hazem Haniyeh. Haniyeh's surviving son, Abdel-Salam Haniyeh, who is the eldest, also confirmed the "martyrdom" of his brothers. In a statement, Haniyeh, who lives in Qatar, said the killing of his sons would not have impact on the negotiations. "Our demands are clear and specific and we will not make concessions on them. The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position," Reuters quoted Haniyeh as saying. KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 21:52 | World, All South Korea's main opposition and its affiliate won a landslide victory in Wednesday's general election, retaining a majority in the parliament, according to official results from the country's election commission the following day. The Democratic Party's triumph over the minority ruling People Power Party dealt a major blow to the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who still has three years left in his five-year term. With all votes counted Thursday, the DP and its affiliated party clinched 175 out of the 300 seats in the National Assembly, while the PPP and its ally won 108 seats, the results from the National Election Commission showed. The results reflected worsened public sentiment toward Yoon's government over his failures to improve the sluggish economy and address the sinking birth rate as well as to cope with ongoing accusations over his wife's scandals, local media reported. DP leader Lee Jae Myung expressed deep gratitude for the voters' support, saying that his party will do its best to overcome the challenges confronting the nation. "All political parties must work together to solve the economic crisis. The DP will actively take the lead in solving the immediate problems of people's livelihoods," Lee said at the party's headquarters. PPP leader Han Dong Hoon expressed regret that the party was unable to secure the support of the people and stepped down from his post to take responsibility for its loss at the polls. Prime Minister Han Duck Soo also offered his resignation, an official from the presidential office said. Yoon was quoted by the official as saying he "will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the general election." He vowed to revitalize policies, stabilize the economy and improve people's lives. According to the election commission, former Justice Minister Cho Kuk's Korea Innovation Party, which aims to reform the prosecutor's office and oust Yoon as president, won 12 proportional representation seats, enabling the wider opposition bloc to surpass the threshold of 180 seats needed to pass bills without the ruling party's support. However, the number of the opposition parties' seats fell short of 200, a two-thirds majority that would have enabled them to initiate processes such as constitutional amendments and presidential impeachments and to enact bills vetoed by a president. Before the election, the main opposition and its affiliate held 156 seats of the unicameral legislature and the ruling bloc 114. Meanwhile, some veteran politicians known to hold a friendly stance toward Japan lost their seats, raising concerns about the impact on bilateral ties. Among the PPP candidates, Chung Jin Suk, head of a bipartisan group of lawmakers from South Korea and Japan, and former Foreign Minister Park Jin, who unveiled the Yoon administration's solution to compensate plaintiffs in Japanese wartime labor cases through a government-backed foundation in March 2023, were ousted by voters. Former Prime Minister Lee Nak Yon, an expert in Japanese affairs and a former Tokyo correspondent for one of South Korea's major newspapers, lost his seat after running from his own New Future Party following his departure from the DP. The election commission said voter turnout in Wednesday's election was 67 percent, the highest for a general election in 32 years. Related coverage: South Korea opposition party likely to maintain majority: exit polls South Korean President Yoon's leadership to be tested in general election Once again raking up the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government stood up for Canadians and blamed the previous government for having 'cosy' ties with India. While testifying at a public inquiry into the foreign interference in Canada's electoral process, Trudeau said that his government was firm on the issue of protecting Canadians. At the hearing, Trudeau accused the previous Conservative government of being "cosy" with the current Indian government, reported ANI. In sworn testimony before a commission conducting a public inquiry into alleged foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections, Trudeau answered questions about intelligence briefings he had received and asserted the elections were "free and fair". The commission was set up by Trudeau after opposition legislators were unhappy with the media reports on China's possible role in the elections. Canada's national intelligence agency has disclosed findings, suggesting that China interfered in its 2019 and 2021 elections. At the hearing of the Foreign Interference Commission, headed by the Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, Trudeau said that his government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and their rights to speak out even if it irritates their home countries overseas. On asked about foreign interference during the 2019 elections, Trudeau said, In a public setting, I cant speak to redactions made for national security. But, I will say that the principle that anyone who comes to Canada from anywhere in the world has all the rights of a Canadian to be free from extortion, coercion, interference from a country that they left behind and how we have stood up for Canadians, including in the very serious case that I brought forward to Parliament of the killing of [Hardeep Singh] Nijjar, demonstrates our governments commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of Canadians. While testifying, Trudeau also spoke about the measures his government has taken to address the foreign interference since 2015. The previous conservative government that was known for its very cosy relationship with the current Indian government...Whereas our government has always stood up to defend minorities in Canada and the rights of minorities to speak out, even if it irritates their home countries overseas, Trudeau said. Nijjar's killing has strained India-Canada bilateral ties. Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Nijjar, who was gunned down in Surrey in Canada's British Columbia, on June 18. New Delhi rejected the allegations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated". Real estate tycoon Truong My Lan was sentenced Thursday to death by a court in Ho Chi Minh city in southern Vietnam in the country's largest financial fraud case ever, state media Thanh Nien said. The 67-year-old chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat was accused of fraud amounting to $12.5 billion nearly 3 per cent of the country's 2022 GDP. She illegally controlled the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank between 2012 to 2022 to siphon of these funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials. Lan's arrest in October 2022 was among the most high-profile in an ongoing anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that has intensified since 2022. The so-called Blazing Furnace campaign has touched the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. Interview/ Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress president A veteran of many poll battles, Mallikarjun Kharge is facing his toughest challenge since he became Congress president in October 2022. The 81-year-old is leading not just the grand old partys campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, but also helming the opposition INDIA blocs fight against the formidable BJP. Where is the Modi guarantee of two crore jobs; where is the Rs15 lakh in every account; where is the guarantee of doubling farmers income? By talking only about dalit prime minister, you are making that person small.... That is what Modi did. He claims he made a tribal President. But why did you not take her to the Ram Mandir with you? THE WEEK caught up with Kharge as he took a breather on the occasion of Ugadi, the New Years Day for Kannadigas, at his family home Samyak in Bengaluru. Described by a close aide of Kharge as his recharge zone, Samyak is where he loves to be in the midst of his children and grandchildren. After the quick break, Kharge would be off to Delhi to resume the hectic election campaign. He and Rahul Gandhi are the Team Congresss lead pair in the poll arena. In a detailed interview, Kharge was at his combative best as he took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP on a range of issuesfrom election guarantees, the Ram Temple, the PMs intense focus on southern states and his attacks on opposition leaders on the issue of corruption, to electoral bonds and the income tax departments action against the Congress. He also spoke about the sudden exit of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar from the INDIA bloc, the refusal of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ally with the Congress, and the alleged tokenism that the Modi government displayed while nominating a dalit, and then an adivasi, to the countrys top constitutional post. Excerpts: Q/ What is the significance of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls? A/ Every election comes with its own challenges and every election will be different. This is the 14th Lok Sabha election I am seeing after I entered politics. The last 10 years of the Modi government have been a huge disaster for the nation. Look at the mismanagement of the economy. While the [Congress-led United Progressive Alliance] government was able to lift 26 crore people out of poverty, this government has pushed 80 crore people to live on free rations. Look at the unemployment situation83 per cent of the unemployed are youth under 34. Look at how demonetisation was announced. Look at fuel prices today. The Covid crisis was badly mismanaged. The Modi governments handling of national security is a huge failure. It has been four years since Chinese troops attacked and killed Indian soldiers. The Prime Minister said, Na koi ghusa tha, na koi ghusa hai, and gave a clean chit to the Chinese. Look at the internal security failures. Manipur has been burning for more than a year and the PM has no time for it. Q/ What are your main challenges in the elections? A/ We are mainly concerned about the Constitution and protecting democracy. These are our two main aims. We are fighting to protect the Constitution. That is why we have formed alliances. Modi is behaving as an autocrat and that is going to harm the country. I am here today; I may not be there tomorrow. I am nearly 82. But the country has to go a long way, and our future generation should continue to enjoy the fruits of freedom and the Constitution. We do not have resources, but against all odds, we will fight. Q/ It is felt that the INDIA bloc did not turn out as originally envisaged. Nitish Kumar left the alliance; the Rashtriya Lok Dal left; the Trinamool Congress is fighting on its own. A/ There is nothing wrong in the alliance. Some people have separate agendas and some people are afraid of the ruling party. Otherwise, why should Nitish go? It is I who called him to my house. It is I who organised the first meeting in my house. [Sharad] Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Nitish, Tejashvi [Yadav], the Rashtriya Lok Dal. The leaders also included Stalin, [T.R.] Baalu and Hemant Soren. We held talks with the Trinamool Congress. Some people have reservations that have to do with their own problems. Q/ Were you taken by surprise when Nitish quit the alliance? A/ Hundred per cent; because he came to my house. And then, when we met in Patna, he claimed, I have organised the meeting of INDIA alliance. In fact, we collected the people first. A man who wanted to take credit himself shifted. He left because he has his own problems. Q/ Why did the Congress not succeed in forming an alliance with the Trinamool? A/ We tried. Several rounds of talks took place. Rahul Gandhi also spoke to Mamata Banerjee. But she said, Your partys existence is not there, so we can give only two seats. We won two seats on our own, where is the question of the Trinamool giving two seats? Our cadres are alive. Unfortunately she did not agree [to giving us] even eight or nine seats. Some people think they are stronger without the Congress. Our party is an age-old party and one cannot say it has vanished from the ground. We are fighting there on our own, and we also have some adjustment with the Communist parties. She also will, today or tomorrow, realise the importance of unity. Q/ The Congress will be contesting only around 300 seats in these elections. You would require a very high strike rate to reach the triple-digit mark. A/ I agree that we would need a very high strike rate, but we have to fight according to the situation. We do not have the resources this time, but our workers are doing their best at the ground level, and through YouTube and other media. Whatever target we have fixed in our mind or heart, we will achieve that. Q/ What is that target? A/ That I cannot tell now. At least we want to achieve a certain target as an alliance to prevent the BJP from coming to power. That is why, in many places, we made sacrifices. Some people say we surrendered; some say we are not able to fight. Let us lose one or two seats, but we should defeat the BJP. Q/ Is the Congresss Nyay an answer to Modi ki guarantee? A/ We announced the guarantees first, but he stole our words. Now he is talking about Modis guarantee. Where is the Modi guarantee of two crore jobs; where is the Rs15 lakh in every account; where is the guarantee of doubling farmers income? Whatever he said, he never delivered, though he had two-thirds majority. He could not even fulfil his promise of running a bullet train from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. In the UPAs time, we never said before the elections that we would give certain guarantees or rights. But Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh gave NREGA (National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme, right to food, right to education, right to information, and health mission. What Modi said he would do, he did not implement. Friend becomes foe: Kharge says he was 100 per cent surprised when Nitish Kumar (left) quit the INDIA bloc and pledged support to Modi | PTI Q/ Modi has described your manifesto as bearing the imprint of the Muslim League. A/ But these people were aligned with the Muslim League earlier. In 1940, Syama Prasad Mookerjee aligned with the Muslim League in elections. And such people are blaming us. Giving benefit to women, Stree Shakti, is it Muslim League agenda? Giving Shramiks proper wages, is it Muslim League agenda? For the youth, 30 lakh vacancies will be filled up and they will be given apprenticeship. And he says, This is also Muslim League. Helping the kisan (farmer) is also Muslim League? He says, Flip through the pages of the Congress manifesto, and you will find a whiff of the Muslim League there, and a whiff of the Communists in the remaining pages. Our party is a centrist party. We are following the principles laid down by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. We chose the madhyam marg (the middle path). Modi wants to be a dictator. If this attitude continues, there would be no elections in the future. He will change the Constitution. He is already destroying democratic institutions and misusing the Enforcement Directorate, vigilance and the income tax department. Q/ How badly affected is the Congresss campaign because of the IT departments action against the party? A/ For every party, resources are very important for elections. For Rs14 lakh that was not shown in the account, you put Rs135 crore penalty? And then a cumulative penalty of Rs3,567 crore? You are digging up cases from the time [Sitaram] Kesri was treasurer in 1993-94. You are acting with vengeance. The Rs135 crore in the bank was not stolen money. You asked the banks to freeze it. You want to harass us. You want to restrict our movement because we have to utilise helicopter, flights and trains. Money is required for posters, hoardings and public meetings. Q/ It is felt that the Congress is focusing more on the south and is on a weak footing in the north. A/ Earlier [the BJPs] base was in Madhya Pradesh; then they expanded to Uttarakhand and, to some extent, Himachal. And now Uttar Pradesh. These are the major areas where they got support. But they lost that last time. We won Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Yes, in UP we are weak, but with our alliance now with Akhilesh [Yadav], the BJP will be in a very difficult position. We are going to give them a tough fight and win a majority of the seats in Bihar, UP and other states. Q/ Several leaders have left the Congress in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. A/ Those who are weak-minded will go. When you are ideologically weak, you will go. I can understand if a man from the Congress goes to the Samajwadi Party or some other secular party. But if a man trained in the Congress ideology, somebody who became an MLA, minister and chief minister, [somebody who spent] 75 per cent of his life in the Congress, switches over to another ideologywhy? Because they were not ideologically pukka people. The kachcha people got pukka posts in the Congress. So, they are leaving. Whoever is with the Congress now, they are fighting because they are not afraid of anybody. Q/ How do you view the BJPs thrust on the south? A/ He (Modi) wants to expand his partys base in the south, where he did not get anything. As prime minister, he has got a lot of resources. So he is fully utilising it. He is not looking at governance. If he was really interested, he could have visited all places, including Manipur. He visited 14 countries in these six to seven months. But he did not go to Manipur. He had more than 300 election speeches and inaugurations. But he cannot go and speak in Manipur. He claims that My decision is firm, that I have a 56-inch chest. Why did he not say in Manipur: I will fight, I will protect you? Q/ The BJP has described the opposition as a community of the corrupt. A/ Yes, one more slogan is there: In bhrashtachariyon ko khatam karunga (I will finish off the corrupt). All bhrashtacharis are going to him (Modi) only. Till today, they have taken 444 MLAs from the opposition and formed governmentwhether it is Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur or Arunachal Pradesh. And he says, Bhrashtachariyon ko yahan jagah nahi hai (there is no place for the corrupt here). There is space for them only in [Amit] Shahs washing machine. Put corrupt people in it, and they will become clean. Q/ How do you view the revelations about electoral bonds? A/ We opposed it from day one. The government used the scheme to threaten people to donate. They used it to collect donations after clearing tenders. Recently, there was an incident where a family of dalit farmers in Gujarat was cheated and asked to donate their entire compensation amount of 010 crore to the BJP. Shell companies donated hundreds of crores to the BJP. Earlier, foreign companies could not donate. But now they set up companies in India only to donate. Q/ Doesnt the Congresss promise of caste census mark a big shift in its stand on the issue? A/ We felt caste census is important now, because we have to make programmes for the backward classes, the economically weaker sections, and even the financially and educationally weaker people in upper castes. Caste census is needed to know the status of each community. That is our intention, not to crush or humiliate any community. Q/ The Congress manifesto is silent on the Citizenship Amendment Act. A/ We cannot include everything in the manifesto. Some people, for the purpose of elections, do it. We do not do that. According to the government, some 30,000 people will benefit from this legislation. These people always had other established procedures to get Indian citizenship. Can the government deny that an Army officer who served for 30 years was put in a detention camp because of the way the National Register of Citizens and the CAA are implemented? Can they deny that nearly 20 jawans of paramilitary forces were left out of the NRC in Assam? Can the government deny that a dalit MLA was left out of the NRC? Man of faith: The Buddha Vihar in Karnataka, which Kharge helped construct. As an MLA, I constructed 90 Hanuman temples, he says | Shutterstock Q/ And the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. A/ The PMLA was originally created for bona fide purposes. Unfortunately, the Modi government brought in amendments with draconian provisions, and now it is being used to fight political battles. We have clearly mentioned in our manifesto that bail should be the rule in such cases to avoid misuse of power by investigative agencies. Q/ How will the opposition answer the question Modi vs who? A/ Modi is a dictator, an autocrat. He is asking, or his people are asking, Modi vs who. We believe in democracy. After the polls, the alliance parties will sit and decide. Such things have happened many times. In the Janata Party regime, Morarji Desai emerged. After that, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, and later Deve Gowda and I.K. Gujral. When BJP asks Modi vs who, the answer is Modi vs common man. Q/ How do you view the BJPs target of 370 seats for the BJP and more than 400 for the NDA? A/ I told you how he is working, how he is behaving, how he is threatening the democracy. How he and Shah are forcibly making people join them. So on that basis, they say, we will get majority. The total seats in the Lok Sabha is 543. He can say, I will win 600 seats. Abki baar 600 paar. Q/ You have often become emotional while talking about dalit issues. So are we talking to the first dalit prime minister of India? A/ These things cannot be decided in the name of dalit. You did not allow a dalit president to lay the foundation stone of the new Parliament. You people only show their faces, but actually do not help. By talking only about dalit prime minister, you are making that person small and not accepting his leadership, not accepting his merit. You are only recognising a caste. That is what Modi did. He claims he made a tribal president. But why did you not take her to the Ram Mandir with you? Q/ You and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not attend the inauguration of the Ram Temple. Dont you feel you have given a reason to the BJP to call you anti-Hindu? A/ Was it a government function? It was a trust function, wasnt it? Then why is Modi taking the credit for that? Also, when you are not able to give space to the president of India, [and to] a former president who is a dalit, will you give me, an untouchable leader, space along with the prime minister in the Ram Mandir? For politics, you point the finger at me and Sonia Gandhi. You do not allow my people to enter all temples. You do not allow them to even take drinking water. In the villages, you do not even let them have education. Our young boys, if they go in procession on a horse, you would pull them down and beat them. Such people are asking us, Why have you not come [for the Ram Temple opening]? I constructed a huge Buddha Vihar in Gulbarga. It was inaugurated by the Dalai Lama, and President Pratibha Patil visited it the following day. In my own constituency, people believe in different faiths. As an MLA, I constructed 90 Hanuman temples. Ninety, not one or two. We are not anti-religion. Religion is required, that is also what Dr Ambedkar said. Religions have taken birth for the welfare of human beings. New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) After facing significant flight disruptions recently, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan on Thursday told the airline staff that the "worst is behind us" and operations have already stabilised. Pilot woes have forced the Tata Group airline to temporarily cut down capacity by 10 per cent or 25-30 flights daily. While acknowledging that things should have been planned better, Kannan said it has been a "learning experience". He also said it has been a challenging start to the new financial year and the airline faced significant operational disruption from March 31 to April 2. "The anxiety and frustration felt by our customers was matched in even measure to the pain that all of us felt in seeing our much-loved brand drawing negative commentary from various quarters... I assure you that the worst is behind us, and we have already stabilised our operations, with our on-time performance (OTP) increasing to 89 per cent on 9 April 2024 (second highest among all Indian airlines)," he said in a message to the staff. The full-service carrier has around 6,500 people, including about 1,000 pilots. In the wake of the disruptions, the top management of the airline had held a virtual meeting with the pilots. One of the reasons for the disruptions was also that some section of pilots reporting sick to protest against the new contract that will result in pay revision. According to Kannan, there were a multitude of reasons for the disruptions, including ATC delays, bird hits, and maintenance activities early last month. "We were stretched in our pilot rosters and there was not enough resilience to withstand injects that we would otherwise have weathered. We could and should have planned better, and this has been a learning experience for us which we will review thoroughly," the Vistara chief said. Most of the cancellations were in the domestic network and the carrier is working on plans for May and beyond. "While the events of the last week may seem like a setback, the hallmark of our organisation has always been that we have bounced back from tough situations ' and emerged stronger. "... I trust each of you to continue to put in all efforts to ensure that we do not let our brand, and our customer, down," Kannan said. As we emerge from this difficult phase, he said it is this commitment to being a customer-oriented airline that will help it bounce back stronger. The airline has also reached out to customers impacted by the cancellations and delays over the affected period. "We have provided the necessary compensation as per the regulatory mandate, and have also offered additional service recovery vouchers for passengers whose flights were significantly delayed," the Vistara chief said. The carrier has 70 aircraft in its fleet and is to operate more than 300 flights daily in the ongoing summer schedule. "Dealing with disappointed customers is never easy but amidst all the chaos, we have received feedback on how some of you went beyond the call of duty to assist our customers to the extent possible," Kannan said and expressed gratitude to the pilots for cooperating and stepping up to support operations. New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light" on Thursday scripted history by becoming the first Indian title in over 40 years to feature in the prestigious Competition section of the Cannes Film Festival, where it will vie for the top prize Palme d'Or. Iris Knobloch, president of the Cannes Festival, and Thierry Fremaux, General Delegate, announced the official selection line-up for the 2024 edition of the gala at a press conference streamed live from Cannes, France. Besides Kapadia, British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri's "Santosh" will also be showcased at the 77th edition of the film gala. The movie will be screened under the Un Certain Regard section. Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light" will be presented under the main segment alongside 19 other highly anticipated titles, including films from master directors Francis Ford Coppola ("Megalopolis") and Yorgos Lanthimos ("Kinds of Kindness"). "Oh Canada" by Paul Schrader, "Bird" by Andrea Arnold, "The Shrouds" by David Cronenberg, and "Anora" by Sean Baker are also part of the main Competition slate. Kapadia, an alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), is best known for her acclaimed documentary "A Night of Knowing Nothing", which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival's Director's Fortnight side-bar where it won the Oeil d'or (Golden Eye) award. "All We Imagine As Light", also written by Kapadia, marks her narrative feature debut. The film is about Prabha, a nurse, who receives an unexpected gift from her long estranged husband that throws her life into disarray. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a private spot in the big city to be alone with her boyfriend. One day the two nurses go on a road trip to a beach town where the mystical forest becomes a space for their dreams to manifest, according to the plotline. The last Indian film to compete for the coveted Palme d'Or award was legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen's "Kharij" in 1983. Before that, films like M. S. Sathyu's "Garm Hava" (1974), Satyajit Ray's "Parash Pathar" (1958), Raj Kapoor's "Awaara" (1953), V Shantaram's "Amar Bhoopali" (1952) and Chetan Anand's "Neecha Nagar" (1946) were selected for Cannes Competition segment. "Neecha Nagar" is the only Indian film ever to win the top honour at Cannes back in 1946. At the time, the award was known as Grand Prix du Festival International du Film. Suri's "Santosh" will compete alongside 14 other movies in the Un Certain Regard, which runs parallel to the main competition. The Hindi-language film, a character-driven neo-noir story set in the hinterlands of north India, is a UK-European co-production and stars Shahana Goswami. Quentin Dupieux's "The Second Act" is the opening film at the 77th edition. The film gala will run through May 14 to May 25. Karachi, Apr 11 (PTI) At least 17 people were killed and 38 others injured when a bus carrying pilgrims fell into a deep ravine near a border town of Pakistan's Sindh and Balochistan provinces, police said on Thursday. The pilgrims were going to pay homage at the remote Muslim Sufi shrine Shah Noorani in the Khuzdar district of Balochistan when their bus fell into the ravine in the Hub town on Wednesday. The place where the accident took place is almost 100 kilometres from Karachi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed condolences at the incident and said the driver apparently lost control at a bend and the bus fell into the ravine. All the passengers belonged to Thatta town in the Sindh province. The vehicle left Thatta around 2 in the afternoon on Eid day and met with the accident around 8 pm on Eid day (Wednesday), Naqvi said. A local police official in Hub said the dead and injured were taken to the Civil Hospital in Karachi, where their bodies were identified, some of them as belonging to the same families. Poor roads, lack of safety awareness and blatant disregard for traffic rules often cause fatal accidents in Pakistan. Lahore, Apr 11 (PTI) Videos of Pakistan Army personnel allegedly torturing policemen from the Punjab province have sparked a massive outrage on social media even as police brass sought to downplay the incident. Demanding action against those involved multiple video clips of the high-octane drama surfaced late on Wednesday that showed the army officers allegedly assaulting and beating up policemen on Monday in Bahawalnagar, some 400 kms from here. In one clip, the cops in uniform were made to sit on the ground on their knees by the army men. Two cops, being brutally tortured, were seen pleading before the army men to spare them. In another clip, two young uniformed cops were seen running to escape being caught by the army personnel but are ultimately caught. According to sources, Three civilians were illegally detained and the Punjab police personnel were demanding money for their release. The policemen also raided the residence of an army officer to arrest an accomplice of the trio. This piqued some army personnel then raided the Madrassa police station at Bahawalnagar to free those three persons. During that raid, the policemen were tortured, a senior police officer told PTI on Thursday. Following the incident, four policemen SHO Abbas Rizwan, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Iqbal and Ali Raza -- (who were allegedly tortured) were suspended and arrested under different sections of the Pakistan Penal Code for illegally detaining three persons and demanding money from them. The Punjab police, in a statement, said: This matter in Bahawalnagar, which went viral on social media, has been taken out of context and exaggerated. Fake propaganda is being made on social media. The episode is being presented in a way to imply that there has been fighting between the Pakistan Army and Punjab Police, the statement said, adding, When the unverified videos went viral, both institutions launched a joint investigation. Officers from both institutions reviewed the facts and peacefully resolved the matter. Punjab Police and the Pakistan Army are cooperating to eliminate terrorists, miscreants and criminals from the province. We request that social media users do not spread fake propaganda, the statement said. The injured policemen were taken to hospital where their medico-legal examination was not allowed, sources said. Meanwhile, former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Hammad Azhar asked Punjab police chief Dr Usman Anwar to resign after the humiliating incident. Lahore, Apr 11 (PTI) In a gruesome incident, a poverty-stricken man allegedly axed to death his wife and seven minor children in the Punjab province of Pakistan on Thursday, police said. Sajjad Khokhar, a labourer by profession, attacked his wife Kausar, 42, and seven children -- four daughters and three sons, aged between eight months and 10 years -- with an axe killing them on the spot in Alipur, Muzaffargarh district, some 350 km from here. Police said the accused was mentally disturbed over financial issues and he often had quarrels with his wife. The man has been arrested and a case registered against him. The suspect confessed to his crime claiming that he had taken this extreme step as he could not feed his children any more, the police said. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her grief over the killing of innocent children and sought a report from the Inspector General of Police. Jerusalem, Apr 11 (AP) An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, according to Israel's army and the militant group's official media, with Haniyeh accusing Israel of acting in the spirit of revenge and murder. The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the attack Wednesday, saying the men conducted militant activity in central Gaza, without elaborating. Hamas said four of the leader's grandchildren were also killed. In an interview with the Al Jazeera satellite channel, Haniyeh said the killings would not pressure Hamas into softening its positions amid ongoing cease-fire negotiations with Israel, brokered by international mediators. Haniyeh left Gaza in 2019 and lives in exile in Qatar. The top Hamas leader in Gaza is Yehya Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the war. Some 1,200 people were killed in the attack, mostly civilians, and Palestinian militants took around 250 people hostage. Israel's six-month war against Hamas has devastated the Gaza Strip and pushed the tiny Palestinian territory into a humanitarian crisis, leaving more than 1 million people on the brink of starvation. Israeli bombardments and ground offensives have killed at least 33,360 Palestinians and wounded 74,993, Gaza's Health Ministry says. The ministry doesn't differentiate between civilians and combatants in its tally, but says women and children make up two-thirds of the dead. Here's the latest: GERMAN AIRLINE LUFTHANSA EXTENDS FLIGHT SUSPENSIONS TO AND FROM TEHRAN BERLIN German airline Lufthansa says its flights to and from Tehran will remain suspended through Saturday due to the current situation in the Middle East. Lufthansa, which usually has five flights per week from Frankfurt to Tehran, suspended its flights on Saturday, initially until Thursday. In an emailed response to a query about the flights on Thursday, the company didn't elaborate on its concerns about the situation. Iran has vowed to retaliate against Israel over an attack on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month. Lufthansa said that flights by its Austrian Airlines subsidiary to Tehran continue because, due to the shorter flight time from Vienna, it can run the flights as daylight operations, with the plane returning immediately after arrival in Tehran. It said that flights to and from Frankfurt had to be cancelled as Lufthansa has decided not to let the crew disembark in Tehran. BIDEN VOWS 'IRONCLAD' SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL AS IRAN THREATENS TO STRIKE WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden emphasised his country's ironclad support for Israel on Wednesday as Iran vows to retaliate for this month's deadly strike on the Iranian Consulate in Syria. The US military believes Israel carried out the airstrike on Iran's diplomatic station, which killed two top generals and others. Israel has not commented on the attack, however Tehran says it holds Israel responsible. The White House says it had no prior knowledge of the operation, but has repeatedly promised to back Israel in the face of Iranian threats. Biden spoke Wednesday alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is in Washington for an official visit. We also want to address the Iranian threat to launch a significant attack on Israel, Biden said during a joint news conference. Our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. We say it again, ironclad, and we're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security, Biden said. Earlier Wednesday, Iran's supreme leader repeated a promise to retaliate against Israel. And Israel's foreign minister threatened Wednesday that his country's forces would strike Iran directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against Israel. Since the Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas began six months ago, there have been near-daily exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon border between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. Tehran also backs an umbrella group of Iraqi militias that have attacked US military bases and positions in Syria and Iraq. FOOD AID CHARITY SAYS ISRAELI STRIKE WOUNDED PALESTINIAN STAFFER ON SAME DAY AS DEADLY CONVOY ATTACKS JERUSALEM A off-duty Palestinian staff member with the food aid charity World Central Kitchen was badly wounded by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on April 1, the same day seven other staffers were killed in a separate Israeli attack. The staffer, identified only as Amro, was pulled from the rubble of a residence after an Israeli strike hit a nearby mosque, in the vicinity of a WCK warehouse and kitchen, the charity said Wednesday. He spent time in a coma, and WCK said is still recovering in a hospital from head and hand injuries. Amro had joined WCK at the start of the year, the charity said in a statement, and before the war had owned a sweet shop that was destroyed by Israeli bombardments. The statement said Amro turned down chances to leave Gaza several times: He always says, I am here serving people hot food every day. I will not leave my job and let them suffer.' On April 1, Israeli airstrikes on an aid convoy killed seven WCK workers six foreigners and one Palestinian. Israel says the deaths were a tragic error. WCK laid the blame squarely on Israel's military, saying the army had coordinated over the movement of the cars carrying the workers as they left northern Gaza. Nearly every day, strikes level buildings with Palestinian families inside, killing men, women and children, with no explanation of the target or independent accountability over the proportionality of the strike. Israel blames the large number of civilian casualties on militants, saying they operate among the population. ISRAEL PLANS TO OPEN A NEW ENTRY POINT FOR AID INTO NORTHERN GAZA INSTEAD OF THE DAMAGED EREZ CROSSING TEL AVIV, Israel Israel will soon open a new crossing to deliver humanitarian aid into the hard-hit northern Gaza Strip, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Wednesday. Gallant's announcement comes at a time of heavy US pressure to increase the flow of desperately needed aid into Gaza. Earlier Wednesday, US President Joe Biden said Israel's efforts are still not enough. Israeli officials say the new crossing will be built instead of using the damaged Erez crossing, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged last week to open. Erez was destroyed by Hamas militants during their October 7 attack and was designed for pedestrians, not cargo, according to COGAT, the Israeli military body in charge of Palestinian civilian affairs. An official from COGAT said the new crossing would be close to the beachfront on Gaza's northern tip. It was not clear exactly when the crossing will be opened. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk to the media. At a briefing with reporters, Gallant said Israel plans a number of additional steps to improve the humanitarian situation including using its port in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod to accept aid shipments for the Palestinians. It was not clear when the port would open. He also says Israel will allow Jordan to deliver more aid to Gaza, and that Israel is working with the US on infrastructure projects such as new water lines. Israel faces pressure from the US to increase aid into Gaza, where its offensive has wreaked an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Aid groups say supplies are not reaching people quickly enough, blaming Israeli restrictions and noting that thousands of trucks are waiting to enter Gaza. BIDEN SAYS ISRAEL STILL NOT DOING ENOUGH TO GET AID INTO GAZA WASHINGTON US President Joe Biden said Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not doing enough to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza. We'll see what he does in terms of meeting the commitments that he made to me, Biden said at the White House. Biden has warned Netanyahu that future US support for the war depends on swift implementation of new steps to protect civilians and aid workers. Although the flow of trucks has increased since Biden spoke with Netanyahu last week, the US president said Israel should open another access point in Gaza's north. Israel halted aid deliveries to Gaza in the early days of the war, but under US pressure has slowly increased the number of trucks allowed to enter the territory. Still, aid groups say supplies are not reaching desperate people quickly enough, blaming Israeli restrictions and noting that thousands of trucks are waiting to enter Gaza. Countries have attempted less efficient ways to deliver aid, including airdrops and by sea. IRAN'S SUPREME LEADER AGAIN PLEDGES RETALIATION AGAINST ISRAEL OVER KILLINGS OF IRANIAN GENERALS JERUSALEM Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei again promised to retaliate against Israel over the killings of Iranian generals in a strike on its consulate in Syria. Khamenei spoke Wednesday at a prayer ceremony in Tehran celebrating the first day of the Eid al-Fitr holiday and the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan. He said last week's attack on Iran's consulate in Damascus, widely blamed on Israel, was akin to an attack on Iranian territory. The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished, he added. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz appeared to respond, posting on social platform X in both Farsi and Hebrew: If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran. The strike on April 1 killed 12 people, including seven Iranian Revolutionary Guard members, four Syrians and a Hezbollah militia member. Israel has not acknowledged its involvement, though it has been bracing for an Iranian response to the attack, which marked a significant escalation in their long-running shadow war. Iran supports anti-Israeli militant groups like Hamas, who are battling Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, as well as the Lebanese Hezbollah. BIDEN CALLS NETANYAHU'S APPROACH TO WAR AGAINST HAMAS A 'MISTAKE' TEL AVIV, Israel US President Joe Biden says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the war against Hamas is mistaken. Biden's remarks in an interview that aired late Tuesday deepen an already growing rift between the two staunch allies over the war, now in its seventh month. Those disagreements have compounded over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, Israel's expected offensive in the city of Rafah and Israel's recent strike on a humanitarian convoy, which killed seven aid workers, most of them foreigners. What he's doing is a mistake. I don't agree with his approach, Biden told US Spanish-language broadcaster Univision in an interview conducted on April 3, two days after the strike on the World Central Kitchen aid convoy. He was responding to a question about whether Netanyahu was letting political considerations steer his decision-making in the war. Biden said Israel should agree to a cease-fire, flood beleaguered Gaza with aid for the next six to eight weeks and allow regional countries to help distribute the aid. It should be done now, he said. The Biden administration was outspoken in its support for Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack, but in recent weeks has stepped up criticism of Israel's approach to the war. Israel and Hamas are holding talks meant to bring about a cease-fire in exchange for the release of hostages, although the sides still disagree on key terms of a deal. (AP) GRS GRS Washington, Apr 11 (AP) President Joe Biden is bringing together Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Thursday as the three nations use their first-ever trilateral summit to try to show they are in lockstep about countering China's military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders are expected to announce that their coast guards will hold a joint patrol in the Indo-Pacific this year, a follow-up on law enforcement drills carried out last year by the allies in waters near the disputed South China Sea. The US Coast Guard will also welcome Filipino and Japanese coast guard members onto a US Coast Guard vessel during the patrol for training, according to senior Biden administration officials who insisted on anonymity to preview the talks. The summit comes a day after Biden held one-on-one talks with Kishida and feted the Japanese premier with a glitzy state dinner at the White House, a diplomatic honour meant to recognize Tokyo's growing clout on the global stage. It was also designed to send a clear signal that the Democratic administration remains determined to build what it calls a latticework of alliances in the Indo-Pacific even as it grapples with the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Biden on Wednesday reflected on the fact that Japan, once a fierce US enemy, has become one of the closest American partners and an indispensable ally in a shared push for peace, security and prosperity in the Pacific and beyond. Just a few generations ago, our two nations were locked in a devastating conflict, Biden said with Kishida by his side for a pomp-filled arrival ceremony at the White House. It would have been easy to say we remain adversaries. Instead, we made a far better choice: We became the closest of friends. Thursday's three-way summit will also have a large economic component with several major US-based companies including Meta, UPS and Greenbrier Energy announcing investments in the Philippines, administration officials said. The new deals come after Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited Manila last month to announce more than USD 1 billion in new investment by American companies in the Philippines. The United States, the United Kingdom and Japan on Wednesday announced joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. That followed the Pentagon revealing earlier this week that the US, the UK and Australia were considering including Japan in the AUKUS partnership, a grouping launched in 2021 that aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines. Kishida is headed to Capitol Hill on Thursday for an address to US lawmakers that is expected to focus on the need to strengthen the partnership between the US and Japan at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific and skepticism in Congress about US involvement abroad. Administration officials have acknowledged growing concern about provocative Chinese action in the Pacific, which will be a large focus of the leaders' talks. The White House sees the summit as countering China's attempts at intimidation and sending a message that China is "the outlier in the neighbourhood, according to an administration official. Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by skirmishes involving the two nations' coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan. The so-called gray-zone harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran the World War IIera ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there. Biden, in a wide-ranging phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, raised concerns about China's operations in the South China Sea, including efforts to impede the Philippines, which the US is treaty-obligated to defend, from resupplying its forces on the Second Thomas Shoal. The main intent of this trilateral agreement is for us to be able to continue to flourish, to be able to help one another, and ... to keep the peace in the South China Sea and the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Marcos told reporters before departing for Washington on Wednesday. Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their action in the South China Sea and blamed the US for exacerbating tensions Countries outside the region, led by the US, have been cobbling together small groupings in the South China Sea," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Wednesday. They have been stoking confrontation in the name of cooperation, flexing muscles in the name of peace, and sowing chaos in the name of order. This is no doubt an act of hegemonism. Biden has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country's president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos' predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. Marcos, the son and namesake of the country's former dictator, as a candidate said he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he's increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about China's coercive action. Biden hosted him for talks at the White House last year, the first Washington visit by a Philippine president in more than a decade. Biden also met him on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly soon after Marcos took office, and dispatched Vice President Kamala Harris to Manila in 2022 to meet him. Last year, the Philippines agreed to give the US access to four more bases on the islands. (AP) NPK NPK KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 15:58 | All, Japan, World The British government said Wednesday it will hold regular joint military drills with Japan and the United States in the Indo-Pacific from next year as the nations respond to China's intensifying military activities. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps said the planned trilateral exercises would send "a strong message to anyone who would seek to undermine the rules-based international order." "Our defense relationships are not limited by distance and we stand ready to respond to any threat around the globe," Shapps said in a statement. Britain will send a carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales, to the Indo-Pacific region. While there, it will make a port call in Japan, according to Shapps. It will be the first time a British carrier strike group is dispatched to the region since 2021, when the Queen Elizabeth docked in Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo. The dispatch plan was agreed by Japanese and British prime ministers, Fumio Kishida and Rishi Sunak, in Hiroshima in May, when the western Japan city hosted a Group of Seven summit. As concerns grow over Beijing's maritime assertiveness, London has been strengthening its commitment to the Indo-Pacific area and stepping up defense collaboration with like-minded countries, including Japan. In its 2023 diplomacy and security policy guidelines, Britain said it would put its approach to the Indo-Pacific "on a long-term strategic footing" and make the region "a permanent pillar" of its international policies. Japan and Britain, both close U.S. allies, have a reciprocal access agreement that came into effect in October, simplifying the process of unit deployment between their forces. They also have a three-way project with Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035. Related coverage: Japan, U.S., Australia, Philippines hold drill in South China Sea London, Aug 11 (AP) The wife of Julian Assange said Thursday her husband's legal case could be moving in the right direction after President Joe Biden confirmed the US may drop charges against the imprisoned WikiLeaks founder. It came as supporters in several cities rallied to demand the release of Assange, on the fifth anniversary of his incarceration in London's high-security Belmarsh prison. Biden said Wednesday that his administration is considering a request from Australia to drop the decade-long US push to prosecute Assange for publishing a trove of classified American documents. The proposal would see Assange, an Australian citizen, return home rather than be sent to the US to face espionage charges. Officials have not provided more details, but Stella Assange said the comments are a good sign. It looks like things could be moving in the right direction, she told the BBC, saying the indictment was a Trump legacy and really Joe Biden should have dropped it from day one. Assange has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his website's publication of classified US documents almost 15 years ago. American prosecutors allege that Assange, 52, encouraged and helped US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published, putting lives at risk. Australia argues there is a disconnect between the US treatment of Assange and Manning. Then-US President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence to seven years, which allowed her release in 2017. Assange's supporters say he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment who exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Assange has been in prison since 2019 as he fought extradition, having spent seven years before that holed up in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid being sent to Sweden over allegations of rape and sexual assault. The relationship between Assange and his hosts eventually soured, and he was evicted from the embassy in April 2019. British police immediately arrested and imprisoned him in Belmarsh for breaching bail in 2012 The UK government signed an extradition order in 2022, but a British court ruled last month that Assange can't be sent to the United States unless US authorities guarantee he won't get the death penalty. A further court hearing in the case is scheduled for May 20. Assange was too ill to attend his most recent hearings. Stella Assange has said her husband's health continues to deteriorate in prison and she fears he'll die behind bars. (AP) SCY SCY Peshawar, Apr 11 (PTI) As many as 10 people celebrating Eid drowned when their boat capsized in the Indus River in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, authorities said. The tragedy took place in the Kund Park region of Nowshera district where people, who gathered in large numbers to celebrate Eid festivities, drowned in the river at the confluence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces, 1122 Rescue officials said. The officials said they rescued three people. The rescue teams from Nowshera, Swabi and Mardan are participating in the search operation to recover others who have gone missing in the incident. Governor Ghulam Ali and Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic incident. Mexico City, Apr 11 (AP) Mexico's president said on Thursday his country is demanding that the United Nations expel Ecuador from the world body as part of a complaint to the top UN court over Ecuador's police raid last week on the Mexican embassy in Quito. Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador have soared since late last week when Ecuadorian authorities forced their way into the diplomatic mission to arrest Ecuador's former Vice President Jorge Glas who had been holed up there seeking asylum in Mexico. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said his country has filed a complaint at the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands asking the UN to expel Ecuador. The Court, in accordance with the United Nations charter, should approve the expulsion, and there should be no veto from the UN Security Council, Lopez Obrador said. Lopez Obrador also said Mexico is demanding a public apology from Ecuador for last week's raid, reparation of damages and a promise not to do it again. Ecuadoran Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said her country would defend its actions and said an apology is not something that is under discussion at this moment. The two countries have been tussling over Glas, a convicted criminal and fugitive, since he took refuge at Mexico's embassy in December. Ecuador has argued that Glas has been targeted for crimes not for political reasons and that Mexico should not have been considering asylum for him. On April 5, Ecuadorian police scaled the embassy walls and broke into the building. Roberto Canseco, Mexico's head of consular affairs and the highest ranking diplomat present since Ecuador expelled the ambassador earlier in the week, tried to keep them from entering, even pushing a large cabinet in front of a door. But police restrained him and pushed him to the floor as they carried Glas out. Mexico, as well as foreign experts, say it appeared to be a blatant violation of international accords. Mexico broke off diplomatic relations with the country in response. Leaders across Latin America condemned Ecuador's actions as a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. On Tuesday, Ecuador's Deputy Minister of Human Mobility Alejandro Davalos told representatives of the Organisation of American States gathered in Washington, D.C. that Glas did not meet the requisites to merit receiving asylum from Mexico and could not be considered politically persecuted. But OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro noted that the use of force, the illegal incursion into a diplomatic mission, nor the detention of an asylee are the peaceful way toward resolution of this situation. He said Ecuador's actions could not be allowed to set a precedent. (AP) PY PY London, Apr 11 (PTI) The UK, US and Japan will hold regular trilateral military exercises in the Indo-Pacific from 2025 to boost security in the region and further develop the ability of each countrys armed forces to operate together, Britains Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday. The Indo-Pacific has been described as particularly important for the UK due to growing economic ties with countries in the region including India, and the MoD said the UK already conducts various exercises in the area with HMS Spey and HMS Tamar continuously deployed. The trilateral exercises are aimed at building on previous operations between the three countries, underlining the UKs commitment to the Indo-Pacific. In an increasingly volatile world where we can no longer take peace for granted, its critical to stand united with our allies and partners in defence of democracy and freedom, said UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. Conducting joint exercises sends a strong message to anyone who would seek to undermine the rules-based international order our defence relationships are not limited by distance and we stand ready to respond to any threat around the globe. A safe and stable Indo-Pacific is vital to our collective security, allowing free and unhindered trade and travel, and our world-leading partnerships with Japan and the US further emphasise our commitment to the region, he said. The latest announcement follows British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak signing the Atlantic Declaration with US President Joe Biden last year. He also agreed the Hiroshima Accord with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Both these pacts committed the UK to further increase defence activity with each country, with a particular focus on bolstering collective security and mutual prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. Next year, the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales will be deployed to the region at the head of a Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which will conduct a series of operations and exercises with partners and allies including a port visit in Japan. It follows the successful deployment of her sister ship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to the region in 2021. Nagpur, Apr 10 (PTI) A car belonging to Ashish Jaiswal, the Shiv Sena MLA from Ramtek in Maharashtra, crashed into a car belonging to a woman lawyer on the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway in Nagpur district on Wednesday, leaving her and her driver seriously injured, police said. Jaiswal was not in the car at the time of the accident, which took place near Kerdi bus stand at around 11.30 am, though his personal assistant was inside the vehicle and escaped unhurt, Kanhan police station officials said. The collision took place when the MLA's driver, Manoj Gotmare, swerved the car to avoid hitting a motorcycle and crashed into the car of government pleader Manisha Raut, they said. Gotmare was also hurt in the crash, said the officials. Raut (45), hailing from Bhandara district, was traveling from Nagpur to Ramtek for work when the accident happened. The collision was so severe that Raut's car go off the road and entered a nearby field, they said. Both Raut and her driver, Milind Dongre, were critically injured and trapped inside the car for sometime, they said. Highway Police rescued them and rushed them to hospital, said the officials. Pune, Apr 11 (PTI) The Pune police have formed special teams to nab the persons, who allegedly assaulted a 19-year-old male Muslim student at the university here, accusing him of engaging in 'love jihad', an top official said. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon when the victim was accompanying two female students on the campus of the state-run Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), he said. 'Love jihad' is a term used by right-wing activists and outfits to allege a conspiracy by Muslim men to convert Hindu women to Islam through marriage. "The student, along with two female friends, was returning after having a meal when four to five unidentified persons on motorcycles approached them on the university campus," another official said. They started questioning the student and asked him to show his Aadhaar card, he said. In his complaint, the victim, who is a student of a skill development course in the university, alleged that after seeing his name on the identity card, one of the persons asked whether he had come to the university to engage in 'love jihad' and assaulted him and a Hindu male friend who was also present there, the police said. Talking to PTI on Wednesday, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, "We have taken a serious note of the incident. The accused have now been traced based on the CCTV footage and special teams have been formed to nab them." "The accused hail from some other district. Teams have been dispatched and all efforts are being made to nab them," he added. The SPPU registrar, Vijay Khare, earlier said the university has formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident and asked security personnel deployed in the institution to ensure such incidents of students being threatened by anti-social elements do not recur. Bhubaneswar, April 11 (PTI) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), accusing BJP leaders and candidates of defaming and harassing women ASHA, anganwadi, and Mission Shakti workers. The party submitted a memorandum to the chief electoral officer (CEO) outlining their concerns. According to the BJD, BJP leaders and candidates have allegedly adopted a dangerous strategy aimed at systematically targeting women grassroots workers in Odisha. They alleged that ASHA and anganwadi workers, and leaders of Mission Shakti, are being falsely accused by BJP representatives in an attempt to influence them to support the saffron party's agenda in the upcoming elections. The party said these actions violate the Model Code of Conduct and urged the EC to take strong action against BJP leaders and candidates. New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) A spell of moderate rainfall is expected over the mountains and the plains of northwest India this weekend due to two back-to-back western disturbances and high moisture incursion from the Arabian Sea, the India Meteorological Department said on Thursday. States and Union territories, including Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and northwest Uttar Pradesh, could also experience thunderstorms, lightning strikes, hailstorms, and gusty winds between April 13 and 15. "An intense western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation lies over west Iran in middle and upper tropospheric westerlies, and another one in middle tropospheric westerlies runs along longitude 72 degrees east to the north of latitude 32 degrees north. High moisture feeding from the Arabian Sea into northwest India is likely during April 13-15," the IMD said in a statement. As a result, a light to moderate rainfall spell accompanied by thunderstorms, gusty winds, and hail is expected over northwest India during April 13-15, with peak intensity on the Saturday and Sunday, it said. The IMD warned of damage to plantations, horticulture, and standing crops due to strong winds, and injury to people and cattle in open places due to hail. The gusty winds could also cause partial damage to vulnerable structures, 'kutcha' houses/walls, and huts. It suggested farmers in northwest India harvest the mature crops, fruits, and vegetables at the earliest and keep the harvested produce in safer places or cover the heaps of harvested produce in the fields with tarpaulin sheets. The Met office advised farmers of Jammu and Kashmir to make necessary arrangements for draining excess water from crop fields to avoid water stagnation. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI) Gurugram, Apr 11 (PTI) A gang involved in extorting money by providing instant loans to people through an online app was busted by cyber police, officials said on Thursday. Police arrested nine persons of the gang, including three owners and a manager of the app, they said. They allegedly extorted money from those who did not repay the loans by morphing their photos and threatening to upload them on social media platforms, police said. Police have recovered eight mobiles, four CPUs and a box of SIM cards from their possession, they added. According to police, a woman filed a complaint on April 3 that she had availed a loan of Rs 3,000 through an online app, Finsara. As she was not able to pay the loan on time, the loan app company harassed her by posting dirty posts on her Facebook and repeatedly posting objectionable photos on WhatsApp, she said in the complaint. They threatened to send the photos to her family members if she did not pay the money, she added. Police said based on the complaint, a case was registered under relevant sections at Cyber Crime (West) Police Station. A team led by SHO Naveen Kumar busted the gang and arrested the nine accused from Udyog Vihar area last late night. They have been identified as Gaurav Wadhwa of Sirsa, Rahul Jain of Dwarka in Delhi, Rohan Palha of Sector 54, Gurugram, Rohit Kumar of Darbhanga in Bihar, Brijender Singh of Uttar Pradesh, Pawan Kumar of Alwar in Rajasthan, Avnish Giri of Azamgarh in UP, Shishu Kumar of Dhanbad in Jharkhand and Vivek, a native of Bihars chapra, police said. During interrogation, police found that Wadwa, Jain and Palha are the owners of the loan app company. Rohit Kumar is the companys manager, Brijendra Singh and Pawan Kumar are team leaders and Avnish Giri, Shishu Kumar and Ritesh are recovery agents. "To recover loans from people who failed to repay the loan, they had hired people, said Siddhant Jain, DCP (cyber). They made the recovery by morphing the victim's photo and threatening to send it to social media platforms and his family members, he said. For this, team leaders get Rs 25,000 per month and recovery agents get Rs 14,000 per month. We are questioning the accused and trying to clarify how many people were duped by this gang. Further probe is underway, the DCP said. KYODO NEWS - Apr 11, 2024 - 08:50 | All, Japan, World A Japanese national will be the first non-American astronaut to land on the Moon on a future mission, U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday following a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In a symbolic announcement to demonstrate the robust U.S.-Japan relationship, Biden underscored at a press conference in Washington that cooperation between the two countries has stretched all the way to outer space. A joint statement released by Biden and Kishida, laying out more than 70 deliverables of the meeting, said the two countries are "leading the way to explore our solar system and return to the Moon." Under a deal signed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, better known as NASA, and Japan's science ministry, the United States will allocate two astronaut flight opportunities to the lunar surface for Japan on future Artemis missions. Although the timing of the opportunities will be determined by NASA, officials have said the first Japanese astronaut will be selected at an early date for a flight possibly in 2028 or thereafter. "It's the next chapter in the cosmic partnership between our two nations," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said at a press conference in Washington. "America will no longer walk on the Moon alone. We are going and we are very proud to go with Japan." Japan, in return, will contribute to the U.S.-led missions by providing and sustaining operation of a pressurized lunar rover, which the country's space agency has been trying to develop with Toyota Motor Corp. Such a rover, which astronauts would be able to drive without wearing a spacesuit, would dramatically expand the range of travel on the lunar surface. The Artemis program aims to send U.S. astronauts to the lunar surface in September 2026, marking the first time in over half a century since the Apollo missions. The 12 astronauts who landed on the Moon were all white American men, but this time women and non-white astronauts are due to be selected. The second Japanese astronaut will be chosen based on the timing of the rover's arrival to the Moon, according to Japanese officials. The vehicle, dubbed the Lunar Cruiser, could be sent to the Moon in 2031 and used for 10 years. Japan's science minister Masahito Moriyama said at the same press conference that the country's cooperation with the United States on lunar exploration "will begin to take concrete shape" thanks to the latest agreement, and pledged continued efforts in the Artemis project. Related coverage: Japan, U.S. leaders vow to boost security alliance amid China rise New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) The National Medical Commission (NMC) Thursday said it has not sanctioned any new medical college or increase in the number of undergraduate or postgraduate seats in medical courses for 2024-25 so far, rejecting reports suggesting otherwise as "fake news". The applications received for this academic year are still under process. Any decision in the matter, whenever it is taken, will be uploaded on the website of NMC immediately, the Commission said in a public notice. "The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), NMC, has not approved/sanctioned any New Medical College or increase of UG/PG Seats in various medical courses for the academic year 2024-25 so far," it said. The MARB grants permission for the establishment of a new medical institution, or to start any postgraduate course or to increase the number of seats. It received 112 applications for the establishment of new medical colleges in 2024- 25, apart from 58 applications for the increase of MBBS seats in existing medical colleges. "It has been observed recently that there are some fake news in Print/Electronic Media regarding Establishment of New Medical Colleges and grant of UG/PG seats in various medical courses. "In view of the above facts, all the stakeholders/general public are requested neither give attention to nor take any cognisance of any misleading or baseless news being published in print/electronic media," the public notice issued on April 10 said. Lucknow, Apr 11 (PTI) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday demanded suspension of the officer, who ordered to deploy cops in the attire of priests at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, and termed the act as condemnable. The male and female policemen have been deployed in the temple in priests attire on the orders of Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal. While the male policemen are wearing dhoti-kurta, the female policemen are wearing salwar kurta. Questioning this system, Yadav in a post on X said, "According to which 'police manual' is it correct for policemen to be dressed as priests? Those who give such orders should be suspended. If tomorrow any 'thag' (fraudster) takes advantage of this and loots the innocent public, then what will the UP government and administration answer? Condemnable!". He also posted a 35-second video of a news report on his handle. Agarwal had earlier told reporters that people who come from far away places to have obeisance have regard for the priests and they often got hurt if they are pushed forward by the policemen. "The duty in temple is different from other place as police have to manage different type of crowd here. The crowd here is not for creating law and order problem. The police is here to ensure easy darshan to people and help and guide them," Agarwal said. "The devotees get hurt if being pushed by policemen, if same thing is done by priests they take it in a positive way. Following no touch policy, policemen are being deployed in priests attire," he added. New Delhi, Apr 11 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency has arrested an armed cadre of the Naxal group Peoples Liberation Front of India, following raids in Jharkhand and Assam, an official statement issued on Thursday said. The raids and searches were conducted on Wednesday by the NIA teams, with the help of local police, at two locations each in Jharkhand and Assam, it said. The crackdown led to the arrest of one Binod Munda alias Sukkhwa from the Khunti district of Jharkhand, according to the statement issued by the NIA. The accused is an armed cadre of the PLFI, a splinter Naxal group, and wanted in four PLFI cases in Jharkhand. He has been arrested in a case relating to revival attempts by the PLFI, the probe agency said. As part of the revival activities, PLFI members and cadres were involved in generating funds through extortion from various coal traders, transporters, railway contractors, and businessmen in Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, as per the NIA investigations. The NIA teams also seized a host of incriminating material, including PLFI-related documents, along with two walkie-talkies, five mobile phones, SIM cards and Rs 11,000 cash during the searches. Two accused were arrested earlier in the case, along with Rs 3 lakh cash, arms and ammunition. The case was registered on October 11, 2023, under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act against one Martin Kerkatta and other members of the PLFI for trying to revive the outfit after the arrest of its supremo Dinesh Gope by the NIA. New Delhi, Apr 10 (PTI) The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday moved a Delhi court seeking arrest warrant against AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan in a money laundering case related to alleged irregularities in appointments in the Delhi Waqf Board. Special Judge for CBI and ED, Rakesh Syal, posted the matter for April 18 after the ED sought time to file certain documents in support of the application. "Fresh application for issuance of open ended non-bailable warrant against Amanatullah Khan has been received from the Bail and Filing Section. It be checked and registered as per rules SPP (special public prosecutor) for ED seeks some time to file certain documents in support of the application. Heard. As requested, put up for consideration on April 18, 2024," the judge said. Khan, the Okhla MLA of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was not named as an accused in a recent chargesheet filed by the ED. The ED, however, moved a magisterial court recently seeking prosecution of Khan for allegedly evading agency's summons in the case case. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra has summoned Khan on April 20 in the case. The federal probe agency also alleged before the ACMM that Khan has elevated his role from witness to accused by filing anticipatory bail plea and running away from the investigation. The ED had also stated that the agency was not able to conclude probe against Khan because he was not presenting himself before it. "All the other persons are the aides of this particular person. His role is much larger than the other accused persons who have been already arrested and chargesheeted," the ED had said. The agency has named five entities in its prosecution complaint (the ED's equivalent of a chargesheet), including three suspected associates of Khan -- Zeeshan Haider, Daud Nasir and Jawed Imam Siddiqui. The agency had, after conducting raids on premises linked to Khan and some others in October last year, claimed that the AAP MLA had acquired "huge proceeds of crime" in cash through illegal recruitment of staff to the Delhi Waqf Board and invested those for purchasing immovable assets in the name of his associates. The searches were conducted in the case related to the illegal recruitment of staff and illegitimate personal gains made by the accused by unfairly leasing out the Waqf Board properties from 2018 to 2022 when Khan was its chairperson, the ED has alleged. The money laundering case stems from an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and three Delhi Police complaints. Several "incriminating" material in the form of physical and digital evidence were seized during the raids, indicating Khan's involvement in the offence of money laundering, as per the agency. Pune, Apr 11 (PTI) Kolhapur's Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Mandlik on Thursday claimed his Congress opponent Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati was not the "real heir" to the royal seat and claimed he was adopted. Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati is a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is the head of Kolhapur royal family. In a video showing him addressing a gathering, Mandlik can be heard asking if current "Maharaj (Shahu Maharaj Chhatrapati)" is from Kolhapur or is if he the real heir. Mandlik, who has been renominated from the seat, went on to claim that "you and I (citizens), who possess the ideology of Shahu-Phule-Ambedkar, are the real heirs". In another programme, Mandlik reiterated his statement and said "it is not a figment of my imagination". "It is written in this book and has appeared in news articles," said Mandlik, while showing a book and a newspaper article. Mandlik, however, added he was not trying to insult the Congress candidate for whom he has high regards. "If he proves he is the direct descendant, and if I am wrong somewhere, I will apologise," said Mandlik. Meanwhile, Congress leader Satej Patil said Mandlik's statements show the latter is on slippery ground in the poll battle. "He has insulted the royal family seat and we condemn it. The people of Kolhapur will not tolerate such insults," Patil said. Speaking on the issue, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said he did not know what was the exact statement of Mandlik but added that adoption is not a new thing in royal families. "There are several examples of adoptions in the royal family. Once adopted, the person becomes a member and a representative of that royal family," Pawar said. Shillong, Apr 11 (PTI) The Election Commission has issued a show-cause notice to the Voice of the People's Party in Meghalaya over an alleged violation of the model code of conduct by its supporters who were accused of disrupting Lok Sabha poll campaigns of the ruling NPP by raising slogans during public meetings in several locations. The Returning Officer of Shillong parliamentary constituency SC Sadhu also issued another notice to VPP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit after the election agent of NPP candidate Ampareen Lyngdoh alleged that the opposition party was "spreading fake news" using social media. Basaiawmoit was asked to reply by April 12 as to why action should not be taken against his party under the relevant provisions of the model code of conduct. In a complaint to the returning officer, the NPP accused VPP supporters of disrupting election meetings of the party in Ri-Bhoi district on Monday. The VPP supporters allegedly raised slogans while former MLA and NPP state working president Hamletson Dohling was addressing a gathering there. A scuffle between supporters of the two parties and the NPP's public meeting was stopped before its candidate's speech, an official said. Meanwhile, the residence of NPP leader Magdalene S Mawlong at Umsning in Ri-Bhoi district was pelted with stones on Wednesday. A team of police personnel rushed to the house of Mawlong, who is also an elected member to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, and found stones and broken glasses on the floor, an officer said. A case has been registered at the Umiam Police Station, he added. Patna, Apr 11 (PTI) Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday lambasted RJD president Lalu Prasads daughter Misa Bharti, for allegedly commenting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be in jail if the NDA was voted out of power from the Center. She was heard making such a comment in a purported video that has gone viral. The BJP leader warned her against making such irresponsible and shameful comments and reminded her of corruption cases in which she and her family members are accused. Such statements are highly condemnable. The post of Prime Minister is highly respected. Nothing is hidden from the country. Her (Bhartis) father has been convicted in the fodder scam. Her family is neck-deep in corruption. She should stop daydreaming, said Prasad, a former union minister. Everything will be clear on June 4 when results of the Lok Sabha polls will be declared and the RJD will face a humiliating defeat," Prasad told PTI. I am still a lawyer in the CBI probe against Lalu Prasad in the fodder scam She (Bharti) herself, her mother and her brother are accused in the land-for-job scam. They (RJD leaders) are afraid of the outcome of the polls and that is why she has made such a statement, said Prasad. BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan claimed that Bhartis comment against the prime minister exposed the RJDs vendetta politics. People know RJD leaders are involved in corruption, Paswan told reporters. During a recent public meeting in Patliputra Lok Sabha constituency, from where she is contesting as the RJD nominee, Bharti attacked the central government and stated that if the opposition INDIA bloc comes to power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be arrested. In the video, she was heard saying: We are talking about farmers and the implementation of MSP and the PM sees appeasement in that. He always accuses our family of corruption whenever he addresses rallies in Bihar. If the people of this country give the INDIA alliance a chance (to form the government), then from PM Modi to BJP leaders, all will be behind bars. Shimla, Apr 11 (PTI) Actor Kangana Ranaut, the BJP candidate from Mandi seat in Himachal Pradesh, Thursday launched a blistering attack on minister Vikramaditya Singh, saying he cannot threaten her and send her back as it is not his ancestor's estate. Son of former chief minister late Virbhadra Singh and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, Himachal Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh is the frontrunner as the Congress' nominee from the Mandi Lok Sabha seat. Addressing a rally in Mandi assembly constituency falling under Mandi Parliament seat, Kangana said, "Yeh tumhare baap-dada ki riyasat nahin hai, ke tum mujhe dara, dhamka ke vapis bhej doge (This is not the estate of your father or grandfather that you will threaten me and send me back)." This is the new Bharat of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where a small, poor boy who used to sell tea is the biggest hero and "pradhan sevak" of the people, she added. Vikramaditya Singh had on Monday said Kangana is a "queen of controversies" and questions will be raised on her statements given from time to time. Referring to Kangana's reported comments over beef-eating, Vikramaditya Singh had said, "I pray to Lord Ram to give her wisdom and hope she goes back pure from 'Dev Bhoomi' Himachal to Bollywood because she will not win the elections as she knows nothing about people of Himachal." Vikramaditya Singh is the scion of the erstwhile Bhushar estate, now known as Rampur, which is one of the 17 assembly segments falling under the Mandi Lok Sabha constituency. Indirectly dubbing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Vikramaditya Singh as "Pappu", Kangana said there is one "Bada Pappu" in Delhi and the "Chhota Pappu" in Himachal says she eats beef. She asked why he is not showing the evidence of her consuming beef. "I follow ayurvedic and yogic lifestyle," she asserted. Terming Vikramaditya Singh as "ek number ka jhootha" (liar No. 1) and "paltubaaz" (one who repeatedly changes stance), she wondered what can be expected from him when "Bada Pappu" talks about destroying the "nari Shakti" (women power). "I have made my name in the film industry without the help of my father and mother... I want to join politics and serve the people," she said, and asserted that politics is an expression of service and anyone from a king to a beggar is entitled to that expression. The whole country is worshipping the daughters during the ongoing 'Navratras', but still there is no change in the Congress leaders' anti-women thought, she said, and challenged Vikramaditya Singh to successfully do even one scene from her film. "If he can do even one scene of my film successfully, I will leave politics and the country," she said, and added that the actors do not choose art but art chooses them. Referring to her experience in Bollywood, Kangana said, "These 'Raja betas' had problem with me in the film industry. The girls were used and when I raised my voice, these 'parivarvadi' and 'vanshvadi' (dynasty and family-centric) 'Pappus', who stay under the influence of liquor and drugs, threatened me and even sent notice to me threatening to put me behind bars but could not harm me. "Instead I removed the heroes from my films with the support of the people of the country," she said. Subsequently, "another Pappu Udhay Thackrey" threatened her and damaged her house, she said. "But today, he is seeing that so many people like him tried to bully me but still I am standing on this platform with the support of the people," she said. "I promise to come back here and if you make me victorious, I will set an example for the society where the daughters will compete with sons in all spheres of life," she added. She asked where are the jobs promised by the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, and told the people not to fall prey to their "false promises" and return to the world where "corruption" and "poverty" ruled the nation. Kangana said Manali is her home and she wants to live a peaceful life in a small village. "I have built a house here," said Kangana, who also touched the feet of an elderly couple during her rally in Manali. Earlier, she was welcomed with slogans of 'Jai Shri Ram'. Pune, Apr 11 (PTI) Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi must speak on the steps being taken on "encroachment" of the country's territories by China. Asked about the PM's interview to Newsweek magazine, Pawar, a former Defence minister, said Modi criticised the Congress for ceding an island (Katchatheevu) to Sri Lanka in 1974 but he must also speak on "encroachment of Indian territories by China". "The issue was discussed inside and out of Parliament. Modi is not talking about the steps he has taken on the India-China border dispute," Pawar told reporters. Criticising Raj Thackeray for supporting Modi, Pawar said the MNS chief has changed his stand multiple times in the last 10-15 years. Asked about Praful Patel of the Ajit Pawar-led NCP commenting that Pawar was ready to support the BJP but backed out at the last moment, the opposition stalwart shot back saying "who quit the party and who stayed back?" On Patel's claim that HD Deve Gowda had offered Pawar the post of PM in 1996, the NCP(SP) supremo said it was true but he had rejected the offer since there was no majority (in Parliament). "It was related to the Congress and its allies. There was a meeting held in which my name was proposed unanimously, but since there was no majority, I did not find it appropriate to take up the offer so I turned it down politely," Pawar informed. On being asked about party colleague Eknath Khadse returning to the BJP, Pawar said the former had faced a lot hardships and, therefore, "we also took a stand not to have any misunderstanding on his exit". Pawar was speaking to reporters in Khed after a BJP functionary joined the NCP(SP). Kannur (Kerala), Apr 11 (PTI) BJP and the Congress in Kerala on Thursday continued to accuse the CPI(M) of being behind the recent blast in Kannur district that claimed one life and injured three others, while the Left party denied any involvement in the incident. BJP state president K Surendran said senior CPI(M) leaders were involved in the incident and there was a conspiracy to attack BJP and RSS leaders in the state during the elections. Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil, on the other hand, claimed the bombs made in Panur were intended to be used against the UDF as the CPI(M) in Kerala and the BJP are partners. "The tactic of using bombs and killing people to win in elections should be stopped. That is our only concern," he said, adding that no one would have come to know about the bombs being made if one had not exploded accidentally. He also claimed the police FIR clearly states that the bombs were being made to be used during the Lok Sabha polls. CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan denied the allegations and said the Left party had no role in the blast or the making of the bombs. "The party has no role in it. We have no need to make bombs. Many of our workers were attacked and killed. We did not retaliate. Instead, we organised public protests against the same. So, we have no need for bombs," he told reporters in Kannur. On being asked by reporters as to whether the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has any role, Govindan said they should ask DYFI. When reporters asked whether the CPI(M) has any mass (allied) organisations, he said no. "We do not have any mass (allied) organisations...It is the Congress which has mass organisations," Govindan said. According to police, one of the arrested accused in the blast case is a local DYFI leader. The police had also said that several of the other accused in the case were CPI(M) workers or supporters, which the Left party has denied. Surendran, meanwhile, has demanded an enquiry by the Election Commission of India into the blast and that a senior police officer be given charge of the investigation. "The current investigation is not going on in the right track," he claimed. A country-made bomb, while being made, had exploded on April 5 at Panur in the north Kerala district of Kannur and had stirred the political waters in the state. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its president Gleisi Hoffmann in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Li Xi, a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC), met with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its president Gleisi Hoffmann in Beijing on Wednesday. Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of the China-Brazil diplomatic ties, Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said China is willing to work with Brazil to promote friendly exchanges in various fields and at all levels, enhance political mutual trust, deepen strategic cooperation, and promote the upgrading of China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership. The CPC is willing to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the CPC-PT relations to further deepen inter-party relations, Li said. Hoffmann said the PT is willing to make joint efforts with the CPC to strengthen exchanges in party-building and governance, consolidate political mutual trust between the two countries, strengthen the docking of development strategies and cooperation in various fields, and jointly cope with global challenges. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, meets with a delegation of the Workers' Party of Brazil (PT) led by its president Gleisi Hoffmann in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) 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. Arizona can soon enforce a long-dormant law criminalizing all abortions except when a mothers life is at stake, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, opening the door to prosecuting doctors who perform the procedures. Under the decision, a long-dormant law that predates Arizonas statehood would take effect. It provides no exceptions for rape or incest, but allows abortions if a mothers life is in danger. Enforcement can take effect in 14 days. The ruling suggests doctors can be prosecuted for performing the procedure, but the majority ruling doesnt explicitly say that. The 1864 law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for doctors or anyone else who assists in an abortion. Arizonas high court ruling reviewed a 2022 decision by the state Court of Appeals that said doctors couldnt be charged for performing the procedure in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. State Sen. Arizona Eva Burch, who dramatically announced on the Senate floor last month that her pregnancy wasnt viable and she was getting an abortion, criticized GOP lawmakers who expressed support for the ban. We know that every single Republican in the Arizona House and Senate supported this territorial total ban on abortion they signed an amicus brief affirming that very fact, said Burch. This moment must not slow us down. Burch noted that Arizonans will be able to vote this fall on a ballot measure allowing the right to abortion, adding that the right for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona. Currently, 14 states are enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. Two states ban the procedure once cardiac activity can be detected, which is about six weeks into pregnancy and often before women realize theyre pregnant. Nearly every ban has been challenged with a lawsuit. Courts have blocked enforcing some restrictions, including bans throughout pregnancy in Utah and Wyoming. In Arizona, an older state Supreme Court decision had blocked enforcing the 1864 law shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court issued the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a constitutional right to an abortion. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, a Republican, persuaded a state judge in Tucson to lift the block on enforcing the 1864 law. Brnovichs Democratic successor, Attorney General Kris Mayes, had urged the states high court to side with the Court of Appeals and hold the 1864 law in abeyance. Since the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision ending a nationwide right to abortion, most Republican-controlled states have started enforcing new bans or restrictions and most Democrat-dominated ones have sought to protect abortion access. A proposal pending before the Arizona Legislature that would repeal the 1864 law hasnt received a committee hearing this year. Todays decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasnt a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldnt even vote will go down in history as a stain on our state, Mayes said Tuesday. Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who signed the states current law restricting abortion after 15 weeks, posted on X saying Tuesdays ruling was not the outcome he would have wanted. I signed the 15-week law as governor because it is thoughtful policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on, he said. President Joe Biden called the 1864 Arizona law cruel. Millions of Arizonans will soon live under an even more extreme and dangerous abortion ban, which fails to protect women even when their health is at risk or in tragic cases of rape or incest, he said in a statement. Vice President Harris and I stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a womans right to choose. We will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights and call on Congress to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade. (AP) Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) on Wednesday tore into the shameful display by Democrats, including President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who have been undermining Israel in its war against the Hamas terrorist group. At a time of war, the Senate Majority Leader, the senator from New York, took the opportunity to call for regime change, Lawler said, referring to Schumer. At a time when the Democratic Party talks about protecting democracy [and] rails against foreign interference in elections, the senator from New York thought it his opportunity and in his interest politically, to undermine the State of Israel and the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas is a terrorist state, he continued. The fastest way for a ceasefire to occur is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages. That is the only thing that members of the United States government should be demanding from the President to the Senate majority leader to the former Speaker of the House [Nancy Pelosi]. It is shameful what is happening in the Democratic party today. Lawler, whose district is home to tens of thousands of Jews, has been a staunch supporter and advocate for Israel in the House of Representatives, and often makes vocal his growing concerns with the Democratic Partys mainstreaming of anti-Israel policies and perspectives. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) His job on the line, House Speaker Mike Johnson is dashing to Florida to meet with Donald Trump this week and has offered far-right Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene a seat on his own kitchen cabinet as he draws closer to the MAGA forces that now dominate the GOP. The sudden moves Wednesday come as the House hit a standstill, thrown into chaos once again. The House Republicans are tearing themselves apart, unable to work together to push party priorities through Congress yet watching their majority fritter away the days without a cohesive agenda or much to show for their 15 months in power. Johnson was unable to pass a national security surveillance bill that was tanked by his own Republican majority shortly after Trump pushed them to kill it. But at the same time, the speaker was being warned off partnering with Democrats on that bill and others, including aid for Ukraine, or risk Greene calling a snap vote that could oust him from the speakers office. It all leaves Johnson, just six months on the job, in a similar place as Kevin McCarthy, the previous House speaker who was unceremoniously voted out of the speakers chair last fall the first in history to be toppled. Were going to regroup and consider next steps, Johnson, R-La., told reporters as he called an impromptu meeting of Republicans in the Capitol basement. Heading into the November election, Johnson has hitched his partys prospects and his own political survival to Trump, believing the presumed presidential nominee and his MAGA supporters will boost Republican lawmakers and ensure they keep control of the House from Democrats. On Friday, Trump and Johnson will appear for a press conference on election integrity at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago club, according to a Trump campaign official. They are expected to make a joint announcement, said another person familiar with the planning. Once skeptical of Trump, Johnson became a key supporter. He led one of the main legal challenges to the 2020 election in the run-up to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by the mob of Trumps supporters trying to stop the certification of Democrat Joe Bidens victory. The issue of election integrity has been an obsession for Trump since he lost the 2020 election, even though elections are broadly secure and every state in the union certified its 2020 results that were sent to Congress on the day of the Capitol siege. Its unclear what the Trump-Johnson announcement will involve, but since becoming the House speaker Johnson has tried to keep a close relationship with Trump. Johnson revived a House committees efforts to reinvestigate the findings of the House Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack as Trump calls for pardoning those involved in the bloody mob siege. More than 1,300 people have been charged in connection with the attack, as rioters fought police, stormed the Capitol and roamed the halls. Five people died in the siege and its immediate aftermath. Trump and Johnson talk regularly, including on Tuesday night, as the speaker works to keep his own critics, particularly Greene, at bay. A right-wing Republican from Georgia close to Trump, Greene has filed a motion to vacate the speaker, a procedural tool that allows a quick vote on his leadership, and now hangs over Johnsons every move. Johnson met with Greene for nearly an hour Wednesday at the Capitol, and she said the exchange was direct and passionate. She is highly critical of Johnson, her grievances outlined in a five-page letter sent to colleagues this week, and in particular opposes helping Ukraine as it fights the Russian invasion, and warned Johnson not to bring an aid package for Ukraine to a vote. Greene also rallied against extending provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, known as FISA, ahead of Wednesdays failed vote, despite Johnsons push to have it approved. Just before the vote, Trump also weighed in on social media, telling Republicans to vote against it. Kill FISA, Trump wrote in all capital letters. Trump said the law was used to spy on him, but a former adviser to his 2016 presidential campaign was targeted over potential ties to Russia under a different section of the surveillance law. With a threadbare majority, Johnson can lose no more than one or so Republican on any vote, but nearly 20 bolted. Johnson offered to give Greene a spot on a proposed kitchen cabinet of advisors to the speaker, she said after the nearly hour-long session. But Greene told reporters she would wait and see about his offer, but she was more interested in how he handles several issues before Congress, particularly aid for Ukraine and the FISA vote. I explained to him, this isnt personal, she said. But he has not done the job that we elected him to do. Greene has said that Johnson has thrown the Republican majority into chaos, pointing in particular to the government spending bills that he passed to prevent a federal shutdown over Republican objections. That is chaos for a Republican majority: sending his Republican colleagues and members back home to their districts, having to campaign on a Republican House that funded the Biden administration, she said late Tuesday at the Capitol. Other Republicans, even those who ousted McCarthy, have been cool to Greenes effort to oust Johnson, unenthusiastic about going through the turmoil of trying to elect a new speaker. Last fall, it took Republicans almost a month to replace McCarthy with Johnson, a spectacle that put the partys dysfunction on display in rounds of failed votes and essentially shut down all other House business. Greene has not publicly discussed when she may bring up the motion to vacate and told reporters she does not yet have a red line for bringing up the action. (AP) A U.S. Air Force veteran who fled a serious criminal charge told his lawyer he joined Russias army, and video appears to show him signing documents in a military enlistment office in Siberia. Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former elected official in a small Massachusetts city, was expected to enter a guilty plea in Rhode Island in early January, but did not show up to court, according to prosecutors. Last week, video surfaced that appears to show the 28-year-old in Russia and expressing support for the countrys war against Ukraine footage that could be used to promote Moscows narrative of the conflict. His lawyer, John M. Cicilline, told The Boston Globe that he called Puello-Mota on Jan. 8, the day before he was expected to plead guilty. According to prosecutors, he boarded a flight from Washington, D.C., to Istanbul, Turkey, a day earlier. He said, `I joined the Russian army, or something like that, Cicilline told the Globe. I thought he was joking. Cicilline said Puello-Mota wanted a career in politics and thought the criminal case had ruined his life. Puello-Mota served in the U.S. Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan in 2015, when he was 19, media releases show. He later served with the Massachusetts Air National Guards 104th Fighter Wing as a security forces airman. Puello-Mota was arrested in 2020 in Warwick, Rhode Island, after he called to report a stolen gun and police said they found illegal images on his phone. He was charged with one offense and was later also charged with trying to deceive prosecutors and his commanders about the case. Cicilline told the Globe he reached a deal to plead guilty to all charges in exchange for an 18-month prison sentence. Videos surfaced on Russian social media and local television in March showing the blurred image of a man in a uniform in what appears to be a war zone displaying the U.S. flag. In video posted online last week, a man who looks like Puello-Mota talks directly to the camera, speaking in English over background music and Russian subtitles and discussing a military operation. His face is not blurred. He does not say his name, and the videos do not mention the Rhode Island criminal case. President Vladimir Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media in Russia and state media aligned regularly trumpet Russian victories in Ukraine, denounce the West and otherwise amplify good news while ignoring the bad. The Rhode Island attorney generals office said in a court document last month that it had received images purporting to show Puello-Mota in Ukraine and Russia. While the state cannot verify the authenticity of the videos and photographs, if they are accurate the defendant is well beyond the jurisdiction of this court and, if false, the defendant is engaged in an elaborate ruse to conceal his whereabouts, Rhode Island prosecutors said. U.S. State Department officials said they were aware of media reports about Puello-Mota fleeing to Russia but have had no contact with him and have no way to confirm those reports. The most recent video appears to show Puello-Mota entering a building in Khanty-Mansiysk and shaking the hand of a uniformed man. At the end of the video, he is seen signing a document. The AP verified the location after examining satellite imagery and historical photos of the area. According to a plaque on the door, its a military recruitment center run by the Russian Defense Ministry. Obviously its a difficult situation. Its war. Its a special military operation, Puello-Mota says in the video, adding that he was lucky to be with people from the international brigade. We did our work. We did our job. We did what we were supposed to do, he said. I was very lucky and fortunate to serve with those guys. I definitely would do it again. Ian Garner, an assistant professor of politics at Queens University in Canada, called it a huge propaganda opportunity for Russia. To be able to show off an American citizen who has chosen to reinvent themselves, to reform themselves and become a part of the Russian war machine seems to provide evidence that Russia is winning a much bigger spiritual war, he said. Puello-Mota held the rank of technical sergeant when he forced to leave the guard in October 2022 because of the criminal case, said Don Veitch, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts National Guard. His security clearance was also revoked. Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley, who worked with Puello-Mota on the City Council, said he considers him a good friend. He said the person in the video looks and sounds like him. To me thats him, he said. He knew of no connections between Puello-Mota and Russia and called the footage shocking. The Wil that I know was a good, decent person, Bartley said. A Facebook page attributed to Puello-Mota includes a photo of the Kremlin and an updated profile photo of a man in a uniform operating a drone. It says he is from Holyoke and currently lives in Moscow and works at the Russian Defense Ministry, which is spelled in Russian. Under Rhode Island law, Puello-Motas trial cannot begin without him being present. (AP) A devastating airstrike on a vehicle in the Gaza Strip has killed three children and several grandchildren of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas political bureau. Haniyeh confirmed the loss to Al Jazeera, stating his children were killed en route to liberate Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque and expressed gratitude for their martyrdom. Haniyeh told Al Jazeera: Thank God for the honor of my children and grandchildren being martyrs. The enemy is delusional if he thinks that by killing my sons we will change our positions. The blood of my sons is not more precious than the blood of our martyred people in Gaza, as they are all my sons. If the enemy believes that targeting my sons at the height of the negotiations will push Hamas to change its position, then he is delusional. Haniyehs large family, with 13 children, many in leadership positions in Hamas and Gaza, resides in the Al-Shati camp. He himself lives in Qatar, with an estimated net worth of $4 billion. The dead were identified as his sons Hazem, Amir, and Muhammad, who were in the car with their own children. In a separate recent operation, Israeli authorities raided Haniyehs sisters home in southern Israel, suspecting her of corresponding with Hamas terrorists and inciting acts of terror. The raid uncovered incriminating documents, media, and telephones. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) During a press conference at the White House alongside Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, President Joe Biden emphasized the United States unwavering commitment to Israels security in the face of threats from Iran. We also addressed the Iranian threat, as they threaten to launch a significant attack on Israel, President Biden stated. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad. Were going to do all we can to protect Israels security. This assurance comes at a time when tensions between the US and Israel have been escalating. Just a day prior, an interview with President Biden was released, in which he urged Israel to agree to a weeks-long ceasefire in Gaza. Although he did not specifically mention the hostages, the White House later clarified that he was referring to the ongoing negotiations for a truce deal that would involve the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A major attack by Iran on Israel is believed to be imminent and could happen in the coming days, according to US and Israeli intelligence assessments. While it is unclear whether the attack will come directly from Iran or through its proxies in the region, Tehran is thought to be planning to use high-precision missiles or drones in the assault. The warning comes after Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for Israel to be punished for the recent attack on an Iranian consular building in Damascus, which killed two generals and several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran on Wednesday shut its airspace above the capital city Tehran, claiming that it is due to military exercises. In response to the heightened tensions, the US has pledged to support Israels security and has placed its military forces in the region on high alert. The situation has also led to disruption in air travel, with German airline Lufthansa suspending flights to and from Tehran due to the current situation in the Middle East. The attack, if carried out, would mark a major escalation in tensions between Iran and Israel, which have been building for months. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang is held in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Ambassadors delivering speeches gave positive comments on Xinjiang and some shared their personal experiences of their visits to Xinjiang. They are looking forward to more cooperation between their home countries and China's Xinjiang. Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, ambassador of South Africa to China, said that during his visit to Xinjiang in 2023, he had experienced the hospitality of the local people, praising their harmonious life and freedom of religious belief. Ambassador of Turkiye to China, Ismail Hakki Musa, said China's Xinjiang has developed rapidly, and people of all ethnic groups have enjoyed good development rights. Syrian ambassador to China, Mhd Hasanein Khaddam, said Xinjiang's development achievement is admirable, and lies fabricated by some Western countries cannot hinder the prosperity and success of China's Xinjiang. Ambassador of Iran to China, Mohsen Bakhtiar, said China has made a strong commitment to Xinjiang's high-quality development. He said Xinjiang plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and its achievements in economic development, infrastructure, environmental protection, humanities, science and technology are impressive. Shakhrat Nuryshev, ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, said the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone established last year contributes to the development of Xinjiang and neighboring countries. Pakistani ambassador Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said he appreciates the long-term friendly cooperation between Pakistan and China, and is looking forward to further strengthening cooperation with Xinjiang on trade, investment, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, among others. Shakhrat Nuryshev, ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, speaks at a conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, ambassador of South Africa to China, speaks at a conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) Ismail Hakki Musa, ambassador of Turkiye to China, speaks at a conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) Mohsen Bakhtiar, ambassador of Iran to China, speaks at a conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) Mhd Hasanein Khaddam, Syrian ambassador to China, speaks at a conference for foreign diplomats to learn about Xinjiang in Beijing, capital of China, on April 10, 2024. Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Li He) US Middle East envoy Brett McGurk on Wednesday called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq and asked them to convey a message to Iran to lower tensions with Israel, Reuters reported, quoting a knowledgeable source. Middle East tension is at a height amid fears of Iran carrying out an imminent retaliatory strike against Israel for the killing of Iranian Quds commander Mohammad Reza Zahed. According to the source, the foreign ministers complied with the US request and contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to convey the message. Irans foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday saying that the foreign minister discussed regional tensions with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq. Meanwhile, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM) General Michael Kurilla is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday to discuss the Iranian threat. Al Jazeera reported on Wednesday that the US will defend Israel if its attacked by Iran or its proxies and has not ruled out a joint response with Israel in the case of an attack. The report quotes a US official as saying that President Joe Bidens statement that the US support of Israels security is ironclad was not an empty one. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) New details have emerged about the IDFs targeted airstrikes in Gaza City on Wednesday that killed the three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were not informed about the strike ahead of time. This is because the strikes were carried out based on real-time Shin Bet intelligence about the location of Haniyehs sons, who were on the way to carrying out terror activities. In addition, one of Haniyehs sons was involved in holding Israeli hostages and another was a Hamas squad commander. The eliminations were carried out per IDF policy that does not require governmental approval for real-time strikes. Following the deaths of his sons, Haniyeh, who is safely ensconced in Doha, told Al Jazeera that he thanks G-d for the honor of their martyrdom and that their blood will bring a future and freedom for our people. He also said that Hamas will continue ceasefire negotiations, with the terror group still insisting on a permanent ceasefire, including the withdrawal of all IDF troops from Gaza and the return of Gazans to the north, and the release of hundreds of dangerous terrorists from Israeli prisons all in exchange for only 40 hostages. In any event, Hamas military leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar is the one making all decisions regarding a ceasefire deal. Below is footage of the scene of the attack: (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The IDF overnight Thursday launched an operation in the Nuseirat refugee camp area of the central Gaza Strip, eliminating terrorists and destroying terror infrastructure. Before the forces entered the area, Air Force fighter jets attacked dozens of Hamas terror bases above and below ground. The joint activities of the ground forces and Air Forces were carried out following precise intelligence information indicating the presence of many terrorists in the area. At one point during the operation, Nachal soldiers saw an armed terrorist emerging from a tunnel close to IDF soldiers and entering a military building. They directed the Air Force to launch a strike and the terrorist was eliminated as he was heading toward the soldiers. Also, troops found and destroyed several rocket launchers in the area. The IDF has not previously operated on the ground in the Nuseirat refugee camp area. Ynet reported that the operation is expected to last several days and its purpose, among other things, is to expand the corridor that bisects the Strip. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The Hamas terror organization claims that it is unsure whether it can offer 40 civilian hostages in a potential ceasefire deal, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday morning. A Hamas official said that Hamas cannot commit to releasing 40 living hostages but could commit to a total of 40 hostages dead or alive meaning that bodies would be included in the deal. There are 134 hostages still in Gaza, of whom at least 34 were confirmed by the IDF to have been murdered. However, according to the report, US and Israeli officials privately estimate that the number of deaths could be much higher. Any remaining hostages are being used by Hamas leaders as human shields in tunnels in southern Gaza. US officials familiar with the intelligence said that some US estimates indicate that most of the hostages have already been murdered. However, they emphasized that US visibility on the hostages is limited and is partially dependent on Israeli intelligence. Arab mediators talking directly to Hamas believe that most of the remaining hostages who are alive are younger male hostages, including soldiers. Hamas refuses to release male hostages who are the age of IDF service, whether they were serving as soldiers when they were abducted or not, saying that for their release, Israel must pay a far higher price. Its been six months since these people were taken into Gaza, said Ofer Merin, the director-general of Shaare Tzedek Hospital and a member of the forensic medical committee that determined the deaths of some hostages based on video and security camera footage. These families have no second in the day or a second in the night that their minds are calm. They are in constant agony. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A dinner hosted by UC Berkeley Law School Dean Erwin Chemerinsky and his wife, Professor Catherine Fisk, for graduating law students turned into a heated confrontation on Tuesday night. The incident occurred when a Palestinian American law student, Malak Afaneh, attempted to give a speech about the Israel-Hamas war and the universitys divestment from corporations involved in the conflict. Chemerinsky and Fisk asked her to leave, leading to a physical altercation and accusations of anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish hatred. The university has been embroiled in months of protests over the Israel-Hamas war, and the incident has sparked a debate over free speech and hate speech. Chemerinsky has been a vocal critic of pro-Palestinian activists at Berkeley and has been targeted by their activity since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. The confrontation was captured on video and shows Afaneh being approached by Chemerinsky and Fisk, who asked her to leave the dinner. Afaneh refused, leading to a physical altercation in which Fisk grabbed Afanehs microphone and shirt. Chemerinsky shouted at Afaneh to leave, saying it was his house and she was his guest. Afaneh has accused Fisk of assaulting her and denying her free speech rights. She is considering filing charges but will first consult with lawyers. Chemerinsky has defended his actions, saying that the dinner was a private event and that free speech does not extend to his home. The university has released a statement saying that while they support free speech, they cannot condone using a social occasion at a private residence as a platform for protest. The UC Board of Regents Chair has condemned the students actions as deplorable and anti-Semitic. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) According to unnamed sources in Jerusalem cited by Channel 12 news, Hamass Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar is delaying his response to the current hostage-truce proposal in the hopes that Iran will attack Israel, sparking a wider conflict. Sinwar remains committed to his ambition of triggering a regional war and believes an Iranian attack would unite various fronts against Israel, according to the report. A proposed deal, reportedly accepted by Israel, involves the release of 40 living hostages in a humanitarian category in exchange for 900 Palestinian security prisoners during a 42-day truce. However, Hamas officials have publicly rejected the terms, reiterating demands for an Israeli commitment to end the war and allow northern Gazans to return home. Despite this, a definitive rejection has not been issued. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) AstraZeneca has hiked its annual dividend by 7 per cent to $3.10 per share, as the London-listed drugmaker bets on its blockbuster cancer drugs to deliver strong performance and cash generation. The dividend boost comes as shareholders gear up to vote on the firm's chief executive's controversial bumper pay package at its annual general meeting later on Thursday. Chair Michel Demare, said: 'This uplift is in line with our progressive dividend policy, which remains unchanged, and reflects the continuing strength of AstraZeneca's investment proposition for shareholders.' Bumper pay: AstraZeneca shareholders are voting on Pascal Soriot's pay package on Thursday AstraZeneca said the dividend hike sum takes into account other capital allocation priorities, as well as previously announced acquisitions and business development. The Anglo-Swedish group expects total revenue and core earnings per share to increase by percentages in the low double-digits to low-teens this year. Pascal Soriot: The FTSE 100's first 150million boss? The drugs giant is asking its shareholders to approve a performance-based pay policy today that could hand Pascal Soriot rewards of up to 18.7million this year. That would take his total earnings to 153million since he took over in 2012. To date, the businessman has been paid more than 135million. Sophie Lund-Yates, lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'Shareholders wont be blind to the fact that this is a barely disguised sweetener, but it may quell appetites enough to get the divisive package through. 'The bigger picture for Astra still centres on the work it does on rarer and more complex treatments dominating this area of the market takes very deep pockets, and that doesnt appear to be under threat.' Two influential shareholder advisory groups, Glass Lewis and ISS, are urging investors to vote against the pay plan. But, this week major investor Florida-based GQG Partners said the French-Australian chief executive has earned the right to a decent pay rise because of his turnaround efforts at AstraZeneca. On 5 April, the US Food and Drug Administration gave accelerated approval for the expanded use of Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca's drug to treat patients with a type of solid tumor. The drug, sold under the brand name Enhertu, originally won US approval in late 2019 as a third-line treatment for HER-2-positive breast cancer patients, and the fresh approval opens the treatment across multiple HER2-expressing solid tumors. AstraZeneca shares rose 1.03 per cent or 110.61p to 10,842.61p on Thursday, having fallen over 6 per cent in the last year. Shares in Darktrace rallied after the cyber security firm raised its forecasts for the third time this year and cut ties with a British tech tycoon who is facing fraud charges in the US. The Cambridge companys revenues rose 26.5 per cent to 140million in the three months to the end of March, and it now expects sales to increase at least 25.5 per cent for the year to the end of June. That was more than its previous range of between 23.5 per cent and 25 per cent. Shares yesterday gained 6.3 per cent, or 27.2p, to 462.1p. It is the third time Darktrace has hiked its forecasts this year and came as it said Mike Lynch, awaiting trial on fraud charges in the US, has lost the right to appoint a director to the board. The charges relate to the 9billion sale of the software firm Autonomy he set up and sold to the US giant Hewlett Packard in 2011. In demand: Darktrace revenues rose 26.5% to 140m in the three months to the end of March, and it now expects sales to increase at least 25.5% for the year to the end of June His investment fund Invoke Capital was allowed to appoint a non-executive director as it held more than 10 per cent of shares when it floated in 2021. But its shareholding has now fallen below the level required for a seat on the board. The FTSE 100 fell 0.5 per cent, or 37.41 points, to 7923.80 and the FTSE 250 was down 0.1 per cent, or 14.88 points, to 19,786.87. Higher gas prices sent Centrica shares up 2.9 per cent, or 3.7p, to 129.7p. Kingfisher was also on the rise up 2.4 per cent, or 5.9p, to 248p after HSBC encouraged its clients to buy the retailers stock. But Jupiter Fund dipped 3.1 per cent, or 2.8p, to 87.7p following a downgrade from Barclays. Stock Watch - North Sea producer Longboat Energy fell 22.2 per cent, or 5p, to 17.5p as it warned over its future. Losses rose from 2.6million in 2022 to 9.3million last year. Its cash declined to 3.7million down from 12.1million. It will have limited liquidity in the second half of 2024 and will need to raise funds, a requirement that represents a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt on the groups ability to continue as a going concern, it said. Dominos bought the remaining 85 per cent stake it did not own in the pizza firms largest franchise business based in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It paid around 62million to take full control of Shorecal Limited. Shares rose 0.2 per cent, or 0.6p, to 335.2p. XPS Pensions, which manages retirement pots, expects revenues for the 12 months to March 31 to be 20 per cent higher than the year before and its full-year results to be above previously upgraded forecasts. XPS, which will also start working with John Lewis, climbed 10.7 per cent, or 25p, to 259p. Money manager Polar Capital Holdings reported that its assets held rose 14 per cent to 21.9billion in the year to March 31 and jumped 18 per cent, or 82.5p, to 540p. Cybersecurity business Corero lifted 11.9 per cent, or 1.25p, to 11.75p after it signed a contract worth 1.4million over three years with a US IT provider. Energy firm Jadestone surged 17.9 per cent, or 4.25p, to 28p after its stock, suspended since mid-February, returned to trading after a reverse takeover collapsed. Great Portland Estates said it signed 22.5million worth of leases in the year to the end of March, lifting shares 1.6 per cent, or 6p, to 378.5p. Housing services provider Mears Groups revenues rose 14 per cent to 1.1billion in 2023 while profits soared 34 per cent to 46.9million. It rose 3.3 per cent, or 12p, to 373p. Energy firm Petrotal, the largest crude producer in Peru, said it had enjoyed its best start to a financial year in its history and climbed 2.6 per cent, or 1.25p, to 48.75p. StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Hess (NYSE:HES Free Report) in a research note released on Wednesday. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the oil and gas producers stock. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Wolfe Research raised shares of Hess from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $150.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, September 30th. Susquehanna dropped their price objective on Hess from $151.00 to $149.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Scotiabank reduced their target price on Hess from $165.00 to $157.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Hess from $171.00 to $151.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 27th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Hess from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $166.00 to $172.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $165.15. Get Hess alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Hess Hess Trading Up 0.8 % Shares of HES opened at $138.49 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.14. Hess has a 12 month low of $123.79 and a 12 month high of $167.75. The stock has a market cap of $42.67 billion, a PE ratio of 21.21 and a beta of 1.15. The stocks 50-day moving average is $134.82 and its two-hundred day moving average is $146.03. Hess (NYSE:HES Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The oil and gas producer reported $2.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.48 by $0.14. Hess had a net margin of 21.22% and a return on equity of 27.43%. The company had revenue of $3.26 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.24 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.65 earnings per share. Hesss revenue for the quarter was up 40.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Hess will post 10.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hess Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.44%. This is a boost from Hesss previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 16th. Hesss dividend payout ratio is presently 30.63%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Connectus Wealth LLC grew its position in shares of Hess by 4.0% during the fourth quarter. Connectus Wealth LLC now owns 5,486 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $791,000 after acquiring an additional 210 shares during the last quarter. Point72 Europe London LLP bought a new position in Hess in the 4th quarter worth about $692,000. LM Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hess in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $299,000. K2 Principal Fund L.P. bought a new stake in shares of Hess during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $2,616,000. Finally, TIG Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hess during the fourth quarter worth approximately $5,162,000. 88.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Hess Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hess Corporation, an exploration and production company, explores, develops, produces, purchases, transports, and sells crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. The company operates in two segments, Exploration and Production, and Midstream. It conducts production operations primarily in the United States, Guyana, the Malaysia/Thailand Joint Development Area, and Malaysia; and exploration activities principally offshore Guyana, the U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hess Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hess and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SEOUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo offered to resign following the ruling People Power Party's crushing defeat in parliamentary elections, multiple local media said Thursday citing the presidential office. All of the senior presidential secretaries, including chief of staff and chief secretary for policy, submitted resignations, except secretaries in the national security office. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that he will humbly accept the will of people, shown in the parliamentary elections, and will make his best efforts to reform state affairs and stabilize the economy and the people's livelihoods, according to the presidential office. The quadrennial polls for 300 members of the National Assembly were carried out at 14,259 voting stations across the Asian country on Wednesday to let voters cast ballots for 254 constituency seats and 46 proportional representation slots. The country's broader liberal bloc, including the main opposition Democratic Party and the minor Rebuilding Korea Party, won more than three-fifths of seats in the parliamentary elections, widely seen as a midterm referendum to evaluate President Yoon's management of state affairs. Shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the twenty-two brokerages that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, thirteen have assigned a hold recommendation, four have assigned a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $227.05. A number of equities analysts have commented on the stock. Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $213.00 to $207.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Citigroup lifted their target price on Travelers Companies from $200.00 to $203.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. William Blair restated a market perform rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, June 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $242.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Bank of America increased their target price on Travelers Companies from $202.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on TRV Travelers Companies Stock Up 0.0 % TRV opened at $236.11 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $53.82 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a current ratio of 0.33. The firms fifty day moving average is $222.96 and its 200 day moving average is $218.07. Travelers Companies has a fifty-two week low of $157.33 and a fifty-two week high of $243.48. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The insurance provider reported $2.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.23 by ($0.72). Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 15.90% and a net margin of 8.37%. The firm had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.35 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.06 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Travelers Companies will post 17.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.20%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of Travelers Companies stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.44, for a total transaction of $2,114,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 22,798 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,820,409.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 1.33% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Travelers Companies Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC lifted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 35.4% during the fourth quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 2,381 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $444,000 after purchasing an additional 623 shares in the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC lifted its stake in Travelers Companies by 11.8% in the 4th quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 2,872 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $547,000 after buying an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 552.8% in the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 166,059 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $31,631,000 after buying an additional 140,622 shares during the last quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Tradition Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,834 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $730,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Alpha DNA Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Travelers Companies during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $207,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. QUITO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld on Wednesday described as "fair" a resolution by the Organization of American States (OAS) that strongly condemns the country for ordering a police raid on the Mexican embassy in Quito to arrest former vice president Jorge Glas, according to local media. "It is a fair resolution, where we also see the lack of compliance in the use of the diplomatic headquarters, so we are moving forward," said Sommerfeld. "As Ecuador, we are also going to defend our version of the events," Sommerfeld told reporters at the National Assembly, where she reported to lawmakers on the April 5 raid that led Mexico to sever diplomatic ties with Ecuador. Asked if Ecuador was willing to dialogue with Mexico to overcome the impasse, Sommerfeld said apologizing for the incident currently "is not on the table." Earlier in the day, the OAS approved the resolution to "strongly condemn the intrusion into the facilities of the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador and the acts of violence carried out against the integrity and dignity of the diplomatic staff of the mission." The document was approved at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the OAS Permanent Council, convened at the request of Bolivia and Colombia. A total of 29 countries voted in favor, one (Ecuador) opposed, and one (El Salvador) abstained. Ecuadorian police stormed the Mexican embassy in Quito on April 5 to arrest Glas, hours after Mexico granted him political asylum. Mexico has said it will appeal to the International Court of Justice to intercede in the incident. BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China supports full UN membership for Palestine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday. Mao made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked about China's position on UN membership for Palestine. It is reported that recently Palestine formally requested the UN Security Council to reconsider its application for full UN membership submitted in 2011. The Council met on April 8 and referred the application to the Committee of Admission of New Members for its deliberation. The United States said that prior to a wider agreement between Palestine and Israel, it will continue opposing Palestine's full UN membership. Mao said the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the severe humanitarian crisis it has caused are yet another reminder that the only way to end the vicious cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts is to fully implement the two-State solution, establish an independent state of Palestine and redress the historical injustice long suffered by the Palestinians. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The recent meeting of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, with a Taiwan delegation led by Ma Ying-jeou has injected stability and positive energy into the relations across the Taiwan Strait. Wednesday's meeting in Beijing marked the first time Xi had received Taiwan compatriots and delivered an important speech since the 20th CPC National Congress in late 2022. The meeting took place amidst a complex and challenging situation in the Taiwan Strait. "Taiwan independence" separatists, in collusion with external forces, have made provocations to seek independence, further escalating tensions in the Strait. Xi's speech, filled with deep affection and goodwill towards Taiwan compatriots, will surely further unite compatriots on both sides of the Strait to achieve national reunification. Throughout its development journey, the Chinese nation has created a history demonstrating the inseparable connection between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Although the mainland and Taiwan are yet to be reunified, the fact that both belong to one China and one nation has never changed, and national reunification remains an irreversible trend. Confronted with the activities of "Taiwan independence" separatists colluding with foreign forces to undermine the development of their shared homeland, every member of the Chinese nation must unite in resolve to oppose and crack down on such actions. Compatriots across the Taiwan Strait should join hands to create a bright future of peaceful reunification, firmly holding the destiny of the Chinese nation in their own hands. During the meeting, Xi emphasized that improving the well-being of people across the Strait is the driving force and objective behind efforts to advance cross-Strait relations. He underscored the mainland's genuine sincerity and goodwill in benefiting Taiwan compatriots. The mainland will continue enhancing systems and policies aimed at improving the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, maintaining its commitment to ensuring a better life for people on both sides of the Strait. The mainland has always kept its doors open to Taiwan compatriots, actively fostering cross-Strait exchanges, interactions, and mutual understanding. It also unites all sectors of Taiwan society for concerted efforts to eliminate political obstacles and facilitate normal and regular exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Recognizing the pivotal role of youth in advancing cross-Strait relations, the mainland will implement more vigorous policies and measures to facilitate the sound development and success of youth across the Taiwan Strait. French-Brazilian mathematician Artur Avila delivers a lecture at Nankai University in Tianjin Municipality, north China, April 3, 2024. (Nankai University/Handout via Xinhua) TIANJIN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese mathematics researchers are enthusiastic, hardworking and dedicated, which makes people very hopeful for the development of the Chinese community in mathematics, said Artur Avila, a world-renowned mathematician, in an interview with Xinhua during his recent visit to Tianjin Municipality, north China. French-Brazilian mathematician Avila was officially appointed as a guest professor at Nankai University in early April, starting a new journey of his mathematical communication and cooperation. Avila, who works as a professor at the University of Zurich in Switzerland, is known for his profound contributions to the field of dynamical systems and spectral theory. In 2014, he was awarded the Fields Medal, one of the highest honors a mathematician can receive. Avila's academic experience in mathematics is full of cross-cultural exchange and integration. After completing all his studies in Brazil, he chose to move to France to be exposed to different people and different mathematics. "I think that one thing that's very important is to change your environment from time to time. You need to get outside of your initial field to see a little bit more of the diversity of math," Avila said. He added that mathematics is very international. Seeing different groups of mathematicians and different culturally influenced mathematics can be very important for the development of any mathematician. Avila also believes that China's mathematics discipline has performed well in the quality of education. "I feel that in a sense China is being seen as a more important part of mathematics in the world. It's becoming more and more unavoidable to interact here," Avila said. Actually, Avila had a deep cooperation with two of Nankai University's professors. The pair came up with a surprising idea that provided a new way of attacking a well-known problem. "Seeing such a new idea was unexpected to me, which was really nice and gave me more enthusiasm to keep collaborating with them," Avila said, adding that he was very happy to come to Nankai University to visit their workplace. Avila also delivered a lecture in Nankai University. While sharing his ideas, he was impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity of young Chinese students for mathematics. "From the young students, I felt enthusiasm. They really want to understand how is actually the process that still ahead of them. They think hard about how the future will go. I try to answer and be helpful to the best of my abilities. I hope it will help them," Avila said. He said that China has been making good progress in the field of mathematics, and he has five Chinese PhD students, whose diversified research styles show the vitality and potential of China's mathematical community, which is exactly what mathematics needs. "Mathematics is international. There's not one style of doing mathematics. Different cultures can be developed within China," Avila said, adding that he expects that more and more countries can strengthen mathematical cultural exchanges to spur innovation. Farmers from ten counties have been honoured at a prestigious farming award recognising the best grassland farmers in Ireland. The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year award is now in its seventh year and honours grassland farmers who are growing and utilising more grass on their farms. Longford man Patrick O'Neill captured a prize of 10,000 after he was crowned Overall Winner of the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year 2023, while farmers and farming students from nine other counties also took home awards in their respective categories. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD presented the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the year awards today (Thursday, April 11) at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College. The awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with an overall prize fund of 33,000. Minister McConalogue congratulated all of the winners. You are a credit to your families and to the agri sector. I congratulate you all and well done to the overall winner Patrick O Neill and his family. You can all be really proud of your achievements. The Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year awards are part of the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign which is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, AIB, FBD, Grassland Agro and the Irish Farmers Journal. The Grass10 programme has placed an ongoing focus on improving nutrient management and efficiency on farms and clover establishment and its management. Farmer Category winners: Patrick O'Neill, County Longford. Dairy Category William Gilmore, County Galway. Drystock Category Evan Hunt, County Sligo. Young Farmer Category Kevin O'Hanlon, County Carlow. Organic Category Killian Brennan, County Cavan. Nutrient Management Category Michael Carroll, County Limerick. Nutrient Management Category Student Section Mark Phillips, County Monaghan. Student Category Joint Winner Ballyhaise College Ronan Carroll, County Tipperary. Student Category Joint Winner Kildalton College Simon Biggins, County Mayo. Student Category Finalist Mountbellew College Thomas Mellett, County Mayo. Student Category Finalist Pallaskenry College Darragh Tattan, County Cork. Student Category Finalist Clonakilty College Chair of the Grass10 Committee, John MacNamara said; It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the farmers and students here today and especially their families. Families are so important to successful farms, fulfilling a range of roles, and providing vital support. This is the All Ireland title for grassland farmers. You can be proud of being here today. You are all winners. Its great to bring this awards presentation to Ballyhaise, to this part of the country. Speaking on behalf of the competition judges, Aidan Brennan of the Irish Farmers Journal thanked the farmers for taking part in the competition. He said, "The judges were impressed with the levels of grass production and management. We looked over data for a number of years. The prominence of clover has increased on farms, in line with our environmental ambitions. "Nutrient management is becoming more important. If you have clover in your swards, you dont need to spread as much chemical nitrogen. Nutrient use efficiency and nitrogen surplus are new terms being used on farms, and are part of the KPIs now on farms." Congratulating the grassland farmers, Professor Pat Dillon, Director of Research in Teagasc said, "You are all being recognised here today with these awards because of the exceptional job you are doing at home on your farms, in terms of growing and utilising grass in your production systems. "This years awards place an increased focus on improving Nutrient Use Efficiency on grassland farms; and also the adoption of clover in grassland swards. The judging panel for the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year competition consisted of Liz Hyland DAFM, John Maher and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10; John Farrell, AIB; Colin Heaney, FBD; John OLoughlin, and David Corbett, Grassland Agro; Aidan Brennan, and Declan Collins, Irish Farmers Journal. Workplace Accidents People are often apprehensive about making work injury claims because they fear losing their jobs or because they might upset an existing working relationship with their employer. It is essential to know that the law protects people injured at work from being penalised or threatened with dismissal for making work injury claims. It is worth remembering that most work injury claims settlement is paid by your employers public liability insurance company, so you should not be concerned about your fellow employees suffering financially due to making a work injury claim. Is there currently a high level of accidents in workplaces? In 2021, there was an increase in the number of non-fatal incidents reported to the Health and Safety Authority compared to 2020. In 2023, the Health and Safety Authority (H.S.A.) reported that 43 people died in Ireland due to workplace accidents; 16 fatal accidents were in the agricultural industry, and 11 fatal accidents were in construction. Fatal incidents occurred across all age groups, but the highest number of fatalities involved individuals aged 55 and above, with 22 deaths recorded in 2023, compared to 10 in 2022. These figures do not take into account the tens of thousands of people who are non-fatally injured in the workplace each year. Employers are legally obligated to provide their employees with a safe workplace. It is also in the employers financial interest to protect their employees. Employers are estimated to lose approximately 100million annually due to sickness and non-statutory leave. What provisions are in place to protect employees? There are several provisions in place; there is a standard law provision, which is dealt with by case law, that obliges an employer to provide a safe place of work; to provide a safe system of work; to provide proper equipment; to select proper and competent staff. In addition to the common law duties which an employer owes, the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (as amended) sets out several statutory responsibilities, including: that premises, equipment, work systems and articles for use at work (including tools and chemicals) are all safe and without risk to the health of those using them. Employers should prepare a written safety statement for their workplace. This action programme sets out how workplace health and safety are managed. When accidents occur in the workplace, do most people look for someone to be held accountable? Yes, victims, their families and those involved in one way or another typically look for someone to be accountable, but assigning responsibility is not always easy, particularly when a workplace accident occurs. At common law, the duty and standard of care are that an employer should act reasonably and prudently. The standard of care under the legislation is much higher. An employer is expected to act as reasonably practicable as possible and do everything they reasonably can to prevent an accident. Where an employee has an accident in the workplace, it does not automatically follow that the employer is liable for the injury suffered. Safety in the workplace is not the sole responsibility of the employer. When an accident occurs, it can be through negligence on the part of the employer or the part of the employee, or both may have contributed, and in some cases freak accidents can also occur where a set of circumstances collide which were unforeseeable and often these are described as acts of god. In what cases can the employer be considered negligent? An employer is legally required to take reasonable care for employees safety; however, the employers duty is not unlimited. The law does not require an employer to ensure employees safety in all circumstances. An employer will have discharged their duty of care if they do what a reasonable and prudent employer would have done in the circumstances. Even where a specific precaution is evident, countervailing factors may justify the employer not taking that precaution in the interest of the employees safety. It is not enough for an employee to simply suggest their employer was negligent; they must prove that the employer breached the common law or statutory duties to receive compensation. There are two essential elements to proving negligence: That the act complained of was reasonably foreseeable and That reasonable care was not taken to prevent the accident. An engineers report will often be required to support this element of the claim and prove that the employer failed in its duty of care to his employee. What should you do when you have a Workplace Accient? If someone experiences a workplace accident, there are several steps they should take from a legal perspective: Report it: Tell your boss or supervisor right away. Its usually required by law. Seek Medical Attention: Dont delay seeking medical attention, especially for serious injuries. Even minor injuries should be checked. Keep records: Write down what happened, when, and where. These details could be important later. Seek Legal Advice: For serious injuries, get legal advice from a personal injury lawyer. They can explain your options, like claiming compensation. Cooperate with inquiries: If there are investigations, help out. Its essential to be honest and provide any needed info. Is the care or duties owed by employers defined in the law? The courts have developed several duties over the years. Employers have a duty to: Provide a safe place of work Provide competent co-workers so that employees are not at risk Provide a safe system of work which is planned and organised Maintain the procedures which are in place. Provide instructions, training, equipment, and support to employees. Reported cases have laid down some general guidelines which are helpful but which are not exhaustive: The employer is not obliged to warn the employee of obvious risks The employer cannot foresee every risk that may occur. An employer may be negligent by omission if he has forgotten to do something a reasonable person would have done in the circumstances. Afterthought there are ways to minimise work accidents. Provide a safe place of work Provide competent co-workers so that employees are not at risk Provide a safe system of work which is planned and organised Maintain the procedures which are in place Provide instructions, training, equipment, and support to employees For further advice or if you wish to discuss any other legal area please contact reception@lynchsolicitors.ie or telephone 052-6124344. The material contained in this blog is provided for general information purposes only and does not amount to legal or otherprofessional advice. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the information, we advise you to seek specific advice from us about any legal decision or course of action. *Sponsored Content SUVA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Airways is expanding its aviation academy to address the increasing demand for pilot and cabin crew training from international airlines. The expansion will include two more simulators, a three-story safety and service training building for the cabin crew and an apartment-style accommodation block, which will have a restaurant, gymnasium and a swimming poll, according to Fiji Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen said this will attract more international airlines to use the academy. "We started with none, and today we have five international airlines that regularly use our facilities to train and develop their pilots, " Viljoen said. The expansion project will be completed in 2026. Fiji Airways Aviation Academy is a fully-integrated training center providing world-class training to Fiji Airways flight and cabin crew. This facility is now also available to passenger airlines and other aircraft operators globally. MOSCOW, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Russian authorities said Thursday that they have foiled the landing in the Kherson region of Ukrainian sabotage groups trained in Britain. The landing had been "planned by British special services" and was thwarted by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Russian Defense Ministry, read a statement by the FSB. One Ukrainian soldier was captured alive, and the soldier confirmed that the saboteurs were trained in Britain, it said. The FSB said that the Special Boat Service, a British maritime special forces unit, is supervising the activities in the Ukrainian military behind such operations, which "indicates the direct involvement of the United Kingdom in the conflict." Joseph Warren Stilwell, a renowned U.S. Army general in World War II, served in many positions including chief of staff of the allied China theater. He devoted huge effort to supporting the Chinese people in their resistance against the Japanese invasion, forging a deep and enduring friendship with the Chinese people. After he died, his descendants remain committed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the United States and China. Produced by Xinhua Global Service BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- After a year, Ma Ying-jeou led a group of young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland again. From April 1 to 11, Ma and his delegation embarked on a journey of root seeking, visits and exchanges, drawing wide attention from compatriots across the Taiwan Strait and the international community at large. The group's busy agenda deeply linked the history, reality and future at both sides of the Strait. SEEKING MEMORIES OF CHINESE NATION During the traditional Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which fell on April 4 this year, Ma and his delegation attended a ceremony in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to pay homage to Huangdi, also known as the Yellow Emperor, a legendary common ancestor of Chinese people. Most people in Taiwan have been firm in identifying with the Chinese culture and nation, said Ma, urging young people in Taiwan to commit to bear in mind the origin of Chinese culture and the Chinese nation, and the pride of being Chinese descendants. After visiting the Palace Museum in Beijing, Ma said he felt that his soul was stirred. "I believe no 'de-sinicization' misdeed will ever succeed," he added. Ma also led the group to visit several revolutionary sites and memorial facilities to relive the history of the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation saving their country. Lugou Bridge Incident, which broke out on July 7, 1937, is recognized as the start of Japan's full-scale invasion of China, and China's whole-of-nation resistance against Japanese aggression. After seeing the site of the incident, Ma said we must tell our offspring that commemorating the resistance war is for drawing lessons from the past, becoming self-reliant and revitalizing China. FRIENDSHIP AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE Young people are the hope of the country and future of the nation. About one year ago, Ma led a group of young people from Taiwan to visit three universities on the mainland for exchanges. In this April, young people from across the Strait gathered together for exchanges again as Ma and his delegation visited Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou and Peking University in Beijing. When visiting Peking University on Tuesday, Ma said huge potential remains for cross-Strait youth exchanges, calling for more opportunities for them to meet. Yang Chen, a doctoral student at Peking University, expressed hopes for deepened connections among young people from both sides of the Strait, saying that a strong bond is crucial for a brighter shared future. "I hope deeper friendships could blossom among young people on both sides," Yang said. PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENT OF CROSS-STRAIT RELATIONS During their visit to Shenzhen, Ma and his delegation toured renowned global enterprises such as DJI, Tencent, and BYD. They also explored a smart agriculture demonstration park in Shaanxi. Reflecting on their trip on the mainland, young participants from Taiwan said they had witnessed multifaceted development, expressing the intention to share authentic observation and insights about the mainland with their friends and family upon returning to Taiwan. Throughout their journey, Ma and his delegation consistently conveyed their aspirations for closer ties between compatriots across the Strait and advocated for peaceful cross-Strait relations. Ma emphasized the importance of pursuing peace and collaborating toward the revitalization of China on multiple occasions. Wayne Su, a student from Taiwan, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the delegation's mainland visit. "I hope we can engage in more in-depth exchanges." The start of Spring/Summer 2024 continues along a deadly pace as this year's homicide count is quickly catching up to last year's record breaking toll. This latest tragedy involves the shooting death of a young lady; this is the 2nd female killed so far this week. Police reveal that the victim in this circumstance was a girl who was the victim in a shooting incident that's still under investigation. KCMO now is less than 10 murders behind last year's count. Here is the first report . . . Homicide 3300 block of Flora Tonight just after 9:45pm officers were dispatched to the 3300 block of Flora on a sound of shots call. While officers were on the way the call was upgraded to a shooting with a victim inside a residence in the 3300 block of Flora. On arrival officers were led inside a residence where they located a female shooting victim unresponsive. Officers rendered aid and called for EMS who responded and took over treatment of the victim. EMS transported the victim to the hospital where she was declared deceased a short time later. The victim is believed to be a juvenile over the age of 10. Detectives are talking with people who were at the scene when officers arrived and canvassing for witnesses. Crime scene investigators are processing the scene for evidence to hopefully give detectives an idea of what led up to the shooting. If anyone heard or saw anything in this area or has any information they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ########### Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . KCPD identifies young girl killed in shooting A young girl was found with gunshot wounds in a home near 33rd Street and Flora on Wednesday night, according to Kansas City police. Young girl found shot inside Kansas City home dies at hospital Police found a girl, at least 10 years old, shot and unresponsive on Thursday morning. 11-year-old inside her home shot, killed by someone firing at the house One person was critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday night in Kansas City. Developing . . . For late night and early morning denizens of the local discourse we share another quick consideration at what we're reading right now with a focus on the big picture and a few notes we should've shared earlier. Check TKC news gathering . . . More Gunfire Midweek Kansas City police investigating life-threatening shooting on Flora Avenue One person was critically wounded in a shooting Wednesday night in Kansas City. Faults Of Perception Bizarre Earthquake Near Kansas City Wasn't Really an Earthquake? When is an earthquake not really an earthquake? When it's a recent one that hit the Kansas City, Missouri area that was felt by hundreds, but wasn't an earthquake at all. Building Up Burbs Downtown Market Plaza Construction April 6, 2024 The completion of the first phase of the Lee's Summit Downtown Market Plaza is scheduled for Spring of 2025. The new Farmer's Market & Event Space, Outdoor Performance Area, and S... Golden Ghetto Tax FAIL Frustrates Lenexa tax prep business under investigation by district attorney's office A Lenexa tax prep business is under investigation by the Johnson County District Attorney's Office. Home Team Sweep Spencer shelled, Seth stymies 'Stros, series secured 11-2 A complete victory to win the series. New Hotness Standard Rihanna sizzles in purple lingerie while eating French fries Rihanna made quite the impression in a new promotional video for her lingerie line Savage X Fenty. The 36-year-old hitmaker struck sultry poses in bed at a hotel with room service. White House Assurance Again Biden vows 'ironclad' support for Israel amid Iran attack fears "We're going to do all we can to protect Israel's security," Mr Biden said amid growing fears of retaliation. MAGA Earns More Love Trump visits Atlanta Chick-fil-A, buys customers chicken and shakes Chick-fil-A customers at an Atlanta restaurant were treated to milkshakes and chicken when former President Donald Trump stopped by on Wednesday. Crossing GOP Divide Speaker Johnson will meet with Trump as the Republican House leader fights for his job House Speaker Mike Johnson will meet with Donald Trump for a press conference on election integrity. Tech FAIL In Eastern Europe American drones are glitching and getting lost in Ukraine, giving way to a flood of Chinese drones Both sides are developing new drones and employing unmanned systems in ways that constantly change what combat looks like on the battlefield. Holy Land Tension Rising Tension at Al-Aqsa Mosque is deepening with each day of the Israel-Hamas war Friction between Palestinians, Jewish activists and police over Jerusalem's religious sites are a flashpoint of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The war in Gaza has brought the tensions to the fore. Far East Takeover Investigated DoJ opens probe into Nippon Steel's deal for US Steel - Politico (NYSE:X) The U.S. Department of Justice opens an investigation into Nippon Steel's proposed takeover of US Steel as concerns rise over foreign ownership of the iconic American company. Tragic Anti-Climax Wife found dead after 'extreme sex' as police probe 'risky practises' in bedroom It's believed the woman partook in 'extreme sex' during her holiday in Spain before she was found dead in a tourist apartment in Malaga and her husband was arrested Billionaire Busts Open Tech Meet Lauren Sanchez Stuns in Racy Red Corset Dress with Jeff Bezos at White House State Dinner Lauren Sanchez stunned in racy red corset dress with her fiance Jeff Bezos at the White House State Dinner held in honor of the prime minister of Japan on Wednesday. Eternal Hope Anniversary From hatred to kindness 10 years later | SevenDays founder shares how nonprofit grew hope out of tragedy KSHB 41 anchor Rae Daniel sat down with SevenDays founder Mindy Corporon 10 years after she lost her son and father in a shooting at the Jewish Community Center. Celebrate Kangaroo Science UMKC Student Changing the Course of Cancer Treatment It is hard to find someone whose life is not affected by cancer, and UMKC Ph.D. candidate, Yuhan Guo shared this reality when her grandmother was diagnosed with leukemia in 2018. Once a person is diagnosed, they have a couple of treatment options that work but often leave them weakened. Forecast For Midweek A few showers possible south of the KC metro Otherwise, there are pleasant conditions to end the work week in Kansas City And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. The United States' commitment to the upgrade of the Greek military is demonstrated by the US-Greece collaboration in the field of defense, American Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis underlined at the 9th Delphi Economic Forum on Thursday, ANA reports. In a chat with journalist Katerina Tsamouri, Tsunis referred to the Letter of Offer and Acceptance to the Greek defense ministry on Wednesday about the procurement of F-35s by Greece, noting that Greece is a very significant partner of the US, as Greece supports NATO's southeastern flank. Asked to comment if Greeks should worry that Turkiye is purchasing F-16s from the US, Tsunis noted the neighboring country has had F-16s for decades, just like Greece, and what the focus should be on instead is the significant improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, as both countries are NATO partners. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: ChristosV UN Tourism has again placed the focus on tourism investments, bringing together public and private sector leaders in Tirana. The Tourism Investments and Economic Development in Europe conference, jointly organized with the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, was held within the framework of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Europe. High-level delegates included investors from the hospitality, aviation, and real estate industries, alongside private sector stakeholders and various heads of various international organizations. Participants discussed and explored avenues how to revitalize Europes tourism sector through strategic investments, with a focus on long-term resilience and growth in line with the wider Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals. Tourism Doing Business in Albania During the conference, UN Tourism launched the latest in its series of Tourism Doing Business guidelines, with a new publication focused on Albania. The guidelines provide potential investors with an overview of Albanias business landscape, its economic resilience and growth potential. In 2023 Albania was ranked 4th globally for the largest percentage increase in international tourist arrivals, recording growth of 56% on 2019. Albania welcomed 7.5 million international arrivals in 2022 and 10.1 million in 2023. The strong robust rebound in tourism contributed to economic growth of nearly 5% growth in 2022. As of 2023, the GDP at current prices reached USD 23 billion compared to USD 12.3 billion in 2012. International tourism in Albania constitutes 46% of total exports and 65% of exports in the services sector. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: Albania presents multifaceted investment opportunities within its tourism sector. With its strategic geographic location, developing infrastructure, and a government dedicated to enhancing foreign direct investment, Albania emerges as an attractive destination for investors. These factors have been instrumental in driving Albania's growth and ongoing development. Natalia Bayona, UN Tourism Executive Director says: The tourism sector in Albania stands as a dynamic and promising landscape, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and strategic initiatives shaping its trajectory towards sustainable growth and success. With a surge in greenfield FDI announcements totaling USD 135 million within the tourism cluster, Albania solidifies its position as an attractive investment destination, heralding a promising future ahead. Investments and tourism employment growing The guidelines offer a comprehensive overview of the investment landscape in Albania. Key takeaways include: Over the past five years, Albania has consistently attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) at levels surpassing the preceding ten-year average OF EUR 1,004 million. In 2022, the country received EUR 1.372 billion, and between January and September 2023, it received around EUR 1.089 billion. As of 2023, Albania registered more than 154 startups in different sectors including financial services, tourism, technology, and innovation. The Startup Law supports the creation and development of high-growth potential startups in the technology and innovation sector. Value and Investments strategy Between 2018 and 2023, four greenfield projects were announced in the tourism cluster for a total of USD 135 million (according to fDi Intelligence Financial Times). Through that Strategic Investment Law, the country has promoted around 21 strategic investment projects related to tourism between 2016 and 2023. These projects, which have either been completed or initiated implementation, represent a total investment of EUR 3.09 billion, generating around 16,900 new jobs. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA China, the United States and the European Union reached new consensus on Wednesday on deepening cooperation on consumer product safety, according to the General Administration of Customs. #XinhuaNews Disneyland is updating its Disability Access Service (DAS) policies at its parks in California and Florida. The changes, which start on May 20 for Disney World and June 18 for Disneyland, include new ways to register and longer validity for passes. These updates aim to better serve guests with disabilities by making the parks more accessible. Major Updates to Accessibility Services at Disney Parks Disneyland has announced significant changes to its Disability Access Service (DAS), which helps guests who cannot endure long waits in standard lines due to disabilities. The updates involve new registration methods and adjustments to how long the service can be used. Starting May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, new guests must sign up for DAS through a virtual video call instead of in person. Although Disneyland will still offer in-person registration, it will be relocated to an area outside the parks. Disney recommends that guests handle registration early during their trip planning, but they also provide the option for same-day virtual registration. Previously, guests could use the DAS for 60 days after signing up. Now, Disneyland is extending this period to 120 days for new registrations made after the update takes effect, aiming to accommodate the growing demand for the service. This longer validity period helps ensure that guests with disabilities can enjoy their visit without needing frequent renewals. USA Today revealed that the update also includes additional support like American Sign Language interpretation, sensory guides, and special devices for guests with hearing impairments. These enhancements are part of Disneyland and Disney World's effort to improve accessibility for all guests, acknowledging a range of visible and invisible disabilities. Disney parks' initiative reflects its commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all visitors, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the magic of Disney without unnecessary hurdles. Disneyland Announces Lifetime Ban for Guests Misusing Disability Passes Disneyland has announced strict new rules for its Disability Access Service (DAS) to stop people from cheating the system. According to the Orange County Register, starting May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland, anyone caught lying about having a disability to skip lines will be banned for life. This decision aims to preserve the integrity of services meant for guests with genuine needs, such as those with autism and other developmental disorders. The theme parks updated their policies on April 9, outlining severe consequences for dishonest guests. Those found misusing the DAS system will lose their park tickets and annual passes without a refund. Disneyland officials have not detailed how they will detect frauds but indicated that Disney cast members and digital tracking might play a role in identifying cheats. This move comes as abuse of the system has increased, with some guests falsely claiming conditions like ADHD and anxiety to gain access to Lightning Lane benefits. Disneyland is determined to ensure that DAS remains available to those who truly need it, as misuse has significantly risen in recent years. Hop on board the Mesopotamia Express, Turkey's exciting new sleeper train, and cruise through some of the oldest cultural landscapes the world has to offer. Starting in Ankara on April 19, this train takes you on a journey through the stunning scenery and deep history of Turkey's heartlands. As you settle into your comfy cabin, the train will zip you away towards the desert landscapes and historic sites of central and southeastern Anatolia. You get to stop over in ancient cities like Kayseri, the heart of Cappadocia, and explore centuries-old Seljuk mosques and tombs without rushing through. Set to Roll: The Mesopotamia Express Hits the Tracks Come April 19, Turkey is set to roll out a treat for both train lovers and history buffs-the Mesopotamia Express. This new sleeper train will take you on a 1,051-kilometer journey through Turkey's heart, showcasing everything from Ankara's bustling vibes to the serene landscapes of southeastern Anatolia. You'll get to watch centuries of history pass by your window, from the comfort of a train that marries the old with the new. First Stop: Kayseri, the Gateway to Cappadocia Your first major pit stop comes three hours in at Kayseri, the historical heartbeat of Cappadocia. Here, you can hop off and wander through ancient mosques and tombs dating back to the 13th century, all echoing the tales of the Seljuk era. It is not merely a break in the journey but a plunge into a deep pool of architectural history. After exploring, you jump back on the train, ready for the next leg of this historical adventure. Next Up: Malatya and the Beauty of Arslantepe The train chugs along to Malatya, where the legendary Arslantepe Mound beckons. This spot is ancient, with its temples and mural paintings stretching back to 3000 BC. You get three hours to lose yourself in this UNESCO-listed site, likely snapping pics and maybe even trying some of Malatya's famous apricots. It's a rare chance to walk through layers of human history, all within arm's reach of your train seat. A Toast to History in Elazg Elazg is next, and it does not disappoint, especially if you are into wine and food. Famous for its vineyards and culinary arts, Elazg offers a perfect mix of indulgence and culture. Spend four hours here, and you'll get to taste the local life and its flavors, making it a key highlight of your journey on the Mesopotamia Express. End of the Line: Diyarbakr Your final destination is Diyarbakr, where the train circles back to Ankara on April 21. Diyarbakr offers plenty to see and do, from its ancient walls to its vibrant markets. It's a fitting end to a trip that's been all about connecting with Turkey's rich history and culture. Ticket to Ride Ready to book this journey? Tickets for the outbound trip from Ankara start at 257, with the return journey a bit lighter on the wallet at 230. This fare is your all-access pass to some of Turkey's most treasured spots. The train can host up to 180 passengers, offering everyone from dining to sleeping cars that transform seats into beds for a comfy night's sleep. Last Friday, a United Airlines flight headed for Seattle had to make an unexpected stop in Dallas because of a dog poop problem in the cabin. The incident, which involved a dog having an accident in the first class aisle, led to the diversion to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The messy situation required extensive cleanup and caused discomfort among passengers. United Airlines Flight Diverted Due to Dog Poop Problem The problem started when a dog, which was supposed to stay in its carrier, relieved itself in the plane's first class section. This resulted in a strong odor that persisted throughout the flight. Passengers reported feeling sick, and the plane's first class toilet had to be closed off because the mess could not be fully cleaned there. Additionally, food supplies spoiled due to the delay, leaving few snacks for passengers. As per The Global Filipino Magazine, the cleanup effort on the ground took over two hours, involving the ground crew working diligently with paper towels to manage the situation. Despite their efforts, the smell lingered, adding to the passengers' frustration. United Airlines has confirmed the incident and explained that their policy allows dogs on domestic flights if they remain in their carriers. This is not the first time a dog poop problem has caused trouble on a United Airlines flight. A similar incident happened in February when a dog got out of its crate and defecated in the cabin. That situation also required significant cleanup, with flight attendants wearing protective suits to handle the mess. Online, many people shared their own experiences with pets on planes, with some suggesting that dogs should only fly when absolutely necessary. Others called for stricter rules about pets in public areas to prevent future incidents. The recent events highlight the challenges of managing animals on flights and the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure a pleasant travel experience for all passengers. Related Article : United Airlines Faces Scrutiny After Series of Flight Issues "Poopy Problem" in the United Airlines Flight Sparks Debate A recent incident on a United Airlines flight has reignited the debate on whether dogs should be allowed in airplane cabins. The flight, which was traveling from Houston to Seattle, had to make an unscheduled stop in Dallas due to a dog relieving itself in the first class aisle. This event forced the plane to land unexpectedly and left the crew and passengers dealing with an unpleasant cleanup. The diversion caused by the dog's accident sparked a heated discussion. A poll created by the Daily Mail showed that 68% of readers believe dogs should not be allowed in airplane cabins. Only 14% opposed the ban, while 18% felt that well-trained animals should not be excluded. The incident showed ongoing concerns about the suitability of pets in cabin spaces, especially after similar occurrences. Some argue that pets should travel in cargo unless they are service animals for the blind, criticizing lax rules around "emotional support" animals. This debate continues as airlines and passengers grapple with the best policies for traveling with pets. As the Eid Al Fitr holiday begins on April 10, many in the UAE looked forward to camping and enjoying the cooler weather. However, loud music and karaoke throughout the night have caused problems for those seeking peace in nature. Campers Seek Peace as Noise Disrupts UAE Holiday Getaways One camper, who chose to stay anonymous, shared their experience on a Facebook group for UAE camping fans. They reported that a group came to Wadi Showka at 1 a.m., making a lot of noise and playing loud music. Even when asked to be quieter, the noisy group did not listen and said they were in a public place which they believed allowed them to be loud. This behavior led to a discussion among campers about the lack of respect for quiet and the natural environment. Another camper stressed the importance of respecting nature and the desires of others to enjoy a peaceful setting. The situation was particularly hard for a family at Al Aqqa Beach, whose young child could not sleep because of a nearby karaoke session that lasted until morning. Similarly, at Al Qudra, the end of the camping season was spoiled by loud music and littering from a new group. These events have led to campers across the UAE asking for more control and respect at camping sites. According to The Global Filipino Magazine, they have reached out to the UAE government, hoping for actions that will protect the peace and cleanliness of these natural areas. Campers are urging everyone to be considerate and follow basic rules of camping to ensure everyone can have a good time. The hope is that with everyone's cooperation and possible government help, camping can be enjoyable for all in the UAE. Eid Al Fitr Celebrations Fill the UAE with Joy and Unity On the first day of Eid Al Fitr, thousands of Muslims across the UAE gathered for morning prayers at mosques and Eid musallahs, marking the end of Ramadan. The festive spirit was alive as people exchanged greetings and ventured into lively streets, bustling malls, and markets throughout the Emirates. Families and friends came together to celebrate this special day. In Dubai, Zain Alsayed enjoyed a large family gathering in Sharjah, where relatives from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai shared a meal featuring traditional dishes like Biriyani. Similarly, Zoya Shaikh from Abu Dhabi spent the day with family visiting from the UK and India, enjoying a lighter lunch and planning to watch the Eid fireworks. Across the UAE, hotels reported high occupancy, with many taking advantage of festive deals and culinary offerings, as reported by Khaleej Times. Shopping was also a major activity, highlighted by Dubai's Eidiya Digital Raffle, where shoppers could win big prizes. The day was not just about food and shopping but it was also a time for unity and community. Neighbors shared meals and sweets, exemplifying the UAE's spirit of togetherness during Eid Al Fitr. However, some people celebrated the event without thinking if they disrupted others' sleep as what campers experienced. CANBERRA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed news that U.S. President Joe Biden is considering a request to drop the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Albanese on Thursday said he was encouraged by Biden's comments in Washington on Wednesday local time that the United States is considering Australia's plea to drop the prosecution of Assange over the 2010 release of confidential military records and diplomatic cables. "I believe this must be brought to a conclusion and that Mr. Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough," Albanese told state media Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television. "There's nothing to be gained by Mr. Assange's continued incarceration, in my very strong view." An Australian citizen who founded WikiLeaks in Australia in 2006, Assange is currently trying to appeal his extradition from the United Kingdom to the United States to face trial for the 2010 leaks. The UK High Court in March asked the United States for assurances that Assange would have a fair trial and not face the death penalty if convicted before making a final decision in May on whether he can appeal the extradition order. Albanese in February supported a motion raised in the federal parliament by independent Member of Parliament (MP) Andrew Wilkie calling for Assange's return to Australia. Wilkie was among a delegation of MPs who in September traveled to Washington where they urged politicians and officials to abandon extradition efforts for Assange. On Thursday, Wilkie told ABC radio that Biden's comment was very encouraging. Serial production and new missile models: our defense industry has the necessary results. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a video message, Ukrinform reported citing the President's website. Dear Ukrainians! Briefly about today. Today, I held a meeting regarding our missile program with the Head of the Committee, Minister of Defence, Ministry of Strategy and Industry, and heads of relevant enterprises. Serial production, and new models of missiles. The details arent public, but our "defence industry" has the necessary results. And the main thing is that now the army implements these results. Today, I also discussed the current situation on the frontlines with the Central Committee. There was also a report by the head of the Main Directorate of Intelligence. The second thing. International work. I met with the Minister of Defence of Lithuania - this is his first visit abroad in this position, and it is important that this visit is to Ukraine. We discussed the needs of our soldiers, our cooperation - Ukraine and Lithuania - in the production of weapons. I addressed the participants of the forum in Greece: the Delphi Forum - a representative gathering, political and expert circles of Europe and America. I spoke primarily about Kharkiv, and about our other cities, our communities, which are subject to constant Russian terror. Air defence, long-range weapons, and artillery are the key priorities now. We are working in all directions of our foreign policy to get more of this strength to our state. I also met with the head of the International Organisation for Migration. We discussed projects to support our people who lost their homes, a program to build shelters for schools, programs to help displaced people who establish businesses and create jobs, and i am thankful for the support of our communities, especially those affected by the Russians' destruction of the Kakhovka HPP. I spoke with the head of the government of Ireland, and congratulated him on the start of work in his position, and we also agreed to continue our cooperation between Ukraine and Ireland: both bilaterally and at the European level. Today I spoke with the President of Switzerland, and this is a continuation of our consolidation of the international community. Every leader, every state, who wants to see the end of Russian aggression in a truly just peace, has the opportunity to join our global efforts - the first Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland in June. We are preparing the summit, and we are preparing its specific results - a clear position of the world regarding the just end of this war. The world does not have an alternative. However, for this to happen, for Russian terror to cease, all formats of our force must be involved. Physical defence against terror includes air defence, and our capabilities at the frontline, as well as our ability to achieve the necessary results in the Black Sea, and our domestic production of weapons, the economic stability of Ukraine, the pressure of our partners on Russia, and the strongest possible consolidation of the world. We have no right to make a mistake in any of these aspects. And one more thing. Today, Russian terrorists have attacked our communities with the guided aviation bombs. In particular, in the Kharkiv region. There are victims, and as of now, we know about three people who were killed as a result of an attack, among them a child. My deepest condolences to everyone who lost their beloved ones today. This is Russian terror, happening everyday and every night in our border and frontline regions. Putin will do anything possible to intensify attacks against Ukraine this year and to attempt to break us. Of course, we are increasing our capabilities such as our long-range weapon and our ability to destroy the occupant. However, we need at least equal internal strength, as well as an inner understanding that only the strong ones finish the war on their conditions. The weak ones end the wars on someone elses conditions. Ukraine must be strong. We will do anything possible to achieve it. I would like to thank everyone who gives more strength to Ukraine! I am grateful to everyone who fights and works for the sake of our state and our people. Glory to Ukraine! Latvia will provide about EUR 112 million in military support to Ukraine this year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this on his Telegram channel after the signing of the Ukrainian-Latvian agreement on security cooperation and long-term support, Ukrinform reports. "This year, Latvia will provide about 112 million euros in military support. Latvia will also help with recovery and reconstruction, protection of critical infrastructure, demining, unmanned technologies, and cyber security," Zelensky said. He also thanked Latvia for its readiness to help Ukraine fight off Russian aggression for as long as it takes. On April 11, Zelensky arrived in Lithuania to attend the Three Seas summit and hold talks with the heads of partner states. SEOUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's liberal opposition bloc won more than three-fifths of seats in parliamentary elections, the National Election Commission said Thursday. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party took 161 directly-contested constituency seats, while its satellite party secured 14 proportional representation (PR) slots, with 99.99 percent of the votes counted. The minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party earned 12 PR seats, while the minor center-left New Future Party and the minor leftist Progressive Party gained one respective seat in electoral districts. The number of parliamentary seats, snatched by the broader liberal bloc, totaled 189. The ruling conservative People Power Party and its sister party obtained 90 constituency seats and 18 PR seats each. The minor center-right New Reform Party garnered one constituency seat and two PR seats. The quadrennial polls for 300 members of the National Assembly were carried out at 14,259 voting stations across the Asian country on Wednesday to let voters cast ballots for 254 constituency seats and 46 PR slots. During a meeting in Vilnius, Presidents of Ukraine and Poland Volodymyr Zelensky and Andrzej Duda discussed the preparation of a bilateral security agreement. Zelensky reported this on Facebook, according to Ukrinform. The parties also discussed the preparation of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland and cooperation on Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO. Zelensky informed his counterpart about the nighttime missile attacks by Russian troops on energy facilities and the difficult situation in Kharkiv. He emphasized that Ukraine critically needs increased support from its partners, especially in air defense. The Head of State thanked Duda for his consistent support of Ukraine and constant defense assistance. As reported, Zelensky arrived on a working visit to Lithuania, where he took part in the Three Seas Summit. Among other things, he met with the presidents of Lithuania, Gitanas Nauseda, the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, and Latvia, Edgars Rinkevics. During the meeting with the Latvian leader, a bilateral security agreement was signed between Ukraine and Latvia. Moldovas path to the European Union must not become hostage to the settlement process for Transnistria as authorities in Chisinau cannot fully control it. That's according to EU Ambassador to Moldova Janis Mazeiks, who spoke with journalists in the run-up to the International Mayors Summit in Chisinau. For us, we have one negotiation partner and that's the government in Chisinau. For us, we are working with the Republic of Moldova within its internationally recognized borders. And that is the starting premise for everything, said Mazeiks. He added that the EU preference would be that Moldova joins the European Union with the reintegrated region of Transnistria. But at the same time, we do not want to see the country as a hostage to the political settlement because it shouldn't be responsible for something that it not necessarily can affect, said the ambassador. We can't exclude the possibility that initially, it would be the Right Bank, the territory that is controlled by the Constitutional authorities, that would join first. And then the Left Bank would join later, but this is not our preferred option, Mazeiks said. The EU expects to see in the coming years more clarity on both readiness and the interest of the Transnistrian de facto authorities to engage in this process, the ambassador added. Because that's when details will come up on the negotiations on Gagauzia. We are engaging indeed with all parts of the Republic of Moldova, he said. The ambassador noted difficulties in engaging with the authorities in Gagauzia, in particular, the Bashkan, because for us, it is impossible to engage with someone who has not clearly stated that she takes distance from a person who has been convicted in the Republic of Moldova for stealing 1 billion, Elan Shor. Also doesn't facilitate this interaction the fact that there are regular interactions with President Putin on her side, Mazeiks said. So what we are doing with Gagauzia, we are continuing our projects with the municipalities, with the independent media, with the local businesses, so that the people can see the advantages of the European Union, said the diplomat. He also acknowledges the reality that not always all people will be supportive of the European Union due to propaganda that he says needs to be dispelled and fought, bringing out our positive story President Maia Sandu of Moldova is grateful to Ukraine for ensuring that her country leaves in peace. The president spoke with journalists at the opening of the International Mayors Summit that is being held in Chisinau on April 11, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. We are very grateful because Ukraine today is giving Moldova peace, Sandu said. The whole world will continue to support Ukraine, and we believe in Ukraines victory and Ukraines peace, she noted. According to the president, Moldovans will continue to do whatever they can to help our friends in Ukraine. As reported earlier, citing Moldovas Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi, the relations with Russia are at their lowest level and there are no prospects of these relations improving while Russia continues its atrocities in Ukraine. According to the top diplomat, Russia constitutes the biggest threat to Moldova, which is reflected in the countrys national security strategy. Memo: Founded in Ukraine, the International Mayors Summit is organized by the US-funded Western NIS Enterprise Fund. Endorsed by the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, this years Summit is held abroad for the first time. Countries of the Global South are among the most ardent defenders of international law and UN Charter as they inherently feel the threat of borders being redrawn by force. That's according to U.S. Deputy Representative in the UN Ned Price, who spoke at the International Mayors Summit in Chisinau, Moldova, on April 11, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. Countries around the world recognized the brutality, the atrociousness of what Russia is doing to Ukraine. We've seen that over the course of the two plus years and when it comes to not only the Global South but the broad cross-section of countries, the votes that we've seen in the United Nations, 143 countries, standing up for the principles of the U.N Charter itself, the very principle that a big country like Russia cannot bully a smaller country like Ukraine, that borders can't be erased, that the use of force is unacceptable, Price said. There are countries in the Global South that feel this threat inherently, Price stressed, because of their own history. Some of the biggest defenders of the UN Charter and international law are countries in the Global South because they know these principles instinctively, the idea that big countries can't dictate the rules, that the rules apply to everyone, that borders can't be redrawn. The Global South feels this. They know this. And we've heard that very clearly from the Global South as well, Price said. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer believes that it is now important to provide large-scale support to Ukraine so that Russia sees the futility of a war of attrition, and at the same time to try to involve the countries of the so-called Global South, which have influence on Moscow, to find a solution toward peace. The Department of State has been in an active conversation with U.S. Congress as regards the need to approve further assistance to Ukraine. That's according to Ned Price, U.S. Deputy Representative to the UN, who attended the International Mayors Summit in Chisinau, Moldova, on April 11, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. We are acutely attuned to the continuing need to stand with Ukraine, not only rhetorically, but also with real resources. And so for many months now we've been engaged in a very active conversation with Congress and that conversation is ongoing, said Price. But weve been hearing from Congress day in and day out, from Democrats and from Republicans, that they support continued solidarity with Ukraine, the diplomat added. I know that it has the overwhelming support of the American people, the overwhelming bipartisan support of members of Congress, the American people, the United States Congress, certainly this administration understands the imperative of continuing to stand with Ukraine, said Price. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Canada has increased its support to Ukraine amid delays in the approval of a new aid package by the U.S. Congress, according to Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico have signed a roadmap for cooperation between Ukraine and Slovakia. According to an Ukrinform correspondent, the signing ceremony took place after government consultations in Michalovce. In the presence of the two countries' prime ministers, Ukrainian and Slovak government officials also signed a memorandum of understanding between the Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Authority of the Slovak Republic and the State Service of Ukraine for Geodesy, Cartography and Cadaster and an agreement between the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic and the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine on cooperation and interaction in chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear safety. The two countries' foreign ministers also signed an inter-governmental agreement on the paid activities of family members of diplomatic representatives and consular institutions. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia and the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine regarding cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. Ukrainian-Slovak government consultations were held on Thursday in the Slovak town of Michalovce, closer to the border with Ukraine. Photo credit: Denys Shmyhal / Telegram facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published April 11, 2024 CAPTION: ULM Atmospheric Science students traveled to Cabot, Ark. to experience the totality of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Photo credit: Zach Hardcastle MONROE, LA ULM Associate Professor of Atmospheric Science Dr. Todd Murphy and students in the ULM Atmospheric Science program traveled to Cabot, Ark., on Monday, April 8, to locate in the path of totality for an atmospheric boundary layer experiment during the total solar eclipse. ULM was one of multiple atmospheric science groups in the field on Monday within the path collecting measurements on how the abrupt decrease in solar radiation would impact the lower part of the atmosphere called the boundary layer. Initially planning to locate in northeast Texas, cloud cover forecasts began to worry the atmospheric scientists on Friday and Saturday. Student Zach Hardcastle offered his familys property in Cabot as a potential experiment site, given they were in the path and cloud cover forecast across central Arkansas was more favorable. It ended up being a great decision as the skies were mostly clear across Arkansas leading to perfect eclipse viewing and excellent data collection. Preliminary data analyses show an 8-10 temperature decrease during totality and a decrease in surface winds. In addition, ULMs National Science Foundation funded Doppler wind LiDAR showed an abrupt collapse of the boundary layer circulations that are normally present when the sun is out. The ULM students launched three weather balloons during the event. According to Dr. Murphy, Experiencing totality was a top lifetime experience. Its hard to describe the feeling and view in the moments just before, as everything surrounding you loses color saturation, and the air immediately cools with the decreasing sunlight. Im excited to dig into the data we collected. Atmospheric Science student Alec Soileau remarked This eclipse was truly an awe-inspiring event that is beyond words. One of the best events of my life. CAPTION: The group of Atmospheric Science students and Dr. Todd Murphy. facebook like button Tweet tweet button for twitter Published April 11, 2024 CAPTION: John Dimos addresses the crowd gathered at the Laird Weems Center to honor the late Judge Jimmy Dimos onFebruary, 24, 2024. MONROE, LA The ULM Foundation recently hosted a gathering to honor the ULM legacy of the late Jimmy Dimos. On Saturday, February 24, 2024, friends, family, and ULM faculty and staff attended the event at the Laird Weems Center to celebrate the life of one of our areas most prominent citizens. Many that knew Judge Dimos remarked that he truly lived the American Dream. As a child of twelve in 1951, he emigrated with his family from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (modern day North Macedonia) to join his father in Monroe, Louisiana. Prior to the move, Dimos experienced WWII and its deprivations. In a 1999 address to the Louisiana House of Representatives, he recollected German and Italian troops occupying his hometown during the war. I could look over the backyard of our house and see where they were stationed, with tents and guns. Thank goodness we were never attacked but we suffered through a lot of inconveniences curfews, planes flying overhead, sirens going on and off. After graduating from Northeast Louisiana State College with a degree in government, Judge Dimos attended Tulane University where he received his Juris Doctorate. He began practicing law in April of 1964 and within ten years he and two colleagues established their own firm of Dimos, Brown, & Erskine in Monroe. He served in the Louisiana House of Representatives for many years including his time as Speaker of the House during the Roemer Administration. He later held the position of Judge for the Fourth Judicial District Court for eight years. In tribute to his tireless commitment to his adopted home, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Judicial Hall of Fame. Judge Dimos remained connected to his alma mater, serving as the President of the ULM Alumni Association as well as receiving one of the universitys highest alumni honors, The ULM Golden Arrow Award. In support of ULM and its students, Jimmy and his wife, Dale, endowed a scholarship in honor of his father, Nick Dimos, which has provided much-needed financial support for students in the College of Business & Social Sciences. ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry summed it up best, We appreciate the lifetime of service Judge Dimos provided to our region and state and for his commitment and generosity to ULM. The scholarship he funded in honor of his father, Nick Dimos, will continue to change lives for generations to come and the manner in which he lived his life will continue to serve as a model for our students. An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows a farm in Binggu Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Guo Yu) A worker weighs cherries at a sorting center in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) Workers load packed cherries onto a truck in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) An aerial drone photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows a mango plantation in Zhongshan Village of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows a blueberry planting base in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows a terraced field in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) This photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows a mango plantation in Zhongshan Village of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) Villager Sun Dengwu picks cherries in Dushu Village of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows an industrial park of plantations with crops and vegetables planted in turn in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows villagers loading tomatoes onto a truck at a farm in Binggu Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Guo Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows an industrial park of plantations with crops and vegetables planted in turn in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) An aerial drone photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows a mango plantation in Zhongshan Village of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) Farm director Leng Tianhua checks the growing conditions of crop roots based on soilless culture technology at a farm in Binggu Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 8, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Guo Yu) Farm director Leng Tianhua introduces soilless culture technology to students at a farm in Binggu Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 7, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua) Villager Fu Li sorts and packages blueberries at a blueberry planting base in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) This photo taken on April 9, 2024 shows newly-picked blueberries at a blueberry planting base in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) Villager Fu Li picks blueberries at a blueberry planting base in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Zhang Haofu) This photo taken on April 8, 2024 shows eggplants at a plantation in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) Workers sort cherries at a sorting center in Puwei Town of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) Visitors are seen at a coffee shop as they view the idyllic scenery in Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 9, 2024. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Shen Bohan) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 16, 2024 shows a loquat plantation in Longhua Village of Miyi County, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Anning River plain, which is nurtured by Anning River, is the second largest plain in southwest Sichuan. It provides a favorable foundation for agricultural development with its unique natural conditions such as water, soil, light and climate. Miyi County of Panzhihua City, located along the Anning River, is one of the first counties in China to build national agricultural modernization demonstration zone. In recent years, Miyi County has built modern agricultural parks taking advantages of modern science and technology. A "three-level" agricultural mode, with different kinds of crops, fruits and vegetables planted in different altitudes, has been designed to improve economic effectiveness. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province. Approximately 5,000 Chinese people attended a grand ceremony on Thursday morning here to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor. March 3 on the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Thursday this year, is widely believed to be the birthday of Huangdi. As a legendary common ancestor of the Chinese people, Huangdi was believed to have been born in the county-level city of Xinzheng. Worshipping Huangdi is a tradition in China. The ceremony of ancestor worship in Huangdi's hometown was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) ZHENGZHOU, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Approximately 5,000 Chinese people attended a grand ceremony on Thursday morning in central China's Henan Province to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi, or the Yellow Emperor. Held in Xinzheng City, the ceremonial rituals included firing salute cannons, presenting flower baskets, burning incense, a worshipping ceremony, and tributes through music and dance. Sixty-four dancers performed Bayi, an iconic ceremonial dance in ancient China, while 99 Chinese zither players sat around, playing melodious ancient music. "The ancestral worship ceremony is an important ritual in Chinese traditional culture, which showcases the profound cultural heritage, solidarity and progressive spirit of the entire Chinese nation," said Wang Runze, deputy head of the School of Journalism and Communication, Renmin University of China. The ceremony was conducted simultaneously both on-site and online, allowing for wider participation and engagement. In addition to the ceremony, numerous other activities were arranged, such as a merchants' conference, a cultural forum, and the start of a dedicated cultural week celebrating Huangdi. March 3 on the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on Thursday this year, is widely believed to be the birthday of Huangdi. As a legendary common ancestor of the Chinese people, Huangdi was believed to have been born in the county-level city of Xinzheng, which is administered by the provincial capital Zhengzhou. Xinzheng annually hosts grand ancestral worship ceremonies, initially organized spontaneously by local residents. However, in the 1990s, the Xinzheng city government took the initiative to organize and promote these ceremonies, gradually elevating them into culturally significant events with widespread domestic and international influence. Worshipping Huangdi is a tradition in China. The ceremony of ancestor worship in Huangdi's hometown was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Performers dance during a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Hao Yuan) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province.(Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province.(Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province.(Xinhua/Hao Yuan) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province.(Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) Performers attend a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Hao Yuan) This photo taken on April 11, 2024 shows a view of a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) Performers act during a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) Performers attend a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) Performers act during a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Hao Yuan) Performers dance during a ceremony to worship the legendary ancestor Huangdi in Xinzheng City, central China's Henan Province, April 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) The Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapter at American University recently found itself in the spotlight following a disciplinary hearing that resulted in probation for the group. The decision came after a demonstration held on February 8th, where student activists silently marched through campus buildings advocating for divestment from Israel and denouncing violence in Gaza. The ensuing probation, as reported by The Eagle, the university's student newspaper, has sparked debate and raised questions about free speech, campus safety, and the dynamics of advocacy in academic settings. The Silent Protest and Its Implications The demonstration staged by the SJP at American University was a silent yet powerful statement against the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Participants held signs condemning violence in Gaza and calling for divestment from Israel, drawing attention to a profoundly divisive issue with global implications. However, the decision to have the protest indoors, violating university directives prohibiting indoor demonstrations, led to disciplinary action against the SJP chapter. Matthew Bennett, American University's vice president and chief communications officer, clarified that the probation resulted from the group's violation of directives outlined by university officials in January. These directives, which included a ban on indoor protests, were developed in response to complaints from various advocacy groups, including the campus Jewish community and the Anti-Defamation League. The move reflects the university's commitment to maintaining campus safety and fostering a sense of belonging for all students. READ ALSO : Smith College Students Occupy Hall Demanding Divestment From Weapons Manufacturers Controversy and Criticism The decision to place the SJP chapter on probation has not been without its critics. The group denounced the indoor protest ban as "repressive," arguing that it could stifle dissenting voices on campus. In an Instagram post, the SJP expressed concern over the vagueness of the university's definition of a protest, suggesting that it could be wielded to suppress legitimate forms of expression. Moreover, the involvement of external advocacy groups in shaping university policy has raised eyebrows among those who advocate for academic freedom and autonomy. The influence of the Jewish studies director and other members of the campus Jewish community, as well as the Anti-Defamation League, in formulating the directives has sparked a debate about the role of external pressure in shaping campus discourse. Broader Context and Campus Activism The probation of the SJP chapter at American University is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend of universities grappling with activism surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict. Similar disciplinary actions have been taken against SJP chapters at other institutions, including Columbia University, George Washington University, and campuses within the State University System of Florida. These developments highlight the complex interplay between free speech, campus politics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While universities have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, they must also uphold principles of academic freedom and encourage robust debate on contentious issues. Finding a balance between these competing interests remains a challenge for institutions navigating the complexities of modern advocacy and activism. In conclusion, the probation of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter at American University underscores the challenges universities face in managing campus activism and upholding their commitments to diversity and inclusion. As debates continue to unfold, stakeholders must engage in constructive dialogue and seek solutions that uphold the values of free expression and academic inquiry. In a recent announcement, officials from Goddard College in Vermont declared that the institution would cease operations at the end of May. The decision, attributed to declining enrollment and severe financial constraints, marks the culmination of years of struggle for the progressive college. Here's a breakdown of the factors leading to the closure and its implications. Years of Struggles and Devastating Loss Goddard College, known for its alternative and progressive approach to higher education, has been grappling with financial instability for an extended period. According to Board of Trustees Chair Mark Jones, the decision to close the college was a heartbreaking but inevitable outcome of declining enrollment and impending financial insolvency. With only 220 students currently enrolled compared to over 1,900 in the 1970s, the college has faced a significant decline in its student body. President Dan Hocoy echoed these sentiments, expressing regret over the closure but emphasizing the absence of viable alternatives. Despite recognizing the profound impact on students, faculty, and the broader community, Hocoy emphasized the enduring legacy of Goddard College and the potential for its alums to carry forward its mission in various ways. READ ALSO : Fontbonne University Announces Closure After 15 Years Of Enrollment Declines Financial Woes and Sector-wide Challenges Goddard's closure is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader trend of financial struggles and closures within the higher education sector. Public financial documents reveal that the college has incurred losses in seven of the last ten fiscal years, indicating longstanding financial challenges. Additionally, the college borrowed $2.1 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2016, an unpaid debt. The closure of Goddard College comes amidst a wave of similar announcements from other institutions across the United States. Oak Point University, Birmingham Southern College, Fontbonne University, and Notre Dame College are among the recent closures attributed to enrollment and financial issues. Furthermore, institutions like Northland College and Eastern Gateway Community College are teetering on the brink of closure unless substantial funding is secured. Impact on Vermont's Higher Education Landscape The closure of Goddard College has significant implications for Vermont's higher education sector, which has already experienced a series of closures and consolidations in recent years. With a population comparable to Boston's, Vermont has been disproportionately affected by declining enrollment and financial instability. The loss of Goddard College further diminishes the state's roster of higher education institutions following the closures of Green Mountain College, the College of St. Joseph, and Southern Vermont College. Moreover, the closure underscores the broader challenges facing small liberal arts colleges and alternative education institutions in an increasingly competitive landscape. The consolidation of institutions like Northern Vermont University, Castleton University, and Vermont Technical College into the Vermont State Colleges System reflects ongoing efforts to adapt to changing demographic and financial realities. In conclusion, the closure of Goddard College serves as a poignant reminder of the financial pressures facing higher education institutions and the need for innovative solutions to navigate these challenges sustainably. As the sector evolves, stakeholders must remain vigilant in addressing systemic issues while preserving the diverse educational opportunities vital to students and communities. Amidst ongoing struggles with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), California has taken a significant step to assist students from mixed-status families by opening the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The California Dream Act Application (CADAA), an alternative application typically designated for 'dreamers' or undocumented students brought to the U.S. as minors, is now playing a crucial role in addressing the barriers faced by students with undocumented parents or guardians. This development is set to make a significant impact on the higher education landscape. Challenges with FAFSA and the Need for Alternatives Since January, students with undocumented parents have been grappling with persistent technical issues while attempting to complete the FAFSA. These issues, coupled with complex workarounds imposed by the Education Department, have significantly hindered access to federal financial aid. This situation has left many students frustrated and uncertain about their prospects for funding their higher education. In response, California has opened the CADAA as a viable alternative for these students. While state officials have urged students from mixed-status families to attempt still to complete the FAFSA, the availability of the CADAA offers a crucial lifeline for accessing state grants and scholarships at public colleges. Typically, these financial aid opportunities require FAFSA completion for citizens, placing undocumented students and those from mixed-status families at a disadvantage. By expanding access to the CADAA, California aims to ensure equitable access to higher education funding for all students, regardless of immigration status. Impact and Implications for Financial Aid Accessibility The decision to open the CADAA reflects broader concerns about declining FAFSA completion rates, which have plummeted by 40 percent nationwide. With its substantial mixed-status family population of nearly 4.3 million individuals, California faces one of the most significant declines in FAFSA completion rates across the country. This trend underscores the urgent need to address the unique challenges faced by undocumented students and their families in accessing financial aid. Moreover, the extended application deadline for state financial aid, shifted from April 2 to May 2, provides some relief for students navigating these complex processes. However, with the deadline fast approaching, students must act swiftly to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and secure essential educational financial assistance. The availability of the CADAA offers a critical pathway for students to access state-specific aid programs and pursue their academic goals without unnecessary barriers. Looking Ahead: Ensuring Equity and Access As California and other states grapple with the complexities of financial aid accessibility, it is essential to prioritize equity and inclusivity in higher education policy and practice. By expanding access to alternative applications like the CADAA, states can empower undocumented students and those from mixed-status families to pursue their educational aspirations without facing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles. Moving forward, policymakers must continue to advocate for comprehensive reforms to streamline the financial aid application process and eliminate barriers based on immigration status. Additionally, increased outreach and support services for underserved student populations can play a pivotal role in ensuring all students have equal opportunities to access higher education and achieve their full potential. In conclusion, the opening of the CADAA to students with undocumented parents represents a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and equity in California's higher education system. By recognizing the unique challenges these students face and providing alternative pathways to financial aid, the state reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams, regardless of immigration status. In response to Governor Josh Shapiro's initiative to enhance Pennsylvania college enrollment, Republican lawmakers have introduced a comprehensive counterproposal. This alternative plan, endorsed by GOP leadership in the state legislature, seeks to address critical workforce shortages and enrollment declines in higher education institutions. Here's a detailed exploration of the key elements and implications of the Republican proposal. Challenges and Objectives: Tackling Workforce Gaps in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania faces significant challenges in its higher education landscape, including a diminishing workforce and declining enrollments across state-owned universities, satellite campuses of Penn State, and community colleges. To combat these trends, Republican lawmakers aim to incentivize students to pursue degrees in high-priority disciplines such as teaching, nursing, and criminal justice. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin emphasizes the urgency of addressing workforce gaps, highlighting the need to retain skilled individuals within the state amidst looming retirements and demographic shifts. The proposed measures aim to fortify Pennsylvania's educational infrastructure and foster a robust workforce ready to meet future demands. READ ALSO : Republicans Attack DEI Practices In Public Colleges And Medical Schools In Congressional Hearing Financial Assistance and Incentives: Supporting In-State Enrollment Central to the Republican plan are measures to provide financial support to Pennsylvania students and incentivize enrollment within the state. One key initiative offers annual grants of $5,000 to in-state students enrolled in degree programs aligned with high-demand fields. Additionally, the plan extends in-state tuition discounts to out-of-state students meeting specified academic criteria, provided they enroll in critical degree programs. To qualify for these benefits, students commit to remaining in Pennsylvania post-graduation, contributing to the state's workforce and economic development. The Republican proposal introduces a performance-based funding model for major state-related universities, including Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, and Temple University. Under this framework, institutions are incentivized to meet specific benchmarks such as graduation rates and enrollment in high-need degree programs. However, the plan does not guarantee annual increases in state aid, emphasizing accountability and alignment with workforce priorities. This approach represents a departure from traditional funding models, signaling the GOP's commitment to outcomes-driven investments in higher education and long-term sustainability. Contrasting Approaches: Republican Plan vs. Shapiro's Initiative While both Republicans and Governor Shapiro recognize the need for reform in Pennsylvania's higher education system, key elements of Shapiro's proposal face opposition from GOP lawmakers. Shapiro's initiative, which includes consolidating state-owned universities and reducing tuition for low-income students, is met with skepticism from Republican leaders. Despite these differences, both parties acknowledge the imperative of addressing workforce demands and expanding access to higher education opportunities for Pennsylvania residents. In conclusion, the Republican counterproposal represents a comprehensive effort to address critical workforce shortages and enrollment declines in Pennsylvania's higher education sector. By incentivizing students to pursue degrees in high-demand fields and introducing performance-based funding mechanisms, the plan aims to foster economic growth and competitiveness. As legislative deliberations continue, stakeholders must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions that meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and the broader community. This collaborative approach ensures that Pennsylvania's higher education system remains responsive to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, driving innovation and prosperity across the state. In the landscape of higher education, faculty salaries serve as a cornerstone for attracting and retaining top academic talent, shaping the quality of education, and influencing institutional competitiveness. However, a recent report commissioned by the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) has shed light on concerning disparities in faculty compensation within the state's public higher education system. Discrepancies Exposed: MTA Report Highlights Wage Gap The MTA report, conducted by ASA Research, has unveiled a troubling reality: Massachusetts faculty salaries lag significantly behind those of comparable states when adjusted for the cost of living. The data reveals a stark wage gap, particularly pronounced within community colleges. Despite Massachusetts' status as one of the states with the highest cost of residence, faculty salaries in community colleges fall notably short compared to states like California and Michigan, with an approximate difference of $40,000. This revelation underscores a critical need for urgent intervention to rectify these disparities and ensure fair compensation for faculty members across the state. Max Page, President of the MTA, expressed deep concern over the findings, emphasizing the detrimental impact of wage disparities on faculty recruitment efforts and the overall quality of education provided to students. The widening wage gap poses significant challenges for Massachusetts' higher education sector, hindering its ability to attract and retain highly qualified faculty members, particularly in fields deemed critical for societal advancement. Advocating for Change: Legislative Efforts and Policy Advocacy In response to the report's findings, the MTA has intensified its advocacy efforts, pushing for legislative action to address faculty salary inequities and enhance accessibility to public higher education. Proposed legislation (H 1260 / S 816) seeks to bolster campus investments, including substantial enhancements to faculty salaries, and alleviate the burden of student debt. While these legislative initiatives hold promise, they are still pending review before the Joint Committee On Higher Education, highlighting the pressing need for concerted action to secure investments in public higher education and bridge the wage gap with other states. Furthermore, the MTA has called upon the Board of Higher Education to advocate for public higher education investments, thus narrowing the wage disparities and ensuring equitable compensation for faculty members. Legislative action, coupled with strategic policy advocacy, is crucial to safeguarding talent retention and upholding the accessibility and quality of public higher education in Massachusetts. Confronting Challenges: Implications for Student Outcomes and Institutional Competitiveness Beyond the realm of faculty recruitment and retention, the wage gap in faculty salaries carries broader implications for student outcomes and institutional competitiveness. The inability to attract and retain qualified faculty members undermines the quality of education offered to students, thus hindering efforts to meet workforce demands in key sectors such as teaching, nursing, and criminal justice. Despite initiatives aimed at enhancing college affordability, such as expanding financial aid and offering free community college, the persistent wage gap remains a significant obstacle. To address these multifaceted challenges, stakeholders must prioritize equitable compensation for faculty members, safeguard talent retention, and uphold the accessibility and excellence of public higher education in Massachusetts. Collaborative efforts, encompassing legislative action, institutional reforms, and advocacy initiatives, are imperative to bridge the wage gap and ensure fair compensation for faculty members. By investing in faculty salaries and prioritizing educational quality, Massachusetts can fortify its position as a leader in higher education and cultivate a vibrant academic ecosystem. As discussions continue, stakeholders must unite to implement sustainable solutions that promote fairness, accessibility, and excellence in public higher education. Through concerted action and strategic advocacy, Massachusetts can embark on a transformative journey toward a more equitable and vibrant higher education landscape, ensuring faculty members are valued and adequately compensated for their contributions to student success and academic excellence. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed heartfelt Eid greetings to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman during a cordial telephone conversation on Thursday. In return, Maulana Fazlur Rehman reciprocated the Eid greetings to the prime minister. Both leaders prayed for the advancement and prosperity of the nation. On the blessed occasion of Eid ul Fitr, they also prayed for an end to oppression and atrocities being committed against the people of Palestine and Indian Occupied Kashmir. NEW YORK, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Muslims across the United States celebrated the Eid-ul-Fitr on Wednesday, but events were overshadowed by the Israel's destructive war in Gaza that has killed more that 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, as fears of Israeli military offensive in Rafah lurk. Israeli occupation forces kept up combat operations and airstrikes on Gaza even on Eid day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed no let-up in the campaign against Gaza. We should not forget our brothers and sisters in Palestine, an Imam, at a New York mosque said. They have been subjected to unjustified aggression and a lot of violence as the world is watching in silence. Big congregations were held in mosques, hotels and open spaces to mark the event. According to reports, the prayer places were filled to the capacity, reflecting the growing Muslim population in the United States that has now started speaking up in an organized manner to assert their aspirations on issues that are close to their hearts. Since Oct 7, Muslims, along with fellow Americans, have held massive demonstrations in all major cities to denounce Israeli aggression against Gaza and protesting US support to Israel. Their representative even boycotted President Joe Biden's traditional Iftar dinner at the white House to protest against continued supply of U.S. arms to Israel. In New York, the main congregation was held at the spacious Islamic Centre where diplomats accredited to the United Nations also participated. In their sermons at mosques, Imams voiced their deep concerns over the grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and called for the international community to take urgent steps to alleviate their suffering. Special prayers were offered for the liberation of Palestine and Kashmir as also for the urgent need for Muslim unity, especially amid growing Islamophobia, peace in the Islamic world as well as for inter-faith harmony. In areas such as Brooklyn, a borough of New York City where Pakistanis are concentrated, prayers were also offered for the well-being and progress of Pakistan as their homeland confronts many challenges, while voicing their full for the Palestinian and Kashmiri peoples. TEHRAN, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud have exchanged views on the latest developments of bilateral ties and regional affairs. In a phone call on Wednesday, the Iranian foreign minister hailed the two countries' progressing bilateral relations, reaffirming Iran's determination to further expand their ties, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The Saudi foreign minister, for his part, highlighted the necessity to promote regional and international relations and cooperation between the two countries. The ministers also addressed the situation in Gaza, underscoring the urgency to halt the hostilities in the Palestinian territory and alleviate the suffering of its inhabitants, the statement said. On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia, and Iran announced an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations. BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) China supports full United Nations (UN) membership for Palestine and supports speedy Council action to that end, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday. The ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the severe humanitarian crisis are yet another reminder that the only way to end the vicious cycle of Palestinian-Israeli conflicts is to fully implement the two-State solution, establish an independent state of Palestine and redress the historical injustice long suffered by the Palestinians, she said during her regular briefing held here. It is reported that recently Palestine formally requested the UN Security Council to reconsider its application for full UN membership submitted in 2011. The Council met on April 8 and referred the application to the Committee of Admission of New Members for its deliberation. APP/asg Monte Carlo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Novak Djokovic avenged last year's Monte Carlo Masters defeat by Lorenzo Musetti to reach the quarter-finals Thursday, while Daniil Medvedev launched into an angry tirade during his defeat. World number one Djokovic made a poor start and endured a second-set wobble before coming through 7-5, 6-3 against the 24th-ranked Musetti, the man who beat him at the same stage 12 months ago. Djokovic goes on to play Alex de Minaur, the 11th seed from Australia, in the last eight. The Serbian top seed dropped serve in the opening game against Musetti before working his way back to level at 4-4, and then snatched the set on a double fault by his opponent. Djokovic broke twice early in the second set either side of losing his own serve to surge 4-1 ahead. Musetti clawed back to within a game but Djokovic broke again for 5-3 before closing out the win. Djokovic has struggled to find his best form in recent times in Monte Carlo. He has not won the tournament since the last of his two titles in 2015, failing to advance beyond the quarter-finals in seven subsequent appearances. Medvedev launched into another angry tirade against the officiating as he was beaten 6-3, 7-5 by Karen Khachanov. Medvedev was hit with a point penalty to start the final game after berating chair umpire Carlos Bernardes and then became embroiled in a heated discussion with the tournament supervisor. The world number four had already been warned after hurling his racquet when he double-faulted to lose his service game and leave Khachanov a game away from victory. Medvedev, who took issue with two line calls in his second-round win on Wednesday, felt aggrieved a Khachanov forehand was not called out during a rally that resulted in the latter earning two break points at 5-5. The arrival of the physio to treat a finger bleed at the ensuing changeover tipped Medvedev over the edge, with the Russian yelling "did I ask for the physio!" at the umpire. - 'Open your eyes' - He then demanded of the supervisor "who will take responsibility?" for the decisions. Television replays appeared to show the shot in question from Khachanov had landed wide of the court. "It's second day in a row. Guys, open your eyes. Do something. It's out," raged Medvedev. "The mark is out. They don't know how to referee anymore. Who will take action? "Yesterday the ball is out, it's called in. Who will take action. This ball is out there. Who will take responsibility? It's not my responsibility to referee the matches. "It's this guy in the glasses (the line judge). He doesn't need glasses because he doesn't see anything. He should not be a referee." Khachanov and Medvedev traded breaks in the first four games of the match before the former landed the crucial blow at 4-3 en route to taking the opening set. The second set followed serve and Khachanov saved a set point down 5-4 before Medvedev imploded in the next game, losing both his serve and temper, and eventually the match. Khachanov's reward is a quarter-final Friday against Stefanos Tsitsipas, who saw off fifth seed Alexander Zverev 7-5, 7-6 (7/3). De Minaur moved into the last eight with a 6-3, 6-4 victory against fellow Australian Alexei Popyrin. Grigor Dimitrov, last month's Miami Open runner-up, continued his good form with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Miomir Kecmanovic in a second-round match that was suspended on Wednesday because of rain. Seventh seed Holger Rune, the 2023 finalist, shrugged off Indian qualifier Sumit Nagal 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. World number two Jannik Sinner, who owns a 23-1 record this season, takes on Jan-Lennard Struff. (@ChaudhryMAli88) BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Over 70 foreign diplomats from 49 countries attended a conference held in Beijing to learn about economic and social development and human rights protection achievements in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Ambassadors delivering speeches gave positive comments on Xinjiang and some shared their personal experiences of their visits to Xinjiang. They are looking forward to more cooperation between their home countries and China's Xinjiang, Xinhua reported. Pakistan Ambassador to China, Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi said he appreciates the long-term friendly cooperation between Pakistan and China, and is looking forward to further strengthening cooperation with Xinjiang on trade, investment, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, among others. Ambassador of Turkiye to China, Ismail Hakki Musa, said China's Xinjiang has developed rapidly, and people of all ethnic groups have enjoyed good development rights. Syrian Ambassador to China, Mhd Hasanein Khaddam, said Xinjiang's development achievement is admirable, and lies fabricated by some Western countries cannot hinder the prosperity and success of China's Xinjiang. Ambassador of Iran to China, Mohsen Bakhtiar, said China has made a strong commitment to Xinjiang's high-quality development. He said Xinjiang plays an important role in the Belt and Road Initiative, and its achievements in economic development, infrastructure, environmental protection, humanities, science and technology are impressive. Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev, said the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone established last year contributes to the development of Xinjiang and neighboring countries. Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele, ambassador of South Africa to China, said that during his visit to Xinjiang in 2023, he had experienced the hospitality of the local people, praising their harmonious life and freedom of religious belief. APP/asg (@FahadShabbir) Bamako, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Mali's military-dominated authorities on Thursday banned media coverage of political parties, a day after suspending their activities. The high authority for communication issued a statement calling on "all media (radio, television, written press and online) to halt broadcast and publication of the activities of political parties and the activities of a political nature of associations". It did not indicate what would happen to media organisations that do observe the ban. The move comes after the junta on Wednesday ordered the suspension of all political activities, saying it was needed to maintain public order. Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga blamed the suspension of party activities on the "sterile discussions" during an attempt at national dialogue earlier this year. "Subversive acts by political parties are multiplying," a decree read out to reporters by Maiga said. Opposition voices have been largely stifled under the rule of the colonels, who seized power in August 2020 overthrowing civilian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Under pressure from regional leaders, the junta had promised to hold elections and hand power back to civilians by March 26, 2024. The West African country has been ruled by juntas since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, with the worsening security situation compounded by a humanitarian and political crisis. Mexico City, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Mexico said Thursday it had filed a lawsuit against Ecuador at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague over the storming of its embassy in Quito. Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena told a press conference that in its lawsuit, Mexico is requesting that Ecuador be suspended from the United Nations unless it issues a public apology "recognizing the violations of the fundamental principles and norms of international law." She said the goal was to "guarantee the reparation of the moral damage inflicted on the Mexican state and its nationals." Security forces stormed the embassy on Friday night to arrest former Ecuadoran vice president Jorge Glas, who is wanted on corruption charges and had been granted asylum by Mexico. The rare incursion on inviolable diplomatic territory sparked an international outcry, and led Mexico to break ties with Ecuador, pulling its diplomats out of the country. At the same press conference, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said the goal of the suit was "that this doesn't repeat itself in any other country in the world, that international law is guaranteed." After his capture, Glas, 54, was taken to a maximum security jail in Ecuador's port city of Guayaquil -- notorious for violent prison riots and drug-related gang violence. His friend and former boss Rafael Correa, who was president between 2007 and 2017, wrote on X Wednesday that Glas "is on a hunger strike." Glas was returned to prison Tuesday after a short hospital stay that officials said was brought on by his refusal to eat for 24-hours. Correa claimed in his social media post to have received confirmation that "the medical emergency was a suicide attempt" by Glas. Correa is living in exile in Belgium to avoid serving an eight-year corruption sentence in Ecuador. Glas, who had already served time on corruption charges, was the subject of a fresh arrest warrant for allegedly diverting funds intended for reconstruction efforts after a devastating earthquake in 2016. The embassy intrusion triggered a political storm. Mexico, several other Latin American states, Spain, the European Union, United States and the UN chief condemned it as a violation of the 1961 Vienna Convention governing diplomatic relations. A German foreign ministry source confirmed that Glas also has German citizenship. "We are following Mr Glas's case very closely and are trying to seek direct contact with him through the Ecuadoran authorities," the source told AFP. Warsaw, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Apr, 2024) Poland's parliament on Thursday debated liberalising abortion laws in the majority Catholic country, with splits in the ruling coalition suggesting an uncertain outcome. Women's rights were rolled back during the eight-year rule of the previous right-wing government, with the tightening of already strict abortion laws sparking mass rallies. The country of 38 million people has some of Europe's strictest abortion laws, allowing the procedure only if pregnancy results from sexual assault or incest, or if it threatens the life or health of the mother. But a moderate coalition came to power in October on a pledge to legalise abortion, with all three groups in the alliance submitting bills to grant more reproductive rights. "The state can't pretend that abortion doesn't exist -- they're being done, always have and always will," Equality Minister Katarzyna Kotula told parliament. "The state must do everything to ensure that abortion is safe, accessible, legal and takes place in appropriate conditions," she added. Debate started with a bill to legalise abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy, submitted by Prime Minister Donald Tusk's Civic Coalition, and three other proposals by its partners. But some coalition lawmakers are reluctant to back the legislation in a vote scheduled for Friday. And even if parliament approves the reforms, President Andrzej Duda, a conservative Catholic ally of the opposition conservative PiS party, is unlikely to sign them into law. The coalition does not have the required three-fifths majority to overturn a presidential veto. And in case of a standoff, Tusk's coalition may have to wait until presidential elections next year, hoping for Duda's ouster by a liberal candidate. - First hurdle - "Bills of similar content have been discussed in the parliament many times over the past 30 years but none of them was ever forwarded for further committee proceedings," Krystyna Kacpura, head of the Federation for Women and Family Planning, told AFP. Tusk, a former EU chief and an arch-foe of the PiS party previously in power, said he hoped the coalition would back the legislation. "There are many indications that this will be the case," Tusk said Tuesday. But the conservative PSL farmers party, part of the Third Way junior coalition group, has expressed reluctance at easing abortion restrictions. Some lawmakers said they will not back the bills. "I will vote against," the PSL's Marek Sawicki told TOK FM radio. He did not say how many others would follow suit. Tusk's coalition controls 248 of the 460 seats in parliament's lower chamber, with the PSL holding 32 seats. A majority requires 231 votes. - Presidential obstacle - Abortion assistance is also outlawed in Poland, with activists and doctors who help with the procedure risking jail. Last year, an activist, Justyna Wydrzynska, was found guilty of providing a pregnant woman with abortion pills, the first such case in the country. She was sentenced to community service. Ahead of the debate, Wydrzynska joined other activists in calling for "accessible and legal abortion". "We just want every woman who needs an abortion to be able to do so," Wydrzynska told reporters. Polish anti-abortion groups have also closed ranks against the reforms, organising a Catholic mass and a rally "to defend life" outside parliament Thursday. The head of Poland's Catholic church issued a statement urging "all people of good will to care for the lives of unborn children and their mothers," denouncing what he called "pro-abortion propaganda". According to an opinion poll by Ipsos, 35 percent of Poles are in favour of allowing abortion until the 12th week of pregnancy, while 14 percent said they would keep the current rules. Twenty-three percent want a referendum on liberalising the abortion law, a solution backed by Third Way but strongly criticised by women's rights campaigners. But getting any new legislation past Duda, the PiS ally, will be a challenge. Last month, Duda vetoed legislation on prescription-free emergency contraception for girls and women aged 15 and over. The government has said it will bypass the veto by allowing pharmacists to provide morning-after pills. mmp/amj/tw Scammers are taking over social media accounts at an alarming rate and, when they do, small businesses no longer will have access to their businesses social media presence. Small-business owners will have the opportunity to learn how to safeguard themselves against such scammers Thursday, April 18. Paul Johnson, Jim Drever and Marree Reed will lead a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network webinar titled Social Media Safety from noon-12:30 p.m. To register, go here. Registration is free. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The webinar will provide small-business owners with practical tips for keeping their social media accounts safe and how to safely navigate social media sites. Johnson is the cybersecurity program manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network. Drever is the Wyoming SBDC Network regional director for Albany and Carbon counties. Previously, he was a marketing director and project manager at a software company, had a small consulting business and recently co-founded CyberWyoming with the Made Safe in Wyoming program. Drever has been a source for cybersecurity for small businesses in The Wall Street Journal and has presented on the topic at national conferences. Beyond general business assistance, Drever specializes in e-marketing, e-commerce and risk management, especially cybersecurity. He is a certified ethical hacker and has a chief information security officer specialist certification with a background in vulnerability assessment, ethical hacking and cybersecurity risk assessment and management. He assists and advises clients about cybersecurity statewide. Reed is a UW student, from Sedro-Woolley, Wash., majoring in construction management and is a cybersecurity program assistant in UWs Cybersecurity Education and Research Center. For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu. People are seen near Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on April 11, 2024. Israeli forces have conducted intensive bombardments in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, resulting in casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua) GAZA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces have conducted intensive bombardments in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, resulting in casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. Palestinian security sources said that the Israeli army executed extensive firing operations to the north of the Nuseirat camp. Additionally, Israeli aircraft bombed two mosques located west and north of the camp, as well as several residential towers. Israeli artillery also fired numerous shells targeting homes, apartments, and agricultural lands on the outskirts of the camp. The sources explained that the bombing resulted in the killing of at least five Palestinians and the wounding of others, noting that fierce battles are ongoing between the Palestinian militants and the Israeli forces on the outskirts of Nuseirat. Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement on Thursday that Israeli soldiers have launched military operations in these areas. People are seen near Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on April 11, 2024. Israeli forces have conducted intensive bombardments in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, resulting in casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua) People are seen near Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on April 11, 2024. Israeli forces have conducted intensive bombardments in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, resulting in casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua) People are seen near Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on April 11, 2024. Israeli forces have conducted intensive bombardments in the vicinity of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, resulting in casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. (Xinhua) 18 Feb 1968, Saigon; Vietnam - Young Lo Manh Hung wanders among a group of refugees in Saigon February 18th looking for picture possibilities. At the age of 12, hes probably the youngest photo journalist in South Vietnam. For two years now he has been helping his father, a veteran freelance photographer, cover the dramatic and sometimes violent events of this war torn city. (Bettmann/CORBIS) One of the most unusual sights in a city overflowing with strange sights is the slight figure of a 12 year old Vietnamese boy darting into the street battles, scrambling across the rubble, deliberately heading for trouble.While other youngsters flee danger, he looks for it. He is a professional photographer and he has a thick stack of published pictures to prove it.Not much taller than four feet and only a smidgin over 60 pounds, bright eyed Lo Manh Hung wears his cameras like a badge.He has been taking pictures professionally more than two years, since his locally well known father, Lo Vinh, was injured covering street rioting and needed help in his work.With the father, who is 58 years old, the pair form a team boasting Saigons oldest and youngest working photographers. The father, a cameraman for 44 years, was born in North Vietnam, studied art and literature at a French university, but turned to his hobby of photography for income when times got tough.For years he traveled, taking pictures throughout Indochina, and didnt marry until he was 43. A few months later he and his bride fled the Communists in the North and came to Saigon.Lo Manh Hung and his father arise everyday at 5am. To be early on the job and usually dont finish until after 9pm.Thats 365 days a year, the father sighs.In less hectic times, the pair scoot about the city on a motorbike to cover official government affairs, weddings, airport arrivals, parties, fires, whatever may make news.Lo Manh Hung helps with the film processing and printing, then turns messenger salesman, pedding fresh prints to local newspapers and foreign news agencies.His small, slim frame and childs face are both the hindrance and help in his work.Police invariably stop him as he tries to pass through official gates, demanding Where do you think youre going?He explains calmly he is the son of photographer Lo Vinh, produces his credentials and cameras, and usually continues on his way.But not always - and that, he says, is his biggest problem: convincing police he really is a working news photographer.The advantage of his size has been seen often by the Saigon press corps. As photographers jam together, elbowing, pushing, clawing for the right picture angle of an arriving dignitary or a crowded news conference, who squirms through? Lo Manh Hung.He snakes through a crowd on all fours, emerges in the front of the lot and clicks happily away with the best angle of all. He is so short he never blocks those behind and they let him be.(The Southeast Missourian Feb 14 1968: Boy Photographer Seeks Danger as Others Flee - John Nance SEOUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export fell for the second consecutive month due to weaker global demand for locally-made vehicles, government data showed Thursday. Car shipment declined 5.0 percent from a year earlier to 6.17 billion U.S. dollars in March, after retreating 7.8 percent in the previous month, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. The number of exported vehicles was 249,718 in March, down 5.0 percent from a year earlier. Export for eco-friendly cars slumped 8.5 percent to 2.08 billion dollars last month, continuing to slide for the second month. Car export to North America gained 13.4 percent to 3.57 billion dollars, but those to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa diminished in double figures. Auto parts shipment shrank 6.9 percent to 1.91 billion dollars in March compared to the same month of last year. The number of vehicles, manufactured in local factories, dwindled 10.8 percent to 365,497 last month. The number of cars sold in South Korea, including locally-made and imported vehicles, came to 146,019 in March, down 12.0 percent from a year earlier. Transcript: The Inside Story: Israel Hamas - Six Months of War Episode 139 April 11, 2024 Show Open: Unidentified Narrator: This week on the Inside Story Israels war against Hamas at six months. Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza, and the hostages remain in captivity. In Rwanda, thirty years after a brutal genocide, the country remembers. And in our weekly focus on US politics, Donald Trump announces his position on abortion and draws criticism from both sides of the debate. NOW... On the Inside Story, the Israel Hamas War at 6 Months. The Inside Story: CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Welcome to the Inside Story. Im Carla Babb. Six months into the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israel is at a crossroads. Israeli forces have not been able to eradicate Hamas or free the remaining hostages. Linda Gradstein reports for VOA from Jerusalem. LINDA GRADSTEIN, VOA Correspondent: Israeli media reports say Israel will buy 40,000 tents to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground offensive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week said that Israel has a date for an invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. Israeli analysts say that even without an invasion of Rafah, the six-month-old war with Hamas is at a crossroads. Amos Yadlin, Former Israeli Director of Military Intelligence: It can be escalation to a regional war, because of Iran, because of Hezbollah, and it will move from Gaza to the north, from a limited war in Gaza to a regional war, or it can, and it can de-escalate to a process that will de-escalate the war and will fix some of the problems. Were really facing crucial days, maybe a week. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Both Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon are proxies of Iran, and Yadlin says tensions with Iran have recently skyrocketed since Israeli strikes killed a senior Iranian general in Damascus last month. Amos Yadlin, Former Israeli Director of Military Intelligence: This is not the first time that Israel is targeting Iranian officers Israel took the gloves off on October 7 until then in the last decade Israel attacked Iranian activities supplying of weapons to Hezbollah, building air bases, moving missiles to Syria, but Israel was very careful not to target Iranians. Since the 7th and the 8th of October, when Iran launched its proxies against Israel, from Lebanon, from Syria, from Yemen, from Iraq, Israel changed the policy and in this case made a big hit to Iran. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Israel has also come under growing international criticism for the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.N. says more than a quarter of Gazas population is on the verge of starvation. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights told the BBC that there is plausible evidence that Israel is using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza. Volker Turk, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights: The collective punishment that was declared with the siege indeed amounts to a war crime, and it needs to be dealt as such. LINDA GRADSTEIN: Israel says the problem is distribution of aid and says it is not responsible. Michal Hatuel Radoshitzky, Security Analyst, MIND Israel: I dont think to the best of my assessment that the problem is with the trucks going in, there is enough supply going in. Where the problem lies is in the picking up the goods that are delivered and distributing them. So that is a serious bottleneck that we are seeing and here we need to ask where the U.N. organizations are, where the civil societies are, where are the people who need to distribute these goods? LINDA GRADSTEIN: Egypt has been hosting indirect talks between Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire and hostage release, amid conflicting views on their chances for success. Linda Gradstein, VOA News, Jerusalem. ANITA POWELL, VOA White House Correspondent: The White House says that Israel is ready for a cease-fire after six months of brutal fighting but that Hamas leadership is unwilling to meet Israel's terms and release some of the hostages seized during the October 7 attack on Israel, which provoked an Israeli military campaign that has flattened much of Gaza. Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser: There could be a cease-fire in place today that would extend for several weeks to be built upon longer if Hamas would be prepared to release some of those people. So let's train the attention where it belongs, which is that the world should say at this moment to Hamas, It's time, let's go. Let's get that cease-fire. We're ready. I believe Israel is ready. ANITA POWELL: Family members of some of the American hostages met with White House officials Tuesday to press for their return. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, Father of Hostage: We have heard is that there is a deal on the table right now that all of the parties agree to and are willing to work with. We are waiting now, and the world waits for Hamas to get to 'yes.' It is in their court. ANITA POWELL: The Biden administration began calling for a cease-fire a month ago. But not all Israelis want one. On Monday, this group marched near the Gaza border to demand the opposite. Yael Lasri, Protester: Instead of telling the international community to place pressure on Hamas to release the hostages, they are placing pressure on Netanyahu and our government. We didnt start the war they did, OK? They murdered 1,200 of our people. ANITA POWELL: And Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also seems determined to press forward with plans to attack the southern city of Rafah, over Washingtons objections. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister: We will complete the elimination of the Hamas battalions, including in Rafah. There is no force in the world that will stop us. There are many factors trying to do this, but it will not help, because this enemy, after what he has done, will not do it again. ANITA POWELL: Analysts say U.S.-led diplomacy is critical to ending this conflict, and warn that Hamas, which has deep roots in the region and strong ties to Iran, is a formidable foe whose appeal may be growing in the face of Israels assault on Gaza and on Iran-supported groups in the region. Merissa Khurma, Wilson Center: It remains to have tremendous popularity currently across the region, which is very disconcerting as well, because this is a form of radicalization that the United States and its allies should be concerned about. ANITA POWELL: But as Israeli bombs rained down Tuesday, not on Gaza but into neighboring Lebanon, the prospect of peace feels very far away. Anita Powell, VOA News, the White House. CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Since the October seventh attacks on Israel by Hamas and its allies, Israel has fought battles across multiple border regions. And the conflicts go well beyond Hamas. A recent uptick in Hezbollah rocket fire has left some Israeli towns deserted with no plan in place for residents to return. Pilar Cebrian has this report from the Israel-Lebanon border as narrated by Veronica Vilafane. VERONICA VILAFANE, VOA Correspondent: In mid-March, David Azulay walks by rubble and abandoned homes in Metula, the northernmost town in Israel, where he heads the local council. He points out Metula's proximity with Lebanon. David Azulay, Head Council of Metula: Here is the border, you see? VERONICA VILAFANE: Since the Hamas militant group attacked Israel on October 7, about 100,000 Israelis have fled their homes along the northern border. Thousands more are still being evacuated from communities like this one, creating ghost towns. Although Metula stands deserted, it remains a target of rocket fire from Lebanon's Hezbollah militia. Azulay estimates it receives an average of 50 shells every week. David Azulay, Head Council of Metula: This house has been hit on Wednesday, with two Kornet missiles. VERONICA VILAFANE: Azulay guides a group of journalists through the devastation in his town. He says that he stayed behind to protect his and his neighbors' homes. David Azulay, Head Council of Metula: We are trying to seal the houses and the roofs. VERONICA VILAFANE: After a missile hit the upper floor of this house, it went up in flames, leaving it uninhabitable for the family that owns it. David Azulay, Head Council of Metula: How will they return? VERONICA VILAFANE: Azulay says most Metula residents evacuated on October 16 and are staying in hotels on Lake Tiberias. Sarit Zehavi is an Israeli military reserve officer and the founder of an Israeli border security research center. She says there is an ongoing danger of Hezbollah attacks. Sarit Zehavi, Alma Research and Education Center: They wouldn't want to create an invasion of thousands of invaders because, as I said, they prefer to drag Israel into war rather than initiate it, but they are still capable of infiltration of one force here, one force there. VERONICA VILAFANE: A point of concern: a network of Hezbollah tunnels in Lebanon. Sarit Zehavi, Alma Research and Education Center: Tactical tunnels definitely exist that enable them to move from one building to another like you saw in Gaza. Explosive tunnels, and strategic tunnels that enable Hezbollah to transfer launchers and labor from one area to another. VERONICA VILAFANE: With no end to the conflict in sight, the Israeli military patrols the area. It is uncertain when Israelis will be able to safely return and rebuild their homes in the country's abandoned northern towns. For Pilar Cebrian, in Metula, Israel, Veronica Villafane, VOA News. CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Moving now to Central Africa where thirty years after the Rwandan genocide survivors continue grappling with fear and trauma. They say ongoing battles against misinformation and genocide denial make matters worse, prompting calls for increased education and awareness toward a world free from genocide. Reporting from Kigali, Rwanda, Senanu Tord has this story. SENANU TORD, Reporting for VOA: Patrick Sindikubwabo was only four years old when his father and three siblings were killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Thirty years on, he says the memory still haunts him and is a part of his story he can never forget. Another survivor, Jean Claude Mugabe, was nine when his father and uncles had to flee their house, leaving women and children behind. He says his relatives sought refuge in the village church but were found and many of them killed. Jean Claude Mugabe - Genocide Survivor: I lost many siblings, close relatives such as aunt, uncles, cousins, if I count it very well, they reached 65 people. My uncle, the brother of my mom, he died with his wife and his whole children, so the family finished. SENANU TORD: Mugabe later found his little sister and father had been murdered. Jean Claude Mugabe - Genocide Survivor: I participated in burying his remains. The only thing that I could remember was his jacket,that was what remained. SENANU TORD: During a 100-day period in 1994, Rwandas Hutu majority killed more than 800,000 minority Tutsis and Hutu moderates. The genocide in Rwanda was sparked by hate speech, mostly over radio, by Hutu extremists against Tutsis. Mugabe says many survivors were traumatized, grieved, and radicalized, and at his age, he did not understand why his dad had to be killed. Jean Claude Mugabe - Genocide Survivor: Some time back, I say, if I can see the killer of my father, I will revenge as well. SENANU TORD: The Aegis Trust, a non-profit dedicated to genocide prevention, has been running genocide memorial centers across the country with the goal of helping people heal and learn about genocide prevention. Freddy Mutanguha - Aegis Trust: We do it through peace education programs by understanding the past but also building up the skills and values that help people to be able to develop critical thinking, empathy, personal responsibility. SENANU TORD: Mugabe has been a part of the program and says it has helped him heal. He has even met with some of his fathers killers and forgiven them. Jean Claude Mugabe - Genocide Survivor: I understood better, better and more better when I worked with the memorial and I started also supporting others from my community and my colleagues who have not yet moved forward. SENANU TORD: UNESCO cites a lack of education as one of the causes of the genocide, saying people turned against each other through misinformation. They have moved to recognize four memorial sites in Rwanda as World Heritage sites. Audery Azoulay - Director General of UNESCO: The sites have to be preserved because what happened here, matters for all humanity. It is a stain on universal conscience and we have to preserve the sites so first as to fight against distortion or denial of history. SENANU TORD: Rwanda is marking the anniversary of the genocide against Tutsis with 100 hundred days of remembrance. During this period, survivors are calling for more education and awareness to help combat genocide denial and misinformation, part of their healing journey. Senanu Tord, VOA news, Kigali, Rwanda. CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Now to the United States where millions of people from Texas to Maine witnessed a rare total solar eclipse. Heres hoping you saw it, as the next one wont pass over North America for another 20 years. VOAs Kane Farabaugh definitely saw it at a viewing event hosted by NASA and Purdue University at the Indianapolis Speedway. He brings us this story from Indiana. KANE FARABAUGH, VOA Correspondent: The decision to come to Indianapolis, Indianas famous Motor Speedway to join the crowd of spectators witnessing a total solar eclipse came at the last minute for Enrique Catalan and his family. It was supposed to be a regular day of school for his children. Enrique Catalan, Eclipse Viewer: Were skipping today! They are approved by us! KANE FARABAUGH: Catalan and his family drove two hours from northern Indiana to witness something that had left an impression on him as a teenager in Mexico during a partial eclipse. Enrique Catalan, Eclipse Viewer: Thats why we are here. I remember when it happened when I was young, and now I want them to experience it as well but they are going to experience a total eclipse. KANE FARABAUGH: The racetrack was one of several locations where NASA and its partners hosted programming in the path of totality, the swath of the U.S. that can see the moon completely blocking the sun as the eclipse makes it way northeast. Clouds didnt spoil the view at the speedway when day seemingly turned to night for several minutes as the moon blocked the sun. Charles and Cathy Maher from Chicago, Illinois, felt sharing the event with the massive crowd in Indianapolis was a unifying moment in a country politically polarized in a presidential election year. Charles and Cathy Maher, Eclipse Viewers: Cathy Maher: Nobodys going to be talking about what side the sun is on or the moon is on Charles Maher: its not red or blue Cathy Maher: it is sort of a little break from everything going on. Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator: Today, millions of Americans will stand together, looking up at the sky in awe and wonder at this cosmic coincidence that makes our moon look like it's exactly the same size as the sun. KANE FARABAUGH: NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy says her agencys efforts to study this rare event werent isolated to just a few locations across the country. Pam Melroy, NASA Deputy Administrator: We are really focusing also on citizen scientists. We have a program where some people have been trained to use solar telescopes all around the country. KANE FARABAUGH: Mung Chiang is president of Indianas Purdue University, which boasts a number of graduates who became NASA astronauts. He hopes the accessibility of the eclipse to a large number of young Americans might help inspire them to pursue careers in science. Mung Chiang, Purdue University President: It is not just a watch party for three minutes. It is a lifelong educational journey, and today is a very meaningful special stop along that journey. KANE FARABAUGH: For those who missed witnessing the 2024 total solar eclipse, the next opportunities to see one firsthand in the United States wont occur until 2044 and 2045. Kane Farabaugh, VOA News, Indianapolis, Indiana CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: April is Arab-American Heritage Month here in the U.S. It highlights a community often battling to overcome negative stereotypes. VOAs Dora Mekouar in Dearborn, Michigan, recently visited the Arab American National Museum, an institution at the forefront of that fight. DORA MEKOUAR, VOA Correspondent: Arab immigrants have been coming to America since at least the 1890s. Many came at first for economic opportunity, and then later because of political turmoil in their native lands. The mission of the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, is to tell how these immigrants became a part of the fabric of America. Diana Abouali, Arab American National Museum: We communicate the American narrative in the voices of Arab Americans. They express their experiences in their own words. This provides people with a more authentic and real representation of what it means to be Arab American. DORA MEKOUAR: This immigrant story isnt well-known among mainstream America. And what little Americans do know about Arabs is often informed by negative stereotypes. Jasmine Hawamdeh, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee: The obvious one would be the angry Arab, the terrorist Arab, the being afraid of the Arab that comes from abroad. I think that's the very obvious one, but it's a bit overplayed. And I think one of the more harmful stereotypes that currently exists in American media is the oppressed Arab woman. DORA MEKOUAR: The Arab American National Museum tries to correct those narratives. One exhibit compares how Arabs are often portrayed by outsiders with how Arab Americans view themselves. The museum shares the full range of the Arab American experience. Including work life. Those who serve their country. Artists and their work. Unidentified Kitchen Worker: Of course we have olives. Of course we have hummus. DORA MEKOUAR: And daily life, complete with things traditionally found in an Arab kitchen. Diana Abouali, Arab American National Museum: We're not always responding to misconceptions and narrative, although that's a major part of our work and a major sort of impetus for creating a museum like this, but also we're sort of presenting ourselves, as we are, unapologetically. DORA MEKOUAR: Prominent Arab Americans are also featured. Heres the desk of Joseph Haggar, a Lebanese immigrant who created the iconic Haggar mens pants brand in 1926. Diana Abouali, Arab American National Museum: You know, the Arab Americans were very entrepreneurial. DORA MEKOUAR: The museums diverse offerings include lists of Arab American passengers on the doomed Titanic, which sank in 1912. As well as challenges to religious misconceptions. Diana Abouali, Arab American National Museum: Half of the Arab American community is Christian. And in fact, the earlier immigrants, who came in the late 19th century, early 20th century, were predominantly Christian. DORA MEKOUAR: Arab Americans are a diverse community that come from 22 Arab countries stretching from northern Africa to western Asia. But once they settle in the U.S., the museum director says, they become as American as they are Arab. Dora Mekouar. VOA News. Dearborn, Michigan. CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Unless you havent had a phone, or a radio, or television, youve probably heard the United States has a presidential election this year. We leave you this week, as we will from now until at least November, with coverage of the U.S. presidential campaign. Reproductive rights remain an important issue in this years election. Floridas supreme court recently paved the way for both tighter restrictions on abortion and an upcoming ballot measure to undo those restrictions in November. VOA correspondent Scott Stearns has the story. SCOTT STEARNS, VOA Correspondent: Abortion as a divisive issue in this presidential election gained new momentum last week with Floridas high court approving a law banning abortions in the state after six weeks. That brought renewed questions for presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump about whether he supports prominent members of his party who want a nationwide abortion ban. On his social media site Monday, Trump said each state should decide on its own. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Candidate: Many states will be different, many will have a different number of weeks, or some will have more conservative (laws) than others and that's what they will be. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people. SCOTT STEARNS: States have those rights following a 2022 Supreme Court decision that overturned nearly 50 years of federal protections for abortions. In his video, Trump thanked six justices by name, including the three appointed by him, saying he is proudly the person responsible for ending federal abortion protections. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Candidate: My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state. SCOTT STEARNS: Joe Biden has been campaigning hard on reproductive rights, vowing to return federal abortion protections that were decided in the case Roe v. Wade. Joe Biden, U.S. President: Folks, if America sends me a Congress that are Democrats, I promise you, Kamala and I will restore Roe vs. Wade as the law of the land again. SCOTT STEARNS: Bidens running mate and vice president, Kamala Harris, is part of a campaign to link Trump to more extreme abortion views. Kamala Harris, U.S. Vice President: How dare these elected leaders believe they are in a better position to tell women what they need, to tell women what is in their best interests. We have to be a nation that trusts women. SCOTT STEARNS: Harris and Biden are focusing on reproductive rights as abortion has been a losing political issue for Republicans since the Supreme Court decision, with two high-profile losses in referendums in Ohio and Kansas. For this election, Trump appeared to urge his followers to recognize the political vulnerabilities of alienating moderates on abortion. Donald Trump, Republican Presidential Candidate: You must follow your heart on this issue, but remember, you must also win elections to restore our culture and, in fact, to save our country, which is currently and very sadly a nation in decline. SCOTT STEARNS: The head of one of Americas biggest anti-abortion groups said Monday she was deeply disappointed by Trumps failure to back a nationwide ban but said the group will still back Trump against Biden. Issues of reproductive rights in this presidential election will also be fueled by a coming Supreme Court decision on whether to tighten restrictions on access to the drug used to start most medication abortions. Scott Stearns, VOA News. CARLA BABB, VOA Correspondent: Thats all for this weeks episode of The Inside Story. Thanks for watching. For the latest news you can log on to VOA news dot com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at VOA News. Catch up on past episodes at our free streaming service, VOA Plus. Im Carla Babb, We will see you here next week. Thanks for watching. We cover the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel in Gaza six months ago. The UN has warned of a potential famine in the Palestinian territories, and the White House is discussing US-Israel policy. This week on the Inside Story - Israel Hamas: Six Months of War. Semiconductors, or microchips, are critical to almost everything electronic used in the modern world. In 1990, the United States produced about 40% of the world's semiconductors. As manufacturing migrated to Asia, U.S. production fell to about 12%. "During COVID, we got a wake-up call. It was like [a] Sputnik moment," explained Mark Lundstrom, an engineer who has worked with microchips much of his life. The 2020 global coronavirus pandemic slowed production in Asia, creating a ripple through the global supply chain and leading to shortages of everything from phones to vehicles. Lundstrom said increasing U.S. reliance on foreign chip manufacturers exposed a major weakness. "We know that AI is going to transform society in the next several years, it requires extremely powerful chips. The most powerful leading-edge chips." Today, Lundstrom is the Chief Semiconductor Officer for Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, a leader in cutting-edge semiconductor development, which has new importance amid the emerging field of artificial intelligence. "If we fall behind in AI, the consequences are enormous for the defense of our country, for our economic future," Lundstrom told VOA. Amid the buzz of activity in a laboratory on Purdue's campus, visitors can get a vision of what the future might look like in microchip technology. "The key metrics of the performance of the chips actually are the size of the transistors, the devices, which is the building block of the computer chips," said Zhihong Chen, director of Purdue's Birck Nanotechnology Center, where engineers work around the clock to push microchip technology into the future. "We are talking about a few atoms in each silicon transistor these days. And this is what this whole facility is about," Chen said. "We are trying to make the next generation transistors better devices than current technologies. More powerful and more energy-efficient computer chips of the future." Not just RVs anymore Because of Purdue's efforts, along with those on other university campuses in the state, Indiana believes it's an attractive location for manufacturers looking to build new microchip facilities. "Purdue University alone, a top four-ranked engineering school, offers more engineers every year than the next top three," said Eric Holcomb, Indiana's Republican governor. "When you have access to that kind of talent, when you have access to the cost of doing business in the state of Indiana, that's why people are increasingly saying, Indiana." Holcomb is in the final year of his eight-year tenure in the state's top position. He wants to transform Indiana beyond the recreational vehicle, or "RV capital" of the country. "We produce about plus-80% of all the RV production in North America in one state," he told VOA. "We are not just living up to our reputation as being the number one manufacturing state per capita in America, but we are increasingly embracing the future of mobility in America." Holcomb is spearheading an effort to make Indiana the next great technology center as the U.S. ramps up investment in domestic microchip development and manufacturing. "If we want to compete globally, we have to get smarter and healthier and more equipped, and we have to continue to invest in our quality of place," Holcomb told VOA in an interview. His vision is shared by other lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Todd Young of Indiana, who co-sponsored the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, which commits more than $50 billion in federal funding for domestic microchip development. 'We are committed' Indiana is now home to one of 31 designated U.S. technology and innovation hubs, helping it qualify for hundreds of millions of dollars in grants designed to attract technology-driven businesses. "The signal that it sends to the rest of the world [is] that we are in it, we are committed, and we are focused," said Holcomb. "We understand that economic development, economic security and national security complement one another." Indiana's efforts are paying off. In April, South Korean microchip manufacturer SK Hynix announced it was planning to build a $4 billion facility near Purdue University that would produce next-generation, high-bandwidth memory, or HBM chips, critical for artificial intelligence applications. The facility, slated to start operating in 2028, could create more than 1,000 new jobs. While U.S. chip manufacturer SkyWater also plans to invest nearly $2 billion in Indiana's new LEAP Innovation District near Purdue, the state recently lost bidding to host chipmaker Intel, which selected Ohio for two new factories. "Companies tend to like to go to locations where there is already that infrastructure, where that supply chain is in place," Purdue's Lundstrom said. "That's a challenge for us, because this is a new industry for us. So, we have a chicken-and- egg problem that we have to address, and we are beginning to address that." Lundstrom said the CHIPS and Science Act and the federal money that comes with it are helping Indiana ramp up to compete with other U.S. locations already known for microchip development, such as Silicon Valley in California and Arizona. What could help Indiana gain an edge is its natural resources plenty of land and water, and regular weather patterns, all crucial for the sensitive processes needed to manufacture microchips at large manufacturing centers. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. The United States and Japan celebrated their decades-long alliance Wednesday night as President Joe Biden hosts Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House for a state dinner. The Japanese leader's visit marks a significant strengthening in defense and technology ties. White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara has this report. Months after Manila withdrew from China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects, Washington announced a set of infrastructure projects in the Philippines, the first under an initiative to accelerate investments in partner countries in the Indo-Pacific. The infrastructure projects, known as PGI Luzon corridor, were announced by U.S. President Joe Biden as he hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House on Thursday. "It means more jobs for people across the entire region," Biden said. "It means more investment in sectors critical to our future clean energy, ports, railroads, agriculture and much more." Marcos is seen as much closer to Washington than his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte. Last year, he skipped a BRI summit in Beijing that marked the 10th anniversary of Chinas $1 trillion international infrastructure-building program. "We seek to identify ways of growing our economies and making them more resilient, climate-proofing our cities and our societies, sustaining our development progress," he said at the trilateral summit. PGI is an initialism for Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, an initiative that offers grants, federal financing and private sector investment to partner countries. It was launched in 2021 by the U.S. and G7 partners under the title Build Back Better World and billed as an alternative to Chinas BRI. PGI Luzon corridor PGI Luzon corridor is the first project of its kind in the Indo-Pacific and will connect Subic Bay, Clark, Manila and Batangas in the Philippines to accelerate coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects, including ports, rail, clean energy, semiconductors, supply chains and other forms of connectivity in the Philippines, a senior administration official said during a briefing on Wednesday. The official asked for anonymity in speaking to reporters. The official did not provide more details on the project but noted it will take some time to secure investments. She highlighted a recent U.S. trade and investment mission to the Philippines that announced more than $1 billion in combined investments to promote the Philippines innovation economy, clean energy transition and supply chain resilience. Rebecca Ray, senior researcher with the Global China Initiative at the Boston University Global Development Policy Center, said that PGI Luzon corridor could lead to healthy competition among major sources of lending and investment globally. Those lending sources now recognize that developing countries need support in overcoming hard infrastructure bottlenecks for industrialization," she told VOA. The U.S. and Japan will also provide funding for technology in the Philippines that will improve wireless communication throughout the region, the official said. In addition, the official said, the Development Finance Corporation, a U.S. development bank that partners with the private sector, will open its first regional office in the Philippines. If the U.S. can sustain its focus and investments, PGI will be quite beneficial to the Philippines, said Derek Grossman, a senior analyst at the Rand Corporation, an American global policy research group. That said, we have seen numerous funding battles to get funds passed through Congress on these types of programs, he told VOA. And thus, this essential part is hardly guaranteed. Manila out of BRI As ties with Beijing become increasingly strained over territorial disputes in the South China Sea, Manila announced in November that it has given up on Chinese funding for three major transportation projects, expressing confidence in securing financial backing elsewhere. Even so, Chinese investment in the Philippines does not appear to be waning, Ray said, citing Chinese firm Yadeas 2023 announcement of a $1 billion investment in e-motorcycle manufacturing, the second-largest investment in the Philippines for the year. The Biden administration said it mobilized billions of dollars of U.S. private sector investments in the Indo-Pacific, including from Vena Energy, a company developing 2.4GW of renewable-energy projects in the Philippines. It's been more than a year since Yem Srey Pin moved with her family from the village where she was born on Cambodia's Angkor UNESCO World Heritage site to Run Ta Ek, a dusty new settlement about 25 kilometers away. Hers is one of about 5,000 families relocated from the sprawling archaeological site, one of Southeast Asia's top tourist draws, by Cambodian authorities in an ongoing program that Amnesty International has condemned as a "gross violation of international human rights law." Another 5,000 families are still due to be moved. The allegations have drawn strong expressions of concern from UNESCO and a spirited rebuttal from Cambodian authorities, who say they're doing nothing more than protecting the heritage land from illegal squatters. Yem Srey Pin's single-room home is a far cry better than the makeshift tent she lived in with her husband and five children when they first arrived, which did little to protect from the monsoon rains and blew down in the winds. And their 600-square-meter property is significantly bigger than the 90-square-meter plot they occupied illegally in the village of Khvean on the Angkor site. But the 35-year-old is also in debt from building the new house. Her husband finds less construction work nearby and his wages are lower, and there are no wild fruits or vegetables she can forage, nor rice paddies where she can collect crabs to sell at her mother's stand. "After more than a year here I haven't been able to save any money and I haven't earned anything," she said. The Angkor site is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world, spread across some 400 square kilometers in northwestern Cambodia. It contains the ruins of Khmer Empire capitals from the 9th to 15th centuries, including the temple of Angkor Wat. When it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1992, it was named a "living heritage site" whose local population observed ancestral traditions and cultural practices that have disappeared elsewhere. Still, UNESCO at the time noted that Angkor was under "dual pressures" from some 100,000 inhabitants in 112 historic settlements who "constantly try to expand their dwelling areas," and from encroachment from the nearby town of Siem Reap. Cambodia's answer was a plan to entice the 10,000 families illegally squatting in the area to resettle at Run Ta Ek and another site, as well as to encourage some from the 112 historic settlements to relocate as their families grow in size. "The number of people were on the rise, including those coming illegally," said Long Kosal, spokesperson for the Cambodian agency known as APSARA that's responsible for managing the Angkor site. "What we did was that we provided an option." Cambodia began moving people to Run Ta Ek in 2022, giving those who volunteered to leave their homes in the Angkor area plots of land, a two-month supply of canned food and rice, a tarp and 30 sheets of corrugated metal to use to build a home. Benefits also included a Poor Card, essentially a state welfare program giving them around 310,000 riel (about $75) monthly for 10 years. In a November report, Amnesty questioned how voluntary the relocations actually were, saying many people they interviewed were threatened or coerced into moving and that the relocations were more "forced evictions in disguise." The rights group cited a speech from former Prime Minister Hun Sen in which he said people "must either leave the Angkor site soon and receive some form of compensation or be evicted at a later time and receive nothing." Amnesty also noted Hun Sen's track record, saying that under his long-time rule Cambodian authorities had been responsible for several forced evictions elsewhere that it alleged "constituted gross violations of human rights." It said Run Ta Ek with dirt roads, insufficient drainage, poor sanitation and other issues did not fulfil international obligations under human rights treaties to provide people adequate housing. That has now changed: Homes with outhouses have been built, roads paved, and sewers installed. Primitive hand pumps made of blue PVC piping provide water, and electricity has been run in. There's a school, a health center, a temple; bus routes were added, and a market area was built but is not yet operating, Long Kosal said. But Amnesty maintains there are major concerns. Among other things, families have had to take on heavy debt to build even basic houses, and there is little work to be found, said Montse Ferrer, the head of Amnesty's research team investigating the Angkor Wat resettlements. "They had a clear source of income at the time tourism but also other sources of income linked to the location at Angkor," she said. "They are now at least 30 minutes away from the site and can no longer access these sources." Following Amnesty's scathing report, UNESCO moved up the timeline for Cambodia's submission of its own report on the state of conservation at the Angkor site, specifically asking for the allegations to be addressed. In that report, submitted to UNESCO in March, Cambodia said it had not violated any international laws with the relocations, saying it was only moving people involved in the "illegal occupation of heritage land" and that in Run Ta Ek many were now property owners for the first time in their lives. UNESCO said it would not comment on the situation until it has been able to analyze Cambodia's response. It referred The Associated Press to previous comments from Lazare Eloundou Assomo, director of the UNESCO World Heritage Center, who stressed the agency had "always categorically rejected the use of forced evictions as a tool for management of World Heritage listed sites." Yem Srey Pin said even though Run Ta Ek has slowly improved since she arrived in February 2023, and her new home will be paid off fairly soon, she'd rather return to her village if it were possible. But with almost all of the village's 400 families moving out, Yem Srey Pin says there's nothing left for her there. "I can't live in my old village alone," she said. Opposition candidates are accusing Chads military ruler, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, of flouting election rules and launching his campaign before the official starting date of April 14. Deby, the transitional president who seized power after the death of his father in 2021, is attempting to cement his rule with a victory in Chads presidential election on May 6. The general said on state TV Wednesday that if elected as Chad's president, he will maintain peace and develop the central African state, adding that he would fight what he called endemic poverty by creating jobs and funding youth agricultural projects. Several hundred people, a majority from Debys Patriotic Salvation Movement party, applauded as he told them that more than 200 opposition political parties and about 1,000 civil society groups have agreed to support him. Deby encouraged them to immediately begin campaigning for him. Lydie Beassemda, a presidential candidate of The Party for Democracy and Full Independence of Chad, accused Deby of disrespecting Chad's electoral code by launching his campaign early. April 14 is the date set by Chads Constitutional Council for campaigning to begin. Beassemda said nine opposition challengers notified the National Agency for the Management of Elections that Deby launched campaigning early. The agency said it is examining several complaints from opposition candidates but provided no details. Beassemda urged Chad's 8 million registered voters not to be intimidated by Deby, who wants to continue the role of his father, Idriss Deby Itno. The 37-year-old Deby was proclaimed head of an army junta after rebels killed his father in 2021 after more than 30 years in power. The presidential election in May is meant to be a transition back to democracy. Deby initially promised an 18-month transition period after he seized power. He later appointed himself as the head of a transitional government. Opposition parties say he uses the military to suppress the opposition. Opposition candidates urged Chadians to be vigilant and report suspected election malpractices to the National Agency for the Management of Elections. They also called for the international community to take note that Deby is not respecting democratic norms by campaigning before the official start date. The nine candidates challenging Deby in the election, including pro-democracy figure Success Masra, who now serves as transitional prime minister, say Deby does not want to lose his family's grip on power. Deby says he will respect the verdict of the ballot and hand over power if he is defeated. The Constitutional Council set the first round of voting for May 6 and the second round for June 22. Democratic governance declined for the 20th year in a row last year in a region stretching from Central Europe to Central Asia, according to Freedom House's annual Nations in Transit report, released Thursday. The report from the Washington advocacy group, which covers democratic trends, describes a shift toward authoritarian rule and a "geopolitical reordering" of the region. That reordering is splitting the region into a transatlantic pro-democracy bloc and an autocratic, anti-democracy bloc, it says. Democratic principles suffered setbacks in 10 of the 29 countries in the region, the report says. It identifies deepening authoritarian rule, expanding authoritarian aggression and a strong need for global democratic leadership to stem these threats. Despite the trend, the report found that most democracies maintained democratic standards at home. It noted that Poland, although facing democratic backsliding, was able to change course during a high-turnout election last October, and that its ability to recover will be "crucial for the future of the wider region." Another finding is that hybrid regimes, which are known for containing both democratic and autocratic traits, are at a crossroads. As countries in the region are moving into distinctly autocratic or democratic blocs, countries with hybrid regimes could go either way and 2024 could be a consequential year, the report says. This will be the biggest election year in recorded history, with about half the world's population in more than 50 countries heading to the polls. Mike Smeltzer, the senior research analyst for the Nations in Transit report and one of the two co-authors, described the crossroads during a webinar Thursday. He described three camps: democratizing hybrids, autocratizing hybrids and cyclical hybrids. Autocratizing hybrids include countries such as Serbia and Georgia and are marked by governing institutions that are "increasingly captured by ruling parties and abused for partisan or personal gain," said Smeltzer. Commitment to reform Democratizing hybrids, which include Ukraine and Kosovo, have "more genuine political pluralism and [have] shown a real commitment to the reform and strengthening of democratic institutions." Smeltzer said shifts to democratizing hybrids are often "the result of an external catalyzing event like aggression from an authoritarian power. Nowhere is this truer than in Ukraine," he continued, noting steps it took last year to improve the effectiveness of its courts and anti-corruption bodies. The report found that Ukraine is the only country out of the 11 hybrid regimes in the region that improved its democracy. The final group is cyclical hybrids, in which regimes "may ricochet between democratic and autocratic breakthroughs without ever seeming to achieve a full consolidation in either direction," Smeltzer said. This includes countries such as Albania and Armenia. Outside these groups are consolidated authoritarian regimes such as Russia and Azerbaijan, which Smeltzer said not only resisted movement toward democracy after the Cold War but have also "intensified the repression and worked to thwart democratization efforts elsewhere." The report outlined multiple recommendations to reverse the trend of declining democracy in the region. These recommendations include making rule of law a strategic priority, helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, holding autocrats accountable, supporting voter education on obstacles to reform, and supporting human rights defenders while in exile and in their home countries. Panelist David Kramer, former president of Freedom House and current executive director of the George W. Bush Institute, highlighted support for Ukraine as the most important policy recommendation for protecting global democracy and reversing trends seen over the past two decades. "If we don't help Ukraine win, those other recommendations won't amount to too much," Kramer said. "We will see the Russian threat roll on throughout the region, and we will see other authoritarian regimes feel emboldened as a result of the West's abandonment of Ukraine." The report also highlighted increased cooperation among autocracies. It said that consolidated authoritarian regimes "have actively supported one another in evading sanctions, crushing domestic opposition, and blunting any accountability for military aggression and other violations of international law." Nevertheless, the panelists were not despondent. They said Ukraine's resilience, the large turnout at Poland's recent election, and the overall failure of authoritarian governments to deliver on their promises to citizens are reasons to be hopeful for the future of democracy. Chinese online fast-fashion retailer Shein, known for its affordable clothing globally, has become a target of a boycott campaign. As Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Chicago-based human rights organization Justice for All has called on Muslim women to boycott Shein, alleging it is involved in the forced labor of Uyghur Muslims in China. The rights group said last week on the social media platform X: A jilbab is a full-length, loose-fitting, head-to-toe garment worn by some Muslim women that also covers the hands. Arslan Hidayat, head of the Save Uyghur campaign, says Shein's alleged use of forced labor exacerbates oppression of the Uyghur people. It is crucial for Muslims to use their consumer power to protest against the use of forced labor and to demonstrate solidarity with the Uyghur community, Hidayat told VOA. It is incumbent upon us to prioritize ethical consumption practices and advocate for justice for the Uyghur people. Beijing denies that any forced labor exists in Xinjiang. According to a Shein spokesperson, the retailer has a zero-tolerance policy for forced labor. We take visibility across our entire supply chain seriously, and we are committed to respecting human rights. To comply with U.S. law, we require our contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions, the company spokesperson told VOA in an emailed response. Concerns surrounding Shein's sourcing practices extend to its use of Xinjiang cotton. Bloomberg's laboratory tests conducted in November 2022 revealed that Shein's clothing contains fibers sourced from Xinjiang cotton, which is prohibited in the U.S. under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, enacted in June 2022. The law prohibits imports from Xinjiang and goods manufactured by Uyghurs allegedly coerced into working for minimal wages, unless companies can demonstrate the absence of forced labor. Despite U.S. bans on Xinjiang imports, Shein's shipments often evade scrutiny through the de minimis rule, which exempts packages under $800 from customs inspections, enabling them to enter the U.S. without thorough examination. Bipartisan leaders of a congressional committee focused on the Chinese Communist Party have called on the Biden administration to enhance efforts against imports linked to Chinese forced labor, urging closure of trade loopholes utilized by e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu. According to Yalkun Uluyol, a research consultant in Istanbul who researches Chinas forced labor practices, the U.S. needs a more comprehensive entity list and more sanctions. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has put companies on an entity list to ban imports to the U.S. market. However, there is a need for a more inclusive list of companies that have documented evidence of forced labor, Uluyol told VOA. Uluyol said the measures taken by the Chinese government in Xinjiang are nominally aimed at poverty alleviation but are actually a forced labor program. He said that under Chinas newly introduced anti-espionage regulations, one cannot even ask for supplier information from a company based in China. Adding this to the online censorship and lack of transparency, it is challenging to have enough information about the supply chain, not to mention the complicity of companies in forced labor, Uluyol said. Hidayat noted that despite Ramadan being a month of sacrifice and spiritual reflection, many Muslims purchase prayer clothes from Shein during this time. Shein is a popular clothing brand founded in China for North American consumers. Particularly amongst Muslim communities, they are consistent customers because of its cheap prices for hijabs, abayas and jilbabs, Hidayat said. Shein has been promoting its products through social media influencers, including Muslims. During Ramadan, which ended Wednesday in most countries, some Muslim YouTubers showcased Islamic clothing options from Shein, in partnership with the brand. VOA reached out to some for their perspectives on Justice for All's boycott of Shein, but they have not responded. Established in 2012 and backed by California-based Sequoia Capital and China-based IDG Capital, Shein has evolved into a fast-fashion giant targeting Generation Z consumers outside China. In 2019, the company moved its headquarters from mainland China to Singapore and operates in more than 150 countries and regions. The Financial Times reported in March that Sheins total sales reached $45 billion last year, and its 2023 profit nearly tripled from 2022 to more than $2 billion. Its closest competitors, H&M and Zara, made $820 million and $580 million, respectively. KABUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 26,000 people have been infected with the hepatitis B and C viruses in Afghanistan in the past two years, local media outlet Pajhwok Afghan News reported Thursday. "Nearly 17,600 people were infected with hepatitis viruses in the Persian calendar year of 1402, while the number of people suffering from the viruses in 1401 was 8,343," Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health, was quoted as saying. Lack of public awareness and hygiene care, presence of addicts, as well as delayed or wrong treatment were among the reasons for the spread of the hepatitis viruses in the Central Asian country, according to Amarkhil. The year of 1403 in the Persian calendar started on March 20, 2024, in Afghanistan. Ecuadors imprisoned former vice president is currently on a hunger strike to protest his arrest. Jorge Glas, who was convicted twice on corruption charges, faces new charges after a police raid last week on the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Ecuador, resulted in his arrest. "We have finally made contact with Jorge, who is on a hunger strike," his lawyer, Sonia Vera, said Wednesday on social media platform X. Glas was taken to the hospital on Monday after refusing to eat and becoming ill. He was discharged Tuesday and returned to prison. Ecuadors government said it has evidence that Glas was planning to escape, having lived in the embassy since December. Tensions have been growing between Mexico and Ecuador since the Mexican Embassy in Ecuador allowed Glas to take refuge there. According to The New York Times, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa defended the decision to detain Glas, citing the growing security crisis in the country. He noted that Glas arrest was reflective of his hard stance on criminals. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has also stoked animosity between the two countries by questioning the legitimacy of Ecuadors presidential election. During Lopez Obrador's daily press conference on Tuesday, footage broadcast from inside the embassy revealed a door being forcefully opened and a figure, who appeared to be Glas, being carried out by either police or soldiers. In a video circulated by his attorney, Glas alleged he was subjected to mistreatment by the police during his arrest. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters. A volunteer fighter from western Ukraine who goes by call sign Grandfather, and his commander from Crimea, known as Mix, are fighting shoulder to shoulder in Donbas. Anna Kosstutschenko met with the two men on the front lines of the war with Russia. Camera and video editing by Pavel Suhodolskiy. On a near daily basis, Scott Cullinane talks with members of Congress about Russia's war in Ukraine. As a lobbyist for the nonprofit Razom, part of his job is to convince them of Ukraine's need for greater U.S. support to survive. But as lawmakers debated a $95 billion package that includes about $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, Cullinane noticed an increase in narratives alleging Ukrainian corruption. What stood out is that these were the same talking points promoted by Russian disinformation. So, when The Washington Post published an investigation into an extensive and coordinated Russian campaign to influence U.S. public opinion to deny Ukraine the aid, Cullinane says he was not surprised. "This problem has been festering and growing for years," he told VOA. "I believe that Russia's best chance for victory is not on the battlefield, but through information operations targeted on Western capitals, including Washington." The Post investigation is based on more than 100 documents collected by a European intelligence service. The files exposed a Kremlin-linked campaign in which "political strategists and trolls have written thousands of fabricated news articles, social media posts and comments that promote American isolationism, stir fear over the United States' border security and attempt to amplify U.S. economic and racial tensions," the Post reported. Social media One of the main methods for spreading such disinformation is social media, according to Roman Osadchuk, a researcher at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab and an expert on propaganda and influence campaigns. "The process begins with a Russian publication on a small website or social media account. This is then picked up by a small Russian Telegram channel, which is subsequently shared by a larger channel with more subscribers," Osadchuk said. From there, someone will translate the content into English and share it, for example, on X. "This is how Russian disinformation can quickly spread within the English-speaking X community," Osadchuk said. In an article published April 8, The Washington Post cited Microsoft and the social media intelligence company Graphika as saying that some articles created within this operation could have been first published on sites known as doppelgangers. Osadchuk told VOA that these are deceptive replicas of legitimate media websites. They feature fake articles and are often taken down, only to be replaced by clones with slightly different web addresses. "Nobody would know about these sites' existence unless they are promoted on social media platforms. However, as soon as they detect them, social media block them. So, Russians quickly replace banned sites with their clones," he said. Worldwide effect In interviews with U.S. media, two influential Republicans said they believe the propaganda has influenced their base and some of their colleagues. "It is absolutely true. 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," House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner said in an interview with CNN. In an interview with the U.S. news website Puck, Michael McCaul, head of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, "Russian propaganda has made its way into the U.S., unfortunately, and it's infected a good chunk of my party's base." Serhiy Kudelia, a political scientist at Baylor University, says the Kremlin messaging is effective because it plays on existing fears. He says the disinformation seeks to reinforce already held beliefs such as the wastefulness of aid to Ukraine, or fuels existing anger and energizes opposition to sending assistance. "When such alignment occurs, it is easier to push through disinformation and invented news stories that would be accepted as credible by a large number of people, including members of Congress, since they reinforce their prior beliefs," Kudelia said. "Once fabricated stories enter mainstream public debates, they become almost impossible to debunk or separate truth from lies," he said. The disinformation campaign is similar to ones seen in Europe. Both seek to decrease support for Ukraine, undermine public trust in their institutions and polarize society, says Jakub Kalensky, a senior analyst at Helsinki-based European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. Kalensky, who is deputy director of the center's Hybrid Influence team, believes the Kremlin's disinformation activities have a significant effect on politics worldwide. "This is why Russia employs thousands of people for this activity. This is why they spend billions every year, because they see it works," he said. But Olga Belogolova, director of the Emerging Technologies Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, says that it is hard to know how effective these propaganda efforts are. "Russian influence operations are not necessarily always designed to get people to believe anything in particular, but to get them to believe nothing at all," she told VOA. Belogolova added that claims of the efforts being successful in swaying opinion "is not only irresponsible, it's dangerous." Countermeasures needed Last month, the U.S. Treasury Department issued sanctions on two people and two companies that it says are connected to a "foreign malign influence campaign." They include Moscow-based Social Design Agency, its founder Ilya Gambashidze, Russia-based Group Structura LLC and its CEO Nikolai Tupikin. The Social Design Agency and Gambashidze are believed to be involved in the campaign described in the Post article on April 8. Kalensky advises governments on countering disinformation and says its success requires countermeasures. These include strengthening detection and documentation of Russian disinformation campaigns, increasing awareness and resilience of audiences to the propaganda efforts, and preventing the aggressor from exploiting weaknesses of social media and societies. "Finally, we need to impose higher costs on the information aggressors. So far, they are almost unopposed in conducting their aggression," Kalensky said. For Cullinane, the Russian disinformation campaign makes his job harder. He says the debate about the role the U.S. should play in the world appears to be shifting and invoking pre-World War II isolationism. But he remains resolute. Part of his work is finding what resonates most with each lawmaker. "Some offices focus very much on the human rights situation in Ukraine. Many members are very moved by the plight of religious communities in occupied territories of Ukraine and the persecution they face at the hands of the Russian military," Cullinane said. "Other offices are very intrigued by the military reform and the military innovation brought about by an active war in Ukraine." The national security spending bill is currently awaiting approval in the House. This story originated in VOA's Ukraine Service. Israel and Iran are trading threats in the aftermath of Israels airstrike that leveled the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing seven Revolutionary Guards, including two of Tehrans generals. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Wednesday that Israel "must be punished and will be punished for the April 1 attack, days after one of his advisers said Israeli embassies are "no longer safe." Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly answered on the social media site X that "if Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. Iran partly blamed the United Nations for the possibility of expanded warfare in the Mideast. Had the U.N. Security Council condemned the Zionist regimes reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated, the Iran mission to the UN said on social media site X. During a visit to an airbase in central Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of "challenging times" on multiple fronts. "We are in the middle of the war in Gaza which continues in full force... but we are also preparing for scenarios of challenges from other arenas," Netanyahu said in comments released by his office. Russia called on both Iran and Israel to exercise restraint, after earlier warning Russians to refrain from travelling to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on X urged "maximum restraint," while the German airline Lufthansa said it had extended a temporary suspension of flights to Iran until Saturday. As the Iranian threat loomed, Israel strengthened its air defenses and paused leave for combat units. The United States warned of the risk of an attack by Iran or its allied groups at a time Middle East tensions have risen because of the six-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Iran is "threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel," U.S. President Joe Biden said Wednesday, pledging "ironclad" support for Israel, even as the U.S. and Israel have sparred over the Jewish states conduct of the war with Hamas and its refusal, until recently, to allow extensive humanitarian aid into Gaza. The war was ignited by the shock October 7 Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages, 100 or so of whom Hamas is still holding. Israels subsequent counter-offensive has killed more than 33,000 people in Gaza, two-thirds of them women and children, according to Gaza medical officials. The Israeli military says the dead include several thousand Hamas militants. Some material in this report came from Agence France-Presse. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told U.S. lawmakers Thursday the United States does not have to confront serious global challenges alone, saying Tokyo is upgrading its military capabilities to support its ally. In a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, Kishida urged the U.S. to continue its role upholding the international order and addressed skepticism among some Republican lawmakers about continuing aid to Ukraine. The leadership of the United States is indispensable. Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow? Kishida asked during his speech. Japan has provided $12 billion in aid to Ukraine, including anti-drone detection systems. Kishida also hosted a conference for Ukraines economic growth. U.S. lawmakers in support of aid to Ukraine have suggested a failure to confront Russia will send a message to China that it can expand its own ambitions in Taiwan. Across the region, Americas closest regional allies like Australia and South Korea understand the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) poses the greatest long-term strategic threat to a free and open Indo-Pacific. But they also understand that what happens in Europe or the Middle East in the near term matters an awful lot to Asia, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement following Kishidas address. A $96 billion supplemental security package providing aid to Ukraine and Indo-Pacific countries confronting Chinese aggression, passed the Democratic-majority Senate but has been stalled for months in the House of Representatives, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans. Kishidas plea to U.S. lawmakers comes as part of a three-day state visit to Washington. On Wednesday, Kishida met with President Joe Biden and announced a number of new defense partnerships between the two countries. The decades-long alliance between the U.S. and Japan is widely seen as key to countering Chinese aggression. Kishida acknowledged the partnership with the U.S. and broader regional alliances Thursday. Without the presence of the United States, how long before the Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities? Kishida said in his address. Our alliance serves as a force multiplier and together with these like-minded countries, we are working to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said. While the debates around the U.S. aid to Ukraine focus on military assistance, Kyiv is asking Washington for support in another crucial area locating POWs and civilian hostages held in Russia and their rehabilitation after they return home. Ukraine has also called on the United States to introduce sanctions against those who abuse Ukrainian captives in Russian prisons. Ttiana, who asked her surname be kept confidential for her familys safety, said her father, a civilian pensioner, was taken during the Russian occupation of his small Ukrainian village in April 2022. She found out about his fate only after Ukrainian forces liberated the village. Later, she learned more from Ukrainian POWs who had shared jail cells with him before being released in prisoner swaps. "They are given just enough food to keep them alive. ... They are not allowed to sit. They constantly stand," she told VOA. Tetiana said other treatment amounts to psychological torture. "They may be told that they're being taken for a [prisoner] exchange and then returned on the same day and told, We wanted to exchange you, but Ukraine doesn't want you back," she said. Tetana talked to VOA in March during visits to the U.S. Senate and State Department with other relatives of prisoners and representatives of the Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (KSHPPV). Olha Pylypey, a member of the small delegation of relatives, told VOA about her brother, Yuliy Pylypey, a marine who fought in Mariupol. On April 12, 2022, he, along with other Ukrainian marines, was captured by the Russian forces at the Ilyich Iron and Steel Works plant. Released prisoners told her that her brother is jailed in Kursk, Russia. They also told Yuliy's family that the administrators and guards of Russian prisons treat Ukrainian captives much worse than regular Russian inmates. "They line up [Ukrainian prisoners] and release aggressive dogs on them and don't allow them to defend themselves," Pylypey said. She is afraid Yuliy may have also been raped. Officials at the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, or HRMMU, interviewed and documented 60 Ukrainian servicemen recently released from captivity and found that most of them had experienced sexual violence. "Almost every single one of the Ukrainian POWs we interviewed described how Russian servicepersons or officials tortured them during their captivity, using repeated beatings, electric shocks, threats of execution, prolonged stress positions and mock execution. Over half of them were subjected to sexual violence," said Danielle Bell, who heads HRMMU. Russian officials deny accusations of mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners. On November 30, 2023, Russian Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana Moskalkova said she visited 119 Ukrainian POWs in Russian prisons and found the prisons adhered to international standards. Andriy Kryvtsov, head of the Military Medics of Ukraine nongovernmental organization, helped find his sister-in-law, military medic Olena Kryvtsova, who was part of a prisoner swap after six months in Russian captivity. "They were tortured, beaten and used as punching bags," Kryvtsov said. Russian special forces trained on them. They beat them like meat. She lost a lot of weight. When she came home, she weighed 77 pounds." Along with other relatives of prisoners, Kryvtsov asked the U.S. and its partners for sanctions not only against the leadership of Russia but also against prison personnel. "Putin is not personally torturing these people," he said. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for Ukraine's military intelligence and a member of the KSHPPV, told VOA that Ukrainian officials understand that the U.S. can't force Russia to comply with the Geneva Convention treaties, which establish standards of humane treatment for people affected by armed conflicts, including POWs. But he said the U.S. can help by locating the whereabouts of Ukrainians in Russian prisons so they can be included on the prisoner exchange lists. The Red Cross has confirmed the identities of 5,000 Ukrainians in Russian captivity. But tens of thousands of people, both civilians and prisoners of war, remain missing, Ukrainian officials say. Yusov also emphasized the importance of rehabilitating released prisoners and assisting their families. "Thousands of family members of our defenders who ended up in captivity, as well as thousands of Ukrainians who've returned from Russian captivity, need social, psychological and medical support, and all this is a subject for our cooperation with partners," he told VOA. Russia does not differentiate between civilians and military captives, considering both to have been "detained for counteracting the SVO," a Russian abbreviation for special military operation Moscow's official designation of its invasion of Ukraine - Ukrainian human rights lawyers told the BBC. Lawyers at the Center for Civil Liberties, the Ukrainian organization that received the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, told the BBC that they believe there are about 2,000 Ukrainian civilian prisoners in Russia and the occupied territories. According to a report by the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine published in March, at least 32 Ukrainian servicemen were executed in Russian captivity between December 1, 2023, and February 29, 2024. Kyrgyz officials remain upbeat about a much-anticipated China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, but skeptics say odds are stacked against this mega project. The project, referred to as CKU, dates to 1997, when the three countries signed a memorandum on construction of a railroad to link China's Xinjiang province with the Andijan province of Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan's Naryn and Osh provinces. Kyrgyz officials rolled out a red carpet April 2 for Erkin Tuniyaz, chairman of China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous region, who was visiting the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on a two-day tour. The chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, used the meeting to showcase progress on the CKU. "The construction project for China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is making significant strides forward," Japarov said. He added that representatives from the three countries had met in February to discuss construction plans. Despite optimism and repeated attempts to start the project some regional observers have come to call it a "dream railway" the CKU has stalled as the countries face financing and technical challenges. Some regional observers also claim that geopolitical considerations have played a role, with Russia and Kazakhstan trying to dissuade China from committing funds to the CKU. Neither Russia nor Kazakhstan has commented on the project. Kyrgyz president promotes project The project's fortunes began to change after Russia's early 2022 Ukraine invasion, when Western sanctions against Russia prompted China and the Central Asian republics to look for new transit routes to Europe. In September 2022, during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the three countries reached a deal to conduct a feasibility study on the railway the next year. The 2023 study estimated that roughly $4.5 billion would be needed to complete the 454-kilometer (282.1 miles) railway. Since 2022, the Kyrgyz government has engaged in extensive public outreach to promote the project. In June of that year, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov told Kyrgyz media that construction work on the CKU would begin in 2023. On his late 2023 visit to the United States and Germany, President Japarov assured the public that the project was making progress, and he called on Western investors to provide financing for the project. Despite the official assurances, construction work did not start in 2023, and it looks as though it will not begin in 2024 either. Countries disagree about route According to experts, the participating countries disagree on the route for the railway. The 2023 feasibility study identified two potential routes: a northern route that would run from China's Kashgar province to Uzbekistan's Andijan province through Kyrgyzstan's Naryn province; and a southern route that would run through Kyrgyzstan's Osh province. A Bishkek-based expert who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity said Kyrgyzstan "has been favoring the northern route, which is lengthier, more technically complicated and costly, but this route offers opportunity to connect the country's northern and southern regions." Kyrgyzstan's north and south are divided by the Ala Too mountain range. The road that links them is often closed because of weather. "China and Uzbekistan have been supporting the southern route as it is less complicated and less costly," he said. The expert said that faced with pressure from China and Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan is willing to settle on the less costly southern route. Tunnels, bridges pose challenges Technical difficulties present another type of challenge. The feasibility study found that more than 50 tunnels and 90 bridges would be needed to navigate through the mountain ranges that lie on the proposed northern route. There is no similar information for the southern route. Differences in railway track gauge or width are also an issue. China uses a 1,435-milimeter track while Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan use a broad-gauge 1,520-milimeter track. This means, the expert said, the project would require the construction of unloading stations so passengers and freight could be moved to other train cars, which would increase the cost. The financing of the project has emerged as a significant obstacle. Initial estimates put the cost at $4.5 billion. The most recent calculations, by the Kyrgyz government, indicate that the project would end up costing roughly $8 billion. The bulk of financing would go for the 280-kilometer (173.9 miles) Kyrgyz section of the planned 454-kilometer (282.1 miles) railway. Financial terms still 'a contentious issue' An October 6 analysis by Caspian Policy Center, a Washington think tank, said, "Although the agenda of the project has been finally settled, financial terms remain a contentious issue. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan lack the financial capabilities to support the project, both facing substantial debts." "Given the challenging economic conditions of these Central Asian governments," the paper said, "China may be hesitant to provide additional loans for the construction of such multi-billion-dollar projects in Central Asia." Kyrgyz officials have scoffed at any suggestion that the CKU has been suspended because of financing constraints. In late October, Kyrgyz Transport and Communications Minister Tilek Tekebaev said that information suggesting that the project had been temporarily suspended "is inaccurate." "We are actively engaged in discussions with China and Uzbekistan [and] work will resume once the financing model for the project is finalized. It's essential to approach this extensive project with careful consideration," he said. In late November, however, Kyrgyz premier Japarov admitted that China was losing interest in the CKU. "As you know, geopolitics has changed, alliances have changed. All this is an obstacle to the progress of the project," Japarov said at a meeting with Kyrgyz MPs. He added that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan "need this road. And China, our friends, is dissuading us from the project." Kyrgyzstan determined to build Despite various obstacles, the Kyrgyz government is not ready to shelve the CKU. Bakyt Torobayev, deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, who was addressing the Global Gateway Investors Forum for EU-Central Asia Transport Connectivity in Brussels in late January, said the CKU was the largest project that modern Kyrgyzstan has undertaken. "We believe that in the near future, the first railroad link will be laid, marking a significant milestone in realizing this project," he said. During the November meeting with MPs, Japarov said that Kyrgyzstan earmarked $500 million from its own budget for the CKU. If the CKU is shelved, the Bishkek-based expert said, "this will cause big public embarrassment to Kyrgyz government," which has invested extensive resources and time in the project. A memoir written by the late Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny will be released in October as his "final letter to the world, the publisher announced Thursday. The book, titled Patriot, chronicles Navalnys life and work promoting democracy in Russia up until his poisoning in 2020 and subsequent imprisonment. Navalny died in February at a remote penal colony above the Arctic Circle at the age of 47. The Putin critic was convicted in 2021 on extremism charges, which he asserted were politically motivated. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, who has accused Putin of killing her husband, said in a statement released by the publisher, "This book is a testament not only to Alexey's life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorship a fight he gave everything for, including his life. ... Sharing his story will not only honor his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter." The Russian governments crackdown on outspoken opposition leaders has increased since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Mexico is asking the United Nations to suspend Ecuadors membership in the international body until the Ecuadorian government publicly apologizes for raiding the Mexican Embassy in Quito, Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said on Thursday. The demand is part of a case Mexico is presenting Thursday to the International Court of Justice, the U.N.s top court, over the raid. On April 5, Ecuadorian authorities raided Mexicos embassy in Quito in order to arrest former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had been granted political asylum in Mexico. Diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Mexico have been suspended since the incident. "Mexico is accusing [Ecuador] of violating the diplomatic immunity of its embassy," Barcena said. She referred to the raid as a violation that is not justified anywhere. The Ecuadorian government, meanwhile, has argued that corruption charges facing Glas mean the asylum protection was actually illegal. A convicted criminal, Glas took refuge in Mexicos embassy in December. Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld said Ecuador stood by its actions and that an apology to Mexico "is not something that is under discussion at this moment." Speaking at the U.N. Security Council, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged the court to approve the expulsion. "The court, in accordance with the United Nations charter, should approve the expulsion, and there should be no veto" from the U.N. Security Council, Lopez Obrador said. Luis Almagro, the secretary general of the Organization of American States, said it was important to not allow Ecuadors raid on the Mexican embassy to set a precedent. The use of force, the illegal incursion into a diplomatic mission, nor the detention of an asylee are the peaceful ways toward resolution of this situation, he said. Some information in this report came from the Associated Press. During an April 4 roundtable discussion with foreign diplomats, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that the mayor of Kyiv had banned the use of the Russian language in daily life even though according to Lavrov most Ukrainians still speak Russian: "Recently, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko adopted a resolution prohibiting any cultural or educational events in Russian from being held in Kyiv. Even in everyday life, if anyone speaks Russian at school during breaks or addresses a shop assistant in Russian, they can face administrative charges. At the same time, the vast majority of Ukrainians still speak Russian. They find it convenient. Lavrovs claim that Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko banned Russian is false. Klitschko did not introduce any restrictions on speaking Russian. Last July, however, the Kyiv City Council imposed a moratorium on the public use of Russian-language cultural products, including music, films and books. As of August 2023, polls showed that most Ukrainians were speaking only Ukrainian in daily life. On April 11, Klitschko told the Voice of Americas Ukrainian Service in response to Lavrovs April 4 comments: The use of the Ukrainian [state] language is regulated by the law of Ukraine. The city authorities enforce the laws. They have no authority to regulate the use of languages. All events, according to the law, take place in the Ukrainian language. Regarding what language a person speaks in everyday life, there are no fines; there is no administrative responsibility. This was not the first time that Lavrov claimed the mayor of Kyiv had banned Russian. On December 28, he told two Russian state media outlets, the RIA Novosti news agency and the Rossiya 24 TV channel: [S]everal months ago Vladimir Klitschko banned the use of Russian in all spheres in Kiev: in the cultural and social spheres and in everyday life. However, the majority of people continue to speak Russian. Last July 13, a majority of the Kyiv City Council approved a moratorium on the public use of Russian-language cultural products in the city, banning the performance and reproduction of Russian-language songs, movies, concerts, theatrical and circus performances, book sales, etc. Russian is the language of the aggressor country, and it has no place in the heart of our capital, said Vadim Vasilchuk, a member of the Kyiv City Council and chairperson of its standing committee on education and science, youth and sports, the day the moratorium was passed. Earlier, on January 27, 2023, the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, located in Kyiv, banned the use of the Russian language on university grounds. Ukrainian is the official language across Ukraine, including in Kyiv. On April 25, 2019, Ukraines parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, adopted the law On ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian language as the state language. According to that law, using the Ukrainian language is mandatory for government bodies and in public spheres. Several provisions of the language law came into force immediately, but certain norms were introduced over subsequent years. The law came into force in Ukraines service sector on January 16, 2021. It meant that all enterprises, organizations and stores were obliged to serve consumers and provide information about goods and services in Ukrainian. Information can be duplicated in other languages, and at the clients request, they can be personally served in any other language acceptable to the parties, the law states. The Rating Sociological Group, a Kyiv-based independent research organization, surveyed 6,050 Ukrainian residents from August 16 to 20, 2023. When asked, What language do you use at home? 59% of the respondents said they only spoke Ukrainian in daily life, while 31% said they spoke Ukrainian and Russian. Only 9% said Russian was the language they mainly used in daily life. An even larger share of the respondents, 82%, called Ukrainian their native language, while 16% said the same about Russian. Over December 4 to 27, 2022, the International Institute of Sociology, a private Ukrainian research center based in Kyiv, surveyed 2,005 respondents across Ukraine. Of those, 58% said they communicated exclusively or mostly in Ukrainian, while 15% said they communicated exclusively or mostly in Russian. Another 24% said they used both languages equally. Chinese brands such as BYD, NIO, and Xpeng are frequently seen in European cities, while in China European-branded EVs are also popular. After traveling from Switzerland to China, Xinhua's Martina shares her discoveries. Produced by Xinhua Global Service South Koreas left-leaning opposition won a decisive victory in Wednesdays legislative election, as voters delivered a rebuke to the party of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. The main opposition Democratic Party and smaller allied forces won 189 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly, according to final figures released Thursday by the National Election Commission. The opposition bloc fell short of a crucial two-thirds majority, however, which would have upended South Korean politics. With 200 seats, the opposition could have overridden Yoons legislative veto, proposed constitutional changes, and even impeached the president. If confirmed, the results will preserve the same basic dynamic that existed before the election meaning opposition forces can continue to obstruct the domestic agenda of Yoon, who is two years into a single five-year presidential term. Lee Sang-sin, who focuses on political science and public opinion at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said he expects three years of deadlock in Korean politics. Yoon has faced significant political barriers since first taking office, when opposition forces already controlled the 180 seats needed to block any attempts to delay legislative procedures. However, South Koreas powerful presidency has given Yoon a relatively free hand in foreign policy. Yoon has used that power to move his country much closer to the United States, its longtime ally, as well as Japan, South Koreas former colonial ruler. Foreign policy was not a main issue in the election, which was instead dominated by allegations of corruption, intraparty divisions and fierce personal attacks. Yoons overseas agenda may not be greatly affected by the election result, according to Benjamin A. Engel, research professor at the Institute of International Affairs at Seoul National University. The National Assembly is extremely weak when it comes to foreign policy. They can critique and complain, but Yoon doesnt have to change unless he wants to for political reasons which he never seems to do for better or worse, Engel said. With a disappointing election result, Yoon may find more reason to concentrate on foreign affairs, said Mason Richey, associate professor of international politics at Seoul's Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. As a lame duck domestically, Yoon will likely focus as much or more than before on foreign policy, since that is where much of his formal power will be, Richey said. The question is how much he will be able to do that, if the jockeying in his own party leads to instability in the presidential office or key ministries, he added. Some analysts suggest conservatives may distance themselves from Yoon if they decide he has become a political liability closer to the next presidential election in 2027. Yoon has seen consistently low approval ratings as he deals with issues such as rising food prices, excessive housing costs, labor disputes and a plummeting birth rate. Most of the political conversation, however, has centered on a series of personnel and corruption-related scandals, including one involving hidden camera footage appearing to show his wife accepting a luxury Dior bag as a gift. Following the election loss, several conservative South Korean newspapers published scathing editorials criticizing Yoon. The Chosun Ilbo, South Koreas largest newspaper by circulation, said the defeat was not due to policy errors or corruption, but because of Yoons arrogance and lack of communication, saying he tended to stubbornly go against public sentiment. Yoon has taken a tough approach toward his critics. A VOA analysis last year found that he has pursued criminal charges against critical journalists and media outlets at a record pace. On Thursday, Yoon said via a spokesperson that he humbly accepts the will of the people and will strive to reform his administration, stabilize the economy, and enhance peoples livelihoods. In Wednesdays election, voter turnout stood at 67%, the highest in more than three decades for a legislative election. Lee Juhyun contributed to this report. Tensions between Israel and Turkey over the war in Gaza are at risk of escalating into an all-out trade war, threatening a bilateral economic relationship that has long been nurtured even as the countries bicker over political issues. On Tuesday, Turkeys Trade Ministry announced new restrictions on exporting 54 product groups, including aluminum, steel, several construction products, jet fuel and chemical fertilizers, to Israel. Some experts think Ankara has historically separated political problems from economic relations in its stance on Israel, but recent announcements show a policy shift. Turkeys decision was negatively received in Israel as the two countries are important trade partners, and until now, Ankara has put a barrier between tensions on the political level and trade relations, Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior research fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Israel, told VOA. The restrictions came a day after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel had prevented Turkey from airdropping aid to Gaza and vowed to take measures against Israel until there was a cease-fire and permanent flow of aid into the territory. Israel has not responded to Fidans statement. Alan Makovsky, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, said he saw Turkeys export restrictions as a response to domestic politics. I would find it hard to believe that Turkey could seriously think that Israel would approve of allowing Turkey to participate in airdrops. When theres an airdrop, Israel does not review what is in the airdrop, so it is only countries that they would really trust from a security standpoint that they would give clearance to. At least, I believe thats the case, Makovsky said. If Turkey did apply, I am sure they knew when they applied that there was no way Israel would approve it," he said. "I suspect they used that as a cover for what is really a domestic political decision. Makovsky was referring to the success of the Islamist New Welfare Party (YRP) in last months local elections in Turkey. YRP, which came third, was vocal in criticizing Erdogan for not cutting off trade with Israel during the campaign. Trade with Israel In a post on X, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, We will respond accordingly and prepare an extended list of additional products that Israel will prevent Turkey from exporting. Makovsky said that trade between Israel and Turkey in recent years has become increasingly unbalanced in Turkeys favor. The two countries signed a free-trade agreement in 1996. According to the state-run Turkish Statistical Institute, Turkeys exports to Israel were worth $5.4 billion in 2023, while Israels exports to Turkey were worth $1.6 billion the same year. In terms of replacing materials, the burden is going to be greater on Israel, but there could be economic problems for Turkey, obviously, if these sales do not go through, Makovsky said. I also wonder what message it sends to international investors if Turkey suddenly prevents private contracts from being carried out for political reasons. That may not be a great thing for the Turkish economy, he said. Some experts said the restrictions would broadly affect Israels construction sector. Regarding some materials, such as cement, Israel is highly dependent on imports from Turkey. Israel can find alternatives, but they will cost more, and it may take time till it finds the relevant substitutes, INSSs Lindenstrauss told VOA. According to the Israel Builders Association, Israel imports around 70% of its iron construction materials and about a third of its cement needs from Turkey. Turkey has also been one of the leading steel providers to Israel. US involvement Israeli Foreign Minister Katz said he asked Israels friends in the U.S. Congress to examine Turkish violation of boycott laws against Israel and impose sanctions accordingly. Eugene Kontorovich, a law professor at George Mason Universitys Scalia Law School, said he thought that Turkeys action most probably violates the World Trade Organizations agreements, but not U.S. federal laws. As for a U.S. response, it is unlikely that Turkeys selective export restrictions on products to Israel violate U.S. federal anti-boycott laws; state laws simply do not deal with boycotts imposed by countries, Kontorovich told VOA. Thirty-eight U.S. states have laws prohibiting states from contracting or investing in entities that boycott Israel. Some analysts think that given the debate in Washington over sending aid to Israel, it is unlikely that Congress will take measures against Turkey. They have got a lot of things on their plate, and it seems to me unlikely that punishing Turkey for sanctions against Israel is going to be high on the congressional agenda anytime soon, Makovsky said. The U.S. military said its forces destroyed eight aerial drones late Wednesday in areas of Yemen controlled by the Houthi militant group. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement the drones "presented an imminent threat to U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels in the region." CENTCOM also reported destroying three other Houthi drones early Wednesday, including two that were over the Gulf of Aden and one over the Red Sea. The United States is leading a coalition effort to help protect the key shipping route through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea from attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis, designated by the U.S. as a terror group, have said their campaign targeting ships is in solidarity with the Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Thursday for swift action to provide his country with military aid, especially air defense systems, after a night of Russian aerial attacks that the Ukrainian military said included 42 missiles and 40 drones. If Russian missiles and Shahed drones continue to strike not only Ukraine but also the resolve of our allies, this will amount to a global license for terror, Zelenskyy said on social media. We need air defense systems and other defense assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions. Zelenskyy said the latest attacks targeted the Kharkiv, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Odesa regions. Russian terrorists have once again targeted critical infrastructure, Zelenskyy said. Ukraines air force said the countrys air defenses shot down 39 of the 40 drones and destroyed 18 of the 42 missiles. Ukrainian electrical grid operator Ukrenergo said Russian strikes damaged its facilities in five regions. Oleh Syniehubov, the regional governor in Kharkiv, said 10 missiles hit the city of Kharkiv, with Russian attacks targeting energy infrastructure knocking out power to more than 200,000 people. Maksym Kozytskyi, the regional governor in Lviv, reported fires at a gas facility and an electricity substation as a result of the attacks. The governor of Odesa, Oleh Kiper, also reported a fire at an energy facility from debris from downed drones. Russias defense ministry Thursday reported thwarting a Ukrainian attack with 12 drones targeting multiple regions. The Russian ministry said it destroyed three drones over Kursk, three over Tambov, two over Belgorod, two over Mordovia, and one each over Bryansk and Lipetsk. Ukraine regularly targets areas close to the Ukraine-Russia border such as Belgorod and Bryansk. The strikes on Mordovia and Tambov are among the less common attacks that hit much deeper into Russian territory. Part of a pattern At the United Nations, a senior official expressed concern about the increase in Russian attacks, which have resulted in rising casualties. Since March, the large-scale coordinated attacks on critical infrastructure destroyed or damaged more than two dozen energy facilities throughout the country, including the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council. These attacks have disrupted access to electricity for millions of Ukrainians in large cities and in rural areas. Water supply was also disrupted in some locations. The U.N. says it has confirmed at least 126 civilians were killed and 478 injured in March a 20% increase over February. The deadly trend has continued this month with daily drone, missile, rocket and artillery attacks reported across the country, said Jenca. Also worrisome are renewed attacks targeting Europes largest nuclear plant at Zaporizhzhia. On Sunday, the facility, which is under Russian military control, was directly targeted for the first time since November 2022. Drone attacks were also reported on Monday and Tuesday. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Thursday in Vienna that the attack marked a major escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers in Ukraine, significantly increasing the risk of a nuclear accident. Rafael Mariano Grossi said one of the attacks directly hit the reactor dome of Unit 6, and while the incident was serious, the damage did not compromise nuclear safety. Two other attacks were near the main reactor buildings and resulted in at least one casualty. Rolling the dice is not the way to do it in nuclear safety, Grossi said. The surge in attacks has not spared humanitarian workers. A senior U.N. humanitarian official told the Security Council that in March two aid workers were killed and 10 injured. Over the weekend, a humanitarian hub in Zaporizhzhia was hit, and last week a Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) office in the Donetsk region was destroyed by a missile attack, Edem Wosornu told the council. Five civilians were injured, and MSF had to temporarily suspend critical medical activities. She said in recent weeks first responders have also been targeted in second wave attacks as they respond to the scene of attacks. Peace conference Switzerland said Wednesday it will host a high-level international conference in June aimed at ending Russias two-year war on Ukraine but acknowledged that Russia is unlikely to attend. More than 100 countries have been invited to the resort town of Burgenstock for the June 15-16 conference. Swiss daily Neue Zurcher Zeitung reported that U.S. President Joe Biden, Ukraines key global supporter, may attend, but White House officials said no decision has been made about which U.S. officials may be there. The conference follows a plan laid out in recent months by Zelenskyy and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned last week that any negotiations to end the fighting could only be successful if Moscow's interests are taken into account. He called the Swiss round of peace talks a Western ruse to rally broader international support for Kyiv. Zelenskyy said in his daily address Wednesday that Ukraine must be able to defend its airspace, its land and its waterways as part of a just end to the war. We have no right to make a mistake in any of these aspects, he said. There needs to be a clear position of the world regarding the just end of this war. U.N. correspondent Margaret Besheer contributed to this report. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. UNITED NATIONS 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. A couple of weeks ago, with Living the High Life, I thought Top Chef: Wisconsin was settling into a familiar groove, and I assumed wed run through all of this seasons production changes. Silly me! I was speaking as boldly and, it turns out, as incorrectly as Kaleena proclaiming her cheesecakes would be properly set or Charly boasting that he and Michelle werent going to coast on immunity when they definitely did. The Wright Stuff is packed with changes to how Top Chef normally works both for the contestants and us as viewers, and like Savannah tasting wild pistachio for the first time, I just dont get it. The format already works! Stop tweaking the format! The first change: The Wright Stuff starts immediately after Take It Cheesy, with the cheftestants and the judges still assembled outside Cupola Barn in Oconomowoc, where they held the first Top Chef Cheese Festival. (Yes, Tom is still wearing the hat. Its basically the I Think You Should Leave Brians hat sketch in real life.) Kristen announces that in this weeks episode, theres again, like in the premiere, no Quickfire challenge. Instead, everyone will be traveling to Madison alongside the Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, and the cheftestants will be visiting some of Wrights designed buildings for inspiration. Tom and Gail provide a little HGTV lesson in which they talk about Wrights design style and how the legendary American architect paired somewhat oppositional concepts together (the only real example they give is his low-ceilinged entryways leading into high-ceilinged, wide-open living spaces), and then they lay out a highly conceptual Elimination challenge. In pairs, the chefs need to tackle Wrights work and the concept of duality. They can take inspiration from Wrights compression/release idea or from other duality ideas like light/dark or large/small, and theyll work as a team to deliver two dishes. The chefs get to pick their partners, which leads to people who were already friendly teaming up (Michelle and Charly; Dan and Amanda; Rasika and Danny) and others joining up because of necessity (Savannah and Laura; Kaleena and Alisha; Manny and Kevin, who delightfully call themselves the power bottoms because of their low rankings at the cheese festival). And then Kristen drops a bombshell: Michelles immunity for her coconut curry and collard green saag will extend to Charly, too, so the entire team will be safe from elimination this week which, by the way, is a double elimination. So essentially Charly jumps in front of not just one person, but two people, because an entire team will be out. Yeah, I hate this. Im assuming the idea here was that its unfair when someone has immunity in a team and others dont, because if the person who has immunity made the worst dish, they get to stay, and someone else is unjustly sent home. (This is why Jamie Lynch giving up his immunity on Top Chef: Charleston was so shocking because no one does that.) But its not exactly fair for someone to get immunity gifted to them by the series, either, because thats also an arbitrary advantage. I think the better option would have been to still hold a Quickfire challenge (but the person who already has immunity from the previous Elimination challenge cant get it again), give the person who won the Quickfire immunity, pair them with the Elimination-immunity winner, and then randomly pair up the other chefs. That approach would be slightly more merit-based than this one, where someone greatly benefits from pure luck. Anyway, no one shares their thoughts on this immunity tweak (although Im sure some of them had to be seething internally, because that would be normal and warranted!), and the next morning they hit the road to Burnham Block, six affordable, small-scale homes Wright designed that are still in use now; the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, which overlooks Lake Monona and bridges urban and water environments; and Taliesin, Wrights sprawling home, studio, and property thats a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses Riverview Terrace Restaurant, where the chefs will cook and present their dishes. Watching these segments is like being at an open house occupied purely by first-year psych students; everyones trying really hard to make thoughtful (but mostly facile) observations about how Wrights design makes them feel and how chefs are just like architects. Its making me want to crawl under my couch, especially when Amanda says that Wright was a Gemini and sparks off another astrology talk. Its useful footage, though, because it shows us how the chefs are all interacting together on this team challenge. Three teams seem connected. Rasika and Danny are vibing on their seemingly similar but strikingly different approach and decide to do two dishes that look similar but have totally different color palettes and flavor profiles. Amanda and Dan decide their dish will be a commentary on affordable housing, with one dish featuring peasant ingredients like potatoes and fennel and the other luxury seafood. Manny and Kevin take their contrasting personalities as inspiration and decide to go with a light/dark theme, with Manny serving a stuffed pasta with a light-colored sauce and Kevin a chocolate dessert. Two teams are less focused but are intent on working together. Savannah and Laura decide to feature Lauras ingredient from home, wild pistachio, in an uncomfortable beef dish that will introduce judges to the new flavor, while their comfortable dish will be a dessert with the familiar pistachio flavor, raspberry, and phyllo dough. Charly and Melissa go with a chicken/egg theme, with Charly making Haitian djon djon black rice and Melissa a mushroom biscuit. (Note that neither chicken or egg is the primary component in either dish, something Tom will criticize later after eating their offerings.) And then theres Alisha and Kaleena, who are a flat-out mess. From the beginning, they just dont get along. Alisha says to Kaleena that she hates Geminis and then learns Kaleena is a Gemini. When planning their dishes, Kaleena brusquely tells Alisha shes taking their agreed-upon land-and-sea theme too literally. Their planned dishes Kaleenas mushroom and goat cheesecake, Alishas aguachile with shrimp dont sound like theyre going to accentuate each other at all. In a talking-head interview with the two of them, Kaleena gets really standoffish when Alisha accidentally touches her foot. In the kitchen, Alisha says something self-deprecating about not cutting her cucumbers well, and Kaleena sarcastically mocks her; Kaleena lists all the stuff she still has to do, and Alisha makes an exasperated face. Later on, as Kaleena struggles to cut her unevenly set cheesecakes, shes defensive when Alisha points out that they look really imprecise and then doesnt help Alisha with her plating. Theyre just never on the same page at any part of this challenge (the editing really makes it seem like this is mostly Kaleenas fault), and its not surprising when their dishes get torn apart at judging. Kaleenas cornbread cheesecake crust in her mushroom and goat cheese cheesecake with sesame and nori tuile, candied mushrooms, and spruce syrup is so overdone that Tom compares it with Civil War-era hardtack, but hes not done! He then compares Alishas aguachile with shrimp, cucumber, and lime with a first-year culinary student trying to make a fancy dish. Tom really put on his coziest striped cardigan to oversee a bloodbath. Thats duality for you! Kaleena and Alishas dishes are as bad as French Laundry alumni Danny and Rasikas are good. Theyre plated exactly the same, with little quenelles and then stacks of vegetable batons precisely sliced to the same height, but the flavors have little in common. Dannys quenelle is made of scallop and zucchini mousse and is served with zucchini batons and green chartreuse; Rasikas quenelle is made of daal and comes with beet and carrot batons and rasam, an Indian soup that Rasika compares to a consomme. The judges love both dishes, but Rasikas spice level, acidity, and different textures make it the judges favorite of the night, and Rasika is overwhelmed to nab immunity again while cooking one of her grandmothers recipes. She describes what shes doing with her familys Tamil flavors as a Ratatouille thing, which is cute, and if youre keeping track, shes now won three of Top Chef: Wisconsins six challenges. But do these teams get judged the way you would expect? They do not. Instead of doing the normal Top Chef thing where more than one low-ranking contestant or team is brought in for judging to amp up the tension about whos going home, Kristen calls Kaleena and Alisha and Danny and Rasika to Judges Table at the same time, and with very little preamble, announces that Kaleena and Alisha must pack their knives and go. Tom delivers a rushed list of reasons why their dishes were failures, but theres no real back-and-forth between the judges and the cheftestants about what went wrong in conception, cooking, or teamwork, and this abbreviated Judges Table means that some of the other teams who struggled dont get any feedback or discussion of their dishes, either. (I personally would have loved more talk from the judges about wild pistachio and whether it actually tastes like cigarettes, as Savannah suggested.) Instead, Kaleena and Alisha are dismissed and say their good-byes to everyone but Danny and Rasika, who remain behind to have praise heaped upon by them the judges. Its another odd change that doesnt really accomplish anything. My guess is that this judging reversal was primarily to build in a little gap of time between when Kaleena and Alisha leave and Kristen and two-time Top Chef winner Buddha Lo, who returned to judge the duality challenge, visit the remaining chefs so Kristen can give insight about what happened, explaining that the food just did not come to the level that it needed to come and encouraging the other contestants to embrace being pushed to another limit. This is Top Chef positioning Kristen once again as the wise mentor and host who will give the cheftestants the tough love they need, and sure, fine. But wouldnt it have been more useful to provide that tough love through a more comprehensive Judges Table that more broadly and honestly assessed the other chefs mistakes of the night, too, and that didnt result in the series so unceremoniously shoving Kaleena and Alisha out the door? And honestly, is a merciless environment like Top Chef really the venue for contestants to consistently bring joy to their cooking, as Kristen tells them to do? That just feels naive, like Top Chef is positioning itself as a feel-good and do-good series when, in reality, its a competition series just like any other and theres nothing wrong with that! Top Chef: Wisconsin, please stop changing the rules. Assorted amuse-bouche Tom hat watch: no hat during the duality judging. Lets hold out hope for next week. The dishes I most wanted to eat this episode: Sort of slim pickings without a Quickfire and with a number of dishes that had technical flaws, but Ill say Amandas bougie angel-hair pasta with scallops and lobster (hold the roe) and Kevins warm chocolate-praline mousse. I was surprised that after so many cheftestants commented on Wrights use of burnt red throughout his designs, no one tried to prominently recreate that shade in their dishes? This is probably a me problem, but I was somewhat irritated when chef and judge Dominique Crenn praised Michelle and Charlys dishes for being made with love when they had a lot of execution issues, like Michelles biscuit dough being too dry and Charlys rice being unevenly cooked. It felt like there was an implied bias there from Dominique, like homey or ethnic food could never be as technically precise as, say, French cuisine, so its chefs dont need to try. Related: Was there a reason why Michelle used the silicone baking molds for her biscuits instead of cutting them into individual squares and baking them that way? Ive seen biscuits portioned with square biscuit cutters before and assume that would provide better texture than the mold, in which the biscuit dough probably couldnt expand as it needs to? Someone with actual baking knowledge, please sound off in the comments. Manny almost hitting his head on Taliesins ceilings and then calling himself lighthearted and round feels like the beginning of fan-favorite material to me! Amanda is also up there, of course. The BMW spon-con is always so hilariously cheesy that I cant even be mad at it anymore. The cheftestants having to pretend that theyre shocked by the existence of Google Maps what year is it? If youre planning a Wisconsin trip, heres some information about the full Frank Lloyd Wright Trail. And if youre planning a move to Wisconsin, apparently the state is littered with houses designed by people who apprenticed with Wright through the program described in this episode. They are probably far more expensive now than they were back in 2017, but these homes are fun to stalk on real-estate websites if thats a thing you are weirdly obsessed with, like, um, me. LAST CHANCE KITCHEN SPOILERS AHEAD: My Soo conspiracy theory continues! Toms challenge for Soo, Kaleena, and Alisha is to pick a serving vessel from a table of various items (including greenhouse terrariums and wooden trays) and then cook a dish inspired by that vessel. Its not too dissimilar from the Wright challenge, so I understand Alishas impulse to make aguachile again to prove that she can do it. But Alishas aguachile with shrimp, jicama, avocado, cucumber, and cilantro is just too simple compared with Kaleena, who does an Asian-inspired beef trio (beef tartare, beef tataki, and charred rib-eye medium rare), and Soo, who chose a square container and on the lid serves lamb loin carpaccio and inside glazed halibut with a spicy strawberry bisque. Top Chef contestants usually fail when they try to serve one ingredient numerous ways, so I was pretty surprised that Kaleena did well. She and Soo get to stick around while Alisha gets the boot, and I hope next week she joins Kenny and Valentine in their very cute (and justified) Avenge us chant for the next eliminated cheftestant. BLANTYRE, Malawi, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people have died in Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, after consuming a locally made alcohol on Monday, police said on Wednesday. Three others were admitted to the city's referral hospital, while one was discharged. Joseph Sauka, police spokesperson for South West Region, told Xinhua by telephone that the "deadly" alcohol was locally produced from unspecified chemicals and that investigations were still underway to determine the supplier of the chemicals. Meanwhile, police have begun confiscating the "poisonous concoction," and three people have been arrested so far for running the illegal business, according to Sauka. Sauka said police are also engaging communities through community policing about the dangers of consuming uncertified beverages or food. Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre Gift Kawalazira confirmed to the local media that five people died on arrival at the city's Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital on Monday, while the rest died between Tuesday and Wednesday. Kawalazira said the patients presented with diarrhea, blurred vision, labored breathing, and general body aches, and autopsies of their bodies revealed the presence of poison. UNITED NATIONS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday voiced grave concern over Israel's killing of seven aid workers of the World Central Kitchen in Gaza. A press statement said that these horrific attacks brought the number of humanitarian personnel killed in Gaza during the ongoing conflict to at least 224, more than three times as many humanitarian aid workers killed in any single conflict recorded in a single year. The council members underlined the need for accountability for all of these incidents and noted that Israel has announced the initial results of an investigation into the incident, stressing the need for a full, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the incident that is fully publicized. The council members also demanded that all parties to the conflict fully respect the protected status of humanitarian workers, facilities, and operations under international law, abide by humanitarian notification and deconfliction mechanisms, and immediately fix any deficiencies in these mechanisms. They reiterated their deep concern over the human toll of the conflict, the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and the threat of imminent famine in Gaza, and called for the immediate lifting of all barriers to the delivery of humanitarian aid at scale to the civilian population and to the unhindered distribution of such assistance. Where to find Bramante's High Renaissance buildings in Rome and the Vatican. Donato Bramante (1444-11 April 1514), was an Italian architect who introduced the High Renaissance style to Rome, where his original plan for St Peter's formed the basis of a later design by Michelangelo. Bramante's palaces, cloisters, staircases and courtyards can still be seen around Rome and in Vatican City. St Peter's Piazza di S. Pietro Groundplan and two cross sections by Bramante for St Peter's Basilica, dating from 1505-1506. Pope Julius II commissioned Bramante to build a new St Peter's, replacing the basilica erected by Constantine in the fourth century, and the first stone was laid in 1506. Bramante's design was revolutionary: instead of the classic Latin-cross church with five naves, he proposed a Greek-cross structure, towered over by a large central dome. However when Pope Julius died in 1513, Bramante was replaced - a year before his own death - by Giuliano da Sangallo, Fra Giocondo and Raphael. In 1547 Michelangelo took over as chief architect, making substantial changes to Bramante's original plan. Chiostro del Bramante Via della Pace Commissioned by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa around 1500, the Bramante cloister is an extraordinary example of High Renaissance architecture, forming part of the complex of the adjoining church of S. Maria della Pace. Built on a square plan, the cloister is square and spacious, with a magnificent upper gallery characterised by alternating Corinthian pilasters and columns supporting an architrave and a flat ceiling. Located near Piazza Navona, the cloister is today an art museum whose galleries host important temporary exhibitions. Tempietto del Bramante Piazza di S. Pietro in Montorio 3 Considered a masterpiece of High Renaissance architecture, the Tempietto - a small commemorative martyrium or tomb designed by Bramante - sits in the courtyard of S. Pietro in Montorio on the summit of Rome's Janiculum Hill. Commissioned by Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, the perfectly-proportioned tempietto is located on the traditional spot of St Peter's martyrdom. The circular temple is composed of slender Tuscan columns, a Doric entablature modelled after the Theatre of Marcellus, and a dome. Scala del Bramante Vatican Museums The Bramante Staircase is an innovative double-helix spiral connecting the Vatican's Belvedere Palace to the outside world of Rome. It was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1505. Lined with granite Doric columns and featuring a herringbone paving pattern, the staircase was designed to allow people and pack animals to ascend and descend without interruption. This allowed Pope Julius II to enter his private residence while still in his carriage. The stair is cited as the inspiration for Antonio da Sangallo the Younger's design for the double helix passageway at St Patrick's Well in Orvieto, and also inspired Giuseppe Momos 1930s staircase at the Vatican Museums. Bramante's staircase is not generally open to the public. Palazzo della Cancelleria Piazza della Cancelleria This former Apostolic Chancery of the Pope, today a World Heritage Site, is attributed to Bramante and is regarded as the earliest Renaissance palace in Rome. It was constructed between 14891513 as a palace for Cardinal Raffaele Riario, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, and remains an extraterritorial property of the Vatican. The palace's Florentine-style facade, with its rhythm of flat doubled pilasters between arch-headed windows, is covered in travertine taken from the nearby ancient ruins of the Theatre of Pompey. Located between Campo de' Fiori and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, the building houses the Rota Romana, the highest ecclesiastical appeal tribunal of the Roman Catholic church. It is also home to a permanent public exhibition of replicas of many of Leonardo Da Vincis machines and designs. Cortile del Belvedere Vatican City The Belvedere Courtyard, designed by Bramante from 1505 onwards, is a major architectural work of the High Renaissance in Vatican City. Conceived as a single enclosed space, the long courtyard connected the Vatican Palace with the Villa Belvedere in a series of terraces, linked by stairs, and profoundly influenced the design of courtyards across Europe. The work was completed after Bramante's death however, by the end of the 16th century, the space had been divided it into two separate courtyards, altering Bramante's original designs irretrievably. Cover photo credit: Phuong D. Nguyen / Shutterstock.com. Dining chat: A waiter gave our anniversary bubbly to the table next to us. What should we have done? The Federal Court has determined three women who launched legal action against Qatar Airways after they were invasively searched cannot sue because of the rules that govern international air travel. On Wednesday Federal Court Justice John Halley found Qatars Civil Aviation Authority were immune from foreign prosecution. He found the women could not bring a claim against Qatar Airways under the Montreal Convention, saying the proposition was fanciful, trifling, implausible, improbable, tenuous or one that is contradicted by all the available documents or other materials. The governments decision to reject Qatar Airways from increasing its flights was controversial. Credit: Alamy The Montreal Convention is a multilateral treaty used to establish airline liability in the event of death or injury to passengers. The women, who are represented by Marque Lawyers, were granted leave to re-plead their claim against a third party the Qatar governments airport company, MATAR. This leave to re-plead is limited to claims pertaining to the alleged conduct of the airport employees. The women will also be able to re-plead that MATAR owed a duty of care to prevent the nurses, who are not MATAR employees, from conducting the searches. Its hard to believe writer-director Alex Garland began work on his script for Civil War a year before the attack on the US Capitol in 2021. The Trump presidency and its polarisation of American society were enough to get him started on a scenario centring on the presence of a dictator in the White House. A greater leap of the imagination is the narrative twist that has California, a traditionally liberal Democrat fiefdom, forging an anti-government alliance with the staunchly Republican state of Texas under the banner of Western Forces. There are other groupings, including a bundle of seemingly diverse regions that team up as the Loyalist States, but the details are left for us to sort out. We spend the film in the company of a small party of journalists whose progress across the country is so packed with the horrors of war that most of their energies are concentrated on surviving. Never mind about political analysis or the workings of journalism, for that matter. Two of the group take lots of photographs, but nobody ever talks about writing or filing a story about the atrocities theyre witnessing in a gory close-up. Kirsten Dunst, cast as Lee, a much-admired photojournalist and her colleague Joel (Brazilian actor-director Wagner Moura) want to get from New York to Washington because Joel has an urgent desire to interview the president. Their mentor and journalistic rival, Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), has hitched a ride with them because he wants to get to the wars front line in Virginia, and Jessie (Priscillas Cailee Spaeny), a young photographer aspiring to get a start in war reporting, has persuaded them to let her tag along. Nobody talks about taking sides. Sammy sums up the state of play when he says that the rebel forces are so divided that theyll probably try to kill one another off should they manage to gain power. So much for democracy. BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China, the United States and the European Union (EU) reached new consensus on Wednesday on deepening cooperation on consumer product safety, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC). The three sides agreed to build common standards, deepen common supervision, focus on common protection of consumer rights and interests, and strive to protect the common safety of consumer products at the Eighth China-US-EU Trilateral Summit on Consumer Product Safety in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province. The meeting was co-hosted by the GAC, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Committee, and the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission. Joint action will be taken to make full use of existing cooperation frameworks for the protection of the health and safety of consumers, guided by new consensus on seeking international standards, pooling regulatory efforts, and enhancing risk information sharing. With coordinated governance, the three sides will deepen project cooperation, exchanges, seminars and professional training, and strengthen information communication and technical consultation under the framework of continuous high-level exchanges. The trilateral cooperation framework, starting 16 years ago, has achieved positive outcomes. In 2023, China's consumer product trade with the United States and the Europe stood at 1.8 trillion yuan (over 250 billion U.S. dollars) and 1.79 trillion yuan, respectively. Central Coast mother of two Jen ONeill, 44, was in a hospital bed after her second of three heart attacks in six years when she overheard a nurse talking to a colleague about her condition. She thinks shes had another heart attack, but its probably just stress or a panic attack, ONeill heard the nurse say. Jen ONeill felt she was being belittled when she was having a heart attack. Credit: Janie Barrett ONeill had suffered a spontaneous coronary artery dissection, or SCAD, which is a sudden tear in a coronary artery that can slow or block the blood flow to the heart, triggering a heart attack. The rare and serious condition predominantly affects women in their 40s and 50s. ONeill was otherwise fit and healthy and said having the attack dismissed as stress felt a bit undermining. A 32-year-old alleged Bandidos bikie gang member has been granted bail after being charged over a violent unprovoked attack that left a teenager unconscious and with a broken jaw. Christopher Isaako appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday, charged with grievous bodily harm, possessing a controlled weapon and fighting in public to cause fear. Christopher Isaako. Credit: Facebook Prosecutors alleged that about 4am on Sunday, March 31, Isaako approached the 18-year-old victim on Victoria Street in Bunbury and punched him in the abdomen and the left-hand side of his face, knocking him unconscious and causing him to fall onto the road into the path of traffic. The teenager was rushed first to Bunbury Hospital and then to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth, where he underwent surgery and had a metal plate inserted for a fully displaced broken jaw. Judged purely on a metric of dealing himself and his party back into contention after a bad election loss, Peter Dutton has done a good job as Liberal leader. In the past 12 months, hes got the Coalition around level pegging with the government in the polls, and hes dragged Anthony Albanese down to the point where they share similar levels of personal disapproval. Credit: Illustration: Dionne Gain The next election is not too far away today marks the second anniversary of the first full day of the 2022 election campaign and if the trend continues, Dutton has some sort of show of becoming prime minister in May next year. That prospect concentrates the mind, especially given the condition of the country. Australias social and economic models are collapsing under their own weight. To keep the economy on a growth path, we have to import human beings. Our main export is what we extract from the ground. Immigration and commodity prices determine our fortunes. SEOUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and almost all senior presidential secretaries on Thursday offered to resign over the ruling People Power Party's crushing defeat in parliamentary elections, local media reported citing the presidential office. Han verbally tendered his resignation to President Yoon Suk-yeol and all the senior presidential secretaries, including chief of staff and chief secretary for policy, offered to step down except aides in the national security office. President Yoon said he will humbly accept the will of people, shown in the elections, and will make his best efforts to reform state affairs and stabilize the economy and the people's livelihoods, according to the presidential office. The quadrennial polls for 300 members of the National Assembly were carried out across the country on Wednesday to let voters cast ballots for 254 constituency seats and 46 proportional representation (PR) slots. The liberal opposition bloc has won more than three-fifths of seats in the parliamentary elections, widely seen as a mid-term referendum to evaluate Yoon's management of state affairs. The main liberal opposition Democratic Party took 161 directly-contested constituency seats, while its satellite parties secured 14 PR slots. The minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party earned 12 PR seats, while the minor center-left New Future Party and the minor leftist Progressive Party gained one respective seat in electoral districts. The number of parliamentary seats, snatched by the broader liberal bloc, totaled 189. The governing conservative People Power Party and its sister party obtained 90 constituency seats and 18 PR seats each. The minor center-right New Reform Party garnered one constituency seat and two PR seats. In the 2020 general elections, then-ruling Democratic Party acquired 163 constituency seats and 17 PR slots, beating then-opposition People Power Party that took 103 parliamentary seats in addition to four seats won by conservative independent candidates. Local conservative newspaper Dong-A Ilbo said that voters passed judgment on the government of Yoon who took office in May 2022 by offering a sweeping victory to the Democratic Party. It marked the first time in the country's modern history that any governing party was beaten by such a large margin in parliamentary polls conducted as a mid-term election towards the incumbent government, the newspaper noted. Another conservative daily Chosun Ilbo stressed that Yoon faced his biggest political crisis with the crushing defeat for the ruling party, saying that his policy agendas would run into danger. At least 10 potential dissenters from the People Power Party could make it possible to override presidential vetoes, amend the constitution and even impeach the president, the newspaper warned. The tentative final voter turnout was 67.0 percent, or 29,662,313 voters among the electorate of 44,280,011 people. It was higher than the previous election's 66.2 percent in 2020 and marked the highest in 32 years since the turnout posted 71.9 percent in 1992. The turnout of early voting, held last Friday and Saturday, reached the highest 31.28 percent since the early voting was first adopted in the 2014 local elections for the nationwide election. It was higher than 26.69 percent in 2020. The turnout of overseas voting, which continued for six days through April 1 among domestic voters staying abroad, logged a new high of 62.8 percent. The overseas voting was introduced in 2012. If we want to demystify an ancient civilization, decoding the language and writing of that time is an inevitable part of the work, as it usually provides the clearest view of history and evidence of daily life. In China, there has long been a group of paleographers working on solving the mystery of oracle bone inscriptions, which are the earliest-known form of Chinese writing. Professor Chen Jian, researcher Jiang Yubin and associate researcher Xie Mingwen from the Center for Research on Chinese Excavated Classics and Paleography at Fudan University in Shanghai have been studying ancient writing and oracle bone inscriptions for decades. Led by notable paleographer Qiu Xigui, the center enjoys a stellar reputation among its peers, and its work has brought public attention to this little-known subject. In January, Chen and Xie were recognized by the National Museum of Chinese Writing for their interpretation of characters on oracle bone inscriptions. The award adds to the one Jiang received in 2018 worth 100,000 yuan ($13,891), for confirming and explaining the meaning of a single, newly discovered oracle bone character. "There are some 160,000 pieces of oracle bones in total scattered across the world, among which about 80,000 have been sorted and published or released to the public. If we were to compile a dictionary of oracle bone characters, we would need to include roughly 3,500 to 4,000 characters. To date, we have confirmed about 1,160 characters," says Jiang. Messages from the past Since the first oracle bone inscriptions were discovered in 1899, research of these precious materials has not stopped. Found in the Yinxu Ruins in Anyang city, Central China's Henan province, the oracle bone inscriptions proved the existence of the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th century-11th century BC). The site was later determined to be the location of the last Shang capital. Etched into animal bones and turtle shells, the 3,300-year-old inscriptions used for fortunetelling and recording major events of the time are profoundly important for understanding Chinese civilization. The Yinxu Ruins were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. In 2017, oracle bone inscriptions were listed as part of the UNESCO Memory of the World Register program. "The material remains discovered at Yinxu provide tangible evidence of the early history of Chinese writing and language, ancient beliefs, social systems, and major historical events, which are considered of outstanding universal significance," UNESCO states. "One of the biggest challenges with research into oracle bone inscriptions is the difficulty in accessing original materials. In the past, you needed money to buy the oracle bones. It could be extremely hard too to get books of rubbings of the bones let alone conduct research," says Chen. "But now, we have benefited greatly from digitalization, which has lowered the barriers for our studies. It is easier to get high-definition digital photos of oracle bones from institutes and individuals across the world," Chen adds. According to the nomination form submitted to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register program in 2016, the oracle bones are scattered across the globe in the collections of more than 100 institutes. There are more than 90,000 pieces on the Chinese mainland and over 30,000 in Taiwan. There are also pieces in Japan, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Singapore, the Netherlands and New Zealand. "In the past 110 years, about 3,900 scholars from around the world have carried out research on oracle bone inscriptions. There have been 16,000 published papers on the subject. The study of oracle bone inscriptions has become an internationally famous subject," reads the form. Nevertheless, China still dominates the research on oracle bone inscriptions, mainly led by domestic academic institutions, including Tsinghua University, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Capital Normal University in Beijing, Fudan University in Shanghai and Jilin University. "The inner circle of paleographic study in China is very small. There are over 100 scholars of Chinese paleography and less than 50 specialize in oracle bone inscriptions," says Jiang. Despite the shrinking of oracle bone inscription studies overseas, international communication and cooperation still continues, with seminars, conversations and conferences held both online and in-person. It is also worth noting that the common global working language for oracle bone studies is traditional Chinese, which is the precursor to modern Chinese. Therefore, acquiring the skill to read and write traditional Chinese characters is usually regarded as an obligatory course for those wishing to study the subject. Choosing a lifestyle Contrary to popular belief, paleographers are not just trying to figure out the meaning of individual as-yet-undeciphered characters. "In our daily work, we are not looking at just a single word. Paleography can be defined as both narrow and broad: the former pertaining to the language and writing system, and the latter to the content recorded. So our study is not about a single character only, but is about the language, its meaning, and gaining a broader view of history," Chen explains. He says that recognizing, interpreting and explaining a single word can form the basis of their work, but it is neither the only, nor the most important, task. Furthermore, decoding a single character usually requires a lot of effort and the accumulated knowledge from historical materials, aided by solid reasoning and a coherent trail of evidence that runs all the way from ancient times to the present. A character inscribed on an oracle bone often looks very different to its modern counterpart. Take the character that Jiang won the award for deciphering as an example. The original character looks extremely simple, with roughly two strokes. As is often the case with ancient Chinese pictograms, they have become more complicated, written with more strokes, over time. It was eventually confirmed to be a simplified version of a character with 21 strokes: chun. Furthermore, although chun usually means "foolish" or "stupid "today, based on abundant evidence, historical background, font evolution and contextual interpretation, Jiang reasoned that, in the oracle bone inscriptions, it is used to mean "turbulent". "We tend to store a bunch of questions in our mind, which may get proved or answered by chance in a flash of inspiration," says Chen, who has been devoted to paleography for about three decades. Jiang, who has specialized in oracle bone inscriptions for over 20 years, shares similar sentiments: "I think we paleographers are actually quite close to scientists, as we both have to be very focused and employ rigorous logic and evidence, as we pursue the true meaning of the writing." As one of the leading institutions involved in paleography, the center has won numerous awards on various levels, both by individuals and the team. However, more than the public awards or honors, they care about what they actually contribute to the study. "Choosing to be an academic is choosing a lifestyle. I have always said that the vocation of the scholar is to create new knowledge. One valuable consensus at our center is that we aim to become 'pure' scholars without too many distractions. We never feel like what we do is boring even though it might seem so to the public. Instead, we enjoy our work and are having fun every day," Chen says. Fostering the future Not only are the professors enjoying the task to which they are committed, they are also encouraging the younger generation, which is already following in their footsteps and contributing to the study of oracle bone inscriptions with youthful vigor. Yang Yi, Huang Bo and Cheng Minghui, three post-1990s doctoral students at the center, were the driving forces in the launch of the center's open and practical platform last February. Using technology like big data, the platform is a database that integrates updates on pieces of oracle bones that have been "rejoined" basically, matching separate pieces that were originally part of the same oracle bone which greatly facilitates the study of inscriptions. They explained that it can be extremely hard to understand the inscriptions on a single piece of oracle bone, but when two or more pieces are rejoined, the inscription becomes more complete and provides more references. Although the pieces of a single oracle bone may be separated and kept in different institutions around the world, the platform is able to bring them together, enabling researchers anywhere to collaborate, regardless of distance. Previously, the results of the rejoining of oracle bone pieces were intermittent and announced in publications or on websites, which made it hard to retrieve the information in an efficient and timely manner. The open online platform greatly reduces work for the scholars, as well as any repetition. Constantly kept up to date, the database includes over 6,600 groups of rejoined oracle bones and has already received more than 3 million visits from researchers across the world. Looking ahead, these committed paleographers and students are calling for a greater global joint effort to carry forward the study of oracle bone inscriptions. One critical area the researchers would like to improve upon is the submission of images of inscribed oracle bone pieces by more collectors and institutions, as they form the basis of the study. Some institutions, such as the British Library, are doing a great job, according to the team, but there are still about 70,000 to 80,000 pieces that have yet to be located. They are also calling for more paleography positions to be established at universities and institutions. "We have been consistently training PhDs and new paleographers, but only when their career path and future can be guaranteed, can they devote themselves to the research without worry, carrying the study of oracle bone inscriptions forward and forward," says Chen. JAKARTA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were reportedly killed with 15 others injured in a bus crash on a highway in the Indonesian province of Central Java on Thursday morning, police said. The bus carrying 34 people slid into a ditch on the Batang-Semarang highway near the regency of Kendal, said the provincial police spokesperson Stefanus Satake Bayu, adding that no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Bayu said that the police interrogated the bus driver in their investigation on the cause of the accident. Deadly road accidents are often seen in the Southeast Asian country, largely due to overloading, poor road conditions and reckless driving. * On that day, over 1,400 Tibetan soldiers gathered to block the invading British force. After several failed attempts to break through, the British attacked Qumigxung under the pretext of negotiation, killing many Tibetan defenders. * After looting, British artillery fire destroyed nearly 60 halls for the Buddha, where the monks died heroically. * The heroic county, with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, has developed rapidly over the past century. It is not only a transportation hub, but also a national historic and cultural county. LHASA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Nyima Phuntsok, 83, donned a Tibetan hat and leaned on his cane as he made his way to an earthen wall that outlasts his age. He took off his hat, bowed his head, and observed a moment of silence. The earthen wall, now part of the site of Qumigxung heroes monument, located east of the highway crossing Tuna Township under the city of Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, was built by the Tibetan soldiers 120 years ago to defend against the British invasion. It still bears the scars of the bullets from long ago. Besides Nyima Phuntsok, there were numerous tourists paying tribute to the monument. Phuntsok Dorje, Party secretary of Tuna, said the site receives dozens of visitors a day, including locals, students and tourists. When Nyima Phuntsok was a child, elders in the village told stories of the past, which were also etched on a stone tablet at the site that recorded a fateful date in Tibetan, Chinese, and English: March 31, 1904. On that day, over 1,400 Tibetan soldiers gathered to block the invading British force. After several failed attempts to break through, the British attacked Qumigxung under the pretext of negotiation, killing many Tibetan defenders. The old man waved his cane emotionally when recalling childhood stories. "We lost the war because we were too weak," Nyima Phuntsok said. "How could improvised firearms stand a chance against strong weapons? I follow news about China and the world every day, seeing our country get stronger so that such a tragedy will never recur." This photo taken on March 25, 2016 shows a view of Tsechen Monastery in Gyantse, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) The region underwent peaceful liberation when Nyima Phuntsok was 10 and the democratic reform began when he turned 18. Over the decades, Xizang has seen rapid development. In 2023, the per capita income in Tuna was close to 20,000 yuan (about 2,765 U.S. dollars). Local people's lives have undergone tremendous changes. Several sites commemorating past tragedies from Qumigxung to Gyantse County mark the route the British force took 120 years ago. Monasteries along the route were ransacked at the time. According to the records written by then British war correspondent Edwund Candler, the wealth the force looted from the Tsechen Monastery in Gyantse "could only be carried away by 400 mules, including rare religious scriptures, statues, and many ritual implements." After looting, British artillery fire destroyed nearly 60 halls for the Buddha, where the monks died heroically. A stretch of ancient white castles now stands on Mt. Dzongri in Gyantse. The site gave Gyantse county its name, meaning "the peak of victory" in the Tibetan language. Old photos are displayed in a memorial hall at the foot of the mountain, alongside a series of illustrations from the British "The Graphic" newspaper in 1904. One caption describes how the British soldiers rigged up a shelter behind the gun. "Most of the Jong works (defense works) were within range of the gun, which invariably sent forth a spatter of bullets the moment a Tibetan showed himself," said the newspaper. This photo taken on March 27, 2024 shows a view of the earthen wall with the scars of bullets at the site of Qumigxung heroes monument located east of the highway crossing Tuna Township, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Huang Yaoman) "This year marks the 120th anniversary of the anti-British resistance in Gyantse," said Phurbu Tsering, a commentator at the memorial hall. "In June, the memorial hall will undergo renovation and expansion. More people will learn about this part of history." The cultural tourism scenic area of the heroic and ancient county of Gyantse, a national 4A-level scenic spot, attracted more than 530,000 visitors in 2023. During the British invasion in 1904, countless precious Tibetan artifacts and classic Tibetan texts were looted, eventually ending up in major British libraries and museums. A search on the website of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, one of the largest national museums in the UK, reveals that it holds 958 Xizang-related artifacts, 39 of which are marked as related to the "expedition to Tibet" by Francis Edward Younghusband, a British invader, from 1903 to 1904. The museum's website describes a 16th-century gilt bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni as "it was reportedly collected during the British expedition to Lhasa in 1904." On June 14, 2022, Erin L. Thompson, an associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, said on social media that a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Victoria and Albert Museum was looted by Younghusband in Xizang. The museum was then forced to change the description of the exhibited artifacts, but many descriptions on the official website remain unaltered. This photo taken on March 16, 2022 shows a view of ancient white castles on Mt. Dzongri in Gyantse, Xigaze City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje) Liang Junyan, a researcher at the institute of history of the China Tibetology Research Center, said half-jokingly: "You can't talk about weight with women, salary with men, or the origin of artifacts with British museums." "If the artifacts were truly 'collected,' why did those ancient buildings in Gyantse that had stood for thousands of years turn into ruins?" said Phurbu Tsering. Nowadays, when people look down from Mt. Dzongri, they can see the neatly arranged Tibetan-style bungalows across the entire county of Gyantse, as well as a central square surrounded by cars. People are shuttling back and forth, shopping or chatting, enjoying their time. Some gather to chat at the pavilion in the middle of a lake at the foot of the mountain. The heroic county, with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, has developed rapidly over the past century. It is not only a transportation hub, but also a national historic and cultural county. The year of wooden loong in the Tibetan calendar "reincarnates" from 120 years ago to this year, but it is probably the only thing the two years have in common. (Video reporters: Sonam Dekyi, Lodro Gyatso; video editors: Wang Houyuan, Zhu Jianhui, Liu Ruoshi, Zhu Cong) VIENTIANE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged relevant sectors to speed up the modernization of transport and logistics systems in the Southeast Asian country, and to maximize the potential provided by the rail network to drive growth. Speaking at a meeting on the country's public works and transport on Tuesday, Sonexay said transport and logistics are important drivers of the economy and significant generators of revenue, the Lao National TV reported on Thursday. Sonexay urged the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport to maintain a durable condition of the public roads to facilitate travels. He added that the China-Laos Railway is an important factor in Laos' economic growth, calling for the development of an aligned multimodal transport system integrated with it to further enlarge its role. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit BEIRUT, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Around 5,000 to 6,000 displaced people from border areas in southern Lebanon performed Eid al-Fitr prayers on Wednesday in mosques that were severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes in their villages and towns. In the early morning, thousands of displaced Lebanese headed to their villages in the border area, inspected their homes and performed Eid prayers in mosques, Lebanese security sources told Xinhua. The latest census conducted by the Government Crisis Management Committee revealed that around 140,000 civilians were displaced from the border area in southern Lebanon, with 60,000 still residing in conflict areas. Anonymous sources said that displaced people spent several hours in their villages to check their properties, some of whom visiting cemeteries to mourn for those who had been killed by Israeli bombing during the past six months. According to the same sources, the people left their villages and towns around noon and returned to displacement shelters in Tyre, Nabatieh, and Hasbaya. Military sources said Israel carried out on Wednesday four air strikes on three border towns and villages in the eastern and central sectors and fired 45 shells at nine towns and villages in the eastern, central, and western sectors of the border region in southern Lebanon. One of the raids destroyed at least three houses and damaged 14 others in two villages of the central sector. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters attacked several Israeli sites, including Kiryat Shmona, Rwaisat al-Alam, al-Samaqa, and Zebdine. 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 417 people on the Lebanese side, including 265 Hezbollah members and 74 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. Kia Ireland has launched a 48-hour electric vehicle test drive campaign designed to encourage consumers to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and experience EV driving for themselves, writes Trish Whelan. This campaign from Kia is designed to answer any questions that consumers may have in relation to electric vehicles by offering an extended test drive period where driving range, charging infrastructure and cost savings can all be examined in more detail. Those interested can log onto Kia.com and register their interest. They will then be contacted directly by Kia and, subject to availability and driver eligibility criteria, the booking will be confirmed at their local Kia dealership. The campaign will run until June 30th. Pap and Kathryn Murphy of Turas Siar, Clogher, Belmullet were recipients of a Mayo Cathaoirleach Award for their Contribution to the Preservation and Promotion of the Irish Language (Gaeltacht-based) in Breaffy Hotel on March 7. Turas Siar is a language and culture research and genealogy centre open from 10am to 10pm seven days per week. Pap has made a wonderful contribution to media and has spoken on Radio na Gaeltachta, TG4 and RTE. Several Irish language events have been held in the centre which has been a huge benefit to students and Gaelgeoirs. Down through the years, Pap has spoken on Radio na Gaeltachta, TG4 and RTE. He has held many events for Seachtaine na Gaeilge local craft workshops such as basket weaving and Irish language book launche. He has gathered and recorded stories and folklore passed down from generation to generation in the native Erris canuint. From an early age Pap recorded people and their life stories. He initiated the founding of www.duchas.ie, which aims to digitize the Irish National Folklore Collection. Pap wrote Turas Siar go Cill Mor or Journey Back to Kilmore and also Fili agus Amhrain na Cille Moire or Songs and Poets of Kilmore with his wife Kathryn Murphy. He is currently working on digitizing his vast collection of CD recordings. Furthermore, he hopes that the centre will one day become an Irish academy. A celebration of the award was held in Turas Siar on March 24 where traditional Irish music was provided by Darren ORegan and Liam McGonigle. Children from the local Gaelscoil, Scoil Bhreandain, Eachleim sang sean-nos songs and played traditional music at the event and Sheila OMongain sang sean-nos songs with the children. Fianna Fail Midlands Northwest European Election candidate Senator Lisa Chambers has reaffirmed her commitment to advancing cancer care in the west and northwest of Ireland. She was responding to comments made by the Irish Cancer Society at the Oireachtas Committee on Health this week, highlighting the detrimental effects of funding shortages on cancer patient outcomes "The comments from the Irish Cancer Society are a stark reminder of the inequities in health outcomes across our country," Senator Chambers said. "For years, I've worked alongside Prof. Michael Kerin, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Cancer programme for the west and northwest and local councillors in Galway City to champion the necessity of a regional cancer centre at University Hospital Galway. " Senator Chambers stated that UHG is where patients from the entire west and northwest are treated. "As it stands, survival rates in the west are lower than those in the east of the country," she said. "This facility is crucial not only for providing care but also for bridging the survival rate gap between the east and west of Ireland." Senator Chambers has highlighted the need for the regional cancer centre at UHG and significant progress has been made, with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly greenlighting the design phase of the new centre last year. This development is a milestone for the region, promising to deliver comprehensive cancer services closer to home for thousands of patients. Senator Chambers has vowed to continue this "crucial work, ensuring that every individual facing this battle has the support and resources they need". She stated this report is not just data and insisted it represents lives that we have the power to improve. KIEV, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Trypilska thermal power plant (TPP) outside the Ukrainian capital has been completely destroyed in a Russian missile attack, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Thursday, citing an official. Andriy Hota, chairman of the supervisory board at the Ukrainian power plant Centrenergo, said that a massive fire erupted in the plant's turbine room after the attack. "All the workers who were on shift during the strike are alive," Hota said, adding that efforts to extinguish the fire are underway. Located 45 km south of Kiev, Trypilska TPP is the largest power generating facility in the Kiev region with an installed capacity of 1800 MW. On Thursday morning, Russia fired 42 missiles, including six Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles and 40 combat drones, said the Ukrainian Air Force, which shot down 18 missiles and 39 drones. The Ukrainian authorities said that the attack targeted energy infrastructure facilities in five regions. RIO DE JANEIRO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and about 20 others injured after a bus overturned on a road in the city of Teixeira de Freitas in Brazil's eastern state of Bahia on Thursday, the Federal Highway Police said. The accident occurred early Thursday morning after the driver lost control of the vehicle which then overturned, according to the Federal Highway Police. The bus departed from Rio de Janeiro in southeastern Brazil and was heading for the tourist city of Porto Seguro. The conditions of those injured in the accident are still unknown, and local bus authorities are expected to make it clear who would take responsibility for the accident. TOKYO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday held talks with U.S. President Joe Biden during a visit to Washington, agreeing to upgrade bilateral security treaty and deepen cooperation in military and other fields. They announced new initiatives on technology and defense, including an upgrade of allied command-and-control arrangements for American and Japanese armed forces, new investments and partnerships on space, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors and clean energy, according to U.S. media reports. Analysts warn that the above developments will see Japan further relax its pacifist establishment and enhance militarization, fuel tensions and confrontation in the Asia-Pacific region, which will not only undermine regional peace and security, but also inevitably backfire on its own interests. POLITICAL CALCULATION Kishida's high-profile U.S. trip, in the eyes of the Japanese public, bears the intention of salvaging his support rate by scoring diplomatic points. Reports from multiple local media outlets showed that approval ratings for Kishida's cabinet has remained in the range of 20-30 percent for five consecutive months, near the ultra-low danger zone for quite some time. A monthly opinion poll conducted by national broadcaster NHK showed Monday that the approval rate for the Kishida cabinet dropped by 2 points to 23 percent. While the recent slush fund scandals of multiple factions of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) have become a major headache for Kishida, soaring prices and weak economic vitality have also become important factors for the public to oppose his cabinet. With the LDP head election scheduled for September approaching, Kishida urgently needs to gain political credits to elevate current sluggish public approval. Although it is widely believed in the Japanese society that exaggerating external threats and strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance are usual means to woo public support, people may not always buy it. "Kishida is putting the cart before the horse by focusing on the United States regardless of the troubled domestic situation," one netizen wrote on social media. BALLOONING MILITARY AMBITION During Kishida's visit, Japan and the United States intend to carry out "the largest upgrade in more than 60 years" of the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty, reorganizing the U.S. Military Command in Japan in conjunction with the "Integrated Command" that Japan plans to establish at the end of 2024 to unify the command of the Army, Navy and Air Self-Defense Forces, according to Japanese media reports. The two sides are also expected to reach a series of agreements on defense equipment cooperation, including the establishment of a new consultation mechanism to discuss joint research, development and production of defense equipment, and allowing large U.S. ships to be repaired in Japan. National news agency Kyodo reported that building a Japan-U.S. low-Earth orbit satellite network, intercepting hypersonic gliding vehicles, and strengthening technical cooperation among Japan, the United States and Australia on unmanned wingmen will be included in the Japan-U.S. joint statement. Analysts here point out that such actions would become another step in Japan's loosening restraints on its military, as it would help the Japanese Self-Defense Forces further strengthen their command and joint operations with the U.S. military, and help Japan enhance its defense industry and strike capabilities. Japan's LDP has long hoped to get rid of Article 9 of the pacifist post-war Constitution, which restricts the development of the country's military forces, and has continued to break taboos through small changes. Recently, Japan has been making frequent moves on the military front, including significantly increasing its defense outlays and strengthening the so-called "counterstrike capability" or "enemy base strike capabilities." In late March, the Japanese government approved the revised guidelines of the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" in the latest move away from the country's postwar pacifist principles. The contentious decision marked another major shift in the country's security policy by allowing Japan to export lethal weapons it coproduces to third countries for the first time. Takeo Akiba, secretary general of Japan's National Security Secretariat, said in an article published recently by the Washington Post that Japan's policy of not promoting arms exports to other countries "has proved increasingly unsuitable" and an "epic change" is underway in the country's security strategy. Washington supports Japan relaxing military regulations out of its own strategic interests. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Biden will give "full affirmation and praise" to Japan's recent military moves at the Japan-U.S. summit. It is obvious that Japan is taking advantage of the U.S. support to speed up loosening its postwar military restraints. Regarding Japan's recent military gestures, another Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun commented that "Japan's image as a peaceful country is being questioned." Atsushi Koketsu, an emeritus professor at Yamaguchi University of Japan, said that Japan's diplomacy and defense are increasingly deviating from the pacifist constitution. THREAT TO PEACE According to Kyodo News, a joint statement from the trilateral summit of Kishida, Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos on Thursday will touch upon the security partnership among the United States, Japan, Britain, Australia and the Philippines. On Monday, the defense ministers of the United States, Britain and Australia issued a joint statement that they are considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects. Lu Yaodong, deputy director of the Institute of Japanese Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, noted that Japan embraces the U.S. global strategy in many aspects. Militarily, Japan has expanded the coverage of the Japan-U.S. alliance from East Asia to the world. Economically, Japan has been cooperating with America in "decoupling and delinking" from China and building a "small yard, high fence." Currently, America regards China as a "strategic competitor" and pursues the so-called "Indo-Pacific Strategy" in the Asia-Pacific region, attempting to draw regional countries into a small circle and using camp confrontation to contain and suppress China. Meanwhile, Japan is utilized as the most important ally in promoting the U.S. strategy. Japanese Ambassador to the United States Shigeo Yamada said publicly in Washington on Monday that the leaders of the two countries share the same view on the overall concept of relations with China. William Jones, a former White House correspondent for U.S. newsmagazine Executive Intelligence Review, said that Biden is trying to use Kishida's state visit and the trilateral summit to consolidate the so-called "Washington-Tokyo-Manila axis," with Japan being the most "loyal" U.S. follower. Analysts worldwide believe that the Asia-Pacific region is a highland for peaceful development and common prosperity and should not become a chess game among major powers. In exchange for the U.S. support in untying military constraints, Japan intensively engages in camp confrontation siding with Washington, which not only seriously endangers regional peace and stability, but also ultimately undermines Japan's own security and development. Stopping militarization and promoting friendly relations with neighboring countries are the most favorable security policies for Japan, Koketsu said. ERC Advanced Grant for Paleoanthropologist Gabriele Macho European Research Council funds project on early human evolution at Senckenberg. Paleoanthropologist Dr Gabriele Macho will be awarded an ERC Advanced Grant by the European Research Council (ERC). The ERC is funding her international research project PLIODIS, based at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, with a total amount of approximately 2.5 million Euros over a period of five years. In cooperation with researchers from Witwatersrand University in South Africa, the EPOC laboratory (University of Bordeaux/CNRS/Bordeaux INP), and the University College London, among others, the interdisciplinary project aims to investigate the population dynamics of early hominins in Africa. ERC Advanced Grants are awarded by the European Research Council to support innovative, cutting-edge research by established scientists. Today, humans inhabit virtually every corner of the earth. This unprecedented spatial expansion of our species was made possible by humans unique ability to adapt to extremely different environmental conditions. But when in the course of human evolution did this ability develop? It is widely accepted that the earliest hominins evolved in tropical Africa around six million years ago. Archaeological finds indicate that hominins also occurred at higher latitudes in South Africa, beginning around 3.7 million years ago. Compared to East Africa, todays environmental conditions there are more challenging and the climate and availability of resources are subject to greater seasonal fluctuations. It is currently not clear whether the early humans living in southern Africa already had the necessary adaptability in terms of physiology and behavior to actively migrate to more temperate zones in the south, or whether they found their way there as a result of stochastic tectonic or climatic events, explains Macho, who is currently conducting research at the University College London, and she continues, Which of these scenarios ultimately proves to be correct will be relevant for answering the still open question of when our ancestors developed their special ability to adapt to very different climatic conditions, which ultimately allowed them to spread beyond Africa during the Pleistocene. It is possible that the foundation for this was already in place more than 3.7 million years ago, even before the genus Homo emerged. Until now, it has been difficult to investigate this question overall, there is only a small number of preserved fossils, and no known fossil sites exist between East and South Africa for the relevant period, the Pliocene. As part of the PLIODIS research project at Senckenberg, we will use a novel, multidisciplinary approach that is anchored in ecology and population dynamics and focuses on the dynamic interplay between paleoclimate, ecology, geomorphological changes, and biological evolution, says Macho. Senckenbergs Director General, Prof. Klement Tockner, congratulates Macho on the funding for her project. An ERC grant is considered the gold standard in cutting-edge research worldwide. Senckenberg shows once again that an open, appreciative, and creative research environment is essential for achieving an international leadership role. The innovative, interdisciplinary research approach by Gabriele Macho and her international team promises answers to an exciting question that has been discussed by paleoanthropologists for a century: What role did temperate Southern Africa and the diverse fossil hominins found there play in the evolution of modern Homo sapiens? Working with researchers in various fields from Witwatersrand University, the EPOC laboratory (University of Bordeaux/CNRS/Bordeaux INP), the University College London,and the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural HistoryMuseum Frankfurt, Macho will initially address the questions of whether the paleoclimatic and paleoecological conditions at that time differed fundamentally from those of today and whether populations of early hominins may have been isolated by tectonic, geomorphological, or climatic events. Based on these findings, we can then draw conclusions as to whether our ancestors had already become sufficiently versatile to actively colonize temperate zones 3.7 million years ago, adds Macho in conclusion. Wits University has a long history of palaeoanthropological research beginning with Raymond Darts announcement in February 1926 of the Taung Child (Australopithecus africanus) showing that humans did indeed evolve in Africa although the European community did not believe him. Other limestone caves were explored for fossils by Robert Broom, Robinson, Phillip Tobias, Ronald Clarke and others in the 1940s to 1990s producing large collections of hominid remains together with bones of the animals that were contemporaneous with the hominids. The question arose of what environments existed with the many hominid species when the researchers compared fossils from the sites in South and East Africa. Since the ESI has a long history of palaeobotanical and palaeoclimate research, and houses the fossil collections, it is ideally suited to contribute to the PLIODIS project. The European Research Council (ERC) is an institution established by the European Commission to fund excellent basic research. The ERC Advanced Grants provide funding for ground-breaking research projects by experienced scientists. Up to 2.5 million Euros are awarded to the projects over a period of up to five years. UNITED NATIONS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The UN Fact-Finding Mission in Sudan reports that nearly a year of fighting in the country has left thousands of civilians dead and millions more displaced, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. "It said that fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed thousands of civilians since it began in April last year," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Over 6 million people have been displaced internally, while almost 2 million refugees have fled to neighboring countries. Nearly 24 million people need aid," said the spokesman. Monday, April 15, marks the widespread conflict's first anniversary. Dujarric said France, Germany and the European Union will co-host a Humanitarian Conference for Sudan and its Neighbors in Paris on Monday. He said Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya will attend alongside other UN officials and advocate for scaled-up resources to expand aid operations in Sudan and the region. She will also advocate for improved humanitarian access so that agencies can ensure the timely delivery of life-saving supplies to communities in need. The spokesman said the secretary-general will have a video message for the conference. Sudan has been engulfed in violent clashes between the SAF and the RSF since April 15, 2023. The violence has killed thousands of civilians, displaced millions more, and destroyed much of the country's infrastructure, especially in the capital of Khartoum. BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- African leaders, in recent years, have pushed back against Western pressure and interference, but especially its claims about "the China threat," an opinion piece carried by the South China Morning Post, has said. The article, published on Monday, noted that the White House's propaganda drive in Africa has been "a complete flop," saying China and Africa are natural partners, unlike the former Western imperial powers whose legacies of suffering, destruction and racism still harm the continent today. It is pretty clear that "China in Africa" and the debt trap narrative are Western propaganda, a precursor to the current "China threat" narrative to justify the new cold war being waged by the West, led by the United States, it said. The opinion piece also quoted Nigeria's former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as describing Western media and governments' preoccupation with the so-called "China debt trap" as an overreaction. According to the former vice president, African nations are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China. "China showed up when the West was not (willing) or is reluctant to show up." "Africa needs the loans and the infrastructure, and the Chinese offer them. In any case the history of loans from Western institutions is not great," said Osinbajo. The memories "of the destructive conditionalities of the Bretton Woods loans are still fresh and the debris is everywhere; and the preoccupation of Western governments and the media with the so-called China debt trap might well be an overreaction," Osinbajo added. WINDHOEK, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's ruling party, the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), is ready to participate in the upcoming elections, a senior official said on Thursday during the opening session of the party's central committee. With the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for Nov. 27, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the country's vice president and party deputy, has rallied party supporters and sympathizers for the upcoming political event that will shape the country's future. "I can say with confidence that the SWAPO Party is ready to participate in the elections and will win resoundingly to carry out its historic mission and continue to lead the people during the second phase of the struggle for economic independence," she said in a statement. Emphasizing the importance of refining campaign strategies, Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the need for all members, supporters, and sympathizers to be fully prepared to ensure victory. Reflecting on the achievements of the past 34 years of independence, she attributed the nation's progress to the goal-oriented and forward-looking development programs championed by the SWAPO Party and its government. Amid challenges ranging from global economic downturns to natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, Nandi-Ndaitwah lauded the party's resilience in safeguarding the people's interests. Meanwhile, looking at the domestic front, Nandi-Ndaitwah warned of an imminent drought threat in Namibia. Stressing the severity, she urged collective action to mitigate its impact. Nandi-Ndaitwah said several Southern African Development Community countries, including Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, have declared natural disasters due to drought. "I can assure you that our government is committed to working out strategies to mitigate the impact of the drought," she added. This file photo taken in 2018 shows a factory of German company Kern-Liebers in Taicang, east China's Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua] In 1993, German company Kern-Liebers invested 500,000 German marks in Taicang, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, embarking on its road of development in the foreign country with only six employees and a 400-square-meter factory house. Three decades on, after 11 rounds of capital increases, the wire springs provider possesses factories spanning 70,000 square meters in the Chinese city and has witnessed an annual output value of 1.5 billion yuan (about 207.4 million U.S. dollars), accounting for the largest proportion of its global footprint. "We have always felt strong support from the local government, and the difficulties and challenges we encountered were solved through our close cooperation," said Udo von Reinersdorff, chief financial officer of Kern-Liebers, at a roundtable held by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce last week in Stuttgart, Germany. The event is one of an ongoing series of "Invest in China" roundtables that are touring European countries including Denmark, France and Italy. It has attracted a lot of well-known European enterprises from such fields as green energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, and high-end equipment manufacturing. Participants shared their stories of vital investment in China and expressed their recognition of the Chinese government's efforts to facilitate the operations of foreign companies in the country, as well as their willingness to share future opportunities with the vibrant Chinese market. Vigorous vitality German companies are optimistic about China's economic prospects, which is important to Germany, said Hans-Peter Friedrich, a member of Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament. A report from the German Economic Institute shows that the country's total direct investment in China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros (about 12.9 billion dollars) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The value accounted for over 10 percent of Germany's total overseas investment, the highest level since 2014. Danish company group GN Store Nord came to China 150 years ago and started close cooperation with the country via a telegraph line. The headset manufacturer has now expanded its business in China into three major fields, including hearing aids, enterprise communications support and gaming equipment. "The Chinese market today is not only very important for us, but also very important for global companies to fully function and be successful. Many things work well and we are grateful for the partnership," said the group's CEO Peter Karlstromer. A.P. Moller-Maersk, a Danish shipping and logistics company that entered China 100 years ago, just concluded the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its first wholly-owned company in China at the end of March. The enterprise has more than 60,500 employees in the Asian country and has expanded its business scope from shipping to various fields including port investment and management, air freight, warehousing, as well as container manufacturing. "Since Maersk started its business in Shanghai in the spring of 1924, China has been an integrated part of our history as a company," said Camilla Holtse, Maersk's head of public policy and regulatory affairs. Holtse noted that the company also had a very extensive procurement program in China, with goods and services purchased at a combined value of up to 4.6 billion dollars in 2023. Carlsberg, one of the world's leading beer makers, has invested more than 20 billion yuan (about 2.8 billion dollars) in China since entering the country in the early 1990s. With over 6,000 employees, it now has grown into the fourth-largest brewery in the Chinese market. Carlsberg's public affairs manager Anders Kappel said that the company has greatly benefited from China's booming economic development. Government efforts Over the years, China has sped up the implementation of a series of concrete measures, including reducing the negative list for foreign investment and implementing the Foreign Investment Law, to extend the benefits of its ongoing opening-up policy to more foreign companies. In August 2023, the Chinese government put forward 24 specific measures in six areas to further optimize the foreign investment environment and intensify efforts to attract investment, including guaranteeing national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises, increasing financial and tax support, and fostering a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. The 24 pro-foreign investment measures have further strengthened the investment confidence of foreign-funded enterprises, said He Yadong, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson. At the roundtable held in Copenhagen in early April, Lars Sandahl Sorensen, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry, hailed China's introduction of the 24 measures as a concrete and encouraging step towards improving the investment climate for foreign enterprises. The policies for foreign investment companies could have an immediate impact on business confidence. The plan can go a long way to improving business confidence altogether, said Sorensen. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, 60 percent of the announced measures have already been implemented. Items on the negative list for foreign investment have been reduced from 93 in 2017 to 31 in 2022, with further reductions expected this year. Also, all restrictions on foreign investment access to manufacturing are set to be lifted. In March, China unveiled an action plan aimed to further attract and utilize foreign investment, outlining 24 measures across five key aspects such as expanding market access and aligning domestic regulations with high-standard international economic and trade rules. The action plan further underscores the country's commitment to attracting foreign investment and enhancing confidence in investing in China by strengthening positive interactions with the global economy. The touring roundtables in Europe were part of a conference system initiated by China's Ministry of Commerce in July 2023, which is designed to convene regular meetings to address issues and gather feedback from foreign-funded enterprises. To date, the ministry has organized over a dozen such meetings, resolving more than 300 issues and appeals raised, instilling optimism among many foreign institutions and enterprises regarding future investment and development prospects in China. Shared opportunities Sorensen expressed willingness to further promote investment in the world's second-largest economy and to continue to cement the bonds between the two countries by leveraging their shared interest and common goals. "Both Denmark and China are committed to further expanding our trade relationship, exploring new areas of cooperation, and embracing the opportunities presented by all industries, such as life sciences, biotech, green technologies, and food industry, among others," he noted. In the view of Friedrich, it is important to understand China and have more exchanges with it, especially for young Germans who do not know about the country. "When you see this country, see its vitality, and see people's enthusiasm for the future, you will know how important the cooperation with China is to the German economy," he said. Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical giant, has approximately 65,000 employees in more than 80 countries and regions. Its subsidiary in China, founded in 1994, has expanded its business across a whole value chain, including production, research and development, and commercial operations. Currently, the company has ongoing investment projects in Tianjin, a municipality in northern China, according to Katrine DiBona, corporate vice president of global public affairs and sustainability at Novo Nordisk. Last month, it announced an additional investment of about 4 billion yuan (553 million dollars) in an expansion project at its production base in Tianjin. "We are very proud and excited to have such a big presence in China and it is our second largest market. We are very encouraged by the Chinese government's ambition and intention to develop a life science and bio-manufacturing hub as part of its industry," said DiBona. With similar expectations, Karlstromer noted that the GN Group already has significant investments in China and has plans to modernize and invest more in the country. "We are very grateful for the 150 years we have been together with China, and we look forward to continuing to work side by side to create a better future in close collaboration," he said. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname, poses for a photo during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, April 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) by Xinhua writers He Bing, Wang Zhiying and Wang Linyuan PARAMARIBO, April 10 (Xinhua) -- "We could move the bilateral relations between Suriname and China to the next level, strengthening cultural cooperation, business cooperation and investment cooperation," said Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname. Santokhi made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua in the capital Paramaribo ahead of his state visit to China, during which he expressed optimism about the enduring friendship and cooperation between Suriname and China. He added that his country would enhance its relationship with China in several areas. Suriname is a Caribbean country, covering an area of approximately 160,000 square km with a population of over 600,000. China is one of the major countries in the world, said Santokhi. "Even (though) we are a small country, Suriname and other Caribbean countries can learn a lot from China," he said. In May 2018, Suriname signed a memorandum of understanding with China to jointly build the Belt and Road. Since then, the two countries have embarked on numerous mutually beneficial projects within the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework, including airport roads, the Regional Hospital Wanica, and the Suriname Agricultural Technical Cooperation Center, among others. "The BRI, proposed by (Chinese) President Xi Jinping, ... promotes connectivity, giving opportunity for all the partners to develop their infrastructure," Santokhi said. Santokhi further said the connectivity brought by the BRI has also created bridges for regional economic development and cooperation, benefiting all participating countries. "The initiative plays a comprehensive role in the area of investment and development, and it helps to strengthen partnership among countries and also develop intra-regional cooperation," Santokhi said. Suriname is one of the earliest Caribbean countries to establish diplomatic relations with China, and in 2024, the two countries will celebrate the 48th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Santokhi reaffirmed Suriname's adherence to the one-China principle, emphasizing mutual respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Regarding regional multilateral cooperation, Santokhi expressed Suriname's willingness to closely interact and strengthen cooperation with China to practice multilateralism, stressing that the BRI can be implemented through the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Community of Caribbean States (CARICOM) cooperation and also promotes the integration process of the region. "The important part of this type of cooperation is promoting South-South cooperation, and based on this type of cooperation, we can also improve the connectivity between Latin American countries and China," said Santokhi. Suriname, with its extensive marine protected areas and one of the highest forest coverage rates in the world, holds significant importance for global ecological balance. In terms of environmental protection and climate change response, Santokhi emphasized that there are shared interests and cooperation opportunities between Suriname and China. "Suriname is a carbon negative ranked country, but also a country with a very low-lying coastline and threatened by the impact of climate change through droughts in the interior. As a small country, we cannot address it alone," said Santokhi, mentioning that Suriname needs the cooperation of the world, and particularly technical assistance from China. Furthermore, Santokhi positively evaluated the advancing Chinese modernization and high-quality development. "I had attended one training session organized by the Communist Party of China, and there I got the first lesson on advanced socialism with Chinese characteristics," said Santokhi, noting that in the timeline of China, everything is based on a tailor-made program. "We can learn a lot from China in the area of economic development, particularly in improving the welfare of the people," Santokhi added. Since the arrival of the first batch of Chinese immigrants in 1853, the Chinese community has played a significant role in the Surinamese society. In 2014, the Chinese New Year was officially designated as a legal holiday in this Caribbean country. Santokhi, who is a fan of Chinese culture, noted his participation in various Chinese cultural events, including the anniversary of the first Chinese settlement in Suriname. "The presence of the Chinese community is enriching the Surinamese culture," said Santokhi. Santokhi's state visit to China is scheduled for April 11 to 17. When asked about his plans and expectations for the visit, Santokhi highlighted the enormous cooperation potential between Suriname and China in infrastructure, agriculture, forestry, and energy, among others. During his state visit to China, "three to four days are only reserved for the investment community, for the private sector, for companies," said Santokhi, aiming to promote more Chinese investment in Suriname and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Enditem (Xinhua reporter Li Mengxin also contributed to the story.) Chandrikapersad Santokhi, president of the Republic of Suriname, speaks during an exclusive interview with Xinhua in Paramaribo, Suriname, April 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin) DAR ES SALAAM, April 10 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people died, and 12 others were injured on Wednesday morning after their bus crashed into a stationary defective truck in the Singida Region of central Tanzania, an official said. Suleiman Mwenda, the Iramba District commissioner, told Xinhua by telephone that the bus, traveling from the port city of Dar es Salaam to the northern city of Mwanza, hit the truck at 4:30 a.m. local time in Malendi village along the Dar es Salaam-Mwanza highway. "The defective truck was parked along the highway with no warning signs to other motorists," he said. Mwenda said the deceased included six men and one woman, adding that the injured passengers were taken to various hospitals. Click the photo and watch the video. HEFEI, April 10 (Xinhua) The ancient Hui-style architecture is known for its profound history and culture. Featuring unique white walls, black tiles, flying eaves and upturned corners, the architecture withstands the test of time and makes to the modern time amid the beautiful mountains and rivers. In recent years, some colleges and universities have begun to explore the use of digital technology platform to improve the historical and cultural heritage protection system of Hui-style villages. Digital technology plays a critical role in digital protection, safety assessment, boosting cultural industry and so on. "Digital protection can realize the surveying and mapping of a single building as well as the overall layout of ancient villages. It can also create three-dimensional virtual simulation models, video animations and other series of information resources. People can see the shape, structure, decoration details and even the construction process of ancient buildings," Xuan Wei, dean of College of Architecture & Art, Hefei University of Technology, pointed out. "When hidden safety risk appears in our ancient buildings, we can send alerts in time, and start to repair and renovate timely. Visitors can learn more about the history and culture and the literary allusion and legends that happened and told here, " said Du Meng, first secretary of the Party Committee of Xidi Village, Huangshan City. Digital technology enables Hui-style architecture and Huizhou culture to spread more widely, promotes the revival of local traditional culture, assists rural revitalization, and fosters the development of the cultural and tourism industry. Xuan Wei(C front), dean of College of Architecture & Art, Hefei University of Technology, discusses the modeling of ancient Hui-style architecture with her colleagues in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 8, 2024. [Xinhua/Guo Chen] Students of College of Architecture & Art, Hefei University of Technology, visit an ancient village to conduct a survey in Huangshan, east China's Anhui Province, July 29, 2023. [Xinhua] This picture provided by College of Architecture & Art, Hefei University of Technology, shows digital models of ancient Hui-style dwellings in Xidi Village of Yixian County, east China's Anhui Province. [Xinhua] (Source: Xinhua) SYDNEY, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) reported on Thursday that over 700 kg of Alprazolam has been seized in Western Sydney, making it "the largest single seizure of pharmaceutical drugs in NSW history." According to a statement by the NSW Police Force, a search warrant was executed at about 8:00 p.m. local time on April 7 in a storage unit in Auburn, a suburb located about 16 km west of Sydney's central business area. Police seized 722 kg of Alprazolam, an anti-anxiety medication also known as "Xanax", with an estimated street value of 12 million Australian dollars (about 7.8 million U.S. dollars). During the following investigations, officers searched a truck traveling on Hammond Avenue in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday evening, where some shopping bags packed with almost 1 million Australian dollars (about 651,725 U.S. dollars) in cash were discovered. The 28-year-old male driver was arrested and charged with supplying a prohibited drug greater than a large commercial quantity and knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime. He was refused bail and will appear before a local court on Thursday. Due to its high potency and rapid onset of action, alprazolam is believed to have great potential for misuse, abuse, and dependence. Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration classified the drug as a Schedule 8 medicine, which means it can only be supplied by a pharmacist on prescription and is subject to strict restrictions. High Sheriff of Clwyd pays tribute to vibrant voluntary sector in outgoing speech This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 11th, 2024 The outgoing High Sheriff of Clwyd has paid tribute to North Wales vibrant voluntary sector and the work it carries out across the region. Kate Hill-Trevor, formally ended her Shrieval year on Saturday 6 April following 12 months promoting hard-working charities, volunteers and emergency service organisations across Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham. Mrs. Hill-Trevor used the occasion of her final major Shrieval event a thanksgiving service at St Marys Church, Chirk on Saturday 23 March, to urge more people in North Wales to consider volunteering in some capacity. Despite what some sections of the media would have us believe, the world is filled with kind and selfless people. I have had the privilege of meeting many such people across North Wales in the past year, she told the congregation, which included senior members of the Judiciary, North Wales Police, the fire and prison services and representatives of the many charities she has visited in her Shrieval year. Volunteers and voluntary services are quite simply essential in todays world. They save millions of pounds and lives each year. Clwyd is lucky to have a vibrant voluntary sector. We have an incredible range of charities and volunteer organisations in the area, including magistrates, physical rescue services, mental health support, care of the sick and frail, transport of blood and breast milk, food distribution, support for the homeless and those struggling with illness, additional or financial needs, and of course much-needed help to preserve and restore our precious environment to name just a few. Throughout my Shrieval year, Ive have been continually reminded of the profound impact individuals can have when they come together for a common cause. Whether its the tireless efforts of emergency service personnel, the dedication of volunteers, or the commitment of our Judiciary to uphold justice, Ive seen first-hand the power of collective action. My hope, as I hand over to a new High Sheriff, is that I may have inspired more people to become active citizens in some small but meaningful way. There really is a volunteering opportunity out there for everyone, whatever your interest, skill set or concern and there are multiple benefits for volunteers as well as the organisation of their choosing, she said. Mrs Hill-Trevor became one of 55 High Sheriffs in England and Wales on 4 April last year when she was appointed by His Majesty King Charles III to represent the Sovereign in matters of law and order in the now ceremonial county of Clwyd. Mrs Hill-Trevor added: The role of High Sheriff is over 1,000 years-old. But it has evolved and adapted to keep its relevance in todays society, supporting, promoting and encouraging the voluntary sector. Working so closely with the Judiciary, emergency services, my supportive young Volunteer Police Cadets and so many local charities, especially those tackling crime reduction and social cohesion, has been humbling, inspiring and incredibly rewarding. My Thanksgiving Service was a wonderful opportunity to thank those present as representatives of many more people like them across North Wales for all that they are doing by working or volunteering in the service of others. Pictured: Kate Hill-Trevor (fifth from right) formally ended her Shrieval year with a Thanksgiving Service at St Marys Church, Chirk, where she was joined by senior members of the Judiciary, North Wales emergency services, charity representatives and Volunteer Police Cadets (Wrexham Unit) Police confirm man charged with murder in Gwersyllt investigation This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 11th, 2024 Detectives investigating the death of 52-year-old Antony Gerald Derwent at his home in Wheat Close, Gwersyllt on Sunday morning have charged a man with his murder. North Wales Police say that Matthew Hardy (36) of Gwersyllt will appear before Magistrates today. Detective Superintendent Chris Bell said: I would like to thank the local community for all their co-operation, as well as the information they have provided to date. Our investigation continues, and I would ask if anyone has any information that could assist us. I am particularly interested to hear from any witnesses who have knowledge of who has attended 29 Wheat Close, Gwersyllt between 1900 hrs on Saturday 6 April through to the early hours of Sunday the 7 of April to get in touch with the investigation team, via our live webchat online or on 101. Warning of further service cuts as Wrexham Council faces funding shortfall of 28 million This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 11th, 2024 The leader of Wrexham Council has warned that local services remain at risk as the local authority faces a further funding gap of 28 million. Councillor Mark Pritchard made the comments during a meeting of the executive board on Tuesday (April 9). The local authority is facing a budget gap of approximately 28m over the next two years. This is on top of more than 23 million in savings that were made in the previous financial year. In a bid to maintain services and balance the budget executive board members were this week asked to back a Council Change Programme. The report which can be viewed here states that dealing with such a gap, requires a council-wide response, in a planned and methodical way through a council-change programme. It will focus on three themes of work, including: Service Transformation to include service reduction or stop service, service redesign, zero based service design Income and Efficiency Value for money including areas for increased income and reductions in expenditure Corporate Transformation review of corporate functions and groupings, partnerships and collaboration, better use of resources Speaking at Tuesdays meeting, Cllr Pritchard said: All councils are facing an extremely challenging financial outlook. The demands for services and the cost of providing them has increased significantly and its continued to grow. This growth is common across councils and all across the UK and includes social care for adults, childrens specialist education provision, school transport and homelessness. The increases in cost and the demand have been much greater than the funding the council receives. The level of government grants for 2024/25 was much less than was needed in Wrexham and across Wales. In Wales, the amount needed was 750 million, compared to a settlement value of 170 million. For us here in Wrexham this meant there was a gap between 22.6 million between the cost of services and funding available. This has been dealt with through a mixture of cuts, savings and council tax increase as well as setting the budget for 24/25. However the level of government funding for the following two years looks set to fall short of what is required by around 28 million. An amount of this scale on top of the 24/25 budget means that the council will have to change the way that some services are delivered in the future. To ensure this is done in the right way with the right balance between maintaining service performance and balancing the budget, a change programme is being introduced to manage the process over the next two years. He added: The work is not done, were just starting on this journey. Theres going to be some tears along this journey and its not going to be pleasant. This is through no fault of our own this is because of the settlements from Westminster and Cardiff. All I plead is for both governments to fund all local authorities across Wales appropriately so we can deliver first class services. I must say its been very difficult and Id like to thank everybody whos been involved. But were just on the start of this two year journey, and its not going to be pleasant. His comments were echoed by Councillor Paul Roberts, leader of the Conservative group, who added that it was important for all councillors to come together on the budget process. Cllr Roberts said: Weve all got to work together and Im looking for the support of all the 56 councillors. Weve got to move out of the party political arena and weve all got to come together as a group of 56 councillors and work with Wrexham Council to get to where we need to be within the two year time limit. I think that as far as Im concerned, thats the project. And like I say it could be a difficult journey. Labour group leader, Councillor Dana Davies, called for a more active role of scrutiny committees in the budget process going forward. Cllr Davies said: What were talking about is redesigning services to meet the needs of the people of Wrexham. I just want to make a point because scrutiny has a crucial role to play in this programme of change. And I would like to ask for scrutiny to have the transparency on what projects have been looked at, because were looking right across the whole council here so theres going to be a lot of work I agree with the executive board member about this is a job for 56 councillors. Weve all got to play our part here. The Council Change Programme was backed unanimously by members of the executive board. HANOI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its earlier growth projection for Vietnam this year at 6.0 percent and 6.2 percent in 2024 and 2025 respectively, according to its Asian Development Outlook released on Thursday. A relatively broad-based restoration in export-led manufacturing and services, as well as stable performance of the agriculture sector, is expected to support Vietnam's recovery momentum, said the report. Positive inflows of foreign direct investment and remittances, a sustained trade surplus, recoveries in domestic consumption, and continued fiscal stimulus characterized by a substantial public investment program are seen as key to boosting growth in 2024, the bank said. The report also identified public investment as a catalyst for Vietnam's economic growth and highlighted the cruciality of its effective implementation. ADB Country Director for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty said "Vietnam's economy is expected to grow at a solid pace this year and the next, despite a challenging global environment." "However, global geopolitical uncertainties and domestic structural fragilities could impact the outlook. Therefore, policy measures in 2024 will need to combine short-term growth support measures to strengthen domestic demand with long-term structural remedies to promote sustainable growth," he said. Thames Water is seeking either a taxpayer-funded bailout or a massive hike in customer bills, plus reduced fines for environmental breaches, to satisfy its investors. Cutting through the business jargon, its executives are essentially demanding workers pay the super-rich more money to pump more untreated sewage into Britains seas and rivers. Thames Water provides water and wastewater services for 16 million people in the UK. Parent company Kemble Water Holdings was told by auditors in December that it could run out of money in April trying to service Thames Waters 18 billion mountain of debt80 percent of the value of the company. Investors offered to provide 500 million upfront and a further 3 billion if regulator Ofwat agreed to let the company raise bills by 40 percent and begin paying internal dividends to Kemble. The Thames as it flows through east London, with the Isle of Dogs in the centre [Photo by Mai-Linh Doan / CC BY-SA 3.0 Attempting to force the issue, investors took the 500 million off the table last month, leading to Kemble missing a debt interest payment on a 400 million bond, asking creditors not to take action against the company, and announcing it could not repay a 190 million loan due to mature at the end of April. Ofwat is to make a draft decision in June and a final one at the beginning of 2025. The Conservative government has drawn up contingency rescue plans. According to the Daily Telegraph, after speaking with a Whitehall source, If Thames Water is put into special administration, it is estimated that as much as 5bn of financial support would be needed from the outset just to keep the lights on. The companys finances are almost as much of a mess as the waters it has been relentlessly polluting for years. It was criticised and fined repeatedly throughout the 2010s for sewage spills, but the full scale of the problem has only recently come to light. Since 2020, the company has pumped at least 72 billion litres of sewage into the River Thames that runs through London, equating to 29,000 Olympic swimming pools. Figures released last month by the Environment Agency showed the company recorded a 163 percent increase in the number of hours it pumped raw sewage into rivers and seas in 2023over 196,000 hours. The scandal blighted the genteel occasion of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race this year, with competitors given safety instructions after campaign group River Action warned of alarmingly high levels of dangerous E. coli bacteria present in the Thames between Putney and Mortlake where the annual event takes place. Three members of the Oxford team were infected with the bacteria in the run-up to the event. Lenny Jenkins of the Oxford team explained, Weve had a few guys go down pretty badly with E. coli strain It would have been ideal not to have so much poo in the water. Jenkins, incidentally, is a postgraduate student in Sustainability, Enterprise, and the Environment who described himself in a profile for the boat race as super excited to learn more about the ways the private sector can work with government to solve complex problems across all shareholder groups. The same is done by all private water companies across England. In 2023, they were collectively responsible for at least 3.6 million hours of raw sewage discharge into rivers and seas, a 105 percent increase on 2022. Between 2020 and 2022, just nine companies were responsible for 7.4 million hours of discharge. The River Irwell, which runs through two major cities, Manchester and Salford, was listed as the most polluted waterway in terms of sewage spills, with 95 per mile of water in 2023. The River Irwell Lack of monitoring at all overflow sites means what gets reported is just a fraction of the amount of sewage being poured into Englands waterways practically every minute of every day. In large part due to this pollution, just 14 percent of Englands rivers now have a good ecological status, expected to fall to 6 percent by 2027, and none of them have a good chemical status. Fewer than one in five estuaries and less than half of coastal waters have good ecological status, and none of them good chemical status. Of 256 freshwater habitats of special scientific interest assessed in 2023, only 23 were in a favourable condition. The number of hospital admissions for waterborne diseases like dysentery and Weils disease has increased by 60 percent since 2010, to 3,286 in 2022-3. Privatised in 1989, Thames Water was purchased by Australian company Macquarie (a top 50 global asset manager, responsible for more than $735 billion in assets) in 2006. By the time it sold its stake in the company in 2017, it had tripled Thames Waters debt to 10.5 billion. Meanwhile, Macquarie paid dividends worth 2.8 billion, borrowing against the companys assets to increase payouts to shareholders. In its first year of ownership, it hiked dividend payments to 656 million, against profits of just 241 million. Thames Water is now owned by a consortium including Canadian pension funds, the UK university lecturers pension fund, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Chinas sovereign wealth fund, which picked up where Macquarie left off in 2017. In total, Thames Water has provided 7.2 billion in dividends since 1990. It spends 28 percent of its current income from water bills just servicing its debt. Very little makes its way into providing modern services. By 2014, the company was leaking 646 million litres a day. Almost a decade on, in 2023, it was still leaking 630 million litres a day. This is only the most extreme example of a universal trend. Since privatisation, water companies have together paid 72 billion in dividends to their shareholders while accruing 60 billion in debt, which 20 percent of the average water bill goes towards servicing. Of 2.3 billion industry profits in 2022, 900 million was paid out in dividends. Another 24.8 million was paid to just 22 water company executives in salaries, bonuses, benefits and incentives. In the same period, bills have risen by 40 percent on average and investment in infrastructure has fallen 15 percent. Between them, water companies in England and Wales lose nearly 3 billion litres a day to leaks. The proceeds of this vast looting operation travel all around the world, with 70 percent of the value of Englands water companies owned abroadmostly in America (17 percent), Canada (15 percent) and Australia (11 percent). Big players include BlackRock (managing $9 trillion of assets worldwide), the Vanguard Group ($7 trillion), Lazard Asset Management ($216 billion), IFM Global Infrastructure Fund ($108 billion), Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ($993 billion), Qatar Investment Authority ($526 billion) and a host of lesser-known private investment groups. Southern Water, supplying 4.6 million people and responsible for secretly pumping 16-21 billion litres of sewage into protected seas over six years, has since 2021 been majority owned by none other than Macquarie, with JP Morgan another major equity holder. The money-mad drive for dividends paid to a handful of people which has characterised Englands 35 years of privatised water companies highlights the toxic influence of the profit motive on society. Capitalism sees in the basic human need for water not a service to be provided, but a captive market to be leechedunder monopoly conditions to boot. It sees in rivers and seas not pillars of biodiversity and sources of beauty and leisure (unless commercialised), but a ready-made sewage pipe. All of which is facilitated by a bought-and-paid-for state apparatus. According to the Telegraph, at least seven of the nine water and sewerage companies currently have senior staff in regulatory or strategic roles who have previously worked for regulator Ofwat. Cathryn Ross, head of Ofwat between 2013 and 2017 when Macquarie was taking on billions in debt to pay billions in dividends, is now head of strategy and regulatory affairs at Thames Water. There can be no progressive capitalist solution to the companys likely financial collapse and the turning of Englands waterways into liquid filth. The control of a few billionaires and corporate swindlers over water and all other essential services is irrational and harmful; they must be brought under the democratic control of the working class as part of the socialist reorganisation of society. Last months publication by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the pediatric section of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) exposing the long-standing and high prevalence of lead in Chicagos drinking water should stand as an indictment of the citys Democratic political leadership that has done little to address this public health issue. Close to 70 percent of Chicagos children under the age of six live in homes containing detectable levels of lead in their drinking water. To perform their analysis, the researchers utilized artificial intelligence machine learning techniques to estimate levels of lead in tap water across Chicago households, utilizing results in tests conducted in nearly 40,000 homes from 2016 to 2023. The study also found that almost 10 percent of homes had levels above the 15 parts per billion (PPB) that is the action level of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for lead in drinking water. Benjamin Huynh, PhD, lead author of the study, said of the results, The extent of lead contamination of tap water in Chicago is dishearteningits not something we should be seeing in 2024. However, Chicago is not unique in America in this regard. A March 2022 paper published in PNAS by Princeton University researchers estimated that over 170 million Americans alive today had previously been exposed in early childhood to high lead levels. Besides Chicago, high levels of lead have been found in tap water in Baltimore, Detroit, Milwaukee, Newark, New York, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C., according to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Lead service lines per state [Photo: Natural Resources Defense Council] In their analysis of EPA data published in 2021, the NRDC showed that between 2018 and 2020, almost 190 million people drank water from drinking water systems with detectable lead levels above one PPB. More than 61 million drank water exceeding the five PPB maximum set by the Food and Drug Administration for bottled water. Finally, 7 million people were drinking water with more than 15 PPB of lead. Current guidance by the EPA and health experts has emphasized there is no level of lead in drinking water that can be regarded as safe. Kristi Pullen Fedinick, for NRDC, wrote, Though the numbers we find in this assessment are quite large, it is possible that we are missing communities with significant issues with lead in their water due to underreporting. EPA audits of the data we used to develop these estimates found that states failed to report 92 percent of Lead and Copper Rule health-based violations to the EPA. Lead has long been known as a serious environmental toxin that poses significant health risks, especially to children whose neurological development and growth can be impaired by even miniscule levels of this heavy metal, which serves no biological function in plant or animal life. However, due to its favorable physical propertiesbeing malleable and easy to work withit was, historically speaking, the metal of choice for water pipes. However, due to the metal leaching into water supplies, a byproduct of corrosive materials in the water, a federal ban went into effect in 1986. Notably, between 1900 and 1950, major American cities fitted their water systems with lead pipe, touting its durability and sanitary qualities. And because they can last for more than 100 years, lead pipes remain part of the countrys water infrastructure. The EPA has estimated that there are currently anywhere from 6 million to 10 million lead service lines supplying drinking water to homes across the US. The NRDC 2021 survey placed that figure at 12 million or more. Chicago has nearly 400,000 such lead service lines in place. Flint residents protest unsafe water during President Obama's visit, May 4, 2016. However, the Flint water crisis in 2014 underscores the criminal nature of relying on such guidelines to protect the well-being of the population. Pre-existing estimated blood lead levels were already above 5 ppb for 2.4 percent of children under five years old, four times higher than outside of Flint. With the switch in water sources from Detroit (from Lake Huron) to the heavily contaminated Flint River, levels rose to 4.9 percent for children under five, with the highest ward lead level rising to 6.6 percent. As a February 2016 report published in the American Journal of Public Health on the impact the crisis had on childrens blood lead levels (BLL), the authors explained, Water from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department had very low corrosivity for lead as indicated by low chloride, low chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio, and presence of an orthophosphate corrosion inhibitor. By contrast, Flint River water had high chloride, high chloride-to-sulfate mass ratio, and no corrosion inhibitor. Switching from Detroits Lake Huron to Flint River water created a perfect storm for lead leaching into drinking water. The aging Flint water distribution system contains a high percentage of lead pipes and lead plumbing, with estimates of lead service lines ranging from 10 percent to 80 percent. As the report underscored, Lead solubility and particulate release is highly variable and depends on many factors including water softness, temperature, and acidity. Although the Flint water crisis was the most egregious example of lead contamination, simply having lead service lines poses significant risk regardless of regulations in place. Tap water accounts for 85 percent of total sources of lead exposure, thus it disproportionately affects developmentally vulnerable children and pregnant mothers. In particular, for the same concentration of lead in water, children drinking from these sources absorb lead at much higher rates than adults. Chart shows the relationship between lead levels and subsequent reduction in IQ levels [Photo: US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences] The science is definite about the dangers posed by even the slightest lead contamination of tap water. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine more than two decades ago compared blood lead concentrations in children up to 60 months of age. For each 10 micro-gram per deciliter increase in blood lead concentrations, there was a 4.6-point decrease in IQ. However, between one and 10 micro-gram per deciliter, the IQ decline was 7.4 points, underscoring the dangers posed by these low levels. Another long-term longitudinal study published in JAMA from 2017, which studied the impact of lead exposure in childhood over four decades, found there were lower adult IQ scores nearly three decades later. After the authors adjusted for maternal IQ, childhood IQ, and socioeconomic status of the children, for each five micro-grams per deciliter in blood lead levels, there was a decline in adult IQ, perceptual reasoning and working memory, with an overall downward social mobility into adulthood. Finally, an international pooled analysis from 2005 looking at the impact of low-level environmental lead exposure and childrens intellectual function, found similar trends in the more rapid declines in IQ at lower levels before reaching a lower base line after 30 micro-grams per deciliter. The authors wrote, The impact of low-level environmental lead exposure on the health of the public is substantial. This pooled analysis focused on intellectual deficits, but environmental lead exposure has been linked with an increased risk of numerous conditions and diseases that are prevalent in industrialized society, such as reading problems, school failure, delinquent behavior, hearing loss, tooth decay, spontaneous abortions, renal diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Although there has been a recent proposal by the White House to remove all lead pipes across the country in the next 10 years, the funding shortfall for these projects means that nothing will transpire except self-serving campaign promises to address the failures across US infrastructure. The $45 billion proposed by Biden in his infrastructure bill for lead removal has already been slashed to $15 billion. With the 10th anniversary of the Flint water crisis arriving on April 25, 2024, US Judge David Lawson held the city of Flint, Michigan, in civil contempt in February for failing to meet the deadlines imposed on it to replace the lead service lines. Lawson wrote, Based on the evidence, it is apparent that the City has failed to abide by the Courts orders in several respects, and that it has no good reason for its failures. The City has demonstrated belated compliance since the hearing, but even now, it has not actually replaced all of the lead service lines, which it originally promised to replace by March 28, 2020. The City is in civil contempt of the Courts order. Clearly, what is taking place in Flint is emblematic of the approach across the country to these issues. Finlands right-wing government announced last week the indefinite closure of its 1,300-kilometre border with Russia. An initial decision had been taken last November by the conservative National Coalition Party (NCP)-led government to temporarily close border crossings after a small number of asylum seekers crossed into Finland from Russia. Finnish border guards stand by a construction site of the border barrier fence between Finland, right, and Russia, near the Pelkola border crossing point in Imatra, south-eastern Finland, Friday, April 14, 2023 [AP Photo/Sergei Grits] The four-party coalition government, which includes the far-right Finns Party, is seeking with the move to provoke Russia and demonstrate its determination to clamp down on refugees. After Finland joined NATO last April, becoming the military alliances 31st member, its long land border with Russia and close proximity to St. Petersburg transformed Finland into a frontline state in the US-NATO imperialist war on Russia. Finlands entry into NATO, following the US-provoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, was overseen by a Social Democrat-led government. Prime Minister Sanna Marins coalition lost support due to sweeping attacks on the working class and embrace of pro-war policies, and was defeated in parliamentary elections also held in April 2023. When the NCP unveiled what is widely described as Finlands most right-wing government since World War II, a central plank of the program was a clampdown on asylum seekers and refugees. The Finns Party, which has ties to outright fascist forces, has long scapegoated foreigners for the countrys problems. NCP Prime Minister Petteri Orpo placed the Interior Ministry under the control of the Finns Party. Finns leader Riikka Purra enthused, I am delighted that together with our negotiating partners we have agreed on an immigration package that can rightly be called a paradigm shift. Among the measures proposed was a halving of the refugees accepted by Finland from the UN refugee agency from 1,050 to 500 per year, and the creation of lower rates of social welfare for refugees and immigrants. Purra boasted that temporary residency permits for refugees would be withdrawn if the person is on holiday in their country of origin. In the months following the coming to power of the new coalition, from August to December 2023, approximately 1,300 asylum seekers crossed the border from Russia, an increase from an average of one per day before then. Interviews conducted with asylum seekers who successfully made the trek after paying hefty fees to smugglers underscore that they chose the route because it was the easiest way into fortress Europe, which, thanks to the European Unions inhuman refugee policies, has led to the drowning of thousands in the Mediterranean in recent years. The EU has not only made it virtually impossible to cross safely via the short sea route from north Africa or Turkey, but also funds criminal gangs in Libya and dictatorships like Egypts el-Sisis to prevent refugees from even attempting to reach the continent. This did not stop lurid stories in the media, hyped by the international press, about an alleged campaign of hybrid warfare directed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The fact that a fascistic partys programme was being implemented was of no concern to top EU officials like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. During a meeting in Stockholm with Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in January, von der Leyen declared, Most recently, Finland suffered from instrumentalisation of migrants orchestrated by Russia. This is yet another form of hybrid warfare. This requires a clear and determined response. Finland has acted decisively. And you can rely on the European Union to support your efforts. The Finnish governments vicious anti-immigrant programme is combined with savage austerity measures to pay for Finlands massive military build-up. Orpo is committed to imposing 6 billion in austerity measures during his first term. We cannot put our heads in the sand. There is no more money, he claimed last June. In fact, there is plenty of money for Finlands military, which completed in 2023 the largest single purchase in its history to acquire 64 F-35 fighter jets from US-based Lockheed Martin, at a cost of 8.4 billion. The purchase drove the 2023 defence budget up by 36 percent year-on-year, the highest single-year increase in over six decades. Finlands 2024 defence budget rose by 5 percent from the previous year to about 6.2 billion, or 2.3 percent of its GDP. Given its small size, with a population of 5.5 million, Finland has backed the far-right Ukrainian regime since the US-provoked Russian invasion in February 2022 with a substantial 2.9 billion in support. On April 3, newly elected President Alexander Stubb, who has significant powers over Finlands foreign policy, signed a long-term bilateral defence agreement with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev. Stubb was elected president in February following a campaign dominated by pro-war, anti-Russia hysteria. In December 2023, Finland finalised a defence cooperation agreement (DCA) with the United States, which gives Washington unimpeded access to several military bases in Finland and the ability to pre-position military supplies for major operations. This is part of a huge military build-up throughout the Nordic region, all of whose countries are now NATO members. After Sweden formally joined NATO last month, Russia is now confronted with hostile adversaries on all sides in the strategic Baltic Sea. Much like their cultivation of the far right in Ukraine and the Baltic states, Washington and the major European powers are reviving the counterrevolutionary traditions of the Finnish bourgeoisie to facilitate opening a new war front against Russia. Finland has already emerged as an important base of operations for NATO soldiers to obtain training in Arctic warfare and how to operate along a border with Russia. The military unit overseeing these training operations is the Jaeger Brigadewhose name has its origins in a unit created by the German Empire during World War I to crush revolutionary workers in Finland inspired by the Bolshevik revolution in Russia in October 1917. The taking of power by the working class in Russia prompted a general strike in Finland in support, which was prevented from transferring power to the working class by the bankrupt Social Democratic Party leadership. When the Finnish Socialist Workers Republic was ultimately proclaimed in Helsinki in January 1918, it was clear that the counterrevolutionary Whites were ready to launch a civil war with the backing of the imperialist powers. After the Soviet Union was forced under threat of invasion to sign the peace of Brest Litovsk in early 1918, Germany intervened decisively in the Finnish civil war to support the Whites. The Jaeger Brigade spearheaded the ruling-class massacre of tens of thousands of workers who backed the short-lived Finnish Socialist Republic, which was drowned in blood in May 1918 as Germany invaded Finland. Thereafter, Finland was a key base for the imperialist-backed Whites, who sought to topple the Bolshevik government in the Russian Civil War. The sharp rightward turn of Finnish politics and the revival of the countrys role as a slavish servant of imperialist war aims have been facilitated by Finlands nominally left parties. The Social Democrats have played an important role since the 1990s in paving Finlands route into NATO, including joining the alliances misnamed Partnership for Peace program in 1994. The ex-Stalinist Left Alliance, the successor of the once-powerful Finnish Communist Party, ditched its supposed opposition to NATO membership after the outbreak of the US-NATO war on Russia. Although the party only entered Marins Social Democrat-led coalition government in 2019 on the condition that Finland not join NATO during the governments term in office, Left Alliance leaders threw this pledge overboard and remained in the government as it championed the move. The party collapsed in last years election as a result. On Tuesday evening, Missouri death row inmate Brian Dorsey was put to death at the Bonne Terre state prison for his conviction in the murders of his cousin and her husband in 2006. It was the first execution this year in Missouri and the fifth in the US. Brian Dorsey [AP Photo/Jeremy Weis, Federal Public Defender] His impending execution provoked widespread calls for clemency, including from members of his family, 72 prison employees, five jurors from his trial, three Republican state representatives, and former Missouri Supreme Court justice Michael Wolff, who originally upheld Dorseys death sentence on appeal. Dorseys execution proceeded after the US Supreme Court declined to intervene and Missouri Governor Mike Parson denied a last-minute appeal for mercy. The Missouri Supreme Court denied his appeal in 2009. In a final statement handed out prior to the execution, the condemned prisoner said in part, Words cannot hold the just weight of my guilt and shame. Prison officials pronounced Dorsey dead at 6:11 p.m. after he was injected with a lethal dose of pentobarbital. Dorsey, 52, accepted responsibility for his crime and expressed deep remorse. He killed Sarah and Benjamin Bonnie, his cousin and her husband, during what was described in his clemency petition to the governor as a drug-induced psychosis and alcohol-induced blackout, which his lawyers argued made him incapable of the deliberation required for a first-degree murder charge. As with all executions in the US, Dorseys state killing reveals the features of the brutal and arbitrary character of capital punishment, the conditions leading up to the crime and wider problems plaguing society. According to court records, on December 23, 2006, Dorsey called his cousin for help because drug dealers were in his apartment demanding money he owed them. The Bonnies took them back to their home. Later that night, Dorsey entered the couples room with a shotgun and fatally shot them both at close range. He stole several items and took Sarahs car. Their bodies were discovered the next day by Sarahs parents, who found the couples four-year-old daughter alone in the house. Dorsey turned himself in and was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. On the advice of counsel, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to death for each murder. He was represented by two attorneys appointed by the Missouri State Public Defenders office, each of whom was paid a flat fee of $12,000 regardless of whether the case went to trial. Dorsey received no guarantee that his guilty plea would guarantee him a life sentence and avoid the death penalty. His petition to the governor contended that this payment scheme disincentivized the work needed in a capital case, including adequately investigating the case. If they had they would have known what we know now, CNN quotes Megan Crane, one of Dorseys current attorneys, which was Brian had lifelong chronic depression, and that he had turned to self-medicating with alcohol and crack cocaine at this point because other treatments had failed. And he had a history of experiencing psychosis when withdrawing from crack, experienced paranoid and persecutory delusions and hallucinations. Crane said that if his trial lawyers had properly investigated their client they could have used that information to negotiate a plea deal that avoided a death sentence. The flat-fee system for public defenders has since been discontinued in Missouri. Denial of an adequate defense eventually led to Dorseys trip to the death chamber, where his execution was shrouded in secrecy. While public hangings were once used by authorities as a means of garnering support for the barbaric practice, state-sponsored executions have now become secretive affairs, in which authorities seek to block the media and the public from observing suffering on the part of the person being executed and thus minimize public revulsion. This is the case particularly in Missouri. When approved witnesses entered the viewing area Tuesday, Dorsey was strapped to the gurney and the IV had already been set. The drug was injected via a tube running through the wall, so that witnesses could not see any of the staff administering it. Once the pentobarbital had been administered, guards closed the curtains. The curtains were reopened after prison authorities had confirmed Dorseys death. Dorseys attorneys argued that the states execution protocol carries a substantial risk of serious, torturous, physical and psychological pain. First, an anesthetic is not required during the procedure, which means that if the execution team is unable to find a vein easily they can use a cut down, which involves a deep cut into the flesh to find one. It is not known whether a cut down was necessary in Dorseys case and, if so, whether an anesthetic was used. Arin Brenner, a federal public defender now representing Dorsey, said he faced a higher-than-normal risk of needing a cutdown because he is obese, a diabetic and a former IV drug user. Second, pentobarbital can induce pulmonary edema, when frothy fluid leaks into lung tissue and airways, literally drowning the individual. Autopsies on bodies of the executed have often shown this to be the case. Rejecting calls to commute Dorseys sentence to life in prison, Governor Parson stated in a press release, The pain Dorsey brought to others can never be rectified, but carrying out Dorseys sentence according to Missouri law and the Courts order will deliver justice and provide closure. Dorseys attorney Crane stated, Governor Parson has chosen to ignore the wealth of information before him showing that Brian Dorsey is uniquely deserving of mercy. Brian has spent every day of his time in prison trying to make amends for his crime, and dozens of correctional officers have attested to his remorse, transformation, and commitment to service. Brians unprecedented support, and his irrefutable evidence of redemption, are precisely the circumstances for which clemency is designed. Closure, a highly charged term which has gained traction in recent decades, is based on the notion that an execution can provide relief to victims and their families. It has no proven basis in law or psychology. As Susan A. Bandes writes in Closure in the Criminal Courtroom: Closure is offeredoften successfullyas an argument for imposing death sentences, trimming procedural protections, permitting victim impact statements, truncating appeals, denying clemency petitions, speeding up executions, televising executions, and granting the bereaved access to the execution chamber. More broadly, it has transformed the debate about the legitimacy of the capital systemrecasting the imposition of the death penalty from a retributive act to an act of compassion for bereaved families. As for the closure the governor says will result from putting Dorsey to death, this is doubtful to be forthcoming either for Dorseys relatives or the victims family, which in this case are one and the same. In a video urging clemency for Dorsey, Claudia Boyce, cousin of both Dorsey and Sarah Bonnie, said, I was for the executions, but after being through this, after seeing how it affects so many people, you dont even think about that until youve gone through it. I no longer believe. Another of their cousins, Linda Stone, said, If they do go ahead with the death penalty, it will be hard. Itll be terrible for me because he is like my son. Pam Braunar, also Dorsey and Bonnies cousin, said, And I just hope that Governor Parson, that you can see your way to not let the system fail Brian again. TASHKENT, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan will host a joint anti-terror exercise of the Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) on its territory, Uzbek media reported Thursday. Citing the press service of the CIS Anti-terrorism Center after a meeting held in Moscow on Wednesday, the report said that the delegates noted that anti-terrorism exercises play an important role in assessing the effectiveness of the counter-terrorism system and practicing coordinated joint activities. The issue of organizing and conducting joint anti-terrorism exercises of competent authorities of CIS member states, named "East-Anti-Terror-2024," this year was discussed during the meeting, and the operational stage of the drill will be held for the first time on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan, according to the report. The parties noted that the key factor influencing the emergence and development of terrorist threats to the CIS states is "the high activity of international terrorist organizations in Afghanistan, the Syrian-Iraqi zone, as well as events in Ukraine and the Middle East," said the report. The Postal Workers Rank-and-File Committee invites workers across delivery offices, mail centres, Parcelforce and Fleet to attend an online meeting on April 28 to discuss a fightback against Royal Mails assault on the USO and the jobs and conditions of postal workers. Royal Mail has unveiled plans to dismantle six-day letter deliveries, escalating the war against postal workers that has been ongoing since at least 2022 with the complicity of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) postal executive. In its submission to regulator Ofcom on April 2, Royal Mail calls for the USOs reduction to a 2.5 day or 3-day-a-week service for second class and bulk mail and is demanding a decision from Ofcom by April 2025. A jobs massacre is underway and is set to intensify. Royal Mail states: the total number of delivery routes is expected to reduce by c. 7,000-9,000. The CWU estimates job losses of between 13,700 and 17,800, based on cost efficiencies of 750 million to 975 million targeted by Royal Mail. But frontline job losses could be considerably higher than this. The job cuts are part of a global war against postal and logistics workersincluding at Amazon, UPS, Australia Post, Canada Post and the US Postal Serviceas corporate boardrooms seize on new technology to reduce the workforce and slash costs. While Royal Mail executives justify their plans as modernisation and the inevitable result of declining letters in a digital age, its social vandalism is motivated by one thing only: shareholder profit for billionaire parasites such as Vesa Equity and Blackrock Inc. Charities have described Royal Mails plansbacked by Ofcom--as disastrous. On April 4, NHS leaders warned: two million people may have missed medical appointments in 2022-23 due to late delivery of letters, and this will only deteriorate under the proposed new plans. Citizens Advice (CA) has protested that millions are being harmed by missed NHS appointments, court notices and welfare benefits decisions. It is the poorest and most vulnerable who are hardest hit, with CA reporting 21 percent of disabled people have experienced negative consequences because of letter delays. Royal Mail is being converted into an Amazon-style parcels business, based on gig-economy conditions and wages. Its new Super Hubs are aimed at driving this through. Labour saving technologies which could make our lives easier and improve the postal service are instead being used to squeeze maximum profit out of postal workers and reduce letter deliveries, throwing thousands of colleagues onto the scrapheap. This was the real purpose of last years national agreement co-authored by CWU officials Dave Ward, and Andy Furey, backed by the postal executive and national reps meetings. It was a sellout of monumental proportions that introduced a two-tier workforce, reduced sick-pay, a new performance regime, later start and finish times, seasonal hours, and which approved the shift to 24-7 parcel delivery, ending any work-life balance. If Royal Mail is saying there will be no forced redundancies this is only because the CWU is already helping the company drive out thousands of legacy staff through impossible workloads and a hostile regime of management bullying and victimisation, sanctified by the Falconer Review. How are postal workers to fight? The CWU accepts the market-driven dictates of Royal Mail. During the dispute Ward told members they would face Armageddon if they did not accept the CWUs surrender terms. Failure to accept change would force Royal Mail into bankruptcy with the loss of thousands of jobs. This is exactly what Royal Mail is now carrying through, with the CWU on its knees, obediently putting forward its own proposals for a reduced five-day USO, slower mail delivery speeds and other efficiencies. No-one else is going to step in and resolve this crisis. The CWU, Ofcom, the Tory government and Labour all support Royal Mails war against the USO and postal workers. The CWUs submission to Ofcom on the USOs future states: Ideally, Royal Mail would be in public hands and the net costs would be subsidised by the government, but this is difficult under privatisation. [!] CWU headquarters endorses Ofcoms stated position that the USO is an unfair financial burden on Royal Mail. Hence Wards proposal to Ofcom of an industry fund to support the USO with contributions from Amazon, Evri and other parcel companies that are leveraging profits off Royal Mails delivery network. This is a pigs will fly proposal. Amazons main UK division paid zero corporate tax last year, for the second year running, despite receiving 7.7 million in infrastructure investment under the Sunak governments super-deduction scheme. The CWU is nakedly touting for the Labour Party, writing to Ofcom: We are pleased that the Labour Party has agreed to a comprehensive regulatory review of the sector, as part of their National Policy Forum process. How this sits with Sir Keir Starmers praise for Margaret Thatcher, and his insistence that she set loose Britains natural entrepreneurialism, is a question the CWU cannot answer. Workers have already shown their willingness to fight. The year-long Royal Mail dispute was part of wave of strikes at the NHS, railways, airlines, buses, ports, oil refineries, warehouses, colleges and schools that was betrayed by the trade union bureaucracy. Left officials such as Ward and RMT leader Mick Lynch blocked unified action while concluding backroom deals with the Tory government and employers to impose massive attacks on jobs, pay, terms and conditions. The lesson is that the working class must intervene with our own strategy through the creation of rank-and-file organisations to lead a fightback. Either our interests prevail, or those of the capitalist financial oligarchy. There is no in-between. Join the Zoom meeting called by the PWRFC to discuss and plan this fight. Register at wsws.org/postrfc A person walks past the Arizona Supreme Court building, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Phoenix. [AP Photo/Matt York] In a ruling issued Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court revived a criminal law first enacted in 1864 that allows sending a doctor or other medical provider to state prison for two to five years for performing an abortion that is subsequently not deemed necessary to save a womans life. There are no time limitsthe prohibition begins the morning afterand no other exceptions, such as for pregnancies that resulted from rape or incest. This draconian law dates from when Arizona was a newly formed US territory, slavery still existed, women could not vote and were legally subordinate to their husbands. Their right to vote would not be realized for another half-century. The statute was re-enacted after Arizona achieved statehood in 1912 and remained in effect until a 1973 injunction following the United States Supreme Courts recognition of the federal constitutional right to abortion in Roe v. Wade. While bound by the Constitutions Supremacy Clause, anti-abortion activists in the Arizona state government passed dozens of laws to restrict abortion access to the constitutional minimum and added onerous procedural requirements, pushing the envelope under the steadily eroding federal standards. In 2022, the United States Supreme Court eliminated the federal constitutional right to abortion altogether in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overruled Roe v. Wade, stripping all women in the United States of their constitutional right to access abortions. The World Socialist Web Site labeled Dobbs the opening salvo in a historically unprecedented attack by the ruling class on all democratic rights. Tuesdays ruling underscores that perspective. When Dobbs was decided, Arizona statutes had limited abortion access to the first 15 weeks following gestation, absent a medical emergency. By a 5-2 vote, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that these subsequent enactments did not create a statutory right to abortion during the first 15 weeks, and that Dobbs effectively resurrected the 1864 felony prohibition. Not only does the ruling eliminate the brief 15-week window, it also narrows the exception from any medical emergency to abortions necessary to save the life of the mother. The two dissenting justices would have enforced the more recent enactments, noting that following Dobbs in June 2022, the Arizona Legislature stood pat, rather than repealing the 15-week limit then in effect and reinstating the 1864 ban. The dissent did not, however, address the consequences of denying a pregnant person access to an abortion. Protecting the individual decision whether to carry a pregnancy to term is a fundamental democratic question, recognized along with womens suffrage by the Bolshevik Party after the 1917 Revolution. As Leon Trotsky wrote in The Revolution Betrayed, whatever may be said upon this subject by the eunuchs and old maids of both sexes, a womans access to abortion is one of her most important civil, political and cultural rights. The Arizona decision applies going forward only, not retrospectively, and will not be implemented for at least two weeks. There may be further delays in the courts, or the Arizona State Legislature might supersede the ruling by rescinding the 1864 law. While the future of the law remains to be written, there is no question that the assault on abortion access, and other democratic rights, will continue to accelerate. With this decision, Arizona joins 14 other states that have denied abortion access under almost all circumstances since the Dobbs decision: Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia. Georgia and South Carolina limit access to the absurdly short period of six weeksbefore many realize they are pregnantand Nebraska and North Carolina impose a 12-week deadline that is almost as unrealistic. On April 1 the Florida Supreme Court overruled state privacy laws that had protected abortion access for decades, clearing the way for the six-week limit promoted by right-wing governor Ron DeSantis. That ruling will take effect on May 1. Dobbs has had other consequences. Texas, for example, enacted a vigilante statute that allows private citizens to sue anyone who assists in an abortion that takes place more than six weeks after gestation. In one well-publicized incident, the states fascistic attorney general, Ken Paxton, threatened emergency room doctors with felony prosecution if they treated a pregnant patient, forcing her to leave the state to obtain necessary medical care. Depending on how the questions are phrased, opinion polls document that around 70 percent of the United States population supports abortion access under the Roe v. Wade guidelines. Whenever the issue has appeared in recent years on a state ballot as the result of an initiative or referendum, abortion access prevailed, even where anti-abortion forces control the state government, including Ohio, Kansas and Kentucky. After Kansas voters defeated an anti-abortion referendum by almost 20 percent, the Kansas legislature passed a bill to criminalize so-called abortion coercion, which could result in a boyfriend or family member being jailed for suggesting that a pregnancy be terminated. That measure has not yet been signed into law. Seeking short-term partisan advantage, US President Joe Biden denounced the Arizona ruling as the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away womens freedom. Biden claims he stands with the vast majority of Americans who support a womans right to choose. At the same time, Biden has paid advertisements appealing to supporters of former Republican candidate Nikki Haley, who once co-sponsored a bill in South Carolina to codify that life begins at fertilization. Moreover, congressional Democrats are openly supporting Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson, a religious fanatic who recently compared abortion access under Roe v. Wade to the Holocaust. House Democrats need his assistance to fund the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine. The Arizona Supreme Courts attack on abortion access coincides with deepening attacks on democratic rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly, especially on the part of students protesting the genocide in Gaza, the right to marriage choice and sexual privacy, and ultimately the right to hold meaningful elections, including independent candidates such as 2024 presidential and vice-presidential candidates Joseph Kishore and Jerry White of the Socialist Equality Party. The denial of access to abortions is inseparable from a broader attack on democratic rights necessitated by the insatiable US oligarchys drive to muzzle and pauperize the working class to finance its imperialist wars, presently focused on the carving up of Russia in anticipation of global war against China. The Arizona Supreme Courts decision coincides with the sixth-month anniversary of the US-backed Israeli genocide of Palestinians trapped in Gaza. While Biden sheds crocodile tears over womens freedom in Arizona, he unconditionally funds the Zionist massacre of thousands of women and children in Gaza, who have no freedom of choice when it comes to accessing food and any kind of medical care, not only abortions. The Arizona decision is yet another exposure of the true character of the American judiciary, whose far-right judges like Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas flaunt their corruption in full public view, knowing that their nominal opposition among the Democrats will do nothing. Events such as the Arizona ruling compel workers and youth to confront the hostility of both capitalist political parties and the capitalist courts to basic democratic rights, reflecting their fundamental trajectory to dictatorship and war. The defense of basic democratic rights today requires a mass movement of the working class independent of the rotten two-party system to abolish the capitalist system and to bring about the socialist transformation of the world economic system to meet the needs and guarantee the democratic rights of the international working class. Addressing an Australian audience on Wednesday, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri bluntly condemned the federal Labor government for aiding and abetting a genocide and starvation in Gaza. UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food Michael Fakhri [AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos] Speaking at an online forum organised by the Australian Human Rights Institute at the University of New South Wales, Fakhri painted a harrowing picture of the conditions created by the Israeli onslaught. We have never seen a civilian population made to go hungry so completely and so quicklyin modern history Fakhri said. We are not only witnessing people documenting their own experience of genocide in real time ... were seeing the images of people, adults and children, as they die from starvation and this is the part thats very unique. Turning to the role of the Labor government, the UN expert declared: Im talking to an Australian audience and I know the Australian government has provided military support to the Israeli offensive. The time will come where the Australian government will be held accountable for aiding and abetting in a genocide and starvation, he warned. Those statements are a welcome and needed blow to the Labor governments attempts to distance itself from the war crimes that it has supported. Labor leaders are engaged in the most cynical attempt to dupe the population. Having aggressively backed Israels bombardment for months, and while continuing to support the Zionist onslaught, Labor is presenting itself as a bystander with no direct involvement in the war. In addition to Fakhris statements, this campaign of lies was further discredited this week by an exclusive article published by Declassified Australia. Labor ministers have repeatedly asserted that Australia does not send weapons to Israel and has not in the past five years. They have denounced any claims to the contrary as disinformation. However, as the article explained: The latest data obtained by Declassified Australia shows that Australia has issued 383 defence export permits to Israel since 2015, and by extrapolation the overwhelming majority are clearly Munitions List items, not Dual Use equipment. Of 230 export permits to Israel between 1 July 2015 and 31 March 2021, 187, or 81 percent were for munitions list items. Forty-four of those munitions list permits were approved within the past five years. In a transparent attempt to keep the population in the dark, the data provided by Defence covering the period 1 July 2020 to 29 January 2024 does not provide any breakdown between munitions items and those marked as dual use, which could be of military or civilian use. In those four years, there were 173 defence exports to Israel. The secrecy itself is damning. If there was nothing to hide, the information would not be hidden. By seeking to prevent any scrutiny of the breakdown of defence exports, the authorities are in effect confirming that Australia has in the recent past exported weapons to Israel. It is already known that a Melbourne company is the sole global supplier of a key component of the F-35 fighter jets that Israel has used to drop bombs on Gaza. Australia hosts a centre for artificial intelligence operated by Elbit Systems, the main Israeli weapons company, funded by the Victorian state Labor government. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Israeli Air Force and called the F-35I "Adir" [Photo by Wikipedia / CC BY 4.0 More generally, the Australian arms industry, universities and other government-funded institutions are entwined in a complex global supply chain involving behemoths such as Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, which arm the Zionist regime. As Declassified Australia noted, the Labor leaders appear to be suggesting that weapons exports would only include such things as fully-assembled guns and ready-to-shoot missiles. That contradicts the Defence Departments own munitions list, and would exclude things, such as the F-35 components, that are plainly aiding the direct military operations of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). The government has also hidden the contents of a defence Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) struck with Israel in 2017 and still in operation. In response to a freedom of information request from the Greens, the Defence Department refused to release the MoU or anything relating to it, on the grounds that the information could harm Australia's international standing and reputation. The Defence response declared that a key reason for the suppression was that the document contains information communicated to Australia by a foreign government and its officials under the expectation that it would not be disclosed. The foreign government is almost certainly Israel. In other words, Defence, acting under the direction of the government, is protecting both Labor and the Israeli state from any public scrutiny. These revelations provide the framework within which Labors professions of anger over Israels murder of seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers last week must be judged. Having openly or tacitly supported Israels murder of more than 30,000 Palestinians, and having said nothing about its killing of close to 200 other aid workers, the Labor leaders were shocked that the Zionist state would attack the WCK staff. The details of the WCK attack are already clear. Israel launched three separate missile strikes on a convoy of the charity workers, having been informed of and cleared their position previously. This was a deliberate component of the strategy of starving the Gazan population outlined by UN Rapporteur Fakhri. Labor, however, as part of its attempts to dampen-down popular anger, is calling for an investigation, to be carried out by Israel itself, and full accountability, whatever that means. The character of the charade was exposed on Monday, when Labor announced that it would appoint Mark Binskin as its special advisor to the Israeli investigation. Binskin is a career military man, having previously been Australian Defence Chief. During the criminal US-led wars against Iraq and Afghanistan, he was responsible for all Coalition air operations, including those of the Americans. Binskin is now a non-executive director of BAE Systems Australian branch, a weapons company with extensive ties to Israel. To describe this as putting the fox in charge of the hen house would be an understatement. Despite all evidence to the contrary, a phony discussion continues in the political and media establishment, over whether Labor is hardening its stance on Israel. The latest episode in this bogus debate was a speech delivered by Foreign Minister Penny Wong at the Australian National University on Tuesday. Media reportage implied that Wong had unveiled a significant shift in Labor policy by floating the prospect of a preemptive recognition of Palestinian statehood. Was this rewarding the Hamas terrorists, right-wing pundits asked. If one reads the actual speech, Wong simply restated the longstanding position of Labor, which is for a two-state solution. As Israels current campaign of ethnic-cleansing makes clear, such a solution will never occur, and even if it did, the outcome would be an unviable Palestinian mini-state, ruled over by right-wing Palestinian leaders acting as agents of the Zionists and imperialists. Wong again declared that Hamas had no place in any future Palestine, signaling support for Israels ongoing war. She said even the Palestinian Authority would have to be reformedthat is, made even more submissive, despite already functioning as a US and Israeli puppet. Wong launched a diatribe against opponents of the genocide, accusing them of disinformation and lies without providing any evidence. It is disheartening to witness the number of Australians that increasingly struggle to discuss this conflict without condemning their fellow citizens, she declared. This imperils our democracy. Translated into plain English, any denunciation of the government and its foreign minister for their role in the genocide is impermissible. Boeing employees walk a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner down towards the delivery ramp area at the companys facility after conducting its first test flight at Charleston International Airport, Friday, March 31, 2017, in North Charleston, South Carolina. [AP Photo/Mic Smith] The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed Tuesday that it is investigating assertions by a Boeing whistleblower that components of the 787 Dreamliner are improperly put together and could break apart mid-flight after thousands of trips, according to a report in the New York Times. Engineer Sam Salehpour, who has worked for Boeing for more than a decade, including working on the Dreamliner, gave details of his claims to the Times in a series of interviews and in documents he sent to the FAA. While an FAA representative acknowledged its investigation into the complaints, it would not comment to the Times on specifics. Salehpour said that changes in how the sections of the 787 Dreamliner fuselage, which come from different suppliers, are fitted and fastened together on the assembly line have compromised the integrity of the aircraft. He charged that shortcuts being taken by Boeing resulted in excessive force being applied to narrow unwanted gaps in the assembly connecting pieces of the Dreamliners fuselage, the Times wrote. The engineer said the force used led to the deformation of the composite material out of which the jetliner components are made. This deformation, he said, could increase the effects of fatigue and lead to premature failure of the composite. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a wide-body jet that can carry between 210 and 330 passengers, depending on the configuration. It is the first plane with an airframe made primarily of composite materials, which are lighter than metal and make the Dreamliner more fuel-efficient than other jets. At the same time, composites, made by combining materials, such as carbon and glass fiber, are comparatively newer materials. Less is known about how they hold up under the long-term stresses of flight. Engineers call those stresses fatigue, which can compromise safety if it causes the material to fail. The new whistleblower complaints at Boeing have emerged just one month after former quality manager John Barnett, who also worked on the 787 Dreamliner at the companys manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina, was found dead in his car from a purported self-inflicted gunshot wound. John Barnett in the 2022 Netflix documentary "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing." [Photo: Netflix] Barnett was scheduled to continue giving deposition testimony in a civil suit he filed against Boeing for retaliating against him after he spoke out against practices that undermined airline safety. Although his death in the parking lot of a Holiday Inn was ruled a suicide by the county coroner, Charleston law enforcement is still investigating it. According to a local news report at the time, police said Barnett had a silver handgun in his right hand with his finger still on the trigger when he was found by a hotel employee. The police said there was a white piece of paper resembling a note on the passenger seat of his car but did not specify the contents of the note. Barnetts attorneys have questioned the suicide narrative and maintained that, prior to his death, John was happy to be finally telling his side of the story after seven years of court delays. In its report on Tuesday, the New York Times mentioned John Barnett only in passing, calling him a prominent whistle-blower who raised concerns about manufacturing practices at Boeing, adding that he was found dead last month with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Like Barnett, Salehpour told the Times he had been repeatedly retaliated against for bringing up his concerns about the shortcut methods employed by Boeing on Dreamliner jets. The engineers attorney, Debra S. Katz, said that when Salehpour approached his supervisors with his concerns or tried to bring them up at safety meetings, he was silenced and transferred to another product line, the 777. Responding to the revelation of a new FAA probe, Boeing representative Paul Lewis said there was no impact on durability or safe longevity of the airframe. Lewis also claimed that Boeing had extensively tested the Dreamliner, and that the concerns raised by Salehpour were determined to be not an immediate safety of flight issue. In another official Boeing statement, the company said it was fully confident in the 787 Dreamliner, adding that these claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft. Given the string of recent, in some cases near-fatal, equipment failures, as well as the nose-dive crashes of 737 Max 8 planes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019 that killed a total of 346 people, these reassurances from Boeing are not credible. In this March 11, 2019, file photo, Boeing 737 Max wreckage is piled up at the crash scene of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET302 near Bishoftu, Ethiopia. [AP Photo/Mulugeta Ayene] As recently as 2021, Boeing acknowledged that some Dreamliner planes had shimsthe thin piece of material used to fill gaps in manufacturingthat were not the proper size, and some aircraft had areas that did not meet skin-flatness specifications. Just last Sunday, a Southwest Airlines flight had to return to its departure point in Denver when an engine cover on a 737 fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap. Flight 3695 was on its way to Houston when, at around 8:15 a.m., the crew reported the engine cowling had fallen off. The FAA said it would investigate the incident, in which the plane, with 135 passengers and five crew members on board, had to be towed back to the gate after its emergency landing. The Southwest Airlines engine cowling failure occurred three months after a door plug on a Boeing 737 MAX 9 plane flown by Alaska Airlines blew out shortly after takeoff, at 15,000 feet. Although no one was killed or seriously injured, the preliminary findings of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation showed that Boeing failed to replace four critical bolts holding the door plug into place before the plane was delivered to Southwest. Behind these failures are a series of interconnected processes, including shortcuts, lack of quality inspection, failure to follow FAA procedures and outsourcing of subcomponent assembly. The culture of unsafe practices is driven by corporate requirements that products be rushed to market and costs reduced to drive up Boeings profitability and improve its stock market performance. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal on Monday, Boeing is facing an enormous financial crisis stemming in part from its accidents and product failures, and more broadly from changes in the airline industry. Boeing has not made a profit since 2018. It lost $2.24 billion in 2023 and $5.05 billion in 2022. The largest US aircraft manufacturer had $52.31 billion in debt last year, which is double the debt in 2019, and $12.69 billion in cash and cash equivalents last year, which is down from $14.61 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Boeings credit rating was downgraded by Moodys on March 26 to Baa2, which is two notches above junk status. Since January, when the door plug blowout occurred, Boeings stock value has fallen from $249 per share to $175 per share, a decline of 30 percent. This has not prevented the companys top executives from awarding themselves multi-million-dollar pay packages. CEO David Calhoun, who recently announced that he will step down at the end of this year, had a total compensation of $32.8 million in 2023, up from $22.6 million in 2022. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun speaks with reporters at the Capitol in Washington on January 24, 2024. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] Boeing is not only the second largest producer of commercial aircraft in the world, behind Europe-based Airbus, it is the worlds largest aerospace company, producing military aircraft and space systems which are critical to the US war machine. These are the factors behind the systematic cover-up of the corporations criminal negligence by the government, both political parties, the regulatory agencies, the courts and the corporate-controlled media. Not a single Boeing executive has been held criminally liable for unsafe practices that led to the deaths of hundreds in the two crashes of 2018 and 2019 and the recent string of near-disasters. The virtual silence on the highly suspicious death of John Barnett is the most sinister aspect of the cover-up. Seventy-nine years after the end of World War II, during which the Nazis murdered six million Jews, Germany is once again before the highest international court for complicity in genocide. On 8 and 9 April, the International Court of Justice in The Hague heard a complaint by Nicaragua accusing the German government of violating the UN Genocide Convention and other international agreements to which Germany is a signatory. The International Court of Justice is hearing the case against Germany [Photo by International Court of Justice] Although it is legally obliged to do so, the German government has done nothing to prevent genocide in the Gaza Strip, according to the complaint. Instead, it provides Israel with aid, including military equipment, used in committing genocide. It refuses to prosecute and punish persons who commit serious crimes against international law. And in a further violation of its obligations under international humanitarian law, it has stopped providing financial support to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Nicaragua demands that the ICJ condemn Germany and also order emergency measures to halt German arms deliveries to Israel, a review of where the weapons were used, and a resumption of aid payments to UNRWA. The evidence cited by Nicaragua in support of its complaint is overwhelming and irrefutable. The complaint details how Israel has acted against the Palestinian civilian population in total disregard of international humanitarian law since the first days of the war. As evidence, it cites numerous statements by UN representatives and human rights organizations, as well as the Israeli government. The complaint states: While the United Nations and other international organizations were deploring Israeli illegal acts, the German chancellor on 12 October 2023 reiterated Germanys full support for Israels military campaign, which was already patently indiscriminate. In an address to the German Bundestag, he stated that at this moment, there [was] only one place for Germany: the place on the side of Israel. This is what we mean when we say that Israels security is a German raison dEtat. The complaint then shows how Germany increased its support for Israel the more obvious the genocidal thrust of the war became. Although the Israeli army has now killed at least 33,000 Palestinians, including 14,500 children and almost 10,000 women, while deliberately starving the population and razing large parts of the Gaza Strip to the ground, destroying hospitals, universities and schools and killing hundreds of journalists, nurses and aid workers, Germany continues to increase its arms supplies. By early November 2023, it was widely reported that the German defense export approvals to Israel had risen nearly tenfold in comparison to the previous year, reaching 303 million euros worth of defense equipment, the complaint states. According to a new study by the research agency Forensis, Germany is Israels second-largest arms supplier behind the United States. In the last five years, it has accounted for 30 percent of all Israeli arms imports, and last year it even accounted for 47 percent. Since 2003, Germany has granted 4,427 individual licenses for arms exports to Israel for a total value of 3.3 billion euros. Many of these weapons are used in Gaza. The complaint concludes: From all of the above, it is clear that Germany has provided and continues to provide political, financial and military support to Israel with full knowledge of the ongoing plausible commission by Israel of serious breaches of international law facilitated by that support, and in disregard of Germanys own obligations. In the oral arguments in support of the complaint on Monday, the lawyers addressed the pre-history of the current war: the expulsion of the Palestinians in 1948 and the Israeli occupation policy since 1967, as well as the inconsequential lip service to a two-state solution, and the acceptance of the brutal, illegal Israeli occupation policy and settlement construction in the West Bank by Germany and other allies of Israel. The German government reacted with extreme nervousness to Nicaraguas lawsuit. It deployed a top-notch team of lawyers, including four law professors, hailing from Germany, Scotland, England and Italy. The head of the legal department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, described the allegations in court as baseless, adding that the complaint lacked any legal and factual basis. But in terms of content, the German side, which took the floor in The Hague on Tuesday, could not refute the complaint. Instead, it relied on excuses and legal manoeuvres. The lawyers claimed that the arms suppliesincluding combat drones, warships, ammunition and tank engineswere general armaments and not weapons of war that could be used in combat. Since last October, only the supply of test weapons and helmets had been approved, they added. At the same time, the German representatives tried to delay the process with various procedural maneuvers. For example, they applied to continue the hearing only after the court had ruled on South Africas genocide case against Israel, which could take years. The German government reacted so nervously because the veil of lies and propaganda with which it conceals its complicity in the genocide of the Palestinians is becoming flimsier by the day. For years, it has justified its support for the Zionist state and the far-right Netanyahu regime, which is hated by millions of Jews in Israel and around the world, with reference to Germanys responsibility for the Holocaust. Anyone who protests against the genocide of the Palestinians in Germany is denounced as an antisemite. Protesters are arrested, slogans are arbitrarily censored. Artists are disinvited, academics are dismissed and students are expelled from universities. Nevertheless, the resistance is growing. According to a survey, 69 percent of the German population rejects Israels military action in the Gaza Strip. Justifying the genocide of the Palestinians with the Holocaust is not only cynical but also mendacious. Germanys ruling circles, which left tens of thousands of mass murderers and criminals who pulled the strings behind the scenes undisturbed in their leading positions in business, politics, the judiciary and academia after Hitlers downfall, have never seriously tried to deal with the Nazi crimes. Their interest in Israel is not based on responsibility for the Holocaust. Rather, the Zionist state serves as a bridgehead for their imperialist interests in the Middle East. The Palestinians are being shunted out of the way because they stand in the way of these interests and an imperialist redistribution of the energy-rich region. Germanys complicity in the genocide of the Palestinians is inextricably linked to the return of German militarism. In Ukraine, the German government has been working for years with admirers of Nazi collaborators who murdered tens of thousands of Jews. The war against Russia is financed and directed by NATO. Germany is the largest donor after the US. The government intends that Germany should be fit for war again in a few years, i.e., to be able to wage a major war. To this end, tens of billions of euros are being diverted from social spending to the war budget, and the reintroduction of conscription is being prepared. This is incompatible with democracy. The same development is taking place in all other imperialist countries. The ruling class is moving sharply to the right everywhere. The gap between rich and poor and the rivalries over raw materials and markets have reached such a level that the powers-that-be can only respond with violence. The fact that Germany of all countries is now on trial again for genocide is symptomatic of this process. However, the courts ruling, which is expected in about two weeks, will not change this development, even if it decides in favor of Nicaragua. Although the judgments of the ICJ are binding on Germany, the court has no means of enforcing its rulings. It is also unlikely that the ICJ, a United Nations body, will bite the hand that feeds it. Georg Nolte, the son of the late right-wing historian Ernst Nolte, is a German jurist on the courts bench. The genocide in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, the ruling classs political shift to the right and the attacks on social spending can only be stopped by an independent movement of the international working class fighting for the overthrow of capitalism and a socialist society. A number of works have been withdrawn from the upcoming California Jewish Open exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco by artists opposing Israeli oppression of the Palestinians. Contemporary Jewish Museum [Photo by Allan Ferguson / CC BY 2.0 The anti-Zionist artists call themselves the California Jewish Artists for Palestine. As a group, the artists originally submitted works to the open call for the exhibition, intending to make a statement in a coordinated effort to bring visibility to anti-Zionist Jewish artists in California, with anticipation that their works would be rejected by museum curators. The ten artists, Micah Bazant, Jules Cowan, Rebekah Erev, Rebecca Maria Goldschmidt, Steph Kudisch, Kate Laster, Ava Sayaka Rosen, Sophia Sobko, Arielle Tonkin and Irina Zadov, submitted works with pro-Palestinian messages, according to KQED. Guest curator Elissa Strauss, in fact, chose five of the groups works for the show. However, the museum failed to respond to the artists demands, including transparency around funding and a commitment to BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]. This failure reaffirmed for artists the importance of adhering to and demanding PACBI (The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel) in the Arts. This led to the withdrawal of the works. The museum framed the exhibition, set to run from June 6 to October 20, as an opportunity for Jewish-identifying artists in California to submit artworks in response to a central question: How are artists looking to the many aspects of Jewish culture, identity, and community to foster, reimagine, hold, or discover connection? The resulting exhibition, asserted the CJM, would bring together the work of forty-seven artists reflecting on their connection to Judaism, the world, and their own history. Logo for the California Jewish Open exhibition The protesting artists, in their statement, called on all cultural workers worldwide to join the BDS movement and to abstain from collaborating with institutions that continue to normalize genocide and Israeli Apartheid. An eleventh artist, Liat Berdugo, separately withdrew from California Jewish Open, concerned, reports KQED, that the exhibit wouldnt sufficiently address what she describes as the Israeli government weaponizing Jewish grief after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to justify the killings and displacement of Palestinians. She said the language in CJMs contract made her uneasy about whether the message of her work would be lost. Hyperallergic notes that the group of artists also expressed concern about a stipulation blocking them from altering or removing their artwork, a condition they think may be linked to a recent incident in which artists altered their work with messages of Palestinian solidarity in the Bay Area Now 9 triennial at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The group demanded the ability to modify or remove their works and control over curatorial framing of their pieces, as well as transparency in funding and a full divestment from Israeli governmental and pro-Zionist foundation funding. The artists pointed to one of the museums funders, the Helen Diller Family Foundation, which has been criticized in the past for its grants to Canary Mission, a group accused of doxxing anti-Zionist students, and to the American Freedom Defense Initiative, which was labeled an anti-Muslim extremist group by the Southern Poverty Law Center in 2022. In an interview with KQED, artist Sophia Sobko insisted it would be hypocritical for the CJM to feature art criticizing Israels bombardment of Gaza while receiving funding that directly facilitates the material oppression that were trying to raise awareness to stop. She added, I wish for some ethical clarity and backbone and courage. In regard to divestment from Israeli government financing, the CJM told the artists that this condition cannot be met. A spokesperson told Hyperallergic that the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest has provided small amounts of funding for exhibitions and talks. In a statement, one of the artists, Kate Laster, explained that It is our connection to Jewishness: activism, diaspora, and the spirit of adaptation that brings us here. As Jews, we refuse to allow any justification, any weaponization of our generational trauma, or to give our consent to normalize apartheid. There is power in refusalits a form of honoring rebellion and imagining what cultural arts ecosystems could be like beyond zionism. Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent leader of the INDIA opposition electoral alliance, has been detained since March 21 in a politically manipulated corruption case. On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court rejected out of hand the arguments of Kejriwals lawyer contesting his arrest by the Ministry of Finances Enforcement Directorate, which is controlled by Indias far-right, Narendra Modi-led, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma ordered that Kejriwal, who leads the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP or Common Mans Party) and has headed the government in Indias capital territory since 2015, continue to be held in Delhis Tihar jail until at least April 15. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal speaks during a protest against the federal government prior to his arrest, in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. [AP Photo/Altaf Qadri] The legal counsel for Kejriwal had argued that his arrest in the middle of the campaign for Indias national election, which will unfold in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, was politically motivated, with the double-aim of smearing the AAP and its leadership and disrupting its election campaign. He also argued that the evidence Kejriwal participated in an alleged kickback scheme relating to the privatization of liquor sales in Delhi was contrived, consisting largely of testimony from approversi.e., persons who turned states evidence. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleges the AAP government conspired with what it has dubbed the South Indian liquor lobby to inflate prices for liquor, with at least 100 crore rupees (US $12 million) in excess profits funneled back to the AAP via kickbacks, and that Kejriwal was the kingpin of the scheme. In addition to the Delhi Chief Minister, two other senior AAP leaders are in jail on money-laundering charges arising from the alleged liquor scam. Manish Sisodia, Kejriwals chief deputy until his arrest, has been incarcerated since Feb. 2023 and Satyendar Jain, an ex-Delhi cabinet minister, since May 2022. Earlier this month, Indias Supreme Court freed AAP MP and national spokesman Sanjay Singh on bail after six months in jail. At the bail hearing, Indias highest court admonished the ED for its conduct of the case, including its failure to recover or even trace a single rupee of the billions the AAP is said to have received in kickbacks. The decade-old Modi government is notorious for its use of the Central Bureau of Investigation, other law enforcement agencies, and manipulated and trumped-up charges against its political opponents. But with the approach of the elections, it has become even more brazen in using all means at its disposal to attack its bourgeois political opponents, suppress social opposition, and stoke communal reaction. This is because Modi and the BJPall their boasts about Indias world-beating economic growth and emergence as a world power notwithstandingare keenly aware there is seething popular anger over mass joblessness, chronic hunger, and the ever widening chasm between the mass of the India people and the tiny crust of billionaire and multi-millionaire capitalists who rule the country with their upper middle class hangers-on. From the ranks of the BJP there is now a growing clamor for the central government to use the corruption charges leveled against Kejriwal and other senior AAP leaders as the pretext to place the National Capital Territory under presidents rule, thereby sacking the AAP government and handing full control over Delhis administration to the BJP-led central government. On Wednesday, the Delhi Labour Minister, Raaj Kumar Anand, resigned saying he did not wish to be part of a party thats involved in corruption. An AAP representative responded by charging this was further proof that the BJP was mounting a concerted campaign to break the party through arrests and intimidation. Everyone knows that there was an ED raid at his (Anands) residence, said AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj. He was under pressure and got scared. ... He was given a script and he had no other option but to read it. The AAP is a right-wing, capitalist party founded in 2012 under the banner of fighting corruption. Apart from Delhi and the nearby north-west state of Punjab, where it was catapulted to power in 2022, the AAP has only negligible electoral support. Nevertheless, its control of Delhi, Indias capital and largest urban agglomeration, gives it an outsized role in Indian national politics and makes it a focus of national media attention. The BJP legal assault on the AAP is clearly aimed not just at boosting the BJPs electoral fortunes in Delhi and Punjab, but at tarring the entire INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) electoral bloc. In kicking off his campaign for a third term as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi fatuously declared, While Modis mantra is to eradicate corruption, (the opposition parties) credo is protect the corrupt. The reality is that corruption is endemic to Indian capitalist politics and the BJP a particularly fetid cesspool of corruption. Modi is personally implicated in crony capitalist dealings with Indias and Asias two richest billionaires, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. On March 31, the INDIA alliance had a major Save Democracy rally in Delhi to denounce Kejriwals detention. It was addressed by many of the foremost leaders of the INDIA alliance, including Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi; Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav; Uddhav Thackeray of the far-right, erstwhile BJP ally, the Shiv Sena (UBT); and Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist). Opposition leaders are being intimidated and arrested, Gandhi told the rally. This is match-fixing. He continued, This is not an ordinary election ... This election is to save the country, protect our constitution. Of course, Gandhiwhose party has led Indias government for more than two-thirds of the 77 years since it gained independence and was the bourgeoisies preferred party of national government till 2014could provide no explanation apart from the malevolence of Modi and the Hindu supremacist BJP as to why Indian democracy is collapsing. The jailing of Kejriwal follows a series of other patently politically manipulated corruption cases. These include the freezing of the Congress Partys accounts since February on the orders of the Tax Department on claims of tax irregularities. This is a criminal action against the Congress Party done by the prime minister and the home minister, Rahul Gandhi told a March 21 press conference. Subsequently, the tax department issued a series of orders for the Congress to pay taxes and fines totaling 36 billion rupees or some $450 million. The Congress has accused the BJP government of tax terrorism and charged it with trying to financially cripple it in the midst of the election campaign. Other opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the Trinamool Congress, the governing party in West Bengal, have also been hit with income tax department orders to fork over large sums. In February, Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), an INDIA alliance partner, stepped down as Jharkhand chief minister after the Enforcement Directorate arrested him on charges of acquiring land through illicit means. Soren and the opposition claim the charges are yet another fraudulent case manipulated by the BJP government. Last month amid the flurry of corruption cases targeting opposition leaders, the Indian Express published a report that underscored the politically motivated and manipulated character of the BJP governments anti-corruption campaign. It showed that out of 25 opposition leaders facing corruption probes, 23 got reprieve after they crossed over to the BJP. The politicians involved were from various opposition parties including the Congress Party. The government is also targeting left-wing opposition media voices. Since last October, Prabir Purkayastha, the founder and editor of the NewClick website, has been detained without charge under Indias draconian anti-terrorism laws. According to reports, the Delhi police filed an 8,000- page First Information Report against Purkayastha at the end of March in which they accused him of accepting Chinese funds and publishing Chinese propaganda. The US State Department and Germanys foreign office have issued pro-forma statements on Kejriwals arrest, expressing concern that the elected chief minister receive a fair, transparent, and timely legal process. The imperialist powers have shown time and again that they are prepared to look the other way as Modi runs roughshod over fundamental democratic rights and whips up Hindu communalism, so long as the BJP government continues to integrate India every more fully into the reckless US-led military-strategic offensive against China. The Modi government made a point of taking umbrage at the US and German statements despite their anodyne character. It summoned US and German embassy officials to voice its objection to what it called interference in Indias domestic affairs. For its part, the London-based Financial Times published an editorial last week headlined, The mother of democracy is not in good shape, in which it expressed alarm at the sharp step-up in state enforcement agencies apparently being used to stifle opposition parties and politicians as the election approaches. Like a minority faction of Indian big business, the FT is concerned that Modis ever more authoritarian rule could spark massive popular opposition threatening Indias attractiveness for investment. The ruthlessness with which the Modi government is attacking even its bourgeois rivals must serve as a warning to the working class as to how it will respond to any challenge form below. In February and March when farmers attempted to march on Delhi, they were met with a massive mobilization of state forces. Tens of thousands of police and paramilitary forces were deployed; multi-layer barricades made up of massive concrete blocks and barbed wire erected; internet and social media shut down and protesting farmer brutally attacked with tear gas canisters fired from drones. To defend their democratic and social rights and defeat Modi and the Indian bourgeoisie, which stands four-square behind his far-right government, India workers must mobilize their class strength, uniting their struggles and rallying the rural toilers behind them in opposition to Indian capitalism and all its political representatives. This means implacably rejecting the attempts of the Stalinist CPM and its Left Front to once again subordinate them to the BJPs ruling class opponents, organized today in the Congress Party-led INDIA election bloc. In the name of defending Indias democratic and secular character it proposes to continue the same ruinous socio-economic and foreign polices as the Modi-led regimepro-investor reforms and the anti-China Indo-US global strategic partnershipwhile adapting to and conniving with the Hindu right. Last week, Gen. Laura Richardson, US SOUTHCOM commander, in charge of Washingtons military operations in Central and South America and the Caribbean, received a warm welcome to Argentina by fascistic President Javier Milei and Vice President Victoria Villarruel. Both are virulent defenders of the mass killings and torture under the US-backed dictatorship that ruled the country from 1976 to 1983. Her arrival on April 2 coincided with the anniversary of the outbreak of the war between Britain and Argentina over the Malvinas islands in 1982. During the 10 weeks of bloody and one-sided battles between a superior British imperialist expeditionary force and Argentinas poorly equipped and abysmally led conscript soldiers, US President Ronald Reagan gave political and military support to British imperialism. Argentine President Javier Milei greets Southern Command chief Gen. Laura Richardson, Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, April 4 [Photo: Comando Sur de EE.UU.] In military fatigues, Milei expressed to Richardson his willingness to strengthen its strategic alliance with the United States and cement the total subordination of his government to US imperialism and its agenda of war against China. The April 2 events in Argentina, from many angles, demonstrate the reactionary character of Argentine and all other nationalisms in oppressed, semi-colonial countries as the capitalist nation-state system toboggans again to world war and barbarism, this time posing the threat of nuclear annihilation. Incapable of shaking off their class nature regardless of how close the world gets to the abyss, the Argentine pseudo-lefts organized in the Left and Workers Front (FIT-U) have joined the Peronists and military veteran groups in attacking Milei from a right-wing, chauvinist standpoint. In numerous statements from their press, from legislatures across the country and at nationalist rallies, these forces have gone into a frenzy denouncing Milei for betraying and committing a crime against the Fatherland while abandoning the just cause of re-taking the Malvinas from the British empire. Milei hands the Pentagon keys to new military bases Throughout the week, Richardson made several stops in locations associated with strategic natural resources and military and commercial chokepoints that US imperialism seeks to control against China. These included the northern waterway along the Parana and Paraguay rivers that connect Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay, the lithium deposits across the north, the oil and gas deposits in Neuquen and the southernmost city of Ushuaia. The Milei administration plans to hand the US vast control over a new Antarctic Logistics Pole in the navy base in Ushuaia, oversight over the Parana River in the north, and a new so-called humanitarian base in Neuquen. Milei signed an agreement on cyber-defense with the United States and received the green light from Washington to buy 24 used American F-16 fighter jets from Denmark, even though he claims there is no money and the poverty rate now surpasses 60 percent. Next month, Argentina will welcome the US 4th Fleet, led by aircraft carrier USS George Washington, as it patrols the southern Atlantic. The Argentine navy has provocatively driven out Chinese fishing crews, and the government announced an inspection of the Chinese-led station in Neuquen, dedicated to deep space exploration, in response to concerns expressed by Washington. Milei also removed Chinese companies from bids for future infrastructure contracts. This week, Milei traveled again to the United Statesthis time to meet Elon Musk, the fascistic owner of Tesla who has expressed interest in Argentines lithium. On April 2, as Richardson was arriving, Milei gave an anniversary speech saying he favored returning the Malvinas to Argentina through diplomatic means and in the long term. These remarks however, were only a segue into endless, repetitive statements lionizing the Armed Forces and promoting nationalism. Milei has long expressed his admiration for Margaret Thatcher, the right-wing Tory British prime minister during the war, and said he would officially respect the illegal British occupation. FIT-U coalition tries to outdo Mileis chauvinism Ahead of Mileis speech, Gabriel Solano, the leader of the Partido Obrero (PO) said in the Buenos Aires legislature that any agreement with the Kelpers (the pejorative name given to the current inhabitants of the islands) was a barbaric act and is tantamount to an act of treason against the fatherland. Then, the partys publication Prensa Obrera stated in its coverage of Richardsons visit: The Milei governments policy of handing over everything and subordination implies subordinating national interests to those of the imperialist powers. It calls for a national and sovereign policy against foreign interests. The founder of the Partido Obrero, Jorge Altamira, who now leads an external faction, wrote that Milei was committing a crime against the Fatherland by welcoming the Pentagon to the Southern Atlantic and lamented the loss of the territorial sovereignty of Argentina over this strategic area. Both the Partido Obrero and the Morenoite Izquierda Socialista finished their reports on Richardson with the same copy-pasted appeal for, ... the broadest unity of action to repudiate Richardsons visit to Tierra del Fuego, the surrender of our resources and in defense of national sovereignty against this new US offensive by the hand of President Milei. And we join the claim of the Malvinas War veterans and of the trade union, political and social organizations over control of our islands, for the defense of our sovereignty, while we accompany the denunciation by war veterans for the violations of human rights of soldiers in the Malvinas War during the military dictatorship. As an expression of this, the Multisectorial de Neuquen, a coalition of mixed nationalist groupings currently directed by trade union leaders belonging to different FIT-U parties, organized a rally to denounce the visit by Richardson as an insult to our fatherland. In a statement to the media, the Multisectorial also declared that the submissiveness of the Milei government shames us as Argentine people. The Morenoite Socialist Workers Movement (MST) joined a demonstration of nationalist veteran groups on April 2. Their press vindicates the bourgeois chauvinist claim that taking back the Malvinas is a national cause that is more relevant than ever. Waving an Argentine flag at the demonstration, MST leader Vilma Ripoll said in a video for social media that she was applying unity of action with groups demanding another military adventure to take back the Malvinas. Argentine marines disembark in the Malvinas Islands, April 2, 1982 [Photo by WikiCommons/unknown / CC BY 4.0 The Socialist Workers Party (PTS) wrote on April 2, The Malvinas cause must be retaken because of its just character and its relevance as an anti-imperialist struggle ... Betting on the defeat of imperialism in this territorial dispute becomes an essential task. In its press, the PTS recalled how in 2015 their legislator Nicolas del Cano voted against the Chinese-run space observation and exploration center in Neuquen, calling it a true sellout of Argentine sovereignty. It equated this with a vote in 2018 by the PTS against the building of the Neuquen military base in Neuquen. The entire pseudo-left has taken the same right-wing nationalist standpoint long advanced not only by the Peronists, the preferred ruling party of the bourgeoisie for most of the time since World War II. But it is taking the same positions as fascists like Juan Jose Gomez Centurion, a veteran of the Malvinas and the 1987 Easter fascist military uprising, who has been the most fervent promoter of the claim of the Malvinas as a national cause while denouncing the Chinese space station as a ceding of sovereignty. This nationalist perspective plays directly into the hands of US imperialism. Izquierda Socialista and the MST have openly backed the US-NATO war in Ukraine against Russia, claiming it is a just war by the Ukrainian people to defend their right to self-determination against a foreign power, as summed up by the MST recently. Both have sent donations and fighters to the Ukrainian forces, while their other partners in the FIT-Uthe PTS and Partido Obrerohave provided a left cover for this open support for US imperialism, which provoked the war as part of its longstanding objective of subordinating the territories of the former Soviet Union to the status of semi-colonies. All these tendencies uphold the right of the bourgeoisie in the backward countries to defend their state boundaries and exploit the workers, resources and markets within them. They endow the bourgeoisie with the leading role in the resolution of democratic questions, above all the fight for liberation from imperialist oppression. The corollary to this is a suppression of the class struggle and the promotion of popular fronts with the bourgeoisie. This is a class perspective that corresponds to the interests of privileged layers of the middle class in the trade union bureaucracy, NGOs, politics and academia, which are objectively linked to a defense of Argentine capitalism. The Morenoites stand in same military camp as the bourgeoisie The IS, MST and PTS all have their origins in the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party founded by Nahuel Moreno, which was named the Socialist Workers Party (PST) before 1982. The Partido Obrero has for decades provided a left cover for the Morenoites. The IS and MST continue to consider themselves Morenoites through-and-through, while the PTS continues to adhere to Morenos fundamental national opportunism, including his attitude toward the Malvinas War and the struggle against imperialism. In making a balance of the Morenoite movement during the war, PTS co-founder Gabriela Liszt, who joined Morenos PST in 1981, has insisted that, the PST correctly defined the character of this as a progressive anti-imperialist war ... placing itself in the military camp of the dictatorship although without giving political support. The claim of not giving political support while presenting the war as progressive and joining the military camp of the junta is entirely dishonest and exhibits a total lack of principles. Liszt hails the appeals made by the PST during the war to the Peronist union bureaucracy to reorganize the workers movement, claiming that the Peronists, a bourgeois political movement, were advancing an anti-imperialist struggle. Whatever weaknesses aside, Liszt concludes that, the PST policy can generally be considered principled and that Moreno had intervened generally in a correct fashion during the Malvinas War. The Malvinas war was an imperialist aggression by Britain against an oppressed country to secure an illegal possession. The claim made by the military junta in relation to the British-colonized islands and the decision to attack on April 2, 1982, however, had nothing progressive about it. Facing a growing wave of working class and popular protests and a world economic crisis, it was a desperate diversion to create a climate of chauvinism and safeguard class rule. Marxists had to defend Argentina on the basis of creating the best conditions for world socialist revolution. The British and American working classes had to be mobilized to fight for the defeat of British and US imperialism and their overthrow, and the Argentine workers had to continue fighting on their own accord for the overthrow of the Argentine military junta and bourgeoisie. Opposing imperialism in Argentina implied a fight against any efforts to subordinate workers to the bourgeoisie and suppress the class struggle. Workers had to be mobilized independently, through their own methods and for their own revolutionary aim to overthrow capitalism and establish socialism. But Nahuel Moreno and his PST refused to call for the arming and independent mobilization of the working class for the overthrow of the junta, instead demanding that workers subordinate themselves to the anti-colonialist and anti-imperialist banner of the bourgeoisie. Nahuel Moreno. [Photo: Unknown author] The PST, which had asked to join the Multipartidaria coalition set up by bourgeois parties as a vehicle for the capitalist transition out of the crisis-ridden military dictatorship, provided a left cover for the bourgeoisie to block the revolutionary movement of the working class. After the war, Moreno wrote a pamphlet 1982: The Revolution Begins where he describes the replacement of dictator Gen. Leopoldo Galitieri for another military dictator, Gen. Reynaldo Bignone, as a successful democratic revolution that had resulted from the united and revolutionary mobilization of the masses against imperialism during the war. According to him, it was inevitable that the bourgeoisie remained at the helm of this revolution since the masses in struggle had not established their own organs of power. Thereby, Moreno simply refused any struggle for building such organs. Instead, he called for the return to power of the same bourgeois Congress of 1976 and the 1853 Constitution, which today is Mileis favorite document. The treacherous role of the Morenoites in this period was irrefutably exposed by the ICFI in a 1989 statement titled Argentine Workers at the Crossroads, written by Bill Van Auken: The generals launched the adventure to divert the workers revolt with a wave of nationalism. The Morenoites became the juntas willing assistants in this enterprise, proclaiming themselves in the same military camp with the junta and immersing themselves in the petty-bourgeois chauvinism which was whipped up by the junta. They refused to raise any independent class demands aimed at mobilizing the proletariat for its own revolutionary socialist aims. Then, with the end of the war and the collapse of the junta, Moreno had the gall to bemoan the lack of proletarian organs of power to justify once again bowing to the bourgeoisie. As the document makes clear, even as the military junta remained in power, Moreno endowed a progressive historical role to the Argentine bourgeoisie and for the nth time rejected Trotskys theory of permanent revolution, which states that the establishment of a workers state, as part of the world socialist revolution, is necessary for resolving the tasks of the democratic revolution in semi-colonial countries. Today, the right-wing chauvinism of the FIT-U again serves only to disarm the working class politically. It facilitates the efforts of the fascist Milei to succeed where the earlier dictatorships failed in imposing the savage attacks on social spending and living standards demanded by Wall Street. In War and the Fourth International, Trotsky compared the capitalist national state to a house fit not for living but merely for dying that must be razed to its foundations. He wrote: A socialist who preaches national defense is a petty-bourgeois reactionary at the service of decaying capitalism. Regarding Latin America, Trotsky then indicated that imperialism seeks to disunite, weaken, and enslave the region. He added: But it is not the belated South American bourgeoisie, a thoroughly venal agency of foreign imperialism, who will be called upon to solve this task, but the young South American proletariat, the chosen leader of the oppressed masses The national problem merges everywhere with the social. Only the conquest of power by the world proletariat can assure a real and lasting freedom of development for all nations of our planet. Since Trotsky wrote this in 1934, Stalinism, Morenoism, other variants of Pabloism and other petty-bourgeois nationalist tendencies have joined the bourgeoisie as crucial agencies of imperialism helping subordinate workers to the capitalist nation-state, and thereby making possible the continued neo-colonial division and enslavement of Latin America. Meanwhile, the development of the productive forces and the globalization of the world economy have left the national state rotten to the core and entirely incompatible with life, much less anything democratic or progressive. Tensions between Israel and Iran reached new heights Thursday after the United States warned of an imminent attack being planned by Tehran. The Iranian regime has said since Israels bombing of its Syrian embassy at the start of this month, killing senior members of Irans military, that it would retaliate. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz threatened Thursday, If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran. Israeli soldiers move on the top of a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border, as seen from southern Israel, April 9, 2024 [AP Photo/Leo Correa] Speaking at the Tel Nof Air Base, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told air force personnel: We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of a war in Gaza that is continuing with full force. In addition, we are continuing with ceaseless efforts to return our hostages, but we are also preparing for challenges from other fronts. We set a simple principle: Anyone who hits us, we hit them. We are ready to fulfil our responsibilities to Israels security, in defence and attack. According to Israeli news stations, the countrys air force recently conducted joint exercises with Cyprus to simulate an attack in Iran. The Israel Defense Forces are on high alert, with weekend leave cancelled and the army calling up extra reservists to the Aerial Defence Array. A top US general, Erik Kurilla, head of the US Central Command, landed in Israel for talks with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was assured by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a call Wednesday evening that Washington would back Israel fully in any conflict with Iran. President Joe Biden had said in a press conference earlier that day, As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad, ironclad. Republican Senator Marco Rubio, a member of the Intelligence Committee, described the situation as the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973, warning, Iran wants to launch a large-scale attack from their own territory against Israel. Israel will respond instantly with an even more severe counterattack inside of Iran. Even as they push Iran to respond to such provocations, the US and European powers have demanded Tehran show a restraint never expected of their ally Israel. American Middle East envoy Brett McGurk directed the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to speak with Tehran and urge its government to back down. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock urged maximum restraint in the name of avoiding further regional escalation. But it is the imperialist powers who have constantly and deliberately driven the escalation, providing Israel with weapons and diplomatic and military support to carry out a genocide in Gaza and brazenly attack its opponents in Lebanon and Syria. Last December, Gallant described Israel as being engaged in a multi-front war across seven theatres. At the very start of Israels war, the United States dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to the eastern Mediterranean to insure the country against retaliation. These forces intercepted 11 drones launched by the Iran and Palestine-aligned Houthis in Yemen on Wednesday. The most unashamedly hawkish voices in Israel and the imperialist centres have been urging Israel to attack Iran directly. Danny Ayalon, former Israeli ambassador to the US, commented, With this heightened tension, there is a novelty here. Iran, for the first time, is threatening to strike, itself, directly at Israel, and not through proxies, adding, I think that by striking at the head of the snake in Iran and in Tehran, this is probably the most effective way to bring Iran back, to keep it at bay. The UK Daily Telegraphs Richard Kemp, a former colonel, argued that the UK should be ready to take direct military action against Iran or whatever is needed to help them [Israel] fight back. In the same paper, John Bolton, a former national security advisor under President Donald Trump, gnashed that Israel has for too long delayed the Rafah offensive Mopping up residual Hamas guerrilla/terrorist activities will be time-consuming, but dismantling it means Israel is freer and less at risk if it must confront Hezbollah full on. Or confronting Iran and its nuclear weapons programme now, before Iran has a reliable deliverable capacity. Israeli forces are already redoubling the campaign in Gaza, carrying out attacks in the central Strip focussed on the Nuseirat refugee camp. Raouf Abed, a resident of nearby Deir el-Balah, told Al Jazeera, It was as if the occupation army is launching a new war. Referring to strikes launched from air and sea, he explained, The explosions were non-stop, the sounds came from different directions. Every time we hope there will be a ceasefire, Israel escalates the aggression as if they are trying to pressure Hamas by hitting on us, the civilians. Al Jazeera journalist Tareq Abu Azzoum reported, The situation on the ground is terrible and chaotic as the Israeli military has been scaling up its attacks Battles have been raging in villages and towns that are adjacent to the Nuseirat refugee camp. We can see the Israeli military destroying entire neighbourhoods using heavy firepower from artillery units on the ground with cover from fighter jets and surveillance drones. Azzoums colleague Hani Mahmoud explained, People find themselves trapped under heavy bombardment. This has caused a great deal of panic and people are starting to move out of Nuseirat camp and other parts of the central area. The situation is getting more difficult by the hour. Attacks were also carried out at the Jabalia refugee camp and Gaza City in the north of the Strip, and in the southern city of Rafah, to which the majority of Gazas population has fled. In Rafah, a group of six on their way to visit family for Eid were killed by Israeli warplanes. In Gaza City, another six were killed when the Firas market was bombed. A UNICEF aid convoy attempting to enter the north was hit by Israeli fire aimed at Palestinians. Spokeswoman Tess Ingram explained shots were fired towards civilians who then ran in the other direction and several hit the car. It was shocking that this was happening to us on a coordinated mission in a designated holding area. We had colleagues outside the vehicle who very easily could have been injured or killed. On the front with Lebanon, Israeli aircraft launched raids against a Hezbollah military compound near the border town of al-Dahira, and against the southern town Tayr Harfa. Sunday marked six months of continuous mass protest in Australias major cities against Israels genocidal war on the Palestinian people in Gaza. For the 26th successive week, workers and young people turned out in their thousands, voicing their opposition to not just the Zionist regime, but its imperialist backers worldwide, including the Australian federal Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Part of the Sydney rally on April 7, 2024 Attendance has dropped markedly from the tens or even hundreds of thousands regularly marching late last year in Melbourne and Sydney, to several thousand in each of these cities, and in Brisbane, last weekend. But this does not reflect any wavering of popular support for the people of Palestine, opposition to the Labor-backed genocide, or determination to fight. Rather, the reduced crowds are a direct product of the politically bankrupt line of the rally speakers and organisers, who continue to promote illusions that imperialist governments can be persuaded to abandon their support for Zionism through protest and petitions alone. This approach has been further confirmed as a dead end by the hypocritical and insincere response of the Labor government to Israels murder of seven aid workers last week, including Australian Lalzawmi Frankcom. Despite their phony professions of anger, shock and concern, Australian imperialism continues to stand full-square behind the Netanyahu regime. Socialist Equality Party members again attended the rallies Sunday, speaking with workers and young people and explaining that to end the genocide in Gaza and the broader drive towards a third world war, an international revolutionary movement must be built. This will require a socialist perspective aimed at tearing down the capitalist profit system, the source of war, genocide and inequality. **** At the Melbourne rally, Neil, a firefighter, spoke about Israels state murder of World Central Kitchen aid workers: I think its obvious that it was targeted, because it is a means to an endnow we have all the aid agencies pulling back their support because they cant put their members at risk. The outcome of that is less food aid getting in than what was before, which was already insufficient. Its disgusting. To think it was a mistake is ludicrous. Its a very modern, up-to-date, well-armed army that the Israelis have, [including] AI drones which have more intelligence than we do at picking their targets. Neil explained that he, like many other Irish people, has supported the Palestinian cause, going back decades. Because we were a country that was under occupation of colonial forces, we understand the implication of that and not having your own state, not having your own voice. Kirrakee said Israels genocide was setting a terrifying precedent for what the future could look like if we dont resist, so thats why I am here. We have to keep working in every capacity to try and stop it. When this first started, I was saying to my friend, I cant believe I am looking at this, its the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. And as its rolled on it just gets worse and worse. Kirrakee She explained that, as an Aboriginal person, she had always had solidarity with Palestinian people, because of colonial oppression. Kirrakee said the Labor government was pathetic, disgusting, and spineless. Theres no integrity whatsoever behind Albaneses words. Penny Wong has no empathyto put your career before human life is terrifying to me. Asked why she thought the Labor government was supporting the genocide, Kirrakee said: Its colonialism, its based on money, and capitalistic hegemony. DHAKA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least five people, including three of a family, were killed Thursday when a mooring line snapped and hit some passengers at a ferry terminal in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. Zainul Abedin, a senior official of the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), told reporters that the accident occurred around 3:00 p.m. local time at Dhaka's Sadarghat ferry terminal while two launches were trying to dock between two other launches at one of the pontoons. The docking attempt in a narrow space caused the mooring line of a launch to snap, he said, adding the mooring line broke and hit five people standing at the entrance of another launch. Abedin said BIWTA has formed a three-member committee to probe the incident. The committee was asked to submit its report within five days. Bangladeshi State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury said the authorities would go tough against those responsible for the Sadarghat incident after Bangladeshi river police detained five staffers from both launches for interrogation. US President Joe Biden declared his ironclad support for Israel Wednesday, as Israeli bombing of Gaza intensifies and the mass starvation of the trapped Palestinian population worsens, threatening to kill more people in Gaza than the bombs and missiles. President Joe Biden, right, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stand as the U.S. national anthem plays during a State Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Susan Walsh] Biden was speaking at a press conference at the White House, alongside visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In his brief opening statement, he went out of his way to make reference to the Middle East, rather than the US conflicts with China, which were no doubt the primary subject of the closed-door talks with the Japanese leader. He cited what he claimed were new Iranian threats to strike Israels territory directly, presenting Israel and the United States as standing united against Iran. He declared in his brief opening statement, As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad, ironclad. Biden said nothing about the unprecedented Israeli attack April 1 on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, in which a missile strike against a consular building killed at least seven people, including two top officials of the Quds Force, the overseas unit of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. In a speech Wednesday to mark Eid al-Fitr, Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said that attacking an Iranian embassy means that they have attacked our soil. According to the state news agency IRNA, Khamenei warned, The evil regime made a mistake and it should be punished and will be punished. Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz made a deliberately provocative response, writing on Twitter/X in Farsi (the majority language of Iran), If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will react and attack in Iran. US imperialism regards the Israeli onslaught on Gaza not as an isolated event, but as part of its build-up to a third world war, which would link the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, a war against Iran and its allied forces in the Middle East, and a looming conflict with China in the Asia-Pacific region. Bidens differences with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are provoked, not by any genuine care about the mass kililing of the Palestinians, but out of concern that the genocide in Gaza has aroused so much popular opposition worldwide that it threatens the broader imperialist campaign against Russia, Iran and China. The US president provoked considerable press commentary with his interview with Univision television, where he made a number of criticisms of Netanyahu and called his current approach to the slaughter on Gaza a mistake. That interview was broadcast Tuesday night, but it was recorded almost a week earlier, the previous Wednesday, before Bidens half-hour telephone conversation with Netanyahu, which has been portrayed in the US media as contentious and even hostile. At his press conference with his Japanese visitor Wednesday, Biden ignored a follow-up question from one reporter, asking whether his comments about Netanyahu meant that he was prepared to impose any conditions of military aid to Israel. The US accounts for 69 percent of all Israeli arms importsnearly all paid for by the US government. Germany provides 30 percent of arms imports, while all other countries combined account for barely 1 percent. According to numerous media accounts, Israel has stepped up bomb and missile strikes across the central portion of the Gaza Strip, north and east of the besieged town of Rafah in the south, where the majority of the Palestinian population, an estimated 1.5 million, are now sheltering. There was incessant bombing Tuesday night and Wednesday of the eastern portions of Khan Younis, once the most populous part of southern Gaza, but now largely abandoned. Israel announced earlier this week that its troops were pulling out of Khan Younis to make room for refugees now in Rafah, who will be displaced by the promised Israeli ground attack on the only portion of Gaza not under its direct military control. There were also numerous airstrikes in northern Gaza, where virtually every building has been hit, and most have been turned into rubble. Both Israeli and Palestinian sources confirmed publicly that three sons of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, had been killed in a missile strike Wednesday, along with four of Haniyehs grandchildren, in northern Gaza. The three men, Hazem, Amir and Mohammad Haniyeh, and the children, three girls and a boy, were reportedly visiting relatives in the Shati refugee camp, outside Gaza City. Such visits are traditional for Muslims with the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the celebratory Eid al-Fitr holiday. Haniyeh, who now lives in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, issued a statement calling his sons martyrs, and saying that his family had only suffered what thousands of families in Gaza had already experienced. Meanwhile, there were reports that Israel has done little or nothing to fulfill commitments supposedly made by Netanyahu in the course of his 30-minute conversation with Biden, about reopening the Erez crossing from Israel into northern Gaza to facilitate the movement of aid trucks. The New York Times reported: Facing international condemnation after an Israeli airstrike killed seven workers for an international aid group, Israel said it would reopen the Erez crossing between Israel and northern Gaza for aid delivery. But satellite imagery taken on Tuesday shows that the road leading to Erez on the Gaza side remains blocked by rubble from a destroyed building, a crater and other damage. In a vicious attack against democratic rights and freedom of speech, nineteen students were arrested Friday at Pomona College in Claremont, California. The students were arrested at the college presidents office after holding a sit-in opposing the universitys previous crack downs on pro-Palestinian protests. The Seaver Science Center at Pomona College in Claremont, California The student arrests were coordinated at the highest levels with police from the college along with the nearby cities of Claremont, Azusa and LaVerne all participating. They are another clear indication that university administrations in the US, in full coordination with state governments and the Biden administration, have decided to launch police state crack downs against student youth protesting the Gaza genocide. According to media reports, an initial contingent of seven patrol cars arrived at the presidents office and departed soon afterwards. Twenty minutes after their departure, however, 20 squad cars arrived on the scene and quickly proceeded to conduct a swat-style raid against the protesting students, suggesting that a heavy-handed operation was prepared in advance. One student who witnessed the operation told CBS News, When [the police] walked in, they were in full riot gear, there were lots of them. A couple of them had big rifles, like two and a half feet long, strapped across their chest, they all had batons and they all had the helmets down. Pomona College is part of a small consortium of seven private liberal arts colleges located in the Southern California city of Claremont outside of Los Angeles. Approximately 1,690 undergraduate students attend Pomona college alone. The students arrested were not only from Pomona but also Scripps and Pitzer Colleges, all part of the Claremont College network. Because of the close proximity of the campuses, many students attend classes at the other colleges in the consortium. According to media reports, the protest had been triggered by the universitys dismantling of a student-made sculpture on campus called the apartheid wall. The sculptures creators said it was designed to highlight the unequal treatment of the Palestinian people living under the brutal conditions of the illegal Israeli Occupation. Another motivation for the protest was the universitys complete refusal to acknowledge a February vote of the student government which voted by 78.29 percent for the college to cease all academic support for Israel. Over four fifths, 86.17, percent voted for the college to reveal its investments in all companies aiding the ongoing apartheid system within the state of Israel while 81.67 percent voted in favor of the college completely divesting from said companies. Pomona College President Gabrielle Starr, with a salary in excess of $685,000, responded to the student arrests with particular vindictiveness. A statement released by Starrs office Friday read, Any participants in todays events on the SCC lawn or in the Alexander Hall, who turn out to be Pomona students, are subject to immediate suspension. Students from the other Claremont Colleges will be banned from Pomonas campuses and subject to discipline on their own campuses. All individual participants not part of The Claremont Colleges community are hereby banned from campus immediately. Not only were the students banned from classes but were also not allowed back into their dorm rooms leaving the students scrambling to find housing. The students, many of whom were a month away from graduation, also relied on school cafeterias to eat, from which they are now banned as well. Heather Ferguson, a history professor at Claremont McKenna College who sympathizes with the protesters, told the Los Angeles Times, Regardless of what the Pomona College Administration thinks about this, this is a peaceful act of civil disobedience and it does not warrant such a strong police response. Its actually extraordinarily difficult to imagine why anybody would think that would be an appropriate response. An attorney for the students, James Gutierrez, told the Times that he was not allowed to see his clients while they were in police custody. This is the first time anything like this has happened to me, he said. Where a law enforcement agency is prohibiting me from seeing my clients. After their expulsions were announced, the arrested students were only given 30 hours to appeal the universitys decisions. The attack on the students at Pomona, while outrageous in its own right, is only the latest in a growing crackdown on peaceful student protests against the Gaza genocide. Only last week, 20 students at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee were either expelled or put on probation as a result of a March 26 action involving students occupying the chancellors office after the university blocked a vote amending the student government constitution to divest student government funds from companies that support Israels occupation of Palestine. At Columbia University, at least four students were suspended for participating in a panel supporting resistance against the Israeli occupation while at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, with the administration there condemning a student government resolution calling for the university to stop funding an archaeological research project in Israel in the midst of the Palestinian genocide. These events follow the move by the University of Michiganhistorically an epicenter of student protests against the Vietnam War in the late 1960s and early 1970sto implement a new anti-disruption policy preventing any student actions disruptive to normal celebrations, activities and operations of the university. Students there have already begun receiving notices from campus police banning them from university buildings. Such attacks are being coordinated at the highest levels, including the Biden administration, which fears that the campus protests could spin out of control and could jeopardize not only its unstinting support for Israels campaign of ethnic cleansing but its plans for war against Iran, Russia and China as well. It is also for this reason that the university trade unions including the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the Teamsters have said absolutely nothing about the ongoing crackdowns against student protests never mind actually mobilizing their membership in opposition. The websites and Twitter/X feeds of UAW locals 5810 and 2865, the academic union locals of the UAW in California, have not uttered a single word about the student protests and subsequent crackdowns. At a UAW rally held in January in Michigan in which the union invited Genocide Joe to speak, union security forced those protesting Bidens speech out of the audience while riot police armed with batons and armored vehicles prevented further disruptions from protesters outside the union hall. Similarly, the California Faculty Association (CFA), which in February rammed through a sellout agreement for 29,000 California State University educators, has had nothing whatsoever to say about the campus crackdowns or the Pomona College arrests in particular. The February vote itself was a sham with the CFA telling workers they had the choice of voting in favor of the proposed agreement containing wage increases of only 5 percent guaranteed in the first year of the contract versus voting down the agreement and getting an even worse deal from the administration in return. No option was given to the workers to reject the agreement outright and continue striking until their demands were met. If the ongoing genocide in Gaza is to be successfully fought, it will have to be on the basis of a fighting unity of both students and workers against not only university administrations but the capitalist system as a whole and in its representatives in the two parties of big business. The World Socialist Web Site spoke to several students at the Claremont campuses on Tuesday, all of whom expressed opposition to the latest police action. Kennedy, an undergraduate at Pomona College studying African American Studies, said, I witnessed what happened on April 5, and it was just a reflection of whose side the college is on. These tactics that Israel is employing against Palestinians are just practices that are part of this country and its white supremacist principles, surveilling students, policing students, criminalizing students. Kennedy They brought police officers in riot gear to detain students who were silently and quietly protesting in Alexander Hall. And the administration chose to call multiple police forces to take these students to the police department. And again that in itself shows where the colleges support really lies, and its not on the side of the students, its not on the side of Palestinians. Its not on the side of working class people. Its not on the side of marginalized people. Its sad and disgusting because they pride themselves and they go and recruit students and spend so much money on these brochures and how these are their values. And yet Fridays demonstration shows what their actual values are. And its not liberation. Charlie, an undergrad at Harvey Mudd College studying math and physics, stated, I was outside the jail when the students were in there. There were about 150-200 of us outside the jail rallying for a couple of hours. There were about 20 students arrested, including some from Pomona College but also Pitzer and Scripps. Technically I think the charge was trespassing and one was an obstruction of justice charge. I think this is crazy! These are students who go to these schools and went to the office of their president, and technically they got arrested because they refused to identify themselves in the end, but there were already threats of suspension at that point. If you were a student, you wouldnt choose to identify yourself under threat of suspension, right? I feel its an insane escalation of violence to call riot police in on students who have really only made a very normal choice in that situation. Damilola, a sophomore at Harvey Mudd studying engineering, said, I dont know about Pomonas faculty, but Mudds faculty has been shockingly very vocal about it. At one of my classes on Monday, after the arrests, the first thing the professor said, Hey, there were arrests made of 20 students. That is not good. Were going to have a lecture today, but I want to acknowledge the things that are happening, and I dont agree with that. A group of professors from all five undergraduate colleges called the Claremont Consortium Faculty for Justice in Palestine issued an email telling all students to go to the jail and actively support the students who were arrested. A statement released by the consortium on Friday called on the administration to: Immediately drop all charges against students; Refrain from suspending students, who were exercising their protected rights to free speech and protest, and immediately reinstate any students who have been suspended already; Refrain from banning non-Pomona students from campus, as was threatened by Gabi Starr and documented in video footage; Apologize to the students and the Pomona College community for this violent and inappropriate escalation and police intervention on campus. Damilola continued, Everyone who was a Pomona College student got suspended. Everyone who wasnt a Pomona student was forced to drop their classes. Pomona really took a lot of action against the people who were protesting outside of just arresting them. Theres also a campus ban against them. Theyre not supposed to be on campus. Arresting 20 students is overkill. Many Pomona students feel the president should resign. Charlie said of his generation and why increased numbers of student youth are getting involved in protests, Ive been talking to my parents about this. Its clear were getting our news from many different sources. From social media, we can get a lot more information about whats actually going on in Gaza. When you hear, Oh, this is supposed to be free speech. This is supposed to be democracy, I dont know anybody my age believes in those things, believes that theyre true right now. Were not really surprised by it, and were expecting that were going to have to fight the fight. People spend their time at an entertainment park during the Eid al-Fitr holiday in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Saeed Ahmad/Xinhua) by Raheela Nazir ISLAMABAD, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Dressing herself in a radiant red frock with matching shoes and bangles, 14-year-old Ayzel Munir was filled with joy on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, eagerly waiting for her cousins and friends to join in for a delicious feast being arranged at her home in Pakistan's federal capital Islamabad. "I'm so happy today as I am going to see my cousins and friends. I cannot wait to welcome them to my home. We have decorated our house and prepared a variety of traditional delicacies to celebrate the festival," she told Xinhua while placing small vases of faux flowers on a huge dining table for adornment. "My family has started putting things together a few days ahead of the Eid to greet the guests in the best possible way," Munir said, adding that besides the most-loved sweet dishes, her mother had prepared chicken rice, beef curry, fried fish, and roasted meat. Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, is a festival celebrated by Muslims all over the world. To mark the jubilant occasion, the Pakistani government has announced four-day Eid holidays starting from April 10. Extending greetings to his countrymen and the entire Muslim community on the auspicious occasion, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed hope that the occasion would bring peace, prosperity and happiness to the Pakistani nation, the region, and the world at large. "The underlying message of the Eid is that of solidarity, compassion, generosity and harmony and inspires us to build a peaceful and prosperous society," the prime minister said, adding that while enjoying the celebratory delight of the great occasion, people must not forget the least fortunate in the society. In Pakistan, the festivities often begin with special prayers in congregations, followed by warm embraces and the exchange of Eid greetings among people. The celebrants mostly spend time with their loved ones, feasting on lavish meals, going out for recreational activities as well as partaking in charitable acts to support underprivileged individuals on the occasion. As part of the celebrations, many people decorate their homes and streets with colorful flickering lights and exchange sweets and greetings with neighbors and friends. Also, many social events, fun fairs, concerts and family galas are organized to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Similarly, markets and shopping malls are flooded with enthusiastic shoppers, especially women and children, who would buy clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. Talking to Xinhua, Jameela Abbasi, a housewife and mother of three children, said that she had been frequenting markets in recent days and still had some shopping left to do. "I have almost completed shopping for my kids. I bought them new dresses and shoes. Most of the work is done, but still, I need to buy myself a pair of shoes and bangles," she said, adding that the Eid is the only festival where she doesn't hesitate to spend money, as acquiring various items adds to the joy and happiness of the celebration. Apart from extravagant spending on her family, Abbasi said that she prepared special Eid packages to be distributed among poor families. "On this special occasion, we must not forget underprivileged people who are not able to enjoy the festival owing to financial constraints...I have made dozens of Eid boxes comprising clothes, food and medicines. It is our social and moral responsibility and the real spirit of the Eid," she added. In the days leading up to the festival, bus terminals and railway stations across the country experienced a significant influx of travelers, with many individuals journeying to their hometowns and villages to celebrate the Eid holidays with their families. To accommodate the large Eid exodus, Pakistan Railways has organized special trains and offered a 25 percent discount on fares for three days of Eid al-Fitr to the citizens. On the eve of the Eid, 38-year-old Muhammad Amir was making his way to a bus terminal in the eastern Rawalpindi district with his family, carrying heavy luggage. Pausing for a moment, Amir shared with Xinhua that he was embarking on a journey to his hometown after nearly a year. "I cannot express how happy I am as I am going to see my parents...My mother has been waiting for this moment for months and I cannot wait to get home soon and hug her. I have bought special gifts for my parents and siblings. This Eid holiday is going to be very special and fun-filled," he said. MOSCOW, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Russia successfully launched the Angara-A5 space rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Thursday, according to a live broadcast of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos. This marks the first time that this type of rocket blasted off from the Russian spaceport in the Amur region of the Far East. The space rocket launch was canceled twice previously on Wednesday and Tuesday due to a failure of the engine launch control system, and an issue with the pressurizing system of the rocket's oxidizer tank, respectively. The Angara is a family of Russian carrier rockets ranging from light to heavy classes. They utilize kerosene and liquid oxygen as fuel, which are environmentally friendly components. The Angara family of rockets is intended to deploy satellites to low Earth orbit, such as the Spectr-UV orbital observatory, several modules of the prospective Russian Orbital Station, and the new generation piloted transport ship PTK NP, which will deliver crews to the station. Tonight on The Amazing Race, to begin this leg of the Race in Santiago, Chile, teams self-drive in search of Marilyn Monroes iconic Thunderbird car to receive their next clue, on this episode titled Save the Stress for Later airing Wednesday, April 10 (9:30-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS. Phil Keoghan hosts. Here are the teams still in contention: Amber & Vinny (dating), Angie & Danny (mother/son), Derek & Shelisa (married), Juan & Shane (best friends), Kishori & Karishma (cousins), Ricky & Cesar (dating), Rod & Leticia (married), Sunny & Elizabeth (best friends) and Yvonne & Melissa (dating). More from GoldDerby SEE The Amazing Races Michelle and Sean on their 4-hour Roadblock and getting Phil Keoghan in the ropes Follow are full live blog recap below. 9:30 p.m. Previously, on The Amazing Race! In the Episode 4, teams paraglided their way to the start of the leg in Medellin, Colombia and then chose between detours getting in sync or decoding a rebus puzzle. Datiny couple Ricky & Cesar remained in first place when they reached Phil at the Pit Stop. Married couple Michelle & Sean hit the mat last and became the fourth team eliminated. Lets continue the race! 9:35 p.m. Teams begin this next leg of the race in Santiago, Chile. The first group to leave are Ricky & Cesar and Amber & Vinny. Theyll have to find Marilyn Monroes iconic Thunderbird to receive their next clue. Departing in Group 2 are Angie & Danny, Rod & Leticia and Juan & Shane. Group 3 is Derek & Shelisa, Yvonne & Melissa, Sunny & Elizabeth and Kishori & Karishma. Fifteen minutes separate each group. 9:45 p.m. Ricky & Cesar reach the clue first. Theyre instructed to drive to Skatepark Parque Aaraucano to find their next clue. The rest of the teams arrive shortly after. Angie & Danny begin working with Rod & Leticia to figure out the navigation. Angies a little concerned about this because Dannys strength is navigation and Angie feels like she needs that to give herself a cushion in the physical comps. If they work alongside a strong team like Rod & Leticia theyll just get pummeled at the next challenge. Still, theres nothing to worry about yet. There are still six teams behind them. Yvonne & Melissa appear to be in last place it took them forever just to find their own car. 10:00 p.m. Kishori & Karishma are having trouble driving a stick-shift car. This allows other teams to separate themselves from the cousins, but theyre hoping to make up ground at the challenges. Meanwhile, up at the front of the pack it seems like Ricky & Cesar and Amber & Vinny are just trying not to kill each other in their cars. Both teams are buckling under the stress of navigating Santiago with a physical map. Thanks to Dannys navigation skills, he and his mom reach the clue box first, followed by Rod & Leticia and Juan & Shane (who followed them). So three teams have now passed Ricky & Cesar and Amber & Vinny. Angie & Danny open the clue for a Roadblock called Whos Feeling Board? It requires one team member to pay close attention to the boards that one skilled athlete is using. Then theyll have to match the design by assembling an identical skateboard. Once they have the perfect match theyll get their next clue. Ricky & Cesar have now arrived in fifth place. 10:15 p.m. While assembling their boards the guys are having issues with some detail. Juan didnt pay attention to the wheel colors and doesnt understand why he keeps getting rejected by the judge. Rod lost one of the nuts for the bolts in the grass and is wandering all over saying, I lost my nut. Can someone help me find my nut? Eventually people start finding the humor of this. Amber & Vinny have arrived and Vinny looks excited because hes a former skateboarder and knows how to build a board. Danny gives him friendly advice and tells him to make sure he pays attention to the colors of the wheels. Just as Rod finally locates his missing nut, Danny becomes the first racer to complete his board. He and Angie get the next clue and take off in first place. Its a Detour. In Perform for Pesos, one team member will learn and perform a short routine while the other plays maracas and collects money from the crows. Once theyve earned 2,500 pesos they get a clue. In Climb for Clues, teams will pick up two race ribbons at the top of a climbing wall. Angie & Danny choose to perform because Angie doesnt have the upper body strength to climb a wall. In second place now are Juan & Shane, who just completed the Roadblock. If youre wondering, Sunny & Elizabeth still havent found Marilyn Monroes Thunderbird. Theyre in last place after some pretty brutal wrong turns. 10:30 p.m. Ricky & Cesar have reached the Detour first and take over first place again. Meanwhile, Rod & Leticia have gone way off course and look completely lost. They are beginning to look defeated, but they need to realize there were still plenty of teams behind them when they left. Never give up on this race! Ricky & Cesar complete the Perform for Pesos Detour and receive their next clue in first place. It instructs them to drive to their next Pit Stop at Estacion Mapocho. The last team to check in will be eliminated. Juan & Shane are next to leave for the Pit Stop, but since they did the Climb for Clues Detour, its tough to know how far behind they are. Amber & Vinny are in third place. 10:45 p.m. Rod & Leticia are back on track and find their way to the Detour. They have no clue that Sunny & Elizabeth still havent reached the Roadblock and basically need a miracle at this point. And thats not the only team behind them! More frustration follows for this couple when Leticia admits she cant beg people for money. An aggravated Rod hands her his drum set and tells her not to give up on everything. He will now plead for the money while Leticia entertains passers-by with her drum set. This method works much better and the married couple races towards the Pit Stop in fifth place. Meanwhile, Ricky & Cesar have reached the Pit Stop and finish in first place for the third week in a row. Theyve won a five-night trip for two to Singapore. See the full results of this leg below. Way in back, Sunny & Elizabeth finally arrive at the Roadblock and are encouraged to see four other teams still building skateboards. Can they escape elimination again? 11:00 p.m. Yvonne & Melissa finish the Roadblock and are relieved to head off to the Detour with three teams behind them. Theyre excited to see a wall-climbing challenge and make quick work of the Detour. Derek & Shelisa are next to escape the Roadblock, leaving Sunny & Elizabeth vs. Kishori & Karishma for last place. Its Elizabeth who dominates this Roadblock though, leaving the cousins in the dust. Karishma eventually finishes her skateboard and the race to complete the Detour and find Phil at the Pit Stop is on! In the end, its cousins Kishori & Karishma who are the last team to arrive. Phil informs them theyve been eliminated from the race. Leg 5 results: 1. Ricky & Cesar 2. Juan & Shane 3. Amber & Vinny 4. Angie & Danny 5. Rod & Leticia 6. Yvonne & Melissa 7. Sunny & Elizabeth 8. Derek & Shelisa 9. Kishori & Karishma (eliminated) Make your predictions at Gold Derby now. Download our free and easy app for Apple/iPhone devices or Android (Google Play) to compete against legions of other fans plus our experts and editors for best prediction accuracy scores. See our latest prediction champs. Can you top our esteemed leaderboards next? Always remember to keep your predictions updated because they impact our latest racetrack odds, which terrify Hollywood chiefs and stars. Dont miss the fun. Speak up and share your huffy opinions in our famous forums where 5,000 showbiz leaders lurk every day to track latest awards buzz. Everybody wants to know: What do you think? Who do you predict and why? Best of GoldDerby Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Embattled "Chrisley Knows Best" star Todd Chrisley has been ordered to pay $755,000 to a former Georgia Department of Revenue investigator who sued him for defamation in 2021. A Georgia jury last week found Chrisley, who is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for bank fraud and tax evasion, liable for defamatory statements against Amy Doherty-Heinze that he shared on his podcast and social media accounts, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Wednesday. The jury awarded Doherty-Heinze $350,000 in compensatory damages $175,000 in damages for one count of defamation by libel and another $175,000 for one count of defamation by slander on Chrisley's podcast in 2020 $170,000 in punitive damages and $235,000 in legal expenses. The jury agreed that Chrisley, who appeared remotely for this trial, made false and defamatory statements about Doherty-Heinze in a 2022 podcast episode but didn't believe he acted with "malice," so she was not awarded damages for this third count. Todd and Julie Chrisley are serving 10 and five-year prison sentences, respectively. Chrisley's lawyer on Thursday said in a statement to USA TODAY, "Although we are pleased the jury recognized that not all of Mr. Chrisleys statements were defamatory and awarded the plaintiff a fourth of the damages she requested, we are concerned about the state of the First Amendment where such a case could make it to trial in the first place." Chrisley will be filing an appeal, his lawyer revealed, adding, "We are optimistic about our appeal." Previously: Chrisleys receive $1M settlement in lawsuit against tax official In her 2021 defamation lawsuit, according to the Los Angeles Times, Doherty-Heinze alleged Chrisley started accusing her of "a multitude of crimes and wrongdoing" in 2020. She also said he "repeated false accusations that, among other things, (Doherty-Heinze) engaged in various criminal misconduct in her post as an investigator for the Georgia Department of Revenue's Office of Special Investigations." Who is Todd Chrisley? Todd and Julie Chrisley, who portrayed themselves as real estate tycoons in the South on their USA Network shows, are both serving prison sentences after a jury in June 2022 found them guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks in Atlanta out of more than $36 million in fraudulent loans, defraud the IRS and commit tax evasion. Julie Chrisley was also convicted of obstruction of justice. Five months later, Todd Chrisley was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie Chrisley received a seven-year sentence. They began their respective sentences in January 2023. This month, an Atlanta federal appeals court will hear oral arguments in the Chrisleys' case. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, shared the "huge news" in November, calling the update "one step closer to getting mom and dad home." An April 10 records search by USA TODAY shows Todd Chrisley, 56, has an anticipated release date of Oct. 9, 2032, from FPC Pensacola in Florida. Julie's release from FMC Lexington in Kentucky is set for July 6, 2028. "Chrisley Knows Best" aired on USA Network for 10 seasons, from 2014 through 2023. "Growing Up Chrisley," a spin-off featuring the couple's adult children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, went on for four seasons after its 2019 premiere. According to Variety and Deadline, the family is planning a reality TV comeback with a new unscripted docuseries. The show, produced by Scout Productions, is reportedly not yet attached to a broadcaster or streaming service but will follow the family as Todd and Julie Chrisley's children Chase, Savannah and Grayson, as well as granddaughter Chloe and Todd's mother, Faye Chrisley adjust to life with their parents behind bars. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Todd Chrisley to pay $755K for defamation while serving time in prison Poet, essayist and fiction writer Elisa Gonzalez, a Columbus native, has been selected as a recipient of the Whiting Award, which honors 10 emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama each year. Columbus native Elisa Gonzalez has been a storyteller since before she could read, dictating tales for her mother to jot down. Now, shes a published author and Fulbright Scholar who was recently named a winner of a prestigious writing award. Gonzalez has been chosen as a recipient of a Whiting Award, given annually to 10 exceptional emerging writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and drama. Its an honor and its kind of surreal. Writing is so much about doing things alone, at least for me, and persevering with the conviction that what youre making matters, said Gonzalez, 35, who was raised on Columbus southeast side and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. "Any sort of outside validation means a lot." 10 things to do: What's happening in and around Columbus this weekend Whiting Award Whiting Award candidates are nominated by an anonymous pool of writers, professors, editors, agents, critics, booksellers, artistic directors of theaters, dramaturgs and literary festival directors. Winners are selected by a small group of recognized writers, literary scholars and editors who meet four times a year to debate the works and choose the final 10. Sponsored by the Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation, Gonzalez said the $50,000 award would relieve financial pressure while she worked. In the literary world, the award is quite well-known and winning it suggests some confidence in my future work and thats wonderful, she said. A graduate of Yale and New York universities, Gonzalez has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, The Paris Review and other publications. Her debut poetry collection, Grand Tour, published last year by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (FSG), has been well-received by the literary community. Jazz icon: Branford Marsalis to perform in New Albany on Saturday Louise Gluck, winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in literature, as well as Gonzalezs teacher and mentor, said of her proteges work, These poems make me feel as if poems have never before been written." Next on Gonzalezs to-do list are the nonfictional Strangers on Earth, and The Awakenings, a novel in which a murder rocks a fictional Ohio small town. Both are forthcoming from FSG. bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus native Elisa Gonzalez wins $50K Whiting Award for poetry The United Way and CSX will celebrate 100 years of serving Northeast Florida on Sat., April 13. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Uniting For Tomorrow: A Community Concert Celebration is free and open to the public. Live music will be performed by John Lumpkin and The Covenant, The Katz Downstairz, and Mama Blue. Guest speakers will celebrate United Ways first century of impact in Northeast Florida. A Jacksonville Kids Zone of activities for families, a Volunteer and Partner Showcase, food, drinks, and anniversary sway for sale will all be part of the party. The lineup of events will be held at James Weldon Johnson Park (135 W. Monroe St. in Downtown Jacksonville). This was the location for the first-ever United Way rally in April 1925. Free parking is available on a first come first serve basis at the parking garage located at 33 W. Duval St. near the Main Library. READ: Help keep Jacksonville parks clean, earn service hours in self-guided volunteer program Bring lawn/camping chairs, blankets, sunscreen, hats, and bottled water are permitted in the park and are recommended. Its an exciting time at United Way as we celebrate a remarkable milestone -- 100 years of serving and uniting Northeast Florida, the United Way said in a statement. Way has championed over the decades, including providing basic needs, strengthening financial well-being, and advancing racial equity in Northeast Florida. 100 years of uniting and serving Northeast Florida was only the beginning. To learn more and RSVP, visit unitedwaynefl.org/100concert. [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. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways When Park Chan-wook read The Sympathizer for the first time, maybe six or seven years ago, he felt like he was watching fireworks explode in the night. Which is to say, Park said, it was very colorful and loud in its expression and its prose. The South Korean filmmaker co-created The Sympathizer, with Don McKellar ("Last Night," "The Red Violin"), and directed the first three episodes of the seven-part HBO miniseries, premiering Sunday. The show, produced with A24, faithfully traces the plot of Viet Thanh Nguyens 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, centering the voice of the narrator, known simply as The Captain, played with cheeky verve by Australian actor Hoa Xuande, who is of Vietnamese descent. The Captain is a walking paradox, the son of a Vietnamese villager mother and a French priest father. (France colonized Vietnam in the mid-19th century and its undue cultural influence pervaded the country.) He was raised in Vietnam and went to college in the U.S., and has a deep understanding of both Eastern and Western cultures. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Viet Thanh Nguyen tackles Vietnam War's aftermath in 'The Sympathizer' The story begins in 1975, with the fall of Saigon. Throughout the Vietnam War, The Captain is a North Vietnamese spy working in the South Vietnamese army, which is backed by the U.S. As Saigon falls to the North, he is directed by Man (Duy Nguyen), a fellow communist and close friend, to follow the South Vietnamese community to the U.S. as a refugee and remain embedded there, reporting back. The first episode culminates with the dramatic, last-minute evacuation of Saigon, filled with explosions and rockets whizzing by. Its the feeling Park said he felt when he read the novel. The motif returns later when Fourth of July fireworks go off during an assassination. Like the book, the show is tongue-in-cheek, while also addressing heavy concepts war, trauma, histories of colonialism and racism. Parks directorial vernacular, which pairs brutal subject matter with black comedy, interlocks neatly with Nguyens satirical style. Co-creator and director Park Chan-wook on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the premiere of "The Sympathizer." (Willy Sanjuan/Invision/Associated Press) Believe it or not, I'm a director who puts significant importance in humor when I go about making a movie, because I believe when the humor is combined with tragedy or violence it actually makes it even more powerful, Park said through his interpreter, the filmmaker Jaehuen Chung. And that composite is what enables you to express in totality what a human being is, or what life is. The audience might not be laughing out loud, he said, but my hope is that it would at least bring a bitter smirk or smile onto their face. Advertisement Advertisement Five days before The Sympathizer premiere, Park was in Los Angeles for press, and we spoke over a video interview. He was wearing a black T-shirt under a black-and-white checkered blazer, framed by black velvet curtains in the background. On the Zoom screen, his name is Director Park, using the title as an honorific, common in Korean culture. He is a giant of South Korean cinema and cinema at large, for that matter. Known for films like Oldboy, The Handmaiden and Decision to Leave, he is a true auteur. Read more: Why Park Chan-wook crafted 'Decision to Leave' so love is more mysterious than murder Which is ironic, of course, given that theres a character in The Sympathizer, who is a director known only as The Auteur. The Auteur is making yet another capital H Hollywood movie called The Hamlet, about the Vietnam War from an American perspective, and hes a parody of the myopic attitude perpetuated by Western media and the establishment that runs it. There are a handful of similar characters: Claude, a CIA agent backing South Vietnam; The Congressman, an anti-communist Republican nicknamed Napalm Ned who fought with the South Vietnamese army; and Professor Hammer, who heads the Department of Oriental Studies at Occidental College and fetishizes Asian culture. And theyre all played by one person: Robert Downey Jr., donning various prosthetics and costumes. Very early on in the development process, when the producers were tossing ideas around, Park suggested having one actor play all those roles. He was partially inspired by Stanley Kubrick, who did something similar with Peter Sellers in Dr. Strangelove, another Cold War-era political satire black comedy. Our original novel's intention was to have one and the same body having different faces, Park said. Downey portrays what are in essence the melded faces of American imperialism and colonialism. Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen said on a phone call as he was walking the streets of Paris that there was an opportunity with The Sympathizer to have a more sophisticated understanding of what racism and colonization have meant and still mean in American society. When I was writing the book, it was always treating the war in Vietnam as an episode in a much longer history of American imperialism and colonialism. The Sympathizer both the book and the series is chock-full of big ideas like this. Theyre packed so tightly and so neatly, like a ream of loose-leaf paper, that its hard to extricate one from the next. It has immense elements, aspects compressed within it, Park said. Given that caveat, the one most important thing I did want to stress is: Whether it be ideology, system, politics, or revolution, they were actually started from pursuit of happiness of the individual, Park said. But history tells us that they end up suppressing the individual. And I just wanted to reflect upon it so that we don't repeat the same history again. The Captain is a microcosm of this. I am a spy, a sleeper, a spook, a man of two faces, he says in the first line of the book, which Xuande also says in the opening scenes of the show. Perhaps not surprisingly, I am also a man of two minds. I am simply able to see any issue from both sides. Advertisement Advertisement The show heightens the idea that this story is being told under duress, as a confession tortured out of The Captain, who is under interrogation in a communist reeducation camp back in Vietnam. Buzzing ceaselessly with warring ideologies, The Captains mind slowly splinters. It recalls another fragmentation, also illustrated in this story. Of the Vietnam War which is referred to in Vietnam, as the show points out, as the "American War" it's saying, 'Well, just remember that there's another side, McKellar, the series co-showrunner, said. Recognize that there's a Vietnamese side that is central to this story; it's a Vietnamese story. Look at it from that side. And then realize that that side in itself has two sides and is fractured. Co-creator Don McKellar at the premiere of "The Sympathizer" on Tuesday in Los Angeles. (Willy Sanjuan /Invision/Associated Press) When North Vietnam came under communist control in 1954, Nguyens parents fled to the south, where he was born in 1971. Four years later, when Saigon fell, his family fled again, this time to the U.S. If Americans today remember the Vietnam War at all, Nguyen said, its through American memories, American stories and the Hollywood version. In this sense, the Vietnamese have always been the background to the American drama, he said. (He was on set for the filming of the fake movie within the show, The Hamlet, which he said felt absurdly meta.) The Sympathizer was published in 2015 almost nine years ago exactly and it took almost five years to sign a deal for the series. When executive producer Niv Fichman finally optioned the book, and it was on its way to becoming a show, some of Nguyens prerequisites were that the production would seek out Vietnamese actors, and that as much Vietnamese would be spoken as possible. Putting those faces and voices in front of viewers for seven hours, he said, has an emotional and visceral and entertaining impact that shouldn't be underestimated. Advertisement Advertisement History, for Nguyen, is a continuity. He was working on the book between 2011 and 2013, when the U.S. was fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. While he was writing about the reeducation camp, he was drawing from 60s CIA torture manuals and thinking about the U.S. torture and prisoner abuse in Abu Ghraib. If anything, he thinks The Sympathizer is even more relevant now than at the time of its publication if you can understand it as more than just a Vietnam War story. If part of the point of the TV series is that wars don't end simply because we say they do, that they continue, Nguyen said, then in fact, all the contradictions of American history that have driven Americans from settler colonization to the Vietnam War, have driven us onwards to support Israel in its war on Gaza as well. (Nguyen has been very publicly vocal about his support for Palestinians in Gaza in recent months.) The series artfully translates pages and pages of tortured interior monologue in a way thats deeply compelling onscreen. The ending, like its protagonist, is bruised and battered, but hopeful. I feel like the message of the show is: We all contain these internal contradictions, but we can survive them, said McKellar. We can persevere. We have no choice. If you look at Vietnam and the people of Vietnam, they have survived, and very well, in fact. So it has to be optimistic. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyones talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. * Carlsberg, one of the world's leading beer makers, has invested more than 20 billion yuan (about 2.8 billion dollars) in China since entering the country in the early 1990s and has grown into the fourth-largest brewery in the Chinese market. * In 2023, the Chinese government put forward 24 specific measures in six areas to further optimize the foreign investment environment and intensify efforts to attract investment, including guaranteeing national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises, increasing financial and tax support. * "We have always felt strong support from the local government, and the difficulties and challenges we encountered were solved through our close cooperation," said Udo von Reinersdorff, chief financial officer of Kern-Liebers, at a roundtable held by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce last week in Stuttgart, Germany. BERLIN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- In 1993, German company Kern-Liebers invested 500,000 German marks in Taicang, a city in east China's Jiangsu Province, embarking on its road of development in the foreign country with only six employees and a 400-square-meter factory house. Three decades on, after 11 rounds of capital increases, the wire springs provider possesses factories spanning 70,000 square meters in the Chinese city and has witnessed an annual output value of 1.5 billion yuan (about 207.4 million U.S. dollars), accounting for the largest proportion of its global footprint. "We have always felt strong support from the local government, and the difficulties and challenges we encountered were solved through our close cooperation," said Udo von Reinersdorff, chief financial officer of Kern-Liebers, at a roundtable held by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce last week in Stuttgart, Germany. The event is one of an ongoing series of "Invest in China" roundtables that are touring European countries including Denmark, France and Italy. It has attracted a lot of well-known European enterprises from such fields as green energy, smart manufacturing, biomedicine, and high-end equipment manufacturing. Participants shared their stories of vital investment in China and expressed their recognition of the Chinese government's efforts to facilitate the operations of foreign companies in the country, as well as their willingness to share future opportunities with the vibrant Chinese market. VIGOROUS VITALITY German companies are optimistic about China's economic prospects, which is important to Germany, said Hans-Peter Friedrich, a member of Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament. A report from the German Economic Institute shows that the country's total direct investment in China reached a record high of 11.9 billion euros (about 12.9 billion dollars) in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The value accounted for over 10 percent of Germany's total overseas investment, the highest level since 2014. This file photo taken in 2018 shows a factory of German company Kern-Liebers in Taicang, east China's Jiangsu Province. (Xinhua) Danish company group GN Store Nord came to China 150 years ago and started close cooperation with the country via a telegraph line. The headset manufacturer has now expanded its business in China into three major fields, including hearing aids, enterprise communications support and gaming equipment. "The Chinese market today is not only very important for us, but also very important for global companies to fully function and be successful. Many things work well and we are grateful for the partnership," said the group's CEO Peter Karlstromer. A.P. Moller-Maersk, a Danish shipping and logistics company that entered China 100 years ago, just concluded the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its first wholly-owned company in China at the end of March. The enterprise has more than 60,500 employees in the Asian country and has expanded its business scope from shipping to various fields including port investment and management, air freight, warehousing, as well as container manufacturing. "Since Maersk started its business in Shanghai in the spring of 1924, China has been an integrated part of our history as a company," said Camilla Holtse, Maersk's head of public policy and regulatory affairs. Holtse noted that the company also had a very extensive procurement program in China, with goods and services purchased at a combined value of up to 4.6 billion dollars in 2023. Carlsberg, one of the world's leading beer makers, has invested more than 20 billion yuan (about 2.8 billion dollars) in China since entering the country in the early 1990s. With over 6,000 employees, it now has grown into the fourth-largest brewery in the Chinese market. Carlsberg's public affairs manager Anders Kappel said that the company has greatly benefited from China's booming economic development. GOVERNMENT EFFORTS Over the years, China has sped up the implementation of a series of concrete measures, including reducing the negative list for foreign investment and implementing the Foreign Investment Law, to extend the benefits of its ongoing opening-up policy to more foreign companies. In August 2023, the Chinese government put forward 24 specific measures in six areas to further optimize the foreign investment environment and intensify efforts to attract investment, including guaranteeing national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises, increasing financial and tax support, and fostering a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. The 24 pro-foreign investment measures have further strengthened the investment confidence of foreign-funded enterprises, said He Yadong, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson. Participants attend Roundtable for Danish Enterprises of "Invest in China" in Copenhagen, Denmark, April 2, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuliang) At the roundtable held in Copenhagen in early April, Lars Sandahl Sorensen, CEO of the Confederation of Danish Industry, hailed China's introduction of the 24 measures as a concrete and encouraging step towards improving the investment climate for foreign enterprises. The policies for foreign investment companies could have an immediate impact on business confidence. The plan can go a long way to improving business confidence altogether, said Sorensen. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, 60 percent of the announced measures have already been implemented. Items on the negative list for foreign investment have been reduced from 93 in 2017 to 31 in 2022, with further reductions expected this year. Also, all restrictions on foreign investment access to manufacturing are set to be lifted. In March, China unveiled an action plan aimed to further attract and utilize foreign investment, outlining 24 measures across five key aspects such as expanding market access and aligning domestic regulations with high-standard international economic and trade rules. The action plan further underscores the country's commitment to attracting foreign investment and enhancing confidence in investing in China by strengthening positive interactions with the global economy. The touring roundtables in Europe were part of a conference system initiated by China's Ministry of Commerce in July 2023, which is designed to convene regular meetings to address issues and gather feedback from foreign-funded enterprises. To date, the ministry has organized over a dozen such meetings, resolving more than 300 issues and appeals raised, instilling optimism among many foreign institutions and enterprises regarding future investment and development prospects in China. SHARED OPPORTUNITIES Sorensen expressed willingness to further promote investment in the world's second-largest economy and to continue to cement the bonds between the two countries by leveraging their shared interest and common goals. "Both Denmark and China are committed to further expanding our trade relationship, exploring new areas of cooperation, and embracing the opportunities presented by all industries, such as life sciences, biotech, green technologies, and food industry, among others," he noted. In the view of Friedrich, it is important to understand China and have more exchanges with it, especially for young Germans who do not know about the country. "When you see this country, see its vitality, and see people's enthusiasm for the future, you will know how important the cooperation with China is to the German economy," he said. This photo shows a scene at 2024 "Invest in China" Germany Session in Stuttgart, Germany, April 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei) Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical giant, has approximately 65,000 employees in more than 80 countries and regions. Its subsidiary in China, founded in 1994, has expanded its business across a whole value chain, including production, research and development, and commercial operations. Currently, the company has ongoing investment projects in Tianjin, a municipality in northern China, according to Katrine DiBona, corporate vice president of global public affairs and sustainability at Novo Nordisk. Last month, it announced an additional investment of about 4 billion yuan (553 million dollars) in an expansion project at its production base in Tianjin. "We are very proud and excited to have such a big presence in China and it is our second largest market. We are very encouraged by the Chinese government's ambition and intention to develop a life science and bio-manufacturing hub as part of its industry," said DiBona. With similar expectations, Karlstromer noted that the GN Group already has significant investments in China and has plans to modernize and invest more in the country. "We are very grateful for the 150 years we have been together with China, and we look forward to continuing to work side by side to create a better future in close collaboration," he said. (Video reporters: Yang Zichun, Cheng Di, Zhu Yunuo, Guo Jiewen; video editors: Zhang Qiru, Hui Peipei, Zheng Qingbin, Liu Yutian) The actress' younger brother provided some insight into the couple's parenting style Carlo Mendez/Instagram Eva Mendes and Carlo Mendez Eva Mendes' younger brother Carlo Mendez shares some insight into his sister and her longtime partner, Ryan Gosling, as parents. Mendez, 46, shared with E! News that Mendes, 50, and Gosling, 43, are amazing parents to their two daughters, Esmeralda, 9, and Amada, 7. "They really talk to the girls, Mendez said. The way they ask them questionsI've seen itthey're like, 'What do you think of this? What do you think of that?' They are awesome." Paul Archuleta/Getty Carlo Mendez on March 10, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. While Mendez commends his sister and Gosling for their parenting skills, he admits that he's realized that having kids is a lot. "If it happens, it happens. But I'm not looking forward to it right now, added the Demise actor. "Robert De Niro and Al Pacino became dads at 80, so I got time. I have to make my career happen first, then I can have time." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' Relationship Timeline More recently, the actress shared during her March 26 appearance on the Today show that it was a no-brainer" decision to take a break from Hollywood to spend time with her daughters. "I'm so lucky if I could have this time with my children, said Mendes. She continued to explain that while she still works, she prefers not to act because "acting takes you on location, adding, It takes you away." The Training Day actress also explained how she decided to take a break while Gosling kept working in the industry. "It was almost just like a non-verbal agreement that it was like, 'Ok, he's going to work and I'm going to work. I'm just going to work here,' " she explained. "He went and he did his job. He just happens to be really good at his job. And he did it and he came home." Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling on March 28, 2013 in New York. Related: Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes' Kids: Everything They've Said About Parenting While Gosling is a three-time Academy Award nominee, he shared that Mendes and their daughters helped him prepare for his appearance at the most recent ceremony. The Barbie actor exclusively told PEOPLE at the world premiere of The Fall Guy at SXSW that Mendes and his daughters gave him some tips before his 2024 Oscars performance of "I'm Just Ken. "It was great," the dad of two told PEOPLE. "It was so fun because they came to the dress rehearsal the day before and so they were in the front row." Sonia Recchia/Getty Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling on September 7, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. "They gave me some tips and some notes, all great notes," he revealed. "They are such a huge part of this for me...it was my girl's interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken that got me into this in the first place. It was beautiful to have them there at the end." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. In 1954, legendary sci-fi author Richard Matheson released his postapocalyptic epic I Am Legend, about a lone human survivor in a world overrun by vampire-like beings. The story has been adapted for film three times, first in 1964 as The Last Man on Earth and again in 1971 as The Omega Man. But more recently, Will Smith starred in I Am Legend in 2007. Despite the fact that the third adaptation seemingly had a definitive ending, Warner Bros. is moving forward with I Am Legend 2, and Smith is expected to reprise his role as Robert Neville. Although the sequel may still be years away from hitting theaters, were sharing everything we know about I Am Legend 2. Whos starring in I Am Legend 2? The Weinstein Company Smith will be joined by Michael B. Jordan, who is attached to be the co-lead of I Am Legend 2. No details have been revealed about which character Jordan will play, but his star power is arguably on par with Smiths. In addition to headlining the Creed trilogy and directing Creed III, Jordan has had leading roles in the 2015 Fantastic Four reboot, Black Panther, Just Mercy, and Without Remorse. Alice Braga, who co-starred as Anna in I Am Legend, told Collider in 2023 that she was not approached about I Am Legend 2. But shes open to returning as well. I was super surprised and very curious, Braga said. I was almost jumping on the phone and saying, Can I please be in it? Can I please be in it? Can I please be in it? It was my first American film, I was very excited to hear that they were continuing with the movie. I hope they do! I dont know where they are with it, but I hope they do. Who is directing I Am Legend 2? As of April 2024, I Am Legend 2 does not have a director attached. The original screenwriter, Akiva Goldsman, is returning for the sequel. However, the director of the first film, Francis Lawrence, isnt currently attached to the project. What happened in I Am Legend? Warner Bros. Pictures Three years after the outbreak that devastated the world, Neville was seemingly the only human left in New York City. Everyone else was transformed into the vampire-like Darkseekers who can no longer survive in direct sunlight. Nevilles only companion was a German Shepherd called Sam, and he spent his days searching for a cure to the Darkseekers condition. During the nights, Neville and Sam hid in a heavily barricaded laboratory. Neville also continuously left radio messages for any other human survivors before a he finally caught a female Darkseeker and began experimenting on her with his potential cure. After losing Sam to a Darkseeker trap, Neville almost gave into despair before he encountered two humans: Anna (Braga) and a boy named Ethan (Charlie Tahan). Soon after, the Darkseekers attacked Nevilles lair in force. Before they were overrun, Neville cured the female Darkseeker and gave a sample of her blood to Anna for safekeeping. While Anna and Ethan slipped away, Neville sacrificed himself to kill all of the attacking Darkseekers in the hope that his cure could save the rest of humanity. How can Smith return if his character died in the first movie? Warner Bros. Pictures Its true that Neville died in I Am Legend, but that wasnt the ending that the filmmakers originally shot. The DVD and Blu-ray contain the alternate ending where Neville realized that the attacking Darkseekers only wanted to recover the female he captured. In a moment of empathy, Neville released the female and apologized to the Darkseekers before they left without any further violence. Neville also realized that he had become the monster in their eyes, so he abandoned his research and left his lab alongside Anna and Ethan. This will be considered the canonical ending in I Am Legend 2, since it explains Nevilles survival. Presumably, there will be another cut of the original film that features this ending edited back into the movie before the sequel arrives. Is I Am Legend 2 currently filming? No. As of June 2024, I Am Legend 2 has not formally begun production. However, Jordan provided People Magazine with an update on where things stand on the project. Were still working on the script and getting that up to par, Jordan said. It doesnt have a release date or anything like that. Im not sure exactly where were going to be filming that one, but Im really excited to get in front of the camera with [Smith]. Being somebody that Ive looked up to for a really long time, to be able to work with Will is something Im really looking forward to. Im really excited. Smith echoed that sentiment during an interview with Entertainment Tonight. [We have some] really solid ideas [about the sequel], Smith said. I think [Michael and I are] going to make it on screen together. That dude is the truth, so I would love to do that. When will I Am Legend 2 be released? Warner Bros. hasnt set a date for I Am Legend 2 yet. First, a director needs to be found. After that, there will probably be an extended period for casting and preproduction. The script may be ready now, but this project is still a long ways off. Food Network has set a release date for Season 2 of Ciao House, TheWrap has exclusively learned. The cooking competition show will return on May 19 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with a two-hour premiere. New episodes will premiere weekly until its conclusion on Sunday, June 23. Our audience fell in love with Ciao House in the shows first season set in Tuscany and we knew we had to find another incredible food region in Italy for Season 2 and Puglia really delivers, Betsy Ayala, head of food content for Warner Bros. Discovery, said in a press release. The coastal city and its unique food culture is unparalleled and makes it the perfect locale for this high-stakes competition. The first episode of Season 2, hosted by chefs and series judges Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabe Bertaccini, will welcome 12 chefs to an ancient grand villa in Puglia. There they will live, cook and compete against each other for the ultimate grand prize: an immersive culinary education across Italy as well as training with renowned Italian master chefs. The first challenge will ask the contestants to make a dish that exemplifies who they are as a chef and their unique twists on Italian cuisine. The winner and the runner-up of this first challenge will be named the team captains for the next. This season will include a trip to Lecce to meet real-life nonnas who specialize in pasta rolling, a challenge inspired by the citys annual pizza festival judged by a festival pizzaiolo and a lesson in bread baking at a local Lecce bakery, according to a press release for the series. It will all come to a head in the two-hour finale of Ciao House, which will require the chefs to make a three-course fine dining experience. The competition on Ciao House is on another level and Ive seen my fair share of competitions, all-star chef Guarnaschelli said in a press release. These chefs are not only testing their culinary skills they are living together as a family, so personal relationships, rivalries and loyalties affect each challenge. Winning could change the course of their career, so the stakes are high for everyone. In Italy, eating and cooking is one of the highest forms of cultural activity. Growing up there surrounded by my familys love for food and training in some of the best Italian kitchens made me the chef I am today, said Italian chef Bertaccini. Seeing these competitors immerse themselves in the beauty of the land, the fresh ingredients and food traditions is not only exciting to watch, but especially it gives me great pride. This seasons competitors include Ivan Barros from Los Angeles, Calif.; Zev Bennett from Miami, Fla.; Maria Bregatta from Burlington, Vt.; Austin Cobb from Playa Grande, Costa Rica; Devan Cunningham from Phoenix, Ariz.; Tiana Gee from Los Angeles, Calif.; Hanna Haar from Montauk, N.Y.; Drew Keane from Chicago, Ill.; Shannon Odom from Haico, Texas; Jan Parker from Tacoma, Wash.; Phuoc Vo from Tampa, Fla.; and Stikxz Williams from Queens, N.Y. The post Food Networks Ciao House Season 2 to Premiere in May | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap. Former Howard Stern Show writer reflects on sadness and anger after hitting alleged boyfriend on livestream The former Howard Stern Show writer who hit her alleged boyfriend while she streamed it on YouTube has issued an official apology. I just want to say Im so sorry for what I portrayed on my livestream that everyone saw, Elisa Jordana (nee Schwartz) said Wednesday in a statement to the Daily Mail. This is not what I want to give to the world and it sucks that I got into such a sadness and anger it was a really negative representation of who I am. The former Howard Stern writer who went viral after she streamed footage of her hitting her boyfriend has officially issued an apology. Elisa Jordana/Instagram I just want to say Im so sorry for what I portrayed on my livestream that everyone saw, Elisa Jordana said Wednesday in a statement to the Daily Mail. Rommel Demano/FilmMagic Im going to do everything I can to have better relationships with people that are good for me, and people that Im also good for, Jordana, 35, continued, adding that her situation was the most challenging time of my life. She added: If I can get through this time I will definitely be proud. On Monday, Jordana was in the middle of a YouTube livestream while driving in Palm Beach, Florida, when she got into a violent dispute with her alleged boyfriend, identified as Zscorro. Earlier in the livestream, which was titled Not Doing Good, Jordana can be seen crying and claiming that Zscorro sent thousands of dollars to another woman. Their exchange escalated when Jordana called Zscorros alleged mistress, Sara, into the livestream and Jordana threatened to post the womans nudes while Sara pleaded with her not to. Zscorro who was sitting in the passenger seat began to interject into the conversation when Jordana hit him in the arm. Their exchange escalated when Jordana called Zscorros alleged mistress, Sara, into the livestream and Jordana threatened to post the womans nudes while Sara pleaded with her not to. Elisa Jordana/Prism Live According to arrest records obtained by Page Six, Jordana was arrested and charged with felony battery by the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office. Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Sara, Im sorry about this, Zscorro said before Jordana slapped him. Dont fking talk! she exclaimed. She just like, almost broke my nose, Zscorro said, adding, Fk you, ct! The video, which was still streaming at this point, culminated with Zscorro pulling Jordanas hair before forcing her outside the vehicle. The video, which was still streaming at this point, culminated in Zscorro pulling Jordanas hair before forcing her outside the vehicle. Elisa Jordana/Prism Live Speaking with The Post, Jordana described the incident as the second worst day of my life. Elisa Jordana/Instagram According to arrest records obtained by Page Six, Jordana was arrested and charged with felony battery by the Palm Beach Sheriffs Office. Speaking with The Post, Jordana, who was briefly engaged to Andy Dick, described the incident as the second worst day of her life, besides losing her dog Kermit. Lost everything in a day, she went on. Since being posted, the disturbing video has gained nearly 220,000 views. A new roller coaster is opening at Indiana's Holiday World theme park, and some furry stuffed friends were the first to test-ride it. Good Gravy! is the latest amusement park ride to join Holiday World, but the coaster needed to be tested before its official opening, and who better to take on the roll than a flock of turkeys? Holiday World's Newest Roller Coaster Undergoes Test Riding Canva Stock Images Good Gravy!, Holiday Worlds first family roller coaster, will take riders "forward up a seven-stories-tall spike then backward to make more gravy and save Thanksgiving dinner," according to the official ride description. "Your journey begins at Thanksgiving dinner at Grandma Gracys house (her sister, Abigail, spends her time at Gobbler Getaway)," the website explains, "Grandma Gracy is renowned for her Good Gravy, and Grandpa Gavin is its biggest fan! This year for Thanksgiving, the unthinkable happens: the family runs out of gravy! Its up to you to help Grandma make more Good Gravy and save Thanksgiving dinner." The ride description adds, "As you whisk up a fresh batch of gravy, youll board a giant gravy boat-shaped train, and dodge gigantic kitchen accessories and ingredients, including a chicken timer, whisk, rolling pin, Koch Dairy bottle, and a box of Ruths Stuffing." "Itll have the whole family saying, 'Gee Whillikers! Thats some Good Gravy!'" Holiday World claims. Flock Of Turkeys Test Ride New Good Gravy! Coaster At Holiday World Theme Park Canva Stock Images Holiday World shared a video showing the coaster had undergone testing rides, but people are not the first to experience Good Gravy! -- turkeys are! Stuffed animal turkeys, that is. "A flock of turkeys test ride the new Good Gravy! roller coaster at Holiday World," theme park podcast Thrill Geek shared along with the video clip. Attractions Magazine also shared the video, which expressed, "Those are some big birds!!! Do you like gravy with your turkey? Check out Good Gravy! Taking some birds for a test run at Holiday World." See The Video For Yourself Holiday World shared the video Thursday morning, and it has already gained traction, as many theme park websites and magazines reposted it on their social media pages. "A flock of our feathered friends tested Good Gravy!" the Indiana theme park shared on its official X page. "They truly gobbled up this experience. They loved it so much, they came back for seconds!' The video shows a close-up shot of the nearly two dozen stuffed birds strapped into their seats, zooming through their adventure of making gravy. Social Media Users Can't Get Enough Of The Turkey Test Riders Canva Stock Images Social media users couldn't help themselves but join in on the fun, as Theme Ridez Media Group commented, "They look a little stuffed!" Another X user commented on the video, stating, "Look at those brave Pilgrim turkeys plunge through that station!" As one social media user stated, "[These] stuffed animals riding roller coaster video trend needs to continue going forward. These videos are hilarious. Orion did one with Bob Ross plushies, [and] now this! Love it!" "Nobody fell out... successful test!" one user pointed out. Turkeys Test Riding Good Gravy! Is A Hit Canva Stock Images Youtuber Coaster Conquest, who re-shared the clip, stated, "Wow! Thats what I call Good Gravy!" Theme park reporter Ashley Carter also reposted the clip to her page and added, "Why is this my new favorite thing?" We are overwhelmed by the positive feedback we received this year for Good Gravy! Leah Koch-Blumhardt, Holiday World owner, stated according to Blooloop. It was an instant hit with our guests, who have been looking for a great ride the whole family can enjoy. According to 18 WJTS, Good Gravy! will be North America's first Vekoma Family Boomerang roller coaster and will open in May of the 2024 season. "With a total journey of more than 1,500 feet and a 38-inch height requirement, Good Gravy! will offer a family-friendly experience, allowing children as young as 3 years old to join in on the fun," the radio station added. Ice Spice is following her fellow ice rappers, Ice Cube and Ice-T, in exploring her thespian side, as the Bronx rhymer has booked a role in Spike Lees next film, starring leading man Denzel Washington. According to Variety, the Munch rapper will appear in Lees upcoming English-language reinterpretation of the Akira Kurosawa crime thriller, High and Low, which was based on Evan Hunters (Ed McBain) 1959 novel, Kings Ransom. Ice Spice, born Isis Gaston, has reportedly already begun filming scenes for the upcoming flick. The news comes one month after Oscar nominee Jeffrey Wright was confirmed to have also joined the cast. Kurosawas High and Low follows an executive whose son is mistakenly kidnapped, leading to an extortion plot. It is currently unclear if Lee plans to stick to the source material, or give the story a bit of a twist. HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA JUNE 06: Spike Lee (L) and Denzel Washington attend the 47th AFI Life Achievement Award honoring Denzel Washington at Dolby Theatre on June 06, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Erik Voake/Getty Images for WarnerMedia) 610530 The film will make for Lee and Washingtons fifth collaboration, following Mo Better Blues (1990), Malcolm X (1992), He Got Game (1998) and Inside Man (2006). High And Low is being developed and produced by A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures, and was written by Lee and Alan Fox. The flick is set to hit movie theaters before finding a home on Apple TV. A release date has yet to be revealed. Washington will have a busy 2024, as the actor is also set to return to Broadway in a new production of Shakespeare classic, Othello, co-starring Jake Gyllenhaal. The last Broadway production of Othello took place in 1982 starring James Earl Jones and the late Christopher Plummer, The New York Times reports. More from VIBE.com Jennifer Pan's plot to murder her parents is the subject of a 2024 Netflix documentary Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. Jennifer Pan was at the center of a murder plot and of a tangled web of lies after she hired hitmen to kill her parents in 2010. Pan is now the subject of the Netflix documentary What Jennifer Did which includes footage from the night of the attack and her lengthy interrogation sessions. A daughter of refugees who moved from Vietnam to Canada in hopes of a better life, Jennifer's father, Huei Hann Pan, and mother, Bich Ha Pan, pressured her from a young age to excel academically, as well as in music and figure skating, according to Toronto Life. When she was in high school, Jennifer earned average grades instead of the straight As her parents expected of her, so she grew adept at keeping secrets. Barred from dating until after high school, she not only hid her grades from her parents, but she also kept her romance with on-again-off-again boyfriend Daniel Wong hidden from her family. Related: The Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Now Jennifer's deceit ran deep: She went from altering her report cards to even fabricating enrollment at a prestigious Toronto university, all in an effort to keep her romance with Wong a secret from her overbearing parents. After Jennifer's secrets unraveled, so did her relationships with Hann and Bich, as well as Wong, whom her parents prohibited her from seeing. In 2010, Jennifer hired three hitmen to kill her parents Bich died in the attack but Hann survived his injuries. The resulting interrogations led investigators to realize Jennifer's plot. What Jennifer Did examines the lies Jennifer told her family to be able to pursue her relationship with Wong, as well as the extreme and horrific actions she took to escape from the tight grip they held on her young adult life. Here is everything to know about what crimes Jennifer Pan committed and where she is now. Who is Jennifer Pan? Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. At the time of her crimes, Jennifer was a young woman living in the Greater Toronto Area struggling under what she later described as intensely oppressive parenting. Hann and Bich were strict and monitored not just Jennifer's academic performance, but also her extracurricular activities and social life. Hann allegedly prohibited Jennifer from dating until after she graduated and forbade her from going to parties or school dances. Jennifer met Wong in high school and they began dating in 2003. Because of her upbringing, which a friend of Jennifer's described to Toronto Life as "absolutely controlling," the pair had to keep their on-again-off-again relationship a secret from her family especially because Wong was reportedly a known marijuana dealer in her area. According to Jennifer, Hann and Bich put a tremendous amount of pressure on her to excel academically, and she feared disappointing them. Though she got mostly Bs in high school, Jennifer doctored her report cards to show that she was a straight-A student and that was just the beginning of her deceit. Eventually, she falsified her own high school diploma when she failed calculus and couldn't graduate. Jennifer also doctored an acceptance letter from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). The teenager committed to the ruse, using second-hand textbooks and filling notebooks with details that made it appear she'd been in classes. In actuality, she worked as a server in a restaurant and taught piano lessons her parents only knew about the latter job. After two years of feigning studies at Ryerson, she told her parents she'd been accepted into the University of Toronto's pharmacology program and convinced them to let her live with one of her female friends for three nights a week to cut down on her commuting time. However, she was actually staying at Wong's house with his family. Courtesy of Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. Her lies began to unravel when she told her parents she was volunteering at a hospital blood testing lab. Hann grew suspicious when he noticed Jennifer didn't have a badge or uniform and allegedly had Bich follow her to the hospital one morning. Jennifer claimed that after her parents found out about this lie they called the friend that she said she'd been staying with, who told them Jennifer hadn't been staying there. She then confessed that she had never enrolled at the University of Toronto, had not volunteered at the hospital and that she was staying with Wong. According to Toronto Life, Hann first wanted to kick Jennifer out, but Bich convinced him to let her stay. While she was under their roof, Jennifer, then 22, wrote on Facebook that it was like living "under house arrest." Hann and Bich allegedly made her quit all of her jobs besides teaching piano and monitored the odometer on her car. Jennifer said they confiscated her phone and laptop for two weeks, and when they returned her devices, monitored her messages and emails, and prohibited her from seeing Wong. Jennifer's parents eventually granted her enough freedom to take a calculus course, but she'd often sneak out to see Wong, per Jennifer's statements to the police. When they caught her sneaking out one night, Jennifer said they once again demanded she cut off contact with Wong entirely. What did Jennifer Pan do? Netflix 'What Jennifer Did'. In the spring of 2010, Jennifer met with a school friend, Andrew Montemayor, who then introduced her to Ricardo Duncan. Per the Toronto Star, Jennifer said she paid Duncan $1,500 to murder her father at his workplace. Duncan denied the allegations and said that although Jennifer asked, he never agreed to kill Hann. After Duncan's refusal, Jennifer and Wong allegedly plotted to kill both of her parents for her $500,000 share of their estate. Wong gave Jennifer a burner phone and connected her with Lenford Crawford, who agreed to kill her parents for $10,000 half what he said was the usual rate for a contract killing because she was Wong's friend. Crawford reportedly visited the Pans' neighborhood on Halloween night, and text messages between Crawford, Jennifer and Wong showed them scheduling the hit for Nov. 8, 2010. That night, Crawford's friend David Mylvaganam called Jennifer at 9:35 p.m. allegedly prompting Jennifer to go downstairs and unlock the front door (which Jennifer later admitted to and then denied doing). At 10:05 p.m., Mylvaganam and two other men, all armed with guns, entered the property through the front door. One of the men pointed a gun at Bich, who was in the living room, while another went upstairs into the master bedroom, put a gun to Hann's head and forced him downstairs into the living room. At the time of the attack, Jennifer's brother, Felix, was studying at McMaster University and wasn't home. The intruders demanded money from Hann, who said he only had $60 in his wallet. Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. The men took Jennifer's parents to the basement, covered their heads with blankets and shot Hann in the shoulder and face and Bich in the head three times, killing her instantly. According to the Toronto Star, the intruders left with Eric Carty driving them away. It's unknown who out of the three intruders actually fired the gunshots that killed Bich and injured Hann. The trio left with around $2,000 in cash from the house. Wong and Crawford were not present at the crime, CBC reported from the resulting trial. Despite later saying she had her hands tied behind her back, Jennifer dialed 911 and was speaking to a dispatcher when Hann emerged from the basement screaming. He went outside, where a neighbor spotted him and also called 911. Did Jennifer Pan's father survive? Jennifer's dad, Hann, survived the shooting but sustained severe injuries. Toronto Life reported that he had a shattered neck bone and that one of the bullets grazed his carotid artery. Doctors were reportedly unable to remove some of the bullet fragments from his face, and a bone near his eye was also broken. How did Jennifer Pan get caught? Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. After interviewing Jennifer twice, police noticed several parts of Jennifer's story didn't add up. She told investigators that she'd been tied up with her hands behind her back, leading them to question how she was able to both access and use her phone, which she said was in the waistband of her pants. Authorities also questioned why, if the motive of the intruders was a robbery, they didn't take one of the Pans' luxury cars, as the keys to one of the vehicles were readily accessible. Investigators got their biggest break in the case when Hann woke up from a medically-induced coma on Nov. 12, 2010. He told police that he witnessed the intruders speaking in a friendly manner with Jennifer and that she was not bound in any way at the time of the robbery. Ten days after Hann woke up, investigators interviewed Jennifer for a third time, telling her they knew she was involved in the robbery and shootings. The Markham Economist & Sun reported that Jennifer told Det. William Goetz that the robbery and murder were a suicide attempt gone wrong and that she'd paid the intruders $2,000 to kill her, but that they'd killed her mother and shot her father instead. The investigators arrested Jennifer after the Nov. 22, 2010 interrogation, and by the spring of 2011, the rest of the suspects involved in the robbery and shootings Wong, Crawford, Mylvaganam and Carty were also arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. During the trial, prosecutors used text messages, including more than 100 sent in the hours just before the murder, to show how Jennifer and the group orchestrated the killing, The Toronto Star reported. One text from just before the intruders entered read, "game time." Hann testified against his daughter along with more than 50 other witnesses on both sides. Jennifer, Wong, Crawford, Mylvaganam and Carty were found guilty on all counts on Dec. 13, 2014. What was Jennifer Pan's sentence? Netflix Jennifer Pan in 'What Jennifer Did'. In 2015, Jennifer was sentenced to two terms of life in prison with no parole for 25 years one for her mother's murder and one for the attempted murder of her father, the Toronto Star reported. Hann and Jennifer's brother, Felix, also obtained restraining orders against Jennifer prohibiting her from contacting them ever again. Crawford, Mylvaganam and Wong all received the same sentence as Jennifer. Carty's attorney in the original trial fell ill, and his case was declared a mistrial, The Markham Economist & Sun reported. He later pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He died in his cell in April 2018. Jennifer and her three surviving co-conspirators were granted an appeal for their first-degree murder charges in May 2023. The CBC reported that the Court of Appeal for Ontario found that the original trial judge made an error in not giving the jury verdict options for second-degree murder and manslaughter in the case. The court upheld all of the group's other convictions. When will Jennifer Pan be released? Depending on whether her appeal impacts her sentence, Jennifer will be eligible for parole around 2040. Where is Jennifer Pan now? Jennifer is currently serving her sentence at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario. Her co-conspirators also remain incarcerated. Fourteen years after the deadly attack, the Pan murder case, including footage of Jennifer's interrogations and interviews with the investigators who got her to confess, was featured in Netflix's April 2024 documentary What Jennifer Did. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Jimmy Kimmel spotted a bizarre moment from Donald Trump as the former president made an appearance at a Georgia Chick-fil-A on Wednesday. The late-night host rolled footage of Trump meeting with Black supporters in the restaurant, hugging one, then announcing that he took care of the Black colleges, universities while President Joe Biden did nothing. I did everything, I did everything, Trump declared. Just a former president muttering I did everything, I did everything to himself at a fast-food chicken restaurant, Kimmel said. Nothing unusual there. Kimmel also noted that contrary to Trumps claim, the Biden administration provided $7 billion in funding to historically Black colleges and universities. Then, he played an even wilder clip from the same Chick-fil-A appearance in which Trump announced that hes done more for Black Americans than any other president since Abraham Lincoln and maybe including Abraham Lincoln, quite frankly. Kimmel couldnt help but laugh at the claim. Who is this person? The fact that hes able to say the words Ive done more for the Black community than maybe Abraham Lincoln and then not start laughing hysterically, its incredible, he said. He might as well be saying, I am a Black person. It would be equally preposterous. See more in his Wednesday night monologue: Related... Harry Potter author JK Rowlings long-running campaign against trans rights took an unexpected turn on Wednesday, as the billionaire blasted Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for their support of trans people. Rowling accused them of being part of a movement that is eroding womens hard-won rights, said they cheered on gender treatment for minors (which she opposes), and said they can save their apologies, should they attempt to make any. Its a complicated situation but briefly, what set this in motion was the publication of a study in the United Kingdom this week, known as the Cass Review, which examined how gender-related medicine is applied to children. The study claims that the science behind gender medicine as it applies to younger people is on shaky foundations. The study doesnt recommend against treating children with gender dysmorphia on principle, it has not argued there is a lack of good data backing up current protocols. Filling this knowledge gap would be of great help to the young people wanting to make informed choices about their treatment, it says in part. Ultimately the study says there is insufficient and/or inconsistent evidence about the risks and benefits of hormone interventions in this population, and urges more studies be conducted. It does not question treatment of trans adults; despite this, in response to the study the NHS says it will now review all transgender treatment. Anti-trans activists in the United Kingdom celebrated the study as a considerable victory. So it is that Wednesday morning on the social media site formerly known as Twitter, Rowling threaded a lengthy commentary on the report, in which she celebrated its conclusions while also overstating them, and complained about the criticism shes received for her views on trans people. Essentially she treated the report as vindication for her views on the subject. One person replied to Rowlings thread, saying, Just waiting for Dan and Emma to give you a very public apology safe in the knowledge that you will forgive them. Not safe, Im afraid. Celebs who cosied up to a movement intent on eroding womens hard-won rights and who used their platforms to cheer on the transitioning of minors can save their apologies for traumatised detransitioners and vulnerable women reliant on single sex spaces, Rowling replied. Radcliffe and Watson have avoided publicly fighting with Rowling over the issue, but in 2019 and 2020, when Rowling became particularly outspoken, they both spoke out in strong support of trans rights and trans people. In 2019, Watson expressed support for Trans rights in a Vogue interview but did not mention Rowling. Radcliffe wrote an essay in support of transgender people in which he insisted he wasnt trying to fight with Rowling and didnt want to make it about that. He expressed full support for trans rights, condemned bigotry against them, and to trans Harry Potter fans who might be dismayed by Rowlings views, he said I really hope that you dont entirely lose what was valuable in these stories to you. The post JK Rowlings Anti-Trans Campaign Extends to Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe: They Can Save Their Apologies appeared first on TheWrap. RIGA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina temporarily took over the role of foreign minister from Thursday, after the Baltic country's top diplomat Krisjanis Karins stood down on Wednesday. Karins tendered resignation at the end of March after several months of public criticism over private flights he and his team used for working trips when he was serving as prime minister. Latvia's ruling New Unity party, which is expected to nominate the next foreign minister, still has not named the candidate. Silina told reporters on Monday that the discussion on potential ministerial candidates is still ongoing within the party. John Barth in the 1960s: his birthday was marked by an outpouring of letters from his fan club, The Society for the Celebration of Barthomania - Robert R. McElroy John Barth, who has died aged 93, was the American author whose books Giles Goat-Boy, for example, or The Sot-Weed Factor earned him a particular place in the world of offbeat writing; he gained enormous critical and popular attention with nearly two dozen novels and collections of essays and short stories. Curiously, he seemed to be read as much by those who failed to grasp what he was on about as by admirers who really believed they had a handle on what he was saying. Reviewers likened him to Swift, Rabelais, Nabokov or Joyce, but some simply labelled him incomprehensible. Of the 700-page Giles Goat-Boy, Jane Shilling, writing in The Daily Telegraph in 1991, remarked: There were many uses for this tome doorstop, table mat, offensive weapon but I do not recall ever seeing anyone actually read it, or ever meeting anyone who could give a coherent account of what it was about. Yet from the outset Barths work attracted the kind of acclaim that leads to literary prizes. He became a cult in the US where his birthday was marked by an outpouring of letters from his fan club, The Society for the Celebration of Barthomania. Barth liked to quote Horace in Ars Poetica, enjoining a young writer to use stories familiar to his audience. Thus they would not be distracted by having to follow strange plots and would have time to appreciate the spinning afresh of a thundering good yarn. Following this principle, he dug into the classics of the Middle Ages and antiquity, tearing legends and fables apart, reusing them in different settings with his own casts of insane characters. Giles Goat-Boy In the Johns Hopkins University library in Baltimore Barth experienced the excitement of discovering The Arabian Nights and The Decameron. He pored through The Panchatantra and his eye was caught by Gesta Romanorum, medieval tales of chivalry, and the lives of the saints. The Old Testament he found to be a bottomless well of themes, while a favourite character was Scheherazade, perhaps because she, like him, was a storyteller. He was endlessly diverted by the stories of Ali Baba, Sinbad the Sailor and the rest, with which Scheherazade entertained her murderous husband for 1,001 nights. While turning the classics to his use, Barth employed a wild writing style all his own, full of epigrams, word plays and tortuous plot diversions. Barth once said he found it difficult to write realistic dialogue and therefore decided that it was a bad thing to attempt it. John Simmons Barth was born at Cambridge, Maryland, on May 27 1930. After high school he attended the Juilliard School of Music in New York but left to study journalism at Johns Hopkins; he took his BA in 1951 and an MA the following year. He had gone to the Juilliard intending to study orchestration, and later on he would refer to himself as an arranger, a reference to his method of using classical themes as the foundation for his stories. In The Friday Book: Essays and Other Non-Fiction (1984), he noted that his chief pleasure is to take a received melody an old narrative poem, a classical myth, a shopworn literary convention and, improvising like a jazzman within its conventions, reorchestrating it to its present purpose. Barth taught at Pennsylvania State University and at the State University of New York, returning to Johns Hopkins in 1973 as Alumni Centennial Professor of English and Creative Writing. His first novel, The Floating Opera, full of characteristic linguistic exhibitionism and games-playing, appeared in 1956. A lawyer, bored with it all, is on the verge of suicide until it strikes him that suicide would be about as pointless as everything else in his life. It was a runner-up for the National Book Award. The Sot-Weed Factor His next, the nihilistic The End of the Road (1958), was followed by the 800-page The Sot-Weed Factor, set in colonial Maryland and voted one of the 20 best post-war novels in a poll of authors and critics. A parody of 17th-century picaresque novels, it had a bawdy plot which some readers found reminiscent of Tom Jones. Giles Goat-Boy or The Revised New Syllabus of George Giles our Grand Tutor (1966) did indeed have passages about a boy brought up as a goat but who eventually discovers he is a boy, but the work was characterised by dozens of wild and often incomprehensible subplots. He once told an interviewer that he had set out to write a new, comic Old Testament. What emerged was certainly comic. Two campuses at a single college, representing East and West, are each under the control of computers. Giles is raised as a goat on the farm of the colleges agricultural department and finally discovers he was conceived by a virgin with the help of the Wests computer, reckoning he must be The Saviour or at least a Saviour. The book spent three months on the New York Times bestsellers list, though one critic said: There is something here to offend everyone. Among his other novels were Sabbatical: A Romance (1982); Tidewater Tales (1987); and Dont Count On It: A Note on the Number of the 1,001 Nights (1984). Lost in the Funhouse: Fiction for Print, Tape and Live Voice (1968), a collection of short pieces for various media, was nominated for a National Book Award. John Barth in 1980 - Bettmann The award finally went to Barth for Chimera (1972), three related novellas retelling myths in which he drew on the stories of Perseus, Scheherazade and Bellerophon. Letters (1979) was a huge, dense novel of 800 pages, in which characters from his previous novels write to Barth. One reviewer admitted: I dont know what its about, while another called it brilliant and witty and damn near unreadable. In 1991 came The Last Voyage of Somebody the Sailor, in which a 20th-century navigator sails back and forth between present-day Maryland and the medieval time when Sinbad was spinning his fables. It is possible to dimly perceive the plot, concealed beneath thickly encrusted layers of Eastern-style verbiage, wrote Jane Shilling in the Telegraph. Three years later, Once Upon a Time: A Floating Opera, revisited his 1956 novel The Floating Opera: sailing in Chesapeake Bay, Barth encounters scenes and characters from his previous novels. He drew on the 1956 book again in Coming Soon!!! (2001). His final novel was Every Third Thought: A Novel in Five Seasons (2011), about a creative writing professor planning to visit Shakespeares birthplace. John Barth married, in 1950, Harriette Anne Strickland; they had two daughters and a son. The marriage was dissolved in 1969, and the following year he married Shelly Rosenberg; she survives him with his children. John Barth, born May 27 1930, died April 2 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. OKC's IndigiPopX to celebrate 'Reservation Dogs,' 'Star Wars,' cosplay and more: What to know As the name implies, most comic conventions focus on comic books, graphic novels, anime and related film and television projects. Also as the name implies, IndigiPopX is different. The three-day event, also known as the Indigenous Pop Expo, not only centers on Indigenous creatives, but also covers a wide range of popular culture. "We have really well-known writers right now: We have Shane Hawk from 'Never Whistle at Night.' We have the NDN Girls Book Club. ... We have plenty of comic-book artists as well: We have Roy Boney Jr., and he makes covers for Marvel," said IndigipopX Director Kristin Gentry. "We also have actors, singers, musicians, writers that do other kinds of writing, improv. ... You'll get to see every type of art, even fun pop culture beadwork. I've seen some beaded Furbies. We have robotics and people that make little Indigenous robots Danielle Boyer is one of those and we want to showcase anything you can think of that's pop culture, anything that people are interested in and what Native people are doing." IndigiPopX attendees participate in the cosplay contest at the 2023 event. IndigiPopX 2024 is set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. When and where is this year's IndigiPopX? IndigiPopX, which can be further abbreviated IPX, touts itself as "the planet's premier Indigenerd gathering," and for the second straight year, the event is gathering in Oklahoma City. This year's IndigiPopX is set for April 12-14 with most activities inside and on the grounds of the First Americans Museum. The mostly family-friendly event is open to Native and non-Native attendees, said Gentry, who is Choctaw. Oklahoma one-man band musician Mike Hosty shares the stage with a dragon at IndigiPopX 2023. Hosty will perform at IndigiPopX 2024, set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Billed as "the original Indigenous Comic Con," the event started in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2016. Gentry said the comic con also was organized in Denver and Australia before the OKC museum hosted last year the first in-person edition of IndigiPopX since the COVID-19 pandemic. "With our state-of-the-art facilities and versatile rental space, FAM showcases the interconnectedness of Indigenous pop culture. IPX and FAM both promote living and evolving cultures. This is the second year that IPX and First Americans Museum have collaborated and partnered together for this one-of-a-kind event," said Blake Wade, interim director of First Americans Museum. Kaniehtiio Horn, who guest-starred as the Deer Lady on "Reservation Dogs," appears at IndigiPopX 2023. She will appear at this year's IndigiPopX, set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Here's a look at some of the panels, workshops, celebrities and more to be featured at IndigiPopX: IndigiPopX to celebrate Oklahoma-made series 'Reservation Dogs' Although the trailblazing FX show ended in September with its Season 3 finale, the Oklahoma-made series "Reservation Dogs" continues to earn acclaim, including a "Reservation Dogs" Day celebration Saturday, April 13 at IndigiPopX. The centerpiece of the "Rez Dogs" celebration will be a panel at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by meet-and-greet opportunities with cast members. Actors from the show expected to make appearances Saturday include Lane Factor, Jon Proudstar, Kaniehtiio Horn, Nathalie Standingcloud, Sten Joddi, Mike Bone and Richard Ray Whitman. "Reservation Dogs" mastermind Sterlin Harjo was originally announced as a guest for the event, but Gentry said the Oklahoma filmmaker and showrunner now will miss this year's expo as he readies to start filming in Tulsa on his FX pilot The Sensitive Kind," starring Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Kyle MacLachlan and Tulsa natives Tim Blake Nelson, Jeanne Tripplehorn and Tracy Letts. "It's a good problem. It's good for them, and, of course, we want everybody to be successful in their careers, so that we can keep having this convention. It's just hard because their fans want to meet them. For Indigenous people to have Lily (Gladstone) and Cara (Jade Myers), to actually have us, on film, and Sterlin, specifically, creating those things ... it's amazing," Gentry said. "When Sterlin first started, usually only Native populations would watch (his movies) like 'Mekko' and 'Barking Water.' Everybody watched 'Rez Dogs.'" Indigenous cooking demonstrations are on the scheduled for IndigiPopX 2024, set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Event explores intersection of traditional Indigenous culture and pop culture One of the goals of IndigiPopX is to showcase Native American creatives and communities "in a way that dispels the mythologies that Natives are a people of the past." Many of the activities at the expo explore the intersection of traditional Indigenous culture and pop culture, including workshops on Indigenous cooking, storytelling, metalsmithing and even sessions like "Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse." IndigiPopX attendees check out the offerings at the 2023 event. IndigiPopX 2024 is set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Ahead of the con's official opening, a free glow stickball game for players 18 and older is planned for dusk Thursday, April 11 on the First Americans Museum grounds. Plus, a youth cosplay stickball game and the event's inaugural hand drum contest are scheduled for Friday, April 12. "We have very different tribes and Natives are always combating things like, for my tribe, we didn't have tipis. We're just showing that difference in people," Gentry said. "We have an Indigenous-owned company that's face-painting, and our food trucks are Indigenous. People can try traditional foods that way. There's (what they) call the Rez Dog, and it's a hot dog with fry bread." A memorial for Nex Benedict is pictured at Owasso High School in Owasso on Feb. 26. IndigiPopX Grand Celebration to honor the late Nex Benedict The event's Grand Celebration at 1 p.m. Saturday will feature the Cherokee Youth Choir, Miss Indian Oklahoma 2023-24 Faithlyn Seawright, IndigiPopX theme artist Tom Farris and more. The Grand Celebration also will honor the late Owasso teen Nex Benedict, a descendant of the Choctaw Nation with a gender expansive identity who used the pronouns he, him, they and them. The 16-year-old was pronounced dead Feb. 8, one day after being injured in an altercation inside an Owasso High School bathroom. The state medical examiner ruled the teen died by suicide. "It was really important to us, because that's our relative, and we have such a large Two Spirit population," said Gentry, who will be the emcee for the Grand Celebration. "Miwese Greenwood is going to come and sing an honor song for him, and we have ribbons for everybody for suicide awareness. ... We feel that Nex would have been here at the event with us, and we want to create that safe space for everybody." Peshawn Bread, a Comanche, Kiowa and Cherokee filmmaker who hails from Oklahoma City, poses for a photo during the closing-night festivities 2023 deadCenter Film Festival at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City on Sunday, June 11, 2023. OKC event includes after-hours LGBTQ+ event for attendees 21 and older On Friday night, the festivities will move to the Fordson Hotel (formerly 21c Museum Hotel) after hours for an adult mixer at 7 p.m. for IndigiPopX attendees 21 and older. The after-hours fun for ages 21 and up continues at 9 p.m. Friday at the hotel with "A Night With Mistress Red." The sold-out event will feature Peshawn Bread, a Comanche, Kiowa and Cherokee filmmaker who hails from Oklahoma City, whose short film "The Diary of Mistress Red," is about a Native dominatrix for hire finds cultural healing in whipping apologies out of her white supremacist clients. Along with the film, the ticketed Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ event will incorporate music, trans burlesque, specialtymocktails and more. Attendees are encouraged to "dress to impress." IndigiPopX attendees participate in the cosplay contest at the 2023 event. IndigiPopX 2024 is set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. IndigiPopX to incorporate cosplay, 'Star Wars,' 'Ghostbusters' and more IndigiPopX will celebrate some of the biggest names in wider popular culture, in some cases with a Native twist. OKC Ghostbusters will offer laser training all day Saturday and Sunday starting at 11 a.m., and an ongoing showing of the Navajo translation of "Star Wars: A New Hope" will start at 1 p.m. Friday. A Q&A about the Marvel Studios streaming series "Echo," which is set in Oklahoma and spotlights the Choctaw culture, is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday. Muriel Fahrion, the Tulsa-based creator of Strawberry Shortcake, the Care Bears and the Get Along Gang, will present a panel at noon Sunday, April 14. A "Star Wars" droid appears at IndigiPopX 2023. IndigiPopX 2024 is set for April 12-14 at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. Norman-based "Killers of the Flower Moon" actor Yancey Red Corn and Oklahoma artist Brent Greenwood will take part in a panel called "Big Uncle Energy," about Internet fandom in Indian Country, at 11 a.m. Sunday. Cosplay is an integral part of any comic con, and IndigiPopX will include workshops, panels, a contest and a parade. "Cosplay is actually really important to us. It gives us a chance to actually (wear a) costume, because people always think our traditional regalia is our costume. It's a great way for us to show us that cosplay is that costume play, and when we're in regalia, that is not a costume," Gentry said. "But you can use all those skills you have from sewing your regalia beadwork, all your weaponry and all that goes into cosplay and, to me, we outshine any comic con I have ever been to with cosplay, because everybody can already sew so well." INDIGIPOPX 2024 When : April 12-14. Where : First Americans Museum, OKC. Information and tickets: https://indigenouscomiccon.com/ticketing. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC's IndigiPopX to honor the late Nex Benedict: What you need to know Services to honor Cole Brings Plenty's life will take place this weekend and next week at Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School in Eagle Butte, S.D., and the Brings Plenty family cemetery in Red Scaffold, S.D. The 27-year-old actor and Haskell Indian University student was a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. He was a cast member in "1923," a spin-off of the hit television series "Yellowstone." Brings Plenty was found dead in the late morning hours of Friday, April 5 near an abandoned vehicle in a wooded area of Johnson Country, Kan. His discovery concluded a five-day-long effort to locate him after he was declared missing in Lawrence, Kan. on Monday, April 1. Nearly 100 volunteers and law enforcement officers were involved in the search, which utilized drones, kayaks, horses and vehicles. While his cause of death has not been released, an investigation found no evidence of foul play, according to a statement released yesterday by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Brings Plenty's death has rocked Indian Country, with outpourings of grief and support flooding social media. Indigenous-led advocacy group Rising Hearts initiated "Braids for Cole" on Monday, April 8th, prompting thousands to wear their hair in braids to honor Brings Plenty, who wore his hair long in Lakota tradition. As well, his death has brought renewed attention to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis. American Indian and Alaska Native peoples are at a disproportionate risk for violence, murder, and going missing. Jurisdictional gaps and systemic apathy leave many of these cases unsolved. Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart issued a statement addressing the lack of trust that characterizes the relationships many Native communities have with law enforcement. "Through meeting with Coles family members and members of our Native American community, I clearly see that we are not where we need to be in partnering with a community that is very important to Lawrences history and to its current culture. " Ahead of funeral services, Cole's father Joseph Brings Plenty has posted on social media encouraging those interested to make a video sharing their memories of Cole to be played at his funeral. Videos can be sent to tourtillottt@gmail.com A two-night wake service for Brings Plenty will take place on Sunday, April 14 and Monday, April 15 at Cheyenne Eagle Butte High School Gymnasium. A celebration of life and luncheon will take place on Tuesday, April 16, at the Brings Plenty family cemetery. Click here for more information. About the Author: "Elyse Wild is senior editor for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. " Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com Still in prison, Todd Chrisley ordered to pay $755,000 for defamation. When will he get out? Despite their hit reality show ending last year, the Chrisleys are still finding themselves in dramatic situations. "Chrisley Knows Best" star Todd Chrisley has been ordered to pay $755,000 to a former Georgia Department of Revenue investigator who sued him for defamation in 2021. A Georgia jury found Chrisley, who is currently serving time in a Pensacola federal prison for bank fraud and tax evasion, liable for defamatory statements against Amy Doherty-Heinze that he shared on his podcast and social media accounts, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY. What were the defamatory comments made by Todd Chrisley? According to the Los Angeles Times, Doherty-Heinze alleged Chrisley started accusing her of "a multitude of crimes and wrongdoing" in 2020. She also claimed he "repeated false accusations that, among other things, (Doherty-Heinze) engaged in various criminal misconduct in her post as an investigator for the Georgia Department of Revenue's Office of Special Investigations." How much was Doherty-Heinze awarded in the Chrisley defamation case? USA TODAY reported the jury awarded Doherty-Heinze $350,000 in compensatory damages $175,000 in damages for one count of defamation by libel and another $175,000 for one count of defamation by slander on Chrisley's podcast in 2020 $170,000 in punitive damages and $235,000 in legal expenses. It was noted the jury agreed that Chrisley made false and defamatory statements about Doherty-Heinze in a 2022 podcast episode but didn't believe he acted with "malice," so she was not awarded damages for this third count. What has Chrisley, his lawyers said about the lawsuit? In a statement to People Magazine, Chrisley's lawyers said that his team is "pleased the jury recognized that some of Mr. Chrisleys statements were not defamatory and awarded the plaintiff a fourth of the damages she requested." They also revealed they will be filing an appeal. What other lawsuits have the Chrisley's had? The former reality stars received a $1 million settlement from the state of Georgia back in January stemming from a 2019 lawsuit following an investigation by the state into the couple on tax evasion. USA TODAY reported that Todd and Julie Chrisley first sued Joshua Waites, the former director of the Georgia Department of Revenue's office of special investigations back in October 2019, accusing him of being "an out-of-control public servant" who abused "the power of his office" to pursue "bogus tax evasion claims" against them. The complaint also alleged Waites targeted Todd Chrisley's "estranged daughter, Lindsie Chrisley Campbell, in an effort to induce her to reveal compromising information about her family." According to court documents obtained by USA TODAY, the Chrisleys and Waites agreed to the dismissal of the lawsuit with prejudice on Jan. 4. On Sept. 13, 2023, the Chrisleys notified the court that they'd settled. Are Todd and Julie Chrisley still in prison? Why are they in prison? Faye Chrisley (front left) Chloe Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Julie Chrisley, Chase Chrisley and Grayson Chrisley (back left), Todd Chrisley and Nic Kerdiles pose at Belk at Cool Springs Galleria Mall on Nov. 5, 2019, in Franklin, Tennessee. The disgraced reality TV stars are still serving their prison sentences. Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of committing tax evasion and defrauding community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans in June 2022. Julie Chrisley was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud. The couple was respectively first sentenced to 12 and seven years in prison in November of 2022. In addition to their prison sentences, they each received an order of 16 months probation from U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross in Atlanta, news outlets reported. Where are Todd and Julie Chrisley serving their sentences? Pensacola Federal Prison Camp, where reality TV star Todd Chrisley began to serve his 12-year-prison sentence Jan. 17, 2023. Todd began his 12-year sentence at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola on Jan. 17, 2023. The Pensacola prison is described as a "minimum security federal prison camp," according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In 2009, Forbes listed FPC Pensacola as the second cushiest prison in America. According to Forbes, FPC Pensacolas proximity to NAS Pensacola is a rare and desirable feature for inmates due to having access to better jobs and recreational activities. The Tallahassee Democrat reported last year that it had 350 male prisoners. As for Julie, she was originally slated to serve her time at the Federal Correctional Institute Marianna SCP in Jackson County, which is two hours away from FPC Pensacola. However, the matriarch was moved to the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. It is not clear why she was instead rerouted to the Kentucky facility, with officials telling news outlet Insider that they could not share any information behind the switch-up. Are the Chrisleys getting out of prison early? Reality TV stars Todd Chrisley and his wife, Julie, pose for a photo at their Belle Meade home June 12, 2018. On Sept. 8, 2023, it was confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Prisons that the prison sentences of the Chrisleys were reduced. Todd will be released on Nov. 23, 2032, two years sooner than his original sentence. Julie's sentence was reduced by 14 months and will now be released on Aug. 20, 2028. However, they might be getting out even earlier. An Atlanta federal appeals court will hear oral arguments in the Chrisleys' cases next week. Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, claimed this update could bring the family "one step closer to getting mom and dad home." Contributing reporting: KiMi Robinson, USA Today This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Todd Chrisley ordered to pay $755K in defamation case. What he said HENDERSONVILLE - "Summer Camp," a movie people in Western North Carolina have been anxiously waiting to see on the big screen since it was filmed in locations across Henderson County, and because many in the area were extras, now has a release date and it's just in time for summer. From left to right are Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard during filming of a scene in "Summer Camp" at Camp Pinnacle in April 2023 in Hendersonville. According to a news release, Roadside Attractions has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the movie, which was written and directed by Castille Landon, and has set the release date as May 31. The film stars Oscar-winning actresses Diane Keaton and Kathy Bates and also Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Alfre Woodard "12 Years a Slave," "The Book of Clarence." Keaton won Oscars for her roles in "First Wives Club" and "Annie Hall," and Bates won her Oscars for three films: "Misery," "Titanic" and "Richard Jewell." Other big-name stars are Eugene Levy, who starred in the sitcom "Schitts Creek" and also the "American Pie" films. Beverly D'Angelo, known for her role in "National Lampoons Vacation," Dennis Haysbert, who has starred in "Far from Heaven" and "24," Nicole Richie, who was in "Bless This Mess" and Josh Peck of "Oppenheimer." The entrance to Camp Pinnacle, where the film "Summer Camp," starring Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Eugene Levy and Beverly D'Angelo was filmed in 2023. We had a blast making 'Summer Camp,' bringing a cast of legends to an actual summer camp just outside Asheville, N.C., and the bonds they forged really show on screen, Landon said in the release. The film is a fun and heartfelt ode to friendship, with amazing performances all around, and the chemistry between Diane Keaton and Eugene Levy is rom-com gold. I hope audiences enjoy the opportunity to see the film on the big screen, and that they leave the theatre inspired to reconnect with their childhood friends." Rath said when scouting locations for the movie, the crew members fell in love with the mountains of Western North Carolina. A lot of the movie was filmed at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, and there were also scenes filmed at Blue Ridge Community College and UNC Health Pardee, Rath said. "We had over 1,000 extras from the local area," the film's producer, Dori Rath, told the Times-News on April 9. "The area is chock full of summer camps, and each camp has more than 4,000 families that attend." More: Film producer: Crew, stars Keaton, Bates, Woodard loving time in Asheville, Hendersonville According to the news release, the move tells the story of Nora (Keaton), Ginny (Bates) and Mary (Woodard), who have been best friends since being inseparable at summer camp in their younger years. As the years have passed, theyve seen each other less and less, so when the chance to reunite for a summer camp reunion arises, they all take it. Each of their lives might not be where they imagined, but one thing is for sure Nora, Ginny, and Mary need each other, and summer camp reminds them why, the release said. Audiences will be overjoyed to share laughs around the campfire this spring with Diane, Kathy and Alfre in Castille Landons hilarious reunion pic, said Howard Cohen and Eric dArbeloff, co-presidents of Roadside Attractions, in the release. Its clear this amazing group of women adored making this film, and their joy will spread to audiences when they see it. More: Celebrity sightings in Asheville, Hendersonville: Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates filming movie "Summer Camp" is a Saks Picture Company production, in association with and financed by Grant S. Johnsons Project Infinity. Producers include Alex Saks, Rath, Keaton, Stephanie Heaton-Harris and Tyler W. Konney. Johnson is the executive producer, with Mariela Villa and Elayne Schmidt serving as co-producers. According to the release, since its founding in 2003, Roadside Attractions has had films that have grossed over $500 million and have garnered 23 Academy Award nominations. 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: Release date set for 'Summer Camp,' filmed in Hendersonville "In a world where love between Black queer men isn't always acknowledged or celebrated, we stand proudly together on this beautiful road together," the pair tell PEOPLE Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero Preston Mitchum and Donald Cooley Bravo to Preston Mitchum! The Summer House: Martha's Vineyard star is engaged, after he popped the question to now-fiance Donald Cooley during a European getaway on Tuesday, April 9. PEOPLE can report the happy news exclusively, along with photos of the pair, snapped moments after Cooley said "Yes." "We, Preston and Donald, joyfully announce our recent engagement while traveling in Madrid, Spain," the couple, who dated for three years before their engagement, tell PEOPLE in a statement. "In a world where love between Black queer men isn't always acknowledged or celebrated, we stand proudly together on this beautiful road together," they continue. "Our journey is a testament to the beauty and strength of love in all its forms and a commitment to always love and learn from each other. With hearts full of gratitude, we look forward to writing the next chapter of our lives together." Here everything to know about their happy moment: "Will You Marry Me?" Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero Mitchum, 38, asked Cooley, 33, to marry him during the dessert portion of the 10-course meal at Ramon Freixa Madrid. The reality star smartly hired two photographers to pose as diners at the restaurant, so they could capture the happy moment. "He was so genuinely shocked it happened thought he suspected something!" Mitchum says. "So that made it even better." 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. Sealed with a Kiss Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero The two meet in late 2019 on Jack'd, a gay dating app. "Dont believe what people say about particular apps," explains Mitchum. "He stumbled on my page and sent me a message. I loved what I saw. His page was very chill and fun at the same time, and it piqued my interest." Related: Summer House: Martha's Vineyard Star Jasmine Ellis Cooper Welcomes First Baby with Husband Silas Smiling Ear to Ear Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero After the proposal, Mitchum and Cooley posed for a series of pictures together outside the restaurant. Madrid was the second stop they made on their romantic getaway, that began in Paris and has now extended to Barcelona. "We usually take two big international trips a year and this one just felt right to pop the question," says Mitchum. "In our conversation about engagements and marriage, we already knew we didnt want those dates to be stereotypical or around dates that were already of distance to us (birthdays, holidays, etc.). So this made sense to me, since we were already on our usual romantic/lit excursion." Diamonds Are a Guy's Best Friend, Too! Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero The ring Mitchum picked is a Streamline Three Row Band Ring from luxury jewelry brand David Yurman. Featuring strips of pave-set black diamonds 1.95 total carat weight, surrounded by a sterling silver band the piece proved to be the perfect pic for Mitchum. Related: The Most Jaw-Dropping Celebrity Engagement Rings "Forever" Has a Nice Ring to It Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero "I loved the cut and color of the ring," Mitchum says. "Black is classic and black diamonds made it even better. And Black men deserve that too!" He didn't get himself one, though something same-sex couples often do when proposing. "But I did send his friends some of my favorite choices..." he laughs. A D.C. Duo Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero Mitchum and Cooley went on their first date in January 2020 at Denson Liquor Bar, a speakeasy in Washington, D.C.. From the start, the two who live together now in the District of Columbia had a lot in common. Both are lawyers, with Cooley working in corporate finance and Mitchum running his own consulting firm, PDM Consulting LLC. Related: Bravo's Winter House Is 'on Pause' After 3 Seasons (Exclusive) Free to Be in Love Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero Asked what he loves about their relationship, Mitchum got candid. "I dont pretend relationships are easy, they arent. But they just shouldnt feel laborious. They shouldnt feel suffocating. They should feel free," he says. "Free to be yourself. Free to want to communicate. Free to want to be silent in moments. Free to be honest about what is going well. Free to discuss what may require a bit more effort. Free to define your terms even when it wouldnt make sense to others. Free." "Donald and I are all of these things and more," Mitchum adds, noting, "Sometimes, the most gentle moments are sitting together scrolling through social media and sharing tweets we find funny. Other times its partying at the club until 3am until one of you taps the other on the shoulder to say, 'Im ready to go to sleep.' " Will This Milestone Moment Be a Bravo First? Karen Vallejo and Diego Madronero Bravo viewers have heard Mitchum gush about Cooley before, though he hasn't been a regular on Summer House: Martha's Vineyard the Summer House spinoff that premiered in May 2023 and is now in airing its second season. But Mitchum teases that Cooley might make an appearance this season. As for their wedding, Mitchum's "certainly open" to saying his "I dos" in front of the Bravo cameras. "It's something we've never seen before," he says of the historic possibility of airing a Black gay wedding but notes, "our guest list will be THICK." Summer House: Martha's Vineyard airs Sundays (9 p.m. ET) on Bravo. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." A Vietnam War spy grapples with his new life as a refugee and the lingering perils of his profession in the upcoming espionage series The Sympathizer. The show follows the titular mole, a half-Vietnamese and half-French man known simply as the Captain, who works as a North Vietnamese spy with relationships on both sides during the war. When its conclusion forces him to relocate to the United States, the Captain must continue to maintain a dual life. Based on Viet Thanh Nguyens Pulitzer Prize-winning 2015 novel of the same name, the seven-episode limited series began April 14 on HBO and its streaming service, Max. It stars Hoa Xuande as the Captain alongside Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. and Emmy nominee Sandra Oh in supporting roles. Although the Captains story in The Sympathizer series and Nguyens book is entirely fictional, it isnt unlike that of real-life spies who had significant roles in the conflict. Nguyen was partially inspired by North Vietnamese spy Pham Xuan An In 2016, Nguyen discussed his inspiration for The Sympathizer with NPR, saying he made a spy novel because he liked the genre and thought it would make the storys political themes more entertaining for readers. He also cited the story of Pham Xuan An, a staff writer for Time magazine during the Vietnam War who was also an intelligence officer for North Vietnam. An was born in 1927, and according to the Los Angeles Times, he began serving as a platoon commander for the Viet Minh, a precursor to the Viet Cong forces, at age 17 amid the First Indochina War. Over the next few years, he also worked as a bookkeeper and an advisor to the American military mission to Vietnam. Although officially a member of the Communist Party, An never fully aligned with its ideologies, and his primary objective was achieving Vietnamese independence. At the partys request, he traveled to the United States to familiarize himself with American customs and attended undergraduate classes at Orange Coast College in California in the late 1950s. An grew to appreciate America and its free press and even showed promise as a journalist. Now fluent in English, An returned to Vietnam in 1959 and reported on South Vietnamese politics before Time hired him as a war correspondent in 1965. Little did the publication and his colleagues know the information he shared was simultaneously going elsewhere. An learned about spying from a book Getty Images An developed much of his espionage tactics on his own. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he gained a lot of his knowledge simply by reading a book an American classmate had given him called Anatomy of Spying. An developed close relationships with many Western journalists on the front, knowing he could gain access to valuable information from press briefings. He wrote his reports to the Viet Cong in invisible ink and hid them in tins of biscuits or cigarette packs, which he passed off to his contact at the central market in Saigon, then the southern capital. While relaying potentially vital military information to Communist officials, An didnt seem to compromise his journalistic integrity. His biographers couldnt find evidence he lied in his reporting for Time. I dont think he ever purposely gave us misinformation. Thats how he survived. Hed have been killed if he did, said Roy Rowan, a former Time staff member. Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, fell in April 1975essentially ending the war. The Communist government promoted An to general and offered him a job in the censorship department, which he turned down. By the 1980s, Ans covert behavior became public and surprised his colleagues. Still, many of them didnt harbor malice toward him. He was an intellectual, dog-lover, bird-lover, chain-smoker, super smart guy, and we thought a great reporter, said Peter Ross Range, the former Saigon Bureau Chief for Time. Everything was upside-down. So the fact that this turned out to be upside-down seemed like another one of the strange anomalies of the time. An died of emphysema at age 79 on September 20, 2006. North Vietnam also had a female spy network While he might be the most notable, An was hardly the only figure aiding the Communist cause in secrecy during the Vietnam conflict. Following the countrys division in July 1954, Dinh Thi Van established an all-female espionage ring in South Vietnam. According to the University of Delaware, Van provided intelligence to the Viet Minh for years and even survived capture at the hands of the South Vietnamese government in 1959. She worked as an intelligence officer in the wars later stages and was named a Hero of the Peoples Army. She later worked in the Defense Ministry until her retirement. According to Girl Museum, women did more than just share secrets for the Vietnamese resistance. They also smuggled weapons, dug trenches, and supplied food, water, and medical equipment. The U.S. had its own spies throughout the war The United States tried to counter with its own espionage efforts during the conflict, but these largely failed. Author Sedgwick Tourison wrote in his 1995 book Secret Army, Secret War that the CIA began to parachute Vietnamese covert agents into North Vietnam in 1961. But within three years, officials believed those men had either been killed or captured or that the enemy had turned them and altered their alliances. In December 1963, following a two-day visit to Vietnam, Defense Secretary Robert S. McNamara sent a memo to President Lyndon B. Johnson outlining a plan for a wide variety of sabotage and psychological operations against North Vietnam. This led the president to approve Operation Plan 34A and institute it in February 1964, paving the way for more agents to infiltrate North Vietnam. As the conflict dragged on and escalated with the 1968 Tet Offensive, many American men chose to enlist as spies rather than await their fate in the draft. They became known as spooks, a reference to their hopefully invisible efforts to gather and share covert information. Ultimately, these efforts did little to help the United States and were often sabotaged. Pham Chuyen, a double agent initially recruited by the CIA in 1961, is believed to have aided in the capture or death of scores of U.S.-controlled spies, according to Newsweek. More than 58,000 American troops ultimately died in the conflict. An offered his own blunt assessment of the bloodshed in 2001. The big mistake the Americans made was not understanding the Vietnamese history, culture, mentality. They were so sure military strength would win the war, they never bothered to learn who they were fighting, he said. Watch The Sympathizer on HBO and Max To prepare for The Sympathizer and fully grasp the complexities of its storytelling, actor Ho Xuande read and analyzed Nguyens book after his audition and went through a two-week crash course in the Vietnamese language. I tried to get an overall perspective about everybody involved, especially the Vietnamese people, because their stories arent always told when it comes to the conflict, he told Vanity Fair. And I heard stories from my parents from when they were growing up, about things that they witnessed, encounteredand had to escape from as well. Watch Xuandes performance as the Captain in The Sympathizer. The seven-episode limited series, rated TV-MA, began April 14. New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET through May 26 on HBO and stream on Max. The series also stars Robert Downey Jr. in four roles, including the Captains CIA agent boss, and Sandra Oh as Sofia Mori. You Might Also Like Texas Ballet dancers, famed choral group will perform free in Fort Worth. How to see them Audiences this weekend have the chance to catch a free dance performance featuring dancers from Texas Ballet Theater and to hear a mix of classical and new music from one of the states oldest choral groups. On Saturday and Sunday dancers will fill the lobby of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth for the 30-minute Dance at the Modern: Ode. Choreographed by Alexandra Light, Ode is her fifth production at the museum and an extension of her 2022 Inside Voices. This weekends performance features eight dancers performing six movements on the human life cycle from birth to death and the complicated relationships to self and others in four stages of human psychology. On Sunday, the Fort Worth Chorale will present a concert of three songs, including a Texas premiere and an appearance by Voices of Fort Worth. The Chorales season typically features a mix of masterworks and new compositions selected by artistic director Karen Kenaston-French, who is a professor and director of choral activities at UT Arlington. The spring show leans more toward those older, well-known compositions. This is the first time weve done something off the wall and out of character, said Michelle Gibson, the executive director of the chorale. Shes referring to Sundays season finale The Inventors. Fans will know Vivaldis classic Gloria and Eric Whitacres Leonardo Dreams Of His Flying Machine, sung by Voices of Fort Worth. But they will be treated to the Texas premiere of Minnesota composer Jocelyn Hagens The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci. Immersive multimedia presentations are all the rage among large companies and commercial art circuits. But to have the chorale perform a multimedia piece is new for them and a company their size. Gibson and Light have the same goal this weekend: to bring in new audiences. Were trying to push forward from what weve been, Gibson said, referring to the company thats more than 60 years old. Neither artist is compromising taste. Ode is a deep dive into lifes cyclical nature. Much like the immersive concert Notebooks of Leonardo, the idea could be cliche and fodder for fans of the metaphysical, video games and psychedelics. But Light, known for an exquisite musicality with a great sense of drama, knows creating a modern work for the public is just as important as making the dancers better at their craft. If the audience needs a little convincing, the show free, 30 minutes and set to the modern synthetic pop music by Swedish artist Karin Dreijer. Costumes are by renowned costume designer Lauren Carmen, a former ballet dancer who has dressed performers across the world. The Dance at the Modern series, including Ode, is part of the ongoing series of short free concerts meant to welcome the community into the dance world. The community does not have as much access to dance as it should. So, we do these short, free shows to hopefully open up more audiences, Light said. Ode is a way to exercise parts of what is a manifesto addressing representation, labor and visibility. Like other female dancers, shes interested in moving from dancing to choreographing. But female choreographers are not represented, she said. The pipeline is harder to fly through if none exists. AvaRose Dillon, a trainee at Texas Ballet Theater, has been waiting to be part of one of Lights shows. Shes not performed in this type of intimate, site-specific show. To work with Light is thrilling. It will only help her career, she said, and prove she has the chops to further climb the ranks. Schedule Dance at the Modern: Ode, , 1:30-2p.m. Saturday-Sunday, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, 3200 Darnell St. The Inventors, 3:30 p.m. Sunday, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA Performing Arts Center, 1900 IM Terrell Way Fort Worth. China's Ministry of Finance said Wednesday that it is regrettable to see the decision by Fitch Ratings to downgrade the country's sovereign credit rating outlook. The ministry made the remarks in response to media queries after the agency decided to maintain China's sovereign credit rating, while on the same day revising its outlook on China's sovereign credit rating from stable to negative. Fitch's rating system has failed to effectively reflect the positive effects of China's fiscal policies on boosting economic growth and stabilizing the macro leverage ratio in a forward-looking manner, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the plan to keep China's deficit-to-GDP ratio at 3 percent in 2024 is generally "moderate and reasonable," which will help stabilize economic growth, control the government debt level, and reserve policy space for potential future risks and challenges. "In the long run, maintaining a moderate deficit and making good use of the valuable debt funds is conducive to expanding domestic demand, supporting economic growth, and ultimately helping maintain sound sovereign credit," it said. The long-term positive momentum of the Chinese economy has not changed, and the Chinese government's ability and determination to maintain sound sovereign credit also remained unchanged, the ministry noted. Regarding China's local government debt, the ministry said the risks have been mitigated as the country has taken active and prudent steps to resolve them. Payments of principal local government statutory debt and interest on this debt are guaranteed, while the size of hidden debt is gradually declining. "The work on resolving China's local government debt is progressing in an orderly fashion, and the risks are generally under control," it said. Chinese pianist Lang Lang attends his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on April 10, 2024. Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. (Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. Lang is the first Asian pianist who has received a star on the iconic sidewalk. "Internationally renowned pianist Lang Lang has sold millions of albums worldwide, topping classical charts and achieving simultaneous mainstream success," said Steve Nissen, President and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. "One of the most influential classical musicians in the entire world, Lang Lang has over 20 million social media followers," said Nissen, adding that everything the pianist does is underpinned by his belief that "music makes life better -- it heals, unites and inspires, and it makes us better people." "The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Lang Lang's outstanding contributions to the world of classical music and celebrate his extraordinary talent with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said in a statement. Lang recalled his upbringing and memories of Los Angeles, saying that music is the common ground for people from different cultural backgrounds. Music is an important part of the cultural exchanges between China and the United States, the pianist told Xinhua. He hopes that more musicians and artists from China can serve as cultural bridges in the future and bring the elegance of Chinese culture to Western audiences. "The world communicates through music," Lang said, adding that he hopes to inspire as many people as possible to learn a musical instrument. Chinese pianist Lang Lang performs at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on April 10, 2024. Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. (Xinhua) Chinese pianist Lang Lang (3rd, R) attends his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on April 10, 2024. Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. (Xinhua) Chinese pianist Lang Lang (C) attends his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on April 10, 2024. Chinese pianist Lang Lang was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles on Wednesday, in the category of live performance. (Xinhua) "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." O.J. Simpson passed away on April 10, 2024, at the age of 76, after a battle with cancer, his family announced. Twenty-eight years ago, on October 3, 1995, nearly 150 million people watched the live verdict as Simpson was found not guilty of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Lyle Goldman. The shocking verdict may have brought an end to the nearly-year-long trial, which was marked by incessant media coverage that gripped the nation, but the case still casts a long shadow. The trial made bona fide celebrities of some of the peripheral characters in Simpson's life, like Kris Jenner, and has been the subject of numerous documentaries and dramatizations, like The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story. In the nearly three decades since the trial, several members of the Dream Team have passed away, while other key lawyers have left the legal profession entirely. Some, like Alan Dershowitz, remain fixtures in the political scene. Simpson himself later did jail time for armed robbery. Here, take a look at the major players from "The Trial of the Century" and where they are now. Orenthal James Simpson Two years after Simpsons 1995 acquittal, a civil court jury found him liable for the deaths of his ex-wife and Goldman, and awarded $33.5 million to the families, which later doubled to $70 million due to interest, as Simpson has never fully paid the restitution. In 2007, he was arrested in Las Vegas and charged with armed robbery and kidnapping, of which he was later convicted and sentenced to 33 years in prison, with a minimum of nine years without parole. He served nine years at the Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada and was granted parole in July 2017. He was released on October 1, 2017, remained a free man since. He passed away in April 2024 at his home in Las Vegas; the cause was cancer, his family announced. "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer," his family wrote. "He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace." Getty Images Marcia Clark Marcia Clark, the trials lead prosecutor, resigned from the Los Angeles District Attorney's office after the case and left the practice of law. Her memoir of the trial, Without A Doubt, fetched a $4 million advance. Clark, now 70, has gone on to write a series of crime novels and has also appeared as a television commentator about high profile trials. Getty Images Johnnie Cochran As Simpson's lead attorney on "The Dream Team," Johnnie Cochran captured the spotlight with his charisma and catchphrasesIf it doesnt fit, you must acquit has certainly entered the national lexicon. After the trial, Cochran continued to practice law and appear as a TV commentator. He died of brain cancer in 2005 at age 68. Getty Images F. Lee Bailey Another member of "The Dream Team", the 87-year-old F. Lee Bailey (who also famously represented Patty Hearst) has fallen from grace since the trial: he was disbarred in both Florida and Massachusetts for his handling of stock owned by a drug-smuggler client. He also filed for bankruptcy in 2016. Even after passing the bar in Maine, he was denied a license to practice. (Read an interview with Bailey in T&C from 2017, here.) Bailey passed away at age 87 in June 2021; he was in hospice care in Atlanta. Getty Images Robert Kardashian Robert Kardashian was one of Simpson's oldest friendsthey met as students at USC, and Simpson served as best man at Kardashian's 1978 wedding to Kris Houghton (who, of course, later became Kris Jenner.) Kardashian was not a practicing lawyer when Simpson's trial began, but he reactivated his practice to join the defense team. He maintained serious doubts about Simpson's innocence, and the two stopped speaking after the trial. Kardashian died of esophageal cancer in 2003 at age 59. Since his death, Kardashians ex-wife and his children, Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, and Rob, have become mega-celebrities thanks to their reality shows Keeping Up With the Kardashians and The Kardashians. Getty Images Chris Darden Like his co-counsel Marcia Clark, Darden resigned from the DA's office in the wake of the trial. He went on to teach law at California State University and, similarly to Clark, published a memoir and co-authored several legal thrillers. In 1999, he started his own practice specializing in criminal defense. He is still practicing law, most notably representing Eric Holder, the man charged with killing hip-hop mogul Nipsey Hussle, but Darden withdrew from the case, saying his family had received death threats. Darden, now 68, is currently running for Judge of the Superior Court in Los Angeles County, and has appeared as a legal commentator on News Nation, CNBC, Court TV, NBC, and CNN. Getty Images Kris Jenner Kris Jennerthe former wife of Robert Kardashian, one of Simpson's lawyerswas good friends with Nicole Brown Simpson. The four were often photographed together at Los Angeles social events in the late 1980s. In 1991, she divorced Kardashian and married former US Olympian Caitlyn Jenner (born Bruce Jenner.) They divorced in 2015. After the trial, she shot to fame with her reality series with her family, Keeping Up With the Kardashians. The show has spawned numerous business ventures, and Jenner, now 68, remains one of the most visible public figures from the trial. Getty Images Alan Dershowitz Famous even before the Simpson trial for getting Claus von Bulow acquitted of murder, Dershowitz emerged as another celebrity super-lawyer. He taught at Harvard Law until 2013 and has advised a number of high-profile clients, including Jeffrey Epstein, Julian Assange, and Harvey Weinstein. Now 85, Dershowitz is still making headlines, including for advising President Trump throughout his impeachment trial. Getty Images Lance Ito Judge Lance Ito's decision to allow television coverage of the trial was controversial, and in many ways, changed the nature of criminal trials. It was also revealed that Ito's wife, Margaret York, had been detective Mark Fuhrman's superior officer in the past, but Ito did not recuse himself from the case. Ito remained a judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court until his retirement in 2015. Now 73, he has kept a low profile since the trial, and has never publicly discussed it or given interviews. Getty Images Gil Garcetti Gil Garcetti, now 82, was two years into his first term as the Los Angeles County District Attorney when the O.J. Simpson trial began. He won reelection to the DA's office in 1996, but lost in 2000. Since leaving public office, he served on a city ethics commission, as a fellow at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, as a consulting producer on the TNT series The Closer and the show Major Crimes. His son Eric Garcetti was the mayor of Los Angeles, and is now the Ambassador to India. Getty Images Robert Shapiro Robert Shapiro, one of Simpson's Dream Team lawyers, famously clashed with F. Lee Bailey in the courtroom, and the feuding didn't stop with the O.J. trialShapiro later testified as a government witness against Bailey when he was accused of trying to keep $20 million in stock that one of his clients should have forfeited to the government. Shapiro went on to represent Steve Wynn of Wynn Resorts, Eva Longoria, and even Rob Kardashian, his former colleague's son. After his own son Brent died from a drug overdose in 2005, he founded the Brent Shapiro Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to raise drug awareness and also a rehabilitation facility. He is now 81. Getty Images Barry Scheck During the trial, Scheck was the unknown lawyer who introduced the still-new science of DNA to jurors. He made headlines for dismantling the police handling of evidence, ultimately wounding the strength of the prosecutions forensic evidence. He and fellow Simpson lawyer Peter Neufeld co-founded The Innocence Project, which uses DNA evidence to exonerate wrongly convicted prisoners. The project has helped overturn over 300 convictions. Scheck, now 74, also teaches at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Getty Images Faye Resnick Resnick was one of Nicole Brown Simpson's closest friends, who gained notoriety for her cocaine addiction. She checked into a rehab facility three days before Nicole was murdered, and infamously published a salacious tell-all book with a National Enquirer columnist during the trial. Resnick, who is now 66, later wrote another book, and appeared in episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Getty Images Mark Fuhrman One of the most vilified figures in the trial was Detective Mark Fuhrman, who was one of the first members of the LAPD to arrive at the murder scene on the night of the crime. Simpson's defense team argued that Fuhrman had tampered with and planted evidenceand when tapes emerged of Fuhrman using racial slurs against African Americans, after testifying under oath that he did not use those words, his credibility became irrevocably damaged and he was widely condemned as a racist. Fuhrman retired from the LAPD that year and later pleaded no contest to perjury for his false testimony. Since then, like many participants in the trial, the 72-year-old Fuhrman has written true crime books. He also appears on television and talk radio. Getty Images Kato Kaelin One of the more unusual characters in the trial was Kato Kaelin, a struggling actor who lived in Simpson's guest house. He was home during the night of the murders and was a minor witness for the prosecution. He was often dubbed "the most famous house guest in America." He later appeared in sketch comedy, reality shows, and had small parts in television and film. He also won a landmark case in the field of libel law, after the National Enquirer ran a shirtless photo of him with the headline "Cops think Kato did it!" Kaelin, now 65, has appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and is on the Cameo platform. Getty Images You Might Also Like The Young and the Restless spoilers for Friday, April 12 kick off Victor and Nikks 40th anniversary (give or take a few divorcesand deaths) celebration with a huge party and a plan to trap Jordan once and for all. Yet again. Celebrate the Good Times Come On! Victor (Eric Braeden) doesnt care that he and Nikki (Melody Thomas Scott) havent actually been happily or legally wed for forty years. He insists he always loved her. Even when he was married to Ashley (Eileen Davidson). And Hope (Signey Coleman). Or when he was sleeping with Sharon (Sharon Case), the former daughter-in-law Nikki absolutely despises. (We did find it funny that Nikki didnt make any such claims about continuing to love Victor during all those periods when they were divorced. Or when they were married. But she was sleeping with Arturo [Jason Canela].) Victor wants a party, so Victor will throw a party. You got that? Ulterior Motives Of course, the party is only partly about love. And mostly about hate. Victors hate for that Jordan (Colleen Zenk, who recently teased Jordans new target) woman. Victor is convinced that Jordan wont be able to resist having all the Newmans in one room. Shell have to come after them again. And then Victors crack security team will grab her! Just because theyve never caught her before doesnt mean they are destined to fail again. Victor is a very encouraging and supportive boss. Theyll get it right eventually! Danger Man Sure, Jordan has already burned down Victorias (Amelia Heinle) house. And gotten Nikki hooked on booze. And stabbed Nick (Joshua Morrow). And escaped every other trap Victor has set for her. But, this time, with all of their family and friends under one roof, Victor cant imagine anything going wrong! Victor is a veryunimaginative fellow. The idea that anyone might get the best of him no matter how many times theyve already done so just never crosses his mind. Its crossed ours. And we cant wait to see what Jordan will be up to next! The best place for true soap fans to be is our Facebook groups. Have you joined? If you love soap spoilers, gossip, and fans as dedicated as yourself, check out Days of our Lives Fans, General Hospital Exclusive, The Young and the Restless Fans, and The Bold and the Beautiful Fans. The post Y&R Spoilers: Victor and Nikkis Anniversary is a Trap appeared first on Soap Hub Foreign visitors in traditional Japanese "kimono" stand along a shopping street at the Asakusa district, Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Tokyo. | Eugene Hoshiko Picking out places to visit for the upcoming summer may come with its challenges, especially for those on a budget. However, according to Post Office, a British-based mail and financial services company, there are opportunities to explore destinations around the globe without straining your finances. Countries such as Vietnam, South Africa and Japan present enticing options where in-country costs remain relatively low. 10 cheap places to travel on a budget Post Office released the Holiday Money Report for 2024. In its report, it shares cheap hotspots to visit on your next adventure. Post Office based its recommendations on costs of tourist essentials, like drinks and meals, instead of the price of traveling by plane or accommodations. Paphos, Cyprus Paphos offers a rich blend of modern amenities and ancient sites, catering to diverse traveler interests. For example, visit Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa, one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, according to Hotels.com. Per the U.S. Department of State, when you visit Cyprus, make sure to only enter and exit the Republic of Cyprus, not the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, for your safety. Paphos is in the Republic of Cyprus. Marmaris, Turkey Marmaris, situated at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas in Turkey, is celebrated for its nightlife, beaches and clear waters. During summer, it offers ferry services to Greece, including trips to Rhodes, per Mares Travel Agency. According to the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Turkey. There is a small possibility of terrorist attacks and wrongful detaining of U.S. citizens. Furthermore, do not visit the Sirnak province, Hakkari province or anywhere near the Syrian border. Kuta, Bali, Indonesia Kuta is known for its stunning coastline, a popular spot for surfing. There are also cultural spots such as Buddhist temples and theater or conservation centers, according to Hotels.com. Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise caution when visiting Indonesia. There is a risk of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and violent demonstrations. Also, stay away from the Central Papua and Highland Papua provinces. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria Sunny Beach, found on Bulgarias Black Sea coast, attracts individuals with its beaches and is great for watersports, nightlife and amusement parks, per Tripadvisor. According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Bulgaria. Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt Sharm el-Sheikh is a resort town in the Sinai Peninsula. Beyond resorts, there are also great luxury restaurants and nightclubs to visit. Also, due to its location on the coast, snorkeling around the coral reefs is popular, according to Britannica. Per the U.S. Department of State, The Department of State Travel Advisory warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Sinai Peninsula (with the exception of travel to Sharm El-Sheikh by air) and the Western Desert. Algarve, Portugal Algarve, located in southern Portugal, is known for cliff beaches and seafood. One of the popular places to visit this summer in Algarve is Lagos, per Lonely Planet. According to the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Portugal. Tokyo, Japan Tokyo is full of ancient culture while still showcasing modern attractions. For example, you could visit Asakusa, a Buddhist temple, or Tokyos Disneyland, according to Hotels.com. Per the U.S. Department of State, you can exercise normal precautions in Japan. Mombasa, Kenya Mombasa, located near the Indian Ocean, has a lot of beachfront hotels and is a great place for watersports! Some of the top places to visit include the Fort Jesus Museum or Haller Park, per Tripadvisor. According to the U.S. Department of State, parts of Kenya have a risk of terrorism, kidnapping, violent demonstrations or crime. Therefore, when visiting, one should exercise increased caution. Make sure to stay away from the Kenya-Somalia border counties. Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town is a beautiful location where one can find wildlife and a variety of plants. There are also great places to visit to learn more about the heritage, eat delicious food or to hike. For example, you could visit Lions Head Peak or Greenmarket Square, according to Hotels.com. Per the U.S. Department of State, exercise increased caution in South Africa because of crime and civil unrest. Tourists in Cape Town using GPS apps sometimes get directed through high-crime residential areas. Make sure to stay updated on the current events in the area, according to the U.S. Department of State. Hoi An, Vietnam Hoi An has diverse scenes from rice farms to beaches. Travelers can go shopping around the town or spend time hiking around farms. For a historical trip, stop by the Japanese Bridge or take a cooking class. For shopping, visit unique stores such as Cocobox to find jams or Reaching Out for tea sets and jewelry, according to Vietnam Tourism. Per the U.S. Department of State, you may exercise normal precautions in Vietnam. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Every year, Jews around the world celebrate Passover, a holiday that commemorates the biblical Exodus from Egypt. On the first two nights of Passover, there's a seder, a ritual meal that re-tells the Exodus of the Israelites with a reading from a Haggadah, which serves as a guide for the seder. As Rabbi Jill Jacobs writes in My Jewish Learning, "The Passover Haggadah demands that each person see him or herself as having personally come forth out of Egypt. Accordingly, the seder is one of the most sensory-heavy rituals of the Jewish year. During the seder, we dont just tell the story of the Exodus, we see, smell, feel, and taste liberation." Key to the Passover seder is a seder plate, which typically sits at the center of the table, holding six food items that symbolize parts of the Passover story. My favorite part of my family's Passover seder every year is the haroset, one of the parts of the Seder plate. Symbolizing mortar, what the Israelite slaves used to build in Egypt, haroset is typically made of fruits, wine, and nuts. That's just one of the six items on the seder platethe others are parsley, horseradish, another bitter herb (like romaine lettuce), shank bone, and an egg. In addition, some families add an orange, recognizing queer Jews and others marginalized in the Jewish community. The orange seder plate ritual started with Professor Susana Heschel, a feminist Jewish scholar. Seder plates make a great Jewish wedding gift, or a housewarming gift. While some families have been using the same one for generations, others find themselves sprucing up their Passover with a brand-new seder plate. Passover 2024 begins the evening of April 22, so you have plenty of time to get shopping. Here are some of our favorite seder plates: Louvre Seder Plates, Set of 6 You can't go wrong with Bernardaud's porcelain seder plate. The French luxury brand elevates the classic design of the seder plate with motifs inspired by French architecture. (Note that the plate itself is sold separately.) Shop Now Louvre Seder Plates, Set of 6 bloomingdales.com $176.00 Sur La Table Passover Seder Plate This sweet seder plate features painted-on designs, instead of text. (The word in the middle spells Pesach, Hebrew for Passover.) Shop Now Sur La Table Passover Seder Plate surlatable.com $24.96 Oak Street Seder Plate For those in search of a last minute but trendy seder plate, Kate Spade makes a porcelain plate with pops of colorand it's on Amazon! Shop Now Oak Street Seder Plate amazon.com $92.16 Pomegranate 6-Section Plate Michael Aram's pomegranate seder plate is a bit more conceptualit can serve as a centerpiece on your table year round. Shop Now Pomegranate 6-Section Plate bloomingdales.com $275.00 Juliska Berry and Thread Seder Plate This minimalist seder plate comes in white and peachperfect to welcome spring. Shop Now Juliska Berry and Thread Seder Plate bloomingdales.com $125.00 Spode Judaica Seder Plate If you're looking for a more classic Judaica vibe, look no further than this blue and white patterned seder plate from Spode. The detailing around the edge is just fabulous. Shop Now Spode Judaica Seder Plate bloomingdales.com $167.00 Tree of Life Seder Plate Another minimalist seder platethis time in the shape of a tree! This fluid, metal plate is sure to get tons of compliments. Shop Now Tree of Life Seder Plate bloomingdales.com $150.00 Roseland Seder Plate Reed & Barton's marble seder plate features six nickel-plated sections with golden accented rimsa stand-out piece for any Jewish home. Shop Now Roseland Seder Plate saksfifthavenue.com $180.00 Handmade Seder Plate by RachaelPots Homemade in Brooklyn, this seder plate features hand-carved Hebrew lettering. It's perfect for the down-to-earth Jewish host. Shop Now Handmade Seder Plate by RachaelPots food52.com $325.00 Passover Seder Plate This white and pink handmade seder plate is a sweet, pretty addition to any Passover table. Shop Now Passover Seder Plate etsy.com $134.55 Passover Seder Plate Made of White Corian This modern seder plate is a departure from traditional styles. The artist was inspired the parting of the Red Sea in the story of Exodus, and the plate is meant to evoke a pattern of waves. Shop Now Passover Seder Plate Made of White Corian etsy.com $390.00 You Might Also Like Although Irish cream liqueur is a relatively new invention, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's been around forever. Ever since Baileys hit shelves in the 1970s, Irish creams have found huge success as a cocktail and cooking ingredient, and as a cordial to be enjoyed neat or poured over ice. The flavor of Irish cream liqueurs varies between brands, but for the most part, you'll be met with milky vanilla and chocolate, and perhaps a hint of Irish whiskey, blended together in a concoction with a delectably creamy mouthfeel. The drink's simplicity makes it hugely versatile, something that only enhances its popularity. This is wonderful -- but it also means it can be hard to navigate today's many, many brands and variations. I've had the good fortune to taste plenty of different Irish cream liqueurs during my many years as an international cocktail bartender -- including very enjoyable visits to Ireland -- putting them to the test in all manner of food and drink recipes. Some were relegated to the back of the bar shelf (or given away to less discerning bar staff) while others made my shopping list time and time again. Below, I've ranked some of the Irish cream liqueurs that have stood out to me over the years, in the hope you'll discover an exciting new brand to try next time you're looking for something rich, creamy, and delicious. Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked 14. Barry's Irish Cream Barry's Irish Cream and green tinsel - Barry's Old School Irish / Facebook Barry's Irish Cream has an interesting background, as it was born behind the doors of a venue that received consistent accolades as one of America's best Irish pubs. Unfortunately, Barry's Irish Pub closed its doors back in September 2023, but this move has allowed the owners to divert their full attention to the production of their bespoke liqueur. The liqueur itself is made on the other side of the pond in Ireland by a company called Merry's based in County Tipperary, then imported to the United States. It's certainly a tasty Irish cream liqueur and gets the basics right; it's decadently creamy, not too boozy, and boasts rich undertones of vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of coffee. However, the price point of Barry's is a little puzzling. Merry's produces its own range of Irish creams with its own name and branding on the bottle, which you can find for around $14. But a bottle of Barry's will set you back $35, on the premium end of the scale for this type of liqueur. Ultimately, unless you're happy to spend double to support a small business, you may as well choose the Merry's branded bottle instead. 13. O'Mara's Irish Country Cream O'Mara's Irish Country Cream - Liquorland Wanganui / Facebook Generally speaking, there are three types of Irish cream liqueur rooted in the base spirit they use: those made with 100% Irish whiskey, those made with a neutral grain spirit, and those that use a combination of the two. Each has its own perks and drawbacks. But O'Mara's Irish Country Cream takes a unique fourth approach. O'Mara's starts with a neutral grain spirit but incorporates fine wine into the base as well. This helps take the edge off the grain spirit, which usually imparts a fairly rough characteristic into liqueurs. The wine helps the fresh cream -- made with milk from cows relatively local to O'Mara's Irish distillery -- retain its silky smoothness while keeping the production costs low enough to offer the liqueur at a reasonable price. It also introduces a tangy sweetness which makes it a great addition to desserts, like the coffee-and-ice-cream-based affogato. If you prefer Irish cream liqueurs that have the depth of real Irish whiskey, O'Mara's might not be for you, but it's still worth checking out, especially if you have a bit of a sweet tooth. 12. Ryan's Irish Cream Ryan's Irish Cream bottles - Cap's Cold Beer Wine & Liquor Store / Facebook While Ryan's Irish Cream is made in the U.S., it shouldn't be written off as an inauthentic Irish cream. Firstly, it's produced by the Sazerac company, one of the world's most historic and acclaimed spirits conglomerates with a portfolio that includes almost every type of spirit you can think of. Secondly, the Ryan's recipe also includes imported whiskey from Ireland, which is combined with fresh cream, natural vanilla, and quality chocolate. This results in a liqueur that has won awards for its impeccable smoothness. While there are better Irish cream liqueurs out there, the fact that Ryan's is made stateside means the price stays low, making it one of the best value-for-money variants on the market. It's versatile enough to be enjoyed chilled or over ice, but the strong vanilla and mocha elements make it a particularly excellent ingredient in coffee cocktails. O'Mara's is especially suitable for making a warming Irish coffee or an extra creamy espresso martini if you balance it with the right type of coffee. 11. The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur - Logan 11 Bar & Kitchen / Facebook The Irishman Irish Cream Liqueur stands out because it's one of the few expressions to solely rely on authentic Irish whiskey as its base spirit. While it can sometimes be hard to guarantee the quality of the whiskey used in liqueurs, that doesn't pose an issue with this beverage. If you're familiar with your Irish whiskeys, you may have already noticed that this cream liqueur shares its name with a range of superb drams that embody the tradition of the style. This is because said drams are made by the same distillers. Combining The Irishman whiskey with 100% fresh Irish cream and natural vanilla results in a slightly boozier-tasting liqueur that hits all the high notes of cocoa and toffee while introducing the touches of dried fruit and honey that are synonymous with the whiskey style. This international award-winning liqueur is a surefire hit if you're a whiskey lover, offering more bite than versions that rely on a blended base, without veering into the harshness that's sometimes present with grain spirits. On the other hand, if you prefer a mellower experience, The Irishman may be a bit too intense to drink without mixing. 10. Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur Molly's Irish Cream Liqueur bottle - market_primetime / Instagram Produced in one of the world's oldest cream liqueur manufacturing plants (once operated by Bailey's) in the heart of Ireland's dairy country, Molly's is an expertly crafted Irish cream liqueur. Using modern production techniques, the company fuses the freshest Irish dairy cream with a split base of Irish whiskey and spirits and natural chocolate flavoring. Price-wise, Molly's is mid-range, but the extra dollars are worth it for an incredibly approachable liqueur that has all the flavor of a whiskey-based Irish cream without the intensity. Interestingly, hints of coconut pop up alongside the chocolate, making it a delicious sipper while also lending itself extremely well to desserts and sweet sauces. Molly's is also known for producing intriguing twists on the classic recipe, including a coconut version that amplifies the sweet, nutty ingredient, and a seasonal pumpkin spice edition that boasts notes of clove, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar. While the whole Molly's range can be enjoyed chilled or poured over a handful of ice cubes, the unique flavors beg for experimentation, both behind the bar and in the kitchen. 9. Brady's Irish Cream Liqueur Brady's Irish Cream Liqueur bottle - East Bay Wine & Spirits / Facebook Brady's is a particularly flavorful Irish cream liqueur from Derry, up in Northern Ireland. Crafted in small batches with excellent attention to detail, it's pretty straightforward to source and comes at a reasonable price. Natural vanilla and chocolate flavorings are added to boost the overall taste profile, and extra-fresh cream boosts the milky notes of the liqueur. Brady's also uses Irish single malt whiskey in conjunction with grain spirits for the base, meaning you'll find aromas of dried fruit and nuts with some peppery spice and butterscotch thrown in for good measure. The heat of the whiskey lays low for the most part but rears its head at the finish line in a pleasantly tingly manner that's not too overwhelming for non-whiskey drinkers. All in all, the range of flavors present and the attractive pricing make Brady's another versatile pick that's delicious over ice, in cocktails, or as a cooking ingredient. 8. Michael's Irish Cream three Michael's Irish Cream bottles - Decatur Package Store / Instagram Michael's is one of the more complex Irish cream liqueurs on the market, in part because of its higher whiskey content. The classic characteristics are present in abundance -- vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of coffee -- but there's also a wider variety of sweet notes on offer. Lactic sweetness is at the forefront, emboldened with richer flavors of caramel and butterscotch. If the body was a little thicker, it would taste just like melted, boozy ice cream. The whiskey adds hints of toasted nuts to the tasting profile, but most of the alcohol's heat is tempered by sweetness, except for a slightly fiery finish that isn't unwelcome. The saccharine elements might be too much for some, but these make Michael's a premium pick for desserts and after-dinner drinks. It's my go-to bottle for zhuzhing up a classic Irish cream chocolate fondue around the holidays, as it balances out darker chocolate and adds even more depth to the luxurious Swiss-inspired delicacy. It also works a treat in an Irish coffee. 7. Carolans Irish Cream Carolans Irish Cream bottle and drink - Ovenbird Bakery / Instagram Developed in Ireland back in 1978, Carolans is the second biggest Irish cream brand in the world after Baileys. This popularity doesn't come from tasting like that famous brand, but because it has a somewhat unique flavor for an Irish cream. Real cream and Irish whiskey are both present in Carolans, along with some grain spirit, but Carolans uses natural honey as a sweetener as opposed to the classic vanilla and chocolate combo. The result is an award-winning Irish cream liqueur that's more versatile than most alternatives. Its honeyed aspect makes it ideal for balancing ingredients in rich, boozy cocktails and hard milkshakes. This goes double for its variants, which include Carolans Salted Caramel and Carolans Peanut Butter. Whether it tastes better than Baileys neat or on the rocks is entirely subjective, but I find it's a better option for use as a cooking ingredient, whether you're making boozy homemade fudge or adding a splash to the egg wash of your French toast. 6. Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur bottle - Five Farms Irish Cream / Instagram Five Farms Irish Cream Liqueur has gained quite a reputation since its inception, thanks to its status as a true farm-to-table product from the heartland of Irish dairy, County Cork. The cream is sourced from five family-owned farms in the region and is used within just 48 hours of production. The small-batch production methods, local freshness, and high-quality Irish whiskey present in Five Farms' product are all a part of what's earned the liqueur a record-breaking score in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. While it doesn't reinvent the wheel, Five Farms Irish Cream Liquer is an excellent example of what you get when you master the basics of a beverage. It's supremely creamy and well-rounded, expertly showcasing high notes of vanilla and coffee. But then comes the issue of price. On average, you can expect to pay between $35 and $40 for a 750ml bottle of Five Farms when it's readily available. Although you can find half-sized retail bottles, it's a steep price for any Irish liqueur. If you're happy paying extra knowing your money is going towards an independent, farm-to-table venture, then it's an excellent choice; however, in pure value-for-money terms, there are arguably better alternatives. 5. Kerrygold Superior Irish Cream Liqueur Kerrygold Superior Irish Cream Liqueur - Casey Recruitment / Facebook Those familiar with Kerrygold will know it as one of the most highly regarded butter makers on the market, so there are high expectations for its attempt at making an Irish cream liqueur. Although historically, the brand wasn't intended for the Irish market, the high-quality milk used in Kerrygold products is sourced from Ireland, just like the whiskey used in this liqueur. It should come as no surprise that the dairy element of Kerrygold Superior Irish Cream liqueur is the star of the show, being unbelievably smooth and creamy but never too heavy. The added chocolate is also noticeable, and complements the vanilla elements well without being cloying. The whiskey is very subtle, but adds some balance and spice. Kerrygold usually comes in around $20 a bottle, which is exceedingly good value for a liqueur of this quality. It's best served chilled or poured over ice, which enables the drinker to savor every note of the liqueur unadulterated by other ingredients. But it's also versatile enough to work well in cocktails and cooking recipes. 4. Saint Brendan's Irish Cream Saint Brendan's Irish Cream bottles - Summer Valley Liquor / Facebook Saint Brendan's -- named for an adventurous Irish apostle -- is another Irish cream liqueur that lets the whiskey do the talking. Made in Derry, Northern Ireland, Saint Brendan's combines the freshest cream with triple-distilled, bourbon cask-aged Irish whiskey from The Quiet Man. There's some grain spirit mixed in too, judging from the slight harshness, but this is mostly evened out by the addition of honey. The honey and whiskey give Saint Brendan's a slightly spicy sweetness that adds character to the mellow chocolate and vanilla marshmallow notes, though it's still soft enough to enjoy on its own. If anything, it's a little too subdued -- it feels like the whiskey is underused. You'd also expect a little more bite and complexity, considering the quality of the base spirit. That said, Saint Brendan's is my number one pick for cooking, especially when it's used to enhance sweet baked goods like rich chocolate trifles, decadent brownies, and chewy cookies. The price is reasonable enough to keep a bottle on hand, but it's better kept in the kitchen than behind the bar. 3. Baileys Irish Cream Baileys Irish Cream bottles - Scotch Barrel / Instagram Despite Ireland having a storied history in both the whiskey and dairy worlds, it wasn't until the 1970s that the first Irish cream liqueur hit the market, invented, ironically, in Essex, England. The product, as you've probably guessed, was Baileys, the true original Irish cream that inspired all those following it, including every bottle on this list. While being the first doesn't necessarily equate to being the best, it's hard to deny that Baileys is still a top-tier Irish cream liqueur despite fierce market competition. Its proprietary recipe blends the usual cream, whiskey, and grain spirits with a handful of flavoring ingredients. This gives Baileys its iconic chocolatey vanilla flavor, with gorgeous notes of caramel and a touch of coffee. It's really hard to find anything bad to say about Baileys. Sure, it's mass-produced and can't make any claims of being independent or a small-batch liqueur, but it doesn't need to in order to win fans. The alcohol is mellow and inoffensive; it's approachable, affordable, and easy to find; and it's as versatile as an Irish cream can be. 2. Baileys Chocolat Luxe Baileys Chocolat Luxe bottle - oni.holic / Instagram Baileys is no stranger to special editions -- there are dozens of twists on the classic recipe available. Strawberries and cream, vanilla mint, apple pie, and salted caramel are just a few of the seemingly endless options. But there's only one I feel deserves its own spot on this rundown. Baileys Chocolat Luxe -- made with real Belgian chocolate -- is as close as one can get to drinking alcoholic chocolate milk. It simultaneously manages to be exceedingly decadent without being so rich you can't stomach another glass -- in fact, the opposite is true. It's also a great option for combining with other liqueurs whose flavors marry well with chocolate, such as hazelnut-flavored Frangelico, orangey Cointreau, or zippy Creme de Menthe. Plus, Baileys Chocolat Luxe is the perfect ingredient for upgrading chocolate desserts with a boozy twist, like tiramisu or no-bake cheesecakes. If you're a chocoholic, think twice before you pick up a bottle of regular Baileys and opt for this one instead -- you certainly won't regret it. 1. Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur grass - 901 Wine & Spirits Market / Instagram Finally, we arrive at the only Irish cream liqueur I've discovered that I would safely rate above Baileys: Coole Swan. The magic is in its simplicity. Real Belgian chocolate melted into Irish whiskey and fresh cream with a touch of Madagascan vanilla is more than enough to create an Irish cream liqueur that can truly be considered a premium pour. It's worth every penny of its higher-end price point. Coole Swan is perfectly balanced in a way that's almost difficult to comprehend. It's supremely smooth, and the whiskey manages to have a robust presence without being in any way too hot or overpowering. Simultaneously, it's sweet without being sickly or cloying, and lighter than the competition without losing anything in the way of body or mouthfeel. Aside from making it superb on its own after some chilling, these qualities make it a remarkable addition to cocktails, including those you might not think of adding Irish cream liqueur to. It's even delicate enough to add to drinks like a Pina Colada or gin spritz, as long as you remember to sub out any acidic citrus components to avoid curdling. Methodology Irish Cream pouring into glass - Victor Moussa/Shutterstock The Irish cream liqueurs listed in this article are all brands that I've been lucky enough to try over an extensive career in the hospitality industry. I've worked around the world in all manner of bars, restaurants, cafes, and catering businesses. After listing all the brands I've encountered over the years -- there may have been a handful that slipped my memory, but that can only mean they didn't truly stand out -- I narrowed the group down to the ones I would wholeheartedly recommend. The number one criteria I bore in mind was taste, but it's important to remember that versatility is what makes Irish cream liqueurs so iconic. Therefore, I also gave credit where it was due to bottles that may not shine on their own, but are superb additions to cocktails or cooking recipes. I also factored in value-for-money and availability, as I didn't want to include entries that are no longer available or are nearly impossible to track down. Read the original article on Tasting Table In July 2020, Jessica Charron, then 40, started feeling what she thought were chills and tingling from her head down her neck to her back and arms. It got very intense, Charron, 43, of Hamilton, Massachusetts, tells TODAY.com. Something was wrong. She went to the emergency room where she underwent testing which came back with inconclusive results. Worried that she would be sent home without treatment, Charron urged the doctors to continue testing her until they understood the cause of her symptoms. Doctors eventually concluded she was experiencing a massive heart attack commonly known as a widowmaker. It's earned its name for being deadly. I was absolutely shocked, Charron says. There was nothing leading up to that which would have indicated that I would be a candidate for a heart attack. Strange sensations and inconclusive tests When Charron first experienced the chills, she wondered if they started because she had spent the day outside in the heat. But as they intensified, she realized the feeling was unusual. I just knew something was wrong, she says. I felt like this is just not a normal chill not even a flu-like chill. It was different. It was more intense. Her chills continued waning and returning. Each time she had a new bout it felt more severe, so she decided to go to the emergency room. While doctors ran tests, including an EKG and a CT scan, they did not see anything wrong. But Charron worried that doctors would release her and something terrible could happen later. I looked at the ER doctor and teared up, she says. I was adamant that (something was) wrong and I was so scared they were going to send me home. One of the emergency room doctors reassured Charron by saying Im not going to send you home until I try to figure out what is going on with you," she recalls. While Charron felt relieved she wouldnt be going home without an answer, she noticed her symptoms were worsening. Three months before experiencing a widowmaker heart attack Jessica Charron's father, Roger, died unexpectedly of one. (Courtesy Jessica Charron) The pressure in my head had intensified, Charron says. The discomfort was just unbearable, and I started getting physically sick. Doctors ran another EKG and this time they observed that she was, in fact, having a heart attack. I was young. I was healthy, she says. The biggest lesson learned for me is that heart disease doesnt really discriminate. Doctors performed a cardiac catheterization where they snaked a long tube through a blood vessel in her groin up to her heart, and discovered that she had an 85% blockage in her left descending artery. A blockage in this artery causes a widowmaker its often deadly if not immediately treated. Doctors placed a stent in her artery to relieve obstruction and return blood flow to normal. Doctors also discovered two other smaller blockages and thought Charron would eventually need bypass surgery. But at the time they thought it was too risky to do it. A few days later, Charron felt better and went home. About a month after her original heart attack she began feeling ill again. I started experiencing some strange episodes, she says. I was certain it was heart-related. Her cardiologist ran EKGs and other tests. Another heart catheterization uncovered restenosis, when the artery becomes blocked even after a stent is inserted, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This time she experienced a 95% blockage. In December 2020 Charron underwent triple bypass surgery to prevent her from having another heart attack. Recovery, actually, it was difficult, she says. I did everything I possibly could to be present and really work on getting healthy. So, eating healthy, getting the rest that I needed, going to the follow-up appointments and listening to my body. Charron, who has two sons, Joey, 17, and Charlie, 15, says their support made healing go smoothly. Their support and love I truly believe that played a huge part in my recovery, she says. Women and heart attacks Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women, Dr. Laura Mauri, chief scientific, medical and regulatory officer at Medtronic, a healthcare technology company, tells TODAY.com. Understanding all the signs of heart attack remains essential to receiving appropriate medical care quickly. Theres a whole range of symptoms that patients can have when theyre coming in with a heart attack, Mauri says. Not everybody experiences the same symptoms whether youre a man or a woman. Since having a widowmaker Jessica Charron has become outspoken about heart disease in women to help others avoid going through what she did. (Courtesy Jessica Charron) Mauri says signs of a heart attack include: Chest pain Chest pressure Shortness of breath Pain in the neck, back or arm Excessive sweating People experiencing these symptoms should call 911 because paramedics can start treating a heart attack before a person even arrives at the hospital, she adds. The symptoms can be life-threatening, Mauri says. When youre in an ambulance getting early treatment actually saves lives. Treating a heart attack early often means people can avoid undergoing more invasive procedures. If youre able to detect it early it could be treated (with) medication, Mauri says. In other cases, it requires being treated something to open the artery to the heart. Patients with blockages in multiple blood vessels sometimes require bypass surgery to treat them. The good news is that in many cases if a heart attack is detected early the treatment can be pretty quick and not lead to a long hospitalization and lead to a full recovery, Mauri says. Its not uncommon that people recovering from a heart attack go back to living even healthier lifestyles than they did before the heart attack. Advocating for yourself Three months before Charron experienced her heart attack, her father, Roger, also had a widowmaker and passed away at 68 years old. We didnt know that he had any heart issues, so it was surprising, she says. I truly believe hes still looking out for me so thats reassuring and helps me cope. Since her bypass surgery at the end of 2020, Charron hasnt experienced any other heart problems. She takes medication and follows up with her cardiologist as needed. As she reflects on her heart attack, she wants others to learn from her experience. Jessica Charron and her father, Roger, both experienced widowmaker heart attacks and he sadly passed away after his. Neither knew they had any heart health problems. (Courtesy Rebecca Smith Photography) I hope that people will go to the doctor if they feel like somethings wrong and rely on their bodies to tell them and rely on themselves to listen to their bodies, she says. Heart disease is not discriminatory." This article was originally published on TODAY.com From tiramisu to panna cotta, the Italians know their desserts. While there may not appear to be much difference between an Italian budino and a chocolate pudding, there are subtle features that set these light, creamy desserts apart. The most immediately-noticeable difference is in texture. While pudding's base is made with sugar, cornstarch, and milk, budino is thickened with egg yolks. The richness added by the egg yolks gives budino a sturdier, springier structure. It also makes budino closer to a custard or flan than what you might consider a pudding. The word "pudding" may translate to "budino" in Italian, but the ingredient equivalent is the biancomangiare -- a Sicilian dessert that began as a savory recipe, which Medieval monks would whip up to assist with stomach troubles. The two are also made in the same way, by mixing the ingredients in a pan and cooking until reduced. However, budino is mixed in a mold and cooked in a bain marie, or water bath. A chocolatey variation, biancomangiare al cioccolato, also exists. The difference between these two sweets is not slight preparation or ingredient variations. If you ask an Italian chef, they're two entirely different dishes. Let's take a look at both the budino and pudding to discover what sets these two delicious desserts apart. Read more: 13 Store-Bought Ice Cream Bars Ranked From Worst To Best Pudding Is As Old As The Hills Chocolate pudding in glasses - Halil ibrahim mescioglu/Shutterstock Pudding's origins span centuries and continents. It's believed that the Ancient Romans pioneered the savory pudding, laying the foundations for sausages and the aptly-named black pudding. By the Middle Ages, many European and Asian kitchens were whipping up the sweet variation for use in pies and tarts. Perhaps tellingly, the early European variations included eggs, which may be why the Italian budino continues to use eggs, while the American pudding can be made without them. Chocolate was popular in European courts as a drink during the 1500s, brought back by Spanish travelers to the Americas, but it didn't find a place in pudding until the 18th century. In 1730, Charles Carter's "The Complete Practical Cook" referenced chocolate pudding in print for the first time. The recipe is packed with spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, citron, and orange-flower water, which is unsurprising given chocolate pudding's initial status as a dish for the wealthy. By the 19th century, the cocoa press had been invented, unleashing chocolate upon the world. In America, there was even a genuine push by food companies to promote chocolate pudding as a healthy food for children. These days, chocolate pudding is seen as a delicious, simple comfort food. It's a great base for extra flavor and trimmings. For example, you could follow Carter and jazz up your pudding with cinnamon or citrus. Vanilla and caramel work if you like sweet instead of spiced. Aesthetically, you can't go wrong with berries and cream! It Took Budino A While To Arrive On American Soil Chocolate budino and brioche - Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images Budino's history runs parallel with pudding's, with Italians finally landing on "budino" as a term in the 19th century. The name is alleged to have come from the French word "boudin," which in turn came from the English "pudding." One reason for the variation between the American and Italian recipes could be the availability of cornstarch, which was not present in Italy until the 17th century, by which time budino's recipe was well established. As such, egg yolks have persisted as the thickening agent for budino. In the U.S. press, budino as a distinct recipe was first mentioned circa 1963 by a small California newspaper called San Fernando Valley Living. It was part of a feature on recipes from "foreign lands," implying that, even then, it was clear that Italian budino and American pudding were not the same. At the time, the feature mistakenly identified the dish as Maltese, although it was simply using a Maltese variation. If you don't specifically order a budino al cioccolato while in an authentic Italian restaurant, you'll be somewhat surprised by what you receive. Budino itself is a custard base that can be infused with just about anything, although some popular flavors are vanilla salted caramel, coffee, and honey. In the summer months, when even caramel can be a bit too much under the heat of the Mediterranean sun, you might find a fruit budino served with berry compote. Read the original article on Mashed It's the perfect place to snuggle up. Nick Collura/Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin Sometimes you just need to surround yourself with cozy energy. Be it snuggling up on the couch with your knit blanket and a good book, heading to your favorite coffee shop for a warm cup of coffee and maybe a biscotti or two, or just popping on your number one sweatsuit set for a night in, we get that the feeling of coziness is the absolute best. And, according to the dating review site MyDatingAdviser, there are entire towns that capture that essence perfectly. Over the winter the team at MyDatingAdvisor compared 170 small towns across America to determine which town is the coziest of them all. To come to its conclusion, the team looked at each town's data on winter temperatures and average snowfall, along with the availability of cafes, bakeries, crafts, and bookshops. Each town was given a "Cozy Town Index Score," and after calculating all the variables, it named Stockholm, Wisconsin, a town you've likely never heard of, as the coziest spot in the nation. Nick Collura/Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin "This cozy little town puts the emphasis on little the full-time population is under 100 people, according to census reports," the findings revealed. "But there is a lot packed into this tiny getaway. Stockholm offers gorgeous views of Lake Pepin, plus shops, dining, and lodging, and even a performing arts center." It also added a can't-miss spot: "Stockholm Pie & General Store, which was named one of the most legendary pie shops in America." As the town's website explains, it does indeed have Swedish roots, which is how it got its name. Today, it's home to about 80 people, including "many artists and craftsmen" drawn to its small-town charms. It's a spot that's more than happy to welcome guests, especially to its music and arts festivals, farm-to-table restaurants, and winery. Joining Stockholm on the list is the ever-popular ski town of Stowe, Vermont, in second, followed by Stanley, Idaho; Ellicottville, New York; and Breckenridge, Colorado, rounding out the top five. Also making the list is Medora, North Dakota, in sixth, followed by Lake Placid, New York; Keystone, South Dakota; Mackinac Island, Michigan; and Lake George, New York rounding out the top 10. See more about the coziest spots and what to see in each at cheapism.com. Related: 10 Best Small Towns in Wisconsin for Serene Views, Charming Hotels, and Delicious Food For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. The Air Jordan 4 Military Blue is set to make its return to shelves after a 12-year hiatus. Technically speaking, this original colorway of the Air Jordan 4 has been renamed Industrial Blue, likely a decision made by Jordan Brand to avoid any negative associations with the military. But for those who arent interacting with the sneaker for the first time, or who merely know there history, itll be hard to call the shoe by anything other than its original name. More from Footwear News Sneakerheads have been buzzing about the return of this Air Jordan 4 not just because its been a dozen years since it last released, but because its said to faithfully recreate the original dimensions of the shoe from 1989. That includes Nike Air branding on the heel instead of the Jumpman, a detail thats been revisited on other Air Jordan 4s, as well as the Air Jordan 3, but not yet Military Blue. While most of the leather sneaker appears in white, its namesake color is used for the mustache, heel stabilizer, eyelets, underside of the mesh window and tongue branding. Grey is then used for the suede outsole and suede mudguard. The return of the Air Jordan 4 Military Blue ends whats been a longer wait than usual for some of the most popular Air Jordans the Air Jordan 3 Black Cement, for example, is expected to release this year after appearances in 2018 and 2011 and now completes the cycle of rendering all original Air Jordan 4 colorways with Nike Air branding. The Air Jordan 4 Military Blue/Industrial Blue will release May 4 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. A Shock Drop is also expected Thursday, April 11. Pricing is set at $215. Air Jordan 4 Military Blue, Industrial Blue Air Jordan 4 Military Blue, Industrial Blue Air Jordan 4 Military Blue, Industrial Blue Air Jordan 4 Military Blue, Industrial Blue About the Author: Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. Hes previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that ball is life and doesnt fuss over his kicks getting dirty. Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. WASHINGTON, April 10 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and five others were injured, including two children, after gunmen opened fire into a crowd in northeast Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Metropolitan Police Department said. The shooting occurred shortly after 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (2200 GMT) in the Carver Langston neighborhood in the U.S. capital, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith told a press conference Wednesday evening. Preliminary information indicated that the suspects exited a vehicle and "began shooting into the crowd" outside a residential area, she said. Two men, one woman, a nine-year-old boy, and a 12-year-old boy were transferred to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, she added. Dont call Jym Varnadore an ex-pat. Yes, he and his wife, Renee Varnadore, are living abroad. But they left the United States in search of a quality of life thats no longer in reach for them stateside. Now, the clear blue waters of Rosarito Beach are quickly becoming home. Their condo is just the right size for two. Its intimate but not without its luxuries, like a huge bathtub with jacuzzi jets. Then theres their balcony, overlooking a world of ocean that bleeds into the horizon. Its a view reserved for millionaires and billionaires in the US, but not here. Related: There are children here who do not want to be black: one womans bid to save Mexicos first Afro-Mexican museum We are immigrants. And I think its disingenuous to call us anything else, Jym said. When I decided that I wanted to move out of the US, it was eyes wide open with that word in mind. I am an immigrant. If the Varnadores life in Mexico is a choice, they say that moving away from San Diego wasnt. Jym had been working his way through biweekly bill payments when he decided to check in on his 401(k) and social security. As he started crunching the numbers, he found that after retirement in a matter of years they would be able to afford either groceries or the mortgage on their condo, but not both. His epiphany coincided with the 2016 presidential election, a political train wreck that had also been bothering Jym. But when he called Renee over to talk, the question he posed was first and foremost about financial planning. They had two options, he told her: stay in San Diego and substantially lower their standard of living, or leave the city she had resided in for most of her life. Were gonna move, Renee said, without missing a beat. So they started scouring the US for a new home maybe Oregon, or northern California, or Seattle. Renee would look up real estate prices online, and often, theyd go scout especially promising locations in person. They even visited Hawaii another place mainlanders flock to, not without controversy and found a potential property there, but the cost ended up being much the same as their expenses in San Diego, defeating the purpose. One day, Renee came to Jym, despondent. The only places they could afford long-term in the US either had terrible weather, terrible politics or she felt no culture. It was time to start thinking beyond the USs all-too-limiting borders. Soon, they were looking south. Its true that San Diego tends to drain its residents pocketbooks, continuously ranking high among US cities with the most expensive housing costs. Amid a deepening housing shortage, plus dwindling state and federal funding to produce and preserve local housing, the southern California metropoliss typical home value has reached nearly $1m. Renters in the area have to make almost three times the citys minimum wage just to pay the average monthly rent, while roughly a third of homeowners exist at or beyond the boundary of the federal definition for cost-burdened, spending 30% or more of their household income on monthly property costs alone. But similar circumstances exist across the US. Nearly half of Americans say that the availability of affordable housing is a major problem in their communities, and even during a Covid-induced economic downturn, the price tag for a single-family home has soared over the last few years. Rents have soared, too, turning something as basic as reliable shelter into a luxury around the country. Such a lack of viable housing options for so many Americans is just one of myriad signs pointing to growing inequalities. Among those whose families make less than $100,000, nearly one in 10 cannot get the medical care they need because of the cost. And as the middle class shrinks, both income and wealth inequality have surged higher in the US than in nearly any other developed nation. These systemic failings exact a heavy toll on the USs ageing and elderly, who are rapidly comprising more and more of the countrys population. Almost half of families in the US have no retirement account savings whatsoever, while more than 15 million Americans aged 65 or over are considered economically insecure. The retirement system does not work for most workers, according to the Economic Policy Institute especially not for Black, Latino, lower-income and non-college-educated Americans, though it often fails more affluent, white professionals as well. Overburdened by student loans, medical bills and other near-constant financial drains, some older Americans have reconciled themselves with the morbid reality that living in the US with so few safety nets means they will need to work until the day they die. Others with the agency to make a choice have been unwilling to accept this bleak future and have started seeking security and opportunity elsewhere. Their path punctuated by bureaucratic hurdles and cultural adjustments is not always as easy or romantic as it may seem. Yet even so, it can be worth the peace and security that comes next. No one visits the Contrerass house in Baja California, Mexico, without letting out a wow. The view from their huge deck is what elicits such a strong reaction smack-dab on the Pacific Ocean, deep blue water all around and waves crashing just below. The word paradise immediately comes to mind. Were lucky. Were very, very lucky, Mary Contreras said from her immaculately curated living room. Surrounded by such humbling expanse and calm, its hard to imagine anywhere someone would rather be. Yet for decades, when Mary traveled to Mexico for getaways, she had never thought that she and her husband, Chuck, would end up here full time. After all, they had roots back in the US. She was an educator and fourth-generation Californian. He worked for a non-profit, providing assistance dogs to kids and adults. They lived in Carlsbad, California, for the better part of three decades. After a great career helping people, Chuck had every intention to meet his goal of retirement before the age of 60. But on Marys salary alone, in an economy that doesnt value education as much as other professions, they couldnt realistically continue thriving in the community they called home, where she had served so many other families as an English teacher and principal. That I cant continue living there having worked my entire life and worked hard that to me is just like, somethings wrong. Somethings really wrong, Mary said. I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be living here, she said of her life in Mexico. I love living here. So its not that, she quickly clarified. But every now and then I get in touch with some anger We had a beautiful home up there, and we had a beautiful life there. And why that couldnt continue? Similarly, Renee taught English and drama to middle schoolers and high schoolers in California for more than a decade. Jym, meanwhile, comes from a military family and spent years in intelligence for the navy, working in the informational nerve center of a ship. You can take the boy out of the navy, but you cant take the navy out of the boy, as Jym says. So when, during tours of Mexican real estate, he walked into a unit where he could see the vastness of the ocean through a floor-to-ceiling glass wall in a huge apartment with a price tag far below what they were paying for their condo in San Diego he turned to Renee and told her he was ready to sign a lease. I love it, I live for it. People write songs about this stuff, you know? The seas in my veins. My tradition remains. Its true. Its true, Jym said. For Renee, the decision to move to Rosarito Beach wasnt so easy. She didnt have particularly fond memories of Mexico, a country that for her was defined by a family vacation gone awry and uncomfortable drives to Tijuana as a teenager for orthodontics. Plus, the look and feel of Rosarito bothered her rusted-out houses on the brink of collapse, juxtaposed right next to luxury high-rises where many of the expats lived. But then, Renee started to connect with Rosaritos more humane approach to among other issues homelessness. There, unhoused peoples possessions were not trashed and disrespected in the kinds of police sweeps that often defined life on the streets in San Diego, and meanwhile, Baja California was jam-packed with community-based organizations doing good, which she learned from reading the regions English-language newspapers like the Gringo Gazette. Once the Varnadores made up their minds, it took about two weeks for them to fix up their home in San Diego, and another week to get six offers on it. When they had a garage sale to get rid of much of their stuff, Renee cried. But, about six months into living by the ocean in Mexico, walking on the beach every day and feeling the waves come in, something had changed inside her. I started healing, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually, Renee said. *** On the drive to the San Ysidro land port of entry that cuts between Tijuana and southern California, English-language billboards advertise beachfront properties and luxury condos. Own the dream in Baja, reads one, adorned with an idyllic image of a home by the ocean. Starting at 347 K, reads another, promising opulence for less in Rosarito Beach. Its not hard to conceive of the signs target audience: middle-class Americans, drawn to Baja for a holiday, now on their way back to the US and dreading it. The billboards vocalize what many of these vacationers have probably been quietly imagining since they arrived: a new American dream, here in Mexico. Property ownership. A place to go for weekends, and maybe even to eventually retire. Pura vida. Its great to think about it and talk about it, but doing it is a different story. Cause youre actually really doing it. Youre moving to another country. Youre leaving a country that you were born and raised in, and you have friends and family, said Chuck Contreras. Its gonna be tough. Its gonna be hard. Its gonna be scary, he continued. But most things that are worth it, you know, are hard. Theres been much ado now, and for the last century plus about northbound migration across the Mexico-US border. Meanwhile, traffic in the other direction has flown comparatively under the radar. But its always been there, in a history that often says just as much about the shortcomings of the US as it does about the appeal of other countries. Before the civil war, people fled enslavement in the US to Mexico. After the second world war, American veterans moved there in search of a GI paradise. And during the cold war, political types stateside went south as a red scare exile to evade persecution under McCarthyism. Often, though, Americans have simply turned to their southern neighbor to live better and more cheaply while staying relatively close to the US to get ocean views for a fraction of the price, and still be able to visit family across the border on weekends. Especially post-pandemic, as remote work has surged, younger US professionals have descended on popular metros like Mexico City in such droves that theyve at times clashed with locals, some of whom view these newcomers as gentrifiers taking advantage of Mexicos lower cost of living to party away their youth. Whatever the motivations, when US citizens move to Mexico, they are crossing an international line, a choice that brings with it not only culture shocks, but also serious legal obligations. The Varnadores and the Contrerases were both careful to follow Mexicos immigration laws, but the process wasnt easy. Jym described hoop after administrative hoop he and Renee had to jump through to build their lives aboveboard in Rosarito Beach consular appointments, photos, paperwork, fingerprinting. One of the toughest, or even insurmountable, hurdles for many applicants are high financial requirements to show economic solvency, demonstrated through bank statements, investment reports or other records. For Americans moving to Baja because its where they can afford a roof over their heads who are renting apartments for $300 or less those economic thresholds can be untenable. So instead, Renee said, people come in on tourist visas and overstay, much like the USs own undocumented community. Then, there are Americans with the means and qualifications to immigrate legally, who simply dont want to follow the process a particular pet peeve for Mary. I have a real issue with people who live here and some of our friends who have been here longer than us who dont have permanent residency, she said. To me, you know, how dare you talk to me about immigration, or any issues with immigration, if youre not gonna do what the country youre in requires you to do. You dont have a voice then. You know, and dont talk about it [immigration] about the United States, either. She and Chuck felt strongly about doing everything the law required, from following immigration rules to getting local car insurance and healthcare. Theyve also bought two memberships at a funeral home, the ultimate permanent residence. We want to make this our home, Mary said. Truly, our home. Were not visiting. Were living here. And we want to be a part of the community. *** For Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday to commemorate the dead, Jym and Renee install an altar at their home. They decorate it with photos of the loved ones theyve lost, surrounded by beautiful ephemera like marigolds and candles. Some of the honorees, including Jyms mother, have been up there for a long time. Others, like Renees mom, are more recent additions. One is their pet cat that crossed the border with them years ago, whose photo and ashes they place alongside a dish of water and some food. The food is gone by morning. Was it their other, living cats who ate it? Maybe so, but the Varnadores like to think otherwise. This holiday makes sense to us, Jym said. They and the Contrerases embrace Mexican traditions, do their best to learn Spanish, find ways to give back to the local community and are acutely aware of not imposing US norms on to Mexico. In essence, they try. Admittedly, Mary has learned some hard lessons after misguided steps or language-related miscommunications during community work. Now, she has conversations with non-profits and the people who lead them about how to make a positive difference alongside their Mexican neighbors. The thing that I think we have to be sensitive to and aware of is that were not doing it at them, but with, she said. Involving them and asking what is it they need and want from us, you know, rather than coming in and looking like the Americans who know it all and can fix things and make it, you know, everything better. It does not work, and its not appropriate or right. Thats not to say that Americans in Baja dont still celebrate their culture from home. They do, just like diasporic communities in the US. It just may look a little different. Around Thanksgiving, the Contrerases had decked out their dining table with gourds, flowers and a big thankful centerpiece. Their neighbors and friends were coming over for Friendsgiving a celebration their son had started with them while he was in college and their table was laid with themed napkins and cups. But instead of turkey, theyd be eating Chucks tacos. He makes utterly incredible tacos, Mary gushed. The Contrerases home is filled with little mantras: a hanging scroll that reads In a world where you can be anything, be kind! and a stone that simply says gratitude, next to a rendering of the Virgen de Guadalupe. Yet the words that ring most meaningful are stitched on a pillow, simple and even a little basic but somehow also profound: I love this place. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If you make workwear, youve got to be able to build a long-lasting pair of overalls. If you canthang up your denim. Aside from their utility, toughness, and wholesome good looks, a well-loved pair of work overalls is a symbol of pride for lots of hard workers. We gathered a rangein denim, duck canvas, and insulated optionsand wore them over several weeks to help you find a pair that fits well and stands up to different jobs. Below are some of our tested top performers with in-depth reviews of the most worthy overalls as well as some others worth considering. The Best Work Overalls [table-of-contents] stripped What to Consider We sought advice from an experienced seamstress about how to inspect the construction of work overalls thoroughly and the details to keep an eye out for. She advised us to spend more time looking at the inside of the garments rather than the outside. The inside is where manufacturers hide slap-dash pocket construction, skimpy hems, and hasty serging (a serge is a type of sewing machine that binds fabric together with an overlock stitch created with three or four different threads). If you see snags or uneven stitching throughout the inside, chances are the overalls wont last long. Double- and triple-needle construction are also a sign that your work overalls are durable because the bindings of the garment are bolstered by multiples seams. She also advised us to wash the garments to see what threads come loose in the machine and how neatly, or not, the overalls come out of the dryer. Work overalls are going to need a machine-wash to get them clean, but its best to hang or lay flat to dry them if you can. Work overalls dont fit like a pair of jeans. We broke our selection down to regular and relaxed fits. A regular fit has room in the legs and hips so you can move comfortably while you work, with a few extra inches to wear a cold-weather mid-weight layer underneath. A relaxed pair is cut more generously, allowing for bottom layers like jeans or insulated pants. Work overalls have extensive sizing that suits both men and women, though women may need to size down a whole size. How We Tested We turned the work overalls we tested inside out to examine each pocket, strap, seam, hem, bar tack, and rivet. We used an 8x magnifying glass for close inspection of stitching on the seams of pockets, inside button holes, straps, and hammer loops. In addition to inspecting each pair for quality and construction, we wore these work overallssometimes multiple pairs a daydoing yard work, fix-up projects, and tool testing. We wore them to the office and on runs to the lumber yard. For some of the overalls belownamely the Dovetail womens option and the Truewerk getup with knee padsour deputy editor of reviews, Zoe Hannah, tested them out by inspecting the fit, stitching, and design. We determined the best options based on fit, comfort, ease of movement, and how well the hardware (zippers, clasps, and buckles) works. (Pro tip: If you want a great conversation starter, wear some work overalls. People have fond memories of them and will often ask you where you got them.) Our Full Work Overalls Reviews Shop Now 83294 Indigo Bib Overalls amazon.com $44.99 Dickiess overalls are about as traditional as youre going to find, and their workmanship is impressive for the price and availability. They feature triple-needle stitching on the inside and outside of both legs, and double needle stitching on the pockets and hammer loop. The pockets have a traditional layout with organized slots at the chest and small extra pockets on the right leg. They have a full cut through the hips and legs so theres room to move and can fit layers underneath on colder days. The plentiful bar tacks18 to be exactbolster durability and are sewn in red thread for a unique detail. If your tastes lean toward the traditional and you want a pair of work overalls that are durable, flattering, and have ease of movement, these are a good choice. Shop Now Tourney Bib Fishing Overalls amazon.com $124.99 Grundens Tourney overalls are waterproof and lightweight. Theyre ideal for people who need overalls for saltwater fishing, working out in spitting rain, or general light work outside. Theyre made from polyurethane-coated polyester and are reinforced at the seat and knees. Two waterproof pocketsa hip flap pocket and chest zip pocketsecure your belongings. Two snaps on the side help these overalls seal to your hips, and the absence of a zipper at the front (typical of waterproof overalls) provides additional sealing, though isnt the most convenient when nature calls. The lightweight material fits and drapes well without being too baggy. There arent as many pockets as traditional overalls but theres still enough storage space for odds and ends. We appreciated the touch of stretch in the material, including the elastic suspenders which meet at an X-shaped juncture in the back. A plastic clip at the meeting point improves their adjustability. Shop Now Highland Washed Insulated Bib Overalls amazon.com 92.99 Berne says this is one of its best-selling garments that it takes particular pride in, and we can see whyits about as fully featured as work overalls get. The B377 overalls are equipped with 11 pockets, zip legs for easy on-and-off, rivets and plentiful bar tacks at stress points, and elasticized straps and waist. These exceeded our expectations in testing on the cold autumn mornings and kept us plenty warm in 30-degree weather. Depending on your base and mid-layers, itll work just fine for much colder weather. A final thoughtful detail that we like: the hanger strap between the shoulders on the back panela feature that should be standard on every heavy-duty overall. Shop Now 966 Rigid Denim Work Overalls round-house.com $49.95 We could only find two companies left in the U.S. making work overalls and one of them is Round House, a no-nonsense manufacturer in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This pairs superior workmanship impressed us both at first glance and when inspecting deeper. Our careful inside-out analysis found flawless seams and properly executed bar tacksnothing was crooked, slightly off, or hastily serged. The hardware is also substantial and performed flawlessly. Every buckle, clasp, and zip was weighty and smooth to do and undo. The cut is true to size, with wide legs and room through the hips. If you bend, squat, and turn in these, you stay comfortable. The overalls perform the work theyre called to do, but note theyre traditional and old-school, not built for turning heads. Shop Now Relaxed Fit Duck Bib Overalls amazon.com $89.00 This is an updated version of the brands workwear classic, the R01, but this has updated features such as a large cell phone pocket in the bib secured with a heavy-duty brass zipper. Theres an elastic gusset where the legs and back panel meet to provide some stretch when bending and makes it easier to tuck in bulky sweaters or hoodies underneath. The 12-ounce duck canvas is substantial as is, but Carhartt adds panels at the cuffs and knees for added abrasion resistance. These work overalls are cut true to size, same as your pants size. A base layer is about the only thing thatll fit under these, so size up if you prefer to wear sweatpants or layer more underneath. We were impressed by the workmanship on this pair and found it to be almost as good as the Round House overallsa line of demarcation for this test. Shop Now B910 Cobblestone Pre-Washed Work Overalls amazon.com $44.99 These Berne work overalls are the only ones that we could describe as modern in their design and cut. They are pre-washed and very soft from the first time we put them on. Theyre also slightly slimmer than classic pairs. The legs have a straight fit and theyre not as wide in the hips. The large pockets are sized to fit a phone or a wallet, or both at the same time. The largest of the two pockets has a zipper to keep a cell phone from falling out when performing odd jobs. The Cobblestones are also the only pair of work overalls in the test with an extra pocket below the hammer strap. Shop Now 862 Carpenters Overalls amazon.com 89.99 Ben Davis is the only company we found that makes work overalls with an attached nail apron, and we were pleasantly surprised by how this pair fit and performed. Its fashioned from perhaps the toughest duck canvas weve seena blend of 60 percent cotton and 40 percent polyester. Were sticklers for all-cotton duck, but this stuff made a believer out of us as the added polyester made these super durable. Its post-laundry color retention is excellent, and it came out of the dryer almost as nicely as pre-washed denim. These are cut generous like traditional workwear and meant to be worn over other clothing or cold-weather layers. Even then, Ben Davis recommends sizing up, which we did. You can slip these on right over chunky work boots, however, youll need to take your boots off to take the work overalls off. The knee padding provided flexible cushioning and adds a little warmth in the winter. We suspect it will flatten with use, but its good while it lasts. The 12 pockets provide more than enough storage to see the average carpenter through a days work. Shop Now Womens T1 Overalls truewerk.com $149.00 This lightweight pair trades denim and canvas for a durable 70-denier nylon-spandex blend. The nylon is water- and abrasion-resistant and the spandex adds stretch for comfort and mobility. You get the ruggedness of heftier materials without the weight or break-in period. Theyre also moisture-wicking which isnt something you can get from denim or duck canvas. The elasticized waistband keeps top layers in place and prevents them from riding up during the day. The knees are reinforced and have removable pads you can replace. The straps have plastic buckles which may not last as long as brass but keeps them lightweight and comfortable. Deputy Editor Zoe Hannah is a fan of these work overalls because of their stretchy shoulder straps and lightweight feel. The knee pads are a great touch, she says, but even when you take them out, the articulation in the knee leaves plenty of room for bending down and squatting. Shop Now Freshley Drop Seat Work Overalls dovetailworkwear.com $139.00 This pair of work overalls has the durability and functionality of traditional overalls but are cut specifically for women, with a comfortable, flattering fit. The brands site has the standard size chart but also in-depth customer reviews where buyers share specific measurements to help you find the perfect size. There are different fabrics to choose in weights from 8 to 12 ounces. Riveted buttons at the sides of the waist make them easier to pull on and off, with a hint of stretch in the material for mobility. The reinforced knees have slots for pads and the pockets and cuffs are also reinforced. The standout feature of this pair is the drop seata rear zipper panel that completely opens, making it a lot easier when nature calls. Dovetail didnt invent the drop seat, but this full zipper design is far superior for people who need to drop trow every time they go to the bathroom, and it leaves plenty of room for larger hips and bums. Hannah is also a fan of this pair, and even wears them casually on occasionthe stretchy straps are a nice touch, along with the classic buckles. Bib overallsfew garments are better suited for work and outdoor play. A bib's coverage protects you and keeps you neat. Buy them slightly oversize and you can slide them over your work clothing to keep you clean and warm. Most importantly, bib overalls or bibs as theyre known in workwear circles, do all of that without limiting your upper body movement. Swing an axe, a hammer, drive machinery. Youre good to go in bibs. But no two overalls are the same. Here's how to get the right bib for the job. You Might Also Like CHILLICOTHE Have you ever wanted to escape into the woods for a moment of relaxation? If so you need to check out Geode Nature Dome, a local outdoor event space built to help connect people with the nature around us and Earth as a whole. The Geode Nature Dome was created in late 2019 by owner Marci Hedderson-Carroll who had moved back to the area to help with her family. After a career in the Highway Patrol, she was teaching hot yoga classes in various studios in Ohio but hated how disconnected from nature she felt, which is what led her to open the dome. She said she has always been a nature and fitness lover so the business was a big passion project for her. She also wanted to help showcase the beauty that is in Ross County as she feels many take it for granted. "We don't know what's in our own backyard," said Hedderson-Carroll. She said the dome and the trail near it help to connect and restore people through nature and break up the everyday monotony that people can feel in life when all they do is go to work then go home repeatedly. She believes being out in nature can help heal the body and mind of a person, just like yoga and the other activities offered. "The connection with nature is healing," said Hedderson-Carroll. "This is an escape from the chaos." Outside of the dome, which is able to be seen through the clear section of the wall, visitors get a unique look at nature with many trees, a small creek and a variety of wildlife, including on occasion deer, squirrels, bobcats and more. "Every season renders something different," said Hedderson-Carroll. One of her favorite parts about owning the 20-foot-tall dome is getting to see people's faces as they walk into the space and become in awe of nature. Owner Marci Hedderson-Carroll stands near the clear wall that overlooks the beautiful nature of Ross County. Starting in 2019 Hedderson-Carroll quickly felt the impact of the pandemic which caused her quickly growing business to come to a rapid stop. However, she said while it frustrated her at the time she is now grateful for having to slow down and reevaluate her plans. She now takes more time to think about her decisions and classes offered by evaluating what it will mean for the business and for her personally since getting burnt out is easy to do when you are running at full steam. She is also more conscious about taking breaks for herself so that way when she is in the dome she can function at her highest potential. When she is in the dome she likes to focus on motivating others and helping participants reach their goals. "I love to empower people," said Hedderson-Carroll. She said she starts her motivation by working with people to get past any barriers or self-doubt they may have in their minds and letting them know that they can accomplish almost anything they set their mind to. She said really enjoys being able to help people accomplish their goals and reach a higher level of happiness in life. The Geode Nature Dome is located at 2467 Rocky Road in Chillicothe, to learn more about the dome and how to book events in it visit them online. Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_ This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Nature dome helps to heal people through a connection with nature Every time I survived a war zone, I thought I was sending a warning home: Dont do this, a photojournalist laments in Alex Garlands speculative thriller, Civil War. But here we are. Like her namesake Lee Miller, who captured on film the Battle of Alsace and the liberation of the Buchenwald and Dachau concentration camps in the Second World War, Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) observes and chronicles the worst of humanity. America has collapsed, as the Western Alliance, struck between California and Texas (with a little help from Florida), closes in on Washington DC and a president (Nick Offerman) whos given himself a third term. Lee, alongside fellow Reuters reporter Joel (Wagner Moura), New York Times veteran Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), and Lee superfan Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), vows to land the only story left in this wasteland of a country: an interview with the now-doomed president. British writer-director Garland, with his valuable outsider perspective, shoots exactly as if he were making a modern war movie about a conflict elsewhere. Civil War is its own warning home: dont do this. And yet it falls frustratingly short, having collapsed into the same thematic issues as Garlands previous work, 2022s Men. There, the director had Jessie Buckley chased around a small village by men with the same face (specifically, Rory Kinnears face). It may have effectively monsterised men, but it never dared to question the system that empowered one gender to commit consequence-free terror and subjugation. Civil War, too, decontextualises violence and deliberately tosses the entire idea of power out the window. Were never told what this conflict is about, who might be oppressed, or what freedoms have been stolen away. All were given is violence. And, to Garlands credit, hes made an utterly convincing war film about a war thats yet to break out, having relinquished the taut control that made his more traditional sci-fi films, Ex Machina and Annihilation, feel so eerie. Instead, were shown handheld but finely tuned documentarian-style chaos, mixing the bitter irony of the veteran soldier with a crooked smile and a pop tune on the radio, with uncompromising horror: a pool of blood on the ground, an open mass grave, hanging bodies at a gas station. At one point Jesse Plemons turns up as a militant in red-lensed sunglasses, an evil man in his paradise. Its impossible not to be affected by these images, so close are they to the kind currently coming out of Gaza. And, through Lee and her compatriots, Garland tries to confront the value of journalism and its ability to find clarity. We dont ask, she states. We record so other people ask. Jessie serves as the naif who learns to embrace her duty even if it means losing her soul Spaeny maps out that loss of innocence as effectively as she did in Sofia Coppolas Priscilla, while Dunst achieves the reverse, using her innate likeability as an actor to soften Lees hardest edges. But because we dont know whats at stake, Civil War skirts the real questions of journalistic impartiality how much does that ideal actually hold up under pressure? and contradicts its own assertions. Not all conflicts are born and bred the same. People dont kill and die without reason. Lees dont do this rings hollow when the US itself has directly participated in so many international conflicts. And there can be no political neutrality to a film that references an Antifa massacre and the city of Charlottesville, where Heather Heyer was murdered when a white supremacist drove a car into a peaceful protest. It records, so we ask. But when all the combatants have to say for themselves is someones trying to kill us [and] were trying to kill them, what do we even talk about? Dir: Alex Garland. Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Nick Offerman. 15, 109 minutes. Civil War is in cinemas from 12 April We have all the details on a new downtown Wilmington restaurant from Toscana's Dan Butler UPDATE: Dan Butler said on Monday, April 22, he had to push back the scheduled April 22 opening date for his new breakfast/lunch cafe The BlueBird at 500 Delaware Ave. in downtown Wilmington. He said he and partner Brian Walsh are currently doing menu prep and training at the site and are waiting for permits. "We're getting close," Butler said. Piccolina Toscana owner Dan Butler is planning a new downtown Wilmington restaurant scheduled to open later this month. The aim on Monday, April 22, is to open The BlueBird, a restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, at 500 Delaware Ave. in what is known as the WSFS Bank Center, Butler told Delaware Online/The News Journal. Dan Butler (left) and his partner Brian Walsh stand in the middle of the renovations at their new Wilmington restaurant The BlueBird which is scheduled to open at 500 Delaware Ave. on April 22. It will serve breakfast and lunch Butler's partner in the project is longtime Toscana employee Brian Walsh, who has worked with him at his Trolley Square Italian restaurant for 12 years. The site for The BlueBird, formerly occupied by PureBread Deli, is owned by The Buccini-Pollin Group. Butler said he has known the real estate, acquisition, development and management company's founders, brothers Chris and Rob Buccini, since they acquired Wilmington's Brandywine Building in 1999 from the DuPont Co. A year earlier, Butler had opened Deep Blue Bar & Grill, a nearby seafood restaurant on West 11th St. that became Tonic restaurant in 2015. Butler is no longer involved in the restaurant, now owned by the Jamestown Hospitality Group. Butler said Chris Buccini approached him about opening a restaurant in the former PureBread space that has been vacant for several years. Butler is considered one of the city's most well-known and respected restaurateurs. He has been operating Toscana in Trolley Square since 1991. President Joe Biden has been a long-time Toscana customer and stopped in the restaurant in late March to visit with his campaign leadership team, who gathered at the Italian restaurant at 1412 N. Dupont St. for a weekend retreat. Butler's niece Sheila Grant works in the Biden White House and is a special assistant to the president and a senior advisor to the deputy chief of staff. PureBread temporarily closed its Wilmington location in July 2019 after a man who was shot outside the city crashed his car into the building and later died. The damage to the building, which was repaired, included smashed seats and tables, and a knocked-over stone-veneer fireplace. PureBread Wilmington reopened in August 2019 and again closed its doors during the pandemic. It still operates cafes in Greenville, Pike Creek, and Stanton, as well as Pennsylvania sites in Glen Mills and Kennett Square. Butler said the Buccinis are planning a major renovation to the WSFS plaza to update the look and appeal of the building and wanted to provide a quality restaurant in the former PureBread space to complement the upgrades. "That's when it clicked," said Butler, who initially planned on opening a bakery on Market Street in the city but then pivoted to a restaurant. He said he would eventually like to open a Wilmington bakery. "That's not dead," Butler said. Plans have been in the works for The BlueBird since September 2023. Renovations to the interior of the building began more than a month ago. Dan Butler (left) stands outside of his new coming-soon Wilmington restaurant The BlueBird and discusses ideas for a restaurant sign. The breakfast and lunch spot at 500 Delaware Ave. is scheduled to open April 22. In February, Butler closed his Toscana Pizza e Panini kiosk after operating one year at the Chancery Market, Food Hall & Bar at 1313 N. Market St. Butler told Delaware Online/The News Journal he wanted to concentrate on a new downtown Wilmington restaurant project. The BlueBird will have 60 seats indoors and have seating for 60 people outside on the plaza. As construction workers Wednesday climbed ladders and installed an 8-foot round fixture that will light the dining room, Walsh and Butler toured the interior, pointing out where blue and brown banquettes and tables for six people will be located. Sunlight streamed through the restaurant's 25-foot high windows, and Butler showed where wooden and porcelain tiled floors soon will be placed. The restaurant also will have maple butcher block tables, high-top tables, booths parked in corners, and individual window seats facing the plaza. Customers can order at a kiosk, at the counter or online. Delivery and catering will be available for downtown businesses and workers. Walsh said the website, thebluebirdwilmington.com will be "very user-friendly." Butler said the location is key for the restaurant. "We are in the midst of all the business in downtown. All the banks and law firms" are nearby, he said. Butler and Walsh said they are not worried that some area businesses don't have employees working daily in their offices. Butler said the restaurant is located near hospitals and office staffers have returned a few days a week at law firms, banks and the courthouse on King Street. He said the partners also are encouraged by the building of downtown apartments, including The Press, a 14-story residential tower with 243 apartments under construction at Eighth and Orange streets. It is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. "We acknowledge the world's changed," Butler said but added that he and Walsh know that the restaurant is needed because they deliver many orders to the downtown area from Trolley Square's Toscana To-Go takeout shop. Walsh said workers can bring a laptop, park at one of BlueBird's tables, and work: "This will be nicer than your home." POTUS returns to a favorite spot: President Biden visits Wilmington restaurant that catered his daughter's 2012 wedding The BlueBird will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., but Butler said the hours and days could be extended after the restaurant is up and running. The kitchen will be staffed with longtime Toscana employees, some of whom have worked with Butler for 30 years. The menu will include bagels, egg sandwiches, pastries and baked goods made on-site, panini, soups, salads, sandwiches, bowl dishes, and other healthy options. Lavazza coffee will be served, but no alcoholic beverages. There will be no pizzas or pasta. "This is not Toscana," Walsh said. If you want to read more stories from Patricia Talorico, visit delawareonline.com/staff/2646617001/patricia-talorico You can find her on Instagram , X, and Facebook. Email ptalorico@delawareonline.com or leave a message at 302-324-2861. Sign up for her Delaware Eats newsletter. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: New Wilmington restaurant from Toscana's Dan Butler is coming soon SALT LAKE CITY - When George Matus was in high school in Salt Lake City, he had a vision of small drones flitting at peoples shoulders to help them explore. At 17, he founded Teal Drones, named after a speedy breed of duck. At the beginning, it was more focused on the joy of flight, Matus said. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. But after launching Teal Drones in 2015, Matus was soon struggling to keep it afloat. A drone-maker in China called DJI had dominated the global market with sleek, easy-to-use consumer drones at prices that were simply impossible for a U.S.-based company to match. At some point, Matus realized that if he wanted to keep his dream alive, hed have to change the dream. Today, Matus says Teal sells most of its drones to the Pentagon to help soldiers with reconnaissance, with other sales to municipal police departments and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Theyve got our drones deployed on both borders, he says). The company adopted the slogan Dominate the Night to tout its drones ability to spot targets in the dark. Most of our focus is DOD (Department of Defense), said Matus, now 26. Since the invasion of Ukraine, it has become very clear that drones are incredibly impactful to war. The U.S. small drone industry is experiencing a renaissance after having been all but given up for lost, due to the impossibility of competing with China on production costs. The reason for the resurgence is a grim one: Small drones have proven a potent battle tool in the Ukraine war, with soldiers strapping bombs on them and sending them on one-way missions. The Pentagon has announced a Replicator program to produce thousands of U.S. small drones, in an initiative that U.S. drone makers hope will help provide them with steady sales and help offset their higher production costs. Jeff Thompson, whose company Red Cat Holdings acquired Teal Drones in 2021, said other governments across North America and Europe are also ordering thousands of drones, wary of being caught flat-footed if another war breaks out. Everyone wants to make sure they have the drones before something happens, Thompson said. Hopefully everyone buys a whole bunch of drones, and no one wants to invade each other anymore. Thatd be great. Pivoting to defense When Matus was launching Teal in 2015, investors anticipated a commercial boom: Amazons founder Jeff Bezos had announced ambitions to deliver packages by drone nationwide as early as 2017. (Bezos owns The Washington Post.) But the drone-based consumer lifestyle never materialized. Sorting out the licenses to fly the devices was complicated and varied by state. The technology was still not reliable enough. There was also a reflexive ick-factor from the public over the idea of eagle-eyed drones flying over their homes all the time. The concept is cool and exciting, said Adam Bry, CEO of the San Mateo, Calif.-based drone maker Skydio, of the idea of delivery drones. The actual delivery of working product has turned out to be phenomenally complicated. Then in 2016, Chinas DJI launched a 1.6-pound drone called the Mavic Pro for $999, which pretty much demolished the hopes of U.S. players. The Mavic Pro could capture 4K video and 12-megapixel still photos. It could lock onto a subject and follow them automatically and live-stream video from more than four miles away. With its four wings folded, the 3.3-inch by 7.8-inch device could be carried in a pocket. Matus tried to match the Mavic Pros thousand-dollar price point, but he would have to lose money on every drone he sold. He was forced to winnow his staff of 45 down to 10. That was the trough of disillusionment, Matus recalled. Most companies were going out of business. And Teal was also very close to the brink. Alex Wishart, 58, Teals technician manager, recalled it being touch and go for a while, though he said the company never missed paychecks, even during tough times. Teal, Skydio and the few other remaining U.S. drone makers were thrown a lifeline in 2018, when the Defense Department banned the use of DJI drones in the U.S. military, citing security concerns of using a China-based supplier. The Army began looking for domestic vendors. We went all in on defense, Matus said. We knew that would be our future. Teal revamped its drones to be weatherproof, with a thermal camera for night vision, and with a higher level of cybersecurity. The company named its next drone the Golden Eagle and unfurled an enormous American flag across its factory wall. Skydio also made the shift, closing down its consumer drone division in 2023 to focus on government customers. Matuss team is now up to nearly 100 people, the most ever. Thats still a far cry from DJIs 14,000 employees, who operate automated assembly lines in China, with rows of robot arms churning out some 70 percent of the worlds drones. Teals workers in Salt Lake City assemble their drones by hand, sitting at several long tables in an open workshop. There is no need for conveyor belts or automated production at their current scale. They do have one robot arm in the back, which is used to calibrate each drones navigation systems. After calibration, they take the drones out to a grassy patch out front to run them through test flights, with the snow-capped Wasatch Mountains in the distance. Teals revival has brought several dozen new engineering and manufacturing jobs to Utah. Even workers with no technical background have quickly picked up the ins and outs of building and flying drones. Zach Childs, 23, who grew up in West Jordan, south of Salt Lake City, said he did not know anything about drones before joining Teal in January 2023. Now Im like a complete hobbyist, said Childs. I have drones at home that I always use its practically a supercomputer thats flying around in the air. I mean, its got nine different processors. Alexander Pot, 19, who was building drone controllers on a recent weekday afternoon, said his girlfriends grandmother had come to work at Teal first and had introduced him to the job. I build up these big controllers from the bottom, he said. Im really trying to learn as much as I can. Matus still faces an uphill battle. Even in the Salt Lake City area - Teal Drones own backyard - police are skeptical theres a need to buy domestic. They say Chinas DJI remains the gold standard in functionality and price, and they believe the cybersecurity risk is minimal when the devices are run disconnected from the internet. Kyle Nordfors, drone search-and-rescue coordinator for Weber County, just north of Salt Lake City, said that while he hoped to see U.S. drone brands become more competitive, DJIs are still the best. He said DJIs better functionality makes the difference between life or death when his team is searching for hikers lost on snowy slopes. Unfortunately, the U.S. manufacturers are still years behind, Nordfors said. If these anti-Chinese laws go into effect, it will cost American lives. And this isnt hyperbole. I can give you actual names of American citizens that would have perished if I was forced to use an American drone. Nordfors said he believes there isnt a risk of data leakage to China from the drones when they are set to operate disconnected from the internet, which he says is how his team uses them. The pride of his fleet is a top-of-the-line $30,000 DJI drone that can zoom in on targets far out on the horizon and that has a thermal mode that makes people pop out of the landscape. Nordfors said he was glad Utahs lawmakers listened to logic and havent banned DJI drones. He said hed explained to them how they could delete all the data off the drones before reconnecting them to the internet. Its all fearmongering and nonsense, he said. Josh Ashdown, a sergeant with the Salt Lake City Police Department overseeing its drone program, says his team has a fleet of 17 drones from four brands - China-based DJI and Autel, and the U.S. brands Skydio and Brinc. Some of it is just economics, on which ones are the most affordable, and being responsible with our tax dollars, he said. Ashdown said the Salt Lake City Police Department now has 27 officers licensed to fly drones, and they take them out for an operation or for practice almost every day. He called the drones a transformative technology that is allowing police officers to monitor parade routes for possible attackers, and to check a location for bystanders before a SWAT team moves in. The state of Florida adopted a ban on police using China-made drones last year. There are no such restrictions in other states. At the Miami Police Department, Sgt. Anthony Loperfido says his team had a fleet of 14 DJI drones before the state banned China-based drone brands, and they had to scramble to find the funds to buy more-expensive domestic ones. His team now fields 12 Skydio drones made in California, which cost around $25,000 a piece, compared to $1,500 to $3,000 for the DJI ones. Thats a lot of money to put out, he said. Loperfido said his team has had to suspend their use of drones for indoor SWAT operations after Floridas China drone ban went into effect. The U.S.-made drones, he said, were falling short in indoor cellular connectivity. If the operator loses contact with the drone, he said, it can no longer fly. Now all you have is a piece of technology sitting inside some place on the floor that you cant communicate with, he said. But Loperfido said U.S. drone makers have been making strides. He cited the new Skydio X10, which he said has features tailored for law enforcement. I would have said that then, he said, of U.S. drones lagging in functionality. I dont think I can say that now. After the work day, Matuss employees often take out their personal drones, zooming them around in loops around the office for the sheer joy of it. When they pull on paired goggles that display the live feed from their drones camera, they can experience the exhilarating drones eye view of the high-speed flight. Its what a teenage Matus had envisioned his drones would allow customers to do. But his employees are not playing with Teal drones. At $15,000 a piece, Teals products are far too pricey to goof around with. The employees instead race cheap and cheerful China-made drones, which frequently crash into the walls, requiring repairs. The prospects remain difficult for any consumer-oriented U.S. drone company to survive in the face of competition from DJI. Teals parent company, Red Cat, had also owned two consumer drone start-ups, Fat Shark and Rotor Riot, which sourced from China to keep their costs down. Red Cat recently sold those two start-ups, keeping only Teal. With us working with the government daily now, weve got to split ourselves, Thompson said. We cant say Made in USA and Im on the phone at 2 oclock in the morning ordering a bunch of stuff from China. The last American consumer drone model, Matus says, had been Snaps Pixy, which the company issued a recall on in February due to overheating batteries that sometimes caught fire. Related Content The horse wars of Stormy Daniels Alone in a bathroom: The fear and uncertainty of a post-Roe medication abortion How Donald Trumps mug shot became a defiant and divisive 2024 symbol It's all thanks to a 25 million redevelopment project. Dublins Victorian Fruit and Vegetable Market is slated to reopen in August 2026, five years after its closure. And the Irish City Council is already talking about how great its going to be. While it has yet to open, the market is already getting competitive with its neighbors, specifically with the iconic English Market in Cork. Well be far better than [the English Market in] Cork once we get going, but things take a while to get to a point where you pull the trigger. Then when you pull the trigger it happens very quickly, Dublin City Council chief executive Richard Shakespeare recently told The Irish Times. Thats a bold claim, especially since the English Market in Cork has been operating successfully since 1788 including surviving the Burning of Cork in 1920, as well as famine, war, and floods while the newest iteration of Dublins market has yet to get up and running. Related: This Historic Philly Market Turns 125 This Year, and It's Better Than Ever The market, a beacon of local culture, plans to feature a diverse range of food sellers. Its focus on local producers and vendors is a testament to its commitment to reflecting a modern Ireland, a community that values its own. The building where the market is housed was initially opened in 1892 with the intention of improving hygiene during a period when food was traditionally sold off carts in the often unsanitary streets. Located on Marys Lane between Capel Street and Smithfield, the building has remained empty since its closure in 2019 to aid in its redevelopment. The Irish Independent notes that the refurbishment process was initially slated to be completed in 2021; however, was delayed due to changes in the tendering process. Related: The Best Holiday Market in Every State Since then, the historic red building has fallen victim to vandalism, including its large wooden doors being set on fire. Redevelopment has been painfully slow; however, Shakespeare has said that he expects the project, which is anticipated to cost roughly 25 million, to move forward rapidly. Smithfield, the neighborhood where the market is located has been rapidly transforming in recent years and was recently recognized by Time Out as the second coolest on earth. Once reopened, the market has the potential to help continue to revitalize the Northside of the city. Plans for the market were initially unveiled in 2005 under the Markets Framework Plan and included not only the market but also apartment, retail, and office spaces that would span a total of six stories. Those plans have since been scrapped for a more modest redevelopment plan. Related: A Food Market Founded in 1217 Is Still the Best in the World Work to remove vegetation and loose materials from the market is expected to be completed within the next two months, and a contract for structural stabilization of the building is in the works. Once open, Shakespeare says that the city hopes the market will be a place that operates from 10 in the morning to 10 at night and will add to the vibrancy and vitality of the city. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. This Feature Of My Smile Links Me To My Roots And Im Not Getting Rid Of It "In Yoruba, my parents' native language, the tooth gap is fondly referred to as 'eji,'" says Dr. Ade Osinubi. Photo: Dr. Ade Osinubi Growingup,I had a pretty straight smile with a small gap between my two front teeth. As a result, and to the relief of my parents wallet, I didnt have to get braces in grade school like so many of my peers. Unfortunately, my severely impacted wisdom teeth wreaked havoc on the straightness of my smile years later just as my dentist warned me they would. In college I had my wisdom teeth removed, and one year ago I decided to embark on a teeth-straightening journey with clear aligners to reclaim the smile that once was. As I began this journey, I was skeptical. Not only was I apprehensive about wearing plastic retainers 24/7, but I was also worried that Id be pressured to close my gap a feature of my smile that I had grown quite fond of. And so when the time came to take virtual molds of my mouth, I asked the orthodontist if I could keep the gap as is. She looked at me so curiously that I had to assume that this was one of the first times shed ever received this request. So I explained to her the cultural significance of having the gap in Nigeria and other African nations. In Yoruba, my parents native language, the tooth gap is fondly referred to as eji. It is seen as a symbol of beauty and wealth, especially for women-identifying individuals in many African cultures so much so that some may undergo procedures to artificially create the desired diastema. Some of the people that I grew up with in Nigeria would even opt to get the gap surgically, at the cost of chronic headaches, says Amaka Uzoigwe, a physician who now lives in New York. She points to one small study out of Nigeria that found 34% of its participants had undergone cosmetic procedures to artificially create the diastema. After getting a little cultural context, my orthodontist emphatically supported my decision to keep my maxillary midline diastema, or MMD the medical term for a tooth gap. With a mini dental ruler, her assistant measured my 1 millimeter gap, wrote DO NOT CLOSE DIASTEMA in all caps, and sent these instructions to the clear aligner company. I automatically felt more comfortable at that point. So, one might wonder, how do MMDs occur? According to Dr. Wunmi Oni, a pediatric dentist in Pennsylvania, the gap can form due to dental conditions such as an oversize frenum and habits like sucking ones thumb or tongue. However, she points out that many diastemas are not pathological; theyre simply a heritable characteristic. A genetic trait that extends throughout bloodlines, the MMD is common in those who currently reside on the African continent. My father [told] me that all members of our family cherish their gaps and [that] it is viewed as a prized characteristic, says Brenda Awuah, a resident of Nashville, Tennessee, and the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants. Each generation of my family has this trait. Although the MMD may be sought-after for many people in African countries, its often looked down upon in Western nations. The authors of a paper in one scientific journal state that the maxillary midline diastema represents an esthetic and psychological impairment and distress for patients seeking orthodontic treatment. In other words, its a physical flaw that needs to be fixed. Many Black people who grew up in Western countries have unfortunately faced ridicule over their gap, since the characteristic is at odds with deep-seated Eurocentric beauty standards. I must acknowledge my own gap privilege that exempt me from getting too much ridicule about my MMD; it was likely because my own gap is fairly petite, still sitting at 1 millimeter. I know that several of my peers with more pronounced gaps face a lot of negativity I spoke to several of them. Mariama Ibrahim, a resident of Durham, North Carolina, who is the daughter of Nigerian and Panamanian immigrants, was bullied for having a gap. She routinely heard comments such as you look like a train can go through your mouth and are you missing a tooth? Mariama Ibrahim, right, is pictured with father Jimo Ibrahim. Photo: Joseph Howard Ikeoluwapo Ibrahim, who lives in Connecticut and is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, often got beaver and lisp comments regarding her smile. If you flip through any pictures from before high school, youll notice that I rarely smiled with teeth showing, says Ophelia Okoh, a daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who lives in Philadelphia. Her gap, she tells me, was the target of many jokes. I vividly remember watching an episode of Americas Next Top Model where contestant Danielle Dani Evans was jeered by judges and told that she would never win a CoverGirl modeling contract as long as she kept the gap in her teeth. Despite these comments, Evans decided against fully closing it and opted for a partial closure. She went on to win the shows sixth season. To this day, though, I wonder if she still would have won had she not assimilated by meeting them halfway. "If you flip through any pictures from before high school, you'll notice that I rarely smiled with teeth showing," says Ophelia Okoh. Photo: Ophelia Okoh Okoh says that she used to dream about the day when [she] could afford braces or Invisalign to close her gap due to incessant bullying. However, watching Evans decision on ANTM, she says, challenged her intentions of closing her gap. That small moment of representation mattered. Kenny Agoro, a daughter of Nigerian immigrants who lives in Ohio, had a similar experience. She tells me that Evans decision had a significant impact on her during a crucial time when she was ashamed of sporting her gap. Beverly Aiyanyor, a Philadelphia resident who is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, tells me that she initially desired to close her gap but eventually changed her mind. As I saw other celebrities and influencers embrace theirs, it further encouraged me to embrace [my gap] and not allow societal pressures make me feel like I have to close it, she says. When it comes to smile politics, it is important to recognize just how much whiteness can impact our perceptions of what an acceptable smile truly looks like. Dentists and other medical professionals must be aware of the cultural significance of the gap, allowing that to inform their approach to patient care. Oni says that since the majority of diastemas do not impact oral health, she gives her patients full autonomy over their decision to keep or close their gap for aesthetic reasons. Im thankful that my orthodontic team was supportive of my choice, especially since embracing the gap may have been totally unfamiliar to them. I learned that one of the dental assistants had many phone calls with the clear aligner company to ensure that it designed the aligners to preserve my diastema. This is what a real advocate looks like. Whether one chooses to keep their gap or not, it is important for dental professionals and the rest of the Western world to continuously redefine and push the boundaries of what having a beautiful smile looks like. Nature has a reason for why l was gifted with a maxillary midline diastema, says Agnes Amihere, who currently resides in Ghana, reflecting on her experience living with a tooth gap. I do not know why l was amongst the chosen ones. l am proud and grateful as it makes my smile a unique handiwork and feature of creation. I couldnt agree more. In the U.S., restaurants, bars, and food or beverage brands such as Topo Chico have sold us on the notion of Cinco de Mayo as "the" Mexican holiday, but southwest of the Rio Grande, it's no such thing. The more-widely-recognized Mexican Independence Day is actually on September 16, as this date marks the anniversary of the start of Mexico's 1810 War of Independence from Spain. Cinco de Mayo is instead more of a local celebration that commemorates the Battle of Puebla, which took place about a half-century later when the French, in turn, tried to establish their presence in the Mexican state from which the battle takes its name. No matter the history behind it, Cinco de Mayo is as good a time as any to explore all that Mexican cuisine has to offer. This year, however, it's time to expand your repertoire of Cinco de Mayo recipes beyond tacos, burritos, and margaritas. Instead, we suggest a Puebla specialty that doubles as Mexico's national dish: mole poblano. While Mexico has several different moles, two of the best-known are mole negro and mole poblano. Both are made with chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, and chocolate, but the main difference between them is that mole poblano is less intense in flavor and color (an alternate name for it is mole rojo, or red mole). While it can be complicated and time-consuming to make, it's easy to buy a jar of the stuff, with Dona Maria being a common brand sold in the U.S. Read more: US Foods You Surprisingly Can't Find In Canada These Other Pueblan Foods Would Also Be Appropriate Chiles in nogada on plate - Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images One cannot make a meal on mole alone, it's true, although mole poblano can be used to make chicken mole, served as a sauce for other meats or vegetables, spooned over eggs, or incorporated into dishes such as enchiladas or, yes, tacos and burritos. Still, if you'd like your Cinco de Mayo celebration to be less mole-centric, there are several other Puebla specialties you might want to try. One such dish is chalupas here's a recipe for the homemade kind, though Taco Bell has its own version if you prefer something made for you. Another, more colorful regional specialty from Puebla is something you're unlikely to see on a fast food menu. Chiles en nogada is a dish of stuffed, fried peppers, much like chiles rellenos. However, what really makes it stand out is a topping of white walnut sauce with red pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley. The three colors are meant to resemble the Mexican flag, and the dish was said to have been created in honor of Mexico's first emperor on the occasion of his 1821 visit to Puebla. Even if you can't get hold of or don't feel like making any of these Puebla specialties, there's one you may already have in your pantry: Cholula, the hot sauce named for a 2,500-year-old city in the northwestern part of that state. Here's an idea: Splash Cholula on boeuf bourguignon or soupe a l'oignon and call it a Battle of Puebla reconciliation meal. Read the original article on Mashed Granville is a village in Licking County. Known as a picturesque New England-style town, the population was 5,646 at the 2010 census. It is 7 miles west of Newark, the county seat. Granville is home to Denison University. Photographed May 12, 2021. Granville has been named one of the best small college towns in the country by USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The Licking County village landed at No. 4 on the list of 10 towns beating out Charlottesville, Virginia, and Annapolis, Maryland, among others. The USA TODAY 10Best polls regularly survey people on their favorites in every category from museums to restaurants and summer festivals. An expert panel selected the college towns, and readers voted for the best. Granville has been home to Denison University since the university was founded in 1831 as the Granville Literary and Theological Institution. It soon took the name Granville College and was renamed in the mid-1850s as Denison University in honor of a key benefactor, according to the university. Built on a hill above Granville, Denison University was founded in 1831. It has 2,300 students and 235 faculty members. Denison was founded just a few short years after the village of Granville was settled in 1805 by a group of settlers from Granville, Massachusetts, and Granby, Connecticut, who meticulously planned a public square, school, library, burying ground and church properties before heading west, according to the village. The list highlights Granville's gentle hills, charming Greek Revival buildings and cozy pubs and cafes as reasons visitors should check out the village. Granville wasn't the only Ohio college town to make the list. Athens, home to Ohio University, came in at No. 5 and Oxford, where Miami University is located, landed at No. 2. 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Small College Towns Oxford, Mississippi Oxford, Ohio Frostburg, Maryland Granville, Ohio Athens, Ohio Annapolis, Maryland Hanover, New Hampshire Williamsburg, Virginia Charlottesville, Virginia Saratoga Springs, New York mdevito@gannett.com 740-607-2175 This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking County's Granville among USA TODAY 10Best small college towns LOS ANGELES, April 11 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX launched an advanced weather satellite mission for the U.S. Space Force on Thursday. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base at 7:25 a.m. Pacific Time. The Falcon 9's first stage returned to Earth safely, touching down at Vandenberg's Landing Zone about eight minutes after liftoff. The mission, codenamed USSF-62, is sending the Weather System Follow-on -- Microwave (WSF-M) satellite to low Earth orbit. SpaceX later confirmed the satellite was deployed. The mission will help enable new imaging capabilities for low-Earth orbit weather data collection, according to SpaceX. With history and coastal charm, these two RI towns were named among the best in the US If you're looking to plan a vacation with a small town feel, USA Today 10Best thinks two Rhode Island towns should be on your list. USA Today 10Best, which is owned by same parent company as The Providence Journal, is a travel and lifestyle website. In every category, nominees are submitted by experts, then narrowed down by editors and voted on by readers to determine the final rankings. One Rhode Island town placed in "The Best Small towns in the Northeast" and another was named one of the "Best Coastal Town in the U.S." for 2024. Newport named one of the 'Best Coastal Small Town in U.S.' Rhode Island has your pick of oceanside escapes when you're making travel plans, but Newport seems to rise to the top. Voters ranked this the No. 6 spot in the country for a coastal getaway. "This Rhode Island town has a little something for everyone, from breweries and wineries to regattas and Gilded Age mansions and that's just the start," the article said. "Go paddleboarding or sailing, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, hike along the Cliff Walk with gorgeous ocean views, or simply stroll about downtown to grab a bite and do some souvenir shopping." The winning spot was Stuart, Florida, on the Treasure Coast. Wickford named one of the 'Best Historic Small Towns' Shot from a bridge in Wickford Rhode Island When it comes to the historic small town category, tiny little Wickford is well known for its charm. It was named the best historic small town in the U.S. in 2022. Yankee Magazine recently named it the best small town to live in in New England if you love historic architecture. Food, history and beaches: Yankee Magazine named these RI towns among best places to live With all that charm, it's no wonder Wickford was voted the second best historic small town. "Europeans first settled this Rhode Island community around 1637. Today, it features one of the northeastern United States most significant collections of 18th-century dwellings, most of which are on their original foundations," the article said. "The Old Narragansett Church was established in downtown Wickford in 1707 and today stands as the oldest Episcopal church building in the region. One of the areas most visited historical locations is Smiths Castle, built in 1678 by the son of one of Wickfords earliest European settlers." While it's true Wickford one the category in 2022, this year Ludington, Michigan was voted to the No. 1 spot. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Wickford and Newport, RI voted among best small towns by 10Best USA Today Kamala Harris Keeps It Classic in Black Heels at White House State Dinner for Japan All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Footwear News may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Kamala Harris wore classic black heels and an all-black outfit on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., to attend a White House State Dinner for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. More from Footwear News Kamala Harris in classic black pumps. Getty Images Her overall look consisted of a black sweater, matching heels, and a long black shirt that featured a hint of crystals, making the outfit pop. Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff arrive at the White House for a State Dinner on April 10 in Washington, D.C. Getty Images Harris was accompanied by her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, at the event. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden were also in attendance, as well as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 10: U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden head into the Blue Room while hosting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state dinner in the East Room of the White House on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Biden welcomed Kishida for an official state visit where the two leaders announced new agreements on technology and strengthening military and economic partnerships against Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) White House State Dinner for Japan: All the Shoes & Style View Gallery33 Images Kamala Harris Shoe Style When it comes to Harris personal shoe style, she tends to usually wear flats or high heels. The U.S. Vice President wore white embellished flats at the White House Easter Egg Roll on April 1. Some of her past looks also include classic black pumps and metallic gray heels, which shes dressed up and down. If you take a closer look at her shoe style over the years, Harris mostly opts for black and neutral-toned shoes. Occasionally, Harris will opt for sneakers usually for casual daytime events. Shop a Similar Style Kamala Harris Goes Classic in Black Heels at White House State Dinner Steve Madden Evelyn Black Leather Pumps $99.95 Buy Now at Steve Madded Launch Gallery: White House State Dinner for Japan: All the Shoes & Style Best of Footwear News Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. MILAN La Redoute will show off its AMPM home line for the first time on the international stage next week. The brands latest furniture and lighting will be unveiled during Milan Design Week at Milans Spazio Big on Via Santa Marta, 10 from from Monday to April 21. AMPMs participation in Milan Design Week marks a milestone in its expansion into Italy, where it has been present since 2022. This presence underlines the strategic importance of the Italian market for the La Redoute group and reinforces its ambition to establish itself as a key player in the Italian design scene, La Redoutes general manager, Italy, Loredana Fartade said in a statement. More from WWD In December La Redoutes chief executive officer Philippe Berlan told WWD that the historic French company-turned-e-tailer, which has been dressing French families since the 1800s, is now working on becoming a European leader in the home sector. AMPM and the La Redoute Interieurs line are integral to its home business. Both brands offer a wide range of prices and products. For example, sofas from the La Redoute Interieurs line run from about 300 euros to 3,700 euros, while sofas from the AMPM line run from about 1,000 euros to 7,500 euros. The home decoration market is more resilient overall, even if there are fluctuations. Its more resilient than fashion, which has been a very challenged market for many years. And then the second reason we chose this strategy is that we feel this is where we have the best assets to succeed, with the development of strong brands such as La Redoute Interieur and AMPM, Berlan said in December. The Urban Nomadic exhibition was envisaged by AMPM artistic director Francois Bernard. The brands 2024 creations include those by Emmanuel Gallina, who has worked with high-end Italian brands like Poliform and Ethic and collaborated with famed Italian architect and designer Antonio Citterio for seven years. Overall, the array embraces nature and poetry, punctuated by playful pieces like a solid walnut Izag armchair in animal motif, designed by AMPMs design team. AMPM Izag armchair. Best of WWD Licking Heights High School senior Jessie Khuu is an award-winning poet and she didnt even know it. Last month, Khuu earned second place in the high school division of The Ohio State Universitys Kentucky and Ohio Sijo Competition. Sijo is a form of traditional Korean poetry that includes three lines of 14 to 16 syllables, often with a focus on romantic, metaphysical or spiritual themes. Licking Heights senior Jessie Khuu won second place for a traditional Korean sijo she wrote for The Ohio State Universitys annual competition. "Having to focus on the amount of syllables placed in each line and for the overall poem makes the sijo style stick out to me," Khuu said. "Writing it felt like a restriction but also led me to be even more creative with my words, which I really enjoyed feeling." OSUs East Asian Studies Center, in partnership with the Korea Foundation, sponsors the annual competition. Students from elementary, middle and high schools across Kentucky and Ohio are welcome to enter. Khuu received a $150 cash prize for her sijo. Khuu says she learned about the sijo style and the competition from her World History teacher, Amy Obhof. While she might not be an avid writer, Khuu said she has always had an interest in creative writing. "I really love all sorts of creative arts and love the idea of being able to express yourself through multiple different forms," she said. "I find myself finding interest in all sorts of creative works and am always willing to personally appreciate them or try them out." For inspiration, Khuu turned to her AP Chemistry class. The idea of opposites attracting interests her, and she wanted to express her passion for trying something new through the contrast of oil and water. Khuu said the blending of unexpected substances is symbolic of her stepping out of her comfort zone to enter the competition. "Many see water and oil as parallels that don't have the chance of mixing. They always seem like they will stay separate. But they actually can mix, through emulsion," she said. "Like unexpected occurrences, life can always find a way to surprise you and you could find yourself liking something you would have never thought you would." Khuus sijo reads as follows: Mixing oil and water, its dispersed, not harmonious. Parallels, theyll never mix. Theyre meant to be immiscible. You and me, well dance together. Lets experience emulsion. Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools. This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Heights senior earns Ohio State University poetry prize Each springwithout failan email from retired B-52 pilot Charles Chuck Sutherland arrives in my inbox. Sutherland, president of the Louisiana chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), wants to make sure people know about this groups yearly free workshop for writers. Hes one of the most organized authors Ive knownand committed to helping others learn to tell their stories. He honed writing skills in the Air Force, where he wrote everything from lesson plans and manuals to a comical Combat Crew Magazine series to instruct SAC aviators, about a detective called Fix Hammer, the Instrument Investigator. In 1999, during a combat deployment to Saudi Arabia, I tried writing a novel but life got in the way. Still, my abortive attempt taught me that I had much to learn about writing fiction, he said. And much to teach. Charles Sutherland He has since published a variety of books under the pen name C.D. Sutherland, including The Dragoneers, The Lost Dragoneer and The Last Dragoneer, and is project manager for the 9th annual ACFW Aspiring Writers Workshop, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:50 p.m. April 27 at Barksdale Baptist Church in Bossier City. The program, with a panel of local authors, will provide instruction on basic story-crafting theory and techniques and focus on wholesome narrative fiction. Even if you have no interest in writing fiction, this announcement should bring a smile to book lovers. Its another reminder of the large number of hardworking North Louisiana authors, everyday people being published right and left. The chapter collaborates to produce a collection of stories available for you to read (and to be used as a teaching tool at the conference). This year 15 authors wrote for a two-volume anthology, Time Passages, available via Amazon or at the conference. We agree on a common element for our stories, mainly because our diversity prevents us from agreeing on a common theme, Sutherland said. We invite you to take notice of the techniques used by this array of talented authors to weave those time-related appearances into their stories. Time Passages, Volume 1 Volume I authors include Sutherland, Jann Franklin, Datha Hopkins, Beverly Flanders, Susan Hiers Foster, Jonni Rich, Mary Lou Cheatham and Donna M. Copeland. Time Passages, Volume 2 Volume II features stories by Bruce Hennigan, Calvin Hubbard, Eileen Keir Copeland, Tina Middleton, Cindy Chandler Pye, Carole Lehr Johnson and Marguerite Martin Gray. Authors, including some of those above, volunteer their time and are serious that the workshop be productive. This is the only book event I write about that reminds attendees to bring a sack lunchno wasting time going out. Experience shows that all aspiring writers have the same questions but often dont know how to ask them, Sutherland said. While aspiring writers usually have a particular premise or unique character pinging away at their muse, logic suggests they must acquire the fundamental story-crafting skill sets before they write a satisfying story. Attendees will be taught how to determine their audience, to immerse readers in setting, develop interesting characters and deal with points of viewand will have opportunities to talk with published authors, receive individualized feedback on work done that day and get books signed. While the workshop opens and closes in prayer and some speakers are a little more direct than others in sharing their faith, this event is not a church service, Sutherland said. To preregister, go to http://www.narrowwaypress.com/aspiring-writers-workshop/. For more, email Sutherland at TheAspiringWritersWorkshop@gmail.com. About the ACFW chapter The group meets at Barksdale Baptist Church at 11 a.m. on the last Saturday of each month except November and December and is part of the national ACFW. For more, see www.acfw.com. While almost everybody is published, we are a diverse group united by our love for Christ and our interest in writing, even as our primary genres vary widely, Sutherland said. Columnist Judy Christie and NYT bestselling author Lisa Wingate co-authored Before and After: The Incredible Real-Life Stories of Orphans Who Survived the Tennessee Childrens Home Society, the nonfiction sequel to Wingates bestselling novel Before We Were Yours. For more about Christie, see www.judychristie.com or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JudyChristieAuthor. This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Local authors shine with anthology, free writing workshop Jordi Roca made his name in the culinary world with his work at El Celler de Can Roca, the restaurant in Girona, Spain, that he runs with his brothers Joan and Josep. As the restaurant's pastry chef, he has employed molecular gastronomy techniques to create innovative, conceptual desserts that have earned many accolades over the years. Roca was awarded World's Best Pastry Chef in 2014, and El Celler de Can Roca has earned three Michelin stars (as well as an additional green star for its environmental programs). Roca exists in an exclusive space in the food industry, but he's not interested in fine dining alone. As he told Tasting Table in an exclusive interview, he appreciates more humble fare. "I love the taquerias and also the street hot dogs in New York. ... I have also been able to [try] the barbecue in Texas and I am also fascinated by that part," he shared. As for Roca's most frequent destination in the U.S., that honor went to San Francisco, and the two businesses he highlighted were makers of chocolate and bread fitting for someone who's so focused on the craft of pastry. "I like to visit the Dandelion Chocolate factory and the Tartine bakery, that is bread and chocolate, for me, they are two references," he explained. Read more: 25 Most Popular Snacks In America Ranked Worst To Best Jordi Roca's San Francisco Favorites Box of Dandelion chocolates - Dandelion Chocolate/Instagram Roca enjoys visiting the Dandelion Chocolate factory in San Francisco's Mission District, where curious chocolate lovers can see cacao beans being transformed into dark chocolate and learn about cooking with this special ingredient. He's also a fan of Tartine Bakery, a small chain that started in San Francisco and applies the same attention to detail to bread that Roca applies to restaurant desserts. Tartine bakes naturally fermented loaves made with specially milled grains in wood-fired ovens to create bread that has a texture and flavor unlike anything that can be purchased from an average bakery. Of course, Roca also makes time to visit fancier places, including Blue Hill, a farm-to-table tasting menu restaurant in Pocantico Hills, New York, and Thomas Keller's legendary French Laundry. In addition to eating at Roca's favorite businesses in the U.S., you can sample some of his recipes in America if you live in Houston, anyway. That's where the American outpost of his gelateria, Rocambolesc, is located. The shop doles out treats like the panet (which is a gelato ice cream sandwich encased in toasted brioche) and hand-made popsicles. Make reservations to eat at El Celler de Can Roca here. Read the original article on Tasting Table In 2023, the Oak Ridge Lions Club screened the eyes of 807 students in Oak Ridge, ranging from pre-kindergarten to eighth grade. These included 724 in the Oak Ridge Schools and 83 students at St. Marys School. The screenings are a service, supported by the Lions Pediatric Eye Center at Vanderbilt to detect possible vision problems among students. Lions Club Members Ron Wilson and Gaylan Good screen a students eyes with a non-invasive camera. Students in the Oak Ridge Schools were screened after parents signed them up. We were thrilled to screen the eyes of so many students, said Bill Truex, coordinator of the Oak Ridge Lions screening project for 2023. Parents signed up the students for our non-invasive screening. All the students had to do is sit still so we could take a digital reading of their eyes. The Oak Ridge Schools included the preschool, four elementary schools, and two middle schools. Students from kindergarten to eighth grade were screened at St. Marys. For the Oak Ridge district, we worked with Marcia Wade, the schools' health coordinator, Truex said. We appreciate how she worked with each school in setting up the times for us to come so interference in learning was at a minimum. Lions Club volunteers did screenings at the schools during the school day. The results were provided to parents, along with information on whether any followup with an eyecare professional was needed. The club will be screening again in 2024 once the school system and the Oak Ridge Lions Club plan the schedule. We invite parents to approve the screening for their children, Truex said. In addition to eye screenings, the Oak Ridge Lions Club members recycle eyeglasses that are repurposed for those in need and provide several scholarships for Oak Ridge High School graduates. Additional programs supported by the local Lions are Tennessee School For The Blind, the East Tennessee Eye Bank, and training of Leader Dogs of the Blind. Lions also support diabetes awareness and the fight against childhood cancer. The Oak Ridge Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. On the second week via Zoom and the fourth week at Shoneys in Oak Ridge. For additional information, contact the club at 865-297-3251 or visit www.oakridgelions.org. This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Oak Ridge Lions Club get ready to screen students' eyes Plymouths oldest building, now a distillery, dates to 1846. It was once the blacksmith shop of William Langjahr. The oldest standing structure in the city of Plymouth was built by Martin M. Flint in 1846. It was originally a home and an inn with stagecoach stops before the Wade House in Greenbush was constructed around 1849. For many years, the building was used as a blacksmith shop. The building was restored in the 1990s and today is home for Plank Road Distillery. PLYMOUTH A Yankee settler back in 1846 built a timber-frame clapboard Greek Revival building on Mill Street as his home and for his lodging business. Martin M. Flint, who arrived in Plymouth from Vermont, started the lodging business soon after in 1848. The advent of a lodging business was likely the result of an influx of immigrants who needed a place to stay for a night during their travels to their new lives. The building was built one year after the first white settlers Isaac, John and Rensellaer Thorp and William Bowen arrived in what would become the town of Plymouth. Flint didn't own the property long, according to information from Katie Reilly of the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center. In 1853, German immigrant Carl Schwartz purchased the building and converted it into a blacksmith shop. RELATED - Nazi rocketmen surrendered to a Sheboygan man in 1945 It remained a blacksmith shop through successive ownerships by Paul Rossman, Frederick Thurman and finally William Langjahr, whose descendants ended up selling the property to the city in 1995. Little Robert Langjahr, Jr., 2, of Plymouth, has a tight grip on his hammer as he learns the rudiments of the smithy trade from an expert. The master smithy, still active after 71 years as a smith, is Robert's great-grandfather, William Langjahr, who celebrates his 90th birthday, Saturday, May 7, 1949. Mr. Langjahr learned the trade at School Hill in 1878, and has been at Plymouth for the past 68 years. Blacksmith William Langjahr, according to a 1947 Press clipping, was born on a farm in the town of Meeme, Manitowoc County, on May 7, 1859. In November 1878, he went to School Hill, where he learned the blacksmith trade of Jac. Hanson in two years. Following that, he worked in shops in Sherwood and Hingham. In December 1881, he came to Plymouth, where he was employed by the H.C. Bade Blacksmith shop. In 1882, Mr. Bade closed the blacksmith shop and sold out to Mr. Langjahr, who in 1883 sold his business to L.E. Fiedler. He then purchased the Thurman Blacksmith shop, which he operated until Oct. 25, 1925, when he sold it to his son, Oscar Langjahr, who with his son, Robert, still owned and ran the shop. The exterior of Plank Road Distillery, 601 Eastern Ave., is seen Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, in Plymouth, Wis. Langjahr was still active at 90 in 1949, according to a clipping from the Sheboygan Press. The days when Langjahr spent most of his time shoeing horses and tightening steel rims on wagon wheels are gone, the Press had said. The clipping said he learned to cope by learning how to fix modern machinery and became known as an expert on repairing lawnmowers. Langjahr died in December 1951 at age 92. Jim and Peg Stahlman then bought the structure for $1 in a deal with the city. As part of the Stahlmans' deal, they had to agree to certain conditions for the structure's rehabilitation. The former blacksmith shop is said to be the oldest existing structure in Plymouth. The Stahlmans estimated repairs to the building at the time would easily exceed $50,000. It was hoped the building could be ready for use in 1996. Since the building's restoration, it has been used as a church and today is home to Plank Road Distillery. Gary C. Klein can be reached at 920-453-5149 or gklein@gannett.com. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @leicaman99. This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Plymouth's oldest building has seen use mainly as a blacksmith shop Queen Maxima of the Netherlands Looks Regal in Purple Being a royal comes with a certain amount of attention, so it's hardly surprising that the queens and princesses of the world put in the effort when it comes to their wardrobes. While the British royal family gets a lot of attention, they're far from the only regal style icons out there. In fact, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has been making standout fashion statements for years with her eye for tailoring and her affinity for anything-but-shy pops of color. Here, we take a look back at some of the queen's most dynamic looks. October 19, 2023 Queen Maxima opted for a bold purple dress and matching hat, for the official welcome of the Dutch royals to South Africa. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images October 18, 2023 Maxima looked lovely in orange and white at the Jacaranda Trees in Pretoria, South Africa. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images August 27, 2023 Maxima was chicly on theme in a black cotton jumpsuit by Max Mara at the Dutch Grand Prix F1 race in Zandvoort. She paired the style with a camel Massimo Dutti napa leather jacket, Jimmy Choo sandals, and a Mari crossbody bag. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 30, 2023 For the royal family's summer photos at Zuiderstrand, Queen Maxima opted for an elegant take on beachy whitesand perfectly coordinated with her pup, Mambo. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 21, 2023 Maxima and her husband, King Willem-Alexander, attended a concert in Brussels, Belgium during their state visit. Maxima chose a creamy marigold gown to the evening, with a one-shoulder silhouette and a belted detail. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 20, 2023 Queenly pastels were on display at a banquet at Laeken Castle in Brussels when the Dutch royals made a state visit. Queen Maxima went for an on-trend pink shade with ruffles, while Queen Mathilde of Belgium opted for icy blue. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 14, 2023 Maxima looked properly glamorous in navy and gold for a gala for the Diplomatic Corps at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 14, 2023 Maxima made maximum impact with this aqua shirtdress at a presentation about higher education in Den Bosch, Netherlands. P van Katwijk - Getty Images June 1, 2023 For the wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Amman, Maxima wore a floral blue gown with complementary patterns and fluttering sleeves by designer Luisa Beccaria. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images May 10, 2023 Maxima wore a sunny yellow suit and matching coat to visit to the Wadden Islands. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images May 6, 2023 At the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla, Maxima wore a hand-embroidered dress by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau along with earrings that are part of the Stuart tiara. Karwai Tang - Getty Images April 27, 2023 A knack for color clearly runs in the royal family. For the Kingsday celebration in Rotterdam, Maxima chose a vivid green gress and matching headpiece, while her daughter Princess Amalia went for bold magenta. King Willem-Alexander and their daughter Princess Ariane, on the other hand, chose contrasting combos of bright blue and white. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images April 12, 2023 During the French presidential visit, Maxima showed French First Lady Brigitte Macron around the Keukenhof flower park. For the day, she wore a coordinating ensemble of bold orange. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images April 11, 2023 Maxima wore tomato red to host a state banquet in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images March 14, 2023 A lover of bright suit sets, Queen Maxima wore this plum number with a hot pink blouse and matching embellished headband to visit the Christian School Community De Goudse Waarden in Gouda. P van Katwijk - Getty Images February 6, 2023 Maxima brought sophisticated tropical style with a sleeveless white folded top and navy trousers during the royal tour of the Caribbean Islands. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images December 8, 2022 Maxima wore this pistachio suit set with a deep green turtleneck to the OBS De Globe school to see the music lessons ahead of the Christmas concert in Haarlem, Netherlands. P van Katwijk - Getty Images November 24, 2022 Showing off her mastery of monochrome Queen Maxima wore a merlot cape over a red dress, as well as coordinating boots and gloves, and a clutch and fedora. P van Katwijk - Getty Images October 31, 2022 Maxima was ahead of the curve on the knit trend with this artfully lacy striped burgundy ballgown that she wore to a state banquet during the Dutch state visit to Greece. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images October 11, 2022 Maxima brought some glitz with this one-shouldred caped pink gown during a state banquet in Stockholm, Sweden. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 27, 2022 Maxima looked artful in a flowing, one-shoulder white gown at a state banquet in Vienna. P van Katwijk - Getty Images June 22, 2022 Maxima was positively peachy in this sheer-sleeved gown for the annual Diplomatic Corps gala. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images November 10, 2021 Circular sequined cutouts made for an artful element in this blue gown worn by Maxima for a concert at the Munchmuseum in Oslo. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images November 9, 2021 Queen Maxima has proven herself a fan of this sapphire tiara over the yearshere, she wore it for a state banquet in the Royal Palace in Oslo along with a sleeveless blue gown and transparent cape. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images October 6, 2021 Maxima proved the put-together power of a suit with this textured salmon number, which she wore for a celebration of the Music Education Agreement at the Conservatory in Utrecht, Netherlands. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images September 27, 2021 Queen Maxima got into the fringe groove with this black dress in Uden. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images September 21, 2021 Maxima went for a study in contrasts with an orange top, hat, and gloves paired with a blue floral skirt at the annual opening of the parliamentary year in the Grote Kerk in The Hague. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images July 6, 2021 Maxima wore a tiered baby blue gown to an event at the Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, Germanyher first official visit with her husband after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sean Gallup - Getty Images May 15, 2019 For her visit to Ethiopia in her role as the UN Secretary-Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, Maxima wore a beige dress with bright turquoise accents at the waist. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images May 04, 2019 Maxima went for a regal red jumpsuit at the liberation day concert on the Amstel River in Amsterdam. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images December 19, 2018 A velvet bow belt added a festive touch to Maxima's black trousers and white blouse combo for a Christmas gala in the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images October 16, 2018 It was florals all around when Maxima and King Willem-Alexander visited Zeeland. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images March 20, 2018 It wasn't feathers Maxima was ruffling in this sweet yellow gown at the official dinner for the King and Queen of Jordan at Palace Noordeinde. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images September 14, 2017 Queen Maxima wore this black and white Rouland Mouret jumpsuit to the Concertgebouw orchestra in Amsterdam. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 21, 2017 A fan of one-shoulder styles, Maxima wore this tiered pink gown to a concert at the Palazzo Colonna in Rome, Italy. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images June 21, 2017 Maxima cut a chic figure in a white peplum dress and straw hat on a royal state visit to Italy in Palermo. Patrick van Katwijk - Getty Images November 7, 2016 For a state dinner at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand Maxima wore this embellished, one-shoulder gown in a brilliant scarlet shade. Hagen Hopkins - Getty Images September 15, 2015 At the opening of the parliamentary year in The Hague, Maxima stepped out of the royal carriage in a floral embroidered beige gown. Netherlands Royal Pool - Getty Images June 13, 2015 Maxmia went for an off-the-shoulder red lace gown and coordinating gem-encrusted tiara for the royal wedding of Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and Sofia Hellqvist at The Royal Palace in Stockholm. Gisela Schober - Getty Images June 3, 2014 Never one to miss matching opportunity, Maxima paired her emerald green dress with an emerald necklace and tiara for a dinner with Prince Albert of Monaco at the Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. AFP - Getty Images October 19, 2012 It was all glamour when Maxima wore this glittering platinum and carmine dress, with a feathered stole and ruby-studded tiara to a gala dinner for the wedding of Prince Guillaume Of Luxembourg and Stephanie de Lannoy in Luxembourg. Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images April 12, 2011 Maxima wore this strapless blush gown with silver embellishment to a banquet with then-First Lady of Germany Bettina Wulff in Berlin. Sean Gallup - Getty Images June 19, 2010 At the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Daniel Westling in Stockholm, the royal couple looked quite glamorous. Pascal Le Segretain - Getty Images November 19, 2005 To celebrate the baptism of their youngest daughter, Princess Alexia, the royal family posed for photos after the service in Wassenaar, The Netherlands. Maxima wore a grey boucle dress and floral fascinator for the big day. Michel Porro - Getty Images May 24, 2002 Then-Prince and Princess Willem Alexander and Maxima attended the wedding ceremony of Princess Martha Louise of Norway and Ari Behn in Trondheim, Norway. To mark the occasion, Maxima wore a sienna lace gown and glittering tiara. Sion Touhig - Getty Images February 2, 2002 Maxima was a blushing bride in a high-collared white gown for her wedding to then-Crown Prince Willem-Alexander in Amsterdam. Anthony Harvey - Getty Images You Might Also Like Salt Lake City is amazed by this restaurant. A second one is opening soon in Meridian If you visit the latest restaurant coming to the Pine 43 development in Meridian, bring two things: A full wallet and an empty stomach. You wont escape without spending a few bucks. But you wont leave hungry, either. In fact, depending on your self control, you might end up carted out on a stretcher. Umi Japanese Shabu Shabu is bringing all-you-can-eat dining to 2325 E. Fairview Ave., suite 160. (For reference, its near the recently opened Marie Callenders.) Umi is a cook-at-your-table, hot pot experience. No opening date has been revealed, but Umi indicated on Facebook in March that its coming soon. The brand operates another location in Salt Lake City, which it opened in late 2022. The price there is $32.99. You get appetizers, broth, meat, seafood the works. Kids 6 to 10 cost their age in dollars. 5 and under? Free. Utah basically loves this place. Umi rates a 4.8 out of 5.0 stars from 333 reviews on Google. Diners rave about the cute robot server, the delicious food and, well, the sheer quantity of it all. Its a whole lot of food, a recent reviewer wrote. I was amazed at everything included in the price. Go hungry but definitely go. The sign is up at Umi Japanese Shabu Shabu in Meridian. Wow, wrote another, this is honestly the best Japanese shabu-shabu Ive ever been to (and Ive been to tons)! The meat quality, the appetizers, food bar AND drinks choices are incredible for only $32.99 AYCE is such an amazing deal!!! The inside looked aesthetically pleasing and service was quick. As Umi explains on its website, the first thing you do is choose from several broths. Then you order meat from your server, hit the food bar and pile up seafood and vegetables to quick-boil in the broth at your table. Dip them in sauces and start scarfing. Want more? Order more. Cook more. Feast more. Meats include pork shoulder, beef brisket, beef eye of round, beef chunk, beef rib-eye, wagyu and Australian lamb leg. Seafood options? Shrimp, mussels, baby octopus, crab meat, fish ball, lobster ball and more. Customers also can enjoy yakitori (skewered meats) and sushi. Lunch is not part of the deal most weekdays at Umi in Salt Lake City. But it opens for dinner early. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 3 to 10:30 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, its open from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, its open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Boil, dip, eat, repeat. Umi offers a plethora of Japanese-style hot pot options. As long as Idahoans understand what theyre in for, Umi sounds like it could be a Meridian hit. Especially for cheerfully gluttonous diners. We got chicken wings, edamame, egg rolls, chicken gyoza, wagyu beef, shrimp, fish, calamari, noodles, corn, broccoli, sushi and more, wrote a Google reviewer. If youre celebrating or just super hungry, you just come here. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed his warm wishes to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and the people of Maldives on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. PM Modi highlighted the longstanding cultural and civilizational ties between India and Maldives. The Indian High Commission in Maldives shared PM Modi's message on social media platform X. The commission stated, "On the auspicious occasion of Eid-Al-Fitr, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives." PM Modi emphasized the values of compassion, brotherhood, and togetherness as essential elements in building a peaceful and inclusive world. Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exchange of greetings between PM Modi and Muizzu comes amidst previously strained relations between India and Maldives. However, in March, Muizzu requested debt relief measures from India, reaffirming India's status as the Maldives' "closest ally." He expressed hope for India's understanding in accommodating debt repayment terms due to significant loans taken by the Maldives over successive governments. Moon Sighting for EidulFitr 2024 Timings in India UAE and Saudi Arabia Eid al-Fitr 2024 in India: Keep on Watch upon Crescent Moon Sighting in Saudi Arabia Today Saugatuck named second best coastal small town in U.S. by USA Today Saugatuck was recently named to a list of the best coastal small towns in the U.S. by USA Today. SAUGATUCK As the tourist season approaches, businesses across Saugatuck are preparing for the influx of visitors thatll visit the town during the warm summer months. Known for its small-town charm, flourishing small business scene and connection to the water, the city of Saugatuck can now add that its one of the best coastal small towns across the United States. The recognition comes from USA Today, who named Saugatuck as the country's second best coastal small town, behind only Stuart, Florida. Saugatuck finished ahead of cities like Key West, Florida, Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Newport, Rhode Island. Its such an honor for us to be recognized as a leading destination alongside such a remarkable list of scenic coastal towns, said Lisa Mize, executive director of the Saugatuck Douglas Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Saugatuck holds a special place in the hearts of both visitors who return annually and locals who consider it their home. More: Tulip Time named third 'most spectacular' flower festival by USA Today While the town boasts a population hovering around 1,000, its a destination town for artists, beachgoers and nature lovers, drawing tourists from West Michigan and across the country. Mize credited the towns expansive Lake Michigan shoreline, its stunning beaches, its downtown area and dune scenery as reasons for the nomination. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage USA Today is owned by Gannett, the same company that owns and operates The Holland Sentinel. Visit 10Best.com for the entire list. Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Saugatuck named one of country's best coastal small towns by USA Today A second opinion is always helpful when going to an apartment open house. So on a sunny morning in November 2022, I had a trusted friend meet me in Manhattan's Gramercy Park neighborhood to check out a studio I had spotted on StreetEasy the night before. We stepped into the 235-square-foot box (its 13.5-by-17.5 feet, to be exact), and she immediately said, I dont think I could ever live here, but you definitely could. I took it as a compliment. Paint, Farrow & Ball ; Custom Window Treatments, Wovn Home ; Pillows, BR Home ; Quilt, Toast ; Duvet Set, Bed Threads ; Lamp, Artemide ; Print, 1stDibs . Because what I knew she really meant was, youre the style editor at two design magazines, you got this. Ignoring the size for a second, I started to see all the perks that most New Yorkers come to value: The rent was great, it had two large south-facing windows, and there was somehow even a dishwasher. The pros outweighed the cons, and the next thing I knew I was picking up my keys and mood boarding smart storage ideas. Table, Sage Street Antiques . My previous apartment, a spacious Williamsburg, Brooklyn, loft that I shared with two roommates, would have looked good with a haystack as a sofa; it had great bones. But there was nothing architecturally inspiring about my new studio. I had to create the beauty from scratch. My first task: paint it anything but white. Just before moving day, I drenched the wallsand anything that touched them, like my IKEA Ivar cabinets and simple Home Depot shelvesin Skylight by Farrow & Ball . My thinking was, if everything matched, my not-so-cute storage essentials would look less big box and a tad more like custom built-ins. And because the landlord said I could paint the walls magenta for all he cared as long as they were primed when I moved out, I had nothing to hold me back. Fast-forward 48 hours (leaving enough drying time is key to any successful paint project ), and the space had a point of view before I carried the first box inside. Sofa, Sixpenny ; Shelving, Home Depot; Desk, Horseman Antiques ; Chair, Fritz Hansen ; Vintage Lamp. There was only one furniture layout I considered after consulting my best friend, Paris Fabrikant, who is conveniently studying interior design at Pratt Institute and is a pro with AutoCAD. As if decorating a hotel room (because, lets be honest, thats the size Im working with), we decided to position my Malm storage bed in the center of the back wall facing the front door rather than nestled in the corner; that way, I wouldnt be sleeping right next to the kitchen. While it might have seemed space savvy to shove the sofa up against the foot of the mattress, I wanted to have a pathway for walking to and from the kitchen and bathroom, so we left about a foot and a half in between the two pieces. Because I work from home most days, a desk was nonnegotiable. I found a narrow glass one at Horseman Antiques in Brooklyn, and I love that the see-through top creates the illusion of more space. Desk In such tight quarters, it doesnt only matter where the furniture goes but also what it looks like. I wanted to feel an overall sense of calm when walking in the door, so I kept the core pieces in the same cool, muted color family. I spent zero time looking for a sofa, because the Gabriel from Sixpenny was a true love-at-first-sight tale. (I initially spotted it when styling Jen Levys Baltimore home .) It perfectly blends my two styles: The slipcover gives it a relaxed cottage look, but the angular frame is clean and minimal. Its also the perfect size, at 72 inches long and 31 inches deep once you remove the back cushions, which makes it comfortable for guests to sleep on. Having owned it for a year and a half now, Im yet to see a sofa Ive liked more. Hamper, Rejuvenation . Achieving a striking focal point has never been the goal, because, frankly, this little room cant handle it. Ive found that just adding one patterned throw pillow to the sofa can disrupt the entire apartment (I promise Im not being dramatic!), so I try to keep things simple and cohesive. With that said, when my duvet perfectly matched the color of my walls at first, I realized I may have taken the whole neutral thing a little too far. So I started experimenting with a more textured, dynamic bedding option. I landed on a quilt from Toast ( this one is similar), and while it was a splurge, it demands just the right amount of attention. Armoire, Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op ; Vintage Lamp, IKEA ; Mirror, Horseman Antiques . Vintage Nightstand. Art is where I really like to mix and match. Pieces big, small, rectangular, and round frame my TV in an asymmetric manner. Each one reminds me of a different place, like the Christo and Jeanne-Claude print I picked up at Yvon Lambert in Paris, the fish-eye mirror from Maple Lawn in upstate New York, and the vintage yoke from Lichen in Brooklyn. Cabinets, IKEA ; Orb Lamp, IKEA ; Small Accent Lamp, Thomas O'Brien for Visual Comfort & Co. ; Print, Yvon Lambert . TV wall detail. I also have no shortage of vases, bowls, and booksit comes with the territory of being a style editor. Before heading off to a photo shoot, I often pull objects from my own collection. While I stash things such as cords and cloth napkins inside the freshly painted Ivar cabinets, items I actually enjoy looking at, like a terracotta bust I found at the Santa Monica Airport Flea Market and a framed New York Magazine cover that stars my former roommates' dog, live on the shelves above my desk. Desk detail. The small-space challenge Ive yet to overcome? Cooking and entertaining, something I loved to do in my previous apartments. While Ive had up to four people over for dinner, its not exactly glamorous. We sit around the coffee table, a Danish mid-century piece I scored at Brimfield after six months of searching for the perfect thing, but usually end up laying across my bed by the end of the night. Sure, having a proper dining table would be nice, but until then, Ill be making the most of shoebox life. Rug, Armadillo . About a year ago, Robert Herjavec made heads spin when he forked over $26 million for an estate in Hidden Hills, the same gated Los Angeles suburb known for serving as home base to most of the Kardashian family members and various other celebrities. That sale price represented the most ever paid for a home in the exclusive community. So perhaps its not entirely surprising that Herjavec, a veteran Shark Tank judge and the founder and CEO of an eponymous IT security company, has now opted to sell one of his several other extravagant homesthis one a sky-high penthouse in the Big Apple. More from Robb Report The penthouse is on one of the highest floors at the super-tall One57, one of N.Y.C.s most well-known skyscrapers. Listed at $38.5 million, and soaring high above nearly every other apartment in the city, Herjavecs New York home spans an entire upper floor of One57, a much-publicized, 75-story skyscraper set on Manhattans so-called Billionaires Row. Herjavec acquired the penthouse nearly three years ago, paying about $32 million. Accessed via a private elevator landing, the mansion-sized condos visual drama starts at the entryway, where a 26-foot-wide foyer boasts two separate entrances to the homes so-called grand salon, a great room with dizzying views framed by floor-to-ceiling walls of glass. This space boasts 58 feet of linear frontage overlooking Central Park, plus nearly the entire New York skyline and beyond. Naturally, all finishes and furnishings are bespoke and top-of-the-line, with Venetian plaster ceilings overlooking glossy Brazilian herringbone wood floors. The kitchens custom lacquered millwork will certainly impress, as will the premium Miele and Sub-Zero appliances; a built-in banquette and a separate, more formal dining area both have dramatic views overlooking the city. The primary suite itself is larger than many Manhattan apartments. The 6,240-square-foot residence also includes four ensuite bedrooms, among them a 1,350-square-foot primary suite ensconced in its own wing, and complete with an elegant sitting area, a sumptuous dressing room and a hand-carved marble bathtub. All of the homes bathrooms are done up in travertine or exotic slabs of marble, and every room on the premises features custom motorized shades for tranquility at the touch of ones fingertips. Other amenities include a state-of-the-art home automation system, while building amenities are not limited to valet parking, a health club with a gym, private pool and spa, various dining and screening rooms, a library and billiards room, 24/7 concierge and even a pet spa. All of those ritzy featuresand many moreare covered by a monthly HOA bill that tops $11,800. In addition to his relatively new Hidden Hills estate, Herjavec also owns several other multimillion-dollar homes. Among them are a bayfront getaway in Californias Newport Beach, a $15 million mansion in Sydney, Australia, and a waterfront residence in the Canadian township of Muskoka Lakes. Jorge Lopez of Compass holds the listing. Images by Evan Joseph Photography. Click here for more photos of Robert Herjavecs Manhattan penthouse. Robert Herjavec House Manhattan New York 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. The pioneering chef is also hosting dinner at Enigma in Barcelona. Marc Ensenyat Calling all food enthusiasts: The legendary Ferran Adria is opening elBulli1846s doors to a pair of lucky guests for one night this fall, October 16 to 17, and the once-in-a-lifetime stay will be free of charge. The 61-year-old Spanish chef who pioneered the molecular gastronomy movement, joined the staff at the then 20-year-old elBulli restaurant in Girona, Spain in 1984, took over control of the kitchen in 1987, then shuttered the space in 2011 at the height of its influence much to the shock of the industry. With more than two million requests for one of its 8,000 annual seats, it was one of the most coveted reservations in the world and a status symbol among the dining elite. More than a decade later, Adria reincarnated the restaurant as a 43,000-square-foot museum dedicated to showcasing the work that he and his team accomplished spanning 69 exhibits across four spaces. (The 1846 references the number of dishes elBulli developed while it was open.) Related: Fast Times with Ferran Adria It is a museum where we explain what elBulli did to make it have the success it had and still has. A restaurant that marked a paradigm shift in western gastronomy, Adria told Spanish newspaper El Pais last April. elBulli will be seen just as it was. The people who knew it will be moved. Nothing will be eaten. It is important to keep the legacy of what happened. And now, Adria is keeping that legacy alive by also peeling back the curtain to his latest endeavor. A lucky pair with a penchant for food (and food history) can now experience elBulli1846 in the best way possible. But its not going to be easy to snag, considering that the stay which is not a contest will be hosted by Adria himself, cost nothing, and potentially involve a review of public records. Related: Decoding Carmy's Cookbook Shelves on 'The Bear' The chosen guests, who will be responsible for making their way to Roses in Girona, will get to indulge in amazing experiences such as overnight access to the museum (including its private rooms, such as the Shrine to Saint Stomak in the Pantry Chapel); dinner with Adria in one of his favorite Roses restaurants; a night sleeping on a plated bed inspired by elBullis signature liquid olives; spectacular views overlooking the Costa Brava beach; and upon checkout, dinner at Barcelonas Enigma helmed by Albert Adria, Ferrans younger brother. Marc Ensenyat The museum, which will be guests' home for the evening, boasts spectacular views overlooking the Costa Brava beach. It promises to be the kind of experience no person could ever forget, but there are caveats. Those looking to book a night should know that there wont be any shower facilities. Instead, they will be provided with a personal care package. Also required: a good track record on Airbnb. Booking will commence on April 17 at 6 p.m. CEST via Airbnb. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. As self-proclaimed food people, we have our celebrity chefs we love to follow for recipe inspiration: Ina Garten, Giada De Laurentiis, Gordon Ramsay, Bobby Flay the usual suspects. And then there are the celebs who take you by surprise, like Jennifer Aniston. Jens favorite salad to eat on the set of Friends blew up on TikTok last year, so when we stumbled across her recipe for carbonara, we couldnt help but give this hidden gem a try. Is her pasta recipe just as good? Is Jen a secret culinary star who has yet to truly be discovered and appreciated? Lets find out. Get the recipe: Jennifer Anistons Carbonara Credit: Kiersten Hickman Credit: Kiersten Hickman How to Make Jennifer Annistons Carbonara Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While you wait, cook slices of turkey bacon and a small red onion (both diced small) in a large skillet. Cook until the bacon and onions are crispy and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add in minced garlic cloves and stir, cooking until the garlic is fragrant another 1 to 2 minutes. While you cook, whisk together a large egg, low-fat milk, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Set aside. When the water is boiling, cook 1 pound (16 ounces) of spaghetti. Boil according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. Pour 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water slowly into the bowl with the egg mixture, whisking continuously so you dont scramble the egg. Toss the hot pasta in the skillet with the cooked bacon and onion. Pour in the egg mixture, then turn the heat on low and toss the pasta until the sauce has thickened. If it seems too dry, add in the other 1/4 cup of pasta water. Season with salt, pepper, and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Credit: Kiersten Hickman Credit: Kiersten Hickman My Honest Review So is Jen a culinary star? For the average working adult who needs a quick, delicious pasta on a weeknight, I say yes. All in all, I did enjoy this recipe. Carbonara isnt the easiest dish to make; it requires a careful hand and a lot of patience to get the sauce just right. Jens recipe turns a complicated dish into an easy weeknight meal, which I do appreciate. However, its also clear from the ingredients that this recipe was meant to be a lighter version of the classic carbonara by using turkey bacon instead of guanciale, and lightening up the amount of egg yolk and cheese by adding in low-fat milk. While these swaps did work for this recipe, I knew instantly that this recipe was missing a key ingredient for the cooking process: olive oil. Typically a fatty pork like guanciale, prosciutto, or bacon is used for a carbonara, so meat cooks in its own fat. However, turkey bacon doesnt have as much fat to cook in, so cooking it by itself in the skillet without some kind of fat was not going to work. Plus, the onions need something to cook in, too! So I went ahead and added a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when cooking the bacon and the onion, which helped immensely. After that small tweak, cooking this recipe was an absolute breeze, and I absolutely plan on making it again for dinner soon. Maybe tonight! 3 Tips for Making Jennifer Anistons Carbonara Use half the amount of pasta or double the meat. Personally, I think the ratio of meat to pasta does not work for this recipe. Instead, I used half the amount of spaghetti (1/2 pound, or 8 ounces) and proceeded with the recipe as-is. (As in, do not half the rest of the ingredients, follow the same portions listed.) I think the consistency of the pasta and the amount of meat with each bite works when halving the amount of spaghetti. If you need to cook more pasta for more people, then simply double everything else. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. I find that freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes for a creamier, consistent texture for a carbonara compared to the pre-grated stuff in the container. Its an extra step that takes a little more time, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Turn off the heat when mixing in the sauce. The cheesy egg mixture can quickly turn into scrambled eggs if you overcook the carbonara, so I highly recommend turning off the heat when its time to mix everything together. The pasta, the meat, and the skillet are still hot enough for the sauce to thicken without overcooking, and will give you that creamy carbonara texture without the unflattering chunks of cheesy egg. Get the recipe: Jennifer Anistons Carbonara This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: Jennifer Aniston Just Taught Me Her Trick for Making Her Favorite Creamy Pasta Without a Drop of Cream Wildflowers and river views: Here are 7 trails for spring hikes in the Fox Valley As warm weather returns, wildflowers sprout up from the ground and green returns to the world, now is the perfect time to get outside. Now that cold temperatures and snow are hopefully over, one of the best ways to take in spring is to trek along some local trails. The Fox Valley is home to dozens of trails through local parks, lake shorelines and nature reserves giving residents access to a variety of scenic views. So if you're looking for picturesque trails, birdwatching or just a bit of sunshine, grab the family or head out on your own and explore these charming Fox Valley trails. Don Fries Recreational Area on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in Combined Locks, Wis. One of the many great aspects of the Fox Valley is the number of local parks that offer miles of scenic trails right within the towns and allow residents access to nature without having to travel far. Tucked within Combined Locks, the Don Fries Recreational Area boasts 2.6 miles of trails through forested areas, rolling hills and nearby parks. The trails link to the CE Trail if hikers and bikers are looking to continue their stroll throughout the Heart of the Valley. Menasha Conservancy Area on Tuesday, Oct.. 11, 2022, in Menasha, Wis. Menasha Conservancy Area encompasses 50 acres of preserved forests with just over a mile of wood-chip trails. Located near the intersection of U.S. 10 and State 114, the conservancy area offers bird watching and wildlife to see along the trail. A Great Egret takes flight from a marsh in the Guckenberg-Sturm Preserve in Menasha, Wis. Nestled along the west shore of Little Lake Butte des Morts, Guckenberg-Sturm Preserve sits on 48 acres of protected cattail marshes. It, and its surrounding floodplain forest, represents one of the last remaining open cattail marshes along the Lower Fox River that used to take up thousands of acres throughout the Fox River system. The nature preserve is located at 308 Stroebe Road in Fox Crossing. Girl Scout, Maplewood Cadet Troop 2396, Abby Lane removes litter for a trail during the Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Kimberly's Sunset Park in Kimberly, Wis. Over 1,300 volunteers registered to participate in the 2023 Fox-Wolf Watershed Cleanup event at 70 cleanup locations coordinated throughout the region from Fond du Lac to Green Bay.Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Another great municipal park with scenic trails is Kimberly's Sunset Park which lies along the Fox River, offering panoramic overlooks of the river. Its address is 800 W. Kimberly Ave. Louiose Becklund, Kaukauna, walks her dogs on a trail along the Fox River at Island Park on Monday, May 7, 2018 in Little Chute, Wis. Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Little Chute's riverside parks also offer scenic views of the Fox River. Island Park has a mile-long paved trail along the river that connects to woodchip trails through Heesakker Park's wooded area where hikers are almost guaranteed to see some deer prancing around. The trails also connect to the Nelson Family Heritage Crossing, a 1,100-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge between Heesakker Park and downtown Kaukauna. If you're willing to take a little trip, Mosquito Hill Nature Center has more than 440 acres adjacent to the Wolf River, offering 4 miles of trails through forests and prairie lands. Hikers can climb Mosquito Hill, one of the highest points in the area, to get a hilltop view of the area's blooming spring. The nature center is located at N3880 Rogers Road in New London. Anita Eckrose and Eric Trempe stand on the turtle pond dock at Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve on Friday July 1, 2020, in Grand Chute, Wis. With over 725 acres of land, Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve in Grand Chute covers a little slice of Wisconsin's vast landscapes. Hikers can traverse through 8.5 miles of trails across native prairie lands, forests, wetlands and lakeside views. Sophia Voight covers local government and politics in the Fox Valley for The Post-Crescent. She can be reached with feedback and story tips at svoight@postcrescent.com. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Walking trails in Combined Locks, Little Chute, Fox Crossing and New London "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Buffet meals tend to elicits two kinds of opinions. The first includes a scoff: Is it even sanitary? The second is more welcoming. Overindulgence is king for some, and, hey, what do you think all-you-can-eat means? When it comes to events like weddings, galas, and parties, buffets can be either highly glamorous (see: Slim Aarons's photo of a seafood spread at Lyford Cay) or disastrous (at a gala I once attended, guests were confused as to when and where to go). This sort of division was seen on TikTok last year. One user was filmed at his friend's wedding getting up and screaming with joy after his table was finally called to the buffet line after a long wait; according to the videos, the host found the guest's response inappropriate, and the relationship ceased because of it. How did the buffet, a style of serving that originated in 17th century France, become such a toss-up between a luxurious experience and hosting faux pas? And how can you pull off one successfully? "There's a social element to buffets that makes them a good choice for some events," Libby Russell and Alice Garretti of the boutique catering company Acquolina Catering tell T&C. "Unlike a seated dinner, you can socialize with more people as opposed to having to stick to the person next to you. It's easier to get up from a conversation with one person to have another conversation with someone else." Take it from the fashion designer Zac Posen, who recently told T&C that he landed his job creating the costumes for Feud: Capote Vs. The Swans in part because he crossed paths with series producer Ryan Murphy in a buffet line at a mutual friend's house. "I ran into Ryan on the buffet line at a friend's house and we started talking," Posen explained. Slim Aarons/Getty Images To do a one well, "it all comes down to scale and the flow of traffic," Woldy Reyes, the chef and founder of the boutique catering company Woldy Kusina, tells T&C. "If you're going to cater to your guests using a buffet-style, I'd advise that having different types of stations is best. This ensures that guests aren't waiting for a long time and that there aren't any traffic jams." If you've experienced grand buffets at places like the Sea Lounge in Taj Mahal Palace, then you'll see this tactic used. Pastries here, meatier options there. To elevate the experience, Reyes advises that one employs guides for each station. Can't arrange the extra manpower? Signs set before each dish featuring descriptions written in beautiful calligraphy are necessary. But, Reyes brings up a point about the need for staffing, especially for bigger events. Think about the process of having guests get food. Often, hosts will try to manage by having an announcer call tables as if it were a school cafeteria. This creates a social hierarchy at events, so if it wasn't obvious that you sit at the bottom of your host's pecking order, being called to get food near the end certainly makes it clear. As hosts, take a few of your caterers and station them where they can easily communicate to guests what the situation is, and to encourage them to get their food as they please. Now, when it comes to all-you-can-eat, here's a golden rule: "Hosts should never, ever run out of food," says Alex Hitz, the chef and founder of the food product line the Beverly Hills Kitchen. "If you run out of food, it's a pitiful event." Take it from Les Grands Buffets, otherwise known as the hottest reservation in France right now, a restaurant which the legendary chef Michel Guerard has called "the greatest culinary theater in the world." Vinnie Zuffante "We know down to gram how much to allot for each client," Pierre Cavalier, the general manager told the New Yorker. Once, the restaurant had hungrier guests than usual. When the stock of shrimp got low, Cavalier rushed to the local fishmonger to purchase more without looking at the price. For your next party, channel that same energy. Russell and Garretti agree. "A buffet should never look like it's been picked through. Each dish should always look full and neat. After all, you eat with your eyes." But, like most things, having a successful buffet requires consideration from both guest and host. People probably knows the basics: be courteous of how long you're taking to serve yourself, place serving utensils back on the assigned resting place so food doesn't get mixed up, etc. Meanwhile, Hitz offers advice for a crime that many among us have committed. "Never park yourself in front of a dish," he says. "But, it's a double-edged sword that I'm saying this, because I'm guilty of it. I went to a dinner that had a caviar buffet and I stayed near it for most of the first course. What can I say? I love caviar." As someone who spent the ages of 14 through 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada, a prime destination for buffets since they were first introduced by the El Rancho Hotel in the 1940s, I have seen both sides of the buffet experience up close. There are buffets that I've been to where the food was flimsy and the interiors severely depressing. I won't name them. I've also been to buffets where lines of cooks quickly prepare lobster and pastry chefs are ready to explain their variations of cakes and chocolates to people waiting with bejeweled necks and crisp button-down shirts. I'll let you in on that secret: It's the buffet at the Wynn. Both experiences are surreal; one like a David Lynch film, the other like the work of Salvador Dali. If you're planning a buffet of your own, it's imperative you choose correctly which you'd rather be. You Might Also Like If you follow a personal morning or nighttime "ritual," then you know that a round of stretching, a hot shower, or lighting a favorite candle can go a long way toward grounding yourself spiritually. In Turkey, the seemingly everyday act of drinking a cup of coffee is revered with this level of ritualistic respect. Other than adding sugar to the brewing grounds, the number one thing that makes Turkish coffee different from your regular go-to cup of drip is the way it's enjoyed. While a paper cup might be fine for bringing a cuppa joe along while you run errands, if you're sipping your Turkish coffee out of anything other than ceramic, you're probably doing it wrong. It's not about the ceramic material -- it's about the implications of sitting down with a deliberate, unhurried cup-full. In Turkey, coffee drinking is at least as much about the actual brew as it is about hospitality and community (even though Turkey also drinks the most tea of any country in the world, but we digress). Forget pour-over and French press. The Turkish coffee ritual is the oldest method of brewing coffee in the world. In nearby Saudi Arabia, there was a time when not providing your wife with coffee beans was recognized as a legitimate legal reason for divorce. Per the lore, in 17th-century Turkey, it wasn't uncommon for sultans to choose their wives based on who in the Ottoman court made the best cup of coffee. Read more: 26 Coffee Hacks You Need To Know For A Better Cup Not Just Absent-Mindedly Consuming Caffeine (Not To Point Fingers) Turkish coffee - Aegeanblue/Getty Images While the rites surrounding coffee drinking might have changed over the years, the passion never lessened. In 2013, the Turkish coffee ritual was officially added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and modern fans are keeping the flame strong. Unlike drip coffee, the grounds in Turkish coffee don't get filtered out. Instead, the coffee is ground ultra-fine, finer than espresso, and dissolved in water, so that when the grounds inevitably sink to the bottom of each cup, it's not unpleasant to drink 'em down. In fact, in modern-day Turkey, tasseography (reading the coffee grounds left at the bottom of the cup) is a beloved tradition of fortune-telling, which also perpetuates the dogma of coffee drinking as an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and savor the moment. Reading another person's coffee grounds invites folks to share about their personal lives, entering a deeper level of conversation and vulnerability. As an extension of this, Turkish coffeehouses are organized to facilitate social connection with games like Backgammon and hosting community events like comedians and musicians. Turkish coffee is also often served with a snack or after a meal. Pair it with a slice of this Cinnamon Orange Coffee Cake or this Chocolate Turkish Coffee Cake with molasses and cardamom. Most importantly, call up a friend to share it with you. Read the original article on Tasting Table One man was killed and five others were injured, including two young boys, in a shooting Wednesday evening outside of an apartment complex in northeast Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said the suspects "exited a vehicle and began shooting at people who were outside." Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Police Department April 10 (UPI) -- One man was killed and multiple people, including two children, were injured Wednesday evening at an apartment complex in northeast Washington, D.C., after two shooters got out of a car and opened fire, according to police who said the gunmen fled the scene and are still at large. "When they arrived, officers located people suffering from gunshots and immediately began rendering aid. One man was pronounced deceased. Two men, one woman and a 9-year-old boy, were transported by EMS and D.C. Fire to an area hospital for treatment. Thankfully, none of them have life-threatening injuries," Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith told reporters Wednesday night. Shortly after the shooting, a 12-year-old boy arrived at another hospital with a gunshot wound from the same shooting, according to Smith. He is also expected to survive. #Update: Chief Smith holds a news conference on the shooting that injured 6 people in the 1100 block of 21st Street Northeast tonight. pic.twitter.com/B6DRhDMQYJ DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 11, 2024 "The suspects exited a vehicle and began shooting at people that were outside here in the neighborhood," Smith said, adding that the shooting took place around 6:10 p.m. EDT. Smith said police are searching for a light blue sedan, based on witness accounts and surveillance footage in the area. "Lookout is for a light blue Toyota sedan, UNK tags, no front tags, dark tints, black rims with possibly occupied with two shooters inside. L/S heading eastbound on Maryland Ave NE," D.C. Police wrote Wednesday in a post on X. Urgent: MPD searching for this vehicle in reference to the shooting on 21st Street NE. Have info? Immediately call 202-727-9099 or text 50411. pic.twitter.com/6M4z9y0HKO DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) April 10, 2024 According to data released Wednesday from the Gun Violence Archive, the United States has "experienced 106 mass shootings so far this year after tallying a record-breaking total of 656 mass shootings last year." This is the fourth shooting involving multiple victims in Washington, D.C., in the past week. "This is another example, and I've been here before in this space of violence that we just cannot accept in our communities," Smith said. "My condolences go out to the families and friends who are impacted by this senseless gun violence tonight." SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to a conviction of the person who fatally shot a bald eagle earlier this year in southern Utah. The Center for Biological Diversity, an Arizona-based nonprofit that works to protect endangered species, announced the award on Thursday, days after Utah wildlife officials said they were seeking information in the case. PREVIOUS STORY Bald eagle shot near Cedar City, DWR seeks answers Its a tragedy that this majestic bald eagle was senselessly gunned down, and the perpetrator needs to be brought to justice, said Patrick Donnelly, Great Basin director at the center, in a statement. I hope someone does the right thing and comes forward with information. On Tuesday, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources said the bird was found injured on Feb. 29 in Cedar City. The raptor had suffered a bullet wound through its wing from what appeared to be a rifle shot. Unfortunately, the injuries were severe, said DWR in a press release. It was determined that the eagle would not recover, resulting in it needing to be euthanized. Those with information on the eagle were asked to contact the UTiP Hotline by calling 1-800-662-3337, by texting 847411, or through the DWR website or app. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, Utah is home to one of the largest wintering populations of bald eagles in the country. Up to a third of the bald eagles this side of the Mississippi River overwinter in Utah. Bald eagles have long been a symbol of the U.S., and they are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Violations can carry penalties over $100,000 in fines and a year in federal prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Migrants trying to reach the Italian island of Lampedusa. At least 15 people are still missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the Italian island of Lampedusa, leaving at least nine dead, the Italian coastguard said on Thursday. Oliver Weiken/dpa At least 15 people are still missing after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the Italian island of Lampedusa, leaving at least nine dead, the Italian coastguard said on Thursday. More than 40 people had been aboard the vessel when it capsized in international waters some 30 nautical miles south-east of Lampedusa, according to the coastguard. Efforts to locate survivors are being hampered by waves up to 2.5 metres high, it said. According to the coastguard, the boat had departed from the Tunisian city of Sfax. Despite a heavy swell, a patrol boat was able to take most of the shipwrecked people on board on Wednesday, according to the coastguard. However, some migrants died of hypothermia on the way to Lampedusa. According to the report, 23 survivors were counted on arrival on the small Italian island. Several of them required emergency medical treatment. The exact circumstances of the accident were still unclear. Some of the reports from survivors were contradictory. According to the authorities, the refugees come from countries such as Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali and Ivory Coast. According to the European border protection agency Frontex, more than 150,000 people from Africa made the dangerous journey to Europe via the central Mediterranean route last year. Traffickers usually charge several thousand euros for the crossing in boats that are often barely seaworthy. 17-year-old dies from gunshot after friends run instead of helping him, Florida cops say A 17-year-old was abandoned by his friends when he was struck by gunfire and left with a fatal injury, Florida police said. Sadarion Cosby was with three other people the evening of April 9 when they approached a parked Kia K-5, according to the Sanford Police Department. Gunfire broke out, striking Cosby in the stomach. Two of the people he was with fled the scene and the car drove off, police said. One remaining friend helped him get to a nearby home before also fleeing, according to police. Sanford Police chief Cecil Smith called their actions unacceptable. A seventeen-year-old lost his life. His friends, and I use that term loosely, ran rather than staying and helping him, he said in the release. They didnt help him get the emergency medical attention he needed, nor stay to assist law enforcement identify and locate the person(s) who took his life. The residents of the home drove Cosby to a hospital, where he died of his injuries, police said. Investigators are working to piece together what led to the shooting and to identify a motive. Police are looking for the three people who were with Cosby, as well as the occupants inside the Kia. They released a photo of the dark-colored sedan. Were sitting here today talking about a 17-year-old who lost his life last night, a Sanford police spokesperson Bianca Gillett said in an update broadcast by WOFL. And thats a tragedy in itself, let alone to have people that were clearly close with him not care enough to help us find the person who took his life. Those who knew the teen said he always had a smile on his face. A family member wrote on Facebook that she would miss his warm smile and all the jokes, stopping by just for a hug. His mom said her heart was weak after the loss of her 17-year-old son. What am I supposed to do from here, she said on social media. Sadarion Im so sorry son I was supposed to protect you. Investigators are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Sanford Police Department. Sanford is about a 25-mile drive northeast of downtown Orlando. Easter gathering erupts into fatal 2-minute gunfight between Texas families, cops say 13-year-old playing with Nerf guns mistakenly killed with real gun, Arizona cops say Dad shot and killed moments after entering bar, California family says. Theyre suing Student walking to high school killed by classmates dad fleeing crash, Florida cops say Sir Graham Brady will take readers behind the scenes of the influential committee - Heathcliff O'Malley As the chairman of the 1922 committee, Sir Graham Brady has a reputation for remaining tight-lipped about what is happening when Tory MPs try to expel their leader. But now he is set to break his silence with a new book revealing what has really been happening since 2010 as successive Conservative prime ministers have been ousted. Sir Graham is writing a new book that will not only detail his political career but also take readers behind the scenes of the influential committee. Kingmaker: Secrets, Lies and the Truth About Five Prime Ministers is due to be published after the general election, with a provisional release date of Nov 7. As the committee chairman a position he has held almost continuously since 2010 Sir Graham is the only person who knows how many MPs submitted no confidence letters and when throughout this period. Conservative Party rules say a no confidence vote in the leader must be held if 15 per cent of the partys MPs submit a letter to the committee requesting one. Theresa May and Boris Johnson both faced such votes, which they narrowly won, but both were ousted soon afterwards. Speculation persists about whether Rishi Sunak could face one before the next election. Sir Graham Brady - Kingmaker book cover Sir Graham is not expected to reveal Tory MPs who privately submitted letters, but will talk more widely about plots to oust leaders and how he dealt with demands for information from Number 10. The book will be published by Ithaka Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UKs Black & White Publishing Group. How much Sir Graham, who will step down as the Tory MP for Altrincham and Sale West at the election, received for the book is not known, but it was sold at an auction run by his agent Max Edwards, of Aevitas Creative Management UK. Sir Graham said: On New Years Eve 2022, at the close of the most turbulent year in recent political history, as I was bringing my family to watch the fireworks from the Commons Terrace, the security guard greeted me with the words: Ah, the Kingmaker! As my 27 years in the Commons draws to a close, Kingmaker will tell the story of those days from a unique perspective. The long years of opposition, working to climb the greasy pole and then resigning from the front bench on a point of principle. All this led me in an unexpected direction elected as the chairman of the Conservative 1922 committee through some of the most challenging times: in which I have advised, sometimes sparred with five prime ministers, overseen the departure of four and the election of another three. Kingmaker tells this remarkable story. Mr Edwards said: Sir Graham has been at the beating heart of the Conservative Party throughout the last 14 years. Kingmaker will lift the curtain on the tumultuous last decade and a half of British politics in a way that will appeal to readers on both sides of the aisle giving a gripping first draft of history from one of the only people who was, consistently, in the room where it happened. 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 Arts and Science Council and Foundation for the Carolinas could shake up funding for Charlottes arts community through a reorganization, and they want a sizable commitment from the city and Mecklenburg County to make it happen. The two groups are exploring ways to join forces to help secure more funding for the arts and cultural community and to make the community one of the arts capitals of the world, ASC board chairman Tony Perez told Mecklenburg County commissioners in a presentation Tuesday. The ASC is the longtime funding pass-through agency for area arts and culture groups, and the nonprofit foundation has more than $4 billion in assets. While some key administrative details remain unclear, the Foundation for the Carolinas would get a say in who sits on the the arts councils board, which provides oversight of the groups president and funding decisions. The proposal comes as both the city and county are entering budget season, with both setting revenue and spending levels before July 1. Perez described the plan as a lift and shift for his organization. Its been a tumultuous stretch for the ASC as it dealt with the city taking much of its funding for a new approach and, more recently, the departure of Krista Terrell as president. We lift the ASC, shift it under the Foundation for the Carolinas. And we keep doing, they keep doing the great work, plus more, he said. The groups have signed a memorandum of understanding, though there are lots of details left to be worked out, Perez told commissioners. The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, which hosts the Summer Pops series (above), is one of dozens of arts organizations that has received funding through the ASC. The plan calls for a combined investment of $21 million annually from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to help address financial woes that have plagued the local arts community since the COVID-19 pandemic and a fracture between the county and city on arts spending. County commission chairman George Dunlap said, while the new proposal is not fully baked, it addresses many of the concerns over equity and inclusion that led to that split and will help secure the future of the arts for years to come. When the county and the city decided to do something different, I would say that the arts community in Mecklenburg County suffered as a result, he said. And so the people who are intricately involved in the arts community helped structure this as a way to bring both bodies together, along with the Foundation for the Carolinas. But some commissioners questioned whether the new plan contains a big-enough commitment to diversity and whether theyd have enough oversight over the new system. The city of Charlotte, meanwhile, says it hasnt agreed to the just-proposed plan as it weighs how to best approach arts funding within its own new culture plan. How much will Charlotte, Mecklenburg County spend on arts funding? Under the restructuring proposal, Charlotte and Mecklenburg County would be the primary funding sources for the revamped ASC. It calls for $11 million in funding per year from the city and $10 million from the county. And the groups want a five-to-10-year commitment, Perez told commissioners. That $21 million as far as we can tell is the most ever for this county in terms of funding for the arts, Perez said. Uncertainty around funding has plagued the local arts community since 2019, when voters rejected a referendum for a quarter-cent sales tax increase that would have pumped $22.5 million into the local arts sector. Then, the COVID pandemic hit arts organizations hard by shuttering venues. In early 2021, the Charlotte City Council diverted much of its longstanding funding for the ASC to a newly formed Arts and Culture Advisory Board. The city established the Infusion Fund, a public-private partnership in conjunction with the Foundation for the Carolinas to distribute arts money. The fund has generated more than $41 million, with a focus on stabilizing the local arts and culture ecosystem while a comprehensive cultural plan was developed, the city said in a statement. The city has also provided approximately $14 million per year to support the debt on several city-owned cultural institutions. Mecklenburg County stuck with the ASC something Dunlap, without citing specifics, said Monday was rooted partially in concerns the citys plans didnt do enough to ensure support for a diverse slate of artists and organizations in funding decisions. But the Infusion Fund is slated to end June 30. And the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan approved by the City Council in November offered no details on how much money would be needed moving forward, where that money should come from or who would spearhead private fundraising efforts. County manager Dena Diorio told commissioners Monday the proposed $21 million would fill the gap left when the 2019 referendum failed and address uncertainty created by the end of the Infusion Fund. That was the amount we were going to capture and use to fund the arts, she said. But, she stressed, neither the city not the county have agreed to the proposed funding levels yet. There have been no financial commitments made, she said. Existing ASC endowments would still be designated for their original purposes, the group said in its Tuesday presentation to commissioners. And the ASC expects to continue fundraising from individual donors and private groups. Proposed changes to arts grants ASC representatives say it would continue to give grants to: Individual artists Non-annually funded groups Grassroot organizations Neighborhood groups Community events Other grant programs facilitated by ASC A grant-giving board would be appointed by a new ASC governing board made up of 17 directors: seven appointed by the county, five by the city, two by a new ASC Nominating and Governance Committee and three by the Foundation for the Carolinas. The foundation will also ratify all board appointees and select the boards chair from the 17 directors. Both the county and the city will have their fair share of representation, Perez said of the proposed boards. ... We really like this structure. It gives us broad representation. Questions about oversight over new structure, inclusion efforts Families enjoy an exhibit at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture. The center has received grants from the Arts & Science Council. Multiple commissioners questioned whether the proposed structure will give them enough oversight over such a large public investment. Why should I delegate my approval authority to appoint governing board members to the Foundation for the Carolinas? Commissioner Arthur Griffin asked. Dunlap said the appointment process for the countys seats on the ASC board would be the same as the existing process for appointing people to the commissions citizen advisory boards, where any resident can apply and commissioners vote in open meetings on their picks. I think its an opportunity to get more people who are concerned about the arts involved ... and therefore have a much better process than before, he said. Griffin said he also has concerns about whether the proposed plan will do enough to ensure equity and inclusion in funding decisions and address structural inequalities, referencing comments made by City Council member Ed Driggs during an October council meeting about the importance of supporting the citys major arts organizations. One of the motivations for us to (increase city funding) was the fact that some of our legacy organizations were starving for funds and their existence was threatened, Driggs said in that meeting. In my mind, that was pretty key. I believe that those organizations and their tradition of acknowledging historical European culture, Ill call it, is one of the things that marks Charlotte as a world-class city. Driggs later told the Observer he wanted city leaders to be clear about prioritizing public funding for the future viability of arts programs within large, city-funded venues. Griffin said Tuesday hed want to see a better commitment to artists and organizations from historically marginalized communities. I would certainly be really cautious moving forward, Griffin said. What does the city think? Asked by commissioners how the ASCs plan fits within the citys plan, Perez said it absolutely aligns with their vision, though the city said in a statement provided to The Charlotte Observer that Tuesdays proposal does not reflect an approved allocation by the Charlotte City Council. City staff have been working on a funding approach in accordance with the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan and with a focus on public sector collaboration, spokesman Lawrence Corley said. The city will continue to discuss ongoing, reliable funding for activities in the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan, he said. But the citys statement said that while Charlotte has been a major supporter of the arts and culture community and is supportive of any effort to create a more sustainable arts and culture system, the city was not part of the discussions between the ASC and the FFTC related to any combination or partnership of those two organizations, and we are not in position to comment on this specific proposal. The city anticipates that it will continue to focus city funds on directly supporting artists and arts organizations, Corley said. In our CLT Politics newsletter, we offer exclusive insight into Charlotte-region politics sent to your inbox on Thursdays. Subscribe for free. Story idea? mramsey@charlotteobserver.com. 2 women killed at apartment complex; suspect dies after he shoots himself near Arden Fair mall Two women were killed Wednesday in a shooting at an Arden Arcade apartment complex, according to the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office, and a suspect in the double homicide was died Thursday hours after shooting himself in a parking lot near Arden Fair mall. Deputies were called to the Eleven Hundred apartments, on the 1100 block of Howe Avenue near Northrop Avenue, after a ShotSpotter activation and a 911 call. Gunfire had broken out in the parking lot, said Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Office. When they arrived at 10:40 p.m., deputies found two women suffering from gunshot wounds; both were pronounced dead at the scene by fire personnel and havent been identified by the Sacramento County Coroners Office. Witnesses who lived in the complex told deputies they had heard multiple gunshots, but no other information was available from homicide detectives who took over the investigation. Homicide detectives on Thursday identified 32-year-old Ricky Hunter as the suspect in the shooting, Gandhi said, and tracked him to the Arden Fair mall. Sgt. Marcus Basquez, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department, said officers were called just after noon to the 1400 block of Exposition Boulevard for reports of a possibly armed suicidal subject. Police officers were told by sheriffs deputies they were also looking for the same person, Basquez said. Deputies spotted Hunter inside an AT&T store near the mall and waited for him to leave before initiating an arrest. Deputies tried to arrest the 32-year-old inside his car, but he shot himself with a shotgun, Gandhi said. Sheriffs deputies, who were working with Sacramento police officers, rendered medical aid and took him to a hospital, Gandhi said. Hunter was later pronounced dead, he said. No deputies or detectives at the scene fired any gunshots, Gandhi said. Its unknown why the man was at the store, said Gandhi, who noted the investigation was in its early stages. Only he really knows what led up to this, Gandhi said of the suspect. Gandhi said investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind Wednesdays fatal shooting and what relationship if any did the suspect have with the women who were killed. Last year, a murder-suicide rocked the Eleven Hundred apartments in which a man shot two women before killing himself. The Bees Rosalio Ahumada contributed to this story. What I-25 motorists in Pueblo, Colorado need to know before roadwork starts this Monday The Colorado Department of Transportation will soon start a months-long project on Interstate 25 in Pueblo, which is expected to improve the highway in the long term and cause some delays during construction. CDOT and its contract partner Martin Marietta will resurface north- and southbound I-25 between mile point 92 and 102. The project starts Monday, April 15 and also includes milling and overlay work between those mile points. The project covers nearly all of I-25 in Pueblo. Mile point 102 is near Eagleridge Boulevard on the city's north side, and 92 is near the St. Charles Reservoir in southwestern Pueblo County. Key pavement markings and roadway delineation are also part of the project. Heres what motorists should know about the roadwork and how it may impact them during their commute. Signs direct commuters to Interstate 25 in Pueblo. Road crews will start on the south end of I-25 The flow of work will be south to north, meaning crews will first tackle the roadway at mile point 92 near the St. Charles Reservoir, said Amber Shipley, a spokesperson for CDOT. Crews will work their way up I-25 in both the southbound and northbound lanes from there. Because of this, expected traffic delays will be felt more on the south end of the project in its early stages. Those impacts will gradually migrate north in both lanes as crews make progress on the project. How will this project impact traffic on I-25? Commuters should expect single-lane closures between mile point 92 and 95 when work begins on Monday. Those closures will be active Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., when crews will be working in the area. Paving operations will start in this area April 22 and last until approximately May 20. Crews plan to begin guardrail work there May 20 and complete it in mid-July, Shipley said. Commuters travel to and from Interstate 25 in Pueblo on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Traffic impacts on the north end of the project will be limited, if non-existent, until crews move toward mile points 95 and 102, which is expected to occur after May 20. Once they are ready to begin work in that area, they will be active overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Single-lane closures will be in place during that window. All-day single-lane closure to be active during summer At some point in the next month or two, crews will be working between mile points 101 and 102 while also working further south on I-25. This is so crews can perform repairs and concrete panel replacements between 101 and 102, which will necessitate all-day single lane and shoulder closure in the northbound and southbound lanes for that mile. Crew will start that work at some point between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. It is estimated to last for one week, but its unclear when it will start between those two holidays. Shipley said crews will have a better sense of when it can begin after they've made progress on the project. Why CDOT is resurfacing I-25 in Pueblo This section of I-25 in Pueblo was on a list of state roadways that need repaving. The smoother roadway and other improvements are expected to "improve drivability and provide safer driving conditions for motorists," CDOT said in a news release. With repaving projects, it really is about duration and the last time the road was repaved because they have a lifespan, Shipley told the Chieftain on Monday. Its just time for most of Pueblo to get new paving. The majority of it is just in need (so it can) continue for the next 15, 20 years. More: Why Dave Williams had Colorado reporter kicked from GOP Assembly & 5 other event takeaways CDOT estimated the project will be completed this fall. It will cost nearly $16 million, which is covered by CDOTs federal surface treatment funds. Pueblo last experienced an expansive I-25 project in 2017, when CDOT crews replaced and rehabbed bridges, among other roadway improvements, along I-25. It costed around $69 million. CDOT says to plan ahead and expect delays The single-lane closures are expected to cause delays while active. Commuters can also expect ramp closures and reduced speeds within work zones. CDOT also noted that commuters should plan ahead and that the projects construction schedule is weather dependent. Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @josuepwrites. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: I-25 roadwork in Pueblo, Colorado starts April 15, will last months After 27 years on school board, Patty Quessenberry said she remains an 'Ozark Tiger' Patty Quessenberry For Patty Quessenberry, championing public education did not start and stop with her role on the Ozark school board. That is just the way that she has served for the past 27 years. "I am not done," she said. "I will always be an Ozark Tiger." The Christian County native admitted that losing her bid for a 10th consecutive term on the governing body April 2 was heartbreaking. Her final meeting was Thursday. "I love Ozark and I love Ozark schools," said Quessenberry, 69. "I believe in education and I believe in educating all of our kids." She came in third in a four-candidate race for two open seats, which were filled by first-time candidates Dustin Kirkman and James Griffin. Quessenberry, the only incumbent on the ballot, was first elected in 1997. "Patty has given so many hours and she is vivacious and passionate and incredibly intelligent," said Melissa Randol, executive director of the Missouri School Boards' Association. "She wants to use those gifts to better Missouri students so I don't expect her to do anything but continue to look for ways to advocate." Candidate for Ozark School Board Patty Quessenberry answers questions at a forum put on by the Ozark PTA on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The Sparta High School graduate initially got involved in Ozark schools as a parent volunteer and PTA member. As the PTA president, she attended male-dominated school board meetings. She didn't see her voice a woman and single mother represented on the governing body. The divorced mother of two was working long hours at Kraft Foods in Springfield and going to college part-time. "I wanted to be a voice for students and for public education but ... for the teachers too because of what all they have gone through," she said. "I have never had an agenda." From the start, Quessenberry showed up prepared to board meetings but her service did not stop there. She joined the MSBA, supported public schools at the local and state level, and eventually became an informal ambassador for the Ozark district. "The reason I did that was to get involved in my city and get to know my community," she said. Patty Quessenberry has been on the Ozark school board for 27 years. Over that time, she has repeatedly volunteered to read to young students, making literacy a focus of her public service. To build relationships and gain local knowledge, she was part of the citizen academy for the police department and the fire department. She attended Ozark Chamber of Commerce meetings plus a wide range of community and school events. "Patty has a love for our community. She loves Ozark and she really tries to find many different areas that she can impact in a positive way," said Ozark Police Chief Justin Arnold. "Anyone who find themselves in public service for that long obviously has a passion and a heart for the community." Quessenberry, who also devoted hours to reading to kindergarten and first grade students each year, helped start the "Partnership in Progress" group that met quarterly for years to discuss issues, projects and initiatives of mutual interest and to work together. "Patty brought to the board a love of students and a love for student interaction. She was often in classes reading to students or celebrating their successes," said Craig Carson, assistant superintendent of learning. "She was instrumental with the city and the Chamber of Commerce and our schools making sure they collaborated together and worked together." 'Trying to educate every child' Over nearly three decades, there are a lot of decisions that Quessenberry was proud to be part of but none more than supporting the creation of an alternative program. It gives high school students a different path to a diploma. Before it opened, Ozark's dropout rate was hovering close to 10% it is now just a tiny fraction of that and a student who had been bullied by classmates was shot and killed in an off-campus incident. A town hall meeting was convened and a call went out to create a safety net for students most at risk of dropping out. "I thought we have to do something different," she recalled. "And I met with the high school and we talked about how to do an alternative school." More: These 3 sisters spent a collective 93 years serving on Christian County school boards Over the years, she has visited the alterative program many times to spend time with students, hear their stories and support their goals. "At graduation, I remember their little faces, and they're coming across the stage to get their diploma and you shake their hands ... you just want to hug them all," she said. "That is the payoff right there." More recently, she was proud of supporting the acquisition of the former Fasco factory, which was transformed into the new Ozark Innovation Center. In it, students explore careers and learn "real world" skills from the culinary arts to the health sciences. Quessenberry said while some of the students will go onto college, others will go straight into the workforce. "This just makes me so happy. We're trying to educate every child to be successful no matter what they choose after they leave our doors." 'She tried to do what was right' She said there were challenging times, especially the pandemic, and difficult personnel and budget decisions that were required. But, she mostly has fond memories. More recently, Quessenberry said a small but vocal group of parents and community members have disrupted the meetings, repeatedly raised concerns and indicated distrust. "In the last couple of years, I've been really stressed in board meetings because of some of the things that have been happening, some of the questions that have been asked, some of the audience people yelling out at us," she said. "It is not what it used to be, the respect. I've not changed. I'm still the same person and I feel I've grown as a board member." Quessenberry said she believes much of the discord has been sewn by outside groups with a political agenda. Days before the April 2 election, Quessenberry was the target of a campaign postcard paid for by the Christian County Republican PAC that blamed her, and other incumbents, for requiring masks during the pandemic as well as a slew of voter-approved tax increases. Patty Quessenberry, who spent 27 years on the Ozark school board, and former superintendent Kevin Patterson. The postcard stated, among other things: "Patty Quessenberry championed each costly choice above. After 27 years on the board, can't we do better? It's time for a change." "When you use hit pieces, like what happened with Patty right before the election, it's difficult for candidates who aren't focused on hyper-partisan politics," said Randol, of the MSBA. "You don't have time to get your message back out." Quessenberry said she didn't want to talk about the postcard, noting only that school boards must be nonpartisan and elected members must focus on what is best for students in all decisions. Kevin Patterson, who was superintendent for five years before retiring in 2008, also worked with Quessenberry when he was a principal and assistant superintendent. "She is in the top 1% of board members. She was just very supportive. She was not a 'yes' person. She asked good questions. She tried to do what was right," said Patterson, who now trains future education leaders at Southwest Baptist University. "She was always focused on what was best for kids and best for teachers. That is what she cared about." Patty Quessenberry and her son Derek graduated from Missouri State University at the same time. Patterson said Quessenberry was a cheerleader for literacy, especially in the early grades. She ran a program called "Reading Around the Square," an evening event for students. She also helped bring the "Free Little Library" program to Ozark, which took off. "She brought the first one to the square and you see them now in every building," he said. He said Quessenberry was also an inspiration, pursuing and completing her college degree later in life. She and her son Derek graduated from Missouri State University at the same time. "She was very driven and had a lot of determination in what she wanted to do and what was right," Patterson said. "She always kept the No. 1 the No. 1 thing, which was the kids." This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Patty Quessenberry marks end of 27 years on Ozark school board Former Alabama Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road, is a Republican candidate for the 2nd Congressional District. (Courtesy Dick Brewbaker) This is one in a series of profiles of the candidates in the April 16 2nd Congressional District runoff. Tuesday: House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. Wednesday: Attorney Shomari Figures. Tomorrow: Attorney Caroleene Dobson. As former Sen. Dick Brewbaker, R-Pike Road, walked into an event hosted by the Republican Club of Central Alabama, the first thing he did was shift the crowds attention to his wife and son. Hello everybody, this is my wife, Ruth, and my son, Ben, he said before anything else. Voters seemed excited to see them. And with his opponent at another event, Brewbaker and his wife split up and worked both sides of the room, chatting up the voters at Jans Beach House Grill in Montgomery. Dick Brewbaker Age: 63 Residence: Pike Road Occupation: President, Brewbaker Motors Education: B.S., Economics and U.S. History, Vanderbilt University, 1983. Party: Republican Previous political experience/campaign: Alabama House of Representatives, 2002-2006; Alabama Senate, 2010-2018. Fundraising: Brewbaker raised $1.76 million and spent $1.7 million through March 27. In an interview before the event started, Brewbaker, who served a term in the Alabama House of Representatives and two terms in the Alabama Senate, said hes trying to give people a reason to vote for him by staying positive and focusing on the issues. He said that its critical with what could be a low-turnout runoff on April 16. Youve got to give people- you cant just say dont vote for that guy, youve got to give people reason to vote for you, he said. Brewbakers opponent Caroleene Dobson has attacked Brewbakers record in the state Legislature. Campaign ads have targeted comments he made about former President Donald Trump, his voting record on tax legislation and his resignation from the Senate Republican caucus over being clotured by the Leadership during debate. Brewbaker said he did not sponsor those bills, but voted to put the issue on the ballot for Alabamians to make a choice. She knows shes lying about my voting record. I mean, come on. Its just not worth it to get down in the mud with her, and part of the problem with politics is that voters see a candidate whos obviously not telling the truth, he said. He said that voters can tell if only one person is doing all the mudslinging, and that he thinks shes making a mistake. Shes abandoned her positive message. I mean, shes got a story to tell, but shes quit telling it, he said. Brewbaker in a recent interview focused on national issues, such as abortion, the U.S.-Mexico border, and U.S. aid to Israel and Ukraine. On international relations, Brewbaker said he feels that our president has completely lost any sort of moral compass about who the good guys are and who the bad guys are in the Middle East. He said that its nuts to support Israels right to defend itself but still send aid to Gaza. The only way youre going to have peace is if people think American power is an actual deterrence, not just a theoretical one, he said. He compared the conflict to World War II, and said that when the US started bombing, there was no separation between the sheep and the goats regarding the civilian death toll, and said civilians are also culpable. Its terrible. Its very sad, but its hard to blame Israel for telling the civilians in Gaza, youve chosen sides, he said. He said that if funding to Israel would be jeopardized by being attached to aid for Ukraine, he wouldnt support it. He said that while there is no question about U.S. support for Israel, the water in Ukraine might be a little muddy. He said its morally wrong to drag out a war, and he doesnt see a plan to end the war with Russia. If he were a lawmaker, he said he would ask for clear goals. If were there just to degrade the Russian military, and see how long we can drag this out, youre getting a lot of people killed, civilians and soldiers, on both sides for a questionable moral objective, he said. With former President Donald Trump directing Republican members of Congress to kill a border deal until after the election, Brewbaker said he would support sending the National Guard and support personnel at the U.S.-Mexico border to help make illegal entry to the United States, as close to impossible as we can make it. He also said that since the wall on the border is about halfway done, The U.S. should finish building it. Trump constructed 85 miles of new barriers where there were none before, and replaced 373 miles that were smaller and dilapidated, according to PolitiFact. In Jan. 2021, 776 of the 2,000 miles on the border had some sort of barrier. Brewbaker said he would not necessarily oppose a nationwide ban on abortions, but he would be very cautious about it. He said that while he is anti-abortion, he does not believe its a good idea to make it a federal issue again. The pro-life movement worked for years to overturn Roe v. Wade, to get it back to the states, and now the dust has barely settled and they want to refederalize it, he said, adding, Some people do. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post 2nd Congressional District: Dick Brewbaker looks to border, foreign aid in GOP runoff appeared first on Alabama Reflector. LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) Three men are facing charges following the discovery of drugs in two Logan County homes earlier this week. The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force said its agents, along with members of the Logan County Sheriffs Office, served two separate search warrants in Logan County on Tuesday, April 9. According to officials, one of the warrants was served at 59-year-old Timothy Andersons residence in the 700 block of Lewisburg Edwards Road in Russellville. Law enforcement reportedly found crystal meth, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, several types of pills that have yet to be identified, and a substantial amount of cash. Middle Tennessee womans dreams cut short by fatal fentanyl overdose Authorities said the second search warrant was served at the Lewisburg home of 47-year-old Melvin T. Wright in the 100 block of Mulberry Street, where agents found a large quantity of crystal meth, as well as items pertaining to trafficking crystal meth. Wright was arrested, along with Christopher Wall, 27, of Lewisburg. These investigations are ongoing at this time. Although these investigations are still ongoing, officials said the three individuals were charged with the following offenses: Timothy Anderson: First-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (first offense, less than 2 grams of meth) Trafficking marijuana (first offense, between 8 ounces and 5 pounds of marijuana) Possession of drug paraphernalia Melvin T. Wright: First-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (first offense, less than 2 grams of meth) Possession of drug paraphernalia Christopher Wall: First-degree trafficking of a controlled substance (more than 2 grams of meth) Possession of drug paraphernalia Dickson County man who struggled with addiction for decades now helps others The South Central Kentucky Drug Task Force shared a message from its director, Jacky Hunt, in a statement on Thursday, April 11: Our Detectives are working really hard to combat the surge of Meth and Fentanyl that has come into our area. I worry every day that our funding and our budget will be overwhelmed by the amount of work that goes into properly combating the Drug problem in our area. Director Hunt stated that the cost of doing our business has risen sharply in recent years but his budget has not keep up with it. He urges citizens reach out to their local State Congressman or State Senator and let them know how much they care about the Drug problem in our area. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. SHELBY COUNTY, Texas (KETK) The Shelby County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) arrested four individuals suspected to be involved in a theft ring in Shelby County on Monday. Cherokee County man convicted in meth-laced pills conspiracy, awaiting sentencing Shelby County Sheriff Kevin Windham reported that on Monday at 8:30 a.m. investigators and deputies responded to a call in the 7000 block of Highway 7 West in Center, and upon arrival the investigators recognized the property as a highly trafficked area for drugs and stolen property. The SCSO said that they spent more than 34 hours on the grounds and recovered over $150,000 of stolen property. The sheriffs office said that they recovered the following: One skid steer One bumper pull RV One commercial power washer on a 16 foot trailer Two trucks One U-Haul car hauler Two portable toilets Three welding machines Chainsaws Generators Tools Five AR rifles Other firearms photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office photos of recovered items, courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office Mugshot of Armando Huerta. Courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Mugshot of Marlana Poore. Courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Mugshot of Ricardo Rodriguez. Courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office Mugshot of Jonathan Vicente. Courtesy of Shelby County Sheriffs Office. Longview man arrested by US Marshals, 7 different types of drugs found The sheriffs office arrested Ricardo Rodriguez, Armando Huerta and Marlana Poore who were booked into the Shelby County Jail and each charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and possession of a controlled substance. The sheriffs office also arrested Jonathan Vicente who was booked into the Shelby County Jail and charged with violation of bond or a protective order. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Four people were displaced Thursday morning after a fire in the garage of their home near Conway, according to Horry County Fire Rescue. HCFR was dispatched at 8:30 a.m. to the home on Carmello Circle. No injuries were reported, but four residents are being offered assistance from the American Red Cross. This embedded content is not available in your region. The cause of the fire is being investigated. The Conway Fire Department assisted at the scene. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Four men who were part of a 61-count RICO, theft, and commercial burglary indictment pleaded guilty on Monday just before their trial was set to begin in Bibb County Superior Court. According to Macon Judicial Circuit District Attorney Anita Howard, the crime spree of the defendants, Antuane Simmons, 36; Frankie Barnes, 55; Cornelius Redding, 35; and, Marcus Robinson, 44, lasted from December 23, 2019, through April 28, 2020. The four were accused of burglarizing numerous businesses including convenience stores, pharmacies, liquor stores, salons, and more, while dressed in hoodies, face masks, gloves, boots, and knee pads. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Before the trial, Barnes was the first defendant to indicate a desire to plead guilty and cooperate with the State as a testifying witness against his co-defendants. Howard said with the knowledge they would be facing Barnes testimony, Simmons, Redding, and Robinson decided not to face the jury and pleaded guilty. A judge sentenced Simmons, who was charged with 36 of the 58 burglary counts, to 20 years with the first 15 years to be served in prison. Robinson, who was charged with 28 of the 58 burglary counts, was sentenced to 20 years with the first 10 years to be served in prison. Redding, who was charged with 15 of the 58 burglary counts, was sentenced to 20 years with the first 4 years to be served in prison. Barnes, who was charged with 19 of the 58 burglary counts, was sentenced to 20 years with the first 3 years to be served in prison. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Four protesters arrested during a confrontation with police at a Bakersfield City Council meeting last month have been criminally charged, with two facing felonies. Gabriela Lynn Mota, Lorena Salinas, Lance Mack and Ashley Vega have been charged in connection to a meeting March 27 during which protesters clashed with police at the front doors of city hall after being removed from chambers. A glass door broke and an officer was injured, police said. Former BHS football standout Tybo Rogers accused of rape in Seattle Mota and Salinas are both charged with felony resisting arrest, and Salinas also faces a felony count of vandalism, court records show. Additionally, both face misdemeanor counts of remaining at the scene of a riot and resisting arrest. Mack and Vega are charged with misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and remaining at the scene of a riot, records show. Protesters have disrupted several city council meetings, demanding a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. Amarillo College (AC), in collaboration with the Texas Panhandle Art Education Association (TPAEA), is presenting its IGNITE Creative Arts High School Conference on Friday, April 19 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the AC Washington Street campus. The event, including 400 Texas Panhandle area high school students, is aimed to inspire young artists as they prepare to enter their higher education and the workforce. During the conference, students will participate in faculty and artisan led workshops, separated into morning and afternoon breakout sessions, with plenty of hands-on opportunities. Some of the sessions will include topics and mediums such as green screen, action drawing, clay animals, stencils for simpletons, Henna body art and many more. AC and TPAEA have invited 400 area high school students to the upcoming IGNITE arts conference, featuring keynote speaker Swoon, inspiring young artists to pursue an art related career, April 19 at the AC Washington street campus. AC and TPAEA have invited 400 area high school students to the upcoming IGNITE arts conference, featuring keynote speaker Swoon, inspiring young artists to pursue an art related career, April 19 at the AC Washington street campus. Around noon, keynote speaker, contemporary artist and filmmaker Caledonia Curry, also known as Swoon, will share her artistic journey from entering the art world as a street artist and gaining international recognition in a male dominated field, to her numerous solo and group exhibitions seen in major museums and galleries around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1, New York; the Brooklyn Museum; the Mori Art Museum, Tokyo; and more. The artist's work can also been seen year-round in public and private collections at the Museum of Modern Art, Tate Modern, and the Detroit Institute of Art. In addition to her paving the way for female and young artists, Swoon has also taken that initiative a step further by establishing the Heliotrope Foundation in 2015, to support collaborative projects that use art to respond to crisis. "Having Swoon as our keynote speaker this year is remarkable. To bring in this caliber of artist that has made such an impact on the art world internationally, who has gotten her start as one of the first female street artists in a predominantly male field, is life changing. Our kids having access to speak and learn from this caliber of an artist, we couldn't be more thrilled to have her connect with these students," TPAEA president Shawn Kennedy said. As stated in an AC news release, this event will be the fourth-ever Ignite Conference since its establishment in 2019, following a two-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To kick off the event, Brick & Elm magazines Jason Boyett will lead a panel alongside area artists discussing this year's topic of creative careers. Some of the area high schools slotted to attend IGNITE include Amarillo, Boys Ranch, Bushland, Canyon, Plainview, River Road, Sanford-Fritch, Spearman, and Texline schools. The conference will be held throughout the college campus, including sessions held in AC's College Union Building Byrd, Parcells and Ordway halls. AC and TPAEA have invited 400 area high school students to the upcoming IGNITE arts conference, featuring keynote speaker Swoon, inspiring young artists to pursue an art related career, April 19 at the AC Washington street campus. AC and TPAEA have invited 400 area high school students to the upcoming IGNITE arts conference, featuring keynote speaker Swoon, inspiring young artists to pursue an art related career, April 19 at the AC Washington street campus. AC instructor of art and conference organizer Stephanie Jung stated in a news release: We are glad to welcome these students to AC, and to highlight the academic pathway in the arts from high school, to college, to university ... our conference is designed to bring young creatives and local arts professionals together to forge connections and introduce students to the many arts resources available locally. Fostering the creative spirit and connecting these students to the larger arts community is special, and its even better when we can offer a keynote from an artist whos had such a far-reaching altruistic impact, Jung added. Presentations will be made by AC faculty, West Texas A&M University faculty and students, as well as some area high school faculty. Museum curators, community artists and art experts, and representatives of the mural creative Blank Spaces also will lead sessions. "This event was created to really help build and connect these young artists to people in our community that are making a living as artists, doing what they love," Kennedy said. "This event also creates a connection with our working artists and gives then the opportunity to meet these incoming artists and bolster and invest in them to further the local art community." This event was sponsored by Art Force Amarillo and the AC Foundation. For more information about IGNITE 2024, visit AC online at https://www.actx.edu/ or TPAEA at https://www.tpaea.org/ . This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Students to attend fourth IGNITE Creative Arts High School conference The residence of Franke's business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt, was first listed for sale in January and was the real estate site's top property last week 20/20 Ruby Franke during her arrest, Aug. 30, 2023. The Ivins, Utah, home where Ruby Franke abused her children alongside business partner Jodi Hildebrandt became the most viewed property on Realtor.com last week. Hildebrandts four-bedroom, 9,124-square-foot house was initially listed for sale in January for $5.3 million, but the asking price has since been reduced by $305,000. The residence is described in the listing as a true masterpiece that offers "stunning" desert views and a "luxurious lifestyle. Built in 2017, the home's listed features include a gourmet kitchen, home theater, five-car garage, pool and hot tub. PEOPLE reached out to listing agent Steve Foisy of Fathom Realty, but did not immediately receive a reply. Franke, a mother of six, and Hildebrandt, her family therapist, each pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated child abuse in December. They will spend between four and 30 years behind bars, based on sentencing limitations in Utah. 20/20 Jodi Hildebrandt's house in Ivins, Utah Before her arrest on child abuse charges, Franke was a parenting vlogger who documented her familys life on her popular YouTube channel, 8 Passengers and cohosted the ConneXions podcast with Hildebrandt. Related: Police Found Panic Room with Handcuffs, Ropes in Home of Ruby Frankes Therapist Jodi Hildebrandt According to Utahs Santa Clara-Ivins Public Safety Department, police were notified on Aug. 30 that a juvenile who appeared to be emaciated with open wounds and duct tape around the extremities went to a neighbor's house asking for food and water. The child and another one in "similar physical condition of malnourishment" were transported to a local hospital. 20/20 Ruby Franke is arrested by Detective Jessica Bate, Aug. 30, 2023. The Salt Lake Tribune reported that the home where the children were found was Hildebrandts. Franke's 12-year-old son is the one who allegedly climbed out of a window and went to a neighbor for help and authorities then found Frankes other child at the home. Utah prosecutors recently released video footage and crime scene photos obtained by PEOPLE that were key evidence supporting the story Frankes 12-year-old son told police. Much of the evidence, which includes rope, handcuffs and a bowl of cayenne pepper paste used as a torture device, was recovered from a room at the home that authorities referred to in court documents as a "panic room." According to Frankes plea agreement obtained by PEOPLE, she and Hildebrandt had forced Frankes two youngest children to work under sweltering heat for hours with little food or water. This embedded content is not available in your region. The women also regularly sought to indoctrinate Frankes son and convince him that he was evil and possessed, per the plea agreement, which says he was made to believe that the torture he endured constituted acts of love and that the punishments were necessary to repent. Frankes son told officers that Hildebrandt had wrapped his wrists and ankles in ropes and they meaning Hildebrant and his mother had, per warrants obtained by PEOPLE, used cayenne pepper and honey to dress the wounds. Per the plea agreement, when he tried to escape in July, his mother said she bound his hands and feet with two sets of handcuffs. Related: All About Ruby Franke: Everything to Know About the Influencer Mom Convicted of Child Abuse In Hildrebrandts home, police recovered skin-burning paste with a spoon dipped inside the open container with a coil of rope beside it, as well as surgical sponges and elastic bandages. In the cramped "panic room," officers found a Murphy bed, toilet, microwave and empty fridge and freezer set. In a bottom drawer, they recovered a long strand of rope with knots, per video footage. Tied to one end were thick metal chains linked to a set of handcuffs. 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. A series of calls within days of Frankes arrest were released by Utah prosecutors in late March. In the recorded calls, obtained by PEOPLE, between Ruby and her now-estranged husband, Kevin Franke, the Mormon momfluencer blames the devil for landing her in prison. "Satan has taken everything away from me that I love, Ruby said on a Sept. 1 call from Purgatory Correctional Facility in Washington County, Utah. She continued, crying, And Im a good woman. I dont do naughty things. I dont do naughty things. Im a really good girl. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. NEW YORK (PIX11) Six people have been charged with corruption at the Rikers Island jail complex in New York City, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams announced Wednesday. Three former correction officers, one program counselor, a contractor, and an inmate are facing federal charges, according to court documents. Former Rikers Island correction officer Carlos Rivera, 27, is accused of accepting bribes from an inmate and smuggling drugs like oxycodone and marijuana into the jail from December 2021 through February 2022, according to officials. More Crime News Rivera allegedly met with associates of a specific inmate in the Bronx. He then allegedly brought items such as cellphones, oxycodone, marijuana, and cigarettes into the jail while at times being paid through CashApp, according to court documents. A picture of two bundles of marijuana was sent to an inmate at Rikers Island, according to court documents. (Credit: U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York) The inmate Rivera was accused of supplying contraband to had his jail cell searched around Dec. 22, 2021. A cellphone, cellphone charger, and a metal rod that was 6 inches long were found inside a pillowcase, according to court documents. The cellphone contained screenshots purportedly of an Instagram account belonging to Rivera that were sent to the inmates associate. Officials said they believe this is how Rivera and the inmates associate communicated. Additional screenshots on the cellphone also purportedly showed the associate telling Rivera to pick up four packs of cigarettes and that he would provide Rivera with marijuana and rolling papers to bring into the jail, according to court documents. Rivera accepted around $500 via CashApp to help smuggle the contraband into the jail, according to court documents. He was charged with the following: Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud Conspiracy to distribute narcotics and controlled substances Rikers Island is less safe, for inmates and officers alike, when corrections officers and others in positions of public trust accept bribes to smuggle contraband. As alleged, the defendants in these cases engaged in corruption for their own enrichment. In our relentless pursuit of justice, we leave no stone unturned, especially within the confines of jails and prisons, where the safety and dignity of all individuals must be safeguarded. We will not tolerate any breach of trust or corruption that jeopardizes the well-being of inmates and staff, Williams said. Former correction officer Chantal De Los Santos, 30, former program counselor Shanequa Washington, 39, and former contractor Kenneth Webster, 42, are also accused of accepting bribes and smuggling items into Rikers Island, according to officials. More Local News Officials said De Los Santos and Washington smuggled contraband into the jail in return for bribes starting around March 2022. De Los Santos allegedly gave Washington contraband to give it to an inmate at a DOC facility, according to court documents. Washington allegedly received payments of over $5,000 via CashApp. Former Rikers Island program counselor Shanequa Washington, 39, allegedly providing an inmate with contraband, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) Former Rikers Island program counselor Shanequa Washington, 39, allegedly providing an inmate with contraband, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) Inmates allegedly passing out contraband, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) Former Rikers Island contractor Kenneth Webster allegedly bringing a backpack into an inmates cell, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) A picture of eight packs of cigarettes, a water bottle containing a clear liquid, and a stack of stained paper sheets, all on a surface that is consistent with an inmate bed, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) De Los Santos and three inmates allegedly worked together to bribe Webster, according to court documents. One of the inmates requested De Los Santos give Webster cigarettes, alcohol, cellphones, electronic tablets, and paper sheets that officials believe were soaked in a controlled substance, per the court records. Officials said De Los Santos participated between March and June 2022 and is charged with the following: One count of conspiracy to commit bribery Two counts of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud Washington participated from March through April 2022 and is charged with the following: Conspiracy to commit bribery Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud Webster participated from May through June 2022 and is charged with: Conspiracy to commit bribery These defendants allegedly abused their former positions within the Department of Corrections by accepting bribes from multiple inmates including one charged along with them to smuggle contraband, including illicit substances, into several jail facilities on Rikers Island. This alleged conspiracy permeated Rikers Island, polluting the integrity of the Department and its institutions while jeopardizing the trust in other officials with similar job roles, said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith. Kristopher Francisco, 29, allegedly holding contraband inside a Rikers Island cell, according to court documents. (Credit: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York) Former correction officer Stephanie Davila, 30, and inmate Kristopher Francisco, 29, exchanged bribes from July 2021 through August 2021, according to officials. Davila and Francisco also allegedly bribed another correction officer into smuggling items like fentanyl, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids into the jail, officials said. Davila collected over $5,000 in cash bribes, per court documents. Francisco also allegedly had Davila in his cellphone as wifey. Multiple pictures of Francisco on a video call with Davila and Francisco posing with contraband were allegedly found on a cellphone located in his cell, court documents showed. Davila and Francisco are both charged with the following: Conspiracy to commit bribery Conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud Conspiracy to distribute narcotics and controlled substances Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com. Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Here are 75 Jacksonville-area schools of excellence the state just recognized for success While a crossing guard stops traffic, a couple lead their sons, ages 6 and 8, into Hendricks Avenue Elementary School in this photo from 2015. Hendricks Avenue is among 15 school district- or charter-run elementaries in Duval County recently labeled "schools of excellence" by Florida's Board of Education. There are some really great schools in Northeast Florida. Thanks to Floridas Board of Education, theres also a list identifying the 75 First Coast schools the state considers schools of excellence, a standard of distinction spelled out in state law. This is just another example of the great work thats happening across our state, the hard work of our teachers and students, Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Adam Miller said at the boards last meeting where the excellence tag was accorded to 783 schools statewide for the 2022-23, including 30 in Duval County. The label designed for schools placing in the 80th percentile or higher in state school-grade calculations at least twice in the past three years has real-life meaning for conventional and public charter schools because it waives some requirements that just dont apply to private and religious schools. River City Science Academy students Joshua Negron and Deshaun Hadley manuever DASH the robot by using a computer tablet in this 2020 photo of a STEM and halth expo at the main Jacksonville campus of River City Science, which had three facilities in Duval County the state labeled as "schools of excellence." It also carries bragging rights that just feel good to hold. We are thrilled to extend congratulations for this remarkable achievement, River City Science Academy's management tweeted Tuesday about the designation at three of its Jacksonville campuses. Bragging rights: Charter vs. public schools: A debate over accolades Accolades have their limits, of course. Three of Duval Countys honored schools Atlantic Beach, Seabreeze and John Stockton elementaries were also on hypothetical lists of potential school closings offered last month to School Board members for consideration thats scheduled to continue with a workshop April 16. This is the full list of Duval Countys 30 schools of excellence: Jacksonville Beach Elementary, a magnet school which U.S. News & World Report last year ranked as the best elementary n Florida, was among 75 First Coast schools the state labeled "schools of excellence" through the 2022-23 school year. Elementaries (14) Ruth N. Upson Elementary Dinsmore Elementary Atlantic Beach Elementary Hendricks Avenue Elementary San Pablo Elementary John Stockton Elementary Jacksonville Beach Elementary New Berlin Elementary Bertram Springs Elementary Seabreeze Elementary Neptune Beach Elementary Alimacani Elementary Mandarin Oaks Elementary Chets Creek Elementary Who's on top: Which 10 Northeast Florida elementary schools lead U.S. News rankings? Jax Beach and ... Middle schools (4) Landon College Preparatory and Leadership Development School Fletcher Middle James Weldon Johnson College Preparatory Middle LaVilla School of the Arts Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts sophomore Mark Palompo drills into a cow's scapula during a two-day neuroanatomy training event at the Jacksonville campus of Medtronic in this 2016 picture. Combination (1) Darnell Cookman Middle/High School High schools (5) Paxon School of Advanced Studies Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Stanton College Preparatory Wolfson High Sandalwood High Charters (6) River City Science Elementary Academy (grades K-5) River City Science Academy (6-12) River City Science Academy at Mandarin (K-8) Duval Charter School at Flagler Center (K-8) Duval Charter High School at Baymeadows (9-12) Seaside Community Charter School (K-7) What about the rest of the First Coast? There are dozens more schools of excellence in the counties touching Jacksonville, too. County by county, here they are: Baker County Westside Elementary Clay County Orange Park Elementary School's entrance sign carries a birthday message in this photo from 2016. It was among a dozen Clay County schools the state designated "schools of excellence" based on schoool-grade data through the 2022-23 school year. Orange Park Elementary Keystone Heights Elementary Lakeside Elementary Lake Asbury Elementary Robert M. Paterson Elementary Fleming Island Elementary Thunderbolt Elementary Shadowlawn Elementary Discovery Oaks Elementary Green Cove Springs Junior High Lakeside Junior High Fleming Island High Public role: Clay County schools recognized for exemplary programs promoting parent and community involvement Nassau County The Mighty Marching Pirate Band marches up Fernandina Beach's Centre Street in this 2006 photo from Fernandina Beach High School's homecoming parade. FBHS was among facilties that state recently honored as "schools of excellence." Emma Love Hardee Elementary Bryceville Elementary Hilliard Elementary Wildlight Elementary Callahan Intermediate Callahan Middle Fernandina Beach High St. Johns County Parents and teacherswalk into Valley Ridge Academy in this 2014 photo from the first day of school at the kindergarten-through-eighth grade school in Ponte Vedra in St. Johns County. Elementaries (11) R.B. Hunt Elementary Julington Creek Elementary W. Douglas Hartley Elementary Ponte Vedra Palm Valley-Rawlings Elementary Cunningham Creek Elementary Ocean Palms Elementary Durbin Creek Elementary Timberlin Creek Elementary Wards Creek Elementary Hickory Creek Elementary Palencia Elementary Middle Schools (4) Alice B. Landrum Middle Switzerland Point Middle Pacetti Bay Middle Fruit Cove Middle Combination (6) Patriot Oaks Academy (PK-8) Liberty Pines Academy (PK-8) Valley Ridge Academy (PK-8) Freedom Crossing Academy (PK-8) Palm Valley Academy (PK-8) St. Johns Virtual Franchise (K-12) High Schools (4) Nease High Bartram Trail High Ponte Vedra High Creekside High This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Looking for 'schools of excellence' around Jacksonville? Here's a list The long-planned $8.7-million rebuilding plan for downtown Rock Island will start attacking the streets on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, with reconstruction expected to be done by December. Were so excited for this project to happen, theres no doubt about that, Mayor Mike Thoms said Wednesday afternoon at a pre-construction update at The Stern Center, with representatives of the city, Rock Island Downtown Alliance, architects, engineers, general contractor, as well as businesses and residents. Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms introduces the meeting on the downtown reconstruction project, Wednesday, April 10, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). During the construction, its gonna be a bit of a pain, but the end result is going to be outstanding, the mayor said, noting the downtown plans date back to 2015. Its the biggest investment thats happened in many, many years, Thoms said, noting one goal is to improve the downtown appearance to help attract businesses to fill empty buildings. Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, said they started fundraising and putting plans together in spring 2021, and the general contractor will be Valley Construction of Rock Island. Rock Island Downtown Alliance executive director Jack Cullen emphasizes the downtown business will stay open during construction, April to December 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). Cullen reviewed the overview of project work. The three phases are: Phase 1 18 th Street from 1 st to 3 rd avenues; 3 rd Avenue from 18 th to 19 th Street, and 2 nd Avenue from 18 th to 19 th , to start April 16 and projected completion in November/December. Phase 2 Intersections of 19 th Street and 2 nd Avenue, and 19 th and 3 rd , to start in October, finished in December. Phase 3 Arts Alley reconstruction, in 1700 block of 2nd Avenue, starting in June, and finished in July. New landscaping, lighting, welcome signage and arches will not be erected until spring 2025. Also in 2025, the city is planning to reduce 1st Avenue (Illinois 92) to one lane each direction and turn lane into downtown, as separate from the Rebuild downtown project, Cullen said. The work includes complete reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, new utilities (water and sewer lines), and streetscape improvements including streetlights, trees, benches, trash receptacles, public green space, gateway signage, and outdoor patios. The planned roundabout in downtown Rock Island, 18th Street and 2nd Avenue. There will be a major gateway arch placed at 1st Avenue and 18th Street. A new mini-roundabout will be put at the intersection of 18th and 2nd, to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, as well as serve as this central focal point, symbolizing the true historic center of our downtown, Cullen said. Theres a new green space proposed for 2nd Avenue and 18th Street, to replace an existing parking lot next to the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. It will be a flexible, mixed-use space to be used by the community, Cullen said. A planned new green space will replace a current parking lot near 18th Street and 2nd Avenue. He emphasized that businesses will remain open during construction, and all the partners will work hard to keep everyone informed about the status of work. That includes inviting people to sign up for a bi-weekly e-newsletter, and holding monthly meetings with stakeholders throughout the process. Thank you in advance for your patience, collaboration and teamwork, Cullen said. Thats what public-private partnerships are all about. Jason McKenzie of the engineering firm Veenstra & Kim, spoke about making sure communications are clear, consistent and frequent among all affected parties. Construction work will primarily be weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A map showing the two main phases (18th Street is within blue at left), with the first phase starting April 16, and the second in October. Aaron Lubitz of Valley Construction noted the first steps are demolition of existing streets, and work underground. We got to get from low to high, he said, adding that will take the first two months. Available city-owned parking during construction will be: City lot at 3 rd Avenue between 17 th 18 th streets City lot near bus station at 2 nd Avenue and 19 th 2 nd Avenue between 17 th and 18 th West side of 19 th Street between 1 st and 2 nd South side of 2 nd Avenue between 19 th and 20 th 19 th Street from 2 nd to 3 rd North side of 3 rd Avenue between 19 th and 20 th City lot on southwest corner of 3 rd and 17 th 18 th Street between 3 rd and 4 th avenues 19th Street between 3rd and 4th The city and Downtown Alliance are working to get leases on future available parking owned by Modern Woodmen for their lots at 1st Avenue and 17th Street, and southeast corner of 2nd and 20th Street. These are not available now. All improvements are to be completed by June 2025, Lubitz said. Denny Hitchcock, owner of Circa 21, asked if there will be a net loss of parking spaces with the project. Lubitz said there will naturally be loss of on-street parking during construction, but theyre working to minimize impacts. Hitchcock also asked if there will be financial assistance available to businesses for lost revenue because of construction. Jack Cullen, right, listens as Aaron Lubitz of Valley Construction talks about the project Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at The Stern Center (photo by Jonathan Turner). We are working with the city, talking about possible funds to help with business interruption, impacted businesses during construction of the project, Cullen said. We dont have anything concrete, but we are exploring it. So stay tuned and hopefully we will be able to find some additional funds for that. McKenzie said work on rebuilding 2nd Avenue (including tearing out the pedestrian plaza for a new road and wider sidewalks) will be done first, but portions of 2nd and 3rd will be done together. Picking Arts Alley artists While not part of the Valley contract, the revitalization of Arts Alley, 1719 2nd Ave., will be done concurrently, including painting of huge new murals on each wall. The current east-facing wall at Arts Alley, 1719 2nd Ave., Rock Island. Quad City Arts received over 400 artist submissions from around the world to create two new outdoor murals at Arts Alley, next to its downtown Rock Island building. Representatives of the Rock Island Arts Commission and Downtown Alliance board narrowed down the potential artists to 10 finalists, based on their mural samples (including most recent completed), artist bio and work experience, Quad City Arts executive director Kevin Maynard said Thursday. The west-facing wall of Arts Alley. It was incredibly difficult, he said of picking finalists, who each will be paid $500 to submit specific Arts Alley designs by the end of the month. We had over 400 submissions in the process thats up significantly from what we did in Moline. Quad City Arts expects to display the proposed 10 designs (including one from a local artist chosen) at their downtown gallery (1715 2nd Ave.), and one or two other downtown businesses, to collect public feedback. They hope to make a selection of two artists (or teams) by early May and the murals done in June, Maynard said. Its really hard. Even though we narrowed it down to 10, there are some really impressive artists that didnt make that cut, he said. If we had an ample amount of money, we would be bringing even more artists in. A rendering of a revitalized Arts Alley, to be completed in July 2024. The payments for the Arts Alley artists will be: Mural 1: $33,600 (80 feet x 28 feet) Mural 2: $27,000 (60 x 30) Other improvements to Arts Alley (after murals are done) will include a decorative walkway, lighting and signage; space for social gatherings and performances; weatherproof vendor stalls for seasonal pop-up shop programs; and additional art installations. You can see more renderings on all downtown improvements HERE. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Description Welcome to Chippendales, the premier destination for a thrilling and unforgettable night out! Our world-famous male revue show has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years and we continue to raise the bar with each performance. Calling The Rio Hotel & Casino home for the past 21 years, weve won the Best Of Las Vegas award in Best Male Revue Show & Best Bachelorette Party categories for 11 consecutive years! But Chippendales is more than just a show - it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun night out with friends, our show is the perfect way to let loose and have fun! With stunning stage design, high-energy music, and interactive elements that get YOU, the audience, involved - you'll feel like you're part of the action. Tickets are on sale NOW @ https://seetix.link/S4TpGo - Use special code 327RK20 to get %20 off! MEMPHIS, Tenn. Eighty-seven students at Whitehaven High School have joined the prestigious Million Dollar Scholars status, receiving more than $1 million each in academic scholarships. Students announced their college choices at an event Thursday morning at the school. My name is Sheileah Jones and I have accumulated one million and one hundred, twenty-eight thousand dollars in academic scholarships. Sheileah Jones, a senior at Whitehaven High School, accumulated $1,128,000 in scholarships. She said it has been a challenging four years after starting high school during COVID-19. Whitehaven HS breaks ground on new STEM building Tenth-grade year I came, it was kind of a new experience because I did not know anyone here. Junior year, I started getting more comfortable and now my senior year I am ending it off at the top, Jones said. She will be attending Clark Atlanta University in the fall with a scholarship in fashion something her mom is very grateful for. Shirley Jones, MotherIts going to help the pocket out a whole lot. So, I am greatly appreciative of that, Shirley Jones said. Principal Vincent Hunter says this is what Whitehaven is all about. We just want to make Memphis a better place and the way you change Memphis is through education. Education is the link to building a community, Hunter said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. On abortion, Lindsey Graham is reminded that loyalty with Trump goes one way | Opinion Buried deep beneath layers of Trump apologia and the taste of shoe leather, theres a flickering of a soul within Lindsey Graham. I thought it had been snuffed out when Graham stopped telling the truth about Donald Trump and became one of Trumps most high-profile sycophants. Apparently, Trump was surprised that flickering still exists, which is why he repeatedly attacked the senior U.S. Senator from South Carolina for daring to not fall in line behind the GOPs standard bearer. Trump proudly rolled out yet another position on abortion, this time walking away from a 16-week national ban his campaign had floated and instead embracing the idea that abortion should be decided at the state level. Its not a principled position just one Trump believes will make it easier to win reelection. Issac Bailey Trump would not have been taking a principled stance on a potential 16-week-abortion ban, with exceptions, had he stuck with it. How do we know? Just listen: Know what I like about 16? Trump said in private to a select group of people. Its even. Its four months. Graham, who has proposed banning abortion nationally after 15- and 20 weeks, did not appreciate Trumps latest leave it to the states position. And he said so. I think we should draw a line, Graham said Monday. We know that the Dobbs decision did not say that theres no federal role. There are three laws on the books at the federal level. So, the idea that Dobbs prevents the federal government from acting, I think, is an error. The idea of the Republican Party abandoning the opposition to late-term abortion, I think, would be a mistake, because most Americans oppose late-term abortion. Graham continued: For the pro-life movement, its about the child, not geography. So if youre turning the pro-life movement into a geographical movement, I think youre making a mistake. He added: A child at 15 weeks sucks his thumb, feels pain in California and New York as much as South Carolina. Trump responded forcefully and repeatedly to Graham. He said Graham was doing a great disservice to the Republican Party, and our country and that Democrats are thrilled with Lindsey, because they want this issue to simmer for as long a period of time as possible. I blame myself for Lindsey Graham, because the only reason he won in the Great State of South Carolina is because I Endorsed him! Trump thundered in a post on Truth Social. It mattered not that Graham has done more than maybe any other top Republican this side of Mike Pence to debase himself to please Trump again and again. It mattered not that Graham has defended Trump more strongly and passionately than anyone. Trump demands loyalty to Trump and Trump alone, and that means repeatedly telling the emperor he has on clothes, and that theyre lovely. Grahams criticism of Trumps abortion announcement was mild compared to the way Graham accurately described Trump during the 2016 GOP presidential primary process. Hes a race-baiting, xenophobic religious bigot, Graham said in December 2015. By 2018, Graham was claiming Hes not, in my view, a racist by any stretch of the imagination. I have never heard (Trump) make a single racist statement. No wonder Trump was surprised Graham spoke out against his latest abortion statement. He, like most of us tracking Grahams trajectory into lickspittle-dom, thought Graham was totally under Trumps thumb. On abortion, though, Graham has taken a principled stand. He plans to keep pushing for a national ban despite Trumps announcement. I disagree with Graham about a national ban, and most things these days. But I can admit he not only surprised Trump, he surprised me, too. I thought Graham had abandoned all of his principles for the prize of becoming Trumps toady. Seems he kept one tucked away for a moment like this. Issac Bailey is a McClatchy Opinion writer in North and South Carolina. AUSTIN (KXAN) Travis County now faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly denying people the right to legal counsel. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas (ACLU), the ACLU Criminal Law Reform Project and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP filed the lawsuit on behalf of people jailed without lawyers in Travis County. There arent attorneys that are appointed to represent people at these first hearings. Savannah Kumar, ACLU of Texas Staff Attorney ACLU of Texas Staff Attorney Savannah Kumar said the county requires arrestees to attend their first criminal court appearance without giving them the right to a lawyer for those who cannot afford one. She said at that time judges can question people about facts related to their alleged crime. Do you know this person who is the complaining witness in this case? How do you know them? Whats your relationship? Or details about where the person was at a particular time, Kumar said. The ACLU said those statements could be used against someone later in their case. However, criminal defense attorney Benjamin Gergen said hes never seen that happen. I think most judges, at least in this county, are fair enough to realize that thats a statement they probably shouldnt let in to any sort of trial. Benjamin Gergen, Criminal Defense Attorney Gergen said usually a defendant is just asked if they can afford counsel or if theyd like one provided for them. Then youre reading the defendant the charge and telling them, Hey, this is what your bond conditions are,' Gergen said. Gergen also said within 24 hours of that initial court appearance, most people are released from jail on a personal bond. Most of those people arent even hiring attorneys, Gergen said. So youre getting out of jail, literally for free, without having to put any skin in the game financially. Still, Kumar said the ACLU wants to make sure people have that representation from the very beginning. These hearings can be really confusing for people who are coming out of a vulnerable situation into these hearings, Kumar said. KXAN has reached out to the county. We will update this article when we get a response. Texas ACLU finds most schools in state still have discriminatory dress codes Who is the plaintiff? The ACLU of Texas described the plaintiff as a man in his late 30s who experiences homelessness. They said he was arrested on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. He requested a court-appointed lawyer, but at the time of filing our lawsuit, one had not been appointed and he remains locked up under a pretrial detention order issued against him, without counsel, at his first appearance, the release said. The organization said its client wants to represent a plaintiff class of all similarly situated detained people at Travis County Jail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Adams high-profile new lawyer goes on offensive to quash sex assault suit before mayoral race Mayor Eric Adams new high-profile lawyer is going on the offensive as part of an aggressive shift in strategy that aims to quash the sexual assault lawsuit against Hizzoner before it can possibly affect his reelection bid, The Post has learned. Celebrity attorney Alex Spiro, a partner at the Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan law firm, filed a flurry of papers in Manhattan Supreme court setting a May 21 date to grill accuser Lorna Beach-Mathura under oath and pushing for proof of her claims. He also sought to have the case tossed outright, according to the court documents. Insiders in Adams camp told The Post the legal moves are part of an attempt to clear Adams before his opponents can use the allegations against him during the 2025 mayoral primary. Alex Spiro, a partner at the Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan law firm, was hired by the citys Law Department on Monday. Getty Images The Adams team will point out in its legal case that the accuser has had nearly six months to present evidence already, and any longer a wait will start interfering with New Yorkers ability to fairly make a decision in the upcoming mayoral primary, one source said. While the mayor has vigorously denied any wrongdoing sharply saying again Tuesday: Never happened, its not who I am the lingering accusations alone could weigh down his reelect campaign, political insiders said. If hes innocent, he should force her hand, not settle. Especially ahead of a possible primary, Democratic political consultant Ken Frydman said. All accusers should be listened to, but not all accusers should be believed. Another insider said the aggressive shift was smart but that the mayor and his campaign still have to walk a fine line to ensure he doesnt lose support among female voters as he tries to get the case tossed quickly. NYC Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly denied the allegations of sexual misconduct. Paul Martinka An attorney for Beach-Mathura did not return calls for comment Wednesday. Spiro, a go-to attorney for the wealthy who has represented Elon Musk and Jay-Z, was brought on by the city on Monday to serve as co-counsel in the case. Beach-Mathura initially filed a notice of claim indicating her intent to sue in November, just under the deadline to bring claims beyond the statute of limitation under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act. In mid-March, her attorney filed a bombshell complaint that accused Adams of asking for oral sex in exchange for helping her with her career while the two worked in the Transit Police Department in 1993. When she refused, Adams then the leader of the Transit Bureau NYPD Guardians Association allegedly forced her to touch his erect penis and ejaculated on her after she pulled away, according to her suit. Adams and his attorneys have repeatedly denied the claims and have vowed to fight the claims in court but insiders said the mayor needs to remove the scandal from voters minds as he enters primary season. Spiro has represented the likes of Jay-Z and Elon Musk. David McGlynn He has the benefit that hes not on the ballot for another 14 months and voters have short memories, but depending on how this plays out over the next several months this could be fodder for those running against him, one politico remarked. Already grappling with a federal probe into his 2021 mayoral campaign and lagging poll numbers due to the migrant surge and crime, Adams is expected to face a handful of Democratic challengers in the coming months looking to make him the first one-term mayor since David Dinkins in the 1990s. Among them is former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who has been quietly raising money with his exploratory committee before the formal filing in July. Stringer had his mayoral aspirations crushed in 2021 when he was sued under the Adult Survivors Act. It took more than two years for the judge to toss the case, and Stringer has since turned around and sued his accuser, Jean Kim, for defamation over her decades-old allegations. Adams again responded to the allegations, saying Never happened, not who I am. REUTERS There are number of challengers [to Adams] being floated, while I dont think they are particularly strong, this narrative could derail his campaign, said one political insider. Weve seen it happen so it could happen again, the source said, referring to Stringer. But another operative warned that being too aggressive could hurt Adams. I think the mayor also has to come up with a real strategy not to alienate women, the source said, adding the mayors current public posturing has already irked some voters. Its a little bit like doth protest a little bit too much,' they said. People have been talking about him bringing it all these female deputy mayors and it feels like a lot of hypocrisy to a lot of folks, but what else does he have? Adams responds to state report on mayoral control of schools Adams responds to state report on mayoral control of schools NEW YORK (PIX11) A nearly 300-page report examining Mayor Eric Adams control of New York City schools was released by the state education department on Tuesday. Adams discussed the report during an interview on the PIX11 News at 6 p.m. Watch the video player for more on this story. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. After being behind bars for nearly two decades, a convicted killers appeals may finally have an advocate. MORE: 10 years later: David Crespi pens letter on murder of daughters David Crespii is currently in the custody of the Albemarle Correctional Facility, where he is serving two life sentences for murdering his 5-year-old twin daughters, Tess and Sam. For the past 18 years, Crespi has claimed it was his antidepressant that led him to stab both of the girls to death in their south Charlotte home on January 20, 2006. To this day, it is one of the most shocking crimes in the citys history. David Carmichael has a story eerily similar to Crespi. For several years, hes been on a crusade to warn others about the potential dangers surrounding antidepressants. He brought that information to Charlotte on Wednesday, where he was able to speak with veteran crime reporter Glenn Counts. On July 4, 2004, I started on the SSR antidepressant Paxil. After 3 weeks, I was psychotic, had delusions, and took my 11-year-old sons life, Ian, and I was charged with 1st-degree murder, he told Counts. Read our past coverage: One key difference that separates the Crespi and Carmichael cases is that Carmichael killed his son in Canada and was ruled insane by the court, while Crespii accepted a plea deal and was given a double life sentence. I was found not criminally responsible, which would be insane in the United States, went to a mental health hospital, and was there for two years, Carmichael said. Several people gathered at Wednesdays event in support of the Crespi family. Kim Crespi, his wife, forgave him almost immediately after the murders of their daughter, truly believing the cocktail of medications, which included Prozac, Ambien, and Trazodone, were the triggers behind his violent behavior. Kim Crespi (Left); David Crespi (Right) I think these dark thoughts were at a very specific time when he was adjusting to medications, and thats a key point that doctors should be telling people, Kim Crespi told Channel 9 in 2016, that when youre adjusting to medications, you can be propelled to act on your deepest, darkest nightmares, and that is what David did. She stood by her husband 18 years ago, and Channel 9 has been told she still does. However, she currently suffers from a severe case of Parkinsons, which prevented her from attending Wednesdays event. She needs 24-7 care now; she doesnt have control of her neck, so she had to have somebody stand behind her and lift her head so she could continue to talk to us and make eye contact, and then she would sag back down again, Edward Jones, a family friend, told Counts. Before the onset of Parkinsons, she would go visit Crespi once a week in prison, and continued efforts to have him released have not worked. Carmichael continues to tell patients to be cautious when it comes to anti-depressants and to do their own research. (WATCH BELOW: Crespi Story Goes Before National Audience On ABCs 20/20) DENVER (KDVR) Advocates for migrants and those experiencing homelessness in Denver say they are concerned by the migrant aid plan rolled out by the city on Wednesday. Instead of using emergency funds, the city announced it has set forth a long-term newcomers budget alongside an asylum program. Migrants like Franklin Travieso, whos been in Denver for 10 days, say they feel their voices are not being heard and decisions made on their behalf. For me, this news hit me with the feeling that theyre suggesting things, that they are making promises that theyre not going to complete, Travieso said. Why Denver International Airport doesnt call itself DIA The new asylum seekers program will be for approximately a thousand people, open first to those already in city shelters. If people arrive after Wednesday and there is no space in the program, they will be placed in a congregate shelter and given a maximum of 72 hours until they have to find a place to go, be directed to outside services or moved to a new city. V Reeves spoke with FOX31 on Wednesday alongside Travieso. Reeves works for Housekeys Action Network Denver, or HAND, an organization working closely with migrants since the start. The image of the police standing behind the mayor was very bold for those who couldnt understand his words but saw the representation that if you come here and you are a migrant, you get up to 72 hours of potential respite after which you will be fined, you will be criminalized, Reeves said, referring to the scene during the mayors announcement of the program. So we are going to continue to see people camping in dangerous situations. Migrants getting off a Border Patrol bus Denvers new migrant plan: From cautiously optimistic to lost hope That 72 hours is the main concern for Reeves and other advocates, like Amy Beck with Together Denver. I am cautiously optimistic, because I dont see how we are going to keep people from falling onto our streets 24-72 hours in shelter by this weekend just doesnt make sense to me, Beck said. Its just not a logical switch, especially when we have so many people on the street right now. Colorado utilities commission investigating Xcel Energys windstorm power shutoff That concern was joined with a lack of hope from the migrants themselves. They say that hope is the last thing that you lose, but in this situation, Ive lost it because I dont believe that theyre going to complete this plan, Travieso said. The city said the goal is to spend under $90 million but budgeted for the amount in case of surges in migrant arrivals. These advocates are still concerned it will not be enough, especially if there is an influx in arrivals during the summer months. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Aggravated assault suspect taken into custody by local law enforcement COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) A man wanted on multiple charges, including three counts of aggravated assault, was taken into custody on Wednesday. The Columbus Police Department confirmed Zauvon Chappell was arrested on warrants from both the Columbus Police Department and the Phenix City Police Department. Chappell was charged with the following: Aggravated Assault x3 Theft by Taking Possession of a Firearm during the Commission x2 Failure to Appear (Alabama police say robbery was the original charge) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Ukrainian air defense destroyed 57 of the 82 missiles and drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said in its morning update on April 11. Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure in multiple regions. The Air Force issued an alert for most of the country, including the far-western oblasts, in the early hours of April 11. Ukrainian forces downed all but one of the 40 Shahed-type attack drones launched by Russia during the attack, the Air Force reported. In terms of missiles, Ukraine downed two of the four Kh-59 guided air missiles that were launched by Russian forces from occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian Tu-95 planes also launched 20 Kh-101 cruise missiles, 16 of which were downed by Ukraine. "Fighter aircraft and anti-aircraft missile forces of the Air Force, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine were involved" in repelling the attack, the Air Force said. According to the Air Force, 12 S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles were also launched from Belgorod Oblast in Russia, and six Kinzhal missiles were launched from MiG aircraft. These types of missiles were not included in the list of weapons that had been shot down. The main direction of the attack was Lviv Oblast, the Air Force said. Read also: Russia launches large-scale attack across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A U.S. Air Force veteran who fled a charge of possessing sexually explicit images of a child told his lawyer he joined Russias army, and video appears to show him signing documents in a military enlistment office in Siberia. Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former elected official in a small Massachusetts city, was expected to enter a guilty plea in Rhode Island in early January, but did not show up to court, according to prosecutors. Last week, video surfaced that appears to show the 28-year-old in Russia and expressing support for the countrys war against Ukraine footage that could be used to promote Moscows narrative of the conflict. His lawyer, John M. Cicilline, told The Boston Globe that he called Puello-Mota on Jan. 8, the day before he was expected to plead guilty. According to prosecutors, he boarded a flight from Washington, D.C., to Istanbul, Turkey, a day earlier. He said, I joined the Russian army, or something like that, Cicilline told the Globe. I thought he was joking. Cicilline said Puello-Mota wanted a career in politics and thought the criminal case had ruined his life. Im sure he joined the Russian army because he didnt want to register as a sex offender, Cicilline said. The Associated Press made several calls to Cicilline. A person answering his office phone said he would not make any additional comment. Puello-Mota served in the U.S. Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan in 2015, when he was 19, media releases show. He later served with the Massachusetts Air National Guards 104th Fighter Wing as a security forces airman. Puello-Mota was arrested in 2020 in Warwick, Rhode Island, after he called to report a stolen gun and police said they found nude images of a 17-year-old girl on his phone. He was charged with one count of having sexually explicit images of a child. He was later also charged with trying to deceive prosecutors and his commanders about the case. Cicilline told the Globe he reached a deal to plead guilty to all charges in exchange for an 18-month prison sentence. Videos surfaced on Russian social media and local television in March showing the blurred image of a man in a uniform in what appears to be a war zone displaying the U.S. flag. In video posted online last week, a man who looks like Puello-Mota talks directly to the camera, speaking in English over background music and Russian subtitles and discussing a military operation. His face is not blurred. He does not say his name, and the videos do not mention the Rhode Island criminal case. President Vladimir Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media in Russia and state media aligned regularly trumpet Russian victories in Ukraine, denounce the West and otherwise amplify good news while ignoring the bad. The Rhode Island attorney generals office said in a court document last month that it had received images purporting to show Puello-Mota in Ukraine and Russia. While the state cannot verify the authenticity of the videos and photographs, if they are accurate the defendant is well beyond the jurisdiction of this court and, if false, the defendant is engaged in an elaborate ruse to conceal his whereabouts, Rhode Island prosecutors said. U.S. State Department officials said they were aware of media reports about Puello-Mota fleeing to Russia but have had no contact with him and have no way to confirm those reports. The most recent video appears to show Puello-Mota entering a building in Khanty-Mansiysk and shaking the hand of a uniformed man. At the end of the video, he is seen signing a document. The AP verified the location after examining satellite imagery and historical photos of the area. According to a plaque on the door, its a military recruitment center run by the Russian Defense Ministry. Obviously its a difficult situation. Its war. Its a special military operation, Puello-Mota says in the video, adding that he was lucky to be with people from the international brigade. We did our work. We did our job. We did what we were supposed to do, he said. I was very lucky and fortunate to serve with those guys. I definitely would do it again. Ian Garner, an assistant professor of politics at Queens University in Canada, called it a huge propaganda opportunity for Russia. To be able to show off an American citizen who has chosen to reinvent themselves, to reform themselves and become a part of the Russian war machine seems to provide evidence that Russia is winning a much bigger spiritual war, he said. Puello-Mota held the rank of technical sergeant when he forced to leave the guard in October 2022 because of the criminal case, said Don Veitch, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts National Guard. His security clearance was also revoked. Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley, who worked with Puello-Mota on the City Council, said he considers him a good friend. He said the person in the video looks and sounds like him. To me thats him, he said. He knew of no connections between Puello-Mota and Russia and called the footage shocking. The Wil that I know was a good, decent person, Bartley said. A Facebook page attributed to Puello-Mota includes a photo of the Kremlin and an updated profile photo of a man in a uniform operating a drone. It says he is from Holyoke and currently lives in Moscow and works at the Russian Defense Ministry, which is spelled in Russian. Under Rhode Island law, Puello-Motas trial cannot begin without him being present. Ferrari has clearly improved its strategy operations over time, but Carlos Sainz insists recent gains are purely down to the Scuderia fielding a much better car this year. Race strategy has been a significant weak point for Ferrari in the past, with Charles Leclerc and Sainz often losing out on valuable points or potential race victories due to a series of poor or mistimed tactical decisions. This deficiency was particularly frequent during the Italian outfits 2022 season, which led to significant changes on the Ferrari pitwall for 2023 at the behest of then new team principal Fred Vasseur. Progressively, operations have improved, and so far this season, Ferraris drivers have been well-guided in their efforts by those calling the shots on the gantry. Last weekend in Japan, Sainz and Leclerc followed different tyre strategies in the 53-lap race, but both drivers benefitted from their respective plans, eventually concluding their race behind the two Red Bulls in third and fourth position. Sainz, who won in Melbourne and finished third in Bahrain and at Suzuka, rightly acknowledged Ferraris strategy gains but emphasized the pivotal role of the Scuderia's SF-24 car in driving the team's present form. We've made progress on strategy over the last three years, progressively, but if you see a jump this year on strategy, it's purely down to the car," Sainz contended. "I think just having a car that allows you to have flexibility on strategy is something that last year we couldn't have, so we were boxed in to stop at certain laps." Last year, Leclerc and Sainz often qualified well, only to see their strong positions evaporate due to tyre wear that eroded their race pace, leaving them frustrated and sliding down the order. Sainz feels these limitations often rendered strategy calls irrelevant. No matter what tactic Ferrari employed, it was difficult to make it work consistently due to the car's inherent weaknesses. This year, better tyre management and improved performance has allowed Ferraris strategists to make calls with greater confidence, knowing their car has the capability to execute them effectively. We couldnt extend [our stints], Sainz continued. We had so much deg that it looked always like people could extend and then come back on us on a harder tyre. Last year, we were just zero flexible and we couldnt do anything So it looked like we were not getting the strategy right a lot of times. But when you have a car that is better on tyres, two drivers that can push on the car more often and you have that extra flexibility, your strategy also looks better. Im not underestimating the progress weve done, its just I really think this helps a lot. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter It's unclear what kind of gambling machines Akron police found in Kenmore. Springfield Township police, however, said they found these sorts of machines in an illegal gaming parlor there. Akron police with a search warrant raided a Kenmore business Wednesday night that they said was running an illegal gambling establishment. Officers entered the facility in the 1400 block of Kenmore Boulevard around 10:45 p.m. and arrested three people. They also seized 22 gambling machines, a handgun, methamphetamine and more than $14,000 in cash, police said. The investigation, which is ongoing, has included "numerous probable cause traffic-related stops for suspicious and other illegal activity at the location," police said. Police did not release the names of those arrested but said two men, ages 52 and 63, and a 30-year-old woman were charged with operating a gambling house and prohibition against gambling. In June of last year, Akron police obtained a search warrant and raided what they said was another illegal gambling operation just a couple of blocks away, in the 1000 block of Kenmore Boulevard. In that case, police arrested five people and seized about 40 gaming machines, fentanyl and several guns. It's not clear if the two businesses have any connections. "Akron Police will continue to work tirelessly to enhance our public safety efforts," police said in a press release Thursday. "This includes collaborating with our local and federal law enforcement partners and other officials to curb gun violence and, in this case, crack down on illegal gambling operations wherever they sprout up." Illegal gambling, police said, "creates public safety and nuisance-related concerns for our community." This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron police charge 3 for running alleged illegal gambling den in Kenmore Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaks during a special session on redistricting on Friday, July 21, 2023 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Stew Milne for Alabama Reflector) An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved what amounts to an increase in the states Internet sales tax. HB 258, sponsored by Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, would add an additional charge to the simplified sellers use tax (SSUT), or online sales tax, which currently stands at 8%. The rate would be recalculated every five years, but a fiscal note from the Legislative Services Agency said the initial increase would be about 1.5%. The additional levy would be distributed to school and county and municipal governments. It passed the House Ways and Means Education Committee on a 6-2 vote. Supporters, including retailers, said the 8% rate for internet sales put brick-and-mortar stores at a disadvantage, since many operate in communities with higher combined sales taxes. As we discussed last week, it increases the SSUT tax to the state average, England said on Wednesday In a hearing last week, members of the education community wanted specific language directing money to schools. An amendment to the bill was added Wednesday that says that 20% would go to the State Department of Education to distribute to local boards on a prorated basis, based on the average daily membership of the preceding year. England said there had been negotiations with the education community. Englands bill is a companion to HB257, sponsored by Rep. Joe Lovvorn, R-Auburn, which creates a sales tax holiday for some outdoor equipment, which was also approved in the committee. Lovvorns bill was also amended to only be for one day. Portions of the SSUT are already distributed to local governments. Rep. Troy Stubbs, R-Wetumpka, a former chairman of the Elmore County Commission, said they voluntarily give 25% of their share to the Elmore County Board of Education. He said the agreement has been beneficial to their relationships and ability to do projects. I would hope that those counties who are voluntarily participating will not view this as an out to get out of the agreement that they were already in, he said. The bills approval came as a part of a committee meeting that heard eight bills, but they did not vote on all of them. Chair Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, said at the start of the committee meeting that they were going to have to prioritize tax credits. Were getting short on days, but we have time still to move good legislation, he said. So I just want to say, dont feel pressured if were not comfortable and I may not be comfortable with some of these but I want you to speak your mind and all that. Just be mindful our responsibility to protect education. Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, said that she often paused on bills with large fiscal notes, including Englands bill which originally has an estimate of $28 million. She said she worked with the chair to calculate the cost of six weeks of paid maternity leave for every educator in the state at $28 million. I know were giving a tax credit but were the education committee, she said. We could really do something to impact our teachers across the state, and were not even talking about that. Were talking about allowing people to come in and purchase items that make them happy. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Alabama House committee approves bill increasing states Internet sales tax appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Reps. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville (left), and Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, debate a resolution from Butler attacking the World Health Organization on April 11, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Butler's resolution, which was not adopted on Thursday, accused WHO of being a "corrupt" organization and of covering up the origins of COVID-19. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama House resolution condemning the World Health Organization (WHO) passed Thursday after it was initially delayed on a 64-28 vote. House Joint Resolution No. 113, sponsored by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, encourages the federal government to cease funding and supporting WHO and to reject any international health regulation regarding pandemic preparedness. This is simply to encourage Congress to cease funding them. Weve been funding them hundreds of millions of dollars a year, but they dont give us any credence, Butler said on the House floor, claiming that an alleged vote from Congress would give the U.S.s sovereignty to the WHO. House Democrats didnt accept that argument and questioned the motives behind the resolution. Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, questioned how an international organization could take control of a sovereign country. Im really serious about trying to understand. My perception of the World Health Organization is not what Im hearing from you, she said. Hall said that it appeared to be a personal reaction to the concerns that you have. Butler said that he doesnt trust WHO due to its response to the COVID pandemic, claiming that China created the virus in a lab and the international health organization covered it up. Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, listens to a debate over his resolution calling the World Health Organization corrupt in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 11, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) In February 2023, the Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. Department of Energy backed the lab leak theory but with low confidence, according to PolitiFact. The Federal Bureau for Investigation agreed with the assessment, but other U.S. government agencies say that COVID was released naturally with contact with an infected animal. There is not a consensus right now in the U.S. government about exactly how COVID started, Politifact quoted John Kirby as saying at a Feb. 27, 2023 White House briefing. There is just not an intelligence community consensus. We could have addressed the issue so much easier if we had known, in my opinion, biological warfare, in my opinion, Butler said. Prior to the debate, the House approved a resolution affirming support for Taiwans government. Hall questioned how Americans would know if its safe to travel outside of the country. We are talking about traveling to that area. Now what health organization do you have that would be responsible to make sure that health wise it is going to be okay for that to happen? she asked. Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, said COVID is proof that one disease affecting one country can spread to another. We had thousands and thousands of deaths because of COVID, she said. Are you going to put that on them? Because the Trump administration was in control at that time. You know that, right? Resolutions often pass in less than a minute, without discussion, but debate on Butlers resolution lasted for about an hour. House Republicans eventually voted to carry the bill over. Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, said that if it had not been for WHO, there could have been more deaths throughout the pandemic. When they put out a health order, we want to be the boss. Those days are over. Thats why we have science. Thats why we have doctors, Jackson said. This story was updated at 2:01 p.m. to indicate the bill passed after it was delayed. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Alabama House passes resolution denouncing World Health Organization appeared first on Alabama Reflector. An Alabama man has been arrested for his alleged role in the late-night detonation of an explosive device outside the office of state Attorney General Steve Marshall in February. Authorities took Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, into custody on Wednesday on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, the Justice Department said. Investigators arrested Calvert weeks after an explosive device went off around 3:45 a.m. on Feb. 24 outside Marshall's office in Montgomery. ALABAMA AUTHORITIES SEEK PERSON OF INTEREST IN EXPLOSION AT STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE Alabama authorities arrested Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, in connection with an explosive device that was detonated outside state Attorney General Steve Marshall's office in February. "My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets," Marshall said in a statement. "Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence," he added. "We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said authorities were notified of a suspicious package the Monday after the explosion. The package was confirmed as the device that was detonated days earlier. ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS EXPLOSIVE DEVICE DETONATED OUTSIDE OFFICE OVER WEEKEND "This IED used commercially available pyrotechnic fireworks as the main explosive charge, a coffee can as a concealment container, and was enhanced with added fragmentation and ignitable liquids," an FBI agent wrote, according to court documents. "The addition of metal screws, nails, and other hardware to this IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced fragmentation effect that those materials would create. The addition of ignitable liquids to the IED demonstrates weaponization characteristics due to the enhanced ability for the IED to initiate a fire." No one was hurt and no major damage to nearby buildings was reported. Surveillance footage released by authorities at the time showed a man walking on a sidewalk minutes after the incident. Investigators have not disclosed a motive. Charging documents against Calvert state that he placed stickers on state buildings at the time of the bombing with graphics advocating for various political ideologies, AL.com reported. Some allegedly included the phrase "Support your local antifa." Antifa, a far-left militant movement that calls itself "antifascist," is known for violently confronting those with opposing political views in mostly left-wing cities. Calvert faces up to 20 years in prison. Original article source: Alabama man arrested for allegedly detonating device outside state AG's office An Alabama man was arrested and indicted this week on charges that he detonated an explosive device outside the Alabama attorney general's office in late February, the U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, 26, of Irondale, was charged with malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, the Justice Department said. The explosion outside Attorney General Steve Marshalls office occurred around 3:42 a.m. on Feb. 24. No injuries or major damage were reported. "That device had the characteristics of an IED, and Calvert added a substantial number of nails and other shrapnel to increase its destructive capability," a U.S. attorney's office wrote in detention memo filed Wednesday, using the initialism for an improvised explosive device. The explosive device included nails and other shrapnel. (FBI) The memo alleges that law enforcement officers found that the suspect also placed stickers on state buildings "advocating for various political ideologies" the night of the explosion, including stickers promoting antifa, anti-police and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiments. Calvert has expressed his belief that violence should be directed against the government, and he has described his inability to control his own violent, aggressive impulses," the memo added. Court documents revealed a monthslong investigation involving the use of video surveillance to track the suspects whereabouts the night of the crime, matching the suspect vehicle to license plate reader information, social media, an analysis of the suspect's gait and mannerisms and analysis of the explosive device. The detonation happened one day after the state attorney general's office said Marshall did not plan to prosecute in vitro fertilization providers or families after a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling. The motive authorities attribute to the suspect has not been released. "My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets," Marshall said in a statement Wednesday. "Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time." Steve Marshall, attorney general of Alabama, testifies on Capitol Hill in 2022. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images file) If he is convicted, Calvert could face up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years behind bars, the Justice Department said. One of the charges carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, while another has a maximum of 10 years in prison, but the sentences could run concurrently, the Justice Department said. A Justice Department representative said Calvert was appointed a federal defender. The attorney could not immediately be reached for comment. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland thanked the FBI and law enforcement partners, adding in a statement, "The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public." Public officials are facing threats at the state and federal levels. Last year, U.S. Capitol Police investigated 8,008 threat assessment cases, about 500 more than in the previous year. Below the federal level, about 43% of state legislators and 18% of local officeholders have experienced threats, according to a report by the Brennan Center for Justice, a left-leaning think tank that analyzes topics including voting rights, elections and gerrymandering. The survey, published in January, found 38% of state legislators reported that the amount of abuse they are experiencing has increased since they first took office, compared to 16% who said it has decreased. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now) The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said it was investigating a report of shots being fired near the Braddock Road Metro Station Wednesday night. Metro invites Autism Transit Project members in Springfield The shots were fired in the 700 block of N. Fayette St. around 8:30 p.m. in the Andrew Atkins neighborhood and the Braddock Road Metro Station. APD said it has not found any victims or shooting suspects. Police shut down roads around the Andrew Adkins community to investigate. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Accused Neosho school counselor bonds out of jail after turning self in Update NEOSHO, Mo. A Neosho school counselor has bonded out of jail after turning himself into authorities. Jacob Oakes, 40, turned himself into the Newton County Sheriffs Office Thursday afternoon. He posted a $5,000 surety bond and left the jail. Wednesday, Newton County Prosecutor William Lynch filed one count of second degree statutory rape against Oakes. A teen told investigators, Oakes started sexually abusing her in 2021 and continued until last month. The girl reported the alleged abuse always happened at Oakess home. The Neosho superintendent said Oakes was placed on leave March 22 and they are working with their attorney on how to move forward. Original Allegations of child sex crimes against Neosho school counselor NEOSHO, Mo. A Neosho school counselor, placed on leave on March 22, is now charged with a child sex crime. Wednesday, Newton County Prosecutor William Lynch filed a charge of statutory rape against Jacob Oakes, 40. Oakes is listed on the districts website as an elementary school counselor. His wife also works for the district. Court documents say the accuser was 14 years old when the alleged abuse began in 2021. The teen told authorities it continued as recently as last month and would always happen at Oakes home. Superintendent Dr. Jim Cummins says, Mr. Oakes was placed on leave when we were alerted of the investigation. We are working with our attorney as we move forward. Oakes has not been arrested, but a warrant for his arrest has been issued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com. Almost 9 out of 10 pounds of Great Lakes beach litter each year is plastic, new report finds An average of 86% of the litter collected each year on Great Lakes beaches is plastic, according to a new report based on 20 years of data collected from more than 14,000 beach cleanups. The report by the Alliance for the Great Lakes offers a grim reminder that plastic never fully disappears. Instead, it breaks down into ever-smaller microplastics, which are a threat to the environment and human health. While plastic pollution in oceans often gets the most attention, the damage in the Great Lakes is arguably riskier, since people drink the water, said Olivia Reda, volunteer engagement manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes and author of the report. Every year 22 million pounds of plastic winds up in the Great Lakes, half of which goes into Lake Michigan, according to a 2016 study from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Most of the microplastics present in the lakes are about the width of a human hair. The report also outlines ways to reduce plastic pollution, noting that while individuals can certainly make a difference, substantial change will require action from businesses, governments and manufacturers. Here are three key takeaways from the report. More: More than 11 million pounds of plastic pollutes Lake Michigan and its beaches annually. New technology is coming to the rescue. Most of the litter is smaller than a quarter Between 2014 and 2023, 40% of the litter collected was considered "tiny trash," including pieces of foam, glass and plastic less than 2.5 cm or smaller than a quarter. At first glance it may not seem like there is a lot of this small trash on the beach, Reda said, but once people dig for it, they see how much is there. Food related waste consisted of 27%, smoking related waste was 22% and the remainder was classified as other. The report also ranked the top litter items and compared them over time. Between 2003 and 2013, the top three litter items collected were cigarette butts, food wrappers and drink caps and lids. Since then, plastic pieces have topped the list, followed by cigarette butts and foam pieces. Discarded plastic bottles are shown on the shoreline of the Manitowoc River just upstream from Lake Michigan in Manitowoc, Wis. Since 2003, the amount of plastic collected at Great Lakes beaches has been fairly consistent, according to the report. Over the past two decades since the alliance started collecting data, volunteers collected more than 1.7 million pieces of plastic on Great Lakes beaches. Plastic foam, which is often referred to as the brand name Styrofoam, is a particularly problematic kind of plastic that is common in food packaging, construction and insulation. Volunteers removed more than a half million foam pieces on beaches since 2014. Once foam gets into the water, it's nearly impossible get out, the report said. Plastic producers need to make a dent in the problem The Great Lakes don't have currents like oceans do, so the litter that people see didn't wash up from far away. It's there because someone put it there, Reda emphasized. A suite of technologies, like an aquatic robot vacuum and a beach comber, are being used to clean up trash from beaches in the region. In Wisconsin, much of this work is being done by students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Some other, broader solutions include getting rid of single-use plastic bags; using filters in washing machines to remove microplastics before they enter waterways, like the Great Lakes; and increasing access to water bottle refilling stations. Recovered plastic from the Manitowoc River just upstream from Lake Michigan is shown Monday, June 12, 2023 Manitowoc, Wis. The plastics were being collected for a study on plastics in the lake. But according to Reda, significant change will need to come from policy makers and businesses. One way to do this is to hold producers responsible for the products and packaging they design, and encourage them to make less single-use plastic. Fisk Johnson, CEO of Racine-based SC Johnson, testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works advocating for these policies in March. Policies like this are in place in some states in the U.S., like California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon as well as on the Canadian side of the Great Lakes in Ontario and Quebec. On the U.S. side of the lakes, a bill is moving forward in Minnesota and, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes, there will be a bill introduced later this year in Michigan. "We can't recycle our way of this," Reda said. "We need plastic producers to join the fight." The report is the result of a massive citizen science effort While data from the report are from beach cleanups from the past two decades, the cleanup effort has been going on for 30 years. Since then, 200,000 people have participated, picking up 9.7 million pieces of trash that totaled more than half a million pounds. This is the power of citizen science and communities coming together to fix a problem, Reda said. More: Is going green a contradiction for SC Johnson? No, says CEO Fisk Johnson in a rare Q&A. It's a necessity. More: The Great Lakes were named the first freshwater 'Hope Spot,' here's why that matters Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. Reach her at clooby@gannett.com or follow her on X @caitlooby. Please consider supporting journalism that informs our democracy with a tax-deductible gift to this reporting effort at jsonline.com/RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Nearly 2 million plastic pieces picked up from Great Lakes beaches, report says The Amarillo College (AC) Board of Regents have announced four planned meetings next week with its two presidential finalists. AC said the two semifinalists would be invited to the college between April 16 and 18 to view the campus, visit with faculty and administration, as well as participate in a public forum. Following the campus visits, a sole finalist is tentatively planned to be announced in the following board meeting. Amarillo College announced Dr. Andrew W. Bowne, Ed.D. and Dr. Laura Boyer, Ed.D. as their two presidential semifinalists during their April 3 board meeting held in the Washington Street Campus College Union Building, Palo Duro Room. AC gave public notice Thursday for two open forums and two closed sessions, one with each candidate. No official action will be taken at any of these meetings. At 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, the board will hold a special meeting in an open forum format with semifinalist Dr. Laura Boyer at the Ordway Hall Auditorium, located at 2201 S. Washington St., in Amarillo. Then, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, the regents will hold a closed session to have dinner and interview Boyer at the Amarillo Club, located at 600 S. Tyler St., Suite 3000, in Amarillo. At 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18, the AC board will hold the same open forum format at the Ordway Hall Auditorium with the second presidential candidate, Dr. Andrew Bowne. The board will then host dinner and interview Bowne in a closed session at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Amarillo Club. The purpose of these forums is to give internal and external stakeholders the opportunity to become acquainted with each of the candidates, and everyone within the AC community and the general public is invited to attend, according to a news release. For those unable to attend in person, recordings of both forums will be accessible for later viewing at https://www.actx.edu/president/. Each candidate forum will begin with the featured speaker making brief opening remarks. Next, the speaker will respond to questions gathered from AC employees, students, and community members. AC said time will be reserved at the end of each forum for the candidates closing remarks. The open forums represent just one item on the schedule of interviews and tours that each of the finalists will participate in during their respective visits to the College, the release stated. As reported previously by the Globe-News, the search followed last year's departure of Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart, who accepted the position of ninth Chancellor for the Austin Community College District. AC then named Denese Skinner as interim president. AC had won the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nations signature recognition of high achievement among Americas Community Colleges, last April. AC announced its two presidential semifinalists recently during a special board meeting April 3, determined through the candidates presented by the Gold Hill Associates search firm in partnership with AC's Presidential Search Advisory Committee. "Their education, their experience and their passion for student success is what shone through in the interviews. They are obviously both visionaries who work well with collaborative teams, and we were obviously very impressed with them," Paul Proffer, AC regent and chairman of the AC search committee, said of Boyer and Bowne after the decision was announced. "The exact date when Regents expect to announce their selection of a sole finalist for president of AC has not yet been finalized, but discussions are expected to take place between April 22-30, and any vote by Regents will be taken in a duly advertised and public meeting of the Board, all of which are livestreamed," the release states. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo College presidential finalists Boyer, Bowne to visit campus Amazon and Walmart are under fire from a nonprofit organization for what it calls excessive workplace surveillance in their warehouses that ultimately erodes worker rights. Activist group Oxfam released a report Wednesday saying that 72 percent of Amazon warehouse workers and 67 percent of Walmart warehouse workers reported how fast they work in detail always or most of the time. More from Sourcing Journal That surveillance brings an added burden for some42 percent of Walmart workers responded that they feel a sense of pressure to work faster always or most of the time, with 41 percent of Amazon workers reporting the same. And more individual employees56 percent of Walmart staff and 45 percent of Amazon workersfeel keeping up with the pace is hard. The combo of the surveillance and expectations of pace can have negative impactsfor example, 54 percent of Amazon and 57 percent of Walmart respondents said their production rate makes it difficult for them to use the bathroom at least some of the time. To compile the 52-page report, Oxfam used data from two surveys from the Center for Urban Economic Development (CUED), a research organization at the University of Illinois Chicago. The surveys included responses from 1,484 Amazon workers and 444 Walmart workers. Oxfam supplemented the quantitative CUED results with its own qualitative interviews with several unidentified warehouse workers for both retail giants. CUEDs report on Amazon initially broke in October 2023, which the e-commerce giant slammed at the time as not a study but a survey done on social media, by groups with an ulterior motive. The report tied the concerns regarding surveillance to another hot-button issue surrounding Amazon warehouses: worker safety and injuries. At the time, Amazon had maintained that the data it submits to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) shows that warehouse injury rates have improved significantly and were slightly above the average in some areas and slightly below the average in others. The company recently revealed improvements in certain metrics it reports to OSHA, saying its 2023 recordable incident rate (RIR) improved 30 percent over the past four years and 8 percent year over year. Additionally, lost time incident rate (LTIR)which includes any work-related injury that requires someone to take time away from workimproved 60 percent over the past four years and 16 percent from 2022 totals. Maureen Lynch Vogel, an Amazon spokesperson, told Sourcing Journal that the tech titan has strong disagreements with the characterizations and conclusions in Oxfams report, noting that many were based on flawed methodology and hyperbolic anecdotes. In reality, Amazon has made notable safety gains and enriched the communities in which we operate, providing safe, good paying jobs with health benefits and educational opportunities, Vogel said. Traditionally, researchers work to disprove pre-existing beliefs and biases, but the organizations involved in this paper did the oppositethey started with biases and sought to prove themwhich is disappointing. Were not perfect, but were making measurable progress and our employees health, safety and well-being will always be our top priority. Amazon staff also wrote a blog post Wednesday, arguing that Oxfam misunderstands what the technology in Amazon warehouses does. Our facilities house hundreds of thousands of products that will be shipped to customers around the world, and the technology in our facilities helps guide the flow of goods through the sites, according to Amazon. This is similar to technology used throughout the industry. We do not use the camera technology in our warehouses to monitor employees. Unlike the Amazon survey, CUEDs report on Walmart had not been publicly released prior to Wednesdays Oxfam report. Sourcing Journal reached out to Walmart for comment. The report suggests that Amazon and Walmart seem to prioritize surveillance more than their peers. Sixty percent of Amazon workers and 58 percent of Walmart workers reported that monitoring and surveillance were higher than at previous jobs. And despite this focus on surveillance, it appears employees dont why the monitoring that takes place, or how much it potentially breaches privacy. Seventy percent of Amazon workers and 69 percent of Walmart workers were unable to confirm that the company they work for takes adequate steps to explain how their data is being used. Oxfam noted in the report that while both companies have identified their human rights risks, the efforts to address these risks have proven insufficient. The nonprofit also called on the federal government to enforce policies that can better protect warehouse workers, such as passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act, or establishing national standards similar to legislation such as New Yorks Warehouse Worker Protection Act. Lando Norris admits that hes been facing a conundrum this season in qualifying with McLarens MCL38 that has prevented him from driving at 100%. Norris qualified seventh and sixth in Bahrain and in Jeddah before claiming third in Melbourne and last weekend in Japan. While his performance has progressed on Saturdays based on the last two race weekends, the Briton says he still has a lack of understanding on how to best utilize his car for single-lap performance. Norris feels that McLarens latest contender requires a more reserved driving style and controlled approach compared to his natural attacking instincts. Maybe qualifying is the one where I find it a little bit tough to get everything out of the car, he explained last weekend at Suzuka. But from my side, as I said last weekend, trying to get everything out of the car in quali, I struggle with a bit, on myself, and also just with how we are as a team. Read also: Stella stands by McLaren strategy calls for Norris in Japanese GP Yes, its a McLaren and there are certain things that it takes time to pick up on. "But everything else is still changing around it slowly tweaking the aerodynamics over the years, and stuff, to adapt quite a bit to those characteristics. Norris suggests that the difference between his preferred style and the car's needs creates a mental hurdle, as he wants to find that extra edge but feels restricted. In qualifying, I've always been wanting to push quite a bit more in certain areas and kind of want to go out and just be attacking, he said. I have to do the complete opposite. It's a hard one to get my head around, because I want to go out and find another level in qualifying and you can't do that with these tyres and with our car. You almost have to drive it the opposite way. I cant even drive at 100%, he added. 100% works one lap in 10. So, when you want to go into Q3 and put your best lap on, it might be that one lap you have to drive at 98% or something. Its just a complicated thing difficult to be on the limit. Norris concedes that his adaptation to F1s ground-effect cars hasnt been quick enough, with habits from past easier-to-handle cars still lingering. From being used to the cars a few years ago, that's kind of punishing me now, I'm not adapting quick enough, he said. The older regulations were easier to drive and to find the limit. This new car and new tyres are three years old [but] still the same issues. But that's something that's up to me. That's my job to adapt and to do a better job, just with how our car is and how we have to drive it. It's always been said, and it continues, to be quite a tricky car to drive - to execute a perfect qualifying lap every single time is not an easy thing to do. Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter United States Ambassador to Slovakia Gautam Rana speaks at a presentation on the campus of Montana State University-Billings on April 10, 2024 (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan). Ambassador Gautam Rana has a front-row seat to devastating war in Ukraine. As the sitting U.S. ambassador to Slovakia, Rana understands Russian President Vladimir Putin, and what war in that part of the world may mean for the United States. Putin is a bully, and he wont stop with just the Ukraine, he told an audience at Montana State University-Billings on Thursday night. Rana is in Billings for part of this week as a part of a weeklong series of lectures, concerts, presentations and conversations focusing on Neighbors and Neighborhoods. On Thursday night, Rana will join with Rocky Mountain College President Bob Wilmouth, Billings Mayor Bill Cole, MSUBs Chancellor Stefani Hicswa and Billings Public Schools Superintendent Erwin Garcia for a conversation about skills, knowledge and know-how that it will take to compete in a global economy. That takes place at 6 p.m. in the Great Room at Rocky Mountain College in Billings. Rana said that Americans need to see how Ukraine and central Europe fit into U.S. stability: Europe is the largest American trading partner collectively, and anything that will destabilize the region will have direct and possibly devastating impacts on the American economy. He said that working with American allies through NATO and the United Nations will help send a unified message. We are the remaining world superpower. China is not one yet, Rana said. That means theres a need for global leadership like never before. Rana has been an official with the State Department under four different presidents, starting with George W. Bush in 2002 in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. His posts have included some of the most dangerous assignments, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said that Russia has been telegraphing its intention to rebuild the old Russian empire since it invaded Crimea more than a decade ago, and it seeks to destabilize America by robust cyberterrorism and disinformation campaigns. He said that the Putin regime has become an isolated pariah, and that current war crimes, including kidnapping thousands of Ukrainian children, have demonstrated how brutal the conflict in Ukraine has become. We must see Putin as an immediate and persistent threat to world peace, Rana said. How Russia will respond is up to the Russian people. He also said the threat of terrorism on the global stage continues to threaten not just the U.S., but the world. We have to acknowledge that terrorists are ideologically more diverse and diffuse geographically speaking, Rana said. He said one of the ways for the United States to fight the extremism is through its long-time policy of aid of generosity. He said that while other countries fear Russia or China, America works hard to have allies. We have to balance our competition with cooperation, Rana said. However, he said the U.S. must stand up to the more aggressive part of Russias and Chinas foreign policy, including the situation in Taiwan. Do you think Xi Jinping will be satisfied with Taiwan? Rana asked. The post Ambassador: Ukraine War threatens peace in Europe, American stability at home appeared first on Daily Montanan. The U.S. signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with $138 million in critical air defense modernization, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said on April 11. The State Department approved an urgent $138 million foreign military sales package for Ukraine a few days ago, enabling essential repairs and the procurement of spare parts necessary for Hawk missile systems. "This funding will help keep Ukraines air defenses operating in the face of Russias relentless attacks on the energy grid and the Ukrainian people," Brink wrote on X. Ukraine faces an ongoing ammunition shortage, with the country in dire need of shells and missiles while Russian forces have intensified their attacks during the spring, mainly targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. Delays in U.S. assistance of roughly $60 billion have already had a direct impact on the battlefield, contributing to the loss of the key front-line city of Avdiivka. Top Republican officials reportedly said that a vote on the aid for Ukraine in Congress might be still weeks away despite Johnson's assertion on April 1 that it would be held "right after Easter." President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 7 that "Ukraine will lose the war" if the U.S. Congress fails to approve military aid to Kyiv. Read also: US general says Ukraine will soon run out of shells, anti-air missiles without US aid Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. How Americas next Civil War could unfold: Its looming the battle lines have already been drawn Famous for its craft beer and indie bookstores, the city of Portland in Oregon is not an obvious place for the United States to start fraying at the seams. A haunt of Millennial hipsters and downsized tech bros, it prides itself as a vegan-friendly, eco-friendly, migrant-friendly beacon of progressive America. One person many Portlanders have never felt friendly towards, though, is Donald Trump, and when he unveiled his zero-tolerance immigration policy back in 2018, protesters took to the streets. So too did the Far-Right Patriot Prayer and Proud Boys movements which is how Alexander Reid Ross, a Portland academic who studies political violence, got some first-hand experience of his specialism. A big fight broke out between about 150 right-wingers and 75 anti-fascists, and at one point, about seven right-wingers were crowded around one kid giving him a real stomping, he remembers. I rushed to push them away, at which point one of them punched me in the face. Ross backed off, but then went back into the fray, warning the mob that they risked killing the man they were beating. Later, the guy who was being stomped said Id probably saved his life. Footage of the incident can still be seen on YouTube one of countless clips of violence from the Trump years, which also saw the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and the storming of the Capitol in 2021. Similar scenes of unrest also feature at the start of the new film Civil War which takes the concept of Americas political fracturing to its logical extreme. In director Alex Garlands new dystopian blockbuster, the enemy isnt Russia, Islamic terrorists or AI, but the American people themselves, who have taken up arms against each other. The movie is fictional, but with widespread fears that Novembers presidential elections may plunge America back into turmoil, many are already hailing it as a cautionary tale. Some have even questioned the wisdom of Hollywood releasing it in the current climate, fearing it may stoke tensions further. Is an action blockbuster that feeds into the violent fantasies of neo-Confederates, anti-government militias and MAGA morons a good idea? asked one contributor to a discussion thread on Reddit. I personally dont think so. Such jitters arent uncommon according to a 2022 poll by YouGov and the Economist, 40 per cent of Americans think a new civil war is at least somewhat likely in the next 10 years. Perhaps wary of stirring such tensions further, in the film Garland is at pains to avoid saying what has sparked the conflict, or who the combatants are. As he told a recent preview of the film at Texass SXSW festival: We dont need it explained we know exactly why it might happen, what the fault lines and the pressures are. Realistic? A scene from Civil War All viewers learn is that 19 states have seceded from Washingtons rule, led by a (somewhat unlikely) alliance between Texas and California, sparking a war that has left the country in ruins. Even the films central characters are ostensibly neutral observers a team of journalists, led by a seen-it-all war photographer played by Kirsten Dunst, who drive across the nation in a bid to interview the embattled president (Nick Offerman). Indeed, the film is as much about journalism as it is about war a profession which, even in the cynical Trumpian era of fake news, still seems to hold some romance for Garland. Dunst and her team are utterly fearless, following soldiers into bouts of very close-quarters combat. Their bravery gets them remarkable pictures although if this correspondents experiences of covering real-life wars for The Telegraph are anything to go by, the chances of them still being alive to collect their Pulitzers at the end of it all would be limited. Also slightly rose-tinted is the way their car has PRESS emblazoned on it. In most modern conflicts especially civil wars in 21st century America that is as likely to get journalists into trouble as out of it. Nonetheless, Garland leaves viewers in no doubt that the movie is inspired by real-life US events. The president is an authoritarian who has scrapped the FBI an apparent reference to Trumps own legal run-ins with the Bureau. The wars original frontline is Charlottesville, Virginia scene of fierce clashes between Far Right and anti-fascists in 2017 at the notorious Unite the Right rally, in which one anti-fascist protestor was killed. And while there are no obvious rednecks vs woke standoffs, one soldier who holds Dunsts team at gunpoint asks pointedly, what kind of Americans are you? Kirsten Dunst as war reporter Lee Smith in Alex Garland's Civil War So could such a scenario happen in real life? Might America see a second Civil War, with MAGA supporters and liberals replacing Confederates and Yankees, and the culture wars as the faultline rather than slavery? Perhaps unsurprisingly, America seems as divided on this question as on any other. For every doomsayer, others point out that the US has weathered similar upheavals in the past. Take the 1960s, for example, which saw the counterculture revolution, the anti-Vietnam War protests and the assassinations of John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King. Could things really get even worse than that? Garland, for one, seems to think so. Social media, he says, has turbo-charged the tribalism of US politics, with both sides portraying each other as not merely wrong, but evil. Left and right are ideological arguments about how to run a state, he told SXSW. But weve made it into good and bad... its fking idiotic, and incredibly dangerous. Ross, who has studied far-right movements in his work at Portland State University, believes that the risk of war has ebbed compared to 2020, when a low-intensity conflict could have been feasible. But he too is far from complacent. A lot of the Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol are now in jail, and that has taken the wind out of their sails a bit, he says. But if Trump gets re-elected, he wants revenge hell pardon all the Proud Boys, and theyll come straight back to places like Portland to fight people again. 'More divided along ideological and political lines than at any time since the 1850s': far-right and anti-fascist protestors clash in Portland, 2021 - Mathieu Lewis-Rolland / AFP A rematch of past street brawls isnt the only looming flashpoint. Trump may yet face jail for his role in the Capitol riot, which would infuriate his supporters. If re-elected, he has threatened a mass deportation of illegal migrants, and to cut federal funding to Democrat-run cities with rising crime rates, branding them anarchist jurisdictions. He continues, also, to use language often compared to Hitlers, vowing to root out the communists, Marxists, fascists and the radical left thugs that live like vermin within the confines of our country. Meanwhile, the culture wars still rage over issues such as abortion rights, the teaching of race and gender identity politics in schools, and border control, with different states taking matters into their own hands. Republican-run Texas, for example, has refused to comply with a Supreme Court order to remove razor wire along the Rio Grande, citing President Bidens failure to halt illegal immigration. There is also a widening urban-rural divide. In rural areas of Oregon, for example, conservative voters want to secede to neighbouring Idaho, unhappy at being lumped in with liberal Portland. Civil War sees reporters embedded deep within the front lines - Murray Close In a recent article for Londons Chatham House think tank, Bruce Stokes, an Associate Fellow in the Americas Programme, argued that the US was now more divided along ideological and political lines than at any time since the 1850s. I dont think were going to see armies of blue and grey-clad soldiers fighting it out, he tells me, referring to the uniforms worn by the Unionists and Confederates. But if you look at a whole series of issues, from abortion to LGBT rights and the death penalty, you get a divide that is similar to the old Civil War ones. While formal state-vs-state conflict seems unlikely, what could happen is a messy Northern Ireland-style Troubles. Rather than the conventional military forces that square off in the film, there would be gangs and paramilitary groups carrying out tit-for-tat killings. I am not saying someone is going to assassinate Biden or Trump, but all kinds of other legislators and officials have no security, says Mr Stokes. Could some politically-deranged person assassinate one, which then has a copy-cat effect? The Ku Klux Klan protesting in 2017 - Chet Strange This is far from a rhetorical question. Last November, David DePape, a right-wing conspiracy theorist, was convicted of the attempted kidnap of former Democrat House speaker Nancy Pelosi. Meanwhile a California man, Nicholas Roske awaits trial on charges that he plotted to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump nominee, at his home in 2022. The risk of bloodshed is made much easier by Americas ultra-liberal gun laws. Many far-right militias in the US are already heavily-armed, as seen by the assault rifles they carried during protests in the Trump years. Ross believes that left-wing groups may also now tool up if trouble flares again. He fears the growth of American versions of far-left groups like Italys Red Brigades, which killed nearly 50 people in kidnappings and robberies during the 1970s and 1980s. Left-wing protesters suffered a lot of police brutality during the 2020 protests, and that can end up just sending people into traumatic spirals that can unleash enormous violence, he said. I do worry that if Trump gets elected again, it could spawn new left-wing formations who will not be constructive at all. Just as the Soviet Union is said to have funded the Red Brigades and other European terror groups, warring factions in America might get covert support from Washingtons enemies abroad, for example Vladimir Putins Russia. While they would be no match for the state directly, they could shelter within sympathetic civilian populations, as the IRA did during the Troubles. In extremis, insurgent movements might even get backing from local National Guard units and sheriffs departments, which often cherish their independence from federal government. One man who fears the risk of civil war more than most is Mark McCloskey, a lawyer from Missouri. During the height of the BLM demonstrations in 2020, he and his wife Patricia pointed weapons at protesters who marched through their private neighbourhood. Photos of the stand-off, in which McCloskey carried a rifle and his wife a pistol, came to symbolise how close America was getting to open conflict. McCloskey, who has since run for Republican office and been hailed as a hero in conservative circles, told me some likely tipping points he sees for a future conflict. They included an attempt to jail Trump, dramatically increased gun control measures, and BLM type riots which would be met by armed resistance. He added: I could go on and on as to what the average person sees as political system that is intentionally weakening our country open borders where illegal immigrants get funding and rights that are denied to citizens, rampant drug use killing more Americans each year while states push to legalize drugs, the promotion of anti-family lifestyles... the war against religion. So, yeah, I can see a civil war looming on the horizon. The battle lines have already been drawn. 'I can see a civil war looming on the horizon': Nick Offerman plays a Trumpian president in Civil War - Murray Close Garlands film has already sparked lengthy online debates about how such a conflict would unfold. And this being the divided America of the 2020s, no discussion is complete with some predictions about which side would win. I see a working class and rural sort of alliance facing off against a laptop-class urban elite, wrote one Reddit poster. Of the two, I can guess who is tougher, more self-reliant and probably has military experience and knows how to use guns. Its not the investment banker in the Hamptons or the HR executive for a tech firm in Silicon Valley. In a civil war, though, a military victory doesnt mean a moral victory especially when the arguments are over complex issues like values and identity. Stokes, who at 74 is old enough to remember the US student protests of the 1960s, cautions radicals of all persuasions to be careful what they wish for, be they Portland anti-fascists or Virginia Trump die-hards. I remember back in 1968, there was a lot of loose talk among young college people like me about how we might have to have a revolution. A romantic Marxist sense of overthrowing the old order and installing a new one. We forgot that when that happened in Russia, there was a lot of terror afterwards. Review: Civil War, 5* Alex Garland's Apocalypse Now for centrists thrills at every turn Read more Civil War is in cinemas now Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Ceremony to mark the 105th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement Day in Seoul By Hyonhee Shin and Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - After rising to power by embracing uncompromising and sometimes combative politics, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol may have to rethink his signature style if he hopes to protect his legacy and party after a crushing election defeat. Yoon, who was elected in 2022 for a single five-year term, is facing growing criticism, including from some members of his own party, for sticking to a hardline stance on a number of hot-button issues and scandals in the run-up to Wednesday's elections that saw the opposition bloc led by the Democratic Party (DP) retain its control in the National Assembly. Critics accused Yoon of failing to build on his People Power Party (PPP)'s initial popularity, engineered by its chief Han Dong-hoon, by repeatedly rejecting his advice on several issues, including accusations of bribery against the First Lady. From the beginning of his term, the president has also refused to meet DP head Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the closest presidential election ever and faces criminal corruption charges. The president has also struck a hardline against protests and labour strikes, and has been accused by rights activists of wielding the legal system against critics. "The public's message is loud and clear, President Yoon, you've got to change," said Rhee Jong-hoon, a conservative-leaning political analyst. "You need to talk to the other side, and meet the opposition leader, and pass bills through coordination with the opposition if you need." Lee Jun-han, professor of political science at Incheon National University, also urged Yoon to become more lenient, but both analysts said he may struggle to change. "The hope of the media and voters may be that the president should take the election results carefully and make changes to the way state administration is conducted in the future," Lee said. "The president's leadership style is not one that easily embraces those things." A former prosecutor with no previous political experience, Yoon was nicknamed the "fighting cock" for his tenacity as a lawyer and was courted by the conservative bloc after he showcased his uncompromising nature by filing bribery charges against a key aide to outgoing President Moon Jae-in - the man who hired him. Yoon said he would "humbly" accept the results of Wednesday's vote, work to improve the economy, and reform his administration, with several top aides, the prime minister and party leader Han offering to resign. In the wake of the vote, his office said the president would communicate more with the opposition. "I wish things were handled in a more preemptive manner," one government official said. "Responses were sort of slow at times which made trouble worse, and that apparently swayed people against us." Another official admitted the results were worse than expected, and would complicate the final years of Yoon's administration. Both officials declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Just weeks earlier, Yoon was improving in opinion polls largely due to his medical reform plan and opposition infighting over nominations. But as surveys increasingly pointed to a sweeping victory for the opposition days before the polls, some PPP members, including a candidate running in a key battleground area in Seoul, started to demand Yoon withdraw from the party, though others dismissed these calls as premature. "His way of handling contentious issues is unsophisticated and one-sided with no way out at all, and voters effectively vetoed that in the election," said Kim Hyung-joon, a professor at Pai Chai University. "The president should fix his government's decision making mechanism so that he can remain the last troubleshooter, leaving it to party leaders and ministers to resolve conflicts and arrange a settlement first." Yoon Hee-woong, a public opinion analysis director at Opinion Live, said if Yoon wants to preserve a legacy, the election should be a wake up call. "Every president has ambition to make a good record within his or her term," he said. "And to win public support, they can't avoid calls for communication." (This story has been refiled to add the missing word 'to' in paragraph 1) (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Ju-min Park and Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Josh Smith and Miral Fahmy) Angela Rayners neighbours yet to be contacted by police over council house row Police say that Angela Rayner will not face an investigation - Jacob King/PA Neighbours of Angela Rayner have not been contacted by police reviewing a decision not to investigate claims she may have broken electoral law, it has emerged. The deputy Labour leader was reported to Greater Manchester Police by James Daly, a Conservative MP, over concerns she may have committed an offence in the early 2010s by giving false information about where she was living. The force said in March that Ms Rayner would not face an investigation. However, following a complaint from Mr Daly that officers appeared not to have contacted witnesses or looked at the electoral roll, deeds and other relevant documents, GMP later announced it would reassess its decision. When The Telegraph approached neighbours on two streets where Ms Rayner owned property, none had been contacted by police over the allegations. While some residents had moved out, there were still a number who lived there at the relevant time and not one had spoken to detectives regarding the allegations. The police investigation centres on the fact that if Rayner was registered on the electoral roll at a property she owns, she may have committed an offence if she was living at her husbands home at the time. Under electoral rules voters are expected to register at their permanent address. Neighbours have previously said they were adamant that she lived full-time at his terraced home for about six years. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: We have received a complaint regarding our decision not to investigate an allegation and are in the process of reassessing this decision. The complainant will be updated with the outcome of the reassessment in due course. The story which emerged in an unauthorised biography by the former Tory peer Lord Ashcroft has led to Ms Rayner facing calls to explain why she did not pay capital gains tax of up to 1,500 on her Vicarage Road property when she sold it in March 2015. The book alleged that she purchased the house for 79,000 using the Right to Buy scheme in January 2007. She paid bills and council tax and was registered to vote at the address. If it was her primary residence, she would have been exempt from the levy when she sold it in March 2015 for 127,500. However, there have been claims that she was primarily living at a property about a mile away, in Lowndes Lane, after marrying Mark Rayner in 2010. The Conservative Party has demanded that Ms Rayner publish the tax advice she says she received, which she has so far refused to do. She said she would be prepared to hand over that information, if necessary, to either HM Revenue & Customs or the police. Ms Rayner has previously said the row was manufactured in an attempt to smear her ahead of a likely Labour general election victory. The part of Stockport in which Ms Rayner resided, falls under the jurisdiction of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. Mayor Andy Burnham and his deputy Kate Green act as effective police and crime commissioners (PCC) for the area. The role of a PCC is to be the voice of the people and hold the police to account. They have been contacted for comment regarding the ongoing police review. Need for straight answers On Wednesday, Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, demanded that Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Rayner give straight answers on the controversy. It also emerged that Ms Rayner had written to Amanda Milling, the then Tory chairman, in 2021, during the Hartlepool by-election campaign, regarding a Tory candidates husband spending time in the Cayman Islands. She wrote: I am writing to you for the second time in a matter of days to raise serious concerns about the Conservative Partys campaign in the Hartlepool by-election. It is being reported that your candidate Jill Mortimer spent time living in a tax haven where her former husband worked as a banker. Mrs Mortimer had already admitted she has not spent a lot of time in Hartlepool. She then asked a series of questions for Mr and Mrs Mortimer to answer about their finances. Did they gain any tax advantage from living there and did she or he advise others of the tax advantages of setting up or living in the Cayman Islands? In the interests of transparency, will you now publish a full account of Jill Mortimers time in the Cayman Islands? Will you also order Jill Mortimer to publish in full her tax returns covering that period? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. MADISON The retirement of the state Supreme Court's longest-serving justice sets up another battle for control of the state's highest court just two years after more than $50 million was poured into a race that created a liberal majority for the first time in more than a decade. Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, 73, will leave the court next year after serving 30 years. When Justice Janet Protasiewicz was elected in 2023, Walsh Bradley said it was the first time she would serve with a true liberal majority. Now, as she departs, the same partisan interests are expected to create another expensive battle for control of the court. Already, political heavyweights are adding their names to the potential roster of candidates. Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel, who is now a Waukesha County Circuit judge, launched a campaign for Supreme Court in December. State Court of Appeals Judge Chris Taylor, who is a former Democratic state lawmaker and policy director of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Thursday she is considering a run. Dane County Circuit Judge Susan Crawford, a former partner with the Pines Bach law firm, also confirmed she is considering a bid. The race will come after the new liberal majority upended Wisconsin Republicans' control of the state Legislature by ordering new electoral maps that give Democrats a chance at taking control of the chambers for the first time in more than a decade. The court also will soon determine whether abortion remains available to women in Wisconsin. To former Supreme Court Justice Janine Geske, who served on the court with her in the 1990s, Walsh Bradley represents an ideal justice." (Center) Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley swears in (right) Justice Janet Protasiewicz to the Wisconsin Supreme Court as she is joined by her husband (left) Greg Sell on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison. Bradley will retire from the court in July 2025. She is somebody who's absolutely committed to the independence of the judiciary and really feels strongly that it should not be politicized, even though it certainly has become that in elections, Geske said. Walsh Bradleys departure will mean a loss of significant institutional knowledge for the court, Geske said, noting that that applies not just to previous rulings but to the courts inner workings and administrative decisions. How the courts dynamic will change in Bradleys absence remains to be seen and will depend largely on who voters choose to fill the seat said Marquette University Law School professor Chad Oldfather. To understate the point, not everyone is inclined to go through the sort of campaign that weve tended to have recently. Theres reason to worry that the sort of people wed most want to have on the court (or any court) are among the least likely to want to, or be willing to, do what those campaigns require, Oldfather said. Judicial experts agree court races, while ostensibly nonpartisan, have grown increasingly partisan, polarized and expensive over about the last 25 years. The April 2022 contest between liberal Protasiewicz and conservative former Justice Daniel Kelly was the most expensive state court race in the nations history, fueled in part by an explosion of out-of-state campaign contributions. Walsh Bradleys first election came just before that shift began. During her tenure on the court, it gradually morphed from a widely admired court with a strong national reputation to one known for its dysfunction, Oldfather noted. Partly thats been a product of interpersonal conflicts, and lately the states partisan battles have contributed. I dont have the sense that shes been responsible for any of this though one of the more notable moments of her time on the court was the incident with Justice Prosser, Oldfather said. Her first campaign was very likely the sort of relatively sleepy, truly nonpartisan campaign that used to be the norm for judicial races. Theyve obviously become something very different. (Walsh Bradley accused Justice David Prosser of putting his hands around her neck during an altercation in her office in June 2011.) The other members of the court's liberal bloc are Protasiewicz, Rebecca Dallet and Jill Karofsky. The court's conservatives are Rebecca Grassl Bradley, Brian Hagedorn and Chief Justice Annette Ziegler. Bradley's term ends in 2026 and Ziegler's in 2027. Walsh Bradley was elected to her current 10-year term in 2015, defeating Rock County Circuit Judge James Daley. During that campaign, she decried the growing influence of partisan and special interest groups on the makeup of the court. "I think I won because I think the message resonated to keep political parties out of the judiciary," Bradley told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at the time. "People in Wisconsin want to keep the tradition of a nonpartisan judiciary." Molly Beck and Jessie Opoien can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com and jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Walsh Bradley's retirement sets stage for Wisconsin Supreme Court race AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) Auburn Police arrested 19-year-old John Howard Jr. on felony warrants, April 10, and charged him with unlawfully breaking and entering into a vehicle and second-degree property theft. The arrest is in connection with a call Auburn Police received regarding an auto theft on March 27. Officers spoke with the victim who stated their vehicle was parked near the 500 block of Webster Road between March 26 and 27, during that time someone broke into the vehicle and stole property. After further investigation into the burglary, Auburn Police developed Howard Jr. into a suspect and arrest warrants were obtained. After the arrest on April 10, Howard Jr. was transported to Lee County Jail, and a bond was set at $6,000. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. Abe Hamadeh at a November 2023 campaign event. Photo by Gage Skidmore (modified) | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0 Nearly a year-and-a-half after the election, an Arizona appeals court agreed with a trial court judge that Abe Hamadehs third challenge to the results of the 2022 election should not move forward. Hamadeh, a Republican, lost the race for Arizona attorney general to Democrat Kris Mayes by only 280 votes. And hes still trying to get that loss overturned, even as he mounts a campaign to represent the Eighth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives And while he wrote in court filings that 1,100 provisional ballots improperly went uncounted, in an April 10 campaign fundraising email, Hamadeh claimed there were actually 9,000. After the disastrous election we have witnessed an all out effort to ensure my case would never be litigated, the email reads. They STONEWALLED this case from the beginning by withholding provisional ballots, delaying recount results and trying to run out the clock and STEAL the election. But his case has been heard the judges just didnt buy his arguments. Hamadeh almost immediately challenged the results of the 2022 election in court, saying his loss was due to election misconduct and ballots rejected erroneously, but he lost his first two court challenges. His first challenge was thrown out for violating the timelines governing election contests. A second attempt filed a short time later did go to trial, and it was ultimately rejected for failing to meet the burden of proof. He filed the third lawsuit after the automatic statewide recount of his race identified discrepancies that shrank Mayes lead from 511 votes to 280. The vast majority of the votes that narrowed the contest came from Pinal County, where officials discovered after the election that hundreds of ballots mistakenly went uncounted. The appeals court, in a split 2-1 decision on April 9, agreed with the Mohave County Superior Court judge that dismissed Hamadehs request for a new trial, criticizing Hamadeh for his failure to take swift action in moving the case forward. A virtual firestorm of challenges followed the 2022 general election, Chief Judge David Gass wrote in the majority decision. Those flames have subsided. The winners were announced and took their oaths of office more than 15 months ago. This case, one of the last embers still glowing, does not burn hot enough to warrant relief. Judge Kent Cattani sided with Gass in his decision, while Judge James Morse Jr. dissented. Gass and Morse were both appointed to the appeals court by Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, and Cattani was appointed by Gov. Jan Brewer, also a Republican. In his appeal, Hamadeh argued that the trial court abused its discretion in denying his request to view Maricopa Countys cast vote record alongside a list of rejected provisional ballots, but Gass wrote that the trial court has broad discretion when ruling on what evidence it required the county to provide. Gass also noted that Hamadeh waited until just days before his trial began to request the unredacted cast vote record. Hamadeh also claimed that the trial court incorrectly denied his request to inspect the provisional ballot list, but the appeals court disagreed, saying that Hamadeh never provided the court with a valid reason for why he needed to inspect the list. While Hamadeh has repeatedly claimed that more than 1,000 provisional ballots remained illegally uncounted, he never provided evidence to back up that claim. His lawyers argued that the people who cast those ballots had their voter registration wrongly changed to the incorrect county when they renewed their drivers licenses and that therefore their provisional votes should be counted, even if they voted in a different county than where they were registered. But the appellate court flatly rejected that idea and said the court had no power to order those ballots be counted. Even if voters cast provisional ballots in the wrong precinct because of the alleged faulty but unchallenged election procedure, the voters still were not registered to vote in the precincts where they cast those provisional ballots, Gass wrote. Arizona law simply does not authorize opening the envelopes and counting those ballots. The appeals court also agreed with the trial courts decision not to grant Hamadeh a new trial based on new evidence of uncounted votes in Pinal County. After the Pinal County votes were correctly counted, Mayes was still the candidate with the most votes statewide, Gass wrote. The superior court correctly concluded the newly discovered evidence of those Pinal County votes did not change the outcome. And Hamadeh offered no evidence of any other county making the same error as Pinal County. Instead, Hamadeh speculates about what may be rather than what is and then seeks an opportunity to look for new evidence. And the majority criticized Hamadeh for asking this court for various forms of relief unrelated to this appeal, including requests to interpret laws not at issue in the case, to affirm the Arizona Supreme Courts constitutional rulemaking authority and to establish a universal disclosure and discovery standard for election contests. The court declined to do any of those things. Whatever merit Hamadehs statutory interpretation claims may have had, they have been dampened by the passage of time, Gass wrote. That point aside, Hamadeh was not then and is not now entitled to the relief he seeks because the superior court did not abuse its discretion when it ruled based on its factual findings. In his dissenting opinion, Morse wrote that the trial court should have granted Hamadeh access to the cast vote record. Denying access to the CVR deprived Hamadeh of an opportunity for a meaningful way in which to conduct the ballot inspection in the condensed timeline allotted for election contests, he wrote. Hamadehs loss in this appeal isnt necessarily the end of the road for his case. He could still appeal to the state Supreme Court. The uniparty knows if they hadnt stolen this race from me and dismissed my lawsuit that the closest race in Arizona history wouldve been overturned as there are still 9,000 uncounted ballots, Hamadeh wrote in his campaign email. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Appeals court rejects Abe Hamadehs third challenge to his 2022 AG loss appeared first on Arizona Mirror. File photo of The Port water tower in LA Highway 1. Louisiana Economic Development announced Thursday afternoon that BENTELER Steel/Tube Manufacturing Corporation will be expanding its presence at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. The corporation is a leading global specialist in metal processing and plans to grow with the construction of a new threading facility for hot rolled seamless steel tubes. The $21 million investment will allow the company to streamline supply chains for customers in the oil and gas, energy and engineering sectors. It expects to create 49 direct new jobs while retaining 347 current positions at its Louisiana operations. Louisiana Economic Development estimates the project will result in 96 indirect new jobs, for a total of 145 potential new jobs in the Northwest Region. I thank BENTELER for seeing and utilizing Louisianas unique business advantages, like our port system and skilled manufacturing workforce, and reaffirming its commitment to our state and our people, said LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois. BENTELER opened its first U.S. steel tube plant in Shreveport in 2015 and currently manufactures a wide range of products with a focus on Oil Country Tubular Goods. Products produced at the Shreveport site are drill pipe, tubing, line pipe, structural pipe, couplingstock and casing. Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of April and will be executed in two phases with the second line estimated to be finished by the end of 2026. This expansion by BENTELER Steel/Tube demonstrates the companys commitment to its operation at The Port of Caddo-Bossier, said Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission President Bill Altimus. The Caddo-Bossier Port Commission and our support team look forward to working with BENTELER Steel/Tube on this and all future endeavors. The city of Shreveport offered BENTELER a competitive incentives package including the comprehensive workforce development solutions of LED FastStart. The company is also expected to participate in the states Quality Jobs program. The City of Shreveport is excited about BENTELERs announcement of its expansion, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. This will add to the effectiveness of BENTELERs operations and add needed and well-paying jobs to the local economy. Construction continues at the Benteler Steel manufacturing project at the Port of Shreveport-Bossier. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: BENTELER Steel's $21 million investment at the Port of Caddo-Bossier announced Apple sent threat notifications to iPhone users in 92 countries on Wednesday, warning them that they may have been targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. The company said it sent the alerts to individuals in 92 nations at 12 p.m. Pacific Time Wednesday. The notification, which TechCrunch has seen, did not disclose the attackers' identities or the countries where users received notifications. "Apple detected that you are being targeted by a mercenary spyware attack that is trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID -xxx-," it wrote in the warning to affected customers. "This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do. Although its never possible to achieve absolute certainty when detecting such attacks, Apple has high confidence in this warning please take it seriously," Apple added in the text. The iPhone maker sends these kind of notifications multiple times a year and has notified users to such threats in over 150 countries since 2021, per an updated Apple support page. Apple also sent an identical warning to a number of journalists and politicians in India in October last year. Later, nonprofit advocacy group Amnesty International reported that it had found Israeli spyware maker NSO Groups invasive spyware Pegasus on the iPhones of prominent journalists in India. (Users in India are among those who have received Apple's latest threat notifications, according to people familiar with the matter.) The spyware alerts arrive at a time when many nations are preparing for elections. In recent months, many tech firms have cautioned about rising state-sponsored efforts to sway certain electoral outcomes. Apple's alerts, however, did not remark on their timing. "We are unable to provide more information about what caused us to send you this notification, as that may help mercenary spyware attackers adapt their behavior to evade detection in the future," Apple told affected customers. Apple previously described the attackers as "state-sponsored" but has replaced all such references with "mercenary spyware attacks." The warning to customers adds: "Mercenary spyware attacks, such as those using Pegasus from the NSO Group, are exceptionally rare and vastly more sophisticated than regular cybercriminal activity or consumer malware." Apple said it relies solely on "internal threat-intelligence information and investigations to detect such attacks." "Although our investigations can never achieve absolute certainty, Apple threat notifications are high-confidence alerts that a user has been individually targeted by a mercenary spyware attack and should be taken very seriously," it added. (WHTM) April 11 is National Submarine Day, commemorating the day in 1900 that the U.S. Navy purchased the U.S.S. Holland, their first practical submarine. The key term here is practical. The U.S. Navy owned three submarines before Holland. In the 1860s, during the Civil War, the Union Navy had the U.S.S. Alligator, a 47-foot-long submersible propelled by a hand-cranked propeller. It had a watertight compartment through which a diver was to exit the sub and attach mines to unsuspecting craft. The ship never saw combat, and sank on April 2, 1863, off Cape Hatteras in bad weather, while under tow. August 3, 1858: U.S.S. Nautilus reaches North Pole After the war, in the 1870s the Navy tested out another hand-cranked submarine, the Intelligent Whale. The tests were deemed unsuccessful. The sub is now on display at the National Guard Militia Museum in New Jersey. Get daily news, weather, breaking news and alerts straight to your inbox! Sign up for the abc27 newsletters here At about the same time John Holland, an Irish Immigrant, started designing and building submarines. He submitted his designs to the Navy in 1875; they were deemed impractical. Holland pressed on, launching his first prototype Holland I in 1878. His second effort was named the Fenian Ram after the Fenian Brotherhood, an Irish independence group that financed its building. His third boat, the Plunger, became the Navys third submarine but was sold back to Hollands company when they decided against accepting it. In 1897, he launched the Holland VI. After extensive testing by the Navy, it was accepted into service and commissioned as U.S.S. Holland in 1900. Holland is considered the first modern submarine. Its the vessel where everything finally came together. Navy to name ship after Ruth Bader Ginsburg For starters, it had a dual propulsion system, with batteries to run an electric motor for underwater travel, and a gasoline engine for cruising on the surface (and recharging the batteries). It also had a streamlined hull for easier underwater travel, a conning tower, separate main and auxiliary ballast systems, and a tube for launching torpedoes. Submarines would get bigger, travel faster, be more heavily armed, and dive deeper than Holland, but they all built on the basic Holland design until the coming of nuclear power. Holland never saw combat; she was used primarily for experiments, tests, and training of naval personnel. Her career was short. She was decommissioned in 1905 and sold as scrap in 1913. March 9, 1862-The battle that changed naval warfare forever The company John Holland founded to build submarines, however, is still going strong. The Holland Torpedo Boat Company sold boats to the U.S. and British navies. The company later became the Electric Boat Company. It was acquired in 1952 by General Dynamics and became General Dynamics Electric Boat. It remains a major builder of submarines to this day. The story is sourced from: Wikipedia-USS Alligator Intelligent Whale-National Guard Militia Museum of New Jersey Wikipedia-John Holland Wikipedia-U.S.S. Holland Stacker.com Navy and Marine.org (The motion picture of the U.S.S. Holland comes from the National Archives. I have a lot of admiration for the photographer-consider hes shooting from a chase boat, using a camera mounted on a tripod-and hand cranking the footage.) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. This is my last column before the April 23 Primary Election, so I want to share some observations on this important contest. Primary elections are important, but average turnout locally has been lackluster. Hopefully, this time will be different. Your Republican ballot in Franklin County will contain some contested races. Donald Trump and Nikki Haley are at the top of the ticket, so the opportunity to vote for our once and future president should bring out many Republicans. Regardless of your choice, dont stay home and let someone else call the shots for you. Dwight Weidman The second choice you have is for the United States Senate candidate who will take on clueless Bob Casey in November. Well, its actually not a choice anymore despite the fact that there will be two candidates on the ballot. The names you will see are Dave McCormick and Joseph J. Vodvarka. McCormick is really the only pick here, since Vodvarkas name was ordered to be taken off the ballot by the Commonwealth Court due to several technicalities, and that removal was upheld by the PA Supreme Court. Since the appeal wasnt settled before our ballot was printed, both names are still listed. If you fill in the oval for Vodvarka, that vote will not be counted. Of course, you could always write in Vodvarka, Mickey Mouse, your dog or anyone else and that vote WOULD be counted. Great system we have, isnt it? The next race is for PA Attorney General, where Dave Sunday from York County is facing off against Craig Williams from Delaware County. Both seem to have good backgrounds. Sunday is the pick of the State Republican Committee, but I encourage you to visit the candidates websites for more info. For Sunday, go to https://www.davesundayforag.com/ and for Williams go to https://www.craigwilliamsforpa.com/ . Unless you are in the 90th PA House District, all of the remaining offices are unopposed, until you get to the Delegate To The Republican National Convention and Alternate Delegate To The Republican National Convention races. You can vote for three in each race, but you will notice that there are only two people running for the Alternate race, so some may want to write in a name there. Personally, I will be writing in someone I know from Blair County, A.C. Stickel, a Donald Trump supporter, but dont take that as an endorsement and please make your own decision. More: Dwight Weidman 90th District Republican voters need to be careful who they vote for I mentioned the PA 90th House District race as being the exception to the "unopposed races" on the bottom of your ballot. If you live in PA 90, you have a hot legislative race that you need to come out for. PA 90 is made up of the following townships and boroughs: Antrim Township, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Mont Alto, Montgomery Township, Peters Township, Quincy Township, Warren Township, Washington Township and Waynesboro, and is currently represented by Rep. Paul Schemel, who is hanging it up after this term. On your ballot, you will have two choices: Chad Gerald Reichard from Washington Township in ballot position No. 1 and Janon R. Gray from Antrim Township in ballot position No. 2. Reichard is a lifelong conservative Republican and Gray is a former Democrat who moved here in 2020 from Maryland. Reichard, from a local farm family and an avid gun owner and sportsman, has been endorsed by Gunowners of America and is the obvious conservative choice in the race. Gray is the establishment candidate without conservative bona fides and is part of a Biden Administration-funded program that many say engages in targeting conservatives and Christians over their opposition to aggressive Biden LGBTQ policies. In a recent candidate forum held in Waynesboro, Reichard ran rings around Gray with his command of the issues. Coffman re-elected as council president: Chambersburg Town Council re-elects Allen Coffman as Council President Since this is a primary, only registered Republicans or Democrats can vote. Franklin County is also trying to ensure that this is a clean election and is asking for volunteers to staff the countys mail-in ballot drop box at the county administration building at 272 N. Second St. in Chambersburg. The shifts for volunteers are from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily through election day. If interested, call 717-264-4125 or email rmstone@franklincountypa.gov . Please also be aware that there are two new polling places in Franklin County: Hamilton 1 (formerly at the National Guard Armory) will now be voting at the West Side BIC Church, 2665 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, and Quincy 4 (formerly at Michaux Manor Living Center) will be voting at the South Mountain Bible Church, 11275 South Mountain Road, Fayetteville. Please turn out on April 23! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dwight Weidman is a resident of Greene Township and is a graduate of Shepherd University. He is retired from the United States Department of Defense, where his career included assignments In Europe, Asia, and Central America. He has been in leadership roles for the Republican Party in two states, most recently serving two terms as Chairman of the Franklin County Republican Party. He has been an Amateur Radio Operator since 1988, getting his first license in Germany, a past volunteer with both Navy and Army MARS, Military Auxiliary Radio Service, and is also an NRA-certified firearms instructor. In his spare time, he dabbles in genealogy and learning new languages. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: The April 23rd Republican Primary Election is more than a warmup April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to shed light on the pervasive issue of sexual violence within Indigenous communities. Established in 2001, SAAM has been a vital platform for raising awareness, supporting survivors, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate sexual assault. Among the broader discourse on sexual violence, the plight of Native women and children often remains overlooked. According to Amnesty International, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are 2.5 times more likely to be raped than non-Native women in the United States. One in three Native women will be raped in their lifetime. At least 86% of perpetrators of these crimes are non-Native men. Statistics alone do not capture the actual depth of individual and familial historical trauma and oppression, including violence, experienced by tribal communities. For more than two decades, thousands of Native women and children have suffered rape and sexual abuse due to U.S. laws and government policies concerning Native American Tribes, according to the National Indigenous Womens Resource Center (NIWRC). Despite efforts to seek justice, survivors are met with denial and indifference. At the root of this crisis lies the historical legacy of colonization and the formation of the United States, where sexual abuse of Native women was not only tolerated but also facilitated by governmental infrastructure. This legacy continues to haunt Native communities today. The connection between sexual abuse of Native women and colonization remains hidden from the public, Lucy Simpson (Dine), Executive Director at NIWRC, said in a press release. We must understand the systemic and structural foundation of the statistic that 1 of 3 Native women will be raped in her lifetime. To tackle sexual violence in Native communities, it's crucial to change how the government operates and revive the respect for women found in Indigenous cultures, according to NIWRC. In the past, Indigenous societies swiftly punished those who committed sexual violence. SAAM encourages awareness to target the root causes of this issue, hoping to create a future where all women are safe, regardless of their background. Below is more information about sexual violence against Native Americans and resources for victims: About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. " Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com Finding claws or pelts of the Eurasian lynx in European archeological sites isnt uncommon, but finding an entire skeleton...thats something else. Archeologists working at a site in Hungary discovered a perplexing fifth or sixth century burial of a lynx with four dogs stacked on top of it. Theories suggest it could be the result of a simple hunting accident, or a more elaborate ritual. Its unlikely that archeologists will ever know for sure, as information about this post-Rome culture is lacking. The Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) is arguably the most majestic cat species found throughout Europe. Its domain on the continent is wide, but evidence of its existence within human culture is usually found in the form of claws and peltslikely tokens and garments possessed by ancient peoples. However, a new archeological study details a truly strange burialdating around the fifth or sixth century CEthat includes four dogs and lynx. In addition to being odd, its the only complete archeological lynx skeleton ever found in Europe. But while finding a complete lynx is a rarity, the arrangement of the burial is what has really raised a few eyebrows. The lynx, along with four canines, are a sorted into a kind of post-mortem Jengathe large feline was buried on the bottom and the dogs were layered on top, with each carcass separated by 8 to 16 inches of dirt. One explanation could be that the dogs were killed while hunting the lynx, but other evidence points to different, more deliberate theories. The details of the find were published last month in the journal in International Journal of Osteoarchaeology . Although the physical reconstruction of the lynx was of help in appraising this special pit, the actual nature of the deposit remains in question, the paper reads. Possible interpretations range from the mundane discard of carcasses to the poorly understood ritual burial of carnivores, beginning with the lynx. These animal carcasses were found at the site Zamardi-Kutvolgyi-dulo in west-central Hungary. Dating to around the collapse of the Roman Empire, this pit was constructed during what was likely a chaotic time for western Europe. This particular area was known as Pannonia when under Roman rule, and archeologists expect that at the time of the burial, the small group of people that lived there likely obtained food from crops and domesticated animals rather than hunting gamemaking the idea of a hunting accident seem unlikely. Gal et al However, the theory that the burial was some kind of elaborate ceremony central to an early Middle Ages lynx cult also has some problemschiefly, that the carcasses dont appear to be placed with any particular reverence. Despite this contrary evidence, zooarchaeologist Victoria Moses told Live Science that while its hard to be certain, evidence pointing to the likelihood of a ritualistic burial is high. Sadly, its likely that well never know for sure. Given its dynamic multicultural setting, to date, the unambiguous interpretationremains impossible, the paper reads. In the absence of additional material, written or ethnographic evidence, spurious ritual interpretations shall not be perpetuated in spite of the indubitably curious nature of the Zamardi deposit. The Eurasian lynx is the largest of the four species found in the genus, which also includes the Iberian lynx, Canadian lynx, and North Americas well-known bobcat. While its been a dominant cat species on the continent for thousands of years, certain populations of the Eurasian lynx are now critically endangered. The World Wildlife Fund attributes its decline to limited resources, habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with motor vehicles. While France attempted to reintroduce the lynx in the 1970s, scientists estimate they will disappear from the country again in 30 years if steps are not taken to conserve the population. And those steps should be taken, if for no other reason than that the archeological evidence shows these amazing cats have been a part of the human story for centuries. You Might Also Like Arizona is at the center of the political universe: From the Politics Desk Welcome to the online version of From the Politics Desk, an evening newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics teams latest reporting and analysis from the campaign trail, the White House and Capitol Hill. In todays edition, we examine how Arizona is now at the center of the political universe. Plus, chief political analyst Chuck Todd explains why it's getting more difficult for politicians to find the middle. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. 2024s biggest fights are all converging in Arizona By Alex Tabet, Adam Edelman, Bridget Bowman and Vaughn Hillyard The Arizona Supreme Court ruling upholding a 160-year-old, near-total ban on abortion sent a shock through the state and cemented its place at the center of politics in 2024. The campaigns: Arizona and its 11 electoral votes will once again be critical in the presidential race between Joe Biden and Donald Trump after just 10,000 votes separated them in the state in 2020. To that point, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a trip Friday to Arizona hours after the state Supreme Courts abortion decision was announced. Do you have a news tip? Let us know Voters will decide critical races for the U.S. Senate and House with both chambers closely divided. Republican Kari Lake, who ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2022, and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego are already locked in a heated race to replace independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. And GOP Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani are bracing for tough battles to hold onto their toss-up districts. (Lake, Schweikert and Ciscomani all condemned the state Supreme Courts abortion ruling, while Trump said it went too far.) Republicans are also trying to hold state legislative majorities that could not be thinner: a 31-29 advantage in the state House and a 16-14 seat advantage in the state Senate. The issues: An amendment enshrining abortion rights in the Arizona constitution will also likely be on the November ballot, putting a stark choice directly before voters. Of the 11 states where abortion could be on the ballot this fall, Arizona is arguably the most competitive. And after the state Supreme Courts decision on whats now one of the strictest abortion bans in the country, the ballot measure could potentially drive an influx of otherwise disengaged voters to the polls. Plus, there are yearslong fights over election procedures and immigration that are still running hot in the state. The demographics: This is all occurring against the backdrop of Arizonas rapidly changing demographics, which highlight many of the major trends buffeting U.S. politics. Arizona has the largest Latino population share of any core battleground state, according to the Census Bureau; the nations biggest battleground county in Maricopa, a former Republican stronghold where more than 2 million people voted in 2020 and Biden narrowly won; increasingly MAGA-fied rural counties racing in the other direction; and the nations biggest university by in-person enrollment in Arizona State University. In short, Arizona will show how different groups are grappling with the most pressing issues in the 2024 election and could decide the balance of power in Washington next year and beyond. Read more Politicians need the middle to win. Its getting harder for them to find it. Analysis by Chuck Todd Its not easy leading a political party these days. In a world where the expectation is that political positions are binary, with nuance not allowed, trying to come up with a one-size-fits-all position, be it on Middle East policy or reproductive rights, is quite the challenge. No longer can someone paper over an actual point of view with the spirit of a political position. Biden has long been a supporter of Israel, but that hasnt bought him much time with a Democratic base thats growing increasingly skeptical of the Israeli governments ability to carry out a just war. And that brings me to Trumps attempts to soften opposition to him over the rise of restrictive abortion laws around the country. Ironically, Trumps controversial position shouldnt, in theory, be controversial in the GOP. Trump is simply espousing what the party said it supported for decades before the Supreme Courts 2022 Dobbs decision: Leave it to the states. But abortion conservatives want to go further with a federal limit. As is now fairly clear, simply returning the decision over reproductive rights to the states wasnt really the goal of the anti-abortion movement pre-Dobbs. The goal was to roll back access to abortion, in whatever expedient way they could find. Yet saying that last sentence as directly as I wrote it is unpopular. Had the GOP owned the idea of rolling back access more directly, instead of hiding behind its states-rights position, it would most likely been forced to reckon with its unpopular abortion position sooner. But here we are, and Trump is learning the hard way that there is no middle ground on abortion inside the GOP, at least not in a post-Dobbs world. The country is quickly dividing into two camps on abortion rights: pro-access and anti-access. Pre-Dobbs, you could argue, there was a middle ground around access to abortion up until viability, which is about 24 weeks. But Dobbs changed the policy boundaries of what was possible, taking away elusive middle ground. Both candidates would love to avoid talking about Gaza, and Trump would love nothing more than to stop discussing abortion, as well. Ultimately, I view the Dobbs decision as existential and its most likely papering over lots of other divides in this country, because many affected voters view abortion rights as fundamental. And when an issue is fundamental for the way people live, theyll vote on it over and above many other issues. Read more Thats all from The Politics Desk for now. If you have feedback likes or dislikes email us at politicsnewsletter@nbcuni.com And if youre a fan, please share with everyone and anyone. They can sign up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Democrats in Arizona attempted Wednesday to repeal a law banning nearly all abortions in the state that is set to take effect because of a state Supreme Court decision a day earlier, but they were blocked in both chambers by Republicans. The action took place in both chambers of Arizonas Legislature. In the House, Phoenix Republican Rep. Matt Gress joined Democrats in seeking to bring up a bill to repeal the ban, set by an 1864 law the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled must be enforced. The motion was shot down by state Rep. David Livingston (R), who motioned for the House to head to recess and avoid a vote on the bill, The Arizona Republic reported. In the state Senate, Democratic Sen. Anna Hernandez told The Hill she sought to make a motion for the state Senate to come back from recess to reconsider the ban, but that effort was shut down. Theyre definitely blocking Democrats efforts to repeal this, Hernandez told The Hill. In the state House, Democrats shouted at Republicans that there would be blood on your hands after they refused to examine the bill. They shouted shame and save womens lives while pointing at their colleagues across the aisle, as seen in videos that circulated on social media. The surprise Arizona Supreme Court decision has roiled politics in the state and beyond. Democrats see abortion rights as a key issue that could help President Biden and other candidates in the fall. Former President Trump earlier this week said he would oppose legislation banning abortion at 15 or 16 weeks, a signal that he sees the issue as dangerous for his party. State House Speaker Ben Toma (R) told Axios that he wouldnt support a repeal and would not permit a vote on it. Hernandez criticized her GOP colleagues for blocking the effort to repeal the ban. She said if they were serious in saying that the 1864 ban goes too far, they would not have done so. She said she is considering next steps with her staff and colleagues in both the Senate and the House. Hernandez said her next opportunity to introduce a motion would be next Wednesday, when the state Senate is back in session. I think tensions are high, emotions are high, Hernandez said. This is a very emotional matter for so many of us. State Sen. Eva Burch (D), who earned national attention last month after announcing she was going to get an abortion, called Republicans uncommonly foolish and untrustworthy. I would like to say that Im surprised about what happened today, but Im not. This has been consistent. Burch noted that GOP lawmakers in the state are in a pretty precarious position about future legislation fixing the problem that they created and upsetting their voters ahead of the election. The clock is ticking on the issue, and the people of Arizona are expecting us to do something now, she said. On Tuesday, Arizonas Supreme Court rejected arguments that it should uphold a 15-week abortion ban that had been state law in a 4-2 decision. In throwing out that law, the court effectively put back into place a Civil War-era law passed before Arizona became a state that bans virtually all abortions. The law does not have exceptions for rape or incest and would make performing or receiving an abortion a felony. Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) said she will not rest until she has secured the right to abortion for Arizonans. After the courts decision, Hobbs called on state legislators to repeal the ban immediately. She criticized Republicans who said the 1864 law goes too far but have yet to take her up on her repeated calls to repeal the ban. Hobbs called Wednesdays legislative action unconscionable. She said the Republican-controlled Legislature had the chance to do the right thing but failed. As they have time and again, radical legislators protected a Civil War-era total abortion ban that jails doctors, strips women of our bodily autonomy and puts our lives at risk, her statement said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Arizona House descended into a shouting match after Republicans blocked attempts to repeal the states newly revived 1864 law that criminalizes abortion throughout pregnancy unless a womans life is at risk. House Democrats erupted into shouts of Shame! Shame! on Wednesday as GOP leaders, who command the majority, twice cut off attempts to discuss a repeal of the Civil War-era abortion ban. It came after the Arizona Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Civil War-era law that criminalises abortion, and those who help women obtain one, over a 2022 law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks. The 1864 law holds no exceptions for rape or incest. The decision was met with outcry from citizens, Democratic lawmakers, abortion advocates and more across the United States who warned that it would harm access to necessary reproductive healthcare and providers. Arizona State Rep. Matt Gress speaks to reporters on the House floor at the Capitol (AP) Arizona House Democrats and at least one Republican joined in the outcry, with at least one lawmaker saying people will die if the 1864 ban remains a law in the state. However, Republican state Rep Teresa Martinez argued there was no reason to rush the debate, and accused Democrats of screaming at us and engaging in extremist and insurrectionist behaviour on the House floor. The GOP-led Senate briefly convened without debate on abortion. We are navigating an extremely complex, emotional and important area of law and policy, said Ms Martinez, the GOP House whip. In my opinion, removing healthy babies from healthy mothers is not health care nor reproductive care. Pregnancy is not an illness. It should be celebrated. It is an abortion that terminates life. Arizona State Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamliton speaks on floor at the Capitol (AP) But Democrats disagreed. We know that the Supreme Court decision yesterday is extreme. And we know that should the 1864 ban on abortion remain a law in Arizona, people will die, said Democratic state Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamilton. Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs called inaction on the proposed repeal unconscionable. Radical legislators protected a Civil War-era total abortion ban that jails doctors, strips women of our bodily autonomy and puts our lives at risk, she said. Meanwhile, state Rep Matt Gress was one of at least three GOP legislators in Arizona to openly oppose the ban, proposing a motion to repeal the law and arguing a near-total ban is not reflective of the values of the vast majority of our electorate, regardless of political affiliation. ... This issue transcends all. Former president Donald Trump also opposed the ban this week, calling on officials in Arizona to work together to bring the states abortion laws back within the realm of reason. Itll be straightened out and as you know, its all about states rights, he told reporters on Wednesday. Itll be straightened out, and Im sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and thatll be taken care of, I think, very quickly. Mr Trump on Monday sought to lay out his stance on abortion rights, bragging in a video message that he was proudly the person responsible for the overturning of Roe v Wade, the 1973 landmark ruling that had enshrined the right to an abortion and reproductive care. Arizona State Rep Teresa Martinez texts on House floor at the Capitol (AP) Many people have asked me what my position is on abortion and abortion rights, especially since I was proudly the person responsible for something that all legal scholars on both sides wanted and in fact demanded be ended: Roe vs Wade. They wanted it ended, he said. However, he stopped short of supporting a federal abortion ban, arguing that the issue of abortion rights should be left to states. Kari Lake, the GOPs chosen Senate candidate in Arizona, , is also backing away from a ban to which she once gave a full-throated endorsement in June 2022. Having previously told voters she was thrilled about the prospect of her state banning abortion in all cases except when a patients life is in danger, Ms Lake this week released a lengthy statement calling the ban out of step with Arizonans. I oppose todays ruling, and I am calling on [Governor] Katie Hobbs and the state Legislature to come up with an immediate commonsense solution that Arizonans can support, said Ms Lake this week. Since the constitutional right to abortion was banned in the US, total bans on the procedure have been implemented in Indiana and North Dakota. Meanwhile, abortions are banned after six weeks of pregnancy in South Carolina and twelve weeks in North Carolina and Nebraska. Altogether, 14 states have enacted near-total abortion bans. Arizonas state Republican leadership halted an effort by Democrats on Wednesday to repeal an 1864 law banning almost all abortions, which the state supreme court this week ruled could go into effect. The move came after Republican lawmakers in the state had denounced the courts decision, including some who previously expressed support for the law. Donald Trump and other high-profile Republicans, such as the Senate candidate Kari Lake, had also declared their opposition to the ruling with Lake urging lawmakers to come up with an immediate commonsense solution that Arizonans can support. Related: Arizona Republicans denounce revived 1864 abortion ban in sudden reversal The Arizona supreme court ruled on Tuesday that the 1864 law can go into effect though it may not happen for weeks. Under the law, which predates Arizonas statehood, there are no exceptions for rape or incest and abortions are permitted only if the mothers life is at risk. Democrats and one Republican lawmaker sought to repeal the law, but GOP leaders, who command the majority, cut it off twice and quickly adjourned for the week. Outraged Democrats erupted in finger-waving chants of Shame! Shame! Republican state Rep Teresa Martinez, of Casa Grande, said there was no reason to rush the debate. She accused Democrats of screaming at us and engaging in extremist and insurrectionist behaviour on the House floor. The GOP-led senate briefly convened without debate on abortion. Democratic legislators seized on national interest in the states abortion ban. Weve got the eyes of the world watching Arizona right now, said Democratic state Rep Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, of Tucson. We know that the supreme court decision yesterday is extreme. And we know that should the 1864 ban on abortion remain a law in Arizona, people will die. The state supreme courts decision is expected to have major repercussions in the state and could significantly impact abortion access across the US south-west. Political strategists have said that the near total ban would draw moderate voters to Democrats and mobilize young voters and voters of color. This was an earthquake of epic proportions in Arizona politics, said Barrett Marson, a Phoenix-based Republican strategist. Anytime Republicans are talking about abortion, theyre losing. Now, I think the only issue is going to be abortion. Democratic governor Katie Hobbs called inaction on the proposed repeal unconscionable. Radical legislators protected a Civil War-era total abortion ban that jails doctors, strips women of our bodily autonomy and puts our lives at risk, she said. Some Republicans in the state had, surprisingly, come out against the courts decision. This decision cannot stand, Matt Gress, a Republican state representative, said. I categorically reject rolling back the clock to a time when slavery was still legal and we could lock up women and doctors because of an abortion. Gress had tried to bring forth a bill to repeal the ban but then voted with other Republicans to move to recess. The Republican speaker of the Arizona state house and the president of the state senate, said in a joint statement they would be listening to our constituents to determine the best course of action for the legislature. Democrats, who have made Arizona a top priority in 2024, hope to flip both the state house and senate and have seized on Republicans decision. I am disgusted by the actions of my peers, both lying about their stance on this issue so important to Arizonans, and refusing to repeal the 1864 ban, said Priya Sundareshan, a Democratic senator and Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee co-chair. This is why we need to flip the legislature, pass the ballot initiative and stop Republicans from taking away this right ever again. Reuters contributed to this report China should not be blamed for offering cost-effective new energy technologies and products to the world amid rising accusations of so-called overcapacity concerns, industry experts said on Wednesday. They made the comments as United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reportedly cautioned that China's overcapacity in electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and solar products will distort global prices. "In conflating overcapacity and the broader issues of the EV market, Washington's narrative is way off the mark. It is the US market's high prices, not Chinese overcapacity, that hinder widespread EV adoption, given that Chinese EVs are completely excluded from the US currently," said Wang Xin, associate professor of China Studies and director of Asian Studies in the department of languages and cultures at Baylor University in the US. Wang said that last year, the EV share of the total US vehicle market was only 7.6 percent, and while US consumers have limited choices with new EVs averaging around $50,000, China's largest EV maker, BYD, offers a subcompact, Seagull, for less than $10,000. "In contrast, the US is lagging in realizing even its EV infrastructure ambitions. China has nothing to do with this slow rollout. Unlike the protectionist stance adopted by the US, China's approach prioritizes industry-wide growth rather than narrow corporate and political interests," he added. Zhang Xiang, an auto sector researcher at North China University of Technology, said that the rise of China's new energy industry is fundamentally a result of its ultra-large-scale market, complete industrial system and abundant human resources. "It is not reasonable to leverage political power to hinder the public's access to China's cost-effective new energy technologies and affect the prospects of global green transformation," he said. Zhang added that China's overcapacity problem has been "exaggerated", as industrial overcapacity could happen in any sector in any country, and should not be politicized. "Whether there is overcapacity should be based on global market demand and future development potential, and the market adjusts itself according to the law of value," he added. Bloomberg also said in a recent report that from the rest of the world's perspective, overcapacity can be felt through lower prices, and China's automobile exports, which surged last year as the country overtook Japan as the world's top car exporter, actually became more expensive, which suggested their rising attractiveness isn't due to price cuts. Lu Yan, an industry veteran and independent analyst, pointed out that China is indeed in the process of gradually optimizing the structure of the production capacity of traditional fuel vehicles and increasing the production capacity of new energy vehicles. "Some regions are doing well and some are not doing well enough. But it is a structural and cyclical excess and that is where strategies will need to be adjusted in some regions in the future," Lu said. On the contrary, rising protectionism from Western economies like the US and Europe will not offer a fair competition market for green energy, and may lead to the penetration of NEVs not occurring in an expected way, he added. The EU Commission also announced earlier this week that it will launch an inquiry into alleged Chinese subsidies for suppliers of wind turbines. Everyone loves a stock that produces outsized gains relative to the S&P 500. A less flashy but rewarding accomplishment is when companies consistently raised the dividends they pay to investors. Higher dividends can lead to higher passive income, and provide a hands-off way to book gains without the need to sell stock. American States Water (NYSE: AWR), United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS), and Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) just raised their payouts to record highs. Here's why all three dividend stocks are worth buying now. Image source: Getty Images. American States Water is a regal dividend stock hiding in plain sight Scott Levine (American States Water): It wouldn't do American States Water stock justice to simply say that its dividend is now at a record high. The water utility has seen plenty of ebbs and flows in its business, but all the while it has succeeded in hiking its dividend -- for nearly seven decades, making it the longest-tenured Dividend King. One would think that achieving such a feat would result in the company gaining popularity in the investing world, but the water utility is hardly a household name. But investing isn't a popularity contest, and income investors would be wise to scoop up shares of American States Water -- and its 2.4% forward-yielding stock -- to help strengthen their passive income streams. The company's ability to consistently reward shareholders with a growing dividend stems from the nature of its business. Although the company has electric utility and contracted water subsidiaries, the company's bread and butter is its regulated water utility business. In 2023, the regulated water business represented 73% and 82% of consolidated revenue and net income, respectively. While American States Water can't arbitrarily raise rates on its regulated water utility customers, it can file rate requests with public utility commissions to ensure the company achieves certain rates of return. Consequently, American States Water has good foresight into future cash flows, which helps the company plan accordingly for capital expenditures such as dividend increases, acquisitions, and infrastructure upgrades. American States Water has consistently rewarded shareholders with a growing dividend without getting itself into deep water. Over the past 10 years, the company has averaged a conservative payout ratio of 56%. With shares currently trading at 15.2 times operating cash flow -- a discount to the stock's five-year average cash flow ratio of 23 -- now seems like a particularly good time to dip your toes in an American States Water investment. Story continues UPS has a compelling yield that makes up for its recent struggles Daniel Foelber (United Parcel Service): The company's most recent quarterly dividend was $1.63 per share, just one cent higher than the previous payment. But UPS deserves credit for building upon its historic 49% raise in 2022. The company has now increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years, with the dividend up 262% during that time frame. The stock yields 4.3%, which is far better than most top dividend stocks. When a quality, industry-leading company has a higher-than-usual yield or a dirt cheap valuation, it's usually because it is out of favor. UPS has had a rough few years of negative growth, which has been a particularly bad look relative to its surging growth in 2020 and 2021, and in comparison to FedEx -- which is up 19% over the last year, compared to a 20% decline for UPS. The company's Analyst and Investor Day presentation provides many in-depth details on where the company has been and where it wants to go. The key takeaways are that UPS inaccurately forecasted demand and overexpanded its network because it thought the surge in package deliveries during the pandemic would prove sticky, when in reality small package delivery volumes have stagnated. UPS is turning to its high-margin healthcare segment to unlock growth. Thanks to a blend of organic and inorganic growth, healthcare is expected to contribute about half of the company's total revenue gains by 2026. UPS is in prove-it mode. The last year or so has been especially messy, including several earnings misses and guidance cuts. The good news is that UPS has now reset expectations and given investors specific goals and timelines to hold it accountable. UPS also has plenty of room to surprise to the upside. The company has the makings of a worthy turnaround play and solid long-term investment, especially once factoring in the juicy 4.3% dividend yield. Security is going technological Lee Samaha (Allegion): The security and access solutions company's dividend yield isn't anything to write home about at 1.4%. However, buying stocks that have raised their dividends to record levels isn't just about the yield. A company increasing its dividend is usually a sign of confidence in the future. As the chart below shows, Allegion could pay a much larger dividend if its management wished. ALLE Dividend Per Share (Quarterly) Chart That said, investing shareholders' assets in growth makes more sense, and there's no shortage of long-term opportunity at Allegion, principally coming from the convergence of electronics and mechanics in locks and access doors. While management sees its non-residential mechanical and residential markets growing at a sedate low-single-digit annual growth rate, its non-residential electronics & software market is set for high-single-digit growth. The latter opportunity concerns the benefits of internet-enabled locks and security systems. For example, the increased functionality of a commercial building owner/manager being able to control, monitor, and customize access to building areas through Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It's not only an opportunity to improve security and reduce crime (principally shrinkage) but also could serve as a tool to gather data on workflow in a building, ultimately leading to productivity improvements. Trading at slightly less than 21 times the midpoint of its 2024 free cash flow (FCF) guidance, Allegion might not appear to be a great value. Still, Wall Street sees Allegion growing its FCF at a double-digit rate in the following years, and nobody doubts the long-term growth potential at Allegion. Should you invest $1,000 in American States Water right now? Before you buy stock in American States Water, 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 American States Water wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 8, 2024 Daniel Foelber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Lee Samaha has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends FedEx. The Motley Fool recommends United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Under-Appreciated Dividend Stocks That Just Raised Their Payouts to Record Highs was originally published by The Motley Fool In 1864, which was not a tremendous time for womens rights, Arizona passed a near-total abortion ban. It would prosecute any person who provides, supplies or administers to a pregnant woman, or procures such woman to take any medicine, drugs or substance, or uses or employs any instrument or other means whatever, with intent thereby to procure the miscarriage of such woman, unless it is necessary to save her life. The territorial law was still on the books when Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, but the Arizona government had passed a 15-week ban that same year that was intended to supersede it. Alas, this assumption of supersession appears to have been a catastrophic legislative oopsie. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled this week that the 1864 ban is still enforceable and could go back into effect soon. This decision is pure political poison for Republicans running in a determinative swing state in a presidential election year. And it will add fuel to an effort to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution, a ballot initiative that likely will be on the ballot in November and help draw Democrats to the polls. What youre seeing among Arizona Republicans in competitive elections, then, is a race to distance themselves from the state Supreme Courts decision. Butand not to tell them anything they dont already knowtheir past comments arent going to make it easy for them to run away from this issue. U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake, who is trying to soften her image after her hard-right 2022 gubernatorial campaign fell short, said in a statement Tuesday, I oppose todays ruling, calling on state leaders to come up with an immediate commonsense solution that Arizonans can support. Lake, in her current campaign, has also come out against a federal abortion ban and demanded that in vitro fertilization be protected nationwide. During her run for governor, though, Lake spoke more approvingly of the 1864 law, describing it in a June 2022 interview as a great law thats already on the books. Lakes campaign has argued that she was talking about the 15-week ban, which had already been signed into law when she made the comment. But she literally identified the near-total ban by statutory number and described its contents. I believe its ARS 13-3603, so it will prohibit abortion in Arizona except to save the life of a mother, she said in the 2022 interview. And I think were going to be paving the way and setting course for other states to follow. Expect, if you watch television in Arizona, to have these words memorized by Election Day. Arizona Rep. Dave Schweikert is, by this point, used to running from his past. Schweikert was a founding member of the far-right House Freedom Caucus in the mid-2010s, only to see his district become much more competitive as well-to-do suburbs turned bluer and redistricting landed him in a toss-up seat. Hes since worked to become less of a rabble-rouser, and he left the caucus in 2023. In a post on Tuesday, Schweikert said, I do not support todays ruling from the AZ Supreme Court, adding that the issue should be decided by Arizonans, not legislated from the bench. I encourage the state legislature to address this issue immediately. Schweikert, unlike Lake, may not have a particularly excruciating sound bite on the books pointing out where specifically in the state code the great territorial abortion ban is. But the reviving of an archaic, draconian zombie abortion law is the sort of consequence that those who fought to protect Roe had warned about should it fall. And when Dobbs overturned Roe, Schweikert posted about how pleased he was with the decision. In the past, he has, similarly, co-sponsored the Life at Conception Act. Republican Juan Ciscomani, meanwhile, who represents the other most competitive Arizona House seat, deemed the ruling a disaster. This was a couple of years after he had applauded the Supreme Court for overturning Roe. A historic day! he tweeted at the time. He had no idea. None of them, really, had any idea. For 50 years, GOP members had a good political thing going. They could say whatever they needed to say about abortion to make it through a primary, without paying particular concern to general election consequences. The Supreme Court had found a right to abortion in the Constitution, so mouthing off about how abortion providers should face 19th-century justice was all a thought experiment. Leaving ludicrous Civil Warera laws on the books in their dormancy was easier politically than going out of your way to excise them, just in case. Celebrating the overturning of Roe was hard not to do when overturning Roe had been foundational to the conservative movement of the past half-century. But the bill came due two years ago, and the reminders will come again, again, and again. Angeline Wanna (left), Sisseton Wahpeton assistant archivist, sings as she carries the coffin holding Amos LaFromboise, the first documented child to ever die at Carlisle Indian Industrial School 144 years ago, to the tribal van bringing him home at a repatriation ceremony on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Beside Wanna is her grandmother, Lillian Wanna, who has been instrumental in her tribes repatriation work. Behind them is Spirit Lake Chairwoman Lana Street, carrying the coffin of Edward Upright. (Photo: Jenna Kunze) The remains of 11 Native American children who died more than a century ago at a government-run Indian boarding school in Pennsylvania will be going home to their closest living relatives this September, the U.S. Office of Army Cemeteries announced in a federal notice on April 9. Those former students include William Norkok from the Eastern Shoshone Tribe; Almeda Heavy Hair, Bishop L. Shield, and John Bull from the Gros Ventre Tribe of the Fort Belknap Indian Community; Fanny Chargingshield, James Cornman, and Samuel Flying Horse from the Oglala Sioux Tribe; Leonidas Chawa from the Pechanga Band of Indians; Albert Mekko from the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; and Alfred Charko and Kati Rosskidwits from the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes. The students are among nearly 200 who died and were buried in the governments care between 1880 and 1910 while attending the nations flagship Indian boarding school, Carlisle Indian Industrial School, in Carlisle, Penn. In 1879, the Armys Carlisle Barracks became the site of the nations first government-run Indian boarding school. Operating under the motto of kill the Indian, save the man, school administrators tried to forcibly assimilate 7,800 Native American children from more than 140 tribal nations through a mix of Western-style education and hard labor. Before it closed and the property was transferred to the Army in 1918, the school buried the bodies of at least 194 Indigenous children in the school cemetery, including 14 who are marked with unknown grave markers. Many students deaths were announced in the local newspaper at the time, noting causes of death as that dread disease, consumption or tuberculosis, or detailing circumstances of unknown sickness. Alfred Charko, who died at 15 just five months after arriving at Carlisle from his home in Kansas, was sick before he came, so he was in the hospital ever since he came [to Carlisle], according to a student newspaper at the time. Fanny Chargingshiled died 13 months after arriving at Carlisle from South Dakota at 16. According to the school paper, Fannys father Chief Chargingshield, traveled to Pennsylvania to visit his sick daughter. But its unclear if he reached her before she died, or why he didnt bring home her remains at that time for reburial. In a response to NNO on April 12, Office of Army Cemeteries spokesperson Olivia Van Den Heuvel said that " the Army is working to establish a process to support efforts to identify the unknown individuals and return them to their families." She did not specify a timeframe. Most of the childrens fates were acknowledged by a single word in their records, written in red script in the top right corner: dead. The disinterment of the 11 Native students remains is scheduled to begin on September 3, 2024, and end on October 14, according to the Office of Army Cemeteries. Over the last seven years, the Army has returned 32 childrens remains back to their relatives. Each project has been conducted over about a month-long period during the summer by a team of professionals from the Army Corps of Engineers Center of Expertise for Curation. The team worked with tribal nations to carry out the process of exhuming and identifying each childs remains. The Army confirmed to NNO that it will be disinterring and returning an additional 18 children in 2025. Its special, but its hard, Emma Filestell, the Fort Belknap Tribes deputy tribal historic preservation officer, told Native News Online about her tribes upcoming returns. Filestel traveled with a tribal delegation from Montana to Carlisle in September 2023 to initiate the process of return for their ancestors. Its going to be good to have them home, she said. Overall, negotiating the return of their ancestors with the Office of Army Cemeteries has been relatively smooth for her tribe, Filestell said. This marks a significant departure from a process previous tribes have criticized as culturally tone deaf. After all the [other] tribes that fought for this before us, theres actually no barriers up for us, Filestell said. She said that everything Fort Belknap has asked the Army for, including specific ceremonial protocols, and vehicles to caravan back to Montana with after the disinterment, the Army has agreed to, without hesitation. Its making it easier for us, she said. The Fort Belknap delegation requested the return of four relatives, but only three will be returned this year. The fourth ancestor, Solomon Brown, wont be coming home in September. Thats because Brown is one of the children buried under a headstone marked Unknown, the result of apparent mismanagement of the cemetery over the decades. That includes 1927, when the U.S. Army dug up the remains of Carlisles Indian children and moved their graves to an area next to the barracks entrance to make room for development. The Army told the Fort Belknap delegation theyll have to wait until the exhumation process is nearly complete for the remaining more than 160 relatives buried at the Carlisle Barracks Main Post Cemetery before they intend to exhume the Unknowns. At the Armys current rate of exhuming and returning about seven to ten ancestors per year, that could mean another decade and a half of waiting. The only thing is the unknowns, Filestell added. One of our issues with that is having to go back a second time [for Solomon.] The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Concho, Okla. also visited Carlisle in September 2023 to prepare to bring home 15 relativesincluding one unknownbut wont be repatriating them until 2025. Because the tribe didnt file its paperwork with the Army until around February, the schedule was already full, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribal historic preservation officer Max Bear told Native News Online. It got pushed back a little further, which just gives us an opportunity to prepare, Bear said, adding that his tribe still needs to establish a repatriation cemetery for reburial. In a response to Native News on April 12, Office of Army Cemeteries spokesperson Olivia Van Den Heuvel said the Army is working to establish a process to support efforts to identify the unknown individuals and return them to their families. She did not specify a timeframe. Some tribal nations say that tribesincluding Fort Belknap and Cheyenne and Arapahoshould not have to go back a second time to collect their relatives who were forcibly removed from their communities. They believe federal law backs up their beliefs. In January 2024, The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska filed a lawsuit against the United States Army, seeking the return of the remains of two of its children who died and were buried at Carlisle more than 120 years prior. The lawsuit alleges that the Army failed to follow federal law and instead used its own process, which is often lengthier, immune to tribal protocol, and defines who can request the return of a child buried at Carlisle (their closest living relative). The Winnebago tribe argues that Congress enacted a law that should govern situations like this one: the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). NAGPRA became law in 1990 to provide a process for federal agencies and museums that receive federal funds to repatriate or transfer certain Native American cultural itemsincluding human remainsback to their respective tribal nations. Winnebago Tribal Historic Preservation Office Sunshine Bear, who has been researching methods to bring her tribe's children home since 2021, said this lawsuit is about tribal sovereignty, and paving the way for other tribes to bring their children home on their own timeline, and with their own customs. I intend to follow this through, Bear told Native News Online in the wake of the Armys federal register notice on Wednesday. She said that her tribe expects a response from the Army by next week, within the 90-day time period required by law. All we want is our children to be returned home. But I also want [the Army] to follow the regulations and policies of NAGPRA, she said. Im happy for Fort Belknap that they're bringing some of their children home, but by following the Army's process, they're not bringing all of them home. They still have to come back for one more becauseof the Armys policy. Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a response from the Office of Army Cemeteries about the number of children it plans to return in 2025 and its efforts to establish a process to identify the unknown individuals and return them to their families. About the Author: "Jenna Kunze is a staff reporter covering Indian health, the environment and breaking news for Native News Online. She is also the lead reporter on stories related to Indian boarding schools and repatriation. Her bylines have appeared in The Arctic Sounder, High Country News, Indian Country Today, Tribal Business News, Smithsonian Magazine, Elle and Anchorage Daily News. Kunze is based in New York." Contact: jkunze@indiancountrymedia.com CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect this was an attempted sexual assault. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A 34-year-old man was arrested following an alleged attempted sexual assault at a business on the 5600 block of North Blackstone Avenue Wednesday morning, according to the Fresno Police Department. According to police, 34-year-old Xiang Zhao entered the business and attempted to sexually assault an employee who was in the store alone. Police say the employee showed great courage and fought off the suspect long enough to call for help. The suspect fled on foot south on Blackstone Avenue. Police were called at around 10 a.m. and cited the employees description of the suspect as particularly helpful in finding the suspect. The suspect was apprehended a short time later. Police say they believe the attempted assault to be an isolated incident at this time and that the suspect was not known to police before. We are very thankful for her cooperation and her courageous actions that helped not only save herself but help us, said Fresno Police Sergeant Diana Vega. YourCentralValley.com will not be sharing the name of the business where the assault took place to protect the identity of the victim. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. The effects of the Arizona Supreme Court's abortion ruling are coming into focus. An arrest warrant is issued for a Kansas City Chiefs receiver after a high-speed car crash. And why China's long-flourishing middle class is losing confidence. Heres what to know today. How Arizona put itself in the center of 2024s biggest political fights Before the Arizona Supreme Courts ruling this week to uphold a 160-year-old near-total ban on abortion, the state was already critical in the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, as well as in races for seats in the closely divided House and Senate. In the background, fights over election procedures and immigration are still running hot. And shifting demographics in the state could offer insights on major trends in U.S. politics. Then came the abortion ruling Tuesday, which cemented Arizonas place at the center of politics in 2024. This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. When it comes to critical campaigns, the battle to replace retiring independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is being closely watched. Republican Kari Lake, who is running against Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, hopes to put an end to a streak of Democratic Senate victories in the state. A fourth straight win for Democrats would make it clear just how much the state has drifted from the GOP over the years. And who shows up to the polls on Election Day will also influence other races. Its likely that a proposed constitutional amendment to create a fundamental right to receive abortion care up to fetal viability (about the 24th week of pregnancy) will be on Arizonas ballot this fall. And after the state Supreme Courts decision, an influx of otherwise disengaged young voters could head to the polls. The Biden campaign is already at work to gain those voters support. Read the full story here. More abortion rights coverage: Chaos and confusion have ensued at Arizona abortion clinics. Trumps dizzying stances on abortion this week first embracing states rights and then distancing himself from a state-based outcome demonstrate the messaging impossibilities that lie ahead. Palestinians sift through rubble of Gazas Al-Shifa Hospital In the days since the Israel Defense Forces withdrew from southern Gaza, Palestinian crews have recovered the bodies of more than 400 people from Al-Shifa Hospital, the surrounding neighborhoods and the southern city of Khan Younis, a spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defense said. But the recovery at Gaza Citys Al-Shifa, once the pillar of the Gazan medical system, is especially grim. The smell of death, as a member of a health emergency committee in Gaza put it, permeated the charred ruins of the hospital. The World Health Organization said there were numerous shallow graves, with many bodies partially buried with their limbs visible. But personnel were determined to keep working to identify the corpses and bring closure to mourning families. Israeli forces have repeatedly pummeled hospitals in Gaza since the beginning of the war. The IDF has said Hamas operates command centers at hospitals, transports militants in ambulances and funnels hospital-bound fuel to military efforts, but Hamas and hospital staff members have denied the allegations. Ralph Yarl says getting over his shooting is an uphill battle Ralph Yarl. (Dominick Williams for NBC News) Random encounters make 17-year-old Ralph Yarl nervous these days. If someone approaches me with kindness, of course, Im going to be friendly with them, he said. But somewhere in his subconscious, theres always a part of me that says that person could potentially be dangerous. Yarl was shot in the head last April 13, when he went to the wrong house in Kansas City to pick up his two younger brothers. His shooting sparked protests around the country. Andrew Lester, who told police that he shot Yarl because he was scared, has pleaded not guilty, and his trial is scheduled to begin in October. In his first in-depth interview about how the shooting has affected him, Yarl said he struggles with a seesaw of emotions: anger, hope for the future, sadness and compassion. And family members say he has struggled to reckon with what happened to him. At times, he wants to disappear, his mother, Cleo Nagbe, said. Read the exclusive story here. Lawmakers blast inexcusable FAFSA rollout The Education Department faces a crisis of credibility, a critic said, amid the botched overhaul of the application process for college financial aid. Chaos surrounding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, has already resulted in severe lags that are expected to persist into next month. And theres growing bipartisan frustration on Capitol Hill. At a hearing yesterday of the House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development, GOP Rep. Brandon Williams of New York said, This rollout has been disastrous and, frankly, inexcusable. Meanwhile, two Democratic senators sent a letter to the contractor that oversaw the FAFSA refresh accusing the company of a near-total failure. The hearing also came a day after Education Department officials disclosed that at least 30% of FAFSA forms submitted so far this year could contain errors. Those forms are set to be reprocessed, the agency said, but a looming May 1 decision deadline for many colleges means that some financial aid offers might not reach students in time. Arrest warrant issued for Kansas City Chiefs Rashee Rice Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to the game in 2023. (Mike Carlson / Getty Images file) Police in Dallas said an arrest warrant has been issued for Rashee Rice, a Kansas City Chiefs receiver, in connection with a high-speed crash last month. Rice is accused of aggravated assault, collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision. Rice was driving a Lamborghini involved in the March 30 crash, his lawyer said. Rice said on social media after the crash that he takes full responsibility for my part in this matter. Police also announced an arrest warrant for another driver, Theodore Knox, who was speeding with Rice in their two vehicles and caused a chain reaction collision involving four other vehicles. Heres what else we know. Stranded sailors rescued from tiny Pacific island after making HELP sign with leaves The U.S. Coast Gurad, makes contact with three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia (U.S. Coast Guard) A sign calling for HELP made from palm tree leaves saved a crew of sailors who had been stranded on a tiny atoll in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week, after it was spotted from the air. The three men were found Tuesday evening on the minute Pikelot Atoll, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia. They had been surviving on coconuts. The trio used palm tree branches to make their desperate plea. They were rescued after coordination by the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in the region and the U.S Navy. Politics in Brief Trump trials: A New York appeals judge rejected Donald Trumps third legal challenge in three days to delay his impending hush money criminal trial. Congress: A band of far-right agitators revolted against Republican leaders by blocking renewal of a powerful surveillance program that is expected to expire next week. The move by 19 conservatives throws the GOP-led House into chaos once again. WikiLeaks: President Joe Biden said he is considering a request from Australia for the U.S. to end the prosecution of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. LGBTQ politics: A federal judge temporarily blocked a law in Florida that barred a transgender teacher from using pronouns that dont align with her birth sex, saying the law violates her First Amendment rights. Want more politics news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk to get exclusive reporting and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday evening. Subscribe here. Staff Pick: Why Chinas middle class is losing confidence Vika Chen in a cafe in Beijing, on March 28. (Fred Dufour / NBC News) After decades of breakneck growth, the Chinese economy is slowing down. That has brought an unfamiliar feeling of uncertainty to a massive middle class accustomed to continuous gains and raised questions about the social contract that has long kept the Chinese Communist Party in power. Jennifer Jett, Asia digital editor Select: Online Shopping, Simplified Each month, the Select team highlights their favorite new products of the month. From luxurious bedding, to a new line of pet products from Ikea and much more in between, here are the products that wowed them in April. Sign up to The Selection newsletter for exclusive reviews and shopping content from NBC Select. Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Ashland restaurant owner honored for charity in her home country. 'We can do a lot more' ASHLAND In Norah Zoummar's native Uganda, growing up as a girl often meant being denied basic access to education. "In Uganda, especially in the villages, girls are raised to be mothers," said Zoummar, co-owner of 33 All American Diner in the Market Street Plaza on Pond Street (Route 126), in a recent interview. "They teach you chores and how to cook, but they're not raising you to go to school most girls stop by the time they're 12." Zoummar's efforts to help Uganda children were recognized on March 29, when she was awarded a Black Excellence Award at the State House. The award is sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and is presented to Black residents throughout the state who make an outstanding positive impact on their community. Norah Zoummar, right, co-owner of 33 All American Diner in Ashland, poses with Gov. Maura Healey at the State House after being presented with a Black Excellence Award, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. A Ugandan singer, Zoummar raises money to support women and children in her home village of Namwendwa. Retro restaurants: Finding classic diner cars in MetroWest, Greater Milford Zoummar was nominated by state Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, D-Framingham, who praised Zoummar's efforts in bettering her community both in Ashland and in Uganda. "A common saying goes, Think globally, act locally," Lewis said. "Norah goes a step further, making tremendous contributions to both her local community in Ashland and her first home halfway across the globe in Namwendwa, Uganda. The work of Neshlyn Childrens Foundation fuels the dreams of Namwendwas youth and shows all of us here in Massachusetts the huge impact that we can have if we set our minds to it." Zoummar raises money to help underprivileged children in Uganda In Uganda, which borders Kenya to the west in Africa, Zoummar was fortunate to be raised by politicians. They were able to pay for her education, eventually sending her off to college in England. As an adult, Zoummar has worked to help fund education for children, especially girls, back in her home village in the Kumali district of Uganda. In 2023, Zoummar founded the Neshlyn Children's Foundation, which raises money to help underprivileged children in Uganda. Zoummar has a GoFundMe to help fund the construction of a school in her native village of Namwendwa. She admits that the $250,000 needed to fund the school is a lofty goal, but one worth pursuing to improve the lives of children in her native country. Peter and Norah Zoummar pose for a photo outside the 33 All American Diner in Ashland, which they own, April 3, 2024. Norah was recognized last week at the State House and received a Black Excellence Award, which is sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. A Ugandan singer, she raises money to support women's causes in her home village of Namwendwa. "I think about all this opportunity that I have there is no country that has opportunity like the United States," she said. "Everywhere I go, I see opportunity." She pointed out that while public education in the U.S. is free, in Uganda you have to pay for it. "We are not used to having nice things in Uganda, we are used to having everything secondhand because that is what we can afford," Zoummar said. "It only costs about $70 to send someone to school in my village, so I thought to myself if we can build a school, we can do a lot more than just send 20 or 30 students to school, which is what we are doing now." Zoummar donates all of her diner tips to suuport Ugandan children Zoummar, who lives in Milford, is best known in MetroWest as co-owner of 33 All-American Diner, which she operates alongside her husband, Peter. The diner opened in 2014 on Waverly Street in Framingham, but moved to Ashland two years later. "When we first opened, I couldn't even crack an egg," Peter Zoummar said. "It was all about learning on the go. I've always kind of wanted a restaurant, and so the opportunity came and I really went for it. I used to have an office job at State Street in Boston, (but) I'd never worked in a kitchen before." State Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis, D-Framingham, right, nominated Norah Zoummar for a Black Excellence Award for her work to support women and children in Uganda. The award is sponsored by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. 'Give back to my country': Ugandan proprietor of Sentie's Kitchen gains following with African barbecue dishes Norah Zoummar worked behind the register during the restaurant's early days. Still new to America, she struggled with the currency, but said she came to enjoy being able to meet and talk to new people. "I really love seeing the people," she said. "I love asking where they are from, and they ask where I am from and people are very fascinated," Zoummar said. "People are usually surprised I speak such good English, and I have to remind them that we speak English in Uganda." At the diner, all of Zoummar's tips are donated toward helping students in Uganda, and a percentage of all gift card purchases is dedicated to the Neshlyn Children's Foundation. Zoummar was shocked to learn that the work she was doing would be seen as noteworthy enough to win a Black Excellence Award. Norah Zoummar waits on a customer at her 33 All American Diner in Ashland, April 3, 2024. She donates all of her tips toward helping students in her native Uganda. "For me it is normal to help people," she said. "I want the people where I come from to have something, to have a brighter future, so I always thought about donating the tips that I make to helping those children, that has been normal. When they told me I was going to get this award, I was shocked that I would be recognized for doing this." Zoummar is also an accomplished recording artist, under the stage name Neshlyn, which was the impetus for her foundation's name. "I've been singing since I was a little kid, it was always something that I loved to do," she said. "I hope that it can help the people in my village, even if it is just a little bit." This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ashland diner owner donates to educate children in her native Uganda The wife of Julian Assange said President Bidens recent comments that his administration is considering dropping charges against her husband are a good sign. Stella Assange was encouraged by Bidens recent remarks regarding her husbands case, she said. Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, is currently being held in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison. It looks like things could be moving in the right direction, Stella Assange told BBC Radio 4s Today program. She added that Biden shouldve dropped the case on his first day in office. Stella Assanges remarks come after Biden was asked about the case during his meeting with Japans prime minister at the White House on Wednesday. Were considering it, Biden said. Assange, an Australian citizen, was indicted in 2019 on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeakss publication of classified U.S. documents. U.S. prosecutors have argued he encouraged and helped U.S. intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic files and cables, which Assanges platform published in 2010. The prosecutors said that put lives at risk. First Amendment advocates and press freedom groups have said that Assanges prosecution is a threat to free speech. Lots of people around the world have been saying for years that this case should be dropped, that it is a danger to press freedom, Stella Assange said. Australia argued there is a difference in the way Assange and Manning have been treated. Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Former President Obama commuted her sentence after she served seven years. Assange has been in jail since 2019. The United Kingdom delayed his extradition last month, saying the U.S. needs to guarantee the WikiLeaks founder will not face the death penalty. Stella Assange said her husbands health is deteriorating and that hes stressed, obviously, because he could be extradited to the U.S. to face 175 years in prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Association of Black Students is protesting an incident at St. Louis Washington University in which dining hall workers were subjected to racial slurs and egg-throwing. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on Mar. 21 at the campus Bears Den dining hall. Students reportedly climbed on tables, threw eggs throughout the dining hall, spit at each other and used racial slurs. Following an incident, the universitys Kappa Sigma Fraternity and Alpha Phi Sorority chapters have been temporarily suspended. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Student Life Newspaper (@studentlifenewspaper) According to the universitys Association of Black Students, the majority of the staff members in the dining hall that evening were people of color. The association demands that the two groups be banned from the school and that the students be expelled. Myself and other students, we talked to the dining workers, Taylor Robinson, the president of the Association of Black Students and a junior studying anthropology, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. They serve us food, they ask us how we are, and we care about what happened to them. We could not believe that it was true. A sit-in was organized at the dining hall on Friday. There need to be repercussions to show that this will not be tolerated, David Cook, the president of the local food workers union representing the workers, said. He added that university officials are investigating the incident. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ABS WUSTL (@abswashu) In a statement, Julie Flory, a spokesperson for the university, said the private college does not divulge details regarding any particular incident or investigation involving students at the school or other community members. We are working directly with our students and other members of our community to address their concerns, Flory said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. St. Louis Democratic state Sen. Karla May said she reached out to student advocates and campus leaders to ensure steps are being taken to address these overt acts of racism. The university needs to take action when things like this occur on campus, Robinson added. If they could do it to dining workers, who says they wouldnt do it to a Black student? Danielle Johnson stabbed her partner to death before pushing her two children from a moving car and then crashing it into a tree, according to the LAPD Ayoka/x Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson A 34-year-old woman, who worked as an astrology influencer, killed her partner, 8-month-old baby and herself after posting warnings about the "spiritual warfare" of the total solar eclipse, say police. On April 8, the same day as the eclipse, Danielle Johnson pushed her two children from a moving car on a busy Los Angeles-area freeway at around 4:30 a.m. local time, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Half an hour later. Johnson then drove her Porsche SUV at over 100mph and crashed into into a tree in the city of Redondo Beach. While her nine-year-old child "sustained moderate injuries from the fall and was transported to a local hospital, a press release from the LAPD added that her eight-month-old child sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at scene. Johnson did not survive the crash and was the sole occupant of the vehicle, the release added. Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Apartment block where Jaelen Chaney was found Earlier that day, Johnson is also believed to have fled her home with her children after stabbing her partner Jaelen Chaney, 29. On April 8, 2024, around 3:40 a.m., Chaney and Johnson became involved in a verbal altercation that escalated into Johnson becoming violent, stabbing Chaney, who succumbed to his injuries at scene, the release continued. A knife with biological evidence was later recovered from the scene. Prior to this, Johnson had called the impending eclipse the "epitome of spiritual warfare" in messages posted on X under the moniker Ayoka" reported the Associated Press, citing LAPD Lt. Guy Golan. Ayoka/x Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson Just days before the eclipse, Johnson tweeted on April 4, This eclipse is the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place. The world is very obviously changing right now and if you ever needed to pick a side, the time to do right in your life is now. Stay strong you got this, she added. Per the outlet, police are not considering the eclipse to be a contributing factor in the deaths because we just dont know why she did what she did, Golan said. 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. Chaney was discovered at around 7:35 a.m. after neighbors in the couples apartment building in Woodland Hills noticed their front door was open and went to check on their wellbeing. Investigators found tarot cards and black feathers in Johnsons apartment, according to the LA Times. PEOPLE has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department for additional information. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. An asylum seeker randomly murdered a pensioner and tried to kill a Christian housemate for the sake of Palestine eight days after the Oct 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, a court has heard. Ahmed Ali Alid, 45, had been living in a shared home in Hartlepool, County Durham, with three other asylum seekers at the time of the attack. Mr Alid tried to murder Javed Nouri as he slept because he regarded him as an apostate for converting from Islam to Christianity. After attacking Mr Nouri, he ran into the street in the early hours of Oct 15 and chanced upon 70-year-old Terence Carney, who was taking a dawn walk. Mr Carney saw the knife in Mr Alids hands and tried to evade him but was overpowered by the younger man, who stabbed him six times, Teesside Crown Court was told. Because of the conflict in Gaza Jonathan Sandiford, prosecuting, told the court: Mr Nouri was a Muslim who had converted to Christianity, and the defendant would therefore have regarded him as an apostate or murtad. When Alid was interviewed by the police, he initially thought that he had killed both Mr Nouri and Mr Carney. He said he had wanted to kill them because of the conflict in Gaza and to further his desire that Palestine would be free from the Zionists, by which he meant the state of Israel. He said he would have killed more people if he had been able to do so, had he not injured his hand in the act of stabbing Mr Nouri and Mr Carney. Mr Alid denies murdering Mr Carney, attempting to murder Mr Nouri and assaulting two female police officers who attempted to interview him after the alleged attacks. The trial continues. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Assessing the Upcoming Dividend and Historical Performance Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) recently announced a dividend of $0.55 per share, payable on 2024-05-15, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-04-12. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Abbott Laboratories's dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Abbott Laboratories Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Sign with ABT. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Abbott Laboratories manufactures and markets a diverse range of medical devices and healthcare products. Its portfolio includes cardiovascular and diabetes devices, adult and pediatric nutritional products, diagnostic equipment and testing kits, as well as branded generic drugs. Notable products encompass pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators, neuromodulation devices, coronary stents, catheters, infant formula, nutritional liquids for adults, continuous glucose monitors, and various diagnostic tools. With a global presence, Abbott Laboratories generates approximately 60% of its sales outside the United States, highlighting its international market strength. Abbott Laboratories's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Abbott Laboratories's Dividend History Abbott Laboratories has upheld a remarkable record of consistent dividend payment since 1972, distributing dividends quarterly. The company is distinguished as a dividend king, a prestigious title reserved for companies that have raised their dividend annually for at least 52 years. This achievement underscores Abbott Laboratories's commitment to delivering shareholder value over the long term. Below is a chart illustrating the annual Dividends Per Share to track historical trends. Abbott Laboratories's Dividend Analysis Breaking Down Abbott Laboratories's Dividend Yield and Growth Abbott Laboratories currently boasts a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.87% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 1.98%. This forward-looking metric indicates an anticipated increase in dividend payments over the next year. Over the past three years, Abbott Laboratories's annual dividend growth rate was a robust 12.30%, which further expands to 13.30% over a five-year period. The decade-long growth rate stands at an impressive 11.80%. With these figures in mind, the 5-year yield on cost for Abbott Laboratories stock is approximately 3.49% as of today. Story continues The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. Abbott Laboratories's dividend payout ratio is currently 0.49, which suggests a balanced approach between distributing earnings to shareholders and retaining funds for future growth and stability. Additionally, Abbott Laboratories's profitability rank is an impressive 9 out of 10, reflecting strong earnings potential relative to its peers. The company's consistent positive net income over the past decade further reinforces its financial health. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook Abbott Laboratories's growth rank of 9 out of 10 signals a positive growth trajectory compared to its competitors. Despite a strong revenue per share and a 3-year revenue growth rate of 5.80%, Abbott Laboratories's revenue expansion is slower than approximately 55.63% of global competitors. Nevertheless, the company's 3-year EPS growth rate is a promising 21.30% per year on average, although it lags behind approximately 34.89% of global peers. The 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 26.10% also indicates healthy growth, outpacing approximately 74.31% of competitors. Concluding Thoughts on Abbott Laboratories's Dividend Prospects In conclusion, Abbott Laboratories's upcoming dividend, historical dividend growth, moderate payout ratio, and strong profitability provide a compelling case for investors seeking stable and growing income streams. The company's robust financial health and growth metrics suggest that its dividend payments are sustainable and likely to continue on an upward trajectory. Investors interested in high-dividend yield stocks may consider using the GuruFocus High Dividend Yield Screener for further research and investment opportunities. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) There is a line attorneys in Nevada are told to steer clear of when determining if a conflict of interest could prevent them from performing their roles competently and diligently. Concerns were raised about that line being approached before Summerlins murder-suicide shooting that left three dead all with a family connection in some way on Monday. Richard Dreitzer, president-elect of the State Bar of Nevada and practicing Las Vegas civil attorney, said he tries to stay far back from the line when accepting work where his emotional attachment may convolute judgment. In family court especially, he says those emotions run high. Youre dealing with the outcome of a case determining whether someone gets to see their child and under what circumstances. Thats obviously the most, you know, emotional thing you could possibly imagine, Dreitzer said inside the 8 News Now studios. Mother was concerned about safety before Las Vegas law office shooting, documents reveal But, emotions were already running high between Ashley Prince and Dylan Houston, a divorced pair that share two young children together and were amid a custody dispute for their two young children. Dylans father and attorney in this case, 77-year-old Joseph Houston II, shot and killed Ashley and her husband, who was also her attorney in this case, Dennis Prince. The case spans prior to 2024. Court documents indicate Joe brought forth a motion in previous months to disqualify Dennis from representing his new wife, Ashley. The specific reason why is sealed, as is the presiding judges reason. While no documentation showed Dennis attempting to remove Joe from his position in this case, divorce documents between Ashley and Dylan indicate he was barred from being present when the duo exchanged children. The order further stated the exchange must happen at a police station when school was not in session. Though Dreitzer declined to comment on whether he considered there to be a conflict of interest in this case, he acknowledges no Nevada law or state-bar policy prevents an attorney from taking on a case due to an identified conflict of interests. The attorneys are the ones determining if there is a conflict. Woman shot, killed by ex-father-in-law during deposition in Las Vegas law office filed for sole custody morning of shooting: sources Its always a case-by-case determination that you make, Dreitzer said. The attorneys determining that themselves? Theres no outside person or entity deciding that? 8 News Now asked, to which the president-elect confirmed. On the day of the shooting, court documents show Ashley filed an emergency motion for sole custody of their children who was once split between the two. This was preceded by accusations in divorce documents that Dylan used cocaine and alcohol while in custody of their children. Documents further state Dylan was eventually ordered to submit to alcohol testing four times a day while he was watching his children. This happening during a custody dispute made the situation all the more contentious when a judge allowed the family to stay on the case involving family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Austria chancellor sees talks with Russia as prerequisite for peace in Ukraine Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer is convinced that Russia needs to be brought to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. Source: Spiegel with reference to Nehammer in an interview with Zeit, as reported by European Pravda Details: Nehammer noted that the war in Ukraine can only be ended through dialogue with Russia. Therefore talks with it are inevitable. "There can be no peace without Russia," Nehammer emphasised. The chancellor also expressed concern that the war could become more extensive and uncontrollable. "At first, there was talk of providing ammunition and weapons for defence. Then many taboos suddenly ceased to be taboos. So tanks are being sent and now even fighter jets," he added. Nehammer said finding ways to communicate with each other again would be necessary after the war. However, he also mentioned that the Ukrainian people should also support such peace. "Ukraine has been invaded, which means that it [talks with Russia] can only work with the participation of Ukraine," Nehammer pointed out. Background: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia would not attend the Peace Summit inauguration in Switzerland in June. However, some "continents' representatives" will convey specific "peace plan" details to Moscow. On 10 April, the Swiss government reported that it would host a two-day high-level conference on the settlement of the war in Ukraine known as the Peace Summit in mid-June. Russia claimed it would not participate in the talks in Switzerland, stating that the "Peace Formula" is non-viable and does not consider Russian interests. Support UP or become our patron! A three-story beachfront home still leans on two neighboring houses after a severe nighttime storm destroyed it in January, according to a new lawsuit. The owners of the home, valued at more than $1 million, have left the structure intruding on two of their neighbors houses and wont tear it down in Panama City Beach, Florida, a complaint filed April 3 says. Neighbors Gene P. Stienecker and William Lawrence III are unable to live in their homes or fix the extensive damage the other property has caused, according to the complaint. The storm that swept through Panama City and brought a tornado Jan. 9 caused the house to fall onto Stieneckers home and pushed part of it into Lawrences home, according to the complaint and photos provided to McClatchy News. The plaintiffs and defendants homes. Attorney Rebecca Gilliland The homeowners, James Sturgeon and Yik Chun Wu, sought to demolish the structure but stopped a demolition scheduled for March 4 from happening, the complaint says. When Stienecker and Lawrence arrived for the demolition that day, they were ambushed with a demand that they agree to waive all liability relating to the demolition work or demolition would not proceed, according to the complaint, which says they both denied the demand. The leaning home remains resting in the same position. Sturgeon and Wu believe they arent required to remove it under Florida law, the complaint says. This is the second time the Sturgeon-Wu home has fallen and damaged Stienecker and Lawrences homes, according to the complaint. The neighbors are suing Sturgeon and Wu seeking an injunction that will require them to remove their home and want monetary damages to be decided by a jury, the complaint shows. They expect the damages to be more than $2 million. Stienecker and Lawrence have done all they can to try to get this property removed so they can get on with their lives while trying to protect themselves in the event additional damages occur in this process, their attorney Rebecca Gilliland, of Beasley Allen Law Firm, told McClatchy News on April 11. Information regarding Sturgeon and Wus legal representation wasnt immediately available April 11. McClatchy News attempted to reach Sturgeon for comment April 11 and was unable to reach Wu. The first time the house fell during bad weather Sturgeon and Wu have owned the Panama City Beach property since 2014, Bay County records show. Both homeowners live in Georgia, the complaint says. Construction on their home began April 4, 2018, according to the complaint. Months later, Hurricane Michael caused the property to tip over and fall, damaging Stienecker and Lawrences homes in October 2018, the complaint says. Sturgeon and Wus home after Hurricane Michael in October 2018, according to the lawsuit. Complaint The home has caused repeated and ongoing damage to plaintiffs properties, the complaint states. Homes are uninhabitable With the Sturgeon-Wu property still leaning, it has caused ongoing stresscreating a nuisance and life/safety concerns, the complaint says. The Bay County Building Department has deemed all three homes uninhabitable, and the Bay County Code Enforcement considers Stienecker and Lawrences homes to be unfit/unsafe, according to the complaint. County spokeswoman Valerie Sale confirmed to McClatchy News on April 11 that the properties were deemed unsafe/unfit immediately after the storm. Photos from Jan. 9, 2024. Bay County According to the suit, the Bay County Code Enforcement filed a complaint related to Stienecker and Lawrences properties. As a result, the county could levy fines against their homes or seek to have it demolished, the complaint says. When asked about this, the county declined to comment further on the litigation, according to Sale. Gilliland told McClatchy News the lawsuit is simply an attempt to try to get this matter resolved and hold (Sturgeon and Wu) responsible for the damage caused by their fallen structure. Toddler was able to start defective Tesla and crashed into pregnant mom, lawsuit says Neighbor calls 11-year-old with autism a nuisance in lawsuit. Mom is suing her back SWAT team invaded scared womans home, found no evidence, suit says. She wins $3.76M As a large bear was spotted roaming around Burbank, security video captured the moment the bear enjoyed a refreshing dip in a pool. As bears emerge out of hibernation for the spring season, sightings have increased as the search for food begins. On Tuesday, video captured the bear roaming the front yard of a Burbank home before strolling to the backyard and dipping its paws into the cool water. Hes a pretty big bear, said Argishti Martirosyan, the homeowner. Hes huge, obviously its a scary sight to see. Martirosyan has lived in his home for over 20 years and said this was the first close encounter with a bear hes had on the property. We see him coming in, strolling in this way, he recalled. Comes in by the pool, takes a little dip, goes to scratch his back on the palm tree, spends about five minutes or so and strolls away like nothing happened. A large bear seen roaming around a backyard pool in Burbank on April 9, 2024. (Argishti Martirosyan) A large bear dips its paws into a backyard pool in Burbank on April 9, 2024. (Argishti Martirosyan) The bear seen roaming the front yard of a Burbank home. (Argishti Martirosyan) A bear scratches itself on a palm tree in a Burbank backyard on April 9, 2024. (Argishti Martirosyan) The bear seen roaming around Burbank neighborhood streets at night on April 7, 2024. (Argishti Martirosyan) A large bear seen roaming around a backyard pool in Burbank on April 9, 2024. (Argishti Martirosyan) The bear was first spotted early Sunday morning, cruising the neighborhood at around 2 a.m. At one point, the bear was seen searching through Martirosyans garbage bins. I see the footage of him just kneeling down, going through the entire trash, Martirosyan said. He spends about 15 minutes or so just eating up all the trash we had thrown away. Bear sightings are common in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains which are located just above Burbank. Over the last several years, bear encounters and sightings have increased, with home surveillance cameras capturing an array of bruins soaking in hot tubs, splashing in pools, resting on patio furniture and roaming around backyards. With an estimated 40,000 bears emerging out of hibernation in California, residents who live in bear territory are preparing for the possibility of running into a hungry animal rummaging for food. Although many locals understand certain areas are known for wildlife, Martirosyan has a young family and worries for their safety. I have two kids a newborn and a 3-year-old, Martirosyan said. He said he reported the bear sighting to fish and wildlife officials and will be taking extra measures to protect his family. Im going to keep [my children] inside for a while, he said. Well get bear repellant spray and hopefully that helps to repel them away from the area at least. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Bellefontes leaders have stayed mostly silent about why nearly one-third of its police department resigned since February, but transparency law experts said the borough is likely taking the correct approach. State law requires little information about police personnel records be made publicly available, a handful of experts told the Centre Daily Times, and disclosure could constitute a civil rights violation that could subject the borough to significant financial liability. Performance reviews, disciplinary records or the reasons for demotion or discharge are expressly exempt from public disclosure under the states Right-to-Know Law. As Melissa Melewsky media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, of which the CDT is a member put it, the law is not helpful to the publics ability to understand why police officers left employment and whether their departure involved disciplinary issues. Three experts told the CDT the borough likely has discretion to release such records if deemed in the public interest, but Harrisburg-based attorney Josh Bonn wrote in practice, I have never seen an agency disclose these types of records. Between competing privacy concerns for police officers, state law and previous rulings from Pennsylvanias highest court, obtaining police personnel records is an uphill battle. Its often in a municipalitys best interest to limit what they say publicly. The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law is not a confidentiality statute in that it doesnt prevent agencies from from disclosing information at all. It just allows agencies to withhold certain information, Lancaster County-based attorney J. Chadwick Schnee said. However, what youre talking about is personnel matters here. It does potentially expose the agency to some liability if they were to release information related to personnel terminations or potential discipline. ... While the agency could potentially release some information here, it very likely is good advice not to release anything based on potentially liability that could occur. Three Bellefonte police officers resigned since February, including the departments top cop and one that was facing termination if he did not voluntarily leave. Officer Jason Brower was slated to be potentially fired during a borough council meeting in March, but resigned hours beforehand. Officer Matthew Pollock resigned in February and Chief Shawn Weaver resigned earlier this month. When asked last month if Browers resignation stemmed from something criminal in nature, Weaver said it did not. Part of a Right-to-Know request for records related to Pollocks resignation was denied by the borough in part due to records that relate to a criminal investigation; the nature and extent of that investigation is not known. Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna deferred to state police at Rockview when asked last month if his office is investigating any allegations made against either officer. A message left with the department has not been returned. We wont comment on matters that are under investigation unless there is a public issue that needs to be addressed, Cantorna wrote in a text message to the CDT. There were no separation or severance agreements with any of the three officers, Assistant Borough Manager Don Holderman wrote Monday in an email to the CDT. Each officer received the same considerations afforded any other officer received in the past that resigned from Borough employment, he wrote. Paula Knudsen Burke, an attorney for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, wrote in an email that its virtually impossible to know what/why the separation occurred if an officer voluntarily resigns and there is no separation agreement. A state law passed in 2020 after the police murder of George Floyd created a database of police personnel records and required every law enforcement agency in the state to use it, but it has been riddled with loopholes. The law does not include any enforcement measures if departments fail to comply and does not require agencies to upload records if an officer receives a warning or a suspension and keeps their job. And the database is not publicly accessible, making it difficult for Pennsylvanians to better understand its ability to flag officers with histories of misconduct. Democratic state lawmakers introduced a bill last year that would increase the transparency of the database, as well as strengthen reporting requirements. The bill which was removed from the voting calendar has the support of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which said it would ensure that this vital database provides Pennsylvania communities with the kind of transparency, accountability, and compliance they deserve from law enforcement. While an important first step forward, a loophole in the 2020 law made it difficult to meaningfully prevent problematic police officers from being passed from department to department, with no way for those agencies to access or even know about an officers previous record(s) of misconduct before being hired, the human rights organization wrote on its website. Despite the exodus of officers, it does not appear the boroughs leaders are giving serious consideration to disbanding its police department in favor of state police coverage, which sometimes happens in smaller municipalities across the commonwealth. Council President Kent Bernier, a former state trooper, told the CDT last month that the borough is in the process of testing and hiring additional police officers. Councils next meeting is scheduled for Monday and while an agenda was not posted as of Wednesday one expert encouraged the boroughs leaders to be as forthcoming as possible. I think its always important that an agency when dealing with its constituents is as transparent as it legally is allowed to be, Schnee said. If there are legitimate questions here that the public has about these personnel changes, its important for the agency to be as upfront as it possibly can so that those questions are answered. Digital sites hosting content deemed harmful to minors a term that applies to pornography producers and distributors will soon be required to verify Kentucky users ages thanks to a bill signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear. House Bill 278 began as a noncontroversial child protection bill to toughen laws around sex crimes, child sexual abuse and trafficking, that sailed through the House of Representatives with a unanimous vote in February. But amid the bill-passing frenzy of the second-to-last night before the 10-day veto recess began in late March, the Senate gave its approval to a floor amendment from Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, adding several pages language about the corroding influence of porn and requirements for age verification. Much of the language in Williams amendment mirrored that of two bills filed earlier during the General Assembly House Bill 241 from Rep. Shane Baker, R-Somerset, and Senate Bill 276 from Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield that failed to advance. Tichenor withdrew her bill in mid-March, and Bakers never got a committee assignment. Rep. Shane Baker, R-Somerset, and Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, both filed bills during the 2024 General Assembly that would have required Kentucky users provide proof of age before accessing adult websites. Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, said on the Senate floor that Williams change raised concerns about the First Amendment and consumer privacy. I want to get to the exact same place that the sponsor ... wants to get to, but this is not constitutionally or privacy policy sound, and I cant support it. The Senate went on to unanimously pass the bill with Williams amendment attached on March 27, and the House agreed with the changes the next day. Beshear signed the bill in law Friday. The bill does not contain an emergency clause, so it will go into effect 90 days after the General Assembly adjourns on April 15, giving it a mid-July start date. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. How do porn companies react? In other states, major porn websites have chosen to block access to users rather than comply with these laws, citing risks to user privacy and safety. Pornhub announced last summer it was blocking access to users in Mississippi and Virginia for that reason. Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, told the Herald-Leader it supports verifying user ages for years, but any law to this effect must preserve user safety and privacy. Unfortunately, the way many jurisdictions worldwide have chosen to implement age verification is ineffective, haphazard and dangerous, Aylo said in a statement. Any regulations that require hundreds of thousands of adult sites to collect significant amounts of highly sensitive personal information is putting user safety in jeopardy. Louisiana implemented a similar law in 2023. Since it took effect, Pornhub traffic has fallen by about 80% as it complied with the law, the Aylo statement said. These people did not stop looking for porn, Aylo said. They just migrated to darker corners of the internet that dont ask users to verify age, that dont follow the law, that dont take user safety seriously and that often dont even moderate content. In practice, the laws have just made the internet more dangerous for adults and children. Aylo argues the best way to verify user ages is on the device. The technology to accomplish this exists today, the company wrote. What is required is the political and social will to make it happen. We are eager to be part of this solution and are happy to collaborate with government, civil society and tech partners to arrive at an effective device-based age verification solution. The Free Speech Coalition, the trade association for the adult industry, has previously told the Herald-Leader bills like this effectively remove anonymity from the internet and expose millions of everyday citizens to the threat of hacking, identity theft and government surveillance. There are more effective solutions that dont require government censorship or put internet users at risk, Mike Stabile, director of public affairs for the coalition, wrote in an email to the Herald-Leader. What does the bill require? Age verification as mandated by the bill is not as simple as the user checking a box to say theyre 18 or older. Sites would need to collect proof of the users age through one of the approved list of documents outlined in the bill, including state or federal government-issued IDs, or commercially reasonable method of identification that relies on public or private transactional data. The law will apply to websites that create, host, or make available content that meets the definition of matter harmful to minors if more than one-third of the material on the site is deemed harmful. That harmful content includes matter designed to appeal to, or pander to, the prurient interest. The U.S. Supreme Court has held content appealing to prurient interest is material having a tendency to excite lustful thoughts, and defined it as a shameful or morbid interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. HB 278 lists a number of body parts and sex acts that it deems as harmful if found to be lacking in serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value for minors. The law will also allow parents of guardians of Kentucky minors who access this content to sue for $10,000 in damages for each violation, as well as attorneys fees and court costs. Additionally, websites that retain users identifying information for more than 24 hours after verifying their ages are liable for damages of $1,000 per day, in addition to court costs and attorneys fees. The Biden administration on Thursday announced that it is moving to close the so-called gun-show loophole in which people selling guns online, at shows, and other informal venues have been able to do so without conducting background checks on their customers. The Justice Department said it has submitted a final rule to the federal register that will clarify what it means to be engaged in the business of selling guns, meaning those who arent operating at brick-and-mortar stores will need to obtain federal licenses and perform background checks. Where Mass Murderers Weapons of Choice Are Sold With a Smile Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, Reuters reports. If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks. Once published, the rule will go into effect in 30 days. The Biden administration had first proposed the rule in August following the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022 following mass shootings at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, and an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Ive spent hours with families whove lost loved ones to gun violence. They all have the same message: Do something, President Joe Biden said in a statement. Today, my Administration is taking action to make sure fewer guns are sold without background checks. This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons. And my Administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. 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. (Bloomberg) -- The Biden administration is issuing a rule designed to close a gap that allows gun buyers to avoid background checks, in what officials are touting as one of the most significant steps to crack down on unlicensed dealers in decades. Most Read from Bloomberg The Justice Department move targets the so-called gun-show loophole by expanding the definition of who must obtain a license to engage in firearm sales. The regulation specifically singles out sellers online and at gun shows where background checks are often not conducted. More than 20,000 individuals engaged in unlicensed dealings could be affected by the changes, according to a White House official, who previewed the actions to reporters on condition of anonymity. The final rule still awaits publication in the Federal Register, but will go into effect 30 days after. It was signed by Attorney General Merrick Garland and submitted on Tuesday. All gun dealers now must conduct background checks no matter where or how they sell their merchandise, Vice President Kamala Harris said. She added that the White House would continue to urge Congress to ban assault weapons and pass legislation that encourages states to adopt red flag laws, which empower family members or law enforcement to ask courts to block people who have exhibited violent behavior from owning guns. A Justice Department official said the rule does not equate with universal background checks, which would extend to individuals who sell guns from a private collection or as a hobby. The guidance also clarifies how dealers can handle their firearm inventory after a business closes. The department says its action aligns with the text of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act a major gun-safety law passed by Congress in 2022 which broadened the classification of those engaged in the business of firearms dealing. An executive order signed by President Joe Biden last year charged agencies with fast-tracking implementation of the law. Republicans, though, say the administration is misapplying the law. GOP Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who both helped craft the law, plan to introduce a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act to block the rule. Natalie Yezbick, Cornyns communications director, described the administrations move as unconstitutional. The 2022 law marked the first major federal gun-control measure in three decades, but Bidens calls for further legislative action, including banning assault weapons and instituting universal background checks, have little chance with Republicans controlling the US House. The president has seized on the issue of gun violence to contrast himself with former President Donald Trump and Republicans, urging voters to send more members to Congress who will back tougher gun control. In his State of the Union address in March, Biden touted his administrations efforts to address gun crime, including establishing the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Meanwhile, my predecessor told the NRA hes proud he did nothing on guns when he was president. After another school shooting in Iowa, he said we should just get over it. I say we must stop it, Biden said. An assessment by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that 40% of investigations into firearms trafficking identified unlicensed dealers as the source of the guns. A majority of the recipients of trafficked firearms, 60%, were found to be previously convicted felons, according to ATF Director Steven Dettelbach. If you illegally help to arm violent people, then you too are responsible for the violence that follows, Dettelbach said. Last year, federal prosecutions against illegal firearm sales without a license increased 52% from 2021 levels. Michael Bloomberg, founder and majority owner of Bloomberg News parent Bloomberg LP, helped found and is a current supporter of Everytown for Gun Safety, which advocates gun-safety measures. (Updates with details, Republican response in paragraphs 7-8) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he is considering a request from Australia to drop the decade-long US push to prosecute Wikileaks founder Julian Assange for publishing a trove of American classified documents. Australia has consistently called on the US to drop its years-long prosecution against Assange, an Australian citizen who has fought US extradition efforts from prison in the UK. Asked about the request on Wednesday, as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for an official visit, Biden said: "Were considering it". Assange has been indicted on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over his websites publication of a trove of classified US documents almost 15 years ago. American prosecutors allege that the 52-year-old encouraged and helped US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal diplomatic cables and military files that were subsequently published on WikiLeaks, putting lives at risk. Australia argues there is a disconnect between the US treatment of Assange and Manning, who was convicted for her part in the explosive Wikileaks incident. Then-US President Barack Obama commuted Manning's 35-year sentence to seven years, which allowed her release in 2017. Assange's supporters say he is a journalist protected by the First Amendment who exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan that was in the public interest. Assanges wife, Stella Assange, has said the WikiLeaks founder "is being persecuted because he exposed the true cost of war in human lives". She has said his health continues to deteriorate in prison and she fears he'll die behind bars. Assange has 'already paid a significant price' Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese said Biden's comment on Assange was encouraging. "I have said that we have raised, on behalf of Mr Assange, Australias national interests that enough is enough and this needs to be brought to a conclusion and weve raised it at each level of government in every possible way," Albanese told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "Mr Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough. Theres nothing to be gained by Mr Assanges continued incarceration in my very strong view and Ive put that as the view of the Australian government," he added. WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson, responding to Biden's comments, said in a statement that "it is not too late for President Biden to stop Julians extradition to the US, which was a politically motivated act by his predecessor. "By dropping the charges against Julian he will be protecting freedom of expression and the rights of journalists and publishers globally," she said. "We urge him to end this legal process; to free Julian; and to recognise that journalism is not a crime". A British court ruled last month that Assange cannot be extradited to the US on espionage charges unless US authorities guarantee he will not face the death penalty. The Biden administration's Department of Justice sided with a Native American tribe in claiming a massive underground pipeline carrying fuel from Wisconsin to Canada is trespassing on tribal lands. In an amicus brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, DOJ lawyers agreed with the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians in arguing that Enbridge Energy Company, is "liable for trespass" due to its operation of Line 5, a pipeline that moves millions of gallons of crude oil and natural gas liquids each day between Superior, Wisconsin and Sarnia, Ontario, Roughly 12 miles of Line 5 cross into the Reservation of the Bad River Band in northern Wisconsin, and the pipeline was constructed along "rights-of-way" obtained by the Department of Interior in the 1950s and renewed multiple times over the following decades. Enbridges rights-of-way for 12 parcels of land that are at the center of the lawsuit expired in 2013, and the tribe did not consent to their renewal. After the tribe sued in 2019, the Department of Interior denied the energy companys request for renewal in 2020. "Since Enbridge has not obtained renewed rights-of-way, it lacks any legal right to remain on those lands and thus is in trespass," the brief says. A lower court, the Western District of Wisconsin, "correctly rejected Enbridges arguments that the Administrative Procedure Act or the 1992 agreement authorizes it to remain on these lands," Biden administration lawyers wrote. BIDEN ADMIN OKS MAJOR PACIFIC NORTHWEST GAS PIPELINE IN BLOW TO ENVIRONMENTALISTS, DEMS The Enbridge oil refinery in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. The Justice Department added that the district court did not properly consider "the potential removal or rerouting of an active international pipeline that falls under a treaty between the United States and Canada regarding transit pipelines." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Under the Pipeline Safety Act, "Congress directed the Department of Transportation to adopt and enforce nationwide safety standards for pipeline transportation and facilities, including standards to prevent and mitigate potential environmental damage pipeline operators may cause," the brief says. The DOJ argues the appeals court should reevaluate Judge William Conley's decision to close the pipeline by 2026. Enbridge Inc., a multinational pipeline company headquartered in Calgary, seen on Jan. 25, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. "The United States also has a strong interest in ensuring that courts properly consider whether injunctive orders affecting the operation of Line 5 may risk exposing the United States to claims that it has violated its obligations under the Transit Pipeline Treaty and that seek potentially substantial monetary damages, and may affect the United States trade and diplomatic relations with Canada in addition to considering the implications of the Bands treaty rights," the brief says. THE BIGGEST CORPORATE WELFARE SCAM EVER IS GREEN The Biden administration supported a total restitution award of roughly $5 million "for a nearly ten-year trespass while in the same period Enbridge earned well over $1 billion in net profit from Line 5." "The intricacy of the equitable factors associated with injunctive relief in this unique case make it all the more important that the courts monetary award adequately serves the goals of restitution," the brief says. The Enbridge Terminal and Pipelines next to the Suncor Energy Refinery, on August 23, 2023, in Sherwood Park, Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada. "We are grateful the US urged the court not to let Enbridge profit from its unlawful trespass. But we are disappointed that the US has not unequivocally called for an immediate end to Enbridges ongoing trespass, as justice and the law demand," Bad River Band Chair Robert Blanchard said in a statement. "Enbridge should be required to promptly leave our Reservation, just like other companies that have trespassed on tribal land. We are hopeful that the appeals court will put an end to Enbridges shameful decade of trespass and not condone its exploitation of our land and sovereign rights." "Shutting down Line 5 before relocating the pipeline outside the Reservation would violate the 1977 Transit Pipeline Treaty between the U.S. and Canada. The Government of Canada has made its position clear," a spokesperson for Enbridge told The Hill. "Such a shutdown is not in the public interest as it would negatively impact businesses, communities and millions of individuals who depend on Line 5 for energy in both the U.S. and Canada." Original article source: Biden DOJ sides with Native American tribe in court filing ripping Canadian pipeline as trespassing President Joe Biden, center, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., left, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pose before a trilateral meeting in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Thursday, April 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) WASHINGTON (AP) President Joe Biden said Thursday that U.S. defense commitment to Pacific allies was ironclad as he gathered Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in the midst of growing concern about provocative Chinese military action in the Indo-Pacific. The U.S. and the Philippines have had a mutual treaty in place for more than 70 years. Biden's forceful reinforcement of the American commitment comes in the midst of persistent skirmishes between the Philippine and Chinese coast guards in the disputed South China Sea. The United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are ironclad. Theyre ironclad," Biden said as he began three-way talks at the White House with Kishida and Marcos. "As I said before, any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty. Relations between China and the Philippines have been repeatedly tested by confrontations involving the two nations coast guard vessels in the disputed South China Sea. Chinese coast guard ships also regularly approach disputed Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands near Taiwan. The so-called gray-zone harassment by China has included shining military-grade lasers at the Philippine Coast Guard, firing water cannons at vessels and ramming into Philippine ships near the Second Thomas Shoal, which both Manila and Beijing claim. In 1999, Manila intentionally ran a World War IIera ship aground on the shoal, establishing a permanent military presence there. Biden, in a wide-ranging phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, raised concerns about Chinas operations in the South China Sea, including efforts to impede the Philippines from resupplying its forces on the Second Thomas Shoal. Chinese officials have bristled at criticism over their action in the South China Sea and blamed the U.S. for exacerbating tensions. No one should violate Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and China remains steadfast in safeguarding our lawful rights, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Thursday. The White House billed the first-ever trilateral summit with Japan and the Philippines as a potent response to Chinas attempts at intimidation and said it would send a message that China is the outlier in the neighborhood, according to an administration official. The White House said in a statement that Biden and Marcos during the talks underscored their commitment to international law in the South China Sea" and reaffirmed their countries' treaty obligations to defend each other. The leaders also announced joint patrols in the Indo-Pacific this year, a follow-up on law enforcement drills carried out last year by the allies in waters near the South China Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard will welcome Philippine and Japanese coast guard members onto a U.S. Coast Guard vessel during the patrol for training, according to White House. The summit followed Biden's one-on-one talks and glitzy state dinner Wednesday at the White House for the Japanese premier, a diplomatic honor meant to recognize Tokyo's growing clout on the global stage. White House officials said they were aiming to send a clear signal that the Democratic administration remains determined to build what it calls a latticework of alliances in the Indo-Pacific even as it grapples with the Israel-Hamas war and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Biden also hosted Marcos for a private meeting at the White House ahead of the three-way talks. "Todays summit is an opportunity to define the future that we want, and how we intend to achieve it together," Marcos said. Biden also announced that the three nations were launching a a new economic corridor in the Philippines as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment that would help develop clean energy, port, agriculture and other projects in the country. Biden said the leaders were forging a new era and predicted a great deal of history in our world will be written in the Indo-Pacific in the coming years. The United States, the United Kingdom and Japan on Wednesday announced joint military exercises in the Indo-Pacific in 2025. That followed the Pentagon revealing earlier this week that the U.S., the U.K. and Australia were considering including Japan in the AUKUS partnership, a grouping launched in 2021 that aims to equip Australia with nuclear-powered and conventionally armed submarines. Kishida visited Capitol Hill on Thursday for an address to U.S. lawmakers that focused on the need to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Japan at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific and skepticism in Congress about U.S. involvement abroad. He offered concern about the undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be. Biden has made improving relations with the Philippines a priority since Marcos became the country's president in June 2022. The relationship has had ups and downs over the years and was in a difficult place when Marcos took office. Human rights groups said Marcos predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs resulted in thousands of extrajudicial killings. Marcos, the son and namesake of the countrys former dictator, said as a candidate he would look to pursue closer ties with China. But he has increasingly drifted toward Washington amid concerns about Chinas coercive action. Biden hosted him for talks at the White House last year, the first Washington visit by a Philippine president in more than a decade. Biden also met him on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly soon after Marcos took office, and dispatched Vice President Kamala Harris to Manila in 2022 to meet him. Last year, the Philippines agreed to give the U.S. access to four more bases on the islands. ___ Associated Press writers Darlene Superville and Didi Tang contributed to this report. President Biden's administration is preparing to enforce a new rule that would greatly expand the number of people who sell firearms who are required to carry out background checks on buyers The administration rule would apply to thousands of dealers who make sales at gun shows and other venues outside traditional gun stores. "This is going to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and felons," Biden said in a statement. "And my administration is going to continue to do everything we possibly can to save lives. Congress needs to finish the job and pass universal background checks legislation now." Attorney General Merrick Garland offered details on the new rule on Wednesday. He said anyone who sells a firearm predominantly for profit must be federally registered and conduct a background check on the customer. GUN RIGHTS IN BATTLEGROUND STATE TAKE CENTER STAGE AHEAD OF 2024: SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED' President Biden's administration is preparing to enforce a new rule that would greatly expand the number of firearms dealers who are required to carry out background checks on customers. The administration predicts that the rule will force some 20,000 firearms dealers to start conducting background checks, on top of the 80,000 federally-registered dealers that were already doing so. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP While Biden's administration says it is confident the rule is legal, it is nevertheless a prime target for legal challenges by gun rights groups. As of Thursday morning, however, no legal challenges had been filed. "This final rule does not infringe on anyones Second Amendment rights, and it will not negatively impact the many law-abiding licensed firearms dealers in our nation," Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Director Steve Dettelbach said in a statement. "They are already playing by the rules." TRUMP LASHES OUT AT FORMER VP PENCE WHO CRITICIZED HIS LUKEWARM ABORTION STATEMENT Republicans in Congress are already moving to block biden's rule. Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., plan to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act, seeking to overturn the "unconstitutional" rule, a Cornyn spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The spokesperson says other Senate Republicans have signed on to the move as well. The rule comes roughly a month after Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, introduced legislation aimed at protecting gun dealers from Biden's "gun-grabbing agenda." ABORTION ADVOCATES IN MI LOBBY FOR ENDING PARENTAL CONSENT FOR MINORS, SAY LAW HAS NO BENEFIT TO THE CHILD The bill, introduced in late February, would "provide firearm licensees an opportunity to correct statutory and regulatory violations, and for other purposes," and says the "Attorney General may not bring an enforcement action to revoke, or deny a renewal of, a license for a violation of any provision of this chapter or any implementing regulation thereof on the basis of a self-reported violation." The rule comes roughly a month after Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst introduced legislation aimed at protecting gun dealers from Biden's "gun-grabbing agenda." Ernst said the bill aims to ensure the government works with gun dealers to comply with the law rather than shut them down. "For years, the Biden administration has cracked down on law-abiding gun dealers to advance its gun-grabbing agenda, even preventing small businesses from making a living. Rather than helping dealers comply with the law, Bidens ATF has created more hurdles to legally sell guns, so it can turn around and revoke licenses for inconsequential, so-called violations. While Joe Bidens ATF has avoided critical oversight on its FFL abuse for over a year, I am proud to stand up for law-abiding Iowa gun dealers." The Associated Press contributed to this report Original article source: Biden moves to require more gun sellers to run background checks President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House Joe Biden must warn Iran that the US will join a devastating response if Israel is attacked, Republicans have said. The US president is under pressure to provide a public security guarantee to Israel, the day after he said Americas commitment to the country was iron-clad. Ayatollah Khamenei, the Iranian Supreme Leader, has threatened to attack Israel directly in response to a suspected Israeli strike on an embassy building in Damascus earlier this month. US officials believe the strike is imminent, and Israel has pledged to respond in kind. Tom Cotton, a Republican senator from Arkansas, said: Israel is under threat of imminent attack by Iran. President Biden needs to warn the ayatollahs immediately that the United States will back Israel to the hilt and the joint American-Israeli retaliation for any attack will be swift and devastating. Marco Rubio, who is the vice-chair of the Senates Intelligence Committee, said that Irans threats to attack Israeli soil had created the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973. Follow the latest updates below 05:08 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for tuning in to todays live blog. Well be back tomorrow to bring you all the latest from the Israel-Hamas war. Key moments from today: Iran has accused the UN of forcing its hand over plans to attack Israel. Washington has privately urged its allies to put pressure on Iran to hold back from attacking Israel, as tensions in the Middle East risk boiling over into a regional conflict, an inside source told the Financial Times. Hamas keeps walking away from a deal that would secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli prime ministers office said with negotiations at an impasse. Irans threat to attack Israel has brought tensions in the Middle East to their most dangerous point in half a century, Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, has said. Rishi Sunak has branded Irans threats against Israel unacceptable amid concerns of an imminent missile strike. Samantha Power, the director of the US agency for international development, has said that a famine is underway in northern Gaza. Germanys Lufthansa has extended a suspension on flights to Tehran, with the Middle East on red alert for an imminent Iranian missile strike on Israel. The Israeli air force has conducted joint exercises with Cyprus to simulate an attack in Iran, Israeli radio reported. The Kremlin has called for Israel and Iran to show restraint to prevent the region spiraling into chaos. The US is sending its top commander in charge of the Middle East to Israel today ahead of a possible Iranian attack, according to two Israeli officials. The US Middle East envoy called upon the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel. Joe Biden has warned Iran not to launch an attack on Israel, amid reports of an imminent missile strike targeting the country. 05:02 PM BST Pictured: Palestinians mourn relatives on first day of Eid al-Fitr A young boy holds a toy gun at a family-member's grave - Raneen Sawafta/Reuters 04:57 PM BST Iran blames UN for not condemning Damascus strike Iran has accused the UN of forcing its hand over plans to attack Israel. The countrys mission to the United Nations said that the imperative for Iran to retaliate might have been avoided had the blocs security council condemned an attack on its embassy in Damascus. Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regimes reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated, the mission posted on Twitter. 04:43 PM BST Washington urges allies to hold back Tehran Washington has privately urged its allies to put pressure on Iran to hold back from attacking Israel, as tensions in the Middle East risk boiling over into a regional conflict, an inside source told the Financial Times. The news of the White House wielding its influence to stop the situation from spiraling out of control comes as Western and Arab governments have rushed to convince Iran to show restraint. Iran delivered a message to Washington following last weeks strike on its consular on Damascus which it alledged Israel was behind, a senior US official said. In response, the White House warned Tehran not to not use the strike as a pretext to further escalate in the region or attack US facilities or personnel. 04:39 PM BST South Africa accuses Israel of genocide Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africas president, has said that after more than 70 years of discrimination, oppression and apartheid, Palestinians in Gaza are now faced with genocide. What is the indiscriminate bombing of civilians from land, sea and air if not an act of genocide? Mr Ramaphosa asked, before posing the same question about the forced displacement and deliberate starvation of an entire population. This week marks 30 years since the Rwandan genocide unfolded before the eyes of the world, and little was done to stop the killings of one million people. We will not sit back, our arms folded, as another genocide is perpetrated in our lifetime, regardless of the race, ethnicity, religious or political beliefs of the victims, the president said. The South African government has brought a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of genocidal acts in its war on Gaza. Israel has denied the charge. 04:26 PM BST Israel kills top Hamas financier Israel has killed Hamass top financier responsible for funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars to the militant group, the IDF and Shin bet reported. Nasser Yaqub Jaber Nasser, a Hamas operative responsible for funding a significant part of the groups military activities, was killed in a recent Israeli air strike on the enclaves southern city of Rafah, the IDF reported. Elsewhere, the military said its forces had eliminated terrorists and terrorist infrastructure in the Shujayea neighbourhood of Gaza City. In one of the activities, the troops conducted a targeted raid on a Hamas post used for training exercises. Following the raid, an [Israeli Air Force] aircraft struck and destroyed the post, it said. IDF and ISA take part in an operation targeting Nasser Yakob Jabber Nasser - IDF 04:18 PM BST Hamas keeps walking away from truce deal, says Israel Hamas keeps walking away from a deal that would secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the Israeli prime ministers office said with negotiations at an impasse. There is a very reasonable offer on the table and Hamas keeps walking away, spokesman David Mencer told reporters, adding that international pressure on Israel was helping Hamas. Delegations from both parties have convened for US and Qatari-mediated talks in Cairo in recent days to negotiate a truce and the release of hostages. Hamass repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza have proved a sticking point for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has vowed to eliminate all Hamas battalions. 04:01 PM BST Pictured: IDF troops in operation An Israeli tank moves near the Gaza Strip border - Tsafrir Abayov/AP IDF troops carry out "precise" raid in Gaza - IDF 03:49 PM BST Israeli protesters block aid into Gaza Dozens of Israeli demonstrators have blocked the road to trucks carrying desperately-needed humanitarian aid destined for Gaza. Footage of the incident shows people sitting on the ground at a crossing point bearing placards featuring the faces of Israelis held hostage by Hamas. One man, who was holding an Israeli flag, was carried away by security forces. The protests, which took place at the Nitsana crossing on the Israeli-Egyptian border, were carried out by members of the hard-right Order Nine movement, Israels Kann news agency reported. Israels border guards arrested a number of demonstrators, it said. 9 . " @Itsik_zuarets @pozailov1 pic.twitter.com/TUicz0OndY (@kann_news) April 11, 2024 03:35 PM BST Iran threat most dangerous moment for Middle East since 1973 Irans threat to attack Israel has brought tensions in the Middle East to their most dangerous point in half a century, Marco Rubio, the Florida senator, has said. If Iran launches an attack on Israel, Israel will respond instantly with an even more severe counterattack inside of Iran, the vice-president of the US Senate intelligence committee posted on Twitter. What happens next is the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973, he added. Mr Rubios comments came as world leaders intervened to prevent the crisis from spiralling out of control, with both Berlin and the Kremlin urging restraint, while Rishi Sunak branded Irans threats against Israel unacceptable. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said that Israel will respond in kind if attacked, adding that the country is preparing for a war on multiple fronts. We are preparing to meet security needs of Israel both in defence and attack, whoever hurts us we hurt them, he said. 03:20 PM BST Irans threats against Israel unacceptable, says Sunak Rishi Sunak has branded Irans threats against Israel unacceptable amid concerns of an imminent missile strike. The threats from Iran are unacceptable and we, like the Americans, fully support Israels right to defend itself against that, the Prime Minister told broadcasters. His comments came as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said that Israel will respond in kind if attacked, adding that the country is preparing for a war on multiple fronts. We are preparing to meet security needs of Israel both in defence and attack, whoever hurts us we hurt them, Mr Netanyahu said. We are in the middle of war in Gaza but we are also preparing for scenarios in other arenas. 03:05 PM BST Pictured: Palestinians mourn air strike victims Palestinians mourn as they receive the dead bodies of victims of an Israeli strike - Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images Israeli citizens in Rafah embrace in tears - Getty Images/Ahmad Hasaballah 02:19 PM BST Famine has now begun in Gaza, says US official Samantha Power, the director of the US agency for international development, has said that a famine is underway in northern Gaza. Ms Power is the first senior American official to say publicly that famine has commenced in the Strip, where aid agencies have warned for months that millions of Palestinians face extreme hunger, the New York Times reported. Providing testimony to Congress, Ms Power urged US lawmakers to press our Israeli partners to actually follow through with the commitments they have made to allow more humanitarian aid into the war-torn enclave, adding that conditions are as dire as any I have seen in my career. Her warning came after the International Court of Justice said last week that famine is setting in. 02:07 PM BST German airline extends Tehran flight suspension Germanys Lufthansa has extended a suspension on flights to Tehran with the Middle East on red alert for an imminent Iranian missile strike on Israel. Lufthansa said it has stopped flights to and from Tehran until April 13, extending its previous suspension by two days, to avoid its crew having to disembark to spend the night in the Iranian capital. Last weekend it was decided not to operate a flight to Tehran with a layover for the crew due to the security situation, a spokesperson said. The decision to cancel flights to the Iranian capital came as Annalena Baerbock, the German Foreign Minister, called for maximum restraint on all sides in a telephone conversation with her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian. Avoiding further regional escalation must be in everyones interest. We urge all actors in the region to act responsibly and exercise maximum restraint, the ministry wrote on Twitter. 01:57 PM BST If Iran strikes, Britain must take it on An attack on Israel by Iran seems imminent. President Biden says his support is ironclad and that the US would do all it can to protect Israel. Britain too has a clear responsibility to stand alongside Washington and Jerusalem if Iran launches a significant attack. That means Lord Camerons words, We stand up for Israels right to self-defence, need to become more than mere platitudes and the UK should be ready to take direct military action against Iran. Why should we get involved? The conflict in the Middle East is Irans war. Its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and the West Bank have all been targeting Israel since October 7. Tehran has only been able to bring that about as a result of US and British weakness. Trumps maximum pressure policy to contain Iranian aggression was displaced by Bidens knee-bending appeasement from the moment he took office. Desperate to coax the ayatollahs back to Obamas fundamentally flawed nuclear deal that Trump had abrogated, the White House did little to curb Iranian violence and instead unfroze billions of dollars in assets that could be used to fund terrorist proxies and the nuclear programme. On top of that, Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan, failure to adequately support Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion and his ideological show of distancing himself from the Netanyahu government made it clear to Khamanei that America would be unlikely to stand up for its allies. Read Richard Kemps full column here. 01:45 PM BST Israel entering next phase of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, says IDF Israel is entering next phase of humanitarian support for Gaza, opening a new crossing to funnel aid directly into the northern part of the Strip, the IDF has said. We have worked together with countries and international organisations from around the world to develop new and improved measures to increase the flow of aid to Gazan civilians, by land, sea, and air, Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, said. He confirmed that the IDF is constructing the Northern Crossing, a new land crossing from Israel into northern Gaza to enable aid to flow into areas that have been challenging for trucks to access. We are employing new humanitarian aid directives in coordination with @cogatonline , international organizations and @CENTCOM to solve the distribution problem caused partially by Hamas. Since the beginning of the war, 22,000 trucks containing 400,000+ tons of humanitarian aid pic.twitter.com/gDFnXV5Tdg Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 11, 2024 Mr Hagaris announcement comes amid concerns that the existing Erez crossing on Gazas northern border could be blocked by Israeli protesters, restricting the flow of desperately needed aid into the war-torn region. The new Northern Crossing is expected to handle at least 50 aid trucks per day, eventually bringing the average number of aid trucks entering the Strip per day to 500. In his statement, Mr Hagari stressed that Israel was implementing the lessons learned to maximise protection of aid workers following its strike on a convoy of aid vehicles that killed seven World Central Kitchen volunteers. 01:28 PM BST Palestinian vehicle torched and home graffitied in suspected West Bank settler attack A vehicle was set ablaze and a home spray-painted in the West Bank last night in a suspected Israeli extremist attack, Israeli media reported. Footage of the incident, which took place around the village of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya in the central West Bank, shows a white van was set on fire and the Hebrew word for revenge written in black spray-paint on the wall of a Palestinian home, alongside a Star of David. Both Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya and the nearby village Mughayyir, where the van was located, have frequently been the targets of settler violence. WEST BANK: Israeli settlers attacked the Palestinian village of Al-Lubban Al-Sharqiya, south of Nablus. pic.twitter.com/hq10NXYzoL Hamdah Salhut (@hamdahsalhut) April 11, 2024 01:01 PM BST Mapped: Iranian targets in Israel 12:53 PM BST Israeli air force simulates attack on Iran The Israeli air force has conducted joint exercises with Cyprus to simulate an attack in Iran, Israeli radio reported. Coordinated with the US military and Cypriot National Guard over Cyprus, the exercises involved practising long-range drills and an attack on a remote target, GLZ, the Israeli Army Radio station, said. The drills, consisting of at least a squadron of Israeli fighter jets, carried out a simulated retaliatory strike in preparation for Iran or its proxies attacking Israeli territory, OSINTdefender, a military blogger, reported. News of the air force manoeuvers came as Israeli officials said that they are preparing for an unprecedented attack directly from Iran using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones. 12:28 PM BST Eight dead in Israeli strikes on Rafah Israeli strikes on Rafah have killed at least eight people, Wafa, the Israeli news agency, reported. Five of the victims were killed when Israeli warplane bombed a group of people near a cemetery in Gazas southernmost city, while three more were killed in a separate strike on the east of the city, Wafa said. Towards Gaza City to the north of the strip, Israeli gunboats allegedly shelled homes in the Shati refugee camp, killing multiple civilians, local sources told Wafa. 12:12 PM BST Moscow calls on Iran and Israel to show restraint The Kremlin has called for Israel and Iran to show restraint to prevent the region spiraling into chaos. Right now it is very important for everyone to maintain restraint in order not to lead to a complete destabilisation of the situation in the region, said Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman. We call on all countries in the region to exercise restraint. Russias warning comes after the US raised the alarm about an imminent Iranian missile strike on Israeli soil in retaliation against an alleged Israeli strike on Tehrans consular in Damascus last week. Mr Peskov condemned Israel for the suspected strike that killed seven members of Irans Revolutionary Guard, branding it a violation of all the principles of international law. 11:53 AM BST US top general lands in Israel Gen. Michael Kurilla, the USs top general, has touched down in Israel. The head of US central command has flown out to the country to hold urgent talks with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, on the threat of an Iranian attack. US CENTCOM Commander General Michael Kurilla (left) meets Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on March 4 US and Israeli officials have been in close communication in recent days in preparation for a retaliatory strike by Tehran after Israel allegedly launched an attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, killing seven Islamic Revolutionary Guards. 11:41 AM BST Israeli gunfire hit us, says Unicef aid worker A Unicef aid worker said she was really lucky to be alive after being shot at by Israeli forces. Tess Duncan, a Unicef spokeswoman, said her vehicle was hit by Israeli gunfire as she and fellow charity workers attempted to deliver aid to northern Gaza. Ms Duncan said she was waiting at a checkpoint amid a convoy of aid trucks when IDF troops opened fire. We were waiting there when gunfire broke out in the vicinity. The gunfire came from the direction of the checkpoint towards civilians who then ran away from the checkpoint and the gunfire hit us, she told Al Jazeera. We were really lucky, she said, adding three rounds hit the car in which she was seated. This latest incident of aid workers being caught in the crossfire by Israeli troops comes after an IDF strike on a World Central Kitchen aid truck killed seven people, generating international condemnation. 11:17 AM BST Netanyahu not consulted on killing Hamas leaders sons Israeli forces did not consult their senior commanders or political leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu, before killing the children of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Israeli media reported. Neither the prime minister nor Yoav Gallant, the defence minister, were warned in advance of the air strike, coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service, that killed Mr Haniyehs three sons, Walla news agency said. According to Wallah, Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh were targeted as fighters not because of their fathers position. The IDF has not commented on reports that four of Mr Haniyehs great grandchildren were also killed. 11:01 AM BST Six dead in IDF refugee camp raid At least six people have been killed after Israeli launched a targeted operation inside a Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp, Palestinian media reported. The air force carried out strikes against dozens of Hamas targets before ground troops entered the central Gazan territory for the first time during the war, the IDF said. According to Palestinian media, an air strike on a school as part of the attack left multiple people dead and wounded. During the precise, intelligence-based operation, a gunmen who emerged from a tunnel and approached Israeli ground troops was struck by a fighter jet, the IDF told the Times of Israel. 10:43 AM BST US general flies to Israel amid Iran attack fears The US is sending its top commander in charge of the Middle East to Israel today ahead of a possible Iranian attack, according to two Israeli officials. General Erik Kurilla, commander of the US Central Command, will meet with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and senior Israel Defense Forces officials, Axios reported. Israeli officials said that they are preparing for an unprecedented attack directly from Iran using cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones against Israeli targets. It comes after Irans supreme leader said Israel must be punished for an airstrike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed a top Iranian general. 10:38 AM BST Pictured: Aid drops into Gaza Humanitarian aid packages are seen landing by the help of parachutes in Gaza after dropping from a plane - Getty Images 10:09 AM BST Netanyahu using dirty tactics to spoil truce talks, says Hamas Hamas has accused Benjamin Netanyahu of using dirty tools to spoil ceasefire negotiations following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyehs children and grandchildren in an airstrike. Netanyahu has failed in the last few weeks to spoil the negotiations and he is under pressure from the Americans, the international community, and internal Israeli society, Basem Naim, a member of Hamass political bureau, told Al Jazeera. [Netanyahu] is now using all the dirty tools by killing our children, our wives, and by assassinating leaders or some people in Damascus He is insisting on undermining any chance to reach a ceasefire agreement. The warning came after Mr Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons, Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, would not influence truce talks in Gaza. 09:29 AM BST Lufthansa extends flight cancellations from Frankfurt to Tehran German airline Lufthansa has extended the cancellation of daily flights from Frankfurt to Tehran due to security concerns until April 13, a spokesperson said on Thursday. The decision was taken last weekend to avoid a situation where the airlines crew had to stay overnight in Tehran, the spokesperson added. 09:13 AM BST Russia tells citizens to refrain from travel to the Middle East Russias foreign ministry told citizens on Thursday that they should refrain from travelling to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. The tense situation in the Middle East region persists, said the foreign ministry, which first issued such travel advice in October when it urged Russians not to visit Israel and the Palestinian territories after Hamas attacked Israel. The situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, as well as in the area of the Blue Line between Lebanon and Israel, remains unstable. We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from traveling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, except in cases of extreme necessity, it said. 08:52 AM BST In pictures: Hamas leaders sons killed by Israeli strike An Israeli strike killed three of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyehs sons and four grandchildren. Dead bodies of three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, along with of his two grandchildren, are seen on the ground as people perform funeral prayers in Gaza City - Ayman Alhesi/Anadolu via Getty Images Onlookers check the car in which three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed - AFP via Getty Images 08:34 AM BST US appeals to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq The US Middle East envoy called upon the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel. White House Middle East czar Brett McGurk appealed to the officials to contact the Iranian foreign minister to convey a message that Iran should de-escalate with Israel, according to Reuters. On Wednesday, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq spoke by phone with Irans foreign minister and discussed regional tensions. 08:20 AM BST Biden issues warning as Iran prepares to launch missile strike on Israel Joe Biden has warned Iran not to launch an attack on Israel, amid reports of an imminent missile strike targeting the country. The US president said his commitment to Israels security was ironclad and that Washington would do all we can to protect it from an attack by Tehran in retaliation for a strike in Syria that killed senior Iranian generals. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Mr Biden said: We also want to address the Iranian threat theyre threatening to launch a significant attack in Israel. As I told Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. Let me say it again, ironclad all we can to protect Israels security. Read the full report by our US Editor Tony Diver here. 08:05 AM BST 126 draftees refuse to serve Over 100 female soldiers drafted to fight recently are refusing to serve as surveillance soldiers, according to Israeli media. The 126 soldiers out of 326 refused to board buses to take them from the draft centre to their training base, the Ynet news site reported. The report said that this is the third draft since the fighting began on October 7 which has seen significant numbers of people refusing to fight. The soldiers in the unit monitor surveillance cameras along the border with Gaza and flag any potential incidents. 15 IDF surveillance soldiers were killed and six more were taken hostage during the Hamas attack on the Nahal Oz base. 07:51 AM BST US says downed 11 Yemen rebel drones The United States military has said it shot down 11 drones belonging to Yemens Iran-backed Huthi rebels, after the group claimed it had targeted Israeli and American ships off the Gulf of Aden. The US Central Command said on X that its forces had shot down three drones launched from Huthi-controlled areas on Wednesday morning, and eight drones later the same day. It was determined the UAVs presented an imminent threat to US, coalition, and merchant vessels in the region, the statement said using the acronym for unmanned aerial vehicles. The latest Huthi attacks targeted two Israeli ships as well as an American commercial vessel and a US warship, the Huthis said in a statement. The ships were targeted with a number of suitable naval missiles and drones, the statement said. 07:34 AM BST Hamas leader says no change in truce position after sons killed Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike would not influence truce talks in Gaza, as bombardments continued on Thursday. Israel confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal drag on without signs of a breakthrough. Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamass negotiating stance. If they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional, he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. (Bloomberg) -- The US set aside 23 million acres of Alaskas North Slope to serve as an emergency oil supply a century ago. Now, President Joe Biden is moving to block oil and gas development across roughly half of it. Most Read from Bloomberg The initiative, set to be finalized within days, marks one of the most sweeping efforts yet by Biden to limit oil and gas exploration on federal lands. It comes as he seeks to boost land conservation and fight climate change and is campaigning for a second term on promises to do more of it. The changes wouldnt affect ConocoPhillipss controversial 600-million-barrel Willow oil project in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. But industry leaders say the plan is more expansive than initially anticipated and threatens to make it nearly impossible to build another megaproject in the region. Thats spooking oil companies with holdings in the National Petroleum Reserve, which along with the rest of Alaskas North Slope was viewed as a major growth engine for the industry before the shale boom. Interest has surged again in recent years, fed by mammoth discoveries. Tapping the regions reservoirs could yield decades of production. Company executives and Alaska lawmakers have increasingly raised alarm over the plan, saying it could thwart oil and gas development across much of the reserve, even on existing leases. The opposition has united a broad spectrum of foes, from Alaska Natives to lower-48 oil producers. Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican from Alaska, on Thursday broadly condemned the proposal, saying it would harm Americas energy security. It would openly defy federal law while ignoring rising energy prices and growing global volatility, she said in a post on X. Santos Ltd., which leases more than a million acres within the reserve and is developing the nearby Pikka Unit joint venture with Repsol SA, said in a filing with the government that the proposal would infringe on its holdings, with impacts as extensive as whole projects being denied. ConocoPhillips, which has 156 leases in the reserve, warned the regulation would violate its contracts and drive investment away from the NPR-A. And Armstrong Oil & Gas Inc., whose leases there span 1.1 million gross acres, said the measure could block it from building the infrastructure needed to access those tracts. The proposed rule would effectively nationalize the companys leases, Chief Executive Officer Bill Armstrong told White House officials in a March 21 meeting, according to people familiar with the discussion. A company spokesman declined to comment on the matter. Administration officials argue the changes are necessary to balance oil development with the protection of sensitive landscapes that provide habitat for polar bears, migratory birds and the 61,500-strong Teshekpuk caribou herd. We must do everything within our control to meet the highest standards of care to protect this fragile ecosystem, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said in announcing the measure last year. Read More: Biden Backs $8 Billion Oil Project, Imperiling Green Agenda The regulation would limit future oil development in some 13 million acres (20,000 square miles) of designated special areas within the Indiana-sized reserve, including territory currently under lease. Thered be an outright prohibition on new leasing in 10.6 million acres. The proposal would create a formal program for expanding protected areas at least once every five years while making it difficult to undo those designations. And it would raise the bar for future development elsewhere in the reserve. The Interior Department said in a preamble the regulation wouldnt affect existing leases. But the proposed rule text doesnt offer similar, explicit assurance. Instead, it proposes to give the government broad authority to limit or bar access to existing leases, regardless of any existing authorization. Oil leasing and infrastructure development would be presumed not to be permitted unless specific information clearly demonstrates the work can be done with no or minimal adverse effects on the habitat. Environmentalists and some Alaska Natives have widely praised Biden for setting aside territory for conservation. These are resources that once theyre gone, theyre gone forever, and we cant wait until they have disappeared to go and get them back, said Rachael Hamby, policy director for the Center for Western Priorities. We need to manage now to protect those resources and values for present and future generations. The Alaska Wilderness League has cast the measure as helping foster a new direction in Americas Arctic to the benefit of the climate, the environment and Alaska Natives who rely on the lands for subsistence. The Interior Department says the proposal would not have a significant effect on the nations energy supply. Still, the reserve could be a notable source of fuel, with the rock formations beneath it holding an estimated 8.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil, according to a 2017 assessment by the US Geological Survey. Enthusiasm for the region picked up after recent discoveries in the Nanushuk field, and the state of Alaska expects crude production from the reserve to climb from 15,800 barrels per day in fiscal 2023 to 139,600 barrels per day in fiscal 2033. Opponents say the plan would shift the role of the reserve to conservation instead of oil development, contrary to congressional intent. The current statute says that the primary purpose is to increase domestic oil supply as expeditiously as possible, said Kara Moriarty, president of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association. But the rule takes a completely different premise. (Updates with comments from senator in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder currently held in British custody, may soon find some reprieve. After five years of living under a U.S. indictment that charges him with 17 counts of violating the Espionage Act, The Guardian reported that President Joe Biden is weighing a request by the Australian government to drop the case. Were considering it," Biden told reporters Thursday. The U.S. government has repeatedly sought Assange's extradition so that he could stand trial for his role in obtaining and leaking hundreds of thousands of classified State Department cables and military documents in 2010. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that the U.S. Justice Department is considering a deal in which Assange, an Australian citizen, would plead guilty to mishandling classified information, a less severe charge than espionage. Under the current charges, Assange could face up to 175 years in prison. In 2019, U.S. officials said that in publishing state secrets, Assange had exposed confidential human sources "to the gravest of dangers." Federal prosecutors initially pursued Assange on hacking charges in 2018; an expanded indictment a year later added the 17 espionage counts. Several press freedom groups and human rights watchdogs maintain that prosecuting Assange would have a chilling effect on journalists seeking to expose government wrongdoing. In February, the Australian parliament, with support from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, voted to call on the U.S. and U.K. to allow Assange's return to his home country. Biden's latest signals have given Albanese some hope that the pressure is working. "I'm increasingly optimistic about an outcome, but one certainly has not been delivered yet," he said in an interview with Sky News Australia. "We'll continue to argue the case at every opportunity that we have." Amazon Web Services Economic Development Director Roger Wehner told a collection of students, faculty and staff at Millsaps College on Wednesday that previously announced investment figures for two new hyperscale development center campuses will be just the tip of the iceberg. Wehner made those comments as part of the Millsaps' Tech Week programs. Amazon Web Services made big news in January when it announced it will occupy two Madison County locations for the historic buildout for hyperscale development centers. Mississippi lawmakers completed a $259 million incentive package for the Amazon Web Services $10 billion project in Canton and Madison County. Amazon Web Services economic development director Roger Wehner, left, spoke to a collection of students, faculty and staff at Millsaps College on Wednesday as Senior Solutions Architect Andrew Henderson looked on. Gov. Tate Reeves said the project represents the single largest corporate capital investment in state history. Amazon Web Services will build two sites, one a 927-acre site and the other a 786-acre site for two hyperscale data centers. However, Wehner said Amazon expects to invest much more when all is said and done. "We were lucky to find Mississippi," Wehner told the audience at Millsaps. "Let me make one thing clear, all of the news articles say we are going to invest $10 billion dollars. That's actually not true. That is our minimum public commitment. We are going to invest far more than $10 billion. Rest assured it will be tens of billions of dollars." More ahead: Expert: Data center announcement could spur more technology development in Mississippi What is a hyperscale data center? What is a hyperscale data center? How much energy does it take? Is Madison ready? We answer Wehner also said the 1,000 jobs announced with the project in January is also a false number. "There will be far more than 1,000 jobs," he said. "That's just a number we cannot fall below based on our negotiations. There will be a lot more than 1,000 jobs." He said that construction in Madison County will go on for the next 5-to-7 years. "There won't be this flurry of manufacturing and then construction jobs go away," Wehner said. "We will build on both sites simultaneously as needed as we go along. That means we are continuously under construction. So, the thousands of construction jobs. There will be thousands of construction jobs and billions of dollars that will be invested in your community is the No. 1 benefit of us going to a community. We literally will drive a big segment of the economy. This money will ripple through the local economy." In January, Reeves said that once open, the centers will hire 1,000 employees making an average annual salary of about $60,000 per year. Wehner said that average annual salary for people working at AWS Mississippi will begin at around $80,000. Story continues As for the state incentive package, the legislature approved appropriating $44 million, $32 million of which will go to training grants and educational opportunities, and the rest will go to site development assistance. The three bills also approved loaning Madison County $215.1 million to assist with infrastructure, including road work, water and sewer lines and also $13 million for a new fire station near the plants. That loan will be paid back through fee-in-lieu agreements with Amazon. The project also received sales-and-use tax emptions for equipment, 10-year corporate income tax exemptions, among others. However, if the company fails to meet certain hiring or investment benchmarks, the state could take back sales and use tax, as well as corporate income tax breaks. Madison County Schools While there are tax breaks for AWS in the deal with the State of Mississippi, Wehner was quick to point out that Amazon is not a company relying on corporate welfare from the government. "Let me be clear about this, we are the largest tax payer in every jurisdiction we are in. That's a fact," Wehner said. "In fact, our modeling currently predicts that for the school systems in Madison County, we will double their revenues in the first year. So, whatever the current budget is for Madison County schools, there will be a two-x factor in a year and a half or two years." He said that in Loudoun County and Prince William County in northern Virginia, two of the wealthiest counties in America, AWS provides 51% of their tax revenues for their schools systems. "They have the highest-paid teachers in America, and we are providing the tax base for that," Wehner said. "We take very seriously our partnership in the communities that we serve. We want our communities to grow from an educational perspective and from a workforce development perspective." Why Mississippi? Since January's announcement of AWS commitment to Mississippi and Madison County, Wehner has been bombarded with questions as to why the company would locate there. "There were other states that couldn't believe what little Mississippi did," Wehner said. "What Mississippi did that beat out everybody else In Mississippi, there was complete alignment between Entergy Mississippi, the legislature, the governor and regulators." He said it also helped that Madison County Economic Development Authority has done its homework over the last several years and were prepared when the opportunity arose. "They all worked together and were able to remove the bureaucratic inefficiencies," he said. "If they had not done that, Mississippi would not have won. But Mississippi did and Mississippi won. There are states out there that don't want to do it and don't have the will to do it and couldn't get all the pieces put in place to do it. In Mississippi, it was a joint effort." He said Mississippi proved to be "nimble." "It was about about speed to market and Mississippi did a ton of things that others did not and they struck an incredibly sound deal," Wehner said. "They did everything that needed to be done, protected the rate payers, made the right decisions. They just took the slowness out of it. That was incredibly important." Education outside Madison County While the project is in Madison County, Wehner said the plan is to provide educational opportunities throughout the Metro area, specifically in Jackson. "We are going to do the same educational programs outside of Madison County that we do in Madison," he said. "Our goal is to push out farther. We know that the more people we empower with the knowledge of how to work at AWS, the better everyone is, including us. We know that the drive time in Mississippi is around 60 minutes. So, we want to expand to Jackson and even farther." Ross Reily can be reached by email at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on Twitter @GreenOkra1. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Amazon jobs in Madison MS will be more than announced Joe Biden has been accused of copying Donald Trumps policies after he said he was considering using an executive order to close down the southern US border. The US president confirmed on Tuesday that he was considering restricting the ability of asylum seekers to settle after crossing into southern states a policy long touted by Mr Trump. In an interview with Univision, a Spanish-language news network, Mr Biden was asked whether he would use Section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which would give him the power to block certain immigrants from claiming asylum if it was detrimental to US interests. The power is granted to the president in legislation, and would not, in theory, require congressional approval allowing Mr Biden to sidestep critics in his own party. Were examining whether or not I have that power, he said. Some are suggesting that I should just go ahead and try it, and if I get shut down by the court, I get shut down by the court. Joe Biden faces opposition over his immigration comments - Kevin Dietsch/Getty However, the president is already facing opposition from Democrats, who have accused him of stealing policies from his Republican rival. Democrats cannot continue to take pages out of Donald Trump and [former White House adviser] Stephen Millers playbook, said Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat representative who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus. It is our duty as elected officials to change and shape the conversation and not just buy into the same failed and tired policies of the past, she continued. The move would be a significant escalation of the White Houses position on the southern border, which polls show is a significant factor in Mr Bidens waning popularity, including among Latino voters. The president has proposed a broad package of border measures that would increase government funding for border agencies, speed up the processing of asylum seekers and increase the number of border patrols in Texas, Arizona and other southern states. However, the package has been held up in Congress as Republican politicians refuse to vote for either the bill or the Ukraine aid supplemental package that it has been linked with in negotiations with congressional leaders. The use of an executive order could come as soon as the end of April, Axios reported, as Mr Biden attempts to bring down the number of illegal crossings and rescue his ailing poll ratings. Mr Trump has accused Mr Biden of presiding over a border bloodbath and has pledged to reinstate his policy to build a border wall if he wins a second term in office. Last week, he pledged the largest domestic deportation operation in the history of our country, describing some illegal immigrants as animals. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President Joe Bidens re-election campaign this week has aggressively attacked Republicans and Donald Trumps stance on abortion access. On Wednesday, the campaign brought its message to North Carolina. Trump, the presumed GOP presidential nominee, on Monday appeared to support keeping the power to implement abortion laws with states during a video posted on his Truth Social site. The states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land, Trump said. The former president on Wednesday told an Atlanta reporter he would not sign a federal abortion ban, incensing some GOP politicians who want more restrictions. Trump has previously touted his contributions to reversing Roe v. Wade, the landmark decision that made abortion a constitutional right for decades. But Biden supporters said during a roundtable in southern Durham that they expect to see further restrictions on abortions should Trump win. The Democratic state lawmakers, physicians and two women who experienced life-threatening complications in other states contrasted this with Biden, who during his North Carolina stop in March said that he would like to see Roe v. Wade become the law of the land. Democratic lawmakers, physicians and two women who experienced complications during pregnancy, spoke about reproductive health care at a roundtable at The Community Family Life & Recreation Center at Lyon Park. Post Roe experiences The two women who experienced miscarriages, Amanda Zurawski and Kaitlyn Joshua, have been campaigning with Bidens team for the past week. In Durham, they spoke about not being able to access critical reproductive health care and how other women could also lose it. Zurawski, who lives in Texas, which has a ban on abortions at any stage of pregnancy, is featured in a one-minute Biden campaign ad that came out Monday. In that ad, Zurawski blames Trump for her near-death after suffering infections during pregnancy and being denied an abortion following a miscarriage. She, along with 21 other women, have sued the State of Texas in a case being reviewed by the states Supreme Court. On Wednesday Zurawski said that she had been undergoing fertility treatment for over a year. When she became pregnant, she and her husband were thrilled to finally have a baby on the way. But following serious complications affecting the pregnancys viability, she said she needed an abortion. But unfortunately this was post-Roe Texas, and so I was told to wait until I got so sick that my life was considered in danger, she said, at the roundtable. Joshua, who is from Louisiana, where abortions are not permitted except in limited scenarios, also said she was denied care after she started experiencing a miscarriage at 11 weeks of pregnancy. She said Wednesday she had to have the miscarriage at home as hospitals would not aid her. It took me weeks to pass my pregnancy at home by myself and I was absolutely terrified, she said. North Carolina laws and future Following the fall of Roe v. Wade, two dozen states banned abortions and others implemented new restrictions. Most recently, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld an abortion ban with no exceptions for rape or incest, and a six-week abortion ban is set to kick start in Florida. North Carolina implemented a new abortion law last year which restricts abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy. There are exceptions up to 20 weeks for rape and incest, up to 24 weeks for life-limiting fetal anomalies, and without limit if a physician determines that the mothers life is in danger due to a medical emergency. The law also implemented new in-person appointment requirements for medication abortions. Dr. Abby Schultz, an OB-GYN based in the Triangle, said post-Roe, she had been getting more patients traveling from all across the Southeast to get an abortion in North Carolina. She also said some people within the state including minors and people with limited income came to her for abortion services after the 12-week mark and had to be denied care. They would often then attempt to go to other states, she said. But, If we have a national ban, they wont even have a place to go, Schultz said. Shortly after the fall of Roe, the number of abortions performed in the state increased by 37% the largest increase in any state. But after the 12-week abortion law took effect, the number of abortions performed in the state dropped by an estimated 30%, as previously reported by The News & Observer. Asked by The N&O, if lawmakers expected to see further restrictions on abortions here, state Sen. Natalie Murdock from Durham, said this at the roundtable: What I can say to voters is do not fall for this smokescreen. We cant normalize, oh a 12-week ban is in place. Its not the truth. We know they want a complete ban. So I think youll see a lot of, Oh, were good where we are. And we know its not true. Theyre saying that to get through the election, she said. Murdock said she definitely thinks six weeks would come next if we dont do what we need to do this fall. Democratic Senators including Natalie Murdock of Durham County, foreground, hold signs after a vote on an abortion restrictions bill that was up for a veto override on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C. Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority in the General Assembly, with the ability to overturn a veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. Top House and Senate leaders in the general assembly, which is controlled by the GOP, have said that they dont want to take up another abortion bill this year. House Speaker Tim Moore, who is running for Congress, said he doesnt know what could happen in 2025. If theres a conversation on that, itll happen next year after Im no longer here, he said, as previously reported by The N&O. The Republican candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, has said he supports a ban on abortions after six weeks. His opponent, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, opposed new abortion restrictions in the law passed last year. President Joe Bidens top aid official said that famine is already underway in northern Gaza, as global aid agencies warn that more than 2 million Palestinians face an urgent hunger crisis amid Israels ongoing military campaign. Samantha Power, head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is the first official in the Biden administration to make the declaration. Her comments came during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, when she was asked whether famine was plausible or likely in Gaza. She pointed to assessments from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, or IPC, which reported imminent risk of famine and catastrophic food insecurity. Do you think it is plausible or likely that parts of Gaza, and in particular northern Gaza, are already experiencing famine? asked Democratic US Rep Joaquin Castro. Well, the methodology that the IPC used is one that we had our experts scrub, its one thats relied upon in other settings, and that is their assessment, and we believe that assessment is credible, she added. So famine is already occurring there? Mr Castro asked. That is yes, she replied. Asked about Ms Powers comments, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Thursday that the IPC report indicates that famine is imminent in Gaza. We are certainly deeply concerned about these reports, and so weve been working around the clock to get more of that aid into Gaza, she said. She said there has been some promise of increased aid into Gaza following the presidents calls for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce and implement a series of specific, concrete, measurable steps to address humanitarian suffering. The recent movement of 1,000 aid trucks into Gaza is good progress, but its still not enough and we hope to see the progress continue and accelerate, she added. But pressed by The Independent on Thursday, the White House was unable to answer definitively why despite months of warnings from aid groups and other agencies that famine was imminent the president has refused to use his significant leverage to push Israel to admit more desperately needed aid into the region. The president has been working around the clock, so I take offence to what youre saying, because it isnt true, Ms Jean-Pierre said. The president has been working on this hostage deal for months now. And that is a way to make sure that theres a temporary ceasefire that could hopefully lead to something longer, get those hostages home, and get humanitarian aid. USAID Administrator Samantha Power meets with members of the Egyptian Red Crescent and other officials as foreign aid intended for Gaza is delivered at El Arish International Airport on 5 December, 2023. (Getty Images) During her testimony on Wednesday, Ms Power said he risk of severe malnutrition among children in Gaza has become markedly worse after Hamas attacks on October 7 and Israels retaliatory strikes that have killed more than 33,000 Palestinians. In northern Gaza, the rate of malnutrition prior to October 7 was almost zero, and it is now one in three kids, she said. In terms of actual severe acute malnutrition for [children under 5 years old], that rate was 16 per cent in January and became 30 per cent in February. Were awaiting the March numbers, but we expect it to continue. Jeremy Konyndyk, who led USAIDs Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance for three years and worked on famine prevention in Yemen and South Sudan, told The Independent last month that famine was likely inevitable unless the US pressured Israel to allow aid groups complete access into Gaza. Just based on the other circumstances where Ive worked on famine relief operations, its very hard for me to see how you could avert famine now, he told The Independent. With the humanitarian footprint that currently exists, you would need a total change. You would need complete access through the territory. You would need a level of security that is hard to envision without a ceasefire. As Israels closest ally and the recipient of billions of dollars of American military aid each year, the US is the only country with enough leverage to pressure Israel to allow aid into Gaza, according to Mr Konyndyk. Ms Powers testimony follows a report byHuffPost that her agency sent warnings to the White House National Security Council that famine was underway in parts of Gaza, while dissent memos from US State Department staff have flooded the agency. Earlier this year, Ms Power was publicly criticized by the agencys current and former employees who urged her to speak out against US support for Israels military campaign in Gaza. Ms Power who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning book A Problem from Hell: America and the Age of Genocide was confronted during her unrelated remarks on climate change in Washington DC in February. During a question-answer segment after Ms Powers remarks, Hannah Funk, who identified herself as a contract specialist at USAID, told her: The US-funded genocide in Gaza has really left us unable to be more of a leader in climate change and all the other development in humanitarian issues those of us in USAID care so much about. How are you leading us to reckon with and overcome this hypocrisy? A senior U.S. military commander landed in Israel on Thursday a day after President Joe Biden warned that Iran may soon launch a significant attack on the country in retaliation for the assassination of a top commander in Syria. The trip by Gen. Erik Kurilla, who will help Israel coordinate a military strategy in response to the threat, comes at a very dangerous moment for regional security and for the United States, according to Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst who has served as senior adviser on the Middle East to four U.S. presidents on the National Security Council. The Israeli decision to attack, to bomb the Iranian embassy in Damascus was extremely provocative. Attacking a diplomatic facility is a big step up, Riedel said, referring to the attack on an Iranian mission in Syria last week that killed Mohammad Reza Zahedi and other IRGC officials. Iran has blamed the attack on Israel and pledged to retaliate. The Israeli government has yet to publicly claim responsibility for the assassination. U.S. Intel Warns of Imminent Iranian Strike on Israel: Report The staring contest between Iran and Israel now is the closest weve come to an all-out regional war since the beginning of the Gaza war, according to Jonathan Panikoff, a former Defense Intelligence Agency Middle East analyst and former deputy national intelligence officer for the Near East at the National Intelligence Council. The potential of a very quick spiral up the escalatory ladder is immense, Panikoff told The Daily Beast. The Israelis, you have a number of folks in Israel who want to frankly engage in a more fulsome conflict with Hezbollah and some who I think want to take on a conflict with Iran directly. And so, this will be that excuse if Iran responds in a way that would engender such a reaction from Israel. Iranian officials have signaled that the purpose of conducting retaliatory strikes against Israel would be to reestablish deterrence and prevent Israel from attacking again. According to a Bloomberg report, the Biden administration believes an Iranian attack on Israel is imminent and could include a barrage of missile or drone strikes inside Israel proper. Israeli officials have said Israel will attack Iran in return. Ultimately, whether the current situation portends of an actual regional war, and a much bigger conflict, is really going to be about how Iran responds. If Iran's response is asymmetricnot in the region, against an Israeli embassy or consulate or a Jewish target somewhere outside of the region my guess is it'll probably be contained, Panikoff said. On the other hand, when you have direct attacks on the Israeli homeland or a direct attack targeting Israeli officials, I think you're going to see a pretty forceful response from Israel. Questions remain about just how far Iran is willing to take its avowed response, including whether it would target Israeli officials abroad or within Israel itself. Iran could also lean on proxies to attack inside Israel proper, or to attack U.S. forces in Iraq or Syria. Each of these could be the spark that drags the regionor the United Statesinto wider war, according to Riedel. Its deeply worrisome. A war with Iran would make our war with Iraq a decade ago look like kindergarten, Riedel added. The situation could quickly spiral out of control with Irans proxies even if the retaliation itself comes from Iran proper, warned Panikoff. If Iran went for something bigger, you could see Hezbollah or some of the militias play a role, Panikoff said. If you have a direct attack by Iran, and it's a big attack, and Iran is confident its going to lead to a war anyways, then they actually lose the advantage by not having Hezbollah also partake. End Game No matter what attack Iran chooses to launch in the coming hours or days, it could also choose to wreak havoc on the world stage by employing other asymmetric attacks, including hacking operations that could hit civilian or military entities, warned Panikoff. I dont think of any of the options preclude continuation of what I would call the attacks that have been undertaken during the so-called Shadow War between Israel and Iran, he said, adding that cyberattacks against civilian infrastructure that Iran has carried out in recent years could continue. While the Pentagon has said that U.S. military officials are closely monitoring the region, President Joe Biden's promise of iron-clad support for Israels self-defense doesnt necessarily mean the United States is bound to conduct joint retaliatory strikes on Iran, Riedel said. The Mystery Hit List in the Showdown Between Israel and Iran The United States has a bipartisan commitment to the defense of Israel. That does not mean we have a commitment to supporting an Israeli strike on Iran. I think the last thing Joe Biden needs or wants is another open-ended war in the Middle East, Riedel said. He has been trying to end the Forever Wars. Well, war with Iran is the Forever War of forever wars. Biden is almost certainly aware that backing Israel in a strike against Iran could be disastrous for his reelection later this year. If on the other hand, we do stumble into war with Iran, the question people should ask ourselves is, what is the American end game? Riedel said. Are we going to occupy Iran? There would be talks about reinstating the draft, and a forever war with a casualty bill that would be enormous. I think Joe Biden knows that. The Biden campaign did not immediately return a request for comment. 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. U.S. President Biden hosts Japan's PM Fumio Kishida for an official State Dinner at the White House in Washington By Jeff Mason, Trevor Hunnicutt and Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Long-simmering tensions between China and its neighbors took center stage on Thursday as leaders of the U.S., Japan and the Philippines met at the White House to push back on Beijing's stepped-up pressure on Manila in the disputed South China Sea. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration announced new joint military efforts and infrastructure spending in the former American colony while he hosted Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. alongside Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington for a first-of-its-kind trilateral summit. Topping the meeting's agenda was China's increasing pressure in the South China Sea, which has escalated despite a personal appeal by Biden to Chinese President Xi Jinping last year. "We express our serious concerns about the Peoples Republic of Chinas dangerous and aggressive behavior in the South China Sea. We are also concerned by the militarization of reclaimed features and unlawful maritime claims in the South China Sea," the countries said in a statement issued after the summit. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Friday the statement amounted to a "wanton smear attack" and Beijing summoned a Japanese diplomat to protest against the comments. The Philippines and China had several maritime run-ins last month that included the use of water cannon and heated verbal exchanges. The disputes center on the Second Thomas Shoal, home to a small number of Filipino troops stationed on a warship that Manila grounded there in 1999 to reinforce its sovereignty claims. Launching the White House meeting with the three leaders, Biden affirmed that a 1950s era mutual defense treaty binding Washington and Manila would require the U.S. to respond to an armed attack on the Philippines in the South China Sea. "United States defense commitments to Japan and to the Philippines are iron clad," he said. Marcos has successfully pushed Washington to resolve longstanding ambiguity over the treaty by specifying that it would apply to disputes in that sea. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the maritime economic zones of neighboring nations. The Second Thomas Shoal is within the Philippines' 200-mile (320-km) exclusive economic zone. A 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found that China's sweeping claims have no legal basis. Japan has a dispute with China over islands in the East China Sea. The three countries said their coast guards planned to conduct a trilateral exercise in the Indo-Pacific region in the coming year and establish a dialogue to enhance future cooperation. The moves come after two prominent U.S. senators introduced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday to provide Manila with $2.5 billion to boost its defenses against Chinese pressure. "China's frequent tactic is to try to isolate the target of its pressure campaigns, but the April 11 trilateral signals clearly that the Philippines is not alone," said Daniel Russel, who served as the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia under former President Barack Obama. The leaders also unveiled a wide range of agreements to enhance economic ties during the meetings, including backing new infrastructure in the Philippines, aimed at ports, rail, clean energy and semiconductor supply chains. (Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt, Michael Martina, David Brunnstrom and Jeff Mason in Washington, Karen Lema in Manila, John Geddie in Tokyo and Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Heather Timmons, Sonali Paul and Josie Kao) TechCrunch Fidelity Investments, one of the world's largest asset managers, has confirmed that over 77,000 customers had personal information compromised during an August data breach, including Social Security numbers and driver's licenses. The Boston, Massachusetts-based investment firm said in a filing with Maines attorney general on Wednesday that an unnamed third party accessed information from its systems between August 17 and August 19 "using two customer accounts that they had recently established. We detected this activity on August 19 and immediately took steps to terminate the access, Fidelity said in a letter sent to those affected, adding that the incident did not involve any access to customers Fidelity accounts. Bild journalist says Ukraine has run out of missiles for Patriot and Iris-T air defence systems Bild journalist Julian Ropcke, who has been following the fighting in Ukraine, says that Ukraine has run out of missiles for the Patriot and Iris-T air defence systems. Source: Ropcke on Twitter (X) Details: Ropcke said he had warned about this a few weeks ago. "Ukraine has run out of Patriot and Iris-T missiles. Also, most other stocks of air defence means are depleted or destroyed," he wrote. Ropcke added that Western countries have hundreds of systems and thousands of missiles that Ukraine needs in their warehouses. As I said weeks ago (and almost no one believed me): Ukraine ran out of Patriot and Iris-T missiles. Also, most other stocks of air defense means are depleted or destroyed. This, while we have hundreds of systems and thousands of missiles in our depots. No words. Just anger. pic.twitter.com/KyzteWpq1j Julian Ropcke (@JulianRoepcke) April 11, 2024 Update: Ropcke later tweeted: "I would rather not say Ukraine has zero Patriot missiles," adding that a source had told him the current number two weeks ago. "I won't reveal it, of course. But the number was so small, it must be close to nothing now," he wrote. To clarify, I would rather not say, Ukraine has ZERO Patriot PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles. A source told me the alleged exact current number two weeks ago. I won't reveal it, of course. But the number was so small, it must be close to nothing now. Julian Ropcke (@JulianRoepcke) April 11, 2024 Background: On the night of 10-11 April, Russia launched a large-scale combined attack on Ukraine's critical infrastructure: air defence destroyed 57 of the 82 aerial targets launched by the Russians. Ukraines Air Force managed to shoot down 18 of the 42 missiles launched. They were unable to shoot down six Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles. The Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv Oblast was completely destroyed by the Russian attack. Support UP or become our patron! Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, speaks to colleagues on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives before the start of the session on Feb. 6, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House Education Policy Committee Wednesday approved legislation that would allow some undocumented students to attend public higher education in the state. HB 210, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, would allow undocumented students who have attended high school for three years and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent and and have applied for legal status to attend one of Alabamas post-secondary institutions. We hear a lot of them are going to other states to go to college, Ingram said Wednesday. Undocumented students are barred from attending public higher education in the state due to HB 56, the 2011 law that aimed to criminalize the lives of undocumented immigrants in the state. Federal courts later gutted much of the law, but the bar on higher education remained. The bill passed the committee on a voice vote. Some Democrats on the committee had concerns about the language of the bill, which refers to aliens rather than immigrants. Would you be opposed to just amending it to say immigrants. because thats what they are, right? said Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile. Drummond said she regretted not raising questions about the language during the original debates over HB 56. Ingram said he was not sure about how amending the bill would work. We can do that on the floor, he said. Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur, the chair of the committee and a co-sponsor of the bill, said she thinks the original law is the source of the language. According to a 2023 Chronicle of Higher Education article, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia passed enrollment bans around immigrants during a wave of anti-immigration sentiment. Students had been able to enroll under DACA, but some students lost that ability during litigation. Relatively few immigrants come to Alabama. According to the U.S. Census, only 3.8% of Alabamas population is foreign-born, compared to 14% nationwide. The bill moves to the full House of Representatives. The bill needs four legislative days to pass; there are nine days left in the current session. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Bill allowing some undocumented students to attend college passes Alabama House committee appeared first on Alabama Reflector. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) Legislation to prevent Illinois families from receiving the wrong remains of their loved ones has now passed one chamber of the statehouse. Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) filed a bill in November that requires all funeral and crematory establishments in the state to include chain of custody records and start implementing a system to track uniquely identified remains. The bill passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday. State Board of Elections investigating websites publishing voter names, addresses, birthdates Also in the bill is a requirement for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to to inspect the premises within 10 calendar days after receiving a complaint. The status quo isnt working. Dead or alive, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, Turner said. Im committed to holding bad actors accountable. No family should receive the dreaded call that they were given the wrong remains. Last year, the Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced his office was opening an investigation into Heinz Funeral Home/Family Care Cremations in Carlinville after almost 80 families were given the wrong cremains. August Heinz, the funeral director for Heinz, has since had his license for embalming and funeral directing revoked by the state. It was like doing it all over again: Woman finds out she was given wrong ashes by Carlinville funeral home Allmon is an advocate for the bill. The victimization these families have had to endure is egregious and long lasting, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon said. This common-sense legislation will help ensure that our loved and lost are given the dignity they deserve. The bill now heads to the House. A related bill, filed by Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield), would criminalize mishandling remains as a class 4 felony. That bill has not yet left the committee. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. A bipartisan group of senators and House members introduced a pair of bills Wednesday to counter antisemitism, calling for a federal interagency task force against the hate. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) led the Senates Countering Antisemitism Act, while Reps. Kathy Manning (D-N.C.), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Randy Weber (R-Texas) brought forward a House version. The sponsors lead the House and Senate task forces against antisemitism. The bill would establish the position of National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism, an executive director whose role would be implementing the Biden administrations antisemitism strategy announced last May. Antisemitism has been dramatically rising in the United States in the last several years and skyrocketed in the months since the horrific October 7 terror attack on Israel, Rosen, who is Jewish, said in a statement. There have been countless disturbing stories of Jewish families accosted and assaulted on streets, Jewish businesses and places of worship vandalized and desecrated, and Jewish students threatened at colleges and universities. My bipartisan legislation would establish a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism for the first time ever, and take other much-needed steps across the federal government to fight anti-Jewish hatred, bigotry, and violence in the United States, she added. The bill would also designate May as Jewish American Heritage Month in federal law, instruct the Department of Education to name an adviser on antisemitism in higher education, as well as conduct a study on Holocaust education. In America, we have the right to have a faith and to live that faith. No American should live in fear that they will be attacked simply because of their religious views, Lankford said in a statement. As the number of acts of antisemitism continues to rise, Jewish communities across the US deserve action to protect this basic freedom. The bill was lauded by major Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The AJC called the measure the most comprehensive legislation to date to counter domestic antisemitism and protect Jewish communities across the country. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt similarly labeled the bill the most far-reaching antisemitism initiative ever to be introduced in Congress. The U.S. Jewish community is facing the worst crisis of antisemitism that we have seen in a generation, he said in a statement. The Countering Antisemitism Act offers a smart, innovative whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combating this hatred and protecting Jews around the country. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By John Revill ZURICH (Reuters) - UBS could take years to feel the bite of new regulations after the Swiss government set out plans aimed at keeping the "monster bank" in line that were light on detail and heralded a tortuous political process to enshrine them in law. Shares in the Zurich-based lender took a knock on Wednesday after the finance ministry said its "too big to fail" recommendations envisaged tougher capital requirements for UBS and other systemically important banks following the rescue of its stricken rival Credit Suisse in 2023. But the government left open the precise impact it expected from the plan, and analysts said there was little likely to cause UBS great alarm in the pledges to strengthen the market watchdog FINMA, monitor excessive pay and improve backstops. "The measures proposed by the Federal Council are not enough to finally regulate the banking sector effectively," said Cedric Wermuth, co-leader of the centre-left Social Democrats (SP), the second-biggest party in the Swiss parliament. "The decision not to introduce stricter capital adequacy criteria is completely negligent and makes a mockery of taxpayers who will have to foot the bill," he added. Switzerland said that capital demands could be adjusted to reflect exposure to international subsidiaries, as well as lenders' governance, complexity and profitability, without setting specific thresholds. The government said it was "difficult to reach a final judgement on the exact impact" of its mooted higher capital requirements, but argued Swiss banking would benefit. "The Federal Council is convinced that the report presented today points the way to a significant improvement," Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter told a press conference. Still, a person familiar with UBS's thinking said the bank was "relieved" by the plan set out and hoped to lobby for less stringent terms during the unfolding political process. UBS declined to comment. A person familiar with the government's thinking said legislative changes would not be implemented before 2026 and the back and forth of politics in Switzerland meant that whatever finally passed might not have any effect on UBS until later. The measures were not intended to be a major shake-up, but a series of steps aimed at putting more safeguards in place to reduce risk in the banking sector, the person said. The government said it wants to present two packages for implementation in the first half of 2025: one with changes at ordinance level which can be approved by the cabinet, and then more far-reaching draft legislation for parliament. Story continues COMPROMISE Swiss authorities orchestrated the takeover of Credit Suisse last year, allowing UBS to buy its competitor for 3 billion Swiss francs ($3.3 billion) and creating what critics dubbed a "monster bank" that could capsize the economy if it unravelled. The sum was a fraction of what Credit Suisse had recently been worth and triggered a subsequent 60% rally in UBS stock. The supercharged lender now has a balance sheet of around $1.7 trillion, twice the size of the Swiss economy. Peter V Kunz, a regulatory expert at the University of Bern, described the proposals as a typically Swiss compromise. "Between the lines I read: 'Let's cross (our) fingers and hope nothing happens with UBS'," he said. Effective measures would need to be international, he said, noting: "Switzerland cannot do everything on its own." Analysts say that tougher capital requirements could constrain returns for investors even as details remain vague. "Much more detail is needed to be definitive," said Thomas Hallett, analyst at KBW. The uncertainty carries some risk. A top 10 shareholder told Reuters in January that if UBS wants to remain a Swiss bank, resolving the debate around regulation in its home country is crucial. Watchdog FINMA and the central bank need to be comfortable with its business model, otherwise there could be friction over the risks that a bank of its size poses, the shareholder added. The Swiss Bankers Association said the plan threatened to usher in "a wave of regulation that would impose a massive burden on banks and the economy as a whole." Adriel Jost, a fellow at the Institute for Swiss Economic Policy, said the proposals showed "subsidies" for banks remained in place. "This will cost Switzerland dearly in the next crisis, be it through the provision of emergency liquidity, a takeover of bad assets, refinancing or temporary nationalization," he said. "It is a bold bet that slightly increased supervision in advance can change this." ($1 = 0.9122 Swiss francs) (Reporting by John Revill; Additional reporting by Oliver Hirt, Noele Illien and Stefania Spezzati; Editing by Dave Graham and Peter Graff) CORNELIUS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A community gathering and birthday celebration is being held Thursday on what would have marked missing Cornelius girl Madalina Cojocaris 13th birthday, and police are expected to make a statement. Madalina went missing in late 2022 and her parents delayed reporting her missing. They were both arrested for failure to report a missing child and the girls step-father Christopher Palmiter has since been released from jail. At the same time, Madalinas mother Diana remains behind bars. It is unclear if Palmiter will attend the event and its also unclear what exactly Cornelius Police is going to say or if an update will be provided in the case. Palmiter has an ankle monitor and is under curfew. The event will occur at 7 p.m. Thursday in the westside parking lot of police headquarters by the Cain Center for the Arts. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Finding Madalina Last fall appearing outside a Mecklenburg County courthouse following a hearing for her daughter, Diana Cojocaris mother made some explosive comments to the media. Rodica Cojocari told reporters during an impromptu news conference that Diana and Madalina were caught up in human trafficking and that Madalina was still alive. She was sold along with Diana for $5 million, Rodica told reporters. My Diana is a teacher and a translator of Russian, Romanian, and English languages. Shes an educated child, both Kojarkaris Diana and Kojarkaris Madelina. They are God-fearing people, and they are innocent that they were caught in a trap by criminals and traffickers. Queen City News asked Cornelius Police if they had a response to the grandmothers comments. We are considering all aspects of this investigation, and we will continue to investigate any and all leads that will help us find Madalina. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that Black students (57%) were suspended far more than white students (38%) when committing similar infractions. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that Black students are suspended far more than white students in Alabama. When Black kids are disciplined in Alabama schools, they face more suspensions and expulsions and as a result, are more likely to get locked up. This is according to Only Young Once: Alabamas Overreliance on School Pushout and For-Profit Youth Incarceration, a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The report found that Black students (57%) were suspended far more than white students (38%) when committing similar infractions. Overall, a Black kid is suspended from an Alabama school every 15 minutes, which adds up to the sixth-highest suspension and expulsion rate in the country, according to the report. With more suspensions and expulsions for Black kids, theyre more susceptible to ending up in the juvenile justice system, the study explained. Alabama has a long history of incarcerating Black children. For generations, the state has overly criminalized Black youth, pushing them out of school without due process and penalizing them more harshly than their white counterparts, the report says. For skipping school, Black kids were suspended 51% of the time versus 27% for white kids. For theft, Black kids were suspended 60% of the time, while white kids were suspended 41% of the time. A report by the Southern Poverty Law Center found that Black students were suspended far more than white students after committing similar infractions. (Photo: Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Our report shows that the state has a more punitive system that leads towards incarceration rather than keeping kids in schools and keeping them in their communities, Delvin Davis, a senior policy analyst at the SPLC who wrote the study told theGrio. Were consistently seeing racial disparities across the board for incarcerated youths in the state. Black kids are more likely to be suspended and expelled from school. Alabama has the eighth-highest youth incarceration rate in the country, as of 2021. The report explains that it costs $161,694 a year to incarcerate a young person in an Alabama public facility and $120,450 for a private one. Thats compared to just $12,092 per student a year to educate a child and $20,075 per student a year to fund community-based programs. Its more expensive to incarcerate a kid than it is to care for a kid and provide for them, Davis said. For-profit youth facilities in Alabama have a reputation for abuse and taking measures to maximize their profits, the report explains. Earlier this year, state officials shut down Camp SAYLA, a Henry County youth detention center, after child abuse allegations. Across the country, youth incarceration remains disproportionately higher for Black kids. According to the Sentencing Project, a research nonprofit working to address racial incarceration disparities, Black kids are 4.7 times more likely to be detained or sent to juvenile facilities than white kids. The Sentencing Project reported that Black youths are more than three times more likely to be incarcerated when compared with their white counterparts. Using 2021 data, the incarceration rate for Black youth was 228 per 100,000 vs. 74 per 100,000 for white kids. In Alabama, the report recommends major investments in decarceration. It also recommends that state officials create a one-state standard for schools to follow when disciplining students that would allow for due process that protects the children. The report also calls for the state to end the use of for-profit youth incarceration facilities. Once a kid is incarcerated, the likelihood that theyre going to drop out of school just skyrockets, Davis said. If you consider this school-to-prison pipeline starting at an early age, you have to disrupt this cycle at some point. Recommended Stories The post Black youth in Alabama are routinely pushed from schools to incarceration appeared first on TheGrio. Body of possible drowned migrant found in Socorro canal in El Paso County The body of a migrant believed to have drowned was found in a canal in Socorro, police said. The man's body was found about 7 a.m. Thursday, April 11, in the Franklin Feeder canal running along fields and behind a neighborhood in the 11200 block of Santa Barbara Drive, Socorro police said. Border deaths: 2 dead in El Paso County canal drownings near border in San Elizario, Tornillo The Socorro Police Department said that it appears that the man was a migrant who fell into the canal and drowned. The migrant's name and country of origin was not immediately available as an investigation continues. An "auxilio" sign with a number to indicate its precise location is posted in Spanish on a fence next to on canal just north of the border wall in El Paso's Lower Valley in 2023. Since the release of water from upstream dams last month for the irrigation season, the Rio Grande and canals in the El Paso area are flowing with high levels of water. The canals may appear deceptively calm and small but flow with potentially dangerous undercurrents capable of dragging a person underwater. Migrant drownings in El Paso-area canals are common. Migrant deaths continue in El Paso border region Drownings, falls off the border wall, rough desert terrain and extreme heat are among the potentially deadly hazards faced by undocumented migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in the El Paso region. Immigration: '40 families still crying for their dead': Juarez remembers deadly migrant center fire So far in fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Border Patrol reported that there have been 34 migrant deaths in the agency's El Paso Sector, which covers the westernmost tip of Texas and all of New Mexico. Border Patrol agents performed more than 300 migrant rescues during that period. At a border safety event on Tuesday this week , Border Patrol officials repeated their warnings to migrants not to risk their lives on dangerous journeys attempting to enter the United States illegally. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Body in Socorro canal possibly El Paso border migrant drowning case Book challenges occurred more often in Pa. in 2023 than almost anywhere else in America Pennsylvania saw the second-most individual attempts to limit access to certain books in 2023, according to the nonprofit American Library Association. The association's Office for Intellectual Freedom recently released data that showed the Keystone State tied with California for book challenges across a variety of venues at 52. Illinois experienced the most with 69. Efforts to restrict access to particular books at American schools and public libraries have surged in recent years largely because of organized efforts from conservative organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Family Institute, that cite concerns about youth access to materials they deem inappropriate. A photo booth at Library Con 2023 in Monaca, Pa., allowed visitors to pose with books that have been removed from libraries and schools across the United States. While there are those who label any age-appropriate standards and policies applied to the choice of library books as a book ban, the Pennsylvania Family Institute and courts of law recognize that age-appropriate guidelines are not bans at all but sensible standards to benefit children," Pennsylvania Family Institute President Michael Geer said in response to a USA TODAY Network request for comment. "Even the ALA recognizes that it does not consider weeding of an item based on criteria defined in a library or school districts policy to be a ban. Calls for restricting book access increased in the U.S. by 92% from 2022 to 2023, accounting for nearly half of all book challenges last year. Similar demands at American school libraries also increased by 11%. More: Dozens of Pa. school districts have changed book policies since 2019, analysis shows The American Library Association estimated that 47% of the targeted books represented "the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals." Though Pennsylvania was among the states with the most individual attempts to block book access, the calls for restrictions to 218 titles in the commonwealth was far from the most in America. That distinction belonged to Florida, where 2,672 different books were challenged. In Texas 1,470 were asked to be censored. The reports from librarians and educators in the field make it clear that the organized campaigns to ban books arent over, and that we must all stand together to preserve our right to choose what we read, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of ALAs Office for Intellectual Freedom, in a statement about the 2023 data. More: She fought GOP board on censorship, then took oath on stack of banned books as new president Ken Paulson, director of the Free Speech Center based out of Middle Tennessee State University, added that censorship efforts haven't been this pervasive in America for more than a half-century. He likened the current trend to the "Red Scare" of the 1950s, when attempts were made to silence voices viewed as pro-communist. "There were book bans and limits on actors and performers and artists of all sorts," Paulson said. "For decades we thought that was an aberration in American history. Inexplicably, we've seen a wave of efforts to limit free expression, particularly for our youngest citizens." "It's so disappointing that Pennsylvania, the state where our most fundamental freedoms were established, has so many book challenges." Analysis: Censorship movement in Pennsylvania looks much like the battle over Superman The challenges recorded by the association don't necessarily mean that a book was ultimately "retained, restricted, or revoked." School libraries necessarily make judgment calls as to which of the near infinite amount of quality books that exist in the world would be best to fill the finite space of its library shelves," Jeremy Samek, senior counsel for the Independence Law Center in Harrisburg, said in defense of efforts to challenge the accessibility of certain titles. "Because the school library materials are directed to minors, schools necessarily consider whether book selections are age-appropriate based on factors such as its readability and whether it contains explicit sexual depictions or descriptions." Bruce Siwy is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Pennsylvania state capital bureau. He can be reached at bsiwy@gannett.com or on X at @BruceSiwy. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: ALA: Book ban attempts common in Pennsylvania in 2023 Boris Johnson, pictured in Ottawa on Wednesday, said supporting Ukraine would deter China from attacking Taiwan - AP Donald Trump will fail to make America great again if he lets Ukraine fall into the hands of Vladimir Putin, Boris Johnson has warned. The former prime minister urged Republicans in Congress, who have stalled a $60 billion aid package for Kyiv, to unite against Russia to maintain Americas status as the worlds pre-eminent superpower. Invoking Ronald Reagan, he said the move would deter China from attacking Taiwan, while issuing a defence of Nato and hitting out at Western countries for appeasing Vladimir Putin. He also called for Ukraine to be allowed to join Nato. Speaking on Wednesday at a conservative conference in Canada alongside former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott, Mr Johnson said: The resolution to this problem is the security and the stability that comes with certainty about where Ukraine is and what Ukraine is, he told an event at the Canada Strong and Free Networking Conference in Ottawa, where he appeared alongside former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott. Ukraine has chosen to be a free, independent European nation oriented towards the west, towards the EU, towards Nato. And Ukraine must join Nato. That is the only logical way through this. He said fears such a move would provoke Mr Putin could not prevent action. We tried that ... and look where that left us, he said. With the worst war in Europe for 80 years. Nato is the body that gives certainty and stability and will bring peace. But in the meantime, give those Ukrainians what they need. Johnson poses for a photo with members of the public on Parliament Hill in Ottawa - Justin Tang/The Canadian Press/AP Johnson and Trump in 2019. The former prime minister has endorsed the Republican frontrunner for president - GETTY IMAGES Mr Johnson endorsed Mr Trumps run for the presidency in January at the start of the primary season, saying he did not believe the Republican would abandon Ukraine. However, his comments on Wednesday suggest that belief has wavered. It follows reports that Mr Trump has drawn up a plan to let Moscow seize parts of eastern Ukraine and maintain its grip on Crimea. If you are the party of Ronald Reagan, if you want to make America great again, then you dont begin a new Republican presidency which may well happen by conceding victory to Vladimir Putin, Mr Johnson said. It would be a disaster for the West and it would be a disaster for America Ukrainians are a free sovereign, independent, European nation and what has happened to them is criminal and barbaric. Mr Johnson endorsed Mr Trump in a Daily Mail column this year, noting that he had supplied Javelin anti-tank weapons that had proved critical in the Battle for Kyiv in the early days of the war. I cannot believe that he will want to go down in history as the president who abandoned a country that he has already signally helped to keep free, he wrote in January. However, the Washington Post reported last week that Mr Trump would pressure Ukraine to make peace with Russia by ceding Crimea and the Donbas border region if he wins the presidential election in November. Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban said last month that Mr Trump would not give a penny to Ukraine, following a meeting with the former US president. At the same time, Joe Bidens attempts to keep military aid flowing to Kyiv have been blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives. Mike Johnson, the House Speaker, has so far refused to introduce a vote on the package but has indicated he will do so this week. The move could lead to an attempt by supporters of Mr Trump to unseat him. Mr Johnson said he believed the House Speaker was a supporter of Ukraine and argued that sending military aid was in the US own national interest. If youre worried about the long-term ability of America to remain the superpower, if youre worried about democracy around the world, if youre worried about security, then investing in the security of Ukraine is the most cost-efficient thing you could possibly do, he said. I would say, Mike there arent any American boots on the ground in Ukraine, and yet those Ukrainians are fighting for freedom and security everywhere. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, was snubbed when he attempted to meet the House Speaker to discuss the Ukraine package on a visit to Washington this week. He did, however, meet with Mr Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, where he reportedly urged the former president to help push the aid package through Congress. Meanwhile, Mr Johnson said an Israeli airstrike on a convoy of aid workers last week was appalling but criticised those calling on Britain to suspend arms sales to Israel. Logically, what we seem to be saying by that action is that were willing to see Hamas win, he claimed. The move would allow Hamas to repeat its Oct 7 massacre again and again, Mr Johnson said, adding that there was a clear moral difference between the actions of the terrorist group compared to Israel. Israel and the IDF have done their best to minimise civilian casualties, minimise suffering, and Hamas as far as I can see are trying to maximise suffering, he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. UPDATE: 'Go to both': Murfreesboro keeps BoroPride LGBTQ+ festival, adds Ruco Pride Celebration Murfreesboro will have two LGBTQ+ groups celebrating pride events in 2024 after the government unsuccessfully sought to ban BoroPride. BoroPride organizers plan to continue the annual festival in the fall. Also, the inaugural RuCo Pride Celebration will provide a another festival 3-9 p.m. June 29 on the exterior grounds of Oaklands Mansion, an historic home at 900 N. Maney Ave. in the downtown Murfreesboro area. "Go to both," said Norman Hanks, who's been involved with each group. "It's not a competition." Norman Hanks a member of the 2023 Boro Pride organizer on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023. The goal for the new Rutherford County Pride group is to hold monthly gatherings and "bring each other together on a regular basis," said Hanks, who recently accepted promotion to serve as the executive director for Nourish Food Bank in Murfreesboro. Hanks is also among the BoroPride supporters pleased they were able to continue the annual festival in 2023 after the event started in 2016. BoroPride organizers with the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Murfreesboro government to ensure the annual LGBTQ+ festival still happened in October in 2023 at Tennessee Miller Coliseum. The Murfreesboro City Council settled the lawsuit in early 2024 by repealing a controversial community decency standards ordinance that the plaintiffs said violated their First Amendment Rights. The city also agreed to pay $500,000 to the plaintiffs. The city's insurance covered most of the costs for the lawsuit, but the government did have a $14,267 expense in outside counsel, spokesman Mike Browning said. 'I gotta believe!': BoroPride pleased with revised festival plan, MTSU public records show Settlement will promote pride events and report on book banning Hanks and others who have participated with BoroPride were upset fall 2022 when Murfreesboro City Manager Craig Tindall sent a letter to festival organizers saying he would reject future permits for the annual LGBTQ+ event and drag show to use city property. Tindall's letter accused BoroPride organizers of exposing children to a harmful prurient interest. The Murfreesboro City Council by June 2023 approved the community decency standards ordinance that ended up getting repealed. Only Vice Mayor Bill Shacklett opposed and expressed concerns the policy would lead to library book bans. Book banning: Library supporters upset by board pulling 4 books say they're 'fighting against censorship' The Tennessee Equality Project Foundation received $185,000 from the settlement, said Chris Sanders, the executive director of the organization that advocates equal rights for LGBTQ people. "These funds will help us put on BoroPride and expand our educational programming related to advocacy around the state," Sanders said. "We will, for example, soon be releasing an extensive report on book bans in Tennessee, including Rutherford County. We have recently provided seed money for a new Pride celebration in Coffee County, and we will be increasing our support for other regional Pride celebrations. We are exploring several projects to strengthen the networks, programs, and capacity of the LGBTQ community." 'Is that what we want?' Library book freedom may be issue with Murfreesboro community decency standards ordinance Ruco Pride will gather for premier of 'We're Here' filmed in Murfreesboro Drag queens Priyanka, left, and Sasha Velour, right, debate transgender issues on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, with Hannah Faulkner, right, and her father, Tre Faulkner, in the rotunda at Murfreesboro City Hall, after the Faulkners spoke in support of the city's community decency standards ordinance during the public comment City Council meeting. The discussion was being filmed by an HBO crew for the documentary series, "We're Here." Now that legal issues have been resolved, Hanks wants to build on monthly events of Rutherford County Pride that provide a safe place for LGBTQ+ people to be themselves. The upcoming 7 p.m. April 26 free event will be a "Red Carpet Premier" at Premier 6 Theatre for the 8 p.m. showing the first of three episodes of the HBO Max documentary series, "We're Here," filmed in Murfreesboro. The show includes drag performers making appearances in various communities where people have sought to deny First Amendment rights. Three of the shows drag performers made an appearance in August in front of the Murfreesboro City Council. The theater for the April event has about 70 seats. Hanks encourages people to sign up in advance through his group's Facebook page, Rutherford County Pride, or through the website, rucopride.com. 'We're Here' comes to Murfreesboro: HBO drag reality show spotlights Murfreesboro over city's anti-BoroPride actions Straight white woman advocates for LGBTQ+ people The film crew for "We're Here" also interviewed Ruco Pride co-founder Missy Lay, a Murfreesboro resident who's also an event organizer for the group. Lay describes herself as a straight white woman who's a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ people. "It was almost a calling for me," said Lay, who transformed her past views of LGBTQ+ people "to be a spark (for) change." Lay went from being a conservative, young Republican, "uber religious" college student who rejected having a gay roommate to becoming the advocate she is today. "Now I exist to make things right," said Lay, noting that Jesus was known to show compassion to outcasts. "If you are a follower of Christ, he says to love one another. Theres no conditions." LGBTQ+ people can sometimes struggle "to exist in their own skin with who they are," Lay said. "You need to let them exist," Lay said. "To me, the most inclusive group in the world are the gay people. Everyone deserves the love. That is the closest thing to Jesus that I have seen." LGBTQ+ issues: Murfreesboro pride group says they're 'about love and acceptance,' amid controversy RuCoPride will include drag performers, kids play area Ms. BoroPride for 2021 and 2022 Veronica Paige Velour performs during the BoroPride 2023 Pageant at Austin Audio Visual Design, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. Hanks expects his Veronica Paige Velour persona to perform in the upcoming Ruco Pride festival in June along with the reigning BoroPride King and Queen and two to three other local drag performers. About two to three bands also will perform at the event. The RucoPride festival will have vendors, including one that promotes local services safe for LGBTQ+ people, a beer tent, and a kids play area with face painting, balloon animals and story-time, Hanks and Lay said. Rutherford County Pride wants RucoPride to be "just a fun thing for people" and "build each other up," Hanks said. 'Homosexuality' is now legal: Murfreesboro city leaders update outdated code in response to lawsuit RuCo Pride includes monthly activities The goal of Ruco Pride is to create a safe gathering place for LGBTQ+ "people in our community who don't necessarily feel safe," Lay said. RuCo Pride, for example, supports a monthly drag show that Veronica Paige Velour hosts in the Smyrna area, as well as other activities announced on the group's Rutherford County Pride Facebook page or through the rucopride.com website, Lay said. The group's monthly activities also have included Friendsgiving that served a traditional Thanksgiving meal, a coffee house night and a bowling night, Hanks said. "We have something every month," Hanks said. "We're here to support everyone." The Tennessee Equality Project also has regular meetings in Rutherford County. 'We are relieved': BoroPride wins court order to protect LGBTQ+ festival from government Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. To learn more about Ruco Pride Website: rucopride.com. Facebook group page: Rutherford County Pride Sources: Ruco Pride cofounders Norman Hanks and Missy Lay This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: UPDATE: Murfreesboro keeps BoroPride, adds Ruco Pride Celebration DENVER (KDVR) Boulder County moved Wednesday to terminate Cemexs right to operate its cement plant near Lyons, finding the company improperly expanded its use. Dale Case, Boulder County Community Planning and Permitting director, sent a notice to the company on Wednesday, according to a release from the county. Case pointed to the significant traffic increase as the reasoning for terminating the companys operations at that site. The increased level of traffic has created an intensity of use that was noticeable enough for members of the public to file complaints with both Boulder County and CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation), will require new traffic construction and infrastructure to address the traffic hazard created by the significant increase in trucks entering and exiting the Property, and will require a new access permit from the State of Colorado, Cases letter stated. Colorado utilities commission investigating Xcel Energys windstorm power shutoff Following the notice, Cemex issued this statement: Cemex is reviewing the notice issued by Boulder Countys Director of Community Planning & Permitting regarding the land use status of our Lyons Cement Plant and will respond within the next 30 days. Cemex will continue to operate the plant under current operating conditions, producing high-quality cement without disruption to our hard-working employees or our valued customers. The cement produced at the Lyons Plant by our more than 100 employees, including employees represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers, is a vital construction material for building homes, roads, hospitals, businesses, schools and other infrastructure projects that improve safety, mobility and quality of life in Boulder County and throughout Colorado. Maryssa Silva, external communicatins manager for Cemex US The plant has been in operation since 1965, but Boulder County amended its land use code in 1994 to require special use approval for an open mining use at the Dowe Flats Quarry. The special use approval for the quarry expired on Sept. 30, 2022, according to the county, and all mining operations stopped there. Since then, Boulder County has received multiple complaints alleging the cement plant is nonconforming to the county code and that traffic is congested in the area, according to the letter. Cemex is a global company with 10 U.S. cement plants. The company has been widely criticized for pollution and has been listed as one of the top 100 polluters in the U.S. in previous years. Opponents of the Lyons plant have pointed to data such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys company reports. The agency reported that in 2022, the Lyons plant emitted 320,928 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. CDOT study shows dangerous traffic levels near cement plant Community Planning and Permitting staff have investigated, according to Cases letter to Cemex, and at this time there is insufficient evidence that the sites use has been enlarged or altered because of new or larger stockpiles of shale and other materials, alterations and modifications to the facility, increases in production capacity or increases in air pollution. However, the Colorado Department of Transportation required Cemex to provide an updated traffic study after complaints from the public. The study showed that theres been a more intensive level of truck traffic since the quarry closure, according to the letter. In June 2022, the cement plant had 593 daily trips on average. In June 2023, that number rose to 1,238 truck trips per day. As a result, CDOT has determined it is unsafe for traffic to turn left from the plant onto Highway 66. Those vehicles are now required to turn right. According to Boulder County officials, CDOT will likely require Cemex to alter the area to prevent left turns. Colorado seeks input on Speer, 23rd bridges over I-25 Now Cemex has 30 days to prove the directors determination was incorrect, reduce the enlargement of the cement plant use or appeal the determination to the Boulder County Board of Commissioners. Cemex will operate its current cement plant under the existing operating conditions until a final determination is made. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Downtown Minneapolis and craft breweries have seen their share of closings since the pandemic. But one downtown brewery that shuttered at the end of 2023 is about to come back to life. The former Lakes & Legends, just east of Loring Park, will be reborn this summer as Bruhaven. And it has an award-winning craft beer veteran as its new owner. Alex Doering, who worked his way up to head brewer over eight years with the Freehouse, has partnered with friend Glenn Oslin to buy the business and make it their own. But fans of Lakes & Legends will find that much of Bruhaven will be familiar, too. "One component of this place that we really loved was the community aspect," Doering said. "But in terms of their business, what I really liked was that they were starting to expand into things other than beer and branch out, which I think is important in this shifting industry, to be able to pivot." Doering has already begun brewing with the equipment on-site, and plans to continue the previous brand's forays into hard seltzer, THC beverages, mushroom-based functional drinks and other nonalcoholic options. Doering and Oslin also plan to add coffee into the mix after opening. It's a something-for-everyone approach that Doering and Oslin believe craft breweries need to adopt to stay relevant. "People don't always want to drink, so you've got to capture everybody," Doering said. The space, which anchors a residential building, will be open day and night. They're aiming to open by the end of June, in time for Pride festivities in the neighborhood. "We want to be the community hub for Loring Park, to really drive people to come back here," Oslin said. "We also think we'll play a vital role in the revitalization of downtown Minneapolis, especially in the west downtown district, just bringing people and giving them something to look forward to and somewhere to come and really hang out." Doering's brews for the Freehouse have brought home awards, most recently at the 2023 installments of the Minnesota Brewers Cup and the Great American Beer Festival. Brewing for a restaurant gave him a "beer philosophy" that beer shouldn't be too filling or too sweet, and should come in a wide variety of styles that can appeal to everyone, he said. He plans to bring that philosophy to Bruhaven. "He is a phenomenal beer maker and that will definitely be coming over to this brand," Oslin said. At least two of Lakes & Legends' core brews will remain on tap: St. Gail Raspberry Honey Ale and Minnesota Cream Ale. "And it's going to be true to their concept, which was local ingredients, sourced in Minnesota," Doering said. More than the beer, it means a lot that Bruhaven will preserve Lakes & Legends' role as a neighborhood gathering space, said Ethan Applen, one of its co-founders. "In the eight-plus years we were around, we became a key part of the community," said Applen, who founded Lakes & Legends with his brother-in-law, and decided to exit the brewing business when he relocated to California. "For us, that they would come in and continue that community taproom, that was the coolest thing for us and what we really hoped for. The beer is the icing on the cake." The space will remain dog-friendly. Lakes & Legends was the first brewery in Minnesota to allow dogs indoors. Food trucks will be the main food supplier, except during morning hours, when they plan to carry pastries or prepackaged food to go with coffee. They're planning to partner with a roaster, and hope to have the coffee program running by midsummer. "We have a giant space that we want people to come into, work from the space if they want to, or have a coffee in the morning," Doering said. "We want to be an amenity to the building that we're a part of, too." "Especially post-pandemic, people want to get out of their house," Oslin added. For them, the new taproom will be "the haven." Bruhaven, at 1368 La Salle Av., Mpls., is aiming to open early summer. For now, its website is lakesandlegends.com. (Bloomberg) -- Apple Inc. has been urged by more than 60 human rights and environmental organizations to publicly oppose the detention of climate activists in Vietnam, an increasingly important nation in its supply chain. Most Read from Bloomberg You have a responsibility to weigh in on the systematic persecution and imprisonment of climate leaders in the country, the groups, which include 350.org and Global Witness, said in a letter Thursday to Apples leadership team and board. By not making a public statement on this matter, you risk violating your own environmental and human rights policies, the letter said. Vietnam has seen about a fourfold increase in companies assembling Apple products over the past decade. Read More: Apples iPhone Supply Chain Splinters Under US-China Tensions The US and the United Nations have previously criticized Vietnam over the jailing of environmentalists on tax evasion charges, including Hoang Thi Minh Hong, a former Obama Foundation scholar, and Nguy Thi Khanh. Activists argue authorities are using the detentions as part of efforts to limit transparency on the countrys energy transition. In Vietnam, no one is convicted for environmental activism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs deputy spokesperson Doan Khac Viet said in an emailed statement. Those who claim to do activities for the environment but violate the law have been punished strictly in accordance with the law. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of usual business hours. The nation which relies on fossil fuels for more than half its power generation in 2022 entered into a $15.5 billion partnership with funders led by the European Union and the UK to help finance its transition away from coal. --With assistance from John Boudreau, Vlad Savov and Nguyen Xuan Quynh. (Updates the story in the fifth paragraph with Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs comment.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The brother of a gay British man is warning that despite his release from Qatari prison, his brother's detention in the country could be a death sentence. Forty-four-year-old Manuel Guerrero, who also holds Mexican citizenship, moved to Qatar, where homosexuality is illegal, seven years ago for his work. He was detained on February 4 after being entrapped by law enforcement through a fake Grindr profile, and was held in jail for nearly two months. During that time, Qatari authorities subjected Guerrero to secret nighttime interrogations where they forced him to name other LGBTQ+ people he had relations with, according to his family. After learning of his HIV status, they locked him in solitary confinement and refused to administer his medication. Guerrero's brother Enrique, who has vocally advocated for his brother's release since his arrest, told The Advocate that Guerrero has since been released from detention facilities, but that he is prohibited from leaving the country, has been suspended from his work, and is running out of his medicine again. "He's in a difficult situation because he doesn't have work, and Qatar is a very expensive country," he said. "On the other hand, he has a lot of traumatic stress because of the torture he suffered." Guerrero has less than a month of HIV medication left, which will last until his first hearing on April 22. His "trial" could ultimately take months, said Enrique, who consistently used air quotations around the word to emphasize the illegitimacy of the proceedings. "The state of Qatar is doing nothing to give him his medicine, so the problem persists," he said. "There will be more months and we don't have enough medicine." Guerrero went 38 days without a lawyer or translator while he was detained, according to his brother. Even after he was appointed council, Guerrero's attorney was not given access to his case files until Monday over two months after his initial detention. As Guerrero is registered as a British resident of Qatar, it is up to the United Kingdom to secure his release from the country. While Enrique said he has met with officials who have been sympathetic to his cause, he believes the government "must be clear to the state of Qatar that this is not allowed." "We need more support from the U.K. government because we need to repatriate Manuel," he said. "The U.K. government knows that the state of Qatar is doing nothing about his medication. This is a very critical situation and the U.K. government must be more effective and more clear about the life and the health of Manuel." When The Advocate reached out to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' office of Foreign, Commonwealth & Development for comment, an FCDO spokesperson only said: "We are supporting a British man in Qatar." Human rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, have long documented Qatar's history of abuses against LGBTQ+ people, including arbitrary arrest, forced conversion therapy, and physical assault. Rasha Younes, Interim Deputy Director of the LGBT Rights Program at HRW, told The Advocate that "Qatari authorities need to end impunity for violence against LGBT people." "Qatari security forces are detaining and abusing LGBT people simply for who they are," she said. "Security forces arrest people in public places based solely on their gender expression and unlawfully search their phones. Human Rights Watch has documented how Qatar Preventive Security Department forces arbitrarily arrest LGBT people and subject them to ill-treatment in detention, including physical abuse, ranging from slapping to kicking and punching." Younes added that "security officers also inflict verbal abuse, extract forced confessions, and deny detainees access to legal counsel, family, and medical care. Preventive Security forces often force them to unlock their phones and take screenshots of private pictures and chats from their devices, as well as contact information of other LGBT people." Rights groups have also documented governments' use of social media to entrap and arrest queer people around the world, calling on platforms to take action against the practice. While Enrique said "it's terrible that the state of Qatar uses these apps to persecute and target the LGBT community," he said that the "principal responsibility" does not fall on the apps, but rather law enforcement. Enrique noted that since his brother's arrest, Grindr has been displaying a warning to users in Qatar. He has also seen law enforcement use the same fake profiles across platforms, including Tinder and Whatsapp. A spokesperson for Grindr told The Advocate that "we at Grindr are outraged at the recent events surrounding Manuel Guerrero Avina, who continues to be detained in Qatar because of his sexuality and is being denied his necessary HIV medication." "We are aware that in certain areas of the world police abuse digital platforms such as Grindr to target LGBTQ+ people. To support our members in Qatar, we have proactively posted a safety warning to alert them of the potential threats in the area," they continued. "We also host and regularly update a Holistic Security Guide and user safety tips on our website and encourage users to use our video calling feature to verify the identities of other users before meeting them in person." "Grindr has always taken its role as a connector for the queer community very seriously. Tragically, it is still illegal to be gay in more than 60 countries, in many of which Grindr is one of the only ways for members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect with each other," they said. To Enrique, who is close to his brother, this entire ordeal has felt "like we are in another century." He believes that Guerrero "represents for Qatar something very, very bad, because he's from the LGBT community, and he has HIV," which he said is "terrible" and "unfair." He is is now leading the QatarFreeManuel campaign to draw attention to the case and put pressure on the British government to act. "They tortured Manuel in the face of the U.K. embassy, and I believe the U.K. government needs to escalate the situation because it's critical and it's not fair," he said. "They must send a clear message to the state of Qatar that they can't do that to a British citizen. They can't torture a British citizen. This is important not just for Manuel it's important for all British people." Mayor Adams new gatekeeping protocols controlling how elected officials contact administration personnel are having immediate negative results, according to a Brooklyn pol whos refusing to follow them after alerting Team Adams to possible lead contamination. Councilman Lincoln Restler (D-Brooklyn) told the Daily News on Thursday that after trying to convey concerns about elevated lead levels at a North Brooklyn park, he got the cold shoulder from City Hall and two city agencies, all of whom cited Adams new policy. I reached out to the leadership in the Parks Department and the Health Department and they told me to fill out a Google doc. I reached out to City Hall, and they told me to fill out a Google doc, he said. This is an embarrassing, bureaucratic boondoggle. Restler said hes refusing to fill out the form after Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) declared Wednesday the Council will not abide by the mayors new protocols. The new policy is a departure from past practice and requires Council members and other elected officials to fill out and submit written requests online in order to speak with the mayors commissioners and senior staff at city agencies. In the past, elected leaders have simply reached out to those administration higher-ups whenever the need arose. Adams spokeswoman Liz Garcia said the administration takes lead contamination concerns very seriously. City agencies, as well as City Hall, responded immediately to Councilmember Restlers request for a meeting and asked him to follow our standardized process if not an emergency, Garcia said. Despite the fact that the councilmember refused to fill out the form, out of an abundance of caution, the Parks Department is actively adding soil and mulch to the park as an additional protective layer. Adams, whos touted his intention to streamline city government since being elected in 2021, said a day earlier that the new policy isnt punitive and is intended as a smart coordination of city resources, particularly with the manpower that has dropped a lot. I need to make sure that my commissioners are being coordinated correctly, he said. Those electeds who are saying, Well, we dont want to do that Then you have disorder. I dont want to have disorder. The policy led to a swift backlash. Council Speaker Adams declared Wednesday that the Councll will not be adhering to this excessively bureaucratic and inefficient process that only undermines the work of city government. On Thursday, she said at least two Council members have already complained about the troubles the new policy has caused. It is certainly not the way to get stuff done for the people of the city, she said in a clear shot at the mayor and his often-repeated motto. Officials in the mayors own administration are questioning whether the policy is practical. Last Friday, during a private meeting focused on the policy, NYPD Commissioner Ed Caban said the requirement could prove to be a nuisance for the police department, according to an official who attended the meeting and a second source briefed on it. What [Caban] was saying is that they have such constant communication with elected officials that you would imagine that this would slow down communication, the source on the call told The News earlier this week. Restler contends the policy is already having a negative impact on the people he represents. He said the alarm bells about lead were first raised by a community-based organization. Restler declined to name the park, saying he doesnt want to alarm residents before having all the facts. All Im trying to do is protect the health and safety of my constituents, he said. This is no way to run a city. With Chris Sommerfeldt Bryan Kohbergers attorneys warn peoples lives may be in danger in Idaho murders trial Bryan Kohbergers defence attorneys have warned that peoples lives may be in danger during his trial for the University of Idaho murders. Mr Kohberger, a 29-year-old PhD criminal justice student, is accused of killing four students in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, in November 2022. His trial date has not yet been set. His attorney Anne Taylor filed a motion with the prosecution on 4 April requesting that discovery requests be placed under seal because the documents contain facts or statements that might threaten or endanger the life or safety of individuals. The motion warns that the full release of discovery would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. In response to Ms Taylors motion, the state said the release of discovery evidence could disclose the identity of a confidential source. It was unclear who the evidence may endanger or who the possible confidential sources in the case may be. Bryan Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022 (Getty) The filing comes as both parties returned to court last week where they argued over the defence contacting Latah County residents to determine whether the jury pool could be biased. In a further hearing about the issue on Wednesday, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson questioned a defence expert who performed the phone survey, pointing out that the survey was loaded questions and some are factually incorrect. During the hearing, prosecutors also appeared to pour cold water on speculation about Mr Kohbergers connection to some of the victims. Its false that Bryan Kohberber allegedly stalked one of the victims, you know that, Mr Thompson told the expert in court, according to NewsNations Brian Entin. He added that the expert should not go around screwing the knowledge that prospective jurors may have or may not have. Mr Thompson said that the survey questions violated gag orders in the case and possible jurors were injected with information, The Lewiston Tribune reported, adding that the survey cannot stand. The judge overseeing the case criticised the survey questions last week calling it a total shock to him and said: Because this is a big deal, and I take it very, very seriously. And I was surprised that this was happening behind our backs. Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed on 13 November (Instagram) Mr Kohbergers defence attorney said the legal team was conducting the survey to support their argument that the trial should be moved to a different county. She said the poll showed the jury pool was biased. No decision has yet been made on the matter. Mr Kohberger faces four counts of murder in the first degree and one count of felony burglary in the fatal stabbings of Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20. The students were found stabbed to death in an off-campus rental house in Moscow on 13 November 2022. The military-style knife, believed to be the weapon, has never been recovered, however, a knife sheath was found near one of the victims. That sheath contained DNA which was then matched to Mr Kohberger, according to authorities. BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) A Buffalo man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the attempted murder of his girlfriend in 2021, the Erie County District Attorneys Office said Thursday. Christopher Walters, 36, shot his girlfriend in the torso during an argument at their apartment on Martha Avenue on April 24, 2021. Walters fled after shooting her, and the woman was transported to ECMC to be treated for a punctured lung, broken ribs and other internal injuries. Walters was captured in Florida and was taken back to Western New York to face prosecution in May 2021. He was found guilty of second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon in January 2023. The 25-years-to-life sentence was the maximum sentence as a persistent violent felony offender. As part of the sentence, a final order of protection was issued, which lasts until 2091. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. Volunteers gather beside the bodies of the victims of a bus crash, at a morgue in Karachi, Pakistan, Thursday, April 11, 2024. A Pakistani official says a bus crash has killed and injured multiple persons in the country's southwest. (AP Photo/M. Farooq) QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) A bus carrying pilgrims crashed into a deep ditch in southwest Pakistan, killing 17 people and injuring 16 others, officials said Thursday. They were travelling to a revered religious site in Baluchistan late Wednesday, the first day of Eid Al-Fitr celebrations and a public holiday in Pakistan, said a spokesperson for the provincial government, Shahid Rind. The driver lost control of the bus in Las Bela district, just 25 kilometers from the shrine the pilgrims were heading to. Those in a serious condition, some 15 people, were shifted to a hospital in neighboring Sindh province. There were 33 people on the bus, including the driver. Baluchistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed his regret over the crash. Businesses losing thousands of dollars over bomb threat at Planet Fitness After business owners on Beach Boulevard evacuated their customers from their building on Wednesday, customers didnt come back, causing owners to lose thousands of dollars. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Losing appointments every other day has drastically hurt my businesses financially, Shunya Williams, owner of Lady S Styles said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Williams was forced to evacuate her customers Wednesday due to a third bomb threat at Planet Fitness. My business is new here, I just started, Williams said. This makes me almost want to cry. I cant take much more. This stressful situation has affected business owners wallets. Some of them say they are not able to pay business rent. Last week, I think I only took home $120. The rest I made when to this building, Williams said. The owner of Elite Waxing & Esthetics, Morgan Tumeo is also losing money. Just yesterday I lost about $500. Today with the reschedules Im at $350. Tumeo also mentions the idea of a bomb threat scares her clients so much they are not returning. I had ten clients scheduled today now, I only have four clients scheduled, Tumeo said. They are scared. They dont know if they can come in. People are fearing for their lives. Williams offers her solution to help businesses stop losing money. Why isnt Planet Fitness closing is what I want to know, Williams said. Every business in this area is losing money. Planet Fitness members pay in advance. At least 17 Planet Fitness locations have reported hoax bomb threats in recent weeks. Augustine Road, Beach Boulevard, and Normandy Boulevard just to name a few. This all comes after Planet Fitness revoked an Alaska womans membership for snapping photos of a transgender woman, who is biologically male, shaving in the womens locker room. Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said these threats are taken very seriously. JSO also mentions this will continue to be an active criminal investigation. [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. California lawmakers approve $17 billion in budget fixes. How they would impact the deficit California lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill with $17 billion in budget fixes. The Legislatures action comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, and Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, D-Healdsburg, last week announced they had all agreed to the set of fiscal adjustments. The bill is considered early action because leaders are taking steps to address a projected budget deficit of up to $73 billion before they enter into negotiations over the fiscal year 2024-2025 spending plan. Newsom presented his budget in January, and he called for the Legislature to take early action at that time. He will present a revised budget in May. The new fiscal year starts on July 1, and lawmakers must pass the overall budget by June 15. Heres what the legislation lawmakers took up on Thursday contains, how it will affect the projected deficit and what budget watchers and lawmakers are saying about it. Whats in this bill? The bill opens up previous budgets from the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 fiscal years to find $17.3 billion in solutions, which include $3.6 billion in cuts, $5.2 billion in revenue and borrowing, $5.2 billion in delays and deferrals and $3.4 billion in cost shifts from the general fund to other state accounts. Leaders are taking a closer look at recently-passed budgets to find money some unspent to help with this years spending plan. Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, D-Hollister, speaks to the media about the bill with $17 billion in budget fixes after it was passed by legislators at the state Capitol on Thursday. Hector Amezcua/hamezcua@sacbee.com For example, the legislation plans to put back into the general fund, or revert, $8.8 million from a 2022-2023 allocation of $10 million for the Experience Corps grant program within CalVolunteers, according to a staff report from the Senate Budget Committee. ExperienceCorps was meant to engage older Californians in volunteer service, but the program was undersubscribed, the report said. Scott Graves, budget director for the California Budget and Policy Center, called this kind of funding like found money, in a way. The agreement Newsom, Rivas and McGuire reached also included a requirement to freeze other spending on one-time funding from 2021, 2022 and 2023, to preserve that money for negotiations to come. In March, Newsom also signed an increase to the managed care organization, or MCO, tax on health insurers, which the state is using to leverage $1.5 billion in federal funds to help pay for Californias Medi-Cal program. How will it affect the deficit? Its challenging to say how the early action will affect the overall projected budget deficit, in part because the groups involved in crafting the states spending plan are not in agreement about how much money the state needs to find. The Legislative Analysts Office in December estimated leaders would be dealing with a $68 billion deficit during the next fiscal year. Newsoms Department of Finance in January said the spending gap was closer to $38 billion. The LAO in February updated its deficit estimate to $73 billion, based on new revenue collections information. The Department of Finance will not update its deficit projection until Newsom presents his revised budget next month. The Legislatures April bill may have more to do with narrowing the down the choices lawmakers will need to make moving forward. Graves said the early budget action represents a kind of clearing the decks of a lot of these types of solutions that are fairly easy to reach a consensus on, and then theyll leave the more challenging issues for discussion in May and June. Theyre picking a low-hanging fruit now, he said. Then theyll come back to the fruit higher up on the tree later on, where its going to be harder to reach agreements. Because they will not necessarily all see eye-to-eye on some of these things. What do budget-watchers and lawmakers think? Graves said his organization, a nonpartisan research nonprofit, thinks the early action deal is a reasonable approach, recognizing that theyre just partially closing the state budget gap, but theyre also protecting ongoing funding for critical services, which is something that we are very concerned about. The Budget and Policy Center has advocated for Newsom and lawmakers to consider revenue-raising strategies to continue protecting those services, such as suspending corporate tax breaks. The governor has been staunchly opposed to any tax increases. We argue that this should be on the table this year, Graves said. Particularly if theyre saying that theyre going to need to consider potentially deep cuts to ongoing critical services like health care, safety net, education, higher ed, things along those lines. Republicans opposed the early action bill, calling it part of Democrats budget gimmicks and tricks. The budget process has completely eroded, said Sen. Roger Niello, R-Fair Oaks, vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee, in a statement. My Democratic colleagues are not taking this budget and this growing deficit as seriously as they should. Borrowing to pay operating costs is foolish, and delays and deferrals in this budget bill are serving up false expectations. This budget bill is nothing but a bag of gimmicks. Assemblyman Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, vice chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, said during a floor speech the bill only pushes this crisis into the future. Vince Fong, R-Bakersfield, vice chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, asks legislators during a floor speech on Thursday, April 11, 2024, to vote against a bill that would cut $17 billion of state spending. Fong said the bill only pushes this crisis into the future. Hector Amezcua/hamezcua@sacbee.com Our budget crisis is being driven by overspending, which has put Californias finances on an unsustainable path, he said. Following the vote on Thursday, Rivas said the budget shortfall is a structural problem moving forward. Well know a lot more in a few weeks, Rivas said during a press conference. We look forward to the May revision. But certainly the action we took today, the $17 billion, is substantial. Its going to help us close this budget deficit that we face. And there are parts of this early action that Im very proud of, that we fought really hard for in the Assembly. A man from California pled guilty to a drug trafficking charge in relation to interstate drug trafficking to Aliquippa. Christopher Andrew Salgado, 24, pleaded guilty to one county of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine Wednesday. Between March and September 2022, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating in western Pennsylvania. The investigation revealed that a cocaine supplier in California would mail parcels with kilograms of cocaine to a house in Aliquippa, the Department of Justice said. Investigators seized a parcel with two kilograms of cocaine before it got to the house. After that, the packages were sent to Salgado, who was in West Virginia. From there, Salgado would drive the parcel to Pittsburgh International Airport, pick up a co-defendant who would fly in from California and take them and another co-defendant to Aliquippa, the Department of Justice said. Salgado was seen disposing a box at Pittsburgh International Airport after delivering the parcel. Investigators saw a shipping label with Salgados West Virginia address on the box, as well as drug packaging material inside. A field test showed the presence of cocaine in the box, the Department of Justice said. In August 2022, investigators seized a parcel sent from California to Salgado in West Virginia. It had around two kilograms of cocaine inside. Investigators conducted a search warrant of Salgados residence and found another parcel with two kilograms of cocaine, a loaded 9mm handgun, an empty pistol magazine, a box of ammunition and a digital scale. Salgados sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 14. He faces a total sentence of up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5 million or both. Salgado remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: New Castle couple welcomes baby girl born on Pennsylvania Turnpike Airline offers service from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for half the cost of traveling on PA Turnpike Missing Beaver County man found dead during search of Monongahela River in Elizabeth Township VIDEO: Memorial unveiled for bicyclist struck, killed by semi-truck in downtown Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Women in cities across the country have been gathering online in Facebook groups with one purpose: to vet any men they're considering dating. These "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" groups have led to backlash among some of the men who are featured on these pages, including a $75 million lawsuit in Chicago. Stewart Lucas Murrey of Santa Monica, California is the latest man to find himself at the center of one of these Facebook group controversies. Murrey initially filed a complaint calling out more than 50 women for defamation last June, but a California judge just dismissed one of the many cases Murrey is currently bringing. In total, he's seeking $2.6 million in damages. Murrey alleged in the complaint that the women "conspired to harm [his] reputation and violate his right to free speech based upon his sex and other discriminatory elements," according to NBC News. On April 8, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge granted one defendant, Vanessa Valdes, a motion to dismiss the lawsuit as it was deemed to limit her freedom of expression. "While I am grateful for this outcome, I want to highlight that there are still other defendants continuing to fight this battle," Valdes told NBC News of the outcome. "I want to make it clear that I do not condone retaliation against the plaintiff; the courts will continue to do its intended work. It is my sincere hope that baseless lawsuits like this do not happen to others in the future." After the ruling, Murrey took to his personal website to issue a statement on the matter. "I do not know who this woman is and continue to have no interest in her. Yet for years, she has gone on social media, web-platforms, and even national television to attack someone who she has never met," he wrote. "This behavior should not be normalized and I am challenging every person in their various roles. The ruling was based only on portions of Valdes' statements about me." "This is a situation that is bigger than mere libel. We face a threat to privacy and I am prepared for the long fight ahead," he added. On April 10, Murrey went on to tell NBC News that he "will soon issue a more serious and nuanced statement regarding the last hearing." "This ruling should not be misconstrued at a surface level nor embolden and normalize cyberstalkers," he said, echoing Valdes' sentiments. As Valdes noted, this story is far from over, as several other women are currently dealing with defamation litigation brought by Murrey. Apples (AAPL) 2024 has been rough so far. But despite the companys headwinds ranging from antitrust suits to slowing iPhone sales, theres one big bright spot for Apple: its Services business. In the first quarter, Services revenue jumped 11% year over year to $6.3 billion. And according to BofA Global Researchs Wamsi Mohan, Apple is set to report another quarter of double-digit growth for the segment when it announces its second-quarter earnings later this month. Apples Services business includes the companys App Store sales, advertising revenue, AppleCare+, subscription services like Apple TV+, and more. According to market intelligence firm Sensor Tower, App Store revenue grew 11% in the first quarter of the year, up from 3% in the first quarter of 2023 and 5% in Q1 2022. Apples App Store also appears to be surviving the EUs new Digital Markets Act (DMA) without much issue. The legislation, which went into effect in March, forces both Apple and Google to allow consumers to download and install third-party app stores and notify users that they can switch to third-party web browsers. Sensor Tower data indicates that while App Store in-app spending grew 13% globally in March, it increased 28% in the EU. Apple CEO Tim Cook gestures during the inauguration of India's first Apple retail store in Mumbai, India, April 18, 2023. (Francis Mascarenhas/REUTERS) (REUTERS / Reuters) Although the DMA has been in effect for roughly one month, it appears there has been no significant impact to Apples revenue from in-app purchases (or subscriptions), the firm stated. According to Reuters, EU-based user numbers for third-party browsers like Aloha increased 250% in March. But with more than 2.2 billion active Apple devices in circulation, the company isnt likely to face much of an impact from third-party browser installs. In fact, according to Mohan, App Store installs in the EU have increased 2% year over year since the DMA went into effect, while revenue rose 24%. That said, Apple also requires app developers that offer apps via third-party app stores to pay a 50-euro cent "core technology" fee for each app users install after the first million installs. Apple says the fee is necessary to maintain app security and upkeep, but the European Union's antitrust watchdog, the European Commission, is looking into whether Apple is violating the terms of the DMA. For now, however, Apples Services business continues to perform well at a time when the companys other segments are facing declining revenue. In Q1, Apple reported an 11% drop in its Wearables, Home, and Accessories segment, while its iPad business revenue plummeted 25% in the quarter. And while iPhone sales increased 6% year over year in Q1, they declined 13% in China, Apples third-largest market behind North America and Europe. Part of that problem has to do with Chinas tepid economic environment, but the company is also contending with a resurgent Huawei as well as other home-grown smartphone makers stealing away market share. Story continues Apples iPad business is also facing difficulties, with revenue declining 3% in 2023 and 8% in 2022. Subscribe to the Yahoo Finance Tech newsletter. (Yahoo Finance) On the legal front, the Department of Justice is suing Apple for allegedly stymying competition in the smartphone space. The European Union has also fined the company $2 billion over antitrust concerns related to music streaming services. Well find out more about Apples performance in the quarter when it reports its fiscal Q2 results May 2. Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley. Click here for the latest technology business news, reviews, and useful articles on tech and gadgets Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance. Whats the difference between the French countryside and that of Yolo County? From inside LApero Les Trois, not much. LApero Les Trois specializes in aperitifs, small pours of fortified Berryessa Gap Vineyards wine infused with botanicals and local produce. Its the only aperitif-focused tasting room in California, said co-founder Georgeanne Brennan, who partnered with Berryessa Gap owner Corinne Martinez and winemaker Nicole Salengo to open the downtown Winters bar in May 2022. Georgeanne Brennan, left, Nicole Salengo-Lee, center and Corinne Martinez, are co-owners of LApero Les Trois, Californias first French farmhouse-style aperitif tasting cafe in Winters on April 4, 2024. Lezlie Sterling/lsterling@sacbee.com Aperitifs typically open a meal, the counterbalance to a digestif at the end. LAperos owners also recommend turning their aperitifs into spritzes with the addition of soda water, or using in place of vermouth in heavier cocktails. An aperitif is not just the prelude to the meal, but to the conviviality that comes, Brennan said. The aperitifs flavors can be complex, as in a Zinfandel infused with green walnuts Martinezs brother grows next to her vineyard, two miles from LAperos tasting room at 22 Main St. A quince-infused Chardonnay is more honeyed, though not so sweet as to resemble a true dessert wine. Its the four other aperitifs, though black mission fig Zinfandel, dry rose with Blenheim apricots, Sauvignon blanc with Meyer lemon and dry rose with rosemary and oranges that have received the most acclaim so far. Each won gold or double gold at the San Francisco Chronicles highly competitive statewide wine competition earlier this year. LApero Les Trois offers aperitif samples. Lezlie Sterling/lsterling@sacbee.com LApero serves its aperitifs by the $12 glass or in flights, along with cheese plates or small bites such as gougeres. The bar also hosts seasonal dinners and Sunday suppers every other month, featuring cassoulet, bouillabaisse or another French classic as the main item. Brennan is a James Beard Award-winning author of several cookbooks, including Aperitif: Recipes for Simple Pleasures in the French Style, published in 1997. She fell in love with the drinks and concept while living in rural Provence, then came up with the idea for LApero after social-distanced drinks with Salengo in 2020. How cool is that? As Corinne says, (Brennan) literally wrote the book on aperitifs, Salengo said. For Sacramento residents that wont find themselves in Winters anytime soon, $40 bottles of LApero Les Trois aperitifs are carried at Corti Bros. and Magpie Cafe makes cocktails with the fortified wines as well. What Im Eating Rosevilles dining scene saw a welcome boost with the September opening of Uncle Dumpling in Stone Point Retail Center. A marriage of traditional and contemporary Chinese elements, its star dish is xiaolongbao, Shanghai-style soup dumplings that have become a 21st century U.S. favorite. Large plexiglass kitchen windows show aunties crafting dumplings by hand, illuminated by a neon sign declaring You Only Live Once. Bamboo steamer baskets and a giant folding fan decorate the brick-walled dining room, where each table has a guide on how to eat xiaolongbao (place it on your spoon, poke a hole, suck the broth out and eat the rest, with black vinegar or chili oil if desired). Classic pork xiaolongbao ($15 for eight) are the standard-bearer, soft-bottomed vessels of meat and salty broth. The truffle Berkshire xiaolongbao ($21 for eight) is a more decadent, Instagrammable option tucked in dough dyed black by squid ink and sprinkled with edible gold. While dumplings, even the soupless varieties, are the clear focus, dont sleep on the stir-fried green beans ($14) tossed with crumbles of pork and garlic and a subtle layer of spice. Jajang noodles ($14) have a more omnipresent heat, which runs through the tofu, mushrooms, pork and cucumber strips to tingle the tongue and lips. For dessert: more dumplings! Chocolate xiaolongbao ($10 for five), created by legendary Taiwan-based chain Din Tai Fung and previously unseen in Sacramento-area restaurants to my knowledge, are tinier than their porky counterparts and filled with strawberry and chocolate syrups. Served with a semisweet cheese foam dipping sauce, they came together like bite-sized dessert crepes in the mouth. Uncle Dumpling Address: 1485 Eureka Road, Suite 150, Roseville. Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (916) 886-8132. Website: http://www.uncledumpling.com/ Drinks: Beer, sake, smoothies and fruit, milk or hot teas. Vegetarian options: Egg-mushroom dumplings, a few appetizers and hearty plates of garlic-laden spinach, broccoli or bok choy. Noise level: Quiet. Outdoor seating: Four patio tables. Openings & Closings Roundhouse Deli opened its first Sacramento sandwich shop April 3 at 1914 Alhambra Blvd., where Casa Tulum previously stood. The Ruelas familys deli, known for its tri-tip tacos, has been a Roseville fixture for decades and opened an Elk Grove location in 2020. Engawa Fusions soft opening is underway at 7301 Stockton Blvd. near the Florin Road intersection in Tasty Houses former abode. The contemporary Cali-Japanese concept serves homey classics such as oyakodon (chicken-and-egg rice bowls) as well as inventive tacos filled with sashimi or tonkatsu. Slim & Huskys Pizza Beeria closed its sole California restaurant Sunday at 3413 Broadway in North Oak Park. The Nashville-based, hip-hop-inspired pizza and cinnamon roll concept opened in 2020. California state employees are getting codified policy on how often they can work from home, Gov. Gavin Newsoms (D) office announced Wednesday. Cabinet Secretary Ann Patterson wrote in a memo acquired by The Hill that the governors administration will require all state employees to work at least two days a week from the office starting June 17, standardizing disparate policies among state agencies. Citing the receding of the COVID pandemic, Patterson said a standard policy was needed for about half of the states 230,000 workers that can work from home, because each state department had its unique policy. The varied approaches created confusion around expectations and are likely to exacerbate inconsistencies across agencies, Patterson wrote. She added that in-person work carried its own benefits that must be considered, including enhanced collaboration, cohesion, and communication, better opportunities for mentorship, particularly for workers newer to the workforce, and improved supervision and accountability. Exceptions will be allowed on a case-by-case basis, she continued, and she said she looks forward to a continued dialogue on the subject. The Newsom administration embraced remote work during the COVID pandemic to fight the spread of COVID and keep government work competitive with the benefits of the private sector. As many private sector employers force their workers back in, the government is now slowly following. Local city leaders across the country are urging companies and governments to encourage in-person work, citing declining downtowns and high office vacancy rates. About 15 percent of American workers are completely remote, according to U.S. Census data released in February, three times higher than before the pandemic. Labor unions have generally argued against forced returns, citing a lack of evidence that they are really beneficial to work. Studies have shown that most workers are just as, if not more, efficient when working remotely than in the office. Patterson said the labor unions representing California state workers were informed of the decision Wednesday. The Hill has reached out to Service Employees International Union Local 1000, the largest California state employee union, for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Police Scotland has been deluged with complaints since the new legislation was brought in, many of them about Humza Yousaf - Jane Barlow/PA Police Scotland staff have been given a script defending Humza Yousaf after he faced a deluge of hate crime reports. The national force issued an email guide to call centre workers and officers, advising them of lines to take in response to claims that the First Minister made a racist speech at Holyrood at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement. Mr Yousaf, who was then the justice secretary, had highlighted the race of a series of high-profile figures in Scottish public life in June 2020, pointing out that each of them was white. He added that at 99 per cent of the meetings he went to he was the only non-white person in the room and said Scotland has a problem of structural racism. His remarks have since been taken out of context online in a 45-second clip, with Elon Musk describing Mr Yousaf on his social media platform X, formerly Twitter, as a blatant racist in October 2022. Such was the volume of complaints about the remarks that Police Scotland issued a guide on a form of words to recite when members of the public complain about the First Minister under his new hate crime laws. It states that Mr Yousaf had been making reference to his own personal experience of racism and that nothing said in the speech was threatening, abusive or insulting. It adds that when he had been referring to white people, he had been pointing out a matter of fact. The guide said: There was no malice or ill will towards any person or group displayed in anything said, and so it does not meet the threshold to be recorded as a non-crime hate incident. The email, issued by Police Scotlands diversity unit after the hate crime laws came into force this month, added that the speech was protected under Mr Yousafs rights to freedom of speech. The force has been deluged with complaints since the legislation was brought in, many of them about Mr Yousaf. In the first week of the legislation, 7,152 online hate reports were made, though fewer than four per cent (240) were recorded as hate crimes. The force has previously faced questions over why the complaints were not recorded as a non-crime hate incident, while remarks by Tory MSP Murdo Fraser, complaining about Scottish Government gender policies, were. According to Police Scotlands published policies, hate incidents are recorded based solely on the perception of the person making the complaint. Sharon Dowey, the deputy justice spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said: Its a measure of how farcical Humza Yousafs hate crime law is that police officers have effectively been given a script on how to respond to the flood of complaints made against the First Minister under the very legislation that he piloted and introduced. A Police Scotland spokesman said: We have received a number of complaints in relation to a speech in the Scottish Parliament on June 10 2020. Earlier complaints regarding this matter were assessed at the time and it was established no crime was committed and no further action was required. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. One sign of international trepidation over a second Trump administration: an effigy of the former president, with an American flag swastika, decorated a float in a parade in Germany in February. (Andreas Rentz / Getty Images) Not a joke, as Joe Biden might say. Im talking about our country: America is no joke, no matter how many times Donald Trump claims it is. One of his most obnoxious lies at every rally and in most interviews is his contention that, with Biden as president, a disrespectful world is laughing at us. Trump was at it again last week, at his most recent rally in Green Bay, Wis., claiming the United States is a global laughingstock. Joe Biden is not respected and Joe Biden is not feared among the worlds nations, he told his fawning crowd. But once he, Trump, is reelected, America will soon be respected again, very quickly respected, like never before. Like virtually all Trumpisms, this one is demonstrably false. Throughout Donald Trumps presidency, publics around the world held the United States in low regard, the Pew Research Center reported soon after he left office. Its 2020 survey found that among 13 allied nations, the share of people who had a favorable view of America was the lowest it had been in the two decades since Pew began asking the question. Good feelings toward the United States rebounded after Biden took office and remained favorable by a 2-to-1 ratio last year . Read more: Calmes: Biden had words with Bibi over Israel's apocalyptic Gaza war. Only action will do Its almost laughable, Trumps projection of his own unpopularity onto Biden. Except that too many Americans believe him. As for foreign leaders, theyre not laughing at the United States or Trump. Theyre openly fretting that the pro-authoritarian neo-isolationist whose crude credo is America First could return to power. Their agita is pretty astounding, really. They dont respect Trump at all, though they do fear him the way youd fear a madman at the nuclear button. President Nixon sought leverage by making foreign counterparts think he was unstable; Trump actually is unstable. Foreign diplomats and some leaders don't even mask their anxiety. They mostly speak anonymously, in case he actually regains power, but they speak nonetheless, ignoring norms against opining about another countrys election. Trumps former national security advisor John Bolton has said repeatedly that even the autocrats Trump admires Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, among others think hes a laughing fool. Read more: Calmes: Christine Blasey Ford's memoir isn't about Brett Kavanaugh but it still suggests a #MeToo reckoning The Japanese have a phrase for their Trump trepidation, the Washington Post reported ahead of this weeks state visit by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. 'Moshi-tora,' according to the Post reporter in Tokyo, encapsulates the mild panic brewing here. Its a shorthand for: What if Donald Trump wins? It makes us nervous, former Japanese lawmaker Mieko Nakabayashi told the Post. We have to start thinking. That is the true purpose of moshi-tora: alarming ourselves to think about the unthinkable. Americans know the feeling. Meanwhile, the Japanese edition of Newsweek had a cover drawing of Trump as a bloody, frightening apparition, calling to mind either villain or vampire. Friendly nations, including Japan, reliant for more than seven decades on a rules-based system of alliances led by the United States, justifiably worry that a reelected Trump will succeed at breaking those alliances. They fear a trade war and economic tremors from his promised tariffs. They expect hed abandon Ukraine, demanding that it cede Crimea and the Donbas region to Russia and thereby encouraging Putins expansionism in Europe. They sweat his odd affinity for Xi in China and Kim in North Korea, as the two men threaten neighbors who count on the United States to be a counterweight. Read more: Calmes: Would you buy a $60 Bible from this man? On the sidelines at NATOs 75th birthday commemoration last week in Brussels, attendees commiserated about a potential Trump 2.0, and talked about Trump-proofing the alliance generally and support for Ukraine specifically. How could they not after Trump crowed at a MAGA rally in February that he would encourage the Russians to do whatever the hell they want to NATO-member countries that in his view arent spending enough on their own defense? Trumps claim that the world is laughing at us isnt unique to Bidens era. Hes been babbling that for years , since the administration of Republicans sainted Ronald Reagan. But he gets the target wrong. When the world has laughed at our expense, it was laughing, literally, at Trump. Cue the blooper reels. In 2018, then-President Trump was the joke at the United Nations General Assembly when he began his address by boasting that hed achieved more in two years than any president in U.S. history. The delegates burst into guffaws . In 2019, the leaders of Britain, France, Canada and the Netherlands, along with Britains Princess Anne, were captured on a hot mic mocking Trump over cocktails during a NATO summit. Trump packed up and flew home in time, had he wanted, to see the Saturday Night Live skit lampooning him as the goofball shunned by the cool kids in the NATO cafeteria. Such yuks at Trumps expense were easier then before Jan. 6, Ukraine and his many former advisors' post-presidency alarms about the danger he poses should he get back in the White House. Experience is a teacher: Trump is no longer a laughing matter. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Canadian parliament broke into God Save the King after MPs voted against removing the oath of allegiance. The Government and most of the Liberal and Conservative MPs joined forces to vote down the private members bill, which was supported by the Left-wing NDP and the nationalist Bloc Quebecois. MPs voted to keep Section 128, which requires that new parliamentarians must swear to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the reigning monarch, by 113 votes to 197. A member cannot legally assume his or her seat in parliament until they have taken the oath under the Canadian constitution, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reports. Monarchist MPs applauded the bills defeat and spontaneously began singing God Save the King when the result was announced. Greg Fergus, the speaker, repeatedly called for order but eventually gave up as the members continued, undeterred. They carried on until they reached the end of the first verse. Westminster system of government The amended oath would have had members swear to carry out their duties in the best interest of Canada while upholding its Constitution. Canadian monarchists argued that the bill would have amounted to republicanism by stealth, as part of a wider plan to diminish the Kings role in Canada. Since it would not explicitly scrap the monarchy, the move would avoid a protracted fight with the countrys 10 provinces, which would have to ratify any change in its relationship. John Fraser, who leads Canadas Institute for the Study of the Crown in Canada, said the move would have foolishly dismantled the countrys Westminster system of government. He argued that the governor general, the Kings representative in Canada, functions as an important check on political power, ensuring the prime minister commands the confidence of the House of Commons. Look at how republics are faring right now. Look to the south, the US. Do we want that here? he said. King Charles III had his first official tour of Canada in 1970 alongside his mother, Elizabeth II, and father, Prince Philip. Reports in local media indicated that he was expected to return in May for his first visit as head of state. However, that trip was delayed following his cancer diagnosis two months ago. 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. When considering the changes to shared governance proposed by UK President Capilouto and the Board of Trustees, undergraduates, like ourselves, feel a sense of dread. The radical proposal would dissolve the University Senate, formed in 1918, composed of faculty and students. The University Senate currently votes on decisions that affect our experiences as students at UK, including course curricula, enrollment numbers, and the continuation of departments and courses. Capilouto says he aims to dissolve the senate due to a need for flexibility in decision making and a lack of accurate representation in the senate. Under his new plan, the senate would become advisory. That means no votes and no power to stop the administration from pursuing their own interests, which may not align with the interests of students. Attacks on shared governance are not new. Faculty and community representation at universities across the country have been under fire for decades. In 1992, the University of the District of Columbia temporarily dissolved their Faculty Senate for similar reasons to Capilouto: to provide accurate campus representation. In reality, the decision had the opposite effect: barring members of the faculty and staff union from having representation on the newly instated senate, limiting their voices in university decision-making In 2005, after the Faculty Senate at Texas A&M issued a vote-of-no-confidence against University President Rumaldo Juarez, he temporarily disbanded the senate in order to create one that supported his interests. The decision to disband the senate was suspected to be retaliatory and highlights the overall corrupt power university presidents have in interfering with the balance of voices on their campuses. These decisions are not made in the best interests of students. Is Capiloutos plan to strip the University Senate of its power truly being made in our best interests? Only three years ago, Capilouto praised shared governance in a campus news update: I reaffirmed my commitment to a foundational value for us shared governance. Its the essential idea that all of us particularly our elected leaders among faculty, staff and students must rely on each other, [and] listen to one another What has changed? Accelerate Kentucky is the administrations plan to strip facultys say in decision making. The project website states: [UK] has been striving to meet the needs of Kentucky graduating more students, moving enrollment to record levels But the administration has failed to establish the proper framework and infrastructure for such changes. If the administration were truly interested in meeting the needs of Kentucky, we feel that they would take steps to improve the lives of existing students, faculty, and employees, before rushing to accept new ones. Booming enrollment numbers will mean less personal attention per student and less connection to our campus community. Furthermore, President Capilouto has stated that the removal of voting power from the University Senate will not result in classes and departments being cut from the UK roster as they were in the case of West Virginia University. But who would be able to stop him if the proposal passed? An administration set on expansion and profits would be equally willing to make cuts. Why should we believe the people who are set on eliminating faculty and students from the conversation? Undergraduate students at UK can see that a future of rapid changes made by administration without proper faculty consultation is a recipe for disaster. Surely the important part of any change is thorough consideration, not how fast it can be done. Removing the checks-and-balances on an already powerful President and Board is never the answer in a collaborative field like higher education. As for representation, add the underrepresented groups to the existing senate if that is truly the issue. Dont strip the senate of its power. If you feel strongly against Capiloutos action, stand with UK faculty, staff, and students and sign this petition to demand the continuation of shared governance at the University of Kentucky. William Taylor is an undergraduate senior at UK who has been employed on campus for nearly two years. Kamryn Lin (they/them) is a national award winning Landscape Architecture student minoring in Gender and Womens Studies at the University of Kentucky. A major hub of car culture in Ireland has gone up in smoke. A building housing an array of automotive businesses, including a classic car dealer and a drift shop, were gutted by a fire that may have claimed dozens of historic cars. It's unclear whether the site has a future, with one resident lamenting that their "family business is no more"though some former residents appear to be preparing for a comeback. The fire took place at The Engine Block , an automotive business collective opened about two years ago in a former meat processing plant outside Dublin, Ireland . Its website bills it as a "unique home for businesses that supply, maintain and celebrate all things motoring, and for the Irish car community to come together and share our passion." The Engine Block hosted a wide range of businesses, from a motorcycle dealer to detailing and wheel refurbishment services, a seat upholsterer, a garage supply shop, transporter, and even a cafe. It was a place you could take your car for some TLC and amble around with coffee while you wait. In other words, a kind of automotive mini-mall that sounds like it had something for everyone. Franklin Motorcycles from inside The Engine Block A classic Volvo meet out front of Deane Motors A replica of an MG Metro 6R4 Group B rally car https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye0UPumVkRA But around 11:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday, a fire started in unknown circumstances according to breakingnews.ie . The enormous blaze prompted the response of six fire trucks and police to cordon off the area. By morning, the fire had been contained, and no injuries have been reported. However, the building was completely gutted. "Unfortunately our family business is no more," wrote Deane Motors, the site's classic car dealer, in an Instagram post showing the aftermath. "50 years to build it, 5 hours to destroy it. The most important thing is, everyone is safe and nobody was harmed." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e069XIFk9K4 It's not yet clear how many cars were lost in the fire, but some potential examples can be found on the websites of businesses formerly housed in the building. Some of the vehicles in Deane Motors ' showroom included an Audi R8, BMW M3 (E30), Chevrolet Impala SS convertible, Subaru Impreza Prodrive P1, Toyota GR Yaris, and a Lancia Fulvia S1 Rallye. Deane Motors also offered storage and restoration services, which may have implicated vehicles not listed on its site. The resident drift shop meanwhile, Drift Games , lists several known casualties: a Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) , a trio of Silvias, a Chevy C-10, BMW 633, Lamborghini Gallardo, and more. It's attempting to rebuild, and has already began selling t-shirts to get itself back off the ground. However, the building's ownership (which also owns Deane Motors) sounded more defeated, so it's unclear whether The Engine Block will be recastand if so, whether it'll be under the same roof. The Engine Block and Drift Games did not reply to The Drive's inquiries by time of publication. Aftermath of the fire at The Engine Block. Deane Motors Got a tip or question for the author? You can reach them here: james@thedrive.com TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Three stranded castaways were rescued after they spelled out the word help using palm fronds while stranded on a tiny Pacific Ocean Islet for more than a week. The U.S. Coast Guard said the three mariners were taken safely back to Polowat Atoll after responders rescued them on Tuesday. Our unwavering dedication to the search and rescue mission not only ensures the safety and well-being of mariners and coastal communities but also reinforces the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the FSM and with our DoD partners, Capt. Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, said in a statement. The Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the lost men on Saturday. The crew of a Hawaii-based HC-130J Hercules aircraft makes contact with three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, after dropping them a radio on April 8, 2024. The aircrew was able to inform the mariners that USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) would arrive on April 9 and be able to transport them home to Polowat Atoll. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest, and had not returned prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) rescues three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) helps transfer the belongings of three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) rescues three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140), having rescued three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, prepare the cutter boat and the marienrs to be recovered to the cutter for further transport to Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The crew of USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) make contact with three mariners stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia, on April 9, 2024. Watchstanders at Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6, 2024, reporting her three uncles departed Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, Easter Sunday for Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest and had not returned, prompting the search. (U.S. Coast Guard photo) The men, all in their 40s, embarked on their voyage on Easter Sunday in a small 20-foot open skiff, according to the Coast Guard. Crews searched over 78,000 square nautical miles until the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft identified the missing men on Sunday. In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out HELP on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator on the day they were located, said in a statement. This successful operation underscores the effective coordination and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and regional partners. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. In the quest for reliable income streams, dividend stocks often emerge as attractive options for investors in the United Kingdom, boasting yields that can significantly outpace average returns. However, while some companies consistently reward shareholders with stable or increasing dividends, others present a riskier proposition due to past reductions in their payouts. It's crucial for investors to carefully evaluate each stock's dividend history and financial health before committing funds, as not all dividends are a promise of future performance. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United Kingdom Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Record (LSE:REC) 8.79% Keller Group (LSE:KLR) 4.18% Dunelm Group (LSE:DNLM) 7.14% Plus500 (LSE:PLUS) 6.95% DCC (LSE:DCC) 3.45% Rio Tinto Group (LSE:RIO) 6.52% Grafton Group (LSE:GFTU) 3.60% James Latham (AIM:LTHM) 3.25% Big Yellow Group (LSE:BYG) 4.47% Hargreaves Services (AIM:HSP) 6.50% Click here to see the full list of 60 stocks from our Top Dividend Stocks screener. We'll examine a selection from our screener results and one of the companies to avoid. One To Reconsider Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: The company operates in the housebuilding sector within the United Kingdom, with a market capitalization of approximately 4.42 billion. Operations: The company's revenue, primarily generated from housebuilding activities, amounts to approximately 4.39 billion. Dividend Yield: 6.1% Barratt Developments, despite trading 24.8% below its fair value and offering a high dividend yield of 6.12%, presents concerns for dividend investors. Its dividends are not well supported, evidenced by a payout ratio of 124.7% and a cash payout ratio exceeding 150%, indicating payments are not covered by earnings or cash flows. Additionally, the company's profit margins have dropped from 9.4% to 5%. Recent events include a significant interim dividend cut from 10.2 pence to 4.4 pence per share, alongside disappointing half-year earnings with sales dropping to 1.85 billion from 2.78 billion and net income falling drastically to 68.8 million from 380.5 million year-over-year, challenging the sustainability of future dividends despite the company's intention to maintain its dividend policy. LSE:BDEV Dividend History as at Apr 2024 Top Pick Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: RS Group plc is a global distributor of electronics and industrial products, operating in countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Mexico, with a market capitalization of approximately 3.44 billion. Story continues Operations: The company generates its revenue primarily through Own-Brand Products, contributing 0.41 billion, and Other Product and Service Solutions, accounting for 2.56 billion. Dividend Yield: 3% RS Group, despite its recent like-for-like revenue decline of 10% for the quarter and 9% over nine months, remains a compelling option for dividend investors with its stable dividend yield of 3.03%. The company's dividends are well-covered by earnings, with a payout ratio of 44.1%, indicating sustainability. Additionally, RS Group's strategic move to become the exclusive online source for Siemens' next-generation industrial tablet could bolster its market position by cutting operating costs for users by up to 60%, showcasing potential for future growth and stability in dividend payments. However, investors should be cautious of the recent revenue dip when considering this stock. LSE:RS1 Dividend History as at Apr 2024 Next Steps Click here to access our complete index of 60 Top Dividend Stocks. Invested in any of these stocks? Simplify your portfolio management with Simply Wall St and stay ahead with our alerts for any critical updates on your stocks. Simply Wall St is a revolutionary app designed for long-term stock investors, it's free and covers every market in the world. Contemplating Other Strategies? 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com CDC: Nearly a third of measles cases since 2020 happened in the past three months Nearly a third of all U.S. measles cases in the past four years happened during a three-month stretch in 2024, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rise in measles, a highly infectious virus, is troubling, experts warned. Officials attribute it to the drop in the U.S. vaccination rate for the deadly and preventable virus amid a global surge in cases. For now, the risk of widespread transmission remains low due to existing immunity and robust public health responses to contain outbreaks, according to the report published Thursday. The CDC documented nearly 340 measles cases since January 2020. Almost 100 of the infections happened in 2024, prior to March 28, with cases occurring in more than a dozen states. Since then, there have more than a dozen cases as of April 4 that arent included in the report. Most of the outbreaks that weve seen during this period have been small and short due to high population immunity and rapid response by state and local health departments to control these outbreaks, said Adria Mathis, a study author and the CDCs lead epidemiologist for measles surveillance. Measles 2024: Chicago moves to vaccinate people amid migrant shelter measles outbreak The U.S. is experiencing a large increase in measles cases in 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At the start of the year, the CDC warned clinicians about signs of the virus amid the global uptick. The latest report shows measles spread mostly by unvaccinated U.S. residents who traveled abroad and then brought measles to schools or hospitals they visited. Measles was once thought to be a disease of the past. Public health officials in 2000 declared measles eliminated in the U.S. after decades of people getting vaccinated which are highly effective at preventing the virus. While vaccines are still widely used, Mathis said, the report notes that more measures must be taken to curb the rise in cases and prevent further transmission within the U.S. Many Americans have chosen not to vaccinate their children, which CDC officials said contributed to recent outbreaks of cases. The nationwide measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate among American kindergartners is around 93%, below the 95% goal thought to provide adequate protection against measles. The median age of a measles patient is 3, CDC's report said. About 90% of recent cases were in patients who weren't vaccinated or those for whom vaccination status was unknown. New measles cases tend to primarily be caused by lack of vaccinations and an uptick in travel after the pandemic, experts said. This is akin to turning back the clock to the bad old days, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told USA TODAY. How deadly is measles? Before vaccines, Schaffner said between 400 and 500 Americans died annually of the disease. Measles leaves about one-fifth of children hospitalized and about 1 in 1,000 with brain swelling. One to 3 children out of 1,000 die after contracting the disease. Recent cases, Schaffner explained, are a result of parents delaying routine MMR vaccines, or withholding vaccines altogether from their children, which are typically required at U.S. public schools. The only way it can come back is if we stop vaccinating and permit the virus in other parts of the world to be imported into the United States and then spread, he said. The CDC report confirmed nearly all cases were introduced from abroad by people entering the U.S., primarily from other areas that the World Health Organization defines as the Eastern Mediterranean and African regions. The nation's largest outbreak in 2024 has occurred at a Chicago migrant shelter, and city officials have identified over 60 cases so far. Local health officials have said it likely spread through local transmission. Cases haven't been linked to international travel, including among people who recently crossed the southern U.S. border, the city's top health official said in March. U.S. residents traveling abroad accounted for two-thirds of imported cases. The report said imported cases were likely underreported. It doesn't bode well for what the future might bring, Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told USA TODAY. Because we're just going to continue to see more and more international travel. Meanwhile, we're continuing to see even more widespread measles transmission around the world. And that combination is a very, unfortunately, deadly combination. The CDC report noted the U.S. needs to increase vaccination coverage, including for young children before international travel and among at-risk communities with low uptake. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: CDC: Nearly 1 in 3 measles cases since 2020 occurred 3 months in 2024 AUSTIN (KXAN) Broken windows, dented cars and damaged roofs are just some of the damage left behind after Tuesday nights hail storms. While the hail storms have ended, the damage has been done. Now many Central Texans are left cleaning up. It was the most intense hail storm I have ever seen, said a man living in Marble Falls. KXAN viewers sent in videos and pictures of hail, some small, others the size of a baseball. Tennis-size hail fell in Marble Falls Hail that fell in Marble Falls, Texas, on April 9, 2024. (Courtesy: Justis Ribera) Hail that fell in the Horseshoe Bay area on April 9, 2024. (Courtesy: Guadalupe Sanchez) Hail that fell in Lake Victor, Texas, on April 9, 2024. (Courtesy: Haley Hornsby) Ross Lorimer is the owner of Roof Maxx of southwest Austin. He spent the day assessing damage to roofs. Its been pretty steady we have had a few calls, Lorimer said. Lorimer said sometimes roof damage can go unnoticed, since its not the most easily accessible area. Marble Falls assessing damage following massive hail storm If it is a home inspector or a roofer, get someone out every one to two or three years to take a look at it because most people dont even pop up on their roof until they notice a leak inside, Lorimer said. Sometimes damage can be patched up quick, but sometimes you might need a little more work done. Lorimer said he works with his customers to find out what the best approach will be after assessing the damage, but he warns to make sure whoever you are working with is the real deal. Scammers can be out and about following severe weather and widespread damage, so make sure to do your due diligence. They track these hail storms and the next morning they are on your doorstep knocking on your door so be very cautious of who they are and make sure they have a company name, they are fully bonded and insured. Lorimer said a quick search of a company on Better Business Bureau is always a good option. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Centre County agreed Wednesday to pay a $2.75 million settlement to a man who alleged that ham-handed treatment at the county jail left him paralyzed from the upper torso down. Most terms of the settlement reached in the lawsuit brought by David B. Rossman were not released. His attorney said the settlement reached with PrimeCare Medical the jails contracted medical provider is confidential, while the county agreed to settle for $2.75 million. County Administrator John Franek Jr. declined to share most details of the settlement and how it is set to be paid out. He wrote Thursday in an email to the Centre Daily Times that the countys insurer contributed to a portion but not all of the settlement. Between PrimeCare and the county, Rossmans attorney said the payment is sufficient enough to take care of his financial and medical needs for the rest of his life. The agreement came three months after Chief U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew Brann found a reasonable jury could conclude the medical care Rossman received during his stay at the Centre County Correctional Facility does not pass constitutional muster. Rossman, 26, of Bellefonte, arrived at the county jail in October 2020, five days removed from a crash that required him to undergo emergency spinal surgery. He was jailed on an outstanding bench warrant. He left in an ambulance. The hardware holding his fractured vertebrae came loose, rendering him a tetraplegic. Attorney Bob Elion described the lawsuit in April 2021 as the worst set of facts Ive ever encountered in my life, adding the care Rossman received was almost beyond imagination. Rossman was ordered by his doctor to wear a brace and cervical collar at all times, except for when he was in the shower. Failing to heed those directions, Rossman was told, could lead to complications. Rossman requested help from corrections officers with his braces on four consecutive days, but assistance was refused each time, Brann wrote in his January ruling. At least two corrections officers declined to help citing liability concerns, Brann wrote. On another day, Rossman called for help but received no response. Liability concerns are not a valid reason to deny medical care, Brann wrote. Rossman later reported excruciating pain after returning to his cell from a meeting and an X-ray was immediately ordered. Two nurses and a corrections officer, Brann wrote, required Rossman to walk to a wheelchair from his bed unassisted. They also told him to go back into his cell to retrieve his shoes, causing more pain and numbness. A jury, the judge wrote, could find the nurses acted with deliberate indifference. Their obdurate response to Rossmans emergency condition is precisely what the Constitution forbids, Brann wrote. PrimeCare has been named in dozens of federal lawsuits since 2021, many of which allege the company was negligent in providing care to people while they were incarcerated. A Centre Hall woman sued the county and PrimeCare last month over what she described as abhorrent conditions and shameful actions by corrections and medical staff. A case management conference is scheduled for May 14. Centre Countys commissioners approved a five-year contract with PrimeCare in 2021 at a rate of nearly $1.1 million for the first year. Annual increases were built into the agreement. The pact as of the time it was signed was set to expire Dec. 31, 2025. The CDT filed a Right-to-Know request last month seeking copies of the countys contracts with PrimeCare. A response is due by the end of April. In Virginia, an assistant principal is charged with child abuse after failing to intervene before a 6-year-old shot his first grade teacher. In Michigan, a couple is sentenced to a decade in prison for failing to stop their 15-year-old son from gunning down four high-school classmates. And in Illinois, a father pleads guilty to reckless misconduct after his son killed seven people at a Fourth of July parade. The cases represent a new level weapon in the country's battle against gun violence: prosecutors. New legal approaches are widening the scope of accountability from those who pull triggers to include educators, parents and others who fail to report red flags. Prosecutors are increasingly taking aim at people who could have taken steps before innocent victims were maimed or killed. "As far as I know, this is really groundbreaking," said James Ellenson, a lawyer for Deja Taylor, the mother of the 6-year-old boy who shot his teacher in Virginia, speaking about the criminal charges against the school official in the case. A special grand jury released a report Wednesday outlining failures by the school administration. For decades, parents of school shooting victims and gun control advocates have looked to Congress to pass legislation that would prevent mass shootings by regulating firearms. But those proposals have largely failed amid backlash from gun rights advocacy and special interest groups, conservative lawmakers and American gun owners. Now, prosecutors are stepping in. And while it is still rare for the parents or guardians of a shooting suspect to be charged, the successful outcome of the prosecutions could encourage other prosecutors to pursue similar cases, legal experts told USA TODAY. Eric Johnson, a criminal law professor at the University of Illinois College of Law, said it's too early to tell, but he said the cases against the parents in Michigan where father James Crumbley gave his son a gun could make gunowners think twice about their liability. "Generally I think the cases are a step in the right direction," Johnson said. "If you are reckless or criminally negligent in providing someone access to a firearm and that person winds up killing someone, I dont think you shouldnt be held liable." Grand jury report reveals school administration failures in Virginia shooting A scathing report by a special grand jury released Wednesday detailed former Assistant Principal Ebony Parkers criminal liability in the Virginia case, where a 6-year-old boy shot and seriously wounded teacher Abby Zwerner in a classroom of 15 children. Dr. Parkers lack of response and initiative given the seriousness of the information she had received on January 6, 2023 is shocking, the report reads. It says Parker is responsible for making poor decisions regarding the childs behavior. The report blames Parker for not providing the child with behavioral resources sooner and dismissing Zwerner's safety concerns. Parker committed "a willful act or omission in the care of such students that was so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life," according to an indictment. During the 2021-2022 school year, the child exhibited many behavioral problems, according to the grand jury report. In an incident on Sept. 27, 2021, the child allegedly choked his kindergarten teacher so hard she couldnt breathe, the report says. Over his kindergarten year, the boy also would occasionally hit a counselor, kick and spit on a teacher assistant, and brag about smoking his mothers marijuana, according to the report. But administrators at the school failed to initiate a Functional Behavioral Assessment or Behavior Intervention Plan during this time despite school counselors having to frequently help the boys kindergarten teacher with his behavior, the report says. Instead, administrators sent the child back to preschool at a different school. Several security issues were also not addressed or were dismissed by administrators including the school buildings door buzzer system that was broken for weeks before the shooting and later slowed down police response, according to the report. On the day of the shooting, the report accuses Parker of ignoring multiple warnings that the boy was carrying a gun and that he had been in a violent mood. The report says that Parker "did not respond ... did not acknowledge Zwerners presence" when the teacher reported the childs behavior that day. When concerns were raised that the gun may have been in the boys pocket, Parker said the boy had little pockets and took no further action, the report says. Zwerner was sitting at a reading table during class when the boy removed his hand from his pocket and opened fire at her, according to the report. The child continued to stare at her, not changing his emotional facial expression as he tried to shoot again, the report says. The firearm had jammed due to his lack of strength on the first shot, inhibiting him from shooting Ms. Zwerner or anyone else again. The firearm had a full magazine with seven additional bullets ready to fire if not for the firearm jamming. A group from Highland Park, Ill., rallies at the U.S. Capitol July 13 to call for stronger gun control measures, including universal background checks and an assault weapons ban. Everytown for Gun Safety: 'We have reached an inflection point' At least one other person knew about the shooter's plans but failed to report it in 4 out of 5 school shootings, according to Sandy Hook Promise, an advocacy group that grew out of a 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, that claimed the lives of 20 children and 6 adults. "We have reached an inflection point in recognizing that we all have something to do with keeping our communities safe from gun violence," said Nick Suplina, a senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety. An analysis by researchers with the National Institute of Justice shows that 80% of people who committed school shootings used a firearm belonging to a family member. An analysis by the same group shows that in the six mass school shootings and 39 attempted mass school shootings in the two decades between 1999 and 2019, more than 9 in 10 shooters were current or former students at the school. Where have Americans been held liable for a shooting Other cases where parents or school staff were criminally charged with failing to prevent or intervene in a mass shooting include: Separate juries and a judge found Michigan parents Jennifer Crumbley and James Crumbley responsible for at least part of the 2021 killings at Oxford High School. Their son shot and killed four high school students at the high school. Prosecutors accused the couple of buying their son the murder weapon as a Christmas present and ignoring that he was troubled. They were both found guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter this year and sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison on Tuesday. They are the first parents of a mass school shooter in the U.S. to be convicted of involuntary manslaughter. In Highland Park, Illinois, the father of a man charged with killing seven people at a Fourth of July parade in 2022 pleaded guilty for failing to prevent the victims' deaths. Assistant principal charged With felony child abuse in 6-year-old's shooting of teacher Previous gun control attempts have failed. Could these criminal charges be a new form of accountability? The Crumbley case could signal to prosecutors that cases could be brought against parents and caregivers, particularly in the 26 states that have laws requiring safe storage of firearms, Suplina said. Daniel Webster, a distinguished research scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, said that it remains to be seen whether the Crumbleys' fate will impact future cases. "The circumstances surrounding this tragedy were quite unique and stark," he said. "The level of neglect and parental behavior and decision-making appeared to be quite relevant" to the outcomes of the parents' cases. But he added that "how frequently those acts will align in future cases is hard to know." Dudley Brown, president of the National Association for Gun Rights, agreed that the Crumbley case could set a precedent. "Our big concern is that we get away from placing responsibility on the person who pulled the trigger," he said. "Yes, with the parents or guardians of a true minor, the parents should be responsible." Parents of the victims of prior mass shootings told USA TODAY they hope the outcome of the Michigan case is one step closer to accountability. Tony Montalito's daughter's life was taken by a mass school shooter at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland on Feb. 14, 2018. The sadness of the tragic day remains, but on the day a jury found Jennifer Crumbley guilty of involuntary manslaughter, Montalito said he felt some hope for the future of gun control. "Holding people accountable for their roles in not actively trying to get troubled individuals help before they commit acts of violence will send a strong message," Montalito said. "It shows how we all need to come together as parents, students and teachers." Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA TODAY Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X at @kaylajjimenez. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ebony Parker, Crumbleys charged for failing to stop school shootings Amid near-record levels of antisemitic incidents, Chicago business leaders have issued a full-throated open letter to Mayor Brandon Johnson in response to a Chicago City Council resolution calling a "permanent cease-fire" in Gaza, without fully dismantling Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Johnson cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the resolution, which passed 24-23 on Jan. 31. Chairman and CEO of Jet Support Services Neil Book told Fox Digital News that the Chicago business community "as a whole was angry and shocked about this resolution." In search of "an outlet to express their frustration" and "hold leaders accountable," Book authored the full-page letter to the mayor, published in the Chicago Tribune on Mar. 24 and signed by 31 business leaders. The letter urges the mayor to "remember that the first responsibility of Chicagos Mayor andCity Council is to focus on Chicago, not on a conflict 6,000 miles away." BAGS OF ANTISEMITIC FLYERS WITH RAT POISON-LIKE SUBSTANCE FOUND IN CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD: VILE Book said the mayor used "his own political capital and spent his time and resources on something that he knows so little about," rather than "addressing some of the urgent issues here in Chicago." He explained that "its a hard sell" to convince business executives to come to Chicago because outsiders "see the violence, they see the homicide ratethey see the looting, they see the destruction [and] the lack of accountability in the court systems." CHICAGO MAYOR SLAMMED AFTER CITY APPROVES RESOLUTION CALLING FOR CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA AS CRIME RUNS RAMPANT READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Now, rising hatred is among the difficulties the city faces. Book said he has witnessed "Jews being called baby killers and accused of genocide in the streets of Chicago." At anti-Israel demonstrations, he added that people holding Israeli flags have been "physically threatened and harassed." Book believes the councils resolution was "at best steeped in ignorance." He reminded the mayor that after Hamas "butchered, raped, mutilated, and tortured over 1,200" innocents in Israel, it began to "use innocent Palestinians in Gazaas human shieldsin tunnels, bunkers, and hideouts built with humanitarian dollars amidst civilian infrastructure." A Chicago police officer monitors the scene after a shooting in Chicago on March 14, 2021. Books understanding of Hamas cruelty is steeped in firsthand observations made in December, when he traveled to southern Israel and visited the devastated town of Kibbutz Beeri. "There was still blood on the ground," Book said. "You could smell the decomposition in the air. I saw bullet casings all over the floor of a nursery school." Book also met with survivors of Oct. 7, and spoke with Margalit Mozes, a 78-year-old cancer survivor who "had been held hostage for 50 days in the tunnels of Gaza" after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7. Book and other leaders agreed that a cease-fire would "guarantee Hamas survival," which would harm the "dream of peace and stability in the future of the Middle East." Book noted that Hamas leader Ghazi Hamad publicly stated that its Oct. 7 attack was "just the first time," and that the group would "teachIsrael a lesson and we will do this again and again." POLICE INVESTIGATING AFTER ANTISEMITIC NOTES ARE PLACED ON CARS INSIDE A CHICAGO PARK Mayor Johnson received another open letter, spearheaded by the Jewish United Fund, in the Feb. 4 edition of the Chicago Tribune. Almost two dozen Chicago Jewish leaders signed the letter, which condemned Mayor Johnson for "further divid[ing] the city, failing to demand Hamas disarmament, and "fann[ing] the flames of antisemitism" in Chicago. The Jewish United Fund also noted that it was "horrified by [the mayors] support for the walkouts at a dozen [Chicago Public Schools] high schools" on Jan. 30. According to Jewish United Funds letter, students were harassed during walkouts, and sometimes had to "hide in bathrooms" as their fellow students chanted, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free," commonly understood as a call for the destruction of the Jewish state. Jane Charney, assistant vice president for government affairs of the Jewish United Fund, told Fox News Digital that Chicagos Jewish community has faced vandalism, online hate, and physical and verbal attacks since Oct. 7. Charney explained the Jewish United Fund does not "feel that the mayor has done much since [the resolution] to really addressantisemitism." Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gives an update on migrant issues at City Hall on Jan. 29, 2024 in Chicago. While numerous requests for comment from Mayor Johnson about the City Council resolution and anti-Jewish hate in Chicago went unanswered, Fox News Digital has learned that the mayor has invited Jewish community leaders, including the Jewish United Fund, to meet and discuss addressing antisemitism in the city of Chicago. Though an Anti-Defamation League press release did not specifically enumerate the number of antisemitic incidents in Chicago in 2023, it states they exceeded the 75 incidents reported in 2021 and 2022 combined. Debra Silverstein, the sole Jewish Alderman on the Chicago City Council, has faced antisemitic hate since sponsoring a resolution on Oct. 13, 2023, condemning Hamas terror attack. Silverstein told Fox News Digital that during the fervor related to the resolution, she was assigned a security detail of plainclothes policemen at city council meetings, and a police car was stationed for days in front of her house. PRO-PALESTINIAN GROUP CLAIMS VICTORY AS JEWISH MUSICIANS CONCERT IS CANCELED DUE TO THE THREAT OF PROTESTS An Israeli soldier patrols near Kibbutz Beeri in southern Israel on Oct. 12, 2023, close to the place where 270 revelers were killed by Hamas terrorists during the Supernova music festival on Oct. 7. During the Jan. 31 hearing over the cease-fire resolution, protesters "noise and yelling" were so loud that Silverstein said she had to "waitfor [Mayor Johnson] to control the crowd." She said the mayor eventually "cleared the gallery because it was just too chaotic." Some protesters loudly chanted accusations that Silverstein was responsible for genocide, an allegation falsely lobbed at many Jews and Israel supporters since Oct. 7. Charney says such statements are antisemitic in that they assign "personal responsibility for an alleged genocide" to American Jews. She also noted that the term "genocide" is misused. On Jan. 26, the International Court of Justice issued a preliminary ruling that it did not find Israel had committed genocide in Gaza. As executive vice president of Orthodox Union, Rabbi Moshe Hauer helps represent more than 1,000 synagogues around the country. Hauer told Fox News Digital that the Chicago City Councils cease-fire resolution fails to recognize Israels "moral obligation" to prevent Hamas from its goal of repeating attacks on Israel. While Israel "desire[s] to minimize civilian casualties and provide humanitarian aid while decisively defeating the enemy," Hauer said that "Hamas just wants to destroy, and puts its citizens deliberately into harms way." Hauer said Chicagos "glaringly flawed" cease-fire resolution is "indicative of an ongoing animus towards Israel and the Jewish people that has grown in very disturbing ways over the past months." As an anti-Israel narrative is "repeated in bullhorns in threatening and menacing rallies all across the country," Hauer said it is "making life for the Jewish community very uncertain, and very uncomfortable." Original article source: Chicago business leaders slam councils Gaza cease-fire action amid worrying rise in antisemitic incidents CHICAGO A Chicago man has been arrested and charged with two DUI felonies for a fatal pedestrian crash Sunday evening on the Stevenson Expressway. Octavio Lara Chavez, 40, of Chicago was arrested by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 and charged with aggravated driving under the influence involving death, a Class 2 felony, and aggravated driving under the influence involving great bodily harm, a Class 4 felony. Man shot after argument on CTA Red Line: CPD ISP announced the arrest and charges against Lara Chavez, which were approved by the Cook County States Attorneys Office on Tuesday. Lara Chavez is being held pending a detention hearing. According to ISP, troopers responded to the crash on southbound I-55 near Cicero Avenue and discovered that a Hyundai Sonata was stopped on the right shoulder with three pedestrians outside the car attempting to change the passenger side tire. Police say a Dodge pickup truck veered off the highway, hitting the Hyundai and two of the pedestrians. One was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and later pronounced dead. The man was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiners Office as 28-year-old Nikolas Hutto of Tinley Park. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Another pedestrian was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. The third pedestrian was not injured. Lara Chavez, the driver of the Dodge, was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. CHICAGO Chicago police are asking for help finding a missing 20-year-old woman who has been missing since March 20. Lisseth Barreto Quito is described as being about 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland She was last seen in the 1200 block of North Springfield Avenue. According to information from the Chicago Police Department, Barreto Quito has not made it to scheduled events or responded to anyone. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call Area 5 detectives at 312-746-6554. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Chilean government announces partnership with Alphabet's Google to build the first undersea fibre-optic cable SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Chilean President Gabriel Boric recalled his country's ambassador in Caracas for consultations, he said in a post on X on Thursday, citing remarks by Venezuela's foreign minister about criminal organization Tren de Aragua. On Monday, Venezuela's top diplomat Yvan Gil described the notorious Venezuelan criminal gang, which Venezuela had previously accused of assassinations, drug trafficking and kidnapping, as a "fiction created by the international media," during an event alongside his Colombian counterpart. "The irresponsible statements of Venezuela's foreign minister, ignoring the existence of the Tren de Aragua, are worrying and constitute a serious insult to those who have been victims of this organization," said Boric. Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chile - one of Latin America's safest and most stable countries - has been experiencing a surge in violent crime, a top concern among voters and a thorn in the side for the Boric administration. The Tren de Aragua has been a strong focus of critics due to its alleged involvement in human smuggling, kidnapping and drug trafficking in the country. Venezuela in September 2023 claimed it had dismantled the Tren de Aragua after a government operation to regain control of its prison system. Boric said he would seek information from Chilean Ambassador Jaime Gazmuri and "instruct him to take all necessary actions." (Reporting by Natalia Ramos in Santiago; Additional reporting by Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Gabriel Araujo, Matthew Lewis and Josie Kao) China dismisses criticism over Russia ties, says it has right to 'normal cooperation' Beijing reacted to the criticism of its partnership with Moscow, claiming that both countries have a right to carry out "normal cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press conference on April 10. Washington previously expressed concern to its allies about China's support for Russia amid Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine. China has increased assistance to Russia's defense industrial base, providing machine tools, optics, nitrocellulose, microelectronics, and turbojet engines that could fuel the all-out war in Ukraine, according to Bloomberg. "Such cooperation should not come under external interference or constraint. China will not accept the accusations and pressuring," Mao said. The spokesperson added that if the U.S. "truly cares" about ending the war soon and bringing peace, it should "reflect on the root cause" and do something that will help rather than "deflect the blame to China." KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights Mao also stressed that China has consistently promoted the idea of peace talks and "taken an objective" stance regarding the Russian full-scale war in Ukraine. While attempting to present itself as largely neutral amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which has now entered into its third year, Beijing has forged a robust alliance with Moscow. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, the leaders of the two countries, have dubbed this relationship a "no limits" friendship prior to the 2022 Winter Olympic Games held in Beijing. Trade between China and Russia soared to over $200 billion in 2023, underlining the depth of their partnership. Earlier in April, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arrived in China to meet his counterpart Wang Yi and discuss Moscow's ongoing war against Ukraine and other topics of common interest. Wang subsequently said that Moscow and Beijing should work to counter "hegemonism" and "any 'small circle' that engages in bloc confrontation," referring to the situation in the Euro-Atlantic region. Read also: Reuters: Putin to visit China in May Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. China is an insidious threat not even our stamps are safe It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is a malign actor intent on destabilising the West. From Xi Jinpings alliance with Vladimir Putin and support for his war in Ukraine to Chinas cyber-attacks on Parliament and the Electoral Commission, from the export of electric vehicles to interference in elections, Beijing is flexing its muscles in ways that make it not merely a disruptor but a most insidious threat. Now, we learn, not even our postage stamps are safe from Chinas interference. The revelation that China is behind the scourge of counterfeit stamps flooding the market in Britain is the latest example of what has been described as economic warfare conducted with the CCPs tacit approval. The factories printing counterfeit stamps in Shanghai, Shenzhen and Quanzhou are aiming to rob British businesses of revenue and undermine consumer confidence, sowing the seeds of distrust among the British public in the reliability of the Royal Mail. The Post Office brand has already been tarnished by the Horizon computer scandal, and risks being further damaged by the CCPs criminality. Perhaps that is Beijings intention and it means that no institution or corporation is safe. Beijings tentacles have a long reach. Last summer, the House of Commons Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said that China had penetrated every sector of the UK economy in a whole of state assault to which the Governments response has been completely inadequate. Without swift, decisive action, we face a nightmare scenario where China could pose an existential threat to liberal democracy. The ISC is being proven right and the Governments response is still too slow and too weak. Its feeble sanctions against two Chinese individuals and a company accused of hacking Parliament and the Electoral Commission was rightly described by Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP as akin to an elephant giving birth to a mouse. SNP MP Stewart McDonald said the Government had turned up to a gunfight with a wooden spoon. Our universities are still far too dependent on Chinese funding, compromising academic freedom and freedom of expression on UK campuses as a result. Security cameras made by Chinese companies such as Hikvision are still widely used across Britain. And while the Government has taken some steps, such as banning Huawei from our 5G telecommunications network, removing Chinese surveillance cameras from sensitive government sites and prohibiting the use of TikTok on government phones, it has done nothing to stop government employees, including ministers, having TikTok on their personal phones leaving them vulnerable. New technologies, in particular cellular IoT modules in so much of our day-to-day equipment from watches, light bulbs and cars to healthcare equipment, security cameras and satellite systems could be weaponised, as China expert Charles Parton and the Coalition on Secure Technology have warned. In a small way, I myself have been a target of Beijings interference. I have received dozens of anonymous, threatening letters sent to my private home address, postmarked and stamped from Hong Kong. The first, which arrived in 2018 and was sent to all my neighbours too, carried a photograph of me and the words watch him. My mother, who lives in a different part of the country, already received letters asking her to tell her son to shut up. I have often wondered how the sender obtained my address and my mothers, and had the resources to post letters to my whole street too. I have also been subjected to impersonation attempts, with fake email and Twitter accounts established using my name, bio and photograph, but disseminating comments which I would never make. In 2017 I was removed from the Conservative Party Candidates List, with little explanation, shortly after being publicly denied entry to Hong Kong on the orders of Beijing. I subsequently learned that around that time the then-Chinese ambassador had telephoned the then-chairman of the Conservative Party about me. It is time to wake up to the scale of the threat and take action. Fake stamps require a robust response, with tough, targeted, meaningful sanctions. It is no good the Prime Minister categorising China as an epoch-defining challenge. When not even Royal Mail stamps with the monarchs image can be trusted, it is time to recognise the regime in Beijing for what it is: an extremely grave and malicious threat to our economy, security and liberty and conduct a wholesale re-think of our China policy. Benedict Rogers is co-founder and Chief Executive of Hong Kong Watch, Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party Human Rights Commission and author of The China Nexus: Thirty Years In and Around the Chinese Communist Partys Tyranny 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. CALGARY, Alberta, April 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Balance, Canadas oldest and largest digital asset custodian, is excited to announce it has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 evaluation with a report date of March 28th. SOC 2 reports focus on the suitability of the design and the operating effectiveness of the internal controls designed to meet service commitments and system requirements based on the security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy criteria established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Unlike Type 1 reports which focus on the effectiveness of the controls at a specific point in time, Type 2 reports assess and test the controls continuously over a period of typically at least a few months. SOC 2 Type 2 certifications are widely recognized as the industry standard when it comes to evaluating vendor security. Unlike digital asset custodians which use technology solutions such as Fireblocks and Ledger Vault and typically carve out those vendors as subservice organizations in reliance of their own SOC 2 reports, Balance had to undergo a thorough, in-depth examination of its internal controls pertaining to its proprietary offline and warm storage solution. This included an audit and verification of offline vault storage access record and related third party forms, photo and other digital evidence, as well as cryptographic checksums of signed and unsigned payloads for every single withdrawal out of offline wallets during the evaluation period. The examination was conducted by Dansa DArata Soucia (DDS), a full service CPA firm based out of Buffalo, New York, which over the past decade has built a team of auditors specialized in understanding AICPAs Trust Services Criteria and how to properly apply best practices to comply with this set of criteria in order to mitigate risk as it relates to information security. "Although it took us over two years to progress from a Type 1 to a Type 2, in the end were happy we took the harder path and built our solution in-house instead of vending third-party providers. We dont have to caveat to every client that our service commitments are achieved only if the controls at our custody technology provider operate effectively. Were our own technology provider, so we know they operate effectively, as the Type 2 report demonstrates. Theres no substitute for this and I hope our existing and prospective clients enjoy the extra piece of mind this gives them," says George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO of Balance. Story continues With its SOC 2 Type 2 complete, Balance takes one more major step towards its application to incorporate a trust with Albertas Treasury Board and Finance. Email contact@balance.ca to learn more and consult the SOC 2 report. Over the past seven years, Balance successfully served digital asset exchanges, OTC and prop. trading desks, ATM networks, private funds, market makers, liquidity providers, and corporate entities across Canada and parts of the world. Balance currently custodies over $2.5 billion worth of digital assets in its proprietary platform. Disclaimer PARADISO VENTURES INC. O/A Balance is a private company incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. C-44 with its registered office address at 888 3rd St SW, Bankers Hall West Tower, 10th floor (Attn: Balance), Calgary, Alberta, T2P 5C5, Canada which sells digital goods and services. Balance is registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a money services business dealing in virtual currencies with registration number M20210422 and with the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money services business with registration number 31000258737080. This is not an offer or solicitation of any investment contract or financial security and should not be misconstrued as such. Balance does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or any other type of professional advice. Digital assets and the blockchain are early technologies and as such have an associated high degree of risk. For informational purposes only. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411778043/en/ Contacts Josh Le media@balance.ca +1 (833) 225-7030 US Buys More Taiwan Exports Than China for First Time Since 2003 (Bloomberg) -- Chinese leader Xi Jinping and former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou just used a landmark meeting to underscore their view that the two sides of the strait are close as family. Trade data tell a different story. Most Read from Bloomberg The US once again became the largest destination for Taiwans exports after decades of China sitting atop the list, data from the Finance Ministry in Taipei showed on Wednesday. The islands shipments to the US rose 65.7% year-on-year in March to $9.1 billion. Its exports to mainland China grew just 6% to $7.9 billion. The shift highlights a realignment in global trade ties triggered by successive US administrations working to reduce the dependence the worlds largest economy has on goods made in China. Read More: Taiwan Exports On Fire as Global Demand for AI Servers Surges China had been the No. 1 recipient of Taiwanese exports since mid-2003. Its fall to second place only accounts for direct shipments to mainland China. Combined exports to China and Hong Kong remain Taiwans largest overseas market, albeit with a rapidly shrinking margin to the US. The shift highlights a realignment in global trade ties triggered by successive US administrations working to reduce the dependence the worlds largest economy has on goods made in China. South Koreas exports to the US overtook those to China at the end of 2023. --With assistance from James Mayger. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. SYDNEY (Reuters) -China's Premier Li Qiang will visit Australia in June, the South China Morning Post said on Thursday, the latest step in a thawing of ties between the two nations. Australia and China, its largest trading partner, are rebuilding ties after a period of strained relations, which hit a low in 2020 after Canberra called for an independent investigation into the origin of COVID-19. The visit in the third week of June will coincide with a lifting of an unofficial three-year ban on Australian live lobsters, the paper said, citing two sources with knowledge of the matter. A spokesperson for Australia's department of the prime minister and cabinet declined to comment. A spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said she had no specific information on the visit when queried at a regular press briefing. "We are ready to stand with Australia ... to strengthen high level exhanges, deepen co-operation, increase mutual understanding, and bring China-Australia relations onto a more mature, stable and fruitful track," said the official, Mao Ning. Since a change of government in Canberra two years ago, Beijing has agreed to lift most of the tariffs on Australian goods, including barley and wine, with lobsters one of the last commodities facing curbs. "We welcome the efforts ... to improve diplomatic relations," said a spokesperson for Geraldton Fishermen's Co-Operative, Australia's largest rock lobster exporter. "Restoring market access is a win-win and will contribute to Australia's economy through export earnings, jobs and regional development." Following a visit by Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said last month that she was expecting a visit from Li this year, without saying when. (Reporting by Alasdair Pal and Lewis Jackson in Sydney; Additional reporting by Andrew Hayley in Beijing; Additional writing by Liz Lee; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Cicadapocalypse: Will there be a double brood of cicadas in Western NC this year? North Carolina residents will hear that telltale drone early this year when periodical 13-year cicadas emerge in the state part of a rare U.S. "co-emergence" with a second periodical brood. The 13-year Brood XIX will emerge in 14 states across the Southeast and Midwest, and a 17-year Brood XIII will emerge in five Midwestern states around the same time, according to the website Cicada Mania. This co-emergence will be the first time the broods have overlapped in 221 years. If you can wait 20 years, you'll be able to catch the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. in 2044. The next double-emergence of these two broods, however, is another 200 years away in 2245. North Carolina sees some cicadas every year, but periodical cicadas are a little different. Most noticeably, unlike our black and green annual cicadas, periodical cicadas are mostly black in color, with amber wings and striking red eyes. And while they share this appearance, not all species in any given brood are the same. A 17-year periodical cicada The University of Connecticut's dedicated website described periodical cicada groups or "broods" as "fitting together like puzzle pieces, in both time and space." Broods aren't species or populations, but are described as regional, multispecies groupings of periodical cicadas that emerge on a common schedule. Here's what else to know about the two cicada broods emerging this year. When will the cicadas emerge? Both broods are estimated to emerge beginning in mid-May and last through late June. The two broods will start to emerge when the soil 8 inches underground reaches 64 degrees. Emergences are often triggered by a warm summer rain. This is another variation from annual "dog-day" cicadas, which emerge later in July and August. Will both broods be in NC? Not a bug fan? You'll be relieved to hear that North Carolina will see only the 13-year Brood XIX emerge to join our annual cicadas this summer. Cicada Mania actually lists Buncombe County as the only WNC county expected to see an emergence of this brood, according to previous Citizen Times reporting. Brood XIX is also known as the Great Southern Brood, a title earned through its status as the largest of all the periodical cicada broods. Brood XIX cicadas have been recorded along the east coast from Maryland to Georgia and in the Midwest from Iowa to Oklahoma. A map of where the two cicada broods will emerge across the United States this summer Where do cicadas live? While different broods of periodical cicadas have different territories, they are all found in eastern and midwestern states. After hatching, cicada larvae bury into the soil, where they live until it's time to emerge. Then, the cicadas migrate to trees and shrubs to spend the remainder of their lives reproducing. What are Brood XIX cicadas? Brood XIX cicadas have a 13-year life cycle. This means they last emerged in 2011. The brood is estimated to emerge in a larger number of states than Brood XIII beginning mid-May. You'll hear them droning through late June, according to Cicada Mania. The Great Southern Brood will emerge in the following states: Alabama Arkansas Georgia Illinois Indiana Kentucky Louisiana Mississippi Missouri North Carolina Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Virginia What are Brood XIII cicadas? Brood XIII cicadas have a longer life cycle of 17 years, but will emerge in a significantly smaller area. They last emerged in 2007 and, like Brood XIX, their emergence this year will begin in mid-May and end in late June. Brood XIII will emerge in these states: Illinois Indiana Iowa Wisconsin The brood may also appear in Michigan, Cicada Mania says. While a few states will see emergences of both broods, they won't overlap significantly in any area. Researchers say this means that, while the 2024 co-emergence is a rare occurrence, the density of cicada populations will remain the same as any other periodical cicada emergence year. The Springfield, Illinois, area is the most likely in the country to see contact between the broods, and even in this area, while there may be scattered forested areas in which both broods are present, there will be no broad overlap. Iris Seaton is the trending reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Cicadas in 2024: Periodical Broods XIII, XIX set to emerge in US If Catholic Charities of San Antonio doesnt soon get more federal funding aimed at supporting asylum-seekers, it will have to close its Migrant Resource Center during the evening and overnight hours, which could leave busloads of newly arrived immigrants on the streets. The nonprofit received $55 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency program in the prior fiscal year, which it used to provide more than 220,000 people with temporary shelter, food and clothing, legal services, counseling and transportation to their final destination. But it only has $5.7 million left, so it is considering slashing the welcome centers hours in coming weeks to preserve its ability to help migrants during the day for the rest of the year. Congress last month approved the fiscal year 2024 funding level for FEMAs Shelter and Services Program in the federal funding package, nearly six months into the fiscal year. Cities, counties and states around the nation have repeatedly asked the federal government for more money to handle the surge of migrants entering the US, and the Biden administration last year called on lawmakers to pump an additional $600 million into the program. The program has not been able to provide any additional financial support since late 2023. But instead, lawmakers cut the programs funding to $650 million, down nearly 20% from the prior year. The House and Senate appropriations committees did not return requests for comment. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat who represents San Antonio, said that immigration is a federal responsibility. Cities need more help not less, he said in a statement to CNN. Funding from the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) has helped Catholic Charities and other groups in my city of San Antonio offer basic migrant services without straining local resources. Asylum-seekers are fleeing from some of the worst violence and oppression we can imagine, and nobody wants to see them sleeping on the streets. Catholic Charities operates the Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio. - Courtesy Catholic Charities of San Antonio The San Antonio charity is still waiting to hear how much funding it may receive for this fiscal year, and its CEO, Antonio Fernandez, traveled to Washington, DC, in early April to petition FEMA for more money. But even if the funds arrive in time to keep the center open 24 hours a day, the nonprofit is expecting to have to pull back its services and possibly reduce staff. That would likely mean it would take longer for the new arrivals to be processed and could compromise the security of the hundreds of people temporarily staying at the welcome center. We cannot function like we used to do last year, said Fernandez, adding that he plans to ask the city of San Antonio for assistance. Even if we get the money, with a 20% cut, then we will have to cut services. If theres a surge in immigrants, then its going to be a difficult situation. Cities and counties are now scrambling to figure out how they will cope with the reduction in FEMA funding at a time when the number of migrants at the US-Mexico border is at or near record levels. Migrants are released from federal custody after thorough vetting, and they go through immigration court proceedings where an immigration judge decides whether they can remain in the US or be deported. In fiscal year 2023, the FEMA funding went to Atlanta; Chicago; New York City; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Laredo, Texas, among other cities. It also went to Riverside County, California, and Pima County, Arizona, among other counties, and a multitude of religious and nonprofit groups, including Catholic Charities in multiple cities, several food banks and the United Way in several locations, among others. Municipalities and states around the US are now affected, partially because GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has been busing people to Democratic-led cities in the north in recent years. The funding cut also comes at a time when Senate Republicans are blocking a bipartisan border deal that would have given the president more power to curb illegal migrant crossings at the southern border. FEMA will publish in coming weeks more information so communities and organizations can apply for the $650 million pot of funds, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. But it wont be enough. Due to the substantial demand that exceeds the limited SSP program funding authorized by Congress, not all requests can be fulfilled, a DHS spokesperson told CNN. That is why we continue to call on Congress to pass the bipartisan border security agreement, which would in part provide an additional $1.4 billion in SSP funds. Tough choices Lawmakers decision to cut the funding is not responding to the need, said Mark Ritacco, chief government affairs officer at the National Association of Counties. The reduced appropriations for SSP grants will likely require counties to divert resources from other programs, he said, noting that counties provide law enforcement, emergency services, health care, parks and sanitation, among other services. John Giles, mayor of Mesa, Arizona, is preparing for churches and nonprofits in his city to ask for help assisting the busloads of migrants who are dropped off by US Customs and Border Protection on their way to other locations. The city will have to consider its options, such as tapping into its general fund or providing less assistance to asylum-seekers. The notion that in any way it makes sense to decrease funding in time of crisis is just nonsensical, said Giles, who is chair of the US Conference of Mayors immigration reform task force. I cant imagine that the answer is well turn our backs on the situation. But that, apparently, is what the federal government is encouraging us to do. In San Antonio, Mayor Ron Nirenberg said hes been pushing for more money to help migrants, not less. He asked President Joe Biden for additional funding when the president visited Texas in March and sent a letter to San Antonios congressional delegation and the Department of Homeland Security last year requesting an additional $57.5 million for the Migrant Resource Center. The Migrant Resource Center opened in July 2022 as a temporary place for migrants traveling through San Antonio. - Carlos Kosienski/Sipa via AP/FILE The city does not yet know how much it will receive from the FEMA program, nor does it know how many migrants will pass through San Antonio. Officials have begun discussing contingency plans if the assistance falls short of the need. We will seek to use federal funds rather than dip into local funds that pay for police, firefighters and our streets, said Nirenberg, noting that Covid-19 relief funds are one option. CNNs Priscilla Alvarez contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The City of Sweetwater is addressing a growing need for childcare within the city through an agreement with Sweetwater ISD. City of Sweetwater works with school district to expand childcare It was revealed on Tuesday that out of the roughly 2,500 children (0-12) residing in Nolan County, there were only 405 spots in daycares across the five Nolan County cities. On Wednesday, the Sweetwater City Council approved an interlocal agreement which will expand Sweetwater ISDs childcare spots from 53 to 112. Those 112 spots will be available to any child in the area, and is not limited to children of Sweetwater ISD faculty or staff. Licensing to more than double current childcare capacity is pending at this time. To help reach this goal, Sweetwater Economic Development has promised $150,000 to the school districts daycare expansion project. If all goes as planned, those 59 new spots will be made available by the end of this summer. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. A consortium of civil rights groups voted unanimously Wednesday to petition the Maryland state government to rename the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was destroyed by a cargo ship last month, because Key, the author of The Star-Spangled Banner, was also a slave owner. The Caucus of African American Leaders whose members include the NAACP and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, among others is urging Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, and the General Assembly to reconsider the bridges name, given that Key was a controversial and oftentimes contradictory figure in the anti-slavery movement. They suggested that it be renamed after Rep. Parren J. Mitchell, the first Black Marylander to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1970. He spent a life, his entire life, creating a bridge between the African American community and literally the larger society, Carl O. Snowden, the convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, told NBC News. Mitchell died in 2007. The bridge, on the eastern end of Baltimore, collapsed on March 26 after a cargo containment ship crashed into it. Federal and state leaders are in talks about plans to rebuild the bridge, which had over 11 million vehicles cross over it annually, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority. The caucus is also recommending that the Sen. Frederick Malkus Memorial Bridge which overlooks the Choptank River in Dorchester County, Maryland be renamed after Gloria Richardson, the first woman in the U.S. to lead a grassroots civil rights organization outside of the Deep South. The caucus plans to share its recommendation with Moore this week, Snowden said Wednesday. They also plan to discuss the renaming in more detail at their quarterly meeting with the governor. Additionally, the caucus is urging the governor and state government to create a memorial for the six Latino workers who were killed in the bridge collapse, Snowden said. In 1987, Gov. Harry R. Hughes, a Democrat, opposed naming the bridge after Malkus, who was known for being resistant to desegregation efforts, but his dissent was overruled by the Legislature, Snowden pointed out. Francis Scott Keys legacy The Francis Scott Key Bridge was erected in 1977 and overlooks the Patapsco River the same river where Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner after witnessing the British defeat at the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. Key also owned slaves and is said to believe that Black people were intrinsically inferior as a race. Every single public structure that is built to honor someone is being done using all taxpayers money, Snowden said. Whoever the bridge is named after should be somebody that all taxpayers can respect. As a lawyer, Key helped Black Americans sue for their freedom prior to widespread emancipation, a decision he would later regret. He in fact detested the idea of Black Americans living among white Americans so much that he became a leading advocate for sending formerly enslaved people to Liberia. And while Key is attributed with writing that Black Americans are a distinct and inferior race of people, which all experience proves to be the greatest evil that afflicts a community, the Star Spangled Music Foundation, which promotes American heritage through music, has said that Keys words, in isolation, have been misconstrued. Snowden said he is optimistic about the proposal to rename the Key Bridge, given Marylands track record of listening to its Black residents and rectifying fraught histories. In 2017, for example, the caucus successfully petitioned then-Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, to remove a statue of Roger B. Taney, the author of the Supreme Courts infamous Dred Scott decision, from the Maryland state house. Taney, Snowden pointed out, was Keys brother-in-law. Am I optimistic? Yes. Im also pragmatic. I know these things dont happen overnight, Snowden said, but I also know that we can be successful. For more from NBC BLK, sign up for our weekly newsletter. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) An employee of Clark Lindsey Village was taken to the hospital on Thursday after a car crashed into a village building. President and CEO Deb Reardenz said the crash happened when someone lost control of their car, which crashed into the outside wall of a living room common area. No residents were there at the time, but a staff member was nearby. City of Champaign turning intersection near Southside Elementary into 4-way stop The staff member was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but Reardenz did not know how seriously hurt the employee was, if at all. The car hit an outdoor water spigot that did cause some flooding, but the water damage was limited to wet carpet. Resident living areas were unaffected. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. If you want to show off your prized classic car, a slick photo shoot is a must. Whether you line up on a twisty mountain pass to snap the shots, an abandoned automotive plant that may be from the same era as your car, or a boat ramp offering idyllic view out over a lake, shots like this are sure to make your classic really pop. If you decide the boat ramp is your ideal photo setting, make sure your brakes are in tip top condition before parking up near any large body of water, or disaster could strike. Sadly, thats what one California classic car fan found out this week, when they parked up their 1939 Packard sedan for a photo shoot on the side of a lake. While the car was in prime position for its moment in the sun, the came free from its earthly shackles and rolled into the lake below, report Mercury News. The car, which could be worth as much as $40,000, rolled off a boat ramp in Canyon Lake and into the water below. It ended up in about 20-feet of water and fully submerged, risking its interior, electrics and engine. As Mercury News explains: The Fire Department received a call from the property owners association just before 8 a.m. Security workers had noticed an oily sheen on the Riverside County reservoir and reviewed surveillance video for clues. They saw the Packard disappear beneath the surface, Canyon Lake Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse said. Canyon Lake firefighters noticed bubbles as well as oil and, worried that someone was inside, requested assistance from Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department and the Riverside County sheriffs dive team. When the cars owner arrived on the scene to see their car up to its roof in lake water, firefighters told Mercury News that they were very emotional at the sight. The owner also explained to officers that the car was empty, so a planned water rescue mission from the fire service was called off. This meant firefighters just had to focus on retrieving the car from its new watery home, which reportedly took several hours. In the process, officers needed to address an oil spill on the lake, so the local water company was notified, reports Canyon Lake Insider. Booms had to be put up around the spill to contain the oil, which further complicated the removal of the car. However, it was soon hauled out of the water and taken off for inspectors to analyze the damage. There were no reports of injury through the whole ordeal. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Read the full story on Backfire News Classic Packard Rolls Into Lake In Horrible Accident A man trying to take some stunning photos of his 1939 Packard instead sent it to its watery grave. Seeing a beautiful classic like this take a bath in a lake is awful, but were sure the owner felt at least ten times worse and probably still does. Potato chips can be a dangerous snack while driving. It was early in the morning on April 9 when a man from Canyon Lake, California parked his beloved classic car on a boat ramp by the lake so he could take stunning photos of it. If youre a true car enthusiast youve done something similar with your own ride before other people wont understand why. But it seems the man forgot to set the parking brake and didnt leave the Packard in gear. Yeah, we cant believe it ourselves, but weve known people who have done this with cars and been amazed it rolled away. That sad mistake led to the 39 Packard rolling into the water and completely submerging. The owner wasnt around when emergency crews were called and arrived on scene. Thanks to bubbles coming from the classic car, they thought there might be someone trapped inside, reports The Press-Enterprise. However, the owner returned in time to set the record straight, cancelling any immediate rescue attempts. Instead, the poor little Packard sat in the water for a few hours until it was pulled out by a tow company and hauled away. Weve seen a number of cars submerged in water like this and even newer vehicles will rust up like nothing else a couple days or so afterward. This is why you always have to be cautious of flood cars after a big natural disaster like a hurricane. In other words, the Packard is likely a total loss. Perhaps the owner will put the painstaking effort into disassembling and reconditioning it, or he might decide to just dump it and forget about his tragic mistake. Either way, its a damn shame. Image via The Press-Enterprise Dana Williams, top, and Khalyson McDuffie, doulas with Birth in Color, a Virginia group that offers doula services for pregnant patients of color and training for local maternal health care workers to combat racial bias, participate in a doula simulation training session. Some states are mandating implicit bias training. (Photo courtesy of Kenda Sutton-El/Birth in Color) Dana Williams, top, and Khalyson McDuffie, doulas with Birth in Color, a Virginia group that offers doula services for pregnant patients of color and training for local maternal health care workers to combat racial bias, participate in a doula simulation training session. Some states are mandating implicit bias training. (Photo courtesy of Kenda Sutton-El/Birth in Color) Countless times, Kenda Sutton-El, a Virginia doula, has witnessed her Black pregnant clients being dismissed or ignored by clinicians. One woman was told by doctors that swelling, pain and warmth in her leg was normal, despite warning the clinicians that she had a history of blood clots. Sutton-El urged her to visit the emergency room. Tests found the pregnant patient did indeed have a blood clot, a situation that can be deadly. Some clients were told they werent doing enough to lose weight. After another client was treated dismissively when she paid for a visit in cash, Sutton-El posed as a patient and got the same response, making her wonder how many other Black women had been treated the same way. The biggest thing is that theyre not being listened to, said Sutton-El, founder of Birth in Color, a nonprofit that offers doula services to expecting Virginians. Doulas support and advocate for pregnant patients. Theyre being dismissed or [clinicians] act as if the pain isnt there, or act as if the issue is normal, when its not. As the United States contends with stark racial disparities in maternal health, experts are pushing states to mandate training for medical professionals to combat implicit bias, the prejudiced attitudes a person might hold without being aware of it. Lawmakers in more states are heeding that call. Since 2019, at least five states (California, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota and New Jersey) have enacted laws mandating implicit bias training for maternal health care providers, according to Stateline research and an analysis by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco. Lawmakers in at least 20 other states have introduced legislation related to implicit bias training for general health care professionals. Virginia lawmakers recently approved similar legislation, sending it to Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. He has not said whether he will sign it. The biggest thing is that theyre not being listened to. Kenda Sutton-El, Virginia doula and Birth in Color founder The training can take different forms. Some courses are offered online, while others can be one-day workshops. Participants typically examine certain scenarios and learn about the history and harms of racial stereotypes. Sutton-El argues that the training can make a huge difference. She said that one white doctor who completed the training recently told her how it had influenced his treatment of a Black patient. She recalled him telling her: I had your voice in my head that said, Follow the patient down the rabbit hole, because youll find out whats the real issue. But others say implicit bias training can be insufficient or ineffective. Okunsola Amadou, a doula who founded Jamaa Birth Village, a midwifery clinic and maternal health nonprofit in Ferguson, Missouri, said bias trainings alone cant change a hospitals culture. The ultimate problem with that is that it is barely the surface, Amadou said. If theyre not working with [Black maternal health] pioneers who are rooted in this work to help them restructure, then the click-and-go implicit bias trainings will not hold any weight at all. Tiffany Green, an associate professor at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said her teams review of studies on anti-bias trainings in clinical settings found little evidence that it led to long-term behavioral changes. Because racism isnt just an individual problem but a systemic one, Green said, institutions must combat bias at the organizational level. If done incorrectly, it can induce anger in white employees and exacerbate inequities, she said. While there is evidence that providers racial stereotyping affects treatment, its not known whether or how bias trainings will impact pregnant patient health outcomes, she told Stateline. Rachel Hardeman, health equity director at the University of Minnesota Center for Antiracism Research and a co-author of the study on Black and white doctors, developed the widely used Dignity in Childbirth and Pregnancy course offered online in states with training mandates, including California and Minnesota. For Minnesota, her team designed a course focused on bias against Indigenous women. She said the courses are designed for both clinicians and hospital management: People who may not be directly involved in patient care in the day-to-day but are involved in making leadership decisions. Evidence of bias There is ample research suggesting there is racial bias in health care. Black women in the United States are nearly three times more likely to die of maternal health complications than white women, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Indigenous women are nearly twice as likely to die. Research has shown implicit racial bias plays a role in those stark disparities. Examples of that bias include false beliefs that Black patients have higher pain tolerance and thicker skin, as well as long-used diagnostic tools such as lung and kidney function tests that have prevented proper diagnoses for Black patients. A CDC study published last year found that nearly 1 in 3 Black, Hispanic and multiracial women reported mistreatment during pregnancy and delivery, such as receiving no response to requests for help, being shouted at, or being threatened with the withholding of treatment. Another review, also published last year, analyzed 42 studies since 2014 and concluded that racial biases and structural racism contributed to maternal health complications for Black women. And a 2020 study found Black infants were twice as likely to survive when cared for by Black doctors. Sequoi Phipps-Hawkins, standing, and Chelsea Watson, doulas with Birth in Color, participate in a doula simulation training session. (Photo courtesy of Kenda Sutton-El/Birth in Color) Sequoi Phipps-Hawkins, standing, and Chelsea Watson, doulas with Birth in Color, participate in a doula simulation training session. (Photo courtesy of Kenda Sutton-El/Birth in Color) Research by Hardeman and others has found that clinicians are more likely to describe Black patients as not compliant, agitated or aggressive. When such descriptions are included in a patients medical record, it can color the perceptions of other providers who consult it, influencing their interactions with the patient. Hardemans courses include patient anecdotes that illustrate bias as well as strategies for curbing assumptions and practicing more empathy. The courses also include a history of racism in medicine, such as the gynecological experiments by J. Marion Sims, often called the father of modern gynecology, on Black enslaved people. Given that history, many Black, Indigenous and Hispanic patients are wary of health care systems. Were talking about the fact that our medical education system has been built within this history of racism, and so we have to be aware of it to undo it, Hardeman said. We wanted to make sure that people walked away understanding that we all have a role in dismantling these systems, and it starts with educating ourselves, and then making sure that what were learning and what weve been educated on, were applying it to the way that we are interacting with different patients and their families. Stalled legislation But passage of a law doesnt always lead to immediate change. A year and half after Californias law took effect in 2020, a California Department of Justice investigation found just 17% of providers surveyed had trained their entire staff. Nearly a year after the probe began and more outreach was conducted, completed training rates rose to 81%. New legislation introduced this year aims to strengthen the law by fining health care centers that fail to train their staff, and would extend training requirements to nursing staff. In many states, implicit bias legislation has stalled before reaching the governors desk. In Missouri, a bill introduced in 2022 died in committee. State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, a Democrat, reintroduced it this year. And in Georgia, lawmakers reintroduced this session a bill that would mandate implicit bias training for health care professionals in childbirth settings. Both of the reintroduced bills remain in committee. Dr. Lethenia Joy Baker, an obstetrician and gynecologist in rural Georgia, often sees Black patients who specifically sought her out. [They] say, I chose you, because you were the one Black woman in town, and I just feel more comfortable, she said. We have to think about the fact that theres such a lack of diversity in medicine, making training for everyone important. We really need to unpack about the legacy of Southern slavery, and how we begin to move past that. So, I think that legislation is important around this topic, because lets just face it, that legacy is very painful, she said. In South Carolina, Democratic state Rep. JA Moore and other Democrats have introduced implicit bias bills twice since 2020, but neither has passed. Moore said he plans to propose it again. I will continue to fight like hell, Moore told Stateline, saying his aim is to address some of the challenges so many women have, specifically minority women, low-income women have, in the state of South Carolina. South Carolina Black women were more than four times as likely as white women to die of maternal health complications in 2020, according to the states latest report. The states Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee found that discrimination contributed to more than a third of deaths from 2018 to 2020. This is just another way in which we can try to change those numbers, Moore said. [Its] an opportunity to lead a dramatic change in these very horrific, disproportionately racialized health outcomes for so many citizens. Stateline originally published this article. Like the Alaska Beacon, Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post To close racial gap in maternal health, some states take aim at implicit bias appeared first on Alaska Beacon. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Closing arguments in the rape trial of Cleotha Abston began on Thursday morning. He is accused of raping Alicia Franklin in 2021, one year before being accused of kidnapping and killing Memphis school teacher Eliza Fletcher. Abston was charged with rape, kidnapping, and unlawful possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. Thursday morning, the jury heard closing arguments from both sides and went over the charges Abston is facing. Both sides rested their case. During day two of testimony, we heard from Abstons ex-girlfriend, one of Alicia Franklins friends who met her at the hospital after the alleged rape, as well of MPD officers who also met Franklin at the hospital. Cleotha Abstons rape trial begins After days of emotional testimony, both sides made their final pleas to the jury. The state argues back in 2021, Cleotha Abston put a gun to Alicia Franklins neck, placed a shirt over her face, and raped her in a car behind a vacant apartment in Hickory Hill. For Cleotha Abston this rape Lasted minutes. For Alicia Franklin, its never stopped. Its never stopped. I need you to see that, said Paul Hagerman, state prosecutor. Abstons defense argued that consensual sex led to an argument over money. Jury selection underway in Cleotha Abstons rape case So she has no injuries? She has no bruises, said Juni Ganguli, Abstons defense attorney. She has no scratches. She has no abrasions. Theres no redness. Theres no swelling. Theres no physical evidence that indicates that she was raped or kidnaped. The states final argument was that Franklin peed on herself before she was raped, proving something traumatic happened. She was the victim of a violent rape and kidnapping, said Hagerman. Abstons defense argued in their final statements that this was a prostitution case. Its her body. Its her choice. However, her lies cannot and should not lead to a conviction, said Ganguli. The jury began deliberating on Thursday afternoon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig declared that hed beg former President Donald Trump not to take the witness stand in his upcoming hush money trial. Honig, on the Wednesday edition of CNNs The Lead, told Jake Tapper that you never quite know what the former president will do and called it unlikely for Trump to take the stand. Its quite rare in a criminal case, Honig added. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee has pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records to covering up hush money payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels. The trial is scheduled to start Monday. He claimed last month that he wouldnt have a problem testifying in the trial. I didnt do anything wrong, he told reporters at the time. Honig noted that there was a bit of a preview already of how Trump might go about testifying, referring to the former president taking the stand in the New York civil fraud trial last year. He took the stand in the civil case in New York, and that went dreadfully for Donald Trump. If I was his lawyer, I might try to remind him of that, said Honig of the chaotic testimony. He went on to declare that he expects Trump not to take the stand if any sortve reason or sanity prevails, adding that he would implore him to behave himself in front of the jury. H/T: Mediaite Related... United States Coast Guard and U.S Navy teams teamed up this week and rescued three men found on remote island in the Pacific Ocean lost at sea for more than a week, federal officials said. The fishermen, all in their 40s, had been stranded on Pikelot Atoll, an uninhabited coral island about 415 miles southeast of Guam. The rescue marks the second time in less than four years crews rescued castaways found on the tiny island. The men spelled HELP using palm fronds laid on a white-sand beach before being rescued Tuesday, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The men, three relatives who had not been publicly identified as of Thursday, were found in good condition and expected to survive. The United States Coast Guard and U.S Navy on April 9, 2024 rescued three people stranded on tiny, remote island in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week. The trio, missing for more than a week, were spotted after spelling HELP using palm fronds laid on a white-sand beach. Skier killed: Colorado skier dies attempting to jump highway in 'high risk' stunt, authorities say How did the people lost at sea get stranded on the island? Coast Guard officials said the fishermen departed on Easter from Polowat Atoll, part of Micronesia, in a small 20-foot open skiff bound for waters around the island where crews eventually rescued them. According to a news release, the men had experience in navigating the waters around the island, but at some point, the boat's outboard motor was caught by swells and its engine was damaged. The trio made it ashore on the uninhabited island, but officials said their radio battery ran out of power before they could call for help. Niece reported her three uncles missing On April 6, the U.S. Coast Guard in Guam received a distress call from a woman who reported her three uncles had not returned from a fishing trip. Crews soon teamed up with the Navy for the rescue mission which officials said spanned over 78,000 square nautical miles. On Monday, crews in a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii searching for the missing boaters, flew over the island and spotted a sign in its white sand. "In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out "HELP" on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery," U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Chelsea Garcia, said. "This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location." Crew on board the aircraft dropped survival packages to the mariners until further assistance could arrive, officials wrote in the release. On Tuesday morning, crews aboard the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry rescued the mariners and returned them and their outboard boat to Polowat Atoll, about 100 nautical miles from the island. Previous castaways spelled SOS on beach on same island in 2020 Nearly four years ago, three other boaters in a 23-foot boat who departed from Polowat Atoll on July 30, 2020, also washed onto the same island after their boat ran out of gas. The crew spelled out a giant SOS sign on the beach which was spotted by the crew of a US Air Force tanker operating out of Andersen Air Force Base on Guam. The men were missing for three days before U.S. Coast Guard and Australian naval units rescued them. As a safety precaution, the U.S. Coast Guard "strongly recommends all boaters equip" their vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Stranded fishermen rescued from tiny island thanks to 'HELP' sign Commercial fishermen George Jue, left, and Dan St. Clair work at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. This year's salmon fishing season, which typically starts in May, has been canceled for a second straight year. (Loren Elliott / For The Times) With salmon populations struggling, fishery officials have decided to ban fishing along the California coast for a second straight year. The Pacific Fishery Management Council, a multi-state, quasi-federal body that decides on ocean fishing seasons, voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend shutting down commercial and recreational fishing along the coast. Chinook salmon populations have suffered major declines in recent years, and fishery managers decided to prohibit fishing for another year to help stocks recover. A lot of people have already been hurting because of last year's shutdown, said Scott Artis, executive director of Golden State Salmon Assn. And this is just going to be one more devastating blow. Californias commercial salmon fishing fleet now numbers about 460 vessels, Artis said, and many in the business have recently turned to other work to make ends meet. Others who take groups out on charter boats for recreational fishing will also be forced to find other business for another year. Its the second time in California history that coastal fishing has been prohibited for two consecutive years. The other back-to-back closure occurred in 2008 and 2009. In both cases, the cancellation of fishing came a few years after severe drought. After the closure last year, this decision is not an easy one to make, said Charlton Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While we have been enjoying back-to-back rainy and wet winters this year and last, the salmon that will benefit from these conditions arent expected to return to California until around 2026 or 2027. Bonham said the salmon were impacted by the difficult environmental factors present three to five years ago. Fishing boats docked at Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay. Salmon fishing has been banned this season due to the declines in the declines in the salmon population. (Loren Elliott / For The Times) In an announcement of the closure , the Department of Fish and Wildlife said salmon stocks continue to be impacted in California from ongoing issues associated with drought and climate disruption. The agency said low numbers of returning adult salmon last year as well as low ocean population forecasts led the Pacific Fishery Management Council to recommend full closure of ocean salmon fisheries. Read more: Salmon populations are struggling, bringing economic woes for California's fishing fleet The fishing season for fall-run chinook salmon would normally run from about May to October. The National Marine Fisheries Service is expected to act on the councils recommendation and enact the closure. The council also recommended that the California Fish and Game Commission close down inland fishing for salmon on the states rivers at a meeting next month. Many who work in the fishing industry have said they blame California water managers for the low salmon numbers, saying too much water has been sent to farms and cities, depriving rivers of the cold flows salmon need to survive. Artis, whose group represents fishing communities, blamed Gov. Gavin Newsom and his administration. We've seen that under Gov. Newsom, the state of California has had a disastrous environmental record, Artis said. Dangerously low river flows, unsustainable water diversions have been happening out of our rivers. Read more: California's water outlook has brightened for now, but salmon and other fish are still in peril He also criticized the amounts of water going to the states agriculture industry, saying that California has seen a dramatic expansion of insatiably thirsty almond acreage in recent years, and that the water the salmon industry relies on is being stolen on Gov. Newsoms watch. State officials say they are prioritizing plans to help salmon populations recover. Newsoms administration in January announced a salmon strategy plan including a series of expanded efforts, including restoring habitats, modernizing hatcheries and removing barriers that block fish migration. Bonham has said that even as the fishery goes through this difficult time, state officials are focused on actions that can change the trajectory. He said these efforts include restoring wetlands to create more habitat, removing dams on the Klamath River and protecting flows and water quality in rivers to support fish. Hope is very much alive for salmon in California, Bonham said in a recent interview with The Times. We think they can not only hang on in the state but thrive, and get back to healthy numbers each year, where people can enjoy them. California rivers once teemed with salmon, but the construction of dams blocked the fish from reaching many of the cold mountain streams where they once spawned. For decades, government-run hatcheries have reared and released millions of salmon each year. Those efforts, however, havent been enough to prevent populations from declining. Successive droughts and global warming have also taken a toll. During the 2020-22 drought, the water flowing from dams sometimes got so warm that it was lethal for salmon eggs . There is no way that we can sugarcoat this or just lay the blame solely on drought. This really is a water policy problem. And it's just compounded by drought and climate change, Artis said. If we want to save this industry in the long term, and save the species in the long term, we need to make some changes now on our water policy. Read more: As fish deaths increase at pumps, critics urge California agencies to improve protections The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens Assns., the largest commercial fishing trade association on the West Coast, supported the closure. George Bradshaw, the federations president, said that although the shutdown is painful for fishing communities, we all need to be doing everything we can to give Californias salmon a chance to recover. Salmon are also central to the cultures of Native tribes, whose leaders canceled subsistence fishing last year. Regina Chichizola, of the group Save California Salmon, said the closure is devastating for those who depend on fishing. She called it a manmade disaster and said its linked to decisions by the Biden administration and the state government to continue with water operations that prioritize water for agriculture over salmon, cities and communities. The federal government has announced $20.6 million in disaster relief funds for California fishing communities affected by last years shutdown. But the funds have yet to be distributed. The Department of Fish and Wildlife said it is accepting comments from the public on the plan for spending the relief funds. In response to the closure, Newsom announced Thursday that he had requested a federal declaration of a fishery disaster, much as he did last year. If approved, the disaster declaration would provide needed relief to impacted communities. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. New College President Richard Corcoran seen at a board of trustees meeting. The board approved Corcoran's $200k annual bonus at a meeting Thursday, April 11, 2024. New College of Florida's board of trustees voted Thursday to approve tenure for six professors, deny tenure to one professor, and approve a $200,000 bonus for President Richard Corcoran as part of his yearly evaluation. The annual bonus, as laid out in Corcoran's contract with New College, is based on his performance since taking over as the college's leader last March. The additional pay is in addition to his $699,000 base salary, which combined with other benefits and bonuses brings Corcoran's total compensation to about $1.1 million among the highest in the state university system despite New College being the smallest Florida public university. Corcoran's evaluation was based on eight performance goals, which the committee determined Corcoran met or made adequate progress toward. The goals included: increasing fundraising for New College, increasing campus life inclusive of improvements to student housing, food services, adding sports, re-envision the campus master plan, increasing campus safety and security, faculty additions with growth and excellence, increasing enrollment growing to 1,200 by end of year five, enrich academic programs and offerings, and increase second-year retention metric growing to 85% by year five. More New College: FAA rejects a major land deal between New College of Florida and Sarasota Airport "President Corcoran has brought in $50 million in appropriations," said Trustee Matthew Spalding. "My assumption is that previous presidents also received bonuses. This seems to be a bonus that was actually earned." The vote was near-unanimous, with only one "no" vote from faculty Trustee Amy Reid. Denying tenure Members of the audience turn their backs and hold up "Protect Academic Freedom" signs after the board of trustees of New College denies early tenure to five professors at a meeting in April 2023. Some protesters are wearing T-shirts with the words, "BAN THE FASCISTS SAVE THE BOOKS." The board also voted on tenure for seven tenure-track professors, approving all but one. Professors Rebecca Black, Lin Jiang, Nassima Neggaz, Tania Roy, Athena Rycyck, Gerardo Toro-Farmer and Hugo Viera-Vargas were all up for a tenure vote at Thursday's meeting, but Viera-Vargas was denied at the recommendation of Corcoran despite public outcry for the board to approve his tenure. "Denying him tenure would be a mistake for a campus with an actively understaffed music department and an expanding body of Latin American students," said Andy Trihn, a third-year computer science student at New College, during public comment. Tenure-track faculty endure a rigorous tenure process with letters of recommendation, committee reviews and evaluations. The board's tenure committee recommended each of the seven tenure candidates be approved for tenure. However, Corcoran provided the board with a recommendation to deny Viera-Vargas based on missing certain qualitative metrics. Viera-Vargas, an assistant professor of Caribbean/Latin American studies and music, was previously denied tenure at an April meeting last year along with four other professors up for early tenure. He was notably a plaintiff in a lawsuit against SB266, a sweeping higher education bill from Gov. Ron DeSantis which also removed arbitration in university employment disputes. Several public commenters said denying Viera-Vargas tenure amounts to retaliation from the administration against a faculty member for being a plaintiff in a lawsuit involving New College of Florida. Now denied tenure, Viera-Vargas' future at the college stands in question as universities don't generally renew contracts with faculty it denies tenure to, according to the faculty union. Before the vote, Reid asked the board members to weigh the significance of their vote and the message it sends to the faculty. She also says the numbers that the president used to evaluate Viera-Vargas were faulty, and the board should consider qualitative factors as well. "His numbers are higher, closer in line with averages than you may think," Reid said. "The quality of his teaching is exceptionally high, and he also brings wonderful performances to our campus." Corcoran rebutted Reid, pointing to Viera-Vargas' shortfall in quantitative metrics as laid out in his memo to the tenure committee. In his memo, Corcoran said Viera-Vargas had "only sponsored a total of 29 contracts (average of 5.8 per year), 9 tutorials (average of 1.8 per year), 3 theses (average of 0.6 per year), and served on 15 baccalaureate committees (average of 3 per year)," which he said did not meet the bar for tenure. Viera-Vargas was not at the meeting, nor did he attend a union press conference afterward. In a statement following the meeting, the New College Chapter of United Faculty of Florida denounced the board's decision, stating that it "undermined the meritocratic process" and was based on "weak and unprecedented rationales." "This decision creates an environment of fear for both junior and senior faculty who may perceive this act as a threat by the administration that no faculty members are safe," the statement read. Follow Herald-Tribune Education Reporter Steven Walker on Twitter at @swalker_7. He can be reached at sbwalker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College of Florida board approves bonus for Corcoran, denies tenure College students dive into overlooked history of Modesto. What role did The Bee play? Anti-Chinese advertisements, racist property deeds and old surveys. Students at Modesto Junior College uncovered these in their search for Modestos lost history. Seven students, through an internship, spent about a year researching Modestos history between 1870 and 1950. They dug through newspaper archives, sorted through a stack of addresses and reached out to people who could provide insight into the overlooked history. Among their discoveries was information on Modestos long-ago Chinatown, the resettlement of Dust Bowl refugees in the airport neighborhood and a history marked by years of segregation. Much of this history was documented in The Modesto Bees reporting during this time. We thought, what if we get students to do history research themselves, digging into archives, figuring out what our actual history is here and then having that history enrich our understanding of who we are, who we were, where we came from and maybe even giving voice to those who have not had their voices heard, said Eva Mo, a history professor at MJC. And so that was sort of the beginning of our project. Their research is showcased on the walls of Founders Hall, located on the MJC East Campus, 435 College Ave. There are plans for students to soon lead guided tours of the exhibit. History professors Eva Mo, left, and Eileen Kerr stand with a display in Founders Hall of research conducted by students that shows Modestos history of segregation, the lost Chinatown, & Dust Bowl refugees in the Airport District. An exhibit in Founders Hall at Modesto Junior College displays research conducted by students show Modestos history of segregation, the lost Chinatown and Dust Bowl refugees in the Airport District. The exhibit features a timeline alongside the students findings, all presented through panels crafted by the students themselves. Their project was structured around Richard Rothsteins book, The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America. Mo and fellow history department Professor Eileen Kerr worked with the students and oversaw their research. The history department aims to develop a course inspired by the internship. Additionally, they plan to relocate the exhibit to the McHenry Museum for a temporary showcase. Theres also consideration for integrating it into a forthcoming ethnic studies course at Modesto City Schools. Kiarra Dixon, a student who worked on the project, said she was surprised by these neglected aspects of Modesto history. Following a panel presentation on the project, many attendees approached her, revealing that they, too, had been unaware of these historical chapters, she said. As I continued to read and learn more about discriminatory acts towards individuals and their stories that had been lost, as an African American person myself, I felt as though I had a duty to not only spread the word about these stories but to inform others the truth of how these things were at that time and how it was up to our generation to fix it, Dixon said. An article about the state of Modestos Chinatown from Jan. 18, 1929 published in the Modesto Bee. The Bees role in covering Modestos racist past The students dug into the archives of the Modesto Bee in search of historical insights into Modestos past. While the public archives lacked 19th-century images of Chinese individuals residing in Modesto, they did contain photographs of buildings from that era. One notable discovery was an image of a Chinese man superimposed onto a photo of Chinatown in the early 20th century, featured in a 1929 Modesto Bee article. The headline of the article reads, Chinatown, Once Populous, Near Vanishing Point. The Bee documented Anti-Chinese meetings held in Turlock in 1886, highlighting the prevailing sentiments of the time. An 1886 article in the Bee said, Its time for the Chinese to go back to China. In the same year, the Bee published an article advocating for the commencement of a Chinese exodus from Modesto. Advertisement for white laundries shown in the Modesto Bee in May 21, 1886. The Bee also ran advertisements for white-owned laundries, a response to Chinese residents who owned laundries that were eventually confined to a designated area due to zoning regulations. In 1947, the Bee featured an advertisement promoting Beautiful Highly Restricted homes for sale, in reference to restrictive covenants that limited occupancy and ownership to white people. Advertisement for a racially restricted home featured in the Modesto Bee on Nov. 3, 1947. Donna Leigh, another student who worked on the project, said she was shocked by the amount of anti-Asian sentiment found in advertisements and articles. She noted how mass media greatly influenced communities and officials, contributing to everything from public policy to neighborhood layouts. These attitudes were deeply ingrained in the mainstream culture of the time, and something so widespread doesnt disappear when discriminatory laws and practices are abolished, Leigh, 24, said. The pasts enduring legacy The central message conveyed by the exhibit is the enduring relevance of the past in shaping the present. None of us believe that the history was right here. We always think of history as somewhere else, in Washington D.C., going through a historic site. But were right here, Kerr said. The disappearance of Chinatown has resulted in the absence of a Chinese community in Modesto, said Kerr. Likewise, the legacy of the airport neighborhood persists in the form of a marginalized community located outside the city limits, lacking essential services. Recently, Leigh moved back to the Lodi area, where she encountered explicit racial discrimination when her building manager admitted to refusing to lease to Black people and discarding their applications. This happened in the year 2024, Leigh said. Its not just my apartment building that engages in modern-day segregation. People of color today continue to face extreme discrimination in the housing and rental market. Leigh said the best thing you can do is educate yourself. I want people to understand the weight of modern segregation, she added. An exhibit in Founders Hall at Modesto Junior College displays research conducted by students show Modestos history of segregation, the lost Chinatown and Dust Bowl refugees in the Airport District. Colorado Home Where Chris Watts Murdered His Pregnant Wife and Their Daughters Lists for $775K Chris Watts was sentenced to life in prison after he killed his wife Shanann and their two young daughters, Bella and Celeste, in August 2018 Netflix Chris Watts in his Colorado home on the day his wife went missing The Colorado home where Chris Watts murdered his pregnant wife and two young daughters has listed for sale. The Frederick, Colo. home is listed for $775,000 and includes five bedrooms and four bathrooms spread out across 4,177 square feet. The nearby Colorado Rocky Mountains can be seen from the property. Rovena Flores of Dream Real Estate currently holds the listing. Related: Coworkers Watched Chris Watts 'Get More and More Unhappy with His Life' Before Family Murders RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Chris Watts in court in Nov. 2018 In August 2018, the property became a crime scene after Chris strangled his wife Shanann and smothered their two young daughters Bella, 4, and Celeste, 3. Shanann was 15 weeks pregnant with their son at the time. Chris was having an affair with his co-worker who believed he was already separated from Shanaan before he committed the murders. According to officials, this was Watts motive for the unthinkable crimes. He received a life sentence in prison after pleading guilty to the murders in November 2018 to avoid a possible death sentence. Related: Shocking Family Crimes: Chris Watts, the Menendez Brothers and More The home was purchased by the Watts family in 2013 for $399,954. It remained vacant after the 2018 crimes for nearly four years until it was purchased in 2022 for $600,000, according to property records. Following the murders, Chris went into default on the mortgage and the lender foreclosed on the property. His debts increased when he agreed to pay $6 million to Shananns parents after they filed a wrongful death lawsuit against him. Related: Shanann Watts' Brother 'Highly Recommends' Netflix Doc: It 'Gives My Sister a Voice' Netflix Chris and Shanann Watts with their daughters Bella and Celeste PEOPLE spoke to one of the Watts familys neighbors in 2018 who said there was an increase in traffic on their block due to people stopping to take photos. "It's really bizarre," the neighbor told PEOPLE. "You can always tell who they are because they'll cruise the neighborhood slowly and then get out of their cars and take pictures of the house. Some of them even take selfies. It's gross." 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. Interest in the house was renewed after the release of the Netflix documentary American Murder: The Family Next Door in September 2020. The documentary further explains Chris motive behind the murders and includes rare text messages and letters between him and Shanann. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. (COLORADO) A new study reveals that Colorado is in the top ten for religious discrimination. Employment law experts at Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard (DGP) examined data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission showing which of the fifty states have the most religious discrimination charges on record between 2009 and 2022. Maine came in first, with data showing that 15.45% of discrimination charges were religious. followed by Massachusetts (14.62%), Rhode Island (12.55%), Washington (11.32%), Oregon (10.22%), Idaho (9.80%), Hawaii (9.54%), Utah (8.44%), Minnesota (8.05%), and finally Colorado came in tenth at 7.82%. The state with the least number of religious discrimination charges is Mississippi. Out of 22,815 discrimination charges, only 592 (2.59%) were religious. Religious discrimination involves treating a person unfavorably because of their religious beliefs, explained Jamie Goodwin, an attorney from DGP. The law protects not only people who belong to traditional, organized religions, such as Buddhism and Christianity, but also others who have sincerely held religious, ethical, or moral beliefs. This type of discrimination can also involve treating someone differently because they associate with an individual of a particular religion. It may also be harassment, segregation, or refusal to reasonably accommodate. Religious discrimination is only one of many forms of unlawful discrimination, including sexual harassment, and discrimination based on race, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, status as a parent, national origin, pregnancy, and reprisal/retaliation (bias based on complaints). Any form of discrimination, Goodwin said, can cause a variety of problems for victims, including emotional and psychological trauma. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. Column: Presidential foundation was too scared to honor Liz Cheney, so he quit in disgust Every year, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation bestows an award meant to honor acts of political courage. The criteria include strength of character, sound judgment, decisiveness (particularly during periods of crisis) and determination in the face of adversity. David Hume Kennerly, a member of the foundations board, had in mind the perfect candidate: Liz Cheney. The former Wyoming lawmaker sacrificed her political career and was effectively excommunicated from the Republican Party for defying then-President Trump and helping oversee the congressional probe into the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, as well as Trumps treacherous attempts to overturn the 2020 election. There was only one human on the planet who should have been getting that award, Kennerly, who served as White House photographer during the Ford administration, said in an interview. She checked every box. But the foundations executive committee ignored Kennerlys recommendation and passed over Cheney even after others declined the award citing concerns that she was a possible 2024 presidential candidate, so her selection could imperil the groups tax-exempt status. Its a fig leaf so thin the merest whisper of a breeze wafts it away. In truth, Kennerly said, the executive board feared retribution from the vengeful Trump should he return to the White House. Earlier this week, he resigned his board membership in protest. Read more: Column: Trump hoped to sidestep the abortion issue. Arizona's near-total ban shows why he can't If the foundation that bears the name of Gerald R. Ford wont stand up to this real threat to our democracy, who will? Kennerly said in a five-page letter to the executive committee. (Fords singular act of political courage was pardoning former President Nixon, hastening the countrys healing from the Watergate scandal though it quite possibly cost Ford the closely fought 1976 presidential election.) I cant in good conscience stay on the board of an organization representing Gerald R. Ford that doesnt manifest his kind of guts, said Kennerly, who was personally close to the late president and his wife, Betty. Its now a place whose leadership is cowed by a demagogue creating and promulgating the greatest crisis our country has faced since the Civil War. Kennerly elaborated in the interview. His resignation was intended as a quiet act of protest, he said from his home in Los Angeles. But it became public almost immediately when someone not he leaked the letter to Politico. Any time you put something out there ... , Kennerly said, his voice trailing off. The Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer has spent decades in and around politics, so hes not naive, he said. During a half-hour conversation, Kennerly toggled between anger chickens, he called the boards snub of Cheney and concern that his actions not be misconstrued. This is not an easy thing. I dont want this to appear to be dropping a B-52 strike on the Ford Foundation, said Kennerly, whose searing images of the Vietnam War have become an indelible part of Americas historical record. Its more about the fear factor facing people in our country now. People are afraid to step up, and you can thank the former president for that. Kennerlys protest, heartfelt as it may be, could easily be dismissed as the griping of someone who simply didnt get his way. He described Cheney as one of his best friends and he is also close to her family. But as someone steeped in history, who has witnessed politicians up close and cataloged courage and human failings in a way few have, Kennerlys observations are worth noting. The foundation board has dozens of trustees Cheney among them who offer nominations to a 12-member executive committee, which has the final say on each years winner of the Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Kennerly first recommended Cheney for the award last fall. The executive board chose someone else even though it was abundantly clear Cheney, who had been mentioned as a possible stop-Trump candidate, was not running for president. That should have eliminated those putative concerns about the groups tax status. When that individual, and then another, turned down the award, Kennerly again recommended Cheney. (He would not say who else was chosen or why theyd declined the honor.) Instead, the executive board selected Indianas former governor, Mitch Daniels, and Kennerly quit soon after. (No knock on Daniels, he said.) After Kennerlys resignation became public, the executive director of the Ford Presidential Foundation, Gleaves Whitney, issued a statement citing fiduciary responsibility, tax issues, legal risk, blah blah, blah. Those matters were apparently not a concern in 2004 when Dick Cheney, Lizs father, received the Ford medal. At the time, he was running for reelection as vice president. Upon further reflection and after a day of scathingly negative publicity Whitney issued a follow-up statement Wednesday night. Liz Cheney, he said, meets all the criteria the Ford Presidential Foundation medal signifies courage, integrity, and passion to serve the American people. The Foundations decision is not a reflection on her but on the law governing nonprofits, Whitney said. The Foundations action this year in no way precludes her from serious consideration to receive the medal in a future year. Kennerlys response was curt: Total cop-out. Read more: Column: Trump's vice presidential show and Kennedy's kamikaze mission So as it stands, Cheney with all those criteria going for her maybe someday, after serious consideration, will be recognized with the Ford Medal for the vitally important service she rendered the country by exposing Trump and his mutinous acts. At no small personal cost, it should be said. For now, however, leaders of the foundation lack the courage to honor Cheney for performing her sterling act of courage. It would be funny if it werent so pathetic. Get the latest from Mark Z. Barabak Focusing on politics out West, from the Golden Gate to the U.S. Capitol. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. ATHENS, WV (WVNS) Soon-to-be alumni Mountain Lions were given the opportunity to connect with jobs from all over the state. The Concord Career Fair was hosted in the ballroom of the university on April 10, 2024. The fair gave students a closer look at job applications and future careers. Fayette County Humane Society takes in abandoned kittens Over 40 employers sat up tables in the ballroom to hand out applications. Graduating Senior Alex Foster says for students like him the fair offers many options to choose from. Im not sure what I want to do after I get that piece of paper. So, its nice to just have all of these people in this room to talk to, said Foster. Free professional headshots were also available and giveaways were also part of the experience. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Workers work at the construction site of the 2nd Airbus Tianjin A320 Family Final Assembly Line Project in Tianjin, north China, March 31, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Entrepreneurs from multinational corporations and economists reiterated that China is indispensable in terms of the global supply chain and closer cooperation is a win-win choice. Airbus, for example, said its cooperation with Chinese companies covers the entire industrial chain, from procurement, production and installation of large components to aircraft final assembly and delivery, and the company benefited from such close ties in its business expansion. George Xu, CEO of Airbus China, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview last month that "in the past, we had to ship all the big parts from Europe, which took 60 days. (Later,) we worked with a Chinese partner, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, to produce the parts locally and deliver them 'door to door' to our Tianjin final assembly line." "The locally made parts are comparable to those made in Europe in terms of both quality and costs," said Xu. Currently, Airbus has about 200 suppliers in China, and components produced by Chinese companies are found on all Airbus commercial jetliner types. Thanks to strong local suppliers and a stable regulatory environment, the building of the second line of the Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line Asia (FALA) in north China's major industrial port city of Tianjin is in full swing. Juan Tubio, general manager of FALA, told Xinhua that "(there is) a very stable regulatory environment around us, the Tianjin Free Trade Zone umbrella is helping us to work in a very close collaboration and discussion with the Tianjin Port and the Tianjin Customs." "We are now building the second assembly line that will be entering into service in late 2025, and in theory, doubling our capacity in Tianjin," he said. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also reiterated the company's long-term commitment to the Chinese market during his visit to Shanghai last month. "There's no supply chain in the world that's more critical to us than China," Cook said, noting that Apple will strengthen its long-term cooperation with its Chinese supply chain partners and work closely with them on green and smart manufacturing to achieve win-win results. Data shows that 151 of Apple's 200 major suppliers have production activities in China. Earlier in March, Apple announced that it would expand its applied research lab in Shanghai and establish a new lab in Shenzhen later this year. And a new flagship Apple store opened on March 21 in Shanghai. To boost global supply chain cooperation, China will hold the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in November this year after the first CISCE was successfully held in Beijing last year. Ren Hongbin, head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, said that an exhibition area for advanced manufacturing would be added to the second CISCE. The new exhibition area will focus on new quality productive forces from perspectives including front-end research and development and design, application of new materials, processing of key components and smart manufacturing, said Ren. Besides the new exhibition area, the second CISCE will also have exhibition booths categorized into various sections, including clean energy, smart vehicles, digital technology, healthy lifestyles, green agriculture and services for supply chains. "Today, China is indispensable for the world. It is impossible to isolate China, although there are such attempts," Kresimir Macan, a Croatian political and economic expert, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. "The attempts of decoupling or de-risking from China will eventually backfire on those who impose them," said Macan. China remains a crucial trading partner for most countries worldwide despite so-called decoupling from China, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). "China's still probably the number one trading partner for the majority of countries in the world," ADB Chief Economist Albert Park was quoted by CNBC as saying. "The story of China being delinked from the global economy, I think those are probably generally very overdone or very partial." China's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2 percent year on year to a new high of 126.06 trillion yuan (about 17.7 trillion U.S. dollars) last year, and the country seeks to achieve a GDP growth rate of around 5 percent this year. (Bloomberg) -- Britains antitrust watchdog warned that investments in artificial intelligence by the likes of Alphabet Inc.s Google, Apple Inc., and Microsoft Corp. warrant deeper scrutiny over concerns they are being leveraged to further entrench their market power. Most Read from Bloomberg The Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday its uncovered an interconnected web of partnerships and investments within AI involving a handful of the same tech firms, that may allow them to shape these markets in their own interests. Meta Platforms Inc., Amazon.com Inc. and Nvidia Corp. were also named. The findings follow a review into AI foundation models AI systems that can be adapted to a range of tasks to root out any potential competition issues in the fast-growing market. The CMA said it wanted to learn from the past in digital markets, where a winner-takes-all dynamic led to the rise of a small number of all-powerful platforms. When we started this work, we were curious. Now, with a deeper understanding and having watched developments very closely, we have real concerns, said Sarah Cardell, chief executive officer of the CMA. Cardells remarks reflect concerns around how the biggest US tech companies have acquired stakes in many of the most promising AI startups, deals that involve both funding and strategic access to infrastructure. Microsoft is OpenAIs biggest backer, has invested in French AI startup Mistral and recently hired most of the team from Inflection AI. Google, owner of the AI lab DeepMind, has invested in OpenAI rival Anthropic, as has Amazon. Chipmaker Nvidia has backed dozens of startups, including large language model platform Cohere. Such deals may attract less regulatory scrutiny than full acquisitions, though the EU is probing Microsoft over the nature of its relationship to OpenAI and is keeping an eye on its Mistral partnership despite not seeing any immediate concerns. Margrethe Vestager, the blocs antitrust chief said Thursday that AI is going to change the marketplace and regulators need to be vigilant. We see a lot of entrenched market power when it comes to technology, Vestager said in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Its basically a new world that were looking into and regulators need to make sure its a competitive new world. Story continues Across the Atlantic, the US Federal Trade Commission has also started inquiries into Alphabet, Amazon and Microsofts AI partners. The CMA, meanwhile, has a separate initial investigation into Microsofts OpenAI investment. Read More: Big Techs Year of Partnering Up With AI Startups The CMA will be assessing the market over the coming months and may use existing merger and investigations reviews to intervene. It is also considering whether to include this behavior in its new powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill that will come into force this summer. We welcome the clarity and transparency provided by the report and look forward to engaging constructively with the UKs Competition and Markets Authority on applying its principles in our business, a Microsoft spokesperson said. Nvidia declined to comment. Google, Apple, Amazon and Meta didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. --With assistance from Katharine Gemmell, Katie Greifeld and Annmarie Hordern. (Updates with company comments in the final paragraphs) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The Middle East is tense, with Iran considering its response to Israels April 1 elimination of high-ranking Quds Force officers, and a possibly decisive Israeli attack in Rafah against Hamas terrorists pending. Commentary reverberates with worries about escalation and wider war, as if Hamass October 7 barbarity was not escalation enough, or Irans mandate to Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iraqs Shia militias thereafter is not already a wider war. Tehrans ayatollahs have two overarching objectives: hegemony in the region and hegemony within Islam. Under its publicly declared ring of fire strategy, the brainchild of now-deceased Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani, Iran is now assaulting Israel. The ring of fire embodies Irans indirect efforts through belligerent terrorist proxies, combined with its own military forces, against Israel (and, not often mentioned, against Gulf Arab states). Israels pounding of Hamas means things are not going well for Iran, but the decisive strategic decisions, in both Jerusalem and Tehran, still lie ahead. Most likely to occur first, and strategically more important, is Irans answer to Israels strike against its Damascus embassy. Whether embassy territory is sovereign varies, but international conventions provide that diplomatic premises are inviolable, at least to the receiving state. Common sense, however, tells us that, like churches or hospitals, diplomatic premises lose any protected status if used for military purposes, and it is clear that Irans Damascus embassy is essentially a Quds force headquarters. Nonetheless, Israel has unmistakably challenged Iran, much like Americas early exit for Soleimani in 2020. The stakes for both Israel and Iran are enormous. If Tehrans riposte to Jerusalem is perceived as weak or ineffective, it risks losing sway over its terrorist surrogates and others, dismayed by the ayatollahs unwillingness to risk additional harm to Iran while still leaving them in mortal peril. Alternatively, significant, direct Iranian retaliation could impel Israel to strike Iran itself. Or, if Iran acts indirectly through a proxy such as Hezbollah, Israel would feel justified in seeking to cripple Hezbollah, as its Gaza operation seeks to cripple Hamas. There is no doubt Hezbollah is the A-team of Irans terrorist proxies and the greater military threat to Israel. Whether Israel is prepared to fight a two-front war its government must decide, and there is no doubt that decision is now squarely presented. Appropriately or not, however, commentators and politicians have focused since April 1 not on Damascus, but on Israels mistaken attack in Gaza on a humanitarian organisations convoy. This emotional response has objectively benefited Hamas by again delaying Israels offensive against the terrorist group in Rafah; resurrecting calls for an immediate, unconditional cease-fire (ie, unlinked to releasing Israels Hamas-held hostages); and compounding Israels domestic and international political difficulties. The Biden administration has significantly contributed to Israels isolation, as its distaste for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu becomes ever-more evident. The White House has now twisted itself into a pretzel, largely because it fears the Democratic Partys Left-wing threat to withhold support this November in a close, hard-fought election. Sensing Bidens political vulnerability, these progressives are amping up efforts to restrict or prohibit additional arms sales to Israel, potentially crippling Jerusalems ability to exercise its right of self-defence. For those worried about Republican isolationism threatening Ukraine aid, Democratic unwillingness to support Israel should provide no comfort about Americas role in the wider world. Bidens unwillingness these past six months to recognise Iran as the central actor in the Middle Easts ongoing terrorist aggression has already materially damaged Americas support for Israel. History will record his administrations obsessive efforts to negotiate with the ayatollahs as one of the biggest self-inflicted wounds in politico-military affairs. Biden is equally unable or unwilling to recognise that the real criminal in Gaza is Hamas, cynically abusing its own supporters and Gazans generally, not merely as human shields, but as cannon fodder to protect themselves, a war crime if there ever was one. The consequences of Bidens weakness, and indecisiveness in Israel, are serious and lasting. Israel has for too long delayed the Rafah offensive. Further delay will only increase domestic and international complaining and second-guessing, without reaping the benefits of destroying the remainder of Hamass organised combat capabilities and seizing full control of Hamass massive tunnel system under Gaza. Mopping up residual Hamas guerrilla/terrorist activities will be time-consuming, but dismantling it means Israel is freer and less at risk if it must confront Hezbollah full on. Or confronting Iran and its nuclear-weapons programme now, before Iran has a reliable deliverable capacity. Israel should finish the job of destroying Hamass military and political organisations soonest. Also soonest, the United States and Europe should declare openly that Iran is the real threat to peace and security in the Middle East, and act accordingly. The fastest way to end the ongoing conflict is to defeat the aggressor. John Bolton is a former US National Security Advisor Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Patricia Zengerle and John Geddie WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Ukraine risks collapsing under Russia's onslaught without U.S. support, a disaster that could embolden China and spark a new crisis in East Asia, Japan's prime minister told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday, urging them to overcome "self-doubt" about the country's role on the world stage. In the first speech to a joint meeting of Congress by a Japanese leader in nine years, Fumio Kishida urged Americans not to doubt the country's "indispensable" role in world affairs, and said Tokyo was undertaking historic military upgrades to support its ally. He spoke amid deep divisions in U.S. politics over the country's role on the world stage in a presidential election year, including in the House of Representatives chamber where he gave his address. President Joe Biden's request for $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, which passed the Democratic-led Senate with 70% support in February, has been stalled in the Republican-controlled House as Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to allow a vote. "I want to address those Americans who feel the loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order," Kishida said. "The leadership of the United States is indispensable. Without U.S. support, how long before the hopes of Ukraine would collapse under the onslaught from Moscow? Without the presence of the United States, how long before the Indo-Pacific would face even harsher realities?" Addresses to joint meetings of the Senate and House are an honor generally reserved for the closest U.S. allies, typically no more than once or twice a year. The last was by Israeli President Isaac Herzog on July 19, 2023. Kishida is only the second Japanese prime minister ever to address a joint meeting, after Shinzo Abe on April 29, 2015. His remarks were greeted several times by standing ovations, especially as he recounted the years of his childhood spent in New York and close Japanese-U.S. ties. Kishida said the world was at a "historic turning point," with freedom and democracy under threat, emerging countries holding more economic power and climate change and rapid advances in artificial intelligence disrupting peoples' lives. CHINA 'UNPRECEDENTED' CHALLENGE He also warned about North Korea's nuclear program and exports of missiles supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. But the biggest challenge the world faces comes from China, he said. "China's current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the peace and security of Japan but to the peace and stability of the international community at large," Kishida said. "Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow." Japan has consistently raised concerns about Chinese military activity close to its islands and neighboring Taiwan. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has raised its alert level since Russia invaded Ukraine, wary of the possibility Beijing might make a similar move on the island, though it has reported no signs this is about to happen. To stress the importance of Taiwan, Republican Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee, brought Taiwan's Representative to the United States, Alexander Yui, as his guest for Kishida's speech. Asked about the speech at a press briefing on Friday, China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Japan was "playing up" security threats and "discrediting" its neighbours and that Beijing had lodged "solemn representations" with Tokyo. Despite deep-rooted reservations in Japan about its militaristic past, Kishida said the country was embarking on a major shift in its defense posture to support U.S. efforts to ward off current threats. "Japan has changed over the years. We have transformed ourselves from a reticent ally, recovering from the devastation of World War II, to a strong, committed ally, looking outward to the world," he said. Japan's pacifist constitution, adopted after its defeat in World War Two, prohibits it waging war or maintaining the means to do so. But successive administrations have chipped away at that restraint, and plans unveiled at the end of 2022 to significantly beef up the military may soon see Japan become the world's third biggest military spender. Kishida and Biden on Wednesday unveiled plans for military cooperation and projects ranging from missiles to moon landings, strengthening their alliance with an eye on countering China and Russia. "On the spaceship called 'Freedom and Democracy,' Japan is proud to be your shipmate. We are on deck, we are on task. And we are ready to do what is necessary," Kishida said. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle, David Brunnstrom and Ismail Shakil in Washington, John Geddie in Tokyo and Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Don Durfee, Chizu Nomiyama and Josie Kao) It started with an unlikely second-place tie at 30,249 votes each, putting three Democrats on track to go head-to-head-to-head in the November election. It looked unlikely to experts that California's 16th Congressional District primary would move toward a recount, given the hefty price tag and apparent lack of motive. Despite the apparent improbability, a voter has requested a recount, casting a three-person general election race into uncertainty. Now, the San Francisco Bay Area district will sift again through thousands of ballots, upping the possibility that one of the candidates who tied for second place Evan Low and Joe Simitian will have their general election prospects slashed. California voter Jonathan Padilla requested a recount, a Santa Clara official confirmed. Padilla is a former staffer for a previous campaign of front-runner Sam Liccardo, the former mayor of San Jose a fact that his competitor Low was quick to pounce on. This is a page right out of Trumps political playbook using dirty tricks to attack democracy and subvert the will of the voters. Sam Liccardo, who does not live in the district, did not file a recount himself, the campaign's statement said. Instead, he had his former staffer do it for him. Whats he afraid of? Padilla confirmed that he worked for Liccardo's campaign about 10 years ago, pointing to his LinkedIn account, which shows that he was the policy and finance director for Liccardo's 2014 run for San Joses mayor. Padilla also donated to Liccardo's campaign in December, he confirmed. Both Padilla and the Liccardo campaign denied that they are in contact. A member of the Liccardo campaign said Liccardo's campaign was not in coordination with Padilla about requesting the recount and that the former mayor and his campaign have not been in touch with Padilla since he requested the recount. Padilla, likewise, said he is not in touch with the campaign or Liccardo. Reached for comment, Padilla referred NBC News to his post Wednesday on X, which he said would be his only public comment "until all the votes are counted." Like Low, Padilla invoked former President Donald Trump in his statement. "Donald Trump represents an existential threat to democracy and believes in not counting votes, as we saw on election night in 2020," Padilla said in Wednesday's post. "Why other Democrats dont believe in counting votes and ensuring that the will of the people is transparently reflected confuses me." He added that he found it "especially confusing" that people who have criticized the recount "have themselves advocated for automatic recounts in the past." Simitian, a Santa Clara County supervisor, said in a statement that the process "will work itself out." "My job is to stay focused on how I can best represent the folks in our district," he said. "And thats what Im doing." Both second-place candidates initially celebrated their expected move to the general election. Liccardo campaign spokesperson Orrin Evans said in a statement that "every vote should be counted." "We understand why, under these extraordinary circumstances, there would be an effort to make sure these votes are fully considered," he said, pointing to ballots with signature verification issues. The heavily Democratic district is represented by Rep. Anna Eshoo, who is not seeking re-election. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In December 2016, the Multnomah County Board approved an updated Ambulance Service Plan that was originally written and approved in 1994. Then in 2017, the Health Department asked for ambulance providers to submit proposals. But when the bidding deadline closed in February 2018, only AMR submitted a proposal. That indicates Multnomah County is not creating a competitive market for ambulance providers. And the county has not adjusted the staffing standard even as the quality of the system continues to decline. The county could have dealt with AMRs quality and rate issues in 2022. Though the original contract had a 5-year term, the county had the sole discretion to offer a renewal. However, this renewal offer needed to be presented to AMR at least 18 months before the initial term ended, which was before March 1, 2022. Wallowa County commissioners urge Oregon, Idaho to rekindle Greater Idaho border talks This leads to questions about the timing and process followed for the most recent contract renewal. The first abnormality is that the board made the offer 17 days late. Then there was no hearing or contract review by the board. In fact, it was approved as part of the consent agenda. A consent agenda groups routine meeting discussion points into a single agenda item. That allows the grouped items to be approved in one action, rather than filing multiple motions. According to the countys own administrative procedures, items for approval on the consent agenda are determined routine by the Chair. The board passed 6 items in about 60 seconds. The AMR Ambulance Contract Extension was one of them. The consent agenda exists to take care of minor business, said Commissioner Sharon Meieran. The fact that renewal of the ambulance contract was done as a consent agenda item is so bizarre as to suggest a conscious intent to hide this from the board. And it succeeded. In the recorded video of the meeting, then-Chair Deborah Kafoury called a vote. She, Jayapal and Stegmann voted Yes. Vega Pederson (then a Commissioner) had technical difficulties while in the meeting remotely, so her vote is unclear. Meieran was absent. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, February 27, 2024 (KOIN) Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran on Eye on Northwest Politics, 2023 (KOIN) Regardless, the boards failure to hold a hearing to review the extension may have been because of a misleading agenda placement request. In the background section, it states: The County has a contract with American Medical Response for the provision of 911 emergency ambulance services. This contract was issued in September 2018 with an initial term of five years. Contractually, if AMR performance measures are met, an extension of an additional five years shall be issued. The contract is reviewed annually by the Countys Contract Compliance and Rate Regulation Committee (CCRRC) and AMR continues to be in good standing, with performance metrics met. The recommendation is for the five-year extension of the contract. Based on the language in the contract, it would have been more accurate to say: Contractually, if AMR performance measures are met, an extension of up to an additional five years may be issued. The recommendation was not clear about what options were available to the board regarding the extension of the contract. The board may have been led to believe the county was required to extend the contract with AMR for 5 years if AMR was deemed to have met the metrics in the contract. Multiple suspects sought by Portland police after burglar crashes through restaurant ceiling In retrospect, it might have been clearer had staff copied the language verbatim from the contract. On Page 1 of the AMR contract states: If, at the sole judgment and discretion of County, the Provider is deemed to be substantially in compliance with the specifications defined in this AGREEMENT the County may grant extensions of the Agreement for up to five additional years. County shall make the offer of extension by formal written notice to the Contractor at least eighteen months prior to the scheduled end of the term of the Agreement. The recommendation to renew was based on 3 previous annual reviews. However, the countys Ambulance Service Plan requires a complete review of the contractors performance prior to the contract renewal. There is no record of such a review being conducted nor shared with the board. The review should have taken place in January and February 2022 to allow time for negotiations about any issues, like a national paramedic shortage. This was perhaps the countys last opportunity to negotiate on equal terms with AMR about staffing and rate concerns that were, or should have been, evident. Instead, the contract renewal was swiftly approved on March 17, 2022 and by March 31 AMR was out of compliance with response times standards and has been ever since. On February 29, 2024, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted to re-evaluate the Ambulance Service Plan two years ahead of schedule. Multnomah County Commissioner Sharon Meieran shuts her laptop and removes herself from a meeting after a disagreement with Chair Jessica Vega Pederson over the ambulance staffing crisis on Feb. 20, 2024. (Courtesy: Board Briefing live stream) Commissioners Sharon Meieran and Julia Brim-Edwards tried pressuring Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson to act urgently on the spot in the Board meeting after they said their efforts were blocked from going through the normal channels. However, after much debate, there werent enough votes to even consider it. Commissioners Jesse Beason, Lori Stegmann and Chair Vega Pederson voted it down. The county continues formal mediation with AMR and will meet again during the week of April 8. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Cars travel south on the 101 Freeway north of the Liberty Canyon offramp in Agoura Hills. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will be built in this location, spanning over 10 lanes of the 101 Freeway, when complete. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Caltrans will close half of the 101 Freeway starting next week in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills. All lanes in one direction will be closed at a time, starting Monday with the southbound lanes, according to the California Department of Transportation. The lanes will be closed each night for five hours starting at 11:59 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bridge will be the largest wildlife crossing of its kind and is aimed at saving a threatened population of mountain lions. Experts estimate that more than 500 mountain lions have been killed on California highways over the last eight years, a rate that scientists suggest may exceed the reproductive rate of the animals. Read more: P-22, the celebrity mountain lion of Los Angeles, is euthanized The lanes are expected to be closed for about two to three weeks in one direction before switching over to the lanes on the other direction, Caltrans said. The closures are expected to last a total of 30 to 45 days from the starting date. Crews will be installing steel girders long boxes of reinforced concrete over the freeway in order to build the vegetated bridge, according to Caltrans. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing has a projected cost of $92 million, half of it raised from donors. 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. PANGUITCH, Utah (ABC4) Work continues to alleviate pressure on the damaged dam threatening residents in Southern Utah. On Monday, April 8, crews found a crack in the upper portion of the Panguitch Lake Dam, forcing a Level 2 Emergency Situation, closing highways, limiting lake access and flood watches for the area. NEXT: Officials answer questions, outline evacuation plan after damage to Panguitch dam Late Wednesday night, April 10, the Utah Department of Public Safety provided an update saying crews cut across the ice to help relieve some of the pressure pushing against the dam. They have also added rock to the downstream side to support the dam wall, said Utah DPS in a statement. These measures have helped to change the tilt of the expanded section from eight degrees to two degrees. Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety) Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety) Crews work to relieve pressure at the Panguitch Lake Dam (Courtesy: Utah Department of Public Safety) The Utah DPS previously said the damage only affected a two to five-foot expansion of the Panguitch Lake Dam that was installed about 80 to 90 years ago. The main portion of the dam is still intact, leading officials to believe a complete dam breach is not likely or anticipated. Still, a flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect for a large portion of Southwest Utah as of Thursday morning. A Level 2 Emergency Situation indicates that there is a potential for dam failure, the flash flood warning said. While there is no immediate threat to public safety, the situation could rapidly evolve. Officials are closely monitoring the dam and are prepared to escalate their response if necessary. The National Weather Service said Panguitch Creek is running high, fast and cold due to the releases to lower the lake level. Residents are advised to keep children and pets away from the creek as a precaution. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. One year after a closely-watched election tipped the Wisconsin Supreme Court towards a 4-3 liberal majority, the impending retirement of a liberal justice, Ann Walsh Bradley, is teeing off another battle for control of the state's highest court. Bradley announced Thursday that she will not run in the April 2025 election for another 10-year term, NBC News reported. "My decision has not come lightly," Bradley wrote in a statement. "It is made after careful consideration and reflection. I know I can do the job and do it well. I know I can win re-election should I run, but it's just time to pass the torch." The Wisconsin court's ideological balance has enormous ramifications for a range of issues, including abortion access and redistricting. Conservatives long held the reins of legislative and judicial power in Wisconsin until the most expensive state Supreme Court campaign in U.S. history elevated liberal justice Janet Protasiewicz to the bench in April 2023. Her victory was followed by GOP threats to impeach her. The new liberal majority (the court is technically nonpartisan) promptly ruled that the GOP gerrymander of Wisconsin's state legislative maps was unconstitutional. New, compromise maps that were agreed to by the legislature and Democratic Gov. Tony Evers provide Democrats with an opening to make gains in the state legislature, where they have struggled to gain control despite recently winning a skew of statewide elections. With the last Wisconsin Supreme Court election as precedent, gerrymandering and reproductive rights will almost certainly be at the forefront of a bitter and expensive 2025 election. Former Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel announced last year that he intends to run for a seat on the highest court. With Bradley's retirement, many others are likely to join the competition. This booking photo provided by the Austin, Texas, Police Department shows Raul Meza Jr. The convicted murderer released from a Texas prison in 1993 and now facing two new murder charges, offered a plea deal Thursday, April 11, 2024 of 50 years back in prison to avoid a new trial and the possibility of the death penalty. (Austin Police Department via AP) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) A convicted murderer who was released early from a Texas prison in 1993 and now faces two new murder charges offered Thursday to enter a plea and return to prison for 50 years in exchange for avoiding going to trial and facing a possible death sentence an offer that victims' families urged prosecutors to reject. Raul Meza Jr., 63, served about a decade in prison for killing an 8-year-old girl before he was released. He was charged last year with two other killings that happened in 2019 and 2023, and investigators have said they are looking into as many as a 10 other unsolved cases that they think might be connected to Meza. During a pretrial hearing Thursday, Travis County prosecutors said they had just received the plea offer from Meza's attorney and hadn't had time yet to evaluate it. Meza's lawyer, Russ Hunt, said the number of years in prison was the only term offered, and that there had been no discussion yet whether a deal would require Meza to plead guilty or no contest to the murder charges. After the hearing, victims' family members speaking to reporters urged prosecutors to reject the offer. Meza's original 1982 conviction and 30-year prison sentence were the result of a plea deal. He was released early after receiving credit for good time. It just brought me back to what my parents had to go through when we were children, said Tracy Page, whose sister Kendra Page was strangled and sexually assaulted by Meza in 1982. It's like he's dictating what he wants. ... To me, in my heart, I want (him) to go to the death penalty. Hunt said the offer of 50 years on each murder charge, to be served concurrently, would effectively mean he'd be in prison for life. By law, Meza would be eligible for parole in 30 years, at age 93. Mr. Meza would like to avoid a trial and all the trouble and emotional turmoil it brings to everyone involved in the case, including the families of the victims," Hunt said. Meza's early release from prison in 1993 caused an uproar throughout Texas and he was met by protesters at nearly every turn. Picketers drove him out of six cities, sometimes with threats of violence. In my heart, I know that I will not willfully bring harm to anyone, Meza said during an August 1993 news conference after he had been driven out of communities. Austin police said Meza called them last May and confessed to killing his 80-year-old roommate, Jesse Fraga, days earlier, and implicated himself in the 2019 sexual assault and killing of Gloria Lofton. Meza was carrying a backpack containing zip ties, a flashlight, duct tape and a .22 caliber pistol with extra rounds when he was arrested, police said. Meza has been charged with capital murder in Lofton's killing, which could result in him being sentenced to death or life without the possibility of parole if he's convicted. He was indicted on a murder charge in Fraga's death, which could result in a life term. Long-shot presidential candidate Cornel West announced his pick for a running mate on Wednesday, tapping Melina Abdullah, a professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter's Los Angeles chapter who has an extensive political history. Here are five things to know about Abdullah that she is unlikely to talk about publicly during her campaign. Police were forced to drag Abdullah out of a mayoral debate taking place on California State University LA's campus in 2022. Abdullah was protesting the fact that barely 50 people were allowed inside the campus auditorium to view the debate, and that students and faculty were not allowed to enter. CORNEL WEST DITCHES GREEN PARTY; NOW RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT AS AN INDEPENDENT Abduallh was a Cal State LA professor at the time, and she clarified that police only removed her from the premises and did not arrest her. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I should have been able to watch the mayoral debate that was happening on my own campus. Im still processing the fact that Raphe Sonenshein, someone who called himself a friend, who Ive known well since I was in graduate school, called the police and had me forcibly and brutally removed," Abdullah said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, referencing one of the co-sponsors of the debate. "Im processing that as I was yelling for help, that I was being hurt and called for Karen Bass and Kevin De Leon two people who have been very close for more than 20 years, they said nothing, not even a simple Please put her down, nor did any other candidate. Its both hurtful and outrageous," she added. While Melina Abduallah is a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter, that does not mean she always gets along with the rest of the organization. While Abduallah is a co-founder of the Los Angeles chapter of Black Lives Matter, she has not always got along with the rest of the organization. In 2022, Abdullah sued Shalomyah Bowers, an executive at the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF). She alleged that Bowers had been using the organization as his "personal piggy bank" and had paid over $10 million to his consulting firm using non-profit funds. CORNEL WEST SAYS DEMOCRATIC PARTY BEYOND REDEMPTION Abdullah said at a press conference at the time that "the assets that we built, the financial resources, the social media platforms and the name Black Lives Matter have been taken from us and are under the control of consultants." BLMGNF's board of directors denied the allegations in a lengthy statement prior to hearings in the case. "Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) is here to give light and fight for Black liberation," the statement said in part. "Make no mistake, the allegations of Melina Abdullah and BLM Grassroots (BLMGR) are false. They are slanderous and devoid of reality." Abdullah's lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, and she was ordered to pay more than $100,000 in legal fees to Bowers. Abdullah has repeatedly and emphatically praised Minister Louis Farrakhan throughout his years of anti-American and antisemitic controversies. A brief review of Abdullah's personal account on X shows that she has praised and quoted the Nation of Islam leader for years, going back nearly a decade to 2015. "Humbled, overwhelmed, and profoundly grateful 2 share space with @louisfarrakhan #JusticeOrElse," she wrote in June 2015 alongside a picture of the minister. Her appreciation for Farrakhan remained consistent for the next several years, with her defending him on social media in 2019. CORNEL WEST SAYS DEMOCRATIC PARTY BEYOND REDEMPTION "We should all be outraged by the banning of Minister @LouisFarrakhan from Instagram and Facebook. Loving Black people and wanting freedom and self-determination for us does not constitute Black supremacy. In a country built on our backs there can be no 'Black supremacy,'" she wrote at the time. As a founding member of Los Angeles' BLM chapter, Melina Abdullah has a predictably low opinion of the police. "Now Is the Time to Defund the Police and Reimagine Public Safety," Abdullah told PBS in a 2022 interview. Abdullah pushed for extensive reforms to policing in Los Angeles in the wake of the George Floyd protests in 2020, and she also aggressively opposed an increase in police budget proposed in LA in 2023. "The overwhelming number of Angelenos want to divest from policing and parking enforcement, and invest in the things that actually keep communities safe," Abdullah told KCRW in August last year after the city voted to increase the police budget by $384 million. She went on to argue that the pay hike for police was "out of step with what the people say that they want" and suggested that politicians were afraid of retaliation by the city's police union. Melina Abdullah was the victim of at least one "swatting" incident in 2020. The Los Angeles Police Department sent officers to Abdullah's home during the heat of George Floyd protests in August 2020 after receiving a hoax phone call. The LAPD said they received a call claiming there were three hostages being held inside Abdullah's home. The practice of calling in fake 911 calls is known as "swatting," a serious crime that has gained prevalence in recent years. "After the officers were able to verify the safety of the residents, the on-scene investigation determined the call was a hoax," the LAPD said in a statement at the time. Abdullah rejected the explanation from police, however, claiming in a video that police were trying to "throw me off my game." "Dozens and dozens of police, LAPD and others, showed up at my house this morning, guns drawn, assault rifles drawn, really terrorizing me and my children. We're OK," Abdullah said at the time. "I don't ever believe the words of the police," she continued. "You shouldn't either." Fox News' Evie Fordham contributed to this report Original article source: Cornel West's VP pick backed defund the police, praised Farrakhan: 5 things to know BEIJING, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from China Daily: Performers from the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu perform The Peony Pavilion at the opening ceremony. [Photo by Sun Zhiqiang] "Meet Suzhou in Singapore" Culture Week opened on April 10 at Singapore's Esplanade Theatres on the Bay to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), which is a signature project for China-Singapore cooperation. The cultural week is organized by the Suzhou Municipal People's Government of Jiangsu, China and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore. It will run until Tuesday, featuring a variety of cultural activities such as art performances, exhibitions, and a tourism promotional event. "What underpinned our cooperation in the SIP is close people-to-people ties between Singapore and China," said Jane Lim, Deputy Secretary (Trade) for Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Singapore, at the culture week's opening ceremony. She added that Singapore and Suzhou will continue to strengthen cooperation in such fields as business and promote communications among young people. Over the past three decades, the SIP has developed from a wasteland to a leading national-level economic and technological development zone, while it serves as a platform for Suzhou to learn development experience from Singapore, said Jin Jie, director of the publicity department of Suzhou. "The Suzhou-Singapore collaboration has extended beyond urban planning, infrastructure construction, and high-tech innovation. We have also seen increasing cultural exchanges," Jin said. The city now is one of the fastest developing regions in China, with strong economic vitality, high-level opening-up, and an advanced manufacturing industry, she added. Of the scheduled activities, the Kunqu Opera Peony Pavilion (young lovers' edition) will be staged at the EsplanadeTheatres on the Bay on Friday. Created by the Suzhou Kunqu Opera Theater of Jiangsu and the renowned writer Bai Xianyong, the new version incorporated more modern elements to cater to a younger audience. Another highlight is the Culinary Culture Week of Suzhou, which will be held at the Shangri-La Singapore and the Orchard Rendezvous Hotel from Wednesday to Tuesday, with a selection of Suzhou specialties and dishes on offer. In addition, people can visit an interactive display of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage at the China Cultural Centre on Thursday. The master stone carver Cai Yundi and Shen Delong, founder of the company Suzhou Arts Embroidery, will showcase their techniques and works. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/chance-for-singaporeans-to-sample-suzhou-culture-302113838.html SOURCE China Daily Patrick Dai, the 21-year-old former junior at Cornell University, originally from Pittsford, New York, pleaded guilty Wednesday to posting threats to kill or injure another using interstate communications. Dais threats, which targeted Jewish students, were posted on an online discussion site affiliated with Cornell. The threats included plans to attack a kosher dining hall at Cornell and to murder and behead Jewish people and students. He made the threats under online monikers that included "hamas soldier" and jewevil. Dai admitted to the threats in a seven-hour interview with the FBI earlier this year and in a court hearing Wednesday. Dais guilty plea As part of his guilty plea, Dai admitted that, on Oct. 28 and 29, 2023, he posted threatening messages to the Cornell section of an online discussion forum, including posts that said gonna shoot up 104 west (a dining hall at Cornell University that caters predominantly to Kosher diets and is next to the Cornell Jewish Center, which houses many of the universitys Jewish students) and gonna bomb jewish house. In another post, Dai threatened to stab and slit the throat of any Jewish man he saw on campus, to rape and throw off a cliff any Jewish women he saw, and to behead any Jewish babies. In that same post, Dai threatened to bring an assault rifle to campus and shoot all you pig Jews. Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks with students during a visit to Cornell Universitys Center for Jewish Life on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Hochul conducted a roundtable discussion with students addressing recent antisemitic threats made online. Patrick Dai used the internet to make horrific threats to kill and injure Jewish students attending Cornell University," said U.S. Attorney Carla Freedman for the Northern District of New York. "The federal felony conviction he sustains today underscores that those who break the law by making violent threats will be found and prosecuted, even if they attempt to hide by posting anonymously. His guilty plea today means he will be held accountable for his threats against members of his own Cornell University community. Dai was denied bail in 2023 by U.S. Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks, who cited the violent anti-Semitic threats he allegedly made and his apparent struggles with mental health issues. The judge noted that some past mass shooters have utilized online threats and communications before their crimes. Dai has been using prescribed medication for severe depression and anxiety, though it had not helped him, according to his lawyers and his mother. Judge Dancks referenced Dais instability even with medication when deciding whether to release him before trial. Sentencing A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 12 in Syracuse. Dai faces a maximum term of 5 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This article originally appeared on Ithaca Journal: Cornell's Patrick Dai pleads guilty to threatening Jewish students Reality Check is a Star series holding those in power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email tips@kcstar.com. A Kansas bill could consider a photo of a same-sex couple holding hands pornographic, some Democratic lawmakers warn. They say a bill aimed at barring children from accessing online material considered harmful to minors could carry serious unintended consequences for LGBTQ+ communities. The bill would require users to verify they are over 18 years old to enter any website where more than 25% of its content is deemed harmful to minors. It aims to restrict childrens access to pornography. However, homosexuality is listed in the statute alongside overtly sexual acts as harmful to minors. The statute has raised questions about whether the law could be applied to censor LGBTQ+ content in books, chat rooms, and non-explicit photographs of same-sex couples. Rep. Rui Xu, a Westwood Democrat, recently asked lawmakers on the House floor whether the bill could censor a website listing the top 10 most gay-friendly cities. He said this bill is just one in a series of bills written vaguely where Republican lawmakers did not fully consider the vast, unintended consequences that may follow. Its broad and unclear what homosexuality means there, Xu told The Star. This would have been fairly uncontroversial legislation if we were to amend these outdated laws on the books. But no mind has been given to that. Efforts to censor LGBTQ+ expression Efforts to censor LGBTQ+ expression have spread across the country. Nearly half of the books targeted for censorship at public libraries last year focused on people of color or members of the LGBTQ+ community, according to the American Library Association. Last week, the measure was sent to Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys desk with bipartisan support flipping 11 Democratic senators and nine House Democrats. If Kelly signs the bill, Kansas would join eight states including Texas, Arkansas, and Utah restricting minors access to explicit online content. A lead proponent of the legislation, Brittany Jones, a lobbyist for the conservative Kansas Family Voice and a lawyer, said concerns about the bill censoring LGBTQ+ content are unrealistic. We all know what were talking about in this bill, Jones said. Everyone should be able to agree that children should not have access to sexual content. And if you read the bill, thats all it says. Theyre trying to make it into something that its not and has not been done in any other state its passed in. Groups who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights said they are keeping a watchful eye on the bill but believe it would not prevent access to non-explicit content. In a time when LGBTQ+ Kansans are facing real attacks from the Legislature, Taryn Jones, a lobbyist for Equality Kansas said it is important to avoid creating additional worry for legislation that is unlikely to affect the lives of everyday people. We need to be careful not to create more anxiety and more worry for people, she said. Thats always our concern when we look at bills like this making sure were being upfront and honest about what the bill does but not fear-mongering to make people worry more than they already are. Disagreement on the bills meaning Legal experts and advocates disagree on what the legislation could have in online, LGBTQ-friendly spaces. Some observers of the bill have claimed that a photo of a same-sex couple could be considered pornographic, but others say thats a misinterpretation of the legislation. Rep. John Carmichael, a Wichita Democrat who is an attorney, said he voted against the measure for many reasons. Most importantly, because the legislation is written so vaguely the standard for censorship is often subjective. Its uncertain what effects the bill could have on freedom of speech, he said. Because a statute defining what is harmful to minors is so subject to interpretation, I dont think youre ever going to find someone who can say with certainty what is allowed and what is forbidden, Carmichael said. Youll find that one judge who says its allowed, another who says its forbidden and that its a crime, and another who would call it English literature. D.C. Hiegert, an attorney who is an LGBTQ+ Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas said that while state statute does include homosexuality in its definition of sexual conduct, the legislation also says any material barred from minors must also meet the legal requirements for obscenity. The bill would not allow for censorship of non-explicit LGBTQ+ content, he said. Rather, the law could only be used to restrict content online if it is sexual. While it is unfortunate that a lot of Kansas laws have remnants of old, homophobic or transphobic language in them, this is an instance where it is not necessarily explicitly being used in a homophobic or transphobic way, Hiegert said. Hiegert continued: If folks are trying to use this legislation to ban all LGBTQ content, that is very clearly not what the bill does, and that would be an unconstitutional attempt to censor access to LGBTQ content. A three-tiered test must be applied to determine whether some content is legally obscene. That includes determining whether the material could evoke sexual excitement, that the sexual conduct is viewed as offensive, and that it lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value. What content is considered obscene? Max Kautsch, a Lawrence attorney who specializes in First Amendment law, said he vehemently disagreed with Hiegerts interpretation. Because the test to determine if content is obscene is dependent on who is reviewing it, Attorney General Kris Kobach, a Republican, would be in charge of determining what is considered obscene, he said. Kautsch said the legislation, because it is written so vaguely, could hypothetically shut down content like gay pride newsletters. Because they defined sexual conduct as to include homosexuality by reference, that makes it so much more broad and sweeping and potentially dangerous than in any other age verification bills across the country, he said. The threat is absolutely there. Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat, voted with Republicans to pass the legislation. The bill clearly would only restrict explicit images of homosexual couples, not affection in any other context, he said. Even if Kobach interpreted the bill to restrict LGBTQ+ expression, a court would block it, he countered. I dont believe theres a single court in Kansas that would read this bill and the homosexuality statute that would say two men holding hands or showing affection is considered pornographic, he said. The language of the statute is narrow enough that I dont think thats possible. The bills sponsor, Rep. Susan Humphries, a Wichita Republican, said it was ridiculous that certain groups were focusing on one word in a bill that guarantees to have a measurable, positive impact on young people in the state. Were talking about what a reasonable person would consider harmful to minors, Humphries said. Every kind of sexual conduct is listed in statute whether that be sexual conduct between a husband and wife, monogamous, heterosexuality, homosexuality all of those things are listed. It doesnt target any particular kind of sexual behavior. Will Kansas change outdated statutes? Kansas often retains outdated and unconstitutional statutes that do not align with federal law and Supreme Court rulings. Under the state constitution, same-sex marriage is still illegal. A gay person could still be charged with criminal sodomy for engaging in consensual sexual relations, and state-level nondiscrimination statutes do not classify sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. For years, Kansas Democrats have tried and failed to modernize these state statutes. But legislators hope the confusion around the outdated homosexuality statute and the upcoming election will add urgency to the cause. Last month, Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Lenexa Democrat who is gay, tried to force lawmakers to debate a bill that would have repealed a provision in the state constitution that prohibits same-sex marriage. But the motion, which would have allowed the body to debate the measure, failed 43-61. And after some Supreme Court Justices indicated they want to review Obergefell v. Hodges or the case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide Woodard said its now critical to update these state statutes if the law was overturned. Woodard said that effort has bipartisan support, and the bills would likely pass if legislative leadership would allow for a floor vote. We have Republicans that are willing to clean up these state statutes and repeal these unconstitutional laws like the marriage ban, he said. The votes are there to repeal these outdated statutes. Its just going to take legislative leadership who is willing to do that. This isnt the first time old statues have caused uncertainty in LGBTQ+ spaces, Hiegert said. He hopes the pushback from this bill will be a wake-up call for legislators to modernize laws. I hope that this type of consistent confusion and the fear that pops up in the community would be enough to kind of shake some legislators awake to think more critically about making these changes, Hiegert said. But I guess well have to see what comes with the next session. Probst said he has already been in conversation with other legislators about updating state statutes, and some are open to the idea. Modernizing them would be central to eliminating gray areas in instances similar to the outdated harmful to minors statute, he said. These statutes are unconstitutional, he said. Theyve been invalidated by court rulings. But it does no harm to go in and codify to make those statutes clearer. There are specific sections, certainly applicable in the age-verification bill circumstance, where it would have been worthwhile to get that language out of (the) statute. A plan to allow the housing of temporary workers in buildings in the city's industrial parks was turned down by the Gaylord City Council on Monday night. GAYLORD A proposal that would have allowed temporary workers to live in buildings in the city's industrial parks was rejected by the Gaylord City Council on Monday night. Josh Kent of the SunFrog apparel company was seeking a zoning ordinance change to convert part of the Crossroads building in the industrial park into housing for his temporary employees, many of whom come from overseas. Kent employs temporary workers from overseas for several months before those workers head back to their native country. Many other businesses in the area do the same and finding shelter for those workers is a challenge in a housing-starved Northern Michigan. The planning commission recently discussed the matter and recommended that the council reject the zoning change. All council members voted no on the request. Whether a worker is an immigrant or a citizen, housing someone inside of a warehouse didn't sit well with councilman Al Witt. "There is no transportation for them and there are no sidewalks for them to get to places in the winter. We don't allow housing in an area that is zoned industrial for a reason. There is noise and other issues. It's not residential," Witt said. "Everywhere else that is residential is designed so you can get to the grocery store, the gas station and get your daily necessities," Witt continued. "My biggest concern is that these are human beings and they need to be treated that way. A lot of time with migrant workers, they don't get treated that way." Councilman Mike Ryan was apprehensive about the change when it was first proposed. "There was a lot of uncertainty and the people really aren't dedicated to the city and the county. Yes they have employment here but I was just uncomfortable with this," he said. Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you Separately, council approved a commercial rehabilitation exemption certificate for a redevelopment project in the downtown. Gary Scott owns the old Gaylord State Bank building on Main Street and he wants to remodel the second and third floors to accommodate eight 2-bedroom apartments. He also plans to add space for retail tenants and make improvements to the building's exterior. City manager Kim Awrey said Scott plans to invest about $2 million and has qualified for a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). "Their grant levels are up to $900,000 but it is a 25 percent match. So based on the numbers he provided to us it should be about $500,000," she said. Scott expects to start work on the project this year and complete it by September 2025. In the paperwork Scott provided to the city, Awrey said he expects to create about 30 jobs. "He will create about 30 and then retain about six jobs," said Awrey. In his employment estimate, Scott is also including the tenants who will rent the apartments. Council asked Awrey if they can be counted as employees. "No, not to my understanding. The only thing that would count would be jobs that work in the retail level," she said. Currently, the taxable value of the property is about $296,000 and Scott wants to freeze the taxable value at that amount for a 10-year period. The school system would still receive taxes from the property but the Downtown Development Authority would lose some of its tax revenue. The city has the option of reviewing the project in two years and if council is not happy with the results it can pull the tax freeze, Awrey said. Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord council turns down zoning change to permit residential housing in warehouse Editors Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak on April 11, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. On more than one occasion, I've gotten under the covers utterly exhausted from a day spent working, ready begging, really for a good night's rest. And as I begin to drift off to sleep, the air raid alarm goes off, indicating another potential Russian attack. The best way I could explain it for anyone who has never been to wartime Ukraine is to imagine the sudden, lacerating feeling when the first sharp note of your iPhone's morning alarm sounds multiplied by 10 and often in the dead of night. It's startling and anxiety-inducing, and, even when it ends, your mind still races, unable to find the cusp of slumber that you had been so close to right before. The seemingly random timing of the Russian military's middle-of-the night attacks does damage not only to the missiles' immediate targets. Over two years of Russian attacks have caused harm to the health and psyche of millions of Ukrainians - wounds undetectable to the naked eye. There has been a surge in Ukrainians suffering from sleep-related problems due to the war, according to Dr. Yevhen Poyarkov, the head of the Ukrainian medical network Dobrobut's sleep center. "After the onset of the full-scale invasion, the prevalence of sleep problems among the population rose significantly," Poyarkov told The Counteroffensive. (Russian attacks have) resulted in a widespread decline in well-being due to insufficient sleep. Read also: Opinion: Answering your burning questions on Russias frozen assets Before the full-scale war, most patients sought Poyarkov's help for sleep cycle disorders working night shifts, sleep apnea, and the like. There is now a surge of patients with anxiety-related disorders, which he said is an effect of the incessant missile attacks that plague Ukrainian cities. Poyarkov began to list off the damage that these frequent alarms do to innocent civilians. In the short term, people suffer from fatigue, anxiety, irritability, and reduced concentration, attention span, and memory. The air raid alarms do two things that disrupt natural sleep: They wake people up in the middle of the night, disrupting the sleep cycle, and they create persistent anxiety, making it hard to fully relax into slumber. The body keeps the score. Over the long term, these alarms dig into the body's critical systems, creating heart, brain, and digestive problems. Sleeplessness befogs the reason, undermines the will, and the human being ceases to be himself, to be his own I, writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn wrote in "The Gulag Archipelago," listing it as one of more than 30 methods that the Soviet Union used to break prisoners down. Some legal scholars view sleep deprivation as an illegal form of punishment. Sleep deprivation is a method of torture, wrote international law expert Ergun Cakal wrote in the "Torture Journal." It becomes so when prolonged or inflicted in combination with other methods (e.g. threats) and conditions (e.g. disruptive environment or time of day). The sleepless nights caused by Russian attacks are reminiscent of those experienced in earlier generations. When Nazi German bombers would strike British cities on a nightly basis during World War II, getting enough sleep became a top concern for civilians. Thousands would leave their homes before sunset, moving to the city's periphery to get a good night's rest a process that was known as "trekking." Neither I nor my colleague Myroslava Tanska-Vikulova, a reporter for The Counteroffensive, ever had trouble falling asleep before the full-scale invasion. Recently, we've both been talking about how we stay up for hours, dead tired, but unable to cross the threshold. I'll lay there, eyes closed, trying to find salvation by listening to some monotonous history podcast. Myroslava has a different evening routine. "Every night before I go to bed, I watch the Telegram alert channels," Myroslava told me. "They usually tell me if there is a threat of missile attacks that night. Usually, a few hours before a missile attack, the radar shows the Russians getting their planes in the air Then we prepare in the evening for the fact that we have to get up at night." Myroslavas housing complex was bombed recently adding more stress and apprehensiveness about whether there might be a repeat incident. I want to sleep, but I feel uncomfortable, hot or cold, and sometimes I can't fall asleep for hours, she said. The sporadic pattern of air raid alarms has become an unwelcome and discomforting ritual a trumpeting that sounds both outside, and often, on our phones as well. Read also: Opinion: Scholz, German pacificism, and Taurus missiles for Ukraine We usually lay down in the hallway, a room protected by two walls. We put down yoga mats, some blankets and sleeping bags to keep warm and make it a little softer, she explains. When the explosions start, you just lie there and listen and hope that the air defense system will shoot everything down and that you won't get any debris in your apartment. When I started The Counteroffensive one year ago, I was coming off a restful cycle of healthy sleep full of energy and creativity. Earlier this week, a friend who hasnt seen me in a year remarked that, in comparison to then, I look spent, exhausted, and without vigor. I cant say I disagree. Of course, it could be worse. Myroslava and I are sharing these experiences not to argue that we are uniquely suffering in the world, but to point out the cumulative invisible injuries that are coming about from more than two years of air raids. Myroslava repeats a maxim thats become routine in post-invasion Ukraine, one that reflects the much greater sacrifices that others are making. It's a sin for me to complain, she said. Because the sleeping conditions of Ukrainian soldiers in the trenches are terrible. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. One couple celebrated this years total solar eclipse with a special announcement: their engagement. New York City-based couple Neil Albstein and Michele Rosenblatt were two of the many passengers on Delta Airlines path-of-totality flight on 8 April. As noted by the airlines official website, the flight from Austin, Dallas, to Detroit, Michigan, gave passengers the opportunity to spend as much time as possible directly within the path of totality of the eclipse. For Albstein and Rosenblatt, however, the flight became even more special when they got engaged in the air. In a video shared byReuters, the pair could be seen in their seats on the plane while Albstein held a ring in his hand. As Rosenblatt accepted her partners proposal, she had a huge smile on her face and gave him a kiss, prompting applause from the rest of the passengers on the plane. The video went on to show a photographer capturing a picture of the couple after getting engaged. Speaking to The Independent, Albestein revealed that his mother bought those tickets to the Delta flight, after she saw an eclipse while on a plane back in 1980. He also specified that even before the tickets were bought, he kenw that he wanted to propose to his then-girlfriend and was looking for a special way to do so. A few days after we booked the eclipse flight, it hit me that the chance to see totality from above the clouds was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, just like proposing to my once-in-a-lifetime match would be, he said. The more I thought about it, the more perfect it seemed. Michele and I both love to travel, so a proposal away from home made perfect sense. He went on to share more details about the ocassion, noting that he and Rosenblatt stayed at the TWA Hotel in JFK International Airport in New York City, on the night before the flew to Austin for the eclipse flight. He also shared the other planning that he did before the proposal, while still making sure that the event would be a surprise. I selected the eclipse t-shirts we wore on the flight because they suggested the diamond ring effect of an eclipse-hinting at my plan to propose in a way Michele wouldnt pick up on in advance, Albstein added. All that was left was trying to convince Michele that I was far from deciding to propose. I teased her for weeks! I wasnt sure if it worked until I saw her face when I pulled out the ring. Rosenbalt also confirmed to The Independent that she was totally surprised by the proposal, before sharing some of the eclipse-related references that will be featured during the wedding. I am so lucky and happy that I get to be with my best friend. Now we have a special story that we are never going to forget, she said. Obviously we will have to pick Total Eclipse of the Heart for our wedding song! During an interview with Reuters, he also specified how hed planned for the right moment to propose before getting on the flight. Once the eclipse happened, because I knew I wasnt going to propose before the eclipse, once it happened my attention shifted and I started to get nervous, Albstein added. In an interview with theDetroit Free Press, Albstein also acknowledged that he initially wanted the eclipse to pass before proposing, and hed spent the last two months planning his proposal. Leading up to the eclipse on 8 April, Deltas special flight departed at 12.15pm CT from Austin, landing in Detroit at 4.20pm ET. The airline specified that during the time aboard the plane, passengers had the best chance of safely viewing the solar eclipse at its peak. This flight is the result of significant collaboration and exemplifies the close teamwork Delta is known for - from selecting an aircraft with larger windows to determining the exact departure time from Austin and the experiences at the gate and in the air, Eric Beck, managing director of domestic network planning at Delta, said in the press release. Thanks to teams across the company, the idea of viewing a total eclipse from the air will become a reality for our customers. Delta shared that before the two path-of-totality flights took off, passengers celebrated the eclipse at the gate. Airport gates were filled with curated music, photo ops and conversations with Delta meteorologists Warren Weston and Dave Samuhel about what to expect on board the unique flights, Delta said. Once they were in their seats on the plane, passengers were given special viewing glasses for the eclipse, along with Delta-branded solar eclipse socks. According to one passenger named Paul, who was on the flight departing Austin, he was able to capture several photos from his window of the eclipse. One of the photos I wanted was the eclipses shadow on the ground, Paul said. As we got closer, the sky got darker and darker. I looked out the window and the shadow looked like a smear on the ground. The Independent has contacted Delta for comment. On 8 April, a total eclipse of the Sun plunged a stretch of North America into darkness, with millions of spectators across the US, Mexico, and Canada hoping to catch a glimpse of the rare event. It was North Americas biggest eclipse crowd ever, with the path of totality crossing directly over 44 million people. Almost everyone in North America was guaranteed at least a partial eclipse, weather permitting. The best weather was seen in Mexico and at the tail end of the eclipse in Vermont and Maine, as well as New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Coyote hit by car gets lodged in the grille and survives, Illinois photos show Illinois wildlife rehabilitators are helping a coyote recover after being hit by a car and getting lodged in the vehicles grille, rescuers said. The 1-year-old coyote was hit the evening of April 8 in Waukegan and had to be extricated, according to an April 9 Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Facebook post. Coyote recovering after being struck by a car in Illinois and lodged in the grille. Photos from Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Waukegan fire, police and animal control personnel assisted in the coyotes rescue. Waukegan is about a 45-mile drive north of Chicago. He was pretty out of it when he arrived, rescuers said, but the coyote has become more alert as he recovers. Rehabilitation staff said the coyotes back right leg had multiple fractures, but he is expected to make a full recovery. This isnt the first time Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation has treated a coyote that was stuck in a car grille, the group said. Waukegan Animal Control rescued a coyote that was hit by a car back in 2014, the organization said in a follow-up post. The driver that hit the coyote drove for approximately 20 minutes before realizing that it was in the grille of his car. Rehabilitators said that coyote sustained three broken legs but made a full recovery and was later released. Every state has licensed wildlife rehabilitators who can assist with injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife. Coyote mom searches for pups seized from den in California yard. Beyond sad Hunter thought he harvested 84-pound coyote. It wasnt what he thought, officials say Bald eagle found alive and plastered to car grille after collision, Maryland cops say LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) This week on Crime Stoppers, law enforcement needs your help locating two men with felony warrants. Also, Lansing Police are seeking the identity of two individuals who allegedly stole from Lansing businesses. LPD is also asking for information related to a homicide. If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous. Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can get up to a $1,000 award. Harley Joseph Blough Courtesy Photo Jackson County Law Enforcement (WLNS) Harley Joseph Blough, 32, is being sought on a warrant for a probation warrant out of Jackson County. He is 6 foot 2 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Shannon Rena Dampier Courtesy Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Shannon Rena Dampierm 57, is being sought for a felony warrant for assault in Lansing. Hes six foot, 2 inches and weighs 210 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Help to Identify Courtesy photos Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Lansing Police are looking for information on these two individuals. They allege the two stole multiple items from a business in South Lansing on March 4, 2024. Courtesy Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Courtesy Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Courtesy Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Information sought on the homicide of Shamika Parker Photo courtesy Lansing Police Department. (WLNS) Sometime between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on November 18, 2023, Shamika Parker, 35, was the victim of a homicide. Lansing Police are asking anyone with information on the homicide to contact Crime Stoppers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Every defendant is entitled to a fair and impartial jury. But the process to find one can be long and taxing, particularly in a high-profile trial such as the one in New York, in which Donald Trump stands accused of fraud in his efforts to cover up his relationship with porn star Stormy Daniels by paying her US$130,000 in hush money. In this case, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg charged the former president with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump entered a plea of not guilty. Since then, Trump has unsuccessfully tried to delay the trial, including a last-minute attempt on March 18, 2024, when Trumps lawyers claimed in a motion that he needed more time because of prejudicial publicity that made it nearly impossible for Trump to receive a fair trial. Despite those attempts to postpone the trial, jury selection is scheduled to begin on April 15, 2024. Once the members are selected, the trial is expected to feature testimony from both Daniels and Trumps former lawyer Michael Cohen, who has admitted making the unlawful payments to Daniels. In an unusual move, Judge Juan Merchan, who is overseeing the case, had already released the questionnaire for potential jurors and said he would use an anonymous jury. In his ruling on March 7, 2024, Merchan cited a likelihood of bribery, jury tampering, or of physical injury or harassment of jurors. Given all the news coverage of Trumps legal woes and antics, just how does the court select a fair and impartial jury? An imperfect system Regardless of how long it may take, selecting an impartial jury is fundamental to a defendant receiving a fair trial and is enshrined in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution: In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed In order to select an impartial jury, judges and lawyers engage in what is called voir dire, a French phrase taken from the original Latin that means to speak the truth. A civil or criminal trial presents the opportunity for the judge, prosecutors and defense lawyers to ask potential jurors questions to ensure that each meets the constitutional requirement of being impartial and able to deliver a decision free of any prejudice and based on the evidence. A popular misconception is that an impartial juror is one who does not know anything about the case before them. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels in Las Vegas, Nev., in January 2019. Ethan Miller/Getty Images That is inaccurate. Through a series of questions asked by judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys and answers from potential jurors, the judge will ultimately have to decide whether a prospective juror can put aside any beliefs, biases or preconceptions and render a verdict based only on the evidence presented at trial and in accordance with the judges rulings. The process often starts with potential jurors completing a questionnaire before a trial starts. Typical questions include whether a potential juror has been involved in a criminal case either as a defendant or victim. Another question might ask whether a potential juror has been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. Once the questionnaires are reviewed by the judge and attorneys on both sides, the pool of potential jurors is reduced by certain automatic disqualifications, such as no longer residing in the jurisdiction or being related to a court officer involved in the case. Once those disqualifications are completed, the judge and lawyers can then ask questions of potential jurors in the courtroom until they agree on 12 jury members and one or two alternates. In the case against Trump, lawyers may ask questions that would allow the lawyers to draw inferences about the ability of the prospective juror to be fair and determine which jurors are more disposed to vote for their side of the case. They could include questions such as: What station do you watch for your news? What newspapers and magazines do you read? What part of town do you live in? Did you attend the Stop the Steal rally? Did you attend the Black Lives Matter rally? What clubs and organizations are you in? Do you believe that the election was stolen? Do you believe Biden is the lawfully elected president? Do you believe Trump is being treated unfairly by the legal system? Potential juror disqualifications There are two ways that prosecutors and defense attorneys can remove a prospective juror from the jury pool. The first is disqualifying a juror for cause. This is permitted when a potential juror responds to a question in a way that makes the court believe that the juror cannot be impartial. For example, a juror may say that he has made up his mind on the case from media accounts and no amount of evidence could sway his opinion. Such a juror would be disqualified for cause. The second way to remove a juror from the pool is known as a peremptory challenge, in which a potential juror can be disqualified for almost any reason, even if the juror is otherwise eligible and not susceptible to be removed for cause. One important limit on the peremptory challenge is that the Constitution forbids the use of race as the basis for excluding a juror. Significantly, while the number of for cause strikes is unlimited, each side is given only a few peremptory strikes to use. In the New York case, for instance, the lawyers on both sides will look for political affiliations, among other factors, in order to determine whether to exercise their peremptory strikes. The prosecutor might reasonably infer that a prospective juror who watches Fox News, reads the local conservative newspaper and volunteers as an organizer for the Republican Party is pro-Trump. Because of that, the prosecutor might exercise a peremptory strike. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg speaks during a press conference about former President Donald Trumps arraignment on April 4, 2023. Kena Betancur/Getty Images The same is true for the defense lawyers. If many details about the prospective jurors life suggest they are a liberal Democrat, then the defense lawyer would consider a peremptory strike, even if that juror swore under oath that they could be fair. The role of a judge As a longtime criminal law scholar and a practicing criminal defense attorney, I have seen how judges tend to be more concerned with quickly empaneling a jury than making sure potential jurors are able to be impartial. Consequently, judges tend to rehabilitate borderline jurors by asking them questions that nearly always elicit a yes answer. A conversation like the following is not uncommon: Judge: Mr. Smith, even though you told us that you have followed this case closely on the news and firmly believe that the defendant is guilty, can you set aside those beliefs and render a verdict based on the evidence produced at trial? Juror: Yes. Judge: I find this juror qualified to serve. Judges often limit and restrict lawyer questioning during voir dire. This disserves the criminal legal system. If lawyers were more involved in the questioning, they would ask more probing questions and expose disqualifying biases. But to do a full and robust voir dire takes a long time. The point here is that the voir dire process is imperfect, even if it does work to ferret out the deepest and most strongly held biases. We can and should do better. The Constitution demands nothing less. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Harvard University Read more: Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Around three dozen people, all but four of them men, stood in a line in an empty hiking trail parking lot. They held passports open for inspection. Clean duffle bags and backpacks sat at their feet, tagged with identical white labels from the Border Patrol agents processing them. All appeared to be in their 20s or 30s, a demographic seen often in videos from the southern border in recent months. "Right now it is definitely all military-aged males," said Brett Christenson with Border Vets, a group of veterans on a mission to patch holes in the fence separating California from Mexico. CRISIS IN CALIFORNIA: MIGRANTS OVERWHELMING STATE WITH NO END IN SIGHT, LOCAL OFFICIALS WARN As the group patiently waited within eyesight of Interstate 8, a man pulled into the cracked-dirt parking lot on a ramshackle motorcycle, flames and a jagged smile painted on its sidecar. His outfit looked curated from an Area 51 thrift store sunglasses shaped like Martian eyes perched atop the bridge of his nose, and his shirt featured an alien relaxing on a beach. His gray beard pointed to the right, windswept as he raised his phone to photograph the scene. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "I have compassion for these refugees," the man said in a slow drawl. "But theyve got to do it the right way." WATCH MORE FOX NEWS DIGITAL ORIGINALS HERE A mile or so up a rough dirt road, six more people stood next to their suitcases and backpacks. They debated walking to where the others were already being processed or continuing to wait for Customs and Border Protection agents to pick them up. Everyone in the group was young and had traveled from Turkey or Uzbekistan. "USA dont give us visa, and we come here illegally," Ugur, a 33-year-old from Istanbul, told Fox News. He used to work as a store manager, but said life and the economy has gotten worse every year in Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "He is dictator," Ugur said of Erdogan. "I hate him." Ugur paid a cartel $6,500 to drop him off at the border and expected to spend a day or two in custody before flying to Los Angeles. He hopes to live in Santa Monica and drive for DoorDash to make money, an idea that seemed to have been shared with him by friends who have already settled in America. "If U.S. government let me work, I can work," he said, adding that asylum seekers must wait 180 days for work authorization. Last September, the New York Post reported that migrants in New York City were delivering food for app companies including DoorDash despite not being authorized by the government to work. Some migrants said they paid registered account holders to use their account. A DoorDash spokesperson told the Post the app "has a rigorous, multi-layered identity verification system," but acknowledged that it might not be 100% effective at stopping account sharing. Ugur, 33, said he paid a cartel $6,500 to drop him off near the California-Mexico border. He plans to drive for DoorDash to make money when he reaches Santa Monica. SHOULD BIDEN PAY THE MEXICAN PRESIDENT'S $20 BILLION DEMAND OR GET TOUGHER ON IMMIGRATION? AMERICANS WEIGH IN Ugur and the other migrants were among the approximately 1,000 people encountered by border patrol agents on any given day in the San Diego sector alone. Agents there encountered more than 230,000 during fiscal year 2023, a record 2024 is on track to shatter. "This is a massive problem," Marine Corps veteran, CEO and self-described "ringleader" of Border Vets Kate Monroe said. "Infrastructurally, economically we cannot support this for generations." Like Christenson, Monroe is disturbed by the high proportion of young men illegally migrating from countries with "ill will" toward the U.S. But as a mother, she feels some sympathy for the families that cross the border. "I can understand being somewhere else and being poor, not being safe, being hungry and looking here and thinking, This is a good idea.' I can see how I would try to get here," she said. "But the way in which we force people to come is broken." Someone used a wooden pallet to wind up and pull aside the razor wire Monroe and Christenson had strung across one gap between a rocky hill and the end of the metal border fence. Plastic garbage and discarded clothes littered the other side of the barrier. Ripped up passports were shoved in the gaps between boulders. Monroe said she has collected shredded passports from all across the world near the fence. "Finding tons and tons of passports from Pakistan, Ethiopia, Ecuador, China just crudely tossed on the other side so that they could claim asylum, that was surprising to me," she said. Kate Monroe pulls the torn remnants of passports out from between boulders near the California-Mexico border on March 27, 2024. While many migrants face life-threatening perils on their journey, Christenson said the coordination and ease of some people's travel surprised him when he started visiting the border. "It's not this arduous trek they make across Mexico, up and down valleys and rivers and everything. It's very much just through the cartels," he said. "They come with their roller bags as if they're going through TSA. They meet border patrol at designated camps, gaps in the wall, and they're processed to move on from there." "It's a very easy process for the right amount of money," he added. Original article source: Crisis in California: A $6,500 cartel ticket and a dream of driving for DoorDash (Bloomberg) -- French chip materials company Soitec is considering building a factory in the US, as customers including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. win government incentives for significant expansions from Arizona to Texas. Most Read from Bloomberg Soitec is considering a US plant alongside existing facilities in Singapore, Belgium and France, Chief Executive Officer Pierre Barnabe told Bloomberg News, as one of the options to grow its business. The company, which develops specialty materials that meld with silicon wafers for semiconductors, counts TSMC among its biggest clients. Asias largest company announced this week it will build a third factory in Arizona with $11.6 billion in grants and loans from the US. Washington is trying to bring advanced chipmaking onto American soil, as tensions with China highlight the risks of relying on the region for most of the worlds semiconductors. We are in a decoupling of our world, and we need to be present, Barnabe said during a visit to Taiwan this week. Being in the US also allows us to be quicker in addressing our customers. Read More: TSMCs Sales Surge Most Since 2022 After Riding AI Chip Boom Like other chip industry firms, Soitec is grappling with a growing thicket of restrictions on China as the US tries to contain its rivals tech industry. Barnabe said that while export controls over semiconductors are creating challenges, he doesnt expect them to impact the companys sales to the worlds No. 2 economy. While Soitec is no longer able to license advanced technology to China, its partnership with Shanghai Simgui Technology Co. which licensed technology 10 years ago remains an important one, he said. The company has traditionally relied heavily on the smartphone arenas but is diversifying into the business of silicon carbide chip materials for electric vehicles, as well as material for super low-power chips for devices such as security cameras. French research center CEA-Leti which backed Soitec at its inception decades ago invented that latter technology and is expecting to receive European Union Chips Act funding to further advance the technology with a new pilot production line, CEO Sebastien Dauve told Bloomberg News. Story continues (Updates the 2nd paragraph with more details) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. When the Arizona Supreme Court resurrected a sweeping 19th-century abortion ban on Tuesday, the four justices in the majority did not endorse the policy embodied in that 1864 statute. The issue before the court in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes was whether subsequent legislationin particular, a 2022 law prohibiting abortion after 15 weeks of gestationhad overridden the 160-year-old ban. That is not the impression left by critics of the decision. "This ruling is a result of the extreme agenda of Republican elected officials who are committed to ripping away women's freedom," President Joe Biden declared. "This reckless decision from the Arizona Supreme Court will put people in life-threatening situations and force many to flee the state for the care that they need," said Athena Salman, director of Arizona campaigns at Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America). Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, called the decision "unconscionable and an affront to freedom." Misleading characterizations of the decision were not limited to Democrats who favor broad abortion rights. They were also offered by Republicans who support abortion restrictions but think the 1864 ban goes too far. "I signed the 15-week law as Governor because it is thoughtful conservative policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on," former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said on X (formerly Twitter). "The ruling today is not the outcome I would have preferred, and I call on our elected leaders to heed the will of the people and address this issue with a policy that is workable and reflective of our electorate." Even Republican senatorial candidate Kari Lake, who as a gubernatorial candidate in 2022 called the 1864 ban "a great law that's already on the books" while condemning abortion as "the ultimate sin," said she was dismayed by the Arizona Supreme Court's decision. "This is a very personal issue that should be determined by each individual state and her people," she said in a statement that she posted on X. "I oppose today's ruling." Lake urged state legislators and Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, the Democrat who defeated her in the 2022 election, to "come up with an immediate common sense solution." She alluded to a ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to explicitly protect abortion rights: "Ultimately, Arizona voters will make the decision on the ballot come November." These reactions are what you might expect from pro-choice Democrats and from Republicans who are trying to stake out a moderate position on abortion, either out of sincere conviction or out of fear of the issue's electoral consequences. The 1864 law, which was enacted by the territorial legislature and readopted in 1913 after Arizona became a state, bans virtually all abortions, making an exception only for procedures "necessary" to save a pregnant woman's life. In all other situations, the law, codified as Section 13-3603 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS), prescribes a prison sentence of two to five years for anyone convicted of performing an abortion. That law is much broader than Arizona's 15-week ban, which was approved as Senate Bill 1164 in March 2022, three months before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. S.B. 1164, codified as Section 36-2322 of the ARS, affected only a small share of Arizona abortionsabout 6 percent, judging from federal data. Contrary to what Democrats like Biden and Republicans like Lake imply, however, the Arizona Supreme Court did not pass judgment on the wisdom or justice of the stricter law, its correspondence with public opinion in Arizona, or even its validity under the state constitution. "This case involves statutory interpretation," Justice John Lopez IV notes at the beginning of the majority opinion. "It does not rest on the justices' morals or public policy views regarding abortion; nor does it rest on 13-3603's constitutionality, which is not before us." Although enforcement of the 1864 ban was enjoined while Roe was in force, the law was never repealed. The question raised by this case was whether the pre-Roe law had nevertheless been superseded by S.B. 1164. The majority concluded that the 2022 law "does not create a right to, or otherwise provide independent statutory authority for, an abortion that repeals or restricts 13-3603, but rather is predicated entirely on the existence of a federal constitutional right to an abortion," which the U.S. Supreme Court repudiated in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. "Absent the federal constitutional abortion right, and because 36-2322 does not independently authorize abortion, there is no provision in federal or state law prohibiting 13-3603's operation," Lopez writes. "Accordingly, 13-3603 is now enforceable." Because the court remanded the case "for potential consideration of the remaining constitutional challenges to 13-3603," however, enforcement will not begin right away. "Abortion providers said they expected to continue performing abortions through May as their lawyers and Democratic lawmakers searched for new legal arguments and additional tactics to delay the ruling," The New York Times notes. Mayes, meanwhile, "promised to mount a legal effort to fight off implementation of the law and said she would not prosecute doctors for providing abortions." While the consternation provoked by the decision is understandable, that does not mean Lopez and the three justices who joined his opinion were wrong. The Times concedes that "many legal analysts, both liberal and conservative, said there appeared to be a solid legal foundation for Tuesday's ruling," which was "an attempt to apply the State Legislature's own recent decisions on the abortion issue." Because S.B. 1164 says a physician may not perform an abortion when "the probable gestational age" of the fetus is "greater than fifteen weeks," Planned Parenthood argued, it implicitly allowed abortions prior to that cutoff. But the bill explicitly says it does not "create or recognize a right to abortion" and that it does not "repeal, by implication or otherwise, section 13-3603, Arizona Revised Statutes, or any other applicable state law regulating or restricting abortion." The court sought to "reconcile the legislature's construction provision, which specifically preserves 13-3603, and the text of 36-2322, which is silent on, and ambiguous as to, its effect on 13-3603." Lopez notes that "the construction provision is part of the bill that legislators have before them and approve, and has the same force of law as codified law." The construction provision also says "the Legislature does not intend this act to make lawful an abortion that is currently unlawful." That language, Lopez says, "seemingly engenders confusion, but its context and logic instead yield clarity." He explains: This provision can reasonably bear only one meaning: the legislature did not intend the act to codify an independent statutory right to an elective abortion before fifteen weeks' gestation or otherwise repeal any other abortion laws more restrictive than S.B. 1164. Any other reading is implausible because, at the time of its passage, S.B. 1164 merely sought to restrict a federal constitutional right to abortion that the legislature was powerless to abolish. Under no scenario could the legislature's restriction of a broader abortion right be construed to "make lawful an abortion that is currently unlawful" unless the act was misinterpreted to (1) override 13-3603, the only provision in Arizona or federal law at the time that made an elective abortion before fifteen weeks' gestation "currently unlawful" or (2) otherwise repeal more restrictive abortion statutes. Thus, the provision must mean that the legislature "d[id] not intend [S.B. 1164] to make lawful an abortion that is currently unlawful [under 13-3603 or any other statute more restrictive than S.B. 1164]." This is the only interpretation that is internally consistent with, and does not defeat, the remainder of S.B. 1164's construction provision. And it helps that the legislature identified precisely which statute it meant to preserve: 13-3603. In a dissent joined by Chief Justice Robert Brutinel, Vice Chief Justice Ann A. Scott Timmer says the majority's reliance on S.B. 1164's construction clause is misguided, because it "provides absolutely no insight on what the legislature meant by any language in the statute" and "is emphatically not part of the statutory text." She also notes that the state legislature "stood pat" after Dobbs: It did not repeal the 15-week ban, "repeal or curtail other abortion-regulating statutes," or "clarify the impact" of Section 13-3603. Instead, Timmer says, it "purposely chose to leave all these statutes fully intact and simultaneously operational." The pre-Roe ban and the 2022 law, Timmer argues, "can and should be interpreted harmoniously to permit their joint enforcement until the legislature or the people, through the initiative process, say otherwise. This means physicians should be permitted to lawfully perform abortions before the fifteen-week gestation point or when necessary to preserve the pregnant woman's health." Timmer suggests that Arizona legislators did not anticipate how far the U.S. Supreme Court would go in Dobbs. "All agree the legislature enacted 36-2322(B) in hopes the Supreme Court in Dobbs would uphold Mississippi's similar Gestational Age Act," she writes. "But the legislature perhaps got more than it expected when Dobbs overruled Roe. Some, most, or even all legislators in 2022 would have included a trigger clause repealing 36-2322(B) and other Title 36 laws if they foresaw that Roe would be overruled and the injunction on 13-3603 lifted. But the legislature did not state that intent in any statute or session law, and we should not speculate about what it would have done." Reasonable people can disagree about who has the better of this argument. But all of the justices agree that the issue is the merits of dueling statutory interpretations, not the merits of enforcing the 1864 ban. "The abortion issue implicates morality and public policy concerns, and invariably inspires spirited debate and engenders passionate disagreements among citizens," Lopez writes. "A policy matter of this gravity must ultimately be resolved by our citizens through the legislature or the initiative process. Today, we decline to make this weighty policy decision because such judgments are reserved for our citizens. Instead, we merely follow our limited constitutional role and duty to interpret the law as written." Although all of the justices were appointed by Republican governors, the Times portrays the court's decision as a product of political manipulation. In a story published on Wednesday, reporters David Chen and Michael Wines explain "How the G.O.P. Molded the Arizona Court That Upheld the Abortion Ban." The subhead notes that Ducey "expanded the court to seven justices," all of whom are "solid conservatives." When the court "upheld a Civil War-era abortion ban this week," the lead says, "it rejected the argument that the 160-year-old statute had been overtaken by decades of newer laws regulating the procedure, including a recent law banning abortion after the 15th week of pregnancy. But to better understand the court itself, look no further than the year 2016, when Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, successfully expanded the court's membership from five to seven justices." This framing is weird for a couple of reasons. Chen and Wines admit that "many legal analysts, both liberal and conservative," think the ruling has "a solid legal foundation." They cite Daniel Scarpinato, Ducey's former chief of staff, who "said it was clear that the court's ruling this week was based on a close reading of the law, not politics." They quote University of Arizona law professor Barbara Atwood, who says: "I don't see it as an ideology-driven decision; I think what the majority is saying is, 'We're trying to be faithful to what the Arizona Legislature really intended.' They don't care what the Legislature intended in 1864. They care what the Legislature intended in 2022." Chen and Wines also note that Ducey, whose appointments they say led to this outcome, was displeased by the decision, which "presents a political risk to Republicans." Like the misplaced, result-oriented criticism of the ruling, the story focuses on its policy and political implications instead of its legal reasoning, which Chen and Wines do not elucidate, although they acknowledge that it seems "solid." The story about the decision that the Times published on Tuesday likewise barely scratches the surface of the legal dispute that it resolved. But that is the heart of the case, and ignoring it misconstrues what judges are supposed to do, conflating what the law says with what it should say. The post Critics of the Arizona Supreme Court's Abortion Ruling Seem Confused About What Judges Are Supposed To Do appeared first on Reason.com. Cumberland County teacher among finalists for 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (WHTM) A local teacher has been named among twelve finalists statewide for the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Darla Romberger, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg has been selected as a finalist by a Shapiro Administration. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now This Week in Pennsylvania Romberger was also the 2024 Commitment to Excellence Award Recipient for the Cumberland Valley School District. She has a long list of statewide and national accomplishments in agriculture education. The full list of finalists include: Sherry Appleton, Middle Bucks Institute of Technology Anne Fisher, Downingtown Middle School Rob Hodgson, McDowell High School Jill Hyatt, Meadville Area Senior High School Brooke Nenadal, Curtin Intermediate School Darla Romberger, Cumberland Valley High School Bo Shappell, Daniel Boone Area High School Jennifer Sharek, Patterson Primary School Leon Smith, Haverford High School Kevin Tomlinson, Evergreen Elementary School Jennifer Toney, Sharpsville Area Elementary School Jessica Waber, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School The Shapiro Administration commends these educators for their excellence in the classroom and commitment to their schools, students, and communities, said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. Great educators change the lives of their students each and every day, and leave a lasting impact on them for life. The Commonwealth is proud to have strong, enthusiastic teachers, inspiring their students to reach infinite possibilities of success. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ordered the release of an Independence man arrested last week for failing to show up for a probation violation hearing in January in his Capitol riot case. But Devin Rossman, who had been listed as a fugitive since Jan. 26, must appear in person in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia for an April 16 hearing on his alleged violations, Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Wednesday. Howell denied the governments request to keep Rossman in custody, agreeing with Mondays decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy in Kansas City to release Rossman pending his return to federal court in D.C. Howell left the conditions of release in place that Gaddy ordered on Monday. Rossman must wear a location monitoring device and abide by a curfew set by the U.S. Probation Office. At Mondays detention hearing in Kansas City, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Marquez argued that Rossman should remain in custody, calling him a flight risk and a danger to the community. Marquez said Rossman had continued his alcohol use, which was a violation of his bond conditions, and noted that Rossman recently had been charged with driving while intoxicated. But after hearing testimony from Rossmans employer, who praised his work ethic and said hed recently been promoted to maintenance supervisor at a North Kansas City apartment complex, Gaddy ordered that Rossman be released until a hearing could be held in the District of Columbia. Marquez then requested an emergency stay of Gaddys order to allow the government an opportunity to appeal. Gaddy agreed to stay his order, but gave the government 72 hours to file a motion to revoke or review it. If it didnt, Gaddy said, Rossman would be released pending further proceedings in the case. The government filed a motion Tuesday, asking Howell to revoke Gaddys release order and transfer Rossman to the District of Columbia to appear before the court on his alleged probation violations. Howell held a hearing Wednesday and denied the governments motion. She released Rossman and ordered him to provide a residential address and telephone number to the U.S. Probation Office along with verification of the address through a lease or rental agreement. Rossman, 40, was charged in May 2022 with four misdemeanors in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. According to court records, Rossman entered the Capitol just minutes after the initial breach on Jan. 6 and remained inside for about an hour and 53 minutes. While roaming through the Capitol, court records said, Rossman eventually reached then-Speaker Nancy Pelosis office suite, a restricted area. Rossman entered the Speakers Office suite and tried to open doors while the Speakers terrified staffers sought shelter under their desks, the court documents said, and he took photos and bragged to friends in Facebook messages about entering the area. He expressed little remorse for his actions, the government said. Rossman pleaded guilty in September 2022 to one count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building and was sentenced in December 2022 to 36 months probation with a condition of intermittent incarceration and a $2,000 fine. He also was ordered to pay $500 restitution for damage to the Capitol, which prosecutors say totaled more than $2.9 million. On Nov. 15, the U.S. Probation Office filed a petition alleging Rossman had violated probation by failing to make the required payments toward restitution; using or possessing alcohol on Sept. 19, 2023; failing to notify his probation officer of a change in employment status; and failing to attend some required classes. The Probation Office asked the court to issue a summons and schedule a hearing. The hearing date was continued twice at Rossmans request his lawyer said he was having continued financial struggles and needed more time to make cost-effective travel arrangements. The day before the Jan. 26 hearing, Rossman requested to attend it virtually instead of in person. Howell quickly denied the request. And the next day, he didnt show up. SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) Three San Francisco Bay Area police officers are facing criminal charges for separate cases in San Mateo County, including one officer accused of child cruelty, and another charged in connection to a DUI collision. Daly City Police Department Officer Jacob Fine, 38, appeared in court Wednesday to face weapons and child cruelty charges. Fine had only been on the job for four days as a rookie DCPD officer when his daughters preschool called the Sheriffs Office on January 29, prosecutors said. Deputies responded to his 4-year-old daughters preschool on reports of possible child abuse. Victim reported that her father slapped her in the face leaving a visible injury and stated he did the same thing in May 2023, the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office wrote. Deputies obtained an emergency protective order for the girl and went to Fines Half Moon Bay home to seize firearms. Prosecutors said deputies found a rifle that had been modified to be an illegal assault rifle with a laser attachment. In February, Fine pleaded not guilty to cruelty to child by inflicting injury, and possession of an assault weapon. Fine is currently suspended as a police officer while criminal charges are pending, according to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) database. On Wednesday, Judge Sean Dabel ordered Fine to return to court on May 8 for a preliminary hearing. Fine remains out of custody after posting a $50,000 bail bond. San Francisco Police Department Officer Adam Eatia, 39, is charged with theft by false pretense for allegedly creating a fake child daycare. Eatia fraudulently applied for and received a $20,000 small business loan from the state in 2021, the District Attorneys Office said. Eatia claimed he was sole proprietor of a daycare business called Adams Childcare located on Brosnan Court in South San Francisco. Eatia was also investigated by his own police department for insurance fraud in an unrelated case. While under investigation by SFPD for an unrelated insurance fraud, investigators found that there is no childcare business and the loan was obtained by the defendant fraudulently, prosecutors wrote. Eatia is out of custody on supervised own recognizance. The officer is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for a preliminary hearing. He previously pleaded not guilty to obtaining money, labor, or property by false pretenses. More homophobic, racist text messages from San Jose police officers released Officer Eatia has been on suspension since May of 2023, according to POST database. Another San Francisco Police Department officer, Jason Isaac Hernandez, is charged with a DUI crash that injured a 31-year-old woman in Hillsborough. The collision happened at a stop sign intersection on Skyline Boulevard on Dec. 15, 2022. Both cars sustained major damages. Hernandez, 51, of Oakland, had a half-full bottle of vodka in his cars center console, according to the DAs Office. When Hillsborough Police Department officers found the bottle, Hernandez said he was a depressed alcoholic and thought he was in Oakland, prosecutors wrote. When the officers blood alcohol level was tested two hours after the crash, it was 0.20, the DAs Office said. Hernandez remains out of custody after posting a $50,000 bail bond. He pleaded not guilty to felony DUI, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 1. Officer Hernandez has been suspended from the police force since August of 2023, according to POST database. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was arrested for six burglaries around Northwest D.C. Police: 6 people shot, 1 dead in Northeast DC The serial business burglar was identified as 25-year-old Harris Baylin, of no fixed address. MPD said Baylin was charged with three counts of burglary two of an establishment, two counts of destruction of property, unlawful entry and second degree theft. All of the burglaries happened between April 4 to April 8. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A former high school dean is accused of impregnating a high school student twice, then forcing her to have two abortions, a Chicago lawsuit says. The student lived in constant fear during her high school years between 2013 to 2016, and felt she couldnt tell teachers about the abuse, receiving no help after informing one instructor, according to the lawsuit. Now an adult, shes now suing former Dean of Little Village Lawndale High School Brian Crowder and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for $50,000 in damages as a result of the years of sexual abuse, the lawsuit says. CPS did not immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment. In a statement to WGN, a CPS spokesperson said, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students. We take seriously our responsibility to ensure all employees act in the best interest of our students. The District does not comment on pending investigations or litigation. Our CPS team follows District policies and procedures as we respond to issues. CPS also told WGN that Crowder was removed from his position in 2021. Years of abuse Crowder, while dean of the school, is accused of asking the student to friend him on Snapchat, even confronting her when she did not initially accept his request. He began grooming her over the social media platform, sending her inappropriate images and sexually explicit messages, according to court documents. The explicit messages escalated to dates, according to the lawsuit. At times, teachers at the school witnessed the student in Crowders car driving to his home, the lawsuit said. During the students sophomore year, Crowder started to sexually abuse her, according to the lawsuit. The teen got pregnant as a result of the sexual abuse when she was 15 years old, according to court documents. Crowder then told the pregnant student they could have children together when she is an adult if she had an abortion, the lawsuit says. At the time, Illinois law required a parents consent for a minor to have an abortion, according to the lawsuit. Crowder took her to get the abortion, telling clinic staff he was the teens stepparent and signing the necessary consent forms under a fake name, according to a news release from Stinar Gould Grieco & Hensley, PLLC, the law firm representing the former student. She later got pregnant again, and Crowder repeated the same process, promising they could have children together when she was an adult, according to court documents. He also is accused of forcing the student to terminate the second pregnancy. Crowder continued to sexually abuse the student for the remainder of her high school years, according to the lawsuit, and would often send her messages through Snapchat while she was in class. As a result of the continued abuse, the students grades suffered and teachers became frustrated with her inability to focus in class, according to court documents. Did her teachers know? Crowder handled discipline of teachers and students at the school. Because of his authoritative position, she did not feel that she could tell anyone about what had happened, according to court documents. However, the student confided in her chemistry teacher at one point, according to the lawsuit. The teacher said it was ultimately (the students) decision whether to report it to someone else or not, according to the lawsuit. The student never reported the abuse to another teacher, and the chemistry teacher did not report the abuse to authorities, according to the lawsuit. Instead, the teacher would periodically check in with the student about the relationship, according to court documents. All teachers and staff at the school are mandatory reporters, which requires them to report any suspected abuse or neglect of children, according to the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Additionally, teachers and staff at the school would joke about the amount of time the student and Crowder spent together in his office, according to the lawsuit. They also joked about romantic interest between the two, documents say. History of abuse Beyond Crowder, several teachers and administrators were accused of abusing students, according to the lawsuit. Around 2014 or 2015, one administrator was accused of harassing students at the school and grooming at least 16 students, according to the lawsuit. The Chicago Tribune reported police investigated 523 reports of sexual abuse that occurred inside CPS across the city between 2008 to 2017. Following the newspapers Betrayed investigation, CPS transferred sexual abuse investigation responsibility to the Illinois Office of the Inspector General, according to the lawsuit. Crowder was charged with felony criminal sexual assault in 2022, according to ABC7. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Teacher isolates student at school and sexually assaults her, Arkansas cops say 32-year-old accused of raping 13-year-old cousin says he is in love, Oklahoma cops say Teacher rapes 16-year-old while other students act as lookouts, Missouri cops say Death row inmate who killed five, including pregnant woman, says he wants to be executed Alabama murderer gives up appeals and asks to be executed so that victims families have justice said Derrick Dearman (Greene County Sheriff's Department) An Alabama death row inmate has requested to be executed in order to help the families of his victims get closure. Derrick Dearman, 35, made the admission to CNN during a phone interview from the William C Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama. He pleaded guilty to capital murder charges in August 2018. A jury later sentenced him to death. He was convicted of killing five people: Shannon Melissa Randall, 35; Robert Lee Brown, 26; Justin Kaleb Reed, 23; Joseph Adam Turner, 26 and Chelsea Marie Reed, 22, who was five months pregnant. According to the outlet, Dearman broke into a home in Citronelle, Alabama in 2016 and separately attacked the people inside with an axe, a pistol and a shotgun. The man had been at the home days before the murders helping scrap a trailer. At least one occupant, Ms Randall, said his behaviour made her uncomfortable and she didnt want the man around her infant son who was three months old at the time. He left the residence and went to the home he shared with his then-girlfriend, Laneta Lester, in George County, Mississippi, located roughly 15 minutes from the other address. According to court records obtained by the outlet, Dearman took methamphetamine that evening and started abusing Ms Lester. She fled the property, going to the Citronelle home, where her brother, Mr Turner, lived. Dearman returned to the residence but was asked to leave. He reportedly went back three more times in the same evening, leading the brother to alert police. The outlet reported that police patrolled the area outside the home but stopped around 3am due to a shift change. The man later returned a fourth time on foot. When he broke inside, he woke up his girlfriend and brought her outside of the home to speak to her. He reportedly refused to leave and demanded that the woman stay and talk with him. He then left and returned with an axe that he found in a nearby tree. Thats when he entered the home and swung the weapon at the occupants sleeping inside. Dearman pulled a pistol from one of the victims and fatally shot them. Once the attacks were over, he went back to all of the victims and shot them. The man then left the house with his girlfriend and the infant, who was sleeping in bed with his parents when they were murdered. After he came down from his high, he drove to Mississippi and took his girlfriend and the baby to the police, turning himself in. The inmates father persuaded him to turn himself in to the police once hed learned about what happened. The man stayed at his fathers home after the attacks. Dearman said hed realised hed have to pay for the crimes he committed with his life after being in jail and talking to God. From my point of view, theres nothing that I could ever say or do that will make this right, he told CNN. I feel like I personally have a debt for the crimes that I committed. Thats the only way that I could ever show that Im truly remorseful, that I truly do have a conscience. He wants justice to be delivered, he continued, adding Its the right thing to do. Dearman was charged with six homicides, including the death of Ms Reeds fetus, in accordance with the states fetal homicide law. Earlier this month, the man told NBC News that hed mailed letters to Republican Governor Kay Ivey and Attorney General Steve Marshall alerting them of his decision to drop his case. Two months ago, the Alabama Supreme Court voted to deny his sentence appeal and upheld the convictions. The inmate said he had tried to appeal his sentence for the sake of his family. They said, Derrick just give us a few years in this appeal process, he told NBC News. We deserve that, its our right as your family to fight for your life, and I said OK. That was almost six years ago, and I feel like Ive given them the fair chance. At least one relative of the victims has said that he forgives Dearman. Robert F Brown told a Mobile, Alabama circuit court in September 2016, I cant bring my son back. I forgive this guy because he dont know no better. I feel for his family. NBC News reported that Dearman has chosen to be put to death by lethal injection. Now its time for the victims and their families to get the justice they rightly deserve to start the closure, he told the outlet. I have laid many nights thinking, what would I say to any of them if I ever had the chance, the opportunity to say something? Thats part of the reason Ive made my decision to have my sentence carried out. Words dont have any weight in this situation, he continued. The only thing I would say is that everyone that was hurt by the actions to forgive me, not for myself, but for them. That way, they will free their heart up to be able to truly heal. Update: Death toll of Russia's April 10 attack on Odesa Oblast rises to 5 The death toll of a Russian missile strike against Odesa Oblast on April 10 has risen to five after an injured man died in the hospital, the Prosecutor General's Office said on April 11. Russian forces struck the southern region in the evening hours. Regional authorities reported at the time that four people, including a 10-year-old girl, were killed and 14 were injured. Russia attacked Odesa Oblast with Iskander-M ballistic missiles from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. local time, Governor Oleh Kiper said without specifying how many missiles hit the region. Transport infrastructure and trucks were damaged in the attack, according to Kiper. Ukraine's southern regions are frequent targets of Russian attacks. A March 29 Russian missile strike on Odesa injured at least five people, including three children, according to local officials. On April 11, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, hitting energy facilities in five oblasts, including in Odesa Oblast. Read also: Russia launches large-scale attack across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Lengthy public hearings on county zoning amendments that would define convenience stores and truck stops were concluded Tuesday, but the Washington County Commissioners asked for a little more tweaking to the proposals before they vote on them. The hearings represented the latest chapter in what has been a protracted saga over the consequences of the growth of the logistics industry locally, which in some cases has pitted longtime residents against established businesses and resulted in controversial zoning amendments, court battles and frustration on both sides. And it isn't over yet. The crux of the issue for residents who oppose more truck stops is the growth of truck traffic on the interstate highways that intersect in the county particularly on Interstate 81 and their concerns about safety, congestion, noise and pollution these developments could bring. Proponents argue the uses of convenience stores have changed, and truckers on long hauls need places to stop, refuel and refresh a little. And currently, the zoning ordinance isn't clear enough about the difference between a truck stop and a convenience store. An artist's rendition of a Sheetz convenience store. An earlier attempt to update the definition of a convenience store was sent back to the Washington County Planning Commission after another long hearing last September. Tuesday's hearings concerned the commission's revised proposals. The first of the two revisions "seeks to clarify the definition of a convenience store, address the parking tractor trailers of these locations, and explicitly defined where these uses are permitted within our urban areas," said Planning Director Jill Baker. The amendments are "to explicitly permit these uses in the Business-Local and Business-General districts," she said. The zoning ordinance allows these uses in Highway Interchange zones as well, she noted. "Second, the amendment addresses the allowance of tractor trailer parking at convenience store locations," she said. "There are currently no limitations or language within the ordinance that are associated with this issue. The planning commission had proposed a limit of three and a half spaces per 500 square feet of gross leasable area of a convenience store in its last attempt, she said, but after public comment in the last hearing, added language to limit truck parking to 10 spaces in local and general business districts. The proposal also would have prohibited overnight parking and require screening adjacent to residential and health care facilities. And it removed size limitations and added language to make a distinction between truck stops the subject of the second proposed amendment and convenience stores. "These amendments are needed to confirm the difference between a truck stop and a convenience store, which has been a problem in the zoning ordinance for years," said attorney Jason Divelbiss, who represents the Fulton family that owns AC&T stores. "These amendments also actually limit the amount of trucks that can be parked at convenience stores, a limit which does not currently exist," he said. But to those who oppose a planned convenience store near an I-81 interchange in Williamsport, the distinction seemed moot. Several returned to the county's administrative building Tuesday to reiterate the concerns they expressed in September and on other occasions as well. "This text amendment is playing a game of smoke and mirrors," said Michael Tedrick of Big Pool, whose property is near a store where truckers frequently park. "Sanding off the sharp edges is not fixing problems we already have. My question to this board is, would you want this in or around your properties? "Nobody sees our concern," he said. "You only see the money, the power and the greed. I'm tired of throwing my money at this. I'm tired of throwing my time at this." "I'm here today to ask the commissioners absolutely to reject the proposal that's before you today," said Robert Harsh of Williamsport. "That area that we're talking about is a deathtrap for any and all types of activity going on in there I don't think we need any more deaths in that area. "And I don't think we need to go any further with the traffic jams that we have already seen in that area." Should the definition of 'convenience store' in Washington County include truck parking? A planned project keeps residents worried That area is I-81's Exit 1 in Washington County. The Bowman Group has sought for years to build a convenience store with parking for tractor trailers along Spielman Road near the interchange. As previously reported by The Herald Mail, Bowman planned a Sheetz store on its Spielman Road property with parking for up to 30 trucks. The Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception to allow it, but local residents, represented by attorney Michele Rosenfeld, appealed that decision last year. Rosenfeld also argued against the zoning amendments offered Tuesday, saying they could present more hazards. "Convenience stores are designed to draw a lot of vehicular traffic, primarily passenger vehicles," she said. "The effect of this legislation will be to backdoor truck stops throughout the county, not just within the Highway Interchange zone,. "With no limit on the size of a convenience store, these backdoor truck stops could become enormous." Residents fighting Williamsport-area truck stop approval cite unfairness in decision Truck stops in your neighborhood? The second zoning amendment heard Thursday would define truck stops separately from convenience stores. "Currently the ordinance does have a definition of truck stops that list the types of amenities associated with it," Baker said. "The ordinance currently permits truck stops as a special exception in the highway interchange district. This amendment seeks to clarify the definition of a truck stop and reevaluate where these uses should be." Basically, truck stops are defined in the amendment as facilities that could feature amenities such as separate, high-flow fuel islands; showers or rest areas; truck scales; etc. Bowman Development President Robin Ferree told the commissioners the project proposed for Spielman Road is not that extensive. "A truck stop today takes 20 to 25, probably 30 acres," he said. "In reality in Washington County along the interstates, where are you going to find 25 to 30 acres?" The commissioners debated the merits of both amendments and suggested some changes, but Commissioner Wayne Keefer was skeptical. "I just envisioned that as we're coming into neighborhoods with truck stops," he said, "and that worries me.' In the end, the commissioners asked Baker to revise the amendments with some compromises, including: Convenience store sizes would be limited to 7,000 square feet Parking at convenience stores would be limited to three hours Parking spaces for tractor trailers at convenience stores would be limited to 10 except in Rural Business zones, where only five would be permitted. "I think the commissioners realize that the zoning definitions for convenience stores and truck stops need revisions," Ferree later told The Herald-Mail. "I think they recognize that there is a need and a business model for convenience stores to provide. truck parking and fueling at interstate exits within the (Highway Interchange) zone." Ferree said The Bowman Group had met with residents in the Spielman Road area about the company's project in the past. "The accommodation we made was not pursuing a full-fledge truck stop," he said, but going forward with a convenience store with limited fueling and parking, he said. "We feel it is one of the best and practical uses, considering its location, and feel that there are a majority of area residents, that would benefit from a convenience store at that location." This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: County officials mull definitions of truck stop and convenience store Churchill China (LON:CHH) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: UK82.3m (flat on FY 2022). Net income: UK7.72m (down 2.3% from FY 2022). Profit margin: 9.4% (in line with FY 2022). EPS: UK0.70 (down from UK0.72 in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Churchill China Earnings Insights Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 5.3% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 5.3% growth forecast for the Consumer Durables industry in the United Kingdom. Performance of the British Consumer Durables industry. The company's shares are up 2.3% from a week ago. Risk Analysis Before we wrap up, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Churchill China that you should be aware of. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing southern Miami-Dade County. Now she's running for U.S. Senate. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the leading Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, says recent Florida Supreme Court rulings on abortion have generated wind behind her campaign to unseat Rick Scott. The rulings allowed a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights on the ballot while at the same time determining that a 2023 law banning abortions six weeks after conception is constitutional. A University of North Florida poll of 716 registered Florida voters in November indicated that 62% of respondents said they would support a constitutional change guaranteeing access to abortion. So, although Mucarsel-Powell is not the Democratic Party's nominee there are six others in the Aug. 20 primary she is looking ahead to the November election. It would appear the race for U.S. Senate in Florida is, as they say, on. Rick Scott's 2023 tweet Mucarsel-Powell and Florida Democrats spent much of last week highlighting a 2023 tweet in which Scott says if he were still governor, he would have signed the six-week abortion ban, which does not allow exceptions for rape or incest. Meanwhile, Scott, appearing with radio host Manny Munoz on WIOD-AM in Miami on Friday, said he is "pro-baby," supports exceptions for rape and incest, called for "reasonable limitations" on abortion and, of Democrats, "they all support crushing a baby's skull at 9 months pregnant." The Scott campaign did not respond to a request for comment. This tweet by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott shows him responding to a reporter quoting a Democratic state lawmaker who claimed Scott opposed the six-week abortion ban passed by the Legislature last year. A former congresswoman from Miami, Mucarsel-Powell said in a 20-minute interview with The News-Journal Thursday, that the six-week ban with no exceptions for rape or incest is a threat to women's healthcare. "Im really concerned about the safety of women here in the state of Florida," she said. "Its about reproductive health care, and we should be protected equally under the law as women to make our own fundamental decisions about our body." She is campaigning in a state where Republicans have expanded their voter registration advantage to more than 855,000 active voters and where Democrats have not won a Senate race since 2012, so turnout driven by abortion-access supporters could be key. Calls access to abortion a 'fundamental civil right' Mucarsel-Powell was born in Ecuador, and moved to Pomona, California, east of Los Angeles, with her mother and sisters when she was 14. Her immigrant experience has colored her views on world affairs as well as freedom and democracy. "This is about government interference and making sure we have the freedom here in the state of Florida and in the United States, the freedom without any government interference in making this deeply personal decision for a woman," she said. "And, for us, as a woman and for many of us as women in Latin America, we have seen that." "When you take away that womans right to make those choices for herself, you put her in danger. Theres a higher risk of violence against women," she said. "We have seen higher levels of maternal mortality rates, so thats what this is about." In response to a Republican attack on the proposal in Amendment 4, that it will make Florida's abortion laws more liberal than many European countries and eliminate all restrictions on late-term abortions, Mucarsel-Powell responded: "They are using disinformation to try and create fear into people living in the state of Florida on a law that is ... a fundamental civil right for a woman, to be able to make that choice between herself, her doctor, her family and her faith." Just days after her election to Congress in 2018, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (center), a Florida Democrat, huddles with fellow House freshmen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Abby Finkenauer of Iowa during a class photo. Mucarsel-Powell's path through politics Mucarsel-Powell, a 53-year-old mother, said she was raised Catholic, attending the all-girls Pomona Catholic High School. Her campaign bio says she worked in a doughnut shop to supplement the income generated by her mother, a home healthcare worker. From there, she earned a bachelor's degree from Pitzer College in California and a master's of international political economy from Claremont Graduate University. While she was in graduate school at age 24, she learned her father had been shot to death in Ecuador. Mucarsel-Powell says she has been an "advocate for reducing crime and keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals." She moved to Miami with the aim of working with a nonprofit or nongovernmental organization. "I was trying to work at an NGO to create policies, economic policies, that would give people in countries that were living in poverty greater opportunities," she said. "That was my first thought when I went to school. That was going to be my focus. How do we help people, especially in countries that are living in poverty?" She did work at a handful of nonprofits before veering into higher education, joining Florida International University's institutional advancement office before moving on to roles at the university's medical school. She describes herself as a "supporter" of political candidates, particularly women. "I had gone to a few events and it wasnt until a few women said you have such great experience, you should consider running, that made me think about it, because we were facing so many attacks on education at the time by Rick Scott," Mucarsel-Powell said. "We were facing significant cuts in public education for institutions like FIU and I was seeing what was happening in Tallahassee, and thats what made me after a few people said you know you really should think about this and I was married at the time. I had young kids. And it was for them. It was for my family. It was for so many families that we could continue to protect economic opportunities," she said. In 2016, she ran for the state Senate, losing to an incumbent Republican, Anitere Flores. That didn't deter her from running in the next cycle for Congress. This time, she won, defeating incumbent Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo with 51% of the vote. Representing Florida's 26th District in Washington, Mucarsel-Powell wrote a bill to cover COVID-19 medical bills for seniors with Medicare Advantage and securing $200 million for Everglades restoration, according to her campaign bio. She faced another election in 2020, when she lost to outgoing Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. Since then, Mucarsel-Powell has served as a senior advisor for Giffords, a gun violence prevention organization cofounded by former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and as a special advisor for the 2022 Summit of the Americas. U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, right, stands with Rabbi Moshe Denburg of Chabad in Boca Raton after a roundtable on the Hamas attacks on Israel las October. (Credit: Stephany Matat) How does she approach the Israel-Gaza conflict? When Hamas crossed into Israel and killed some 1,200 people, mostly unsuspecting civilians, before taking about 250 hostages, Mucarsel-Powell said she expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself. "We have to make sure we bring back the Israeli hostages, that we eradicate Hamas terrorists and protect civilian life," she said. "That is integral in following the values that we have here in this country." Mucarsel-Powell said she supports U.S. efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the Gaza civilians who have survived a relentless assault by Israel that has killed more than 30,000 Palestinians. Scott, she said, has blocked aid to Israel and Ukraine part of the compromise bill that also included a number of border security measures aimed at stemming the flow of undocumented immigrants across the southern border. Her approach to other foreign affairs matters? "We have to be very, very clear in who our adversaries are. Thats Russia, China, Iran, and what are they doing right now? Russia is propping up dictatorships in Latin America. In Cuba. In Venezuela," Mucarsel-Powell said. "And what is Rick Scott doing? Voting against aid to fight against Russia. So when he does that, hes basically siding with dictators like Putin." Asked about her experience traveling the world, Mucarsel-Powell mentioned growing up in Ecuador and spending time with family members in Venezuela. "Ive had the opportunity to travel somewhat. Not as much as I would like, but its been being accepting of other peoples cultures, where they come from, their beliefs," she said. Love of diversity, respect for faith Mucarsel-Powell said one of the things she loves about Miami is its diverse population. "People coming from all over the world not just Latin America, but all over the world, really," she said. "Ive always felt that respect for others is something that has guided me and thats why maybe many people," she said. "... Maybe thats why I dont talk so much about my personal faith, because I respect other peoples faith. I know that people in this country, people have come here fleeing political persecution, religious persecution. That has been the basis of America. For that reason, I have maintained my faith private, I mean, I pray every night, but I dont share that with everyone." While the leader of her party, President Joe Biden, attempts to spotlight the strengths of the economy an unemployment rate of below 4% for two years, and consistent growth in gross domestic product Mucarsel-Powell says her focus is on people who have not benefited. "The reality is that Florida families are struggling across our state because they are being priced out of their homes because of skyrocketing property insurance rates," she said. "In Florida, our insurance rates are almost 300% more than what they were just a few years ago and much higher than the national average, so the cost of living in our state has skyrocketed." She takes Scott to task for his approaches to healthcare. Mucarse-Powell says she worked in Congress to expand Medicare coverage. "What did he do? He wrote a plan that would sunset Medicare and Social Security. He actually has been calling out to repeal the Affordable Care Act," she said. " Imagine 4 million families here in Florida that would lose their health coverage because Rick Scott wants to repeal the ACA." Point of fact: While Scott did release a 12-point "Rescue America" plan that included a provision to sunset all federal legislation within five years, he said in 2023 that Social Security and Medicare were never intended to be a part of that plan. And Scott said claims by Biden and others that he was attempting to end those programs was a "disingenuous Democrat lie." Mucarsel-Powell says her aim is to provide opportunities for everyone, and fulfill a promise that people who work hard can make it. "Thats a story I want to work in the Senate to protect," she said. "Thats the main reason why Im running again." On Safety: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott calls for every school in the nation to have a law enforcement officer 2020 Republican Dominance in Florida: Florida Democrats face taking 'long, hard look' after election losses in state This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Abortion on Florida ballot boosts Debbie Mucarsel-Powell's chances A decade on, tragedy of Nigerias Chibok Girls endures outside the spotlight A decade on, the tragedy of Nigeria's Chibok Girls endures outside the spotlight A decade on, the tragedy of Nigeria's Chibok Girls endures outside the spotlight By Ahmed Kingimi and Angela Ukomadu CHIBOK, Nigeria (Reuters) - Ten years ago, Solomon Maina's daughter, Debora, was one of 276 schoolgirls kidnapped from their dormitory in the middle of the night by Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamist militants. Global outrage was swift. A ubiquitous "Bring Back Our Girls" campaign, drawing support from the likes of Michelle Obama and Sylvester Stallone, shined a spotlight on the abductions. Then, in 2016 and 2017, negotiations led to the highly publicised liberation of around 100 of the captives. Debora was not one of them. A decade after that fateful night in April 2014, the world has largely forgotten the plight of the so-called Chibok girls. But for the victims and their families, the tragedy is ongoing. "Especially at night, I think about my daughter," Maina, in tears, told Reuters in an interview at his home in Chibok, a Christian enclave in the West African nation's majority Muslim north. "I will never forget her." Abductees who have returned home have struggled to resume their interrupted lives. Some are raising children fathered by their captors. Others have waited years for funds promised by the government to continue their education. Those who spent the longest time in captivity have often had the most difficulty reintegrating with civilian life. Dozens freed only in the past few years are living inside a military-run rehabilitation camp with surrendered Boko Haram fighters they married in the bush, according to the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, a charity that advocates for them. With them are more than 30 children. "I'm tired of staying in the camp," one Chibok survivor told Reuters, asking not to be identified for fear of reprisals by the military. "I want to go home and stay with my family. There is no place like home." Three of the surviving women told Reuters that in at least five cases women who arrived at the camp unmarried have been married to surrendered fighters once there. Government officials have officiated over such weddings, in an apparent effort to appease the surrendered fighters, family members say. Aid groups and relatives say there is no clarity surrounding when - or even if - the women in the camp will be allowed to return home. "They were brainwashed and their psychological thinking and mindset were changed to favour their abductors," said Dauda Yama whose daughter is inside the camp. The state official in charge of the rehabilitation project did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. STILL MISSING Roughly 90 Chibok girls are still missing. Based on the accounts of former abductees, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation believes a third of those have died in captivity. "Some died of childbirth, some of starvation or snakebite others in government air strikes" against Boko Haram, said Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, the foundation's head. A parents association for the Chibok girls also estimates dozens are now dead. Nigeria's president's office and the interior ministry did not respond to requests for comment on how many of the missing Chibok girls were believed to still be alive. Early on, as the girls began emerging from captivity in the bush and their fate was still a rallying cause around the world, the government pledged to fund their studies in "any field of their choice." Some liberated captives are attending universities as far afield as the United States. But some say the assistance never arrived. Yagana Yamani waited for government funds for six years after escaping her captors. She finally asked her mother, a farmer, to help. Now 25, she is studying public health. "They didn't fulfil their promise," she said. The federal government did not respond to requests for comment on the question of whether it failed to provide promised support. Nigeria's military has been fighting Boko Haram since 2009 in a conflict that killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million. While the group aims to topple Nigeria's government to establish a state based on its own interpretation of Islamic law, to many people around the world it is best known for the Chibok kidnapping. Soon after the raid, then-President Goodluck Jonathan promised that the girls would be brought home. Solomon Maina feels he is alone grappling with his daughter's fate. Through a freed abductee, he learned that Debora had been injured but survived a bombing raid on Boko Haram. He believes she's still out there, alive. "Where is she now? Is she in a comfortable place?" he said. "I think about this all the time." (This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, in paragraph 14) (Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi and Angela Ukomado in Chibok, Additional reporting and writing by Giulia Paravicini in Nairobi; Editing by Joe Bavier and Peter Graff) The FBI is now helping with the investigation into the cold case murder of a Dayton police officer. Rosemary Brame speaks highly of her son, former Dayton Police Officer Kevin Brame. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Slain Dayton officers family still seeks answers after 20 years Kevin was a beautiful son. A wonderful father. He deserved to live out his life peacefully, Rosemary said. But this November will mark 25 years since her son, Kevin, was murdered. The yellow tapes were already up. I collapsed. My son was dead. He wasnt just shot. He was dead. It was the worst night of my life, Rosemary said. Now Dayton police revealed for the first time in the last year they assigned two detectives to take a fresh look at the cold case and said the FBI has been helping with the case for a little more than a year. The FBI said theyre offering up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest of suspects involved in Brames murder. There are people out there who have information that can help us with this case, and were asking those people to come forward. Somebody somewhere knows something, Adam Lawson, Assistant Special Agent with the FBIs Cincinnati office said. This violent crime has gone unsolved for decades. News Center 7s John Bedell profiled the cold case for Miami Valley Murder Mysteries in 2013. On November 1, 1999, Kevin was at Rosemarys home for his dads birthday. He left to get his two boys home on a school night. >> Doctor facing federal weapons charge after explosives found during FBI investigations Brame had just dropped off his sons at his estranged wifes house on Cherry Drive in Dayton. He was walking back to his car when his killer, lying in wait, ambushed him from behind. Brame never had a chance to defend himself. What we have is we have people of interest. And that includes a lot of people, Maj. Brian Johns with the Dayton Police Department said. Now, nearly 25 years later Dayton police said they hope to conclude this investigation sometime in the very near future. I hope and pray every day that his case will be solved. And he gets the justice he deserves, Rosemary said. Kevins dad Gerry said in 2013 he hoped to be around when justice is served. Sadly he never got to see that as he died in 2014. If Dayton police and the FBI get a break in this cold case we will provide an update. This article was originally published in Oregon Capital Chronicle. Oregon Health & Science University is expanding its program that prepares students for nursing careers on an accelerated schedule to Bend. Central Oregon will be the third spot for OHSUs accelerated bachelors degree in nursing, which already is available in Portland and Ashland. The program graduated 128 students in the last academic year and is on track to graduate even more this year. The Bend location will start with eight students in July. Through OHSUs School of Nursing, the intensive 15-month program allows students who already have a bachelors degree in another field to prepare for a career as a registered nurse. Health care and higher education officials hope the program will provide a pathway for central Oregonians to enter the field in the region, which has a shortage of nurses. St. Charles Health System is the largest provider in central Oregon, and its Bend hospital is the only level two trauma center east of the Cascades equipped to serve adults and children with complex and severe injuries. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! In recent years, nurses faced burnout and exhaustion during the pandemic, which accelerated retirements and exits from the field. A 2021 Oregon Employment Department survey found three-fourths of registered nurse positions among nearly 2,100 openings are difficult to fill. As the health care industry continues to rebuild, it faces increased demands for services as the population grows, including in central Oregon, and the aging baby boomer generation needs more advanced care. To launch the program in Bend, OHSU worked with Central Oregon Community College and St. Charles Health System, which operates four hospitals and dozens of clinics throughout central Oregon. Those talks started in June 2023. We talked about, How do we solve a problem of Central Oregon not having enough nurses and not preparing enough nurses? St. Charles Chief Nursing Executive Joan Ching said in an interview. Coming out of the pandemic, I think there was a reawakening of a lot of people that wanted to contribute to the health and wellness community. So were just meeting a demand thats already there in central Oregon. The program will be based out of Central Oregon Community Colleges campus. Students will take classes and simulated training on campus and get hands-on experience through St. Charles Health Systems hospitals and clinics. Susan Bakewell Sachs, dean of the OHSU School of Nursing, said the programs arrival in central Oregon is a partnership that complements whats already in place. It was a real opportunity to offer something that was needed that was not already available in central Oregon, Bakewell Sachs said in an interview. With its requirement for applicants to have a prior bachelors degree, the program offers a way for students to change careers quickly. In the past, OHSU has attracted students to the program from broad walks of life, such as lawyers or people with doctoral degrees. One of the wonderful things about this program is it does draw on these prior life experiences and discipline-based experiences, Bakewell Sachs said. It tends to be a very enriching experience for the individual. And its also enriching to our profession. St. Charles Health Systems hospitals and clinics offer a variety of settings for nursing students. The program exposes students to different medical settings and works to try to match them to their areas of interest, Bakewell Sachs said. Nurses who graduate and receive a license can apply to work at St. Charles Health Systems residency program, which offers more hands-on training and mentorship as new nurses start their careers. After a year or two, nurses often go into specialties, like working in an emergency department or operating room. The community colleges registered nurse program already trains students with an associates degree and is developing a bachelors degree in nursing that could start as early as 2025. That program will be for students without a previous bachelors degree and be separate from OHSUs accelerated program. Julie Downing, an instructional dean at COCC, said in a statement that the collaboration is a good fit and allows both schools to reach different groups of students. Oregon 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. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and Twitter. DENVER (KDVR) Denver police are investigating a hit-and-run crash involving three vehicles. Thursday morning, southbound Havana Street was closed at M.L.K. Jr. Boulevard due to a crash. The area is in the Central Park neighborhood. SkyFOX flew over the scene where officers had blocked off the street and tow trucks were removing the damaged cars. According to the Denver Police Department, the crash happened around 5:07 a.m. and involved three vehicles and a trailer. See the latest traffic conditions in Denver on FOX31 Police said two people inside a sedan walked away from the scene, so officers are investigating the crash as a hit-and-run. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. DPD has not released any information on the people who left the scene, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Southbound Havana Street is closed and alternate routes are advised. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Two young detainees have been caught after allegedly breaking out of a transport van and carjacking an SUV Thursday, investigators said. Here at the scene on the Brookshire outbound just past Beatties Ford where CMPD caught up to two juveniles accused of escaping from custody during a transport to Cabarrus County. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/rAr14R933H Hunter Saenz (@Hunt_Saenz) April 11, 2024 It started around 1 p.m. when the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office was called to Highway 49 North near Roberta Road in Harrisburg. At about 6:30 p.m., the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced that the two suspects had been taken into custody in west Charlotte. ALSO READ: Employee describes chaos at juvenile detention facility in Cabarrus County The sheriffs office learned the Department of Public Safety had been driving two juveniles from the Mecklenburg County Courthouse to the Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center when, during the transport, one of the detainees was able to get the door of the vehicle open. Both juveniles escaped, running toward the nearby Lowes Food gas pumps, deputies said. There, they forced someone out of her SUV, stole it, and drove off. Two young detainees are on the run after they allegedly broke out of a transport van and carjacked an SUV. Just before 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the Cabarrus County Sheriffs Office was called to Highway 49 North near Roberta Road in Harrisburg. Its not clear if the woman was hurt. Authorities said they had the identities of the juveniles and at first, were looking for the stolen SUV. They said it was a gray 2019 Toyota RAV4. Just before 4:30 p.m., deputies said the SUV was found at an apartment complex on Hunting Ridge Lane, off Idlewild Road in east Charlotte. No one was in the vehicle when it was found, authorities said. It was about 15 minutes away from where the carjacking happened. In a news release, the Department of Juvenile Justice said they were worried for the safety of the public due to the assaultive behavior allegedly exhibited by the juvenile[s] during the escape and/or a prior history of unpredictable behavior. It appears the suspects already posted a video on Instagram that shows them in shackles. Two young detainees allegedly broke out of a transport van and carjacked an SUV Thursday, investigators said. It appears the suspects have posted video on Instagram of themselves in shackles. In the video, the two appear to taunt Cabarrus County deputies while still in shackles around their ankles and their waists. Its not clear what the two juveniles were charged with to be taken to the development center. CMPD said the two juveniles were arrested after they collided with a CMPD patrol car on Brookshire Boulevard near Beatties Ford Road. A scene where the two juveniles were arrested on Brookshire Boulevard near Beatties Ford Road on Thursday. 911 call Channel 9 obtained a recording of the 911 call made after the carjacking. They carjacked this lady but by the time we got stopped and all, they had jumped their car and took off, the caller said. Theyve shoved her down. She was trying to defend her car and shes on her feet, I know she is really shook up bad. They didnt care about her welfare at all, the caller added. Shes very, very shaken up. I feel helpless, he said. A young lady was just carjacked. And the perps were the two young men that were our juvenile inmates. We were returning to Cabarrus they busted out -- they were able to bust out of a van, he said. How they escaped More details in the 911 call reveal how the handcuffed teens were able to bust out the door of a transport van. A transport officer in the van admitted to dispatchers that he didnt secure their shackles. We really didnt hook them back up. They brought them down from court while in restraint so we didnt really deal with them, the officer said. They got them in the van, didnt know they were going to, yeah. The teens kicked open the side doors of the transport van and escaped. Channel 9s Almiya White asked the N.C. Department of Public Safety if officers should have done more to restrain them. The state gave her this statement: A staff member must apply chain style handcuffs, waist chain, and leg restraints to each juvenile being transported. But staff are not allowed to attach mechanical restraints to any interior or exterior part of the vehicle. If a juvenile does escape, staff should make an effort to re-secure the juvenile. Channel 9 asked DPS if they plan to change their transportation policy after the incident. They said they couldnt answer that for safety reasons. They also wouldnt say which facility the teens have been taken to since their re-arrest. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. (WATCH BELOW: Two juveniles charged in string of Dollar General armed robberies) LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Deputies say a man had to be rescued from a car after a crash in Lawrence Township. It happened around 1:45 a.m. Thursday on the 48000 block of Red Arrow Highway, near 48th Street, according to the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office. A caller reported seeing a car with its lights on in the woods, off the road. When deputies arrived, they found the driver unresponsive inside the car. Deputies say they tried to free him but could not. Firefighters helped rescue the driver, who was still unresponsive, according to the sheriffs office. Nobody else was in the car. Deputies say the driver, a 48-year-old Berrien Springs man, was taken to the hospital for severe injuries. The sheriffs office says it believes the man went off the road and hit a large tree, then continued into the woods and hit another tree. This embedded content is not available in your region. Deputies are still investigating. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Update: Orange County deputies have identified the victim in the 8th Avenue in Taft shooting. Investigators found 39-year-old Juan Luis Cintron Garcia shot just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries according to deputies. Deputies say they do not have a motive or any suspects at this time, as the investigation is ongoing. Previous Story: Sheriffs investigators are at the scene of a deadly shooting in south Orange County. Deputies responded to 8th Avenue in Taft shortly before 10 p.m. Wednesday. Once they arrived, they found a man, in his 30s, who had been shot. Deputies responded to the Taft community Wednesday night. READ: Wind advisory in effect, low chance of tornados in Central Florida Thursday He was rushed to a hospital, but did not survive. The Orange County Sheriffs Office has not released the mans name. Investigators did not have available details about a possible suspect or a motive for the shooting. Crime scene tape and detectives were still visible Thursday morning. READ: Police: Sanitation worker flown to hospital after shooting in Ocoee shopping plaza Channel 9s Q McCray is near that crime scene. Deputies responded to the Taft community Wednesday night. Watch his live updates on Eyewitness News and monitor WFTV.com for any developments in this deadly shooting investigation. This embedded content is not available in your region. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Kent County deputies seized illegally-grown marijuana, guns and thousands of vape pens from an Oakfield Township business after it was suspected of selling to minors. The Kent County Sheriffs Office said it has seen a consistent trend where people under age 21 have access to nicotine vape pens, marijuana and marijuana-related products. Community members were the first to reach out to deputies, saying their children were buying nicotine vape pens from Natures Edge, which used to be called Greenville Hydroponics, in Oakfield Township. In May 2023, the Kent County Sheriffs Office sent in an underage decoy, who was able to buy a nicotine vape pen from the store. The business was written up, the sheriffs office said. Months later, a school resource officer told deputies that Natures Edge was selling marijuana and marijuana products to students. The Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team investigated. In a search of the business, the team seized 3,200 grams of illegally-grown marijuana and marijuana products, 4,100 vape pens, two handguns and $39,500 from the business. The investigation is ongoing, the sheriffs office said. It thanked the community for being attentive. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. TORONTO, April 11, 2024 /CNW/ - Collective Mining Ltd. (TSX: CNL) (OTCQX: CNLMF) (FSE: GG1) ("Collective" or the "Company") is pleased to announce robust results from metallurgical flotation test work on its Guayabales project's Apollo porphyry system ("Apollo") which was undertaken at ALS Canada Ltd. in Kamloops, British Colombia ("ALS"). As a reminder, based on previous work completed the Company envisions a conventional split circuit for processing material from Apollo with the copper rich stream (more than 0.15% copper) being treated through a flotation circuit and the copper poor stream (less than 0.15% copper) being treated through a precious metal focused cyanidation circuit to produce dore (see press release dated October 17, 2023). The Company also now expects that a gravity circuit will be included after flotation for recovery of the high-grade tungsten mineralization. Collective Mining logo (CNW Group/Collective Mining Ltd.) Results reported below are from Phase 2 test work completed for the evaluation process for the flotation circuit and initial gravity separation of Tungsten. Detailed metallurgical results highlighting strong recovery rates for gold averaging 93.5% was previously announced on October 17, 2023, and should be viewed in conjunction with this release. Highlights (see Table 1-3) A detailed flotation test work program on a 86-kilogram, representative sulphide sample from Apollo returned commercial concentrate grades of up to 30.5% copper, 1,280 g/t silver and 28.7 g/t gold with low levels of deleterious elements (see Table 1: Locked cycle test results). The flotation metallurgical work demonstrates that Apollo sulphide ore with greater than 0.15% in situ copper grade is very amenable to flotation. A comprehensive series of flotation tests were undertaken under a wide range of conditions resulting in the development of commercial copper, silver and gold concentrate grades as outlined in the final locked cycle tests presented in this release. The lock cycle tests achieved recoveries of up to 95.3% for copper, 83.6% for silver and 79.4% for gold. There are opportunities to increase the overall gold recoveries through cyanidation of the cleaner tail residue and generation of a slightly lower copper concentrate grade. Further work will be undertaken in this regard. Detailed mineralogical studies of the Apollo system highlight a relatively simple copper sulphide assemblage hosting predominately chalcopyrite with lesser chalcocite, both of which are very amenable to flotation. Previous drilling has demonstrated a shallow zone of high-grade tungsten mineralization at Apollo hosted within scheelite (see press release dated November 7, 2023). Preliminary gravity test work on a 25 kg sample grading 0.44% tungsten returned a 74% recovery rate for tungsten to a concentrate of 63.6% scheelite. Additional test work will be undertaken to further upgrade the overall recovery rate for tungsten. Story continues John Wells, metallurgical consultant to Collective Mining commented: "Apollo flotation results are exceptional by world standards and demonstrate excellent recoveries and very commercial concentrate grades encompassed within a small volume of concentrate material. This work and the previous bottle roll cyanidation results highlight that Apollo has simple metallurgy which will enable straightforward process plant design. Finally, the gravity work on the scheelite concentrate has also demonstrated that tungsten can be easily recovered from a simple gravity separation process." Details Table 1: Flotation Locked Cycle Test Results for Apollo Composite 1 weighed 86.1 kilogram with a head grade of 0.62% for copper, 0.73 g/t for gold and 37.19 g/t for silver and is a representative grade profile of Apollo mineralization. Sample Concentrate Grade Cu (%) Concentrate Grade Ag (g/t) Concentrate Grade Au (g/t) Recovery Rate Cu (%) Recovery Rate Ag (%) Recovery Rate Au (%) Comp 1A 30.5 1,280.0 27.0 95.0 80.6 77.0 Comp 1B 24.6 1,084.0 28.7 95.3 83.6 79.4 1. Flotation test work was undertaken at the ALS Canada Ltd. laboratory in Kamloops, British Colombia, Canada. A comprehensive testing program was carried out and focussed on investigating the main parameters for rougher flotation, including the primary grind size, pulp pH, pulp slurry density, different reagents and reagent additions and flotation kinetics. The six rougher tests were followed by two cleaner flotation tests which demonstrated that concentrate grades more than 25% could be achieved and outlined the best conditions for the final locked cycle tests as presented in this table. 2. The mass pull of the lock cycle concentrates was between 2% and 3% of the total weight of material. Confirmatory Bottle Roll Cyanidation Test Results Previous bottle roll cyanidation test work undertaken at SGS in Lima, Peru on eight samples of oxide, transition and sulphide material at various head grades averaged a 93.5% recovery rate for gold (see press release dated October 17, 2023). Repeat bottle roll tests were undertaken on two of these samples at the ALS facilities in Kamloops British Colombia and confirmed almost identical recovery rates. This work confirms the suitability of Apollo mineralization for a cyanidation circuit when copper grades are less than 0.15% and flotation is not applicable. Table 2: Duplicate Samples for Bottle Roll Cyanidation Comparing Results Between SGS and ALS Sample Gold Head Grade (g/t) SGS Gold Dissolution (%) ALS Gold Dissolution (%) APBRT 03 4.92 92.5 91.6 APBRT 07 11.10 87.5 89.5 Lower Grade Bottle Roll Cyanidation Results Cyanidation work was undertaken at ALS on three representative, lower grade samples from Apollo (<0.9 g/t gold) and returned an average recovery rate of 91.2% (see Table 3). Silver dissolution is generally in the range 50% to 60%, however, the bulk of the silver is associated with the copper mineralization and will report at higher recovery rates in the flotation concentrate. Table 3: Bottle Roll Cyanidation Results Undertaken at ALS for Low Grade Samples Sample ID Gold Head Grade (g/t) Gold Dissolution (%) Silver Dissolution (%) COMP 5 0.49 91.5 54.4 APKFR 04 0.86 92.9 60.5 CIL 4 0.39 89.1 63.9 AVERAGE 0.58 91.2 59.6 About Collective Mining Ltd. To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com. Founded by the team that developed and sold Continental Gold Inc. to Zijin Mining for approximately $2 billion in enterprise value, Collective is a copper, silver, gold, and tungsten exploration company with projects in Caldas, Colombia. The Company has options to acquire 100% interests in two projects located directly within an established mining camp with ten fully permitted and operating mines. The Company's flagship project, Guayabales, is anchored by the Apollo system, which hosts the large-scale, bulk-tonnage and high-grade copper-silver-gold-tungsten Apollo porphyry system. The Company's 2024 objectives is to expand the Apollo system, prove that the recent discoveries at the Olympus and Trap targets evolve into large scale systems and make a new discovery at either the Box, Tower, or X target. Management, insiders and a strategic investor own nearly 50% of the outstanding shares of the Company and as a result, are fully aligned with shareholders. The Company is listed on the TSX under the trading symbol "CNL", on the OTCQX under the trading symbol "CNLMF" and on the FSE under the trading symbol "GG1". To see our latest corporate presentation and related information, please visit www.collectivemining.com. Qualified Person (QP) and NI43-101 Disclosure John Wells is the designated Qualified Person for this news release within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") and has reviewed and verified that the technical information contained herein is accurate and approves of the written disclosure of same. Mr Wells is a graduate of the Royal School of Mines in the UK, has over 50 years of experience in mineral processing and is a Fellow of the SAIMM (South African Institute of Mines and Metallurgy) and is a member of CIM (Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy). Sample Preparation and QAQC All samples were prepared and analyzed at ALS Canada Ltd.'s Kamloops facilities in British Colombia, Canada. Composites were produced from the remaining half drill core taken over different lengths of nine drillholes completed at Apollo. Some samples were analyzed using Bulk Mineral Analysis (BMA) and Particle Mineralogical Analysis (PMA) techniques focused on detailed mineralogy, including mineral assemblage, texture, and mineral liberation assessments. ALS conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada for the specific tests undertaken. Information Contact: Follow Executive Chairman Ari Sussman (@Ariski 73 ) on X Follow Collective Mining (@CollectiveMini1) on X, (Collective Mining) on LinkedIn, and (@collectivemining) on Instagram FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information. In this news release, forward-looking information relate, among other things, to: anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future recovery metal recovery rates; future growth potential of Collective; and future development plans. These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith, and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated April 7, 2022. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. SOURCE Collective Mining Ltd. Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2024/11/c2865.html 'We deserve to feel safe': Why the monetary threshold for felony theft should be lowered Proposed legislation would lower the threshold for theft to be classified as a felony to $500. In recent years, Oklahoma has faced a critical juncture in addressing crime, public safety and the criminal justice system. The passage of State Question 780 in 2016, which reclassified certain drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors, marked a significant shift in our state's approach to criminal justice. While the intentions behind SQ 780 were commendable, aiming to reduce our nation-leading incarceration rates and offer a more rehabilitative approach, the crime threatening our communities today necessitates a reevaluation of the impact of some of its provisions. When high-school-age kids look for their first jobs, they often gravitate toward working in restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and retail. These experiences should be safe and positive, not fear-inducing, let alone dangerous. In a 2023 Motorola Solutions survey on retail worker safety, nearly two-thirds (61%) of retail employees are at least somewhat concerned about their personal safety at work. In 2022, 81% of respondents reported that retail crime offenders had become more violent. Compounding that, in 2023, more than 67% said they were seeing even more violence and aggression than they had the year before. These are not mere statistics; they represent a real threat to our communities. For this reason, I have proposed legislation to lower the threshold for theft to be classified as a felony to $500. By adjusting the threshold for felony theft, we can provide law enforcement and the judicial system with the tools necessary to address repeat offenders and those who exploit the current threshold to the detriment of our communities. More: Oklahoma lawmakers seek tougher shoplifting, domestic abuse penalties Despite what many progressive critics of this proposal have said, I hold no disregard for the will of the voters. On the contrary, this legislation arises from a duty to protect our communities and ensure that our laws effectively address the realities of crime and its impact on the people of Oklahoma. The increase in thefts and associated violence is not a matter of perception but a tangible reality that requires legislative attention. Legislation being considered is a targeted measure designed to address the rise in crime plaguing our communities, a guest columnist writes. Oklahomans take pride in living in a state that believes in maintaining law and order. It is one of many reasons why Oklahoma continues to rank in the top 10 of states people are moving to while Americans continue to flee Democrat-led states that take a soft approach to retail crime, like California and New York. Put simply, Oklahomans deserve better. We deserve to feel safe from violence while at work. I hope that sentence feels as absurd to read as it does to write. But that is the sad and unfortunate reality were dealing with today. Counterpoint: Lowering felony threshold for retail crime would end progress to reduce incarceration Progressives say this is an attempt to unravel the progress made in criminal justice reform or to return to an era of mass incarceration. That could not be further from the truth. This is a targeted measure designed to address the rise in crime plaguing our communities. Continuing to refine and improve our laws to ensure that they reflect the needs of today is not an insult to voters; rather, it is the essence of a functioning democracy. I invite my progressive colleagues in the Legislature to revisit our approach to criminal justice, not with the intent to discard the progress we've made but to refine it, ensuring it serves the best interest and the well-being of our communities. Editor's Note: Previous statistics referencing OSBI data have been removed from this column. The OSBI changed how it collected and reported crime statistics for the state. The agency said that as a result, crime trends will not be accurate unless a data search is limited to a specific agency and a time period which follows the agencys transition to the State Incident-Based Reporting System (SIBRS). Rep. John George Rep. John George, a Republican, serves District 36 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Increasing, violent retail crime a real threat to Oklahoma communities Mr Yousaf's administration appears to be in no rush to let voters know what it plans to do - JANE BARLOW/PA With all the arrogance which has seen Scotland often plumb the depths of decent government practice, the latest pronouncement from Humza Yousafs administration takes some beating. Faced with a quite devastating report that highlighted how children were being badly let down by a lack of research and what was described as remarkably weak evidence in cases of medical intervention in gender care, Scottish ministers have decided to sit on their hands. And because the report, by leading paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass, covers only England, thats precisely what theyre allowed to do under the rules that govern devolution. Sadly, there is nothing to compel the Nats to follow the guidelines that have followed the publication of the Cass report even if it is, in England, leading to the banning of puberty blockers. Dr Cass said that clinicians were concerned about having no guidance, no evidence, no training in the treatment of gender transition, adding that there was no good evidence that puberty blockers are safe to use to arrest puberty. In spite of this, puberty blockers had been expanded to a wider group of young people before the results of a clinical trial were available. And in what can only be termed a massive understatement, she insisted that it had been unusual for us to give a potentially life-changing treatment to young people and not know what happens to them in adulthood. Major embarrassment That, surely, is one of the basic hard facts that the SNP government wishes to review. However, there will be many people reading this response as being simply another excuse for kicking a major embarrassment into the long grass. If this is not the case, then let the SNP and their Scottish Greens allies issue an immediate and positive response to the Cass report when the Scottish Parliament resumes after its Easter holidays next week telling us that they support Dr Casss recommendations. There is very little likelihood of this happening because, as Meghan Gallacher, the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, said: The SNP has rushed into significant gender reform, ignoring the well-being and health of children seeking medical care. Instead, currently in Scotland the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Sandyford clinic is modelled and informed on American guidelines, which have not followed international standards and which have now been discredited following an analysis ordered by Dr Cass and researchers at the University of York. Voters need to know why As a result, senior SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC and former Scottish Greens leader Robin Harper, have written to Scotlands chief medical officer, Sir Gregor Smith, asking for the findings of the Cass Report to be implemented in Scotland. And if not, then what the voters need to know is why one important aspect of their public health especially in relation to their children still seems to be covered by American guidelines on the trans issue that have been effectively rubbished. While the SNPs Neil Gray rejoices in the title of Scotlands cabinet minister for NHS recovery, health and social care, it is the countrys worst kept secret that the people calling all the shots on this issue are not the SNP but the seven-strong group of Scottish Greens which includes their two ministers, Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater. They are the driving force on gender and trans issues and it is they who will decide whether the Cass Report is implemented or junked in Scotland. Sadly, Mr Yousafs government is in no hurry to tell us, given that a demand for a ministerial statement on the issue from the Scottish Conservatives has been rejected a pretty disgraceful way of handling such an important matter. But then the rules of devolution have given his government the absolute right to do this. Mores the pity. 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. After a barrier-breaking career over more than a half-century that took her from being the first woman mayor of San Francisco to the longest-serving female Senator in U.S. history, California's late Sen. Dianne Feinstein may be honored with a post office named for her. Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla, who, along with California's junior senator, this week proposed naming a San Francisco post office after Feinstein, said it is just "a first step" in commemorating her. "I think it's going to take a number of honors to live up to the legacy of Senator Feinstein. So there's other types in the works," Padilla said in an interview. Still, some quickly saw the proposal as a commemoration that falls short of Feinstein's gravitas. "It is kind of a consolation prize rather than a signal honor," said Ross Baker, emeritus political science professor at Rutgers University. "Naming a post office is kind of an inside joke in Congress... It's very, very easy to do." Read more: Photos: Dianne Feinstein | 1933 2023 The late senator died at the age of 90 in September. During more than 30 years as a U.S. senator, Feinstein played pivotal roles in creating multiple national parks, sponsored the 1990s assault weapons ban and led Democrats on both the Senate Intelligence and Senate Judiciary committees. She launched into the history books in 1978 when, as president of the San Francisco board of supervisors, she took over as the city's leader after the mayor was assassinated. In 1992, she became the first woman to represent California in the Senate. Recognizing someone with a post office is a fairly common occurrence on Capitol Hill. In both the House and Senate, a state's entire delegation has to agree to the name change before the bill will be considered. So far this Congress, 150 bills have been filed to rename post offices, many in honor of members of the military who died in combat. In the last Congress, California post offices were named for an Oxnard civil rights activist, the "Pasta King" of Sonoma County, a Compton Medal of Honor recipient who died during the Vietnam War and former San Diego Rep. Susan Davis, among others. No money is included as part of a post office renaming bill. The signage outside the post office does not change to reflect the new name. Friends, family or civic organizations are left with the responsibility to pay for a sign to put up noting the commemoration. "All that's done typically is a little plaque that's put inside the post office. And so it's more trivial than trivial," said Arizona State University politics professor Steven Smith. "It's a weird form of commemoration." Instead, many prominent members of Congress are memorialized in more obvious, lasting ways, such as renaming courthouses, federal parks, or federal buildings. There is the Thad Cochran United States Courthouse in Jackson, Miss., for instance, and the Richard Shelby Federal Building and Courthouse in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Former Rep. Edward Roybal, who represented Southern California for 30 years and co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, was recognized with the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in Los Angeles and the Edward Roybal Campus of the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Read more: Photos: San Francisco pays tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the city where she spent a decade as the citys first female mayor The San Francisco post office Padilla and Sen. Laphonza Butler proposed naming for Feinstein is near the Embarcadero with a view overlooking the Bay Bridge. It's on the ground level of the Rincon Center, which Feinstein oversaw redevelopment of as mayor in the 1980s. Padilla would not describe any other efforts underway to recognize Feinstein, beyond saying they might be related to her desert conservation work. "We're not at that level of detail yet, but something else," he said. California Reps. Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), filed legislation to rename the main trail in Headwaters Forest Reserve after Feinstein last year. She helped broker the 1999 deal that bought the land for the reserve from Pacific Lumber, protecting the redwoods it contained. Five months later, the bill has not been considered by the House Natural Resources Committee. In January, the San Francisco Airport Commission voted unanimously to name its international terminal in honor of Feinstein. In 2006, Dianne Feinstein Elementary School opened in San Francisco. At the time she told the San Francisco Chronicle that her connection to the campus would help students "look at government in a much more personal way than they otherwise would have." Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter. Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond, in your inbox three times per week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Disneyland touts a lifetime ban for disability cheats. That's not what's worrying some park-goers On Tuesday, Disney agreed that something was amiss as the company "reset" elements of its Disability Access Service program, or DAS, that has become Orlando's and Anaheim's most popular service, according to a Disney spokesperson. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) For the record: 2:34 p.m. April 15, 2024: An earlier version of this article said Disney would work with Health Alliance, a health insurer, as needed to determine DAS eligibility. It is working with Inspire Health Alliance, a healthcare consultancy. Disney theme parks have seen the use of their disability services program skyrocket in the last five years. Is it because cheaters are making use of the program to avoid what the majority of park-goers simply endure the ride queue? For years, park-goers have aired suspicions online about the program being abused. And now Disney seems to be responding. This week, the company reset elements of the Disability Access Services system, whose use has tripled since 2019, a Disney spokesperson confirmed to The Times. Shannon McEvoy says she knows some people have tried to misuse the system. Over the last four years, the Florida-based travel agent has booked specialized vacations for families and individuals with a variety of disabilities and needs. McEvoy has become a go-to resource for Orlando-area trips, particularly Disney World, planning about 100 or so vacations annually, she said. Read more: Disneyland character performers move to unionize: 'We are the Magic' She added that she knows Disneys Disability Access Service inside and out and works with clients who have mobility impairments, autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease and other issues. The typical questions McEnvoy receives from clients center on the use of scooters and wagons, strollers and DAS passes, which cut down on wait times at the park for special-needs visitors. The work is particularly fulfilling, said McEvoy, who suffers from gluten intolerance and knows the rigor of planning meals at theme parks where pizza and churros are king. McEvoys success, however, has attracted recent troubling requests from would-be clients. Ive had healthy people reach out and ask how they can get a DAS service pass and guest pass, and they dont have a particular disability, McEvoy said. Its sad these people are trying to game a system that is near and dear to my heart. On Tuesday, Disney also seemed to acknowledge something was amiss as it incorporated changes in the 11-year-old program that, according to the Disney spokesperson, has become the most popular at its parks in Orlando, Fla., and Anaheim. The announced changes will go into effect May 20 at Disney World and June 18 at Disneyland. They include: The parks will hire more cast members overall and provide more training so additional workers can help guests better understand Disneys accessibility offerings . Disney will work with health professionals from Inspire Health Alliance, a healthcare consultancy, as needed to determine the eligibility of DAS applicants. The DAS verification will be extended, with passes expiring in 120 days instead of 60. Pass party sizes will be limited to three people plus the pass holder. The DAS program is intended to accommodate a small percentage of park-goers with developmental disabilities and who are unable to wait in line, according to Disneyland Guest Services . A number of media reports about the changes in the DAS program rules have pointed to the punishment for people who make false claims when applying for a DAS pass: a permanent ban from Disneyland and Disney World, with tickets, annual passes and other park services immediately revoked. That policy is not new, however, and is already in effect. It's explained in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section of Disney's Disability Access Service webpage. A DAS pass doesnt automatically place the recipient at the front of the line. Instead, it provides guests with a return time for an attraction, where theyll be placed in the line with those who have paid extra to skip normal wait times. Currently, Disneyland guests wanting a DAS pass have two methods for applying: They can speak online with a park representative two to 30 days before arrival, or a guest relations employee can meet with an applicant in person. Read more: Column: Disney needs fixing, but Peltz was the wrong repairman The Disney spokesperson, who declined to give specific numbers on the growth in the use of DAS passes, said that the rise is tricky. Since the program's introduction, park-goers have griped on Reddit and Disney forums about people whom they suspected of abusing the system, while debates have raged over the merits of extending DAS passes to people suffering from health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and nerve pain . Some people who've obtained DAS passes, however, worry about the revised approach. McEvoy said she was concerned Disney would begin to deny passes to some people with disabilities who've relied on them. She also said that park officials had been unclear about the steps they would employ to crack down on abuse. Im worried theyre going to take a hard stance and enforce whats on their website, which is only for people with cognitive and developmental disabilities, she said. Thats not fair for people with multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy or something along those lines, where waiting in a traditional line will certainly diminish an experience. A Disneyland spokesperson said park personnel wouldnt speculate about an individuals eligibility, while also acknowledging not all accessibility services will be available to all people with disabilities. Read more: Plan accordingly: These four Disneyland attractions will be closed in coming weeks Midwesterner Sydney C., who asked that her last name not be used for fear of retaliation from Disney fans, says she is a frequent Disneyland and Disney World guest. Sydney, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, chronicles her experiences using the DAS system on TikTok. She said she was grateful Disney was extending the verification validation process to 120 days, which cuts down on the anxiety faced by people with disabilities in having to continually apply. One change that bothers Sydney is the looming reduction in the party size allowed to escort a DAS passholder in line. She said Disney allowed for five or six people to accompany a DAS passholder previously. The Disney spokesperson said the company would accommodate everyone in an immediate family and that the reduction was meant to trim the number of friends and non-nuclear family members in line. Sydney said that some of the backlash Disney parks had been facing over the last couple of days had come from its inability to properly communicate whats been changed. Read more: Disneyland plan for long-term major development in Anaheim clears crucial hurdle Alterations to the DAS program surprised Boulder, Colo., resident Lauren Rosenberg. In November 2022, Rosenberg and her husband flew with their 5-year-old daughter, Sophie, for a dream Disney World three-day stay. The highlight for Sophie was the Frozen Ever After ride at EPCOT modeled after the smash animation hit Frozen, according to Rosenberg. Sophie, a fan of characters Elsa and Olaf, was a recipient of the DAS pass. The young girl was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in March 2020 . The disease is a type of arthritis that can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness in children, according to the Mayo Clinic . Rosenberg said the arthritis has affected Sophies bones and kidneys, which leads her to fatigue quickly. When I think back to that trip," Rosenberg said, "theres no way Sophie could have done this without the pass." Rosenberg said any changes to her childs eligibility would likely make her reconsider a return trip. It was a magical vacation, one well never forget, she said. I hope the pass will continue to help others to enjoy their magic moments." 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. BALTIMORE Giant salvage buckets are hauling up the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge roadway to clear space for workers to use hydraulic sheers to cut a bigger part of the structure into smaller pieces. Removing the spans of the bridge that collapsed into the water March 26 after being struck by a ship and that are sinking into the bed of the Patapsco River is the most complex task of the cleanup effort, Col. Estee Pinchasin of the Army Corps of Engineers said at a news conference Wednesday. But the team of engineers and divers has a plan. Once they dig out and expose the chords on the bottom of the truss, divers are going to go into the water and place the hydraulic sheers on the spans that theyre going to cut, said Pinchasin, referring to the two outside steel beams of a bridge truss that connect and brace it. Pinchasin spoke in front of a 3D image of the wreckage created with sonar. That representation shows how the roadway, mud and debris fell on top of the mangled bridge spans that sit next to the base of one of the bridges main pillars that still stands. Pinchasin said crews are preparing to cut a 240-foot bridge span that weighs around 1,500 tons into two pieces. Once separated, they will be lifted and taken by barge to Sparrows Point. Pinchasin, as well as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath, reiterated Wednesday that they are on track to meet the end of May deadline to reopen normal port access set last week. Officials also said Wednesday they still plan to open a third temporary channel around the wreckage for limited traffic sooner. Were on track to open up a 35-foot deep channel by the end of April, and the length of that channel is going to be 280 feet, Moore said Wednesday. Moore also said that 25 people are assigned to daily recovery efforts to locate the bodies of three men who are presumed dead and remain missing in the collapse. The bodies of three other men, who were part of the same road crew repairing potholes on the bridge, have been recovered. Staff with the Governors Office of Immigrant Affairs are in constant contact with the mens families, Moore said, with 30 employees assigned to help families in need. Moore also said Wednesday that crews have removed 34 shipping containers from the Dali, the Singapore-flagged ship that destroyed the bridge, and plan to remove 144 more. We are removing containers from the bow of the vessel to give us better access to the bow so that we can safely remove those pieces of the bridge that are on top of the bow, Gilreath said Wednesday. That is essential to us to be able to refloat the vessel and remove it. Pinchasin added that engineers are planning to dredge around the Dali to free the ship from the river bottom where its currently grounded. Gilreath said 58 vessels, mostly tugboats and barges as well as the Pride of Baltimore, have passed through 11- and 14-feet-deep temporary channels on either side of the wreckage. In Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, questioned whether the government was taking quick enough action in response to the bridge collapse, given its impact on the Port of Baltimore and the economy. I cant help but think that China would have cleared the wreckage in days. I hope this episode doesnt become another punchline about a nation in decline or a symbol of our increasingly sclerotic and bureaucratic approach to public works projects, Cruz said in a statement. Cruz called on Congress to pay for the bridge to be rebuilt while minimizing the bureaucratic dithering and delays that are all too prevalent with construction projects under this administration. Moore, in response, praised President Joe Bidens administration for its quick response on March 26 and in the days since. Biden visited Baltimore and the wreckage site on Friday. Moore invited Cruz to come and show his support. It was the federal government and it was this administration who called my phone and all of our phones at 3 oclock in the morning (on March 26), Moore said. It was the federal administration and the Biden administration that was on the ground that morning. It was the secretary of transportation who was on the ground literally as the sun was coming up. _____ YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) Four suspects accused of kidnapping a Richmond woman before a gang killing in York County now face federal charges and potential life sentences. 25-year-old Hezekiah Carney, of Norfolk; 26-year-old Donnisha Goodman, of Portsmouth; 25-year-old Jaquan Jones, of Richmond; and 24-year-old Jamica Langley, of Richmond, have all been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping and kidnapping resulting in death. They face a mandatory life sentence if theyre convicted on the kidnapping resulting in death charges. Previous: Suspects accused of killing Richmond woman in York County to face federal charges Meanwhile another suspect in the case, 19-year-old Acacia Jackson of New York, has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit kidnapping in the case, according to the Department of Justice. She also faces up to a maximum of life prison. The five were all arrested after Tyosha Mitchell was found dead on Old Williamsburg Road in York County on May 6, 2023. Prosecutors say Mitchell was shot eight times, and numerous shell casings with an S&B headstamp were found at the scene. The next day, prosecutors say shell casings with those same markings were found in a 9mm cartridge recovered during a traffic stop of the suspects vehicle in Norfolk. Jackson, Goodman, and Langley were all in the vehicle at the time, according to police. Authorities say the suspects were connected to Norfolks Mad Stone Bloods and the national Almighty Black P. Stone Nation, and Mitchell was killed after she tried to sever her gang ties. The news of the indictments comes just months after charges were withdrawn by local authorities to make way for the federal investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. TechCrunch Backyard Baseball 1997 is back in all of its nostalgic glory, sliding onto Steam like Pablo Sanchez when he steals a base. Playground Productions, a childrens media company, scored the rights to the Backyard Sports games, which were originally put out by Humongous Entertainment for Windows PCs. Leaders of the college financial aid system assailed the Education Department over this years FAFSA debacle, warning that ongoing delays are extending institutions timelines for offering packages that many students decisions hinge on. If there was a financial aid director or even a college president that delayed financial aid on their campus for up to six months, the professional price that would be paid for that would be pretty steep, Justin Draeger, head of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, told lawmakers on Capitol Hill on Wednesday. The hearing by the GOP-led House Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development came one day after Education Department officials disclosed that at least 30% of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms submitted so far this year could contain errors resulting from widespread application glitches or other issues. Those forms are set to be reprocessed in coming weeks, and many will start being sent to schools by May 1, the agency said. The federal government can typically turn around FAFSA information within days, but the lags this year have extended for months. Colleges and universities are already well behind schedule due to the botched overhaul of the application process one that was meant to be easier and in many cases more generous, but has instead landed millions of households and campus officials in bureaucratic limbo. Its not a trivial task to roll this out, but this rollout has been disastrous and, frankly, inexcusable, Rep. Brandon Williams, R-N.Y., said Wednesday. The hearing signaled growing bipartisan frustrations over the FAFSA chaos, much of it focusing on the Education Department, which Draeger said faced a crisis of credibility. Agency leaders didnt testify at Wednesdays hearing, but a spokesperson said Tuesday that officials have identified and fixed errors in the online application system affecting the accurate processing of large numbers of FAFSA forms. A Department of Education spokesperson acknowledged that implementing this new system has brought certain challenges but pushed back on lawmakers criticism, saying it has prioritized the overhaul of the FAFSA form and has been moving full speed to implement the bipartisan law to make this experience far better for applicants. We will continue to listen and be responsive, the spokesperson said. The department estimates roughly 7 million applications have already been submitted and sent off to schools and scholarship organizations, though some may need to be reprocessed. In the meantime, it said it has returned to normal FAFSA processing times of one to three days. Story continues Also on Wednesday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent a letter to the chief of General Dynamics, the military contractor that oversaw the FAFSA refresh under a nine-figure deal. They demanded more information on the project and accused the company of a near-total failure that they said is harming millions of students and hundreds of colleges. General Dynamics didnt comment. FAFSA is a critical first step for many schools and scholarship programs to calculate the additional aid they offer students beyond what the federal government may provide. The holdups have already forced households to make tough decisions. Some have slashed retirement savings to free up tuition money, while others are putting down deposits at cheaper safety schools rather than holding out for more support from prestigious four-year colleges. Even if reprocessed FAFSA forms are sent to schools in coming weeks, many institutions will need at least two more to turn around their own aid packages, Mark Kantrowitz, a student financial aid expert, testified Wednesday. That means some aid offers might not reach students until after the traditional May 1 decision deadline or even beyond those that have been extended further to deal with the fallout. Schools are taking different approaches to handling the delays. Some are sending out estimated aid offers, while others are holding off altogether for now. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has yet to send out a single financial aid package because of the poor quality of the data and the late receipt of students FAFSA information, Rachelle Feldman, the schools vice provost for enrollment, told lawmakers. The school, which enrolled over 32,000 students last fall, is hoping to distribute aid offers by the first week of May months behind its typical time frame of January to March. FAFSA completion rates were down 40% as of March 29 compared to the same period last year, according to the National College Attainment Network. Congress estimates that FAFSA complications have affected 18 million students looking to attend college next year. Most high school seniors have yet to receive an aid offer, NCAN chief Kim Cook said Wednesday, adding that low-income and minority students are lagging behind the national FAFSA submission rate. Many are still being asked to commit by May 1, she said. Our greatest fear is that they will decide they cant. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Theres been plenty of speculation about how Democrats might save Speaker Mike Johnsons gavel as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) threatens to oust him. The better bet right now is that if anyone comes to Johnsons rescue, it will be the most powerful Republican around. Former president Donald Trump is set to appear with Johnson at an election integrity event at his Mar-a-Lago resort Friday a joint event that hints at a burgeoning but tentative alliance between the two powerful Republicans. The upshot: Trump world isnt happy with Greenes threat to throw the House GOP into chaos once again. Theres a fear that an election-year speakership battle will undercut the partys goals of keeping the House and flipping the White House and Senate. One hundred percent distraction. Unwanted. And just stupid, one Trump insider said Wednesday night. Were not going to get trapped into this cycle of bullshit that comes out of members of the House. Its fair to say we dont think shes being constructive, another person close with Trump said about Greene. The internal fighting is not appreciated by [Trump]. Those around the former president are growing weary of the constant motion-to-vacate threats, that person added: Its no way to run a party; its no way to run a House. You cant work in that environment. The larger concern is that Johnsons removal would create a power vacuum at a time when unity is essential and coordination between the Trump campaign and the speakers political operations is starting to tighten. For one, senior Trump adviser Chris LaCivita has been in close touch with Billy Constangy, Johnsons top political operative who has worked alongside LaCivita in the past. Hayden Haynes, Johnsons chief of staff, met recently with members of Trumps team, and theres talk about launching regular meetings between the Trump campaign and Johnsons operation, as well as the RNC, NRCC and NRSC. Even if Greenes effort is foiled, most likely with Democratic help, theres a clear understanding that Johnsons position in the party would be greatly hobbled and that a weakened speaker means a weakened GOP apparatus. As for the two principals: Greenes threats are coming just as Trump and Johnson themselves are starting to develop a rapport engaging in more frequent phone calls, for one, and now putting a joint event on the books. Johnsons office pitched Friday's event to Trumps team, no doubt mindful of how it might shore up the speakers precarious position. But the event is being viewed as a win by both camps. Johnson gets to stand onstage with the King of MAGA himself right as he faces a hard-right revolt, while Trump gets the countrys highest-ranking Republican to lend credence to his voting concerns as many in the GOP beg him to move past the 2020 election. Dont expect a full-on love-fest, though. For one, Trump is very close with Greene, and it's unlikely he'll publicly criticize her or even necessarily give Johnsons speakership a full-throated blessing. An even bigger issue is that Johnson still has a legislative minefield to navigate, and Trumps opinion of the embattled speaker could certainly change, his inner circle admits. Here are a few dynamics to keep an eye on: Spy powers: Trump encouraged Republicans Wednesday to KILL FISA, arguing on Truth Social that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act was used against him during his first campaign. Hours later, 19 House Republicans voted to block a reauthorization of a key part of that law over Johnsons objections. But Trumps inner circle said Johnson passing a FISA reauthorization wouldn't necessarily sour their relationship. For one thing, the former president actually confused two different parts of the sprawling spy law. Ukraine aid: House Republicans have sought to convince Trump to either endorse Johnsons appropach to Ukraine assistance or stay out of the debate altogether. If Trump publicly opposes Ukraine aid and Johnson still moves forward, that would almost certainly prompt Greene to trigger the motion to vacate. But its still unclear what Trump will do. The two men, were told, are going to have some one-on-one time to discuss this issue, among others, tomorrow ahead of the afternoon event. The personal bond: While Johnson has always been a Trump supporter, he doesnt have the kind of back-slapping relationship his predecessor Kevin McCarthy enjoyed with the former president. That isnt necessarily a bad thing for Johnson. Some in Trumps inner circle grew frustrated with McCarthy, believing he was too loose in making promises that he could not or would not fulfill. The reserved and businesslike Johnson hasnt found himself in the same position. In fact, those around Trump see Johnson as entirely supportive of their efforts to flip the White House and think the two men can work together well in the coming months. But tomorrows event will be a test: With the pair likely to take questions from reporters, it will be an audition of sorts where thorny issues from Ukraine to the 2020 election to abortion could complicate things fast. Like this content? Sign up for POLITICO's Playbook newsletter. Former President Donald Trump lost a third attempt this week to delay his hush money trial in New York after an appeals court judge soundly rejected his claim, setting the stage for jury selection to begin on Monday. Despite two other failed efforts this week, Trumps lawyers argued Judge Juan Merchan should have recused himself from overseeing the case and asked for a delay while they argued for his removal. The former president has been indicted on 34 counts related to falsifying business records over an alleged hush money payment to the adult film star Stormy Daniels in the waning days of the 2016 presidential election. Trump has said in recent days that Merchan faces a conflict of interest as his daughter works for a political consultancy with Democratic clients. But the judge rejected a previous demand last year that he recuse himself, saying at the time the former president had failed to demonstrate that there exists concrete, or even realistic reasons for recusal to be appropriate, much less required. Merchan has not yet ruled on the latest recusal request, but is expected to do so this week. Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he arrives at the Atlanta Airport on April 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images) Megan Varner via Getty Images Judge Ellen Gesmer rejected Trumps request for a delay on Wednesday during an emergency hearing. The ruling clears the way for jury selection to begin, which would see Trump become the first former president to stand trial in U.S. history. Staying the trial at this point would be incredibly disruptive, Steven Wu, the appellate chief for the Manhattan district attorneys office, said during the emergency hearing, per The Associated Press. The court, the people, witnesses have made extraordinary efforts to make sure this trial can take place on Monday. Theres a powerful public interest to ensure this criminal trial goes forward, Wu added. Trump can request a full panel of five judges hear the request, but The New York Times notes it is highly unlikely for the court to do so before the trial is scheduled to begin. The former presidents two other requests this week also failed. In one, Trumps lawyers argued for a delay over a gag order imposed on him and in another they asked for a delay to see if there is any merit to a chance in locale for the trial. Trumps attorneys have attempted to delay the trial multiple times a favored strategy for the former president, who also faces three other criminal indictments while he campaigns for the presidency. He has been successful in many ways, and several of those cases have been delayed and are likely to be pushed beyond the November election. Related... A Doral city council workshop to foster ideas on bolstering safety at entertainment spots after a shootout that killed two and injured seven at a popular Doral bar last weekend fell short of its goal as key elected officials never showed up. Doral Mayor Christi Fraga convened the Wednesday workshop to discuss the issues with her four fellow city council members. They were to analyze and possibly amend the citys decade-old policies regarding alcohol sales and closing times of bars and clubs. Apart from Fraga, the only council member who showed up was Rafael Pineyro. City Council members Maureen Porras, Digna Cabral and Vice Mayor Oscar Puig-Corve were absent. Fraga attributed the no-show to political maneuvering in the wake of the tragedy. They didnt come because I was the one who proposed the meeting for this sensitive topic, she said. A few hours before the workshop, Cabral proposed a motion to discuss the shooting during the morning council meeting. Porras and Puig-Corve supported it, but the proposal failed as four votes were required. Fraga and Pineyro opposed the measure. Fraga called the workshop after a shootout happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at Martini Bar Doral, a popular spot in CityPlace Doral, a busy shopping area with restaurants, bars, shops, and residential buildings. The shootings left a security guard and the suspected gunman dead, and seven people injured, six from the bar and a police officer, who with another officer was working off duty and ran to the sound of the gunfire. READ MORE: Three family members were wounded in the mass shooting at a Doral bar. One is in ICU Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said at the workshop he could not say definitively what led to the initial argument. Our witnesses are the people in the hospital, some said the argument was about a pillow, someone said it was about something else, somebody said the original perpetrator was arguing with a female, someone said it was with a male, Lopez said. We heard different accounts. How would Doral bars be impacted? Despite the no-shows, Fraga outlined restrictions she said she will propose at an April 24 council meeting. She wants to mandate mobile metal detectors for entry at nightclubs and bars within the city. She also proposes requiring the bars and clubs to close at 2 a.m, instead of 3 a.m. or 4 a.m., the current closing times, and wants last call for alcohol sales to be 1:30 a.m. Under current city code, last call is 3:50 a.m. when a bar or club closes at 4 a.m. If approved, businesses in violation could face fines starting at $500 for the first offense, then escalating to the city possibly revoking an establishments license. Restaurants are allowed to stay open until 1 a.m., and there are no proposed changes that will affect that. Seven Doral businesses, some located in CityPlace, would be impacted by the code changes, Fraga said. Those include: Baru Group LLC, owner of La Terrazza de Bolivar MB Doral, LLC., owner of Martini Bar Doral Altech America LLC, owner of El Mani Restaurant Doral 7 Corp Inc., owner of Pink Pony Why I Am LLC, owner of Improv Comedy Club and Copper Blues Rock Pubs & Kitchen Champions Florida LLC, owner of Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant Trump Endeavor 12 LLC., parent company of Trump National Doral Miami Porras emphasized moving slowly in imposing restrictions, citing legal challenges the city of Miami Beach faced following its enforcement of curfews and other measures related to Spring Break. We have to ensure that law enforcement can effectively uphold regulations, Porras said. Yellow police tape hangs inside CityPlace Doral on Saturday, April 6, 2024. A gunman was shot dead and eight others injured including an Army-trained Doral police officer who wrapped a tourniquet around his injured upper thigh in a shootout involving police at a Doral nightclub early Saturday morning. The councilwoman also underscored the citys existing ordinance governing alcohol sales until 2 a.m., hinting at potential enforcement gaps. She claimed that establishments like the Martini Bar might be operating beyond its licensed hours. Porras alleged that the previous city manager, Barbara Barbie Hernandez, who was recently fired after complaints of conflicts of interest against her, may have prevented the code inspector from verifying businesses compliance. Fraga told the Herald that Martini Bar was open during its approved operating hours when the gunfire erupted around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. They have a license to operate until 3:50 a.m. To which Porras said: Let her prove it. READ MORE: Who blasted the bullets that hit 6 bystanders in mass shooting at a trendy Doral bar? During the early hours Saturday, James Wayne Wood, 37, shot to death security guard George Alejandro Castellanos, 23, after he tried to intervene in an argument between Wood and another patron at Martini Bar. Two off-duty Doral officers shot and killed Wood. Fragas proposed ordinance is expected to meet opposition within the council, as her political sway has been questioned following the dismissal of the city manager and the subsequent appointment of a successor. We will never legislate human behavior. However, if we could put in measures that prevent these types of incidents...thats what we are going to do, Fraga said. There are more appropriate places throughout Miami-Dade that dont impact residents. Doral is not that place. Doral is more family-oriented. On April 4, 2024, posts began appearing online showing a graphic from an episode of the daytime talk show "Dr. Phil" that showed a "public school grading scale" far more lenient than what many Americans are used to seeing. The graphic, summarizing a "Facebook Post by [California] Parent," assigns an "A" grade to an 84% and up, while the next three grades covers 20 percentage points, making a "B" between 64% and 84%, a "C" between 44% and 64% and so on, with an "F" below 24%. (Facebook user Latara Youngblood) Users across the social media landscape left comments bemoaning the state of the American public-education system. Some users went further, implying that the scale was implemented statewide. But a few things about the post felt a bit wrong: The graphic did not include a precise source, and the grading scale was so different that we wondered whether it was real. Is the Facebook Post Real? It is unclear whether the post referenced by the graphic was real and whether it was describing a legitimate grading system. Although we were unable to find an exact clip from the episode, we feel relatively comfortable in saying that the graphic is a real screenshot from "Dr. Phil." Dr. Phil McGraw used the same example when discussing American public education on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast in October 2022. "Dr. Phil" stopped taping new episodes in early 2023, which means the episode in question would have been a rerun in April 2024. That fact made it even harder to track down the post's origin. We reached out to people involved with the production of "Dr. Phil" to ask them for the graphic's source, but have not yet heard back. We could not find a Facebook post matching what appeared on the show. Because the Facebook post supposedly came from California, we investigated the grading methodologies of a few large public school districts in the state and reached out to the California's Department of Education. The Los Angeles and Long Beach Unified school districts did not publish a districtwide grading scale, but reporting from the Los Angeles Times combined with documents for graduation requirements confirmed that these schools use some sort of a letter grade system. In February 2024, L.A. Unified updated its grading practices for the first time since 2005 and included a "heavy suggestion" that teachers move away from traditional grading. However, the episode of "Dr. Phil" with the graphic would have aired long before that change was made. In addition, the San Diego Unified and San Francisco Unified school districts had districtwide grading scales for middle- and high-schoolers that match the standard "A = 90-100%" grading scale most Americans are used to. Therefore, although the grading scale shown on "Dr. Phil" might exist in the state of California, it certainly is not statewide. We have not yet heard back from the Department of Education. In our research, we came across mentions of a grading methodology called "mastery-based" or "standards-based" grading that might be able to explain the uncommon scale. In particular, we found that the percentages found in the graphic could have easily resulted from attempting to translate a mastery-based grading system into a more traditional percentage-based or letter grade system. So with the caveat that Snopes could not definitively identify the particular scale featured on "Dr. Phil," let's explore standards-based grading. Standards-Based Grading Sharona Krinsky, an adjunct professor of mathematics at California State University, Los Angeles and executive director of The Grading Conference, knew exactly what was going on with that methodology. "Grades don't communicate learning. They were designed to rank and score students against each other," she said. "We're recreating grading as a tool to help students learn and report what they learn." In order to do that, Krinsky said, we need to think of grades as subjective evaluations rather than objective numbers. In a normal ABCDF grading scale, student assignments are given point values and scored based on a percentage of points. In standards-based grading, however, students are graded based on whether or not they've exceeded the instructor's learning goals. For instance, an elementary-school math instructor might set learning goals of understanding how parentheses work, or knowing how to add two-digit numbers. Then, each student is given a different mark (oftentimes, on a 0-4 or 0-5 scale) for how well they understand and can apply each objective. Although a numerical scale is still applied in standards-based grading, Krinsky said that what really matters is whether the student understands the concept. "Grades are labels, and we made the mistake of treating them as math," she said. Under common ABCDF gradings, the passing threshold is a C, equivalent to 70%. But on standards-based learning scales, passing is often a 3, placing it much closer to the graphic that appeared on "Dr. Phil," where a C was between 44 and 64%. And when taken in a vacuum, such a grading scale makes it look like the expectations for students are more lenient. "If that's the only thing you change, then of course standards are going to go down," Krinsky said. But these grading systems do not exist in a vacuum. Under standards-based grading systems, educators change more than just the grading scale. This was the main problem Krinsky had with the graphic on "Dr. Phil." She said the lack of context removed any possible explanation for how the grades are given and what standards the students are being held to. Translating a standards-based system into a familiar percentage or letter grade scale just doesn't make a lot of sense, because number grades are not objective. A 50% on one scale could genuinely equal the same effort from a student as a 70% on another scale. This is possibly how Dr. Phil's grading scale ended up the way it did: a different set of academic standards got lost in translation. Krinsky said that people criticizing the public education system, grading scales included, don't often acknowledge that it fails because budget cuts and political pressure do not give it the chance to succeed. She wanted parents who criticize the education system to know that her goal is to get their kids to learn effectively. "Parents should be willing to engage with an open mind, and not assume that their way is always the best way." she said. "They're such powerful advocates." Sources: 4.2.6 Middle and High School Grades | SFUSD. https://www.sfusd.edu/services/know-your-rights/student-family-handbook/chapter-4-student-academic-expectations/42-academic-guidelines/427-middle-and-high-school-grades. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. "39 Systemic Change A Look at How Los Angeles Unified School District Developed Their New Grading Policy, Based on Equitable Grading Practices. With Joe Zeccola." The Grading Podcast, 9 Apr. 2024, https://thegradingpod.com/episodes/39-systemic-change-a-look-at-how-los-angeles-unified-school-district-developed-their-new-grading-policy-based-on-equitable-grading-practices-with-joe-zeccola/. Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/essa?src=rn. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. "Falling Grades, Stalled Learning. L.A. Students 'need Help Now,' Times Analysis Shows." Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2021, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-21/covid-era-learning-challenges-lausd-after-school-closures. Goals 2000 and ESEA Education Reform - Invest More, Demand More Clinton Digital Library. https://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/exhibits/show/education-reform/goals-esea. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. Grading Policies - Then and Now. https://sandiegounified.org/s_d_u_s_d_grading_policy/grading_policies_-_then_and_now. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. Graduating Class of 2025 LBUSD Graduation Requirements. Long Beach Unified School District, https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1655724895/lbusdk12caus/henf3glxojljcymnlul2/LBUSD-Graduation-Requirements-2025-EN.pdf. Grossman, Hannah. "Dr. Phil Guest Shocked by the Dumbing down of America's Children: 'A Coverup within the... System.'" Fox News, 1 Nov. 2022, https://www.foxnews.com/media/dr-phil-guest-shocked-dumbing-down-americas-children-coverup. History of Standards-Based Reform. http://web.stanford.edu/~hakuta/www/archives/syllabi/CalTex_SBR/historysbr.html. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. JimG. "Standards-Based Grading in a Traditional Percent-Based System?" A to Z Teacher Stuff, 27 Sept. 2018, https://forums.atozteacherstuff.com/index.php?threads/standards-based-grading-in-a-traditional-percent-based-system.204248/. Joe Rogan & Dr Phil Why 1/3 of Americans CAN'T READ. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5TMe1j4w9c. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. Kondo, Annette. "LAUSD Switches From Letter to Number Grades." Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 1999, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-06-me-19434-story.html. Littleton, Cynthia. "'Dr. Phil' Talk Show to End in Spring After 21 Seasons." Variety, 1 Feb. 2023, https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/dr-phil-talk-show-end-oprah-cbs-1235508811/. Log in or Sign up to View. https://www.facebook.com/login/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. Morrison Academy Grading Handbook. Morrison Academy, 2019, https://www.ma.org.tw/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2019-grading-handbook.pdf. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/No-Child-Left-Behind-Act. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. "The Grading Conference." The Grading Conference, https://thegradingconference.com/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. TikTok - Make Your Day. https://www.tiktok.com/@theoldermillennial.1/video/7355532946637475103. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. u/alanboston405. "When They Lower the Scale It's Not the Students Who Are Being Graded, but the Teachers." Reddit.Com/r/Idiocracy, 6 Apr. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/idiocracy/comments/1bwzenp/when_they_lower_the_scale_its_not_the_students/. u/anonymousdong51. "California Grading Scale Real?" Reddit.Com/r/Teachers, 9 Apr. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/1bzthcc/california_grading_scale_real/. "We're Doomed." Reddit.Com/r/Mildlyinfuriating, 6 Apr. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfuriating/comments/1bx0yjp/were_doomed/. https://www.powerschool.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-standards-based-grading/. Accessed 10 Apr. 2024. Russia damaged two DTEK thermal power plants in its latest overnight mass attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, according to a press release on April 11 from DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company. DTEK's facilities were targeted at least 10 times in March as Russia renewed its campaign of attacks against Ukrainian energy infrastructure, resulting in 80% DTEK's thermal generating capacity being damaged or destroyed. The latest attack resulted in serious damage to two plants, DTEK said, without specifying their location. As soon as the attack ended, energy workers "quickly began to eliminate the consequences and restore the operation of the equipment," and according to preliminary information, there were no casualties, DTEK said. Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine overnight on April 11, targeting critical infrastructure in multiple regions with 40 drones and 42 missiles. According to the Air Force, the main direction of the attack was Lviv Oblast, where a gas distribution facility and a substation were targeted. A drone strike caused a fire at a critical infrastructure facility in Kyiv Oblast, which came under attack for over five hours, Governor Ruslan Kravchenko said. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told residents to expect power outages and said that the metro would be out of service for several hours. Read also: German state-owned gas trader considering storing natural gas in Ukraine again Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Dump Day in Sacramento: How residents can dispose of excess garbage for free (FOX40.COM) Sacramento residents will have a couple of chances to get rid of excess trash for free. Caltrans is hosting Dump Day events from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on April 13 and May 18 at 8491 Fruitridge Road in Sacramento. People planning to dump trash at the event will need to be prepared to show their ID and a utility bill with an address within Sacramento city limits, according to Caltrans. Staff will be on site and will limit how much of some types of waste will be accepted, the agency said. Officials said waste may not be accepted once space is filled. Caltrans said it will accept the following items on a limited basis: General household garbage and waste such as metal, plastic, fiberglass, fabric, glass, untreated wood, and landscape trimmings Up to four tires per vehicle (must be removed from rims) Up to four of each of the following types of bedding waste: mattresses, box springs and futon mattresses (detached from frame or base) E-waste such as televisions, computer monitors and accessories, VCRs, CD/DVD players, stereo equipment and microwaves Hazardous waste such as paint, batteries, oils, aerosol cans, household chemicals, corrosives and hazardous bases (these items will be collected separately) Drugs, 1,000 rounds of ammunition and 19 roosters confiscated from Turlock home Caltrans said it will not accept treated wood waste, concrete, dirt, rocks, asphalt, sand, brick, construction materials, asbestos, and compressed gas. The agency will also not accept appliances with Freon or compressed gas such as refrigerators and air conditioners and waste from commercial trucks or vehicles wont be permitted. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. (Bloomberg) -- Czech lawmakers scrapped a proposal designed to help the government revamp dominant electricity utility CEZ AS, ending a yearlong tussle with investors that have weighed on the share price. Most Read from Bloomberg While the lower chamber of parliament approved a bill on corporate overhauls on Wednesday, it voted to remove a contested clause that would allow the state to take over part of CEZ where it holds 70% without the consent of other owners. Bloomberg reported earlier that the ruling coalition had agreed to adjust the legislation to alleviate shareholders concerns about the fate of the $20 billion company. Last year, the biggest traded power producer in eastern Europe lost about $2 billion in market value on the day when Prime Minister Petr Fialas cabinet approved the draft law. Since then, minority shareholders have threatened lawsuits and some government advisers have warned the plan would pose excessive violation of ownership rights. Read more: Czechs to Scrap Asset Split Plan Weighing on $18 Billion Utility The bill was devised in the midst of Europes energy crisis, which prompted Fiala to declare that the state wanted to gain more control over electricity production. As power and natural gas prices dropped, Fiala has stopped referring specifically to taking over generation assets and has focused on other moves, such as buying gas storage facilities and pipelines. Lets all remember in this assembly where the energy prices were peaking at that time, and when some paternalistic wave of the states approach to energy sector here it was CEZ was rolling across Europe, Karel Haas, the lawmaker supervising the proposal in parliament, said before the vote. The removal of the provision on uneven asset splits gives some relief to CEZ investors, who have also grappled with windfall taxes, declining power prices and a shrinking coal business. CEZ shares rose 2% to 858.5 koruna, the highest close since March 20 and valuing the company at 462 billion koruna ($19.8 billion). Still, the motion complicates the governments efforts to get greater control over energy infrastructure at a time when it plans to build more nuclear reactors that potentially cost tens of billions of dollars. (Updates with closing share price in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv, which has been particularly hard hit by Russian shelling, has ordered the forced evacuation of families with children from 47 villages near the border. These are communities in the three districts of Bohodukhiv, Izyum and Kharkiv, the military governor of the region, Oleh Syniehubov, announced on Thursday via Telegram. However, the regional capital was not affected, he added. The reason for the evacuation was the almost daily shelling of the towns by the Russian army. The governor promised that all those affected would receive the appropriate humanitarian and legal assistance. The day before, a young girl was killed by Russian shelling in the village of Lyptsi in the Kharkiv district, just 10 kilometres from the Russian border. Power infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv, Lviv, Kiev and Zaporizhzhya was hit in renewed heavy Russian missile strikes overnight, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on Facebook on Thursday. Damage was also reported in the Odessa region. The country's largest electricity producer, DTEK, said on Telegram that two of its thermal power plants had been damaged. South of Kiev, the Trypillia thermal power plant was destroyed, the state operator Centrenergo told Interfax Ukraine. None of the plant's employees were injured. A fire had engulfed the turbine house and extinguishing work was continuing. The plant is unable to generate electricity. Following the third serious wave of attacks within a few days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to Western allies to supply Ukraine with more weapons. More than a dozen power plants have been destroyed or put out of action since mid-March. "We need air defence systems and other defence assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions," Zelensky wrote on X, formerly Twitter. He reiterated the point after a meeting in Vilnius on Thursday with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. "For us, air defence is the point number one, priority number one," Zelensky said. Nauseda emphasized that Lithuania would do everything in its power to provide Ukraine with the necessary assistance. "It's not easy, but we are trying to do our best," he said. Lithuania is one of Kiev's staunchest supporters and handed over drone defence equipment, power generators and folding cots to the Ukrainian army on Thursday. At least 10 infrastructure facilities in and around Kharkiv were attacked with missiles overnight, according to Governor Syniehubov. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia deployed six of its Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Of 40 attacking Iranian-made Shahed combat drones, 37 were intercepted, it said. Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. Moscow has repeatedly attempted to paralyse the country's energy supply with airstrikes far into the Ukrainian hinterland. Zelensky was in Vilnius to participate in a summit of states under the so-called Three Seas Initiative, which brings together 13 EU member states situated along the north-south axis between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. He signed a bilateral security agreement with his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics, in which Latvia undertakes to provide Ukraine with annual military support worth 0.25% of its economic output. Also on Thursday, the Ukrainian parliament passed a controversial military mobilization bill - following three months of debate - that requires men between the ages of 18 and 60 to carry their military passes on them and to have them updated within two months. Zelensky recently introduced a law reducing the age for military reservists to 25 from previously 27. This allows men aged between 25 and 60 to be called up for service. Women are free to volunteer. The Ukrainian armed forces have more than 1 million men and women under arms. Potential mobilization is around 5 million, according to the website texty.org.ua. Despite a ban on foreign travel imposed on all those eligible for call-up, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have fled abroad using counterfeit documents since Russia launched its invasion in 2022. The already dangerous situation at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya is getting worse, the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Thursday. The drone attacks on the plant last weekend were "significantly increasing the risk of a nuclear accident," said Rafael Grossi, the head of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At a special meeting of the IAEA board of governors, he urged military decision-makers and the international community to focus on de-escalating the hostilities around Europe's biggest nuclear plant. Representatives of Moscow and Kiev, who were in attendance at the meeting, once again blamed each other for the attacks. Grossi, however, avoided apportioning blame. Grossi announced that he would be travelling to the UN Security Council in New York next week to advocate for the safety of the facility. An energy facility can be seen damaged following a Russian shelling. -/Ukrinform/dpa WATERTOWN Wurth Electronics Midcom, a leader in the manufacture of electronic and electromechanical components, has announced the commencement of construction of a new headquarters building. The new 70,000 square-foot facilitywill serve as the cornerstone of Wurth Electronics Midcoms commitment to innovation and growth in the electronics industry. The state-of-the-art facility will feature eco-friendly design, an employee fitness room, and an outdoor terrace.This investment represents Wurth Electronics Midcoms dedication to providing a n employee-forward workspacefor its staff and facilitating growth toward 225 employees in Watertown. This estimate nearly doubles thecurrent staff capacity over the next 10-15 years. Here is an artist's rendering of the exterior of new headquarters building for Wurth Electronics Midcom in Watertown. Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the new 70,000 square-foot facility. The building was designed around our people, specifically with the employee experience in mind: maximizeddaylight accessibility, alternative workspaces, and an outdoor terrace are some of the most exciting features,Toby Kangas, project manager of the new building, said. Furthermore, the company remains committed to sustainable practices and will pursue Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification for the new facility. As the headquarters for Wurth Electronics Midcom, the Watertown location employs a wide variety of disciplines,including engineering, sales, R&D, marketing and more. It also serves as the warehouse for both North Americaand South America. The company hosts an annual employee conference for a week each summer, where more than 200 employees travel to Watertown from around the Americas. "We are thrilled to embark on this exciting new milestone for our company and mark this as another step towardthe completion of our Vision 2030," Wurth Electronics Midcom President Don Rigdon said. "The construction ofour new headquarters underscores our unwavering commitment to build loyalty with our employees, customers and partners. This will enable us to further enhance our capabilities and deliver an exceptional employeeexperience." Here is an artist's rendering of the workspace area in the new headquarters building for Wurth Electronics Midcom in Watertown. Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the new 70,000 square-foot facility. Co-op Architecture spearheads the design after beating out other architectural firms in a unique designcompetition hosted by the local Watertown business. Gray Construction contracts the build oversight. Construction is slated to begin in May, with expected completion in the spring of 2026. The company invites the public to a groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place at 121 Airport Drive, on Friday, April 26 at 2 p.m. Wurth Elektronik purchased Wurth Electronics Midcom (then Midcom, Inc.) in 2007. At the time of acquisition,just under 50 employees worked at the company. Over the last 17 years, the company has experienced anaverage annual growth rate of 12%. Story continues Here is an artist's rendering of another exterior view of the new headquarters building for Wurth Electronics Midcom in Watertown. Construction is scheduled to begin in May on the new 70,000 square-foot facility. The Wurth Elektronik group is comprised of more than 40 companies around the world and belongs to the larger Wurth Group, a family-owned entity with 400 companies in over 80 countries. The Wurth Group celebrates sales of EUR 20.4 billion, according to preliminary financials in the 2023 fiscal year. For more information about Wurth Electronics Midcom's new building and updates on the construction progress,visit the Companys Facebook page or stop by the temporary headquarters at 1425 Mickelson Drive, near theTerry Redlin Art Center. This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: New headquarters building for Wurth Electronics Midcom in Watertown Experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that while the Ukrainian military effectively utilises drones, it cannot fully compensate for the critical shortage of essential ammunition. Source: ISW Details: The effective use of drones by Ukrainian military personnel on the battlefield cannot fully compensate for the critical shortage of essential ammunition across the entire theatre of operations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in an interview with the German publication Bild, published on 10 April, that Ukraine successfully produces drones, but they cannot replace air defence systems, long-range missile systems, or artillery. As analysts point out, Ukraine's ability to repel mechanised attacks using drones provides partial mitigation; however, the persistent shortage of artillery deprives Ukrainian forces of the ability to rapidly and extensively destroy combat vehicles. However, US General Christopher Cavoli, the Supreme Commander of NATO's Allied Forces Europe, warned on 10 April that Russian forces currently have a five-to-one advantage in artillery, but they could have a ten-to-one advantage "within weeks" if the United States continues to delay providing military assistance to Ukraine. Experts also point out that the threat of a Russian offensive operation in Kharkiv or Sumy appears to compel the Ukrainian military to redistribute their limited forces and resources to construct defensive fortifications in these areas, and an active Russian operation to capture these cities would only further boost this dynamic. "Ukrainian forces will likely not be able to contest the theatre-wide initiative and more proactively allocate their resources without continuing to address their manpower issues and receiving additional Western aid," the report reads. To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 10 April: The Ukrainian militarys effective use of drones on the battlefield cannot fully mitigate Ukraines theatre-wide shortage of critical munitions. Zelenskyy stated that there are no mitigations for insufficient air defence systems and indicated that Russian strikes are forcing Ukraine to reallocate already scarce air defence assets to defend Kharkiv City. Zelenskyy warned about the threat of a potential future Russian ground offensive operation targeting Kharkiv City, which would force Ukraine to reallocate some of its already-strained manpower and material capabilities away from other currently active and critical sectors of the front. The Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada considered and adopted provisions from Ukraines draft mobilization law on 10 April as part of an ongoing effort to increase the sustainability of Ukrainian mobilization over the long term. Russian officials continue to indicate that they are not interested in any meaningful negotiations on the war in Ukraine amid Switzerlands announcement that it will host a global peace summit on the war on 15 and 16 June. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov attempted to downplay tension in Armenian-Russian relations amid Armenias continued efforts to distance itself from political and security relations with Russia. Russian Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin claimed that Russia has no economic reason to import foreign labour, a direct contradiction of Russian President Vladimir Putins recent efforts to justify Russias current migration laws to his xenophobic ultranationalist constituency. Russian forces recently captured Ivanivske, a settlement east of Chasiv Yar, and advanced near Avdiivka. Eight Russian senators and 16 State Duma deputies submitted a bill to the Russian State Duma that would likely allow Russian authorities to deploy Russian Federal Penitentiaries Service (FSIN) employees to Ukraine, amid reports that Russia is intensifying its crypto-mobilization efforts. Support UP or become our patron! Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson "succumbed to his battle with cancer" on Wednesday, according to a family statement on social media. The football star and actor was acquitted in 1995 in what was called "the trial of the century," for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. Three years after Simpsons criminal trial he was found liable in a civil suit brought by the victims families. Following is an article by Cindy Ramirez capturing the reactions of El Pasoans as they watched the verdict on live television: October 4, 1995, El Paso Times O.J. verdict drama lures El Pasoans No matter who you are, no matter what you were doing, the world came to a halt Tuesday at 11 a.m. El Paso Time. From the halls of education to the halls of justice to the halls government, all activity ceased as El Pasoans hunkered down in front of television sets to hear the verdict of the century. Here are glimpses of some of some of those scenes: Learning a lesson Eighth-graders in Carlos Hernandez's social studies class at Coldwell school sat silently as the verdict was read, some biting their nails, others squirming in their seats. Fists clenched, the student's reaction to the not-guilty verdict was a few dropped jaws and more silence, interrupted only by a few sighs and Hernandez's voice asking what they had learned from the trial. "It doesn't work," student Carlos Estrada said as he shook his head. "Why would it take a year for that whole trial," another student interrupted, "then just four hours for a verdict?" Hernandez said he hopes his students, and youngsters everywhere, don't' lose faith in the system and instead turn into adults willing to make it better. "Maybe this will teach them they need to take civic responsibilities seriously," he said. More: O.J. Simpson, football star turned celebrity murder defendant, dead at 76 TVs at work Now that O.J. Simpson is a free man, El Pasoan Teresa Almanzan is happy, relived and ready to tell the world "I told you so." "I'm a fan of O.J. and I never believed he could have done it," Almanzan, 47, said shortly after hearing the verdict. "There was a reasonable doubt, a lot of doubt. I feel bad for the victims' families, but there's no way you can send someone to prison for years if you're not really sure they committed the crime." Almanzan, like hundreds of El Pasoans and people across the nation, tuned in to television coverage Tuesday morning. She took a portable TV to work to see and hear the verdict in what is being dubbed the trial of the century. "After all this time and following it live, I had to watch it," said Almanzan, branch and escrow manage at Stuart Title Co. "I didn't want to hear about it later or over the radio. I wanted to see it, to watch his face." (FILES) Photo dated 21 June 1995 shows former American football player and actor O.J. Simpson looks at a new pair of Aris extra-large gloves that prosecutors had him put on during his double-murder trial in Los Angeles. Simpson describes in a Fox television interview "how he would have carried out" the murder of his ex-wife and her friend, which he has denied committing for more than a decade, the network said 15 November 2006. The two-part interview with Simpson, who was acquitted of the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ron Goldman, will broadcast 27 and 29 November in a special titled "OJ Simpson: If I Did It, Here's How It Happened." "O.J. Simpson, in his own words, tells for the first time how he would have committed the murders if he were the one responsible for the crimes," Fox said. "In the two-part event, Simpson describes how he would have carried out the murders he has vehemently denied committing for over a decade," it said. AFP PHOTO/Vince BUCCI/FILES (Photo credit should read VINCE BUCCI/AFP/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: DCA94 More: O.J. Simpson through the years O.J. withdrawal Now that Simpson's trial is finally over, O.J. junkies like Almanzan say they're going to miss the coverage, which became part of their regular routine. "My kids told me I was going to go into withdrawals," Almanzan said. "I used to watch Geraldo Rivera's program on trial coverage whenever I could. It came on every night." Others say the nightly news will seem boring without the trial, even though they conceded the DNA evidence almost lost them. "I've pretty much been following since it started," said Julia Kraybin of West El Paso. "I'm at home anyway with my 7-month-old and it kind of helped break the monotony of housework and changing diapers. I kind of feel involved in it. To be honest, I learned a lot and thought it would be interesting to be a lawyer." Of course, others are glad the trial is over and hope Simpson eventually fades out of daily news reports. "I'm so sick of all this O.J. stuff. I was sick of it a month after it started," said Raymond Ontiveros of East El Paso. "I think the jury was biased to begin with but they've spoken. Let's get over this and worry about all the crime that's being committed that no one seems to be caring abut too much." OJ Simpson at the Buffalo International Airport signing autographs with his son, Jason (R.) The university view First the audience burst into nervous laughter as Tom Brokaw on NBC News spoke in a hushed whisper over camera images of a silent and tense Los Angeles courtroom. His words: "There is nothing we can do or say that would add to the suspense at this moment." Then the crowd of hundreds crammed into the far east end of the University of Texas at El Paso Student Union, seemed to hunker down and await the verdict. If someone spoke they were immediately hushed. The verdict was read. "Not guilty." and cheers burst out from the majority of students watching the broadcast. Some hugged, others exchanged high fives, and some jumped in the air, pumping their fists. "O.J., you know, that's a family guy. When you see O.J. you don't picture him as a killer," said a relieved Hal Stansbury, a UTEP freshman student athlete. Others agree: "I never thought he did it," student Marilyn Lisser said. "Yeah, he beat his wife ... but he loved her." Student Hillary Smith said, "I think he did it but the defense did plant reasonable doubt." Oct. 4, 1995: Derrick Roach watched the O.J. Simpson verdict in the TV section of the Circuit City on Sunland Park Drive. Watching at stores Whether people kept up with trial coverage or not, Tuesday's promise of a verdict at 11 a.m. drew curious viewers off the streets to the nearest television. At Circuit City on Sunland Park Drive, employees and about 10 customers lined up in front of rows of the electronic store's big screen TVs. Many tapped their feet nervously and sighed while awaiting the announcement. When it came, two young men gave each other high-fives. Women standing next to them put their hand on their mouths and shook their heads, some gasping. "I'm very disappointed," said Nannette Lesser, a Circuit City employee. "I think they had enough evidence. What bothers me most was the racism claim. That's not what it was about, It was about two people who were brutally murdered." October 4, 1995, El Paso Times City Hall reaction City Council finished its regular meeting Tuesday moments before the verdict was read. More than two dozen city officials, as well as residents from the private sector, gathered around two TV monitors hanging above the gallery. Several people sighed, seemingly in relief, the moment they heard the words "not guilty." Others stared at the TV in silence. A Lone Star Security guard who had been watching the drama play out on TV quickly grabbed a two-way radio and began broadcasting to his colleagues "He's innocent! I told you so." Another security guard, Ricardo Estrada, who keeps watch over the first-floor entrance to City Hall said he wasn't surprised by the verdict. "I kind of knew they would find him not guilty," Estrada said. He said the difference was the quality of O.J.'s defense team. "All that money, he bought himself something." But Estrada also said he had reasonable doubts throughout the trial. "They didn't find a weapon," he said, "Nobody saw who did it. The glove didn't fit." Trish Long may be reached at tlong@elpasotimes.com or 915-546-6179. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: OJ Simpson trial: El Paso reacts to verdict in murder trial A ballot box is seen on Super Tuesday in Denver, March 5, 2024. (Kevin Mohatt for Colorado Newsline) Defenders of democracy in the aftermath of the 2020 election triumphed against lie-fueled efforts to subvert the will of voters. But the forces behind those attacks on democracy never went away. The election deniers of four years ago are back at work planning election subversion in 2024. Their hostility to democracy has deepened, their methods have matured, their conspiracies have metastasized, and their ill intent has hardened. Heading into November, free and fair elections are at even greater risk. So-called election integrity groups plan to disrupt election processes, and the Republican Party for years has nurtured the falsehood that elections cant be trusted. Colorado is a blue state that would never vote for the big lie originator, former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive GOP presidential nominee. But it is the site of widespread election subversion activity, and several homegrown election deniers have strong ties to individuals and organizations that could compromise elections in Colorado and elsewhere. Mike Lindell, the pillow salesman and staunch Trump ally, who is among the most influential election deniers in the country, in late 2021 launched election integrity organization Cause of America after observing the work of a similar Colorado-based group, U.S. Election Integrity Plan. Colorado resident Shawn Smith, who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection, was named president of the organization. Founded on the baseless premise that elections cant be trusted, Cause of America has since become one of the primary hubs for grassroots election integrity organizing and activity. A group representative took part in an April 4 virtual meeting of election conspiracists that, notably, featured an appearance by Republican National Committees Christina Norton, election integrity director, demonstrating an alarming alignment of the national party, its presidential nominee and extremists who once were relegated to the fringe. The civic decay that results from the mainstreaming of election misinformation is already appearing throughout the state, including threats of violence against election officials. Few public officials have had to endure or more courageously withstood physical intimidation like Jena Griswold, the Colorado secretary of state. The New York Times this week published audio clips of threatening voice messages sent to Griswold. I cant wait to find you and follow you to your house and expose your address, one person said. Another told her, I hope you die, painfully. The Times also reported that Griswold has received hundreds of threatening messages, emails and social media posts, including death threats. As Newslines Sara Wilson has reported, almost half of Coloradans this year will vote in a county that has a different chief local election official than the one who oversaw the previous presidential election. An increasingly stressful work environment and harassment toward election workers was a major reason for this unusual turnover. I hope you die, painfully. Phone message left for Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold An increasing number of Republican county canvass board members are refusing to sign off on local vote counts, The Denver Post reported this week. The board members say, without justification, that they distrust the election process. Its concerning any time people want to play political games or score cheap political points with our elections, Matt Crane, a Republican who is executive director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, told the outlet. Such malign local activism exemplifies the tactics developed by a growing number of national election subversion initiatives, which seek to mobilize thousands of on-the-ground volunteers in every state. In recent weeks, these groups have held training sessions about how to organize on a hyperlocal level to monitor polling places and drop boxes, challenge voter registrations en masse, and intimidate and harass voters and election officials, Wired reported this week. Democracy Docket, the progressive election-news site, reports that such groups are planning widespread voter challenges. New Republican election vigilante groups are cropping up around the country to lodge mass challenges against unsuspecting voters seeking to deprive them of the right to vote, the Docket reported this month. Among the most noxious of national election subversion groups are True the Vote, United Sovereign Americans and Election Integrity Network, in addition to Cause of America. The threat to democracy that election subversion efforts poses goes beyond elections themselves. These groups hope to secure for Trump another term in the White House. But democracy is loathsome to Trump, who attempted a violent coup to stay in power and who would rule as an autocrat if he regained the presidency. Every person who wants to preserve democracy has a role to play in protecting it. Many democracy experts advise people to consider what they can do every day in their own lives and among family and friends to promote democratic values and push back against misinformation. The Brennan Center for Justice has published a paper about How States Can Prevent Election Subversion in 2024 and Beyond. County election offices invite community members to help administer elections and ensure the integrity of vote tallies. Democracys enemies might be organizing and planning, but its defenders can organize, too. At stake in the contest between the two sides is the preservation of free and fair elections in America. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Election subversion efforts in 2020 were bad. Now theyre worse. appeared first on Colorado Newsline. Mpox cases have been elevated since October, with an average of roughly 200 monthly cases detected per month, spurring efforts to avoid a summer surge like what was seen in 2022. Recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a startling difference between the first quarter of 2023 and 2024, with the first three months of this year seeing nearly double the rate of cases seen the same time last year. Federal health officials have cautioned against making year-to-year comparisons. When reached for comment on the current situation, a CDC spokesperson told The Hill that while the U.S. is seeing more cases than a year ago, there is still a low level of risk for most people. According to the CDC, 771 mpox cases were detected between October and December of 2023, while 576 cases were detected between January and March 16 of this year. Health experts monitoring the trend are calling for targeted action. I would encourage them to continue to provide the information so that people have the information to make decisions about their preventative health care, and also to increase their communication efforts, Brian Hujdich, executive director of the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health, told The Hill. The outbreak in 2022 spread mostly among men who have sex with men. Gay and bisexual communities were credited with doing much of the work to tamp down the outbreak by practicing more caution in social and sexual encounters, and getting vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine Jynneos. According to Hujdich, the continued presence of mpox in the U.S. reflects the inequitable access that different communities have to immunization. He attributed this to the fact that the mpox vaccine was only available through public health agencies up until recently, meaning factors such as distance from a clinic or supply stood in the way. Bavarian Nordic, the manufacturer of Jynneos, announced last week that its product would now be commercially available in the U.S., expanding access and allowing patients to get vaccinated where theyre able to or where theyre more comfortable. A study released by the CDC last year found that two-thirds of people eligible for mpox vaccination remained unimmunized. Jay Varma, chief medical officer at SIGA Technologies and former health adviser to former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio (D), said he wasnt surprised by the recent rise in cases. He noted that the behavioral changes gay and bisexual men made during the outbreak were hard to sustain, and our understanding of how long protection from vaccination lasts hasnt been fully established. We know that the duration of protection may vary a lot, and it may decline, and the only way to know that durability of a vaccines protection is to wait for time, right? Theres no time machine that tells you ahead of time how long its going to last, said Varma. In the U.S., mpox still remains largely contained to the social networks of men who have sex with men, not yet becoming a pathogen of concern for the general public. But Varma warned that this could change, pointing to the mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where heterosexual encounters between men and sex workers are a major vector of transmission. Concerns of another major surge in the U.S. are growing as the country gets close to the summer when travel and social gatherings pick up. Hujdichs organization is currently planning an awareness campaign to launch ahead of the summer, while federal health officials have their own preemptive plan. The federal government launched its interagency Summer of Pride initiative last year to advance health equity in the LGBTQ community. One of the hallmark achievements of this program that the Department of Health and Human Services cites is the mobilization of education around mpox vaccinations. A CDC official confirmed that the initiative will continue on into 2024 with a focus on addressing mpox vaccinations. The initiative will highlight Jynneoss efficacy as well as immunization disparities observed among Black and Latino men. The Summer of Pride Initiative for LGBTQI+ Events started in 2023, and will continue into 2024, a CDC spokesperson told The Hill. Planning is in the early stages. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. EMANUEL COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) An Emanuel County woman who was found guilty for the 2022 murder of a Swainsboro resident has been sentenced to life with a possibility of parole. According to District Attorney Tripp Fitzner, the District Attorney for the Middle Judicial Circuit of Georgia, an Emanuel County jury convicted Peggy Milton on Wednesday, April 10th, of the 2022 felony murder of Swainsboro resident 31-year-old Nicholas Jovantay Hall. Milton, a resident of Twin City, was 34 years old at the time of the shooting. According to authorities, Emanuel County 911 received a call of a male being shot on Stokes Street in Twin City, GA, in an area on the edge of town near the Twin City Cemetery, on July 9th, 2022, around 9 P.M. ALSO ON WJBF: Evans woman arrested for allegedly abusing infant Authorities say upon their arrival, they found that Hall had been shot once. Upon the coroners arrival shortly after, Hall was pronounced dead and Milton was arrested at the scene. According to Emanuel County Sheriffs Office, Hall and Milton were playing cards with others at a private residence in Twin City at the time, Hall and Milton were in a relationship with one another. During their investigation, Emanuel County Sheriffs Office were told that Milton accused Hall of cheating and left the game to go out to her vehicle parked in the front yard of the residence. Hall followed her, according to Emanuel County Sheriffs Office, asking her to give him the cigarettes she had. While inside her car, Milton retrieved a firearm and turned to go back inside the residence. Hall continued to follow, asking for the cigarettes Milton had. The case against Milton alleged that, once Milton reached the front of the residence, she turned to face Hall, who was still following her, raised the firearm, and fired a single shot, which struck Hall in the head. At the time of her arrest immediately following the shooting, Milton was charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. According to the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles, offenders who receive a life sentence for a serious violent crime on or after July 1st, 2006, will not be considered for parole until they have served 30 years that means Milton will be in her 60s before she is eligible for parole. Miltons life sentence will require her to complete five years of probation once she is released, according to Emanuel County Sheriffs Office. On his Offices social media page, D.A. Fitzner wrote Wednesday, Today, an Emanuel County jury convicted Peggy Milton of the 2022 felony murder of Nicholas Hall in Twin City. The defendant was sentenced to life with parole by [Chief Judge Robert S.] Reeves. D.A Fitzner went on to thank Sheriff Jeff Brewer and the Emanuel County Sheriffs Office for all of their work in the investigation of this case, as well as Assistant District Attorney Aaron Palmer for his hard work in both preparing for and trying this case. D.A. Fitzner closed his online remarks with best wishes for the family of Hall, saying, While nothing our court system can do will bring Nick back, we hope this brings closure to his family. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Envirothon 2024 Augusta County high school students were part of the Envirothon at Grand Caverns in Grottoes Wednesday, April 10. GROTTOES A recent poll of youth conducted by a non-partisan, independent research organization at Tufts University showed that, along with the economy and gun violence, the environment was one of the main issues that concerned youth ahead of the 2024 election. Rich Wood, the education and outreach coordinator for the Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District, realizes that teenagers worry about the environment. He believes the Envirothon competition, held this week at Grand Caverns, helps connect students to very real problems in our world today. "In today's world they hear about it, they see on their phones about climate change, the environmental aspects of our planet, it's in every aspect of our lives," Wood said. "We try to make the connections to whatever they're reading about, seeing or hearing. Why is climate change important? Because our natural resources are limited. It's all about connections." Wood said the students who are taking part in the event will be the decision makers in this world as they finish school and move into their careers. Augusta County high school students were part of the Envirothon at Grand Caverns in Grottoes Wednesday, April 10. High school students from Riverheads, Fort Defiance, Stuarts Draft and Wilson Memorial took part in the district event Wednesday. On Thursday, Stuarts Draft, Shelburne and Stewart middle school students will compete. Wood added a middle school competition three years ago when he moved to Virginia. He wanted students to have experience in the event before they got to high school. Envirothon is an environmental learning competition that is held throughout the United States. Students learn about wildlife, soils, aquatics, forestry as well as a current environmental topic that changes from year to year. Wood said they begin studying for the competition during first semester and, on the day of the competition, they take part in field exams and written tests. In Wednesday's competition, Fort Defiance finished first, followed by Riverheads and Stuarts Draft. All three advance to the area Envirothon April 30 at McCormick Farm in Raphine. From there teams can advance to the state event in May at Radford University. "They get to come out, enjoy a nice day and learn about the natural resources," Wood said. "They also get to meet resource professionals because our judges are usually the resource professionals in their field." Shelburne Middle School's economics fair Shelburne seventh-graders recently took part in an economics fair, a simulation that teaches students about the challenges and success of entrepreneurship. STAUNTON Shelburne seventh-graders have spent the second semester learning about economics. On Friday, April 5, the middle school students got a chance to put what they learned into practice at the school's economics fair. While this used to be an annual event, this was the first year since the pandemic that Shelburne has held the simulation that teaches students about the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship. Corrina Hunter is a civics and economics teacher at Shelburne. "To kind of make it fun, because not everyone finds economics fun, students got to create their own businesses," Hunter said. The seventh-grade hallway was transformed into Shelburne's very own market Friday. Students sold their goods and services throughout classrooms and hallway. Before Friday, students had to apply for business licenses, complete food service training, advertise their goods and services, and determine supply and demand. There were businesses focused on food, games, crafts and more. Consumers used play money to purchase the goods. Shelburne seventh-graders recently took part in an economics fair, a simulation that teaches students about the challenges and success of entrepreneurship. Logan Campbell, 13, and friends created Four Guys Waffles and Coffee, selling mini Belgian waffles and iced coffee. "It's been phenomenal," Campbell said of business, a half hour into opening shop for the day. "We've already sold more than I expected. I've been tipped like five times." Hunter said teachers stressed to the sudents to think about their audience. They were selling to teachers, adults and fellow students. Only seventh-graders participated. Penelope Gundling, 13, created a business selling cookies, brownies, pudding cake and peanut butter balls. "I love baking a lot," Gundling said. Gundling said one lesson she learned was not to underestimate the time commitment in preparing to open a business. She said it took longer than expected to prepare the sweets for her shop. "I was expecting it to take one or two nights," she said. "And it took more than that." Hunter said there is nothing quite like a hands-on learning experience like the economics fair. "They don't realize they're getting excited about learning," Hunter said. "It gets them excited in a way that we can't really replicate through a computer. I think it's important, especially since our education system has become a lot more digitized, to have these real life experiences for students." Shelburne seventh-graders recently took part in an economics fair, a simulation that teaches students about the challenges and success of entrepreneurship. Waynesboro names new assistant principals WAYNESBORO Michelle Shiflett has been appointed as the assistant principal for William Perry Elementary School, while Dana Folks will assume the role of assistant principal for Kate Collins Middle School. The appointments were announced at the April meeting of the Waynesboro School Board. Both Shiflett and Folks will begin their new roles on July 1. Shiflett began as an aide in Waynesboro Public Schools, progressing through various roles including teaching second and third grade, serving as a reading specialist, and assuming administrative responsibilities before being appointed assistant principal. Shiflett holds a bachelors degree from Mary Baldwin University in English with a minor in elementary education, a masters of education degree from Mary Baldwin University in reading, and a doctorate from Liberty University with a focus on educational leadership and supervision PK-12. Folks has prior experience in Staunton City Schools and Augusta County Public Schools, as well as a school division in Corpus Christi, Texas. Folks has been a family and consumer sciences teacher. She holds a bachelors degree from Bridgewater College in family and consumer sciences and a masters degree from James Madison University in educational leadership. Dr. Shiflett and Mrs. Folks are collaborative, servant leaders who will partner with teachers and parents to meet the unique academic, social/emotional, and behavioral needs of the students at William Perry and Kate Collins," said Jeffrey Cassell, Waynesboro's superintendent. "Their leadership will complement the outstanding work of Dr. Sharon Barker, the principal of William Perry, and our administrative team at Kate Collins, which includes Principal Marcy Nester, along with Assistant Principals Amy Christian and Ryan McLaughlin. More: Gov. Youngkin's budget action: Zero vetoes, a record 233 amendments, 3% raise for teachers More: Augusta County School Board approves revised library book policy Patrick Hite is The News Leader's education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com. This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County students compete in Envirothon; Shelburne holds economics fair Estonian foreign minister says Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries are self-defence Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna believes that Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries are justified since they help curb Russia's revenues and make it harder for Russia to wage war. Source: Tsahkna on Twitter (X) on Thursday (11 April), as reported by European Pravda Details: Tsahkna noted that Ukraine's attacks on Russian oil refineries should not be overly dramatised since Russia is systematically destroying Ukraine's energy infrastructure and continues the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). "What Ukraine is doing is self-defence. Ukraine is striking military targets which directly provide fuel for the war machines that destroy people & homes in Ukraine," the minister said. Tsahkna stressed that oil and gas revenues allow Russia to pursue its bloody aggression. "If strikes against military targets on Russian soil help to decrease Russian revenues & make it more difficult for Russia to wage this war, then the strikes serve the right goal," the Estonian minister stressed. Tsahkna believes that the only thing left for Ukraine's supporters to do is provide Ukraine with air defence systems to protect its citizens, cities, and infrastructure. Background: Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics stated that Ukraine has every right to strike Russian oil refineries after the latest Russian attack on Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that Ukraine has the right to strike "legitimate military targets" outside its borders. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has recently criticised the Ukrainian strikes on the refineries, questioning their impact on the war. Support UP or become our patron! Estranged husband took Uber to wifes house, snuck in and killed her, PA officials say A Pennsylvania womans estranged husband is accused of taking an Uber to her home, climbing through a window and killing her, officials say. Police in Springfield Township searched the house on the morning of April 10 and found the woman, 37-year-old Elizabeth Shea, dead inside the main bedroom, according to an April 11 news release from the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. She was on the floor of the bedroom with obvious cut wounds to her head and neck, prosecutors said. Officers went to check on her after receiving a call from a dog day care center in the area, as there was concern when she didnt show up to work that morning, WCAU reported. A window-mounted air conditioning unit had been pushed out of the way and investigators said they believe that is how the husband got inside. There were multiple cameras installed at the home, and four hard drives and three cellphones had been discarded in the bathroom sink and toilet, officials said. Its not clear if any video could be obtained from the hard drives or if they were successfully destroyed. In January, Sheas husband was charged with assault following a domestic violence incident and, in March, he was evicted from the home and served a protection from abuse letter by police, WCAU reported. Detectives learned that the husband, 37-year-old Kenneth Shea, had called an Uber to pick him up from his hotel after midnight on the day his wife was found dead. Ubers records show Shea was dropped off on a street near his wifes home, then got a ride back to his hotel at about 3:37 a.m. Police from neighboring Bensalem waited outside Sheas hotel room and arrested him as he exited, the release said. This is a tragic case, and our hearts go out to the family of Elizabeth Shea, District Attorney Kevin Steele said in the release. Her husband is facing charges of murder in the first, second and third degrees, and was arraigned on April 11, officials say. He was booked into the Montgomery County Correctional Facility. Springfield Township is a suburb of Philadelphia and is a roughly 10-mile drive west of the citys downtown. Armed husband clings to hood of car as kidnapped wife makes bold escape, Texas cops say Chainsaw-wielding man in Scream costume kills neighbor inside PA home, cops say Man kidnaps, sexually assaults and robs woman working out with friends, Texas cops say Missing mom, child found dead in ditch on eve of custody hearing, Texas officials say (Bloomberg) -- Poland and Hungary, former political allies that are now at opposite ends of the spectrum, rejected contentious new European Union legislation on the hot-button issue of migration. Most Read from Bloomberg Polands Donald Tusk and Hungarys Viktor Orban separately issued strong condemnations after the European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a text aimed at managing arrivals to the continent. The strong words highlighted the perceived political risks of embracing any solution on an issue thats become a rallying point for nationalists, especially ahead of EU-wide elections in June. Slovakias government has also rejected the legislation. The #MigrationPact is another nail in the coffin of the European Union, Orban, whose country takes over the blocs rotating presidency in July, said on X. Hungary will never give in to the mass migration frenzy! We need a change in Brussels in order to #StopMigration! Read more: EU Clears Way for New Immigration Rules Ahead of Elections While the statement from Orban was predictable, it was Tusk who returned to power in Poland last year with the goal of rolling back nationalism and restoring liberal democracy who showed the political toxicity of the issue even for centrists. He said hed find ways to exempt Poland from a mechanism that relocates migrants from front-line countries like Greece and Italy or otherwise obliges them to pay. I have certain possibilities or abilities to build certain alliances and there will certainly be no mechanism for relocation or paying for not accepting migrants, Tusk told reporters in parliament. Its unlikely that the countries will be able to assemble enough support to block the deal, which requires the backing of a qualified majority of member states. EU member states are expected to formally approve it at the end of April. The legislation, the culmination of a decade of difficult negotiations between the blocs 27 member states and the EU assembly, was also criticized by more liberal parties for being too tough on would-be immigrants and asylum seekers. --With assistance from Daniel Hornak. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. CorpGov hosted a fireside chat with Jonathan Feldman, Partner and Head of Shareholder Activism Practice at Goodmans LLP, joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone. They discussed what the most impactful updates in the last decade to shareholder rights are, what U.S. investors need to know about running activist campaigns in Canada and overseas, regulations and market practices, and more. Watch the full recording below: About Goodmans LLP Goodmans LLP is internationally recognized as one of Canadas leading law firms for M&A, capital markets, securities and finance, private equity, real estate, tax, restructuring, dispute resolution, and other business-related specialties. Our clients are business leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors who need counsel from a law firm that is as enterprising, forward-thinking and direct as they are. We work hard to develop the most appropriate solution for any situation and provide clear, concise, and straightforward advice to solve some of their most complex and demanding legal issues. About Jonathan Feldman Jon Feldman is a partner and heads a business law group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jon has extensive experience acting for buyers and sellers in a wide range of industries in both private and public M&A transactions. Jons market leading practice in Canada in the area of shareholder activism is highlighted by his involvement in a number of the most high profile proxy contests representing both dissident shareholders and boards of directors. Jon also provides strategic advice in litigation matters requiring corporate and securities law knowledge. Before joining Goodmans in 2004, Jon was an associate in the M&A Group of White & Case LLP in New York, where he represented clients in a broad range of M&A transactions. Jon is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer by publications including: Chambers Canada (corporate/commercial Ontario), The Legal 500 Canada (corporate M&A), IFLR1000 (M&A), Euromoneys Banking, finance and transaction Expert Guide (M&A), The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (M&A, private equity and corporate finance & securities), The Lexpert/ALM Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada (M&A), and Best Lawyers in Canada (corporate governance, M&A, corporate, leveraged buyouts and private equity). He was recently featured in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023. Jon has also been honoured as one of Lexperts Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40. Story continues Contact: CorpGov.com Editor@CorpGov.com The post Cross-Border Activism: Fireside with Goodmans Partner Jonathan Feldman appeared first on CorpGov. The European Parliament voted on April 11 to pass rules allowing member states to ban imports of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG), Reuters reported. Despite Brussels' target to be free of Russian fossil fuels by 2027, several EU members remain heavily reliant on Russian gas, and imports of liquified natural gas (LNG) from Russia reached record heights last year. The new policy aims to create a legal route for blocking gas deliveries by preventing Russian and Belarusian companies from booking gas infrastructure capacity. This would allow European energy firms to leave contracts with Russian suppliers without paying fees. This measure is a part of Brussels' strategy to reduce the bloc's energy dependency on Russia amid the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Some countries, such as the U.K., Latvia, and Lithuania, have already stopped buying LNG from Russia unilaterally, while Finland announced in January that it plans to ban Russian LNG from 2025. Read also: Reuters: Sanctions may force Russian company to scale back Arctic LNG project Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, speaks at a press conference in the European Parliament on the EU Parliament's vote in favor of the controversial asylum reform. The European Parliament has cleared the way for the controversial EU asylum reform. Jessica Lichetzki/dpa The European Parliament called for the appointment of German EU lawmaker Markus Pieper to an EU business envoy role to be revoked amid accusations of political cronyism. The resolution was passed on Thursday by EU lawmakers from the liberal, Green and centre-left groups in the parliament with 382 EU legislators voting in favour, 144 voting against while 80 abstained. Pieper's appointment has prompted scrutiny because, among other things, in the initial phase of the application process, two female candidates scored higher than the German member of the European Parliament. The German politician only succeeded later in subsequent selection interviews. EU lawmakers in their resolution questioned the basis of Pieper's appointment as European Commission representative for small and medium-sized (SME) enterprises. The resolution cast doubt as to whether "the principles of merit, gender balance and geographical balance" had been taken into account in the appointment of Pieper over the two female candidates. EU lawmakers also highlighted Pieper's membership of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's political party, Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), as a cause of concern. The parliament has called on the commission to start "a truly transparent and open process" to appoint a new person to the SME envoy position. A spokesman for the commission, Eric Mamer said after the vote that there were no plans to reverse the hiring decision. Mamer stressed that all rules had been followed in the selection process. Von der Leyen's staff have repeatedly pointed out that it was normal in application procedures for candidates who performed well in the first rounds of testing not to succeed. The European Parliament on Thursday waived the immunity of German EU lawmaker Gunnar Beck from the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) in connection with allegations of shoplifting and resisting law enforcement officers. A majority of the EU legislature voted to approve the request made by the public prosecutor's office in Dusseldorf in Germany. Further investigations against Beck may now proceed A report from the parliament's legal committee said that the German politician was under investigation for intentional bodily harm, resisting police and the theft of low-value items. According to the report, Beck attempted to steal product samples from a department store in Neuss, Germany in October 2022. A criminal complaint of shoplifting was later filed. Beck allegedly tried to leave the shop and was detained by store detectives. Police then intervened. Beck resisted the store's security personnel, the parliament report states, citing investigators in Germany. The public prosecutor's office in Dusseldorf initially gave no further details when asked. Beck said the accusation were unfounded. He told dpa that the case had been discontinued, but was then reopened for political reasons. "I look forward to a proper procedure," he said. In 2022, Beck was fined 9,200 for misuse of an official title, after presenting himself as "a professor." He argued that he did not intend for his statement, "I am a professor and specialist lawyer in EU law in London" to imply that he had a formal professorship. European diplomats in Washington are frantically working to set up meetings with allies of former president Donald Trump as they prepare for his potential return to the White House, sources familiar with the effort tell CNN. At face-to-face sit-downs in private DC clubs, hotels, embassies and think tanks around town, diplomats are asking questions about Trumps policy intentions and his possible personnel choices, and sending notes back to their European capitals where officials are hungry for any insights as they work to set up guard rails for NATO and try to ensure lasting support for Ukraine in its war with Russia. As ambassadors and diplomatic staffers jostle to make contact with those who might know what Trump is planning, informal lists of some former high-ranking Trump officials are floating around embassies, including former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, National Security Adviser Robert OBrien, and Keith Kellogg, former Vice President Mike Pences top national security adviser. The meetings arent always pleasant and have at times become emotional, but in most interactions, the diplomats simply listen diligently, according to two sources who have been present for some of them. But they are coveted, and in many cases, easier for some diplomats to set up than for others. Ambassadors from larger countries, and those who have been in Washington for several years, are having an easier time tapping into Trumps circle, compared to ambassadors who are new to DC, and those from smaller countries, multiple diplomats said. The activity ahead of Novembers presidential election starkly contrasts the lead up to the 2016 election, when most diplomats assumed Hillary Clinton would win and made little effort to plug-in with Trump allies or any Republican foreign policy circles. Now, theyve learned a key lesson. We are not that nervous because we know that with Trump it is all about relationships, said one veteran European diplomat who has been in DC since the Trump administration. We are working on them, and we are telling the capital that the Prime Ministers office needs to establish a personal connection with Trump right out of the gates. Its unclear how much true influence some of these contacts still have with Trump and his campaign, but sources tell CNN that in some cases diplomats are casting a wide net courting Republican think tanks and seeking meetings with former Trump cabinet members to gain any semblance of insight. A senior adviser to Trump said no meetings were being held at the direction of the campaign. The Continental view Back in Europe, officials from NATO and the European Union are working to harden support for Ukraine in anticipation of a potential Trump administration that almost certainly would be less supportive of the war-torn country. Sources say these efforts have long been eyed but that Trumps rise in the polls and handy victory in the Republican primaries have given them new urgency. Chief among them is establishing a roughly $100 billion NATO fund over the next five years aimed at funneling money into Ukraine. Those funds would be drawn specifically from the alliance members as a way to lock in a base of support ahead of a potential second Trump term. It is future-proofing, said one senior European diplomat familiar with the discussions, explaining that changes being considered will make it more challenging for individual NATO members to alter and disrupt ongoing support for Ukraine as swiftly especially as they anticipate Trump possibly coming into the White House. In Brussels, EU officials are busy examining how to make use of the $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets that have been frozen in the West since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Specifically, they are looking at how to direct interest that has accumulated on the holdings directly toward Ukraine. The move would require the EU coming to an agreement on how Ukraine could use the funds, whether for military expenditures or reconstruction. The EU passed a law earlier this year to set aside windfall profits from the Russian central bank funds, which US officials endorsed. In another sign of NATO countries growing desire to tap into Trumps orbit, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with Trump at the former presidents Mar-a-Lago club on Monday night. Camerons trip to South Florida came as the former prime minister is set to travel to Washington to meet with Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week. A spokesperson for the British government called it standard practice for engagement between ministers and opposition candidates of partner nations. The meeting was setup when the UK government reached out to the Trump campaign suggesting it, said sources familiar with the planning. The pair discussed NATO defense spending, upcoming US and UK elections, Brexit and ending the killing in Ukraine, during their dinner together, according to a readout from the Trump campaign. Cameron refused to get into the details of the meeting but told reporters that he passionately makes the case to anyone that he talks to that backing Ukraine is an investment in US security and good for American jobs. Courting Republicans When NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg visited Washington in January, he gave a speech on the future of NATO at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that is a bastion of the Republican foreign policy establish in Washington. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, DC, on January 31, 2024. - Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The location was handpicked by Stoltenbergs team, an effort to reach out to Republicans given the possibility of Trump winning in November and amid concerns about his commitment to NATO, explained sources familiar with the planning. The speech, which emphasized the collective strength of NATO ahead of its 75th anniversary this summer, was well-received, the sources said. The logic of doing it at Heritage was not lost on us, said Victoria Coates, a deputy national security advisor to former President Trump who is now a vice president at the think tank. Stoltenberg made the case for continued support for Ukraine, but he also noted an understanding of the US imperative to deal with the US border issue urgently. He does not blame anyone for thinking that we need to get that handled, and then move on to Ukraine, Coates said in reflecting on how Stoltenbergs speech nodded to a top Republican priority. Less than two weeks later, Trump went for the jugular. At a political rally Trump proclaimed that he would tell Russia to do whatever the hell they want to any NATO country that doesnt pay enough to the defense alliance. The comments sent chills up the spines of NATO members, said diplomats familiar with the reactions. NATO members are well aware that Trump would press for every member nation to hit their 2% spending contribution, but hearing him lay out such drastic repercussions which would effectively undermine Article 5 was alarming. The comments sent European diplomats into over-drive, eager to understand exactly what Trump meant. We are getting a lot of calls from ambassadors, we know what they are doing, they are pumping us for information and trying to find out what will happen if Trump comes back in, said one former Trump administration official who has had about 30 meetings with European diplomats in DC. The typical Washington parlor games of making connections to those in power is extending to foreign diplomats, who are in some cases looking high and low to make any connections to the former Republican president. The demand signal has been through the roof. People are grazing the entire Republican space, trying to talk to everybody to figure out what is going on, said James Carafano, a vice president at the Heritage Foundation. Random bursts of rage Some of the diplomats were told in their meetings not to take Trump so literally after his comments about NATO at a rally, multiple sources said. It is just campaign talk, it is not what he really thinks, said one European diplomat in describing what they were told. But across the board they were told that living up to the 2% spending goal would not be negotiable, and some had a drastic warning for the alliance if the goal was not achieved. If they are worried about how President Trump is going to react to them, they hold it in their hands to do something about it, Coates said. Theres no one on this planet who can say to them, Oh, its okay. I will persuade Trump not to get out of NATO. And you dont have to worry about the 2%. Anyone who says that to them is lying to them. During those conversations many European ambassadors learned that Trump would consider pushing for a two-tier NATO. The structure would mean that the countries that dont live up to 2% of spending could fall into the second tier of membership, meaning they would not be protected by NATOs Article 5, which guarantees that the resources of the whole alliance can be used to protect any single member nation if its attacked. Hes always talked about the financial crisis of NATO, said a second former Trump official. He will remain serious about that, and we tell them that. As the GOP wrestles over Ukraine funding, European diplomats in DC are watching closely this week as Trump meets with Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Friday. But European diplomats are not only worried about NATO. Trump is known to shoot from the hip and have random bursts of rage, explained one ambassador, citing their concerns about the unpredictable moves. Its more the general, rather than the specific: something may go very, very wrong just because some decision is made basically shooting from the hip, without enough information, without appreciation of the possible second or third order effects, said one senior European diplomat, noting that Trump during his first term engaged regularly in policy by tweet. Asked about Trumps unpredictable nature, one former Trump official explained that even when Trump makes a decision, a process to implement that decision follows. The former official says that he tells embassies around Washington that when Trump had a stated end-goal, his cabinet worked with him on how to achieve it effectively. Some foreign diplomats in DC have been told that Trumps plan to end the Ukraine war would begin with getting both sides to sit down and talk, and pushing for an agreement to halt the fighting, sources said. If Trump wins in November he is likely to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the day after being elected or the day after inauguration to begin coordinating the talks, said a person familiar with Trumps thinking on the matter. Trump would likely use US military aid to Ukraine as leverage to get both sides to the table, the person said. Europeans are worried that following Trumps lead might mean Ukraine losing some territory, but the end goal would be to bring an end to the loss of life. If Ukraine wants continued aid they gotta to sit down and negotiate, and if Russia doesnt want us to give mass amounts of new support to Ukraine then they have to sit down and negotiate, the person said. It does not mean giving into Ukraine or giving Putin all that he wants. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com European Parliament admits it cannot pressure EU states on Patriot air defence systems for Ukraine The European Parliament on Thursday (11 April) refused to vote on the audit of the European Council and Council of the EU budget for 2022 in a bid to compel EU leaders to support Ukraine with additional Patriot air defence systems, though the parliament acknowledged that their pressure was unlikely to be effective. Source: European Pravda, citing Politico Details: Politico noted that the decision of the European Parliament is perceived by many as parliamentary theatrics because the body does not have the authority to force the Council to provide Ukraine with weapons. The two institutions are in a long-running budget dispute, as the Council refuses to participate in parliamentary audits, and the European Parliament has never approved a decision on the implementation of the Council's budget since 2009. Irish MEP Luke Ming Flanagan stated that the Council of the EU did not care about the vote. "They dont care. The Council dont meet with us, dont talk to us, and dont answer questions," Flanagan said. Background: Earlier, a number of MEPs reported an "unprecedented event" as the European Parliament refused to adopt a decision on the Council of the EU budget due to the inability of EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems. Subsequently, Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Liberty's editor in Brussels, said that this decision of the European Parliament could be "political theatre". Support UP or become our patron! European Parliament refuses to agree on funding for Council of the EU until Ukraine is given Patriot systems The European Parliament refused to vote on the financing for the Council of the European Union because EU countries were unable to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems. Source: European Pravda with reference to MEPs present at the meeting Details: Guy Verhofstadt, a long-term MEP and former Belgian Prime Minister, of the Renew Europe political faction, proposed removing budget approval from the European Council agenda until member countries can find the seven Patriot systems that Ukraine urgently needs. Verhofstadt cited the head of European diplomacy's statement that European countries have one hundred Patriot systems, while Ukraine only requires seven. His proposal was met with thunderous applause. The decision is referred to as an unprecedented event. He had the support of 515 European parliamentarians, while 62 were opposed. Quote: "Parliament refuses [the] discharge of the Council budget until [the] European Council decided to support Ukraine with additional Patriot anti-missile systems!" Verhofstadt wrote on Twitter (X). "Just now: The European Parliament has suspended the decision on financing the EU Council for failing to deliver Patriot systems to Ukraine," Andrius Kubilius, a Lithuanian MEP, commented. After another Russian missile attack on the night of 10-11 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine needs strong air defence and other defensive support, not ignoring and lengthy discussions. He stated that some of the assault drones and missiles were shot down, but others still struck critical infrastructure in a variety of locations. Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke with Ukraines allies on Wednesday 10 April about the details of negotiations on the supply of Patriot air defence systems. Kuleba explained the change in Ukraine's tone on the issue of receiving air defence systems from Western partners, saying that "soft and quiet diplomacy hasnt worked". He said he hoped his new style of tough diplomacy would help bring about a breakthrough. Support UP or become our patron! Everything that led up to Lisa Spoors sentencing in the hit-and-run death of a 15-year-old student Everything that led up to Lisa Spoors sentencing in the hit-and-run death of a 15-year-old student FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Lisa Spoors was sentenced to five years behind bars on Wednesday following the death of Hoover High School student 15-year-old Rashad Al-Hakim Jr. in October 2022. Spoors has pleaded no contest in the hit-and-run took place outside the Fresno school. The 40-year-old defendant was charged more than two months after the incident. The charges of murder, DUI causing injury, and hit-and-run resulting in death were filed in January 2023; in February 2024 those charges had been downgraded to vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run resulting in death. Give him justice: Lisa Spoors sentenced, family fights for maximum punishment Here is everything YourCentralValley.com knows about this case back from when it started. On October 4, 2022, Spoors was detained and questioned by police following a hit-and-run incident involving a Hoover High School student, later identified as 15-year-old Rashad Al-Hakim Jr. He succumbed to his injuries a week later and died in the hospital. You stole my world: Mom of Hoover High student killed reacts to Spoors bail reduction On December 22, 2022, Spoors was charged by the Fresno County District Attorneys Office in connection with the death of 15-year-old Rashad Al-Hakim Jr. Spoors turned themselves in five days later on December 27. On January 19, 2023, Spoors was released from jail after posting the standard 10% of their $150,000 bail. Spoors defense attorney, Marc Kapetan, cited his clients financial hardships and argued for Spoors bail to be reduced. Spoors was allegedly paying $4,000 per semester in tuition fees to get a Masters Degree but was terminated as a graduate teaching associate because of this incident. On March 2, 2023, Spoors was back in jail and present in Fresno County Superior Court for a preliminary hearing. On February 23 2024, Spoors pleaded no contest to vehicular manslaughter and hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death. On March 10, Spoors was sentenced to five years behind bars for the death of 15-year-old Rashad Al-Hakim Jr. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. A former Virginia elementary school administrator was indicted last month on eight felony charges in connection to an incident last year in which a 6-year-old student shot his teacher, prosecutors announced on Wednesday. A Newport News special grand jury charged Ebony Parker, the former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School, with eight counts of child neglect, according to a press release by the commonwealths attorney and the special grand jury report released Wednesday. Parkers charges stem from Jan. 6, 2023, whena first-grade student brought his mothers gun to school and shot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner. Multiple school staff members had informed Parker the boy had a gun, but she dismissed those concerns, the report alleged. The grand jury found her criminally liable for her lack of actions because her duties as assistant principal included the responsibility to care for the children in Ms. Zwerners classroom and throughout the school. Students return to Richneck Elementary in Newport News, Virginia, on Jan. 30, 2023, for the first time since a 6-year-old shot his teacher three weeks prior. Billy Schuerman/Daily Press/Newport News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images The day of the shooting, Zwerner told Parker she was concerned about the boys aggression, but Parkerdid not look away from her computer screen or acknowledge Ms. Zwerners presence, according to the report. Another teacher, identified as Ms. Kovac, was informed by two students that the boy had a gun in his bag, according to the report. Kovac went into Zwerners classroom to ask the boy if he had a gun and asked to search his bag, which he denied. According to the report, Kovac told Parker the boy would not let her check his bag and was acting unlike his normal self. Parker did not inquire further with any questions, took no further action, and did not appear to show concern, the grand jury alleged. Kovac later searched the boys backpack, but did not find the gun, according to the report. Kovac then reported to Parker that Zwerner witnessed the boy put something in his jacket. Parkerallegedly replied, He has little pockets. According to the report, the boys friend told another teacher, identified as Ms. West, that the boy had a gun and had shown him the bullets. The friend was visibly scared and shaking, the report read. He said the child would hurt him if he told her. The grand jury alleged that West told Parker the boy had a gun, but Parker responded that the backpack had already been searched. Later that day, a school counselor who spoke with the frightened friend requested permission from Parker to have security search the boy, according to the report. Despite the counselor being the third person to relay concerns to Parker, she denied his request, stating that his mom would come pick him up soon. At 1:58 p.m., the boy pointed [the gun] directly at Ms. Zwerner and, at less than six feet away, pulled the trigger and shot Ms. Zwerner, the report read. Ms. Zwerner looked down to see a pool of blood forming. The child continued to stare at her, not changing his emotional facial expression as he tried to shoot again. The boy was unable to shoot his teacher again because the gun was jammed. The grand jury noted that the firearm had seven more bullets that would have been ready to fire if it hadnt jammed. In a statement released on Wednesday, the citys Commonwealths Attorneys Office clarified that Parker faces one felony count for each of the eight bullets that endangered all the students in the classroom. Since the incident, many parents have filed lawsuits against the school. These charges suggest that there is sufficient evidence that the students of Richneck were placed in peril by the very hands entrusted to protect them, Emily Mapp Brannon, who represents seven of the families impacted by the shooting, told HuffPost in an email. Zwerner has also filed a lawsuit against the school, alleging that Parker had dismissed her concerns. In a statement shared with HuffPost, Zwerners attorneys, Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit, described Parkers charges as very serious and said they underscore the failure of the school district to act to prevent the tragic shooting. The school board continues to deny their responsibility to Abby, and this indictment is just another brick in the wall of mounting failures and gross negligence in their case, the statement read. Newport News Public Schools and the Richneck Elementary School principal did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. The boys mother, Deja Taylor, was charged with child neglect last year in connection to the incident and sentenced to two years in prison in December. Related... NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) More than a year after Abby Zwerner was shot by her 6-year-old student, the schools former assistant principal Ebony Parker, 39, has been charged with eight counts of felony child abuse by a Special Grand Jury. The charges were filed in Newport News Circuit Court. Court documents, which can be viewed here, reveal Parker, being responsible for the care of the student at the school, committed a willful act or omission in the care of said students in violation of Virginia Code: 18.2-371.1(B). She is facing eight total felony counts, each of which is punishable by up to five years in prison. According to the document, the Commonwealth recommends a secured bond of $4,000 and the surrender of her passport, if one exists. Parker had posted bond as of Wednesday afternoon. Report: Security, administrative failures led up to Richneck shooting Criminal charges against school officials following a school shootings are quite rare, experts say. Parker and other school officials already face a $40 million negligence lawsuit from the teacher who was shot, Abby Zwerner. She accuses Parker and others of ignoring multiple warnings the boy had a gun and was in a violent mood the day of the shooting. The lawsuit also alleges that Parker had no response, refusing even to look up when Zwerner expressed her concerns. A guidance counselor also asked Parker for permission to search the boy, but Parker forbade him, and stated that John Does mother would be arriving soon to pick him up, the lawsuit stated. Ebony Parker (Courtesy: Newport News Sheriffs Department) Less than two weeks ago, Zwerners attorneys confirmed that that $40 million lawsuit is going to trial. Complete coverage: Rickneck Elementary School shooting Attorney Emily Mapp Brannon represents several Richneck Elementary School families. These charges suggest that there is sufficient evidence that the students of Richneck were placed in peril by the very hands entrusted to protect them, said Brannon. As a representative of seven families, I remain optimistic that our criminal justice system will provide answers to the Richneck community. For the first time in over a year, the families may find comfort in knowing that the administration is being held accountable. Each of the lawsuits is seeking $3 million in damages, as well as other punitive damages. Attorney details lawsuit against Richneck administrators Zwerners attorneys allege Parker was warned three times before the shooting that the 6-year-old student had a gun, but she failed to call 911 or put the school on lockdown. There was also no security guard on duty that day. These charges are very serious and underscore the failure of the school district to act to prevent the tragic shooting of Abby Zwerner, according to a statement from Zwerners legal team attorneys Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit. The school board continues to deny their responsibility to Abby, and this indictment is just another brick in the wall of mounting failures and gross negligence in their case. Around 2 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2023, while Zwerner was reading to the class, her student shot her. Zwerner was released from the hospital a couple of weeks after the shooting. Newport News police have said the student who shot Zwerner retrieved his mothers handgun from atop a dresser at home and brought the weapon to school concealed in a backpack. Parker resigned from her position as assistant principal 19 days after Zwerner was shot. She and the lawsuits other defendants, which include a former superintendent and the Newport News school board, have tried to block Zwerners lawsuit. Theyve argued that Zwerners injuries fall under Virginias workers compensation law. Their arguments have been unsuccessful so far in blocking the litigation. A trial date for Zwerners lawsuit is slated for January. The Associated Press contributed to this report. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Democratic Majority for Israel has become one of the major players in Democratic primaries, spending millions in competitive races to ensure that the most outspoken critics of the Israeli government never make it to Congress. But some of the money that the groups super PAC is spending on behalf of Eileen Filler-Corn a former speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates running for Virginias 10th Congressional District is a little different. It originated not in the pockets of wealthy Israel supporters, but with Filler-Corn herself. Thanks to the quirks of the federal campaign finance system, some of the money DMFI PAC is likely to spend on Filler-Corns behalf is money she raised during her career in Virginia state politics. Filler-Corns state political action committee, Energized for Change, which supported Democratic candidates for the state legislature over many years, contributed $110,000 to DMFI PAC the day after DMFI PAC endorsed her. Filler-Corns actions and a somewhat different step taken by Del. Dan Helmer, a rival Democrat illustrate the extent to which federal campaign finance law is riddled with loopholes that candidates are finding ever more creative ways to exploit. This represents an aggressive effort to launder big money from a state account into a super PAC, said Brendan Fischer, a campaign finance attorney who now runs the corruption-focused investigative journalism project Documented. Former Virginia House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, now a Democratic congressional candidate, denies having violated federal campaign finance law. Steve Helber/Associated Press Unlike federal campaigns, state-level candidates and PACs are not subject to any contribution limits. So Connor Farrell, a left-wing fundraising consultant, argued in a complaint to the Federal Election Commission in late March that Filler-Corn, who remains in charge of Energized for Change, violated a provision of federal campaign finance law that bars federal candidates from spending or transferring money not subject to federal candidate contribution limits also known as soft money to an entity involved in a federal election. The law states that a candidate for federal office shall not solicit, receive, direct, transfer, or spend funds in connection with an election for Federal office... unless the funds are subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act. Farrell also questioned whether Filler-Corn had an arrangement with DMFI PAC where she secured the groups endorsement with the promise of a donation, which would violate rules barring candidates and campaigns from coordinating with super PACs. It is very likely that the FEC will take more than a year to even decide whether to initiate an official investigation into the complaint. Virginias Democratic primaries are on June 18. Story continues In the meantime, DMFI PAC denied any coordination between the two parties. In this and every instance DMFI PAC is scrupulous in its compliance with the letter and spirit of the law, Rachel Rosen, a spokesperson for DMFI PAC, said in a statement. Frivolous suggestions to the contrary by political opponents should be dismissed. Filler-Corns campaign likewise maintains that she devised a complex method for complying with the laws requirement that any contributions she directed be subject to federal limits. Even though she transferred $110,000 from her state PAC to DMFI PAC in a lump sum, her campaign can account for it in increments of $6,600, the election-cycle contribution limit for individuals giving to federal candidates. The Speaker earned the endorsement of DMFI PAC as well as dozens of others from Democratic leaders and organizations because of her values and track record fighting for Virginia families.Reed Elman, campaign manager, Eileen Filler-Corn for Congress In other words, if a single, individual donor gave Energized for Change more than $50,000 as at least five individuals did Filler-Corn would take $6,600 from each and count it toward the $110,000 total. Filler-Corns campaign did not include contributions from corporations, unions or trade groups in its accounting for the money it transferred to DMFI PAC, the campaign said. And Energized for Change stopped raising money once Filler-Corn announced her federal bid in October, ensuring that she would not be guilty of raising soft money as a federal candidate. The Speaker earned the endorsement of DMFI PAC as well as dozens of others from Democratic leaders and organizations because of her values and track record fighting for Virginia families, Reed Elman, Filler-Corns campaign manager, said in a statement. We are confident the FEC will dismiss this frivolous complaint. Filler-Corn, who was Virginias first Jewish and first female speaker, has framed her campaign, in part, as a response to the Palestinian group Hamas Oct. 7 terror attack against Israel. As a Jewish American, I have deeply felt the tragedies of the past few weeks, she said in her Oct. 18 announcement. Congress has been left rudderless at a time of global uncertainty. The American people and our allies abroad deserve better than this. Other top contenders are sounding similar notes of support for Israels right to defend itself, including Helmer, who is the grandson of Holocaust survivors. The field does have at least one dovish candidate who is in serious contention: state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, who endorsed a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war in late October. Helmer has also leveraged money raised as a state lawmaker for his advantage in a federal race. While his actions have not yet elicited an FEC complaint, they too raise questions about the elasticity of rules regulating super PACs. Until early November, Helmer ran a federal super PAC, Secure Progress, with the goal of helping Democrats take back Virginias House of Delegates and hold the state Senate. On Nov. 7, the day that Democrats retook the Virginia House, Helmer contributed $100,000 left in Secure Progress account to VoteVets, a super PAC that supports Democratic candidates who have served in the U.S. military. Helmer, an Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran, announced his campaign for Congress on Nov. 15. Two days later, VoteVets PAC, an arm of VoteVets, endorsed Helmer. Virginia Del. Dan Helmer, a Democratic rival of Filler-Corn's, transferred $100,000 to VoteVets before declaring his candidacy. He says the group's subsequent endorsement was unrelated. Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post/Getty Images The legal basis for what Helmer did with Secure Progress is, on its face, solid. Unlike Filler-Corn, he was not yet a federal candidate when he made the transfer to a super PAC (though he had already commissioned a poll about his candidacy in October). And Helmers candidacy for Congress would have required him to shutter his federal super PAC, while Filler-Corn could have, in theory, kept her state PAC open while running for federal office. At the same time, the timing of Secure Progress donation to VoteVets enabled Helmer to transfer the money without even having to account for it in the $6,600 increments that Filler-Corn claims to have detailed. And legality aside, the contribution creates the appearance that Helmers donation could have influenced VoteVets decision to endorse him. Dan closed Secure Progress before deciding to run for Congress, and transferred all money in line with federal law, Brendon Mills, Helmers campaign manager, said in a statement. He is grateful to partners like VoteVets, which has previously endorsed Dan in every one of his races dating to 2018, for their work helping elect other Democratic veterans to the Virginia House. The outside backing of either DMFI PAC or VoteVets could prove decisive in a crowded Democratic primary. In addition to Filler-Corn, Helmer and Boysko, former Virginia Education Secretary Atif Qarni and Dels. Suhas Subramanyam and David Reid have mounted serious bids. The winner of the primary would have to defend a suburban and exurban Washington, D.C.-area seat where President Joe Biden won by 18 percentage points in 2020, but where Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D) prevailed by less than 7 points in 2022. Wexton, who flipped the GOP-held seat in 2018, announced plans to retire in September following her diagnosis with a fast-progressing, terminal neurological condition. But there are political risks in Filler-Corns campaign-cash three-card monte. For one thing, pro-Israel groups big spending in Democratic primaries is already controversial. Democratic voters have been telling pollsters they want to see Biden take a firmer line with the Jewish state, whose invasion of Gaza has killed more than 33,000 people, the majority of them women and children, and brought the regions population to the brink of famine. In the best of times, they were never really an aggressive agency.Larry Noble, former general counsel, Federal Election Commission Prior to Filler-Corn, the best-known recent cases of federal candidates testing the limits of the law with transfers from their state PACs involved prominent Republicans. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) both elicited FEC complaints from the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center for allegedly directing state PAC funds not subject to federal contribution limits into super PACs supportive of their bids for federal office. Four FEC commissioners must sign off to proceed with an investigation into a complaint, and no such consensus materialized in Donalds case. In a May 2022 statement, the FECs three Republican commissioners said there was no reason to believe he violated the law, because Donalds resigned as chair of the state PAC prior to the transfer of money. DeSantis, likewise, resigned from the state PAC hed been affiliated with. Filler-Corn, who remains at the helm of her state PAC, is offering a different defense from Donalds. But at least one campaign finance lawyer, who spoke to HuffPost on condition of anonymity, believes it is likely to hold up under FEC scrutiny. Still, the nature of the FECs consideration of the complaint against Donalds speaks to just how porous and poorly enforced the United States already limited campaign finance regulations are. It took nearly two years for the enforcement body to conclude it did not want to investigate Donalds well after Donalds might have suffered the political consequences of a deeper probe. And the structure of the six-person commission, which by statute can have no more than three people from a single party, has rendered it virtually toothless in an era when Republican policymakers believe, almost universally, that campaign donations are protected political speech that should be as lightly regulated as possible. In the best of times, they were never really an aggressive agency, said Larry Noble, a former general counsel at the FEC who teaches campaign finance law at American University Washington College of Law. And now they seem deadlocked. Noble, who was also a general counsel at the Campaign Legal Center, added: We dont really have a campaign finance enforcement system anymore. Related... (FOX40.COM) A former correctional officer from Northern California pleaded guilty on Thursday to accepting bribes to smuggle cell phones into a state medical facility, according to the U.S. Dept. of Justice. The Suisun City man was employed at the California Medical Facility in Vacaville and received more than $45,000 in bribes between 2021 and 2023, the DOJ said. Northern California resident wins $420K jackpot from Hard Rock Casino Inmates paid bribes for the man to smuggle cell phones into the medium security facility, which is dedicated to providing medical, mental and dental health needs of men incarcerated in California, the DOJ said. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which manages state prisons, said thousands of cell phones are confiscated at its facilities every year, with more than 4,200 discovered in 2022, the last full year for which the dept. has published data. The investigation included help from the FBI. The ex-guard will be sentenced on September 12 and could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani's former translator who stands accused of stealing millions of dollars from the baseball superstar, is negotiating a guilty plea with federal investigators, according to a New York Times report. Mizuhara, 39, acknowledged he had a gambling addiction last month in an interview with ESPN and a postgame meeting with the Los Angeles Dodgers during their season-opening series in South Korea; he was fired after attorneys for Ohtani claimed the slugger was victimized by Mizuhara, who used Ohtani's accounts to pay off $4.5 million in debts to an alleged bookmaker. Michael Freedman, a Los Angeles-based attorney and former federal prosecutor, confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that he is representing Mizuhara. He refused comment on whether Mizuhara is negotiating a plea deal with federal officials. It's unclear what charges Mizuhara might face, but the Times, citing three people familiar with the matter, reported that federal authorities believe they have evidence Mizuhara changed settings on Ohtani's account to mute alerts on transactions. Shohei Ohtani (right) and interpreter Ippei Mizuhara attend an NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints at SoFi Stadium on Dec. 21, 2023. Ohtani, 29, grossed nearly $40 million in salary during the time he played for the Los Angeles Angels and the team employed Mizuhara as his translator; his off-field annual income was estimated to be in excess of $40 million annually during the period in which Mizuhara is alleged to have stolen money from him. Mizuhara originally told ESPN that Ohtani was aware of the transactions and, while disappointed that Mizuhara lost such a large sum of money, agreed to pay the debt for his friend in October. Mizuhara later retracted that story to ESPN, and Ohtani's representatives shortly thereafter leveled accusations of theft against him. Ohtani retained Mizuhara as his translator after leaving the Angels and signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December. Mizuhara was his constant shadow in the public eye, be it in a ballpark, on a red carpet or attending a sporting event. The Internal Revenue Service is spearheading the investigation into Mizuhara. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani ex-interpreter, negotiating guilty plea Dan Coats, former director of national intelligence for the Trump administration, made the case for the U.S. to approve more aid to Ukraine, saying this is not the time for political games. Lawmakers opposed to more Ukraine aid without first addressing the U.S.s needs are making a false choice, Coats wrote in a guest essay for The New York Times, published Thursday. The choices facing America are always based on the same foundation: what best serves our nation, Coats wrote. The choice is not America first or something else first. America is always first. The real question, in this complicated and uncertain world, is what course of action will most likely serve our core national interests security and economic prosperity. Those interests are inextricably linked to the strength of our global alliances and the international system of law and cooperation in which American democracy survives and prospers, he continued. And the strength of those networks, in turn, depends on our role as a trusted ally and friend, on our credibility and frankly on our virtue. Ukraines attempt to defend itself against the ongoing Russian invasion is the cheapest option to diminish the Kremlins military and ensure safety for the U.S. and its allies, according to Coats. In blunt dollar terms, helping Ukraine in that defense is, by far, the least expensive way to weaken Russias military and discourage Russian aggression, thereby protecting ourselves and our allies, Coats wrote. The essay advocating for more support to Ukraine comes as U.S. aid for the country has been stalled in Congress for more than a year. The upper chamber passed a $95 billion foreign aid package in February, which would include $60 billion in funds for Ukraine. Some hard-line Republicans in the House have opposed the idea, and there has not been significant progress on the the issue since lawmakers returned from recess this week, despite Senate GOP leadership calling on Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to put the legislation to a vote on the House floor. If Russian President Vladimir Putin succeeds, anxiety in Europe will spike, along with defense spending in the region, according to Coats. Anticipating the next possible phase of Mr. Putins campaign to reimpose the Russian hegemony of the Cold War era will force NATO to greatly increase its defense budget, plunging the world into an arms race like those leading up to the world wars, he wrote. Those who do not see the link between European security and our own are not living in the real world. The impact of failing to aid Ukraine would not just become evident to NATO, but to the U.S. and its allies, as well, Coats argued. China is watching closely to see how firmly America supports, or doesnt support, its friends these days, Coats wrote in the essay. Our allies are watching, too, including Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. All three are nervous about Chinas regional ambitions and dependent on America as a security partner. This isnt about the money, he said. It is about American steadfastness, something that is now in question because of another partisan contest. Ukraine and the tens of millions of people living there have become pawns for political maneuvering in Washington. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEW YORK Donald Trumps loyal longtime finance chief Allen Weisselberg headed back to Rikers Island for five months on Wednesday for perjuring himself during the New York attorney generals civil fraud case against the ex-president. Weisselberg, 76, was sentenced days before Trump is set to face his first criminal trial on Monday in an unrelated criminal case regarding alleged hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and others. He was led into a Manhattan Criminal Court holding cell wearing handcuffs and a black windbreaker just after 9:30 a.m. following a brief sentencing where he told the judge he had nothing to say. In a statement to the Daily News, Weisselbergs attorney Seth Rosenberg said he had accepted responsibility for his conduct and now looks forward to the end of this life-altering experience and to returning to his family and his retirement. Weisselberg will serve out his term at Rikers West Facility, originally built to house people with infectious diseases. Its mainly used today to detain high-profile prisoners or those believed to pose a security risk. The retired Trump Organization chief financial officer, who decamped to Florida following his last jail stint for tax fraud, copped on March 4 to two counts of perjury admitting he lied during the bombshell civil fraud case and the investigation that preceded it, culminating with almost half a billion dollars in fines against Trump and his executives. Weisselberg, who once described himself as Trumps financial eyes and ears, lied three times about his prior knowledge of the actual value of Trumps Manhattan penthouse at Trump Tower during depositions in 2020 and 2023 and on the witness stand in October. Evidence showed that Trump and execs at his real estate empire falsely logged the triplex as 33,000 square feet in business deals three times its actual size inflating its worth by up to $200 million. At various points, Weisselberg claimed that he didnt delve into the numbers, that the triplex wasnt his concern, and that he wasnt aware of the bogus valuation until Forbes reported on it in 2017. His trial testimony, mostly filled with I dont remember, was first called into question when Forbes reported Weisselberg had for years been trying to convince the magazine that the apartment was worth more than it was. In truth, Weisselberg was significantly involved in determining what methodology and numbers were used to value properties, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office wrote in the criminal complaint filed last month. With prosecutors agreeing not to try him for more crimes, Wednesdays sentencing caps a disastrous few years for Weisselberg, who was first hired by the Trump family as a bookkeeper by Donalds father, Fred Trump, in the early 1970s. The Brownsville, Brooklyn, native became entangled in Trumps legal troubles in the spring of 2021. A year later, he retired and pleaded guilty to charges alleging he reaped lavish off-the-books benefits while guarding the Trump Organizations coffers. As part of his plea deal, Weisselberg testified against the company at its criminal tax fraud trial, leading to its December 2022 conviction. He served 99 days of a five-month sentence. Following the civil trial, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron found him liable for committing intentional, large-scale fraud alongside Trump and his top executives and barred him from handling a companys finances again. He was ordered to pay $1 million in fines half of his $2 million severance package. In his devastating Feb. 16 judgment, Engoron said Trumps company kept Weisselberg on a short leash and described his testimony as highly unreliable. The judge determined his golden parachute was illicitly secured to ensure he didnt cooperate against his former employer. In the years since the DA began investigating Trump, prosecutors sought to persuade the fiercely loyal money manager to flip on his longtime boss more than once, to no avail. Unlike in his last criminal case, Weisselbergs latest plea deal in the perjury case didnt require him to testify at the upcoming hush money trial despite his known involvement. The chief financial officer received immunity to testify in the 2018 federal grand jury investigation that led to the conviction of Trumps former fixer Michael Cohen for arranging hush money payments to Daniels and others on Trumps behalf before the 2016 presidential election. Cohen told Congress the following year that Weisselberg determined how Trump would pay him back. I obviously wanted the money in one shot. I would have preferred it that way, Cohen said. But in order to be able to put it onto the books, Allen Weisselberg made the decision that it should be paid over the 12 months so that it would look like a retainer. _____ (New York Daily News reporter Graham Rayman contributed to this story.) _____ DENVER (KDVR) The Larimer County Sheriffs Office arrested a former youth pastor in March on charges of sexually assaulting multiple children over the course of three decades. The former youth pastor has been identified as Hipolito Gomez-Perdomo, 65, of Fort Collins. He was involved with the Vida Abundante church in northern Fort Collins, where he served as a youth pastor. Before that, Gomez-Perdomo lived in Fort Morgan and Houston. Police: Driver taken to hospital after crashing into Brighton school bus Because of his position and the pattern reported by several victims, police are concerned that there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward. Sexual assault inflicts serious physical and mental harm on victims. It can be difficult to come forward, especially if the perpetrator is in a position of trust, said Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen. Im grateful for the courageous young women who spoke up in this case. Their voices matter. At LCSO, we believe survivors deserve to be heard and supported. Because of new victims sharing their stories, the agency is sharing information about the former youth pastor and asking anyone with information about incidents involving Gomez-Perdomo to contact Travis Fischer at 970-498-5585, or by contacting the Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or stopcriminals.org. 2019 allegations resurface, new victims come forward The Larimer County Sheriffs Office began investigating after a report was made in early 2023. A teenage victim identified Gomez-Perdomo and told police that he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a child. LCSO said she told law enforcement that she did not report the assault because she was afraid of the repercussions. She came forward, the sheriffs office said, because she learned other teenagers had allegedly experienced similar abuse by Gomez-Perdomo. The sheriffs office investigators found Gomez-Perdomo was reported for sexual assault in 2019 by a different victim, but the district attorneys office declined to file charges then. Gomez-Perdomo is alleged to have left the Vida Abundante church after these allegations. Hipolito Gomez-Perdomo, 65, was arrested in March by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office on five counts of sexual assault on a child from a person in a position of trust and one count of sexual assault on a child. 4 dog bites reported in Elbert County, health officials warning pet owners Investigators said the 2019 case was reopened in conjunction with the newer allegations. During this, another victim came forward, according to the Larimer County Sheriffs Office. She described a similar pattern of abuse during the late 1990s that occurred when she was a young child. She told investigators that Gomez-Perdomo met her family through church and after he was a trusted family friend he assaulted her. Gomez-Perdomo was arrested in March on five counts of sexual assault on a child from a person in a position of trust and one count of sexual assault on a child. He was booked into the Larimer County Jail and a judge issued a $200,000 cash or surety bond. Additional charges are pending. The Larimer County Sheriffs Office shared information about the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center in Fort Collins and Loveland, along with several other child advocacy and crisis advocacy groups. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Chaz A. Jordan is ready for his new chapter. After founding 1989 Studio in 2022, the Los Angeles-based designer has now left the company citing creative differences for his taking a step back. The spring 2025 season was the last collection Jordan worked on. More from WWD The 34-year-old is a University of Illinois alum who got his start working at RSVP Gallery alongside Don C and the late Virgil Abloh. Previously, Jordan was the founder of Ih Nom Un Nit, Au Courant and Laundered Works Corp. Jordan has given up all ownership rights and future involvement in 1989 Studio to Italian retail company, Folli Follie Group, who bought the brand recently. Wednesday was his last day at 1989 Studio. Jordan declined to comment on any financial agreements for the end of his tenure. Theres no news on who is to follow Jordan nor any future company plans. Despite not being at his previous companies anymore, Jordan has no regrets. Those choices have gotten me where I am today. Both in terms of market value as to what I can command by going to these brands, the experiences and relationships. The experience alone is worth its weight in gold. Contributing to the culture as a whole is a key part of Jordans ethos which can be seen when taking a glance at his overall collections, collaborations and contributors, who are all at the forefront of culture. Similar to how Abloh operated, Jordans overall role is not only to create clothing but to also bridge that gap and incorporate different industries into our space so that its more inclusive. When asked about lessons hes learned along the way with his crew of some of the biggest names in fashion, Jordan said, Virgil was the epitome of the blueprint. He also cites Balenciagas Demna and Fear of Gods Jerry Lorenzo as two other prime examples whose career trajectories he studies from. But as someone with a self-described less forward-facing presence in the industry, Jordan has been applying the lessons hes learned along the way that works for him. Jordan said he was 3 for 3 with his collections at 1989 Studio; his debut show in Paris was a surefire hit. The follow-up collection created with PlayLab a Los Angeles-based creative studio is a checkmark in his eyes, especially given their notable work with Abloh at Off-White and Louis Vuitton. And for Jordans most recent fall 2024 collection at 1989 Studio, he opened a showroom in Milan with rapper Quavo and Lorenzo among his esteemed attendees. 1989 Studio fall 2024 Speaking to the larger picture the industry has seen with creative directors leaving and moving around from brand to brand, Jordan said, you spend time with one brand and one project you put all that you have into it, and you want it to succeed. Usually what happens is that we feel that were not able to contribute beyond a certain point. He continued to explain that as creatives, its important for them to nurture their talent and creativity to help continue giving them the spark and drive. Furthermore, Jordan said that hes a big proponent of working where he contributes meaningfully and where his contributions are felt and seen rather than being just a clog in the wheel. Often, hes seen fellow creatives get burnt out or fall out of love with their jobs across all industries. I did what I was supposed to do, Jordan said. I did what I had to do for that brand to go on and succeed. I dont think I couldve done anything more. I did exactly what I needed to do to help the brand set up for success. As for his next steps? Jordan shared with WWD that his next move is as creative director for an established large contemporary brand in the denim category. While he declined to name exactly where he will be moving to just yet, Jordan said that he will be working with his future employer to bring a higher end, refined approach and inject his notable style philosophy into the role. Moving into the contemporary space, Jordan will be tapping into a new market of consumers than the ones hes previously been designing for in mind consumers who are not necessarily as fashion-forward or culturally aware, but still adjacent. Notably, the difference Jordan sees is that he wont be the one setting the trends for the contemporary market, but moreso infusing his style into a brand that sells hundreds of millions of dollars of certain styles or silhouettes the brand has homed in on. Reflecting on his time at his previous independent ventures, he enjoys not being in a cycle of constantly setting trends and pushing. However, dont count Jordan out completely on creating another brand of his own he has a never say never mindset. Like Heron Preston at Calvin Klein, Jordan is now being tapped to join an established brand to help inject some of his forward-thinking work and bring it into the contemporary market. Given that most of the categorys market consumers have aged out, Jordan said hes helping to define what the new contemporary looks like. Its exciting because its literally a blank slate. Representatives for Folli Follie Group declined to comment on this story. Best of WWD By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Major U.S. airlines and aviation unions on Thursday urged the Biden administration to pause approvals of additional flights between China and the United States, citing ongoing "anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government." In February, the U.S. Transportation Department said Chinese passenger airlines could boost weekly round-trip U.S. flights to 50 starting on March 31, up from the current 35, about a third of pre-pandemic levels. U.S. carriers were authorized as well to fly 50 flights per week but are currently not using all those flights. Airlines for America, a trade group whose members include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, and unions in a letter to the Transportation and State departments cited the "advantage Chinese airlines receive by continuing to access Russian airspace, while U.S. carriers stopped flying through Russian airspace at the start of Russias invasion of Ukraine in March 2022." The letter, which was first reported by Reuters, was signed by the Air Line Pilots Association, Allied Pilots Association and Association of Flight Attendants. It called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to "pause additional passenger flights between the United States and the Peoples Republic of China until U.S. workers and businesses are guaranteed equality of access in the marketplace, free from the existing harmful anti-competitive policies of the Chinese government." Flights between China and the United States - which were a point of contention during the COVID-19 pandemic - have emerged as a rare area of cooperation between the two super powers, but U.S. airlines have expressed concern about the rapid pace of increasing flights. Airlines are worried the Biden administration could boost or even double to 100 the number of weekly flights permitted by Chinese carriers. Separately, U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher, the chair of the House select committee on China, and the panel's top Democrat, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, urged the Biden administration in a separate letter Wednesday not to approve more flights until China abides "by its existing bilateral agreement, and passenger demand begins to recover." The lawmakers said Chinese carriers "operate air routes at an anticompetitive commercial advantage that must not be allowed to increase without reciprocal parity in the number of U.S. carrier operated routes" to China. It added that "American passengers must not be exposed to unnecessary security risks by traversing Russian airspace." More than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed by each side before restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but until August 2023, Chinese and U.S. carriers could each fly only 12 a week between the two countries. The number rose on Sept. 1 to 18 weekly round-trips and then to 24 per week starting Oct. 29. The USDOT approved 35 for Chinese carriers in November. Reuters reported last June that newly approved Chinese flights to the United States were not overflying Russia, which would have given them a shorter flight time and fuel advantage over U.S. rivals blocked from Russian airspace. (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Matthew Lewis) Congressional Republicans said National Public Radio's (NPR) federal funding should be revisited after a senior editor at the publication penned a scathing review of its employees' partisan makeup. "NPR has abandoned their own definition of diversity and inclusion with their one-sided reporting and blatantly biased newsroom," House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the No. 3 House Republican leader, told Fox News Digital. "The choice should be simple: Fulfill your obligation to provide accurate, balanced information to the American people or forfeit taxpayer funding." Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, also suggested NPR could face consequences for its purported bias under a potential future Trump administration. NPR EDITOR REBUKES OWN OUTLET'S COVERAGE OF HUNTER BIDEN LAPTOP, COVID LAB LEAK AND RUSSIAGATE "If you get a Republican administration, and that's increasingly likely, you can expect NPR to suffer if they don't show a lack of partisanship And that's not where they are today," Romney told Fox News Digital. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Senior business editor Uri Berliner, a 25-year veteran of NPR, recently shared damning allegations about his employer's viewpoint diversity and the effect it has had on coverage in a piece for the Free Press. Per Berliner, "I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans. None," describing his NPR office in Washington, D.C. NPR EDITOR KNOCKS OUTLET'S 'TROUBLING' AVOIDANCE OF GROWING ANTISEMITISM FOLLOWING OCT. 7 It has added fuel to an already-burning fire for the GOP, which has long accused NPR of acting with a liberal bias while receiving some federal funds. House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., pointed out that she has called for NPR to lose federal funding "for years." "This blatant political partisanship is an insult to American taxpayers, feeding disinformation and lies against Republicans and President Donald Trump," Stefanik said. "This state-run propaganda machine for the Far Left mirrors what we see in Communist China." Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, slammed NPR for behaving "like a partisan propaganda institution." He added that "taxpayer funding" shouldn't go toward such a publication. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, predicted that a future Trump administration would crack down on NPR. (Getty Images) In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for NPR said, "Millions of Americans depend on their local public radio station for the fact-based, unbiased, public service journalism they need to stay informed about the world and about the news in their own communities. Federal funding is essential to making that happen." "I would be more than fine pulling funding from NPR," said Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., calling the outlet's overwhelmingly Democratic staff "a free market issue." Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., noted, "It makes you realize that independent news is, is dead somehow." "The people in my district, they see through all of that stuff," Burlison said. "They know that they can't trust the mainstream media." A House Republican who led the charge on a bill to end taxpayer funding to NPR and PBS, Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital, "After this damning report by [Berliner] that confirms the extreme bias of NPR, Americans are outraged that their hard-working taxpayer dollars go toward an out-of-touch rag that is not representative of our country." "It is absurd how NPR's chief DEI officer doesn't see zero political diversity in their newsroom as a problem for an independent news organization," Jackson said. NPR EDITOR FOUND REGISTERED DEMOCRATS OUTNUMBERED REPUBLICANS 87 TO ZERO IN NEWSROOM Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., said he would be "more than fine" pulling funding from NPR. Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo., told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Taxpayer dollars shouldnt be abused to fund a partisan agenda. Liberal bias in national media is exactly why Americans distrust of media is so high today. The American people deserve news that is straightforward and factual." Asked if action will be taken in the legislature to address NPR's funding from the government, which is doled out through a nonprofit organization, Cruz said, "I certainly hope so." Original article source: 'Expect NPR to suffer under GOP admin: Republicans renew call to defund outlet amid bias scandal [Editors note: Based on updated information from the teens family, this article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Sharice Snowdens name, as well as the correct age of Keshaun Williams, who is 17.] NEWBURGH HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW) Its been nine months without a hug and nine months without seeing his bright smile. Its been nine months since Sharice Snowden has seen her teenage son Keshaun, and shed do anything to change that. I just wanted to reach out to the community and say this could be anyone one of your kids. I need my son to come back home, Snowden added. 3-year-old dies after accidental shooting Keshaun Williams, 17, went missing on June 20, 2023, when he went to a house party in Cleveland and never returned home. The case escalated to an Amber Alert, which is still active. Nearly every day since, Williams family has been working with the organization Cleveland Missing to find him. During a press conference on Thursday at the Newburgh Heights Police Department, Snowden shared that they are still hoping to get information from the public that leads to her son. Please, whoever has my child please return my child. He has no business being without a parent. Its not safe. Its not cool, she pleaded. Search efforts have included dozens of people canvassing Slavic Village and sharing flyers with Williams description. Williams has also been featured as part of FOX 8s Missing with Amanda Berry. Majoy said authorities expect to do another canvass this spring. Authorities have no reason to think hes left the state, Majoy said. However, were not ruling out anything at this point. New effort to ban cell phones in Ohio classrooms Snowden is adamant that she will never give up hope searching for Keshaun. The only way to finish this story: A message from mom to son. Keshaun, if you are watching this: I love you. I am going to find you, and I am going to get you home safe, Snowden said. There is a cash reward of up to $22,500 for information leading to Williams whereabouts. Anyone with information on Williams whereabouts is urged to call U.S. Marshals at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833). Police Chief John Majoy assured tipsters that they can remain anonymous. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Downtown Milwaukee's Marriott Hotel has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The owner of downtown Milwaukee's Marriott Hotel has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The 205-room hotel, 625 N. Milwaukee St., remains open. The filing allows it to continue to operate as the hotel's owner, Wisconsin & Milwaukee Hotel LLC, reorganizes its finances under bankruptcy court supervision. The preliminary filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court shows Wisconsin & Milwaukee Hotel with assets ranging from $10 million to $50 million, and liabilities in the same range. The company's creditors include the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, a state-created agency that primarily helps finance housing. Wisconsin & Milwaukee Hotel owes $42.5 million to the authority, with $16.1 million of that amount classified as unsecured by collateral, the filing said. The authority is listed as the largest unsecured creditor. The debt assigned to the authority didn't involve public funds, according to its officials. The authority issued bonds used to help finance the Marriott. But, once those bonds were assigned to a trustee the authority was "no longer involved in the financing," said Raechelle Belli, the authority's public affairs program manager. "The result is that there is no risk of loss to WHEDA and no loss of public funds," Belli told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Marriott opened in 2013. It was developed by Jackson Street Holdings LLC, led by Mark Flaherty and Ed Carow. That group also operates two other downtown hotels: the Westin Milwaukee and SpringHill Suites. The hotel is doing very well operationally, said Carow, in a statement. Prospects for continued improvement in operations are strong," Carow said. "However, existing loans have matured, and need to be restructured or refinanced in order to assure the businesss future financial health." The hotel industry continues to recover from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. While downtown last May saw the opening of The Trade, a 207-room Marriott Autograph hotel at 420 W. Juneau Ave., there also have been some troubled properties. Those include the Cambria Hotel, 503-521 N. Plankinton Ave., which was sold in December through a foreclosure auction, and the Hampton Inn and Suites, 176 W. Wisconsin Ave., which was sold in October by its lender. The Marriott closed in March 2020 as the pandemic raged. It didn't reopen until summer 2021, well after other downtown hotels reopened. An earlier version of this article incorrectly said the Hampton Inn and Suites is closed. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@jrn.com and followed on Instagram, X and Facebook. Story continues Subscribe to get the BusinessWatch email newsletter. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Marriott files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Hotel remains open By Raphael Satter, Christopher Bing WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson has failed three times in the past five months to reauthorize a provision of a key spy power known as Section 702, with lawmakers citing reservations over how the authority empowers warrantless domestic surveillance. Here's a look at what Section 702 does, why so many legislators want it changed, and what happens if it expires. WHAT IS SECTION 702 AND WHAT DOES IT DO? Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, is one of a suite of authorizations passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that allow American spy agencies to surveil foreigners abroad using data drawn from U.S. digital infrastructure such as internet service providers. The information is used to track enemy spies, rogue hackers and extremist militants. The data gathered by the program, however, often includes communications to or from Americans, and can be mined by domestic law enforcement bodies such as the FBI without a warrant. That practice has alarmed libertarian and privacy-concious lawmakers - both Republicans and Democrats. Recent revelations that the FBI used this power to hunt for information about Black Lives Matter protesters, congressional campaign donors and U.S. lawmakers have raised further doubts about the program's integrity. WHAT DO REFORM ADVOCATES WANT? Requiring a judge's sign-off on searches and surveillance is a key part of how the U.S. preserves personal liberty from potential encroachment by state power, said Jake Laperruque of the nonprofit, Washington-based Center for Democracy and Technology. Using an espionage authority aimed at foreigners to short-circuit that arrangement "just goes against the basic principle of how we balance privacy and security in this country," he said. Overlapping congressional reform proposals would force the FBI and others to seek judicial authorization before exploiting the information gathered by the vast U.S. spy apparatus. And while there are other proposed reforms - like a ban on U.S. intelligence agencies circumventing constitutional protections by buying sensitive information on Americans from commercial data brokers - Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike have made "get a warrant" their rallying cry. "If the warrant requirement doesn't go in the legislation, I ain't supporting it," Republican hardline congressman Jim Jordan told colleagues at a hearing in February. Intelligence officials have bristled at the idea. Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel of the National Security Agency, said the campaign to require warrants was misguided and dangerous. "This would be devastating to our efforts to stop international drug trafficking, Chinese espionage on American soil and Russian ransomware gangs targeting American companies," he said. Whatever its merits, Speaker Johnson, a Republican, has repeatedly sidelined efforts to bring the proposed reforms to a vote, instead trying to push through versions of the reauthorization bill favored by the intelligence community. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROVISION SIMPLY EXPIRES? The President's Intelligence Advisory Board has said letting 702 expire would be "one of the worst intelligence failures of our time." A wholesale scrapping of the authority seems unlikely. Johnson has said "it's too important to national security" to abandon the reauthorization effort. Even critics of the bill generally favor reforms rather than scrapping the authority altogether. Laperruque agreed that Section 702 provided value to the intelligence community, but he cautioned that it wasn't unusual for officials to dial up the hysteria when Congress threatened to water down their surveillance powers. "We saw that on the same thing with the legislation that got pushed after the Snowden disclosures," he said, referring to U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden's revelations that the National Security Agency was secretly sweeping up millions' of Americans' phone call records and lying about it. Outraged lawmakers moved to shut it down, only to be told by the government that "it's essential, it's important, it would be a disaster for national security if we stopped the global bulk collection authority," Laperruque said. Congress pulled the plug on bulk collection anyway, "and lo and behold the sky didn't fall," he said. (Reporting by Raphael Satter and Christopher Bing; editing by Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: Philippine Coast Guard personnel prepare rubber fenders after Chinese Coast Guard vessels blocked their way to a resupply mission at the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China By Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) -An escalating diplomatic row and recent maritime run-ins between China and the Philippines have made the highly strategic South China Sea a flashpoint. WHAT ARE THE FLASHPOINTS? Central to recent standoffs between the Philippines and China are two hotly contested features located inside Manila's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, but which Beijing claims as its own. China uses the so-called nine-dash line that takes in about 90% of the South China Sea to assert its claim to sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, a submerged reef coveted for its bountiful fish stocks, and the Second Thomas Shoal, home to a small contingent of Filipino sailors living aboard a rusty warship that Manila intentionally grounded in 1999 to further its territorial claims. WHY ARE THINGS HEATING UP? The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled in 2016 that Beijing's expansive claims via its nine-dash line had no basis under international law, handing the Philippines a landmark victory. But that has not stopped China, which rejects the ruling, from being more assertive. Beijing has deployed hundreds of coastguard vessels to patrol those areas, alarming the Philippines, rival claimants and other states operating in the South China Sea, including the United States, which is wary about China's growing military power and territorial ambition. WHAT HAVE THE STANDOFFS ENTAILED? Encounters between the Philippines and China in Asia's most contested waters have grown more tense and frequent over the past year as Beijing pressed its claims and Manila refused to cease its fishing and resupply activities to Filipinos at the two shoals. China considers those to be illegal intrusions and has tried to repel the vessels. China's coastguard has stepped up so-called "grey-zone" activities such as use of water cannon, collision and ramming tactics, and, according to Manila, use of a military-grade laser, to try to stop the Philippine resupply and patrol missions. It has also deployed an armada of fishing boats the Philippines and allies consider militia. During recent Second Thomas Shoal resupply missions, Philippine boats sustained damage and some crew were injured after use of water cannon. China has urged the Philippines to tow away the warship, saying it had promised to do just that, but Manila maintains no such agreement was made. WHAT WAS THE GLOBAL REACTION? China's actions have drawn international condemnation and concern from major powers including the United States, Japan, Australia, France, and Britain. Foreign journalists have joined some of the Philippine resupply missions and documented events at the invitation of the Philippines, which one security official said was aimed at "shedding light on China's 'grey zone' tactics". China has accused the Philippines of stirring up trouble and spreading misinformation. China's actions are "dangerous, illegal and they are destabilising the region," a senior U.S. admiral said on April 9. HOW IS THE PHILIPPINES RESPONDING? President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has adopted a tough line against what he sees as Chinese hostility and rejected its pressure, recently vowing to implement countermeasures against "illegal, coercive, aggressive, and dangerous attacks" by China's coastguard, upping the ante in the escalating row. The Philippines has said countermeasures will be "multi-dimensional" and involve exhausting diplomatic options. Marcos has also called for stronger coordination on maritime security to confront "a range of serious challenges" to territorial integrity and peace. The leaders of the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan held a trilateral summit in April and agreed to deepen security and economic relations, which Marcos said would "change the dynamic" around the South China Sea. COULD THE UNITED STATES GET INVOLVED? The Philippines' dispute with China coincides with an increase in security engagements with the United States under Marcos, including expansion of U.S. access to Philippine bases. Manila is also seeking close security ties with other allies like Japan and Australia. The engagements include joint patrols, which have frustrated China. The United States has a Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines and has repeatedly made clear it would protect its ally if its coastguard or armed forces came under attack anywhere in the South China Sea, calling the agreement "ironclad". The treaty raises the stakes significantly in the Philippines-China dispute in the event of a miscalculation at sea. However, it could also limit how far China is willing to go to keep the Philippines at bay, wary of the risks of conflict and pressure to respond resolutely if there were direct U.S. military involvement. Philippine officials, including Marcos, have dismissed talk of invoking the treaty in the present situation, stressing it would be a last resort. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty, Neil Fullick) Explainer-Trump says migrants are fueling violent crime. Here is what the research shows By Ted Hesson, Mica Rosenberg WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump is blaming migrants in the U.S. illegally for fueling violent crime as part of his presidential campaign and Republicans plan to highlight the issue on Tuesday at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. But studies show immigrants are not more likely to engage in criminality. WHAT IS TRUMP SAYING ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AND CRIME? Trump, a Republican challenging President Joe Biden in the November elections, has focused on crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally as part of his argument for stricter border controls. Trump says Biden's policies are overly permissive and has branded crimes committed by immigrants in the country illegally as "Biden migrant crime." Trump has used dehumanizing terminology to describe immigrants in the U.S. illegally, calling them "animals" when talking about alleged criminal acts, and saying they are "poisoning the blood of our country," a phrase that has drawn criticism as xenophobic and echoing Nazi rhetoric. In response to the criticism, Trump has said he had no idea that German dictator Adolf Hitler had used similar language. Trump has focused on the cases of women and girls allegedly killed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally, a playbook he has used repeatedly since first running for office in 2015 to cast migrants as violent criminals. During a debate with Biden in June, Trump reiterated unsupported claims of a migrant-driven crime wave, citing the case of a 12-year-old girl allegedly killed by two Venezuelan men in the U.S. illegally. The Republican National Committee launched a website called "Biden Bloodbath" in April that highlights anecdotal incidents involving migrants in nine U.S. states, including electoral battlegrounds such as Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded to a Reuters request for comment on research on the issue with a list of news articles about alleged crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally. HOW HAS BIDEN RESPONDED? Biden struggled to respond to Trump's claims related to migrants and crime during the June debate, part of a disastrous performance where the president stumbled over his words and failed to refute Trump falsehoods. In March, Biden was interrupted during the State of the Union address by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican who demanded Biden acknowledge the death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia allegedly killed by a Venezuelan in the country illegally. Biden responded by saying Riley was "an innocent woman who was killed by an illegal." He then asked how many people were killed by "legals" - apparently referencing citizens and others in the country legally. Biden later said he regretted calling Riley's accused killer "illegal" and said the term should have been "undocumented." Biden's top border official, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, said at a reporter roundtable in April that he "profoundly" disagrees with efforts "to demonize all migrants based on the actions of an individual." White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that month that violent rhetoric was being used "to tear our country apart." DO IMMIGRANTS COMMIT MORE CRIME THAN THE NATIVE BORN? A range of studies by academics and think tanks have shown that immigrants do not commit crime at a higher rate than native-born Americans. A more limited universe of studies specifically examine criminality among immigrants in the U.S. illegally but also find that they do not commit crimes at a higher rate. A selection of recent research: "Immigration and Crime: Assessing a Contentious Issue," by Charis Kubrin, a criminology professor at the University of California, Irvine, and Graham Ousey, a sociology professor at William & Mary. The 2018 study was published in the peer-reviewed Annual Review of Criminology. A meta-analysis of more than fifty studies on the link between immigration and crime between 1994 and 2014 found there was no significant relationship between the two. The researchers subsequently studied all aspects of the issue in a book published last year that came to similar results. "Law-Abiding Immigrants: The Incarceration Gap Between Immigrants and the US-born, 18702020," by Ran Abramitzky, economics professor at Stanford University and four other researchers. The 2024 working paper was published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The study, which used U.S. Census data, found immigrants had lower incarceration rates than the U.S.-born over a 150-year period. "Comparing crime rates between undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants, and native-born US citizens in Texas," by Michael Light, sociology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and two other researchers. The 2020 study was published in the peer-reviewed Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The report, which used data from the Texas Department of Public Safety between 2012-2018, found a lower felony arrest rate for immigrants in the U.S. illegally compared to legal immigrants and native-born U.S. citizens and no evidence of increasing criminality among immigrants. Light published a study in 2017 that found illegal immigration does not increase violent crime. The study used data from all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., from 1990-2014. A separate study found no link between increased illegal immigration and drunk-driving deaths. Cato Institute research by Alex Nowrasteh and others The libertarian think tank has published multiple reports that show immigrants in the country commit crimes at lower rates than the native-born. In a recent USA Today op-ed, Nowrasteh previewed new research that found immigrants in the U.S. illegally in Texas were about 26% less likely to be convicted of homicide than native-born Americans from 2013-2022. HOW RELIABLE IS THE DATA? Several of the studies mentioned above were conducted by academic researchers and published in peer-reviewed journals. The studies draw on a range of data sources, including U.S. Census records and estimates of the number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally. Several reports examining crime rates for immigrants in the U.S. illegally use data from the Texas Department of Public Safety, which logs immigration status in its arrest records. Michael Light, one of the researchers who used the Texas data, said that crime rates would likely vary from state to state, but that the Texas figures were the best available. The Cato Institute's Nowrasteh said researchers would have a better idea of the crime rate for immigrants in the country illegally if other states maintained and shared data in the same manner as Texas. DO ANY STUDIES FIND IMMIGRANTS MORE LIKELY TO COMMIT CRIMES? The Center for Immigration Studies, a research group that supports lower levels of immigration, has argued that researchers using data from the Texas Department of Public Safety undercounted crimes by immigrants in the country illegally. The group said in 2022 that both Michael Light and Nowrasteh failed to account for immigrants who were identified as being in the country illegally after they were imprisoned. Nowrasteh contested the CIS critique and said the group double-counted some criminal offenders in the country illegally. In its own study in 2009, CIS found "there is no clear evidence that immigrants commit crimes at higher or lower rates than others." A 2018 study using Arizona state prison records from 1985-2017 found that immigrants in the country illegally were more likely to be convicted of a crime. The study, by conservative economist John Lott, found immigrants in the U.S. illegally tend to commit more serious crimes and serve longer sentences. But the Cato Institute's Nowrasteh criticized the findings, saying Lott had included immigrants who had legal status in the U.S. and may have violated the terms of a visa by committing a crime. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT TRENDS HAVE SHIFTED RECENTLY? The data used to determine crime rates is typically several years old, so it does not explicitly speak to current or future trends. However, some studies found consistent patterns over long periods of time. Several researchers mentioned that more families and unaccompanied children have been caught crossing the border in the past decade, groups that are statistically less likely to commit crimes. Michael Light, the University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, said U.S. research overall does not indicate immigrants are more likely to commit crime. "Of course, foreign-born individuals have committed crimes," Light said in an interview. "But do foreign-born individuals commit crime at a disproportionately higher rate than native-born individuals? The answer is pretty conclusively no." (Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington and Mica Rosenberg in New York; Editing by Mary Milliken and Aurora Ellis) U.S. President Biden hosts Japanese PM Fumio Kishida for an official State Dinner at the White House in Washington U.S. President Biden hosts Japanese PM Fumio Kishida for an official State Dinner at the White House in Washington By Sakura Murakami TOKYO (Reuters) - United States President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he supported his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida's attempts to hold face-to-face talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "I have faith in Japan," Biden told reporters during Kishida's state visit to Washington this week. "I think seeking a dialogue with him is a good thing." Kishida hopes to become the first Japanese leader in 20 years to hold leadership talks with nuclear-armed Pyongyang, but his prospects of doing so remain unclear. WHY IS JAPAN SEEKING A SUMMIT? While Kishida says he is willing to hold talks without preconditions, the burning issue he wants to resolve is that of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s. The Japanese government has said 17 people were kidnapped by the reclusive state. Five returned to Japan in 2002 following previous summit talks, but 12 still remain unaccounted for. North Korea has said the issue is settled. It has previously said that the unaccounted Japanese nationals had either died, or that it knew nothing about their whereabouts. Resolving the abductee issue has broad public support and Japan is being spurred to take action while the elderly family members of the abductees are still alive. The poster child of the abductees, Megumi Yokota, was just 13 when she was kidnapped while walking home from school in 1977. Her mother continues to lobby for her return despite North Korea saying she committed suicide. At a meeting with the families last May, Kishida said he would directly oversee high-level discussions with North Korean counterparts to try and realise the summit. IS NORTH KOREA OPEN TO IT? North Korea has so far been non-committal on Kishida's repeated calls for a summit. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korea's leader, said in February there is no impediment to closer ties with Japan and there may come a day when Kishida visits Pyongyang, state news agency KCNA reported. Japan said it would not comment on the statement but added North Korea's position that the abduction issue had been resolved was unacceptable. A month later, Kim Yo Jong issued another statement saying North Korea had no interest in a summit with Japan and would reject any talks, according to KCNA. Kim accused Tokyo of "clinging to the unattainable issues," the KCNA report said. HAS A SUMMIT HAPPENED BEFORE? In a historic first, then Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi travelled to Pyongyang to meet his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Il in 2002. Although North Korea denied any involvement in the abductee issue, the 2002 summit proved to be a breakthrough with Kim Jong Il admitting to some of the abductions. Koizumi and Kim Jong Il met again in Pyongyang in 2004, the last leadership talks between the two countries. Although Japanese and North Korean officials have had meetings since, ties have soured over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes, with the North conducting a number of test launches and Japan labelling the country a threat to regional stability. COULD IT BACKFIRE? With North Korea refusing to engage if the abductee issue is on the negotiating table, Kishida risks coming home empty-handed should he visit Pyongyang. A failure to provide any tangible wins from engaging with a nuclear-armed state that has continued to launch missiles into waters surrounding Japan could hurt Kishida's already low domestic approval ratings. Although Kishida has expressed his desire to meet with Kim Jong Un as early as possible, some government officials say privately it could be a politically risky gambit. (This story has been corrected to clarify that Japanese nationals were abducted in the 1970s and 1980s, not 1960s and 1970s, in paragraph 4) (Reporting by Sakura Murakami and John Geddie; editing by Miral Fahmy) The Gecy home, located in Beaufort County is seen tucked in among live oaks with Spanish Moss in the Belleview Bluff Subdivision, comprised of seven lots that face Battery Creek as seen on Thursday, October. 19, 2023. In the foreground are some of the 12, three-story buildings known as Integra Wharf at Battery Creek being constructed in the Town of Port Royal. Port Royal, which prides itself on its small-town living, has decided to pause apartment development and short-term rentals because of explosive growth that has spawned over 1,000 multi-family units and a 50% rise in short-term rentals. On Tuesday, the Town Council unanimously voted to approve moratoriums on new multi-family housing construction and short-term rental licenses. Growth was a hot topic in last falls town council elections, and again at the Town Councils annual issues retreat in February. One more vote is needed on both ordinances to implement the moratoriums. Mayor Kevin Phillips, who called for an apartment moratorium during his mayoral campaign, said that moratorium wont stop the 1,500 units from going up. But it will allow town officials to pump the brakes on new proposals and time to study the impact of the new development on police, fire, infrastructure and schools. The moratorium will coincide with an initiative to revise the town codes, he added, and multi-family projects will be touched on in that process. Both moves were generally supported by residents who are worried that rapid development will change the feel of town, which bills itself as cool, coastal and far from ordinary. I think right now youre dealing with fear fear the community is going to change, resident Gail Tramontano said. Its going to lose its ambiance and small-town vibe. And its gong to become too commercial and theres going to be a lot of transients in the area. No one wants that. We want a home here. We want our porch party atmosphere. The towns population increased 33.2% between 2010 to 2020, increasing from 10,678 to 14,220, according to the U.S. Census. Today, its probably north of 15,000, says Town Manager Van Willis. Some 1,500 new housing units, including 462 apartments and 943 townhouses, are under construction or in the works, with units going up seemingly around ever corner, from the Savannah Highway to Parris Island Gateway to Grober Hill Road. Big increases in STRs And the number of short-term rentals have increased 57% from just over 70 to 110 in the past four years. The short-term rental moratorium will last for seven months. The short-term rental issue, Phillip said, is mainly an issue thats affecting the historic village area of the town. We were seeing a trend of every time a house went for sale the majority were being turned into short-term rentals, Phillips said. A task force will be formed to study current regulations and a draft ordinance that was created four years ago. That ordinance, which would have regulated the number of short-term rentals by district and addressed parking and occupancy numbers, was never implemented. Councilwoman Mary Beth Heyward, who did not support the short-term rental ordinance four years ago, says it is time to reevaluate the situation. You see growth in our community and we just want to make sure we monitor that growth, Heyward said. How does this proposed moratorium affect the push for more affordable housing? The multi-family housing moratorium will last for one year. The Planning Commission will take up that issue, Willis said, which will involve discussion of zoning and other tools to address growth. The towns comprehensive plan emphasizes quality of life and conservation, Phillips said, so we want to proceed in a prudent way with the way the town is growing. The task force will take a big-picture look at sustainable growth, he said. Concerns are being raised about the pause in multi-family development hurting the progress of affordable housing projects. Before final approval is given to the moratorium, the Town Council will consider an amendment giving affordable housing projects an exception to the moratorium, Phillip said. But the mayor noted that the town already has several subsidized apartment complexes on Ribaut Road alone and has contributed its fair share of affordable housing to the region so much so that it has become the apartment hub of the region. Its a regional issue, Phillips said, and we want to be a regional player. Brimming with wildlife and offering panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Cesar Chavez Park welcomes visitors who might never suspect this stretch of shoreline was built atop a municipal landfill. But beneath the sprawling grasslands and charming hiking trails, decomposing waste continues to generate methane gas. That's why the city of Berkeley operates an underground system that collects this flammable gas and torches it at a large mechanical flare near the center of the park. In recent years, environmental regulators have grown increasingly concerned that this equipment has fallen into disrepair and released landfill gases. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has fined Berkeley after finding explosive levels of methane leaking from at least two cracked gas collection wells in the park. Both have since been repaired. As the landfill has experienced power outages and equipment breakdowns, the air district also suspects methane is migrating underground toward another bustling area. The agency warns that ignitable levels of methane have been observed in shallow soil surrounding a nearby hotel and the Berkeley Marina. "Methane there could explode under the right conditions such as a passerby dropping a lit cigarette on a still day," air district attorney Joel Freid said at a public meeting in February. Yet there have been no evacuations or closures in that time, as local officials have insisted there is no public safety risk. Berkeley officials and city contractor SCS Engineers also contend that the landfill is not the source of the high methane concentrations near the hotel, saying it could be produced naturally. In the last year, Berkeley officials and the air district have sparred over whether the landfill-turned-park should upgrade its pollution controls. The outcome will hinge on new testing, as state and local regulators have recently called on Berkeley to investigate the source of the methane and take steps to thoroughly inspect its pollution control system for leaks. "We are working closely with regulators to ensure that any errors in operations do not occur again," said Matthai Chakko, a spokesperson for the city. "This includes regular testing, sampling and stringent safety protocols to ensure the systems integrity. "The park continues to be a thriving, safe area for dog walkers, kite fliers and those bringing family for walks." Across California, aging landfills have presented communities with myriad problems, as these sites have struggled to control flammable methane emissions and toxic air pollution. Berkeley Landfill, closed more than 30 years, highlights the long-lasting health and safety risks associated with landfills, especially as communities have sought to reuse this land to build schools and parkland. Given the risks, Dr. David Carpenter, founder of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, questions why public officials would convert former landfills into public spaces at all. "It's outrageous. It's like Love Canal all over again," said Carpenter, referring to the industrial dump in Niagra Falls, N.Y., that was disastrously turned into a neighborhood in the late 1970s. "It's land that nobody else wants. And it gets used for public purposes, like parks and schools." About 1.5 million tons of waste, including industrial debris from a steel mill, were dumped over the years into the now-decommissioned Berkeley Landfill. Like other municipal dumps, it generally consists of layers of compacted waste and soil that eventually was sealed with a layer of clay. Similar to oil and gas companies, landfill operators drill and construct a network of deep wells that extract gases produced by decomposing organic waste, such as food scraps. These wells must operate long after a site is closed to prevent gases from migrating to unwanted areas. Read more: Noxious fumes, contaminated runoff: No easy solution for Chiquita Canyon Landfill woes But in recent years, the air district has become concerned with the condition of the Berkeley landfill's equipment and maintenance. It issued at least 14 air quality violations in 2023. Most notably, in July, air district inspectors smelled a "rotten egg" odor emanating from a gas well. As they opened the well and attempted to gauge methane concentrations, their monitoring device "flamed out," indicating explosive levels of methane, according to Bay Area AQMD air quality specialist Grace Leung. Stephen Harquail, a Portland, Ore.-based landfill manager for SCS Engineers, placed a cone on the well to mark it, Leung said. But the leaky well was not repaired for a week. Meanwhile, the air district said, the public had full access to the park. Air district inspectors also found that duct tape and foil had been used to regulate airflow on the landfill flare. And Harquail couldn't find five of the landfill's 42 wells, which may have been buried by construction or groundskeeping. He told the inspectors he has occasionally used a pickax to try to unearth them. "He told me it's like looking for a needle in a haystack," Leung said at an air district meeting in February. "He doesn't know where they are." Harquail did not respond to requests for comment. Since 2019, the gas control system, flare system and gas wells have gone off-line for periods of hours to several days, often because of power outages. In that time, soil probes around the nearby DoubleTree hotel have regularly detected methane above 5%, the minimum threshold to ignite. At least two readings have been higher than 80%. A spokesperson for the hotel could not be reached. Commercial natural gas for heating and cooking is typically 85% to 95% methane gas. "That is a significant concern from a safety perspective," said Seth Shonkoff, director of the Oakland-based nonprofit research group PSE Healthy Energy. "Unless there's some sort of subsurface migration of methane to the surface, you should not see that level of that magnitude, ever." Shonkoff also noted that methane, including in landfill gas, is often commingled with other toxic air contaminants, including benzene, for which there is no safe level of exposure. "The science on landfill gas composition is relatively young, so there's a lot to learn," he said. "But we do know that methane is a solvent, meaning that a variety of chemicals can be intermixed and be dissolved into it." A person enjoys a sunny day at Cesar Chavez Park in 2017. (Michael Macor / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images) After more than 40 years, Martin Nicolaus can still remember how bleak Berkeley's shoreline looked when a human-made peninsula jutting into San Francisco Bay served as the city's municipal dump. Nicolaus, a longtime Bay Area resident, was stunned by the bottleneck of truck traffic, the expansive field of rancid garbage and the multitude of pests it attracted. "There were just mobs of rats and gulls shrieking overhead, grabbing whatever it might be edible there," said Nicolaus, who is now president of the Chavez Park Conservancy. "It was a lively scene." But shortly after the city-owned landfill was ultimately closed in 1990, the grounds underwent a dramatic transformation. Berkeley officials embarked on an ambitious plan to convert the former waste site into the present-day park. The 90 acres of open space evolved into a popular destination, known for hiking trails and scenic views. It is home to an assortment of community events, including guided walks and an Easter egg hunt. It's also brimming with native grasses, wildflowers and myriad bird species. One creature that may be making matters worse, though, is ground squirrels. They have been burrowing warrens underground across the park's peninsula, including near the flare station, heightening concerns about potential gas leaks and spills of contaminated liquids. But the city met stiff opposition to trapping or exterminating the rodents. Nicolaus said the air district statements are alarmist. He has expressed concerns over how extensive repairs might disrupt the decades of habitat restoration work. "Ground squirrel burrows are all over the park," Nicolaus said. "You couldn't probably find a square 10-yard area in the parkway that doesn't have a ground squirrel burrow in it. But are they going to chew through a plastic pipe? And, no, I don't think so." The city has contended that the landfill is producing significantly less methane since its closure. They say it's not enough gas to continuously operate the gas collection system and flare. The air district, however, argues that leaky equipment is releasing landfill gases into the environment, which is why there's much less methane being collected. Another worry is oxygen. Oxygen levels around 20% about the same concentration as in Earth's atmosphere have been measured deep inside some of Berkeley's gas wells, indicating a leak or malfunction, according to the air district. Typically landfills try to keep oxygen levels to less than 5%, because higher levels can speed up decomposition, produce heat and raise the risk of an underground landfill fire. Berkeley has been ordered to fly a drone over Chavez Park and neighboring areas to search for leaks. It has also been called on to conduct an analysis comparing the landfill gas and the underground methane near the hotel and marina to determine whether they're from the same source. If the gas is traced back to the landfill, the city will be required upgrade its gas collection system. Replacing the entire system is expected to cost $2 million. But even if another source is responsible for the methane, the city must still find a way to abate hazardous conditions and protect people visiting the hotel and marina. "If I had the option to stay or walk somewhere else," Shonkoff said, "I would probably exercise that option." Read more: Editorial: Berkeley's backtrack on gas ban won't stop the electrification trend This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. (FOX40.COM) Days after a solar eclipse was viewed by millions of people throughout the United States, some people fear there may be some damage done to their eyes. Video Above: Opthalmologist describes how to properly view the solar eclipse We kind of get a little nervous in the office when something like this happens, Dr. Paymaun Asnaashari of Arden Park Optometry in Sacramento told FOX40.com. The solar eclipse was a once in a lifetime opportunity for some, but as amazing as it is, it can still have harmful effects. Timelapse videos show total solar eclipse plunge U.S. cities into darkness Experts issued several advisories about how to properly view the eclipse and avoid injury before it happened. After Mondays celestial event, KTLA reported that the Google search for eyes hurt spiked. Although some people may have missed the safety memo, the damage done to a persons eyes depends on how long a person looked up at the sun, according to Asnaashari. Think of it like like a sunburn. When a person is exposed to the sun for too long it can cause a temporary burn. The longer a persons skin burns, the more damage is done, Asnaashari said. But unlike the skin, the eyes dont have stem cells which help heal. The sun can destroy the eye cells that control vision, which is an irreversible loss. Asnaashari said the main condition to be on the lookout for is solar retinopathy which is permanent eye damage from sun. If a person experiences noticeable changes in vision that doesnt improve, I would recommend to see an eye care professional, Asnaashari said. Retina damages requires a specific type of imaging to be able to see and diagnose it. On the bright side, Asnaashari said that if a person wore the proper protective gear while viewing the solar eclipse, their vision should go back to normal. He added, unless they bought something generic or something not up to standard for blocking U.V radiation, they are less likely to have permanent damage. Lyrid Meteor Shower on the horizon following Solar Eclipse Symptoms of solar retinopathy The most common cause of solar retinopathy happens from looking at the sun, which happens with sun-gazing or viewing a solar eclipse, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The retina does not have pain receptors, so injury isnt felt when it happens, but tell-tale signs occur within hours of the developed damage. Blind spot in one or both eyes (scotoma). Abnormal color vision (dyschromatopsia). Twisting or warping of the central vision (metamorphopsia) Seeing objects smaller than they actually are. Headaches Live Weather & Maps Live Weather Radar Weather News Weather Email Alerts Live Traffic Map Treatment for solar retinopathy There isnt a known treatment for solar retinopathy, according to AAPOS. Many people improve on their own between three and sox months without any treatment. Steroids have also reportedly been tried to improve and reverse symptoms, however, there is no proven effectiveness for solar retinopathy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. General Christopher Cavoli, the Supreme Commander of NATO's Allied Forces Europe, has listed the challenges faced by Ukrainian pilots learning to fly the F-16 fighter jets. Source: Cavoli at a hearing of the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Voice of America Details: Cavoli stated that F-16s, like "any other aircraft", will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine. At the same time, the transition from Soviet aircraft to modern fourth-generation aircraft is challenging for Ukrainian pilots. Quote: "We are working on this together with them, and a whole coalition of different countries is working. After all, this will be very valuable for them," Cavoli said. More details: Cavoli called the English language skills one of the biggest difficulties in training Ukrainians on the F-16s. "If all manuals, all instructions and all buttons are in English, your level must be good enough to understand it. By the way, this is also the international language of flights. So it is simply necessary to speak English at a certain level. This is the first step," he explained. Cavoli indicated that another problem is the absence of basic training among some Ukrainian pilots. In this case, they have to undergo it first and only then train on the F-16s. Cavoli added that Ukraine lacks military aviators. "The limiting factor for the quantity of pilots we are preparing at the moment is the shortage of Ukrainian pilots. Ukrainians have thoroughly calculated how many pilots they can afford to send to undergo training and still maintain the needed level of combat activity inside Ukraine. And this is what defines a factual training level or the number of pilots in the training process," Cavoli added. Background: Reportedly, the first F-16 fighter jets will appear in the Ukrainian sky approximately in June 2024. Recently, the Belgian government adopted the 25th aid package for Ukraine, which includes funds for the maintenance of the F-16s. Support UP or become our patron! FILE PHOTO: Volunteers who aspire to join the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces attend basic training in the Kyiv region By Yuliia Dysa (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday signed into law a billto overhaul Ukraine's army mobilisation rules as Kyiv tries to generate fresh manpower to rotate its exhausted troops fighting Russian invaders. Here is an overview of what the legislation changes, which come into effect in one month. MILITARY RECORDS The law obliges Ukrainian men between 18 and 60 years of age to update their personal data with the military authorities, allowing draft offices to see more easily who can be called up in any given region. Military-age men will be legally required at all times to carry the registration document they are given by the draft office. Draft officers will be allowed to ask to see the document in the street. WATERED-DOWN PUNISHMENTS The legislation bans people from driving vehicles if they do not abide by the mobilisation rules. An earlier draft had proposed tough punishments such as asset freezes for such people, but that was cut after a public outcry. A separate bill proposing fines for draft dodgers passed its first reading on Wednesday. DEMOBILIZATION The legislation does not set any time limit for wartime military service, meaning that soldiers who have been fighting since the February 2022 beginning of the full-scale invasion still have no sense of when they will be demobilised. An earlier draft of the bill had proposed setting a time limit. MILITARY REGISTRATION FOR UKRAINIANS ABROAD Martial law prohibits men of military age from going abroad and there is no procedure for calling up Ukrainian men who are abroad. The legislation proposes a tracking procedure but it is unclear what that would look like in practice as it is yet to be determined by the government. Receiving consular services for things like renewing passports will now require Ukrainian men to present their military registration documents. It would be possible for them to register online without necessarily visiting draft offices in Ukraine. PERKS FOR VOLUNTEER FIGHTERS The law offers financial perks for people who volunteer to fight in the army and sign an army contract. In particular, those bonuses will include a certificate to buy a vehicle and financial assistance for first mortgage payments. OTHER PROVISIONS The legislation abolishes mandatory conscription for Ukrainian men aged 18 or older, and replaces it with basic military training for all men starting from September 2025. One new provision allows people who have been convicted and given a suspended sentence to serve in the army. Convicts are currently banned from any type of military service. After being mobilised, all men must undergo compulsory training before being sent to a combat area. In some cases, authorities will be able to seize vehicles from citizens and enterprises for the army's needs. (Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; editing by Tom Balmforth, Devika Syamnath and Angus MacSwan) China urges U.S. to cease sending wrong signals to "Taiwan independence" forces Xinhua) 09:11, April 11, 2024 BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday urged the United States to fulfill its commitment of not supporting "Taiwan independence" and to cease sending the wrong signals to separatist forces. "We urge the U.S. side to abide by the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques with concrete actions," said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Zhu made the statement at a regular press conference of the office while responding to a media inquiry regarding remarks made recently by Laura Rosenberger, chair of the board of trustees of the "American Institute in Taiwan." The one-China principle is the political foundation and fundamental premise for the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between China and the United States, Zhu said. The U.S. "Taiwan Relations Act" and "Six Assurances" seriously violate the one-China principle, the provisions of the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and the basic norms of international relations, and grossly interfere in China's internal affairs, the spokesperson said, calling them "entirely wrong, illegal, and invalid." "The Chinese government has consistently and resolutely opposed them from the outset," she said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An ancestral worship ceremony paying homage to Huangdi, or Yellow Emperor, was held Thursday in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province. An ancestral worship ceremony paying homage to Huangdi, or Yellow Emperor, is held Thursday in Xinzheng, central China's Henan province. [Photo/Xinhua] Over 5,000 people from around the globe attended the event, including overseas Chinese, experts across various fields such as culture, arts, calligraphy and media, and representatives from the science and economic sectors. They came together to pay respects to Huangdi, praying for the prosperity of the nation and peace and harmony worldwide. Huangdi is considered in Chinese mythology to be the ancestor of Han Chinese who laid foundation to Chinese civilization. In the legends, Xinzheng is known as Huangdi's hometown. The ceremony, which started around 9:40 a.m., included nine specific rituals: a ceremonial cannon salute, laying of flower baskets, hand purification and incense offering, collective ancestor worship, the reading of the worship text, singing of hymns, musical and dance tributes, prayers for China's well-being, and the harmony of heaven, earth, and humanity. These rituals have been recognized by the State Council as a national intangible cultural heritage. For the fifth year, the event also featured an online ancestral worship platform, enabling virtual participation from across the world. After the ceremony, participants also had the opportunity to explore Henan's rich culture and learn about the socio-economic development of the Yellow Emperor's hometown in the new era. OSLO, Norway, April 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Elliptic Labs (OSE: ELABS), a global AI software company and the world leader in AI Virtual Smart Sensors currently deployed in over 500 million devices, has shipped its AI Virtual Proximity Sensor INNER BEAUTY on Xiaomis latest smartphone release the Redmi Turbo 3 smartphone. Long-time customer Xiaomi, the third largest smartphone maker globally, is releasing the Redmi Turbo 3 for the Chinese market. Elliptic Labs partner Qualcomms Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. The contract for this launch was previously announced by Elliptic Labs. "Elliptic Labs position as a leading AI software provider within the smartphone market has grown alongside Xiaomis, as it is firmly positioned as the third largest smartphone maker globally," said Laila Danielsen, CEO of Elliptic Labs. "We have shipped almost (60) devices with Xiaomi since 2016, demonstrating the enduring value of our AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform to the smartphone industry. Our technological leadership in AI/ML, ultrasound, and sensor fusion technologies means that the largest smartphone OEMs will continue to choose Elliptic Labs to help make products that are greener, smarter, and more human-friendly." AI Virtual Proximity Sensor INNER BEAUTY Elliptic Labs AI Virtual Proximity Sensor detects when a user holds their phone up to their ear during a call, allowing the smartphone to turn off its display and disable its screens touch functionality. This keeps the users ear or cheek from triggering unwanted actions during the call, such as hanging up or dialing numbers. Turning off the screen also helps conserve battery life. Proximity detection is a core capability that is used in all smartphones, but Elliptic Labs AI Virtual Proximity Sensor is a unique, software-only solution that delivers robust proximity detection without the need for a dedicated hardware sensor. By replacing hardware sensors with software sensors, the AI Virtual Proximity Sensor reduces device cost and eliminates sourcing risk. INNER BEAUTY is a registered trademark of Elliptic Labs. AI Virtual Smart Sensor, AI Virtual Proximity Sensor, and AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform are trademarks of Elliptic Labs. All other trademarks or service markets are the responsibility of their respective organizations. About Elliptic Labs Elliptic Labs is a global enterprise targeting the smartphone, laptop, IoT, and automotive markets. Founded in 2006 as a research spin-off from Norways Oslo University, the companys patented software uses AI, ultrasound and sensor fusion to deliver intuitive 3D gesture, proximity-, presence-, breathing- and heartbeat-detection experiences. Its scalable AI Virtual Smart Sensor Platform creates software-only sensors that are sustainable, human-friendly and already deployed in hundreds of millions of devices around the world. Elliptic Labs is the only software company that has delivered detection capabilities using AI software, ultrasound, and sensor fusion deployed at scale. The company joined the Oslo Brs main listing in March 2022. Story continues Elliptic Labs is headquartered in Norway with presence in the USA, China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Its technology and IP are developed in Norway and are solely owned by the company. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240410370926/en/ Contacts PR Contacts: Patrick Tsui pr@ellipticlabs.com Investor Relations: Lars Holmy Lars.Holmoy@ellipticlabs.com FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) A man who worked as a substitute teacher in Loudon County and gave private music lessons in Chantilly faces child sex crime charges after he was found and arrested in Kansas, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said. The Salina Police Department in Kansas arrested 40-year-old William Riddell on March 30. He will be held there pending extradition to Fairfax County. Family rescued from house fire in Fairfax County, 5 injured Police obtained warrants for one count of possession of child pornography first offense, nine counts of possession of child pornography second offense, one count of reproduction of child pornography first offense and three counts of reproduction of child pornography second offense. Riddell worked for Loudoun County Public Schools from 2008 and 2013 as a part-time substitute teacher. In 2012, he worked at Chantilly High School as a Booster clinician but he was considered as a non-FCPS employee. He has also given private music lessons in the Chantilly area under the company, Beat Farm Percussion, which he states that he owns on his LinkedIn profile. According to FCPD, its investigation into Riddell started after it received a report indicating he may have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor. Alexandria school administrators on leave after autistic student wanders blocks away from campus While the initial claim is still under investigation, FCPD says its investigation led them to find electronic evidence of child sexual abuse material that belonged to Riddell. Detectives are still looking for anyone with information related to Riddells case. Anyone with information can contact detectives at (703) 246-7800, option 4 or submit a tip through Crime Solvers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A diplomatic row has broken out with China as embassy officials deny responsibility for the scourge of counterfeit stamps flooding into Britain. An investigation by The Telegraph identified four major Chinese suppliers offering to print up to one million counterfeit Royal Mail stamps a week for as little as 4p each. Security experts and MPs described the mass forgery which has resulted in victims being hit with 5 fines for failure to pay postage as an act of economic warfare and akin to printing counterfeit money. Jonathan Reynolds, Labours shadow business secretary, said: This is incredibly worrying for British consumers and small businesses who are being defrauded, the Government must urgently investigate the scale of this forgery and work with Royal Mail, the police and the regulator to clamp down on this criminality. The chair of the foreign affairs committee has demanded the Chinese state launch an investigation and crack down on factories brazenly producing the counterfeits. The Liberal Democrats have called on the Chinese government to face questions from ministers and urged the Foreign Office to arrange a meeting with the Chinese ambassador. However, a spokesman for the Chinese embassy dismissed the reports to The Times last night, describing them as baseless and low-level. They said Royal Mail should have a thorough investigation over the internal supply chain, instead of pursuing the attention of the media and said claims it was triggering war by bringing fake stamps were totally ridiculous, absurd and ill-intentional. It comes after Alan Mendoza, founder of national security think tank the Henry Jackson Society, told The Telegraph: It is inconceivable that a large-scale counterfeit operation like this could be occurring without the knowledge and therefore tacit approval of the Chinese Communist Party given its strict control over the Chinese economy. As such, its an obvious form of economic warfare and should be called out for what it is with economic repercussions for China if it does not rein it in. Alicia Kearns, chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said: It is incumbent upon the Chinese state to now crack down on these companies who are openly supporting illicit trade in stamps, investigate printing facilities and expose those funding them. There is evidently a need for enhanced measures to safeguard postal service integrity, enhanced intelligence sharing, and increased efforts to mitigate potential economic and security risks associated with counterfeit postage operations linked to China. She added there was no doubt organised crime was involved and described the level of counterfeit stamps entering Britain as on an industrial scale. Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney described the findings of The Telegraphs investigation as deeply troubling, adding: Surely a government minister has to step in to investigate. She said: The Government cant pass the buck on our postal service being undermined by fake stamps, made on the other side of the world. Ministers are missing in action on a potential scandal. As part of an investigation, ministers should question Chinese government officials in the UK. No stone can be left unturned, and the public will expect the Chinese embassy to be contacted by the Foreign Office. The Royal Mail has said it is working hard to remove counterfeit stamps from circulation, saying it regularly monitors online marketplaces to detect suspicious activity, such as sales of heavily discounted stamps and work closely with retailers and law enforcement agencies to identify those who produce counterfeit stamps. We work closely with a number of police forces across the country to apprehend offenders and search premises. In recent cases we have recovered stamps with a retail value of over 250,000, it said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. 'Falling Behind': Navy Criticized for Delays in Shipbuilding, Deployments that May Leave US Behind China Lawmakers dug into the Navy's shipbuilding efforts on Wednesday, saying that it is "behind" in providing ships to stay apace of global competition, specifically with China. The criticisms were raised when Department of the Navy leaders, including Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, met with members of the House Appropriations Committee's defense panel to discuss the Navy's shipbuilding and maintenance shortfalls. The Navy has admitted that all of its key shipbuilding programs -- from the new Columbia-class submarine to the new Constellation-class frigate -- are facing yearslong delays, which come amid cases of ships being delayed to deploy because of mounting maintenance issues. Read Next: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight "I'm concerned that the Navy is falling behind -- it is behind," Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., the chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said Wednesday. "The Navy continues to retire ships faster than it builds them, and I'm troubled by the Navy's request to decommission 10 ships before the end of their service life and build only six." While the service pointed to the fact that many of those programs are building first-in-class ships as part of the issue, its top official, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, has also been vocal in faulting shipyards and manufacturers, as well. "I need you to deliver platforms and capabilities on time and on budget without excuses," Del Toro said in February at a Navy conference in San Diego, California. "Many of you are making record profits, as evidenced by your quarterly financial statements," Del Toro said, claiming that some companies "goose ... stock prices through stock buybacks, deferring promised capital investments, and other accounting maneuvers that to some seem to prioritize stock prices that drive executive compensation rather than making the needed fundamental investments." The result is that, while the sea service told Congress last year that it needs 381 ships as well as up to 150 unmanned vessels to meet its national defense obligations, the most optimistic version of its plans has it reaching that goal in around 20 years. In addition to the total fleet size, lawmakers voiced concerns about the state of the ships that the Navy is currently operating. "I am more concerned about ship readiness," Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said at the hearing Wednesday. "I think that the metrics are not just bad, but I also think that the metrics are not truly honest." One of the most visible areas of concern has become the Navy's amphibious ship fleet, which the Marine Corps uses to deploy the bulk of its forces around the globe. The Navy is required by law to maintain 31 amphibious ships but, in an interview with Military.com in January, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command and deputy commandant for combat development and integration -- the Marine who heads the service's modernization efforts, said that that number of ships requires better maintenance to be effective. "When we say 31, that's based on a better readiness than we're seeing today," Heckl said. "So, it simply translates that if the machines are never going to reach the aspirational goals of 75-80% [readiness] then we're going to have to have more ships if we're really going to get back to having a crisis response force, always deployed, always forward -- that's going to mean an increase in numbers." Military.com reported that a series of investigations into the USS Boxer -- an amphibious assault ship that was months late in deploying -- found that the Navy, along with shipyard personnel, not only struggled to correctly repair the aging vessel, but also that its engineering department was poorly led and suffering from issues that ranged from inexperience to outright allegations of assault that directly impacted the ship's ability to get out to sea. "The Navy's Pacific Fleet was less ready and less capable because of USS Boxer's shortfalls," the admiral who commissioned one of the reports noted in his letter accepting the results. Meanwhile, the Navy's top officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, told reporters Monday that the Boxer's sister ship, the USS Wasp may also be delayed. "We're seeing some potential delays on Wasp. We're trying to look ahead to make sure that we can, I want to say, nip this in the bud," Franchetti said. Ship watchers spotted the Wasp departing Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, in early March only to return hours later, apparently with some tugs alongside. Lt. Cmdr. Dave Carter, a spokesman for Naval Surface Force Atlantic, later told Military.com that "during the underway, the ship discovered an engineering irregularity" and "returned to port to effect repairs." Most of the discussion revolving around the Navy's shortcomings focused on competition with China, with many lawmakers expressing concerns that the U.S. military is not meeting its primary pacing challenge. "Frankly, the pivot to the Pacific has not been fully realized," Garcia said. "And I think that's by any metric. ... We are either falling behind or losing our lead relative to China." Those concerns were not limited to the Pacific. Lawmakers cited the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group's most recent deployment to the Middle East as an example of the Navy's lacking ship readiness. "The Department of the Navy's capability and capacity is further eroded by the maintenance delays that plague the fleet," Calvert said. "The committee continues to see the Navy spend every cent appropriated for ship maintenance, but complete fewer maintenance availabilities than forecasted." "This creates both near-term risk to the fleet readiness and a bow wave of costly future maintenance requirements," he added. Calvert cited the "repeated extensions" of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, or ARG, during its deployment to the Middle East this year, which became increasingly important in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, sparking turmoil and war in the region. Military.com was first to report that the Bataan was delayed at least twice from returning from deployment. That deployment lasted roughly eight months, which lawmakers attributed to delays in maintenance. In his submitted statement to Congress, Smith said that he and Franchetti have "locked shields" on the construction, maintenance, modernization and availability of amphibious ships. "We must prioritize our operations with the Navy and its amphibious ships, and we must provide Marines with the organic mobility to rapidly maneuver from shore to shore, ship to shore and back again," Smith said. Related: Top Navy Leader Has Ordered 'Deep Dive' on Amphibious Ship Readiness After Delays with USS Boxer Families with children to be mandatorily evacuated from 47 frontline settlements in Kharkiv Oblast The aftermath of the Russian attack on Kharkiv on 7 April. Photo: Getty Images The Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council has decided to mandatorily evacuate families with children from 47 frontline settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Details: Syniehubov noted that the decision concerns settlements near the border with Russia in the Kharkiv, Bohodukhiv and Izium districts. "Our information indicates that 182 children live in these settlements." Syniehubov said that evacuation routes have been established and temporary accommodations for evacuees have been arranged. The official further added that this decision does not apply to the city of Kharkiv. Support UP or become our patron! Families of dead American hostages plead for the return of their bodies: We cant even mourn Iris Weinstein Haggai received confirmation about her parents deaths in quick succession. On December 22, she learned that her father, Gadi, had been killed on October 7. Six days later, word came about her mother Judi: She too, was murdered by Hamas on the day of the attacks. Weinstein Haggai and her family then had an unthinkable decision to make. Could they sit shiva, as is customary for Jews after the passing of a loved one? Judi and Gadis bodies were still being held by Hamas. There was ultimately a small family gathering in Toronto, where some members of the Weinstein Haggai clan grew up and still live. Two virtual gatherings over Zoom organized by extended family followed, bringing together Judi and Gadis relatives, friends, students and neighbors from the couples kibbutz. Weinstein Haggai and her three siblings did not participate but watched the recordings of the Zoom gatherings afterward. The stream of tributes of her parents two peaceniks who had been out for their usual early morning walk when Hamas came for them was beautiful, but also tough to stomach. I felt it was very final, and my hearts I couldnt bear that yet. Because I dont have bodies to bury, Weinstein Haggai, 38, told CNN. To hear people talk about them, and kind of like a shiva, kind of like a ceremony to me, it was hard. And I couldnt really join that. Andrea Weinstein, Judis younger sister who lives in Connecticut, traveled to the small family get-together in Toronto. She recalled that a rabbi who was present appeared to be at a loss at one point. He told the family that he had searched for a prayer that would be fitting for the moment but had difficulty finding one. Is there a prayer for this? Weinstein recalled the rabbi wondering out loud. Theres nothing that really speaks to this. This is not normal. Trying to grieve and honor the life of a deceased family member, before getting the chance to bury their bodies, is the wrenching position that numerous families of the hostages abducted by Hamas now find themselves in. Three American hostages have been confirmed dead so far: Judi Weinstein Haggai, Gadi Haggai and Itay Chen, all dual Israel-American citizens. Their families say there can be no peace of mind until the bodies are returned. To me, theres no closure. I need to make sure that they have a respectful burial; theyre laid to rest, Weinstein Haggai said. I cant rest. Im not rested. Itay, a soldier in the Israeli military, was 19 when he was killed on October 7. After receiving the devastating news, the Chen family opened up their home for several days for family and friends to stop by. They also marched from their home to a local synagogue, where they paid tribute to his life. The deceased are not a negotiating chip His father, Ruby Chen, was among the group of family members of American hostages in Washington, DC, this week that participated in meetings with top US officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Bidens national security adviser Jake Sullivan. This weeks in-person meeting with Sullivan was one of many that Chen has attended since October 7. But it was the first since Itay was declared dead by the Israeli government on March 12 In an interview this week, Chen said he looks forward to the day when he has no reason to see Sullivan again. But until his sons body is returned to him and his wife, Chen said, he must continue showing up to meetings with Biden administration officials. In both meetings with Sullivan and Harris this week, Chen said he pleaded for the US government to make an urgent push for the return of the dead hostages alongside the living. The deceased are not a negotiating chip, Chen said. It doesnt need to be instead of the living. I recognize the fact that the living have a timeline that is even more difficult. But the deceased should not wait until the end. Chen is referring to the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by the US, Qatar and Egypt to implement a temporary ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages taken by Hamas. Negotiators say the first category of people to be released would be women, the wounded and sick, and the elderly. CNN has previously reported that the remains of the dead would be among the last categories of hostages to be released. There needs to be pressure to release those who are living and presumed living and those who are no longer alive, said Weinstein, who also attended this weeks meeting with the vice president. She and Chen both said they wished to see parallel negotiations unfold at the same time one for the immediate release of the living hostages, and another for the bodies of the deceased. Both Sullivan and Harris sounded receptive to their urgings, according to Chen. Weinstein described the vice president as really present in the room, really listening and taking it all in. I felt that she was supportive of the families and all the complexities of the issues, she said. A White House readout of the vice presidents meeting with the families specifically mentioned the bodies of the American hostages. Harris reaffirmed the US commitment to bring home the remains of those who have been tragically confirmed to be deceased, it said. A White House official told CNN that the recovery of the bodies remains an active and urgent part of the ongoing hostage release negotiations. Families haunted by thoughts of their loved ones bodies Gadi Haggai was known for being a talented jazz musician and chef; Judi Weinstein Haggai was a poet who regularly wrote haikus sometimes about peace. Her sister Andrea Weinstein, who affectionately describes Judi as her tiny big sister, said the couple took extraordinary care of their bodies. They were such a creative force, separately and together, and they fed themselves healthy foods so they could be creative, she said. If you wanted to join them for a salad, Gadi would just chop a little more. Ruby and Hagit Chen have described their son, Itay, as a happy boy who was always smiling. Since his death, friends have flooded the Chens with stories about how funny Itay was, his great laugh, and how much he loved to help people. They will always, always remember him as the best person they knew. Beautiful boy, Hagit Chen told CNNs Jake Tapper. Immediately after October 7, the Chens, Weinstein Haggai and Weinstein were tortured by the thought of their loved ones not making it out of Gaza alive. Since learning about the deaths of their son, parents and sister and brother-in-law, they are haunted by the prospect of never getting the bodies back. I dont want him to rot in some hellhole in Gaza, Chen said of his son. Thats not the respect that he should get. The savages took his body. Yom Hazikaron, Israels Memorial Day, is a month away. Like Chen, Weinstein Haggai is sickened by the idea of her parents bodies being stuck somewhere in Gaza. She wonders if she and her family will ever have a place to go to visit her parents. In Judaism, its very important to have a certain burial ceremony; a shiva. Its something thats very, very important, and for good reasons. I need closure, she said. And right now, we cant even mourn their death, even though we know theyre dead. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A former district attorney announced he will lead the investigation into Georgias lieutenant governor, Burt Jones. Jones is accused of casting a fake electoral vote for former President Donald Trump in 2020. It took 21 months, but on Thursday, Channel 2 Action News confirmed the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Pete Skandalakis, will investigate whether Jones broke the law after he acted as one of Trumps alternate electors following the 2020 presidential election. Due to state law, Skandalakis is unable to comment on the investigation, but the man at the center of his investigation had this to say following the announcement. Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me. Fani Willis has made a mockery of this legal process, as she tends to do. I look forward to a quick resolution and moving forward with the business of the state of Georgia, Jones said. RELATED NEWS: Channel 2s Michael Seiden contacted Fani Willis and her office for comment on this story, but they declined. The investigation into Jones was halted in 2022 after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney disqualified Willis and her office from investigating the Republican lawmaker after she held a fundraiser for his political opponent. Former DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James told Seiden that the decision made by Skandalakis raises a lot of questions. Why was the case not appointed to another prosecutors office? And if no prosecutors wanted it, why was it not appointed to a special counsel? James said. James wanted to make it clear that he was not insinuating that there is anything fishy or nefarious going on with how its being handled. He just has questions. RELATED NEWS: A farm worker who fled violence in Guatemala to build a life in Vermont may lose it all. For the past seven years, Bernardino Suchite Canan, an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala, has been working his way up the ladder at a family-owned dairy farm in Irasburg. Canan, 24, managed the milking team of five to six people, coordinated time off for employees and delegated chores. He learned how to breed and inseminate cows, and administered health treatments. Canan became a critical part of the farm's ecosystem, working six days a week, according to one of the farm's owners. The co-owner of the Irasburg farm wrote a glowing letter of recommendation for Canan last December, after he became enmeshed in removal proceedings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Irasburg farmer said Canan was a natural-born leader, and "quickly rose to the position of management." Bernardino Suchite Canan is seen on the dairy farm in Irasburg where he rose to a management position before being detained by ICE. Undated photo. Today, Canan is no longer working on the farm in Irasburg. Instead, he is languishing in ICE detention in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he has been since November, threatened with removal to Guatemala. Canan shares a cramped cell with five others, using a single toilet in the room, according to Alyssa Shea, a student at the Vermont Law & Graduate School who is helping with Canan's representation in court. He tries to avoid common spaces because of the "prevalence of racial-based conflicts," Shea wrote in an email. "We've known folks who have gone through there in the past, it's very unpleasant," said Will Lambek of Migrant Justice, a Burlington nonprofit that advocates for farmworkers. Jill Martin Diaz, an attorney and professor who supervised Shea in Vermont Law School's immigration clinic in Burlington, shared a copy of the farm owner's letter of recommendation with the Burlington Free Press, redacting the name of the farm owner and the farm. The letter was submitted to the judge in immigration court in Boston, where Canan's case is being heard. "In my overall experience in the agriculture industry, it's truly rare to find someone who treats the business like their own the way Bernardino does," the farm co-owner wrote. "I'd describe him as a stand-up guy and without Bernardino, we have a hole, and morale is down." Escaping criminal violence in Guatemala for farm life in Vermont Canan fled his hometown of Zacapa, Guatemala, for the United States when he was 16 years old to escape criminal violence. "He suffered some sort of attack by local criminals in his town when he was 15," said Brett Stokes, a professor at Vermont Law & Graduate School who took Diaz's place supervising students in the immigration clinic. "It took him a bit to recover. He and his family decided it would be an opportune time for him to leave after that." Since arriving in Vermont, Canan not only worked his way up to middle management at the Irasburg dairy farm, but also entered into a long-term relationship with a fellow farmworker and her two children. "They all live together in the same home and engage each other on a daily basis," the farm co-owner wrote. "Bernardino is admired here on the farm and for good reason." Driving while brown. Someone reports Canan to local police. Canan's path from middle management to detainee in an ICE facility began on the other side of Lake Champlain. Canan and his partner, Maricruz, along with her son were visiting a friend at a dairy farm near Champlain, New York, according to Shea, when they were pulled over by local police. Ten minutes after police released them, they were stopped by ICE. Bernardino Suchite Canan (center) marches with farmworkers in Portland, Maine, to urge Hannaford Supermarket to join Migrant Justice's Milk with Dignity Program. Undated photo. "They don't know why they were stopped, there was no documentation offered them why they were stopped," Diaz said. "This is very scary to be undocumented and have contact with law enforcement. You live in fear of this exact thing." In Vermont, undocumented immigrants are theoretically protected because the state has a statewide non-cooperation agreement, preventing Vermont State Police from collaborating with Customs and Border Patrol. Lambek cautioned, however, that even though every police department in the state has adopted Vermont's non-cooperation policy, "we see violations." Diaz has since left Vermont Law School to become the first executive director of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project, which works with undocumented immigrants seeking asylum. Stokes took over for them supervising the immigration clinic and Canan's case. Canan believes the owner of the dairy farm in Champlain, New York, called police, who then called ICE. Police said a complaint had come from the farm, but didn't specify who made the complaint. "We don't know who made the call to the cops or whether it was racially motivated a car of brown people, oh drug smugglers," Lambek said. "I visited a lot of farms. Nobody ever called the cops on me. Take that for what you will." Canan is charged with 'removability' by ICE after traffic stop Now Canan and his family were on ICE's radar. "ICE takes them to the Enforcement and Removal Operations office, which in our district is in St. Albans," Diaz said. "They take fingerprints and put them in the system. Basically they have said, 'We're now aware you're here in violation of immigration laws, and we're charging you with removability.' They initiate those proceedings before the immigration court (in Boston)." Bernardino Suchite Canan (far left) with co-workers, calling on Hannaford Supermarket to join Migrant Justice's Milk with Dignity Program. Undated photo. Because Vermont's jails are full, Canan wasn't detained but instead was given an order of supervision, which allowed him to remain working on the Irasburg farm while he fought removal proceedings in immigration court. "Meanwhile you have to show up regularly or communicate regularly with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) so (they) know you haven't absconded," Diaz said. Vermont Law students realize Canan has a path to a green card Canan was allowed to check in with ERO by email. Meanwhile, Diaz and the students discovered a silver lining in his case. Canan had been the victim of a violent break-in at his home on the farm in Irasburg earlier in 2022, sustaining injuries. "I think there was a struggle to keep the person out and the door hit (Canan) in the face," Diaz said. The state's attorney was prosecuting the case, and Canan was cooperating as a witness, which meant he could qualify for a U visa and potentially a Green Card, allowing him to live and work permanently in the United States. Diaz explained the theory behind the U visa is that undocumented immigrants are understandably afraid to ask for law enforcement protection when they need it. "The law says, 'OK, cooperate without fear, we will actually give you a pathway to regularize status now,'" Diaz said. "It's protection against removal. You get work authorization. You get a social security number. You can bank. You can apply for credit. You can live your life." That's the good news. The bad news is there's more than a 10-year wait list for a U visa. Canan's path to a green card ends, potentially, in a roadside ditch Still, the U visa was reason for hope. Then the unimaginable happened. Only a few days after coming to the attention of ICE, Canan drove into a ditch in the Northeast Kingdom in a single-car accident. "He waited on the scene for police to come and he was charged with driving under the influence," Diaz said. More: Can a new program improve housing for VT migrant farmer workers? Sprague Ranch hopes so Canan and his partner testified he had never driven drunk before, but was feeling the stress of his interaction with ICE, compounded by the anniversary of a violent attack on his mother in 2021, which ultimately resulted in her death. Gang violence is endemic to war-torn Guatemala, compounded by drug trade Sarah Osten, director of Latin American and Caribbean studies at the University of Vermont, said gang violence is endemic in Guatemala, which suffered a 36-year civil war that didn't end until 1996. "It was a war in which 200,000 people died, 80% of them indigenous," Osten said. "The United Nations declared it a genocide against the Maya." The war ended, but the societal violence didn't. To make matters worse, Osten said, Guatemala sits in a strategic location for the drug trade. "Drugs are part of a larger array of organized criminal activity in Guatemala," Osten said. "Guatemala and the rest of Central America have the geographic misfortune of being a land bridge between the cocaine-producing region and drug cartels in Mexico and the main market in the United States. So far, no one has found an amount of drugs they can't sell in the United States." More: 10 of Vermont's immigrant farmworkers petition ICE to stop their deportations Osten said gangs prey on families like Canan's, extorting them with murder threats, especially against children. Those on the receiving end of threats understand police are working with the gangs, and reporting the threats will only put them in more grave danger. "Most people think of a rich or powerful person being shaken down, but gangs shake down the most vulnerable members of society," she said. "The rich and powerful in Guatemala have bodyguards and high walls around their houses." ICE asks Bernardino to come into the office for check-in instead of emailing For his next check-in with Enforcement and Removal Operations, Canan was asked to come into the office in St. Albans. "We're terrified, what is going on?" Diaz remembered. "This is against policy and against protocol. We're wondering if they'd done their homework, if they'd run his fingerprints and found out about these pending (DUI) charges." Diaz and the student team negotiated with ICE to accompany Canan to the office with the understanding they just needed some fresh "file metrics." Once in St. Albans, Canan was taken away for fingerprinting. Diaz and their team were asked to wait in the waiting room. Canan was detained, citing the DUI charges. More: Hannaford urged to protect migrant worker rights as grocery sales grow, workers struggle With no room in Vermont jails, Canan was on his way to ICE detention in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where he remains today, threatened with deportation back to Guatemala. Stokes and his team of student lawyers have failed twice to get Canan bonded out. His pending DUI has made him a threat to the community in the eyes of the immigration court judge. Canan's partner hopes for his freedom and return home to the farm Stokes was optimistic ahead of Canan's second bid for bail, as the state of Vermont had agreed to put him into a diversion program on his pending DUI charges, which means the charges would not have gone on his record once he completed the program. It seemed like an opening. "Unfortunately, Bernardino was, again, denied bond based on 'dangerousness,'" Stokes said. "A really tough loss after such a hard-fought battle to get this hearing. Bernardino remains in detention and will be fighting for an opportunity to remain in the U.S. through an application for asylum based on his fear to return to Guatemala." Bernardino Suchite Canan shows photos of his partner's children, for whom he has become like a father, according to Maricruz, his partner. Undated photo. Stokes is under no illusions about the tough road ahead. "Fear claims based on criminal and gang activity are hard to prove," he said. "They're hard cases." Canan's final hearing is scheduled for April 17. "It has been so painful to have Bernardino taken from us," Maricruz said in a statement translated by Migrant Justice. "I don't want anyone to feel the pain that I'm feeling. He is like a father to my children. The only thing I want is to see Bernardino free and back home with our family." Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosi@gannett.com. Follow him on X @DanDambrosioVT. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: A migrant farmworker's life in Vermont is threatened by deportation. Fatal police chases increased in NC and nationwide, despite calls for fewer pursuits Despite recommendations to reduce police chases because they can be dangerous, the number of deadly police pursuits has increased in North Carolina and nationally. Deadly police pursuits in North Carolina increased from nine in 2018 to 22 in 2022, which is the highest number of lethal police chases since 1996, according to National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration data. From 2018 to 2022, the five-year average was 13.6, compared to 8.6 the previous five years and 7.4 in the five years before that, that data show. In 2022 alone, 24 people died in 22 chases. Chases can be dangerous to police but mostly to others. From 2012 to 2022 in this state, 138 people died in pursuits, including two officers, 72 occupants in vehicles running from police, and 61 drivers in other cars, according to the national traffic safety data. North Carolina police are rarely held responsible for lives lost during chases because the states higher courts have never ruled that a deadly police chase here met the gross negligence standard needed for a plaintiff to win a lawsuit against a city or an officer, according to interviews with attorneys. Brooke Maynard was employed as a detention officer in the Durham County Detention Center. She began her career with the Durham County Sheriffs Office in November 2017. But after a Superior Court judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed against Durham, the city recently agreed to a $2.5 million settlement with the family of Brooke Lynn Maynard. She was killed in 2018 when an armed robbery suspect crashed into her car while trying to evade police in a stolen vehicle. Recent report recommends changes A national report published in 2023 recommends that police reduce how frequently they chase vehicles to get criminal suspects in custody. The report, produced by a partnership among the U.S. Department of Justice, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Police Executive Research Forum, sought to develop guidance for agencies. A working group, which included Fayetteville and Burlington officers, helped develop dozens of recommendations. The report recommends that pursuits should only be used when a violent crime has been committed and when suspects pose an imminent threat to commit another violent crime. You can get a suspect another day, but you cant get a life back, Chuck Weber, head of the Police Executive Research Forum, wrote in the report. The increase in police pursuits is unfolding in the broader context of other public safety challenges, including increases in violent crimes, traffic fatalities and risky driving behavior following the pandemic, the report states. Some cities report that more people have been fleeing law enforcement in vehicles. In North Carolina, incidents of people driving to try to evade Highway Patrol officers have more than doubled in recent years, according to department spokesman 1st Sgt. Chris Knox. From 2019 to 2022, the number of Highway Patrol pursuits increased from 454 to 1,053, according to data Knox provided. At least 29 people died and 49 people were seriously injured in those pursuits. The National Highway Traffic Safety and Administration data showed a spike of fatal crashes across the United States in recent years. In 2022, deadly police pursuits crashes across the nation reached an all time high of 577, with 2020 and 2021, coming in second and third respectively, according to the federal numbers. What is North Carolina law? State law says that speed limitations dont apply to officers chasing law violators, but the exemption doesnt protect officers who recklessly disregard safety. In North Carolina, pursuit policies are generally set by local police departments, sheriffs offices and the Highway Patrol. But sometimes, its not just about the written policy, said Donald Beskind, a law professor at Duke University who was one of two lawyers who represented the family of the woman killed in Durham in 2018. Officer training and experience is also key, he said. In the Durham case, two officer trainees were chasing a carjacker. The driver led police on an 11-minute chase past two universities, through multiple neighborhoods and 14 red lights before he slammed into Maynard, a 24-year-old mother, killing her instantly. Beskind said his research indicated that pursuit training in Durham for officers involved included officers driving around cones in a parking lot. What NC law enforcement leaders say North Carolina Sheriffs Association executive director Eddie Caldwell pointed out that state law requires agencies to have a pursuit policy but those policies can vary from department to department. Edenton Police Chief Henry King is an advocate of BolaWrap, a restraint device that police departments across the country are trying. Edenton was the first department to use BolaWrap in North Carolina in 2019. Henry King, Edenton Police Chief and president of the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, said with pursuits, officers are often darned if they chase a law violator, and darned if they dont. Sometimes chases result in a crash, but sometimes crashes still happen when officers pull back, King said, citing a recent incident in Edenton. An officer pulled back on his attempt to pull over a man who ran a stop sign when the car raced toward downtown, but the man still ended up running his car into a vacant house. You have one side of society that says I want something done, and you have another group that says Its getting ridiculous, he said. In that type of environment, police departments often lean into their senses of preferences of the people they work for: local taxpayers. Everybody has their own separate thresholds, based on what their community expects, King said. Incomplete federal data? The San Francisco Chronicle in February published an investigation into deadly police chases nationally, reporting that the federal information on fatal pursuits is incomplete. Journalists there used a broader definition than the highway administration agency, including deaths caused by an officer ramming a car. The newspaper reported finding hundreds of deaths were missing due to reporting gaps and unknown reasons. The Chronicle found there were 92 deaths in police pursuits in North Carolina from 2017 to 2021, marking nine deaths per million deaths during that time period. The highway administrations numbers indicate that there were 70 deaths in the state during that time. The Chronicle ranking put North Carolina tied with Colorado at 23th and 24th highest out of the 51 states. Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism. NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com Father gunned down in Monrovia, reward offered for suspects capture Authorities and county officials are searching for the suspects who shot and killed a man in Monrovia in 2021. On Jan. 29, 2021, Terry Alford, 46, was visiting family at a home on the 100 block of Los Angeles Avenue at around 5 p.m. He was on the front porch when four male suspects suddenly appeared from an adjacent alleyway. They walked up to Alford and shot him several times, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. At least two suspects climbed over a fence to shoot Alford from behind. Arriving officers found Alford with multiple gunshot wounds. The suspects fled the scene before deputies could arrive. Officers attempted to save his life but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators believe the shooting is gang-related but that Alford was not the intended target. Security video captured the deadly incident but the suspects have not been identified and remain at large. Terry Alford, 46, in a photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects. Terrys life was violently and senselessly ended, leaving his wife, children, and loved ones grieving for the rest of their lives, said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. His murder took place over three years ago but law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to finding those responsible for Terrys murder. Authorities said the Alfords family is completely distraught by this senseless tragedy. He is survived by his wife, children, and siblings. Officials are asking anyone with information on the case to call the LASDs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5617 and ask to speak with Detective Cynthia Sanchez. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. FBI Director Christopher Wray plans to warn Congress on Thursday that intelligence officials are increasingly concerned about the possibility of an ISIS-K attack on U.S. soil, similar to the massacre carried out last month at a Russia concert hall. Looking back over my career in law enforcement, Id be hard pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once. But that is the case as I sit here today. This is not a point when we can let up, Wray is set to tell a House budget panel on Thursday, according to his prepared remarks. U.S. officials for months have been warning about the potential for Hamas-inspired attacks on U.S. soil, since the Oct. 7 attack in Israel and amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The March 23 attack on a Moscow concert hall by the Islamic State groups Afghanistan affiliate, however, has recently raised concerns about the likelihood that the group could carry out similar attacks in the United States and Europe sooner than officials previously expected. That massacre left at least 143 people dead and injured more than 100 others. [Our] most immediate concern has been that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home. But now increasingly concerning is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall a couple weeks ago, Wray will say, arguing against any budget cuts for the department as officials work to fend off threats. Every day, FBI agents, analysts and professional staff are working shoulder to shoulder with thousands of task force officers from hundreds of different police departments and sheriffs offices all over the country on our FBI-led task forces. On top of that, we provide technology and expertise, valuable investigative leads like DNA matches, and cutting-edge training to law enforcement nationwide to help them keep our communities safe, Wray will say, according to the remarks. So cuts to us are cuts to our partnersstate and local law enforcement agencies and officers who are on the ground, putting themselves in the line of fireoften quite literally. This is by no means a time to let up or dial back. This is a time when we need your support the mostwe need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and to keep Americans safe. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FBI director: We need much more from Mexico on fentanyl trafficking FBI director: We need much more from Mexico on fentanyl trafficking FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday said the Mexican government has been uneven in its assistance to U.S. law enforcement against fentanyl trafficking, agreeing with GOP critics of the Biden administration. We need much more from Mexico, Wray said in a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Thursday. He added that the Mexican response to fentanyl trafficking has been a mixed bag, describing a differing experience between Mexican law enforcement agencies and against different cartels in the country. There are individual instances that are bright spots. But this is such a big problem, he said. We need consistent, sustained, scalable assistance from them. Im pleased with what we have gotten, but we need a lot more, he added. President Biden has pressured the Mexican government and President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for months over the countrys role in fentanyl trafficking and border security. The pair met last November, where they pledged to work side by side to fight cartels. Nothing is beyond our reach in my view if Mexico and the United States stand together and work together, Biden said at the time. Biden and Lopez Obrador have shared a strained relationship, put under pressure again this year as Congress urges Biden to take executive action on border security. As the administration contemplates whether to use executive action, or whether Biden has authority to do so, the president has asked the Mexican government for better assistance against both fentanyl trafficking and border crossings. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also traveled to Mexico in December to announce U.S. sanctions on Mexican and Chinese firms responsible for fentanyl precursors, as well as new partnerships with the Mexican government against trafficking. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FBI Director Christopher Wray on Thursday will warn of an "elevated threat" to U.S. public safety and national security while advocating for an increased budget. "Looking back over my career in law enforcement, Id be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once," Wray will say to the House Appropriations subcommittee hearing on Thursday afternoon. "But that is the case as I sit here today. This is not a point when we can let up." Wray will argue at the hearing that the federal agency needs fiscal support to "tackle these threats" to keep American citizens safe. "This is by no means a time to let up or dial back. This is a time when we need your support the most we need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and to keep Americans safe," Wray will say. HOUSE BRACES FOR BATTLE OVER RENEWING CONTROVERSIAL FISA SURVEILLANCE TOOL FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies during a congressional hearing on China cyber threats, in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 31. Wray will say that the FBI's "immediate concern" is that individuals will draw inspiration from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East and carry out terrorist attacks in the U.S. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He will point to the Russia Concert Hall terrorist attack that left 144 people dead in the worst assault on Russian soil in two decades. "Our most immediate concern has been that individuals or small groups will draw twisted inspiration from the events in the Middle East to carry out attacks here at home. But now increasingly concerning is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the ISIS-K attack we saw at the Russia Concert Hall a couple weeks ago," he will say. Wray will push for Congress to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which monitors foreign nationals overseas and is set to expire on April 19. " An absolutely indispensable tool for Congress can give us in our fight against foreign adversaries is the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act," he will say. "It's critical in securing our nation, and we're in crunch time." FBI DIRECTOR SAYS CHINESE HACKERS ARE 'POISED TO ATTACK' AS INFILTRATIONS REACH 'FEVER PITCH' Section 702 has been both credited with preventing terror attacks on U.S. soil and accused of being a vehicle for spying on U.S. citizens. The FBI has been accused of improperly using Section 702 to spy on Black Lives Matter protesters in the summer of 2020 as well as people who rioted at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. FBI Director Christopher Wray is expected to push for Congress to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which monitors foreign nationals overseas. It is set to expire April 19. The FBI director will warn that budget cuts to the agency would affect more than just FBI operations; they would directly impact partners in state and local law enforcement. "Every day, FBI agents, analysts and professional staff are working shoulder to shoulder with thousands of task force officers from hundreds of different police departments and sheriffs offices all over the country on our FBI-led task forces," Wray will say. "On top of that, we provide technology and expertise, valuable investigative leads like DNA matches, and cutting-edge training to law enforcement nationwide to help them keep our communities safe." "So cuts to us are cuts to our partners state and local law enforcement agencies and officers who are on the ground, putting themselves in the line of fire often quite literally," Wray will say. Original article source: FBI director warns of 'elevated' public, national safety; pushes for increased funding FBI to warn Congress about possible organised attack in the US after Russian concert hall shooting The FBI is set to warn Congress about a possible organised attack in the US similar to the one that killed 144 people at a Russian concert hall last month. Looking back over my career in law enforcement, Id be hard-pressed to think of a time where so many threats to our public safety and national security were so elevated all at once, FBI director Christopher Wray is set to tell a House of Representatives panel during a budget hearing on Thursday. But that is the case as I sit here today. This is not a point when we can let up. Mr Wray will tell lawmakers that US officials have previously been worried about the possibility of an attack carried out by an individual or small group inspired by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, but the FBI is growing increasingly concerned about a more coordinated attack following the concert massacre in Russia. Of increasing concern is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, akin to the Isis-K attack we saw at the Russia concert hall a couple weeks ago, Mr Wray will say. The 22 March attack on a concert hall in suburban Moscow was the deadliest in Russia in 20 years. A branch of the Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility, but Russian president Vladimir Putin, without citing evidence, has sought to blame Ukraine. Mr Wray will argue at the hearing that the FBI needs fiscal support to tackle these threats to keep American citizens safe. This is a time when we need your support the most we need all the tools, all the people, and all the resources required to tackle these threats and to keep Americans safe, he will say. Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, warns of many threats to the US (AFP via Getty Images) He also plans to press lawmakers to renew a US surveillance program set to expire this month, calling it an indispensable tool against US adversaries. Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which monitors foreign nationals overseas, is set to expire on 19 April. A modest overhaul of that program was blocked in the House on Wednesday amid concerns from members of both parties that it did not go far enough in curbing the governments surveillance powers. Its critical in securing our nation, and were in crunch time, Mr Wray plans to say. It comes after the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice warned in December of rising foreign terror threats in the US in the wake of the Israel-Hamas War. In a bulletin, the two departments said that groups like al-Qaeda and Isis will likely use the Israel-Hamas war to increase calls for violence in the US during the holiday season compared to prior years, warning that the most likely primary targets could include churches, synagogues and members of the Jewish community. That report followed testimony by Mr Wray before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he said the number of threats is at a whole other level since Hamas 7 October attack on Israel, adding, Ive never seen a time where all the threats, or so many of the threats, are all elevated all at exactly the same time. However, he clarified that there was no specific or credible threat, adding that there is nothing to indicate Hamas has the intent or capability to conduct operations inside the US. This is not a time for panic, but it is a time for vigilance, the FBI director said. We shouldnt stop conducting our daily lives, going to schools, houses of worship and so forth. But we should be vigilant. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today new formal standards for limiting PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The standard of 4 parts per trillion, is much stricter than the agencys 60 parts per trillion voluntary standard that was in place in 2016 when the West Morgan East Lawrence Water Authority advised residents not to drink its water. Over $1 million in inventory taken from Arab car dealership, police still looking for vehicles The Biden Administration said today the move was to protect the health of Americans. The Administration said the chemicals have been linked to a number of health problems including some cancers, liver and kidney problems and development issues. PFAS chemicals, used in a number of products including non-stick surfaces, and Scotchgard, were made by 3M in Decatur for decades. The Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Working Group hosted a conference call Wednesday addressing the new regulations. Melanie Houston of the Ohio Environmental Council said PFAS chemical contamination is a longstanding problem. PFAS are a family of nearly 5,000 chemicals used in many commonplace products, from food packaging to firefighting foams and often referred to as forever chemicals for their ability to linger in the environment, she said. They were first introduced into consumer products in the 1940s and since that time theyve been entering into the environment through the emissions of polluting factories and these consumer products. Lauderdale County judge charged with misuse of office, perjury pleads not guilty 3M has faced a settled a number of PFAs-related lawsuits in North Alabama, including a $35 million settlement that allowed the West Morgan East Lawrence to build a new water treatment plant to filter out PFAS. Tennessee Riverkeeper Founder David Whiteside sued 3M nearly a decade ago seeking cleanup of PFAS in the Tennessee River. He hailed Wednesdays announcement. Tennessee Riverkeeper and I personally, were optimists generally, you kind of have to be in the environmental protection business, he said. We believe this is a great day for America. But Whiteside said there is still plenty of PFAS to clean up. Alabama Secretary of State warns Biden may not be on state ballot if DNC does not submit paperwork on time There are certainly problems with this, they need to be regulating PFAS as an entire family of chemicals, he said, These are strong regulations, it shows the EPA is taking it seriously and its going to bring a lot of awareness to PFAS and to our drinking water. 3M is also under a consent order from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for PFAS cleanup of the Tennessee River and landfills and other properties primarily in Lawrence and Morgan counties. ADEM issued a statement following todays announcement, saying in part: ADEM welcomes the EPAs final rule for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water as it establishes clear, enforceable health-based standards for six PFAS compounds. These new standards eliminate the uncertainty associated with the non-regulatory health advisories and give public water utilities a clear mandate for reducing the concentration of these substances in drinking water. Since 2020, ADEM has required drinking water systems in the state to test for the presence of PFAS in drinking water and provided assistance to systems when needed to help them remediate problems. ADEMs 2020 interim consent order with 3M requires the company to take steps to address PFAS at its plant in Decatur as well as dump sites in north Alabama. This has resulted in significant reductions of PFAS in those areas. ADEM is also providing financial assistance to water systems to help them address PFAS, including making them aware of funding available through ADEM. With funding from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), ADEM is providing more than $127 million to assist water systems with PFAS, including systems in small or disadvantaged communities. 3M has said it will exit the PFAS manufacturing business by the end of 2025. Last week it announced it has reached a $12.5 billion settlement with U.S. public drinking water systems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. Feds look to call ex-aldermen to testify at Madigan trial as experts on machine politics, City Hall Federal prosecutors are seeking to call a pair of former Chicago aldermen as experts in the citys political landscape at the upcoming racketeering trial of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. In a motion Thursday, prosecutors asked that retired University of Illinois at Chicago professor Dick Simpson be allowed to testify as an expert witness on traditional Democratic machine politics, particularly the patronage system that ward bosses like Madigan were able to use to build and maintain power. They also want to call former Ald. Michele Smith, a former federal prosecutor who would describe for the jury the intricacies of City Hall, including obscurities such as aldermanic prerogative, zoning and the role of ward committeemen, according to the filing. Its not the first time the U.S. attorneys office has sought to use former legislators as experts in a political corruption trial. Last year, prosecutors wanted Simpson to describe the structure and operation of the Chicago machine to jurors in the ComEd Four trial of McClain and three former ComEd executives and lobbyists, but lawyers for the defendants argued the proposed testimony was a transparent attempt to paint the four defendants with the broad brush of Chicago political corruption. Even if the 150-year history of Chicago political corruption were at all relevant to the facts at issue, the jury needs no special expertise to understand that there has historically been political corruption in Chicago, the defense stated in a joint motion. U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber decided to block Simpson from testifying, ruling it wouldnt help the jury decide the facts at issue and could prejudice the defendants. Madigan, 81, is charged in a 23-count indictment alleging he participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his public office for personal and political gain. Also charged was Madigans longtime confidant Michael McClain, 76, a former state legislator and lobbyist who was convicted last year of orchestrating an alleged bribery scheme by Commonwealth Edison. McClains sentencing in that case is pending. Madigan and McClain have each pleaded not guilty and the trial is set for October. In the request to have Simpson testify, prosecutors said his expert perspective would add critical context for statements made on undercover recordings, particularly how an old school patronage system that rewarded ward loyalists and doled out job recommendations allegedly evolved into ComEd steering hundreds of thousands of dollars to Madigan approved consultants in order to appease the speaker. Equipped with an understanding of the history of political patronage in Chicago, the jury will better understand that the payments from ComEd to Madigans precinct workers were for their political worknot because of any value they added for ComEd, or simply because Madigan was in the habit of making casual job recommendations that he had no special interest in, prosecutors wrote. On the contrary, Madigan was keenly interested in his political workers being rewarded for their loyal service to his political operation. Smith, meanwhile, is perfectly suited to lead the jury through some of the more Byzantine aspects of City Hall politics, prosecutors said, particularly when it comes to the importance of zoning. Smiths former City Council colleague, Daniel Solis, was the head of the Zoning Committee when he began cooperating with the FBI, making undercover recordings of Madigan as the speaker allegedly solicited business for his private law firm from developers who needed Solis influence over zoning issues. (Smith) has substantial knowledge of zoning procedures and customs, both written and unwritten, based on her experience as an alderperson for 11 years, prosecutors said. In addition, Smith personally interacted with Solis when he was chairman of the Zoning Committee, and she will testify about the way he ran the committee and the power he wielded as chairman, including his ability to set the agenda for zoning matters. Smith represented Chicagos 43rd Ward, which includes Lincoln Park and parts of Old Town and the Gold Coast, from 2011 to 2022, when she announced she was not running for reelection. She was tapped by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot to head a newly created Ethics Committee and fought for tighter ethics controls at City Hall over the objections from some of the councils more ingrained members, including Solis and then-Ald. Edward Burke. Solis left the council in 2019 after being outed as an FBI mole. He was charged with misusing his powers as Zoning Committee chairman for personal gain, but the case will eventually be dropped as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office. Burke, meanwhile, was convicted in December of racketeering charges based in part on Solis undercover work. His sentencing is set for June. jmeisner@chicagotribune.com Feds look to call ex-aldermen to testify at Madigan trial as experts on machine politics, City Hall CHICAGO Federal prosecutors are seeking to call a pair of ex-Chicago aldermen as experts in the citys political landscape at the upcoming racketeering trial of former Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan. In a motion Thursday, prosecutors asked that retired University of Illinois at Chicago professor Dick Simpson be allowed to testify as an expert witness on traditional Democratic machine politics, particularly the patronage system that ward bosses like Madigan were able to use to build and maintain power. They also want to call former Ald. Michele Smith, a former federal prosecutor who would describe for the jury the intricacies of City Hall, including obscurities like aldermanic prerogative, zoning and the role of ward committeemen, according to the filing. Its not the first time the U.S. attorneys office has sought to use former legislators as experts in a political corruption trial. Last year, prosecutors wanted Simpson to describe the structure and operation of the Chicago machine to jurors in the ComEd Four trial of McClain and three former ComEd executives and lobbyists, but lawyers for the defendants argued the proposed testimony was a transparent attempt to paint the four defendants with the broad brush of Chicago political corruption. Even if the 150-year history of Chicago political corruption were at all relevant to the facts at issue, the jury needs no special expertise to understand that there has historically been political corruption in Chicago, the defense stated in a joint motion. U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber decided to block Simpson from testifying, ruling it wouldnt help the jury decide the facts at issue and could prejudice the defendants. Madigan, 81, is charged in a 23-count indictment alleging he participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his public office for personal and political gain. Also charged was Madigans longtime confidant Michael McClain, 76, a former state legislator and lobbyist who was convicted last year of orchestrating an alleged bribery scheme by Commonwealth Edison. McClains sentencing in that case is pending. Madigan and McClain have each pleaded not guilty and the trial is set for October. In the request to have Simpson testify, prosecutors said his expert perspective would add critical context for statements made on undercover recordings, particularly how an old school patronage system that rewarded ward loyalists and doled out job recommendations allegedly evolved into ComEd steering hundreds of thousands of dollars to Madigan- approved consultants in order to appease the speaker. Equipped with an understanding of the history of political patronage in Chicago, the jury will better understand that the payments from ComEd to Madigans precinct workers were for their political work not because of any value they added for ComEd, or simply because Madigan was in the habit of making casual job recommendations that he had no special interest in, prosecutors wrote. On the contrary, Madigan was keenly interested in his political workers being rewarded for their loyal service to his political operation. Smith, meanwhile, is perfectly suited to lead the jury through some of the more Byzantine aspects of City Hall politics, prosecutors said, particularly when it comes to the importance of zoning. Smiths former City Council colleague, Daniel Solis, was the head of the zoning committee when he began cooperating with the FBI, making undercover recordings of Madigan as the speaker allegedly solicited business for his private law firm from developers who needed Solis influence over zoning issues. (Smith) has substantial knowledge of zoning procedures and customs, both written and unwritten, based on her experience as an alderperson for 11 years, prosecutors said. "In addition, Smith personally interacted with Solis when he was Chairman of the Zoning Committee, and she will testify about the way he ran the Committee and the power he wielded as Chairman, including his ability to set the agenda for zoning matters. Smith represented Chicagos 43rd Ward, which includes Lincoln Park and parts of Old Town and the Gold Coast, from 2011 to 2022, when she announced she was not running for reelection. She was tapped by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot to head a newly created Ethics Committee and fought for tighter ethics controls at City Hall over the objections from some of the councils more ingrained members, including Solis and then-Alderman Edward Burke. Solis left the Council in 2019 after being outed as an FBI mole. He was charged with misusing his powers as Zoning Committee chairman for personal gain, but the case will eventually be dropped as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. attorneys office. Burke, meanwhile, was convicted in December of racketeering charges based in part on Solis undercover work. His sentencing is set for June. _____ The federal government will no longer pay a Fort Worth nursing home to care for adults who need long-term nursing or rehabilitative care, according to a notice from the federal government. Remarkable Healthcare of Fort Worth, at 6649 N. Riverside Drive, is expected to close April 18 after being booted from the Medicaid and Medicare programs, according to a spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. About 80 residents who live there are scrambling to find new homes before the facility shuts its doors. Residents at the nursing home were informed of the news Wednesday, when they were told by nursing home co-owner Jon McPike that the state of Texas had mandated the shutdown, said resident Nona Taggart. Jennifer Ruffcorn, a spokesperson for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, said in an emailed statement that the nursing facility was not closed by by the state. HHSC did not mandate this closure, Ruffcorn said in an email. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is terminating the facilitys contract due to its poor record of survey/inspection performance. This means the facility can no longer receive federal funding. McPike did not immediately respond to a phone call asking for comment. In a notice to the public posted April 3, CMS said that starting on April 18, the agency would terminate its agreement with Remarkable Healthcare of Fort Worth. For residents who have been living at Remarkable before March 2, CMS will continue to pay for their care for up to 30 days after the contract ends on April 18. The majority of nursing home residents receive long-term care through Medicaid, the joint state and federal health insurance program that provides benefits not always covered by Medicare. We wont be homeless technically, but realistically this is our home, said Taggart, who has lived at Remarkable for more than seven years. Taggart said she knew the nursing home had issues, but that she considers her fellow residents and the staff to be her family and was upset that they had to relocate so quickly. The nursing home has been on the federal governments watch list for months. Last year, it was named a Special Focus Facility by CMS, considered a last-ditch effort to encourage troubled nursing homes to improve their safety and quality or else be terminated from the program. The nursing facility is one of four owned or operated by companies linked to Laurie Beth and Jon McPike of Southlake. The parent company that operates all four nursing homes filed for bankruptcy last month. Few Americans have homes tested for radon despite risk for lung cancer Chasity Harney urges all homeowners to have radon levels tested in their home, and to get radon remediation done if levels are high after she was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer at age 40. Photo courtesy of Ohio State University Kentucky resident Chasity Harney embraced a thoroughly healthy lifestyle -- eating right, exercising and never touching tobacco. So, her 2018 diagnosis of advanced lung cancer, which came at the age of 40, was a complete shock to both her and her family. "When I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I didn't smoke," Harney said. "So there had to be something else out there." A simple test revealed the likely cause of her cancer, but it was a test of her home rather than her body. Harney's home had twice the acceptable limit of radon, a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers. Unfortunately, a surprising number of Americans are leaving themselves vulnerable to radon, according to a new Ohio State University conducted from Feb. 2-4 among a sample of 1,006 people. What did the survey find? Three in four Americans (75%) have never had their homes tested for radon, while more than half (55%) aren't concerned at all about radon exposure, the poll found. "Radon is something we can do something about and is a known cause of a horrible disease, lung cancer," said Dr. David Carbone, director of the Thoracic Oncology Center at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas emitted from the breakdown of radioactive material in the soil under people's homes. The gas seeps up through building foundations and accumulates in people's basements and throughout homes. "This is more of a problem with modern homes because they tend to be more and more sealed up inside and weather-tight, and the radon just doesn't have anywhere to go," Carbone said. "It goes into the house and it just builds up there." Harney recalls she and her husband didn't want to shell out the extra bucks it would take to test for radon in the home they were buying. "That was a choice on the home inspection, for your home to be checked for radon, and that cost money," Harney said. "When you're buying a home, you don't want to spend that money. And so we didn't check it." About 15% to 20% of lung cancers occur in people who've never smoked, many of whom are in their 40s and 50s, researchers said. The effects of radon on the lungs is cumulative and can be delayed for decades, Carbone said. "So your children playing in your basement or going to school today, exposed to unknown levels of radon, could be at risk for developing lung cancer 10, 20, 30 years from now," Carbone said in a university news release. "And because the gas is totally colorless and odorless, you would have no idea you were being exposed unless you knew the importance of proactively testing." Radon testing is easy to have done, Carbone said, and it's also relatively simple to remove radon from a home once it's detected. "The typical remediation consists of drilling a small hole in the foundation of your house and installing a pipe that sucks the air out from under your house and blows it outside," Carbone said. "Rather than having it percolate up into your house, the radon gaskets send it outside your house." Carbone said he strongly supports potential legislation to require radon testing during home sales, as well as at schools and businesses. Harney remains alive, thanks to six weeks of chemotherapy, 30 rounds of radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy and surgery to remove parts of her left lung. Harney urges all homeowners to have radon levels tested in their home, and to get radon remediation done if levels are high. "Don't think that this isn't going to happen to you because I never dreamed I would get lung cancer and I'm here," Harney said. "I'm living with it and there's so many others just like me." More information The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has more about radon. Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. national grid Britain is poised to import a record amount of energy from France and other European countries this summer after mothballing a host of power stations. The French state-owned operator EDF will sell much of the surplus power from its nuclear plants to the UK in the coming months after taking advantage of new undersea cables and a lack of domestic capacity, according to a new report from National Gas. It said that the demand for gas in the UK was predicted to fall from 33.3 billion cubic metres (bcm) between April and September last year to 29bcm this year a 10pc decline because foreign energy is filling the gap instead of gas-fired plants in the UK. Meanwhile, electricity imports are predicted to jump by 6.6 terawatt hours, potentially reaching a new summer record. National Gas said: This increase in electricity imports is being driven by increased availability of French nuclear generation along with an overall increase in capacity of interconnectors. Interconnectors are high voltage cables that link the electricity systems of neighbouring countries, allowing power to be traded across borders. Britain now has three interconnectors to France, plus others to Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Another, the Viking Link interconnector from the UK to Denmark, went into operation in December, sharply increasing the UKs capacity for importing and exporting electricity. However, the flow is mostly one way, into the UK, meaning an increasing proportion of British consumers power bills is flowing out of the UK to utilities overseas. The UK spent 3.5bn on electricity from France, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands last year, accounting for 12pc of net supply, according to earlier research from London Stock Exchange Power Research. This week import levels have risen to 14-15pc of UK electricity including 8.3pc from France and nearly 4pc from Norway, according to National Grid data. A key bonus of the shift to overseas power is a cut in greenhouse gas emissions. The National Gas report said: The continued growth of renewable (wind and solar) and electrical interconnector capacity in GB has vastly reduced the need to continually use gas as one of the components of power generation. Therefore, gas demand for electricity generation has reduced significantly over recent years. It is, however, important to remain aware that renewables [output] is entirely dependent on weather conditions so Great Britain still needs gas as its key source of flexible power to ensure energy security for days where the wind isnt blowing. Story continues A separate Summer Outlook report from National Grid Electricity Supply Operator (ESO) confirmed the growing reliance on electricity from overseas pointing out that French imports were often cheaper than UK sources, including renewables. It said: Electricity flows through the interconnectors are primarily driven by the price differentials between markets. Typically, during the summer, prices in Great Britain are higher than those in European markets, leading to interconnector imports. The fall in electricity prices reflects reduced pressure on global gas supplies and high French nuclear availability. Britains capacity to generate electricity has been impacted by the closure of coal-fired power stations such as West Burton A in Nottinghamshire last March and nuclear stations such as Hinkley Point B in late 2022. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, has vowed to build more gas-fired plants in the coming years in an effort to fill the gap. A second key problem is that the National Grid transmission network is incapable of carrying the power generated by wind farms in Scotland or offshore to Englands power-hungry cities. Such failures push up the price of UK power, making it more expensive than imports. Interconnector cables are designed to boost the collective resilience and energy security of neighbouring countries, with electricity able to travel in both directions. But closures of British power stations means the traffic is increasingly one-way into the UK. Another new cable runs from Blyth in Northumberland to the Norwegian village of Kvilldal enabling the UK to import low-carbon electricity generated by Norways hydroelectric plants. Such links help reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions because French electricity is generated largely through nuclear power, and Norway uses hydroelectricity. However, they have a negative impact on the UKs balance of payments and mean that Britain is funding companies and jobs in other countries. In the medium term experts predict further rises in the UKs reliance on power imports, mainly from the European Union, peaking around 2025. In the longer term, the UKs reliance on imported electricity may be reversed if its ambitions for offshore wind farms are realised. It has pledged to expand capacity from around 14 gigawatts now to 50 gigawatts by 2030. Many industry experts regard this as unrealistic, but say the target could be reached by the mid-2030s. This would turn the UK into a net exporter of electricity, although it would still need a safety net of gas-fired power stations to provide power during periods of low wind. 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. Bratislava will not block Kyiv's accession to the European Union, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said during a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal in Slovakia on April 11. Elected in September 2023 on a populist, Ukraine-skeptic platform, Fico halted arms supplies from Slovakia's military stocks and has repeatedly criticized both defense assistance for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. The Slovak prime minister has previously said that he does not oppose Ukraine's membership in the EU if Kyiv meets all criteria for accession. "This is not speculation. This is absolute full support, Fico said. We are not a country that will put obstacles in your way. On the contrary, we want to help, to share our experience with you. KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights In terms of EU accession talks, Bratislava wants Ukraine to "quickly" become a member of the European Union, "as this is a guarantee for the country's prospects and peaceful development,"according to Fico. Fico also said that Slovakia is ready for military cooperation with Ukraine on a commercial basis and offers assistance in demining. After Ukraine applied to join the EU in 2022, European leaders agreed to open membership talks during a European Council summit last December. The European Commission on March 12 proposed a draft framework for the membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, another candidate to join the bloc, which currently includes 27 countries. The Ukrainian government believes the negotiations on the country's accession to the European Union can start in the first half of 2024, Shmyhal said. Read also: Ukraines path to EU accession paved with reforms Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Finnish leader Alexander Stubb has said that during the spring and summer, Western partners should make every effort to support Ukraine, as this is the period when there are risks of Russia prevailing on the battlefield. Source: European Pravda writes that he said this in an interview with the Financial Times Details: Stubb stressed that in the coming months, it is crucial to provide adequate support to Ukraine as much as necessary, and at this stage "to do almost whatever it takes" to prevent Russia from gaining significant success during the spring offensive. Quote: "The Russians understand that their 'window of opportunity' will begin to close in late August or early September. So it is very important that we help Ukraine right now," the Finnish President stressed. He said that Finland is now giving Ukraine large stocks from its arms and ammunition depots, understanding the urgency of the need, and will replenish them later. Stubb also criticised the numerous statements in the West that a NATO member state could be the next victim of a Russian attack and advised instead to simply do what is necessary to be prepared for such scenarios, as Finland has been doing for decades. On 3 April, Stubb visited Kyiv as President of Finland for the first time. During his visit, a bilateral security agreement was signed, and the 23rd package of Finnish military assistance to Ukraine was announced. Support UP or become our patron! Several fire crews in the Fond du Lac area suppressed a marsh fire on Lakeshore Drive April 10 in the town of Friendship. It consumed about 30 acres of marsh land. FRIENDSHIP A Wednesday afternoon fire consumed about 30 acres of marsh land in the area of Lakeshore Drive and Cemetery Road in the town of Friendship. A Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office deputy spotted heavy smoke in the area at around 6:13 p.m. April 10, and saw the fire as he approached, according to a news release from the department. Van Dyne Fire Department, Eldorado Fire, town of Fond du Lac Fire, North Fond du Lac Fire, Lamartine Fire and Nekimi Fire all responded, containing the fire only to the marsh land and working to stop it from spreading to the tree line. With difficulties moving through the marsh, the city of Fond du Lac Police Department assisted with aerial drones and FLIR imaging to detect hot spots. 'Remember when ...': Remember when Madame Kuony taught culinary arts out of her mansion? Heres the story of the Postilion. The sheriff's office does not believe the fire is suspicious, as investigation indicates it was caused by nearby property owners conducting a controlled burn that accidentally spread to the marsh. No one was injured in the fire, and no structural damage was reported. Wisconsin State Patrol assisted with traffic control on Lakeshore Drive. Contact Daphne Lemke at dlemke@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fire consumes 30 acres of marsh land in Fond du Lac County VALLE CRUCIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Watauga County Emergency Services say an early morning structure fire in the area of Valle Crucis School has closed the roadway Thursday morning. Officials say the road near Broadstone Road and Hwy 194 are closed until 7 a.m. Thursday. Theres no information on the extent of the fire. In a social media post, Watauga County Sheriffs Office reported that the school is on a 2-hour delay this morning. The agency said that fire departments were clearing the area. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. [Watch previous FOX 8 News coverage in the player above.] CHESTERLAND, Ohio (WJW) A church that was firebombed in Geauga County has filed a lawsuit against the attacker and the White Lives Matter group he was a part of. The Community Church of Chesterland is suing Aimenn D. Penny, 20, who was arrested for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the church on March 25, 2023, because the church had planned to host a drag-related reading hour for all ages the following weekend. OJ Simpson dead at 76: Family The Community Church of Chesterland filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, April 10, against Penny and other members of the White Lives Matter Group. According to the lawsuit, the church is seeking compensation for the damages from the attack. Penny admitted to the attack when interviewed by FBI agents, according to his criminal affidavit, saying he was trying to protect children and stop the drag show event. The church was unoccupied at the time of the attack and sustained minimal damage, owners said. But Penny told agents he would have felt better if the Molotov cocktails were more effective and burned the entire church to the ground. Authorities said Penny is a known member of Ohios White Lives Matter group, which FBI Special Agent Lane Thorum noted in Pennys affidavit is known to have racist, pro-Nazi and homophobic views. Win-win: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns agree to reworked contract In April of 2023, Penny was indicted by a grand jury on two counts of arson, one count of obstructing freedom of religion and one count of possession of a destructive device. Penny pleaded guilty in October of 2023 to violating the Church Arson Prevention Act in his March 25, 2023, attack on the Community Church of Chesterland. In January of 2024, Penny was sentenced to 18 years in prison and three years of supervision upon his release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. First senior Biden official says famine has begun in Gaza A senior Biden official said Wednesday that famine is underway in the Gaza Strip as Israel presses forward with its war against militant group Hamas. Humanitarian aid groups have been warning for weeks that a famine is looming in Gaza amid a lack of food, water and other necessary goods. Samantha Power, the director of the U.S. Agency for International Development, said during a congressional testimony Wednesday that a famine has already begun. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) asked Power about news reports that said members of her agency sent a cable to the National Security Council that warned a famine was ongoing in Gaza. He asked her whether it was plausible or likely that parts of Gaza and particularly northern Gaza are already experiencing famine. Power pointed to an assessment from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative in her response, noting that the agency believes that their assessment is credible. So famine is already occurring there? Castro asked. That is yes, Power told him. A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative found last month that famine was imminent in parts of northern Gaza. HuffPost reported last week that officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development sent a cable to the National Security Council saying famine was occurring in Gaza and warning that hunger-related deaths would accelerate in the weeks ahead. Cindy McCain, the executive director of the World Food Programme, said on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday that Gaza was on the edge of going over the cliff with famine and not being able to recover. The Hill has reached out to the U.S. Agency for International Development for additional comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New FL survey: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott leading 7% over Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Senate race U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, discussing issues including a six-week abortion ban in Florida during an interview with Julio Vaqueiro of Noticias Telemundo in Miami, March 2023. Credit: YouTube. Quality Journalism for Critical Times A new public opinion poll of the prospective U.S. Senate battle in Florida between GOP incumbent Rick Scott and Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell shows Scott up, 45%-38%, with 17% undecided. Thats according to a survey of 1,000 registered Florida voters conducted this week by Emerson College Polling. There hasnt been much polling in Floridas U.S. Senate race, so this survey gives one indication of where the situation may stand between the two candidates, both of whom still need to win their respective primary races in August. Scott is running for a second six-year term to the U.S. Senate, where he narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in 2018. U.S. Senate candidate Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Credit: U.S. Senate Campaign. Murcarsel-Powell isnt nearly as well known. She served one term in Congress (2019-2021) representing Floridas 26thCongressional District in South Florida. The survey also shows Donald Trump leading Joe Biden in Florida by 11 percentage points, 51%-38%, with 11% undecided. It also shows Biden with just a 36% job approval rating among Florida voters, with 54% disapproving. Gov. Ron DeSantis has a 47% job approval among Florida voters in the survey, with 42% disapproving. The survey also includes polling on Amendment 4, the abortion-rights measure that will be on the ballot in November. The Florida Supreme Court ruled on that issue on April 1. While some previous surveys have shown the measure getting above the 60% threshold required, the Emerson College poll finds the measure getting 42% of people saying that they will vote yes on the proposal, with 25% saying they will vote no and 32% saying they are unsure how they will vote. The survey was conducted on April 9-10. It has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. The post New FL survey: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott leading 7% over Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Senate race appeared first on Florida Phoenix. Central governance has broken down in Haiti. Credit: Getty Images Quality Journalism for Critical Times With violence by organized criminal groups continuing to escalate the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, South Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick joined two other members of Congress and representatives of several Haitian-led organizations on a telephone conference call on Thursday urging more federal action to address the situation. The groups were united in calling on the Biden administration to do several specific actions to protect Haitians who have fled the violence- torn country and currently are in the U.S. or trying to get here. Those actions include: Extend and redesignate Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Haiti. TPS is a program that allows migrants from designated countries with unsafe conditions to legally reside in the U.S for a temporary amount of time. The Department of Homeland Security announced last December that TPS would be extended for Haitians through August 3, 2024. Stop all plans to detain Haitians interdicted at sea at Guantanamo Bay or offshore detention centers. Expedite the CHNV Humanitarian Parole Program. Thats the program rolled out by the Biden administrations parole program last year that allows up to 30,000 nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who have a sponsor in the U.S. and who pass a background check to come to the U.S. for a period of up two years to live and work in the U.S. South Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Sheila Chefilus-McCormick (photo credit: Congress.gov) The conference call was organized by Americas Voice, an immigrant rights organization. Among the top concerns for Cherfilus-McCormick, a Haitian-American, is the trafficking of firearms from the U.S. that gets in the hands of organized gang members in Haiti. A U.N. report released last year said that [t]he principal source of firearms and munitions is in the U.S. and particular Florida. That led her and other congressional Democrats last month to file the Caribbean Arms Trafficking Causes Harm or CATCH Act, which aims to curb illicit arms trafficking from the U.S. to the Caribbean. We have to do everything we can as Americans in the U.S, to not continue to support the gangs by giving them the ammunition that they need to terrorize the Haitian people, she said Thursday. Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Ayanna Presley is a co-chair of the Haiti Caucus in Congress along with Bush and Cherfilus-McCormick. She said now more than ever this is the time for federal action to stabilize Haiti and save lives. That means immediately halting all deportations, she said. Anything less is a death sentence. We have to halt all deportations to the island. We have to redesignate TPS for Haitiit means cracking down on arms trafficking to Haiti, which has fueled the unspeakable violence that were witnessing today. NBC News reported two weeks ago that two U.S. officials said that the Biden administration will not change the policy of returning Haitians interdicted at sea because they do not want to trigger mass migration. The officials also said that the current crisis has not yet spurred the U.S. to consider granting Temporary Protected Status to an additional group of undocumented Haitians. Haiti is facing one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises right now, said Missouri Democratic U.S. Rep. Cori Bush. The collapse of the government, the violence and impunity of armed gangs, the widespread hunger and disease. The targeting of civilians. The hundreds of thousands displaced. It is appalling and unconscionable. The world must rally on behalf of the Haitian people. The United States government has a moral responsibility to adopt a human approach to helping Haitian immigrants fleeing these horrific conditions. What does that look like? It looks like extending and redesignating Haiti for TPS. Indefinitely halting deportations and forced removal. Releasing detained Haitians on humanitarian parole. Closing active removal cases. Expanding the monthly caps on CNHV parole recipients and expediting their applications. The post FL U.S. Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick calls on Biden administration to expand protections for Haitians appeared first on Florida Phoenix. MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) A Florida man was arrested for allegedly breaking into someones vehicle, according to the Mobile Police Department. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson releases statement on Police Chief Paul Prines administrative leave According to an MPD news release, officers responded to St. Louis Street and Cedar Street at approximately 11 a.m. on April 10 after receiving reports of a vehicle burglary. LOCATION: This embedded content is not available in your region. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Johnathan Smith of Smyrna Beach, Florida, after determining he had the victims property, according to the news release. Smith was arrested and taken to Metro Jail. He is currently charged with unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle, according to the jail log. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. Key Insights Golden Pharos Berhad's estimated fair value is RM0.45 based on Dividend Discount Model Current share price of RM0.53 suggests Golden Pharos Berhad is potentially trading close to its fair value Industry average of 44% suggests Golden Pharos Berhad's peers are currently trading at a higher premium to fair value Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Golden Pharos Berhad (KLSE:GPHAROS) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. 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 Golden Pharos Berhad Crunching The Numbers As Golden Pharos Berhad operates in the forestry 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. Unless a company pays out the majority of its FCF as a dividend, this method will typically underestimate the value of the stock. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. 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 (3.5%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 14%. Compared to the current share price of RM0.5, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. 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) = RM0.05 / (14% 3.5%) = RM0.4 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. 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 Golden Pharos 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 14%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.615. 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 Moving On: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Golden Pharos Berhad, we've compiled three relevant aspects you should further examine: Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for Golden Pharos Berhad (1 shouldn't be ignored!) we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. 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! Other Environmentally-Friendly Companies: Concerned about the environment and think consumers will buy eco-friendly products more and more? Browse through our interactive list of companies that are thinking about a greener future to discover some stocks you may not have thought of! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Florida man accused of stealing lobster tails, rotisserie chicken from Walmart: Left him in hot water Florida man accused of stealing lobster tails, rotisserie chicken from Walmart: Left him in hot water Related video: Man robs meat section at knifepoint in Publix, other grocery stores in South Florida. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida man found himself in hot water after stealing a number of delicacies from his ambitious shopping list from Walmart last week, according to the Nassau County Sheriffs Office. Careem Griffin, 46, of Jacksonville, was arrested after stealing nine succulent lobster tails, four premium ribeye steaks, two packages of snow crab legs, and a rotisserie chicken at a Walmart on SR-200 in Yulee. Griffin left the store on the evening of April 3 with a duffel bag, which he also stole, full of the delicacy meats. O.J. Simpson dead at 76 after battle from cancer: family When he returned to the same Walmart just three days later, presumably for yet another meat heist, he was instead met with deputies who then arrested him. Officials said while Griffins motives for his shopping spree are unclear, the allure of fresh lobster tails and premium meats proved too tempting to resist, leading to a confrontation with the law that left him in hot water, both literally and figuratively, the sheriffs office wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA) A young boy had a frightening experience while riding his bike in Winter Springs on Tuesday after a 73-year-old man allegedly threatened him with a knife. According to NBC affiliate WESH, the 11-year-old boys mother said the man pointed the knife right at her sons chest because he was upset the boy was riding his bike on the sidewalk. He was heading toward our home, which is down here, the boys mother, Tina Commesso, told WESH. Little dinosaur: Alligator spotted hiding under car in North Port Commesso said shes not the type of mother to overly worry about her son, but Tuesdays incident left her shocked. He told me when he got home that he thought he was going to die, Commesso said. The fifth grader was riding his bike on the sidewalk when the man, Richard Shafer, 73, who was also on the sidewalk, confronted him, according to Winter Springs police. Police said Shafer allegedly confronted the 11-year-old with a knife because he was riding his bike on the sidewalk and not in the bike lane on the street. And he said a gentleman was yelling at him and he stopped scared, and the gentleman pulled out a large hunting knife, pointed toward my sons chest, and yelled at him to get off the sidewalk, Commesso told WESH. And he just put his hands up and said, Im so sorry. Put his hands up, Im so sorry. He was obviously terrified. Shafer was arrested shortly after the incident. According to police, the 73-year-olds motive is astounding, as he felt threatened because he felt like the boy was going to hit him with his bike. St. Pete sex offender followed 3 kids around park, asked if he could touch himself, police say Even though there was no indication the bike made any overt movements or drove directly at him, Lt. Shaun Philbrook from the Winter Springs Police Department told WESH. When police found Shafer, he was found in possession of a knife and a gun, which he was permitted to carry. Its concerning. I dont know someone would be walking through Tuskawilla with a gun and a hunting knife in the middle of the day, Commesso said. Winter Springs police said it is legal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in their city. Shafer is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Florida man reportedly pulled knife on boy riding bike on sidewalk because he felt his life was in danger Florida man reportedly pulled knife on boy riding bike on sidewalk because he felt his life was in danger A Winter Springs, Florida man was arrested this week after allegedly pulling a knife out and pointing it at a child who was riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, and not in the bike lane, according to police. FOX 35 in Orlando reported that 73-year-old Richard Shafer was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Shafer reportedly told police he became upset because the boy was not riding in the bike lane and pointed the knife at him because he was afraid his life was in danger. Shafer also allegedly said the boy was riding the bike "right at me." FLORIDA WOMAN SHOCKED TO FIND LARGE ALLIGATOR CRAWLING THROUGH HER HOME: I WAS SHAKING Richard Shafer is accused of pulling a knife on a child who was riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in Winter Springs, Florida, instead of in the bike lane. The Winter Springs Police Department responded to a disturbance report on Monday afternoon near Winter Springs Boulevard and Tuskawilla Road. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Dispatchers told police they received a call about a man pulling a knife at a child. FLORIDA PRE-MED STUDENT ADMITS TO STABBING HIS MOTHER TO DEATH: INEXPLICABLE, VICIOUS When police arrived, they spoke to the child victim, who said a man, later identified as Shafer, stopped him as he was riding his bike home. When Shafer stopped the boy, he told police, Shafer pulled out a military-style knife and pointed it at him because he was riding his bike on a sidewalk and not in the bike lane. Police said the boy appeared frightened. He told police he apologized to Shafer before riding his bike home, according to FOX 35. Officers located and arrested Shafer, who police said was allegedly in possession of a knife matching the description of the one described by the child. Shafer was also in possession of a gun at the time of his arrest. Original article source: Florida man reportedly pulled knife on boy riding bike on sidewalk because he felt his life was in danger Will a Florida museum on Black history tell whole story? Some worry it wont. Floridas proposal to create a statewide Black history museum prompted interest, and then glossy reports, from eight communities eager to be the home of a new state institution. Eatonville, the tiny Orange County town incorporated in 1887 by newly freed slaves, was among those that submitted a bid last month. Town leaders hope Eatonvilles historic status as the nations oldest Black-run town, coupled with the tourist juggernaut that is neighboring Orlando, will give it an edge. But many are wary of the states plan, questioning how Floridas recent history would make it a good steward of a Black history museum. In the past two years, Gov. Ron DeSantis administration rejected the Advanced Placement African American studies course for Floridas public schools, passed an anti-woke law that critics say limits discussions about race in classrooms, and adopted new school standards that teach children that during slavery slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit. All of it prompted public outcry. Where are they going to get the history from? The governor, with who he is and what theyre changing in the school system? said Julian Johnson, an Eatonville resident. A museum might be a good fit for Eatonville, Johnson said, but only if there are no strings attached and the right history is displayed. Yes, we have a lot of questions. I think all of us who deal with Black history have a lot of questions, said Vickie Oldham, president of the Sarasota African American Cultural Coalition, which includes a small museum. But Oldham said she helped put together a bid to put the state museum in Sarasota because she wants the history shes worked to document to be shared with a wider audience. Many might not know how formerly enslaved people who fled Alabama, the Carolinas and Georgia found freedom until the early 1800s in then Spanish-controlled Florida or how in the 1950s Black residents staged wade-ins to protest that the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches were open only to whites. Because if they are really going to do this, she said, I want our stories in this. Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, who sponsored the museum legislation, insists it will accurately tell Black history and will be a chance to showcase Black achievements in the arts, aviation, the military and science, among other fields. If its my concept, its not a civil rights museum and its not a slavery museum. Its the history of Black folks in Florida, Antone said. This would be done by historians and experts. The Department of State and Gov. DeSantis would not be deciding what goes into this museum. Legislation OKd last year Last spring, DeSantis signed legislation creating a task force to kickstart planning for a Florida Museum of Black History. The group, which began meeting in September, by July 1 must recommend a location and ideas for the museums design, exhibits and finances. Antone thinks Eatonville is the perfect location, and town and Orange County leaders agree. They think the museum should sit on 10 acres that are part of the former site of the historic Robert F. Hungerford Normal and Industrial School, a private school founded in 1889 to educate Black students unwelcome in the regions whites-only schools. Hungerford later became a public school, which closed in 2009. The buildings were demolished in 2020 and the site, surrounded by chain-link fencing, is now the subject of controversy and a lawsuit. The Hungerford property is owned by Orange County Public Schools, which worked with the town to sell it to a developer last year. The sale was scuttled, however, when upset residents said it would destroy Eatonvilles legacy by bringing in housing most could not afford. The deal prompted a civil rights group to sue OCPS, seeking to stop the sale and to get a judge to declare the school district could not sell land meant to be used for educational purposes. The Hungerford land was acquired by OCPS in 1951 for a steal, some residents say and with the help of a segregationist judge, the Orlando Sentinel reported last year when the private trust that ran it could no longer afford to do so. Some town residents want the school district to donate the land to Eatonville, though OCPS lawyers and other attorneys have disagreed on whether that would be legal. In the past two weeks, district and town leaders have been talking with the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, which filed the lawsuit, on ways to make the 10 acres free for museum development. Eatonville is a small town, but it sits at the center of Florida tourism, not far from downtown Orlando, its international airport and its theme parks, making it accessible for tourists who want to add a cultural visit to their vacation, the town said in its bid to the state. As the childhood home of author Zora Neale Hurston, and an annual festival in her honor, Eatonville is recognized as a major center of Black heritage and culture, and a Black history museum would bring even more visitors, it added. Eatonville is a great site and location to bring this state museum, said Demetrius Pressley, the towns chief administrative officer, at a task force meeting in January. It is living history, Eatonville is. Others seek project Seminole County made a pitch for the museum too, as did Jackson County, Nassau County and St. Johns County, which highlighted historic St. Augustine in its bid. Opa Locka/Miami Dade County, Panama Beach/Bay County and the city of Sarasota, along with Sarasota and Manatee counties, wants the museum, too. Several communities that initially made presentations to the state task force decided not to submit a bid, however, among them Palm Beach County. That pleased Cora Perry and other alumni of Roosevelt High School, Palm Beachs first Black high school during segregation. Though they want the closed campus turned into a museum and community center, they want local history displayed and do not trust the states intentions. My question is, Why are you then taking Black history out of the schools and then youre going to build a state Black history museum? It doesnt make sense to me, she said. There is not yet any state money earmarked for the museum. Antone said he would push for that in next years Legislative session, proposing $30 million. If Eatonville is the chosen location, he wants another $30 million paid for by Oranges tourist tax and more raised in donations. Small museums worry There are about 30 small Black history museums already in Florida, and those who run them worry how much a new statewide museum might cost and if it might jeopardize their work. Many of these museums housed in historic homes, clubs and schools were started and paid for privately but now receive some state money. I dont want our funding to go away because we do so much and add so much value, said Sandra Rooks, who helped found the Pinellas County African American History Museum in an old all-Black school, at the task forces first meeting. Pasha Baker, CEO of the Goldsboro Westside Community Historical Association in Sanford, runs a small Black history museum that was started, and for years paid for, by her aunt who was upset the citys municipal museum did not include the history of the Black Goldsboro community. She also told the state task force she didnt want a statewide museum to divert money from the small ones that have worked for years to preserve and showcase Black history. Baker said the states plans are hard to judge so far. Its an idea, she said in a phone interview. Wheres the funding? Wheres the land? And how will this be sustained? And can the state do a honest job with Black history? That history has to be told accurately, and it has to be told truthfully. The task force, appointed by DeSantis and state lawmakers, plans to meet on April 19 to whittle down the eight bids to up to four. Then it will have to wrestle with the other questions. Sen. Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, is the task forces chair and a founder of a small Black history museum in Orlando. She tried to assure the small museums leaders that she does not envision a state museum coming at their expense. She also acknowledged the bigger questions that will dog the states plans. What is the story were going to tell? she said at a March meeting. I know there is some mistrust of something that is initiated by the state and whether or not it is going to accurately tell the story of African American history, as experienced in Florida. Florida officers capture incredible rescue of 3 people on camera trapped in floodwaters Florida officers capture incredible rescue of 3 people on camera trapped in floodwaters TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A rescue was caught on camera when several officers helped three people trapped in rapidly rising waters in Tallahassee. According to the City of Tallahassee Police Department, officers worked alongside local fire rescue and EMS to save the stranded individuals. VIDEOS: Severe thunderstorms across Tampa Bay cause flooding, outages The video shows officers using a long rope to reach and pull them to safety. Do not let go of the rope, officials yell out. Let go of the tree, youre okay, youre alright. On Thursday morning, the Leon County Sheriffs Office shared photos of several rescues, along with the flooding in Tallahassee. Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office Leon County Sheriffs Office K-9 Deputy Jesse Matthew was seen helping residents in a mobile home neighborhood on Southern Bell Loop and Emily Loop. Officials said the storm left many of the homes underwater. Submit photos or videos from Thursdays storms via the Report It tool on our website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Nearly two years after the City of Glendale filed a complaint against We Energies on behalf of residents fed up with frequent and widespread power outages, the city's Common Council approved a settlement agreement with We Energies to improve electrical infrastructure in Glendale. City officials had been negotiating in closed sessions over the past few months and approved the agreement March 25. We Energies' corporate counsel said the company had already been working to improve its services in Glendale but agreed to take on additional projects to settle the city's concerns, according to an August 2023 letter from We Energies proposing to resolve the city's complaint filed in 2022. After months of negotiations, the settlement Glendale and We Energies agreed upon requires the utility to assess and improve infrastructure along Brown Deer Road, Teutonia Avenue, Range Line Road and Green Bay Avenue, according to the agreement. While We Energies pursues those upgrades, Glendale's complaint before the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will remain on hold for three years. If the terms of the settlement are met after three years, Glendale officials agreed to file a recommendation that the PSC dismiss the case. If not, the city reserves the right to ask the commission to reactivate the case hearing. The PSC is an agency responsible for regulating Wisconsin public utilities, including setting quality standards and ensuring they are met. In an op-ed published in the Journal Sentinel in September 2023, Glendale Mayor Bryan Kennedy said the city was the first municipality in the state to file a case with the PSC to address outages. City Administrator Karl Warwick said work to address the energy service inconsistency started before the settlement was agreed upon, but will ramp up soon to complete several projects by the end of 2024. In order to settle the City of Glendale's complaint with the Public Service Commission, We Energies has plans to address infrastructure issues in areas designated on this map. Glendale residents wanted more from their energy provider for years Kennedy said a handful of residents engaged with the issue have reached out to him to express their belief that approval of the settlement agreement was a move in the right direction. In July 2022, Glendale's Common Council approved the resolution that authorized city staff to file a complaint with the PSC over the number and the duration of outages that had occurred over the last several years in Glendale. The resolution claims We Energies failed to take sufficient action to prevent outages in spite of resident and city requests to do so. Neighborhoods within the City of Glendale have experienced approximately nine electric outages, affecting thousands of customers over the last 12 months, according to the resolution. Filed by City Administrator Karl Warwick, the complaint specifically requested We Energies reconfigure electrical poles along Green Bay Road so that they are below ground. The current, above-ground poles have been continually damaged by trees and other objects, leaving thousands of residents and businesses without electricity each time they are damaged, according to the complaint. The council also encouraged residents to file their own complaints to the commission. Over 70 residents did so, Kennedy said. It was the combination of the city complaint and all the individual complaints that caught the attention of the PSC and moved this case forward, Kennedy said. "All we wanted was for the PSC to rule that a place like Glendale needs more attention than they're giving it. It should not consistently be at the bottom of their service area. Settlement terms: Brown Deer Road, Teutonia Avenue, Range Line Road and Green Bay Avenue The agreement outlines three new projects We Energies committed to completing by the end of 2024. One project will move 1,900 feet of three-phase mainline on the Brown Deer feeder underground, which would impact around 500 customers in Glendale. Another project will install underground facilities and transfer 50 customers from the Brown Deer feeder and 40 from the Teutonia feeder to the Range Line feeder. The third will install a new distribution automation line switching device between the Brown Deer feeder and Teutonia feeder serving Glendale, impacting 1,400 people. An additional project baked into the agreement will be completed in concert with WisDOT's work reconstructing State Highway 57. We Energies will evaluate whether to relocate, replace, or move underground infrastructure along Green Bay Avenue. The expected completion of this project will likely extend beyond 2024, Warwick said, since it is tied to WisDOT's work along the highway. The agreement also stipulates that We Energies must adhere to objective, industry-recognized standards for energy service maintenance called SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) and SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index), which assess the quantity and duration of outages, respectively. If Glendale's numbers for these indices continue to far exceed We Energies' averages, the utility is obligated to address the issues, according to the agreement. Utility says it has been addressing energy inconsistency in Glendale We Energies is adamant the company has already been invested in addressing Glendale's energy inconsistency. In the energy company's August 2023 proposal to resolve the city's complaint, Kate Phillips, corporate counsel for We Energies and author of the proposal, said the company has already invested over "$4 million in significant resources over the past five years into improving its service to the City." In particular, Phillips said the company has invested $1.8 million into upgrading the electric distribution system serving Glendale to improve reliability and $2.65 million on trimming trees to help reduce outage frequency. Phillips also said the company has two additional projects in the pipeline that will improve electric utilities for 3,275 customers in Glendale and 32,000 customers total in neighboring areas. The two projects cost a combined $3.55 million and seek to upgrade distribution automation line switching devices, which Phillips said would reduce by two-thirds the number of customers impacted by most outage events. How many outages did Glendale have? In Glendale's reports to the PSC, city staff invoked outage data to make the case for the commission to launch a formal investigation. According to the city, between 2017 and 2022, Glendale saw 144 electrical outages, or 24 outages per year, according to a January 2023 supporting memo the city sent to the PSC. In the memo, Warwick cited Wisconsin state laws that set standards for electrical service reliability. According to the standards, "utilities are expected to provide sufficient resources to assure reasonably adequate and reliable service to all of their customers under normal operating conditions." Contact Claudia Levens at clevens@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @levensc13. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: We Energies agrees to improve Glendale electrical infrastructure Folsom looks to secure $400K+ in state funding for sculpture project (FOX40.COM) The City of Folsom could be receiving close to a half-a-million dollars in state funding for a second sculpture along the nearly three mile Jonny Cash Trail. During the Folsom City Council meeting on Tuesday, the council approved a resolution to apply for $425,000 in Specific Grant Funds as part of the 2023 California State Budget. The funding would go towards landscape architecture, engineering, and fabrication of art for Cashs Pick No. 2 on the Johnny Cash Trail. In March 2023, the city sent a request to Assemblymember Josh Hoover (Folsom) for him to request funding for the project on behalf of Folsom. What happened to Californias second death row at Folsom Prison? With the approval of the 2023-2024 state budget that is set to being in July, the City of Folsom is now waiting for further direction on how to proceed with acquiring the funding. Cashs Pick Projects The City of Folsom has already secured funding for Cashs Pick No. 1 at one end of the trail and are waiting for construction to begin. The identical sculptures will be made of bronze and stand at seven-feet-tall along each ends of the trail. RRM Design Group is carrying out the landscaping and engineering for the projects and Romo Studios, LLC and Adan Romo are responsible for art fabrication. Estimated construction time for Cashs Pick No.2 once funding is secured is between 10 months to one year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. A Ford sign is shown at a dealership in Springfield, Pa., Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Ford is recalling nearly 43,000 small SUVs, Wednesday, April 10, 2024, because gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. But the recall remedy does not include repairing the fuel leaks. | Matt Rourke The Ford Motor Company has issued a recall affecting close to 43,000 SUVs. According to The Associated Press, some of the companys Escape SUVs from 2022 and Bronco Sport SUVs from 2022 and 2023 are getting recalled due to concerns about their fuel injectors. Ford says in documents filed with U.S. safety regulators that fuel injectors can crack, and gasoline or vapor can accumulate near ignition sources, possibly touching off fires, The Associated Press reported. How Ford is treating the issue The recall which affects 42,652 vehicles that have 1.5-liter engines will aim to remedy the cracked fuel injectors, per Autoblog. Specifically, it will involve installing a drain tube to redirect any leaking fuel from the engine to the ground in addition to installing a software update that adds fuel injector leak detection to the engine control unit. The Associated Press reported that the software will monitor for a pressure drop in the fuel injection system. If it observes one, it will disable the high pressure fuel pump, reduce engine power and cut temperatures in the engine compartment. The fuel injectors are mostly staying In an email sent to The Associated Press, Ford explained that its not completely replacing the fuel injectors because it believes the planned repairs will prevent the failure from occurring and protect the customer. Additionally, the updated software will notify drivers via a dashboard warning if theres an issue, allowing them to stop and arrange for help. A report filed by Ford to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, says that only about 1% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to have the defect. The company says in documents it has reports of five under-hood fires and 14 warranty replacements of fuel injectors, but no reports of crashes or injuries, per The Associated Press. The company says it will extend its warranty coverage for cracked fuel injectors. Details of the extension will be made available in June, but owners who experience the issue can get replacements. Affected owners were notified by letter starting on April 1, according to The Associated Press Other Ford recalls The SUV recall, according to The Associated Press, extends from a 2022 Ford recall centered on the same issue. That past SUV recall was much bigger, involving more than half a million Bronco Sport and Escape vehicles. The current recall was put in place when Ford realized the problem applied to more vehicles than previously thought, per Consumer Reports. USA Today reported last week on a separate recall affecting Fords 2023 and 2024 Transit vehicles. The NHTSA report claimed on these cars said that tires may contact the front wheel arch liner and body flange, causing damage to them. As damaged tires may lose air pressure or tread separation, a driver could lose control of the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash. Ford didnt share a resolution for the recall by the time that NHTSA released its report. Interim letters were mailed out on March 27 highlighting the safety risk, and a second notice will be delivered when the remedy becomes available, reported USA Today. What to do if your vehicle is recalled According to Consumer Reports, the recalled models are: Ford Bronco Sport SUVs manufactured from Oct. 17, 2022, to Jan. 13, 2023. Ford Escape SUVs manufactured from Oct. 17, 2022, to Dec. 15, 2022. You can check the NHTSAs website to see if your vehicle is part of this recall or others. Owners of the affected Ford models can call Ford at 866-436-7332 to arrange for dealers to repair the vehicles free of charge, per Consumer Reports. Across Tampa Bay, experts who oversee the drinking water supply for more than 2.5 million Floridians have, for months, been preparing for new federal limits on a group of harmful but widely used chemicals. The big moment came on Wednesday, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced final regulations for six substances that are found in anything from the food and water we ingest to a slew of everyday household items, including food packaging, cleaning products and shampoo. They can take hundreds of years or longer to break down, hence their nickname forever chemicals. Now, public water systems across the nation will have three years to test drinking water supplies and five years to develop a plan to remove the substances, which have been linked to a higher risk of health issues like cancer and heart disease. The good news: That work has already begun in Tampa Bay. The bad news: It will likely take years before water supplies are regularly meeting new federal limits. Since as early as January 2023, the city of Tampas water department has tested the water for forever chemicals quarterly. The highest reading at the citys water treatment plant on the Hillsborough River was 6.9 parts per trillion, slightly higher than the 4 parts per trillion limit just set by the federal government. The new federal limit for the substance, referred to commonly as PFAS, is the equivalent of about four drops of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Its an amount that, until recently, was so small that many water suppliers couldnt measure it. The city understands that people are concerned about this, said Sarah Burns, Tampas water department capital improvement program director. We take our job of delivering quality drinking water that meets and improves upon all federal and state regulations very seriously. Compared to most of the nation, the city is already ahead of the curve, Burns said. In December, the water department outlined a plan to explore a filtration technique that, if successful, could siphon out the harmful chemicals. The citys water experts, including Burns, are hoping that downstream carbon filters could remove forever chemicals at the same time it removes organic material, a key step in the process. The city said that if it completes the $200 million installation of this technology on schedule by 2032, the Tampa plant would become the first American facility and the largest in the world with the capability. We are well ahead, Burns told the Tampa Bay Times. Most utilities dont have much of a plan at all yet, and some have only just started testing. We have a plan Federal environment regulators said Wednesday they expect the new regulations will stop harmful exposure to the substance in drinking water supplies for roughly 100 million people. The new regulations will prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious (chemical)-attributable illnesses, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. High exposure to the substances is currently associated with an increased risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, and the chemicals can also harm reproductive and immune health. It isnt just the city of Tampa that has been awaiting the arrival of the new federal limits. The regions main water supplier, Tampa Bay Water, sends drinking water to Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, including New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa. In anticipation of the new rules, Tampa Bay Water in July began testing the regional drinking water supply for the chemicals. Over the first nine months of the study, water at one Hillsborough County treatment plant has slightly exceeded the new federal regulations during each of the past three quarterly tests, according to data provided by Tampa Bay Water. Results from that facility, the Lithia Water Treatment Plant, have ranged between 4.1 and 5 parts per trillion of forever chemicals, just above the 4 parts per trillion limit. We expect to find low levels of PFAS in drinking water because they dont break down easily in the environment, said Brandon Moore, spokesperson for Tampa Bay Water. Its not surprising, its manageable, and we have a plan for it. The regional water supplier aims to complete its full year of water quality testing this summer, Moore said. The results should give Tampa Bay Water a clear picture of the annual average concentration for the substances, which is what the federal government is using for the new limits. Later this year, staff will make recommendations for how to treat the water to Tampa Bay Waters board of directors. The picture is now clearer with EPAs final regulations, said Steve Fleischacker, water quality services senior manager for Tampa Bay Water, in a prepared statement. When youre dealing with the public water supply and the quality of the water we deliver, its not guesswork. We make decisions and recommendations based on science and data. St. Petes numbers looking good Florida environment regulators at the state level said they are currently reviewing the new regulations and will work with Floridas public water systems to meet the limits in time. The state is set to receive more than $40 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help fund chemical detection and treatment systems to meet the standard, according to documents provided by the agency. The money comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Though the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration has stood alone in denying federal climate funding in the past, the federal agency said every state intends to accept the money for reducing the chemicals. At a St. Petersburg City Council committee meeting Thursday, member Lisset Hanewicz, who sits on the board of Tampa Bay Water, said data is being collected to work on recommendations. Council members were discussing the citys pressing needs over the next 30 years ahead of a major public investment and vote on the redevelopment of Tropicana Field into the Historic Gas Plant District. The numbers came back really good for St. Petersburg, she said. St. Petersburgs water comes from the Cosme Water Treatment Plant in Odessa. Since July, the citys water has tested below the new federal limit, peaking around 1.7 parts per trillion, according to data provided by Tampa Bay Water. During the meeting, St. Petersburg City Council member Gina Driscoll brought up the new federal regulations. She questioned if chemical levels were another unknown the city would have to take into account. Public works administrator Claude Tankersley said, based on the citys recent samplings, We dont anticipate the city of St. Petersburg having to change anything in the way that we are treating our water to meet those new standards. Thats good news for today, he said. Tampa Bay Times reporter Colleen Wright contributed to this report. Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey says the abortion ruling from justices he chose goes too far FILE - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey answers a question during a news conference, Dec. 2, 2020, in Phoenix. A ban on nearly all abortions in Arizona doesnt sit well with Ducey, the Republican former governor whose expansion of the state Supreme Court allowed him to appoint the four conservative justices whose ruling cleared the way for it. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool, File) A ban on nearly all abortions in Arizona doesnt sit well with the Republican former governor whose expansion of the state Supreme Court allowed him to appoint the four conservative justices whose ruling cleared the way for it. Doug Ducey is among Republicans in several states who are wrestling with the consequences of their opposition to abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. He expanded the state court in 2016, but thinks its ruling this week went too far. After the Arizona court ruled 4-2 on Monday to revive an 1864 law that criminalizes abortion throughout pregnancy unless a womans life is at risk, Ducey posted on the platform X that it was not the outcome I would have preferred." He said a law he signed in 2022 banning abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy was more in line with what voters want. In Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio, where an abortion ban signed into law by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine got overturned in a referendum that enshrined the right to an abortion in the state constitution, the issue has helped Democrats win races and in some cases begin to reverse Republican-led bans. More may be in store. In Florida, the state's high court cleared the way for a six-week ban that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed while also allowing an abortion-rights referendum go before the states voters this November. Abortion also is a major feature in the presidential race, potentially boosting turnout for Democrats and putting down-ballot Republicans on a back foot. Polls show most U.S. adults dont support tough restrictions. Donald Trump, who recently opined that abortion's legality should be left to individual states, has called DeSantis approval of Florida's ban a terrible mistake. " The former president who appointed three of the U.S. Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade also said the Arizona Supreme Court ruling went too far. Ducey said in his post on X that the ban he signed was thoughtful conservative policy, and an approach to this very sensitive issue that Arizonans can actually agree on." His comment followed the better part of two years of legal wrangling over the 1864 Arizona law. The Supreme Court ruling took a fair amount of time, four months after arguments before the court and longer than some expected, said Barbara Atwood, professor emerita at the University of Arizona law school. Frankly, I think they struggled, she said of the justices. Besides Ducey's five appointees, one of whom abstained from the ruling, two are appointees of Jan Brewer, Arizona's Republican governor from 2009-2015. Ducey had defended his expansion of the court from five to seven justices. He said the state had outgrown the smaller court and an expansion was long expected. The justices at the time said their workload was manageable and opposed the move. The crux of the abortion case was whether Arizonas 2022 or 1864 ban applied after Roe v. Wade was overturned. In late 2022, an appeals court rejected the argument of the states elected Republican attorney general, Mark Brnovich, that the 1864 law held sway. Days later, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes took office, but the case remained alive through the efforts of an anti-abortion intervener. The legal uncertainty was written into the law outlawing abortion after 15 weeks. It stated that the states much stricter 1864 law was not being repealed by implication or otherwise. But even Republicans disagreed over which law would take precedent. In their ruling, the majority justices noted Ducey thought the ban he signed should take effect. Its just interesting that justices who he appointed have reached a point that is at odds with his own understanding, said Atwood. It contributed to the general uncertainty about this whole topic. ___ Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming. J.J. Cooper and Jacques Billeaud in Phoenix contributed to this report. By Tim Hepher AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The head of Airbus told Reuters it is "not unlikely" that the European planemaker takes control of two U.S. and UK plants run by Spirit Aerosystems if Boeing goes ahead with plans to buy one of the industry's key suppliers. But Chief Executive Guillaume Faury said it was up to Boeing to fine-tune its intentions - having changed the status quo with a surprise plan to buy back its former unit - and Airbus would have a "word to say" about where the two factories ended up. The fate of the plants and their combined 4,000 workers - in Kinston in North Carolina and Belfast, Northern Ireland - has been swept up in the latest crisis at Boeing, which aims to buy its supplier to ease the fallout from a 737 MAX panel blowout. "There are not many companies in the world that could be good owners for these activities," Faury said in an interview, when asked whether Airbus expected to have to acquire them. "We make our wings so we could be a very legitimate owner of the activities in Belfast. And we do sections, so we could also be a very legitimate owner of the Kinston plant," he said. "So that's part of the possibilities, and not an unlikely possibility. It's a not unlikely outcome, but it's not the only one." Reuters reported last week that Boeing, Spirit and Airbus were working directly or indirectly towards a potential "framework" that could lead to Spirit's break-up, with each planemaker taking some operations, but valuations were a hurdle. The 500,000-square foot, robot-equipped Kinston composites plant makes panels for an upper fuselage section and a carbon-fibre spar, or beam, for each wing of the long-haul A350. In Belfast, Spirit builds composite wings for the A220 in a plant previously owned by the plane's original designer, Canada's Bombardier. It relies on modern but costly technology that reduces the use of energy-guzzling pressurised ovens. But the two state-of the-art Airbus-focused plants both lose money, raising questions how much if anything Airbus might be forced to pay to untangle Spirit for the sake of its arch-rival, industry sources say. Airbus bought the rest of the loss-making A220 programme from Bombardier in 2018 for a token U.S. dollar. Faury did not discuss financial details or specific owners, but hinted Airbus was in no hurry to complete a deal. "They (Boeing) are in control," he said when asked about the timing of any agreement, adding that the current situation had arisen at Boeing's initiative. Story continues "So we need to create a condition for having the discussion with Spirit ... because our relationship is with Spirit." Airbus is not without leverage, he noted, including a traditional change-of-control clause. Airbus had to give approval when Spirit bought the Belfast plant from Bombardier in 2020. "We have a word to say, and on top (of this) there are anti-trust laws. So we have room to discuss and that that's what will take place." 'NEW PARADIGM' In remarks shedding new light on the speed at which the Jan. 5 blowout rippled through the industry, Faury suggested Airbus had been taken by surprise by Boeing's March 1 announcement that it would enter talks to reverse a 2005 spin-off. "A few months earlier, maybe a few weeks earlier, my perception ... was that they were not interested in buying back Spirit," he said. "That's a change of paradigm and we have to respond, but we need to know more about their intentions, the speed, how they want to do this," he said. About a fifth of Spirit's revenues come from Airbus, with the vast majority of the rest coming from Boeing. Airbus has avoided being drawn publicly into Boeing's crisis, with Faury telling shareholders on Wednesday that it remains a tough competitor. But it is monitoring the impact of the turmoil, including a curb on 737 output that is vital to Spirit. "Everything that happened to Boeing has indeed had an impact on Spirit and not necessarily a positive one, and therefore that's not good news for us because it's an important supplier." Although aerospace firms occasionally supply each other, people familiar with the matter say Airbus is reluctant to see manufacturing of structural parts run by Boeing since it would give its rival an insight into production plans and pricing. Data on the A350 "section 15" at Kinston is also considered so important that it triggered a row over whether it could be disclosed in an unrelated UK court dispute between Airbus and Qatar Airways last year, according to filings at the time. Nor is crisis-ridden Boeing seen as interested in being distracted by the loss-making Airbus plants and likely future arguments over which programmes get resources, the people said. Boeing had no immediate comment. Led by Boeing, aerospace firms have long experimented with outsourcing structural components to save costs. But the latest Boeing crisis has accelerated a rethink as planemakers prepare future designs and consider the risks of a globalised economy. "It's core and it's single-sourced," Faury said when asked why aerostructures businesses like the two biggest Airbus-related plants at Spirit had fallen under the Airbus microscope. (Additional reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram; Editing by Tomasz Janowski) Former Bibb County teacher sentenced to 25 years of prison in child molestation case A former Bibb County middle school teacher was sentenced to 25 years in prison and 25 years of probation for having an inappropriate relationship with a student, the Macon District Attorneys Office announced Thursday. Charles B. Jackson, 55, pleaded guilty to child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes and sexual contact by a person in position of trust to the first degree, the district attorneys offfice said. Jackson pleaded guilty March 25 in Bibb Superior Court. Jackson was employed as a Junior Officers Training Corps instructor at Ballard-Hudson Middle school during the time of his inappropriate behavior with the juvenile victim. He was named the schools teacher of the year for the 2022-2023 academic school year, 13WMAZ reported. Assistant District Attorney Breanna Foster of the Special Victims Unit presented facts during Jacksons plea hearing and showed that his felonious conduct with the young victim occurred on multiple occasions at both the school and a local church, the office said. Foster said the victim had previously been molested by a family member, and Jackson took advantage of the minors vulnerability while in a position of trust as her school teacher. It is so tragic when an individual who fought for his country and afterward goes into a position of trust for young people becomes the communitys worst nightmare rather than a mentor, District Attorney Anita Howard said in a press release. It is vitally important that anyone who has information about such nefarious activities come forward to report them so that we, collectively, put a stop to those who would do harm to our most vulnerable. Jackson was sentenced to 50 years, with the first 25 years served in prison and the last 25 years served on probation. He could be granted parole before the end of his 25-year prison sentence. Bibb County deputies initially arrested Jackson in December 2022 after investigating a complaint that stated he enticed a child for indecent purposes and engaged in sexual contact with the student. Jackson was charged with two counts of statutory rape and one count of aggravated child molestation at the time. Jacksons bond was denied several times since his arrest, according to the district attorneys office. He is currently in custody at the Jones County Jail, Bibb County Sheriffs spokesperson Christopher Williams said. Jackson will be required to be on Georgias Sex Offender Registry for the remainder of his life, the district attorneys office said. A former camp counselor has been charged in connection with the possession of child sexual abuse material. Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Camp Lurecrest announced that Matt Williams was facing charges in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Williams served as a camp counselor at Lurecrest in 2018, 2019, for one week in 2021, and most recently in 2023. According to the spokesperson, parents were informed if their child was present at camp during the time Williams served on the staff or if their child was in a cabin with him. ALSO READ: Wife indicted after Catawba Co. man charged in child sex abuse investigation However, the camp does not believe the charges are connected to Lurecrest. I have interviewed each of Matts co-counselors and cabin leadership as well as reviewed all of our camper and parent surveys as an act of due diligence and found no reason to suspect wrongdoing while on camp property. We have strict policies in place forbidding staff members to have phones or technology in the cabin or in the presence of campers, all changing happens in the closed stalls in the bathroom, and staff members are not permitted to be isolated with campers alone; we are committed to the two adult rule, the spokesperson said. Williams was formally charged with two counts of possession of child pornography. It is unclear if other charges will follow. VIDEO: Charges filed against wife of man charged in child sex abuse investigation In accepting the first Thomas S. Foley Award for Distinguished Public Service, former Secretary of Defense and retired Gen. James Mattis on Tuesday called on those in the audience to reject political division and cynicism for this country. I trust some of you young folks in the audience will leave tonight refusing to adopt the childish practices you see too often on our television screens. Rather, resolving to embrace the courage, the conviction, the civility and the dignity of Tom Foley, Mattis said during the award presentation by Washington State Universitys Foley Institute. The award was given at the John J. Hemmingson Center on the Gonzaga University campus. Before retiring in 2013, Mattis served over 40 years in the United States military, including as a general at the highest levels in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mattis was called back into service as Secretary of Defense under former President Donald Trump. He later resigned and broke from Trump in the lead-up to the 2020 election. Mattis is also a native son of Washington, having been born in Pullman and graduating from Central Washington University. He now lives in Richland. In accepting the award, Mattis said he hoped he was a good steward for the legacy of Tom Foley, whom he called one of the finest citizens our state ever produced. The only speaker of the House from Washington state, the late congressman served 30 years. A member of the Democratic Party, Foley was speaker from 1989 to 1995. Mattis called Foley the quintessential American patriot, who put his country before his party and his personal interest. He specifically cited Foleys roll in shepherding the Americans with Disabilities Act through Congress in the 1990s. You see this same theme in him looking at people who are left behind on the margins of our society and bringing them inside and giving them a level playing field, he said. Richlands retired Gen. Jim Mattis spoke to about 800 people about leadership in the time of the coronavirus and other crises in Richland in 2020. In Mattis view, Foley was also an example of a public servant who actively seeks to work with those opposed to him. Calling such bipartisanship a lost art in todays politics, Mattis hopes he is a representative of that same ethos. Tom Foley had a worldview that just one generation ago dominated America. It is amazing and can even be a bit discouraging, though, to see how much our political climate has degraded in the past year, he said. In introducing the general, inventor and entrepreneur Ed Schweitzer of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories said Mattis had earned a reputation for technical brilliance and humility. Its fitting and proper that Gen. Mattis, a man who has dedicated his life to public service into protecting and defending the values of democracy and our Constitution, should be the first recipient, Schweitzer said. More than his military career, Schweitzer pointed to when Mattis spoke out against President Trump amid civil unrest seen in 2020. At the time, Mattis called Trump the first president in my lifetime who does not try to unite the American people. There was a time when our country felt divided, angry, hopeless. Many of our political leaders use their platforms to inflame tensions. Others remained silent and said nothing at all. Gen. Mattis spoke out in support of national unity and civil liberties, Schweitzer said at the ceremony. Mattis only referred to his former boss indirectly. Praising the late 5th District Congressman, Mattis said Foley did not whine like a baby and contest the result when losing his seat in 1994 by a mere 4,000 votes an oblique reference to Trumps debunked election fraud claims. At the center of Mattis message was for Americans to reject disunity. At home, we see Americans engaging in contempt for each other and seemingly unaware of the delight they create in Bejing and Moscow hoping Americans will turn cynical and lose their selfless spirit, he said. It was a message WSU senior and Foley Institute intern Nicholas Wong called inspiring for someone who wants a career in public service. Mattis very much spoke to the idea of just being human and how it doesnt really matter at the end of the day, we all want largely the same stuff, he said. It felt like he was semi-directly talking to me. It means a lot to hear from a person of his position to not be cynical when it comes to our country. Speaking at a news conference before the event, Mattis also declined to provide his opinion on the possibility his former boss may win the presidency again this fall. Asked what a Trump victory would mean for the country, Mattis said that retired generals should also retire their tongues when it comes to politics. United States Secretary of Defense, James Mattis, attends the 2018 Tri-Citian of the Year at Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick. Mattis on VA crisis During his tenure as Secretary of Defense in 2017, Mattis was involved in the decision to have the VA adopt the same electronic health system as the Department of Defense. Transition to this first system was first implemented in 2020 at Spokanes Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center. Since then, The Spokesman-Review has reported on flaws in the new electronic health system causing multiple patient deaths and harm to veterans receiving care. Mattis admitted he was not aware of these issues, but defended the decision to create a single electronic health system between active-duty veterans and those receiving healthcare from the VA. The idea was if someone left the military after four years or 24 years or 44 years, they didnt have to start over. Their name, their social security, their rank. In other words, we simply keep the system that keeps the military going and pick that up and take it forward into the VA system building on what was already a body of medical knowledge of that individual, he said at the news conference. While admitting difficulties occur when a new system is implemented, Mattis also defended current Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough as the right man to fix any problems that may exist. If anyone can straighten this out, thats the secretary of the VA. Hes very experienced. He knows what he is doing. He will not be deflected by hard problems, he will overcome them, he said. A former assistant principal at a Virginia elementary school should be held criminally liable after her lack of response and poor decisions allowed a student to intentionally shoot his first-grade teacher last year, according to a special grand jury report released Wednesday. Ebony Parker, who resigned in the wake of the shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News on Jan. 6, 2023, now faces eight counts of felony child abuse and neglect, each carrying up to five years in prison, the cases court docket first showed Tuesday. The 31-page grand jury report alleges that Parker failed to protect the 15 children, ages 6 and 7, in teacher Abigail Zwerners class. It says Zwerner was injured by one of her 6-year-old students despite multiple warnings from staff members and other students who believed the boy had a gun and posed an imminent threat on the day of the shooting. Dr. Parkers lack of response and initiative given the seriousness of the information she had received on January 6, 2023 is shocking, the report says. Police outside the school. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot/TNS/via Getty Images file) The report provides further details about the events leading up to the shooting and during it, among them that after the boy shot Zwerner at less than 6 feet away, he tried to fire again but was thwarted. The child continued to stare at her, not changing his emotional facial expression as he tried to shoot again, the report says. The firearm had jammed due to his lack of strength on the first shot inhibiting him from shooting Ms. Zwerner or anyone else again. The firearm had a full magazine with seven additional bullets ready to fire if not for the firearm jamming. An arrest date for Parker was listed as Tuesday. It was not immediately clear whether she has legal representation. The Newport News Commonwealth Attorneys Office declined to comment Wednesday about the grand jury report and said it would hold a news conference Thursday. According to the grand jury report, Parker was made aware on four occasions on the day of the shooting that the child might be a potentially dangerous threat: At noon, a Richneck reading specialist told Parker that two students told her the child had a gun in his backpack, yet it was not checked; at 12:30 p.m., the reading specialist told Parker that while she did search the backpack and did not find a weapon, Zwerner said the child put something in his pockets; a music teacher told Parker that another first-grade teacher mentioned a gun; and at 1:40 p.m., a guidance counselor told Parker the child might have a firearm or ammunition and, when he asked whether he could search him, Parker refused and took no action. About 20 minutes later, the boy would go on to shoot Zwerner with a gun containing eight bullets. Police later said Zwerner escorted her panicked class to safety after a bullet ripped through her left hand, rupturing bones, before it lodged in her upper chest. Three months after the shooting, Zwerner filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district alleging that administrators, including Parker, failed to heed warnings. The grand jurys findings are similar to her complaint. Lawyers for Zwerner, 26, said the report echoes the systemic failure at the school. Most shocking is the apparent cover up of disciplinary records before and after the shooting, attorneys Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit said in a statement Wednesday. We are grateful for the work of the special grand jury and the answers they have provided this community. The 11-member grand jury, which was impaneled in September, said it heard from 19 witnesses, reviewed several hundred documents of school records and watched police bodycam and other video to make its determination. The grand jury said it was tasked with addressing whether there was any decision or action taken that would have prevented the events of that day, making recommendations for improvements and determining whether anyone at the school should be held criminally liable in their actions or lack of actions in their duty to provide care and safety to students. In the aftermath of the shooting, Newport News Commonwealths Attorney Howard Gwynn told NBC News that he would not seek charges against the 6-year-old boy, citing his age and inability to adequately understand the legal system, but he said he was still weighing whether he might hold any adults criminally responsible. A year ago, Gwynn also sought a grand jury to determine charges against the boys mother, Deja Taylor. She was sentenced in December to two years in prison on a state charge of felony child neglect and must begin her state sentence after she finishes serving 21 months on a related federal charge. On the morning of the shooting, Taylor believed the gun was in her purse with the trigger lock installed, left on top of her bedroom dresser, according to a probable cause statement and a search warrant affidavit. She added that the key for the lock was kept under her bedroom mattress. A lockbox was not found, prosecutors said, nor was a trigger lock or key to a trigger lock ever found. As part of a care plan at the school, the boys parents were supposed to be with him daily, but they were absent on the day of the shooting, officials said. The childs family has said that he has an acute disability and that he had received the treatment he needs under court-ordered temporary detention at a medical facility. The grand jury report also notes the boys disciplinary issues, including in the days before the shooting, when he was defiant during recess, constantly spoke back to Zwerner, slammed her phone on the ground at reading time, causing the screen to crack, and used an expletive toward her. He was suspended for one day after that incident. The principal at the time of the shooting, Briana Foster-Newton, is also named in the grand jury report, but it says she should not face charges. Her lack of knowledge does not mean she is, per say, faultless for certain decisions as Principal regarding the care of the children at Richneck previous to this incident, the grand jury found. But, because she was not informed of the events on January 6, 2023 specifically, and thus was not given the chance to have acted appropriately, she is not criminally liable due to her lack of knowledge for the events that transpired. Foster-Newman was moved from her position. A Newport News Public Schools spokeswoman declined to comment, and an attorney representing the school board, the superintendent at the time and Foster-Newman said they are "still digesting the report" and didn't have a further statement. Meanwhile, the boy has been under the care of his great-grandfather, Calvin Taylor, who told NBC affiliate WAVY in December that he was disappointed the child's mother was given such prison time on the felony child neglect charge. "I think the sentence is not going to fix the problem," Calvin Taylor said, adding: "Sitting in a state prison or a federal prison for additional time is not going to fix the problem." This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Photo illustration by Getty Images. A former pastor in Lame Deer was sentenced Wednesday to 30 years in prison after he was convicted in December of sexually abusing three young girls whom he was either fostering or letting stay at his home over the course of four years. In addition to the 30-year sentence, Dean Alan Smith, 67, will face a lifetime of supervised release should he be let out of prison, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Jesse Laslovich. Pastor Smiths prison sentence, while significant, does not come close to the lifetime of trauma his victims will have to endure, Laslovich said in a statement. But I hope knowing that Smith will likely spend the rest of his life in federal prison gives them some peace of mind that he wont be able to abuse others. In December, a federal jury convicted Smith of one count of aggravated sexual abuse; one count of abusive sexual contact by force; and two counts of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child. It acquitted him of one count of abusive sexual contact of a child. Smith was indicted in December 2022 on the five counts alleging he abused four girls while they were living or staying at his house, which Smith shared with his wife, between 2017 and 2020. All four girls were under the age of 12 at the time, and they disclosed their abuse over 2021 and 2022, according to court documents. Smith and his wife housed several foster children and temporarily hosted other children from the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation at their home. Smiths indictment says he abused each girl separately and in private several times. The girls testified against him at his trial, and some of them, or their guardians, wrote statements ahead of his sentencing detailing how the abuse had affected their lives and relationships with religion. What pastor Dean has done affected me and my family in many ways after leaving his household, I had a resentment towards pastors in general, and for a while, it affected my belie[fs] in my religion, one of the girls wrote. I felt as if I couldnt trust any man that tried to even get close to me. The government asked the judge in the case to impose the 30-year prison sentenced with supervised release to follow because of the seriousness of the crimes and the lasting effect they will have on the victims, which the judge granted. The underlying component that makes this case so troubling is that all these girls, like so many others, believed in Smith. They believed that the safety and security he displayed in public would translate to how they were treated in private. They were wrong, government attorneys wrote in Smiths sentencing memo. Laslovich said in a statement the bravery of the girls to come forward and to testify was paramount to the case. Far too often, and unacceptably so, we are unable to obtain justice for children sexually abused in Indian County, he said. But justice was achieved here, and it would not have occurred without the bravery of our victims or the tenacity of our federal partners and prosecutors, for which I am grateful. sentencing-memo The post Former Lame Deer pastor sentenced for abusing young girls appeared first on Daily Montanan. Former Mass. official accused of having explicit images of a child apparently joined Russian army A U.S. Air Force veteran who fled a charge of possessing sexually explicit images of a child told his lawyer he joined Russias army, and video appears to show him signing documents in a military enlistment office in Siberia. Wilmer Puello-Mota, a former elected official in a small Massachusetts city, was expected to enter a guilty plea in Rhode Island in early January, but did not show up to court, according to prosecutors. Last week, video surfaced that appears to show the 28-year-old in Russia and expressing support for the countrys war against Ukraine footage that could be used to promote Moscows narrative of the conflict. His lawyer, John M. Cicilline, told The Boston Globe that he called Puello-Mota on Jan. 8, the day before he was expected to plead guilty. According to prosecutors, he boarded a flight from Washington, D.C., to Istanbul, Turkey, a day earlier. He said, `I joined the Russian army, or something like that, Cicilline told the Globe. I thought he was joking. Cicilline said Puello-Mota wanted a career in politics and thought the criminal case had ruined his life. Im sure he joined the Russian army because he didnt want to register as a sex offender, Cicilline said. The Associated Press made several calls to Cicilline. A person answering his office phone said he would not make any additional comment. Puello-Mota served in the U.S. Air Force and deployed to Afghanistan in 2015, when he was 19, media releases show. He later served with the Massachusetts Air National Guards 104th Fighter Wing as a security forces airman. This undated still image taken from video posted on pro-Kremlin media sites appears to show Wilmer Puello-Mota signing papers in a military enlistment office in Siberia. Puello-Mota, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former elected official in Massachusetts who fled the U.S. after being charged with possessing sexually explicit images of a child, told his lawyer he joined Russias army. (AP Photo) Puello-Mota was arrested in 2020 in Warwick, Rhode Island, after he called to report a stolen gun and police said they found nude images of a 17-year-old girl on his phone. He was charged with one count of having sexually explicit images of a child. He was later also charged with trying to deceive prosecutors and his commanders about the case. Cicilline told the Globe he reached a deal to plead guilty to all charges in exchange for an 18-month prison sentence. Videos surfaced on Russian social media and local television in March showing the blurred image of a man in a uniform in what appears to be a war zone displaying the U.S. flag. In video posted online last week, a man who looks like Puello-Mota talks directly to the camera, speaking in English over background music and Russian subtitles and discussing a military operation. His face is not blurred. He does not say his name, and the videos do not mention the Rhode Island criminal case. President Vladimir Putin has eliminated nearly all independent media in Russia and state media aligned regularly trumpet Russian victories in Ukraine, denounce the West and otherwise amplify good news while ignoring the bad. The Rhode Island attorney generals office said in a court document last month that it had received images purporting to show Puello-Mota in Ukraine and Russia. While the state cannot verify the authenticity of the videos and photographs, if they are accurate the defendant is well beyond the jurisdiction of this court and, if false, the defendant is engaged in an elaborate ruse to conceal his whereabouts, Rhode Island prosecutors said. U.S. State Department officials said they were aware of media reports about Puello-Mota fleeing to Russia but have had no contact with him and have no way to confirm those reports. The most recent video appears to show Puello-Mota entering a building in Khanty-Mansiysk and shaking the hand of a uniformed man. At the end of the video, he is seen signing a document. The AP verified the location after examining satellite imagery and historical photos of the area. According to a plaque on the door, its a military recruitment center run by the Russian Defense Ministry. Obviously its a difficult situation. Its war. Its a special military operation, Puello-Mota says in the video, adding that he was lucky to be with people from the international brigade. We did our work. We did our job. We did what we were supposed to do, he said. I was very lucky and fortunate to serve with those guys. I definitely would do it again. Ian Garner, an assistant professor of politics at Queens University in Canada, called it a huge propaganda opportunity for Russia. To be able to show off an American citizen who has chosen to reinvent themselves, to reform themselves and become a part of the Russian war machine seems to provide evidence that Russia is winning a much bigger spiritual war, he said. Puello-Mota held the rank of technical sergeant when he forced to leave the guard in October 2022 because of the criminal case, said Don Veitch, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts National Guard. His security clearance was also revoked. Holyoke City Councilor David Bartley, who worked with Puello-Mota on the City Council, said he considers him a good friend. He said the person in the video looks and sounds like him. To me thats him, he said. He knew of no connections between Puello-Mota and Russia and called the footage shocking. The Wil that I know was a good, decent person, Bartley said. A Facebook page attributed to Puello-Mota includes a photo of the Kremlin and an updated profile photo of a man in a uniform operating a drone. It says he is from Holyoke and currently lives in Moscow and works at the Russian Defense Ministry, which is spelled in Russian. Under Rhode Island law, Puello-Motas trial cannot begin without him being present. 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 Former SC prison official accused of money laundering, selling 100+ phones to inmates A former high-ranking South Carolina prison security officer has been indicted on numerous federal charges including smuggling contraband into prison and selling banned items including more than 170 cellphones to prison inmates. Christine Livingston, 46, of Gaston, a former S.C. Department of Corrections captain, was arraigned Thursday afternoon in federal court on charges that included money laundering, wire fraud and bribery. Livingston, who appeared in court in shackles and handcuffs, made at least $219,360 from 2016 to 2021 smuggling contraband items into prison and selling them to inmates, a 15-count indictment in the case said. The items included 173 cell phones, headphones, screen protectors, phone chargers, sim cards, and other types of contraband.in transactions with inmates, the indictment said. The phones were ordered from Amazon and Livingston orchestrated payments from inmates through 14 peer-to-peer payment accounts, including through the mobile payment application Cash App. Those accounts were operated primarily under pseudonyms, and they were linked to financial accounts in her genuine name, the indictment said. She also had ties to an in-prison gang, assistant U.S. Attorney Elliott Daniels told Magistrate Judge Paige Jones Gossett during the arraignment hearing at the federal courthouse in Columbia. At the arraignment, Livingston pleaded not guilty and her attorney, Connie Breeden, told the Gossett that the charges against her client were just allegations. We are not here to try the case today, said Breeden. Breeden also said Livingston has been a good upstanding citizen and owns property and has children. I dont believe she is a flight risk. The indictment against Livingston also listed as a co-defendant a prison inmate, Jerell Reaves, who is currently serving a 15-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter at the Broad River Correctional Institution, the prison where Livingston worked. Reaves paid and caused to be paid some $48,000 in bribes to Livingston, the indictment said. Reaves and Livingston conspired with each other from July 2018, through in or around November 2021, the indictment said. According to the S.C. Department of Corrections, Livingston began working for the prison system in 2005 and left her job in 2021. Livingston resigned while an internal investigation of her activities was ongoing, a corrections spokeswoman said late Thursday. It is against prison policy for corrections staff to have business, romantic or professional relationships with inmates, the indictment said. When she left her job, she was making $56,797 a year, according to corrections officials. Gossett said Livington must post a $25,000 secured bond that had been requested by Daniels. Breeden had asked for an unsecured bond. Daniels told the court that five South Carolina inmates were ready to testify against Livingston. The case was investigated by the FBI, represented by three agents who were present in the court Thursday. This story will be updated. Former Ukrainian military chief insisted on use of drones as game-changer in war with Russia Come Back Alive director Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces, believed that a technological breakthrough in weapons could occur through the extensive employment of uncrewed aerial vehicles on the battlefield, says Taras Chmut, director of the charity Come Back Alive. Source: Chmut in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda Details: Asked what the technological leap in weaponry that Zaluzhnyi described might look like nowadays, Chmut said: "In the opinion of [former] Commander-in-Chief Zaluzhnyi, it had to involve First-Person View [drones] and uncrewed technologies on the battlefield in general. I had a long conversation with him about it." Quote from Chmut: "Zaluzhnyi believed that this technology had enormous potential which we could use to offset Russia's numerical superiority in personnel, equipment, weapons and tactical depth, and to buy time. For this purpose, the commander-in-chief sought to form the command of unmanned forces; for this purpose, he wanted to train 100 companies of so-called Rubaks companies of strike unmanned aerial systems; for this purpose, he aimed to build a vast fleet of drones, over a million FPVs and other platforms." Background: In November 2023, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, then Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, wrote in a column for The Economist that the war with Russia was entering a new phase: "a 'positional' struggle with static and exhausting battles. It takes high technology to win such a war." In February 2024, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers to set up a new service branch within the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the drone forces. Support UP or become our patron! Former Vice President Mike Pence will deliver the keynote address for The Institute for Faith & Freedom 2024 Conference, Confronting Antisemitism. Pence will address the conference at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11 in Crawford Hall Auditorium at Grove City College. We are thankful for the opportunity to hear from Vice President Mike Pence on this critically important topic. He has been very vocal in confronting antisemitism, and we are pleased to welcome him to campus, Grove City College President Paul J. McNulty said in a news release. Serving in the Trump administration, he was part of significant U.S. actions that brokered the first peace deal in the Middle East in 25 years, the Abraham Accords. In 2018, the administration moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Although the scope of this conference is broader than the nation of Israel, Vice President Pence and his leadership throughout his career make him an excellent choice to speak this year. Pence spoke at Grove City Colleges commencement in 2017. The conference also will feature a lineup of speakers confronting antisemitism, including Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik, senior rabbi of Congregation Shearith Israel. The college announced on Thursday that Pence will immediately begin serving as the Distinguished Visiting Fellow for the newly-launched Faith & Public Life, an initiative to explore and support the presence of Christian faith in public institutions. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Missing Beaver County man found dead during search of Monongahela River in Elizabeth Township 2 suspects charged after 60-year-old man brutally attacked inside his Sewickley home Airline offers service from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for half the cost of traveling on PA Turnpike VIDEO: New bill would expand Pennsylvanias distracted driving law DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Local and state leaders are convening in Fort Worth this week to discuss two pressing issues within early childhood education: diversification of how pre-K is offered to families and improvement of the working conditions and credentials of early educators. Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Commissioner of Education Mike Morath and Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel participated in a panel discussion on Thursday where they addressed the obstacles school districts and private early childhood programs are facing when utilizing partnerships that could make both operations thrive in unison. Additionally, they discussed ways to improve wages and credentials of early educators responsible for teaching 3- and 4-year-olds. The discussion was the keynote conversation of the Momentum Early Learning Summit, where about 120 attendees who have a hand in operating or regulating the early childhood education system gathered to collaborate on solutions regarding these two topics. Kara Waddell, president and CEO of Child Care Associates, moderated the conversation, and first asked how each agency and leader played a role in growing the early learning system. From a K-12 perspective, one of the ways that we think about this is (that) the outcomes of the 0-5 system are the beginning of ours, Morath, of the Texas Education Agency, said. We think about pre-K that is overseen by school districts as a key piece of this puzzle, and improving quality and access is pretty critical. Texas schools can provide pre-K themselves in-house or can also partner with existing community-based programs that would provide early learning on behalf of the school district, Morath said. The logistics behind this partnership are complicated because of contract negotiations and bridging the different finance models of the community program and the school district; Only a handful of districts in the state have successfully implemented it. The Austin Independent School District is among those to utilize this partnership model that has expanded families access to pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds alongside the United Way for Greater Austin. Students go to child development centers with high-quality state ratings that are overseen by the school district and are considered to be co-enrolled at both entities. Only 1-2% of pre-K slots statewide are provided through these partnerships, according to Waddell of Child Care Associates. Ultimately, its a vision of the leadership team of the school district (of) how to prioritize this and how to then pull it off, Morath told the Star-Telegram. Today's top stories: Rashee Rice, other driver face 8 criminal charges in Dallas car crash Abandoned grain silos in Fort Worth catch fire New taco restaurant brings original menu by standout chef Get free alerts when news breaks. In terms of improving wages for early educators, Waddell noted how they earn an average of $12 per hour with an early education bachelors degree being among the lowest-paying degrees in the United States. In comparison, a cashier at Buc-ees earns about $18. Daniel, of the Workforce Commission, said Buc-eess ability to pay competitive wages is not sustainable for every industry, especially for child care. I dont think the group talking about this is big enough. We need to expand our group. We need to expand the conversation. We need to expand how we really think we can solve this problem in the marketplace, he said. Through a local lens, Mayor Parker mentioned the citys and countys contribution to a local pilot program, which uses federal funding to boost local early educator wages to $18 an hour and offsets operational costs of community providers. The program tests a new funding structure that could be used as an example of how to improve quality of child care without increasing costs to parents. In general, its going to take the public and the private sector working together to find solutions, Parker said. Its sometimes not just the responsibility of government, and you have to bring the private sector to the table, Parker said. The event was hosted by Child Care Associates, one of the largest child development programs in North Texas; Early Matters, a statewide collaborative of various organizations focused on economic mobility of families through early childhood investments; and Philanthropy Advocates, a statewide funders collaborative focused on public and higher education policy issues. The invitation-only event ends Friday and is taking place at the Worthington Renaissance Hotel in downtown Fort Worth. By Sabrina Valle and Arunima Kumar (Reuters) -Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Darren Woods received $36.9 million in total compensation for 2023, up nearly 3% from a year earlier, the oil major said in a regulatory filing on Thursday. And in proxy filing ahead of its May 29 annual meeting of shareholders, Exxon recommended its investors vote against all proposals submitted by a minority of shareholders. These include calls to cut executive pay incentives for greenhouse gas emission reductions, an additional pay report on gender and racial bias and an extra report on plastic pollution. Exxon has successfully blocked proposals by activist investors after filing a complaint in court. Arjuna Capital and shareholder activist group Follow This dropped their proposal demanding tighter climate targets following the suit. The U.S. oil major says analyzing each proposal can cost companies up to $150,000, and only less than 4% of the 140 proposals filed since 2014 have passed Woods was awarded almost 200 times the median pay for an Exxon worker, despite this increasing 8% last year to $185,376. Chevron CEO Michael Wirth also saw total compensation increase, by 12.2%, to $26.5 million in 2023, equal to about 150 times the $175,673 the average pay for the oil major's workers. Part of a CEO's compensation is given by companies in equity, so the final value can only be known when options are exercised or stocks are sold. Other incentives for Woods included $297,295 for setting up a new residential security system and another $485,758 for relocation after the closure of Exxon's office in Irving and its move to Spring, which are both in Texas. Three other top Exxon executives received about $1 million in total to relocate to Spring. The pay hikes come even as profits from oil majors have fallen by about a third from record levels in 2022, as oil and gas prices retreated from a spike when Russia invaded Ukraine. Exxon ended 2023 with a profit of $36 billion, versus $55.7 billion it earned a year earlier. (Reporting by Arunima Kumar in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Alexander Smith) Police squad car lights. (Stock photo by Oliver Helbig/Getty Images) Quality Journalism for Critical Times The First Amendment Foundation wants Floridians to urge Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto a bill barring people from getting too close to first responders doing their jobs. Members of the foundation called SB 184 blatantly unconstitutional in an email statement sent out Thursday morning in which they asked people to contact the governors office. Under the bill lawmakers passed this year, it would be a misdemeanor for a person to get within 25 feet of a first responder engaged in the lawful performance of a legal duty if the first responder has warned the person to stay away. DeSantis received the bill from the Legislature on Wednesday. We appreciate the importance of protecting first responders but are concerned that the bill prevents citizens from going near or filming first responders within 25 feet if told not to approach, the First Amendment Foundation wrote. This bill would undermine citizen journalists and could allow for undocumented police misconduct. Thursdays call to action for Floridians also included a letter members of the foundation sent to DeSantis on April 4. In the letter to the governor, the First Amendment Foundation likened SB 184 to a similar law Arizona passed in 2022, which prohibited bystanders from recording police within eight feet. The Arizona ACLU and media organizations reached a settlement agreement with the state permanently blocking the law. While Senate Bill 184 doesnt have a specific provision against filming first responders while working, we find the law is highly discretionary and would enable responders to order reporters and citizens with smartphones to stop video or audio recording, or simply observing, in violation of their constitutional rights, the group wrote in the letter to DeSantis. One such instance was Darnella Fraziers recording of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvins murder of George Floyd, which prompted protests across the country. She also testified during Chauvins trial, according to NPR. SB 184 received nearly unanimous support in the Senate, with Democrat Bobby Powell of Palm Beach County voting against it. In the House, 27 Democrats voted against it. The post Foundation urges veto: FL bill could prevent civilians from recording police conduct in public appeared first on Florida Phoenix. On his second day on the job as the Las Cruces city manager, Ikani Taumoepeau, 42, is quick to acknowledge he's a different type of leader than former city manager, Ifo Pili. But Taumoepeau, who followed Pili from Eagle Mountain, Utah in 2020, hopes to build on the foundation he helped establish the past four years in his role as assistant city manager. "It's easy to continue the momentum that is here," Taumoepeau said. "I'm not going to try to be Ifo. I'm excited to work with the team. I think everyone understands their role in administration and we know where the finish line is." Addressing poverty remains among top priorities in Las Cruces Following his resignation to return to Utah to assume the city manager role at West Valley City, Utah, Pili said among his regrets during his four years in Las Cruces was failing to "move the poverty dial." But according to Taumoepeau, the foundation is in place to address poverty in Las Cruces. Ikani Taumoepeau According to the City of Las Cruces, the poverty rate in Las Cruces is over 26% and 38% of children under the age of 18 live in poverty. In 2022, the City launched its Lift Up Las Cruces initiative, which identified an area bound by North Solano Drive, East Madrid Avenue, Anita Drive, North Triviz Drive and Spruce Avenue, within the 88001 ZIP code. At the time of launch, the area was comprised of 1,428 households, 48% made an income below the poverty line, and 69% of households made less than $39,000 a year. More than half of residents, 57%, identified as Black, Indigenous or people of color, according to data compiled by the city. The City used the Distressed Communities Index to identify the region. The DCI examines economic conditions at the ZIP code level. It uses seven socioeconomic data points. Lift Up also targeted an area where the crime and poverty rate was high. Projects identified use city funds to implement improvements to streets, lights, litter removal and parks and recreation. Since its launch, the city has devoted approximately $2.3 million toward street projects, and $50,000 toward park improvements or repairs. Pilot projects such as Lift Up and guaranteed basic income will be re-assessed. Taumoepeau says the city will announce a second Lift Up neighborhood soon. "It was always the goal to have several," he said. "We don't plan to stop at two. "There are a lot of things happening this year that have been in the works. Foundations have been built and it allows the flood gates to open." Taumoepeau should be able to hit ground running as internal hire City Council hired Taumoepeau, who was one of three finalists, after a search that included only internal candidates. "He (Taumoepeau) has been a city manager before and I have worked with him personally," Mayor Eric Enriquez said. "He is responsive and a problem solver. He just had a higher level of experience." In addition to four years as an assistant city manager in Las Cruces, Taumoepeau has also served as Clayton, California's city manager, assistant city manager in Santa Paula, California and deputy city manager in Morro Bay, California. Enriquez and Taumoepeau were both assistant city managers under Pili. Taumoepeau said he will hire another assistant city manager from within the organization of 1,700 employees that he now oversees. "I think his relationship with Ifo and experience working with him, that if we want to continue in this same direction, I think Ikani is well suited to carry the torch," Enriquez said. Additional priorities Taumoepeau identified included improvements to infrastructure, including aging facilities throughout the city such as the fire station, police station and library. He also highlighted public safety and affordable housing. "The great thing about being an internal candidate was we get to save time on some of that," Taumoepeau said. "There is a vision that has been happening from the previous council and continues today. Moving the poverty dial, workforce development and community prosperity. Those are things that Ifo was tasked with and we will continue with that transition." City Council approved a three-year contract for Taumoepeau, who hinted that he hopes to stay longer. "If we're gonna serve the community, we have to grow roots," Taumoepeau said. "And we have to be here for the long haul to see things to see things through." Jason Groves can be reached at 575-541-5459 or jgroves@lcsun-news.com. Follow him on X @jpgroves. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Las Cruces Manager Ikani Taumoepeau hopes to tackle poverty, housing President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event on March 8, 2024 in Wallingford, Pennsylvania. One day after Biden delivered his last State of the Union address before the November general election, the president held the event to highlight his administration's achievements and vision going into the next eight months of campaigning. (Photo by Spencer Platt | Getty Images) Theres something happening here, What it is, aint exactly clear. -Buffalo Springfield For What Its Worth Whats an American voter to do? For months now and months into the future were going to be presented with frightening dichotomies from both major political parties. You know, its the sort of thing that presents decisions with astronomical stakes democracy vs. fascism; democracy vs. communism; freedom vs. dictatorship; criminal vs. senility the list continues. Political pundits have suggested that our hatred for the opposite political party motivates us more than any love for our own positions. That changes the end game from getting something accomplished to simply antagonizing each other. Yet with all the upheaval and controversy that has now become a feature and not a bug of American politics, support of each majority political party base is eroding, for different but easy-to-understand reasons. And in this chaos, there may actual be hope. Beyond the frustration of legislative gridlock and a certain arrogance that some members of Congress seem to cherish by not working with their colleagues across the political spectrum, both major political parties have internal problems that are far more serious than the threat of the rival party. For Republicans, a near cult-like fealty to Donald Trump has alienated many longtime conservatives who are put off by both the style and substance of a man whose court cases threaten to swamp him, consume campaign cash, and draw attention to his own behavior rather than the policies and ideas that Republicans need to sell to voters. Meanwhile, a majority of voters favor reproductive rights and some form of abortion, with polls ranging from 60% to nearly 80% of voters. Those numbers are enough to get Trump, who loves taking full credit for overturning Roe vs. Wade, to change his stance in order to have a chance at retaking the presidency. Democrats watching the GOP circus would do well not to snicker. Young voters and voters of color, both key blocs to a successful Democrat strategy, are seeing strong dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden and the administrations tough talk about Israel, while officials continue to ship military supplies that the Netanyahu government will almost certainly turn around and use against Palestinian civilians. Republicans cant quit Trump. Democrats cant quit Israel. And voters just want it to quit. This isnt some column or plea for a third-party candidate. And were probably well past the point of asking why we cant all just get along. Instead, if our shared value in 2024 as Americans is frustration with our leaders, then theres never been a better time to demand a change. When people have accused me of being a partisan, I have often named a laundry list of people in both political parties who think they smell sulfur whenever I walk into the room. Yet instead of clinging to the imperfection of individual parties, I am instead an institutionalist. That is, I believe that rather than debating precisely how Christian our founders were, or whether they were federalists, instead I believe the real gift and legacy they left to us were our institutions, created to withstand the controversies of today and whatever will come up tomorrow. I believe our founders designed a system in which diluted or shared power meant that no side had too much. Its genius is its ability to take the individual personalities out of the equation. While the founders were certainly inspired and what they created has served us very well, they likely couldnt imagine a time in which people had enjoyed these freedoms for generations and novelties like voting, that those same citizens would support leaders who would get into power to topple our democracy, overthrowing it or replacing it with a brand of religious dictatorship. The founders, possibly naively, bet that everyone running for office would believe in the institutions more than they worshipped the political leaders. Still, the unrest in each political party should be setting off all kinds of alarms at the central party offices: Its a warning sign of trouble ahead. And thats why I am such a zealot for our institutions. These signs of dissatisfaction from Israel to Trump demonstrate that at the end of the day, its the voters and the one sacred duty we have to vote that will send a clear message about what the American people want and demand. Whether voters in November will pinch their noses and vote for Trump anyway is as uncertain as whether Bidens support will extend to voters passionate about Gaza and the Palestinians. The one thing and possibly the only thing that is for certain: Both parties have been warned. The post The founders greatest gift to the American people appeared first on Daily Montanan. Four MiG-31K fighter jets take off in Russia Ukraines Air Force has reported that four Russian MiG-31K fighter jets had taken off from Savasleyka airfield in Russia's Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. These fighter jets can launch Kh-47M2 Kinzhal aerobalistic missiles. Source: Ukraines Air Force Quote: "Three MiG-31K jets took off from Savasleyka airfield in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast!" Update: At 05:56, the Air Force clarified that "four MiG-31K jets were in the air." At 06:49, air-raid warnings were issued in all of Ukraines oblasts. Support UP or become our patron! Four migrants in NYC target robbery that left cop injured face likely deportation after being picked up by ICE The migrants who allegedly robbed an Upper East Side Target have been arrested by ICE Four of the migrants arrested for robbing a Manhattan Target then fighting the cops who tried to step in were collared Wednesday by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and will likely be deported, according to the federal agency. ICE also lodged a detainer with the citys Department of Correction for the still-jailed fifth suspect, Brayan Freites-Macias of Venezuela, an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. Freites-Macias, 21, is an illegal immigrant who is amenable to removal from the United States, the statement said. Yusneiby Machado (left) and Brayan Freites-Macias allegedly wrestled with an officer while resisting arrest. Obtained by NY Post The migrant crew allegedly robbed a Target on the Upper East Side, then fought the cops who tried to stop them. Matthew McDermott He was the only one of the five suspects to be ordered held on bail after cops arrested them for shoplifting from an Upper East Side Target on April 2, according to court records and law enforcement sources. The other four Michael Jose Sanchez Mayo, 31, of Venezuela; Henry Omar Zambrano Zapata, 19, of Venezuela; Sebastian Jaramillio Balanta, 22, of Colombia; and Yusneibi Yohana Machado Avila, 23, of Venezuela were released without bail by the same Manhattan judge. The four were also here illegally and were arrested without incident Wednesday, ICE said. They are in-custody pending removal proceedings, according to the statement. The crew allegedly stole $82 worth of display items from the store on Third Avenue near East 70th Street at about 7 p.m. that day, including a backpack, a gaming light, tools and assorted cereals, chips, fruit and bottled water, sources and the criminal complaint said. Cops from the NYPDs 19th Precinct tried to stop them. But two of the suspects Machado Avila and Freites-Macias allegedly wrestled, shoved, slapped and pushed the officers in their attempts to get away, sources said. Two of the migrants were arrested for attacking a cop while attempting to rob a Manhattan Target on April 2, 2024. G.N.Miller/NYPost The wild struggle left one officer with swelling, redness and pain on his left arm, cops said. He was treated at a hospital, then released. Another suspect who has not been caught tried to throw rocks at the officers, but they were not struck, sources said. Both Machado Avila and Freites-Macias were charged with robbery, assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, criminal possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct and harassment, cops said. Sebastian Jaramillo was among the other migrants charged in the robbery. Obtained by NY Post Michael Sanchez was charged with robbery and disorderly conduct. Obtained by NY Post Henry Zambrano was also allegedly involved in the robbery scheme. Obtained by NY Post But Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jay Wiener cut Machado Avila loose without bail, and remanded Freites-Macias on $3,000 bail or a $9,000 bond. This, despite their lengthy rap sheets that include trespassing, shoplifting, assault, petit theft and grand larceny, according to sources and court records. The rest were charged with robbery and disorderly conduct, cops said. All three who lived at the Wards Island shelter, per sources were later arraigned on petit larceny and possession of stolen property charges and released without bail. ICE has also issued a detainer for the fifth migrant, who remains jailed. Getty Images NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban has said the citys violent crime wave might inspire fear in locals, but added that it was a case of perception versus reality. He also told NBC that, Right now, we do have some pockets of migrant crime. The NYPD understands that people come to New York City to build a better life for themselves and their families, Caban. They, themselves, are the American dream. But having said that, if you commit a crime in New York City, if you break the law, we will hold you accountable. Fox News Jessica Tarlov shut down her The Five co-host Jeanine Pirro after she claimed former President Donald Trump is not afraid of anything on Wednesday. The liberal commentator argued that its complete insanity to call Joe Biden a threat to democracy, a label that Trump recently put on the president before his Democratic rival launched the description back at him. Tarlov noted that Trump attempted to overturn the 2020 election and many involved in the plot are still facing trial, adding that he is doing his darnedest to not show up to the courtrooms as hes definitely afraid of whats going to happen there. Hes not afraid of anything, Pirro interjected. Oh, big man, not afraid. Whatever, Tarlov shot back. I know him, hes not, Pirro replied. OK, Im sure you do know him and I dont know him, but I dont think that that man who doesnt even want to sleep in a hotel bed wants to go to jail, said Tarlov in a nod to a report that Trump often flew back to New York to sleep in his bed after rallies during the 2016 campaign. Jessica: Trump is definitely afraid of what is going to happen there Jeanine: Hes not afraid of anything. I know him Jessica: I dont know him but I dont think that that man who doesn't even want to sleep in a hotel bed wants to go to jail. pic.twitter.com/eVlyEdlh9L Acyn (@Acyn) April 10, 2024 Trump who is facing a total of 88 felony charges across several cases has privately wondered about what would happen if he was convicted and his appeals fail, according to Rolling Stone. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee told Meet the Press host Kristen Welker in September that he doesnt even think about going to jail when he goes to bed at night. Im built a little differently I guess, because I have had people come up to me and say, How do you do it, sir? How do you do it? I dont even think about it, he told Welker last year. Related... PARIS French explosives maker Eurenco will invest 500 million (U.S. $535 million) to restart explosive powder production and boost output of artillery propellants, said French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to the companys site in Bergerac on Thursday. The investments by state-owned Eurenco over the next two years will double propellant production, Macron said during his visit, timed to the kickoff of new production capacity construction. The company will also resume production of the explosive powder used to make propellant charges, after France shut down powder production in 2007 and switched to imports. The site of the shuttered powder production had become a wasteland. The investment in Bergerac is, for me, the image of this industrial reconquest and military sovereignty that we want for ourselves and for Europe, Macron said. The site started production of artillery powder during the First World War. The target is for the Bergerac site to produce 1,200 metric tons of explosive powder a year, equivalent to 500,000 modular propellant charges, the Armed Forces Ministry said in February. France has concluded that if it wants to accelerate artillery shell production and secure supply, it needs to control the entire process, including powder, the president said. Currently, French shell production relies on powder manufactured in Sweden. Eurenco will increase the workforce in Bergerac to 450 in the next 18 to 24 months, after already growing the number of employees to 250 from 200 previously, according to Macron. The company was awarded about 76 million in subsidies as part of the European Commissions Act in Support of Ammunition Production to increase production capacity in France and Sweden. Eurenco says it will boost powder production tenfold, double production capacity for modular charges by 2026, and double its ammunition and explosives loading production by 2025. France needs to increase propellant production both to aid Ukraine as well as for its own defense, Macron said. He said the Caesar 155mm howitzers supplied to Ukraine by France and Denmark rely on propellant to be effective. Macron added that the world has changed with Russias aggression against Ukraine, and said that wont end even if the war ends tomorrow. Theres been a massive rearmament in Russia in recent times, and because you can see military spending and orders increasing all over Europe, and geopolitics changing all over the world, Macron said. Weve set off for a long-term geopolitical and geostrategic shift, in which the defense industry will play a growing role. Fred Goldman and Patty Goldman, parents of Ron Goldman, during a preliminary hearing for O.J. Simpson's murder trial in 1994. - Credit: Lee Celano/WireImage/Getty Images Fred Goldman, father of Ron Goldman, says his thoughts are with his son and Nicole Brown Simpson following the news of O.J. Simpsons death at the age of 76. Simpson was accused and later acquitted of killing Goldman and Brown Simpson in 1994. He was found liable, however, in a wrongful death civil suit brought by Goldmans family in 1997. The only thing I have to say is that today is just a further reminder of how long we have missed my son, how long hes been gone, and the only thing that is important today are the victims, Goldman tells Rolling Stone. Thats it. I have nothing else to say. More from Rolling Stone Brown Simpson and Goldman were found stabbed to death outside her Los Angeles home on June 12, 1994. The murders led to one of the most infamous court cases in American history, with Simpson charged with the two murders. The trial was a media circus that spanned 10 months in 1995 and ultimately ended with Simpsons acquittal. Afterward, Goldmans family took civil action against Simpson, filing a wrongful death lawsuit against him. In 1997, a jury found Simpson liable for Goldman and Brown Simpsons deaths, and he was ordered to pay the Goldman family $33.5 million in damages. In 2021, Goldman said he was surprised that Simpson told the sports news outlet The Athletic that a serious coronavirus infection he contracted left him contemplating his own death for the first time. Honestly, the only thing that strikes a chord with me is that he didnt think about death before. I think about his death all the time. I can think of no one better suited to be underground, Goldman told the New York Daily News. Goldman, 83, relentlessly pursued Simpson after the 1997 civil verdict, never abandoning his mission to recover his $33.5 million award. He won the publishing rights to Simpsons bizarre book If I Did It in 2007 and doggedly pushed for the seizures of Simpsons prized trophies, footballs, and other memorabilia. Simpsons children announced his death, saying their father died April 10 after a private battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace. Few details about his diagnosis have been released. Earlier this year, a television station in Las Vegas, where Simpson had been living, reported that he was undergoing treatment for cancer, and while Simpson neither confirmed nor denied the reports, he did rebuff rumors that he was in hospice care. Just before the Super Bowl, he posted a video on social media saying his health was good, adding, I mean, obviously, Im dealing with some issues, but I think Im just about over it. Best of Rolling Stone HANOI (Reuters) - The mastermind of Vietnam's largest-ever financial fraud, Van Thinh Phat Holdings Group Chairwoman Truong My Lan, was sentenced to death on Thursday after a month-long trial. Lan and dozens of other defendants were found guilty of involvement in a real estate scam that siphoned off more than $12 billion from large private lender Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) through loans to shell companies. The total value of the assets linked to real estate group Van Thinh Phat (VTP) and its affiliates is estimated at between $12 billion and $48 billion, according to investigators and an estimate from market appraisal firm Hoang Quan. VTP did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. A representative for Lan's family said the value of the assets was about $30 billion. The range is wide because most assets are unfinished and their ownership is often unclear as they may have been used as collateral for loans and bonds. However, some are top properties at prime locations, including in and nearby Dong Khoi Street in Ho Chi Minh City, which U.S. firm Cushman & Wakefield ranked last year as the world's 13th most expensive retail main street. Some foreign investors, in letters written to the court, have expressed interest in the mostly high-end properties. These are some of the top assets linked to Van Thinh Phat, its affiliates and Lan's family: TIMES SQUARE SAIGON Times Square Saigon is one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's commercial capital. The office and hotel complex straddles Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets. The area is known as "golden land" for its high prices and connects the city's town hall to the Saigon River. The 39-floor building, seen as a symbol of prosperity and modernity of Vietnam's most populous city, features one of the first six-star hotels, the Reverie Saigon. The building was used as collateral for 73 loans worth nearly 30 trillion dong ($1.2 billion) from SCB, according to state media. SHERWOOD RESIDENCE Sherwood Residence is a five-star hotel and serviced apartment complex located at 127 Pasteur Street in District 3 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The 22-floor building features 228 serviced apartments and 12 penthouses and is among the first serviced apartment complexes in the city to be awarded a five-star label by the tourism authorities. Sherwood Residence had been Lan's residence until her arrest in October 2022. WINDSOR PLAZA HOTEL Five-star Windsor Plaza Hotel, is situated at 18 An Duong Vuong Street in District 5, known as Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown due to its high concentration of Vietnamese businesspeople of Chinese descent. Story continues The hotel features 376 rooms and suites, along with restaurants, bars, conference rooms, a ballroom and a fitness centre with a swimming pool. CAPITAL PLACE Capital Place is a grade-A office building in Hanoi's downtown Ba Dinh District. It consists of two 37-floor towers with total office space of 100,000 square metres (1.08 million square feet). State media last month reported that Lan wanted to sell Capital Place and an unnamed investor had offered to buy it for $360 million, but the sale plan was being opposed by her creditors. Capital Place has been used as collateral for loans worth $230 million from four foreign banks, online newspaper VnExpress reported. IFC ONE SAIGON IFC One Saigon is the shell of a planned 41-story building in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. The building, on the bank of Saigon River, features office space, apartments and a commercial centre. A Van Thinh Phat affiliate bought the unfinished building in 2021. Construction work has been suspended since Lan's arrest. (Reporting by Khanh Vu, Phuong Nguyen and Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Jamie Freed and Miral Fahmy) Ukraine is one of the few among the group of 29 countries evaluated by Freedom House in the Nations in Transit 2024 report that is moving successfully toward democracy amid growing anti-democratic trends. Freedom House's latest report on the countries from Central Europe to Central Asia concluded that the democratic governance in the region has been in decline consecutively for the 20th year, with only some exceptions. Ukraine is one of them, as it is the only nation in the "hybrid regime" group that saw an improvement, while the ratings of five other members of the group declined. Four other countries whose democratic governance ratings have improved are already democracies, further contributing to the polarization of the two groups. The U.S.-based human rights think tank said that the hybrid regimes, that is, countries with both democratic and authoritarian characteristics, are increasingly forced to choose between a bloc of Euro-Atlantic democracies and a bloc of consolidated authoritarian regimes. "The resurgence of armed conflict has effectively accelerated a geopolitical reordering that was already underway," Freedom House's report read. "Moscow's war to destroy Ukraine and the Azerbaijani regime's military conquest and ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh laid bare the deadly consequences of autocracy's expansion." The stability of the democratic bloc is further compounded by political changes in the U.S., which put its traditional role as the security guarantor in Europe in question. Democratic countries "will need to build more robust transnational networks of solidarity, security, and action to reverse the gains that authoritarians have made over the last 20 years." Read also: Ukraines path to EU accession paved with reforms Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. (Bloomberg) -- Frances efforts to ban meat labels for non-meat foods have been hobbled once again. Most Read from Bloomberg The countrys top administrative court on Wednesday suspended a decree that would have prevented terms like ribeye steak and fillet from being applied to food products that are plant-based, over concerns about its legality. The decree would seriously undermine the commercial interests of companies that sold veggie steaks and similar products, the Conseil dEtat said. It would also result in costs related to packaging and business strategy changes, the court said. The decree, issued in February, followed a previous attempt in 2022 that was also suspended by the Conseil dEtat. The French court is also waiting for guidance from the Court of Justice of the European Union on whether such a ban could be implemented. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Fresno Chaffee Zoo is helping support a state-wide campaign to get Californians to coexist with nature. 2024 marks the 100th anniversary since the last California grizzly bear was spotted in Sequoia National Park, never to be seen again. The campaign, Coexist with Wildlife, California, is to commemorate the anniversary of the sighting. By working together, we can ensure that our unique California landscape can thrive for generations to come and prevent more wildlife from following the same path as our state symbol, said Jon Forrest Dohlin, Fresno Chaffee Zoo CEO and Director. The campaign is designed to bring awareness to hundreds of native California species by highlighting 24 important species to protect in 2024. Zoo officials say they will partner with fellow California Zoos and Aquariums members, as well as other conservation organizations, which will host events throughout the year that will bring awareness and inspire people to preserve space for wildlife in California. The kickoff of the campaign started on March 4, when Fresno Chaffee Zoo officials say they presented and passed a proclamation recognizing the initiative. All these events will culminate on Labor Day weekend at Fresno Chaffee Zoo for Coexist with Wildlife, California Day on Aug. 31, and throughout the state at various partners locations, according to the zoo. For more information on the campaign, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Hopefully emotions have cooled now that the Fresno Unified School District board has rebooted its search for a new superintendent. A moment of calm can afford the trustees the chance to develop a renewed hiring process that is more disciplined than the last one. The end goal that everyone should want is to hire a new chief administrator who can skillfully manage Californias third-largest school district into a place where student achievement rises and teachers feel valued. If that leader could be a Latino man or woman, given that Hispanic students are the solid majority in FUSD, so much the better. The district announced in January that Superintendent Bob Nelson would step down July 31 for a tenure-track faculty position at Fresno State. A series of meetings at district schools were then conducted by a recruiting firm to learn what parents, staff and the public wanted in the next superintendent. Opinion Things got heated earlier this month when a majority of board members appeared ready to interview candidates from within the districts ranks for the top job. The president of the board, Susan Wittrup, who represents the Bullard High area, called a press conference to criticize her colleagues for marching toward a decision without interviewing any candidates from outside Fresno Unified. Joining her at the press conference were some Fresno City Council members and Fresno Teachers Association leaders. It was an in-your-face move by Wittrup, but it proved effective when one of the board members who had been in the majority, Claudia Cazares, announced she would favor launching a national search. That brought efforts to a halt; internal candidates who were ready for interviews were left waiting. Now, the first order of business will be hiring a new recruitment firm to help find candidates. The previous one quit once it became clear the board was going to seek outside applicants. On Wednesday evening, the board made it official that it will broaden its hunt by seeking external applicants. Make no mistake: Seeking applicants from outside of Fresno Unified is the right move. Search the nation Some question that approach. The result, however, is that by inviting applicants from outside the district to apply and possibly interview, the board regains credibility. If an internal candidate is ultimately chosen, that person will also have good standing for having emerged from a full process. Ideally, the board will conduct a national search. That would be the best way to get applicants from communities with diverse populations, which is a premium given Fresnos cultural and racial richness. Among the values identified from more than a dozen listening sessions at Fresno Unified campuses during the first go-round were these: strong educational background; transparent and authentic communication; the ability to use data to develop a strategic vision; experience engaging parents and families; and the ability to innovate and adapt. Strong community ties and ties to the Valley were also listed. But frankly, being plugged into Valley life can be overstated. Such thinking tends toward being insular, even closed-minded, if taken to an extreme. The point of an external search is to find candidates with new ideas and fresh perspectives that would prove beneficial to Fresno Unified. The reality of the challenge facing the next top administrator is daunting: In the 2022-23 academic year, 66.8% of Fresno Unified students did not meet the state requirement level for English language arts; 76.7% of students did not meet the state requirement level for math. The district has also been struggling with declining enrollment and falling attendance. Be united Moving forward, the board must show it can work with a single voice in a straightforward process. Qualified applicants might hesitate if there is a sense of disunity among the trustees. Ideally, there should be a deadline to make a hire. Enough time has already been lost, and this does not need to drag out. Parents, teachers, staff and the public must be able to see the process at work. Transparency is not just a word, but an action. Here is an idea: Conduct final interviews with the top candidates in public, in the theater or multipurpose room at one of the high schools. It will take everyone parents, teachers, administrators, a new superintendent and the board to move Fresno Unified into a district producing strong graduates who are poised to succeed in life. Flags of the Fridays for Future climate movement wave during a rally. The Fridays for Future movement is looking to raise awareness for climate protection with an unspecified art action in Berlin on Friday next week. Sebastian Kahnert/dpa The Fridays for Future movement is looking to raise awareness for climate protection with an unspecified art action in Berlin on Friday next week. At the same time, there will also be actions in other places in Germany and demonstrations worldwide. "In Berlin, we are not mobilizing the masses this time, but rather setting the stage for science as part of an action," Fridays for Future told dpa in Berlin. "We are taking this step quite deliberately: while no continent is heating up as much as Europe, climate denial and climate relativization are escalating in the political and public sphere here too." The European elections in June will be a "climate election," according to Fridays for Future. The movement recalled that the European Court of Human Rights has just ruled that a lack of climate protection violates human rights. "With our campaign, we are calling on people to use their voices and urge politicians to act in a way that reflects the most existential crisis of all time." The climate activists also warned against a weakening of the German Climate Protection Act. The reform is still being debated between the parties of Germany's coalition government - the Social Democratic Party, the Greens and the pro-business Fre Democrats. A fugitive police officer has been arrested for the killing of a student whose death inflamed tensions over one of Mexico's worst human rights tragedies, authorities said Wednesday. Yanqui Gomez, 23, was shot dead on March 7 in a confrontation with police in the southern state of Guerrero, prompting angry students to set fire to patrol cars. Gomez attended the Ayotzinapa college, the same teaching training center as 43 students whose murky disappearance nearly a decade ago shocked the nation. Vehicles burn, after students from Ayotzinapa Teacher Training College threw petrol bombs at the facilities of Guerrero Government's Palace, during a protest to demand justice for their slain colleague Yanqui Kothan Gomez, in Chilpancingo, Mexico, April 8, 2024. / Credit: Oscar Guerrero / REUTERS "Today at dawn the police officer who killed the young man from Ayotzinapa was arrested. All those who participated are now in prison," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said. The officer was detained at a ranch protected by guards, he said at his daily news conference. The shooting took place a day after protesters smashed open a door to Mexico's presidential palace demanding to meet Lopez Obrador to discuss the Ayotzinapa case. The 43 students had been traveling to a demonstration in Mexico City in 2014 when investigators believe they were kidnapped by a drug cartel in collusion with corrupt police. The exact circumstances of their disappearance are still unknown, but a truth commission set up by the government has branded the case a "state crime," saying the military shared responsibility, either directly or through negligence. Arrests have been made or ordered for dozens of suspects. In 2022, federal agents arrested former Attorney General Jesus Murillo Karam, who oversaw the original investigation. Authorities have been able to identify burned bone fragments of only three of the 43 missing students. The work largely involves searching for clandestine body dumping grounds in rural, isolated parts of the state where drug cartels are active. In October, officials conducted DNA tests to determine if some of the students were among 28 charred bodies found in freshly covered mass graves. Guerrero is among six states in Mexico that the U.S. State Department advises Americans to completely avoid, citing crime and violence. "Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero," the State Department says in its travel advisory. James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter, are sentenced Remembering the O.J. Simpson murder trial The Large Hadron Collider | 60 Minutes Archive Atos has earned France a great deal of tech repute, whether with its shiny Olympics partnership or with the massive growth that made it one of Europes top IT companies. Its also a strategically important company for France given its deep military and nuclear industry ties. At the peak of its success in 2017, led by now-EU commissioner Thierry Breton, Atos was valued at a whopping $15 billion. Its been a sharp fall from grace since, as the French crown jewels valuation is down nearly 98% since 2017. Atos is now struggling to address the 3.65 billion ($4 billion) debt pile due next year, as well as a similar amount in losses hanging over it. The situation has become a headache for the government as the company is too big to fail. On Tuesday, the IT and cybersecurity company struck a deal with the French government and a group of banks and creditors for 450 million ($489 million) in interim loans. Atos said in its Tuesday release that any deal to deter bankruptcy could cause a "significant dilution of existing shareholders." And that's not allAtos is looking for over 1 billion ($1.1 billion) in new financing for its business. In exchange for the loan package, the French government will take a golden share of its key assets, which essentially gives it power to decide how the assets are managed. The goal? To support the group through its financial crisis while guaranteeing the protection of strategic activity, Frances finance ministry said in a statement, the Financial Times reports. Atos tossing and turning A slew of setbacks have led Atos to its shaky situation. Since 2021, the French company has seen ambitious bids fall through, from U.S.s DXC Technology rejecting Atoss $10 billion bid to Airbus calling off talks to buy the companys cybersecurity assets last month. Accounting trouble on some of Atoss U.S. entities as well as a proposed plan to split the company that went awry made matters worse, according to Bloomberg. A possible deal by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, the CEO of Atoss largest shareholder Onepoint, to buy the companys legacy operations fell through as well (although reports suggest he might be considering a new bid now). The Paris-based Atoss share price has plunged over 97% in the last five years, while its financial woes continue to mount. It also expects its 2024 revenue to drop slightly before it bounces back to growth next year. Through Atos's recent tumult, its helped to have the French government by its side. In February, Frances finance minister Bruno Le Maire told a local news outlet that the government intended for Atos to stay in French hands at any cost. And last month, when the Airbus deal failed, the French state said it would shield Atoss strategic assets. Story continues While its unclear what the future holds for Atos, its certainly one that France cares too much about to not intervene in any way it can. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Ga. opens new application portal for opioid settlement grants, nearly $200 million for metro area The state of Georgia is receiving funds for its part in the national opioid settlement against manufacturers of drugs accused of contributing to the opioid crisis. About $638 million is coming to the Peach State. To best distribute the hundreds of millions coming to Georgia, officials announced a new grant portal for applicants to request funding will open on April 15. The state also created a new site to help potential recipients understand how and what the funds could be used for. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] In May 2022, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed major opioid legislation (Senate Bill 500) to secure $638 million for state and local governments to bolster critical treatment and prevention efforts, the state explained. Georgia officials told Channel 2 Action News that $479 million would be going to the state to distribute for a variety of programs, while another $159 million is earmarked for local regions including the six Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities districts and five qualified block grant regions. TRENDING STORIES: Those block grant regions are squarely within the metro Atlanta area, with state officials saying Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties, as well as the City of Atlanta, were the five block grant regions in question. According to GDBHDD, 60% of the $479 million must be spent on a state basis, and the remaining 40% must be spent regionally. The $479 million, or 75% of what Georgia received, will be distributed through the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust. The remaining 25% will go from the National Administrator of the settlement to Georgia participating local governments across the state. State officials said the allocations for the various regions getting portions of the $479 million are still being finalized, but they expect the finalized allocations to be set in the next two weeks. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: As of 2024, the generation of young men has been the smallest since 1991. Photo: Depositphotos The generation of healthy men under 30 is now the smallest in the history of Ukraine's independence. Source: The New York Times Details: The New York Times reported that the demographic crisis began in the early 1990s. Ukrainian women, on average, had 1.9 children back in 1991, the year of Ukraine's independence. The birth rate dropped to 1.1 children over the next decade. "In the 1990s, uncertainty about the future loomed over life in Ukraine, as savings vanished and salaries became worthless in an economic crisis. That uncertainty 'affected the reproductive behaviour' of the population," Oleksandr Hladun, Deputy Director of the Mykhailo Ptukha Institute for Demography and Social Studies, told journalists. Lowering the conscription age for men from 27 to 25 may have an even greater generational impact Photo: Depositphotos/BUMBLE-DEE As the children born in the first years of Ukraine's independence reached the age of 20, the state experienced a labour shortage due to the lack of people. The journalists added that the low number of people became a cornerstone of the issue of conscription after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. They note that lowering the conscription age for men from 27 to 25 may further reduce the generation. The birth rate in Ukraine has almost halved as of the third year of the full-scale invasion, the journalists say. One of the main reasons is that about 800,000 Ukrainian women aged 18 to 34 have left for EU countries. The absence of women plays a bigger role in Ukrainian demography than the conscription of men into the ranks of the Armed Forces. The journalists added that the demographic crisis followed the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in many of the countries that were part of it, including Russia. However, Ukraine's demographic problem during the war is much more severe than that of Russia. Russia has almost four times the population of Ukraine, meaning it has more men. At the same time, the NYT pointed out that the conscription age of 25 remains high compared to other European countries, particularly the United States, where men can be drafted into the army from the age of 18. Background: Earlier, Taras Chmut, ATO veteran and director of the charity Come Back Alive, said he believes conscription in Ukraine should start at the age of 20, as "we have lost too much time during the 10 years of war" [The ATO or Anti-Terrorist Operation is a term used from 2014 to 2018 by the media, the government of Ukraine and the OSCE to identify combat actions in parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts against Russian military forces and pro-Russian separatists ed.]. On 11 April, the Ukrainian parliament passed amendments to the law on mobilisation. The law states that citizens between the ages of 25 and 60 are subject to mobilisation. Support UP or become our patron! Unstamped white eggs lie in the packing hall. German chicken farmers are switching over to white hens in growing numbers, meaning that the brown eggs long familiar to German consumers could disappear from supermarket shelves in the coming years. Soeren Stache/dpa German chicken farmers are switching over to white hens in growing numbers, meaning that the brown eggs long familiar to German consumers could disappear from supermarket shelves in the coming years. "We are already seeing fewer and fewer brown eggs today, and soon there will probably be none at all," said Henner Schonecke, chairman of the Association of German Egg Producers. The trade group said that brown eggs currently account for about 30% of the eggs on regular supermarket shelves in Germany, but have largely vanished from discount stores. Only a decade ago, more brown eggs were sold in Germany than white eggs. Only a handful of regional farmers continue to keep brown hens, and that number is declining, as many German farmers see white hens as a superior breed for producing eggs, Schonecke said. "White hens have greater genetic potential than brown hens. They live and lay longer," said Schonecke. "White hens are easier to keep and more mobile than brown hens." Schonecke said white hens are often easier to supply with food and water, and are also lighter and smaller, as are their eggs. That makes laying eggs less strenuous for white hens, Schonecke said. At least among the chicken breeds in Germany, Schonecke said that brown-feathered hens lay brown eggs while white hens lay white eggs. Schonecke, 51, is a chicken farmer himself and runs a fourth-generation family business near the northern German city of Hamburg. He switched completely to white hens a year and a half ago. For cooking and eating, Schonecke said there is no noticeable difference between the colours any more. He added that brown eggs once tended to have firmer shells but no longer do, and there is no difference in taste. A recent consumer survey by the Central Association of the German Poultry Industry found that brown eggs remain more popular with older people, but that younger consumers don't care as much about the colour of eggs and are more interested in things like conditions for the animals and whether the eggs were produced locally. "The majority of consumers are largely indifferent to the shell colour," a spokesman for the German supermarket chain Rewe told dpa. But one major exception is around the Easter holiday, where white eggs are clearly favoured because they are easier to decorate, he said. Tractors stand at the Brandenburg Gate during a protest. German chicken farmers are switching over to white hens in growing numbers, meaning that the brown eggs long familiar to German consumers could disappear from supermarket shelves in the coming years. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren hold a joint press conference at the Federal Foreign Office. Joerg Carstensen/dpa Deepening the trade relationship for raw materials between Germany and Chile is a strategically important step to reduce Germany's dependence on China, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said at a meeting with her Chilean counterpart in Berlin on Thursday. "In these turbulent global times, foreign economic policy is also security policy," said Baerbock. Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said that there were great opportunities for closer cooperation with Germany and Europe in the field of green hydrogen. He said that Chile wants a stronger European presence in Latin America. "Latin America is a natural ally of Europe," he said, according to the official translation. Baerbock said that Chile, with the world's largest copper and lithium deposits, plays a key role in the global transition to electric-powered vehicles. Both materials are key components in many batteries. Baerbock has previously expressed concerns that Germany is too dependent on China for supplies of those materials, creating strategic risks. Baerbock said trade between the two countries in raw materials should be expanded, "because less dependency and more diversification means more security for everyone." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren hold a joint press conference at the Federal Foreign Office. Joerg Carstensen/dpa Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, speaks in the German Bundestag on the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock phoned her Iranian counterpart Hussein Amirabdollahian on Thursday to urge de-escalation amid rising concerns of a direct Iranian attack on Israel. "No one should be allowed to throw more fuel onto the fire. No one can have any interest in a conflagration with completely unforeseeable consequences," Baerbock said during a meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren in Berlin. "All the actors in the region are urged to act responsibly and to exercise restraint," Baerbock said, adding that this was the message she had conveyed to Amirabdollahian. Asked whether the call had been coordinated with Israel or the United States, she responded: "All diplomatic phone lines are running hot at this time to prevent a regional escalation in the Middle East." Baerbock did not provide any other details on her contact with the Iranian foreign minister. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has repeatedly threatened Israel with revenge following an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus at the beginning of the month. The attack has been attributed to Israel, which has not denied responsibility. Referring to the attack, Amirabdollahian said in a statement issued by his ministry: "If the Israeli regime completely disregards the immunity of individuals and diplomatic facilities in violation of international law and the Vienna conventions, legitimate defence is a necessity." The foreign ministers of Saudi-Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq all contacted Amirabdollahian by phone on Wednesday to discuss the rising crisis. Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, speaks in the Bundestag on the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Dirk Wiese speaks in the plenary chamber of the Bundestag during the topical debate on "Possible cooperation between members of the AfD parliamentary group and authoritarian regimes". Michael Kappeler/dpa German lawmakers from across the political spectrum accused the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party of boosting Russian propaganda and undermining German security during debate in parliament on Thursday. The debate was called following reports of a Russian disinformation campaign and reports of possible links to AfD politicians. The Czech government placed sanctions on the pro-Russian internet platform Voice of Europe (VoE). The network published interviews with AfD politicians Petr Bystron and Maximilian Krah. The Czech newspaper Denik N, citing unnamed ministers and intelligence officials, reported that Bystron may also have accepted money from the pro-Russian platform. Bystron has denied the allegations. Irene Mihalic, a Green Party politician, called the AfD a security risk for the German state. Although Bystron may enjoy the presumption of innocence, she said, the party as a whole has made clear where it stands toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Whether paid or not, ladies and gentlemen, as far as the AfD's links to Putin's Russia are concerned, this party has long since lost its innocence." Politicians from the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, the liberal-conservative Free Democrats (FDP) and the centre-right CDU/CSU all specifically criticized trips by AfD politicians to Russia and Belarus as election observers as well as visits to the Russian embassy in Berlin. They also accused the AfD of spreading Russian war propaganda. The SPD's Dirk Wiese called the AfD "the mouthpiece of the Kremlin" and told lawmakers from the party: "Apply for a seat in the Russian State Duma. Those are the interests you represent, that's where you really belong." In Germany, Putin has found "his useful idiots and enforcers in the AfD," said the CDU's Christoph de Vries. The AfD's Stefan Keuter sought to defend his party. He accused the other parties of trying to score campaign points with the attacks, which he called "a witch hunt," and defended Bystron's innocence. "They have no evidence and are trying to damage a family man," Keuter said. But Konstantin von Notz, a leader of the Greens, said it was fitting that the AfD had chosen Keuter to speak on their behalf - as Keuter "is in Russia so often that you don't know whether he is a member of the German Bundestag or the Duma." Stefan Keuter (L) speaks to the German Bundestag Presidium in the plenary chamber of the Bundestag during the topical debate on "Possible cooperation between members of the AfD parliamentary group and authoritarian regimes". Michael Kappeler/dpa German lower house of parliament, the Bundestag's final debate about the 2024 budget BERLIN (Reuters) - The German ministries will have close to two additional weeks to submit their spending wishes for the 2025 budget, according to government and coalition sources, the first delay in the challenging preparations of next year's budget. "It was particularly the wish of the Green-led ministries to postpone the date for the feedback to the Ministry of Finance, as they cannot meet for an internal meeting until the end of April for organizational reasons," a source said. The new deadline is now May 2, while the ministries were expected to outline their spending wishes and also make savings proposals by April 19. Under the plan, there will be further political discussions in the coalition government of the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) until the cabinet approves the first draft on July 3, before the summer break. The Bundestag lower house of parliament will then discuss the draft from September and pass it by the end of November 2024. According to sources, the gap for the 2025 budget is estimated in a range of 15 billion to 25 billion euros. Extremely tough negotiations are expected within the coalition because more money needs to be invested in defence and will then be lacking elsewhere. Furthermore, last November a court ruling blew a 60 billion euros hole in public finances and threw the government's financing framework into turmoil. (Reporting by Christian Kraemer, Holger Hansen and Andreas Rinke, Writing by Maria Martinez and Angus MacSwan) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks at the "Democracy begins locally" event. Steinmeier will meet with around 80 volunteer mayors in Berlin today. Britta Pedersen/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for better protection for local small-town elected officials, noting that many have complained of growing hostility and even physical assaults. "Democracy begins locally. But democracy is also threatened locally. And we must therefore also defend it locally," Steinmeier on Thursday during an exchange of ideas with town mayors held in Berlin. People committed to democratic values should not simply shrug their shoulders as local mayors and town councillors start avoiding controversial issues, delete social media accounts or even resign from office in order to protect themselves and their families, Steinmeier said. Most local politicians in small German villages or towns are unpaid, or earn only a token salary for their work. Steinmeier called for that voluntary work to be made more compatible with family and career. A high time commitment and appointments in the evenings and at weekends are a problem for younger men and especially women who are in the middle of their careers and have children. Steinmeier said he was concerned that in some places the parties were finding it difficult to find enough candidates for the local elections and that sometimes no one was willing to run for mayor. In a survey of 1,549 town mayors in Germany, 40% reported that they or people close to them had been insulted, threatened or attacked because of their work as mayor. That led 28% to consider resigning from office. The study was conducted by the Forsa opinion research group on behalf of the Korber Foundation. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks at the "Democracy begins locally" event. Steinmeier will meet with around 80 volunteer mayors in Berlin today. Britta Pedersen/dpa BERLIN/DUBAI (Reuters) -The German airline Lufthansa on Thursday extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy in Syria. An Iranian news agency had published an Arabic report on the social media platform X saying all airspace over Tehran had been closed for military drills, but then removed the report and denied issuing such news. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. Lufthansa on Thursday said it had suspended flights to and from Tehran until probably April 13, extending its suspension by two days. A spokesperson said it had decided not to operate a flight from Frankfurt to Tehran last weekend to avoid the crew having to disembark to spend the night in Tehran. Lufthansa and its subsidiary Austrian Airlines are the only two Western carriers flying into Tehran, which is mostly served by Turkish and Middle Eastern airlines. Austrian Airlines, which is owned by Lufthansa and flies from Vienna to Tehran six times a week, said it was still planning to fly on Thursday but was adjusting timings to avoid an overnight layover. There was no immediate word from other international airlines that fly to Tehran. Iranian air space is also a key overflight route for Emirates' and Qatar Airways' flights to North America. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel "must be punished and it shall be" for the strike, which killed seven members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, among them a senior commander in its elite overseas unit, the Quds Force. Israel, which launched a war in the Gaza Strip six months ago against Iran-backed Hamas, has not confirmed it was behind the strike on Damascus, but the Pentagon has said it was. IRANIAN RESPONSE TO ISRAELI STRIKE AWAITED In an apparent response to Khamenei, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said Israel would respond if Iran attacked Israel from its own soil. The United States and its allies believe major missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies against military and government targets in Israel are imminent, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, citing U.S. and Israeli security sources. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, made clear the U.S. would stand with Israel against any threats by Iran, the State Department said. Story continues U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq to ask them to deliver a message to Iran urging it to lower tensions, a source with knowledge of the situation said. Iran's foreign ministry said those countries had spoken on the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian. On Jan. 8, 2020, Iran's Revolutionary Guards mistakenly shot down a Ukrainian passenger flight shortly after it took off from Tehran at a time of heightened tensions with Washington over the killing of Quds Force head Qasem Soleimani in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad airport. Iranian forces had fired missiles at military bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani on Jan. 3. Iranian-backed groups have entered the fray across the region since Israel launched its assault on Gaza in response to a Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. More than 33,000 Palestinians have since been killed by Israeli bombardment, according to Gaza's health ministry. (Reporting by Birgit Mittwollen, Riham Alkousaa, Ilona Wissenbach and Lisa Barrington; Writing by Riham Alkousaa, Parisa Hafezi and Stephen Coates; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Neil Fullick) Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner arrives for a Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg. -/European Council/dpa German Finance Minister Christian Lindner sharply criticized European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's performance in office on Thursday, less than two months ahead of European Parliament elections. "The past years under a (European) Commission headed by Ursula von der Leyen were lost years for competitiveness," Lindner, a leading member of Germany's liberal-conservative Free Democrats (FDP), said on Thursday in Luxembourg at a meeting of eurozone finance ministers. Von der Leyen is a member of Germany's centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) who spent years as a minister under former German chancellor Angela Merkel. Lindner on Thursday said that von der Leyen had "regrettably not focused on strengthening the European economy during her term of office." That means pressing work is needed in the coming years to catch up, Lindner said. Next week, the leaders of EU countries will meet in Brussels to discuss plans to strengthen the bloc's economic competitiveness. According to a draft for a joint declaration, which has been made available to dpa, the leaders want to speak out in favour of more business-friendly measures. The draft declaration also calls for pushing forward with a closer union of capital markets, a step that would require reducing bureaucratic hurdles between EU countries for companies trying to raise money. (L-R) President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Bavaria Markus Soeder give a press conference after their tour of the ASDEX Upgrade research facility at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Peter Kneffel/dpa In the decades since Ron Goldman was fatally stabbed outside his friend Nicole Brown Simpson's Brentwood home in 1994, Goldman's family has been battling for what it sees as justice denied. O.J. Simpson, once an American football star, was charged with killing Goldman and his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson. But he was acquitted in 1995 in a drama-filled and widely broadcast trial that enthralled the nation. The Brown and Goldman families then brought a civil suit against Simpson. In 1997, a jury in Santa Monica found him liable for the deaths, and he was ordered to pay the families more than $30 million in damages. Simpson responded by giving up his Brentwood estate and moving to Florida, in large part to evade paying the civil judgment. The Goldman family claimed in court records that Simpson paid only a fraction of the judgment amount. Read more: O.J. Simpson, the white Bronco and a freeway chase that changed L.A. forever On Thursday, they reacted to Simpson's death. The news of Rons killer passing away is a mixed bag of complicated emotions and reminds us that the journey through grief is not linear. For three decades we tirelessly pursued justice for Ron and Nicole, and despite a civil judgment and his confession in 'If I Did It,' the hope for true accountability has ended," Ron's sister Kim Goldman and father Fred Goldman wrote in a joint statement. David Cook, an attorney for the Goldman family, said Thursday that Simpson "died without penance." Read more: O.J. Simpson, whose murder trial riveted and divided the world, dies at 76 For more than two decades, the Goldmans have chased down secret hordes of Simpsons memorabilia; taken possession of "If I Did It," the "fictional memoir" in which Simpson discussed how he might have committed the slayings; and spoken out against a criminal justice system that they say ignores victims rights. In a 2019 interview with The Times, Kim Goldman talked about her efforts to hold Simpson accountable. She said she does not use his name. He is simply the killer, the murdering liar. He doesnt deserve more, she said. It is always, and most importantly, about remembering Ron and Nicole. It is not clear how Simpson's death will affect the debt still owed to the Goldman family from the civil judgment, which has ballooned to $114.2 million including interest, Cook said. Simpson had paid just over $132,000 of the total liability, according to a 2015 court document. In their statement, the Goldmans said they would "continue to advocate for the rights of all victims and survivors, ensuring our voices are heard both within and beyond the courtroom. And despite his death, the mission continues; there's always more to be done." The death of Simpson, whose journey from football legend to accused murderer captivated the nation, has triggered widespread discussion of his legacy. Kim Goldman, the sister of Ron Goldman. (Los Angeles Times) Simpson's family said on X that he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren when he died on Wednesday. He was 76 and had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to his social media. "During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace," the X post read. After the criminal and civil trials, Simpson didn't fall out of the public spotlight for long. In 2007, the planned publication of "If I Did It," triggered outrage. A year later, he was convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, conspiracy and other charges stemming from his attempt to recover memorabilia he claimed was stolen from him. He served nine years in prison. Civil rights attorney Carl Douglas, who was among the "dream team" of lawyers representing Simpson during his murder trial, said he was shocked to learn of the death of his former client, who always maintained he was innocent. "He is one of the most famous clients that I have ever represented in my 44 years as a lawyer, and I expect our names will forever be linked together in some way. My sincere condolences go out to his four children. May he rest in peace," Douglas said. Gloria Allred, a civil rights attorney who represented the Brown family during Simpson's murder trial, offered condolences to Simpson's children, but said she doesn't mourn the man who she maintains killed Nicole Brown Simpson. "I do mourn for Nicole Brown Simpson and her family. They should be remembered. The system failed," Allred said during an interview on WABC-TV in New York. Caitlyn Jenner, who was once friends with Simpson and was formerly married to Nicole Simpson's best friend, Kris Jenner, offered a cutting response to news of his death, posting on X just two words: "Good Riddance." Times news researcher Scott Wilson contributed to this report. 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. GOP China panel chair: US should focus on winning competition not just managing it Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), chair of the House select committee on China, argued Thursday that President Biden should double down on opposing Chinese business competition instead of thawing relations with the country. Gallagher, who is resigning from Congress next week, wrote in a Foreign Affairs op-ed that the presidents China policy has been a bright spot but that early gains were squandered. The Biden teams policy of managing competition with Beijing risks emphasizing processes over outcomes, bilateral stability at the expense of global security, and diplomatic initiatives that aim for cooperation but generate only complacency, he wrote, co-authoring the piece with former Trump administration deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger. The United States shouldnt manage the competition with China; it should win it, they wrote in the op-ed. Policy centered on China has been a bipartisan priority in Congress, with Republicans generally more hawkish on competition than their Democratic colleagues. Gallagher said Biden should not be afraid to deteriorate relations with the country, including holding the Chinese government to account for sowing global chaos and increasing defense spending in the region. Washington will need to adopt rhetoric and policies that may feel uncomfortably confrontational but in fact are necessary to reestablish boundaries that Beijing and its acolytes are violating, the duo wrote. The outgoing lawmaker described a new Cold War with China, urging the president to take harsher action against the country and aggressively fight off Chinese influence abroad. No country should relish waging another cold war. Yet a cold war is already being waged against the United States by Chinas leaders, they said in the op-ed. Rather than denying the existence of this struggle, Washington should own it and win it. Like the original Cold War, the new cold war will not be won through half measures or timid rhetoric, they continued. Victory requires openly admitting that a totalitarian regime that commits genocide, fuels conflict, and threatens war will never be a reliable partner. Gallagher and Pottinger did include praise for Biden, however, specifically lauding his decision to keep some tariffs, put in place under former President Trump, on Chinese goods and efforts to invest in domestic microchip manufacturing. They also held up the defense production partnership between the U.S., U.K. and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region as a major win in regional diplomacy. But the pair said Biden fell short in his response to a Chinese spy balloon that flew over the country last year and over claims about COVID-19s origins. Whether [Chinese President] Xi [Jinping] is acting opportunistically or according to a grand design or, almost certainly, both it is clear he sees advantage in stoking crises that he hopes will exhaust the United States and its allies, they wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Fox News Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes revolt against House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is simply an attention-seeking move, her colleague Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) said Wednesday. Greene initiated her public break with Johnson last month by filing a motion to remove him as speakerless than six months since he took over from Kevin McCarthy, who was similarly ousted. On Tuesday, Greene followed up by writing a letter to her GOP colleagues accusing Johnson of a complete and total surrender to Democrats due to his role in funding a laundry list of right-wing buzzwords, including abortion, the trans agenda, the climate agenda, foreign wars, and Bidens border crisis. The pair met on Wednesday in the U.S. Capitol, the Associated Press reported, with Greene saying their talk was direct and passionate. Despite this, Crenshaw described Greenes motivations as vain, and doubted that her calls for Johnsons removal would be successful. Right now, Im not sure that theres a real appetite by enough people to just oust Speaker Johnson. I think some people want, you know, a little bit of fame, a little bit of attention. Thats usually the kind of antics we see up here, Crenshaw began on Fox News Your World with Neil Cavuto, without mentioning Greene specifically. But look, Johnsons got a tough needle to thread on a lot of very, very tough issues. And hes just got to do it, he continued, referencing how the Housein a major failurewasnt able to reauthorize the section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that allows warrantless surveillance of foreigners for national security reasons. Marjorie Taylor Greene Urges Americans to Repent! in Bonkers Earthquake Prophecy Greene wants to change the legislation to require a warrant. Donald Trump also opposes the legislation in its current form. When Cavuto asked about Greenes actions toward Johnson in particular, Crenshaw reiterated his prior explanation. Like I said, for attention, he replied. I mean, Im not sure what the other possibility would be. I mean, weve got to this point in our politics where anytime you disagree with somebody, you have to push them off a cliff, which is a pretty absurd tactic, he said, adding that he doesnt believe Johnson should go. But thats, I guess, become the norm in D.C. And the unfortunate reality is that too many people actually cheer it on, he added. There is an incentive structure in place to actually do that, so I think thats why it happens. But is there real support for it? Im not seeing that right now. As for Greene, her office responded to Crenshaws Fox appearance by accusing him of the charge he leveled at her. The Georgia congresswomans office told The Hill that Crenshaw went on TV, attacked MTG knowing it would get headlines like this one (aka attention). 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. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshears vetoes face long odds of holding. In his first four years, the Republican-dominated legislature has overridden more than 85% of Beshears vetoes. With an even more politically red legislature than he had in his first sessions, it appears unlikely the pattern will change. Only a majority vote in both chambers is required 51 in the House and 20 in Senate to override a veto, which is tied for the lowest threshold of any state in the nation. Still, the governor vetoed a raft of bills on the final day of the designated veto break period, ending with 21 bills completely vetoed and six different bills with line-item vetoes. The full vetoes include a bill that would make it harder for utility companies to retire coal plants, even when those companies say doing so would help them keep rates low; another radically changing how horse industry oversight is governed; multiple taking certain powers away from the governor; and several more. Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said that his plan for now is to override all the vetoes. I suspect we will move forward, as per usual, with the intent to override all the governors vetoes. Right now, Im for overriding all vetoes. Ive looked at the bills and I see no reason why we should not override every veto, Thayer said. He expressed particular disappointment at Beshears veto of House Bill 299, the one that reshapes regulation of the horse industry and gambling in Kentucky through the formation of a public corporation. In the House, GOP Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, said he anticipates most of the vetoes will be overridden with some exceptions on drafting mistakes made in the final days and the potential for bills with unintended consequences to fizzle out. He said he knows what will happen with one of his own bills that was vetoed on the House floor, though. House Bill 622 would take the governor out of the process of replacing a U.S. Senate vacancy and making it a pure special election process. My official statement on House Bill 622 is this: I move final passage of House Bill 622, the veto of the governor notwithstanding, Rudy said. What did he veto and why? Beshear vetoed two priority pieces of legislation that had differing levels of Republican support in the legislature. House Bill 7, legalizing and regulating self-driving cars in Kentucky, saw the tightest vote of all bills that passed in the Senate with a margin of 20-18. It cant afford to lose a single vote of support if the Senate plans to override it. House Bill 5, the GOPs marquee anti-crime bill adding penalties for various crimes and creating new crimes related to homelessness, got near-unanimous support among the statehouse GOP, which controls about 80% of the legislature. The line-item vetoes include Beshear deleting the language sending $200 million for a federal grant matching program to the Department of Agriculture, a mistake made by the legislature in the final hours of pre-veto break session. It also includes a veto of the section of House Bill 8 that would exempt gold and silver from the states 6% sales tax. If you own gold, you can afford to pay sales tax, Beshear wrote. Thayer claimed that Beshear cant line-item veto that kind of provision because the exemption is not technically an appropriation. Beshear vetoed several parts of the states Executive Branch budget, highlighted by his rejection of a section putting limits on emergency spending without extra legislative appropriation. In the Transportation Cabinet budget, Beshear line-item vetoed a provision explicitly barring state funds from being allocated toward projects involving the Mountain Parkway in Eastern Kentucky, the I-69 Ohio River Crossing near Henderson, or the Hal Rogers Parkway in Southeast Kentucky unless those projects first acquire a federal grant. The governor said that provision could hurt the states ability to get federal grants for those large projects. Other bills vetoed: Senate Bill 16, or the so-called ag gag bill that makes it a crime to record a concentrated animal feeding operation or commercial food manufacturing or processing facility without the facilitys owner. Senate Bill 349, which would increase regulatory hurdles for utility companies looking to retire fossil fuel-fired power plants; the bill has been advocated for by the states rural electric cooperatives as well as coal industry interests. The bill was passed easily in the Senate, with a somewhat closer vote margin (57-37) in the House. Senate Bill 198 would create the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. Beshear said he supported some of the aims of focusing on including nuclear in Kentuckys energy mix, but that the boards composition leaning towards private industry which he argues violates the state constitution. House Bill 136, which limits environmental audits that Jefferson County can carry out, was vetoed as another attack by the General Assembly on Jefferson County. House Bill 388 would make all Louisville Metro Government elections nonpartisan, among other things. Beshear called it antidemocratic to make such a local change without approval of Jefferson County voters. House Bill 513 would require legislative approval for the removal or installation of statues and art in the Capitol rotunda. Beshear vetoed it as an encroachment on the Executive Branch, and pointed out that under the bill the Historic Properties Advisory Commission would have had no authority to remove the statue of former president of the Confederacy Jefferson Davis as they did in 2020. House Bill 723 would set up a commission with some power over a large federal grant program, with a slight majority of it being appointed by the other statewide constitutional officers, who are Republicans. Beshear alleged that it was unconstitutional, as the governor did appoint a majority of the board. Beshear vetoed House Bill 804, which critics have said allows groups to strategically avoid Franklin Circuit Court, because he claims it is unconstitutional like similar efforts have been found in the past. An artist rendering of the future Golden Spike State Monument, which will be located in Brigham City. Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson welcomed Karen and Scott Keller to the Gold Room in the Utah Capitol Thursday for a ceremonial signing of the golden spike resolution. The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Scott D. Sandall, R-Tremonton, and Rep. Thomas W. Peterson, R-Brigham City, approved the creation of the Golden Spike State Monument and indicated that Box Elder County would partner with Brigham City to maintain the property. The monument will become part of Utahs state parks system and includes the installation of a 43-foot golden spike sculpture. Earlier this year, Douwe Blumbergs piece of art traveled across the country from Kentucky to the steps of the Beehive States capitol building. The golden spike monument is a testament to the diverse coalition of railroad workers who came together to build the transcontinental railroad. Workers from Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads each worked on legs of the railroad and, when they met together in Promontory Summit, they drove a ceremonial spike through the ground known as the golden spike. At the ceremonial signing, Henderson said, Were so thrilled to have it represent what Utah did in the past and not just Utah, but so many nations, so many people. She added that what she loved about it was how it portrayed the unity of the East and West coasts. Henderson recalled when the golden spike monument arrived at the Utah Capitol building. She was working in her office and looked down and saw an incredible piece of art. Utah is the Crossroads of the West and the connector of the nation! Gov. Spencer Cox wrote in a social media post. The new Golden Spike State Monument represents Utahs unique place in history and celebrates the people who labored to create the Transcontinental Railroad. Thank you to the Legislature, Brigham City officials, Doug Foxley and the Golden Spike Foundation for making this monument a reality. Sandall added that his family farm is around a mile away from the site on Promontory Summit. He recounted when the visitors center was originally built and also when the 150th anniversary was celebrated. He called it an honor and a privilege to mark this history. Foxley announced that the visitors center of the monument will bear the name of the Keller family, who made a $1.5 million donation to make this monument possible. Karen Keller said it was a fun and meaningful experience to fly to Kentucky to accept the monument and work together to commemorate its history. She mentioned that she loved being able to bring her grandchildren to see the monument. Scott Keller added that the monument is bringing people together and it acknowledges the difficult work people had to do in order to build the railroad. Its enhancing efficiencies, whether it be for interstate commerce or the transportation of people, Keller said about the railroad. Green Bay man responsible for the overdose deaths of two teens gets 25-year prison sentence GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities say the Green Bay man responsible for the death of two Green Bay teens has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. According to a release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), 32-year-old Keenan J. Denruyter received a 25-year prison sentence after he pled guilty to Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Death, Possessing Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute, and Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a convicted felon. Officials say that in June and July 2023, Denruyter distributed counterfeit Percocet M30 pills containing fentanyl multiple times which resulted in the deaths of a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old Green Bay woman. Seven men arrested following an Oshkosh Police Department undercover prostitution investigation At the time, Denruyter was on extended supervision after being recently released from state prison for delivering cocaine. As part of an ongoing investigation into Denruyter, authorities with the Brown County Drug Task Force (BCDTF) he sold fentanyl pills to informants making controlled buys. The BCDTF then arrested him and, in doing so, found hundreds of additional M30 pills along with a loaded pistol. During Denruyters sentencing, the judge is said to have emphasized that trafficking fentanyl is like distributing poison, stating that the leading cause of death for 18-45-year-olds is fentanyl overdose. Fentanyl continues to cut a devastating swath through families and communities across the country. Individuals who distribute this deadly poison choose to gamble with the lives of others simply to put a few extra dollars in their own pockets. I commend the hard work of the Brown County Drug Task Force and all of our federal, state, local, and tribal partners who remain committed to working together to hold individuals like Mr. Denruyter accountable for their deadly and callous actions. U.S. Attorney Gregory Haanstad Denruyters case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Andrii Kovalchuk, the head of Southern Operational Command, and Serhii Litvinov, the head of Eastern Operational Command, have been promoted and will leave their current posts, the Ground Forces' spokesperson, Volodymyr Fitio, confirmed for the Kyiv Independent on April 11. Lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenko said on April 9 that Kovalchuk and Litvinov were dismissed from their respective commands, adding that these changes would not be "the last ones." Honcharenko announced the same day that Major General Hennadii Shapovalov, the ex-commander of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade, was appointed as the new head of the Southern Operational Command, while Brigade General Volodymyr Shvediuk, who previously served in the Territorial Defense Forces, took over the Eastern Operational Command. According to the military's statement, Litvinov became a deputy head of Ukraine's National Defense University, and Kovalchuk was appointed as the head of the Odesa Military Academy. Read also: Zelensky appoints Volodymyr Hordiychuk as new deputy commander of National Guard Litvinov has served as the head of the Eastern Operational Command since August 2021. He was also a combat training deputy commander of the Northern Operational Command in 2017, and co-led Ukrainian-U.S. Rapid Trident drills the same year. Kovalchuk has been deployed as a peacekeeper to U.N. missions in Kosovo, Liberia, and Cote d'Ivoire. He also participated in combat operations in Donetsk Oblast at the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2014 before the assault on Luhansk International Airport, where he was wounded. In 2016, Kovalchuk was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. Kovalchuk was appointed the head of the Southern Operational Command in August 2021. The following year, Kovalchuk commanded the southern counteroffensive in the Kherson Oblast. He was also credited by the General Staff as the one who planned the counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast, which was commanded on the ground by General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Group of young Orthodox men plead not guilty in connection to tunnel dug under historic Brooklyn synagogue A group of young Hasidic Jewish students faced a judge Wednesday after they were indicted on charges tied to a secret tunnel dug under a famous Brooklyn synagogue and then clashing with police in January. The tunnel discovered under the synagogue in January. The discovery of the tunnel caused a ruckus at the Crown Heights, Brooklyn synagogue. Getty Images The young men appeared in court on charges including criminal mischief and obstructing governmental administration while another four defendants were absent because they were in Israel, their lawyer told the New York Times. Crown Heights Info The defendants were forced to turn over their passports, but are still allowed to access the synagogue, a judge ruled, according to the newspaper. @FrumTikTok / X Thirteen young men pleaded not guilty in court during their arraignments three months after the shocking hideout was discovered at the Chabad-Lubavitch headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights. Eight of the nine men who were previously arrested were in court with another five who were freshly charged on Wednesday, a Brooklyn District Attorneys spokesperson said. During their arraignment, a judge ordered the men, who are mostly from Israel, to hand over their passports, their defense lawyer Levi Huebner told The Post Wednesday night. But the prosecutors request to keep the students away from the synagogue, known as 770, was denied by a judge, Huebner said. The defendants study and worship there. Another four men who have been indicted are currently in Israel, but Huebner said they intend to answer the charges. Nobodys trying to run away, he insisted. Hasidic Jewish students sit behind a breach in the wall of a synagogue that led to a tunnel dug by the students. AP New York Police officers arrest a Hasidic Jewish student after he was removed from a breach in the wall of the synagogue that led to a tunnel dug by students. AP The headquarters of the Chabad Lubavitcher religious group has been closed temporarily because holes in the walls of the basement were found. Gregory P. Mango New York Police officers conceal the breach in the wall of the synagogue that led to a tunnel dug by students. AP New York Post cover for Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Six defendants have been charged with obstruction of a government administration and another 11 are facing criminal mischief charges, Huebner said, adding that the latter charge was a felony. The age range for the students is between 18 and 21, he said. All but one came from Israel for a year of study. A group of rebels from the Chabad-Lubavitch movement used shovels to dig a secret excavation under the sacred entity beginning during the pandemic because higher-ups were slow to expand the synagogues sanctuary, sources previously said. The rebels first gained entry into a deserted Jewish mens ritual bath around the corner on Kingston Avenue and then broke through a 2-by-2-foot metal gate in the former baths basement wall and tunneled their way under a sanctuary space reserved for the women next door to the synagogue. Diggers attempted to stop cement-truck workers trying to undo their work at the request of synagogue officials earlier this year with the rogue rabbinical students caught on camera tearing down wood panels and wooden support beams between the tunnel and synagogue as they tried to get into the tunnel to protect it. When NYPD officers arrived, a fracas broke out, leading to arrests. Court papers said in January that at least four students charged back then were found hiding inside a hole in a wall they damaged and refused cops orders to come out. GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH) The Groveport Madison school board has been accused of holding secret committee meetings, inadequately recording meeting minutes and unlawfully entering into executive session by members of its own board. The school board save for board members Kathleen Walsh and John Kershner voted Wednesday night to appoint counsel in a lawsuit against the board for violations of Ohios Open Meetings Act. Walsh and Kershner filed the lawsuit in late March, claiming the board has violated laws about public bodies multiple times over the past year. The board voted to appoint counsel without comment, then immediately entered an executive session to discuss the complaint with attorneys. Walsh and Kershner were not invited to the executive session. The board declined to comment to NBC4. Walsh and Kershners complaint points to multiple instances dating back to July 2023 in which, they claim, the boards actions flout state requirements for meetings of public bodies. Many center around proper record-keeping of board meetings. At a July 19 meeting, the board entered into executive session without providing a reason to do so, in apparent violation of the Open Meetings Act. A board meeting in August confirmed the board knew what it had done was wrong, the complaint argued, as the board approved a motion to amend the July 19 agenda to add a reason to enter executive session. Its a technical point, but in the interest of fidelity and transparency, Mr. Bower would like to correct it, the August meeting agenda reads, referring to the boards vice president, Seth Bower. Legal Council informed the board this would clear the procedural defect from the July 19th board meeting. Franklinton murder suspect originally arrested for another crime At the time the lawsuit was filed, according to exhibits attached to the complaint, July 19 meeting minutes on the boards school district webpage reflected this change. The meeting minutes available via BoardDocs which many districts use to post agendas and minutes did not. The BoardDocs agenda has been updated with the amendment as of Thursday. The complaint argues the meeting minute amendment amounts to two violations of the Open Meetings Act failing to state a reason to enter executive session, and then amending the minutes to make them intentionally inaccurate. But its not the only time the board improperly entered executive session, the complaint alleges; the board did so in October without calling a vote. The lawsuit points to broader issues with how minutes reflect what happened in the meetings. At a July 7 meeting, for instance, Walsh came with a prepared statement objecting to a contract for the districts treasurer. She requested her written complaint be attached to the minutes, the lawsuit claims, but it wasnt. The board meeting minutes only say that she read a statement regarding the proposed contract. Two former Circleville police chiefs to resign with nearly $70,000 payout after allegations This is the boards practice of not always including all of Walshs dissenting statements in the Boards record, the complaint reads. Walsh voiced her concerns about the boards recordkeeping practices at the July 19 meeting. According to meeting minutes, Walsh raised concerns about minutes prepared for the three previous board meetings, saying they lacked specific details about board deliberations. Board President LaToya Dowdell-Burger replied that the board meetings were video-recorded. Walsh and Kershner also claim that the boards policy committee met secretly in 2023, then in July of that year, the board moved to reclassify the committee as a superintendents committee that isnt held to the same public meeting requirements. The complaint contends the board did so to willfully evade the OMA and transparency. On BoardDocs, there are no policy committee meeting agendas available nor any evidence of the meetings in 2023, or in any year dating back to 2010. The first policy committee meeting posted to the district BoardDocs happened on Tuesday. One dead after southeast Columbus fire destroys home More recently, the lawsuit argues the board failed to give proper notice of a Feb. 16 meeting. The meeting, which typically occurs on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month, happened that Friday. The lawsuit claims the date on the website was not corrected until a resident told the board during public comment that he came to the meeting venue that Wednesday and found an empty building. At that Feb. 16 meeting, which the lawsuit claims should have been rescheduled due to the lack of a proper 24-hour notice, the board voted on the renewal of the superintendents contract. But several terms of the contract had changed since the last public discussion, the lawsuit argues. When Kershner asked about the changes, the lawsuit claims that Dowdell-Burger said that she had surveyed several board members beforehand. That amounts to private deliberation on the contract, the lawsuit argues, deliberation that should have occurred in public. The school board has retained Columbus firm Organ Law. According to Organ Laws letter to the district, which was included in meeting materials, the representation will include defense in the lawsuit and the prosecution of potential claims against Walsh and Kershner. The five attorneys of the firm will charge the district hourly rates between $295 and $495, according to meeting materials. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Greene Park Capital Europe will use its extensive experience to work with investors and operators to identify attractive risk-adjusted returns in healthcare real estate. CHICAGO, April 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Greene Park Capital Founder Carrie Hiebeler announced the launch of a new entity whose team of experienced real estate and healthcare experts will focus on investment opportunities presented by the rapidly growing demand for healthcare services in the UK and Europe. "Healthcare in the UK and Europe is on the precipice of major changes and Greene Park Capital Europe is well prepared to be in front of that transformation," Hiebeler said. "We will do what we do best. Bring our expertise to every deal and expand on our long-term and extensive relationships with capital and operator partners. We will advise and partner with investors to help them find and actively manage the right investment opportunities and we will help operators attract the capital they need to build out their platforms." Greene Park Capital Europe Team Tom Hoppe has advised and executed on over $225 billion of transactions during a 15-year M&A career. Most recently he was a senior director at investment banking advisory firm Gleacher Shacklock, where he focused on deals in UK and European healthcare services. Prior to that he spent he spent a decade at leading independent investment banking advisory firm Centerview Partners in both New York and London, advising on mergers and acquisition for clients across healthcare, life sciences and other sectors, including large global healthcare real estate investment trusts. Ben Jones has over 25 years of experience in European and Australian markets and a long track record of developing and growing innovative real estate funds that deliver market-leading performance. For 13 years he worked in London with M&G Investments as Head of Real Estate Long Income, managing 8.5 billion of assets, including the M&G Secured Property Income Fund, which under his leadership had assets of 4.5 billion and a 10-year un-geared return of 9 percent per annum at the end of 2019. He has a deep understanding of real estate through direct investment of over 5 billion across multiple countries, with significant experience in underwriting operational assets such as healthcare, hotels, leisure and student accommodation. Wesley Layug is responsible for supporting the firms investment pipeline, including sourcing, underwriting, due diligence, and negotiation of transactions. He joins Greene Park Capital Europe after five years at Ventas, Inc., where he was responsible for executing over $10 billion of debt and equity investments covering the continuum of care, which includes the senior living, medical office, and life science sectors across the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. Hugh Risebrow is CEO of Larchmore Associates, a consultancy that supports both public and private sector healthcare organizations to develop and implement strategy and to create partnerships. Previously he served in senior positions at Synlab UK, Guy's & St. Thomas, Interhealth Canada, United Health Europe, BUPA Dental, Bain & Co, and Kalchas. Story continues "Our team brings a unique set of problem-solving skills as well as a thorough understanding of the real estate markets in the UK and Europe that will be critical to successful healthcare investing," Hiebeler said. "We have the knowledge, expertise and deal making experience to help investors navigate the intricacies of the healthcare market, bringing in a range of viewpoints so that the best decisions are made at all stages of the investment lifecycle." Currently, Greene Park Capital Europe has a robust pipeline. Hiebeler described this an opportune time to enter healthcare real estate. "Given the cost of financing and the fact that many public REITs are currently out of the market, the basis where we can purchase healthcare real estate alongside our capital partners is becoming increasingly attractive. We predict the result could be outsized healthcare returns over the next five to seven years," she added. About Greene Park Capital Europe Greene Park Capital Europe works with both investors and operators to seek out new opportunities in healthcare real estate investing. Learn more about what we do and how we do it at Greene Park Capital Europe. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411084772/en/ Contacts Lisabeth Weiner lisweiner@lisweiner.com 312-485-6211 Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said the Palestinian group will not budge from its position on deadlocked ceasefire negotiations after Israeli forces killed three of his children and four of his grandchildren in northern Gaza on Wednesday. Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar, confirmed the deaths of his sons Hazem, Amir, and Mohammed, who he said had been visiting relatives for Eid al-Fitr, the celebration of the end of Ramadan, at Shati refugee camp when they were targeted. Hamas also said in a statement that four of Haniyehs grandchildrenMona, Amal, Khaled, and Razan, of undisclosed ageswere killed along with their parents in the holiday attack, which the Gaza Government Media Office called a massacre. All our people and all the families of Gaza residents paid a heavy price from the blood of their children, and I am one of them, Haniyeh said in reaction to the news in a statement published by Hamas. Israel Defense Forces confirmed it targeted and killed Haniyehs three sons, described as Hamas military operatives that conducted terrorist activity. In its statement, the IDF did not mention Haniyehs grandchildren, who join the reported more than 10,000 children casualties of the war in Gaza. Haniyehs family members were among over 120 people killed on Wednesday, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, which says that more than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza in the six months since the outbreak of the conflict. Haniyeh, chair of Hamas political bureau, said about 60 of his family members have been killed. After his latest loss, he received condolences from Middle Eastern leaders, including the President of Turkey and Prime Minister of Qatar. People mourn the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyehs children and grandchildren in Gaza, April 10, 2024. Ayman AlhesiAnadolu/Getty Images In recent weeks, Hamas and Israel have been engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations, facilitated by international mediators, though the talks have reportedly stalled. Israel is calling for the return of all hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, while Hamas is asking for a permanent end to hostilities, the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced Gazans to their homes in the north, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid and reconstruction of the decimated enclave. Meanwhile, Israel maintains that it will not end the war or withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is no longer a threat. Each side has rejected the others demands. The recent deaths of his family members have not altered Hamas stance, Haniyeh insisted on Wednesday. If they think that targeting my children at the peak of these talks before the movements response is submitted will cause Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional, Haniyeh told Al Jazeera on Wednesday. The blood of my children is not more valuable than the blood of the children of the Palestinian people. The U.S. has expressed frustration at the seeming indiscriminateness of Israels military campaign in Gaza, especially after the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers last week. President Joe Biden has changed his tone on ceasefire negotiations, urging Israel rather than just Hamas to immediately accept a temporary ceasefire deal. What Im calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a ceasefireallow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into the country, Biden said Wednesday. Nevertheless, Biden has maintained that U.S. support for Israel remains ironclad. Contact us at letters@time.com. A handful of Democratic senators in vulnerable election contests in November could decide whether there's an impeachment trial for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. "We have to look at the impeachment documents first," Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., told reporters Tuesday in a departure from his previous suggestion the impeachment amounted to "political games." The Montana Democrat is in the throes of arguably the most competitive Senate election matchup in 2024. He is expected to face former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy. The race is one of four "toss-ups," according to leading non-partisan political handicapper The Cook Political Report. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., also left his options open for how he would vote if Democrats seek a quick procedural off-ramp for the trial, which Republicans expect. READ MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL If Democrats motion to table an impeachment trial for DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in the Senate, five vulnerable senators (left to right) Bob Casey, Sherrod Brown, Jacky Rosen, Tammy Baldwin and Jon Tester could determine the outcome. "We'll see what transpires from there, once being sworn in," Casey told Fox News Digital. "I don't think anyone knows what will transpire." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Casey faces a significant challenge in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where the likely Republican nominee is Dave McCormick, a former hedge fund executive and combat veteran. The Cook Political Report has the contest rated "lean Democratic." GOP PLANS TO GRIND SENATE TO A HALT IF DEMOCRATS TABLE MAYORKAS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL In keeping with their fellow vulnerable colleagues, senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., and Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, each avoided saying what they plan to do if a motion to table the impeachment trial is put forward. "I am not as convinced as you are that the question before the Senate will be a tabling question. I know the press is saying that. I have not heard that," Baldwin told Fox News Digital. Republican opponents have criticized incumbent Democrats over their hesitance. Numerous Democrats recently shared their expectations with Fox News Digital that their caucus will look to quickly dismiss the impeachment trial via a procedural maneuver. Senate Republicans have also accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of planning to do so. However, Schumer has given no indication about his plans for an impeachment trial. "They still haven't sent anything over. How do you know they're going to?" Brown asked, referencing the House. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., decided Tuesday to delay sending impeachment articles against Mayorkas to Schumer until next week. He did so at the request of several GOP senators who did not want the impeachment trial proceedings to take place at the end of the week, when senators will be heading home. DEM SENATORS VOICE CONCERNS OVER ISRAEL WAR STATUS AS BIDEN ATTEMPTS CHALLENGING BALANCE WITH PROGRESSIVES "Why don't we actually do something on the border instead of waiting for the dysfunctional House to send over impeachment articles for the first time in 100 years?" Brown asked. Similar to Tester, Brown is embroiled in a "toss-up" race against Trump-endorsed GOP nominee Bernie Moreno. Brown slammed the House for delaying the article delivery. Baldwin's matchup, like Casey's, is considered "lean Democratic." The frontrunner for the GOP nomination in Wisconsin is businessman Eric Hovde. Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., told Fox News Digital she wants to see the impeachment trial dismissed. "We should dismiss this," she said Wednesday. Rosen's race was recently moved from "lean Democratic" to "toss-up" by the political handicapper, illustrating the pivotal role swing state Nevada figures to play in November. The Republican primary in Nevada has yet to take place, but the frontrunner, who has the blessing of GOP Senate leaders, is Army veteran Captain Sam Brown. GOP SENATORS CONVINCE SPEAKER JOHNSON TO DELAY MAYORKAS IMPEACHMENT ARTICLE DELIVERY Several of the vulnerable Democrats pointed to a bipartisan border package that had been recently negotiated by senators Chris Murphy, D-Conn., James Lankford, R-Okla, and Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz., earlier this year. The measure quickly lost steam after former President Trump came out against it. "That would have solved a lot of the problems on our border," Rosen told Fox News Digital. Rosen's race was recently rated as more competitive going into November. "We have the legislation there that would fix these problems," she said. "You don't impeach. We are a legislative body." "The law would hire we'd be able to hire thousands more Border Patrol agents and do a much better job at stopping fentanyl at the border. So, we should get that done," said Casey. MCCONNELL LOOKS TO CEMENT LEGACY AS REAGAN REPUBLICAN WITH CRUSADE FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT However, Republicans argued at the time that the negotiated package didn't go far enough and included harmful provisions. While its unclear what some of the Democrats in tough re-election battles will do once the impeachment articles against Mayorkas are delivered, there are also questions on the Republican side. Romney said he doesn't believe the impeachment inquiry reaches the threshold for a trial. Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, told reporters Tuesday "a high crime or misdemeanor has not been alleged, and the standard has not been met for a conviction. "I don't know that you want to go on for several weeks pointing out the obvious, which is that the border is a disaster. Secretary Mayorkas is following the position of his party and of the president who was elected." Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, refused to indicate what action she would take. "I'm going to be sworn in as a juror. The role of senators is both juror and judge. And, thus, I don't comment on how I am going to vote until it occurs," she explained. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub. Original article source: Handful of vulnerable Dems will decide fate of Mayorkas impeachment trial Fox News Hours after Republicans in the Arizona legislature declined to repeal the states extremely restrictive abortion ban, Fox News host Sean Hannity assured viewers Wednesday that the new law will be fixed in the next week or twoand then echoed Donald Trump by calling on the states Democratic governor and attorney general to get rid of it. The people on the left are so desperate attacking Trump, now for an Arizona Supreme Court ruling that upholds what is a Civil War-era law banning abortion. This will be fixed in the next week or two. Let not your heart be troubled. I can pretty much assure that that will happen, said Hannity, who prior to the end of Roe v. Wade claimed there would be no loss of abortion access. The Fox host told viewers that Trump has said he opposes the Arizona Supreme Courts decision to overturn a 15-week ban in favor of a 1864 law banning abortions in all cases except to save the mothers life. Yet in his comments Wednesday, Trump tried to have it both ways by claiming that the issue is still all about states rights. Itll be straightened out and as you know, its all about states rights, the former president said. Itll be straightened out, and Im sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and thatll be taken care of, I think, very quickly. Arizona Republicans Chicken Out on Vote to Repeal Abortion Ban Hannity then suggested that Democrats bear some responsibility. And you know what? Arizonas governor is a Democrat. The states attorney general is a Democrat. The state legislature is almost evenly divided, Hannity said opaquely, not bothering to admit that Republicans hold a slim majority in both the House and Senate. If Democratsyou want to get rid of the law? Well, you have a chance right now to get rid of it, and I would advise you: Get rid of it, he said. Earlier in the day, Arizona Republicans in the House instead opted to table a motion to do just that. Nevertheless, Hannity insisted that Democrats would rather use it as a political tool ahead of November. The Arizona high courts ruling has compounded Republicans abortion quagmire that set in after the Supreme Courts conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade two summers ago. Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake, for instance, has spoken out against the ruling despite having praised what it would entail earlier this month. 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. What happened when the moon 'turned itself inside out' billions of years ago? A normal looking moon on the left. On the right is a diagram of the moon sliced in half. Over 4.2 billion years ago, the moon turned itself inside out to create the lunar surface that has become familiar to humanity. Most scientists would agree the moon was created around 4.5 billion years ago, when another massive body in the solar system smashed into Earth, flinging molten material into space that coalesced as our natural satellite. How the birth of the moon proceeded after this violent start, however, has been described as "more of a choose-your-own-adventure novel" by a team of scientists from the University of Arizona's Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL). They say there are many possible paths Earth's natural satellite could have taken to form in full, ultimately leading to the moon-Earth system we see today. The team of course has its own ideas about the major incidences that might have formed the moon. The researchers say rock samples collected during the Apollo mission, for instance, may indicate there was a time when the moon "flipped inside out." This result, if true, might also solve a lingering mystery about the moon's composition. Related: A chunk of the 'protoplanet' that made the moon may be stuck near Earth's core "Our moon literally turned itself inside out," research co-author and LPL associate professor Jeff Andrews-Hanna said in a statement. "But there has been little physical evidence to shed light on the exact sequence of events during this critical phase of lunar history, and there is a lot of disagreement in the details of what went down literally." Titanium on the near side of the moon? Basaltic lava rocks brought back from the moon have shown surprisingly high concentrations of titanium. In addition to this, satellite observations have revealed that titanium-rich volcanic rocks are primarily located at the lunar nearside. This left scientists scratching their heads about how these particular rocks got there and aren't more widely dispersed. The University of Arizona team suggests the moon formed rapidly, leaving it entirely covered with a hot magma ocean at first. As this ocean cooled and hardened, it would have formed the outer layers of the moon, including its mantle and crust. Yet, at lower layers, the infant moon would have still been in turmoil. Models of moon formation suggest the last remains of this giant lunar ocean crystallized into dense materials including ilmenite, a mineral rich in iron and titanium. "Because these heavy minerals are denser than the mantle underneath, they create a gravitational instability, and you would expect this layer to sink deeper into the moon's interior," said research leader and former LPL doctoral candidate Weigang Liang, said. Three diagrams of the moon, slightly overlain. Questions remain: Would this material sink all at once as a single "blob" after the moon solidified, or a little at a time as smaller blobs? And, if it sank within the interior of the moon on a global scale, how did some of it rise to carry titanium to the moon's nearside? "Without evidence, you can pick your favorite model," researcher co-lead author and German Aerospace Center scientist Adrien Broquet said in the statement. "Each model holds profound implications for the geologic evolution of our moon." Co-author and Peking University scientist Nan Zhang previously developed models that suggested a giant impact on the moon could have caused a dense layer of titanium-rich material beneath the crust to shift to its nearside. Once there, this material would have sunk, formed sheet-like slabs and cascaded to the interior of the moon, leaving a remnant beneath the crust in the form of intersecting bodies of dense titanium-rich deposits. "When we saw those model predictions, it was like a lightbulb went on," Andrews-Hanna said. "We see the exact same pattern when we look at subtle variations in the moons gravity field, revealing a network of dense material lurking below the crust." The GRAIL of moon formation models To solidify its molten theories of titanium-rich ilmenite material and observations of the moon, the team turned to data surrounding lunar gravity anomalies detected by NASA's Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) dual-spacecraft mission. "Analyzing these variations in the moon's gravity field allowed us to peek under the moon's surface and see what lies beneath," Broque said. This confirmed that GRAIL data conforms with ilmenite layer simulations. Such confirmation also showed that gravity-field observations could be used to trace the distribution of ilmenite remnants left behind after a majority of the dense layer had sunk to the deep interior of the moon. "Our analyses show that the models and data tell one remarkably consistent story," Liang said. "Ilmenite materials migrated to the nearside and sunk into the interior in sheet-like cascades, leaving behind a vestige that causes anomalies in the moon's gravity field, as seen by GRAIL." An artist's illustration shows two solar-winged spacecraft connected by wiggly lines representing communication. The lines extend to Earth; the spacecraft float above the moon. The team was also able to determine when the moon flipped inside out. They say the interruption of gravity anomalies by large and ancient lunar impact basins indicates the ilmenite-rich layer sank prior to these impacts. This "cross-cutting" means the sinking event would have happened earlier than 4.22 billion years ago, indicating that the sinking could have triggered volcanism, which was seen at later times across the lunar surface. This research also adds nuance to an interesting picture of the moon we see today. The overturn of the lunar mantle billions of years ago would have led to the creation of a dark region known as the Oceanus Procellarum region, as well as on the side of the moon close to Earth. This area of the moon is lower in elevation and has a thinner crust that's mostly blanketed by lava flows unlike the thicker crust of far side regions of the moon. It also has a higher concentration of rare elements like titanium and thorium. "The moon is fundamentally lopsided in every respect," Andrews-Hanna said. "For the first time, we have physical evidence showing us what was happening in the moon's interior during this critical stage of its evolution, and that's really exciting. "It turns out that the moon's earliest history is written below the surface, and it just took the right combination of models and data to unveil that story." RELATED STORIES: Moon's Birth May Have Vaporized Most of Earth, Study Shows How did Earth get its water? Moon rocks suggest it might have been here all along. 'Giant impact' theory of moon's formation gets another boost Broquet added: "The vestiges of early lunar evolution are present below the crust today, which is mesmerizing. "Future missions, such as with a seismic network, would allow a better investigation of the geometry of these structures." The findings could also help inform future investigations of our loyal lunar companions if and when, in 2025, NASA's Artemis III mission returns humanity to the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions drew to an end 50 years ago. "When the Artemis astronauts eventually land on the moon to begin a new era of human exploration," Liang concluded. "We will have a very different understanding of our neighbor than we did when the Apollo astronauts first set foot on it." The team's research is published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Harvard University, Tufts University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and 10 other schools received failing grades for their policies on antisemitism prevention, according to an assessment from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL, in its Campus Antisemitic Report Card published Thursday, said it evaluated 85 of Americas top liberal arts colleges, and those with the highest Jewish student populations. The report based the grades on the schools antisemitic incidents, Jewish life on campus, and administrative actions taken to fight antisemitism and protecting Jewish students. Out of the dozens of college assessments, only two Brandeis University and Elon University received A grades, the ADL said. Seventeen received a B grade, 29 schools received a C, and 24 schools were graded with a D. Those with F grades were Harvard, the University of Chicago, Stanford University, MIT, Princeton University, Tufts, the University of Virginia, Michigan State University, SUNY Purchase, SUNY Rockland, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Swarthmore College. A spokesperson for Harvard University told The Hill that antisemitism has no place in the schools community. We remain steadfast in our commitment to combating antisemitism and hate, in whatever form it manifests itself, the spokesperson said. In a comment to The Hill, Tufts spokesperson Patrick Collins said the school disagrees with the grade and said Tufts has vigorously condemned antisemitism incidents on campus. The University of Massachusetts Amherst stands firmly by its unwavering record of combating all forms of hatred, including antisemitism, a spokesperson said, adding that the school has a deep and public commitment to protecting the rights of its community. The Hill has reached out to the 10 other schools for comment. Harvard has come under fierce scrutiny in recent months for its handling of antisemitism in the wake of Hamass Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. The elite college made headlines after 30 student-led groups signed a letter blaming Israel for the attack, with the schools leadership quickly seeking distance from that position. Protests involving supporters of Israel and Palestine later unfolded, and then-university President Claudine Gay testified before Congress late last year on the state of the fight against antisemitism. Her responses to lawmakers prompted backlash and eventually played a role in her resignation in January. The GOP-controlled House Education Committee has since ramped up its investigation into campus antisemitism, including issuing a subpoena to Harvard earlier this year. Harvard submitted more than 1,500 documents in response, but the panel has called the records insufficient for its purposes. The ADL has repeatedly warned over an uptick in antisemitism attacks since early October. According to a December report from the organization, there were 2,031 antisemitic incidents between Oct. 7 and Dec. 7, a significant jump from the 465 incidents reported during the same period last year. As I travel the country, Im constantly hearing from Jewish families agonizing over where they will send their kids to college, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement. School leadership must make serious changes to support Jewish communities on their campus; we expect nothing less. A survey released last week by Hillel International showed that 64 percent of Jewish parents of college applicants say their child has eliminated at least one school from their list due to rising antisemitism. Ninety-six percent say they are worried about antisemitism on campus, and 80 percent say they are focused on campus safety in their college search process. Updated at 2:59 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Lincoln University announced that Bryan Stevenson, the founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, will be the keynote speaker at the HBCUs 2024 Commencement Ceremony. This year will mark the institutions 165th Commencement Ceremony. The event will take place on May 5 on Lincolns main campus, and around 400 undergraduate and graduate students will receive their degrees. Bryan Stevenson addressing our graduates at Lincoln Universitys 2024 Commencement Ceremony stands as a testament to the universitys dedication to fostering critical thought and pursuing social justice. His profound commitment to human rights and equity resonates deeply with the enduring principles that Lincoln upholds, Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen said in a press release. Stevenson will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. He wont be the only public figure to become a recipient and be recognized for this legacy. The ceremony will also honor Johnnetta B. Cole, who became the first Black woman president of Spelman College in 1987, as well as Cherelle L. Parker, the first woman to become the Mayor of Philadelphia in January of 2024. The ceremony will also confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to the iconic musician and artist Stevie Wonder. These esteemed individuals have made significant and lasting contributions to society, embodying the excellence and leadership that we champion at Lincoln, Dr. Allen said. Their presence will undoubtedly elevate the importance and prestige of this years commencement, inspiring our graduates as they embark on their journeys to shape the future. Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR A bondholders meeting is expected to take place on April 30, 2024, to request the right to repay the bonds maturing in 2024, fully or partially in shares of Idorsia Main investors Jean-Paul and Martine Clozel fully support this request Financial status as of March 31, 2024, to be published on April 17, 2024, in conjunction with the invitation to the bondholder meeting Postponement of the Full Year 2023 and Q1 2024 Financial Results publication to May 21, 2024, as granted by the SIX Exchange Regulation (SER) Allschwil, Switzerland April 11, 2024 Idorsia Ltd (SIX: IDIA) today announced that the company intends to call a bondholder meeting for holders of its outstanding convertible bond maturing on July 17, 2024 (ISIN: CH0426820350). The company will propose a change to the current Terms and Conditions to be voted upon by bondholders. Over the course of the past days, Idorsia has reached out to several of the bondholders and received positive feedback on the amenability to adopting additional Terms and Conditions: the proposed change to the Terms and Conditions would give Idorsia the right at maturity, at its option, to repay the Bonds fully or partially in shares of Idorsia. Any amount not repaid in shares would be repaid in cash. Idorsia's main investors, Jean-Paul and Martine Clozel, are fully committed to Idorsia over the long-term and as such commit to participating in adopting amended Terms and Conditions. Furthermore, Jean-Paul and Martine Clozel have agreed to a 180-day lock-up period post maturity in the event that the convertible bond will be repaid in shares, subject to customary exceptions. For a full or partial settlement in shares, Idorsia would need to give notice on the elected settlement alternative no later than 30 calendar days prior to the maturity date. The reference price used to calculate the number of shares to be delivered in case of a redemption in shares will be set as 95% of the average daily volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of one share in the 20 consecutive Trading Days commencing on (and including) the 20th Trading Day before the Maturity Date, or if later, the Effective Date. Holders of the bonds who are Institutional Investors will have the option to receive shares or opt for an organized share sale which will be conducted by way of a private placement of shares on or about the Maturity Date. Idorsia intends to include a provision in the proposed amendment of the Terms and Conditions to provide bondholders participating in such placement with some protection against potential downside in connection with such placement. Up to CHF 10 million could be used by the company to limit potential downside in a share placement. Idorsia has appointed J.P. Morgan Securities plc to act as Dealer Manager for the bondholder solicitation process. The financial status as of March 31, 2024, is required in connection with the bondholder meeting. Idorsia therefore intends to publish on April 17, 2024, the formal invitation to the bondholder meeting concurrently with announcing its unaudited financial status as of March 31, 2024. The bondholder meeting is expected to take place on April 30, 2024. Idorsia will further postpone the publication of its audited Full-Year 2023 Financial Results as well as the Q1 2024 Financial Results from the currently scheduled April 25, 2024, to May 21, 2024. On April 8, 2024, the SIX Exchange Regulation (SER) granted Idorsia a request for extension of the 2023 publication and submission of the Annual Report until May 31, 2024. The rationale for this request is related to the contemplated amendment of the convertible bond maturing on July 17, 2024 (ISIN: CH0426820350) as announced today. As required by SIX Exchange Regulation (SER), Idorsia hereby reprints paragraph I of the SERs decision: Idorsias request is granted as follows: The exemption request of Idorsia (Issuer) dated 03 April 2024 regarding an extension of the deadline to publish its 2023 annual report and to file such report with SIX Exchange Regulation AG until 31 May 2024 at the latest is granted with the following reservation (lit. a) and under the following conditions (lit. b): SIX Exchange Regulation AG reserves the right to suspend trading of the registered shares of the Issuer in case its 2023 annual report is not published in accordance with the provisions on ad hoc publicity (Art. 53 of the Listing Rules (Listing Rules dated 23 August 2023 )[LR] in connection with the Directive on Ad hoc Publicity [DAH]) and not filed with SIX Exchange Regulation AG until Friday, 31 May 2024, 11.59 pm CET, at the latest. Idorsia is required to publish a notice in accordance with the provisions on ad hoc publicity (Art. 53 LR in connection with the DAH) concerning this decision until Tuesday, 30 April 2024, 7.30 am CET, at the latest. The notice must contain: the unaltered reproduction of the wording of para. I. of this decision, placed in a prominent position; the reasons for the application of the Issuer requesting an extension of the deadline to publish its 2023 annual report and to file such report with SIX Exchange Regulation AG (SER). Notes to the editor About Idorsia Idorsia Ltd is reaching out for more We have more ideas, we see more opportunities and we want to help more patients. In order to achieve this, we will develop Idorsia into a leading biopharmaceutical company, with a strong scientific core. Headquartered near Basel, Switzerland a European biotech-hub Idorsia is specialized in the discovery, development and commercialization of small molecules to transform the horizon of therapeutic options. Idorsia has a 25-year heritage of drug discovery, a broad portfolio of innovative drugs in the pipeline, an experienced team of professionals covering all disciplines from bench to bedside, and commercial operations in Europe and North America the ideal constellation for bringing innovative medicines to patients. Idorsia was listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ticker symbol: IDIA) in June 2017 and has over 750 highly qualified specialists dedicated to realizing our ambitious targets. For further information, please contact Andrew C. Weiss Senior Vice President, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Hegenheimermattweg 91, CH-4123 Allschwil +41 58 844 10 10 investor.relations@idorsia.com media.relations@idorsia.com www.idorsia.com The above information contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the company's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "estimates", "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "pending" or "anticipates" or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such statements include descriptions of the company's investment and research and development programs and anticipated expenditures in connection therewith, descriptions of new products expected to be introduced by the company and anticipated customer demand for such products and products in the company's existing portfolio. Such statements reflect the current views of the company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Attachment Helen of Troy fresco has been found in near perfect condition after being buried for nearly 2,000 years Exquisite paintings depicting Helen of Troy have been discovered by archaeologists excavating Pompeii, the latest treasures to emerge from the ancient Roman city. The artworks adorn the walls of a large banqueting hall which has just been unearthed, nearly 2,000 years after Pompeii and Herculaneum were smothered in volcanic debris from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. The room also features a mostly-complete mosaic floor, made up of more than a million individual tiles. One colourful fresco depicts prince Paris about to elope with or perhaps abduct Helen of Troy, the event which, according to Greek mythology, triggered the Trojan War. A large, baleful looking mastiff stares out of the painting as Paris approaches the princess, whose beauty was legendary. Paris is identified by his other name, Alexandros, which is written in Greek. Another image shows the God, Apollo, largely naked but with a blue cloak draped over his shoulder and leaning on a lyre, attempting to seduce Cassandra, the Trojan princess. The room may have been designed for evening banquets, with painted black walls and colourful frescos There is also a depiction of a famous mythological story in which Zeus, in the form of a swan, rapes the Spartan queen Leda. She became pregnant and gave birth to Helen of Troy. The walls of the 15m-long (50ft) hall are painted black. Archaeologists believe it was designed for evening banquets and the light of candles could have flickered on the walls, highlighting the brilliantly coloured images of Gods and heroines. The dark walls would have contrasted dramatically with the halls floor, which is made up of more than a million white mosaic tiles. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of the archaeological site, said: The walls were black so that you wouldnt see the smoke from the oil lamps. This was a place where people came together for evening banquets. The shimmering light made by the oil lamps would have made it look as though the paintings were moving, especially after guests had had a few glasses of good Campania wine. The frescos, such as of Trojan princess, Cassandra, might have played a social function such as to inspire conversation among dinner guests The mythical figures speak of the relationship between individuals and their destiny: Cassandra, who can predict the future, but no one believes her; Apollo who takes the side of the Trojans against the Greek invaders but, even though he is a God, is not able to secure victory. The depiction of classical myths had a social function. Archaeologists said they would have inspired not only conversation between dinner guests but also reflections on human existence. The banqueting hall was discovered in Regio IX a neighbourhood of Pompeii where archaeologists launched a new excavation in February. It has yielded some extraordinary finds, from a fresco depicting a loaf of flatbread resembling pizza to the remains of a bakery where the giant millstones were turned by slaves. Archaeologists have also come across the tunnels that tomb raiders dug as they searched the site for precious objects in the 18th-century. One fresco depicts the Greek God, Apollo, trying to seduce princess Cassandra Gennaro Sangiuliano, the culture minister, said: Pompeii really is a treasure chest that never ceases to amaze us. Every time we dig, we find something beautiful and important. Massimo Osanna, the director general of Italys museums and archaeological sites, said the extraordinary crop of recent discoveries was helping academics have a much better understanding of the lives of ancient Romans. The banqueting hall was accessed by a long staircase, where experts found more remarkable discoveries including two pairs of fighting gladiators and what appears to be an enormous, stylised phallus, the archaeologists said. Phallus images appear all over Pompeii and were believed to bring good fortune. The experts also found parts of a gaudily coloured ceiling fresco which depicts theatrical masks, food and Egyptian landscapes. The banqueting hall and surrounding villa may have belonged to a wealthy Roman politician called Aulus Rustius Verus. The initials ARV have been found on the walls of the villa. He is believed to have used the adjacent bakery to produce bread that he then doled out for free, in an early form of vote-buying. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. With help from its communities, Kane County aims to reduce impact of natural hazards like floods and tornadoes After years of research, outreach and planning, Kane County recently completed the draft of a plan to reduce the impact of natural hazards like floods and tornadoes. The draft Kane County 2024 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan found that floods, windstorms and winter storms were the three biggest natural threats to the county. To protect the county against these and six other natural hazards, the 580-page plan brings together mitigation projects from 27 cities, villages and other communities within Kane County. These projects will now be eligible for federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Were excited to have it done and let some of our communities and the county start doing some projects to hopefully make our county safer before a disaster hits, said Scott Buziecki, director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. The plan is currently in draft form until it is approved by both the state and federal government. Then, it will go before the Kane County Board and the boards of cities and villages across the county for approval. Every five years, FEMA requires a plan of this kind to be developed or updated to receive federal funding for mitigation projects, according to Buziecki. The 2024 plan is an overdue update of the countys previous Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which it first developed in 2003 and has regularly updated since then. The 2024 plan is more than a routine adding of new projects and updating of numbers, officials said. Anne Wilford, stormwater manager at Kane Countys Division of Environmental and Water Resources, said the plan now considers nine natural hazards, up from the five of previous plans. The plan also considers climate change and how it will impact those hazards, she said. Daiko Abe, a consultant from Edwardsville-based Integrated Solutions who worked with the county to develop the plan, said it takes into account socio-economic factors when looking at potential risks and projects, something that is new in the 2024 plan. Theres a lot of emphasis now in terms of really looking at equity when it comes to the mitigation projects we identified, Abe said. Theres quite a bit of analysis as far as where and why certain areas, or census tracts, within the county are considered socio-economically disadvantaged or underserved. The planning process for the most recent update saw more involvement from cities and villages within Kane County than past plans, according to Jon Mensching, chief deputy director of the Kane County Office of Emergency Management. He said that this involvement is likely due to the increased funding being given out by FEMA for local mitigation projects. The vast majority of the projects identified in the plan are minor or maintenance projects, but some will take considerable time and resources to complete. One large project listed in the plan is the city of Auroras ongoing sewer split project, which is in the process of separating the stormwater and wastewater sewers to prevent wastewater overflow on rainy days. The city also discussed a Climate Adaptation Project in the plan, which would study ways for the city to become more adaptive to climate change, then use that information to make changes to the citys response plans, long-term plans, policies, building codes and more. Auroras other new projects include a multilingual outreach campaign, constructing drainage solutions, floodplain management and more. Abe called Auroras proposed projects outstanding. Many of Auroras proposed projects focused on flooding, which was identified in the countys draft Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan as the most significant risk to Kane County. The nine hazards studied in the plan were ranked from lowest to highest risk based on a number of factors, including potential for damage, likelihood and how vulnerable the community is based on infrastructure and other factors. Flooding was found by the plan to be the natural hazard with the highest risk to Kane County. If a 100-year flood hit the county, it would have roughly a $912 million economic impact, the plan found. A 100-year flood is a large flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The countys draft plan also estimated that a 100-year flood would displace around 1,700 households, or about 5,026 people, of which about 705 people would need to temporarily stay in a public shelter. Floods are also common in the county, according to the plan. Since 1973, it found that seven floods have resulted in a federal disaster declaration in Kane County. The ranking system was used to determine which risks should be prioritized, but each of the nine hazards have some proposed projects to mitigate against their effects, according to Abe. Other hazards looked at by the plan include earthquakes, extreme heat and drought. rsmith@chicagotribune.com (PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo.) The Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) is asking the community for help identifying two suspects who were captured on security footage burglarizing a Pueblo County elementary school. PCSO did not specify which elementary school was burglarized or if any items were taken from the school. The Sheriffs Office did provide photos, appearing to be captured by security cameras, of the men inside the school. PCSO is hoping someone in the community may recognize the men or the clothing they were wearing. Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office Courtesy: Pueblo County Sheriffs Office If you recognize the suspects, you are asked to contact PCSO at (719) 583-6250, and reference case #8697. You can also contact Pueblo Crime Stoppers at (719) 542-STOP (7867). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. More than a week after three men didnt return from a boating trip in Micronesia, a help message written in the sand of a remote island led rescuers to their location, the U.S. Coast Guard said. On April 6, a woman called a rescue group in Guam to report her three uncles missing, the Coast Guard said in an April 9 news release. They had traveled out to Pikelot Atoll, a small ring-like island southeast of Guam and north of Papua New Guinea, but after a week they had failed to make it home, officials said. The search began, including an airplane operated by a Navy team stationed in Japan, and spanned more than 78,000 square nautical miles, according to the release. The next day, the team flew over the atoll, and saw something written on the sand. In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out HELP on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location, Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator, said in the release. Their boat was damaged, the Coast Guard said, leaving them stranded on the island. U.S. Coast Guard The three men were experienced boaters, the Coast Guard said, but had sustained damage to their 20-foot open skiff boat and had been left stranded on the remote island. Once their message was found, a radio was dropped down to the sailors to communicate, officials said. The three men, all in their 40s, were in good health and had food and water, but they were unable to get themselves from the atoll, according to the Coast Guard. The sailors were dropped survival packages to hold them over until a ship could be rerouted to their location. On April 9, the U.S. Coast Guard ship Oliver Henry arrived at the island and the boaters were successfully rescued. Once a Coast Guard ship could be rerouted to them, the boaters were rescued and safely brought aboard. U.S. Coast Guard The U.S. Coast Guard strongly recommends that all mariners equip their vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to enhance safety on the water. A growing number of maritime communities offer loaner programs for these devices, making it easier for everyone to access this critical safety tool, the Coast Guard said in the release. Guam is a U.S. island territory in the western Pacific. Park visitor discovers injured man missing for days in Smoky Mountains, officials say Missing anglers boat found far off North Carolina with no one aboard, officials say Missing clammer vanishes in Oregon bay, cops say. Crabbers find body two days later Snowboarder wandered off in winter storm then came lucky small break for rescuers A Wyoming teenager is being hailed as a hero after he was stabbed to death outside a shopping mall, reportedly while protecting his girlfriend. Casper police detained two juveniles, 15-year-old Jarreth JoseFlee Plunkett and 15-year-old Dominique Antonio Richard Harris, in connection with the April 7 stabbing death of 14-year-old Robert "Bobby" Maher at the Eastridge Mall. Both suspects are being charged as adults. "We are completely and utterly devastated to our cores. He was the best of all of us and his light is too bright to be dimmed," Bobby's father, Robert Maher, told Fox News Digital in a statement. "We will never be okay again[.] We love and miss you Bobby. [Y]oure our hero our sweet, sweet boy!" Bobby's girlfriend reportedly called him and said the two suspects were following her and her friends around the mall, according to court documents obtained by the Cowboy State Daily. TEEN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH MURDER, MUTILATION OF CALIFORNIA MAN FOUND IN CAR The 14-year-old victim and a friend then traveled to the mall to meet up with Bobby's girlfriend, the outlet reported. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "[Bobby] then told [his girlfriend] that they were going to the mall to come and keep the girls safe," an affidavit states, according to the Cowboy State Daily. YOUNG JUVENILES IN MINNESOTA INCREASINGLY COMMITTING SERIOUS CRIMES: REPORT When Bobby and his friend arrived, they reportedly saw the two suspects walking in front of the group of girls. Bobby and his friend made an attempt to get the girls out of the mall and "kept telling JJ and Dom to leave," at which point a physical altercation ensued, as Bobby's friend told Casper police, according to the affidavit. Bobby Maher, 14, is being hailed as a "hero" for reportedly protecting his girlfriend during a mall fight on April 7. Harris "slammed [Bobby] to the ground," and Plunkett "walked up and stabbed [Bobby]," with a "kitchen-style knife" that was not encased in a sheath, the affidavit states, according to the Cowboy State Daily. Cellphone video of the incident obtained by police reportedly shows the two suspects wearing balaclava-style masks as they surrounded Bobby outside the mall. VIDEO ALLEGEDLY SHOWS DC TEENS WEIGHING CHARGES OF CRIMES THEY PLANNED ON COMMITTING Plunkett allegedly told Bobby "to swing on him several times," but the 14-year-old victim "clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backwards motion away from" the suspect, the affidavit states, according to the Cowboy State Daily. Video evidence also allegedly shows that Bobby tried to circle "back by the mall door," but he was surrounded by other teenagers at that point and "unable to get back inside the mall." At one point, Bobby apparently told Plunkett "put the knife away, this isnt fair." The suspect responded, "I dont fight fair," according to Plunkett's own admission to police, the State Cowboy Daily reported. The suspects reportedly told police in an interview after the stabbing that Bobby had called them "freaks." Casper police said they detained the two suspects after the stabbing on Sunday afternoon, and they were charged on Monday. Plunkett is charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and shoplifting. Harris is charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and shoplifting, Casper police confirmed to Fox News Digital. Authorities are continuing to investigate the homicide. Original article source: 'Hero' Wyoming teen stabbed to death while protecting girlfriend in mall attack: report New Orleans is famous for its role as the birthplace of jazz, its lively French Quarter and the wild Mardi Gras carnival. The Mississippi river is never far away in "The Big Easy," and even when the sun beats down on the carefree city, shade is provided somewhere by an avenue flanked by southern live oak trees. But there has never been a museum that deals with the turbulent history of the civil rights movement here or anywhere else in Louisiana, whose largest city is New Orleans. Since the opening of the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum at the beginning of October 2023, that's no longer the case. The project was not driven by a group of civil rights activists, but by Republican politician Billy Nungesser. As lieutenant governor of Louisiana he oversees the Department of Culture. At the opening, Nungesser explained that he wanted to set an example at a precarious moment in American history. Secret meetings with Martin Luther King Early on, civil rights activists from New Orleans and the surrounding area took a prominent role in the repeal of Jim Crow laws, the catalogue of repressive measures that continued racial segregation even after the abolition of slavery. Louisana's capital Baton Rouge, for example, was the scene of the first bus boycott by African-American citizens in June 1953. In the mid 1950s, civil rights activists in New Orleans began meeting secretly in a back room at Dooky Chase's Restaurant to develop strategies for abolishing segregation. In addition to Martin Luther King they also included Ernest N. Morial, who was later elected as the city's first black mayor. On October 14, 1960 New Orleans implemented school desegregation, and the first four African-American children were admitted to formerly all white schools. One of the pioneers was Leona Tate, who had to be escorted by US marshals. The children spent their breaks indoors and ate their meals under the stairs, Tate remembers. The risk of an attack by militant racists seemed too great. Only months later did normality return. The Louisiana civil rights trail The locations of these events have been part of the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail since 2021, for which Nungesser is also responsible. All other states in the Deep South, however, have long documented the history of their civil rights movements in museums. In Memphis, Tennessee, for example, the Lorraine Motel, the site of Martin Luther King's assassination on 4 April 1968, has been the location of the National Civil Rights Museum since 1991. Georgia, Alabama, Texas and even ultra-conservative Mississippi all have comparable museums or institutes, as well. In Louisiana, however, plans were repeatedly put on hold - with Hurricane Katrina one of the reasons. Although this has now been rectified, the external setting for the museum seems strange when you see it for the first time, as it's located in the wing of the city's convention centre. The reason being, there was a rush to get the museum open, and there was no other suitable building. The complex is named after Ernest Morial, who, after his time as an activist, steered the fortunes of New Orleans as mayor from 1978 to 1986. To this day he is considered one of the best politicians in the city's history, which dates back to 1718. A symbolic location For many years, Morial remained the only black man whose name adorned a public building in New Orleans, a predominantly black and African American city. It wasn't until 2001 that the city's airport was named after Louis Armstrong. What remains remarkable about the new museum is that it was a Republican that provided the funds for its opening. After all, the party is experiencing an ongoing shift to the right with prominent members of the party no longer hiding their racism. Nungesser said he was following developments in his Trumpist-driven party with concern: "I don't want to comment on that in detail. But I would like it if we could all talk to each other more again." He has the backing of prominent Democrats, including LaToya Cantrell. Cantrell is African-American and the first woman to hold the position of mayor in New Orlean's history. She also speaks of difficult times on the occasion of the museum's opening: "The civil rights movement has by no means reached its goal with the museum. This can be just another step in a long journey." Ernest Morial's son Marc underlined the importance of the museum for his family. "We will never stop fighting." Museum will soon be expanded When visiting the exhibition it doesn't go unnoticed that this is a work in progress. Exhibits from the 1950s and 60s are missing, for example. Instead, the museum is limited to display boards with rather short texts and historical recordings, which are enriched with multimedia installations. Large-size canvases with symbolic images hang in between. A 3D animation of the march on Baton Rouge on 10 August 1967 is the visual highlight. However, the museum will not remain a 'beta version,' as the conference centre is soon to be expanded. The museum will then get a larger exhibition space. The reason for the seemingly rushed opening became clear during the recent gubernatorial election. In October the Republicans recaptured the only governorship in the Deep South held by a Democrat. Jeff Landry, a conservative hardliner endorsed by Donald Trump, is now at the helm. However, the opening of the museum, which was pushed through by Nungesser, can no longer be stopped or even reversed. New Orleans and Louisiana finally have a dignified place for remembrance. An information board in front of McDonough Elementary School tells of the city's civil rights pioneers. Ralf Johnen/dpa The exhibition is located in a wing of the congress centre. LOT - Louisiana Office of Tourism/dpa The museum houses large-format screens with symbolic images, display boards with rather short texts and historical photographs, which are enriched with multimedia recordings. LOT - Louisiana Office of Tourism/dpa-tmn Visitors explore the museum at the exhibition opening. LOT - Louisiana Office of Tourism/dpa-tmn McDonough Elementary School: The first school exclusively reserved for whites, something that would not change until 1960. Ralf Johnen/dpa American activist: Leona Tate is a civil rights pioneer from New Orleans. She was one of the first black children to attend a school that was previously only open to whites - under the escort of US marshals. Ralf Johnen/dpa Homicide suspect arrested in death of woman found last year in Northern California orchard Yuba County sheriffs detectives on Wednesday night arrested a man accused of homicide in the death of a 27-year-old woman whose body was found nearly a year ago along a rural road in Marysville. Ricky Lasher, 39, was arrested on suspicion of homicide in the death of Amery Sweany, the Yuba County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday in a news release. Detectives, serving an arrest warrant on the homicide charge, took Lasher into custody about 8 p.m. Wednesday in the 1400 block of Jamie Drive in Yuba City, sheriffs officials said. Lasher was booked at the Yuba County Jail. Sweanys body was discovered April 27 in the 1700 block of Simpson Lane in Marysville, just outside the town of Linda. Sheriffs officials said a passerby spotted the body within an orchard near the road. Authorities have said an autopsy leads them to believe her cause of death was a result of blunt force trauma after possibly being struck by a vehicle, the Appeal-Democrat newspaper reported. She moved out on her own and continued her studies first at Butte Community College and then at Chico State, according to an obituary for Sweany posted on the website Legacy. She was originally from Vacaville, where she attended Buckingham Magnet Charter School. In the obituary, Sweanys family remembered her as compassionate, intelligent and extremely strong-willed. Amery faced unfathomable battles in her lifetime and her life was ended abruptly and unjustly, her family wrote. Amery wished to overcome her personal battles, and looked forward to living an adventurous and fulfilling life, traveling more, having a successful career and one day raising a family. Detectives asked anyone with information relevant to the ongoing homicide investigation to call the Sheriffs Office at 530-749-7777. Something remarkable happened among rural whites between the 2016 and 2020 elections: According to the Pew Research Centers validated voter study, as the rest of the country moved away from Donald Trump, rural whites lurched toward him by nine points, from 62 percent to 71 percent support. And among the 100 counties where Trump performed best in 2016, almost all of them small and rural, he got a higher percentage of the vote in 91 of them in 2020. Yet Trumps extraordinary rural white supportthe most important story in rural politics in decadesis something many scholars and commentators are reluctant to explore in an honest way. When we wrote White Rural Rage, we knew that our provocative argument and book title would arouse ire on the far right. We were not disappointed. But we have been surprised by the ferocity of the criticism we have received from scholars of rural politics. Their response has made clear that there are unspoken rules about criticizing certain Americansrules that get to the heart of the very case we have tried to make about the deep geographic divisions in our politics at this fragile moment in our nations history. Pillorying Donald Trump is fine. Thundering against the MAGA movement is acceptable. Deep-dive analyses of the votes and voices of downscale whites? Sure. But if you dare to criticize the rural whites who are among Trumps most devout followers, youll be met with an angry rebuke. And so we have, in an article in Politico by Nicholas Jacobs, a political scientist who co-authored his own book, The Rural Voter, that was released a few months before ours; and another in The Atlantic by Tyler Harper, an environmental studies professor who has made it a personal crusade to attack us and our book. These pieces illustrate some of the very pathologies so common in the way scholars and pundits alike treat rural whites. Shouts and Whispers In recent years, research from political scientists showing some disturbing patterns of opinion among rural voters, especially rural whites, has begun to accumulate. But there is a clear discomfort with the implications of that research, even among some of these researchers. For instance, consider this quote: Clearly, though, even when we account for composition effects related to race [i.e., the fact that rural America is whiter than the rest of the country], we see that racial resentment is higher in rural than in urban America. That appears not in our book. Its found on page 296 of Jacobss The Rural Voter. Soon after, Jacobs and his co-author write, On a range of race-related questions, responses from rural residents veer from those of other Americansand even from other Republicansin significant ways. As you might have guessed, veer from is the euphemism they deploy to say that rural whites express more racist attitudes. And yet, they go on, for many rural residents, attitudes about races are intimately linked to perceptions of hard work, self-reliance, a disdain for government handouts, and the dangers of elites. What theyre arguing, then, is that its not that many rural whites (to reiterate, not all, but many) are racist per se, its just that they think nonwhites dont work hard, arent self-reliant, and are the clients of nefarious elites. Given the important place hard work holds in the rural ethos, we find that result to be troubling, and we believe it deserves further discussion. In fact, as Katherine Cramer, author of The Politics of Resentment, the most oft-cited book about rural politics of recent years, told us when we interviewed her, if she were to write her book over again, I would have written more about how racism is present even when people arent talking about it. Here is another quote, from a journal article that appeared after our book was finished: We find that, contrary to popular belief, rural Americans may actually be less likely to support political violence [i.e., against fellow citizens] than their non-rural counterparts. Importantly, however, we find that some rural individualsnamely those who harbor higher levels of rural resentmentare more likely, on average, to support violence against the state. The lead author of this piece is Kal Munis, another of our vocal critics. To our knowledge, nowhere outside this journal article has Munis mentioned this finding about rural support for violence against the state. With Donald Trump making clear once again that he will not accept an election he does not win, a position that led to a rather notable incident of violence against the state that took place on January 6, 2021, this seems highly relevant. We call this phenomenon the shouts and whispers approach to social science discourse about rural whites. Find no difference between the political attitudes of rural whites and other Americans, or show that they have admirable values? Shout it from the rooftops. Uncover transgressive political beliefs among rural whites? Whisper it at a conference panel with a dozen people in attendance and no media to be found. We wonder what would happen if rural politics scholars took to the online pages of places like Politico and The Atlantic to describe their more troubling findings. Actually, we dont have to wonder: Their inboxes would be filled with the hateful and threatening emails we are receiving. When it comes to rural resentments, again and again these scholars insist that if rural whites are mad, its only because they have good reason to be. We are hardly unaware of the sufferings of rural America, many of which are born from late-stage capitalism. In fact, we dedicate the second chapter of our book to the causes and consequences of declining economic opportunities, outmigration of ambitious young people, hospital and pharmacy closures, and other very serious problems that pervade rural American communities, white and nonwhite alike. In our reporting, we heard many moving stories about the challenges rural communities face. What isnt said enough is that rural whites are being told to blame all the wrong people for their very real problems. As we argue in the book, Hollywood liberals didnt destroy the family farm, college professors didnt move manufacturing jobs overseas, immigrants didnt pour opioids into rural communities, and critical race theory didnt close hundreds of rural hospitals. When Republican politicians and the conservative media tell rural whites to aim their anger at those targets, its so they wont ask why the people they keep electing havent done anything to improve life in their communities. And yet, the response to our book has been not just angry but personal at times. Harper delivered a torrent of abuse at us on social media, calling us idiots and intellectual lightweights who wrote a dumb screed. He also called us soft-handed elites and claimed that our book says that white rural people are evil scum, which of course it does not; that was one of many distortions of what we wrote that he sent out to his followers before penning his Atlantic article. The positively obsessive attention our critics have given to one chapter in our book has located a few errors, which were happy to correct in future editions. Unfortunately, their legitimate criticisms are buried in a pile of personal insults, factual inaccuracies, and apologetics for rural whites. Most importantly, our critics refuse to seriously grapple with rural whites place in Trumps movement as it grows increasingly authoritarian. In rising to the defense of their subjects, the scholars discount or ignore the disturbing beliefs many (though not all) rural whites hold and work hard to justify and validate their resentments. Not unlike how journalists trooped to the heartland after the 2016 election to give a respectful hearing to every Trump voter they could find, scholars of rural politics bend over backward to avoid saying anything that might reflect poorly on rural whiteseven when it means downplaying their own research. Rather than explore Trumps rural white support, they offer facile explanations for it, preferring instead to blame liberals for rural resentments whose roots date back decades. They insist that Democrats must do more to cater to rural whites, while giving Republicans compliments for their political skill (Republicans are the political party that has figured out how to speak to that rural identity effectively, writes Jacobs). And they dont acknowledge one of our core arguments: Republicans are winning rural votes but doing almost nothing to improve rural Americans lives. There Is No One Definition of Rural The most obvious problem with White Rural Rage is its refusal to define rural, a less bellicose Harper wrote in The Atlantic; Jacobs also criticizes us on this score. But the reason we didnt offer a single definition is that there are many (various federal agencies use more than a dozen), and we cited polls employing a variety of definitions. Some polls sort people by county; others ask respondents to self-report what kind of community they live in. Some analyses use two categories (metro/non-metro), while others use as many as nine. Jacobs uses census blocks to sort each county by rurality, which is a good approach, but even his definition leaves huge numbers of people who live in rural areas within urban-designated counties and vice versa. And theres still the matter of those who were born and raised in cities who retain their urban consciousness despite, say, retiring to a rural community, or young rural folks who retain their rural consciousness despite leaving home after graduation to live in a city. Even Jacobs and his co-author write of their own definition, We are not arguing that ours is the bestjust the best for our purposes. This is a problem with no perfect solution; thats why we included a lengthy authors note in the book explaining the methodological challenge that varying definitions create. The best evidence for the problem may come from Harper himself: He admits that though he always thought of himself as a rural person, once he looked into it, he found that the place where he grew up is not considered rural by many standards. We appreciate his candor on that point. Because we gathered together a variety of polls and studies from many different organizations and scholars, we were careful to note that its usually the comparisons that are most important, the places where rural Americans diverge from the rest of the country or make up a disproportionate share of those who hold a particular belief. For instance, Harper quotes the Chicago Project on Security Threats director, Robert Pape, who claims we misrepresent findings from CPOSTs study of Americans who express insurrectionist attitude profiles. But we correctly stated that according to his research, rural citizens are over-represented in this group: He pegs them at 30 percent of those with insurrectionist attitudes, but rural Americans comprise at most 20 percent of the national population, and rural whites no more than 15 percent. Whats really going on here? Our critics claim theyre critiquing our methodology, but their real objection is to our message. We anticipated this defense of rural whites and their virtues, knowing that they are routinely described as more real than other citizens and therefore deserving of greater deference. In fact, Jacobs reports in The Rural Voter that 80 percent of rural citizens say theyre more likely to encounter the real America in rural spaces; so pervasive is this insult to other Americans that even 66 percent of suburban and urban dwellers say the same thing. To his credit, Jacobs agrees with us that no group of Americans is more real than any other. If only the conservative politicians and media figures who work so hard to stoke rural resentment concurred. Our critics also say we misrepresent their work. We do not; were guilty only of assembling in one place a composite picture of rural white politics that shows worrying strains of opinion. Our critics want to believeand worse, want others to believethat sentiments in the places Trump enjoys his most overwhelming following have nothing to do with his racism, xenophobia, authoritarianism, and valorization of violence, despite a growing body of evidence to the contrary. The more charitable view is that our critics failed to pull back the lens to notice that larger picture; the less charitable view is that theyve seen it but prefer to obscure it from public view. The Real Ignored Rural Americans The problems affecting rural America are deep and profound. But those travails do not justify or explain away rural whites transgressive attitudes, precisely because they enjoy electoral power that far outstrips their numbers. Providing excuses bestows on them a privilege that others, including the nonwhite Americans who make up 24 percent of the rural population and rising, are rarely afforded. Those nonwhite rural Americans are almost invisible in the national media, as well as in the work of many scholars. Because we thought their stories are important, we traveled to rural communities with large nonwhite populations, including in the Albemarle region of North Carolina and Arizonas Copper Corridor. The experience of people in those placeswho are mostly ignored and enjoy little of the deference and political power their white counterparts doonly highlights the privileging of the white rural experience. We would ask rural scholars to confront this question: How is it that rural minorities, who by most measures face even greater challenges in health care access and economic opportunity than their white counterparts, do not express weakened commitments to our democracy, or the anti-urban, xenophobic, conspiracist, and violence-justifying attitudes so many rural whites do? The Rural Voter dedicates just five of the books 414 pages to examining rural minorities, and it spends most of that limited space comparing the attitudes of rural minorities with urban minorities, thereby avoiding any deep consideration of how rural whites and nonwhites differ in their views or their experiences. Those who have risen to defend the honor of rural whites insist that they have good reason to feel resentful; Jacobs even elevates resentment to a kind of virtue (Resentment is rational, a reaction based on some sort of negative experience, he writes). But if the rural experience justifies resentment, should not rural minorities be equally if not more resentful than rural whites? Why arent they threatening their local elected officials, or marinating in conspiracy theories, or supporting demagogues eager to tear down American democracy? Too few scholars of rural politics confront these questions. Unfortunately, in our critics zeal to insist that we are the problem, they cant stop themselves from reading into our book things we never wrote. It is baffling why these new, self-proclaimed saviors of rural America cannot see that their gross mischaracterization of rural life feeds into the resentments driving the increasingly right-wing tilt of rural areas, Jacobs writes. We never proclaimed ourselves anything, let alone the saviors of rural America. In another article attacking us, he writes, Schaller and Waldman simply want us to write off rural America as the land of radical extremism, when nothing could be further from the truth; we call rural whites the essential minority because of their central political role, and the last thing we want anyone to do is write off rural America. We argue that the return of political competition to rural areas is vital, but that will take not only Democrats making more of an effort but rural people demanding more from the Republicans who take their votes and give so little in return. Since our book came out, weve had many conversations with rural Americansjournalists, activists, and ordinary peoplewho have told us that it accurately reflects what they see in their communities. Christopher Gibbs is a case in point. A Maplewood, Ohio, farmer who raises corn, soybeans, and alfalfa hay and supervises an 85-head cow/calf operation, Gibbs is the board president of Rural Voices USA. A former Shelby County Republican Party chair who, remarkably, is now the countys Democratic Party chair, Gibbs interviewed us for his podcast. He doesnt agree with everything we write, but he told us that he lives this book every day in his rural county. He concluded our interview by saying our book may not provide an easy foldout road map to revive rural America, but its chock full of clues for those interested in helping rural folks get what they deserve in policy. As we confront a presidential election in which one of the candidates is counting on white rural support to return him to the Oval Office so he can begin dismantling our democratic system, we cant turn away and say everything in rural politics is fine. We respect much of our critics work, which is why we cited their findings in our book. We have not launched any personal attacks against them. But we encourage everyone concerned about this issue to curb the impulse to reflexively protect the sensibilities of rural whites. The conversation our book triggered is long overdue, and at this vital moment, the last thing we should do is bury it. Media mogul Jimmy Lai (C) is escorted out of a Correctional Services Department vehicle and into the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong, China, in February 2021. On Thursday, a representative from Reporters Without Borders was deported from Hong Kong as they arrived to monitor a hearing in Lai's high-profile trial. File Photo Jerome Favre/EPA-EFE April 11 (UPI) -- A representative for Reporters Without Borders has been denied entry to Hong Kong, according to the international freedom of information advocacy nonprofit, which lambasted the move as "a new decline in the already poor press freedom climate in the territory." Taipei-based Advocacy Officer Aleksandra Bielakowska was deported from Hong Kong after being detained at the city's international airport for six hours. She was questioned during her detention and her belongings were searched thrice, it said. She had landed in the territory as part of a RSF mission to meet journalists and monitor a hearing in the trial of media tycoon and British citizen Jimmy Lai, whose trial began late last year. Rebecca Vincent, RSF's director of campaigns, said they were "appalled" by this treatment of one of their colleagues. "We have never experienced such blatant efforts by authorities to evade scrutiny of court proceedings in any country, which further highlights the ludicrous nature of the case against Jimmy Lai, and the dire erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong," Vincent said in a statement. "We demand an immediate explanation from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and a guarantee that our representatives can return to the territory safely to monitor the remainder of Lai's trial, which cannot take place in darkness." Lai, the 76-year-old former pro-democracy publisher of the now-shuttered independent newspaper Apple Daily, was arrested in August of 2020 on accusations of violating the then-newly imposed National Security Law, which issues stiff penalties for violating widely defined acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and working with foreign agencies to undermine the national security of China. Though the implementation of that law was met with wide-spread international condemnation and U.S. sanctions, Hong Kong last month passed Article 23, which builds upon the 2020 bill and raises penalties for 39 offenses broken down into a series of categories, including treason, insurrection, acts of sedition and others. Lai is the most prominent figure to so far be charged under the National Security Law. He has pleaded not guilty to three charges accusing him of colluding with foreign powers to take actions against China. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Prosecutors specifically allege that he used Hong Kong's mass pro-democracy protests that brought the territory to a standstill in 2019 as an opportunity to urge foreign nations, specifically the United States, to impose sanctions against China. Both the United States and Britain have condemned the charges and have called for Lai's immediate release. British-based Hong Kong Watch condemned the deportation on Wednesday, accusing Hong Kong authorities of becoming "increasingly brazen" in their show of force against journalist and human rights advocates. "With actions like this, it appears that the Hong Kong authorities feel the need to follow Beijing's lead and ensure they hit rock-bottom in global rankings for press freedom," Benedict Rogers, co-founder and chief executive of Hong Kong Watch, said in a statement. Hong Kong was once heralded for its reputation of upholding press freedom, but has taken a repetitional beating since 2020. In that time, seven independent media outlets, including Apple Daily, have shuttered over risks of operating in the territory, according to RSF. Hong Kong sits in 140th place out of of 180 countries in the RSF's press freedom index, behind Cameroon and Colombia and just ahead of Somalia and Brunei. Two decades ago, it sat in 18th place. America's Car-Mart Inc (NASDAQ:CRMT), a prominent automotive retailer in the United States specializing in the "Buy Here/Pay Here" segment of the used car market, has witnessed a notable insider transaction. President & CEO Campbell Douglas W. Jr. has increased his stake in the company by purchasing 3,229 shares. This transaction took place on April 8, 2024, as reported in the SEC Filing.Over the past year, the insider has executed a total of 3,229 share purchases and has not sold any shares. This recent acquisition further aligns the President & CEO's interests with those of shareholders and could be interpreted as a sign of confidence in the company's future prospects. Insider Trends The insider transaction history at America's Car-Mart Inc reveals a pattern of insider activity. In the past year, there have been 7 insider buys and 10 insider sells. This activity provides a glimpse into the sentiment of those with intimate knowledge of the company. Insider Buying: President & CEO Campbell Douglas W. Jr. Acquires Shares of America's Car-Mart Inc (CRMT) Valuation and Market Cap On the date of the insider's recent purchase, shares of America's Car-Mart Inc were trading at $61.62, resulting in a market capitalization of $379.56 million.The stock's valuation, when compared to the GuruFocus Value (GF Value) of $109.08, indicates a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.56. This suggests that the stock is currently positioned as a Possible Value Trap, Think Twice, according to the GF Value metric. Insider Buying: President & CEO Campbell Douglas W. Jr. Acquires Shares of America's Car-Mart Inc (CRMT) The GF Value is a proprietary intrinsic value estimate from GuruFocus, which is derived from historical trading multiples such as the price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow. It also incorporates a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's historical returns and growth, as well as future business performance estimates provided by Morningstar analysts.America's Car-Mart Inc operates automotive dealerships in the United States and is known for providing financing to customers who typically have limited access to traditional credit resources. The company's business model focuses on selling quality used vehicles and providing financing for substantially all of its customers.The recent insider buying activity at America's Car-Mart Inc, particularly by the President & CEO, may offer insights into the company's valuation and the sentiment of its leadership. Investors and analysts often monitor insider transactions as they can provide valuable context for a company's financial health and future direction. Story continues This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM) The City of Hornells Union Square Park and the agencies that worked on it were recognized with a public works award. According to the City of Hornell, the Western New York branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) gave the 2023 Project of the Year Award to the Union Square Park project. The City of Hornell, LaBella Associates, and C.P. Ward Inc. were honored with this award from the structures less than $5 million category. We are thrilled with the completed Union Square Park project, and its great to see it recognized by the Western New York APWA branch, said Hornell Mayor John Buckley. We have a lot of great projects happening, and our successful collaborations with our consultants and contractors are instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Hornell approves 2024-2025 budgets, tax rate decreases The APWA created its Project of the Year Awards to recognize the collaboration between public management agencies, consultants/architects/engineers, and contractors who work together to complete public works projects. Winning projects are chosen based on criteria like safety considerations, inconvenience to the public, measures taken to protect the environment, use of sustainable materials, construction management techniques, and more. Hornell broke ground on the Union Square Park project in April 2023 and finished the project in November 2023. Union Square Park was built thanks to Downtown Revitalization Initiative grants and was the first new park developed by the city in about 50 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. HOT SPRING COUNTY, Ark. An embattled Arkansas sheriff facing federal criminal charges has now been named in a new sealed state investigation. Hot Spring County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner was named as the defendant in an Arkansas State Police felony investigation on Thursday. Court records show the charging document was ordered sealed, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the jury pool due to pretrial publicity regarding other matters involving this Defendant. Hot Spring County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner facing additional charges in new federal indictment The charges were filed in Hot Spring Circuit Court, and a special prosecutor, Robbie Jones, was assigned to the case. Jones is a conflict prosecutor employed by the state. A spokesperson for Hot Spring County prosecuting attorney Teresa Howell said that her office was not involved in the case and directed all inquiries to Jones. Jones said he could not make any statements about the case because it was sealed. However, he did confirm to KARK 4 News that Finkbeiner had not yet appeared before a judge after being arrested on Wednesday. I did not obstruct justice in any way, Hot Spring County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner responds to obstruction of justice charge Finkbeiner is currently facing multiple federal charges. In early November 2023 he was charged with obstructing an FBI investigation into a drug house and drug dealer in the county. In mid-November he was indicted on additional charges of tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant/obstruction of justice, and counts two and three are misprision of a felony. Misprision is deliberately hiding knowledge of a felony. The federal case was filed in the Western District of Arkansas and is still in the pre-trial process. Finkbeiner is currently out on bond on those charges and court records show the trial is scheduled for late July in Hot Springs. Fundraiser for Hot Spring County sheriffs legal fees issuing refunds after discovery of Arkansas Ethics Commissions stance After the Nov. 3 charge, the Hot Spring County Quorum Court voted to disallow Finkbeiner from driving any county vehicles and required him to take a weekly drug test. The sheriffs department is currently being headed by its chief deputy. As an elected official, Finkbeiner may not be removed from office unless he is convicted of a crime. As part of his bond release on federal charges, Finkbeiner agreed not to act as sheriff except in payroll matters, not enter the sheriffs office and would not access law enforcement records. Hot Spring County Sheriff Scott Finkbeiner stripped of law enforcement duties pending federal trial In a Facebook post on Nov. 6, Finkbeiner stated he had not obstructed justice in any way. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Human-rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza on Thursday marked two years in Russian detention for dissenting on Russia's war on Ukraine. The State Department said his imprisonment is unjust. In 2018, he and his wife, Yevgenia, paid respects to the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., at the U.S. Capitol. File Pool Photo by Andrew Harnik/UPI April 11 (UPI) -- Kremlin critic and human-rights activist Vladimir Kara-Murza Thursday marked two years in what the U.S. State Department says is unjust detention. The United States considers his sentence spurious and politically motivated. "His unjust conviction, egregious 25-year sentence, and continued imprisonment demonstrate the Kremlin's determination to silence dissent, punish critics, and suppress fundamental freedoms," the State Department said in a statement on Thursday. "A tireless advocate for political prisoners, human rights, and democracy in Russia, Mr. Kara-Murza survived two near-fatal poisonings in 2015 and 2017." The statement added that the United States stands "in solidarity with Mr. Kara-Murza and his family at this difficult time, and renew our call for his release, as well as the release of all unjustly detained political prisoners in Russia." Kara-Murza was sentenced in April 2023 to 25 years in prison for condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He was charged with treason, spreading alleged fake news about the Russian army and facilitating an undesirable organization under laws that criminalized dissent against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Kara-Murza was detained in 2022 for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian government "a regime of murders" during an interview with CNN. Amnesty International and other human-rights groups spoke out against his sentence and said it was an example of systematic civil society repression in Russia. In June, the European Union blacklisted nine Russians, hitting them with asset freezes for Kara-Murza's arrest, detention, prosecution and conviction for dissent. In 2017, he was poisoned but regained consciousness in a Moscow hospital after being on life support and in a coma. He opposed Putin's policies and worked as an organizer for the Open Russia political party. Kara-Murza was also poisoned in 2015 and left with permanent nerve damage. He appeared before U.S. congressional committees and called for sanctions against Russia for human rights abuses. In 2018, he was photographed paying respects to the late Sen. John McCain in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The recent attacks on the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) marked a "major escalation" in nuclear safety danger in Ukraine, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi told the IAEA's Board of Governors on April 11. The organization held an extraodinary in Vienna meeting at the request of Ukraine and Russia following reports of attacks on the plant. The ZNPP reportedly suffered at least three direct strikes on April 7, according to the IAEA. This was the first such confirmed strike since November 2022. Another drone attack allegedly targeted the plant's training center adjacent to the site on April 9. Russia claimed Ukrainian drones attacked the plant. Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said Kyiv was not involved, calling the latest strike a "Russia's provocation." Although they did not cause damage, the attacks could pose "the beginning of a new and gravely dangerous front of the war," Grossi said. Sign up for our newsletter Sign up "As I have repeatedly stated... no one can conceivably benefit or gain any military or political advantage from attacks against nuclear facilities. Attacking a nuclear power plant is an absolute no go. Attacking Zaporizhzhia NPP means endangering nuclear safety," Grossi said. Grossi called for military restraint and adherence to the five concrete principles for protecting the ZNPP. Grossi is planning to meet with the U.N. Security Council in New York next week to raise concerns over attacks which had significantly increased the risk of a nuclear accident at the site. Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom said that the only way to prevent nuclear and radiation emergencies is to comply with the IAEA's resolution, withdraw Russian troops and their equipment from the plant, demining nearby territories, and return control over the plant to the agency. The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. IAEA teams have been based at the facility on rotation since September 2022. Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure. Russian troops have also used the plant as a platform to launch strikes at Nikopol, situated just across the Kakhovka Reservoir, and other Ukrainian settlements nearby. Read also: Life near Russian-occupied nuclear plant: I dont know if tomorrow will come Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi speaks during a press conference at the Agency headquarters in Vienna. Dean Calma/IAEA/dpa The already dangerous situation at the Russian-occupied Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya is getting worse, the UN's nuclear watchdog said on Thursday. The drone attacks on the plant were "significantly increasing the risk of a nuclear accident," said Rafael Grossi, the head of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). At a special meeting of the IAEA board of governors, he urged military decision-makers and the international community to focus on de-escalating the hostilities around Europe's biggest nuclear plant. Representatives of Moscow and Kiev, who were in attendance at the meeting, once again blamed each other for the attacks. Grossi, however, avoided apportioning blame. On Sunday, the nuclear power plant was attacked by drones in three places, according to IAEA observers. The dome of a reactor and targets in the immediate vicinity of reactor buildings were hit. No serious structural damage was sustained, but one person was reported injured. The observers also reported shots fired by Russian forces stationed at the nuclear power plant. On Tuesday, the IAEA team on site was informed by the plant's Russian management of another drone attack on a training centre at the nuclear power plant. Grossi announced that he would be travelling to the UN Security Council in New York next week to advocate for the safety of the facility. At the IAEA meeting, Ukrainian diplomat Nataliia Kostenko denounced Russian accusations that the Ukrainian military had attacked the nuclear power plant close to the front line as "lies" and said it was Russia "deliberately causing nuclear threats." ICE arrests illegal migrants released without bail after alleged assault on NYPD at Target ICE arrests illegal migrants released without bail after alleged assault on NYPD at Target Four illegal immigrants who were part of a group arrested and then released after allegedly robbing a New York City Target store an incident during which two police officers were attacked have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and likely face deportation, the federal agency tells Fox News. On Wednesday, ICE picked up Venezuelan citizens Michael Jose Sanchez Mayo, 31, Henry Omar Zambrano Zapata, 19, and Yusneibi Yohana Machado Avila, 23, along with Sebastian Jaramillio Balanta, 22, who is from Colombia, about a week after the crew allegedly raided the Upper East Side store. "All four unlawfully present noncitizens were arrested without incident due to the violation of their DHS release conditions and are in custody pending removal proceedings," an ICE spokesperson told Fox News. READ MORE OF FOX NEWS' COVERAGE OF THE BORDER CRISIS From left to right, Yusneibi Yohana Machado Avila, Sebastian Jaramillio Balanta, Michael Jose Sanchez Mayo and Henry Omar Zambrano Zapata. ICE has also lodged a detainer request for another illegal migrant, Venezuelan Brayan Freites-Macias, 21, who is being held at Rikers jail and was the only member of the five not to be released. According to a criminal complaint, Freites-Macias shoved one of the officers who was trying to handcuff him, then yelled in Spanish at Machado Avila, his female accomplice, to flee the scene. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Machado Avila then placed herself in between Freites-Macias and the police officer before striking the officer in the head with her hand, the complaint reads. WOMAN ARRESTED FOR MIGRANT ATTACK ON NYPD, 2 SUSPECTS STILL AT LARGE As the struggle spilled out onto the sidewalk in front of the Target, another suspect, who is still at large, threw rocks at responding officers but missed, according to the complaint. One officer was hospitalized and treated for "substantial pain" and a sprained wrist. Five migrants were arrested in total, while a sixth has yet to be apprehended. Both Machado Avila and Freites-Macias were charged with robbery, assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, criminal possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct and harassment, the New York Post reports. Machado Avila was cut loose under supervised release without bail despite a request from prosecutors that she be held on $10,000 bail, prosecutors tell Fox News Digital. Prosecutors requested that Freites-Macias be held on $10,000 bail or a $30,000 bond, and Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Jay Wiener ordered him held on $3,000 bail or a $9,000 bond. The remaining three were charged with robbery and disorderly conduct. Last week's incident was not the first time the migrants brushed with the law. The New York Post reports that Freites-Macias, who is currently being held in Rikers, has also been charged in several other incidents, including for trespassing in January for refusing to leave a migrant shelter after being booted out, and for shoplifting in December. Of the four detained by ICE, Machado Avila, pictured in a mugshot with a broken heart tattoo on her neck, was busted on Jan. 18 for trespassing at a migrant shelter she had been discharged from. She was also charged with assault for an incident last month in which she allegedly scratched a 34-year-old woman during an argument on East 124th Street, Post sources say. Jaramillio Balanta, meanwhile, was charged with assault in October for allegedly punching a 42-year-old man in the face at Grand Central Terminal while he was arrested for petit theft the following month and then booked for grand larceny in March. Sanchez Mayo also has three separate petit larceny arrests and two separate robbery charges in New York City. Original article source: ICE arrests illegal migrants released without bail after alleged assault on NYPD at Target Idaho lawmakers ended the regular legislative session Wednesday, after Gov. Brad Little signed a prominent bill to allow lawsuits against libraries and allowed a measure to become law that revoked the planned sale of the Idaho Transportation Departments State Street campus. This years roughly three-month session was marked by heated debate among GOP lawmakers over proposals to provide more funding for school facilities, implement mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl crimes and endanger the University of Idahos planned purchase of the University of Phoenix. Idahos Republican-controlled Legislature also passed laws to curtail the health care transgender people can access. House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, told reporters Wednesday that he felt the biggest accomplishment was the school facilities legislation, House Bill 521, which will inject $1.5 billion of new funding into schools and was Littles top priority. That for me is the centerpiece of this legislative session, Moyle said. School facilities funding Over the coming year, state coffers will send out $1.5 billion and redirect $500 million to school districts around Idaho to help with a backlog of repairs on school buildings that has dogged the states public schools system for years. After considering nine additional bills to tweak aspects of the facilities bill, lawmakers passed one of them this month. It reallocates misused funds to rural schools and limits provisions that discourage school districts from switching to four-day school weeks. Some rural school districts have argued that the school facilities bill doesnt provide enough money for them to pay for the needed repairs or replacement of school buildings. Districts across the state face leaking roofs, discolored drinking water and freezing classrooms, according to reporting from ProPublica and the Idaho Statesman. Moyle said Wednesday that the state shouldnt be expected to create Taj Mahal schools. We dont need 50-foot ceilings, and open spaces, and couches, and lounges, and open lunch rooms, he said. We can build a school building that addresses the needs of the students without going overboard. Republican lawmakers also rejected $16 million in federal dollars for meals for low-income children over the summer, when school is not in session. House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, said at a second news conference Wednesday that many Republican policies are enacted in the name of what they say are Christian values. It is not clear how those Christian values factored into denying food to hungry children, she said. For the second year in a row, right-wing lawmakers also pushed to spend state revenue on private schools, either through tax credits or grants. Though proposals this year failed as they did last year Moyle said he expects them to come back. The school choice issue is not going away, he said. Were going to get it fixed. Focus on LGBTQ+ Idahoans Republicans passed into law bills curtailing gender-affirming health care for state employees and people on Medicaid; making sex and gender have the same definition in state law; and giving state employees and teachers who dont wish to use a students preferred pronouns legal protection. Moyle said the bills were needed because some people want to make one group more equal than another group and to make one group more important than others. The ACLU of Idaho has called the law to ban public funds from going toward gender transition the strictest ban in the country, and ACLU officials have said the new law will only lead to more lawsuits ultimately paid for by taxpayers. In 2019, Idaho lost a lawsuit filed by a transgender prisoner who was refused gender-affirming care. A judge also temporarily blocked a ban on gender-affirming care for children, which Little signed into law last year, as a lawsuit moves through the courts. These unconstitutional bills have no place in Idaho, and only encourage discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ people, Rebecca De Leon, a spokesperson for the ACLU, said in an email. These bills do not make anyone freer nor do they improve anyones quality of life, but rather serve to take rights away from a small part of our society and make thriving more difficult for them. De Leon added that the organization is reviewing the bills to determine what litigation would be the most feasible and impactful. On Wednesday, Little signed a bill to allow lawsuits against libraries that dont remove books believed to be obscene by some patrons. I signed that stinking library bill, he told Idaho Reports. Republicans have pushed for years to pass a bill limiting what books are on shelves in childrens sections at libraries. Last year, the Legislature approved a bill that would have let parents seek damages over each time their child accessed harmful material at a library, but Little vetoed it. The GOP supermajoritys obsession with divisive social issues continued at fever pitch this session, and it continues to do serious harm to the people and to the economy of Idaho, Rubel said. No action taken on abortion In the two years after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, Idaho lawmakers have debated whether to add a health exception to the states total abortion bans, which allow for exceptions inreported cases of rape or incest or in cases when a pregnant persons life is at risk. Hospitals and doctors in the state have urged lawmakers to make changes to the law, warning that the strictly limited exceptions violations of which could end in jail time for doctors pose major health risks to women in the state. More than a fifth of obstetricians in the state have stopped practicing, and more than half of maternal-fetal medicine specialists have left, according to a report this year. The pool of OB-GYNs applying to work in Idaho has fallen by half, according to the Idaho Hospital Association. House Republicans said Wednesday that Idahos laws protect women whose lives are threatened an assertion that physicians such as Dr. Jim Souza, chief physician executive at St. Lukes Health System, have disputed, according to previous Statesman reporting. Moyle said lawmakers have discussed the health effects of the law, but there has never been a solution yet. He cast doubt on whether Idahos loss of physicians has been caused by the abortion laws. For years, Idaho has had the lowest doctors per capita of any state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I dont know that the doctors are leaving because of that, it might be a convenient excuse, he said. Moyle said he wants to use Idahos partnership with medical schools in other states to increase the number of physicians. Moyle said he doesnt yet know how to address the issues doctors have raised about how to distinguish between life and health threats to mothers. Democrats in the statehouse had blistering remarks Wednesday about the Legislatures lack of changes to the abortion laws, which are scheduled to be argued later this month before the very U.S. Supreme Court that overturned Roe v. Wade. Rubel called Moyles comments gaslighting and said Republicans are committed to forcing women into involuntary childbirth regardless of the health damage. She said it is crystal clear that Idahos strict abortion laws have led to the flight of doctors and said that to claim otherwise is not credible. Rep. Ned Burns, D-Bellevue, said a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers this year were willing to add a health exception to Idahos abortion law but that Attorney General Raul Labrador discouraged any changes while the laws are litigated. The attorney generals discouragement kept committee chairs in the Legislature from holding hearings on abortion bills, Burns said. A spokesperson for Labrador, Dan Estes, told the Statesman by email that the assertions were not true. This is another example of Democrats not being honest with the people of Idaho about abortion issues, he said. You sometimes get yourself in trouble Fights within the GOP boiled over in Boise this session, when House Majority Leader Megan Blanksma, R-Hammett, was ousted from her position in February the first mid-session removal of a caucus leader in recent history. Blanksma had voted against proceeding with significant changes implemented by the budget committee this year to alter how state agencies are funded. Republican lawmakers also battled the states executive branch, canceling an already-approved sale of the Idaho Transportation Departments State Street headquarters and threatening litigation against the $550 million purchase of the University of Phoenix by the University of Idaho. Little didnt sign the ITD budget bill, simply letting it become law by allowing the veto deadline to pass. In a letter to lawmakers, he said the cancellation of the $52 million sale was unfair and would cause reputational risk to the state. Moyle said the Phoenix purchase, which is now in limbo, was arranged in a vacuum behind closed doors. When you do that, you sometimes get yourself in trouble, he said. He said the Legislatures dislike for both transactions could be a message. In the future, if you want to get something done like that, you need to bring the legislative body in, he said. Problems with Medicaid bill Little signed a bill to require legislative approval of waivers and other amendments to Idahos Medicaid program but wrote to lawmakers Monday that he had serious concerns about its potential effects. Little wrote that unless the bill is amended, substance abuse and behavioral health programs could be impeded, payments to skilled nursing homes could stop, and millions of dollars of adjustments to other health programs would be immediately stopped. Unless the issues are sufficiently addressed in a trailer bill, it is possible the Legislature may be required to return frequently for special sessions to ensure compliance with the law, Little wrote. Lawmakers did not pass what Little requested before they adjourned Wednesday, which Moyle said was because they were unable to come to an agreement. Moyle said he hopes the problem can be put off until the scheduled session next year, but that might not happen. Moyle said lawmakers will need to wait to see whether the Medicaid bill causes problems that cannot be resolved by the executive branch in the coming months. Lawyers for the Washington State University criminology Ph.D. student accused of massacring four University of Idaho undergrads in a home invasion stabbing told the judge Wednesday that they "firmly" believe their client is innocent. Bryan Kohberger, a 29-year-old from Pennsylvania, returned to the Latah County courthouse in Moscow, Idaho, for an afternoon hearing on defense efforts for a change of venue that included a controversial survey that prompted the judge to ban both sides from contacting potential jurors. "Our defense team firmly, and I mean firmly, believes in Mr. Kohberger's innocence, and right now he's being held to have a trial in a county that believes that he is guilty," Elisa Massoth, a Payette-based defense attorney who once attended the same school as the four victims. IDAHO MURDERS: BRYAN KOHBERGER JUDGE SLAMS DEFENSE QUIZZING LOCALS, SAYS SURVEY CONCERNS HIM Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing at the Latah County Courthouse on June 27, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. She is a death penalty certified lawyer called in to assist Kohberger, who faces four counts of first-degree murder and a charge of felony burglary in the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin in a rental house on the edge of the University of Idaho campus. Massoth went on to tell the judge that denying a change of venue amounted to denying Kohberger's constitutionally protected right to a fair trial, based on data in the disputed survey. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP IDAHO MURDERS SUSPECT BRYAN KOHBERGER WAS UNKNOWN TO VICTIMS, LAWYER SAYS Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. Two questions in the disputed survey were not part of that public record, he said. One of them, according to the defense expert and survey conductor Bryan Edelman, was about Kohberger stalking at least one of the victims. It has been widely reported, based on allegations in a probable cause statement unsealed after Kohberger's extradition to Idaho, that he stalked the six-bedroom home on King Road at least a dozen times before the attack and returned one more time about five hours after the murders. Bill Thompson, the Latah County prosecuting attorney, slammed Taylor's defense strategy and said she appeared to be aimed at tainting the jury pool. KOHBERGER LAWYER ALLEGES PUBLIC BIAS AS RESIDENTS CALLED POLICE AFTER BEING CONTACTED IN JUROR SURVEY Edelman, who testified as an expert witness for the defense, said Thompson's critical lens over his work left him "angry" even while conceding he included questions that he knew contained false information. Massoth pulled statistics from the disputed survey that she claimed show 81% of people who responded had heard about the stalking allegation and "took a position" that Kohberger is "guilty." She argued that "you can't taint what's tainted," claiming another 79% of the defense's respondents "knew five or more prejudicial and false media reports." Bryan Kohberger's defense attorneys Anne Taylor, left, Elisa Massoth and Jay Logsdon arrive at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho, on June 27, 2023. IDAHO MURDERS: KOHBERGER DEFENSE REACHING OUT TO POTENTIAL JURORS WITH SURVEY BEFORE JUDGE BANNED CONTACT "These are deeply held opinions in this community, within this jury pool," she said. Judge John Judge said the "public record" on the case is limited to the case file itself much of which is sealed and does not include posts on social media or news reports. He put a temporary halt on the survey, barring both sides from contacting potential jurors in the case, after the prosecution raised issues about the questions last month. He has not yet decided whether the polling can resume. Bryan Kohberger arrives at Monroe County Courthouse in Pennsylvania in advance of his extradition hearing. Some of the questions read aloud in court include: "Have you read, seen or heard about Bryan Kohberger's arrest at his parents' home in Pennsylvania?," "Have you read, seen or heard if police found a knife sheath on the bed next to one of the victims?" and "Have you read, seen or heard that DNA found on the knife sheath was later matched to Bryan Kohberger?" Mark Calzaretta, a jury consultant and founding partner at Magna Legal Services, told Fox News Digital that surveys are common practice when the defense is seeking a change of venue. However, he added, questions are typically tailored to be less specific about particular details in a case and more focused on potential bias itself. BRYAN KOHBERGER CASE: IDAHO JUDGE BANS BOTH SIDES FROM CONTACTING PROSPECTIVE JURORS Front view of the house where four Idaho students were killed in November 2022. The house, which was razed in December 2023, was just steps away from the University of Idaho campus. "If I'm trying to elicit bias as a jury consultant, I don't care what their knowledge is about the case, what specific facts they know," he said. "What I want to know is based on what you know, does that tie to the fact that now, just a mere hearing of his name, he's guilty?" He said if more than 70% to 80% of respondents say yes, the jury pool is "tainted." However, he said, the defense always has a built-in plan B. If the survey is not enough to convince the judge to grant a change of venue, it will usually still lead to a more rigorous jury selection process. BRYAN KOHBERGER'S DNA MATCHES SAMPLE FROM KNIFE SHEATH NEAR IDAHO VICTIM MADDIE MOGEN: DA The victims of the University of Idaho massacre, from left, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen. Regardless, he said he'd never seen respondents so concerned by a survey before that they reported it to police, as happened in Latah County. "If they all had that reaction, there's something in that survey thats maybe over the top," he said. "Then maybe not, and there is a bias, and thats why they reacted like that." The court scheduled a number of follow-up hearings and deadlines. According to the probable cause affidavit, a surviving housemate witnessed a masked intruder leaving from the rear sliding door. The defense is pushing for a change of venue to a larger county with more potential jurors in the jury pool, suggesting Ada, Bonneville and Bannock counties. Judge will hear arguments on the potential change of venue at 10 a.m. on June 27, and Kohberger's deadline to submit an alibi is next week. Judge entered not guilty pleas to all of the charges on Kohberger's behalf at his arraignment last year. Fox News' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. Original article source: Idaho murders: Bryan Kohberger defense 'firmly believes' in suspect's innocence Idaho Supreme Court Justices Robyn Brody, left, and Chief Justice G. Richard Bevan, right, listen to oral arguments in court from attorneys representing Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters in a lawsuit targeting an Idaho law that removed student identification cards as acceptable voter registration documents. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun) UPDATE: This story has been corrected to reflect that voters can still use the last four digits of their social security number when registering to vote. This story was also updated to include a statement from Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters of Idaho. The Idaho Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously affirmed a district courts decision to dismiss a lawsuit related to two Idaho voting laws passed during the 2023 legislative session effectively bringing an end to the lawsuit. The decision comes nearly one year after voter advocacy groups, Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters, sued the state of Idaho for its passage of two bills House Bills 124 and 340 which modified forms of identification accepted when registering to vote and voting at the polls. House Bill 124, which took effect in January, removed student identification cards as an accepted form of identification when voting at the polls. House Bill 340 has been in effect since July, and it changed the identification and residency documentation requirements. It added methods for a person to prove their identity including an Idahos drivers license or identification card which previously only the number was required a passport or other federal identification card, a tribal identification card or a state license to carry a concealed weapon. Lastly, House Bill 340 set provisions for the state to provide no-fee identification cards that can be used to register to vote for adults who have not possessed a drivers license within the last six months. According to court documents, the Idaho Supreme Court upheld the district courts decision because the Idaho Constitution permits the Legislature to enact additional qualifications, limitations and conditions on the right of suffrage. The court found that the laws do not discriminate against a specific group of people, and they are related to the governments interest in preserving election integrity. The Idaho Secretary of States office in a press release Thursday afternoon said it is pleased with the courts decision. Voters can have confidence in Idahos elections as they head to the polls, Secretary Phil McGrane said in the press release. Our office looks forward to collaborating with the League of Women Voters and Babe Vote to encourage more Idahoans to register and actively participate in the upcoming May 21 primary and Nov. 5 general elections. Timeline of Babe Vote and League of Women Voters v. Idaho lawsuit Last year in March, Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters sued the state arguing the laws violate young Idahoans constitutional right to equal protection and the right of suffrage under the Idaho Constitution. A district judge in October ruled in favor of the state, deciding that the laws are constitutional. That decision prompted Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters to appeal the decision to the Idaho Supreme Court. In December, the voter advocacy groups and the state presented their oral arguments to the court. Matthew Gordon, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, previously said while presenting the oral argument that the laws give the Legislature unlimited power to shape the Idaho electorate at the expense of students, senior citizens, people with disabilities and newly arrived Idaho residents who cannot present an Idaho license or identification card upon registering to vote. Joshua Turner, an attorney representing the state of Idaho, argued against those claims. During the oral argument, Turner said the new laws address voting security and consistency concerns. Student IDs had always been an outlier in comparison to other forms of identification, he said, and the new laws regulate how people vote, not who can. Prior to these changes, inconsistencies existed based on whether an individual registered in person, via mail, or online, the Secretary of States office said in the press release Thursday. The new law ensures uniformity, treating all Idahoans equally during the voter registration process. Babe Vote and League of Women Voters speak against Idaho Supreme Court Ruling Babe Vote on X posted a statement Thursday afternoon objecting the courts decision. The organization said the ruling validates voter suppression and undermines democracy in Idaho. This legislature has tried virtually everything in its power to prevent young, disabled, homebound and working class Idahoans from exercising that right, the statement reads. Since these laws were enacted Babe Vote and the League of Women Voters of Idaho have been unable to help approximately 20% of legally eligible Idahoans from completing their voter registration. The organization said its volunteers will do everything in its power to register as many voters as it can under the laws, doubling down on efforts to register marginalized voters including young people and the elderly. Starting today, Babe Vote said it plans to mobilize students across Idaho to register people in high schools, college campuses, and senior living facilities to register and educate Idahoans on how to register to vote. To learn more about upcoming elections or register to vote, visit VoteIdaho.gov. Supreme court decision babe vote The post Idaho voter identification lawsuit comes to an end after Idaho Supreme Court ruling appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun. IDF fires artillery shells into Gaza. Israeli forces launched a fresh deployment in the central Gaza Strip in the early hours of Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced. Ilia yefimovich/dpa Israeli forces launched a fresh deployment in the central Gaza Strip in the early hours of Thursday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced. The announcement referred to "a precise, intelligence-based operation to eliminate terrorist operatives and strike terrorist infrastructure in central Gaza." Israeli combat jets had struck targets above and below the ground before the IDF ground forces moved in, it added. The IDF said that its troops had "identified an armed terrorist who exited a terror tunnel shaft adjacent to IDF troops and entered a military structure." A combat jet targeted him as he approached the IDF troops. Several rocket launchers ramps had been found, and the Israeli navy had fired on several targets in the area, it said. Emergency workers in the area reported that at least five Palestinians had died in a residential block in the Nuseirat Camp for refugees, which lies south-west of Gaza City. According to the Hamas-controlled health authorities, 33,545 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war triggered by the Hamas-led attacks on Israel more than six months ago. More than 76,000 Palestinians have been injured. The numbers do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. In the attack by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on the Israeli border area on October 7, more than 1,200 people were killed and over 250 people were abducted to the Gaza Strip. Earlier this week, the IDF withdrew the bulk of its forces from parts of southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless insists that a ground assault on the remaining intact Hamas forces in the border city of Rafah is imminent, despite international calls for it to be called off. When you buy and hold a stock for the long term, you definitely want it to provide a positive return. Better yet, you'd like to see the share price move up more than the market average. But Royal Bank of Canada (TSE:RY) has fallen short of that second goal, with a share price rise of 30% over five years, which is below the market return. However, if you include the dividends then the return is market beating. Meanwhile, the last twelve months saw the share price rise 4.7%. Let's take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they've been consistent with shareholders returns. See our latest analysis for Royal Bank of Canada 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. Over half a decade, Royal Bank of Canada managed to grow its earnings per share at 4.5% a year. So the EPS growth rate is rather close to the annualized share price gain of 5% per year. Therefore one could conclude that sentiment towards the shares hasn't morphed very much. Rather, the share price has approximately tracked EPS growth. The graphic below depicts how EPS has changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image). It's probably worth noting we've seen significant insider buying in the last quarter, which we consider a positive. On the other hand, we think the revenue and earnings trends are much more meaningful measures of the business. Dive deeper into the earnings by checking this interactive graph of Royal Bank of Canada's earnings, revenue and cash flow. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. As it happens, Royal Bank of Canada's TSR for the last 5 years was 59%, which exceeds the share price return mentioned earlier. This is largely a result of its dividend payments! A Different Perspective Royal Bank of Canada shareholders gained a total return of 9.3% during the year. Unfortunately this falls short of the market return. It's probably a good sign that the company has an even better long term track record, having provided shareholders with an annual TSR of 10% over five years. It may well be that this is a business worth popping on the watching, given the continuing positive reception, over time, from the market. If you want to research this stock further, the data on insider buying is an obvious place to start. You can click here to see who has been buying shares - and the price they paid. Story continues Royal Bank of Canada is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Canadian 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. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) The state is awarding three reproductive health organizations grants to help train more providers across the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the grants in January. The goal of the program is to increase the number of trained providers in the state who can provide access to abortion services. While Illinois protected abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, nearby states including Missouri and Indiana have strict laws for care. This led to a more than 49% increase in abortions provided in 2022 for out-of-state residents, despite a small decrease for abortions for Illinoisans. Illinois to fund $2 million of grants to improve reproductive healthcare When I said Illinois would be an oasis for women seeking reproductive care, I meant it, said Governor JB Pritzker. Thanks to the Abortion Provider Capacity Building Grant Program, we will offer health care providers who are meeting the moment with compassion and service access to the training and mentorship they need to deliver the care women deserve. The three organizations that received the funding include the Midwest Access Project, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. IDPH is proud to partner with these three outstanding organizations to support training that will improve access and quality to a full range of reproductive healthcare services, including safe abortions, IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. Illinois has seen a sharp increase in demand for abortion services in the wake of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision. Under Governor J.B. Pritzkers leadership, the State of Illinois is committed to providing resources to improve training and mentorship so our health care providers can deliver Illinoisans and those who come to our state with a full range of reproductive health services. Reproductive rights advocates say Illinois law protects IVF as state lawmakers consider legislation to expand access MAP and PPIL will be using the funds to expand their current training efforts. UICs College of Nursing is working to create new training methods for its Reproductive Advocacy and Diversity in Advanced Nursing Training (RADIANT) Fellowship. The agency is also working on creating a Reproductive Health Public Navigation Hotline to help people, both in and out-of-state, to find and navigate care statewide. This is in addition to the CARLA hotline for patients who need hospital care for abortion services, which launched in August. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. BOWLING GREEN, Mo. Two men from Belleville and Cahokia Heights in Illinois are accused of stealing more than $80,000 in merchandise from more than 20 Walmart stores in Missouri and Illinois. According to the Bowling Green Police Departments probable cause statement, the most recent theft took place on the evening of April 6 at a local Walmart. Police met with store employees, who said two men came into the store with a shopping cart and broke a case containing PlayStation 5 consoles, took the consoles, and ran out through the fire door. Driver arrested after blowing past Franklin County school bus, nearly hitting children Investigators reviewed store surveillance footage, which showed the men steal eight PlayStation 5 consoles from the damaged case, 10 controllers from a shelving unit, as well as three gaming headsets. Exterior security cameras showed the men loading the stolen merchandise into a Mazda CX5 and driving off the parking lot. Police claim retail theft security software helped them identify the suspects as Malcom J. Beal and RMond D. Hickman. Walmart representatives allege the men have committed similar thefts at other stores. The Pike County Prosecuting Attorneys Office charged both Beal and Hickman with first-degree burglary, stealing, first-degree property, and first-degree trespassing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pakistan is in discussions with the International Monetary Fund on a potential follow-up program to its nine-month, $3 billion stand-by arrangement, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday, adding that it had important issues to solve. Georgieva told an event at the Atlantic Council think tank, that Pakistan was successfully completing its existing program with the IMF and its economy was performing somewhat better, with reserves now being built up. "There is a commitment to continue on this path, and the country is turning to the fund for potentially having a follow-up program," Georgieva said, flagging issues that the struggling South Asian nation still needed to address. "There are very important issues to be solved in Pakistan: the tax base, how the richer part of society contributes to the economy, the way public spending is being directed and of course, creating ... a more transparent environment." Pakistan and the IMF last month reached a staff-level agreement on the second and last review of the $3 billion stand-by arrangement, which, if cleared by the global lender's board, will release about $1.1 billion to the struggling South Asian nation. The IMF's board is expected to review the matter in late April, but no firm date has been set, a spokesperson said. Both sides have also spoken about negotiating a longer-term bailout and continuing with necessary policy reforms to rein in deficits, build up reserves and manage soaring debt servicing. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Paul Simao and Alison Williams) Donald Trump's attorneys have vaulted three efforts this week aimed at pushing back the former president's trial on charges alleging he covered up a sex scandal ahead of the 2016 election. After two failures, the most recent bid a last-minute civil action against presiding Judge Juan Merchan filed Wednesday promptly followed suit. Just hours after filing, appellate court Judge Ellen Gesmer rejected Trump's request seeking a delay while the appeals court reviews several of Merchan's rulings, according to The New York Times. The decision allows Trump to have his lawsuit heard by a full five-judge appellate panel, which could pause the trial if they rule differently but not until after it begins Monday, The Hill notes. Following the episode, "I would say he does look increasingly desperate, but he knows he's going to lose," Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson told Salon, speculating that Trump might be trying to "make some kind of record" for another purpose. Part of Trump's efforts "is designed for the judges who handle the courtrooms," Levenson added. "He's going to lose there, but he can take snippets out of this and use it for his media and the court of public opinion and to sort of set up an argument that it's been an unfair proceeding." While stalling is one of the former president's go-to legal tactics across his four criminal cases and other legal battles, his effort to delay the Manhattan trial by taking legal action against a judge and bombarding an appellate court with a week's worth of eleventh-hour delay tactics is a bold move, the Times notes. Trump's rapid-fire efforts to delay suggest the presumptive Republican nominee is "fearful," especially as election polls indicate his possible conviction "could have an impact on his 2024 presidential campaign" and his standing with voters, David Schultz, a Hamline University political science and legal studies professor, told Salon. Defendants "almost never" mount appeals before a trial, with a court "maybe" getting just one like Trump's pretrial, Schultz explained, emphasizing that courts instead prefer to address any problems that arise later. The swift rejections of Trump's slew of motions to delay makes clear he is "trying the patience" of the appeals court, he said. "Trump is getting away with an incredible amount because he's ex-president and he's wealthy," Schultz argued, adding: "I think almost any other attorney representing almost any other client would be warned at this point against bringing any more frivolous motions and facing possible sanction." Trump's Wednesday civil action against the judge a special proceeding referred to as an Article 78 that's used to challenge New York State agencies and judges included a request that the appeals court stay the case while it considers whether to remove Merchan, whom Trump's legal team argues has a conflict of interest because of his daughter's work as a Democratic political consultant, from the trial. Experts previously told Salon that Merchan's daughter's work does not present a conflict, and the judge has previously declined to step down from overseeing the case, citing a judicial ethics panel reaching a similar conclusion last year. Their first bid this week to delay the Manhattan case which will be the first of his four criminal cases to go to trial was "more traditional," the Times notes, in asking to delay while the judges consider his request to change the venue to Staten Island, where Trump 2016 and 2020 election victories. That effort, which, if granted, would have postponed the trial indefinitely, was denied Monday. The second was a separate Article 78 action against Merchan the same day, which saw Trump's lawyers asking the appeals court to delay the trial as it mulled his request to overturn his gag order. An appeals court judge declined the request. Still, the former president and his legal team are poised to indulge in requesting further delays as the walls close in on the trial, experts predicted. "Its hard to imagine what other far-fetched tactics they might try but if they can find any claim that might be stretched to apply here we can be sure they will use it," Catherine J. Ross, a George Washington University constitutional law professor, told Salon. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. One of the last tactics Trump could pull out is firing his lawyers, Norman Eisen, a Brookings senior fellow and CNN legal analyst, told the network Wednesday, pointing out however that it's "been tried before in New York and rejected." Want to know why Trump is so afraid of the NY trial hence the desperate delay tactics? The judge has been making the same point that I do in my book #TryingTrump https://t.co/K2Ph50eiMd This is a serious election interference case I discussed @CNN @thelauracoates pic.twitter.com/PsO3D9EbXX Norm Eisen (#TryingTrump out now!) (@NormEisen) April 11, 2024 Schultz speculated that Trump may seek to appeal the case to the Supreme Court, either on First Amendment grounds based on his lawyer's claim during Tuesday's emergency hearing that Trump's ability to campaign is "protected under the First Amendment" or by attempting to tie it in with the high court's presidential immunity case, in which it will hear oral arguments later this month. While the latter scenario is "unlikely," Schultz said, the former would be an "incredibly strange argument to make" predicated on a claim about rights to campaign "that's about as frivolous as it possibly could be in terms of arguments." Levenson agreed, insisting that should Trump try to appeal to the Supreme Court, the justices will not take the case. Even if they did, she said, "I don't think he would win." Instead, she sees a potential for the change of venue request to become "the most plausible basis for a legal argument" as the court, starting next week, navigates selecting a jury that will allow Trump to have a fair trial. "I don't think we can say now that there are no more avenues for him to seek delay," Levenson added. "There are no more obvious avenues, but I don't know that we can say there are no more avenues." Even with the range of increasingly obscure possibilities at delaying the trial available to him, Ross said Trump's "chances for success seem to be slim to none." If Trump's lawyers had "a strong claim, they would have used it already," she argued, noting that the courts "are onto their game." The New York court system is "making it clear" to the former president that he's "like any other defendant": he will face a trial starting Monday and can raise any grounds for appeal after trial concludes if he has grounds to do so, Schultz added. "He's had several bites of the apple at this point," he said, adding: "He's O for three. The Court of Appeals is saying, 'Just do the trial.'" Here in Independence, we see how much Joe Biden reminds us of the great Harry Truman | Opinion Recently, a friend said she thought Joe Biden was the best president of her adult lifetime. I started to agree but what about Barack Obama, who was so great? But still, President Biden had to step into an ungodly mess and take a tiger by the tail. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work, doing what needed to be done. That makes him the best president in my lifetime since Harry S. Truman, who also had to step into his own ungodly mess, with a different tiger to take by the tail. And he also rolled up his sleeves and got to work, doing what had to be done. When I was a kid growing up in Phoenix, we had Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was an excellent president. He would save us from the war. But then he died and my parents were sure the war was lost. My mother couldnt stand Truman, and you dont want to know what she called him. No one was more surprised when he turned out to be extremely competent and smart as a whip. Well, I guess hes all right, shed say grudgingly. Shed have had a fit if shed known that one day shed end up living just down the street from his house. My husband and I moved to Independence in 1975. I began learning more about Truman, especially once I had a bookshop on the square and began reading all the books about him and listening to the locals. Im sure Ive heard more stories about him than his famous biographer David McCullough did. From all accounts, Truman was a truly fine person and much beloved. I think Biden is a truly fine person too, and I understand that people in his hometown of Scranton, Pennsylvania, think very highly of him. There are many similarities in Trumans and Bidens outlooks on life: a strong belief in personal integrity, a tremendous work ethic and always doing their best. And consider this: They were both vice presidents under very popular presidents, a hard act to follow. Both served as senators, Biden beginning at age 29, Truman at age 50. Both faced tragedies earlier in life and somehow managed to cope and get their work done. Both were faithful husbands with no hint of scandal. Neither was ever divorced. Neither was ever sued by a woman claiming sexual misconduct. Neither was ever charged with a crime. There is no record of either of them cheating any person, company or city. When faced with situations of enormous difficulty, they forged ahead and did what they thought was best. Truman was extremely proud of his wife and relied on her help and advice. Biden is similarly proud of his wife and relies on her support and counsel. Both faced extreme and sometimes terrible criticism, and carried on in spite of it. Truman devoted long hours to his job as president, often at personal sacrifice. Biden devotes long hours to his job, leaving him with little time for a personal life. Both would call a spade a spade Truman a little more colorfully than Biden (but Biden has his moments). Neither man was young when he became president. Truman turned 61 just weeks after he took office, and in 1945, that was not considered young. As John Mark Lambertson, former director of the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence, put it: They were both proud to be from small working-class towns, and therefore both championed the hardworking, laboring class. Barbara Young is the retired proprietor of The Old Book Shop on the Independence Square. The Independents White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg pressed Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on US efforts to get aid into Gaza during the White House press briefing on Thursday. How can you stand there and say the president is doing everything he can, when for weeks... even as NGOs and aid groups warned that famine was imminent, you continued to refuse to... link defence aid to humanitarian aid? Mr Feinberg asked. We've done air drops, we're going to do this pier, Ms Jean-Pierre said of the US efforts to get aid into Gaza, which includes a temporary pier in the Mediterranean Sea. We've talked about for the past several months how we need to do more and how we're going to uptick our efforts to get that humanitarian aid into Gaza. Of the around 250 hostages taken from Israel into Gaza last October, 133 remain, according to Israel. On Wednesday, a US official said for the first time that famine is probably already underway in Gaza. Administrator Samantha Power of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) appeared before the House Foreign Relations Committee where she was asked by Democratic Rep Joaquin Castro if its plausible or likely that parts of Gaza, and in particular northern Gaza, are already experiencing famine? The methodology that the [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative] used is one that we had our experts scrub, its one thats relied upon in other settings, and that is their assessment, and we believe that assessment is credible, Ms Jean-Pierre said. So famine is already occurring there? Mr Castro pressed. That is yes, she said. Mr Feinberg noted that President Joe Biden has not until recently even suggested that he would condition military aid which Israel needs on them allowing food and humanitarian aid into Gaza. The hostage deal includes getting the humanitarian aid in. We've been working on getting that hostage deal done. We're going to continue to do that, Ms Jean-Pierre said. More than 33,000 people in Gaza have died during Israels war on Hamas, mostly women and children. The war was declared after Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people in Israel and took numerous hostages on October 7, 2023. Victory College Prep senior Harlie Sylvia has dreamed of being a veterinarian, so she was ecstatic when her internship through the Indianapolis high school placed her at a local pet hospital. Spending at least four hours every week at the pet hospital, Sylvias internship is an ideal example of how the charter schools mandatory award-winning Firehawks Internship and Real-World Experience (FIRE) program can work. Along with about 110 other juniors and seniors who helped with office jobs in insurance, child care, construction or social services Sylvia did more than just clean cages and feed animals at Keystone Pet Hospital. She quickly learned how to meet with families and give dogs and cats basic physical exams and shots. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! It was incredible, said Sylvia, who is interning with the pet hospital again as a senior and hopes to work there full time after attending Purdue University. I got to put myself into the vets shoes. Victorys program is a leader in Indiana in connecting high school students to workplace experiences, even for a state thats made work-based learning a priority in recent years and hopes to transform high school by making it a centerpiece of students high school experience. The Indiana Department of Education gave Victory and the program one of three Excellence in Student Pathways awards last fall. Now in its fifth year, the program places students each spring with three dozen businesses and nonprofits as part of their regular school week, busing them to workplaces when needed. What sets us apart here is this is compulsory for 11th, and 12th graders, said Andrew Hayenga, the schools chief development officer. Its not reserved for the top 10% of kids. Its not reserved for the kids who may want to go into a trade. Were trying to open the possibilities up to every student in 11th and 12th grade. Rahul Jyoti, the schools readiness director, said many schools might balk at giving up class time for 11 Fridays out of a 40-week school year to career exposure, often out of worry that students test scores in math and English might suffer. But Victory considers it a crucial part of students education, particularly those who are low-income; and whose parents dont have connections in high-paying fields. Jyoti said many students were graduating without knowing what careers they could seek or chose majors in college that werent leading to good fits for them, so the school needed to step in and help. We know the academics are important, but we realized that no matter how strong their academics are, if they dont have that networking, professional experience and the soft skills, they are not able to be truly ready to go to college and truly ready to grow into a career, Jyoti said. Taking away those days throughout the year actually helps them to be more prepared on all the other school days. We ended up having our juniors and seniors be the most professional students, being more successful in college, and being really engaged in presenting themselves after they graduate because theyve had so many of these experiences, he added. Businesses and nonprofits have stepped up to take on student interns, with many participating in the program year after year. Chad Miller, managing director of Miller Insurance Group, said his small business couldnt take on a full-time intern, but Victory organizes the program, has students go to businesses for a reasonable amount of time and even gives employers a guide on how to help students. This is a commitment that I feel like I and my team can bite off and its sustainable for us and hopefully provides a value to them, Miller said. Shamika Buchanan, owner of Intelligent Minds Child Development, said interns at her daycare center have been amazing. She tries to have students learn both about child care and how to run the business. Theyve learned a lot, Buchanan told other businesses as the program launched for the year in the fall, Weve grown together. Ive even employed some over the summer to come and work for my childcare. The pet hospital has also asked Sylvia to fill in for absent employees outside of her internship. Our relationship has grown incredibly strong, she said. They always rely on me for multiple things, so Im excited to be part of their group. Victory cant always find such perfect matches for students, Jyoti admits, since there are a limited number of employers volunteering for the program. So the school tries to find close or related matches, and stresses that time in any workplace develops skills students can use anywhere. I tell the students, you are not necessarily learning about the field youre interested in, but its still a really valuable experience, Jyoti said. Being successful in any field requires skills in a professional way that youre going to learn. And most of our partners are small business owners that have a lot of different areas and functions in their business. So students, even if they are not 100% sure of what they want to do, can find something to be engaged with at their site. Senior Devin Stewart, who will attend Purdue University to pursue a career in cybersecurity and information technology, is one of those students who did not have a direct match to his career plans. After interning with a public relations firm as a junior, hes interning with a community development and affordable housing nonprofit as a senior. But he doesnt mind because hes learning how businesses work. I think its gonna be valuable for me, he said. My mom has always had an idea for me to start a business on my own, so with business development, and things of that nature, itll help me have the skills that I need to potentially start a business if I want. By Rupam Jain RAEBARELI/HALOL, India (Reuters) -The city of Raebareli in northern India has for most of the last 75 years been the political fiefdom of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that dominates the once-powerful Congress party and provided three of the nation's prime ministers. But, with India's general election just weeks away, the party's central offices there tell the story of its decline. Clothes dried in the courtyard, while a washing machine beeped and a family living out of the office went about its morning chores. No other Congress workers were present. "Some people here say the end of the Gandhi era is now imminent," said teacher K.C. Shukla, a Congress member who resides in the house where his relatives had set up a party office decades ago. Raebareli is one of just 17 constituencies being contested by the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is targeting a clean sweep of its 80 seats in the lower house of parliament. Virtually all opinion polls suggest Modi's Hindu nationalist party will return to power for a rare third term - and dominate in Uttar Pradesh - when results from the seven-phase election are announced on June 4. Neither party has yet named its candidate for Raebareli, though both BJP and Congress officials said an announcement would be made this week. The seat was represented by Congress's long-time president, Sonia Gandhi, from 2004 until she entered the upper house of parliament this year. Reuters interviewed 21 lawmakers, party officials and analysts, including 13 members of Congress, for this story. Many of them described a party that faces another big loss in Uttar Pradesh, and risks losing its status as India's main opposition group as rival regional parties make gains elsewhere in the country. They blamed what they described as lacklustre management by Sonia and her son Rahul, Modi's leading national critic, and the family's inability to rally the country's fractured centre and centre-left opposition. Over two dozen opposition parties, including Congress, formed the anti-BJP "INDIA" coalition last year but the bloc has been riven by bickering and defections by important members. Major regional parties such as West Bengal's Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Uttar Pradesh have declined to contest the election with Congress and are running candidates against both BJP and the Gandhis' party. Rahul's office declined an interview request. When asked by Reuters at a campaign rally about his political future and opinion polls, he said: "My job is to spread political activism; results can never be predicted." He did not comment when asked about divisions among the opposition. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge told Reuters that the "alliance reflects the true spirit of democracy: we are together against Modi," though Congress was willing to fight alone if needed. Asked about the risk of Congress losing its status as one of India's big two parties, Kharge said his focus was on defeating the BJP's Hindu nationalist ideology, and not Congress's strength relative to other parties. The BJP's critics, who say that Modi's government discriminates against religious minorities such as Muslims and has weaponised law enforcement agencies against political opponents, fear a third term would be corrosive to democracy in the world's most populous nation. The government has rejected allegations that it has hounded opposition leaders with federal investigations and Modi denies that there is religious discrimination in India. Modi's aides have also downplayed concerns from left-of-centre parties that he will amend the constitution to remove references to secularism, a move that BJP's critics say would fulfil his Hindu majoritarian agenda. "BJPs vision of single-party rule in the country is an approach opposed to Indias diversity and pluralism," said Congress federal lawmaker Shashi Tharoor. RISE OF REGIONAL PARTIES Jawaharlal Nehru - Rahul's great-grandfather - was India's first prime minister and his Congress party ruled India for 54 of the 76 years since independence. Rahul's grandfather, born Feroze Gandhy, changed his last name after being inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. Many Indians had an emotional connection with the Gandhi family, said political analyst Rasheed Kidwai, the author of three books about Congress and the clan. Such was their influence that for decades, "there were no factional leaders within the Congress," he said, adding that a longstanding combination of fear and respect for the family had recently dwindled. Rahul continues to lead public rallies and his 52-year-old sister, Priyanka, is a top party strategist. But the family looks set to preside over a third straight loss in national elections and Priyanka most recently led Congress to a crushing defeat in Uttar Pradesh's 2022 state polls, harming the prestige of the Gandhi name, according to political analysts. Congress has fallen behind BJP in the fundraising stakes - and lost access to some finances as a result of tax probes. Meanwhile, influential regional parties have raised billions of rupees in funds through opaque campaign finance mechanisms such as electoral trusts and bonds, according to a Reuters review of public records. Dinesh Singh, a minister in the BJP-run Uttar Pradesh state government, told Reuters that his party's main challengers in the state - which many experts see as a bellwether for public opinion due to its size - were two regional parties, including BSP, who are contesting more than 40 seats. The Gandhis "will be phased out completely," he predicted of the upcoming election. Pankaj Tiwari, a senior Congress leader in Raebareli, said that Priyanka - who has never held elected office - would likely contest the Uttar Pradesh district and "will win with a record high margin." Congress president Kharge said it would be a mistake to assume his party does not pose a challenge to BJP nationally. Congress is running on a platform that includes expanding affirmative action programs for marginalised castes and guaranteed jobs for young Indians. There have also been nascent signs of unity among the opposition after the recent arrest of Delhi's chief minister, a top Modi critic. DEFECTIONS FROM LOYALISTS More than 8,000 politicians from Congress and other parties, including key youth leaders and prominent state leaders, have defected to BJP since Modi took power in 2014, according to data from the ruling party. Reuters was unable to verify the figures independently, but three Congress leaders said BJP's numbers appeared to be generally accurate. Some opposition leaders who were the subject of investigations by law enforcement agencies such as the powerful Enforcement Directorate - which has probed more than 100 opposition politicians since 2014 - have defected. Many of the inquiries were subsequently dropped or put on hold. But six former Congress leaders who switched allegiances - none of whom have been accused of wrongdoing - told Reuters that they left the party because of mismanagement. Chunnilal Sahu, a lawmaker from the mineral-rich Chhattisgarh state who defected to BJP in 2023, accused his former party's leaders of failing to take accountability for past electoral defeats at local level. "Instead of introspection in case of defeat, they just ignored the reasons," he told Reuters. "They don't conduct proper surveys ... There is no change. There is a group of people who run the party like a private limited company." BJP federal minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and his late father were Congress loyalists and key aides to the Gandhi family. But Scindia left Congress in 2020, saying the Gandhis did not clearly indicate how they saw his political future. "Many of those who made the shift realised that the (dynastic) politics of Congress will eclipse the genuine ambition of all other leaders," he told Reuters. In 2022, Tharoor, a former top U.N. official popular with Indian liberals and youth, lost a race for Congress's presidency to Kharge, a Gandhi loyalist now in his 80s. The result was interpreted as extending the family's clout over Congress. Asked about Congress's prospects under Gandhi leadership, Tharoor declined to comment. Rahul has recently made efforts to appeal to the masses. Last month, he completed a 6,713 kilometers (4,200 miles) march across 15 states in an attempt to spread Congress' message, after a similar 3,500-km (2,200 miles) effort in 2023 was met with large crowds. Speaking from an open-top jeep in March to a crowd of hundreds in Halol, an industrial town in Modi's home state of Gujarat, Rahul attacked the prime minister for his perceived closeness with Indian billionaires such as Reliance Industries chief Mukesh Ambani and port tycoon Gautam Adani. "I am here to tell you how Modi government is working at the behest of countrys richest people: the Adanis and Ambanis," he said. While India has increasingly suffered from growing disparity between the rich and poor, polls show that Modi has not been politically scathed by allegations that he improperly favoured some industrialists. Modi's aides rejected the accusations, saying that voters would end a culture of nepotism by voting against Congress. Congress loyalists said the party might be in disarray, but that the Gandhis were still their best hope for a serious challenge. "I really hope members of the Gandhi family continue to contest from Raebareli," said Shukla, the teacher whose house doubles as a Congress office, as he gestured toward a prayer room where three generations of Gandhis have performed pre-election religious rituals. (Reporting by Rupam Jain; Additional reporting by Jatindra Dash and Sumit Khanna; Editing by Katerina Ang) Infant dies after being left in car seat for 13 hours, mother charged A mother is facing charges after the death of her infant son. Police and medics in Lawrenceburg, Indiana were called to an apartment at Bellaire Drive for reports of an unresponsive infant. The infant was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation found that the child had been in the care of his mother, Raeleigh Phillips, who had left the child strapped in a car seat for around 13 hours, according to Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. >> Law enforcement raid 3 locations after complaints of illegal gambling Phillips claimed she had fallen asleep and then found her son slouched in her car seat. Further investigation revealed the infant had not been fed in approximately fourteen hours and the infant was wearing a soiled diaper. An autopsy found the infant died from positional asphyxia which occurs when someones position prevents them from breathing adequately. Phillips is facing charges of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and reckless homicide. Her bond was set in the amount of $200,000 surety in addition to $7,500.00 cash. File - The Instagram logo is seen on a cell phone in Boston, USA, Oct. 14, 2022. Instagram says its testing out new tools to protect young people and combat sexual extortion, including a feature that will automatically blur nudity in direct messages. The social media platform said in a blog post on Thursday, April 11, 2024 that the new features are part of its work to fight sexual scams and other forms of image abuse and to make it tougher for criminals to contact teens. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) LONDON (AP) Instagram says it's deploying new tools to protect young people and combat sexual extortion, including a feature that will automatically blur nudity in direct messages. The social media platform said in a blog post Thursday that it's testing out the features as part of its campaign to fight sexual scams and other forms of image abuse, and to make it tougher for criminals to contact teens. Sexual extortion, or sextortion, involves persuading a person to send explicit photos online and then threatening to make the images public unless the victim pays money or engages in sexual favors. Recent high-profile cases include two Nigerian brothers who pleaded guilty to sexually extorting teen boys and young men in Michigan, including one who took his own life, and a Virginia sheriffs deputy who sexually extorted and kidnapped a 15-year-old girl. Instagram and other social media companies have faced growing criticism for not doing enough to protect young people. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Instagram's owner Meta Platforms, apologized to the parents of victims of such abuse during a Senate hearing earlier this year. Meta, which is based in Menlo Park, California, also owns Facebook and WhatsApp but the nudity blur feature wont be added to messages sent on those platforms. Instagram said scammers often use direct messages to ask for intimate images. To counter this, it will soon start testing out a nudity-protection feature for direct messages that blurs any images with nudity and encourages people to think twice before sending nude images. The feature is designed not only to protect people from seeing unwanted nudity in their DMs, but also to protect them from scammers who may send nude images to trick people into sending their own images in return, Instagram said. The feature will be turned on by default globally for teens under 18. Adult users will get a notification encouraging them to activate it. Images with nudity will be blurred with a warning, giving users the option to view it. They'll also get an option to block the sender and report the chat. For people sending direct messages with nudity, they will get a message reminding them to be cautious when sending sensitive photos." They'll also be informed that they can unsend the photos if they change their mind, but that there's a chance others may have already seen them. As with many of Meta's tools and policies around child safety, critics saw the move as a positive step, but one that does not go far enough. I think the tools announced can protect senders, and that is welcome. But what about recipients?" said Arturo Bejar, former engineering director at the social media giant who is known for his expertise in curbing online harassment. He said 1 in 8 teens receives an unwanted advance on Instagram every seven days, citing internal research he compiled while at Meta that he presented in November testimony before Congress. "What tools do they get? What can they do if they get an unwanted nude? Bejar said things wont meaningfully change until there is a way for a teen to say theyve received an unwanted advance, and there is transparency about it. White House assistant press secretary Robyn Patterson also noted Thursday that President Joe Biden has been outspoken about his belief that social media companies can do more to combat sexual exploitation online. Instagram said it's working on technology to help identify accounts that could be potentially be engaging in sexual extortion scams, based on a range of signals that could indicate sextortion behavior. To stop criminals from connecting with young people, it's also taking measures including not showing the message button on a teens profile to potential sextortion accounts, even if they already follow each other, and testing new ways to hide teens from these accounts. In January, the FBI warned of a huge increase in sextortion cases targeting children including financial sextortion, where someone threatens to release compromising images unless the victim pays. The targeted victims are primarily boys between the ages of 14 to 17, but the FBI said any child can become a victim. In the six-month period from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI saw a more than 20% increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion cases involving minor victims compared to the same period in the previous year. __ AP Technology Writer Barbara Ortutay in Oakland, California, contributed to this report. Invasive pest detected in Ohio; What experts say to look out for Starting today, several counties are under quarantine for an invasive insect that could cause all kind of problems. As reported on News Center 7 at 6, box tree moths have been on the Ohio Department of Agricultures radar since last June. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Invasive pest detected in Ohio; Quarantine starts today for several counties Now they are calling for a quarantine of the moths. The quarantine is to try and limit the spread of the insect on boxwood shrubs, Dan Kenny, Chief of the Division of Plant Health at the Ohio Department of Agriculture said. This will help protect the law services in the state as well as homeowners. Ohios nursery industry, which is, is really pretty darn large. I think were like the fourth in the nation in terms of nursery stock production, Kerny said. News Center 7 spoke to two landscaping companies in the area, they said that planting an average row of boxwood shrubs can cause a run owner around $1,500. Don Cipollini is a biology professor, he said we are still learning just how harmful these moths may be. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Invasive pest detected in Ohio; several counties under quarantine Theres no evidence that this insect will eat anything else other than boxwood, so its what you call a specialist insect, Cipollini, professor of biology at Wright State University said. Cipollini believes the quarantine could be a good first step to protect growers in our area. It will do a number on if you get a large infestation, theyll chew them to the ground practically, he said. At this time, the Department of Agriculture said they cannot estimate how long the quarantine will last. They are encouraging everyone who spots the insects to report them here. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. A new bill signed by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) on Wednesday will make it illegal for a person to be in the state if they were previously denied entry to the United States or were removed from the country. The bill SF 2340 will make it a state crime for someone to be in Iowa if they have outstanding deportation orders, were previously removed from the U.S. or were previously denied admission to Iowa. Once a suspect is in custody, the law states that they could agree to a judges order to leave the country or face further charges. The judges order must include information on the method of transportation the person uses to get to the port of entry and the law enforcement officer or agency responsible for ensuring they comply with the order. The law is reminiscent of a Texas state law that gives state law enforcement the authority to arrest people they suspect of entering the country illegally. The Texas law is facing legal battles as it is currently blocked in court. Reynolds said in a statement after she signed the bill that this will give law enforcement more power to enforce already existing immigration laws. The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nations immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk. Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books. The legislation will be enacted on July 1. The bill has already faced criticism from activists and migrants living in Iowa. Advocacy group Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice vowed to fight the new legislation in a statement on Wednesday. Iowa politicians moved this ridiculous stunt forward in an election year in order to perpetuate partisan campaign rhetoric, drive fear in immigrant communities and mobilize voters using fear and anti-immigrant sentiment. Immigrants rights organizations are ready to fight back and work to block this unconstitutional law from going into effect, the statement read. Mark Stringer, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, said the legislation was one of the most extreme, discriminatory, and unconstitutional anti-immigrant bills in the country when the Iowa state Legislature approved it last month. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Iran aims to contain fallout in Israel response, will not be hasty, sources say FILE PHOTO: Iranians attend a rally marking Quds Day and the funeral of members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Tehran By Parisa Hafezi and Jonathan Landay DUBAI/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Iran has signalled to Washington that it will respond to Israel's attack on its Syrian embassy in a way that aims to avoid major escalation and it will not act hastily, as Tehran presses demands including a Gaza truce, Iranian sources said. Iran's message to Washington was conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian during a visit on Sunday to the Gulf Arab state of Oman, which has often acted as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington, the sources said. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on any messages from Iran but said the United States has communicated to Iran that it was not involved in the strike on the embassy. Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment. The Omani government did not immediately respond to emailed questions for comment, sent during the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday. A source familiar with U.S. intelligence was not aware of the message conveyed via Oman but said Iran has been very clear that its response to the attack on its Damascus embassy compound would be controlled and non-escalatory and planned to use regional proxies to launch a number of attacks on Israel. The diplomatic messaging points to a cautious approach by Iran as it weighs how to respond to the April 1 attack in a way that deters Israel from further such actions, but avoids a military escalation that could suck in the United States. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday that Israel "must be punished and it shall be", saying it was tantamount to an attack on Iranian soil. Israel has not confirmed it was responsible, but the Pentagon has said it was. The attack, which killed a top Iranian general, marked an escalation in the violence that has spread through the region since the Gaza war began. Tehran has carefully avoided any direct role in the regional spillover, while backing groups which have waged attacks from Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Iranian-backed Shiite Muslim militias have not attacked U.S. troops in Syria and Iraq since early February. One of the Iranian sources did not rule out the possibility that members of the Iran-backed Axis of Resistance could attack Israel at any moment - an option analysts have flagged as one possible means of reprisal. The sources said Amirabdollahian, in his Oman meetings, signalled Tehran's willingness to de-escalate on condition demands are met, including a permanent Gaza ceasefire - something Israel has ruled out as it seeks to crush Hamas. The sources said Iran also sought the revival of talks over its disputed nuclear programme. Those talks have been stalled for nearly two years, with both sides accusing each other of making unreasonable demands. And Tehran also sought assurances that the United States would not get involved in the event of a "controlled attack" on Israel by Iran - a demand which the United States rejected in a response delivered via Oman, the sources said. Irans retaliatory strikes would be non-escalatory toward the United States as they dont want the U.S. to get involved, said the source familiar with U.S. intelligence, indicating Iran would not direct its proxy militias in Syria and Iraq to target U.S. forces in those countries. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that Iran was threatening to launch a "significant attack in Israel", and that he had told Netanyahu "our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is iron-clad". Israel has said it would answer any attack from Iran. If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a post on the X social media platform in Farsi and Hebrew on Wednesday. IRAN'S 'CONUNDRUM' Experts on Iranian diplomacy said such tough demands from Tehran were typical of the hard-nosed approach it takes in negotiations. But the contacts nevertheless pointed to its interest in warding off major conflict. Eurasia group analyst Gregory Brew said Khamenei was "trapped in a strategic conundrum". "Iran must respond to restore deterrence and maintain credibility among its Resistance Front allies. But on the other hand, retaliating to restore deterrence would likely bring an even greater, and more destructive Israeli response, likely with U.S. assistance," he said. The Iranian sources said the U.S. had asked Iran to exercise restraint and allow space for diplomacy, cautioning Tehran that in the event of a direct attack it will stand by Israel. The Iranian sources said Iran believes Netanyahu aims to draw Tehran into a war, therefore its retaliation could be a restrained one that avoids direct strikes on Israeli territory and may draw on Tehran's allies. The U.S. Middle East envoy has called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Iraq to ask them to deliver a message to Iran urging it to lower tensions with Israel, a source with knowledge of the situation said. A source familiar with the issue said the U.S. might well agree to revived nuclear talks if that could prevent a conflagration. If we are talking about talks and not (about) reaching an agreement, then it would seem to be well worth the price if the payoff is minimizing the risk of a regional escalation into which the U.S. would be dragged, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Ali Vaez of International Crisis Group said Irans dilemma was "to figure out how to retaliate in a way that it saves face without losing its head". "Israel is much more unpredictable than the U.S.," he said. "The Supreme Leader is clearly concerned that rather than delivering the deterrent effect he might hope to achieve, an attack on Israel may only fuel a counter-escalation he might have hoped to avoid." (Writing by Tom Perry; Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Jeff Mason, Arshad Mohammed and Matt Spetalnick in Washington; Editing by Daniel Wallis) All Irans options for an attack on Israel and how Netanyahu could respond Israel is braced for a potentially major escalation in its conflict with Iran after a US intelligence assessment warned that Tehran could order a strike on military and government targets inside the country in the coming days. Israeli ministers have vowed that if Tehran takes direct military action then they will respond with their own strikes on Iranian territory, opening the door to a full-scale regional war in the Middle East. A US intelligence assessment revealed this week by Bloomberg states that Iran could be poised to launch high-precision strikes using ballistic missiles or drones on targets inside Israel. A source quoted in the report said it was a matter of when, not if, Iran strikes, though it is less clear whether Tehran would take direct action or rely on its proxy network. Either way, the Bloomberg report suggests Iran is drawing up plans for attacks only on military and government sites in Israel, of which the most obvious would be the Kirya, the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv. Other potential targets include air bases, such as those in Palmachim in central Israel or Meron in the north, as well as the Knesset [parliament] and prime ministers office in Jerusalem. However, Jerusalem would be an extraordinarily reckless target for Iran or its proxies to choose, in part due to the mostly Palestinian population in East Jerusalem and above all the citys obvious religious significance. If Iran did take the plunge and launch direct action on Israel a move that would be highly uncharacteristic for supreme leader Ali Khamenei, even in light of the ongoing crisis it would presumably rely on ballistic missiles and/or its drone swarms. What weapons does Iran have? The bulk of Irans long-range missile power lies in its Fateh, Khaebar and Dezful models, which all have a range of 1,000 kilometres or further. Iran has also recently unveiled a new long-range drone model, the Mohajer 10, which it claims is capable of bombing Israel into the stone age. A missile or drone launch from Iranian territory would test the range limits of Irans arsenal, as the distance from southwestern Iran to Israel as the crow flies is about 1,700 kilometres. Israel is theoretically within the reach of Iranian missile power as it claims to possess Kheibar missiles which can travel up to 2,000 kilometres. Experts on the Iranian regime are highly sceptical of the prospect of a direct attack from Iran as it would upend a long-standing policy of fuelling conflicts with Israel from a distance via proxy groups or covert attacks. But they also pointed out that Irans leadership will be under pressure to put on a display of force in response to the Damascus consulate attack. The regime in toto is generally cautious and has avoided direct confrontation, but they have been provoked more than usual, said Dr Steven Wagner, a senior lecturer in international security at Brunel University. The Israeli strike [last week on Damascus] in Syria is definitely going to create a feeling of a need for reprisal...it may be the politicians have decided they have had enough and that it makes sense to make a dramatic statement. What happens if Iran attacks Israel? A direct attack from Iranian territory would amount to an act of war against Israel, and would arguably be an overreaction to the initial strike in Damascus which targeted Iranian forces abroad, not targets within Iran itself. A kinetic attack using ballistic missiles or drones against Israeli homeland targets would be the most impactful, and risky, option available to Tehran, said Jonathan Panikoff, a director at the Atlantic Council, in a recent security assessment. While Iran might seek to prevent escalation to a full-scale war, for example, by striking military or intelligence targets only, as opposed to civilian ones, this is still a risky step given that Iran has been trying to avoid a wider conflict for which it is likely ill-prepared. The other scenario, more in line with Irans prior conduct, would be ordering a proxy group in southern Lebanon or Syria, such as Hezbollah, to launch large-scale missile or drone strikes over the border at Israel Hezbollah has an enormous stockpile of powerful missiles that risk overwhelming Israels air defences, in particular its Iron Dome and Davids Sling systems. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could use proxy group Hezbollah to strike Israel - Iranian Supreme Leader'S Office/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock If they decide its on and we are going to give all we have, they would shut down the northern half of the country for sure, it would be impossible to go outside, and Israeli missile defences would be swamped by this level of barrage, Dr Wagner said. However, he stressed that Hezbollah in Lebanon has shown a lot of restraint over the past six months and seems deeply reluctant to commit to full-scale war with Israel. Hezbollah also considers its vast missile stockpiles as a crucial deterrent against Israel; using them up now in support of Iran would mean giving up key leverage. A major attack by Irans proxies or its own forces risks dragging the United States into the fray, an outcome that Iran likely wishes to avoid as its ongoing economic crises, driven by crippling sanctions, leave it ill-prepared for a war with America. Joe Biden, the US president, has reiterated his ironclad commitment to defending Israel in response to the fears this week over an Iranian attack. The Times of Israel reported on Thursday that America has not ruled out launching a joint response with Israel against Iran, if Israeli soil is targeted. Diplomatic efforts are also said to be under way by US officials to persuade Saudi Arabia, which is trying to maintain its own detente with Iran, and other Gulf states into lobbying Tehran towards de-escalation. Psychological warfare? There also remains the distinct possibility that, contrary to the US intelligence assessment and media reports, the attack is not imminent. It could instead be part of a wider effort to wage psychological warfare against Israel, and possibly probe for weaknesses in its air defence, by making threats aimed at putting Israels military in a constant state of alert. The fear of an Iranian attack has already prompted Lufthansa to temporarily suspend flights to Tehran. Despite all the noise made by the Iranian regime, a direct strike against Israel by its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains highly improbable, said Kasra Aarabi, an expert on the Iranian military at the United Against a Nuclear Iran advocacy group. Instead, the IRGC is currently engaged in waging a mass psychological warfare operation with the goal of making the fear of an attack worse than an actual strike, he said. If last nights psychological operation was to inflict fear on regional states that host US forces and/or have ties with Israel increasing their angst that they could be targets then the IRGC will be pleased with the outcome. How will Israel respond to Irans threats? Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, would likely consider a response in-kind if Israeli military or government targets were hit by Iran. These would include targets such as the IRGC headquarters in Tehran, or potentially other IRGC bases such as its new installations in the Sistan and Baluchistan provinces. Facing immense pressure within Israel to focus effort on bringing home hostages from Gaza, the prime minister is unlikely to be keen on pursuing war with Iran unless it is absolutely necessary and in response to an immediate, existential threat. Israel has also for many years harboured ambitions to completely dismantle Irans nuclear programme, making that another obvious target in a potential Iran-Israel war. However, its leadership still considers diplomacy or, if needed, covert military action, as viable alternatives. If direct military action by Iran is coming, preparations to carry out the strike would most likely be spotted in advance by American and Israeli intelligence agencies such as large-scale troop or missile launcher deployments. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the state of Israel, both defensively and offensively, Mr Netanyahu said on Thursday. All-out war At a first glance, a full Iran-Israel war might appear to be in Irans favour due its vastly higher number of troops 1.2 million and its thousands of artillery systems. But when it comes to tanks Israel has 3,000 double Tehrans stockpile. And, in any case, this war would probably unfold in the skies, not on land: the two nations are separated by Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The latter two countries have no interest whatsoever in allowing the conflict to spill into their territory. Iran could potentially try to send its troops to invade Israel via Iraq, where it wields significant political influence, and its key ally Syria, but they would be met with a significant response from US forces stationed in those areas. Israel is understood to have a larger and more powerful air force than Iran, though Iran has been trying to source new fighter jets from Russia in return for arming Moscow with drones to fight Ukraine. It is unclear how supportive neighbouring Arab states might be if Israel needed to use their airspace for strikes on Iranian territory. Relations between the Gulf states and Israel have cooled significantly since the outbreak of the Oct 7 war due to the extremely high number of civilian casualties in Gaza. However, prior to the Hamas massacre, Saudi Arabia in particular was becoming a closer security partner of Israel. And, further back, in 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed historic normalisation treaties with Israel. 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 Iran responds to Damascus attack could determine trajectory of conflict in the Middle East Reports that Iran is preparing reprisal attacks following the deadly bombing of a facility that Israel claims is linked to threats against its interests have provoked fears of conflict widening in the Middle East. U.S. President Joe Biden has vowed ironclad support for Israel, which is widely considered to be responsible for the April 1, 2024, attack, amid fiery rhetoric from Tehran warning of revenge. But what could an Iranian response look like? And how is Tehran thinking about the associated pros and cons of any such activity? The Conversation U.S. turned to Javed Ali, a national security expert at the University of Michigan and former senior U.S. counterterrorism official, for answers. How has the Damascus attack changed the calculus in Tehran? The attack in Damascus which the Israeli government has yet to acknowledge publicly was a dramatic turn in the long-running shadow war between Israel and Iran. For decades now, both Iran and Israel have engaged in operations against each other in both the physical and virtual worlds. These attacks have involved cyberoperations, support to proxy forces, airstrikes and targeted killings that have taken a toll on both sides. The Damascus attack was particularly dramatic, however, because it killed two generals and five other officers in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force. The Quds Force is Irans unconventional warfare wing that has supported Tehrans proxies and regional partners with money, weapons and equipment for decades. Moreover, it took place on a diplomatic enclave, which Israel had not previously conducted operations against, even in Damascus. Iranians attend the funeral for seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members killed in an April 1, 2024, strike in Syria. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images In the history of the Quds Force, it had never lost that many officers in one operation by its adversaries. Even the significant U.S. attack against former Quds Force chief Qassem Soleimani in January 2020 did not kill other senior members of the organization. In addition, Mohammad Zahedi, one of the generals killed in the April 1 attack, was directly responsible for managing relationships with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Syrian government and Shia militias in that country, and Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza and the West Bank. What have the US, Israel and Iran said about reprisal attacks? Immediately after the attack, Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, publicly blamed Israel and vowed revenge. Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir said, We consider this aggression to have violated all diplomatic norms and international treaties. (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu has completely lost his mental balance due to the successive failures in Gaza and his failure to achieve his Zionist goals. From the Israeli perspective, even though there was no official acknowledgment of the Damascus operation, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that the building hit was not a diplomatic facility but a location where Quds Force officials would meet their partners in the region to advance operations against Israel. Many news outlets have reported that unidentified U.S. officials believe a major Iranian ballistic missile or drone strike on Israel is imminent. If true, this would mirror how Iran responded to the death of Qassem Soleimani in January 2020 by firing ballistic missiles at U.S. forces stationed at al-Asad Air Base in western Iraq about two weeks later. The United States has also indicated that it may assist Israel in responding to any Iranian direct attack, although the details of that are unclear. Whats Irans philosophy on attacks against its interests? Against the backdrop of the decades-long shadow war between Iran and Israel that has so far not erupted into larger-scale hostilities, Irans philosophy to date has been one of proportional and measured responses that try not to escalate the conflict. While Khamenei said on April 10 that the evil regime made a mistake and it should be punished and will be punished, Iran will often wait days to weeks or even years before seeking retribution. Iranians burn Israel and U.S. flags during a funeral for members of the IRGC Quds Force. Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images Tehrans decision-making seems driven by a combination of factors. First, national security has been concentrated in the hands of the the supreme leader ever since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, meaning the ayatollah has ultimate say in Irans strategy and outlook. Second, operational considerations regarding access to possible targets and Irans ability to inflict harm on them regardless whether they are physical or virtual are just as important. And third, analysis of the implications of a successful reprisal attack and how they could impact other important Iranian considerations and interests very likely are at play. For example, is the supreme leader thinking about the possible risks of any Iranian response versus gains made on Irans nuclear program, its ability to circumvent U.S.-led sanctions against its economy, or domestic backlash should Israel conduct operations directly inside Iran? What possible attack options could Iran be looking at? With this framework in mind, a possible Iranian ballistic missile attack against Israeli diplomatic facilities in the region might be one option on the table. Indeed, Iran has already said that Israels embassies are no longer safe following the Damascus strike. From the Iranian perspective, this would probably be perceived as proportional and not a widening of the ongoing conflict with Israel. However, what that kind of attack would look like is difficult to assess, since it would have to be carried out in dense urban environments anywhere in the region. In such circumstances, the impact of a ballistic missile could cause a wider pattern of damage and civilian harm, potentially in a Muslim-majority country something that could provoke a backlash in Iran or create diplomatic problems between Iran and other countries in the region. Conversely, ballistic missile attacks against Israeli military targets directly in Israel similar to what Iran carried out in the January 2020 al-Asad Air Base attack in Iraq might be operationally feasible but be perceived by Israel as escalatory. Tehran will be wary of any retaliatory strike that would invite a significant military response beyond Israels already aggressive posture against the IRGC and Quds Force. Beyond ballistic missiles, Iran could turn to its partners and proxies in the region to attack Israeli interests with conventional weapons or unconventionally with terrorist attacks. While there is a long pattern of such Iranian-backed terrorism against Israel both in the region and transnationally, including the Oct. 7 assault by Hamas, the supreme leader and other Iranian security officials may not choose that route since it could be seen as not coming directly from Iran and fitting the proportional and measured framework. If Iran does respond, is that going to lead to a wider regional conflict? Thats the $64,000 question. A wider conflict that draws in the U.S., Irans great regional rival Saudi Arabia and others is what security analysts, government officials and pretty much everyone else in the region have feared is the next step of the conflict. The answer would lie in future unknowns, notably how Israel responds and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate to any attack within its borders then how Iran and others react to that. With so many variables in play, it is difficult to know if an Iranian response to the attack in Damascus will restore deterrence in Tehrans eyes or trigger a broader range of attacks by multiple parties that further destabilize an already volatile region. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Javed Ali, University of Michigan Read more: Javed Ali does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Islamic center at Rutgers University broken into, trashed during Eid al-Fitr, authorities say Islamic center at Rutgers University broken into, trashed during Eid al-Fitr, authorities say The Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University in New Jersey was broken into and trashed overnight, days after anti-Israel agitators interrupted a town hall and Jewish students had to be ushered out by police. A video posted online by the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations (CAIR) shows glass shattered on the floor as well as damage to televisions, printers and artwork with Quranic verses. "This reprehensible act, occurring on our sacred day, is undoubtedly fueled by Islamophobia is clearly a hate crime targeting our Muslim population at Rutgers," a CILRU statement said. A Palestinian flag was ripped from a pole, said CILRU Imam Kaiser Aslam, who shared a video of the aftermath of the break-in. The vandalism occurred sometime between Tuesday night and early Wednesday, the Rutgers Police Department said. VANDERBILT STUDENTS ARRESTED, SUSPENDED AT ROWDY PROTEST OVER ANTI-ISRAEL BALLOT INITIATIVE Glass and what appears to be a broken lamp on the floor of the Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University. No one was in the building at the time, police said. The incident happened on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday that follows the fasting month of Ramadan. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "disgusted" to learn of the incident. "There is a criminal investigation underway and we are working with Rutgers and law enforcement to ensure the safety of our Muslim students. Islamophobia has NO place in New Jersey," he wrote on X. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said he was aware of the vandalism. He said "acts of hate against the Muslim community" won't be tolerated. Platkin said his office was working with the Rutgers police, the New Jersey State Police, the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, the Division of Criminal Justice and the Division on Civil Rights to investigate the matter. COLUMBIA PROF WHO CALLED OUT CAMPUS ANTISEMITISM SAYS SCHOOL INVESTIGATING HIM "We will continue to work tirelessly, using every tool at our disposal to ensure that all New Jerseyans live without fear, knowing that our state's diversity is supported, protected and embraced," he said. The incident came days after anti-Israel agitators interrupted a town hall at the university last week, prompting President Jonathan Holloway to end the session early. A student told Fox News Digital that Jewish students had to be ushered out of the event by police. The town hall was hosted by the Rutgers University Student Assembly, which had also put two BDS boycott, divest and sanction referendums up for a vote on severing ties with Tel Aviv University and divesting from anything connected to Israel. The Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University was vandalized overnight, officials said Wednesday. "Its been a tough couple of months since Oct. 7 at Rutgers," Joe Gindi, a Jewish student who attended the town hall, told Fox News Digital. "I was not prepared for a protest. No Jewish students brought banners or flags, no Jewish students shouted or anything or disrupted the event. We were just there to hear a town hall." Rutgers police have not released a description of any suspects connected to the vandalism of the Islamic Center on campus. Fox News Digital's Brie Stimson contributed to this report. Original article source: Islamic center at Rutgers University broken into, trashed during Eid al-Fitr, authorities say How Israel and Iran went from best friends to arch-enemies on the cusp of all-out war When Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini launched an Islamic revolution in Iran in 1979 and overthrew the countrys pro-Western leader, one of the first things he did was cut ties with Israel. The two countries had been allies under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, back when the nascent state of Israel was keen to work with any non-Arab friends in the region. In the 1960s and 1970s, Israel sent contractors and military advisers to Tehran and bought Iranian oil. The two countries were even involved in a joint weapons development programme that was kept under wraps for fear of angering Irans Arab allies. But everything changed when Khomeini, a Shia cleric, seized power. He saw Israel as an American puppet crushing the rights of the Muslim Palestinians, and denied the country had a right to exist. The Shah of Iran was ousted and forced into exile in 1979, signalling a rapid deterioration in his country's relations with Israel - PICTURES FROM HISTORY/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP EDITORIAL He gave away the newly evacuated Israeli embassy in Tehran to the Palestinian Liberation Organisation and brought in a new annual holiday, Quds [the Arabic name for Jerusalem] Day, to inspire Muslims around the world to rally against the usurper Israel. Irans post-revolution foreign policy was at first overzealous and ideological: The very existence of Israel was an affront to the anti-imperialist fervour that had captured the Iranian revolutionary psyche, Dalia Dassa Kaye wrote in the 2011 book Israel and Iran: A Dangerous Rivalry. In the 1980s and 1990s, Tehrans enmity towards Israel remained largely rhetorical. Iran would refer publicly to Israel as Little Satan, while Big Satan was the US. The Shia-majority country would regularly threaten to destroy Israel in order to save holy Muslim sites such as the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, as it tried to paint itself as a key backer of the Palestinian resistance to win support in the Islamic world, which is largely Sunni. But there were no direct clashes. In fact, Khomeinis regime ended up buying weapons costing $500 million from the Israeli government during the 1980s Iran-Iraq war to stave off Saddam Husseins invading forces. Proxies waged decades-long shadow war Meanwhile, however, Iran was building up an army of proxy forces on Israels borders setting up a key precedent in what would become a decades-long shadow war. Iran was instrumental in helping to transform Shia Lebanese militant group Hezbollah from what the IDF described as rag-tag group in the 1980s to the capable military force it is today. Hezbollah fighters have been travelling to Iran for years for training and Tehran gave the group some $700 million in cash and weapons in 2020 alone, according to a US State Department report. After the first intifada Palestinian uprising ended in 1993, Iran and Hezbollah hosted fighters of an emerging terror movement called Hamas and taught them how to build and use suicide bombs. The tactic was exported to Israel and used to deadly effect during the second intifada in the early 2000s. Since then, Iran is believed to have sent dozens of millions of dollars to Hamas, a predominantly Sunni organisation but one that also denies Israels right to exist. Tehran has also propped up the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and the Houthis in Yemen, both of whom agitate against Israel and Western interests. Yitzhak Rabin went from calling Iran one of Israel's best friends to condemning its 'dark murderous regime' - ESAIAS BAITEL/GAMMA-RAPHO Israel did not begin to view Iran as a strategic threat until well into the 1990s. Nobel Peace Prize-winning Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin once called Iran one of Israels best friends. But within a few years he had changed his tone, describing Khomeini as leading a dark, murderous regime. Despite the fact the countries share no border and are more than 1,000 miles away from each other, Irans alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons meant that Israel soon had to take Tehrans threats much more seriously. Iran has played nuclear catch-up Israel is widely believed to have possessed nuclear weapons since the late 1960s, despite never having officially acknowledged their existence. Ever since then, Iran has been playing catch-up, although it has always maintained that its programme is strictly for civilian purposes. Irans nuclear programme first came to light in early 2000s when several Iranian dissident groups revealed the existence of an uranium enrichment site and a heavy-water production facility. While both can be used for power generation, they can also be repurposed to make weapons-grade uranium and weapons-grade plutonium, raising suspicions that Iran was trying to make a nuclear bomb. Suspicions were raised further when the US administration announced the discovery of a second, clandestine underground facility to enrich uranium. The car in which Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh died in November 2020. Israel is widely believed to have behind the killing - IRIB NEWS AGENCY/AFP In a clear sign of what exactly Israel considered to be an existential threat, suspected Mossad agents carried out a string of attacks on nuclear scientists inside Iran in the early 2010s. In just two years, five prominent physicists were shot dead or killed in car bombs. Israel also reportedly developed an advanced computer worm that managed to damage centrifuges at one of Irans enrichment plans. In response, Iran targeted several Israeli embassies abroad with car bombs. After the eight-year rule of Holocaust-denying Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad finally came to an end in 2013, Iran struck a historic nuclear deal with the West in 2015. It agreed to significant restrictions on its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief and allowed international monitors to visit some though not all of its enrichment sites. Netanyahu blasted Wests nuclear deal with Iran Israel was furious, with Benjamin Netanyahu, then in the second of his three periods as prime minister, blasting the agreement for fuelling Irans aggression with hundreds of billions of dollars in sanctions relief. Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the deal in 2018, claiming it failed to curtail Irans missile programme and regional influence. Tehran began ignoring the restrictions on its nuclear programme a year later. Since then, Israel is believed to have continued to eliminate top Iranian officials. When the US assassinated Iranian military commander Qassim Soleimani in January 2020, it was reported to have been done with the help of Israeli intelligence. In November that year, a remote-controlled gun killed Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Irans top nuclear scientist. In 2022, seven officers affiliated with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including two colonels, were killed in separate incidents. Since Oct 7, when Hamas launched its brutal assault on Israel and killed around 1,200 people, Israel is alleged to have conducted dozens of strikes in Syria to kill senior Iranian commanders and officials, including the IRGCs intelligence chief in the country. This month, it is believed to have bombed Tehrans embassy in Damascus, wiping out seven Iranians including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, one of the IRGCs most senior commanders. But there was a fear the embassy attack could signal a shift in Israels long-held strategy of dealing with Iran in a low-intensity, integrated and preemptive warfare, Yossi Mekelberg of Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa programme, wrote in a recent piece. There is a real danger of war by miscalculation, as every move by any of the actors involved is perceived as part of a grand plan for eliminating the other side. Iran last week launched an unprecedented strike on Israel, in a barrage of more than 350 drones and missiles. And now, despite warnings from President Biden, it appears Mr Netanyahu has exercised his right to strike Iran at a manner and time of Israels choosing. In the early hours of Friday morning, Israel launches what appeared to be a retaliatory strike on Iran, as several drones attacked the Isfahan air base. The world is now waiting anxiously as the region tips closer to all-out war. 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 vows to strike back after warnings of Iranian attack, says enemies 'will be met with a strong defense' Israel vows to strike back after warnings of Iranian attack, says enemies 'will be met with a strong defense' Israel warned on Wednesday that anyone who tries to strike them "will be met with a strong defense," after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed to retaliate against Israel over the attack on its Syrian consulate earlier this month. "We know how to respond quickly and decisively to the territory of whoever attacks our territory no matter where that may be in the Middle East," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said. "Over the years, we have been known to prepare surprises for our enemies." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued similar warnings Wednesday, saying his country's forces would strike Iran directly if the Islamic Republic launched an attack from its territory against Israel. "If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran," Katz said in a post on X in both Farsi and Hebrew. Khamenei made his remarks at a prayer ceremony celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, saying the April 1 strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus was akin to an attack on Iranian territory. IRAN'S FOREIGN MINISTER ACCUSES U.S. OF GIVING ISRAEL GREEN LIGHT TO ATTACK CONSULATE IN SYRIA READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The strike killed 12 people, including Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior figure in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard who led the group's elite Quds Force in Lebanon and Syria until 2016. "When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory," Khamenei said, in remarks broadcast by Iranian state TV. "The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished." IRAN'S LEADER SAYS 4 THREATENING WORDS TO ISRAEL, BLASTS THE US AND WEST FOR DISASTER IN GAZA Israel has not acknowledged its involvement, though it has been bracing for an Iranian response to the attack, a significant escalation in their long-running shadow war. The U.S. and its allies have issued similar warnings of a possible retaliatory strike from Iran. A report from Irans state-funded Mehr news agency briefly appeared on X earlier Wednesday concerning airspace over Tehran being closed for "military drills." That report was later removed and the agency denied it ever publishing it, according to Reuters. City skyline of Tehran, Iran. The escalation of words comes days after the war between Israel and Hamas entered its seventh month. Israeli forces have been fighting Hamas after the Iran-backed terrorist group stormed Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 more hostages. Per the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza, Israel is responsible for the deaths of more than 33,000 Palestinians, though the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and enemy combatants. Israel has disputed these figures. Original article source: Israel vows to strike back after warnings of Iranian attack, says enemies 'will be met with a strong defense' Remains hopeful that SilverBow's Board will reverse course and start engaging in a constructive dialogue Requests Board's view of relative value by April 15 Board previously stated it was 'open to exploring transactions at appropriate valuations' so it should have information on hand NEW YORK and DENVER, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimmeridge, an alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector and the largest shareholder of SilverBow Resources ("SilverBow") holding 12.9% of outstanding shares, today provided additional information to SilverBow's Board of Directors and is making it available to the public as well. Kimmeridge is hopeful this supplementary information will prompt SilverBow's Board to initiate a substantive due diligence process with respect to Kimmeridge's March 13, 2024 proposal to combine Kimmeridge Texas Gas ("KTG") and SilverBow (the "Proposal"). Kimmeridge (PRNewsfoto/Kimmeridge) Additional information regarding the Proposal and KTG's asset base can be found at www.Kimmeridge.com/sbow/. The full text of Kimmeridge's letter to SilverBow's Board is included below. *** Dear Mr. Woolverton, We are in receipt of your letter requesting additional diligence items. We have made the requested information available in public and are eager to share the remainder of the information subject to a standard non-disclosure agreement. As you know, per our offer letter on March 13, 2024 (the "Proposal") and our supplemental data release on April 1, 2024, we had already pre-populated a data room for your team with this and other information that has been available to you for quite some time. During this period, we have stood ready to give you full access to the data room and answer any questions you or your advisors may have. Unfortunately, since making our Proposal, we have heard nothing from SilverBow or its advisors regarding substantive engagement in a due diligence process to assess our offer. Kimmeridge delivered a financed, premium proposal for a multi-billion-dollar combination. In response, we have received 20 random questions as addendums to two letters. Both letters were delivered minutes following your filing of proxy solicitation materials, wherein you rejected our Proposal and then said you needed more information to evaluate its value. All together, you have made it clear that you plan to refuse to engage seriously and instead intend 'take this to the annual meeting,' as was intimated to one of the Board nominees in their interview process with you and the participating SilverBow Board members. Turning to the most recent eight questions we received, we are unclear why certain of this information is of value to you, especially in the absence of any contact from your team. For example: You ask for 2023 financials, but under our Proposal SilverBow would be the surviving entity and we have made available to you a pro forma balance sheet as of the proposed closing date. You ask for our RBL details, but our Proposal contemplates providing replacement debt on a combination. You ask for the Laredo purchase price, but you and your advisors were provided this in August 2022 and again in February 2023, and it has not changed. Lastly you have requested capital allocation by area and type curve but we have already provided the drilling program by type curve. If your team does not have an accurate understanding of the phase windows across the Eagle Ford we would welcome a meeting to further their understanding, but this raises its own concerns. The investment community recognizes your playbook to date. You claim to evaluate a transaction but will, inevitably, walk away from any deal in which SilverBow is the smaller company in a merger. Your strategy appears premised on buying time, hoping that the price of the commodity rises, the annual meeting passes or that constructive shareholders just walk away. In our view, it is self-preservation at the expense of shareholder value. You are so focused on 'fighting Kimmeridge' at all times and at all costs that you've lost sight of the stakeholders you were either elected or appointed to serve all of which we believe necessitates the need for fresh perspectives in the SilverBow Boardroom. As we have delivered the combination proposal that you and your Board requested, answered your questions asked to-date, and given the compelling strategic value of a combination, I remain hopeful that the SilverBow Board actually intends to work in the best interest of all shareholders. To that end, we respectfully request that you provide your views of SilverBow's relative value and the terms under which you would be willing to transact by April 15, 2024. Based on your prior correspondence and public statements you have noted that SilverBow completed an analysis of relative value that it reviewed with the Board, so we expect this information is readily available. We and the investment community look forward to receiving it, as otherwise it would be impossible to work towards the April 26, 2024 deadline that we had placed on our Proposal. Regards, Ben Dell, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Kimmeridge Appendix Kimmeridge Responses to SilverBow's April 9 Questions 1. What is the timing of providing KTG's 2023 financials? If there is a reason for the longer than customary period to complete the financials, please explain. Can you also provide audited 2022 financials? The 2023 audited financials are complete, and the main financial statements are provided here. The detailed notes to the financials include information under NDA with third parties and we are not permitted to disclose publicly, but we will share in our data room. Please clarify what 2022 information you need and its value in your underlying analysis as we did not close the Laredo transaction until September 20, 2022. 2. Please provide complete information on balance sheet/credit agreements: As previously disclosed, KTG's forecasted 2024E net leverage is 0.8x vs. SBOW's forecasted 2024E net leverage is "less than 1.5x". KTG is in full compliance with its credit agreement. The KTG RBL would be replaced with alternative financing, as documented in our Proposal. We disclosed our forecast balance sheet and would be happy to make the KTG credit agreement available to you in the data room despite its irrelevance to the proposed transaction. 3. KTG is currently drawn 70% on its RBL with significant outspend on cash flow for the near term. KTG is showing $120 million of liquidity while estimating an outspend of $160 million of cash flow this year. KTG has ample liquidity. As a private company we can inject additional capital as needed and don't need to resort to expensive second lien debt or equity issuances at meaningful discounts. The incremental $500MM of equity capital we offered to inject as part of the proposed deal, at a premium to the unaffected share price, indicates the significant capital availability at KTG. 4. Please explain the meaningful differences between KTG's public capital and production guidance and the estimates shown in the third-party reserve report for 2024 and 2025. For clarity, see the below table for reconciliation. The KTG reserve report is a 1P report built for the purposes of an RBL redetermination and does not tie with our corporate budget post-closing the Blackbrush asset acquisition. We provided the key inputs needed to build your own forecast for KTG, but our exact rig schedule, capex per well, financial forecasts etc. are in the data room. We note we are still awaiting the disclosure of your detailed reserve report. 5. Please provide the acquisition price summary for both the Laredo Energy and Blackbrush assets. We disclosed the Laredo acquisition price to you and your advisors on multiple occasions (August 2022, February 2023). The Blackbrush acquisition price is subject to an NDA but was approximately 1.8X 2024E EBITDA as of closing. 6. KTG's disclosed annual G&A of $20 million is significantly higher on a percentage of estimated 2024 EBITDA when compared to the G&A for SilverBow nearly double. Can you please provide context for why KTG's annual G&A is unusually high? For details relating to SilverBow's 2024 G&A information, see slide 17 of SilverBow's corporate presentation from February 2024. For 2024E, KTG forecasts total G&A of $20MM, which equates to $0.15/Mcfe. Your referenced G&A guidance, midpoint of $21.5MM, excludes share-based compensation. Using 2023 as a guide, we estimated your total 2024 G&A to be ~$28MM or $0.14/Mcfe1. To make a like-for-like comparison, the company needs to disclose guidance for share-based compensation, which is dilutive to shareholders and matters in this analysis. Lastly, we would note that since 2017, the year you were hired, total G&A has been over $165MM, with over $60MM going to management and the Board. With an average production base of 227.5 MMcfe/d over that time period, G&A was ~$0.29/Mcfe, which is materially higher than KTG's despite a Total Shareholder Return over that period of negative 17%2. 7. Please provide a summary of lease obligations, i.e. how much of KTG's 148,000 net acres are currently held by production, expiration schedule over the next three years, drilling obligations for acreage in primary term and continuous drilling obligations for the next three years? We have a detailed lease schedule available in the data room. Drilling Obligations Over the next three years (2024-2026), at most, our continuous drilling obligations are between 20 and 27 wells per year. However, SilverBow has previously reduced these drilling obligations, including for 2024, and SilverBow continues to work with landowners to further reduce these obligations. KTG's continuous drilling obligation over the next 3 years is approximately 20-22 wells per year, assuming no reduction of obligations through discussions with landowners. Using the midpoint, our continuous drilling obligations are ~11% less than SBOW's. As stated, we have a detailed lease schedule available in the data room. 8. Please provide a summary of contractually obligated minimum volume commitments for 2024, 2025, and 2026 and provide as a percentage of 1Q24 production. Please refer to SilverBow's MVC disclosure in our Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2023. Below is a table of our contractually obligated minimum volume commitments for 2024, 2025 and 2026 next to SBOW's as disclosed in the 10-K. We have sufficient projected volumes to meet these obligations. $MM 2024 2025 2026 KTG Obligations $21 $48 $64 SBOW Obligations $89 $102 $107 KTG as % of SBOW 24 % 47 % 59 % We are happy to provide our midstream contracts in a data room and would request you share the same, particularly associated with the CHK acquisition and the new Spears pipeline. 9. Please provide a summary of capital allocation by commodity and area for 2024. For reference, see slide 5 of SilverBow's corporate presentation from February 2024 as an example of the data being requested. We provided our forecasted development by type curve area in previous disclosure. We have shapefiles of our type curve areas and our inventory by type curve area in the data room ready to share. Additional information Additional information regarding Kimmeridge's proposal and KTG's asset base, including SilverBow's March 28 letter to Kimmeridge, can be found at www.Kimmeridge.com/sbow/. About Kimmeridge Founded in 2012 by Ben Dell, Dr. Neil McMahon and Henry Makansi, Kimmeridge is an alternative asset manager focused on the energy sector. The firm is differentiated by its direct investment approach, deep technical knowledge, active portfolio management, proven sustainability track record and proprietary research and data gathering. Media Daniel Yunger / Anntal Silver / Emma Cloyd Kekst CNC Kekst-KTG@kekstcnc.com Investors John Ferguson Saratoga Proxy Consulting LLC jferguson@saratogaproxy.com (212) 257-1311 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in any state to any person. The information herein contains "forward-looking statements". Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, words such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "targets," "forecasts," "seeks," "could," "should" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any idea or assumption herein is, or will be proven, correct or that any of the objectives, plans or goals stated herein will ultimately be undertaken or achieved. If one or more of such risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Kimmeridge underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results may vary materially from outcomes indicated by these statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Kimmeridge that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will ever be achieved. Important Information KEF Investments, LP ("KEF Investments"), KEF Fund V Investments, LP ("KEF Fund V"), Kimmeridge Energy Management Company, LLC ("KEMC"), Benjamin Dell, Alexander Inkster, Neda Jafar, Denis Laloy, Noam Lockshin, Henry Makansi, Neil McMahon, Douglas E. Brooks, Carrie M. Fox and Katherine L. Minyard (all of the foregoing, collectively, the "Participants") have filed a definitive proxy statement and accompanying GOLD proxy card (the "Proxy Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to be used to solicit proxies in connection with the 2024 annual meeting of shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") of SilverBow Resources, Inc. (the "Company"). Shareholders of the Company are advised to read the definitive proxy statement and other documents related to the solicitation of proxies with respect to the Company by the Participants because they contain important information. Such materials will be made available at no charge on the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov/. KEMC may be deemed to "beneficially own" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) 3,281,356 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common Stock") (including 100 shares held in record name by each of KEF Investments and KEF Fund V). None of the other Participants beneficially own any securities of the Company. On March 13, 2024, KEMC delivered to the Company's Board a non-binding proposal to merge Kimmeridge Texas Gas, LLC with the Company's existing assets and inject $500M of fresh equity capital in exchange for shares of the combined public company at a price of $34 per share of Common Stock. 1 SilverBow's Cash G&A in 2023 was $19MM and share-based compensation was $5.5MM. Assuming the same annual growth rate for Cash G&A to estimate share-based compensation, total G&A for SBOW in 2024 would be ~$28MM. 2 TSR calculated from closing on 12/30/2016 to 2/21/2024. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kimmeridge-provides-additional-information-on-ktgs-high-quality-asset-base-302113919.html SOURCE Kimmeridge The need to redistribute Ukraine's already thinning air defense systems to protect heavily targeted cities such as Kharkiv may lead to routine Russian attacks on rear logistics and cities in Ukraine, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said in their April 10 report. Russia has recently intensified attacks against Ukraine's second-largest city with the use of missiles, glide bombs, and drones, reportedly destroying almost all of its energy infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk on April 10 about reorganizing the use of air defense to provide additional protection to Kharkiv, which was attacked with Russian aerial glide bombs on April 9. The reallocation points to the difficult choices necessitated by the munitions shortage, the ISW said. "This further reorganization of Ukrainian air defenses ... will presumably draw from Ukraine's existing arsenal of missiles and launchers, which will stretch Ukraine's already limited air defense capabilities and provide Russian forces with the opportunity to further exploit weakened air defenses elsewhere," the ISW wrote. Kyiv has ramped up efforts to secure Western air defense systems, particularly U.S.-made Patriots, to mitigate the shortage. The U.S. State Department announced on April 9 that it would provide a military sales package worth $138 million to Ukraine, enabling essential repairs and the procurement of spare parts necessary for Hawk missile systems. ISW analysts warned that these limited emergency efforts would not be enough to adequately defend Ukraine's skies amid the Russian onslaught . "U.S. emergency efforts to bolster Ukraines existing air defense capabilities remain insufficient to protect Ukraine against Russian strikes," the ISW said. According to the ISW, Kyiv's limited air defense capacities may enable Moscow to conduct regular strikes not only against front-line targets, but also logistics and cities in Ukraine's rear areas. Ukraine's "degraded and thin" air defense systems may "significantly increase devastating glide bomb strikes at scale, and possibly even permit routine large-scale Russian aviation operations against near rear Ukrainian logistics and cities," analysts said. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Parliament starts considering updated mobilization bill Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. JSO: Man in life-threatening condition after shooting outside motel in Lincoln Villas Police have confirmed that one man was shot outside a motel in the Lincoln Villas neighborhood. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The shooting happened around 6 p.m. on Wednesday at 5900 Moncrief Rd. W. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] During a briefing, police said a man in his 30s suffered a single gunshot wound. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and took the victim to a local hospital in life-threatening condition. He is currently in surgery and his condition could be stabilizing. One suspect is believed to be involved. While JSO is early on in the investigation, detectives are looking for evidence, video, and witnesses. There is currently no motive or reason for the shooting. JSO is asking anyone with information on this incident to call them at 904-630-0500. [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. Japans leader on Thursday issued a passionate plea for Republicans in Congress not to turn away from Americas role as a leader on the world stage, in the face of anxiety over GOP stonewalling of aid for Ukraine and growing isolationism under the influence of former President Trump. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, addressing a joint meeting of Congress, was blunt in his criticism that lawmakers are suffering from self-doubt at a time when U.S. leadership is most needed. You believed that freedom is the oxygen of humanity. The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations, Kishida said. And yet, as we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be. It was the first speech by a foreign leader presided over by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who is overseeing a conference in chaos, with a small group of GOP lawmakers frequently blocking efforts to legislate based on their own criticisms. At Kishidas words, Vice President Harris, sitting next to Johnson, was seen picking up a copy of the prime ministers speech and beginning to follow along. Kishidas government has drawn a direct line between supporting Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia as essential in deterring China from launching aggression against Taiwan and triggering a war in East Asia. As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow, he said. At this line, while Harris and other members stood and applauded, Johnson remained seated. Earlier, Kishida laid out the stakes. Chinas current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the pace and security of Japan, but to the peace and stability of the international community at large. Kishidas plea spoke to rare agreement on both sides of the aisle in Congress recognizing China as the priority threat to the present, U.S.-led global order. His invitation to address a joint meeting of Congress, during his state visit with President Biden, demonstrates strong support among Republicans and Democrats for Washingtons ties with Tokyo. But Kishidas appeal was aimed directly at Republicans who view U.S. engagement on the world stage as a trade-off to focusing on problems at home. The small group of GOP isolationists have exercised outsized influence on the conference and the Congress. They have, for months, blocked efforts to hold a vote on additional aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, demanding policy changes on the U.S. southern border but rejecting bipartisan solutions to those problems. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who has threatened to trigger a vote to oust Johnson if he brings Ukraine aid to a vote on the floor, was seen not clapping and looking at her phone during various references to Ukraine in Kishidas speech. I want to address those Americans who feel the loneliness and exhaustion of being the country that has upheld the international order almost single-handedly, Kishida said. I am here to say that Japan is already standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the United States. You are not alone. We are with you. His remarks received a standing ovation from Johnson, Harris and the audience. The U.S. is Japans only mutual-defense treaty ally, making American power the only defense against a provocative China and nuclear-armed North Korea. But Japan is undergoing a major shift, investing more in its military. That is being praised by the Biden administration, which is elevating Tokyo to a priority partner in ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific. And with Kishidas state visit, the Biden administration is newly describing Japan as a global partner, recognizing its contributions in support for Ukraine, its sanctions against Russia, its role in the United Nations and efforts at diplomacy and humanitarian support on conflicts in the Middle East. We first became a regional partner of the United States, and now we have become your global partner, Kishida said. Never has our relationship been so close, our vision and approach so united. Kishidas speech built on the prime ministers efforts to redefine Japans position on the global stage. Born in Hiroshima, Kishida is an advocate for nuclear nonproliferation. But he is continuing policies started by the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, asserting Japan as a defensive military power. Kishida served as Abes foreign minister and described him as a close friend of mine. Among the approximate 70 agreements signed by the U.S. and Japan during the state visit are new military initiatives among Washington, Tokyo and partners in the region, including the Philippines and Australia. This includes building an integrated air defense network; new and more joint military drills; intelligence sharing; and partnerships on technology research and development around quantum computing and artificial intelligence. A senior administration official earlier described the shift in the U.S.-Japan relationship as one of alliance protection to alliance projection. I want you to know how seriously Japan takes its role as the United Statess closest ally, Kishida said. We are your global partner today, and we are your global partner for the future, he said to applause. Thank you for inviting me, thank you for your hospitality, and thank you for the role you play the world. Arigatou. Mychael Schnell contributed to this report. Updated at 12:30 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida asserted in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday that his country stands with the U.S. at a time when history is at a turning point. Kishida said the U.S. held a certain reputation decades ago that "shaped the international order" and "championed freedom and democracy." "You believed that freedom is the oxygen of humanity," he said. "The world needs the United States to continue playing this pivotal role in the affairs of nations. And yet, as we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be." Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida Addresses Joint Meeting Of Congress (Win McNamee / Getty Images) Kishida said that is happening when the world is "at history's turning point" as "freedom and democracy are currently under threat around the globe," climate change is causing natural disasters, and technology such as artificial intelligence is advancing. Japan faces "an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge" from China," he said. He also spoke about the threats from North Korea and from Russia in Ukraine. "Ladies and gentlemen, as the United States closest friend, tomodachi, the people of Japan are with you, side by side, to assure the survival of liberty," he said. "Not just for our people, but for all people." He continued: "I am here to say that Japan is already standing shoulder to shoulder with the United States. You are not alone. We are with you." Kishida shared that he has felt a special connection to the U.S. since he attended his first three years of elementary school in Queens. "We arrived in the fall of 1963, and for several years my family lived like Americans," he said. "My father would take the subway to Manhattan, where he worked as a trade official. We rooted for the Mets and the Yankees and ate hot dogs at Coney Island. On vacation, we would go to Niagara Falls or here to Washington, D.C." It was only the second time a Japanese prime minister has formally delivered remarks to Congress. The first time in 2015, when Shinzo Abe spoke with Kishida in attendance as a foreign minister. Abe was assassinated in 2022. The last foreign leader to address lawmakers was Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in July. Thursday's address also marked the first joint meeting with a foreign leader since Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., took the gavel. Vice President Kamala Harris also presided over the chamber during the speech. Congressional leaders had invited Kishida to speak to both chambers in early March, with Johnson saying in a statement that it was part of an effort to lay "the foundation for collaboration in the years to come." Before the address, Kishida met in a room just off the House chamber floor with the Big Four congressional leaders: Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. They didn't take any questions; Johnson joked to Kishida that he had brought along a large media corps from Japan. "Japan is a close ally critical to both our national and economic security," Schumer said. "This visit will continue to deepen the diplomatic and security relationship between our two countries and build on the strength of decades of cooperation. The visit is notable as Republicans, especially those in the House, resist providing foreign aid to Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan and other places; countering China has been a big focus of Kishida's visit to the U.S. "China's current external stance and military actions present an unprecedented and the greatest strategic challenge, not only to the peace and security of Japan, but to the peace and stability of the international community at large," Kishida said. He added: "Russia's unprovoked, unjust and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has entered its third year. As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow." Before Kishida was invited, the Republican and Democratic leaders on the House Foreign Affairs Committee urged Johnson to formally ask him to speak to Congress, saying in a letter that it would "signal congressional support for this critical alliance and help Members of Congress understand [Japan's] importance to the economic and strategic interests of the United States." After the address, Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosted a luncheon with Kishida at the State Department. In the late afternoon, Kishida participated in the inaugural U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit at the White House, meeting with President Joe Biden and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During that meeting, Biden said the U.S. defense commitments to Japan and the Philippines are ironclad. Any attack on Philippine aircraft, vessels or armed forces in the South China Sea would invoke our mutual defense treaty, he said. Biden also highlighted technology and clean energy as areas for the deepening ties among the three countries. Were securing our semiconductor supply chain, he said, adding that the U.S. is expanding telecommunications in the Philippines. In a joint statement after the meeting, the three leaders voiced concerns over what they called Chinas dangerous and aggressive behavior. We steadfastly oppose the dangerous and coercive use of Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels in the South China Sea, as well as efforts to disrupt other countries offshore resource exploitation, their statement said. They also expressed opposition to efforts that seek to undermine Japans longstanding and peaceful administration of the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. On Wednesday, Biden and Kishida announced plans to improve the U.S. military command structure in Japan, which hosts about 54,000 U.S. personnel. The two countries will also form a military-industrial council to explore the kinds of weapons they can produce jointly. The White House hosted a state dinner for Kishida in the evening. Guests included former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton, as well as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Apple CEO Tim Cook. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will deliver an address Thursday to a joint session of Congress. His remarks come just a day after President Biden and first lady Jill Biden welcomed Kishida and his wife, Yuko Kishida, to the White House for a state dinner. The administration called the visit a crowning partnership. Following his speech to lawmakers, Kishida and Biden will meet with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a summit focused on threats from China. Kishidas address to Congress is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Watch the live video above. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) After meeting with President Joe Biden Wednesday, the Japanese prime minister delivered a speech to Congress Thursday. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told lawmakers the U.S. and Japan alliance is more important than ever. He says countries throughout the Indo-Pacific are taking on unprecedented challenges from China. In the face of an increasingly aggressive China and an unpredictable North Korea, Japans prime minister is re-enforcing his countrys decades-long alliance with the U.S. We are now at an inflection point that will define the next stage of human history, Kishida. The Japanese leader stressed the need for all democracies to band together to prevent war in the region. Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow, Kishida said. The Chinese government continues to threaten Taiwan and has attacked Philippine vessels in disputed areas of the South China Sea, but it calls the prime ministers rhetoric a smear against China and accuses the U.S. and its allies of interfering in Chinas internal affairs. Prime Minister Kishidas address was followed by a ceremonial luncheon with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris. That the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the region and Americas commitment to Japans defense is ironclad, said Harris. The two countries announced theyre taking their alliance to new heightsspace. A Japanese astronaut will join NASAs upcoming Artemis lunar missions and become the first non-American astronaut on the moon. Weve agreed to be the first two nations to step foot on its surface together, said Blinken. President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida are holding their first ever trilateral meeting with the Philippines president to discuss security in the region. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Joe Biden campaign hints at litigation if Alabama keeps president off ballot In a letter to the Alabama Secretary of State's office, an attorney said the party could provisionally certify Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as Democratic Party's nominees. Biden is shown speaking in the South Court Auditorium at the White House complex on Feb. 16, 2023. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) President Joe Bidens re-election campaign Wednesday urged Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to put the president on the ballot, and hinted at litigation if he didnt. In a letter to Mike Jones, general counsel for the Alabama Secretary of States office, Birmingham Attorney Barry Ragsdale, representing the campaign, said the party could provisionally certify Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as Democratic Partys nominees by an Aug. 15 deadline. This proposal avoids the constitutional problems that would arise if your office were to interpret [the statutes] certification deadline to preclude President Biden and Vice President Harris from appearing on the Alabama general election ballot, the letter stated. The letter also stated that the proposal wouldnt prevent Alabamians to exercise their fundamental constitutional right to meaningfully participate in the presidential election. Allen on Thursday doubled-down on his stance. On January 16, 2023, I took an oath to uphold Alabama law and that is what I am going to do. My office will accept all certifications that comply with Alabama [law]. That statute does not provide for provisional certifications or any other exceptions, he said in a statement to the Reflector. Allen, a Republican, sent a letter to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Alabama Democratic Party on Tuesday citing a deadline 82 days ahead of the general election to submit a list of certified candidates. The Secretary of State said they must submit those names by August 15, just a few days before the Democratic National Convention is scheduled to convene on August 19. Without that, Allen wrote, the president and vice president may not appear on the states ballot in November. If this Office has not received a valid certificate of nomination from the Democratic Party following its convention by the statutory deadline, I will be unable to certify the names of the Democratic Partys candidates for president and vice president for ballot preparation for the 2024 general election, Allen wrote in a letter to Randy Kelley, chair of the Alabama Democratic Party. Ragsdale, who often takes legal cases involving the Democratic Party, hinted at legal action if Allen did not accept the partys provisional ballot proposal. The letter states that precedent establishes that a court would interpret state law in a manner that ensures constitutionally-protected associational rights are not violated. Here, a court would have little difficulty finding that strict application of the eighty-two-day deadline imposes a severe restriction on President Biden and Vice President Harriss access to the ballot, Ragsdale wrote.If strictly enforced, the deadline would prevent one of the two major party presidential candidates from appearing on the general election ballotan unjust and unconstitutional result. Ragsdale also wrote that past practice in Alabama indicated exceptions have been made and emphasized the need for consistency in electoral procedures. The Republican National Committee submitted a provisional certification in 2020 stating that the party anticipates that Donald Trump and Mike Pence will be nominated as the Republican Partys candidates for President and Vice President, respectively, the letter stated. The Alabama Legislature, controlled by the Republican Party since 2010, approved a bill in 2020 extending the deadline to allow certification of Trump and Pence, but the Trump campaign still missed the deadline as the legislation still did not allow the Republican Party to timely file its certificate of nomination. The Secretary of State accepted a provisional certification that was submitted a week before the convention ended, and the official nomination happened during the convention after the certification date. Jeannie Negron Burniston, communications director for the Alabama Republican Party said that is not correct. Under Alabama law, political parties are allowed to file an amended certification by a specific deadline, she said in an email, adding that current Alabama allows an amended certification to be filed up to 76 days prior to the election. The Biden campaign will miss both the certification deadline and the amended certification deadline under current state law. She said that the Alabama Republican Party and Donald Trumps campaign met the deadline on Aug. 20, 2020 after the legislation passed moving the deadline. A message seeking comment was left with Ragsdale. Democrats in the Legislature are planning to file bills to extend the deadline for Biden and Harris. Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, filed a bill Thursday morning give the party more time to certify the candidates. Luke Kiszla, assistant to the House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville, said the Democratic House leader also plans to file a bill on those lines. Both bills face a Republican supermajority in the House and the Senate. It takes five legislative days to pass a bill; after Thursday, there will be eight days left in the 2024 regular session. Ragsdale noted in his letter that Biden and Harris are already the presumptive nominees of the Democratic Party. While there are a variety of ways that Alabama could implement a certification process without violating the associational rights of candidates, their supporters, and political parties, the application of an unnecessarily long certification deadline is not one of them, the letter concluded. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE 4.10.2024 Letter to Alabama SOS GC.pdf The post Joe Biden campaign hints at litigation if Alabama keeps president off ballot appeared first on Alabama Reflector. Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst has weighed in on the decision of the Arizona Supreme Court to allow an 1864 near-total abortion ban to take effect. The controversial law allows exceptions only if the pregnant persons life is deemed at risk and includes jail time for providers who perform the medical procedure. In an interview with Fox Business, Ernst seemed to suggest that the courts decision is a direct result of Republican efforts to get Roe v. Wade overturned, making special note of former President Donald Trumps role in the outcome. I am a mom, I am a brand new grandma, and I support life, Ernst told Larry Kudlow. And Senate Republicans, the GOP and President Trump really worked hard to overturn Roe v. Wade. Ernst said that the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in Dobbs in June 2022 means that abortion will be dealt with on the state level going forward. We returned that back to the states; that is the law of the land with that Supreme Court decision, so the states are handling that, Ernst said. But again, we worked very hard to get this result. Now, the states will take that up. Sen. Joni Ernst: "Senate Republicans, the GOP, and President Trump really worked hard to overturn Roe v Wade" pic.twitter.com/MGKgM0Gcgj Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 9, 2024 But on Wednesday former President Donald Trump, the Republican Partys nominee for the 2024 presidential election, tried to distance himself from Arizona high courts ruling. Asked if the decision went too far, Trump told reporters: Yeah they did, and that will be straightened out. However, Arizona Republicans blocked an effort by Democrats in the state to get the law repealed in both chambers of the legislature, prompting outrage. By their actions, the message from this chamber is that they are so pro-life they will kill you, Democratic state Sen. Anna Hernandez wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Parties now have two weeks to file legal claims in hopes of stopping the law from taking hold. Despite Trumps opposition to the Arizona legislation, his position on the issue of abortion remains murky as he recognizes the GOPs stance on abortion has proven to be unpopular with voters. In a video statement Monday meant to clarify his position on abortion ahead of the 2024 presidential race, Trump said he supports leaving abortion up to the states to decide as he took direct credit for setting the state for the reversal of Roe by appointing three conservative Supreme Court justices during his time in office. My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both, and whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state, he said. On Wednesday, Trump said no when asked if he would sign a national abortion ban if he returned to the White House. Still, he didnt specifically rule out implementing a back door ban. Additionally, Trump made no reference to how he would handle a bill imposing a nationwide ban on the procedure in his lengthy Monday statement. Despite his preference to appear evasive on the issue, his track record speaks for itself, Michael Tyler, a spokesperson for Bidens reelection campaign, said. Trump lies constantly about everything but has one track record: banning abortion every chance he gets, Tyler said. During his time in office, he with anti-choice leaders who support a nationwide ban, and also tried to make it harder for people to get access to medication abortion, among other things. Related... Jordanians demonstrate near the Israeli Embassy in Amman on March 28 in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. (Khalil Mazraawi / Getty Images) It's become a ritual for 35-year-old Anas Nayef: Every night he and several friends drive an hour and a half to this well-appointed neighborhood in Jordan's capital a mile from the Israeli Embassy as close as authorities will allow. They join thousands in pro-Palestinian demonstrations that last into the early morning before ending in low-grade tussles with security forces. Their demands? Ending Jordan's nearly 30-year-old peace deal with Israel and the normalization of relations that followed. "There are demonstrations where we live, but this is the biggest one in the country," Nayef explained on his 15th consecutive night of protest. "Of course we have to be here." Behind him, a group of men hoisted a bullhorn-wielding friend on their shoulders to lead a call-and-response. "Normalization is ...," he bellowed. "Treason," the crowd replied. "The embassy is ..." "Treason." "The economic deals are ..." "Treason." More than six months into the war in the Gaza Strip, Arab governments that signed peace deals with Israel find themselves excoriated by populations enraged that their leaders are not joining the fight against a country they say is committing genocide against those many consider as compatriots. There have been pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the Middle East. In Jordan, the cause has special resonance. Palestinians make up at least 2 million of the country's 11 million people, and a frequent chant at the nightly protests is: "Who said we are separate? Jordan's blood is for Palestine." Read more: Another casualty of escalating clashes in the West Bank: the Palestinian olive harvest The normalization of relations with Israel in 1994 has always been deeply unpopular here. Still, the agreement has kept the peace and allowed for economic cooperation on water, natural gas and electricity. The war threatens to upend all that. The Israeli ambassador left Jordan soon after Oct. 7, when Hamas operatives attacked southern Israel and killed roughly 1,200 people. In November, Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel because of what it called an "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza, where authorities say Israel has killed more than 33,000 people in its retaliatory invasion. Jordanian officials said the envoy would not return until the war is over and instructed Israel to not send back its ambassador until then. Later that month, Jordan backed out of a water-for-energy deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi saying, "Can you imagine a Jordanian minister sitting next to an Israeli minister to sign the deal while Israel is killing our people in Gaza? In interviews, Jordan's Queen Rania who is of Palestinian origin has accused Israel of genocide, while King Abdullah II has castigated the West, saying it maintains a double standard when it comes to Palestinian lives. Meanwhile, Jordan spearheaded airdrops of aid into Gaza, with Abdullah donning a military uniform and getting on a C-130 plane to deliver the assistance. The local media billed the mission as the king "defying" the siege on the enclave, despite it being done in coordination with Israel. Those moves have not placated the protesters, who have been demonstrating intermittently since October and have transformed their activity into a daily presence since March 24. They continue to insist the Israeli Embassy should be shuttered. "Do we think our protests directly stop the genocide?" said Maasa, a 25-year-old psychiatry student, who worried that publishing her full name would invite reprisals from authorities. "No. But this is about trying to protect our country too and end normalization. "It also encourages people in other Arab countries with peace deals, like in Egypt, to do the same," she said. Others accuse the Jordanian government of helping the UAE and Israel conduct trade in the face of a Red Sea blockade by the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Goods travel overland through Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Jordan's critics also rebuke the government for stationing soldiers and police along the 192-mile-long border with Israel and placing security personnel along the main roads near the Israeli Embassy deriding those moves as working in the interests of Israel. Other points of contention include the presence of American military personnel and U.S. bases in the country and the arrests of hundreds of activists during protests over the last month. Read more: Scores of Palestinian minors sit in Israeli prisons. He wanted his 13-year-old son to join them Somewhere in the crowd, a man shouted support for Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades: "Gaza is our cause! Al Qassam is our army! Hamas is our movement!" The crowd repeated his words. Upon hearing the chant, Nayef turned to a reporter and explained why protesters sided with Hamas. "It's because armies in Arab nations are with the Americans," he said. "They aren't meant to defend us. They don't defend our civil rights, let alone our political rights." A coffee shop worker and university student named Jasser joined the conversation, straining to make himself heard above the noise of the crowd: "These protests are the least we can do, to show the people of Gaza that we too are besieged by the authorities and wish we were with them." Pro-Hamas rhetoric has aroused suspicion among Jordan's leaders, who have accused protesters of acting as provocateurs beholden to "outside agendas." Writing in local media outlets in the last week, pro-government commentators launched broadsides against the demonstrations, saying they have been weaponized in the service of the Muslim Brotherhood, a powerful opposition group, or Iran to foment unrest and topple the government. Those fears have only been strengthened by calls from Hamas leaders for Jordanians to rise up and fight against Israel, along with a statement last week from the head of the Iraqi Shiite militant group Kataib Hezbollah saying it was ready to arm 12,000 Jordanians to help disrupt trade between the UAE and Israel. In interviews, demonstrators rejected the notion of the protests being about allegiance to Hamas or other Iran-backed groups. "We are with the resistance in general, in all of its different types," said Widad Daanah, an architect in her 50s and a regular presence in the protests. "I'm with any liberation movement, regardless of its leanings," she said, explaining that, as someone with a secular mind-set, she was not a typical Hamas supporter. "I may not be with their methods and thinking, but in the broad outlines I'm with them." Rand Khattari, a physician, insisted the target wasn't the government. "Whether these protests are useful or useless, I don't care," she said. "I want them to send a message to Israel, that regardless of what our governments do, it won't matter." "People won't accept. We'll teach our kids to be even more vicious about this and reject them." 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. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is preparing to oversee Donald Trump's election interference trial, dismissed on Wednesday claims by the former president and his allies that Jan. 6 defendants are "hostages." As the Associated Press reported, Chutkan's remarks came during the sentencing hearing of Anthony Vo, a 31-year-old Indiana man who has expressed little remorse for storming the U.S. Capitol with his mother. Instead of victims, Chutkan said, Jan. 6 defendants are "being kept [in jail] because they are dangerous people." Some 1,265 people have been charged in connection to the insurrection, with more than 450 accused of assaulting or resisting police and other government employees. Trump, whose false and inflammatory claims of a stolen election helped spark the violence on Jan. 6, has continued to express strong support and even raised money for his imprisoned followers. "Some people call them prisoners. I call them hostages," Trump said in January. "Release the J6 hostages, Joe [Biden]. Release them, Joe. You can do it real easy, Joe." Following Trump's lead, some Jan. 6 defendants have remained defiant. During his trial, Vo himself attended the so-called "Freedom Corner," a nightly vigil for defendants held outside their prison in Washington, D.C.. Chutkan ruled that attending the vigil was a violation of his release conditions. Vo, who calls himself a "J6 wrongful convict" on social media, was contrite right before his sentencing, claiming that he was "sorry for everything" and "wasn't there to overthrow the democratic process or anything." But he was openly hostile in the wake of his conviction last year on four misdemeanors related to unlawfully entering the U.S. Capitol. In a January post on X, Vo asserted that "there was zero jury of peers and 100% a kangaroo court." Chutkan was unswayed by Vo's in-court change of heart, deciding his actions merited nine months behind bars. The judge has put a string of Capitol attackers behind bars over the last three years, overruling the comparatively mild sentencing recommendations of federal prosecutors. According to the Associated Press, she has described incarceration as an appropriate punishment for criminals who not only tried to overthrow the democratic process but also violently assaulted around 140 Capitol police officers. Chutkan is slated to preside over Trump's own trial, which has been delayed as the Supreme Court hears his argument that he is immune to prosecution. Supporters of Julian Assange have regularly gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (PA Wire) Julian Assanges wife on Thursday welcomed suggestions that the US might drop its long-running prosecution of the WikiLeaks founder as his supporters marked five years since he was sent to Belmarsh prison in London. Stella Assange said comments by US President Joe Biden were a good sign, ahead of the Australian-born campaigners latest court date in London next month. Mr Biden was asked about a request from the Australian government to call off the legal pursuit of the 52-year-old. He said: Were considering it. Mr Assange is fighting against a US bid to extradite him on espionage charges that could land him in jail for 175 years. The High Court in London is due to hold its next hearing on May 20 into whether he can appeal an earlier extradition ruling, having given the US government a deadline to issue assurances about his future treatment if he is sent there. It is understood that despite the hopes raised among his supporters by Mr Bidens comment, Mr Assange will remain in Belmarsh until he wins any appeal, he is extradited, or the United States formally drops its request for extradition. He faces prosecution in the United States over an alleged conspiracy to obtain and disclose secret military and diplomatic files in 2010 relating to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Stella Assange told BBC Radio 4 Todays programme: This is a prosecution from the Trump era. Its a Trump legacy and really Joe Biden should have dropped it from day one. It would set a precedent that could be used against the rest of the press because it criminalises journalistic activity, news gathering, and thats why Obama didnt pursue it and commuted Chelsea Mannings sentence. Former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning was convicted by court-martial in July 2013 for handing over more than 700,000 documents containing classified information to WikiLeaks, but her sentence was commuted by Barack Obama in 2017. Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Julian Assange appearing by video link at the High Court in London in 2021 (PA Archive) Ms Assange added: The prime minister of Australia overnight said that he is optimistic so it looks like things could be moving in the right direction. Australias prime minister Anthony Albanese said: Mr Assange has already paid a significant price and enough is enough. Theres nothing to be gained by Mr Assanges continued incarceration in my very strong view and Ive put that as the view of the Australian government. Ms Assange said her husband is extremely unwell from the stress of potential extradition and cited credible reports that he was this victim of a murder plot that the CIA was hatching. She said: So, the country that has plotted to assassinate him is still able to extradite him, and I hope Joe Biden really drops this case now as the entire human rights community and press freedom community is asking him to do. Prior to be being sent to Belmarsh, Mr Assange had taken refuge in Londons Ecuadorian embassy for seven years to avoid arrest after Sweden asked Britain to extradite him for questioning over an allegation of rape, which he denied. The investigation was later dropped. His detractors insist he is not a legitimate journalist but a reckless activist who endangered the lives of US and allied intelligence sources with his leaks. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, speaks during a debate on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 9, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives Thursday approved a bill that would make Juneteenth a state holiday, though unlike nearly every other state holiday it would not mandate that state offices close that day. HB 4, sponsored by Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, would add the June 19 holiday, which celebrates the end of slavery, to the current list of 13 days Alabama officially celebrates. But employees would have to choose whether to take that holiday off or Jefferson Davis Birthday, a state holiday marked on the first Monday in June. It is not a perfect deal, but it is one that will at least be put on the books that will declare Juneteenth as a state holiday, Givan said. The original bill did not require employees to make the choice choose between Juneteenth and the holiday celebrating Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy and a slaveholder who said Black Americans were fitted expressly for human servitude. The bill was amended on the floor, making the legislation identical to a bill introduced by Rep. Chris Sells, R-Greenville. Givan said on the House floor Thursday that a compromise was reached with Republicans after concerns were expressed about adding an additional holiday. Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, walks to a seat at an event at the Alabama State Capitol on March 21, 2024 in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Rep. Rick Rehm, R-Dothan, the only co-sponsor on Sells bill, said he was in full support of Givans bill as people in his district already celebrate Juneteenth. He said the bill solves the divisiveness about recognizing the holiday at a state level. I look at it, as a Republican, as a Republican holiday because the Emancipation Proclamation was presented by Abraham Lincoln, a Republican, Rehm said. Alabama Democrats have pushed in recent years to make Juneteenth an official holiday. During the 2023 session, Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, proposed a measure that added Juneteenth without affecting the other official holidays. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, introduced a bill to replace Davis birthday with Juneteenth as an official holiday. England said on the floor Thursday the bill was an absolute struggle for me, saying that he wanted to recognize Juneteenth but not a white supremacist like Davis. The compromise that is asking me to make is just difficult. And these are the sort of compromises that not all Americans have to make, England said, adding that Black Americans often have to accept really big compromises to get really small progress. England abstained on the vote. A man in a blue suit and yellow tie speaks into a microphone on a table. Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, speaks during a committee meeting on Friday, July 21, 2023 in Montgomery, Ala. (Alabama Reflector Photo by Stew Milne) Davis birthday is one of three state holidays in Alabama honoring the Confederacy, the white supremacist government formed to defend slavery that lost the American Civil War. The state marks Confederate Memorial Day on the fourth Monday of April. The state marks Robert E. Lees Birthday on the third Monday in January, the same day as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. President Joe Biden signed legislation in 2021 declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday, and in 2024, at least 25 states will celebrate the holiday and close state offices, according to the Pew Research Center. The governors of Alabama and West Virginia have recognized the holiday, but no legislation makes it official. In California, state employees may observe the holiday in lieu of a personal holiday while in North Carolina, some state workers may elect to take it as a floating holiday. Rep. Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville, thanked Givan for getting to the point of having a conversation about it. She said that hes been advocating to make Juneteenth a state holiday for some years. We must love each one as brothers and sisters Im looking forward to that day, Jackson said. The bill moves to the Senate. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Juneteenth state holiday bill passes Alabama House appeared first on Alabama Reflector. The Justice Department announced Thursday it has submitted a final rule to the federal register that would close the so-called gun show loophole, a significant step in the Biden administrations efforts to curb gun violence and better regulate gun sales. The rule, which was first proposed last August, changes the definition of firearm sellers who are engaged in business and would therefore be required to obtain a federal firearms license to include those selling guns at gun shows, flea markets and over the internet. Under this regulation, it will not matter if guns are sold on the internet, at a gun show, or at a brick-and-mortar store: If you sell guns predominantly to earn a profit, you must be licensed, and you must conduct background checks, Attorney General Merrick Garland said on a call with reporters. This regulation is a historic step in the Justice Departments fight against gun violence. It will save lives. The final rule will go into effect in 30 days, but it is likely to face challenges in the courts and in Congress. A spokesperson for Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said he and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) plan to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the rule. The two already have other GOP senators backing the resolution, as well as a companion resolution in the House led by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.). A senior Biden administration official told reporters the White House is confident the rule is on strong legal ground and is not in conflict with the Second Amendment. The rule change was partly made possible by language in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was passed in 2022 following the elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The law expanded the definition of engaging in firearms dealing. In March 2023, President Biden signed an executive order directing the attorney general to implement a plan to clarify the definition of who is required to obtain a federal firearms license. Administration officials have long cited the so-called gun show loophole as an area in need of reform to improve the background check system and better track firearms to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. One senior administration official told reporters they estimated the rule would effect roughly 20,000 individuals who are engaged in unlicensed gun dealing, covering tens of thousands of gun sales each year. The official called Thursdays announcement part of a broader administration effort to curtail the spread of illegal guns. Biden has previously signed executive action cracking down on ghost guns, which can be difficult to track. The administration has taken repeated measures to try to curb gun violence, which continues to plague the country. Biden during his presidency has traveled to Uvalde, to Maine and to Nevada to meet with community members following mass shootings, and has addressed several other shootings. The White House in December released a list of recommended gun safety measures to be implemented at the state level. Biden also established an Office of Gun Violence Prevention last fall. The bipartisan law passed in 2022 increased funding for mental health, provided incentives for states to implement red flag laws and gave greater funding to schools for heightened security, among other reforms. Vice President Harris told reporters that 1 in 5 Americans have a family member who was killed by gun violence. It does not have to be this way, she said on a call previewing the DOJ rule. We know how to prevent these tragedies, and its a false choice to suggest youre either in favor of the Second Amendment or you want to take everyones guns away. I am in favor of the Second Amendment, and I am in favor of reasonable gun safety laws. Updated at 11:36 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Kamala Harris agrees with interviewer that 2024 could be last US democratic election (The Hill) Vice President Harris this week agreed with an interviewer who said the 2024 election could be the last democratic election in the United States. Harris was discussing former President Trumps comments about being a dictator only on day one of a second term with the hosts of the podcast Ive Had It. I dont think its hyperbolic to say this genuinely could be the last democratic election we ever have, co-host Angie Pumps Sullivan said. Harris replied, Youre right. Listen to what he says, hes telling you, Sullivan said about Trump. Dictators arent a dictator for one day, and then its let the people decide. No, and Im going to tell you. As vice president, Ive now met with over 150 world leaders in the last three international trips Ive taken which are going back to the end of last year through this year world leaders have come up to me, expressing their real concern about this election, Harris said. When they do, it is out of a selfish point that theyre making because they know that whether or not America retains its democracy will have an impact on countries around the world and people around the world, the vice president added. She added that democracy is extraordinary fragile and only as strong as our willingness to fight for it. President Biden and Harriss reelection campaign has focused on democracy and whats at stake for the 2024 election. Biden has said on the campaign trail that world leaders have also told him he has to win in November. Harris said on the Ive Had It podcast that Biden is fantastic and has an incredible sense of humor when asked who her favorite co-worker is in the administration. She also revealed which shows she and her husband have been streaming. The vice president earlier this year said shes scared about the possibility of Trump winning back the White House in November, arguing that the idea of another Trump presidency is motivating her to traverse the country. Harris traveled to 16 states in the first quarter of 2024 to campaign and has participated in 36 interviews with various outlets like the Ive Had It podcast. Harris is set to visit Arizona on Friday after the states Supreme Courts decision upheld an 1864 law that made performing an abortion a felony, including only a narrow exception to save a pregnant persons life. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Kansas City police officer allegedly shot by a suspected impaired driver was released from the hospital, a police spokesman said Thursday. The officer will continue to recover at home, said Capt. Jake Becchina, a police spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. The shooting occurred shortly after 10:15 p.m. Monday near East 46th Street and Benton Boulevard, which is the border of the Oak Park Southwest and Oak Park Southeast neighborhoods. The Jackson County Prosecutors Office has charged Dwayne A. Barnes with two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, and four counts of armed criminal action, all felonies, as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. According to court documents, officers pulled Barnes over after noticing that the GMC Sierra pickup truck he was driving had an expired license plate with a 2018 registration sticker. A computer check returned with no record for the plate. Officers determined Barnes was allegedly driving under the influence. When the officers attempted to arrest Barnes, he allegedly resisted by tensing up and pulling away, according to the probable cause affidavit filed with the charges. They wrestled him to the ground. Additional officers responded to the scene and placed Barnes in handcuffs. After Barnes was brought back to his feet, video from police body camera allegedly shows a silver handgun appearing from under Barnes shirt near his right hip. Barnes allegedly fired one shot toward an officer, who fell to the ground, and then turned toward another officer and fired the gun a second time before being taken down to the ground again, according to the affidavit. The injured officer wasstruck by gunfire near the elbow, and was taken to a hospital in a police vehicle. Police allegedly located a silver Smith and Wesson .357 revolver in the grass near where Barnes was standing. It had three live rounds and two spent shell casings. Barnes was being held in Jackson County jail on $200,000 bond. No attorney was listed in court records for Barnes. Arizona Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake is actively lobbying state lawmakers to overturn a 160-year-old law she once supported that bans abortion in almost all cases, a source with knowledge of her efforts told CNN. Lake is pushing for GOP lawmakers in her home state to repeal the law while leaving in place legislation signed in 2022 by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey that would restrict abortion to within the first 15 weeks of a pregnancy. The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state must adhere to the Civil War-era law, which bans all abortions except those necessary to save a womans life. Lake has called state legislators and offered her help and support for what they need to overturn the territorial law so it reverts back to the 15-week Ducey law, the source said. The move continues a remarkable 180-degree flip by Lake on the state abortion law and illustrates Republican concerns over how the issue is reverberating through a key battleground state. As a candidate for governor in 2022, Lake called the 1864 law great and said she would support the courts decision on whether to implement it. I think were going to be setting, paving the way and setting course for other states to follow, Lake said at the time. But Lake changed her stance Tuesday following the Arizona Supreme Court ruling and called on the states Democratic governor and GOP-controlled Legislature to come up with an immediate common sense solution that Arizonans can support. Her sharp pivot has aligned her with her close ally, former President Donald Trump, who has also undergone an election-year shift on abortion. In a statement Monday, Trump said that the future of abortion access in the United States should be determined by the states, leaving in place the status quo created when the US Supreme Court, led by his three handpicked justices, ended the federal right to an abortion. Yet, Arizonas ruling forced Trump to quickly confront the implications of that position, and on Wednesday, the former president sought to distance himself from the reality he helped create, suggesting that the Arizona law would be straightened out. Im sure the governor and everyone else are going to bring it back into reason and that will be taken care of, I think, very quickly, he said. Arizona is going to definitely change. Everybody wants that to happen. Hours later, Arizona Republican lawmakers thwarted an attempt to vote on repealing the states law. According to The Arizona Republic, state Rep. Matt Gress attempted to initiate a vote that would repeal the law before fellow GOP state Rep. David Livingston cut him short with a motion to recess. Gress told the publication he voted against the motion to recess. Democrats in the state House began to protest as Republicans left the chamber after successfully blocking the effort to bring the repeal bill to a vote, the newspaper reported. Marcus DellArtino, a Republican strategist in Arizona, said he was skeptical that the anti-abortion hard-liners in the state Legislature who have celebrated the courts decision would be amenable to lobbying from Lake or even Trump. Im not sure how you get them to reverse their position just by making a phone call, he said. I cannot mathematically figure out how they will get the votes. The Arizona Supreme Court ruling has become a flashpoint in the states ongoing battle over the future of abortion access with potentially massive political implications. The Grand Canyon State is a key battleground this year in the fight for control of the Senate and the White House. Democrats have rallied to remind voters in the state that the ruling was only made possible by the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade an outcome orchestrated and celebrated by Trump. CNNs Melissa Alonso contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Kentucky losing family farms and farmland at a rapid clip at what cost? The Wolf Trace subdivision borders Wolf Pen Branch Mill Farm in northeast Jefferson County. The farm is under a conservation easement held by River Fields and the Kentucky Heritage Council, protecting it from development in perpetuity. HODGENVILLE, Ky. A warm winter in LaRue County has left henbit flowers to flourish, spattering empty crop fields with a purple harbinger of spring. From the front seat of his pickup, Ryan Bivens gazed past one of his fields, through barren trees toward a horizon of white rooftops, and saw another harbinger for farmers. The construction site of a gargantuan electric vehicle battery plant in Glendale represents thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of public and private investment in the electric vehicle industry. To Bivens, a first-generation corn, soybean and wheat farmer, it also represents 1,500 acres of prime farmland that will never be farmed again. Across Kentucky, farmland is vanishing under a blitz of concrete and asphalt. Farmland declined by half a million acres in Kentucky between 2017-22, new U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows, as suburban sprawl and other forms of development have gobbled up crop fields, pasture and woodlands. It takes hundreds of years to form mere centimeters of topsoil. Where land has been converted for other uses, once-prime farmland often can never be farmed again. And as the industry loses ground, its also losing more than a thousand family farms in Kentucky every year, according to the 2017-22 data. Thin margins and economies of scale have forced mid-sized farming operations to get big or get out, an enduring doctrine of past USDA administrations that has driven farm consolidation. The BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale can be seen from Ryan Bivens farm in LaRue County. The development has led nearby residents to sell their land for the park's expansion. Kentuckys farm communities, forced to adapt in the wake of a decimated tobacco industry, are facing the biggest structural change of any state's agricultural base in the United States, said Will Snell, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky. The USDAs latest census of the industry came early in the tenure of Jonathan Shell, Kentuckys new commissioner of agriculture, who has touted a vision of agriculture as economic development and sees promising productivity numbers for the industry. But Shell takes the helm at a time when the driving forces of Kentucky agriculture acres of land and the families who farm it are gradually disappearing. Not dirt to us Ryan Bivens at his farm in LaRue County on March 16, 2024. The Glendale battery project has spurred considerable land use changes beyond its property lines. Roads are widening, some neighbors are selling, and investors are buying sometimes at $25,000 per acre in anticipation of an economic boom as the massive plant begins operations. There's people that have paid some high dollars for ground, Bivens said, and theyre speculating on the future. But he worries about the farmland lost in the transition, and the larger trend unfolding around the state and the country. Thats not dirt to us, he said. Thats soil. In interviews with The Courier Journal, farmers around Kentucky with operations of all sizes echoed the same concerns: Farmland is disappearing at an alarming rate, and increasing land prices are adding stress for farm owners already working in a notoriously unpredictable business. At stake is the longevity of a Kentucky industry estimated to have about $50 billion in economic impact for the state. Through technological advances and economies of scale, Kentucky agriculture has steadily increased productivity, even with fewer farms and fewer acres. In 2022, the market value of agricultural products sold was more than $8 billion an increase of nearly 160% compared to two decades prior, according to USDA data. But farm consolidation can bring consequences for rural communities. And farmland may become more vital in the coming decades, as a changing climate has brought an uptick in severe weather events in Kentucky, threatening to wash away topsoil and wipe out crop yields. Some of Kentucky's woes are mirrored nationally. Between 2017-22, as the commonwealth lost about 520,000 acres of farmland, the U.S. lost more than 20 million acres an area the size of Maine, once used for crops, pasture and grazing. Announcing the data release in February, Tom Vilsack, the secretary of agriculture, called it a wake-up call. Are we OK with losing that many farms? Are we OK with losing that much farmland? Vilsack asked. Or is there a better way? Farmers up against sprawl Joseph Fischer brings a round bale to his cattle on March 17, 2024. Fischer is a fourth-generation cattle farmer in Henry County. On a windy day in March, Joseph Fischer climbed into his tractor to haul a bale of hay for a herd of cattle and their calves. As the herd gathered to feed, Fischer pointed across the road to a hill overlooking his farm, tucked in the rolling fields of Henry County, just outside Turners Station. There used to be a bunch of cows over there, he said. Theyre gone. In their place, a cluster of houses now stands. It is kind of odd to see land go like that, Fischer said. That lands never gonna get farmed again. Developers around Louisville and elsewhere have been in a rush to build housing in light of long-standing shortages and affordability issues. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg has announced a goal of 15,000 new affordable housing units in his first term, with a plan also calling for zoning reform to deter irresponsible sprawl. Joseph Fischer watches as his cows eat their hay on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in Henry County. But sprawl has remained steady, and developers are offering landowners significant money for the property they want, some observers said. In areas around Bowling Green, Snell said hes heard of developers offering farmers up to $30,000 per acre for their land. East of Louisville, development has surged into Oldham County, transforming bucolic farm country into subdivisions, and adding to existing barriers for farmers. The price of land I dont see how anybody could purchase a farm in Oldham County to farm it, said Clint Woods, another Henry County cattle farmer. "Its hard enough in Henry. Selling land to developers is an increasingly attractive exit strategy for farmers facing high input costs and erratic commodity markets. And Kentucky farmers are getting older, with an average age ticking up to 57 years old in 2022, and more than a third of producers ages 65 or older. You can't blame these landowners for looking at that opportunity, said Shell, Kentuckys commissioner of agriculture. Right now, in some cases, the most profitable thing that you can do with your ground is sell it. About half of the land in Kentucky is still in farms, an estimated 12.4 million acres in 2022, compared to 13.8 million two decades prior. But across the U.S., the remaining land at stake is often nationally significant farmland, consisting of the countrys most fertile soil, according to models from American Farmland Trust. The group found Kentucky had a high threat of farmland conversion compared to other states and scored among the lowest states for policies and programs that address the threat of conversion. As Kentucky farmland is converted for development, farming is pushed onto less and less productive land, where farmers may see lower crop yields, and risk more economic uncertainty. Kentuckys family farms are disappearing Jim Tom Galbreath remembers a time when there was a dairy farm on just about every corner in Fleming County. Each one typically grew at least a few acres of tobacco, too. Up here, tobacco was king, he said. Now, the tobacco industry has all but disappeared. And Galbreath said over the last decade, all but a few of the areas dairies have gone, too. A major driver of the changes in Kentucky agriculture has been the steep decline of the states once-mighty tobacco industry. Nearly 47,000 Kentucky farms were growing tobacco in 1997, according to USDA data. By 2022, that number was less than a thousand a 98% decrease in 25 years. For years, burley tobacco farming helped small and mid-sized farms survive, said Snell, the agriculture economist. Then, government price support programs for tobacco ended, domestic demand dropped, and Kentucky farmers had to adapt. I grew up on what I call a mid-size, full-time farm in central Kentucky, and we had 40, 50 head of cattle. We raised some grains. We had five acres of tobacco, Snell said. And that was enough back in the 70s to put a couple of kids through college. That won't do it anymore in this environment. Today, the industry is built to support what Snell calls a bimodal distribution: small farms with a supportive niche, like agritourism or direct-to-consumer business models, and large farms with enough land to take advantage of economies of scale. Farms caught in the middle are often fighting to stay afloat. The struggle is evident in more than 5,600 family farms that disappeared from the Kentucky landscape between 2017-22, according to the USDAs recent census. Galbreath, a cattle and soybean farmer in Fleming County, also works with other producers through a local farm supply company. In his role working with other farmers, he says the line between friends, family and business is often blurred and he sees the stress and toll of the business firsthand. I dont know how some of them sleep at night, and some of them dont, Galbreath said. Its their livelihood. Many farmers also work off-farm jobs for another steady stream of income, including Fischer, in Henry County, who works as an electrical apprentice in addition to running the cattle farm. While family farms still make up a vast majority of the states total operations, the average farm size has continued to grow, indicating consolidation in the industry, and farmland in fewer hands. I'm still optimistic about the future of ag, Snell said. But it's just likely going to be fewer people involved. I don't see the trend of the larger farms getting smaller. They're going to continue to try to add on acres. Curtis Weatherford farms 4,000 acres of row crops in Hickman County, in the Jackson Purchase region. Its a larger farm than most in Kentucky but hes competing with even larger neighbors. To continue to compete with them, we'll have to continue to grow, Weatherford said, or well get bought out. The myriad challenges of farming, and its unpredictable profitability, have given some families pause in continuing in the business. And as farmers age and retire, their land is set to change hands. Part of the puzzle of preserving Kentucky farmland means figuring out how to ensure the land stays in the hands of someone who wants to farm it. Myrisa Christy, executive director of Community Farm Alliance, said that means improving the farm safety net and access to capital, so future generations of farming families have the financial tools to continue. But it also means expanding support for non-generational farmers those who dont have land passed down to them. We've got to stop relying on the sons and daughters and grandsons and granddaughters of farmers to fulfill the family business, Christy said, because that's not working. 'A farmers retirement plan shouldnt be to die' Aerial view of Ryan Bivens farm on Saturday, March 16, 2024, in LaRue County from above his silos. Similar to national trends, the average Kentucky farmer is getting older. For young, underrepresented or non-generational farmers, barriers to entry in Kentucky agriculture can seem insurmountable. Even for children of farmers, other pursuits may be more appealing. You cant ask a young person to go into it easily, Galbreath said. Theres nothing easy about it. When Weatherfords father was establishing a Hickman County farming operation in the 1970s, land, equipment and other input costs were a fraction of the cost. Now, Weatherford says it might cost him anywhere between $750-$900 to farm an acre of corn, and the profit point's not there. That kind of deters some of the younger people, and especially first-generation farmers, he said. If you're trying to go out and get land and you're trying to get equipment to farm it, it's just almost impossible. Ford Waterstrat, a first-generation organic farmer near London, Kentucky, fell in love with it. Hes learned to work through a Community Supported Agriculture program, a form of direct marketing, and also sells to stores in Louisville, Lexington and elsewhere, including Whole Foods and Rainbow Blossom. But its also arduous work. He has young children, and it's way too early to tell if they have any interest in farming, but hes totally cool with it if they dont. Relying on farmers children to take on the often onerous family business has not proven a successful model for holding onto family farms, or Kentucky farmland, Christy said, and a farmers retirement plan shouldnt be to die. Joseph Fischer steps in with the cows to feed them on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at his familys farm in Henry County. Fischer is at least a fourth-generation cattle farmer. Christy, who has roots in family farming in Appalachia, also pointed to inequity in the model of relying solely on generational farmers. In 2022, nearly 99% of Kentucky agriculture producers were white, according to USDA census data. And without a sustainable strategy for making farm ownership accessible to those who want to do it, the industry will likely continue to consolidate. That means wealth in fewer hands, Christy said, and more people working in the industry as farmhands rather than owners who have a stake in a farms long-term success. The state has programs to offer access to capital for farmers, including through the Kentucky Ag Finance Corporation. But Christy also advocated for a reformed and expanded farm safety net, and improving awareness of resources like whole-farm revenue plans, which can offer insurance protection to diversified farms. Farm incubation programs also help bring non-generational farmers into the fold. But at the end of these programs, farmers dont keep the land theyve worked, Christy said, meaning theyre not building equity in it. It's trying to teach people how to farm, she said, but it's not necessarily making farmers. Whats lost when farms disappear As a chasm widens between large and small farms, some have witnessed a loss of culture and community in rural Kentucky. Mary Berry is an eighth-generation Henry County farmer and executive director of the Berry Center, which seeks to uphold the ideas and writings of her father, Wendell Berry, by supporting small farmers, land-conserving communities, and healthy regional economies. Every town in Henry County could be said to be dead or dying, she said. And that is true all over the state of Kentucky. The result is social upheaval, and rural communities that have lost a sense of ourselves," Berry added. Her organization is looking to reverse those trends by bringing stability to local farmers. Our Home Place Meat, an initiative of the Berry Center, is a cooperative program helping small and mid-sized farms sell meat directly to regional markets. As Joseph Fischers cattle feed on the hay he laid out, newly built houses are seen in the background. March 17, 2024 Fischer and other farmers sell their beef through the program at a set price, avoiding fears of market fluctuation. In exchange, they follow higher standards in their farming, like animal welfare and land management practices. Other groups are looking for permanent ways to keep Kentuckys prime farmland out of development. Land trusts like Bluegrass Land Conservancy work with farm owners to ensure land is protected in perpetuity through conservation easements. The conservancy recently announced an award of more than $45 million in federal grants, earmarked for landowners to incentivize conservation easements. Berrys vision diverges from that of state leaders like Shell, whose economic development approach aligns more with the agribusiness focus on productivity. But Shell also lauded programs to support young farmers, and expressed concern about the rate of farmland conversion, adding, We need to protect prime farmland at all costs. The farmers responsible for both working and conserving the farmland still covering half of Kentucky are often left to figure it out, Berry said, as development pushes into agrarian communities, extreme weather events proliferate and markets shift. Are we, or are we not, going to take care of our land and our people? she asked. The answer, for a long time, has been in the negative, and we need to change the answer. Connor Giffin is an environmental reporter for The Courier Journal and a corps member with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues. The program funds up to half of corps members salaries, but requires a portion also be raised through local community fundraising. To support local environmental reporting in Kentucky, tax-deductible donations can be made at courier-journal.com/RFA. Learn more about RFA at reportforamerica.org. Reach Connor directly at cgiffin@gannett.com or on X @byconnorgiffin. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky losing family farms and farmland at a rapid pace While the political and social pressures in the energy sector all point toward renewable power sources, a new note from Barclays indicates that the real action lies in the oil sector, with exploration and production (E&P) as a particular bright spot. The firms thesis is supported by an underlying fact: that oil and natural gas will remain our key energy resources. However, it rests mostly on some key features of the oil companies. Covering the energy sector, the firms analyst, Betty Jiang, notes that oil companies have recent histories of strong free cash flow generation, which has supported solid capital returns. Additionally, these companies are now anticipating rising commodity prices in the near term, with oil already climbing back towards $100 per barrel. Summing up the outlook for conventional energy, Jiang writes, We believe the [Integrated Oil & E&P] sector offers a better value proposition than ever before. Across our coverage universe, we see strong balance sheets, low cash flow breakeven prices, and significant free cash flow generation with the group on pace to return ~20% of their market cap on average through dividends and buybacks over the next three years (at strip pricing) We prefer companies that have: 1) a high rate of growth for cash flow per debt-adjusted share, 2) significant cash return to shareholders, 3) under-levered balance sheets, and 4) a differentiated asset portfolio that adds optionality in a higher commodity price environment. Against this backdrop, Jiang has opened positive coverage on several energy stocks, believing now is the time to be loading up on 3 particular names. Does the rest of the Street agree with the Barclays view? This we can find out with some help from the TipRanks database. Lets check the details . ExxonMobil (XOM) The first stock on our Barclays-backed list is ExxonMobil, one of the oil industrys global giants. ExxonMobil is the largest of the US-based international oil companies, and the second-largest on the global scene when measured by market cap its ~$478 billion value puts it behind only Saudi Aramco. When ranked by revenues, ExxonMobil places fourth among global oil firms, reporting a top line revenue of $334.7 billion in 2023. ExxonMobil has reached this pinnacle through a combination of sound asset acquisition and solid execution. The companys main business is in hydrocarbons the discovery, extraction, transport, and delivery of resources in both crude oil and natural gas. In addition, ExxonMobil is a leader in the petrochemical and industrial chemical industries, and has its hands in the plastics industry, where it is working to develop lines of lighter-weight, environmentally safer plastics technologies. Story continues In recent months, ExxonMobil has made some important announcements regarding its expansion. Three notable announcements were made last November. First, was the completion of the companys $4.9 billion acquisition of Denbury, a production company focused on carbon-based unconventional petroleum extraction from previously exploited oil fields and operating mainly in the Rocky Mountains and the Gulf Coast. Next was the commencement of oil production in the third ExxonMobil project off the Guyana coast. Finally, in a move towards less traditional energy sources, ExxonMobil publicly announced on November 13th that it had commenced active drilling operations at its lithium well site in Arkansas. Arkansas has extensive lithium deposits, and ExxonMobil has deep experience in drilling for resources; this project aims at commercial lithium production in 2027, and will make ExxonMobil a player in the market for high-end rechargeable batteries used in both electronic devices and electric vehicles. Turning to the financial side, we find that ExxonMobil reported $84.34 billion at the top line in its 4Q23 report, the last released. That figure was down 11.6% year-over-year, and came in $4.48 billion below the forecast. While revenues disappointed, earnings were better; the companys 4Q bottom line, of $2.48 per share in non-GAAP measures, beat the expectations by 27 cents per share. The company generated solid cash flows for Q4 and the full-year 2023. Quarterly free cash flow came to $8 billion, while for the full year the FCF reached $36.1 billion. The companys ability to generate cash supported the dividend; shareholder distributions came to $32.4 billion in 2023. ExxonMobils most recent dividend, 95 cents per common share for 1Q24, annualizes to $3.80 per share and yields 3.09%. Barclays Betty Jiang sees multiple reasons for buying into XOM, and sums them up concisely: We believe XOM could be in the early innings of a super earnings cycle powered by a higher than normal pricing and margin environment, strategic growth assets in the upstream, and major capital investments in downstream/chemicals. We see three key drivers that should differentiate XOM from peers in the coming years: material growth in cost-advantaged upstream production, margin expansion from full value chain integration and a more streamlined organization, and a growing low-carbon business that can deliver returns and reduce emissions We believe the market is under-appreciating XOMs earnings power with estimates materially below company guidance. Looking to the year ahead, Jiang rates XOM as Overweight (i.e. Buy) with a $147 price target to imply a 20% upside in the next 12 months. (To watch Jiangs track record, click here.) Overall, XOM gets a Moderate Buy consensus rating from the Streets analysts, based on 17 recent reviews that include 11 Buys and 6 Holds. That said, the $125.31 average price target suggests the shares will remain rangebound for the time being. (See XOM stock forecast) Chevron Corporation (CVX) Next up, Chevron, is another of the worlds largest oil companies, a perennial part of the top ten leaders in the industry. By market cap, Chevrons $299.5 billion ranks it third, behind ExxonMobil, while the company ranks eighth when counted by revenue, of which it brought in $196.91 billion last year. Like ExxonMobil above, Chevron has achieved this industry-leading scale through solid performance in its core business activities, which revolve primarily around the exploration and production of oil and natural gas assets. Chevron also has large-scale activities in the refining of crude oil; the transport of oil, gas, and refined hydrocarbon products; and even in the operation and management of a maritime shipping line for various fossil fuel products. The common denominator here is moving energy resources into the global economy. Chevron doesnt stop with exploring, producing, and moving hydrocarbon fuels. The company also has a long history in the production and distribution of fuels, lubricants, and additives, which it distributes through retailers and through a wide-ranging network of branded gas stations most of us have, at some time, gassed up our car at a Chevron station. The companys refined fuel business is a part of its larger petrochemical business. Chevrons recent important business moves include its activity in Kazakhstan, where it holds a 50% interest in the supergiant Tengiz oil field, located to the northeast of the Caspian Sea. Chevrons stake is in TCO, the company formed specifically to exploit this oil field and tap into its reserves, which are estimated to include as much as 25.5 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil. The company is also engaged in the acquisition of Hess Corporation, a $60 billion transaction that promises to greatly expand Chevrons production assets. The acquisition was expected to close during 1H24 but is delayed the delay is said to be caused by continued legal wrangling, as various parties with drilling rights in Guyana, including ExxonMobil, are pursuing international arbitration. Also like ExxonMobil, Chevron reported a miss on revenue and a beat on earnings in its last quarterly report, which covered 4Q23. The top line in the quarter came to $47.18 billion, for a 16.5% y/y drop and sliding in $6.02 billion under the forecast. The companys bottom line, reported as a $3.45 non-GAAP EPS, was better, coming in 23 cents per share above the forecast. Of note to return-minded investors, Chevrons last dividend payment, sent out on March 11, represented an 8% increase from the previous quarter. The payment, of $1.63 per share for 1Q23, annualizes to $6.52 per share and has a forward yield of 4%. This is another oil major that Barclays Jiang sees as a solid buy. In her comments on the stock, she says, After a period of challenging mega-project developments over the last decade, CVX is finally shifting into a development thats lower capital intensity, lower execution risk, and more flexible short-cycle production. We believe CVX offers outsized cash return (second highest in our coverage universe), free cash flow inflection from start-up of the TCO expansion, and a high return legacy position in the Permian. Quantifying her stance on CVX, Jiang rates the shares as Overweight (i.e. Buy), and she complements that with a $203 price target indicating potential for a 25% gain in the next 12 months. Chevrons Moderate Buy consensus rating is based on 14 recent reviews, with a breakdown of 9 Buys to 5 Holds. The shares have a current trading price of $162.67 and an average target price of $176.54, together implying an 8.5% one-year upside potential. (See CVX stock forecast) Coterra Energy (CTRA) Last on our list is Coterra Energy, one of the independent players in the US energy economy. Based in Houston, Texas, Coterra works in the exploration and production of oil and gas assets, operating in its home states Permian Basin, one of the worlds leading hydrocarbon production regions, as well as in the Anadarko Basin of neighboring Oklahoma and in the Marcellus Shale of the Appalachian Mountains. Coterras assets are extensive in both oil and natural gas and form a highly diversified portfolio. In 4Q23, Coterras assets brought in a total of $1.56 billion at the top line; while this was down almost 30% year-over-year, it was $80 million above expectations. The companys bottom line was reported as 52 cents per share, a non-GAAP figure that was 2 pennies below the pre-release forecast. Along with its earnings, Coterra also announced an increase in its dividend, bumping the payment up to 21 cents per share, up 5% compared to the prior payout. The annualized rate of 84 cents yields 2.97%. The companys total shareholder returns came to 77% of the free cash flow in Q4, the last reported, much higher than the companys public commitment to returning 50% of the FCF to shareholders. In Q4, Coterra had a total FCF of $413 million. Looking once again at the Barclays view, Betty Jiang says of Coterra, We believe three factors differentiate CTRA within the E&P space: 1) a high quality asset portfolio with scale and decade plus runway across each of its three core assetsPermian Delaware, Marcellus, and Anadarko; 2) diversification of geography and commodities, enabling more resilient cash flow and shareholder return through the cycles; and 3) a rigorous and nimble capital allocation process that takes advantage of the commodity cycles to capture outsized returns. This diversification advantage has been evident this year as CTRA reallocated capital from the Marcellus to the liquids plays owing to record-low gas prices and will likely do the reverse when gas prices recover, all while generating ~$1.3+bn per year of FCF at $75 oil and $2.50 gas. These factors add up to a solid choice for investors, and Jiang goes on to further outline Coterras advantages: Combined with a low cost structure, continued operational outperformance and a near net-cash balance sheet, we estimate CTRA will generate an attractive and growing organic FCF yieldfrom 7.1% in 2024 to 12+% in 2026 at strip prices. The company has committed to return >50% of the FCF to shareholders via dividend and buybacks, which on our numbers translates into a cash return of 22% over the next 3 years. Taken together, these comments support the analysts Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating, while her $36 price target suggests a 28% one-year gain is in the offing. (To watch Jiangs track record, click here.) All in all, Coterra has a Strong Buy consensus rating, based on 17 reviews that split 15 to 2 in favor of Buy over Hold. The shares are trading for $28.18 and the $32.41 average price target indicates room for 15% share appreciation this year. (See CTRA stock forecast) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A teacher at Kern Valley High School is accused of sex crimes against a minor and has been placed on unpaid leave. Christopher Renaudo, 29, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts and is due back in court next week, according to court records. Hes being held on $185,000 bail. Renaudo was booked into jail on April 4. When the Kern High School District learned of the arrest of Kern Valley High School teacher Christopher Renaudo, he was placed on unpaid leave, district spokeswoman Erin Briscoe-Clarke. We take allegations of this nature seriously, and the school has support in place for anyone in need of assistance. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. The eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv once again came under heavy Russian bombardment in the early hours of Thursday. The governor of the region, Oleh Syniehubov, said on Telegram that there had been at least 10 missile attacks on critical infrastructure in the city of Kharkiv and the region. Power outages are already being repaired. No casualties have been reported so far. On Wednesday, at least three people were killed by Russian shelling. Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion for over two years. The eastern Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv has been subject to particularly heavy airstrikes for several weeks. Kim Jong Un told a meeting of military officials this week that North Korea will mobilize an overwhelming assault on any hypothetical enemy, ignoring President Biden's requests for cooperation. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un made the remarks Wednesday while speaking at the Kim Jong-il University of Military and Politics, according to Yonhap News Agency, which reported that the leader was poised to make a "death blow" to enemies. "[Kim Jong Un] said that now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before and that the DPRK should be more firmly and perfectly prepared for a war, which should be won without fail, not just for a possible war," North Korean state media reported. BIDEN RELIES ON REPORTER LIST, NOTES DURING WHITE HOUSE JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE WITH JAPANESE PM North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a military university in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released on April 11, 2024. "DPRK" stands for "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," the country's official name. "It is an immutable law of war victory to neutralize the numerical and military and technical superiority of the enemy by means of superiority in ideology and war methods," Kim Jong Un said, according to state media. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP He reportedly added that "now is the time to be more thoroughly prepared for a war than ever before and that the DPRK should be more firmly and perfectly prepared for a war, which should be won without fail, not just for a possible war." NORTH KOREA CLAIMS SUCCESS IN TESTING OF NEW HYPERSONIC MISSILE AS IT EXPANDS NUCLEAR PROGRAM North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a military university in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released on April 11, 2024, by the Korean Central News Agency. The dictator's aggressive tone shoots down any prospect of cooling tensions growing between North Korea, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. President Biden made an appeal Wednesday from the White House for Kim Jong Un to accept a Japanese proposal for international talks. "We welcome the opportunity of our allies to initiate dialogue with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea," Biden said during a joint press conference with Kishida. "As Ive said many times, were open to dialogue ourselves without preconditions with the DPRK." President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida hold a joint press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, DC. "The window of a discussion with North Korea is open," Kishida said at the same conference. "The establishment of a meaningful relationship between Japan and North Korea is in the interests of both Japan and North Korea and it could be hugely beneficial to the peace and stability of the region." North Korea has taken an even more caustic international posture than usual in recent months, abandoning its symbolic goal of reunification with South Korea and declaring the southern neighbor as its "primary foe" and "principal enemy." Original article source: Kim Jong Un promises 'death blow' to potential enemies, ignores Biden's request for cooperation 'Kind of a dream': Air Force major and Lakeland native flies at Sun 'n Fun for first time One of Lakeland's own is fulfilling his childhood dream by flying a plane in the 2024 Sun 'n Fun Aerospace Expo in front of family and friends. U.S. Air Force Maj. Chad Smith, 40, piloted the KC-135 Stratotanker during the week at Sun 'n Fun. It's his first time performing in the Lakeland air show after watching it for years as a child. "It's kind of a dream I had as a 7- or 8-year-old kid," he said. "This is what I wanted to do. To come back and fly where it all started for me is a huge honor." Smith recalled watching the Sun 'n Fun airshow from the ground, with a fledging fascination with planes and knowing that one day he knew he wanted to fly. "Aviation has been a passion of mine as far back as I can remember," he said. Smith's growing interest was nurtured by his grandfather, a private pilot who kept a plane at Lakeland Linder airport. He took his first flight at Sun 'n Fun in 1994 with the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagle program. Air Force Maj. Chad Smith pilots the KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling demonstration with an F/16 during the 2024 Sun n Fun afternoon air show in Lakeland. Smith is a Lakeland native who developed his love of aviation at Sun 'n Fun. It was the first time he had a chance to fly at the annual event. It was love at first flight. While attending Lakeland High School, Smith was a member of the Lakeland Civil Air Patrol. During his senior year of high school, he earned his pilot's license at Lakeland Linder. "It's very liberating. It's a sense of freedom," Smith said, describing how flying feels to him. "The art and science of flying has always appealed to me. It's not that hard to fly, but it's very difficult to fly well." Smith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the 2005 Sun 'n Fun Fly-in. He spent the first seven years of service working as an aircraft mechanic. For a while, it seemed he would never get the chance to be a military pilot. "I met a pilot who took the route I was looking to do, and he became a mentor to me," he said. "I finished up college while in the Air Force and applied for a pilot slot. I got accepted." The windy, the fiery, the quirky: A walk through 50 years of the Sun 'n Fun Expo Smith flies the KC-135 Stratotanker, a multi-purpose aircraft. Its main role is providing aerial refueling to other planes, but it can also be used for cargo and personnel transport and air medical evacuations. The KC-135 is capable of carrying up to 83,000 pounds that's more than 40 tons. At Sun 'n Fun, Smith is demonstrating the aircraft's main refueling purpose, which is accomplished through a flying boom. A second crewmember, known as a boom operator, sits at the back of the plane and controls the boom during in-flight refueling. "Aviation has been a passion of mine as far back as I can remember," Maj. Chad Smith said. His first time flying and performing these maneuvers before family and friends was this week. Smith spoke with Kathleen High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or ROTC, on Monday. It offered him the opportunity to see the Sun 'n Fun campus and Central Florida Air Academy for the first time. "It's new to me; it wasn't here when I started," he said. "The whole campus is amazing and the opportunities those kids have now." Smith will be honored as a Hometown Hero by the City of Lakeland on Sunday afternoon before the airshow, where city commissioners present a proclamation and give him a key to the city. He was greeted upon his arrival at Sun 'n Fun by Commissioner Guy LaLonde. "I'm very excited that he finally has the opportunity after 18 and a half years to fly at Sun 'n Fun," LaLonde said. "I'm really happy to help put the pieces together where they can help make something happen." Sara-Megan Walsh can be reached at swalsh@theledger.com or 863-802-7545. Follow on X @SaraWalshFl. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Air Force major flies in the Sun 'n Fun event he loved as a kid WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida drew cheers and applause from U.S. lawmakers on Thursday when he announced a plan to donate 250 cherry trees to the U.S. capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. independence. In a speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington underscoring close ties between the United States and Japan, Kishida referred to work the U.S. National Park Service is undertaking to spruce up the Tidal Basin, an area of parkland in Washington that is home to national monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial. "As a gesture of friendship, Japan will provide 250 cherry that will be planted in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of your independence," Kishida said, drawing one of several standing ovations during his speech, which he delivered in English. The Japanese embassy said it is still working on the specifics of the gift. The 250th anniversary of U.S. independence from Britain falls on July 4, 2026. Cherry blossoms have become a beloved annual spectacle in Washington for both residents and visitors alike since Japan donated cherry trees to the city in 1912 as a symbol of friendship. The U.S.-Japan relationship collapsed into catastrophic war between 1941 and 1945, but the two countries have been allies for decades since and say their relationship is now closer than it has ever been. Kishida was only the second Japanese prime minister ever to address a joint meeting of the U.S. House and Senate, after Shinzo Abe, his assassinated predecessor, on April 29, 2015. It is a privilege generally reserved for the closest of U.S. allies and followed a summit with U.S. President Joe Biden. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Michael Martina; Editing by Sandra Maler) South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem can no longer enter about 10 percent of the state she governs. And she has no one but herself to blame. Noem has repeatedly accused Native American tribes in South Dakota of working with Mexican drug cartels, and accused Native parents in tribal areas of not being involved in their childrens lives, blaming them for poor academic performance. So three major tribes have voted to ban her from their land. The Standing Rock Tribal Council voted Tuesday to formally banish Noem from its reservation. The move comes just a week after the Cheyenne River Sioux banished Noem from their lands. And on March 18, the Oglala Sioux did the same. There isnt much she can do about it, either: South Dakota does not have criminal jurisdiction on any of its nine Native American reservations. Its not acceptable for Kristi Noem to lie repeatedly, stoke further division, and endanger the people of the sovereign nations which pre-exist the United States and South Dakota, which have illegally annexed and occupied sovereign territory of the Oceti Sakowin, said Chase Iron Eyes, the director of the Lakota Peoples Law Center, in a statement. But Noem is unrepentant. In an email to The Daily Beast, spokesman Ian Fury said, Banishing Governor Noem does nothing to solve the problem. She calls on all our tribal leaders to banish the cartels from tribal lands. Noem already had a fractious relationship with the tribes in her state. Her cavalier handling of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a high number of cases in Native communities, and she tried to prevent the tribes from implementing their own pandemic safety measures. Noem is reportedly on the shortlist for Donald Trumps vice presidential pick, and her record among Natives could affect her standing. But considering Trumps own crazy record with Native Americans before and during his presidency, he may not care. This is a developing story. Check back to sanluisobispo.com for updates. To get breaking news alerts, click here Paul Flores, the man convicted of murdering Kristin Smart, was attacked in prison for the second time Wednesday, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed. Flores, 47, is currently serving 25 years to life at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga. According to CDCR, staff members witnessed another inmate stab Flores in the recreation yard at around 3:27 p.m. Responding officers quickly quelled the incident by using verbal demands, CDCR said. Two inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered from the scene. Flores was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, CDCR said, but has since returned to the prison in fair condition. CDCR said the person who attacked Flores has been placed in restricted housing as the investigation continues. The prison is investigating the incident as an attempted homicide. A Monterey County jury found Flores guilty of first-degree murder on Oct. 18, 2022, after a three-month trial. He was the last person to see Smart alive when the two were students at Cal Poly in 1996. Second time Flores has been stabbed in prison The assailant was not the inmate who attacked Flores on Aug. 23 and sent him to the hospital with serious neck injuries. That inmate, Jason Budrow, was serving two life terms for two separate murders one that sent him to prison in 2012 and another while he was already behind bars in 2021. In that case, Budrow killed fellow inmate Roger Kibbe, the serial rapist and killer known as the I-5 strangler. In a letter sent to the San Jose Mercury News, Budrow admitted to killing Kibbe as punishment for the I-5 Stranglers murders. Budrow was charged with attempted murder and assault in relation to the August attack on Flores in December. Scottish Labour activists of a certain age will remember with vivid dread the day when it all went horribly wrong. Decades of unchallenged dominance over the Scottish political scene came to a juddering end in the few weeks following the independence referendum of September 2014. Years after voters had turned their backs on Labour at Holyrood level, the party had maintained a comfortable lead and a string of election successes when Westminster seats were in play. But the referendum changed that, seemingly forever. The writing was on the wall for Scotlands 40 Labour MPs, as poll after poll predicted an unprecedented defeat for Labour north of the border. And so it transpired, with general election polling day in 2015 leaving only a single solitary Labour MP in Scotland, with a brief blip two years later which saw seven Labour MPs elected, before being reduced to one again in 2019. Commentators have often been tempted to write off Scottish Labour for good, just as they have been prone though much less frequently of late to predict the eventual triumph of the SNPs core defining mission of independence. But in recent months the polls have changed in Labours favour. This week the first YouGov poll since 2014 to show a Labour lead was published, a survey that indicated that Labour was heading for victory in 28 seats at the general election, ten ahead of the SNP. This will, of course, be a blow to Humza Yousafs hopes that he can secure some sort of mandate to launch independence negotiations. But it would be beyond disastrous for the first minister were the SNP not even able to secure the highest number of seats in a general election and to be able at least to claim that it was making some sort of progress on independence, progress that has eluded the party in the last decade. And therein lies the key to Labours long-term electoral health. The greatest gift bequeathed to the SNP by its former leader Alex Salmond was not the independence referendum he secured, but the absurdly long campaign before it. For nearly three years, Scottish voters were inundated with debates and arguments on the matter, and by the time polling day arrived the SNP had turned independence into the number one issue in the country. From 2014 onward Scots no longer defined themselves as Labour, Conservative or nationalist, or even as belonging to the Right or Left wings. All that mattered was whether they had voted Yes or No. If you were among the majority of Scots who voted No, you split your general election votes among the three pro-UK parties. If you voted Yes, you voted SNP. In a first-past-the-post electoral system, the groundwork had been laid for three nationalist landslides. Has Scottish Labour learned its lesson? Have its leaders worked out that when you campaign and argue relentlessly for constitutional change, voters are inclined to support the party that has defined itself by that argument? It would be foolish to assume that Scots have started to turn back to Labour because of their support for increased powers for Holyrood or because they see Labour as the best vehicle to achieve federalism in the UK. When Scots prioritise constitutional issues, they flock to the SNP a perfectly rational thing to do, given the nationalists own priorities and campaigning record. The polls have turned for a number of reasons, including dissatisfaction with the SNPs record in government. For the first time since 2014, Scots are starting to consider health, education and the economy as more important than further constitutional tinkering. Will Labour capitalise on that change? There remain those in the party who insist publicly that the Union is broken and in dire need of fixing. Then they express surprise and disappointment when the nationalists, whose whole raison detre is based on the Union being broken, benefit from such rhetoric. Labour veterans often bemoan the Partys trend, during the 2010s, of relentlessly criticising the record of the previous Labour government, while hoping voters will vote Labour again. That self-defeating tactic could still help crush Scottish Labours long-term prospects; focusing on traditional bread and butter issues can only help Labour defeat the SNP, because the latter has little to say about such subjects. But if Labour indulge the constitutional reformers in its own ranks, if its message on the doorstep is that the Union is broken and needs fixing, it will be the SNP, not Labour, to whom they turn to do the fixing. 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. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Sedgwick County, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, is monitoring Lake Afton for harmful levels of blue-green algae. On April 4, the state issued this years first blue-green algae warning for Harvey County East Lake. The county says the conditions at the lake do not warrant a public health advisory. KDHE warns of blue-green algae at this Harvey Co. lake A harmful algal bloom may look like foam, scum or paint floating on the water and be colored blue, bright green, brown or red. Animals that swim in or drink water affected by a harmful algal bloom or eat dried algae along the shore may become seriously ill or die. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Key Insights Fluence's estimated fair value is AU$0.15 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of AU$0.17 suggests Fluence is potentially trading close to its fair value Does the April share price for Fluence Corporation Limited (ASX:FLC) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Fluence What's The Estimated Valuation? We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) -US$5.66m US$2.90m US$4.01m US$4.87m US$5.62m US$6.28m US$6.82m US$7.29m US$7.68m US$8.02m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 21.35% Est @ 15.59% Est @ 11.56% Est @ 8.74% Est @ 6.77% Est @ 5.39% Est @ 4.42% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.3% -US$5.3 US$2.5 US$3.2 US$3.7 US$4.0 US$4.1 US$4.2 US$4.1 US$4.1 US$4.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$29m After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.2%) 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 7.3%. Story continues Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$8.0m (1 + 2.2%) (7.3% 2.2%) = US$160m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$160m ( 1 + 7.3%)10= US$79m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$107m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of AU$0.2, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. 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 Fluence 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 7.3%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.116. 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 Fluence Strength Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Expensive based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value. Shareholders have been diluted in the past year. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Has less than 3 years of cash runway based on current free cash flow. 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. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. 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. For Fluence, there are three fundamental factors you should explore: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for Fluence that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does FLC'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. Lake Wales might seek water from Polk Cooperative as plans for its own well seem shaky The Polk Regional Water Cooperative is overseeing the drilling the Southeast Wellfield project north of Frostproof. It now seems likely that Lake Wales will join the project as a participant to receive water beginning around 2032. It appears that Lake Wales will not be going it entirely alone on future water supplies after all. Sara Irvine, the citys special projects administrator, told city commissioners at a recent workshop that plans to drill a city-owned deep well are now in serious doubt. That means Lake Wales is likely to seek water from the Southeast Wellfield and Water Production Facility, a project being developed by the Polk Regional Water Cooperative. Irvine reported that the Southwest Florida Water Management District had drilled an exploratory well in the same general area west of Lake Wales that the city had selected as the site for a well into the Lower Floridan Aquifer. The district determined that the aquifer in that area would not support a productive well. As Irvine told commissioners, Lake Wales' best option now is to request water from the Southeast Wellfield project. That would assume financial obligations of nearly $1 million to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative. So, it just looks like the only practical thing for us to do at this point is go regional, City Commissioner Robin Gibson said in response to Irvines report at the March 27 work session. It looks like it, Irvine replied. Well, it was certainly worth a look, Gibson replied. Lake Wales did not actually begin drilling a test well, and the city's only expenditure was what Irvine called a "minimal" amount paid to a consultant to prepare the plans. The Polk Regional Water Cooperative Lake Wales is one of only four cities that so far have not committed to receiving water from one of two deep well projects that the PRWC is developing. The cooperative formed in 2017 in recognition that Polk County and its cities were approaching the limit of increased volumes of water they could withdraw from conventional wells drilled into the Upper Floridan Aquifer, an underground reservoir that provides most of the states water supply. The PRWC comprises Polk County and 15 cities. While each entity contributes administrative fees, the cooperative operates as a subscription service, with the county and cities paying additional money based on their receipt of water. Lake Wales is now considered an associate with the Southeast Wellfield project and has the option to become a participating member, said Eric DeHaven, the PRWCs executive director. The Southeast Wellfield project encompasses a series of wells being drilled north of Frostproof, along with a water treatment facility and a 61-mile pipeline. The wells, the first of which began construction in late 2022, will extend as deep as 2,000 feet underground, compared with depths of 700 to 800 feet for conventional wells into the upper aquifer. This map shows the planned route of the 61-mile pipeline that will deliver water from the Southeast Wellfield north of Frostproof. Water in the Lower Floridan Aquifer is briny, rather than fresh, and requires much more treatment to meet standards for drinking water. The water production facility, to be built several miles east of Lake Wales, will use reverse osmosis, pushing the water under pressure through semi-permeable filters to remove salt and minerals. The project involves drilling injection wells, which will allow the pumping of leftover brine underground as deep as 6,000 feet. Planners expect a subterranean rock structure to keep the brine separate from the water of the Floridan Aquifer. Water will not begin flowing through the Southeast Wellfield pipes until at least 2027, and the facility is projected eventually to produce as much as 12.5 million gallons of water a day, DeHaven said. In its current design, the pipeline will extend as far north as Davenport in the first phase and west to Lakeland Highlands in the second phase. A second source of alternative water, the West Polk Wellfield, is scheduled to begin construction in fall 2025. The two initiatives are intended to ensure water supplies in Polk County for the next two decades. Becoming a participant While most cities have committed to one of the two projects, Lake Wales has so far opted not to do so, along with Frostproof, Fort Meade and Mulberry. It is probably too late for Lake Wales to join the first phase of the Southeast project, DeHaven said, as almost all the anticipated water supply has already been allotted. Lake Wales Charter Schools: Superintendent under investigation after employment grievances made But the city could become a participant for the second phase, projected to start generating water in 2032. DeHaven said he would not expect the need for to add much to the planned pipeline because it already passes near Lake Wales. Cities that shift to participant status must catch up on financial obligations. Lake Wales would assume debt of about $900,000, DeHaven said, with $25,000 owed up front. The city would later pay the cooperative based on the amount of water it receives. Not an imminent water crisis Irvine said that Lake Wales is not facing an imminent water crisis, even though its population is predicted to surge in coming years, based on previous approvals of housing developments. The citys permit with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, known as Swiftmud, allows an annual withdrawal of slightly over 3.9 million gallons per day. As of February, the city was averaging just under 2.9 million gallons per day, or about 26% below the allowed amount, Swiftmud said. Lake Wales permit expires in January 2032. Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, the consultant hired by Lake Wales, completed a 20-year projection of the citys water demands, based on expected residential and commercial development as of December 2023. The study predicted that daily water demand would increase to 4.35 million gallons per day over two decades, rising at an annual rate of 2.3%. The projection for 2043 is about 3% higher than the amount forecast by Swiftmud. Lake Wales hopes to get credit for historic agriculture wells taken out of use as citrus groves are converted into subdivisions, Irvine said. If Swiftmud agrees with our consultants and our groundwater modeling for transitioning those agricultural wells over to city water service, we should have enough unless we take in more parcels, Irvine said. Then we'll have to relook at something else. She said one option is to pay another municipality not using its full allotment of water for the unused amount. Lake Wales is waiting for approval from Swiftmud on its future water allocation, which will determine how much it would request from the PRWC, Irvine said. The Lake Wales City Commission would have to vote its approval to become a participant in the Southeast Wellfield Project. Gary White can be reached at gary.white@theledger.com or 863-802-7518. Follow on X @garywhite13. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lake Wales likely to seek future water from Polk Regional Cooperative Landslide win for opposition in South Korea election in huge blow to president Yoon Suk Yeol South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and its allies scored a landslide victory in Wednesdays elections for the 300-seat legislature. The Democratic Party was projected to take 175 seats in the new assembly, data from the National Election Commission and network broadcasters showed. A splinter liberal party considered allied with the DP was expected to take 12 seats, projections showed, leaving the bloc short of the 200 seats needed for a super-majority. The results of Wednesday's elections were a huge blow to president Yoon Suk Yeol, likely setting back his domestic agenda and leaving him facing an intensifying political offensive by his liberal opponents. Since taking office in 2022 for a single five-year term, Mr Yoon, a former top prosecutor, has been grappling with low approval ratings and a liberal opposition-controlled parliament that has limited his major policy platforms. In the months ahead of the election, the conservatives supporting Mr Yoon and their liberal rivals exchanged toxic rhetoric and mudslinging. Prime minister Han Duck-soo and all senior presidential advisers to Mr Yoon, except those in charge of security issues, submitted their resignations on Thursday following the election defeat. Mr Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) was set to win 108 seats. The president said he will "humbly uphold" the public sentiments and focus on improving people's economic situations and on reforming state affairs, according to his office. People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon said he would also step down to take responsibility for the election defeat. DP leader Lee Jae-myung, who led a combative campaign against Mr Yoon, said the top priority now was to work for an economic recovery that is palpable for the average consumer. "The ruling and opposition parties must join forces to overcome the crisis in consumers' economic livelihood," he was quoted by Reuters as saying. The bitterly fought race was seen by some analysts as a referendum on Mr Yoon, with "jugement" being used as a common theme running through comments by opposition victors. His rivals had campaigned heavily on what they said was Mr Yoon's mismanagement of the economy and his refusal to acknowledge his wife acted improperly when she accepted a Dior bag as a gift. First lady Kim Keon Hee has not been seen in public since 15 December and was absent when Mr Yoon voted. Lee Jun-han, a political science professor at Incheon National University, said the poll had all the characteristics of a midterm election, with voters delivering a message that the government's economic policies were failing. "With the opposition with nearly 190 seats or more, I think the difficulties with legislation, budget, and state administration will continue in the future," he said. Additional reporting by agencies EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The next Las Cruces Police Departments Bridging the Badge Zoom meeting coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month and will focus on the safety of vulnerable users of area roads and trails, according to LCPD. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 11. Participants can join the Zoom meeting here. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the LCPDs Facebook page. Viewers can ask questions via Zoom or through the Facebook live. LCPD says hosts of the meeting, commissioned LCPD officers, will be joined by Barbara Toth, chairwoman of the New Mexico Vulnerable Road Users group; and Eloisa Torres, board member of the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Both organizations advocate for persons of all background to have access to the outdoors in a safe and responsible manner, according to LCPD. LCPDs Zoom meetings, which are held monthly, are intended to promote understanding, collaboration, and informed dialogue on important topics with Las Cruces residents. Each meeting is anticipated to last about one hour. An open and respectful dialogue is encouraged during each meeting, according to LCPD. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Latino Americans overwhelmingly say former President Donald Trump would be better for the economy and immigration than President Biden, according to a Thursday poll from Axios/Ipsos. The poll found that 20% of Latinos think Biden is "good for the U.S. economy," while 42% of respondents said the same about Trump. When it comes to immigration, 22% said Biden is "good" on the issue, while 29% said the same for Trump. Latinos also favored Trump on crime and public safety, with 31% endorsing him on the issue, compared to Biden's 20%. Biden defeated Trump on two issues in the poll, however. Latinos believe, 28% to 23%, that Biden is better for the health of democracy in the U.S., and 30% trust him more on abortion issues, compared to 21% for Trump. HOUSE REPUBLICANS HAMMER BIDEN AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IS LINKED TO MICHIGAN WOMAN'S MURDER Latino Americans overwhelmingly say former President Donald Trump would be better for the economy and immigration than President Biden, according to a Thursday poll from Ipsos. Biden also underperformed in the poll, compared to the Democratic Party in general, with the party beating its presidential candidate by 1% to 2% on each poll question. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Thursday's poll was conducted in partnership with Noticias Telemundo from March 22-28. The survey questioned 1,012 Latino adults selected randomly via Ipsos' KnowledgePanel, which seeks to create a national representative sample. The campaigns for Biden and Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. 'SHOCKING' CALIFORNIA BILL TO PROTECT VIOLENT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM DEPORTATION DRAWS FIERCE BACKLASH Trump has centered his campaign on immigration and the economy, declaring the U.S.-Mexico border a "war zone" in late February. Former President Donald Trump has centered his campaign on immigration and the economy, declaring the U.S.-Mexico border a "war zone" in late February. Trump allies have sought to capitalize on Biden's unpopularity on immigration with extensive ad buys. The conservative nonprofit Building Americas Future launched a six-figure digital ad campaign on Tuesday in the Midwest battleground states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, hammering Biden's immigration policies. Trump was set to deliver two speeches on immigration over the same period. "Donald Trump was right," the one-minute ad opens followed by a soundbite of Trump saying in a 2015 speech, "They're not sending their best. They're bringing drugs." BORDER PATROL HAS ARRESTED 6,400 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, 178 GANG MEMBERS IN FY24 The ad then plays audio from a news report discussing drugs being smuggled across the border before quoting Trump also saying that illegal immigration is bringing "crime and rapists," along with news reports backing up that claim. During his speech in Michigan last week, Trump fired numerous salvos at his successor in the White House, arguing that "under crooked Joe Biden, every state is now a border state." Fox News' Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Original article source: Latinos favor Trump over Biden on economy, support president shutting down border, poll finds Less than a year after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy released a public health advisory calling attention to a crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of connection across the country, Rep. Jamaal Bowman says he was spurred on to call for more funding for the next generation of mental health providers -- particularly those in minority communities. Bowman's new bill, introduced in the House on Wednesday, would provide grants to historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities and minority-serving institutions and Hispanic-serving institutions to create, expand or improve graduate-level programs in mental health fields. The proposal, which was endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the American Federation of Teachers and other groups, would provide $10,000 to each school per student in their corresponding program The legislation is co-sponsored by Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif., and has garnered more than a dozen other Democratic co-sponsors, all of whom are lawmakers of color. "There's a mental health crisis in our country amongst our children, and we need all hands on deck and additional resources to respond," Bowman, a New York Democrat, told ABC News in an interview. "That crisis disproportionately impacts Black or Latino kids, and that's why we need to invest in these institutions," he said. MORE: New York officials announce legislation linking mental health issues in teens to social media use PHOTO: In this undated stock photo, a doctor is seen holding a stethoscope. (STOCK PHOTO/Getty Images) The colleges and universities have also long grappled with less funding than predominantly white schools, Bowman said. I want all institutions to really invest in the mental health of our peers, because I don't want any kid to suffer, but HBCUs and [minority-serving schools] are historically underfunded institutions in comparison, he said. "Because of that historic under-funding, is the point that we start there because they need the influx of resources," he said. As of 2021, only 8% of the psychological workforce in America was Hispanic, 5% was Black and 3% was Asian, which is disproportionately lower than their share of the population, Bowman's office said. His bill, The Access In Mental Health Act, is in response to what he calls obstacles to high-quality and culturally responsive care for marginalized communities because of the disparity in diversity for mental health workers. At the same time, Black children are "nearly twice as likely to die by suicide than White children," Murthy, the surgeon general, wrote in his public health advisory last year. MORE:Parents say they're struggling with their own mental health amid a growing youth mental health crisis PHOTO: Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol, Feb. 14, 2024, in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images, FILE) Murthy added: "Socioeconomically disadvantaged children and adolescents--for instance, those growing up in poverty--are two to three times more likely to develop mental health conditions than peers with higher socioeconomic status." Black children were also more likely than any other group of children to lose a parent or caregiver to COVID-19, federal health officials have said. Bowman's connection to the issue is firsthand, he said: While he was a middle school principal in the Bronx, in the year before deciding to run for Congress in 2020, 17 children died by suicide in his borough, he said. "I saw a rise in suicide ideation and suicidal ideation amongst my kids," he said, including "amongst my Latina students." While the fate of Bowman's bill is unclear in the House, which is run by Republicans, he said he feels personally connected to the issue. "I lived and experienced the crisis in real-time," he said. Lawmakers of color propose more school funding to diversify mental health field originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Lawmakers urge Biden action on Venezuelan gang infiltration EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, along with 20 lawmakers from across the nation, are calling on President Joe Biden to address the escalating threat posed by the Tren de Aragua, or Aragua Train, a criminal gang that has infiltrated its way into the United States and into other countries. In a joint effort to combat the growing influence of the criminal gang, Gonzales and lawmakers drafted a letter urging Biden to take decisive action and designate the criminal group as a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO). The groups resolution comes from growing concerns between law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, regarding the gangs expanding reach and its violent crimes. The letter highlights the urgency of the situation by mentioning the gangs involvement in heinous crimes, including the murders of retired police officer Jose Luis Sanchez Valera and nursing student Laken Riley. Tren de Aragua is known for engaging in a range of crimes like extortion, human smuggling, sex trafficking, among others, according to the FBI. The resolution proposed by lawmakers calls on the president to deploy necessary resources and sanctions that will help to curb the escalating crime and violence threatening communities across the United States. Retired Border Patrol Agent Ammon Blair told KTSM that the biggest problem with cracking down on the gang is their lack of criminal records from Venezuela and the strained US-Venezuela relations, hindering information exchange. Refugio Corrales, a spokesperson with Customs and Border Protection said that when Border Patrol detains migrants and they have been processed and classified, they check for tattoos to determine if there are any ties to gangs or cartels. Sometimes migrants have criminal history, and they will have tattoos that are associated with the cartel. Some of these migrants will confess to being a part of an actual cartel association, said Corrales. Gonzales said it is important that the U.S. government works with other countries like Mexico, to gather information on the gang. This is one of the things Ive asked the Mexican government for, to work with us, to help us bridge that gap with Venezuelans so we can determine who these actors are. said Gonzales. When we find out that they are indeed criminals, there has to be repercussions and they have to be deported immediately. Corrales said although there may be communication challenges between different countries, they do the best they can. Our job is to communicate with the country the best that we can and get the information out there and identify these subjects the best that we can. Our intelligence groups work great with different organizations, said Corrales. In a statement sent to KTSM, El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good said the following: Transnational Criminal Organizations pose a threat by attempting to smuggle criminals into our country. Dangerous criminals endanger our communities when they often continue to disregard rule of law. The El Paso Sector agents are committed to their duties of protecting the American people, safeguarding our borders, and enhancing the nations economic prosperity. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. LAWRENCE, Kan. Two men are sentenced for a 2021 shooting in Lawrence that left a 21-year-old Wichita man dead. Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez announced Wednesday that 20-year-old Javier Romero was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months and 22-year-old Andrel Spates Jr. was sentenced to 17 years and 2 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. No foul play suspected in actor Cole Brings Plentys death: sheriff Both men were convicted in January for the shooting on Sept. 8, 2021, at an apartment in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street, just blocks away from the University of Kansas campus. The victim, Christian Willis, was found dead at the scene. Spates pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and Romero pleaded second-degree murder. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Both men were also sentenced to 3 years post-release supervision and both men must register as violent offenders for 15 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. New lawsuits question safety of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant. Heres what they say Two anti-nuclear groups have filed a pair of lawsuits questioning the safety of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant though PG&E maintains the plant is operating safely and according to regulations. In the first lawsuit, Friends of the Earth and Mothers for Peace claimed PG&E has put off inspecting a capsule in one of its nuclear reactors for nearly 17 years with the permission of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The two groups are suing the NRC for allowing PG&E to delay that inspection. Next, Friends of the Earth sued the U.S. Department of Energy on April 2 for awarding $1.1 billion in federal funding to PG&E to keep operating the nuclear power plant. The group argued the department did not conduct an appropriate environmental review of the plant before awarding the money. Meanwhile a PG&E spokesperson said in both instances the nuclear power plant is operating safely and within all required regulations. Heres a look at the two lawsuits. Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant owned by PG&E discharges about 2.5 billion gallons of cooling water a day into the 40-acre cove along the Pacific Ocean. NRC shouldnt take shortcuts in allowing PG&E to put off inspection, lawsuit claims In the first lawsuit, Friends of the Earth and Mothers for Peace said PG&E delayed a safety test on a pressure vessel for the plants Unit 1 reactor numerous times in the past 17 years. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on March 20. The pressure vessel holds the reactors radioactive core and the water that cools it. According to PG&Es updated operating license for Unit 1, the company is supposed to periodically remove and test capsules from the reactor which monitor the reactor for embrittlement. Embrittlement happens when radiation from operating the nuclear reactor causes its materials to become more likely to break. Because the capsules are closer to the fuel than the reactor is, and they are made of materials already most susceptible to embrittlement, they deteriorate more quickly than the reactor itself, according to PG&E Director of Strategic Initiatives Philippe Soenen. Inspection of these can help indicate how much time it will take for the reactor to reach unsafe levels of embrittlement, Soenen said. PG&E periodically removes the capsules for testing, he said. PG&E was originally scheduled to remove and test Unit 1s Capsule B by 2007, according to the lawsuit. Instead, the NRC allowed PG&E to put off that inspection four times between 2008 and 2023 without a public hearing, the lawsuit claimed. Most recently the body re-scheduled the procedure for 2025, the lawsuit said. PG&E originally attempted to retrieve Capsule B in October 2023, but was unsuccessful, spokesperson Suzanne Hosn said. The reactor core barrel, which weighs 172 tons, blocked PG&Es access to Capsule B in 2023, according to Hosn. Additionally, the access plug to the capsule did not operate as intended and the tool would not engage in that location, she said. The commission will allow PG&E two attempts to remove and test the capsule, Hosn said. PG&E will try again during the next Unit 1 refueling outage in 2025, she said. PG&E plans to remove and reinstall the reactor core barrel as part of routine maintenance during the 2025 refueling outage, which will make it easier to retrieve Capsule B, according to Hosn. PG&E meanwhile conducts ultrasonic inspections of the nuclear reactors to test for embrittlement, which have shown no reportable indications of cracking, Hosn said. Friends of the Earth and Mothers for Peace argued that delaying the inspection is a safety hazard, and they claimed that the NRC was not holding PG&E to a high enough safety standard. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission cannot, and should not, take any shortcuts if it is going to allow Diablo Canyon to continue operating beyond its scheduled retirement, Friends of the Earth legal director Hallie Templeton said in a news release. PG&E, however, said Unit 1 is up to code and operating safely, even with the new inspection schedule. Both Diablo Canyon Power Plant reactor pressure vessels have always met all regulatory reactor vessel integrity safety requirements and continue to operate safely, Hosn said in a statement. We are in full compliance with regulatory standards and follow industry guidance regarding reactor vessel safety. The NRC declined to comment on the lawsuit. The NRC is expected to file a response to the complaint with the U.S. Court of Appeals sometime this summer, according to Templeton. After that, Templeton expected the court to set a date for the first hearing in the case. The pressurized-water reactor for Unit 1 takes shape at the foot of Diablo Canyon overlooking the cove and the Pacific in a photo taken May 11, 1971. PG&Es turbine generators would be located in the building under construction at the rear. Anti-nuclear group sues over $1.1 billion award Meanwhile, Friends of the Earth sued the U.S. Department of Energy for awarding PG&E up to $1.1 billion to continue operating the nuclear power plant. The funding was awarded through the U.S. Civil Nuclear Credit Program, which was created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund nuclear reactors slated to close for economic reasons. The U.S. Department of Energy finalized the funding plan in January, according to a news release from the agency. PG&E will receive the funding in installments to support the power plants operating costs from 2023 to 2026, the agency said. The amount of each payment will be decided by the actual costs of operating the plant for each time period. PG&E is scheduled to get its first payment in 2025 based on the cost of operating the plant in 2023 and 2024, the release said. According to Friends of the Earth, the U.S. Department of Energys environmental impact review that accompanied the grant included outdated analysis from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission which the group said violates the National Environmental Policy Act. The Department of Energy should have known better than to shirk National Environmental Policy Act review before handing out a billion taxpayer dollars to a dangerously outdated nuclear power plant, Templeton said in a news release. Templeton said the analysis, which looked at the environmental impact of continuing to operate the plant, was completed almost a decade before Diablo Canyon was even up and running. When it comes to extending the life of this risky nuclear facility, we will keep watching closely to ensure that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Department of Energy fulfill all federal mandates, she said. PG&E, however, asserted that the Department of Energy followed federal policy throughout the process. The environmental impacts of operation at Diablo Canyon are well understood and have been documented extensively over the course of the plants operation, Hosn said in a statement. Because an award under the Department of Energys Civil Nuclear Credit Program does not change the existing operating configuration of Diablo Canyon or result in significant new circumstances or information relevant to environmental concerns, the Department of Energy properly relied on prior analyses to support its decision. Within 60 days of the lawsuit being filed, the U.S. Department of Energy was expected to file a response to Friends of the Earths complaint. Then, the court will schedule a hearing for the case, according to Templeton. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Families, friends and colleagues came together Wednesday, April 3 to recognize the semi-finalists and finalists for the campus employees of the year awards, the Las Cruces Public Schools (LCPS) announced in a press release. LCPS says there are three categories for the employees of the year celebration including: fellow educators and staff nominated teachers, educations support staff, and most recently, principals at the campus level to receive the recognition for campus employees of the year. After a series of interviews with the nominees from each school, a committee comprised of educators and district staff were tasked with selecting the campus employees of the year from each school and building site, read the press release. District leaders recognized each employee nominated from their school during the celebration for campus employees of the year. You can see the list of campus employees of the year in alphabetical order by school here. LCPS says the committee narrowed the pool of campus employees of the year down to ten semi-finalists from each category. Photo courtesy of Las Cruces Public Schools Dona Ana Elementary School Lisa Bulger Fairacres Elementary School Paul Cano LCPS Administration Raquel Cherem Sonoma Elementary School Lori Evans Hillrise Elementary School Jamie Foy May Field High School Eric Galaz Mesilla Elementary School Tammy Goddard Camino Real Middle School Kari Gohrick Zia Middle School Sherice McWhorter Sunrise Elementary School Joe Sanchez Photo courtesy of Las Cruces Public Schools Hillrise Elementary School Ana Bruner Loma Heights Elementary School Stephanie Clark Centennial High School Brianna Duerksen Tombaugh Elementary School Sharon Garcia Camino Real Middle School Chris Love Lynn Community Middle School Sergio Marquez Mesa Middle School Jesus Melendez Desert Hills Elementary School Michelle Rodriguez Mesilla Park Elementary School Olivia Romero White Sands K-8 School Cynthia Yu From there, the list of finalists dwindled down in each category to the top three finalists for the district, according to LCPS. Photo courtesy of Las Cruces Public Schools Camino Real Middle School Kari Gohrick LCPS Administration Raquel Cherem Zia Middle School Sherice McWhorter Photo courtesy of Las Cruces Public Schools Camino Real Middle School Chris Love Centennial High School Brianna Duerksen Lynn Community Middle School Sergio Marquez The teacher of the year, educational support personnel of the year and principal of the year for Las Cruces Public Schools will be announced during the Celebration of Excellence dinner on Friday, 26 at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, according to LCPS. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Gloria Hammonds house is the last one left on Luther Smith Road in Monroe County. Walk out the back of her house, through a patch of hardwoods and a canebrake and you come to Berry Creek. I walked down here the other day, Gloria said recently, making the walk again with a reporter. Just to go look. Nostalgia. You know, my husbands birthday was yesterday. This makes five years now Gloria has marked her husband Casons birthday without him. Its the same as it always is, she said. Its just hard. Just uphill from Glorias house and on top of the headwaters of Berry Creek are 16 million tons of Georgia Powers coal ash. Groundwater which, for decades, supplied the Hammonds and many of their neighbors with well water also flows through the ash leftover from generating electricity at Plant Scherer. Gloria still wonders if what was once the water at her kitchen tap is connected to Casons death and the deaths of many of her neighbors. Its hard to have proof, she said. You know, he had prostate cancer that just metastasized like that. Then he had another cancer, too. There are the throat and tongue cancers. The brothers who died from cancer a year apart. The liver cancer elsewhere in the family. The list of suspicions is long. Why not suspect? Gloria asks. The old homes on Luther Smith Road have long been replaced with Georgia Power monitoring wells stuck into the aquifer. Meanwhile, something residents of the Monroe County community of Juliette have said for years would help quell their suspicions would be if, when Georgia Power finally closes the Plant Scherer Ash Pond, they seal it off from groundwater. Forever. Thats not the utilitys plan, nor is it the plan for many other coal ash ponds around the country, even though the federal Environmental Protection Agency is insistent it should be. This spring, Georgia Power began the very first step in closing Scherers Ash Pond 1. The ash pond operated as a water treatment and solids management unit for years and years, said Brett Mitchell, Georgia Power Director of Environmental Affairs. Basically, since the 1980s, when the plant began burning coal to heat water into steam, which in turn spun dynamos to set electrons free, ash was pushed out the back of the plant and into the water (euphemistically called a pond) at what was, at one time, the largest single point source for carbon dioxide on the continent. Once submerged in the water, the coal ash could no longer get airborne. Breathing it would have been a major health hazard. And then the 2015 federal rules came into play, Mitchell said. Which essentially required ponds to be closed. Even before then, Georgia Power was buying up homes, installing monitoring wells to track how heavy metals were traveling through groundwater and posting no trespassing signs on the now-cleared properties. According to Georgia Power, the Scherer ash pond stopped receiving new ash in 2019. But the ash pond has still been receiving new water in the form of rain. Rain plus gravity can push the coal ash toxins out through the aquifer and to Berry Creek. Thats why, when Ash Pond 1 is closed, it will have a roof. This plant is slated to have a synthetic cover, said Mitchell. Thats a HDPE plastic liner and then turf. All of that would be waterproof, stopping the rain from pressing down on the ash. The further details of the plan, not yet approved by state regulators, are to shrink the footprint of the pond by about a third and to compact all 16 million tons of toxic material into one pile. But wet ash is very heavy. To move it, the utility has to dry it out first. The process, now underway as of March, is called dewatering. To dewater an ash pond, imagine a very large, complicated and expensive aquarium filter. On the south side of the pond, near the looming plant itself, theres a trailer full of special pumps that inject a chemical into the slurry that forces even the most microscopic bits of toxic material to clump up. What happens next can actually be seen two stories up on a metal grated walkway through the rest of the rig where Georgia Power environmental specialist Jean Brown and others led a tour of the dewatering. And that was the intake pumps there. And, also you can see the final treatment, part of the treatment system over here.... The gravity filters over that way...., Brown said. And underfoot there was the water, brown and clouded, as if fouled by untold numbers of broken tea bags. So those, those particles, they, the flocculant, forms and settles out, Brown said. Eventually it gets filtered away. Then further down the grate, the water is clearer. After more filtering, the cleaned water will be pumped into the nearby Ocmulgee River. Because the Scherer ash pond is so massive, just this step in closing the impoundment will take at least nine years. Only then, says Georgia Power Director of Environmental Affairs Brett Mitchell, will come the big step of adding that plastic and turf raincoat to keep rain from infiltrating from above. But there is no planned barrier preventing contact of water and the coal ash from below. Closure plans like this waterproof up high and unsealed down low are called, broadly, cap-in-place closures. So, Mitchell says, dewatered and closed might never mean dry. Some of the ash may very well still remain wet after closure, he said. And the ash may still flow through the aquifer and Berry Creek behind Gloria Hammonds house. The company says it will track just how much for at least 30 years at those monitoring wells, many of which are piped into the lots where some of Glorias neighbors used to live. Georgia Power Water Natural Resources Manager Scott Hendricks says this is because of the companys definition of a key term: infiltration. When I think of infiltration, Im thinking of rainwater that falls on top, Hendricks said. It infiltrates down. Thats the working definition, not only for Georgia Power, but for other electrical utilities across the country, too. But thats only part of the EPA definition. A few years ago, the EPA resurrected a coal ash rule shelved during the Trump administration, which says when it comes to coal ash and water, infiltration can come from any direction, including from underground. The rule has come into play in Ohio and Alabama, and now in Georgia. At Plant Hammond near Rome, Georgia Power was given a cap in place permit like the one it wants at Plant Scherer. The pond there is closed, leaving about 10% of the Hammond coal ash in the aquifer there near the Coosa River. But in a letter sent this February, the EPA told Georgias Environmental Protection Division that since the Hammond permit didnt restrict the flow of groundwater in and out of the ash, its against the rules. The letter is a what I would call a politely worded smackdown of Georgia EPDs misinterpretation of the closure standards for ash, said Chris Bowers, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. What the EPA wants, broadly, is ash ponds waterproof all the way around, top and bottom. Meanwhile, Georgia Power is currently voluntarily retrofitting a long ago capped-in-place but far smaller ash pond in just this way, 15 miles to the south at their Plant Arkwright in Macon, just upstream of the place where the local water utility draws from the Ocmulgee River. Georgia EPD and Georgia Power are not the only entities interpreting the EPAs rule on groundwater and coal ash. In March, attorneys representing the EPA and many utilities (but not Georgia Power) argued the definition, again, of infiltration, before a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. During the hearing, the judges sounded skeptical of the utility position that infiltration only comes from above. They also sounded concerned, but perhaps not to the same degree, by the fact that if the EPA rule stands it could mean untold extra billions of dollars to be spent by utilities on coal ash pond closure. Whatever opinion issues from the D.C. court is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, people on both sides of the issue say even if the EPAs no coal ash in groundwater rule is upheld by the Supreme Court, if he won a second term as president, Donald Trump would likely axe the rule altogether. Man who broke up with pregnant girlfriend wants to move to be closer to his baby heres Dave Ramsey's advice When it comes to reckless decision-making, we need to be willing to face the possible consequences of our actions especially when a child is involved. Unfortunately, Ryan, a soon-to-be father from Chicago, is struggling to break his habit of making impulsive decisions. He broke up with his pregnant girlfriend after a heated argument and now shes moving to another state. Ryan isnt sure if he should follow her to be closer to the child. Don't miss On an episode of The Ramsey Show, co-host John Delony called him out on his behavior: You think being together and raising this kid is hard, wait till you try to do it in separate houses. Its going to be chaos. Its hard, hard, hard! However, Dave Ramsey cautioned Ryan against continuing his pattern of rash behavior and made a few suggestions for him to consider. Reckless decisions A clinical study conducted in 2018 found that roughly 32.8% of adults had some form of impulse control disorder, ranging from gambling issues to compulsive shopping habits. Meanwhile, three out of four recent homebuyers expressed regrets about their decision, with 26% of them claiming they rushed the homebuying process and should have waited longer, according to a survey conducted by Clever Real Estate. Put simply, Ryan isnt alone in his brash decision-making. Pretty much everything youve done has been an impulse decision, Ramsey told him. All of these decisions have been impulsive: the moves, the pregnancy, the shaking up, the breaking up. Surprisingly, this habit hasnt been reflected in his finances. Ryan claimed he has only $500 in credit card debt and is on course to pay it off soon. He works in sales and believes he has some flexibility to follow his ex-girlfriend to Tennessee to be closer to his child. However, Ramsey offered some advice to make this decision easier. Read more: Generating 'passive income' through real estate is the biggest myth in investing but here's one surefire way to do it without breaking the bank Better decision-making model Ryan cant change the choices hes already made, but he can be more careful with the ones that lay ahead. Story continues Ramsey suggested a framework for making his next decision: The good decision-making paradigm is this the more important the decision, the more information you need about the decision and the longer time you should take making the decision. For instance, Ramsey said, the decision to purchase a car should take longer to mull over than deciding whether to buy a pack of gum. By that measure, Ryan should probably take his time before considering a move to Tennessee. I want both of you to make slower decisions, he said. He also recommended seeking out a couples therapist to help Ryan and his ex-girlfriend communicate clearly and attempt to resolve their differences before they potentially go their separate ways. Three out of four couples who hired a relationship therapist (76%) said it had a high or very high impact in helping them, according to the Verywell Mind survey of 1,106 American adults. The survey also found that these professional sessions were expensive costing, on average, more than $300 a month but 94% of couples said it was worth the investment. What to read next Worried about the economy? Here are the best shock-proof assets for your portfolio. (They're all outside of the stock market.) Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But 5 minutes could have you paying as little as $29/month Millions of Americans are in massive debt in the face of rising costs. Here's how to get your head above water ASAP This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. BASTROP The Bastrop Ethics Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to issue a letter of reprimand against Mayor Lyle Nelson for interfering in an investigation into a city contractor. The commission is not a judicial body so it cannot punish Nelson, said Rose Hargrave, a lawyer who represented the City Council after the Wednesday hearing. She said it was "up to the community" to decide about Nelson by choosing not to reelect him or by holding a recall election. Commission member Barbara Caldwell broke down in tears after the vote to issue the reprimand. "I'm so disappointed in you," Caldwell said to Nelson, who was sitting in front of her with his lawyer at the hearing. Bastrop Ethics Commission Chairman Chris Duggan, left, and member Barbara Caldwell attend the hearing Wednesday in which they issued a letter of reprimand against Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson. She said many people in the city had supported him. "I'm very emotional because you are a friend and you let us down," Caldwell said. "If you were any kind of man, you would step down and walk away. You are not the kind of man we need and deserve." Nelson's lawyer, James Ringel, said after the hearing that the mayor did nothing wrong. "Even as a public official, people have their right to privacy and the minutiae of their private lives are not fair game just because a City Council seeks to pry into their lives," Ringel said. "Ultimately, this is an example of government overreach by the City Council with a legal justification that is tenuous at best. The mayor also wants to assure the public that he will strive to better serve the community moving forward." Lyle Nelson The six-member Ethics Commission also voted 5-1 against recommending that Nelson be removed from the city's economic development board, with Caldwell casting the lone vote for removal. Bernie Jackson, who voted against it, said the city needs to "move forward." "We need to try to heal from this, and I think Lyle you can do that," Jackson said. "I think the council and you need to begin to work better for the citizens of Bastrop and not for your own personal agendas." The commission made its decision Wednesday after the City Council made a complaint in January saying that Nelson refused to give officials eight and half months' worth of communications between him and Susan Smith, who is being investigated for misuse of public funds while she was the chief executive officer of Visit Bastrop. The marketing company promotes tourism and is funded by more than $1.5 million of the city's hotel occupancy tax. During the investigation, a forensic audit of Visit Bastrop showed that from 2021 to 2023, approximately $70,000 in public funds from the city were spent on Visit Bastrop credit cards and approved by Smith without itemized receipts or other required documentation, the ethics complaint said. "Some amount of the misreported public funds have been identified to have been used in pursuit of a romantic relationship with Lyle Nelson while he was a city official," it said. Nelson initially denied that he had been involved with Smith until 232 pages of intimate text messages between them were discovered on her work iPad, the complaint said. He then admitted to the City Council "that there was a relationship that was sexual in nature and apologized to council for lying about the same," the complaint said. The attorney hired by the city said in a report that there was no evidence that Nelson knew about the misuse of funds. Nelson also has denied that he knew anything about it. Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland, who made the complaint on behalf of the City Council, said at the Wednesday hearing that Nelson made "15 false statements in the first 15 minutes" of an interview with an attorney hired by the city to investigate Visit Bastrop. Nelson lied about the nature of his relationship with Smith, said he wasn't a city official until he was elected mayor in 2023 and asserted he had not been in discussions about the Visit Bastrop budget before he was sworn in as mayor, said Kirkland. Nelson was a city official before he became mayor because he was a member of the Bastrop Economic Development Corp., said Kirkland. He also discussed the Visit Bastrop budget before he was mayor, Kirkland said. Nelson's intention was to "verbally joust and redirect and try to change the course of the investigation," said Kirkland. Nelson also made threats against council members in executive session, and he threatened to file lawsuits during the investigation, Kirkland said. Nelson did not testify at the hearing Wednesday before the ethics commission made its decision. "We believe the mayor put out facts we believe are relevant and then some," Ringel told the commission. "We don't believe there's any need for the mayor to testify." Ringel then said in closing statements that Nelson had his own personal right to privacy. He said the emails and texts the city had requested from Nelson didn't include any "city business" in them. Hargrave said in her closing statement Wednesday that commissioners should listen to at least the first five minutes of the recorded conversation between Nelson and the attorney conducting the city's investigation so they could hear Nelson lying. "The mayor's actions are in contempt of the council, in contempt of his seven years of ethics training and in contempt of the office of mayor," she said. The commission decided before its vote to not consider during the hearing some of the information the city had collected during the investigation, including the 232 pages of intimate text messages between Nelson and Smith. The commission members did not say why they voted against including it. Before the hearing, Ringel had filed an objection to admitting much of the evidence the city had collected because it was "hearsay." But the Texas attorney general issued an opinion last week saying the 232 pages of texts between Nelson and Smith are public information. "We conclude all of the submitted information was collected, assembled or maintained in connection with the transaction of official business of the city and thus constitutes 'public information,'" it said. More: With no witnesses, Bastrop panel delays hearing on ethics complaint against Mayor Nelson Smith was put on leave during the investigation and then terminated without cause, which makes her eligible for a $90,000 severance, Kirkland said during the hearing. Chris Duggan, chairman of the commission and also the 423rd District Court judge, said the hearing Wednesday was not about Smith. "It's strictly against the mayor," Duggan said to Kirkland. A spokesman for the Texas Rangers said previously that the agency is "looking into some allegations" against Smith but declined further comment. Bastrop resident Cheryl Long, who attended Wednesday's hearing, said Nelson was not trustworthy. "I think he should have had enough decency to resign," she said. More: Lyle Nelson inherits challenges of dramatic growth as newly elected mayor of Bastrop This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Ethics panel reprimands Bastrop Mayor Lyle Nelson for interference A member of the Hamakom synagogue creates a Star of David in chalk at a memorial for Paul Kessler, who died after an altercation during dueling Israel-Hamas war protests in Thousand Oaks on Nov. 7. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: As the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished. ("L.A. synagogue's invite to Muslims for Ramadan ends in tears and resignations. Can they heal?" April 4) It's a shame that prejudicial attitudes and misunderstandings got in the way of a partnership between the two communities of Muslims and Jews in the San Fernando Valley during Ramadan. They could have been an example of the kind of cooperation and interconnectedness our world so badly needs right now. Of course, the Jewish community is still grieving from the horrific Oct. 7 attack on Israel and over the hostages still being held by Hamas. And, of course, the Muslim community is grieving from the brutal war in the Gaza Strip. But neither of these local groups started the conflict in the Middle East. As difficult as it may be, they have the opportunity to show us all how to rise above our differences. If we want to live in a peaceful world, we must all learn to do this. Joanna Ryder, Hermosa Beach .. To the editor: It is wonderful that the rabbi of the Hamakom L.A. synagogue and the resident scholar of Islamic Society of West Valley are engaged in improving interfaith relations. For Jews and Muslims, effective interreligious connections are necessary if we are ever to have peace in the Middle East. However, it seems that both gentlemen feel that the failure of the synagogue to rent space to the mosque stems from Islamophobia. I would argue that it stems from anti-Hamas and anti-terrorist sentiments. Unfortunately, the society invited Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations office in Los Angeles, to speak. Ayloush has likened Israel to Nazi Germany and stated the country does not have the right to defend itself. Unfortunately, Mulla responded to the Hamakom congregation's contempt for Ayloush by stating that Ayloush's views about Israel and its invasion of the Gaza Strip aligned with most U.S. Muslim leaders, including himself. With this in mind, does that make the Hamakom congregants Islamophobic, or are they people who never tolerate terrorism? Linda Goldfinger, Irvine This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Letters to the Editor: Why billionaires support Trump is only partly because of taxes Former President Trump speaks at a campaign event in Michigan on April 2. (Paul Sancya / Associated Press) To the editor: Reporter David Lauter misses the point of why billionaires have "moved" into supporting Donald Trump for president. He narrowly focuses on their fear of higher taxes. In fact, the wealthy who support the former president do so for many reasons only indirectly related to taxes. Primarily, they like Trump desire to rebuild an economy in service of the working class, allowing those in it to afford life in this country, to own homes, to provide for medical care and to save for retirement. The billionaires know they will prosper far more from these changes than merely avoiding taxes. The Times seems interested in telling only the part of the story that will divide the American people and portray the very wealthy as evil. Kip Dellinger, Santa Monica .. To the editor: It's sad we live in a society where billionaires feel their taxes are the determining factor in choosing whom to support for president. Even if their taxes went up under President Biden, they're still extremely wealthy. How much money do they really think they need? Actually, it's much more than sad. It's a shame. Fortunately, not all billionaires feel the same way. Some realize that they became wealthy in our society and need to give something back to maintain the world that enabled them to be financially successful but morally bankrupt. Domenico Maceri, San Luis Obispo .. To the editor: It is truly a sign of depravity when billionaires would throw in with Trump so they don't have to pay more in taxes. Maybe some of them would do well under a dictator, but they all should look at Russia to see what happens when you lose favor with the autocrat. We should all pay taxes, because without taxes who would pay for highways, schools, disaster relief and much more? When misfortune happens, we all went the government to help. Billionaires should stop complaining about taxes and be glad they live in a democracy that enables them to acquire such massive wealth. Linda Shabsin, Diamond Bar This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) It was lights out and powerlines down in an East County community Wednesday morning thanks to a hit-and-run driver. The El Cajon Police Department was forced to close E Washington Avenue, disrupting the commute of several local residents. This came after it was discovered that a power pole had been hit by a vehicle, creating a hazardous situation with dangling powerlines. Detectives identify victim in 1986 East County cold case Additionally, homes and businesses in the area lost power. According to police, SDG&E quickly responded to the scene to repair the damaged pole and get the lights back on for locals. The question of Wednesday morning: who hit the power pole and why? Investigators with the police departments Traffic Division turned to the citys license plate reader cameras for answers. Authorities reviewed footage and were able to pinpoint the vehicle that collided with the power pole. Later that day, officers located the vehicle in 1000 block of South Anza. They said the car showed signs of severe damage. The vehicles owner was then contacted. The individual reportedly confessed to hitting the light pole and told officers he was unharmed. The suspect was subsequently arrested for hit-and-run and his vehicle was impounded. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this incident to encouraged to contact the El Cajon Police Department at 619-579-3311 or Crime Stopper at www.sdcrimestoppers.org. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Ex McDonalds chef reveals the menu items from the Worldwide Convention you might never get to try Chef Mike Haracz, known as @chefmikeharacz on TikTok, revealed McDonald's menu items Americans will never get the chance to order in the US. Keep McWishing. Chef Mike Haracz, known as @chefmikeharacz on TikTok, has become known on the platform for revealing the fast food chains biggest secrets, and this time, hes dishing on what the corporation showcased at this weeks McDonalds Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain. Specifically, Haracz revealed the McDonalds menu items Americans will never get the chance to order in the US. Here are three items that they are showcasing at [the McDonalds convention] that you in the US will probably never have, he said in the clip with over 10,800 views. Chef Mike Haracz attended the 2024 McDonalds Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain. TikTok/chefmikeharacz The chef claims potato wedges wont make it to America because it will compete with french fries. TikTok/chefmikeharacz In a one-minute and twenty-second video posted on Apr. 9, the former McDonalds corporate chef revealed news from the 2024 McDonalds Worldwide Convention in Barcelona, Spain, which began on April 8 and ends April 11. Chef Haracz confessed that while potato wedges are an international menu item in Lebanon, Russia, Greece, Malta, Egypt, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Australia, and Latin America, according to McDonalds fandom, you could get them at the McDonalds restaurant in their corporate building. However, theres a slim chance youll see the wedges beyond that because anything that competes with French fries, theyre not going to do because why lose that money, Haracz explained. Haracz raved about the spicy black pepper garlic Mcnuggets which can be found in Japan. TikTok/chefmikeharacz Another item that he claims was excluded from American menus is the Lotus Biscoff Mcflurry with caramel. This might have been around, Haracz said. It might be around cause Biscoff is a relatively popular cookie [and] this would be easy to make in the US system. The sweet treat can be found at McDonalds locations in Cyrus and Germany. Despite missing out on the Biscoff dessert, one item Chef Haracz wishes he could get his hands on in America is the spicy black pepper garlic McNuggets. [This] should be on menus cause I bet its probably the best version of a thing spicy black pepper garlic McNuggets, he exclaimed. An item that I think should be all over the place because lots of people would like to give it a try. Spicy black pepper garlic McNuggets can be purchased at franchises located in Japan, according to Grapee Japan. Haracz learned of the menu items at the semi-annual worldwide convention, where 14,000 McDonalds franchisees, suppliers and employees met on Apr. 8 to discuss the franchises future plans, Catalan News reported. This years convention is the first time the organization has held the meeting outside of America since its inaugural worldwide convention in 1965. Haracz has previously attended the annual fete but did not this year. He shared three menu items people arent able to order in America such as potato wedges and the spicy black pepper garlic nuggets. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Why are these [McNuggets] not everywhere? Haracz questioned. I dont know. They never listened to me while I was there; theyre not going to listen to me now. So instead, Chef Haracz asked his 305,000 viewers what obscure McDonalds menu items or international items that [they] would love to see on US menus. Mickey D fans flooded Haraczs video comments section with a list of foods they would love to eat without leaving the country. Loved McSpicy Paneer when I went to India and McKroket when I was in Amsterdam!! wrote one traveler. The New Zealand boss burger is also freaking amazing, added another. Na, the kiwi burger from New Zealand is amazing, debated a watcher. In Russia, they had an amazing shrimp spring wrap, wrote a Golden Arch fan. Indias Chicken Maharaja was a surprise hit! McD just released the chocnut sundaes in the Philippines; its good, commented a fast-food lover. The Lithuanian government delivered generators, folding field beds, and anti-drone systems to Ukraine in the latest batch of assistance, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said on April 11. Lithuania has provided Ukraine with 610 million euros ($655 million) in aid since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, according to the ministry's statement. In 2024, Vilnius supplied Ukraine with 155 mm artillery shells, M577 armored vehicles, Carl Gustaf anti-tank grenade launcher ammunition, Rise-1 remote detonation systems, equipment, and winter clothes, among other supplies. "Lithuania's support for Ukraine is constant. We help Ukraine in every way we can, and we are looking for (other) ways to increase it. The weapons and equipment supplied by us and our allies make a vital contribution to Ukraine's fight for freedom," Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas said. According to the Lithuanian Finance Ministry, Ukraine has received nearly 84 million euros ($90 million) in aid in 2024. "The aim is to maintain the dynamics of this assistance," the statement said. Vilnius has been one of Kyiv's staunchest supporters against Russian aggression. According to the Kiel Institute of the World Economy, Lithuania's defense contributions to Ukraine are one of the highest in the world in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) shares. Earlier this year, Lithuania pledged a long-term 200 million euro (roughly $215 million) support package to Ukraine and promised to continue supporting the country. Read also: Zelensky meets Lithuanian defense minister in Kyiv Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Video above: Nearly 8-foot-long gator removed from Venice home NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) As alligator mating season gets underway in the Sunshine State, local authorities are encouraging residents to keep an eye out for unsuspecting reptiles. The reminder comes after North Port Police stumbled upon a little dinosaur that was spotted hiding under the wheel of a vehicle in the Oasis community on Tuesday. Gator bursts through Venice womans screen door, settles in kitchen The police department shared a photo of the alligator on social media, saying, Its that time of year when #Alligators are on the prowl, so keep an eye out. Photo courtesy of the North Port Police Department The alligator was relocated, and no one was injured during the relocation process, police said. This little dinosaur was spotted Tuesday in the Oasis community. Officers worked to relocate it. Everyone is okay. Please dont feed, harass, or get too close to alligators. Dont be that person, NPPD wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Florida woman forgets ABCs during sobriety test: It was so many years ago Gator sightings will be ramping up within the coming months as mating season is underway in the Sunshine State. Mating season kicks off in April and lasts until June, meaning there will be a greater chance of encountering the massive reptiles this month. During mating season, males tend to become more aggressive. While alligator attacks are rare, residents should be vigilant near ponds and waterways, especially while walking their pets. Anyone who sees an alligator that appears to be a threat to people, pets, or property should call the FWCs Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 1-866-FWC-GATOR. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. What Little just did with a bill to help the developer of a big Boise-area subdivision Idaho water companies nearly got a carveout that Gov. Brad Little said would have allowed them to operate as a monopoly. But Little vetoed the legislation Tuesday, denying it from becoming law. Senate Bill 1323 sailed through the Senate last month in a 25-8 vote, with three Republicans joining the upper chambers five Democrats in opposition. The bill then passed by 10 votes in the House, where Republicans also maintain a supermajority. The Senate failed to override Littles veto on Wednesday with a 17-17 vote. I am concerned it would have unintended consequences on Idaho ratepayers, Little said in a letter notifying Rep. Scott Bedke, president of the Senate, of his veto. I am vetoing this bill because it would create a carveout for water companies to operate in Idaho as a monopoly. Homes on West Mirror Pond Drive in the Dry Creek Ranch development off Highway 55 just north of Eagle. By exempting these water companies, their customers in Idaho would be without the Idaho Public Utilities Commissions protections regarding fair, just and reasonable rates, safe and reliable service, and consumer protection, Little wrote. The bill appears to take aim at the PUCs decision in 2023 to regulate water rates dictated by the homeowners association of Dry Creek Ranch, a planned community in the Boise Foothills, after residents complained of rising prices. The Dry Creek Water Company previously operated as an unregulated public utility. At least two residents complained that Boise Hunter Homes, the homebuilding company at the center of the complaints, told them that the HOA could raise rates as often as it liked and homeowners didnt have a say, BoiseDev reported in 2023. One resident told the PUC of receiving a 37% rate increase with no explanation. Dry Creek Ranch covers 1,400 acres in the Foothills. James Hunter, the president of Boise Hunter Homes, did not immediately return an after-hours phone call Wednesday seeking comment. Neither did Norman Semanko, a lawyer and a registered lobbyist for Boise Hunter Homes who is listed by the Senate as a contact on the bill. In a required 2024 filing, Semanko said he is representing the company on that bill only. The bill would have amended terminology related to corporations who provide water under the Idaho Public Utilities Commissions jurisdiction. State Sen. Melissa Wintrow, a Boise Democrat and the Senate minority leader, told the Idaho Statesman on Thursday that the bill would have given homeowners associations too much authority. She said she was relieved Little vetoed it. The commissions responsibility is to ensure fairness in utilities, Wintrow said by phone. Thats a really good use of government to ensure the playing field is fair and that consumers dont experience a price gouge, especially with something as precious as water. The bill sought to revise terms within the PUCs scope of regulation. It would have changed corporation to exclude certain entities including homeowners associations, cooperatives and water districts. It also would have amended the term water corporation to explicitly exclude any corporation or person owning, controlling, operating or managing a water system that delivers water to any single entity that is not itself defined as a corporation. A fiscal note attached to the bill said the legislation would result in a decrease in the PUCs costs, as the commission would no longer need to investigate, conduct formal proceedings or potentially regulate water companies that deliver water to a single entity that is not subject to its regulation. The legislation would also reduce the regulatory burden and associated costs on small water-user entities that have not historically been regulated by the commission, the fiscal note said. Ada County commissioners in 2019 approved Boise Hunter Homes second and final preliminary plat for the Dry Creek Ranch planned community on Idaho 55 and Dry Creek Road north of Boise. The Dry Creek Ranch Village plat, at left, would support 652 houses and 28 multifamily homes. The PUC comprises three governor-appointed commissioners who serve staggered six-year terms. The agency regulates investor-owned or privately owned utility companies that provide gas, water, electricity or some telephone services in Idaho for a profit. Sen. Van Burtenshaw, the chair of the Resources and Environment Committee, which sponsored the bill, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Governor called legislation to stop sale of ITDs Boise campus unfair. What he just did Electricity-hungry industry wants lower power costs. Would Idahoans have to pay for it? With help from outside influence groups, Idaho lawmakers work to ban climate action Little landmark disappears from East Market Street in Akron | Mark J. Price Lea Treen peeks out the door of Cardinal Tax Service at 558 E. Market St. in 2001. Weve lost a lot of big landmarks over the past few months. Demolition crews have pulverized the former B.F. Goodrich smokestacks, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. mixing plant, Seiberling Rubber Co. office building, Wonder Bakery, Atlantic Foundry, Akron Baptist Temple and Recycle Energy System. Somehow I missed the passing of a smaller landmark. I just noticed an empty lot at the former site of the yellow brick building at 558 E. Market St. across from Summa Akron City Hospital. You might remember the business even if you never set foot in it. Only 19 feet wide by 22 feet long, the cute little building sported a red door and stood in the shadow of a giant billboard. Mark J. Price, Beacon Journal reporter. I must have passed it a thousand times. Built in 1950, it served as a hair salon and barbershop before taking a different career path in the mid-1960s. For decades, it served as the home of Cardinal Tax Service. Leona M. Lea Treen, who worked in tax preparation for more than 60 years, owned and operated the business. Ive been here so long, I feel real comfortable, Treen told the Beacon Journals David Giffels in a 2001 profile. Its like home. She passed away Aug. 20, 2023, at age 86. Summa bought the property for $22,000 in October. Now the yellow brick building is gone, another lost landmark in Akron. Im going to miss seeing that red door when I drive past. Where was Miracle Mart? Reader Donna Paola asked for help in pinpointing the former locations of Skormans Miracle Mart in the 1960s and 1970s. She seemed to remember one on South Arlington Street near Triplett Boulevard but also another at Akron Square down the street. Miracle Mart was a local chain of discount stores. Former Akron residents Simon and Stella Skorman opened the first one in Ravenna in 1922. The Skorman sons, Albert, Milton and Ted, later ran the company. Miracle Mart opens in 1970 at Midway Plaza on the Akron-Tallmadge line. Some locations may have changed over the years, but heres a Miracle Mart list from 1968 to 1970: 260 W. Exchange St., Akron; 2930 State Road, Northampton Township; 1300 Kenmore Blvd., Akron; 1100 S. Arlington St., Akron; 23 Midway Plaza, Tallmadge; 2840 Old Home Road, Springfield Township; 980 N. Court St., Medina; and 250 W. Main St., Ravenna. The Arlington Road location moved to Arlington Square in 1972, so Paolas memory is correct. The chain added locations in Warren and East Liverpool, and briefly rebranded as Bargain Bazaar before shutting down in June 1977. Kenmores history celebrated The Ohio History Connection has delivered a $6,677 check to the Kenmore Historical Society to better showcase its collections. The historical society, which has no home of its own, is collaborating with the Better Kenmore Community Development Corp. on a series of exhibits that will highlight the Akron neighborhoods past. The corporation will provide exhibit space for artifacts stored in the homes of historical society members. An Ohio History Fund grant will support the construction and installation of exhibit cases and the creation of placards to be placed in storefronts in the district, Ohio History Connection spokesman Neil Thompson noted. The grants are funded through the voluntary contributions of state taxpayers. The Ohio History Fund, a matching grant program, is one of six check-off boxes found on Ohio income-tax forms. Ellet memorabilia wanted Speaking of Akron neighborhoods The Ellet Historical Society is looking for Ellet High School yearbooks, old photographs, newspaper clippings, Elletian Star newspapers, school pennants, memorabilia, programs and anything related to the Ellet cluster of schools or the Ellet community. Donations can be dropped off at Ellet Community Center at 2449 Wedgewood Drive. For more information, call 330-375-2809. This and that Ohio is among the top five states least able to handle defeat, according to a survey of more than 2,000 Americans. Come on! Fifth place? Thats the best we can do?!?!? Sheesh. A Cleveland TV website headline: Will you get a larger child tax credit in 2024? I dont know. How large is the child? The Akron RubberDucks have added a meat sundae to their Extreme Food Menu for 2024. The new dish features pulled chicken, smoked brisket, two hot dogs and a quarter rack of ribs served over coleslaw with a cherry on top. If you ask me, it should be topped with an antacid tablet. Heres a real knee-slapper from 100 years ago. The Beacon Journal published this quip in April 1924: A man is middle-aged when he can no longer be romantic without thinking himself an ass. For sale: One pair of eclipse glasses. Gently used. Best offer. Mark J. Price can be reached at mprice@thebeaconjournal.com More: Oops! Classic bloopers from the collection of Mark J. Price This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron loses a little landmark on East Market Street Leading attorneys - clockwise from top left, Seth A. Katz, Jayne Conroy, M. Elizabeth Graham and T. Michael Morgan - discuss the $600 million settlement with Norfolk Southern over the 2023 East Palestine train derailment. EAST PALESTINE Norfolk Southern has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit over the Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment for $600 million. The lead attorneys representing the victims said the settlement would be the largest in U.S. railroad history. The multimillion-dollar deal needs final approval from U.S. District Court Judge Benita Pearson in Youngstown. The victims' attorneys - Seth A. Katz of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine; M. Elizabeth Graham of Grant & Eisenhofer; Jayne Conroy of Simmons Hanly Conroy; and T. Michael Morgan of Morgan & Morgan - met with reporters via Zoom on Wednesday to answer questions about the settlement. The settlement was reached Saturday and made public on Tuesday. "We think this is an outstanding result," Graham said. It will take a while for residents and businesses to get money The attorneys said it will take several months to finalize the settlement and determine an allocation formula for the money. The settlement would cover all residents as well as businesses that can prove loss affected by the derailment within a 20-mile radius. More: 'East Palestine' is a byword now. It didn't have to be that way Graham said several factors, including distance to derailment and toxic burn, would determine how much an individual or business could receive in the settlement. A screenshot from video released by the National Transportation Safety Board of the controlled burn fire after East Palestine train derailment. "Those near ground zero will receive more than folks who live 20 miles away. That's how the allocation will be designed," she told reporters. By year's end, Katz said they are hoping the first checks from the settlement can be issued. Residents, businesses expected to get plenty of notification on settlement information Before checks, the attorneys said they are planning to make sure all residents and businesses in or around East Palestine are notified of the settlement and eligibility requirements with letters and town hall sessions over the next couple months. Seth A. Katz, of Burg Simpson Eldredge Hersh & Jardine, is one of the lead attorneys in the East Palestine train derailment civil case. Katz said they will start the information process after Pearson grants preliminary approval for the settlement, which could happen later this month. Conroy said the information part of this process will take months before final approval is possible. Jayne Conroy, a partner at Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national law firm, is one of the leading attorneys in the $600 million class-action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for the East Palestine derailment in 2023. Katz said this settlement does not resolve other lawsuits filed by the state and federal governments against Norfolk Southern. Those lawsuits to recoup clean-up costs and other expenses remain unsettled. "The $600 million is not going toward clean up. That is a separate issue," Graham added. Part of the settlement is "opt in" and frees Norfolk Southern from future claims The attorneys said the settlement will allow residents and businesses to "opt in" and file a personal injury claim for money. However, the claim would release Norfolk Southern from future litigation by the person or business due to the 2023 disaster. Story continues T. Michael Morgan of Morgan & Morgan, a lead attorney, is representing victims in a class-action lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for the Feb. 3, 2023, train derailment in East Palestine. The rail company has agreed in principle to settle the claim for $600 million. In other words, if a person files a claim, they could not sue Norfolk again if new health issues arise from the derailment or toxic burn. "Each person can think about their individualized risk and what they want to pursue," Morgan said, "and if they choose not to opt in, then those rights stay. It's a personalized decision, and the community will have to make that decision." Katz: Clients are "very happy with the outcome" The attorneys were asked by reporters what their clients class representatives in the case thought about the settlement amount. The attorneys said the clients were kept updated and consulted. "We thank them for the effort that they put in on behalf of themselves and the members of their own community," Katz said. "They are all very happy with the outcome." Fog sits along the railroad tracks in East Palestine Jan. 25 at the site of the train derailment almost a year prior. The Norfolk Southern train derailed Feb. 2, 2023, when a mechanical issue with a rail car axle caused a fiery accident. Fifty cars derailed and 11 were carrying hazardous materials. A client, Anna Doss, longtime owner of a gas station and liquor store in East Palestine, called the settlement "a step in the right direction." She said she lost a "quarter of her sales" at the gas station because the train crash closed a major access road to her business for 10 months. "We're still losing. The bounce back has not occured," Doss said in a phone interview. "They just opened that road." A reporter told Katz that he spoke with East Palestine residents who were not thrilled with the results, saying they didn't think it was enough. "We understand that perspective," Katz said. "We asked them to be patient and work through the process with us and learn more before casting a final judgment of whether or not this is the right settlement." M. Elizabeth Graham, an attorney with Grant & Eisenhofer, is one of the leading attorneys for the victims in the East Palestine class-action lawsuit. Graham said the negotiations with Norfolk Southern are confidential, but she said the settlement was reached through mediation with retired Judge Layn R. Phillips. She said Norfolk Southern offered less; the plaintiffs' attorneys sought more than $600 million. The settlement, Doss said, "will never compensate for the losses we've incurred with the time and trauma, but there's no more denying it by the railroad company." Norfolk Southern: "The company made a commitment" Norfolk Southern declined to comment for this story Wednesday. However, the Atlanta-based company issued a statement on Tuesday after the settlement was announced. It described the deal as "another promise kept by Norfolk Southern" for the East Palestine community. "In March 2023, the company made commitments to address three long-term concerns of residents: drinking water, home values, and health care. Already, the company has announced programs for drinking water and home value assurance. The company is going further through this comprehensive settlement providing additional, significant monetary relief to individuals, including for health care, and to help qualifying local businesses continue to rebuild and grow." Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP This article originally appeared on The Repository: Norfolk Southern settles East Palestine lawsuit; attorneys explain deal Auburn High School was placed into a soft lockdown on Thursday morning after authorities say several live bullets were found on the campus. According to Auburn Police, three rounds of live ammunition were found in the parking lot by school staff. Police were immediately alerted and conducted sweeps both inside and outside the building. With the help of Dr. Chamberland, and quick communication throughout the school community, the origin of the ammunition was quickly discovered, police said in a social media post, although they did not disclose the origin of the found bullets. The school was taken out of lockdown a short time later with the assistance of Worcester Police and Massachusetts State Police. Officials say at no point did they believe there was a threat to school safety. Boston 25 News has reached out to Auburn Public Schools for comment. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A powerful storm system moved through North Florida Thursday and it appears a tornado may have touched down in St. Johns County. The threat also includes the peninsula of Florida, and a tornado watch has been issued for a large section of the state until 3 p.m. After dropping up to 9 inches of rain, the storm left behind flooded roads and downed trees in Leon County. "Multiple water rescues" also were reported in the area overnight. Live weather radar for Jacksonville Forecasters warned in advance the storms had the potential to bring tornadoes, hail and damaging winds as they moved down the state ahead of a cold front. Here's the latest on what's happening, including power outages and weather alerts. Possible tornado reported in St. Augustine If confirmed the second tornado to hit the St. Augustine area in a week happened Thursday. An EF-0 tornado touched down in the Beacon Lake neighborhood in northern St. Johns County near U.S. Highway 1, damaging roofs, fences, and patio furniture with winds up to 70 to 80 mph at its peak along a path measuring one-quarter of a mile," the National Weather Service survey said. Wind advisory in effect until 8 p.m. A wind advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. Expect winds out of the south at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts of 35 to 45 mph across portions of North and Northeast Florida. Tornado warning extended for St. Johns County 11:44 a.m.: A tornado warning for St. Johns County has been extended to noon. Areas include St. Augustine, Vilano Beach and South Ponte Vedra Beach. At 11:41 a.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near World Golf Village, or 11 miles east of Green Cove Springs, moving northeast at 45 mph. Radar indicates rotation with the storm. Tornado warning issued for Clay, St. Johns counties 11:33 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued for Clay and St. Johns counties until 11:45 a.m. Wind gusts up to 70 mph, isolated tornado possible as line of storms moves east T-storms will continue to progress to the southeast across NE FL. Currently showers/storms extend from coastal Georgia to Gainesville. The line itself is moving eastward at 20 mph. Potential winds gusts: 50-70 mph with stronger storms. Isolated tornado can not be ruled out. https://t.co/FCUKJZUQAf pic.twitter.com/DqdJyeGjA0 NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) April 11, 2024 10:44 a.m.: Thunderstorms will continue to move southeast across Northeast Florida, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. A line of showers and storms extends from coastal Georgia to Gainesville. It's moving east at 20 mph. Wind gusts up to 50-70 mph are possible, and an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out. Scenes of damage left behind in Tallahassee, Pensacola As the storms moved through the Panhandle and Leon County yesterday and during the overnight hours, they left behind downed trees and flooded roads. Tornado warning issued for three Florida cities 7:48 a.m.: A tornado warning has been issued until 8 a.m. for Live Oak, Houston and Wellborn. Radar indicated a tornado. Pea-size hail is possible. Tornado watch issued until 3 p.m. for large portion of Florida A tornado watch has been issued until 3 p.m. for a large portion of Florida, according to the National Weather Service, Tampa Bay. 7:33 a.m.: A tornado watch has been issued until 3 p.m. for a large portion of Florida, according to the National Weather Service, Tampa Bay. The tornado watch includes the east coast's Volusia and and Flagler counties. Possible threats include: a couple of tornadoes, isolated hail up to quarter size, scattered wind gusts up to 70 mph. Squall line moves into Northeast Florida, Tornadoes possible The squall line continues to push through SE GA and has moved into NE FL. Severe storm risk shifts west to east through the day with pockets of of heavy rainfall and flooding. Winds outside of t-storms of 35 to 45 mph, t-storm gusts of 50-70 mph & a couple tornadoes possible. pic.twitter.com/vaJFdW1ieT NWS Jacksonville (@NWSJacksonville) April 11, 2024 7:21 a.m.: A squall line continues to push through Southeast Georgia and has moved into Northeast Florida. Severe storm risk shifts west to east through the day with pockets of of heavy rainfall and flooding. Winds outside of thunderstorms estimated at 35 to 45 mph. Thunderstorm gusts could reach 50 to 70 mph. A couple of tornadoes are possible, according to the National Weather Service, Jacksonville. Weather alerts issued in Florida Power outages for Duval County, Northwest Florida Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X, formerly known as Twitter This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida weather forecast: Jacksonville radar, tornado warning, winds Day 2: Detective says Chad Daybell connected to the attempted shooting of his then-wife Editors note: This story contains descriptions of child deaths. Its the second day of Chad Daybells criminal trial. The 55-year-old father is accused of murdering and conspiring to murder two of his wifes children, 7-year-old JJ Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, and his then-wife Tammy Daybell. Hes also charged with two counts of insurance fraud. Daybell has pleaded not guilty to all eight felonies. The potential eight-week trial is expected to mirror the trial of his wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, which saw roughly 60 witnesses, including key witness Rexburg Police Det. Ray Hermosillo. He was the lead investigator during the months-long search for Vallow Daybells children. Hermosillo, who was at the scene when the childrens remains were found on Chad Daybells property, was the first witness called by the prosecution Wednesday. Hell continue testifying Thursday. 2:30 p.m.: Detective connects Chad Daybell to attempted shooting of first wife During the cross-examination of Hermosillo, Daybells attorney questioned his clients involvement in the attempted shooting of Tammy Daybell. In October 2019, Tammy Daybell called the police after someone attempted to fire what she thought was a paintball gun at her. Madison County Prosecuting Attorney Rob Wood followed up with Hermosillo, who clarified that all the events surrounding the attempted shooting Tammy Daybells death, the quick marriage to Vallow Daybell, the crimes in Arizona, and the childrens remains on Chad Daybells property connected Chad Daybell to the shooting. So thats why we believe it wasnt just a paintball gun, Hermosillo said. We believe (Vallow Daybells brother) Alex Cox was there to shoot Tammy Daybell. And, its your belief that Alex Cox was tied to these events, correct? Wood asked. Yes, Hermosillo said. Was it your belief that Chad Daybell was tied to these events? Wood asked. Yes, Hermosillo said. He added that based on all the events, lies told to police and the inability to contact the Daybells or Cox, he believed Daybell was connected to the deaths. Hermosillo also said Daybell never contacted the police about Tammy Daybells death or about the childrens remains on his property. Daybells attorney John Prior re-questioned Hermosillo, and during that Hermosillo said Coxs cellphone wasnt on Chad and Tammy Daybells property during the attempted shooting. Hermosillo left the witness stand just before 2:20 p.m. We are going to go ahead and conclude for today, 7th District Judge Steven Boyce said. The trial will continue at 8:30 a.m. Monday. 2 p.m.: Chad Daybell isnt charged in Arizona, detective says Its now Daybells attorneys time to question Rexburg Police Det. Ray Hermosillo, the first witness called to the stand by the prosecution. John Prior, the attorney representing Daybell, questioned Hermosillo about the Rexburg Police Departments body-camera policy and why the polices initial interaction with Daybell and Vallow Daybells brother, Alex Cox, at Vallow Daybells apartment wasnt recorded. The Rexburg Police Department performed a welfare check at Vallow Daybells apartment when JJ was initially reported missing. Hermosillo said the department records interviews with people that take place at the station, but they dont have a policy about recording interactions with people aside from that. Prior also focused on how authorities connected Cox and the Daybells to the attempted shooting of Tammy Daybell just before her death. Authorities have previously said that in October 2019, Cox attempted to shoot Tammy Daybell, though it was called into question by Prior as Tammy Daybell in a Facebook post said she thought someone pointed a paintball device at her and not a gun. Police never discovered any bullets, but Hermosillo said he didnt believe it was a paintball gun. Cox searched what kind of caliber of bullet would penetrate the windshield of a Dodge Dakota, the car that Tammy Daybell was getting out of, along with other Google searches. And you took that as a threat, as a means of saying, Thats why Alex Cox was trying to shoot Tammy Daybell? Prior said, questioning. Prior also pointed to the fact that after Tammy Daybell died Cox was still searching things about weapons. The Rexburg Police Department searched Vallow Daybells Rexburg apartment in November 2019, and during that search located guns, knives, and other items that police said they believed belonged to Cox. When Prior asked if Hermosillo was aware that Chad Daybell wasnt charged with any crimes related to Charles Vallow in Arizona, Hermosillo responded that he was. Brandon Boudreauxs next, Prior said. Whos been charged in the allegations against Brandon Boudreaux? Lori Vallow, Hermosillo responded. Is there anybody else? Prior asked. Not that Im aware, Hermosillo replied. During his line of questioning, Prior pointed toward Cox regarding the shooting of Boudreaux and the homicide of Charles Vallow, Vallow Daybells fourth husband. However, Prior wasnt able to get too far into that line of questioning as the judge said it was outside the scope of this trial. Prior concluded his cross-examination around 2 p.m., but said hed pick things back up when he recalled Hermosillo as a witness for the defenses portion of the case. During Vallow Daybells trial, the defense didnt call any witnesses. Noon: Law enforcement also investigated crimes in Arizona Into the sixth hour of Rexburg Police Det. Ray Hermosillos testimony, he began to establish the years-long timeline of the cases against Chad and Lori Vallow Daybell, and how investigators believe it went beyond their department and Idaho. Hermosillo said while the Rexburg Police Department was investigating the childrens disappearance, the Fremont County Sheriffs Office was investigating Tammy Daybells death at the exact same time. It was important because the suspects in that case were the same suspects in our case, Hermosillo said, referencing why they communicated with other law enforcement agencies. He added that they were also in contact with Arizona law enforcement. Vallow Daybell faces two felony charges in Arizona for conspiring to commit first-degree murder of her former husband, Charles Vallow, and her nieces ex-husband Brandon Boudreaux, the Statesman previously reported. In October 2019, Boudreaux was driving home from the gym in Gilbert, Arizona, when he noticed a Jeep Wrangler outside of his home. He said during Vallow Daybells criminal trial that he noticed the Jeeps back window open farther and heard a bang. Arizona authorities found a bullet hole in the drivers door and a shattered window on Boudreauxs vehicle. Police believe that Vallow Daybells late brother, Alex Cox, attempted to kill Boudreaux. Hes also accused of shooting and killing Charles Vallow. Cox, who is also named in the indictment against the Daybells and accused of being involved in the deaths of JJ, Tylee and Tammy Daybell, died from natural causes in 2019. Chad Daybell wasnt charged with any crimes in Arizona. When Hermosillo began to present a timeline of events that hed made to the jury, including events that occurred in Arizona, 7th District Judge Steven Boyce excused the jury and took up an evidentiary matter behind closed doors. Typically, in criminal trials, evidence that indicates other alleged or convicted crimes arent talked about. According to Idaho Rules of Evidence, evidence of a crime, wrong, or other act is not admissible to prove a persons character. This was a point of contention by Vallow Daybells attorneys during her trial. They didnt want evidence about crimes in Arizona presented during the trial. After a break, Boyce read instructions to the jury informing them that just because certain evidence like information about alleged crimes in Arizona is admitted during the trial doesnt mean the jury should believe Daybell has a disposition to commit crimes or that the information should be used against his character. Instead, the evidence can only be used to demonstrate Daybells motive, opportunity, intent, plan or absence of mistake or accident. 10 a.m.: Detective testifies about discovering childrens remains Months after JJ and Tylee went missing, local law enforcement located their remains on Chad Daybells East Idaho property on June 9, 2020. Hermosillo said they located JJs body buried near a tree and wrapped in a black garbage bag. His body was able to be lifted, placed in a body bag and taken to the local morgue. Tylees remains, however, were found near a pet cemetery on Daybells property and werent as easily transported. Remains that would later be identified as Tylee were found badly burnt and in pieces. A large portion of her buried remains were found in a melted green bucket. Hermosillo said when he attempted to move Tylees remains from the ground, they broke apart because nothing was holding them together, as Tylees body was dismembered. Throughout Hermosillos testimony, several images showing the crime scene were displayed to the courtroom. However, once certain photos of the childrens remains during the autopsy were about to be presented, 7th District Judge Steven Boyce ruled that because of their graphic nature, theyd be hidden from the public and instead only shown to the witness, attorneys and jury. During Vallow Daybells trial, autopsy photos of the children were shown in the courtroom. After the childrens remains were removed from Daybells property, local law enforcement decided to transport them to Ada County to conduct an autopsy on the children, Hermosillo said. The Ada County Coroners Office performed an autopsy on the childrens remains on June 11, 2020, two days after police located them. Hermosillo, who was present during the autopsy, said the boy, who was later identified as JJ, was wearing red pajamas and was wrapped in layers and layers of duct tape, along with a plastic bag. It wasnt until the duct tape and the plastic bag were removed that Hermosillo said he was able to identify the boy on an Ada County autopsy table. At that point, I recognized it was JJ, Hermosillo said. Chad Daybell murder trial in Boise begins. Heres what to know about the case The Idaho Statesman will have a reporter covering the trial at the Ada County Courthouse providing live, daily updates at idahostatesman.com. You can also follow criminal justice reporter Alex Brizee on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @alex_brizee or breaking news reporter Sally Krutzig at @sallykrutzig. GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Local environmental advocacy organizations are looking to take legal action against Georgetown County for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act. Local environmental advocacy organizations sent the county a 60-day letter of intent to sue if it does not comply within that time frame. On March 5, the South Carolina Environmental Law Project sent a letter on behalf of Preserve Murrells Inlet and Murrells Inlet Seafood. The group included research, data, and photos alleging Georgetown County has not complied with certain permitting to prevent water pollution in the Murrells Inlet estuary for at least nine years. You can drive around in Georgetown County in many places and see examples of where they arent any of those sediment controls, Amy Armstrong, the executive director of the SCELP said. Armstrong said the organization has worked with Preserve Murrells Inlet for about a year documenting numerous construction site that, they say, dont have silt fences up. The fences are put up to help prevent stormwater run-off. Armstrong said the county is also issued federal stormwater permits but claims it is not in compliance with requirements to meet water quality standards under the Clean Water Act. These tools are used to help protect water quality and stormwater runoff we know is a very large contributor to water quality problems, Armstrong said. In the letter, the SCELP includes data from a 2023 SCDHEC Shellfish Management report. It found run-off from construction sites is a major contributor affecting water quality in the Murrells Inlet estuary, resulting in fecal coliform being found. We didnt undertake this lightly, I mean getting to the point of drafting a nearly 30-page letter, really documenting and outlining specific instances of what the permit requirements are and why we believe theyre not being followed, Armstrong said. Armstrong adds the best-case scenario is the county sits down with them before the 60 days are up to find a solution. The EPA, SCDHEC, DOJ and U.S. Attorneys Office were also included on the letter and Armstrong says each can conduct its own investigation if needed. She adds the Clean Water Act allows citizens in communities to enforce it and is a result of how Preserve Murrells Inlet got here. Congress envisioned that citizens who are on the ground and who are in their communities are sometimes the best watch dogs or people that are able to see whats happening within their own communities, Armstrong said. News13 reached out to Georgetown County for comment, but it declined citing county policy. We also reached out to the president of Preserve Murrells Inlet. We did not hear back from them, only a member who was able to provide information. Armstrong said they plan to take action once the required 60-day period expires, after May 4. Count on News13 for updates on-air and online. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) Wednesday was a festive day coming at the end of a holy month for our Muslim neighbors. The Festival of Eid marks the end of Ramadan, and across the Midstate, people gathered to celebrate. At the Farm Show Complex one last prayer service was held during this years month of Ramadan. This is not the regular prayer that we do every day. its just one that is very special and very specific for Eid, Tahya Eldreny who was there celebrating said. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most festive days of the year. Its such a special day and Im glad we do it in a big place like the Farm Show Complex because then we can all come together and see each other and just remember that we are here together, Eldreny said. Folks also came together at Harrisburgs Hadee Mosque. There they also prayed and wished each other the traditional greeting Eid Mubarak. We not only have to serve God. But we have to serve mankind, community president Mohammed Lone, who emphasized kindness as a key part of the holiday, said. Food and drinks were served during daylight hours, for the first time since the beginning of the month of Ramadan during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day. And on Eid, to end the month: We have a feast. Children get gifts, Lone said. This year, though, the annual celebration comes at a time when some things in the world are hard to celebrate. Billions of Muslims are celebrating. and its very difficult to put ourselves in that mode this year, Lone said, speaking about Gaza. So we continue to remember our brothers and sisters, and we continue to ask for immediate ceasefire, he said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Lone also called for peace more broadly. Even an atrocity on a single human being, Islam rejects this, he said. In general, human beings all want peace. Whether youre Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu does not matter. atheist does not matter. So thats a commonality between us. Lets come together with that. With a message, he said both festive, and solemn of love for all, and hatred for none For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Local Rwandans to mark 30th anniversary of genocide with testimonies and message of hope For the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, predominantly against ethnic Tutsis, siblings Jean-Leonard Kaka Kagabo and Marie-Rose Semuhungu, who still lives in the South Bend area, point out pictures in a book Kagabo had written about their experiences in the genocide. Local Rwandans will mark the 30th anniversary with an event on April 13, 2024. SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO SOUTH BEND On April 13, the local Rwandan community will host its annual day of remembrance for the 1994 genocide that claimed about 1 million lives in their African country only this time, the public event marks the 30th anniversary. The day of speakers, survivors testimonies, songs and a message of hope, which is free to the public, will run from 2 to 7 p.m. at Century Center. Titled Kwibuka 30: Remember-Unite-Renew," it recalls the 100-day stretch from April to July 1994 when when extremist Hutu leaders rallied people to brutally kill ethnic Tutsis and some moderate Hutus and other tribes. The agenda calls for opening prayers and remarks from Leonard Kwitonda, president of the Rwandan American Community of the Midwest. Then a short film will be shown. A panel discussion with survivors is scheduled for about 3 p.m. At 4 p.m., organizers plan for a keynote speech from David Simon, director of the Genocide Studies Program at Yale University. His work focuses on genocide prevention, recovery from atrocities and the political dimensions of genocide memory. A message of hope, candle lighting and words from youths is expected at roughly 5:40 p.m. By about 6:25 p.m., closing remarks will be made by Col. Raoul Bazatoha, defense attache with the Embassy of Rwanda in Washington, D.C. We host these events to remember what happened, organizers said in a press release. We also want to unite people so that we can bring understanding and share knowledge about the consequences of genocide. Finally, we want to renew our commitment to continue social transformation by instilling a Never Again attitude especially among the younger generation. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend event marks Rwanda genocide 30th anniversary with hope In addition to strolling the beloved Portobello Road Market and Holland Park, visitors to Notting Hill will soon be able to journey across the world to Taiwan, more specifically. The chic neighbourhoods Coronet Theatre is playing host to Londons first major celebration of Taiwanese culture, presenting a packed schedule of innovative visual arts, dance, theatre and music. Spanning traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, the roster of events will reflect on Taiwanese identity and post-colonial history, as well as the themes of lust and desire. For many of the 30 contemporary artists, storytellers, dancers and musicians, the festival will be the first time in front of a UK audience. Cheng-Tsung Feng - Copyright The Coronet Theatre Highlights are set to include an immersive VR experience from Taipeis experimental Riverbed Theatre and insight into Taiwans contemporary dance scene courtesy of collectives Anarchy Dance Company and Hung Dance, in addition to an album launch from multidisciplinary music artist Yujun Wang. The tail end of the festival will see the London premiere of Chou Kuan-Jous provocative yet playful Edinburgh Festival hit Tomato, while a bamboo installation by Taiwanese artist Cheng-Tsung Feng will grace the facade of the Coronet Theatre itself. The Taiwan Festival will take place at The Coronet Theatre in London from April 12-27. A North Carolina lottery player tried her luck on a $30 scratch-off game. Now, her plans to build a dream home are becoming a reality. Her brother, an architect, drew the plans up for me years ago, Carissa Jones told North Carolina Education Lottery officials. I didnt know when it would happen but I knew it would one day. And now it can. The Robeson County woman recalled crying as her husband jumped for joy upon seeing the $4 million prize, officials said in an April 11 news release. She purchased the Black Titanium scratch-off game from the Quick Stop convenience store in Maxton, about a 100-mile drive southeast from Charlotte, according to officials. At one point, Jones said her husband ran behind the counter and hugged the cashier. This is a big blessing, she told lottery officials. Jones said she plans to donate a portion of her winnings to her church. She opted for a lump sum payment of $2.4 million and walked away with $1,716,009 after taxes, according to a news release. The lucky player beat odds of 1 in 1,985,155 to win the $4 million jackpot, according to the North Carolina Education Lotterys website. Three grand prizes in the Black Titanium game are still up for grabs. The overall odds of winning a prize are 1 in 4.14, officials said. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Powerball player wins big in South Carolina. Where was the winning ticket sold? Firefighter claims huge Powerball prize during solar eclipse. Once-in-a-lifetime Couple goes on cruise vacation and finds numbers that lead to big lottery win Hadley Duvall, who has shared her story of being raped as a child, said she is "heartbroken" about the failure of an abortion-ban exception bill sponsored by Sen. David Yates, right, to get a hearing in the Kentucky legislature this year. April 11, 2024 FRANKFORT With just two days left in the legislative session, a Democratic senator from Louisville is invoking an unusual procedure to try to advance an abortion-related bill that has been stalled all session. Sen. David Yates filed Senate Bill 99 in early January. The bill would create exceptions to the states near-total abortion ban, allowing abortion in the case of rape, incest, serious health complications for the mother, or a nonviable fetus. The bill never received a committee assignment despite a Senate rule stating all bills must be assigned to a committee. To dislodge the bill, Yates filed a discharge petition on Thursday. Yates dubbed the bill Hadleys Law, after Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who shared her story of becoming pregnant and miscarrying after being raped as a 12-year-old by her stepfather, in a high-profile campaign ad for Gov. Andy Beshear last year. I'm disappointed that the legislative leadership chose to not even assign Senate Bill 99 to a committee, Duvall told reporters during a Thursday press conference at the Capitol. Kentuckians deserve to know where their elected leaders stand on this issue. Had the bill been given a committee hearing, Duvall said she would have testified about her experiences and that she is just very, very heartbroken for Kentucky rape and incest survivors who are barred from getting abortions. Whats next for 'Hadley's Law'? Anyone can see that this bill has deliberately been shelved, Yates said, noting that all of his other bills received committee assignments. But he acknowledged that with just days left in the legislative session Friday and Monday the bill has little chance of passing. He said the purpose of the discharge petition is to provide a chance for an open, honest discussion on adding exceptions to the abortion ban. Yates said if a majority of senators approve the discharge petition meaning that they agree the bill has been unreasonably held up without a committee assignment the bill could skip over the normally lengthy legislative process of committee hearings and get a Senate floor vote. Even though some Republicans support exceptions to the abortion ban including Louisville Republican representatives Ken Fleming and Jason Nemes Yates' discharge effort has little chance of succeeding. "Enough members of the majority party have to be willing to buck the wishes of their party leaders in an active way not to spring that thing" and get the bill unstuck, said University of Kentucky political scientist Stephen Voss. Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Prospect, said Yates is probably making more of a political statement than he is a policy maneuver. On Kentucky Politics: A big list of Beshear vetoes as legislature makes final push Stivers said the Senate rule is that bills should be assigned to a committee within five days. He said Yates bill did not get a committee assignment because Yates did not ask him to assign it to a committee. On this one, nobody ever really came and talked to us much, at least not me, about placing the bill someplace, Stivers said. Yates said he did not push for the bill to be assigned to committee earlier in the session because he was waiting until the Senate finished passing the budget and other priority legislation. Yates also said he was waiting to see if a similar abortion-ban-exception bill in the House got any traction. House rules differ from Senate rules in that they do not require bills to get committee assignments, and the House bill was never assigned to a committee. Stivers also said that even if SB 99 were to somehow get Senate approval, it will be subject to constitutional challenges because it will not have had the requisite three readings in both chambers. Yates told reporters he disagrees with that position. And he said that even if the bill does not get an airing this session, he plans to continue pushing the measure forward. This cant just be muted, Yates said. Reach Rebecca Grapevine at rgrapevine@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @RebGrapevine. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Abortion-ban exceptions bill gets late push from Louisville Democrat DENVER (KDVR) A Boulder Valley School District teacher was placed on paid administrative leave after an incident with a student that led to a criminal charge. Monarch PK-8 teacher Matt Hill, 43, was charged with child abuse that knowingly/recklessly caused injury other than serious bodily injury stemming from an incident on April 8, according to court documents. Hill has been with the district since October 2013, the district said. A mother releases video of her autistic son being hit by an aide on a school bus to raise awareness In a letter to parents, Monarch Principal Robin Techmanski said the district immediately took action by notifying police and placing Hill on administrative leave. According to court documents, Hill appeared in court on April 10 and was given a $1,000 personal recognizance bond, on which he was released. Hill was no longer listed on the schools staff directory as of 2 p.m. on April 11. District leadership said the information was shared because the school and districts top priorities include safety and transparency. We can share no further information at this time because it is an ongoing police investigation and personnel matter, Techmanski wrote to the schools families. We believe in due process and appreciate your patience and understanding as this work continues. Anyone with information to share with investigators can contact Louisville Police Officer Jewel Danielson at jdanielson@louisvilleco.gov. Techmanski also asked parents and guardians to let staff know of any students who need support for the matter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Oakland officials have voted in favor of changing the name of the citys airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, despite San Francisco threatening a lawsuit over what it says is a trademark violation. The Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with the name-change and scheduled a second vote for final approval on May 9. The airport is currently called Oakland International Airport. Oakland airport officials have said travelers unfamiliar with the region fly into San Franciscos airport even if their destination is closer to the Oakland airport across the Bay. Modifying the name to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport will change that, they say. The airports three-letter code OAK would not change. We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay, Port Commission President Barbara Leslie said in a statement after the vote. This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport, for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and Californias Wine Country. For nearly an hour, the commissioners listened to public comments that included some Oakland residents and several airline representatives who supported the name-change, and representatives of San Francisco tourism and hospitality interests who opposed it. Some supporters asked commissioners to consider having Oakland ahead of San Francisco in the new name. Once final approval comes next month, staff will move forward with the formal renaming, including working with air carriers, other airports, and local agencies to reflect the modification in airport and airline systems, the port commission said in a statement. Oakland airport officials approved the name-change at a time when the city, like many other major cities, is grappling with rising crime and the fallout from losing the last professional sports team that called the city of 430,000 people home. Last week the Athletics announced that the team will leave Oakland after this season and play temporarily at a minor league park near Sacramento until their planned new stadium in Las Vegas is built. With the As departing, the city that was also home to the NFLs Raiders, the NBAs Warriors and the NHLs Seals will have no major sports teams. The name-change suggestion had horrified San Francisco officials, who say it will confuse travelers, especially those flying in from abroad. Ivar C. Satero, director of San Franciscos airport, had said they are deeply concerned over the potential for customer confusion and disservice. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu on Tuesday threatened to sue Oakland officials if they pursue the name-change, arguing it would violate the city's trademark on San Francisco International Airport. Story continues San Francisco has held these registrations for such a long time that they have become incontestable under federal law, Chiu wrote in a letter to various Oakland officials. Helen Han, a San Francisco resident, said she doesn't agree with changing the name because travelers could confuse the two, especially those visiting the Bay Area for the first time. It would create a lot of confusion for those who are traveling to either Oakland or San Francisco, Han said. I can imagine myself if it's my first time visiting SF, I would be really confused (when deciding) which airport I need to fly to. Aaron Peskin, president of San Francisco's Board of Supervisors, introduced a resolution last week opposing the name-change and requesting the port commission reject it. State Sen. Scott Wiener, who represents San Francisco, said on the social media platform X that the airport shouldn't be cutting & pasting San Francisco's name. I love Oakland, but Oakland is Oakland. Its not San Francisco, he wrote. Please find another way to turn things around. But other users on X pointed out that San Francisco's airport is actually located in Millbrae, a city in San Mateo County. One person quipped, When are we renaming the 49ers? #SantaClara. The San Francisco 49ers play at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, which sits just outside San Jose and is about 45 miles south of San Francisco. Craig Simon, the Port of Oaklands interim aviation director, said Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, as it's officially known, lost 39 of 54 new routes added from July 2008 to March 2024. Market research and interviews with airline partners have shown that routes have not performed as well as they should have due to the lack of geographic awareness, making air carriers reluctant to sustain and add new routes in Oakland, Simon said in a statement before the vote. ___ Weber reported from Los Angeles. LOWER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) A Lower East Side grandma said every time it rains outside her apartment, it rains inside her grandchildrens bedroom. Louise Velez is a proud grandmother of two who lives at the Jacob Riis Houses. It breaks her heart that she has to keep their toys in the living room to keep them dry. More Monica Makes It Happen Velez said when she opens one of her bedroom doors, she doesnt know what mess will be waiting for her. The room impacted by water is where her grandchildren, ages 11 and six, sleep. Water comes in through Velezs walls and ceilings. Velez said shes put in repair tickets for years. Velez wants a permanent solution to this recurring pain. PIX11 News reached out to NYCHA, who told PIX11 News: NYCHA is aware of the issue with leaks affecting some of the buildings at Riis Houses during periods of heavy rain, including 1017 FDR Drive. We are currently in the process of assessing the issue and evaluating short-term and long-term plans to address it. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to call the Customer Contact Center at 718-707-7771 or submit work tickets through the MyNYCHA application. NYCHA spokesperson If you have a story, reach out to Monica Morales at monica@pix11.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. A Bradenton man avoided a murder conviction after refusing to give up the name of the person investigators believe shot and killed someone. On Tuesday, a jury found Johnny Ordaz not guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm in the 2019 shooting death of Jerome Miller, who prosecutors say crashed his SUV into the Rooms to Go furniture store on Cortez Road after shots fired from Ordazs car struck and killed him. Dustin Wagner, Ordazs attorney, told the Bradenton Herald Wednesday that he was grateful this crime was not pinned on Mr. Ordaz because he looks a certain way, but added that there is a grieving family out there and their sons killer needs to be brought to justice. If convicted, Ordaz could have been sentenced to life in prison, according to Florida Statutes. Prosecutors didnt try to convince the court that Ordaz was the gunman, but they did argue that he was the driver during the shooting. Because he was driving the vehicle, prosecutors said he aided and abetted the murder. In a previous interview with the Bradenton Herald, Denise Miller, the victims mother, described her son as a loving father and a good person. I miss his hugs, I miss his kisses. Ill miss him doing things with the kids. He was a daddy a very good father to his kids Denise Miller said. Assistant State Attorney Ed Brodsky voluntarily disqualified himself from the investigation to avoid any conflict of interest due to the alleged shooter being related to someone in his office, according to an executive order issued by Governor Ron DeSantis. The investigation was instead placed under the authority of statewide prosecutor Nicholas B. Cox, according to the memo. A question of loyalty Throughout their investigation, detectives said Ordaz would not cooperate and provide the name of the person who killed Miller. In an audio interview played during the trial, a detective with the Manatee County Sheriffs Office tells Ordaz that he knows his car was used in the shooting and that they wanted Ordaz as a witness, but Ordaz refused to talk about the alleged shooter. Are you loyal to him? Joseph Ravelo, an assistant statewide prosecutor, asked Ordaz about the alleged shooter during cross-examination. Yes sir, Ordaz said. Ordaz testified Tuesday that he was not driving the car when Miller, whom he called a longtime friend, was killed. Ordaz said he was sleeping at his then-girlfriends house when she woke him up to the news of Millers death. I was in shock at first. I didnt know what was going on. I honestly didnt believe it, Ordaz said. Bradenton man not guilty in fatal shooting Ordaz said he saw Miller earlier that night at The Hall nightclub in Palmetto, where they hugged and chatted for a while. But prosecutors said they didnt believe that was the end of Ordaz and Millers interactions that night. They believe the shooting may have stemmed from an interaction at the club between the alleged shooter and another person who was with Miller that night. Detectives said following a night out at the club, Ordaz drove the shooter, who is also known as Boog or Booger alongside Millers car. Thats when prosecutors say the shooter fired a gun at Miller, who was also known as Maddball, possibly intending to hit someone else. The Manatee County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene of a vehicle crash at the Rooms To Go furniture store on Cortez Road in April 2019. Jerome Miller, a 30-year-old man, died after being shot at and crashing into the stores facade. Ryan Callihan/rcallihan@bradenton.com He pulled that car over closest to Madballs car knowing Booger had a gun and knowing that Booger was about to unload, connecting eight times, Ravelo said. Jerome Millers life was taken while he was driving to a Waffle House. When detectives attempted to speak with the alleged shooter about Millers death, the man invoked a right to remain silent and was not brought into custody, according to an arrest report. As of Wednesday afternoon, court records do not show pending charges against the person the sheriffs office believes pulled the trigger. Who was driving the car? On April 6, 2019, at around 3 a.m., Manatee County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to a call at the Rooms To Go store at the northwest intersection of Cortez Road West and 14th Street West in Bradenton after reports of an SUV that crashed into the front of the building. When deputies arrived, they said they found the white Audi SUVs driver-side door riddled with eight bullet holes, with Miller inside suffering from a gunshot wound to his left hip and abdomen. Paramedics rushed Miller to a nearby hospital where he died during surgery, according to detectives. Detectives said a description of the car used in the shooting, a grey Infiniti Q50, led them to Ordaz. Surveillance video of a vehicle matching that description showed the car heading west on Cortez Road around the time of the shooting. But whether Ordaz was driving the car that morning was a topic of debate during the two-day trial. While on the stand, Ordaz testified that it isnt uncommon for him to swap cars with friends or lend his car to others. On the night of the shooting, he said he was riding in a white Ford Mustang. Ordaz also told the court that because his Infiniti was a newer luxury vehicle, he often rented his car out to others to help pay the expensive monthly payments, which he said were over $600 a month. Johnny Ordaz on trial for second-degree murder for the 2019 shooting death of Jerome Miller in the Manatee County Judicial Center on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins/ttompkins@bradenton.com Ordazs sister also testified in his defense, telling the court that her car was in the shop for over a month at that time and her brother let her borrow his car. According to Ordaz, he has dealt with the rumor that he helped kill Miller for years. Its like being called a liar or a thief or something. You cant really prove youre not a thief, Ordaz said. Ordaz has multiple previous felony convictions, including possession of an unregistered short-barrel shotgun, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to court records. A judge sentenced Ordaz in September 2021 to 12 years in federal prison for possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to a release issued by the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Florida. The two-day trial was presided over by Circuit Court Judge Frederick Mercurio in the Manatee County Judicial Center in downtown Bradenton. Joseph Brice demonstrates a gesture made in the a nightclub called The Hall between two groups of people on the night Jerome Miller was shot in 2019, while testifying at the Manatee County Judicial Center on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins/ttompkins@bradenton.com Lunchables may be recalled due to high levels of sodium and leadwhat you need to know One year after Lunchables were introduced to K-12 schools nationwide, one organization is pushing for a complete recall, citing relatively high levels of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, as well as too much sodium. On April 9, Consumer Reports issued an announcement, sharing that they tested 12 different store-bought Lunchables kits and found multiple unsafe chemicals in almost all of them. Now, theyre urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to remove Lunchables and similar lunch kits from the National School Lunch Program. As part of the recent rollout, Kraft Heinz developed two new versions of Lunchables specifically for schools nationwide. But Consumer Reports found that these two kits had higher levels of sodium than the store-bought versions. At 460 to 740 milligrams per serving, that means they contain a quarter to half of a childs recommended sodium limit per day. Excess sodium intake can lead to hypertension and high blood pressure, the org notes. Should You Pack Lunchables for Your Kidas School Lunch? Consumer Reports https://t.co/t0TrDl19Q0 Yuan Wang (@iyuanwang) April 11, 2024 Several of the Lunchables tested contained relatively high levels of lead and cadmium, and all but tested positive for phthalates, which are chemicals found in plastic that have been linked to reproductive problems, diabetes, and certain cancers. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium enter the soil where our food is grown due to environmental pollutants, making them omnipresent in our food supply. Though trace levels are unavoidable, high levels can lead to a number of health concerns. The World Health Organization notes a link between cadmium and kidney and bone disease/cancer, while lead can build up in the body over time, causing toxicity. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children and can cause a number of developmental concerns, as well as other acute symptoms, as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes. Currently, around 30 million children are served under the National School Lunch Program, which allows two Lunchables kits, Turkey & Cheddar Cracker Stackers and Extra Cheesy Pizza, in school cafeterias. These differ from store-bought versions in that they have added proteins and more whole grains, in an effort to make them more nutritionally balanced for kids. That said, Consumer Reports is urging the USDA to pull them altogether due to these safety concerns. Lunchables are not a healthy option for kids and shouldnt be allowed on the menu as part of the National School Lunch Program, Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. The Lunchables and similar lunch kits we tested contain concerning levels of sodium and harmful chemicals that can lead to serious health problems over time. The USDA should remove Lunchables from the National School Lunch Program and ensure that kids in schools have healthier options. Both the USDA and Kraft Heinz note that they take safety seriously, with Kraft Heinz working to include fresh fruit in new versions, as well as reduce the sodium in Lunchables crackers. If you have any concerns, its never a bad idea to check in with your childs pediatrician, who can help answer any questions or navigate you toward safe food options for your little ones. French President Emmanuel Macron has called on his country's defence industry to permanently increase arms production in light of the war in Ukraine. "We need to prepare ourselves permanently for a geopolitical and geostrategic change in which the defence industry will play a growing role," Macron said on Thursday at the laying of the foundation stone for a new explosive powder factory for the company Eurenco in the south-western city of Bergerac. A war economy is needed to be able to supply Ukraine with weapons to repel the Russian invasion and also for its own defence, he said. This dynamic has started in Europe and worldwide, he added. "This war economy also serves us," said Macron. For example, the production of Caesar howitzers supplied to Ukraine has now tripled, which is also fuelling the export of the guns. Europe cannot give up on Ukraine, it is also about its own security, emphasized Macron. "We Europeans must do more and must do it faster and if the US funding is not there, we Europeans must mobilize and find a new financial solution," Macron said. "We are working on this hand in hand with Germany." All is not well in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Resignations in the chamber have reached a generational high. Legislative progress has slowed to a pace unseen in nearly a century. Lawmakers have struggled mightily to complete basic tasks. House Speaker Mike Johnson recently organized a retreat focused on unifying his conference, and most of his members didnt show up. Soon after, one of the partys most radical members launched an effort to oust the incumbent House speaker, which comes six months after the previous ouster of the last House speaker. A recent Punchbowl News report concluded, This is the most chaotic, inefficient and ineffective majority weve seen in decades covering Congress. Can things get worse in the chamber? Of course they can. NBC News reported: This vote was months in the making. GOP leaders invested real time and effort into advancing a compromise bill to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act a law first approved in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack covering warrantless surveillance of non-Americans. But when Johnson and his team brought the bill to the floor, 19 of their own members ignored their partys leadership on a key procedural rule vote. In theory, members of the Democratic minority couldve saved the House speaker again but Johnson included provisions in the bill criticizing President Joe Bidens foreign policy in the Middle East from the right, which led all House Democrats to balk. The final tally was 193 to 228. In case anyone needs a refresher on what adopting a rule is all about, its a routine part of the process: Before a bill can be voted on, members adopt a measure to establish ground rules for the length of the debate, how it can be amended, etc. In nearly every instance, its little more than a procedural speed bump, because members vote with their parties to begin the process, even if theyre skeptical of the underlying legislation. During Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosis tenure as House speaker, for example, she literally never lost a rule vote. During former Republican Reps. John Boehners and Paul Ryans tenures, they also never lost such a vote. Over the last or so year, however, GOP leaders have lost seven rule votes: Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy lost three, and incumbent Speaker Johnson has now lost four. Up until very recently, a House majority conference hadnt lost a vote on adopting a rule in decades a recent New York Times report called it all but unthinkable but now, its becoming rather common. Seven failed rule votes and counting in this Congress is the most in 50 years. After the vote, Axios reported, House Republicans emerged from a conference meeting on Wednesday afternoon with little clarity on how the House plans to move forward on a key federal surveillance bill that was blocked by right-wing hardliners. The report quoted Republican Rep. Max Miller of Ohio, who described his partys behind-closed-doors conference meeting as pure chaos, adding, It wasnt productive at all. Its never productive. Members yell at each other. I wrote a book a few years ago about Republicans abandoning their role as a governing party. Its good to see the GOP continue to take steps to prove the thesis true. As for the near future, NBC News report went on to note, Its unclear whether Congress will be able to renew 702, which the administration says is a critical national security tool, before it expires on April 19, which is a week from tomorrow. Watch this space. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country. * In North Carolina, the latest Quinnipiac University poll found the states Democratic attorney general, Josh Stein, with a growing lead over Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, 52% to 44%. * In related news, ABC News has a new report on Robinsons troubled financial history: The right-wing lieutenant governor has not only filed for bankruptcy three times, ABC News report added also failed to file his federal income taxes several times. * As for the presidential race in the Tar Heel State, the aforementioned Quinnipiac poll also showed Donald Trump narrowly leading President Joe Biden in North Carolina, 48% to 46%. * Speaking of the 2024 race, the Biden campaign this morning released a new ad focused on Trumps opposition to abortion rights and the controversial ruling this week from the Arizona Supreme Court. NEW AD: Millions of women lost their freedoms because of Donald Trump. If Trump gets back in power, what freedom will you lose next? pic.twitter.com/F8g37Yiwhd Biden-Harris HQ (@BidenHQ) April 11, 2024 * The Wisconsin Supreme Court has a narrow progressive majority, but it will be in jeopardy next year: Longtime Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley announced this morning that shes stepping down at the end of her current term. The 2025 race to replace her will be fierce. * A literal tie in a recent California congressional primary opened the door to a rare three-way congressional race in the states 16th congressional district, but a recount is now poised to get underway that might yet change the plan. * And Cornel West is still running an independent presidential campaign, and yesterday the scholar announced that California State University, Los Angeles professor Melina Abdullah will be his running mate. Abdullah is a professor of Pan-African studies and formerly chaired the Department of Pan-African Studies at Cal State. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Todays edition of quick hits. * Someone should probably let House GOP leaders know about this: Russian missiles and drones destroyed a large electricity plant near Kyiv and hit power facilities in several regions on Thursday, officials said, ramping up pressure on the embattled energy system as Ukraine runs low on air defenses. * This was an unexpectedly interesting speech: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida asserted in an address to a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday that his country stands with the U.S. at a time when history is at a turning point. * Gun policy: The Biden administration is moving to expand background checks for gun purchases, fulfilling a key demand of advocates following the deadly shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas. The final rule, expected to be submitted Thursday to the Federal Register by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, would eliminate a loophole that has allowed sales of guns without background checks of guns outside of brick-and-mortar stores. * A case worth watching: Sen. Bob Menendezs criminal trial will continue as scheduled on May 6 but without the New Jersey Democrats wife and co-defendant Nadine Menendez. At a hearing Thursday in federal court in New York, U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein ordered Nadine Menendezs case to be severed from her husbands due to a health issue she is experiencing. * I wonder if Joseph Ladapo has seen this: There is no evidence that mRNA Covid vaccines cause fatal cardiac arrest or other deadly heart problems in teens and young adults, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published Thursday shows. * A scary trend: The ocean has now broken temperature records every day for more than a year. And so far, 2024 has continued 2023s trend of beating previous records by wide margins. In fact, the whole planet has been hot for months, according to many different data sets. * The perception that New England Republicans are always more moderate is not always true: Two Maine lawmakers are facing possible censure after one said the deadliest mass shooting in the state, in Lewiston in October, was a sign of retribution from God over the passage of a law expanding abortion access by the Democratic-led state Legislature and other immoral laws. * All is not well in Florida: According to sources who spoke with The Daily Beast, that lack of information surrounding Floridas anti-trans bathroom law has resulted in vigilante behavior, in which civilians attempt to enforce the statute in venues where it does not actually apply. See you tomorrow. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Maddow Blog | Trump seems to think he can badger Jewish voters into backing him The latest Pew Research Center report produced some fascinating data about the partisan affiliations of all kinds of American constituencies, including religious groups. Pew found, for example, that most Jewish voters continue to mostly align with Democrats: About seven-in-ten Jewish voters (69%) associate with the Democratic Party, while 29% affiliate with the Republican Party. Whats more, the same survey data found that the share of Jewish voters who align with the Democrats has increased 8 percentage points since 2020. I can think of a certain former president who will not be pleased with these results. Revisiting our earlier coverage, Donald Trump seems to believe that he took a series of steps he considered pro-Israel, with the expectation that hed receive an electoral reward from Jewish voters. When they largely stuck with Democrats anyway, Trump deemed them ungrateful. This attitude continues to produce ugly results. Last summer, for example, the Republican used his social media platform to share a missive that accused liberal Jews of voting to destroy America and Israel. Last month, as NBC News reported, Trump went further, invoking a dual loyalty trope by claiming that Jewish voters who support Democrats hate Israel. The former president went on to condemn Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer the highest ranking Jewish lawmaker in American history as being very anti-Israel, which is hilarious to anyone who knows anything about Chuck Schumer. But what I find extraordinary is how the presumptive GOP nominee simply wont let this go. A couple of days ago, for example, he appeared on a conservative media outlet and insisted that any Jewish person who votes for President Joe Biden does not love Israel and should be spoken to. A day later, as a New York Times report noted, he kept the offensive going. The Republican went on to insist that Biden, whos faced fierce criticisms for his support of Israel, has totally abandoned Israel. Stepping back, Trump seems convinced that if he simply badgers Jewish voters enough, maybe theyll change their minds and support his candidacy. It remains a twisted perspective. The Republicans sense of entitlement is so overwhelming that he believes he effectively completed a transaction with the assumption that Jewish voters would feel compelled to put aside their values and judgment, and support him in droves, his history of antisemitic rhetoric notwithstanding. The more Jews back Biden, the more the former president feels justified lashing out at those whove failed to meet his expectations. If Trump believes this will convince Jewish voters to change their political views, hes likely to be disappointed. This post updates our related earlier coverage. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, then-House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy was not pleased with Donald Trump. The congressman even told his members in comments that were recorded and later released that hed had it with this guy, referring to Trump. The GOP leader added, What he did is unacceptable. Nobody can defend that, and nobody should defend it. That was in early January 2021. In late January 2021, just 17 days after the had it with this guy comments, McCarthy hopped on a plane, went to Mar-a-Lago, met with Trump, and kissed the proverbial ring of the disgraced former president. After the meeting, a photo of the two quickly circulated throughout the political world. It was, by some measures, one of the more important moments in recent GOP history. Without saying a word, McCarthy signaled to the political world that Trump, despite his dangerous and scandalous effort to remain in office after losing, was not just a Republican in good standing he also remained the partys preeminent leader. One simple photo helped breathe life into Trumps political career at a time when his future was in doubt. Asked about the trip, McCarthy told a group of college students this week that he was in south Florida anyway for an unrelated event at the time, and he thought no one was going to know about the Mar-a-Lago visit. As part of the same comments, the former House speaker pressed Trump on whether he leaked the photograph of the two of them. [H]e looks at me, and he goes, Well, its good for both of us, you know, McCarthy explained. Three years later, McCarthys successor as House speaker is making his own sojourn to the former presidents glorified country club. NBC News reported: So let me see if I have this straight. On the one hand, theres Trump a prolific liar whos spent the last several years peddling bonkers conspiracy theories about his election defeat. On the other hand, theres Johnson a far-right congressman who helped spearhead an ill-fated effort to convince the Supreme Court to keep Trump in power despite the voters verdict, and who voted with his party to reject certifying the results of a free and fair election. Johnson also echoed some of the wilder conspiracy theories about the race, and more than three years later, the Louisiana Republican is still reluctant to acknowledge the legitimacy of the 2020 elections These two are going to hold a joint event focused on election integrity, with the expectation that people will take their rhetoric seriously. As for why, exactly, this Mar-a-Lago event is happening, Im reminded of the its good for both of us line Trump apparently delivered to McCarthy. Johnson, for example, continues to fail as a legislator, and one of his most radical members recently launched an effort to oust him from the speakers office. The GOP leaders calculus seems pretty straightforward: Facing an uncertain fate, Johnson is likely to benefit from being seen alongside his partys presumptive nominee and most powerful voice. Johnson, in other words, needs a hand, and hes looking to Trump to provide him with one. Indeed, a Politico report noted that the Mar-a-Lago gathering was an idea pitched by the speakers office, not the former presidents team. As for whats in it for Trump, Politicos report added that he gets the countrys highest-ranking Republican to lend credence to his voting concerns. What could possibly go wrong? This article was originally published on MSNBC.com In a new sign of Venezuelans simmering desperation, a poll released Thursday shows that 40% of Venezuelans would consider leaving the South American nation if ruler Nicolas Maduro is declared the winner of Julys presidential election. The opinion poll, prepared by the firm Meganalisis, also said that 45% of those surveyed did not know if they would consider leaving the country or not, allowing that at least some of them might do so if Maduro stays in power. The election, whose credibility has already been questioned in the U.S., is set for July 28th. Only 16% of those consulted responded that they would not consider leaving, in a result described as monstrous, scandalous by Meganalisis President, Ruben Chirinos. More than 7.7 million Venezuelans, equivalent to about 20% of the population, have already left the country to escape the dire economic conditions and lack of freedom imposed by Caracas socialist regime. The majority of immigrants who have left Venezuela ended up settling in Colombia, a country that welcomed 2.8 million of them, but hundreds of thousands also sought refuge in Peru, Spain, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina and the United States. The total number of Venezuelans that reached the United States has been estimated at more than 545,000. If 40% of the Venezuelan population decided to leave the country, that would translate to 10 million people seeking refuge in other nations. The desire to leave the country is born out of an overall sense of hopelessness prevalent in Venezuela following more than two decades of autocratic rule by Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, Chirinos said. With the passage of time, the perception that we are seeing in Venezuela is that the Chavista movement, with all that socialism entails, is increasingly weaker in terms of popular support, but led by individuals clinging to power, and clinging to the notion of imposing on the population their way of seeing the country, which is a way that does not translate in generating opportunities for the people, nor in possibilities for growth, to have a family or to have a better quality of life, he said. . The survey, based on interviews with 1,000 people in the capital and in 23 states of the country, also showed that a large majority of Venezuelans continue to support the leadership of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, even though the Maduro regime has banned her from running for president. When asked who is the most reliable and most credible political leader in the country, 74% said Machado, while 72% said they would vote for her if she was allowed to compete in the election. These numbers contrast with those for Maduro, who would get 13% if he competed against the candidates who have been authorized to run in the election. According to the opinion poll, 81% of those surveyed do not want Maduro to remain in power, 10% want him to do so, and 9% said they do not know. Fearing that Maduro would clearly be defeated in the election if Machado was allowed to compete, the Caracas regime banned her from participating, in what was described by the Biden administration as a violation of the democratic transition roadmap agreed by Caracas, Washington and the Venezuelan opposition in an accord signed last year in Barbados. By Laura Sanicola (Reuters) -Oil prices settled lower on Thursday as sticky inflation dampened hopes for near-term U.S. interest rate cuts, but worries that Iran might attack Israeli interests kept crude near six-month highs. Brent crude futures settled down 74 cents, or 0.8%, to $89.74 a barrel while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures settled down $1.19, or 1.4%, to $85.02. It will be difficult to maintain Brent above $90 a barrel in the second half of the year without actual supply disruption associated with geopolitical events, said global energy strategist Vikas Dwivedi of Macquarie. "As a result, we expect oil to turn bearish as the year progresses due to non-OPEC supply growth, a material amount of OPEC+ spare capacity re-entering the market, and the potential that continuing inflation softens demand." Minutes from the U.S. Federal Reserve showed officials worried that progress on inflation might have stalled and a longer period of tight monetary policy would be needed. Investors who had expected a rate cut in June now see September as a likelier timing, following a third straight consumer inflation reading that exceeded forecasts. In Europe, central bank officials kept borrowing costs at a record high as expected, but signalled the ECB may soon cut rates. Slower rate cuts could crimp oil demand, yet OPEC stuck to its forecast for relatively strong global demand growth in 2024. The International Energy Agency will announce its expectations in its monthly report on Friday. Oil prices were also pressured by a power outage on Wednesday that shut multiple fuel-producing units at Motiva Enterprise's massive 626,600 barrel per day Port Arthur, Texas facility. Motiva began restarting the gasoline-producing fluidic catalytic cracker (FCC) on Thursday morning, said people familiar with plant operations. Meanwhile, traders worried that Iran might retaliate for a suspected Israeli air strike on its embassy in Syria on April 1. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has vowed that the U.S. will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran. This week, Israel and Hamas began a fresh round of negotiations in their more than six-month-old Gaza war but those talks have yielded no agreement. (Additional reporting by Noah Browning and Natalie Grover in London, Shariq Khan in New York and Emily Chow in Singapore; editing by Christopher Cushing, Jason Neely, David Evans and David Gregorio) A pair of Republican lawmakers in Maine were ruled out of order on Thursday after one of them tried to suggest that a horrific mass shooting last October was Gods retribution for a state bill which expanded abortion access, and the other heartily agreed. During a debate Wednesday night over a new bill which would extend the right to gender-affirming care to people from out of state, Rep. Michael Lemelin voiced his trepidation by making a wildly offensive connection between the two discrete incidents. When (L.D.) 1619 passed and went into law on Oct. 25, you told God life doesnt matter, he said, referring to the abortion bill. Keep in mind that the law came into effect on Oct. 25. God heard you and the horrible events on Oct. 25 happened, he said, referring to last years horrific mass shootings in Lewiston, which claimed the lives of 19 people, including the perpetrator. Rep. Shelley Rudnicki backed up Lemelins argument that another piece of legislature concerned with expanding healthcare would only bring about more violence and bloodshed. I just want to stand and say that I agree with Rep. Lemelin and everything he said, she said. On Thursday, the Speaker of Maines House of Representatives Rachel Talbot-Ross, a Democrat, signed two letters to Lemelin and Rudnicki, in which she ruled them both out of order, and called for a vote to censure the errant lawmakers. In the letters, Ross called their comments extremely offensive and intentionally harmful to the victims and the families of the Lewiston tragedy, the House of Representatives, and the People of Maine. The behavior and your agreement with this language violated the order of decorum of the House Chamber. Your actions are deserving of the most serious consequences this body can deliver, Ross wrote. The House Democratic office called the comments as asinine as they are reprehensible. The bill lawmakers were debating to expand gender-affirming care passed in the state legislature by a vote of 80 to 70. 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. FILE - A make-shift memorial lines Main Street, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, Lewiston, Maine. The commanding officer of an Army reservist responsible for the deadliest shooting in Maine history acknowledged to an independent commission on Thursday, April 11, 2024, that he didnt closely monitor the reservists medical care after he was discharged from a psychiatric hospital. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The commanding officer of an Army reservist responsible for the deadliest shooting in Maine history acknowledged to an independent commission on Thursday that he didnt take action when the reservist skipped counselor sessions, and didn't attempt to verify that the shooter's family took away his guns. Capt. Jeremy Reamer said he understood that the shooter, Robert Card, was suffering from a psychiatric breakdown during training last summer but said he was limited in the level of oversight he could provide after Card returned home and was no longer actively participating in drills with his Army Reserve unit. Under questioning, Reamer said he was aware that Card was not going to mandated counseling sessions and acknowledged that an email problem prevented him from seeing a July message pertaining to Cards health until after the Oct. 25 shootings. But Reamer defended his decision to rely on a subordinate, an Army reservist who was Cards best friend, to serve as a go-between with Cards family. The reservist, Sean Hodgson, told Reamer that he reached out to Cards family in Bowdoin and that family members agreed to take away his guns after he was hospitalized. Reamer said he thought those actions were adequate, and insisted that as an Army Reserve officer, he had no jurisdiction over Cards personal guns. My understanding was that an agreement was made and the family agreed to remove the weapons from the home, Reamer told Commissioner Toby Dilworth, who expressed skepticism about leaving such an important task for the family to handle. I just know that the family agreed to remove the firearms, Reamer said. Reamer, who gave up control of the Maine-based unit after what he described as a routine change of command in February, was called back to testify after his previous testimony was cut short because of time constraints. Commissioners used the break to review medical records, text exchanges, emails and call logs before peppering Reamer with more questions over several hours Thursday at the University of Maine at Augusta. At one point, Reamer suggested that more aggressive actions and oversight would have been possible if Card had been a full-time soldier instead of a reservist. Others testifying Thursday included several survivors who spoke of the horror of the shooting and the difficulties they encountered afterward. Some witnesses said a lack of translators fluent in American Sign Language hampered communications with deaf survivors and deaf family members of victims. Dr. Mark Flomenbaum, the state's retired chief medical examiner, said it was difficult to ascertain the gunman's time of death. But Flomenbaum, who testified via Zoom, stood by his earlier assessment that Card died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound that likely happened 12 to 18 hours before his body was found. Flomenbaum's conclusions suggested that Card was alive and possibly on the run during much of the two-day search, the biggest in state history. Card's body was found in the back of a tractor-trailer on a former employer's property. Appointed by Democratic Gov. Janet Mills, the independent commission is determining facts around the shooting that claimed 18 lives at a bowling alley and at a bar and grill, both in Lewiston. In its interim report released last month, the commission concluded that the Sagadahoc County sheriffs office had probable cause under Maines yellow flag law to take Card into custody and seize his guns because he was experiencing a psychiatric crisis and was a danger to others. Maine lawmakers are currently debating whether the law, which requires police to initiate the process, should be supplemented with a red flag law, which would allow family members or others to directly petition a judge to remove guns from someone in a psychiatric crisis. Its one of several mental health and gun control measures being considered by the Maine Legislature in response to Octobers mass shooting. The commissions work is far from complete, Chairman Dan Wathen said last month. Nothing we do can ever change what happened on that terrible day, but knowing the facts can help provide the answers that the victims, their families and the people of Maine need and deserve, he said. An Alabama man has been charged with detonating an explosive device outside the state attorney generals office. In a statement on Wednesday, the justice department announced that authorities had arrested 26-year-old Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert of Irondale on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Related: Voting rights groups sue Alabama over blocking assistance for absentee ballots On 24 February, an explosive device was detonated outside the office of Steve Marshall in Montgomery. No staff or personnel were injured, Marshalls office said at the time, and no buildings were damaged. Following the explosion, agents and troopers with the Alabama law enforcement agency, along with special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Montgomery police officers responded to the scene, where remnants of the device were discovered. A detention memo reviewed by NBC said that the device had the characteristics of an IED [improvised explosive device] and Calvert added a substantial number of nails and other shrapnel to increase its destructive capability. It added that authorities found that Calvert had allegedly put stickers on state buildings that advocated for various political ideologies on the night of the explosion. Those stickers allegedly involved references to antifa, anti-police and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement sentiments, NBC reports According to other court documents reviewed by NBC, authorities used video surveillance to follow Calverts movements on the night of the explosion and matched his vehicle to license plate reader information and social media, as well as an analysis of his mannerisms and the explosive device. If convicted, Calvert faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years. Following the announcement of Calverts arrest, Marshall released a statement saying: My staff and I are breathing a collective sigh of relief this morning knowing that this individual has been taken off the streets. Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence. We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time, he added. Marshall has been serving as the states attorney general since 2017. A staunch Republican, he has criticised Joe Bidens border policies, saying: There is no telling the damage that 100,000 unknown aliens every month will continue to do to our communities. He has also hailed the supreme courts 2022 overturning of Roe v Wade, saying: None of us thought today would come in our lifetimes, as well as arguing that he could prosecute individuals who help women travel out of state for abortions. DENVER (KDVR) A man accused of killing a 20-year-old woman in Federal Heights on Dec. 30, 2023, was arrested in Mexico on a charge of first-degree murder, according to the 17th Judicial District Attorneys Office. Adrian Carracedo-Vega, 35, will be extradited to Colorado soon, according to the DAs Office. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox Carracedo-Vega is a suspect in a stabbing that took place in December outside of the Tuscan Heights Apartments, located at 1700 W. 85th Ave. The victim was identified as Sachely Diaz, 20. Police said at the time they believed Carracedo-Vega knew Diaz. Police said in December that Carracedo-Vega may have been heading to Texas or crossed the border into Mexico. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. CHICAGO A man with autism has been missing for over a week after his father he took care of died. His father was a longtime Chicago police officer who was battling Parkinsons disease. Jonathon Jon Baez, 43, has autism and began taking care of his father, David Baez, after the 73-year-old was diagnosed with the progressive disease. (His brothers) were very happy how he was taking care of David, aunt Paty Galindo told WGN News. The family lost their mother, Josefina, 25 years ago and David took care of Jon over the years until his Parkinsons diagnosis. David was found dead by one of his other sons on Friday. Family fears Jon found his body, potentially freaked out and left the home near 86th and Baltimore without his cell phone. We dont know what happened but there was no foul play. My brother-in-law died in his sleep, Galindo said. Family has been frantically putting up flyers in an effort to find him. During the search, they were told by an Elote stand near 91st and Houston that they saw him last Thursday the day before David was found dead. Neighbors told the family they last saw a light at the home on the night of Tuesday, April 2. Jonathon Baez Family told WGN News Jon is known to go downtown near the museum campus. Hes also known to enjoy the 87th Street Metra station and gets groceries from Macias Produce in the 8900 block of South Commercial. A worker told family they saw him there a few weeks ago. Family believes Jon was wearing a black North Face jacket and a black hoodie when he left. He has trouble speaking, is 58, 170 lbs., with light brown hair. Jon has a small scar above the bridge of his nose. Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact 911 or police at 312-747-8274. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. MONDAY, 06/03/2024, 10:00 p.m. GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) The Brown County man charged with abducting his ex-girlfriends children was back in court for an arraignment. Court records show that 26-year-old Jonathan Tafolla was in court on May 28 for arraignment, and the court filed a speedy trial. Tafolla will return to court on July 29 for a final pre-trial before his two-day jury trial on July 31 and August 1. Local 5 News will continue following this case as it progresses through the court system. UPDATE: Man charged with breaking into exs residence & abducting her children has arraignment scheduled Tuesday, 05/07/2024, 12:39 p.m. (WFRV) The Brown County man charged with abducting his ex-girlfriends children was back in court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. Court records show that 25-year-old Jonathan Tafolla was in court in person with an attorney and waived the preliminary hearing. The present bond was amended to allow Tafolla to contact the mother of the children only while he is in the Brown County Jail and only via telephone. All other prior conditions remain. An arraignment is scheduled for June 3 at 8:30 a.m. UPDATE: Man charged with breaking into exs residence & abducting her children has preliminary hearing FRIDAY, 04/26/2024, 9:45 p.m. (WFRV) A Brown County man charged with abducting his ex-girlfriends children was back in court on Friday for his preliminary hearing. Court records show that 25-year-old Jonathan Tafolla appeared for his preliminary hearing, and a no-contact order was enforced. Tafolla will be back in court on May 7. UPDATE: Man charged with breaking into exs residence & abducting her children appears in court TUESDAY, 4/23/2024 11:45 a.m. (WFRV) The man charged with abducting his ex-girlfriends children was back in court. Court records show that 25-year-old Jonathan Tafolla appeared in court on April 19 for a status conference. The present bond was reportedly continued. Tafolla is scheduled to be back in court on April 26 at 10:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing. No additional information was provided. ORIGINAL: Man in Brown County charged with breaking into his ex-girlfriends residence & abducting her children, facing 10+ charges THURSDAY, 4/11/2024 3:20 p.m. (WFRV) A man was arrested in Brown County after he allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriends house, abducted her children, and fled from authorities. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Local 5, 25-year-old Jonathan Tafolla is facing over ten charges after allegedly abducting his ex-girlfriends children. On April 9 around 2:30 a.m., a deputy with the Brown County Sheriffs Office saw a vehicle that they suspected was trying to elude from authorities. The deputy followed the vehicle into the parking lot of an apartment complex in Bellevue. The driver reportedly got out of the vehicle and ended up running away from authorities on foot. Seven men arrested following an Oshkosh Police Department undercover prostitution investigation Authorities ended up walking up to the suspect vehicle and saw a childs car seat and reportedly could smell the odor of marijuana. The suspect, later identified as Tafolla, was seen walking and holding what looked like a young child. Another child was reportedly walking next to him as well. When the deputy shined their spotlight at him, Tafolla allegedly put the child on the ground and started sprinting away. Eventually, Tafolla was placed in handcuffs. When authorities contacted the mother of the children, she explained that an ex-boyfriend of hers had just abducted her children. Authorities went to the mothers residence and reportedly saw damage to the door and door frame. The woman claimed that the damage came from Tafolla when he kicked the door. The woman provided a statement of the incident and said that around midnight on April 9, Tafolla came over. Eventually, he was told to leave but reportedly refused. The complaint says that Tafolla told the woman he was obsessed with her and he grabbed her wrists. The woman reportedly started to scream and Tafolla allegedly took her phone and car keys and got out of the residence. Repeat offender in Oshkosh charged for Possession of Child Pornography Tafolla allegedly went back to the residence and kicked down the door. The woman said she ran downstairs to hide. When she came back up, she reportedly noticed that her children were missing as was her vehicle. Authorities also ended up finding marijuana in the vehicle that is believed to be Tafollas. Tafolla is charged with: Forceful Abduction of a Child, Repeater Felony Up to 40 years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Forceful Abduction of a Child, Repeater Felony Up to 40 years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Burglary-Dwelling, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Felony Up to 15 years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Take and Driver Vehicle Without Owners Consent 2nd+ Offense, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Felony Up to 12 and a half years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Felony Intimidation of a Victim, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Felony Up to ten years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Possession of THC 2nd and Subsequent Offense, Repeater Felony Up to three and a half years in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Criminal Damage to Property, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Misdemeanor Up to nine months in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Criminal Trespass to a Dwelling, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Misdemeanor Up to nine months in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Theft, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Misdemeanor Up to nine months in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Resisting an Officer, Repeater Misdemeanor Up to nine months in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Disorderly Conduct, Domestic Abuse Assessments, Repeater Misdemeanor Up to 90 days in prison (Can be increased up to two years due to repeater) Court records show that Tafolla was in court on April 10 for his initial appearance and had his cash bond set at $50,000. He is scheduled to be back in court on April 19 for a preliminary hearing. Wild deer tests positive for CWD, baiting & feeding ban renewed for Waushara County No additional information was provided. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Federal authorities have arrested a man accused of detonating an explosive device outside the office of the Alabama attorney general in late February. Kyle Calvert, 26, of Irondale, Alabama, was arrested Wednesday on charges of malicious use of an explosive and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to the Department of Justice. MORE: Explosive detonated outside Alabama attorney general's office The device was set off on Feb. 24 at approximately 3:42 a.m. outside the Montgomery office of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, authorities said. No one was injured and the contents of the exploded device were only discovered by staffers from the attorney general's office when they arrived at work the next morning, authorities said. PHOTO: Nails recovered from the detonated device are seen in a photo included in a Department of Justice filing. (U.S. Department of Justice) Agents who recovered the exploded materials determined the device came in a coffee container-like vessel and was packed with gasoline, a mortar, firecrackers and nails "to increase its destructive capability," according to court filings. The FBI pulled surveillance footage from around the area that showed the subject placing stickers around Montgomery before planting the explosive device, according to court filings. One of the stickers read "Support your local antifa" while others included phrases such as "EAT THE RICH," "FEMINIST ACTION" and "ABOLISH ICE," according to the filings. PHOTO: Authorities have released an image of an unknown person of interest as they investigate the detonation of an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General's Office. (FBI/ALEA) Investigators later tracked down Calvert through a vehicle the subject was seen in prior to and after the incident, according to the filings. They also compared surveillance footage of Calvert from a prior employer to the footage of the subject captured at the scene and saw both had a similar "unique gait," the filings stated. Calvert also posted a photo to social media wearing goggles that were "identical" to ones worn by the subject who detonated the explosives, according to the filings. PHOTO: Kyle Calvert is seen in a photo from social media next to a still of the subject captured at the scene of the detonation in images included in a Department of Justice Filing. (U.S. Department of Justice) Calvert allegedly posted about his "violent impulses" and his frustrations with the government on social media, according to the filings. "How the f--- are we not killing the government right now!" Calvert reportedly said in a video posted on Dec. 12, 2023, according to the filings. Investigators also spoke to a more recent employer of Calvert, who reported he was exhibiting "strange behavior" at work, according to the filings. MORE: Person of interest images released as police investigate explosive left at Alabama attorney general's office Calvert was taken into custody on Wednesday following a grand jury indictment. He will be represented by a federal defender though online records do not list the name of an attorney. ABC News left a message with the Federal Defenders for the Middle District of Alabama. If convicted, Calvert faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the DOJ. A possible motive has not been released. "Thanks to the work of the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners, this defendant is being held accountable for allegedly detonating an explosive device outside of the Alabama Attorney Generals Office," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. "The Justice Department has no tolerance for acts of violence targeting those who serve the public." MORE: Federal judges, prosecutors see triple-digit increase in threats in 2023 The Alabama attorney general expressed relief at news of the arrest. "Although more information will be provided in the weeks to come, I think it is safe to say that this was not a random act of violence," Marshall said in a statement. "We are grateful to our federal and local partners for their assistance in this matter and are pleased that the offender faces federal charges carrying significant prison time." Man charged for allegedly detonating device outside Alabama attorney general's office originally appeared on abcnews.go.com (BCN) A San Francisco Superior Court jury has convicted a man of murder for killing someone and injuring another person in a 2021 shooting in the citys Mission District, prosecutors said. Keshon Wilson, 23, was convicted of first-degree murder and a premeditated attempted murder. The jury also found that Wilson personally and intentionally discharged a firearm that caused great bodily injury or death, the San Francisco District Attorneys Office said Wednesday. Based on testimony and evidence presented at trial, Wilson was working as a power washer at the 24th Street Mission BART Station on the night of March 29, 2021, when he had an argument with a group of people. Prosecutors said Wilson left the station and drove around the block, then parked his work truck. He then approached the group on foot with a ghost gun firearm in hand, intending to conduct a surprise attack against the group. According to prosecutors, Wilson fired multiple gunshots in the groups direction after he emerged from behind a bus shelter. He shot nine times, hitting two of the four men in the group, and shattering the glass door of a nearby McDonalds restaurant. Once-popular San Francisco barbershop struggles to survive Due to the shooting, 26-year-old San Mateo resident Isaiah Cardenas died, and another 23-year-old man got injured. Cardenas suffered three gunshot wounds to his back, while the surviving victim suffered four to five gunshot wounds to his torso and shoulder, prosecutors said. Wilson fled to Las Vegas, but upon his return to San Francisco in May 2021, police arrested him at his home, where a search revealed the murder weapon and other firearm accessories. I am very grateful to the jury for their service as well as their careful and fair approach to this case, said Assistant District Attorney Charly Weissenbach. No one deserves to be murdered, especially by ambush in the heartless and violent manner it was committed here. The jurys verdict rejected the defendants false self-defense claim, upheld the rule of law, condemned senseless gun violence, and delivered justice for the victims and our community. Wilson faces a sentence of 82 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for June 3, prosecutors said. Copyright 2024 Bay City News, Inc. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Oklahoma has cited and fined a New York-based home warranty company for failing to register with the state, failure to meet the terms and obligations of contracts with three consumers and failing to respond to investigators' inquiries. The Oklahoma Insurance Department has ordered an out-of-state company to stop selling and advertising home warranty contracts in the state because it doesn't have a license to do so, and because it failed to answer agency investigators' inquiries concerning three customers who complained that the company didn't honor agreements. The department issued a cease-and-desist order against First Premier Home Warranty Corp., Brooklyn, New York, after complaints from a man in Oklahoma City, a man in Midwest City and a woman in Broken Arrow. The department also imposed penalties for several violations totaling $9,495. The order notes that California officials shut down the company's sales there in 2021 for similar reasons. The company has until April 15 to request a hearing. The company did not respond to a request for information from The Oklahoman. "Oklahoma consumers rely on home warranty companies to provide essential coverage. Our licensing protocols are designed to safeguard consumers and uphold ethical standards. When companies fail to adhere to these standards, we take swift action to protect consumers, Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready said. The Oklahoma City man said that First Premier refused to reimburse him $482 for repairs to a water heater and HVAC system last November, then threatened to place a lien on his home when he refused to pay a $75 service cancellation fee. The Midwest City man's dispute with the company involved repairs to a dishwasher in October and November. The Broken Arrow woman's dispute unfolded from April to October last year and involved repairs to an oven and HVAC system. Consumers are urged to verify the licensing status of any company before purchasing a policy. Suspected instances of fraud should be reported to the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 800-522-0071. Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready. Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Insurance Department cites First Premier Home Warranty Corp. Man killed wife at her job after she called cops on him at least 13 times, lawsuit says The family of an Iowa woman is suing after they said police failed to enforce a restraining order, ultimately leading to the womans death. On April 18, 2022, Christopher Prichard was arrested after he was accused of committing domestic violence against his wife Angela Prichard, according to a federal lawsuit filed April 9. A no-contact order was issued, however on May 3, the order was terminated, the lawsuit said. Sometime in July or August 2022, Angela noticed a tracking device was placed in her Jeep and two hidden cameras were in her home, the lawsuit said. She contacted the Bellevue police, but they refused to arrest Christopher, according to the court document. On several occasions in August, Christopher continued to harass Angela and sent her threatening text messages saying it is going to get real (expletive) ugly and saying he will destroy her business, the lawsuit said. Angela reported the harassment to Bellevue police, but Christopher was not arrested, according to the lawsuit. A temporary restraining order was placed on Christopher on Sept. 1, 2022. Between Sept. 7 and Sept. 23, Angela called police at least 13 times to report harassment by Christopher, the lawsuit said. On one occasion, Angela reported that Christopher pulled up next to her at a gas station and just stared at her, according to the lawsuit. When she reported it to police, they told her, its a small town, you will have that, the lawsuit said. On Sept. 9, Angela reported to police that Christopher rode past her house six times in one hour, which was in direct violation of the restraining order, but he was not arrested, the lawsuit said. On Sept. 15, the lawsuit said Angela reported to police that she found a note on the steps of her home written by Christopher. The officer responded by telling Angela [you] cant prove it was Christopher and said he will tell [Christopher Prichard] to knock it off, the lawsuit said. Angela repeatedly reported to police instances of Christopher watching her, following her and sending her messages, according to the lawsuit. The City of Bellevue and its police department fully recognizes that domestic violence is a serious and pervasive public health and legal issue. Accordingly, the City and its police department responded appropriately to Ms. Prichards calls for service, a statement sent to McClatchy News from city officials said. On Sept. 15, 2022, Christopher was arrested after Angela showed officers a text message he sent her. He spent one night in jail and was released the next day, the lawsuit said. Christopher continued to harass Angela and put up signs at his business with negative comments about Angela, according to the lawsuit. After failing to appear in court on Sept. 29, Christopher was sentenced to six days in jail. He was given 24 hours to get his affairs in order and turn himself in, the lawsuit said. However, he never did, according to court documents. The lawsuit said the police knew Christophers usual whereabouts in a small town of under 2,500 people, and the unique vehicle he drove. However, they did not arrest him after he failed to turn himself in, according to the lawsuit. On Oct. 8, police received a 911 call from Angelas job. When they arrived, they found her dead from a gunshot wound to the chest, the lawsuit said. Christopher was easily found by police the next day at a known residence and he had the murder weapon on him, according to the lawsuit. He admitted to shooting Angela, the lawsuit said, but told police it was an accident. He stalked her, confronted her at her place of work with a loaded shotgun and pointed the shotgun at her, but that he pulled the trigger by accident, he told police, according to the lawsuit. Angela Marie Prichards death in October 2022 at the hands of her estranged husband was a tragedy, a statement from city officials said. Angelas family said police failed to protect her and uphold the restraining order over the numerous times she reported violations. The City and all named defendants deny the allegations in the lawsuit filed by Ms. Prichards estate that they failed to enforce a no-contact order against Christopher Prichard or disregarded Ms. Prichards safety. They are confident a jury will conclude that the City and its police department adhered to all relevant laws, policies and procedures aimed at protecting a victim of domestic violence, the citys statement said. Bellevue is about an 85-mile drive northeast from Cedar Rapids. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Boyfriend stabs woman and her 6-year-old son, then traps them in burning home, cops say Dad rams car with kids and wife inside, then assaults her in front of them, MI cops say Deputy strangles woman when she tries to end relationship, California officials say Man who landed stolen plane on Half Moon Bay beach will not stand trial (KRON) A man who stole a private plane in Palo Alto, flew it over coastal mountains, and landed it on a Half Moon Bay beach will not stand trial, a judge ruled on Tuesday. San Mateo County Judge Sean Dabel ruled that Luiz Sunrock Gustavo Aires is not competent to stand trial and suspended all criminal proceedings. Aires, 50, was a no-show in court and refused to leave his jail cell, prosecutors said. Aires previously told investigators that he stole the plane to show the government that airports lack proper security, the District Attorneys Office wrote. He made headlines after he slipped through a gap in Palo Alto Airports perimeter fence on February 8 and took off in the single-engine plane without a key. San Mateo County Sheriffs deputies look at a plane that landed on a Half Moon Bay beach on Feb. 8, 2024. (KRON4 Photo / Sara Stinson) He landed the plane between Poplar and Redondo beaches in front of stunned witnesses. Aires told investigators that he grew up in Brazil and learned how to fly there. Prosecutors charged Aires with identity theft and stealing an airplane. In February, his defense attorney raised doubts about the homeless mans competency to understand court proceedings. A court-appointed psychiatrist evaluated Aires mental state and the judge sided with the defense on Tuesday. Judge Dabel ordered Aires to return to court on May 21. As of Wednesday afternoon, he remained in custody in lieu of $10,000 bail, inmate records show. The plane, worth $150,000, was not seriously damaged, prosecutors wrote. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in shooting outside of Sheffield restaurant SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) A Muscle Shoals man pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection to a 2021 shooting outside of Jokers Indian Kitchen. James Terrell Whiteside, 40, from Muscle Shoals was charged with manslaughter for the killing of 26-year-old Kalyn Tyjuane Horrison of Florence on December 3, 2021. Over $1 million in inventory taken from Arab car dealership, police still looking for vehicles Whiteside was set to go to trial on February 12, 2024, but on February 2, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison, split to serve five years in prison. Sheffield Police Department Chief Ricky Terry said Horrison was taken to Huntsville Hospital in critical condition and passed away from his injuries Friday afternoon. Chief Terry said the other two victims, one being the businesss security guard, were transported to local hospitals where they were listed in stable condition. Investigators believe the altercation began inside the restaurant but escalated outside the business. Whiteside was taken to the Colbert County Jail following the incident with his bond set at $30,000. He bonded out in October 2022. In August 2022, a Colbert County Grand Jury indicted Whiteside for Horrisons death, due to a sudden heat of passion caused by provocation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. LEMON GROVE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) Authorities have found the person reported to have attempted to lure Lemon Grove Academy Middle School students with money to get inside his car, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department told FOX 5/KUSI Thursday. The schools principal, Vanessa Ruiz, sent out a letter to families Wednesday that said the school was made aware of a concerning incident that happened during school dismissal on Tuesday. Select charges dismissed for Camp Pendleton Marine accused of teen sex assault The letter said, in part, that unidentified individuals attempted to coerce two students into his vehicle by offering payment. The sheriffs department on Thursday confirmed deputies immediately searched the area and investigated after being contacted by the school. Using information from a cars plate number, they were able to find the driver and his family, the department said. According to authorities, the family was on their way to the Rancho San Diego Sheriffs Station to explain their side of the incident. The family told deputies the driver was diagnosed with an intellectual disability, as well as mobility and medical issues. The department told FOX 5/KUSI he did not tell anyone to get into his car. Deputies said the man was waiting to pick up his niece from school at the time of the reported incident, and that he had asked nearby kids to buy him ice cream from a truck parked near the skate park. Deputies said the report was determined to be unfounded and no crime was committed. Findings from the investigation were shared with the school district, the department said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Man sentenced to 7-plus years for firebombing a Madison anti-abortion office group in 2022 on eve of Roe v. Wade decision Damaged books are strewn across the office of Wisconsin Family Action Director Julaine Appling Sunday morning in Madison. MADISON The man indicted in the May 2022 firebombing of a prominent anti-abortion group's office in Madison was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in federal prison. Hridindu Sankar Roychowdhury will also serve three years on supervised release and pay a $32,000 fine under the sentence issued Wednesday by U.S. District Judge William Conley. He faced a minimum of five years in prison, and could have receieved a maximum of 20 years along with financial penalties of up to $250,000. Roychowdhury, 30, was arrested in March 2023 and indicted by a grand jury the following month. He was charged with one count of attempting to cause damage by means of fire or an explosive. He initially pleaded not guilty, then in June 2023 sought to have the case dismissed arguing the federal arson statute under which he was charged is unconstitutional. That motion was denied, and in November 2023 he agreed to plead guilty. Federal prosecutors accused Roychowdhury of efforts to "terrorize" and "intimidate" by vandalizing and setting a fire in the Madison offices of Wisconsin Family Action in spring of 2022. Madison Fire and Police departments responded early in the morning on May 8, 2022, to a 911 call reporting flames coming from the organizations office on Madisons north side. A window to Wisconsin Family Action director Julaine Appling's office is boarded up Sunday morning. According to the plea agreement, Roychowdhury and "at least one" other person traveled to the organization's office and "maliciously damaged" it by means of fire. The incident occurred days after a leaked draft indicated that the U.S. Supreme Court was about to overturn Roe v. Wade, its 1973 landmark decision legalizing abortion. If abortions arent safe then you arent either was painted in cursive on the buildings outside wall, along with the anarchy symbol and an anti-police slogan. An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined the fire was started using a device "consistent with the appearance and components of a Molotov cocktail," according to the criminal complaint. Investigators used DNA evidence, surveillance and social media to track down Roychowdhury nearly a year after the incident took place. Key elements in the investigation included an apparent handwriting match in another graffiti incident and DNA obtained from a half-eaten burrito discarded in a garbage can. Wisconsin Family Action president emeritus Julaine Appling, whose office was damaged in the incident, said the firebombing was "a very visual reminder that people who disagree with us can and will use violence to try to silence us." "We recommended the defendant receive 15 years imprisonment. We based that on justice on the punishment fitting the crime, not on retribution or vengeance. This was a serious, premeditated crime that was the first of nearly 100 attacks on pro-life organizations across the country," Appling said in a statement. "In light of this, we are disappointed in the judges decision regarding a crime the judge called terrorism multiple times. The U.S. Attorneys office had also recommended 12-15 years imprisonment. A civil society does not exist if violence is the default reaction to disagreeing with people." Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Man sentenced to 7 years for firebombing Madison anti-abortion office Man sentenced for traveling from Canada to Bettendorf to abuse teen UPDATE: A 22-year-old man convicted of traveling from Canada to Bettendorf to sexually abuse a 15-year-old was sentenced to prison on Friday in Scott County Court, court records say. Tevontaye Elliott (Scott County Jail) According to court records, Tevontaye Elliott was convicted by a jury, and was sentenced: For third-degree sexual abuse, a period not to exceed 10 years in prison. For indecent exposure, a period of one year in Scott County Jail. For sexual exploitation of a minor, a period not to exceed 10 years. For another charge of sexual exploitation of a minor, a period not to exceed two years. He will receive credit for time he has served in the case, court records show. According to court records, the sentences imposed will run concurrently, or at the same time, but will run consecutive to the 189-day contempt sentence imposed in connection with violations of a no-contact order. He also was ordered to have no contact with another specific person for five years. He is required to register as a sex offender which may be for a period of up to life, court records show. Court records say a special sentence also was imposed, committing (Elliott) to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections for a period of 10 years with eligibility for parole This special sentence shall commence upon completion of the sentences previously imposed. (Elliott) shall begin this sentence under supervision as if on parole or work release and shall be placed on the corrections continuum. Additionally, a special sentence is imposed committing (Elliott) to the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections for a period of life with eligibility for parole . This special sentence shall commence upon completion of the sentences previously imposed. (Elliott) shall begin this sentence under supervision as if on parole or work release and shall be placed on the corrections continuum, court records say. An incident in 2023 EARLIER: A 22-year-old man is in custody after police allege he traveled from Canada to Bettendorf to sexually abuse a 15-year-old victim, according to arrest affidavits. Tevontaye Elliott faces three felony charges of third-degree sex abuse and a serious misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure, court records show. Elliott and the victim met online about six months ago, according to arrest affidavits. Between May 13 and May 18, 2023, Elliott traveled from his residence in Ontario, Canada, for the sole purpose to spend time with the 15-year-old victim, police allege in arrest affidavits. During a post-Miranda Rights interview with Elliott, he admitted to sexually abusing the victim knowing the victim was 15 on two separate occasions in Bettendorf. Affidavits say that about 2:47 p.m. Friday, Bettendorf Police were called to a Bettendorf location for a report of a sexual act in the front seat of a car involving Elliott and the victim, according to a report from a witness who was at the park with her children. Officers arrived and saw Elliott and the victim in the front passenger seat in a public parking lot, affidavits say. Elliott is more than four years older than the 15-year-old victim, who has requested an order of protection. The defendant is from Ontario, Canada, and admittedly has no local ties and no place of employment in the Quad Cities Area, police allege in affidavits. Elliott was being held without bond in Scott County Jail on Monday, court records show. He is set for a preliminary hearing Friday in Scott County Court. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Man shot in Rockville, police still looking for suspect ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD) said a man was shot late Wednesday night. Officers responded to the shooting in the 300 block of N. Washington St. just before 11 p.m. There, they found a man suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was treated on the scene for non-life-threatening injuries and released by Montgomery County Fire and Rescue officials. Man found stabbed in Prince Georges County business, dies Police said the suspect ran from the area on foot. RCPD said there is no active threat to the community. Anyone with information is asked to contact Cpl. Andreas Floros at 240-314-8959 or via email at AFloros@RockvilleMD.Gov. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Manatee County under coastal flood warning and tornado watch as thunderstorms approach With severe thunderstorms projected for Thursday, the National Weather Service issued multiple warnings or advisories for Manatee County. The NWS Tampa Bay office issued a coastal flood warning, wind advisory and high surf advisory for the area. The coastal flood warning and wind advisory are set until 8 p.m. Thursday, while the high surf advisory goes until 8 p.m. Friday, the NWS said. The NWS forecast for Thursday has showers and thunderstorms hitting Manatee County before 4 p.m. with the potential for a thunderstorm between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. and additional showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Severe Thunderstorms are Possible Thursday Additionally: - Minor to moderate coastal flooding could occur Thursday afternoon - Gusty winds may blow unsecured objects and make travel hazardous for high-profile vehicles (especially over bridges) #WeatherReady #flwx pic.twitter.com/Bgk95vjWA2 NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) April 10, 2024 Those storms could produce heavy rainfall, while wind is expected to gust as high as 36 miles per hour and hold steady in a southwesterly direction between 23 and 26 miles per hour, the NWS forecast said. A quarter to a half an inch of rain is possible with the chance of rain hitting 90%. Severe weather headed to Manatee County More severe weather is expected to impact Florida counties to the north and west of Manatee, with a tornado watch in effect for more than 25 counties, including Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco. A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Florida and Georgia until 3 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/QneSq74rXs NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) April 11, 2024 The coastal flood warning for Manatee County also means a high rip current risk. Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that are prevalent along the East, Gulf, and West coasts of the U.S., the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Ocean Service said. The NWS Tampa Bay said the impact of the coastal flood warning means the following: Numerous roads may be closed. Low-lying property including homes, businesses, and some critical infrastructure will be inundated. Some shoreline erosion will occur. Dangerous swimming and surfing conditions and localized beach erosion. Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water. Where to find sandbags In response to the pending severe weather, Manatee County opened self-service sandbag location. You can find sandbags at the Coquina beach North Boat Ramp and the Manatee County Utilities Yard, 4700 66th St. W., Bradenton, according to the countys officials social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter. Visit www.MyManatee.org/sandbags for more information. Ahead of tomorrows expected weather event, Manatee County has opened self-service sandbag locations for low-lying/flood prone & coastal communities at Coquina Beach North Boat Ramp & the Manatee County Utilities Yard at 4700 66th Street W. Visit https://t.co/0NSdC7P82b pic.twitter.com/IcciA2rvuv Manatee County Government Public Safety Department (@MCGPublicSafety) April 10, 2024 Manhunt for man accused of fatally shooting his wife ends in Juarez EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The manhunt for the man accused of shooting and killing his wife in Mesilla is over. Report: Man accused of fatally shooting wife apprehended in Juarez Oscar Renee Sandoval, 59, whos accused of fatally shooting his wife Sheireen Al Jibury, 39, on Monday, April 1, is now in jail after being captured by Mexican authorities in Ciudad Juarez on Tuesday, April 9. He was subsequently extradited to U.S. Marshals the following day. The Chihuahua State Government said in a statement that state law enforcement located Sandoval at approximately noon on Tuesday at the Vicente Guerrero and Venustiano Carranza crossing in Ciudad Juarez, where they were able to arrest him after he resisted arrest. Woman shot, killed in Mesilla; suspect still at large Sandoval was turned over to U.S. Marshals custody at the Santa Teresa Port of Entry at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, and was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center with no bond later that afternoon, according to booking records. The Mesilla Marshals Office confirmed the arrest at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 10 at a press conference at the Mesilla Town Hall. In conjunction with the United States Marshal Service, Oscar Rene Sandoval was taken into custody today at approximately 12:30 p.m. Due to the continued ongoing investigation, there are still limited details that can be shared at this time, said Marshal Benjamin Azcarate. Sandoval, who is facing first-degree murder charges had been on the run after allegedly shooting and killing his wife earlier this month. Docs: Chaparral man fatally shoots wife, still at large The Mesilla Marshals Office has been leading the investigation with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies, through which they were able to locate Sandovals abandoned vehicle in Sunland Park with a bullet hole in the passenger seat. Through their investigation, they reportedly recovered casings near AlJiburys body on Monday, April 1, the day of the murder. They also recovered a spent bullet days later after continued investigations. Azcarate issued a clarification on the investigation at Wednesdays press conference. The Mesilla Marshals Crime Scene team and detectives did not go back to the scene three days later. The crime scene team and detective worked the scene extensively since the night of April 1st, conducting a crime analysis, searches, diagrams, photography, aerial photography and search extensively for any other evidence, said Azcarate. Investigation continues after man allegedly fatally shoots wife Additionally, a GoFundMe was created to support Aljiburys family. To donate click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. An alarm wails onboard the container ship as it approaches the Francis Scott Key Bridge during what had until that moment seemed like a routine departure from the Port of Baltimore. For the past half hour, the crew navigated the hulking vessel through relatively calm waters and lined it up to pass perfectly under the main truss of the steel bridge, softly lit in the early morning darkness. Now, just a half mile from the span, the vessel has gone dark no power, no steering, no propulsion. Inside the ships towering command center, the crew tries to re-engage the system but no luck. The nearly 100,000-ton ship is adrift. Captain, we are on a collision course with the bridge support, announces the officer of the watch, who recommends dropping its anchor. No change. A desperate call goes out to the shore to stop traffic from crossing the bridge. The captain realizes the hard truth: The Dali is at the point of extremis, he says the point of no return. The crew watches helplessly as the bridge looms larger and larger until, just four minutes after the alarm sounded, their vessel slams into one of its main support columns. At this point there is absolutely, certainly nothing that we could do on our own, said Chief Mate Kevin Calnan from inside California State University Maritime Academys 360-degree mission simulator during an eerily vivid replication of the Baltimore bridge disaster. The state-of-the-art simulator one of just three of its kind nationwide showed how a total loss of power on a container ship the size and weight of the Dali could turn it into an uncontrollable weapon of mass destruction a transformation counted in precisely calculated currents and breezes, velocity and minutes, not hours. Moments after the Dali struck it, the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into Patapsco River, killing at least six construction workers, likely causing billions of dollars in damage and forever altering the Baltimore skyline. Mitch Mathai, a second-class cadet at California State University Maritime Academy, monitors a screen onboard a simulator. The campus has two 360-degree, full-mission simulators that allow students to practice emergency and routine scenarios in preparation for entering their professions full-time. Although such disasters are rare, the conditions that could cause them are frighteningly common, according to a USA TODAY analysis of U.S. Coast Guard maritime incident data, which includes any reportable maritime event involving a death or injury, collision, grounding, environmental harm, or the loss of power and propulsion. Map: Where ships have struck bridges, lost power This map shows issues categorized as "major" or "significant" marine casualties and serious marine incidents in U.S. Coast Guard incident investigation reports that mention a freight ship, freight barge, tank ship, tank barge or ocean cruise vessel striking a bridge. It also includes cases where ships lost power, propulsion or steering within two kilometers of a highway bridge over navigable waters. Don't see a map? Click here. At least 6,000 times in the past 22 years an average of more than five times a week crews on board massive cargo ships, oil tankers, container barges and even cruise vessels have reported what befell the Dali: a loss of power, loss of propulsion, loss of steering, or some combination of the three, a USA TODAY data analysis reveals. At least 900 of them occurred near bridges identified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as spanning navigable waters. The vast majority were classified as routine but a dozen were labeled major or significant. Some damaged both the ships and the structures they hit. Others left crew members with broken bones or other injuries. But most, including cases remarkably similar to what happened last month in Baltimore, have never been made public, buried deep in a federal database. Often the dividing line between major and routine came down to a last-minute effort by the crew or rescue teams. The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge had an earlier close call, in 2018 On March 16, 2018, the bulk carrier Strategic Alliance lost power and propulsion on the Delaware River just north of the Commodore Barry Bridge, a 2.6-mile span connecting Philadelphia to New Jersey and carrying more than 41,000 vehicles a day. The Singapore-flagged vessel, about half the size of the Dali, dropped anchor in the channel without incident early that Friday morning and was able to regain propulsion and generator power after clearing its clogged cooling water strainers of debris. Nearly two years later, the Dali-sized container ship Maersk Chicago lost power in New Yorks Lower Bay Channel as it approached the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge late on a Wednesday night. Roughly 500 feet from the countrys longest suspension span crossed by nearly a quarter-million vehicles a day the ship was adrift with no steering, no propulsion and no engine. Fortunately, a pair of tugboats were able to rescue the U.S.-flagged vessel and tow it to safety, where it was determined a broken air compressor valve was to blame. Just last week, another container ship lost propulsion near the same bridge. The Liberia-flagged vessel, Qingdao, experienced the failure around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday as it navigated through the Kill Van Kull shipping lane between Staten Island and Bayonne, New Jersey. It took three tugboats to bring the vessel under control. Unlike most incidents in the Coast Guard database, the Qingdao made the news as images of the gigantic ship floating near the bridge spooked jittery Americans still reeling from the recent Baltimore disaster. That the two events happened in close succession was not so much a coincidence, but rather a fairly common occurrence thats bound to happen when tens of thousands of ships from all over the world travel in and out of U.S. waters every year, several maritime experts told USA TODAY. Statistically, the experts said, such failures are more likely to happen in ports and harbors, as well as in close proximity to bridges, because thats when the ships are under the most stress. Thats when youre giving all your engine orders, said Calnan, the assistant professor of marine transportation who ran the simulation at Cal Maritime for USA TODAY. Calnan has operated large ships himself and has experienced what is sometimes known as a dark ship, though only while out at sea. Its just like in the car; if youre going 65 on the highway, theres not a lot happening, he said, But when youre doing a lot of stop and go and changing engine orders, its putting stress on the engine, and if something is mechanically wrong with the engine itself, theres a higher chance it will happen when youre using it more. Mechanical failure, human error and a host of other conditions can conspire to shut down a vessels engine, seize up its propulsion system or thwart its crews ability to steer. Sometimes a simple miscalculation can cause a crew to lose command of a ship or cause an otherwise seaworthy ship to hit a bridge. USA TODAYs data analysis revealed at least 2,600 bridge strikes occurring in U.S. waters since 2002, the earliest year for which such data is available. Three of these allisions were fatal, claiming 16 lives in all. The majority, however, were minor a ships antenna or mast hitting a bridge, or a barge clipping a bridges protective fender. But maritime problems which international governing agencies call casualty incidents have been steadily rising over the past decade, according to a report by Lloyds List Intelligence, a global maritime data and analytics company. Thats especially true for those caused by machinery damage or failure. The Lloyds report cites 700 such reported events in the third quarter of 2022 the highest in 14 years and attributed the increase to several factors. Among them: fewer ship inspections and internal audits, an unavailability of dry docks and technicians to perform maintenance and repairs, as well as supply chain delays in getting spare parts. Lloyds was unable to provide updated data, but a representative told USA TODAY incidents have continued to rise. The crew could do little to avert catastrophe The frequency of such malfunctions and the risks to life and property are at the heart of Cal Maritimes simulation exercises, which train students how to react to the worst disasters in a controlled environment. In the case of the Dali simulation, the unfortunate lesson was that there was little they could do to avoid a catastrophe once the power was down except alert others to their plight. Making that emergency call and alerting all of the other traffic in the area that, Hey, were this ship and we cant maneuver anymore, were not under command that call itself is what we see in this accident in Baltimore, Calnan said. That singular call saved countless lives. California State University Maritime Academy students listen to a navigation briefing from Assistant Professor Kevin Calnan as they prepare for a simulation of a container ship moving through the Baltimore Harbor with conditions identical to those on March 26, when the cargo ship Dali lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. While most power outages cause minimal harm, the one that darkened the Dali occurred at a most unfortunate place and time: about 0.6 nautical miles from the Francis Scott Key Bridge while the laden ship was moving at a speed of roughly 8 knots and the wind was blowing from the northeast, according to real-time data fed into the simulator. When the blackout occurred, the ships rudder was turned 3 degrees to the starboard side and remained stuck there as the vessel drifted off course. Its towering stack of containers acted as a sail for the wind, which aimed it directly at the bridges support column. Even if the engine had been working, Calnan said, it would have taken 0.8 nautical miles to bring that particular vessel under those particular conditions to a full stop farther than the distance to the bridge it was about to hit. Simply put, time had run out. During any situation on board any type of vessel, we have a concept which we call the point of extremis, which essentially means theres a point in every situation where no matter what you do, it's going to lead to some form of undesirable outcome, he said. Basically, its the point of no return. National Transportation Safety Board and U.S. Coast Guard investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blackout on the Dali. They have retrieved documents and interviewed the crew, as well as others who witnessed or were involved in the crash. But it could be months before they release their findings. In the meantime, maritime experts have offered a number of possible causes based on their own experience with engine failure. There are 101 potential reasons for a blackout, said Capt. Ashok Pandey, a master mariner and associate professor of international maritime business at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. They include inexperienced crew members accidentally switching off a valve that shuts down the fuel supply, water forming inside poorly maintained fuel tanks and knocking out the engine, and countless situations involving dirty fuel gumming up the ships filters, pumps and injectors. Deep-sea vessels like the Dali burn whats known as heavy fuel oil sometimes called bunker fuel a cheap, tar-like residue that the crew processes onboard the ship by heating, filtering and purifying it before feeding it into the combustion system. Sometimes the heavy fuel itself is particularly bad and can clog the ships strainers. Other times the crew fails to properly maintain its onboard processing system and dirty fuel gets into the engine. Either way, it can lead to disaster. We have all been through bad fuel situations you get bad fuel and it clogs the strainers, and every engineer has had to go down and clean the strainers, said Keith Deirup, a licensed chief engineer with 20 years of experience in the U.S. merchant marine industry. If you lose an engine, it's a total loss of propulsion, and it takes a while to get it back online. Accidents, dirty fuel and fish cause blackouts Coast Guard incident reports blame a host of culprits for the power outages reported by hundreds of ships over the years. They include unpredictable events like lightning strikes, fires on board or even fish clogging water inlets meant to help cool the engines. Several incident reports attribute power losses to dirty or degraded fuel, as was the case in June 2017, when the Hong Kong-flagged Mallika Naree went dark on the Elizabeth River outside Norfolk, Virginia. The bulk carrier dragged a buoy nearly 400 yards before running aground. The investigation revealed about 16 gallons of water had leaked into the fuel oil supply tank. Delayed maintenance also shows up as a common cause of power outages. Poor maintenance on a fuel oil valve led to a power outage that ran the 681-foot-long Alexander Dimitrov aground east of New Orleans in January 2002. The report states the valves should have been checked as part of routine maintenance. Lack of inspection, testing replacement/maintenance of the time delay relays was to blame in February 2019, when the captain of the Portuguese container ship EMS Trader ordered an emergency lowering of the anchor. The ship had lost power, steering and propulsion not far from the Commodore Barry Bridge southwest of Philadelphia. The Commodore Barry Bridge carries more than 41,000 vehicles per day between Philadelphia and New Jersey. In 2018, the bulk carrier Strategic Alliance lost power and propulsion near the bridge. One year later, the container ship EMS Trader also lost power and propulsion near the same bridge. Neither ship struck the bridge. Many of the incident reports blame human error and inattention. The 1,096-foot-long container ship Ever Lotus lost power while mooring at the Port of Los Angeles in November 2016. Even though the vessels crew was trained to slowly increase the pitch of the bow thruster so as to not overload the generators, the pilot adjusted the pitch from 0% to 100% instantly, according to the incident report. Three years earlier, the 604-foot-long Manistee went dark as it was backing out of Ashtabula Harbor east of Cleveland. The engineer on watch forgot to throw a switch that would prevent the generators from overheating, leading to the outage. Such incidents reinforce the need for extra precaution when ships navigate near critical infrastructure, said Pandey of Massachusetts Maritime, who advocated for mandatory tug escorts regardless of the ship, its cargo or the port. Protecting bridges: Baltimore's Key Bridge, opened in 1977, had few ship defenses. Are modern bridges better? Increasingly, the use of tugs is considered too old-fashioned, maybe too expensive, simply because we have the technology, he said. Its something we dont talk enough about. Other experts said nothing can prevent every disaster, and the Dali might be a case in point. Naval engineers will look at the root causes and ask what we can do to prevent it from happening again, said a senior government official and former Coast Guard officer who spoke to USA TODAY on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. "And maybe there isnt anything we can do, he said. Maybe fate just caught up with it. More than half of major bridge collapses are in the U.S. Despite the frequency of power failures and bridge strikes reported to the Coast Guard, the maritime shipping industry has had relatively few major accidents like the one that toppled the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Until this March, the last incident identified by USA TODAY in which a ship knocked down a U.S. bridge was on Jan. 26, 2012, when the Delta Mariner cargo vessel carrying rocket components down the Tennessee River from Alabama to Florida slammed into the Eggners Ferry Bridge near Aurora, Kentucky. The ship, going about 10 knots, tore away a 322-foot span of the bridge as it attempted to pass under a section with insufficient clearance. Fortunately, traffic was light and vehicles stopped before reaching the missing portion of the bridge, according to an National Transportation Safety Board report of the crash. There were no deaths or injuries, but the bridge sustained major damage. It was repaired and reopened later that year but permanently closed in 2016 after a new bridge was built in its place. Three years earlier, in March 2009, a tugboat pushing eight barges on the Mississippi River knocked out the Popps Ferry Bridge in Biloxi, Mississippi, when it crashed into one of its pilings and sent a section of the span tumbling into the water. Again, nobody died. Other ship-on-bridge allisions killed people but did not topple the span. This includes the July 2015 death of a construction worker on the Eads Bridge in St. Louis when a tugboat pushing two loaded barges struck his scaffolding as it was passing under the span. And the August 2014 death of a tugboat master when his crane barge hit the Florida Avenue lift bridge in New Orleans and the cranes mast fell onto the wheelhouse, crushing him. The last U.S. ship-on-bridge allision to cause both fatalities and bring down the bridge, according to USA TODAYs review of the data, happened more than two decades ago. An Oklahoma Highway Patrol helicopter searches the Arkansas River for victims of the collapse of Interstate 40 near Webbers Falls following a strike by a towboat. On May 26, 2002, the towboat Robert Y. Love was pushing two empty asphalt tank barges on the Arkansas River when it veered off course and struck a pier supporting the Interstate 40 highway bridge near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma. The impact sent a 503-foot section of the bridge tumbling into the river. Unlike the Kentucky bridge collapse, highway traffic on the I-40 span had continued to drive into the void, according to the NTSB report. Fourteen people died and five were injured in the accident, which the report said caused an estimated $30.1 million in damage to the bridge and $276,000 to the barges. Worldwide, between 1960 and 2015 ships or barges caused 35 major bridge collapses that killed 342 people, according to a 2018 report from the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure.More than half occurred in the United States. Yet the United States has some of the strictest maritime standards in the world, according to the experts. Its rules and regulations which include a host of technical, personnel and environmental practices go far beyond those set by the International Maritime Organization, which governs all global shipping. They ensure that U.S ships are built and maintained to the highest standards and that its crews follow industry best practices. These rules also apply, to a certain extent, to foreign-flagged ships in U.S. waters, even though those ships might operate under what some experts described as subpar conditions. Many of the worlds shipping companies are based out of countries like Liberia, Marshall Islands and Panama Deirup said. They do that to save on costs and liability, so they get to run these ships really cheaply. They hire mariners from whatever country they can offer the cheapest wages and will run a really shoddy operation without much oversight. Many of the ships, he said, are just ramshackle. The U.S. Coast Guard has jurisdiction in U.S. waters and can detain a ship for safety issues, Deirup said, but theyre spread really thin. Detainments typically happen when a Coast Guard inspection finds significant issues with a ship, but it takes years to train the marine inspectors and there arent nearly enough of them in the field, said the former Coast Guard officer who was not authorized to speak to the media. Not all ships are inspected, either, he said. The Coast Guard uses an algorithm based on the vessels history and previous ports of call and current port to determine which ships to check. Exacerbating the situation are the extremely tight schedules ships crews face to unload outgoing cargo and pickup inbound cargo before racing to the next port. Thats especially true of container ships, experts said, whose slots at ports are scheduled weeks in advance and must make it on time or miss the window. For this ship, the Dali, in Baltimore, they were probably under that pressure, Deirup said. Thats why if they had problems with their generators just theorizing but they might have been under a lot of pressure to just make it work and get off that dock. That type of pressure is difficult to mimic in a simulator, which is perhaps why the crew on the bridge of Cal Maritimes digital ship operated with calm efficiency each time they ran through the scenario. Blackout, steering out, ship dead in the water, bridge looming, crash. Again and again and again. Only one run involving tug boats averted the disaster, and even then only when two tugs at full power were tethered to the ship all the way under the bridge. That lineup is not a current day reality except in rare situations, such as tankers transporting oil or other toxins in certain ports. California State University Maritime Academy has two 360-degree, full-mission simulators on campus that allow students to practice emergency or routine scenarios in preparation for what they will encounter when they enter their professions full-time. Solutions: Tugboats left before ship reached Baltimore bridge. They might have saved it. No matter what nationality the crew was or what their training was like, I think in the end, its an unlucky situation at an unlucky point, said Conor Finnerty, a Cal Maritime senior who assumed the role of officer of the watch during the simulation. One of the most critical positions on the ship, the officer of the watch ensures the vessel navigates safely regardless of obstacles or conditions. During the simulation, Finnerty gave orders to the crew to continue testing the equipment, then to drop the anchor and, finally, to sound the danger signal warning anyone on the water that collision was imminent. Theres really not much that could have been done about it, Finnerty said of the unfolding disaster, except just watch it. USA TODAY reporter Dinah Voyles Pulver contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Baltimore bridge disaster was rare; the conditions behind it are not Aerial view of 4.34 acres north of the Creek Turnpike in Tulsa, surplus state-owned land to be auctioned May 2 by Dakil Auctioneers for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority will be doing land-office business when 28 parcels of property alongside seven of the state's 10 toll roads are sold at auction in Oklahoma City. The auction will be at 10 a.m. May 2 at Dakil Auctioneers Inc., 200 NW 114. Registration will start at 9 a.m. Terms: 5% down, 30 days to close. Closing costs, title insurance and surveys split 50/50. A buyer's premium of 10% goes to the auction house. The OTA now regularly sells surplus property by auction rather than by sealed bid. The aim is to allow more people a chance to acquire a parcel, to possibly bring higher prices in with competitive bidding, and to get the land back into private hands for potential development. The OTA said it aims to acquire only enough land needed for constructing and maintaining a turnpike, but that sometimes landowners insist that the agency buy their whole property instead of just a section that it needs. So it winds up with a "surplus." Sometimes that includes houses and other buildings, but there are no structures in the May 2 auction. Here's the list of properties to be sold, with partial descriptions, from the OTA. They are in Oklahoma, Tulsa, Creek, Wagoner, Craig, Grady and Pawnee counties. More: Does the turnpike authority have an unfair advantage over homeowners? This family fought and won Surplus state-owned land to be auctioned along the Kickapoo Turnpike near Oklahoma City Aerial view of 18.3 acres south of the Creek Turnpike in Jenks, surplus state-owned land to be auctioned May 2 by Dakil Auctioneers for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority. 9.03 acres, zoned Agricultural, between SE 44 and SE 59. Abuts the turnpike on the west side. "Reasonably close proximity to some combination of public electric, gas, and/or water lines." 8.11 acres, zoned Agricultural and Rural Residential, between E Reno Avenue and SE 15 east of the turnpike, in Luther city limits and Choctaw/Nicoma Park School District. Small FEMA flood zone area at a peripheral location on the west boundary. "Reasonably close to public utilities." 4.6 acres, not zoned, south of NE 63, east of the turnpike in the Harrah Public School District. "Reasonably close proximity to some combination of public electric, gas, and/or water lines." 4.3 acres, not zoned, 15345 N Luther Road, in Luther. "Nearby land use trends principally consist of agriculture, investment holding, recreational, and single-family residential. ... Reasonably close proximity to public utilities. Not currently zoned." 0.99 acre, not zoned, north of NE 50. Abuts the turnpike on the east side. "Property is thick with trees ... surrounded by residential and agriculture land. The area generally is in close proximity public utilities." 8.05 acres, not zoned, between SE 44 and SE 59. Abuts the turnpike on the west side. "Reasonably close proximity to some combination of public electric, gas, and/or water lines." 19.05 acres, not zoned, west of the turnpike and SE 15. "Reasonably close proximity to some combination of public electric, gas, and/or water lines. An existing concrete lined drainage ditch is between the south property line and the street alignment." RELATED: New turnpike authority director set to review authorized new toll roads Surplus state-owned land to be auctioned along the H.E. Bailey Turnpike, Turner Turnpike, and Cimarron Turnpike in Oklahoma H.E. Bailey: 4.09 acres, zoned Residential, 2280 County Road 1240, in Blanchard and Bridge Creek Public School Distri ct. "Surrounded by rural residential properties. ... . Reasonably close proximity to public utilities." Turner: 2.43 acres, zoned Residential, 13505 W 111th St. S, Sapulpa. South of West Heights Estates with access to S Willow Lane to the west and W Heights Drive to the east. "Public utilities should be close to proximity." Cimarron: 4.81 acres, no zoning information provided, at the northeast corner of the turnpike and State Highway 18, in Pawnee and the Pawnee Public School District, east of Stone Wolf Casino. RELATED: Two Oklahoma turnpikes being added to US interstate network Surplus state-owned land to be auctioned along the Creek Turnpike Aerial view of 17.47 acres south of the Creek Turnpike in Broken Arrow, surplus state-owned land to be auctioned May 2 by Dakil Auctioneers for the Oklahoma Transportation Authority. 4.34 acres, zoned Residential, at the northeast corner of the turnpike and S 33rd W Ave. in Jenks, west of a residential subdivision. "Local utilities are near. The western portion of the property is thick with trees and other natural shrubs." 6.67 acres, zoned Rural Residential , on S 49th W Ave., in Sapulpa, surrounded by homes. Public utilities available. "The eastern part of the property is mostly level and prior to the turnpike had a home in the portion. The western portion is with trees and varies in elevation. 18.33 acres, not zoned, in the 9600 block of S Sheridan Road in Bixby and the Jenks Public School District. "Heavily wooded and is south of the Creek Turnpike Trail. It is surrounded by residential homes and only a mile west of major shopping centers." 2.11 acres, not zoned, 11605 S Elm Place in Broken Arrow . Utilities unknown. "Abuts the Liberty Trail to the south and west of the Valley Ridge Trailhead. Mostly level and clear with some mature trees with access to S Elm Place." 17.47 acres, not zoned, between the turnpike and County Line Road in Broken Arrow. "Mostly level with thick trees/surrounded by residential and vacant parcels, heavily forested." 7.51 acres, not zoned, southeast corner of the turnpike and S 193rd E Ave./County Line Road, in Broken Arrow. "Mature trees and clear ground on the west side of the property. ... Surrounded by a mix of properties that range (from) residential to agricultural." 30.84 acres, zoned Residential, between E 111th Street and E 101st Street, west of the turnpike and Liberty Trail in Broken Arrow. "Covered mostly in forestry and surrounded by Agricultural land and residential. There is also a drainage easement that will be reserved by the OTA." 0.45 acre, zoned Residential, 509 W Miami St. in Broken Arrow. "Mostly surrounded by residential single-family homes. Mostly clear with some trees. Less than 200 yards from the Liberty Trail and less than a mile to the Valley Ridge Trailhead. " 7.1 ares, zoned Residential, southwest of E 61st Street and the turnpike, in Broken Arrow, in the Broken Arrow Public School District. "Surrounded mostly by single family homes and should be in close proximity to public utilities." RELATED: ACCESS Oklahoma construction starts with Turner Turnpike widening Surplus state-owned land to be auctioned along the Muskogee Turnpike in northeastern Oklahoma 6.98 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, at E 60th Street and the turnpike in Muskogee. Utilities unknown. "Triangular in shape, flat, rolling at street level, partially wooded." 15.8 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, at E 191st Street and the turnpike in Porter. "Triangular in shape, generally level at street grade, trees only fronting E 191st." 4.6 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, at the southeast corner of the turnpike and S 385th E Ave. in Coweta and in the Porter Consolidated School District. "Trees align the south and west part of the property. Surrounding properties seem to be vacant but are zoned as residential." 4.26 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, at the southwest corner of the turnpike and S 385th E Ave. in Coweta and in the Porter Consolidated School District. "Trees align the south and east part of the property. Surrounding properties seem to be vacant but are zoned as residential." 11.69 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, near E 141st Street and the turnpike in Coweta, and the Coweta Public School District . Utilities unknown. "Vacant land located in a mix of single-family homes and agricultural lots. ... Mixture of trees and grassland." 6.75 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, near N 4160 Road and the turnpike in Coweta and the Coweta Public School District. "Mostly ... trees with a large ravine cutting through the middle. It is surround by Rural Agricultural and Residential properties." 4.77 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, between the turnpike and E 91st Street in Broken Arrow and the Broken Arrow Public School District. "Abuts agricultural and residential land." Surplus state-owned land to be auctioned along the Will Rogers Turnpike in northeastern Oklahoma 7.23 acres, not zoned, unincorporated, on the east side of U.S. Highway 69 and the north side of the turnpike at the Big Cabin exit ramp. "Surrounded by mostly agricultural land. Along the west side of the property there is a wind break of trees. ... East of a Love's Travel Stop and properties in the subject area are generally close to public utilities." 51.5 acres, unincorporated, 436570 E 320 Road in Big Cabin, abutting the turnpike. "Large body of water on the southern portion. Zoning through the City of Big Cabin." Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Turnpike Authority to auction 28 parcels of surplus land Teachers are routinely forced to hide in their classrooms and most fear a shooting could unfold at their workplace amid an unprecedented spike in school gun violence over the last several years, a new Pew Research Center survey reveals. Pew Research Associate Luona Lin called the findings released Thursday jarring: Nearly a quarter of educators said they experienced a lockdown due to a gun or fears of one on their campus last school year. Teachers who work in high schools, and those located in urban areas, were far more likely to experience lockdowns. Among high school educators, 34% reported at least one gun-related lockdown during the 2022-23 school year, as did 31% of those who teach in urban areas. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! One of the most striking findings is just the sheer number of teachers who say they have experienced a lockdown, Lin told The 74. Pew sought to probe educators perspectives of school gun violence after researchers conducted interviews to understand their day-to-day lives and their perspectives on hot-button issues, she said. Gun violence came up again and again. A lot of teachers definitely talked about worrying about school shootings happening in their school, she said. One of the teachers we talked about it with actually said, I think about it every day. Though the Pew data dont offer insight into the frequency that firearms are ultimately found, tallies on campus attacks have shown a staggering upward trend, with record numbers over the last three years. Just this week, James and Jennifer Crumbley were each sentenced to 10-15 years in prison after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for their role in failing to prevent a 2021 school shooting that was carried out by their then-15-year-old son. The shooting at his Oxford, Michigan, high school led to the death of four students. The Crumbleys are the first parents in U.S. history to be sentenced to prison in response to an active shooting perpetrated by their child. More than two-thirds of active shootings at K-12 campuses were carried out by perpetrators between the ages of 12 and 18, according to federal data. Related A History of Holding Parents Responsible for Their Kids Crimes For some teachers who participated in the Pew poll 59% of whom say they worry about a school shooting unfolding at their schools gun-related lockdowns are frequent. While 15% said they experienced one lockdown last school year, 8% said they were forced to take cover at least twice. The new data on the opinions of K-12 teachers comes roughly 25 years after the 1999 Columbine High School shooting in suburban Denver, which became a national flashpoint on school violence after two student gunmen killed 13 of their classmates before taking their own lives. Since then, national spending on school security has surged and so, too, have the number of campus attacks. Though school shootings are politically fraught and carry devastating consequences for communities, they remain statistically rare. Between 2000 and 2021, there have been 46 active shooter incidents at K-12 campuses, which resulted in 108 deaths and 168 injuries, according to the most recent federal data. Active shootings are defined as those where a gunman fires indiscriminately at people in a public place like a school. Beyond active shootings like those at Oxford and Columbine, federal data on campus gun incidents indicate 188 shootings that resulted in casualties during the 2021-22 school year more than twice as many as the year earlier, which at the time was a record high. While a majority of educators fear school shootings, 39% said their school has done a fair or poor job preparing for one while 30% particularly those with school-based police officers said their district has done an excellent or very good job. In preventing future attacks, 69% of educators endorsed efforts to improve mental health screenings and treatments for children, 49% supported campus cops and 33% favored metal detectors. Just 13% of teachers who participated in the Pew survey said arming educators would be an extremely or very effective approach to prevent the tragedies. Related Poll: Most Parents Oppose Arming Teachers with Guns But Support is Growing Teachers responses were often similar to those offered by parents and students in previous Pew surveys on school shooting fears and preparation with all parties being swayed, at least in part, by partisan politics. Republican-leaning educators were more likely than their Democratic colleagues to support campus police, metal detectors and arming teachers. Democratic teachers were more likely than GOP educators to support efforts to improve students mental health. In a fall 2022 survey, two-thirds of parents said they were at least somewhat worried about a shooting unfolding at their childs school, and 63% endorsed improvements in mental health for students as a way to prevent shootings, a rate higher than any other intervention. Related New Year, New Fear: Students Return to Schools with Beefed-Up Security Post-Uvalde In a similar Pew survey, from 2018, 57% of teens said they were somewhat or very worried about a school shooting occurring on their campus. Pews educator survey included responses from 2,531 public K-12 teachers in October and November who are members of Rands American Teacher Panels, a nationally representative sample of U.S. educators. Gun violence and all of these gun policy issues, they are definitely partisan, Lin said. The views of teachers, the views of parents, are reflective of the overall populations views on this, and definitely the partisan differences as well. Mariners Rescued from Pacific Atoll After Spelling Help with Palm Leaves: Crucial Factor in Their Discovery The 3 mariners had set sail on March 31 and were reported missing on April 6 after their relative noted that they still hadn't returned from their voyage U.S. Coast Guard A 'Help' sign made out of palm leaves Three mariners who were left stranded on an atoll in Micronesia for over a week were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and it was all thanks to them spelling out the word help in the sand. The U.S. Coast Guard announced in a press release on April 9 that the three mariners, all men in their 40s, were successfully located on the Pikelot Atoll on Apr. 7 by a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft that had been scouring the area. "In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out 'HELP' on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery, Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator, said in a statement. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," she added. U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard rescues three men stranded on Pacific atoll Related: Solo Mount Baldy Hiker Still Missing, 3 Others Rescued After Spending a Night amid Severe Weather The trio reportedly sailed off on March 31 from Polowat Atoll in a small 20-foot open skiff with an outboard motor toward their destination Pikelot Atoll located approximately 100 nautical miles northwest from their sailing origin and had prior experience navigating these waters, the U.S. Coast Guard said in their release. However, several days later, on April 6, a relative of the mariners sent a distress call to the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam saying that her three uncles had not returned from their voyage. JRSC Guam watchstanders then coordinated a search and rescue operation for the mariners that spanned over 78,000 square nautical miles. However, they faced several challenges mobilizing U.S. Coast Guard air assets for the search due to availability and weather conditions. U.S. Coast Guard A photo of the U.S. Coast Guard rescue team Related: Calif. Man Gets Call and Walks Away from Car Minutes Before Boulder Crushes It: 'Saved My Life' A day after the mariners location was initially pinpointed on April 7, a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules aircraft from a base in Hawaii relocated the men and crews dropped a communication device to them to get a read on their condition and status. The men told them they were in good health and had access to food and water. The mariners noted that they had also recovered their skiff, which had sustained damage and its outboard engine no longer worked. The aircrews then deployed survival packages to the men to help sustain them until further help could arrive. On Apr. 9, the ship USCGC Oliver Henry landed on the Pikelot Atoll and helped transport the mariners and their equipment back to where they originally set off. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "This successful operation underscores the effective coordination and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and regional partners. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved," Garcia continued in her statement. The U.S. Coast Guard also reminded mariners to equip their sailing vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) an emergency locator beacon that can alert the Coast Guard to a vessels location if sailors have any trouble. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Marine Corps seeks to purchase eight new ships over the next five years, in the current budget proposal, to move littoral regiments around islands in the Pacific as it aims to counter the Chinese military. Commandant Gen. Eric Smith told members of the House Committee on Appropriations in a hearing Wednesday that the Corps would acquire the first landing ship medium in fiscal 2025. The Force Design effort continues apace, and it requires a landing ship medium, Smith said. The Corps needs ships that can go inter-island and to be able to beach itself and to come off a beach in order to carry these capabilities of long-range fires and sensing and making sense and passing to the joint force what the (Peoples Republic of China) is doing throughout the first island chain, he said. Marines expect big year for drone, ship and logistics testing Plans call for another landing ship medium purchase in fiscal 2026 and two each year after that through 2029. The program previously was called the light amphibious warship program. The Corps has the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in Hawaii and recently stood up the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment in Okinawa, Japan, which still is receiving personnel and equipment. Another Marine littoral regiment is scheduled to form in Guam in 2027. Each regiment will require nine landing ship mediums. The Corps wants a total of 35 landing ship mediums to have eight additional ships to fill in during maintenance for the operational vessels. The Navy released its request for proposals on the landing ship medium in January, with responses due by May, Defense News reported. The initial contract would cover six vessels. But Marines arent waiting for those vessels to test the concept. In February, the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory began experiments with the Resolution, an offshore supply vessel, modified with a stern landing ramp capable of offloading direction onto a beach, the U.S. Naval Institute reported. The lab is working with the 254-foot vessel under a contract with two other planned contracts for such commercial offshore vessels as a prototype for the landing ship medium. The vessel was used at the Armys Project Convergence experiment at Camp Pendleton, California, in late February. Marines integrated with Army operations on fires and sustainment in a contested environment for the event. Testing included hauling personnel, vehicles, gear and vessel-launched drone operations. Marines envision using the landing ship medium in the shallower littoral zone where larger ships cant go moving units and gear from ship to shore, and shore to shore, and back to sea. Current concept designs have the landing ship medium at 200-feet to 400-feet in length with 8,000 square feet of cargo space. The top Marine general also briefed members on two new weapons systems a missile/radar combination used to intercept enemy missiles and a new drone aimed to support the Marine expeditionary units for electromagnetic, artificial intelligence and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs. Smith updated congressional leaders on the performance of the services use of the TPS-80 ground/air task oriented radar combined with the Israeli-made Tamir interceptor missile, known as the medium range intercept capability. (The missile) fits our needs, it is light enough to be transported and it has the range we require to protect our forces when paired with the TPS-80 G/ATOR radar, Smith said. Each medium range intercept capability launcher houses 20 missiles and can fire at ranges of more than 40 miles, according to the Raytheon website, which partners with Israeli defense company Rafael to build the missiles. In his written remarks to the committee members, Smith outlined progress on the XQ-58A Valkyrie, an autonomous, low-cost tactical drone. The drone completed its second test flight in February, he wrote. The system has six planned test flights that will measure its support for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, autonomous electromagnetic support to crewed platforms, crewed-uncrewed teaming tasks and the potential for artificial intelligence-enabled platforms to augment combat air patrols, Smith wrote. The drone is part of the Corps Penetrating Affordable Autonomous Collaborative Killer experiment, which is also providing data for its ongoing Marine air-ground task force unmanned aerial system, or MUX, program. Russia's destruction of the southern city of Mykolaiv will cost an estimated $2.9 billion to repair, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych told reporters at the International Mayors Summit outside Chisinau, Moldova, on April 11. The city authorities have mapped the damages to calculate the cost of reconstruction, but this figure "increases every day" due to constant bombardments, Senkevych said. The estimated cost of the post-war recovery and reconstruction from the whole of Ukraine has risen to $486 billion over a 10-year period, the World Bank reported in February. Denmark has prioritized specifically restoring Mykolaiv and the surrounding region as part of its policy of support to Ukraine, devoting 60% of its development aid to the region. Mykolaiv had a pre-war population of 470,000 but now lies roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the front line, making the city and the surrounding region a target of Russian forces. A Russian attack against Mykolaiv on April 11 killed four people and injured five others, and damaged residential buildings, industrial facilities, and cars. When asked by the Kyiv Independent if the slow down in military aid from the West puts Mykolaiv in danger of a potential Russian offensive, Senkevych said that supplies of ammunition and weapons are "very important," but the "biggest asset that we are losing now is people." "To create a tank, you need like eight months to a year, to create a rocket unit (you need) three months, but to create Ukrainian warrior, you need at least 18 years," Senkevych said. No country can deliver personnel, Senkevych said, but more deliveries of military aid could save lives on the front line by ensuring Ukrainian soldiers are properly equipped. Read also: Ukraine wants to make reconstruction transparent. Will it work? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Just a few weeks ago, it seemed that the energy around addressing the increasingly common practice of plaintiffs handpicking their judges had unexpectedly flared, and more expectedly died down. In a shock to experts who have been harping on the issue to anyone who would listen for years, the Judicial Conference the staid policy-making body for the federal courts announced in March a new policy to randomize case assignments for certain kinds of lawsuits. This would stop right-wing litigants from judge-shopping their way into a single-judge division where they could ask for a national injunction securing themselves a friendly judge whod more likely than not block whatever Biden administration policy they didnt like for the whole country. But hope that this new policy would end the practice was short-lived. The chief judge for the Northern District of Texas, one of the most popular destinations for judge-shoppers thanks to Trump appointee and anti-abortion Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, wrote in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) that the consensus was not to make any change to our case assignment process at this time. Many expected the typically non-reactive Judicial Conference, allergic to acknowledging the political dimension of the judicial system, to leave it at that. We cracked it! joked Jennifer Ahearn, senior counsel for the Brennan Centers Judiciary Program, pretending to imitate the Conference. Ahearn and her colleagues sent a letter, worried the Conference would consider its job done. The recent policy does not obviate the need for an amendment to the Federal Rules; indeed, one of the districts that is a major source of concern regarding the proliferation of judge-shopping, the Northern District of Texas, has already declined to make any changes in response to the policy, they wrote. But there are at least some signs that the momentum hasnt completely ebbed. The Civil Rules committee of the Conference said at its Tuesday meeting that it would keep researching and studying to see if an actual rule versus its nonbinding policy was necessary, with an eye on how districts implement the guidance. Meanwhile, pressure on the Conference continues to build. Schumer introduced a bill to codify the policy. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who advised judges to just ignore the new policy when it came out introduced dueling legislation. A judge in the Northern District of Texas went on the record to tell the New York Times that the consensus his chief judge cited does not actually exist. This thing isnt over yet. Dueling Bills That McConnell who last month called the Conference policy an unforced error that does Washington Democrats bidding felt compelled to put forth legislation reveals how much scrutiny the issue has attracted. McConnells bill seeks to stop district courts from issuing national injunctions altogether, rather than targeting the single-judge districts like Schumers does. They know theres not a good affirmative argument for judge-shopping, so instead, this is giving folks something they can point to when the issue comes up, Ahearn said, calling McConnells bill a distraction. McConnells bill, so far, hasnt attracted much support. It had two cosponsors as of Wednesday, compared to the 39 whod signed on to Schumers bill. Neither piece of legislation had lured senators from the other party. I dont see any sort of groundswell of support among Republicans to do this, and why would they? Ahearn added. Why would they risk angering the people who are clearly co-partisans using this as a tactic? Schumers bill essentially codifies the Judicial Conferences policy. But its notably light on details compared to some other legislation Democrats have proposed. Sen. Mazie Hironos (D-HI) version would give the D.C. district court jurisdiction over any suit seeking a national injunction against federal action. Other versions have proposed that panels of judges hear such lawsuits. Ahearn called Schumers version a consensus bill, crafted more to showcase broad Democratic support than to get into the nitty gritty of how such a change would work (Hironos bill, introduced last year, has no cosponsors). A messaging placeholder, the legislation could be amended later, if Democrats won the House and had a path to making it law. Conference Intrigue At the Tuesday Judicial Conference Civil Rules committee meeting, chair U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg said that theyd wait and see how district courts are implementing the guidance before deciding whether a rule is necessary, per Bloomberg. The Judicial Conference policy is very helpful, Brian Boynton, principal deputy assistant attorney general at the Justice Departments Civil Division, said at the meeting, per Reuters. It does appear that there is going to be some uncertainty about whether there is uniform uptake of the new policy. Their investigating or researching different districts implementation of the new policy may itself put some pressure on the districts, Amanda Shanor, assistant professor of legal studies and business ethics at the the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, told TPM. One notable absence from the meeting, according to Reuters, was Chief Judge David Godbey the same judge who wrote to Schumer that his district had decided against implementing the new policy. That assertion, according to another judge in his district, wasnt true. Judge Sam Lindsay told the New York Times that the issue had come up, briefly, at their late March meeting. I want to make one thing unequivocally clear, he said. There was no vote taken at the meeting. The only consensus we reached was to postpone discussion of the matter. Its pretty rare for a federal judge to go on the record with the New York Times, saying please quote me on this discussion of our internal meeting, Ahearn said. Thats fairly remarkable and probably an indication that the issue is not settled within the Northern District of Texas at least. Media: Netherlands to allocate additional $429 million to Ukraine for 2024 The Netherlands will allocate an additional 400 million euros ($429 million) to Ukraine, increasing its total pledge for 2024 to more than 2.4 billion euros ($2.5 billion), the Dutch broadcaster RTL news reported on April 11, citing sources. The Dutch government has also set aside 1.5 billion euros ($1.6 billion) for Ukraine for 2025. Under outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has taken a proactive role in supporting Ukraine; spearheading the fighter jet coalition and pledging to deliver 24 F-16 jets to Ukraine. Rutte and President Volodymyr Zelensky also signed a 10-year agreement on security cooperation between Ukraine and the Netherlands in March. The Netherlands held an election in November 2023, which saw Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) come third after the far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) and the Green Left-Labour alliance. After months of negotiations, talks to form a new coalition government stalled in early February. Until a new government is formed, Rutte remains the country's caretaker prime minister. PVV leader Geert Wilders said on Feb. 24 that he was against the Netherlands signing the security cooperation with Ukraine, claiming that "an outgoing cabinet cannot conclude a ten-year agreement." Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Media: Russian soldier charged for voluntary surrender for first time since mobilization introduced A Russian soldier was charged for voluntarily surrendering for the first time since Russia introduced mobilization in September 2022, Mediazona reported on April 11, citing a Khabarovsk Krai court in Khabarovsk. There are few details known about the case, Mediazona said, and the circumstances of his alleged surrender were not clarified. The soldier was also charged with desertion, the court file said. Ukraine is not mentioned in the court documents, and it is unclear where the soldier allegedly surrendered. According to Mediazona, it was the first time that a Russian soldier had been charged with surrendering under the heightened punishments introduced after the beginning of mobilization in September 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the increased punishments into law amid the so-called "partial mobilization" that officially declared 300,000 soldiers would be summoned. The true figure of those mobilized is unknown. Among the changes to the criminal code was the addition that soldiers who "voluntarily surrendered" could face from three to 10 years in prison. The number of Russian soldiers who have surrendered since the beginning of the full-scale war is unknown, and Ukrainian authorities do not disclose how many Russian prisoners of war (POWs) are currently in custody. Ukraine's military intelligence launched a hotline called "I want to live" in September 2022 to help Russian troops surrender themselves or their units to the Ukrainian military. Vitalii Matviienko, a military intelligence spokesperson, said in January that more than 220 Russian soldiers had surrendered using the hotline as of December 2023. Another 1,000 requests for surrender were pending, added Matviienko. Read also: I want to go home: Inside a Russian prisoner of war camp in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) A new candidate threw their hat in the race for Mesa County commissioner. While incumbent Cody Davis (R) seeks re-election, political newcomer Tom Acker is hunting for an upset. The Republicans have always been county commissioners. We have never had an opportunity to have an unaffiliated person run as a commissioner or a Democrat run as a commissioner. Tom Acker Tom Acker originally moved to Western Colorado to teach Spanish at Colorado Mesa University. During that time Acker spent a lot of his spare time volunteering for local nonprofit organizations. Most of that time I spent working with people that are the least privileged, Acker said. But now, Acker says, hes looking to make a bigger impact by earning a seat on the Mesa County Board of Commissioners. Theyre a powerful political force in the valley, Acker said. It makes sense that I would see if I could participate at that level after having done so many things as a volunteer. Acker told WesternSlopeNow hes worked with the following nonprofits: Grand Valley Peace and Justice Western Slope Against Trafficking Co-founder Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition Served on board Acker said the current commissioners have gotten too comfortable and thinks he could bring a fresh perspective to the board. The Republicans have always been county commissioners. We have never had an opportunity to have an unaffiliated person run as a commissioner or a Democrat run as a commissioner. Political platform Acker hammered home two key issues during his interview with WesternSlopeNow: Housing and poverty. I think housing is such a priority it needs to be addressed. How we can get more families in houses. How we can insure the fact that children are not living in poverty, and what kind of services can be provided to those children. Tom Acker Acker even floated the idea of raising the livable wage to combat poverty in Mesa County, similar to what Denver has done. Acker pointed tax revenue and quality of life both increased and there were no substantial layoffs. Thats just one policy idea he brought up. Right now Im in the information-gathering mode because I have not occupied this position and I dont have all of the answers. Tom Acker Be on the lookout for WesternSlopeNows interview with incumbent Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. UPDATE: This article has been updated to add information received Thursday morning from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the Glen Canyon Institute. None of the information in the original article has been changed. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Nearly a year ago, the Colorado River was raging through the Grand Canyon, carrying enough water to raise Lake Mead by an astonishing 2 feet in just five days. The surge that began on April 25, 2023, was part of a High Flow Experiment release from Glen Canyon Dam, churning up sediment to rebuild beaches and sandbars through the canyon. But the pipes used to send that gush of water from Lake Powell through Glen Canyon Dam are in trouble, a memo produced by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation reveals. In summary, at reservoir levels below the minimum power pool (elevation 3,490 ft), there are concerns with relying on the river outlet works as the sole means of sustained water releases from Glen Canyon Dam, the memo said. The river outlet works is a backup system at Glen Canyon, used infrequently because Reclamation needs to generate as much electricity as possible by sending water through the hydropower penstocks, a much larger set of tubes higher up. April 24, 2023 Glen Canyon Dam High-Flow Release. The pipes shown are part of the river outlet Works. (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) A special inspection that happened around last years High Flow Experiment found erosion within the four 8-foot pipes of the river outlet works. The evidence of cavitation is being described by conservation groups as a new part of the spectacular water crisis that demonstrates the magnitude of problems with the dam. Cavitation produces shock waves that are powerful enough to damage steel, according to David Wegner, who worked 20 years as an engineer for Reclamation. He was lead scientist for environmental impact studies of Glen Canyon Dam, and a founding member of the Glen Canyon Institute. Wegner is now a senior staff member for the U.S. House of Representatives Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee. He is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences Water Science and Technology Board. Reclamations report indicates that using the river outlet works as an everyday part of moving water through the dam is problematic. And thats bad news, because its another strike against a dam thats already in the crosshairs of environmental groups. The Reclamation report on how to proceed appears below: 20240326-EstablishmentInterimOperatingGuidanceGlenCanyonDamLowReservoirLevels-TechnicalDecisionMemo-508-TSCDownload Lake Powell is currently at 3,558 feet (the altitude of the water surface). The critical water level for power generation is 3,490 feet. Reclamation said Lake Powell is expected to be no lower than its current level through February 2026. Part of the reason is that Reclamation will begin holding more water in Lake Powell at the expense of Lake Mead. Will Reclamation risk more damage to the system with another High Flow Experiment this year? Thats a good question, Wegner said. In a response received early Thursday morning, a U.S. Bureau of Reclamation spokesperson told 8 News Now that there will not be a High Flow Experiment release this spring. Plans for fall wont be set until later this year. In a memo prepared on March 29, Reclamation officials said, There is not sufficient sediment to support implementing an HFE at Glen Canyon Dam during the Spring 2024 planning window. Updates are posted here: https://www.usbr.gov/uc/progact/amp/ltemp.html This experiment reveals that the archaic plumbing inside Utahs Glen Canyon Dam is the most urgent water problem facing the 40 million people of the Colorado River Basin, according to Zach Frankel, executive director of the Utah Rivers Council. Frankel and leaders of two other conservation groups publicized findings in August 2022 that Glen Canyon Dam is incapable of meeting water demand if the waters surface dips below the hydropower penstocks. The river outlet works cannot transport enough water to meet requirements under the Colorado River Compact, a law that dates back a century. (GRAPHIC: Utah Rivers Council) Now, the reliability of those pipes and other infrastructure in the river outlet works is a concern if they ever have to go into daily use. In an interview with the Arizona Daily Star, Wegner said Reclamation intends to recoat the inside of the pipes with epoxy, which will strengthen them. Thats probably the cheapest solution, he said. As an engineer, I will tell you theres always a solution. The question is the cost, the ability to do it, and the risk of doing it, Wegner said. Other options include re-engineering the dam, decommissioning the dam, routing water through bypass tunnels or reducing water consumption so Lake Powell never dips to critical levels. 8 News Now asked Wegner if its worth it to fix the dam. That depends on who you talk to, he said. Conservationists will say no, but Reclamation and officials from the seven Colorado River Basin states will dispute that. Water officials from Nevada, Arizona and Colorado stopped short of condemning the dam in preliminary proposals that will guide how Reclamation manages the river. But conservationists and politically powerful California farmers have put a target on the dam. Kyle Roerink, executive director of the Great Basin Water Network, has criticized Reclamations management of the river. The Bureau has dilly dallied solving Glen Canyon Dams plumbing problems long enough, he said on Wednesday. This urgent problem needs to be solved ASAP during the current Interim Guideline process. Eric Balken, executive director of the Glen Canyon Institute, said, If we drop everything to solve it, the solution will still take 10 years to implement so why are we procrastinating? In addition to concerns about the pipes, sediment accumulating in Lake Powell presents another problem, Wegner said. Valves, bulkheads and other parts of the aging infrastructure could cause the backup system to fail. Another factor in whether a High Flow Experiment will happen involves concerns about smallmouth bass that have established a population below the dam. Over the past year, wildlife officials have said that bursts of water could be used to disrupt the predatory bass, which pose a threat to native endangered species in the river. An extremely wet winter last year and another above-average snowpack this year have provided some time for the federal government to work on a solution. Reclamation has prioritized keeping Lake Powell at levels high enough to generate electricity even borrowing water from Flaming Gorge and Lake Mead to boost water levels at Lake Powell. This year, upstream reservoirs were refilled to guard against a dry year, but snowpack levels remained above-average. Eric Balken, executive director of the Glen Canyon Institute, provided this statement Thursday morning: Even if Reclamation can implement small fixes to the lower outlet tubes in the near term, they will continue to be a problem going forward. They were not designed to operate at low reservoir levels. Glen Canyon Dam will be overhauled eventually. Its a when, not an if. We know that low reservoir levels are the new normal, and we know that the dam is extremely close to becoming a roadblock to water deliveries downstream. Given the severity of the water delivery risk, and the time it will take to re-engineer the dam, it needs to be part of planning process now. Glen Canyon Dam should be fully bypassed so that it can operate all the way down the original river level, essentially making it a backup flood facility. We should focus on saving Lake Mead, and restoring the Grand Canyon and Glen Canyon. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Facebook Three mariners were rescued from a remote atoll in the Pacific on Tuesday after a U.S. Navy plane spotted a sign reading HELP that the stranded men had built on a beach with palm fronds. The group had been stranded for a week living off coconut meat on Pikelot Atolla 31-acre spit of land that is part of Micronesia. The trio, all in their 40s, had set out from Polowat Atoll on March 31 aboard a 20-foot skiff with the intention of fishing in the waters around Pikelot when their vessel was caught by swells and its motor was damaged, U.S. Coast Guard officials told CNN. Coast Guard Searches for Lost Mariner Traveling from California to Hawaii They managed to make it ashore on Pikelot but their radio battery died before they could alert anyone. So it wasnt until Saturday that the Coast Guard received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners reporting her three uncles had not returned. A U.S. Navy P8-A reconnaissance jet dispatched from Kadena Air Force Base in Japan joined the searchwhich spanned 78,000 square nautical milesand spotted the mens sign on Sunday. In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out HELP on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery, Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search-and-rescue mission coordinator, said in a statement. The jet was able to drop survival packages to the men before a Coast Guard cutter eventually reached them on April 9. The groups rescue comes four years after another group of three men was stranded on Pikelot after their boat ran out of fuel. The 2020 trio was saved when they made a message reading SOS on the beach that was spotted by a helicopter. 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. (NewsNation) Three mariners stranded on an island in the Pacific Ocean were saved after making a HELP sign made from leaves from palm trees that was seen by a U.S. Navy aircraft. The mariners had been on Pikelot Atoll, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, for more than a week before being rescued by the Coast Guard and Navy, a news release said. According to the release, the mariners, all men in their 40s, began their trip in a small, 20-foot open skiff with an outboard motor from Polowat Atoll on Easter Sunday. Then, on Saturday, Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress call from one of the mens relatives who said her three uncles had not returned from Pikelot Atoll. Crews from the JRSC Guam coordinated a multifaceted search and rescue operation, the Coast Guard said. While there were challenges at first when mobilizing air assets because of availability, operational commitments and weather conditions, they were able to engage a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft crew from Kadena Air Force Base in Japan. 2 missing Kansas moms in Oklahoma: What we know That aircraft identified the mariners April 7. In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out HELP on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location, Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator on the day they were located, said in a statement. Aircraft crew members sent survival packages down to the mariners, while the U.S. Coast Guard ship Oliver Henry was rerouted to Pikelot to rescue them. On Monday, a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130J Hercules aircraft flew over the area and relocated the mariners, who confirmed they were in good health with a radio that was dropped by the aircraft. Although their skiff had sustained damage that made it non-functional, it was recovered, and the men had food and water. The next day, the crews on the Oliver Henry successfully rescued the stranded men and their equipment, taking them to Polowat Atoll. Whether were out there protecting valuable resources or saving lives, were not just visitors were members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands, said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of the Oliver Henry. This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make. Its about more than just performing a duty; its about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Sen. Bob Menendezs (D-N.J.) bribery trial will be separated from his wife Nadine Menendezs, a federal judge ruled Thursday. Judge Sidney H. Stein ruled that Menendezs trial will begin May 6 as previously scheduled, but his wifes trial has now been tentatively pushed back to July, The Associated Press (AP) reported. This comes as lawyers for Nadine Menendez argued that her trial should be delayed due to an unspecified medical condition. This trial is going forward without Mrs. Menendez, Stein said Thursday, according to the AP. The government is going to have to try this case two times. Lawyers for Nadine Menendez wrote to Stein earlier this week asking him to delay the trial because she would be undergoing a surgical procedure in the next four to six weeks for a serious medical condition. Her lawyers said Thursday that their client needs more time for testing to understand the condition. The senators lawyers argued that his trial should not be held up due to his wifes medical condition, saying that the allegations he faces are a specter that effectively removes his ability to run in this years election, per the AP. Prosecutors argued that the court should delay the entire trial, noting that they did not want to have to argue the case twice. Were ready to try this case, we want to try this case, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Richenthal said. We dont want to try this case twice. They also argued that severing Menendezs trial from his wifes would result in the serious inefficiencies and unfairness that the Supreme Court and Second Circuit have long held warrant trying together defendants charged in a single case with having committed crimes together, according to court documents. Stein also rejected motions to dismiss the charges and to move the case to New Jersey, according to the AP. The couple was initially charged in September on allegations they accepted more than $600,000 in bribes from a group of New Jersey businessmen on behalf of interests in Egypt. They have since been charged with more counts, including conspiring to cover up alleged bribery schemes with three New Jersey businessmen. The senator faces 16 charges, while his wife faces 15. They have pleaded not guilty to all counts. The Hill has reached out to lawyers for the senator and his wife for comment. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. From the G-File on The Dispatch Hey, So back in the Obama years, I had great fun with the idea that Barack Obama was the messiah. No really, this was a thing, and some cynics suspected he encouraged it. The New York Times reported that Obamas volunteers were instructed at Camp Obama not to discuss issues when proselytizing for their leader, but instead to testify about how they came to Obama the same way Christians testify about how they came to Jesus. Michelle Obama played into it too, promising that her husband would mend Americas broken souls. And of course, Obama himself leaned into the Messianic hype. We are the hope of the future. We are the ones weve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek, he proclaimed at the conclusion of the Democratic primary. This was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal. The admittedly ironic website Is Barack Obama the Messiah? is still up, and its still a fun compendium. Some people, uncomfortable with theduhformally religious connotation of the word messiah opted instead to call him a lightworker or secular redeemer. Oprah fell back on simply calling him The One, while Deepak Chopra dubbed him a quantum leap in American consciousness. Ezra Klein wrote: Obamas finest speeches do not excite. They do not inform. They dont even really inspire. They elevate. They enmesh you in a grander moment, as if history has stopped flowing passively by, and, just for an instant, contracted around you, made you aware of its presence, and your role in it. He is not the Word made flesh, but the triumph of word over flesh, over color, over despair. And Eve Konstantine, the leadership guru, assured us that Barack Obama is our collective representation of our purest hopes, our highest visions and our deepest knowings. Hes our product out of the all-knowing quantum field of intelligence. Spoiler alert: Barack Obama was not, in fact, the messiah. That is unless theres some passage in the Book of Revelation or Torah that says something about the messiah getting a deal with Netflix. Nor do I think he represented a quantum leap in American consciousness. At least not in a good way, given how many trends in American consciousness since 2012 have not been super-terrific. And in fairness, this fanaticism largely wore off by his second term. In 2013, Barbara Walters confessed as much, more in sorrow than in anger. We thought that he was going to beI shouldnt say this at Christmastime, butthe next messiah, she said. And the whole Obamacare, or whatever you want to call it, the Affordable Health Act, it just hasnt worked for him, and hes stumbled around on it, and people feel very disappointed because they expected more. I always loved that because the very idea that the proof Barack Obama wasnt Christ (the Anglicized term for the Greek Khristos (), i.e. messiah) came in the form of the Affordable Care Act being underwhelming. At the time, I was convinced this was all a profound indictment of progressivism. In truth, I still do. But my theory of the case was a bit off. I believed that progressivism is a political religion as delineated (and later partially rejected) by the philosopher Eric Voegelin. Voegelin, you may recall, coined the phrase immanentize the eschaton, which refers to the desire to make what is reserved for the hereafter (eschaton) real or manifest (immanent) in the here and now. Progressive-secular ideologiesfrom technocracy through totalitarianismoften end up being efforts to create a heaven on earth. One of my favorite Voegelin quotes is when he throws shade at Marxists and other philosophical materialists, for whom he said, Christ the Redeemer is replaced by the steam engine as the promise of the realm to come. What I take him to mean by this is that while secular ideologies may banish God from the public realm, mans religious instinct will make material things into new, false, gods. When Moses was off talking to the Big Guy, the Israelites subbed in a golden calf. In the modern world, they switch to science or technology. When God is invisible behind the world, Voegelin writes, the contents of the world will become new gods; when the symbols of transcendent religiosity are banned, new symbols develop from the inner-worldly language of science to take their place. My theory of the case held that believing Christians and other traditional believers are partially immune to such heresies precisely because they dont have holes in their souls to be filled up by secular idols. The space for God is filled by God. I still believe that. What I failed to fully account for is that the religious can fall for false idols and false prophets, too. After all, thats the moral of the golden calf in the first place. Will Herberg famously argued that: Man is homo religiosus, by nature religious. He is always striving to find a larger whole transcending the self in which to ground the meaning and security of existence; he is always searching for some god and some way of salvation from the fears, futilities, and frustrations of life. I still think thats right. But I think things are more complicated as well. I recently wrote that Ive changed my mind on horseshoe theory, the view that the extremes of right and left ultimately converge into something called totalitarianism. I long resisted the idea because, as Ive argued (at book length), extreme conservatism in the Anglo-American tradition is not illiberal. So when the earnest political scientist explaining totalitarian theory draws a circle on the blackboard showing that Communism and Nazism eventually meet, hes right. But he misses the point that Anglo-American conservatism (sigh, rightly understood) never converges with totalitarianism as it gets more extreme because extreme Anglo-American conservatism is anti-statist. Communism and Nazism without statism is cosplay. For most of my life, the more conservative you got on a host of issues, but especially economics, the more libertarian you became. The idea that becoming more free-market-oriented got you closer to being more communist seemed absurd to me. It still does. Again, the same holds true for lots of conservative positions. For instance, no matter how pro-gun rights you get, youre not going to meet the gun-grabbers in common cause. The problem is that as the American right sheds its classical liberalism, it becomes more illiberal. And while there are important differences between right-wing and left-wing illiberalism, its still all illiberalism. If forced to choose between, say, right-wing industrial policy and left-wing industrial policy, Ill choose right-wing industrial policy. But the point is I reject the choice. What I missed is that if progressivism acts as a political religion, the more illiberal so-called conservatism becomes, the more it looks like a political religion, too. Which brings me to Donald Trump. Many of the people who loved my mockery of the Cult of Obama now have their own Cult of Trump. And guess what? They dont think mockery of the Trump cult is nearly as funny. Because the right still speaks in the explicit language of religion, it presents itself differently. The Cult of Obama used the new age lingo of people like Deepak Chopra precisely because they thought themselves better or more enlightened than what they saw as those sky god worshippers of flyover country clinging to their Bibles and guns. The Cult of Trump is more biblically literate, which is why they need to come up with analogies for Trump that areat least superficiallyconsistent with traditional religion. Trump is King David! No, hes King Cyrus! Such analogies are necessary precisely because the cultists are too biblically educated to call this lumpy thrice-married adulterer who cant name a Bible verse the messiah, or even a good Christian (though many try). But whatever he is, theyre sure that God gave us Trump. God also gave us rickets and banana slugs, though. Thats not really the mic-drop claim some people think it is. Tom Klingenstein, the chairman of the Claremont Institute, has a simultaneously pathetic, creepy, and hilarious video insisting that America in effect stands at the gates of Armageddon and needs a warrior like Trump to deliver salvation. His policies are important, but not as important as the rest of him, he insists. Klingenstein wants people to believe that Trump is a King David figure, a man sent by God to save the nation from the demons of the left. The woke radicals have the moral arrogance of fanatics, he proclaims. But Trump, God bless him, knows we are all sinners. Id have a scintilla more respect for this cultish pabulum if it were true. But Trump, of course, has admitted hes never done anything that would prompt him to ask God for forgiveness. Klingenstein claims Trump believes in American exceptionalism, a concept Trump has explicitly rejected. He wants us to believe that Trump is profoundly patriotic, but Trumps disparaged those who died for this country as suckers and hid from the draft. And, again, he suggests that God gave us this unselfish hero-martyr to save America from the forces of darkness. If youre going to attack the idea that Trump needs to be virtuous you cant simultaneously argue that he is virtuous. Unless of course youre going to bend notions of virtue to the man, instead of using notions of virtue as a measurement of the man. Klingensteins cultish lickspittlery is proof of Ralph Hodgsons line that some things have to be believed to be seen. I should have seen this coming. If you believe, as I do, that the wars of religion never really endedthat they just became wars by other means, with other termsit should have been predictable that horseshoe theory in politics was going to be the shadow of horseshoe theory in religion. One facet of this is the convergence of left-wing and right-wing antisemitism (a topic worth exploring more later). Hatred of the Joooooz is always an early warning system for larger trends. One of the many things I learned from reading Julien Benda is that religion is often grafted onto secular passions in an attempt to divinize the Cause and demonize the Enemy. At the beginning of the 20th century, champions of eugenics, nationalism, socialism, etc., claimed that Jesus was, variously, the first eugenicist, the first nationalist, the first socialist. Now Jesus is MAGA. Its all very depressing. And annoying. But it isnt really new. A New York Times correspondent covering the 1912 Progressive Party convention, described it as a convention of fanatics. Political speeches were interrupted by the singing of hymns and cries of Amen! It was not a convention at all, the Times reported. It was an assemblage of religious enthusiasts. It was such a convention as Peter the Hermit held. It was a Methodist camp meeting done over into political terms. The delegates sang We Will Follow Jesus, but with the name Roosevelt replacing Jesus. Roosevelt told the rapturous audience, Our cause is based on the eternal principles of righteousness. We stand at Armageddon, and we battle for the Lord. The secular realm as we understand it is actually an invention of Christianity. As such, it was never as secular as people thought. Religion has always seeped through. Sometimes that is good and needed, sometimes its blasphemous, gross, or stupidJesus was no more MAGA than Obama was a messiah. I make this point as a counsel against despair. Despair is the gravest of sins in Christianity because it assumes that redemption is impossible. Despair in a democracy is also a grave secular sin, because it assumes that democracy is incapable of redemption, too. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. New Mexico family files new lawsuit naming multiple Arkansas law enforcement officials after death of loved one New Mexico family files new lawsuit naming multiple Arkansas law enforcement officials after death of loved one LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The family of 38-year-old Daniel Barajas, a resident of New Mexico, said for more than a year theyve been trying to get answers after a loved ones death and are now aiming a lawsuit at several members of Arkansas agencies. On Wednesday, the legal counsel of Barajas sisters Xexilia Barajas and Raquel Ramos announced they are filing a new lawsuit against several members of the Saline County Sheriffs Office, a member of Arkansas State Police and a handful of others from different agencies over the investigation of his death. Pedestrian struck and killed on Interstate 30 in Saline County Saturday morning Named in the lawsuit alongside the county are Sheriff Rodney Wright, seven members of the sheriffs department ranked deputy through captain, county coroner Kevin Cleghorn and deputy coroner R. Allyn West, among more. We miss him deeply, Xexilia Barajas said. Arkansas State Police records show Barajas died after stepping in front of a car near the 106-mile marker on I-30 at 6 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2022. After being hit by the car he was then hit by a truck and a second car while lying on the highway. However, this lawsuit is not the first lawsuit the family has filed. In August of 2023, the family filed a lawsuit against multiple Saline County officials claiming the group was responsible for Barajas death and violated his civil rights. Saline County sheriff, coroner, others named in New Mexico wrongful death lawsuit The lawsuit said that on the day Barajas was killed he was driving west from Kentucky to Dallas to visit two family members when he interacted with deputies during an early morning traffic stop. According to the lawsuit, Barajas died shortly after the traffic stop and the family claims there were wrongdoings during the traffic stop and after. But in November, the family dismissed the case and it was closed. In this new lawsuit, the sisters of Barajas claim there was a lack of an investigation and multiple irregularities. We want closure, we want peace, we want accountability and responsibility, Xexilia Barajas said. Police arrest suspect following threat directed at Benton Junior High School KARK 4 News reached out to officials from both the Arkansas State Police and Saline County and they said they do not comment on pending litigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. A resolution by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner to impose new restrictions on protests in the city initially asserted support for Israel and condemned the use of a pro-Palestinian chant before it was edited by the City Attorneys Office to remove most of those references, according to emails obtained by the Miami Herald. While much of the language was removed from the resolution that the City Commission passed unanimously March 13, the draft version sheds light on the apparent intentions behind establishing time, place and manner restrictions for protests despite statements by the mayor at two recent meetings that the Miami Beach government is nonpartisan and that his measure never mentioned Israel. Although most specific references to the war were taken out of the document in draft stages, one remaining reference to Israel was left in the final version passed by commissioners, a possible oversight. The draft language could potentially hurt Miami Beachs ability to enact stricter rules for protesters if the city were to face a legal challenge. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that governments can only limit the time, place and manner of speech if it serves a significant government interest and is content neutral and narrowly tailored. Howard Simon, the interim executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said the changes made to Meiners draft resolution suggest city officials are doing their best to hide their motivation. The city has lawyers to clean up and get [elected officials] to basically cover up what might have been the original motivation for this, which is to try to prevent pro-Palestinian protest, Simon said in an interview. READ MORE: After pro-Palestinian events, protesters will face new restrictions in Miami Beach The draft version of the mayors resolution, originally dated December 2023, began by saying that the aim was to reaffirm the citys unwavering support for the state of Israel and to condemn the use of all genocidal words, expressions or phrases ... that could be interpreted to mean genocide against any ethnic or religious group, particularly the Jewish people. Specifically, the draft resolution said that the controversial phrase From the river to the sea is essentially a Hamas call to annihilate Israel that incites violence and hatred, and threatens the safety and well-being of Jewish people throughout the world. The draft language urged police to make arrests for unlawful behavior by anyone at protests to the fullest extent permitted under the law, though that line was removed from the final version sponsored by Meiner and Commissioner David Suarez. The draft also described Miami Beachs sister city relationships with two cities in Israel and condemned the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. But emails show that, after a March 6 discussion between Meiner and Chief Deputy City Attorney Rob Rosenwald, all but one mention of Israel was removed. The resolution that eventually was presented to and passed by commissioners last month said the city is committed to promoting peace, justice and tolerance and recognizes the importance of fostering strong and peaceful international relations by supporting nations that share these values, including the state of Israel. Meiner and a city spokesperson did not respond to questions about the resolution or why much of the original language was removed. The mayor also did not respond to an inquiry about why he incorrectly claimed the final version didnt mention Israel. Mayor Steven Meiner speaks at a press conference in Miami Beach on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. In addition to calling for limits on protests, the measure that passed in March directs police to inform the citys elected officials of all protests planned in Miami Beach within one hour of learning a protest is scheduled. Clearly, we are respectful of free speech, Meiner said at the March meeting. Right now, were in a situation where our laws are not being enforced. The city has yet to establish specific protest regulations in response to the resolution. A new ordinance would need to come before the City Commission for approval. This embedded content is not available in your region. On the agenda at last weeks City Commission meeting, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez proposed an item to rescind Meiners resolution and pass a new one acknowledging the role of peaceful protests in a democratic society and noting that police can only impose restrictions that are viewpoint and content neutral and otherwise constitutionally permissible. Meiner pulled the item from the consent agenda, preventing it from passing without discussion, but did not call it for a vote during the meeting. Rosen Gonzalez told the Herald that the city should protect peoples right to speak and criticized Meiner for cutting off pro-Palestinian speakers at recent City Commission meetings. What I dont like is the way Mayor Meiner treats residents who come to speak at our meetings when he screams, snarls and cuts off their mic. That is undignified and we are better than that, Rosen Gonzalez said in a text message. Everyone has the right to say what they want, even if we disagree, because we live in the United States of America and we protect our constitutional rights. A nonpartisan government? Meiner hasnt hidden the fact that his concerns about pro-Palestinian protests in the city influenced his resolution. At the March meeting, he showed video clips of demonstrators protesting a February speech by lawyer Alan Dershowitz at Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach and chanting on a nearby sidewalk as elderly congregants walked through the crowd. There were no reports of protesters causing physical harm to synagogue members, but Meiner said congregants were intimidated. As mayor, I will not tolerate our residents being harassed and accosted and threatened for simply trying to pray, Meiner said, adding that constituents had asked him: Mayor, how could you let this happen? Still, while sparring with pro-Palestinian speakers during City Commission meetings, Meiner has emphasized that the city is nonpartisan and stated that his resolution doesnt mention any country. This is a nonpartisan government, Meiner said in March as he cut off a speaker who referred to Israels war in Gaza as a genocide. Im not going to sit here and allow you to make accusations about the Israeli government. The mayor made similar remarks at a commission meeting last week. You did it again. You just cant help yourself, he told a speaker who opposed the protest restrictions and called for an end to the genocide against the Palestinians. This is a nonpartisan commission, Meiner said. Protesters disrupted Alan Dershowitz speaking about Israel at Temple Emanu-El in Miami Beach on Feb. 24, 2024. Simon, the Florida ACLU director, said the city is within its rights to support Israel and foster a relationship with the country. But allowing people to exercise their First Amendment right does not endanger the city from fulfilling that mission, he said. Until the city passes a new law detailing time, place and manner restrictions on protests, Simon said a legal challenge is unlikely. Still, he said, the citys actions are concerning. In March, pro-Palestinian protesters outside the Aspen Ideas climate conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center were directed to a barricaded free speech zone in nearby Pride Park. That cant be the new normal in a country that still has the First Amendment, Simon said. A police spokesperson said at the time that a security zone had been established around the Convention Center campus because high-level government officials were attending the conference. The free speech zone was set up within the security zone so that protesters could exercise their First Amendment right to protest, demonstrate, or leaflet, the spokesperson said. READ MORE: Gaza war protesters told to use free speech zone outside Miami Beach climate conference Pro-Palestinian protesters moved to the sidewalk across from the 17th Street parking garage after being told by police they couldnt stand directly outside the Miami Beach Convention Center on March 11, 2024. The handling of pro-Palestinian protests has become a contentious topic in the city. Suarez blasted Police Chief Wayne Jones at the March meeting for providing what the commissioner said was insufficient protection to congregants at the Temple Emanu-El protest. Suarez suggested the chief, who is Black, would have handled the event differently if it were a KKK rally a remark that Miami Beach police union president Bobby Hernandez said was uncalled for and political grandstanding at its worst in a March 18 email to union members. Jones defended his departments handling of the event and said the lone incident of violence involved a congregant who battered a protester. While Suarez initially doubled down on his criticism, he said at last weeks meeting that he had met with Jones and that the pair hashed things out and shook hands. Sidewalk ordinance in effect A separate ordinance proposed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez that passed last month outlines rules against blocking streets or sidewalks, making it a crime for someone to obstruct a public right of way after being ordered to leave by police. The ordinance is aimed at the homeless population but also says police should provide protesters with an adequate and available alternative forum nearby before making arrests. While Fernandezs ordinance wasnt proposed in connection with Meiners resolution, police sought to enforce the ordinance April 3 as a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters held signs outside the entrance to the Miami Beach Convention Center before last weeks commission meeting. Assistant Police Chief Paul Acosta ordered the protesters away from the doors and said they could stand closer to the street instead. Assistant Chief Paul Acosta says protesters are blocking sidewalk and order them to move away from doors to convention center https://t.co/FzUl7Zmhin pic.twitter.com/oEOwp3PZh0 Martin Vassolo (@martindvassolo) April 3, 2024 In December, Meiner had raised concerns about a pro-Palestinian protest outside the Convention Center during Art Basel, at which a group of artists unfurled a banner that read Let Palestine Live. About 100 people rallied while waving Palestinian flags and holding signs to call for a permanent ceasefire in the war in Gaza. During that event, police tried to keep protesters away from the Convention Center doors and made two arrests. Days later, Meiner sponsored a discussion item that pointed out protesters were chanting From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free and called for the city to set parameters for reasonable time, place and manner restrictions for protests, including discussion of incitement to violence vs. free speech. The mayor never called that item for discussion, but it served as the basis for the March resolution. That should not have happened, Meiner said of the Art Basel protest at a Jan. 16 meeting with residents. Theres a reasonable time, place and manner to do protests. Miami City Attorney Victoria Mendez was removed from her position Thursday, a demotion that comes amid controversy and criticism over her performance near the end of her 20-year career at City Hall. In a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Joe Carollo voting no, the City Commission voted to relegate Mendez to a transitional role immediately and name her chief deputy, John A. Greco, as the interim city attorney while a selection committee continues a search for City Halls next top legal officer. Greco is out of the country on vacation until April 22, so until then, Deputy City Attorney George Wysong will serve as acting city attorney. Commissioner Damian Pardo spearheaded Mendezs demotion Thursday. For the last couple of commission meetings, the city attorney has been at times insubordinate and at times disrespectful, Pardo said at the meeting. I dont believe thats the conduct becoming of that position. Commissioner Damian Pardo speaks during a commission meeting at Miami City Hall on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Prior to Thursdays vote, Mendez was expected to remain city attorney until June. After she faced calls for her resignation or removal, commissioners in January voted to give Mendez five more months in office. Thursdays vote allows Mendez to remain on staff in the citys legal department, with an instruction to help with the transition for the next city attorney. I want to thank God, my family, the city of Miami, my interdepartmental colleagues and especially my city attorney family for the 20-plus years that have been allowed to me to serve this wonderful city where I was born in Allapattah, raised in Flagami and lived in Flagami for 44 years, she said in an emotional farewell speech after the vote. City of Miami Commissioner Miguel Gabela speaks during a commission meeting at Miami City Hall on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela took aim at Mendez over a legal battle between himself and the city over residency requirements. In September, the city appealed a court ruling that allowed Gabela to run as a qualified candidate in the District 1 election last fall. Mendez said Thursday that she was following the citys charter. I was only doing my job, whether you were a candidate or not, I was doing my job, and thats why youre upset at me, Mendez said. Gabelsa responded by saying that his issue with Mendez goes beyond that particular court case. Every time we ask you a question, I dont trust you, he said. Commissioners instructed the citys human relations department to propose a candidate by April 19 so that the commission can select a new permanent city attorney at the April 25 meeting. Carollo, who was the only commissioner to vote against Mendezs termination, challenged the timeline for hiring a new city attorney, questioning whether there were enough qualified applicants. Vice Chairman Joe Carollo listens to a staffer during a commission meeting at Miami City Hall on Thursday, April 11, 2024. In her farewell speech, Mendez touted her offices accomplishments, from taking on FPL, to making sure water quality is safe for the residents and throughout Florida, to saving millions of dollars in potential catastrophic litigation. She went on to criticize Gabela and Pardo, who were elected last year on anti-corruption platforms, and made an apparent reference to lawsuits against Carollo and herself. As the longest-serving full-time city attorney, the longest-serving female city attorney, the longest-serving Hispanic city attorney for the city of Miami, nothing of what the two new commissioners and their serial litigant backers have done to me and my family today and since March of 2023 with the media and bogus litigation will ever take that away from me, Mendez said. Mendez becomes eligible to retire and receive her pension later this month, with a projected benefit capped at $8,333.33 per month, or $99,999.96 per year, according to the citys pension administrator. It was not immediately clear if Thursdays vote affects her pension in any way. Mendez was stripped of her power at a time when she faces mounting scrutiny over allegations that she used her position to coordinate a house-flipping scheme with her husband. She is being sued over the allegations in circuit court, and the Florida Bar has also opened an inquiry. Her decision making has also been questioned. Based on legal advice from Mendez, according to City Manager Art Noriega, the commission passed a tax rate in late September with only four sitting members on the board. Weeks earlier, former commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla was removed from office after he was arrested on corruption charges. State regulators had warned the city that its vote on the tax rate with only four commissioners would be invalid. The commission later had to hold an emergency meeting in December to vote on the tax rate. A federal judges ruling that Miamis district map is unconstitutional is an opportunity for a city in desperate need of a shakeup. Instead of continuing to fight for the maps and protect their own interests, Miami leaders should start from scratch. Change should go beyond redrawing the commission districts U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore said on Wednesday were racially gerrymandered. With two new commissioners elected in November on a promise to clean up scandal-ridden Miami, the status quo shouldnt be an option. Miami must consider expanding the city commission from five to at least seven seats. That would require approval by voters to amend the city charter. As the Herald Editorial Board has argued many times in its Miami Dysfunction series, a larger commission would account for the citys population growth districts were created in 1997 and allow a plurality of voices and points of view. It would also make it harder for a small majority of elected officials to control what happens in South Floridas largest city, population 450,000. Miamis commission size is an outlier among municipalities of similar size in Florida and across the country, such as Tampa and Atlanta, which have larger legislative bodies. The number of seats on a commission may seem inconsequential and bureaucratic to some residents, but its at the core of how decisions are made in Miami. Theres a common saying here that anyone who wants something from City Hall knows how to count to three, the number of votes needed for a simple majority. For years, that allowed Commissioner Joe Carollo, whos facing a $63.5 million federal judgment, and former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, arrested last year on corruption charges, to establish control of the commission as long as they had another vote. Critics were fearful to cross the duo because of their outsized power. The approval of the redistricting maps in 2022 is emblematic of this type of dysfunction. A coalition of civic groups, including two branches of the NAACP, sued the city saying the maps sorted city residents by race and ethnicity in violation of the U.S. Constitution. During the redistricting process required every 10 years to account for population changes after U.S. Census numbers are released commissioners spoke openly about maintaining a tradition of having three Hispanic-majority districts, a Black-majority district and a so-called Anglo non-Hispanic white district. Race and ethnicity were a cover for something more insidious: the apparent desire of elected officials to draw districts that favor themselves and their political allies. The redrawing of District 1 excluded the house of now-Commissioner Miguel Gabela, who at the time was challenging Diaz de la Portilla. Days before Gabela won in November, Diaz de la Portilla sued him, claiming Gabela did not meet the citys residency requirements. In January, the commission voted to re-include his home back into the district. Carollos District 3 was redrawn to cover his longtime home in Coconut Grove. Commissioners are required to legally reside in the districts they represent, so, when Carollo ran for his seat in 2017, he rented an apartment inside District 3. Under the redrawn maps, Carollo could reclaim the Coconut Grove house as his primary residence. Thats important because hes fighting in federal court to stop the seizure of his home, saying its his homestead property and, therefore, cannot be taken to pay for that $63.5 million judgment. A jury last year found Carollo violated the First Amendment rights of two Little Havana businessmen who accused him of weaponizing the citys code enforcement against them as political retaliation. In his ruling, Moore said he would schedule a hearing with Miami and the plaintiffs to decide the next steps, which could include redrawing the commission maps and calling a special election, the Herald reported. The city had the chance to draw better districts following another ruling by Moore last year, but officials squandered it. Fixing a broken product at this point is no longer sufficient. Miami needs drastic changes and it begins with a expanding the commission. Click here to send the letter. This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Two Nigerian brothers pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to sexually exploit teenage boys through sexual extortion, or "sextortion," two years after one such scheme led to a Michigan teenager's suicide. Jordan DeMay was 17 years old when Samuel Ogoshi, 22, and his brother, Samson Ogoshi, 20, both of Nigeria, posed as a woman on Instagram using a hacked account and struck up a conversation with the teenager, ultimately blackmailing him into sending money and threatening him for more until he took his own life in March 2022. "I don't know that there's any amount of justice good enough for what these two men did to Jordan," Jordan's father, John DeMay, told Fox News Digital. "But I do believe that there is justice in this plea deal to some degree, I guess. But overall, it's just emotional. It's hard to believe that we're even in this situation." FATHER OF TEEN SEXTORTION VICTIM WARNS OF ALARMING FBI REPORT He continued: "I hope these guilty pleas also bring a small measure of relief to the family of Jordan DeMay, who died as a result of this crime. Of course, the job is not done. The Ogoshi brothers await sentencing later this year, and we are still pursuing the extradition of the third defendant, Ezekiel Robert." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP MICHIGAN FAMILY SOUNDS ALARM ON SON'S SEXTORTION SUICIDE AFTER ARRESTS OF 3 NIGERIAN MEN The Ogoshi brothers face a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years for each charge of conspiracy to sexually exploit minors. An indictment against the two brothers alleged they were involved in hundreds of similar schemes many involving minors. "We're so fortunate to even be here. So many families have open cases. Some don't have cases at all," John DeMay said. "Some are still wondering what happened to their loved ones, and we're really fortunate enough to be just shy of Jordan's two year anniversary and having guilty pleas and suspects extradited from another country. So it's pretty it's pretty colossal that that this is even happening." Jordan DeMay, 17, died by suicide after becoming the victim of a sextortion scheme. DeMay added that he feels both happy and sad, and "like it's kind of the beginning of the end of this phase." "But I'm extremely pleased with the work that was done," he said. Robert, the third suspect charged in connection with the sextortion plot that led to Jodan's death, is awaiting extradition to the United States. FBI WARNS TEEN BOYS INCREASINGLY TARGETED IN ONLINE 'SEXTORTION' SCHEMES The same night the Ogoshis started communicating with Jodan through Instagram, the teenager sent an explicit photo of himself to the account that he thought belonged to a woman. Samuel Ogoshi threatened to expose it and make it go "viral" online if Jordan did not immediately send money, prosecutors said. Jordan complied and sent the suspect money, but the crime only escalated from there as Ogoshi demanded more and more money from the 17-year-old. Jordan DeMay began chatting with someone he thought was a woman on Instagram under the username "dani.robertts." The exchange went on for hours on a single night until Jordan told Ogoshi that he was going to kill himself. "Good," he wrote. "Do that fast. Or I'll make you do it. I swear to God." WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PREVENTION, RED FLAGS AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE U.S. Attorney Mark Totten for the Western District of Michigan said in a Wednesday statement that the Ogoshis' "guilty pleas represent an extraordinary success in the prosecution of international sextortion." Between October 2021 and March 2023, the majority of online financial extortion victims were boys like Jordan DeMay. "These convictions will send a message to criminals in Nigeria and every corner of the globe: working with our partners both here and overseas, we can find you and we can bring you to justice," Totten said. Sextortion is a social media crime trend in which bad actors entice or solicit a minor to engage in sexual acts or send blackmail money, according to the FBI, which received more than 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion involving at least 12,600 victims between October 2021 and March 2023. GROWING SEXTORTION TREND TRICKS BOYS INTO SENDING EXPLICIT IMAGES THROUGH GAMING SITES, EXTORTED FOR MONEY The suspects in Jordan's death were arrested for allegedly hacking Instagram accounts and sexually extorting, or "sextorting," more than 100 young men online. The average age of sextortion victims is between 14 and 17 years old, the FBI said in a press release earlier this year, but the agency noted that any child can become a victim. Offenders of financially motivated sextortion typically originate from African and Southeast Asian countries, according to the FBI. The FBI also saw a 20% increase in sextortion incidents involving minors between October 2022 and March 2023. Sextortion can lead to suicide and self-harm. Between October 2021 and March 2023, the majority of online financial extortion victims were boys. These reports involved at least 20 suicides, the FBI said. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has created a free service called "Take it Down," which is meant to help victims of sextortion erase explicit images of victims or get bad actors to stop sharing them online. The tool can be accessed at https://takeitdown.ncmec.org. Original article source: After Michigan teen's suicide, Nigerian brothers plead guilty to planning deadly sextortion scheme Finding a business that has the potential to grow substantially is not easy, but it is possible if we look at a few key financial metrics. Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. So, when we ran our eye over Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd's (KLSE:DAYANG) trend of ROCE, we liked what we saw. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.16 = RM331m (RM2.5b - RM435m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). Thus, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd has an ROCE of 16%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 9.8% generated by the Energy Services industry. See our latest analysis for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd . What Can We Tell From Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd's ROCE Trend? While the current returns on capital are decent, they haven't changed much. The company has consistently earned 16% for the last five years, and the capital employed within the business has risen 49% in that time. Since 16% is a moderate ROCE though, it's good to see a business can continue to reinvest at these decent rates of return. Over long periods of time, returns like these might not be too exciting, but with consistency they can pay off in terms of share price returns. One more thing to note, even though ROCE has remained relatively flat over the last five years, the reduction in current liabilities to 17% of total assets, is good to see from a business owner's perspective. Effectively suppliers now fund less of the business, which can lower some elements of risk. In Conclusion... To sum it up, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd has simply been reinvesting capital steadily, at those decent rates of return. And the stock has done incredibly well with a 103% return over the last five years, so long term investors are no doubt ecstatic with that result. So while investors seem to be recognizing these promising trends, we still believe the stock deserves further research. Story continues On a final note, we've found 1 warning sign for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd that we think you should be aware of. If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity. 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. Speaker Mike Johnson is making a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago this week, where he and Donald Trump will be at work to keep each other afloat. Beset on all sides by critics, Johnson and Trump are set to unveil a piece of legislation that largely amounts to messaging an effort to fight the already rare issue of undocumented immigrants who try to vote in US elections. Municipalities in just three states California, Vermont and Maryland allow noncitizens, including those who crossed the border illegally, to vote in local elections. A greater number explicitly ban the practice in their state constitutions. What the legislation can best be summed up as is a life raft for the embattled House speaker. Johnson is facing a discharge petition leveled by Marjorie Taylor Greene and coming off the largest defection from members of his party yet: a vote by 19 House Republicans on Wednesday to kill a rule vote meant to advance the reauthorisation of Americas Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Fridays meeting will be Johnsons moment to cement his alignment with the former president and perhaps scare a few Republicans back into line or, possibly more likely, to press Trump to rein in his loyalists like Matt Gaetz, who led Wednesdays revolt. Gaetz is at the top of many enemy lists in the GOP caucus after he led the ouster of Kevin McCarthy last fall. Trump, too, is in need of as many allies as he can get. Hes facing down four criminal investigations and staggering legal bills, all while he seeks the presidency for a third time. While hes certainly in better immediate shape than Johnson, he too is seeking closer ties as the election approaches and his need for cash grows. It will be interesting to hear what the former president has to say about Johnson, who has been a largely reliable frontman for the Mar-a-Lago team in the lower chamber. The speaker just recently led the opposition to a bipartisan agreement struck by negotiators in the Senate on the issue of border security, killing the deal and leaving the Republicans who joined the talks with Democrats out to dry. He has also, however, refused to back attempts from conservatives to coordinate government shutdowns aimed at forcing Democrats to accept tougher spending cuts and policy riders. And it will also be worth watching Marjorie Taylor Greene to see if the combative conservative firebrand from Georgia backs down from her bid to threaten Johnson with a motion to discharge the speakership. She has yet to pick up a single Republican ally for the effort. The two lawmakers met on Wednesday as the FISA rule vote became his latest setback, only for Greene to emerge and defiantly insist that no agreement had been reached. We didnt walk out with a deal. I explained to him that, and he acknowledged that as a Republican member of the House, I pretty much have the best view of how the base feels and what Republican voters want, she told reporters. House dysfunction is once again threatening to spill over into the Senate, where a dispute has emerged over the future of the impeachment trial for Alejandro Mayorkas, Bidens director of homeland security. Democrats have indicated that they may dismiss the articles of impeachment passed by the House without a full trial for Mayorkas, who stands accused by Republicans of not meeting his responsibilities to secure the southern border. The GOP, in turn, has threatened to grind all business in the Senate to a halt by withholding unanimous consent for basic procedures. Smoke rises after Israeli attack on Shuja'iyya, Gaza as Israeli attacks intensify on the second day of Eid El'Fitr on April 11, 2024. On the second day of Eid al-Fitr, the Israeli Forces escalated its attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip. Following an attack on Gaza's Shuja'iyye neighborhood, plumes of smoke billowed from the vicinity. Credit - Mahmoud ssa-Anadolu/Getty Images One night at the dinner table in the American Colonythe lovely boutique watering hole in East JerusalemI overheard an elderly American heiress proclaiming that she would give a million dollars to anyone who could solve the Arab-Israeli conflict. It was 1956, and I was just five-years-old, but I tugged my fathers sleeve, and said, Daddy, we have to win this prize. I spent my entire childhood in the Middle East, the son of an American diplomat. It was nothing exceptionalexcept that Zelig-like, I lived through all the wars of the Arab-Israeli conflict. And then as a young man I married the only daughter of two survivors of the Shoah. I have always worked hard to see both sides of this tragic, seemingly intractable conflict. But I am now fed up with these bad actors and their tribal bloodbaths. All these many years later, the troubles in the dangerous neighborhood persist. Indeed, things have gotten worse. Just look at the horrifying atrocities of October 7, 2023 when some 1,200 Israelis were butchered. And just look at the indiscriminate killing of over 30,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians in Gaza in the current war. Alarming incidents of blatant anti-Semitism and Islamaphobia fuel a toxic atmosphere across much of the globe. The tide of extremism on all sides has risen, and civil society voices of moderation are largely deemed irrelevant. Short-sighted leaders on both sides are fueling a new generation of violence and hatred. Hamass bloody terrorism is bad enough, but I wouldnt be surprised if tomorrow the current war expands to Lebanon or Iranor if a radiation dirty bomb explodes in Tel Aviv, making parts of the city uninhabitable. The only good news is that the political careers of both Bibi Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas are clearly coming to an end. Both of these deplorable leaders have led their peoples to a dead end. Read More: Israel's Dangerous Game with Iran This conflict is so dangerous that the time has come for the international community to impose a solution. Here is what needs to be done. First, a six-month cease-fire needs to be imposed whereby Hamas releases all their remaining hostages and Israel amnesties hundreds of long-term Palestinian prisonersincluding the popular Fatah leader (and convicted murderer), Marwan Barghouti. Second, and simultaneously, convene a Geneva peace conference. Invite all the parties to a one-month, time-limited negotiation in which diplomats iron out a comprehensive political compromise, broadly based on a two-state peace treaty. It should be modeled on the one-page, six-point program drafted in 2002 by Ami Ayalon, the former Israeli intelligence chief, and Sari Nusseibeh, a Palestinian Oxford-trained philosopher. It envisions two-states with borders based on the 1967 Green Line with some territorial adjustments and with East Jerusalem as the capital of a demilitarized Palestinian state. It is a brilliant documentsimple and obvious. Skeptics will say that the hardliners on both sides wont show up at Geneva. The international community, led by the Biden Administration, can make it clear that any party not showing up at Geneva will be penalized with financial and legal sanctions. Israeli political leaders will have to come. Non-state actors will also be invited, including representatives of the Palestinian Authority, Fatah, Hamas and members of Palestinian civil society groups. They too will face financial and legal sanctions if they fail to show up. A conversation will take place in which all parties are heard. But the American, European and other international diplomats invited to Geneva will be responsible for the actual drafting of a peace treaty. Yes, this will be an imposed peace because the global stakes are too high. But the resulting Geneva treaty will then be submitted to a referendum in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. I hope that a clear majority of both Israelis and Palestinians will approve the treaty. Ordinary people on both sides should realize that the alternative is endless war. An imposed, internationally sanctioned referendum will encourage the politicians to stop catering to their respective hardliners. The prospect of a real peace based on simple compromise will suddenly seem practical and economically beneficial to everyone. The fog of endless war will lift and common sense will prevail. And when that happens, can someone please send me that check for a million dollars? Contact us at letters@time.com. A row has erupted over people having to pay 5 to collect post with fake rather than genuine stamps on Ministers were urged to probe claims that Chinese counterfeiters are offering to flood Britain with fake Royal Mail stamps. The bogus stamps are believed to be coming from China, and other countries, and are being more easily identified after non-barcoded stamps stopped being used from last August. However, there is also understood to have been a rise in complaints that stamps bought from legitimate stores were being found to be fraudulent, leaving victims of the scam paying 5 penalties to collect their post. The Telegraph identified four Chinese suppliers offering to print up to one million counterfeit Royal Mail stamps a week. They are being sold for as little as 4p each ahead of delivery to Britain. The fakes have also been found on Amazon and eBay and websites copying the Royal Mail official store, the newspaper said. Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake said: It is key to prevent counterfeit stamps entering our supply chain in the UK. The Royal Mail must do everything possible to prevent counterfeits entering our circulation and must establish where they are coming from and how they are entering our marketplace. But shadow business secretary Jonthan Reynolds said: This is incredibly worrying for British consumers and small businesses who are being defrauded, the Government must urgently investigate the scale of this forgery and work with Royal Mail, the police and the regulator to clamp down on this criminality. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Sarah Olney added: This is deeply troubling and surely a government minister has to step in to investigate. The government cant pass the buck on our postal service being undermined by fake stamps, made on the other side of the world. Alicia Kearns, Conservative chairwoman of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed: There is no doubt that organised crime groups will be involved. Although as yet there is little evidence of CCP (Chinese Communist Party) involvement, there is a trend of Chinese-based organisations perpetrating counterfeit postage operations the US Postal Service suffered losses of $60 million due to counterfeit postage operations last year. She added: It is incumbent upon the Chinese state to now crack down on these companies who are openly supporting illicit trade in stamps, investigate printing facilities and expose those funding them. The fake stamps are allegedly being bought unknowingly in the UK by small retailers, who are allowed to purchase them from wholesalers rather than from Royal Mail directly. The row is the latest controversy to hit the Royal Mail which is also looking at scaling back second class deliveries. The Times reported that a spokesman from the Chinese Embassy in London branded claims that Beijing was involved as absurd. He said: It is totally ridiculous, absurd and ill-intentional. How could one imagine a sovereign country triggers war by bringing fake stamps? It comes a week after the Telegraph reported Royal Mail is investigating claims that people have been wrongly fined after being sent letters with new barcoded stamps that were deemed to be counterfeit. A Royal Mail spokesman said: Royal Mail takes the illegal production of counterfeit stamps seriously. The introduction of unique barcodes and added security features has made it harder for fraudsters to replicate stamps, and as a result the number of counterfeit stamps has reduced by around 90 per cent. We want our customers to buy stamps with confidence. We strongly recommend that customers only purchase stamps from Post Offices and other reputable High Street retailers, and not to buy stamps online unless from the official Royal Mail shop. A Post Office spokesman said: Stamps are available to buy from a number of different sources. Post Offices are trusted places to buy stamps. Post Office Ltd receives its stamps direct from Royal Mails secure printers. Private companies that hope to contract with Minnesota State colleges and universities for online programs could face new rules, after lawmakers said students deserve to know who's teaching their classes and taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent. Rep. Nathan Coulter and Sen. Robert Kupec, both DFL lawmakers, say they hope their bills will add oversight for online program management companies, which provide recruiting services or help run online classes, often in exchange for a portion of students' tuition. "It just became clear to me and some other folks that these [online program management companies] aren't going anywhere," said Coulter, of Bloomington. "It really made sense to be proactive and get some common sense basic regulations on the books to head off some of the more abusive and predatory practices we've seen in other states." Lawmakers introduced the bills after some faculty raised concerns about contracts at St. Cloud State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and elsewhere in the country. Critics accuse online program management companies of using misleading tactics to recruit students, and some federal lawmakers have questioned in recent years whether tuition-sharing contracts increase students' costs and debt. The companies' supporters argue they help boost the workforce by reaching nontraditional students and that adequate safeguards are in place to ensure their quality. The new bills would prohibit the Minnesota State system's 33 colleges and universities from entering into new contracts that rely on a tuition-sharing model or hand over intellectual property rights to faculty members' course materials. They would also require contracts with the companies to receive approval from the system's Board of Trustees as opposed to individual colleges' leaders. The bills ask the University of Minnesota to consider creating similar rules, but lawmakers note they don't have the same oversight of that system. In legislative hearings, Republicans have said they're interested in trying to strike a balance. Sen. Zach Duckworth, R-Lakeville, said he doesn't "want us to overregulate." Questions about tuition Two schools in the Minnesota State system have contracts with online program management companies, and they operate differently. Southwest Minnesota State University contracted with a company to help market its existing online programs, in exchange for 35% of the tuition the company helps bring in. St. Cloud State University is partnering with one to offer "accelerated online programs" in exchange for 50% of the programs' tuition. Leaders of the Inter Faculty Organization, which represents professors at the system's universities, welcomed the bills. They say tuition-sharing contracts rarely leave schools with enough money to hire more faculty when demand for programs rapidly rises. They also worry about professors' work being shared with private companies when budget crunches have forced staff cuts. With the state launching a new free tuition program, "there is an urgency here to make sure that state money is being invested in the state and not just being passed through to for-profit companies that are not benefitting the state of Minnesota," said Jenna Chernega, the organization's president. Minnesota State leaders declined to comment on the legislation. Satasha Green-Stephen, senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, told lawmakers in a hearing earlier this year that they put additional "checks and balances" in place. She said schools must notify system leaders before entering a new agreement, outline how it would benefit students and explain whether it could compete with existing programs. Nathan Polfliet, associate vice president of advancement for Southwest Minnesota State University, said leaders there recently signed a contract with an online program management company to get help "recruiting students we normally wouldn't be able to reach and retaining them as successful students." Polfliet said it's too early to tell whether the partnership is boosting enrollment but leaders will be closely watching the data, and the bills lawmakers are considering. Leaders at St. Cloud State University said they worry the bills would "severely cripple our ability to grow enrollment," saying a contract with Dallas-based Academic Partnerships helped boost enrollment in an MBA program from 28 students to more than 400. They said the partnership was especially helpful for women and students of color. "We agree that we do not want any predatory third-party providers taking advantage of students. It is important to protect faculty intellectual property and their curriculum content," the university said in a statement. "The Minnesota State System currently has a rigorous and transparent vetting process which we previously completed. We feel the system's process should be respected as it stands and the legislation is unnecessary." Representatives for Academic Partnerships say they worry the prohibition on tuition-sharing could harm programs that are helping to prepare workers for in high-demand industries like healthcare, education and business. "While we support the vast majority of the proposed legislation, we do have concerns around certain aspects of the bill that would make Minnesota public universities less competitive in the online program market, which ultimately would have a negative impact on Minnesota students who are looking to further their education close to home," the company said in a statement. A Sacramento State student left her parents' Southern California home in a "difficult state of mind," was in a car accident and has not been seen or heard from since April 3, her family said. Her parents and Los Angeles police retraced 23-year-old Noelle Lynch's steps going back to April 1, when she first left in a vulnerable state, her dad, Mark Lynch, told SFGate. The next day, around 3 or 4 a.m., she was in an accident in Los Angeles, her dad told the local news outlet, and Lynch and her mom planned to meet at a hotel near LAX airport, but she never showed up. Around noon on April 3, Lynch called her mom from a "strange person's phone," but she was "mostly not making sense," her dad told the outlet. SEARCH FOR MISSING CRUISE PASSENGER IN COZUMEL, MEXICO COMPLICATED BY JUNGLE TERRAIN Noelle Lynch left her parents' Southern California home on April 1, and was last seen on April 3. That was the last time her parents heard from her. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The college student was seen on surveillance video walking from an Inglewood apartment, about six miles from LAX, around 5 p.m. on April 3, the Los Angeles Police Department said. VICTIM'S CAUSE OF DEATH IN 40-YEAR-OLD COLD CASE CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES, CASE LED TO SUICIDE AND TORE FAMILY APART Her parents found her belongings in the apartment and found her phone at the Southwest ticket counter at LAX airport, but it is unclear whether she boarded a plane, police said. "She always calls," her dad told SFGate. "This is very out of character. She has had a tough time, but she has always called." Lynch was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt, green sweatpants with a military logo, and white sneakers. She's about 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 125 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. Family, friends and missing persons Facebook groups have been sharing her story and flyers with information, but concerns are intensifying as the search enters week two. Noelle Lynch, 23, left her apartment in a "difficult state of mind," her dad said, and hasn't been seen since April 3. Anyone with information is urged to call the LAPD's Missing Persons Unit at 213-996-1800. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Original article source: Missing California college students phone found at LAX airport amid vanishing: police The Michigan State Police assisted a police agency from West Virginia in finding a missing juvenile who was located in Petoskey with a registered sex offender. PETOSKEY Plans are being made to return a missing juvenile runaway from West Virginia back home after she was found in Petoskey with a registered sex offender. On April 10, a West Virginia police agency contacted the Michigan State Police about assisting them in finding a missing juvenile. According to a press release, the West Virginia police agency had information indicating the missing child was in the Petoskey area and had reason to believe they were living with a registered sex offender. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Troopers obtained a search warrant for a Petoskey residence, and upon the execution of the search warrant, found the missing juvenile. She was found in the home of a 26-year-old man who is a registered sex offender with a previous conviction of criminal sexual conduct victim under 13. According to the release, he was home when the troopers arrived. He said he knew she was reported missing and he allowed her to stay with him. He was arrested and lodged in the Emmet County Jail. The juvenile was transported to the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post and arrangements are being made to return her home to West Virginia, according to the release. The police department in West Virginia is handling the investigation as to how the two met and ended up together. Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Missing juvenile from West Virginia found with sex offender in Petoskey DENVER (KDVR) A 63-year-old woman was missing from Superior since Monday but has since been found, according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox CBI said there are concerns for her wellbeing, but thankfully the woman was reported found by the Boulder County Sheriffs Office on Thursday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Memorial Medical Center emergency department nurse Amanda Howells this week faced one of a caregivers biggest terrors. As an emergency department staff member, one of our greatest fears is that our family would be brought in as a trauma or medical emergency, wrote one of Howells colleagues in a GoFundMe post. While at work on Tuesday 4/9/24, one of our coworkers/friend experienced such a tragedy. Amandas mother was brought in as a trauma from a motor vehicle accident while her one-year-old daughter who was also in the vehicle was taken to Doctors Medical Center, our other local trauma hospital. Both of them tragically lost their lives. Howells mother, Patricia Marie Lopez, was driving south on McHenry Avenue near Del Rio with her granddaughter Clara when a northbound car for unknown reasons drove into Lopezs lane and hit her Toyota SUV head-on, according to the California Highway Patrol. The accident remains under investigation. The cars driver, 19-year-old Angeles Lisset Escoto, and her boyfriend, 22-year-old Francis Joe Catano, were pronounced dead at the scene. The CHP said the two were Merced residents. Lopez, 60, was pronounced dead at Memorial, and Clara was pronounced dead at Doctors. Shes doing OK, said Peggy La Rossa on Thursday about her niece, Amanda Howells. Shes just really ... I think its still just a dream for everybody. Shes doing the funeral arrangements for her daughter. La Rossa said Clara would have turned 2 on July 12. This was her first child, La Rossa said about Howells, who is 36. She waited so long for her. Our hearts are incredibly heavy for our friend and coworker, states the GoFundMe post. Please help us support her and her family while they navigate this horrible tragedy and grieve the loss of Amandas wonderful mother, Patricia, and their precious baby, Clara. If you are unable to donate, we would appreciate you sharing this post and more than anything Amanda would love for people to know and remember how wonderful her mother and daughter were. La Rossa said that while her niece was working in the emergency department Tuesday, she was not part of the team that worked on her mother. La Rossa said her niece has been a nurse for six years, with all of her work in Memorials emergency department. Lopez looked after Clara two or three times a week while Amanda Howells was at work. Lopez and her husband, Carlos, had lived in Turlock but moved to Linden in November to help care for La Rossa and Lopezs 84-year-old mother. Lopez was driving to Modesto on Tuesday afternoon to drop Clara off with her son-in-law, Michael Howells, when her Toyota SUV was hit by the oncoming car. Lopez was retired after working for the state as an agriculture inspector. Her survivors include daughters Crystal Marshall of San Andreas and Amanda Howells and her husband, Michael, of Turlock, as well as Marshalls three children. My mom tells you like it was even if you didnt want to hear it, Amanda Howells said. But she cared for people. Case in point, she was watching Clara for us. Clara was always happy with her. ... My mom was my best friend, and Clara was my future best friend. She was just the happiest baby. She was just the best baby. Everyone who interacted with her loved her. Modesto students encounter FAFSA glitches & fewer are applying. Whats that mean for aid? A congressional effort to make submitting the FAFSA easier for students hasnt worked out well for many seeking the financial aid and may lead to fewer students attending college in the fall. Passed in 2020, the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act required the U.S. Department of Education to make changes to FAFSA by Jan. 1, 2024. But glitches have limited access to the forms, resulting in fewer submissions by students in Modesto and across the nation. The National College Attainment Network found a 30.2% drop of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) submissions for Modesto City Schools. The report also found that nationwide, the high school class of 2024 has a 27.1% drop of submissions compared to the class of 2023. The network has information on FAFSA submissions tracked in weekly updates from when the application period opened Oct. 1 through the week ending March 29. The deadline for Californias FAFSA and other student aid from the state has been extended a month, from April 2 to the new deadline of May 2 for students attending a four-year university, according to the California Student Aid Commission. California students attending community college have until Sept. 2 with the new deadline to submit their application. The FAFSA is an application for federal aid to help students attend higher education or career schools. Students need to complete the application to apply for federal grants, work-study funds and student loans. In addition, many states and colleges use FAFSA information to determine student eligibility for state and school scholarships and loans. Some private aid providers may use FAFSA information to determine if a student qualifies. Federal Student Aid office announced three weeks ago that its system didnt include all data fields to correctly calculate aid based on the assets students reported, requiring their applications to be rejected. All Modesto City Schools high schools, except for Robert Elliott Alternative Education Center, have seen a decrease in submissions compared to last year. Sharokina Shams, the public information officer at Modesto City Schools, said the drop in the number of FAFSA form being successfully submitted from Oct 1 is due to application processing issues by the Federal Student Aid Office. Its a nationwide problem, unfortunately impacting hundreds of thousands of students currently applying for college financial aid, she said. This includes a delayed start compared to last year in terms of when students could even access the website. Previously, the district has hosted FAFSA nights and other informational presentations when applications opened in October, but did not host it that month due to the problems with the FAFSA system. The district adjusted by holding these informational sessions during class periods and lunch periods throughout the rest of the year. Downey High School has 156 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, while 281 applied last year a 44.5% drop. Beyer High has 128 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, compared to 219 last year a 41.6% drop. Davis High has 138 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, while 237 applied last year a 41.8% drop. Enochs has 300 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, down from 366 last year an 18% drop. At Gregori High, 221 students submitted the FAFSA this year, compared to 250 last year an 11.6% drop. Modesto High School has 187 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, while 276 applied last year a 32.2% drop Johansen High School has 118 students who submitted the FAFSA this year, compared to 163 last year a 27.6% drop. And Elliott Alternative has nine students who submitted the FAFSA this year, up from eight last year a 12.5% increase. Those looking for help to fill out their FAFSA can attend by registering for the Statewide Cash for College Webinars. Remaining available sessions will be held April 15, April 18, April 24, April 25 and May 1st before the application submission deadline. What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. Having said that, from a first glance at Unimech Group Berhad (KLSE:UNIMECH) 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? For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. To calculate this metric for Unimech Group Berhad, this is the formula: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.11 = RM48m (RM538m - RM111m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). Therefore, Unimech Group Berhad has an ROCE of 11%. That's a relatively normal return on capital, and it's around the 9.4% generated by the Machinery industry. Check out our latest analysis for Unimech Group Berhad roce Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for Unimech Group Berhad's ROCE against it's prior returns. If you'd like to look at how Unimech Group Berhad has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of Unimech Group Berhad's past earnings, revenue and cash flow. What Can We Tell From Unimech Group Berhad's ROCE Trend? When we looked at the ROCE trend at Unimech Group Berhad, we didn't gain much confidence. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 11% from 14% five years ago. Meanwhile, the business is utilizing more capital but this hasn't moved the needle much in terms of sales in the past 12 months, so this could reflect longer term investments. It may take some time before the company starts to see any change in earnings from these investments. On a side note, Unimech Group Berhad has done well to pay down its current liabilities to 21% of total assets. That could partly explain why the ROCE has dropped. What's more, this can reduce some aspects of risk to the business because now the company's suppliers or short-term creditors are funding less of its operations. Since the business is basically funding more of its operations with it's own money, you could argue this has made the business less efficient at generating ROCE. Story continues The Key Takeaway Bringing it all together, while we're somewhat encouraged by Unimech Group Berhad's reinvestment in its own business, we're aware that returns are shrinking. Since the stock has gained an impressive 80% over the last five years, investors must think there's better things to come. But if the trajectory of these underlying trends continue, we think the likelihood of it being a multi-bagger from here isn't high. If you want to continue researching Unimech Group Berhad, you might be interested to know about the 2 warning signs that our analysis has discovered. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. 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. I just knew something was wrong, the mother of two recalled while explaining the first symptoms of her massive heart attack fstop123 Stock image of woman in doctor's office. Jessica Charron had suspected something was awry with her health before the doctors informed her she was suffering from a widowmaker" massive heart attack. Beginning in July 2022, Charron, who was 40 at the time, was experiencing chills and tingling that traveled from her head and neck down her back and arms, reports TODAY.com. It got very intense, Charron told TODAY.com of the chills. Something was wrong. I just knew something was wrong, she explained. I felt like this is just not a normal chill not even a flu-like chill. It was different. It was more intense. Related: Mom Assumed Her Night Sweats Were a Symptom of Menopause But She Had Cancer The mother of two then headed to the emergency room for some answers. However, after she underwent testing, she received inconclusive results and still had no answers. I looked at the ER doctor and teared up, she explained, per TODAY.com. I was adamant that (something was) wrong and I was so scared they were going to send me home. An emergency room doctor then told Charron that she wouldnt be discharged until they figured out what she was suffering from. Although she wasnt sent home, her symptoms began to worsen; and she noted for TODAY.com that she began getting physically sick and that the discomfort was just unbearable. The later symptoms pushed the doctors to run another EKG, which concluded the 40-year-old woman was having a heart attack. I was young. I was healthy, she said. The biggest lesson learned for me is that heart disease doesnt really discriminate. (Charron's father suffered a fatal widowmaker heart attack months before her July 2020 symptoms. He died at 68, and like his daughter, he did not have earlier heart problems.) Getty Modern clean hospital ward stock image She then received a cardiac catheterization, which discovered that Charron had two small blockages and another 85% blockage in her left descending artery. A blockage in the left descending artery is often fatal if not immediately treated. Charron was later treated with a stent in her artery, which relieved the obstruction and returned blood flow to normal. However, the doctors did not operate on the other blockages at the time due to possible risks and concerns. Related: Woman Denied Mammogram at Age 30 Reveals Second Breast Cancer Diagnosis: 'Trying to Stay Positive' A month later, she began to experience some strange episodes, believing they were heart-related. She returned to her cardiologist, who ran more EKGs and tests. This led to another heart catheterization, which discovered restenosis that caused a 95% blockage. According to the Cleveland Clinic, restenosis occurs after a patients artery becomes blocked after they receive a stent. Five months after her initial symptoms, the mother of two underwent triple bypass surgery. Since her 2020 bypass surgery, the mother of two has not suffered any additional heart problems. She continues to take her necessary medication and schedule appointments with her cardiologist. Anchalee Phanmaha / Getty Images Stock image of a doctor checking patient's heart with stethoscope at a hospital 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. Dr. Laura Mauri, the chief scientific, medical and regulatory officer at Medtronic, said that heart disease is the number one cause of death in women. Not everybody experiences the same symptoms whether youre a man or a woman, Mauri told TODAY.com. Dr. Mauri shared that people who suffer from chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, back, or arm, and excessive sweating should call 9-1-1. She explained that the symptoms can be life-threatening, but EMS can provide early treatment that actually saves lives before a patient arrives at the emergency room. The good news is that in many cases if a heart attack is detected early the treatment can be pretty quick and not lead to a long hospitalization and lead to a full recovery, added Dr. Mauri. Charron is among the advocates for Her Fate, a "female heart recovery advocacy group" that seeks to raise awareness of heart disease in women. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Mom leaves baby in car seat for 13 hours, leading to his death, Indiana officials say An Indiana mother is accused of leaving her newborn baby in his car seat for 13 hours, leading to his death, officials say. On March 3, police and EMS personnel responded to a call about an unresponsive infant, Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said in a Facebook post on April 10. Despite lifesaving measures, the infant was determined to have died, according to Deddens. The baby was 9 days old, according to WXIX, citing court records. An investigation into the babys death determined he was dead for an extended period of time prior to the arrival of first responders, Deddens said. Officials said the baby was in the care of his mother, 22-year-old Raeleigh Phillips, of Patriot, Indiana, at the time of his death. Phillips claimed she had fallen asleep and then found her infant son slouched in the car seat, Deddens said. Investigators believe the baby was in his car seat for approximately 13 hours and had not been fed in 14 hours, according to officials. An autopsy determined the babys probable cause of death was positional asphyxia. Phillips was arrested April 9 and charged with reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent resulting in death, court records show. Her bond was set at $200,000, Deddens said. McClatchy News reached out Phillipss attorney April 11 for comment but did not immediately hear back. Patriot is along the Indiana-Kentucky border and is about a 50-mile drive southwest from Cincinnati, Ohio. What is positional asphyxia? Positional asphyxia happens when a babys body blocks their airway, like when a babys head is slumped over or a babys chin is pressing into their chest, according to researchers at Oklahoma State University. Because newborns and young infants are unable to move on their own or reposition themselves when theyre unable to breathe, they are at high risk of dying from positional asphyxia, researches say. Ill-fitting car seats and loose car seat straps can cause a baby to slump over, putting them at risk for positional asphyxia. Car seats are not designed for safe sleeping or for unsupervised awake time, researchers say. NEVER leave a child unattended. 2-week-old dies after mom falls asleep while breastfeeding, cops say. I did it again Toddler left alone dies while mom is on 10-day vacation, officials say. Mother sentenced Mushroom hunter found boys body in suitcase in woods, IN cops say. Mom now arrested Sarm Heslop disappeared on a foreign island in 2021. Her boyfriends alleged actions in the aftermath only deepened her familys fears of foul play findsarm; Getty Sarm Heslop Missing Poster (L); St. John Island (R) It was March 2022, and Brenda Street was getting increasingly frustrated during her trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to find out what happened to her daughter, Sarm Heslop, who had been missing for a year. Heslop, a 41-year-old flight attendant from Hertfordshire, England, was last seen in March 2021, within weeks of arriving in St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands to be with her new boyfriend Ryan Bane, who operated high-end cruises on his yacht, the Siren Song. The two had met on Tinder in June 2020 in Grenada and, after Heslop briefly left for Malta in the Fall, Bane asked that she return to be with him. Courtesy Kate Owen Sarm Heslop, left, and Ryan Bane "I think she was starting to fall in love with him for sure. She loved to send photos of their adventures together," says Kate Vernalls, Heslop's best friend. "I think she was excited as to what the future is going to hold," says Vernalls. "They're almost in paradise, aren't they?" But things took a turn when Street received a call in the U.K. from Bane on March 8, 2021, claiming Heslop disappeared from his catamaran in the middle of the night. She has not been seen since. What started off as an adventure in paradise for Heslop has now become a three-year-long agonizing mystery for her friends and family. Soon after her disappearance, they began suspecting foul play, their concerns only deepening when they heard Bane allegedly refused to let local authorities into his yacht during their search for Heslop, according to a coast guard report reviewed by PEOPLE. (Bane's lawyer David Cattie says allegations that he did not let authorities into the yacht are "categorically false"). David Johnston, a private investigator working pro-bono for Heslops family, claims he has heard through his sources on the ground that Bane has since made several changes on his yacht, including allegedly refitting the freezer, fueling Johnston and Heslop's family's suspicion that Bane may have had a role in Heslops disappearance. Bane has never been charged in connection with the case. Sarm Heslop While Street feels Bane has some questions to answer, she also maintains that the island police had failed to conduct a thorough investigation - including interviewing him. "They've not done their job as police officers and they certainly haven't done their job as human beings," says Street. A series of suspicious activities on the island following her disappearance has only added to Street's concerns. Following Heslop's disappearance, locals on the island had put up MISSING posters around the island. One day, Street claims to have received a photo showing someone had scribbled out the name of Banes yacht from a poster. During her visit, Street had a strange interaction with a local shop owner, she says. The shop-owner was eagerly chatting with Street until she learned why Street was visiting. Whereas the lady had been really friendly, Street recalls, its like she clammed up and wouldnt say anything. Authorities in St. John told PEOPLE an investigation is ongoing but did not provide further information. Oakland County Sheriff/MEGA Ryan Bane Street wasn't always suspicious of Bane. During the initial stage of the investigation, she "gave him the benefit of the doubt," she says. That changed, she says, after she learned more about him. Soon after Heslop's disappearance, she tried to contact Bane but claims her messages did not go through, which made her suspect he had blocked her. Cattie says he is unaware of Bane blocking any numbers. After Heslop's story got out, Bane's ex-wife Corie Stevenson came forward alleging abuse during their marriage that she said had left her fearing for her life. He was convicted in that domestic battery case and sentenced to 31 days, according to court records reviewed by PEOPLE. Stevenson immediately called the U.S. Virgin Islands police to tell them they should investigate Bane but, she contends, the police did not take her seriously. Sarm Heslop While Heslop's friends and family continue their search, they do worry they may not find her alive. "[Her] mom and dad have reluctantly come to the conclusion the Sarm is probably dead and [was] murdered by somebody," says Johnston. "So a significant change really from 'Find Sarm' to 'Justice for Sarm.'" While they search for justice, Heslop's friends and family continue with activities that honor her memory. Her parents dedicated a bench in her name at a waterfront near where Heslop lived in Southhampton. Her friends gather for her birthday or on the anniversary of her disappearance to share stories and her favorite food. 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. Vernalls says if she hadn't gone missing, Heslop would probably continue her journey into the next adventure. "She just would've done anything to continue traveling and she was fine with that," Vernalls says. "It didn't put any fear in her to go to new places." If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Kyle Severson (Photo via Montana Department of Corrections). Kyle Severson shot Tyler Hayden outside a Sidney convenience story on July 2, 2019. A jury convicted him of mitigated deliberate homicide and a judge sentenced him to 40 years in prison. But even the judge noted the prosecutors handling of the case had been a disaster, and appellate attorneys for Severson claimed that prosecutors withheld evidence that later showed Severson had feared Hayden, and that just the day before Hayden had pulled a gun on another person. Because of the way evidence was handled and how former Richland County Attorney Janet Christoffersen had prosecuted the case, the Montana Supreme Court reversed the conviction unanimously and will send the case back for a new trial. The court was persuaded that Christoffersen intentionally hid evidence that was likely to have made a difference at Seversons trial. Furthermore, they said the missteps made by Christoffersen were so egregious as to constitute misconduct. The misconduct again contributes to the courts consideration of cumulative error, the opinion, written by Justice Beth Baker, said. The prosecutors misconduct likewise goes directly to the credibility of the witnesses at trialThe District Court described this trial as a disaster. Given the string of missteps and errors in the case, namely the prosecutors implicit suggestion to the jury through improper questioning that Severson and (his girlfriend) were drug dealers and the states failure to disclose the burglary information all going to the essential issue of witness credibility we conclude this is the rare case in which the cumulative effect of the errors has prejudiced the defendants right to a fair trial. Christoffersen, who left her role as the Richland County Attorney, and then had a tumultuous relationship serving as the Roosevelt County Attorney, is now running for district court judge in Roosevelt County. The case centers on the relationship between Severson and Hayden. Severson had claimed that he was frightened of Hayden who had acted violently toward him. Severson admitted he shot Hayden quickly, but was acting out of self-defense because his girlfriend and child were stopped by Hayden at the convenience store. Later that night, Seversons home was burglarized by people associated by Hayden, including his girlfriend at the time. The court found that Christoffersen had suppressed or buried evidence that could have swayed the jury. Those included text messages of Hayden threatening others and pulling a gun on another man the day before the confrontation with Severson. His attorneys argue that the jury could have seen that Severson had reason to fear Hayden. It is not enough that a criminal defendant show that the state possessed favorable evidence, he must also show the government suppressed the evidence, the opinion said. Although the state is under no affirmative obligation to take initiative or even assist the defendant with procuring exculpatory evidence, neither may the state impede the defenses gathering of relevant evidence through the employment of rules and regulations. Furthermore, the court found that the Richland County Attorneys Office had repeatedly thwarted inquiries about the burglary that happened at Seversons residence the night of the shooting, where people, including Haydens girlfriend, stole property, raising questions about whether violence against Severson was planned. The information connecting the burglary to the shooting had the potential to lead directly to the discovery of other exculpatory evidence, said the Supreme Courts decision. Seversons defense rested primarily on his claim that he was afraid for his and his familys safety when he shot Hayden. Key to that claim was Seversons state of mind when he shot Hayden and whether the jury found his testimony credible. At a minimum, had the defense been aware of an altercation between Hayden and Brown just a day earlier, Severson would have had the opportunity to interview Brown about the incident, about the type of gun Hayden brandished, and about Haydens reputation for violence. On appeal, attorneys in the case argued that Seversons constitutional rights had been violated because of Brady violations a term used to identify when prosecutors dont disclose evidence from the defense that could be used to exonerate a defendant or reduce the charges. The record demonstrates that the state consistently resisted Seversons effort to access the requested information, the court ruling said. Both times, Severson sought to compel the burglary reports, the state objected, claiming that no information in the reports was relevant to the shooting. It also is clear that whether by design or by oversight, the states failure to investigate the phone, dubious claims of irrelevance, and employment of procedural excuses amounted to suppression of favorable evidence in violation of the states duties under Brady. The Office of the Public Defender in Montana appointed appellate Michael Marchesini to the case for Severson. He said its rare to bring a case based on a Brady violation because of the requirement that attorneys must prove that a mistake likely made a difference in the outcome, but this case, seemed different. On a gut instinct it seemed fundamentally unfair from the first time I reviewed it, Marchesini said. It stood out to me that this was a Brady issue. They never discovered the evidence until after Severson was convicted. That evidence had been sitting on a cell phone of one of Haydens associates who described on social media some of the things they had done together, including pulling a gun on a man who was not part of the case. We got evidence after the sentencing that would have really helped Kyle, Marchesini said. The record didnt tell his story. A jury convicted Severson of mitigated deliberate homicide and the district court judge Olivia Rieger sentenced him to 40 years in prison. The Supreme Court will send the case back to Richland County for a new trial. Richland County Attorney Charity McLarty told the Daily Montanan on Wednesday that her office was planning to retry the case. She declined to comment on whether her office would try Severson on the same charges. Currently, Severson is also serving an eight-year concurrent sentence in the Montana Department of Corrections for witness tampering related to the case. That portion of the case was not appealed. Marchesini told the Daily Montanan one of three options are that the case heads back to Sidney where it will be tried again; there could be a plea deal; or the prosecutor could decide to drop the charges. This was a complex case with dense legal issues, Marchesini said. I really think the Supreme Court heard our argument and understood it, then offered a thought analysis. Severson verdict overturned The post Montana Supreme Court overturns homicide conviction as new evidence comes to light appeared first on Daily Montanan. More trucks are getting into Gaza, but delays at border are hindering distribution Long processing delays of trucks entering Gaza are creating a backlog of humanitarian aid in the enclave, thwarting the distribution of food and medical aid to more than 2.2 million people, aid workers say. Since Sunday, about 400 assistance-carrying trucks a day have entered the enclave from Egypt, the largest number since Israel began its counteroffensive against Hamas in October, according to Israeli government figures. But aid groups are still having difficulty accessing that aid, which is pooled in a restricted area on the Gazan side of the border overseen by Israel for vetting. Humanitarian organizations have to load that aid onto other trucks and can retrieve the cargo only at certain times of the day, according to four aid workers whose organizations work in Gaza. While distributing humanitarian aid is difficult in any war zone, the aid workers, who were granted anonymity because they feared retribution by Israel, said Israels bureaucratic processing and rules around access are creating particularly large delays in Gaza. Israel has fired back at the aid groups allegations, saying the U.N. does not have the capacity to distribute all of the aid it has let through the border. Whatever the reason for the long delays, it could take weeks, maybe months, for the aid to reach all those who need it, including those in the northern part of the enclave who are still largely blocked off from aid delivery networks. U.S. officials are also highlighting issues with aid actually reaching people in need in Gaza. There have been important steps made in the last few days. But there are still really profound access issues, U.S. Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power said in a Senate hearing Wednesday, noting that Israel still has not fully opened the northern Erez border crossing to international humanitarian organizations. The chaotic situation comes after President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week that the U.S. would have to reconsider its support of Israel if it did not immediately and significantly increase humanitarian aid access in Gaza. After that call, Israel expanded access to humanitarian groups and commercial companies at multiple border crossings. But aid-delivery statistics compiled by Israel, and then cited by the Biden administration, mask the increasingly complicated situation on the ground, the aid workers said. The official number of trucks that have crossed the border according to Israels Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories agency doesnt take into account the logjam that has much cargo sitting in the restricted zone inaccessible to aid groups. We have around four hours in the morning, on a good day, and maybe two hours or so in the afternoon to collect all the cargo, said Jenny Baez, the emergency response coordinator for UNRWA, the U.N. arm working in Gaza. The Israeli side can have uninterrupted operations which can easily record higher numbers. One U.S. official, who was granted anonymity to talk about sensitive aid discussions, said the administration was aware of the need to solve the logistical issues compounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Were working through them, the official said, but its not easy. Aid workers and two other U.S. officials, granted anonymity to detail a sensitive process, say the accounting mechanism is complicated and not uniform, which leads to competing narratives about just how much aid gets into Gaza. Aid workers argue Israels count of the number of trucks arriving from Egypt is misleading because it doesnt note that those trucks are particularly small, about half as large as the standard trailer truck that aid organizations, including UNRWA, are using to pick up aid. Theres also confusion about whether theres an undercounting of aid, because the U.N. counts pallets of aid and Israels COGAT counts metric tons. The U.N. doesnt have a scale on the Gaza side of the border crossing to weigh the aid, Baez said. In a statement, COGAT blamed any slowdown or discrepancy in numbers on the U.N.s logistical distribution difficulties. All four aid workers insist not much has changed materially in Gaza since Sunday when Israel opened additional crossings in terms of aid access and distribution. Were still having problems getting access to the aid, one of the aid workers said. And some of the crossings, including Erez, arent fully open to aid groups. The people who need this food the most are those living in the north. Two rescuers are seen by a burnt-out car after a Russian precision-guided munition hit civil infrastructure, Kharkiv, northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa Power infrastructure in the Ukrainian regions of Kharkiv, Lviv, Kiev and Zaporizhzhya was hit in renewed heavy Russian missile strikes overnight, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said on Facebook on Thursday. The country's largest electricity producer, DTEK, said on Telegram that two of its thermal power plants had been damaged. In Kiev, a fire broke out at a critical infrastructure facility in the outskirts of the capital. "Tonight the area was massively attacked with kamikaze drones and missiles," the head of administration of the Kiev region, Ruslan Kravchenko, said on Telegram. "The air alert lasted more than five hours." At least 10 infrastructure facilities in and around the particularly vulnerable eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv near the Russian border were attacked with missiles, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. There was initially no precise information on the damage and possible victims available by Thursday morning. According to the Ukrainian air force, Russia deployed several of its Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. Of 40 attacking Iranian-made Shahed combat drones, 37 were intercepted. Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion for more than two years. Moscow has repeatedly attempted to paralyse the country's energy supply with airstrikes far into the Ukrainian hinterland. CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. (WFXR)National Nonprofit Petco Love is distributing $10,000 in grant investment money to Mountain View Humane in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Virginia. The investment is part of $1.5 million in grants recently announced by Petco Love for more than 100 spay/neuter clinics and other low-cost veterinary care providers to help increase access to veterinary care for pets in their communities. The investments are also being granted to reduce economic euthanasia, and the surrender of pets to shelters when families are not able to afford needed veterinary treatment. Petco Love knows pets are family and we strive to take care of them the best we can, though the reality is not everyone has equal access to veterinary care as many pet parents face difficult financial times, said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. Thats why we are proud to support our partner animal welfare organizations in providing helpful services in their communities, so we can keep pets and their families together. Turkey Season Success! Watch These Videos to Find Out How! The mission of Mountain View Humane is to be a community resource that provides high-quality, affordable spay/neuter and pet wellness services in Southwestern Virginia. Since its inception, Mountain View Humane has performed nearly 100,000 spay/neuter surgeries and has become a critical cornerstone in the animal welfare community that saves hundreds of lives every year of both companion pets and community animals. Petco Loves investment will provide 150 high-quality, affordable spay/neuter surgeries for pets and 125 wellness vaccines at Mountain View Humanes Christiansburg, Virginia, clinic, said Laurie Gibbons, Executive Director of Mission Delivery with Mountain View Humane. Petco Loves investment in our community will allow us to offer reduced rates to families struggling to provide healthcare for their pets, empowering them to afford lifesaving services for their pets in need. This will help eliminate pet overpopulation. Mountain View Humane is honored to be a part of the Petco Love family of partners and looks forward to impacting the lives of hundreds of pets in southwest Virginia. For more information on Mountain View Humane, visit their website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. A Mississippi Coast man who used a rifle in a killing outside of a Gulfport restaurant in 2021 has pleaded guilty and will spend more than two decades in prison, the Harrison County District Attorneys office announced Thursday. Terrence Courtney Dwight Hayes Jr., of Gulfport, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, District Attorney Crosby Parker said in a press release. Hayes will spend 28 years in prison after Circuit Judge Christopher Schmidt sentenced him to 40 years and suspended 12. Hayes, who was 19 at the time of the shooting, pleaded guilty to killing 26-year-old Raheem Ramsey. Ramsey died in the parking lot of the South China restaurant on Courthouse Road after being shot with an assault rifle, police Sgt. Jason Ducre said in a press release at the time. Gulfport Police rushed to the scene after a 911 call and found Ramsey suffering multiple gunshot wounds in his car, which had crashed into trees behind the restaurant, according to the District Attorneys office. Hayes fled the scene, but an employee gave police his car tag, the release said. During his plea hearing, Hayes told the court Ramsey followed him into the restaurant and flashed a gun, according to the release. The two men argued outside the restaurant, and Hayes grabbed a rifle from his car, the release said. Hayes said Ramsey then pointed a gun at him while he backed out of a parking space. Hayes fired at Ramseys car and hit Ramsey several times, the release said. In court, Hayes told the judge he had an assault rifle because Ramsey kept pulling up on him, according to the release. Hayes father apologized to Ramseys family, the release said. The judge admonished the killing. You personally are another example of the young men who dont have the temperament to control their emotions, Schmidt said in the release, and when you have a gun in your hand, your emotions flow through your finger and it inserts bullets into other peoples bodies. HARTFORD, Mich. (WOOD) Investigators say they found illegal drugs and guns while executing search warrants Wednesday in Van Buren and Berrien counties. Detectives with the Southwest Enforcement Team, a multiagency drug task force, searched a home in Hartford, according to a release from the Michigan State Police. There, they found delivery amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and crack cocaine, according to the release. Investigators also found an illegal gun and evidence of illegal drug sales. Troopers say a 36-year-old Hartford man was arrested and faces charges of possession with intent to deliver, maintaining a drug house, felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. After searching the Hartford home, detectives say they learned information that sent them to a home in Watervliet. Detectives executed a second search warrant that day and found crack cocaine, a gun and evidence of drug distribution, according to MSP. Investigators say they are pursuing a variety of gun and drug charges against a 35-year-old woman. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. LOS ANGELES (AP) Federal fishery managers voted Wednesday to cancel all commercial and recreational salmon fishing off the coast of California for the second year in a row, and only the fourth time in state history, because of dwindling stocks. The unanimous vote by the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the authority responsible for setting Pacific salmon seasons, is a blow to the state fishing industry that supports tens of thousands of jobs and is still reeling from last year's shutdown. Salmon fishing was also closed in California during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Like 2023, this years decision was made in order to protect Californias waning salmon populations after drought and water diversions resulted in river flows that are too warm and slow for the states Chinook salmon to flourish. A February report by the fishery council found that in 2023 just over 6,100 fall-run Chinook, often known as king salmon, returned to the upper Sacramento River to spawn. The average between 1996 and 2005 was more than 175,000 fish. For the time being the ban affects commercial and recreational ocean fishing. However the council has recommended that the California Fish and Game Commission consider barring river fishing as well. The state agency is expected to vote in the coming weeks. The salmon population faces a number of challenges including river water temperatures rising with warm weather and a Trump-era rollback of federal protections for waterways that allowed more water to be diverted to farms. Climate change, meanwhile, threatens food sources for the young Chinook maturing in the Pacific. Scott Artis, executive director of Golden State Salmon Association, said state water policy under Gov. Gavin Newsom has resulted in dangerously low river flows, unsustainable water diversions out of our rivers, record high water temperatures because of dam operations and record numbers of salmon eggs and juveniles killed in our streams. Our water, our natural resources, the resources every Californian and the entire salmon industry rely on, are being stolen on Governor Newsoms watch, Artis said in a statement Wednesday after the council's decision. The governors office didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the closure. Much of the salmon caught in the ocean originate in Californias Klamath and Sacramento rivers. After hatching in freshwater, they spend three years on average maturing in the Pacific, where many are snagged by commercial fishermen, before migrating back to their spawning grounds, where conditions are more ideal to give birth. After laying eggs, they die. Californias spring-run Chinook are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, while winter-run Chinook are endangered along with the Central California Coast coho salmon, which has been off-limits to California commercial fishers since the 1990s. Someone in Germany was so confident in their artistic abilities, they went ahead and installed one of their paintings in a museumwithout anyone else knowing. A man in Munich is accused of illicitly hanging a painting in the Pinakothek der Moderne, The New York Times reported on Wednesday. The 51-year-old was an employee of the museum, and he hung his work on the modern-art floor while assisting in the installation of an exhibit on philanthropy. More from Robb Report He was carrying tools, thats why he went totally unnoticed, Tine Nehler, a spokesperson for the museum, told the Times. As a technician, he was able to move around all areas of the building outside of opening hours. Little more is known about the man, as the museum declined to share his identity and his artistic background. It did say, however, that his painting was about 45 inches wide by 25 inches long, The New York Times noted. Its unclear how long the painting was hanging in the museum before it was noticed and removed. The employee had been well respected within the museum, but he and the Pinakothek der Moderne agreed to part ways, the Times said, and hes been prohibited from visiting the institution in the future. Additionally, police told the newspaper that they may charge the man with property damage, because he drilled two holes into the wall to display his painting. Strangely enough, this isnt the first time such an incident has occurredand its not even the first time in Germany. In October, a museum in Bonn discovered that someone had put up their own artwork in an exhibit about identity and immigration. However, that museum decided to play into the stunt: The Bundeskunsthalle posted the painting on its Instagram, named the artist, and helped put it up for sale, The New York Times wrote. It was eventually bought for about $4,000, which the artist gave to charity. The anonymous artist in Munich doesnt seem to be receiving the same sort of assistance from the Pinakothek der Moderne. The museumwhich has one of Germanys largest collections, with more than 20,000 worksdisplays pieces by artists such as Pablo Picasso and Max Beckmann. At least for a little while, the unknown painter shared a wall with the greats. 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. Elon Musk said Thursday that the House has launched an inquiry into his companys work in Brazil after the tech mogul claimed he refused to comply with illegal demands from Brazilian leaders that he ban members of parliament and journalists from his social media platform X. Musk announced Wednesday that X has received an inquiry from the U.S. House of Representatives regarding actions taken in Brazil that were in violation of Brazilian law. He clarified that the company was asked to suspend sitting members of the Brazilian parliament and many journalists by the countrys judiciary. It is unclear which House committee or member reached out to X over the conflict. Brazil Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes opened an inquiry into Musk on Sunday after he said he would reactivate accounts on X that the judge had ordered blocked. De Moraes, whom Musk called a dictator in a later post, said the company would be fined about $20,000 per day if it does not comply with his order. Musk, a self-described free speech absolutist, opposed de Moraess initial order to ban accounts but complied with the demands. The companys government affairs account posted last week that the order to suspend accounts was vague and did not include proper explanation. The tech billionaire later decided to go back on the order, allowing the accounts back on the platform earlier this week. This judge has applied massive fines, threatened to arrest our employees and cut off access to X in Brazil, Musk posted last week. 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 also turned on de Moraes himself, demanding his resignation. This judge has brazenly and repeatedly betrayed the constitution and people of Brazil, he wrote. He should resign or be impeached. De Moraess actions against X are part of a sweeping investigation against fake news in Brazil. Since 2019, de Moraess anti-disinformation investigations have resulted in Telegram being ordered to shutter in the country and expanded powers for tech companies to remove fake news surrounding elections, under threat of suspension. He is the same judge who ordered an investigation into former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and his role in post-election riots last year that drew comparisons to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots. He has also jailed some Bolsonaro supporters for what he described as attacks on the countrys democracy. Brazilian Attorney General Jorge Messias backed de Moraes in a post on X on Saturday, saying it is urgent that Brazil regulate social media platforms. 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 wrote in Portuguese. Social peace is non-negotiable. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. An attack on Israel by Iran seems imminent. President Biden says his support is ironclad and that the US would do all it can to protect Israel. Britain too has a clear responsibility to stand alongside Washington and Jerusalem if Iran launches a significant attack. That means Lord Camerons words, We stand up for Israels right to self-defence, need to become more than mere platitudes and the UK should be ready to take direct military action against Iran. Why should we get involved? The conflict in the Middle East is Irans war. Its proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and the West Bank have all been targeting Israel since October 7. Tehran has only been able to bring that about as a result of US and British weakness. Trumps maximum pressure policy to contain Iranian aggression was displaced by Bidens knee-bending appeasement from the moment he took office. Desperate to coax the ayatollahs back to Obamas fundamentally flawed nuclear deal that Trump had abrogated, the White House did little to curb Iranian violence and instead unfroze billions of dollars in assets that could be used to fund terrorist proxies and the nuclear programme. On top of that, Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan, failure to adequately support Ukraine in the face of Russian invasion and his ideological show of distancing himself from the Netanyahu government made it clear to Khamanei that America would be unlikely to stand up for its allies. It amounted to a red rag to a bull. Where was Britain in all this? Waving our own red rag right beside Washingtons. And as Tehran repeatedly disrespected the nuclear deal, we, as one of the remaining parties to the agreement, failed to punish it. We happily maintained diplomatic relations with Tehran and have still refused to proscribe the regimes Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps despite the previous Home Secretary labelling it last year as the biggest threat to the UK. This strategic ineptitude by the US and Britain, as well as other Western countries, has contributed a great deal to the violence engulfing Israel today. Its important to understand that the latest threats from Iran follow the IDFs entirely legitimate air strike against an IRGC headquarters in Damascus that killed Iranian military commanders. Iran has several options for retaliation, including bombing Israeli embassies, launching missile and drone strikes from Lebanon deeper into Israel and unleashing a direct attack from Iranian territory. To counter that the IDF has a highly capable air defence system. This may be enhanced by additional US assets in the region. Despite that, here in Israel, where Im currently staying, the population is demonstrably apprehensive, especially given the possibility that precision strikes either from Lebanon or Iran could inflict far more significant casualties than have been sustained from the huge number of rockets they have faced so far. Israels defence minister, Yoav Gallant, says that any strike will be followed by a strong response on the territory of the attacker. That is of course absolutely vital. Timidity and restraint may feel more comfortable in the short term but failure to meet violence with even greater violence always encourages the aggressor, as we have seen repeatedly from Irans actions in the Middle East and beyond over many years. The endless hand-wringing and unjustified harsh rebukes against Jerusalem in recent weeks and days from both Washington and London serve only to embolden and even provoke Iran and Israels other enemies. Standing aside now, while our ally in the Middle East becomes increasingly isolated and embattled is against not just Israels interests but our own as well. It leaves the Arab countries that also fear Iran feeling exposed and vulnerable, ready to look elsewhere for protection. That means to Russia and China, both of which are watching how we respond in the Middle East with an eye on their territorial ambitions elsewhere. As well as our own culpability here, that is why, if Iran does attack Israel, both US and British forces should do whatever is needed to help them fight back. 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 Thai soldier looks out of an armored vehicle. Rebel groups in crisis-hit Myanmar have reportedly taken control of the important trading town of Myawaddy on the border with Thailand. Steven Note/dpa Rebel groups in crisis-hit Myanmar have reportedly taken control of the important trading town of Myawaddy on the border with Thailand. Early Thursday morning, a revolutionary alliance led by the armed wing of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) seized the last military garrison in the town, local media and eyewitnesses reported. "The situation is not very clear at the moment, but the KNLA forces have captured the last military post of Myawaddy and the soldiers are fleeing the camp," a member of the rebel alliance told dpa. It is difficult for the army to reinforce the troops in Myawaddy, as there is only one major access road which is monitored by rebels, he said. "It is therefore hardly possible for the military to recapture Myawaddy at the moment." The KNLA is the armed arm of the Karen National Union, the oldest insurgent group in the multi-ethnic state of Myanmar. It has been fighting for freedom for more than 70 years and has offered protection to many internally displaced persons since the coup in February 2021. "We have heard that the junta's soldiers are asking the Thai authorities to give them protection in Thailand," said a resident from Mae Sot on the Thai side. Bridges over the Moei River connect the two villages. The Thai army was deployed along the river with numerous armoured vehicles and reinforced security personnel. For Myanmar's generals, this is another heavy blow after losing a town on the border with China to rebels from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) just a few days ago. Myawaddy is considered one of the most important trading posts between the former Burma and Thailand. Many inhabitants have fled to Mae Sot in the neighbouring country. Thai Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara recently said that his country was ready to take in 100,000 refugees from Myanmar. Myanmar has been mired in chaos and violence since the overthrow of the democratically-elected government in February 2021. The military junta, which ousted and detained head of government Aung San Suu Kyi at the time, is coming under increasing pressure. The rebels had already inflicted heavy losses on the army in Myawaddy at the end of last week. Since Tuesday, there has been new fierce fighting. The military responded with airstrikes. FILE PHOTO: Thailand send hundreds of refugees back to Myanmar despite the continued fighting (Reuters) -About 200 Myanmar military personnel withdrew to a bridge to Thailand on Thursday after a days-long assault by the anti-junta resistance, which declared it had won control of the critical border town of Myawaddy, the latest in a string of rebel wins. Myanmar's military-run government is battling insurgencies on several fronts and has suffered a series of defeats in frontier areas since last October, when rebel groups launched a coordinated offensive near the Chinese border. The impoverished Southeast Asian nation has been in turmoil after the military deposed an elected civilian government in a 2021 coup, sparking a nationwide armed resistance that is now operating alongside some long-established ethnic rebel groups. "Today KNU-led joint resistance forces captured the remaining military base in Myawaddy," Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for Myanmar's National Unity Government, told Reuters. The body is a shadow administration of ousted lawmakers and anti-junta groups. "This is a crucial victory for our revolution since Myawaddy is an important border town for the junta, one of the main (sources of) income from border trade," he added. A spokesperson for the Myanmar junta did not respond to telephone calls to seek comment. The retreat of junta troops in Myawaddy, adjacent to the Thai town of Mae Sot, signals the potential loss of another key border trading outpost with direct highway access to parts of central Myanmar. On Thursday, about 200 fleeing Myanmar soldiers gathered at a border crossing into Thailand, said Saw Taw Nee, spokesperson for the Karen National Union (KNU), an anti-junta group leading the assault on Myawaddy. News outlet Khit Thit said Thai authorities were in talks with the soldiers to decide whether to grant them refuge. BORDER CROSSINGS The assault on Myawaddy began last week after the KNU said it had attacked a junta camp near the town, forcing some 500 security personnel to surrender, along with their families. The military has already lost control of areas along Myanmar's borders with Bangladesh, China and India, while suffering a significant loss of manpower that has pushed it to introduce a draft for the first time. "Next the resistance forces might go after major towns across Myanmar," said political analyst Than Soe Naing, adding that Myanmar's resistance forces control almost all border trading posts after the latest takeover in Myawaddy. Border crossings in the area were open for civilians who were arriving in Thailand from Myanmar in large numbers, said police official Borwornphop Soontornlekha, the immigration superintendent in Tak, the province where Mae Sot is located. "Usually there are about 2,000 people who cross into Mae Sot from Myawaddy each day but the last three days the number was almost 4,000 a day," Borwornphop told Reuters. Families with children were among the long queues at one border crossing near Mae Sot on Thursday, as Thai soldiers checked the bags and belongings of those going across. Thailand's military has stepped up security on its side of the border, using army vehicles equipped with roof-mounted machine guns. Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who earlier told Reuters the Myanmar junta was "losing strength" and pushed to open talks with the regime, said on Thursday the recent fighting should not spill into his country's airspace. Thailand remains neutral in the Myanmar conflict and is able to accept up to 100,000 people displaced by the turmoil, its foreign minister has said. At least 2,000 people have been displaced within Myanmar by the latest round of fighting between the rebels and the military, according to civil society group Karen Peace Support Network. (Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um in Bangkok and Reuters staff; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Kanupriya Kapoor) MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A Myrtle Beach hotel that was damaged by wind Thursday morning does not have a current business license and should not have been open, city spokesman Mark Kruea said. A section of the roof at the Summer Wind hotel at 1903 S. Ocean Boulevard collapsed, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down a section of S. Ocean Boulevard from 18th Ave. to 20th Ave. The hotels parking lot remained closed Thursday afternoon, but the road was reopened. News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence News13 photo / Adrianna Lawrence A few people who saw the roof come off said it happened around 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Aymen Ismeil works at the Palmsbythebeach motel across the street from Summer Wind. He told News13 he saw the roof loosen up as the wind got stronger. Boom, its falling over like a bunch of bananas, Ismeil said. Im like what the heck happened. Not even five minutes later, I see four fire trucks, five police cruisers and I see a whole lot more buildings like two county ambulances come over. One man staying at the motel who declined to go on camera says he and about four other people immediately evacuated, but he says everyone got out safe. Another woman who also declined to go on camera but works at one of the motels across the street says it sounded like firecrackers going off when the roof came off. She added it looked like repairs were being done on the roof for the past week. I look out, a lot of the firemen, they go upstairs and what I think they were doing was like cutting up the most side bits, Ismeil said. He said when roof came off, debris went everywhere. That one nearly hits the window but hits the ground again, Ismeil said. Which Im like well we got a lot of near hits. Im glad none of our property got hit because we wouldve been suing. Weve reached out to the Summer Wind motel but have not heard back. Authorities also closed another section of N. Ocean Boulevard between 25th and 26th avenues to pedestrian traffic Thursday morning after reports of damage at the Beverly Beach House. The owner told News13 Thursday afternoon that nothing from the building ended up on the street. He said a pool-like lining that covers the roof got loose in the wind and just needed to be nailed down. No other information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein Thursday ordered separate trials for Democratic New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez and wife, Nadine, due to her recent diagnosis of an undisclosed illness. They face bribery and obstruction charges. They are pictured leaving federal court in New York City after pleading not guilty Sept. 23, 2023. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI April 11 (UPI) -- Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine, will face separate trials in their indictment for bribery, obstruction and acting as a foreign agent. U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein Thursday ordered Nadine Menendez's case severed from her husband's due to what was said to be her medical issues. "This trial is going forward without Mrs. Menendez," the judge said. The nature of her illness was not disclosed. The medical issue was raised by Nadine Menendez on Wednesday when her lawyers asked the judge for an adjournment of the May 6 trial date over what they said was a recent diagnosis of a "serious medical condition." Prosecutors had opposed severing the trials, arguing that several of the charges against her and the senator overlapped. In addition to the medical issues, Nadine Menendez' motion to sever the trials said a joint trial would compromise her rights, too. Citing Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure, her sever motion said severance is warranted "if there is a serious risk that a joint trial would compromise a specific trial right of one of the defendants, or prevent the jury from making a reliable judgment about guilt or innocence." Her lawyers said in the legal filing that Bob Menendez may testify in the trial and they argued that would compromise his wife's rights. They said a joint trial will "undoubtedly prejudice Ms. Menendez's right to defend herself at a fair trial." "We understand that Senator Menendez may wish to testify at his own trial and that his testimony could include revealing confidential marital communications with Ms. Menendez that Senator Menendez deems essential and material to his defense," the sever motion said. "However, Ms. Menendez maintains her right to assert, and intends to assert, privilege as to her confidential marital communications." Her lawyers painted that as an irreconcilable conflict between husband and wife with respect to the admissibility of marital communications. Both Bob Menendez and his wife were indicted on three bribery charges. He also was charged with conspiracy for a public official to act as a foreign agent. The charges accuse them of getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes paid in cash, gold bullion and mortgage payments, among other things. The indictment alleges the senator was acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. Obstruction charges were added in a superceding indictment in March. Russia's large-scale attack against Ukraine early on April 11 targeted two of Ukraine's underground storage facilities (UGS), Ukraine's state-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz said. Russian forces launched over 80 missiles and drones against the country in the early hours of April 11, targeting the energy infrastructure. A gas facility was reportedly damaged in Lviv Oblast's Stryi district. Naftogaz said that all relevant services are dealing with the consequences of the attack, adding that no employee was injured. "The situation is under control of our specialists and all involved services," Naftogaz Group CEO Oleksii Chernyshov said, without elaborating on the full consequences of the attacks or the location of the facilities. Subscribe to the Newsletter Ukraine Business Roundup Subscribe The Kyiv Independent has reached out to the company for more details but has not received a response at the time of the publication. Ukraine has been encouraging foreign traders to store gas in its vast underground gas storage (UGS) facilities, the majority of which are located in western Ukraine. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukraine offered up to 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of storage to foreign traders. After initial hesitancy in the first year of the invasion, foreign traders returned in 2023 motivated by competitive storage tariffs and rented 2.5 bcm of storage space last year. The German state-owned natural gas trader SEFE recently also showed interest in storing natural gas in Ukraine again. Despite heavy Russian attacks, Ukraine went through the winter for the first time in history using only its own gas reserves. Chernyshov called it the "greatest moment in Ukraine's energy history" in an interview with the Kyiv Independent. Russia has recently targeted Naftogaz's facilities, including a gas storage facility in western Ukraine. Read also: Naftogaz CEO: Ukraine has to become an energy-independent state Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seedtag , the leading contextual advertising company, has appointed Kara Ullmann as Head of Political in the US. In her new role, Kara will be responsible for establishing Seedtag's go-to-market strategy, building key relationships, and leveraging the company's contextual AI capabilities to support political agencies and organizations in achieving their goals. Kara Ullmann, head of political at Seedtag Based in the D.C. region, Kara brings more than 15 years of experience in digital media, having worked with agencies and brands across various industries and markets, including the political category. She has been an active member of the American Association for Political Consultants (AAPC) and was recently honored to serve as a judge for the prestigious Pollie Awards. "Strengthening our leadership team with top industry talent has been a key part of our strategy. Kara brings a powerful combination of political and digital media expertise that will be crucial as we strive to deliver privacy-compliant targeting for political agencies, candidates, and causes through our contextual AI capabilities," said Brian Danzis, President of North America at Seedtag. "Kara's demonstrated track record, coupled with her expertise and recognition in the political sphere, arrives at a critical time. As we spearhead innovation, we aim to provide campaigns with unrivaled capabilities for meaningful voter engagement. I am convinced that her contributions will be pivotal in our ongoing success." Kara's appointment comes as Seedtag continues to innovate within the contextual advertising space, providing new ways for political campaigns to foster connections with voters. By leveraging Seedtag's AI platform, Liz, political advertisers can identify topics and keywords that resonate with key audiences, enabling them to craft compelling narratives and reach specific voters with greater relevance. "I'm thrilled to join Seedtag and empower candidates and causes with our custom AI contextual targeting across CTV and the open web. Instead of relying on cookie-based targeting, which may not capture a user's current political views, our "issue-based targeting" actively bridges the gap between advertisers and politically engaged individuals who have a strong interest in key issues. This is crucial in an election year when campaigns need to reach the persuadable voter," said Kara Ullmann, Head of Political at Seedtag US. "As political campaigns seek new ways to reach voters without the use of cookies, Seedtag's AI-driven contextual targeting brings tremendous value to advertisers, enabling them to engage audiences with personalization at scale." Story continues About Seedtag Seedtag is the leading Contextual Advertising Company that creates highly impactful and engaging digital ads within relevant premium content, powering targeting and returns for top publishers and the finest brands. The company's contextual AI, Liz, allows brands to engage with consumers within their universe of interest on a cookie-free basis. Seedtag was founded in Madrid in 2014 by two ex-googlers who wanted to get the most out of editorial images. Today, it is a global company with more than 500 employees and a significant international presence, with offices in Spain, France, Italy, the U.K., Benelux, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, UAE, Peru, Canada, the U.S., and India. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384693/Kara_Ullmann.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2276718/Seedtag_logo.jpg Seedtag logo (PRNewsfoto/Seedtag) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seedtag-appoints-kara-ullmann-to-lead-the-us-political-vertical-through-contextual-strategy-302114362.html SOURCE Seedtag Join us on Friday, April 12th, for an enlightening discussion with Lyndsay Amato, a seasoned Teaching Artist and First Nations Radio veteran. Amatao and Native News Online Publisher Levi Rickert will discuss the #BraidsforCole Movement and Amatos involvement. With more than 18 years of experience in education and 20 years in Northern Native Broadcasting Yukon, Amato brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. As a proud member of the Carcross Tagish First Nation, Amatoholds certificates with honors in Education Assistance and Early Learning and Child Care from Yukon University. Passionate about amplifying First Nation perspectives in community programs, Amato collaborates with various boards and committees in the arts and education sectors. She firmly believes that decolonizing our approaches within communities can pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come. Additionally, Amato runs workshops focusing on crucial topics such as land-based education, mental health, fostering healthy relationships, and media literacy. Tune in to Native Bidaske LIVE this Friday, April 12th at Noon ET on Native News Online's Facebook, X (Twitter), or YouTube channel. 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 Navalny to Take One Last Shot at Putin From Beyond the Grave A memoir written by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in the final years of his life will be published in the fall, according to a report. The work titled Patriot will be published by Knopf in the U.S. on Oct. 22, with a representative for the publishing house confirming to The New York Times that a Russian-language version of the book will also be available. Navalnys widow said the book serves as one last act of defiance following her husbands death in an Arctic penal colony in February. Alexei Navalnys Ex-Chief of Staff Attacked With Hammer Outside Home This book is a testament not only to Alekseis life, but to his unwavering commitment to the fight against dictatorshipa fight he gave everything for, including his life, Yulia Navalnaya said. Through its pages, readers will come to know the man I loved deeplya man of profound integrity and unyielding courage. Sharing his story will not only honor his memory but also inspire others to stand up for what is right and to never lose sight of the values that truly matter. Navalny started working on the memoir in 2020 as he recovered from an assassination attempt using the nerve agent Novichok. But he also continued working on the book after his arrest in 2021 and subsequent imprisonment. The finished work will include previously unseen prison correspondence, the publisher told the Times. The cause of Navalnys death at the age of 47 remains officially unexplained, though his allies say that his mother was shown a death certificate which claimed he died of natural causes. Ivan Zhdanov, the director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, announced Wednesday that Russian authorities have extended until April 20 the deadline for a preliminary probe into Navalnys death. 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. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Charles McClung treated our nations wounded during the Vietnam War. From soldiers returning from the front lines to veterans of Americas many conflicts, he still cares for veterans today through his association with the American Legion. McClungs father served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. Charles graduated from high school in Dayton, Ohio, in 1968, and a year and a half later, he was drafted. I was drafted in the Army, and I said I wanted to go to the Navy, said McClung. I went to the Navy because I heard that they had the best food. U.S. Army Huey Crew Chief retrieved damaged aircraft from the jungles of Vietnam McClung was sent to Naval Base Great Lakes for basic training. Thats also where he made the decision to become a medic. Because I wanted to save people. I wanted to help people, he said. He worked as an H.M., or Hospital Man, at the on-base hospital at Great Lakes. I got orders to go to Camp Pendleton. And while I was at Camp Pendleton, I went through Field Medical School, where they train you to be in combat and to be able to react as a corpsman in combat' explained McClung. I was lucky enough to end or terminate my enlistment before they sent my group to Vietnam. So, I got lucky. For nearly four years, McClung served as a Hospital Corpsman, first at Great Lakes in Chicago and then at the hospital at Camp Pendleton, California. I gave shots. I put IVs in them. I cleaned wounds, put bandages on them. Bedpans. Whatever else that was needed, he said. Towards the Tet Offensive, they had so many people coming back that there were people that had been wounded, and they were stabilized, and the other hospitals were so full of people that they sent them over to Great Lakes to finish up their treatment. McClung mentioned earlier his enlistment was terminated. While being tested for allergies, he was placed on medical leave and was on a bivouac. He returned with a back red with rashes. He was sent to a hospital in San Diego for more testing, and it was determined he had too many allergies to be sent overseas. So, he was medically discharged after serving for nearly four years. Now, he had to find his way in the civilian world. He returned to Dayton, Ohio. I worked around for a little bit. Then, I went to the University of Dayton and became an industrial engineer, and then went to work for Cessna, he said. McClung arrived in Wichita to go to work for Cessna in January 1983. He worked as an industrial engineer at Cessna for 19 and a half years until he was laid off in 2002. Then, he started his own soda and candy vendor business. That lasted nine years until he sold the business. About 10 years ago, McClung joined American Legion Post 4 in downtown Wichita. I became a road captain, and we did a lot of tours. We did a lot of flag lines, and the three years that I was road captain, it was very sad to see so many people who passed away early in their lives because of Agent Orange and detriments to the body because of their service, said McClung. McClung also raises money and collects items for the Legions annual Valentines Auction, which benefits local homeless veterans. Thats one of his passions. Another one is riding motorcycles Pratt native served two tours to Vietnam, jumped in the wars largest allied operation McClung has a pair of motorcycles in his garage. One is a black Triumph 900, and the other is a red Yamaha Venture Star TC. He is also passionate about the Cub Scouts. Hes a den leader, and hed like to talk to anyone who might be interested in becoming one. McClung is proud of his association with the American Legion and the Cub Scouts. Hes also very proud of the job he did while he was serving in the Navy all those years ago. If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, email KSN reporter Jason Lamb at jason.lamb@ksn.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. This article was originally published in Nebraska Examiner. LINCOLN After an emotional, four-hour debate that extended into Tuesday night, Nebraska lawmakers gave initial approval to a new plan to deliver state-funded scholarships to attend private schools. The vote was 31-12 to advance Legislative Bill 1402 from first-round debate, which came after the bare minimum, 33 senators, voted to halt a filibuster against the bill. Two senators, Myron Dorn of Adams and Teresa Ibach of Sumner, voted for cloture but were present and not voting on advancing the actual bill. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! While opponents of the bill called it unconstitutional and a way to block a public vote on school choice, advocates said students who struggle in public schools, especially those in low-income families, deserve the option of a private or parochial school through what amounts to a school voucher. Every child should have access to a high-quality education, not by chance, not by privilege, but by right, said State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha, a former member of the Omaha Public Schools Board. The main sponsor of LB 1402, Elkhorn Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, said students from low-income families, who get priority for the Opportunity Scholarships, dont have the same choice of switching to a private or parochial school as do children in a more affluent family. Why is it that we in the Legislature dont feel that kids should have a choice? Linehan said, pointing out that the $10 million cost of the bill is a tiny fraction of whats spent on public schools. Blatantly unconstitutional LB 1402 comes up for second-round debate on Wednesday. If it passes, it is expected to be challenged, either by a referendum to put it on the fall ballot or by a legal challenge that it violates the State Constitutions ban on the appropriation of public funds to non-public schools. Lincoln Sen. George Dungan said LB 1402 is more constitutionally suspect than the Opportunity Scholarship Act passed by the Legislature a year ago. Last years law allowed taxpayers to earmark up to half of their state income tax liability to scholarship granting organizations that then handed out grants to children to attend private or parochial schools, thus likely not a direct appropriation. This is blatantly a (state) appropriation, Dungan, an attorney, said of the new bill. Linehan disputed that, citing a 1984 ruling by the Nebraska Supreme Court that upheld a state program that granted scholarships to students who could then choose to attend a public or private college. Straw man argument The straw man argument that this is unconstitutional doesnt hold water, said Dunbar Sen. Julie Slama, who is also a lawyer. But Dungan, as well as Omaha Sen. Wendy DeBoer, disagreed, saying the money doled out by LB 1402 unlike the scholarship funds of 1984 can only be used for private education. Passage of LB 1402 would nullify a referendum petition drive led by the state teachers union that gathered more than 117,000 signatures to place last years bill on this years November ballot. Just how passage of this years bill would play out whether it would lead to the removal of the referendum from the ballot, for instance has not yet been determined. The head of the Nebraska State Education Association called Tuesdays vote a slap in the face to those who signed the petition so that voters would have the final say on school choice. It is deeply troubling that Sen. Lou Ann Linehan and her out-of-state billionaires continue to try to deny Nebraskans right to vote on this issue, said Jenni Benson, president of the NSEA and a leader in Support Our Schools, which organized the referendum. The petition drive was hotly contested, with competing claims of improper tactics to collect signatures and block people from signing. More than $2 million was spent to collect signatures and employ blockers to discourage signers. A group financially backed by charter school proponent Betsy DeVos, a former official in the Trump administration and member of a billionaire family, was a major funder of the school choice forces. A year ago, the State Legislatures passage of the Opportunity Scholarship Act ended Nebraskas status as one of only two states that didnt offer some type of school choice. North Dakota is the other state. 1,000 scholarships expected Under that law, more than 1,000 students are expected to receive Opportunity Scholarships averaging $5,000 each to attend a private or parochial school. This year, however, Linehan introduced a new version, LB 1402, in large part to avoid an expensive campaign battle over the referendum placed on the November ballot to nullify last years law. The new bill also eliminated the income tax break on donations to scholarship granting organizations, which Linehan said was wrongly portrayed as helping the wealthy. Under the new bill, the state treasurer would set up a program to provide scholarships to eligible students to attend qualified schools. That would eliminate the middle man, the scholarship granting organizations, and aim the money directly to students. Cost dropped to $10 million a year On Tuesday, the senator offered more amendments intended to expand support for LB 1402. The fiscal impact of the bill was reduced to $10 million a year, instead of $25 million, and an escalator clause was dropped that would have allowed spending on private schooling to rise to $100 million a year. One supporter of LB 1402, Omaha Sen. Christy Armendariz, argued that with math and reading scores suffering in public schools in her district, something needs to be done. Were tripping over ourselves about what school building theyre in? We should be doing everything we can, Armendariz said. But opponents of LB 1402 said there were no guarantees students would do better in private schools or avoid bullying there. Omaha Sen. Megan Hunt said private and parochial schools can discriminate, unlike public schools, by denying entrance or expelling LGBTQ students. Bellevue Sen. Carol Blood argued that Nebraskans are asking to decide the issue of school choice at the voting booth, just as they decided the issues of capital punishment and Medicaid expansion. Then its resolved once and for all, Blood said. But Wayne said he considers LB 1402 a pilot project, that can be rescinded by future legislatures if it doesnt work out. Linehan agreed, adding that in other states, the battle over school choice is a continual fight. Its not a one and done deal, she said. Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. Israel is preparing for conflict in sectors other than the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said while visiting the Tel Nof airbase to the south of Tel Aviv on Thursday. "We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of the war in Gaza, which is continuing at full force, even as we are continuing our relentless efforts to return our hostages," Netanyahu told air force personnel at the base amid rising concerns of a revenge attack by Iran. "However, we are also prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in remarks translated from Hebrew. During the visit to the base, which operates US-made F-15 combat planes, Netanyahu was briefed by the deputy base commander and the squadron commander on their operations during the war. Earlier Israeli radio reported that US General Michael Erik Kurilla, the officer commanding US forces in the Middle East, had arrived in Israel on Thursday. Kurilla's arrival follows a threat by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Iran will exact revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus at the beginning of the month that has been attributed to Israel. Khamenei issued the threat immediately after the strike and repeated it on Wednesday, terming it an attack on Iranian territory. Israel had made a mistake and "must and will be punished," he said during a ceremony to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The Wall Street Journal reported that the visit by Kurilla, the head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), had been planned before the Damascus attack and primarily concerned the construction of a pier on the Gaza coast for offloading humanitarian aid. The Iranian threats and the US response are now thought likely to be discussed with Israeli leaders. According to the report, Kurilla is to meet Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden made clear that "our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad let me say it again, ironclad." The Israeli authorities have not issued special instructions regarding a possible attack. But the head of military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has raised concerns on escalation in the region, saying "it is not certain that the worst is behind us and we are ahead of complex days," in remarks reported by Israel's i24 television news channel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the Tel Nof Airbase. Kobi Gideon/GPO/dpa Israel is preparing for conflict in sectors other than the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said while visiting the Tel Nof airbase to the south of Tel Aviv on Thursday. "We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of the war in Gaza, which is continuing at full force, even as we are continuing our relentless efforts to return our hostages," Netanyahu told air force personnel at the base amid rising concerns of a revenge attack by Iran. "However, we are also prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in remarks translated from Hebrew. During the visit to the base, which operates US-made F-15 combat planes, Netanyahu was briefed by the deputy base commander and the squadron commander on their operations during the war. Earlier Israeli radio reported that US General Michael Erik Kurilla, the officer commanding US forces in the Middle East, had arrived in Israel on Thursday. Kurilla's arrival follows a threat by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that Iran will exact revenge for an airstrike on its embassy grounds in Damascus at the beginning of the month that has been attributed to Israel. Khamenei issued the threat immediately after the strike and repeated it on Wednesday, terming it an attack on Iranian territory. Israel had made a mistake and "must and will be punished," he said during a ceremony to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Late on Thursday, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israel was on alert for a possible attack by Iran and is prepared for various scenarios. "We are ready for an attack and the resulting defence, for which we will use a variety of army capabilities," Hagari said at a press conference. Israel could also rely on its strategic partners, he added. The Wall Street Journal reported that the visit by Kurilla, the head of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), had been planned before the Damascus attack and primarily concerned the construction of a pier on the Gaza coast for offloading humanitarian aid. The Iranian threats and the US response are now thought likely to be discussed with Israeli leaders. According to the report, Kurilla was to meet Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. On Wednesday, President Joe Biden made clear that "our commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad let me say it again, ironclad." The Israeli authorities have not issued special instructions regarding a possible attack. But the head of military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has raised concerns on escalation in the region, saying "it is not certain that the worst is behind us and we are ahead of complex days," in remarks reported by Israel's i24 television news channel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the Tel Nof Airbase. Kobi Gideon/GPO/dpa Hamas leader says group is still seeking hostage deal after three of his sons killed By Saleh Salem and James Mackenzie DOHA/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Thursday his Palestinian militant group was still seeking a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release after an Israeli strike killed three of his sons in an attack in Gaza. Speaking in Qatar while receiving condolences, Haniyeh said "the interests of the Palestinian people are placed above everything" when asked if the strike would affect the talks on a truce and hostage release. "We are seeking to reach a deal but the occupation is still procrastinating and evading a response to the demands," he told Reuters. Israeli forces carried out Wednesday's attack without authorisation from top commanders or senior leaders, Israeli media said on Thursday, raising fears among families of hostages it would derail efforts to secure their release from Gaza. "I can only hope this won't affect the negotiation. I hope it won't make Hamas put harder conditions on the deal," said Ofri Bibas Levy, whose brother Yarden Bibas was taken captive with his wife and two small children during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Israel's government has faced rising pressure from families of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip, although talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar have yet to secure a deal. "The key to any agreement with the occupation starts with a permanent ceasefire and our top priority in the ongoing negotiation process is the unconditional return of the displaced and the complete withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip," Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua said in a statement. "Without that, an agreement will not happen," he added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has faced mounting criticism from Israel's main ally, the United States, over the conduct of its military campaign and the chain of command in pursuing its objectives. This has been prompted by the rising number of Palestinian civilians killed and stoked most recently by a strike that killed foreign and Palestinian aid workers in Gaza. STRIKES Israel's Walla news agency reported that neither Netanyahu nor Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of Wednesday's strike on Haniyeh's sons, which was coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service. Quoting senior Israeli officials, it reported that the three adult sons, Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, had been targeted as fighters and not because they were the sons of Hamas's political leader. The Israeli military did not comment on reports that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren had also been killed. The military declined to comment on Walla and other reports. No comment was available from the prime minister's office. Haniyeh, 61, told Reuters his sons were not active Hamas fighters. "These claims are lies to justify this crime and massacre," he said. "They were going on Eid day visiting relatives," he added in a reference to Eid al-Fitr celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The conservative Israel Hayom daily quoted unnamed military officials saying the strike was carried out in accordance with procedure but said there was a question about whether hitting such a sensitive target should have been carried out without first consulting superiors. The left-wing Haaretz newspaper, a relentless critic of Netanyahu and his government, called the killings and last week's assassination of senior Iranian officials in the Iranian embassy in Damascus "proactive acts of aggression, designed to thwart any chance of a hostage deal". Two officers were dismissed last Friday for misjudgement and breaches of operating procedures in a strike on an aid convoy in Gaza that killed seven aid workers. Global calls for a ceasefire have been growing as the war has entered its seventh month but there has been little sign of progress in the talks. Hamas is demanding an end to the Israeli offensive, a withdrawal of Israeli forces and permission for Gaza's displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Israel wants to secure the return of the hostages but says it will not end the war until Hamas is destroyed as a military force, and that it is still planning to assault the southern city of Rafah, where more than a million civilians have taken refuge. (Reporting by Saleh Salem and Imad Creidi in Doha, James Mackenzie in Jerusalem and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Editing by Alison Williams, Angus McDowall and Howard Goller) Israel's senior commanders and political leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were not consulted before a military strike killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza, Israeli media reported Thursday. Neither Netanyahu nor Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had been told in advance of the airstrike, which was coordinated by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet intelligence service, Walla news agency reported, citing senior Israeli officials. The report said Amir, Mohammad and Hazem Haniyey were targeted as fighters, not because they were sons of the Hamas leader. Ismail Haniyeh, who is originally from Shati, has 13 children and has been living in exile in Qatar. The Israeli military has not commented on reports that four of Haniyeh's grandchildren were also killed. 3 OF HAMAS LEADER ISMAIL HANIYEH'S TERRORIST SONS KILLED BY ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE, IDF SAYS Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convenes the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 7, 2024. Hamas' Al-Aqsa TV station reported the deaths on Thursday, noting that the airstrike hit near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, per The Associated Press. Al-Aqsa TV station aired footage of Haniyeh purportedly receiving the news of the deaths while visiting wounded Palestinians who had been transported to a hospital in Doha. As an aide received the news on his phone, Haniyeh nodded, looked down at the ground and slowly walked out of the room. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP IRANS LEADER SAYS 4 THREATENING WORDS TO ISRAEL, BLASTS THE US AND WEST FOR DISASTER IN GAZA The killing of Haniyeh's relatives has added a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza in exchange for the return of the 133 Israeli hostages still believed to be held in the besieged enclave. Haniyeh said Hamas had "clear and specific" demands for agreeing to any pause in the fighting. DEMOCRAT SENATORS VOICE CONCERNS OVER ISRAEL WAR STATUS AS BIDEN ATTEMPTS CHALLENGING BALANCE WITH PROGRESSIVES Smoke and flames rise following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza Strip on Nov. 2, 2023. "The enemy will be delusional if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position," Haniyeh said on Wednesday. Hamas is demanding an immediate end to the Israeli offensive, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and permission for displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. The strike that killed Haniyeh's sons happened after Irans leader on Wednesday threatened to take action against Israel during a prayer ceremony. He also criticized the U.S. and the West for their involvement amid tensions in the region. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed Israel "will be punished" as he spoke at a prayer ceremony celebrating the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Iran has promised retribution for a reported Israeli airstrike that demolished Iran's consulate in Syria last month. Netanyahu on Thursday said Israel is prepared to respond "defensively and offensively" to any Iranian strike. "We are in challenging times. We are in the midst of the war in Gaza, which is continuing at full force, even as we are continuing our relentless efforts to return our hostages, the prime minister said during a visit to Tel Nof Air Base. "However, we are also prepared for scenarios involving challenges in other sectors. We have determined a simple rule: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively." Fox News Digital's Greg Norman and Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Netanyahu not consulted on strike that killed Hamas leader's 3 sons, Israeli media reports Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli jets carry out drills to simulate a strike on Iran - RONEN ZVULUN/REUTERS Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to harm anyone who attacks Israel amid fears that Iran is poised to launch an unprecedented direct missile attack on its old enemy. The Israeli prime minister said whoever harms us, we will harm them after US intelligence officials warned that Tehran is preparing a strike that could plunge the Middle East into a new war. Israeli jets carried out drills simulating a strike on Iran, local media reported, while Western and Arab diplomats scrambled to persuade the Islamic republic against military action. Elite Iranian forces based in Syria have moved into civilian hotels in anticipation of Israeli blowback, security sources told The Telegraph. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israels chief military spokesman, said civilians were not being told to make any special preparations but added that the country was highly prepared for a range of scenarios. On Thursday, Annalena Baerbock, Germanys foreign minister, urged maximum restraint in a call with her Iranian counterpart. Senior US Republicans demanded that Joe Biden order the military to join Israel in a devastating response to any Iranian attack. Ayatollah Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, promised revenge for the killing of senior generals in an Israeli drone strike in Damascus in April. He said on state TV: The evil regime must be punished, and it will be punished. Iranian state media said the nature of the response had been decided and punishment would be heavy. On Thursday, Iranian diplomats said Tehran will soon respond to the Damascus attack, claiming this could have been avoided. Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regimes reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated, the Iranian mission to the United Nations said on social media. The US has communicated to Iran that it was not involved in the Damascus strike, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, told reporters. We have warned Iran not to use this attack as a pretext to escalate further in the region or to attack US facilities or personnel, she said. Tom Cotton, a Republican senator, warned that an Iranian attack on Israel was imminent and said: President Biden needs to warn the Ayatollahs immediately that the United States will back Israel to the hilt and the joint American-Israeli retaliation for any attack will be swift and devastating. Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, phoned his counterparts in China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Europe to ask them to use their influence to urge Iran not to escalate, the State Department said Thursday. Mr Blinken also spoke with Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence minister, to reiterate our strong support for Israel against these threats. Open warfare between Israel and Iran would be an unprecedented escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist group in Gaza behind the Oct 7 massacre. Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, said on Thursday that the threats from Iran are completely unacceptable and stressed that we have always said that we will support Israels ability to defend itself. David Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: Today I made clear to Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian that Iran must not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks. Marco Rubio, a senior Republican on the US senate intelligence committee, said the tensions marked the most dangerous Middle East moment since 1973, referring to the Yom Kippur war. He added that Iran wants to launch a large-scale attack from their own territory against Israel. Israel will respond instantly with an even more severe counter-attack inside of Iran. It was unclear whether he had personally seen US intelligence reflecting this or was commenting on media reports. The Telegraph understands that several senior Iranian security and intelligence officials in Damascus moved to two civilian hotels for secret military meetings two days ago, converting them into operations rooms to discuss military plans. A security source said both hotels were hosting members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard who work in Syria, and Iran had transferred them there to ensure their safety after last weeks attack in Damascus. Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for that attack, although US and Israeli officials have acknowledged it was carried out by Israel. 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. When a single insider purchases stock, it is typically not a major deal. However, when multiple insiders purchase stock, like in Nanoveu Limited's (ASX:NVU) instance, it's good news for shareholders. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. Check out our latest analysis for Nanoveu Nanoveu Insider Transactions Over The Last Year The insider Sufian Ahmad made the biggest insider purchase in the last 12 months. That single transaction was for AU$225k worth of shares at a price of AU$0.026 each. That means that even when the share price was higher than AU$0.018 (the recent price), an insider wanted to purchase shares. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. It is generally more encouraging if they paid above the current price, as it suggests they saw value, even at higher levels. Nanoveu insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Nanoveu is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Insider Ownership Of Nanoveu I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Nanoveu insiders own about AU$3.7m worth of shares (which is 46% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders. So What Does This Data Suggest About Nanoveu Insiders? There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Nanoveu insiders think the business has merit. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. At Simply Wall St, we've found that Nanoveu has 5 warning signs (4 shouldn't be ignored!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis. Story continues If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. 'Never enough': Toms River spent almost $1.3M replenishing Ortley Beach sand since 2021 TOMS RIVER - The $314,000 Toms River will pay to replenish the battered shoreline in Ortley Beach brings the total the township has spent on beach replenishment to $1,289,000 since 2021. Winter storms have again damaged Ortley, where cliffs have been created from the beach to the dune line. Earle Asphalt will perform the replenishment work under a contract awarded late last month by the Township Council. The township paid $305,000 for similar work in 2023; $240,000 in 2022, and $430,000 in 2021. Mayor Daniel Rodrick said the work is expected to be done before Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer beach season. Earle estimated the work will take about a week to complete, the mayor said. Earle Asphalt repairs beaches, where cliffs were created and fencing and walkovers damaged during winter and spring storms, in Ortley Beach, NJ Wednesday, May 10, 2023. Would a merger make sense? Seaside Heights, Toms River schools have very different students "It's always a Band-Aid every year. It's never enough," said Councilman Justin D. Lamb, who represents Ward 1, which includes the barrier island area. Ortley Beach resident Debra Martin worried that the work Earle has been contracted to do won't be enough to fix the entire beach. "There is worse damage this year. How is $300,000 going to fix it?" Martin asked. She said "two years in a row, they ran out before they got to Fifth Avenue." Fire awareness: NJ wildfire season is back, here's how to protect your home. Dune erosion is shown near Sixth Avenue in Ortley Beach Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Ortley Beach, the site of an inlet called the Cranberry Inlet in colonial times, has long been vulnerable to erosion. Superstorm Sandy caused catastrophic damage in Ortley in 2012, with almost every home in the small neighborhood suffering from flood damage. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finished a nearly $130 million, 14-mile-long beach replenishment project in northern Ocean County in 2019. The project added sand to beaches in Ortley and other areas that took the brunt of Superstorm Sandy's record-setting surge. Areas of northern Ocean's barrier island were badly damaged by Sandy, with every house in Mantoloking suffering some storm damage; 200 homes in Ortley were washed away the night in October 2012 when Sandy struck. Torn in half: Shattered Union Beach home was Superstorm Sandy icon. After 12 years, it's getting rebuilt As part of that project, the corps agreed to return to the area to make repairs for 50 years on a regular basis, and on an emergent basis after severe storms. Dunes and wider beaches provide a buffer for oceanfront homes and businesses during storms, helping to protect property from pounding waves. While the dune line has been damaged several times, there have been no breaches in Ortley or other parts of the northern Ocean barrier island, which could have allowed ocean water to reach homes and businesses. While dunes have been damaged in Ortley and beaches have shrunk after storms, the ocean has not broken through the dune line since Sandy. The 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provided $30.2 million in federal money for beach nourishment work between the Manasquan and Barnegat inlets, which adds sand to local dunes and beaches. That was about half the estimated cost of the work. The state and Ocean County are covering the remainder of the cost. Jersey Shore day cruises: Your guide to scenic adventures and delicious meals Dune erosion is shown near Sixth Avenue in Ortley Beach Tuesday, December 19, 2023. Two bid protests blocked award of a contract for the beach work for many months. The Army Corps is expected to advertise for bids this month, and award a contract by summer. If that schedule holds, replenishment work could start in the fall. Rodrick has suggested that "a near-shore reef and some groins" could help stop the constant erosion threat in Ortley. Jean Mikle covers Toms River and several other Ocean County towns, and has been writing about local government and politics at the Jersey Shore for nearly 39 years. She's also passionate about the Shore's storied music scene. Contact her: @jeanmikle, jmikle@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Ortley Beach replenishment cost Toms River $1.3M for sand since 2021 California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced Thursday he was requesting a federal fishery disaster declaration, after regional supervisors recommended a full closure of ocean salmon season for the second year in a row. The Pacific Fishery Management Council which oversees fishing along the Washington, Oregon and California coasts voiced unanimous support on Wednesday for shuttering Californias commercial and recreational chinook salmon fisheries through the end of the year. These recommendations are similar to those made in 2023, which was the first time such a closure occurred in 14 years. The forecasts for chinook returning to California rivers this year are again very low, council Chair Brad Pettinger said in a Wednesday statement. Despite improved drought conditions, the freshwater environment that contributed to these low forecasted returns may still be impacting the overall returns of chinook, Pettinger added. Newsoms request on Thursday would serve to provide financial assistance to impacted communities serving to both protect salmon populations and support the local fishing industry, the governors office noted. Decades of climate extremes have severely impacted our salmon populations, and were taking action to address this crisis for the long-term, Newsom said in a statement. Well continue working with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure Californias fisheries and impacted communities are supported during this critical time, the governor added. The request, directed to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, notes that the expected closure of 2024 California salmon fisheries will result in loss of 100 percent of the direct revenue generated by these fisheries. Stressing that California appreciates a similar funding request that was approved in 2023, the letter sent by Lieutenant Gov. Eleni Kounalakis (D) on Newsoms behalf projected losses this year of more than $47 million. This request is a critical tool to support impacted Californians, and we look forward to getting families the help they need, Kounalakis said in a statement. Charlton Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, stressed that despite the back-to-back rainy winters that the state has enjoyed, the fish that will benefit from these conditions arent expected to return to California until around 2026 or 2027. The current salmon for this years season were impacted by the difficult environmental factors present three to five years ago, Bonham added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Aliaksandr Kulinich, a Belarusian man jailed for allegedly insulting Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, died in custody while awaiting trial, the Viasna human rights group said on April 11. Repressions against opposition figures and dissenters escalated in Belarus following the 2020 presidential election, in which Lukashenko certified his hold on power through electoral fraud and a violent crackdown. Kulinich was arrested in February earlier this year for allegedly committing the crime of insulting Lukashenko. Belarusian authorities reported that Kulinich died of coronary heart disease on April 9, two days before his 52nd birthday, Viasna said. According to Viasna, Kulinich is the sixth political prisoner to die behind bars in the last two years. Ihar Lednik, a member of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (BSDP), died in prison in February. Lednik had been sentenced to three years in prison for the same crime as Kulinichinsulting Lukashenko. Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya commented on Kulinich's death, saying that he died for "opposing the regime." "For many political prisoners held incommunicado in Belarus, it is unknown whether they are dead or alive." Read also: Lukashenko tightens grip on power as regime prepares for new elections Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11) At Patersons public Eid celebration, there was Middle Eastern music pumping out of the loudspeakers, ice cream being served out of a truck rented for the occasion, and halal meals coming out in rapid succession from a food truck. Kids played in a bouncy house, as a pint-sized train ferried other children around the grounds of a street and adjacent schoolyard that were closed off for the event. Despite the fun and festive atmosphere, though, there was a thread of palpable somberness. We kept talking about canceling because of whats been happening overseas, said Mayor Andre Sayegh about the Eid event that he and his administration organized. Paterson has one of the highest percentages of population in the country thats Muslim, and many of its Muslim residents are Palestinian. Some of them have family members in Gaza now, facing famine, destruction of their homes, or worse. The situation caused city leaders to question whether or not to hold the event. What led them to proceed, the mayor said, was that they considered what the Eid holiday means to children. Islamic center at Rutgers vandalized during Eid al-Fitr Eid celebrates the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and, said, Mayor Sayegh, going ahead with the public celebration sends a message. Were letting all children of God know, the mayor said on Wednesday at the start of the event, in Paterson, we stand for equality. We stand for peace. The joyousness of the occasion was definitely not lost on the children in attendance. Saleh Sawabha stood next to his older sister, Saweh, as he expressed emotion over the gifts that were given out to the children in attendance. Its been amazing! he exclaimed, as he talked about the toys that the city gave out as part of the event. I got a whole drone, he said. So its been amazing! Jenna Abdallah and her twin sister, Hala, were also among the hundreds of children at the festival who enjoyed the event created for them. Its great to see everyone being happy, and, like, everyone with their families, eating and having fun, Jenna said. The twin 14-year-olds were wearing identical traditional Palestinian outfits theyd bought in Jordan the last time theyd been in that Middle Eastern country. Like so many people at the festival on Michigan Avenue, the Abdallah family has ties to Palestine. Many festival-goers have family members in Gaza. They said that theyre deeply concerned, and appreciate that this holiday is a chance to promote peace among a wide variety of people. Jabeen Ahmed is a doctor whos practiced in Paterson for 30 years. Her in-laws are from Gaza. She said that the beauty of being in North Jersey on Eid is that a wide spectrum of people are endorsing the peaceful tenets of Eid. I got about a hundred messages [saying] Eid Mubarak this morning, she said, and at least half of them are either [from] Jewish or Christian [friends]. Theyre not even Muslim. So I think that were very unified on a humanitarian and a human level. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) Healthcare leaders teamed up with Gethsemane Baptist Church for the Regional Maternal Health Convening. The two-day event wrapped up Wednesday morning following several presentations and panels. In a release, a Regional Convening on Maternal Health [focuses] on developing a culturally competent workforce, postpartum coverage, Medicaid renewals, birth worker reimbursements, chronic condition management pre-pregnancy and engaging healthcare professionals with faith and community leaders. Sentara Healthcare, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Celebrate Healthcare, the Region three of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services partnered with the Greater Peninsula C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, Inc. Courtesy Sentara Healthcare Courtesy Sentara Healthcare Courtesy Sentara Healthcare Courtesy Sentara Healthcare Melissa Herd, the acting regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region 3, said that we wanted to bring together people from community-based organizations, who are working with birthing families. We are focused on making sure that Virginia has information and can share best practices across the region. The hope is that Virginia can serve as a model to bring education and information to the community. Since, we, right here in Eastern Virginia where the history of slavery and issues that impact the Black community, said Dr. Cynthia Romero, director of the M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health at Eastern Virginia Medical School, we are hopeful that we can be part of the healing and transformation of our health and health care system so that we can create and lead a culture of health that will last generations. Black Maternal Health Week is April 11-17. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. A Bradenton bar owner will not face charges after four video slot machines were seized by Bradenton police officers on Wednesday following a month-long investigation into illegal gambling. No arrests have been made after four video slot machines were seized by Bradenton police officers on Wednesday following a month-long investigation into illegal gambling. Detectives received information about the machines and conducted several undercover operations during March alongside Florida Department of Law Enforcement agents at the Pour Decisions Saloon on 430 12th St. W. With the assistance of the Division of Alcohol, Beverage, and Tobacco, the machines were removed from the bar. Meredith Censullo, Bradenton Polices public information officer, said that there have been no arrests made in the case and that the bar will remain open. Its possible that a local, state or federal investigation can be opened up against the bar for criminal charges, but Censullo said that at this point, they have only confiscated the slot machines. Are slot machines legal? A Florida bar was raided by police for its slot machines. What to know about gambling in Florida Operating a slot machine without a license is against the law. Business owners could face up to five years in prison and be fined $10,000 per machine for breaking the law. Censullo was unable to confirm if the business owner received any fines. In September, the Spin City Arcade in Bradenton was shut down following an undercover operation from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office that found 33 arcade-style video slot machines, 62 computers and other electronic equipment, along with $15,000 in illegal proceeds. As of yet, there hasnt been a larger investigation into illegal gambling in Bradenton, Censullo said, but sheriff's office detectives have been investigating businesses known as game rooms since May. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Bradenton bar owner will not be arrested after illegal arcade gambling bust, police say The North Thurston Public Schools board voted 4-1 late Wednesday night to name Justin Ainsworth superintendent of the countys largest school district. Justin Ainsworth Matanuska-Susitna Borough school district/Courtesy Ainsworth will replace current superintendent Debra Clemens who announced earlier this year that she is retiring. Her last day is June 30. Ainsworth, who will start July 1, is set to earn $330,000 a year, according to a job listing for the position. Wednesdays vote took place about 10:45 p.m., or about three hours after the finalists had wrapped up a community meeting in the district boardroom in Lacey. The two other finalists were Troy Oliver, current assistant superintendent of operations for the district, and Thu Ament, deputy superintendent for the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. In the end, the board did not choose Oliver for continuity or Ament as the regional candidate, but voted instead for Ainsworth, associate superintendent in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in Palmer, Alaska. Dr. Ainsworths leadership philosophy, instructional experience, and passion for equitable and high-quality education opportunities for all students make him the right person to lead NTPS into the future, said NTPS Board President Gretchen Maliska in a statement. The board is confident in his ability to keep student success at the center of all we do. The vote was not unanimous. The recently elected Esperanza Badillo-Diiorio voted against Ainsworth, spokeswoman Amy Blondin said late Wednesday. About 5 p.m., the finalists began to gather with the community in a meeting that was somewhat unusual. The community meeting and a school board executive session took place at the same time, although in separate locations inside the district headquarters building. The board interviewed the candidates one by one, and once their interviews were over, the finalist headed to the community meeting. Although there were separate meetings, some board members did observe the community meeting, spokeswoman Blondin clarified Thursday morning. Finalists also met with students and staff earlier in the day and some board members observed those interactions, Blondin said. The board also received survey comments after the community meeting. Ainsworth was the last finalist to address about 50 people. Here is some of what he was asked and his responses: On the strengths and challenges of the district: Chronic absenteeism is a macro issue that we have to figure out and get our arms around and figure it out as a community, he said. The district and schools will do the heavy work, but it takes many hands. Theres also a 9th grade graduation-on-track problem. There are lots of great things going on in the district, but something is not happening at the 9th grade level with our students, so we need to figure out our systems and whats happening and what the root cause is. On addressing controversies: My job is to stay objective, stay neutral, collect the facts and be transparent but also recognize theres a limit on transparency, he said. I work with a superintendent who is phenomenal with the media. We dont close the doors to them and there was no blockade; there was trust. And if you have some trust with the media they are going to understand what you can and cannot say. On the critical issues facing education: Teacher recruitment, retaining teachers, training teachers. We are having a harder time getting young people to see education as a viable career and we need to fix it in a hurry, he said. Those kids are here, the aptitude is here, the talent is here. Artificial intelligence worries me. How do we teach our kids to navigate AI and use it appropriately? Mental health, chronic absenteeism, and how we use AI, those are big macro issues that we have to keep in the conversation. On the removal of books from libraries: Ainsworth was asked about books being challenged at his current school district in Alaska. He said that libraries there have become controversial, finally prompting his school board to form a committee, a committee he chairs, to review library policy and to review books challenged by the community. He said most of the recommendations that have emerged from the committee acknowledge that the book is fine, but is perhaps best for high school students, he said. Ainsworth acknowledged that the process has divided the community and unfortunately some librarians have been painted with a broad brush, he said. Not everyone was pleased with Wednesdays meeting format. Lacey equity commissioner Thelma Jackson attended the gathering and said it fell short of her expectations. There was little to no interaction with the finalists, they answered a predetermined set of board questions and the questions she submitted were not asked, she said. This is not an open community engagement process, Jackson said. She also was disappointed in the finalists, saying there was little diversity and not a single female candidate. This process has just not been one of inclusivity for this community, she said. What does the records request show? As part of the process in selecting a new superintendent, the board solicited comment from staff and the community. The Olympian filed a records request in late February to see those comments and received them April 3. The board received 166 comments in response to the following question: What would you like prospective candidates to know about your district and community? Here are some of those responses: We are needing a more diverse driven candidate who looks more at our schools with a broader lens and will hear our students and parents when issues arise in our schools and really dive into and find the underlying issue and not sweep it under the rug. We have been talked down to and fed a lot of fluff over the years. There have been many administrative/district office personnel moves, when individuals should be fired. Weve had too many dog-and-pony shows and the district office is out of touch with the issues in schools. Our district has been under a large brain drain for several years. HR was gutted, our special education support staff and paraeducators are understaffed. Our leaders take a lot of photos with our special education students, but do not spend any time with them. We can do much better. We have a growing multilingual learners group that is starting to get noticed and listened to. This work needs to be followed as their needs are crucial to survive in our community. I would like the candidate to know that our teachers and students in our district would like to be heard. We need leadership that can commit to the staff, students and community. Most of us employees are parents and live in the community and we all come from different races, ethnicities and culture. We need someone who will support our students and families with academics and resources to be successful. We need a leader who will be friendly and acknowledge and show gratitude to ALL the staff. That despite what it may look like on the outside, we have been poorly led. The current superintendent sees staff as drones who serve her, the queen. Decisions do not balance the needs of the staff and the needs of the students and only seem to be made with the intention of appearing pro-active and forward-thinking while accomplishing nothing, or actually moving the district backwards. I would like the prospective candidate know that they should reflect the student body and members of our community. Our beautiful community is diverse and we are on Native land. As a teacher who has worked in the district, I am ashamed of the weak attempts of highlighting our native community. That NTPS is a great community full of thriving students. However, we have some students that have not recovered from the impacts (socially, emotionally, or academically) from COVID and the pandemic. We need someone innovative that isnt afraid to try hard things for the betterment of all students. We need someone with real compassion and an understanding of basic education needs in our schools. Enrollment is down, test scores are down, enthusiasm is down, communication is down, transparency is down. Our current superintendent has done a lousy job of maintaining our district to the level it once was. Leave the politics out of the district and get back to basic education ... FOR THE KIDS!!! Strong military presence. Diversity issues are essential. Community, city and district working together, close ties. Fiscally responsible. North Thurston superintendent finalists to meet the public Wednesday evening North Thurston announces 3 finalists for superintendent. One of them is local Dozens apply to replace Debra Clemens as North Thurston superintendent We would not have lost Trypillia Thermal Power Plant if we had Patriot systems Ukraine's Foreign Minister Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has stated that the lack of modern Patriot air defence systems allowed the Russians to destroy the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant (TPP) near Kyiv. Source: Kuleba on the sidelines of Ukrainian-Slovak government consultations in Michalovce, reports European Pravda with reference to Ukrinform Details: When asked if he discussed the Russians' destruction of the Trypillia TPP with European counterparts, Kuleba responded: "What is there to discuss? Everything is simple: give us Patriot systems! If we had Patriots, we would not have lost all of this today. The foreign minister stated that Ukraine will consult with foreign partners about "the maximum acceleration of air defence supplies." Background: Following the Three Seas Summit in Vilnius on Thursday, 11 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy renewed his call for assistance in supplying Ukraine with air defence systems. The day before, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed the specifics of negotiations with allies over Patriot system supplies. Support UP or become our patron! Number of migrants sent to Rwanda could be limited by shortage of lawyers The Home Office may not be able to deport as many migrants to Rwanda as it wants to because of shortages of lawyers, leaked documents have revealed. Officials have warned ministers that the amount of taxpayer-funded legal advice the Government is obliged to provide to migrants could be a major constraining factor on the number of deportations. They said the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) could have to recruit as many as an extra 350 duty solicitors, funded by legal aid, to provide migrants with their statutory advice ahead of deportation, and calculated that some 11,550 solicitor hours could be needed in the course of a year. Each migrant being deported to Rwanda will also require three minders, reducing the number of asylum seekers on any one flight to fewer than 50, according to the documents, which were drawn up last year and spelled out the logistics of preparing for the Rwanda scheme. The disclosures come as Rishi Sunaks Safety of Rwanda Bill returns to the Commons on Monday after suffering a series of defeats in the Lords. After a further round of parliamentary ping-pong between MPs and peers, it could pass by the end of next week, paving the way for the first flights. Mr Sunak has said he aims to get the first deportation flights off to Rwanda this spring as part of his pledge to stop the boats. The first letters informing migrants that they have been earmarked for deportation are expected to be sent out within days of the Bill becoming law. The end-to-end detained approach documents warned that two factors would constrain the number of migrants deported to Rwanda. First was the shortage of spaces in immigration detention centres, estimated last autumn at 1,000, which would allow about 700 migrants a month to be held and processed before deportation to Rwanda. Officials calculated that this would enable a potential 142 migrants to be deported on three flights a week with each asylum seeker minded by three escorts, according to the documents. This would suggest as many as 150 minders to 50 migrants per plane. Some 500 escorts were being trained for the task of taking the migrants from their detention centres to the plane and then transporting them to their new accommodation once in Rwanda, said officials. The documents warned, however, that the shortage of lawyers could have a bigger impact on the number of deportations, saying: Legal capacity is a further constraining factor (likely greater than detention space). Discussions with MoJ are ongoing to determine exactly what is the justice systems capacity. Devoting justice time to the operationalisation of [the legislation] will involve trade-offs with other important legal work in immigration and asylum. Officials estimated it would take an average of 44 days for each migrant to be processed for deportation from the point of being told of their prospective removal to Rwanda. Migrants will have their asylum claims confirmed as inadmissible but will have a right to seek permission to appeal or a right to appeal under the legislation. Shambolic Rwanda scheme They will be represented by duty immigration lawyers, funded through legal aid. But officials warned there were significant shortfalls in the number of solicitors needed to provide meaningful advice to migrants. On top of the 11,550 solicitor hours needed to provide the required 12 hours of legal advice per migrant, officials projected that 20 per cent would appeal, with each requiring a further 20 hours of legal representation. To service 4,000 migrants earmarked for removal would need an extra 350 solicitors. Government sources said they were confident the system was resilient to meet the legal demand. Legal aid fees for immigration lawyers have been increased by 15 per cent, while the MoJ has provided 1.4 million to pay for the costs of accrediting new immigration solicitors. Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, said at the weekend that judges had received extra training to ensure asylum seekers could be removed to Rwanda without delay. An extra 100 court staff have been recruited and 25 hearing rooms equipped with camera technology so appeals can be heard remotely if needed. The Home Office refused to comment on leaked documents, which sources claimed was out of date. However, Stephen Kinnock, the shadow immigration minister, said: These latest revelations show the utter absurdity of the Governments shambolic Rwanda scheme, with each plane carrying three times as many escorts as migrants. The costs for taxpayers are already sky high, at well over 500 million these documents suggest the security bill will push that up even more. We know the Government has been scrabbling around to find an airline willing to take people and now it seems theyre struggling to find enough lawyers to process cases. 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. Editor's Note: This story originally published in 2017. O.J. Simpson died Wednesday, April 10, of prostate cancer at the age of 76, according to a post on social media attributed to the Simpson family. Is O.J. Simpson headed to Palm Beach County? Not if State Attorney Dave Aronberg has anything to do with it. On Tuesday, in a regularly scheduled news conference, the local top prosecutor responded to the hypothetical scenario of Simpson moving to the area with unequivocal disapproval. I would prefer he not live here, Aronberg said, adding that he echoes the sentiments of his former boss, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi sent a letter asking O.J. Simpson not relocate to Florida just before his Oct. 1 release from prison in Nevada. In 2008, the NFL Hall of Famer was sentenced to 33 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping after he tried to take back some of his own sports memorabilia from collectors in a Las Vegas hotel room. The sentence came 13 years after Simpsons infamous acquittal on murder charges in the deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. Simpson has been living in a Nevada mansion since his release, but published reports have noted his desire to move back to Florida, where he lived before his Las Vegas arrest. However, Simpson has never mentioned Palm Beach County as a coveted destination. Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg Palm Beach County is already home to another famous one-time murder defendant, Casey Anthony. A jury in 2011 acquitted Anthony of the 2008 murder of her 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Caylee. She moved to the area shortly after and most recently was living with Pat McKenna, the legendary private investigators who worked on her case and coincidentally was the member of Simpsons murder defense team who unearthed a series of damning audio tapes of against former LAPD detective Mark Fuhrman a discovery many believe was key to securing Simpsons acquittal. As for Simpson, as of this week he appears to have no plans to move from Nevada. Should Nevada prison officials ask for his probation to be transferred to Florida, Florida Department of Corrections spokeswoman Michelle Glady had this to say to The Palm Beach Posts George Bennett last month: We are aware of his potential relocation to Florida. Pursuant to the Interstate Commission on Adult Offender Supervision, if Nevadas request meets all criteria, Florida must accept the transfer. As is the case with any offender who transfers under this routine procedure, he will be assigned a Florida probation officer and will be supervised in accordance with the conditions of his parole. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: O.J. Simpson asked not to relocate to Palm Beach County by Palm Bondi You are here: World Flash Lee Jae-myung (C front), leader of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, celebrates the leading in exit polls in the parliamentary elections with other leaders of the party in Seoul, South Korea, April 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Korea's main liberal opposition Democratic Party led parliamentary elections, with 62.5 percent of votes counted. The Democratic Party took the lead in 155 constituencies at about 11:30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT) on Wednesday, while ruling conservative People Power Party went ahead in 95 electoral districts, according to intermediate results released by the National Election Commission. Local media outlets continued to broadcast the results. The quadrennial polls for 300 members of the National Assembly were carried out at 14,259 voting stations across the Asian country to let voters cast ballots for 254 constituency seats and 46 proportional representation (PR) slots. The Democratic Party's satellite party was estimated to win 13 PR seats, and the People Power Party's sister party garnered 20 PR seats, with 10.6 percent of the PR ballots counted. The minor liberal Rebuilding Korea Party snatched 11 PR slots, and the minor center-right New Reform Party secured two PR seats. The minor center-left New Future Party, the New Reform Party, the Progressive Party and one independent candidate were leading in one constituency respectively. The Democratic Party and its satellite party were projected to secure 178-197 seats, including the directly contested constituency seats and the PR slots, the joint exit polls from KBS, MBC and SBS showed. The People Power Party and its satellite party were estimated to win 85-110 parliamentary seats. The tentative final voter turnout was 67.0 percent, or 29,662,313 voters among the electorate of 44,280,011 people. It was higher than the previous election's 66.2 percent in 2020 and marked the highest in 32 years since the turnout posted 71.9 percent in 1992. The turnout of early voting, held last Friday and Saturday, reached the highest 31.28 percent since early voting was first adopted in the 2014 local elections for the nationwide election. It was higher than 26.69 percent in 2020. The turnout of overseas voting, which continued for six days through April 1 among domestic voters staying abroad, logged a new high of 62.8 percent. The overseas voting was introduced in 2012. The election commission planned to declare the final election result early Thursday after completing the vote count. Increasingly extreme weather events are wreaking havoc around the globe. The most devastating effects are loss of life and property, but threats to the world food supply are concerning as well. The skyrocketing cost of blueberries is just one example. The tasty fruit has become a key crop in Peru, as the South American nation went from zero exports a dozen years ago to being the international top dog in 2022, Bloomberg reported. In 2023, however, El Nino and associated rising temperatures reduced its yield by half. Prices in the United States reached $6 per pound a 60% increase because it had imported one-third of Peru's 273,000-ton haul, worth $1.35 billion, in 2022. The shortage affected customers in the United Kingdom, China, and other places since European suppliers couldn't fill the void. "El Nino has hit the world's No. 1 exporter hard," Howard Chua-Eoan of Bloomberg wrote in January. "And even if its effects are tempered this year, the continuing threat of climate change could hold Peru from the peaks it's enjoyed for the last four or five years." It could also cost the industry 135,000 jobs. Chile's blueberry exports could be in trouble too, but producers in other countries, including Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, and areas in Central Asia, might get a boost. That's the nature of the problem. Similar issues have affected olive farmers everywhere, as dry but also too-wet weather hurt crops in Spain and California. And as with El Nino, these weather patterns go beyond one season or one year. Three straight summers of high heat crushed tomato production, spiking ketchup prices. Another issue is profiteering. Since the COVID-19 pandemic hobbled global supply chains, prices have risen but so have corporate profits. Grocers have taken advantage of the higher prices by pushing them even higher. In March, The Hill reported that a Federal Trade Commission report called out "margin expansion as a primary driver of recent price increases, citing dynamics in the increasingly concentrated grocery sector." Before the pandemic, retail grocery revenues reached a high point of 5.6% above costs in 2015. Since then, revenues reached 6% above costs in 2021 and 7% in 2023. This casts "doubt on the assertions of some companies that rising prices at the grocery store are the result of retailers' own rising costs," per the FTC. "Some firms seem to have used rising costs as an opportunity to further hike prices to increase their profits, and profits remain elevated even as supply chain pressures have eased," the FTC stated, according to The Hill. "Larger retailers and wholesalers with considerable leverage over their suppliers were able to take more aggressive action to protect themselves." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet. Odesa declares day of mourning for those killed in Russian missile strike The authorities of the city of Odesa and Odesa Oblast have declared 12 April a day of mourning for the people killed in a Russian missile strike on the Odesa district. Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram Quote: "In connection with the death of five people as a result of a Russian missile attack on the Odesa district, a day of mourning has been declared tomorrow (12 April - ed.) in Odesa Oblast." Details: He also expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones. Background: On 10 April, Russia attacked Odesa Oblast, presumably with an Iskander-M ballistic missile, killing four people, including a 10-year-old girl. 14 people were hospitalised. Later, it became known that the death toll of the 10 April ballistic strike on Odesa Oblast increased to five. One of the men injured in the attack died in hospital. Support UP or become our patron! WEST PALM BEACH A collection of faith and community leaders demanded action Monday from Palm Beach County officials on a host of problems, including biased policing, a lack of affordable housing and a scarcity of mental health resources. Leaders of PEACE, which stands for People Engaged in Active Community Efforts, hosted the group's annual action assembly at the Palm Beach County Convention Center on Monday evening. There, they questioned Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and Housing & Economic Development Director Jonathan Brown, as well as Ann Berner of the Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, on what progress has been made toward several goals. Their answers didn't always square with what PEACE's leaders wanted to hear. Rev. Cori Olson began the night by reading aloud a list of the nights topics and PEACEs proposed solutions. Before the officials took the stage to respond publicly, Olson described the roundabout denials theyd already given in private: attempts to delay, deflect and deceive, she said, disguised as polite policy talk. A coalition of religious congregations called on local officials to improve policing, affordable housing and mental health at its annual action assembly on Monday, April 8, 2024. Monday was the officials' opportunity to either voice their support for PEACEs proposals or explain to an estimated 1,000 attendees why they wouldnt. Many who attended came with children, grandparents, neighbors and co-workers. Some listened through headphones with the help of a Spanish translator while the officials addressed their respective issues. Like Bradshaw, and the data collection PEACE hopes will help combat biased policing; Brown, and the proposed funding meant to uplift low-income renters; and Berner, and the specialized team of clinicians PEACE says is lacking from the countys mental health resources. Related: City traffic-stop stats tell complex tale Officials will give a clear yes or no, Olson instructed before the questioning began. Those are the only things were interested in. Yes or no. Their responses were never so succinct. Attendees often had to wait for cues from PEACE moderators to know whether a sidelong answer deserved their praise or scorn. By the end of the night, the exchange had fallen into a familiar routine: Answer, pause, That sounds like a yes!, then raucous clapping. Answer, pause, Is that a no? and silence never jeers, or boos. Attendees agreed early on that silence was a louder form of disapproval. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw attends for the first time When asked if the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office tracks data on all traffic stops including those that result in a written warning and those that don't Bradshaw offered a long version of not yet. He pointed to the departments recent adoption of body-worn cameras and dash cameras as a form of data collection but said it cant be tabulated. The crowd stayed quiet. The sheriff added that PBSO is in the process of upgrading its in-car computer system to collect data on traffic stops that result in only verbal warnings, including a drivers race, ethnicity and the reason they were stopped. His tentative promise of an August 2025 rollout date is later than PEACE envisioned, but its moderators applauded the step nonetheless. Teri Barbera, PBSO's spokesperson, said the change will cost the agency nothing. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw addresses a coalition of religious congregations who called on him and other local officials to improve policing, affordable housing and mental health at its annual action assembly on Monday, April 8, 2024. Bradshaws presence alone was a victory for PEACE and a welcomed surprise for returning attendees. According to Paige Shortsleeves, a lead organizer with the group, Bradshaw, a candidate for reelection this fall, either ignored or declined PEACEs invitation to its annual event for the better part of the past decade. His appearance Monday was his first. Housing director blames developers for lack of affordable rent Moderators addressed county Housing & Economic Development Director Jonathan Brown next. They described a scarcity of affordable housing in Palm Beach County and noted that the county's efforts to address the problem have been focused on "workforce housing" for people in jobs like teaching, fire rescue and law enforcement. They argued that there needs to be more efforts to help those with lower incomes who have even fewer housing options. Housing & Economic Development Director Jonathan Brown encouraged attendees of the PEACE coalition's annual action assembly to involve local developers in their efforts to create more affordable rental housing in Palm Beach County. When asked if he would support the creation of a county ordinance that prioritizes affordable housing for families making less than 60% of the area median income, Brown gave an immediate yes. He said he would absolutely carry out the wishes of the county commissioners, should they choose to move forward with such an ordinance. He also agreed with PEACEs suggestion that families earning less than $59,000 annually should be able to rent without spending more than 30% of their income on housing and utilities, but said that the reality is often different. Housing: Here's a list of the most affordable homes you can rent in Palm Beach County Brown encouraged attendees to talk to developers, who he suggested had more power than him to create positive change for low-income renters. He pointed to the $200 million housing bond that county voters approved in 2022 to provide affordable and workforce housing. The number of developers who submitted proposals for the bond to build for people making 60% or less of the area's median income was very low, Brown said. We need to encourage our developing community to be part of the solution so that we can address housing for our most vulnerable population, he said, offering the first and only call to action of the night. Health network CEO declines request to form additional mental-health team The night's final speaker was Ann Berner, CEO of the nonprofit Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network which disburses money from the state for behavioral health services. When asked to commit to funding and managing an additional treatment team of specialized clinicians to combat Palm Beach County's worsening mental health crisis, Berner wouldn't give a firm "yes." "I don't quite have the power that you suggest," said Berner, whose agency contracts with the Florida Department of Children and Families to provide behavioral-health services to Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. The five counties have a combined population of about 2.25 million people. Ann Berner, CEO of the nonprofit Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, was one of three local officials called upon to improve policing, affordable housing and mental health at PEACE's annual action assembly on Monday, April 8, 2024. Her denial made for one of the more tense exchanges of the night. Berner told the PEACE moderators that funding an additional team would mean pulling money from other programs, something she couldn't commit to without exploring other options further. Berner said Palm Beach County has four teams already two for the general public, and two for those in the criminal justice system that adhere to the specialized program PEACE has endorsed, called Florida Assertive Community Treatment. FACT teams are made up of psychiatrists, nurses, mental health counselors, substance-abuse specialists and employment specialists who provide ongoing care for adults diagnosed with a mental illness. The teams available to the general public serve 126 clients total, but PEACE leaders say there are thousands more in Palm Beach County who need the help. Berner said there isn't room in the current budget to fund such an addition. Editorial: Mental health begs priority treatment She tried to cut the questioning short, without success. At one point, she asked state Rep. Jervonte Edmonds to take her place at the mic to address funding for the proposed FACT team. Moderator Ruth Hook told him to sit back down. "You're the one with the money," Hook told Berner. "This is your job." Despite PEACE's prodding and insistence that she could find the money, Berner wouldn't commit to adding another team of clinicians or even recommending it at an upcoming board meeting. She instead urged moderators to work with her on solutions she deemed more achievable, though she did not expound on what those were. "We're saddened," Rev. Latifah Griffin, who moderated Berner's session, said afterward. "From January to March of this year alone, Palm Beach County had 49 deaths by suicide. No county had more." By then, Berner had already left the stage. Hannah Phillips is a journalist covering public safety and criminal justice at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at hphillips@pbpost.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: PEACE demands action on police bias, housing and mental illness New England Wind, which has two projects proposed to land on Barnstable beaches, has passed a key federal permitting milestone that brings them another step closer to reality. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and various associated agencies recently issued a record of decision describing their review of Avangrid's construction and operations plan for New England Wind, which is a conglomeration of the recently renamed New England Wind 1 and New England Wind 2 formerly Park City Wind and Commonwealth Wind. "What the record of decision is really saying is all the federal agencies that have to look at the construction and operation plan have looked at it and are on board," said Avangrid Vice President of Development for Offshore Wind Ken Kimmell. "What happens next is they are going to put together the construction and operations plan that will have all the conditions listed." The final blade is installed on the first GE Haliade-X Turbine for the Vineyard Wind 1 project, under development in the shallow waters about 15 miles south of Martha's Vineyard. The project is the nation's first commercial-scale offshore wind undertaking. He acknowledged documents showing there are still four of nine permits still in progress as of the end of March. "There are a couple of permits pending, including the construction and operations plan approval and some EPA permits, but all are expected to be issued this summer," he said. "The record of decision is a blueprint for those approvals." New England Wind 1 formerly Park City Wind is proposed to land at Craigville Beach in Centerville, while New England Wind 2 formerly Commonwealth Wind is proposed to land at Dowses Beach in Osterville. Combined, they'd deliver a little more than 1,800 megawatts to the ISO New England grid: 791 megawatts from New England Wind 1 and about 1,079 from New England Wind 2. The power output is slightly downgraded from previous plans that proposed a total of 2,004 megawatts, with 804 megawatts from the previous Park City Wind plan, and 1,200 from the previous Commonwealth Wind plan. It's estimated to power nearly 1 million homes and businesses in the region. According to Avangrid, the record of decision represents "a significant permitting milestone" that brings the lease area south of Martha's Vineyard closer to full federal approval for construction. The company expects a formal decision on its construction and operations plan in July. "With this federal approval, New England Wind stands apart as the most advanced and shovel-ready offshore wind opportunity in the Northeast region," said Avangrid CEO Pedro Azagra in a statement. "We are grateful to our many supporters and stakeholders that participated in the federal permitting process, and look forward to continued engagement as we work to bring thousands of well-paying jobs and clean, reliable power to New England. On March 27, Avangrid submitted proposals for its New England Wind projects through the new Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island multi-state solicitation for offshore wind power, both to the states as a group as well as individually to each state. The company is promoting its New England Wind 1 project as the one closest to putting shovels in the ground. For that reason, one of the company's proposals submitted for a power purchase agreement is for New England Wind 1 only, allowing the states to choose it individually because of its immediacy. The project has nearly all local, state and federal permits in hand, a signed host community agreement with the town of Barnstable, all interconnection rights secured, and a project labor agreement with the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions, according to Azagra. There is, however, a legal issue related to the project in the works at its April 4 meeting, the Barnstable Town Council went into executive session to discuss litigation strategy with regard to the Park City Wind project; no details are public as of yet. OSTERVILLE 03/12/24 View looking west of Dowses Beach in Osterville. Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times Avangrid's second proposal submitted to the states combines New England Wind 1 with New England Wind 2. This plan is offered as a combined project "to capture important economics of scale and support significant grid upgrades," according to Avangrid. The record of decision indicates that New England Wind would be permitted for 125 to 129 offshore turbines and five offshore electrical service platforms. If selected in the current competitive procurement, New England 1 could start construction as soon as next year and achieve commercial operations before the end of the decade. Kimmell said if the New England Wind 1-only bid is selected, the company would expect to re-bid for the second project during a later wind power solicitation. The states are expected to announce selected projects on Aug. 9. Congressman Bill Keating, D-Massachusetts, welcomed news of the record of decision for New England Wind. "I have long believed that offshore wind will play a critical role in powering a greener and more climate friendly future for our region and the entire country," he said in a statement, noting that with issuance of this record of decision "we see that vision coming closer to fruition. Locally, the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative was among various environmental and conservation groups also applauding the decision. It is now well documented that Cape Cod and its adjacent ocean waters are among the very fastest warming locations in the world, adding further urgency for Cape Cods transition to a sustainable energy future which, in turn, depends on having access to ample supplies of renewable energy," said Dorothy Savarese, board chair of the collaborative, in a statement. "Offshore wind is an absolutely essential component of that vision. Not everyone is cheering, though. Barnstable Speaks, a grassroots citizens' group that's raised questions and concerns about some of the details of Avangrid's proposals, in an email expressed the membership's disappointment in issuance of the record of decision at this time, noting "we want to point out that these projects still need numerous additional federal permits." "Additionally, keep in mind that Avangrid cancelled its original contracts to sell the power they propose to generate from these projects and may not even be awarded new contracts at the end of the Commonwealth's current clean energy solicitation process," wrote member Bob Schulte, on behalf of the group. "We feel that the protection and safety of our public beaches, drinking water supplies, historic Main Street Centerville and surrounding Barnstable neighborhoods, and the health of our community are imperative, and we will continue to fight for these goals." Heather McCarron can be reached at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on X @HMcCarron_CCT 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: Offshore wind proposals eyed for Barnstable landings get federal boost Students at the University of Cincinnati have banded together to create the Cincy Crime Stoppers Instagram page to alert students about incidents around campus. A description for the Cincy Crime Stoppers says the page is for "Bearcats who live off-campus and have been a victim of a crime" to "send in anonymous tips to help keep" the "community safe." "We're a group of student[s] who have all been victims of different things while we're students at UC," said Hailey Smith, a criminal justice student in her junior year and representative for the page. "We noticed that there needed to be some sort of outlet for students to be more aware of what's happening around the campus." Smith added that the students who created the page who have fallen victim to various crimes from armed robberies to break-ins, felt a need for more alerts about crime near campus. Cincy Crime Stoppers aims to do that by sending real-time alerts to followers. 1 PERSON HOSPITALIZED AFTER NORTH CAROLINA DORM ROOM SHOOTING A description for the Cincy Crime Stoppers page says it is for "Bearcats who live off-campus and have been a victim of a crime" to "send in anonymous tips to help keep" the "community safe." "Cars on our street get broken into at least a couple times every month," Smith said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The UC junior is passionate about crime prevention and reduction and hopes the Cincy Crime Stoppers page has a positive impact on the community, even on a small scale. She and other students feel the university can be "vague" in crime alerts sent out to students. MISSING TEXAS COLLEGE STUDENT CALEB HARRIS' FAMILY BELIEVES SOMEBODY KNOWS SOMETHING Cincy Crime Stoppers aims to not only give students more information about crime near campus but also help law enforcement get more tips. University of Cincinnati students have launched a crime alert page called Cincy Crime Stoppers. "We want to get confirmed information before we send it out, of course, and we also want to put out the most important stuff, but also this stuff that is unreported by UC," she said. Most recently, students are mourning the death of Benjamin Addison, a 21-year-old UC student who was fatally shot in the early morning hours of March 30 while he was trying to stop a car theft. Police named a 17-year-old suspect in connection with Addison's death. UC BERKELEY PARENTS HIRE PRIVATE SECURITY OVER LACK OF SECURITY ON CAMPUS AMID CONTINUED AREA CRIME Addison's father said in a Facebook post that two people were trying to break into the 21-year-old's Hyundai. Prosecutors are asking for the teen suspect's case to be transferred to adult court while the suspect's attorney is pushing for his release, according to FOX 19 Cincinnati. "He was the light of my life and truly my best friend. He was such an amazing young man and I [don't] know if I will ever get over this pain. Please pray for me and my family," Joe Addison wrote. UC has not released any kind of public statement acknowledging Addison's death, and Smith said students feel as if they've been left in the dark. The university did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital. COLLEGES NATIONWIDE ON EDGE AFTER 4 CAMPUS HOMICIDES IN 10 DAYS "The school has not sent anything out. Cincy Crime Stoppers is outraged. Parents are outraged. I know students are outraged," Smith said, adding that hundreds of students shared the post after Cincy Crime Stoppers shared the news. Addison was a finance and IT major at UC's Lindner College of Business. UC students seek more transparency about crime near campus. "Benjamin knew no stranger, he was kind to all, smiled constantly and was gentle and funny. He enjoyed collecting game cards including Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! He loved the Cincinnati Bengals and working out. Most of all, Benjamin loved spending time with his family and friends," an obituary for Addison reads. Two days prior to Addison's death, a double shooting near UC's campus left a 21-year-old man dead, and a 16-year-old male victim was injured after a party on the evening of March 28. While overall violent crime has decreased since the pandemic, teen shootings and vehicle thefts reached record numbers in the city last year since at least 2008, when the city began keeping shooting records online, FOX 19 reported. In 2023, Cincinnati recorded 55 shooting victims between the ages of 13 and 15. The city also saw a record number of vehicle thefts, with 1,511 Kias and Hyundais stolen between January and July of last year. Original article source: Ohio college students fear for safety, launch system to alert crime off campus O.J. Simpson, who broke into the public eye as a star NCAA running back at the University of Southern California and became a public pariah decades later when he was charged with fatally stabbing his ex-wife and her friend, has died at 76 years old. Nicknamed "Juice" on the field, he won a Heisman Trophy, spent 11 seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, and found a few roles in Hollywood. Then Simpson's name became forever tarnished after his 1994 arrest in the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman charges of which he would later be acquitted at trial. Some analysts have argued the jury and even the judge were influenced by heightened racial tensions after the acquittal of a group of Los Angeles police officers in the beating of Rodney King in 1992. There were also reports of alleged "jury nullification" in which the majority Black jury was accused of acquitting him based on racial motives. OJ SIMPSON DEAD AT 76, FAMILY SAYS O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson during premiere of "When Harry Met Sally" at Academy Theater in Los Angeles, California. Even his arrest was a spectacle after he broke his promise to surrender to police and took off in the back seat of a friend's SUV. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The image of Simpson in a white Ford Bronco fleeing an army of police cruisers in Los Angeles became part of the national consciousness. PHOTOS: OJ SIMPSON THROUGH THE YEARS A split image shows the different reactions as large groups of people gathered to hear the verdict in O.J. Simpson's 1990s murder trial over the deaths of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. Simpson and Brown split after seven years of marriage, following reports of a volatile relationship and spats of domestic violence. June 12, 1994 Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman are stabbed to death in the courtyard outside her home in LA's upscale Brentwood neighborhood. June 13 O.J. Simpson is questioned and released. A family photo of Ronald Goldman, who was murdered with O.J. Simpson's ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, June 12, 1994, in California. June 17 The infamous "slow-speed" car chase. Simpson broke an agreement to turn himself in and fled his attorney's home with a friend, Allen "AC" Cowlings, leading police on a slow-speed pursuit that spanned 60 miles. Officers arrested him after he pulled into his own driveway. Motorists stop and wave as police cars pursue the Ford Bronco driven by Al Cowlings, carrying fugitive murder suspect O.J. Simpson, on a 90-minute slow-speed car chase on June 17, 1994, on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. Cowlings eventually drove Simpson home to Brentwood, where he surrendered after a standoff with police. Sept. 9 With the trial approaching, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announces it would not be seeking the death penalty. Jan. 24, 1995 The trial begins with opening statements from Deputy District Attorneys Marcia Clark and Chris Darden. O.J. Simpson consults with Robert Kardashian, center, and Alvin Michelson during a hearing in Los Angeles on May 3, 1995. Jan. 25 Defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, part of Simpson's acclaimed "Dream Team" of high-powered lawyers, delivers an opening statement for the defense. Feb. 12 Jurors are taken to the crime scene on a bus from the courthouse. NFL COMMUNITY REACTS AFTER OJ SIMPSON, 76, DIES FOLLOWING CANCER BATTLE May 15 The gloves don't fit. Simpson tries on a pair of gloves in the courtroom. Aug. 31 The judge rules jurors can hear controversial recordings of a detective on the case, Mark Fuhrman, who was accused of using racist language. He declined to comment Thursday. Attorney Johnnie Cochran appears in court during O.J. Simpsons murder trial in Los Angeles on July 25, 1994. Sept. 26 to 28 Lawyers on both sides deliver closing arguments. Cochran delivers the now-famous line, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit." Oct. 3 Jurors agree. In less than four hours of deliberations, they find Simpson not guilty on two counts of murder. O.J. SIMPSON MURDER TRIAL PROSECUTOR RECEIVES SUPPORT FROM JUDGE ON JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN The trial stretched on for months and became a global spectacle as one of the first televised start-to-finish legal proceedings to a national audience. Judge Lance Ito presides over the O.J. Simpson double murder trial. "We were fortunate to convince Judge [Lance] Ito to keep the cameras running in spite of the showboating, but we certainly paid a steep price," Royal Oakes, the media attorney who convinced the judge to allow TV news cameras in the courtroom. "For years after the Simpson trial, it was extremely difficult to get judges to give a green light to cameras." O.J. Simpson listens to the not guilty verdict with his attorneys F. Lee Bailey, left, and Johnnie Cochran Jr. OJ SIMPSON REMARKS ON ALEX MURDAUGH TRIAL: I DONT KNOW WHY THEY THINK I'M AN EXPERT ON IT' After his acquittal on the murder charges, Simpson faced a civil trial and was found liable for the deaths, costing him $33.5 million most of which he hadn't paid. His financial troubles later led to an armed robbery in Las Vegas, and he finally went to prison. A Ford Bronco carrying O.J. Simpson (hidden in rear seat) is driven by Simpson's former teammate Al Cowlings as it is chased by dozens of police cars during an hours-long pursuit through Los Angeles area freeways on June 17, 1994. He was freed from prison in October 2017 and received early release from parole in November 2021. He attempted a comeback on X, formerly known as Twitter, posting selfie videos about current events. Simpson's children announced Thursday morning that their father died the prior evening. O.J. Simpson and Nicole Brown Simpson pose at the premiere of "Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult," in which O.J. starred, on March 16, 1994, in Los Angeles. He had been struggling with cancer. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: OJ Simpson dead: Groundbreaking 1990s murder trial followed LA's heated racial tensions COLUMBUS (WCMH) A man is dead after a fire in southeast Columbus has destroyed a home early Thursday morning. According to a battalion chief at the scene, a two-story home in the Glenbrook neighborhood sustained extensive damage and a man was missing after a fire began just before 4 a.m. in the 3400 block of Marlin Drive. Two former Circleville police chiefs to resign with nearly $70,000 payout after allegations Firefighters arrived and were battling the blaze in defensive mode, trying to get the flames contained before spreading. At the time they were unsure if anyone was in the home. Crews learned soon afterward that a woman and her father lived in the home. The woman was not at home at the time of the fire, but her father was unaccounted for. The mans car was in the driveway and authorities believed he may have been inside. Crews were able to contain the fire, which caused the main floor and part of the back of the home to collapse. Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4) Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4) Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4) Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4/Ronald Clark) Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4/Delaney Ruth) Firefighters found one man dead inside a southeast Columbus home, which was destroyed by a fire, April 11, 2024. (NBC4/Delaney Ruth) As of 5:15 crews were still unable to locate anyone inside the home as they searched the bedroom and began efforts on the main floor where the home had collapsed. At 5:28 a.m. the man was located on the first floor and pronounced dead at the scene by the Columbus Division of Fire. Neighbors Mary Peters and Crystal Green were woken up by the commotion and worried about those inside as firefighters began breaking windows in efforts to battle the blaze. I woke up to hearing the popping noises and I come downstairs and I see the back of the house is completely engulfed in flames. Its just horrible to watch, Peters said. Ive just been calling (him), trying to make sure hes okay, but theres no answer, Green said. This embedded content is not available in your region. Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter said at first it was difficult to gain access into the home because of the intensity of the blaze. Our crews aggressively attempted to get inside to search for people (but) because of the amount of fire they were limited in where they could get into, he said. There is structural damage to the building and so all of that hindered getting inside initially. Geitter also said that because the second floor collapsed onto the first floor, it was a challenge to search for the victim, whose identity has yet to be released. The cause of the fire remains under investigation as crews aim to maintain control of the smoke and sift through major damage inside the home. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Arizonas Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday that a near-total ban on abortions tied to a Civil War-era law in the state is enforceable. Under that 1864 law, anyone who performs an abortion or helps a woman obtain one can be charged with a felony. The one exception to the prohibition is if an abortion is needed to save a womans life. Its a horrifying ruling, and all the more striking because Arizona is a purple state, not a bastion of deep social conservatism. The retrograde law dates back to before Arizona had even achieved statehood, and its reactivation was made possible by the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade. On Wednesday, Arizonas Republican leadership blocked an attempt by Democratic state legislators to repeal the law. But the draconian ruling may also generate an opportunity for reproductive rights activists to decisively win abortion rights in the state. And in the process, it could help tip the 2024 presidential election in a major way. Abortion rights groups in Arizona said last week before the ruling that they had surpassed the number of signatures required to put a constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights on the ballot in November. The courts ruling makes that forthcoming vote look like a lifeline to pro-choice Arizonans. I think this changes everything, said Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat. I think it supercharges the ballot initiative and it supercharges the elections of all pro-choice candidates. Mayes has said that she will not prosecute abortion cases in the state. Abortion rights ballot measures have driven strong turnout in recent contests in red and purple states. In Kansas in 2022, two years after the state voted for Donald Trump by nearly 15 percentage points, voters overwhelmingly rejected a ballot referendum removing the right to abortion from the state constitution. And in 2023, Ohio pro-abortion rights groups prevailed over Republican hijinks, as voters decisively backed adding the right to access abortion care to the states constitution. Having Arizonans who favor abortion rights fired up bodes well for Bidens odds in the battleground state, which he narrowly won in 2020 and is considered up for grabs this year. High, organized turnout for abortion rights is likely to spill over into higher turnout for Democrats, who are messaging aggressively on the issue. Trump and his allies are obviously already nervous about this possibility. The former president told reporters that Arizonas ruling went too far, a position that seems to contradict his stance that abortion rights should be understood as something that states determine for themselves. It also flies in the face of his previous expressions of pride at appointing the Supreme Court justices who helped overturn Roe, which triggered this 1864 law becoming enforceable again. It would seem to suggest that Trump doesnt hold a principled position on abortion shocking, I know and that instead he wants to pretend he is a moderate on the issue. This awkward contortion to maintain general election viability without alienating the religious right would be difficult for even the most disciplined candidate to maintain, let alone someone like Trump, and its difficult to know whose trust hell maintain and whose hell lose. Arizona Republican Senate candidate and Trump devotee Kari Lake also said she opposed the ruling. It was an expedient flip-flop for her, considering she declared the 1864 Arizona abortion law a great law back in 2022. Trump has reason to be worried about a similar dynamic in other states too. Abortion rights are also on the ballot in Florida and Nevada, among other places. Trump has turned Florida into a red state, and its a state he should normally feel confident about. But a six-week ban on abortions takes effect in the Sunshine State in May, and in November Floridians will be able to vote on a ballot measure that will enshrine abortion access until fetal viability in the state constitution. Thats part of why Bidens campaign thinks that its worth pouring resources into flipping the state. Even if Trumps odds there remain strong, theres a decent chance hell be forced to pour money into playing defense in a state he wouldve otherwise considered safe. Arizonas Supreme Court just handed down a barbaric ruling. But it has also helped clarify the stakes of the election, and in the long run it might help turbocharge efforts to protect abortion rights for women in the state and across the nation. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Editors Note: Norman Eisen is a CNN legal analyst and editor of Trying Trump: A Guide to His First Election Interference Criminal Trial. He served as counsel to the House Judiciary Committee for the first impeachment and trial of Donald Trump. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. Read more opinion at CNN. There has been some head-scratching about what former President Donald Trump is up to in his defense in the hush money payment trial against him, for which jury selection begins Monday. He keeps filing motions that seem certain to lose, and then when they do he sometimes refiles them again. Some have suggested that he is using the trial to cultivate a narrative of grievance to boost his political standing among his followers nationally, and he undoubtedly is. Norman Eisen - CNN But as the author of a new book analyzing the case, it appears to me that he is attempting to reach his supporters in Manhattan in the hopes that at least one will make it onto the jury and then steadfastly refuse to convict him no matter the strength of the evidence. (Trump denies all wrongdoing.) Judge Juan Merchans just-released and extremely detailed jury questionnaire demonstrates that hes on guard against Trumps maneuvering but that doesnt mean that, if this is Trumps strategy, the former president wont continue to try. When a juror completely disregards the evidence and the law and instead decides based on other reasons such as bias, that is known as jury nullification, and it happens for a variety of reasons. When I was a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, DC in the 1990s, the phenomenon was the subject of considerable attention because some of our jurors were fed up with the war on drugs and the associated police strategies. No matter how overwhelming the proof, prosecutors found that they would get a juror who simply would not follow the law. Because criminal juries must be unanimous, even one such juror is enough to prevent a guilty verdict. My book details dozens of times in which Trump has made obviously losing arguments in the hush money case a pattern that supports the inference he might be seeking a jury nullification strategy. The latest example: hes trying to have the judge recuse himself based on flimsy allegations of conflict of interest because his adult daughter works for a firm that does work with Democratic candidates. As the former White House ethics czar, I know that the occupation of an adult child who is not a party or a witness to a case does not give rise to a conflict under New York law. What makes this even more suspicious is that Trump previously raised and lost this motion. Indeed, as part of that prior go round, the state judicial commission on ethics said there was nothing to it. Nevertheless Trump has filed again claiming the facts have changed because he is now the presumptive Republican nominee and Democrats including the judges daughter and the firm she is part of, and its clients will supposedly benefit from the Trump prosecutions. But none of that materially changes anything with respect to the erroneous argument that Merchan has a conflict, because as matter of law we dont hold judges responsible for the outside activities of their grown children. I believe Trump clearly is up to something other than winning these motions, and that it is fair to conclude tainting the jury pool is part of it. Heres how it works. Step one: Cue up a fight with the court, no matter how ridiculous. The point is the fight itself not to win. In another recent example, Trump pushed the limit of a gag order the judge had already imposed. He lost when the gag order was extended to shut down his shenanigans but he got a tremendous amount of ink out of the fight. He also just failed in reupping his effort to assert absolute immunity even though he had previously litigated this issue and lost. And hes currently pushing another recurrent and doomed kvetch about pre-trial publicity as a basis to delay the trial. It isnt, and that effort was just rejected as well. Step two: Try to get a hearing out of it, provoking even more intense news coverage in the heart of New York City and further goose attention by having Trump be present in court for the most high-profile clashes, guaranteeing they will dominate the headlines in the days before, during and after the hearing itself. Thats what Trump did with his attempt to delay the trial last month after tens of thousands of documents were produced at the last minute by federal prosecutors in response to a subpoena from Trump. At the actual hearing, his lawyers could not identify a single useful citation to support delay. Some wondered why they bothered but if the point was to trigger anger among potential Trump-supporting jurors, it makes sense. Step three: Hold a Trump press conference, which ensures that any jury nullification advertisement has the broadest possible reach with the jury pool. His court appearances in the hush money case tend to be followed by speaking to the press such as at his 40 Wall Street building, where he blasts the prosecutors, judges, witnesses and the entire system he claims is going after him. We cannot, of course, be sure that this is what Trump is up to. He and his lawyers certainly would never admit it; preemptively influencing jurors to violate their oaths to follow the law would hardly be welcomed by the tough judge in this case. Fortunately the judge need not wait for a confession to deal with Trumps tsunami of futile motions and the attention they may be drawing among potential jurors. He has begun the effort to ameliorate that threat in the form of his very thorough written juror questionnaire. All prospective jurors will have to complete it before they are questioned in court. The document includes direct questions to probe the possibility of bias such as whether potential jurors will be fair and impartial. And it also includes ones that make clear the inference of influence such as whether potential jurors have attended a Trump rally or even where they get their news from. The breadth of the questionnaire is likely to be effective its one thing to harbor a grudge on behalf of Trump, but quite another to outright lie about it. We can expect similar scrutiny on voir dire individual questioning of each of the jurors who make it past the rigorous screening in the questionnaire. It may take time, but the care is worth it, given the risk of a jury nullification campaign here. Beyond ordering a probing juror questionnaire, Merchan has also attempted to stanch the flow of Trumps baseless motions, requiring the parties to seek permission before filing any motions. Now he should up the ante by starting to sanction Trump and his lawyers for any frivolous arguments from here on out. The former president and several attorneys associated with him have been hit with sanctions in prior cases for frivolous action against a political adversary and, of course, for pushing Trumps 2020 election lies, and it is time for them here. If, as the evidence suggests, Trump is trying for jury nullification, it is hardly a sign of strength. On the contrary, as I argue in my book, Trump is in a position of weakness. He is at great risk of conviction and a sentence of incarceration, and he knows it. That is reflected in his desperate motions strategy, whatever its explanation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Opinion: What should Ukraine do about its Russia-linked church? Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), presented a "revolutionary" order on March 27: The Present and Future of the Russian World. The order claims: From a spiritual and moral point of view, a special military operation (Russias term for its war against Ukraine) is a Holy War, in which Russia and its people, defending the single spiritual space of Holy Rus, fulfill the mission of "Keeper," protecting the world from the pressure of globalism and victory of the Satanist West. The order also claims that the entire territory of modern Ukraine should enter the zone of Russias exclusive influence. At a rally in central Moscow just a year ago, famous Russian actor and former Orthodox priest Ivan Okhlobystin was among the first to dare call Russias invasion of Ukraine a Holy War. Akin to the mumblings of a madman at the time, this is now the official position of the ROC. Read also: Faith under fire: Russias war on religion in Ukraines occupied territories This politicization and weaponization of religion isnt typical of Orthodoxy the term Holy War sounds alien to the Orthodox ear, if not blasphemous. While the Orthodox tradition acknowledges the unavoidable necessity of defending ones country, there is nothing holy in that. During early Byzantine times, soldiers had to undergo short penances for killing enemies in battle. To make matters worse, Russia has invaded Ukraine, another predominantly Orthodox country. The ROC was always linked to the Kremlin, but it made an effort to reconcile the governments propaganda with fundamental Christian doctrines. Patriarch Kirills absurd document cements the churchs role as an ideological puppet of the Kremlin. This raises two important questions. How will independent Orthodox churches respond? The ROCs actions amount to phyletism the conflation of church and state which is considered heresy. Will the heads of other Orthodox churches fall in line? Metropolitan Onufriy (C) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) heads a prayer service at the St. Volodymyr Hill in Kyiv, Ukraine on July 27, 2016. (Vasyl Shevchenko/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) How should the Ukrainian government respond? The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP), which is subordinate to the ROC and is not to be confused with the autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), remains a major religious body in Ukraine. Most importantly, should Kyiv restrict the UOC-MPs influence in Ukraine, given numerous cases of its representatives supporting Russias war, spying for Moscow, hiding Russian troops and weapons, and creating pro-Russian paramilitary formations? Two problems arise. First, not all representatives of the UOC-MP are loyal to Patriarch Kirill, especially after the full-scale invasion, and it can be difficult to identify the wolf in sheeps clothing. Officially, the UOC-MP has severed ties with its mother, but within the framework of Orthodox canonical law, its still very much a part of it. Read also: Opinion: Answering your burning questions on Russias frozen assets Second, even the voluntary transition of local village parishes from the UOC-MP to the Kyiv-centered UOC has created tension and allowed Russia to accuse Ukraine of neglecting religious freedom. It would be easier if these unfounded accusations were only coming from Russia. However, mis- and uninformed lobbyists and opinion leaders in the United States have also tried to frame the situation as a persecution of Christians, using it to sabotage aid for Ukraine. Ironically, Patriarch Kirill has himself undermined much of the churchs efforts at concealing its agenda, proudly acknowledging the ROCs role in Russias aggression against Ukraine. However, Ukraines quest to separate the wheat from the chaff and find the best way to deal with UOC-MP clergy that act in Russias interests without limiting religious freedom remains the real challenge. Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the Opinion section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Submit an Opinion Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man was sentenced to life in prison after he admitted to killing his wife in a planned murder-suicide in November 2023, the Oregon City police department announced Thursday. Anthony Wessel, 41, turned himself in to Oregon City police on Nov. 13, 2023. Officers that searched his home found his wife, 37-year-old Anna Wessel, already dead. Wallowa County commissioners urge Oregon, Idaho to rekindle Greater Idaho border talks In the home, police found a note that Wessel had written for police in which he said he planned to commit a murder-suicide. Another note in the margin said he decided to turn himself in. Other notes found in the house indicated that Wessel had planned the murder, authorities said. First and foremost, the Oregon City Police Department sends our heartfelt condolences to Annas family and all the community members who have been forever impacted by Mr. Wessels actions, according to a statement from Oregon City police. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts as you navigate the grief associated with losing Anna. Multiple suspects sought by Portland police after burglar crashes through restaurant ceiling A judge ruled on April 10 that Wessel will not be eligible for parole until he has served 25 years. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Silynxcom Ltd. The Companys new system is compatible with Project 25 (P25) and "TETRA" communication systems which are widely used across the globe Newport Beach, California, April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (Silynxcom or the Company), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, announced the first order for its groundbreaking In-Ear Headset system. This marks a significant milestone for the Company, positioning Silynxcom at the forefront of the high-tech advanced tactical communication market and signaling strong potential for future growth and profitability. The new In-Ear Headset system designed to meet the unique requirements of law enforcement and public safety organizations, represents a major innovation in secure and encrypted communication. The system is comestible with Project 25 (P25) and "TETRA" communication systems, widely used across the globe. This first order, announced on March 14, 2024, following rigorous testing by a European law enforcement agency, underscores the product's high quality and its ability to meet the high standards demanded by the industry. Highlights: Innovative Product Launch: Silynxcom's latest offering taps into the massive law enforcement communication market, showcasing the company's commitment to innovation and its ability to develop products that meet critical market needs. Strategic Growth and Value Creation: Silynxcom's leadership team is committed to leveraging this breakthrough to drive sustainable growth, enhance shareholder value, and reinforce the company's market leadership in tactical communication solutions. First-Mover Advantage: With this new system, Silynxcom secures a first-mover advantage in providing high-quality, encrypted communication solutions for law enforcement agencies, offering significant growth potential within the sector. Market Expansion: This initial order paves the way for Silynxcom to expand its footprint globally, particularly in the lucrative European law enforcement market. The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on new opportunities, aiming to broaden its reach and penetrate new segments within the government sector. Product Differentiation: The In-Ear Headset system sets a new industry standard with features like superior audio quality, compatibility with a wide range of radio devices, and seamless integration into law enforcement workflows. This differentiation strengthens Silynxcom's competitive edge and market positioning. Story continues As Silynxcom gears up to meet the growing demand for its In-Ear Headset system, the company is well-positioned for significant expansion and is actively exploring avenues to bring its innovative solutions to more law enforcement agencies worldwide. About Silynxcom Ltd. For over a decade, the Company been developing, manufacturing, marketing, and selling ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Companys in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations and weapons training courses. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers. The Companys In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360 situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Companys products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers in the field. The Companys headset devices are compatible and easily integrate with various communication equipment devices currently being used by tens of thousands of military and law enforcement personnel in leading military and law enforcement units around the globe. The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units around the world. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as anticipate, believe, contemplate, could, estimate, expect, intend, seek, may, might, plan, potential, predict, project, target, aim, should, "will would, or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. For example, the Company uses forward-looking statements when it discusses the positioning of the Company in the tactical communication market upon the first order for its new In-Ear Headset system, that the new In-Ear Headset system represents a major innovation in secure and encrypted communication, the Companys commitment to innovation and its ability to develop products that meet critical market needs, that the Companys leadership team is committed to leveraging this breakthrough for various purposes, that this initial order paves the way for the Company to expand its footprint and that it is positioned to capitalize on new opportunities, and that the new In-Ear Headset system sets a new industry standard. Forward-looking statements are based on Silynxcoms current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled Risk Factors in the final prospectus related to the Companys public offering filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on January 11, 2024. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of the date of this press release and Silynxcom undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law. Investor Relations Contact: Silynxcom Ltd. ir@silynxcom.com People who share the gift of life are being celebrated. Genesis Health System and the Iowa Donor Network raised a flag for people who donated organs, eyes and tissue. The ceremony was followed by a program by Genesis chaplains and a moment of silence. Organizers encourage people to check the organ donation box on their drivers licenses or to register online. For more information, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) As the start of French Quarter Festival approaches, officials with the City of New Orleans are announcing their plan for public safety. City officials are anticipating hundreds of thousands to visit the French Quarter and are encouraging residents to prepare for heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic throughout the weekend. I am thrilled for the return of French Quarter Festival, the largest celebration and showcase of Louisiana music in the world. With more than 20 stages playing various genres of music and nearly 60 local restaurants serving up delicious classics, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend, said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Welding all the way to strawberry school City officials said the New Orleans Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness office will activate the Citys Event Command Post for public safety agencies to monitor events. Our economy is our culture, so it is vital that we invest in our local culture-bearers to keep it alive. After another safe and successful fest last year, our public safety team stands ready to keep the crowds and streets safe again this year. It takes great coordination and collaboration to host such events, and we are prepared to once again demonstrate to everyone why New Orleans is the best in the world at executing major events and festivals with a rich culture that is absolutely unmatched. NOHSEP officials add that they are partnering with the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Forces and the Louisiana State Analytic and Fusion Exchange Center to ensure public safety. In the wake of the severe weather that hit Southeast Louisiana on Wednesday, April 10, NOHSEP officials said they will continue to monitor the weather along with the National Weather Service. The New Orleans Police Department will enforce traffic restrictions to ensure pedestrian safety, according to city officials. From Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14, from 5 p.m. to 12 p.m., city officials said Bourbon Street, from Iberville to St. Ann streets, will be closed to vehicular traffic only allowing emergency vehicles to come through. Win a $3,000 quilt! Details right here They add that vehicles will be screened as they enter the French Quarter near Iberville, Decatur, Dumaine and North Rampart streets. Only vehicles allowed to drive in the area will be residents, employees, hotel guests and taxis or ride-hailing services. Further, city officials said from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. the following streets will be closed to traffic: Rampart Street from Iberville Street to St. Ann Street Canal Street from Chartres Street to Burgundy Street Dumaine Street from Dauphine Street to Royal Street Decatur Street from Conti Street to Dumaine Street North Peters Street at Canal Street will close periodically as needed per traffic Additionally, Regional Transit Authority officials are encouraging riders to plan ahead and purchase fares ahead of time. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Over $12K in stolen goods recovered in San Jose storage facility (KRON) Several thousand dollars worth of stolen goods were recovered from a San Jose storage facility on Tuesday, according to the San Jose Police Department. SJPD Western Division Patrol officers responded to a report of a burglary of a local business. Rampant crime leaves another Oakland business on the brink Officers identified the suspect as a woman and determined she was storing stolen goods in a storage facility. SJPD patrol officers obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and searched it. The search revealed over $12,000 worth of stolen property. Police declined to release the womans name. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. UPDATE @12:43 a.m. Power has been restored after an outage in the Dayton area. >> Threat posted to social media prompts police response to Kettering middle school As many as 1,127 customers reported to AES Ohio that their power was out late Wednesday night. As of 12:34 a.m., 14 customers in Montgomery County are without power, according to AES Ohios outage map. The outage appeared to have been concentrated in the east Dayton area. AES Ohio is asking anyone to report their outage by calling 877-4OUTAGE (877-468-8243) or visiting this website. -INITIAL STORY- Thousands are without power after an outage in the Dayton area Wednesday into early Thursday. As of 12 a.m., 1,127 customers have reported their power is out, according to AES Ohios Outage Map. >> Threat posted to social media prompts police response to Kettering middle school The outage appears to be concentrated in the east Dayton area. AES Ohio is asking anyone to report their outage by calling 877-4OUTAGE (877-468-8243) or visiting this website. We are working to learn what led up to the outage and will continue to update this story. Amid a tense few days for the Fulton County Commission and City of Atlanta involving contracts and payments for animal control services, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners addressed one part of the back-and-forth at their Wednesday meeting. On Friday, Channel 2 Action News reported that Atlanta officials alleged the county owed the city nearly $6 million for unpaid water bills. The amount was close to the bill that the Fulton County Commission wanted to charge the City of Atlanta to renew its animal services contract with the county, a cost ballparked around $6.5 million, up from $2.5 million previously. Friday marked a heated back and forth between the city and county, ending, at least for now, with a lack of agreement on how to operate animal control services. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] At Wednesdays commission meeting, Chairman Robb Pitts brought the water bill up for discussion. During my several conversations with Mayor Dickens last Thursday and Friday, he brought up to me that the county owes the city approximately $5.7 million in outstanding, past due water bills, Pitts said. While Pitts said he told Mayor Andre Dickens he had been unaware of it, he promised that he would review documentation showing it for the countys bill and would pay it if it was indeed owed. Pitts said hed asked the mayor to provide the documents so they could take care of the account. I said I was not aware of that but that I committed to him that if we owed a dime, we would pay it, Pitts said. TRENDING STORIES: The countys Chief Financial Officer was reviewing the outstanding payments, according to County Manager Richard Anderson. I do think this dates back decades, Anderson said, so theres quite a bit of spade work to do to get to really what the numbers are. County CFO Sharon Whitmore said the county had more than 90 accounts with the City of Atlanta related to water, but that the largest one in question was likely the water usage at Fulton Countys Rice Street Jail. The largest account is the 901 Rice Street Jail, which is the Fulton County Jail, thats also the account they indicate has the largest outstanding balance, according to their records, Whitmore said. We have been working with them dating back to the early mid-90s, on clearing, or reconciling balances, outstanding balances. Some of this relates to a sewer escrow account that was established in the mid-80s that we requested the details of how they held the account, they applied payments to our sewer charges against that account. Whitmore also said that in the early 2000s when the city transitioned to United Water, the county received communication then about an outstanding balance, but despite requests for more information, no details were provided. The CFO added that part of the delay in fully reconciling the accounts was due to turnover at both the city government and county government. Whitmore said she asked the city to provide the relevant documents so they can compile them to find an accurate and more current dollar amount for payment purposes. She added that meetings with the citys own CFO and the Atlanta Watershed Management Department were being scheduled. Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. said the back and forth between the two governments over animal services and water was a tangled web and said he would be motioning to restore animal services to the city. Other commissioners raised concerns about getting the information so that it could not be continually used as a negotiation tactic while working on the animal services contract issue. Whitmore told commissioners that in previous communications, an exact dollar amount had not been provided since at least 2019, up to the point where the animal services negotiations began in the current cycle. Commissioner Natalie Hall asked if the county had tried to resolve it, and Whitmore explained that county officials had repeatedly requested the information needed to resolve it, but it had never been delivered until outstanding balances grew large, a process that she said documents show had repeated for several years, dating back to the mid-1990s. Both the water billing balance from Fulton County and the animal services contract with the City of Atlanta remain, at this point, unresolved. Channel 2 Action News has reached out to the Atlanta Mayors Office for more information about the water bill from Fulton County. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: The owners of a century-old laundry building in downtown Phoenix were dealt a small win when the Phoenix Planning Commission voted to recommend against a historic overlay for their building. The building, first called Phoenix Laundry and Dry Cleaning and now called Milum Textile Services, located on Seventh Avenue and Van Buren Street, has been in Craig Milums family since the 1950s. The Milum family has been trying to sell the now vacant building for years but claim that a finding of historical significance on the site has made the task impossible. The building was occupied since 1909, according to Phoenix documents. In 1935, buildings were rebuilt using some original material following a fire. The Milum family has operated the industrial laundry on the site for decades until closing it about five years ago. The Milums had put the site on the market and were trying to sell it for $9.2 million. They and the brokers they hired have testified and written letters to the city saying the historic finding on their site has scared away any potential buyers, rendering the well-located property essentially worthless. Craig and his wife Marilyn Milum had planned to sell the property and use the proceeds for their retirement, Marilyn Milum said in March. The historic finding mostly hinged on the architectural style of the ceiling and roof, called a lamella roof. The roof is held up using tension from boards placed in a diamond pattern, with no supporting beams used to suspend the roof. There is only one other site in the city with a roof of that craftsmanship, the livestock show barn at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. The lamella roof, suspended using tension created by the diamond-shaped pattern of beams, was deemed significant and halted demolition of the Milum Textile Services building. Commission votes against historic overlay The city filed for a historic preservation overlay to be applied on the property, which would halt any demolition for a year. The Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend the overlay be denied, with one member abstaining from the vote, saying the commission had not been provided enough information to decide in the case. In the commission meeting, Kevin Weight, a planner in the citys historic preservation office said the case was tough because the property owners opposed the overlay. The Milum Textile Services sign marks the former industrial laundry's site. Its owners, Craig and Marilyn Milum said the sign is in need of repairs, along with the rest of the building. Building could be razed if Council denies overlay The matter still is required to go before the Phoenix City Council for a final decision, but if the council agrees with the commission, Weight said, there would be nothing stopping the city from issuing a demolition permit and allowing the building to be razed. The commission serves as an advisory body to the council, but the council does not need to adhere to the commissions recommendation. In February, the council upheld the finding of historical significance from the Historic Preservation Commission and denied the Milums economic hardship petition on the site. The Milums had claimed repairs on the site would cost $10 million, but did not provide some of the required documentation, including an itemized list of the needed repairs and their costs. Because those items were not provided, the economic hardship petition was denied. The council is scheduled to discuss and vote on the historic preservation overlay at its May 1 meeting. Reach the reporter at cvanek@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @CorinaVanek. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Saga of 1909 Phoenix Laundry and Dry Cleaning building takes a turn The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has issued a warning about a scam going around targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The scam comes in the form of text messages to those with SNAP benefits, claiming that the persons EBT card has been locked and to contact a specific phone number or email address. The email address has what appears to be a pa.gov ending but its been altered slightly, such as email 21411@bovs[dot]pa.gov. DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call. If someone is claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department and they are asking you for your personal information, it is a scam, said Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. Please do not fall victim to identity theft. If you ever receive a suspicious text claiming your benefits have changed or asking you for your financial information, please inform the DHS fraud tip line immediately so the proper authorities can investigate. DHS does send informational text messages and phone calls to people who receive SNAP, Medicaid, and other benefits from the number 1-833-648-1964. However, DHS text messages will not include: Links to unofficial sites; most DHS texts will direct people to dhs.pa.gov, COMPASS or a site that ends in .gov or .org, Details about a persons benefits, such as the amount of SNAP they are authorized to receive, and/or A request for specific personal information. State Inspector General Lucas M. Miller added, Preserving public trust in our assistance programs is paramount. Scams targeting vulnerable individuals not only jeopardize their well-being but also undermine the integrity and efficacy of our support systems. We encourage Pennsylvanians to stay alert, continue to protect their personal information, and promptly report to the Office of State Inspector General (OSIG) any attempts to steal or exploit benefits. Anyone who believes their EBT card has been compromised should reach out to their local County Assistance Office (CAO) to replace their current card. People targeted by the scam can report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477). Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: New Castle couple welcomes baby girl born on Pennsylvania Turnpike Airline offers service from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for half the cost of traveling on PA Turnpike Missing Beaver County man found dead during search of Monongahela River in Elizabeth Township VIDEO: Memorial unveiled for bicyclist struck, killed by semi-truck in downtown Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts A US Navy and Coast Guard operation on Tuesday rescued three mariners stranded on a tiny Pacific Ocean islet for more than a week after the trio spelled out HELP using palm fronds laid on a white-sand beach. The mission also unexpectedly turned into a family reunion. The three men had been planning to fish the waters around the Pikelot Atoll, part of Micronesia, on March 31 when their 20-foot open skiff was caught by swells and its outboard motor was damaged, according to US Coast Guard officials. They scrambled ashore on uninhabited Pikelot, but their radio ran out of battery power before they could call for help. So the castaways gathered palm fronds from the 31-acre island, arranged them to spell out HELP on the beach, and waited, according to a Coast Guard statement. The names of the stranded men have not been released by the Coast Guard, and CNN attempts to contact their relatives have not gotten replies. For a week, the men lived off coconut meat, but they did have fresh water from a small well on the island, which is sometimes visited by fishers in the region, Coast Guard officials said. The search for the men began on April 6, when one of their relatives called rescue officials in the US Pacific territory of Guam, saying they had not returned to Polowat Atoll, an island more than 100 miles away, where the three started their voyage on Easter Sunday. It is difficult to overstate just how remote Piklelot is. The island is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, a Pacific nation between the Philippines and Hawaii that is made up of more than 600 islands scattered across about 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. The Coast Guard said a US Navy P-8A reconnaissance jet dispatched from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan, spotted the palm-frond HELP sign on the beach on April 7. Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search-and-rescue mission coordinator on the day the trio was located, said the sign was crucial to finding them in a search area that covered more than 103,000 square miles. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location, Garcia said in a statement. The Navy jet dropped survival packs to the three men and relayed their location to the rescue center. Pikelot Island is seen in a photo taken in 2020 by a Hawaii Air National Guard plane during a search operation. - Master Sgt. Richard Ebensberger/Handout/US Coast Guard A day later, a Coast Guard HC-130 flying from Air Station Barbers Point in Hawaii dropped a radio to the men, who were able to tell the crew they were in good shape and eager for help to get back to Polowat. When the Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry reached Pikelot on April 9, the story took another twist. One of the first rescuers on the beach was Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius. The stranded men were surprised to see that Halishlius was Micronesian and spoke the local language. US Coast Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius is from Micronesia. - US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia I could see on their faces, Whoa! Whos this guy pulling up that can speak our language? Halishlius told CNN in an interview from the Oliver Henry, which was at sea on Thursday after dropping the men off at Polowat. When he gave his name to the first of the stranded men to reach the rescue boat, the castaway was stunned: they were related. Its a crazy world, I actually found out Im related to them! Halishlius said. He couldnt believe Im with the Coast Guard trying to rescue them. The man was a third cousin, the others fourth cousins, he said. Amazingly, this was not the first rescue of castaways from Pikelot. In 2020, three other men traveling between two Micronesian atolls found themselves washed up there after their boat ran out of fuel during their voyage. Those three spelled out SOS on the beach, a message that was spotted by the crew of a US Air Force tanker operating out of Andersen Air Force Base on Guam, which then directed Coast Guard, Micronesian and Australian naval units to get the men from the island. How does this happen on the same island twice in four years? It could be coincidence, said Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, public affairs officer for US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia. The people of Micronesia frequently travel island to island, and do so with a great deal of skill and experience, she said. But occasionally, accidents happen. And so do unexpected family reunions. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com At the annual April 6 parade in Caborca, Mexico, a Prescott Sister Cities float features a paper-mache model of an American's severed head in a jar. Will Fisher, president of the Prescott group, often rides in the float, tossing candy to children in the historic Mexican city that's about a two-hour drive southeast of Lukeville. The American presence at the parade is a gesture "to show we don't have any hard feelings about what they did," Fisher said. "We get a lot of support. The people alongside the road are all cheering for us." The annual festivities celebrate what Caborcans call the Heroic Deed: the 1857 defeat, surrender and execution of ex-California state Sen. Henry Crabb and about 100 American invaders who came to settle, by force if necessary, in the Mexican state of Sonora. American newspapers of the time called it the Crabb Massacre. After the firing squad finished its work, victorious Mexican troops reportedly removed Crabb's head and shipped it to Mexico City in a jar of mescal. 'Freebooters' had Manifest Destiny mindset The death toll in the "massacre" was higher than in many battles of the U.S.-Mexico War, which took place years earlier, from 1846 to 1848. It involved prominent men of their day, including one of Arizona's forefathers, Granville Oury. Yet the incident is mostly forgotten, except in Caborca. The ill-fated expedition began after Crabb lost his bid in 1856 for U.S. senator in California as part of the Know Nothing Party, an anti-immigrant, anti-Catholic, pro-slavery movement. Married to Filomena Ainsa, who was from a wealthy Sonoran family, Crabbe traveled to Mexico frequently and likely met Ignacio Pesquiera, a Europe-educated rebel with ambitions to become Sonora's governor. Political chaos in Mexico followed dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's signing of the Gadsden Purchase, which created Arizona's current border with Mexico. Anger at Santa Anna boiled over into the Ayutla Revolution of the late 1850s and the Reform War, in which liberal-party members like Pesquiera rose to power. According to accounts of the massacre in newspaper archives, Pesquiera may have invited Crabb to bring a group of settlers to Sonora in exchange for helping him overthrow members of a faction that had seized control of the Mexican state's government. Crabb was no stranger to the American settlement movement called freebooting or filibustering, in which amateur imperialists launched expeditions in Mexico and Central America in hopes of spreading their ideals of Christian civilization. They also wanted to continue the legal enslavement of Black people and expand the political power of Southern states in the pre-Civil War era. Crabb had already accompanied his friend William Walker on a fruitless trip in 1854 to appropriate Baja California. Walker would go on to rule as Nicaragua's president for a year but was ousted in 1857 and executed in Honduras. Crabb set out the same year with a group of white men, including unsuccessful gold miners and several other former California lawmakers, loading up on weapons after arriving by boat in Los Angeles. They called themselves the Arizona Colonization Society and claimed they would soon be reinforced by another 900 followers. According to the 2004 book "Whitewashed Adobe" by William Deverell, the group chose to "march" to Arizona rather than ride horses to look more like a military unit. Crabb also tried to sell the idea to Sonoran officials his group would help defend the Mexican state from raiding by Apaches, said Chris Bradley, an associate editor for the Arizona Historical Society who's working on his Ph.D. in history at Arizona State University, focusing on the state's borderlands. "There's no evidence that Crabb had an agreement with Pesqueira, but he later acted as if he did," Bradley said. As for Pesqueira, if he believed a deal existed at some point, he evidently changed his mind. After crossing the border near what is now Lukeville, Bradley said, "Crabb got a pretty ferocious response from the Sonorans." Surrendering troops shot Before arriving in Caborca, Crabb wrote to a Mexican official that he knew forces were gathering to "exterminate" his band, but he was going anyway. Sources from the period reported him as overconfident in his team's ability to whip any Mexican fighting units, and he had even left some of their weapons and ammunition behind in a wagon outside of town. Hundreds of Mexican troops and Tohono O'odham fighters took up positions in and around the town's famous church, which was founded in the late 17th century by Father Eusebio Kino. For as many eight days, Crabb's group of about 80 fought from nearby buildings until they were starving and nearly out of ammunition. "When Crabb surrendered, he and his followers were immediately tried and shot the next morning," Bradley said. Mexican troops spared only a 16-year-old boy who was with Crabb's group. But from the beginning of the battle, incensed soldiers had fanned out across the land, looking for anyone who'd been working with Crabb. Agua Dulce Creek, at the headwaters of the San Pedro River, Sonora, Mexico. No escape for some filibusters On the way to Mexico, men from Crabb's party had gone to Tucson to recruit others for the settlement mission. The Arizona recruits were apparently told they each would get 160 acres of land in Sonora but that the deal was approved by Mexican officials and would involve no fighting. About 30 men from this Arizona contingent, plus other stragglers from Crabb's original party, left for Caborca a few days after Crabb. While still about 15 miles from the fighting that by then was raging in the town, the self-described "Tucson Valley Company" found themselves surrounded by 200 Mexican troops in a dense patch of mesquite trees. Under Oury's leadership, the men rebuffed an offer to surrender and fought their way out of the trap after nightfall while under heavy fire, according to an article published soon after the incident by the San Diego Herald, as preserved on SanDiegoHistory.org. They were harassed for the next few days by Mexican cavalry as they ran north through the desert to safety, losing four of their group. Oury would go on to become a representative for the Confederate Congress during the Civil War and an Arizona territorial lawmaker and congressman after the war. Another group of 16 Crabb followers didn't fare as well. They were found by Mexican troops with a cache of ammunition and "executed" a few days after the Caborca battle, the San Diego Herald reported. About a week later, roughly two dozen Mexican soldiers crossed into the United States and located four of Crabb's men staying at a ranch, possibly the historic Sopori Ranch in Amado. The Americans, who had come down with an illness preventing them from participating in the raid into Sonora, were taken outside and shot. A man identified as a brother of Crabb's wife was arrested and taken back to Mexico to stand trial. Prescott group gears up for return to Caborca Caborca began capitalizing on its history as a filibuster-busting town in 1948, when it changed its name to Heroica Caborca. But the modern city, which has a population of about 90,000, has received negative media coverage in the past few years due to an ongoing territorial war by rival drug gangs. Fisher and the Sister Cities group from Prescott decided not to travel to Caborca for the week-long festival this year because of an uptick in cartel violence in and around the city. Last year's atrocities included the shooting death of American biologist Gabriel Trujillo, who was in Sonora conducting field research. In February of this year, 10 people in a truck transporting farm laborers were shot four fatally by cartel gunmen in what may have been a case of mistaken identity. But Fisher said the Mexican government recently placed a military post with 200 soldiers just outside Caborca. It reminded him of how Father Kino's churches were often protected by nearby presidios, he said. The group will be back to its sister city soon, possibly for Cinco de Mayo, Fisher said, adding that Caborca doesn't typically see many Arizona tourists and has remained an "authentic Mexican town." "It's pretty impressive to go to the cathedral and see the gunshot holes in the walls," Fisher said. "It really brings the whole experience to life." Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on X @raystern. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: A paper-mache severed head? Prescott group celebrates Crabb Massacre A study of ancient Egyptian mummies has shown that schistosomiasis and malaria hounded the pharaohs. The Nile likely dictated which diseases were most common in ancient Egypt and Nubia. Thirty-one mummies from as far back as 2,000 BC have helped reveal the disease landscape of the ancient culture. The very lifeblood of the ancient Egyptian and Nubian culturesthe Nilealso likely brought a range of debilitating diseases upon the civilizations. And the mummies are now telling us all about it. In a study published in Advances in Parasitology by University of Cambridge, biological anthropologist Piers Mitchell details how investigating 31 mummiessome dating as deep into history as 2,000 BCrevealed the diseases and parasites that would have overwhelmed the population. He stated that the Nile was a key driving force in it all. Despite the low rainfall in most of the region, the river Nile acted as a conduit for tropical water-born parasites that would not normally be found in arid regions, Mitchell wrote in the study. The civilizations of ancient Egypt and Nubia could not have existed were it not for the water of the river Nile. However, it was this very river that acted as the key driver of parasitism in the populations who lived there. Mitchell found that 65 percent of the mummies he studied were positive for schistosomiasis (a parasitic worm), 40 percent had headlice, and 22 percent suffered from falciparum malaria. Such a disease burden must have had major consequences upon the physical stamina and productivity of a large proportion of the workforce, he said. To analyze the mummies, Mitchell used CT scans and light microscopy to investigate diseased tissue, and fragmented DNA offered up additional clues. The widespread malaria infections were fascilitated by mosquitos breeding in the rivers waters. Sand flies spread visceral leishmaniasis, which was found in 10 percent of the mummies studied, and simply wading in irrigated waters while farming continually put farmers at risk of infection by schistosomiasis. These ancient cultures were powerhouses in their time, but this was likely despite struggling with difficult diseases. Egypt and Nubia were heavily burdened by the kind of parasites that are likely to kill you or cause a chronic burden of illness, Mitchell said. Mitchell notes in his 2023 book Parasites in Past Civilizations and Their Impact upon Health that ancient Egypt and Nubia appeared to be the civilizations that suffered the most severe health consequences from parasites across the entire globe. Malaria and schistosomiasis cause anemia, and the reduced number of red blood cells resulted in impaired ability of laborers to do hard work, he wrote. Despite this, the Egyptians managed to complete major building projects such as their pyramids, temples, and ornate tombs for kings and nobility. The widespread anemia from parasite infection in ancient Egypt meant they would have struggled to build these monuments using their own diseased workforce alone. They could only build the ancient Egypt we see today using imported labor, such as slaves captured during military campaigns. The presence of the Nile turned an otherwise dry land into a breeding ground for the types of parasites needing still water to fester. But that water may have helped stave off some other maladies like whipworm or roundwormcommon among ancient societies that spread human feces on farmland for fertilization. Without the need for this type of fertilization, Mitchell believes that ancient cultures could have avoided at least these two additional parasitical problems. Parasitic diseases of ancient civilizations werent limited to those of certain social classes. The insects were prevalent throughout the region (thanks to the proximity to the Nile), and showed no favor in who they infectedfrom pharaohs to commoners. The mummies tell us so. You Might Also Like South Africa has started licensing crypto firms, and Luno and Zignaly are among the first batch of companies to receive regulatory approval. Regulators in the country have said around 60 firms are set to receive approval by April. South Africas financial regulator has started issuing crypto licenses, with exchange platform Luno and decentralized social investing marketplace Zignaly among the first batch of companies to receive approvals. Luno shared that it had received approval as a financial service provider under the country's Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 (FAIS). Luno PTY LTD now appears on FSCA's registry of authorized entities. Zignaly told CoinDesk that it had received a Category 2 - Discretionary Financial Service Provider (FSP) license and appears in the FSCA registry as Merritt Administrators PTY LTD. The South African regulator started accepting licensing applications from crypto firms in June 2023 after legislation was passed to bring crypto into the scope of regulated financial activities in the country. The FSCA has promised hefty fines for companies that try to operate without obtaining the right approvals. Around 60 firms are expected to be approved by the regulator in the short term. This is a positive step for both the cryptocurrency industry and South Africans. Compliance, safety and security for our customers have driven our growth since the beginning and will continue to be priorities as we expand our offering to introduce more features and products for financial institutions, Christo de Wit, Lunos country manager for South Africa, said in the statement. Zignaly's Category 2 license will allow the company to conduct discretionary fund management, "where Zignaly is authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of investors, and very importantly may act as a custodian of funds for its clients, the company said in a press statement. It is essentially a full asset management license, comparable to what TradFi behemoths like Blackrock or Vanguard have at their disposal. Zignaly says the license will also help it preempt the likely extension of regulations to decentralized finance. In 2022, the company signed a $50 million financing deal with a Luxembourg fund. UPDATE (April 11, 12:05 UTC): Adds that Zignaly received a license to headline and body. Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, passed on April 11 the updated mobilization bill in its second reading, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said. The bill was supported by 283 lawmakers, with 49 MPs from some opposition parties abstaining. Passing the mobilization bill is a key component of the Ukrainian political and military leadership's efforts to update the legal framework around conscription in order to ramp up mobilization in 2024, in the works since late last year. After an initial, contentious version of the mobilization bill was withdrawn in January, a new, updated version passed the first reading on Feb. 7. Lawmakers have proposed over 4,000 amendments to the bill since then. Several key provisions of the earlier draft law were eventually passed by the parliament separately, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing three laws in early April: on the lowering of the conscription age to 25, the introduction of an electronic register for conscripts, and the canceling of the "partially eligible" status. The final version of the mobilization bill was approved by the parliament's National Security and Defense Committee on April 9. Of the provisions remaining in the bill, key points include the right of disabled soldiers and those who have returned from captivity to discharge themselves, and the introduction of mandatory medical commission checks for those who previously held the "partially eligible" status. KI Insights Visit KI Insights to learn more and subscribe to the insider weekly newsletter visit ki insights Other provisions include penalties for those deemed to be dodging the draft, including the potential revoking of consular services and driver's licenses. The parliament also voted to remove provisions on demobilization, which previously foresaw soldiers having the right to leave the military after 36 months of service, from the bill so that they could be considered separately. According to a letter obtained by Ukrainska Pravda and published on April 9, the removal of demobilization from the bill came at the request of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi. More than two years into Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, mobilization has become arguably the most contentious domestic issue in the country. With the war being fought as intensely as ever, Ukraine's military faces a growing need to replenish fighting units, build reserves, and allow existing soldiers to rotate off the front line. At a press conference in December 2023, Zelensky claimed that the military had requested the mobilization of 450,000-500,000 new conscript soldiers. Later, Syrskyi said that as a result of an internal audit conducted by the Defense Ministry, that number had been "significantly reduced." Read also: Opinion: Ukraine may have no choice but to lower its fighting age Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A pelican in Nassau County will receive emergency care after authorities pulled off a successful rescue. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The Nassau County Sheriffs Office received multiple reports about an injured Brown Pelican at Dee Dee Bartels Boat Ramp in Fernandina Beach. A marine unit responded and was able to safely capture the animal. However, the sheriffs office reported that the pelican suffered some serious injuries including a broken wing and a missing eye. READ: Georgia state record set in first Queen Triggerfish catch on the books Fortunately, after spending time looking for someone to provide medical care, a detective and the marine unit located a bird sanctuary willing to take the pelican in. They will administer emergency veterinarian services. Our priority is ensuring its safe relocation and recovery, the NCSO said. Thank you to everyone who alerted us and for your ongoing support in our efforts to protect wildlife. [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. The Pentagon has asked its internal watchdog, the inspector general, to probe the military day care system's handling of abuse cases -- a move that came late Wednesday, just hours after an investigative report by Military.com was published. The Military.com investigation revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize protecting base day care centers over children who are victims of emotional and physical abuse at the hands of staff. Reporting further revealed how policies keep parents in the dark while officials formulate a public relations response and have minimal safeguards to guarantee accountability. "It is paramount that we ensure children on DoD installations are provided a safe, healthy, and caring environment -- and their families have confidence in the care provided," Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, told Military.com in an email announcing the referral of the issue to the DoD inspector general. Read Next: Army Orders More Helicopter Pilot Training After Spate of 12 Crashes Kills, Injures Soldiers Ryder further promised the office will "work together with the military departments to ensure CDC [child development centers] facilities and staff meet the highest standards of care for our children and to promote appropriate accountability." The inspector general's office told Military.com in an email that it was reviewing the request "to determine the appropriate course of action" and had no further comment. The Defense Department's swift response, especially as a reaction to reporting, is rare. The IG is an independent watchdog agency within the department and, while unlikely in this instance, it does have the authority to turn down such a referral. An IG investigation itself doesn't necessarily mean individuals will be held accountable, but it could shed more light on the issue and potentially serve as ammunition for regulation changes or action on Capitol Hill. Jeremy Kuykendall, an Army captain and the father of one of the abuse victims, told Military.com that he was grateful and cautiously optimistic about the referral to the IG, but said the overall situation has still left him feeling frustrated and betrayed. "There's not what you build into the culture and ethos and understanding of trust; you have to have each other's back, right?" Kuykendall said Thursday. "You have to go to war, not [be] questioning the liability of the people to your left and right. So, you're not thinking about remote problems, like accountability issues within a day care incident, but it's connected." Kuykendall's daughter Isabella was abused over her three-day time at the Ford Island day care at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii in 2022. CCTV footage showed that she, then 15 months old, was pinched, smothered, thrown up against a wall and handled so roughly at the hands of two workers that a pediatrician believed she even suffered a concussion in addition to bruises and scratches. Throughout the investigation, Military.com spoke to a dozen families and their lawyers, all with similar stories of not being told when their child was injured and, in many cases, parents assuming hefty legal bills to force the military branches to tell them what happened. Despite Military.com collecting instances of military leadership admitting failures, finger-pointing and weaponized ignorance often won out in the cases analyzed by the publication, leading to little or no accountability taken or changes made. In one case, this enabled one of the workers who abused Bella and who was later found guilty of assault in a civilian court to keep working at the day care for an additional five months after the abuse was discovered, despite the Navy having been made aware of the worker's involvement. Although rare, this is the second time in three weeks that a Military.com report has yielded a potential IG investigation. Late last month, the Army referred the case of Gen. Charles Hamilton to the Defense Department inspector general for investigation, following a Military.com report that showed Hamilton may have used a "pressure campaign" to influence the Army Command Assessment Program panel in favor of one of his former subordinate officers, a lieutenant colonel. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth suspended Gen. Charles Hamilton on March 22 and referred the case to the IG after reporting revealed that, even though the assessment process ultimately found the officer unqualified due to ineffective and counterproductive leadership, she was still later placed on a selection list for command. No wrongdoing was suspected on the lieutenant colonel's part. Related: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight PEOPLE's Johnny Dodd remembers the day he spoke to one of O.J. Simpson's ex-wife's grieving, and angry, sisters in the wake of the brutal killings Vinnie Zuffante/Getty O.J. Simpson's death on April 10 reminded PEOPLE's Johnny Dodd of a reporting assignment to cover a crime in 1994. Nicole Brown Simpson, the former wife of Simpson, has been brutally murdered at her home in Los Angeles. Dodd sprung into action and, within hours, found his way to the front door of Nicole's family home. Here is the story of Dodd's first, chilling interview with one of her sisters. Id only been living in Los Angeles for a few months when my phone jingled to life way too early on the morning of June 13, 1994, just after sunrise. One of my editors in New York was calling. Theres been a murderOJ Simpsons wife. Need you to get down to Laguna Beach fast and see if her family will talk to you." At that point in my life, I always had a duffel bag packed because I was constantly hopping planes or racing off across California in my VW to cover all manner of stories, many of them grisly murders. By the time I got on the 405 highway and began heading south to where Nicole Brown Simpsons family lived, Id learned from radio reports that this murderwhich took place less than a mile from my Santa Monica apartmentwas about as grisly and awful as they come. Barry King/WireImage O.J. Simpson, Nicole Brown Simpson, and their kids Sydney and Justin Nearly an hour and a half later, I pulled up to the beachside gated community where Nicole had grown up and her parents still resided. A pack of reporters and TV crews were already camped out at entrance and after several hours there it seemed unlikely that anything fruitful was going to come by just waiting around. Then I had an idea. One of my old college roommates was a surf bum-turned-landscaper who lived in the area. On the off chance that he might know someone who knew the Brown family, I found a payphone (this was before everyone carried cell phones), dialed his number and learned that hed recently done work for the family. Related: O.J. Simpson Dead at 76 From Cancer, Family Announces Before I knew it, he picked me up in his truck. Minutes later we were ushered past the sea of reporters by a security guard and I was knocking on the front door of the Brown familys home. No one answered. So I scribbled a note on my business card asking them to call me and placed it on their doormat. DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock O. J. Simpson with children Justin and Sydney at Disneyland. Then I raced back to Los Angeles and sat by my office phone. Sure enough, early that evening one of Nicoles sistersafter all these years I cant remember which onecalled. She was still in shock and sobbing from the news. She told me that the only reason she was calling was to convey how much her 35-year-old sister loved being a mom and how she adored her two children. The call only lasted a couple minutes. Just before we hung up I felt compelled to tell her how I couldnt comprehend the pain her family must be going through and wished her well. Hearing that, her voice suddenly changed. Instead of trying to speak through her tears, she was seething with anger. Dont you print this. Not yet, she said. But we know who did this and I hope he rots in hell. Then she hung up. I still remember sitting at my desk after the call ended with the phone pressed up against my ear and feeling chills run up my spine. It was clear that the mystery of who killed Nicole was no mystery for Nicoles grieving family. And it wouldn't be long before the rest of the world learned who they were accusingO.J. Simpson. 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. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Three people were shot Wednesday, including a teenage boy wounded by police, and five were arrested when a hail of gunfire erupted near the end of a packed end of Ramadan event in Philadelphia, authorities said. Shots rang out around 2:30 p.m. in the area of North 46th Street and Wyalusing Avenue at Clara Muhammad Square where about 1,000 people were gathered, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel told reporters at the scene. Officers were writing tickets at a nearby gas station when they heard 30 shots fired, Bethel said. The officers saw two groups shooting at each other. One officer approached a 15-year-old boy, who was armed and opened fire, police said. PROSECUTORS WILL SEEK DEATH PENALTY FOR PA TRIPLE HOMICIDE SUSPECT An image overhead showing the scene where a shooting took place during an end of Ramadan event in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The officer returned fire and shot the teen in the shoulder and leg. The officer put the teen in her patrol car and rushed him to the hospital, Bethel said. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP The teen shooter was listed in stable condition and arrested, police said. Two other people were also shot during the gunfire exchange between the two groups, police said. A 22-year-old man was shot in the stomach and a 15-year-old boy was shot in the right finger, authorities said. Both were listed in stable condition. The injured teen who was shot by police, as well as three men and a woman were arrested. Five weapons were also recovered, Bethel said. The officer who opened fire has been placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of an investigation into the shooting. During the large police response to the scene, a police patrol vehicle hit a 15-year-old girl, who sustained a fractured leg, Bethel said. 3 PENNSYLVANIA MEN HAVE CONVICTIONS OVERTURNED AFTER DECADES BEHIND BARS IN WOMAN'S 1997 KILLING "That is not our intended purpose," Bethel said after offering his apologies to the child's family. Abdallah Legh, general manager of the Girard Meat Market, told Fox Philadelphia that he heard what sounded like three or four shots fired. A dozen to 30 children sought shelter in his store, he said. "Everybody was running," he said. The shooting happened during the Eid al-Fitr, a three-day holiday that follows the fasting month of Ramadan, organized by the Philadelphia Masjid, a local mosque. "Eid should always be a time of joy for our Muslim neighbors and I grieve for every member of the Philadelphia Muslim community whose celebration was shattered by gun violence today," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on social media. The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have sent personnel to the scene to assist local authorities. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Penn., said his office has been in touch with local officials. "My office has been in touch with local officials on the shooting at a Eid al-Fitr event in Philadelphia," he wrote on X. "As we gather more details, I urge everyone to stay safe and listen to law enforcement." The Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it was in touch with local authorities regarding the shooting. "Muslim community leaders have been on the forefront of efforts to curb gun violence and other ills in our City and we are looking forward to supporting these efforts," the group said in a statement. Original article source: Philadelphia end of Ramadan event shooting: Police say 3 injured, 5 arrested The Phoenix Police Department on Wednesday announced that it fired an officer involved in the death of Ali Osman, who was shot after throwing rocks at officers in 2022. Jesse Johnson, who had been with the department for at least four years and was paid just over $80,000 in 2023, lost his job after his behavior connected to Osman was determined to be inconsistent with department policy. The department did not provide details on the policy violation. Osman, a 34-year-old from Tucson, had been visiting friends in Phoenix on Sept. 24, 2022. Police said they found him near 19th and Glendale avenues throwing rocks at traffic, and he struck a police car. The department named Johnson and Brennan Olachea as the officers who were involved in the shooting. One officer was heard in a body camera recording saying, "Let's get this (expletive) now," before driving to Osman's location. Olachea remains with the department in an administrative role, according to the Sgt. Mayra Reeson. "His part of the incident remains under investigation," she said in an email. The decision to fire Johnson "was not made lightly but was done after careful consideration of all the facts," a statement emailed by Sgt. Robert Scherer said. "The Phoenix Police Department must hold its employees to the highest standards, conduct and accountability." In November, Phoenix settled a legal claim brought by Osman's family out of court for $5.5 million. Quacy Smith, the attorney representing the Osman family after Phoenix police officers shot and killed Ali Osman for throwing rocks at them, organizes his paper before beginning remarks during a news conference in the Smith & Green law office in downtown Phoenix on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Quacy Smith, the family's attorney, said the firing was surprising but the right thing to do. "Authority should not be given without accountability, and the city's decision is about accountability," Smith said. He also criticized Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell's decision last year not to file criminal charges in Osman's death. Interview of Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell in Phoenix on March 7, 2024. In explaining her decision at the time, Mitchell said the case hinged on whether the decision to shoot Osman could be justified under self-defense laws or laws governing the use of deadly force by law enforcement. "Osman had a rock in his hand, ready to throw it directly at the officer when the officer made the decision to shoot," Mitchell said. "And that decision was a reasonable one based on the force that Mr. Osman had used against them and was continuing to use." Mitchell stood by her decision in responding to the news of Johnson's termination Wednesday. "The administrative investigation by the Phoenix Police Department that was announced today was concerning whether the officer violated department policy. The criminal case reviewed by my office involves whether we could prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a unanimous jury that a crime was committed. Those are two very different considerations," Mitchell said in a statement. Smith said Mitchell should have allowed a grand jury to decide if this case could go to trial. "Mitchell hijacked the process," he said. "I'm not saying there would have been a conviction, but at least let the process play out." Reach the reporter at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix fires police officer involved in fatal shooting of Ali Osman A mother who was stabbed to death while pushing her baby in a pram in Bradford has been pictured for the first time. Kulsuma Akter, who was 27, is seen wearing a red sari and gold jewellery, traditional Bangladeshi wedding garments, alongside her 25-year-old husband Habibur Masum, who has been charged with her murder. Mr Masum, of Leamington Avenue, Burnley, is also charged with possession of a bladed article. He appeared at Bradford magistrates court on Thursday and was remanded in custody following a six-minute hearing. Mr Masum stood in the glass-fronted dock as he was addressed by District Judge Alex Boyd. Clean-shaven, dressed in a grey sweatshirt and flanked by three security guards, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. Masum was arrested in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, 170 miles from Bradford, in the early hours of Tuesday following a four-day search. Five other people have been arrested in connection to the crime. Four of the men, aged 23, 26, 28 and 29, were arrested in Aylesbury and are currently in custody. Mr Masum will appear at Bradford Crown Court on Friday. West Yorkshire Police has also referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct because officers had contact with Akter before her death, a force spokesman confirmed. 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 Pinckneyville woman who had first-degree murder charges dismissed last month in the death of her infant sons death now faces two firearms charges in a new case. Sophia Kelly, 22, was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition while not having a Firearm Owners Identification Card, according to Marion County court records. Kelly and two men were arrested in connection with the firearms charges in Central City following a traffic stop on Tuesday, according to a report by radio station WJBD. Kelly and Logan Hutchings, 22, also of Pinckneyville, were charged with three counts of first-degree murder last year in the death of their 4-month-old son, Ocean Hutchings in June 2022. But Kellys murder charges were dropped after Judge Gene Gross acquitted Logan Hutchings of all charges in a bench trial last month. Jennifer Mudge, a special prosecutor from the Illinois Office of the States Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, said Wednesday she filed the motion to have Kellys murder charges dismissed because the evidence in Logan Hutchings trial showed that he committed the final act that caused Ocean Hutchings death. Judge James Campanella dismissed Kellys charges on March 28. Matthew Benson, a DuQuoin attorney who represented Logan Hutchings, said in a statement after the bench trial that his client maintained his innocence from the first time he came into my office. Judge James Campanella dismissed Kellys charges on March 28. Matt Foster, a DuQuoin attorney appointed to represent Kelly on the murder charges, declined to comment. Two expert witnesses testified that Ocean Hutchings suffered injuries that were not possible to have been self-inflicted by a child of his age, according to a report by the County Journal newspaper. The child had a brain hemorrhage and three broken ribs that appeared to have been sustained at different times, the newspaper reported. Ocean died on June 14, 2022, in Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital in St. Louis, according to his obituary. Illinois State Police was contacted by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and Pinckneyville Police to investigate boys injuries in 2022. The murder charges were filed in April 2023. Police originally said Ocean was 3 months old at the time of his death but his obituary shows he had just turned 4 months old. Ocean was born on Feb. 13, 2022, in Carbondale and liked Hey Bear sensory videos, his obituary states. In the latest case against Kelly, records show that she will be represented by Salem attorney Matthew Wilzbach. Wilzbach said Wednesday he had not yet received his assignment from the court and he could not comment on Kellys charges. He is a private practice attorney but gets assigned cases when the public defenders in Marion County need assistance. Kelly has been released from the Marion County Jail on the firearms charges, according to the sheriffs office. Pittsburgh police announce changes to the way they respond to burglar alarms The City of Pittsburgh is making adjustments to the way police officers respond to burglar alarms. City officials said the changes are an effort to serve city residents and businesses in the most efficient and effective manner possible. Currently, Pittsburgh police respond to all burglar alarms, even if the alarm company is unable to reach the homeowner, business owner or key holder to verify the alarm. City officials said this results in thousands of police staff hours each year for burglar alarms, the overwhelming majority of which are false. An internal audit showed in 2023, there were 9,097 calls for service for burglar alarms in 2023. Of those 9,097, 39 of those - or 0.43% - generated police reports, six of which involved a verified (non-false) alarm, a break-in occurring and an actor near the incident. Additionally, the majority of the burglar alarms with police reports - 25 out of 39 (64%) - resulted from vandalism or objects being thrown through windows; or in total 25 out of 9097 (0.27%), city officials said. These 9,097 calls resulted in 4,166 police staff hours, or 174 days, with an average of 13.5 minutes per unit spent on burglar alarm responses. This is not a cost-effective or productive use of officers time that could be spent bolstering community engagement efforts, increasing training time, expanding proactive patrols, and prioritizing officer wellness initiatives. Several cities across the U.S. have adopted this model which has resulted in cost savings for residents without sacrificing service quality or public safety, says Police of Chief, Larry Scirotto. Under the new model, officers will respond to the following types of alarms: Hold-up alarms (human-activated) Panic alarms (human-activated) Medical alert alarms (secondary to Pittsburgh EMS) Priority locations such as, but not limited to, government buildings, critical infrastructure, firearms sales/storage locations, medical facilities, or any other location where a burglary or unauthorized intrusion has the potential to become a larger threat to public safety Verified burglar alarms where the homeowner, business owner, key-holder, witness, or alarm company provides reliable information to support a belief that a crime has happened or is in progress, i.e., video or audio of unauthorized individuals in or around the property, second authentication factor, or eyewitness reports on-scene to verify a break-in Multiple progressive alarm activations, i.e. activation of a window alarm, followed by activation of a motion detector alarm inside of the building Upon receiving a burglar alarm activation, Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center dispatchers will try to verify the alarm and assign call priority based on whether the alarm is verified or unverified, city officials said. City officials also clarified that police will respond to all burglar alarms, but unverified ones will be placed in a queue and given the same level of response as other non-priority calls. The Pittsburgh Police Telephone Reporting Unit will also begin documenting officer responses to false alarms. Alarm holders are permitted two false alarm responses, and for each false alarm after that, the permit holder will be required to pay a fee. The fifth documented false alarm activation in a calendar year will result in permission for police supervisors to disregard the call, city officials said. Last year, officers responded to nearly 1,500 repeat addresses, which generated 6,857 burglar alarms - or approximately 75% of all burglar alarm calls. One single address in the city resulted in 81 calls for service for burglar alarms in 2023, reinforcing the need to hold permit holders financially responsible for police response to multiple false alarms, city officials said in a press release. The new response model goes into effect on April 15. To register your home or business security system, visit here on the City of Pittsburgh website. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: New Castle couple welcomes baby girl born on Pennsylvania Turnpike Airline offers service from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for half the cost of traveling on PA Turnpike Missing Beaver County man found dead during search of Monongahela River in Elizabeth Township VIDEO: Memorial unveiled for bicyclist struck, killed by semi-truck in downtown Pittsburgh DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts STMicroelectronics N.V. PR N: C3249C STMicroelectronics and Centrica Energy sign long-term agreement for the supply of electricity produced from renewable sources in Italy 10-year contract for energy produced by a new solar farm in Italy PPA will support 2027 carbon neutral and 100% renewable energy sourcing goals of semiconductor manufacturer with 2 large-volume manufacturing sites in Italy Geneva (Switzerland) and Aalborg (Denmark), April 11, 2024 STMicroelectronics, (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and Centrica Energy Trading A/S (Centrica Energy) announced today that they have signed a ten-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the supply of renewable energy to its operations in Italy, starting January 2025. The agreement is based on the sale by Centrica of approximately 61 GWh of renewable energy per year, produced by a new solar farm in Italy. In Italy, ST operates two high-volume semiconductor manufacturing sites in Agrate (near Milan) and Catania as well as multiple R&D, design, and sales and marketing sites. Geoff West, EVP and Chief Procurement Officer, STMicroelectronics, commented: This second power purchasing agreement in Italy marks yet another important step towards STs goal of becoming carbon neutral in its operations (Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and partially scope 3) by 2027, including the sourcing of 100% renewable energy by 2027. PPAs will play a major role in our transition. Starting in 2025, this PPA with Centrica will provide a significant level of renewable energy for STs operations in Italy, which includes R&D, design, sales and marketing and large-volume chip manufacturing. Kristian Gjerlv-Juel, Vice President for Renewable Energy Trading & Optimisation, Centrica, said: Were pleased to have signed this agreement with STMicroelectronics. Centrica Energy continues to expand its capabilities and through this collaboration we will bring renewable energy to one of Europes biggest technology companies. This agreement is another example of how Centrica is developing powerful value propositions for partners and customers globally." More information about STs energy and climate change commitments is available here. About STMicroelectronics At ST, we are over 50,000 creators and makers of semiconductor technologies mastering the semiconductor supply chain with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. An integrated device manufacturer, we work with more than 200,000 customers and thousands of partners to design and build products, solutions, and ecosystems that address their challenges and opportunities, and the need to support a more sustainable world. Our technologies enable smarter mobility, more efficient power and energy management, and the wide-scale deployment of the Internet of Things and connectivity. We are committed to achieving our goal to become carbon neutral on scope 1 and 2 and partially scope 3 by 2027. Further information can be found at www.st.com. Story continues About Centrica Energy Centrica Energy is the trading and optimisation arm of Centrica plc, operating out of eight offices across all time zones to move energy from source to use. We are a leading provider of energy management and optimisation services to business, in addition to managing commodity risk and providing wholesale market access for the Centrica group. We have 16 GW of capacity under contract in Europe of which approximately 80% is renewable assets. Our mission is to drive the green transition while offering sustainable and predictable energy costs for suppliers and offtakers. In short, we call ourselves energy movers by nature. CONTACTS STMicroelectronics INVESTOR RELATIONS Celine Berthier Group VP, Investor Relations Tel: +41 22 929 58 12 celine.berthier@st.com MEDIA RELATIONS Alexis Breton Corporate External Communications Tel: + 33 6 59 16 79 08 alexis.breton@st.com Centrica MEDIA RELATIONS media@centrica.com Attachment Ukraine has conducted a series of audacious attacks deep inside Russia against military and economic targets, including at least two drones striking a training facility on Tuesday. Ukraine has used drones to attack Russia before, even striking the Kremlin itself, but Ukraine has never used so many drones in such a short space of time and has never before reached this deep into Russian territory. For over a month, Ukraines one-way attack (OWA) drone program has targeted Russias production facilities, oil infrastructure, and some of the airbases that facilitate Russias missile strikes. OWA drones like the ones Ukraine uses force defenders to ask hard questions. The first is how do you preserve an expensive and limited stock of air defense missiles? The (relatively) low cost of the drones means that intercepting every single one at a cost comparable to the drone is often difficult. On the other hand, failing to intercept them can be even more costly. Ukraines successful drone strikes since the start of the war have destroyed millions of dollars worth of Russian equipment. The other question for defenders is how much air defense can be spared from the intense fighting at the front to protect targets in the rear? Stationing air defense away from the fighting makes it harder for a military to protect its troops from drones and aircraft. Russian leaders are in the difficult position of trying to determine where air defense is most needed across thousands of miles of territory. The in-land attacks mean that citizens across the countryalready feeling the strain of military recruitment drives and a war-time economyare being confronted by the true cost of the war in a way that Putin had never imagined when he launched a Blitzkrieg assault on Ukraine two years ago. Not all of Ukraines drone attacks are equally damaging to Russia. Of the three recent types of targetsoil infrastructure, airfields, and production facilitiesthe attacks on Russias oil industry caused the most extensive damage. Ukrainian officials told the press that their attacks likely disrupted 10 percent or more of Russias refining capacity. Refineries can be repaired of course, but not all facilities struck are back online, and Russias oil industry is doubtlessly asking itself how many more attacks Ukraine has in store. Why Some Ukrainians Think Trump WILL Save Them From Putin Ukrainian attacks on airfields, which tend to be better defended, were less successful. On March 20, Ukrainian drones attacked Engels airbase, from which Russia launches some of its deadliest missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. However, theres no confirmation from Ukraine or Russia that they hit the airfield. On April 5, Ukraine launched a larger attack against three airfields across Russia, including the Morozovsk airfield. Ukrainian officials initially claimed to have destroyed as many as six Russian fighters at Morozovsk, which would have been a stunning success. However, later satellite imagery of the airfield didnt show any destroyed aircraft. Ukraines biggest successes with OWA drones tend to come against sites with limited air defense. On April 2, Ukrainian drones attacked Alabuga, where Russia assembles and manufactures Shahed drones in a large complex of buildings. Footage posted to social media showed a dronethat appeared to be a small plane converted into a dronefly into the facility. Officials from the facility later confirmed at least one hit to the complexs dormitory. The repurposed plane is strange, but not out of character. Ukraines OWA drones vary wildly across the different models. Several different firms in Ukraine produce them and some may have been supplied from abroad. On the cheaper end, one kind of Ukrainian drone is constructed from cheap materials like plywood, plastic bottles, and pipes. Most of Ukraines drones are economical by military standards due to limited funding and access to advanced components. For instance, nearly all Ukrainian OWA drones use a propeller for propulsion, since they are cheaper. On the pricier side, several Ukrainian drones appear to have a jet engine for propulsion. On April 7, Russians near Belgorod spotted Ukrainian drones powered by jet engines heading to attack an unknown target. Jet engines are harder to procure in bulk, but are significantly harder to intercept than their slower cousins. Ukraines attacks obviously have positive impacts in the war effort, but they have received a mixed reception from some of its international partners. U.S. officials have stated several times that they dont support or enable Ukrainian strikes into Russia. American rhetoric on drones echoes the longstanding debate for the Biden administration on the provision of long-range weapons that Russia might perceive as escalatory. U.S. leaders have often shifted their opinion on what weapons are escalatory, but are seemingly not yet ready to do so in this case. Regardless, it does not appear that the Biden administration is substantively changing its stance towards Ukraine as a result of the strikes, though further aid is still stymied by uncertainty in Congress. Other partners may be less worried. For instance, the U.K. has promised and delivered different kinds of drones to Ukraine in the past year. One that started as an unarmed target drone with the potential to serve as an effective OWA drone, the Banshee, has been spotted in Ukraine. Between Ukraines indigenous drone production and potential support from partners, Ukraines strikes into Russia are starting to make Russian defense officials just as concerned about protecting their skies as the Ukrainians. 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. Four years after retiring from the Civil Service, Janet Hewlett-Davies, a former senior mandarin at various government departments, appeared in an episode of Channel 4s documentary series Dispatches. Its title, A Good and Faithful Servant, neatly sums up the collective memory of her time in Whitehall from 1966 until 1986. But the revelation that she was having an affair with Harold Wilson, the former prime minister, during her two years as his deputy press officer in the mid-1970s adds an extra twist to that judgment. In an age where even banal conversations that take place in 10 Downing Street are shared publicly within hours, this is a secret that has been kept for almost half a century. Hewlett-Davies took it with her to her grave last October. It is her former boss, Joe Haines, the then chief press officer, now 96, who has finally lifted the lid in order, he says, that the full picture of the final years of Wilsons premiership be known for posterity. Shelves of books and memoirs have been published since 1976 when Wilson unexpectedly resigned as prime minister (though we do already know, from a previous Haines memoir, that Hewlett-Davies was in on that secret from the autumn of the previous year). While speculation has long been rife about his alleged affair with his powerful private secretary Marcia Williams, later Baroness Falkender (she successfully sued the BBC for libel in 2006 for making the claim), no one seems to have suspected Hewlett-Davies, who was 22 years Wilsons junior. Wilson and Marcia Williams in 1964 - Daily Mail/Shutterstock In their 1984 book, Sources Close to the Prime Minister, the only remark that veteran Whitehall watchers Michael Cockerell and Peter (now Lord) Hennessy make about her is that, her soft manner belies years of sharp-end experience. Indeed, she did go on successfully to run communications at the Departments of Transport, Environment and Health after leaving Downing Street, as well as a stint trying to manage disgraced media tycoon Robert Maxwells press operations. Her skill in managing the news agenda no doubt stood her in good stead in keeping her own private life out of the headlines. She had a special gift for summing up people, Haines has written, demonstrated by her subsequent description of Maxwell as an attractive monster with a touch of genius. About Wilson, however, she loyally kept schtum. Richard Nixon, the former US president, almost stumbled on the truth in 1974 on a visit to Downing Street. Passing Hewlett-Davies on the stairs, and no doubt well-briefed by his own officials about the lurid rumours concerning Marcia Williams, Nixon is said to have exclaimed aloud, Say, is that the one weve been reading about? He got closer than most of Wilsons biographers. The late Ben Pimlott, in his 1992 life of the prime minister who won a record four general elections for Labour, did better than most, labelling her a special favourite of Wilson at a time when political pressures were mounting and the first signs were spotted in him of what was later diagnosed as dementia. When Harold was on his umpteenth brandy, he tended to reminisce and chat with Janet, Pimlott quoted a source telling him. She was very jolly with him. In terms of personal comfort and companionship, he leaned on her a lot. He added that she was good at cheering [Wilson] up when he was weary and things looked black, but reported that those around the prime minister worried that the time they spent together might cause scandal. He was careless of his own reputation, to put it mildly, and also of hers, Pimlotts source had said. Perhaps there is a hint buried in there somewhere? If so, the following year Wilsons authorised biographer, Philip Ziegler, didnt even see fit to include a mention of Hewlett-Davies. A 2015 memoir, An Outsider at Number 10, by the Special Branch officer turned writer John Warwicker, whose role in the mid-1970s was to keep Wilson safe, is more tantalising. In it, he included from his own collection a rare photograph of the prime minister and Hewlett-Davies walking side by side in the woods at Chequers, his official residence. What we now know, thanks to Joe Haines revelations, is that he had found Wilsons slippers under Hewlett-Davies bed in the grace-and-favour Buckinghamshire mansion. The only other survivor of those final years of the Wilson premiership, Bernard (now Lord) Donoughue, who was in on the secret (and also claimed Wilson had a brief dalliance with Williams), has responded to Haines revelation by describing the affair as giving the prime minister some sunshine at sunset; at the end of his time in Downing Street. She obviously made him finally happy. They had also been lovers in Downing Street under the noses of colleagues and Wilsons wife, Mary, mother of his two sons. Haines had by chance spotted Hewlett-Davies sneaking upstairs late at night to the prime ministers flat. When he challenged her the next day, she admitted what was going on. It was certainly a love match on her side. Harold Wilson and wife Mary take to the dancefloor at the 1963 Labour Party Conference - ANL/Shutterstock Born in May 1938 and grammar-school educated in Birmingham, Janet Hewlett married Barry Davies in 1964, combining their names into a double-barrelled surname. Her work as a journalist had, by that time, already taken her from the West Midlands to a role at the BBC in London. Their marriage endured until her husbands death in 2016. He may not even have known. To those who knew the couple, she was a devoted wife, the local Anglican church where her funeral took place records in its newsletter. They had no children and she spent her final years living alone in Brightons Kemp Town, active in the community, and even dabbling in amateur dramatics as an excellent but underused Miss Marple, according to the Brighton Argus, in a production of A Death is Announced at the Little Theatre in 2010. Hewlett-Davies took the secret with her to her grave last October After he left office, Wilson remained close to the one-time Labour MP Robert Maxwell, who provided him with a flat for his use in Oxford. Hewlett-Davies, Haines has written, would visit her there. As a leaving gift, he had given her an expensive gold pen, which on one occasion she is recorded as handing to Maxwell so he could sign a major deal to publish the English-language China Daily in Europe on behalf of the Chinese government. That pen aside, Joe Haines has said, Hewlett-Davies never sought any kind of benefit whatsoever from her affair with Wilson. Thanks to her discretion, it cast no cloud on his obituaries in 1995 or Mary Wilsons in 2018. Haines has justified his decision to make the affair public through the need to ensure the historical record of Wilsons governments is full and accurate. On the evidence of her life, Janet Hewlett-Davies might well have disagreed with that judgment. 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. Polish President Andrzej Duda has discussed the transfer of Soviet missiles for air defence systems to Ukraine at a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Vilnius. Source: Duda at a press conference in Vilnius on Thursday, as European Pravda reported Details: The talks in Vilnius took place as a large-scale Russian missile strike destroyed the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Kyiv Oblast. "Today, during a bilateral meeting, we talked with Mr President Zelenskyy about certain assets. There are still missiles from the Soviet era; they are currently in Poland's stockpile. We discussed their transfer for the benefit of Ukraine's air defence. I will continue to talk about this with the Minister of National Defence when I return to Warsaw," Duda said. Zelenskyy said that he had informed President Duda about the nightly missile attacks on energy infrastructure facilities and the difficult situation in Kharkiv. He told the Polish president that Ukraine critically needs increased support from its partners, especially air defence. Following the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius, Zelenskyy once again called for help in supplying Ukraine with air defence equipment. The day before, Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the details of negotiations with allies on the supply of Patriot air defence system batteries. Support UP or become our patron! Poland has Soviet-made air defense missiles that may be sent to Ukraine, Duda says Polish President Andrzej Duda said he has discussed the transfer of Soviet-made missiles for air defense systems to Ukraine with his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky while meeting in Lithuania at an international summit on April 11. Russian forces have intensified their attacks during the spring, mainly targeting energy and civilian infrastructure. According to Ukraine's Interior Ministry, Russia has conducted around 30,000 strikes on Ukrainian territory over the past three months. "We discussed the possibility of transferring them (Soviet-made missiles) to Ukraine in order to provide air defense," Duda said at a press conference with Zelensky and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. Zelensky arrived in Vilnius earlier on April 11 to take part in the Three Seas Summit and hold talks with the leaders of the partner countries. He once again urged allies to provide more air defense systems to Ukraine. "Missiles are striking every day, and every day we hear that Ukraine will receive new air defense systems," Ukraine's president said. "The reality must finally match the words, and real losses of Russian terror must be ensured." In early April, Zelensky said that Ukraine needs 25 Patriot air defense systems to completely protect the country. Duda said that Poland is beginning to deploy Patriot systems on its territory, but the country itself needs air defense systems. Russian missiles entered the Polish airspace and the country is "under the threat of a Russian attack," Duda added. Read also: Sikorski: We want to help Ukraine, but you must decide how long you are ready to go on Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Polish parliament is scheduled to debate the liberalization of the country's abortion law on Thursday afternoon. During his election campaign, Prime Minister Donald Tusk promised to strengthen women's rights and facilitate access to abortion. The country's current law is one of the strictest in the European Union. However, there is disagreement in Tusk's centre-left coalition about the extent to which abortion law should be liberalized. In 2020, the Constitutional Court tightened Poland's strict abortion law even further under the then conservative nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party government. Since then, abortion has only been permitted after rape or incest, or if the life of the pregnant woman is in danger, but not in the case of severe foetal abnormalities. The three coalition partners that make up Tusk's government have now submitted a total of four bills to parliament. The draft from Tusk's centre-right Civic Coalition party provides for the legalization of abortions up to the 12th week of pregnancy. The left-wing alliance The Left is calling for the same in its own amendment. In the event that liberalization fails, The Left wants to at least enforce exemption from punishment in a further motion. The Christian conservative Third Way party is proposing a return to the so-called compromise solution that was in place until the Constitutional Court's judgement. This would mean that abortions would only be legal in Poland after a crime has been committed or if there is a risk to the pregnant woman or foetus. WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said six people were shot in Northeast D.C. Wednesday evening, leaving one dead. The shooting happened in the 1100 block of 21st St. near Maryland Avenue around 6 p.m. MPD said one man died and two men, one woman, a 9-year-old and a 12-year-old child received non-life-threatening injuries. WMATA and MWCOG announce new joint transit initiative Police later released images of a car they were seeking in relation to the shooting. Police said that the car was a light blue Toyota sedan with dark tints and black rims. MPD did not know the license plate number but said that the car had no front tags. It was last spotted driving eastbound on Maryland Avenue NE. (Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) (Image courtesy of the Metropolitan Police Department) MPD said the car pulled up and two suspects got out and started shooting. It was not clear if the gunmen knew the victims, according to MPD. Ward 5 ANC Commissioner Kathy Henderson said the shooting is outrageous and frustrating. Im coming home from a long day just like my neighbors and everyone is starting to panic on the bus, Henderson said. People are still afraid and rightfully so. People come out with their families and the next thing you know theres a shooting incident and they think that couldve been me, maybe it is someone I know. DC looking to save lives with AED rebate program Henderson said its unacceptable. We shouldnt have to live like this, she said. We dont have to live like this. A woman who lives near the scene of the shooting says she no longer feels safe to be outside with her kids. I feel is real bad because I know there was a child, says neighbor Miriam Garcia. There was a nine-year-old and a 12-year-old. And I have a daughter. So, I feel like its not safe anymore here with children and being just outside, just, you know, enjoying the day is really hard that all these shootings are happening. Police Chief Pamela Smith said the shooting was another example of violence. This is another example, and Ive been here before in this space, of violence that we just cannot accept in our communities, she said. MPD asked that anyone with any information immediately call 911 with event number #I20240175577. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. TOPEKA (KSNT) Police in Topeka have arrested a man in connection to a report of a burglary at a local school. The Topeka Police Department (TPD) was called around 3:30 a.m. on April 10 to Sheldon Headstart at 1155 SW Seabrook Avenue. Police arriving at the scene found a 31-year-old Topeka man who allegedly had stolen property in his possession. This embedded content is not available in your region. City of Topeka spokeswoman Rosie Nichols says the man was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections. His charges include: Burglary; dwelling to commit felony, theft, DV, or sexually motivated crime Theft <$1,500 from building Interference with law enforcement officer; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution Sheriffs office employee fired, sentenced for trafficking contraband into Jackson County jail If you have any information to share regarding this investigation, send an email to the TPD at telltpd@topeka.org or call 785-368-9400. You can also make anonymous tips to Shawnee County Crime Stoppers by calling 785-234-0007 or by clicking here. 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. The Metropolitan Police became aware of suspicious messages targeting male Westminster figures last year but did not warn MPs. About 20 Westminster figures, including three MPs, as well as their staff and political journalists, have been targeted by online profiles using the aliases Charlie or Abi. The accounts sent flirtatious messages and in some cases explicit photos, with at least one recipient said to have sent an intimate image in response. It took until this month for details of the suspected honeytrap to become public, but the BBC reported that the Met began its investigation last year. While Commons security staff were also made aware of the issue at the time, targets including at least one MP are not thought to have been contacted, raising questions about whether more could have been done by the authorities to protect parliamentarians. Leicestershire Police and the Met have launched investigations into the suspected honeytrap, while Downing Street has urged politicians affected to contact the police. Scotland Yard has been contacted by a man whose photos were allegedly stolen by the honeytrapper. The images were taken from his social media profiles and appeared to date from his schooldays and early years of university. The man, who The Telegraph has chosen not to name, deleted his social media profiles shortly after he was contacted about the photographs. William Wragg has admitted handing colleagues' phone numbers to a man he met on Grindr - Future Publishing/Getty Images Contributor William Wragg, the MP for Hazel Grove, gave up the Tory whip earlier this week and now sits as an independent after admitting handing colleagues phone numbers to a man he met on Grindr, a gay dating app, having sent him intimate pictures of himself. Nadine Dorries, the former culture secretary, has urged the parliamentary standards commissioner to launch a full investigation into Mr Wragg. In 2022, he announced his intention to stand down at the next general election and has spoken about his struggles with anxiety and depression, describing himself as mortified in an apology over the honeytrap scandal. A Met police spokesman said: Where particular concerns are identified, security arrangements are reviewed, adapted and strengthened as appropriate. We continue to review the support we provide to MPs and their staff to ensure we have the right measures in place to keep them safe. Year-round, the [counter-terrorism] policing and the Met work closely with parliamentary authorities on issues relating to the security of MPs and security arrangements for individual MPs are kept under continual review. This is done by the parliamentary authorities, government, the Mets parliamentary liaison and investigation team and local officers from the national Operation Bridger network. The House of Commons 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. Kentucky State Police on Tuesday arrested a correctional officer on suspicion of bringing a cell phone into a South Central Kentucky juvenile detention center in violation of security rules. Jose A. Soto, 56, of Leitchfield, is charged with first-degree promoting contraband, a Class D felony, according to Warren County District Court records. On Dec. 20, police started investigating a contraband phone found in the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Bowling Green, operated by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, according to court records. Police determined that Soto was involved in bringing the phone into the facility, according to the records. Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics Newsletter A must-read newsletter for political junkies across the Bluegrass State with reporting and analysis from the Lexington Herald-Leader. Never miss a story! Sign up for our Bluegrass Politics newsletter to connect with our reporting team and get behind-the-scenes insights, plus previews of the biggest stories. Soto was arraigned Wednesday. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 17. Detention centers run by the Department of Juvenile Justice have been troubled by violence, abuse and neglect in recent years. In March, Gov. Andy Beshear named a former prison warden, Randy White, to take charge of the agency. On a day when Ford Motor Co. is spotlighting the launch of its high-profile Ranger and F-150 trucks, key players behind the scenes watch with pride and trepidation. Because everything is at stake. Christine McGowan, 49, of Farmington Hills, is a chemical engineer who never played with Hot Wheels or trucks as a kid. The youngest of three children, she earned strong grades, played basketball and attended church youth group. She was voted most likely to become a nun at Catholic school. Dad spent his career working at Chrysler in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design. Mom worked in payroll at Uniroyal. McGowan left Michigan State University and began working with intake manifolds and fuel tanks built by an automotive supplier before taking a job at the Romeo Engine Plant. She went on to learn about building high-performance engines. And then ended up at Ford Performance as launch leader for the Bronco Raptor, the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Raptor R. Now she's the launch manager for the 2024 Ford Ranger at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne. "It's all about the team around you," McGowan said. "It's been a long journey. We're just one of the assembly plants that makes it globally and we're bringing it to the United States and America. There's passion for Ranger around the world." The Ranger midsize truck is used by construction workers, campers and off-road adventure seekers, she said. It's "smaller and more versatile" than its F-150 big brother. It's built at plants in Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa and South America. The trucks built in Wayne will be sold to consumers in North America. 'I'll tell you, trucks make me happy' It has an all-new body, new engine and a completely new Raptor variant that hasn't been available in North America until now, the highest-performance vehicle in the lineup that's often viewed by enthusiasts as a trophy truck. Christine McGowan is launch manager for the 2024 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne. She is seen with a Ranger Raptor on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Dearborn Truck Plant. "I have Ford Performance blood in me," McGowan said. "I'll have to admit, I was not a truck person before I went to Ford Performance ... the passion that our team members have for putting forth performance vehicles it's contagious. I'll tell you, trucks make me happy." She has led five supervisors, each who each oversaw up to five engineers on the production development side, McGowan said. "I wasn't doing anything by myself. I could not have been successful without my team and partners. ... It's all about making decisions together coordinating with suppliers working to meet timing deadlines on parts delivery, material handling, quality testing." The high performance 2024 Ford Ranger Raptor is a new variant for buyers in the U.S. This Ranger and Ranger Raptor are probably five years in the making, she said, and included working hand in hand with the Ford team in Australia. Story continues Ford CFO John Lawler told Bank of America analysts in late March, "Ranger is new, it's doing very well in our Asian markets as well as in Europe." Raptor midsize truck for some, F-150 for the rest Launching one vehicle isn't easy but Ford launched its all-new Ford F-150 Thursday, too. Sisters Wendy Kroll, 50, of Chesterfield, and Penny Cauzillo, 55, of Canton, worked together to help make it happen. Cauzillo spent 31 years at Ford as a UAW member, retiring in January as an alignment specialist at the Rouge Electric Vehicle Center that builds the F-150 Lightning. She said she was averaging 25,000 steps a day on the job, often seven days a week and 12 hours a day plus overtime. "I was always here, and I loved every minute of it." Then the company brought her back on salary for a special assignment, helping manage quality during this launch because she had so much experience. "My boss wanted me to come back," Cauzillo said. "We manage both (F-150) plants and coordinate." Sisters Wendy Kroll, 50, of Chesterfield, left, and Penny Cauzillo, 55, of Canton, work together to help launch the 2024 Ford F-150. They're seen here at the Dearborn Truck Plant in 2024. After a colleague retired, Cauzillo recruited her sister, who had worked for years in the security industry, to spend a year or so on special assignment. They said they could trust each other and work efficiently in the high-stress roles. The women grew up in a military family, always together, along with Cauzillo's twin sister, Pamela, a lawyer in Macomb County. She is known at the plant by UAW members who worked with her on estate planning, Cauzillo said. "For the past 26 years of my past career, I was on call 24/7," Kroll said, noting that the Ford job involves a different kind of intensity and responsibility. Her main goal is to get new trucks through the system without defects, squeaks or rattles. Performance audits comb for perfection and keeping things on track with delivery dates in mind. For Cauzillo, focusing exclusively on the launch is a big change. She used to leave her house for work at 5 a.m., while her phone rang with work calls until 9 p.m. Leaving production responsibilities to others has cut her steps to 3,000 a day. Ford Motor Co. is launching its 2024 Ford F-150 and F-150 Raptor. The automaker hosted a big media event at the Dearborn Truck Plant on Thursday, April 11, 2024, to highlight the event. "We build 65 units an hour," she said. "Every minute that a truck comes off the line is money for the plant. Any sort of downtime in the plant ... is critical. The F-150 is flagship." Few people understand that factory workers on their feet 10 hours a day are navigating complexity, Cauzillo said. Kroll and Cauzillo plan their days by phone on the drive to work. They talk at night. And, outside the factory, they work to support their sister in her fight against breast cancer. She just finished chemotherapy and is headed into surgery for a double mastectomy next month, Kroll said. 'Be loyal to anything we're doing' Their father spent much of his life in the U.S. Navy as a chief petty officer in intelligence and celebrated the birth of his daughters in Japan. Then they moved to Germany, then California, where Kroll was born. Then Naples, Italy, and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and finally home to Anchor Bay, Michigan. He worked for a time as a recruiter in Michigan and spent more than a decade in the Army Corps of Engineers. Philip Kroll, who spent 27 years in the U.S. Navy, is seen here with his daughters Penny Cauzillo, Wendy Kroll and Pamela Kroll at a Detroit Tigers playoff game in October 2012. He died in 2023. Penny and Wendy are working on the 2024 Ford F-150 launch. He grew up in Muskegon while his wife grew up in the tiny town of Baldwin. Both died within the past eight years. The three sisters have no children, no nieces, no grandkids. That helps explain their tight-knit loyalty, they said. "Our parents really cared about family values and wanted us to be very close," Cauvillo said. "They taught us ... be loyal to anything we're doing. Put 100% into it." Kroll said, "My dad didnt get to see us and know we were working together before we passed away." Penny Cauzillo, of Canton, left, and her sister Wendy Kroll, of Chesterfield, work together at the Dearborn Truck Plant on the launch of the 2024 Ford F-150. Their factory shift is 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m. plus weekends. After struggling with parts issues during the pandemic and even recently, things are humming now, Cauzillo said. "We put a lot into these vehicles," Kroll said. "It's incredible, behind the scenes, what we do the audits, the testing, everything to make sure the product is ready." Penny Cauzillo, of Canton, left, and Wendy Kroll, of Chesterfield, work together on the 2024 Ford F-150 launch and find time to relax golfing afterward. They're seen here at Taylor Meadows in Taylor in 2009. Thousands of F-150 trucks have been parked in and around metro Detroit awaiting quality checks. On Thursday, Ford opened the Dearborn Truck Factory to the news media to watch it all happening. "Our No. 1 priority is quality, and we're being thoughtful as we launch the F-150," CFO Lawler said last month. "Many would say it's our most important or second most important product after Super Duty. And so we're being very thoughtful as we launch that this year ... we're verifying and ensuring the quality levels and standards that we expect for our customers." More: Ford teases F-150 reveal, plans to capture buyers not yet sold on electric vehicles More: Dad buys Mustang for son battling cancer, gets offer from Ford CEO Contact Phoebe Wall Howard: 313-618-1034 or phoward@freepress.com. Follow her on X @phoebesaid. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Some of the women behind Ford's Ranger, F-150 launches A Texas man is being summonsed to court after allegedly crashing his unregistered car into a Burlington bank on Thursday morning. The 46-year-old Desoto, Texas man, who is not being identified by authorities at this time, is being summonsed and charged with marked lanes violation, driving without insurance, driving an unregistered vehicle, attached plates, and speeding. Officers responding to the Santander Bank on Cambridge Street just before 6:30 a.m. for a report of a car that hit the building found a vehicle crashed inside the lobby of the bank, causing damage to both the interior and exterior, according to Burlington Police. The driver was transported to an area hospital to be treated for his injuries. He was the only person in the car, according to officials. Police say the car was unregistered and uninsured. It is unclear if anyone was inside the lobby at the time of the crash, but there were no reports of any other injuries. The Building Inspector responded and deemed the building safe. Authorities say the bank is expected to be reopened for business. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. 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 GENEVA, Ala (WDHN) Geneva Police are searching for a car and its owner, who police say could have information about an arson that destroyed one home and damaged another. In the early morning of Monday, April 8, Geneva Police and Fire Department rushed to the 1200 block of Pine Street on reports of a house fire. After an investigation, Geneva Police determined the fire was intentionally set. Geneva Police Chief Pepper Mock tells WDHN the car shown in the picture below may belong to someone who has valuable information that may help their investigation. There is no reason to believe this person is a suspect. However, there is a chance he or she could have information pertinent to the case, said Chief Mock in a release to WDHN. The car was seen driving through a nearby McDonalds parking lot at the time of the fire. According to Chief Mock, the fire was set by a burglar who they believe intentionally targeted the house. READ MORE: Burglar sets fire to Geneva home before fleeing, police say Stay with WDHN for updates. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. The homicide that landed Mexican citizen Fermin Garcia-Gutierrez on national news, touted as a cautionary tale about America's lax borders, was a retaliatory crime against another man whom Garcia-Gutierrez believed had raped his girlfriend, according to testimony in Hamilton Municipal Court. The aggravated murder charge against Garcia-Gutierrez was bound over to a grand jury this week to decide whether there's enough evidence to indict the 46-year-old on the charge. That jury likely would decide, too, whether the case should carry a potential death sentence. Garcia-Gutierrez was already in jail on gun and drug charges when the body of Fernando Reyna Oviedo, 41, was discovered in a garage at 1139 S. 13th St. Oviedo and another man lived in the house on the property, while Garcia-Gutierrez stayed in the garage. Oviedo, who'd been beaten and shot in the head, was found entangled in an inflatable mattress by a fourth man who'd entered the garage looking for a borrowed cement mixer that he aimed to return to its owner. Judge Dan Gattermeyer of Hamilton Municipal Court, pictured in 2021, bound Fermin Garcia-Gutierrez over to a grand jury Wednesday, April 10, 2024, on charges the Mexican immigrant killed an acquaintance. That's according to testimony at a Wednesday preliminary hearing by Hamilton Police Sgt. Eric Taylor, who interrogated Garcia-Gutierrez in Spanish while in custody. Much of the evidence against Garcia-Gutierrez came from statements he allegedly gave Taylor during that interrogation. Butler County sheriff calls out Garcia-Gutierrez case in politically charged comments on illegal immigration Charges against Garcia-Gutierrez made national news after Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones appeared on multiple news outlets denouncing him and other "illegals." "This is an example," he said. "Under President Biden and Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio, we've became a border state. We have a thousand prisoners from other countries that have been in our jail in the past three years." A spokesperson from Brown's office said presidents of both parties have failed at the border, which is why Brown "proudly voted for the bipartisan border security bill." "He will keep fighting to ensure that law enforcement both at the border and in Ohio have the personnel, tools and resources to keep communities safe." Jones' press circuit after Garcia-Gutierrez's arrest surprised some involved with the case because Jones' office is not handling the investigation. While Jones told Newsmax anchor Greta Van Susteren that Garcia-Gutierrez had likely killed before, neither he nor his department are part of the investigation, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hamilton city police. Garcia-Gutierrez has not been previously charged with murder, but he has faced other charges in Butler County dating back to 2006, according to records released by county officials in response to an Enquirer records request. Among those charges: carrying a concealed weapon, driving without a license and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle. Many of his legal run-ins were holds related to him having immigrated illegally. Robert Gunn, spokesman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Detroit field office, said Garcia-Gutierrez has been deported six times starting in 2007. His latest removal was July 21, 2019, which followed a conviction the previous year for illegal reentry. Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, pictured in May 2023, has drawn national interest to the aggravated murder charge filed against Fermin Garcia-Gutierrez, a 46-year-old Mexican citizen who's been deported six times, according to officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Garcia-Gutierrez is accused of killing Fernando Oviedo, 41, after allegedly being told Oviedo had raped Garcia-Gutierrez's girlfriend. Garcia-Gutierrez said talk turned violent, not intent to kill Garcia-Gutierrez's latest arrest could cost him his life, as was highlighted by Wednesday's preliminary hearing. The prosecution's focus appeared to be on establishing that Garcia-Gutierrez forced Oviedo into the garage to confront him about allegedly raping Garcia-Gutierrez's girlfriend. If Garcia-Gutierrez is found to have forced Oviedo inside the garage, he could face the death penalty because the murder would have then coincided with a kidnapping. Two members of the Mexican consulate traveled from Indianapolis to attend the hearing, at which a translator sat by Garcia-Gutierrez's side to quietly relay questions and testimony to him during the proceeding. According to Taylor, Garcia-Gutierrez said he stopped his girlfriend, who said Oviedo had raped her, from setting the house in which Oviedo was living on fire. Garcia-Gutierrez insisted that he and Oviedo talk, but that got heated, leading Garcia-Gutierrez to bash Oviedo with a shovel. He didn't aim to kill Oviedo, Garcia-Gutierrez allegedly told Taylor, but that after he'd hit him with the shovel, Oviedo threatened to call the police. That's when Garcia-Gutierrez allegedly pulled out a revolver and shot Oviedo in the forehead before leaving his body in the padlocked garage. Garcia-Gutierrez's arrest on gun and drug charges came one or two days after the killing, Taylor testified. The sheriff's office released a recording of a 911 call they received April 1. In it, a man speaking broken English said he found a dead body in the garage, though it took the dispatcher several minutes and the help of a translating service to understand what he was saying. Garcia-Gutierrez's lawyer, Billy Guinigundo, asked that bail be set for his client, a request Judge Daniel Gattermeyer denied. Garcia-Gutierrez is set to remain in jail until a grand jury is empaneled to weigh the evidence against him. If the jurors indict him, the case will head to trial. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police testify that alleged rape is at root of murder charge in Hamilton Polish aircraft scrambled again due to Russian large-scale attack on Ukraine Poland has scrambled its fighter aircraft because of Russia's large-scale attack on Ukrainian territory. Source: Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces on Quote: "Be advised that Polish and allied aircraft are flying in Polish airspace, which may lead to increased noise levels, especially in the southeastern part of the country." Details: The Polish military noted that "we are observing the activities of the long-range aircraft of the Russian Federation related to missile strikes on targets located on the territory of Ukraine". The Polish Armed Forces added that they have activated all necessary procedures to ensure the safety of Polish airspace and have been monitoring the situation. Support UP or become our patron! Polish president hopes Zelenskyy will be wearing a suit at next Three Seas summit Polish President Andrzej Duda has said he hopes his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive at the next Three Seas Initiative (TSI) summit in 2025 "in a suit", symbolising that the war in Ukraine is over. Source: Duda at a press conference following the TSI summit in Vilnius on 11 April, as reported by European Pravda Details: Duda, whose presidential term will end in 2025, said the Three Seas Initiative summit "is very important to him personally", and he is looking forward to the discussion of the outcome of 10 years of cooperation between its participants. Quote: "But I believe, Volodymyr, that you will be able to arrive wearing a suit, as the president of a country that is no longer at war, as the president of a country that has returned to stability and restored peace and tranquillity. This is my sincere wish from the bottom of my heart for Ukraines people and society. We really need peace in this part of Europe. And I sincerely believe that we will achieve it once we become stronger," Duda stressed. Background: On 11 April, Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Lithuania to participate in the Three Seas Initiative summit. He signed another bilateral security agreement as a continuation of the G7 Vilnius declaration on security guarantees with Latvia. The Three Seas Initiative is a forum that brings together twelve EU countries near the Baltic, Black and Adriatic Seas (which gave it its name). Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- France dropped a plan to write medium-term energy targets into law amid a political rift between opponents of nuclear and renewable energies in the nations parliament. Most Read from Bloomberg I want to put an end to the war of religion between the pro-nuclear and the pro-renewables, Industry and Energy Minister Roland Lescure said in an interview with Le Figaro newspaper. France needs both in order to become carbon neutral the middle of the century, he said. The government, which lacks an outright majority in Parliament, had pledged to confirm targets set last year that were supposed to boost clean energy production by 2035. Lobby groups in the sector have expressed concern that the goals might be undermined if they arent enshrined in legislation, while the cash-strapped government also plans to support the construction of new atomic plants. The French government will hold a national consultation about the countrys energy future in the coming months before publishing a multi-year plan by the end of the year, Lescure said. Lawmakers will work on a bill that includes provisions to better inform households about energy contracts, as well as protect them against undue changes by suppliers, following a surge in prices in the wake of the war in Ukraine. The countrys energy regulator will get increased sanction powers to better protect consumers. The government will also ask lawmakers to propose changes to the legal framework for operating hydropower dams, Lescure said. France seeks to end a long-standing dispute with the European Union which could unlock new investment in the technology. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Liberty's editor in Brussels, has said that the European Parliament's refusal to approve a decision on funding for the Council of the European Union due to the inability of EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems could be "political theatre". Source: Rikard Jozwiak, Radio Liberty's editor in Brussels, on Twitter (X); European Pravda reports Quote: "Sorry to dash the hopes of Ukrainian media here, but the European Parliament deciding not to approve the discharge of the Council budget for 2022 (!) to get the EU to send Patriots to Ukraine is an empty threat & pure political theatre." Sorry to dash hopes of media here but the European Parliament deciding not to approve the discharge of the Council budget for 2022 (!) to get to send Patriots to is and empty threat & pure political theatre. The discharge is the closing of accounts, the cash is spent! Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) April 11, 2024 Details: The journalist explained that it was a simple matter of closing the accounts, and the money had already been spent. Background: Earlier, a number of MEPs reported an "unprecedented event" as the European Parliament refused to make a decision on funding for the Council of the European Union due to the inability of EU countries to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot systems. Guy Verhofstadt, a long-term MEP and former Belgian Prime Minister, of the Renew Europe political faction, proposed removing budget approval from the European Council agenda until member countries can find the seven Patriot systems that Ukraine urgently needs. On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the details of negotiations with allies on the supply of Patriot air defence system batteries. Dmytro Kuleba explained the change in Ukraine's tone in receiving air defence from Western partners by saying, "nice and quiet diplomacy didnt work". He expressed the hope that his new style of tough diplomacy would help make a breakthrough. Support UP or become our patron! Known poet, TV host, and military officer Dmytro Lazutkin was assigned as a spokesperson of the Defense Ministry, Lazutkin said in an interview with Ukrainska Pravda on April 10. Born in Kyiv in 1978, Lazutkin is a laureate of the Shevchenko National Prize, the country's highest award for work in culture and arts. While having a background in multiple professions, he is best known for his poetry. Lazutkin was mobilized into the 47th "Magura" Mechanized Brigade in the summer of 2023, where he oversaw the unit's public relations. The officer was transferred to the 59th Motorized Brigade in February 2024, from where he was assigned as a Defense Ministry spokesperson on March 20 after being selected from among several applicants. Lazutkin praised his new team in the interview, namely several of his colleagues who also have professional backgrounds in culture and arts. "The Press and Information Department has a strong team led by Illarion Pavliuk. There is also his deputy, Roman Vintoniv, and a famous poet with diplomatic education, Mykola Kulinich, who also works with us," Lazutkin said. "It's very comfortable to work with such professionals who understand the work of the press." Illarion Pavliuk, a Ukrainian writer-turned-serviceman, was appointed to head the Defense Ministry's press department last October. Read also: Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian poet and national hero Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Procrastinating Portland residents have one week to pay the annual $35 Arts Tax without incurring a series of fines. Taxpayers who miss the April 18 deadline will have a $15 fee tacked onto their total, the City of Portland warns. If a delinquent taxpayer continues to neglect their payment for another six months, an additional $20 fee will be added to their bill, doubling the cost of the original tax. Powerball jackpot could mean $7.6 million back to Oregon, lottery officials say Portland residents are required to pay the tax if they are 18 years of age or older and earned more than $1,000 during the previous year. Taxpayers can pay the fee or request a tax exemption through the citys website. Approved in 2012, the Portland Arts Tax funds arts and culture in the city. In the past 12 years, the tax has raised more than $110 million for K-5 arts and music education in six local school districts. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. There are strategies for dealing with a shifting market susceptible to black swan events. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) By Craig Allan The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of FreightWaves or its affiliates. The catastrophic Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse was a tremendous loss for the city of Baltimore, which is left grieving the tragic loss of life and bracing for massive disruption. This is also a global event, and many shippers are now on uncertain ground phones are lighting up as they try to navigate the rapidly shifting environment. What were sharing with them: Indications of a national capacity correction are emerging, and the bridge collapse will likely accelerate this trend in the region. With domestic freight volumes dead and rates still falling, most shippers arent seeing a capacity crunch today. But a convergence of forces is primed to disrupt supply chains, drive capacity out of the market and push up freight rates across the U.S. Despite recent news events, dont be lulled into complacency amid the current shipper-friendly freight market. A shift is coming, and if you start planning now, you can get ahead of the trends and mitigate the impacts on your business. A perfect storm is already brewing Domestic and global factors are expected to drive a capacity correction and rebalance freight rates in just six months time, and the bridge collapse will certainly accelerate that timetable in Baltimore and perhaps beyond. Rising ocean container volumes Pre-COVID volume patterns are returning. FreightWaves reported clear growth for maritime imports in comparison with pre-pandemic years and the early evidence is already materializing at our West Coast ports. According to Allison Dane Camden, deputy assistant secretary for multimodal freight infrastructure and policy at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Were starting to see a little bit [of an uptick] in containers going to the West Coast, based on data from DOTs Freight Logistics Optimization Works initiative. Panama Canal and Suez disruptions Climate and geopolitical conditions continue to disrupt global trade routes. Drought in Central America is expected to persist at least through April, resulting in fewer Panama Canal crossings, longer wait times and higher tolls. Likewise, conflict on the Red Sea is creating delays and rising costs as container ships wait for naval escorts to the Suez Canal or reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. Summer fuel price surge The summer driving season is just around the corner and, with it, historically the return of higher fuel prices. The impact is twofold: First, these costs will be passed on to shippers in the spot freight market. Second, carriers locked into unsustainable, rock-bottom contract rates and without sufficient cash reserves will be forced out of the market when that cash dries up tightening capacity and further driving up costs. Story continues Labor stoppages The threat of labor stoppages at our East Coast and Gulf Coast ports is looming. We expect labor negotiations to dominate the domestic transportation and logistics press this summer and early fall, and if a deal is reached, it will go down to the wire. If ports do shut down, things would get ugly for shippers, fast. Were already seeing early congestion issues pop up at our West Coast ports as more volume is pushed in that direction. Recently, we had drivers waiting for six hours to pull containers. Its not a problem every time or at every terminal, but we have seen it often enough at a few of the larger Los Angeles container terminals to raise eyebrows. Similar constraints at Baltimore-adjacent ports are likely to follow this pattern. While the Port of Baltimore managed just 2.4% of U.S. twenty-foot equivalent unit imports this year, we expect to see significant disruption within the regional port apparatus through the spring. Cargo will likely be redirected to Philadelphia, New York and Norfolk, Virginia bringing freight volumes back into equilibrium, accelerating an impending capacity crunch and pushing up drayage prices in the region. Meanwhile, we may not see containers coming into Baltimore until May/June. Carriers that rely on the Port of Baltimore and dont have the cash flow to sustain their businesses through the spring will be forced out, reducing available capacity. These converging conditions will likely mean shipping delays and upward pricing pressure. Strategic approaches to minimize capacity correction impact We may be months out from a national market shift, but the time to start planning for it is now. Shippers who plan to bring containers into the Port of Baltimore must take immediate action to mitigate business repercussions. If you engage in overseas production or rely on business-critical overseas suppliers and you bring your containers into East Coast ports, we recommend a few approaches: Reroute your containers to West Coast ports. Following COVID, many large shippers tried to balance out their deliveries to both coasts for added resilience, but this summer and early fall, youd be wise to push your freight to the West Coast if you can. Bring your shipments into the U.S. early. Redirecting cargo to the West Coast isnt a workable option for everyone, especially small-to-medium-size businesses. The good news: Plenty of warehousing capacity is available at the moment. By importing your cargo into the country in advance of Europes August holidays, you can mitigate the risk of labor stoppages at our East Coast ports this fall. (Of course, this activity could mean tightening warehouse and carrier capacity in the summer when we typically wouldnt expect it.) We also urge you to reevaluate your transportation and logistics partners. Black swan events are creating increasingly challenging financial conditions in the freight and logistics industry, and financially unsustainable partners represent a risk to your business. Some carriers and 3PLs will shutter, as they always do, and the last thing you want is a suddenly out-of-work driver walking away from a truck and your container when a business runs out of cash. Our recommendations: Re-vet all of your partners with an eye toward financial viability. We constantly check our partners for fiduciary signals, like debt-credit scores, payment history, outstanding debts, types of credit and credit utilization. Referring to Dun & Bradstreet also provides insights: Businesses with Paydex scores under 50 represent a high risk of late payment. Confirm that your partners are using market-leading vetting tech. Not only does tech, like Highway, enable your partners to evaluate a businesss legitimacy amid rising fraud, but it also signals that they have the financial resources necessary to invest in your freight and data security. Lastly, consider broadening your partner base to boost your resilience. Should one of your existing partners go under, this approach will give you the added flexibility you need to minimize business impact. After all, when capacity tightens, brokers and carriers will take care of their existing customers first, and you want to be among them. Reading the tea leaves The signs are there: Well likely be looking at a balancing freight market and tightening capacity by fall and winter of 2024. As the market corrects, some will thrive and others will sadly disappear. Considering your go-forward approach now will help ensure youre on the sustainable side of that equation. About the author Craig Allan, president of BWS Logistics Craig Allan is the president of BWS Logistics. An industry leader experienced in all modes of distribution, hes spent the past 20 years of his career-boosting service levels, reducing operating costs, improving profitability and implementing tech solutions for large and small organizations, including Hillebrand Gori. Allan launched his career on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange before entering logistics. You can reach him at c.allan@bws-logistics.com or through his LinkedIn account. The post Tips for navigating the coming capacity correction appeared first on FreightWaves. A child passes by while holding an adult hand inside a church in Lisbon By Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira FATIMA, Portugal (Reuters) -Portugal's Catholic Church said on Thursday it will financially compensate victims of child sexual abuse within the Church, setting the amounts to be paid on a case-by-case basis, an approach survivors' groups have criticised. Members of Portugal's Bishops' Conference (CEP) have been meeting since Monday at the Shrine of Fatima in central Portugal to discuss the compensation, among other issues. A report in February 2023 by a Church-funded Portuguese commission found that at least 4,815 minors had been sexually abused by clergy - mostly priests - over seven decades. The report's authors said their findings were the "tip of the iceberg", and commission head Pedro Strecht added that more than 100 priests suspected of child sexual abuse remained active in Church roles. The following month, the Church announced a handful of steps to tackle child sexual abuse, but it was heavily criticised for not adopting tougher measures. CEP head Bishop Jose Ornelas said the organisation's assembly unanimously approved the granting of compensation, with requests to be filed from June to December this year. Twenty-one people have already requested compensation. A committee will then determine the amount to be given to each victim and a newly created CEP fund will be used to make the payments, Ornelas said. The criteria for deciding the amounts is still being worked on, Ornelas said, explaining that no maximum amount has been set and the gravity of cases would be taken into consideration. Antonio Grosso, co-founder of church sexual abuse survivors' group Coracao Silenciado (Silenced Heart), pointed a finger at CEP's case-by-case approach. "I don't know what measuring tape they will use to evaluate people's suffering, people who will have to tell their stories again to see if they deserve more or less cents," he told Reuters, arguing all victims should receive the same. Grosso also said CEP should be proactive and reach out to the victims directly instead of waiting for them to request compensation. "By waiting for requests, CEP is showing a passive attitude," Grosso said. "We are not beggars." Sexual abuse scandals have rocked the Catholic Church in a number of other countries, including the United States, Ireland and France. In neighbouring Spain, the Church said in November it would compensate victims of sexual abuse even in cases that have not been concluded because the offending priest has died, in a shift from its previous position on the matter. Ornelas said compensation would also be given to Portuguese victims accusing priests who are now dead. (Reporting by Catarina Demony and Miguel Pereira; Editing by Andrei Khalip, Angus MacSwan, Hugh Lawson and Richard Chang) A sub-postmistress who was wrongly convicted of theft has rejected an apology from the Post Offices ex-managing director who celebrated her imprisonment. David Smith congratulated colleagues and said it was brilliant news when Seema Misra was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2010 over a 75,000 shortfall in her accounts that was actually caused by the faulty Horizon IT system. He made a formal apology to Ms Misra, who was pregnant when she was sentenced, at the inquiry on Thursday. But in an interview with Sky News, Ms Misra said she did not accept the apology, saying: Yes they are apologising now but they missed so many chances before. She also called for prosecutions of those responsible for the Horizon scandal and said the Post Office has still not given her full and final compensation. 04:50 PM BST Inquiry concludes The inquiry has concluded for the day and will resume at 9.30am on Friday morning. 04:37 PM BST I did nothing to check prosecutions were being done properly, says Hodgkinson Former Post Office chairman Sir Michael Hodgkinson has told the Horizon IT inquiry he didnt do anything to check if the business was prosecuting its own people properly. After Sir Michael said he was not informed during his induction that the Post Office prosecuted its own staff, Sam Stein KC, who represents a number of sub-postmasters, asked: So when did you learn about the process of prosecution by the Post Office of which you were chair? Sir Michael said: I think that was much later on. Mr Stein continued: And did you say to the people around you thats a bit of a surprise, Im a bit surprised we prosecute our own staff, Id like to know a bit more about it? The witness responded: No, I didnt. Mr Stein then asked: Well, youve suddenly been made aware that youre the chair of a prosecution authority thats an unusual thing given your business background. What did you do to investigate the Post Office was properly prosecuting its own members? Sir Michael said: I didnt do anything. 04:35 PM BST Ex-Post Office chairman makes unreserved apology Sir Michael Hodgkinson has apologised unreservedly for his failure to unearth the issues with the Horizon IT system during his time as chairman of the Post Office between 2003 and 2007. I have been saddened and appalled at the evidence thats come out over the last 15 years since I left where so many innocent postmasters and mistresses were unfairly prosecuted under the Horizon system, and as a result suffered the most dreadful experiences and devastating consequences, not just for themselves but for their families, he told the inquiry. I just want to put on record I apologise unreservedly for the fact that while I was chairman of the Post Office I did not discover the problems with the Horizon system, and all I can say is I am very, very sorry for the misery that then subsequently caused. So I apologise again unreservedly. 04:07 PM BST Post Office made cuts to Horizon in bid to stay afloat The Post Office made a series of cost-cutting measures to the Horizon system in 2006 amid worries about its solvency, board minutes shown to the inquiry indicate. Counsel Julian Blake asked Sir Michael Hodgkinson: Is a fair interpretation of this that, at this time, the focus was on a cheaper Horizon, one that led to cost savings? Sir Michael replied: I would just add one thing: cheaper and no worse. I dont think there was any thought that the lower cost was in any way going to degrade the functionality or integrity of Horizon. He added that cost-saving measures were crucial to make the business viable. 03:48 PM BST Inquiry resumes The inquiry has now resumed after a break. 03:44 PM BST Post Office bosses didnt tell board about 188k postmistress settlement Post Office executives failed to tell the board about a 188,000 out-of-court settlement claim with a sub-postmistress who it had pursued for shortfalls, the inquiry has heard. Julie Wolstenholme was pursued through the civil courts for 25,000 before a court-appointed technical expert produced a report in 2003 which said the Horizon system was clearly defective. Mrs Wolstenholme eventually reached a settlement with the Post Office with the inquiry hearing she submitted a claim for 188,000. It is not known what sum she was eventually paid but the inquiry heard chief operating officer David Miller was among two other executives who knew about the case. Addressing Sir Michael, chair Sir Wynn Williams asked: Going back to Mrs Wolstenhomes case where she is claiming 188,000 from the Post Office, which in 2003/4 is a substantial amount of money, Im intrigued how could that have happened without the board being involved? Sir Michael said: Ive got no idea. I would agree with you: it was a very large sum of money in any day and particularly in those days, I mean you can speculate. 03:31 PM BST Inquiry takes a break The inquiry has taken a break and will resume at 3.45pm. 03:17 PM BST I was never told of 1999 audit warning of Horizon problems Sir Michael Hodgkinson has said a former Post Office chief operating officer never told him of concerns about Horizons integrity, despite auditors warning of problems during a 1999 trial. David Miller, who sat on the board in 2003 when Sir Michael was chair, received a letter from auditors Ernst and Young in August 1999 which detailed certain accounting integrity issues. The letter cited a control test which raised concerns about the ability of Post Office Counters Ltd to produce statutory accounts to a suitable degree of integrity. Counsel Julian Blake asked: During your enquiries into Horizon or at any time, did anybody tell you about the history of the acceptance process and matters such as this concerns about data integrity during that period? No, never, replied Sir Michael. 03:05 PM BST Post Office chairman looked into Horizon limitations in 2003 Board minutes from 2003 show how Sir Michael Hodgkinson, the Post Offices then chairman, had expressed a particular interest in Horizon. They read: The chairman expressed a particular interest in furthering his understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the Horizon system. Meetings would be arranged with the appropriate managers to provide the chairman with a detailed overview. When asked why this was, he told the inquiry: I by that time had formed, based on all the conversations and visits that Id had, [a view] that in fact Horizon was a well regarded well-performing system. However, we were just about to launch into a whole new array of new products and it didnt necessarily mean for me, coming into the business, that in fact the system was first of all capable of adapting to those new products and secondly was it suitable for those products? 02:59 PM BST Horizon concerns would have gone to risk and compliance committee The inquiry is being told of the risk and compliance committee which Sir Michael Hodgkinson set up while at the Post Office. Mr Blake asked: If there were concerns about Horizon problems, with the integrity of Horizon, was this the committee they would have been brought to? Sir Michael said: It would certainly have been one of the committee, I think if people had thought there were big problems with Horizon they would have first to board, but they could have also, should also have come to the committee. 02:49 PM BST I was never made aware of Horizon prosecution concerns, says Hodgkinson Sir Michael Hodgkinson has told the inquiry he was never made aware of concerns about prosecutions using evidence from Horizon or concerns about problems with the software itself. I was not made aware of those, he said. He also said the board did not have direct oversight or involvement with the legal department. Asked if there was a gap in relation to the oversight of the Post Offices legal department, he said: I think there was and I think that was part of the fact that some of the functions remained central. 02:36 PM BST Post Offices solvency a constant theme Sir Michael Hodgkinson has said the solvency of the Post Office was a constant theme throughout his period as chairman. Traditional product streams were dying, according to the former chair, for example, pensions would start to be paid into bank accounts rather than be collected at Post Offices. 02:31 PM BST Sir Michael Hodgkinson hoped Alan Cook would become CEO Sir Michael Hodgkinson has told the inquiry that the board had hoped Alan Cook, formerly an independent non-executive director of the Post Office, would go on to become its chief executive. He said: We took Alan Cook on as a non-exec [non-executive chairman] because I thought we desperately needed some real life experience for selling financial services and also with a little bit of hope that he might become chief executive. 02:12 PM BST Inquiry resumes for Sir Michael Hodgkinsons evidence Next to give evidence is Sir Michael Hodgkinson, the former chair of Post Office Ltd and former senior non-executive director of Royal Mail Holdings plc. Counsel to the inquiry Julian Blake will question Sir Michael. Sir Michael Hodgkinson arrives at the inquiry earlier on Thursday - Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock 02:11 PM BST There must be prosecutions for the scandal, says Misra Seema Misra has called for prosecutions of those responsible for the scandal in an interview with Sky News. Of course, definitely, she said. We knew that theres a Government cover-up as well when the Horizon [scandal] came out. Each and every single person who is responsible for the scandal, either Government, Post Office, Fujitsu, Royal Mail we need to put them behind the bars. They have a lot to answer for. Full and final compensation for each and every victim and proper accountability. When we have proper accountability that might help us to put our minds to rest but we need to show the law is equal for everybody. 02:10 PM BST Misra: I still have nightmares about my prosecution Seema Misra has said she still has nightmares about her wrongful 2010 prosecution for a 75,000 shortfall in her Post Office branchs accounts. I was naive, I thought, like, it will be all fine, she told Sky News. Why would I be sent to the prison for a crime Ive never committed. It was, Oh look, I will get justice, I will get justice. It was only in November on my eldests 10th birthday and being eight weeks pregnant when the judge came back with a verdict [of] imprisonment, thats when I lost it completely. And before that when the jury came back with a verdict of guilty I was thinking, Oh my God, did they even understand the case as well? But I still had faith in the system that the judiciary, the law system, that I would get justice. But it was a horrible, horrible time. Id been waiting for my second pregnancy for nearly eight years and then news came through I was going to trial and we couldnt even celebrate because we had a trial hanging over our head. It was really bad. Im okay to fight and all that but the sentencing bit, the imprisonment, the four months away from my family, that was the most horrible. It still gives me nightmares. 02:01 PM BST Misra yet to receive full compensation from Post Office Seema Misra is still waiting for my final compensation from the Post Office for her wrongful prosecution. Asked by Sky News if she had been told why there was a delay, she said: I dont know. Ive received some interim payments but no, Im still waiting for full and final compensation. I dont know what is the hold [up]. 01:57 PM BST Misra rejects Smiths apology Wrongly convicted sub-postmistress Seema Misra has rejected the apology offered by former Post Office managing director David Smith for celebrating her imprisonment in 2010. Asked by Sky News if she accepted the apology, she said: No, definitely not. Referring to Mr Smiths evidence that the Post Office saw her prosecution as a test of the Horizon system, she said: How can they do a test on a human being? Im a living creature and they did mention a test case and then apologising after 14 years, its not... I havent accepted it. She added: Like all the people who are appearing in the inquiry, I asked them, please accept [that] everyone lied enough. So please for a change can they come in and tell the truth, nothing but the truth. Thats what we need. Yes they are apologising now but they missed so many chances before. We had a GLO [compensation scheme], we had my conviction overturned, nobody came that time to apologise. And now they just realise that when they appear in [a] public inquiry they have to apologise. 01:45 PM BST Post Office did not prosecute Misra to shore up Horizon David Smith has denied that pregnant sub-postmistress Seema Misra was prosecuted as a way of shoring up the faulty Horizon system. Flora Page, on behalf of a number of sub-postmasters, asked Mr Smith: In the aftermath of the Ismay report, this trial of Seema Misra was being actively used by Post Office as part of your campaign to claim that Horizon was robust, wasnt it? The witness replied: I dont believe so, no. Ms Page continued: You were deliberately closing your eyes to problems with integrity of Horizon werent you? Mr Smith said: No. Ms Page then asked: And you were encouraging your staff to pursue a trial as another method of shoring up a problem system which knew had serious question marks over it. Mr Smith responded: Absolutely not, as I said to you before the Seema Misra case started long before I joined the business. 01:38 PM BST I did not know about bug before Misras trial David Smith has denied having knowledge of a Horizon bug shortly before the trial of pregnant sub-postmistress Seema Misra. Flora Page, on behalf of a number of sub-postmasters, said the inquiry had seen a document which shows a bug, known as the receipts and payments mismatch bug, was discussed and that a way of rectifying the bug was to remotely alter branch accounts. She asked the witness: What sort of culture were you presiding over where a legal department receives evidence of a bug in a trial which was about Horizon and they do not disclose that bug? Mr Smith replied: Firstly to say that the only reason why I know about the bug and mismatch report is because it was presented to me in the bundles that I have seen, so at the time I was unaware. Its also fair to say that it was not pulled out in the Ismay report as one of the Horizon bugs the others were listed but it was not so I was not aware of it. I did not know until you just told me that Mr Jarnail (Singh) had the information you have laid out at the time that he had it. 01:28 PM BST Smith shocked and appalled about knowledge of bugs David Smith said he is shocked and frankly appalled at claims the Post Office knew of faults in the Horizon IT system while prosecuting a pregnant sub-postmistress, whose conviction has since been overturned. Barrister Flora Page, speaking on behalf of a number of sub-postmasters, said the Post Office legal team had become aware of the softwares faults but continued with the prosecution of sub-postmistress Seema Misra anyway. Mr Smith said: I am shocked and frankly appalled if that is in fact the sequence of events, and I didnt know about it. Ms Page had earlier asked inquiry chairman Sir Wyn Williams to give Mr Smith a warning about self-incrimination before asking questions of the witness. After Sir Wyn gave the warning, Ms Page said: I dont propose to go over the (Ismay) report in any greater detail, but in short, the first question I ask is whether you deliberately had your team produce a report for you which would cover up the fact that you knew and everyone in your senior leadership team knew that Horizons integrity was very much in doubt and that you wanted to cover that up. Mr Smith replied: No, absolutely not. 01:19 PM BST Inquiry adjourns for lunch The inquiry has now adjourned for lunch until 2.05pm. 01:01 PM BST Smith apologises to Seema Misra David Smith has apologised to Seema Misra and her family for the substantial upset an email caused in which he appeared to celebrate her conviction. The sub-postmistress was pregnant when she was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2010 a decision which the Post Office managing director described as brilliant news in an email to colleagues. Mr Smith said: First of all Id just like to palace on record an apology to Seema Misra and family because of the way this has been perceived and portrayed subsequently and looking at it though their eyes rather than through mine, you can see that it may have caused substantial upset and I really do apologise for that. Mr Smith told the inquiry that the email reflected what he generally did in business by thanking his team. He added: In the benefit of hindsight and looking through the 2024 lens not the 2010 lens at best from Seema Misras perspective, you can see this is really poorly thought through and I do apologise again for that. 12:53 PM BST Trial of pregnant sub-postmistress was successful Horizon test David Smith has said the conviction of a pregnant sub-postmistress was seen as a successful test of the Horizon system. In his witness statement, Mr Smith said that following the August 2010 publication of the Rod Ismay report he did not think that we thought that there was any merit in commissioning a further report by an IT expert or a forensic accountant or similar to test the reliability of Horizon. He described the reports position as clear-cut and said there was nothing in it which suggested the Post Office should investigate Fujitsu or Horizon Further. When questioned on this, he referred to the conviction of Seema Misra as affirming this decision. Mr Smith told the inquiry: As we now know wrongly, but at the time, we saw the Seema Misra case as a test of the Horizon system and it had come through that. 12:47 PM BST Inquiry resumes The inquiry has now resumed. 12:44 PM BST I commissioned report to rebut challenges to Horizon, Smith concedes Mr Smith has conceded that the reports purpose was largely to provide assurance for the Post Office on the why Horizon was robust. An email written by information security lead Sue Lowther sent to Mr Smith and other senior staff, including then-head of criminal law Rob Wilson read: As was discussed on the conference call and taking into account Robs comments, to confirm that we are looking at it as a general due diligence exercise on the integrity of Horizon, to confirm our belief in the robustness of the system and thus rebutt any challenges. Addressing Mr Smith directly, inquiry chair Sir Wyn Williams said: So that Im absolutely clear about this, there were a number of reasons already held in senior levels of the Post Office as to why horizon was robust, and what you were asking him [Rod Ismay] to do in effect was to reduce those into writing in one document so that everybody know what they were? Largely yes, Mr Smith replied. 12:38 PM BST Inquiry takes break The inquiry has taken a break for a few minutes at least, Sir Wyn Williams, its chair, has said. 12:29 PM BST I asked for honest review of Horizon David Smith has claimed he would have asked for an honest view which was not one-sided when he commissioned a report into the robustness of Horizon in 2010. Former Ernst and Young auditor Rod Ismay previously agreed with inquiry counsel Jason Beer KC when asked if he was Only asked to present one side of the coin, telling the hearing: The task I was given was: What are the reasons for assurance? Asked what instruction he would have given Mr Ismay, Mr Smith said: I would have said that the [business] team have requested that we pull together a stress test report summary report to review why and how we consider our Horizon system to be robust. He added that he would have said: The board wants an honest view it doesnt want a view that is one-sided. Mr Smith went on to reject Mr Ismays previous testimony to the inquiry in which he said Mr Smith commissioned him to come up with a counter-argument to the sub-postmasters claims that they had been wrongly convicted. 12:16 PM BST Smith did not investigate Horizon when MPs asked questions In July 2010, Priti Patel submitted a written parliamentary question asking Vince Cable, the-then business secretary, asking what his most recent estimate is of the cost to postmasters and sub-postmasters of errors in the Horizon operating system; and if he will make a statement. Sir Ed Davey replied, asking David Smith to respond directly to Ms Patel. Sam Stevens, counsel to the inquiry, asked Mr Smith if he made any particular investigations in response to the MPs question. Not specifically in response, Mr Smith replied. The response to Ms Patel also included a template paragraph that had also been sent to Brooks Newmark, another Tory MP, which Mr Smith admitted was clearly quite shocking. 12:02 PM BST My staff read and answered my post, says Smith David Smith has said he did not deal with letters sent to him directly and cannot recall reading correspondence sent to him by a Horizon victim. Sub-postmistress Pamela Stubbs wrote to Mr Smith in June 2010 to ask him to intervene after seeing thousands of pounds of unexplained shortfalls on her account. It read: I sincerely hope that you will be able to intervene in this matter, since I am of the opinion that no one will actually look at Horizon in an impartial way unless directed by a person of authority at the top of Post Office Ltd. The letter was acknowledged by a member of the executive correspondence team, which Mr Smith said in his statement, were set up to answer all complaints and they would have enquired with the relevant departments to understand the issue and draft a response. He added: If appropriate, the answer might appear on my desk to cast an eye over but this did not always happen. 11:59 AM BST Pictured: Jo Hamilton arrives at the inquiry Jo Hamilton, a sub-postmistress wrongly convicted of false accounting, arrives at the inquiry - Paul Grover for The Telegraph 11:51 AM BST Smith: Not sure if I discussed Horizon with Sir Ed Davey David Smith has said he cant be sure if he discussed Horizon with Sir Ed Davey when he met the then-new postal affairs minister in June 2010. Sam Stevens, counsel to the inquiry, asked: Do you recall if you discussed the Horizon IT system at this meeting? Mr Smith replied: I cant recall specifics of this meeting in great detail. Referring to a record of minutes which does not mention the software, Mr Smith added: To be fair, I mean the minutes there probably give you the summary of the key things that were discussed. I think its possible that we could have discussed it but I cant be sure. Sir Ed, now the leader of the Liberal Democrats, was postal affairs minister between 2010 and 2012 as part of the coalition government. 11:40 AM BST Post Office board were distracted from Horizon issues David Smith has said concern about the banking crisis and the separation of the Royal Mail Group from the Post Office meant its board was not as focused as we could and should have been on the Horizon issues. The former Post Office managing director told the inquiry in his witness statement: In the period I was there, it was a time when there was growing concern around the separation of the business, coupled with a banking crisis which had the potential to bring down the group. These were incredibly weighty matters and my priorities at the time were on the survival of the business. Because of this, maybe the Board were not as focused as we could and should have been on the Horizon issues. 11:33 AM BST Post Office institutionally biased against investigating Horizon errors David Smith said he believed there was an institutional bias not to investigate the faults that sub-postmasters were saying the Horizon system had. In his witness statement to the inquiry, Mr Smith said: Looking back, I think that there was an institutional bias to not interrogate further what was being said by SPMs [sub-postmasters] and the public about Horizon. Looking back, there were potential opportunities missed at the time of the (Rod) Ismay report to dig deeper, or to consider an external investigation. 11:30 AM BST Inquiry resumes The inquiry has now resumed after the break. 11:15 AM BST Inquiry breaks until 11.25am The inquiry has taken a break and will return at 11.25am. 11:14 AM BST Smith apologises for celebrating pregnant sub-postmistresss imprisonment David Smith has said he is hugely apologetic for appearing to celebrate the news that a pregnant sub-postmistress had been imprisoned. Seema Misra was sentenced to 15 months in prison in 2010 after being wrongfully blamed for a 74,000 shortfall in her accounts. In an email sent to Post Office executives including Paula Vennells, the former managing director wrote: Brilliant news. Well done. Please pass on my thanks to the team. Yet in his witness statement published today, Mr Smith wrote: However, knowing what I do now, it is evident that my email would have caused Seema Misra and her family, substantial distress to read and I would like to apologise for that. Mr Smith said his comment of brilliant news was in relation to Horizon being proved to be robust following the testing of evidence in the trial. He added: I would absolutely never think that it was `brilliant news for a pregnant woman to go to prison and I am hugely apologetic that my email can be read as such. 11:08 AM BST Smith: I am partly to blame for Horizon scandal David Smith has suggested he is partly to blame for the Horizon scandal telling the inquiry it was very sad that he did not flag the risk of conducting prosecutions in-house. In his witness statement, the former Post Office managing director wrote of how the the practice of prosecuting those who have demonstrably been shown to have stolen from the Post Office were already well-established long before his arrival. Mr Smith added: I cannot recall thinking that any risk or compliance issues arose from POL [Post Office Ltd] undertaking this role, but with the benefit of hindsight, and in light of the wrongful prosecutions, I can see the inherent risks in the prosecutions taking place in house and not by an independent enforcement authority. When asked about why he didnt identify those risks at the time, Mr Smith said: Well, with hindsight its obviously very sad because, had we identified those risks, we might have been able to put in place better control mechanisms, better inspection mechanisms of governance and we didnt. Counsel to the inquiry Sam Stevens asked: And to what extent did you accept responsibility for not identifying that risk? Mr Smith said: I certainly think I am a part of it. As I said the structures were there before I came. They were certainly not changed while I was there and along with the rest of the executive team, we did review the risk registers, we didnt flag this as a potential new risk to think about. But ultimately I managed that process. 11:00 AM BST Second version of Horizon had problems in 2010 David Smith has told the inquiry he was aware of problems with the roll-out of Horizon Online, a second version of the accountancy software that was first used by the Post Office in 2010. The inquiry has been shown documents from Mr Smiths early tenure which showed concerns about the new software. Mr Smith told the inquiry that by the time the Fujitsu system had been rolled out to around 600 branches some were experiencing problems like freezing screens which affected trading. He added: We were all very aware that if we could not fix that problem relatively quickly, we would have to rollback to the legacy system. 10:58 AM BST Paula Vennells told me Horizon was tamper proof, says Smith Paula Vennells told the Post Offices then-managing director that the Horizon IT system was pretty much tamper-proof, the inquiry has heard. David Smith said Ms Vennells, its chief executive, and Susan Crichton, its most senior in-house lawyer, were among those who assured him Horizon was not faulty despite what prosecuted sub-postmasters were claiming. He said he was made aware of some of the challenges that Horizon had encountered through my briefing into the business after he joined in April 2010. When asked what he had been told about the issues, Mr Smith said: I think it was along the lines of what eventually comes out in the (Rod) Ismay report, in other words the systems pretty much tamper-proof. Weve got strong records. Weve got independent security going round checking and balancing, and the court cases that weve had have been largely successful. So it was that kind of level, rather than anything more detailed. 10:50 AM BST I was not told of Horizon defects before I joined David Smith has said he was not told about complaints made by prosecuted sub-postmasters about defects in the Horizon IT system before he joined the Post Office in April 2010. Sam Stevens asked whether it was the case, as Mr Smith had said in his witness statement, and he replied: Yes. Mr Stevens then asked when he became aware of the complaints. I cant be certain but it would have been relatively early on [after my appointment], probably through the briefing processes, Mr Smith said. But I cant be certain about that. He added that he assumed there would be no significant defects in the Horizon system because it had been in use since 1999. 10:44 AM BST Join the Telegraphs WhatsApp channel for all the latest news 10:22 AM BST Smith: I had ultimate responsibility for Post Office operations David Smith is being asked about how the executive team which included him, Paula Vennells, the Post Offices head of legal and others worked. He told the inquiry that the group met around once a week to discuss day-to-day operations and once a month to discuss longer-term strategy. Mr Stevens, the counsel questioning him, asked: As managing director would you accept that ultimate executive accountability for the operation of Post Office Ltd rested with you? Yes, replied Mr Smith. 10:05 AM BST David Smiths evidence begins David Smith, the Post Offices managing director between April and December 2010, has now started to give his evidence to the inquiry. 10:01 AM BST David Smith prepares to give evidence David Smith has sat down to begin taking evidence. He will be questioned by counsel to the inquiry Sam Stevens. 09:54 AM BST Everything you need to know about the Post Office Horizon scandal The row over the Post Office scandal and the hundreds of victims who are yet to be fully compensated has dominated headlines. What caused the Post Office scandal? What did sub-postmasters do when they found out they had shortfalls? How many sub-postmasters have had their convictions overturned? And who has received compensation? Click here for all the answers to questions you may have about the Horizon row, which still shows no sign of abating. 09:46 AM BST Paula Vennells blamed problems with Horizon on temptation of postmasters to take money from tills Paula Vennells blamed Post Office accounting shortfalls on the temptation of sub-postmasters and not the Horizon software, the inquiry heard from witnesses. In a damning day of evidence, the former Post Office chief executive was also accused of failing to disclose at least 16 cases that appeared to undermine the reliability of Horizon software at least two years before the company stopped prosecuting sub-postmasters in 2015. Lord Arbuthnot, the Tory peer, and Sir Anthony Hooper, the retired High Court judge, were the latest witnesses to address the public inquiry into the scandal of more than 900 sub-postmasters being wrongfully prosecuted for shortfalls that did not exist. Read the full story here 09:34 AM BST Post Office scandal timeline You can remind yourself of how far this stretches back by scrolling through our timeline below. 09:22 AM BST What happened at the inquiry yesterday? On Wednesday, the inquiry heard from Lord Arbuthnot, the Tory peer who campaigned alongside the wronged sub-postmasters, and Sir Anthony Hooper, the retired High Court judge who was appointed to chair a Post Office mediation scheme for sub-postmasters who believed they had been wrongly convicted. Lord Arbuthnot accused Gordon Browns Labour Government of avoiding responsibility for responding to sub-postmasters claims of wrongful prosecution before it lost the 2010 general election. The peer also told the inquiry about a meeting he had in June 2012 with Post Office executives and other MPs, in which Paula Vennells, its then chief executive, blamed accounting shortfalls on the temptation of sub-postmasters and not the Horizon software. The inquiry also heard of 16 examples of cases which undermined the argument made by Ms Vennells that every case taken to prosecution that involves the Horizon system had been found in favour of the Post Office. Sir Anthony Hooper added that he had told Ms Vennells again and again that the Post Offices case against the sub-postmasters didnt make sense. 09:14 AM BST Who is giving evidence today? Giving evidence this morning is David Smith, who was the Post Offices managing director between April and December 2010. During his tenure, pregnant sub-postmistress Seema Misra was handed a 15-month sentence after being blamed for 74,000 worth of shortfalls. It was previously reported that Mr Smith celebrated her imprisonment in an internal email which described the update as brilliant news. The inquiry will then hear this afternoon from Sir Michael Hodgkinson, who became the first chairman of Post Office Ltd when he took on the role in April 2012. Sir Michael was previously a director of the Post Office between May 2003 and August 2007, having also been an executive at Land Rover, the Bank of Ireland and BAA plc, the former operator of Heathrow Airport. 09:09 AM BST Welcome to the live blog Good morning and welcome to The Telegraphs coverage of the Post Office inquiry, which starts at 10am. 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. Pott. County Judge throws out VPO case against 9-year-old after OK attorney calls her out SHAWNEE, Okla. (KFOR) An Oklahoma attorney is calling out a Pottawatomie County Judge for several alleged unlawful discrepancies following her order to serve a 9-year-old boy a Victim Protective Order (VPO) for allegedly stalking and harassing another classmate. He was served papers by Pottawatomie County Sheriff deputies while at Horace Mann Elementary School back in March, but just this last week, Pottawatomie County Judge Tracy McDaniel threw out the case. It was only after the boys family attorney says she hand-delivered her a file requesting to dismiss and seal the case. 9-year-old Shawnee boy served with protective order at school The 9-year-olds lawyer told KFOR she found many problems with the way Judge McDaniel handled the situation. She says she took on the familys case for free knowing Oklahoma State law says in order to obtain a VPO, you have to be 13 years old or older. Judge McDaniel knew that this child was a minor under the age of 13. Someone who is on the bench should know the law, said Joi Miskel, Shawnee 9-year-olds attorney. Attorney Joi Miskel is shocked after learning Judge Tracy McDaniel not only signed off on a protective order against a fourth grader, but also failed to seal the case that involved two minors. In Judge McDaniels motion to seal order she noted, The Defendant must be over the age of 13 for an order based on stalking. Its confounding Judges are not above the law, and they need to know the law probably better than anyone else. We are held to a higher standard under the code of ethics in Oklahoma The facts supporting this case didnt even support stalking or harassment, said Miskel. Pottawatomie Sheriff seeks public help in locating autistic 16-year-old The evidence shes talking about comes from court documents which include handwritten reports by the mother of the girl in the boys class which pointed to several instances where she believed he was harassing and stalking her daughter. Im a mother that is going to move heaven or earth to say stop your violence against my child, said Elsy Goggin, mother of the girl who is allegedly being bullied. However, the boys family told KFOR hes hyperactive, but not a bully. Ive seen her at the store, and she always runs after him playing. And he tries to hide because, you know, hes nine Im not sure why hes getting in (legal) trouble for just being a child, said Lavonne McCoy, grandmother of 9-year-old boy who is accused of bullying. Obviously, theres a lot of speculation as to, well, is this child a bully? Why was he doing this? All I can tell you is that the allegations that are in this petition refer to my client saying a couple of cuss words. There was nothing threatening in his behavior, said Miskel. Miskel adds if a minor is involved in a legal matter, the guardian or parent should have been served, not the child. And to go back to the fact that this child was served a protective order by a sheriffs deputy at his elementary school. It is outrageous. That should never have happened under the law in Oklahoma, said Miskel. The familys attorney also points to the fact that Judge McDaniel went as far as scheduling a hearing. By granting a hearing Shes giving it validity, said Miskel. To make matters worse Miskel says the family has been receiving death threats and hateful messages through phone calls, emails, on the internet, and even in person. She believes this would have never happened if the case was sealed in the first place. OKCPS announces upcoming school board changes It was a public record, meaning anyone can access those documents. And they did. And theyre (the documents) all over the Internet. Unfortunately, this family has been harassed and had threats made against them, including against the minor child, my client, hes nine-year-old. This is ridiculous, said Miskel. KFOR reached out to the parents who asked for the VPO but did not hear back. KFOR also requested a comment from Judge McDaniel weeks ago and again on Wednesday, but we are still waiting. Shawnee Public School District sent KFOR the following statement: Our number-one priority at Shawnee Public Schools is student and staff safety. We will always work with families to ensure the highest safety standards and protocols are followed. I encourage our students families to contact their school or district administrators with any questions or concerns related to safety. Out of respect for student privacy, I cannot share more information. The 9-year-olds family told KFOR on Wednesday that they have been told by the school district their son cannot return to class this year. The district sent the following message in response: Student privacy laws prevent me from answering your question. What I can say is that we honor and fully support a parents choice of the best educational option for their child. That choice can include different pathways such as traditional or virtual school. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Electricity is essential to just about everyone rich and poor, old and young. Yet, when severe storms strike, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities often wait longest to recover. That isnt just a perception. We analyzed data from over 15 million consumers in 588 U.S. counties who lost power when hurricanes made landfall between January 2017 and October 2020. The results show that poorer communities did indeed wait longer for the lights to go back on. A 1-decile drop in socioeconomic status in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions social vulnerability index was associated with a 6.1% longer outage on average. This corresponds to waiting an extra 170 minutes on average for power to be restored, and sometimes much longer. The top map shows the total duration of power outages over eight storms by county. The lower map is a comparison with socioeconomic status taken into account, showing that counties with lower average socioeconomic status have longer outages than expected. Ganz et al, 2023, PNAS Nexus Implications for policy and utilities One likely reason for this disparity is written into utilities standard storm recovery policies. Often, these polices prioritize critical infrastructure first when restoring power after an outage, then large commercial and industrial customers. They next seek to recover as many households as they can as quickly as possible. While this approach may seem procedurally fair, these recovery routines appear to have an unintended effect of often making vulnerable communities wait longer for electricity to be restored. One reason may be that these communities are farther from critical infrastructure, or they may be predominantly in older neighborhoods where power infrastructure requires more significant repairs. Commercial areas are often higher on the priority list for faster power recovery in an outage. This store was still closed for several days during Texas widespread outages in 2021. Montinique Monroe/Getty Images The upshot is that households that are already at greater risk from severe weather whether due to being in flood-prone areas or in vulnerable buildings and those who are least likely to have insurance or other resources to help them recover are also likely to face the longest storm-caused power outages. Long outages can mean refrigerated food goes bad, no running water and delays in repairing damage, including delays in running fans to dry out water damage and avoid mold. Our study spanned 108 service regions, including investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and public utilities. The differential impact on poorer communities did not line up with any particular storm, region or individual utility. We also found no correlation with race, ethnicity or housing type. Only average socioeconomic level stood out. How to make power recovery less biased There are ways to improve power recovery times for everyone, beyond the necessary work of improving the stability of power distribution. Policymakers and utilities can start by reexamining power restoration practices and power infrastructure maintenance, such as replacing aging utility poles and trimming trees, with disadvantaged communities in mind. Power providers already have granular data on power usage and grid performance in their service regions. They can begin experimenting with alternative recovery routines that consider the vulnerability of their customers in ways that do not substantially affect average recovery duration. People in some Fort Myers, Fla., neighborhoods still lacked water and electricity more than a week after Hurricane Ian in 2022. Montinique Monroe/Getty Images For socioeconomically vulnerable regions that are likely to experience long outages because of their locations and possibly the aging energy infrastructure, utilities and policymakers can proactively ensure that households are well prepared to evacuate or have access to backup sources of power. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy announced in October 2023 that it would invest in developing dozens of resilience hubs and microgrids to help supply local power to key buildings within communities when the wider grid goes down. Louisiana plans several of these hubs, using solar and large-scale batteries, in or near disadvantaged communities. Policymakers and utilities can also invest in broader energy infrastructure and renewable energy in these vulnerable communities. The U.S. Department of Energys Justice40 program directs that 40% of the benefit from certain federal energy, transportation and housing investments benefit disadvantaged communities. That may help residents who need public help the most. Severe weather events are becoming more common as global temperatures rise. That increases the need for better planning and approaches that dont leave low-income residents in the dark. Chenghao Duan, a Ph.D. student at Georgia Tech, also contributed to this article. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Chuanyi Ji, Georgia Institute of Technology and Scott C. Ganz, Georgetown University Read more: The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Powerball player learns of huge win through suspicious spending alerts. Not to worry Suspicious spending alerts tipped off a Michigan man to his Powerball win. How? His wife and daughter decided to celebrate by shopping. Kelvin Wilson, 62, called home after receiving multiple spending alerts on his phone. He asked if his wife and daughter had made the purchases. Thats when they told Wilson not to worry about it, he told lottery officials. He had won $250,000 in the March 11 Powerball drawing. I couldnt believe my ears! the Highland Park man told lottery officials. Wilson plays Powerball weekly with his family. We each pick a number, and this is a set of numbers weve played for a while, he said. He matched four white balls and the Powerball to win $50,000, but the prize multiplied thanks to the Power Play, the lottery said. He plans to invest in his business with the winning prize. Highland Park is about a 10-mile drive northwest from Detroit. What to know about Powerball To score a jackpot in the Powerball, a player must match all five white balls and the red Powerball. The odds of scoring the jackpot prize are 1 in 292,201,338. Tickets can be bought on the day of the drawing, but sales times and price vary by state. Drawings are broadcast Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:59 p.m. ET and can be streamed online. Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Firefighter claims huge Powerball prize during solar eclipse. Once-in-a-lifetime Couple goes on cruise vacation and finds numbers that lead to big lottery win A random thought while grocery shopping led to womans big Arkansas lottery prize President Joe Biden, under intense pressure since the earliest days of his administration to stem the record pace of unlawful immigration, said he is considering taking unilateral action to close the nation's border with Mexico if circumstances warrant such a move. "We're examining whether or not I have that power," Biden told Univision in an interview Tuesday at the White House. "There's no guarantee that I have that power all by myself without legislation. "Some have suggested I should just go ahead and try it, and if I get shut down by the court, I get shut down by the court. But we're trying to work that right now." President Joe Biden, shown visiting a Border Patrol station in Brownsville in February, said this week that he is considering taking unilateral action to close the nation's border with Mexico if circumstances warrant such a move. The comments to journalist Enrique Acevedo come as the Democratic president is gearing up for a rematch with former President Donald Trump, who is vowing to reinstate his own hard-line immigration policies if voters return him to the White House after the Nov. 5 election. Biden has blamed Trump for scuttling what had been touted as a bipartisan U.S. Senate bill to address the border crisis by adding 1,500 Customs and Border Protection agents and 4,300 asylum officers. Trump urged congressional Republicans to vote against the measure to deprive Biden of a legislative victory in an election year. When Biden and Trump in early March were holding competing events on the same day along the Texas-Mexico border, the president called out his predecessor for derailing the measure. "Both houses supported this legislation until someone came along and said, 'Don't do that, it will benefit the incumbent,'" Biden said in Brownsville as Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott were in Eagle Pass, about 300 miles away. "That's a hell of a way to do business in America for such a serious problem." Trump returned fire in kind, saying of the border crisis: "This is a Joe Biden invasion," a term Texas Republicans have used to describe the surge in migrants and to provide cover for the state government implementing its own controversial border security measures. Democrats and rights groups have warned against painting asylum-seekers many of whom are escaping violence and poverty in Venezuela, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua and Cuba, according to the city of El Paso as invaders as it could trigger violence against them. In 2019, a white, 21-year-old gunman drove more than 700 miles from his Dallas-area home to a Walmart in El Paso to kill Hispanic residents in a racist attack. Before killing 23 people and injuring nearly two dozen others, he released a manifesto online warning of an "invasion" by Hispanics in Texas. "Texas grieves for the people of El Paso today," Abbott said just after the shooting in describing what he called one of the deadliest days in the state's history. Border security, immigration rise as top election issues Since the border bill's demise, such Republicans as Abbott and Texas' U.S. Sen. John Cornyn have argued forcefully that Biden currently has ample legal authority to combat unlawful immigration but has declined to use it. "The laws on the books are roughly the same as they were when President Trump was in office, but with dramatically different results," Cornyn told reporters last week. "I believe there is no will, no desire on the part of the administration to actually enforce the law." Even as he mulls taking executive action at the border, Biden said in the Univision interview that additional legislation is needed to gain control of the border, which has emerged as a leading issue nationally ahead of the presidential election. "We don't have enough officers to even interview people to discern whether they have a legitimate fear or concern to qualify to come in," he said, emphasizing the need for additional asylum officers. "We don't have enough people at the border. We don't have enough machinery that we can detect fentanyl and illegal drugs coming in." A poll released in late March by the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center and The Associated Press found that while most Americans in both parties agree that more border patrol agents and asylum officers are needed at the border, nearly 7 in 10 disapprove of Biden's handling of the immigration issue. Immigration has been an especially problematic issue for the president in Texas, which has the nation's longest border with Mexico. While Biden is not expected to carry Texas in November, the ongoing border crisis could harm his party's chances in competitive state and congressional districts in South Texas where Republicans are seeking to make gains. Despite Republicans pointing to Trump's approach to immigration as a way to criticize his successor, the former president also expressed frustration with Congress for not giving him more power to act. A Border Patrol officer searches along the banks of the Rio Grande in Brownsville on Feb. 28. President Joe Biden has blamed Donald Trump for scuttling a Senate bill to address the border crisis that would have added 1,500 Customs and Border Protection agents and 4,300 asylum officers. In late March and early April 2019, Trump threatened to seal the border with Mexico to stem the flow of migrants crossing into the United States. And just as Biden this year has sought to cajole members from the opposite party in Congress into action, so did an exasperated Trump five years ago this month. "Congress must get together and immediately eliminate the loopholes at the Border!" Trump wrote in an April 3, 2019, post on Twitter. "If no action, Border, or large sections of Border, will close. This is a National Emergency!" White House aides eventually dissuaded Trump from taking action to close the border at the time. Less than a year later, however, Trump ordered the border to be closed to nonessential travel in an effort to contain the burgeoning coronavirus pandemic from further spreading into the United States. The order also included the nation's border with Canada. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Joe Biden may shut down border, but still wants Congress to act Yevgeny Polovodov, a press officer of the Russian Ministry of Defence, who was accompanying propagandists of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), was killed near Kreminna in Luhansk Oblast. Source: Institute of Mass Information (IMI) Details: IMI analysed the story of the Luhansk branch of the Russian VGTRK propaganda media holding, which reported this. The Vesti Luhansk Telegram channel also posted a video of their propagandists being treated in hospital. On 10 April 2024, the Luhansk branch of the Russian VGTRK, which the Russians established in the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast, reported that their propagandists Denis Shum and Artem Yundas had come under fire near Kreminna. They were accompanied by Polovodov. Judging by the photo of Artem Yundas posted on the propagandists' Telegram channel, he is wearing a green bulletproof vest and helmet. The propagandists also published the moment of the attack, in which Artem Yundas is not only wearing a green helmet and bulletproof vest, but also camouflaged clothing. IMI director Oksana Romaniuk said this is "unacceptable for journalists and equates them to combatants". The helmet and bulletproof vest should be of a different colour from the military, for example, blue. Quote from IMI: "We reiterate that independent media do not work in the occupied territories of Ukraine. While occupying the districts, the Russians destroyed the editorial offices of Ukrainian media and tortured and persecuted journalists." Support UP or become our patron! A confrontation between a UC Berkeley law professor and a student protester got physical on Tuesday, becoming the latest campus flare-up over Gaza. At a dinner for third-year law students that coincided with the last day of Ramadan, Malak Afaneh, co-president of Berkeley Law Students for Justice in Palestine (LSJP), rose to protest the schools investment in arms manufacturers for Israel and the ongoing violence in Gaza. A video of the incident quickly circulated around social media, with pro-Palestinian groups accusing law professor Catherine Fisk of violently assaulting Afaneh by trying to snatch her cellphone out of her hand, pulling at her clothes, and putting her arm around her as she told her to leave. The dinner was hosted by the dean of the law school, Erwin Chemerinsky, and his wife, Fisk, in the backyard of their home. In a statement issued the next day, Chemerinsky, who is Jewish, said he was saddened by the protest but told students his home was not a forum for free speech. I am enormously sad that we have students who are so rude as to come into my home, in my backyard, and use this social occasion for their political agenda, Chemerinsky wrote, adding that about 10 of the 60 students who attended left with Afaneh. Chemerinsky also denounced a poster that Berkeley LSJP had shared on April 1, which included a caricature of him with a knife and fork and the slogan No Dinner With Zionist Chem While Gaza Starves! I never thought I would see such blatant antisemitism, with an image that invokes the horrible antisemitic trope of blood libel and that attacks me for no apparent reason other than I am Jewish, Chemerinsky wrote in his statement. But a coalition of Jewish law students at UC Berkeley contested that characterization of the flyer. They said that Chemerinskys pro-Israel political views, not his Jewish identity at large, were the subject of the protest. In a statement provided to The Daily Beast, the students defended their LSJP peers and described Chemerinsky as a self-avowed Zionist who has used his position as Dean to silence student voices and maintain investments that participate in the apartheid and genocide in Palestine. As Jewish anti-Zionist law students, we firmly stand with the student protestors who attended the Deans dinner and with Law Students for Justice in Palestine, they wrote. We condemn as Islamophobic Professor Fisks use of physical force against a student and Dean Chemerinskys characterization of this students actions as disruptive when her only actions at the dinner were to wear a hijab and acknowledge the holiday of Ramadan. The students also separated anti-Zionist speech critical of Israel from antisemitism at large. They accused Chemerinsky, a leading free speech scholar, of attempting to shut down criticism of Israel. Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism. The Dean conflates the two concepts, using accusations of antisemitism to delegitimize anti-Israel speech. As Jewish anti-Zionists, we condemn antisemitism as we fight for the rights of Palestinian people, and simultaneously condemn attempts to weaponize the concept in service of Zionism, they wrote. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Donald Trump may have just issued one of the weirdest calls for a debate ever. In a series of videotaped rants posted to his Truth Social account on Wednesday night, Trump attempted to turn all of the blame for his own legal problems onto Joe Biden, espousing debunked claims that the president is covertly behind Trumps mountain of legal woes. Hes the worst president in the history of our country, and the only way he thinks he can get elected is to take me to trials, take me to courts, city, state and federal. They control them all, Trump said. All of these cases that youre reading about are Crooked Joe Bidens case because he cant put two sentences together. He cant do anything. So they weaponize government and they take me to court on bullshit. According to Trump, his legal comeuppance for committing bank fraud and sexual abuse are all the more reason to prosecute Bidenand not him. At what point are the actions of a sitting president using lawfare and weaponization against his opponent for purposes of election interference considered illegal? Trump demanded. I believe, as do various highly respected legal scholars, that Crooked Joe Biden has long since crossed over that very sacred threshold. He is a criminal. He is a horrible president. After spending several videos harping on Biden and his alleged political anticsand criticizing Democrats for killing social security and medicare even though its the Republican Party that is attempting to raise the Social Security retirement ageTrump issued a brief invitation to debate the president anytime, anywhere, any place. Its time for Crooked Joe Biden, the worst president in the history of the United States, and I to debate, Trump said. We have to talk about what hes doing and where were going. We owe it to our country. We owe it to all Americans. Despite refusing to participate in any Republican primary debates, Trump and his team have increasingly started to demand the opportunity to debate Biden. Last week, Trumps daughter-in-law and RNC co-chair Lara Trump insisted that Biden has a lot of answers to give the American people. I can only assume he doesnt have the answers to the questions that he will be asked, she then snidely and nonsensically quipped. The head of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia will take over the investigation of Lt. Gov. Burt Jones alleged involvement in attempts to overturn President Joe Bidens 2020 election victory in Georgia. In a two-sentence statement, Pete Skandalakis, the councils executive director, announced his appointment to pursue the case. A Fulton County judge disqualified Fulton District Attorney Fani Willis nearly two years ago from looking into Jones connection to the election interference case, ruling her hosting of a campaign fund-raiser for Jones opponent in the 2022 race constituted a conflict of interest. The investigation of Jones has been in limbo since then, while Willis went on to gain a grand jury indictment last summer charging former President Donald Trump and multiple co-defendants with taking part in a conspiracy to overturn Democrat Bidens win in Georgia and award the states 16 electoral votes to Republican Trump. Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me, Jones said in a statement released Thursday. Fani Willis has made a mockery of this legal process, as she tends to do. I look forward to a quick resolution and moving forward with the business of the state of Georgia. Jones allegedly was among a group of Republican fake electors who met at the state Capitol in December 2020 to cast their ballots for Trump. As the meeting was taking place, the real electors - all Democrats - were meeting elsewhere in the building to certify that Biden had defeated Trump in Georgia. Jones, serving as a state senator at the time, was elected lieutenant governor in 2022, defeating Democrat Charlie Bailey. Meanwhile, Willis continues to move ahead in prosecuting Trump and the other co-defendants. The case hit a snag in January when a lawyer for one of the co-defendants filed a motion accusing Willis of having an improper relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired to lead the case. Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled last month that Willis could remain on the case only if Wade resigned, which he did several hours after the judge handed down the decision. A Georgia prosecutor has been assigned to criminally investigate the states Republican lieutenant governor, Burt Jones, for his alleged role in former President Trumps attempt to subvert the states 2020 election results. Pete Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, tasked himself with the probe 21 months after the Fulton County district attorneys office was disqualified from Joness case. The office was disqualified because Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) headlined a fundraiser for a Democratic candidate who went on to face Jones in his race for lieutenant governor. The judge overseeing the matter described Williss decision to partake as a what are you thinking? moment. In a brief statement Thursday announcing his appointment, Skandalakiss office said no further comments will be made at this time. Jones was one of 16 pro-Trump electors who falsely signed documents claiming the former president won the state in 2020. While he was a state senator, he also attempted to convene a special session of Georgias Legislature with the aim of overturning President Bidens win. Jones said in a statement to The Hill that he looks forward to a quick resolution of the matter, slamming Willis for making a mockery of this legal process. Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me, Jones said. Skandalakiss office assumed the responsibility of appointing a prosecutor to investigate Jones in July 2022, the same month the state judge removed Willis from investigating Jones. The development came about a year before the district attorney went on to indict Trump and more than a dozen of his allies on sprawling racketeering charges in what became Trumps fourth set of criminal charges. Trump pleaded not guilty, and no trial date has been set. Jones appears to be listed as an unindicted co-conspirator in the indictment, though he is not identified by name in charging documents. Updated at 11:11 a.m. ET For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. A Virginia prosecutor said Thursday that he will pursue the case against a former assistant principal indicted on a felony child neglect charge at the elementary school where a 6-year-old shot a teacher last year, and suggested others could be charged as the investigation continues. A day after a special grand jury report outlining the case against ex-administrator Ebony Parker was made public, Newport News Commonwealth's Attorney Howard Gwynn told reporters that he was "troubled" by the findings and believes the charge is warranted. He added that he had never brought a charge against a school administrator or heard of it being done as it relates to this type of case, but that "we go wherever the facts will lead us." "I never thought about this as precedential," Gwynn said. "I simply think about this as us doing our jobs. And so, whether it has any precedent or not, it's not really relevant to what we do and it has no bearing into any decision we make." Students return to Richneck Elementary in Newport News (Billy Schuerman / TNS via Getty Images) The shooting at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News on Jan. 6, 2023, brought national attention to school safety and stunned the community when police announced the child's actions appeared intentional. Legal experts say it remains rare for charges to be brought against parents, administrators or other adults when a child commits gun violence at school. But some say the recent involuntary manslaughter trials of the Michigan parents of a teenage school shooter who killed four classmates the first parents in the U.S. to be held criminally responsible for a mass shooting committed by their child could set a legal precedent leading to similar prosecutions. Gwynn said there is a message to be sent when charges are brought in the fallout of school shootings and that "the safety of children and staff and administrators should be taken seriously." "Everything you do and say sends a message. And what is the message that you want to send by your conduct," Gwynn said of school officials, adding it should be: "'We got to do everything we can to protect you. We know this is a dangerous situation. So we got to do everything we can to protect you because that's what we signed up for.'" 'Lack of response' In Newport News, the 6-year-old student, who has not been named, used a 9 mm handgun to shoot his teacher, Abigail Zwerner, while she sat at a reading table in their first-grade classroom. She was seriously injured but survived, and managed to escort her class of about 15 students to safety, police said. On the day of the shooting, Parker, Richneck's assistant principal at the time, was made aware by other staff and students on four occasions that the child might be a "potentially dangerous threat," according to the grand jury's report. "Dr. Parker's lack of response and initiative given the seriousness of the information she had received on January 6, 2023 is shocking," the report says, adding that it was an "avoidable situation." Parker, who resigned in the wake of the shooting, has been charged with eight counts of felony child abuse each one representing the number of bullets that the boy had in the gun, Gwynn said. She appeared in Newport News Circuit Court earlier Tuesday for a hearing with her lawyer, and another hearing was set for next month ahead of a trial. If found guilty, she faces up to five years in prison per count. It was unclear if she has already entered a plea, and her lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment following the hearing. The 11-member grand jury, which was impaneled in September, said it heard from 19 witnesses, reviewed several hundred documents of school records and watched police bodycam and other video to make its determination. A photo of Abby Zwerner pinned to a coat. (Billy Schuerman / TNS via Getty Images) Its report provided further details about the events leading up to the shooting and during it, among them that after the boy shot Zwerner from less than 6 feet away, he tried to fire again but was thwarted. "The child continued to stare at her, not changing his emotional facial expression as he tried to shoot again," the report says. "The firearm had jammed due to his lack of strength on the first shot inhibiting him from shooting Ms. Zwerner or anyone else again. The firearm had a full magazine with seven additional bullets ready to fire if not for the firearm jamming." Gwynn said Thursday that he was disturbed by other details and allegations in the report, including that students were traumatized following the shooting and unable to transfer schools and how a friend of the 6-year-old boy tried to warn adults at the school about the gun and "feels guilty today that nobody listened to them." He added that an investigation is ongoing into missing documents regarding the student's behavioral file. The grand jury report notes the boy's disciplinary issues, including in the days before the shooting, when he was "defiant during recess," "constantly spoke back to Zwerner," slammed her phone on the ground at reading time, causing the screen to crack, and used an expletive toward her. He was suspended for one day after that incident. Gwynn said his office is working with school leadership to determine what happened to the missing documents in his file, and if someone is found to have illegally removed them, "trust me when I tell you, they will be charged." New approach for prosecutors The recent criminal cases against James and Jennifer Crumbley, the parents of school shooter Ethan Crumbley, in Oxford, Michigan, and now Parker, a school official in Newport News, remain rare, but indicate a new willingness among prosecutors to hold others accountable when a child commits gun violence, said Mark Chutkow, a lawyer who previously led the criminal division of the U.S. attorney's office in Detroit. "Prosecutors are becoming more creative and more aggressive in holding adults and people in positions of trust responsible for the crimes of children," Chutkow said. In Newport News, "as it compares to the Michigan case, the prosecutors expanded their options." School administrators were not charged in connection with the mass shooting at Oxford High School in 2021, although there has been outcry to hold school officials there accountable. But in the Richneck shooting, the mother of the 6-year-old boy had pleaded guilty to felony child neglect last year after prosecutors said the child obtained her gun. Chutkow said for prosecutors to also accuse an administrator at Richneck of felony child neglect shows a duty of care that is placed upon school staff, particularly when a firearm is involved. He said the charge parallels what prosecutors in Michigan had to prove for involuntary manslaughter against the Crumbley parents. "It can't just be ordinary negligence, but it's got to be really gross negligence," Chutkow said. "Taking it one step further really criminalizes it." NBC News legal analyst Danny Cevallos said the crux of these cases suggest investigators in school shootings are looking for who missed obvious warning signs and if that could have prevented someone from being harmed. "To me, it's no coincidence that this indictment is coming out around the same time as the conviction of the Crumbley parents for their child's school shootings," Cevallos said. "There appears to be a seal that is broken, and now the waters are flowing." Changes after shooting The school board of the Newport News Public Schools said in a statement Thursday that the district has since implemented several changes following the shooting and "will continue to do so in the future." The district had installed metal detectors at all of its schools and brought in new leadership. "Safety of students and staff remain a top priority for the School Board," the school board said. In the aftermath of the shooting, Gwynn told NBC News that he would not seek charges against the 6-year-old boy, citing his age and inability to adequately understand the legal system, but he said he was still weighing whether he might hold any adults criminally responsible. The child's family has said that he has an "acute disability" and that he had received the "treatment he needs" under court-ordered temporary detention at a medical facility. The boys mother, Deja Taylor, was sentenced in December to two years in prison on the state charge of felony child neglect and must begin her state sentence after she finishes serving 21 months on a related federal charge. Deja Taylor (Newport News Daily Press / Billy Schuerman) Three months after the shooting, Zwerner also filed a $40 million lawsuit against the school district alleging that administrators, including Parker, failed to heed warnings. The grand jury's findings are similar to her complaint. Zwerner resigned after filing her suit. During a news conference Thursday, lawyers for Zwerner, 26, said she has been "cooperating in every way we can" with the criminal investigation and welcomed the grand jury's decision to bring a charge against a school administrator who "failed to act." They said they were bothered by how the grand jury noted that Parker "did not look away from her computer screen" when Zwerner tried to tell her she was concerned about the boy's "aggression" before the shooting happened that day. Others had tried to warn Parker the boy was believed to have been armed, but they said she didn't intervene, according to the report. "When somebody comes into your office and says that there's a gun on campus, looking away from a computer screen should be a given," lawyer Kevin Biniazan said. "Taking immediate action, whatever it may be, should be a given." Diane Toscano, another lawyer for Zwerner, said she learned some new details in the grand jury's report, including how Parker allegedly "shut the door" to her office after the shooting despite learning what had happened and that the 6-year-old boy had attempted to shoot the gun again but it was jammed. "That was hard to read," she said, "to know he tried to shoot a second time." Owen Hayes reported from Newport News, Erik Ortiz from New York and Julia Jester from Washington. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The head of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia will take up the case against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for his alleged role in trying to overturn the 2020 election here in Georgia. Jones was one of 16 Georgia Republican electors who falsely claimed that former President Donald Trump won the state of Georgia over President Joe Biden. He was not one of the 19 co-defendants named in a grand jury indictment released that included former President Trump, Rudy Guiliani and more. A Fulton County judge barred District Attorney Fani Willis from investigating him after it was revealed she held a fundraiser for his Democratic opponent during the election. In a statement, Jones said: Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me. Fani Willis has made a mockery of this legal process, as she tends to do. I look forward to a quick resolution and moving forward with the business of the state of Georgia. Jones was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2012, serving in Georgias 25th District before being elected lieutenant governor in November 2022. RELATED NEWS: In a statement from the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, it said: Pursuant to the authority contained in O.C.G.A. 15-18-5, Peter J. Skandalakis, Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, or his designee, will be appointed to act as District Attorney Pro Tempore, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, in the matter concerning Burt Jones. In accordance with State Bar Rule 3.8 Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor and pending litigation, no further comments will be made at this time. Skandalakis is the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council and has been searching for 21 months to find someone to prosecute the case. Instead of appointing a district attorney or a private lawyer to take the case, he appointed himself. This is not the first big case that Skandalakis has been tasked with overseeing. He oversaw the investigation into the officers who shot and killed Rashard Brooks. Ultimately, he found the officers use of force was reasonable and they did not act with criminal intent. RELATED NEWS: SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A security guard involved in a deadly shooting outside of a Springdale nightclub in December 2023 will not face charges, according to prosecutors. On Dec. 17, 2023, Springdale police responded to a gunshot call at the Zabana Night Club around 1:50 a.m., according to a news release. When officers arrived, they found a man, identified as Luis Ogando-Lopez, 21, with two gunshot wounds. Ogando-Lopez was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. An initial investigation revealed Ogando-Lopez was kicked out of the building after causing issues and having a knife on him, SPD said. Springdale police arrest man in connection to Sunday morning shooting A security guard told police that Ogando-Lopez went to a vehicle, retrieved a gun and pointed it at the guard, who shot him. Washington County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Denis Dean confirmed the guard would not be charged and the shooting was found to be justified. According to Arkansas law, if a person is lawfully present at a location and lawfully allowed to carry a firearm, they do not have the duty to find a safe place. They may neutralize that threat and use deadly force against that person under Arkansas law, Dean said. Dean says this incident was investigated like any crime. The police showed up that evening at Zabanas. They had a crime scene, they collected evidence, they collected statements, they collected surveillance video, Dean said. When you have a shooting you have shell casings on the ground. If you have a victim, sometimes you have injuries. So all of that was documented and examined and looked at to see if what everybody said happened actually did happen. Because the bouncer reasonably believed that his life was in danger or the life of the other patrons, Dean said. He says while they never like to see anybody get hurt or killed, this particular bouncer in all likelihood saved lives not only his own but the patrons of the nightclub. We dont know what the motivations of this man were that pulled the gun, but when you pull a gun, it is going to have real consequences, Dean said. Dean says the family of Ogando-Lopez can use the Freedom of Information Act to look into the case and get information, but it cannot be taken to court for an appeal. Juan Frias-Villa, 26, who was with Ogando-Lopez the night of the incident allegedly got into a vehicle while the incident was taking place and drove toward a second security guard, hitting him. Frias-Villa left the scene but was later found by detectives. He admitted to hitting the guard with his vehicle and fleeing the scene, the release said. He was arrested on a second-degree battery charge and taken to the Washington County Jail. Frias-Villa has pleaded not guilty and his trial date has been set for Sept. 11. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Protester taken into custody after telling Bakersfield councilmembers well see you at your house, well murder you BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) A protester was led out of Wednesday evenings Bakersfield City Council meeting after telling the council well see you at your house, well murder you during public comments. The council meeting was then delayed after the comments by Riddhi Patel, who spoke about security measures put in place for council meetings. Patel lashed out at the council for the security measures in place saying the measures were put in place as retaliation against protesters. You guys want to criminalize us with metal detectors, well see you at your house, well murder you, Patel said. Council considers renaming Bakersfield street to honor Cesar Chavez Mayor Karen Goh identified the comments as a threat and instructed Bakersfield police officers to escort Patel out of the chambers. Patel was seen in cuffs after she was led out by officers. The council meeting continued after Patels comments and Goh instructed officers to remove another person for what Goh called disruptive behavior. One protester in attendance, Maria Quinonez part of the recurring group of Pro-Palestine protesters in support of a ceasefire distanced herself from Patel telling 17s Jenny Huh: The comments of Riddhi Patel were shocking. They in no way represent those of us who continue to come to city council to demand a ceasefire and an end to the genocide [in Gaza]. I ask that this does not distract anyone from our mission to end the genocide. Ceasefire now. RELATED: Pro-Palestinian protesters ask for ceasefire resolution, kicked out of Bakersfield City Council meeting Patel was removed from the meeting after making a second round of comments. Patel first spoke out about the council not passing a resolution condemning Israels actions in its war against Hamas. Patel lashed out at the council calling them horrible human beings and claimed the council does not care about oppression anywhere in the world, including Bakersfield. Jesus probably wouldve killed you himself, she continued. Patel was arrested on suspicion of threatening state officials and making terroristic threats and is being held on $1 million bail, inmate booking records show. Shes due in court Friday. Bakersfield City Council meetings have seen multiple interruptions over the last several meetings after pro-Palestinian protesters were removed over disruptions. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17. PROVO, Utah (ABC4) American Airlines is coming to the Provo Airport. The airline announced on Thursday, April 11, that it would be adding three daily flights out of the Provo Municipal Airport. Two of the flights will go to Dallas/Fort Worth in Texas and one flight will head toward Phoenix, Ariz. Provo will become American Airlines third destination city in the Beehive State after Salt Lake City and St. George. IOC members tour Utah Olympic venues The addition of American Airlines to the Provo Municipal Airport list of carriers comes less than a year after the airport announced its goals to bring a major carrier and international flights to Utah County. The airport already offers flights from Allegiant Air and Breeze Airways. We had a forward-looking vision when we built the Provo Airport. The monumental announcement of the arrival of American Airlines proves we were on their radar as much as our airport tower will soon be on theirs, said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi. With year-round, daily service, American Airlines is showing their commitment to Provo and we couldnt be happier to welcome them home with this game-changing service. American Airlines said customers flying out of Provo will be able to connect with just one stop across Americans global network. The flights include connections to more than 30 destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. Director of Domestic Network Planning for American Airlines Joe Sottile said the addition of the airlines will give Utah County residents more ways to visit the places they want to visit most. Could Utah get NHL team as soon as next season? Flights will begin flying out of Provo on October 7, 2024. All flights will have room for 65 passengers, including nine first-class seats. Provos new terminal for commercial travel was completed in 2022 and has since grown to serve over 116,000 passengers annually, according to the airports website. In 2023, Provo city officials recognized a need to expand the Provo Airport as research showed the airport was only serving a fraction of its estimated passengers. Provo City indicated it hoped expanding the airport would help bring tourism dollars into Utah County, with easier, quicker access to BYU Big 12 games and the Sundance Mountain Resort. To that end, Provo Airport Director Brian Torgersen said adding network service by a major carrier has been a focus for the airport, even before the opening of the new terminal. We have been telling our story to all who would listen, and American Airlines has stepped up to provide exceptional service to exceptional major hub airports, said Torgensen. We couldnt be more thrilled to welcome American Airlines and the entire world to Provo. Tickets for the new American Airlines flights will be available for sale starting April 22 through American Airlines website and mobile app. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. A psychiatric exam has been ordered for the 27-year-old suspect who is charged with murder for allegedly beating a man to death with firewood outside a Fort Worth home. The examination should determine whether he is currently competent to stand trial. Chrisantus Omondi will be examined by a doctor about 7:30 a.m. Friday at the Tarrant County Jail, where he is being held without bond, according to court records. The exam report will be submitted to District Judge George Gallagher. Omondi, who faces a murder charge in the killing of 51-year-old Scotty Jackson, was also indicted by a grand jury on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to court documents. Omondis attorney has not yet responded to the Star-Telegrams request for comment. On the evening of Jan. 13, Jackson arrived at a home in the 3900 block of Wendover Drive in a U-Haul filled with firewood and began to unload the vehicle. Thats when Jackson and the homeowner he was delivering the wood to were approached by Omondi, who was naked, police said in an arrest warrant. The suspect was holding a key and said, This is my house, I have the key right here, according to the warrant. Today's top stories: Rashee Rice, other driver face 8 criminal charges in Dallas car crash Abandoned grain silos in Fort Worth catch fire New taco restaurant brings original menu by standout chef Get free alerts when news breaks. Both Jackson and the homeowner told Omondi to leave, and the suspect picked up a piece of wood and immediately struck Jackson in the head, the homeowner told police. Jackson was making some last-minute deliveries before a winter storm that brought snow and ice to North Texas the day after the deadly assault. Omondi again swung the piece of wood and hit the homeowner, who tried to block the strike with his arm, according to the warrant. The witness ran and locked himself inside his home in an attempt to get away from the attacker. The homeowner called 911 and watched in terror as Omondi continued to hit Jackson and dump a wheelbarrow on him, the warrant says. The homeowner said he saw Omondi leave and go toward a neighbors yard. In the 911 call, the witness described Omondi as going into a residence, which police discovered is an Airbnb. Officers responded to the residence Omondi walked into and could hear yelling coming from inside, the warrant says. The front door was open and officers identified themselves, requesting the person yelling to come out. Omondi then came out of the house and yelled at officers, police said. Officers stunned him with a Taser because he was non-compliant and aggressive, according to the warrant. He was taken to a hospital for evaluation. A tenant staying at the Airbnb told police she heard the disturbance outside before Omondi, who she recognized was a tenant staying in a guest room, came into the house yelling at her and threatened to beat her up. Omondi has a criminal history including charges of theft, evading arrest or detention, and aggravated assault against a security officer, according to Tarrant County court records. At the time of his arrest, the court ordered that information be collected about whether Omondi has a mental illness. Vladimir Putin has boasted of Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities and called them "demilitarisation" at the meeting with Alexander Lukashenko, self-proclaimed President of Belarus. Source: Kremlin-aligned media outlets RIA Novosti, TASS Quote: "If everything is looped into solving the issues we have been talking about from the very beginning, and in the energy sector they are connected, in particular, with solving one of the tasks we set for ourselves: demilitarisation." Details: Putin claimed that Russian strikes on energy infrastructure affect the defence-industrial complex of Ukraine. "The impact is direct," Putin said. Background: As a result of the Russian large-scale attack, fires broke out at energy infrastructure facilities in Lviv, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, and the debris of downed drones fell in the open in Mykolaiv Oblast. It was reported earlier that the Russians attacked energy facilities in Kyiv and Kharkiv oblasts. After another missile attack by the Russians, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine needs strong air defence and other defensive support, not ignoring and lengthy discussions. Support UP or become our patron! Putins military destroys major power plant near Kyiv as Ukraine hit with 82 missiles and drones Putins military destroys major power plant near Kyiv as Ukraine hit with 82 missiles and drones Vladimir Putins military destroyed a major electricity plant near Kyiv as it hit Ukraine with more than 80 missiles and drones, officials said. Other power centres around the country were also targeted as Russia stepped up attacks while Republicans in Washington blocked a huge new aid package for Ukraine. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia's overnight attack used six ballistic missiles, which can hit targets within minutes and are much harder to shoot down. Kyiv is pleading for allies to send more US-made Patriot air defence systems. "Ukraine remains the only country in the world facing ballistic strikes. There is currently no other place for 'Patriots' to be," tweeted Mr Kuleba. Last week, Nato foreign ministers agreed to reconsider whether they could send more Patriots from their nations military arsenal. But in Washington, Republicans are blocking a huge aid package, desperately need by Kyiv, with top US general General Christopher Cavoli warning Russia will be outgunning Ukraine in artillery shells by 10-1 within weeks. The latest attack, more than two years since Putin's full-scale invasion started, completely destroyed the Trypilska coal-powered thermal power plant near the capital, according to a senior official at the company which runs it. Footage shared on social media showed a fire raging at the large Soviet-era facility and black smoke belching from it. "We need air defence and other defence support, not eye-closing and long discussions," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, condemning the attacks as "terror". The Russian defence ministry said it hit fuel and energy facilities in Ukraine in what it described as a massive retaliatory strike using drones and high-precision, long-range weapons from air and sea. The strikes were a response to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia's oil, gas and energy facilities, it said. Kyiv's appeals for urgent air defence supplies from the West have grown increasingly desperate since Russia renewed its long-range aerial assaults on the Ukrainian energy system last month, and as Putin troops are gradually gaining ground. The attacks, which hammered thermal and hydroelectric power plants, have caused fears about the resilience of an energy system that was hobbled by a Russian air campaign in the war's first winter. There has been a slowdown in vital Western assistance and a major US aid package has been blocked by Republicans in Congress for many months, Ukraine has said. Ukraine's air force commander said air defences took down 18 of the incoming missiles and 39 drones. The attack used 82 missiles and drones in total, the military said. The destroyed power plant outside Kyiv, a major power supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, is the third and last facility owned by state-owned energy company Centrenergo. "Everything is destroyed," Andriy Gota, head of the supervisory board of the company, said when asked about the situation at Centrenergo. The Trypilska plant was the biggest energy facility near Kyiv and was built to have a capacity of 1,800 megawatt hours, more than the pre-war needs of Ukraine's biggest city. The Ukrenergo grid operator said its substations and power generating facilities had been damaged in attacks on the regions of Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv. Ukraine's largest private electricity company DTEK, which lost 80 per cent of its generating capacity during Russia's March 22 and March 29 attacks, said Russia's attacks hit two of its power stations, inflicting serious damage. The strikes also attacked two underground storage facilities where Ukraine stores natural gas, including some owned by foreign companies, energy company Naftogaz said. The facilities continued to operate, it added. "The situation in Ukraine is dire; there is not a moment to lose," said US ambassador Bridget Brink, adding that 10 missiles struck critical infrastructure in the Kharkiv area alone. The region of Kharkiv, which borders Russia and already has long, rolling blackouts in place, was forced to cut electricity for 200,000 people, presidential aide Oleksiy Kuleba said. Ukraine has warned it could run out of air defence munitions if Russia keeps up the intensity of its strikes and that it is already having to make difficult decisions about what to defend. Ukraine's attacks have sent over a dozen Russian oil refineries up into flames so far - TELEGRAM / @gubernator_46/AFP via Getty Images As Vladimir Putin held meetings with Russian police chiefs earlier this month to discuss tightening migration controls in the wake of the Moscow concert hall terror attack, foes were crossing his countrys border hundreds of miles away. A Ukrainian drone flew over the frontlines on April 2 and travelled 800 miles into Russias Tatarstan region before hitting the countrys third largest oil refinery, sending it up in a cloud of flames. After struggling to make headway against Putins war machine on the battlefield, Ukraine has adopted a new tactic target Russian fuel. The Tatarstan attack was one of more than a dozen on refineries since the start of the year. The assaults have left 16pc of Russias total refining capacity offline at the end of March, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights. This equates to a million lost barrels of refined product each day ranging from jet fuel to diesel and petrol. A loss of refinery capacity is a problem for Putin: not only does it reduce fuel for his war machine, it leaves him with less product to export to countries such as India and China that still trade freely with Russia. That poses a threat to the Kremlins revenues. Compounding this headache is the fear that attacks could drive up pump prices for ordinary Russians, a scenario that could threaten social unrest. Some people are saying that the numbers weve seen so far just arent enough for Russia to really feel the pain, says Craig Kennedy, associate at Harvards Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies. Thats true today but if it continues at this rate, sooner or later, it will feel pain. However, Kyiv is walking a tightrope. By threatening the supply of Russia oil, which still finds a way into the global marketplace, Ukraine could drive up the price of crude. That is not something allies in Washington, Brussels or Westminster want. Putin is clearly concerned about the prospect of fuel shortages and is scrambling to shore up supplies. The Kremlin launched a six month ban on petrol exports outside the Eurasian economic union on March 1. It is rapidly scaling up imports of gasoline from Belarus, which rose from nothing in January to 3,000 tons in the first half of March. Reuters last week reported that Putin is brokering a deal with Kazakhstan to ensure it is ready to supply 100,000 tons of petrol in case of shortages. The Russian public is very sensitive to gasoline prices, so much so that the Russian government shields them from the international price, which is much higher, says Kennedy. Cheap gasoline is subsidised domestically to keep people happy. If suddenly there is a shortage of gasoline, the upward pressure on prices is going to be big and that could fuel social discontent. Drivers in Moscow say they have not seen rises in pump prices yet but regional publications, such as NGS70.ru and 56orb.ru, have been discussing the prospect of increases. Temporary shortages of petrol are possible if there were simultaneous Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on multiple refineries, says Tatiana Orlova, lead economist for emerging markets at Oxford Economics. Ukraine hit a Russian factory with a remote-controlled Cessna-style plane packed with explosives Ukrainian drone strikes are hitting just as Russian refineries are grappling with other problems. Many are made with Western parts, which were necessary to meet requirements for export to the European market before the war. Now, sanctions are blocking maintenance works, says Kennedy. Major floods also forced the Orsk refinery in the Urals to suspend production last week. Extra imports from allies such as Kazakhstan and Belarus will be expensive and are unlikely to fill the gap, says Kennedy. Their production capacities are much smaller than Russias so theyre not going to be able to cover all of the shortfall if there is a widening campaign. Russia currently has capacity to refine about five million barrels a day of oil products and roughly half is consumed domestically. Oil and gas form the bedrock of Russias economy. The sector contributed 42pc of Russias federal budget revenues in 2022, according to an analysis by Vitaly Yermakov at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Falling energy prices and Western sanctions brought this share down to 32pc in 2023, but this was still worth a total of $108bn. Now, refinery strikes threaten to shrink that figure even further. If Russia cannot refine its oil, it will have a glut of crude for export. India is the only country that can realistically handle it. Thats where the remaining large-scale demand is for Russian crude and that means [India] is going to be in a situation to push for a deeper price discount, says Kennedy. An open question is how much further Ukraine will go in its attacks. Is this the starting point, or the end point of this energy infrastructure war?, says Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets. Because it could be much more disruptive and painful for Russia. Roughly three-quarters of Russias refinery output is within range of Ukrainian drones and missiles. More than 60pc of Russias oil exports are within range of Ukrainian missiles, should Kyiv choose to step up its attacks. How far is Ukraine willing to go in their efforts to close the Russian energy ATM?, says Croft. They havent yet gone after the real cash cow for Russia. Ukraine is walking a geopolitical tightrope. The price of Brent crude has already surged by more than 10pc since the start of the year and is now hovering close to $90 per barrel. If the attacks escalate, prices could rise even higher. Markets are waking up to the fact that we could see more disruption out of Russia and a potential expansion to this war in the Middle East involving Iran, says Croft. I think that theres certainly a path to $100 now. The West has introduced large-scale sanctions against Russia since the war began, but it has structured them so that Russian oil and gas exports can continue worldwide to stop huge surges in commodity prices. Senior officials at Ukraines state security service have received repeated calls from the US government to stop attacking refineries, according to the Financial Times. Will Kyiv listen? A $60bn military aid deal for Ukraine is held up in Congress. Russia is making battlefield advances. The prospect of a Trump presidency, which could end US support altogether, is looming large. [Ukraine] is saying look, if you dont give us the weapons and the money, why should we honour a bargain that essentially says that Russian energy is a safe zone?, says Croft. If Kyiv decides not to honour the deal, Russia risks running on fumes. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, listens to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Thursday, April 11, 2024. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) MOSCOW (AP) Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Thursday mocked a scheduled round of Ukraine peace talks in Switzerland, warning that Moscow will not accept any enforced plans that ignore its interests. Switzerlands government said Wednesday it will host a high-level international conference in June to help chart a path toward peace in Ukraine after more than two years of fighting, and expressed hope that Russia might join in the peace process someday. Putin charged that Russia hadn't been invited to join June's talks, while pointing at Swiss recognition that a peace process can't happen without Russia. They aren't inviting us there, Putin said. Moreover, they think there is nothing for us to do there, but at the same time they say that's it's impossible to decide anything without us. It would have been funny if it weren't so sad." Russia has dismissed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace formula requiring Moscow to pull back its troops, pay compensation to Ukraine and face an international tribunal for its action. Speaking during Thursday's meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow, Putin said that Russia is open for negotiations, but will never accept any schemes that have nothing to do with reality. Putin has repeatedly said that he sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022 to protect Russian interests and prevent Ukraine from posing a major security threat to Russia by joining NATO. Kyiv and its allies have denounced Russias military campaign as an unprovoked act of aggression. Putin has claimed that Russian forces have the upper hand after the failure of Ukraines counteroffensive last year, arguing that Ukraine and the West will sooner or later have to accept a settlement on Moscows terms. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned last week that prospective negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine could be successful only if they take Moscows interests into account, dismissing a planned round of peace talks as a Western ruse to rally broader international support for Kyiv. Floridians will soon decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana. Amendment 3 will need the support of at least 60% of voters in the election on Nov. 5 to pass. Supporters argue that Floridians should be free to choose whether to smoke pot for fun, and legalization can be done in a safe way that will generate tax revenue for the state. Opponents say the amendment is too broad and will lead to more drug use in Florida. This state will start to smell like marijuana in our cities and towns, Gov. Ron DeSantis said. It will reduce the quality of life. DeSantis calls abortion, marijuana amendments too radical to pass It wont be a free-for-all if voters legalize marijuana for recreational use, said Paula Savchenko, founding partner of South Florida-based Cannacore Group, which provides legal assistance to businesses in the marijuana industry. A lot of people have the concern that, Oh no, they are going to do this without regulations,' Savchenko said. Thats just not the reality of what is going to happen. Heres what you need to know. Q: How old would you have to be to buy marijuana legally? A: The amendment specifies that Floridians 21 years and older can buy up to 3 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Anyone under that age without a medical marijuana card would still be subject to criminal penalties. Possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense in Florida, punishable by up to a years imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. Q: When would marijuana become legal? A: The amendment would take effect six months after it is approved by voters, putting the legalization date on May 5, 2025. But Savchenko said she thinks it could take up to a year for regulations to be put into place and operators to gear up for recreational marijuana. Marijuana is illegal under federal law, but U.s. authorities have largely stayed away from enforcing it in states that have legalized the drug. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana as of February, according to the Pew Research Center. Q: Where would you buy marijuana? A: You wont be able to pick up marijuana at a grocery store or pharmacy, although at least one operator has pitched the idea of selling medical pot at dispensaries next to Circle K gas stations. If recreational marijuana becomes legal, the states 25 licensed medical pot companies would be able to sell it. The state is planning to issue an additional 22 medical marijuana licenses. As of April 1, Florida had 628 medical marijuana treatment dispensaries across the state, according to the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The Florida Legislature could also allow other entities to cultivate, transport and sell marijuana, according to the amendment. In 2022, Circle K announced a partnership with Green Thumb Industries that would allow Floridians to buy medical pot at dispensaries adjacent to some of its gas stations. Florida regulators, though, have not signed off on that proposal. The recreational pot amendment wouldnt allow people to grow their own marijuana, Savchenko said. Q: Could cities regulate marijuana businesses? A: The state and cities would retain the ability to regulate zoning for marijuana businesses, said Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University. The amendment could not be clearer in giving the Legislature the power to enact laws to prevent the sale or use of marijuana in school zones and other areas where such sales or use would be problematic or would threaten the health, safety, or morals of the public, he said. In particular, the initiative states, Nothing in this amendment prohibits the Legislature from enacting laws that are consistent with this amendment. Q: How much tax money would be produced? A: Legal recreational pot would generate at least $195.6 million annually in state and local sales tax revenue when the market becomes fully operational, according to the amendments financial impact statement. Florida could also levy a separate excise tax, commonly referred to as a sin tax, on marijuana. Washington State has the nations highest excise tax on marijuana products at 37%. In 2022, 21 states taxing recreational marijuana generated a combined $3 billion in 2022, according to the Tax Foundation, a research organization based in Washington, D.C. States have used those revenues to help fund education, health care and corrections. But policymakers must be careful not to raise taxes too high, Savchenko said. Excessive taxes and fees can push consumers into the black market where marijuana can be purchased for less. Q: How much would marijuana cost? A: Prices vary depending on the product and the dispensary. Taxes could also affect the price. An eighth of an ounce of medical marijuana in Florida runs about $33 to $45, according to a check by the Cannacore Group. One Florida dispensary is selling an eighth for $19, according to its online store. The same amount in California, where recreational weed is legal, costs about $20 to $25 based on the consulting firms review. Q: Could I smoke pot in public? A: The amendment doesnt directly prohibit public consumption of marijuana. But Savchenko said she expects state lawmakers and regulators would ban it. Floridas medical marijuana law doesnt allow the drug to be smoked in public. Landlords could also bar their tenants from smoking marijuana, similar to leases that dont allow cigarette smoking, she said. The amendments sponsors, Smart & Safe Florida, dismissed concerns that their ballot initiative would create a right to smoke marijuana in public. If voters approve the amendment, the Legislature will have full authority to regulate or ban the use of marijuana in public places that it already exercises for tobacco and alcohol, Smart & Safe advocates John Bash and Glenn Burhans wrote in a column that appeared in the Tampa Bay Times. Giant Florida marijuana grow house sets stage for recreational pot Punishments for public consumption of marijuana vary by state. Smoking pot in public in California can result in a $100 fine, or $250 in an area that prohibits tobacco smoking. Some states have authorized marijuana consumption lounges, which are usually attached to a dispensary. Savchenko doesnt expect Florida would allow that anytime soon. Q: What if I smoke and drive? A: Penalties for driving under the influence of drugs are just as severe as those for driving under the influence of alcohol. Q: Could I be fired for smoking pot? A: Legal pot doesnt include job protections in Florida, Savchenko said. Employers could still drug test employees for marijuana and fire them if they test positive. Bills have been filed in the Florida Legislature to establish job protections for people using medical pot, but they havent gained traction. Q: Who is bankrolling the marijuana amendment? A: Trulieve, the states top medical marijuana operator, has put nearly $50 million behind the amendment, according to the latest campaign finance numbers. Other medical marijuana companies, including Curaleaf, Verano Holdings Corp., AYR Wellness Inc., Green Thumb Industries and Cresco Labs, have pitched in another $5.6 million combined. Qatar Airways has avoided a lawsuit over an incident in which a number of female passengers were forced to undergo invasive medical examinations, after an Australian federal court dismissed the case Wednesday. On October 2, 2020, 13 Australian women were transiting through Doha airport in Qatar on their way to Sydney when they were taken off their Qatar Airways plane by members of the Qatari security services and subjected to physical examinations in ambulances on the airport tarmac. The search was triggered after airport authorities discovered a newborn baby abandoned in a bathroom at the airport. The women were taken off the plane by persons in dark uniforms, which the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) said was necessary to determine whether any of them was the mother of the baby, according to a court ruling seen by CNN. Five of the women took legal action against the airline, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA), and MATAR, a subsidiary of Qatar Airways that operates Doha airport, seeking damages for unlawful physical contact, false imprisonment and the mental health impacts of the incident. The airline argued that the persons in dark uniforms were members of the Qatar Ministry of Interior (MOI) police force and therefore not its employees, and nor was the nurse in the ambulance. And Justice John Halley of the Federal Court in Sydney, New South Wales ruled that the airline should not face trial over the incident. The proposition that Qatar Airways was able to exert any relevant control over the officers of the MOI conducting the police operation or the nurse in the ambulance can fairly be characterised as fanciful, trifling, implausible, improbable, tenuous or one that is contradicted by all the available documents or other materials, he said in the ruling. Halley also ruled that the women should pay the airlines legal costs. CNN has contacted Qatar Airways for comment. However, the judge also ruled that the women could file a revised complaint against MATAR, the Qatar Airways subsidiary. Damian Sturzaker, a lawyer representing the women with Sydney-based Marque Lawyers, told CNN in an email that his clients were pleased with the judges decision to allow claims against the airport operator to continue. The decision to allow QATAR Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority out of the proceedings is being carefully reviewed and if there is a proper basis an appeal will be quickly filed, Sturzaker said in a statement. Our clients have demonstrated their resolve in standing up to the State of Qatar for some years and that resolve remains undiminished. Halley scheduled a case management hearing for May 10, the latest stage in a case that has become a diplomatic headache. The examinations caused outrage in Australia and around the world, with the actions likened to sexual assault. At the time, the then-Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, denounced the incident as appalling and unacceptable. And the government of Qatar issued a statement in 2020 apologizing for any distress or infringement on the personal freedom of any traveler as a result of the incident. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A 68-year-old Queens woman who was viciously punched down the steps of a church by a crook Sunday was so badly injured that she didnt recognize her loved ones for days, family told the Daily News. Mugging victim Irene Tahliambouris remains in the ICU with a fractured skull and black eye but is showing signs of improvement. Shes still recovering. Yesterday she started recognizing us, Daniel Coffaro Hill, 19, whose brother and Tahliambouris niece share a child, said Thursday. She was brushing her hair today, really slow, but shes in her right mind. She knows who we are now. The culprit walked behind Tahliambouris as she headed up the steps to St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Briarwood around 8:20 a.m., cops said. Video viewed by The News shows the man creeping up behind the grandmother and quickly climbing the steps next to her. He then got in front of the Tahliambouris and punched her in the face, sending her tumbling back down the stairs on 152nd St. near 84th Drive. The fact that he just punched her like that, he did not even demand the keys or anything and just pushed her down the stairs so violently its disgusting, said Hill, who works as the communications director for the Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol. The robber snatched the grandmothers purse, which contained $300 and her cell phone, credit cards and car keys before driving off in her 2006 Nissan Altima. Hill said the car was recovered just over 3 miles away. On Thursday, a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody and was being questioned by police in regard to the attack, police sources said. Everyone is shocked that this happened here, on the church steps, Father Konstantinos Kalogridis, head priest of the church, said Monday. Nobody should have to walk in fear ever [especially] going to church or any place of worship, said Hill. Kalogridis said after the incident he spoke with NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban, who promised police would be stationed outside the church every Sunday in light of the attack. She is a loving 68-year-old grandmother that would always do anything she could to help anyone at all times. Always happy and in good spirits, the victims son, Freddy, wrote in an online fundraiser. We can only imagine the pain that she experiencing bieng [sic] knocked off the stairs of the church hitting the back of her head on the concrete while this viscous [sic] person with no consideration to life attacks her and taking all her belongings and car, he added. Family members hope the sick attacker is punished for the attack. We just hope hes caught, and we hope that the DA prosecutes him to the fullest extent of the law. We want him to stay in jail. They need a clear message that this will not be tolerated, said Hill. Quietly, the Hudson River is still used to transport key cargo. Can it take on more? On an average day, much of the Hudson River is calm, interrupted in spots by the clattering of passing trains. But on the shoreline at Buchanan, where the now-shuttered Indian Point is located, there is regular activity. Not long ago, a 650-foot-long ship was tied up at a dock at the CertainTeed wallboard factory, unloading a cargo of gypsum mined in Spain. The product was scooped out of the hold by the ship's own cranes and dumped in a hopper on the shore. From there it was fed onto a covered conveyor belt that trundles up a steep slope, depositing the material in an open shed adjoining the sprawling factory building. The plant gets a delivery like this about once a month and if you are reading this within 100 miles of Buchanan, there is a good chance that the walls around you were made there. Plant manager Paul Woolweaver is clearly proud of the capacity and efficiency of his operation, which occupies nearly 40 acres of waterfront property, runs 24/7, and produces enough wallboard to build 250 homes per day. He knows he is dependent on the river access that allows him to bring in his primary raw material. If I didnt have river access, we couldnt operate. Theres just no way that it would be profitable or sustainable, he says. The Dutch recognized the value of this waterway, which they called the North River, when they established their New Netherland colony 400 years ago this year, in 1624. The enterprise was anchored by trading posts on Governors Island in New York Harbor and Fort Orange, near present day Albany. Four centuries later, planners and policymakers are looking for new ways to grow the regional economy and bring jobs back from overseas without further overtaxing the congested highway system or jeopardizing climate goals. Raw sugar is transferred from a barge on the Hudson River to the Domino Sugar Refinery in Yonkers March 27, 2024. According to Domino, forty vessels a year deliver more than 515,000 tons of raw sugar to the refinery, which gets refined at a rate of more than 4.3 million pounds of sugar a day. Almost all the raw sugar that arrives at the Yonkers plant comes from Florida. The Hudson River offers a low maintenance "marine highway" for moving materials quickly and cleanly between the East Coasts busiest seaport and the interior of the state, an intriguing resource as policymakers try to solve this equation. Some companies have figured out new ways to benefit from this highway in the 21st century. But realizing the river's full potential is complicated by land use decisions made over decades, the containerized nature of the distribution system for goods, and by the concerns of environmentalists and others about keeping the river clean and accessible to the public. The recent accident in Baltimore also provides a reminder that marine transportation is not without risks, though no ships as large as the Dali cargo ship travel up the Hudson. The marine highway continues for some About 20 miles south of Buchanan, ASR Groups Domino Sugar refinery in Yonkers is another beneficiary of river access. Barges and ships arrive there about 40 times per year carrying raw sugar, mostly from farms in Florida, but sometimes from the Caribbean or South America. This is a maritime dependent industry, says Peter OMalley, vice president for corporate relations at ASR Group, pointing out that all of ASRs plants are located where they have water access. Its just not feasible to get that much sugar by train or truck to refineries, he says. The refinery receives about 40 deliveries by ship or barge per year and processes 4.2 million pounds of sugar per day. If you live in the Northeast and have a familiar yellow and white bag of Domino Sugar, it probably came from this plant. Manufacturing businesses lined the Hudson River in Westchester for most of the 19th and 20th centuries, but high costs, crowded roads and rising residential real estate prices have seen most industrial activity decamp. As the region has deindustrialized, the public has gained access to the water to an extent that would once have been unimaginable. Vibrant parks now flourish in areas once roped off by industrial users. This embedded content is not available in your region. But the Domino and CertainTeed plants persist, producing products for nearby customers and providing over 500 jobs combined, most of them union positions. Both companies deliver their finished product to customers by truck. But both serve the regional market, so operating factories in Westchester means fewer truck miles to get sugar on shelves and wallboard to worksites than if it all had to be brought in from the Midwest or the South. Many New Yorkers do not realize how much cargo moves along the river today. In addition to gypsum and sugar, on any given day you might find ships and barges carrying refined petroleum products, wood pulp, road salt, cement, molasses, wheat, scrap metal, sand, oversized machinery, or stone. Army Corps of Engineers data shows about 13 million tons of cargo moving on the Hudson annually between New York City and just north of Albany. Still, this is only a fraction of the total volume that is moving on roads. According to New York States Department of Transportation, 84% of freight tonnage in the state moves by truck and only 8% by water, and that includes freight moving on waters around New York City, Long Island, and the Great Lakes. There is room on the river for more ships and barges. Even groups focused on preserving the beauty and cleanliness of the Hudson do not object to more shipping. The Hudson has a long history as a commercial corridor, says Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson. The tugboat Treasure Coast pushes a barge down the Hudson River near the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge April 9, 2024. The group and others do worry about the petrochemical barges that ply the river regularly. Environmental and civic groups and public officials have fought against proposals that would allow more vessels to anchor on the river, a topic of recurring tension with the marine industry. But, Sullivan says, were not afraid of more traffic. The real constraint on increasing shipping on the river is actually on land. Finding new locations to load and receive cargo is not easy. Prospective users must contend with high real estate prices, lengthy environmental review processes, and community pressure to open up more access for recreational use. There has been a wallboard factory in Buchanan since the 1960s, and the Yonkers sugar refinery dates back to the 1920s. Finding new locations for operations like these would be a major challenge. Finding new on-ramps to the Hudson Old industrial cities with deep water access along the river seem to have little interest in going back to their manufacturing roots. In Poughkeepsie, the debate over the future of the citys last remaining waterfront brownfield site has revolved around the appropriate mix of commercial, office, hotel, and residential spaces, as well as public access for recreation, according to Kafui Attoh, an associate professor at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, who served on a task force reviewing plans for the site. Until 1990, the site housed the DeLaval milk separator plant, at one time one of Poughkeepsies largest employers. But the idea of returning manufacturing to the waterfront has no traction today. Its not something that was brought up, says Atoh. It wasnt even a topic. Still, some companies have managed to find new ways to access the water in the 21st century, utilizing the footprint of older industrial sites, primarily along the northern reaches of the navigable river and in locations somewhat removed from population centers. A tug boat pushing a barge up the Hudson River passes the Tarrytown Lighthouse as it heads towards its destination in Newburgh April 9, 2024. Innovative Surface Solutions, a producer of de-icing chemicals, bought a defunct Texaco oil products terminal in Glenmont, south of Albany, a little over 10 years ago and converted it into a facility to manufacture their product. The plant takes regular deliveries of its primary raw material, magnesium chloride, by tanker. The Canadian-based companys head of marketing Anne-Marie Short says year-round access to the river is vital for the company, which employs about 30 workers on site and loses water access to its Canadian plant in the winter due to ice. A bit to the south, in Cementon, a hamlet in the Town of Catskill, a pier at an unused cement plant was upgraded several years ago to accommodate ocean going bulk ships, allowing imported cement to be brought in for delivery to nearby customers. The publicly-owned Port of Albany also has been exploring ways to reuse existing space and expand. In 2018, the port purchased a large parcel of land to its south in the Town of Bethlehem that had been covered with coal ash dumped by a neighboring power plant. The site is being remediated and the plan is for it to become a manufacturing facility for offshore wind turbines. Port of Albany says this is the first fully permitted turbine factory in the Northeast, and the port is moving ahead with preparing the site, despite questions about funding. The ports permit will limit the facility to 100 towers per year initially, a stipulation that regulators requested out of concern about how more shipping could affect the endangered shad population. The Port of Albany also houses a historic grain elevator, the largest east of the Mississippi. Formerly used to hold grain for exports, which ended in 2018, the elevator has now been converted to receive imported wheat by one of the ports tenants, Ardent Mills. Polish wheat began arriving by ship in 2023, a new cargo for the Hudson River. A bit south of Albany, in the Town of Coeymans (pronounced Kwee Mans), the Carver construction and materials company built a new port on the location of an old brick factory in 2008. The private port now handles stone and mineral cargos delivered by the company's own fleet of tugs and barges, and can receive large bulk ships from overseas as well. The port is also gearing up to host wind turbine assembly operations. While the list is not long, the economics of moving heavy cargo have clearly led some companies to find a way to get on the water. Is there a future for consumer goods moving on the river? One common denominator of the varied cargos that move on the river today is that they are either bulk products or oversized machinery that cant easily move by road or rail. Offshore wind turbines will also fall into this category. Consumer-sized items are entirely absent from the mix. The tugboat Treasure Coast pushes a barge down the Hudson River near the Gov. Mario Cuomo Bridge April 9, 2024. Even stalwart river users with their own docking facilities like Domino, CertainTeed, and Innovative Surface Solutions deliver their final products to customers by truck. To really make a dent in the steady stream of truck traffic moving through New York State, the river would need to begin carrying consumer goods as well. Theres no more efficient way to move anything from A to B than on the water. And you should do that for as much of that things trip as possible, says John Callaghan, who served for nearly two decades as head of the New York State Canal Corporation and started his working life tending buoys along the river for the Coast Guard. So much of what ends up on our doorstep in an Amazon package has taken a water journey already, but was probably put on a truck too early in some cases. Consumer goods in the modern era generally move long distances in standardized shipping containers. Containers can easily be transferred between ships, trucks, and trains, but require space and heavy equipment for unloading. Currently, containerized goods coming to our region from overseas arrive on huge ships in New York Harbor or other major sea ports and are transferred to trucks or trains for the remainder of their journey. The big container ships that call on the Port of New York and New Jersey, and Baltimore, are too large to travel up the river. But a container barge service operated on the Hudson briefly between 2005 and 2007, ferrying boxes unloaded in New York Harbor up to Albany. The containers were packed with goods, like crates of olive oil from Italy, heading for a local retailer that would otherwise have come north from New Jersey by truck. The service faltered mainly due to congestion issues at the container docks in New York Harbor and because an absence of cargo moving south made it uneconomical, even with a subsidy from New York State, according to Richard Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany. But when operated at full capacity, two weekly round trips combined were capable of taking 1,000 trucks off the road per week, a small but not insignificant fraction of the 5,000 to 20,000 trucks the state Department of Transportation estimates run up and down Interstate 87 daily. Increasing barge traffic still a goal The Port of Albany wants to revive the service, but the economics of moving containers north on the river are not as clear cut as they are for bulk material and liquids. Hendrick says that back in 2019 he had been talking with some manufacturers upstate about moving their export-bound containers from trucks heading for New York Harbor to barges. This would have resulted in fewer containers heading south empty, improving the economic proposition of the service, but COVID interrupted those talks and the discussions lost momentum. Getting the service going again would likely require some subsidy from the government, according to Hendrick, and coordinating among different state agencies in New York and New Jersey is always a challenge. On the other end of the highway, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says they also are keen to see more container barge operations, not just to Albany but also to ports elsewhere in the northeast. But, while the Port Authority sees a role for public grants to cover start-up costs and equipment, the goal is to identify routes that can run on their own economic merits, without ongoing subsidy. If that subsidy goes away, then the service would have to go away too, says Blair Wegescheide, the Port Authority's manager of port efficiency. As with many responses to the climate crisis, seemingly compelling approaches are complicated to implement. There are costs associated with traffic and truck pollution, but private companies do not get any direct reward for reducing these costs. Similarly, the public can readily appreciate the recreational and aesthetic benefits of access to the river but is largely unaware of the costs of lost maritime capacity, which often fall on less affluent communities far from the water. Most home builders and bakers are completely unaware that the wallboard and sugar they rely on was produced nearby thanks to marine transportation. But pressure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and a highway system that is at capacity are realities that are not going away. As the public and private sectors look for alternatives, it seems reasonable to expect continuing rediscovery of what the Dutch understood four centuries ago. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hudson River in NY could transport more goods if port plans proceed Historical sign taken from Gullah Geechee site found in Clemson dorm, SC cops say The theft of a beloved piece of public art from South Carolinas famed Mosquito Beach community came to a head-shaking conclusion when it was found 250 miles away in a Clemson University dorm room, officials say. Details of who took the large piece of folk art a surf board retooled to be a Welcome sign were not revealed. The Charleston County Sheriffs Office also declined to mention why it was taken, but the incident hints to an elaborate college prank. Mosquito Beach is on James Island, just south of Charleston. On Tuesday, detectives from the Charleston County Sheriffs Office contacted the Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) in reference to information that led them to believe that the missing sign was possibly inside of a students apartment, Clemson University officials told McClatchy News. CUPD investigated that lead and recovered the sign from an apartment in Lightsey Bridge. The sheriffs office said detectives traveled to the college to ensure (the signs) successful return to the Mosquito Beach community Wednesday afternoon. The sign ... holds significant historical and sentimental value to the areas residents, the sheriffs office said. Community members are currently weighing their options in terms of pressing charges and how they wish to move forward. The vibrantly painted surf board, featuring a large mosquito in a hammock, served to welcome tourists to an area that functioned as an oasis for Lowcountry African Americans during the dark days of Jim Crow segregation, according to Historic Mosquito Beach. A concerned citizen reported the sign missing on April 5, officials said. It is valued between $5,000 and $6,000, WCBD reports. Mosquito Beach is part of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor, historians say. Gullah Geechee people are the descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and bought to the lower Atlantic states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia to work on the coastal rice, Sea Island cotton and indigo plantations, the National Park Service reports. Because their enslavement was on isolated coastal plantations, sea and barrier islands, they were able to retain many of their indigenous African traditions. These traditions are reflected in their foodways, arts and crafts, and spiritual traditions. Plowing farmer finds mysterious buried structure linked to War of 1812, SC expert says Flintlock pistol found during search of 1740s Charleston home, SC officials say Sharks discovered in tidal ponds on popular South Carolina barrier island, town warns Race Across the World is back for a new season and has just introduced a rule deemed "savage" by fans. The BBC reality competition show has returned for its fourth series, seeing five teams of two contestants each going from Sapporo in Japan to Lombok in Indonesia with a limited budget and leaving their smartphones, bank cards and Internet access behind. And, of course, no chance to board a flight. The fourth season, however, introduced a new transport rule that shocked fans of the show. To make things a little harder on the ten travellers, Race Across the World has issued a bullet train ban, meaning no one could use Japan's high speed rail travel going up to 200 mph. Pete Dadds - BBC Related: Gogglebox stars reveal why they'd struggle on Race Across the World Following last night's (April 10) season premiere, fans were quick to voice their shock at the new rule on social media, with one person calling the bullet train ban "savage" on Twitter/X. Meanwhile, some viewers' excitement at how the high speed trains would be incorporated into the show faded quickly, with one fan voicing their disappointment, stating: "Really wanted to see a bullet train". Another person called the ban "genius" and used a Dr Evil GIF to get their point across. Pete Dadds - BBC Related: How to buy Race Across the World board game in time for new season Others joked that Race Across the World season 3 father-daughter duo Kevin and Claudia Dawkins, known for their habit of resorting to taxis a little too often, would have been devastated at the bullet train ban. Set to end on June 5, this fourth season sees 20-year-old friends Alfie and Owen, mum and daughter duos Eugenie and Isabel as well as Sharon and Brydie, siblings Betty and James, and retired couple Stephen and Viv racing to Indonesia for a chance to win a 20,000 cash prize. Race Across the World airs at 9pm on Wednesday nights on BBC One, and streams on iPlayer. A fifth season has been confirmed. You Might Also Like Editor's note: this story has been updated to reflect that Meza was charged with capital murder for the killing of Gloria Lofton and that he was charged with murder for the death of Jesse Fraga. Defense attorneys for accused serial killer Raul Meza Jr. asked the Travis County district attorney's office to consider two 50-year plea deals for the two murder charges he currently faces in the county. The deals, if accepted by the district attorney's office, would allow Meza to serve both sentences at the same time. Meza, 63, is charged with capital murder in the 2019 death of 65-year-old Gloria Lofton in Austin and with murder in the 2023 slaying of 80-year-old Jesse Fraga in Pflugerville. Family members of the victims were upset by the notion that Meza could possibly get a plea deal, and they held an emotional news conference after Thursday's court hearing to express their frustration. "I really just need him locked away until he dies," said Lofton's daughter Sonia Houston. "The death penalty is always an option as well." Russ Hunt Jr., the attorney representing Meza, said the hope is to work out a deal to "avoid the necessity of dragging all the facts of that out into the open, talking about that and putting himself and the families through all the stress of a trial." Ismael Martinez, public information officer for the Travis County district attorney's office, said the office received the plea offer and is evaluating it. Meza's next hearing is scheduled for June 4. The most infamous case involving Meza was when he was convicted of murder in the 1982 sexual assault and strangulation of 8-year-old Kendra Page outside an Austin elementary school. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison before being released after 11 years. Meza was sent back to prison in 1994 for a parole violation, and he was then released in 2002. Meza was on parole until 2016. Tracy Page, the sister of Kendra Page, said Thursday at the Travis County courthouse that the possibility of Meza getting a plea deal made her "sick to my stomach." Raul Meza Police have previously accused Meza of being a serial killer who might be involved in as many as 10 other homicides. Police previously issued a warrant for Meza's Google information to link him to a possible 2018 cold case homicide, along with two others in San Antonio that Meza previously said he committed in 2018 and 2019. Thursday's hearing comes nearly a week after the American-Statesman first reported that a homicide detective with the Austin Police Department investigating Lofton's death received forensic information that Meza was at the scene of Loftons death and did not follow up. Austin police arrested Meza on May 29 after he called the department days earlier to confess to the murder of Fraga. Authorities also charged Meza with stealing Fraga's vehicle. Statesman staff writers Claire Osborn and Tony Plohetski contributed reporting. Raul Meza is charged with capital murder in the 2019 death of 65-year-old Gloria Lofton in Austin and with murder in the 2023 slaying of 80-year-old Jesse Fraga in Pflugerville. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Raul Meza Jr. lawyers seek 50-year pleas for suspected serial killer Angela Rayner on the campaign trail for Labour in Blackpool South with Chris Webb, the party's by-election candidate Angela Rayner has declined to apologise for endorsing a charter describing feminist organisations that raised fears about the treatment of trans children as hate groups. When Ms Rayner stood to be the deputy Labour leader in 2020, she backed a trans rights charter that described bodies including Womens Place UK, which campaigns for single-sex rape refuges for women, as trans-exclusionist hate groups. In the wake of the Cass review into the treatment of children with gender issues, which concluded that much of the evidence for gender medicine was shaky and that drugs such as puberty blockers should be used with extreme caution, Ms Rayner faced calls to renounce the comments. However, her spokesman declined to apologise. High-profile Labour figures have previously made remarks endorsing the views of trans activists, including Sir Keir Starmer, the party leader, who in 2022 said that trans women are women. On Thursday, Sir Keirs spokesman declined to withdraw his remark but said: Of course sex and gender are different, and legally different for good reason. Sir Keir did not sign the charter when he stood as Labour leader. Two years ago he said: A woman is a female adult, and, in addition to that, trans women are women, and that is not just my view, that is actually the law. On Wednesday, Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said he had been wrong to say in the past that trans women are women, get over it. On Thursday, Victoria Atkins, the Health Secretary, accused Labour of having fuelled an atmosphere of intimidation on trans issues. But a Labour spokesman said: We all have a responsibility to ensure discussion of sensitive issues is conducted in a respectful way. That is how the Labour Party will always operate. The LGB Alliance, which was also listed as a hate group by the Labour trans charter, and last year was turned down when it applied to host a stand at the Labour conference. The charter signed by Ms Rayner called on signatories to organise and fight against transphobic organisations such as Womans Place UK, LGB Alliance and other trans-exclusionist hate groups. Speaking to The Telegraph, Kate Barker, the charitys chief executive, said: We hope Angela Rayner will reflect on the Cass review and reconsider her opinion of LGB Alliance. It is not hateful for an LGB charity to warn about ideologically-driven, unevidenced medical experiments on young people, most of whom are lesbian, gay or bisexual. Theres a much more profound issue at play, however, which is a culture where even senior politicians condemn their opponents as hateful with zero evidence and zero engagement. Its also one of the chief reasons this unprecedented medical scandal has been allowed to continue for so long. This year, LGB Alliance will once again apply to exhibit at Labour conference. We hope, in the light of Cass, we will finally be granted the opportunity to attend and engage in civilised and rational discussion. Womens Place UK, which had spoken out against plans to change the Gender Recognition Act to allow people to legally self-identify as a man or a woman without medical approval, said: We welcome the change in direction by UK Labour and the comments made by several senior Labour figures in response to the Cass Review. We hope this is reflected across the Labour Party and in the manifesto. Ms Atkins told Sky News: Labour has spent the last 10 years trying to shut women up when it comes to this. They have been part of the ideology, the culture wars, creating an atmosphere of intimidation for anyone who dared to question this ideology. So it is a little bit rich of the Labour Party to be lecturing the rest of us now, having been so forthright in their support for this ideology in the past. 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. Photo collage of hands holding two pairs of glasses in front of the viewer over a blurred background. Through the lenses, fragments of the background photo are visible, revealing a woman's hands weaving a colourful basket. It has been estimated that more than 4 billion people across the world wear some type of glasses, with reading glasses chief among those. However, while it is no secret that glasses can help people see and read, a new study has found that reading glasses might have an economic impact too, especially in more impoverished countries. The study was published on April 3 by Queen's University Belfast in conjunction with the nonprofit groups VisionSpring and BRAC. The study examined people in a series of villages in Bangladesh, particularly those villagers suffering from presbyopia, or the "gradual loss of your eyes' ability to focus on nearby objects." The study concluded that providing these people with glasses "increases income in near vision-intensive occupations and may facilitate return to work for those currently unemployed." While people in highly developed countries typically have access to reading glasses, people in third-world nations may have a harder time acquiring a pair, and this study shows that this could be a key factor keeping people in poverty. But how does the simple act of providing someone with reading glasses help boost third-world economies? What were the study's findings? The study set up an experiment in 56 Bangladeshi villages with more than 800 people, giving half of these people glasses while not giving glasses to the other half. The principal takeaway was that "income grew by 33% for those with glasses from a median monthly income of $35 to $47," NPR said. Beyond this, previously unemployed people who were given glasses were able to enter the workforce, while those without glasses were not. Demographics did not seem to make a difference either, as both groups had similar characteristics, the study said. The "mean age was 47 years, 50% were male, 35% literate," said the study. In addition, about half of the people in both groups had "most near vision-intensive" jobs. Given this, it appears that the main difference between the groups was, indeed, having glasses versus not having glasses. This study is the "first time we can really say that something that will improve [someone's] quality of life from a visual standpoint will also help with poverty alleviation, which is an enormous finding," Dr. David Friedman, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, said to NPR. Several examples were provided regarding cases where the simple act of providing glasses helped a person's income jump significantly. Farmer Jasmin Atker lives in Manikganj, Bangladesh, and after she was provided with glasses, her "improved vision enabled her to set up a vegetable patch," said NPR. This has helped Atker's monthly income rise from 9,000 to 10,000 Bangladeshi taka to 15,000 to 17,000 taka, or nearly $150. "Before, when I tried to cut vegetables ... I couldn't see properly," Atker said to NPR. But since receiving glasses, the "time that I take for each task has reduced significantly." Income boosts from glasses were not only seen in Bangladesh. Sarah Nakalyowa, a basket weaver from southern Uganda, would "use a needle and could not focus well while doing my work," she said to the Guardian. As her eyesight gradually worsened, it "took four days to do what used to take me a day. My income dropped to 100,000 to 150,000 Ugandan shillings a month," Nakalyowa said. But when she was provided with glasses, it made a "huge difference" immediately, Nakalyowa said, and the Guardian reported that her income is nearly back to its previous level. How can people in low-income countries get glasses? It is not easy for "nearly a billion people in the developing world, reading glasses are a luxury that many cannot afford," The New York Times said. A "lack of resources was just one impediment to the increased distribution of reading glasses," Misha Mahjabeen, the Bangladesh country director for VisionSpring, said to the Times. In Bangladesh and other similar nations, workers "must contend with the social stigma associated with wearing glasses, especially for women," Mahjabeen said to the Times. There is a silver lining, though, as the glasses in question are typically "nonprescription they are essentially magnifying glasses, though they do come in different strengths," Phys.org said. This means they are significantly cheaper than prescription lenses, and "using village health workers, we can make the cost of delivery very inexpensive as well," Dr. Nathan Congdon, a coauthor of the study and Queen's University Belfast chair, said to NPR. The claim that Black voters are bolting to President Donald Trumps Republican Party not only feels premature: It also fuels a troubling narrative that pins the blame for a possible second Trump term on Black voters. This notion of realignment has gotten more attention in recent months, as political observers try to make sense of polls showing that some Black voters are souring on President Joe Biden and Democrats and becoming more Trump-curious. The last realignment occurred around the middle of the 20th century. Over the course of several decades, Black voters left the Republican Party, which during Reconstruction had backed legislation that enshrined Black equality, to support an increasingly civil rights-oriented Democratic Party. Some Southern white Democrats were so furious that their party was taking this new tack that they broke away; these segregationist defectors became known as Dixiecrats. It was the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, that guaranteed the right to vote free of racial discrimination, transformed the country into a multiracial democracy, and helped to cement his party as the party for Black voters, as one politics professor previously told Capital B. Are we seeing a shift of that scale today? Issac Bailey, a Davidson College communications studies professor, isnt convinced at least not yet. And hes hardly alone. He and others have pointed out that a lot of the analysis doesnt hold up very well to scrutiny. Black voters overall support for the Democratic Party has remained remarkably steady in recent contests, and seems to be trending toward 2020 levels. Plus, its too early, in terms of available data from general elections, to determine whether were witnessing something as major as a realignment. To further explore this issue and news narratives about Black voters, Capital B spoke with Bailey, who focuses on, among other things, race and media and is the author of the 2020 book Why Didnt We Riot?: A Black Man in Trumpland. Our conversation has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Capital B: What are your reservations about recent reporting saying that were in the middle of a realignment? Issac Bailey: For me, theres no real solid evidence for these claims when it comes to general elections. If you look at Pew Research Center data, for instance, Hillary Clinton got something like 91% of the Black vote in 2016, and then we saw that President Joe Biden got something like 92% in 2020. Plus, since 2016, Democrats have been winning a lot of races, powered by Black voters. So if this [realignment] is happening, at some point, it has to show up in the general election, but we havent seen that yet. Maybe things will change this time around, but I just havent seen any real sort of explanation for why we should think that this year will be different, because the Black vote has actually been very stable. This touches on a related issue. Several sources have vented to me about legacy medias fixation on whether a small portion of Black voters might back the GOP and lead to a second Trump term as if the weight of the country is on their shoulders. Whats fascinating to me is that up and down the income scale, white voters choose Trump but that isnt the dynamic thats usually talked about. What many mainstream media outlets do, instead, is scapegoat poor white voters and ignore the fact that lots of rich, upper-middle-class, and middle-class white voters also support Trump. What this means is that, essentially, Trumps only real chance of even coming close to winning the general election is through white voters. When you read mainstream media coverage, though, what you read is an extreme focus on whether the Black vote and the fringes of the Black vote, at that is realigning and will turn out for Trump. Read More: The GOPs Long-Shot Bid for Black Voters What Im curious about is why so many white voters can look at a candidate like Trump and still want him to lead the country. If you looked only at nonwhite voters, Trump would get blown out in every single state by wide margins. So what is it about Trump thats kept the bulk of white voters in his column? To me, this focus not only drains Black voters of sophistication, leaving little room to hear their frustrations with the Democratic Party. It also ignores how incredibly damaged the GOPs image is in Black voters eyes. Thoughts? I think that if we had a healthier political system or two healthier parties, I could absolutely see more Black voters splitting their votes between the two parties, because so many of us are more pragmatic and even conservative, and some Black voters have genuine grievances with Biden and the Democratic Party. But because the Republican Party is just so unhealthy right now, it actually keeps many of us away. A Black voter with my background is sort of a prime example of that, in some ways. Im from South Carolina, which, politically, is very different from, say, California. My voting past was sort of mixed: the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, third-party candidates. Now, though, it would be difficult for a Black voter with that background to even think about supporting this version of the GOP. Theres simply no way. The post Are We Really in the Middle of a Racial Realignment in Politics? appeared first on Capital B News. NORWOOD, Colo. (KREX) In Western Slope Nows last report, we told you about a solar company called One Energy pushing since last May to turn a state-owned plot of land into a 640-acre solar farmbut why are locals so opposed, and why is One Energy so set on this location? First, some locals, including library director Carrie Andrew dont foresee any direct benefit this solar field would bring to Norwood, but One Energys associate director for development Nathan Stottler disagrees he says electricity would in fact flow to Norwood and surrounding communities. Another concern deals with the towns scarce water Norwoods water treatment plant sits on 80 acres in the southeast corner of the property. Stottler says they will make sure to not interfere with the towns water and will steer clear of filling in or building on top of the ditch running through the property. But resident Demian Brooks says locals use this land for more than just water treatment and distribution farmers use the land for grazing and agriculture. Stottler tells Western Slope Now One Energy would take on the lease and pay farmers to continue to graze on the land, but theres a catch Zach Snyders family has farmed and ranched in Norwood for nearly a century. His family is currently leasing out the state-owned parcel. If the solar company moves in, theyll have no choice but to forfeit their lease, and furthermore, Stottler tells Western Slope Now only sheep will be allowed to graze underneath the panels cows, which Zachs family grazes on this piece of land, will not be allowed because they could damage the solar panels. Another factor what would this possible change mean for wildlife? Stottler says the project is wildlife friendly. Norwood Mayor Candy Meehan worries how trucks and workers who build the solar farm will impact the road to town, to which Stottler replied they will pay to fix the roads if necessary. A growing contingent statewide also worries solar panel batteries could ignite already fire-prone habitat. Mayor Meehan says solar farm lights would also threaten the areas dark sky designation. So why is One Energy so set on this sensitive wildland? Stottler tells Western Slope Now its currently the only state-owned plot of land next to transmission lines, though the transmission lines are found on private property adjacent to this piece of land. And it just so happens, as Demian tells Western Slope Now, a buyer from California who recently purchased the private plot of land will not only give One Energy access to the lines buttheyll build solar panels on it as well, if their plan goes accordingly. There is more to this story, but it will have to wait Western Slope Now will keep you updated. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Although apparel companies have largely navigated the Red Sea diversions smoothly in spite of some product delays, the impacts of the mass rerouting of container ships and increasing vessel capacity may set back prior progress made in emissions reductions. Container ship emissions could rise by as much as 11 percent to 257 million tons in 2024 if disruptions including in the Red Sea and Panama Canal continue, according to consultancy firm AlixPartners. More from Sourcing Journal With container shipping companies tacking on 10-to-14 days of extra time on their voyages out of Asia to both Europe and the U.S. East Coast, the longer route has necessitated an 8 to 10 percent increase in container ship usage compared to the year prior, according to Niels Rasmussen, chief shipping analyst at shipowner association BIMCO. The added usage inevitably has led to an equivalent rise in emissions, Rasmussen told Reuters. Emissions from container ships hit 231 million tons in 2023, touching pre-pandemic levels, AlixPartners said. The rerouting of container vessels around Africa, which is leading to higher fuel consumption, is projected to result in a 42 percent rise in emissions per ship for a standard Asia-to-North Europe weekly liner service, according to Greece-based shipbroker Intermodal. The extended travel times necessitate adding at least two more ships to maintain weekly Asia-Europe services per operator, further increasing the total emissions from the fleet for the same amount of cargo, said Yiannis Parganas, head of Intermodals research department. The Red Sea situation is also impacting average sailing speeds, which in turn contribute to a higher rate of emissions. It mainly impacts main liner ships and the capacity weighted average speed has so far increased 4 percent in March 2024 as compared to last year, according to BIMCO data. We assume that the situation will be resolved and that ships will slow down in the second half of the year to end with similar average sailing speed as in 2023, Rasmussen said in the recent BIMCO report. We therefore also estimate that average sailing speed will be lower in 2025, however, should the resolution of the Red Sea crisis be delayed, the slowing down of ships will also be delayed. With the disruptions still carrying on throughout both the Red Sea and the Panama Canal, there are more doubts about the sectors ability to stay on track to meet the International Maritime Organizations (IMO) mandate for a 20 percent carbon emissions reduction by 2030. The worst-case projection has industry emissions approaching 350 million tons by 2050, barring concerted intervention by governments, shippers, consumers and industry groups, according to the AlixPartners 2024 Container Shipping Outlook. Even targeted investment and conversion to alternative-fuel propulsion systems will not be sufficient to achieve the mandated 20 percent reduction by 2030. The report noted that the 2050 net-zero goal from the IMO remains within reach, but barely. According to AlixPartners, the goal can be met if 5 percent to 17 percent of the industrys fleet is converted to zero-emission fuels (such as ammonia, methane or hydrogen) by 2030 and 84 percent to 93 percent is converted by 2050. Reaching that goal will require up to $1.4 trillion in investment, the consultancy estimates. As part of that investment, total container ship capacity will continue to expand. Container vessels are forecast to grow 9.5 percent during 2024 and 4.9 percent during 2025, equal to 14.9 percent growth over the two years combined, according to Bimco. The largest ships with capacities of 12,000 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) or more, of which there are around 800, will contribute 75 percent of the total capacity growth, Bimco said. Of course, the new orders represent a double-edged sword. While more ships out on the sea are likely to replace older shipsinstead running on more environmentally friendly fuel alternatives like green methanolan increase in total tonnage is still going to add up to more miles on the ocean and added fuel consumption. The concerns about emissions come as freight rates on the ocean are subsiding from their recent January peak. Ocean spot rates measured by Drewrys World Container Index (WCI) decreased by 1 percent week-over-week to $2,795 per 40-foot container as of April 1. Since Jan. 25, when the WCI reached $3,964 per container amid rampant uncertainty of the Red Sea skirmishs wider impact, rates across all trade lanes have sank 29.4 percent. David Hume Kennerly, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, resigned as a trustee of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on Tuesday, citing the groups decision not to give former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) its annual Medal for Distinguished Public Service as the reason for his departure. Kennerly, the chief White House photographer during President Fords administration, said in a letter to the foundation that the board rejected Cheneys nomination because some members feared possible repercussions if former President Trump won back the White House in November. Kennerly said he made the case for Cheney multiple times, but when the executive committee rejected her for the third time, it became crystal clear to me that something else was going on, adding: The process for honoring President Ford by recognizing his virtues in others was being undermined by the same pressures weakening Republican institutions and many conservative leaders. A key reason Lizs nomination was turned down was your agita about what might happen if the former president is reelected. Some of you raised the specter of being attacked by the Internal Revenue Service and losing the foundations tax-exempt status as retribution for selecting Liz for the award, he wrote in the letter obtained by Politico. In a statement, the Ford Presidential Foundations executive director, Gleaves Whitney, outlined concerns about losing the IRS tax-exempt status, saying it wouldnt have been prudent to give Cheney the award since there were media reports that Cheney might have been mulling a presidential run. Whitney said, however, that Cheney meets all the criteria the Ford Presidential Foundation medal signifiescourage, integrity, and passion to serve the American people and that The Foundations action this year in no way precludes her from serious consideration to receive the medal in a future year. Kennerly said in the letter, however, The historical irony was completely lost on you. Gerald Ford became president, in part, because Richard Nixon had ordered the development of an enemies list and demanded his underlings use the IRS against those listed, he wrote. Thats exactly what the executive committee fears will happen if theres a second coming of Donald Trump. Kennerly, in his letter, took aim at the many institutions he said have cowered in the face of the possibility of Trumps return to the White House and warned of the danger to democracy. You arent alone. Many foundations, organizations, corporations, and other entities are caught up in this tidal wave of timidity and fear thats sweeping this country, Kennerly wrote. I mistakenly thought we were better than that. This is the kind of acquiescent behavior that leads to authoritarianism. President Ford most likely would have come out even tougher and said that it leads directly to fascism. Those of you who rejected Liz join many good Republicans now aiding and abetting our 45th president by ignoring the genuine menace he presents to our country. America is fortunate to have Liz Cheney still out there on the front lines of freedom vigorously defending our Constitution and democratic way of life. But you dont have her back. In failing to honor Lizs courage, resolve, and integrity, you are retreating and hunkering down behind a wall of silence, he wrote. Kennerly said he thinks Ford would have stood alongside Liz Cheney strongly, proudly, and publicly. Gerald Ford wouldnt have been intimidated by phantom consequences. He would have adopted a damn the torpedoes approach as he proceeded to do the right thing. He also criticized the executive committees decision as shortsighted. By not selecting Liz as this years Medal recipient, the Ford Foundation has missed a critical opportunity to send a message to our fellow citizens here in America and the rest of the world. When Ford was in office people still recall his commitment to our allies, the rule of law, and meeting the challenge posed by tyrannical leaders. By saying that we stand with Liz Cheney in the name of Gerald Ford to support her critical mission in this existential moment we also would have honored his memory. And shown that we fear no evil, he wrote. Cheney has been outspoken about the danger she says a second Trump term would pose to American democracy. She was the vice chair of the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, which documented the extensive efforts Trump and his allies undertook to stay in power after losing the 2020 presidential election. Kennerly confirmed his resignation in a post on the social platform X, saying it was a painful decision to resign, but necessary. I hope more people around the country will follow @Liz_Cheneys example and speak out about the threat to our democracy. Time to step up, he added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. House Republicans next week will present documents to the U.S. Senate arguing that President Joe Bidens Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, should be removed from office. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., will play a leading role in that effort. Biggs has been designated one of 11 impeachment managers, meaning he will serve as a prosecutor making the case against Mayorkas while the Senate acts as the jury. The group of impeachment managers includes other prominent conservative voices in Congress, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and Clay Higgins, R-La. The proceedings so far have been historic not only because they mark the second impeachment of a Cabinet member in U.S. history, but also because of strenuous arguments by Democrats and even some conservative legal scholars that the accusations against Mayorkas do not reach the constitutionally mandated threshold for impeachment. Rep. Andy Biggs greets attendees during the Arizona GOP biennial statutory meeting at Dream City Church on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Phoenix. An aide to Biggs did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Biggs has argued that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has a "duty" to hold an impeachment trial. Schumers got a whole pocketful, a whole toolbox-full, of tools to try to avoid a whole trial, he said in an audio clip posted to social media in early April. The question will be does he use them? The Republican House delegation from Arizona, a border state, has been highly involved in the impeachment effort. Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., helped advance the impeachment resolution through a House committee. On the full House floor, the resolution failed on the first vote as four Republicans broke from their party to oppose the measure. It passed on a second attempt by just one vote. Now, the measure heads to the Senate, where a two-thirds majority vote would be needed to convict Mayorkas. That's an unlikely outcome in the Democratic-controlled chamber. Senate Democrats could dismiss the measure with a majority vote, or move the measure to committee to delay bringing it to the full Senate floor. House Republicans originally had planned to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, but they delayed until next week in a move to gain more leverage to push for a full trial. The impeachment resolution accuses Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and "breach of public trust" over Bidens administration's handling of immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. Republicans argue, for example, that he has lied to the American public by saying that the border is secure. Jonathan Turley, a conservative commentator and legal scholar, has argued that Republicans objections are based on a disagreement on policy and do not meet the constitutional requirement of high crimes and misdemeanors needed to remove a Cabinet member. In my view, Biden has been dead wrong on immigration, but voters will soon have an opportunity to render a judgment on those policies in the election. Mayorkas has carried out those policies, Turley wrote in a recent op-ed published by the Daily Beast. What has not been shown is conduct by the secretary that could be viewed as criminal or impeachable. Mayorkas is only the second Cabinet member in American history to be impeached. The first was William Belknap, the U.S. Secretary of War under President Ulysses S. Grant. Belknap was impeached in 1876. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mayorkas impeachment trial: Rep. Andy Biggs to help prosecute GOP case As Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, speaks to reporters, on the floor of the House of Representatives on April 10, 2024, Democratic lawmakers looked on and chastised him. Gress had earlier unsuccessfully tried to force a vote on a bill to repeal the 1864 near-total abortion ban that the Arizona Supreme Court said needs to be enforced a day earlier. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror A day after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled to reinstate a near-total abortion ban from 1864, Republican lawmakers in the legislature blocked multiple efforts to repeal the law, saying they need more time to consider the repercussions of doing so. On Tuesday, the states high court overturned the decision of an appeals court that preserved a 2022 law limiting abortions up to 15 weeks and concluded that a Civil War-era law which punishes doctors with prison time for performing an abortion should be the law of the land. The ruling ignited a political firestorm, with Republicans across the state quickly issuing statements denouncing the 1864 law. Opponents of the near-total ban, including some GOP lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs, called on the legislature to repeal the 1864 law. Under the high courts ruling, the ban will go into effect in June. A movement to repeal the 1864 law emerged in the legislature on Wednesday, with one Republican lawmaker spearheading the first failed attempt. Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, made a motion to suspend the chambers rules and force a final vote on House Bill 2667, which would repeal the Civil War-era law. That bill, along with another that sought to strike down both the 1864 law and a prohibition on advertising abortion services, were introduced in January by Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, a Democrat from Tucson, but Republicans refused to consider them. Gress attempt to push through the repeal was foiled by Rep. David Livingston, R-Peoria, who immediately made a substitute motion to recess. Republicans voted to recess, and Democratic lawmakers, all of whom were dressed in green in a nod to the abortion rights movement, erupted into shouts of Shame! and Save womens lives! Once the House returned from a short break, Stahl Hamilton made another attempt at forcing a vote on the proposal. The Democrat denounced the state Supreme Courts decision as extreme and urged her colleagues to support the bid to repeal. Should the 1864 ban on abortion remain the law in Arizona, people will die, she warned. We are here as public servants, we are here as representatives and, right now, in this moment, we need to think about the millions of people in Arizona whose lives are affected by the people in this body. Are we here to serve the public or are we here to enact laws that have such constraints that the consequences are dire? That motion also failed, as Republicans used a procedural move to instead adjourn until April 17 instead of allowing a vote on whether or not to repeal the law. Majority Whip Teresa Martinez criticized the earlier reaction from Democrats as childish and insurrectionist behavior. And lawmakers, she added, should have more time to consider the courts ruling and its consequences before voting. The Arizona Supreme Courts 47-page ruling was released just yesterday, and 24 hours later, chants from the floor shame, shame. That is simply because we do not want to repeal the pre-Roe law before we have a conversation about it, she said. Speaking to reporters afterwards, House Speaker Ben Toma said he wont support repealing the 1864 law. The Republican from Glendale, who is running to represent a ruby red West Valley district in Congress, said that the issue of abortion is too fraught with moral implications to legislate on so quickly. Weve had a little over 24 hours since this came out, he said. This is a very emotional, charged complicated issue. For many of us, were talking about protecting the lives of the unborn, too, which some of us fundamentally and ethically have a really big problem with. Its completely unfair to rush this through. Toma and Senate President Warren Petersen, also a Republican, both urged the Supreme Court to enact the 1864 abortion ban. Toma added that, even if the bill to repeal the 1864 law passes, it will make little difference. Because the bill was never given a hearing in the legislature, attaching an emergency clause to it that could make it effective immediately isnt an option. Like all other laws, the bill would only be implemented 90 days after the current legislative session ends. And that could be months after the courts ruling reinstating the Civil War-era law takes effect. Instead, Toma said, the push from Democrats to pass the repeal was simply political opportunism, as Democrats are seeking to highlight reproductive rights ahead of the November election. But the bill is likely to make it back onto the floor at some point, Toma assured reporters, though he didnt specify when. Nor would he share how many Republicans besides Gress had expressed support for repealing the Civil War-era abortion ban and instead letting the 2022 15-week gestational ban take effect. Democratic leaders decried the stonewalling from Republicans. Minority Leader Lupe Contreras, D-Avondale, rebutted the claims that more time is needed to consider the bill by pointing out that it has been available to review since the beginning of the legislative session. And the bill is hardly complicated: It is a single sentence long and merely repeals the near-total ban from state law. Republicans are hesitating, Contreras said, because theyre fearful about the political backlash from conservative voters. Its nothing new, he said. The only thing is the narrative has changed on their end. They now are pushed, their feet are to the fire, and theyre looking at what could happen. Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, the assistant minority leader, added that those Republicans who are now supporting the repeal are merely trying to avoid the fallout from an unpopular abortion ban. And even despite that limited support, the Laveen Democrat said, the GOP majority failed to deliver a repeal. They failed the people of Arizona when they failed to co-sponsor (the bill), he said. They failed the people of Arizona when they failed to give it a committee hearing. And they failed the people of Arizona again today. It is disgusting. And any effort to flip that narrative is a craven, spineless attempt to save their political careers. Republicans take conflicting positions Gress told reporters after his initial motion that he was committed to repealing the 1864 law. The Phoenix Republican was among the first to speak out against the 1864 law when the state Supreme Courts ruling was released. But reproductive rights advocates criticized his stance as insincere, pointing out that the freshman lawmaker proposed several laws last year that would have codified fetal personhood into state law, effectively banning all abortions. Among those laws was one to allow pregnant women to drive in the HOV lane and another to extend child support payments to the date of the first positive pregnancy test. Gress, who represents a highly competitive district and is seeking reelection this year, dismissed that criticism, saying that the bills were simply mischaracterized and actually intended to help women. Gress said there are enough Republican lawmakers in both chambers to pass a repeal. However, he said he wouldnt entertain the possibility of removing Toma as speaker to make that vote a reality. We have people on our side of the aisle that feel very strongly that women should not be condemned to carry out a pregnancy to term, especially victims of rape or incest and certainly (when it endangers) the life of the mother, he said. Arizonans are on the same page: Reasonable restrictions on abortion, 15 weeks, is where most of us are at, with exceptions. The 15-week gestational ban that was enacted in 2022, which is the alternative supported by Arizona Republicans, includes no exceptions for rape or incest. While all 28 Democrats in the lower chamber support repealing the 1864 law, three more votes are needed to form a majority coalition that can make the motion to introduce the bill to do so. That means peeling away Republican lawmakers. And another GOP member who signaled interest in supporting that bid was Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, who said the near-total ban doesnt reflect the will of modern Arizonans. In the time that the territorial law was done, in my business, we used to hang cattle thieves, said Cook, who is in the ranching industry. We dont do that anymore. Weve progressed as a state, and theres a lot of things that need to be cleaned up, and this is one of them. Cook was among those who voted for the 15-week law two years ago. That law included a provision that stated it doesnt repeal any laws and specifically the 1864 near-total ban that came before it. The Arizona Supreme Court leaned heavily on that provision in its reasoning for why the Civil War-era law should be reinstated. And during Wednesdays motion to adjourn, instead of voting against it and forcing consideration of the repeal bill, Cook supported ending the legislatures work for the week. In an interview with the Arizona Mirror afterwards, Cook said party leadership has assured him they will hold closed-door meetings to work on legislation of its own. The one-sentence Democratic bill, he said, might not be the right move. The bill that Democrats were trying to move, I had never read. That bill never had a hearing, he said. Someone can tell me what the bill does, but I didnt feel comfortable not knowing what the bill actually says it does. We are going to do a bill, and I want to make sure its the right bill for me and my constituents and the people. Push in the upper chamber fails, too In the Senate, a similar effort to repeal the 1864 law was also stopped in its tracks by Republican leaders. Sen. Anna Hernandez, D-Phoenix, sought to add an amendment repealing the law to a Republican-led bill criminalizing the visual depiction of bestiality. Because no bills were introduced in the Senate to repeal the near-total ban, an amendment to another bill was the only avenue left. But Hernandezs attempt to introduce the amendment was blocked by Senate President Warren Petersen, who quickly motioned to adjourn rather than recognizing Hernandez or Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein, who also sought to offer the amendment. The @AZSenateGOP refused to recognize me to speak on the floor and refused to allow me to make a motion to repeal the territorial abortion ban in Arizona, Hernandez posted on X, formerly Twitter, afterwards. By their actions, the message from this chamber is that they are so pro-life they will kill you. Epstein, D-Tempe, told reporters afterwards that Democrats will continue working to repeal the 1864 law. By contrast, she said, Republicans have consistently failed to show any interest in doing so. Ever since the Dobbs decision came down, they couldve worked with us to repeal this horrible ban, and they have not, she said. I do not trust them to look out for the health of the people of Arizona. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Republicans thwarted attempts to repeal Arizonas 1864 abortion ban, saying they need more time appeared first on Arizona Mirror. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has proposed an airworthiness directive for certain Boeing 747-400F series airplanes that would require applying cap seals to certain fastener collars inside the fuel tanks, according to a federal government notice. The proposed directive was prompted by a report that cap seals were not applied to certain fasteners in the fuel tanks during production and is meant to address unsafe condition on the planes, the FAA said in a Federal Register notice published on Thursday. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Ismail Shakil; editing by Susan Heavey) Reuters: Trump says he will not visit Ukraine as presidential candidate U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump says it is inappropriate for him to visit Ukraine as he does not hold office, Reuters reported on April 10, citing the ex-president's campaign team. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Bild on April 9 that he invited Trump to come to Ukraine, both publicly and non-publicly, to see the situation in the country with his own eyes. The U.S. news channel Newsmax reported that Trump had previously dismissed Zelensky's invitation due to "a conflict of interests." According to Reuters, Trump's campaign said there had not been "a formal outreach" from Ukraine's president. "President Trump has said publicly it would not be appropriate for him to go to Ukraine right now since he is not Commander in Chief," the campaign's email read. Despite Trump's rejection to visit Ukraine, U.S. presidential candidates often travel abroad during their campaigns to establish and improve international connections. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie came to Ukraine during the campaign for the Republican nomination. Trump visited Mexico in 2016 during his first presidential run to meet its then-president Enrique Pena Nieto. The former U.S. president earlier said in May that he would not commit to providing Ukraine with defense assistance if he won the 2024 election. He also repeatedly mentioned that the war would not have happened if he was still in power and claimed that he "could end the war in 24 hours." The Washington Post reported that the U.S. former president had privately said he could end Russia's war by pressuring Ukraine to cede Crimea and Donbas to Moscow. Trump's advisor, Jason Miller, later denied these claims. Read also: Zelensky: If Trumps plan to stop war is to give up our territory, then it is primitive Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. RFK Jr fires campaign aide after she said beating Biden was number one priority RFK Jr fires campaign aide after she said beating Biden was number one priority A campaign staffer for independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr was terminated after telling a group of Republican voters that beating President Joe Biden was her number one priority and encouraging them to volunteer for Donald Trump. On Wednesday, RFK Jrs campaign manager, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, confirmed in a statement on X that the campaign had terminated Rita Palmas contract for misrepresentation. Earlier this week, a video circulated of Ms Palma identifying herself as the New York state director of RFK Jrs campaign to a group of GOP voters. In it, she presented an argument that insinuated the purpose of Kennedys campaign was to take votes away from Mr Biden. A spokesperson for Kennedys campaign said Ms Palma was just a ballot access consultant and her speech was not a Kennedy campaign event. Ms Fox Kennedy said Ms Palma was immediately terminated upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen. Ms Palma confirmed to CNN she was no longer employed by the Kennedy campaign but asserted that she believed RFK Jr was by far the best candidate. A spokesperson for Mr Kennedys campaign confirmed Ms Palma had been terminated. As an Independent movement, our supporters, volunteers, and field organizers come from all sides of the political spectrum and their reasons for supporting Mr Kennedy are as disparate as their backgrounds, the statement said. Rita Palma was a ballot access consultant responsible for scheduling volunteer shifts for our upcoming signature collection drive in the Empire State. She was not involved in electoral strategy, nationally or in New York. Ms Palmas termination comes amid minor controversy. Her allegiance to Mr Kennedy has been called into question given her misleading presentation to New York Republican voters combined with her history of supporting Mr Trump. In a video of her presentation to New York GOP voters, now deleted from YouTube, Ms Palma not only identified herself as having a leadership role in the Kennedy campaign, but she also gave a presentation that seemed to be on behalf of RFK Jrs campaign strategy. She told voters that her number one priority was to get rid of Mr Biden and that Mr Kennedys campaign could do so by driving Democratic voters away from him. But that strategy wasnt to help get RFK Jr elected it was to help Mr Trump win. Ms Palma invoked the theory that if Mr Biden were to tie with Mr Trump in an electoral college matchup it would leave Congress with the responsibility to elect the next president and a Republican-majority Congress would choose the former president. But the spokesperson for Mr Kennedys campaign disputed Ms Palmas alleged role and strategy to CNN, saying her role was purely to schedule volunteer shifts for an upcoming signature collection drive in New York and had no part in campaign strategy. We terminated her contract for misrepresentation immediately upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen. Amaryllis Fox (@amaryllisfox) April 11, 2024 This was not a campaign event. Palma was speaking as a private citizen and her statements in no way reflect the strategy of the Kennedy campaign, which is to win the White House with votes from former Trump and Biden supporters alike, the spokesperson said. Additionally, in now-deleted social media posts reviewed by CNN, Ms Palma said she attended the Stop the Steal rally on 6 January 2021 and claimed it was nonviolent. She had also tweeted that Mr Trump was her favourite president and suggested she would vote for him in 2024. An activist working for the campaign of Robert Kennedy Jr. has been fired after publicly admitting that the independent presidential candidate could help return former President Donald Trump to the White House. In a video first reported this week by CNN, Rita Palma, at the time working to get RFK Jr. on the New York ballot, said that her primary goal was to prevent President Joe Biden from winning reelection. If I wake up on Nov. 6 and Trump wins, Im not going to be overly upset, said Palma, who previously voted for Trump twice. After the remarks attracted attention, the Kennedy campaign sought to distance itself from Palma, first describing her as a mere "consultant" who was not speaking on behalf of the candidate. But her views were not likely to have come as a surprise: As The New Republic noted, Palma attended the Jan. 6 insurrection, which she billed on social media as "99.9 peaceful," and was adamant that the 2020 election was "rigged." Democrats have feared that the Kennedy campaign could indeed hurt Biden in November. Although the candidate has espoused a range of views that should make him more attractive to potential Trump supporters from denying the efficacy of vaccines to portraying Jan. 6 rioters as political prisoners his famous last name still has cache among left-leaning voters. While Palma had previously been open about her fondness for Trump, Amaryllis Fox, the campaign manager for RFK Jr., claimed that she had misstated her job title and had subsequently been canned. "We terminated her contract for misrepresentation immediately upon seeing the longer video in which she gave an inaccurate job title and described a conversation that did not happen," Fox said in a Wednesday evening post on X. An Ridgeland man died in the hospital Monday after a hit-and-run on Easter. Tristan Ian Swartz, 26, was riding his motorcycle at the Willis Drive and Old House Road intersection, near Coolers Grocery, when he was hit by a landscape truck at around 7:30 p.m. Easter Sunday. When officers arrived on the scene, Swartz was lying face-up in a ditch and his motorcycle had been destroyed from the collision. The motorcycle was in several pieces strewn across the roadway, an officer wrote in the incident report. Two witnesses gave statements that helped piece together the chain of events. Swartz was traveling west along Old House Road when the landscape truck turned left onto the road. Both witnesses stated that the truck pulled out in front of Swartz. Swartz then hit a trailer the truck was pulling. One witness reported that the driver of the truck got out before its other occupants started yelling go go go in Spanish. The driver was identified as Artemo Escalante, 46, also of Ridgeland by tracing his license plate number, which was provided in a written statement to police, according to Lt. Daniel Litchfield. Escalante was found shortly after the incident and arrested. Before Swartzs death, Escalante was charged with failure to yield right of way and driving without a license. Now Escalante faces a charge of leaving the scene with death, which could be escalated further. The Ridgeland Police Department is in talks with the 14th Circuit Solicitors Office about further charges, but none have been confirmed at this time. Family and Friends remember Swartz Known as Mullet Man, a Facebook page dedicated to Swartz named Mullet Man Updates was created to help distribute updates to his friends and family. Memories of Swartz came pouring into the page while Swartz was in the hospital. One of my favorite memories was my 22nd birthday weekend. He stayed with me in Hilton head the whole weekend and made it the best birthday Ive ever had. There was never a dull moment with him, Jared Scott said. This day he called me up randomly and said lets go to the beach!! I said nah Im okay dont really feel like leaving the house.. he said okay and then 20 mins later I hear a knock at the door, it was Tristan. He said get dressed and lets go! We spent so long on the beach that day and had the time of our lives, Bethani Edge said sharing a video of her and Tristan on the beach. On Wednesday at noon there was an Honor Walk for Swartz to honor him for being an organ donor at Savannah Memorial Hospital. PJs Coffee, where Swartz worked, closed early on Wednesday to honor him as well. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. When we publish mugshots The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette publishes police booking photos, or mugshots, in the following instances: In situations where a public figure or someone in a position of public trust is arrested In cases where there is an immediate and widespread threat to public safety In cases where the arrested person is accused of a crime reporters have evidence to believe involved numerous, unknown victims Reporters will avoid using mugshots as lead images for online articles in order to limit their circulation on social media, except in cases where the public is served by the immediate identification of the accused. Reporters and editors may use discretion in situations that dont meet the criteria outlined in this policy but still present a compelling reason to publish a mugshot. Video above: Which states have the worst drivers? TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Riverview truck driver was named a highway angel after he rescued a mother and her daughter after their car flipped on a busy highway in Kansas last month. Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) announced Thursday that truck driver Rodney Clay was named a TCA Highway Angel after jumping into action when he witnessed the crash occur. Florida man accused of threatening 11-year-old with knife for riding bike on sidewalk Clay was traveling on I-435 in Lawrence, Kansas, on March 4 around 1:30 p.m. when he saw the mother and daughters vehicle crash into the road median about a quarter mile in front of him. Image courtesy of the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) I saw a car practically in the air, flipping. Nobody was stopping, Clay said, so I pulled over about 100 yards in front of the car off the interstate. I ran towards the car and saw it smoking and fluid leaking. TCA said their car had flipped, hit the ground, and slid, crashing into the fast lane wall. Clay and a 30-year-old Marine veteran got out of their vehicles and approached the car, noticing that the airbags were deployed. According to TCA, Clay lifted the passenger side airbag, afraid of what he was going to see; however, what he found was a young girl inside, screaming and shaking. The girls mother was found bleeding from her mouth. Knowing that the mother and daughter would need more help, Clay stood in the way of traffic and stopped another tanker truck, whos driver got out to assist in the rescue mission. I told the women, You have to get out of this car nowits smoking really bad, Clay said. I was afraid it was going to blow up. Thousands without power as severe weather moves through Tampa Bay Clay said the young girl wouldnt feel her hips, so he and another trucker pulled her out of the vehicle. They also rescued the mother and moved them away from the smoking vehicle. The girl used Clays phone to call her dad, but he didnt answer. Soon after paramedics arrived, Clay left and ended up texting her father, telling him what happened. According to TCA, the father was grateful for the message and called Clay later that day to personally thank him for helping his family. Clay, who works for Norton Transport, explained why he stopped to help. As a father of six, he thinks about paying it forward. If it happened to any of my kids, Id want somebody to stop, he said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. AUSTIN (KXAN) Springtime festivities are fully underway in Austin, with thousands poised to gather this weekend to bask in the ABC Kite Fest or participate in the Longhorn Runs 5K and 10K races. The Longhorn Run kicks off Saturday morning, with the 10K race beginning at 8 a.m. and the 5K starting at 8:15 a.m. The annual event traverses across the University of Texas at Austins 40 acres, with this years festivities a sold-out ordeal. 10K races will line up at 21st Street to begin the race, while the 5K races starting line is along Speedway, north of 21st Street. Heres a breakdown of those planned road closures. This embedded content is not available in your region. On Sunday, Austinites and visitors alike will ring in the 96th ABC Kite Fest at Zilker Park. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Planned roadway impacts include a full road closure of Barton Springs Road from Azie Morton Road to MoPac Expressway, along with full closures of the roads in and surrounding Zilker Park. Barton Springs Roads westbound lanes will be closed from Sterzing Street to Azie Morton Road, while Azie Morton Roads southbound lane will be closed from Lund Street to Barton Springs Road. MAP_ACE_KiteFest_20240212Download Lund Street, Sterzing Street and Kinney Avenue from Barton Springs Road to Virginia Avenue will be local access only. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) faced criticism on social media following reports that he said hell fundraise for preemptive GOP nominee Donald Trump in the 2024 election. DeSantis told donors and supporters at a private event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Florida over the weekend that he planned to help boost Trumps campaign coffers, per CNN, NBC News, Fox News and Floridas Voice. DeSantis did endorse the four-times-indicted former president after nixing his own presidential campaign in January. The governor at the time also promised to honor his pledge to support the GOP nominee, whoever it may end up being. Critics, though, reminded DeSantis of just some of the personal attacks leveled at him by his former Republican rival. Wrong move. DeSantis should avoid Trump entirely. He officially endorsed. He shouldn't do any more than that. Daniel (@endikux) April 10, 2024 Defintely very disappointing. BobbiAnn22 (@sportphotos) April 10, 2024 Good ole 'Murican dignity! Ara Kahu (@Ara_Kahu) April 10, 2024 Ron DeSantis needs to reconsider his plan to fundraise for Trump. He does not want to turn into this guy ahead of a 2028 run, and you just know Trump World will be looking to make it appear that DeSantis is bending the knee so they can use it against him. pic.twitter.com/QMmhIGcqRP Cryptid Politics (pro-DeSantis) (@CryptidPolitics) April 10, 2024 They really do all bend the knee. Dave (@DaveStrong11) April 10, 2024 Remember when Trump implied that DeSantis is a pedophile? Remember when Trump suggested that DeSantis is closeted? Apparently DeSantis doesn't. https://t.co/ozGPEweacS JoeMyGod (@JoeMyGod) April 10, 2024 Why is every Republican emasculated when it comes to Trump? Barbara (@RockingMotown) April 10, 2024 NBC News reported that DeSantis told donors he is going to fundraise for Trump. If true, that is disappointing. Trump ran an incredibly scummy and dishonest campaign against him that included attacking his wife. Fundraising for him just legitimizes and rewards that behavior. Peter Henlein (@SwissWatchGuy) April 10, 2024 Trump also: - refused to use DeSantiss real name - refused to debate DeSantis - lied about his FL record - lied about DeSantiss agenda - lied about the state of Florida - refused to share helpful Hurricane info or support DeSantis during Hurricane - trashed good conservatives Cryptid Politics (pro-DeSantis) (@CryptidPolitics) April 10, 2024 humiliation must be DeSantis's kink or something that's the only reason on God's green earth for DeSantis's unwaivering support of Trump and now FUNDRAISING for him ffs #KEMP2028https://t.co/8x0Hoqiegq NitroBacto (@Thad8920) April 11, 2024 DeSantis did a complete turnaround during his campaign and stated that Trump lied. Now hes fundraising for him? These MAGA people dont know who they are anymore. What an amoral bunch this GOP. https://t.co/ESkn3coj97 Batshit Just Got Crazier (@GrimReeber) April 10, 2024 DeSantis doing this will not make me like Trump; it will make me like DeSantis less. The LFB (@The_LFB) April 10, 2024 Related... Flash He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] Senior Chinese official He Lifeng met with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies Heng Swee Keat in Beijing on Wednesday. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the macroeconomic situation, and on financial cooperation between China and Singapore. He, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, noted that China and Singapore have a comprehensive, high-quality and future-oriented partnership. He said that China is willing to work with Singapore to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and deepen high-quality cooperation in various fields. Heng said that Singapore attaches great importance to bilateral relations and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in fields such as the economy, trade and finance to promote common development and prosperity. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) The Roanoke Police Department reports a man is in custody in connection to a suspicious death investigation on Bridge Street SW in 2022. Police say on June 28, 2022, officers were notified about an unresponsive person near the 500 block of Bridge Street SW. Responding officers found an unresponsive man, identified as 33-year-old Travis D. Isbell, lying in the Roanoke River. He was pronounced dead on the scene. RPD reports the initial investigation showed the man had possibly fallen from a nearby bridge into the water. Officers investigating found no evidence to indicate foul play at the scene, and the cause of death was deemed undetermined by the Medical Examiners Office. In Jan. 2024, Roanoke Police received information regarding this incident, leading to the case being reopened. Ultimately, evidence was found that indicated this incident to be a homicide. Roanoke man faces several charges after high-speed chase across Franklin County Detectives were able to identify 33-year-old Matthew T. Aldridge, of Roanoke, as a suspect throughout the investigation. This case was seen before the April meeting of the Roanoke City Grand Jury where indictments of Second Degree Murder were issued. However, the charges were amended and upgraded to First Degree Murder by the jury. The indictments were served at the Coos County Corrections Department, where Aldridge was incarcerated. Police say he has been extradited back to the City of Roanoke this week and is currently in the custody of the Roanoke Sheriffs Office. This remains an ongoing investigation. WFXR News will update this story as further information is released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. (Reuters) - Russia, Germany and Britain on Thursday urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint and Israel said it was preparing to "meet all its security needs" in a region on edge over an Iranian threat to strike Israel. The German airline Lufthansa, one of only two Western carriers flying to Tehran, extended a suspension of its flights to the Iranian capital and Russia warned against travel to the Middle East. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus that killed a top Iranian general and six other Iranian military officers, ratcheting up tension in a region already strained by the Gaza war. Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Israel "must be punished and it shall be", saying it was tantamount to an attack on Iranian soil. The "imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime" might have been avoided had the U.N. Security Council condemned the strike and brought the perpetrators to justice, Tehran's mission to the United Nations said on Thursday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was keeping up its war in Gaza but making security preparations elsewhere. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in comments released following a visit to an air force base. Iran has signalled to Washington that it will respond to Israel's attack in a way that aims to avoid major escalation and it will not act hastily, Iranian sources said. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel would respond directly to any attack by Iran, Gallant's office said. Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the eruption of the Gaza war, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for the Palestinians waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq. Tehran has avoided direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, while declaring support for its allies. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian to urge "maximum restraint" to avoid further escalation. Russia's foreign ministry told citizens they should not travel to the Middle East, especially to Israel, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. "Right now it's very important for everyone to maintain restraint so as not to lead to a complete destabilisation of the situation in the region, which doesn't exactly shine with stability and predictability," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told a news briefing. 'POTENTIAL FOR MISCALCULATION' British foreign minister David Cameron said on Thursday he had made clear to Amirabdollahian that Iran should not draw the Middle East into a wider conflict. "I am deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence," Cameron said on X. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Secretary of State Antony Blinken called counterparts including the Turkish, Chinese and Saudi foreign ministers "to make clear that escalation is not in anyone's interest and that countries should urge Iran not to escalate." U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday Iran was threatening to launch a "significant attack in Israel", and that he had told Netanyahu that "our commitment to Israel security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is iron-clad". The U.S. expects an attack by Iran against Israel but one that would not be big enough to draw Washington into war, a U.S. official said late on Thursday. The U.S. military said on Thursday it had destroyed an anti-ship ballistic missile launched from an area of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthi militia. No injuries or damage were reported to U.S., coalition or merchant vessels. Iran is the third-largest oil producer in the OPEC group and oil prices stayed near six-month highs on Thursday. Late on Wednesday, an Iranian news agency published an Arabic report on the X platform saying the air space over Tehran had been closed for military drills, but then removed the report and denied it had issued such news. Lufthansa said it would probably not fly to Tehran before April 13. Austrian Airlines said it was still planning to fly on Thursday but was adjusting timings to avoid crew having to disembark for an overnight layover. Iranian air space is also a key overflight route for Emirates' and Qatar Airways' flights to Europe and North America. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot and Air Arabia, among the airlines that fly to Tehran, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Ilona Wissenbach in Frankfurt, Shariq Khan in New York, Emily Chow in Singapore, and Simon Lewis and Steve Holland in Washington; Writing by Tom Perry, Ros Russell, Andrew Heavens and Stephen Coates; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Daniel Wallis) Russian forces struck nine communities in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast in 28 separate attacks throughout the day, the regional administration reported on April 10. At least 119 explosions were recorded. The communities of Khotin, Yunakivka, Znob Novohordske, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, and Shalyhyne were targeted. Throughout the day, Russia assailed the border communities with mortar, artillery, drone attacks, and grenade launchers. At least 119 explosions were No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported. 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 experiencing multiple attacks per day. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Parliament starts considering updated mobilization bill Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. During the missile attack on early 11 April, Russia attacked two thermal power plants owned by DTEK company (Ukraine's largest private investor in energy), severely damaging the equipment there. Source: DTEK press service Details: "After the attack, the power engineers promptly began to eliminate the consequences and restore the equipment. According to early reports, there were no casualties," the statement said. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, DTEK's thermal power plants have been attacked almost 170 times. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that the missile attack targeted generation facilities and transmission systems in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv oblasts. "Power engineers are already working to eliminate the consequences," the minister added. Background: Earlier, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked critical infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 10-11 April; a fire broke out, and firefighters were extinguishing it. The Russians also hit critical infrastructure in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast 10 times. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on the night of 10-11 April, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with missiles and 40 Shahed kamikaze drones, 37 of which were destroyed by air defence forces. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has damaged Ukrenergos substations and generation facilities in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv Oblasts as a result of a massive missile attack on the night of 10-11 April (Ukrenergo is the electricity transmission system operator in Ukraine). Source: NPC Ukrenergos press service Quote: "The Russians have carried out a new massive attack on energy infrastructure facilities. Enemy missiles and drones damaged Ukrenergos substations and generation facilities in Odesa, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Kyiv oblasts," the statement said. The company also added that emergency outage schedules had been applied in Kharkiv Oblast. Currently, no consumption restrictions have been applied in other regions. Background: During the missile attack on early 11 April, Russia attacked two thermal power plants owned by DTEK company (Ukraine's largest private investor in energy), severely damaging the equipment there. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- A sweeping Russian missile attack on Ukraine destroyed the largest power generating plant in the Kyiv region as Vladimir Putins forces exploit gaps in the war-battered nations air defense as part of a renewed offensive. Most Read from Bloomberg The strike set ablaze the turbine hall of the coal-fired Trypilska plant some 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of the capital, according to Andriy Hota, the supervisory board chairman of state-owned power producer Centrenergo. The facility was hit by six missiles early Thursday, a person familiar with the strike said on condition of anonymity. We need to speak about air defense its the biggest challenge today, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said during a visit to Lithuania on Thursday, listing regions hit in the barrage. Centrenergos Hota said the companys power generation has been ruined after attacks on its facilities. As Ukrainian forces suffer from mounting shortages of ammunition and manpower, the Kremlin has intensified strikes on energy infrastructure. All of it highlights a Ukrainian military stretched as the war heads into its third year with no end in sight. In the sign of growing urgency, the Ukrainian parliament approved a contested mobilization law Thursday aimed at replenishing its military ranks. The legislation, which tightens registration rules, narrows exemptions from military service and introduces some penalties for evaders, was approved by 283 votes in the 450-assembly, according to several lawmakers. The parliament expedited the measures even as conscription becomes an ever-more sensitive issue among citizens exhausted by the conflict. But military leaders say more stringent conscription rules are necessary to keep up with the Russian onslaught. Running Low No matter how much help we get, how many weapons we have we lack people, the commander of Ukraines ground troops, Oleksandr Pavliuk, said in a Facebook post on Monday. After capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka earlier this year, Russian troops have unleashed their firepower all along the frontline and made marginal advances. Kremlin troops are seeking to capture strategically key spots, such as the town of Chasiv Yar, west of Bakhmut in Ukraines Donetsk region. Meanwhile, a $60 billion US aid package continues to be blocked by Republicans in Congress, with House Speaker Mike Johnson yet to call a vote as he seeks to prevent a rebellion from hard-liners in his ranks. But the battering of Ukraines energy system has laid bare the countrys vulnerability, particularly on air defense. The overnight missile and drone strike targeted power plants and underground gas-storage facilities in five regions across Ukraine, with air defense downing fewer than half of an estimated 42 missiles volleyed at the country, Ukraines Air Force said. The assault reverberated beyond Ukraine with European natural gas futures rising to their highest level in over two weeks. Benchmark futures jumped as much as 7.1%, more than offsetting the previous two days losses. Russias Defense Ministry confirmed it launched a massive strike aimed at damaging Ukraines power and energy system. The objectives of the strike have been achieved, it said on its Telegram channel. The attack was a response to Ukrainian strikes on Russias oil and gas industry and energy facilities, it said. Energy Minister German Galushchenko cited damage to power-generation facilities and the grid near Kyiv, as well as strikes in the eastern Kharkiv region, Zaporizhzhia in the south and Lviv in the west. The region around the port city of Odesa on the Black Sea was also hit, Zelenskiy said on Telegram. Power supply in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, and the surrounding region was also disrupted after being hit by at least 10 missiles, regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said. --With assistance from Priscila Azevedo Rocha, Milda Seputyte, Kateryna Chursina, Olesia Safronova and Mark Sweetman. (Updates with approval of mobilization law from fifth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Large-scale Russian attack on 11 April: Ukraine's air defence destroys 57 out of 82 Russian drones and missiles Russia launched a large-scale combined attack on Ukraines critical infrastructure on the night of 10-11 April. Air defence destroyed 57 of the 82 aerial targets launched by the Russians. Source: Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine's Air Force, on Telegram Details: It is reported that the Russians launched a combined missile strike using various types of missiles and attack UAVs on the night of 10-11 April 2024. The main focus of the attack was Lviv Oblast. In total, the Russians deployed 82 air attack assets: 20 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles from Tu-95MS strategic bombers (launch area Saratov Oblast, Russia) 6 air-launched Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles from MiG-31K fighter jets (launch area Tambov Oblast, Russia) 12 S-300 anti-aircraft missiles (launched from Belgorod Oblast, Russia) 40 Shahed-131/136 strike UAVs (launched from areas near Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Russia, and Chauda, Crimea) 4 air-to-surface Kh-59 missiles (from the airspace over the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast). Oleshchuk notes that the defence efforts against the Russian air attack involved fighter aircraft and air defence missile troops from the Air Force, and mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units from Ukraine's Defence Forces. 57 targets were destroyed as a result of the air defence efforts: 16 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles 39 Shahed-131/136 strike UAVs 2 Kh-59 guided missiles. Quote: "Thank you to all the defenders of the skies who repelled another terrorist attack by the occupiers tonight. Together we will prevail!" Support UP or become our patron! Ho Chi Minh City A top Vietnamese property tycoon was sentenced to death on Thursday in one of the biggest corruption cases in history, with an estimated $27 billion in damages. A panel of three hand-picked jurors and two judges rejected all defense arguments by Truong My Lan, the chair of major developer Van Thinh Phat, who was found guilty of swindling cash from Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB) for a decade. "The defendant's actions... eroded people's trust in the leadership of the (Communist) Party and state," read the verdict at the trial in southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City. Lan denied the charges and blamed her subordinates. Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan (C) looks on at a court in Ho Chi Minh city, April 11, 2024, where she was sentenced to death in one of the country's biggest fraud cases, with damages estimated at $27 billion. / Credit: STR/AFP/Getty After a five-week trial, 85 others also face verdicts and sentencing on charges ranging from bribery and abuse of power to appropriation and violations of banking law. Lan embezzled $12.5 billion, but prosecutors said Thursday the total damages caused by the scam now amounted to $27 billion a figure equivalent to six percent of the country's 2023 GDP. The figure dwarfs even the amount that FTX cryptocurrency exchange founder Sam Bankman-Fried was recently convicted of swindling his customers out of, estimated at around $10 billion. Still, the death sentence is an unusually severe punishment in such a case. Lan and the others were arrested as part of a national corruption crackdown that has swept up numerous officials and members of Vietnam's business elite in recent years. The Vietnamese property mogul appeared to say in final remarks to the court last week that she had thoughts of suicide. "In my desperation, I thought of death," she said, according to state media. "I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment the banking sector which I have little knowledge of." Vietnamese property tycoon Truong My Lan (front row 3nd L) looks on at a court in Ho Chi Minh city, April 11, 2024. / Credit: STR/AFP/Getty Hundreds of people began to stage protests in the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a relatively rare occurrence in the one-party communist state, after Lan's arrest in October 2022. Police have identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal, which has shocked the Southeast Asian country. Lan, who is married to a wealthy Hong Kong businessman also on trial, was accused of setting up fake loan applications to withdraw money from SCB, in which she owned a 90% stake. Police say the scam's victims are all SCB bondholders who cannot withdraw their money and have not received interest or principal payments since Lan's arrest. Prosecutors said during the trial that they had seized more than 1,000 properties belonging to Lan. Authorities have also said $5.2 million allegedly given by Lan and some SCB bankers to state officials to conceal the bank's violations and poor financial situation was the largest-ever bribe recorded in Vietnam. The woman who was offered the bribe Do Thi Nhan, the former head of the State Bank of Vietnam's inspection team said during the trial that the cash was handed to her in Styrofoam boxes by the former CEO of SCB, Vo Tan Van. After realising they contained money, Nhan refused the boxes but Van declined to take them back, state media reported. More than 4,400 people have been indicted during Vietnam's corruption crackdown, across more than 1,700 graft cases, since 2021. A top Vietnamese luxury property tycoon Do Anh Dung, head of the Tan Hoang Minh group was sentenced to eight years in prison last month after he was found guilty of cheating thousands of investors in a $355 million bond scam. Story continues James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of the Oxford High School shooter, are sentenced Remembering the O.J. Simpson murder trial The Large Hadron Collider | 60 Minutes Archive Russia targets energy infrastructure in four of Ukraine's oblasts Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Telegram Russian forces targeted energy infrastructure facilities in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv oblasts on the night of 10-11 April. Source: Herman Halushchenko, Minister of Energy of Ukraine, on Facebook Quote from Halushchenko: "The enemy is attacking our energy infrastructure again! Generation facilities and transmission systems in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv oblasts were under attack." Details: He added that power engineers are already working to eliminate the consequences. Background: Earlier, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked critical infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 10-11 April; a fire broke out, and firefighters were extinguishing it. The Russians also struck at critical infrastructure in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast 10 times. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- Russia attacked five regions across Ukraine on Thursday with a barrage of missiles and drones, targeting the nations energy system and underground gas storage sites. Most Read from Bloomberg The attack lasted for several hours and involved various missiles and drones, culminating with six high-speed ballistic Kinzhal missiles descending on the area near Kyiv and a region around western Ukraines biggest city Lviv on Thursday morning, the countrys Air Force command said on Telegram. In total, the countrys air defense downed 18 out of 42 missiles and all but one of 40 drones. None of the Kinzhal missiles were intercepted. Power generation facilities and the grid near Kyiv, as well as in Kharkiv region in the east, Zaporizhzhia in the south, and Lviv in the west were damaged, Energy Minister German Galushchenko said in a post on Facebook. Odesa region in the south was also hit, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Telegram. Poland scrambled military jets to patrol the skies, a standard response when Ukraine is under large-scale Russian attack in areas near the border region, Polish military command said on platform X. Russia has stepped up missile strikes on Ukraine in recent months, targeting power, energy and port facilities across the country in an attempt to cripple the economy. Moscow is trying to capitalize on Ukraines vulnerable defenses as the military is forced to ration ammunition amid delays in US arms deliveries. Two of Ukraines underground gas storage sites were targeted during Thursdays attack, national energy company Naftogaz Ukrainy said on Telegram. The storages continued to operate even as their aboveground infrastructure was damaged, operator Ukrtransgaz JSC said on its website. The personnel sought cover in a bomb shelter which helped prevent casualties, according to the statement. Separately, Ukraines second-largest eastern city of Kharkiv and the surrounding region were hit at least 10 times on Thursday morning, triggering some disruption to power supplies, regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said. Kharkiv has also become a frequent target of Russian attacks with missiles and gliding bombs. (Updates with more details of attack, damage) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Russian missiles hitting the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant (HPP) have caused estimated damage to water resources of UAH 159,300 (roughly US$4,000). Source: press service of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration Details: "A missile hit the turbine hall building, causing approximately half a tonne of oil products to leak into the Dnipro River. The State Ecological Inspectorate recorded soil contamination and oil stains," the statement said. To clean up the pollution, 480 litres of sorbent were scattered over an area of 5,000 sq. m in the areas with foam buildup and oil slicks. Water quality deviations from the standards regarding colour, pH and chemical oxygen consumption were also recorded. No fish kill has been observed. Background: Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine's largest hydropower generating company, reported two direct hits to the Dnipro HPP in Zaporizhzhia, HPP-1 and HPP-2. It is not yet known whether it will be possible to restore the latter because it was seriously damaged. Later, it became known that Russian missiles hit Dnipro HPP eight times. The Russian attack on the Dnipro HPP in Zaporizhzhia on the night of 21-22 March caused oil products to leak into the Dnipro River. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces attacked border settlements and critical infrastructure in Sumy Oblast, injuring four people, including a child, the Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported on April 11. 36 attacks were reported throughout the day, causing 157 explosions. The communities of Sumy, Khotin, Yunakivka, Bilopillia, Vorozhba, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Buryn, Shalyhyne, Esman, Seredyna-Buda, Znob-Novgorodske, and Svesa were targeted. A 30-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman were injured in an attack on the community of Esman at around 12 p.m. local time, according to the report. Russian shelling in the afternoon reportedly wounded a 16-year-old boy and his 36-year-old mother in the community of Vorozhba. The attack also damaged houses, power lines and vehicles. Settlements in Ukraines northeastern Sumy Oblast suffer from near daily Russian attacks due to their proximity to the border with Russia. Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive over the past month, leading to multiple civilian casualties. Russian troops also attacked a cogeneration plant in the city of Sumy with guided aerial bombs, the local authorities said. No casualties were reported. Moscow has recently intensified its missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's critical infrastructure, launching large-scale attacks on energy facilities across the country. The Air Force said that Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 57 of the 82 missiles and drones launched by Russia overnight on April 11. The latest attack has reportedly completely destroyed the Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Ukrainka, Kyiv Oblast. DTEK, Ukraine's largest private energy company, previously said Russia damaged its two thermal power plants during overnight strikes on April 11 without specifying their location. Energy infrastructure was also targeted in Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts. Read also: Why is Russia intensifying attacks on Ukraines Sumy Oblast? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine overnight on April 11, targeting critical infrastructure in multiple regions. The attacks damaged energy facilities in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Lviv oblasts, said Ukraine's state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo. Engineers are at work restoring the damaged sites, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said via Facebook. The Air Force issued an aerial alert for most of the country, including the far-western oblasts, in the early hours of April 11. The military announced that Russia had launched drones, cruise missiles from Tu-95 bombers, and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at various regions. Explosions were reported in the city of Kharkiv at around 5 a.m. local time. According to Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov, the region was struck at least 10 times, causing damage to critical infrastructure. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov told residents to expect power outages and said that the metro would be out of service for several hours. Emergency electricity restrictions were introduced in the oblast at 6:31 a.m. Over 200,000 subscribers in Kharkiv Oblast were left without electricity after the attack, and the metro is being used as a shelter, according to Oleksii Kuleba, the deputy head of the Presidential Office. No casualties were reported. Syniehubov later clarified that Russia used S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in the attack against Kharkiv's energy facility. An apartment building was also damaged as a result. Terekhov reported that a thermal power plant that powers the city was damaged, and a transformer substation was completely destroyed. Russia has recently intensified attacks against Ukraine's second-largest city, targeting critical infrastructure and residential areas with missiles, glide bombs, and drones. Terekhov said on April 1 that Russian attacks had destroyed "almost all" of the city's energy infrastructure. Read also: Russia intensifies attacks on Kharkiv, draining Ukraines air defense and civilian morale Russian forces attacked Kyiv Oblast with drones overnight, targeting the region for over five hours. Drone strikes caused a fire at a critical infrastructure facility in Kyiv Oblast, according to Governor Ruslan Kravchenko. Kravchenko said that emergency services were at work at the scene and that no casualties had been reported. The Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Ukrainka, Kyiv Oblast, was completely destroyed in the attack, the state energy company Centerenergo said. This led to the total loss of Centerenergo's generating capacity. Russian strikes were also reported in Ukraine's western oblasts. Lviv Oblast Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said that a Russian missile entered the region's airspace shortly before 6 a.m. local time on April 11. Russian missiles and drones targeted two energy sites in Lviv Oblast, namely a gas distribution facility in the Stryi district and a substation in the Chervonohrad district, the governor said. Firefighters promptly extinguished the resulting fire. No casualties or outages were reported in the oblast. Russian forces previously tried to hit a critical infrastructure target in Lviv Oblast on March 24, March 29, and March 31, according to Kozytskyi. Residents reported explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast at around 6:30 a.m. local time. Explosions were also reported in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian missiles damaged an energy infrastructure facility in the region, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Ukraine's air defense downed seven Shahed-type drones over Odesa Oblast, said Oleh Kiper, the regional governor. Fallen debris started a fire on the territory of an energy facility. No casualties or outages were reported in the region. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Parliament starts considering updated mobilization bill Poland announced it had scrambled military aircraft in order to defend Polish airspace during the mass attack. Russian missile and drone attacks have increased in frequency and intensity in recent months. Ukraine suffers a critical shortage of air defense systems due to continued delays in U.S. military aid, giving Russian forces the opportunity to launch renewed assaults on energy infrastructure. The Air Force said that Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 57 of the 82 missiles and drones launched by Russia overnight. Ukraine's forces reportedly downed all but one of the 40 Shahed-type drones, as well as 16 Kh-101/555 cruise missiles and two Kh-59 air-launched missiles. Russia launched 20 Kh-101/555 missiles, six Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, 12 S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, and four Kh-59 missiles in total, the Air Force said. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged partners to provide further air defenses, saying that failing to do so gives Russia a "global license for terror." "We need air defense and other defense aid, not turning a blind eye and long discussions," he said on his Telegram channel. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has once again been hit by a Russian missile strike - Reuters A hulking Soviet-era power plant on the outskirts of Kyiv was completely destroyed by a Russian hypersonic missile in a large-scale attack against Ukraines energy infrastructure. Officials said power facilities were hit in five regions across the war-torn country as Moscow unleashed a barrage of more than 80 missiles and drones in the early hours of Thursday morning. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said the airstrikes were part of the Kremlins demilitarisation of its neighbour. We assume that in this way we have an influence on the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, said Mr Putin. The attacks, which hammered thermal and hydroelectric power plants, have raised fears over the resilience of Ukraines air defences, as well as its ability to generate enough energy. Footage shared on social media appeared to show a thick plume of black smoke in the skies as a fire raged at the Trypilska coal-powered thermal power plant, about 25 miles south of Kyiv. Ukraines air force said it managed to intercept just 18 of the 42 incoming cruise and ballistic missiles that were part of the Thursday onslaught. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, accused Kyivs Western allies of turning a blind eye to his countrys needs for more air defence systems. All of our European neighbours and other partners see Ukraines critical need for air defence systems, he said. The Ukrainian leader added that if Russia was allowed to continue its long-range strikes without a Western response, this will amount to a global licence for terror. Everything is destroyed, Andriy Gota, the head of the supervisory board of Centrenergo, Ukraines state-owned energy company, said, confirming the destruction of the Trypilska plant. Mr Gota confirmed the missile strike had caused a massive fire in the plants turbine hall. A large-scale fire [broke out] in the turbine shop, he said. The scale of destruction is terrible. All employees who were on shift during the shelling are alive, he added. The plant, a major power supplier for the Kyiv, Cherkasy and Zhytomyr regions, was the last to survive of three facilities owned by the company. The plants have all been destroyed or occupied by Russia since the full-scale invasion more than two years ago, with Centrenergo warning it could no longer generate power. As a result of todays massive attack, our entire generation capacity was destroyed, the company announced in a statement. Dtek, Ukraines largest private electricity firm, had lost 80 per cent of its generation capacity after strikes between March 22 and 29. The strikes also targeted two underground natural gas storage facilities, some of which are owned by foreign companies, energy firm Naftogaz said. Analysts have warned that if the Russian strikes are allowed to continue, Ukraine will soon no longer have the ability to generate energy ahead of next winter. James Rushton, a Kyiv-based security analyst, said the attacks were clearly opportunistic exploiting dwindling numbers of air defence missiles in the Ukrainian inventory. The problem is if they keep going like this, Ukraine will have little to no power generation capability by winter, he added. Sergej Sumlenny, founder of the European Resilience Initiative Centre, said: Coal and gas power stations are vital for balancing the demand-and-supply problem in a large network, as they can increase and decrease production. Ukraines nuclear power plants cannot work without this balancing. He added: Coal and gas plants also supply heat for larger cities, this will be another huge problem in just six months. Call for more air defence batteries In the wake of the attacks, national energy operator Ukrenergo, called on Ukrainians to limit the use of electrical appliances between 7pm and 10pm, when it predicted shortages of power because generation from solar plants, which are carrying much of the burden, would decrease. The massive bombardment on Ukrainian energy facilities came amid escalating warnings that Ukraine could soon run out of air defence interceptor missiles. The shortages are largely blamed on the United States stalled $60 billion military aid package, which is being held up in Congress by allies of former president Donald Trump. Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraines foreign minister, said Russias overnight barrage used six ballistic missiles, which reach their targets in minutes and are much harder to shoot down. He has been pushing for delivery of extra US-made Patriot air defence batteries to Ukraine in recent weeks. Mr Zelensky has previously said Ukraine needs 26 to create a total air shield over Ukraine, but Mr Kuleba is focused on securing seven as quickly as possible to protect the countrys largest cities and have one free for front-line duties. Ukraine remains the only country in the world facing ballistic strikes. There is currently no other place for Patriots to be, Mr Kuleba wrote on social media. 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. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) Real estate tycoon Truong My Lan was sentenced Thursday to death by a court in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam in the country's largest financial fraud case ever, state media Vietnam Net said. The 67-year-old chair of the real estate company Van Thinh Phat was formally charged with fraud amounting to $12.5 billion nearly 3% of the countrys 2022 GDP. Lan illegally controlled Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank between 2012 and 2022 and allowed 2,500 loans that resulted in losses of $27 billion to the bank, reported state media VnExpress. The court asked her to compensate the bank $26.9 million. Despite mitigating circumstances this was a first-time offense and Lan participated in charity activities the court attributed its harsh sentence to the seriousness of the case, saying Lan was at the helm of an orchestrated and sophisticated criminal enterprise that had serious consequences with no possibility of the money being recovered, VnExpress said. Her actions not only violate the property management rights of individuals and organizations but also push SCB (Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank) into a state of special control; eroding peoples trust in the leadership of the Party and State, VnExpress quoted the judgement as saying. Her niece, Truong Hue Van, the chief executive of Van Thinh Phat, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for aiding her aunt, and Lan's husband Eric Chu Nap-kee, who is from Hong Kong, was given nine years in prison. Lan and her family established the Van Thing Phat company in 1992 after Vietnam shed its state-run economy in favor of a more market-oriented approach that was open to foreigners. She started out helping her mother, a Chinese entrepreneur, sell cosmetics in Ho Chi Minh Citys oldest market, according to state media Tien Phong. Van Thinh Phat would grow to become one of Vietnams richest real estate firms, with projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centers. This made her a key player in the country's financial industry. She orchestrated the 2011 merger of the beleaguered SCB bank with two other lenders in coordination with Vietnam's central bank. The court found that she used this approach to tap SCB for cash. She indirectly owned more than 90% of the bank a charge she denied and approved thousands of loans to ghost companies," according to government documents. These loans then found their way back to her, state media VnExpress reported, citing the court's findings. She then bribed officials to cover her tracks, it added. Story continues Former central bank official Do Thi Nhan was also sentenced Thursday to life in prison for accepting $5.2 million in bribes. Lan's arrest in October 2022 was among the most high-profile in an ongoing anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that has intensified since 2022. The so-called Blazing Furnace campaign has touched the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics. Former President Vo Van Thuong resigned in March after being implicated in the campaign. But Lans trial shocked the nation. Analysts said the scale of the scam raised questions about whether other banks or businesses had similarly erred, dampening Vietnams economic outlook and making foreign investors jittery at a time when Vietnam has been trying to position itself as the ideal home for businesses trying to pivot their supply chains away from China. The real estate sector in Vietnam has been hit particularly hard. An estimated 1,300 property firms withdrew from the market in 2023, developers have been offering discounts and gold as gifts to attract buyers, and despite rents for mixed-use properties known in Southeast Asia as shophouses falling by a third in Ho Chi Minh City, many in the city center are still empty, according to state media. In November, Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnams top politician, said that the anti-corruption fight would continue for the long term. Russian nationalist convicted of downing MH17 wants to fight in Ukraine Igor Girkin needs an appeal court to throw out his sentence or Putin to personally pardon him if he is to get his wish and fight in Ukraine - AFP/Natalia Kolesnikova The imprisoned Russian nationalist who played a leading role in bringing down the Malaysian airlines flight MH17 wants to join the front line in Ukraine. The wife of Igor Strelkov Girkin, a former officer in Russias FSB who helped illegally annex Crimea, has said her husband is hoping to clear his criminal record by fighting in eastern Ukraine. The 54-year-old former warlord turned military blogger was jailed for four years in January for inciting extremism after criticising Vladimir Putins handling of the war against Ukraine. Under a new recruitment rule signed by the Russian president last month, individuals convicted of extremism and other serious crimes are barred from military service. His wife, Miroslava Reginskaya, said a unit in the breakaway Donetsk Peoples Republic intended to have him serve as a platoon commander. She said: When a country is going through a severe military conflict, it is a crime not to let an officer and a patriot with unique experience and knowledge in the military to the front line. But it was precisely this critical mistake that the authorities made by sending Igor Strelkov to prison on political charges of extremism. Miroslava Reginskaya, wife of Igor Girkin, says 'it's a crime to not let a patriot fight on the front line' - AFP/Natalia Kolenikova Girkins lawyer, Alexander Molokhov, told the RBC news website that there could be a legal opportunity to escape the ban if an appeal court throws out his sentence or if Putin personally pardons him. His next appeal court hearing is scheduled for May 15. Girkin fought as a foreign volunteer in wars in Transnistria and Bosnia in the 1990s before joining the FSB, Russias domestic security service. He was accused of being involved in the disappearance of several Chechen men during the second Chechen War. In 2014, Girkin claimed credit for pulling the trigger on the war in Ukraines eastern Donbas, when he and a group of Russian volunteers seized control of the Donetsk region town of Slavyansk. He later appointed himself defence minister of the Donetsk People Republic of pro-Russian separatists. In November last year, a Dutch court sentenced him to life in prison in absentia for the murders of 298 on board MH17, a Malaysian airlines flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur that was downed by a Russian Buk missile launcher over eastern Ukraine in July 2014. Girkin eventually fell out of favour with the Kremlin and returned to Moscow, where he founded a short-lived nationalist political movement aimed at overthrowing Putin, before turning his hand to blogging. 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. Russian cruise missiles of various types and UAVs attacked two critical energy infrastructure facilities in Lviv Oblast: a gas distribution infrastructure facility in Stryi district and an electricity substation in Chervonohrad district. Source: Maksym Kozytskyi, the Head of Lviv Oblast Military Administration Details: "Fires started. They were quickly extinguished by firefighters. There were no casualties. All vital facilities in Lviv Oblast are operating normally. This is all I can report as of this hour," he wrote. Naftogaz added that in the early morning of 11 April, the Russians attacked two Ukrainian liquified natural gas storage facilities. "The storage facilities continue to operate. Experts are currently dealing with the consequences of the attack. Fortunately, the employees were not injured," the statement said. Background: The Russians damaged the above-ground infrastructure of one of Naftogaz's underground storage facilities in the west of the country. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that on the night of 10-11 April, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with missiles and 40 Shahed kamikaze drones, 37 of which were destroyed by air defence forces. Earlier, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked critical infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 10-11 April; a fire broke out, and firefighters were extinguishing it. The Russians also hit critical infrastructure in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast 10 times. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops attacked Mykolaiv on 11 April; as a result, four people were killed and five more were injured. Source: Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv blast Military dministration; Oleksandr Sienkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv; Defence Forces of Ukraine's South; Suspilne.Mykolaiv Quote from Kim: "Early reports are that two people were killed and four were injured in the attack on the city." Details: At 12:05 (Kyiv time), Ukraine's Air Force reported missile danger in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblasts. Correspondents of Suspilne reported explosions in Mykolaiv. Later, Oleksandr Sienkevych, the mayor of Mykolaiv, confirmed that an explosion occurred in the city. "We are investigating the situation. I will provide information later." At 12:32, Kim reported that two people had been killed and four more had been injured in the attack. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops launched an airstrike with guided aerial bombs on a thermal power plant in Sumy on the afternoon of 11 April. Source: Sumy Oblast Military Administrations press service. Quote: "Today, on 11 April, after 16:00, the enemy launched an airstrike with guided aerial bombs on the critical infrastructure of the city of Sumy the local thermal power plant," the statement said. All relevant services are working at the scene. Preliminary information indicated that there were no casualties. The aftermath of the strike is being established. The Esman hromada of Shostka district was also attacked; two people sustained injuries of varying severity and were taken to hospital [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. Background: On Thursday morning, 11 April, the Russians carried out another attack on Kharkiv Oblast. The attack damaged the thermal power plant that supplies Kharkiv and completely destroyed a transformer substation. Support UP or become our patron! Russians launch 40 attack drones at Ukraine, air defence downs 37 of them General Staff Russian forces attacked Ukraine with missiles and 40 Shahed kamikaze drones, 37 of which were destroyed by Ukrainian air defence, on the night of 10-11 April. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook Quote from the General Staff: "The Russian occupiers launched another large-scale attack on Ukraine on the night of 10-11 April, using cruise missiles and Shahed-136/131 UAVs. According to early reports, 37 out of 40 UAVs were destroyed by the Ukrainian air defence assets and personnel." Details: Information on the number of missiles fired is reportedly being confirmed. Background: Earlier, Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported that Russian forces attacked critical infrastructure in Kyiv Oblast on the night of 10-11 April; a fire broke out, and firefighters were extinguishing it. The Russians also hit critical infrastructure in the city of Kharkiv and Kharkiv Oblast 10 times. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that Russian troops attacked energy infrastructure in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv and Kyiv oblasts on the night of 10-11 April. Support UP or become our patron! Russian troops launched an airstrike on the village of Velyki Prokhody in Kharkiv Oblast on 11 April at approximately 16:00, injuring four people. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram Quote: "A 75-year-old man was admitted to hospital after receiving shrapnel wounds. Two women have an acute stress reaction. Another resident sustained minor injuries, and doctors assisted her on the spot." Details: Preliminary reports indicate that the Russians attacked the village with an aerial bomb. Several residential buildings and outbuildings were damaged. There was fire. Support UP or become our patron! The attorneys for Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed have asked that she be sentenced to probation for her role in the death of the films cinematographer in 2021. Ms Gutierrez Reed, 26, is due to be sentenced on Monday after being charged and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection to the 2021 accidental fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rush. She is currently facing a maximum of 18 months in prison, but in a memo to the court obtained by Variety, her lawyers reportedly argue that Ms Gutierrez Reed has already suffered enough press deluge surrounding the high-profile case and that no matter what the judge decides in her sentencing, her life will be forever changed. The tragic series of events that unfolded that day destroyed and altered many peoples lives, including Ms Gutierrez Reeds, Jason Bowles and Monnica Barreras, the armourers defence lawyers, wrote, according to the outlet. The defence added that Ms Gutierrez Reed wants to express her deep sadness to the family of Hutchins, who was killed nearly two and a half years ago on the set of the film Rush, which the defendant was working on, but that legal proceedings have prevented her from doing so. Gutierrez Reed wants to express her deep sadness to the family of Hutchins (LuUIS SANCHEZ SATURNO/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Alec Baldwin, who stars in the Western film, pulled a Colt 45 replica from his holster while practicing for a scene when it went off. A bullet struck Hutchins in the chest and struck director Joel Souza in the stomach. Hutchins died from her injuries, while Mr Souza survived. Ms Gutierrez-Reed was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 and went to trial in March at the First Judicial District courthouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she was found guilty. After a two-week trial, prosecutors claimed that the armourer repeatedly failed to maintain proper firearm safety and that her negligence led to the death of Hutchins. Prosecutors alleged that she left weapons and ammunition lying around the set, with colleagues calling her sloppy and unprofessional and that she unknowingly bought live ammunition to the Santa Fe ranch set. The prosecutors also concluded in the trial that standard gun-safety protocols were skipped or skimpered repeatedly by the armourer that might have detected live rounds on set. Alec Baldwin was handling the gun at the time it went off (Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images) However, her defence attorneys claimed that she was being used as an easy target for the film production to blame and for Baldwin to use as a scapegoat after the tragedy unfolded on set. Ms Gutierrez Reed has been held in custody since 6 March in the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, after the jury declared their verdict as guilty after around two-and-a-half hours of deliberation. The jurors did not find the armourer guilty of separate tampering with evidence charge. Her attorney, Mr Bowles, previously asked the judge during the trial to consider releasing Gutierrez-Reed so she could care for her ill father, but the judge denied the motion. Keep in mind, there was a death that the jury determined was caused by her, so Im not releasing her, Judge Sommer said. The Independent has contacted attorney Jason Bowles for comment. The Center for Islamic Life at Rutgers University (CILRU) was vandalized early Wednesday morning in an incident university police said they are investigating as a bias crime. The vandalism took place on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr at the New Jersey universitys Muslim Chaplaincy house, according to CILRUs statement posted Wednesday on Facebook. CILRU posted photos of the destruction and said the building was left with shattered windows, vandalized televisions, broken printers, smashed artwork and a destroyed Palestinian flag. The CILRU statement described the incident as undoubtedly a hate crime. This reprehensible act, occurring on our sacred day, is undoubtedly fueled by Islamophobia is clearly a hate crime targeting our Muslim population at Rutgers, the statement read. We will continue to say what we are suppose to on Eid. Allahu Akbar, God is Greater. God is Greater than acts of hate and we will continue to carry on. Our building can be smashed, but our wills cannot, the statement continued. The Rutgers Police Department issued a statement on Facebook saying it was investigating a burglary, criminal mischief, and bias crime that occurred at the CILRU at 4:34 a.m. EDT Wednesday. In this incident, the perpetrator(s) used force to gain access to the building. Once inside the perpetrator(s) caused damage to several items of value. The area was unoccupied at the time of this incident, the police statement read. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A First for Viking, New Five-Night "Spirit of Mongolia" Extension Offers Fully Guided, Immersive Experiences Before or After China Itineraries LOS ANGELES, April 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking (www.viking.com) today announced that for the first time it is offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with the new Spirit of Mongolia extension program. The five-night, fully guided Pre or Post extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region, from the ancient city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert. The Spirit of Mongolia and a variety of other Pre and Post extensions, including Hong Kong and Beijing, are available for Viking's new, first-of-their-kind China itineraries: Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast and Wonders of China. Viking today announced its new Spirit of Mongolia extension to the companys first-of-its-kind China voyages beginning in 2024. The five-night, fully guided Pre or Post extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region. It will also mark Vikings first time ever offering destination-focused experiences in Mongolia. Pictured here, the Viking Yi Dun docked in Shanghai. For more information, visit www.viking.com. "We were proud to announce our new China ocean voyages recently, and we are now pleased to offer guests our first experiences in Mongolia," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. "Our guests are curious travelers who are interested in experiences that broaden their minds. With its geographic diversity and incredible history, Mongolia is an extraordinary destination making it a natural extension to our new China itineraries." Guests booked on the five-night Spirit of Mongolia Pre or Post extension will begin their journey in the city of Ulaanbaatar, where they will meet their Viking Representative and explore the sites of the city including the Chinggis Khaan National Museum, Mongolia's largest and most contemporary cultural institution, then step behind the scenes for a look at fossil specimens and more in the paleontology lab. After a day exploring the city, guests will continue their journey on to Dalanzadgad, where they will transfer to the award-winning Three Camel Lodge, an eco-lodge nestled in the foothills of the Altai Mountains in the Gobi Desert near the Gurvan Saikhan National Park. At the Three Camel Lodge, guests will enjoy comfortable accommodations in their own ger, an authentic yurt updated with modern amenities. For three days, guests may partake in lodge activities at their own pace including archery, a camel safari or an exploration of the famous Flaming Cliffs. Guests can also choose to join fellow early risers for a sunrise trek through the desert hills with a naturalist guide or take in panoramic views of the steppe from Bulagtai Mountain to examine ancient petroglyphs. Alternatively, guests can learn the secrets of making buuz (steamed dumplings) from the lodge's Mongolian chef. Following their time in the Gobi Desert, guests will return to Ulaanbaatar for additional exploration for one night before continuing their journey home or embarking on their Viking voyage in China. Story continues In addition to the new Spirit of Mongolia extension, Viking is offering four other immersive Pre and Post extensions for guests looking to explore more of China. The new, fully guided extensions range between three and four nights, and are offered in the iconic cities of Hong Kong and Beijing, as well as some of the natural beauty of Guilin and Suzhou. The additional extensions include: Beijing Delve into the mysteries of Beijing, one of history's great capitals and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Optional excursions offer an opportunity to be immersed in this multilayered city's eclectic mix of China's ancient past and bold future. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary. Hong Kong Delve into one of the world's foremost metropolises with an extension in Hong Kong. Admire the captivating cityscape and soak up its blend of tradition and modernity, culture and commerce. An optional excursion to Macau allows for more opportunities to experience China's lively southern coast. The 3-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries. Hong Kong & Guilin Explore two versions of China the urban spectacle of Hong Kong and the enchanting natural beauty of Guilin. Admire the towering skyscrapers and energy of Hong Kong, a metropolis steeped in commerce and culture, while tranquil Guilin captivates with karst mountains, serene rivers and ancient caves. The 4-night extension is available on the Classic China & the Coast and China Discovery itineraries. Suzhou & Wuxi Discover Suzhou and Wuxi, famed for their exquisite gardens, canals and embodiment of ancient charm. Visit UNESCO-listed classical gardens, stroll ancient alleyways, gain insight into the region's legacy of silk making, cruise the scenic Grand Canal and view one of China's largest Buddha statues. The 3-night extension is available on the China Discovery itinerary. Viking's China Voyages Best of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) This 20-day cruisetour allows guests to see the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and rare giant pandas among other iconic destinations. Guests will enjoy China's scenic eastern coast, delve into Tibet's spiritual tradition, and admire the Terra Cotta Warriors while sailing the scenic eastern coast. Wonders of China (20 days; Beijing roundtrip) This comprehensive 20-day cruisetour itinerary delivers China's main highlights. Guests can meet a Tibetan family at their home, walk on the Great Wall and see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Additionally, guests experience the scenic coast of Dongtou and have opportunities to explore Gulangyu Island in Xiamen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Shenzhen, a UNESCO city of design. Classic China & the Coast (15 days; Beijing, Xian Hong Kong (Shenzhen)) This voyage combines the experiences of Viking's 10-day China Discovery voyage with opportunity to see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors and other iconic landmarks. While sailing China's coastline, guests can experience a phenomenal diversity in languages, cultures and cuisines. China Discovery (10 days; Shanghai Hong Kong (Shenzhen)) This 10-day itinerary allows guests to experience the Buddhist shrines of Zhoushan and the cliffs of Dongtou, follow the steps of 19th-century European diplomats on Gulangyu Island in Xiamen or try Cantonese dim sum in Shenzhen. To learn more about the itineraries and why China is such a captivating destination, Viking has also published two videos: Executive Vice President Karine Hagen invites travelers to learn more about these exclusive-to-Viking China voyages here, and Viking Vice President of Product Development Joost Ouendag provides an in-depth overview of the new voyages and the unique opportunity to be immersed in the history, culture and natural wonders of the Middle Kingdom here. The Viking Yi Dun Dedicated specifically to exploring destinations in China, with an onboard experience that complements guests' discoveries ashore, the Viking Yi Dun is a sister ship in Viking's award-winning ocean fleet. Classified by Cruise Critic as "small ships," Viking's ocean vessels have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with 465 staterooms that host 930 guests; the ships feature all veranda staterooms, Scandinavian design, light-filled public spaces and abundant al fresco dining options. Media Assets For more information about Viking, or for images and b-roll, please contact vikingpr@edelman.com. About Viking Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Conde Nast Traveler in the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards. Viking is also rated at the top of its categories for rivers, oceans and expeditions by Travel + Leisure. No other travel company has simultaneously received the same honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com. For Viking's award-winning enrichment channel, visit www.viking.tv. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/viking-announces-new-mongolia-extension-for-china-voyages-starting-in-2024-302113847.html SOURCE Viking (FOX40.COM) South Sacramento residents could have an easier and faster way of accessing the central areas of Sacramento with a rapid bus line along Stockton Boulevard. During Tuesdays meeting, the Sacramento City Council approved plans for the Stockton Boulevard Multimodal Partnership and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Project. The project will connect South Sacramento to the Sacramento Valley Station by way of Stockton Boulevard, Broadway and through Downtown Sacramento. The installation of BRT treatments along Stockton Boulevard will provide a direct, convenient, and safe travel route for community residents, while pedestrian and bicycle improvements will provide convenient access for surrounding neighborhoods to the community center, essential resources, and economic centers both adjacent to this corridor and accessible by public transportation, a City of Sacramento reads. Sacramento City Council considers what to do with 102-acre Meadowview property Estimated costs to complete preliminary engineering and environmental documentation for the project will be $5.85 million. The coalition is looking for $650,000 in initial funding from federal grants and the State and Federal Grant Match Program. An additional $5.2 million is planned to come in the 2024-2025 fiscal year from state and federal funds. Councilmember Eric Guerra said that the idea for this project began in 2015 when the community was first brought together to discuss the idea of reimagining mass transit along the former arterial roadway. Dump Day in Sacramento: How residents can dispose of excess garbage for free Stockton Boulevard can no longer be the old Highway 99 that it once used to be and in fact we should go back to an earlier time when we actually had the street car down the center of Stockton Boulevard, Guerra said during Tuesdays meeting. The councils decision on Tuesday does not mean that residents can expect to see shovels in the ground anytime soon. There is no publicly shared timeline of when rapid buses will be operating along Stockton Boulevard. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The Sacramento Fire Department said Wednesday the cause behind a devastating fire that gutted a promising affordable housing and retail development last month on Broadway remains undetermined. A conflagration tore through a portion of the On Broadway Apartments project at 19th and X streets, sending black smoke spewing March 26 into the capital citys skyline. Sacramento Fire Department spokesman Capt. Justin Sylvia said Wednesday arson investigators combed through hours of footage from at least 13 cameras and couldnt see any human activity at all around the time of the fire. Firefighters had arrived to smoke clouding the scene about 1 a.m. March 26 while returning back to their station from an unrelated call. He added there was electrical equipment near where the fire started, but there wasnt enough evidence to show it caused the blaze. Theres no evidence on our end that indicates this was a criminal act, Sylvia said. Intense heat from the fire at the $94 million housing project warped traffic lights nearby and damaged cars parked across the road on X Street, Sylvia said previously. Local elected officials lauded the construction as a chance to provide badly needed affordable housing and increase economic vitality to the area. The 140-unit construction promised to earmark 25% of units for homeless residents, according to The Sacramento Bees previous reporting, some of whom live under freeway overpasses next door. San Rafael-based developer EAH Housing had planned to turn a lot at the northeast corner of 19th and Broadway into two structures, each a five-story mix of retail and affordable housing units. Construction had begun by July 2023, and was expected to last for 22 months, an EAH spokesperson said previously. The On Broadway Apartments were set to be a 165,000-square-foot complex that would include 75 single-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom apartments and 50 three-bedroom units. It would also have both a community center, a learning center and 111 long-term bicycle parking stalls, according to The Bees previous reporting. EAH Housing had vowed to restart construction as soon as possible. It did not immediately return a request for comment on Wednesday about its future plans. Reality Check is a Sacramento Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com. The city of Sacramento has ordered Camp Resolution a first-of-it-kind close community of unhoused people living in city trailers to close next month. Assistant City Manager Mario Lara sent a letter March 28 to Mark Merin of Safe Ground Sacramento, Inc., which leases the site from the city. A state document allowing people to live in trailers on the site despite air contamination, expires June 1. Due to that, the city is ordering all residents to move off the city-owned North Sacramento lot by May 16. Merin is trying to persuade city staff to let the residents stay longer at the two-acre site, at Colfax Street and Arden Way, he said. If that doesnt work, he hopes the city will open another safe parking site in North Sacramento where residents can move after the May 16 eviction date. The city has met with Merin to discuss the possibility of a new safe parking site, city spokesman Tim Swanson said. The city remains committed to helping unsheltered individuals connect with all available resources and to working with community partners to explore new ways to address the ongoing homelessness crisis, Swanson said. The city in 2022 signed a variance with the Central Valley Regional Water Board that allowed people to camp in trailers on the site, but prohibited them to camp in tents, due to vapor contamination. The type of contamination thats present is not harmful to people in vehicles because theyre raised off the ground, the water board said at the time. Some people lived in tents anyway, prompting District Attorney Thien Ho to threaten to sue the city. People are no longer living in tents on the site. Swanson said the city cannot comment further about the site because of Hos threat of prosecution. Patrick Pulupa, executive officer for the Central Valley Regional Water Board, said it was ultimately the citys decision to close Camp Resolution. We understand that enforcement of the variance conditions was difficult for both the city and the occupants of the site and respect the citys decision to close the safe parking site, Pulupa said in an email. Our response to this situation has always focused on safeguarding the health and safety of the people living at Camp Resolution. We will pledge to work with the city as it looks for alternate sites where vapor contamination is not a concern. Where could new homeless site open? If a new site does open, it would likely be at one in the document the city released in 2021, which listed several vacant North Sacramento city-owned properties. The plan included a city-owned property at Eleanor and Traction avenues, and another at Lexington Street and Dixieanne Avenue. Both lots are within two miles of Camp Resolution and remain vacant. The citys cost would be between $400,000 and $1.6 million to prepare either site for trailers, Public Works Director Ryan Moore told the City Council in 2022. This embedded content is not available in your region. Given the looming projected $58 million budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts July 1, the council might not approve that expense. Shoun Thao, whos temporarily serving as the council member for the district until Dec. 10, said he has asked the city for data on the success of Camp Resolution, including data on the number of people who got into housing after spending time there. After he receives the data, he will decide if he wants to explore opening a new safe parking site in the district, he said. Camp Resolution is unique because it is self-governed, meaning instead of a costly contractor, its run by the homeless people who live there. That means there are no day to day operating costs to the city, unlike the shelter at X Street and Alhambra Boulevard, which costs the city about $10 million a year. Camp Resolution has a strong community feeling, where family dinners and poetry nights are frequent and large art pieces line the fencing that surrounds it, including one that reads, COME MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS. Camp Resolution residents Joyce Williams and Desiree Pryor embrace in November 2022 after Tammy Myler, right, thanked everyone who spoke at a Sacramento City Council meeting where a motion was approved to postpone removing the homeless encampment. The camp was also created in a unique way. When Mayor Darrell Steinberg in 2021 released a list of potential shelter sites, it included the lot, where a tent encampment had sprung up. Upon learning the site was a homeless shelter option, homeless people, many of whom were women, formed a movement to occupy the site. The city threatened them with police eviction but later agreed to let them stay put. The city later provided 33 trailers, which lack air conditioning and heat but do provide a locking door and roof. Several people have been living at the site the whole time its been open, over a year, and still have not been able to move into permanent housing. The original lease said it was going to be renewed in perpetuity until people got housing, said Merin, whos also a high-profile civil rights attorney. So were looking at that. Why didnt they get housing? The Sacramento Homeless Union, which represents the homeless residents at Camp Resolution, said Friday in a news release it would fight the closure. It said the lease contains language that bars the city from closing the camp until all residents get permanent housing. Right now, the city of Sacramento is dramatically intensifying its illegal, violent and unconstitutional sweeps of the homeless, the Sacramento Homeless Union said. Camp Resolution was supposed to be a safe refuge from the citys brutality and we have no intention of letting the city now shut it down without a fight. Even with its problems, the Camp was recognized as a potential model of success where the city had otherwise completely failed to address homelessness except through violence against the homeless themselves. Camp Resolution was never perfect, but it was and is an inspiration to the homeless everywhere. It was and is a victory for the organized homeless that is well worth defending. The city earlier this year opened a large North Sacramento homeless shelter on Roseville Road, but like all the citys roughly 1,300 shelter beds, its typically full on any given night. Over 2,600 people are on the waiting list for a shelter bed, and an additional 666 families, according to a recent city report. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to travel to Las Vegas on Monday, April 15, according to the White House. Harris will highlight the impact of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Details of her arrival time at Harry Reid International Airport and where she will be in Las Vegas have not been released. The legislation passed in 2022 following an elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Efforts to control gun violence through laws have often landed in court. Today, The Associated Press reported that thousands of firearms dealers will have to run background checks on buyers at gun shows as a Biden administration rule goes into effect. Las Vegas provides a backdrop for discussions on gun control six and a half years after a gunman killed 58 people attending a country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. Two additional deaths have since been attributed to the 1 October shooting, carried out by Stephen Paddock, who killed himself afterward in a Mandalay Bay hotel room. Its the fourth trip to Las Vegas this year by the vice president. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. When Saltzer Health closed, these 5 doctors patients needed care. This is what happened Three days after Saltzer Health shuttered for good, Dr. Megan Kasper, an OB-GYN in Nampa, began unpacking U-Haul boxes in her new clinic. Her staff helped unload paperwork, office supplies, medical equipment and memorabilia. A sign taped to a glass door at the entrance said, Coming soon! Despite only just moving into the space, Kasper had two appointments scheduled for the afternoon. Many of her patients are pregnant and cant afford to delay care. Kasper had worked at Saltzer for nearly a decade by the time the medical group closed March 29. When Intermountain Health Care, the large Utah-based nonprofit health system that owns Saltzer, shared in January that it would either sell or close, she knew it was time to move on. It wouldve been my fifth owner at Saltzer, Kasper told the Idaho Statesman. And I was done. So she opened Grace Womens Health at 5826 E. Franklin Road in Nampa, in the same building as a Red Cross blood donation center. Fortunately, the space was previously used as a family medicine clinic and didnt need to be renovated. Dr. Megan Kasper, an OB-GYN, opens her new clinic, Grace Womens Health, in Nampa on April 1. But finding a location and signing a lease was just the start. She had to file for a limited liability company, or LLC, with the Idaho secretary of state. She had to find an electronic health record and bring in information technology workers to get computers and a phone system set up. She procured janitorial services, document shredding and biohazard waste disposal. An answering service for patients who call when the office isnt open. Vendors for medical supplies and prescription medication. A Google account, website and social media pages for the business, so people can find it online. Perhaps the biggest hurdle was setting up contracts and getting credentialed with insurance companies. Credentialing is a process where an insurance company verifies that a provider is who they say they are. Because Kasper was already practicing in the community, she was already credentialed. But at her new clinic she bills patients under a different tax identification number and had to redo it. A medical assistant at Grace Womens Health in Nampa carries supplies to a storage closet April 1. It generally takes 90-120 days to get contracted and credentialed with the insurance companies, she said. Before she could even begin the process, she had to have an address and a phone number. It wasnt like I could start on Jan. 18 when Saltzer made the announcement, she said. Joining her at Grace Womens Health are three certified-nurse midwives who also used to work at Saltzer: Teresa Blair, Cortney Schnupp and Kathy Watkins. Cortney Schnupp, a certified nurse-midwife who previously worked at Saltzer, unpacks boxes at Grace Womens Health, a new clinic in Nampa. Kasper said the support from her patients during the transition has been overwhelming. At first, she wondered whether she could set up the clinic fast enough so that they wouldnt experience any gaps in care. Patients have loyalty to their provider to their doctor or midwife, she said. They dont tend to have loyalty to an organization. The organization is not who theyre sitting with in an exam room, talking to about their health. So the vast majority of our patients have wanted to continue care with us if at all possible. And she isnt alone. Several of her colleagues at Saltzer are also opening private practices, and theyre bringing most of their patients with them. Ophthalmologist leases space, equipment from Saltzer Dr. Ken Hainsworth, a Nampa ophthalmologist, worked at Saltzer for more than two decades. It was his first job after residency, and he liked it so much that he never left. Until now. He said the providers at Saltzer were like a family. I hit the jackpot with Saltzer. I couldnt have asked for a better place to work, Hainsworth said. That last day was super sad. People were really emotional, just crying. But when life gives you lemons, you open a private practice. Hes starting a new ophthalmology clinic, Canyon Eyecare, in the same location where he practiced under Saltzer, at 215 E. Hawaii Ave., Suite 260, in Nampa. Its slated to open May 13. Hell use the same desks in the same rooms with the same equipment as before. Hes also hired five former Saltzer employees to staff the clinic. They were very kind and gave me a good lease rate for the space, he said by phone. I find myself very optimistic about whats going to happen. His longtime partner, Dr. Ryan McKinnon, is leaving the Treasure Valley. On Saltzers website, where information was added to show where some providers are ending up, McKinnon encouraged his patients to continue their eye care with Hainsworth. Dr. Carrie Newton, a general surgeon, is joining Mountain States Breast & General Surgery, a new clinic at 1525 S. Owyhee St. in Boise. The practice was started less than a year ago by Dr. Rhiana Menen, who left St. Lukes Health System in late 2023. Newton and her husband, Dr. Aaron Newton, an orthopedic surgeon, both worked at Saltzer. He joins the Saint Alphonsus Health System on April 29. Carrie Newton said the transition has been a challenge, but shes excited for whats to come. Having the closure impact both of us was really quite a shock, Newton said by phone. She plans to start at Mountain States in July, as soon as shes done with credentialing. That was the biggest problem with the short notice that we were given. Saltzer closure a roller coaster Dr. Mark Rasmus, a sleep medicine specialist and former board member at Saltzer, opened the doors to his new clinic, Everything Sleep Idaho, at 7272 Potomac Drive in Boise on April 2. The building was leased by Saltzer, and Rasmus was able to transfer the lease to himself. He has another space, for a sleep lab, at 215 N. Georgia Ave. in Nampa, for which he was able to negotiate a longer-term lease. Rasmus worked at Saltzer for 16 years. He already has some experience as a small-business owner through his medical supply store Everything CPAP, which provides CPAP equipment, training and fittings throughout the Treasure Valley. To open his private practice, he hired a Boise medical management company for help. Joining Rasmus are three other Saltzer providers: Brian Kittelson, a nurse practitioner; Taya Gill, a physician assistant; and Heather Grote, a physician assistant. Its been a roller coaster, he said. I saw one of our partners was quoted, I think in Beckers (Hospital Review), as saying its been the most stressful 60 days of his career, and I think I would echo that sentiment. Its been a ton of expense, both financially and emotionally. I was signing paperwork up until the final 12 hours of working at Saltzer. He still doesnt have the electronic health record data for his patients, though hes contractually assumed that risk in the meantime. Thats the sort of thing that if we had a couple months more notice, we easily could have had it done, he said. The same issue applies to appointment records. With more time, he and his staff could have transferred them over. Instead, theyve had to print out the records and will manually enter them back into the system. Heartwarming response from patients Saltzer in January sent a letter to patients notifying them of its plans to close or sell by March 29, but Rasmus told the Statesman at the time that it wasnt nearly enough notice. He worried about what would happen to his patients, a number of whom are chronically ill. Most of his patients have transferred with him. He said the support has been unbelievably heartwarming. I was really feeling burnt out working for big medicine for several years now, and I wasnt able to put my finger on why I felt that way, he said by phone. But Im so reinvigorated and so excited to get started seeing patients under our new practice. I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my back. The change in control and ownership I feel like Im being freed. And I honestly feel like Im going to be able to provide better care. Still, he said hes gravely concerned, not so much for his patients anymore, but for other former Saltzer patients who now have to sort through to the system to find another primary care physician. Its going to be a game of musical chairs, he said. Dr. Erik Richardson, D.O., and Dr. Elaine Davison, M.D. get ready to open their private practice after practicing medicine at Saltzer Health. Dr. Erik Richardson, former associate medical director of family medicine at Saltzer, also started an independent practice with Dr. Elaine Davidson. Its a new family medicine clinic called Ridgeview Family Health at 2840 S. Meridian Road in Meridian. The clinic opened April 15. Richardson, who worked at Saltzer for 13 years, said theyve been trying to assuage concerns by reassuring patients of their commitment to staying in the Valley. One of the beauties of primary care is that you develop that relationship with patients over time, he said by phone. You treat them, you treat their children, you treat their extended families. Were excited to be able to continue that tradition. Joining the new practice are four former Saltzer providers, including two physician assistants and two nurse practitioners. Richardson said hes relieved to no longer work for a large health system. To have the ability as an independent physician to prioritize my staff and patients Im just excited for it, Richardson said. I think well be able to provide excellent care, make changes on the fly if we need to and just continue to give the best parts of medicine while leaving the other parts behind. Some of Saltzers Boise-area health clinics will be kept alive. Some wont. What to know Idaho needs doctors. But many dont want to come here. What that means for patients Medical leaders paint grim picture for maternal health unless Idaho alters abortion law Caldwell hospital will close labor, delivery units. What its saying and not saying SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) A San Angelo man has been sentenced to 3 years in confinement after pleading guilty to committing intoxicated manslaughter in 2020. Law enforcement was dispatched to United States Highway 67 at 5:50 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2020, in response to a motor vehicle crash. The collision involved a pickup truck and a tractor pulling a grain drill. The driver of the pickup was identified as Joshua Joseph Corfield. The driver of the tractor, identified as Brett Mohler, was pronounced dead at the scene. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jesse Smith investigated the collision site and discovered several empty alcohol containers inside Corfields vehicle. Corfields blood was drawn and set to a TxDPS lab for testing hours after the crash, and blood test results revealed that Corfield had a blood alcohol content level of 0.154. Corfield, 41, was brought up on an intoxicated manslaughter charge on April 10, 2024. Corfield pled guilty to the charge, and a one-day punishment hearing would result in him receiving a sentence of 3 years confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Justice and a mandatory fine of $6,000. We hope that this verdict and disposition of the criminal case will begin the healing process for the victims family, the District Attorneys Office of the 51st Judicial Court said. Driving while intoxicated can have serious, permanent consequences, and in this case, it resulted in the loss of a loving father, husband and son. Under the charge, Corfield could have received a sentence of up to 20 years. These cases are difficult for everyone involved. We hope that the verdict sends a message to the community to think twice before getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, the District Attorneys Office of the 51st Judicial Court said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Members of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders' family attend her "State of the State" speech in the Arkansas House chamber on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. From left, her mother, Janet Huckabee; son George Sanders; her father, former Gov. Mike Huckabee; son Huck; daughter Scarlett; and husband Bryan Sanders. (Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate) Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders used Wednesdays State of the State address to tout her ongoing policy priorities, primarily education and law enforcement, and urge state lawmakers to pass her proposed state budget. Send me a budget that funds critical services for Arkansans while slowing the growth of government and I will sign it, Sanders told members of the House and Senate during a joint session on the first day of the states eighth fiscal session. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders highlighted key areas of her proposed fiscal 2025 budget before a joint session of the Arkansas Legislature as it begin its 2024 fiscal session on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate) The $6.3 billion general revenue budget proposal includes a significantly smaller spending increase $109 million, or 1.76% compared to previous fiscal years annual 3% hikes. Sanders reiterated that the proposal fulfills her promise to slow the out-of-control growth of government. Arkansas had deep, entrenched problems when I took office, she said. We werent going to solve them with the same failed policies that got us here in the first place, so we charted a new course last year. She listed as accomplishments several policies enacted so far in her term, including two laws cutting income taxes, plans to open a new 3,000-bed prison, an executive order banning certain gender-neutral terms in government documents and a social media age verification law, which has been temporarily blocked in court. Sanders also emphasized her dedication to funding and empowering law enforcement and said her budget proposal includes $3.8 million that would replenish the ranks of the Arkansas State Police. She also said she wants to add 100 new officers to the force. There are people outside this chamber and even a few inside who want to distract us from these common-sense reforms, Sanders said. I beg of you: do not let them. Education policy After prioritizing education during her first year in office, Sanders praised the success of the states new school voucher program. New participant applications opened April 1, and Sanders said more than 1,800 applications were submitted on the first day. About a quarter of new Educational Freedom Account program applicants are children of active military duty personnel and veterans, she said. The latter group is newly eligible for the program, which is being phased in over three years. Educational freedom is the least that we can do for those who put everything on the line for our freedom, Sanders said. This time next year, we will have universal education freedom for the first time in Arkansas history. The EFA program is a provision of the LEARNS Act, an expansive education law backed by Sanders that has made several changes to the states education system since its passage last year. The governors proposed budget includes $100 million to support LEARNS initiatives. A proposed $65.8 million spending increase for the EFA program accounts for roughly 60% of the budget proposals overall increase. The voucher program provides state funding for allowable education expenses, such as private school tuition. More than 5,400 students and 100 schools participated in the programs first year. Eligibility criteria is being expanded each year until the program is open to all Arkansas students in the 2025-2026 academic year. Before this year, Arkansas families had no choice where to send their kids to school, Sanders said. LEARNS expanded education freedom to more than 5,000 students in just one year. Fifty percent of those students have learning disabilities. The Arkansas Legislature passed limited school choice legislation prior to the LEARNS Act. The Public School Choice Act of 2015 allows students to transfer to a nonresident district, while the Opportunity School Choice Act permits students in a school with an F-rating or in need of Level 5 Intensive support from the state to transfer to another public school. The Legislature in 2015 also created the Succeed Scholarship Program, which provided private school tuition for students with disabilities, foster children and military families. The program has been absorbed into the EFA program. In addition to the voucher program, the LEARNS Act also raises the states minimum teacher salary to $50,000 and prohibits indoctrination in Arkansas schools. Sanders signed an executive order with similar phrasing regarding indoctrination on her first day in office. The governor said Wednesday that she was proud to have enacted the policy for the sake of our childrens future. Three Little Rock Central High students, their parents and the schools AP African American Studies teacher sued the indoctrination clause in federal court last month, saying its unworkably vague and oppressive, and it discriminates on the basis of race. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Sanders re-emphasizes education and public safety in State of the State address appeared first on Arkansas Advocate. Sanford leaders joined public housing officials on Thursday to mark the opening of Somerset Landings, a much-needed 84-unit apartment complex for low-income residents in the historic Goldsboro community. This is a blessing for me, said Debbie Padgett quietly while holding back tears. The Sanford retiree in her mid-60s moved into a two-bedroom apartment at Somerset roughly two weeks ago. For the past two years, Padgett has shuttled between motels and the streets as she struggled to find an affordable, stable place to live. It has been very difficult, she said. Ive just been tired of living in and out of motels. So Im very fortunate now. The new complex with modern stone architecture off Halstead Lane towers over the site of the old Monroe Landings, a public-housing project that was razed in 2013 because of leaking roofs, water damage, faulty air conditioners, rat infestations and mold. Appliances were scarce, as many residents resorted to cooking meals on camping stoves and stored food in ice chests, while sweltering without air conditioning on summer nights. Monroe Landings was among six public-housing complexes that were condemned and demolished about a decade ago because of uninhabitable conditions caused by years of neglect from the Sanford Housing Authority. Five of those complexes were in Goldsboro, a historic Black community just west of U.S. Highway 17-92 founded by laborers more than 120 years ago. Since then, the Sanford Housing Authority has come under the oversight of the Orlando Housing Authority. And the agency has started building and opening affordable-housing complexes using a combination of federal and state dollars. Developed by Wendover Housing Partners, the $16-million Somerset Landings is the third new affordable housing complex to replace the old public housing projects. It was primarily paid for with federal, state and local funds. To be eligible, residents of any age at Somerset must earn between 35% and 60% of the areas median household income of just under $60,000. Rent is based on income levels; on average, its about $500 for a one-bedroom apartment. Inside a typical unit, the kitchen has an island with a sink and cutting-board countertops, along with a new stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Doors open to reveal a washer and dryer. Another door leads to a spacious pantry. The bathrooms have walk-in showers. On Thursday, the pleasing smell of fresh paint and new floors lingered throughout the family, kitchen and bedrooms. The complex offers exercise rooms, a community center, reading rooms on each floor, and a daycare center. As of Thursday, 22 of the apartments are occupied. Housing officials said they are currently screening residents for the remaining units. We all know what a struggle is to find affordable housing in this area, said Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff. And this is not anything like what used to be here. Among those attending Thursdays event was Richard Monocchio, a deputy assistant director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington D.C. There is a supply problem when it comes to affordable housing [in the United States], he said. We have to build, build more. In fact, 2 million more across the country. Today the median rent in the Central Florida area within Kissimmee, Orlando and Sanford considered one of the toughest areas in the country to find affordable housing is about $2,127 a month, a 4.4% increase from two years ago, according to rent.com. That means a worker earning $11 an hour would have to work 92 hours a week to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Leatha Jones who moved into Somerset about a week ago is one of the fortunate ones. The retiree now has a stable place to live thats a short distance from grocery stores, shops and downtown Sanford. Im very happy, she said. The place I was living in before was falling apart. I didnt have a dishwasher. I had to buy my own stove and refrigerator. The landlord kept raising the rent. mcomas@orlandosentinel.com Wawa, Inc. To Mark Chainwide Celebration, Wawa to Give Away 1.5 Million Cups of Coffee, Recognize Over 1,000 Day Brightening Customers, Distribute $1 Million in Gift Cards to Local and National Charity Partners, and Celebrate Expansion Plans WAWA, Pa., April 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wawa, Inc., today announced a special milestone in the companys history. This years annual Wawa Day tradition will mark Wawas 60th anniversary in the convenience retail space and will be packed with more excitement and day-brightening moments than ever before! On April 16th, the company will celebrate the occasion by offering customers FREE hot coffee of any size, chainwide, all day! Throughout the day, Wawa expects to give nearly 1.5 million free cups of any-size coffee to customers at its more than 1,000 stores, which will be decked out in 1960s decor and feature special 60-cent promotions! To view images of vintage Wawa through the years and special video, click here. On April 16,1964, Wawa entered the retail business by opening its first store in Folsom, Pennsylvania. Now, more than 1,000 stores later, Wawa is celebrating 60 years in retail by thanking communities with free coffee and sharing stories of the special connections between associates and customers that have been building for six decades. As we celebrate this momentous 60th anniversary milestone, we want to thank our customers and associates for creating the unforgettable connections that have propelled us through the years and have allowed us to continue to go beyond filling orders, to fulfilling lives every day, said Chris Gheysens, Wawas CEO. On April 16, we invite our customers to celebrate our history and our future, and toast with us as we celebrate the countless day-brightening moments that we have had together through the years. Wawa Day 60th Anniversary Free Coffee Key chainwide Wawa Day activities will include: Free Hot Coffee, Chainwide: Wawa will give away close to 1.5 million free cups of any-size hot coffee for all customers, chainwide, all day in vintage cups that reflect designs through the decades . Customers can simply come into their local store and grab their favorite hot beverage from Wawas self-serve coffee bar with our heartfelt thanks for being loyal customers. Day Brightener Recognition for Customers: All 1,000+ stores across Wawas chain will select a "Day Brightening customer that is near and dear to the store team and present them with a special Day Brightener sash, mug and a weeks worth of coffee. Soaring at 60 Expansion Announcements : This Wawa Day, Wawa will thank its customers for enabling the company to reach this tremendous milestone and share plans for future expansion. To learn more about Wawas expansion plans, click here. Special 60-Cent Deals and Store Decor: Stores will feature vintage decor, cups, hoagie paper and offer special tumblers for sale. Additionally, customers will enjoy special 60-cent promotions, including a special 60-cent birthday cake donut as well as teas, juices, lemonade! Celebrating the 10 th Anniversary of The Wawa Foundation: In April of 2014, Wawa celebrated its 50 th anniversary with the launch of The Wawa Foundation , a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to encompass most of Wawa's charitable giving. This Wawa Day will mark 10 years since the Foundations inception! Throughout the years, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation have contributed more than $160 million to causes related to health, hunger and everyday heroes. Presentation of $1 million in gift cards to National and Local Partners: Wawa and the Wawa Foundation will honor their local and national charity partners by distributing $1 Million in gift cards! Partners include Special Olympics, the American Red Cross, Childrens Miracle Network, the USO, JDRF, LLS and Check Out Hunger Feeding America Food Bank partners. About Wawa Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, PA in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and certified process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, Georges grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 in Pennsylvania as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, every day stop for freshly prepared foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services and surcharge-free ATMs. With nearly 1,000 locations to date, Wawa stores offer a large fresh foodservice selection, including Wawa brands such as custom prepared hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, hand-crafted specialty beverages, a dinner menu including burgers and pizza along with an assortment of soups, sides and snacks. Forbes.com Ranks Wawa as #20 of Americas Largest Private Companies, #1 in Convenience Category for Americas Best Customer Service by Newsweek, and one of Forbes 2023 Americas Best Employers for Women and New College Grads. CONTACT: public.relations@wawa.com An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ac058401-639d-4741-bb91-3f33ab558b25 SC woman arrested by Charlotte and Bessemer City police in armed robbery case BESSEMER CITY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Charlotte and Bessemer City authorities have arrested a South Carolina woman for her involvement in an armed robbery case. According to Bessemer City Police, at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, officers within their department and CMPDs Violent Criminal Apprehension Team took Shelby Maire Ziska, of Blacksburg, SC, into custody on an outstanding warrant. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Ziska has been charged with: Robbery with a dangerous weapon Conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon Zilska is being held at the Gaston County Jail without bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Scholz: Germany will not turn its back on Mali and neighbours German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech during during a final ceremony in honour of soldiers deployed in Mali, in front of the German Ministry of Defence. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to continue Germany's involvement in the West African states of the Sahel region, which are ruled by the military following coups. In view of the terrorist threat, stabilizing Mali and its neighbours is important even after the withdrawal of the German Armed Forces, or Bundeswehr, and the end of the UN mission in Mali. "We cannot and will not turn our backs on this region for this reason," he said on Thursday in Berlin at the valedictory speech in honour of the Bundeswehr's deployment in Mali. "This includes dialogue with the governments in the region, even if this dialogue is difficult." Mali and its neighbouring states Burkina Faso and Niger are ruled by the military following coups and are increasingly turning towards Russia. The 12,000 UN peacekeepers had to leave Mali at the end of last year. Scholz paid tribute to the approximately 20,000 German peacekeepers who served in Mali during the Bundeswehr's 10-year mission. He thanked them for their service and commitment. He assured that stabilization missions would remain a task for the Bundeswehr. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) marked the end of the Bundeswehr's second major deployment outside Europe after its withdrawal from Afghanistan. It was considered one of the most dangerous. More than 200 so-called Blue Helmet soldiers lost their lives during the mission. Among them were two German pilots. In addition, a total of 12 German soldiers were wounded in a suicide attack in 2021. "We will not forget that," said Scholz. [LEAD FROM HERE - Adds Pistorius and background from graf 9] The UN peacekeeping mission had not achieved what it had set out to do, said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. "But that wasn't down to us." Even if the political balance remains mixed, he praised the deployment of the Bundeswehr soldiers and civilian staff. Northern Mali was occupied by separatist rebel groups and Islamist militias in 2012. The area was recaptured by soldiers under the leadership of former colonial power France. In 2013, MINUSMA was launched to create stability and enforce a peace agreement between the government and rebels. In 2021, the current military junta seized power and turned its back on France while expanding cooperation with Russia. Germany's withdrawal dragged on for months and was complicated by a military coup in neighbouring Niger, which was previously considered the last democratic partner in the Sahel region. The Bundeswehr also maintains an air transport base there, the future of which is unclear. (L-R) Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Foreign Minister, Nancy Faeser, Interior Minister, Manuela Schwesig, Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and President of the Bundesrat, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Baerbel Bas, President of the German Bundestag, and Boris Pistorius, Defence Minister, take part in a final ceremony in honour of soldiers deployed in Mali, in front of the German Ministry of Defence. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech during during a final ceremony in honour of soldiers deployed in Mali, in front of the German Ministry of Defence. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) and Germany's Defence Minister Boris Pistorius review a military honour guard of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) during a final ceremony in honour of soldiers deployed in Mali, in front of the German Ministry of Defence. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Brad Snowgren will move from interim principal to principal of Perry High School starting on July 1. The school board approved his appointment during a special meeting on Wednesday. Board members worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services and Ray and Associates, Inc. to conduct the search. The rival Iowa search firms partnered at no cost to help find a successor to Perry High School Principal Dan Marburger, who died of wounds suffered in the Jan. 4 shootings at the school. Dylan Butler, a 17-year-old Perry High student, killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and wounded seven other people, including Marburger, before taking his own life. Marburger who police say tried to intervene to protect students died 10 days later. He served in the Perry district for nearly 30 years, first as associate principal in 1995, then as principal beginning in 1997. Before the board approved Snowgren's appointment, Marburger's family spoke during Wednesdays open forum. While Hannah Pierce understands that her dad cannot and will not be replaced, she said, Im probably biased. My dad loved this place so much, he gave his life protecting it and his people, Pierce said. We just want to make sure due diligence has been done to ensure that Perry High School has the best candidate that will carry on his qualities. Superintendent Clark Wicks said during Wednesdays meeting that Grundmeyer Leader Services and Ray and Associates, Inc. cast a wide net and came up with 13 applicants. The two search firms told Wicks that the average is 12 for the high school principal position. After reviewing the 13 applicants, the number was reduced to six. Those six answered questions through video, Wicks said, and the number was then narrowed to three. He said around 37 people participated in the interview team, including students, parents, teachers and community members. After going through the results from the interview process, Wicks recommended Snowgren to serve as the next high school principal. We wanted to be able to have a person that we feel could handle this extremely challenging situation, Wicks said. Since Jan. 4, I feel that Mr. Snowgren has been able to do an extremely effective job connecting with the students, connecting with staff and doing a job in which nobody else would realize how difficult the situation was. The district said in a statement that Snowgren has overseen the daily operations of the high school building in his role as interim principal since Jan. 4. He has assisted in extracurricular activities, helped manage facilities and consulted on the buildings construction and remodeling project for reopening. In a statement, Snowgren said he is "deeply honored and humbled" to lead Perry High School. As principal, I look forward to guiding our students towards success in both academics and character development," Snowgren said in a statement. Snowgren previously served as the associate principal of Perry High School for over six years and began his career in education as a high school physical education and health teacher in the Fairfield Community School District. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Brad Snowgren to move from interim to principal at Perry High School Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect the five city manager finalists participated in an interview panel with Topekas governing body. UPDATE: Alan Howze and Robert Perez are the two finalists for the position, according to an email from a City of Topeka spokeswoman. TOPEKA (KSNT) The City of Topeka will hold a special meeting to interview and discuss the two final candidates for Topekas city manager position. The special meeting will be held on Friday, April 12. The final candidates were Jeffrey Dingman, Alan Howze, William Jones, Robert Perez, Abbe Yacoben. The city didnt specify which of the candidates will be interviewed during the special meeting. The finalists participated in two interview panels on Monday, April 8. One panel included Mayor Michael Padilla and selected community stakeholders Laura Burton, Susan Duffy, Kerry Pancoast, Danielle Twemlow and Keith Warta. The other panel was with the governing body. These interviews were not open to the public. An additional public event was held the same day. 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. PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) The Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School received a second threat to school safety in a week on Wednesday evening. School administrators determined the threat was non-credible later that night after law enforcement and school administration investigated. Based on the information that we currently have, it has been determined that this is a non-credible threat, Superintendent Travis Duley said in a letter to parents Wednesday night. PBL administration and the Paxton Police Department feel confident the situation has been fully addressed and students are safe to attend school. High school administrators also received a threat to school safety last Friday morning through their online reporting system. Police were present at the high school and searching students as they were entering the building. Paxton high school, police investigating threat to school safety The high school has put in increased security measures in response to Fridays threat this week, the school announced in a letter on Monday. The high school has an increased police presence for Thursday out of an abundance of caution, Duley noted in the letter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. SELMA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A Selma Unified School District employee was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of multiple sexual abuse charges involving a child, according to the Selma Police Department. The school district said the accusation involves inappropriate interactions with a female student. Selma Police say they arrested 26-year-old Selena Perez of Selma on Wednesday; she posted bail and bonded out of jail that same day. Selena Perez, 26 (image courtesy of the Fresno County Sheriffs Office) Perez was booked into the Fresno County Jail on multiple felony charges including lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, sexual battery, arranging a meeting with a minor, and annoying and harassing a child under the age of 18. Give him justice: As Lisa Spoors is sentenced, victims family fights for more The Selma Unified School District released the following statement. Weve been informed on April 10th that a female campus safety assistant has been accused of having inappropriate interactions with a female student. The employee, who works at our middle school, has been removed from campus by our campus School Resource Officer, who is a Police Officer working at the school site. Selma Unified School District Superintendent Ed Gomes If anyone has additional information regarding this investigation they are asked to contact the Selma Police Department at (559) 891-2263. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Senate Democrats are pushing back against calls for Justice Sonia Sotomayor to step aside from the Supreme Court after left-wing activists and commentators raised the idea in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of what happened after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburgs death four years ago. Sotomayor, 69, is the oldest of the three liberal justices and is facing calls by some progressives to step down while Democrats hold both the White House and the upper chamber. They liken the situation to when Ginsburg opted not to step down in 2014 while then-President Obama could have appointed a successor; she died in 2020, leaving a seat open for former President Trump to fill and cement a 6-3 conservative majority. Those pushing for the associate justice to step aside point to potential health concerns as she has Type 1 diabetes. But Democrats say they arent ready for her to depart the court. Shes not 70. I might remind some of my colleagues to look around, check their birth certificate, Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a Judiciary Committee member, told The Hill. Shes going full speed ahead. Im not aware of significant issues, and I am aware of extraordinary competence. This is not an RGB situation, he added, using the common abbreviation of Ginsburgs name. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) also told reporters Monday that he wants Sotomayor to remain on the high court. A number of Democrats indicated they were floored that this conversation is even happening, as Sotomayor has given no public signals she is considering such a move or that her health has changed recently. I think shes doing a great job, and I think she should stay. Im a little baffled by [the chatter], Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor during the celebration of Womens Day at the Constitutional Court on March 4, 2024, in Madrid. (Eduardo Parra, Europa Press via Getty Images) Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declared that the talk is nonsense and said she was surprised that this issue has entered the discourse. Where did this come from? Warren said. I dont want to add any fuel to the fire on this. I think shes doing a great job, and I am grateful for her public service. Discussions about Sotomayors future escalated after Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), a Judiciary Committee member, told NBC News last week that Democrats should learn a lesson after what happened with Ginsburg, who was replaced by Justice Amy Coney Barrett shortly before the 2020 election. Its not like theres any mystery here about what the lesson should be. The old saying graveyards are full of indispensable people, ourselves in this body included, he told the outlet. Those worried about Sotomayor staying on the court are looking to what could be in the offing next year if everything breaks right for Republicans in November: A White House return by Trump and Senate victories in three red states could give the GOP north of 52 seats. This would give Republicans leeway ahead of what party operatives concede could be a tough map in 2026, depending on the dynamics. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speaks to a reporter before the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (Greg Nash) While Democrats are keenly aware of the situation, they arent ready to see Sotomayor leave the bench after what they say has been a stellar 15-year tenure. The reality is, if we do get a Trump presidency, were going to get another outrageous Supreme Court pick, so its not [an unfounded concern]. But I dont think its necessary in the case of Sotomayor, Welch said. There are major differences between the situations facing Sotomayor now and Ginsburg a decade ago. In 2014, Ginsburg was 82 13 years older than Sotomayor, who turns 70 in June, is now. Top Stories from The Hill Sotomayor conceded during an appearance at the University of California, Berkeleys law school earlier this year that the workload has become more demanding over time and that she has become tired due to bigger cases. And to be almost 70 years old, this isnt what I expected, Sotomayor said. But it is still work that is all consuming, and I understand the impact the court has on people and on the country, and sometimes the world. And so it is what keeps me going. Cases are bigger. Theyre more demanding. The number of amici are greater, and you know that our emergency calendar is so much more active. Im tired, she said. There used to be a time when we had a good chunk of the summer break. Not anymore. The emergency calendar is busy almost on a weekly basis. The calls for her to resign also upset factions who are loath to see the first Latina justice depart. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus said in a statement that Sotomayor has proven to be a brilliant jurist and a fair arbiter of the rule of law. We look forward to her continued service on the Court, the statement added. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Senate on Wednesday afternoon voted in favor of passing a bill reversing the Biden administration's actions mandating states to track and set reduction goals for greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on highways. The chamber approved the resolution in a 53-47 vote in which Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, I-Ariz.; Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio; Jon Tester, D-Mont.; and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., joined every Republican voting in the affirmative. The bill was introduced in February by Sens. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D.; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; and Manchin. "Few things are more frustrating in government than un-elected bureaucrats asserting authority they dont have and foisting federal mediocrity on the excellence of states," Cramer said in floor remarks earlier Wednesday. "The Senate will take up my bipartisan resolution that overturns the Biden administrations obviously illegal rule that requires state departments of transportation to measure CO2 tailpipe emissions then set declining targets for vehicles traveling on the highway systems of their respective states," he continued. BIDEN-APPOINTED JUDGE DELIVERS BLOW TO CLIMATE LAWSUIT TARGETING GAS STOVES The regulations targeting highway carbon emissions are part of President Biden's sweeping climate agenda. The resolution is a response to regulations the Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) finalized in November, which the agency said supports President Bidens "whole-of-government approach" of reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at the time that the regulations provide states with the flexibility to set their own climate targets. BIDEN ADMIN FACING LEGAL CHALLENGES AFTER DECLARING WAR ON CHEMICAL INDUSTRY However, Cramer and other lawmakers argued the FHWA overstepped its congressional authority in issuing the regulations, which essentially impose performance measures on state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. Cramer blasted the FHWA for justifying the rules by saying Congress did not explicitly bar the action. "The Biden administration should have never introduced this rule. But now we, the policymaking branch of government, must end it," the North Dakota Republican said. Traffic moves along U.S. Highway 75 during a morning commute in Dallas. Following the Senate vote, the bill now faces a vote in the House, where a companion bill was introduced by Rep. Rick Crawford, R-Ark., and Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves, R-Mo. However, the White House issued a statement ahead of the vote Wednesday saying Biden would veto the bill if passed. The passage of the resolution also comes shortly after two federal courts ruled in favor of a coalition of more than 20 states and industry groups, and struck down the FHWA regulations. "The Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration remain committed to supporting the Biden-Harris administrations climate goals of cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050," an FHWA spokesperson recently told Fox News Digital. "We are reviewing the courts decision and determining next steps." Original article source: Senate strikes down Biden administration's climate regulations targeting car emissions Ternium SA (NYSE:TX) is a leading steel company in Latin America, with a dominant position in Mexico and Argentina, as well as a growing operation in Brazil. Despite its operations in South and Central America, the company is actually headquartered in Luxembourg, a small, business-friendly country in Europe. I have been accumulating a long position in Ternium, which I believe is the best steel company in the world. The stock is cheap with a price-to-operating cash flow ratio of 3.22 and a price-book ratio of 0.65. The world's best steel company? Ternium has been a remarkably profitable company in a tough industry. Over the past 10 years, it has averaged $1.04 billion in net income and a gross margin of 26%. Over the same time frame, steel companies like Gerdau S.A. (NYSE:GGB), ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT), Nippon Steel (TSE:5401), Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ:STLD) and Nucor Corp. (NYSE:NUE) have averaged gross margins ranging from 12% to 20%, significantly trailing Ternium's 26%. Why Ternium Is the World's Best Steel Company TX Data by GuruFocus What makes Ternium so difficult to compete with Ternium is extremely difficult to compete with, and its advantages go far beyond its leading technology and cost-advantaged position. The company is vertically integrated, from the mining of iron ore to the manufacturing of steel products and the distribution of those same products. Moreover, Ternium builds its steel plants close to its customers and offers a wide selection of high-quality steel, including specialized products that demand higher margins. The company also has an economies of scale position in Latin America, where it enjoys a dominant market share. With its ability to use its own iron ore, the company has bargaining power with its primary iron ore supplier Vale S.A. (NYSE:VALE). As steel demand collapsed in early 2020, Ternium's competitors were forced to shut down their operations, but it continued operating. During the second-quarter 2020 earnings call, CEO Maximo Vedoya said, "The cost competitiveness of our facilities and the capacity to roughly change the degree of integration among Ternium's mills allows for this quick adaption to change in market environments." Ternium produced $578 million of free cash flow in the first half of 2020; explaining this outcome, Vedoya said, "We minimized inventory buildups, and reduced purchase of raw material, third-party steel and other items. We work with our supply chain to reduce working capital and we postponed several capital expenditure projects across our facilities." Story continues The company also reduced its wage expense by replacing third-party contractors with its own employees. So not only does Ternium have innate operational advantages, but it also has a razor-sharp management team, which, in my opinion, rounds out its position as the world's best steel company. The growth of Latin America Over the past decade, Latin America has not been the best place to invest. But I believe that's exactly what makes it an attractive place to invest in 2024. You see, when an economy is hot, you often get overinvestment and capacity expansion by companies that are extrapolating past prosperity into the future. This certainly does nto seem to be the case in South America, where you have countries like Brazil, whose gross domestic product (measured in U.S. dollars) is actually below what it was in 2010. Meanwhile, Ternium has been increasing its stake in Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas. Why? Because now is the time to invest for future prosperity. Brazil has a GDP per capita that's roughly one-ninth that of the United States. Mexico, Ternium's primary market, has a GDP per capita that's just one-seventh that of the U.S. This means these countries have ample room for growth and ample room for steel consumption. Total South American steel production is absolutely minuscule compared to that of China and Europe, and is also less than that of the U.S., Japan and India. Ternium plans to take back share from steel importers and do a service to the countries and industries it serves. In my opinion, there is tons of room for growth. The risks of investment One of the biggest risks for the stock is Chairman Paolo Rocca and his family own the majority of the common shares. This means regular shareholders do not have much in terms of voting rights. Luckily, Rocca seems to be managing the company for the long term, keeping a very conservative balance sheet with a 3 times current ratio and net cash position. Ternium also has a long history of paying healthy and well-covered dividends. I believe in the power of incentives, and the incentive here is for the company to remain a cash-gushing asset for the Rocca family for decades to come. Second is the risk of volatile steel prices, as well as the construction of Ternium's new plant in Mexico and upgrades to Usiminas in Brazil, which will temporarily increase its capital expenditures. Capex will increase to an estimated $1.80 billion in 2024 and $2.50 billion in 2025. In comparison, the company had $2.50 billion in cash from operations last year. This means the dividend could be cut in any given year and the share price could be volatile. However, I do not think this will result in an increase in debt, given that Ternium has a net-cash balance sheet. Additionally, this should not affect reported earnings. With earnings per share estimates slightly above $7 in 2024 and 2025, the forward price-earnings ratio is very low. Valuation With a cyclical company like Ternium, it is better to look at average earnings than current earnings. As I mentioned earlier, Ternium has averaged $1.04 billion of earnings over the past 10 years, which compares favorably to its market cap of just over $8 billion. But given the company has substantially increased its total assets over this time, one could surmise that normalized earnings are greater than this 10-year average (between $1.10 billion and $2 billion). Analysts' 2024 and 2025 estimates indicate earnings of around $1.40 billion, giving Ternium a forward price-earnings ratio of about 6. When you factor in that Ternium has ample room for reinvestment and growth, the stock looks very cheap here. Ternium currently trades at 3.22 times operating cash flow and 0.65 times book, which is a substantial discount to the price Nippon Steel offered to pay for U.S. Steel (NYSE:X) (roughly 7.10 times operating cash flow and 1.30 times book). Now, you could argue that U.S. Steel operates in a more politically stable country and deserves this premium. But, you could also say that U.S. Steel is a far inferior business to Ternium and one that relies on import tariffs. Given the choice, I would much rather own all of Ternium than all of U.S. Steel. Summary Competitors have shaky knees when they see Ternium coming, and for good reason. The company has a wickedly smart management team and several competitive advantages. Combine this with the long-term vision of its chairman, and Ternium is quite possibly the best steel company in the world. This only becomes more compelling when you factor in that Ternium operates in Latin America, where GDP per capita is low and steel production is minuscule. The company has shown its propensity to reinvest and grow; whether it's acquiring companies like Usiminas or expanding its operation in Mexico, Ternium looks like an undervalued and underrated compounder. With a market cap of just over $8 billion and $1.4 billion of earnings estimated in 2024 and 2025, I am bullish on the stock. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. The Senate voted to overturn a Biden administration rule regulating greenhouse gas emissions on the federal highway system Wednesday, with three red state Democrats joining every Republican. The rule would require local and state transit officials to set emissions limits. It does not impose specific limits for those officials to set. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.), as well as Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), were among the 53 votes in favor of Wednesdays Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution. The CRA allows a simple majority of both chambers of Congress to vote down a federal rule. The White House said President Biden will veto the measure should it pass the House and reach his desk. The Senate vote comes less than two weeks after Judge James Hendrix, an appointee of former President Trump, struck down the rule, agreeing with a coalition of Republican state attorneys general that it was beyond the scope of federal oversight of the highway system. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who co-sponsored the resolution, specifically cited Hendrixs ruling in a statement Wednesday. Cramer, Manchin and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) earlier introduced an amendment to a must-pass appropriations bill defunding the rule, but it failed to clear a 60-vote threshold. While neither Sinema nor Manchin are seeking reelection, both Brown and Tester face grueling reelection fights in November in states where former President Trump is heavily favored. The two have voted for multiple CRA resolutions targeting Biden administration environmental rules, including one last May to end a pause on tariffs on solar panel components. Transportation is the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which the Biden administration has pledged to reduce to net zero by 2050. Conservation group Evergreen Action blasted the vote in a statement Wednesday. If this measure is overturned, we would lose an essential transparency standard to track dangerous climate pollution and a vital tool to hold states accountable for spending tax-payer dollars in ways that accelerate the climate crisis, Evergreen Action state program director Justin Balik said in a statement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LAFAYETTE, Ind. June Anneliese Florian died Thursday morning in a two-car crash in the 2900 block of Indiana 26 West, according to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office and Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello. Florian, 18, of West Lafayette, was alone in her car and died at the scene, and the other driver, Jennifer Nelson, 60, of West Lafayette, was seriously injured, according to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office. Thursday morning's accident was reported about 7:30 a.m. Paramedics rushed Nelson to IU Health Arnett, according to the sheriff's office. Florian died at the scene. Nelson was eastbound and Florian was westbound when Florian's Dodge Caliber crossed the centerline and struck Nelson's Chrysler Town and Country head on, according to the sheriff's office. A forensic pathologist will perform an autopsy on Friday, Costello said. The highway was closed for three hours while deputies investigated the accident. The crash on Indiana 26 was the second of the two fatal car accident investigations in a span of 10 hours. One person died Thursday morning this two-vehicle accident in the 2900 block of Indiana 26 West. The highway was closed Thursday morning as deputies investigated. Fatal accident on Salem Street About 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lafayette police received a report of a car accident in the 800 block of Salem Street, where a red Toyota crashed into an unoccupied parked car, police said. The driver, Jeffrey Probst, 54, of Lafayette, was unresponsive at the scene, and paramedics rushed him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. Probst might have suffered a medical emergency, police said. Probst's vehicle was westbound on Salem Street and stopped at the traffic light at Ninth Street, police said. When the light turned green, the car did not move. After a delay, the car slowly rolled forward, left the south side of the street, drove over the sidewalk, crossed the grass of the funeral home at the corner and stopped after striking the parked car, police said. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette police and sheriff's deputies investigate two fatal crashes BALTIMORE Services for two construction workers killed in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse are scheduled this weekend. A visitation will be held for Alejandro Alex Hernandez Fuentes, 35, on Friday night at Iglesia Solo Cristo Salva in Dundalk, according to Loudon Park Funeral Home. A Mass and vigils for Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, 26, are scheduled for Saturday evening at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Highlandtown in Southeast Baltimore, said its pastor, Father Ako Walker. Hernandez Fuentes and Castillo Cabrera were killed along with four other members of a crew repairing potholes on the bridge in the early morning hours of March 26. A cargo ship that had just departed the Port of Baltimore reported losing power and crashed into bridge, plunging the span and the workers into the Patapsco River. The visitation for Hernandez Fuentes is limited to family and friends, said Melissa Moser, whose husband, Matt Moser, is the pastor of the Dundalk Church of the Nazarene, which shares space with Iglesia Solo Cristo Salva. The family has asked for privacy, she said. Theyve requested no press. Moser and Loudon Park declined to provide information on any services beyond the visitation. Sacred Heart of Jesus will hold the vigil Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for Castillo Cabrera, followed by the Mass and second vigil from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. that night. Divers found Hernandez Fuentes and Castillo Cabrera in a red pickup truck submerged in the Patapsco the day after the bridge collapse. The body of their coworker, Maynor Suazo Sandoval, 38, was recovered Friday. The bodies of crew members Carlos Hernandez, Jose Mynor Lopez and Miguel Luna have not been recovered. All of the men worked for Brawner Builders of Hunt Valley, which has continued to send their paychecks to their families, Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president, said Wednesday. The owner and CEO of Brawner, Jack Murphy, plans to attend both services, Pritzker said. Murphy did not want to comment for the article, Pritzker said. The company is helping the families with expenses, providing prepaid cards, groceries and whatever they need, and started a GoFundMe as a supplement, he said. As of Wednesday, the online fundraising campaign was almost halfway to its $300,000 goal. Its really heartwarming to see whats happening here, Pritzker said of an outpouring of support and donations, including from some of the companys competitors. The company, which has about 200 employees, has also provided grief counseling for staff, he said. Hernandez Fuentes, a father of four, was said to be devoted to his family and church. The Essex resident was from Xalapa, the capital of the Mexican state of Veracruz. His family wanted to bury him in the U.S., where he had lived for more than 15 years and built a family and a life, a migrant assistance official in Veracruz told The Baltimore Sun. He said the Veracruz government had been working to help his sister obtain a visa to travel to the U.S. for a final farewell. Hernandez Fuentes brother-in-law, Adrian Julio Cervantes, was also on the crew, but was rescued. He was treated at a hospital for chest and leg injuries and released, according to Pritzker. Hernandez Fuentes is also related to crew member Carlos Hernandez, who was killed in the collapse. Castillo Cabrera, 26, was a native of San Luis in the department of Peten in Guatemala, and had lived in Dundalk. His relatives told Tom Perez, a senior White House advisor and former U.S. and Maryland labor secretary, that they wanted his body returned to Guatemala for burial. After the recovery Friday of Suazo Sandovals body, his brother, Carlos Alexis Suazo Sandoval, said the family planned to bury him in Honduras, where their mother lives. Their hometown is Azacualpa in western Honduras. _____ We Should All Be Outraged By How Arizona GOP Blocked Abortion Bill The Arizona legislature devolved into a state of chaos after Republicans abruptly shut down a discussion to repeal the states recently reinstituted draconian abortion ban, with Democrats chanting Shame at their colleagues across the aisle. On Wednesday, Republican state Representative Matt Gress motioned to bring House Bill 2677a formal effort to repeal the abortion lawup for a vote. But that effort was cut short when another GOP lawmaker motioned to go into recess, throwing the legislature into disarray. He does not care about the women who will die because of this horrific ban, shouted one Democratic lawmaker, pointing at Gress. I absolutely started Gress, before getting cut off by other lawmakers, who shouted absolutely not! More action from Arizona House floor pic.twitter.com/JOtlJadisO Cameron Arcand (@cameron_arcand) April 10, 2024 Another effort to make a motion to repeal the law also failed after the recess. House Majority Leader Leo Biasiucci, a Republican, motioned to adjourn, gaveling the session out before the nay votes could even be heard. Meanwhile, in the Senate, a similar move by Democratic lawmakers to strip the law was also suddenly adjourned. Following the bedlam, Republican House Speaker Ben Toma seemed more focused on scolding House Democrats than finding an immediate solution to the dangerous law. These are difficult conversations we all need to have, and we absolutely cannot have them when Democrat legislators act as uncivilly, and engage in appallingly childish behavior, as we saw on the House Floor today, Toma wrote in a statement. Thats not how we debate important issues down here and I find it completely unacceptable and disappointing. But Tomas plea for more time falls flat considering that the legislature will only be meeting once per week now that state budget negotiations have begun, reported The Center Square. The states Supreme Court decided Tuesday to revive a near-total abortion ban from 1864, before Arizona was even a state, that offers no exceptions for instances of rape or incest. But some Republicans in the stateespecially the ones currently on the campaign trailimmediately came out against it, including Senate candidate Kari Lake, Representative David Schweikert, and Representative Juan Ciscomani. Former Republican Governor Doug Doucey also lamented the decision, even though he appointed four of the justices who contributed to the courts majority opinion. The flip-flopping is no coincidence, especially as abortion has become a losing issue for Republicans nationwide. The Supreme Courts decision to overturn nationwide abortion access proved disastrous for Republicans last November, resulting in major losses in districts where abortion was a key talking point. Postelection, those raw numbers turned into some stunning platform reversals for the conservative party, with GOP consultants referring to the turning tide on the issue as a major wake-up call. A jeweler was robbed while driving on the long, curving ramp connecting the westbound 10 Freeway to the southbound 405 Freeway in October. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) She was cruising the high, arcing ramp from the westbound 10 Freeway to the southbound 405 with a large bag of expensive jewelry in the passenger seat. It was Oct. 18, and jeweler Stacy Nolan Soper was headed home in a rented Nissan Rogue after visiting downtown L.A.'s jewelry district, where she had picked up wares from a handful of businesses. Traffic slowed as she came down the ramp, and the car in front of her suddenly stopped. A man hopped out. She wondered if he needed help. Then she saw two other men in ski masks jump out after him. In a sickening flash, Soper realized: "They are coming after me." Two of them came to her car's passenger side and began slashing its tires and smashing the windows. The other man stood at her open window waving something that she didn't recognize with certainty but may have been a knife. "It seemed like [he] was going to attack me," said Soper. As she looked at him in terror, the others grabbed the jewelry from the passenger seat worth more than $100,000 and ran back to their vehicle. One of the criminal's faces was only partly obscured, and he looked like a man she'd seen "lingering around" the downtown lot where she'd parked her car. She was not the only jeweler targeted this way. Six days later, in a widely publicized episode documented on video, a jeweler from Hong Kong was robbed by four thieves on the side of the eastbound 10. To instigate the heist, they crashed a minivan into his Alfa Romeo. Then, in November, a jewelry store employee was victimized in another attack in Orange County. And at least two additional thefts have been carried out under similar circumstances since last summer, according to interviews and search warrants filed by the Los Angeles Police Department. Carried out in public on L.A. freeways in broad daylight the heists have a brazen quality befitting an action movie, or at least a TV police procedural. The crimes are linked to South American theft groups, said Capt. Francis Boateng, who oversees LAPD's Commercial Crimes Division, which is investigating some of the robberies along with the California Highway Patrol. The crimes follow a pattern: thieves target jewelers in transit, slashing tires or creating other scenarios to get them to stop their vehicles. One jeweler said he found a tracking device on his car and believes robbers used it to follow him for miles. "We have had some jewelers targeted," Boateng acknowledged. "We have some search warrants and are trying to track some things down." The heists are not new to L.A. In 1999, for example, a taxi ferrying two jewelers was forced to stop on the 110 Freeway's transition to the westbound 105 Freeway by gun-wielding men who stole two suitcases filled with pearl necklaces worth $600,000, The Times reported. But the recent incidents stand out in part because they've occurred amid a surge in crime perpetrated by so-called "burglary tourists" from South America. These sophisticated criminals have long operated in the Southland, taking advantage of the tourist visa system, which does not require a background check for travelers. But their efforts, which include other types of crimes, most notably home burglaries, have ramped up in recent months. "There is not one crew doing all these crimes," said LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton, who oversees the department's detectives. "Basically these individuals crew up for individual jobs or series of jobs." Historically, Hamilton said, the groups have targeted jewelers carrying merchandise from a trade show. He said they typically watch their targets for a while, learning their routes, before striking when they are most vulnerable. Freeways make for enticing venues because traffic can trap a victim and keep authorities from arriving quickly. The criminal gangs, which include some local members, may also be targeting jewelers on freeways because they are patrolled by the California Highway Patrol, whose investigative apparatus is not as robust as that of the LAPD or other agencies, according to law enforcement officials. That's what Soper believes happened in her case. After the robbery, she said that a CHP officer responding to the incident told her, "We don't deal with this that much." In a statement, CHP public information officer Alec Pereyda said that the highway patrol works with "allied agencies" on "a variety of things." "The California Highway Patrol treats every one of these incidents very seriously and always keeps the safety of the public on California highways in mind," he said. 'Nobody stopped' Soper makes regular trips to downtown L.A.'s jewelry district, a bustling area filled with dozens of merchants on Broadway and Hill Street. On her Oct. 18 visit she picked up an especially large amount of merchandise from jewelry manufacturers who fabricate the pieces she designs for her Stacy Nolan brand. Soper, whose original designs can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, wonders if a tracker was affixed to her vehicle while it was parked at the lot on Hill. She said an LAPD detective who eventually picked up the case told her that when thieves "see someone going in and out of the jewelry district, they put a tracker on them." The jeweler had affixed two Apple AirTags to her belongings, she said, and after the incident she was able to use her iPhone to track the items to locations in the Van Nuys and the Sherman Oaks area, in addition to other spots. Hoping this might help the authorities, she tried to share this information with the CHP. But, Soper said, the agency "never followed up. Nobody called." By the time she was able to alert the LAPD detective about the AirTags, she said, their signals had grown weak. The devices showed a location in the San Fernando Valley when they shut off for good around February. Soper, who overhauled her security procedures after the robbery, has been deeply shaken by the crime. Among the uncomfortable elements of the story: Motorists didn't come to her aid both during and after the robbery. After the assailants fled, traffic picked up, and drivers of passing cars asked, "Are you OK?" she said. "I said, 'No,'" Soper explained. But "nobody stopped." The jeweler in the Tesla On June 16, an estate jewelry dealer set out from Polacheck's Jewelers in Calabasas and headed for downtown via the 101 Freeway. In the trunk of his Tesla Model 3: a duffel bag filled with a "couple hundred thousand dollars of jewelry," several Rolex watches and $5,000. It was a typical haul for Polacheck's, whose celebrity clientele includes Tom Brady, Caitlyn Jenner and "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star Scott Disick. The jeweler drove down the southbound 110 and onto the 6th Street offramp. Suddenly, a Mercedes-Benz SUV stopped in front of him, forcing him to slam on the brakes. "My first thought was his car broke down," said the jeweler, who requested anonymity over safety concerns. Read more: Neighbor heard odd noises amid heist of up to $30 million from Sylmar vault Then the SUV backed up and smashed into the Tesla. Three men jumped out of the Mercedes; one ran up to the Tesla and slashed its tires, and another shattered its windows. "The glass exploded all over me," the jeweler said. Another man who stood at the driver's window was about 5-foot-3 and wore a scarf and hat. The jeweler put the car into reverse and tried to flee, but backed into the vehicle behind him. "Get the trunk open, get his bag!" One of the robbers shouted, according to the jeweler. The thieves did exactly that. "I was more stunned than anything," he said. "I wasn't following them with four flat tires." The jeweler believes he was followed for roughly 30 miles from Polacheck's, which is located at the Commons at Calabasas, an outdoor shopping venue. He said he inspected the underside of his car a few days after the robbery and found a small plastic tracker attached to the inside of a wheel well. "I couldn't believe it," he said. "I've been doing this for years I am streetwise, not an idiot." He said that he's seen the video of the October heist involving the Hong Kong jeweler and was certain about one thing: "It's the same guys." 'Pretty nasty hits' According to a warrant recently filed by the LAPD, an unnamed jeweler departed a Hill Street building in downtown on Aug. 14 with a suitcase full of about $151,000 worth of precious stones he hoped to sell. The victim was spotted by members of a theft gang who'd been "scouting the jewelry district," and followed the man to Westwood, the warrant said. When he went into a cafe, someone smashed his rear window and took the suitcase. Read more: Sophisticated 'burglary tourists' fly from South America to rob wealthy homes, LAPD says Another warrant filed in October detailed how victims are often surveilled by gang members as they enter a bank, while accomplices puncture a tire, ensuring they "will have to pull over." It outlined an attempted theft of $5,000 from a Pacoima woman who had just withdrawn the cash from a Bank of America branch in Mission Hills on Sept. 30. Once Benita Schirtz and Michael Eaddy drove off from the bank, they were approached by a motorist who pointed out a flat tire on their vehicle and then tried to rob them. Reached by telephone, Schirtz expressed surprise over the details of the warrant. "We were so dressed down there was nothing that would scream 'money,'" she said. "It's not like my car is all pimped out. We were so casual; I wasn't even wearing jewelry." After pulling out of the bank's parking lot, she got onto the 405 before quickly exiting to head for the 118 Freeway, Schirtz said. It was then that a man in a neighboring car called attention to her flat tire. "They must've followed me onto the 405," she said. Schirtz pulled over and so did the other car and a third vehicle, the warrant said. A man got out of one of them and tried to help Schirtz and Eaddy with the flat, but the interaction felt strange, so the couple demurred and got back in their car to call the police. That's when she noticed her purse was missing. Luckily, she had hidden the $5,000 and the value of her stolen items was only $1,100. While Schirtz said she was "shaken up," she knew she and her husband had fared better than the jewelers. "I got away lucky," she said. "But ... they did some pretty nasty hits." 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. Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert stands next to a line of people waiting to be helped while giving a tour of the clerks office to The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., on Friday, January 5, 2024. Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright plans to present a resolution that calls for a corrective action plan in the Shelby County Clerk's office in light of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's report released last month. The draft resolution, which was provided to The Commercial Appeal, points to what Wright calls "ongoing issues" in the clerk's office that have not been resolved even after intervention from the state. The resolution states that Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert "failed to submit accurate and timely revenue reports to the Shelby County Trustees Office between July 2023 and March 2024." As of Thursday morning, the most recent revenue report from the clerk has not been submitted, per Shelby County Trustee Regina Newman. This is the first report since the state auditors left the office last month. Monthly revenue reports are due to the county trustee on the 10th of each month, according to a resolution passed by the county. More: What led to Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert investigation and where are things now? Wright said the continued issue of late revenue reports impacts the county's ability to develop the upcoming budget and impacts the county's overall financial position. The resolution hopes to create a corrective action plan for the clerk's office that addresses the multiple issues found by both the state comptroller and the county's independent auditors. "I think at the very least... if commissioners passed this resolution, it could be an acknowledgment by the body that (they) expect better of the clerk and then perhaps it could also help with the investigation that's ongoing," Wright said. When called regarding the resolution, Halbert declined to comment. What are the issues with the Shelby County Clerk's office? Halbert, who is a former Memphis City Councilmember, has become a polarizing figure in local politics. From long lines to expired leases on buildings, she has been at the forefront of controversies surrounding the Shelby County Clerk's office. In June, a special investigation into Halbert and if she is "willfully neglectful of office," started and details surrounding the investigation have been sparse at best. Most recently, Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said she would be drafting ouster resolutions to see if a case against Halbert would stand. During a recent rare Tuesday meeting of the Shelby County Commission, the board successfully passed the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report from the county's independent financial auditors. The Watkins Uiberall, PLLC and Banks, Finley, White & Co. auditors said that the clerk's office is the only office that has repetitive issues that go unresolved. Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Amid ongoing issues, Shelby Co. leader seeks action plan for clerk Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced he is in the Slovak town of Michalovce on April 11 on an official visit. Shmyhal met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Michalovce, which lies just 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod on the Slovak-Ukrainian border. "Arrived in Slovakia to hold intergovernmental consultations," Shmyhal said on his Telegram channel. The agenda includes discussions on cooperation in the fields of energy, logistics, and trade, as well as Ukraine's peace formula, Shmyhal said. The two countries also plan "to sign a number of bilateral documents," according to Shmyhal. Fico is opposed to providing military aid to Ukraine and was elected in September 2023 on a populist, Ukraine-skeptic platform. Earlier in April, Fico consolidated his power following the victory of his ally Peter Pellegrini in Slovakia's presidential election. Following the announcement of the results, Pellegrini said that he would "ensure that Slovakia remains on the side of peace and not on the side of war." Pellegrini will take over from Zuzana Caputova, who is a strong supporter of Ukraine but opted not to seek re-election. Read also: Zelensky arrives in Lithuania for Three Seas Summit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Whats happening The first parents in the U.S. to be convicted in a mass shooting caused by their child were each sentenced to at least 10 years in prison this week. In separate trials, Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for failing to prevent their teenage son Ethan from killing four students at a Michigan high school in 2021. The prosecution accused the Crumbleys of not securing a newly purchased gun in their home and failing to act on warning signs that their sons mental health was deteriorating. Meanwhile, the defense had argued at a pretrial hearing that holding the Crumbleys criminally responsible for their sons mass shooting would kick the door wide open to holding parents accountable for any number of behaviors. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement If I have a child that goes and has sex with an underage girl, do I as the parent then become liable for criminal sexual conduct because my child used the cellphone I technically own, drove the car I technically own, and I knew my son had an affinity to like girls? defense attorney Shannon Smith argued during a 2023 pretrial hearing. Just before sentencing the Crumbleys on Tuesday, Oakland County Judge Cheryl Matthews said, These convictions are not about poor parenting. These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway train. The Crumbley convictions have once again ignited conversations surrounding the criminal liability parents should assume when it comes to their childs actions and behavior. When it comes to parental responsibility laws, they are typically broken down into two types: civil and criminal. Parental civil liability laws have been on the books since at least 1846, when Hawaii passed a law that essentially holds parents financially responsible for the actions of their minor children. All states have a version of this law that varies from intentional acts to accidents caused by children. When it comes to parental criminal liability, laws have been on the books since 1899, when Colorado officials established a law that made contributing to the delinquency of a minor a crime. The purpose of these laws was to protect children from a parent or adult engaging them in illegal activities, like delivering drugs. Most states designate this as a misdemeanor offense, typically punishable by a fine and/or jail time from six months to a year. Why theres debate Proponents of holding parents criminally liable for more serious offenses, like a school shooting, believe that punishing parents could serve as a deterrent and a warning about safely securing guns. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Gun control advocates like Nick Suplina, senior vice president for law and policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, argue that convictions and punishments like in the case of the Crumbleys have previously resulted in laws and parental awareness about matters of safety. There was a time where a parent might not really think about the unsupervised party at their home that serves alcohol to minors until there is a prosecution of parents for that party when a teenager is injured in a drunk driving accident, right? Suplina told WBURs On Point. That is now a known thing among parents of adolescents, of the risk of having a party like that. Suplina noted that laws have been implemented requiring gates around pools to stop a wandering child from drowning. However, on the other end of the parental criminal liability spectrum, opponents argue that low-income people and minorities could be disproportionately affected. Take, for example, Californias controversial truancy law championed by then state Attorney General Kamala Harris, which carries misdemeanor penalties for parents whose children regularly missed school. Cheree Peoples, a Black mother in California, was charged with a criminal misdemeanor under Californias truancy law in 2013 because her 11-year-old daughter, who has sickle cell anemia, missed too much school. Peoples was in contact with school officials to work out a specific learning plan designed for children with disabilities. Despite this, police officers showed up at her house, handcuffed her and booked her, before she was released later that day. Whats next The Crumbleys have spent over two years in jail while awaiting trial and will get credit for time served. They will be eligible for parole after they serve 10 years, but if parole is denied, they will serve a total of 15 years. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Ethan, who is now 17, is serving a life sentence for murder and other crimes. A Michigan judge will later decide if all three Crumbleys will be able to have contact with each other. Perspectives Parents like the Crumbleys shouldnt be blamed for their sons actions I think this is a bad and dangerous precedent to take the blame of a teenager who knew what he was doing was wrong. He had a dark motivation for wanting to be infamous. And now they're giving 10 to 15 years to the parents ... and I think it's wrong. Craig Scott, a Columbine High School shooting survivor, to Fox News Convicting the Crumbleys wont solve school shootings, but its a start Holding parents criminally accountable for failing to secure guns in their homes might encourage them to be more responsible. Joyce Vance, New York Times ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement The Crumbleys convictions and sentencing are too much and not enough Theyre too much because the systems designed to support parents and teens in crisis failed too, in part, because they are not adequately funded. And theyre not enough because laying these failures at the feet of the shooter and his parents and removing this family from society does little to incentivize school officials, lawmakers and taxpayers to correct the systemic failures contributing to the behavior being punished. Mary Mueller, parent of a student who survived the Michigan school shooting, and Sarah Rogerson, CNN Stop pointing fingers and do the hard work Blaming individual parents for childrens crimes lets communities ignore more difficult and divisive tasks: eliminating poverty, curbing child abuse, providing mental health care, and limiting childrens access to guns. Victoria Cain, Time Black families will be the ones subject to this type of prosecution, not white parents Research suggests that authorities tend to assume that Black children are older and more violent than they actually are and that their parents are more negligent and irresponsible than white parents. And these stereotypes already fuel rampant discrimination in the criminal legal system. This combination of factors, along with the precedent set by the Crumbley verdicts, makes it even more likely that prosecutors will seek to expand their legal tools for incarcerating Black parents. Nia T. Evans, Mother Jones ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement More research needs to be done to see if parent punishment actually works I think [the Crumbleys case] still begs the question whether this will give us the result we want. ... So I still would advocate for more empirical research on the topic. Eve Brank, a psychology professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to Al Jazeera Sikorski: We want to help Ukraine, but you must decide how long you are ready to go on Radosaw Sikorski, Poland's foreign minister, wants to make it clear he stands for Ukraine's place in the European Union. "It was during the Polish presidency of the EU with these hands, I pushed and succeeded in closing the text of Ukraine's Association Agreement with the European Union," he emphasized during an interview with the Kyiv Independent. "This is why Ukraine now enjoys this deep relationship with the EU," he added. But that relationship, now at its most painful and longest stage being a candidate for membership will be incredibly frustrating, he warns. Although, as Sikorski underscores, "the prize is worth it in the end." Complicating things further is the fact that Ukraine de facto joined the bloc at least in terms of agriculture markets before formally meeting the needed criteria. The result has been months of increasingly strained relations between the neighboring countries. Blockades on the border first by truck drivers and more recently by farmers have caused billions in lost revenue. In just over a month, trucker protests led to a shortfall of Hr 9.2 billion, or $243 million, in customs revenues, according to Ukraine's Economy Minister. They have also cost at least three lives as truck drivers waited for weeks in harsh winter conditions. Both sides have since been talking past each other. Polish authorities focus on norms and regulations Ukrainian businesses need to abide by to benefit from the access to the EU's single market. Ukraine, in turn, argues that blockades essentially help Russia in destroying Ukraine as a nation. President Volodymyr Zelensky goes as far as saying Poland is helping Russia, infuriating many Poles. In Sikorski's view, the problem stems from the fact that access to the EU market, first given to Ukraine in June 2022, was always meant as a temporary solution to alleviate the blockade of Ukraine's ports. It was "an extraordinary act of solidarity with Ukraine when (Vladimir) Putin blocked the Black Sea, and you couldn't take your grain out through the Bosphorus to Africa and China," Sikorski said. "We said: 'All right. We are not going to cave to Putin. We open the border, let the grain come through the EU'." However, much of the grains meant for EU markets ended up staying in Central Europe. This led to EU restrictions on sales to Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Bulgaria (following unilateral decisions of the first two) from May to mid-September 2023. After Poland, Hungary and Slovakia decided to unilaterally extend the ban, Ukraine decided to submit (and later withdraw) a complaint to the World Trade Organization. "Unfortunately, 2/3 of the grain that was supposed to be in transit through the EU stayed in Poland. You can imagine what Polish farmers think about that," Sikorski said. Now, the Polish Foreign Minister argues, the situation is different. "You have won the battle of the western Black Sea. Congratulations!" he said. "Without even having a navy, you have destroyed a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. You've recovered Snake Island, and your ships are now moving from Odesa, hugging the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria. I am told that the volume is back to pre-war levels," Sikorski said. Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski during an interview with the Kyiv Independent in Warsaw, Poland, on April 2, 2024. (Tetiana Pavliuk / The Kyiv Independent) With the acute crisis averted, Sikorski said, it is time to get back to regular EU business. "You've essentially been let temporarily into the single market without negotiation and without having to fulfill all the European Standards," said Sikorski, adding that Polish farmers can't use some of the fertilizers that are legal in Ukraine, creating an unfair advantage. Many Ukrainians see things differently. Slow-drip arms supplies have left the country vulnerable to a Russian offensive, and depleted air defenses no longer keep up with endless bombing campaigns. In this context, Polish protests feel like a stab in the back especially when combined with such actions as spilling Ukrainian grain, which carries symbolic importance tied to the Holodomor, the Soviet man-made famine that killed millions. "You are fighting for your life. We sympathize with you, and we know it's dramatic. But you also need to understand us. We cannot use violence against our farmers," Sikorski said. Read also: Polish farmer blockade puts Polish-Ukrainian relations at further risk Fighting Russia as a democracy Asked about the role of Russian disinformation campaigns, both among Polish farmers and across the EU via such projects as the recently uncovered Voice of Europe propaganda network, Sikorski acknowledges this plays a role. Russian propaganda including Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik was allowed to fester for years, and the "seeds planted years ago still bear poisonous fruit," Sikorski said. But there are limits to how democracies can fight this, Sikorski added. "We are open societies. Autocracies can do things, for example, banning things. We cannot do so. So we need more mature, better-informed citizens," he said. Despite the blockades and the various Russian disinformation operations, Sikorski believes Ukraine has won the information battle in most of Europe. But he is worried about the situation among the countries of the Global South, as well as places like the Vatican, where Russian narratives are leading. He said he mobilized Poland's diplomatic corps to help with this. "Polish ambassadors have called on the Ukrainian colleagues and asked them what they can do together to make the case that this is a colonial invasion and that countries of the Global South should understand this and, therefore, sympathize with the victim of the colonial aggression," Sikorski said. Radosaw Sikorski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, during an interview for The Kyiv Independent in Warsaw, Poland on April 2, 2024. (Tetiana Pavliuk / The Kyiv Independent) Although Sikorski is broadly seen as a Russia-hawk on the European scene, it is clear the sense of urgency in the EU and Kyiv differs. One of the starkest examples revolves around shell production: the EU earlier committed to deliver 1 million 155mm shells by March 2024 but has only hit half that number so far. Sikorski is optimistic. "I am told that by the end of the year, Europe will be capable of producing a million shares per annum. It's not yet what Russia produces, but it's more than today," the foreign minister said. "We are now spending serious European money on new production lines. There was an EU ammunition program of 500 million euros for this purpose." From Ukraine's perspective, though, the key is surviving until the end of the year. As Zelensky noted recently, without U.S. arms, Ukraine risks "losing the war." "The democratic West is always behind the curve on issues like that. Because we didn't want this war. You didn't want this war. Because, as democracies, we just want to be left to ourselves," Sikorski explained, but adding that once the West mobilizes fully, Russia will come to regret it. "Russia had already taken all of the West as an adversary and had lost the Cold War. It has done it again from a smaller demographic and industrial base." Asked about arguments that Ukraine has already achieved a victory of sorts, and should now look to settle, Sikorski said this choice is in the hands of Ukrainians. "You have to decide that. It's your democratically elected president, your parliament. It's your people who are suffering. It's your children who are being stolen. It's your citizens who are under russification. I don't think I am in a position to tell you what you should do," Sikorski said. "We are good friends. We want to help you in this emergency, but you must decide how long you are ready to go on," he added. Read also: Ukraines Foreign Minister Kuleba: Europe doesnt know how to fight wars Jakub Parusinski is the director of KI Insights, a political and economic research and advisory organization backed by the Kyiv Independent. Visit insights.kyivindependent.com to learn more and subscribe to the KI Insights weekly newsletter. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Sioux Falls man, who investigators identified as the suspect in a downtown homicide, has entered pleas for the charges against him. Edward Leon Brinkley, 39, pleaded not guilty Monday to second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and possessing a firearm after a prior violent crime conviction. An apartment building on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 200 block of East 12th Street in Sioux Falls. This comes after an investigation into the death of Richard Alexander Sowers, 28, of Sioux Falls, who was found with three gunshot wounds in an upstairs hallway at 2:17 a.m. March 17 in an apartment building at 232 East 12th St.. Brinkley, who was later charged in connection with the shooting, was arrested without incident about 17 hours afterward. Sowers died at a hospital as a result of the wounds, according to an affidavit. The Sioux Falls man also denied the state's habitual violent offender designation. Brinkley was convicted in 2005 of simple robbery and kidnapping, both felonies, in Hennepin County, Minnesota. He was also convicted in 2020 of aggravated assault, also a felony, after attacking two people with a pocket knife outside PAve in downtown Sioux Falls two years prior. Brinkley is being held on a $1 million cash bond in the Minnehaha County Jail. He made his first appearance on March 19 and was ordered to have no weapons, no contact with the witnesses and no contact with the victim's family. Witnesses and surveillance video helped identify Brinkley, Sioux Falls Police Lt. Aaron Nyberg told the Argus Leader March 19. At the time, he said the investigation is still ongoing and police are determining the nature of the two men's relationship and what a possible motive existed for the homicide. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls man pleads not guilty to murder in downtown homicide ST. LOUIS A recent Wall Street Journal article called the real estate situation of Downtown St. Louis a nightmare while explaining challenges around vacant properties in the city. Commercial property reporter Konrad Putzier published an article Tuesday morning titled The Real Estate Nightmare Unfolding in Downtown St. Louis. It describes Downtown St. Louis as being in a doom loop. Former AT&T tower sold, giving hope for vacant buildings in STL The article first focuses on the Railway Exchange Building, which once served St. Louis railroad and retail industries for several decades. FOX 2 learned last year that city officials may consider eminent domain for the property. The building has been boarded up for several years, subject to fires and wiring concerns, according to FOX 2 and WSJ reports. WSJ suggests that the vacant Railway Exchange Building represents a trend of decay in the heart of Downtown St. Louis, saying one stretch of 15 blocks of downtown sit largely quiet as office buildings have emptied out in recent years. Kurt Weigle is senior vice president and chief downtown officer for Greater St. Louis, Inc. He said the problems highlighted by the article are nothing new but adds there are positive factors that should not be ignored. The future of downtowns is going to be a lot more mixing of uses. Its got to be a lot more residential, he said. Weve already started to see that. Approximately 10,000 residents call downtown St. Louis home; one of those residents is Jonathan Harley. He recently moved to downtown from another state. Before I moved here, I was under the impression that people were leaving in masses, Harley said. As I moved down here and live down here, I dont see that. Other residents, including Rakeem Golden and Michael Thomas think that the quality of life is good downtown. Thomas believes its going to get better. Weigle said some of the problems downtown has experienced are the reasons Greater St. Louis, Inc. was formed. Government, business, and civic groups are working together to combat the issues. We cannot have a strong metro without a strong downtown, Weigle said. He adds that positive signs include an increase in downtown restaurants, hotel bookings, and Gateway Arch visitors. In an effort to address the future of the old Railway Exchange building, a development team has been working alongside architectural and financial experts. Were knee-deep in this, and I know were going to get it done, he said. Local Response GREATER ST. LOUIS, INC. Local nonprofit Greater St. Louis, Inc. offered the following statement to FOX 2 in criticism of Wall Street Journals report: We are all acutely aware of the challenges our Downtown faces. This is why Restoring the Core of the City of St. Louis, as identified in the STL 2030 Jobs Plan, is a top priority of the business community. We are working on these issues every single day. Lets be clear: the St. Louis metro will not grow without a strong Downtown. The complex challenges we confront in Downtown did not appear overnight, and they will not be fixed overnight. But rather than adopt the dramatic, pessimistic tone in the article, the St. Louis regions civic-minded business community is rallying to address these challenges head-on. While there is much work to do, we are making and seeing progress and will continue our work, day in and day out, to make Downtown the world-class neighborhood at the heart of our world-class metro. A Greater St. Louis Inc. spokesperson also tells FOX 2 that the story and a study from the University of Toronto cited within it cover just a small section of Downtown St. Louis and does not reflect downtown as a whole. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News TISHAURA JONES The St. Louis Mayors Office shared the following statement to FOX 2 addressing the article on behalf of Mayor Tishaura Jones: I am optimistic about the future of our city and confident in my administrations ability to continue our focused revitalization of Downtown. From law firms to tech startups, retail and restaurants, Downtown St. Louis has caught the eye of businesses from all backgrounds, cultures, and sectors. Through partnerships with Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Development Corporation, the City of St. Louis is building toward a day in the not-too-distant future when Downtown serves as a cultural beacon for our entire region. CARA SPENCER St. Louis Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8), who also spoke with FOX 2 on Tuesday over the recent sale of the vacant AT&T Tower, shared the following comments with us in a phone call Wednesday: The article is truly devastating. Its devastating to our brand. I think this should be a wake-up call to how important our downtown is to our city, to our region, to our St. Louis identity. Were taking action to promote development and get folks in [vacant buildings], including authorizing eminent domain and redevelopment packages for both the Railway Exchange and Millennium Hotel. If were not serious about making those successful and to development, then what the Wall Street Journal is playing to could be the reality for years to come. I think its important that we take this as a critical warning and take these concerns very seriously. CITIZENS FOR A GREATER DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS Community group Citizens for a Greater Downtown St. Louis offered the following statement, in part, to FOX 2 on the Wall Street Journals report: The most damaging part of the recent front-page article The Real Estate Nightmare Unfolding in Downtown St. Louis published in the Wall Street Journal is that it is largely accurate. The conditions that the article describes echo exactly what our group has been warning about for nearly six years, long before the pandemic accelerated the decline of our downtown. While downtown today is now safer than it has been in a while, the rampant graffiti on our buildings, our filthy sidewalks, vacant storefronts, and empty buildings are vivid illustrations of the price that we have paid for fecklessness and neglect. No amount of civic spin or planted feel-good news stories will obscure that obvious truth. Perhaps the terrible picture exposed to the world by the Wall Street Journal will be a wake-up call to government, business, property owners and civic organizations to put aside self-interest and work together to marshal our collective resources in a truly collaborative effort to fix our downtown. It is not too late to do that. FOX 2 reported last year that more than 20,000 properties in the City of St. Louis are sitting vacant. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. AIKEN COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) A 17-year-old has been charged with five counts of Attempted Murder by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in regards to a shooting incident that happened on October 28th, 2022. According to SLED, Robert Jermaine McBride was charged with Attempted Murder on Tuesday, April 9th, and on Wednesday, April 10th, McBride was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Pistol, 4 counts of Attempted Murder, and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime. ALSO ON WJBF: Two Saluda County men charged in 2018 Ridge Spring murder According to authorities, the shooting happened on Storm Branch Road in Beech Island, South Carolina, and in the initial incident report, McBride did willfully, unlawfully, and with malice aforethought attempted to murder an Aiken County Sheriffs Office deputy. Investigators say shots were fired, and that deputy received minor injuries during the gunfire. SLED states that McBride was booked at the Aiken County Detention Center. According to authorities, McBride was taken into custody in connection to a deadly shooting at a Circle K on Peach Orchard Road in Augusta earlier in October. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Slovak PM says Slovakia will not impede Ukraine's path to EU Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has said that his country supports Ukraine's aspirations of becoming an EU member state as soon as possible. Source: Fico at a joint press conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in Slovakia after intergovernmental consultations Details: Fico stated that Slovakia supports Ukraine's ambitions to become an EU member. "This is not speculation. This is absolute full support," he said. "We are not a country that will create obstacles on your way [to the EU]. On the contrary, we want to help, to share our experience with you in the accession negotiations," Fico added. He said that Slovakia wants Ukraine to become a member of the European Union quickly, because "this is a guarantee for the country's prospects, for the country's development, and for peaceful development". "We are keeping our fingers crossed for you," Robert Fico assured. Background: Fico had stated that Slovakia is committed to friendly relations with Ukraine. In addition, Fico had said that Slovakia will take part in the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland. Support UP or become our patron! Slovakia to take part in Ukraine's Peace Summit in Switzerland Robert Fico and Denys Shmyhal at a press conference in Bratislava on 11 April. Photo: Shmyhal on Telegram Slovakia will participate in the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland. Source: Robert Fico, Slovak Prime Minister, at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal in Bratislava, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "We talked about the preparations for a major peace summit in Switzerland on 15-16 June in Switzerland, and we will participate," Fico said. Details: Before the consultations began, Shmyhal stated that he had invited Slovakia to attend the summit. Quote: "We want peace more than anyone else on the planet. We appreciate Slovakia, as well as the government and prime ministers support of the Ukrainian [Peace] Formula. We, of course, expect the Global Peace Summit, and we invite Slovakia to participate and support the end of the war as soon as possible," the Ukrainian prime minister told Ukrinform. Shmyhal emphasised that this would bring long-term peace to the European continent and Ukraine, "which is waiting for it, fighting for it, and will fight as long as it takes". Earlier, the Swiss government announced that it will hold a two-day high-level conference to end the conflict in Ukraine on 15 and 16 June. Russia said it will not participate in the talks in Switzerland. Support UP or become our patron! (Reuters) - Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, whose pro-Russian views have put him at odds with allies, sought to deepen cooperation in energy, railway links and grain transport with war-hit neighbour Ukraine on Thursday. After a joint meeting of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments, Fico said Slovakia wanted to be a "good, friendly" neighbour to Ukraine. Fico has led a shift in Slovakia's foreign policy since coming to power last October, halting state military aid to Kyiv and opening communication channels with Moscow, even as the EU has sought to isolate Russia's government. Yet Fico has been keen to keep business ties with Kyiv, including continuing to allow commercial arms deals to go ahead. "Ukraine needs help, and Ukraine needs to be shown solidarity," Fico said in broadcast remarks alongside Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal after meeting in eastern Slovakia. "There can of course be different opinions or views on that help or solidarity." Previous Slovak administrations had been staunch backers of Kyiv after Russia's invasion in 2022, providing fighter jets and air defence systems, among other equipment. Fico reiterated on Thursday that Slovakia would continue allowing commercial deals for military supplies despite stopping state military aid. He said the countries agreed that an old wide-gauge freight rail link from Slovakia's second biggest city of Kosice should begin passenger service to Kyiv. They will also modernise the main road border crossing and boost cross-border electricity transmission networks in the coming years. Fico said Slovakia will continue to provide a corridor for the export of Ukrainian agricultural products, while Shmyhal said they agreed to work on lifting restrictions on Ukrainian products which Slovakia and other countries put in place to protect domestic markets. "We are aware that each of our states has its own national interests, its own priorities, which sometimes may not coincide," Shmyhal said. "But at the same time we have absolutely good will and a pragmatic attitude." (Reporting by Jason Hovet in Prague and Yuliia Dysa in Gdansk; editing by Christina Fincher) Rebellious House Republicans on Wednesday turned back an effort to renew an anti-terror surveillance law thats been used in the past to spy on Americans, leaving its fate up in the air less than 10 days before its set to expire. The fight over the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and particularly the post-9/11-era spying provision Section 702 has pitted both Republicans and Democrats worried about civil liberties against a similarly bipartisan group that sees the law as a crucial tool in the countrys national security toolbox. Nineteen Republicans bucked party leaders and voted against allowing the renewal bill and amendments to be debated on the House floor, stalling its progress with a 193-228 vote. The constitutional liberties of Americans have to come first. We dont bend the constitution for anything, said Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) after the vote. Hours before the vote, former President Donald Trump cheered the opposition on social media, calling on lawmakers to KILL FISA. FISA authorizes surveillance programs against foreign individuals abroad. But in eavesdropping on those communications, exchanges with U.S. citizens can also be captured meaning, critics say, the program effectively allows for backdoor searches of Americans communications. Tuesdays outcome was another defeat for embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who attempted unsuccessfully to tread a thin line between the competing FISA factions in his own conference. Firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has threatened to call a vote to take the speakers gavel away from Johnson, similar to what happened with his predecessor, former California representative Kevin McCarthy in October. She has cited Johnsons stances on FISA, as well as whether to approve more aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, as deciding factors in whether she ultimately calls that vote. Civil liberties groups wanted two big changes to FISA this time around: tweaks to prohibit law enforcement from buying personal data on Americans they would not be able to collect themselves without a warrant; and limits on searches that involve Americans. House intelligence committee chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and the White House have defended the program, saying reforms have been made in the past and the further changes proposed by privacy advocates risked hurting the U.S. ability to keep track of terrorists. To protect the American people, we need to maintain this vital collection authority, while strengthening its protective guardrails with the most robust set of reforms ever included in legislation to reauthorize Section 702, Jake Sullivan, the White Houses national security advisor, said Tuesday. This bill does that. Opponents of the bill said they didnt revolt Tuesday to embarrass Johnson but were instead angry over what they saw as his ham-handed attempts to avoid upsetting Turner or House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), whose committee put forward a deeply-revised FISA with far stronger protections for privacy. After House Republicans regrouped late Wednesday to discuss the next step after the failed vote, Good said Johnson should allow more amendments to be voted on, though the White House has said some of the proposed amendments would dangerously hamper the governments ability to keep tabs on surveillance targets. We ought to have amendments that are voted on, an open amendment process, Good said. Patrick Eddington, senior fellow with the libertarian Cato Institute, said in a blog post Wednesday that Johnson will now either have to go back and open up the amendment process or start trying to extend the current law with no changes, as was done in December. While either of those could still happen this week, the odds are better that a renewed FISA push in the House will happen early next week, Edddington wrote. The Senate could also send over a simple extension without changes, which could prompt Johnson to put it on the House floor under a requirement it get two-thirds of the votes in order to pass. The GOP dissidents said another extension of the program would be preferable to the version of FISA blocked Wednesday. Those changes would have expanded FISAs reach into some new areas, such as using surveillance to fight the fentanyl crisis. But another possibility would be to just let the law lapse, which privacy advocates say would be no big blow to national security. A federal court that oversees the Section 702 program recently granted the government a certification recently that would allow at least some of those activities to continue until April 2025 in the event the law lapses. In December, bumping up against a similar deadline, the Biden administration said the value of the program would be diminished if it lapsed because private-sector partners may rethink their cooperation. We are of the view that certifications remain valid (even if 702 lapses) but we know from experience that not all companies will accept that. Some of them will take the opportunity to no longer cooperate. This is not idle speculation, said Josh Geltzer, deputy homeland security advisor. Good, though, said he felt little pressure to act. I dont think theres any reason to rush by April 19, Good said. Related... Smyth Co. Schools employee run over after vehicle slipped out of gear, town official says UPDATE: The employee was released from the hospital with minor injuries on Thursday morning, Smyth County Schools Superintendent Dennis Carter told News Channel 11. MARION, Va. (WJHL) An employee of Smyth County, Virginia Schools was flown to a nearby hospital after he was reportedly run over when his vehicle slipped out of gear. A spokesperson for the Town of Marion told News Channel 11 that the incident took place Wednesday afternoon on Marion Senior High School property. Firefighters rescue bear cub from Wythe County brush fire The employee reportedly parked a vehicle on an embankment, and when he went to get out, it came out of gear and the front tire ran him over. The town spokesperson said onlookers were able to stop the vehicle and keep it from hitting anything else. The man was reportedly flown to a hospital with chest pain, the town said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Socorro PD: Male found dead in canal, appears to be migrant Socorro PD: Male found dead in canal, appears to be migrant EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A dead male was found in a canal on Thursday morning, April 11 in Socorro, according to the Socorro Police Department. The Police Department says at around 7 a.m., officers were called to the 11200 block of Santa Barbara in reference to a person in a canal. Upon arrival, officers found a dead male in the canal, according to the Police Department. The Police Department says although the investigation is ongoing, it appears the male was a migrant who had fallen into the canal and drowned. The Police Department did not specify on the males age. No further information has been released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A man in the Gaza Strip is using solar panels to clean water for his neighbors a seemingly small gesture that has large consequences at a time when the region is in the midst of a humanitarian crisis. "Yesterday, I filled this car with clean water from the well, 6,500 liters, and distributed it among people in need of water," Mohammed Assalia told ABC News. "Some people use these wheelchairs to transport the water they fill, which is kinda sad but it does the thing." As the resource becomes more scarce, Assalia said he is now looking for a way to reach more people in the most devastated area of the Gaza Strip, six months since Israel declared war on Hamas. The high costs involved with the project may hinder his ability to do so without help, he says. "With the solar-powered well in my house, at least 1,000 people benefited and received clean water every day," Assalia said. "Now people from other neighborhoods have come to use it and we're trying to help more by operating as many wells as possible." Assalia said he has coordinated a group of people to help with his project, capitalizing on each person's expertise: Khalil Samara, an alternative energy engineer; Mohammed Hajj-Ali, a welder installing the bases for the solar panels; and Masoud Nabhan, a plumber experienced with fixing wells. PHOTO: Boys transport a bucket filled with water in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on April 5, 2024. (Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images) He set up a fundraiser to tackle the inflated costs of solar panels and materials he needed, which he said were available but cost around four times the pre-war amount. "All of the needed materials are currently available here in the North [of Gaza], Al-Yazji company for solar energy and other companies still have materials. However, these materials have become very expensive. An example is a 535-watt solar panel used to be 700 NIS ($192). Now it costs 2,400 NIS, ($657)," Assalia said. Since the start of the blockade Israel imposed on Gaza after Hamas launched a terrorist incursion on Oct. 7, shortages and contamination have severely impeded health care access, creating a water crisis, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) monitoring the area. MORE: Famine is 'imminent' in northern Gaza, with many facing 'catastrophic' levels of hunger: Report "Access to sufficient amounts of clean water is a matter of life and death. Children in Gaza have barely a drop to drink," UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said in December. In February, UNRWA reported that around 70% of the population of Gaza was drinking salinized or contaminated water. UNICEF said at the time at least half of the water and sanitation facilities in Gaza had been destroyed or damaged. Flu, dehydration and hepatitis are among some of the main consequences of the water crisis in Gaza, according to MSF staff on the ground. While both the United Nations and MSF mobilized to mitigate the water crisis, both organizations have said that other types of shortages stand in the way, including the limited number of trucks allowed into the enclave carrying aid and fuel. MORE: Gaza reaches 'tipping point,' doctors tell UN in plea for help People in Gaza have to rely heavily on grassroots projects like that of Assalia's group. When he started, he said he used his own savings to operate the water well for his neighbors. "Most of the wells could not run due to the lack of electricity and destruction of the infrastructure," he said. "So I contacted an alternative energy engineer and I had him power up a personal well on solar energy. I paid him 400 shekels ($107)." He added, "I don't want anything in return, all I want is to help my people and leave a footprint." Solar panels are being used in Gaza to power wells, creating clean water originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Read the full story on Backfire News Someone Stole And Crashed A Park Ranger SUV In San Francisco Back in the day, San Francisco was often held up as an ideal American city. Known for having a quaint, small town feel despite being a bustling metropolis, people were so bold as to raise their families there. Those days are long gone with crime overrunning most neighborhoods as not only families but also businesses flee for greener pastures. Waffle House worker tries to pass off stolen vehicle as a customers tip. Among the many crimes which have become commonplace in San Francisco is car thefts, both break-ins of parked vehicles and armed carjackings. But the thieves have become emboldened to the point they steal government vehicles, including cop cars. One of the latest examples involved a San Francisco Park Ranger Ford Explorer getting swiped and crashed into a building, then just left for police to retrieve. The vehicle in question was parked at United Nations Plaza when someone broke in and was able to start the engine on the night of March 26. They drove it from there and eventually backed the crossover into a building in downtown San Francisco, then just abandoned it. According to a report on the incident from The San Francisco Standard, the area where the Park Ranger Explorer was found is known for having open-air drug deals as well as illegal night markets. So it sounds like a lovely part of town. Reportedly, someone saw a suspect flee the crashed crossover on foot, but police couldnt find anyone. It sounds like they might have been able to collar anyone out on the streets in the area and probably find enough to charge them with some sort of crime. Instead, it seems someone got away with joyriding in a city vehicle. And theyll probably do it again. Image via The San Francisco Standard ZincFives nickel-zinc battery technology has been consistently commended for its breakthrough innovation of immediate power solutions for the global mission-critical backup and energy storage markets. (Graphic: Business Wire) PORTLAND, Ore., April 11, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZincFive, the world leader in nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery-based solutions for immediate power applications, has been selected as winner of the Overall CleanTech Innovation of the Year award by CleanTech Breakthrough. CleanTech Breakthrough Awards is a prestigious program dedicated to honoring and recognizing the "breakthrough" achievements and innovations in the international Clean Technology industry. The awards program encompasses a wide range of categories within the Clean Technology sector, including renewable energy, smart grid technology, sustainable transportation, carbon technologies, and other innovative solutions. CleanTech Breakthrough is part of the Tech Breakthrough organization, a leading global market intelligence and recognition platform for todays most competitive categories of technology. This years program attracted thousands of nominations from over 12 different countries throughout the world. Award winners have been chosen based on their technological contribution to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future. A distinguished panel of judges has evaluated each entry to identify and recognize the breakthrough innovators in the global clean technology industry. "We are delighted to receive this recognition, which celebrates the sustainability-driven innovation at the core of our technology," stated Tim Hysell, CEO and Co-Founder of ZincFive. "Winning the CleanTech Breakthrough Award underscores the significant impact of our nickel-zinc battery technology and emphasizes our steadfast commitment to delivering high-performing, safe, and environmentally friendly power solutions to global energy markets." ZincFives nickel-zinc battery technology has been consistently commended for its breakthrough innovation of immediate power solutions for the global mission-critical backup and energy storage markets. ZincFive was recently recognized by TIME Magazine as one of Americas Top GreenTech Companies of 2024, earned finalist spots in both the esteemed 2024 Edison Awards and S&P Global 2023 Platts Global Energy Awards, and won Mission Critical 2023 Top Tier Product Award in the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) category. ZincFives patented nickel-zinc electrochemistry sets a higher standard for battery technology that not only meets todays growing power demands but does so safely and sustainably, challenging the dominance of its predecessors, lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries. "At ZincFive, we believe in the power of good chemistry," added Hysell. "We maintain that immediate power should be powerfully sustainable, as well as safe. Thats why, unlike other electrochemistries, the elements of our battery chemistry require fewer resources to produce and can be recycled again and again. And with zero risk of thermal runaway at the cell level, our batteries deliver high-rate immediate power thats safe for both people and the planet." Story continues About ZincFive, Inc. ZincFive is the world leader in innovation and delivery of nickel-zinc batteries and immediate power solutions. Supported by an impressive portfolio of international patents, ZincFive technology harnesses The Power of Good Chemistry to propel the world forward. ZincFive technology leverages the safety and sustainability of nickel-zinc chemistry to provide unparalleled high power density and performance for mission critical applications. ZincFive is a privately held company based in Tualatin, Oregon. For more information, visit www.zincfive.com. ZincFive is a registered trademark and the ZincFive logo and The Power of Good Chemistry are trademarks of ZincFive, Inc. Follow ZincFive: LinkedIn | X (formerly Twitter) | YouTube View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240411845748/en/ Contacts media@zincfive.com Officials begin counting ballots at a ballot counting station set up at a gym, after the general elections to choose 300 lawmakers ended. -/YNA-Pool/dpa South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Thursday he would "humbly accept" the results of his party's heavy defeat in parliamentary elections. The liberal opposition Democratic Party (DP) won a landslide victory over Yoon's ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) in Wednesday's vote. The DP, together with its smaller sister party the Democratic Alliance of Korea, will hold 175 seats, giving it an absolute majority in the 300-member unicameral parliament, the state election commission said. Yoon's PPP and its satellite party garnered 108 seats. In response, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo offered his resignation to President Yoon, who now faces the prospect of being a lame duck through the end of his term in 2027. In South Korea's political system almost all key decisions are made by the president. The president also appoints the prime minister. However, the prime minster's appointment requires the approval of parliament, which could put Yoon in a difficult position moving forward. South Korean media reported that some of Yoon's top advisors have also offered their resignations, in addition to the prime minister. However, it was unclear if he would accept them. The election was seen in large part as a referendum on Yoon's management of Asia fourth-largest economy, two years after he was elected to the presidency. "I will humbly accept the will of the people expressed in the election," said Yoon according to a spokesman. The president said he was focussed on stabilizing the slowing economy and improving living conditions. More than 44.25 million citizens were eligible to cast their ballot in Wednesday's vote. According to preliminary figures from the state electoral commission, the turnout was 67%, the highest figure for parliamentary elections in 32 years. Election winner and candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party in the Jeonju-B district Lee Sung-Yoon, celebrates at his election office in Jeonju, after his election victory was confirmed. -/YNA/dpa Work to count ballots begins at a ballot counting station set up at a gym after the general elections to choose 300 lawmakers ended -/YNA/dpa Election winner and candidate of the main opposition Democratic Party in the Jeonju-B district Lee Sung-Yoon, celebrates at his election office in Jeonju, after his election victory was confirmed. -/YNA/dpa South Korea's liberal opposition has won a landslide victory over the ruling party of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol in the country's parliamentary elections. The opposition's success means a considerable weakening of the head of state in domestic politics. After almost all votes were counted on Thursday, the Democratic Party (DP) of opposition leader Lee Jae Myung was able to strengthen its position as the largest single party in the 300-seat National Assembly. The DP, together with its smaller sister party the Democratic Alliance of Korea, will hold 175 seats, giving it an absolute majority, according to South Korean broadcasters, citing the state election commission. The ruling People's Power Party (PPP) and its satellite party garnered 108 seats. According to reports by national news agency Yonhap, PPP leader Han Dong Hoon announced his resignation over the result. He wanted to apologise to the citizens on behalf of his party, Han said in Seoul. Yoon's conservatives suffered a severe defeat for the third time in a row in parliamentary elections in Asia's fourth largest economy. Yoon promised to reform state affairs. More than 44.25 million citizens were eligible to cast their ballot in Wednesday's vote. According to preliminary figures from the state electoral commission, the turnout was 67%, the highest figure for parliamentary elections in 32 years. South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo leaves a ceremony marking the 105th anniversary of the Korean government in exile at the National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government in Seoul. Duck-soo has offered his resignation in response to the clear defeat of the ruling camp in the country's parliamentary elections. -/YNA/dpa South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo has offered his resignation in response to the clear defeat of the ruling camp in the country's parliamentary elections. In Wednesday's vote, the liberal opposition won a landslide victory over the ruling conservative party of President Yoon Suk Yeol. Han personally submitted his resignation request to the president, South Korean broadcaster KBS and national news agency Yonhap reported unanimously on Thursday, citing officials from the presidential office in Seoul. Key advisers to Yoon and other staff members in his office have also asked for their resignations. Employees in the National Security Bureau were exempt from this, the reports said. It was initially unclear whether the head of state would accept or deny the requests. The opposition's success means a considerable weakening of the head of state in domestic politics. After almost all votes were counted on Thursday, the Democratic Party (DP) of opposition leader Lee Jae Myung was able to strengthen its position as the largest single party in the 300-seat National Assembly. The DP, together with its smaller sister party the Democratic Alliance of Korea, will hold 175 seats, giving it an absolute majority, according to South Korean broadcasters, citing the state election commission. The ruling People's Power Party (PPP) and its satellite party garnered 108 seats. According to Yonhap, PPP leader Han Dong Hoon announced his resignation over the result. He wanted to apologize to the citizens on behalf of his party, Han said in Seoul. Yoon's conservatives suffered a severe defeat for the third time in a row in parliamentary elections in Asia's fourth largest economy. Yoon promised to reform state affairs. More than 44.25 million citizens were eligible to cast their ballot in Wednesday's vote. According to preliminary figures from the state electoral commission, the turnout was 67%, the highest figure for parliamentary elections in 32 years. Special interests of the few will rule until majority of Floridians care enough to vote Minority of registered voters rule By now we should recognize what happens when the majority of adults dont vote: A very limited group of special interests get politicians who will do what they want. At the time of the 2022 election, Florida had more than 14.5 million registered voters: 4.6 million of those voted for Gov. Ron DeSantis, electing him to a second term. The overwhelming majority of registered Floridians voted for someone else or didnt vote. As a result, a dedicated minority is dictating the laws and policies 100% of us have to live by. That has to change if we want our elected officials to pursue the actual will of the people. Until it does, Florida will remain on Forbes list of worst states for families to live in who earn the states average salary or less. The "Stay Woke" Votercade held a June 21, 2023, event at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Sarasota's Newtown neighborhood as part of a 15-city tour organized by the Florida NAACP. The Votercade was the idea of the Transformative Justice Coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based organization advocating for equal voting rights and other causes. Numerous local groups took part in the event, including the Manasota chapter of the Florida NAACP, the League of Women Voters and the Rainbow Plus Coalition. Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor Its very likely that the individuals reading this letter vote. The problem is they dont encourage those they know to gather information and cast a ballot. That, too, has to change if Florida is again going to be good for Floridians and not merely for developers and other special interests. Kyle Quattlebaum, Sarasota Medical freedom leads to inferior care Three medical freedom advocates are seeking positions on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board. Medical freedom is an ideology that seeks to impose anti-science, anti-vaccine dogma on health professionals. Similar to book banning, this ideology harms the overall well-being of citizens. For example, it could require doctors to treat COVID-19 with Ivermectin (a horse dewormer), bleach and UV light, while denying a patient modern medical procedure. Google medical freedom to learn more about this ideology and its degenerative values. The leader of the local medical freedom movement is disgraced Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn, who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump after he had twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn has previously called for privatizing SMH. Michael Flynn, former President Donald Trump's first national security adviser, interacts with members of the audience after a speech to about 200 people in Venice on July 12, 2023. Flynn spoke at the Venice Community Center to the Republican Club of South Sarasota County. If medical freedom gains traction on the SMH board, there will likely be an exodus of medical doctors from Sarasota County. And inferior health care will follow. Robert Herickhoff, Nokomis Let's work to protect children April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and in the serene landscapes of Sarasota, it's easy to overlook the harsh realities that many local children face behind closed doors. Yet it's incumbent upon all of us to confront the stark truth that child abuse and neglect are pervasive issues that have far-reaching consequences. Childhood trauma, particularly stemming from abuse and neglect, leaves deep and lasting scars. It's crucial to understand that trauma experienced during formative years can profoundly impact a child's physical, emotional and psychological development. At All Star Children's Foundation, we recognize the urgent need to address childhood trauma head-on, and the need to do so by utilizing a holistic and collaborative approach. Child abuse is a community issue that demands a community response, and we have a collective responsibility to protect our most vulnerable children. During Child Abuse Prevention Month, I urge each of you to join us in our mission. Educate yourself about the signs of abuse and neglect. Connect with local organizations to learn how you can make a difference, whether through volunteering, advocacy or financial support. Together, we have the power to create a world where every child grows up free from fear and violence. Let us stand together as a community and say, "Not on our watch." For more information, visit www.allstarchildren.org. Denise Marzullo, CEO, All Star Children's Foundation, Sarasota This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Persuade more Floridians to vote to end minority rule WASHINGTON Just days after returning from a two-week recess, right-wing fury spurred on by former President Donald Trump brought the House to a standstill in a significant blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., as he grapples with a threat to his leadership post. Nineteen House Republicans shot down a procedural step known as a rule vote in the House on a controversial spying law that has renewed GOP infighting. The move effectively froze the House and left the legislation in a state of limbo. In the days leading up to the vote, House Republicans were confident they could take the lead on renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act or FISA and pass it this week. But it quickly became apparent that several conservative hard-liners, furious at Johnson and accusing leaders of leaving their voices out, were angling to shut down the bill. Trump also told Republicans early Wednesday to KILL FISA in an 11th-hour post on Truth Social, emboldening conservative opposition to Johnsons reapproval plan. All this was happening as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Grenee, R-Ga., dangles a motion to vacate over Johnsons head. It's an effort that, if passed, would boot him from the speakership. Greene's move, alongside the open rebellion in the House vote, underscores the growing frustration at Johnson from conservatives who say the speaker isnt fighting hard enough for them. One of the conservatives who derailed FISA, Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., told USA TODAY that frustration within hard-right ranks has reached a point that it's not clear Johnson would survive an effort to oust him, calling the House fickle. Johnson sought to sell the plan to reauthorize the surveillance legislation in a meeting Wednesday morning and touted other reforms to FISA, stressing its importance as advocates said it was essential to national security. Those efforts, however, proved futile. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., listens during a press conference following a House GOP caucus meeting at the U.S Capitol on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Sparks fly in GOP meeting: Deja vu of the deja vus Shortly after conservatives tanked the rule vote, Republican leaders called a snap meeting among GOP lawmakers to discuss the path forward. But members leaving the impromptu huddle didn't describe it as productive. Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, left the meeting early and said there was zero progress made on renewing FISA. The forum quickly devolved into members yelling at one another and blaming other lawmakers for the dysfunction, said Miller, visibly frustrated. If anyone says that theres a path forward on FISA right now, theyre lying, Miller said. Johnson literally has to pull a rabbit out of a magic hat for this thing to work at this point. During the meetings open-mic session, some members called to punish the conservative rabble rousers for tanking the rule vote. Most lawmakers leaving the intense meeting described it as a venting session, which GOP conference meetings have often become in recent months. Im getting deja vu of the deja vus, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., quipped. But even amid the frustration, some lawmakers acknowledge its par for the course for the House GOP in recent months. Its muscle memory, said Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., who pointed out that rule votes have failed before and Republicans have moved on. This is a more important issue, and obviously were coming up on a deadline. But this is muscle memory for our conference right now. All the chaos is against the backdrop of Greenes efforts to oust Johnson, which she launched last month after the speaker worked with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown. The Georgia Republican met with Johnson for more than an hour on Wednesday, but leaving the speakers office, she said Johnson simply offered a lot of excuses. He has not done the job that we elected him to do, and I told him that. I said, 'None of this is changing,' Greene said. His actions alone are the only thing that can sway me. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks to reporters in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol Building on April 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. If the House is frozen, will the Senate come up with its own plan? FISA reauthorization may have a clearer path to approval in the Senate, where leaders on both sides agree on the need to extend the spying law and ultraconservative senators don't have the same power to derail proceedings. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said on the Senate floor Wednesday that Congress must ensure FISA authorities are renewed during this work period. Congress takes another break after next week, leaving only seven days to pass the bill before an April 19 deadline. GOP Whip Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told USA TODAY that the Senate will be exploring options to lead on the reauthorization bill given the holdup in the House: One thing we cant afford is to have it go dark. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., said House lawmakers during the impromptu GOP meeting on Wednesday raised the boogeyman of getting jammed by the Senate if they dont handle the spying bill first in the lower chamber. And then somebody suggested that we should just let them struggle with it and send it to us, he said. If that happens, there'd be a similar debate on the Senate side over what actually goes in the legislation though the final result likely wouldn't include the changes some House lawmakers want because of the general consensus in the upper chamber. That attitude is not unanimous, however. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah leader of the GOP Senate Steering Committee, the upper chambers equivalent to the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus told USA TODAY he would oppose renewing the legislation without an amendment to require intelligence officials to get a warrant before accessing Americans data, a provision that has become a major source of contention in the House. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, said the surveillance law is in need of serious reform Im glad it went down in the House today because I think it gives us an opportunity to force some of those reforms, he said. Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks during a TV interview at the U.S. Capitol on January 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. Trump weighs in on House affairs, again Trumps foray into the debate Wednesday appeared to be the final nail in the coffin for House GOP leaders FISA plans. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., a vocal supporter of changing the legislation, told reporters Wednesday morning that the former president was right and that his comments helped their cause. Asked whether Trumps message influenced any votes in the House, Vance a close Trump ally in the upper chamber quipped: Certainly didnt hurt. Johnson said this week that he intends to speak with the former president and defended his plan, arguing the effort to renew FISA already includes swaths of reforms and gives the law real teeth to address abuses. Johnson will have his opportunity to speak with Trump in person soon. Just days after the former presidents comments appeared to plunge the House into chaos, the speaker is slated to deliver a joint news conference with Trump at Mar-a-Lago on election integrity. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, smokes a cigar after the House approved a bill Wednesday, March 13, 2024, that would force TikToks parent company to sell the popular social media app or face a practical ban in the U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, a Trump loyalist and hard-right member who often defends Johnson, lamented that the speaker has an impossible job and agreed with the sentiment that Trumps comments probably contributed to the paralysis in the House. But when asked whether he would listen to Trump over Johnson, Nehls didnt hesitate. Oh yes, Nehls said. If Speaker Johnson aint getting advice from Donald Trump, hes missing a lot. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: House Republicans in chaos after Trump weighs in, conservatives rebel Squatter caused delay in construction of community center in Queens, owner says Squatter caused delay in construction of community center in Queens, owner says QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) Construction of a new community center in Queens serving young adults with special needs is well underway and long delayed, says property owner Young Seh Bae. Its all thanks to a squatter identified by the Sheriffs Office as Sean Johnson. Investigators said he set up camp in the now demolished home that once stood on a lot in the fall of 2022, and then illegally claimed residence after being there for more than 30 days. They just broke into the house using the back door, said Bae. What to know about New York City squatter rights The Sheriffs Office also confirmed marshals recovered a gun from inside the home where Johnson was squatting, adding he was not present to be taken into custody. They caused a nightmare for us. There were people coming and going. They would come on to our side of the sidewalk to intimidate us, said Angela, who lives across the street. Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday said he supports updating squatters rights, which were originally enacted to help protect against bad landlords. There was a reason that squatters law was put in place. And I think people are starting to exploit what some of those reasons are, said Adams. Under current New York State law, squatters are considered tenants if they have had possession for 30 consecutive days or longer. Bae said it ultimately took more than six months and six-figures in legal fees to finally reclaim the property her family rightfully owns. It was very frustrating, not only mentally but financially. I have to say about $100,000, said Bae. State Sen. John Liu acknowledged his newly proposed legislation may not be useful to responding police officers, but he added it will help homeowners in a courtroom. Lius bill clearly defines a squatter as someone who enters onto a property or building without title, right, or permission The bill bans them from accessing a tenants rights and protections under the law, and states squatters do not get any rights, even after 30 days of possession. New York State law, as it pertains to housing and property, its not the easiest thing no question. We need to erase any kind of ambiguity in our state laws, and this bill will do just that, said Liu. Bae said she hopes to finish construction and open the ground-level community center for young adults with special needs this summer. Because the alleged squatter was not there when marshals came to throw him out, his whereabouts remain unknown. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. UPDATE: Amari has returned home as of Thursday morning. ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. Police are searching for a woman who is reported missing from Spanish Lake Township. Officials say 23-year-old Amari Pitts was last seen Tuesday afternoon around 1:30 p.m. in the 6300 block of Honey Bee Ct. She dropped off two small children with her mother and has not been seen since, according to police. Friends and family have not been able to contact her. Anyone with information on Amaris whereabouts is asked to call 911. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Starmer refuses to say he has 100 per cent confidence in Angela Rayner Sir Keir Starmer said of Angela Rayner: 'I have full confidence in her, I've expressed that over and over again' - Jordan Pettitt/PA Sir Keir Starmer has refused to say that he has 100 per cent confidence in Angela Rayner in the row over the sale of her former home. The Labour leader twice declined to echo the wording of a question put to him about his deputy before insisting he had full confidence in her seconds later. Ms Rayner has been accused of lying over the sale of her former council house in Stockport in 2015. She was registered at the property for five years after marrying Mark Rayner, her now estranged husband, while he was listed at a different address a mile away. The confusion over which property was her principal residence has prompted questions, and police are looking again at claims that she may have provided false information. Challenged on whether he was 100 per cent confident that Ms Rayner had done nothing wrong, Sir Keir, who was in Blackpool South to campaign ahead of the by-election, told ITV Granada: Im very confident in Angela. Asked the same question again, he replied: Im very confident in Angela Rayner. Told that the response was different to 100 per cent confident, he said: Look, dont try and play a game on this. Ive been absolutely clear. Angelas answered all those questions. I have full confidence in her, Ive expressed that over and over again. But I really think that you should be asking questions about the state of the NHS, I think you should be asking questions about why Blackpool, which was promised levelling up, now has a bigger wage gap between London and the south. Starmer should order an independent investigation Jack Lopresti, a deputy Conservative Party chairman, said: Sir Keir Starmer is deliberately trying to avoid dealing with a serious ethics scandal engulfing his deputy because he is too weak to lead. He cant say that hes 100 per cent confident his deputy hasnt done anything wrong, yet refuses to even ask to see the evidence. He should order an independent investigation to get to the bottom of the matter. Ms Rayner has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and said she had received legal advice that she claims exonerates her. But she has refused to publish the details of this unless Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt make their own tax affairs public in full, telling them: You show me yours and Ill show you mine. The Telegraph understands Ms Rayner has handed the advice over to Labour officials, who have gone through it line by line. Sir Keir, a former director of public prosecutions, has not seen the advice himself, but said he did not need to. Richard Holden, the Conservative Party chairman, claimed the row makes a mockery of Sir Keir and Ms Rayners pledge to uphold standards in public life. Greater Manchester Police is facing pressure from the Tories after the party accused it of failing to consider potentially relevant documents or contact witnesses following its initial confirmation Ms Rayner would not face an investigation. The force said: We have received a complaint regarding our decision not to investigate an allegation and are in the process of reassessing this decision. The complainant will be updated with the outcome of the reassessment in due course. 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. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) The state superintendent of public instruction got a first-hand look at the Chesapeake Career Center Wednesday. We met students who will be working on alternative opportunities; not necessarily traditional pathways such as welding, but also serving in the service industry, said Lisa Coons, Virginia Department of Education Superintendent of Public Instruction. During her visit, Coons got to see everything the career center offers. The high school helps to foster young students careers, giving them opportunities to develop skills in many fields such as welding, cosmetology and more. Many students already have internships, apprenticeships and jobs lined up after graduation. Coons said thats wildly impressive, and thats one of the reasons why her visit was so important. This opportunity here allows students to explore and experience within their high school what they want to do when they walk across the stage, Coons said, and thats exciting that something were talking about at the department, with the state board, and across the Commonwealth to make sure students are day one ready after they get that diploma. Chesapeake Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton added on to that, saying the students also learn how to give back to their community. So not only are they learning about the skill that will lead to a career, but theyre also helping others in our community, he said. And I think that really, no matter what path they choose, leaves them with such important skills to be successful in life. Coons said other schools in the state could benefit from following the example given by the Chesapeake Career Center. I think its important that this model be spread, Coons said. I think there are unique opportunities that Dr. Cotton has developed with his team for the students in Chesapeake that we need to have other schools see and see the possibilities and be able to make sure every child across the Commonwealth has the same opportunities as Chesapeake. Cotton added that a new building and criminal justice course are coming soon to the school. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Steve Bannon no doubt thought he was being deviously clever. Speaking with The New York Times this week, he elaborated on a sophisticated plan that Donald Trumps allies have developed for boosting third-party candidates, so they siphon votes from President Biden. A key part of this scheme, Bannon noted, entails boosting expected Green Party candidate Jill Stein by highlighting oil production under Biden to pull environmentally concerned voters away from him. As Bannon put it: No Republican knows that oil production under Biden is higher than ever. But Jill Steins people do. Stein is furious about the oil drilling. The college kids are furious about it. The more exposure these [third-party candidates] get, the better it is for us. Whoa, thats some serious 11-dimensional chess, Steve! Except for one thing. If you think for a second about Bannons quotethat oil production under Biden is higher than everit entirely undermines one of Trumps biggest lies: the claim that Bidens effort to transition the United States to a decarbonized economy has destroyed the nations energy independence, leaving us weak and hollow to our very core. This saga captures something essential about how MAGA-world fights the information wars. Youll note that Bannon is not even slightly troubled by the idea that telling the truth about Bidens record to one set of votersleft-leaning, green-minded onesmight contradict one of Trumps most frequent lies to countless others. It isnt just that for Bannon, assertions should be evaluated purely for their instrumental usefulness. Its also that he apparently has total confidence that voters who really need to hear the truth he utteredthose in the industrial and Appalachian heartlands who are the targets of Trumps propagandanever, ever will, even if he admits to it right in the paper of record. Its hard to overstate how central Trumps story about energy independence is to his campaign. His basic claim is that under his presidency, we produced record levels of oil, inherently making us strong, whereas under Biden, were seeing a war on American energy responsible for many ills: deindustrialization, vulnerability to leftist enemies within, dependence on China and other nefarious globalist actors, and all-around national decline. In reality, Bidens green policies are facilitating billions of dollars in investments in rebuilding the industrial base via green energy manufacturing, which is creating a whole lot of advanced manufacturing jobs for people without college degreesexactly the targets of Trumps demagoguery. Those policies are driving a manufacturing boom, ironically in red-leaning communities. Green manufacturing makes us stronger, not weakermore prepared for a future in which climate change becomes a more pressing threat, not just to the world, but to our own national interests. Importantly, all this is happening while the U.S., under Biden, is producing more oil and more natural gas than ever before. Incidentally, as Washington Post fact checker Glenn Kessler details, Trump wasnt even that responsible for the recent oil boom anyway: It started before his presidency, thanks to new energy technologies. The U.S. is now producing more oil and gas than it ever has, and exporting more than ever, Jesse Jenkins, an energy expert at Princeton University, told me. Were a net exporter of all fossil fuels. So weve achieved that long-sought goal of physical energy security. Now the idea of energy independence is confusing to begin with. Even if we export more than ever before, oil is a global commodity, which inevitably makes us vulnerable to international shocks. But the answer to that is to wean ourselves off fossil fuels, not to drill more, as Trump wants. Regardless, by Trumps own metricthat energy independence is good, that net exports of fossil fuel energy make us definitionally strongweve achieved more of this under Biden. And critically, his policies are at the same time transitioning us to a post-carbon economy. Bannon knows all this. Yet Trump and his allies keep repeating the contrary story. They obviously know this narrative is a crock of lies, Jenkins said. Its worth stressing that some progressive voters might nonetheless be reasonably upset about oil production under Biden. But the broader story remains that Biden is moving us toward a decarbonized economy by using the levers of government to boost demand for and production of renewable energy sources over time. Whats important to note is that U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are falling, Jenkins says. That both this and robust oil production and exports are occurring simultaneously, he notes, would probably be viewed positively by moderate voters, including in Appalachia and the industrial Midwest. That is, if those voters hear any of this through the fog of MAGA agitprop. Trumps attacks on Bidens energy weakness are designed to tell a meta story that has little to do with policy details: Trump will protect us from an array of shadowy forces associated with green energyleftism, China, ill will toward good ol American fossil fuelguzzling SUVswhile Biden is making us vulnerable to them. You can see how this works in Trumps proposal for across-the-board tariffs. These would hike prices for American consumersthey would impose a taxeven as Democrats have opted for green policies that move away from the more traditional policy of a carbon tax. Yet as Brian Beutler and Matthew Yglesias explain, Trump can still present his tariffs as a form of protection and Bidens green agenda as a form of vulnerability, because each of these policies code that way for many voters. Bannon understands all this. Strikingly, he declares that no Republican knows that oil production is so high under Biden, which is another way of saying that no Republican voters know that Trump is lying in their faces. Bannon and other MAGA propagandists are making sure of that. They are using their influence over information flows to those voters to ensure that the truth never reaches them. And theyre absolutely confident in their ability to succeed. A Stone Mountain man was arrested after deputies say a fight with a high school rival ended in murder. According to the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office, warrants for felony murder and aggravated assault weapon were served on Robin Alvin Carmichael, 18, at his home Thursday by investigators with assistance from Georgia State Patrol S.W.A.T. The victim, Deonta Walker, 22, was killed on Muirforest Drive in Stone Mountain on March 28, 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] According to the warrants, Walker and Carmichael had a longstanding feud that began in high school. Investigators say a verbal argument between the men escalated into the deadly shooting. Carmichael was arrested without incident and booked into the DeKalb County Jail where he is being held without bond. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Tornadoes hit Louisiana and Texas as severe weather causes damage in South A tornado with 115-mph winds ripped off roofs and tore down power lines in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on Wednesday, and another twister damaged homes in Texas as severe weather struck the South. No deaths or injuries were reported in the EF-2 tornadoes that hit Lake Charles and Port Arthur, Texas, on Wednesday morning, the National Weather Service said. In Lake Charles, a city of 84,000 in the southwestern part of the state, the tornado traveled for about a mile beginning at 6:38 a.m., the weather service said. The roof of the Moss Memorial Health Complex was damaged, and other roofs were destroyed. storm aftermath damage rubble destruction (Gerald Herbert / AP) In Port Arthur, another EF-2 tornado around 300 yards wide traveled more than 2 miles, damaging homes and ripping down trees, the weather service said. It was pretty bad, Michelle Viator, of Lake Charles, told NBC affiliate KPLC. I mean, everythings down. Viators home was damaged, and a family down her street who have two children were trapped by the damage to their home, Viator told the station in Lake Charles. On Tuesday, heavy rain, hail and high winds hit Mississippi and other Southern states. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves announced Wednesday that there had been one weather-related death in his state, in Scott County, and an injury in Grenada County. Please pray for them and their families during this difficult time, Reeves said on X. HAPPENING NOW: The Levee in the Eastbrook Subdivision over in Yazoo City has breached here is what it looks like!@NWSJacksonMS #mswx pic.twitter.com/M4U9SEpQsT Chase Franks (@ChaseFranksWx) April 10, 2024 He said preliminary information was that 72 homes were damaged or destroyed in Grenada, Hinds, Marshall, Scott, Warren and Yazoo counties. More than 4 inches of rain fell in Hinds County, Mississippi, and more than 5 inches fell in Holmes, Rankin and Sharkey counties, the weather service in Jackson said. In New Orleans, streets flooded Wednesday. A flash flood emergency had been declared for the metro area, and the weather service there warned residents "DO NOT DRIVE right now!" New Orleans police showed images of inundated roads and urged people to avoid flooded areas. St. Tammany Parish, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain across from New Orleans, shared video of destruction, including downed trees and destroyed houses and buildings, amid heavy rain. The National Weather Service said it found damage consistent with an EF-1 tornado in Slidell near Old Spanish Trail, but it said more storm surveys would be needed to determine the path, length and wind speeds. An EF-1 tornado also struck the Houston suburb of Katy early Wednesday with 90 mph maximum winds, officials said. While the damage survey is still ongoing, its consistent with an EF-1 tornado, Jeff Evans of the National Weather Service Office in Houston/Galveston told reporters. There were more than 90 storm reports Tuesday, including reports of hail as large as 4.25 inches in diameter across Texas. Jasper, Texas, marked 7.58 inches of rain, and 7.38 inches were clocked in Marshall, Texas, along with 7.22 inches at Big Sunflower River in Holly Bluff, Mississippi, and 6.24 inches in Monroe, Louisiana. In Kirbyville, Texas, Pin Oak Creek rose 10 feet in less than six hours. A disaster declaration was issued for Jasper County, Texas, which includes Kirbyville, on Wednesday. The Jasper County Sheriffs Office said the city remains under water Wednesday morning and rescue teams have extricated several people out of vehicles and homes. By Wednesday evening, high wind advisories covered much of the South. In Birmingham, Alabama, forecasters said there could be 45 mph wind gusts, and the advisory there lasted until 7 a.m. Thursday. Tornado watches covered an area of the Florida Panhandle and southwestern Georgia at 6:45 p.m. ET. Around 136,000 customers across Louisiana remained without power Wednesday evening, according to the tracking website poweroutage.us. Severe risk continues Thursday for the Ohio Valley, the Southeast and northern Florida. Thursdays risks are lower than Wednesdays, but all hazards will be possible for Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa and other cities in Florida for the southern risk area and for Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh across the northern risk area. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (KRON) A dinner for UC Berkeley law students hosted in the yard of the school deans house was interrupted by a pro-Palestine protestor on Tuesday night, the professor said in a letter posted on the law schools website. A video of the professors wife, who is also a UC Berkeley law professor, confronting the protester has gone viral, accumulating more than 5.7 million views on X. Professors Erwin Chemerinsky and Catherine Fisk have invited first-year law students to their home for dinner for years, Chemerinsky said. Tuesdays dinner hosted members of this years graduating class, who missed out on a dinner in 2021 due to COVID-19. About 60 students, all of whom registered in advance, sat in the couples backyard to eat on Tuesday when one of the students stood up and read a speech about Ramadan and the current state of Palestine. Chemerinsky and Fisk told the woman to leave, with Fisk attempting to grab the womans phone and microphone. Rampant crime leaves another Oakland business on the brink The professors reminded the students that they were in their house and repeatedly asked them to leave. The woman kept reading, citing the First Amendment. In a video shared with KRON4, Chemerinsky can be heard saying, No, this is my house. The First Amendment doesnt apply. Several other students who Chemerinsky said were clearly with the woman speaking stood up in support of her. After about two minutes of the professors talking back and forth with the woman, the group of students left. The Bay Area chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement called Fisks actions assault, and credited them to Islamophobia, anti-Palestinian racism, and religious discrimination. A community note under the viral tweet cites CA 3475, which says the owner of property is permitted to use reasonable force to make a trespasser leave if the person does not leave within a reasonable time and could pose a threat. I was attacked not only for speaking about Palestine, but assaulted because I was a Muslim woman that dared to wear a hijab and a keffiyeh and speak in my native tongue of Arabic, equating my identity with something that should be feared and someone that deserved to be silenced, said the speaker, whose name is Malak Afaneh. The students gripe was with money that they said was being donated by the school to fund Israels artillery. The professors said that they and the law school did not control that investment. We agree with you about whats going on in Palestine, Fisk can be heard saying as the students leave. We dont control the investment. According to Chemerinsky, antisemitism is a part of the story as well. A poster that showed a caricature of Chemerinsky holding a fork and knife with the words No dinner with Zionist Chem while Gaza starves circulated online and on the schools campus before the dinner, Chemerinsky said. I never thought I would see such blatant antisemitism, with an image that invokes the horrible antisemitic trope of blood libel and that attacks me for no apparent reason other than I am Jewish, he said. Chemerinsky said he was told there would be a protest if he did not cancel his dinner, but he went forward with the dinner, thinking that any protest would not be disruptive. The dinner, which was meant to celebrate graduating students, was obviously disrupted and disturbed. I am enormously sad that we have students who are so rude as to come into my home, in my backyard, and use this social occasion for their political agenda, he said. Chemerinsky opted to proceed with additional dinners on Wednesday and Thursday. He said there would be security present. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4. Though few issues are as polarizing, a new study published Monday found some common ground in how Americans view guns in their local communities. Traditionally pro-gun respondents did not have a preference for gun-owning neighbors, and all respondents were averse to their neighbors owning AR-15s. All groups, including pro-gun groups, were also uncomfortable with neighbors storing their guns unlocked and loaded for quick access. According to a 2023 survey by the Department of Public Health, 12% of households in Los Angeles County reported having at least one firearm in or around their home. That translates to one out of every 9 households and, because of self-reporting bias, is likely an undercount. Owners tend to be male, older, and white. Certain parts of the county also have higher rates of gun ownership. In the Antelope Valley, 24% of respondents reported owning a gun. The East, South Bay, San Gabriel, and San Fernando areas also had gun ownership rates above 10%. Research often frame[s] gun ownership as an individual choice, and also as a national policy preference, but there's a lot of layers between national policy and individual choices, said Justin Sola, an incoming assistant sociology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.There's your family, there's your household, there's your friends, there's your workplace. It can become incoherent if you collapse all those [layers] into external expressions of belief. In the recent study, Sola and his co-author Justin Pickett, criminology professor at the State University of New York at Albany, asked people to pick between different types of neighbors in order to understand how their policy preferences align with their immediate environments. Among several randomized characteristics was whether the person owned a gun, either a pistol or an AR-15. Compared to a gunless neighbor, if the potential neighbor owned a pistol, the probability that respondents would choose to live near them dropped by 9 percentage points. For owners of AR-15s, the weapon of choice for many recent mass shootings, the probability plummeted by over 20 percentage points. Many of the other randomized attributes also had an effect. In general, respondents preferred politically independent, non-Muslim neighbors who were female, married, and of a similar socioeconomic status. But AR-15 ownership was the single best predictor of respondents aversion to having someone as a neighbor. After reading the research findings, Kimberly Southwell, California State Director of Women for Gun Rights said Honestly, I don't think we'll ever agree on the numbers. But what this does show me is that the media blitz campaign against the AR-15 has absolutely continued to work. According to the survey results, however, traditionally pro-gun groups such as Republicans and gun owners also do not have a significant preference for living near gun owners. Among these pro-gun groups, respondents were about 5 to 16 percentage points less likely to choose a neighbor with an AR-15, when the alternative was a gunless neighbor. Both Southwell and Dianna Muller, founder of Women for Gun Rights, said they would prefer their neighbors be armed, and that an AR-15 would be fine with them. They also said they did not have a preference on storage however their neighbor chose to store their guns is up to them. Californias 1989 assault weapons ban prohibits AR-15 models and other semiautomatic firearms with certain features in addition to fully automatic firearms. In October 2023, U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez of San Diego ruled that it was unconstitutional. The state filed an appeal and is awaiting a final decision from the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read more: L.A. County offers free gun locks in an effort to decrease firearm violence Gun safety and storage Do people want to interact with gun-owning neighbors if they know the guns are not stored safely? The California Department of Justice says that safe gun storage means keeping the gun unloaded, using a trigger or cable lock that must be removed before the gun can be used and keeping the gun in a lock box or gun safe. Southwell is also a firearms pistol instructor. She says that gun owners are bopped over the head constantly with safety, from all parts of the gun industry. When researchers asked, they found that storage practices matter a lot. Every group, pro-gun groups included, was averse to interacting with a neighbor who stored guns unsafely. The probability that they would want to interact with the neighbor dropped by over 60 percentage points if they knew the neighbor stored their gun unlocked and 40 points if they only used a chamber lock. But for many gun owners, easy access to their firearm for protection is more important than following safe storage practices. Southwell herself says she owns guns primarily for self defense and that she is seeing a dramatic increase in women wanting guns for the same reason. When it comes to the state requirement for safe gun storage, she thinks there shouldn't be a blanket [requirement] for everybody, because everybody's home is different. A 2023 Pew survey found that 72% of gun owners say protection is a major reason they own a gun. But, while 81% of surveyed gun owners said they feel safer having a gun in the home, only 57% of non gun owners felt safer when a gun was in the house. Sola and Pickett note that safe storage has been shown to be one of the most effective ways to decrease accidental shootings and suicides, especially for children. A 2017 survey found that just 66% of gun owners think it is essential for gun owners with children at home to keep their guns in a locked place and only 44% say guns should be kept unloaded. In 2020, 237 Los Angeles county children were treated for firearm injuries and 47 children were killed. A 2021 survey found that an estimated 4.6 million children nationwide live in a home with an unlocked, loaded gun. Today, firearm injury is the leading cause of death for kids under the age of 18. Andrea Welsing, director of the countys Office of Violence Prevention, felt that the study results showed a growing groundswell around the issue of gun safety. Since 2002, California has required firearm purchases to include a safety device but still, a 2023 Los Angeles Department of Public Health survey found that 32% of gun-owning county households report not locking their firearm. Not only do gun locks prevent children and others in the household who should not have access, they also can prevent gun theft. The Department of Justice found that between 2005 and 2010, about 232,400 guns were stolen annually during burglaries and other property crimes. Last week, Los Angeles County announced a new program to distribute gun locks free of charge. So far, they have received 439 online requests for 825 locks. Others, not included in that total, have been distributed at the Department of Health Services medical center. Margot Bennett, executive director of Los Angeles based Women Against Gun Violence, the organization that sparked the idea for the free lock program, says gun owners talk a good story about safe gun storage and locking their guns up, but they don't. They don't. And we're not quite sure what it's going to take. Safe storage laws are great, but the penalties for not storing your firearm safely are not great enough yet to be a deterrent. On Tuesday, Jennifer and James Crumbley became the first parents convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting after their 15 year old son brought an unsecured gun from their home and killed four students. They were found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and each sentenced to at least 10 years in prison. Consequences like these are what Bennett suggests may be required before gun owners, especially those with children, start taking safe storage seriously. Welsing says her office uses a three pronged approach to solving the problem of gun violence: prevention, intervention, and healing. She notes ongoing efforts including ongoing youth mental health summits and suicide prevention. She says the gun lock distribution is important but it is just one piece of a puzzle. 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. Ancient Romans were enjoying more than just the food during their feasts, a new discovery at the archaeological site of Pompeii has shown. Archaeologists working at the world-famous site have uncovered a banqueting hall with black-painted walls covered with frescoes of mythological characters associated with the Trojan War. The ornately decorated room provided an elegant setting for entertainment or conversation during banquets, the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which oversees the site, said. The elaborate dining room provided an elegant setting for entertainment, according to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. - Archaeological Park of Pompeii The walls were painted black to prevent the smoke from the oil lamps being seen on the walls, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, said in a news release Thursday. People would meet to dine after sunset; the flickering light of the lamps had the effect of making the images appear to move, especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine, he continued. One of the frescoes depicts a meeting between Helen and Paris, son of the Trojan king, Priam, identified by a Greek inscription of his other name, Alexandros. In Greek mythology, Paris abduction of Helen from her Greek husband, Menelaus, led to the Trojan War. This fresco depicts Helen of Troy with Paris. In Greek mythology, Paris' abduction of Helen triggered the Trojan War. - Archaeological Park of Pompeii Another shows a downcast Cassandra, daughter of Priam, with the god Apollo. As legend has it, Apollo promised Cassandra the gift of prophecy but, as she did not yield to his desires, punished her by also ordaining that her prophecies would never be believed. Her warning of the fall of Troy, for example, went unheeded. The newly revealed dining room is about 15 meters long (49 feet) and six meters wide (20 feet) and opens onto a courtyard with a long staircase leading to the second floor, according to the release. On the fresh plaster of the arches of the staircase, someone had used charcoal to draw two pairs of gladiators and what seems to be a huge, stylized phallus. Beneath the arches, a large pile of building materials was found. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Pompeii was buried under ash and volcanic glass during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. and since the 1700s, archeologists have been unearthing the city thats been frozen in time. The site contains 1,070 homes with more than 13,000 rooms, as well as public and sacred spaces, according to the archeological park. This latest discovery was made during a large, ongoing excavation. Other finds revealed in the excavation area so far include two interconnected houses, a bakery, a laundry room and a beautifully frescoed living room. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Rishi Sunak visited Haughton Academy in Darlington to outline his plans for the banning of single use vapes earlier this year - Ian Forsyth/Getty Images Rishi Sunak is facing a revolt next week over his proposal to ban smoking after it was criticised by two former prime ministers and his ex-home secretary. MPs will debate the legislation for the first time on Tuesday, just over a fortnight before local elections that could prompt fresh calls for the Prime Minister to be replaced as Conservative leader. Under the plan, the smoking age would be raised each year until it applied to the whole population, while disposable vapes would be banned outright and reusable ones limited to four flavours. Tory MPs will be given a free vote, meaning they can oppose the Government without facing any disciplinary consequences. One backbencher estimated that around 100 of his colleagues could defy Mr Sunak, which would make it the biggest rebellion of his premiership. However, even a major rebellion is unlikely to derail the legislation because it has Labours support. The Governments working majority is now 51, meaning only 26 Tory rebels would be needed to leave Mr Sunak reliant on Labour votes. To force a defeat, at least 274 Tories would need to rebel, subject to how other parties voted. That is highly unlikely because it would involve dozens of ministers voting against the Government. A source close to Suella Braverman, who was sacked as home secretary by Mr Sunak in November, told The Telegraph she was not a fan of the proposals. It is understood that Liz Truss, the former prime minister, will vote against the ban on Tuesday, and that she hopes to catch the eye of Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons Speaker, to make a speech criticising her successors flagship policy. Ms Truss has called the proposals profoundly unconservative and an example of the nanny state in action, prompting Mr Sunak to respond that there was [nothing] unconservative about caring for our childrens health. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson called Mr Sunaks plan absolutely nuts as he criticised the wider state of the Conservative Party at an event in Canada. Speaking at a gathering of conservatives in Ottawa on Wednesday, the former prime minister said: We are, on the whole, in favour of freedom, and it is that single Anglo-Saxon idea of freedom that I think unites conservatives, or should unite conservatives. And when I look at some of the things that we are doing now, or that are being done in the name of conservatism, I think they are absolutely nuts. When the party of Winston Churchill wants to ban cigars, donnez-moi un break, as they say in Quebec. Its just mad. Although dozens of Tory MPs are understood to have concerns about the smoking ban, rebels are split about whether to oppose the Bill outright or attempt to amend it. There will not be the opportunity for changes until it moves to its report stage following Tuesdays vote. Philip Davies, a senior Tory backbencher, confirmed that he would vote against the policy at its third reading further down the line, while another prominent figure said: I would be surprised if the noes were less than 100. Sir John Hayes, the chairman of the Common Sense Group of Tory backbenchers, said he supported parts of the Prime Ministers plan, including his war on vaping, but could not vote for the proposals in their current form. Sir John said: I totally support the crackdown on vaping. Theres good things you can do, but you cant have this nonsense of people aged 50 able to smoke a cigar and people 49 not able to. This unenforceable, frankly ludicrous, concept of a year-on-year age of consent has to be axed from the Bill. Labour has repeatedly confirmed its support for a phased smoking ban. Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, last month told The Telegraphs Politics Newsletter he would come down like a tonne of bricks on the vaping industry. Its not universally popular in Rishi Sunaks party, but hes got the assurance of knowing that Labour votes can help get it through, he said. The vote will mark the start of what could be a difficult few weeks for Mr Sunak, with the Tories projected to lose as many as half of their councillors up for election on May 2. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Police working to determine if an active school shooter threat at SUU was legitimate or a swatting hoax People walk on the Southern Utah University campus in Cedar City on Wednesday April 7, 2021. Southern Utah University police officers are working with the FBI to determine if an active school shooter threat on Thursday was legitimate or if the school was the victim of a swatting hoax. Were taking it seriously until we find out through our investigation that it was a hoax, said SUU Police Chief Carlos Medina. As of midday, no evidence had been found that any shots were fired or people injured. The university was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after the school received a suspicious phone call claiming an active shooter was on the Cedar City campus. The school issued an alert to its campus at 9:15 a.m. We received reports of hearing noises that sounded like shots fired at the Science Building at Southern Utah University. All SUU Facilities are on lockdown. If you are on campus, follow lockdown procedures, by going into the nearest room and locking the door. If you are not on campus stay away. Police are on the scene and investigating. We will continue to update as we receive new information, the university posted online. Just after 10:20 a.m., the university announced the Science Building had been cleared. There has been confirmation that NO SHOTS were fired. ALL buildings still remain on lockdown. If you are on campus, follow lockdown procedures, by going into the nearest room and locking the door, the university stated. Initially, the school received information of a possible suspect description of a white male with black hat, black shades, green T-shirt, long hair, blue jeans, 20-25 years old. As of midday Thursday, Medina said it was still an active investigation as officers continued to clear the campus approximately 20 buildings plus housing. Were covering all aspects of what we need to do, the chief said. The university was part of a statewide swatting hoax in 2023. But Medina says he is waiting for the other buildings to be checked before determining if Thursdays incident is also a hoax. The university says that all classes and activities for Thursday have been canceled and the campus is closed for the rest of the day. Classes and activities are scheduled to resume Friday. Additionally on Thursday, the Iron County School District announced Cedar High School, Canyon View Middle School, Three Peaks Elementary and preschool, Iron Springs Elementary, Fiddlers Elementary, Enoch Elementary and East Elementary School implemented secure action protocol due to a police incident in the area. As a precaution, all doors are locked and no one can leave or enter the building. Classes will continue uninterrupted inside the building. Students may not be able to leave the school building for classes off campus, the district stated. By 11:15 a.m., the action at all schools in the Iron County district had been lifted. Everything back to normal, it was a precautionary measure. There were never threats made to Iron County District schools, the district said. This story will be updated. Swiss FM: Russia has to be at peace summit 'sooner or later' Russia has to participate in a global peace summit "sooner or later," even if it does not attend its first meeting, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said in Bern, as reported by the Associated Press (AP) on April 10. The Swiss government confirmed on April 10 that it would host the global peace summit on Russia's war against Ukraine in June at the Burgenstock resort in the canton of Nidwalden. The participants are expected to discuss Kyiv's 10-point peace formula and create a joint document on what needs to be done to restore Ukraine's sovereignty. Russia previously said that it would not attend the summit even if invited. "The first country that we spoke with, after Ukraine, of course, was Russia because a peace process cannot happen without Russia, even if it won't be there for the first meeting," Cassis said. Cassis added that it is not mandatory for Russia to be at the summit from "the first day." "We could also imagine that on the first day, people might agree about how to better invite in Russia," the foreign minister said. Swiss President Viola Amherd echoed Cassis's statement, saying that the global summit at the Burgenstock resort will be "the first step" on the path of establishing lasting peace in Ukraine. "We are not going to sign the peace deal at this conference," Amherd added. Andriy Yermak, Ukraine's Presidential Office head, said in February that Ukraine could invite representatives from Russia to a future peace summit if they "really wanted to end this war and return to a just peace." President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his March visit to Turkey that Ukraine "does not see a place for Russia" during the peace summit, as it continues to attack Ukraine on a daily basis. Read also: Opinion: 6 obstacles to peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Former Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou speaks to the media at Taoyuan international airport after concluding his 12-day trip to China in Taoyuan By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan and China can peacefully resolve their differences, former Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou said on Thursday after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, adding that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same culture and history. Ma, president from 2008 to 2016, last year became the first former or sitting Taiwanese leader to visit China. On Wednesday, he held his second meeting with Xi, following a landmark summit in Singapore in 2015 when Ma was still Taiwan's leader, which was the first time Chinese and Taiwanese leaders had met following the end of the civil war in 1949. Speaking on his return from Beijing, Ma said he hoped young Taiwanese can put aside ideology and realise the historical and cultural links between Taiwan and China. "More importantly, the Chinese on both sides of the Strait can handle disputes peacefully," he added. China considers democratically-governed Taiwan its own territory, and has ramped up military and political pressure to assert those claims. Neither government recognises the other. Ma, who was accompanied by a group of students to Beijing, said his visit had shown the youth that people on either side of the strait are "descendants of the Yan and Yellow Emperors", an expression referring to a common ancestor. In an apparent slip up, Ma added that people on either side of the strait both belong to "the Republic of China", before correcting himself to say "the Chinese people", using wording referring to those ethnically or culturally Chinese. Ma made the same verbal slip up during his meeting with Xi, in footage carried on Taiwanese television stations. The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's communists. China's government, formally the People's Republic of China, does not recognise the existence of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name, making the mention in Xi's presence highly sensitive. Ma laughed but did not answer the question when asked if this wording was intentional. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, saying the People's Republic of China has never ruled the island and that only the Taiwanese people can decide their future. China says its precondition for dialogue is to recognise that both China and Taiwan belong to "one China", which Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen has refused to do. Xi told Ma that outside inference could not stop the "family reunion" between the two sides of the Strait, and there were no issues that could not be discussed. He made no mention of using force against Taiwan in his public remarks. Speaking at a regular news conference in Taipei, Jan Jyh-horng, spokesperson for Taiwan's China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council, said China was to blame for tension in ties with Taiwan. "It's not us sending military aircraft and ships to harass them everyday," Jan said, referring to China's almost daily military activities around the island. Ma remains a senior member of Taiwan's main opposition party the Kuomintang (KMT), which in January lost for the third time in a row the presidential election, but has no official party position. The KMT advocates close ties with China and dialogue, but strongly denies being pro-Beijing. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Miral Fahmy and Clarence Fernandez) TAMPA Military veterans arrive at New Beginnings of Tampa having survived war zones and months, if not years, of homelessness. As the largest shelter for veterans in the Tampa Bay region, the nonprofit has a $3.7 million contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide emergency housing. But confronted long ago with questions about its operations, New Beginnings finds itself mired in uncertainty amid allegations of misconduct by top officials. Eleven former staff and volunteers told the Tampa Bay Times that founder Tom Atchison, a church pastor, fostered a hostile workplace, hurling racist comments as they tried to serve some of the regions most vulnerable. One volunteer who helped veterans find permanent housing said Atchison regularly used slurs when talking about Black people and called her and another African American the help. The former outreach director said he shooed Black veterans from the front of the building because the pastor said it created a poor impression. More than a dozen volunteers and workers at New Beginnings have left since February. Now, they are coming to terms with something else, too. Among the founders harshest critics is a man known as Ian Donnell, a former executive director fired by Atchison, whom many at the charity considered a possible successor. After conducting a routine background check on Donnell, the Times discovered that he was not who he seemed. His real name is Robert Ludwig, according to public records. He served close to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty two decades ago to fraud charges for adopting someone elses identity to open checking accounts, according to court records. Now Tampa police are investigating accusations by Atchison that Ludwig left New Beginnings with five computers and a check from the charity. In the reporting of this story, Ludwig spoke repeatedly with the Times until the reporter verified that Ian Donnell wasnt his real identity. Over the two weeks that followed, Ludwig couldnt be reached for comment despite attempts to contact him by phone, text and letter. The fallout from the disarray within the leadership of New Beginnings has been undeniable. Though the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs continues to provide financial support to the charity, it has temporarily paused referrals due to personnel turnover, an agency spokesperson said. Meanwhile, an affiliate nonprofit has stopped sending volunteers, citing Atchisons persistent use of racial slurs and the departure of experienced staff, according to an email reviewed by the Times. And New Beginnings outreach center, opened with fanfare about six months ago, has shuttered. In an interview, Atchison denied making racist remarks, saying the allegations against him come from disgruntled employees who were brainwashed by a fraudster operating under a false identity. Half my congregation is Black, he said. My assistant pastor is Black. My grandchild is Black. Roderick Cunningham, a spokesperson at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, said agency officials looked into the allegations against Atchison but determined there were no veteran patient concerns. No formal investigation was conducted. I wanted to serve veterans Known as PT short for Pastor Tom around the shelter and his nearby church, Atchison founded New Beginnings off Nebraska Avenue in North Tampa in 2002 with his wife. Nearly a decade ago, he was profiled in a series of Times stories detailing the questionable ways New Beginnings raised and spent money and how, for years, it required its homeless residents to work without pay for food and shelter. The series showed that Atchison collected Social Security benefits residents received as payment for shelter. While claiming to provide counseling for people who faced addiction and mental health struggles, the shelter didnt employ anyone trained to provide those services. In a recent interview, he criticized the series and defended putting people to work without pay, which he had called work therapy, but said it is no longer part of how New Beginnings operates. A 2015 federal investigation concluded the program did not break labor laws. Today, New Beginnings, as part of its ongoing contract with Tampas veterans hospital, provides 53 emergency shelter beds at a complex west of the University of South Florida, the largest contract of its kind in the region. Beyond veterans, the charity serves people released from prisons and jails as well as private referrals and people arriving off the street, Atchison said. Andy Reyes said he had heard years-old complaints about Atchison when he began working for New Beginnings three years ago. But he set aside his concerns. I wanted to serve veterans, he said. His eyes welled with tears in late September when he looked around New Beginnings newly opened outreach center, 2 miles from the nonprofits shelter, in Sulphur Springs. He served 14 years with the U.S. Army, deployed both to Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, but his transition to civilian life was strained. He was close to homelessness twice. It had taken staff weeks to get the concrete-block building on Nebraska Avenue ready. They cleared out rooms stuffed with old furniture and the courtyard piled high with trash. They replaced missing ceiling tiles and added a washer and dryer, Wi-Fi and cable. They named it St. Michaels Homeless Veterans Center, after the patron saint of the military. We were building something special, Reyes said. Something that was really needed. Claims of racism But Reyes, along with 10 other staff and volunteers interviewed by the Times, say they grew uneasy with Atchisons language. This guy is just nonstop inappropriate comments, Reyes said. Neonkita Frazier, who volunteered at New Beginnings for almost four years before recently stopping, said Atchison repeatedly referred to her and the Black veterans she served using a racial slur. He referred to Puerto Rican veterans using the N-word and called her and another Black volunteer the help, she said. Frazier said she tolerated the language at first because she loved the job. Lori Zanitsch said she tried to stay focused on the mission, too, in her two years of volunteering, but said she scaled back her hours because of Atchisons demeaning tone. She had begun hearing veterans remark on his slurs. I felt horrible, she said. The need is great. Fired outreach director Tri Tran, also a veteran, said Atchison once asked him: Can you get these Black guys away from the front of the house? It looks like a ghetto. Then, at a birthday party held by the nonprofit in February, Tran said he heard Atchison ask for the jigaboo music to be turned off. Frazier told the Times she heard Atchison describe the food prepared by an African-American by using the N-word. The comments upset volunteers at the party from a nonprofit called Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay, records show. On Feb. 17, a representative from the organization wrote to Ludwig who was then the executive director of New Beginnings going by Ian Donnell to complain about the disrespect her volunteers had encountered and to suspend their volunteer partnership, records show. Atchisons use of racial slurs was a persistent problem, the representative wrote. After the party, Ludwig said he called a representative from Veteran Affairs to report Atchisons comments and inform them that several New Beginnings staff members were poised to quit. Two days after the birthday party, Ludwig said, Atchison fired him and said none of his people should return meaning at least half a dozen others who worked at St. Michaels, all veterans themselves. Atchison denied firing anyone but Tran and Ludwig. Atchison said neither was paid staff of New Beginnings. He said he fired Tran because he wouldnt work with anyone but Ludwig. Everyone else, he said, picked up their stuff and left of their own accord. The next day, Tran found a notice from Atchison on the door of the Sulphur Springs home he shares with three other veterans. It said he had to leave for failure to obey house rules, according to records reviewed by the Times. In March, Atchison filed Trans eviction notice, court records show. Atchison said Tran was late on rent and was trying to turn other tenants against him. Dual identities The man who identified himself as Ian Donnell to New Beginnings workers and the Times said he began there in 2020, drawn to help veterans sign up for benefits, access care and navigate Tampas increasingly unaffordable housing market. On his LinkedIn page, and on his red and white business cards, his name was listed as R. Ian Donnell. Business records, court files and social media posts confirm him to be 56-year-old Robert Ludwig of Illinois. He was sentenced and taken into custody in February 2004 for three counts of fraud, and was incarcerated until November 2005. Authorities say he harvested personal information from others to create bogus checking accounts that he used to make purchases, including for computer equipment. I fired him before I knew all that, Atchison said. He says he did not pay Ludwig because he had told the founder that he didnt need money. Atchison said it was clear that Ludwig was trying to push him out, which is why he terminated his unpaid position. He said, Either you turn New Beginnings over to me and my staff or I will destroy you, Atchison said. Before he stopped returning phone calls from the Times, Ludwig denied threatening Atchison. He said he had worked hard to rebuild New Beginnings reputation. Of Atchison, he said: No vulnerable person should be placed in this mans care. Especially veterans. He said he offered to buy the charity in February for $1.2 million. The deal, he said, would have required the pastor to step down as CEO. Atchison filed two complaints with the Tampa Police Department: that his ousted executive director stole a check, and that he left with five computers belonging to the charity. Ludwig told the Times he took five computers that he paid for himself. He had previously told the Times he uses his middle name professionally to protect his privacy, given the nature of the job, often assisting people fresh out of prison or in crisis. On March 22, the Times asked him to provide identification for verification. Over the phone, he that said he was about to undergo surgery and that he would take a picture of it and text it later. He has not replied since. A federal spokesperson confirmed Ludwig served in the Marines, as he had claimed, but could not provide his service dates or describe the terms of his discharge. The Times has requested the information from the National Archives. A LinkedIn profile for R. Ian Donnell has since been deleted. It listed him as executive director of New Beginnings, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Florida, class of 1992. The school could not find a student with that name or Robert Ludwig. Neither could the University of Michigan, where he claimed to have earned a masters degree in business administration in 1999. On his Facebook profile, under the name Robert Ludwig, he lists himself as an editor and publisher at Catholic Family Media. The profile photo is that of the same man who worked at New Beginnings under the name Ian Donnell. Robert C. Ludwig is listed as its registered agent with a St. Louis address, according to Missouri business records. Hes the best con man Ive ever met, Atchison said. And Ive met a lot. One hero at a time Atchison said he plans to continue serving the areas neediest residents and hopes to reopen the outreach center, catering to anyone experiencing homelessness, not specifically veterans. Among those who once gathered there is formerly homeless Marine Corps veteran Lance Faison. He visited St. Michaels weekly, enrolling in financial literacy and cooking classes. News of the centers closure amid the nonprofits turmoil was upsetting, he said, and has left a gaping hole. It offered the camaraderie I missed from the military, Faison said. It helped me feel complete. On one side of the building, a sign remains: Ending veteran homelessness one hero at a time. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Its a hot topic that has school districts nationwide trying to figure out what they can do to keep a vital role in the classroom. Teacher shortages after the pandemic are still plaguing classrooms across the country. Teachers cite low pay as the primary reason theyre calling it quits. Teacher pay was the focus of new CMS Superintendent Crystal Hills budget. She presented the plan to school board members last night. The district is asking for millions of dollars to give educators a salary bump. The community has repeatedly expressed that education is a top priority for Mecklenburg County residents, which must be supported financially, said school board member Stephanie Sneed. In various community engagement sessions since early February, 2,300 participants said school support was at the forefront of their minds with teacher salary and staff retention rounding out the top three. Were continuously trying to improve our salary for our teachers here for CMS by increasing our supplement and being the highest-paid district, as far as supplement goes, in the state, said CMS Chief Financial Officer Kelly Kluttz. MORE FROM QUEEN CITY NEWS Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Of the $1.9 billion budget plan, the CMS school district is asking for almost $632 million from Mecklenburg County. Thats an increase of $35 million with $14.2 million of that going toward teacher salaries and increased teacher supplements. Heres how that would break down: State salaries for beginning teachers, which are determined by the state legislature, will increase by $2,000 from this year to next year. The local supplement CMS offers is a percentage of that (roughly 19%) which would bring it to a total bump of $2,300 for beginning teachers resulting in almost $49,000 for the 215-day school year. Its for teachers with 25+ years of experience where CMS is increasing its contribution. Our strategy here where were really targeting teachers in year 20+ and its all to retain all teachers, said Superintendent Crystal Hill, but we know that we need to be intentional about being able to retain our most experienced teachers as well. Currently, there are about 1,400 teachers in years 25+, and almost 9,500 in years 0-24. The plan would inch Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools closer to first place in teacher supplements, and as a result overall pay, putting the district only slightly behind Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools. The school board is hosting a virtual session on the budget at 6 p.m. on April 22 for those who would like to listen in. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Foreshadowing an expensive and spirited sprint to November, Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger U.S. Rep. Colin Allred have each raised more than $9 million in campaign contributions during the first three months of 2024. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, left, and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez debated in Austin on Jan. 28. Cruz, seeking his third six-year term in Washington, said his campaign raised $9.7 million across three separate entities that are supporting his reelection. Allred, a three-term Dallas congressman who is giving up a safe seat to make his first statewide race, hauled in $9.5 million just from his Senate campaign. Sen. Ted Cruz last week thanked local, state and federal officials for working together to secure funding for restoring Packery Channel in Corpus Christi. Early fundraising numbers serve the twin purpose of demonstrating a candidate's ability to mount a credible campaign especially in a large state like Texas, which has five major TV markets and about a dozen other midsize ones and measuring support before a race shifts into high gear. The campaigns made their dollar-figure totals as well as other statistics for the first quarter of 2024 available ahead of the Federal Election Commission's finance reporting deadline later this month. The official filings will contain more detailed information. In this file photo, a voter inserts their ballot into a machine in the background of a trifold privacy shield with the words VOTE HERE. Where is the money coming from in Texas U.S. Senate race? Allred and Cruz each issued news releases with top-line figures designed to show their campaigns' muscle. Cruz's camp boasted it has received contributions from people in each of Texas' 254 counties and all 50 states from Jan. 1 through March 31. Allred also highlighted his own broad geographical footprint, but with a caveat: contributions to the Democrat came from people in 247 counties, but his camp uses a yardstick that measures back to the launch of his candidacy almost a year ago, not just this year's first quarter. Allred did not say from how many states his contributions came. Allred said more than 285,000 people have sent his campaign money since he entered the race. Cruz listed his three-month count of campaign contributors at 179,000 and change. More: Will Ted Cruz 'crawl over broken glass' to win support of Democrats in reelection effort? How much do the Senate candidates have on hand? Cruz said his campaign and aligned political action committees ended the first quarter with a combined $15.1 million in the bank. Allred's camp said the cash-on-hand totals will be made public when the official FEC paperwork is filed. Allred started the year sitting on more than $10 million. But from that total, he had to pay bills related to the March 5 primary, where he bested a field of nine, including state Sen. Roland Gutierrz of San Antonio, to nail down the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. Story continues How are Cruz, Allred spinning the numbers? Representatives of both campaigns issued on-message reactions to their candidates' fundraising prowess. "This campaign is about rejecting the divisiveness of Ted Cruz and fighting for Texans freedoms," said Allred campaign manager Paige Hutchinson. "This continues our momentum to build a strong campaign to win in November and send Ted Cruz packing for good. More: Rep. Colin Allred clinches Texas Democratic nomination to challenge US Sen. Ted Cruz Cruz spokesman Nick Maddux said: "His quarter-one fundraising numbers reflect Texans' urgency for victory as Democrats threaten to strip away our common-sense way of life. Senator Cruz will continue to pound the pavement day in and day out, meeting and talking to Texans in every corner of the state to Keep Texas, Texas, and ensure that we remain the nation's bastion of liberty." How much more money will Allred, Cruz need to raise? Short answer: A lot. But in truth, it's impossible to say, exactly, because political races get more and more expensive every election cycle. For a relevant comparison, look to the 2018 U.S. Senate race in Texas. Then seeking his second term, Cruz raised about $50 million that year, but only $2.7 million of that came in the first quarter. His Democratic opponent, former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, raised around an eye-popping $80 million. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How much have Ted Cruz and Colin Allred raised so far in Senate race? Ted Wilson at the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah on Aug. 28, 2003. Wilson, former three-term mayor of Salt Lake City, died Thursday, April 11, 2024. | Laura Seitz Ted Wilson, a former three-term mayor of Salt Lake City and former longtime director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, died Thursday due to congestive heart failure and Parkinsons disease. He was 84. His family issued a statement to the media early Thursday morning: Ted Wilson passed today surrounded by family. As the eternal optimist, he loved people and they loved him back. We are honored that his memory will live on in the legacy he built as Salt Lake City Mayor, through the countless people he has taught and mentored, his decades of humanitarian service, and his mountaineering accomplishments. Teds lifetime priorities were his family and public service. He built and nurtured many deep and meaningful friendships and would remind us all to never sweat the small stuff. Politics played a large role for Wilson, a Democrat who wore many hats in his lifetime. He served as mayor from 1976 to 1985, then left to begin what would be an 18-year stint as director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah, from which he retired in 2003. He also taught in the political science department during that time. In 1982, he challenged incumbent Orrin Hatch in a high-profile Senate race. In 1988, Wilson ran for governor of Utah, losing by fewer than 12,000 votes to Republican Norm Bangerter. He also co-wrote a political point-counterpoint column for the Deseret News for a while. He passed that love of politics to at least one of his children, Jenny Wilson, who is now the mayor of Salt Lake County. He served as a fellow at the John F. Kennedy Institute of Politics at Harvard University in 1991. Wilsons tenure as mayor included the flooding of 1983, when a massive sandbagging operation was used to divert City Creek, turning State Street into a temporary river. He was also mayor during reconstruction of the Salt Lake airport and a significant change to the structure of the Salt Lake City Council. In June of 1979, Wilson was one of 13 mayors selected for an official visit to the Peoples Republic of China. Prior to his own political forays, Wilson taught economics at Skyline High School, was a mountaineering park ranger at Grand Teton National Park and established climbing schools. He also had extensive hiking experience in the Alps, Alaska and the Andes. Wilson served as chief of staff to Congressman Wayne Owens, D-Utah, and directed the Department of Social Services in Salt Lake County. Tributes poured in to news outlets throughout the day Thursday and friends, colleagues and others remembered Wilson on X. The Utah Democratic Party released a statement acknowledging his accomplishments and added that Wilson, as mayor, is responsible for cementing Salt Lake Citys place as a thriving home for Utah families and businesses. His commitment to education as a member of the University of Utahs faculty lives on in his students and his humanitarian work will impact the lives of people around the world for years to come. The statement noted that in his run for governor and senator, Mayor Wilson championed Democratic values and strengthened the Democratic coalition. Said the party chair, Diane Lewis, Mayor Wilsons legacy lives on in the work of Democrats across Utah. Our party would not be where it is today without him. In a written statement, the Hinckley Institute of Politics called Wilson a transformative leader who dedicated his life to serving his community, state and country. The institute noted that Wilsons tenure there came during a period of critical growth and left a legacy that will continue to impact generations of students. A gifted educator, he taught and inspired thousands of students in courses on American government, presidential politics and the U.S. Constitution. Ted embodied the Hinckley Institutes mission of encouraging students to be civically engaged, and practiced what he preached by running for office and becoming an effective, service-oriented leader. Under Teds leadership, the Hinckley Institute expanded in every way. Internship opportunities in Utah and Washington, D.C., increased significantly and Ted laid the groundwork for the Hinckley global internship program by leading dozens of students on civic learning expeditions to India. The statement added that Wilson prioritized students and their development, helping them secure academic scholarships and founding the student-run Hinckley Journal of Politics. Ted Wilson was an inspiration to generations of students and Utahns. He exemplified the importance of civic engagement and proved you can have tough debates with those on the other side of the aisle and do it in a way that garners respect instead of contempt, Hinckley Institute Director Jason Perry said. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall also issued a statement, calling Wilson my mentor, my cherished friend and someone I could always count on. To this city he was a giant and a champion. His legacy is a permanent thread in our citys story. While honoring him as a leader, listener and driver of progress, Mendenhall wrote that his most treasured role was that of teacher. Teds legacy will live on in the leaders he mentored, myself proudly and gratefully among them. Salt Lake County Democratic Party Chair Jade Velazquez also issued a statement that read, in part, As we mourn the loss of a visionary leader, let us also celebrate Ted Wilsons enduring legacy and the profound impact he has left on our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mayor Wilsons family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May his memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and may we honor his legacy by continuing the work he so passionately pursued. X poster Nancy Laursen wrote of the impact WIlson had on students and teachers. He climbed Everest and presented to students at our middle school. He inspired a lot of kids and teachers (at least me). That was 25 years ago. I never forgot. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted on X, Ted always put people above politics. Cox ordered the U.S. and Utah flags to be flown at half-staff on all state facilities in recognition of Wilsons passing. Abby and I express our deepest sympathies to the family of former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson. pic.twitter.com/qYUiKghsnT Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) April 11, 2024 Rep. Brian King, D-Salt Lake City, who is also running for governor, said in a statement: Sad to hear this morning of Ted Wilsons death. This is an immense loss to our state, and I share my condolences with his family, friends, and anyone else who had the blessing to cross paths with him. Mayor Wilsons lifelong dedication to our communities had real and lasting impact, and he leaves behind a monumental legacy of public service. Sad to hear this morning of Ted Wilsons death. This is an immense loss to our state, and I share my condolences with his family, friends, and anyone else who had the blessing to cross paths with him. Mayor Wilsons lifelong dedication to our communities had real and lasting Brian S. King (@KingForUtah) April 11, 2024 Speaking for the Utah House Democrats, Angela Romero said Wilson as mayor not only led with vision and integrity, but also transformed our city into a hub of progress, inclusivity and civic engagement. His leadership laid the foundation for a more vibrant and connected community. Utah House of Representatives Democratic Leader, Angela Romero, released the following statement reflecting on Mayor Ted Wilsons legacy. pic.twitter.com/e8MMOZu82N Utah House Democrats (@utahhousedems) April 11, 2024 In a release to the media, Salt Lake County noted a number of Wilsons accomplishments. He served as executive director of the Utah Rivers Council, was an environmental advisor to Gov. Gary Herbert from 2009-2011, and was on the board of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, among others. But politics was just one passion for Wilson, father of five children with first wife Kathryn Carling and stepfather of two from his marriage to Holly Mullen. He had 13 grandchildren. Wilson was born May 18, 1939, in Salt Lake City. He attended South High School, and received his bachelors degree in political science from the University of Utah. He later earned a masters degree in education from the University of Washington. Among his many awards and honors were an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Westminster College, a fellowship from the John F. Kennedy Institute of Politics at Harvard University and numerous education awards including Merit of Honor from the University of Utah Emeritus Alumni Board. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) TEDxSanDiego is holding its 15th annual commUNITY show Wednesday night, featuring a lineup of San Diego-based speakers and performers discussing a variety of topics. TEDxSanDiegos commUNITY show is taking place Wednesday night at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre in La Jolla. Tickets are $100 on tedxsandiego.com. San Diego Music Awards taking place April 30. Heres what to know Registration starts at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday with open seating. Speakers start at 7:00 p.m., with the event ending around 9:30 p.m. Meet the speakers for the Wednesday, April 10 show: This year`s TEDxSanDiego show features a diverse selection of local speakers discussing topics of medicine and technology, celebrating aging, understanding the children`s mental health, indigenous wisdom, entrepreneurial mindset, extreme acts of kindness, magic of mentoring, imposter syndrome and the power of local journalism. CommUNITY will also feature performances by Gabriela Aparicio and Matrida Boazi. Comedian Gabriel Fluffy Iglesias bringing stand-up tour to his hometown of San Diego this month As my second year as curator, I`m thrilled our lineup of speakers elevates San Diegos image on a global scale, said Audrey Jacobs, Chief Connector and Curator of TEDxSanDiego. The 9 diverse speakers came from 514 applicants who were nominated by community leaders from throughout the region. Each talk will share a powerful idea worth spreading and an action worth taking. Our 2024 theme commUNITY celebrates the idea that only through uniting diverse communities can we learn from each other. TEDxSanDiego is an independently organized TED event and all-volunteer organization. Disney announces new additions coming to Downtown Disney For more information on TEDxSanDiego, the topics of the speakers, how to donate, volunteer or get on the mailing list for early ticket access, visit tedxsandiego.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. As 100 teenage students from underrepresented communities gathered at the most magical place on Earth for the Disney Dreamers Academy, Te'Lario Watkins II put his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to food justice on display. The 16-year-old entrepreneur, author, speaker and Hunger Hero from Columbus, Ohio, started his own business, Tiger Mushroom Farms, at just 7 years old. He later went on to create The Garden Club Project, a nonprofit, to help end hunger and encourage kids to eat healthier. PHOTO: Te'Lario Watkins II tends to carrots in a vegetable garden for his nonprofit, The Garden Club Project. (The Garden Club Project) In his bio for the Disney Dreamers program, Te'Lario wrote that his career goal "is to use technology to improve the food system in my community and communities around the world." His mom, Lavanya Watkins, said in an interview at the event, "Watching my son go through the Disney Dreamers Academy has been amazing. It's like a little fire has been ignited in him." Entrepreneur, motivational speaker and "Shark Tank" star investor Daymond John even surprised Te'Lario at the event in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, to invite him onto the ABC show. "I read your story. I love how you're trying to fight hunger in your community," John said upon meeting the young agriculture entrepreneur. "I wanted to give you a little opportunity to come with me to 'Shark Tank.'" Without hesitation, Te'Lario told John, "I'll be available any time." For 17 years, the Disney Dreamers Academy has worked to guide and motivate students in diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams. Graduates have gone on to become doctors, engineers, performing artists, entrepreneurs and more, and some have transitioned into mentors for the Disney Dreamers who followed them. Teen entrepreneur fighting food insecurity surprised by Daymond John with 'Shark Tank' invite originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com US state will allow teachers to carry guns in schools Tennessee has passed a law allowing teachers to carry guns in schools despite fierce opposition from families affected by a mass shooting in Nashville that killed three children. Amid angry scenes in the states senate chamber, about 200 sign-waving protesters chanted Kill the bill, not the kids! before lawmakers voted in favour of permitting teachers to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. The move comes a year after three nine-year-olds, two teachers and a caretaker were killed by a gunman at the Covenant School in Nashville. Families of those affected by the Nashville shooting and protesters were among those watching at the city's statehouse - Seth Herald/REUTERS A group of mothers from the Christian primary school were among the gun-reform advocates watching from the public gallery during Tuesdays debate at the statehouse in Nashville. The mothers were permitted to stay when Randy McNally, Tennessees lieutenant governor, called in state troopers to clear the gallery after repeated disruptions from protesters. Beth Gebhard, whose son and daughter were at the Covenant School during the shooting, said that she could not imagine how a teacher would confront a gunman, especially one armed with an assault-style rifle. A handgun will do nothing against that, she told The Tennessean. If what had happened on March 27 had gone down the way that it did with a teacher armed with a handgun attempting to put the perpetrator out, my children would likely be dead. One of the firearms used in attack on the Covenant School in Nashville - METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE PD/via REUTERS Tennessee Democrats opposed the bill, arguing that it was irresponsible because guns in the classroom could put students at risk. Despite raising fears about the weapons being stolen or misused in a crisis situation, they were overwhelmed 26-5 in the vote by the states Republican majority. Ken Yager, a Tennessee state senator and a Republican supporter of the bill, said that it was designed to protect students from an active shooter whose sole purpose is to get in that school and kill people. He added: In rural counties, where they may only have two deputies on a shift, it might take 20 or 30 minutes to get to that school. What havoc can be wreaked in that 30-minute period? This bill tries to fix that problem and protect children. Three nine-year-olds, two teachers and a caretaker were killed by a gunman at the Covenant School in Nashville - Metropolitan Nashville Police De/AFP South Dakota became the US first state to allow teachers to carry guns on school grounds in 2013, following the Sandy Hook school shooting in Connecticut in which 26 people were killed. Several other states have since followed their lead. However, according to data from the campaign group Everytown for Gun Safety, there are still 34 states that ban teachers from carrying guns in schools. 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 Tennessee state Senate approved a measure Tuesday that would allow teachers and staff in K-12 public schools to carry concealed handguns on school grounds. S.B. 1325 was approved 26-5 by state senators during a raucous floor vote, where The Associated Press reported protesters opposing the bill were heard shouting, No more silence, end gun violence, and Kill the bill, not the kids. The bill now heads to the state House for a vote. The bill was passed by the states upper legislative chamber about a year after the mass shooting at The Covenant School, a private Christian school in Nashville, which left three children and three adult staff members dead. If enacted, the bill would prevent the disclosure of which employees have concealed guns to parents of students and other teachers. The law allows the employees to carry a concealed handgun only if they met certain requirements, including having an enhanced carry permit and being authorized by the director of schools, the principal of the school and the chief of the local law enforcement agency. The employee would also need to complete a background check and a psychiatric evaluation. It would require them to have successfully completed 40 hours in basic training for school policing as well as 40 hours of Peace Officers Standards and Training commission-approved training that is specific to school policing. The law has faced immediate pushback from advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers. The Tennessee chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action both condemned the legislation in statements. We should be listening to Tennessee law enforcement, teachers, superintendents and more who have spoke out against arming teachers, Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, a volunteer with the Tennessee chapter of Moms Demand Action, said in a statement. And, most importantly, we should be listening to Tennesseans, who are worried that their children wont come home from school every day. Democratic state Sen. London Lamar said her child is at risk under this bill, the AP reported. This bill is dangerous, and teachers dont want it. Nobody wants it, she said. Proponents of the bill said it would benefit rural communities that had limited law enforcement, per the AP. Its time that we look at the facts of the bill, that we are not trying to shoot a student, but protect a student from an active shooter whose sole purpose is to get into that school and kill people, Republican state Sen. Ken Yager said. The Associated Press contributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Flash China on Thursday called on the United States to immediately correct its erroneous practices and cease its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies, after the United States added more Chinese companies to its export blacklist. At a press conference, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said that China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies facing U.S. sanctions. He said that for quite some time, the United States has been targeting Chinese companies by adding them to its export control list on the grounds of so-called Russian or military involvement. By overstretching the concept of national security and abusing export control measures, the United States is arbitrarily imposing unilateral sanctions on and exercising long-arm jurisdiction over Chinese companies, he said. "This is a typical example of economic coercion and bullying. China firmly opposes this." China hopes the United States will work with it to implement the important consensuses reached by the two heads of state during their meetings and phone calls, continue strengthening economic and trade-related communication and cooperation in order to create a good environment for trade and investment activities between enterprises in the two countries, and promote the development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, he said. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Tennessee Senate Republicans passed legislation Tuesday that would allow public K-12 teachers and school staff to carry concealed handguns on school grounds despite vocal protests from Covenant School families and others seeking stricter gun-control measures. Senate Bill 1325 allows Tennessee school faculty or staff to carry a concealed handgun on the grounds of their school. Tennessee law already allows school resource officers, assigned through an agreement between local school districts and law enforcement, to carry firearms on campus. The measure passed in a 26-5 vote that fell along party lines. Discussion over the bill halted as a group of around 200 gun-reform advocates voiced their opposition in the Senate gallery, holding signs and snapping their fingers in support or hissing in dissent as Senators debated the bill. The school district's director of schools, the school principal and the chief of the "appropriate" law enforcement agency must sign off on a staff member's authority to carry a concealed handgun. Tennessee state Sen. Paul Bailey sponsored the legislation and said Tuesday that a school principal could make a blanket decision not to participate and notify a director of schools they don't want to allow any teachers to carry. But the legislation itself does not directly outline this opt-out mechanism that Bailey referred to and rather directs school administrators to consider each certification individually. What are lawmakers saying about the bill The measure isn't yet law. The House companion bill, HB 1202, technically only needs a final vote in the lower chamber after passing through committees last year. The bill is currently being "held on the desk," a procedural term that means the bill is in a holding pattern unless someone moves to remove it from the table. Republicans have overwhelmingly supported the bill, which was initially filed in January 2023 but has been cited as a potential school security measure in the wake of The Covenant School shooting last March. Democrats oppose the measure, which has also attracted hundreds of gun-reform protestors who oppose a GOP supermajority-led trend of expanding access to firearms in Tennessee. Republicans argue it's a needed security option for schools that have been unable to hire a school resource officer or more rural schools where law enforcement response might be delayed during a security crisis. Shortly after the Covenant School shooting last year, state officials approved new funding to place a school resource officer at every public school in the state. But personnel shortages have slowed the placement, and hundreds of Tennessee schools still lack an SRO. We are not trying to shoot a student but protect a student from an active shooter whose sole purpose is to get in that school and kill people, sponsor Tennessee state Sen. Ken Yager said Tuesday. "In counties like I serve, rural counties, where they may only have two deputies on a shift, it might take 20 or 30 minutes to get to that school. What havoc can be wreaked in that 30-minute period? This bill tries to fix that problem and protect children." Tennessee Democrats sharply criticized the bill, arguing it was "irresponsible" and could put students at risk to have guns in the classroom, open to be stolen or misused in a panicked crisis situation. "The level of irresponsibility here is befuddling," Tennessee state Sen. Jeff Yarbro said. "We're sending people to a 40-hour one week, less time than kids spend in summer camp to learn how to handle a combat situation that veteran law enforcement officers have trouble dealing with. It is complicated, to say the least, for someone to handle a firearm accurately, responsibly, effectively with an active shooter and literally hundreds of innocent children in the area. And we're letting people do that with a week's training." Covenant parents, Mary Joyce and Melissa Alexander stand near other protesters outside the Senate doors after being removed from the gallery at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Covenant mom calls Senate's actions 'appalling' After repeated warnings about disruptions, Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally called for state troopers to clear the gallery. He permitted a group of mothers of Covenant School students to stay, saying they had not caused a disruption. Beth Gebhard, whose son and daughter attend the Covenant School in Nashville, said her children were there last spring as a shooter killed three 9-year-olds and three adult staff members. She watched the Senate proceedings Tuesday with tears in her eyes, alongside several other mothers of students at the school. She staunchly opposes the bill. She said her children, 9-year-old Ava and 12-year-old Hudson, survived the shooting because of well-trained teachers and police officers doing their job. She can't imagine a teacher having to also deal with confronting a shooter, especially one armed with an assault-style rifle. "A handgun will do nothing against that," she said. "If what had happened on March 27 had gone down the way that it did with a teacher armed with a handgun attempting to put the perpetrator out, my children would likely be dead." She called the lawmakers "cowardly" for clearing the gallery. "If they are supposed to be representative of our voice and they are dismissing these people they are not for us and it is appalling," she said, holding back tears. "Its so upsetting. It makes me want to move." Melissa Alexander and Mary Joyce, both mothers of students who attend Covenant, huddled with Gebhard after the vote. A Capitol building staff member who spotted the trio brought by a box of tissues, earning grateful smiles. "As mothers of survivors, all we can do is continue to show up and keep sharing our stories and hope that eventually they will listen to them and take our advice," Alexander said. "We have real experiences in these tragedies. We are the ones who have been there, experienced this and lived through the aftermath of it." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Senate passes bill allowing teachers to carry guns Dale Jenkins stands inside one of his cattle pens on April 3 in Canadian. As the Smokehouse Creek fire approached his property, Jenkins and his family rushed to save around 100 heads of cattle before taking on the blaze from a tractor equipped with a water hose. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune PAMPA On the second day of the Smokehouse Creek fire, Dale Jenkins was looking out his window. He could see the wispy white smoke passing over the hill on the horizon of his Candadian ranch. A squad of local volunteer firefighters had worked all night to contain the fire. Jenkins, a life long rancher in the Texas Panhandle, had witnessed enough wildfires to know this wasnt over. It was too windy. The ground was too hot. This was just the beginning. The Panhandle rancher and his family hurried to save more than 100 heads of cattle that were to be sold for breeding in two weeks for more than $300 per head. Each cow needed to be protected. Jenkins personally wrangled 24 cows and 11 calves into a fenced-in area on his land. One stubborn calf refused to comply. Not long after Jenkins thought his cows were safe, the cattle panicked and jumped over the fence. Jenkins was one of several blue jeans and boots-wearing ranchers and landowners who recounted their stories last week to state lawmakers, who were in Pampa, a Panhandle town of 16,000 to investigate the Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest in state history. [Texas emergency director calls for firefighting air force after historic Panhandle fires] The hearings meant to help understand how the Smokehouse Creek fire burned more than 1 million acres and killed two people and approximately 10,000 cattle earlier this year voiced the fear Panhandle residents have about their future. Jenkins and his peers stressed the fires hidden costs. Historic homes and ranches burned to the ground literally museums to our region and way of life. Genetics bred into cows over decades, and generations have been lost. Historic trees used as land markers by the early pioneers are gone, said Andy Holloway, a Hemphill County extension agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This is the hidden cost that deeply affects our ranchers and way of life. The agriculture industry, a significant driver of the states economy, was already facing pressures from a prolonged and widespread drought. Ranchers have been forced to manage smaller herds, contributing to decreased beef production nationally. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, over 85% of the states cattle population is located on ranches in the Panhandle. In 2021, agriculture accounted for 9% of Texas' gross state product, adding $186.1 billion to the state's economy, according to Texas A&Ms AgriLife Extension report. A special legislative committee questions a panel of experts about the Smokehouse Creek fire during a public meeting on April 2 in Pampa. The committee conducted its investigation over three days of hearings and is expected to publish its report by May 1. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune Left: A member of the public listens during a special House committee hearing on the Panhandle wildfires. Right: Derrick Holdstock of Western Fire Resources presents a slideshow on the Smokehouse Creek fire, the largest in state history, to the committee. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune The fires have left little food or water for livestock. Property fences and equipment are gone. Hundreds of miles of power lines have burned, leaving no electricity to pump water from wells farmers rely on to hydrate their cattle. And it will take years for the land to recover. Landowners renting out their space for hunting will see multiple seasons go by without revenue. Tourism will also suffer, as the countryside has been reduced to burnt limbs and gray and black ground. Its unclear if businesses can recoup these costs, as most federal recovery grants are meant for infrastructure and buildings, not lost revenue. Locals in the Panhandle region believe the estimated number of cattle dead or missing is probably too low, as many suffered burns that cant be treated. And for ranchers like Jenkins, the loss of cattle is losing a part of their familys legacy. He created his herd from a heifer gifted to him by his late father in the 1980s. When we lost cows, we didnt just lose animals. We lost family, Jenkins told the committee. As the fire advanced toward his home, Jenkins knew it was too late to wrangle all the escaped cows from the pen. Instead of chasing them down, he hopped into his tractor, equipped with a massive hose connected to a water tank, and greeted the fire. Jenkins wife, Brenda, hurried to evacuate the house with the rest of the family including her mother, mother-in-law, two daughters, four grandchildren, and multiple pets. Before the family fled, Brenda scanned the horizon one last time for her husband. Dale Jenkins, owner of Littlerobe Angus Ranch, far right, recounts his story to the House committee investigating the Panhandle wildfires on April 3 in Pampa. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune You could look out the window and see the fire getting bigger and bigger and bigger, and I just kept my eyes on the flashing light of the tractor, Brenda told The Texas Tribune. With the water sprayer on the front of his tractor, Jenkins fought the fire with several others in hopes of keeping some of the land safe. Its the most surreal thing, and Ive experienced this a couple of times. Youd be out there fighting this fire, and youd be all by yourself not a soul around. But youve got the light from the fire line. And youre working at it and concentrating so hard, and finally, you get to the end, you finally put out the last flames, and then its just totally dark and totally quiet, Jenkins said. The family was able to save most of its adult cattle. More than 50 bulls and 40 heifers were later sold. But, only six calves were saved. Five of them were severely burned. A woman in Childress, three hours away from Canadian, who had two young cows in their milking phase, took on these orphaned cattle for Jenkins family. Some of these little guys lost their ears and tails, and some of them have peeling burns, Jenkins said. We will try, but these orphaned calves will probably not work as breeding stock. The only calf from this pen to escape unscathed was a calf named Bobo, which Jenkins believes was the baby cow that refused to enter the gate. The calfs mother didnt survive the fire. The family must bottle-feed Bobo for a while. The tiny black cow represents the future. Dale Jenkins feeds Bobo from a bottle on April 3 at his ranch in Canadian. Bobo, who was found about three miles from Jenkins' ranch, is the only calf to have survived the wildfires unscathed. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune Left: The pen where Dale Jenkins personally wrangled 35 of his cattle as the fire approached now lays empty. Right: Youd be out there fighting this fire, and youd be all by yourself not a soul around. But youve got the light from the fire line. And youre working at it and concentrating so hard, and finally, you get to the end, you finally put out the last flames, and then its just totally dark and totally quiet, Jenkins said. Credit: Maria Crane/The Texas Tribune The resilient spirit of the cowboy hat-wearing rancher is intertwined with Texas history. But witnesses, including several other ranchers and landowners, told lawmakers their neighbors are considering leaving the agricultural way of life after this last wildfire. Jenkins isnt one of them. He is ready to start the process of rebuilding his familys herd with Bobo. Disclosure: Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic will be providing free screenings and cleanings to 120 students on Thursday, April 18. Ysleta Independent School District students from Cesar Chavez Elementary School and Pasodale Elementary Schools will be participating in the community health event, according to a news release from Texas Tech. The Hunt School of Dental Medicine third-year students will be doing the cleanings and educating students on studying habits and more. According to Texas Tech, many children in the U.S. do not have access to dental care. Studies showed that in underserved communities new to the U.S.-Mexico border have lost more than 51 million hours of classroom time due to preventable health conditions. Since the opening of the Dental Oral Health Clinic in 2021, Texas Tech has provided more than 29,000 hours of reduced-cost care in the Borderland, according to the news release. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Two weeks after beachgoers found two different fossils of extinct hippo-like mammals that lived on the Oregon Coast 23 to 25 million years ago, another specimen has been unearthed at Lincoln County Beach. Retired Newport Harbormaster Kent Gibson told KOIN 6 News that he found the teeth and jawbone from a desmostylus fossil Wednesday morning just like the fossils found on the Oregon Coast weeks prior. Gibson, known locally as the fossil guy, said that hes found similar fossils in the past. About 12 years ago, I found a juvenile desmostylus skull that I donated to the Smithsonian, along with 6 other skulls at the time, Gibson said. Semiprecious stone shaped like human heart found on the Oregon Coast Win McLaughlin, an assistant geology professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, told KOIN 6 News that the change of seasons likely has something to do with the recent spike in desmostylus fossils washing up on the Oregon Coast. Another desmostylus fossil washes up on the Oregon Coast in the early spring of 2024. (Photos by Kent Gibson) Were just at the time of the year where the coastline is switching from eroding material out into the ocean during winter storms to when sediments start to get pushed back up onto the beaches, McLaughlin said. This means the fossils are getting eroded out and exposed over winter and now moved around back onto the coast. Later in the spring and into summer, too much sand builds up, making finding the fossils harder. Rescuers hope to free orphaned orca calf stuck in British Columbia lagoon after mothers death The Oregon Coast from the Washington border to Bandon is also an excellent location to hunt for specimens from the Miocene epoch, she said. The Miocene represents the mid-point for the age of mammals, which happened roughly 23 to 25 million years ago. This is one of the better places in the world for Miocene Marine fossils, McLaughlin said. Theres also just some luck going on for sure. The reason all the recent desmostylus fossils found on the coast are of the animals teeth, she said, is because the super weird critters had some of the strongest chompers in Earths history. The teeth especially preserve well because desmos have some of the thickest enamel of any animal ever and enamel is the hardest life-made substance, she said. This makes the teeth more resistant to erosion than other fossils. McLaughlin said that shes found all kinds of fossils on the Oregon Coast in her career, but shes still hoping to find a desmostylus of her own. Ive found whales, dolphins, walruses, sea lions, sharks and many shelled invertebrate fossils along the coast, but no desmostylids myself, she said. They arent the most common fossil, but they also arent that uncommon overall. While some species of desmostylus are thought to have only existed on the Oregon Coast, McLaughlin said that fossils of similar species are also found in Japan and along the West Coast from Baja Mexico to Washington. Overall, yes, its pretty uncommon to find multiple desmostylids in a small area in that much time, but they are out there, she said. Hopefully this is just the start. The Southwestern Oregon Community College teaching collection of fossils has one partial skull and one partial tooth. Neither of which is as nice as the new ones just found. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Third launch try for Russia's Angara rocket on Thursday Angara-A5 rocket is seen on its launchpad at the Vostochny Cosmodrome MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia will embark on a third attempt on Thursday to proceed with a test launch of its Angara-A5 space rocket after technical glitches prompted officials to abort missions at the very last minute for two days in a row. Russia's space chief, Yuri Borisov, quoted by Russian news agencies, said the launch had been rescheduled for noon on Thursday (0900 GMT) at the Vostochny Cosmodrome, located in the forests of the Amur region in Russia's Far East. The launch of the Angara is intended to showcase Russia's post-Soviet space ambitions and the growing role played by Vostochny. Borisov said Wednesday's second attempt had been scrubbed because of problems with the rocket's engine start mechanism. "After the analysis of all the nuances and the conclusion of the state commission, we will tentatively repeat the launch attempt tomorrow at the same time," Borisov said on Wednesday. He played down the significance of the aborted launches, saying test flights sought to identify problems, which he said were not unusual at this stage of development. He said the latest problem was most likely a software error, "which will certainly be found today". He said Tuesday's launch had been aborted due to a faulty valve. President Vladimir Putin has grand ambitions for Russia's space program, including planned construction of a new Russian space station by 2027, and has described the Angara project as having huge significance for national security. The Angara launch vehicle is capable of carrying payloads bigger than 20 tonnes into orbit. This launch is the first from Vostochny. Due to its location closer to the equator, Angara-A5 can deliver a heavier payload to orbit if launched from there rather than from Plesetsk, a Soviet-era facility where Russia has previously carried out three successful Angara test launches. (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler) NEW YORK Donald Trump failed Wednesday for the third day in a row to persuade a New York appeals court to halt his hush money trial from beginning next week. Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer denied the former presidents latest emergency appeal less than an hour after hearing from his legal team and lawyers for the Manhattan district attorney in a makeshift courtroom in the basement of the 1st Department appeals court in the Flatiron District, the only space available to hear the last-minute request. Trumps appeal lawyer, Emil Bove, had asked Gesmer to stop the trial from going ahead next Monday until the defense attempts to get Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Juan Merchan off the case, fights a ruling preventing Trump from invoking presidential immunity to object to certain exhibits and challenges the trial court judges filing requirements. Its an incredibly important trial, Bove said. This can only be done once, and it must be done right. Merchan recently denied Trumps motion to delay the trial until the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the presidential immunity claim he raised in his federal election subversion case, finding it was brought up far too long after the deadline. Trumps lawyers say that if he succeeds, the high court ruling could slightly bear on the Manhattan case by potentially barring prosecutors from presenting certain tweets from his presidential account to the jury. Steven Wu, an appellate lawyer at the DAs office, said there was absolutely no legal basis for the maneuvers the defense was attempting on the eve of trial and called their underlying complaints meritless. He noted Trumps lawyers, in their emergency request, were partly complaining about decisions issued as late as last year, yet they are coming only today. Bove doubled down on the defenses unfounded allegations that Merchan has a personal interest in the trial outcome by virtue of his relationship with his daughter, who works at a political firm that consults on campaigns for Democrats. A judicial ethics committee previously determined that the judge had no conflict. A lawyer for the state court system, Lisa Evans, rejected Trumps claims, telling Gesmer there was absolutely no evidence that Judge Merchan stands to benefit from the outcome of this trial. Trumps lawyers have unleashed a fusillade of filings asking the appeals court to stop the trial from going forward with Wednesdays request marking at least their 11th delay bid. On Tuesday, the appeals court declined their emergency request to halt the trial while they fight a gag order preventing Trump from trashing trial participants. Trump has pleaded not guilty to 34 felonies alleging he disguised reimbursement for a hush money scheme executed before the 2016 presidential election to bury potentially negative information from voters. _____ Donald Trump failed for the third day in a row on Wednesday to convince a New York appeals court to halt his hush money trial from beginning next week. Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer rejected the former presidents latest emergency request for a delay less than 30 minutes after hearing from his legal team and lawyers for the Manhattan district attorney. Trumps appeal lawyer, Emil Bove, had asked Gesmer to stop the trial from going ahead on Monday while his side tries to get the judge off the case and challenge rulings preventing Trump from invoking presidential immunity to object to certain exhibits. Bove also claimed there were unacceptable and unconstitutional restrictions on the defenses ability to file motions. Steven Wu, representing the DAs office, said there was absolutely no legal basis for the maneuvers the defense was attempting on the eve of trial and called their underlying complaints meritless. Wu noted Trumps lawyers were partly complaining about decisions issued as late as last year, Yet they are coming only today. That is way too late to be coming to (this) court and seeking immediate relief, Wu said. _____ Three castaways rescued after a week on remote Pacific islet, US Coast Guard says By Brendan O'Brien (Reuters) - Three castaways stranded for a week on a desert island in the western Pacific Ocean were rescued after a U.S. Navy aircraft searching for them spotted palm fronds that the trio used to spell out the word "H-E-L-P" on a sandy beach. The men, all in their 40s, were found in good health on Tuesday on Pikelot Island, an uninhabited, 32-acre islet covered by palm trees about 415 miles (667 km) southeast of Guam, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a statement on Thursday. Their identities and nationalities were not released. The trio's saga began on Easter Sunday when they embarked on a voyage in a 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor from Polowat atoll, some 100 nautical miles east of where the men were found, the Coast Guard said. Six days later, after the experienced mariners failed to return, their niece alerted authorities and the Coast Guard and Navy began a search and rescue operation. The initial search area spanned more than 78,000 square nautical miles. A day later, the U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft spotted the makeshift "HELP" sign written out with palm leaves and began the rescue effort, the Coast Guard said. "This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Chelsea Garcia said in the statement. While stranded on the island, which is part of the Federated States of Micronesia, the men had access to food and water. They also recovered their damaged skiff. A Coast Guard photograph showed two small covered shelters near the "H-E-L-P" sign. The New York Times reported this was not the first time castaways have been rescued from the island. About four years ago, three missing sailors were found after they wrote "SOS" in the sand. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago; Editing by Aurora Ellis) SUMMERS COUNTY, WV (WVNS) The Three Rivers Avian Center took in an Osprey that was found injured in Roane County, West Virginia. According to the Three Rivers Avian Center, they were informed about an Osprey that needed help near the Spencer area of Roane County on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Bald eagle chick killed by father within hours of hatching in West Virginia: Unexpected behavior A transporter was able to rescue the Osprey and care for it until Education Assistant Liz Orwig could get it on Sunday, April 7, 2024. After taking it for X-Rays on Monday, April 8, 2024, it was revealed that the Ospreys left wing had multiple fractures of the radius and ulna, which was a challenge for surgical stabilization. The surgery was done successfully by Dr. Stephenson, however the Osprey is still in guarded condition. The Three Rivers Avian Center stated that it is very hard to get Ospreys to eat in captivity. Ospreys hate being held captive no matter how large of an area they are kept in, and it is very easy for them to get stressed. Species of concern caught on Monongahela National Forest trail cam While hand feedings or feeding tubes with pureed foods can be given to birds that will not eat on their own, it does not work with Ospreys as they will throw it up once away from people. The Three Rivers Avian Center stated that they are not sure how the case will turn out as it is a challenge. The Osprey is on anti-inflammatory pain medications and antibiotics, and when it comes to food, according to the Three Rivers Avian Center, it is Osprey 4, Humans 0. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Several people have reported their cars have been broken into and vandalized at the MBTA parking garage on Broad Street in Lynn and it could be part of a nationwide Tik-Tok trend. Justin Morley said he went into the garage Wednesday morning and found his car window had been broken and something was jammed in the ignition. Its undrivable, it looks like they ripped the plastic cover from the bottom off, they pulled out these wires, said Morley. Now, he said his Hyundai Elantra is ripped apart and stuck in place. I look at the ignition and see its destroyed you cant fit anything in there, He said. As Morley walked down one level of the parking garage he pointed out another Hyundai damaged in the same way, broken glass on the seat and on the ground. The cop said theres a Tik-Tok challenge going around having to do with breaking into Kias and Hyundais, said Morley. Lynn Police said theyve had 36 calls for service to the garage this year and although theyve seen an increase in Hyundai thefts locally, only ones been reported in that area. Monserrat Castro said her Toyota Corolla was damaged in similar ways in the same garage three months ago. Morley said hes been reaching out to the MBTA and Keolis Commuter Services about security upgrades but hes gotten limited and less than helpful responses. Id like to see a faster response time Id like to see that they have cameras installed in entry and exit points, he sad, I think having what they advertise would be great 24/7 patrol. Keolis spokesperson said in a statement: Keolis and the MBTA are committed to the security of our customers. We received a report of damage to a vehicle in the Lynn parking garage this morning, and were working with the customer to remove the vehicle. We coordinate all security concerns with the Transit Police, which will investigate this incident. This garage currently does not have cameras, but security patrols are conducted regularly. Boston 25 reached out to transit police regarding security updates to the garage but hasnt gotten a response. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Tip leads to discovery of body found buried in homes backyard, Oklahoma cops say A man is accused of murder following the discovery of a body in a homes backyard, according to Oklahoma police and news reports. Oklahoma City police went to a home after a tipster said a murder had taken place there, according to a news release. Investigators checked out the house Tuesday, April 9, and by Wednesday afternoon, they found a body buried in the backyard, police told KOKH. Police said anthropologists worked tirelessly for several hours to search for the victim. Pretty crazy. So alarming, Michael Self, a neighbor, told KFOR. I dont know if I want to even live in this neighborhood after this. The body has not been identified as of Thursday, April 11. Oklahoma City Police spokesperson Dillon Quirk said its unclear what led to the victims death, KOCO reported. A 22-year-old suspect, identified by police as Juan Lopez-Aldana, was booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a first-degree murder charge, authorities said. Toddler was able to start defective Tesla and crashed into pregnant mom, lawsuit says A woman bought a new Tesla Model X in 2018, believing it was the safest SUV on the market as the company had advertised, while pregnant with her second child, according to a lawsuit. The vehicle, however, proved defective when Mallory Harcourts 2-year-old son was able to start the car, causing it to jolt forward and hit her at her home in Santa Barbara, California, in December 2018, two days after Christmas, an April 8 trial brief filed by her attorneys says. Harcourt was eight and a half months pregnant at the time, according to the brief. Now, a jury will decide whether Tesla is to blame for the crash after Harcourt filed a lawsuit against the company. The case has since been transferred to California Superior Court in Santa Clara County. The jury trial is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. PT on Thursday, April 11,, court records show. Tesla and attorneys representing the company didnt immediately respond to requests for comment from McClatchy News on April 9 and 10. Due to the accident, Harcourt delivered her daughter prematurely with a broken pelvis during what was described as an excruciating birth in an April 1 news release issued by her legal counsel. Don Slavik of Slavik Law and Elise Sanguinetti of Arias Sanguinetti are representing Harcourt. How the crash unfolded The jury will hear from Harcourts attorneys about how she and her husband, Adam, purchased the Tesla Model X because the vehicles apparent safety appealed to (them), according to the trial brief. Tesla advertised the Model X as perfect for young children, the trial brief says. On Dec. 27, 2018, Harcourt drove home from her husbands chiropractic clinic with her toddler in the new Tesla, according to the brief. When she arrived home, she parked in the driveway, removed her son from the vehicle and left the drivers door open, the brief says. She was unloading groceries at the time, according to the release. Harcourt soon realized she left her house keys at her husbands office and couldnt get inside, the brief says. Since she needed to change her sons diaper, she grabbed a diaper bag from the Tesla and went to change his diaper in the garage, where she set up a changing station, according to the trial brief. Inside the garage, Harcourts son escaped her side, walked over to the Tesla and climbed in, the brief says. She called after her son and headed toward him as he turned on the car, according to the release. The trial brief says the boy, while in the footwell of the vehicle, made contact with the brake pedal and the car started causing the drivers door to automatically close. Seconds later, (the boy) reached up and touched the gear shift lever on the stalk of the steering wheel, which shifted the car out of park and into drive, according to the brief. (He) then contacted the accelerator pedal, which caused the car to begin moving forward. From Harcourts perspective inside the garage, she saw the Tesla accelerate toward her at a speed of more than 8 mph, according to the brief. She had virtually no time to react as the Tesla lurched forward into the garage and hit her, the brief says. Harcourt cried out to her neighbors across the street for help and requested someone call 911 as she felt severe pain from broken bones, the brief says. She heard her bones break, according to her attorneys. She was taken to a hospital and gave birth to her daughter a week later, according to the brief. Harcourts attorneys argue the collision occurred due to the Teslas unsafe design, the release said. What Tesla says Attorneys for Tesla contend Harcourt is responsible for the December 2018 accident, according to Teslas proposed statement on the case filed April 8. Tesla fully denies that the 2018 Tesla Model X purchased by the Harcourts had defects. Harcourts injuries were a result of Ms. Harcourts own negligence in leaving her son unattended, the statement says. Meanwhile, Harcourts attorneys argue that while it would be reasonable to predict a toddler could climb inside the footwell of a car, no one would expect a toddler to be able to cause the car to start, the trial brief says. The crash caused Harcourt to spend more than a week in the hospital and cost her over $73,000 in medical expenses, according to her attorneys. Though her injuries healed, her pain persists, the trial brief says. Additionally, her son still experiences emotional trauma from the collision, according to the release. Harcourt seeks to recover an unspecified amount in damages for medical expenses, emotional distress and more, an April 8 proposed statement of the case filed by her attorneys says. The trial comes after Tesla settled a separate civil case in California related to the 2018 death of Walter Huang, an Apple engineer who died when his Model X crashed while the vehicles autopilot feature was activated on a highway in the San Francisco Bay Area, The Mercury News reported. The case was settled for an undisclosed monetary amount, court records filed Monday show, according to the outlet. Dad shot and killed moments after entering bar, California family says. Theyre suing Cops smear rape survivor, share assault details after she criticizes NYPD, suit says Strip club forces dancers to give up portion of tips to pay other workers, AL suit says School staff abused 7-year-old with autism, lawsuit says. Dont let them hurt me mom A pair of lawmakers is urging top administration officials to execute caution in approving additional flights between the United States and China. Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday raised worries about unfair market practices they said China is engaging in and security concerns with airlines flying through Russian airspace. The lawmakers said that after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, China suspended its bilateral services agreement with the U.S. and effectively closed the market to U.S. carriers. The pair said more flights should not be approved until China abides by the agreement and passenger demand begins to recover. Although the PRC lifted its zero-COVID policy last year, the administration must ensure that U.S. aviation workers, air travelers and airlines are not harmed by unfair competition from China, the lawmakers wrote, using the acronym for Chinas official name, the Peoples Republic of China. They also said that while U.S. carriers have stopped flying through Russian airspace during that countrys war with Ukraine, China has continued to use Russian airspace. The lawmakers said Americans should not unknowingly be subject to the risks associated with traveling through Russian airspace and called on China to end the practice. Should the U.S.-China passenger carrier market expand without the U.S. government addressing these significant issues, U.S. aviation workers, travelers and airlines will pay a hefty price tag, the lawmakers wrote. The U.S. must continue to give China the opportunity to follow the terms of the previous bilateral agreement, but the current conditions should also allow negotiating leverage that has not existed historically, they continued. The Transportation Department declined to comment. The Hill has reached out to the State Department for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Top US general in Europe says Russia has in many ways 'grown back' its military strength to what it was before it invaded Ukraine Russia is rebuilding its pre-Ukraine invasion military capabilities, according to Gen. Chris Cavoli. Despite heavy equipment and personnel losses in Ukraine, Russia's military capacity remains significant. Russia has grown its army and is set to command the largest military on the continent. Russia's military has suffered severe losses in Ukraine, but it appears to be bouncing back to what it was before it invaded, says Gen. Chris Cavoli, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander and the head of US European Command. "They've grown back to what they were before," Cavoli said in a House Armed Services Committee Hearing on Thursday. "They've got some gaps that have been produced by this war, but their overall capacity is very significant still, and they intend to make it go higher." The commander's comments lent support to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell's April 3 statement that Russia "almost completely reconstituted militarily." The war has cost Russia thousands of tanks and seen the military suffer at least 300,000 casualties, by some estimates, yet Russia, the general explained, has been particularly successful in building back its ground forces, most notably by refurbishing, repairing, and producing tanks. "They still have as many tanks functioning inside Ukraine as they introduced at the beginning of the war," Cavoli said. In addition to tanks, Russia's army has also grown in size by 15 percent, and the country is currently on the path to "command the largest military on the continent," he said. The size of Russia's army has exceeded the size it was when it had first invaded Ukraine in 2022. There are questions of capability and quality though. Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Christopher Cavoli addresses a media conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. AP Photo/Virginia Mayo Cavoli noted in separate testimony Wednesday that the Russian air force remains largely intact as well, explaining that "we do not see significant losses in the air domain, especially their long-range and strategic aviation fleets." He put aviation losses at maybe 10 percent. "Russia's strategic forces, long-range aviation, cyber capabilities, space capabilities, and capabilities in the electromagnetic spectrum have lost no capacity at all," he said. The war in Ukraine has left certain elements of the Russian military untouched, and the Russians maintain certain key advantages in industrial, war materiel, and manpower. As Russia builds back, Ukraine is struggling to maintain its strength. Russia's artillery advantage over Ukraine, for instance, is expected to grow from a 5:1 advantage in fires to 10:1 in coming weeks as Kyiv's forces wait for support from the US. Ukraine has been rationing its shells as billions of dollars have been stalled in Congress for months. To stave off Russian forces while waiting for much-needed ammunition and aid, Ukraine has resorted to primarily using drones in combat, but these are no substitute for what Ukraine really needs. "UAVs may redistribute the balance of missions assigned to different systems, but they do not eliminate the requirement for traditional artillery," experts at the Royal United Services Institute think tank in London wrote Thursday. Ukraine also needs more air defenses as Russia is currently focused on targeting cities, like Kharkiv, with attack drones, glide bombs, and missiles. Russia, meanwhile, is building up its military strength. "Russia has been working extremely hard on reconstituting its forces, and they're being quite successful," Cavoli said. "They're a little bit behind from where they started but not by too much." Read the original article on Business Insider Lord Hammond also said neither Labour nor the Conservatives are being honest about state of public finances - John Nguyen/JNVisuals The Conservatives will probably take a pasting at the general election, the Tory former chancellor Lord Hammond has said. According to recent polls, Labour is on course for a landslide victory at the next election. But Lord Hammond, who led the Treasury between 2016 and 2019, said that tough times were ahead. I think the formidable problem is for our democratic politics because I can easily envisage, and the polls are certainly suggesting, that the Conservative Party will take a pasting at the next election, he told BBC Radio 4. Lord Hammond also said that neither Labour nor the Conservatives are being honest about the state of the public finances because they are scared of losing votes He insisted that what would you cut? was the most important question to ask political leaders in the run up to the general election. Lord Hammond also suggested that long-term reform was so difficult because voters wanted to hear more palatable arguments and politicians were scared of being kicked out. What would you cut? It comes after Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, warned that for all the cash funnelled into the NHS, too many patients were still unable to see their GP, and called on the Government to save money by integrating health and social care. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s The Today Podcast, Lord Hammond said: What would you cut? Thats the question to ask any politician what would you cut? And the politician who tells you we dont need to cut anything, were just going to do it by collecting a bit more of the tax thats due, making our public services a bit more efficient, Im afraid is not being honest and frank with you. Asked by Nick Robinson whether he agreed that neither the Labour nor the Conservatives were being open enough with the public, Lord Hammond replied: I think we have a problem in this country, that the electorate is not really willing to engage with this argument. Its very difficult to ask politicians to present the electorate with choices and challenges which are so stark that their reaction is: Oh well, Ill vote for somebody who offers me a more palatable option. And unfortunately thats the challenge of democracy. How do you get big, difficult long-term decisions made in a world where the politicians who are making them have to put themselves up for election every four or five years? Public spending currently accounts for more than 40 per cent of Britains GDP and Rishi Sunak has faced repeated calls from Tory backbenchers to slash state spending. Failure to incentivise people to work On Wednesday night, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, the former business secretary, said that reform to the benefits system was essential and the current welfare bill costs you a fortune. He said on GB News: 260 billion a year and it is growing. Thats about 20 per cent of all public expenditure, which falls on rich and poor taxpayers alike. And its the failure to incentivise people to work that then allows it to become a lifestyle choice paid for by others that seems to me to be the problem. Reform is essential and fraud is important but its actually a relatively small percentage of the total problem. Only if we get these costs down, reduce that 260 billion can we afford to cut taxes, to unleash Britains latent growth and innovation and increase the size of the pie, as Margaret Thatcher used to put it, for everyone. More pie all round. A seat-by-seat YouGov poll last week predicted that the Conservatives are on course to suffer their worst general election wipeout on record, with Labour projected to secure a majority of more than 150 seats. Local elections on May 2 are likely to present a further blow to Mr Sunak, whose leadership of the party has come under increasing pressure amid rumours of plots to oust him from Downing Street before the next national vote. Mr Sunak has faced a backlash over the lack of new cash for defence in last months Budget, despite the Government warning of threats from Russia and China, as well as Iran and North Korea. His party has also been split on his net zero policy, with some objecting to his decision to delay or dilute a number of key flagship green targets, while others have urged him to abandon the 2050 zero emissions goal altogether. 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. Temperatures tonight will quickly fall behind the passage of a stout cold front which is the source of our severe weather threat along with a strong low pressure system we will end up dropping into the low 40s overnight with windy conditions once again expected. Gusts in excess of 30 mph will continue to be possible tonight. Friday sees our cold front finally cross the region but behind that front will be yet another impulse of energy in the form of a trough. With a stout northwest breeze that will occasionally gust to over 30 mph, expect much colder temperatures for the day, as high temperatures remain stuck in the 40s after briefly being in the 50s at midnight, which is 20 to 25 degrees cooler than we saw for this afternoon. It will be a gloomy day with scattered light shower activity throughout the day, especially during the afternoon when the trough crosses. Saturday provides our mountain counties the risk for an isolated shower or snowflake early but well see clearing skies with high pressure taking control by mid-morning area-wide. We will see our temperatures respond nicely as well, with highs in the low 60s. Itll still be breezy, with wind gusts in excess of 30 mph possible. Sunday begins on a dry note but by the afternoon, a warm front will cross from southwest to northeast, which will give us the chance for a few late day showers. If youre needing to mow the grass, you should be dry before the mid-afternoon. With most of the day being dry and a stout southerly breeze in place, we will see high temperatures jump into the mid 70s. What is a tornado and what should I do if one strikes? Monday provides the risk for an isolated shower or two with a weak stationary front stalled nearby but we should see plenty of dry time once again, especially during the afternoon with highs in the low 70s. Tuesday will be VERY warm! Well see that stationary front lift back up to the north as a warm front a stout southerly breeze will kick in out ahead of our next storm system. As a result, we will make a run at 80 degrees! The last time we reached 80 degrees in Beckley was over six months ago back on September 7th! Wednesday features an increase in cloud cover, with a few showers possible late in the day as our next system approaches. With the abundant clouds, it wont be quite as warm, with high temperatures dipping back to around 70 degrees still well above average for this time of year! A tick removal kit should be a staple in your house this spring Thursday will bring another warm front through the region, so other than a brief isolated sprinkle, we should be dry. We will also be very warm! High temperatures will once again jump back up into the upper 70s, with a few areas hovering near 80 degrees being a good bet. A few showers with a cold front passing will be possible Thursday night. Looking ahead, its still a mild pattern ahead. Temperatures on Friday will be slightly cooler behind a cold front that will pass Thursday night. High temperatures on Friday will dip back into the 60s with temperatures likely dropping back into the 50s by the afternoon as high pressure sets in. Saturday will feature high pressure in control and a slightly cooler day on the way with plenty of sun and highs in the mid 50s. By Sunday, well see our southerly breeze return, which should push us back into the 60s under plenty of sun. Help us with our growing community of weather photos with #weathertogether. Head to our website and search for the Weather together tab and upload your photos of weather going on around our region. Sunday also looks very nice with plenty of sun and highs in the 60s. 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 Scattered strong thunderstorms early. Few showers after midnight. Windy. Lows in the low 40s. FRIDAY Showers likely. Mostly cloudy, breezy and cooler. Highs around 50. SATURDAY Isolated shower early. Partly cloudy and breezy. Highs in the low 60s. SUNDAY Partly sunny to begin with, showers return late in the afternoon. Very warm! Highs in the mid 70s. MONDAY Isolated showers. Partly cloudy. Highs in the low 70s. TUESDAY Partly sunny. Very warm! Highs near 80. WEDNESDAY Few afternoon showers. Highs near 70. THURSDAY Isolated sprinkle or two. Very warm! Highs near 80. FRIDAY Morning clouds. Afternoon sun. Highs in the 60s. SATURDAY Mostly sunny. Cooler. Highs in the 50s. SUNDAY Mostly sunny. Highs in the 60s. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS. Service members would get regular brain function tests and some weapons could be modified to reduce blast exposure risks under a wide-ranging bill being introduced in Congress aimed at reducing traumatic brain injuries. The bill, spearheaded by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., would also require the Pentagon to consider ways to reduce explosive pressure when it buys new weapons and publish safety information for weapons already in use; mandate that service members' blast exposures be systematically logged; create a new brain health program for the special operations community; and order a watchdog investigation of the DoD's efforts to address blast exposure. The 46-page bill comes amid growing evidence that troops are at risk of exposure to potentially dangerous blasts not just from enemy attacks but also from routine military activities such as repeatedly firing artillery, and that brain injuries from those exposures are causing devastating symptoms for service members and veterans. Read Next: Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight Too many of our service members are suffering the health consequences of blast overpressure, so we need real change to our approaches to prevent these injuries and protect our service members in training and combat, Warren said in a statement Thursday. My bipartisan bill will tackle these pressing challenges from every direction creating better transparency and brain health tracking, expanding efforts to mitigate exposure and provide treatment, and ensuring accountability that our military is supporting impacted service members. Blast overpressure is any pressure caused by a shockwave that is over the normal pressure in the atmosphere. The New York Times, which first reported on the bill, last year detailed symptoms including hallucinations, seizures and suicide risks among troops who fired artillery during the war against the Islamic State terror group. Military.com has also reported on evidence that traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is linked to an increased risk of suicide among veterans. In response to lawmaker concerns that the Pentagon has not been doing enough to protect service members from unneeded blast exposure in environments such as training, department officials earlier this year vowed to collect more data on troops' exposure. But they also said more research would be needed before taking some of the steps that lawmakers were advocating for, such as more frequent cognitive testing and defining safety limits for using certain weapons. "There's more data and more science that we need to look into," Lester Martinez-Lopez, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, said at a February hearing in the Senate when asked whether service members should be given annual cognitive tests to track the effects of blast exposure. Lawmakers, though, have been pressing for immediate action. "We need to do better for our troops, and we need to do it right now," Warren said at the February hearing. The bill introduced Thursday, dubbed the Blast Overpressure Safety Act, would require service members be given a baseline neurocognitive test before basic training starts. Troops would also be tested at least once every three years after that, as well as in post-deployment health assessments and health exams prior to separating from the military. The bill would also refine the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative so that it is responsible for, among other things, modifying "high-risk training and operational activities" to lower the risk of blast exposure and adjusting existing weapons systems to "reduce blast exposure of the individual using the weapon and those within the minimum safe distance," according to the bill text. It would also create blast overpressure exposure and TBI logs for all service members and require the Pentagon to collect more data on concussive and subconcussive injuries, including documenting discharges related to those injuries. It also seeks to improve health care for service members with brain injuries by creating a Special Operations Comprehensive Brain Health and Trauma program; bolstering the existing National Intrepid Center of Excellence by making it an official "program of record" and requiring the Pentagon to provide child care to troops being treated there; and mandating instruction for medical and training personnel on blast overpressure, exposure and TBI. The bill would also require the Government Accountability Office to review Defense Department efforts, address blast exposure, protect service members who seek care from retaliation, and identify the most at-risk military occupational specialties. Warren chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee, and Ernst is also a senior member of the committee who's the top Republican on the emerging threats subcommittee, giving the bill influential backers who could advance it through the annual defense policy bill process. In addition to Warren and Ernst, the bill has nine co-sponsors in the Senate, including seven other members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Related: They Said the Rise in Military Suicide Is a Mystery. Traumatic Brain Injury May Be an Answer. Is Colorado Springs in the path of totality? No. Colorado Springs is not in the path of totality. Colorado residents will only see a partial solar eclipse. The closest states with cities in the path of totality are Texas and Oklahoma. Major cities that will get a total solar eclipse include Dallas, Texas; Russellville, Arkansas; Carbondale, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Niagara Falls, New York; and Burlington, Vermont. The next total solar eclipse that can be seen from the U.S. won't be until Aug. 23, 2044, according to NASA. Trees keep falling in Cherokee Co. neighborhood, homeowners worry with every storm Cherokee County homeowners say with each rolling storm they sit with bated breath because of trees randomly falling on top of homes. If a bad storm comes through those trees could fall right down, Chris Frymyer said. ONeal Wilburn showed Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln the damage to his bedroom when a tree fell on his home last month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] It hit the house and rolled off, and it hit my shed right there, Wilburn said. And hours later another tree went down in a neighbors driveway. Everybody is really upset about the situation, Wilburn said. Lincoln spoke with Chris Frymeyer who is a board member with the homeowners association at the Victory Place subdivision, where the trees are falling. He blames the developer Smith Douglas Homes for allegedly deceiving homeowners by telling them the county was responsible for clearing dead trees. These homeowners have been going to the county and the city to get something rectified and theyve been going to the wrong person and when Smith Douglas gave them the wrong information, Frymyer said. The HOA had an arborist look at the wooded area behind the homes and they discovered more than 30 trees in jeopardy of falling onto homes. Frymyer says the county told them the developer could have reached out to the county to assess the wooded area. If Smith Douglas would have come to us and said, Hey, if we see some of these trees could pose an issue for homeowners we would have given them the proper measures to remove these trees, Frymyer said. TRENDING STORIES: The HOA says it may cost homeowners thousands to have the trees removed. Theres clearly dead trees, but were going to have to look at whats going on, but if we cant get Smith Douglas to do anything, homeowners may have to pay $3,000 each to remove these trees, Frymyer told Lincoln. The HOA says the arborist told them because so many trees were cleared to build this subdivision, its weakened the root system for the remaining trees, causing them to fall. Smith Douglas Homes sent us a comment, saying: Were aware of tree damage experienced by some of our homeowners in the community. In this case, the trees that have caused damage are located within a non-disturbed buffer area, as defined by local authorities. Were prohibited from entering this area to remove trees. All new community projects, including Victory Place, prior to permit approval for development, are reviewed by County authorities, including the Arborist, before physical activities commence. We address situations brought to our attention by these authorities, including the removal of trees that pose a threat to our future homeowners. As each community is built out, it also undergoes multiple municipality inspections before were allowed to close on homes and before our customers can move in. Due to these circumstances, we believe the events of this matter are beyond our control and have advised our homeowners to utilize the provisions of their homeowners insurance to remedy any damage done to their property. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Holy Child School in Harbor Springs, Michigan was one of more than 500 Indian boarding schools operated by the federal government for two centuries. (Photo: Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) Fourteen tribal nations, tribal schools and colleges, and state organizations will initiate community projects to capture, preserve, and educate about the impact of the Federal Indian Boarding School era, thanks to $411,000 in funding announced by the National Endowment for the Humanities on April 10. From the early 1800s through the 1960s, federal policy supported the mass removal of hundreds of thousands of Indigenous children from their homes by supporting the operation of more than 500 Indian boarding schools. Natives were sent to these institutions throughout the country for the dual purpose of cultural assimilation and land dispossession, according to the 2022 investigative report on the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. An estimated tens of thousands died at these schools, and were buried away from their homes, families, and communities. As a result, NEH has partnered with the Department of the Interior to collect oral histories and digitize federal records documenting the experiences of survivors and descendants of Federal Indian boarding schools. In August 2023, NEH announced a funding opportunity for federally recognized tribes, tribal nonprofits, and state and local government organizations who work with tribal communities for research, community engagement, tribal history collection, public programs, and educational projects. Recipients of the funding include: Cowlitz Indian Tribe, in Washington, that will conduct ground-penetrating radar on the grounds of St. Marys Boarding School to detect unmarked burial grounds; Dine College, in Arizona, that will create an exhibit of portraits of community members who attended boarding schools; History Colorado, in Colorado, to support the collection of oral histories documenting the experience of Ute attendees of boarding schools; Mt. Edgecumbe High School, in Alaska, a still operational boarding school now run by the Bureau of Indian Education, to support curricula development to teach Alaska boarding school history at Mt. Edgecumbe High School; and North Shore Community Land Trust, in Hawaii, to support community-based oral history research and story-mapping of the Waialee Industrial School for Boys and the Kawailoa Industrial School for Girls. For future funding opportunities for projects examining the history and legacy of the Federal Indian boarding school system, visit the NEH website. About the Author: "Jenna Kunze is a staff reporter covering Indian health, the environment and breaking news for Native News Online. She is also the lead reporter on stories related to Indian boarding schools and repatriation. Her bylines have appeared in The Arctic Sounder, High Country News, Indian Country Today, Tribal Business News, Smithsonian Magazine, Elle and Anchorage Daily News. Kunze is based in New York." Contact: jkunze@indiancountrymedia.com Trucks keep driving through no-truck roads. What can Fort Worth do about it? Look how small these babies are. Teena James motioned to the liberated school children streaming out of W.M. Green Elementary on a cloudless Thursday afternoon in early February. I want you to see how tall an 18-wheeler is. As if summoned, one then reared into view. The white freight truck wheezed up David Strickland Road toward the intersection with Parker Henderson, a small caravan of cars trailing patiently behind. That truck aint supposed to be here! James friend and fellow activist Letitia Wilbourn exclaimed. The truck passed, revealing a police car parked on a dirt shoulder farther up the street, from where the semi-trailer had come. And there go the police! Wilbourn said, more indignant this time. The police are sitting right there. Too often, James and Wilbourn say, large commercial trucks from nearby industrial zones drive through their neighborhood in southeast Fort Worth on roads too narrow for their size, too fragile for their weight and too close to homes for their emissions. They and other residents report spotting semi-trailers lumbering down no-truck roads with daily frequency and near total impunity. Police say they crack down on bad trucking as best they can, given the forces limited manpower what officers describe as other, more pressing priorities. They point to signage improvements and efforts to communicate with chronic offenders as signs of their commitment to enforcement. What emerges is a pattern repeated across much of Fort Worth: residents contending with the adverse effects of booming industry, while the city and its infrastructure strain to manage the challenge. School Zone Fort Worth established W.M. Green Elementary School in 1959. An unofficial history of the school describes the surrounding area around the time of its founding as rural, its campus surrounded by oak trees. Woods, just woods, C.E. Brown remembered of the landscape, sweeping the horizon with her hand as she rested against the front of her pickup parked a few dozen yards from the schools entrance. Brown, 54, with red-tinted hair and an easy, full smile, taught at W.M. Green in the late 1980s. She and her three daughters, all W.M. Green alumni, grew up in Echo Heights, the once quiet residential community around the school situated roughly seven miles southeast of downtown. This embedded content is not available in your region. Vestiges of the neighborhoods rustic terrain remain visible around the campus. The schools only access road, David Strickland, is tight, uneven, and scantily lit. Cattle still roam the pasture across the street. Lacking a paved sidewalk, children living in the mobile home community next door squeeze through a dirt path to get to and from class. Decades of rapid industrialization has eaten away much of the greenery. City officials designated the neighborhood an industrial growth center in 2000, touting its proximity to major freeways. Groves have since given way to garages, ranches to warehouses. W.M. Green now shares David Strickland with vast truck lots owned by some of the nations largest logistics firms, including XPO, UPS, and Estes Express. A nearby repair shop would be a shorter field trip than the neighborhood park. In recent years, Echo Heights residents fended off multiple proposals to construct an industrial facility on the farmland right across the street. The city pitched two square no-truck signs along the road about 400 feet from the campus eastern edge in an attempt to shield the school from truck traffic. They have no business to go through David Strickland continuing through the school, said Rajnish Gupta, the chief traffic engineer for the citys Transportation and Public Works department. On that stretch, they dont need to go there. Freight drivers, residents say, routinely ignore the signage. Four parents parked curbside for pick-up one April afternoon each described seeing two-to-four trucks heave by as they offload their children for class and wait to retrieve them later in the day. Its just something that happens, one father said. A school employee corralling kids into back seats reported seeing five to seven on any given day. What companies they belonged to is uncertain. Whether offending drivers are misguided by their GPS systems or consciously shaving time off their trips is also not entirely clear. With all the construction going on over at Loop 820 and I-20, I know theyre opening and shutting different routes around there, said Nathan Holsey, an officer in the Fort Worth Police Departments commercial vehicle enforcement division. In response to inquiries for this story, UPS said it never routes its freight trucks through residential neighborhoods. We have designated feeder paths for all our destinations that purposefully avoid non-truck areas, a company representative wrote in response to questions from the Star-Telegram. If we are in a non-truck area, it is either because of a detour or a slight chance that our driver got lost. XPO, FedEx, Estes, and Abrams Expedited, a smaller trucking group, did not respond to requests for comment. There are many circumstances where trucks are using it as a shortcut, Gupta said. Thats the issue in Echo Heights. Two no-truck signs planted along David Strickland Road in Echo Heights. A few hundred feet beyond the warnings sits W.M. Green Elementary (and, just before it, a truck repair shop). Enforcement Tensions between haulers and homeowners have flared across the Fort Worth area, from small towns on its outskirts to fledgling subdivisions within city limits. The strain is a byproduct of converging growing pains. The Metroplexs population has soared over the past decade. W.M. Green had one class per grade in the early 1960s ; it now educates more than 500 pupils, according to its website. The regions freight industry has boomed in tandem. Dallas-Fort Worth led the nation in active logistics real estate construction last year. The amount of land set aside for cargo storage has almost doubled in size since the turn of the century. Orchestrating the steady coexistence of residences and industry has become a pressing puzzle for city planners. Appropriate signage, Gupta says, is one step toward solving it. In those situations where we see there are alternate routes available and they shouldnt be using that road, we put a no-truck sign, he said. Traffic and truck route assessments led the agency to cordon off the western halves of Martin Street and David Strickland and parts of Parker Henderson. Enforcing the signs decrees is another challenge entirely. A FedEx truck drives down a no-truck road in Echo Heights on Feb. 1, 2024. Residents in the southeast Fort Worth neighborhood have fumed about trucking violations for years. Police cant be there 24/7, Gupta continued. The sign is a static sign. The FWPD generated nine reports for traffic incidents along David Strickland Road between Jan. 1, 2023, and March 4, 2024, according to records requested by the Star-Telegram. Only two dealt with commercial trucks; none resulted in warnings or citations. (The Star-Telegram had originally asked for truck violation records for the entire city; the department said it couldnt provide them since it doesnt categorize infractions by vehicle type.) One November afternoon the department received a call from a resident about an 18-wheeler parked illegally near the intersection of David Strickland and Parker Henderson. The incident reports activity log states an officer arrived at the scene roughly six hours later; no further steps appear to have been taken. The same resident phoned again in early December to complain about another truck parking infraction near the intersection. An officer pulled up to the site 12 hours after the call; by then, the log states, the truck had gone. We do get a lot of calls in that area of David Strickland about trucks, Reginald Traylor, Holseys sergeant, told the Star-Telegram. We will continue to go there as time permits. The units four officers are tasked with carrying out the vast array of state and federal ordinances governing truck traffic from lane violations, to load inspections, to faulty lights. Any Fort Worth police officer can ticket a truck for driving along no-truck streets; but agency-wide staffing gaps have, Traylor said, contributed to sporadic enforcement. All departments are short in manpower, he said. With the city as large as it is, and as short as we are, its personnel. Holsey recalls pulling over truckers in Echo Heights for road violations before. (Reports for those interactions may not appear in the departments regular traffic offense records because its team logs incidents in a separate database, he says. Neither Holsey nor his sergeant could estimate how many warnings or citations theyd issued to truck sign violators since last January.) Ive only gone up there a couple times, in the past year, Holsey said. We have a lot of other stuff going on some higher priorities when it comes to commercial vehicle inspections. Holsey insists that the department is committed to policing truck infractions despite its limitations. Until late last year, he says, there had only been one no-truck sign separating the two halves of David Strickland. The police and the citys transportation department installed another and moved them farther up the road, in response to resident concerns and trucker quibbles about the old signage being too difficult to see. Since the signs have been placed in a more visible area, were going to make an effort to go door-to-door to speak with different companies and their safety directors and let them know our concerns, Holsey said. Enforcement will be done in the coming weeks. What that enforcement might look like he couldnt say. But residents hope it will be swift and decisive. As individuals, you get so frustrated fighting for the little stuff you do have, Brown sighed. WINDERMERE Donald Trump raised more than $8 million at a campaign fundraiser held by Dan Newlin at his home near Windermere on Wednesday night, the prominent Orlando attorney said. The streets of Keenes Pointe were lined with enthusiastic supporters, and their unwavering presence extended all the way down [State Road] 535, Newlin said Thursday. The event was part of a string of fundraisers designed to help Trump close the money gap with the Biden campaign. The Biden campaign listed $71 million cash on hand in March in its latest Federal Election Commission filing, more than twice what the Trump campaign had brought in. The money we are raising is historic, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. Its a stark contrast to Trumps cash-strapped operation that is funneling the limited and billionaire-reliant funds it has to pay off his various legal fees. Bidens campaign reported it raised $25 million from a fundraiser in New York late last month featuring his Democratic predecessors Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, while the Trump campaign said it amassed a record $50.5 million haul from an event in Palm Beach on Saturday. Newlin acknowledged the current money gap, adding that President Biden may raise more money but President Trump will get more votes. Trump flew into Orlando International Airport directly from another fundraiser in Atlanta that had been expected to take in about $5 million. At the exclusive Keenes Pointe gated community, Orange County deputy sheriffs were stationed outside the entrance, where only residents were allowed in. Along S.R. 535, Trump flags flew from cars parked along the road, which garnered some honks in support. It was Trumps first visit to Central Florida since he spoke at the state Republican Partys Freedom Summit in Kissimmee in November. Republican State Rep. Carolina Amesty, who represents the area, lined the road with signs, including a van emblazoned with her photo parked across the street from the neighborhood entrance. She was scheduled to hold a fundraiser with Donald Trump Jr. on Thursday. Newlins neighborhood is in a precinct President Joe Biden won in 2020 by a 5.6% margin, an improvement for the Democratic candidate from 2016 when Hillary Clinton and Trump were essentially tied. Biden won Orange County by 23 points four years ago. Guests invited to the Windermere event were asked to raise or contribute $824,600 to be a top-level host committee contributor, according to an event flyer. Photo opportunities were available for $25,000 per person, and a reception at the home was open to those who gave $5,000. At a donor event in South Florida last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly told supporters he would help his former presidential primary rival Trump with fundraising. But DeSantis said last month that he didnt think he would need to appear with Trump in Florida because the state was reliably Republican, despite Trump winning it by just less than 3.5 points in 2020. Orlando attorney Dan Newlin defends wearing MAGA hat in Super Bowl ad Newlin, who recently donned a Make America Great Again hat in a Super Bowl ad for his firm, told the Orlando Sentinel last week he was an unwavering supporter of President Trump since the moment he descended down the escalator, announcing his first run for president. He said his endorsement was personal and unrelated to his law firm, Dan Newlin Injury Attorneys. After a senior editor at National Public Radio on Tuesday blasted his employer of 25 years for not having any Republicans on staff, Donald Trump called for the nonprofit media organization to be defunded. NO MORE FUNDING FOR NPR, A TOTAL SCAM! EDITOR SAID THEY HAVE NO REPUBLICANS, AND IS ONLY USED TO DAMAGE TRUMP. THEY ARE A LIBERAL DISINFORMATION MACHINE. NOT ONE DOLLAR!!! Trump wrote in all caps on his Truth Social media platform Wednesday. On Tuesday, Uri Berliner wrote an op-ed for The Free Press lamenting the absence of viewpoint diversity at NPR, writing that he found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans. Berliner wrote that, due to DEI initiatives that focus on hiring people of diverse ethnicities and genders, an open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we dont have an audience that reflects America. Berliner also wrote that he eagerly voted against Trump twice, but was upset that what began as tough, straightforward coverage of a belligerent, truth-impaired president veered toward efforts to damage or topple Trumps presidency. An award-winning journalist himself, Berliner added that despite our missteps at NPR, defunding isnt the answer. As the country becomes more fractured, theres still a need for a public institution where stories are told and viewpoints exchanged in good faith, he wrote. Defunding, as a rebuke from Congress, wouldnt change the journalism at NPR. That needs to come from within. NPR editor-in-chief Edith Chapin defended the organization in response to the piece, saying she and the leadership team strongly disagree with Uris assessment of the quality of our journalism. Journalist Mehdi Hasan also weighed in on the issue Tuesday, tweeting, This essay has it backwards: you cant blame NPR for conservatives not listening. You have to ask why conservatives have gone down conspiracy holes (climate change, 2020 election, vaccines) & how on earth mainstream media is supposed to cater to them now? Per NPRs website, its income comes from dues and fees paid by member stations, underwriting from corporate sponsors and annual grants from the publicly funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Less than 1% of its funding comes directly from the federal government. NPR is currently rated as leaning left by Allsides.com, which assesses media bias, more centrist than the left status of The Huffington Post. The post Trump Calls for Defunding NPR After Senior Editors Viewpoint Diversity Essay appeared first on TheWrap. Trump campaign county chair was fired from police for threatening to rape bosss wife and go on shooting spree Jonathan Stone reportedly threatened to shoot his colleagues after he was suspended from his job as a police officer (Jonathan Stone/Claremont City Council) A New Hampshire Republican state representative and Trump campaign county chair was reportedly fired from his job as a police officer in 2006 after making violent threats against colleagues following a suspension for having a relationship with a 16-year-old high school student, according to recently released documents. Rep Jonathan Stone, who represents Claremont in western New Hampshire in the state legislature, said he would kill fellow officers and rape the wife and children of his boss, the police chief at the time. The threats came after he was suspended for five days for a relationship with a student at Stevens High School. A Claremont police detective wrote in an internal report that the seriousness of threatening to kill command staff officers, raping the Chiefs wife, tying people up and going postal are violations at the most serious level. Stones conduct goes so far beyond what is expected of a professional police officer that the only appropriate resolution is his removal from office, the report found, according to InDepthNH.org. Former president Donald Trump personally thanked Mr Stone for his work on the campaign as the Sullivan County chair during a speech in Claremont late last year and Mr Stone spoke on behalf of the campaign in interviews with media outlets leading up to the New Hampshire primary, the Granite Post noted. Mr Stone is reported to have worked to keep the internal reports under wraps for years. The New Hampshire Supreme Court recently ruled that Mr Stone couldnt block their release after InDepthNH.org filed a right-to-know request in 2020. Mr Stone reportedly built a reputation for being aggressive on the job and he had previously been reprimanded for having assaulted a mentally disabled man as he was being detained and for not arresting a drunk driver who subsequently almost struck a police vehicle in Vermont. However, it was the investigation into his relationship with a high school girl that prompted Mr Stones threats of violence. The investigation was conducted by the late Claremont detective Colby Casey. Jesse Vezina, then a Claremont detective, told Mr Casey: If he gets fired, people are afraid he will go postal. He makes me nervous as far as after a confrontation with him, he may try to do something to my wife or family. Generally, people think he is crazy and wonder why he is a police officer, he added. Mr Stone claimed that the high school student was a drug investigation source, but there was no record of him using any information from her. The students identity is redacted in the reports. According to a report by a Claremont police captain, theres no evidence Mr Stone and the student had a physical relationship. (She) obviously has feelings for Officer Stone and (she) has told Officer Stone that she loves him, now-retired Captain Mark Chase wrote after investigating Mr Stone in February 2006. Officer Stone takes this statement as a friend, but the way that (she) speaks about him it appears it is more than friends. Mr Chase ended his investigation and weeks later, on 8 March 2006, Mr Casey was called in to look into allegations of threats against fellow officers and the chief of police as well as his family. More than a dozen officers said they had heard Mr Stone threaten the chief and his family and threaten to kill other officers in a shooting spree at the police station, according to InDepthNH.org. Stability is a day-to-day thing for Jon, one officer told Mr Casey. I have heard him say (when he is pissed off) that he is going to go to the Chiefs house and rape his wife. He is going to make the Chief watch. He is going to possibly hurt the Chief while he is there, one detective said, according to the report. I recall Jon saying he was going to go to the Chiefs house and rape the Chiefs wife, and kids, and shoot the Chief. Stone did not deny saying the things and did not report the others interviewed were lying he just simply avoided answering the questions directly by using selective memory, Mr Casey wrote at the time. During the interview with Officer Stone, it was clear to me that he had selective memory concerning events about the threats towards employees. When asked about certain things that did not involve the threats Officer Stones answers were clear and direct. The Independent has contacted the office of Mr Stone as well as the Trump campaign for comment. Trump campaign demands Biden debate him 'much earlier' and more often Trump campaign demands Biden debate him 'much earlier' and more often EXCLUSIVE: The Trump campaign is calling for additional 2024 presidential debates and for them to take place "much earlier" than initially proposed by the debate commission, with former President Trump telling Fox News Digital that he is "totally committed" to debating President Biden "anytime, anywhere, anyplace." Fox News Digital exclusively obtained a letter Trump co-campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita sent Thursday to The Commission on Presidential Debates co-chairs Frank Farenkopf Jr. and Antonia Hernandez. Wiles and LaCivita told the commission they were writing "in agreement with the pending letter," reported by The New York Times, "from television networks advocating for presidential debates to occur in 2024." "While the Commission on Presidential Debates has already announced three presidential debates and a vice-presidential debate to occur later this year, we are in favor of these debates beginning much earlier," they wrote. TRUMP CALLS FOR DEBATES WITH BIDEN 'ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE' Former President Donald Trump arrives at Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Georgia on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Trump is visiting the state to host a campaign fundraising event. First, Wiles and LaCivita said "voting is beginning earlier and earlier, and as we saw in 2020, tens of millions of Americans had already voted by the time of the first debate." READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Specific to the Commissions proposed 2024 calendar, it simply comes too late," they wrote, adding an estimate of how many Americans will have already voted by the date of each scheduled debate. "By the date of the first proposed debate, September 16, 2024, over 1 million Americans will have likely voted," they wrote. "By the date of the second proposed debate, October 1, 2024, the number of Americans who will have likely cast a ballot will be over 3 million, an increase of 225%." BIDEN SAYS DEBATING TRUMP 'DEPENDS ON HIS BEHAVIOR' By the third proposed debate date on Oct. 9, 35 days from Election Day, Wiles and LaCivita estimated that "approximately 8.7 million Americans will have already voted." The Trump campaign argued that in 2020, Americans "were robbed of a true and robust debate," with the commission only hosting two debates that took place "much too late in the election calendar despite voting timelines having moved up exponentially." In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Thursday, Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, said it is "very important to have the debates now because the country is doing so badly." Trump listed the crisis at the southern border, national security, America's standing on the world stage, rising crime, the economy and more. "The country is in such trouble," Trump told Fox News Digital. "What are Bidens plans?" "I would fully accept any debate, anywhere, anytime, anyplace," he continued. When asked if he thought Biden, too, would commit to a debate against him on the issues that matter most to voters, Trump replied: "Perhaps he will, perhaps he wont. I really dont care," he said. "I am totally committed to debating him anytime, anywhere, any place." As for the debate schedule, Trump told Fox News Digital "the earlier the better." "I think it is important that we debate and the earlier the better because people have to find out what is going on with America," he explained. "We are no longer respected around the world. There are so many things that are happening." He added: "Its not the same country that we had just four years ago." Meanwhile, in their letter to the debate commission, the Trump campaign said that in 2020, the commission "ceded to the wishes of the Biden campaign on every front." "Fairness in such a setting is paramount and the Commission must ensure that the 2024 Commission-sponsored debates are truly fair and conducted impartially," they wrote. "The Commission must move up the timetable of its proposed 2024 debates to ensure more Americans have a full chance to see the candidates before they start voting, and we would argue for adding more debates in addition to those on the currently proposed schedule," they wrote. "We have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, anyplace, and anywhereand the time to start these debates is now." "Former President Abraham Lincoln and former U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas held seven debates in their storied 1858 U.S. Senate battle in Illinois," they added. "Certainly todays America deserves as much." Biden and his campaign have yet to commit to debates against Trump. When asked last month if he would debate the former president, Biden said it was dependent on Trumps "behavior." "Depends on his behavior," Biden said. Earlier this year, Biden addressed previous calls for earlier debates with Trump. "If I were him, I would want to debate me, too," Biden told reporters in Nevada when asked about Trump wanting to debate him earlier in the election cycle. "Hes got nothing else to do," Biden said. Original article source: Trump campaign demands Biden debate him 'much earlier' and more often The top two advisers to former President Donald Trump are urging the Commission on Presidential Debates to add more debates to the schedule and to hold them earlier in the election cyclethe latest move in the campaigns attempt to pressure President Joe Biden to agree to a public showdown. For the past couple of weeks, Trump has lit up Truth Social with posts calling out Biden for not yet agreeing to a debate and has often used his rallies to pressure the president to face off against him. The letter, sent by Chris LaCivita and Susie Wileshis de facto campaign managersis the latest example of Trump and his campaign trying to highlight that while Trump wants to debate Biden, the president has yet to agree to one. While the Commission on Presidential Debates has already announced three presidential debates and a vice-presidential debate to occur later this year, we are in favor of these debates beginning much earlier, the letter reads. They say they want earlier debates because in 2020, tens of millions of Americans had already voted by the time of the first debate. Because of the timing of the debates, they claim that Americans were robbed of a true and robust debate in 2020. Trumpwho has insisted hes willing to debate the sitting president anytime, anywhere, and anywherehas repeatedly stated he does not believe the president will actually agree to one. Controversially, Trump said last week that if Biden does agree to a face-off, he wants there to be drug tests because he believes the president was higher than a kite when giving his State of the Union address. Hes obviously, hes being helped some way, because most of the time, he looks like hes falling asleep. And all of a sudden, he walked up there and did a poor job. But he was all jacked up, Trump said on Hugh Hewitts radio show. ... I think debates, with him, at least, should be drug tested. I want a drug test. Trump famously refused to debate any of his competitors during the GOP primary and skipped the ones that were held because when you're 40 points up .... why would I let these people take shots at me?" he told Fox News Brett Bair. Nonetheless, despite skipping all primary debates, Trump and his campaign now want more debates held this cycle as he attempts to defeat the sitting president. [W]e would argue for adding more debates in addition to those on the currently proposed schedule, the letter reads. We have already indicated President Trump is willing to debate anytime, anyplace, and anywhereand the time to start these debates is now. Former President Abraham Lincoln and former U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas held seven debates in their storied 1858 U.S. Senate battle in Illinois. Certainly todays America deserves as much. When reached for comment, a Biden campaign official referred The Daily Beast to a statement Biden made to reporters earlier this year. If I were him, I would want to debate me, too," Biden said in February when asked about debating Trump. "Hes got nothing else to do. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Trump could go to jail for a hush money scheme that deceived voters, experts say Donald Trump is charged in two criminal cases for his alleged attempts to overturn 2020 presidential election results, relying on pressure campaigns and baseless legal challenges to cling on to power after losing to President Joe Biden. But his upcoming trial on charges connected to a so-called hush-money scheme to bury politically compromising stories of his alleged affairs is also an election interference case, one that stems from his efforts to win the White House in 2016 by any means, according to prosecutors and legal experts. The trial, which is scheduled to begin on 15 April, serves as a precursor to his 2020 cases, all of which involve Mr Trump deceiving voters to grasp power, according to Norm Eisen, former special counsel to the House Judiciary Committee majority during Mr Trumps first impeachment. And its one that could land him in jail. Some might think this is a no-jail crime but when you have falsification of business records associated with or intended to aid, conceal or commit serious crimes, that receives sentences of jail time regularly, Mr Eisen told reporters on Thursday. And this is the most serious falsifying business records case that New York has ever seen. The former president is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records, which on their own are considered misdemeanours. But those charges are elevated to Class E felony crimes if theyre attached to a wider criminal scheme, which in Mr Trumps case could include alleged violations of state and federal election laws. Class E felony convictions in New York could include state prison sentences of one to four years. Mr Trumps lack of prior convictions, his unpredictable behaviour in and out of court, and whether jurors can be convinced of the prosecutions arguments will inform whether he sees any jail time. Donald Trump arrives for a press conference at 40 Wall Street after a pre-trial hearing at Manhattan criminal court on 25 March. (AP) In this case, prosecutors allege that then-candidate Trump feared another politically damaging scandal after the release of the 2005 Access Hollywood tape one month before Election Day in 2016. Stories about his alleged affairs could have sunk Trumps campaign, Mr Eisen told reporters on Thursday. Mr Trump is accused of hatching a catch and kill plot with tabloid publishers and his then-attorney Michael Cohen to buy up the rights to stories that would never be published in an attempt to keep them away from voters. Mr Trump then allegedly reimbursed his attorney for making such payments to adult film star Stormy Daniels, with whom he is accused of having an affair, then falsely documented those payments as legal expenses. Manhattan prosecutors are hoping to explain to jurors that the Access Hollywood tapes release sparked panic within his campaign, underscoring the urgency to bury any other stories that would damage his election prospects. In a December radio interview, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg emphasized that the case is not about money for sex. We would say its about conspiring to corrupt a presidential election, he said, and then lying in New York business records to cover it up. In his description of the case to prospective jurors, New York Justice Juan Merchan also makes clear that the case involves an unlawful attempt to affect the outcome of the 2016 election. He writes that Mr Trump is accused of falsifying business records to conceal an agreement with others to unlawfully influence the 2016 presidential election. Specifically, it is alleged that Donald Trump made or caused false business records to hide the true nature of payments made to Michael Cohen, by characterizing them as payment for legal services rendered pursuant to a retainer agreement, according to the judges summary. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (AP) Mr Trump, whose 2024 campaigns platform builds on a narrative that he is a victim of political persecution, has accused prosecutors of leading a politically motivated investigation to damage his re-election chances. But this is a case that was of course brought long ago because of the importance and significance of the scheme to unlawfully influence the 2016 election, according to former US attorney Mary McCord. The notion that this is something new or out of the blue should be debunked immediately, said criminal defence attorney Joey Jackson, a former assistant district attorney in Manhattan. Manhattan has always flexed its muscles as it relates to business records its perfectly appropriate. Mr Bragg has also stressed that similar financial crimes are the bread and butter of his office. Manhattan prosecutors brought similar charges in more than 400 cases within the decade before Mr Trumps indictment, according to court documents. Falsifying records was the top charge in at least 42 of those cases. Last year, Mr Braggs office successfully convicted two men who falsified business records as part of an $18m insurance scam. Legal experts and prosecutors have argued that a plain reading of the evidence of the case, which they claim testimony will prove, will spell out the facts of the case that prove the top charge against the former president. But the wider challenge will be proving to jurors that the intent is proven beyond a reasonable doubt, according to Mr Eisen. Prosecutors would need to show jurors that Mr Trump relied on his catch and kill arrangement to keep stories of his affairs away from the voting public to retain his chances of winning the general election in 2016. Donald Trump is unlikely to testify and even if he did he would be unlikely to concede on that, Mr Eisen said. I think the proof is powerful, that the criminal intent, the fraudulent intent, the intent to commit federal and state election crimes I think all of those forms of mens rea, Trumps state of mind, are amply established by the evidence. Former President Trump is facing a do-or-die moment in his effort to delay the start of his first criminal trial, with his choice of punting tactics dwindling in the days leading up to his day in court in New York. The former president has vigorously fought to stave off his criminal trials until after Election Day an endeavor that, if successful, could put the four cases against him on ice should he win the White House. Trump hasnt completely run out of options on the hush money case, but judges this week rejected some of his remaining eleventh-hour strategies. That has provided the clearest sign yet that Trumps trial over his alleged role in concealing a hush money payment to porn actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election will begin Monday. Their entire strategy for years and years has been delay, delay, delay, said Jessica Levinson, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University. This is true in the federal cases, its true in the state cases its been true of any inquiry, even, that he faces. When it comes to the timing, it certainly is the case that the later this goes, the better it is for Trump, she said. Trumps attorneys appeared in court each of the past three days seeking delays of the imminent trial, but appeals judges in each instance rebuffed the efforts. The first bid was to delay the trial while Trumps lawyers argue that the case should be tried outside of Manhattan. They contended that the deep-blue New York City borough is not a proper venue for Trump, instead suggesting Staten Island, where he won his last two presidential elections, hold the trial. An appeals judge declined to issue an emergency stay on the matter Monday, which would have postponed the trial indefinitely. The second effort Trumps lawyers mounted Monday followed a lawsuit Trump filed against the New York judge overseeing his hush money case regarding the gag order he imposed on the former presidents speech a maneuver that effectively acts as an appeal of the order. Trump again asked the state appeals court to indefinitely pause the trial while he mounts an appeal against the gag order instituted by Judge Juan Merchan last month. In his original order, Merchan cited Trumps uncontested record of attacking individuals involved in his legal matters as reason to limit his speech. The order barred Trump from attacking witnesses, prosecutors and court staff, but didnt preclude him from hurling insults at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) or the judge himself. Merchan later expanded the order to include his own family members and Braggs family after Trump took aim at the judges daughter, who works for a progressive political consulting firm that boasts clients including President Biden and Vice President Harris. But a different state appeals judge also refused to pause the trial over that matter Tuesday. And Wednesday, Trumps lawyers mounted a third attempt for a delay by challenging some of Merchans other rulings. Yet another appeals court judge similarly denied that request to adjourn the trial. Now, both matters will head to a full five-judge panel to consider the requests. If the panels rule differently than the individual judges, the trial could still be stopped but not before it starts. After previously expressing doubt that the trial would begin as planned, Trump after the recent string of defeats seemingly acknowledged his trial will begin Monday. On Monday I will be forced to sit, gagged, before a highly conflicted & corrupt judge, who hatred for me has no bounds, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday. Though Trumps options are running thin, he still has several matters pending before the trial judge. Merchan has yet to rule on Trumps demand for an indefinite delay due to prejudicial pretrial publicity, contending the immense public attention has led Manhattan residents to prejudge Trumps guilt. President Trump cannot get a fair trial in Manhattan County right now, Trump attorney Todd Blanche wrote in court papers. Braggs office has pushed back, telling the judge Trump himself is helping drive the publicity and that jury selection procedures are sufficient to address any concerns. [T]here is no indication that this Court will be unable to find twelve jurors willing to evaluate the evidence in this case impartially, prosecutors wrote in court papers. As the various last-ditch efforts proceed, Trump has also renewed his demand that the judge recuse himself from the case, pointing to his daughters employment at the progressive political agency. Last summer, the judge rejected an earlier recusal motion from Trump that centered on similar accusations. Merchan at the time said he based his decision to remain on the case on guidance from a state ethics advisory group. In the latest round, the former presidents lawyers wrote that new evidence and changed circumstances, including that Trump is now the presumptive Republican nominee who is expected to face Biden in November, requires Merchan to step aside. In court filings, Braggs office said Trump had identified no new fact to change the earlier rejection. Instead, defendants motion is nothing more than his latest effort to delay the forthcoming trial; andin both timing and substanceappears transparently reverse-engineered to provide an ex post justification for defendants attacks on the Court and the Courts family, Assistant District Attorney Matthew Colangelo wrote to the judge. This Court should reject defendants dilatory tactic and deny the motion. Levinson, the law professor, said the likelihood of Trumps motions success is slim. Its already failed before; I dont think things have changed enough to require recusal, she said. Trump always thinks about visuals and how things play, and I think there is the potential concern that seeing him inside a courtroom as a criminal defendant is not a great political ad leading up to November, Levinson said. Having said that, he has been very effective at saying for years that he is the subject of the worst political witch hunt in his nations history, and so he will try to use those visuals to say, See, I told you so. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. El Paso County could join a lawsuit against the state of Colorado, challenging laws that stop local governments from cooperating with the federal government in certain matters of immigration. The Board of El Paso County Commissioners at its regular meeting Tuesday will consider a resolution authorizing litigation against the state. If approved, the county would officially object to two state bills passed in 2019 and 2023 that prohibit local law enforcement, including the El Paso County sheriff, from arresting or detaining individuals based on a civil immigration detainer. The laws also prohibit probation officers from providing migrants' identifying information to federal authorities, and ended the ability for local law enforcement to enter into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain individuals in their jails. Teller County has one such agreement, but Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell last summer said state laws won't hinder his county's cooperation with ICE. Colorado's laws "are illegal and unconstitutional as they violate the Intergovernmental Relationships; Distribution of Powers; and Revival, Amendment or Extension of Laws provisions of the Colorado state constitution and are otherwise preempted by federal immigration laws and regulations," a draft resolution included with El Paso County commissioners meeting documents states. If El Paso County's five-member board votes to approve the resolution Tuesday, the county intends to join the lawsuit Douglas County is filing against the state that challenges the laws. "The Board (of El Paso County Commissioners) and the El Paso County sheriff wish to join the litigation in support of Douglas County, in order to protect the citizens of El Paso County," the draft resolution states. El Paso County and Colorado Springs have both recently approved separate symbolic resolutions declaring El Paso is not a sanctuary county and Colorado Springs is not a sanctuary city for undocumented immigrants crossing the United States' southwest border. Featured Local Savings County commissioners and a city councilman on the last day of January called a press conference to admonish the state and federal government for lack of action in stemming illegal immigration. The event was called after reports that a busload of immigrants had arrived in Colorado Springs from Denver and were staying at the Salvation Army's Family Hope Center, the city's only homeless shelter for families. Colorado Springs has not seen the influx of new immigrants such as Denver has, Andrew Notbohm, regional emergency management and recovery director for the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, has said. County commissioners and Colorado Springs City Councilman Dave Donelson have criticized the regional emergency management office's broad plan that will guide the city's response if a "significant" number of immigrants crossing U.S. borders come into the city. The "City of Colorado Springs Migrant Response Framework," dated Feb. 26, is not intended as a strategic plan but instead is a basis from which the city can develop a plan, Notbohm previously said. Colorado Springs Chief of Staff Jamie Fabos said in late February the document was produced solely for the city and El Paso County is not currently part of the planning effort. El Paso County commissioners meet Tuesday at 9 a.m. at Centennial Hall. The meeting agenda and related documents are available online at agendasuite.org/iip/elpaso/meeting/details/1878. The meetings are also streamed on the county Facebook page at facebook.com/ElPasoCountyCO. From the The Collision on The Dispatch Welcome back to The Collision, and get ready with us for the trial of the well maybe not the century. But the way things are going, Donald Trumps hush-money trial in New York may be the trial of the year for the presumptive Republican nominee if for no other reason than it could be the only criminal trial hell have in 2024. Well get into what to expect, plus a read on special counsel Jack Smiths busy schedule in the weeks ahead. The Docket After seemingly annoying the special counsel over her order on jury instructions, Judge Aileen Cannon has thrown a bone to Jack Smith in the federal classified documents case in Florida. In a ruling Tuesday, Cannon partially granted Smiths request to redact the names and identities of government witnesses in a cache of discovery documents that Donald Trumps defense team sought to unseal. While Cannon expressed some skepticism of Smiths argument for a blanket protection and said she will still allow for witness testimony to be unsealed, the ruling is a reversal of her February decision to grant the defenses broad disclosure motion. It also is a step toward clearing the backup of pretrial motions that risks pushing the start date for Trumps trial even further. Trump made an appearance this week in Fulton County, Georgia, where hes been indicted along with more than a dozen other co-defendants on racketeering charges tied to his campaigns efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The presumptive Republican nominee was in Georgia for a fundraiser in Atlantas Buckhead neighborhood but spoke to reporters briefly about the case, saying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been totally discredited because of her romantic involvement with one of the special prosecutors on her team. I suspect that case is going to be terminated, because it has absolutely no credibility, Trump said. On Wednesday, Judge Tanya Chutkan dismissed the idea that defendants who are on trial for charges related to the breach of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, are hostages because they are being kept in jail. During a sentencing hearing for Antony Vo, who was convicted last fall for unlawfully entering the Capitol with his mother, Chutkan said the defendants are dangerous people who need to be jailed while awaiting their trials or sentencing. Chutkan is also presiding over Trumps federal election interference case, and the former president has frequently referred to those who have been in jail in the nations capital as political prisoners and hostages and drawn comparisons to his criminal prosecutions. No More Delays: Trumps First Trial Set to Begin Former President Donald Trump speaks to the press outside the courtroom after a hearing at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on March 25, 2024. (Photo by Spencer Platt/AFP/Getty Images) At long last, we have nearly arrived. The pretrial motions are resolved. The gag order is in place and even expanded. The last-ditch efforts by the defendant to sue the judge and delay proceedings have failed. Theres no more putting it off, barring some unforeseen act of God: Donald Trumps first criminal trial will begin this Monday, April 15, in a Manhattan courthouse. This will be the first time ever a former sitting president will be tried on criminal charges by a jury of his peers. Widely perceived as the weakest of the four criminal cases facing him, even by Trump critics, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs case is focused on payments made to former pornographic film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 presidential campaign in order to stop Daniels from disclosing publicly the details of her sexual affair with Trump. Bragg has charged Trump with 34 counts of falsifying business records in the first degree as part of this hush-money scheme. If Trump is found guilty, the penalty could include jail time. But dont expect big fireworks just yet, because Mondays proceedings will begin with the necessary work selecting who sits on that jury. To guide us through that process, Judge Juan Merchan has disclosed a letter to both the prosecution and the defense laying out the parameters of jury selection, including all of the 42 questions potential jurors will be asked as both legal teams evaluate the pool and try to agree on an impartial panel of 12. Most of what Merchan outlines is standard criminal-trial jury selection stuff, but there are obviously some specific concerns given the high-profile and political nature of the case. Here are a couple of notable things from this letter: There are several questions on the questionnaire about whether a potential juror has or has someone close to them who has worked or volunteered for Trump or a company or political campaign associated with Trump or his close family. But the questions go beyond work and volunteering and even ask if potential jurors follow Trump on social media or have attended a Trump rally. There are also the requisite questions about working or volunteering for anti-Trump groups, attendance at anti-Trump rallies, and following anti-Trump accounts on social media. The questions get even more specific, including asking if a potential juror has ever belonged to any of a listed number of far-right or white nationalist groups, along with the left-wing antifa movement. Jurors will also be asked if they had read any books written by or listened to podcasts hosted by Michael Cohen, the former Trump attorney, or Mark Pomerantz, the former Bragg prosecutor who resigned from the investigation in 2022. Theres even a question about whether a potential juror has ever read any of Trumps books. Theres an obvious set of questions not included on the questionnaire, which Merchan addresses directly in his letter along with a warning about the limited scope for voir dire: Please note, there are no questions asking prospective jurors whom they voted for or intend to vote for, or whom they have made political contributions to. Nor are jurors asked about their specific political party registration, though the answer to that question may easily be gleaned from the responses to the other questions. Counsel is forewarned not to seek to expand the degree of intrusion beyond what is relevant and has already been approved. In other words: Dont ask anything about a jurors vote or political donations. Jurors will be informed that while their names will be disclosed to the two parties, they will not be publicly disclosed. Furthermore, the instructions will read, Your addresses will not be shared with anyone other than counsel for the parties. We are doing this to preserve your privacy and to protect your identities from members of the public. The New York Times has a helpful piece outlining just what kind of jurors both sides will be looking for. In short, the prosecution wants the sort of educated, upper-middle-class New Yorker who might be disinclined to give the former president a break. The defense wants working class voters, particularly younger white and black men. The jury pool from deep-blue Manhattan will undoubtedly be stacked against Trump, but just because hes unpopular there doesnt mean he cant get a fair hearing that results in his acquittal though the Times reports that some on Team Trump arent aiming that high. Mr. Trumps legal team sees the case as winnable, although some believe a full acquittal is less likely than the prospect of finding jurors willing to cause a mistrial by holding out against a unanimous guilty verdict, according to two people with direct knowledge of the discussions, the paper reports. Jack Smiths Argument Against Presidential Immunity Special counsel Jack Smith is having a special month. While Trump goes to trial in New York state court, you can bet Smiths team is watching the jury selection process closelynot just to see what potential jurors are saying (how many are trying to get on the jury so they can cash in after the trial with a tell-all book about how they were the holdout vote?) but how Donald Trumps legal team is approaching the process and what types of jurors it wants on the jury. Smiths team must also keep up with the classified documents case down in Florida in front of Judge Aileen Cannon, which is experiencing its own drama and delays. As Cannon works her way through the backlog of motions in that case, Smiths team can expect one or more of her decisions to be appealableby one side or the other. But none of that is whats keeping Jack Smith up at night. On April 16, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Fischer v. United States. In that case, several January 6 defendants were charged with violating 18 U.S.C. 1512, which says: Whoever corruptly- (1) alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with the intent to impair the objects integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding; or (2) otherwise obstructs, influences, or impedes any official proceeding, or attempts to do so, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. This crime was added by Congress to target corporate fraud and abuse involving evidence spoliation that obstructs congressional inquiries and investigations. And thats clearly what Part 1 is focused on. But check out Part 2. Does otherwise broaden the scope of the crime? Or does otherwise mean other things that are similar in kind to what Part 1 is describing, which would involve evidence or records and which the January 6 defendants in question had nothing to do with? Donald Trump was also charged under this statutetwicein Jack Smiths D.C. election-interference case against Trump. If the Supreme Court holds that the law applies only to destroying evidence, that could knock out two of his four charges against Trump. In his latest filing at the court, Smith argued that any ruling in that case shouldnt affect his prosecution because Trumps efforts to use fraudulent electoral certifications rather than genuine ones at the Joint Session should fit squarely into any reading of the statute. Well see. But thats not all, folks! On April 25, the Supreme Court is hearing Trump v. United States about whether and if so to what extent does a former President enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office. Or for our non-lawyers, Smith has to convince the Supreme Court that he can continue his criminal prosecution against Donald Trump for his election interference stuff at all! Smith filed his brief to the court this week. He dedicates most of his argument to why a former president lacks immunity from federal criminal prosecution for all official acts during his presidency. No real surprise there, except that the Department of Justice advocates on behalf of the executive branchaka the president. That usually entails, as you might imagine, maximizing the power of the presidency. In war, in appointments, and in, well, not going to prison. (See the 1973 Nixon-era DOJ memo conveniently deciding that presidents cant be indicted while in office that was echoed by the Clinton administration in October 2000.) But toward the end of Smiths brief is where things get interesting. Even assuming that a former President is entitled to some immunity for official acts, Smith writes, that immunity should not be held to bar this prosecution. Why? Smith argues that a presidents efforts to overturn an election and thwart the peaceful transfer of power to his lawfully elected successor is the paradigmatic example of conduct that should not be immunized, even if other conduct should be. Andor maybe orhe argues that the conduct that Trump was indicted for shouldnt be considered an official act because the core of the charged conspiracies is a private scheme with private actors to achieve a private end: petitioners effort to remain in power by fraud. Sarahs View If the Supreme Court was going to agree with the bulk of Smiths briefthat a president is not immune from criminal prosecution for any and all official acts while in officethen they didnt need to take this case. That is what the D.C. Circuit held in February, and this whole thing could have moved on without input from the nine justices. So it is surprising that Smith dedicated so little of his time (and remember, each sides brief has to meet a strict page limit) to the argument that the justices are most likely to focus on: Which official acts are immune, and does Trumps charged conduct look more like immune conduct or indictable conduct? Fewer than five pages are dedicated to the arguments in case he doesnt win a complete victory and less than one page addresses whether he should still be able to use unindictable acts as evidence even if he cant use those acts to support the elements of the underlying charges themselves. The Supreme Court has long held that presidents are immune from civil liability for any official acts while in office. It would be surprising if the exact opposite is true when it comes to criminal liability. Instead, what is more likely is that the court holds exactly what Smith gives short shrift to: that the public interest in prosecuting criminal conduct overcomes the executive branches immunity interests, but that some or even most official acts by a president are immune from prosecution. And the question will be whether all or only some of Trumps indicted acts fall into that bucket. Read more at The Dispatch The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free. Donald Trump and his party led an all-hands retreat from the furthest reaches of the pro-life standpoint this week after an Arizona Supreme Court decision snapped back into place the states century-old abortion ban which bars the practice in almost all cases. The former president made his latest remarks on the topic after landing on Wednesday in Atlanta for a fundraiser; he told reporters upon his arrival that officials in Arizona could work together to bring the states abortion lawns back within the realm of reason. It was as close to a flat-out admission of going too far as one could expect from Mr Trump. Itll be straightened out and as you know, its all about states rights, he said. Itll be straightened out, and Im sure that the governor and everybody else are going to bring it back into reason and thatll be taken care of, I think, very quickly. At the same press conference, he clarified the stance he had unveiled in a video message to supporters on Monday, and claimed that he would not sign a national abortion ban into law. He was far from the only one running away from the news. Kari Lake, the GOPs chosen Senate candidate in Arizona, is also backing away from a ban to which she once gave a full-throated endorsement in June 2022. Having previously told voters she was thrilled about the prospect of her state banning abortion in all cases except when a patients life is in danger, Ms Lake this week released a lengthy statement calling the 1901 ban out of step with Arizonans. I oppose todays ruling, and I am calling on [Governor] Katie Hobbs and the state Legislature to come up with an immediate commonsense solution that Arizonans can support, said Ms Lake this week. But as the two and others were attacked by pro-life groups this week for their about-faces, it was clear that the Republican Party is by no means close to even a basic understanding of what their own policy on reproductive freedom should be in a post-Roe world. There seems to be broad agreement around the issue of protecting in vitro fertilisation (IFV) the party rallied in its defence after an Alabama court decision endangered the practice but not much else. Mr Trump and Ms Lake both now find themselves at odds with the greater evangelical Christian right within the GOP, much of which has wholeheartedly embraced plans for bans at the national level which undermine their colleagues calls to let the states decide. Another scuffle on that front occurred this week, as Senator Lindsey Graham and his sometimes-ally in the former president scrapped back and forth over the idea. In one post, Mr Trump raised the idea that the anti-abortion camp was handing ammunition to Democrats. The Democrats are thrilled with Lindsey, because they want this issue to simmer for as long a period of time as possible, he wrote. He may be right; the president and his allies have been in full attack mode since the latest court decisions in Florida and Arizona allowed those states abortion restrictions, which are some of the tightest in the country, to take effect. The national Biden-Harris campaign released a devastating ad featuring a woman from Texas who suffered a major infection after she was denied life-saving abortion care, endangering her ability to have children in the future some on Twitter likened its impact to the infamous Daisy ad produced by Lyndon Johnsons campaign in 1964. This is a painful story that so many families around America now know too well: Amanda was denied the medical care she needed, and it nearly took her life. More than 1 in 3 women in America now lives under an abortion ban, with more on the way. Donald Trump did this. pic.twitter.com/2vH8EdzIw8 Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 8, 2024 And in Florida, the Biden campaign on Tuesday joined a press call with local Democratic officials to preview how the fight for reproductive rights would transform the presidential race in that state this far. The states Supreme Court has allowed a 15-week ban to take effect, and a six-week ban is set to override it in the weeks ahead. Much of the Biden campaigns messaging will be centred around talk[ing] about what is happening at the national scale, the campaigns Florida director Jasmine Burney-Clark said on Tuesday. Nikki Fried, the state party chair, echoed that promise and vowed that the party would share the experiences of women living under the ban and educate the public on what it means when you ban abortion at six weeks. Republicans set to run in these battleground regions continue to face an uncertain political future, with little agreement or leadership from their party at the national level to look to for guidance. Rep Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican who spoke to The Independent on Wednesday, predicted that the backlash against his party would end as voters supposedly become more pro-life over time. The reality of post-Roe vs. Wade is nobody really knows what their position on abortion is. Like, I know my position. But I would say of the American people, that's still a moving target. But you can't jam that and force it. People have to get there, he cautioned. He wholly rejected the idea that Democrats in his state would have success running against the six-week ban. They suck, theyre losers, he said. Turning to the state party chair, he said: Shes gonna lose, like she lost before. And I know Nikki, but thats just the reality. A spokesperson for the Florida state Democratic party responded to that remark in a statement provided to The Independent: Rep Donalds can believe what he wants, but the truth is [Governor Ron] DeSantis and Republicans are underwater in Florida. Republicans know they are stuck with a losing message in 2024. We will see him at the finish line in November. Donald Trump is tightening his stranglehold on the congressional GOPs policy agenda as he reshapes Republican lawmakers' party orthodoxy on national security and social issues. Trumps sway was on full display Wednesday as the House tried to take up a warrantless government surveillance bill that was intended to unite the party. Then, hours after the former president pushed to kill the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization, 19 House Republicans did just that. Hes also successfully nudging most anti-abortion conservatives to accept his call to abandon a national standard what was once a consensus position in the GOP. Thats on top of Trumps long-standing opposition to new Ukraine aid, which remains stalled on the Hill. So far, Trump is showing more proclivity for blocking GOP policy proposals than shaping them affirmatively, such as the bipartisan border deal that he stopped earlier this year. But even the former president's views of support for higher tariffs, a further rebuke of past GOP stances on free trade, aren't drawing the same friendly fire as they did during his first term. The signs all point to a far more Trump-ified Washington until the November election, and a super-charged one should he win the White House again. Many senior Republicans who served as establishment bulwarks against his influence are retiring or ceding power, in the case of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells plan to exit leadership this year. And MAGA recruits are filtering into Congress every two years. "Voters are saying that they don't want the Republican Party of the 90s, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who joined Congress in 2019 in the GOP's first wave of Trump-aligned lawmakers. What's the big achievement there? Trade that destroyed American jobs? Letting China into the WTO and weakening our position in the world? And endless wars? People dont want that." Trump's first four years in office featured no shortage of tense battles with the congressional GOP on trade, foreign policy and confirmation of his polarizing nominees. This time, Trump's growing base of reflexive support and reluctance to challenge him among Hill Republicans is paving the way for what could prove a more friendly GOP Congress in his potential second term. As Senate Republicans weigh a new leader and Speaker Mike Johnson runs the House as a Trump ally even when the former president undercuts him Trump's moves amp up pressure on some GOP lawmakers who see their party's ideology continuing to shift. It's a high-stakes moment of transition for party leaders. Part of the problem is what I would call traditional Republicans have just assumed the status quo is going to continue. And obviously that's being challenged on a number of fronts, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who is running to take over from McConnell. What it means is we're going to have to work harder to make the case for the policies that we believe in. After Trump left office in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, his influence waned for a time as McConnell and other Senate Republicans cut major bipartisan deals with Democrats. After Trump easily dispatched his challengers for the GOP nomination, however, the failure of the border deal and House surveillance bill make clear that he's more powerful in the Capitol. The House GOP raced ahead of the Senate in terms of ideological evolution, but its not difficult to see the Trumpy direction of even the upper chamber as pugnacious Republicans like J.D. Vance of Ohio and Eric Schmitt of Missouri replace more establishment veterans. Most of our members will want to do what he tells them to do. I mean, that's just the reality, said retiring Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, the only GOP lawmaker who backed both Trump impeachments. I wish there were more that took my point of view on issues, but I represent a very small slice of the Republican Party these days. Certain Republican senators still take positions that break with Trump. Cornyn is in line with him on leaving abortion policy to the states but said Trump's hopes of kneecapping government spy power would omit key information from presidential briefings: I wouldn't think any president would want to deny themselves that access to that intelligence. It's also evident from Trump's presidency that he's open to ending up in a different place than where he starts on policy. He signed an extension of existing government surveillance law and backed away from some less interventionist policy positions when pressured by GOP lawmakers. Of course, he did that while getting nudged toward more conventional approaches by McConnell and former Speaker Paul Ryan. Things will be different next Congress, when the Senate GOP leader whether it's Cornyn, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) or a surprise candidate will be new to the job. And the next election cycle could send still more Trump acolytes to the Senate, like Bernie Moreno of Ohio, Kari Lake of Arizona and Jim Banks of Indiana. Romney estimated that half the Senate GOP is aligned with Trump, adding that for every member who leaves, like him, the ratio further tips toward the presumptive nominee. Already GOP leaders are trying to draw some lines. For example, both Thune and Cornyn say they would protect the legislative filibuster even if Trump tries to persuade them to kill it. That would be a mistake. I would not agree to eliminate the filibuster, Cornyn said. Abortion will be trickier to create distance from Trump on. After GOP lawmakers embraced a federal ban on late-term abortions at a minimum, the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade and splintered the party between supporters of national limits and those who want Congress to stay away from the issue. Then Trump came out this week against a federal ban. And besides Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, few Republicans argued with him. He's going to be the nominee of the party and responsible, probably, for writing the party platform on this subject. And that's where he comes down, said Thune, who supported a 15-week abortion ban even after Roe fell. Clearly a lot of our Republican colleagues in the Senate today are of a view that this is an issue that ought to be handled by the states. National security could prove the most troublesome area of Trump's influence for GOP leaders to manage. That's because, even before Trump launched his first campaign, the tea party had sent libertarian-leaning lawmakers to Capitol Hill, from Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Mike Lee (R-Utah) to Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). So when Trump urges his party to KILL FISA, well, it wasnt that much of a leap for some conservatives to push back on reauthorizing government surveillance law without huge changes. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) said shes delighted by the influx of more libertarian Republicans, though she quibbled with the idea that Trump is calling all the shots. Trump tapped into a pre-existing populist mindset. And really channeled it, Lummis said. That leaves more hawkish Republicans on the back foot in a GOP that seems to be shifting away from them. Asked about her partys drift away from long-held national security policies, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said she was really worried about it and said Republicans need to explain why surveillance powers are necessary. More mainstream Republicans, like Maryland Senate hopeful Larry Hogan or Michigan Senate hopeful Mike Rogers a former House Intelligence Committee chair could win this fall and offer more McConnell-style votes to balance out MAGA candidates. But that largely didn't happen in 2022, which ended with Trump counting more congressional GOP allies than ever before. It was a good election for non-establishment, Trump America first. Well find out if we get more, said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). While former President Trump was out on the campaign trail meeting with everyday Americans at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in Georgia on Wednesday, President Biden was fine dining with the Clintons and other prestigious guests at the White House. In Atlanta, Trump met with locals and had unscripted conversations, bought them "the Lords chicken" and urged them to support his third bid for the presidency. More than 500 miles away, in Washington, D.C., Biden hosted Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a White House State Dinner. Some notable attendees of the dinner included: Bill and Hillary Clinton, Amazons Jeff Bezos and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez, Apple CEO Tim Cook, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, BlackRock CEO Laurence Fink, actor Robert DeNiro and his girlfriend Tiffany Chen, former president of Planned Parenthood Cecile Richards and others. Several of Bidens family also attended. These included the presidents daughter, Ashley Biden and her husband, Dr. Howard Krein, and Hunter Biden's daughters, Finnegan Biden and Naomi Biden Neal. TRUMP VISITS ATLANTA CHICK-FIL-A, BUYS CUSTOMERS CHICKEN AND SHAKES U.S. President Joe Biden and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida toast during an official State Dinner at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2024. Several lawmakers and state executives also attended the distinguished dinner, including Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gov. Tony Evers of Wisconsin, and Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "Today, without question, our alliance is literally stronger than it's ever been," Biden said at the dinner, referencing the U.S.-Japan relationship. "Tonight, we pledge to keep going. We stand at an inflection point where the decisions we make now are going to determine the course of the future for decades to come. A future that the kids of our two families and children of our two countries remember. But I also know that Japan and the United States stand together and everyone should know that as well, committed to each other and committed to keeping building the future worthy of the highest hopes." The Japanese prime minister also shared brief remarks, saying he and his wife were "speechless" by the number of "huge number of prominent American and Japanese guests." "Mr. President. Dr. Biden. Distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for hosting such a wonderful dinner and your warm welcome and hospitality," Kishida said. "First and foremost, to be honest, my breath is taken and I'm speechless in front of such a huge number of prominent American and Japanese guests. And my wife Yuko, also left breathless, just told me that it was hard to tell who the guest of honor is." U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden pose with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida prior to an official State Dinner at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2024. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton arrive for an official State Dinner held by U.S. President Joe Biden in honor of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 10, 2024. Fox News Digital made repeated attempts to reach out to the Trump and Biden campaigns for a statement but did not immediately receive a response. In contrast, the presumptive Republican nominee joined everyday Americans at a Chick-fil-A restaurant, where he chatted with staff and treated customers inside the store to chicken and milkshakes. "Can I have 30 milkshakes and some chicken?" Trump can be heard asking the employees. "Were going to take care of the customers." BIDEN, HARRIS ANNOUNCE NEW CAMPAIGN PUSH FOR LGBTQ SUPPORT, CALL MEMBERS 'A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH' In various videos of the exchange, Trump is seen surrounded and conversing with a group of people. The former president flattered crew members and asked if they were making "a lot of money." "Business is good?" the former president asked, prompting nods from the workers. "Making a lot of money? Getting rich, right? Thats wonderful." He then took photos with the various customers and asked if everyone was having a good time. "We dont care what the media says, we support you," one woman can be heard saying. The former president responded kindly, hugging the woman, who added: "Tell my mom that I made it." TRUMP COULD HAUL IN MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH DURING ATLANTA, ORLANDO FUNDRAISING SWING: WHAT TO KNOW Trump also praised the Chick-fil-A brand, saying, "They do very well." He also joked that he knew the menu better than the employees. Trump then instructed the staff that he was going to hand them out to the customers and take some for his entourage. The videographer then jokingly said, "Its the Lords chicken," and Trump agreed. "Its the Lords chicken, youre right," he said. "Its good chicken, too." After his visit to Georgia, Trump is expected to go to Orlando, Florida. The former President and Biden are expected to be certified as their respective partys official nominees over the summer ahead of their 2020 rematch in November. Fox News' Greg Wehner contributed to this report. Original article source: Trump meets everyday Americans at Chick-fil-A while Biden fine dines with Clintons, billionaires in DC NEW YORK (AP) Days after a New York judge expanded a gag order on Donald Trump to curtail "inflammatory speech, the former president tested its limits by disparaging two key witnesses in his upcoming criminal hush money trial as liars. In a post on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, Trump called his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, and the adult film actor Stormy Daniels "two sleaze bags who have, with their lies and misrepresentations, cost our Country dearly! In an order first made in March, and then revised on April 1, Judge Juan Merchan barred Trump from making public statements about probable trial witnesses concerning their potential participation in the investigation or in this criminal proceeding. Merchan's order didnt give specific examples of what types of statements about witnesses were banned. He noted the order was not intended to prevent the former president from responding to political attacks. The gag order also barred Trump from making public statements of any type about jurors, court staff, lawyers in the case or relatives of prosecutors or of the judge. Trump is allowed to make critical comments about the judge himself and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. It was unclear whether the judge might consider Trump's criticism of Cohen and Daniels a violation of the gag order. Both are expected to testify in the trial, which involves allegations that Trump falsified business records at his company to disguise the true nature of payments made to Cohen to reimburse him for a $130,000 payoff made to Daniels. The payment, Cohen says, was intended to keep Daniels from talking publicly about an alleged sexual encounter with Trump that the Republican says never happened. Gregory Germain, a professor at Syracuse University College of Law, described the latest post as a close call unlikely to result in Trump being held in contempt. I suspect hed argue that he criticized their general character, and was not commenting on their potential participation in the investigation or proceeding, Germain said. But Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University Law School, said Trumps comment brands the two witnesses as liars, which goes to the heart of what the order forbids. Thats exactly what a gag order doesnt want you to do before trial when a potential jury could be influenced, he said. Trump and his attorneys have said the gag order violates his free speech rights and prevents him from responding to public attacks as he runs for president. Daniels has spoken out about harassment shes received from the former presidents supporters, who she said were encouraged and commended by Trump. In a text message Thursday, Cohen said the attacks were meant to prejudice the jurys opinion of him. Former President Donald Trump, while out on the campaign trail, stopped by an Atlanta Chick-fil-A restaurant on Wednesday, where he chatted with staff and treated customers inside the store to chicken and milkshakes. In one video, Trump is seen surrounded by a group of suit-wearing individuals. The former president flattered crew members and customers while having his picture taken with them and asking if everyone was having a good time. In another video posted by the Right Side Broadcasting Network, Trump asked the restaurant staff for 30 milkshakes and some chicken before telling them he was going to take care of all the customers. FIRST ON FOX: CRUZ HAULS IN NEARLY $10 MILLION PAST THREE MONTHS IN BRUISING RE-ELECTION BID "So, is this good?" he asked, to which the staff replied with a yes and a nod. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP Trump then asked the staff members if they were making a lot of money and if they were going to get rich. Of the 30 milkshakes, Trump told the staff he was going to hand them out to the customers and take some for his entourage. TRUMP WORKS TO CATCH UP WITH BIDEN IN 2024 CASH DASH Former President Donald Trump treated customers at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta to chicken and milkshakes on Wednesday. The person capturing the moment on video pointed out to the former president that Chick-fil-A was a "great American franchise." "It is. Its a great franchise. The owner is a great man who is a member of one of my clubs, and hes fantastic," Trump said. "They do very well, and theyre closed on Sunday." The videographer then jokingly said, "Its the Lords chicken," and Trump agreed. "Its the Lords chicken, youre right," he said. "Its good chicken, too." TRUMP COULD HAUL IN MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH DURING ATLANTA, ORLANDO FUNDRAISING SWING: WHAT TO KNOW Trump then started handing out the shakes to customers who wanted one. The presidential candidate is expected to haul in roughly $15 million at top dollar fundraisers on Wednesday in Atlanta and Orlando, Florida. His first stop was Atlanta, and he was scheduled to meet with some of Georgias most prominent MAGA supporters, including former Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, who both narrowly lost their seats in January 2021. Trump was also expected to meet with Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus and beer, wine and spirits magnate Don Leeburn III. When he finishes in Atlanta, Trump is expected to go to Orlando, where attorney Dan Newlin will host a fundraiser at his home for the former president. Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report. Original article source: Trump visits Atlanta Chick-fil-A, buys customers chicken and shakes The Trypillia thermal power plant (TPP) has been completely destroyed in a large-scale Russian missile attack on the early morning of 10-11 April. Source: Andrii Hota, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Private Joint-Stock Company (PJSC) Centrenergo, a major electric and thermal energy-producing company in Ukraine's centre and east, in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency Details: Hota reported that all the workers who were on shift during the attack have survived. The bombardment caused a large-scale fire in the turbine hall. Efforts to contain the fire are currently underway. It is noted that PJSC Centrenergo has lost 100% of power generation. Background: A large-scale Russian missile attack in the small hours of 10-11 April damaged substations belonging to Ukrenergo, Ukraines national energy company, and power generation facilities in Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, Kharkiv and Kyiv oblasts. During the missile attack on 11 April, Russia attacked two thermal power plants (TPPs) owned by DTEK, the largest private energy company in Ukraine, severely damaging the equipment of the facilities. On 22 March, Zmiivka TPP, the largest plant in Kharkiv Oblast and one of the largest in Ukraine, was destroyed. Support UP or become our patron! A view of the avalanche on Otztal Alps where two skiers from the Netherlands were killed. Unbekannt/BERGRETTUNG SOLDEN/dpa Two skiers from the Netherlands were killed in an avalanche in the Otztal Alps in Austria on Thursday, police reported. Two others who had been trapped in the snow have been flown to hospital. Despite initial reports that up to 18 skiers had been caught up in the avalanche, there are not thought to be any other victims. A total of 17 Dutch skiers and four guides were in the vicinity when the avalanche came down on the route to Martin Busch Hutte 2,501 metres above sea level. A major alert was issued to hospitals in the region. Fresh snowfalls have occurred in the Tyrol region in recent days, and helicopter crews, mountain rescue teams, dog teams and alpine police have been deployed. On Tuesday, a 19-year-old German died when an avalanche struck a group of six on the Barnkopf at Lake Achen. The avalanches are thought to have occurred spontaneously without obvious external cause. Following a string of Apache helicopter crashes, the Army announced mandatory training for all pilots Wednesday to reverse the trend. The mandatory training follows 11 helicopter crashes in six months, including one in late March that injured two on Fort Carson. The two soldiers suffered minor injuries. A C-12 airplane also crashed in the same time frame. In 2023, the Army saw nine aviation incidents involving a fatality or loss of equipment, officials said. Officials said Wednesday morning the training, called a safety stand up, will cover risk mitigation at a decision-maker level, power management and spatial orientation, Director of Army Aviation Gen. Walter Rueben said. Pilots will not be grounded. "We want to make sure we reverse the trend. We want to be more empowering to the force," he said. The Army has a total of five open helicopter crash investigations, all of which occurred in the first few months of 2024 including the Apache crash at Fort Carson. Army officials said Wednesday that "no stone would be left unturned," as investigative efforts continue. It is unclear whether human or mechanical error caused the crashes. Rueben said active-duty components will have 30 days to complete the required training, and reserve components will have 60 days. The safety standup will not impact ongoing missions or operations. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "We want to empower the force at the lowest level to solve these problems," Rueben said. "We've been deliberate to not have a quick-trigger stand down." In late March the Army had two crashes in quick succession. On March 25, an Army AH-64E Apache helicopter crashed at a military base in Washington state during a training exercise, sending the two pilots to a hospital, according to the Associated Press. Just two days later on the evening of March 27, two soldiers with the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs were injured in an Apache helicopter crash on post. The brigade was then grounded for about a one week. Colorado Springs has also lost a soldier to the recent crashes. On April 27, 2023, Colorado Springs native and Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle McKenna died in an Apache crash after colliding with another aircraft while flying back to Fort Wainwright, Alaska on a training mission. Eight Tippecanoe County Jail inmates have died in custody since 2009. Three of those deaths happened in incidents on Jan. 12, 2019. LAFAYETTE, Ind. Tippecanoe County Jail officers found inmate Troy Pownell ill in his cell Monday, and he was rushed to the hospital, where he died on Tuesday, according to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office and Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello. Pownell, 38, of the Rhineland Trailer Park in Delphi, complained of abdominal pain and being light headed in his cell, according to the sheriff's office. When Pownell became weak and light headed, his cellmate helped him to the floor then banged on the cell door to get jail officers' attention. Jail officers began helping Pownell, and he was taken to Franciscan East Hospital by ambulance, according to Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office. Pownell died Tuesday night, according to Costello and the sheriff's office. Results from Wednesday's forensic autopsy on Pownell are pending toxicology reports, which takes up to eight weeks to get labs returned, Costello said Thursday in a news release. There were no overt signs of injury or trauma found on Pownell. Since Pownell died outside of the jail, deputies from the sheriff's office are investigating the circumstances surrounding his illness and death, Tippecanoe County Sheriff Bob Goldsmith said. Lafayette police arrested Pownell about 10:40 p.m. April 2 in the 3100 block of Ferry Street, where officers were doing a welfare check on someone, according to police bulletins. During his week in jail, he was not involved in any altercations or fights in the jail, according to the sheriff's office. Pownell became the second inmate to die this week. Inmate Tameka Luckett, 45, of West Lafayette, was found unresponsive in her cell at 2:10 a.m. Monday. She died in the jail, and Indiana State Police are investigating her death. Luckett's autopsy on Wednesday did not find any signs of trauma or injuries to Luckett. The cause and manner of her death is pending toxicology reports, which takes up to eight weeks to get results back. Luckett had been hospitalized about 2 a.m. Sunday after West Lafayette police found her unresponsive at her apartment in the 300 block of Brown Street. But less than 10 hours after police found Luckett unresponsive, they were back at her apartment, where they found a man unresponsive. While at Luckett's apartment tending to the unresponsive man, another man in the apartment developed symptoms of overdosing while officers were there. Since officers found Luckett out of the hospital and apparently not affected by her suspected drug use at 2 a.m. Sunday, they arrested her on suspicion of maintaining a common nuisance, possession of cocaine and possession of paraphernalia. She was jailed Sunday afternoon, and she died about 2 a.m. Monday. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Two Tippecanoe County Jail inmates die in one week Two Lawrence men sentenced in 2021 shooting death of Wichita man: Prosecutors More than two years after a Wichita man was fatally shot in Lawrence, two men have been sentenced in his death, prosecutors announced Wednesday. Andrel D. Spates Jr., 22, was sentenced to 17 years and 2 months and Javier Romero, 20, was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections. In January 2024, Spates Jr. pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and Romero pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. A judge also sentenced both to 36 months of post-release supervision and ordered they register as violent offenders for 15 years. On Sept. 8, 2021, Lawrence police responded to reports of a shooting in the 1500 block of Kentucky Street. Officers found Willis body about two blocks east of the University of Kansas campus. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police arrested Romero a little over a week after the incident. U.S. Marshals arrested Spates Jr. in Tennessee weeks later. Douglas County District Attorney Suzane Valdez said in a statement Wednesday that she felt neither defendant showed any concern for public safety, and they must be held accountable. We should not have to fear an outbreak of gun violence in our neighborhoods, she said. The Stars Bob Cronkleton contributed to this report. The U.S. believes famine is underway in Gaza, U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Samantha Power said on Wednesday a striking admission prompted by questioning over a HuffPost story revealing USAID officials privately reached that conclusion last week. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) asked Power during a congressional hearing about HuffPosts April 2 story on a USAID cable that referred to famine in northern Gaza without caveats and argued even in the best-case scenario the threshold to support a Famine determination has likely already been crossed. Famine is already occurring there? Castro asked. Power responded: Yes. Her comment is the Biden administrations most prominent public acknowledgement of the severity of the crisis among Palestinians in Gaza amid the six-month U.S.-backed Israeli offensive in the strip. USAID had previously deemed famine imminent. The outbreak of famine is a major development in the conflict. Humanitarian experts say that degree of food scarcity can quickly take on its own momentum, requiring huge efforts to combat it, while worsening other crises like health problems and incurring a major human toll before it can be stamped out. In the USAID cable obtained by HuffPost, officials wrote that the combination of starvation, malnutrition and disease would between mid-March and late May kill dozens of children in Gaza who are younger than 5 years old. Many of the coping strategies employed by people in Gaza will have long-term effects on the nutritional status and future livelihoods of those who survive the crisis, the government experts added. The USAID staff extensively described in the cable how Israeli limits on food and other vital goods for Gaza are driving mass hunger. The situation could also have dire legal implications for Israel and the U.S. as they continue the mission that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched against Hamas, the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group, after a shock Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7. The International Court of Justice the top court of the United Nations is investigating whether the Israeli operation constitutes a genocide against Palestinians and has repeatedly ordered Israel to take new steps to let more humanitarian aid into Gaza and prevent mass suffering there. Israel controls nearly all crossings into the enclave, most of which it has yet to open, and tightly restricts supplies that can enter it and to what extent relief organizations can function there. During her Wednesday comments to Congress, Power, herself a chronicler of genocide, notably repeatedly declined to answer if Israels actions constitute that war crime. After an Israeli strike killed aid workers with the World Central Kitchen nonprofit last week, President Joe Biden has pushed Israel to do more to help Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has not done enough to protect aid workers trying to deliver desperately needed help to civilians ... The United States will continue to do all we can to deliver humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, through all available means. I will continue to press Israel to do more to facilitate that aid, Biden said in a statement after the attack. Israel responded by opening one of its crossings in Gaza and increasing the number of aid trucks allowed in. Yet experts say major additional steps are still needed. Its really striking that after months of denying that they were obstructing aid, when President Biden really laid down the line with Prime Minister Netanyahu, suddenly they found a bunch of new ways to unblock aid, Jeremy Konyndyk, the president of the charity Refugees International and a former Biden administration official, recently told Al Jazeera. Without a cease-fire, it will not be possible for aid groups to put together the kind of anti-famine operation that Gaza now requires. UK Foreign Secretary on Russian propaganda in the US: Don't listen to Putin's lies about Ukraine UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron has commented on the Russian propaganda efforts against support for Ukraine in the United States. Source: Bloomberg, citing Cameron on air of the MSNBC TV channel In response to a question about the risk of Russian propaganda influencing Republicans who are blocking aid to Ukraine in the House of Representatives, he stated: "A lie is around the world before the truth can get its boots on." Quote: "Dont listen to Putins lies about Ukraine. It is a free democracy that wants to be an independent sovereign country, that wants to be our ally and our friend, and we should be standing by our friends, because the world will be watching if we dont," Cameron said. Cameron also urged the US Congress to consider aid to Ukraine as "an investment in American security". "Ninety percent of what you spend will go into jobs here in America and you can make the decisive difference in getting Ukraine back on the front foot, and getting them to make sure Putin doesnt win," he said. Commenting on his meeting held on Monday with the future Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, the Foreign Secretary described their discussions as "good," refusing to provide details and referring to the meeting as "private". "This year, in the run up to November and whoever is [US] president afterward, no one wants us to be in a situation where Putin is winning, Ukraine is losing and were having to deal with that situation. We can help right now," Cameron said. Background: 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. Before that, the UK Foreign Secretary urged his European counterparts to put pressure on Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress, to vote on the project containing assistance to Ukraine. Turner also expressed confidence that aid to Ukraine would receive "overwhelming support" after Congress resumed its work on 9 April, emphasising Speaker Mike Johnson's promise to prioritise funding for Ukraine after the recess. 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. The US Senate passed a compromise bill in winter that combined aid for Ukraine with a range of other national security measures, including efforts to combat illegal migration on the Mexico border. However, Johnson indicated that he would not bring this bill to a vote in the House of Representatives; instead, they would prepare their own. Support UP or become our patron! (Bloomberg) -- More than a quarter of the UKs international aid budget is spent domestically on asylum seekers and refugees, putting further pressure on the amount sent overseas for support, a government watchdog said. Most Read from Bloomberg The UK spent 4.3 billion ($5.4 billion) on hosting migrants in 2023, with more than half of that going on accommodation for asylum seekers, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact said on Wednesday in a report. Thats a 16% rise in a year, with the total accounting for 28% of the foreign aid budget. While the total includes money spent on programs to welcome refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, the figures suggest that efforts to house refugees at a cost of 2.5 billion in the UK are eating into the already depleted amount sent abroad to aid global development. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak slashed the amount Britain sets aside for international aid to 0.5% of national income from 0.7% from 2021 when he was chancellor, a move that prompted warnings that the UKs global influence would wane while also eroding important programs in poorer nations. His government is currently trying to stem the arrival of asylum seekers in small boats from France by pushing controversial legislation through Parliament that will allow the UK to deport them to Rwanda. The ICAI said that some of the costs of supporting asylum seekers and refugees counts as official development assistance under international aid rules. However, it added that the use of the money raised questions over taxpayer value-for-money and the UKs development goals. Allowing the Home Office to spend an unlimited amount on hosting asylum seekers and refugees, with the costs falling to the Foreign Office budget, sets the wrong incentives, ICAI Chief Commissioner Tamsyn Barton, said in a statement. Using so much of the aid budget on UK asylum hotels, rather than on supporting people nearer home, is inequitable and inefficient. The reduction in aid was billed as a temporary measure when Sunak announced it in late 2020 to help fix the UKs pandemic-battered public finances. It is now due to remain frozen until at least 2028. A UK spokesperson said the UK spent more than 15 billion last year including on humanitarian aid in Gaza, in Sudan and in earthquake-hit Turkey and Syria. Last years budget was boosted by additional funding to support refugees in the UK, who have escaped oppression and conflict overseas, including from Ukraine and Afghanistan the spokesperson said. We will continue to ensure our aid budget delivers value for money for British taxpayers. The Home Office said Wednesday the process of ending the use of hotels to house migrants is continuing, with about 150 due to have closed by May. (Updates with government comment in penultimate paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Britain is demanding that its RAF base on Gibraltar remains unaffected by a post-Brexit border deal with Spain as talks resume on Friday. UK Government insiders have made clear to The Telegraph that continuing military operational independence at the site is a red line in the negotiations. Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, was set to head to Brussels on Friday to meet his opposite numbers in Spain and the European Union as well as the leader of Gibraltar. There is hope that an agreement on Gibraltars border arrangements can be reached in the coming weeks after years of uncertainty and rounds of talks following the Brexit vote in 2016. Early June is being seen as a deadline for a deal. The European Parliament elections are held then, which will be followed by the disruption of European Commission figures being reshuffled. Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory at the tip of southern Spain, was ceded to the UK in 1713 but Madrid continues to argue it is not legally British territory. All sides want to keep Gibraltars land border open with Spain because thousands of people commute between the two each day. The proposal is therefore for Gibraltar to become part of the EUs Schengen Zone. Lord Cameron will meet his European counterparts in Brussels on Friday - James Manning/PA The key stand-off between the negotiators is what happens to the Gibraltar airport, as border checks would have to take place there instead of the land border to monitor arrivals from overseas. The Telegraph understands the proposal being worked on is for Frontex, the EUs border agency, to conduct the checks given sensitivities from having Spanish boots on Gibraltars soil. But another issue is also emerging: whether the Spanish proposal for some form of joint management of the airport could have a knock-on impact on UK military activity. The airstrip in Gibraltar is shared between a commercial airport and an RAF base, building on centuries of history as the Rock being used as a strategic military asset for the UK. Hawk fighter jets that work with Royal Navy ships and Nato aircraft are often stationed at the base, as well as maritime patrol aircraft, according to the RAF Gibraltar website. As technical discussions are had about how the Spanish can be reassured of the robustness of security checks at the airport, the UK side is making clear the RAF base must be unaffected. A UK government source told The Telegraph: There will be absolutely no agreement if it threatens the sovereignty of independence of our military options in Gibraltar. That is a key red line that wouldnt be crossed. Lord Cameron is expected to hold talks with Jose Manuel Albares, the Spanish foreign minister, Maros Sefcovic, the EUs Brexit commissioner, and Fabian Picardo, Gibraltars chief minister, when he travels to Brussels on Friday. It follows the Foreign Secretarys recent trip to Washington DC. He is not expected to give a press conference. The talks will be held largely in private, with a view to accelerating progress in the coming weeks and hopefully announcing a deal before the June European Parliament elections. There are other complexities about how any joint operation at the airport might work, given the political and diplomatic sensitivities. Frontex often gives contracts to an EU nation, which in this case could be Spain. But the British have concerns about a visual Spanish presence on Gibraltar territory. There is also the question of how goods travelling into Gibraltar are checked. There is no VAT in Gibraltar and the Spanish do not want cheap cigarettes and alcohol illegitimately travelling into Spain given the open land border. A UK Government spokesman said: Gibraltar is an important part of the UK family, and we will not agree to anything that compromises its sovereignty. The Foreign Secretary is expected to discuss the most complex issues in the negotiations later this week. While a final agreement is not imminent, the meeting will provide a platform to make further progress. Mr Albares said ahead of Fridays meeting: I always say nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, but we are getting closer and closer to everything being agreed. He added that recent rounds of talks had produced significant advances. There have been 18-rounds of negotiations. Mr Picardo said: If the deal on offer is not safe, then I will clearly not bring it back, but I am confident that we may be able to agree on a positive and constructive way forward. I am optimistic that the meeting on Friday will very positively advance matters and move us firmly into the territory for delivery of this treaty. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics, signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement, Zelensky announced on April 11 while visiting Lithuania for an international summit. Zelensky added later on Telegram that Latvia would provide Ukraine with around 112 million euros ($120 million) in military aid over 2024, as well as additional assistance with reconstruction, protection of critical infrastructure, demining, unmanned technology, and cyber security. Ukraine has previously signed bilateral security deals with eight countries, including Finland, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The agreements are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) last July, which aims to bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. According to the agreement, Latvia pledges to provide 0.25% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to assistance for Ukraine every year. Latvia also promised to aid Ukraine in cyber defense, demining, and unmanned systems, as well as support for Kyiv's EU and NATO aspirations. "I am grateful to our friend and partner, Latvia. This is precisely the specificity and predictability that our struggle for freedom and independence requires," Zelensky said on social media. Latvia has been one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters since the outbreak of the full-scale war. The country's prime minister, Evika Silina, recently said that Riga's military aid for Kyiv amounted to 392 million euros (around $425 million), including an upcoming defense aid package in April. Read also: Ukraine, Finland sign long-term security agreement Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Newly recruited soldiers shout slogans as they celebrate the end of their training at a military base close to Kyiv, Ukraine (AP) Ukraines parliament has passed a controversial mobilisation bill as it seeks more troops to fight against Vladimir Putins invading forces after a general said that Russian soldiers outnumbered Kyivs by up to ten times on the battlefield in the east. The legislation, which must be signed by president Volodymyr Zelensky before it becomes law, is seen as crucial for Ukraine to address what military analysts say are major manpower problems. Senior Ukrainian military personnel have cited the lack of manpower as one of the two most significant reasons the other being artillery shortages for Russia being able to regain the initiative on the frontline in recent months. Before his resignation late last year, the former military chief Valerii Zaluzhny had called for 500,000 more Ukrainians to be mobilised. Pass this law and the Ukrainian armed forces will not let down you or the Ukrainian people, General Yuriy Sodol, commander of the joint forces, told MPs. The enemy outnumbers us by seven to 10 times, we lack manpower, said Sodol, who is commanding Kyivs troops in the Kharkiv, Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Earlier this week, Oleksandr Pavliuk, the ground forces commander, called on Ukrainians to enlist in the army or to be ready to serve. We must realise, no one will be able to sit tight, he wrote on Facebook. No matter how much help we get, no matter how many weapons we have, we lack people. The equipment doesnt drive by itself, the weapon doesnt shoot by itself, and the drone wont fly by itself. The new bill has undergone more than 4,000 amendments and an initial, more contentious version was withdrawn in January as politicians in Kyiv disagreed over how best to mobilise more civilians. A Ukrainian soldier of the 3rd Assault Brigade fires at Russian positions in the Avdiivka direction (Telegram/3rd Assault Brigade) The most controversial aspect of the new bill is the removal of provisions on demobilisation, which previously foresaw soldiers having the right to leave the military after 36 months of service. A spokesperson for Ukraines defence ministry said it was too hasty to include such a provision in this bill given the dangerous situation on the frontline. The general staff, which understands the operational situation and the threats and risks that the state faces, has expressed their concerns [with the demobilisation of troops], spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin told Ukrainian TV broadcasters earlier this week. We cannot make hasty decisions right now. He said a separate bill on demobilisation will be drafted in the next eight months. According to a letter obtained by Ukrainska Pravda, the removal of demobilisation from the bill came at the direct request of the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi. Of the provisions remaining in the bill, key points include the right of disabled soldiers and those who have returned from captivity to discharge themselves, and the introduction of mandatory medical commission checks for those who previously held the partially eligible status. The new bill was passed in its final reading with a majority of 283 votes after months of deliberations, Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a lawmaker for the Holos party, wrote on Telegram. A full, final text with all the amendments was not immediately published on the parliaments websites. It was clear the bill sets no limit for the length of time that mobilised soldiers have to serve during the war, a highly sensitive issue for the many thousands of people who joined the army when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. The site of Russian air strikes in the village of Lyptsi, Kharkiv region (Reuters) Lawmaker Oleksandr Fedienko said the adoption of the bill sent a message to our partners that we are ready to retake our territory and we need weapons. It took the Ukrainian parliament several months to put the bill to a final vote this week, as politicians accused each other of drafting poorly-worded amendments and lacking the political will to approve unpopular changes. It comes as Russia launched another barrage of missiles and drones across Ukraine overnight, an attack that destroyed a key electricity plant near Kyiv, energy company Centrenergo said. Several other power facilities across the country were also hit. Ukraines air force commander said air defences had shot down 18 of the incoming missiles and 39 drones. The attack used 82 missiles and drones in total, the military said. The onslaught sparked further calls from Mr Zelensky for more air defences from Kyivs Western allies. All of our European neighbours and other partners see Ukraines critical need for air defence systems, he wrote on X. Right now, with our ability to overcome Russian terror, the world can demonstrate that all terror is treated equally as a crime. However, if Russia is allowed to continue doing so, if Russian missiles and Shahed drones continue to strike not only Ukraine but also the resolve of our allies, this will amount to a global licence for terror. We need air defence systems and other defence assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions, he added. Ukraine says there are more than 100 Patriot air-defense systems its allies could spare if they wanted Ukraine says there are more than 100 Patriot air-defense systems its allies could spare if they wanted Ukraine has identified 100 Patriots that it believes its allies can spare, its foreign minister said. Dmytro Kuleba said Ukraine needs seven of the air-defense systems as soon as possible. Ukraine desperately needs Patriots to push back on Russia's attacks as its munition stocks dwindle. Ukraine's foreign minister said his team had identified more than 100 Patriot air-defense systems that its allies could spare, as the country struggles with munition shortages against Russian attacks. Dmytro Kuleba told The Washington Post they had identified the Patriots by looking at nearby countries and how some had more than one battery defending a single airfield or port. He also said they had identified four European and Asian countries with Patriots that could be immediately sent to Ukraine. The US-made MIM-104 Patriot missile system has been hailed as a major success in Ukraine, despite earlier doubts about its capabilities. It's a ground-based, mobile surface-to-air missile battery that can take down aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range and tactical ballistic missiles. Ukraine has between three and five Patriot systems; the exact number and location of their deployment have been kept secret. Ukraine is critically low on air defense munitions and other equipment, leaving it vulnerable to Russian attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this month that Ukraine needs 25 Patriot systems with between six and eight batteries each to protect the country fully. The Post reported that Zelenskyy told Kuleba to focus on persuading countries with spare Patriot systems to transfer them to Ukraine. The Patriot air defense system was test-fired during a 2017 training in Greece. Anthony Sweeney/US Army Kuleba told the outlet that Ukraine was focused on getting seven more Patriots as soon as possible so that its cities could be protected, while another system could go close to the front line. Kuleba's comments mirror those of Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Borrell said this week that "it should be inconceivable that we were not able to provide them, given that the Western armies have about 100 batteries of Patriot. And still, we are not able to provide the seven they are asking desperately for." Kuleba is also pushing the US for help with Patriots, with Congress stalled on further aid for the country. While he said he's grateful for US aid so far, Kuleba added: "Do you sincerely believe that the whole U.S. Army does not have one spare battery of Patriots that is not on combat duty and that cannot be given to Ukraine? I don't." He also said he "struggles to understand" some allies' resistance to giving Ukraine at least one of their systems. Kuleba told the Post that Ukraine could borrow Patriots and give them back as soon as they are needed elsewhere. Despite having a much smaller and older air force, Ukraine has been able to deny its air space to Russia by using air defense systems, something air warfare experts have praised as hugely impressive. But they warned that low Ukrainian stocks could let Russia's air force fly freely, with effects so devastating that they could quickly bring about the end of the war. Rescuers search among the debris of houses destroyed by a missile strike by Russia in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, in March 2024. Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images Kuleba told the Post he was forced to change tactics to try to get more Patriots. "Nice and quiet diplomacy didn't work," he said. According to the Post, Kuleba said during a recent NATO meeting in Brussels: "I'm sorry to spoil the birthday party, but who can believe that the mightiest military alliance in the world cannot find seven batteries of Patriots to provide them to the only country in the world that is fighting ballistic attacks every day?" Read the original article on Business Insider Ukraine's Foreign Ministry announced on April 11 that it had signed a new partnership agreement with the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration (IOM). The agreement entails "enhanced cooperation for Ukraine's reconstruction, personal data protection, digitalization, and cybersecurity," the ministry said. It will also help "improve migration" and "border policies and processes." The IOM said in February 2024 that over 14 million people nearly a third of Ukraine's populationhave been forced to flee their homes in the two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Around 4.5 million of these people have returned to Ukraine since February 2022, the IOM said. Another 3.7 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine, while nearly 6.5 million are refugees abroad, according to IOM data. Read also: EU ready to extend protection for Ukrainian refugees past March 2025 Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Latvian Presidents Rinkevics sign agreement on cooperation and support in Vilnius. Photo: Ukrainian President's Office Ukraine and Latvia have signed a bilateral security agreement on Thursday. Source: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; European Pravda Volodymyr Zeleskyy announced that Latvia will provide Ukraine with military assistance worth 0.25% of its annual GDP. "In addition, Latvia makes a 10-year commitment to support Ukraine in cyber defene, mine clearance, unmanned technologies, and contributes to our accession to the EU and NATO," Zelenskyy said. He expressed gratitude to Latvia and added, "This (the agreement ed.) is exactly the specifics and predictability that our struggle for freedom and independence requires". Background: On 11 April, Zelenskyy arrived in Lithuania to attend the Three Seas Summit. On the same day, Lithuania delivered another batch of military aid to Ukraine. On the eve of the summit, Laurynas Kasciunas, Minister of National Defense of Lithuania, visited Kyiv. He discussed the problems of military aid supplies and the planned signing of the Ukrainian-Lithuanian security agreement with his Ukrainian counterpart. At a meeting between Kasciunas and Rustem Umierov, the defence ministers discussed the shortage of ammunition in Ukraine and the need to promote the military industry and join multilateral initiatives to produce, purchase and increase the production of weapons and ammunition. Support UP or become our patron! A federal judge has refused to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by a former Dominion Voting Systems executive against an Oklahoma podcaster who spread unproven statements about election-rigging in the wake of the 2020 presidential race. Eric Coomer, the former director of product security and strategy for voting technology supplier Dominion, sued Clayton Thomas "Clay" Clark and his "Thrivetime Show" podcast for promoting the rumor that Coomer allegedly confessed to ensuring former President Donald Trump would not win reelection. Those assertions of "treasonous behavior" resulted in death threats against Coomer, who lives in Colorado. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Senior Judge William J. Martinez denied the defendants' motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Clark and Thrivetime argued they had "every reason to believe" the dubious allegations about Coomer, and the lawsuit could not survive because it stemmed from their protected First Amendment activity. But the judge found "no real dispute" that some of the defendants' comments about Coomer amounted to defamation. "Plaintiff has presented evidence that Defendants, for a period of at least a year, repeatedly accused Dr. Coomer (or amplified others accusations) of the crimes of election fraud and treason, that they did so in reckless disregard of the truth, and that they persisted in these accusations even after a point in time when they reasonably should have known of the death threats Plaintiff had received," Martinez wrote in a March 7 order. Following Trump's 2020 loss, Denver-based Dominion was ensnared in allegations that it was involved in a conspiracy to rig the election. The company fought back against its accusers, recently describing in a lawsuit against Fox News that network employees privately deemed the allegations "bs." Coomer has also filed multiple lawsuits against conservative personalities for conspiracy theories implicating him. The litigation pending before Martinez centers around Colorado podcaster Joe Oltmann, who has openly talked about hanging politicians and "traitors." Oltmann appeared on the Thrivetime Show in December 2020, in an episode entitled "Exposing the Treasonous Eric Coomer." "Remember this," Clark told listeners, "the director of strategy and security at Dominion Voting Systems is in fact a member of the America-hating antifa group," a reference to anti-fascist ideology. Oltmann told Clark about allegedly listening in on an "antifa" conference call in which Coomer was present and purportedly said, "Trump is not gonna win. I made f----ing sure of that. Hahahaha." "You have these people like Eric Coomer that are attempting to overthrow what appears to be the will of the people by switching the votes," Clark responded. He added that Oltmann was "exposing the truth" and Coomer "actually said that." Clark subsequently embarked on a "ReAwaken America Tour," which continued to promote the unproven allegations against Coomer. Coomer referenced several screenshots of social media posts that called for his death or execution, including a message from Oltmann, which said, "Eric we are watching you," along with a picture of Coomer's house. Coomer then sued Clark and Thrivetime for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress, both for calling him a traitor and for endorsing the comments of Oltmann, who is not part of the suit. Featured Local Savings "After more than fifteen years as a respected professional at the top of his field, Dr. Coomers reputation has been irreparably tarnished," Coomer's attorneys wrote. "He can no longer work in the elections industry on account of the unwarranted distrust inspired by defendants lies, and instead now endures frequent credible death threats and the burden of being made the face of an imagined criminal conspiracy of unprecedented scope in American history." Clark and Thrivetime moved to dismiss the lawsuit under Colorado's anti-SLAPP law, which stands for "strategic lawsuits against public participation." The legislature enacted the law in 2019 to provide judges a means to quickly dispense with litigation that stems from a defendant's First Amendment rights, specifically to speech and to petition the government. Clark and Thrivetime argued the allegedly false statements were either "substantially true," not directed at Coomer or were otherwise opinions. They also repeatedly called Coomer a "liar." Martinez initially agreed with the defendants that their comments and those of Oltmann implicated the First Amendment, as they pertained to the presidential election and were not aimed solely at Coomer as a private citizen. However, he believed Coomer would likely succeed in proving his overall allegations that Cark and Thrivetime promoted false statements about him maliciously. "Defendants repeatedly invited Oltmann onto the ThriveTime Show podcast and to Tour events, and Defendants themselves knowingly published statements suggesting Dr. Coomer committed the crimes of election fraud and treason," Martinez wrote. The defendants also appeared to act recklessly, Martinez continued, by bringing Oltmann onto the podcast to make his accusations after he insinuated on social media that he was surveilling Coomer's house. "Plaintiff has submitted evidence to show that he has endured credible fear for his own life and the lives of his family, in addition to suffering significant anxiety and depression," decided Martinez. Attorneys for the defendants said they look forward to "further defending our clients fundamental rights of free expression." Lawyers for Coomer did not respond. Previously, a state judge in Denver denied an anti-SLAPP motion in another defamation lawsuit brought by Coomer. The allegations similarly center around the attempts to tie Coomer to the purported "antifa" phone call, which the judge deemed likely false. Oltmann is one of the defendants. The case is Coomer v. Make Your Life Epic, LLC. et al. Key updates on April 11: Russia launches large-scale attack across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure Parliament passes mobilization bill in second reading Mayor: Russia's war causes at least $2.9 billion in damages to Mykolaiv Russian attack on Mykolaiv kills 4, injures 5 Ground Forces: Heads of southern, eastern military commands reassigned to new posts. Russian forces launched a massive aerial attack across Ukraine overnight on April 11, targeting critical infrastructure in multiple regions. The attacks damaged energy facilities in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa, and Lviv oblasts, said Ukraine's state-owned energy operator Ukrenergo. The Trypillia Thermal Power Plant in Ukrainka, Kyiv Oblast, was completely destroyed in the attack, the state energy company Centrenergo said. This led to the total loss of Centrenergo's generating capacity. The military announced that Russia had launched drones, cruise missiles from Tu-95 bombers, and Kinzhal hypersonic missiles at various regions. Explosions were reported in the city of Kharkiv at around 5 a.m. local time. According to Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov, the region was struck at least 10 times, causing damage to critical infrastructure. No casualties were reported. Syniehubov later clarified that Russia used S-300 anti-aircraft missiles in the attack against Kharkiv's energy facility. An apartment building was also damaged as a result. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that a thermal power plant that powers the city was damaged, and a transformer substation was completely destroyed. Russian strikes were also reported in Ukraine's western oblasts. Russian missiles and drones targeted two energy sites in Lviv Oblast, namely a gas distribution facility in the Stryi district and a substation in the Chervonohrad district, the governor said. Firefighters promptly extinguished the resulting fire. No casualties or outages were reported in the oblast. Residents reported explosions in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast at around 6:30 a.m. local time. Explosions were also reported in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Russian missiles damaged an energy infrastructure facility in the region, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Ukraine's air defense downed seven Shahed-type drones over Odesa Oblast, said Oleh Kiper, the region's governor. Fallen debris started a fire on the territory of an energy facility. No casualties or outages were reported in the region. Parliament passes mobilization bill in second reading Ukraine's parliament on April 11 passed the updated mobilization bill in its second reading. The bill was supported by 283 lawmakers, with 49 MPs from some opposition parties abstaining. Passing the mobilization bill is a key component of the Ukrainian political and military leadership's efforts to update the legal framework around conscription in order to ramp up mobilization in 2024, in the works since late last year. After an initial, contentious version of the mobilization bill was withdrawn in January, a new, updated version passed the first reading on Feb. 7. Lawmakers have proposed over 4,000 amendments to the bill since then. Several key provisions of the earlier draft law were eventually passed by the parliament separately, with President Volodymyr Zelensky signing three laws in early April: on the lowering of the conscription age to 25, the introduction of an electronic register for conscripts, and the canceling of the "partially eligible" status. The final version of the mobilization bill was approved by the parliament's National Security and Defense Committee on April 9. Of the provisions remaining in the bill, key points include the right of disabled soldiers and those who have returned from captivity to discharge themselves, and the introduction of mandatory medical commission checks for those who previously held the "partially eligible" status. Other provisions include penalties for those deemed to be dodging the draft, including the potential revoking of consular services and driver's licenses. The parliament also voted to remove provisions on demobilization, which previously foresaw soldiers having the right to leave the military after 36 months of service, from the bill so that they could be considered separately. According to a letter obtained by Ukrainska Pravda and published on April 9, the removal of demobilization from the bill came at the request of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Read also: Opinion: Ukraine may have no choice but to lower its fighting age Mayor: Russia's war causes at least $2.9 billion in damages to Mykolaiv Russian attacks on the southern city of Mykolaiv have caused at least $2.9 billion in damages, Mykolaiv Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych told reporters at the International Mayors Summit outside Chisinau, Moldova, on April 11. The city authorities have mapped the destructions to calculate the total amount of damages, but this figure "increases every day" due to constant bombardments, Senkevych said. The estimated cost of the post-war recovery and reconstruction from the whole of Ukraine has risen to $486 billion over a 10-year period, the World Bank reported in February. Denmark has prioritized specifically restoring Mykolaiv and the surrounding region as part of its policy of support to Ukraine, devoting 60% of its development aid to the region. Mykolaiv had a pre-war population of 470,000 but now lies roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the front line, making the city and the surrounding region a target of Russian forces. When asked by the Kyiv Independent if the slow down in military aid from the West puts Mykolaiv in danger of a potential Russian offensive, Senkevych said that supplies of ammunition and weapons are "very important," but the "biggest asset that we are losing now is people." "To create a tank, you need like eight months to a year, to create a missile unit (you need) three months, but to create Ukrainian warrior, you need at least 18 years," Senkevych said. No country can deliver personnel, Senkevych said, but more deliveries of military aid could save lives on the front line by ensuring Ukrainian soldiers are properly equipped. Read also: Ukraine wants to make reconstruction transparent. Will it work? Russian attack on Mykolaiv kills 4, injures 5 A Russian attack against Mykolaiv on April 11 killed four people and injured five, the military reported. Shortly before the announcement, the Ukrainian military warned of a possible missile attack in the oblast. The Suspilne media outlet reported explosions in the city at around 12 p.m. The attack against Mykolaiv damaged residential buildings, industrial facilities, and cars, the military said. Senkevych told a Kyiv Independent reporter that the strike targeted an old industrial facility. Mykolaiv Oblast is a regular target of Russian attacks. Read also: Update: Death toll of Russias April 10 attack on Odesa Oblast rises to 5 Ground Forces: Heads of southern, eastern military commands reassigned to new posts Andrii Kovalchuk, the head of Southern Operational Command, and Serhii Litvinov, the head of Eastern Operational Command, will leave their current posts, the Ground Forces' spokesperson, Volodymyr Fitio, told the Kyiv Independent on April 11. Lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenko said on April 9 that Kovalchuk and Litvinov were dismissed from their respective commands, adding that these changes would not be "the last ones." Honcharenko announced the same day that Major General Hennadii Shapovalov, the ex-commander of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade, was appointed as the new head of the Southern Operational Command, while Brigade General Volodymyr Shvediuk, who previously served in the Territorial Defense Forces, took over the Eastern Operational Command. According to the military's statement, Litvinov became a deputy head of Ukraine's National Defense University, and Kovalchuk was appointed as the head of the Odesa Military Academy. Litvinov has served as the head of the Eastern Operational Command since August 2021. Kovalchuk has been deployed as a peacekeeper to U.N. missions in Kosovo, Liberia, and Cote d'Ivoire. He also participated in combat operations in Donetsk Oblast at the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2014 before the assault on Luhansk International Airport, where he was wounded. In 2016, Kovalchuk was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine. Kovalchuk was appointed the head of the Southern Operational Command in August 2021. The following year, Kovalchuk commanded the southern counteroffensive in Kherson Oblast. He was also credited by the General Staff as the one who planned the counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast, which was commanded on the ground by General Oleksandr Syrskyi. Read also: Who is General Syrskyi, Ukraines new chief commander? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian foreign minister on Russian attack: No place for Patriots other than Ukraine Following Russia's large-scale air attack on Ukraine on the night of 10-11 April, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has once again called on Ukraines partner countries to provide Kyiv with Patriot air defence systems. Source: Kuleba on Twitter (X), reported by European Pravda Details: Kuleba pointed out that 6 of the 80 missiles and drones that Russia launched, primarily targeting critical civilian infrastructure, were ballistic missiles. "Ukraine remains the only country in the world facing ballistic strikes. There is currently no other place for Patriots to be," Kuleba noted. Kuleba said he was confident that if those who are responsible for providing these systems to Ukraine spent at least one night in Kharkiv, all the necessary decisions would be made quickly. "And I would be ready to go together with them," he declared. Background: Earlier, after Russia's large-scale air attack on the night of 10-11 April, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukraines partner countries to accelerate efforts to strengthen Ukraine's air defence. He said that although some of the attack drones and missiles were shot down, some still hit critical infrastructure in a number of oblasts. Kuleba spoke with Ukraines allies on Wednesday about the details of negotiations on the supply of Patriot air defence systems. Kuleba explained the change in Ukraine's tone on the issue of receiving air defence systems from Western partners, saying that "soft and quiet diplomacy hasnt worked". He said he hoped his new style of tough diplomacy would help bring about a breakthrough. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian parliament instructs government to establish payments of US$1,794 per month to soldiers at line of contact The Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) has voted for a resolution obliging the government to develop a mechanism for an additional one-time payment of UAH 70,000 (US$1,794) to soldiers performing combat tasks at the forefront, for every 30 days at the line of contact, Russian territory, and temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. Source: Yaroslav Zhelezniak, MP from the Holos (Voice) party, on Telegram; Oleksii Honcharenko, MP from the European Solidarity faction, on Telegram, a card of the document on the parliament website Quote from Honcharenko: "The Verkhovna Rada has voted for a resolution for the government to add UAH 70,000 per month to soldiers directly at the line of contact." A total of 321 lawmakers supported the initiative. "So, in addition to their salary (UAH 20,000-25,000 or about US$510-640) and combat pay (UAH 100,000 or about US$2,500), defenders should also receive an additional UAH 70,000. Finally, this was done because it's primarily about motivation and fairness for those who bear the brunt of defence." Quote from the resolution: "[The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine] shall develop and adopt regulatory acts regarding the terms, amounts, and procedures for the reward payments to servicemen during martial law, including a one-time reward in the amount of UAH 70,000 to servicemen during martial law who perform combat (special) tasks during combat (special) operations on the line of contact with the enemy at a distance of executing combat (special) tasks by a military unit (subunit, including consolidated) of the first echelon of defence or offence (counter-offence, counter-attack) up to the company's strong point, as well as in enemy territory (including in the territory between the positions of the enemy forces and one's own forces in areas of military operations, in the territories of Ukraine temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation), for every 30 days (cumulatively calculated) of performing such tasks." Details: The first point of this resolution instructs the Cabinet of Ministers (the government) to draft a bill on rotation of soldiers in the nearest future. Background: On 10 April, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a draft law to improve certain issues regarding mobilisation, military registration and military service. Support UP or become our patron! Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, has arrived on a working visit to Slovakia. Source: European Pravda; Denys Shmyhal on Telegram "We arrived in Slovakia for intergovernmental consultations. The agenda includes, in particular, cooperation in the energy sector, logistics, trade, and support for the Ukrainian presidents Peace Formula," Shmyhal wrote. The prime minister says that a number of bilateral agreements are planned to be signed on the basis of the consultations. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said in March that he won't change his mind about the war in Ukraine despite the position of his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, who initiated the suspension of bilateral government consultations. After coming to power in October 2023, the Government of Robert Fico stopped military assistance to Kyiv from Slovakia's state reserves. He also repeatedly stated that the strategy of Western countries towards Ukraine has failed. Background: On the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February, Robert Fico has said that Russia started its war against Ukraine in 2014 because "Ukrainian neo-Nazis" were "rampant". He argued that the West's strategy does not work, that Slavs are dying in the war, and the West is watching this with no EU peace plan. Support UP or become our patron! Denys Shmyhal with Robert Fico in Slovakia on 11 April. Photo: Shmyhal on Telegram Ukraine and Slovakia have discussed Bratislava's participation in the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. Source: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at a joint press conference with his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Slovakia after intergovernmental consultations, as reported by European Pravda Details: During the press conference, PM Shmyhal stated that the meeting was about Slovakia's participation in the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. According to the plan, countries participating in the Peace Summit will be able to contribute to the implementation of specific points of the peace plan. "Here, the most promising would be to join the implementation of the paragraph on radiation and nuclear safety in terms of the de-occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, as well as the paragraph on environmental safety in the context of humanitarian demining, as announced today by Prime Minister [Robert Fico]. This is one of the top priorities within our cooperation," Shmyhal stated. During the meeting, Fico also stated that Slovakia will participate in the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland. According to Shmyhal, Slovakia was extended an invitation to participate in the Peace Summit at the consultations. Separately, Ukraines prime minister commented that Slovakia will assist Ukraine in removing mines. Support UP or become our patron! FILE PHOTO: An ambulance is parked outside the Iranian embassy in Damascus WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The "imperative for Iran" to retaliate for the attack on its embassy compound in Damascus might have been avoided had the U.N. Security Council condemned the strike, Tehran's mission to the United Nations said on Thursday. "Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regimes reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the mission said on the social media platform X. Iran uses the term "Zionist regime" to refer to Israel. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay and Katherine Jackson) Roger Perry helped found the Coalition for Carolina out of concern that MAGA types had taken over at UNC-Chapel Hill. But when I spoke with Perry on Tuesday, he sounded like a man no longer fearful about Visigoths at the gate of the ivory tower. Perry, a Chapel Hill developer and former chair of the UNC-CH Board of Trustees, might even be called optimistic. His newfound confidence that reactionary Republicans wont damage the nations oldest public university arises from a memo sent by UNC System President Peter Hans and UNC Board of Governors Chair Randy Ramsey to John Preyer, the chairman of the UNC-CH Board of Trustees. The Jan. 12 memo, which only recently became public, was sent the day that Lee Roberts, a former UNC Board of Governors member and former budget director for Gov. Pat McCrory, became the universitys interim chancellor. The memos message to Preyer and other trustees was clear: Butt out. Hans told the trustees to be advisers not bosses and give Roberts room to lead. That meant no more efforts to direct matters of administration or executive action.. That would seem to include a stop to the trustees imposing their politics on the universitys curriculum, its hiring practices and even the award of honorary degrees. Perry is impressed with this show of institutional discipline by a system president many regard as too eager to please Republican lawmakers and their UNC appointees. With Peter Hans, I didnt have high expectations, but I think he has done a fantastic job, Perry told me. I think his board (the Board of Governors) is reacting to his lead and clearly seeing that (the Board of Trustees) needs to be reined in. Mimi Chapman, a co-founder of the Coalition for Carolina and a former chair of the faculty who has objected to attempts by the trustees to usurp control of the university, joined in the celebration of Hans brushback of the trustees. Reading this memorandum meant an awful lot to us, Chapman said in a blog post. For two years, we have been drawing attention to how governance has been out of balance on our campus. As a researcher, Im not going to infer direct causation, but we think our work is making a difference. So the ideological war at Chapel Hill over? Republicans appointees and lawmakers who see the university as indoctrinating young people with liberal views will stay in their lane and respect the facultys role in shared governance? Thats unlikely. A short legislative session starts later this month. Perry and Chapman would do well to remember Mark Twains admonition: No mans life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session. Thats particularly true with a veto-proof Republican majority. UNC-CH Trustee Jim Blaine has said the Board of Governors or the legislature is likely to move soon to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the UNC System. Opponents of affirmative action in admissions will be watching to see that the university complies with the Supreme Court decision that barred the use of race in deciding who is admitted. Theres a chance for new controversies over race, LGBTQ rights and free speech related to the conflict in Gaza. Whether the restraint Hans is trying to impose holds depends on whether Republican trustees agree to limit their reach. But for now Perry thinks the rancor over the removal of the Silent Sam Confederate statue and the Nikole Hannah-Jones tenure dispute and the imposition of a School of Civic Life and Leadership and the attack on diversity, inclusion and equity programs may have reached a Pax Hans. Its an encouraging and refreshing change, Perry said. Lets see how well they keep it. Maybe the change will last, but its too early to declare victory or even a truce. Republican state lawmakers thrive on division and controversy. For them, the liberal bastion at Chapel Hill remains an inviting target. It will take more than a memo to stop their assaults on its independence. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com A lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado (ACLU) against the city of Colorado Springs and the FBI was dismissed by a federal judge on Wednesday, according to court records obtained by The Gazette. According to previous reporting from The Gazette, the lawsuit alleged that police officers were targeting leaders with the nonprofit activist group Chinook Center for arrest during a housing rights march in downtown Colorado Springs on July 31, 2021, then obtaining unjustified search warrants to access the nonprofits private chats on Facebook Messenger. The suit also alleged police later arrested Colorado Springs resident and activist Jacqueline Jax Armendariz Unzueta after she dropped a bicycle she was riding in front of another police officer, who was not injured, during the march. Police then seized her cellphones, laptops and an external hard drive without any justification or probable cause that they contained specific, particularized evidence of the alleged bike-dropping crime, and enlisted the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to unlawfully seize, search and copy all of Armendariz Unzuetas personal devices, the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit went on to allege that Colorado Springs police had been surveilling the Chinook Center since the summer of 2020, and that when police learned of the organization's planned housing march they intended to use it to arrest Chinook Center leaders. The lawsuit, which was filed in August of last year, remained active until Wednesday when federal Judge S. Kato Crews ordered the case be terminated after federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss earlier this year. The motion to dismiss alleged that Colorado Springs police had probable cause to request the warrants against Armendariz Unzueta, and that there was no violation of her constitutional rights. The motion goes on to claim that the warrant was requested against Armendariz Unzueta for an alleged assault against an officer. The order, written by Judge Crews, states that there were sufficient findings that probable cause was made by police, and that the subsequent warrant did not violate plaintiff's constitutional rights. "The Court finds this information alone establishes probable cause for the search and seizure of the items listed in Warrant 1," the order reads. "It was reasonable for (Daniel) Summey to believe there was probable cause that material evidence for use in a subsequent prosecution of the alleged crime would be found on those devices." Featured Local Savings The order from the court goes on to use the same logic regarding the existence of probable cause in the determination to dismiss the complaints against the remaining individual defendants, and the lack of a violation of the Fourth Amendment. The court also determined in the order issued by Judge Crews there was no violation of the plaintiff's First Amendment rights. The court determined that since the plaintiff failed to identify a violation of their First or Fourth Amendment rights by the individual parties named in the lawsuit, that the claims made against the city of Colorado Springs must also be dismissed. "It is well established... that a municipality cannot be held liable under section 1983 for the acts of an employee if (the) employee committed no constitutional violation," Myers v. Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners, a 1981 lawsuit referenced by Crews as a reason for dismissal, reads. Through the court order all six claims for relief made by the ACLU were dismissed without prejudice. We remain steadfast in our case against the Colorado Springs police officers, the city, and the FBI. We believe the court ruled incorrectly," the ACLU of Colorado wrote in a statement to The Gazette. "The dragnet warrants issued and executed by local law enforcement were an affront to fundamental rights of privacy and free speech set forth in the federal and state constitutions. We will investigate next steps to ensure Ms. Armendariz Unzueta and the Chinook Center get the justice they deserve and prevent law enforcement from continuing to violate peoples rights. The FBI and Colorado Springs Police Department declined to comment for this story. COLUMBIA, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Mark Keel spent most of the workday Wednesday testifying under oath before a subcommittee of the South Carolina Senate. Keel, currently the interim chief of the State Law Enforcement Division, hopes senators vote to confirm him to serve another six-year term as the head of the statewide police agency. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Keel to a third six-year term in December, but Keel doesnt officially hold the title as the permanent SLED chief until the senate confirms him. That should happen before the legislative session ends in June. For now, Keel is SLEDs interim chief. Keel and the subcommittee spent 12 minutes in a question-and-answer session over a judges order sanctioning Keel for discovery abuses in a civil lawsuit Trent Pendarvis, a Dorchester County hemp farmer, filed against SLED and Keel stemming from SLEDs 2019 raid of Pendarvis hemp field. Agents accused Pendarvis of unlawfully cultivating hemp and arrested him in September 2019, the day SLED raided his Harleyville hemp field and mowed down his crop. The First Circuit Solicitors Office dropped the charge on July 25, 2022, finding it had no evidence Pendarvis willfully violated the Hemp Farming Act. The judges sanction order against Keel was handed down in February 2023. WATCH: THE ENTIRE EXCHANGE BETWEEN SLED CHIEF MARK KEEL AND THE SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE CONCERNING THE DISCOVERY ABUSE SANCTION ORDER DURING THE APRIL 10, 2024, CONFIRMATION HEARING: The 40-plus year career lawman defended himself during the April 10 State House hearing against Circuit Court Judge Maite Murphys order describing Keels conduct in the discovery phase of the farmers lawsuit as, intentional, willful, and bad faith. Keel told senators that he had nothing to do with the discovery misconduct and that the judge got it wrong. Agency heads are not typically involved in discovery and in responding to those things. And I categorically, absolutely deny that I ever not responded to court or did not respond in the proper way or did not provide discovery, because, again, that was not something that I was involved in whatsoever, Keel testified during the hearing. Murphys order leveled an $11,307 sanction for discovery abuses against Keel abuses the farmers lawyer called, obstructionist discovery conduct meant to obstruct the plaintiff from getting discovery, it was also meant to mislead the plaintiff, Patrick McLaughlin told Judge Maite Murphy during an Oct. 31, 2022, hearing. 02282023-KEEL-DISCOVERY-VIOLATIONS-ORDERDownload Keel testified that although he is a named defendant in the lawsuit, he wasnt personally involved in answering interrogatories or collecting evidence the farmers attorneys sought through discovery. Heres a partial transcript of Keels exchange with Sen. Shane Massey, who chairs the subcommittee: MASSEY: Chief, before it gets to that level (of a sanction), the discovery requests are going to be served on your attorneys. And then when theyre not responded to within a certain period of time, and usually theres some conversation going on between the lawyers, theres going to be a motion filed with the court to compel your responses. KEEL: Thats correct. MASSEY: And before it ever gets to the position of imposing sanctions, the court is going to agree to that motion to compel. Theyre going to issue an order compelling you to respond. Were you aware that the motion to compel had been filed? KEEL: I was aware that the motion to compel had been filed, and we believed that we had provided the information that was requested. We had provided in a timely fashion and when we did a response to what ultimately ended up being the ruling of the court, we responded in a fashion that we believe was appropriate. And we also responded in the fact that I think was it answered the questions that the court had asked and that they said we had not responded, and I think we showed the facts, that we had responded in a proper way. MASSEY: But the judge disagreed. KEEL: I understand that. Keel appeared to shift the blame for the discovery violations to SLEDs general counsel, Adam Whitsett, and to former attorney, Andrew Lindemann, who Keel replaced following the sanctions order. Lindemann was performing work on the lawsuit through the states Insurance Reserve Fund. Patrick McLaughlin (foreground) and SLED Chief Mark Keel (far right) testified at an education committee meeting inside the SC State House during this public meeting on Feb. 7, 2023. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) Heres a continuation of the Keel/Massey exchange: MASSEY: Yeah, okay. But your attorneys at the time and I understand that youve changed attorneys after that but I guess what I was getting at was, were they in communication with you? KEEL: They were not in communication with me personally. They were in communication with our staff. And when that I dont know if it was a motion or what that attorney McLaughlin filed, when I saw that and of course he had used my name in that filing every single time instead of what would have been an appropriate name, using the State Law Enforcement Division, because we were the ones that were sued, needless to say, I was not very happy about that. McLaughlin wasnt the only court officer using the chiefs name in court filings. Keels name appeared 173 times throughout Judge Murphys 30-page sanctions order. Keel, as SLEDs agency head, was named as a defendant in the farmers lawsuit. In fact, Keel filed a motion days after Murphys order, asking the judge to remove his name and replace it with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. McLaughlin pointed out in his motion asking Murphy to deny Keels request that Keel and Lindemann self-identified Keel as Defendant Keel in some form or fashion approximately 100 times, in their own filings throughout the Pendarvis case. Murphy denied Keels request to remove his name from her order. Sen. Massey continued to press Keel for an answer about his role in the discovery misconduct related to the Pendarvis lawsuit. Keel eventually read a prepared statement as an answer to Masseys questioning. Heres a transcript of that exchange: MASSEY: I was just trying to get an understanding of what your participation has been throughout and what you were aware of KEEL: If you dont mind me, let me just read this. I was named as a defendant in this action in my official capacity as chief of SLED. I was not personally involved in this case, and I certainly was not personally involved in discovery decisions in it. We engaged outside counsel and have attorneys to handle these matters. Any insinuation that I personally acted in bad faith or provided false, misleading, or incomplete discovery responses in any aspect of this case is not true. And I absolutely stand by that. MASSEY: All right. Who would have been the if the attorneys have issues on this, who is their point of contact? If its not you, who would they be dealing with? KEEL: Theyre dealing with my general counsel, Adam Whitsett, and of course, the attorney who is representing us through the Insurance Reserve Fund. CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT QUESTIONS Sen. Brad Hutto launched into a line of questioning about whether an argument could be made that Keel might have committed misconduct, a criminal offense under Chapter 23 of the S.C. Code of Laws. Hutto led into his questioning by telling the public, In full disclosure, he is one of the attorneys working with McLaughlin on Pendarvis lawsuit against Keel and SLED. Hutto has a private law practice in Orangeburg. Hutto cited S.C. Code Sec. 23-23-150 which defines the 13 elements establishing misconduct in the Palmetto State. In subsection (g) of the statute, misconduct by a law enforcement officer includes, willfully making, false, misleading, incomplete, deceitful or incorrect statements to any court. Judge Murphy used some of those exact words throughout her order sanctioning Keel in February 2023. This excerpt from the Feb. 28, 2023, sanctions order shows some of the words S.C. Circuit Court Judge Maite Murphy used to describe her view of SLED Chief Mark Keels conduct in the discovery phase of hemp farmer Trent Pendarvis lawsuit. (Source: Dorchester County Clerk of Court) Hutto told Keel he understood Keels explanation that it was his own attorneys handling the discovery in the Pendarvis case, but that people had questioned Hutto about why Keel wasnt charged with misconduct in office. I hear what youre saying. Youre saying that that was not a Mark Keel decision to do that, that was a sort of SLED decision. I think, to the chairmans point is like, where does the buck stop? Hutto asked the interim SLED chief. Aside from his SLED job, Keel also chairs the states Law Enforcement Training Council, a public body that decides whether sworn law enforcement officers across the state can keep their law enforcement certification after an allegation of misconduct. The council routinely votes to strip law enforcement officers of their certifications. SLED chief pays hemp farmers attorney $11,300 sanction for discovery misconduct in hemp farm raid Losing a certification is a lifetime ban from law enforcement in South Carolina. Heres a transcript of that exchange between Hutto and Keel: HUTTO: I had several people, and obviously some of these people have been charged with misconduct and gone before you and theyre saying, Well, if I got charged, why didnt he get charged? And so if you could just address the notion that this; a finding by circuit court would raise the issue of misconduct in this in the sense of 23-23-150. KEEL: Well, senator, I will, and Ill just say this that, you know, never before, that I can remember in my career, have I been accused of doing anything like this. And I think that if you were to talk to all the circuit court judges that Ive been involved with since my career started, they would tell you that one thing thats most important to me is my integrity, my reputation for being honest. I think, you know, and you may not, obviously, you havent been a state agency head, but I have. We dont get involved in answering these questions of cases that were not, you know, personally involved in. Were not personally going out, making the arrests, serving a search warrant, you know, actually being involved in the cases. Our attorneys, along with the attorneys from Insurance Reserve Fund that are hired by us, end up responding to these admissions, responding to the motions, complaints, summons. And again, they dont come to me and ask me questions about it because, again, they would talk to the agents, they would talk to the personnel that was involved in the case. And this is not unlike any other any other case. Keel told the panel that the Pendarvis sanction is a first for SLED since the founding of the agency in 1935. I can tell you, in the history of our agency, weve never had anything like this happen before. And again, quite frankly, we dont agree with the finding, either, he said. KEEL: PLANNING FURTHER APPEALS Keel had 30 days from Judge Murphys Feb. 28, 2023, sanctions order to pay McLaughlin the $11,307 sanction and to hand over additional discovery. If Keel didnt comply with the order within the 30-day window, the chief risked being held in contempt of court. But, at 4:07 p.m. on May 5, 2023, the 30th day, Keel and his attorney, Andrew Lindemann, filed an appeal of Murphys order with the South Carolina Court of Appeals. The farmers attorney argued SLED filed the appeal to further delay litigation. The delay has already spanned three years. This appeal was intentionally filed right before that deadline for compliance to avoid the Appellant being in contempt of the trial courts order and subject to further sanctions for that contempt. This appeal was intentionally filed in that improper manner despite this Court having previously instructed in Funny on the proper way to appeal such an order: be found in contempt pursuant to Tucker and appeal the contempt order, McLaughlin wrote in the May 8, 2023, motion opposing the appeal. In a case in which the very order being appealed found Appellant (Keel) to have engaged in conduct that was dilatory, prejudicial, willful, intentional, false, misleading, incomplete and in bad faith, resulting in clear, convincing and substantial evidence that the Respondent was prejudiced by having to unnecessarily expend substantial time and resources, this improper and frivolous appeal itself warrants sanctions, McLaughlin wrote to the appeals court. The appeals court ultimately agreed with McLaughlin and handed down an order on July 10, 2023, dismissing Keels appeal. The court found Murphys order as not immediately appealable. The order cited three S.C. Supreme Court cases establishing legal precedence that discovery orders are interlocutory and not immediately appealable. Keel then asked the S.C. Supreme Court to review the appeals court decision. The high court denied Keels request, upholding the appeals courts finding that Keel must first be held in contempt of Judge Murphys order before he can appeal it. Keel paid the $11,307 sanction in late December. However, during the confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Keel said he wasnt finished appealing Murphys order, And thats why we appealed it. And so, again, it is still going on, as you know, and well see, I guess, at Court of Appeals, or you know, we intend to appeal it right on up to the Supreme Court if necessary. Sen. Massey, who chairs the Judiciary subcommittee and who is also a practicing attorney, appeared to dispute the assertion that he had any further appeals options to overturn Murphys sanctions order earlier in the meeting: It sounds like the Supreme Courts made that decision? Massey said to Keel. At the beginning of the questions concerning the Pendarvis lawsuit, the subcommittee clerk read a document laying out the timeline of the Keel appeal, which included language showing Keels appeal of the sanction had run its course. Issues were appealed to the Court of Appeals and the South Carolina Supreme Court. The Supreme Court denied the petition for a writ of certiorari because the Court of Appeals correctly held that the discovery order was not immediately appealable, the clerk read. The interim SLED chief, who is also a licensed attorney himself, could not answer Masseys question during the exchange about whether the appeals were settled law, I dont want to say, but Senator Hutto probably can answer some of these questions better than I can. Massey did not take that line of questioning any further. Sen. Brian Adams (R Berkeley) Sen. Brad Hutto (D Orangeburg) Sen. Tameika Devine (D Richland) Sen. Shane Massey (R Edgefield) The subcommittee voted unanimously to send a recommendation to confirm Keel to the full Senate Judiciary Committee. If the full committee votes to recommend Keel, the full senate will then hold a confirmation vote. Recognizing Keel is currently in an interim chief spot, Massey said the legislature would have to hold that confirmation vote before the current session ends in June. Massey cautioned Keel that he could not give a timeline on when the next two steps in the confirmation process might happen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. One of Georgia's top elected Republicans is now under investigation for his role in a "fake elector" scheme that aimed to steal the 2020 election for former President Donald Trump. In a two-sentence press statement, the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, which provides legal support to district attorneys across the state, announced that its executive director, Peter J. Skandalakis, "or his designee," would lead an investigation into Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Jones was identified as "Unindicted Co-Conspirator Individual 8" in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' indictment of Trump and others for 2020 election interference, per reporting by the local Fox TV affiliate. But Willis herself was barred from prosecuting him after a judge ruled she had a conflict of interest, the outlet noted, prompting calls for Skandalakis to take over the case. Jones is accused of helping to organize the fake elector plot, which aimed to replace Georgia's actual electors with an alternate and illegitimate slate of pro-Trump partisans. That scheme, which was assisted by key members of Trump's reelection campaign, came after the former president lost the state by more than 12,000 votes. Jones, who was elected as a state senator in 2020 before seeking the lieutenant governor's office in 2022, has proclaimed his innocence. Im happy to see this process move forward and look forward to the opportunity to get this charade behind me, he said in a statement Thursday, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For the last year and a half, women in Arizona could legally access an abortion up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. It wasnt optimal, Scottsdale-based OBGYN Dr. Julie Kwatra told Salon, but at least for a vast majority of people seeking an abortion, they could access it in their state. But this week, everything changed. On Tuesday, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld a 1864 law some are condemning as "draconian" passed long before Arizona even achieved statehood that will ban nearly all abortions in the state. The decision effectively supersedes the lower courts ruling on a 15-week ban that happened in 2022. While the states highest court put the decision on hold for 14 days, and sent it back to the lower court to consider additional constitutional challenges, as it stands the law going into effect is likely imminent. Whether it's in 14 days or 60 days because of some legal wrangling, we're not sure when it actually goes into effect, but it will go into effect, Kwatra said, who also serves as legislative co-chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. We just don't know exactly when. When the law does go into effect, it will have grave consequences for all pregnant women in the state as well as healthcare providers like Kwatra. Specifically, the law says anyone who provides, supplies or administers to a pregnant woman, or procures such woman to take any medicine, drugs or substance, or uses or employs any instrument or other means whatever, with intent thereby to procure the miscarriage of such woman, unless it is necessary to save her life, shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for not less than two years nor more than five years. There is no mention of an exception for rape or incest. In other words, there is a mandatory two-year prison sentence for anyone providing an abortion or who procures the miscarriage of a woman. Such a strict change in access to care is causing anger and shock among both providers and patients, Kwatra said. For both providers and patients, I think it is the shock of how fast things can change and knowing that the practice of medicine has to change overnight and for patients, knowing that something that was available to them is completely unavailable to them overnight, she said. It feels cataclysmic from that end, and what I'm feeling for my patients is just a lot of anger. Phoenix-based criminal civil rights lawyer and constitutional law expert Robert McWhirter told Salon the highest courts ruling will take effect after the stay. Anyone deemed to provide an abortion and any doctor that participates in an abortion will face criminal charges. He added that the law has a seven-year statute that can complicate the situation in the future. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement no woman or doctor will be prosecuted under this draconian law in this state, as long as she is an attorney general. Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes. Even if there's Democratic politicians in power now, if a Republican politician gets in and wishes to choose to enforce that statute, they've got seven years. If something gets committed now they can prosecute it seven years from now, McWhirter said. So you're not gonna get prosecuted under Kris Mayes as attorney general. But after she leaves office, you could still get prosecuted for what you did whilst Kris Mayes was attorney general. David S. Cohen, a professor of law at Drexel Kline's School of Law, emphasized to Salon that the conclusion of this story has yet to be written." Weve got the attorney general saying I'm not going to prosecute, we've got the governor saying we're going to wait 45 days to implement this, and we've got the case being remanded to the trial court for constitutional claims, Cohen said. Patients deserve to know that this law is not going into effect immediately and continuing to be challenged. Cohen added that Planned Parenthood will provide abortion care up to 15 weeks of pregnancy throughout May. Like similar laws that have nearly banned abortions in other states, the ambiguity of interpreting the law is expected to affect care in life-or-death situations, despite there being an exception for the life of the mother. Its kind of hard to know what that means, McWhirter said. The doctor has one interpretation and some county prosecutor has a different opinion, and there you go, youre going to be charged. McWhirter said the law doesnt protect termination of pregnancy if a fetus has a fatal fetal anomaly, unless the pregnant womans life is clearly in danger. Kwatra said as far as she understands, she will legally be able to treat ectopic pregnancies, in which a fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus in the abdomen, and has zero chance of survival. She will be able to provide standard care for miscarriage management, too. But in general, we know there's a really good chance that this is going to delay or deny care to patients that need it, she said. Where we hit the gray areas is women who come into the hospital with a wanted pregnancy, but they have an infection or ruptured membranes and as an OBGYN, we're having to deliver them with the fear of criminalization and causing an abortion. Life of the mother, Kwatra said, is a vague construct. Its not well defined, obviously, as it was from 160 years ago, she said. And we should not be operating under that same law. Notably, a majority of people in Arizona want to protect access to abortion, previous polls have shown. Cohen said what the Arizona Supreme Court did was highly anti democratic and that the idea it has any reflection of what people or Arizona want today is completely far-fetched. McWhirter said the Supreme Courts opinion suggests that Civil War-era law reflects the will of the people, but thats wrong. No woman could vote and no woman was in the legislature that passed that statute, and the majority of persons of color could not vote. So to say that this reflects the will of the people is just wrong. A suspected cocaine dealer was arrested last week after authorities say he assaulted an officer and an assault rifle was found in his home. Deion Dawson, 28, of Ojai was arrested on the evening of April 5 on the 600 block of Grand Avenue in Ojai. According to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office, Dawson was the subject of a monthlong investigation into allegations that he was dealing cocaine out of his home on the 400 block of East Oak Street. Narcotics detectives from the Sheriffs Office said they developed probable cause to arrest Dawson for drug trafficking, and a search warrant for his home and vehicle was authorized by Ventura County Superior Court judge. Last Friday, deputies, with assistance from the Ojai Police Department, arrested Dawson in his vehicle. During the arrest, the Sheriffs Office alleges Dawson assaulted one of its detectives who ended up receiving medical treatment on site. Authorities served the search warrant at Dawsons property, where they recovered more than four ounces of cocaine, two ounces of psilocybin mushrooms, a half-pound of marijuana and a large amount of cash believed to have been the profits from drug sales. They also found an unregistered assault rifle. Dawson was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura where he awaits multiple felony charges including narcotics sales, battery of an officer and unlawful possession of a firearm. Hes due in court on April 24 and is currently being held on $50,000 bail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Editor's note: This is a developing story. A Russian attack against Mykolaiv on April 11 killed four people and injured five, the Southern Defense Forces reported. Shortly before the announcement, the Ukrainian military warned of a possible missile attack in the oblast. The Suspilne outlet reported explosions in the city at around 12 p.m. The attack against Mykolaiv damaged residential buildings, industrial facilities, and cars, the military said. Mayor Oleksandr Senkevych told a Kyiv Independent reporter that the strike targeted an old industrial facility. Mykolaiv, the regional center of the eponymous Mykolaiv Oblast with a pre-war population of 470,000, lies roughly 60 kilometers (37 miles) north of the front line. Mykolaiv Oblast is a regular target of Russian attacks. The strike on the southern city came hours after Russia launched a large-scale attack against Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure in five oblasts. The same day, Russian forces shelled Huliailpole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, injuring a 46-year-old woman, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. Read also: Russia launches large-scale attack across Ukraine, hitting energy infrastructure Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The US Air Force is bringing a 40-year-old supersonic bomber out of mothballs. This is why A B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber of the US Air Force, pictured during a 10-hour mission from Guam though Japanese and Korean airspace in 2017. The USAF is keen to keep its B-1 force up to strength as it is a key weapon against the Chinese navy and its ability to invade Taiwan - Airman 1st Class Jacob Skovo/US Air Force The US Air Force has 140 of its biggest warplanes its heavy bombers in active service: 76 Boeing B-52Hs, 44 Boeing B-1Bs and 20 B-2 stealth bombers built by Northrop Grumman. But the Air Force has funding for 141 bombers. Its inventory dropped to 140 in 2022, when a B-1 suffered an engine fire at Dyess Air Force Base in Texas and burned to the ground. The B-1 is sometimes known as Bone (from B-one). Any other air force might content itself with 140 bombers and redistribute the lost bombers operating budget. But the US Air Force is counting on the B-1 to play a lead role in a possible air war over the Taiwan Strait. Its such a high priority that the service is spending millions of dollars recovering, from long-term storage, a surplus B-1 nicknamed Lancelot thats been sitting in desert storage, aka the Boneyard, for three years. This is an operation the Air Force has done just three times in recent decades. Besides the B-1, the service returned to flying status two stored B-52s one in 2020 and another in 2015 in order to replace bombers that it lost to accidents. Recovering from storage a machine as complex as a bomber is hard, expensive and time-consuming work. It can take hundreds of people working thousands of hours over a span of years and at a cost of millions of dollars. That the Air Force is willing to make the investment speaks to the importance of the big, lumbering warplanes as the service positions itself to, among other contingencies, defend Taiwan from a Chinese invasion fleet. The four-engine, supersonic, swing-wing B-1 crewed by four people and capable of carrying 37 tons of bombs and missiles over intercontinental distances is the Air Forces main anti-ship platform. It can carry 24 of the services best cruise missiles, including its Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles, or LRASMs. A B-1 can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision as well as unguided munitions against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time, the Air Force states. The bombers LRASM and its similar Joint Air-to-Surface Strike Missile, or JASSM, are the key weapons for an air and naval war over Taiwan. A 1.3-ton LRASM ranges hundreds of miles with GPS and inertial guidance, an infrared seeker that can recognize ships and a 1,000-pound warhead that, with luck, can break an enemy ships keel. To maximize the missiles lethality, manufacturer Lockheed Martin recently configured it to fly in formations of four missiles. The recent first test of the four-missile formation was the next big step in LRASMs evolution, Lockheed boasted. While one LRASM should be able to sink, say, a Chinese frigate, it might take four missiles striking simultaneously to put out of action a Chinese aircraft carrier. B-1s firing salvoes of LRASMs and anti-ship-capable JASSMs could devastate a Chinese fleet sailing across the 100-mile-wide Taiwan Strait to land troops on Taiwanese beaches. That was one of the main conclusions when the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC gamed out a war over Taiwan last year. The inventory of several hundred LRASMs, with a range of [370 miles], combined with thousands of JASSM-ERs, with even greater range and modest anti-ship capability, allowing US bombers and tactical aircraft to rapidly attrit the Chinese fleet from beyond the range of its anti-aircraft defenses, CSIS found. Conversely, in order to win a war over Taiwan, China must shoot down or destroy on the ground a significant portion of Americas bombers. But this is hard to do because bombers can be based beyond the range of most Chinese ground-attack missiles, approach the theater from several angles and launch standoff missiles beyond the range of defending [surface-to-air missiles], CSIS reported. A US Air Force B-1B Lancer receiving fuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker near the East China Sea in 2017. The long-ranging Lancer, combined with air-to-air refuelling, allows the US to strike targets from far outside Chinese weapon range - Peter Reft/USAF Handout/AFP/Getty Its no wonder, then, that the US Air Force carefully maintains the maximum number of bombers it has funding for. Every single active bomber is a flexible and survivable flying missile arsenal capable of damaging or sinking dozens of enemy that is, Chinese warships in a single sortie. The 1980s-vintage B-1s along with the newer B-2s should retire in around a decade as new Northrop Grumman B-21 stealth bombers replace them and, alongside super-upgraded B-52s, take over their roles presumably including the B-1s anti-ship role. In the meantime, the Air Force has plenty of inactive B-1s in storage to replace any additional active B-1s that crash or wear out. Thats because Rockwell, later part of Boeing, built 100 B-1s dozens more than the Air Force now needs. A few have been destroyed in crashes, but the rest more than 40 are lined up in neat rows at the Pentagons boneyard for old airplanes in the Arizona desert. The dry climate, plus layers of plastic, help to preserve these valuable airframes. Each is an insurance policy against the accidents or incidents depleting the US Air Forces main means of sinking Chinese ships. 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 has asked countries in the region to press Iran not to engage in war in Sudan By Simon Lewis and Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. has had direct conversations with countries accused of fueling the conflict in Sudan and has encouraged regional states to press Iran not to engage in the war, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said on Thursday. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Iranian-made armed drones had helped the army turn the tide of the conflict, halting the progress of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF) and regaining territory around the capital, according to a senior army source. Six Iranian sources, regional officials and diplomats - who, like the army source, asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the information - also told Reuters the military had acquired Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) over the past few months. "We've had numerous discussions with countries in the region and in those discussions with countries in the region, we've encouraged them to encourage other countries like Iran not to engage," Thomas-Greenfield told reporters at the State Department in Washington ahead of the April 15 anniversary of the conflict in Sudan. The war has pushed millions into extreme hunger, created the world's largest displacement crisis, and triggered waves of ethnically driven killings and sexual violence in the Darfur region of western Sudan. U.N. experts have said the RSF war effort has been aided by backing via neighboring African states including Chad, Libya and South Sudan, and that allegations of material support from the United Arab Emirates to the RSF were credible. The UAE has said its role in Sudan is focused on humanitarian support and calls for de-escalation. Thomas-Greenfield added that the U.S. has had direct conversations with countries who have been identified as possibly fueling the war, saying that Washington has constant engagement with those named in news reports, including the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. "We've been making very clear to all partners across the region that escalating the war at this time is something that is going to not only have increasing humanitarian costs, but actually risks destabilization of the entire region," U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan Tom Perriello said. "Right now is the time that every arms shipment, every bit fueling this conflict is something that pushes us closer to not only famine, but to a failed state." (Reporting by Simon Lewis, Jasper Ward and Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Alison Williams) US general says Russian forces replaced battlefield losses 'far faster' than expected The Russian military has largely replaced its heavy battlefield losses in Ukraine, and at a much faster pace than anticipated, said General Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. commander in Europe, in a written statement to Congress on April 11. Total estimates of Russia's casualties and equipment losses since the full-scale invasion vary widely. The BBC's Russian service, along with the Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, confirmed the identities of more than 50,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine earlier in April. The true death toll is thought to be much higher. According to the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, Russia has also lost more than 20,000 armored fighting vehicles and tanks, as well as hundreds of planes and helicopters. Despite this, Cavoli said that Russia has effectively rebuilt its forces. "The overall message I would give you is (Russia's military has) grown back to what they were before (February 2022)," Cavoli wrote. "They've got some gaps that have been produced by this war, but their overall capacity is very significant still, and they intend to make it go higher." Cavoli added that Russia now possesses more frontline troops than it did before the full-scale invasion. "Russia is reconstituting that force far faster than our initial estimates suggested," Cavoli wrote. "The army is actually now larger by 15 percent than it was when it invaded Ukraine." Russia's military has bolstered its numbers through a partial mobilization conducted in the fall of 2022, which many believe has continued in a more concealed manner since. It has also brought prisoners, migrants, and foreign nationals into its ranks. The renewed strength of Russia's military is not limited to personnel, Cavoli wrote. Russia now operates as many tanks as it did before the full-scale invasion, he added. The dire warning comes against the backdrop of a weakening Ukrainian position on the battlefield and a shortage of ammunition, which has been exacerbated by an ongoing impasse in Congress over U.S. aid. The previous day, Cavoli told Congress that Ukraine will run out of ammunition and air defense interceptor missiles "in fairly short order" without further support from the U.S. Cavoli said that Russian forces are firing five shells for every one that Ukraine fires a disparity which he warned could increase to 10 to one in coming weeks and emphasized the centrality of U.S. aid in Ukraine's ability to defend itself. "(Ukraine is) really dependent this year on us...and without our support, they will not be able to prevail." Read also: Zelensky: Ukraine will lose war if US Congress fails to deliver aid funding Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Colorado Springs Police Department is asking for the public's assistance locating a male suspect who broke into a family home and exposed himself to a child Friday evening in Colorado Springs. Police said at 10 p.m. Friday, officers received reports of a burglary at a home in the area of Wimbledon Court and Lexington Drive in Colorado Springs. Initial investigative efforts unveiled that hours earlier, at roughly 8:20 p.m., an unknown man had entered the residence through an unlocked door in the home's basement while the family was home, according to officials. The department said the intruder exposed himself to a child in the home before fleeing the residence in an unknown direction. "The suspect is described as an average-height male with short dark hair who was wearing a dark-colored sweatshirt and pants with dark-colored shoes," police said in a Wednesday afternoon statement. Featured Local Savings According to the department, CSPD's Crime Against Children Unit has assumed lead in the investigation and is taking steps to identify a suspect. Officials are asking anyone carrying pertaining information to the incident, including video footage depicting any suspicious behaviors in area of Briargate Parkway and Lexington Drive the night of April 5 to contact investigators at 719-444-7000. Those who wish to remain anonymous are encouraged to call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 719-634-7867 or 1-800-222-8477. According to the police department, the investigation remains open, active and ongoing. US Navy mocked for image of captain firing gun with back-to-front scope The now-deleted image of Commander Cameron Yaste, the captain of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S McCain, firing a rifle with a back-to-front scope and the lens cap still attached - US Navy The US Navy has been mocked for posting a photo online of a sailor shooting a rifle with a back-to-front scope, in what social media users said showed America was going to lose a major war. The Navys official Instagram page issued a photo of Commander Cameron Yaste, the captain of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S McCain, shooting a rifle with a backwards-mounted scope. The image, also sent as an official press release, was captioned: From engaging in practice gun shoots, conducting maintenance, testing fuel purity and participating in sea and anchor details, the #USNavy is always ready to serve and protect. Social media users and other branches of the US military quickly mocked the image, in which Commander Yaste was also using a scope with the lens cap still attached. The US Marines posted a separate image of a marine holding and firing a rifle correctly. The US Marines appeared to poke fun at the US Navy by posting a similar image to their Instagram account, but with the rifle correctly held and fired - United States Marine Corps One user on X joked: Were going to lose a major war, while another said: Dear U.S. Navy. The scope is on backwards. This is why we have Marines on ships. A third added: Is this a joke or has this guy never fired a rifle before? Others pointed out that Commander Yaste was in an unusual stance for target practice, and that his grip was mounted too far to the rear of his rifle. Mike Collins, a Republican congressman from Georgia, posted an edited photo of a pistol with its barrel on backwards. The US Navy photograph was deleted and the press release recalled. A spokesman said: Thank you for pointing out our rifle scope error in the previous post. Picture has been removed until EMI is completed! The Navy defines EMI as instruction in a phase of military duty in which an individual is deficient, and is intended for and directed towards the correction of that deficiency. The caption of the original image from the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service stated that the captain was firing at a killer tomato, the nickname for a naval target balloon. It said he was observ[ing] the live-fire exercise event while on on ship conducting routine operations. Commander Yaste attended the Naval Postgraduate School, earning a masters degree in astronautics, according to his official bio. 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 Navy secretary says he was 'floored' by a Pacific ally's shipbuilding abilities amid American warship production woes The US Navy secretary, Carlos Del Toro, said he was "floored" at South Korea's shipbuilding abilities. A recent review found that the US Navy's top shipbuilding programs were heavily delayed by years. Del Toro and other Navy officials addressed US shipbuilding problems in a budget hearing this week. Amid concerns about American shipbuilding, the US Navy's top civilian official said this week that he was "floored" by a Pacific ally's capabilities in this space. The Navy secretary's comments came on the heels of an internal review that discovered that most of the Navy's top programs, including high-priority submarines, a first-in-class guided-missile frigate, and the third Ford-class aircraft carrier, were severely delayed by years, fueling worries from US officials about the ability to maintain the country's pace against great power rivals. During his keynote speech at the Navy League's Sea Air Space conference this week, the secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, said his recent trip to South Korea had left him impressed by their shipbuilding. "When my team and I went to South Korea, we were floored at the level of digitization and real-time monitoring of shipbuilding progress, with readily available information down to individual pieces of stock materials," Del Toro said. "Their top executives could tell us to the day when ships would be delivered," he said. That's a stark difference from the US, which is facing problems with its shipbuilding capacity, labor availability, and resources. Back in January, Del Toro ordered a 45-day review to assess the progress of the Navy's top shipbuilding programs, which found that most were delayed. After the review's findings were made public, Del Toro ordered a follow-up review into solutions for the delays. US Navy Secretary Carlo Del Toro visiting a South Korean shipyard in February 2024. US Navy Del Toro paid a visit to South Korea's yards in February, during which he encouraged companies to invest in commercial and naval shipbuilding facilities in the US. He said there were "numerous former shipyard sites around the country which are largely intact and dormant" that were "ripe for redevelopment." The Navy said at the time that South Korean shipbuilding was "an asset" to the US, especially "as China continues to aggressively pursue worldwide shipbuilding dominance." That month, Maj. Jeffrey L. Seavy, a retired US Marine Corps officer, wrote for the US Naval Institute that China had roughly 47% of the global market on shipbuilding, the most of any country, with South Korea coming in second at about 29% and Japan in third at about 17%. He said the US had "a relative insignificant capacity at 0.13%," referencing numbers from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. During his recent Sea Air Space speech, Del Toro further praised South Korea and commended Japan, saying both Pacific allies could build high-quality ships on time, on budget, and often at a fraction of the cost. "It's an ethos, a commitment to constant improvement that is the foundation of their reputation for consistently delivering on time and on budget, even during COVID," he said. Though some delays have stemmed from the challenge of building first-in-class vessels, the Navy has attributed much of the delays that are bogging down its important shipbuilding programs to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that residual supply-chain and labor issues have pushed timelines back and ballooned costs. The Navy is trying to find solutions, though. Hon. Nick Guertin, the Navy's acquisition executive, said the Navy review "identified major initiatives to drive improvement that we plan to pursue." He told reporters earlier this month: "Our Navy ships exist to strengthen American dominance and deliver war-fighting capability by providing the tools our war-fighters need to operate the world's strongest navy. In order to provide these key war-fighting tools, shipbuilding challenges must be addressed." Read the original article on Business Insider US official: US deepening cooperation with Moldova amid potential threats from Russia The U.S. is deepening cooperation with the Moldovan government amid potential threats from Russia to undermine its stability, Ned Price, deputy to the U.S. representative to the U.N., told a Kyiv Independent reporter on April 11. Tensions between Moscow and Chisinau have been mounting since February 2022 amid fears that the war may spill into Moldova via Transnistria, a Moldovan territory occupied by Russian troops since the early 1990s. Moldovan officials have repeatedly accused Russia of election interference and destabilization attempts. "We are, of course, very attuned to any indications that Russia may be seeking to instill instability anywhere," Price told a Kyiv Independent reporter at the International Mayors Summit outside Chisinau. "We are redoubling our cooperation with the Moldovan government and other governments in this region," supporting their ability to "spot any such activity on the part of the Russian government," Price said. Russia has a "very well-rehearsed set of tactics that they have deployed most dramatically in Ukraine, but also in countries around this region and beyond," he said. Principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity are key, Price said, whether in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine "or the information wars that Russia is fueling across the world," something seen "very clearly in some ways in this region too." The U.S. delivered military aid to Moldova in August 2023 to support the modernization of its army and is currently holding joint exercises with Moldovan and Romanian troops. Read also: Ambassador: EU to provide lethal aid to Moldova Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. US Says No Reason for China to Overreact to Drills with Allies (Bloomberg) -- Theres no reason for China to overreact to the joint maritime patrol by the US, Japan, Australia and the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, a White House advisor said. Most Read from Bloomberg This is about freedom of navigation; its about adherence to international law; its about proving the simple point that we and our allies will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits us to do and it does in the South China Sea, and we did, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby was quoted as saying in a statement released by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s communications office. Marcos, who has asserted his countrys claims in the vital waterway, is set to meet with President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington on Thursday as the US deepens ties with its Asian allies. China Tensions at Center of Bidens Summit With Kishida, Marcos Ahead of the trilateral summit, the US, Australia, Japan and the Philippines on April 7 held joint military drills in the South China Sea, where Beijing lays sweeping claims. Chinas military also practiced joint naval and air force strikes in undisclosed areas of the South China Sea. You can look forward to additional opportunities for us to conduct those kinds of maritime patrol, Kirby said, adding that the US is watching the maritime dispute with great concern. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Bridget Brink, US Ambassador to Ukraine, has reported that the US signed an agreement on 11 to supply Ukraine with US$138 million for the modernisation of air defence systems. Source: Brink on Twitter (), as reported by European Pravda Quote: "Today we signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with $138M in critical air defence system upgrades." Details: She added that the funds would "help keep Ukraines air defences operating in the face of Russias relentless attacks on the energy grid and the Ukrainian people". Today we signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with $138M in critical air defense system upgrades. This funding will help keep Ukraines air defenses operating in the face of Russias relentless attacks on the energy grid and the Ukrainian people. Ambassador Bridget A. Brink (@USAmbKyiv) April 11, 2024 Background: Earlier, it was reported that the funds approved by the US Department of State would allow Ukraine to repair Hawk anti-aircraft systems. Following the results of the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, once again called on partners to supply Ukraine with air defence assets. Andrzej Duda, the Polish President, reported after a meeting with Zelenskyy on Thursday that Poland might supply Ukraine with Soviet missiles for air defence. Support UP or become our patron! US tells staff in Israel not to travel outside cities amid Iran threat By Simon Lewis WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Thursday it had restricted its employees in Israel and their family members from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Be'er Sheva areas amid Iran's threats to retaliate against its regional adversary. Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus, ratcheting up tension in a region already strained by the Gaza war. "Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be'er Sheva areas until further notice," the U.S. embassy said in a security alert on its website on Thursday. "U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel." Washington has a policy of informing all American citizens via such warnings when it updates security measures for its personnel in a country. U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday Iran was threatening to launch a "significant attack in Israel," and that the U.S. remained committed to its ally's security. Asked about the security alert, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Iran had been making public threats toward Israel. "We conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground," Miller said at a press briefing. "I'm not going to speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees' and family members' personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel." (Reporting by Simon Lewis; Editing by Sandra Maler) US has told Iran it was not involved in Damascus attack, White House says Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks to reporters during a press briefing at the White House in Washington WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has communicated to Iran that it was not involved in an air strike against a top Iranian military commander in Damascus, the White House said on Thursday. "We communicated to Iran that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike that happened in Damascus and we have warned Iran not to use this attack as a pretext to escalate further in the region or to attack U.S. facilities or personnel," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. Suspected Israeli warplanes bombed Iran's embassy in Damascus on Monday in a strike that killed an Iranian military commander and marked a major escalation in Israel's war with its regional adversaries. The United States has been on high alert about possible retaliatory strikes from Iran and U.S. envoys have been working urgently to try to lower tensions. "Obviously we don't want this conflict to spread," Jean-Pierre said. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland; Editing by Chris Reese and Sandra Maler) (Bloomberg) -- The worlds largest creditors should take coordinated and decisive action to address the generational challenge of poorer nations struggling with unmanageable debt burdens, a top US Treasury official said, aiming specific criticism at China, the biggest lender to emerging markets. Most Read from Bloomberg Jay Shambaugh, US Treasury undersecretary for international affairs, set out in a speech Thursday the US vision for international finance that calls on official and private creditors, as well as international financial institutions. Low and middle-income countries committed to ambitious economic and climate goals should be able to access financing for investments without facing debt distress, he said. Yet too many of them are experiencing net negative financial flows when debt repayments are higher than inflows from fresh financing. For more than 40 such countries, cumulative net debt flows from Chinese creditors since 2019 are now negative, Shambaugh said in the speech, at the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington. No individual creditors should be free-riding by pulling funds out of a country while its implementing a program backed by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral lenders, and while other creditors are refinancing, rolling over or injecting new funds, he said. Shambaugh, who has led US talks with China recently on financial and economic issues, said the issue of debt distress has come up in every US-China engagement over the past two years, including discussions with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. What we have been trying to do, as a creditor who has been around longer and who has been through more of these, is to try to make sure we can talk to the Chinese about how their system can get to yes faster, on restructurings, he said after the speech. But also how we can make sure the global system is working in a way that works better for their system, and so that everybody understands each other, he said, adding that both sides see it as a shared global challenge they should cooperate on rather than just a bilateral issue. Shambaugh in his speech also called on private lenders to support poorer countries through net-positive financing and for international financial institutions to coordinate their assistance. The overall international financial system can help low- and middle-income countries face the challenges theyre seeing, Shambaugh said, especially at this particularly high-stakes moment in sustainable development. When asked about Shambaughs remarks, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular briefing in Beijing on Friday that her nation attaches great importance to the debt issues of developing countries. We will always help the debt burden of developing countries and help them sustainably develop, she added. Developing nations spent a record $443 billion on debt service payments in 2022, according to the World Bank, which has warned the situation risks tipping them into crisis and creating a lost decade of economic stagnation. Over 50 low-and middle-income countries experienced net outflows of public debt to official bilateral lenders over 2021 and 2022 the most in nearly 20 years, Shambaugh said, adding that almost 70 such countries had debt outflows to private creditors in 2022, a record. Many countries operating in good faith are caught in these conditions with significant official bilateral and market debt and facing alarming trade-offs due to falling flows and rising debt service, he said. Debt Talks Shambaughs remarks come less than a week before the worlds top economic policymakers gather in Washington for the International Monetary Funds spring meetings. The issue of how to deal with the debt burden faced by low income nations is expected to feature prominently in their discussions. The meetings come amid growing concerns over the slow progress of restructuring talks for countries like Zambia and Ghana, which had engaged in a process known as the Common Framework, a program to restructure debts launched in 2020 by the Group of 20, World Bank and IMF. Read More: Why a Plan for Poor Nations Debt Is Barely Crawling: QuickTake The frameworks ambitions included bringing traditional lenders from the so-called Paris Club mostly rich, Western creditor nations around the table with emerging creditors, notably China and the private sector. But that process has drawn criticism for moving forward at a dangerously sluggish pace, leaving defaulted countries suspended for years while dissuading others near bankruptcy from seeking help. Beijing has emerged as a massive creditor to developing economies over the past decade as part of Xis Belt and Road Initiative, which focused mainly on Chinese-built infrastructure. Those funds came through a variety of channels, including the Export-Import Bank of China and China Development Bank, as well as through state-aligned commercial banks or state-owned enterprises. --With assistance from Colum Murphy and Philip Glamann. (Updates with comments from Chinas Foreign Ministry.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (Bloomberg) -- US officials met secretly this week with members of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros administration to keep him engaged in negotiations over democratic reforms as a deadline nears to reinstate sanctions against the nations oil industry. Most Read from Bloomberg Representatives from Joe Bidens administration and the Venezuelan government, including Daniel Erikson of the US National Security Council and Maduros head negotiator Jorge Rodriguez, met Tuesday in Mexico City to discuss electoral conditions, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The same day, Colombian President Gustavo Petro flew to Caracas with US backing, meeting with Maduro for nearly three hours before sitting down with opposition presidential candidate Manuel Rosales the following morning. The visit took place after Colombia took the unusual step of criticizing Maduro for blocking the participation of several opposition candidates in the July 28 election. The US National Security Council declined to comment. Venezuelas information ministry didnt immediately reply to a request for comment. On Thursday, Colombias acting Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo said Petros administration was in constant touch with the US regarding regional issues, including Venezuela. We will always play a constructive role within the framework of diplomatic channels, Murillo, Colombian ambassador to the US, said in a radio interview. Maduro has been testing the limits of a US-backed agreement with the opposition last year. Maria Corina Machado, who won an October opposition primary, and her little-known substitute, Corina Yoris, have been barred from running in this years presidential race. The repeated offenses have put Washington in an increasingly uncomfortable situation: whether to reimpose oil and gas sanctions during an election year in which migration has emerged as a key issue for US voters. If the suspension is lifted, Venezuela could lose a total of $2 billion in oil revenues by the end of 2024, according to Luis Barcenas, the head of Caracas-based economic firm Ecoanalitica. From October until March, the license has enabled Maduros government to earn an additional $740 million in oil sales, according to Eduardo Fortuny, head of Dinamica Venezuela, a Caracas-based consultancy firm. Read More: Maduro Is Testing the Limits of Bidens Fair-Election Deal Murillo, who helped organize the meeting with Rosales, said on Thursday that he has also been speaking confidentially with Machado. For months, the US has been urging Venezuelas neighbors to pressure Maduro to fall back in line. Venezuela and US officials finally agreed to meet earlier this week. They had met Feb. 23, before the Maduro government called for early elections and prevented Machado and Yoris from registering in the vote. Francisco Palmieri, chief of mission of the Venezuelan Affairs Unit, joined the US delegation, the people said. Deputy Homeland Security Adviser Jennifer Daskal also attended the meeting, according to one of the people. A press official for the Venezuelan Affairs Unit declined to comment on Palmieris participation. Still, much about the election remains up in the air, including the participation of credible electoral observers, who are visiting Venezuela starting this week. --With assistance from Fabiola Zerpa. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The aircraft carrier George Washington is slated to depart for South America in the coming months, marking the carriers first deployment in nearly a decade. The Southern Seas 2024 deployment is the first for the carrier since it underwent its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul maintenance, or RCOH, starting in 2017 in Virginia. Meanwhile, the carrier is also poised to return to Yokosuka, Japan, as the Navys only forward-deployed carrier, later this year. Yokosuka previously hosted the George Washington from 2008 to 2015. The Navy has held 10 such Southern Seas deployments since 2007, which aim to bolster maritime partnerships and counter threats in the region, the service said. The George Washington participated in several of these Southern Seas missions including in 2008 and in 2015 to coincide with its homeport shifts to and from Japan. The George Washington returns to Japan in 2024, Reagan heads home We look forward to building readiness and advancing training as we engage with our friends and partners in South America, Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, said in a statement. We also look forward to visiting several spectacular locations in South America, as U.S. Navy Sailors dont often get to see this part of the world. While operating in U.S. Southern Commands area of operations, the strike group plans to engage in passing exercises and allow distinguished visitors from partner nations to witness these operations as it sails around the South American continent. And embarked international staff will also join U.S. sailors during the deployment to receive instruction from U.S. Naval War College professors, and operate alongside Destroyer Squadron 40 personnel a first for Southern Seas. These staffers hail from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Kingdom. Additionally, port visits are scheduled for Brazil, Chile, and Peru. El Paso County leaders on Tuesday approved a resolution that adds legal teeth to what had been a largely symbolic local fight against state laws they say prioritize the rights of undocumented immigrants at the expense of community safety. In a unanimous decision, the Board of El Paso County Commissioners gave the go-ahead to join a Douglas County lawsuit challenging two Colorado laws that opponents say undermine local efforts to keep communities safe, especially from undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes. Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez, who was unable to attend Tuesdays meeting, was excused from the vote. Scope of government issues Broadly speaking, the laws at issue prohibit local governments from cooperating with the federal government in immigration matters. Describing the laws as state overreach, Commissioner Holly Williams said she believed it was important for the county to join the lawsuit, to ensure that the southern Front Range is a safe place to live as the challenges of illegal immigration continue to grow. We have had the hands of our sheriff tied, Williams said, ahead of the vote. We know that there are undocumented immigrants in El Paso County and theres no reason why the sheriff shouldnt be able to cooperate with federal law enforcement when they do need to be taken out of this community. Among other things, Colorado House Bill 19-1124, passed in 2019, prohibits local authorities from arresting or detaining a person solely on the basis of a civil immigration order. It also prohibits probation officers from providing undocumented immigrants' identifying information to federal authorities. House Bill 23-1100, which went into effect January 1, prohibits local governments from working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain individuals in local jails. 'Doesn't make sense' In his comments thanking commissioners after the vote, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal recounted an incident he shared with state lawmakers during recent testimony encouraging the passage of a bill he said would have allowed local and federal law enforcement authorities to work together. They ignored my testimony, even when I gave a real life example of how this would have helped here in El Paso County, said Roybal, describing a scenario in which an illegal immigrant charged with multiple counts of sexual assault on young children bonded out of jail, then left the area and dropped off the radar. If I could have worked with ICE I could have said, Please put a hold on this person, this is a dangerous person, a flight risk, Roybal said. He still would have been sitting in my jail until convicted (not) victimizing more children out there. Featured Local Savings Roybal went on to point out that his office enters into contracts with a range of federal agencies, including the ATF, DEA, FBI and the military. I hold and detain members of our armed forces. The state says I can do that, but I cannot detain and work with ICE, Roybal said. That doesnt make sense. Responding to reports that undocumented immigrants could be arriving in Colorado Springs by bus from Denver earlier this year reports that turned out to be exaggerated local leaders rushed to approve separate resolutions declaring that despite Colorados status as a sanctuary state, El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs are not sanctuary destinations for undocumented immigrants who illegally cross the border into the U.S. El Paso now joins Douglas County as active, actionable co-plaintiffs in the litigation against the state of Colorado. New substation In other major business Tuesday, the Board of El Paso County Commissioners approved $15 million in financing for a proposed sheriffs office substation located near Falcon, in unincorporated El Paso County. The new substation, which will contain two holding cells, was proposed as a way to ensure sheriff's deputies can respond to crimes faster in the northeast communities of the county, where transporting a suspect to lockup and processing in the Springs can claim critical hours of a deputys day. "El Paso County consists of more than 2,100 square miles, and the majority of the Sheriffs Office jurisdiction is located east of Colorado Springs, Roybal said in a statement lauding the decision Tuesday afternoon. "This substation will allow our patrol deputies assigned near this area to spend more time responding to public safety needs in the district. The substation will be located on land donated by the Falcon Fire Protection District near Meridian Road and Stapleton Drive. The county has said it expects to break ground on the 10,224-square-foot building in September. A string of student demonstrations on Vanderbilt Universitys campus over the past two weeks has caused a rift at the private university, with student and faculty concerns over their free speech rights at odds with university administration. In late March, nearly fifty students descended on Kirkland Hall, the towering administration building in heart of Vanderbilt's campus, for a sit-in of Chancellor Daniel Deirmeier's office. The students were protesting the removal of a proposed amendment from a student ballot, which if approved would have prevented student government funds from going to certain businesses that support Israel. Students protest on the steps outside of Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Four students were arrested, with three of those expelled. Others who protested inside the building were either suspended or placed on disciplinary probation. The university said that while it is committed to free expression and civil discourse, the students actions violated university policy and were not peaceful, citing the moment students pushed their way past a university employee to get into the administration building. Vanderbilt University houses a First Amendment Center and the Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy, in addition to a collaboration started last year with the global judicial think tank Justitia to create the Future of Free Speech project. But the conflict and the arrest of a reporter covering the protests has been a blow to the public perception of the university as a place dedicated to free expression and free speech. A number of alumni and students, for instance, have expressed confusion over what theyre allowed to express on a campus. Free speech concerns are a 'red herring,' says chancellor In an interview with The Tennessean last week, Diermeier emphasized that free speech is alive and well on campus, and that calling concerns over the student demonstrations a free-speech issue was a red herring. I think the whole free speech angle is a total red herring, he said. It has nothing to do with the issues. We have plenty of opportunities for our students to engage with free speech without breaking fundamental university rules. So this was something else, and I'm not quite sure what they're trying to do. There was an attempt to occupy something I don't know, maybe they have to explain what they were doing. That's their business. But from our point of view, our free speech, just like I said, is still alive and well. He said the decision to remove the student referendum and the response to the subsequent demonstrations could not count as a free speech issue because the university was abiding by state law. The funds that (student government) uses are university funds, not their money," he said. "So student government is subject to the Tennessee law, which prohibits boycott activities We will not take that risk." Diermeier said the response from the university supports the schools dedication to institutional neutrality, and was fully in line with the schools values. Crises often are opportunities to clarify to the world and to yourself what your values are, he said. Our response fit into that context everything that we did there we believe was consistent with our purpose and our values. According to Vanderbilt policy, while demonstrations are allowed along with media presence to cover the event the private campus does, as a matter of policy, "define time, place and manner of limitations for protests, and recently stated that it requires pre-approved clearance from administration for journalists to come on campus. When asked if this media policy has ever been publicly accessible, Vanderbilt spokespeople confirmed that the policy "does not live online," as their practice has been to "share it with members of the media directly either by request or as needed." University responses to demonstrations have not been consistent throughout Vanderbilts history. In 2015, a student group called the Hidden Dores held a similar protest, marching into Kirkland and handing petitions directly into the former chancellors hands. No students were arrested, suspended or removed, and no reporters detained. The petitions led to multiple changes on campus, including the removal of the word Confederate from the title of Memorial Hall. When asked what changed in student free expression standards between then and now, Diermeier said he would need to look at the details of the incident. But Diermeier said he is concerned about the arrest of a Nashville Scene reporter covering the protests in late March. He said that was undoubtedly a First Amendment issue. A journalist with the Nashville Scene is arrested while covering a student protest at Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 26, 2024. It bothers me, he said. I want to know whether the arrest was an overreaction, or whether it was justified based on the policy, and if that's the case, whether or not we want to change the policies. No charges were filed against the reporter, who was quickly released from police custody. The arrest drew heavy pushback from the community, including from 20 Metro Council members who signed a letter addressing the issue and urging the university to embody the free speech principles for which it promotes. The university announced on April 4 the hiring of an outside attorney to review the arrest of the reporter and the campus media access policy. When asked if the university has any intention of not pursuing the criminal charges against the three students, Diermeier said the question was "something that we would think about holistically," and that administration was "not at that point." Outside of the university, Diermeier said that the reaction to the universitys actions were overwhelmingly positive following his published opinion column in the conservative editorial pages of the Wall Street Journal earlier in the week. The column did not mention the reporter's arrest. But he noted that the response from faculty and students included some criticisms, some concerns, and was overall a mixed response. We're working through them, he said. We're trying to explain to people why we did what we did, and this particular op-ed piece was one way to do that. And there's going to have to be a continued conversation. Regardless of response, he said, the goal of the university has remained: institutional neutrality above all. The commitment to institutional neutrality is absolutely critical, he said. If you are constantly engaged in trying to figure out what the university's response should be to this foreign policy crisis or the other, you're encouraging lobbying to try and get the university on your side. Faculty, alumni raise concerns of 'arbitrary, shifting, and unevenly applied' standards The responses from university faculty have been growing, even before the demonstrations began. Just days before the sit-in at Kirkland Hall, 34 faculty members expressed their support of the student group in their quest to return the referendum to the ballot. Following the sit-in, a group of faculty released a second statement with the number of signers jumping to 160 and counting. Over the past two weeks, the administration has responded to student protest in excessive and punitive ways, unduly restricting when, where, and how students can express themselves, the new statement read. We recognize that as a private entity, Vanderbilt has the latitude to set its own policies about free expression. But we are concerned that these rules seem arbitrary, shifting, and unevenly applied to student activists and other community members. Students protest on the steps outside of Kirkland Hall at Vanderbilt University in Nashville , Tenn., Tuesday, March 26, 2024. The faculty statement urged the administration to align its policies with its values regarding free speech, expression, and democratic activities, including protest. Carwil Bjork-James, a Vanderbilt University assistant professor of social movements, indigenous rights and political anthropology, signed the statement and said the move from Vanderbilt to remove the student vote was part of an ongoing pattern at the university. I think there is a larger pattern that it has been challenging for people on other issues people working on divestment, addressing for-profit prison companies, etc. to fully get their foot in the door or be given normal permission to protest on campus, he said. And there's been a tightening of those standards, ironically under the banner of free speech. The disconnect between the universitys public dedication to free speech policies and inward confusion of allowable expression is something noted by many Vanderbilt alumni who spoke out after the demonstrations. Shawn Reilly, a Vanderbilt graduate who received both their undergraduate and two masters degrees from the university, was an active member of multiple social justice groups on campus, as well as an organizer of a similar sit-in at Kirkland Hall with a very different reception in 2016. I helped organize some actions at Vanderbilt regarding naming the campus a sanctuary campus in 2016, when Trump had announced a registration for Muslim folks and potentially deporting undocumented folks, Reilly said. So we were able to do a sit-in at Kirkland. It lasted quite a few hours, with the demand that administration vote would agree to be a sanctuary campus." According to Reilly, students involved in that sit-in were treated very differently. They were allowed to have food delivered into the building and were allowed to use the restrooms two things that students at the most recent demonstration were not allowed to do. There was not a hostile situation, they said. It couldn't be a more different story than what we saw happened at Vanderbilt last week. Reilly said the free speech brand that Vanderbilt has been promoting over the past few years doesnt seem to align with the lived experiences of people trying to exercise those rights. We definitely felt that student protesters had more rights and support on campus previously than what I've seen in the last week," they said. "Especially given that our current chancellor is really trying to build this whole brand and carve the school out as a bastion of free expression. Expert: Vanderbilt responded fairly but for the wrong reasons Zach Greenberg, senior program officer of student organizations and campus rights advocacy for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said the situation at Vanderbilt was a complex one, where the university stands both in the right and wrong. Private universities are not bound by the First Amendment, Greenberg said. Public schools are of course legally required to uphold students free speech rights. Private universities, however, are only bound by the policies they make for their students in their official handbooks, though most private universities offer rights consistent with the First Amendment. More: These Tennessee universities made the top 100 for free speech rights, advocacy group finds Based on this, Greenberg said that the schools response to the demonstrators was correctbut based on bad reasoning. Were still investigating the situation, he said. But to our understanding right now, Vanderbilt did the right thing. They punished students who were disrupting campus, who were violating content-neutral place-and-time restrictionswhich are permissible under First Amendment restrictionsand they were doing so to preserve the safety of their campus. The reasoning for the demonstrations and their subsequent fallout are another story, however. The student referendum issue is a different case, he said. Based on what weve seen with that, we feel that it was cancelled out of the universitys misinterpretation of state and federal law regarding boycotting institutions. The expression of the student amendment is protected free speech, and the universitys rationale for cancelling it does not hold water for many reasons. Primarily, Greenberg said, Vanderbilt is a private university. So the very reasons it could restrict student speech are the very reasons the boycott laws do not apply to the private schools speech. The state and federal laws about boycotting Israel do not apply to them or the student government, Greenberg said. Weve researched the laws in this case, and we do not see how it applies in this scenario, and we plan on alerting the general counsels office and administration of this misinterpretation to ensure that they do not censor more speech. Greenberg said the situation at Vanderbilt is highly unsurprisingand likely to repeat again. These free speech issues are pretty common right now, he said. Schools across the country are dealing with issues on the Israel/Hamas war. Its really a trying time for universities in upholding free speech, and we applaud Vanderbilt for trying to work with us to improve their climate, but theres still a long way to go. Universities can have the best policies ever, but they need to be applied peacefully and fairly. The USA Today Network - Tennessee's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. Have a story to tell? Reach Angele Latham by email at alatham@gannett.com, by phone at 931-623-9485, or follow her on Twitter at @angele_latham This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vanderbilt touts free speech. Israel protest, media arrest muddy image SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) After nearly three hours of deliberation, a jury has determined sentencing for the man found guilty of killing a Marine and assaulting two other service members during a fight at the Whiskey River Saloon in 2022. On April 10, Ray Vera was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Staff Sgt. Bryce Rudisell. He was also sentenced to 20 years for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against Staff Sgt. Devin Casey with a knife and 20 years for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against Sgt. 1st Class Andrew Cauwel. Jury reaches verdict in Marine murder trial During the next phase of the State of Texas vs. Ray Vera trial, the state called San Angelo police detective Jason Chegwidden and detective Charles Baker to testify about other items found within Vera and Raymond Scotts home during a search warrant that was conducted. These items indicated their affiliations with the Bandido motorcycle club and their support club, the Jinetes. The state then called up Abilene Police Departments Jerimiah Torrez who previously worked in APDs Street Crime Unit. Torrez informed the jury of the history of the Bandidos, which were formed by a US Marine in 1966 who was stationed in Vietnam. The club was formed as a method of fostering brotherhood but grew into what the detective described as a global criminal enterprise. The support group, the Jinetes, is not made of Bandidos. Instead, the group provides support and security to the Bandidos. San Angelo has one Bandidos chapter with a Jinetes chapter. In cross-examination, Torrez shared he had the knowledge that Vera was a member of the Jinetes in the past. The Jinetes are not technically listed as a gang in the Texas database. Torrez explained that Vera was a member of the Jinetes, serving as the groups Sergeant at Arms in the San Angelo chapter. All of Veras co-defendants are also known by APD to have been members of the Bandidos or Jinetes. Torrez also shared that it is possible for members to stop their affiliation with the Jinetes or Bandidos. Typically, when people stop being members they stop wearing gang-affiliated clothing and hanging out with current members. During cross-examination, Torrez shared that the main article of clothing that must be returned to the gang or support club when a member wishes to leave is known as the cut, or a leather vest with various patches that signify ones membership and position within the group. Melee eyewitnesses testify in Marine murder trial Following Torrez, Cauwel was called to the stand to testify. Cauwel shared that the group was out celebrating his birthday and that he had been accepted into the Green Berets, making him a Sgt. 1st Class. I dont celebrate my birthday anymore, he told the jury. Thats his [Rudisells] day, not my day. Cauwel went on to describe how the night of Oct. 2, 2022, affected him. He shared that he has nightmares, fears when he is out in public and sees motorcycles, dislikes going to bars and has a fear of day-to-day life. We all feel like it should have been any one of us, not him, Cauwel said. Im sure he would have said the same thing if it was one of us. Bar owner, detective testify in Marine murder trial Rudisells mother, Tiffany Strickland followed Cauwel on the stand. Strickland shared that Rudisell was going on eight years in the Marines and excelled at what he did. She described his infectious smile and how hard their sons death has been on Rudisells father. We dont get to have him back and he doesnt get to have his life, she said. I dont think anyone that does something like this should have theirs either. Marine Murder Trial: Forensic pathologist, CSI takes witness stand Vera officially broke his silence by getting up on the witness stand during the trial on April 10. He shared that everything was happening so fast, when the fight broke out at Whiskey River Saloon. Vera shared that he didnt start the first fight that happened within the bar but joined in after seeing his wife was involved. He then attempted to dance away with his wife when the fight began. Despite stating that he brought a switchblade, later determined to be the murder weapon, to the bar, Vera shared he forgot he had it on him and that he had used it for work. Vera also informed the jury that he was previously part of the Jinetes biker club for two years before the fight but had left because it was not for him. Im sorry, I overreacted, everything was happening so fast, Vera said. From the bottom of my heart. I know the family has to deal with this and I do too. Murder trial in Marines stabbing death starts Monday Serena Morales took the stand after Vera, testifying to the love and care that he gave her, her brothers and her mom since meeting him at age 13. My dad is a loving, caring dad. Hes a protector, a provider, Morales said. Hes not the horrible person youre portraying him to be. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Victim's family, friends testify she lived in fear of her son, on trial for her murder Assistant Licking County Prosecutor Darcy Cook stands to speak to county Common Pleas Judge David Branstool while defendant David Perrine (next to wall) and his attorney, Kristen Burkett, listen during the opening day of testimony in the murder trial of Perrine, charged in the killing of his mother, Debra Perrine. NEWARK Family members and friends of Debra Perrine described a volatile relationship between the Newark woman and her son, David Perrine, who is on trial for her December 2022 murder. The prosecution also provided testimony from police about their investigation and the evidence during the first two days of the murder trial in Licking County Common Pleas Court. Investigators found Debra Perrine, 67, buried in a shallow grave in the backyard of her home at 207 Darlene Drive in Newark on Dec. 29, 2022, which was 12 days after the missing woman had last been seen. She had obvious signs of trauma, police said. Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells said they intend to prove David Perrine killed his mother sometime between Dec. 17 and Dec. 22, hitting her in the head multiple times with an object and stabbing her 14 times in the face, neck and upper torso. David Perrine, who was 40 at the time of his mother's death, faces murder charges in the jury trial, expected to conclude next week. Seth Wade, grandson of Debra Perrine and nephew of the defendant, called the Licking County Sheriffs Office on Dec. 22, 2022, fearing the worst. I thought something was wrong when I wasnt getting a direct answer to where she was, Wade testified. I called and David answered. I said I wanted to talk to granny and David said shes not here. He said, Shes no longer with us. A few months earlier, Wade said his grandmother told him her biggest fear. She said shes afraid David is going to kill her," Wade testified. Tammy Ruhl, sister of the victim, testified that she talked to Debra Perrine near Thanksgiving 2022, but was unable to reach her in December. In October, Ruhl took her sister to a safe house. She was scared a lot of the time, Ruhl said. She loved David and wanted the best for him and wanted to be there even though she was scared a lot. I was so worried about her. The relationship between mother and son was very stressful, Ruhl testified. It was dysfunctional, Ruhl said. A lot of anger. She wanted things to be better and different. She was done. Shed been put through a lot. Barb Schwenke, a sister-in-law of Debra, lived in Florida, but often visited for six months, staying with the victim. In the winter, Debra often visited Schwenke in Florida. A couple months before Debra Perrines death, Schwenke tried to convince Debra to come to Florida to get away from her son. She was afraid of him, Schwenke said. Shed just say how much she hated him and didnt want him around her. In the fall of 2022, she said she needed to get out of Ohio because she was afraid, and I paid for a plane ticket for the end of October." Perrine did not make the trip, so Schwenke wanted to try again after Thanksgiving, but David hurt his hand and his mother stayed in Ohio. Schwenke then got a plane ticket for January 2023. She never made it, Schwenke said. James Silliman, a longtime friend of Debra Perrine, testified that he was in regular contact with her by text and saw her about once a month. "We had a code when we spoke on the phone or texted to make sure it was her I was talking to because she was afraid, and David would take her phone," Silliman said. "She was afraid of him. She was scared to death he might kill her. He threatened it many times. The prosecution played for the court telephone conversations between the mother and son when he was in jail in recent years. In an audio recording from Aug. 3, 2021, Debra tells David, I'm not going to live with you no more. I keep telling you this. You blame me for your life. David responds, Im not going to live with you. I (expletive) hate you. I cant wait until you die. Halley Seabolt, who dated David Perrine in December 2022, testified Wednesday that she once saw the mother and son in a dispute, and remembered what he said immediately afterward. We were walking away, and he said, 'I swear Im going to make that woman come up missing one day,' Seabolt said. Search for missing woman turns up evidence of murder The missing person case became a homicide investigation on Dec. 23, 2022, when Licking County Sheriffs Office deputies executed a no-knock search warrant at 207 Darlene Drive, looking for Debra Perrine. Det. Tanner Vogelmeier, assigned to the Licking County Sheriffs SWAT team as the breacher, said the unannounced visit to the home was the only way to find the missing woman. Seabolt testified David Perrine said his mother moved to Florida. We learned she was missing and there were conflicting stories about her residence, Vogelmeier said. Her cellphone pinged to her residence, and she was not answering. Family had not heard from her since Thanksgiving. The deputies broke into the home and found two occupants David Perrine and Ulysses Dansby. Police said Dansby has since been cleared of killing Debra Perrine. Vogelmeier testified that police found blood on Debra Perrines bed and on the bedroom wall, and a large section of the mattress was cut out and removed. Pieces of the mattress were later found in a trash can in the garage, covered in blood. Timothy Elliget, employed by Newark police and assigned as a criminalist with Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab, was called out to assist. There was a significant amount of blood, Elliget said. Sheriff's Det. Justin Woodyard said the blood matched Debra Perrine and David Perrine. On Dec. 28, as snow started to melt, investigators noticed loose dirt sitting on top of the ground. They contacted the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, put a tent over the site and began thawing it out. The following day, BCI excavated the site and discovered the body of the victim. The majority of the stab wounds occurred on the bed, Elliget testified. It may have started somewhere else, but the majority occurred on the bed. The injury to the victim was concentrated to the left upper chest area and shoulder. Two impressions on the foam bed padding were consistent with boot footprints similar to the blood-stained work boots found in the house, Elliget testified. The best I can say is this shoe or one similar to it made this impression, Elliget said. Seabolt testified that she couldn't remember if David Perrine wore those boots on any specific day, but that he did wear them often. Woodyard testified that marks on the bottom of Davids boots were consistent with using a shovel, Thats where your foot is going to hit the shovel to dig a hole, Woodyard said. Seabolt said the last time she saw David Perrine was Dec. 19. "He said my mom moved to Florida. Do you and the kids want to spend the night, Seabolt said. Seabolt and her three children did go to Perrine's home. She said the only things she noticed being different were cinder blocks removed from outside the back door and the PlayStation game missing. She said she saw no blood and smelled no bleach, but David kept the lights off in Debra's bedroom when they walked through the room for him to show her the jacuzzi in the bathroom. "I did think that was strange," Seabolt said. kmallett@newarkadvocate.com 740-973-4539 Twitter: @kmallett1958 This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Murder victim's family, friends testify she lived in fear of her son Truong My Lan, centre, chair of Van Thinh Phat Holdings, sits during her trial at in Ho Chi Minh City (EPA) A property tycoon has been sentenced to death by a court in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam in the countrys largest financial fraud case. Truong My Lan, 67, chair of real estate company Van Thinh Phat (VTP), was accused of fraud amounting to $12.5bn (10bn). Prosecutors alleged Lan illegally controlled the Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) between 2012 and 2022 to siphon off these funds through thousands of ghost companies and by paying bribes to government officials. Prosecutors said that more than 2,500 loans were allowed from the bank, resulting in losses of $27bn. It is a figure equivalent to 6 per cent of the countrys GDP in 2023. Police identified around 42,000 victims of the scandal. From early 2018 through October 2022, when the state bailed out SCB after a run on its deposits, Lan appropriated large sums by arranging unlawful loans to shell companies, investigators alleged. Former central bank official Do Thi Nhan was also sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for accepting $5.2m in bribes. Under Vietnamese law, individuals are prohibited from holding more than five per cent of the shares in any bank. Through Lans shell companies, as well as people acting as her proxies, it is believed she actually owned more than 90 per cent of SCB. Her loans made up 93 per cent of all the banks lending. I am so angry that I was stupid enough to get involved in this very fierce business environment the banking sector which I have little knowledge of, Lan is reported to have said during final remarks to the court last week, according to state media. Prosecutors were also quoted as saying she pleaded not guilty. Lans arrest in October 2022 was among the most high-profile in an ongoing anti-corruption drive in Vietnam that has intensified in the last two years. The so-called Blazing Furnace campaign, led by the Communist Party general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, has touched the highest echelons of Vietnamese politics, with former president Vo Van Thuong resigning in March after being implicated in the campaign. Another president and two deputy prime ministers have also been forced to resign, while hundreds of officials have been disciplined or jailed. Communist Party general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has led the campaign against corruption (AP) But it is the scale of Lans trial that has shocked the nation, with VTP among Vietnams richest real estate firms, working on projects including luxury residential buildings, offices, hotels and shopping centres. The prosecution alleged that more than $4bn of the loans were withdrawn by her driver, over a period of three years from February 2019, and stored in her basement. That amount of cash, even if it was all in Vietnams largest denomination banknotes, would weigh at least two tonnes. The habitually secretive communist authorities, led by Mr Trong, were uncharacteristically open with this case as they continued their crackdown on corruption. They said 2,700 people were summoned to testify, while 10 state prosecutors and around 200 lawyers were involved. The evidence, meanwhile, contained in 104 boxes, weighed a staggering six tonnes. Eighty-five defendants were tried alongside Lan. A 6-year-old old student who shot his first grade teacher at Richneck Elementary School in Virginia last year exhibited signs of violence prior to the shooting and should not have been enrolled in school, according to a special grand jury report released Wednesday. The child "exhibited many behavioral problems" prior to the Jan. 6, 2023 incident where he shot his teacher, Abby Zwerner, with a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. The child was also reportedly disruptive during his kindergarten year to both fellow students and teacher Susan White, who was named in the grand jury report. "Over the course of the kindergarten year the child exhibited many behavioral problems," the special grand jury report stated. "He was disruptive in class and to his teacher, Susan White. The child would get in other kids faces' and when removed from class by a counselor would occasionally hit or punch the counselor." "In one incident, the child kicked and spit on the teacher assistant" the report said. VIRGINIA SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL FACES CHARGES AFTER 6-YEAR-OLD SHOT TEACHER The special grand jury detailed a disturbing incident when the student choked his kindergarten teacher in Sept. 2021. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "On September 27, 2021, Ms. White was concluding breakfast with the students when the child went to dump his breakfast in the hallway trash can and never returned. Ms. White went to search for him and found him with the security guard. When Ms. White tried to take his hand and bring him back to class the child hit Ms. White and yelled, "No! I don't want to go back to class." The child then aggressively twisted and pulled down on the security guard's wrist. Due to his behavior, the security guard took the child to [assistant principal- Dr. Parker, while Ms. White returned to class," the report said. "At some point, Ms. White was sitting in a kids chair teaching the class. The child went up behind Ms. White placed his forearms in front of her neck and pulled down so hard she couldn't breathe, choking her. The teacher's assistant saw Ms. White being choked by the child and rescued her by pulling the child's arms off and removing him from the class." Despite the child's behavior, the student was returned to class and allowed to stay after school administration said there was "no administrator available to deal with the situation." Despite instances of physical aggression and profanity, the child was not given an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or considered for an alternative school placement, the report said. The grand jury also recommended further investigation into how the school handled two files on the student, both of which were missing when officials executed a search warrant. LAWYERS FOR VIRGINIA TEACHER SHOT BY 6-YEAR-OLD FILE $40M SUIT DETAILING HOW SCHOOL ALLEGEDLY IGNORED WARNINGS One file was returned by an administrator, but the file lacked the child's disciplinary records, the report said. The other was never found. The report details security issues that were allegedly "not addressed or were dismissed." Richneck Elementary School did not have a "consistent, full time" school resource officer (SRO) at the time of the shooting, the report said. Along with not having a SRO, the school had a faulty front door system that was "broken for weeks" prior to the Jan. 6, 2023 shooting. The school also did not practice school lockdown drills, despite it being federally mandated. The report also said classrooms did not have a clear pathway for drills since the classrooms did not have "doors or permanent walls (the walls were made of partitions)." The report provides further details about the events leading up to the shooting and during it. Moments prior to the shooting, the boy "immediately started showing signs of aggression" at lunch and was escorted by Zwerner from the room. Former Richneck Elementary School principal Briana Foster Newton in Aug. 2022, ahead of the new school year. Zwerner went to the school's assistant principal, Ebony Parker, and shared that the student was in a violent mood. "Dr. Parker did not respond. Dr. Parker did not look away from her computer screen. Dr. Parker did not acknowledge Ms. Zwerner's presence," the report said. VIRGINIA TEACHER SHOT BY 6-YEAR-OLD STUDENT IN CLASSROOM SAYS SHE'LL NEVER FORGET THE LOOK ON HIS FACE According to the report, Parker only took action after Zwerner had left her office. The assistant principal told her assistant to call the boy's mother to pick him up early. Abby Zwerner, a teacher who was shot at Richneck Elementary School in Newport News, Va., by her 6-year-old student last year, talks to reporter Peter Dujardin, on Wednesday in Virginia Beach, Va. According to the grand jury report, Parker was made aware on four occasions on the day of the shooting that the child might be a "potentially dangerous threat": At noon, a Richneck reading specialist told Parker that two students told her the child had a gun in his backpack, yet it was not checked. VIRGINIA TEACHER EMAILS REVEAL 'BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES' WITH 6-YEAR-OLD WHO SHOT HER: REPORT At 12:30 p.m., the reading specialist told Parker that while she did search the backpack, she did not find a weapon,. Zwerner said that the child might have put something in his pockets. A music teacher warned Parker that another first-grade teacher mentioned a gun. And at 1:40 p.m., a guidance counselor told Parker the child might have a firearm or ammunition and, when he asked whether he could search him, Parker "refused and took no action." The report noted that the child was at recess - with 30 other children - with a firearm "tucked in his jacket." Residents of Newport News hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Richneck Elementary School first-grade teacher Abby Zwerner at the School Administration Building in Newport News, Va., Monday, Jan. 9, 2023. At 1:58 p.m., Zwerner watched the child turn his body towards her and hold a firearm. "He pointed directly at Ms. Zwerner, and, at less than six feet away, pulled the trigger and shot Ms. Zwerner," the report said. The gun the boy fired at Zwerner jammed after he fired the first round, according to the report. There were seven more bullets in the magazine and 15 other 2nd grade students in the classroom. "The firearm had jammed due to his lack of strength on the first shot, inhibiting him from shooting Ms. (Abigail) Zwerner or anyone else again," the report said. "The firearm had a full magazine with seven additional bullets ready to fire if not for the jamming." Original article source: Virginia school ignored 'many behavioral problems,' violence of 6-year-old who shot teacher RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR)In celebration of Earth Day, Virginia State Parks are hosting more than 50 events to celebrate and preserve the natural wonders of the commonwealth. From April 20 through April 28, visitors of all ages are invited to participate in a variety of Earth Day service projects, including trail cleanups, invasive plant removal, seed and tree planting, and bird box building. Also, educational programs will be offered to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire visitors to take action for a sustainable future. Virginia State Parks looking to hire over 1,000 rangers for the summer We believe that Earth Day is not just a day to celebrate, but its also a day to act, said Virginia State Parks Director Dr. Melissa Baker. Our goal is to empower individuals to make a positive impact on the environment, both within our parks and beyond. By coming together as a community, we can create lasting change for the betterment of our planet. Virginia State Parks have been at the forefront of environmental stewardship with a mission to conserve and protect the Commonwealths natural resources and reaffirm this commitment through engaging activities and initiatives. To learn more about the Earth Day events at Virginia State Parks, visit https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/earthday. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) is hosting STEM day for elementary and middle school students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on their campus in Roanoke on Saturday, April 13. Virginia Westerns faculty in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math are working together with community partners to provide free, hands-on activities. STEM Day will offer six floors of fun, with stations and activities including Raspberry Pis for gaming and coding, 3-D printing, robots, dissections, DNA extractions, specimens and anatomical skeletons, animal models, leaf and tree activities, and more. Activities will span subjects across students curriculum, like chemistry, mechatronics, geology, physics, biology, agriculture, engineering, math, information technology, biotechnology, and astronomy. 23rd annual Blue Ridge Kite Festival ready to take flight Last year, about 2,000 people attended the inaugural STEM Day. We were so gratified at the community response last year, and our faculty and staff have been working ever since to expand and craft another quality experience for kids, said Virginia Western Dean of STEM Amy White. We know how important it is for students to engage with STEM concepts early in life, so they see the wide array of exciting careers that are attainable. STEM Day is open to all K-8 students in VWCC which includes Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Students in public, private and home schools and home schools and their families are welcome. Children will need an adult accompanying them during the event. To learn more about VWCCs Stem Day, visit their website. (courtesy, VWCC) For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv. You may well have forgotten about Julian Assange. Its been more than 11 years since he disappeared from public view first into the claustrophobic seclusion of the Ecuadorian embassy and then, nearly seven years later, to the maximum security Belmarsh prison. Out of sight, out of mind. But he is back in the headlines again as Joe Biden says he is considering a request by the Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, to drop Americas prosecution of him for leaking military secrets. Why should we care? There is no shortage of people who dont, much. They may dislike Assange and it has to be conceded that he has a unique ability to lose friends and alienate people. Many in the media dont believe hes a proper journalist, and therefore wont lift a finger to defend him. Some will never forgive him for his role in leaking information about the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2016, and accuse him of being Putins patsy. And then there are people who have a touching faith in the secret corners of our state, and deplore anyone who lifts the lid. James Bond is a world-beating brand, even if the counter-narrative is sometimes more George Smiley or Jackson Lamb from Slow Horses. I will never forget a distinguished editor, at the height of the Edward Snowden revelations, writing: If the security services insist something is contrary to the public interest who am I to disbelieve them? In other words, trust the state. If they say jump your role is to ask how high? But why would you? The state dont we know it? routinely gets all kinds of things wrong. The same is, inevitably, true of the secret state, the security state, the deep state whatever you want to call it. Would you trust the police or security services to monitor all your communications and movements? Not if youve read any Orwell. Did you not notice the intelligence failures/embellishments that helped shape US and UK policy before the disastrous attack on Iraq in 2003? Really? Were you blind to the proven allegations of torture and rendition during and after 9/11? Did you miss the findings of illegal surveillance in the wake of the Edward Snowden revelations? Do you shrug when you read about the police or intelligence agencies penetrating protest groups, including the UKs ongoing undercover policing inquiry? In other words, the security state for all that it does good and necessary work needs to be monitored and held to account. Especially as it has immense powers over the lives of individuals, including questions of life and death. But any attempt at scrutiny, given that the shadowier parts of the state are bolstered by an increasingly prohibitively protective shield of law and punishment, is not easy. Over the years much valuable work has been done by whistleblowers think Daniel Ellsberg, Clive Ponting, Chelsea Manning, Thomas Drake, Katharine Gun, Edward Snowden. And then there is the hybrid breed of individuals like Assange part activist, part journalist, part publisher, part hacker. Nearly all of their cases follow a pattern. They are vehemently denounced by the state as traitors and despicables. Then comes a form of reassessment: juries clear them, public opinion changes; presidents, on reflection, commute their sentences. Finally comes a form of redemption: they become celebrated in Hollywood movies and/or honoured for their courage. Daniel Ellsberg, by the time he died last year, had acquired a kind of iconic status as someone who did the right thing when it mattered. And so to Julian Assange. Of course they hate him. Of course they want to make an example out of him. Of course they will never, ever admit that the Wikileaks revelations about the Afghan and Iraq war contained even a microbe of public interest. Of course they want to stop all scrutiny of the secret state. Australia, the UK and the US have, in recent years, in various ways tried to place forbidding roadblocks in the way of those who would shine an unwelcome searchlight. Longer jail sentences; criminalising the right to possess, let alone publish, classified material; the threat of injunctions to prevent publication; the right to spy on journalists and their sources; the pursuit of activists and others who might present a risk. And now they want to get Assange, perhaps encouraged by the muted response of the international journalist community, to his arraignment. But its time we should wake up and be alarmed. If the prosecution succeeds, says James Goodale, investigative reporting based on classified information will be given a near-death blow. Goodale, now 90, deserves to be listened to since he led the New York Timess defence of the 1971 publication of the Pentagon Papers the once-secret dossier leaked by Ellsberg which showed the truth of the Vietnam War. And, yes, that became a Steven Spielberg film with Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks. Time is a great healer. So should Assange, an Australian citizen, be extradited? Imagine another scenario. An American journalist, based in London, starts digging into, say, the Indian nuclear weapons programme. Her reports clearly breach that countrys 1923 official secrets act. India wants to prosecute her and, hopefully, jail her for a long time pour decourager les autres. Can you imagine any circumstances in which that American journalist would be bundled on an Air India flight to Delhi? Of course not: no American government would countenance it. So why when even the Australian prime minister has made it plain he thinks it is time to set him free are we still using up precious court and jail resources to argue over how much more punishment can be inflicted on Assange? I know Assange is in some ways a problematic figure, though I will always defend the work we did together over the Iraq and Afghan war logs and the diplomatic cables. I get why the defence of him from the wider journalistic community has been somewhat muted. But I know they wont stop with Assange. The world of near-total surveillance, merely sketched by Orwell in 1984, is now rather frighteningly real. We need brave defenders of our liberties. They wont all be Hollywood hero material, any more than Orwells Winston Smith was. But I agree with Albanese and his crisp message to President Biden. Enough is enough. Set him free. Alan Rusbridger, a former editor of The Guardian, is editor of Prospect magazine A version of this story was originally published in 19 February 2024 How the void left by the Tavistock is being filled by the private sector When Susan Evans scrolled through the staff page for Gender Plus, the private gender assessment and hormone treatment clinic licensed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January, she was immediately met by familiar faces. A large proportion of these people I recognised from working at the Tavistock, she says. Evans, a psychotherapist who joined the Tavistock in 2003, was one of the first whistleblowers at the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids), the nationally operated clinic which was disbanded two weeks ago after more than 30 years. She had found the CQCs decision to licence Gender Plus which is led by Dr Aidan Kelly (a clinical psychologist who worked at the Tavistock from 2016 to 2021) and staffed by several other former Gids employees strange. Particularly, she says, given that we were only three or four months away from the Cass Review final report and given what her first report already said. The CQC says new services are checked to ensure they are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well led. But the interim review had deemed Gids neither safe nor viable; the final review laid out how children had been let down by a lack of research and remarkably weak evidence on medical interventions. Evanss main concern? That this new clinic, based in east London, would become a canary in the coalmine for clinicians wanting to fill the void left by the Tavistock. Susan Evans, pictured with husband Marcus, was one of the first to voice concerns about the Gender Identity Development Service - Julian Andrews With young people now unable to turn to the NHS for unfettered gender treatment (NHS England has put an end to the routine prescription of puberty blockers), those who could afford it would surely turn to the private sector and online services not subject to NHS directives. Gender Plus is just the beginning, she says. I think there will be more. In fact, some say there already are. Though Gender Plus is the only licenced clinic and doesnt prescribe puberty blockers (though it does have a hormone clinic that sees over 16s for gender affirming hormones an age group Dr Hilary Cass identified in her review as being in need of ongoing care up to the age of 25), Tavistock whistleblowers say they have heard from parents who claim that their children are accessing treatment elsewhere. Evans recently heard from one parent about a GP operating down in Brighton who is writing prescriptions for young adults. Im also aware theres someone in Harley Street who is waving people through to surgeries and hormones without the care and assessment that is required for something so serious. Earlier this year, GPs in south London were warned by the NHS not to work with one particular clinic. They were issued an alert telling them not to prescribe puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones on the advice of GenderGP. The clinic is registered in Singapore so is not regulated in the UK, but in 2022 it claimed 800 under 18s in the UK were on its books. At the time, GenderGP said: Gender-affirming care saves lives and absolutely needs to be accessible for trans people of all ages. GenderGPs founder, Dr Helen Webberley, who has previously described herself as Britains only private doctor treating transgender children, has prescribed testosterone to a patient as young as 12. Dr Helen Webberley, founder of GenderGP, pictured in 2023 at the Royal Courts of Justice, where she was appealing a decision to suspend her from practice - Jordan Pettitt/PA Alleged loopholes provided by clinics like GenderGP need government action, says Stephanie Davies-Arai, founder of Transgender Trend, which campaigns for evidence-based healthcare. They need to be shut down. Its fine to have private clinics but if youre offering treatment that is outside NHS guidelines then you are putting patients at risk. Young people and their families will turn to private practitioners, Davies-Arai says, because parents who can afford it who think this is the right thing will be desperate. Dr David Bell, another Tavistock whistleblower, worries for parents who feel pressured to take children to private clinics where they will continue to be damaged. Its the attitude of clinicians in private practices that particularly concerns him. The attitude of the gender clinics is to affirm. So that means that if a girl comes in and says I cant stand my girl body anymore, you need to help me change into a boy, the wrong treatment is to affirm that. Thats taking an ideological position, not a clinical position. Theyre continuing to affirm and thats wrong. The Tavistock clinic's Gender Identity Development Service was closed in 2022 - Dan Kitwood/Getty Marcus Evans, husband of Susan, and a consultant psychotherapist who quit the Tavistock over his concerns about the service, claims people who have gone from Gids to private clinics are ideologically driven. He feels the model at private clinics is wrong. Its just not a clinical model, says Evans. Its a clinically irresponsible state of mind. Private clinics offer a consumer choice rather than a medical safe haven, claims Evans, who worries staff who have just decamped into the private sector will bring with them the dysfunction the Cass Review exposed. Theyre not going to listen to any evidence. The service hasnt done for the past 18 years and they wont now. Gender Plus says it welcomes many aspects outlined in the Cass Review. Gender Plus is already working in line with much of what is described in the Cass Review, its director, Dr Kelly, said in a statement. We offer a careful multi-disciplinary team approach to our assessment and ongoing support of young people. We offer both mental health and neurodevelopmental assessment and support, alongside the gender work. Our hormone clinic sees only those 16 years or older for gender affirming hormones, it does not prescribe puberty blockers. Evans fears licensing one clinic constitutes opening the door for others. Apart from anything else, there is money to be made and theres no shortage of kids that will go privately if there is that route available, he says. Its one licence at the moment, but it could be many if this gap isnt stopped. 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. WASHINGTON Vulnerable Senate Democrats are highlighting their work with their colleagues across the aisle and touting moments when they bucked President Joe Biden as they seek reelection in November. In a new ad released this week, Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.), a red state Democrat that Republicans are hoping to oust in the battle for control of the Senate, played up his focus on protecting the U.S.-Mexico border, an issue that has ranked among the top most important problems in Americans minds. Jon Tester worked with Republicans, fighting to shut down the border, target fentanyl traffickers, and add hundreds of new border patrol agents. And he fought to stop President Biden from letting migrants stay in America, said the narrator in Testers latest campaign ad, referring to his support for measures allowing border authorities to quickly expel migrants. Testers seat is a top priority for Republicans, and with presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trumps popularity in Montana, he could face a very difficult path to reelection. The flat-topped dirt farmer is already facing millions of dollars in GOP ads criticizing his record on immigration, and Republicans are hoping to put added pressure on him to support an impeachment trial for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas next week, which most Democrats have rejected as baseless. We just want to set the record straight on what weve been doing on the border and not have some crooked goddamn dark money group not exactly telling the truth, Tester told HuffPost when asked about the motivation behind his latest ad. Meanwhile, Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, another vulnerable red-state Democrat, also released a new campaign spot this week that leaned into his work helping pass the CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan bill that boosted domestic high-tech manufacturing. The senator noted the funding from the bill supported a new factory with thousands of jobs in Ohio. Im Sherrod Brown and I worked with Republicans to jump-start American chip manufacturing, Brown said in his ad. Ohio is another must-win state for Democrats if they want to retain control of the Senate. With Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) retiring and his seat all but certain to flip to the GOP next year, Republicans will likely need to capture only two more seats to win the majority. Democratic officials are hoping that by playing up their bipartisan bona fides, candidates from red states who are facing tough races can better appeal to voters a campaign strategy that has had mixed success in past elections. People in their states are very pragmatic and they know them as pragmatic senators who want to get things done, and the way to get things done is to find common ground, Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, told HuffPost. But Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Testers maneuvering wont matter. If I was a Democrat running in a state where I have voted with Joe Biden over 90 percent of the time, in a state where Trumps going to win probably by 15 or 20 points, Id be looking for something I could cling to for a bipartisan message, Daines said of Tester, his fellow Montana colleague. But the reality is we voted very differently on virtually every major vote in the United States Senate, he added. A coalition of progressive organizations challenging the American Israel Public Affairs Committees (AIPAC) efforts to unseat 2024 candidates critical of Israel has partnered with actor Wallace Shawn for an explainer video calling on others to join their mission. Reject AIPAC is a union of more than two dozen progressive activist groups, including Justice Democrats, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, and the IfNotNow Movement. The coalition seeks to lead a seven-figure electoral defense campaign across paid media and field organizing efforts to defend members of Congress targeted by AIPAC, in the face of the pro-Israel lobbying groups $100 million influence campaign in this years election. Shawn, a renowned actor known for his starring roles in The Princess Bride, Toy Story, and Clueless, has been a longtime supporter of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. Shawn, who is Jewish, also sits on the advisory board of Jewish Voice for Peace. For decades, the AIPAC lobby has built a massive federal operation ensuring unconditional political and financial support for the Israeli government and military, Wallace narrates in the video. The video points out nine of the top 10 donors to AIPACs Super PAC, the United Democracy Project, are Republican billionaires and Trump megadonors. The same donors funding anti-abortion, anti-IVF, pro-NRA Republicans. Thats not surprising when you learn that AIPAC endorsed 109 insurrectionist Republicans who voted to overturn the 2020 election. While voters watch in horror as American tax dollars fund Israels massive killings, AIPAC only remaining tactic is to silence Democratic incumbents with multimillion dollar primaries funded by Republican dark money, Wallace says. We call on all voters, elected officials, and political organizations to reject AIPAC. Reject candidates hand-picked and bankrolled by Donald Trumps donors. Reject silence as tens of thousands of Palestinians are murdered. When we reject AIPAC, were one massive step closer to rejecting the grip of all corporate super PACs on our elections. In the aftermath of Hamas Oct. 7 attack against Israel, AIPAC has brought in millions of fundraising from donors galvanized by the ongoing conflict. While for months the administration of President Joe Biden, like its predecessors, remained steadfast in its commitment to financially and militarily supporting Israel, the massive Palestinian death toll and allegations of human rights violations by Israel have hurt public support for the countrys offensive on Gaza. AIPAC has been directly involved in efforts to shape public narratives regarding the conflict. In March, the groups distributed talking points for lawmakers at its annual conference that included false claims that reports that people are starving in Gaza are false, and that Israel is not blocking the delivery of aid to Gaza. The public relations campaign in support of Israel has morphed into a full-fledged effort to crush candidates that have criticized Israel or have not professed enough support for the country. AIPACs super PAC, United Democracy Project, is monitoring between 15 and 20 House races, a person directly familiar with UDPs strategy told Politico last month. Those targeted likely include members of The Squad, a House coalition of progressive women of color comprising Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) the only Palestinian-American member of Congress who have supported calls for a cease-fire in Congress. In response, Reject AIPAC said in its launch last month that it will it counter AIPACs lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill to defend Palestinian lives and human rights, building on the mass-scale grassroots mobilizations across the country calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and ending Congress unconditional political and financial support for the Israeli government. We have watched as AIPAC has done everything it can to silence growing dissent in Congress against [Benjamin] Netanyahus assault on Gaza which has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians even as Democratic voters overwhelmingly support a cease-fire and oppose sending more blank checks to the Israeli military, the coalition said. Now is the time for the whole of the Democratic Party to reject AIPAC once and for all. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Wallowa County commissioners sent letters to lawmakers in Oregon and Idaho on April 1, asking the states to further discuss changing the border between the states as there is still some support for a handful of eastern Oregon counties to become part of Idaho as part of a Greater Idaho movement. The letters were sent to Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and both state legislatures, as first reported by the Oregon Capital Chronicle. In the letters obtained by KOIN 6 News Wallowa County commissioners Todd Nash, John Hillnock, and Susan Roberts highlighted local measure no. 32-007, which requires the board of commissioners to meet twice a year to discuss whether the county should promote the relocation of the Idaho borders to include Wallowa county, the letters stated. Portland homeowner fears sons eviction after city issues fines for trailer The measure passed in Wallowa County with a vote of 1,752 in favor (approximately 50%) and a vote of 1,745 in opposition. If approved by both State Legislatures, the relocation would then place Wallowa County within the boundaries of the State of Idaho, the commissioners said. On behalf of the citizens of Wallowa County, we are asking that you move this item forward to your respective bodies as soon as feasible for discussion, the letter continued. In their letters, the commissioners noted they do not support or oppose the measure, but said they support the will of the voters. Mayor Wheelers use of encrypted iMessages costs city $166K When asked for a response to the letter, a spokesperson for the Oregon Senate Majority Office and a spokesperson for Oregon House Republican Leader Jim Helfrich told KOIN 6 News they had not received the letter. Idaho Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Winder told KOIN 6 News he received the letter Wednesday afternoon. KOIN 6 News also reached out to Gov. Kotek and Gov. Littles offices but has not heard back. In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Matt McCaw, Executive Director of the Greater Idaho Movement, said, We are grateful to our county commissioners who have chosen to advocate for what voters are saying they want, and thats for the Oregon State Legislature to take up the issue of moving the border. Ambulance costs skyrocket in Multnomah County as service slows Twelve eastern Oregon counties have passed Greater Idaho measures to date, and with Wallowa County we now have seven counties who have formally asked state leaders to take up the issue. The Greater Idaho movement calls on the Legislature, as well as the Governor, to hear voters out and begin discussions on a border change, McCaw added. The Greater Idaho movement is spearheaded by rural Oregonians who want the Idaho border to be moved westward so they can become residents of the Republican-leaning state, rather than Oregon a state that has been led by Democrats since 1987. The Greater Idaho movement advocates for a handful of Oregon counties to become part of Idaho including Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Harney, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, and Wallowa. Teachers find fossils of extinct hippo-like mammals on the Oregon Coast In February, the Idaho House of Representatives passed a bill that authorized their lawmakers to start conversations with counterparts in Oregon. In 2023, Oregon state Sen. Dennis Linthicum led SJM 2, a proposal requesting the border talks, however, the bill remained in committee. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek previously addressed the push for a Greater Idaho, saying she hoped to address the political angst felt by Oregonians in rural eastern counties during visits to every Oregon county during her first year as governor. I think there are a lot of Oregonians who are frustrated and dont feel heard. That, I think, is what the movement is about, Kotek previously said. I want to be partners across the border. We have things that we will solve together and Im hoping through dialogue and conversation, we can address frustrations and concerns and move forward as one state. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The walls are closing in around Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing immense pressure from the U.S. to avoid a civilian catastrophe in Gazas southern city of Rafah but is also under threat from far-right members of his coalition, who want a decisive offensive against Hamas in its final stronghold. Netanyahu has projected strength throughout the war but is often risk-averse and indecisive when it comes to high-stakes decisions, such as launching costly military operations, according to insiders and long-time Israel watchers. The Israeli leader appears to be biding time, despite Israel indicating in February that it would invade Rafah if all Israeli hostages werent returned by the start of Ramadan on March 10. Netanyahu said this week that a date for an Israeli offensive on Rafah has now been set, but both U.S. and Israeli officials said they have not been clued in on a timetable. Its a pickle, said Jonathan Schanzer, senior vice president for research at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank. Were at this strange juncture in this war where politics are now beginning to supersede the battlefield, and I dont think its healthy. I think both leaders, Biden and Bibi, are to blame for this. They need to take their disagreements into a private room and hash them out as allies do, Schanzer continued, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a cabinet meeting at the Kirya military base, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defence, in Tel Aviv on December 24, 2023. (Photo by Ohad Zwigenberg / POOL / AFP) Biden, facing growing pressure within his party to end the suffering of Palestinians, has pushed Netanyahu in recent days to allow for more humanitarian aid to get into Gaza, prioritize protection of civilians in Gaza, and compromise on a six- to eight-week cease-fire agreement with Hamas to allow for a surge of humanitarian support into the Strip. But any cease-fire deal is divisive in Israel and emboldening criticisms from far-right members of Netanyahus coalition, some of whom have threatened toppling the government if an Israeli offensive into Rafah is not carried out. If the Prime Minister decides to end the war without an extensive attack on Rafah in order to defeat Hamas, he will not have a mandate to continue serving as Prime Minister, Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted Monday on the social platform X. Netanyahu, hes indeed caught in between these two pressures, said Itamar Rabinovich, a distinguished nonresident fellow with the Brookings Institution and a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Ben-Gvir is part of a grouping of far-right Israeli politicians who agreed to join Netanyahus coalition in December 2022. In exchange, Netanyahu gave Ben-Gvir and others prime security portfolios and commitments that he would push through conservative reforms in the judicial system, which drew massive domestic protests and harsh criticisms from Biden and Democratic lawmakers. The Israeli opposition protest movements were suspended in the aftermath of Hamass Oct. 7 attacks against Israel and the subsequent war. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greets US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport on October 18, 2023, amid the ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. (BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images) But the movement has mobilized its infrastructure in recent weeks to protest against Netanyahus handling of the war and the fate of the remaining hostages, held by Hamas for six months. And Israels opposition politicians are putting out calls for new elections to take place in September, threatening to disband the emergency wartime government amid deepening frustration with Netanyahus handling of the war. One gets a sense that the coalition cant hang on forever, Schanzer said. In fact it was always going to have to face the music at some point, because of the fact that it was this government that oversaw the greatest intelligence and military collapse in recent memory in Israel. Netanyahu and his government have held off on calls to launch investigations into the supreme intelligence and military failures surrounding Hamass surprise assault on Israel on Oct. 7 until theres a conclusion to the war. This is raising concern among critics that Netanyahu is prioritizing his political survival over ending the war. Netanyahu also faces three separate court trials of wrongdoing, with a corruption trial resuming in December. I dont think that Netanyahu is helping matters by trying to issue appeals to his right-wing base when he needs to fight the war that he was asked to finish, Schanzer said. His primary concern right now should be engaging directly and constructively with the White House to clear a path for the final phase of this war. Biden is loath to condition military aid to Israel, saying the U.S. commitment to Israels security is ironclad in the face of a present, significant, threat of attack from Iran. But he says Netanyahu must drastically shift course in Gaza and has raised the possibility of unnamed consequences and changes to U.S. policy toward Israel. We will see what he does in meeting the commitments he made to me, Biden said Wednesday. President Biden President Biden speaks during a joint press conference Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., during Kishidas official state visit on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. (Allison Robbert) While the U.S. is pushing for a deal that is aimed at securing the release of an estimated 133 hostages, Bidens most recent remarks indicate a growing emphasis on a short-term cease-fire, even without guarantees that hostages will be released. What Im calling for is for the Israelis to just call for a cease-fire, allow for the next six, eight weeks total access to all food and medicine going into the country, the president said in an interview with Univision that was broadcast Tuesday. Hamas has told negotiators that it doesnt have 40 hostages to release the number proposed for a first phase of a deal raising questions over how many hostages are alive and where they are being held. Part of the Biden administrations master plan to end Israels war against Hamas is to empower the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank to take over governing the Gaza Strip, an outcome that is unacceptable to Netanyahu, but even more so to his coalition partners, Rabinovich said. Netanyahu, in a meeting with visiting House Republicans last week, criticized efforts to ram down our throats a Palestinian state. This scheme is not acceptable to Netanyahu or to his partners because they dont want the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, Rabinovich said. And they threaten Netanyahu, that if he agrees to that, [far-right members] will leave his government which would mean that his government will fall, therell be an election, hes not doing well with Israeli public opinion, he will lose, he will be out of power, and thats the last thing on earth he wants to see. Still, Netanyahu is seemingly relenting to Bidens pressure by scaling down the intensity of military operations in Gaza, delaying an offensive on Rafah and allowing for an increase in humanitarian aid into the Strip. Top Stories from The Hill Rabinovich said in his assessment, Israels effort to defeat Hamas has been successful, dismantling its military infrastructure, degrading its ability to launch attacks, and killing an estimated 13,000 fighters with the group. But Israel has not destroyed it, Rabinovitch pointed out, with Hamass political movement and ability to govern intact. Its top leaders in Gaza also remain alive and in hiding. And Hamas is viewed as having little incentive to agree to release hostages in exchange for a cease-fire, believing it can outwait U.S. support for Israel amid global isolation over the scale of death and destruction against Palestinians. From my point of view, the most important thing for Israel to do now is to worry about what is known as the day after. If you do not want Hamas there, you have to make sure that there is an alternative entity, Rabinovich said. And Im one of those who do not see an alternative entity but the [Palestinian Authority], with all its problems. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. MARION COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) A Marion man accused of killing a Pee Dee paramedic last month was armed to the brim when he allegedly kidnapped her and shot her in the back of the head, according to arrest warrants obtained by News13. Jaremy Smith, 33, faces 17 charges in the death of Phonesia Machado-Fore, 52. Smith is charged with murder, kidnapping, carjacking, criminal conspiracy, two counts of grand larceny of a motor vehicle, two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and seven counts of being a felon in possession of a handgun. Federal grand jury indicts Jaremy Smith in killing of New Mexico State Police officer Warrants show that between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on March 13, Smith allegedly entered a residence on Wildwood Loop in Marion County with a Taurus handgun and kidnapped Machado-Fore. Smith is accused of taking her vehicle, a 2001 BMW, and driving it to Jones Drive in Dillon County where he allegedly shot her in the back of the head. Phonesia Machado-Fore (Photo courtesy of GoFundMe) Smith and an unnamed co-defendant then went back to the Wildwood Loop home between 10 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. that night to commit burglary and grand larceny, according to the warrants. News13 asked the Marion County Sheriffs Office about the co-defendant and was told they are not releasing that information at this time. This embedded content is not available in your region. During the kidnapping, the warrants accuse Smith of being armed with a Taurus handgun, a Ruger .243 rifle, a Marlin .22 rifle, a New England .410 rifle, a Marlin 30/30 rifle, a Mossberg .20 gauge shotgun and a Maverick .12 gauge shotgun. Timeline: Whats happened so far in the case of slain Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore Smith also allegedly stole a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup from the residence. Authorities found the body of Machado-Fore, a full-time EMS worker for Florence County and part-time for Marion County, the night of March 15 after she was reported missing at 7 p.m. on March 14. Her death was ruled a homicide by Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley on March 19. He is also charged in the March 15 killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Smith is accused of ambushing Hare when he responded to a report of a disabled vehicle Machado-Fores BMW. Authorities said earlier this month that Smith, who has a lengthy criminal history in South Carolina and will remain in federal custody. The newly released warrants show Smith has previous convictions for grand larceny and taking hostages by an inmate. * * * Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. * * * Dennis Bright is a Digital Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. TOPEKA (KSNT) Topeka community members are invited to stop by Washburn University (WU) to help celebrate its nursing schools 50th anniversary next month. WU announced on April 11 in a press release that its nursing program is celebrating 50 years of service in May. The celebration, which is open for all to attend, consists of an open house and showcase in honor of WUs nurses. Washburn nursing graduates serve as the core of health care providers in Northeast Kansas, and we are so proud to honor and continue this legacy, said Dr. Jane Carpenter, dean, Washburn University School of Nursing. Throughout 2024, we are hosting several events that recognize the vital role Washburn nurses play in our communities as well as the exciting future that lies ahead. WU spokeswoman Lori Hutchinson says this event features interactive opportunities such as tours of the Washburn mobile health clinic, a kids station with hands-on activities, demonstrations in learning and simulation labs along with a photo booth and refreshments. Alumni can share memories of WUs School of Nursing and and see posters made by current students. We want to create a fun event that alumni, friends and the community can enjoy alongside current students, faculty and staff, said Lori Edwards, associate professor of nursing, Washburn University, and co-chair of 50th anniversary committee. This is an important milestone for Washburn and our community, and we are looking forward to reconnecting with other alumni and former students as we celebrate the special place that is Washburn. Emporia locals rally to save Quaker Park While the event is free and open for the public to attend, registration is encouraged ahead of time. People are encouraged to bring canned goods, non-perishables and/or personal hygiene items to help stock the Bods Feeding Bods Food and Commodities Pantry to help WU students. Hutchinson says a more formal celebration for WUs School of Nursing is set for Saturday, Sept. 28 with more details to be released at a later date. The open house is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 3 at Petro Allied Health Center on WUs campus. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Washington Officers Jump Into Freezing Lake to Save Teenager: 'We Get Trained to Just Act' A Tacoma Police Department officer said he and colleagues were eating lunch nearby when they were alerted to a teen who was struggling to stay afloat in a lake nearby Tacoma Police Department/Facebook A Tacoma, Washington police officer rescuing a teenager Police officers in Tacoma, Washington, are being praised as heroes after they jumped into a freezing lake to save a drowning teenager. Body cam footage released by the Tacoma Police Department on Facebook Tuesday, April 9, shows officers sprinting through what appears to be a park area before jumping into the frigid waters of Wapato Lake. They managed to pull the juvenile out of the water, as a woman in the background was heard crying. In a press release also shared on social media, the TPD said officers "rushed" to the scene at 2:11 p.m. local time on Monday, April 9, after getting a call "about a juvenile struggling to stay afloat in Wapato Lake." The statement continued, "Officers from a nearby parking lot ran to the scene and saw the juvenile in the water twenty to thirty feet from the shoreline." Police said that the waters were extremely cold, and had they reached the teen moments later, it could have been a tragedy, per KOMO News. The victim's identity has not been made public. However, KIRO 7 reports the victim was a 15-year-old girl. Related: Calif. Man Gets Call and Walks Away from Car Minutes Before Boulder Crushes It: 'Saved My Life' Responding officer Steve O'Neal told KIRO 7 that he and colleagues were eating lunch in the area when they got the call. Every single one of us just stopped what we were doing and ran to the lake, he added. "This is my first water rescue. We get trained to just act. Our whole goal is to save lives and protect lives." He noted that the girl was about 20 feet from the shore when he reached her. She was also not moving. O'Neal said he managed to push her closer to safety as his fellow officers helped. Related: 21-Year-Old Survives Near Drowning After Going at Least 5 Minutes Without a Pulse, Authorities Say "Going in there was just instinct and I know that anyone in our department would have done the same, he continued. I think its obviously being a parent and being a police officer. I think at the end of the day youre obviously responsible for that person. Theres no hesitation. You just protect and you save. He told KOMO News that he was able to get to the juvenile less than 15 seconds after jumping into the lake. 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. "Theres no training scenario Ive been through to just run into a lake, but I know if it was my family or my daughter, thats what I would be doing, so going in there was just the instinct," O'Neal told KOMO News. "I had no idea how difficult it was to move somebody out of water, while youre in water, so I just remember playing with my kids in the pool, and getting underneath and hitting the ground, and jumping up to push them up, so thats what worked." The girl's father has saluted the officers, who will be honored with a medal, per KIRO 7. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Former President Donald Trump was seen ordering 30 milkshakes at a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta on Wednesday. Video captured by Margo Martin, Trumps Deputy Director of Communications, shows Trump greeting employees at the fast food chain located in the Vine City neighborhood of Atlanta. O.J. Simpson dead at 76 after battle with cancer: family He then asked for 30 milkshakes. Trump mentions getting chicken as well and taking care of the other customers in the restaurant before joking about getting rich. In a separate conversation, one woman tells Trump, I dont care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you! According to a local news outlet, Trump was in the area for a fundraising event. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Is your water safe? How to check for forever chemicals and reduce toxins in Florida The federal government this week finalized new regulations meant to make drinking water safer by reducing the amount of toxic forever chemicals allowed to flow from your tap. Public water systems across the country, including in Florida, will have five years to comply with the new legally enforceable tap water limits for PFAS set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These long-lasting chemicals have been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children, according to the federal agency. PFAS are everywhere in water, air, fish, soil and certain products and not only take a long time to break down, but can often be found in the blood of people and animals worldwide, according to the federal agency. These man-made chemicals are found in a lot of things, including nonstick pans, stain repellents, firefighter foam, cosmetics, food packaging and water-resistant products, according to Natalia Quinete, assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at Florida International University. Quinete, who is part of FIUs Institute of Environment, has researched PFAS levels in South Florida. Studies have shown high exposure to PFAS can lead to cancer and other health problems. And while no amount is safe, the federal regulations are a step in the right direction, according to experts who spoke to the Miami Herald. The federal government expects the regulations will reduce exposure to the man-made chemicals for 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illness. So how safe is your tap water right now? And what can you do to reduce the risk of contamination? Heres what to know: Are there forever chemicals in South Floridas drinking water? Forever chemicals can be found in tap water, including in South Florida. PFAS have tainted oysters in Biscayne Bay. High levels of these man-made chemicals pushed Miami-Dade to shut down three wells near Miami International Airport in 2019. And Miami has previously recorded some of the highest levels of forever chemicals in the country, according to a 2020 report published by advocacy nonprofit Environmental Working Group. At the time, PFAS levels in drinking water were not regulated, though the federal government had non-enforceable health advisory levels for how much of the chemicals can be in drinking water. Thats now changed. The legally enforceable regulations finalized Wednesday target six common PFAS and pose a maximum limit of 4 parts per trillion, or ppt, for PFOA and PFOS and 10 parts per trillion for GenX, PFNA and PFHxS, according to the nonprofit. Some states had already cracked down on PFAS pollution by restricting PFAS usage in products and strengthening water treatment processes. Translation: There should be way fewer man-made chemicals in your drinking water once the regulations are fully in place in the next five years, according to Quinete, of FIU, and David Andrews, deputy director of investigations and senior scientist at Environmental Working Group. More than 5,000 public and private water systems across the country and its territories have recorded PFAS contamination, according to the Environmental Working Group. A map updated in February by the nonprofit shows that many of the water systems in the U.S., including in Miami-Dade, Broward and the rest of Florida, have recorded PFAS levels above the new threshold. The federal regulations, once fully enacted, will help reduce the amount of man-made chemicals and other contaminants that end up in the countrys drinking water, Andrews said. The U.S. rule is now among the most protective health limits on PFAS in drinking water in the world, according to the nonprofit. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, which oversees most of the countys drinking water supply, for example, in its 2023 water quality report, voluntarily chose to test for two types of PFAS Perfluorooctane sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic acid chemicals used to make products resistant to heat, stains, grease and water. The levels the department recorded for these forever chemicals were in compliance with the former non-enforcable federal guidelines but are significantly above the new regulation limit, said Andrews, who reviewed the report for the Miami Herald. The county report notes the major source for these chemicals spilling into its system come from discharge/runoff from manmade products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates between about 6% and 10% of the countrys 66,000 public drinking water systems will need to make changes to comply with the regulations. How to check your tap water for PFAS Heres the good news: Some labs can test samples of your tap water to determine the level of PFAS. The bad news: Testing could cost several hundred dollars. Andrews has a more affordable alternative: Check with your countys public water system for testing results of the countys drinking wells. Most public water systems in the country are required to test for contaminants and publicize results. And unlike other contaminants, like lead, PFAS levels do not typically change from the testing system location to where the water comes out of your tap, he said. If theres a high leve of PFAS in your area, or you want to reduce the risk of contaminants in your drinking water, use home water filters. Experts say these filters can be effective at reducing PFAS and other contaminants. What type of filter do you need for cleaner tap water? Finding the right filter can be tricky. You can install one in the sink or buy a portable countertop filter, where water is filtered as its poured into a container. Some filters are more effective then others at ridding your tap water of contaminants. A study conducted by scientists at Duke University and North Carolina State University and published in a 2020 peer-reviewed journal found that while filters help remove contaminants, household filters are only partially effective at removing PFAS from drinking water. All of the under-sink reverse osmosis and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal of the PFAS chemicals we were testing for, said Heather Stapleton, an associate professor of environmental health at Dukes Nicholas School of the Environment in a blog post about the study. In contrast, the effectiveness of activated-carbon filters used in many pitcher, countertop, refrigerator and faucet-mounted styles was inconsistent and unpredictable. The whole-house systems were also widely variable and in some cases actually increased PFAS levels in the water. The Environmental Working Group has also tested more than a dozen filters to see which ones work best and has created an online guide to home water filters. You can find the guide online at ewg.org. The advocacy nonprofit has also created an online tap water database you can use to check what type of contaminants are most commonly found in your area by state or ZIP code. Wedding Guest Offered to Handle Travel Arrangements for 19 Friends, Then Scammed Them Out of Thousands: Report Natalie Green, 41, was reportedly given thousands of pounds to book travel and accommodation for other wedding guests to attend a friends nuptials in Thailand Getty Images Stock image of wedding ring and cash A wedding guest has been ordered to repay stolen money after scamming 19 people out of thousands. According to the BBC, Natalie Green, 41, was given thousands of pounds to book travel and accommodations for other wedding guests to attend a friends nuptials in Thailand. However, the scam was unveiled before the 2022 wedding of Elaine and Marc Walker of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Elaines mother then reportedly ended up paying around 11,000 for the guests who had their money stolen from them to travel to Thailand for the wedding. Per the outlet, Green was given a two-year supervision order by Peterhead Sheriff Court. Having already repaid 1650, she was also ordered to pay back the remaining 5,697 due in compensation. PEOPLE has contacted the Peterhead Sheriff Court for comment, but they did not immediately respond. 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. Related: Astrology Influencer Disturbed by Eclipse Killed Partner, Infant Child and Herself, Say Police Elaine recalled finding out about the scam when her bridesmaid called her crying. I couldnt make out what she was saying because she was hysterically crying, she told the BBC. My other friend Chevonne then said, 'Natalie has taken all the money and we have not been able to get anything booked.' I was just absolutely gobsmacked." Related: 85-Year-Old Idaho Woman Shoots Home Intruder Dead amid Heroic Acts of Self-Preservation Meanwhile, Chevonne Millar, who had been a friend of Green for almost 10 years, told the outlet, "The arrangements started in 2021, so we all had time to save up money and put towards flights and accommodation. "There were three of us who were single and traveling alone, so Natalie said, 'I am a student, you guys all work full time, I will help organize flights and accommodation, then you are only paying one person, she added. "So we just started paying in installments, bank transfers. The first was about 800 for the flights. According to the BBC, Green admitted to her fraudulent activities after receiving payments of 7,547 between January 2021 and August 2022. Green was reportedly remorseful and embarrassed about her actions, the outlet reports, adding that her lawyer revealed that she was in debt and suffering from health challenges. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. A Parker man allegedly killed his wife with a hammer just two days after being released from a psychiatric facility. James Beeker, 73, was arrested by the Parker Police Department on April 4 on suspicion of the first-degree murder of his wife, 78-year-old Angel Beeker, at their Wheat Grass Circle home. The arrest came a day after police responded to the residence for a call regarding psychological issues, according to arrest records. Police first responded to the couples home around 12 p.m. April 3 after Angel told a friend to contact the police due to James having a psychological episode. Upon arrival, police found the house in disarray with a substantial amount of supplements/medications scattered around the home, according to records. James allegedly appeared disoriented, pacing around the kitchen and speaking a few words at a time. He continued to refuse to leave the home and report to the Pine Grove Crossing Assisted Living facility, in which he had a reserved room in the memory care unit. Angel said he was mad at her for making him report to the facility. Angels friend told police that James had been on a mental health hold until he could be placed in the room following his release from a psychiatric facility on April 2. South Metro Fire Rescue paramedics evaluated James, not finding any immediate health concerns. They eventually left the trio at the scene. A Pine Grove Crossing employee contacted Parker police on April 4, requesting a wellness check on the couple. Both the facility and the friend could not reach the two via phone, according to the affidavit. Police reported to the home around 2 p.m. April 4 and found James sitting in his car near Wild Alfalfa Place and Sandreed Circle, an intersection by the home. An officer approached the vehicle, finding the man with blood on his clothes. James told the officer, according to he affidavit, that Angel was at the house and said: I think I killed her. I hit her in the head with a hammer... I guess I need to go to jail. Officers forced entry into the home and found Angel dead with obvious signs of trauma on the back of her head, according to arrest records. A sledgehammer with possible dried blood was found in the garage. Featured Local Savings James was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluations. The couples friend, who called the police the day prior, stated that James had been getting worse over the past few months. She noted that James would argue with Angel and had been controlling in the past. She said he would never physically harm her, though. The hospital cleared James and detectives attempted to speak with him. Though he could identify himself and where he was, he claimed to not understand why police were present or why he was being arrested. He claimed to not remember anything regarding the incident. With memory issues like dementia conviction proves rather difficult, according to Scott Robinson, an attorney and legal analyst for The Denver Gazettes news partner 9News. Many crimes require specific intent. If youre a prosecutor, you face a huge uphill battle to show the mens rea state of mind for many types of crimes, Robinson said. With first-degree murder, it actually requires a specific intent to kill. There are no typical outcomes regarding cases with defendants suffering from memory issues, he added. Competency to stand trial becomes the first question asked by prosecutors, ultimately eliminating most defendants with dementia. Our legal system really is not equipped to deal with defendants who have dementia, he concluded, noting that determining the lucidity of defendants can be nearly impossible. If the defendant is deemed mentally unable to stand trial, the charges could potentially be dropped and the suspect may be placed in psychiatric care at the state mental hospital in Pueblo. James was arrested and taken to the Douglas County Detention Facility without incident on April 4. Wet Thursday, but things dry out for the weekend; upper 70s in the forecast Torrential rainfall pummels sections of the Gulf Coast Wednesday with flooding downpours Wednesday rainfall totals: Active storms across the Gulf Coast produces scores of severe weather reports logged by the Storm Prediction Center Tracking the area of low pressure moving north which will bring the next chance for showers Thursday into early Friday; heaviest rains to track east of Chicago Extended period of gusty winds likelypassing 30 mph at times Thursday, and especially Friday Heaviest rainfall forecast to fall well south and east of Chicago bringing a threat of some flooding in portions of northern Indiana. Thursday severe weather focuses on Ohio, including a rather high assessment for tornadoes Thursday severe outlook Thursday tornado probability Tuesday marked the 9th anniversary of the tragic April 9, 2015 EF4 tornado. Peak tornado season in Illinois is April through June. WGNs Very Own Tom Skilling tells us: We marked the tragic 9th anniversary of the horrific April 9, 2015 EF4 (200 mph wind-generating) Rochelle, IL tornado Tuesdaya twister responsible for 2 deaths and 22 injuries. The twister touched down at 6:39 pm in the evening then roared along a 30 mile path through until dissipating at 7:20 pm that evening. Its 41 minute life span took it across a swath of DeKalb, Ogle and Boone Counties. The damage this storm produced was extensive and amounted to $19-million. From the National Weather Service: CONTINUE READING from the National Weather Service site On April 8, 2024, millions of Americans saw day turn temporarily to night as the Moon passed between the Sun and Earth to create a total solar eclipse. The Moons shadow was cast over North America, from the Pacific coast of Mexico, through Texas, and over the Great Lakes and crossing the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada. Watch this video from NASA of the shadow sweeping over earth: For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. View a 2021 report on Ohio State Universitys sexual assault statistics over a four-year period in the video player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Nestled in an office building on West 11th Avenue is one of Ohio State Universitys only confidential resources for survivors of sexual assault. Eliza Sabo is the Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohios advocate on Ohio States campus. Their office sharing building space with the Kirwan Institute and research and development office is on Ohio State property, but shes not employed by the university. That distinction matters, both to Sabo and the survivors who come to her; she does not have to report sexual assault to Ohio States Title IX office. Its kind of a weird spot to be in, like on the margin, but its perfect because it means I can truly advocate for and serve survivors and co-survivors, Sabo said. For the past five years, aside from the universitys student counseling service and programs in the university hospital system, the SARNCO campus advocacy program is the only confidential resource for sexual violence survivors at Ohio State. And, unlike student counselors, Sabo isnt limited to helping students; theyre available to faculty, staff, families of survivors and campus visitors. One dead after southeast Columbus fire destroys home Their work, similarly, isnt confined to the four walls of their office. While she spends a significant amount of time listening to survivors who come to her, Sabo regularly dons many hats. Last week, they staffed a table at a suicide prevention event, informing students of SARNCOs presence on campus and highlighting the impact that sexual violence has on mental health. Before that, a student organization invited Sabo to participate in a discussion about rape culture. Sabo spends a lot of her time supporting survivors in their journeys to find justice, whether that be navigating the criminal system, civil system or Ohio States Title IX process. As a support person, she attends court hearings and Title IX hearings, and she tags along when survivors need to speak to their professors or academic deans about declining grades or difficulty with classwork. Survivors often need logistical support, whether or not theyre pursuing legal or academic justice processes. That can include safety planning developing a plan to avoid interactions with a perpetrator on campus, or leave an abuser but it also means connecting survivors with resources to access food, housing, and mental and physical health care. Crucially, it also means explaining the different justice options for survivors, and providing a nonjudgmental space for them to make decisions. With a university community reaching over 90,000, including faculty and staff, survivors of sexual violence at Ohio State present with varying needs depending on their role on campus. Every decision is a difficult decision after youve been assaulted, Sabos said. Two former Circleville police chiefs to resign with nearly $70,000 payout after allegations Aside from academic concerns, Sabo said many undergraduate survivors ask about how to tell their parents and intimate partners about what happened to them and how to seek support from friends without over-burdening them. Graduate students are also concerned about academics, especially students in professional programs that have limits on how long a person can take to complete their degree. And, in the year and change since she became the campus advocate, Sabo said shes seen faculty who are assaulted on campus confront unique concerns about their reputation and prospects for tenure. At such a large university, the academic communities themselves are often tightly knit and academia nationwide is a similarly small world, Sabo said. When I talk to faculty, their concern isnt just about this campus community, but, If I leave, if I report, if I seek justice for what happened to me, how will that impact me here at Ohio State? And if I were to leave to go to another university, how will that continue to impact me when I try to publish, when I try to apply? Sabo said. Supporting those who support survivors Sabo likes to emphasize that theyre not just there for survivors of sexual violence; theyre also there for the co-survivors the people who know and love someone who was assaulted. According to the CDC, half of women and a third of men are sexually assaulted in their lifetimes. And a 2019 national survey on sexual assault on college campuses in which Ohio State participated found that nearly a quarter of transgender, nonbinary and genderqueer college students are assaulted while at college. The reality, Sabo said, is that everyone knows someone who has experienced sexual violence. Its important to acknowledge the toll that sexual violence takes on co-survivors, they said. Sometimes, co-survivors come in groups Sabo said she once had half a sorority come to her to ask for guidance on how to support their sister. Other times, parents of out-of-state students call Sabo for help navigating their own feelings and pain while helping their child from states away. People come to me and say, How can I help this person? Because I dont know if Im doing a good job, I dont know if Im saying the right things, I want to help them, Sabo said. By the time were done talking, we have talked about that. But I usually start with, How are you doing? This is a lot of stress on you, right? Have you ever heard of vicarious trauma? If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, there are resources available. SARNCO 24-hour sexual assault helpline: 844-644-6435 SARNCO aftercare advocacy: 614-788-4739 SARNCO OSU campus advocacy: 614-688-2518 SARNCO online chatline Ohio Domestic Violence Network: 614-781-9651 For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against any assault on Israels interests as the US warned allies that Iran was close to a revenge attack for Israels strike on its consulate in Damascus, Syria, on 1 April. Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively, Mr Netanyahu said in comments released by his office following a visit to the Tel Nof air force base. Iran blames Israel for killing one of Tehrans senior generals and six other Iranian officers in the airstrike on their embassy in the Syrian capital at the start of the month. Israel has not claimed responsibility but Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed on Wednesday that Israel must and shall be punished for the attack. Washington has warned allies that Irans retaliation could be imminent and has urged them to put pressure on Tehran to hold back, officials told the Financial Times. There are worries that Iran could respond directly, rather than using proxies such as Lebanons Hezbollah, something that would mark a significant escalation of hostilities across the region six months into the war in Gaza. Western leaders lined up on Thursday to call on Iran to hold back. UK prime minister Rishi Sunak described the ayatollahs comments as unacceptable, adding that Britain had already highlighted Iran as a significant risk to regional security. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock also called her Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to urge maximum restraint. US-Israeli relations have become strained over Israels ongoing incursion into the Gaza Strip (via Reuters) Iran-backed groups have launched missiles across the border from Lebanon into Israel, at US military bases in Iraq and from Yemen at cargo ships in the Red Sea. All have expressed support for Palestinians in Gaza. Israel launched its war inside the territory after a brutal Hamas attack inside Israel on 7 October during which almost 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage. The US Middle East envoy reportedly called the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iraq to ask them to deliver a message to Iran urging it to reduce tensions with Israel. Mr Sunak, meanwhile, echoed comments by US president Joe Biden that the UK fully supports Israels right to defend itself against Iranian attacks. During a meeting with the Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida, Mr Biden said the US commitment to Israels security against threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad. But the unwavering message of support belies tensions that have been simmering between the two long-standing allies over Israels assault in Gaza. Mr Biden said earlier this week that he had been very blunt in recent talks with Mr Netanyahu about reducing Palestinian casualties. At least 33,545 Palestinians have now been killed since the Israeli offensive began, according to the ministry, with most of the 2.1 million population displaced and much of the enclave laid to waste. As Mr Netanyahu hinted at the nations willingness to fight an Iranian threat, Israeli troops and warplanes started an operation in central Gaza overnight that the military said was aimed at destroying infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups. Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of south Gaza, in preparation for an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering, although fighting has continued in various areas of the enclave. Why the Crew Is Still Stuck Aboard the Ship That Totaled the Baltimore Bridge For more than two weeks now, the crew of the shipping vessel that collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key bridge has remained on board leading many to wonder why. In emailed statements, representatives from the Key Bridge response team and the Baltimore International Seafarers' Center, which provides religious and social services for sailors, explained that the anchorage the sailors aboard the Dali ship are experiencing right now is all part of a day's job. "The ship is still considered a working vessel," Rev. Joshua Messick, the executive director of the Seafarers' Center, told Futurism. "Its not that they have not been allowed off, but they are working in tandem with the agencies involved in the recovery/cleanup effort." A representative from the Maryland Port Authority's official Key Bridge response team echoed Messick's sentiments. The Dali crew, as the spokesperson told us, "is still engaged in maintaining the current status of the ship, supporting the Unified Command mission operations, and cooperating with the ongoing investigation." As the same representative told Futurism in a previous email exchange, the Dali crew was "prepared for a 35-day voyage and have ample supplies on board to support them" though notably, that 35-day voyage would have included their return to South Asia, where the ship and its crew hail from. (If the ship needs to remain in Baltimore beyond that time window, it's not clear what will become of the crew.) While anchored in the Baltimore Harbor, the crew of the ship that collided with the Key Bridge at the end of March have, as the response team told us for our previous story about their current status, had access to "mental health resources, religious accommodation, and morale-boosting activities," presumably to deal with both the extended isolation in foreign waters and the fallout from the crash, which resulted in the deaths of six migrant workers who'd been on the bridge at the time. "We are maintaining an open line of communication with the crew via their ships representative," the Key Bridge response representative told Futurism earlier in the week, "and they appear in good spirits and health." Although one crew member was airlifted off the ship to get medical care following the crash, they were returned soon after and as Messick, the Seafarer's Center executive director, told us, coordinating further shore leave would be "difficult" even in better circumstances. "This is still an active investigation with a ship that is not currently berthed at a place with direct access to the shore," the reverend told us. "Also, to leave the ship at any time a seafarer needs a US visa and a shore pass issued by the [Coast Guard]. Im not aware of the current status of the seafarers credentials." "Its not that they are being refused shore leave, but the present conditions are not conducive to it," Messick continued. "A seafarer working a ship at anchorage is not able to enjoy shore leave, and this is much the same situation." It's still unclear when the Singapore-based ship or its crew, most of whom hail from India or Sri Lanka, will be able to return home which means that for the time being, they remain stuck in the Baltimore Harbor. More on the Key Bridge disaster: Crew Still Stranded on Ship Two Weeks After Knocking Down Baltimore Bridge Heres why Myrtle Beach, SC wants to stop long-term rental conversions in the city The City of Myrtle Beach stands to lose millions if more short-term rental properties are converted into long-term rental properties. Its that reason that the city council approved a nine-month moratorium on turning short-term rentals into long-term properties. The moratorium would extend to the end of the year. Its common practice that some short-term rental owners use their property as long-term options during the off-season. Nationally, some local governments are encouraging short-term rentals convert their properties, according to Avalara. City of Myrtle Beach Director of Public Information Mark Kruea said that every 1,000 short-term rentals turned into long-term ones equals a loss of $5.7 million in direct economic impact. The city and state receive revenue from short-term rentals via the state accommodation tax and Myrtle Beachs local hospitality fee. From an economic standpoint, if you lose all the short-term rentals or a lot of the short-term rentals along the oceanfront, what effect does that have on the economy? Kruea said. Kruea said the Chamber of Commerce provided the $5.7 million statistic. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Marlane White did not return a request for comment before publication. The city designates properties as short-term rentals if they allow visitors to stay for less than 90 days. According to a City of Myrtle Beach map, most oceanfront properties zoned for short-term rentals are between Farrow Parkway and 82nd Parkway. Kruea added that the city became alarmed by the number of requests made by property owners to change the purpose of their units, and thus, the city enacted the moratorium. While the number of requests has increased, Kruea did not have an exact number and said the city didnt know what was causing the trend. The initial proposal for the moratorium claimed that hundreds of units had been switched from short-term rentals to long-term rentals and added that the loss of revenue derived from short-term rentals could impact the Citys ability to provide essential public services. The new moratorium covers the east of Ocean Boulevard to Kings Highway, including from Grande Dunes Boulevard to where Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway intersect, according to the city council proposal. Kruea said the ban can be extended if needed. Units already converted to long-term rental properties wont be impacted by the moratorium, and Kruea said the temporary ban doesnt affect properties licensed or zoned for long-term rentals. The pause is meant to allow the city to study the impact of this growing trend, but Kruea said he didnt know if the city had selected a firm or how much a study would cost. The move comes after Grand Strand short-term renters during the 2023 summer reported mixed results, with the supply of Airbnbs growing in particular. While not uniform, some short-term renters said their units were booked on fewer days than in previous years and that prospective vacationers waited longer to schedule their stays. Lijun Chen is an Airbnb Superhost and owns a beachfront condo in Myrtle Beach. Chen said the new moratorium will not impact her business, as the longest guest stay is a month. Chen added the 2024 spring season is better than in 2023; however, summer bookings are still slow as customers seem to be biding their time before booking. Why only 1 of 4 Knoxville protesters was found guilty of disrupting a public meeting A Knox County jury acquitted three of four activists April 10 who were arrested in 2021 after demonstrating during a county commission meeting in the first test of the state's push to criminalize peaceful protests. The outcome wasn't a sweeping victory for First Amendment advocates. The jury convicted activist Constance Every on a misdemeanor charge of disrupting a public meeting. The state legislature elevated penalties for the misdemeanor in the wake of widespread protests in Tennessee and across the United States sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. Every, noted for her commitment to standing up to elected officials and police agencies, used a bullhorn during the demonstration demanding the release of body camera video from Knoxville police showing the fatal shooting by an officer of teenager Anthony Thompson Jr. The others used only their voices, perhaps the critical difference between acquittal and conviction. Everys attorney, Andrew Beamer, said she would appeal the jurys decision, which came after more than three hours of deliberation. Once again, it just keeps on going, he said. It changes, it modifies. I mean, the fight continues. It just doesnt stop. Its disappointing. Im glad for everyone else though. Everys sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 14. She was teary-eyed after the verdict, a departure from her normally irrepressible demeanor, and expressed her support for the other three demonstrators. The defendants never disputed that they were protesting at a 2021 county commission meeting they collaborated as an act of civil disobedience to pressure elected officials to release the body camera video in the days after a confusing police narrative about the shooting. Police originally told the community that Thompson shot a police officer, but an investigation showed an officer was actually the person who fired the shots that killed Thompson and injured another police officer on the scene. The activists argued they were exercising their constitutional rights to free speech when they made their voices heard at the meeting. The four - Every and the Rev. Calvin Skinner, along with Gavin Guinn and Arron Valentine - were part of a large group of people who attended the county commission meeting on April 19, 2021, one week after police killed Thompson. Three other demonstrators who were arrested that night Kevin Andrews, Carrie Hopper and Mary Winter previously agreed to plea deals. Every and Skinner also were arrested following a Knoxville City Council meeting. There has not been any action on those charges in three years. Defendants take the stand Seven of the demonstrators were charged after they stood during the Knox County Commission meeting and called for the release of police body camera video of the shooting. The demonstration briefly interrupted the commission meeting, though police and deputies moved immediately to stop the protest by handcuffing and pulling the activists from the room. The demonstration began when Every sounded a bullhorn, signaling demonstrators to loudly demand the release of the police bodycam video from the Thompson shooting. Prosecutors say Guinn and Valentine surrounded Every and Skinner, preventing officers from reaching them and, more important, the bullhorn. Attorneys for Guinn and Valentine argued there were other people surrounding Every who were not arrested and Skinners attorney, Mike Whalen, argued Skinner didnt ever interfere with officers and only raised his voice in protest after commission chair Larsen Jay called for a recess in the meeting, meaning Skinner did not interrupt the meeting. Constance Every testifying in her own defense in Knox County court. Every took the stand April 10 and said it wasnt her intention to force the commission into recess because doing so would have (and did) defeat the purpose of the protesters being there. They wanted to put pressure on those in power since commissioners control the budget for the district attorneys office and the county school system. Skinner also took the stand said it would have served no purpose to prevent the commission from conducting its business. Power at its best is justice at work and justice at work is simply putting love at the center. Love in action, he said. In that moment I definitely didnt see or feel any love. All four defendants attorneys attempted to get the charges tossed by arguing, among other things, that the disruption wasnt substantial, which is what the state law requires for the charge. But Judge Kelly Thomas Jr. denied the motions and opted to let the jury decide. Everyone wanted a jury trial. Weve got a jury trial, he said. Second county commissioner testifies Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy testified via a Zoom video call April 10 that the meeting was only briefly disrupted and that antimask protesters in 2020 were treated differently than the protesters who were arrested. When Black people advocate for their community, its perceived as a threat, she said in court. Lundy also testified she asked Sheriff Tom Spangler why there was increased security the day of the meeting but did not get a reply. During the first full day of the trial, April 9, Knox County Commissioner Larsen Jay, who was chair of the commission at the time, testified that the protesters were treated differently than the 2020 antimask protesters because they left after protesting. The Rev. Calvin Skinner answers questions on the witness stand during a trial in Knox County court. They got up and walked out of the door, Jay said about the antimask protesters who consistently protested at commission meetings during the COVID pandemic. In this incident when the officers came to escort them out they didnt willfully walk out the door this group intentionally came with the purpose of getting arrested. Legislature tries to quash peaceful protests The case is the first tried under Tennessee's enhanced penalties for disrupting public meetings. The law was part of the Tennessee General Assembly's push to punish "unruly" demonstrators. The state enhanced the penalty for disrupting a public meeting from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor, putting it on the same level as being charged with impaired driving, simple drug possession, theft under $1,000 and assault. The penalty can include up to 11 months and 29 days in jail with a maximum fine of $2,500. How Thompson died Thompson was killed April 12, 2021, after four officers barged into a school bathroom where he and a friend were hanging out as Thompson cooled off from an argument earlier in the day with his girlfriend. His girlfriend had left school to go home, and her mother called police to complain about the argument, which she told police got physical. The girls mother, Regina Perkins, told officers Thompson was known to carry a handgun. Thompson was carrying a handgun in the front pocket of his hoodie because he feared for his safety, especially after his girlfriend's mother sent him a series of threatening texts, according to a lawsuit filed by the family. Body camera footage revealed four officers wound up inside the narrow bathroom: officers Jonathan Clabough and Brian Baldwin, school resource officer Adam Willson, and Lt. Stan Cash. They surrounded Thompson, who was in a stall and wearing a backpack, and began pulling him out of the stall. Thompson implored the officers to "wait, wait" as they grabbed for him, and made no aggressive moves. As the officers grabbed Thompson his gun discharged and a bullet struck a trash can. Baldwin immediately dropped from Clabough's view. Clabough mistakenly believed Baldwin had been shot, so he fired, striking Thompson in the chest with the shot that killed him. Clabough fired a second shot because he thought Thompson was about to shoot Cash, the DA's office said. That shot struck Willson in the leg. Lawsuit dismissed In February, a federal judge dismissed the remaining pieces of the far-reaching lawsuit filed by Thompsons mother against Knoxville. The judge had previously dismissed the portion of the lawsuit against the police officers involved in Thompsons killing. The family has appealed the decision to the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, where it faces long odds of being overturned. Tyler Whetstone is an investigative reporter focused on accountability journalism. Connect with Tyler by emailing him at tyler.whetstone@knoxnews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tyler_whetstone. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: One of four Knoxville protesters found guilty of disrupting public meeting A man in a suit stands in front of an image of the Large Hadron Collider, which has lots of mechanical parts centered around a yellow middle device. On April 8, 2024, British theoretical physicist Peter Ware Higgs passed away at the age of 94. It was almost 12 years ago, on July 4, 2012, in a fairly inauspicious lecture hall located in Geneva, Switzerland, when Higgs became an iconic figure in modern science. That was the day it was announced that collisions between particles at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) facility arguably the most ambitious and audacious science experiment ever revealed the existence of the Higgs boson. The discovery of the Higgs boson, named for Higgs himself, has been vital for the field of particle physics. It was the last occupant of the particle zoo that's needed to complete what's known as the "Standard Model of particle physics," the best description we have of the universe on the smallest of scales. For Higgs, born in Newcastle upon Tyne in the U.K. to a Scottish mother and an English father on May 29, 1929, the moment was met with an outflow of emotion. This was unsurprising, given that this announcement represented the culmination of five decades of his work, and validated a theory that he refused to give up on. Related: Higgs boson: The 'God Particle' explained Beyond the culmination of the Standard Model, the discovery of the Higgs boson signaled the need for physicists to begin exploring physics beyond parameters they were used to, thus setting the course for physics for decades to come. "Peter Higgs' contribution to modern physics is absolutely outstanding," Luz Angela Garcia Penaloza, a cosmologist at Universidad ECCI in Colombia told Space.com. "His work on quantum field theory led to a theory for which, later on, he would be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics and explains the mechanism that provides fundamental particles with mass. "He was way ahead of his time." 50 years of searching for a single particle The 20th century marked the birth of particle physics as a discipline of its own and sparked huge strides in the nascent field. Yet, as that century drew to a close and the particle zoo grew in terms of its occupants, physicists started to wonder why some particles had mass and others, particularly particles of light called "photons," didn't. By 1964, physicists studying the weak nuclear force, which is one of four fundamental forces of nature that determines the atomic decay of elements by transforming protons to neutrons, concluded something surprising. The carriers of this force, W and Z bosons, should be massless yet, the fact that the weak force appeared strong over short distances and weak over long distances meant they couldn't be massless. If they were, it would risk breaking an important rule of physics called symmetry, which ensures the laws of nature are the same however they are viewed. According to CERN, you can think of the symmetry problem as analogous to a pencil standing on its tip a symmetrical system suddenly tipping to point in a preferred direction, thus destroying its symmetry. In 1964, Peter Higgs, Francois Englert and Robert Brout proposed a solution. There might be something, they said, that "tricks" nature into spontaneously breaking symmetry. So, what could that something be? Higgs boson simulation. Higgs and colleagues thought that, when the universe was born, it might have been filled with what's called "the Higgs field" in a symmetrical, but unstable, state like that precariously balanced pencil. In just fractions of a second, that field, the "Higgs field," would find a stable configuration, but in doing so, would break its symmetry. This, in turn, gives rise to something called "the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism," which grants mass to the W and Z bosons and solves the discrepancy. While this would have been a vital theory in its own right, it was later discovered the Higgs field would grant mass to many other fundamental particles, and that the strength of these interactions would give different particles different masses. This meant that, if confirmed, the theory would have major ramifications for science. The next step was getting that confirmation in the shape of the discovery of a particle that would act as a "messenger" for the Higgs field: The Higgs boson. This search would warrant the construction of the LHC. At 17 miles (27 kilometers) long, it is the largest particle accelerator ever built at a cost of around $4.75 billion USD. "Higgs' work is a major reason why the LHC was constructed in the first place," CERN experimental high energy physicist Nima Zardoshti told Space.com. "His predictions provided some of the crucial theoretical guidance as to the energy reach required by the LHC in order to potentially find new physics." A close up of a man with white hair and glasses. He's raising his left hand and has one finger pointing up. In 2012, that expense and ten years of effort by an international collaboration of 23 CERN member states paid off. A cascade of particles resulting from the decay of Higgs boson particles was created, and was captured by both the LHC ATLAS detector and the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector. This was the necessary confirmation for the Higgs field theory. Higgs and Englert would share the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics for the breakthrough. "In professor Peter Higgs, physics has lost a gentle giant of the field," Suzie Sheehy, an associate professor of physics at the University of Melbourne and visiting lecturer at the University of Oxford, said in a press release. "Higgs work is rightly celebrated as an incredible feat of curiosity-driven research: his proposal in 1964 about the potential existence of the Higgs field and related particle, the Higgs boson, seemed at the time to be an obscure idea just one of many theoretical mechanisms put forward to explain unknowns in fundamental physics. "It then took almost 50 years and around 13,000 other scientists and engineers to build the experiments (ATLAS and CMS) that enabled the Higgs boson to be discovered in 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider." Sheehy added that less well known is how curiosity-driven research has had enormous practical influence in our lives, producing unimaginable spin-offs like the World Wide Web and better cancer treatment technologies. "Higgs' story represents an important lesson for us all about how science works: he would have been the first person to point out that science does not happen on the timescales of a few years," Sheehy said. "We need to ensure long-term support for curiosity-driven research if we are to make the kinds of breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe that Peter Higgs is celebrated for. " A view of a blue tunnel-like object on the right in a very metal-heavy laboratory. "Even though we have now discovered it, measuring with precision the properties of the Higgs boson still remains one of the most promising ways of probing physics beyond the Standard Model," Zardoshti added. "Higgs' work has and will continue to shape the field for many years to come and is possibly the largest success story of 21st-century theoretical physics." As a science reporter, Higgs' legacy has personally touched my life as well. Related Stories: How the Large Hadron Collider's successor will hunt for the dark universe Dark matter may be hiding in the Large Hadron Collider's particle jets Large Hadron Collider may be closing in on the universe's missing antimatter On July 4, 2019, I was invited to visit the LHC during its shutdown and upgrades, see its ALICE detector up close and explore miles of tunnels under France and Switzerland where the collider is housed. Before that, I, along with several other journalists, attended an orientation session at CERN in Geneva. Many of us realized that day marked exactly seven years since the announcement of the discovery of the Higgs boson, and we were sat in the very hall where Peter Higgs once shed tears as he heard confirmation his theory had reached fruition. I was able to quickly snap a very poor image of that hall. I made sure to take this image from the perspective of the very seats where Higgs sat, to see what he would have seen on that momentous day. An image quickly snapped in the lecture hall where Peter Higgs. heard the news the Higgs Boson had been discovered taken seven years to the day after that event The moment gave me goosebumps. It still does. I'd written many times about how the discovery of the Higgs boson was vital to our understanding of physics, and I would go on to do so many more times. Yet, in that lecture hall, I felt a connection with that moment, and I know many who have sat there since have felt that connection, too. Imagine an unquantifiable field stretching across time and space to give metaphorical weight to a single, vital moment that changed everything a field that can connect all who learn about that moment itself, to each other. I think Peter Higgs may have liked that idea. Three months ago, Donald Trump took the stand before a jury of nine in a New York courtroom without his typical bombast or ranting. The former presidents complaints about the case and his sparring with the judge took place out of the jurys sight in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, and he gave quick, scripted testimony lasting about three minutes. The following day, however, Trump found a way to protest the trial with the jurys eyes on him, storming out during the closing argument delivered by Carrolls lawyer. The record will reflect that Mr. Trump just rose and walked out of the courtroom, Judge Lewis Kaplan announced, in case any jurors had missed it. That same afternoon, the jury returned an $83.3 million verdict against Trump for defaming Carroll a massive figure that the columnists attorneys attribute in part to Trumps protest. I think it hurt him terribly, Carroll attorney Roberta Kaplan told CNNs Anderson Cooper at the time of Trumps stunt. I mean, our whole case was about the fact that Donald Trump is unable to follow the law, unable to follow the rules. He thinks they dont apply to him. Beginning Monday, Trump will once again sit before a jury in New York, this time with even higher stakes. The jury of 12, along with six alternates, will be chosen from hundreds of New Yorkers after an exhaustive jury selection process that could stretch beyond the first week of the trial. Choosing a jury will be no easy task when the defendant is a former president who has been at the center of the US political world for nearly 10 years now and a figure in the New York tabloids going back decades. The problem for both Donald Trumps attorneys and the prosecutions attorneys is theyve got to figure out how to pick a jury for the case who are neutral and good luck, said Steve Tuholski, a partner at Delphi Litigation Strategies who works on witness training and jury selection. I cant imagine there are many people, especially in New York, that havent made up their mind one way or the other about whether hes a snake or the Messiah. There doesnt seem to be a middle ground. The hush money case is the first of four criminal trials Trump will potentially face and potentially the only one before the 2024 election, even as Trump has campaigned in part on fusing his legal peril with his bid for the White House. The presumptive Republican 2024 nominee will have plenty of incentive to make an impression on both the jury deciding his guilt or innocence and the broader public, whose opinion of the first criminal trial of a former president in US history could be a determining factor in whether Trump is reelected in November. The vetting process Court officials expect about 100 prospective jurors at a time will be brought into Judge Juan Merchans downtown Manhattan courtroom to be vetted when jury selection begins Monday. Merchan released this week the questionnaire that will be presented to potential jurors, which contains multiple questions that could signal political views to the lawyers on both sides. There are questions about news consumption, affiliations with groups like the Proud Boys, QAnon and Antifa, and whether prospective jurors or anyone in their circle attended a Trump rally or an anti-Trump event. Potential jurors will be asked if theyve ever read books or listened to podcasts from Michael Cohen, Trumps former lawyer and a key witness for the district attorney, or if theyve read any of Trumps own books. Those in the jury pool will also be asked if they have views on whether a former president can be charged in state court and how Trump is being treated in this case. The questions will be used for the judge to strike jurors at the outset, if they dont believe they can render a verdict fairly. They will also be used by lawyers for both sides to strike jurors for any reason a key part of the jury selection process. Karen Friedman Agnifilo, a CNN legal analyst and former prosecutor in the Manhattan district attorneys office, said that Trumps attorneys will be looking for jurors who are sympathetic to Trump, of course but also for anyone who might be an independent thinker, willing to stand alone and let a jury hang. A unanimous verdict is required for conviction If youre Trump, youd love an acquittal, but if you cant get an acquittal, youd want them to hang, because then theres no conviction before the election, Agnifilo said. Youd want somebody whos strong enough to be a holdout and somebody who is an independent thinker, who is not going to go along with the group. The district attorneys office will be trying to find jurors who are productive, constructive people who have to make decisions regularly and are capable of judging credibility, Agniflio said, criteria that could cover both office managers as well as parents. Sometimes parents are always good, because parents have to listen to what their kid is saying, and sometimes have to make a credibility determination: Is he telling the truth? Is he not telling the truth? she said. One source close to Trump said there is worry that some prospective jurors may have ulterior motives for wanting to be involved in the former presidents trial. Leaving politics aside Trumps lawyers have already argued that he cant get a fair jury in New York County, which is Manhattan, because the jury pool there is biased against him. They filed a petition this week, which was denied, to delay the trial so the venue could be moved to a different county. In terms of pretrial publicity in this county, this case stands alone, Trump attorney Emil Bove said at Mondays emergency appeals hearing. In the 2020 election, Manhattan voters chose President Joe Biden over Trump 86% to 12%. But just having political views about Trump, for or against, wont be a reason for potential jurors to be dismissed. People are going to have an opinion about Trump. That doesnt mean they cant be fair and impartial about the evidence and their burden, Agnifilo said. The political makeup of Manhattan also doesnt mean Trump wont have any supporters among the jury pool. During the Carroll defamation trial which was in a federal court, meaning the jury came from Manhattan as well as parts of nearby counties two prospective jurors said they believed the 2020 election was stolen, and three said they contributed to Trumps campaign or a group supporting it. All three of those jurors said that wouldnt affect their ability to be fair and impartial. Trump took a keen interest in jury selection at the Carroll trial, turning behind him toward the jurors in the gallery behind him to watch as they responded to political questions. When Kaplan asked jurors a series of questions individually, Trump turned in his chair to watch each person speak. In the defamation case, the jury was fully anonymous, meaning no identifying information about the jurors was made public or shared with the attorneys for either side. In the hush money case, the jury will be known to the attorneys, but Merchan has written that identifying information about jurors will not be publicly released to protect privacy and avoid exposing them to an atmosphere of intimidation. Merchan warned Trump in his gag order that the former president cant make public comments or direct anyone else to make public comments about jurors involved in the proceedings. A dynamic and unpredictable situation Once a jury is selected, they will be able to watch Trump throughout the duration of the trial, which is expected to last six weeks. That means they can see the former presidents reaction to the district attorneys allegations, to witness testimony from Stormy Daniels and Michael Cohen, and will potentially see him testify and face questions from the district attorneys office, should Trump choose to testify. During the defamation case in January, Trumps conduct sitting at the defense table became a point of contention, when he made comments calling the case a witch hunt and a con job in the presence of the jury while Carroll was on the stand. When the jury was excused at a break, Carrolls lawyers told the judge what Trump was saying and said they believed it was audible to the jury. That prompted Kaplan to admonish Trump and warn him he could be removed if he continued to be disruptive prompting the former president to respond that he would love it if the judge booted him from the trial. While the jury was present, Kaplan tried to keep a tight rein on Trump as well as all of the attorneys involved. It took longer for the judge to negotiate Trumps testimony outside the jurys view I want to know everything he is going to say, Kaplan told Trumps attorney than the three minutes Trump spent on the stand. Elie Honig, a CNN senior legal analyst and former federal and state prosecutor, warned that Merchan could face a much more dynamic and unpredictable situation with Trump in front of the jury for the upcoming hush money trial. Something that gets blurted out in front of a jury is permanent, he said. As much as a judge will instruct a jury to disregard that, you cant un-ring the bell. Of course, Trumps conduct can cut both ways for a jury. Tuholski, who works to help prepare witnesses for trial, said that a jury will often sour on witnesses who argue with the judge or dont answer the questions theyre asked. In my world, witness demeanor is almost as important and sometimes more important than the actual witness testimony they offer, he said. CNNs Kara Scannell, Kristen Holmes and Lauren Del Valle contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com At a Kentucky cemetery, a groundskeeper discovered a South Carolina womans body inside a makeshift grave covered by branches and debris, according to federal court documents. After the groundskeeper called police, officers found a small can of gas close to the gravesite, behind a tree, that had traces of the womans DNA and her husbands DNA on June 13, 2020, court documents say. Nicole Zahnd Florentines body was partially charred, and an autopsy revealed she was shot in the head before she was found dead at Hill Cemetery in Fredonia, according to federal prosecutors. Lawrence Joseph Florentine, her husband, was located 10 days later in Denver, Colorado, and arrested, prosecutors said. In October, he pleaded guilty in his wifes death, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of South Carolina, The Herald reported. Now, a judge has sentenced Florentine, 56, of Rock Hill, South Carolina, to 30 years in prison on charges of interstate domestic violence resulting in death, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, obstruction of justice, and use of fire to commit interstate domestic violence, the attorneys office announced in an April 10 news release. Florentines defense attorneys didnt respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News on April 10. At sentencing, U.S. District Judge Donald C. Coggins Jr. said Florentine deliberately prevented Nicoles family from learning of her death and that he deprived them the opportunity to properly mourn her, the release said. Prosecutors had hoped for an even lengthier sentence for Florentine, given how he hid his wifes body in Kentucky and then fled to Colorado, according to the attorneys office. The couple were married in 2018, prosecutors said in an earlier release. During their marriage, Florentine was arrested two times on charges of domestic violence, according to prosecutors. In December 2019, Florentine was accused of physically abusing his wife, who called law enforcement multiple times to report that he had threatened to kill, burn and bury her, prosecutors said. Remembering Nicole Nicole Zahnd Florentine was born in Greenville, South Carolina, and died at age 36 on June 7, 2020, according to her obituary. Described as having a tender heart, she had the most infectious, beautiful smile and a laugh that could make almost anyone laugh along with her, her obituary says. She was a mother of four children, a daughter and three sons, according to her obituary. She was survived by her children, her parents, three sisters, her maternal grandparents and a paternal grandmother. She wrote everything down and left her children, sisters, parents, and grandparents boxes of letters, journals, and doodles to remember her by, the obituary says. Senseless murder The home where Nicole Zahnd Florentine lived with her husband in Rock Hill burned down May 23, 2020, a few weeks before her body was recovered, according to prosecutors. As the home burned, Florentine sent angry text messages and photographs, indicating he was responsible for the fire to destroy Nicoles belongings, prosecutors said. The messages to his wife suggested Florentine believed she cheated on him, and the fire was his revenge, according to an affidavit filed in federal court. Hes facing arson charges in state court in connection with the blaze, prosecutors said. Following the fire, the couple had been driving together in North and South Carolina days before the gruesome discovery at the Kentucky cemetery, according to prosecutors. Two days before Nicole Zahnd Florentines body was found, Florentine bought a gas can and shovel at a Kentucky hardware store on June 11, 2020, prosecutors said. Based on Nicole Zahnd Florentines obituary, she had already been dead for several days. The stores clerk told investigators Florentine made the purchases after complaining about how the items cost him $21.99, according to prosecutors. Afterward, surveillance footage showed Florentine filling up the can at a local gas station, prosecutors said. Ahead of sentencing, Florentines defense counsel noted he accepted responsibility for his criminal actions, but appeared to suggest his wife was partly to blame for the circumstances leading up to her death in a sentencing memorandum submitted on Florentines behalf. In describing Florentine as a man who was a successful and well-educated businessman, his attorneys wrote he had abided by the law his entire life until marrying his wife, according to the sentencing memo. Florentines attorneys wrote federal prosecutors had crafted a story of a cold-blooded murder and a volatile and violent relationship for which Larry is solely responsible, and argued this is not the case. After prosecutors said Florentine shot and killed his wife, he got rid of the gun he used, as well as cellphones, identification and personal items to hide evidence while traveling to Colorado, according to authorities. Nicoles senseless murder reminds us that domestic violence can happen to anyone and we all must work to protect and support those experiencing abuse, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs said in a statement. We hope this sentence brings some measure of closure to her loved ones as they remember Nicole. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Deputy strangles woman when she tries to end relationship, California officials say Dad sought hitman on dark web to kill the parents of 5 children he adopted, feds say Trail of blood led to mom stabbed to death by son, officials say. Now, hes sentenced WAUTOMA, Wis. (WFRV) A wild deer in Waushara County tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD), the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed on Thursday. A release from the Wisconsin DNR states that the affected 3-year-old buck was found dead in early February in Wautoma and is confirmed to be the first positive test result for CWD in a Waushara County wild deer. Seven men arrested following an Oshkosh Police Department undercover prostitution investigation Wautoma is within 10 miles of the Marquette and Portage county borders that already have baiting and feeding bans in place. This positive CWD detection will cause the following: Waushara County will renew the ban already in place. Marquette and Portage counties currently have three-year baiting and feeding bans in place from positive detections within the county, so this detection will not impact those counties. The DNR is required by state law to enact a three-year baiting and feeding ban in counties where CWD has been detected, as well as a two-year ban in adjoining counties within 10 miles of a CWD detection. Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Appleton, police investigating CWD is a fatal, infectious nervous system disease of deer, moose, elk, and reindeer/caribou caused by an infectious protein that affects the animals brain. More information about baiting and feeding regulations can be found here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. After delays in the process originally set to begin earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency will begin the demolition of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose on April 16, beginning with a ceremony for the families of victims. EPA on-scene coordinator Valeriy Bizyayev said at a Wednesday press conference in Canon City that preliminary site work had already begun as EPA contractors spray insecticide and disinfectants on the property and conduct environmental monitoring. Bizyayev warned that nearby residents would see increased activity at the site and may smell the vinegar-based disinfectant. The building, located along Colorado 115 at 31 Werner Rd., was the site of a horrific discovery last fall nearly 200 improperly stored bodies, some of which had been decaying for years. Jon and Carie Hallford, the owners of the building tied to their funeral home practice, are facing hundreds of felony charges related to the discovery. Bizyayev said that after the ceremony at 9 a.m. next Tuesday the site will be closed to the public. Crews will push the building down into its footprint before securing materials in lined and wrapped trucks for delivery to the Otero County landfill. The building footprint will then be scraped down to healthy soil. He said that the process would eliminate health and safety concerns related to the property. "At that point there really is no environmental hazard," Bizyayev said. "There is no public safety hazard." Featured Local Savings According to Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, 18 bodies of the 189 found at the property remain unidentified. He said that the process of identifying the bodies with DNA was underway, but would "still take months." At the press conference, Keller urged family members not to reach out to provide DNA samples but wait for the office to contact them. As for what happens to the property after the demolition, officials could not definitively say. Fremont County Commissioner Kevin Grantham said that the property, still owned by the Hallfords with unpaid property tax bills, is not yet under the purview of the county. "At this point it's really unknown," he said. Bizyayev said the EPA has a current cost recovery and enforcement case started against the owners. He said that the current cost of demolition and cleanup is above $200,000. Too tired, too busy, too disinterested and for a myriad of other reasons we just watched low numbers of voters coming to the polls for the primary election in March. It wasnt because there wasnt a lot of polling locations, and in many counties registered voters can vote at any of the polling locations in their home county. Lets look at the past. Apparently colonial voters boozed it up to, through and after the polling. George Washington is reported to have plied his potential voters with 47 gallons of beer, 35 gallons of wine, 2 gallons of cider, 3.5 pints of brandy and a total of 70 gallons of rum punch. The in-person election went in his favor. Now those were the good ole days, even before paper ballots and hand counts. Elections were audible with headcounts. Who were the voters? Wealthy, white, landholding, Protestant men. Private visits from candidates were common. On election day (whenever that was), supporters would rent out taverns for the pre-vote partying, then masses of men would parade to the polls. Then there was the after-partybooze and food no matter how they voted. Certainly, an election day with an asterisk! So just how did we end up with an official day for federal elections? Congress was concerned with how the undue influence of diverse elections across the country had on votes cast for federal positions and issues. Why November, why Tuesday? Why not weekend days like most of Europe, Canada and other countries when most people are not working? Terry Cook Go back to 1845. America was primarily an agrarian nation. Crops were planted during spring or early summer, then harvested all the way into late fall. Polling sites were county seats and transportation was a horse and buggy. Some of those counties could require two days to reach the county seat and that much time to return home. Church was on Sunday (for most), market day was Wednesday, and that horse and buggy were needed to go shopping in town. They decided to declare the Tuesday after the first Monday of November to be our national day of voting for federal positions. So, thank the farm culture for our national day of voting. Now trying to change that could really cause substantial discord in Congress. Why, then, has Texas been traditionally near the bottom of the barrel in the percentage of registered voters casting those votes? Snow and ice are not our typical weather patterns in November. Regina Lawrence, a former director of the University of Texas' Annette Strauss Institute of Civic Life, spoke at a 2015 Deputy Voter Registrars renewal training rally on campus. She had analyzed the 2014 turnout and Texas voting in general. The Texas voter turnout for the 2014 election had been a dismal 28.5% of registered voters, missing the bottom only because Indiana bested us at staying home in the absence of any top-level races there. Although the turnout could have been worse. In 2010, only 1 in 3 eligible voters turned out to elect the Texas governor. Lawrence then walked us through her findings. There were many places to place blame. Disenfranchised voters: It wont matter if I vote. If you dont vote youll get shortchanged in policies and budgets. Ethnic groups are especially vulnerable if concentrated geographically (gerrymandering although much has been done to stymie that action). When you dont or cant vote for your candidate of choice, you are easily forgotten. Texas was renowned for making sure votes didnt matter by isolating or breaking up areas of minority voting blocs. Voter ID laws: Limiting IDs that could be used at the polls. Those lacking approved IDs are disproportionately African-American, Latino, young and elderly. For four of the allowed voter IDs, you have to visit a DPS office. Have you tried that lately? Depending on your age and type of ID, costs can run from free for disabled veterans to $33 and three of them cannot be expired more than four years. People from most countries must pass exams. IDs require appointments and handgun licenses require applications and higher fees. For more details, please visit Vote Texas ID and DPS License Fees. What about college students? In 2008, the college population helped deliver North Carolina to Barack Obama. Shortly thereafter, the Republicans in their Legislature voted to exclude student IDs as acceptable voter IDs. Other states followed and included removing poll sites from campuses so now any accessibility and convenience is gone for those voters. Students will just have to spend money on transportation that can get them close to an available polling site if they want to participate in the process. Hmmm, that sounds very familiar to actions taken in Texas. No power in the single vote: True in the Presidential race due to the Electoral College and less impactful in very large races. But down-ballot, your vote is very powerful. An Austin City Council member lost by 95 votes, a Cedar Park council member lost re-election by two votes, a Williamson County commissioner won by 166 votes, an incumbent justice of the peace lost by 89 votes. Each voter has so much power in their choices if theyd just vote in the down-ballot races and smaller elections such as municipal races. Those positions have so much influence on our lives, yet many voters stop voting after county-wide positions. Too hard to register to vote: In this day of banking on a smart phone, why cant we register to vote on them? Not only that but Texas restricts registration times to vote in an election, you must be registered 30 days prior to election day, the longest time restriction allowed by federal law. Is the goal to limit the number of voters? Many dont think about voting until its right in front of them, but oops, too late. Unless youre new to Texas and register as you obtain your first Texas drivers license, you must go somewhere ( but where?) or find a deputy voter registrar. They are credentialed to their county and may have other counties credentials, but despite the requirements across Texas being identical in each county, those deputy registrars are not free to register voters just anywhere in Texas. Too hard to vote: Where, when, long lines, by mail for some and the envelope inside an envelope and signing (how and where with what information?) is too much for many of those who qualify to use mail-in ballots. Williamson Countys elections administration team has done much to alleviate these issues although constrained by legislative mandates. You can look online by cell, tablet or computer, or call the elections office for information. If voting in person and the line is substantial, youd better bring your own water. The Legislature removed the option of some do-gooder handing you a bottle of cold water on a 95-degree day; dont want those voters hydrated! Our award-winning elections website has all the information available assuming the internet is available for you, including wait times at each polling site. For those of you voting by mail, please read that small print over and over until youre sure you understand all those steps in casting your ballot through the mail. The website even lets you track your mailed ballot up to its receipt at the Elections Department. For information, visit Williamson County Elections or call 512-943-1630. In closing, all is not gloom and doom. Vote out those who are bothersome and cast their votes to restrict our choices for student loan forgiveness or reductions, health insurance options, bodily autonomy, vote with indifference about global warming and pollution, voting laws, expansion of Medicaid, abolition of abortion rights no matter what, in-vitro fertilization, and our Medicare and Social Security benefits (Congress has their own medical and retirement system and get it for life after only one term). Vote out self-interests and vote in thoughtful deliberation in the interests of us all! Lets commit to shaking things up: doing the research, planning, showing up with a list if you need it (just no political literature) and change our world! Terry Cook is county commissioner of Precinct 1, which includes most of Round Rock, most of Austin in Williamson County and part of southern Cedar Park. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Williamson Commissioner Terry Cook: Why arent Texans voting? TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas governor is giving her approval on a workers compensation bill this week. Governor Laura Kelly is signing Senate Bill 430 Thursday, April 11, according to an announcement from the Office of the Governor. The bill updates the states workers compensation system. This legislation is a win for our workforce, our businesses, and organized labor, Kelly said. The reforms in this legislation will create a more just and efficient workers compensation system that increases the benefits for injured workers while creating administrative efficiencies and maintaining stability for businesses. The bill increases the maximum benefits for injured workers and adds a cost-of-living adjustment to those benefits starting in July 2027. It also provides workers compensation coverage for Kansas National Guard members which reduces the Social Security retirement offset for some disability benefits. SB 430 also streamlines the workers compensation process by: Limiting the use of independent medical exams Requiring the timely exchange of medical records Creating the ability to settle workers compensation cases without the need for a settlement hearing $1 million winning lottery ticket sold in NE Kansas SB 430 is the result of Labor, the Kansas Trial Lawyers Association, the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, and other business interests working together to improve the Kansas Workers Compensation Act, said Jan Fisher, representative of Kansas AFL-CIO. This legislation substantially increases the maximum compensation available for all injured workers or their dependents and automatically increases the maximum compensation levels to keep up with the cost of living. The compromise package also includes changes in the administrative system, increasing efficiency and access. For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. WIREGRASS (WDHN) A total of $5.8 million in grants was awarded to Alabama agencies to help citizens weatherize their homes, including one organization in the Wiregrass, the governors office announced Thursday. The Organized Community Action Program Inc., which services Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Bullock, Barbour, Butler, and Lowndes counties, received $558,584. The grants were awarded to 13 community agencies across the state. The funds will help low-income, elderly, and disabled residents weatherproof their homes to lower energy costs. This will include installing extra insulation in the attic, walls, and floor; sealing air leaks around doors and windows; repairs or tune-ups for air conditioning and heating units; and replacing incandescent light bulbs with high-efficiency bulbs A change in the weather can lead to a spike in home heating or cooling costs, forcing many to make difficult decisions about how to use their limited funds, Gov. Kay Ivey said. These grants will help low-income households make upgrades that will significantly reduce heating and cooling bills. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com. Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley will not seek reelection to the bench next spring a move that may threaten the slim liberal majority of the states high court. My decision has not come lightly. It is made after careful consideration and reflection. I know I can do the job and do it well. I know I can win reelection, should I run. But, its just time to pass the torch, bringing fresh perspectives to the court, Bradley said in her statement. She said she will retire at the end of her third 10-year term on July 31, 2025. Former Wisconsin Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel announced last year that he would run for Bradleys seat. Only four other justices in the state Supreme Courts 177-year history will have served longer than Bradley by the time she retires, she noted in the announcement. She became the first woman elected to the bench, rather than appointed, when she was first elected in 1995. The states Supreme Court has garnered national attention in recent years. The court nearly overturned President Bidens election win in 2020, coming one vote short of a majority, after former President Trump challenged the election in the state. The Wisconsin Supreme Court makes crucial decisions about womens reproductive rights, and for nearly 30 years we have had a defender of those freedoms in Justice Ann Walsh Bradley, Biden-Harris 2024 Wisconsin Communications Director Brianna Johnson said in a statement. With her decision not to seek reelection, the future of reproductive rights in Wisconsin is once again in flux. The statement continued, As Donald Trump brags about overturning Roe and enabling extreme state abortion bans across the country, its clear that the surest way voters can protect their abortion rights in Wisconsin is to reelect President Joe Biden this November. The Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to a liberal majority for the first time in 15 years in 2023, with the swearing in of now-Justice Janet Protasiewicz. She replaced former conservative Justice Patience Roggensack on the court to make it a 4-3 liberal majority. The court overturned GOP-drawn legislative maps in December, ruling that the current maps violate the state constitutions contiguity requirements. Protasiewicz had previously called the GOP-drawn maps unfair and rigged during her campaign. Updated at 6:48 p.m. EST. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Read the full story on Backfire News Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Concealing 'Dukes of Hazzard' Replica in Bankruptcy Case Bruce Polczynski, a 57-year-old resident of Minocqua, Wisconsin, faced federal sentencing for attempting to conceal a replica of the iconic 1969 Dodge Charger, known as the General Lee from the 'Dukes of Hazzard' TV series, during his bankruptcy proceedings. The U.S. Attorneys Office revealed that Polczynski was also accused of hiding a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, reminiscent of the vehicle featured in 'Smokey and the Bandit 2', although the car's movie connection wasn't officially established. Learn why nobody bought David Spades sinister muscle car here. Judge James Peterson handed Polczynski a sentence of three years probation and imposed a $1,000 fine. The judge underscored the gravity of the offense, pointing out that prison could be considered in similar future cases as a deterrent. He emphasized that Polczynskis sentencing was tempered by his health and financial circumstances, but the message was clear: hiding assets in bankruptcy is a serious offense. U.S. Attorney Timothy OShea noted the conspicuous nature of the vehicles made them easy to spot by investigators. The bright orange General Lee, complete with the iconic '01' marking and the near-movie-famous Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, were quickly discovered and subsequently sold off. O'Shea's statement highlighted the efficiency and determination with which the justice system can uncover attempts to conceal assets. Woman, 30, Dead After Getting 'Trapped' in Machinery at South Carolina Fabric Plant A worker at a fabric plant in South Carolina, identified as Brianna Danielle Coyle, died after getting caught in machinery, authorities said Brianna Coyle/Facebook Brianna Coyle A 30-year-old woman died after getting trapped in machinery at her job in South Carolina The employee, identified by authorities as Brianna Danielle Coyle, was transported to a local hospital where she died before 1 p.m. local time on Wednesday The South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Cherokee County Coroner are investigating A 30-year-old worker at a fabric plant in South Carolina died after getting caught in machinery, authorities said. The accident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. in Gaffney on Wednesday, April 10, when the worker identified as Brianna Danielle Coyle was on the job at Carolina Cotton Works, the Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said in a news release obtained by The State. Witnesses reported Coyle became trapped at the machine where she was working," Fowler told NBC affiliate WYFF-TV. "She was found by co-workers and transported to Cherokee Medical Center for treatment." She was pronounced dead shortly before 1 p.m., Fox affiliate WHNS-TV reported. Related: 16-Year-Old Boy Dies After 'Industrial Accident' at Wisconsin Sawmill: 'No Longer Suffering' Carolina Cotton Works was founded in 1995 and manufactures medical gowns and mask fabrics, as well as flame-retardant workwear, military apparel and auto interior fabric, according to its website 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. A company spokesperson has confirmed that an employee had died following a "tragic accident." Brianna Coyle/Facebook Brianna Coyle We had a tragic accident at CCW today," a human resources manager for the company said, according to WYFF. "Unfortunately, one of our employees has passed away. We are deeply saddened and are cooperating with the proper authorities as we conduct our investigation." Related: Man Struck and Killed on Highway While Chasing After Escaped Dog The coroners office as well as the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration are now investigating. The Cherokee County Coroner and Carolina Cotton Works did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for additional details. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. ST. LOUIS Authorities are searching for a woman accused of recently flashing a gun and stealing wrong orders of food at a south St. Louis McDonalds. The situation unfolded March 31 at a McDonalds in the 1900 block of South Jefferson Avenue in St. Louis Fox Park neighborhood. According to a St. Louis police crime summary report, a woman entered the McDonalds to pick up an order, but was informed her order was not at that location. The woman allegedly became upset, pulled a gun from her shorts and flashed the gun inside the restaurant. Driver arrested after blowing past Franklin County school bus, nearly hitting children The accused woman took off with orders that were not made for her in a dark-colored sedan. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department released photos of the suspect on Wednesday and says she is still wanted after the disturbance. If you have any information relevant to this investigation, contact the St. Louis regional CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Woman falls asleep in Lyft and wakes up to driver sexually assaulting her, CA cops say A Lyft driver is accused of sexually assaulting a passenger during her ride home, California officials said. In September, a Los Angeles woman called a Lyft from a restaurant, Santa Monica police said on Facebook. The driver was later identified as Fernando Macias Morales, 34, officers said in the April 10 post. The passenger fell asleep in the car and woke up to inappropriate touching, officials said. Once they got to her home, he offered to walk her to her door, but she refused, police said. When she got inside, she realized hours had passed since shed gotten in the Lyft, authorities said. On April 5, Morales was arrested on charges of kidnapping to commit a sexual act, oral copulation of a person intoxicated or under sedation, and sexual penetration of a person intoxicated or under sedation, officials said. Safety is fundamental to Lyft. The behavior described is reprehensible and has no place in the Lyft community or anywhere in society, a Lyft spokesperson told McClatchy News. Upon learning of this incident, we permanently banned the driver from the Lyft platform, contacted the rider to offer support, and assisted law enforcement with their investigation. Morales pleaded not guilty, according to an April 10 news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in prison, prosecutors said. Anyone with information is asked to call 310-458-2201, police said. If you have experienced sexual assault and need someone to talk to, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for support at 1-800-656-4673 or visit the hotline's online chatroom. Lyft driver accused of sexually assaulting female passengers, Colorado official says Doctor drugged, sexually assaulted date, CO officials say. Nine more women come forward Woman walking dog forced into car at gunpoint and sexually assaulted, WA cops say SMITHVILLE, Mo. A 50-year-old woman has been found not guilty in the 2020 deadly shooting of Shannon Tate in Smithville, Missouri. On Monday, April 8, a Clay County jury found Lori Ackerman not guilty on charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action. Three cows in Clay County, Missouri cause three-car crash The shooting was reported on the night of Dec. 10, 2020, near S. Commercial Avenue and Tipperary Street. When officers arrived on scene they found Tate with a gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital where he died the next day. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Ackerman and Tate were in a heated argument when they began to struggle over control of a handgun in their Smithville duplex. Ackerman shot Tate during that argument, court records say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A woman was hit and killed in a north St. Petersburg crash early Thursday. The St. Petersburg Police Department said officers were called to 112th Avenue Northeast just before 7 a.m. due to a crash involving a pedestrian. Police said the woman, who has not been identified, was taken to Bayfront Hospital and later died. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The crash remains under investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Characters in the books lined up on the new shelves of Penrose Library in downtown Colorado Springs would approve of the refurbished interior because their stories have a better chance of being read. More than two months after the Pikes Peak Library Districts flagship branch closed for renovations, Penrose reopened Wednesday to a big party with food, live music, activities, and oohs and aahs over the changes. The old, tall shelves have been turned into shorter, easy-to-reach units that allow more natural light into the main and lower levels. Combined with brightly colored fresh paint, matching new furniture and signage that together really pop, as patron Paul Chase described, theres an open, airy look and a brighter feel. I think people will really notice a difference, said Denise Abbott, Pikes Peak Library Districts chief communications officer. Its more energetic. In the first phase to modernize and make more safe the library that opened in 1968, users also will see added security cameras, reconfigured seating, more staff visible throughout keeping an eye on things and staff carrying radios to communicate more easily, Abbott said. Hundreds of bookworms from picture-book-thumbing toddlers to dedicated adult readers to people who just want to hang out pushed through the doors at Wednesday afternoons public reopening, which coincided with the local observation of National Library Week. Joanne Garrison, a sixth generation Manitou Springs native who now lives in Colorado Springs, said she wouldnt have missed it for anything. Its a special day, the 92-year-old said, using her walker to maneuver around to find out how she could donate a book she brought with her. Garrison likes many aspects of Penrose Library, which offers traditional books, videos, recording devices, a computer lab, meeting rooms, reading groups, copiers and other services and equipment. But the thing she said she most appreciates is that its open to everyone. They dont discriminate and say, 'You cant come in.' They even let me in, she said, smiling. Being located near a large soup kitchen and a park where people who are homeless congregate, Penrose Library also is sought out by people living on the streets or in shelters. In recent years, the library has provided space to store backpacks, bags with hygiene supplies, cellphone charging, fresh water and other amenities. But the homeless communitys presence also has led to the need for the library district to increase security inside and out, to deter illegal overnight camping on its grounds and as Chief Librarian and CEO Teona Shainidze-Krebs said Wednesday, To ensure this library is a safe place for all. Homeless people have a right to use the library, but not to the point that it's abused, said library patron Angelo Palmieri, who claims Penrose as his neighborhood library. Featured Local Savings We hope this initiative will be a solution, he said. Otherwise, history will repeat itself. There are days we like to come here just for the sake of reading a newspaper, and sometimes that can feel a little sketchy. My hope is the library goes back to something thats more balanced. Security incidents have increased over the past year, according to library officials. People have been cited for being disruptive, violating internet use, abusing library property, engaging in criminal activity on site, including drug use, not complying with staff direction, breaching terms of suspension, disrupting alarms and other problems. Patrons who attended Wednesday's reopening were pleased with what they saw and optimistic the changes will improve the environment. Debbie Frye said Penrose Library is one of her favorite places to go because she loves all the materials, such as DVDs and videos. Paul Chase and his friend Victoria Jenkins said they like to relax at Penrose, meet new friends and look at educational materials. Jenkins said she appreciates the friendly staff and that youth and teen sections are separated from adult books. Penrose closed Feb. 1 for renovations. Its been crazy without it, she said. Everybodys been at home or at the park. Its been lonely and boring without it open. Patron Jim Roth said he met the woman who would become his wife at Denver Public Library in 1978, and theyre still married. We love libraries, he said. We want to support libraries. Theyre a special place. New Penrose Library director Takiyah Jemison, who has worked in different jobs for the library district since 2015, said its nice that employees now have a direct line-of-sight to see from one end of the main library section to the other. That also makes it look bigger, she said. We want to create a space that is not only safe but also functional so the community can enjoy the services the library offers, Jemison said. Improvements will continue throughout the year. Panic buttons for emergencies, a reconfigured computer lab, a new charging station for electronics to replace electrical outlets near seating, exterior boulders, fencing the perimeter and stairwells are to come. Also, an adaptive technology lab will be installed by July 1, Abbott said. That news to a patron named Cynthia, who uses a wheelchair, means Christmas just came early, she said. Woman killed while trapped in machinery at South Carolina fabric plant, coroner says A woman working at a textile plant in Upstate South Carolina was killed when she became entangled in the machinery, according to a coroners report. It happened around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, at Carolina Cotton Works in Gaffney, Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler said in a news release. Gaffney is near the North Carolina state line, about a 55-mile drive southwest from Charlotte The victim was identified as Brianna Danielle Coyle, 30, of Blacksburg, he said. Witnesses reported Coyle became trapped at the machine where she was working, Fowler said. She was found by co-workers and transported to Cherokee Medical Center for treatment. She succumbed to her injuries and died in the emergency department at 12:57 p.m. Fowlers office is investigating, along with the South Carolina Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Carolina Cotton Works is in the dyeing and finishing business and known for creating medical gowns and mask fabrics, flame-retardant work wear, military apparel and auto interior fabric. Car wash employee dies after getting trapped in machinery in North Carolina, cops say Worker killed when he gets pulled into wood chipper at lumber yard, Georgia cops say Worker dies after he falls into concrete mixer and gets trapped, Florida deputies say Woman texts employer to say she cant come to work because she was kidnapped, cops say When a woman texted her employer saying she couldnt come to work because of a dire situation, a tip by that employer led to an arrest in North Dakota, police said. The Fargo Police Department said the woman texted her employer Monday, April 8, to say she was being held hostage by her ex-boyfriend, according to an April 11 news release. The employer then alerted police in Fargo. Officers safely removed the woman from the home, and she detailed a three-day kidnapping situation involving her ex-boyfriend, police said. The woman said she was held hostage at gunpoint and was not allowed to leave since Friday, April 5. Her ex-boyfriend, identified as 39-year-old Anthony Peterson, was discovered sleeping on the couch and in possession of a handgun, according to police. He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, felonious restrain, terrorizing with a dangerous weapon and possession of stolen property, police said in the news release. During this call for service, the officers demonstrated the department core value of guardianship, police said. Through their swift and meticulous actions on scene, they were able to end a tense situation while maintaining safety for all parties on scene. 9-year-old breaks free from masked man grabbing her in backyard, Massachusetts cops say 20-year-old tortured and killed after texting mom for help, AL cops say. 7 charged Hostage held in basement for days escapes when man comes to kill her, TN officials say As CLT becomes surge point for abortion access, some women fear Trump will restrict it even further if re-elected As CLT becomes surge point for abortion access, some women fear Trump will restrict it even further if re-elected CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) North Carolina has the loosest abortion restrictions in the southeast region, where women can get a procedure up to 12 weeks into pregnancy and, in some extreme cases, 24 weeks. Providers say dozens of women travel from out of state to Charlotte to get care every day. Some women fear a new presidential administration could make it even harder to get reproductive care throughout the country. Women from Louisiana and Texas traveled to North Carolina Wednesday to stand alongside local leaders to share their stories of how abortion bans impacted their lives at a Joe Biden-Kamala Harris campaign event. I realized I was having a miscarriage, but because of [Louisianas] abortion ban, that healthcare team was afraid to tell me what was happening, Kaitlyn Joshua, a Louisiana resident, said. They sent me home with prayers. The majority of US states have restricted abortion access since the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. Daughter of WBT radio host passes away after complications from blood clot North Carolina is the only southeastern state that allows abortions up to 12 weeks with at least two in person consultations before the procedure. The law was changed by a majority Republican state legislature in 2023 that overrode Gov. Roy Coopers veto. There are exceptions for certain medical emergencies. We know that in our own city, there has been an increase in demand as southern states implement more restrictive laws, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said. The recent decision by the Florida Supreme Court will no doubt increase the number of patients that need this care. Arizona Supreme Court upheld a near-total abortion ban with minimal restrictions except for life-threatening circumstances. While former President Trump was in office he nominated the justices who later overturned Roe. In a statement Wednesday, Trump said Arizonas ban goes too far. Trump recorded a campaign video earlier this week where he said he was proud to have overturned Roe vs. Wade because he believes abortion rights are a state issue. Many states will be different, many states will have a different number of weeks, Trump said. At the end of the day, its about the will of the people. Data from Guttmacher reveals the number of abortions provided to patients from out of state. In North Carolina, 35% of the nearly 16,000 abortion patients in 2023 were from out of state. There are 14 clinics in this state, Calla Hales Executive Director at Preferred Womens Health Center said. We are all packed, clinics have already had to expand our access because now instead of seeing a patient once we have to see them twice to be utterly blunt, I dont know how we will expand. K9 Hasso, a missing persons tracker, wins CMPDs 2024 Officer Good Boi competition Some women fear access to abortion will shrink even further if Trump is reelected as president. It is unthinkable to me that anyone could cheer on the cruel abortion bans that nearly killed me but he does, Amanda Zurawski Texas resident said. Starting May 1st, Florida will restrict abortions after 6 weeks. Providers are concerned that the 14 clinics in the North Carolina state will be even more overwhelmed with women coming from Florida who need care. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A woman who was said to be the victim of an armed robbery while working at OReillys Auto Parts last Veterans Day is now alleged to be the one who planned it, according to new documents. Allegedly when she was asked why she did this, she replied that she needed money to pay for a trip to New York and to purchase an Apple Macbook laptop. An arrest affidavit released Monday details the original report on Veterans Day 2023. It said that the worker, Emily Rose had gone to work that morning and was opening up shop when a man with a gun approached her. Oklahoma Sheriff says man wanted after allegedly attempting to break into a home Allegedly he hit her and then demanded she open up the door and turn off the alarm, so she did. Then he forced her to open up the safe, which had over $13,300 at the time because they had been closed and couldnt deliver the money to the bank. The suspect allegedly punched Rose in the face, took the money, and then ran away. The getaway car was said to be a block away near Northwest 11th Street and Vermont Avenue. The driver sped off. Its so shocking, I figured I would have seen that, said Tina Speer. The alleged getaway car was parked outside of her home that day. Thats insane. Im the eyes of the neighborhood. I keep an eye on things around here and something like that happened, Im honestly shocked, said Speer. Rose called the police who showed up and questioned her, the report states that she had a slight bruise on her head. The report shows that when police asked Rose about the situation she seemed to be very vague. No suspect had been found for months. But shortly after Rose had been caught by management for embezzlement. A different case stated that she stole money from early October until the day that the robbery occurred. She admitted to police that she stole over $2,000 and was sent to jail as a result. Pott. County Judge throws out VPO case against 9-year-old after OK attorney calls her out Late February after Rose had gotten out of jail a witness came forward and said that Rose confessed to allegedly planning the Veterans Day armed robbery. According to documents her boyfriend Justin (police had no last name) was the suspect and had punched her beforehand to make it look like a real robbery. In the car allegedly were Krista (the driver) and Madison. Justin went through it all and when he ran out he went to the vehicle and Krista allegedly drove off. The money is said to have been split three ways between Madison, Justin, and Rose. Krista was said to have been paid $500 for just driving. There are no details about the three others allegedly involved as the investigation is ongoing but an arrest warrant has been filed for Rose. KFOR reached out to OReillys and a worker there said that they were just glad that they could get past the situation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Authorities are investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead inside a home with apparent trauma to his body, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Thursday afternoon. At approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday, police responded to a residence on Fenwick Street after receiving an anonymous 911 call. When police officers arrived, they found a dead male inside the home with apparent trauma to his body. A search warrant was later executed at the residence, Ryan said. At this time, there is no reason to believe there is any danger to the public, Framingham Police Chief Lester Baker said in a videotaped message on social media on Wednesday. Baker said his department is working closely with the state police and Ryans office to investigate. Please know that with every case of this nature, the Bureau of Investigative Services is working tirelessly to bring this case to a close, Baker said. Neighbors described the unusual scene Wednesday night. Late last night, there were still some cruisers over there with their lights on, said neighbor Angelina Portuense. They put up some crime scene tape and early morning, I want to say about 1 a.m., there were some vans, lights lit up and people walking around outside. Janet Kennedy, who lives down the street, says she never sees people going in or out of the Fenwick Street residence. It was always the same type of cars that were in the driveway, they didnt move, she said. Here, you see its only three houses, but a lot of traffic, she said. Nobody notices. Theyre all trying to get home, pick up their kids. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is pending to identify the victim and to determine the cause of death. State Police detectives assigned to Ryans office and Framingham Police are investigating. 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 (FOX40.COM) The worlds largest operating steam locomotive is getting ready to hit the tracks once again and it will be making its way to an iconic Northern California railroad town. Video Above: Wings Over Solano Brings Thousands to Travis Air Force Base Union Pacifics Big Boy No. 4014, will be journeying across Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Nevada before crossing into the Golden State for its final tour stop in Roseville. Rotary plows, spreaders and flangers: The tools used to clear snow from railroad tracks The Big Boy locomotive symbolizes the pivotal role railroads played in shaping our nations history, and the technological advances we have witnessed within our industry, said Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena. We are thrilled to share this living piece of history with our employees and the public, and we love seeing the enthusiasm this locomotive generates wherever its whistle blows. About Big Boy No. 4014 4014 is one of seven surviving Big Boys of the original 25 that were built in the late 1930s to early 1940s. Union Pacific took delivery of 4014 in December 1941 and it served the railroad until December 1961 after traveling over one-million miles. Where are the precious spikes of the Transcontinental Railroad After retirement 4014 found its way to Pomona, California where it was displayed at the RailGiants Museum until 2013. Union Pacific reacquired the behemoth locomotive and brought it back to Cheyenne, Wyoming where it underwent a multi-year restoration for its return to service in May 2019 for the 150th Anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroads completion. When will Big Boy be in Roseville? After leaving Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 30, 4014 will steam ahead to Roseville for an arrival date of July 12. Cleanup continues on Roseville train derailment Once in Roseville, 4014 will remain on public display until July 13 before heading east toward Ogden, Utah for its next major display days. 4014 is expected to arrive in Ogden on July 20 and remain there until July 21 before it returns home for Cheyenne. When the Big Boy arrives it is important to remember to remain at least 25 feet from all railroad tracks. For more information about Big Boy and his upcoming westward-bound tour click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The wreckage of the Titanic was found nearly 39 years ago during a secret US Navy mission to recover nuclear submarines The Titanic sank 112 years ago, in April 1912, but the wreckage was only found 39 years ago. Robert Ballard and Jean-Louis Michel found the wreckage 73 years after the ship sank. Decades later, Ballard revealed that the dive was actually a secret Cold War Navy mission. Almost immediately after the Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, there were attempts to recover the wreckage and the bodies of those who had gone down with the ship. However, the limited diving technology of the time prevented this from becoming a reality for more than seven decades. On September 1, 1985 almost 39 years ago the wreckage was found during a joint exploration by an American oceanographer, Robert Ballard, who was also a Navy officer, and a French oceanographer, Jean-Louis Michel, as The New York Times reported at the time. But the dive initially had nothing to do with the Titanic at all it was a secret mission to find the wrecks of two nuclear submarines, the USS Scorpion and the USS Thresher. However, this information was not made public until 2008, when Ballard revealed the true nature of the mission to National Geographic. "The Navy is finally discussing it," Ballard told National Geographic in 2008. Robert Ballard during a book tour in 1987. Bettmann/Getty Ballard originally met with the US Navy in 1982 to secure funding for a new type of submersible technology that would allow him to find the Titanic. The Navy agreed to fund the project, but only if it would be used to investigate the sunken submarines. The USS Thresher sank in April 1963, and the USS Scorpion followed five years later, in May 1968. They remain the only nuclear submarines the Navy has ever lost, reported the United States Naval Institute. The Navy agreed that Ballard could search for the Titanic if there were any time left in the mission after finding the subs and after confirming whether the Soviet Union had played any part in sinking them. "We saw no indication of some sort of external weapon that caused the ship to go down," Ronald Thunman, then the deputy chief of naval operations for submarine warfare, told National Geographic. A shot of the Titanic wreck in 1996. Xavier Desmier/Gamma-Rapho/Getty With 12 days left in the mission, Ballard found the Titanic using a hunch that the ship had split in two and left a trail of debris. "That's what saved our butts," Ballard said to National Geographic. "It turned out to be true." Ballard said the Navy was nervous that people would catch on to why they were actually scouring the ocean floor. "The Navy never expected me to find the Titanic, and so when that happened, they got really nervous because of the publicity," Ballard said. "But people were so focused on the legend of the Titanic they never connected the dots." So, 23 years later, Ballard disclosed the truth about his mission. He also wrote about his experience finding the ship in his book "The Discovery of the Titanic." "It was one thing to have won to have found the ship," he wrote. "It was another thing to be there. That was the spooky part." Correction: July 18, 2023 An earlier version of this story misstated when the USS Scorpion disappeared. It was lost in May 1968, not May 1965. Read the original article on Business Insider National Work Zone Awareness Week starts next week, but recent data shows some drivers in Washington havent been very aware of work zones so far this year. WSDOT revealed staggering statistics from work zone crashes last year. According to WSDOT, there were ten fatal crashes, 28 serious injury crashes, 341 minor injury crashes, and 849 property damage-only crashes. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities scarred. The counties with the four highest-crash numbers were King (454), Snohomish (173), Pierce (121), and Clark (101). Three of these counties were the scenes of multiple crashes just this week. On Monday, four crashes in WSDOT work zones were reported within 24 hours, with the first three occurring within 12 hours. Weve learned that one occurred in Everett on I-5, two on I-405 between Renton and Bellevue, and the fourth in Vancouver. The crash in Vancouver is the second one this year. The first crash in that area involved a driver who was allegedly under the influence. That crash landed six workers in the hospital. So far, in 2024, 10 workers have been injured due to collisions in work zones. WSDOT says the top three causes for 2023 work zone collisions were: Following too closely Excessive speed Inattention/distracted driving We have crashes all year, but the number of people sent to the hospital in the first three months is concerning to us, said Barbara LaBoe, spokesperson for Washingtons Department of Transportation. The solution is simple: pay attention and drive safely. You know we can do all that we can by setting up traffic control plans, equipment, cones, and signs, but we also need the public to participate and have safe driving behaviors through work zones, said Aisha Dayal, a Washington Department of Transportation spokesperson. KANSAS CITY, Kan. Wyandotte County residents within the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District (USD 500) will vote next month on a bond proposal for the school district. In January, the Board of Education for KCKPS approved a $420 million bond proposal, set for residents to vote on the May 7 ballot. Unleased Pet Rescue to sell building in Mission The recommended facility upgrades and improvements are based on input gathered from students, parents, staff, and community members through a facilities assessment survey, according to KCKPS. The bond includes the rebuilding of Central and Argentine Middle Schools, replacing older elementary school buildings, eliminating mobile classrooms, a new state-of-the-art public library, a new district aquatic center and comprehensive renovations to existing schools campuses. KCKPS Superintendent Dr. Anna Stubblefield said the district is hosting multiple meetings leading up to the election for people to ask questions and provide feedback. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The first meeting was held Thursday night at Central Middle School. What were bringing forth was actually requested by the community through various opportunities they gave input in over the course of several years, Stubblefield said. Stubblefield said if the bond fails it would be back to the drawing board. Stubblefield said the projects are more than the annual budget can afford, which already covers day-to-day repairs. For tax payers, the mill levy will sit at 8.5. If you have a home thats $125,000, its about $122 per year, she said. Thats not sitting right for some. Christina Aquindo attended Thursday nights information session to share her thoughts. Living in Wyandotte County, we have astronomical taxes. Its put a burden on us, on me, she said. We are low performing, so I dont think more walls or pretty paint is going to get us to that academic level of $420 million. Others like Tamia Mahone are still not sure how they feel. I just heard about it and Im just here to get more information and what the plans are when they get the money, Mahone said. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 22, at F.L. Schlagle High School and the last meeting will be held on Thursday, April 25, at J.C. Harmon High School. All meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. with dinner provided. To register for a meeting, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Patrick Cole Ochoa, 19, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, pleaded before Collier Circuit Judge Elizabeth Krier no contest to one count of robbery with a weapon. One of two Naples teens who authorities said robbed a man at gunpoint during a planned meeting to buy Air Jordans and Yeezys posted on Instagram entered a plea deal Wednesday. Patrick Cole Ochoa, 19, pleaded before Collier Circuit Judge Elizabeth Krier no contest to one count of robbery with a weapon and was sentenced to four years in prison with 20 days of credit for time served. He was arrested along with Anthony Zangrilli, now 20. The seller listed a used pair of men's Air Jordan 3 UNC shoes for $200 and a used pair of men's Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 sneakers for $450 on Instagram, according to detectives. About 6 p.m. July 16, the seller agreed to meet Zangrilli, who was a stranger, in the parking lot of a local business on U.S. 41 East. Pickup impounded: Pickup believed involved in deadly Collier County hit-and-run impounded in Hendry County Zangrilli arrived with Ochoa, police reports indicate. When the seller showed the shoes, Zangrilli pulled out a firearm and pointed it at the seller's face and demanded the shoes. Ochoa lifted his shirt and revealed a black firearm tucked in his waistband, according to detectives. Deputies found the stolen sneakers and two loaded firearms in a room where Zangrilli was staying at the Glades Motel, 3115 U.S. 41 E., a short distance from where the robbery occurred. Zangrilli also faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony violation of probation. He is currently on probation for an armed robbery and kidnapping in 2021. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran and Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Teen armed robber sentenced to 4 years in prison for Yeezy theft U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert secured the top spot on the Republican primary ballot in Colorado's 4th Congressional District by winning the delegate vote at Friday's GOP district assembly in Pueblo. "I said I don't care if I have to go to that assembly on a stretcher!" Boebert said to cheers that echoed inside an arena at the State Fairgrounds. Boebert underwent surgery Tuesday after doctors diagnosed her with a condition that disrupts blood flow and found a blood clot in her leg and. Boebert's physician said she is expected to make a full recovery. At the same time, one of Boebert's chief primary rivals, former state Sen. Ted Harvey of Highlands Ranch the only Republican in the field who put all his chips on the assembly process failed to receive the necessary delegate support to qualify for the ballot. Two other candidates, meanwhile, didn't make the ballot but still have hope if their petitions are ruled sufficient. Former state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg of Sterling nor state Rep. Richard Holtorf of Akron each came up short in the delegate vote but kept their votes above the point-of-no-return threshold that would have prevented them from qualifying by petition. In Colorado, candidates have three options to make the primary ballot: by turning in a sufficient number of petition signatures 1,500 for congressional races; by receiving at least 30% support at nominating assemblies; or, by taking both routes. Candidates who go with the hybrid option have the same petition requirements but need only get 10% of the delegate vote. The candidate who finishes in the lead at assembly wins top-line designation on the primary ballot. At Friday's assembly, Boebert got 40% of the vote, followed by Harvey at 25%, Sonnenberg at 18% and Holtorf at 15%. Featured Local Savings "I promised that I was not going to treat this as a coronation or something that was owed to me," Boebert told the crowd after results were announced, "but that I would work every day and travel county to county and hear from you all and earn your support and earn your vote." Boebert moved from the more competitive Western Colorado district she's represented for two terms into the reliably Republican district. Before her assembly win, Boebert already qualified for the primary by petition. So had Deborah Flora, a Douglas County filmmaker and former talk radio host, who declined to go through the assembly. In addition to Sonnenberg and Holtorf, another four Republicans are awaiting word on petitions they submitted last month state Rep. Mike Lynch of Wellington, oil and gas industry advocate Floyd Trujillo, former top congressional aide Chris Phelen and business consultant Peter Yu. It's a complicated playing field taking shape for the Eastern Colorado seat abandoned by former U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, the Windsor Republican who said in November that he wouldn't seek reelection and then announced in March that he would resign at the end of the following week. That triggered a special election on June 25 the same day as the primary to fill the remainder of Buck's term, through the end of the year. Greg Lopez, a former Parker mayor and two-time gubernatorial candidate, won the GOP nomination for the special election at a convention late last month. He'll face first-time candidate Trisha Calvarese, the Democratic nominee, and Hannah Goodman, the Colorado Libertarian Party's chairwoman and her party's nominee. Democrats plan to hold their nominating assembly for the primary election on April 11. Candidates include Calvarese, Marine veteran and the party's previous nominee for the seat Ike McCorkle, mechanical engineer John Padora and attorney and political science professor Karen Breslin. Authorities in Georgia are asking the public for help tracking a growing invasive hornet species that preys on honeybees and other pollinators and, if allowed to continue to flourish, could threaten agriculture the state's main economic driver. The move comes after the Georgia Department of Agriculture eradicated a yellow-legged hornet's nest reported by a resident at a home in greater Savannah on Monday, state DOA spokesperson Matthew Agvent said Thursday. The insect is a close relative of the "murder hornet". The Georgia Department of Agriculture on April 8, 2024, eradicated a yellow-legged hornets nest reported by a resident at a home in greater Savannah. The invasive species are threat to honeybees and agriculture. Sixth nest destroyed in US found in Georgia The nest destroyed marks the sixth discovered and destroyed in United States since last summer, state land management officials confirmed to USA TODAY. As of Thursday yellow-hornet nests had only been discovered in Georgia. "A couple yellow-legged hornets have been found in the neighboring part of South Carolina, but they have not found any nests on their side," Agvent said. "The five nests we found last year were those larger secondary nests and the nest that was located and destroyed on Monday was an embryonic nest," Agvent added. Can cicadas bite? How to prepare when 'trillions' are expected to descend this summer When was the first yellow-legged hornet nest found? The first yellow-legged hornet nest was spotted in August by a Savannah beekeeper who reported the sighting to the state agency. The agency, partnered with the University of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), said the finding marked the first detection of the non-native species in "the open United States." Last month Clemson Universitys Plant Industry Department captured a yellow-legged hornet queen in Jasper County and eliminated it's nest the Bluffton Today, part of the USA TODAY Network reported. In addition to threatening domestic and feral honey bees, according to the USDA, the hornets threaten crops. It was not immediately known how the invasive insects made their way the U.S. soil, but University of Georgia (UGA) scientists found evidence suggesting they originated in Asia. The 2024 cicada invasion: How to save your trees and shrubs from damage Georgia stepping up efforts to track, kill yellow-legged hornets This week, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said the agency, in coordination with federal and state partners, is "significantly stepping up" efforts to eradicate" the yellow-legged hornet from Georgia. The department, according to land management officials, is increasing the number of traps in the Savannah area 170 in 2023 to more than 1,000 traps this year. Harper also said the department is hiring additional staff and plans to use "new, cutting-edge technology" to eradicate the insects. The Georgia Department of Agriculture on April 8, 2024, eradicated a yellow-legged hornets nest reported by a resident at a home in greater Savannah. The invasive species are threat to honeybees and agriculture. Crews plan to use new trackers to track the invasive species back to their nests using trackers lighter (.15 grams) than previous trackers used last year (.31 grams), the department said, adding the heavier trackers impacted the hornets ability to fly and impacted the agency's ability to track the hornets. The trackers are equipped with wing sensors calibrated to recognize the unique frequency wingbeat of yellow-legged hornets in an effort to alert teams on the ground when they detect the insect's activity. "This invasive pest is a threat to native pollinators and our states number one industry, agriculture, and we continue to ask for the publics help as we do everything in our power to achieve complete eradication," Harper said. Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced September 20, 2023, officials located and destroyed a second yellow-legged hornet nest found on Wilmington Island. What does a yellow-legged hornet look like? The yellow-legged hornet is wasp species can grow up to an inch long, according to the nation's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Their nests, which are large and contain up to 6,000 workers, are made above ground from "paper-like material" and in addition to trees, can be found on garages, barns and sheds. When do yellow-legged hornet queens emerge? Mated queens emerge in the spring to find a food source, establish an embryonic nest, and begin producing workers, land management officials said. Once the colony has grown enough, they will establish a much larger secondary nest in the summertime. "In our experience these secondary nests are typically located about 80 to 100 feet high in a tree," Agvent said. According to APHIS, the species was first spotted in the U.S. in August 2023 when a beekeeper in Savannah reported an unusual hornet on his property to the Georgia land management officials. Agency staff and pest management professionals destroyed the nest on Aug. 23 in a residential neighborhood on Wilmington Island. After that nest was eradicated, scientists Lewis Bartlett with UGA and Jamie Ellis with the University of Florida examined it and identified developing hornets within the nest but found no evidence of reproductive males or queens in the colony. Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Yellow-legged hornet, invasive species, sparks concern in Georgia LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) A shop boasted as the states biggest coffeehouse, home to beans sourced from Yemen and a brew recipe dating back 500 years, has opened in central Ohio. Named Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co., the Michigan-based brand is now welcoming patrons to the new shop at 8911 S. Old State Road in Lewis Center, near Polaris Fashion Place. The new location opened in March and marks the brands second central Ohio shop after the first opened last year in Hilliard at 3221 Hilliard Rome Road. Hummingbirds are migrating; when they will arrive in Ohio Qamaria says its traditional coffee is brewed using the worlds first coffee recipe, given historians say monks in 14th-century Yemen were the first to cultivate coffee and brew the beverage the way coffee is known today. The brand also sources from farmers in Yemen who process the beans using century-old drying methods. Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co. is now welcoming patrons to the new shop at 8911 S. Old State Road in Lewis Center. (Courtesy Photo/Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Co.) We are proud to source conflict-free Yemeni coffee. We work with farmers who have continued their prideful harvest of coffee beans despite the difficult circumstances, the company states on its site, referring to Yemens civil war raging since 2014. Once successfully transported, we carefully profile our beans to craft complimentary roast that pays homage to its Yemeni roots. The shop is one of several new coffeehouses to open in Delaware County, including Coastline Coffee Company now brewing in a historic market building dating to 1883. Operated by mother and daughter Kym and Elizabeth Hampton, the building has served several tenants throughout the past 141 years, including a convenience store and an ice cream shop. Man struck when car crashes into Fox in the Snow Cafe National coffeehouse Caribou Coffee also opened a new central Ohio shop in Delaware, as part of the companys plan to launch 60 locations across Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. The new coffeehouse will be the third operated by franchisee Mike Mariola Restaurants, who announced an agreement with Caribou in 2021 to open 60 shops in Ohio. Along with cappuccinos, lattes and other hot and iced coffees, Qamaria is home to Yemeni teas and a selection of pastries. The Lewis Center shop has been open from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. to accommodate for Ramadan, and will soon be announcing new hours since the Islamic holiday has ended. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. New York City to wind down deal with embattled medical company tasked with housing migrants ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) New York City will move to end its contract with a medical services company hired to house and care for a recent influx of international migrants, following scrutiny over the firms costly deal with the city and the quality of its humanitarian services. Mayor Eric Adams office on Tuesday said the city would not renew its contract with DocGo before it expires on May 5 and will instead search for a new housing provider for migrants. DocGo, which previously worked with the city to provide COVID-19 testing, was awarded a $432 million no-bid emergency contract last year to help the city manage a massive new population of migrants. The arrangement drew questions from city Comptroller Brad Lander, who in reviewing the contract determined there wasnt enough detail to justify the cost and that it wasnt clear how the company had the expertise to transport, house and feed thousands of migrants. News reports from the New York Times and Albany Times Union also detailed alleged mistreatment of migrants under the companys care, including issues with health care and food waste, among other things. Its chief executive officer resigned after he admitted to lying about his educational record. DocGo currently provides care for 3,600 migrants in New York, half in the metro area and half upstate, officials said. The company will continue to provide services for migrants who were relocated upstate until a new vendor is picked, with the city aiming to have a new contractor by the end of the year. In New York City, officials will temporarily use an existing contract with the company Garner Environmental Services to care for migrants. This will ultimately allow the city to save more money and will allow others, including non-profits and internationally-recognized resettlement providers, to apply to do this critical work, and ensures we are using city funds efficiently and effectively, Camille Joseph Varlack, chief of staff for the mayor, said in a statement. The city has other ongoing contracts with DocGo and will continue to work with the company in those deals. In a statement, a DocGo spokesperson said the company is immensely proud of the exceptional work that our team has accomplished and continues to perform in aiding the Citys response to this unprecedented crisis. New York has struggled to handle an influx of international migrants who have arrived in the city since 2022, with more than 187,000 people coming through its intake system seeking shelter. Politico first reported the news of the city declining to renew its contract with DocGo. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. New York may soon finally get more affordable housing New York may soon finally get more affordable housing NEW YORK (PIX11) After years of failing to address the issue, New Yorks leaders may finally be on the verge of housing reform with deals being negotiated both in Albany and at City Hall. I work two jobs, and I cant afford to live here anymore, said Lillian Toscano. Toscano has searched and searched to no avail for an affordable apartment in Park Slope where she grew up. Ive been here for a very long time and they are pushing us out, Toscano said. List: Several NYC apartments under $1,000 available in housing lottery These days its a plight that echoes across the boroughs all the way to City Hall. A rally was held Wednesday at City Hall by a coalition of groups known as Yes to Housing. They support proposed city zoning changes that would allow for building more affordable housing in every section of the city. The plan is championed by Mayor Eric Adams. At the same time, theres an emerging deal right now in Albany as part of the state budget to give developers tax breaks to build more in exchange for renter protections. You cant solve a housing crisis one municipality at a time, you have to think about it holistically, said Tom Wright with the Regional Plan Association. The rally did not just include housing and tenant activists developers like Jerrod Delaine joined as well. Most of us want to invest more in New York City, Delaine said. However, Delaine said reform is needed across the board to do that. Typically for affordable housing we need land at a reduced cost. Subsidy and a property tax abatement, Delaine said. And in New York City you need all three so thats our calculus. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Noah Nordstrom is vying to be one of the youngest Tennesse House of Representative members in the history of the state. Nordstrom, a 26-year-old Spanish teacher at Overton High School, is running against Republican incumbent Mark White for the Tennessee House District 83 seat. The differences between White and Nordstrom are stark. White is a longtime conservative lawmaker, who has pushed for school voucher programs which inspired Nordstrom to run against him. District 83 is considered a strong Republican seat, and White and other Republicans have represented the area for the last 10 years. Now, incumbent White is facing one of his youngest challengers to date. Norstrom has worked on multiple Democratic campaigns and hopes to bring a young progressive voice to Nashville. But the biggest challenge to his campaign isn't facing a longtime incumbent, it is getting young people to the polls. This problem isn't unique to him or this race, it is an issue that Democrats are starting to see across the nation. Noah Nordstrom, a Spanish teacher at Overton High School who is running against Republican State Rep. Mark White, poses for a portrait at Howard McVay Park in Germantown, Tenn., on Friday, February 23, 2024. Overall, 66% of Americans voted in the 2020 presidential election, with turnout the highest about 76% among people aged 64-74. Experts say high turnout gives elections more credibility because the results more closely mirror what the majority of people want. Today, polls show President Joe Biden has weak support among voters between the ages of 18-29, and that while 26% of Americans overall have a negative view of both former President Donald Trump and Biden, a significantly larger 41% of young voters dislike both, according to a poll by Harvards Kennedy School of Government. Tennessee is one of the worst states for young voter turnout, in 2020 turnout came in well below the national youth-voting average of 50% with a measly 43%. For the midterm elections in 2022, Tennessee had the worst youth-voter turnout in the nation at just 12.7%. More: It's Trump-Biden rematch in November. Duo won presidential primary races in Shelby County Even Nordstrom can't say he is excited to cast a presidential ballot. "I'm 26 years old, and this is my third presidential election and Donald Trump has been at the center of every presidential election in my adult life, and it's horrible," Nordstrom said. "I think a lot of people are unenthusiastic too, frankly, about President Biden. I mean, (Biden) wasn't the young people's choice in 2020 amongst the Democrats." In 2020, Tennessee's youth turnout was among thelowest in the nation at 43%, well below the national youth-voting average of 50%. And in the 2022 mid-term elections, Tennessee had the country's worst youth-voter turnout at just 12.7%. High school Spanish teacher Noah Nordstrom (right) is trying to unseat Tennessee Rep. Mark White (left). Candidates altering campaign tactics Nordstrom said many of his friends did not cast a vote in this year's presidential primary in Tennessee. The few that did, did not mark their ballot for Biden. Nordstrom said this comes from a multitude of issues stemming from inaction from the Democratic party. The student debt relief Biden promised was "halfway done," Nordstrom said, a $15 minimum wage was not delivered upon, and guaranteed abortion rights have not happened. Not only did he hear from friends that they were not planning to vote for Biden, but he has also been hearing from constituents when door-knocking for his campaign. Nordstrom said many young voters he has interacted with are not planning on voting in November for Biden but are expressing excitement for local elections. Nordstrom believes that the Tennessee Three explement last year has led to a large statewide network of people who are "tapped in" to getting Democrats elected. "Even this year I would say there's been a lot of attention-grabbing things too, as far as the (school choice) vouchers and some of the anti-immigrant bills and there's just been like a statewide network really activated around all this stuff," Nordstrom said. Yet, Nordstrom has had to engage in difficult conversations with young voters, many of whom have felt completely iced out by the Democratic party. But they are not alone in that feeling; Nordstrom also feels isolated from the broader Democratic Party, even as a Democratic candidate. He doesn't agree with their typical fear-mongering campaign tactics, like saying "not voting blue" will lose access to abortion rights or promote hateful ideology surrounding LGBTQ+ individuals. He tells voters he does not care if or who they vote for on the presidential ballot, but urges them to take an interest in local politics. More: Martin Luther King III honors his father's legacy: 'This nation must come together' "I'm not gonna sit here and lecture people to go, you know, toeing the party line if that party is not delivering for them," Nordstrom said. "I think it's on us to build a better party and to deliver better candidates to all levels and so like, I can only control me, right, and so that's what I'm doing here locally." Typically, the call to action from the Democratic Party is a model where voters must vote blue, or else, Nordstrom said. Nordstrom said for this year's campaign cycle, that isn't going to work. Young voters feel "used and abused," by the "fear monger voting," Nordstrom said. "Rather than being like, 'Vote because we're all gonna die,' let's say... 'Hey, vote because we can build the Tennessee with high-speed trains that connect this whole state...go vote, because I want all of us to have health care. Go vote, because I'm going to work hard to make sure we actually implement the state minimum wage and not just rely on the $7.25 federal minimum wage,'" Nordstrom said. Local voters aren't casting ballots for president, indifferent on local Multiple young voters who would typically cast a blue ballot are uncommitted to voting in the presidential election or are flat out refusing. Their reasons vary but mainly focus on the lack of promises delivered by the Biden administration. Julia Mendes, a 28-year-old account manager from Memphis, said her feelings going into the 2024 presidential election are very different from 2020. Mendes said 2020 felt "hopeful" and that change could be made in the government. Only four years later, Mendes said she is feeling a sense of dread going into November. "It's just those feelings of not really knowing where I'm going to vote how I'm going to vote to make my voice be heard because it doesn't seem like any options available represent my voice anymore," Mendes said. Mendes voted for Biden in 2020 because she did not feel safe as a Hispanic American while Trump was in office. Biden's stance on immigration going into office gave her a sense of hope in his administration. Mar 7, 2024; Washington, DC, USA; US President Joe Biden (L) greets Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Roberts (R) as he arrives to the House Chamber of the US Capitol for his third State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on March 7, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Shawn Thew/Pool via USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-746164 ORIG FILE ID: 20240307_so6_nbr_151.JPG The most recent State of the Union address, Mendes said, proved that she was wrong. During Biden's State of the Union Address, he referred to the Venezuelan man accused of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley as an illegal." Many liberals consider the term "illegal" as outdated language. The term is often preferred by Republicans but long abandoned by Democrats and social justice advocates when referring to people who have entered the country without documentation. The lack of abortion protection is Kirsten Mansel's sticking point for not voting. Mansel, a 23-year-old studying medicine at the University of Memphis, said that over the years, Democrats have had chances to codify abortion rights and they have not done so and now in vitro fertilization (IVF) is on the line, too. Luis Lopez Gamez, 21, a student at the University of Memphis, said border reform and the treatment of Hispanic Americans are sticking points for him, as well as the ongoing war in Gaza. "I just think that with the promises and everything in 2020, the illusion that we had of Biden has not come to fruition," Gamez said. "In November, I do not plan on voting, well, skipping the presidential ballot. I don't feel that there's any need for me to express a vote when I have two candidates I'm completely dissatisfied with." Luis Lopez Gamez said border reform is something Biden hasn't kept his promises on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. Gamez is Latino and queer, two parts of his identity he said make it difficult to choose not to vote for president. "Why am I having to choose the lesser of two evils again, and at the end of the day, the lesser of two evils is still making me choose an evil," Gamez said. "Don't think that just by the fact that you're blue, you have my support, you have to earn it." Gamez said Biden's lack of immigration reform and his slow move to revoke Title 42 are other reasons he cannot vote for him. Title 42 was a pandemic-era emergency border restriction that allowed for easier restriction on alyssum seekers at the Southern border. Trump enacted the effort during the pandemic; the Biden administration rescinded it in May of 2023 after the pandemic public health emergency ended. Another sticking point for voters is Biden's non-action on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Many young Democrats say it is the president's responsibility to protect Palestinians, and he has failed to do that. Betty Zatar is 19 and a Palestinian American from Memphis and is among the numerous young voters refusing to cast a ballot for Biden. xxx gave their thoughts on xxx on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tenn. The ongoing war in Gaza has changed her views on voting during the general election entirely. Zatar said this would be her first time voting in a general election, but because Biden has not called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, she cannot support him or other Democratic candidates. When asked about voting in local elections, responses were mixed. Some young voters said they plan to still vote for Democrats in Shelby County elections. Dania Aljafari, an 18-year-old from Jackson, Tennessee who goes to school and is registered to vote in Memphis, said that while she will not be voting on the presidential ballot, she wants to invest time to learn more about local candidates. "I think that especially like in Shelby County, because it is a blue county, I think I will definitely be voting," Aljafari said. "I will be more inclined to go out to things...meet people and understand what it is they're advocating for and then hopefully vote." Brooke Muckerman covers Shelby County Government for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal.com and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter @BrookeMuckerman. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Biden may not get young Tennessee voters in the 2024 election A pro-abortion march begins at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in downtown Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2022. Womens March Foundation organized the march in Arizona as part of a nationwide day of action ahead of the November midterms. Photo by Gloria Rebecca Gomez | Arizona Mirror Anyone else find it insane that Republicans think they can gaslight us into thinking theyre not happy about todays decision? Another message from a group chat flashes across my phone screen. Dozens of college students react and respond to the message. The Arizona Supreme Court just ruled to revert to a near-total abortion ban from 1864, terrifying Gen-Z students about what their futures may hold. As a very politically engaged group of students, many members of the group chat do find it insane. Since the fall of Roe, abortion has become an increasingly salient issue for young votersespecially in Arizona. Tufts CIRCLE found that voters ages 18-29 were most likely to name abortion as the top issue influencing their vote in the 2022 midterms. In fact, young voters were the only age demographic to highlight abortion as their top priority. That same election, voters under 30 turned out in record numbers; research from the McCain Institute indicates that they were Arizonas most engaged youth electorate yet. Not only did young voters turn out, but 51% reported that they spent time researching candidates prior to casting their ballots. This research overwhelmingly led them to vote for openly pro-choice candidates like Katie Hobbs, who received 71% of the youth vote, according to exit polls. Since Democrats tend to hold stronger pro-choice stances compared to their Republican counterparts, young voters delivered wins for Democrats across the ballot. As the issue of abortion drives young Arizonans towards Democratic candidates in droves, its no surprise that many Republicans are trying to obscure their anti-abortion messaging in the wake of Tuesdays Supreme Court decision. The youth electorate surpassed turnout expectations when the 1864 ban was a distant threat, and they will continue to vote in record numbers now that it is a reality. Despite celebrating the overturn of Roe v. Wade and repeatedly voting to restrict abortion access in Congress, hours after the decision, U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Tucson) called the 1864 ban archaic and a disaster for women. Though candidates like Ciscomani have been fighting to eliminate abortion access for years, they seem to have just realized how unpopular this stance is with their own constituencies. Yesterday, state Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix) motioned to bring a bill that would repeal the ban to the House floor. Minutes after making the motion, Republicans voted to recess the floor session before the bill could be voted on a vote that Gress supported, but denied doing until video from a local television station clearly showed he sided with Republicans and had lied about doing so. Later in the day, when Democrats pushed for a roll call vote to consider the bill that would have repealed the 1864 ban, Gress sided with Democrats. Youth activists across the state refuse to allow these candidates to backpedal on the damage they caused. Organizations with large youth followings, like the Maricopa County Young Democrats, Progress Arizona, Indivisible Arizona and LUCHA have all used their platforms to call out the hypocrisy of Ciscomani, Gress and others. In a statement on Instagram, the Young Democrats at ASU called on their fellow students to flip the extremist Republican legislature this November. It turns out that young people dont like having out-of-touch politicians make life decisions for them. While anti-abortion lawmakers return our state to a time when the Confederacy had not yet surrendered to the Union, Arizona had not yet received statehood and women had not yet been granted suffrage, young voters are watching. The youth electorate surpassed turnout expectations when the 1864 ban was a distant threat, and they will continue to vote in record numbers now that it is a reality. Young Arizonans are making it clear that they wont go backnot to pre-Roe policies or to the lawmakers that passed them. ***UPDATE: This story has been updated with new information about Rep. Matt Gress voting with Republicans to avoid a vote on repealing the 1864 abortion ban instead of with Democrats, as he had claimed. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Young voters wont fall for politicians who attempt to hide their anti-abortion stances in 2024 appeared first on Arizona Mirror. Editor's note: The article was updated with additional information from the Presidential Office. President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Lithuania on April 11 to take part in the Three Seas Summit and hold talks with the leaders of the partner countries. "Important meetings are scheduled, and a new bilateral security agreement is to be signed," Zelensky said on social media. "The main task for now is to make every effort to strengthen our air defense system, to meet the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, and to consolidate international support so that we can overcome Russian terror." Ukraine has previously signed bilateral security deals with eight countries, including Finland, the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands. The agreements are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) last July, which aims to bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a forum of 13 European Union states, running along a north-south axis from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Black Seas in Central and Eastern Europe. The initiative aims to provide a regional dialogue on questions affecting the member states, including economic and infrastructure issues. "After Russia launched its unprovoked and unlawful war against Ukraine, the geopolitical importance of intensified cooperation and better connectivity in the North-South axis corridor has increased dramatically," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in his statement dedicated to the beginning of the ninth summit. Ahead of the summit's start, Zelensky held a meeting with Nauseda. The two heads of state discussed recent Russian attacks on Ukraine and Kyiv's urgent need for air defenses. "I am grateful for your willingness to help and increase the capacity of weapons supplies and production to protect our common security," Zelensky said. Ukraine received a partner-participant status of the TSI in 2022 during its seventh summit in Riga. The following year, Ukraine became TSI's associate member and got access to "all the tools developed within the Initiative," as reported on Ukraine's government website. Read also: Lithuania to purchase 3,000 drones for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his Czech and Romanian counterparts, Petr Pavel and Klaus Iohannis, while visiting Lithuania on April 11, according to Ukraine's Presidential Office. Zelensky arrived in Vilnius earlier on April 11 to take part in the Three Seas Summit and hold talks with the leaders of the partner countries. The Three Seas Initiative (TSI) is a forum of 13 European Union states, running along a north-south axis from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic and Black Seas in Central and Eastern Europe. The initiative aims to provide a regional dialogue on questions affecting the member states, including economic and infrastructure issues. At the summit, Zelensky reportedly discussed military support for Ukraine and strengthening defense industry cooperation with Pavel. Zelensky also briefed him about the situation on the front line in Ukraine, intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and the country's need for energy equipment, according to the statement. "Thank you for the initiatives of the Czech Republic in support of Ukraine. Thank you for the military assistance we received," Zelensky said. In February, Pavel said that Prague had identified 500,000 155 mm shells and 300,000 122 mm shells outside of Europe that could be bought and sent to Ukraine after the necessary funds were allocated. The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that the initiative had concluded contracts for 1 million artillery shells for Ukraine, with shipments expected already in April. Read also: Czech-led artillery initiative still lacks funds, says Estonian defense minister The two presidents also discussed a long-term bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, a deal which Kyiv has already signed with nine countries. The agreements are based on a pledge made by the Group of Seven (G7) last July, which aims to bolster Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. During a meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Zelensky told him about Russia's attack on the Dnister Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chernivtsi Oblast, a few kilometers from the Ukrainian-Moldovan border, warning of possible threats to the latter country. President Volodymyr Zelensky and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis during a meeting in Vilnius on April 11, 2024. (Ukraine's Presidential Office) The two leaders reportedly discussed strengthening cooperation between the three nations, including the development of infrastructure and logistics routes on the common border. "We appreciate Romania's position on the transit of Ukrainian agricultural products. In the context of Russia's aggression, the Ukrainian-Romanian partnership makes a significant contribution to global food security," Zelensky said. As of early April, over 36 million metric tons of goods have been shipped through Ukraine's Black Sea corridor since its opening in August 2023, according to Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov. Read also: Ukraine signs new partnership agreement with UN migration agency Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends a meeting during his visit to the Kharkiv region following the devastating Russian attacks. -/Ukrainian presidency/dpa Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the West to provide further military aid to defend against Russian airstrikes, during a trip to Lithuania. "For us, air defence is the point number one, priority number one," he said on Thursday after meeting with his counterpart Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius. He will also take part there in a summit of the so-called Three Seas Initiative states. Zelensky referred to overnight Russian missile attacks on the regions of Kharkiv, Odessa, Zaporizhzhya and Kiev. "For us it is the biggest challenges for today," he emphasized. Ukraine has been fending off a Russian invasion for almost two years and is largely dependent on Western support for its equipment. At the meeting in Vilnius, Zelensky plans to discuss further arms aid for his country with the heads of state of the Three Seas Initiative. He signed a bilateral security agreement with his Latvian counterpart, Edgars Rinkevics, in which Latvia undertakes to provide Ukraine with annual military support to the value of 0.25% of its economic output. The Three Seas Initiative brings together 13 EU member states situated along the north-south axis between the Baltic, Adriatic and Black Seas. A historical trip through three decades of work for Safe Passage in Colorado Springs shows the fortitude of the past was much like the present for the organization that coordinates medical, legal and investigative services for sexually abused children under age 18 in El Paso and Teller counties. In the beginning it was this incredible community team effort; if it werent for those amazing professionals there would be no Childrens Advocacy Center or Safe Passage, said Janet Buss, the organizations first executive director, who served from 1994 to 2006. This way of handling it in a team response means everyone gets in on what is best for the child. Period, she said Tuesday, speaking on the phone from her home in Maine. With April recognized in Colorado and nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Safe Passage is marking its 30th anniversary in Colorado Springs with a large artistic timeline that chronicles its history. Underline Designs installed the permanent display Tuesday in a multi-purpose room at Safe Passages headquarters at 2335 Robinson St. The artwork will be dedicated at 4:30 p.m. on April 10, with guest speakers that include Mayor Yemi Mobolade. Photos and text describe the organizations evolution from becoming a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1994 to recently completing a $3.2 million renovation on a new Childrens Advocacy Center, Colorados only such center to have co-located agencies. The project involved digging into records and photo albums and distilling the memorabilia to create an attractive wall installation, Executive Director Maureen Mo Basenberg said. When you look at 30 years, you think about the number of children who have been so courageous to come forward and speak of what harm came to them and be able to access safety and healing, she said. Since its founding, Safe Passage has served a total of 42,000 primary and secondary victims. What began 30 years ago this month as the Childrens Advocacy Center of the Pikes Peak Region before being renamed Safe Passage in 2006 emerged from an astute observation of authorities that kids were better served if they talked about their experiences in a comfortable setting, not a sterile, scary law enforcement environment. Sexual abuse is extremely damaging to a child, Buss said, but itll be worse if its not handled right. Add social-service workers and therapists to the group, and a kid-friendly atmosphere was created where kids could answer tough questions without feeling intimidated. The first space was in an old closet in the DA's office, but the program soon fell victim to budget cuts, said Geoff Heim, who chairs the Safe Passage board and is a former prosecutor in the DA's office. Grant funding and contributions from local partners allowed leaders to purchase a building on South Cascade Avenue. Buss remembers rolling her desk chair from the DAs office to her new worksite through an alleyway. We found a gentleman who donated the labor to get the renovations done, and the next year I was able to hire one person, so it was the two of us for a while as it slowly grew, she said. It wasnt easy, said Heim, who became involved with the agency just a few years after it began. Featured Local Savings We were existing month-to-month, trying to expand our footprint, he said. People didnt understand what the organization did and how it differed from others that assisted children involved in the judicial system, he said. On top of that, sexual abuse was a touchy topic years ago. However, the difficult groundwork pushed Colorado Springs into the national spotlight in the field, Buss said, as the Pikes Peak region became a leader for its focus on childrens needs and rights. The Colorado Springs office became the regional Childrens Advocacy Center, one of four regional programs in the nation, she said, pride still evident in her voice. The team spirit lives on. In early 2020, Heim said the board set aside some money and initiated a $2.7 million fundraising campaign to purchase and renovate the large building on Robinson Street. Safe Passage's new Children's Advocacy Center opened in the fall of 2021 as a multi-faceted program with offices for agencies to provide children and families with everything needed for a case of sexual abuse or assault on a minor. Inside the bright, airy center, children can talk to law enforcement, get physical exams from UCHealth forensic nurses, receive psychotherapy, speak with caseworkers, and learn personal protection and empowerment skills. Having the agencies in one spot reduces the trauma of children having to repeat their stories and increases their chances of recovering from their deep wounds, experts say. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse or assault, Buss said. Most children dont make this kind of thing up, thats not the case, she said. You cant ask leading questions because children will say what makes you happy, you have to take each case seriously, they need to feel comfortable in telling their story because its not an easy story to tell, they need to feel like theyre believed, and they need to get appropriate follow-up care. After dipping during the COVID-19 pandemic, numbers of clients have climbed since the new center debuted, with 899 children served last year. In 1997, as an expansion on its former office was underway, the agency served 1,190 children. El Paso County continues to lead the state in reports of any type of suspected child abuse or neglect to a statewide hotline, 844-CO4-KIDS, according to statistics from the Colorado Department of Human Services. The state received 117,762 calls in 2023, of which 17,745 were from El Paso County. Denver County recorded the next highest amount with 13,200 calls last year. However, only about one-third of the calls in El Paso County and 28% statewide were referred for further investigation, the data shows. Call volume does not necessarily equate to cases of child abuse or neglect because some people are seeking other kinds of assistance and dont realize what the hotline is for: to report suspected abuse or neglect, said April Jenkins, child protection and prevention manager for the Colorado Office of Children, Youth and Families. Zelenskyy arrives in Lithuania to attend Three Seas Summit, announces signing of another security agreement President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy with President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda during the NATO summit on 11 July, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Vilnius to attend the Three Seas Summit and announced that another bilateral security agreement will be signed soon to follow up on the G7 Vilnius Declaration on security guarantees. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda I arrived to Lithuania to participate in the Three Seas Summit and hold talks with the leaders of the partner countries. Important meetings are scheduled, and a new bilateral security agreement is to be signed. The main task for now is to make every effort to strengthen our Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 11, 2024 Details: Zelenskyy noted that he would attend the Three Seas Summit in Lithuania and hold talks with a number of leaders. "Important meetings are scheduled, and a new bilateral security agreement is to be signed," the president stated. Zelenskyy added that he views the main task for the near future as enhancing Ukraine's air defence capabilities to the fullest extent possible and addressing other pressing needs of Ukraine's Armed Forces. For reference: The Three Seas Initiative is a framework for cooperation in infrastructure projects in the Baltic states, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, which have access to the Baltic, Black, and Mediterranean Seas. The summit in Vilnius will bring together 13 member states and strategic partners. Background: In 2022, Ukraine was granted the status of a partner in the Three Seas Initiative. Support UP or become our patron! Russia has started to make steady progress against Ukraine as Kyiv's forces face dwindling ammunition supplies, much to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys frustration. "There can be no question, Ukraine could be quickly overwhelmed by both men and arms by odds as great as 10 to 1 within weeks without additional U.S. assistance," Kenneth Braithwaite, a former ambassador and former Navy secretary during the Trump administration, told Fox News Digital. "This is a critical juncture in the war and time is of the essence for Congress to act on a comprehensive package," Braithwaite said. "The fact remains that Putins only chance to win in Ukraine is if the West loses our resolve." "Therefore, the math is pretty easy, we can pay now or we pay later and if we pay later, the costs will be astronomically higher for our security and economic interests," he added. "In our Navy we Dont Give Up The Ship: Thats never been more true than now when it comes to our nation's support for Ukraine." PUTIN'S WARLORD ALLY ADDS 3,000 FORMER WAGNER MERCENARIES TO HIS FORCES: FULFILLING THE TASK OF THE STATE Ukraine has made some gains over the past year by shifting their strategy from broad land offensives to focused drone attacks, including some assassination attempts, but continues to seek progress against the staunch and dug-in Russian defenses. READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP "All of our European neighbors and other partners see Ukraine's critical need for air defense systems," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on social media platform X. "Right now, with our ability to overcome Russian terror, the world can demonstrate that all terror is treated equally as a crime." President Volodymyr Zelenskyy inspects bunkers, firing ranges, armored personnel carrier trenches during a visit to the Chernihiv Oblast in Ukraine on April 5, 2024. "However, if Russia is allowed to continue doing so, if Russian missiles and 'Shahed' drones continue to strike not only Ukraine but also the resolve of our allies, this will amount to a global license for terror," he added. "We need air defense systems and other defense assistance, not just turning a blind eye and having lengthy discussions." "Lets remember that Russian forces are getting help from countries like Iran and North Korea. Ukrainian soldiers are having to ration their bullets and supplies. Theyre fighting valiantly and will succeed if we simply give them additional resources," Ambassador Mark Green, president, director and CEO of the Wilson Center told Fox News Digital. In an interview with German outlet BILD, Zelenskyy acknowledged that Ukraine has managed to continue to produce many drones domestically, but other systems, including air defense systems, long-range missiles and other types of artillery, remain in high demand and low supply. US SENDS SEIZED IRANIAN WEAPONS TO UKRAINE, GREENLIGHTS $138M IN HAWK MISSILE SUPPORT SYSTEMS Zelenskyy said Kharkiv could face a major offensive in the summer, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin "naturally wanted to take Kharkiv because it is a big symbol for him," but insisting that "Ukraine is ready to thwart Russias plans to conquer: We do everything we can to prevent this from happening." He also warned that Russias attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure have proven successful and continue to have a "big impact" on the war as they "cause great pain to the population and cities." A multistory residential building and stores were heavily damaged by a Russian aerial bombing on April 10, 2024, in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. "He will destroy everything," Zelenskyy said, referring to Putin. "He will kill a lot of people most people wont run away, so he will kill many of them. What will it look like? There will be a lot of blood. There will be many victims, many losses. We speak of hundreds of thousands." The U.S. has met internal resistance over continued and seemingly unending funding for the Ukrainians against Russia: The Senate passed a $95 billion aid package that includes support for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, but the House has yet to schedule a vote as some noted Republican holdouts in both chambers seek to derail efforts to pass it. UK'S CAMERON MEETS TRUMP AHEAD OF PUSH FOR MORE US UKRAINE FUNDING Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., told Fox News Digital that Ukraine appears to be "another forever war that will bankrupt future generations all while disregarding our own security as our southern border remains open." House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has revealed his intent to take action on the aid package once lawmakers return to Washington next week, including a proposal to liquidate seized Russian assets and re-purpose those funds as assistance for Ukraine. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnel, R-Ky., declared that hes committed to opposing Russias invasion for the remainder of his term. Volunteers deliver water to residents who have returned to the village of Dovhenke, Ukraine on April 5, 2024. President Biden urged the House to pass the aid package, arguing that "the majority of Democrats and Republicans" have shown "overwhelming" support for Ukraine: "There should be a vote now," Biden said during a press briefing on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin told lawmakers earlier this week that aid for Ukraine is vital to national and global security. MCCONNELL LOOKS TO CEMENT LEGACY AS REAGAN REPUBLICAN WITH CRUSADE FOR UKRAINE SUPPORT "Our security in these turbulent times relies on American strength of purpose," Austin said. He argued that Putin "is betting that the United States will falter and abandon our friends and leave Ukraine in mortal danger. If the Kremlin prevails in Ukraine, it will embolden would-be aggressors around the globe and the United States would be far less secure if Putin got his way in Ukraine." "If America walked away, we would put the free world in peril and risk unimaginable costs and dangers, and we know that China and others are watching and learning from what Putin does and how we respond," he added. President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius, on April 11, 2024, as the Ukrainian leader seeks more military aid from Western nations. The lagging U.S. support has frustrated Zelenskyy, forcing him to seek aid from other sources: Zelenskyy traveled to NATO ally Lithuania to participate in a regional security summit on Thursday, where he continued to press the broader threat Putin poses for NATO and Europe. The Ukrainian president said Russian "evil" is a threat "to every nation bordering Russia and to everyone who values international law," Al Jazeera reported. He secured a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Latvia, which Zelenskyy proclaimed "envisages" the support Ukraine needs. UKRAINE DENIES RUSSIAN CLAIM OF DRONE STRIKES ON EUROPE'S LARGEST NUCLEAR PLANT Rebekah Koffler, a strategic military intelligence analyst and the author of "Putin's Playbook," told Fox News Digital that the seeming shift in momentum is unsurprising, claiming that Ukraines victory was "unattainable from the very start" and that the war become a "tragedy of epic proportions" as the U.S. and Europeans used Ukraine "effectively as human shields to protect the Europeans." "Thousands of Ukrainian men are being thrown as meat into Putins meat grinder, in order to weaken the Russian military, so that Europeans can feel safer," Koffler said. "And hence, the country of Ukraine is being de-populated and devastated by Putin, who would have never accepted the perceived risk of having Ukraine being part of NATO, an adversarial alliance close to Russias borders." Koffler argued that continuing to fund Ukraine remained untenable as "U.S. resources are not limitless, the patience of U.S. taxpayers isnt either." "The writing for Ukraine is on the wall, and yet the Biden administration, the Pentagon and Western defense establishments are pretending not to see it. Its not convenient for them to see it," she said. Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. Original article source: Zelenskyy blasts allies who turn 'blind eye' to Ukraine struggles as ammunition dwindles, Russia advances Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) and Petr Pavel (L) in Vilnius on 11 April. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Czech President Petr Pavel in Vilnius to discuss ways to support Ukraine and strengthen defence industry cooperation. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy informed Pavel about the situation on the battlefield, Russian shelling of Ukrainian energy infrastructure, and the state's needs for energy equipment supply. Quote: "We discussed defence support for Ukraine, ways to advance defence industry cooperation, Ukraines EU and NATO accession, and the signing of a bilateral security agreement.," Zelenskyy wrote. He also thanked Pavel for his unwavering support for Ukraine. Earlier media reported that participants in a Czech-led initiative to purchase artillery shells for Ukraine outside Europe signed an agreement under which Kyiv will receive one million rounds of ammunition more than was initially planned. A total of 15 countries have joined the Czech initiative, namely Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Belgium, Poland and Canada. Not all of them have publicly announced the amount of funds they have contributed to the purchase of the ammunition. Czechia stated that the amount of ammunition for Ukraine under its initiative could potentially reach 1.5 million. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy meets with Lithuanian President in Vilnius on 11 April. Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius on Thursday before the start of the Three Seas Summit. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (), reported by European Pravda I met with Lithuanian President @GitanasNauseda in Vilnius prior to attending the Three Seas Summit. The main topic was our common strength. I informed Gitanas about the consequences of last night's Russian strikes, as well as the urgent need for air defense. We also discussed pic.twitter.com/nYphEgHogv Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 11, 2024 Details: Zelenskyy informed Nauseda about the consequences of Russian strikes on the night of 10-11 April and Ukraine's urgent needs for air defence. They also discussed the situation on the battlefield, weapons priorities, and political cooperation at the EU and NATO levels firm steps to be taken this year. "I appreciate Lithuania's willingness to assist and increase the supply and production of weapons and ammunition to protect our shared security," Zelenskyy said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Gitanas Nauseda in Vilnius Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Background: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Lithuania on Thursday to participate in the so-called Three Seas Summit. In Vilnius, Zelenskyy signed a bilateral security agreement with Latvia in continuation of the G7 Vilnius Declaration on security guarantees. Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with new Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok on the sidelines of the Three Seas Initiative summit in Vilnius on 11 April, and invited him to the Peace Summit. Source: European Pravda, citing Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Twitter (X) Details: During the meeting, the presidents of Ukraine and Hungary discussed the preparations for the Global Peace Summit set to take place in Switzerland this June. "We discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit and I extended an invitation to Hungary to attend it. I also invited Hungary to join the G7 Vilnius Declaration of Support for Ukraine and start drafting a bilateral security agreement," the president added. I had my first meeting with Hungary's President Tamas Sulyok. We discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit and I extended an invitation to Hungary to attend it. I also invited Hungary to join the G7 Vilnius Declaration of Support for Ukraine and start drafting a pic.twitter.com/ypiQ029Yja Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) April 11, 2024 Zelenskyy also thanked Hungary "for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity". Background: Tamas Sulyok took office as the president of Hungary in early March. Sulyok's predecessor, Katalin Novak, resigned earlier in February under a cloud when it emerged that she had pardoned a man who had covered up child abuse in an orphanage. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the world's states to join the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland, which should develop a plan to end the war, and pointed out once again all the key principles and ideas that Ukraine hopes to implement. Source: Zelenskyy on Twitter (X) Details: Zelenskyy noted that the good result of the summit should be a clear position of the world on how the war should end, and called on all countries that want to end Russian aggression with a truly just peace to join. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that there were no alternatives to peace, but for sustainable peace to be possible, Ukraine's strength in all forms must be guaranteed. "To protect ourselves from terror, we require physical strength. This includes air defence, frontline capabilities, the ability to achieve the necessary results in the Black Sea, our own domestic arms manufacturing, Ukraine's economic resilience, partner pressure on Russia, and maximum global consolidation. We do not have the right to fail in any of these aspects," Zelenskyy said. Background: Zelenskyy also said that Russia would not attend the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland in June, but that some "representatives of the continents" would pass on the details of the peace plan developed there to Moscow. On Wednesday, the Swiss government announced that it would hold a two-day high-level conference on the settlement of the war in Ukraine on 15 and 16 June. Russia said it would not participate in the talks in Switzerland, stating that the Peace Formula was unviable and did not take into account Russian interests. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy: This year should be time for all necessary steps to gain victory Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stressed the pressing need for concrete actions, rather than mere words, to bolster Ukraine's air defence during his speech at the Three Seas Summit. Source: Zelenskyy's speech posted on Telegram Quote: "This year should be the time for all the necessary steps to make our victory over Russian terror real. It is possible. But it is only possible in unity ours and that of all partners and provided that the reality is in line with the statements and agreements reached with you." Details: In addition, the president noted that Russian missiles target Ukraine every day, and every day, "we hear that new air defence systems will be supplied to Ukraine". Zelenskyy also stressed that all states Russia's neighbours and every nation living in the range of Russian aircraft and missiles are in danger. The president emphasised European Union unity as a key priority in order to make Moscow feel that there is more unity than contradictions in Europe. Zelenskyy also noted that it would be right to actually start negotiations on Ukraine's EU accession in June. Background: On 11 April, Zelenskyy arrived in Vilnius to attend the Three Seas Summit, where he signed a bilateral security agreement with Latvia. Support UP or become our patron! The U.S. is inviting Japan to be a potential partner on part of the trilateral AUKUS pact that aims to deepen top-secret technology sharing and joint development on advanced defense capabilities. The White House on Wednesday, during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas state visit at the White House, floated Japans entry into the second pillar of the pact in a joint statement. While the first pillar would see the U.S. and Britain help Australia develop its own nuclear-powered submarine fleet, the second aims to jumpstart cooperation on emerging defense technologies. During a joint address to Congress on Thursday, Kishida highlighted U.S.-Japanese cooperation on some of the key technologies the agreement seeks to enhance. Just yesterday, President [Joe] Biden and I demonstrated our commitment to leading the world on the development of the next generation of emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, biotechnology and clean energy, he told U.S. lawmakers. Biden and Kishida announced a slew of new defense cooperation agreements between their two countries in a joint statement Wednesday. And while the statement opens up a door for Japan to join AUKUS Pillar II, Kishida did not formally commit to joining. For Japan, to have a direct cooperation with AUKUS, nothing has been decided at this moment, Kishida said at a press conference with Biden at the White House. Australian Minister for Defense Industry Patrick Conroy and British Vice Adm. Martin Connell, the U.K. Royal Navy Second Sea Lord, both spoke favorably about Japan possibly joining the agreement during the Sea Air Space defense conference in Washington on Monday. Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, who command U.S. submarine forces in the Atlantic, said during the conference we already share a ton of technology with Japan and theyre a great partner in the Pacific, pointing to Tokyos unmanned capabilities. Getting the basics of AUKUS right AUKUS is still in its nascent stages, and the three participating countries are seeking consensus on overhauling their export control regimes, which critics say inhibit the information and technology sharing crucial to deepening collaboration among their respective defense industries. The Biden administration has to get the basics of AUKUS right before it expands the pact to other partners, Sen. James Risch, the top Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said in statement Wednesday, noting the State Department still needs to submit a certification to give Australia and Britain broad exemptions to U.S. export control laws. Without this certification, cooperation on advanced technologies under AUKUS the very types of military capabilities needed to counter China will remain stymied by regulations and bureaucracy, he added. Rather than take credit for things it has not yet done, the Biden administration should certify our two closest allies and deliver tangible defense capabilities now. Adding more partners delays capabilities and fails to deter China. The fiscal 2024 defense policy bill, which Congress passed in December, would give Australia and Britain a carveout in Washingtons International Traffic in Arms Regulation, or ITAR. Canada is currently the only country to enjoy a blanket ITAR exemption. But to receive this, the State Department must certify Canberra and London have passed comparable export control laws of their own so U.S. technology does not fall into the hands of adversaries like China. Australias parliament is considering legislation to enhance its export control laws, but some Australian defense firms fear stricter regulations will inhibit their ability to do business with non-AUKUS countries, like Japan. For his part, Kishida did not directly mention AUKUS in his address to Congress, which largely centered on urging lawmakers to continue supporting Ukraine and playing a leading role in the Indo-Pacific. As we meet here today, I detect an undercurrent of self-doubt among some Americans about what your role in the world should be, said Kishida. As I often say, Ukraine of today may be East Asia of tomorrow. We finally know why NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft stopped communicating scientists are working on a fix NASA engineers have discovered the cause of a communications breakdown between Earth and the interstellar explorer Voyager 1. It would appear that a small portion of corrupted memory exists in one of the spacecraft's computers. The glitch caused Voyager 1 to send unreadable data back to Earth, and is found in the NASA spacecraft's flight data subsystem (FDS). That's the system responsible for packaging the probe's science and engineering data before the telemetry modulation unit (TMU) and radio transmitter send it back to mission control. The source of the issue began to reveal itself when Voyager 1 operators sent the spacecraft a "poke" on March 3, 2024. This was intended to prompt FDS to send a full memory readout back to Earth. The readout confirmed to the NASA team that about 3% of the FDS memory had been corrupted, and that this was preventing the computer from carrying out its normal operations. Related: NASA finds clue while solving Voyager 1's communication breakdown case Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to leave the solar system and enter interstellar space in 2012. Voyager 2 followed its spacecraft sibling out of the solar system in 2018, and is still operational and communicating well with Earth. After 11 years of interstellar exploration, in Nov. 2023, Voyager 1's binary code the computer language it uses to communicate with Earth stopped making sense. Its 0's and 1's didn't mean anything anymore. "Effectively, the call between the spacecraft and the Earth was still connected, but Voyager's 'voice' was replaced with a monotonous dial tone," Voyager 1's engineering team previously told Space.com. a groovy poster shows a space probe with large white satellite dish mounted on a metal frame body with various length instruments jut out. surrounding colors are gold and orange, with a dark hombre background. The team strongly suspects this glitch is the result of a single chip that's responsible for storing part of the affected portion of the FDS memory ceasing to work. Currently, however, NASA cant say for sure what exactly caused that particular issue. The chip could have been struck by a high-speed energetic particle from space or, after 46 years serving Voyager 1, it may simply have worn out. Related Stories: Voyager 2: An iconic spacecraft that's still exploring 45 years on NASA's interstellar Voyager probes get software updates beamed from 12 billion miles away NASA Voyager 2 spacecraft extends its interstellar science mission for 3 more years Voyager 1 currently sits around 15 billion miles (24 billion kilometers) from Earth, which means it takes 22.5 hours to receive a radio signal from it and another 22.5 hours for the spacecraft to receive a response via the Deep Space Network's antennas. Solving this communication issue is thus no mean feat. Yet, NASA scientists and engineers are optimistic they can find a way to help FDS operate normally, even without the unusable memory hardware. Solving this issue could take weeks or even months, according to NASA but if it is resolved, Voyager 1 should be able to resume returning science data about what lies outside the solar system. Growing up with a deaf cousin, Utah high schooler Alex Antonio Hernandez Juarez saw the difficulties she had accomplishing everyday tasks in school and other places that werent always willing to accommodate her needs. Moved by his cousins plight, Juarez designed a tool to help the deaf community a device that uses a camera to translate sign language into a written and spoken form. Utah high schooler Alex Antonio Hernandez Juarez Through the first-ever National STEM Festival this Saturday, April 13, Juarez will be one of 150 student innovators to present their inventions and research projects that address solutions to critical global issues. Help fund stories like this. Donate now! The festival will showcase student innovators from numerous nationwide competitions, including EXPLRs National STEM Challenge where more than 2,500 students in grades 6-12 conceived and submitted STEM projects across six categories: Environmental Stewardship, Future Foods, Health & Medicine, Powering the Planet, Tech for Good and Space Innovation. All of these kids are so cool and have such incredible projects that its going to be bananas, Kari Byron, co-founder of EXPLR and director of the festival, told The 74. EXPLR co-founder Kari Byron Byron said the festival idea grew out of a conversation she had with the U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Byron, who previously hosted the Obama administrations White House Science Fair with Bill Nye, pitched a plan to design a larger version of the former event. I looked at him and said What if we built it for you? What if we make it bigger and better than it has ever been before, Byron said. So its not a continuation of the White House Science Fair its a completely new festival thats going to be so much bigger because we want a national conversation about STEM 365 days a year. Jenny Buccos, co-founder and chief executive officer of EXPLR, said the festival is a great way for school leaders and decision makers to learn more about what kids are interested in and what we might not be teaching in schools. EXPLR co-founder and chief executive officer Jenny Buccos How are they learning to make patent pending medical devices? How are they learning about protecting their IP? Where is this happening, and if its not in the traditional classroom, how do we bridge that gap, Buccos told The 74. Students like Juarez, 17, are excited to have the platform to present projects centered around what they are passionate about. This opportunity is confirmation that people care about the hearing impaired and deafand is a great way for me to continue to educate more people, Juarez told The 74. Buccos said the public has the opportunity to meet the students and see their inventions through more than 100 virtual and in-person events in Washington, DC. If you are in desperate need of inspiration and hope for the future, come to the eventsthis is the opportunity to meet some of the most brilliant young minds working in the country, Buccos said. Everybody says kids are the future, said Buccos, but these kids are literally solving problems now. To check out the National STEM Festival this Saturday, the public must register online to secure their spot. Instagram will blur explicit photos sent to under-18s in an effort to protect children from unsolicited images. The social media app will automatically prevent young users from seeing images if its algorithms detect nudity being sent in private messages. It comes amid growing concerns about social media and smartphones negative impact on teenagers, which has led to calls for younger teenagers to be banned from owning smartphones, and the rise of online blackmail using intimate photos of victims. Instagram will also warn under-18s when they share explicit images of themselves that sending the pictures could leave them vulnerable to scams or bullying. The app said it was introducing the change to protect children from sextortion scammers, who blackmail young people after encouraging them to share intimate images, either seeking money or requiring them to obtain and share intimate images of other children. In addition, the app will force users to confirm before they forward explicit images sent to them to another account, warning them that it may be illegal to do so. The feature will be automatically turned on for under-18s and adults will be asked if they want to activate it. However, Instagram will use an AI algorithm within the app to detect if a photo features nudity, rather than scanning it as it is sent through Instagrams servers. Under-18s will now be warned about potential negative consequences of sending nude images on Instagram - Instagram This means the feature will work even if messages are end-to-end encrypted, but also that the company will leave it up to users to decide whether to take action on potentially illegal activity. It will only take action when images are reported by users themselves. Meta, Instagrams parent company, said it was also developing technology that would identify accounts that might be carrying out sextortion scams and that it would block them from finding and messaging accounts owned by teenagers. Social media companies are under growing pressure to protect children as new online safety laws come into force in Britain. This week, it emerged that ministers were considering more proposals including a ban on under-16s buying phones. Last year, a former Instagram employee said Metas management had ignored his warnings about harms to teenagers on the app. Emails released by a US Congressional committee in January showed that chief executive Mark Zuckerberg rejected pleas from Sir Nick Clegg, its head of global affairs, to invest more in child safety, although the company said at the time that the documents were cherry picked and lacked context. 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. Apple , a company that talks a big game about sustainability but would love for you to buy a new iPhone every year, is expanding its self-repair program. Consumers and repair shops will soon be able to employ genuine used Apple parts to fix devices rather than having to order brand-new components. The company claims that used parts "will now benefit from the full functionality and security afforded by the original factory calibration, just like new genuine Apple parts." The initiative will start this fall with iPhone 15 and newer models, according to The Washington Post . So if your iPhone has a busted screen and you have one of the same model with a display that's intact, you'll be able to switch in the panel and it should work. As things stand, if you swap in a used screen from another iPhone, certain features, such as True Tone or automatic brightness adjustment , may not work. The upgraded self-repair program should resolve that. The program will also cover parts like batteries, cameras and (eventually) Face ID sensors . In addition, consumers and repair shops won't have to provide Apple with a device serial number when ordering most parts from the Self Service Repair Store they'll still need to do so for a logic board replacement. Users are already able to see whether their iPhone has been repaired and, if so, which parts have been replaced. Starting this fall, those who access the Parts and Service History section of their iPhone settings will be able to see if a replacement part is new or a genuine used one from another iPhone. Apple will use a "parts pairing" process directly on the phone to detect whether a replacement component is genuine. It says that's necessary to maintain the "privacy, security, and safety of iPhone." To that end, Apple will be employing its Activation Lock feature to try and dissuade the use of parts from stolen iPhones for repairs. If a device that's being fixed detects that a replacement part was taken from one where Activation Lock or Lost Mode was enabled, Apple will restrict calibration for that part, so it may not work properly. On one hand, this shift could make it easier for folks to repair a busted iPhone (or eventually another Apple product) if they have a spare with the necessary parts on hand. Repair shops often have bits and bobs culled from many different units that they'll be able to use. That said, this could be seen as Apple attempting to exert more control over the repair process by employing pairing and potentially edging out third-party aftermarket parts. The company's senior vice president of hardware engineering John Ternus told the Post that while Apple supports the use of third-party parts in repairs (as long as the device owner is aware of that), it doesn't know how to properly calibrate such components as it would for its own parts. However, Apple might have to start getting in touch with aftermarket parts manufacturers and figuring out how to do that. A right-to-repair bill that Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed into law last month bans the practice of parts pairing . The idea is to prevent device manufacturers from using that process to stop consumers and repair shops from using third-party components to fix their gizmos. The law will apply to devices built after January 1, 2025. This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. A laser capable of shooting down enemy drones and missiles will be on Royal Navy warships by 2027 amid the growing threat of conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The 10 a shot DragonFire weapon could be used even sooner in Ukraine, as the military fast-tracks the cutting-edge technology. The laser has been sped up by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in response to the rising threat of drone attacks in relation to two big conflicts, the Government has announced. Scientists at the UKs Porton Down defence laboratory (DSTL) have worked with industry experts in recent months to transform the laser weapon from a lab experiment to almost battlefield-ready. The UK has successfully tested a DragonFire laser weapon for the first time - Twitter During a trip to the DragonFire lab on Thursday, Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said that the weapon, which can hit a 1 coin from a kilometre away, could have huge ramifications. He said that delays to the rollout of emerging weapons technologies is the biggest waste of money in defence. Every time theres a delay, theres a cost attached, he said. What I want to do is speed up what would usually be a very lengthy process, possibly up to 10 years, down to a much shorter timeframe and get it deployed, potentially on ships and potentially on land. Mr Shapps said that the UK is planning to add DragonFire to its arsenal by 2027, but is working to see if it can send prototypes to Ukraine sooner even if they are not 100 per cent refined. Im absolutely certain that what weve got going on here is very special, and a level that other countries are unlikely to be replicating because its so cutting-edge, he said. The product itself is genuinely years ahead. The weapon works by focusing 37 channels of 1.5kW laser beams, arranged in a hexagonal array, and combining them with mirrors to merge and amplify the power, a physics phenomenon known as constructive interference. Tim Kendall, a DSTL senior laser physicist who helped build DragonFire, said this creates a perfect laser beam that can be fired out through a telescopic lens. The weapon is invisible and silent as the wavelength of the light is about one micron, which can not be seen by human eyes and is close to the infrared spectrum of light. Trials of the weapon, made with an almost entirely bespoke guidance system and off-the-shelf laser parts, have destroyed drones and caused mortars to explode in less than five seconds. It is hoped the laser can hit drones at a fraction of the cost of launching intercepting missiles, which can reach tens and hundreds of thousands of pounds. DragonFire travels at the speed of light and its range is still classified. It instantly turns the surface of metal into a 3,000C plasma and can burn through sheet metal, fuselage and weapons in seconds. The system has been built with the intention of destroying drones, which the Israel and Ukraine conflicts have highlighted as the latest frontier in modern warfare. But Mr Shapps believes the system is powerful enough to neutralise faster-moving projectiles, such as ballistic missiles. Its not just the slow drones at 120 knots. It should be capable, ultimately, of taking down expensive incoming missiles as well, he said. While the technology is not ready to be deployed in battle, Mr Shapps admitted that he is holding talks with military scientists about how Britain can drive forward DragonFire to be used on the ground in conflict. He said: 2027 is the aim, but I want to look at every single aspect of this. Theres a live conflict going on in Europe right now for which we have a unique cutting edge weapon which could be helpful. Lets say that it didnt have to be 100 per cent perfect in order for Ukrainians, perhaps, to get their hands on it. 2027 is still the date, as of this moment, but of course, Ill look to see what we can do to speed it up. Matt Cork, a project manager at DSTL, told reporters that DragonFire may be handed over for user experimentation to a number of army personnel in September, with the 7th Air Defence Group putting the technology through its paces. The terrestrial version of DragonFire is still intended as a ground-based air defence technology and will be mounted on a truck, at which point British Army experts will give feedback on how it could be improved and highlight any problems. DragonFire will follow British minehunting ships sent to Ukraine It comes as two ex-British minehunting ships which were handed over to Ukraine arrived in Portsmouth, prepared for their ultimate mission of demining the Black Sea. Eduard Fesko, the interim Ukrainian ambassador to the UK watched the ships Chernihiv and Cherkasy formerly known as HMS Grimsby and HMS Shoreham come into port on Thursday. Ukrainian sailors and their new ships are now at full operational capability, the Royal Navy said, after completing training alongside British personnel. The Government announced in December that two Sandown-class warships had been decommissioned from the Royal Navy to be transferred to the Ukrainian military, which will use them to start demining the estimated 300 sq miles of mines in the Black Sea. A mortar shell hit by the DragonFire laser - PA The damage that the laser causes to sheet metal - PA Turkey has blocked the two minehunter vessels from entering the Black Sea, citing the 1936 Montreux Convention governing wartime passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. But Mr Fesko said that clearing the mines from the area was a priority for post-war Ukraine, to restore one of its key grain export corridors. He told The Telegraph: After the cessation of hostilities, it will be a huge undertaking, it will be a huge task and it will be the first and foremost priority to make sure that the trade routes are safe for civilian ships. The mine-hunting ships are made of glass-reinforced plastic, so that they cannot be detected by mines that detonate when detecting the magnetic field of a metal vessel. A drone destroyed by the new tech - PA Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said: The UK is leading the way in helping Ukraine to modernise its Navy. The transfer of these ships and the excellent training provided by the Royal Navy will have a real long-term impact on Ukraines ability to defend its waters. It comes after Lord Cameron, the Foreign Secretary, travelled to the US this week to push for Washington to continue providing aid to Ukraine. Asked about the Foreign Secretarys trip, Mr Fesko said: When we talk about weapons stockpiles, the availability of hardware material is much higher in the US than elsewhere for a multitude of reasons. But this is the situation as it is, and that the UK is trying its best to ensure that Ukraine can get the help it needs is very telling. 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. Training Day The war over the use of copyrighted material in AI has opened up a new front, Billboard reports, after Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA.) introduced a bill this week that would force companies to reveal if they used copyrighted content in their training data sets for machine learning. The proposed Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act, if passed, would require businesses to disclose a list of all the copyrighted content they used in a training data set for any new models at least 30 days before they are made public. For current models already being used by consumers, businesses would still be required to disclose copyrighted content if they alter training data "in a significant manner." Companies would have to file the disclosure with the Register of Copyrights or face a potential monetary penalty for non-compliance. "We must balance the immense potential of AI with the crucial need for ethical guidelines and protections," said Schiff in a statement. "My Generative AI Copyright Disclosure Act is a pivotal step in this direction." Fair Cut In the same statement, the proposed legislation was applauded by an array of representatives from various creative sectors such as the Recording Industry Association of America and the Hollywood professionals in SAG-AFTRA. The fight over the use of copyrighted material has already sparked lawsuits against companies like OpenAI and its partner Microsoft, such as by The New York Times, which filed a suit against the two in December. AI companies and their proponents have claimed that using copyright material in training data sets to generate new content like AI images and songs is an example of fair use, meaning they shouldn't have to pay artists, writers, and other owners of the copyrighted material they use. But that doesn't sit well with many people in the creative industry. While the bill doesn't outright ban the use of copyrighted material in AI training data sets, a forced public disclosure may spur more lawsuits from copyright holders as well as anger and anxiety from a public who are skeptical of AI's expanding use. If we go by from the loud booing at a pro-AI sizzle reel at a recent SXSW event, things are truly heating up in the court of public opinion and that may chart the future course of the AI industry. More on AI: When AI Is Trained on AI-Generated Data, Strange Things Start to Happen NASA ambassador helping to make world and space travel accessible to people who are blind NASA Astro Access ambassador Lindsay Yazzolino speaks to students of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Flying at Zero-G, the brief periods of weightlessness that cognitive neuroscience researcher Lindsay Yazzolino experienced during the flight were a fascinating experience. For Yazzolino, it was an opportunity where her love of flying intersected with her passion for science. Its a very different way of just experiencing the way things move and how you are in space within the airplane. But it was super fun because most of the plane is just a giant space for people to float around and do research, said Yazzolino, who has been blind since birth. A graduate of Brown University, Yazzolino is a leading figure in tactile graphics and accessibility and one of 12 people selected for NASAs Astro Access program. Her research for the program focuses on incorporating tactile information, digital mapping and other innovations to make space missions more inclusive for all. During the flight, the Astro Access blind crew tested a set of tactile graphics to be added to cabin walls that would allow both blind and sighted crew members to stay oriented during emergencies and find emergency gear in zero gravity if the lights go off. On Wednesday, Yazzolini addressed students at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City, describing her work as an ambassador of NASAs Astro Access program, which integrates people with disabilities into the astronaut program. Yazzolini shared her experiences with the hope of inspiring them to consider fields of study or careers they might not have considered before. Many students need blind adult mentors, she said. Its just even what kind of work blind people are doing or what kind of lives people live and just to broaden their horizons, she said. Yazzolini grew up in Issaquah, Washington, and attended public school. I had a lot of great teachers that really believed in me, she said. They figured out how to adapt math and science instruction so that Yazzolini could learn along with her classmates. It was just kind of assumed that I could do what I wanted to do. I feel really fortunate that I had that experience, she said. NASA Astro Access ambassador Lindsay Yazzolino, right, stands with students of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Kalinka Brown, a ninth grader at HighMark Charter School, uses the Monarch, a multiline braille display, at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The Monarch, a multiline braille display, is used at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Kalinka Brown, a ninth grader at HighMark Charter School, uses the Monarch, a multiline braille display, at the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. NASA Astro Access ambassador Lindsay Yazzolino speaks to students of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. A researcher, consultant and educator, Yazzolini collaborates with other professionals to design museum exhibits, public art installations and educational materials which make use of the latest technologies such as 3D printing and touch-responsive sensors and tablets. The students who took part in Wednesdays event also had the opportunity to try out Monarch, a multipurpose, multiline, tactile Braille device that can download digital textbooks and access tactile graphics from American Printing House for the Blind library. The device, which weighs about five pounds and is about the size of a 15-inch gaming laptop, has not yet been released to the public. Monarch is a collaboration among American Printing House for the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind and hardware manufacturer HumanWare. Brandon Watts, outreach director for the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, said the Monarch is revolutionary technology that will far better serve people who are blind. Because of rather just having one line of Braille at a time, which is what theyve had up to this point, they have now 10 lines. Its going to continue to get bigger and better, more accurate, more clear, he said. Watts said he hopes the takeaway for students is that technology just keeps getting better and better for the blind, especially in the way of Braille. Watts said Yazzolinis visit helped inform students that there are people that exist in their communities, in the nation, that are doing what they love to do. Yazzolini is doing what she loves to do, and the students can do what they love and want to do, Watts said. As technology evolves and attitudes shift, people are becoming a lot more open to the possibility of somebody doing the same work but with blindness, where before they would say Theres no way that they could. Now with the technology we have, they absolutely can, Watts said OhioHealth Marion General Hospital is using robotic-assisted technology to improve lung cancer detection and treatment for patients from Marion and surrounding communities. Its the first time Marion General Hospital has been able to provide this type of care. Ion is a specialized piece of equipment used to diagnose lung cancer that uses a robot-assisted biopsy of the lung.The addition to Marion General Hospital allows patients access higher-level care close to home. Before Ion was available at Marion General, patients would have to travel to OhioHealth Grant Medical Center for the procedure. Ion, a specialized piece of equipment used to diagnose lung cancer that uses a robot-assisted biopsy of the lung, is being used at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. Patients will no longer have to travel to Columbus for this type of procedure. Test has high accuracy rate, is efficient The Ion has high accuracy rates, and significantly reduces the risk of lung collapse. Its also an efficient procedure. Both lungs can be viewed at the same time in one procedure. The Ion allows for the smallest tumors to be biopsied. This is another example of our commitment to keep care close to home for the community we serve, said Jim Parobek, president of Marion General Hospital. This investment in our Marion community is going to save lives by detecting cancer earlier, said Pam Napier, director of the Oncology Center and Cath Lab at Marion General Hospital. Without this, you must wait until the nodule is large enough to biopsy. Now we can test it at stage 1 and if you diagnose the cancer at stage 1 its treatable and potentially curable. Harsh Shah, MD is a pulmonologist who was instrumental in bringing the technology to Marion General Hospital. Dr. Harsh Shah is a pulmonologist who was instrumental in bringing the Ion technology to Marion General Hospital. Im happy to deliver this care closer to the patients who need it and help them get a lung cancer diagnosis earlier. The earlier its diagnosed hopefully it can be cured, Shah said. Marion General Hospital was the second OhioHealth hospital to get Ion and the third in central Ohio. Grant Medical Center started using it in September 2022. There, Shah has treated nearly 400 patients to date. According to Shah, nearly 40% of the patients treated with Ion at Grant Medical Center had traveled from areas north of Columbus, like Marion, Mansfield and Bucyrus. He said nearly half of those patients were from Marion County alone. We want to catch lung cancer earlier with lower risk procedures, and this lets us do that, Shah said. It is wonderful to be able to provide this level of care close to home for our patients in Marion County, said Lucinda Pfeifer, oncology program manager at the Marion Cancer Center. Many of our patients dont have the ability to travel to Columbus for this type of procedure. Im glad we now can offer it here at Marion General Hospital. The investment also is a result of the work done by the Marion General Hospital Foundations Marion Cancer Center Fund, which was created to meet the needs of patients by providing state-of-the-art equipment, cutting edge techniques and supporting patients through services and programs. The foundation board is excited to help bring this technology to our patients in the Marion community, said Beth Meadows, adviser for philanthropy at Marion General Hospital. This is a great example of the work we do to offer high-level care close to home. To donate to the Marion Cancer Center Fund visit ohiohealth.com/marionmakeagift. The new equipment arrived at Marion General on March 5 and the Ion was up and running by the first week of April. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: OhioHealth Marion General introduces Ion for lung cancer treatment South Floridas technology sector is booming, thanks to a combination of investor-friendly policies and support from local government, educational institutions, and other industries. In 2022, South Florida's tech economy contributed $26.4 billion to the region's economic activity. With over 10,000 tech businesses in the area, were making strides in transitioning our economy to a forward-facing, digitally empowered hub for innovation with boundless potential for growth. At the same time, a frequent challenge weve faced in preparing to meet the demands of the future is ensuring that our workforce is up to the task. Despite boasting the highest number of tech graduates across the state, South Florida's tech market outpaced the supply of skilled workers, creating more than 15,000 new tech jobs from 2018 to 2022, compared to a little more than 14,000 graduates from 2017 to 2021. The desire and opportunities are both present: students are interested and motivated to pursue tech careers and there are plenty of new jobs available but acquiring the skills, training, and foundation needed to take them can prove challenging. More on tech in South Florida: $1 million will finance artificial intelligence program at Palm Beach State College South Florida Tech Hub (Tech Hub) is working to address this by partnering with schools and tech companies to provide training programs that prepare students to jumpstart their careers. We further our reach by coordinating with other nonprofits and workforce development organizations such as CareerSource, TechGateway, and Junior Achievement. Digital literacy is an essential skill in todays world and the more exposure kids have to opportunities, the better equipped they will be to realize them. Through programs such as Tech Hub Foundations Flamingo Coders classes for students, K-12 students are introduced to computer coding technology and careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). More on tech and South Florida: Could Vanderbilt University take land once slated for UF in West Palm Beach? There is a real lack of tech professionals in areas such as cybersecurity and now emerging technologies, including generative AI, blockchain, and mixed reality tech. To empower this next wave of tech, Tech Hubs Tech Talent Committee has been bringing together higher education and industry partners in the South Florida technology community on a monthly basis to explore these timely topics of AI, cybersecurity, cloud, and other emerging technologies, as well as through our annual Higher Education Conference and Tech Talent Fest. These initiatives can make a huge difference in students lives, opening the door to lifelong careers with higher pay and room for future growth. Indeed, average annual salaries for our region are on the rise and routinely rank well over six figures. Workforce initiatives of this kind can be hard to quantify at first. After all, the goal is to eventually foster a culture of innovation by bringing together quality candidates of all ages with ideas and equipping them with the means to make those ideas a reality. But its an incredibly vital effort because even if it takes time to show results, theres no overstating just how important developing our workforce is for the future of our economy and the growth well be able to achieve. Investing in our tech workforce means investing in our future. South Florida has managed to capture lightning in a bottle with our vibrant culture of innovation. Connecting our innovators and priming them to bring their dreams to fruition will be key to ensuring the future growth of our region into a hub for continued technological progress. By equipping our students with the skills they need to not only succeed but thrive in the digitally driven world of tomorrow, we can ensure that our workforce is well-prepared to meet the needs of our constantly evolving technology sector and that South Florida is leading the charge. Nikki Cabusis CEO of the South Florida Tech Hub, a South Florida-based nonprofit focused on building South Florida into one of the worlds technology centers of excellence. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Tech job training for Youth is key to South Florida economic growth CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand As its military looks to tap new technologies to compensate for a dwindling conscript force, South Korea has launched a tender to procure unmanned ground vehicles for the nations Army and Marines Corps. A tender published by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration earlier this month lists a budget of 49.63 billion won (U.S. $36.56 million) for multipurpose variants of the ground robots. The vehicles will be purchased domestically, said the notice, via a competitive tender. After contract signature, production of an unspecified quantity will proceed till December 2026. The bid marks the first major acquisition program for Seouls ground troops to procure operational UGVs, Kim Jae Yeop, a senior researcher at the Sungkyun Institute for Global Strategy in Seoul, told Defense News. The vehicles are envisioned to carry out reconnaissance, transportation and lightly armed missions alongside manned ground formations. According to Kim, there are two leading candidates for the bid: Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace. Both companies are important Korean defense contractors, especially for land systems, and have been proceeding with their own UGV development programs, he said. Hyundai Rotem confirmed to Defense News that it will participate in the tender, though it declined to specify what platform it will offer. As for its credentials, a spokesperson noted that the company was the sole bidder selected for a rapid demonstration acquisition project after initially proposing it to the Korean Army in November 2020. That $3.6 million project, a precursor to todays procurement effort, involved battery-powered HR-Sherpa-based 6x6 UGVs. Hyundai Rotems UGV is the only vehicle that has been in actual operation for more than two years in various terrains in Korea, the company spokesperson said. Hanwha Aerospace also has been active in the UGV field, and the company can point to overseas experience. For example, the U.S. military chose Hanwhas Arion-SMET 6x6 UGV to participate in a Foreign Comparative Testing program that occurred in Hawaii last December. It was the first Korean UGV ever evaluated for potential adoption by the United States. The Arion-SMET, its name standing for Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport, weighs 1.8 tons, and its batteries permit a road range of 100km. South Koreas army tested it in 2021, and it was demonstrated to U.S. Forces Korea the following year. In separate news, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration approved a two-year pilot project, beginning in the third quarter of this year, for a UGV-based air defense system for the Marine Corps. A prototype is to be ready by the second half of 2026. Armed with a 40mm weapon, the vehicle is meant to automatically detect, track and destroy intruding drones. The new platform is intended to replace existing manned antiaircraft systems, thus streamlining personnel numbers. Nearby Japan is also adopting UGVs. According to a Rheinmetall press release issued April 8, the German company will supply three Mission Master SP vehicles. Japan is slated to receive these UGVs equipped with cargo, surveillance and remote weapon station payloads in January 2025. Students sitting for their STAAR exams this week will be part of a new method of evaluating Texas schools: Their written answers on the states standardized tests will be graded automatically by computers. The Texas Education Agency is rolling out an automated scoring engine for open-ended questions on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness for reading, writing, science and social studies. The technology, which uses natural language processing, a building block of artificial intelligence chatbots such as GPT-4, will save the state agency about $15 million to 20 million per year that it would otherwise have spent on hiring human scorers through a third-party contractor. The change comes after the STAAR test, which measures students understanding of state-mandated core curriculum, was redesigned in 2023. The test now includes fewer multiple choice questions and more open-ended questions known as constructed response items. After the redesign, there are six to seven times more constructed response items. We wanted to keep as many constructed open ended responses as we can, but they take an incredible amount of time to score, said Jose Rios, director of student assessment at the Texas Education Agency. In 2023, Rios said TEA hired about 6,000 temporary scorers, but this year, it will need fewer than 2,000. To develop the scoring system, the TEA gathered 3,000 responses that went through two rounds of human scoring. From this field sample, the automated scoring engine learns the characteristics of responses, and it is programmed to assign the same scores a human would have given. This spring, as students complete their tests, the computer will first grade all the constructed responses. Then, a quarter of the responses will be rescored by humans. When the computer has low confidence in the score it assigned, those responses will be automatically reassigned to a human. The same thing will happen when the computer encounters a type of response that its programming does not recognize, such as one using lots of slang or words in a language other than English. More: El Paso braces for more spring winds, dust: National Weather Service We have always had very robust quality control processes with humans, said Chris Rozunick, division director for assessment development at the Texas Education Agency. With a computer system, the quality control looks similar. Every day, Rozunick and other testing administrators will review a summary of results to check that they match what is expected. In addition to low confidence scores and responses that do not fit in the computers programming, a random sample of responses will also be automatically handed off to humans to check the computers work. TEA officials have been resistant to the suggestion that the scoring engine is artificial intelligence. It may use similar technology to chatbots such as GPT-4 or Googles Gemini, but the agency has stressed that the process will have systematic oversight from humans. It wont learn from one response to the next, but always defer to its original programming set up by the state. We are way far away from anything thats autonomous or can think on its own, Rozunick said. But the plan has still generated worry among educators and parents in a world still weary of the influence of machine learning, automation and AI. Some educators across the state said they were caught by surprise at TEAs decision to use automated technology also known as hybrid scoring to score responses. There ought to be some consensus about, hey, this is a good thing, or not a good thing, a fair thing or not a fair thing, said Kevin Brown, the executive director for the Texas Association of School Administrators and a former superintendent at Alamo Heights ISD. Representatives from TEA first mentioned interest in automated scoring in testimony to the Texas House Public Education Committee in August 2022. In the fall of 2023, the agency announced the move to hybrid scoring at a conference and during test coordinator training before releasing details of the process in December. The STAAR test results are a key part of the accountability system TEA uses to grade school districts and individual campuses on an A-F scale. Students take the test every year from third grade through high school. When campuses within a district are underperforming on the test, state law allows the Texas education commissioner to intervene. More: Meta completes $8.5M purchase of El Paso land for proposed data center The commissioner can appoint a conservator to oversee campuses and school districts. State law also allows the commissioner to suspend and replace elected school boards with an appointed board of managers. If a campus receives failing grades for five years in a row, the commissioner is required to appoint a board of managers or close that school. With the stakes so high for campuses and districts, there is a sense of uneasiness about a computers ability to score responses as well as a human can. Theres always this sort of feeling that everything happens to students and to schools and to teachers and not for them or with them, said Carrie Griffith, policy specialist for the Texas State Teachers Association. A former teacher in the Austin Independent School District, Griffith added that even if the automated scoring engine works as intended, its not something parents or teachers are going to trust. Superintendents are also uncertain. The automation is only as good as what is programmed, said Lori Rapp, superintendent at Lewisville ISD. School districts have not been given a detailed enough look at how the programming works, Rapp said. The hybrid scoring system was already used on a limited basis in December 2023. Most students who take the STAAR test in December are retaking it after a low score. Thats not the case for Lewisville ISD, where high school students on an altered schedule test for the first time in December, and Rapp said her district saw a drastic increase in zeroes on constructed responses. At this time, we are unable to determine if there is something wrong with the test question or if it is the new automated scoring system, Rapp said. The state overall saw an increase in zeroes on constructed responses in December 2023, but the TEA said there are other factors at play. In December 2022, the only way to score a zero was by not providing an answer at all. With the STAAR redesign in 2023, students can receive a zero for responses that may answer the question but lack any coherent structure or evidence. The TEA also said that students who are retesting will perform at a different level than students taking the test for the first time. Population difference is driving the difference in scores rather than the introduction of hybrid scoring, a TEA spokesperson said in an email. For $50, students and their parents can request a rescore if they think the computer or the human got it wrong. The fee is waived if the new score is higher than the initial score. For grades 3-8, there are no consequences on a students grades or academic progress if they receive a low score. For high school students, receiving a minimum STAAR test score is a common way to fulfill one of the state graduation requirements, but it is not the only way. Even with layers of quality control, Round Rock ISD Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez said he worries a computer could miss certain things that a human being may not be able to miss, and that room for error will impact students who Azaiez said are trying to do his or her best. Test results will impact how they see themselves as a student, Brown said, and it can be humiliating for students who receive low scores. With human graders, Brown said, students were rewarded for having their own voice and originality in their writing, and he is concerned that computers may not be as good at rewarding originality. Julie Salinas, director of assessment, research and evaluation at Brownsville ISD said she has concerns about whether hybrid scoring is allowing the students the flexibility to respond in a way that they can demonstrate their full capability and thought process through expressive writing. Brownsville ISD is overwhelmingly Hispanic. Students taking an assessment entirely in Spanish will have their tests graded by a human. If the automated scoring engine works as intended, responses that include some Spanish words or colloquial, informal terms will be flagged by the computer and assigned to a human so that more creative writing can be assessed fairly. The system is designed so that it does not penalize students who answer differently, who are really giving unique answers, Rozuick said. With the computer scoring now a part of STAAR, Salinas is focused on adapting. The district is incorporating tools with automated scoring into how teachers prepare students for the STAAR test to make sure they are comfortable. Our district is on board and on top of the things that we need to do to ensure that our students are successful, she said. Disclosure: Google, the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas State Teachers Association have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Texas will use computers to grade written answers on STAAR tests 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. Parliament suspended the immunity of Socialist lawmaker Zsolt Molnar over ongoing investigations of graft and trade in influence. The Public Prosecutors Office had requested Molnars immunity to be suspended as he is suspected of requesting a bribe of 40 million forints (EUR 102,000) to allow a deal between the Budapest municipality and the sole applicant for a tender for IT purchases for the citys public transport company BKK in 2019. The graft is alleged to have occurred through another Socialist dignitary, Ferenc Baja, Janos Hargitai, the head of the committee for immunity matters, told parliament. Baja, then the government commissioner for information technology affairs, had asked for 30 million forints to refrain from hindering the deal through his influence with municipality dignitaries, he said. The charges against Molnar would constitute trading in influence, a felony under Hungarian law, the prosecutors office said. In his reply, Molnar noted he himself had requested his immunity to be suspended in February 2022, trusting that the prosecutors office will investigate the case fairly. Molnar called the procedure a show trial. MTI Photo ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Hungary will continue to reject migrants and will maintain the legal and physical border seal, regardless of the EU migration pact, the foreign minister said on Wednesday, ahead of the debate. Speaking at a town hall meeting in Paks, in central Hungary, Peter Szijjarto said the migration is green-lighting illegal migration. The pact, Szijjarto said, would expand a Western European problem to central Europe, rooted in them having given up their identity, culture and the protection of their society, and which had created parallel societies and increased the threat of terrorism. Hungary has been protecting the Schengen borders and the external borders of the EU for 9 years, Szijjarto said. Not only did the government not receive support from Brussels for that, but there is constant pressure to give up border protection, he said. Meanwhile, Parliament Adopts Hungary-Vietnam Cooperation Pact on Combatting Transnational, Organised Crime Lawmakers adopted a law on cooperation between Hungary and Vietnam in combatting transnational and organised crime. The law is aimed at replacing an agreement concluded on February 4 in 1998. The purpose of law is for the two countries to enhance and strengthen cooperation in fighting transnational crime. It also sets the general legal framework for bilateral cooperation in pre-empting public-safety threats. The law passed with 170 votes in favour, one against and nine abstentions. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Hungary and Ukraine have signed an agreement on opening a new border crossing point between Nagyhodos in Hungary and Velyka Palad (Nagypalad) in Ukraine, the foreign minister said. The new crossing station will be the sixth between the two countries, Peter Szijjarto said on Facebook. The minister noted his phone talks last month with Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidents office, that led to the agreement on the new border crossing as well as an agreement to allow cross-border freight traffic at Beregsurany. The agreement on the Nagyhodos-Velyka Palad crossing point was signed this week by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraines infrastructure minister, and Hungarys ambassador to Kyiv, Szijjarto said. Meanwhile, Hungarian-Slovak Mixed Minority Affairs CTTEE Concludes Series of Meetings A series of meetings of the Hungarian-Slovak mixed minority affairs committee was concluded in Budapest on Wednesday, Ferenc Kalmar, the committees Hungarian co-chair, said after the event. Although the talks started in 2022, there were issues that had remained unresolved that year, said Kalmar, adding that after several rounds of consultations, a final document had been drafted. He said the minutes of the talks would be submitted for discussion to both governments. The Hungarian government will then prepare an action plan in line with the minutes and the Slovak government will also take action on the basis of the document in the interest of improving the minority situation, said Kalmar. In the document, the mixed committee welcomed the establishment of a Slovak minority fund and the Slovak governments decision against merging it with another fund, the co-chair said. Kalmar noted that according to the document, the Slovak state will continue talks with the Reformed Church on the issue of expropriations conducted in the 1940s on properties that had not been subject to the restitution law and will not cut the level of support to the Selye Janos University of Komarno (Revkomarom) in southern Slovakia. The document welcomed statements by the new Slovak government and Peter Pellegrini, the newly elected president, based on which Slovakia has entered the group of sovereigntist and pro-peace countries, he said. Miroslav Mojzita, the committees Slovak co-chair, welcomed the signing of the document with which he said a process could be brought to an end after disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic and various problems over the past three years. He praised the work of the mixed committee, noting that it had addressed minority issues over the course of 15 meetings held since the signing of an inter-state treaty in 1995, adding that the governments of the two countries had always implemented the points agreed upon. ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! Lawmakers have approved an amendment that authorises the government to prolong the state of emergency in connection with the war in Ukraine until November 19. The motion passed with 135 votes in favour and 47 against. According to the bill submitted by the justice minister, the law is aimed at managing the fallout of the war and the humanitarian disaster in Hungary. The government first declared a state of emergency in connection with the war in neighbouring Ukraine in May 2022, and MPs have voted to extend it several times. Meanwhile, Parliament Votes to Suspend Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, Supplementary Documents Lawmakers voted to suspend the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) and its supplementary documents. After Russia pulled out of the CFE last year, NATO member states on Nov 7 released a joint statement in which they declared their intention to suspend the treatys operation. Hungary, as a NATO member, is fulfilling this intention by suspending the treaty. The CFEs suspension was approved with 177 votes in favour and 5 against. Parliament Approves Hungary-Turkiye Civilian State of Emergency Cooperation Pact Lawmakers voted to approve a law on a cooperation agreement on civilian state of emergency between Hungary and Turkiye. The law was approved unanimously with 182 votes in favour. The agreement signed between the Hungarian and Turkish governments last December will boost bilateral cooperation on civilian states of emergency. The agreement lays down the general framework for cooperation in the prevention of civilian emergencies, preparation for and response to them, as well as the conditions and rules of procedure for voluntary assistance. According to the bills justification, the agreement serves the further advancement of Hungarian-Turkish relations. MTI Photo ********************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! In the newly unveiled poster, lead actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, portraying the iconic couple Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule and his wife, Dnyanajyoti Savitribai Phule, are depicted gazing towards the horizon, symbolizing the dawn of a new era--a metaphor for the educational revolution initiated by them. Speaking about the film, National Award-winning director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan expressed his desire to shine a spotlight on the prevailing social ills that continue to plague society today. "Mahatma and Jyotiba Phule fought against caste and gender discrimination, which unfortunately persists even today. I aim to reignite conversations about these pressing issues that demand our attention," remarked Mahadevan. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jyotirao Phule and said that the social reformer's relentless efforts in the fields of education and women empowerment have left an indelible mark on society. PM Modi took to his X social media account to reiterate his government's commitment to fulfilling the vision of the social reformer to empower the poor and marginalized. "Today, we pay homage to the great Mahatma Phule on his Jayanti. A visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to fighting injustice and promoting equality, his thoughts give strength to millions. His relentless efforts in the field of education and women empowerment have left an indelible mark on society. Today is an occasion to reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his vision to empower the poor and marginalized," PM Modi said. Check Out the Poster here ! Patralekhaa took to her Instagram to share the new poster, She wrote, On his birth anniversary, our heartfelt tribute to Indias First Mahatma #JyotiraoPhule . Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa are set to star together in a biopic based on Jyotirao Phule and his wife, Savitribai Phule. Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, notable social reformers, challenged caste and gender prejudices of their era. Their groundbreaking initiatives resulted in the founding of India's inaugural girls' school in Pune, marking a pivotal moment in history. The Film has been produced by Pranay Chokshi, Jagdish Patel, Anuya Chauhan Kudecha, Ritesh Kudecha, and Suunil Jaiin . However ,The film's release date is yet to be announced! New Delhi: Addressing an event in Bikaner, Rajasthan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India's significant progress in digital payments, highlighting the widespread adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions across the country. He was addressing the event on April 10, 2024. UPI Transactions In India vs US Jaishankar revealed that India now conducts UPI transactions amounting to Rs 120 crores monthly. Drawing a sharp contrast, he pointed out that the United States only manages digital transactions worth Rs 40 crores annually. (Also Read: 'This Salary Equal To IT Companies': Users On Viral Job Posting At Momo Shop) India's UPI Revolution Jaishankar underscored the significance of UPI, a revolutionary system integrating multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application. (Also Read: Hyderabad Restaurant Fined Rs 5K For Denying Free Drinking Water) UPI Launch Date In India Launched on April 11, 2016, by former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, UPI seamlessly amalgamates various banking features, facilitating effortless fund routing and merchant payments. RBI's Latest Proposals In a recent move, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed enabling users to deposit cash in cash deposit machines (CDMs) through UPI. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced this initiative during the first monetary policy outlook of the current fiscal year. Das emphasized the need to enhance customer convenience and boost digital payment adoption for small-value transactions. Expansion Of UPI Services India's UPI services have not only transformed the domestic payment landscape but have also made significant strides globally. UPI services have been introduced in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Nepal. New Delhi: In view of the labor shortfall exacerbated by the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel is set to bring over 6,000 Indian workers during the months of April and May, news agency PTI reported. This move is aimed at revitalizing the nations construction sector, which has faced a severe workforce deficit. The arrival of these workers is facilitated by an air shuttle service, a result of collaborative efforts between the Israeli Prime Ministers Office (PMO), the finance ministry, and the construction and housing ministry. These bodies have jointly decided to subsidize charter flights, as revealed in a late Wednesday announcement by the Israeli government. Israels construction industry heavily relies on foreign labor for roles that lack sufficient local workforce. Historically, the largest contingent of about 80,000 workers originated from the Palestinian Authority-controlled West Bank, with an additional 17,000 from the Gaza Strip. However, the onset of conflict in October led to the revocation of work permits for a vast majority of these workers. The governments statement highlighted this as the largest number of foreign workers arriving in Israel for the construction sector in a short time. The subsidization agreement, reached about a week ago, marks a significant step in addressing the acute labor shortage that has hindered several construction projects, contributing to rising living costs and tensions between government entities and the business sector. The Indian workers entry into Israel is governed by a government-to-government (G2G) agreement between the two nations. As part of this initiative, a group of 64 Indian construction workers landed in Israel last Tuesday, with plans for a total of 850 to arrive by mid-April. Over the past few months, more than 900 Indian construction workers have made their way to Israel through a business-to-business (B2B) route involving recruitment agencies from both countries. Despite approval for over 20,000 workers from India and Sri Lanka after screening tests by the Israeli Contractors Association (ICA), only about 1,000 have arrived so far. Sources within the construction sector attribute this delay to bureaucratic procedures, including the acquisition of various permits. Many of the selected workers have reportedly resigned from their previous employment, eagerly awaiting their visas to commence work in Israel. Despite the Israeli governments repeated assurances to expedite these procedures, the process remains sluggish. The ICA has urged the government to swiftly bring the approved workers to Israel and establish a fast-track process for their approval and travel. This call to action comes amidst concerns that the delay is detrimental to all parties involved. In a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the need to expedite the arrival of Indian workers. In addition to the workforce from India and Sri Lanka, Israel has also welcomed approximately 7,000 workers from China and around 6,000 from Eastern Europe to support its construction industry during this challenging period. NEW DELHI: In a bold move amidst ongoing political scrutiny, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended invitations to 25 foreign nations to observe the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India. This unprecedented step aims to provide international leaders firsthand insight into India's democratic process and the BJP's campaign strategies. As allegations swirl from opposition parties, the BJP's initiative underscores a commitment to transparency and global engagement. Here are the key highlights of this significant development: 1. Unprecedented Move By BJP: Amid ongoing allegations from opposition parties, the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken an unprecedented step by inviting 25 foreign nations to witness the campaigning and electoral process in India. 2. Global Interest in Indias Elections: Reports indicate that leaders from various political parties across the globe will be visiting India during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, invited by the BJP to observe the scale of the polls and understand the party's campaign strategies. 3. Invitation Details: The BJP has extended invitations to over 25 parties from foreign countries to send their representatives to observe Indias Lok Sabha polls, which are recognized as the worlds largest democratic exercise. Thirteen parties have confirmed their visits so far, with further details to be disclosed later. 4. Exclusion Of US Parties: Notably, neither of the two major US parties, the Democrats nor the Republicans, have been invited. A BJP leader explained that the US parties' own presidential elections preoccupy them, and their organizational structure differs significantly from that of Indian or European parties. 5. Invitations To UK and Germany: The Conservative and Labour parties of the UK, as well as the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats of Germany, have been invited by the BJP. 6. Omission Of Pakistan and China: Due to strained relations with Pakistan and the absence of invitations to the Communist Party of China (CPC), these political entities have not been included in the foreign observers' list. 7. Focus On Neighbouring Nations: Only the ruling Awami League from Bangladesh has been invited, while the opposition BNP has not, following its association with an 'India Out' campaign on social media. 8, Inclusion Of Nepal & Sri Lanka: All prominent political parties from Nepal and Sri Lanka have received invitations from the BJP, indicating a comprehensive approach to neighbouring countries. 9. Schedule and Itinerary: The BJP anticipates that invited leaders will visit India during the third or fourth phase of the elections, scheduled for the second week of May. Foreign observers will be briefed in Delhi before visiting multiple constituencies and engaging with party leaders and candidates. 10. BJPs Outreach Initiatives: This initiative aligns with the BJPs broader efforts for external outreach, including the KNOW BJP initiative under party president J P Nadda. The party aims to provide foreign delegates with insights into Indian democracy and the BJPs electoral strategies. By inviting international observers, the BJP seeks to showcase the scale and depth of its electoral campaigns while fostering a deeper understanding of Indian democracy among global political players. New Delhi: A bus carrying school children was involved in a major accident in Haryana's Mahendragarh, resulting in the death of six students and injuries to at least 20 others, news agency PTI quoted police as saying. Initial findings indicate that the accident occurred as the bus was attempting to overtake another vehicle in the town of Kanina, leading to it flipping over. The Superintendent of Police for Mahendragarh, Arsh Verma, said via telephone to PTI that the bus operator has been taken into custody. In response to inquiries about the possibility of the driver being under the influence of alcohol, he stated, The driver is currently detained, and we are in the process of conducting his medical evaluation, which will confirm whether he was inebriated at the time of the accident. Additional reports have raised concerns about the possibility of reckless driving by the driver, the Superintendent of Police further noted. He mentioned that the wounded students were immediately transported to a medical facility for emergency care. Officials have reported that Seema Trikha, the Education Minister of Haryana, is en route to Mahendragarh. New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has escalated its legal actions against Aam Aadmi Party MLA Amanatullah Khan by filing for an open-ended, non-bailable warrant. This move comes in the wake of Khan allegedly evading previously issued summons in connection with the Delhi Waqf Board Money Laundering case. The Rouse Avenue Court, which had already summoned Khan based on the EDs complaint, is now considering a new application that invokes sections 70 and 73 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) read with Section 65 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This application seeks to secure an open-ended non-bailable warrant against the MLA. The matter, presided over by Special Judge Rakesh Syal, was brought before the Rouse Avenue court for a hearing this Wednesday. During the proceedings, the EDs Special Counsel Simon Benjamin requested additional time to submit necessary documents. Consequently, the court has scheduled the next hearing for April 18. An open-ended non-bailable warrant (NBW) is a judicial instrument that remains valid indefinitely until the accused is apprehended or presents themselves before the court. This type of warrant signifies an intensification of the EDs efforts to bring the accused to justice. In a recent development, the ED has also filed a charge sheet against four individuals and one firm, alleging money laundering activities under Khans chairmanship at the Delhi Waqf Board. The Rouse Avenue court had issued summons to Khan the previous day, in response to the EDs complaint that he had been dodging the summons served to him. The ED has been persistent in sending summons to Khan, aiming to compel his cooperation in the ongoing investigation into the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. Khans attempts to secure anticipatory bail have been thwarted, with both the trial court and the High Court dismissing his pleas. A LeT terrorist was killed in an encounter while three terrorist associates were arrested with ammunition in two separate anti-terror operations in Kashmir in the last 12 hours. Acting on specific information regarding the presence of a terrorist in the Frassipora area of Pulwama village, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by the Police, Army (53RR), and CRPF (183Bn) in the wee hours. A police spokesman said, "As the joint search party approached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorist fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was effectively retaliated, leading to an encounter. In the ensuing encounter, a terrorist was killed, and his body was retrieved from the site of the encounter. The terrorist was later identified as Danish Sheikh, a resident of Srinagar and a member of the proscribed terror outfit LeT/TRF. Arms, ammunition, and incriminating materials were recovered from the killed terrorist." Meanwhile, in another successful operation, security forces claimed to have busted a terror module in the Baramulla district of North Kashmir. The Baramulla Police, in a handout, said, "Police along with security forces arrested three terror associates linked with the proscribed terror outfit LeT and recovered incriminating materials and grenades from their possession in Baramulla." It further reads, "Acting on credible intelligence that unidentified terrorists affiliated with the banned LeT organization were moving in Baramulla town with intentions to target security forces. Three persons from Baramulla town, identified as Owais Ahmad Waza, son of Gh Mohd Waza, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla, Basit Fayaz Kaloo, son of Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla, and Faheem Ahmad Mir, son of Tariq Ahmad Mir, resident of Mir Sahab Old Town Baramulla, were assisting them and providing information about security force movements. Their intention was to disturb the peace process in Baramulla in view of forthcoming elections, orchestrated by their handlers across the border." Upon receiving this information, an investigation was launched. During the investigation, the three accused persons were apprehended in Old Town Baramulla, and upon their disclosure, three hand grenades were recovered from their possession. Further investigation of the case is in process. In view of the forthcoming parliamentary elections, the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert from the Line of Control (LOC) to the hinterland to cities. Inputs from the intelligence wing suggest that terrorist camps across the border have become active and are planning to disrupt the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. Lok Sabha Polls 2024 LIVE Updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed multiple rallies in the run up to the Lok Sabha Elections. He addressed a rally in Uttarkhand as well. Ahead of his address, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami greeted the PM with a Damru. PM Modi was also felicitated by BJP women leaders at the venue of his public meeting in Rishikesh. Later today, PM Modi is set to galvanize support for the BJP candidate Indu Devi Jatav at the Vijay Shankhnad Rally in Karauli, Rajasthan. On the other hand, the Congress party accused Modi government of widespread corruption, inflation and unemployment. Simultaneously, Rahul Gandhi is slated to energize the Congress base by addressing gatherings in Anupgarh and Phalodi, which fall under the Bikaner and Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively. These engagements are critical as both constituencies have been BJP strongholds for the past two terms. The Prime Ministers visit doesnt end with Karauli; he will continue to campaign in Rajasthan with a rally in Barmer and a roadshow in Dausa on Friday. Despite winning the seat in 2019, the BJP faced a setback in the last years Assembly elections, securing fewer votes than the Congress across the eight Assembly seats within this Lok Sabha constituency. Stay Tuned To Zee News English For Live News Updates On Lok Sabha Elections NEW DELHI: In an enlightening revelation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared insights into his extensive travels across the United States even before his political career took off. Speaking exclusively to US magazine Newsweek, PM Modi disclosed that he had explored 29 states of the USA even before assuming the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat. His affinity for travel and engagement with the Indian diaspora formed the bedrock of these early experiences. Meticulous Planning And Connect With Diaspora PM Modi elaborated on his meticulous planning, often aided by maps, to navigate his travels across the US. Notably, he relied on the support of the Indian diaspora, who played a pivotal role in facilitating his exploration of diverse locations within the country. This collaboration not only enriched his understanding of the diaspora but also fostered strong connections that would later prove beneficial in his political journey. The US Airline Schemes And Monthly Discounts Revealing an interesting facet of his travel strategy, PM Modi disclosed his utilization of a scheme offered by Delta Airlines, which provided unlimited monthly discounts. Despite the constraints of no luggage allowance and seat reservations, PM Modi ingeniously optimized his travel by opting for red-eye flights and longer journeys to avoid hotel stays. This allowed him to immerse himself in the Indian community across the US, fostering deeper bonds and insights. Diaspora As Global Ambassadors PM Modi acknowledged the pivotal role of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India's global prominence. He commended their achievements, which have become a source of pride and admiration worldwide, portraying them as invaluable ambassadors for the nation on the global stage. Vision For India's Future In addition to his early experiences, PM Modi shared his vision for India's future, emphasizing inclusive growth and sustainable development. As he prepares for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi reflected on India's remarkable journey under his leadership, highlighting the government's commitment to fulfilling promises and fostering inclusive progress. India's Growing Superpower Status PM Modi underscored India's trajectory towards becoming an emerging superpower, fueled by rapid economic growth and expanding global influence. He emphasized the nation's demographic dividend and its significant role in shaping global affairs, particularly in the context of India's strategic relations with the United States. Commitment To Sustainable Growth Highlighting the government's commitment to sustainable development, PM Modi outlined various initiatives aimed at advancing renewable energy, and infrastructure development, and meeting international commitments such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. This commitment underscores India's proactive stance towards addressing global challenges while fostering its own development. Samastipur, a district in Bihar, has been a hotbed of political activity for decades. Known for the assassination of former railways minister L.N. Mishra in 1975 and the arrest of BJP leader L.K. Advani during his famous Ram Rath Yatra in 1990, the district is once again in the limelight. In an interesting turn of events, the children of two ministers from the Nitish Kumar government, both belonging to his party JD(U), are likely to face off in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Shambhavi Choudhary, the daughter of Ashok Kumar Choudhary, a minister and confidant of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, will be contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Samastipur as the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) or NDA candidate. On the other hand, Sunny Hazari, the son of another Janata Dal (United) minister and erstwhile Nitish confidant Maheshwar Hazari, has joined the Congress hoping to bag a nomination from the same seat. The Congress has yet to announce its candidate from the seat. If Sunny Hazari is nominated, the Samastipur reserved seat will see a contest between the children of two JD(U) ministers, on rival tickets. This has led to a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement among the electorate. Both candidates have expressed confidence about their prospects. "I do not know if I will be given a ticket, but I will work to strengthen the party in the Lok Sabha seat, Sunny Hazari told The Print. Meanwhile, Shambhavi Choudhary said: Just watch how much the margin will be. Interestingly, both ministers have distanced themselves from their childrens political ambitions. Maheshwar Hazari reaffirmed his allegiance to the CM, stating, Sunnys decision to join the Congress is his own. I have nothing to do with it. My loyalty is entirely towards Nitish Kumar. Similarly, Ashok Choudhary is actively campaigning for his daughter, free from any dilemma since both LJP and JD(U) are part of the NDA. The elections in Samastipur are scheduled in the fourth phase on 13 May. As the date approaches, the political temperature in Samastipur is set to rise. The face-off between Shambhavi Choudhary and Sunny Hazari, if it materializes, will be one of the most closely watched contests in these elections. The Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram seat has long been at the radars of the BJP since the Sethusamudram project issue made headlines. The BJP had protested against the project claiming that the project would destroy the Ram Setu built by the Vanar Sena of Lord Rama. One end of the setu touches Ramanathapuram's seat. However, despite the BJP raking up the Katchatheevu island issue, the talk of this year's poll at the seat is a fight being put up by former CM O Panneerselvam. O Panneerselvam vs K Navas Kani The DMK gave the seat to the Indian Union Muslim League in 2019. IUML candidate K Navas Kani is sitting MP from the seat and has been fielded again by the DMK-IUML. However, OPS is contesting from the seat as an independent and is backed by the BJP after his ouster from the AIADMK. The former CM is taking no chance and is campaigning till late evening to cover as much ground as possible to win a seat which is relatively new territory for him. OPS is a sitting MLA from the Bodinayakkanur constituency. AIADMK has fielded P Jeyaperumal from the seat. Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha Seat The Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha has six assembly constituencies - Aranthangi, Tiruchuli, Paramakudi, Thiruvaadanai, Ramanathapuram and Mudukulathur. The seat has over 16 lakh voters. Last time, Navas Kani had bagged the seat by a margin of 1.27 lakh votes. Panneerselvam is banking heavily on Thevars- the OBC community to which he belongs to. The community dominates the seat. OPS's candidature from the seat could be also due to the gradual advancement of the BJP in this region. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, the party secured 16.5% of the votes, a figure that rose to 17.20% by 2014. In the 2019 elections, the BJP-AIADMK coalition collectively garnered 32.31% of the votes. New Delhi: Teslas CEO Elon Musk has publicly affirmed his forthcoming trip to India and his intention to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a recent social media update, Musk expressed his eagerness about the rendezvous, stating, Looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister @NarendraModi in India. The week of April 22 is the expected timeframe for Musks arrival in India. It is speculated that during this visit, Musk will unveil Teslas investment intentions for the Indian market. This announcement trails Musks interaction with Modi during the latters visit to the United States last June. At that time, Musk had articulated his plans to visit India in 2024 and voiced optimism about Teslas imminent entry into the Indian automotive sector. Musks visit is timely, coinciding with the Indian governments rollout of a new electric vehicle (EV) policy. This policy introduces import duty incentives for enterprises that establish manufacturing plants in India with an investment threshold of USD 500 million. This initiative is designed to entice leading global entities like Tesla to set up shop in India. Under the new policy, entities that establish EV passenger car manufacturing facilities will benefit from the privilege to import a finite quantity of vehicles at a reduced customs/import duty of 15 percent for cars valued at USD 35,000 or more. This concession is valid for five years from the issuance of the approval letter by the government. Currently, the import duty on completely built units (CBUs) ranges from 70 to 100 percent, contingent on the engine size and the cost, insurance, and freight (CIF) value. CBUs with a CIF value exceeding USD 40,000 are subject to a 100 percent import duty, applicable to petrol engines larger than 3000 cc and diesel engines over 2500 cc. Conversely, CBUs valued under USD 40,000 are levied a 70 percent duty, applicable to petrol engines smaller than 3000 cc and diesel engines under 2500 cc. The policys objective is to position India as a prime manufacturing hub for EVs and to draw investments from esteemed global manufacturers. Last year, Tesla had petitioned the Indian government for duty reductions on its vehicle imports. Musk had previously declared in 2022 that Tesla, which had been lobbying for lower import duties to market its vehicles in India, would refrain from manufacturing its products in the country unless permitted to first sell and service its cars. In August 2021, Musk had suggested that Tesla might consider establishing a manufacturing unit in India contingent on the success of its imported vehicles. He had lamented that Indias import duties were the highest in the world by far of any large country, yet remained hopeful about Teslas launch in the Indian market. NEW DELHI: Kerala Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Surendran has ignited a heated debate by promising to rename Sultan Bathery town in Wayanad to Ganapativattam if he emerges victorious in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. The proposal, which hinges on historical arguments, seeks to revert the town's name to its original name, Ganapativattam, asserting that it was changed during Tipu Sultan's invasion. Questioning Tipu Sultan's Legacy In a recent interview, Surendran questioned the legacy of Tipu Sultan, asking, "Who is Tipu Sultan?" and challenging his relevance to the people of Wayanad. He emphasized the importance of restoring the town's original name, Ganapativattam, suggesting that it symbolizes its association with Lord Ganesh. State BJP president and candidate for the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat K. Surendran announced that he will change the name of Sultan Bathery town to its original name Ganapathivattam if he wins. pic.twitter.com/gYwmb2U8KR IANS (@ians_india) April 11, 2024 Complex History & Allegations Of Religious Atrocities Surendran's proposal delves into the intricate history of the region, particularly its resistance against Tipu Sultan's invasion. He alleges that Tipu Sultan perpetrated religious atrocities in Wayanad and Malabar, leading to the conversion of Hindus and attacks on temples. Surendran accuses both his political rivals, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Alliance and the Congress-led United Democratic Front, of aligning with the ideology of Tipu Sultan and renaming the town Sultan Bathery. Honouring Historical Roots According to Surendran, renaming Sultan Bathery to Ganapativattam would not only honour its historical roots but also pay homage to those who valiantly opposed foreign aggression. The proposal underscores the significance of preserving local heritage amidst political discourse. Elections In Kerala Surendran's stance adds a new dimension to the electoral landscape in Wayanad, where he is contesting against the Communist Party of India (CPI)'s Annie Raja and the sitting Congress MP, Rahul Gandhi. The upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, slated for April 26, are poised to witness heightened political fervour as various parties vie for supremacy in the state, which sends 20 parliamentarians to the Lok Sabha. The outcome of this electoral battle will undoubtedly shape the political trajectory of the region. New Delhi: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a convenient facility for its members - the automatic transfer of EPF accounts when switching jobs. Despite its benefits, this feature remains relatively unknown among members. What Is Automatic Transfer Process? The automatic transfer feature enables existing EPF members switching jobs to seamlessly move their PF balances from their old employer to the new one without the need for any online or offline requests. (Also Read: Setback For OnePlus? Mobile Retailers' Body Threatens To Stop Sales From May 1) This means that the EPF account transfer happens automatically, eliminating the hassle for members. (Also Read: Bengaluru Entrepreneur Gets Eid Offer On Navratri Thali From Swiggy: Internet Says Food Knows No Religion) Who Can Avail This Facility? However, it's essential to note that this facility is available only to EPF members whose EPF accounts, both old and new, are maintained by the EPFO. Exempted PF trusts are not covered under this automatic transfer scheme. Requirements To Enable The Automatic Transfer Process To facilitate automatic EPF account transfers, the EPFO has outlined specific requirements that must be met. These include: - The UAN and Aadhaar numbers provided by the new employer must match the details available with the UAN. - The EPF member's Aadhaar number should be linked and verified against the UAN at the previous place of employment. - Details such as the date of joining, date of exit, and reason for exit should be available from the old employer. - The EPF member's UAN must be activated, and their mobile number should be accessible. New Delhi: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently expressed his surprise at the remarkable sophistication of AI models like ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI. While acknowledging the complexity of these models in encoding information such as Shakespearean texts, Gates admitted to being skeptical initially but was pleasantly surprised by their advancements. Sam Altman's Views On AI Development During a conversation on Gates' podcast "Unconfuse Me with Bill Gates," OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shed light on the current state and prospects of AI. (Also Read: Ramadan 2024: Swiggy Latest Report Reveals Trending Iftar Foods Across India) Altman highlighted the growing focus on interpretability research, which aims to unravel the intricacies of AI encoding and operations. (Also Read: Setback For OnePlus? Mobile Retailers' Body Threatens To Stop Sales From May 1) Drawing parallels with the understanding of human brain function, Altman expressed optimism about comprehending AI technology over time, enhancing its development and application. Altman recalled the early stages of AI development, noting that when OpenAI built GPT-1, they lacked a deep understanding of how or why it worked. Bill Gates' Views On AI Gates emphasized AI's potential to address significant challenges, including solving complex social issues and transforming sectors like healthcare and education. However, he also expressed concerns about the potential downsides of advanced artificial intelligence, particularly regarding job displacement. Gates candidly admitted that even he could potentially lose his job to AI, sharing a humorous yet thought-provoking scenario where the machine prioritizes tasks like malaria eradication over his own contributions. "I get a lot of excitement that, hey, I'm good at working on malaria eradication... When the machine says to me, Bill, go play pickleball, I've got malaria eradication. You're just a slow thinker,' then it is a philosophically confusing thing," Gates remarked. Lufthansa, a major German airline, has announced the suspension of its flights to Tehran in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The decision comes amidst concerns over potential attacks from Iran following a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran's embassy in Syria. Suspension Due to Safety Concerns Lufthansa stated that the suspension of flights to and from Tehran began on April 6 and is expected to last until April 11. This move reflects the airline's commitment to prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew members amid the volatile situation in the region. A Lufthansa spokesperson told Reuters, "We are constantly monitoring the situation in the Middle East and are in close contact with the authorities. The safety of our guests and crew members is Lufthansa's top priority." While Lufthansa has suspended its Tehran flights, its subsidiary, Austrian Airlines, continues to operate a direct service from Vienna to Tehran six times a week. This decision highlights the nuanced approach taken by different airlines in navigating the current geopolitical challenges. Regional Tensions and Security Concerns The region has been on high alert since April 1, following suspicions of Israeli involvement in bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has vowed retaliation, raising concerns about potential attacks. International Response and Preparedness In response to the escalating tensions, the United States and its allies are closely monitoring the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to stand with Israel against any threats from Iran. Efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions, with U.S. Middle East envoy Brett McGurk engaging with regional leaders to urge Iran to lower tensions. However, specific details about these diplomatic efforts have not been disclosed. Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified at a public inquiry examining foreign interference in Canada's electoral process, reiterating his government's commitment to safeguarding Canadians' rights. The inquiry, led by Quebec judge Marie-Josee Hogue, delved into various aspects, including the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, shot dead in Surrey last June. During his testimony, Trudeau criticized the previous Conservative government for its close ties with the current Indian government, suggesting a lack of vigilance regarding foreign interference. Trudeau addressed concerns about foreign interference during the 2019 elections and redacted portions in the 2019 annual report of the NSI. While he couldn't delve into specifics due to national security concerns, he emphasized the government's dedication to defending Canadians' rights and freedoms. Trudeau Defends Minority Rights Asserting his government's stance on defending minority rights in Canada, Trudeau emphasized the importance of allowing minorities to voice their opinions, even if it conflicts with their home countries' interests. The inquiry was triggered by media reports citing unnamed sources and leaked documents, with a briefing from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) indicating China's covert interference in recent federal elections. The Canadian PM expressed frustration over leaked intelligence, stating that sensationalized reporting could damage public confidence in the democratic process. He emphasized the need for proper context and analysis before drawing conclusions. Allegations Against Canadian MP Allegations against Canadian MP Han Dong, reportedly involving interactions with a Chinese consular official, were addressed during the inquiry. Trudeau refuted the allegations, highlighting the importance of confidentiality and national security. PM Trudeau outlined a protocol introduced by his government to address threats to Canada's electoral process. Despite concerns raised, no significant threats were announced following the 2019 or 2021 general elections. Committee Recommendations A parliamentary committee released a report detailing recommendations to enhance Canada's resilience against foreign threats, including better briefing for parliamentarians and a thorough national security review. The Conservatives issued a supplementary report accusing Liberal committee members of hindering a comprehensive investigation to protect Trudeau from political fallout. The inquiry continues to explore measures to safeguard Canada's democracy against foreign interference, with Trudeau's testimony shedding light on the government's approach and challenges faced. 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. Workers from the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority and the city of Colorado Springs repair pot holes near Hancock Boulevard in Colorado Springs. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold speaks in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 8 in Washington. The U.S. Supreme Court took up a historic case to decide whether Donald Trump was ineligible for the 2024 ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. 3E's Comedy Club, which opened at 1 S. Nevada Ave. in 2020, closed this month. The nonprofit Colorado Springs Community Cultural Collective will move in and use the 11,000 square feet as a new home for its workforce programs, rebranded as Opus Creative Industries. Programs include Opus One (formerly Shovel Ready), a student culinary program; a media arts program; and Simple Gift playgroups for ages 0 to 5, as well as Simple Gift teacher training classes. Hundreds listen to speeches by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, at the 39th Space Foundation Space Symposium at The Broadmoor Hotel, on Wednesday in Colorado Springs. The annual event attracted more than 10,000 attendees to discuss military and commercial trends in the aerospace industry. Creating a Space National Guard is the worst option for 14 space-focused National Guard units, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said Wednesday at Space Symposium. The fight over the future of space-focused Air National Guard units is also receiving much more political attention than it deserves, he said. The impact of transferring guardsman into the active-duty Space Force is "negligible" because in any of the seven states with space-focused National Guard units the units represent "at most 2% of the guard," he said. The units, including seven in Colorado, were left behind in the Air National Guard when space-focused active-duty units moved into the new military branch. Kendall referred to them as an artifact of creating the Space Force and after four years he would like to see the issue resolved. Recently, the Department of Defense introduced legislation to transfer space-focused Air National Guard units into the active-duty Space Force without the consent of governors who oversee the units. Sen. Marco Rubio, R.-Fla., has introduced competing legislation that would create a Space National Guard that would allow the units to continue operating in the same way. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis sent a letter to the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin last week protesting the transfer of units without the consent of governors. "I cannot stand idly by as the servicemembers I am charged with leading are faced with the decision to either leave military service or serve in a manner that they did not originally agree to," Polis wrote. "We know that a significant majority of Air National Guard space operators will not transfer to the U.S. Space Force, putting both their military career and national security at risk." A poll of guardsmen showed that 60% to 86% of about 1,000 guardsmen working in space would leave rather than transfer, leaving a major gap in expertise, said Parker White, spokesman for the Colorado Air National Guard, in a previous interview. Kendall said he was not terribly concerned about the number of people who might leave the guard, in part, because the Space Force has not been able to outline the options for guardsmen yet. "They are not going to see much change as I see it," Kendall said. Featured Local Savings The Space Force will allow guardians to work part-time within the active duty service, a model that's been approved but has not been implemented. Right now, the Space Force is training guardsmen, and that work can be formalized more if they are absorbed into the Space Force, Kendall said. "The Space Force is great opportunity for these people," he said. Congress asked the DOD to study the options for the units, including leaving the units where they are, creating a Space National Guard and moving them into the Space Force. Kendall said that report shows moving the units is the best option and the worst option is a new Space National Guard because of the added administration. The report has not been publicly released. Proponents of a proposed Space National Guard argue additional administration isn't necessary. Gen. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, said a transfer of the space-focused units would be phased to minimize the risk to missions. While the fight is ongoing for the future national guardsmen, space-focused reservists in the 310th Space Wing in Colorado Springs must transfer into the Space Force. Saltzman said in an email he expected new part-time guardians would fill education, training and testing roles rather than going into employed-in-place operations. White said Air National Guard space operators signed up to serve in an operational capacity and forcing them to choose between support roles and full-time would be a major change. "At an organizational level, the United States would lose experienced operators, many with over a decade of space operations under their belt, that would take years to replace," he said. The National Guard Bureau estimates it would take up to nine years and as much as $1 billion to replace those who plan to quit, according to a news release from the National Guard Association. Chinese VP meets delegation of El Salvador's New Ideas Party Xinhua) 09:27, April 11, 2024 Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with a delegation of senior officials from the New Ideas Party of El Salvador, led by the leader of the party and Vice President-elect Felix Ulloa, in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) BEIJING, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with a delegation of senior officials from the New Ideas Party of El Salvador, led by the leader of the party and Vice President-elect Felix Ulloa, in Beijing on Wednesday. Han said that since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and El Salvador more than five years ago, bilateral relations have developed rapidly in an all-round way. The Chinese side is willing to work with the El Salvador side to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and enhance communication and coordination on international and regional affairs, he said. The Communist Party of China (CPC) is willing to build a new type of political party relations with the New Ideas Party of El Salvador and push for steady and long-term bilateral relations, Han said. Ulloa thanked China for its support and assistance since the two countries established diplomatic ties, saying that bilateral cooperation and exchanges are progressing smoothly and the friendship between the two peoples is constantly deepening. He said that El Salvador adheres to the one-China principle, and the New Ideas Party is willing to learn from the experience of the CPC in governance and explore a development path suited to the country's national conditions. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng meets with a delegation of senior officials from the New Ideas Party of El Salvador, led by the leader of the party and Vice President-elect Felix Ulloa, in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) abhola AndrewN Can you please let me know your thoughts on this question? I feel that option B is already implied in the passage. The following statement from the passage and Option B both say the same things. However, real progress in science and technology requires an element of creativity, which the arts foster. I have learned to not select the option in a strengthen question that restates the information already given in the passage. Thanks in advance. Hi VeritasKarishma Can you please let me know your thoughts on this question?I feel that option B is already implied in the passage.The following statement from the passage and Option B both say the same things.I have learned to not select the option in a strengthen question that restates the information already given in the passage.Thanks in advance. abhola correct the passage however real requires if true substantiate the argument thus increase the number of art courses required for [science and technology students] I am no longer contributing to GMAT Club. Please request an active Expert or a peer review if you have questions. Signature Read More Hello,. I have no problem whatsoever with the question. Regarding your last statement about selecting an answer choice "that restates the information already given in the passage," that is nothing more than superstition. In fact, I would say that manyanswers do the best job mimicking the language or information the passage presents. Is choice (B) a restatement of the line in question, though? No. The frame of the question stem and that of the line in question are different. Notice thatpresents the line as an opinion. We can tell this from the word, as well as the judgmentaland. Who thinks these thoughts? The arts advocate. They are not presented as facts in the passage. But the question stem specifiesif (B) were true, then it wouldthe view of the arts advocate... or, in other words, strengthen it. Keep in mind, too, thatis not the second line, but the last one, the one that starts with. The arts advocate calls for schools to. Choice (B), if true, provides just the type of reason we are seeking to validate that view.Watch the language used in the passage and answer choices to keep from passing quick judgment. If you rely on precedent rather than on critical reasoning to tackle CR questions, especially more difficult questions, you will find yourself coming up empty-handed more often than you would care to, and the CR task will prove quite frustrating.I hope my thoughts help clarify your concerns. Thank you for thinking to ask.- Andrew_________________ Unlike other organs that are all protected inside the body, the lungs are connected to the environment through breathing. Its one of the most difficult organs to transplant Albert Jauregui In February 2023, Dr. Jaureguis team performed Spains first robotically assisted single-lung transplant; three months later they performed a second single-lung transplant. Both patients showed good improvement in the postoperative period and needed only mild medication for the pain caused by the surgery. We accomplished our main objective for this minimally invasive approach, which was to reduce the size of the surgical incision and the need for powerful pain drugs that interfere with wound healing, said Dr. Jauregui. We are happy with the outcome of the first lung transplant patients with robotic surgery, but we have to continue working to be able to offer this type of surgery to more patients. Dr. Jaureguis team spent hours in the lab performing robotically assisted surgeries with synthetic lungs before moving to large animal models. By deflating the lung and relying on the skins flexibility, surgeons discovered they could use a smaller incision below the sternum to remove and insert the lungs. Lung transplants are a very tough procedure, from donor selection through the surgery to the postoperative period, said Dr. Jauregui. Unlike other organs that are all protected inside the body, the lungs are connected to the environment through breathing. Its one of the most difficult organs to transplant. After the two successful robotically assisted lung transplants, Dr. Jaureguis team began working with a medical device company to develop design robotic instruments specifically for lung transplantation. Our next goal is to perform a bilateral lung transplant, he said. We plan to perform five robotically assisted procedures this year and 10 next year. Another objective for Dr. Jaureguis department is to disseminate the new technique to more lung transplant programs. We believe that reducing surgical aggression is better for patients, however, we need a greater number of procedures to confirm our theory, he said. CHICAGO In an about-face, Mayor Brandon Johnson is now asking aldermen to approve using another $70 million in city funds to maintain this years migrant response. This week, the mayors office began briefing City Council members on plans to push through the item as a means to keep afloat the citys costly response to the 38,000-plus asylum seekers who have made their way to Chicago since 2022. The mayors office declined to comment Wednesday, but sources familiar with the briefings said his team hopes to allocate the $70 million from previous city surpluses, similar to a budgetary trick his predecessor Lori Lightfoot introduced on her way out the mayors office last year. If approved by City Council, which Johnsons administration hopes will happen as early as next Wednesdays meeting, the $70 million would augment $150 million already set aside in his 2024 budget for the migrant response. $150 million is an amount the mayor has long acknowledged would be inadequate, but he has also said its not incumbent on the city to shoulder so much of the burden. In February, state, county and city officials projected about $321 million would be needed to sustain the citys migrant operation through the end of the year. The state and county pledged about $250 million of that, leaving a $70 million hole sources said Johnson initially agreed to provide before backing off. Johnson bristled at that characterization at the time and told reporters: There are a number of matters that need to be worked through. No one in the state of Illinois, in this country, is questioning Mayor Brandon Johnsons commitment to this mission. Gov. J.B. Pritzker seemed to support that sentiment in remarks to reporters Tuesday, despite the back-and-forth two months ago over the $70 million, among other kerfuffles between city and state teams related to the migrants. Asked about reports of Johnson asking the City Council for the money, the governor defended the mayors record on working very hard at addressing the crisis of the incoming migrants that have been sent here from Texas. Theyre being treated as best they can be, Pritzker said. Its not as (if) the city has fallen down on providing work. And so this is just a continuation of what the citys offered us. The governor appeared more open to tying himself to Chicagos migrant response, after previously distancing himself at times. He said that for those who complain about the expenditure thats being made, lets be clear first: This is just basic nobodys getting any fancy luxuries out of this. These are, first of all, human beings. They deserve to be treated with humanity. It wasnt always this way. Emails released to the Tribune this week in response to an open records request show how the Pritzker administration and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkles office failed to push city officials to attend a joint news conference to announce the funding effort. The motivation was at least in part political, as Pritzker prepared to deliver his Feb. 21 budget address to the General Assembly, which would have to approve any additional state funding. In a Feb. 6 email to Cristina Pacione-Zayas, then Johnsons deputy chief of staff, and other city and county officials, Deputy Gov. Grace Hou emphasized the need to present a united front on migrant funding. I want to reiterate the importance of having at least a joint public statement on this plan before the Governors address, Hou wrote in a late-night email. Is there any way to advance this? The plan in question called for maintaining enough shelter space for 15,000 asylum-seekers through the summer before reducing capacity to 10,000 available spaces by fall, according to records obtained by the Tribune. Officials determined following that path would require an additional $321 million in funding. But the city balked at providing its share. The day after Hous email, city officials canceled a scheduled meeting, records show. Later that afternoon, Pacione-Zayas responded: The city is not in support of a press conference at this time because there are several outstanding decision points, adding that the Johnson administration could consider a joint statement. She suggested a huddle today to confirm core messages. The following week, Pritzker and Preckwinkle put out a statement announcing they would seek an additional $250 million in combined state and county funding. City Hall was notably absent. Nearly $300 million has been expended on the migrant crisis since the first bus sent by Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott arrived in Chicago in August 2022, according to the citys cost dashboard. Pacione-Zayas, now Johnsons chief of staff, recently told reporters that projections of this years costs might fall, however, after the administration trimmed down operations via resettling migrants, closing shelters and beginning evictions of the longest-term residents. Indeed, the citys migrant shelter apparatus dipped from a late-December population high of 14,900 to 9,400 on Wednesday. About 100 migrants have been evicted from the system so far. But concerns still remain ahead of the summer, given the arrival of the Democratic National Convention and possibly many more buses from Texas in Chicago. In their presentation to aldermen this week, Johnson officials noted budget cuts would not be needed at this point and said they had always planned for a scenario where they would dip into city surpluses to use around $70 million on the migrant mission. They explained the biggest areas the money would go toward would be staffing, leases and food, as has always been the case. The strategy is similar to a move Lightfoot made in May 2023, when she introduced an item to designate $51 million in surpluses toward migrant care shortly before leaving office. That became the subject of one of the first acts of rebellion against Johnson after he took over later that month; during his first City Council meeting, three of his opponents temporarily blocked the measure, which later passed. The early resistance from aldermen indignant over what they described as runaway spending at the expense of longtime Chicagoans foreshadowed the upcoming year of battles over what the city should do for the migrants, many of them Venezuelans who arrive impoverished and lacking legal work authorization. The $70 million items path to council passage will likely also be uphill, especially as political goodwill in some corners of City Hall has evaporated over the months. That goodwill too appeared to be shaky from Johnsons side as recently as this month. In an April 3 appearance with reporters, the mayor seemed to throw cold water on the idea of allocating that $70 million even as some progressives were mobilizing behind that in City Council. No, there has not been additional money. Theres $150 million that we appropriated, Johnson told reporters. Were still fully assessing and evaluating what this mission is going to require. This is really an undertaking that is unprecedented. The real resources have to come from the federal government. The Tribunes Olivia Stevens contributed reporting. THUMBS UP! To the 2024 eclipse. We made it through, watching or experiencing a stunning rarity. Some marked the occasion the incorrect way, which is probably why Google searches about hurt eyes spiked. (If you're worried, damage can be done, but it's less likely to be permanent.) The next eclipses in the U.S. will be in 2044 and 2045. Pardon our amazement at how models can predict these events so perfectly. THUMBS UP! To owners and employees being on the same side. Servers, restaurant owners and other members of the state's hospitality industry have urged Illinois lawmakers to reject a proposal that would eliminate the separate, lower minimum wage for tipped workers. The proposal would eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped workers, meaning they would earn at least the regular minimum wage in addition to the tips they receive. While on one hand the servers seem to be arguing against a raise, they say even if well-intended, the bill would hurt those it's trying to help in the form of lower tips and fewer hours, they acknowledge it would hurt businesses still recovering from the pandemic. In a particularly chilling comment, Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia said, "This will only make the recovery (from COVID closings) even harder. A business that used to be a business of nickels and dimes is now a business of pennies and nickels." THUMBS UP! To revitalization. The first home flipped as part of Decatur's "abandonment-to-rehab" initiative has sold. The sale comes more than two years after the city council approved allocating $500,000 in federal stimulus funds toward the initiative, which aims to rehab vacant properties and prevent them from deteriorating to the point where demolition is necessary. THUMBS DOWN! To infrastructure decay. The rapid collapse of a Baltimore bridge that was struck by large cargo ship brought back to mind the poor state of our country's infrastructure. The bad news: About 42,400 U.S. bridges are in poor condition, carrying about 167 million vehicles each day, according to the federal government. Those poor bridges are on average 70 years old. The good news: Americas infrastructure had historically gotten a D or D+ every year since 1998 from the American Society of Civil Engineers in their annual report card. In 2023, that grade went up to a C-, due in part to investments from the Infrastructure Investment Act. BRISTOL, Va. A Washington Street residence was destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon, displacing the people who lived there. Bristol Virginia Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at 1:22 p.m., on Tuesday. While responding to the scene, fire crews were advised that the house might still be occupied. A request was made for Bristol, Tenn. Fire-Rescue Department to respond to assist and an additional ambulance was requested from the Bristol Life Saving Crew, according to a written statement. First arriving fire personnel reported smoke and flames were visible from a single-family dwelling. Fortunately, all occupants and two animals had escaped the fire and were not injured. Crews worked inside the burning house for several minutes trying to extinguish the fire which had already burned through the ceiling and into the attic space and overhead. The fire had become well advanced and had spread throughout the entire house. At one point all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the burning house to facilitate the transition from an offense fire attack to a defensive attack. Once the primary blaze was extinguished, crews continued to work to extinguished pockets of fire throughout the house. No firefighters were injured. The Fire Marshal came to the scene and interviewed witnesses and the occupants of the house. At this time the fire is being considered accidental and an exact cause is still not determined. The Red Cross was notified to assist the occupants. HICKORY The following firefighters have been promoted by the Hickory Fire Department. The Hickory Fire Department has promoted Michael Sherrill to the rank of fire captain. Sherrill is certified in the following areas: firefighter level II, technical rescuer, hazardous materials awareness, and operations. As well as an EMT (emergency medical technician), Sherrill also holds certification as a paramedic. He is qualified as a rapid intervention team (RIT) instructor, and a level II fire service instructor. He has completed training as a fire officer I and II, and a hazmat technician. Sherrill also has rescue training in areas of vehicle machinery, high angle rescue, structural collapse, trench, water and tower rescue. He has an associate degree from Cleveland Community College in fire protection technology. He is married to Casey and they have a son, Lucas, and a daughter, Emmalyn. Cory Lail has been promoted to captain and will serve in the training division. Lail was hired as a firefighter in October 2009. He is a graduate of the Wilson Community College Fire Academy program and is certified as a level II firefighter, a technical rescuer, in hazardous materials at the operations level through the North Carolina Fire & Rescue Commission. In 2008, he was certified as an EMT (emergency medical technician) through the North Carolina Office of Emergency Services. He is a qualified fire service instructor and has been teaching fire training classes since 2012. He is also a qualified rapid intervention crew instructor. Lail has completed and is certified as fire officer 1 and 2. Using his training skills, he has served as a lead instructor for the Catawba Valley Community College Fire Academy since 2019. Among numerous training classes, Lail has graduated with an associate degree in fire protection technology and an associate degree in public service administration. Roy Sauceda has been promoted to fire apparatus operator. Hired as a firefighter in July 2017, he holds certifications through the NC Fire & Rescue Commission as a level II firefighter, hazardous materials operations, fire service instructor, and technical rescuer in the areas of ropes, vehicle machinery and trench rescue. He is also certified as an EMT (emergency medical technician). Sauceda has also completed fire officer level 1 certification and training in confined space and swift water rescue. He is working toward an associate degree in fire science technology. He has two sons, Fisher and Huck. He is a volunteer with New Hope Fire Department and enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing. For all the obvious and consequential differences between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, on one issue the two have much in common. Both the current and former administrations have employed tariffs and other restrictions to help special interests at the expense of average North Carolinians and their counterparts in other states. When Trump was in office, he spearheaded efforts to raise taxes (thats what tariffs are) on goods imported not just from strategic adversary China but from the likes of Canada, Australia, South Korea, and Europe. When Biden took over in 2021, he surprised some observers (not me) by retaining most of Trumps tariff taxes and impairing other trade negotiations by insisting on the imposition of regulatory burdens in other countries that would hamstring their economies. According to a study by the Tax Foundation, the Trump-Biden tariffs already in place will destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs over time and inhibit the growth of the American economy. Why? Because thats what always happens when you restrict competition. With few exceptions, all related to national defense, protectionism is a conspiracy against the public interest. Quite literally, those who seek to raise barriers to international trade believe that prices here are too low. The explicit purpose of protectionist taxes and regulations is to make things more expensive, the argument being that households and businesses ought to pay more for goods and services to keep domestic industries viable and their workers employed. Unless were talking about domestic industries dedicated to national defense or sensitive technologies, however, this argument is theoretically flawed and empirically unsound. While some workers may gain higher wages, most households are net losers as their cost of living goes up. And even in the case of Chinese companies involved in our defense-related supply chains, the most pro-taxpayer policy is often to find new business partners in friendly countries with lower production costs rather than trying to make everything we need domestically. Although politicians often deny it, the costs of tariffs and other trade restrictions fall primarily on domestic consumers, in the form of higher prices, rather than on foreign exporters. Thats what economists from Columbia and Princeton universities found when they studied the consequences of Trumps 2018 tariffs on Chinese products. U.S. consumers of imported goods have borne the brunt of the tariffs through higher prices, they concluded. All other things being equal, the policy reduced average incomes in both countries. As Texas Tech economist Benjamin Powell pointed out in a recent piece for the Independent Institute, tariff supporters might deem higher prices to be worth paying if the policy created jobs for Americans. Thats not how the math works out, though. Other research shows that the tariffs did not increase employment in the regions of the newly protected industries, and that Chinas retaliatory tariffs decreased agricultural employment in the United States. Alas, both presidential candidates continue to espouse protectionist policies. If Trump is elected this fall, he promises to introduce a new 10% tariff tax on all imports from all countries, along with a 60% baseline tariff on Chinese imports and a 100% tax on Chinese cars. Democrats are already touting studies that estimate the average cost of Trumps proposals at $1,500 per American family. Unfortunately, Joe Biden shows no signs of rediscovering the benefits of free trade, either. A second administration would likely pursue the same policies as the first. Indeed, the presidents U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai calls tariffs a playing-field-leveling tool for remedying unfair trade. Here in North Carolina, we cant afford another round of costly trade wars that diminish foreign markets for machinery, pharmaceuticals, farm products, and other goods and services we produce. Nor should our households and businesses be gouged by another round of price increases imposed by our own government supposedly for our own good. Want to make it easier to start businesses and employ people here? Lets talk about real solutions. Raising prices isnt one of them. " " Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev delivered a fist-waving, shouting speech before the U.N. General Assembly late October 1960. Many have claimed he also banged a shoe on his delegate-desk in protest during a speech. So did he? Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images In October 1960, the former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, in a veritable paroxysm of uncontained rage, forcefully banged his shoe on a desk at the United Nations to object to a speech critical of his nation. Or so the story goes. The image of the red-faced and blustery Khrushchev well, to be strictly accurate, no image of the famed shoe-banging incident ever was recorded, so the whole red-faced and blustery part may not be entirely on the money became, to many, the image of the Soviet Union at the time. Angry. Forceful. Maybe a tad dangerous. Maybe a little over the edge. The Cold War was at its full-blown standoffish, below-zero chilliest at the time. To paranoid Russia-phobic Americans, an angry Soviet especially one so brazen to actually use his loafer as a veritable hammer was downright scary. Advertisement Unfortunately, especially if you enjoy a good Cold War drama, the shoe-banging affair may well be more histrionics than history. More exaggeration than exactness. As verifiable facts go, the story of Khrushchev and his shoe at the U.N. is notable mainly for one reason: its lack of proof. "My personal position is that it's too good to be true, and if it actually ever happened, we would have had more corroboration, more witnesses and probably pictures, because this is the kind of stuff that gets caught on cameras," says Anton Fedyashin, a history professor at American University in Washington D.C. and former director of the school's Carmel Institute for Russian Culture & History. "So as far as the shoe-banging episode, per se, is concerned, I don't think it ever actually happened." But you know what? Even if it didn't happen, even if Soviet shoe leather never met podium (or desk or lectern or wherever), it could have. That story, true or not, is soooo Khrushchev. The Federal Governments announcement that it will move to strengthen Australias merger laws, bringing Australia into line with most other developed economies, will benefit Australian consumers and businesses of all sizes, as well as the wider economy, according to the head of the competition watchdog, the ACCC. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said higher prices, less choice and less innovation can result from weakened competition, and stronger merger laws are critical to ensure anti-competitive mergers do not proceed. These proposed changes are significant and will reinforce public confidence in Australias competition laws, she said. The proposed reforms will be announced by the Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers, at the 10th annual Bannerman Competition Lecture in Sydney today and follow submissions by the ACCC calling for a fit for purpose merger regime to better identify and prevent anti-competitive transactions. Welcoming the Treasurers announcement, Cass-Gottlieb notes that currently Australia's merger regime does not require merger parties to notify the ACCC of proposed acquisitions or to wait for ACCC clearance before proceeding - and the proposed reforms include introducing a mandatory notification requirement for merger deals above certain thresholds, and a prohibition on merger transactions proceeding without receiving a determination from the ACCC or Tribunal. The ACCC also welcomed the Treasurers announcement that merger laws will be updated to better deal with serial acquisitions, where a number of smaller transactions occur over time that result in serious harms to competition, as well as welcoming the Treasurers announcement that he will seek to appoint respected industrial organisation economist Dr Philip Williams AM as a Commissioner of the ACCC. Dr Williams is former executive chair of Frontier Economics and a former Professor of Law and Economics at the University of Melbourne. He has advised leading law firms as well as the ACCC and the National Competition Council on competition and regulatory issues. Dr Williams holds a Masters in economics from Monash University and a PhD from the London School of Economics, and his appointment is subject to confirmation by the states and territories. Philip is an eminent and respected economist with a deep understanding of the intersection of economics and competition law in Australia. We warmly welcome news of his nomination by the Treasurer, Cass-Gottlieb said. The Treasurer has also confirmed the appointment of Stephen Ridgeway as an Associate Commissioner of the ACCC. Ridgeway joined the ACCC as Commissioner in June 2019 for a five year term and the Minister notes that he is widely recognised as one of Australias leading competition and consumer lawyers and an expert in the field. I am very pleased that the ACCC will continue to have the benefit of Stephens wisdom and intellect in his role as an Associate Commissioner. Stephens insights and guidance have been invaluable to our merger work in particular, Cass-Gottlieb said. During his address, the Treasurer will also announce a new Statement of Expectations (SOE) for the ACCC. Statements of Expectations are issued by the responsible Minister to a regulator to provide greater clarity about government policies and objectives relevant to the regulator in line with its statutory objectives and functions. Cass-Gottlieb said the SOE announced by the Treasurer notes the Governments expectation that the ACCC will promote a competitive, dynamic and inclusive economy and modern, well-functioning markets that work for consumers - and that boosting productivity and dynamism are critical to achieving the Governments objectives and that the renewal of competition policy, including through merger reform, is a key pillar of the productivity agenda. The ACCC has responded to the SOE though a Statement of Intent (SOI), outlining how we will meet the Governments expectations. This includes our strategic objective to prevent anti-competitive mergers and to support the implementation of merger law reform and a fit for purpose merger regime, concluded Cass-Gottlieb. The Statement of Expectations and Statement of Intent can be found here: https://www.accc.gov.au/about-us/accc-role-and-structure/statement-of-expectations-and-statement-of-intent By way of background the ACCC also notes: Treasurys Competition Review was announced in August 2023 with terms of reference that included considering reforms to Australias merger laws. Further information is available here: https://treasury.gov.au/review/competition-review-2023 The ACCCs submissions to the Treasury Competition Review, which includes detailed analysis and argues the case for reform can be found here: https://www.accc.gov.au/inquiries-and-consultations/accc-submissions-to-external-consultations#toc-mergers- The ACCC first released proposed merger reforms at the Law Council in 2021. ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb commenced her term in 2022 has continued to advocate for merger reform including at the National Press Club in April 2023. Hagi Castle (Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi) Welcome to virtual vacation video series where we can explore destinations from the comfort of our homes. Join us we take a short virtual journey to Yamaguchi in Japan. The great thing about this destination is that it is easily accessible within five hours from Tokyo via Shinkansen bullet train. From MCAS Iwakuni, its only a two-hour drive. Known for countless historical buildings and natural beauty, Yamaguchi is a top-notch attraction. Here youll find unique samurai heritage, numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, along with an otherworldly karst plateau and limestone cave, which make Yamaguchi a great getaway. Some of the must-see spots in Yamaguchi include: Yamaguchi City - Often called Kyoto of the West, the capital city of Yamaguchi is home to traditional Japanese and Western-style historical buildings. Rurikoji is a Zen Buddhist temple and national treasure, which boasts a five-story-high wooden pagoda built in 1442. St. Francis Xavier Memorial Churchs eye-catching contemporary structure looks like a large white tent made of stone. You can check out the history of Christianity in Japan at the church museum. Nearby, Yuda Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in the region offers a relaxing break from exploring the city with warm alkaline waters. (Rurikoji Temple) (Rurikoji Temple) (St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church) (St. Francis Xavier Memorial Church) (Yuda Onsen Spa) Hagi City - Hagi is a scenic castle city, home to many historical buildings designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Shoin Jinja Shinto shrine and the Hagi Reverberatory Furnace. The city center is preserved as samurai and merchant quarters with earthen walls, which will transport you to the bygone era. Meirinkan Museum, a former samurai school-turned-elementary school-turned-museum displays historical school items and documents young samurai training and education. Nearby, Kikugahama Beach is a beautiful white-sand beach with a view of the blue ocean with a line of uninhabited islands. (Hagi City) (Hagi City) (Hagi Castle) (Hagi Castle) (Shoin Jinja Shinto shrine) (Shoin Jinja Shinto shrine) (Shoin Jinja Shinto shrine) (Meirinkan Museum) (Meirinkan Museum) (Meirinkan Museum) (Kikugahama Beach) Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido - The natural wonder and beauty of the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau and Akiyoshido limestone cave form part of the Akiyoshidai Quasi National Park. Fresh green hills and mountains dotted with a cluster of karst formations made of white limestone, which is a fantastic scene is visible along the main road. (Akiyoshido Limestone Cave) (Akiyoshido Limestone Cave) (Akiyoshido Limestone Cave) (Akiyoshido Limestone Cave) (Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau) (Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau) (Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau) One-hundred meters below the plateau is Japans largest and longest limestone cave where you can escape the summer heat as it boasts a comfortable 17-degree Celsius temperature. The cave has many otherworldly formations, terraces of limestone pools and underground waterfalls. While youre there, dont forget to sample Choshu chicken karaage, as each deep-fried morsel features a perfectly crisp exterior and tender interior marinated in a flavorful soy sauce-based broth. (Choshu Chiken Karaage) I hope you enjoyed a look at Yamaguchi through my travel photos and that its inspired your next trip. Get ready to travel with us in our next video. Thanks for watching! Two people have been charged with murder in connection to a fatal shooting in Winston-Salem in January, according to Winston-Salem Police. Detectives charged Camren Mahki Poole, 18, with felony general murder on Tuesday. Poole, who was already booked into the Forsyth County Law Enforcement Detention Center serving time for unrelated charges, received no bond allowed. According to the release, a SWAT team with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) arrested and charged Danny Isaiah Gadberry, 23, with felony general murder on Wednesday. Gadberry also received no bond allowed. Poole and Gadberry were arrested in connection to the death of Devonte Michael Hayes, who died after a shooting on East Devonshire Street in Winston-Salem on Jan. 20. Police found Hayes, 20, inside a vacant house at 808 E. Devonshire St. shortly after 2:15 p.m. County medical services staff and city firefighters tried to save him but were unsuccessful, according to police. Keziah Ariana Settle, 18, sustained minor injuries during the incident, police said. Tremaine Quinton Robinson, 49, later showed up at a nearby hospital with a non-life threatening gunshot wound, police said. Police determined he had been injured in the shooting. A news release sent by the police department also listed Katrina Blankenship, 34, as a complainant or victim in the incident, but did not provide any details. Police say that the investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information regarding this incident or similar crimes is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or En Espanol 336-728-3904. Text-A-Tip Program at 336-276-1717 allows you to text tips, photos, and videos to the Winston-Salem Police Department. You can also view Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem Forsyth County on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/crimestopperswsfc Crime Stoppers Tip Form can also be located online at https://www.cityofws.org/FormCenter/Police-Department-19/Crimestoppers-Tip-Form-100 An off-duty police officer has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a Winston-Salem man in the parking lot of a Chick-Fil-A in Summerville, South Carolina. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said Wednesday it has charged Anthony DeLustro, 64, with murder in the death of Michael ONeal, 39, of Winston-Salem. ONeal was the son of retired Winston-Salem police Capt. Paul ONeal. DeLustro was fired after being placed on administrative leave after the shooting. On March 20, DeLustro was off-duty when he engaged in an altercation with ONeal in the parking lot of the Chick-Fil-A and fired at ONeal, who died at the scene, police said. If convicted of murder, DeLustro faces 30 years to life in prison. Capt. Chris Hirsch of the Summerville Police Department said days after the shooting that the altercation occurred about 1 p.m. on March 20, but Hirsch said he had no information on what led up to the dispute. During the incident, Hirsch said, it is believed that the off-duty police officer was dragged by a car driven by ONeal. A video widely circulated on social media shows some of the incident, but does not show DeLustro being dragged. The Summerville Police Chief Douglas R. Wright said DeLustro began his law enforcement career with the New York Police Department in 1980 and retired in 2002 after 22 years. He became a police officer in Summerville in 2007 and stayed about two years, and had returned to the Summerville Police Department for a second stint in January of 2023. Records from the New York Civilian Complaint Review Board show a complaint was made to that board that DeLustro abused his authority in a 2002 incident involving a vehicle search. The complaint had no resolution because DeLustro retired that year. ONeals family issued a statement in March in which they said they appreciate the love and support of the communities and friends. This is a senseless, difficult time and not deserved by anyone, the family said. Michael was hilarious, loving and the light of the room in any situation. We appreciate privacy at this time while we have a chance to grieve our loss. Brandon Creason, who described himself as having been ONeals best friend for 25 years, said that ONeal was single and had no children. He was in Charleston because he took a job he got two weeks ago, Creason said. That was a move he got excited about. Im heartbroken that he is gone. A GoFundMe page set up for ONeals family stated that Michaels family is respectfully waiting for SLED to perform a thorough investigation, which takes time. Michaels father was an officer with Winston-Salem police for over 30 years. This is a family that has a great deal of respect for law enforcement in general, yet is fully aware that no profession is free of bad actors. We remain optimistic that the SLED detectives will find the truth and bring about justice. So far, $25,000 has been raised for the family. LINCOLN A scaled-back version of Gov. Jim Pillens property tax plan, without a sales tax increase, moved forward Wednesday in the Nebraska Legislature. But the measure may not be enough to keep the governor from calling a special session later this year to enact more significant property tax reductions, according to the governors staff. Pillen started the year by pushing for a 40% property tax cut. Legislative Bill 388, as amended and advanced to the final round of consideration, would fall far short of that goal. The bill cleared the second round of consideration on a 28-14 vote. LB 388 would replace an existing property tax relief program with new property tax credits, bringing down property tax bills by about 22%. Property owners who use the current program, which offers income tax credits to offset school property taxes paid, would see no net savings. They would, however, pay less property tax upfront and avoid the hassle of claiming the income tax credits months later. Kenny Zoeller, head of the governors policy research office, called the amended bill the first step toward more significant tax reduction. The changes adopted on Wednesday were negotiated by the Governors Office and various lawmakers after it became clear the bill would not survive with the sales tax increase proposed during first-round debate. Zoeller said the governor will weigh demands from the public for more significant property tax relief in deciding whether to call senators back for a special session to keep working on the issue. State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln questioned the need for lawmakers to advance the amended bill during the last few hours of the session. She raised concerns about the idea of raising some taxes so others can be reduced. If theres going to be a special session regardless, why are we rushing forward? she asked. As advanced, LB 388 dropped the 1-cent sales tax increase included in the first-round version of the bill. But it would still add taxes to several goods and services, bringing in an estimated $200 million annually, according to Lee Will, state budget officer. That revenue would be added to money that the state now allocates for the income tax credits, which are based on the amount of school property taxes that individuals have paid. If the bill passes in its current form, the combined total of about $750 million would be distributed to property owners as credits on their property tax statements reducing the amount of their property tax bills. The program would be similar to the long-standing property tax credit program. The school property tax credit total would be increased by $30 million every year. The new tax credits would be based on a percentage of school property taxes paid, which would ensure that taxpayers who have been claiming the income tax credits get the same amount of benefit. Those who have not claimed the income tax credits would see a benefit for the first time. Some tax hikes to offset property tax cuts The current version of LB 388 would add taxes to pop and candy, lottery tickets, veterinary care for pets and other pet services, storage services, dry cleaning, games of skill, vaping products, cigarettes, CBD and hemp products and digital advertising services offered by businesses with gross revenues of more than $1 billion. Revenue from those tax increases would be used for the new school property tax credit. The bill also would add to the new credit fund in years when year-end state tax revenues come in 3.5% higher than projected. The revised LB 388 also would increase the states earned income tax credit from the current 10% to 15%, aimed at helping lower-income Nebraskans who may not benefit from the property tax credits. A previous version of the bill would have exempted residential utility bills from sales taxes, but that provision was scrapped. The bill also would put new property tax revenue caps on counties and cities, which are intended to control future increases in property taxes. The changes made in LB 388 from its earlier version were not enough to win support from some lawmakers. Sen. Julie Slama of Dunbar objected to the tax on digital advertising services. She argued that the tax was unconstitutional and would open up Nebraska to multiple lawsuits. Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha also criticized that tax, saying it would end up falling on small businesses that use digital advertising. Sen. Jen Day of Omaha raised concerns about the caps on city and county governments. She argued that they needed more flexibility to accommodate rapidly growing communities, like Sarpy County and its cities. But Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte urged lawmakers to adopt the amendment and keep moving on the agenda. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, headquartered in North Dakota but with reservation borders expanding into South Dakota, is the third tribal nation to ban Gov. Kristi Noem from tribal lands this year. The Wednesday announcement comes after the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council voted to banish Noem for racially charged comments she made last month at two town halls alleging some tribal leaders are personally benefitting from Mexican drug cartel activity on reservations, South Dakota Searchlight reported. Governor Kristi Noems wild and irresponsible attempt to connect tribal leaders and parents with Mexican drug cartels is a sad reflection of her fear-based politics that do nothing to bring people together to solve problems, Tribal Chairwoman Janet Alkire said in a statement. Rather than make uninformed and unsubstantiated claims, Noem should work with tribal leaders to increase funding and resources for tribal law enforcement and education. Five tribes have demanded an apology from Noem since then. She has not issued an apology, but has issued press releases calling on tribes to banish the cartels. The Oglala Sioux Tribe banished Noem in February and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe banned her last week. Coupled with her calls to banish the cartels, Noem has encouraged tribal governments to participate in partnerships with the South Dakota Highway Patrol to provide temporary law enforcement on reservations. She has also called on the federal government to audit funding to the tribes to determine the scope of underfunding to the nine tribal nations in South Dakota. Noem crashed the Pe Sla Sacred Sites quarterly meeting in Rapid City at the end of march, where tribal leaders were meeting with representatives of the U.S. Forest Service to discuss co-stewardship efforts in the Black Hills. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out said afterward that Noems surprise appearance was a distraction. Noem was previously banned from the Pine Ridge Reservation in 2019 after signing two bills into law regulating protests over the Keystone XL pipeline. Photos: Historic weekend at Standing Rock High winds Maryanne Quiroz Two men on horseback Glenn Scott A man stands among veterans Protesters join hands JJ Stadel Beatrice Licking Horse Protesters hold mirrors Yurts, tents, tepees and semi-permanent structures Amy Jackson CALEDONIA Music students played On Wisconsin! on a sunny Wednesday morning to mark the beginning of Olympia Brown schools expansion. The Racine Unified School District is moving on with numerous renovations and expansions to its buildings over the next four years. That includes turning Olympia Brown Elementary into a K-8 school, which is scheduled to be done by August 2025. Soren Gajewski, RUSD interim superintendent, expressed enthusiasm for the Olympia Brown expansion. The new addition will fit seamlessly into the current school, he said. Every single one of our Racine students deserves an excellent place to learn, grow and explore, and Im grateful to this community for supporting a referendum thats making this all possible. The work to upgrade or expand every RUSD school is being financed by a 30-year, $1 billion capital referendum. RUSD Board President Jane Barbian said the expansion is what many Caledonia parents and community members wanted. It gives the school a neighborhood approach, and I love that, she said. Wednesdays groundbreaking event was ceremonial, and construction work will begin in earnest near the end of this school year at Olympia Brown, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. In February, the RUSD Board authorized up to $7 million in additional funding as part of expanding Olympia Brown. That action brought the maximum authorized cost to renovate Olympia Brown to $24 million. The school expansion will include three classrooms in each grade for sixth through eighth for a continuous 4K-8. The building also will have an additional gymnasium, cafeteria and expanded kitchen space, which is why the additional $7 million was required. Olympia Brown Principal Kerry Goggins is excited about the schools music program continuing through middle school. Goggins and Barbian said they look forward to middle school academy offerings that will soon be available to Olympia Brown students. We are breaking ground for a school that will provide our children with the instructional tools and facilities needed to guide them on their career path journey, Barbian said. We are truly laying the foundation for the future education here in Caledonia and in Racine. Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave said schools are a vital part of the county and thanked the teachers and administrators who run them. Were only, as a county, as strong as our school districts, and this is a great day to make our school district, the largest one in our county, even stronger, Delagrave said. More groundbreakings set to occur Wednesday was the third RUSD groundbreaking this week, and two more are scheduled over the next month. Groundbreaking for the new Schulte K-8 School occurred Tuesday. The school is scheduled to open in August 2025 at the same site as the current Schulte Elementary, 8515 Westminster Drive, Sturtevant. Last month, the RUSD Board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $49.13 million to build the new Schulte K-8 School. Tuesday also was the groundbreaking for the new Red Apple K-8 STEAM School at 955 10th St., Racine. In February, the RUSD Board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $35.37 million for construction of a new Red Apple school. Red Apple is scheduled to expand into a K-8 school at the new location and open in August 2025. The current Red Apple school at 914 St. Patrick St. is scheduled to close in June 2025. On May 1, the groundbreaking for renovations at S.C. Johnson Elementary, 2420 Kentucky St., will take place. Last year, the School Board allocated up to $24 million to renovate S.C. Johnson by August 2025. On May 8, the groundbreaking for renovations at Horlick High School, 2119 Rapids Drive, will occur. Last month, the board approved a guaranteed maximum price of $49.16 million for renovation work at Horlick, which is scheduled to be done by August 2025. Twelve photos from Olympia Brown school's expansion groundbreaking event Music students played On Wisconsin! on a sunny Wednesday morning to mark the beginning of Olympia Brown schools expansion. Elian Spain Third grader Elian Spain prepares to break ground Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Olympia Brown Elementary is set to Group Students toss shovelfuls of dirt during a groundbreaking Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Racine Unified will make num Olympia Brown groundbreaking Students and area officials smile during a groundbreaking Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Future K-8 building Students look at the design of a future K-8 building Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Olympia Brown Elementary is set Gold shovels, future design A groundbreaking for a K-8 expansion took place Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Shovels of dirt Students toss shovelfuls of dirt Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Olympia Brown groundbreaking Kerry Goggins Principal Kerry Goggins, center, talks Wednesday during a groundbreaking event at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Bella Bixby Kindergartener Bella Bixby was one of many students who took part in a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 M Soren Gajewski Soren Gajewski, Racine Unified interim superintendent, speaks Wednesday at a groundbreaking at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Jane Barbian Racine Unified School Board President Jane Barbian talks Wednesday during a groundbreaking event at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road Delagrave Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, center, speaks Wednesday during a groundbreaking event at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. Kerry Goggins Principal Kerry Goggins talks Wednesday during a groundbreaking event at Olympia Brown school, 2115 5 1/2 Mile Road. UNION GROVE A battle over $1 million in funding for flood-control work on the Root River is heading back to court. The Union Grove Village voted Monday night to appeal a judges ruling that the village must join Yorkville and Raymond in funding a $3.2 million drainage project. Racine County Circuit Judge David Paulson ruled last month that the Racine County Board of Drainage Commissioners was within its rights to demand the funding from Union Grove. Village officials believe the drainage board is overstepping its authority, because the boards geographic boundaries around the Root River do not include Union Grove. The judge ruled against the village because Union Grove discharges its sanitary wastewater into the Root River, contributing to the need for drainage improvements. Village President Steve Wicklund said the seven-member Village Board agreed unanimously to continue fighting the $1 million assessment. The board feels that this is worth doing, he said. Wicklund said the village has developed no estimate on the cost of taking the civil dispute to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. With an annual budget of $11 million for village government, Union Grove officials have previously warned that the flood-control project could force tax increases or service reductions. Alan Jasperson, chairman of the Racine County drainage board, expressed disappointment that the village is appealing the case. Jasperson said the court battle already has cost thousands of dollars in legal fees, and will cost even more going to the appeals court. We were hoping we could stop paying lawyers, and do the job that needs to be done, he said. Under state laws dating back to the early 1900s, drainage boards are independent agencies that collect money from municipalities to maintain waterways and prevent flooding. The west branch of the Root River flows north from Union Grove into Yorkville and Raymond, carrying wastewater discharge and storm water runoff to prevent flooding. Union Grove has contributed small amounts for river maintenance in the past, but when the drainage board demanded $1.16 million, the village objected. The village filed a lawsuit last summer, joined by three local taxpayers as co-plaintiffs, in an effort to make the case that the drainage boards actions constituted unfair taxation. Wicklund said he hopes the villages case gets a more thorough review in the appeals court, where a three-judge panel will preside rather than one circuit judge. Hopefully they will peel back the layers of this case, he said. Jasperson said the appeal will not only drive up legal expenses, it could delay the Root River maintenance project. Saying the work could get started later this year, Jasperson said he would have to consult with the rest of the drainage board to decide the projects status. We have to have the funding, he said, to be able to do any scheduling. Photos: The aftermath of deadly flooding in Libya KENOSHA The Dairy State Cheese and Beer Festival a benefit for the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha is 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Brat Stops Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St. (on highway 50, just west of I-94). The event features a variety of Wisconsin cheeses and samples of what organizers call some of the most sought-after beers from Wisconsin and beyond. Live music will be provided by the Big Style Brass Band. This is a dont miss event for anybody who likes beer, cheese and music, organizers said. The event features more than 100 styles of beer from several breweries. The fest will also feature brews from local Kenosha breweries and several home brew clubs. General admission tickets are $55 in advance ($60 at the door) and include a commemorative glass and four hours of unlimited beer and cheese samples. VIP tickets are $80 in advance ($85 at the door). VIP tickets include an extra hour of sampling, with VIP ticketholders allowed inside starting at noon. VIP tickets also include a lunch buffet, specialty beers and cheese and "a VIP beer glass." Designated driver tickets are $15 and include unlimited soda, water and cheese samples. All proceeds go to help support the Boys & Girls Club of Kenoshas after-school programs for at-risk youth. VIP ticket proceeds will go toward expanding attendance at the organizations Youth and Teen Center. Tickets are available online at KenoshaBeerFest.com. Note: This is a 21-and-over only event. Bridges that span the Mississippi River in western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota are sturdy enough to withstand a barge collision, according to an engineer from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. The bridges should be able to withstand a direct impact from a barge, said Dave Bohnsack, Wisconsin DOT structures maintenance chief. Im very confident of the safety of the bridges in the La Crosse area. The issue of bridge safety became a nationwide topic March 26, when the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore collapsed into Chesapeake Bay after it was struck by a commercial cargo ship. How much barge traffic is on the upper Mississippi? The upper Mississippi River is a heavily used commercial corridor. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, an average of 2,200 commercial vessels annually pass through Lock and Dam 7 at La Crosse. A single barge can carry 1,500 tons of cargo. Wisconsin is responsible for the Highway 14/61 bridge in La Crosse, commonly called the Cass Street Bridge. The crossing is a combination of two separate bridges that link La Crosse to Barron Island. Another bridge over a back channel links Wisconsin to La Crescent, Minnesota. Bohnsack said the two bridges were evaluated to meet federal standards established in 1991. He said the piers have been determined to be sufficient to withstand a commercial vessel impact. Higher standards set after disaster The standards, established in 1991, were developed in response to a 1980 bridge disaster in Florida. A bridge linking St. Petersburg and Tampa collapsed after a freight ship struck a support column. The accident claimed 35 lives. Minnesota is the lead agency for the Interstate 90 bridge and has complete ownership for the Highway 43 bridges at Winona. The Interstate 90 bridge was reconstructed in 2016, and a new Highway 43 bridge was built in 2018. Ed Lutgen, Minnesota DOT bridge engineer, said there are a lot of unknowns when assessing the impact of a possible barge collision with a bridge, but said Interstate 90 and Highway 43 bridges were designed and constructed to meet the 1991 standards. Those designs account for site-specific conditions including the geometry of the vessels, the speed, the weights, the river currents and the flood conditions so it has been designed for those types of barges, Rutgen said. It has been designed for that risk. Rutgen said Minnesota has 54 bridges that cross navigable waters as defined by the U.S. Coast Guard. Iowa is the lead agency for the bridge that links Lansing, Iowa, and De Soto. That bridge was closed Feb. 25 after engineers discovered two piers unexpectedly shifted. Engineers believe the shifts are related to construction of a replacement bridge nearby. According to an Iowa DOT post, repairs on the existing bridge should allow it to reopen by the end of April. The new bridge, designed to meet the updated standards, is expected to open in 2027. Inspections, collaboration Bohnsack said federal standards generally require most bridges to be inspected every 24 months. He said older bridges are sometimes inspected every six or 12 months depending on the circumstance. Rutgen said his department has regular meetings with bridge engineers in states that share a river border with Minnesota. We work in collaboration with each other quite often, he said. We have annual border bridge meetings with the Wisconsin DOT, and we talk about every one of the border bridges up and down the river between Minnesota and Wisconsin. He said the state also has annual meetings with North Dakota to evaluate bridges that span the Red River. Commercial interests The bridge collapse in Baltimore got the attention of local officials along the entire Mississippi River. The collapse shut down the Port of Baltimore and caused significant amounts of cargo to be re-routed. La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, who co-chairs the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative, said its important to keep the Mississippi River open and safe. Since 2015, the mayors of MRCTI have been steadily working with industry and federal partners to increase the capacity of Mississippi River port and intermodal infrastructure across the corridor contributing to nearly $100 million in new investment into Mississippi River supply chain capacity, Reynolds said. The Mississippi River is the only waterway in west-central Wisconsin or southeastern Minnesota to carry commercial cargo traffic. La Crosse County emergency management coordinator Tracy Hameau said bridge collapses are addressed by the countys emergency response plan. The wrong time to meet your partners and create relationships is during an event, Hameau said. If an event were to occur on the Mississippi River, my contacts with U.S. Coast Guard and responding agencies would reach out to me and advise what assistance they may need from my office. Hameau said the bridges that cross the Mississippi are crucial to the nations economy and security, and they require significant planning, commitment and coordination between multiple agencies. In Photos: The Great River Road in Wisconsin and Minnesota MANILA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The unemployment rate in the Philippines decreased to 3.5 percent in February from 4.5 percent in January, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Thursday. PSA head Dennis Mapa said at a press conference that there were 1.8 million jobless Filipinos in February, lower than 2.15 million unemployed individuals in January. National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government remains committed to creating "an enabling policy and regulatory environment to attract employment-generating investments." "We will also continue to implement measures to address bottlenecks and expedite processes to realize investment pledges, particularly in priority sectors holding much promise, such as renewable energy and critical minerals," Balisacan said. On 10 April, the lawyer of five Salvadorean environmentalists detained in 2023, said a court had decided that they would face trial on the charges of illicit association and homicide in relation to the murder of a woman during the civil war (1980-1992). End of preview - This article contains approximately 395 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The Yanomami tribe of Brazil is the largest native tribe in the Amazon rainforest. The group has little contact with the rest of Brazil. But a recent report says that many of the Yanomami have come into contact with the poisonous metal mercury. Brazils top public health organization released a report saying the mercury is coming from illegal gold mining. The researchers went to nine villages along the Mucajai River. It is in an area that is far from major cities and where illegal mining is widespread. In gold mining, mercury is often used to purify gold. The researchers collected hair from nearly 300 Yanomami members of all ages. Medical specialists then examined the hair. Eighty-four percent of the Yanomami tested had been contaminated. The contamination was equal to or above two micrograms per gram. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say such levels can lead to several health problems. Ten percent of the group had more than six micrograms per gram. That level is linked to severe medical conditions. Research teams also tested fish in the area. They found high levels of mercury in the fish too. Eating fish with high mercury levels is the most common path to exposure. Exposure studies usually test for methylmercury. It is a powerful neurotoxin formed when bacteria process mercury. Taking in large amounts over weeks or months damages the nervous system. The chemical can also pass from a mother to a baby during pregnancy. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says exposure can cause developmental abnormalities in babies. Health effects include decreased sensitivity in the legs, feet, and hands, overall weakness, and hearing a ringing sound in the ears. In some cases, it can lead to difficulties moving. The 2013 Minamata Convention is a United Nations-supported agreement signed by 148 parties aiming to reduce mercury pollution. Brazil signed the agreement. Other scientists have not reviewed the Brazilian government report. But it uses information from three papers recently released in the publication Toxics, all based on the same field work. One of the studies noted that deciding what problems long-term mercury exposure creates remains difficult. Maria Elena Crespo Lopez is a scientist at the Federal University of Para. She was not involved in research. She has studied the subject for 20 years. She told the Associated Press (AP), The mercury problem is widespread throughout the Amazon. She said that mercury has been released in the area since the 1970s when gold mining started. She said it ends up being transported over long distances and enters the food system. The publication Environmental Health Perspectives in 2018 said the Amazon River area communities are one of four areas of most concern. The WHO lists small-scale gold mining as the largest cause of contamination by humans. The Yanomami territory is an area the size of Portugal and has a population of 27,000. There has been illegal activity in the area for many years. The AP says the mining problem increased during the four-year term of President Jair Bolsonaro, which ended in 2022. The AP said Bolsonaro limited Brazils environment protection agencies. This took place during a period when gold prices were increasing. Rising prices could have increased mining activity in Yanomami territory. Paulo Basta is a scientist with the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, a scientific group. He led the testing. He said the research took place near the end of Bolsonaros term. He told the AP that the Mucajai area had many illegal miners. During 10 days of testing, 22 researchers were protected by four armed military police. Basta said 30 to 35 small planes flew to and from illegal mining places each day. He said, The tension was present throughout our entire stay in the village. I have been working in indigenous villages for 25 years, and it was the most tense work I have done. Current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised to expel gold miners from Yanomami territory and to improve health conditions. Yanomami leader Dario Kopenawa said in a statement, Mining is the biggest threat we face in Yanomami land today. Of the mining, he said, This research provides concrete evidence of it. Im Gena Bennett. And Im Gregory Stachel. Seth Borenstein reported this story for The Associated Press. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story contaminate v. to make (something) dangerous, dirty, or impure by adding something harmful or undesirable to it exposure n. the fact or condition of being affected by something or experiencing something nervous system n. the system of nerves in your body that sends messages for controlling movement and feeling between the brain and the other parts of the body small-scale adj. small in size especially compared to industrial or advanced levels entire adj. involving all of something indigenous adj. native to or coming from a certain place or geographical area concrete adj. something that is sure or strong As was recognized and reaffirmed by all the participants at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders Meeting in San Francisco in November, a shared commitment to inclusiveness has been fundamental to Asia-Pacifics dynamic development, which has seen it become the powerhouse for the global economy. If the enormous potential and tremendous dynamism across the region are to be fully unleashed, it is crucial, as the gathered leaders stated in their joint declaration, that fidelity to unity of purpose be upheld. It is disheartening therefore, if not alarming, that for some countries their pledges to the common undertaking of inclusive development are proving to be nothing more than lip service. Instead of upholding inclusivity and peace in the region, Australia, Japan and the United States, along with the US loyal extra-regional follower, the United Kingdom, seem intent on stoking confrontation in the region and disrupting regional peace and stability to serve their own narrow interests. This was made clear on Monday, when the defense chiefs of the US, the UK and Australia announced their plan to include Japan in their controversial trilateral security alliance. In a joint statement they released on Monday, the three AUKUS allies announced that they are considering bringing Japan into their grouping to participate in so-called Pillar II projects. While the first pillar of AUKUS aims to help Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, as well as deepen cooperation on a range of other advanced defense technologies, the second pillar, peddled by US officials recently, has a clear strategic intention to involve more countries in the security pact, with a focus on delivering advanced capabilities and sharing technologies across a range of areas including quantum computing, artificial intelligence and cyber technologies. Japan, widely deemed to be the most important US ally in the Asia-Pacific region and harboring the ill-intention of reviving its militarist past, has been an enthusiastic embracer of the US divisive Indo-Pacific strategy, frequently making provocative moves or remarks over the maritime disputes in the East and South China seas. Like the US, its meddling in these issues has become a destabilizing factor in the region. It is irresponsible of the AUKUS countries to send a wrong message by endorsing Japans militarist and troublemaking ambitions. Since its establishment in September 2021, the AUKUS alliance has drawn wide criticism within the international community, with many countries in Asia voicing strong opposition to it promoting nuclear proliferation in the region and fanning bloc confrontation with its exclusive clique building. In the short time since it was formed, the trilateral alliance has already undermined the denuclearization efforts in the region. Now it seems intent on sabotaging the APEC consensus and mission. Driven by its stubbornly persistent Cold War zero-sum mentality, the US is encouraging other countries in the region to break faith with the APEC goals by fabricating false narratives. This imperils the very fabric of regional peace and stability. Last week, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell laid bare the destabilizing nature of AUKUS by telling a Washington-based think tank that AUKUS submarine capabilities have enormous implications in a variety of scenarios, including in cross-Strait circumstances. That the Taiwan question is strictly an internal affair of China is obviously immaterial to the US. As such, the world should exercise high vigilance toward the US designs for an enlarged AUKUS, which, in heralding an Asia-Pacific NATO, presage catastrophe for all. Countries should join hands to try and get the misguided genie of AUKUS back in the bottle before it does any irredeemable mischief in the region. Editorial, China Daily Chinas Finance Ministry denounced a report by Fitch Ratings that kept its sovereign debt rated at A+ but downgraded its outlook to negative, saying yesterday that Chinas deficit is at a moderate and reasonable level and risks are under control. Risks to Chinas public finances are rising, Fitch said, as Beijing works to resolve mounting local and regional government debts and to shift away from heavy reliance on its troubled property industry to drive economic growth. But while slower growth is adding to the challenges of coping with heavy borrowing, Fitch said it kept Chinas A+ rating due to its large and diversified economy, its vital role in global trade and its huge foreign exchange reserves. The Finance Ministry said it was a pity that Fitch had downgraded its sovereign debt and faulted its methods, saying it had failed to take into account Beijings moves toward appropriately intensifying, improving quality and efficiency of its government spending. In the long run, maintaining a moderate deficit and making good use of precious debt funds will help expand domestic demand, support economic growth, and ultimately help maintain good sovereign credit, the ministry said. Overall, our countrys local government debt resolution work is progressing in an orderly manner and risks are generally controllable, it said. Fitchs report noted that Chinas general government deficit was forecast to rise this year to 7.1% of its GDP, up from 5.8% in 2023. The median for countries with an A rating is 3.0%, it said. Chinas average deficit to GDP ratio averaged 3.1% in 2015-2019 but jumped to 8.6% in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax relief measures and weaker property investments, which are usually a main source of local tax revenue, have eroded the governments capacity to collect tax revenues to offset higher spending, the report said. Fitch forecasts that Chinas economy will expand at a 4.5% annual rate this year, down from 5.2% last year, due to the downturn in the property sector and lackluster consumer spending, though it said higher government spending is likely to help make up for some of that weakness. While the government has moved to support some property developers struggling to repay their debts after a crackdown on excessive borrowing, analysts have warned that the financial troubles are now rippling across construction companies and other industries linked to real estate. Another ratings agency, Moodys, downgraded Chinas credit rating outlook in December, ING economists noted in a report yesterday. Fitchs move reflects the dilemma all policymakers face, it said. Failing to restore growth and confidence would weaken the GDP side of the debt to GDP equation, and could have an equally harmful impact on long-term debt sustainability, it said. MDT/AP The company responsible for a global recall of sleep apnea machines will be barred from resuming production at U.S. facilities until it meets a number of safety requirements, under a long-awaited settlement announced yesterday [Macau time] by federal officials. Philips will be required to overhaul its manufacturing and quality control systems and hire independent experts to vet the changes, according to a court order announced by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company must also continue to replace, repair or provide refunds to all U.S. customers who got the defective devices, the department said. The action is a major step toward resolving one of the biggest medical device recalls in history, which has dragged on for nearly three years. Most of the devices recalled are continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines. They force air through a mask to keep mouth and nasal passageways open during sleep. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to dangerous drowsiness and increased risk of heart attack. Philips has recalled more than 5 million of the machines since 2021 because their internal foam can break down over time, leading users to inhale tiny particles and fumes while they sleep. Efforts to repair or replace the machines have been plagued by delays that have frustrated regulators and patients in the U.S. and other countries. Lawyers for the federal government alleged that the company failed to comply with good manufacturing practices needed to ensure device safety. The company did not admit to the allegations, according to the court filing. This office, the FDA and our partner agencies are committed to holding manufacturers accountable when they violate the law and put the public at risk, U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan said in a statement. Under the legal agreement, Philips must hire independent auditors to create a plan for fixing its manufacturing problems and for monitoring problems with the sleep devices. The plan must then be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The experts must also certify that new foam selected by the company meets FDA safety standards. Jeffrey Reed, of Marysville, Ohio, experienced persistent sinus infections and two bouts of pneumonia during the seven years he used a Philips machine. I worry about my long-term health, Reed said. I used this machine for years and no matter what money I might get out of this, whats going to happen? Reed received a newer Philips device after returning his old machine, but he doesnt like to use it, preferring a competitors device. I dont trust the company, Reed said. I dont want to use it. Reed is one of more than 750 people who have filed personal injury lawsuits against the company over the devices. Those cases have been consolidated in a federal court in Pennsylvania. Similar lawsuits are pending in Canada, Australia, Israel and Chile, according to the company. The Dutch manufacturer announced in January it had reached a tentative agreement with the FDA and the Department of Justice. But U.S. regulators wouldnt confirm the deal at the time because it had not yet been reviewed by a federal judge. A company spokesman said Tuesday the agreement provides a roadmap of defined actions, milestones, and deliverables to meet relevant regulatory requirements, in an emailed statement. He noted that Philips will still be able to export some machines for sale outside the U.S. The FDAs website warns patients that the risks of ingesting the sound-dampening foam could include headache, asthma, allergic reactions and more serious problems. An FDA inspection of Philips Pennsylvania offices in the fall of 2021 uncovered a spate of red flags, including emails suggesting the company was warned of the problem with its foam six years before the recall. Between 2016 and early 2021, FDA found 14 instances where Philips was made aware of the issue or was analyzing the problem. No further design change, corrective action or field correction was conducted, the FDA inspectors repeatedly noted. In 2022, the FDA took the rare step of ordering Philips to step up its outreach to customers about the recall including clearer information about the health risks of its products. At the time, the agency estimated only about half the people in the U.S. with affected machines knew they had been recalled. Customers trying to obtain refunds or new or refurbished devices from the company have reported long delays. MATTHEW PERRONE, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP Lawmaker Chan Chak Mo said that a proposed bill will penalize individuals who operate mahjong for profit without government authorization with imprisonment for up to one year or fines for 240 days. Those found participating in mahjong activities may be fined between MOP1,500 and MOP20,000. Renting out a unit on an hourly basis for mahjong games would be considered operating for profit without legal approval. According to the proposed bill, individuals involved in or facilitating unauthorized online games of chance, regardless of the location of the equipment, may face imprisonment ranging from one to eight years. Additionally, the bill includes a provision for a prison sentence of one to five years for those seeking financial gain by providing funds or resources for gambling activities. Also, the provisions around chip alteration in Macaus new law on illegal gaming are still being examined closely by the Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly as legislators raise questions about them. * Taiwan reunion President Xi meets former Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou on pro-unification visit to Beijing * Cooperation Zone | Chinese govt mulls new visa category for Macau-Hengqin * Tourism | Upcoming travel expo to be the largest edition yet * Consumer spending in Northern District sees upturn in revenues, following the launch of consumption program amid business challenges * Fire department sees increase in emergency dispatch in Q1 * Chinese smart EV maker expands into Hong Kong and Macau DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, April 11, 2024 edition no. 4460 This years 12th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE) will be the largest edition of the event to date, featuring 1,346 exhibition and sales stalls, organizers said yesterday during a press conference, which unveiled details of the event that will take place from April 26 to 28. According to the same organizers, this years MITE will be expanded in scale and create a greater wealth of business opportunities with seven major highlights. The fact that the expo is back to its original date in late April was also noted by the director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, after the postponement of the event last year to summer time. Senna Fernandes noted this solution was implemented last year to accommodate the event. From now on, however, the event will always occur in April, allowing exhibitors to seize sales opportunities before the summer vacation, whilst also increasing participation by avoiding scheduling clashes with other similar, global events. Due to the expansion of international exhibitors, which is said to create a stronger synergy in the industry, the exhibition occupies a larger area than normal, incorporating three, rather than two, exhibition halls A, B and C of the Venetian Macaos Cotai Expo. Another of the novelties of the event is the format, One exhibition, two places, which establishes a link between the larger-scaled event in Macau and another event that will occur concurrently in Hengqin, the 2024 Camping Fair, which is dedicated to camping. As part of the organizing team, the deputy director of the Economic Development Bureau of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Huang Zhongjian, noted in his speech that tourism in Hengqin has been recovering fast since last year, having received 12 million tourists in 2023. This is an increase of 25%, compared to the pre-pandemic figures of 2019. Huang added that, currently, Hengqins revenue from tourism has also risen 12%. The same official noted that even though Macau is a mature destination and focuses on luxury markets comprising five-star hotels and resorts, Hengqin has a strong, complementary focus on nature and ecology, providing the space needed for relaxation and family time. Huang highlighted that, this year, the United Nations General Assembly emphasized that sustainable and resilient tourism mainly provides economic benefits, such as through foreign currency exchange, tax revenue, and employment. He added that, in 2023, tourism contributed about USD3.3 trillion to the global economy. He also remarked that, in 2019, before the pandemic, the total number of tourists who visited the Greater Bay Area was close to 400 million, and the tourism revenue of Hong Kong and Macau alone exceeded HKD500 billion. He emphasized that tourism has a strong and prosperous position in economic development. In this regard, the president of the Macau Travel Agency Association, Alex Lao, noted the participation in this years event by representatives from more than 50 countries and regions, as well as those in the tourism industry from several mainland provinces and cities. Lao said MITE would continue to cooperate with the countrys various tourism policies to benefit Macau. Under the theme of Meet at MITE: Discovery, Networking, Interaction! the event, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau SAR, has an area dedicated to gastronomy that will also include a wine cellar. A pavilion featuring new technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), will present a snapshot of the tourism industrys development over the past 25 years, as well as a vision for the future. Other highlights are the 1+4 Pavilion and the New Media Matrix. The first aims to present novelties on the governments strategic development of Macau and its four key industries: health and wellness, modern financial services, innovative technology, conferences and exhibitions, commerce and trade as well as culture and sports. The second will be used for exhibitors to present their products and services widely across multiple social media channels through the invitation of online influencers who will conduct livestream selling and promotion. The topic of patriotism and national education will be also presented at the event with a themed pavilion dedicated to cultural museums and educational tourism, the aim of which is to attract the educational travel market. At this pavilion, cultural museums and institutions, such as the Palace Museum, the National Museum of China, and other patriotic education bases, will be invited to participate in the exhibition, to deepen the concerted development of tourism and education. MITE to cost MOP33m, govt to bear more than half The 2024 MITE event has a budget of MOP33 million. The MGTO is covering more than half the cost (MOP17.87 million), Senna Fernandes said in response to an inquiry from the media. She noted this years budget is 6% higher than last years and that, in addition to the MGTO, MITEs event partners will also provide financial assistance. When questioned on the potential easing of visa requirements to facilitate links between Macau and Hengqin, Deputy Director Huang said that it depends upon national policies. He noted that developments in this area would soon occur, noting that, last month, a delegation of central authorities toured the area, recording observations and drafting solutions. Students and members of the expedition team pose for a group photo in front of the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) People visit the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Students and members of the expedition team pose for a group photo in front of the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) People visit the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) People visit the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Members of the expedition team attend a welcoming ceremony at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) An aerial drone photo taken on April 10, 2024 shows the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Members of the expedition team wave flags on the icebreaker Xuelong at a port in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, April 10, 2024. China's research icebreaker Xuelong on Wednesday arrived at a port in Qingdao after completing its latest Antarctic expedition and it will host a three-day open house to the public. China's 40th Antarctic expedition team set off from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2023 and successfully completed various expedition tasks that lasted 161 days with a total of more than 81,000 nautical miles. (Xinhua/Li Ziheng) Madison Area Technical College will collaborate with employers of in-demand industries to provide training, associate degrees and pay boosts for workers with Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants. The program will go to more than 400 currently unemployed workers to strengthen industries vital to Wisconsin's economy and well-being, such as manufacturing, healthcare and construction. Wisconsin Fast Forward Grants are through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and are meant to support training for individuals going into industries that support future growth for the state. "DWDs Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program supports employers as they seek to attract, train, and retain a highly skilled workforce, said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. Starting in July at the South Campus of MATC, also called Madison College, students will be trained for roles such as licensed practical nurses. Madison College School of Nursing Dean Kerri Kliminski said she hopes students will complete the program in March 2026. Pechacek hopes this investment "is sustaining Wisconsin's robust economy and strengthening our state's workforce now and into the future." More than 60 years have passed since the destruction of the old Triangle, also known as the Greenbush. Richard Harris remembers it. He was in his teens when the city of Madison, in pursuit of urban renewal, announced plans to demolish hundreds of homes on the patch of land bordered by West Washington Avenue, Park Street and Regent Street. His friend Betty Banks, now in her 70s, saw her family move from the Triangle to Dayton Street when she was still a child before the neighborhood was leveled. Madison had a very small, close-knit Black community, Banks recalled. There were three Black churches, but we were close. If something happened, we immediately came together. The destruction of the old Greenbush still lingers as a landmark moment in the citys relationship with Black residents. Back then, the Triangle was the citys only multi-ethnic, working-class neighborhood. Its Jewish and Italian residents, who lost their businesses, houses and cultural institutions, managed to find homes and community in other neighborhoods. Black residents faced discrimination in their search for new housing and little support in relocation, according to historians like Harris and accounts from city officials at the time, such as neighborhood center director Chester Zmudzinski, who worked on the redevelopment project. In acknowledgement of that long-ago displacement, the Bayview Foundation and the citys Community Development Authority have pledged not to displace any residents in this current redevelopments in the neighborhood. Preserving this history of Madisons Black community has been a lifelong passion for Banks and Harris. Banks has worked with the Stony the Road project, an effort to chronicle the history of Madisons first Black settlers that is set to be displayed in the Public Market upon its opening. In 2012, Harris published his book Growing Up Black in Madison: Economic Disenfranchisement of Black Madison. The books final pages contain a list of hundreds of names of those who lived in the old Triangle. In the book, Harris includes a plea to any descendants to seek compensation. Since he published the book, Harris said three people have reached out to him to say they received compensation from the federal government for their familys lost property. I keep thinking about how these people were cheated out of their property, Harris said. All of them. Whenever I drive through that area, I see these new buildings that are going in and I think of all those families. They didnt get anything. Harris and Banks talked to the Wisconsin State Journal about the neighborhood and their memories of it. Their answers have been edited for length. How did your families arrive in Madison? Banks: My grandparents came here at the turn of the century and they settled on East Dayton Street and my grandfather ended up working for Gov. Bob La Follette. They were followers and friends to W.E.B. DuBois. They were a part of the talented 10th that DuBois put together. He was a lawyer. She was a teacher. So they had a rich history of social justice of lifting up Black people. But when they came here, she couldnt teach school and he couldnt be an attorney. Harris: Her mother and her aunt helped start the Madison branch of the NAACP. Banks: My grandparents started the original and then in the 40s, right, my mother helped bring it back. Harris: My mother and her family were chased out of Georgia. My father came out of Danville, Kentucky. He was working with a moving company called Zimmerman. One time they had to go to Green Bay and he when he came back through Madison he really liked Madison and thought the people were friendly. He came back and met my mother. She was working at Madison General Hospital. What strikes me reading about the old Greenbush is that it was a city within a city. You could go out, walk down the street and get everything you needed. Banks: People connected in such a way. My mother, during the war, worked at a place and my dad would go to meet her because she worked at night. A group of his Italian friends said: Ernie, you dont need to do that. Well make sure thats she safe. Thats such an example of how that neighborhood operated among families and people. What are the memories that stand out to you when you think about the old Greenbush neighborhood? Banks: I remember Brittingham Park. There used to be carnivals there. Vilas Park was where the Fourth of July fireworks would be. There was St. Martin House on West Washington Avenue. Neighborhood House. Whitefront Grocery. It was a neighborhood where people connected. We talk about building community, and that was a community that was built. Did we have problems? Of course we did. But we worked them out in different ways. Harris: When I think about the Bush, or the Triangle, I remember one day in church with Deacon DJ Morton. I remember I was sitting in the back of the church. I was about 15 years old. (Morton) said Were going to have a real big problem down in the Bush. He said a bunch of white people are going to be buying that property and theyre going to get it through the Madison Redevelopment Authority. We didnt know what the MRA was. He said were going to have to either find a place for people to live or fight this. They didnt have any money to fight. It was a losing cause. The MRA cheated. They cheated Italians. They cheated Blacks. They cheated Jews. They gave them half of what the property was worth. If you go down to the state Historical Society, you can see it. I remember seeing a ladys name: Genevieve Tortorici. She wanted I think $17,000 and they gave her $9,000. Some landlords didnt even tell (the residents), and here come the city wreckers to tear the buildings down. Fortunately, enough people had bought property out there in South Madison. But they couldnt go anywhere else to buy property. When I think about being in high school, my friends, their parents were going through this. I used to ask my mom and dad about it and they said its rough. I tell my kids and my grandkids and my great-grandkids. Madison has not been kind to Black people, especially in the economic area. They cheated those poor people down in the Bush. When I just think of the people that used to come to my church crying. What do you think the long-term impacts of this have been for Madisons Black residents? Banks: Thats really something to think about because Madison has really got a complicated history with its Black community. Youve got to look underneath and behind and look at what Madison is. Is Madison probably got a better quality of life than other places? Of course it does. But Im not excited about what Chuck Taylor called a renaissance. I think gains have been made. Its hard to talk about it because of what it looks like. It looks like a lot of things. It looks really good and people come here and are able to gain employment. I think this newest generation has benefited from the work that was done by generations before them. Do I think that they really understand some of the history? Im not sure. I think some of them do. Its hard to talk about Madison, because, until you get banks and loan companies and all these people who are decision makers to make some dramatic changes the struggle is going to continue. Idaho school districts soon will have to remove any requirements that teachers use transgender students preferred pronouns. Gov. Brad Little quietly signed House Bill 538 Monday. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, broadly enacts protections for public employees, including teachers, who are unwilling to use someones preferred name and pronouns. It had overwhelming support among Statehouse Republicans. The bill bars teachers from referring to a student by a name or pronoun that doesnt align with their birth sex, unless the teacher has parental consent. It also gives teachers the right to sue their district if theyre disciplined for refusing to use a transgender students preferred name or pronoun. The governors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his decision to sign the bill into law. The new law which takes effect July 1 impacts students and public employees who are transgender but also others who dont identify with a traditional male-female binary. The Idaho Family Policy Center, a Christian lobbying group, praised Little for signing the bill that shields teachers from adverse employment action for using biologically correct pronouns. Even in school districts with no written compelled pronoun policy, educators feel pressure from administrators, parents and students to use preferred pronouns, Blaine Conzatti, president of the group, said in a news release, and these teachers rightly fear what might happen if they continue disregarding such demands. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho lobbied against the bill in recent months, arguing that it would allow teachers to persistently and intentionally misgender certain students and it could violate anti-discrimination law. As of Tuesday morning, Little had yet to take action on two other high-profile education bills. House Bill 710 would make school and public libraries liable for lawsuits stemming from harmful book challenges. House Bill 766 would make major changes to a school facilities funding bill already signed into law. Littles deadline to sign or veto these two bills is 10:17 a.m. on Wednesday. The House and Senate are scheduled to meet shortly after the deadline, returning from a weeks recess. It is possible the Legislature will adjourn for the year on Wednesday. Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Every business, interest group, civic organization, legal group, education entity, government agency and living-and-breathing human being in the Gem State should take heed of the chronic shortage of experienced and competent lawyers seeking to be district judges. It has become harder each year to recruit good candidates for district court positions because of a variety of factors low pay, high stress, burnout and the prospect of having to gain the office through a contested election. The situation will only get worse if Senate Bill 1347 is approved by the Legislature this session. For those who may not know how Idahos court system is organized, there are three components. Magistrate courts, which currently have 101 magistrate judges, handle civil trials where up to $10,000 is at stake, plus domestic, traffic, estate, misdemeanor and a variety of other cases. District courts, with 49 district judges, handle the full range of felony and higher-stake civil trials. The appellate courts, with a total of 9 judges, handle and decide appeals from the two trial court components. Candidates for magistrate judge are thoroughly vetted and appointed by regional magistrate commissions. Lawyers seeking positions on the district and appellate court are vetted by the Idaho Judicial Council, which sends a list of the best candidates to the Governor, who appoints from the list. These largely non-political appointment mechanisms have made Idahos court system one of the best in the nation. Former Governor Otter reported on numerous occasions that he regularly received praise from other state governors about the high quality of Idahos judiciary. Former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Burdick also received accolades from his counterparts in other states for the recognized excellence of Idaho judges. To keep an excellent judiciary up and running, lawyers must be incentivized to step forward and apply for judicial positions. Most will take a pay cut of more than 50% from what they can make in private law practice for the privilege of serving as a judge. I did and I do not regret it. But, if it appears to potential applicants that the burdens of the job substantially outweigh the privilege of being able to perform public service, few would be willing to step forward. That is where Idaho is with district court positions. Appellate positions the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals still have enough well-qualified applicants to fill court vacancies, despite the bargain basement compensation package. The same applies to the magistrate courts. The district courts simply dont have enough competent, seasoned applicants to fill and replenish their ranks. That poses a serious danger to the ability of the district courts to do their work, and to the public that depends on those courts to decide cases quickly and competently. Magistrate judge openings often get at least twice as many applicants as district judge openings because they are assured of a merit-based appointment process, the pay disparity is not substantial and magistrate judges do not have to face the prospect of an election contest. On the other hand, district judges presently have a merit-based selection process that the sponsor of Senate Bill 1347 wants to largely disable by requiring district and appellate openings to be filled through contested elections. The sponsor wants to eliminate a retirement benefit that was put in place in 2000 as a recruitment incentive for district and appellate judges, even though she would leave in place a similar recruitment incentive that was adopted for magistrate judges in 2006. Lawyers could be excused for not wanting to apply for a district court position under such uncertainty as to job benefits and whether the benefits would be subject to future revision during their service. The failure of the Legislature to give all Idaho judges the 7% cost-of-living increase that all other state employees received in 2022 did not go unnoticed by those lawyers. But there is yet another significant consideration for district courts the workload. District judges have the highest-pressure job in Idahos court system. They deal with heavy-duty felonies, like the Daybell and Kohberger murder cases, as well as complicated and high-dollar civil disputes that are litigated to the nth degree by deep-pocket parties. Handling the everyday work of managing a complex case and responding to the incessant demands of the lawyers involved takes long hours nights and weekends, which leads to stress and burnout. Who would want to take a pay cut of more than 50% for that kind of miserable job? Legislators should be considering measures to make all court positions more attractive to a broader range of competent, seasoned lawyers. Special emphasis should be placed on getting more applicants for district court positions, because that is where the recruitment problem has reached crisis proportions. Pursuing measures designed to discourage accomplished lawyers from applying for district court positions, where they are needed the most, does not make sense. The Stand up for Courts group, composed of Butch Otter, Patti Anne Lodge, Denton Darrington, Phil Reberger and a host of other concerned citizens, is urging that Senate Bill 1347 be stopped in its tracks in the Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee to help preserve Idahos excellent judiciary. NAIROBI, April 10 (Xinhua) -- TikTok, a short-form video hosting platform, on Wednesday highlighted its dedication to maintaining user safety while online. Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, director of government and public policy for Sub-Saharan Africa at TikTok, said that the platform's community guidelines, user policies and tools are developed to promote a positive and safe environment for everyone. "We will continue with capacity building workshops for policymakers and regulatory agencies on how TikTok works, with a special focus on online safety, data privacy and how we moderate content on the platform," Mgwili-Sibanda said in a statement released in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. He stressed that TikTok's safety center also provides helpful resources for new and existing users, families and caregivers to help them build an online experience that is right for them. Mgwili-Sibanda noted that the digital platform currently has more than 40,000 trust and safety professionals worldwide, working around the clock to protect the online community. He stated that safety is one of TikTok's top priorities in making the platform, which inspires creativity and brings joy to more than 1 billion users worldwide, a welcoming environment for all. Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Robinsons Land Corporation (the Corporation) will be held on May 8, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and livestreamed via Microsoft Teams Live. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the By Laws of the Corporation which allows meetings to be conducted by remote communication and subject to guidelines as may be promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Shareholders may view the livestream of the meeting and download the Information Statement at the following web addresses: The Agenda for the meeting of the Corporation is as follows: 1. Proof of notice of the meeting and existence of a quorum; 2. Reading and approval of the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders held on May 12, 2023; 3. Presentation of annual report and approval of the financial statements for the preceding year; 4. Election of the Board of Directors; 5. Appointment of External Auditor; 6. Ratification of the acts of the Board of Directors and its committees, officers and management; 7. Consideration of such other matters as may properly come during the meeting; and 8. Adjournment. - Advertisement - Shareholders may cast their votes on or before April 29, 2024 on all matters requiring approval by: (a) accomplishing and submitting the proxy form; or (b) voting in absentia. Proxies shall be sent via email to corp.secretary@robinsonsland.com or hard copies to the Office of the Corporate Secretary, 12F Cyberscape Alpha, Sapphire and Garnet Roads, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Validation of proxies shall be held on May 2, 2024. The procedures for attending the meeting via remote communication, submission of proxies, and for voting in absentia are explained in the Information Statement. Only Shareholders of record of the Company as of March 27, 2024 shall be entitled to vote. We are not soliciting proxies. By Authority of the Chairman (sgd.) JUAN ANTONIO M. EVANGELISTA Corporate Secretary Philippine exports and imports surged in February 2024 on improving global trade prospects. The Philippine Statistics Authority said February exports climbed 5.9 percent to $5.9 billion from $5.1 billion a year ago, while imports rebounded 6.3 percent to $9.6 billion from $9 billion. - Advertisement - These represented the fastest growth of exports and imports in 16 months. As a result, the trade deficit amounted to $3.65 billion in February 2024, lower than the $3.88-billion shortfall registered in the same month last year. Data from the PSA showed that top exports in February were electronic products, amounting to $3.42 billion, up by 26.8 percent from $2.7 billion a year ago. Shipments of coconut oil surged 62 percent to $116.5 billion, while sales of fresh bananas climbed 21 percent to $102 billion. Please be notified that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (the Corporation) will be held on May 6, 2024,[1] Monday at 10:00 a.m. and will be conducted by remote communication at https://www.semirarampc.com/asm with the following agenda: Agenda - Advertisement - Call to Order and Proof of Notice of Meeting Certification of Quorum Chairmans Message Approval of Minutes of Previous Stockholders Meeting held on May 2, 2023 Presentation and Approval of Presidents Report Presentation and Approval of Audited Financial Statements for 2023 Ratification of the Acts of the Board of Directors and Management from the Date of the Last Annual Stockholders Meeting up to the Date of this Meeting Election of Directors for 2024-2025 Approval of Appointment of Independent External Auditor Other Matters Adjournment Record Date Stockholders of record as of March 12, 2024 will be entitled to notice of, and vote at the said annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Registration and Voting Stockholders may attend the meeting by remote communication by registering at https://www.semirarampc.com/asm beginning April 19 until April 27, 2024. Only stockholders of record as ofMarch 12, 2024 will be entitled to vote at the said meeting. Stockholders may vote in absentia using the online voting portal at https://www.semirarampc.com/voting, or by appointing the Chairman of the meeting as their proxy. The voting portal will be accessible beginning April 19, 2024 until 12:00 noon of May 6, 2024. The following documents are required to be transmitted by email to corporatesecretary@semirarampc.com upon registration: CERTIFICATED SHARES: Individual Stockholder Valid Government-Issued ID or passport Corporate Stockholder Secretarys Certificate designating its attorney-in-fact and proxy Valid Government-Issued ID or passport of the representative UNCERTIFICATED OR SCRIPLESS SHARES: Individual Stockholder Brokers Certification stating the stockholders name and the number of shares held Valid Government-Issued ID or passport Corporate Stockholder Brokers Certification stating the stockholders name and the number of shares held Secretarys Certificate designating its attorney-in-fact and proxy Valid Government-Issued ID or passport of the representative The requirements and procedure for electronic voting in absentia and participation by remote communicationis set forth in Schedule 4 of the Definitive Information Statement published on the Companys Website and on PSE Edge. Stockholder Question Questions may be sent prior to the meeting at corporatesecretary@semirarampc.com no later than April 27, 2024, which shall be limited to the items in the Agenda. Some questions may be addressed while others will be replied to via email. Proxy Duly accomplished proxy forms must be submitted on or before April 25, 2024 to the Office of the Corporate Secretary at 2nd Floor DMCI Plaza, 2281 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City 1231, Philippines or by email at corporatesecretary@semirarampc.com. Validation of proxies is set on April 29, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (Sgd.) JOHN R. SADULLO Corporate Secretary For the Board of Directors [1] Should the date of the annual stockholders meeting (ASM) be declared a legal holiday, the ASM will be held on the next succeeding business day at 10:00 a.m. pursuant to Section 1, Article I of SMPCs By-Laws, as amended. Bataan St. Joseph Hospital & Medical Center (BSJHMC) has tapped VCON Cath Lab which features a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) technology for the treatment of cardiac diseases and vascular anomalies. The introduction of such technology marks an important achievement in Philippine healthcare, with the technology being the first of its kind in the entire Philippines. - Advertisement - Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said VCON Cath Lab not only enhances the treatment of cardiac diseases but also presents new possibilities in addressing various vascular, oncologic and neurological anomalies. The introduction of the VCON Cathlab with artificial intelligence at BSJHMC demonstrates a commitment to not only embracing advancements in healthcare but also leading the way in pioneering new technologies for the benefit of patients. By investing in such cutting-edge equipment, the hospital has positioned itself as a leader in providing superior care and innovative solutions for complex medical conditions, the company said. BSJHMCs continuous efforts to introduce groundbreaking innovations showcase its commitment to setting new standards of excellence in healthcare. The Healthcare Asia Awards 2024 recognize the hospital as the winner of the Smart Hospital Initiative of the Year Philippines category. This [win] stands as a testament to our dedication to service innovation and our commitment in revolutionizing patient care in the country, even in the entire Asia, the Bataan hospital said. The awards program recognizes exceptional healthcare providers that have redefined the standards of healthcare through their enduring dedication to innovation, setting of new industry benchmarks, and substantial contributions to their communities. Around 1,000 rallyists trooped to Morayta Street in Manila to show their support for the initiatives and assertion of ownership of President Marcos over the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Wednesday. The Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) said they support the initiatives of Marcos in protecting the WPS. They gathered at Morayta in Sampaloc, Manila at around 5 p.m. before marching to Mendiola Bridge. - Advertisement - Before their march, the group released doves as a symbol of peace and their peaceful protest. ABKD called on all Filipinos to unite in supporting the current administration and stand together against the propaganda and aggressive actions of the China Coast Guard and the China Peoples Liberation Army. They denounced Chinas aggressive actions against Filipino soldiers and fishermen in the territories and exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, such as harassment, water cannon bombing, intimidation, and bullying. Silence only means agreeing to all the aggressive actions undertaken by the China Coast Guard, and it will not help the country if Filipinos do not unite against this aggression, they said. The group lit candles and torches as they reached Mendiola Bridge and prayed for unity, peace, and prosperity for the country. They also called for the immediate enactment of the Mandatory Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC) to help equip the youth with the necessary skills in times of calamities, disasters, crime, and terrorism. Filipinos do not yield! We stand and protect PBBM, they said. China need not overreact to the quadrilateral maritime exercise among the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia in the West Philippine Sea, the White House said Thursday (Manila time). In a press conference, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby said the quadrilateral maritime cooperation in the Philippines exclusive economic zone is about freedom of navigation [and] adherence to international law. - Advertisement - I cant speak for the PRC (Peoples Republic of China) reaction, one way or another, except to say there is no reason to overreact to this, Kirby said. Its about proving the simple point that we and our allies will fly, sail and operate wherever international law permits us to do and it does in the South China Sea, and we did, he added. The Philippines on April 7 held a maritime cooperative activity (MCA) with the US, Japan, and Australia in WPS, amid growing tensions in the South China Sea. The MCA included anti-submarine warfare training, tactical, link and photo exercises, demonstrating the four countries collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Kirby said the US government has been watching over the tensions in the WPS with great concern and is urging China to adhere to the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitrations 2016 ruling which upheld the Philippines sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the WPS. He said US President Joe Biden, during his recent telephone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, expressed Washingtons concerns over Beijings incursions in the disputed waters. We again urge the PRC to abide by the 2016 ruling, and to recognize as we do that the second time a show of force within the Philippine economic exclusion area and we will continue to make that point when the President spoke to President Xi, he very clearly made our concerns known about Chinese activities in the South China Sea, Kirby said. A Pasig regional trial court affirmed the issuance of warrants of arrest against wanted televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and five others in relation to qualified human trafficking charges. In a three-page order dated April 11, acting Pasig RTC Branch 159 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa said after personally examining the information and its supporting documents, (the court) finds probable cause for the arrest of all of the accused. - Advertisement - (T)he court finds the motion to defer/suspend proceedings and hold in abeyance issuance of warrant of arrest to be a prohibited motion and should therefore be denied, the court said. The offenses under RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2003 are non-bailable. Last week, the Davao City RTC issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy and five subordinates for child and sexual abuse charges. In the Davao case, the bail was set at P180,000 for sexual assault and P80,000 for maltreatment. Charged with Quiboloy in both cases were Jackielyn W. Roy, Crescente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada and Sylvia Cemanes. These arrest warrants herald the efficiency of our criminal justice system, echoing the strong resolve of our state and our society to hold accountable individuals who transgress the rule of law, regardless of their social status or wealth, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement. Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloys plea to suspend proceedings and hold in abeyance the issuance of a warrant of arrest, in connection with the non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges filed against him has been denied by a Pasig Regional Trial Court. Acting Presiding Judge Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa of Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 made this ruling on April 11: After consideration of the arguments brought forth by the parties, the court finds the Motion to Defer/Suspend Proceedings and Hold in Abeyance Issuance of Warrant of Arrest to be a prohibited motion and should therefore be denied. - Advertisement - Quiboloy earlier asked the Pasig City RTC to defer and suspend its proceedings on the human trafficking case against him pending the resolution by the Secretary of Justice of their Motion for Reconsideration. The Pasig RTC, however, said that the reason cited by Quiboloy is not a ground for suspending the arraignment under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules of the Court. The order reads: Clearly, from the foregoing, there is no basis for this court to suspend the proceedings by reason of the filing of a motion for reconsideration on the Resolution of the petition for review before the Department of Justice as this is not one of the grounds stated under Section 11, Rule 116 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure. The RTC also said, This court, after personally examining the information and its supporting document, finds probable cause for the arrest of all the accused. Let warrants of arrest be issued against them. The Pasig City court stressed that it cannot desist from acting on the case in the absence of any restraining order or writ of preliminary injunction issued by the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court. Aside from Quiboloy, also subject of the arrest warrant are Jackielyn W. Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada and Sylvia Cemanes. Earlier on Thursday, Quiboloys lawyer, Israelito Torreo, said the religious leader is still in the Philippine territory as authorities try to locate him due to a standing arrest warrant. As such, the self-proclaimed Appointed Son of God is currently considered a fugitive. Justice Secretary Jesus Crisipin Remulla lauded the decision of the Pasig City RTC, saying the issued warrants of arrest against Quiboloy herald the efficiency of [the] criminal justice system. Remulla explained that these arrest warrants echo the strong resolve of the State and our society to hold accountable individuals who transgress the Rule of Law, regardless of their social status or wealth. Last month, the DOJ announced the filing of qualified human trafficking charges under Section 4 (a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, against Quiboloy before Pasig City RTC Branch 159. No bail was recommended. Also filed before the Davao Court are charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act. In the Davao case, the bail was set at P180,000 for sexual assault and P80,000 for maltreatment according to prosecutors. On the strength of arrest orders issued by the Senate and a Davao Court, authorities visited on Wednesday the properties owned by Quiboloy. A Senate hearing was conducted on the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuse of some members of Quiboloys KOJC. Meanwhile, a House hearing is tackling issues against the renewal of the franchise of Quiboloys Sonshine Media Network Inc. Last March, a California court ordered the unsealing of the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused on charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and cash smuggling. Quiboloy remains wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is suspected to be in the Philippines. On this note, Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa believes that the embattled Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has gone into hiding, but not in Davao. The former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said if Quiboloy has any intention to hide, Davao would be the last place he would think of hiding as it would be easy for authorities to locate and arrest him. But he is not limited to Davao only. The Philippines is big. If he has an intention to hide, why in Davao? Davao is the known haven of the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). It is the bulwark wherein his staunch supporters and followers can be found. Dela Rosa noted that if Quiboloy wants to hide from authorities, there are other places to which he can go. We know many fugitives who are being hunted by the government. It took them a long time to catch these fugitives since the Philippines is so big, said the top cop-turned politician. He also admitted it will be difficult to catch Quiboloy if indeed he has gone into hiding. Many Davaoenos have said that they are not aware of the religious leaders whereabouts. Dela Rosa added that he is not certain if Quiboloy has left the country. His advice to Quiboloy remains the same: Surrender and face the music. Speaking to ANC, the camp of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy on Thursday said they would file a motion before the Davao City Regional Trial Court to quash the warrant of arrest against him. Last week, the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 12 issued a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy for child abuse and sexual abuse cases. Torreon argued that the Department of Justice violated Quiboloys right to speedy resolution of cases as it had allegedly allowed more than four years for the complainant to prove his case. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh insisted that the death of three of his sons in an Israeli air strike would not influence truce talks in Gaza, as bombardments on Thursday rocked the Palestinian territory. Israel confirmed the killings, which came as talks in Cairo for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal dragged on without signs of a breakthrough. - Advertisement - Speaking to Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera, Haniyeh suggested that the strike, which also killed four of his grandchildren, was an attempt to shift Hamass negotiating stance. If they think that this will force Hamas to change its positions, they are delusional, he said. US President Joe Biden said Hamas needs to move on the latest truce proposal, which the militant group has said it is studying. Israels main international ally the United States has also been ramping up pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a truce, increase the amount of aid flowing into the besieged Gaza Strip and abandon plans to invade the southern city of Rafah. Biden labelled Netanyahus handling of the war a mistake in an interview broadcast on Tuesday, before warning on Wednesday that Israel has not allowed enough aid into the territory. Despite calls for a ceasefire, Israel carried out strikes early Thursday in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the south of the territory, witnesses said. The war broke out with Hamass October 7 attack against Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Palestinian militants also took about 250 hostages, 129 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli army says are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 33,482 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. Talks mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have been ongoing since Sunday. Hamas spokesman in Doha Hossam Badran told AFP: Hamas is studying the offer presented It has not responded yet. A framework being circulated would halt fighting for six weeks and see the exchange of about 40 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden, speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, said: Its now up to Hamas, they need to move on the proposal thats been made. There has been a growing chorus of international criticism aimed at Israels handling of the war and the paucity of aid entering the territory. On Wednesday, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned that what he called Israels disproportionate response in Gaza risked destabilising the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world. Spain is among several Western nations, including Ireland and Australia, to have suggested they would recognise a Palestinian state in the near future as a starting point for wider peace talks. Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz said that militarily Hamas is defeated but pledged to continue fighting what remains of it, including in the years to come. He also echoed Netanyahus vows to enter the southern city Rafah, despite growing international concern for the civilians there. We will enter Rafah. We will return to Khan Yunis, he said. More than 1.5 million civilians are sheltering from the war in Rafah, the last Gazan city yet to face an Israeli ground incursion. The United States has repeatedly warned against an attack on Rafah. Evidencing his growing frustration with the hawkish Netanyahu, Biden has issued some of his sternest criticism yet of the war. I think what hes doing is a mistake, Biden told the US network Univision in an interview that aired on Tuesday night. He urged Netanyahu to just call for a ceasefire, allow for the next six, eight weeks, total access to all food and medicine going into Gaza. Washingtons tougher line on aid has brought some results, the US Agency for International Development said. Recent days had seen a sea change in aid deliveries, said USAID administrator Samantha Power, although she insisted Israel needs to do more. On Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would flood Gaza with aid, using a new crossing point on its northern border, streamlined checks and two new routes organised with Jordan. He said they expected to hit 500 aid trucks entering Gaza a day, which would match the average level of aid and commercial trucks reaching the territory before the war. WASHINGTON, DC US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) promised ironclad support for Israel as Iran threatens reprisals over a strike that leveled an Iranian consulate building in Damascus and killed two generals. Bidens promise comes despite his public criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the toll on civilians in Israels campaign against Hamas, especially after a strike killed seven aid workers. - Advertisement - Iran is threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel, Biden told a news conference. As I told Prime Minister Netanyahu, our commitment to Israels security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad, Biden said. Let me say it again ironclad. Were going to do all we can to protect Israels security, said Biden, who was speaking next to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. US officials have voiced alarm over the prospect of an imminent strike against Israeli interests after Israel on April 1 destroyed the consulate building, killing seven members of Irans elite Revolutionary Guards, including two generals. Amid the heightened risks, German airline Lufthansa on Wednesday announced it had suspended flights to and from Tehran, probably until Thursday, saying it was due to the current situation in the Middle East. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned in a speech Wednesday that the evil regime of Israel must be punished and will be punished. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz swiftly riposted, in a Persian-language statement on social media site X: If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack Iran. Irans clerical state supports Hamas, which on Oct. 7 launched the deadliest attack against Israel in the countrys history, triggering a relentless six-month Israeli military operation inside the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. The United States since the start of the war has sought to prevent it from spreading, including to Lebanon, where Iran supports the Shiite militant movement Hezbollah. The United States has been tight-lipped in its public reaction to the April 1 strike, saying it has not determined whether Israel struck a diplomatic facility, which would breach international agreements on the inviolability of embassies and consulates. "We could move the bilateral relation between Suriname and China to the next level, strengthening cultural cooperation, business cooperation and investment cooperation," said Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, in an interview with Xinhua. Produced by Xinhua Global Service Chinas disregard for treaties and escalating provocations in the region pose a significant threat to the established order The recent escalation of tensions in the South China Sea, particularly concerning territorial disputes between China and the Philippines, has sounded alarms of a potential global conflict. Amidst these mounting tensions, it is imperative that diplomacy reigns supreme to safeguard peace and stability in the region. - Advertisement - The warning issued by Gordon Chang, a China expert, regarding the possibility of World War III erupting over the Philippines dispute underscores the gravity of the situation. Chinas disregard for treaties and escalating provocations in the region pose a significant threat to the established order. Chinas aggressive actions, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric from certain quarters, only serve to heighten tensions and increase the risk of miscalculation. The comparison drawn between current tensions and the events leading up to World War I by Yang Xiao, deputy director of the Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, is particularly concerning. Such historical analogies should serve as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked aggression and brinkmanship. The recent near-clashes between Chinese and Filipino coast guards, as well as Chinas persistent harassment of Filipino fishermen, underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to these disputes. The United Nations-backed tribunal ruling in 2016 rejecting Chinas claims on historical grounds should serve as a basis for meaningful dialogue and negotiation. The recently concluded joint naval exercise involving the United States, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines is a step in the right direction towards demonstrating a unified front against Chinese aggression. However, military shows of strength must be accompanied by diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting mutual understanding. It is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further inflame the situation. The South China Sea must not become a theater for great power competition or conflict. Instead, it should be a sea of peace and cooperation, as Yang Xiao rightly pointed out. The Philippines, as the weakest militarily among the potential targets of Chinese aggression, deserves unwavering support from its allies, particularly the United States. The mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the U.S. should serve as a deterrent against any attempt by China to forcibly assert its claims in the region. President Bidens commitment to defending the Philippines and other allies in the Indo-Pacific region must be unequivocal and backed by concrete actions. Diplomatic channels must remain open and active to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations that could lead to escalation. The stakes in the South China Sea are too high for diplomacy to fail. All parties must prioritize dialogue and negotiation to peacefully resolve disputes and uphold international law. The alternativea descent into conflictwould be catastrophic not only for the countries directly involved but for the entire world. Now is the time for wisdom, restraint, and diplomacy to prevail. American national Lee OBrian, the ex-partner of comedienne Pokwang, has been deported for working without a permit, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Pokwang, whose real name is Marietta Subong, previously filed a complaint against OBrian for rendering work in different production companies without securing required permits from BI and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). - Advertisement - The BI found merit in the said complaint and ordered OBrian deported in December for violation of the conditions of his stay. OBrian filed for a motion for reconsideration, which was eventually denied. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said OBrian was deported on the eve of April 8 onboard a Philippine Airlines flight to San Francisco after the bureau confirmed he has no pending local case in the Philippines. As a consequence of his deportation, OBrians name has been included in the BIs blacklist, barring any future attempts to reenter the country. Businessman and politician Luis Chavit Singson displayed a playful demeanor when he met with the press at the opening of BBQ Chicken in Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig. He arrived early, quipping, I didnt use the bus lane on Edsa today, alluding to a recent incident where his convoy was flagged down for unauthorized use of the EDSA bus lane. The former Ilocos Sur governor continued entertaining questions and confirmed that the Lee Seung Gi starrer Vagabond (2019) will film its sequel in the Philippines. - Advertisement - The series that is very popular in Korea, Vagabond, will film its sequel here. They have finished some parts, and then the continuation will be filmed here in the Philippines, Singson said in the vernacular. They are polishing the script first, so they have something to follow. Unlike other productions that tend to predict the story as they go, they dont want that. They want the story to be complete first, he carried on. Vagabond is a South Korean series that follows the story of Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung Gi), a stuntman who gets involved in a plane crash investigation after his nephews death Singson also teased that Filipino actors will participate in special roles, and he himself will be part of the production. They invited me to be one of the producers and the series will feature local actors. I cant give any names yet, but well soon know them when they start taping here probably in May, Singson shared, adding that the team behind the series is looking at going around the country. They will shoot first in Ilocos then, similar to how Miss Universe showcased the Philippines, theyll visit some tourist destinations in the country and will be featured in the story, Singson said, referring to the Miss Universe pageant that he produced when the country hosted it in 2016. Singson explained how the idea of filming in the Philippines started. He said that his company has been investing in South Korea, and Vagabond star Lee Seung Gi comes to the Philippines as his partner and celebrity ambassador for his company. Lee Seung Gi was happy to know that Im one of the producers of the series. Hes my friend and has visited the Philippines a few times, Singson said. Chavit Singson (third from the left) at the opening of BBQ Chicken in Ayala Malls Feliz Vagabond Season 1 starred Lee Seung Gi with Bae Suzy and Shin Sung-rok. It aired on SBS TV for 16 episodes from September to November 2019, and later streamed internationally on Netflix. The series follows Cha Dal-Geon (Lee Seung Gi), a stuntman aspiring to be an action star, who suspects foul play when his nephews flight crashes in Morocco. Go Hae-Ri (Bae Suzy), an NIS agent undercover at the Korean embassy in Morocco, joins him to investigate. Together, they uncover a complex conspiracy far beyond their expectations. TODAYS WORD is biblioklept. Example: Often forgetting to return library books, he admitted to being a bit of an unintentional biblioklept. TUESDAYS WORD was naivete, meaning the quality or state of having or showing a lack of experience or judgment; natural or artless simplicity. Example: Despite his age, there was a certain charm in his naivete that reminded others of simpler times. National Pet Day Today is National Pet Day, the unofficial holiday that occurs on April 11 each year and encourages people to appreciate the role that pets play in our lives. People with pets are encouraged to give them the extra appreciation that they deserve on this day. The day also brings awareness to those pets who need the most attention; the ones in shelters who are in need of a home. It is estimated that in the United States, around 80 million households have pets, of which 80 million are dogs and 86 million are cats. Dog talk Health & Wellness magazine published an article about how humans can better communicate with their dogs. Among the suggestions: Dogs have no sense of time, so when you leave them at home they feel abandoned because they have no idea when youll be back. Sometimes dogs can be possessive. When you hear a low growl, its a warning to back off usually because a dog doesnt want to share his food, toys, or humans. When your dog howls, it could mean he is annoyed by something, but most likely its to announce his presence, get attention, or make contact with other dogs. Just like humans, dogs need exercise too, and the recommended amount is from 30 minutes to two hour daily. Some dogs need more exercise than others, but its important the at least a small amount everyday. Sweet potatoes Did you know that a sweet potato is a potato in name only? This plant belongs to the morning glory family and can have white, yellow, red, or purple flesh. Sweet potatoes grew in Peru as early as 750 BC, and were also produced by Native Americans. They are sometimes qualified as a superfood because they contain many nutrients, minerals and vitamins. One sweet potato provides you with 400% of the vitamin A you need every day. It also contains vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, thiamin and antioxidants. Chuckle A guy is sitting at home when he hears a knock at the door. He opens the door and sees a snail on the porch. He picks up the snail and throws it as far as he can. A year later, theres another knock at the door. He opens it and sees the same snail. The snail says, What was that all about? Quote of the day If you tell the truth, you dont have to remember anything. Mark Twain TUESDAYS TRIVIA ANSWER: The Richter Scale is used to measure the magnitude (size) of an earthquake. TODAYS TRIVIA QUESTION: What country has more volcanoes than any other? Former N.C. Rep. Mitch Gillespie was recognized Monday by the McDowell County Board of Commissioners for receiving the Distinguished Public Service Award from the N.C. Chamber. Last month, Gillespie, who is also a former assistant secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, was honored in Raleigh with the prestigious award. The N.C. Chamber is the leading business advocacy organization in North Carolina. Each year, the N.C. Chamber recognizes individuals with an outstanding sense of public responsibility who have made an indelible mark on our state by improving their communities and honors them with the Distinguished Citizenship Award and Distinguished Public Service Award, according to the website. Previous recipients of this award include the Rev. Billy Graham, former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, former Gov. Jim Hunt, former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, former Governor and U.S. Sen. Terry Sanford and Hugh Morton, owner of Grandfather Mountain. On Monday, the McDowell County commissioners also honored Gillespie for his many years of service. They approved a resolution in his honor and declared Friday, April 12, as Mitch Gillespie Day in McDowell County. The resolution is as follows: Whereas, Robert Mitchell (Mitch) Gillespie was born and raised in McDowell County; and whereas, Mr. Gillespie attended Wake Technical Community College and returned to McDowell County to pursue business opportunities; and whereas, Mr. Gillespie was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1998; and whereas, Mr. Gillespie represented McDowell County as part of the 49th and later the 5th House districts from 1999 until 2013; and whereas during his tenure in the House of Representatives, Mr. Gillespie was able to provide support and leadership to many important causes that provided benefit to the people of McDowell County and North Carolina such as bringing a dialysis treatment facility to the county The resolution continues Whereas, Mr. Gillespie resigned from the Houses of Representatives in 2013 to accept a position with the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources; and whereas, his work at NCDENR allowed Mr. Gillespie to continue his goal of ensuring reasonable and strong environmental protections for North Carolinas natural resources; and whereas, Mr. Gillespie continued his work for the state of North Carolina until retiring in 2018; and whereas, the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce recently recognized Mr. Gillespie for his decades of service by awarding him its Distinguished Public Service Award. Now therefore be it resolved that the McDowell County Board of Commissioners do hereby express their gratitude to Mitch Gillespie for his many decades of service to McDowell County and congratulate him on the receipt of the North Carolina Chambers Distinguished Public Service Award; and furthermore, the McDowell County Board of Commissioners do hereby declare Friday, April 12, 2024 as Mitch Gillespie Day in McDowell County. He was joined by his wife Barbara and other family members for this recognition by the commissioners. I am truly a product of the American dream, Gillespie said to the commissioners. Somebody who was raised in Clinchfield, worked hard all his life and as a result of that work and hard work, the Lord blessed me. Everything I have done I have given credit to him because I have been a very blessed individual my entire life and I have always recognized that and I have always given him credit for that All my life all I wanted to do was return and give back, from a young age. From the blessings I received, I just wanted to return it back to the people and help people. When he was a state representative, Gillespie said his No. 1 goal was constituent service and he never asked his constituents about their political beliefs when they asked him for help. All I wanted to do is give back, he added. Its been a good run and it still continues to be a good run because I am still going to stay active until I cant. The McDowell County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing Monday about an economic development project for an existing company in McDowell. The hearing took place during the regular April meeting held at the County Administrative Offices in downtown Marion. Chuck Abernathy, director of the McDowell Economic Development Association (MEDA), spoke during the hearing about the project. An existing company in McDowell County, which recently purchased a former business, is seeking a building reuse grant from the state. This company now employs 90 workers and will commit to adding another 23 full-time employees. The average wage paid will exceed the county average and is estimated to be $44,297 a year. The company has already invested in upgrades to the building and new machinery and equipment. An additional $700,000 will be invested based on this expansion. Building reuse grants are intended to encourage investment in existing building upfits including roof work, HVAC, electrical improvements and other upgrades. It is not designed to install machinery, pave parking lots or install exterior non-attached items. Abernathy said he could not name the company and the governor would make the announcement if the grant is awarded. The state commits an amount per new job and it is typically between $5,000 and $10,000 per job. For 23 new jobs, the range could be between $115,000 and $230,000 of allowable expenses. The company commits to 45% of this amount and local government 5%. Therefore, the incentive range from the county would likely be between $5,750 and $11,500, according to Abernathy. After Abernathys presentation, the commissioners sought comments from the public about this project. No comments were received. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve a county incentive for this project and it will not exceed $12,000. Occupancy tax collections In other business, county officials revisited the matter involving the occupancy tax for McDowell. Last month, Tourism Director Shannon Odom presented information about occupancy tax collections as well as a request from the Tourism Development Authority Board to increase the occupancy tax rate from 5% to 6%. It is the tax paid by tourists and visitors to the county who stay at a local hotel, motel or bed and breakfast, in addition to the sales tax. Local residents dont pay the tax, unless they decide to rent a room in their own county. Odoms request was tabled and the commissioners asked him to provide more data on the number of impacted property owners. Commissioner Patrick Ellis said last month that tax was not a good word here in McDowell County and he requested Odom to provide more information regarding the occupancy accommodations in 2022, 2021 and 2020. Odom provided the commissioners with that data. The 1% increase will result in an approximately $230,000 in additional money for the TDA. This would create about $154,000 for tourism promotion and about $76,000 for tourism-related capital projects. After a short discussion, the commissioners agreed to approve the 1% increase in the occupancy tax. Other business Also during the meeting, the McDowell County Board of Commissioners: Agreed to create a committee for the 250th anniversary celebration of the United States founding. The state is starting to recommend that counties create America250 committees to plan for the 250th anniversary that is coming up in 2026. The state will provide planning funds to counties with planning committees. County staff suggested creating a committee with representatives from the county commission, the Marion City Council, the Old Fort Board of Aldermen, Historic Carson House, the Mountain Gateway Museum, the McDowell County Public Library, the TDA, the public schools, McDowell Technical Community College and other agencies. The state grant is for $10,000, which can be used for planning activities. Approved a resolution for National County Government Month. Talked about items with the N.C. Department of Transportation. The DOT has reached out about a request made by a property owner to abandon a portion of Linville Road near Lake James. The road is surrounded on both sides in the proposed abandonment area by one property owner. The road was last paved in 2013. There does not appear to be a county/public benefit to have the road remain open to the public. The commissioners tabled the matter about the abandonment of the portion of Linville Road. But they approved the temporary closing of Polly Spout Road on June 1 for the annual Gold Rush 5K. Heard an update on the county budget process. County Manager Ashley Wooten said he plans to present the 2024-25 budget sometime before Memorial Day. Appointed Sarah Brewer to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council. HANOI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's insurance premium revenue in the first quarter of this year continued to drop to more than 53.29 trillion Vietnamese dong (2.13 billion U.S. dollars), down 4.3 percent from a year earlier, the General Statistics Office has reported. Of the total revenue, the life insurance sector accounted for 33.74 trillion dong (1.35 billion dollars), down 10.9 percent year on year, and the non-life insurance sector contributed more than 19.55 trillion dong (782 million dollars), up 9.8 percent year on year, Vietnam News reported Thursday. The insurance premium revenue has declined for the fourth consecutive quarter, the newspaper reported, adding that the rate of decrease in the first quarter of 2024 slowed compared to previous quarters. By the end of the first quarter, total assets of the insurance companies in the Southeast Asian country were estimated at nearly 932.87 trillion dong (37.3 billion dollars), representing a 10.2 percent growth. Prior to 2023, Vietnam's insurance business saw a double-digit premium revenue growth annually in approximately 10 years. However, insurance premium revenue has been on the decline since 2023, following an insurance crisis. The lung-cell type thats most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is not the one previously assumed to be most vulnerable. Whats more, the virus enters this susceptible cell via an unexpected route. The medical consequences may be significant. Stanford Medicine investigators have implicated a type of immune cell known as an interstitial macrophage in the critical transition from a merely bothersome COVID-19 case to a potentially deadly one. Interstitial macrophages are situated deep in the lungs, ordinarily protecting that precious organ by, among other things, engorging viruses, bacteria, fungi and dust particles that make their way down our airways. But its these very cells, the researchers have shown in a study published online April 10 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, that of all known types of cells composing lung tissue are most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2-infected interstitial macrophages, the scientists have learned, morph into virus producers and squirt out inflammatory and scar-tissue-inducing chemical signals, potentially paving the road to pneumonia and damaging the lungs to the point where the virus, along with those potent secreted substances, can break out of the lungs and wreak havoc throughout the body. The surprising findings point to new approaches in preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection from becoming a life-threatening disease. Indeed, they may explain why monoclonal antibodies meant to combat severe COVID didnt work well, if at all and when they did work, it was only when they were administered early in the course of infection, when the virus was infecting cells in the upper airways leading to the lungs but hadnt yet ensconced itself in lung tissue. The virus surprises Weve overturned a number of false assumptions about how the virus actually replicates in the human lung, said Catherine Blish, MD, PhD, a professor of infectious diseases and of microbiology and immunology and the George E. and Lucy Becker Professor in Medicine and associate dean for basic and translational research. Blish is the co-senior author of the study, along with Mark Krasnow, MD, PhD, the Paul and Mildred Berg Professor of biochemistry and the executive director of the Vera Moulton Wall Center for pulmonary vascular disease. The critical step, we think, is when the virus infects interstitial macrophages, triggering a massive inflammatory reaction that can flood the lungs and spread infection and inflammation to other organs, Krasnow said. Blocking that step, he said, could prove to be a major therapeutic advance. But theres a plot twist: The virus has an unusual way of getting inside these cells a route drug developers have not yet learned how to block effectively necessitating a new focus on that alternative mechanism, he added. The management of a public hospital in Nairobi, Kenya, announced on Tuesday that it has dismissed 100 doctors participating in a nationwide strike, which has been in effect for nearly a month. The Kenyatta University Referral Hospital has reportedly hired new doctors to replace those on strike. Mid-March saw the commencement of a countrywide doctors strike, with demands for improved pay and working conditions. On Sunday, President William Ruto addressed the strike for the first time, stating that the country does not have the funds to meet the striking doctors demands. We must be honest with ourselves and acknowledge that we need to live within our means. We cannot take out loans to cover salaries, Ruto remarked. Despite this, the doctors union has stood firm, and on Tuesday, hundreds of doctors participated in demonstrations and submitted a petition to the parliament, asking for intervention in their labor dispute. This strike echoes a similar situation in 2017 when doctors staged a 100-day strike over inadequate pay and conditions, resulting in fatalities due to the lack of medical care. The strike concluded with an agreement to raise pay, but doctors claim that not all the 2017 agreements have been fulfilled. The U.S. State Department highlighted the importance of the multifaceted strategic partnership binding the United States and Morocco, in the service of peace and prosperity in the region of North Africa and the Middle East (MENA), thanks in particular to an exceptional military relationship which continues to strengthen. Morocco is a vital U.S. partner on a wide range of regional security issues, with a shared goal of a stable, secure, and prosperous Middle East and North Africa, the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) pointed out in a fact sheet posted on the State Department website. The document underlined the density of centuries-old cooperation between Washington and Rabat, and recalled that the United States works closely with Morocco to promote regional stability, counter terrorism, strengthen trade and investment ties, and support Moroccos development and reform efforts. Security cooperation between the two countries goes back to the late 1950s, reflecting the enduring nature of the bilateral relationship, it said. This commitment has been memorialized by multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), most recently in 2007 and 2015, that outline critical areas of security and economic cooperation, helping Morocco address regional challenges and the impact of crises in neighboring regions, the fact Sheet stressed, adding that Morocco is a stalwart partner in multilateral defense. The Kingdom joined the NATO Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995, an initiative to promote regional security and stability in coordination with key NATO allies around the Mediterranean, and the United States designated Morocco a Major Non-NATO ally in 2004, the document pointed out. Regarding the density of an exceptional military relationship which has continued to strengthen, the State Department underlined that in addition to the various sales of military equipment, the Moroccan-U.S. partnership also includes military support and education and training programs, with the objectives in particular of promoting regional stability and fighting terrorism. Morocco is among the top ten contributors to UN peacekeeping operations worldwide, it said, adding that the Kingdom maintains a pre-deployment training center, which provides training in the areas of civilian protection, combating disinformation, digitalization, telemedicine, mental health, and environmental protection. Commenting on the leading role of Morocco in counterterrorism efforts, Washington underlined that the Kingdom has been, since 2005, a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership and a founding member alongside the United States of the Global Counterterrorism Forum. Furthermore, Morocco was the first Maghreb country to join the anti-ISIS Global Coalition in 2014 and currently serves as the co-chair of the Coalitions Africa Focus Group, it said. The United States and Morocco also maintain strong military cooperation through joint security operations, the document said recalling that since the late 1990s, Morocco has hosted the AFRICAN LION training exercise, which brings together U.S. and Moroccan forces with participants from more than twenty countries and NATO for training. Since 2008, African Lion has become the largest joint military exercise on the continent, with thousands of troops participating annually. The military government of Mali has decreed a halt to all political party operations, as declared by government spokesperson Abdoulaye Maiga on state television Wednesday night. Citing the preservation of public order, the decree indefinitely pauses the activities of political parties and politically oriented associations. Since a coup in August 2020, Mali has been governed by the military, marking the start of a series of eight coups across West and Central Africa over four years, affecting Mali and its neighbors, Burkina Faso and Niger alike. After taking control through another coup in 2021, Malis junta pledged to transition back to civilian governance by March 26, 2024, anticipating elections set for February of the same year. Nevertheless, the military leadership announced in September of the previous year its decision to delay the February elections indefinitely due to technical issues, inciting backlash from political factions. This frustration was compounded when the junta missed the transition deadline last month, failing to conduct elections. In response, several of Malis leading political parties and civic organizations demanded on March 31 a clear election timetable. In a collective statement endorsed by over 20 groups, including a significant opposition coalition and the party of the ousted former president, they committed to utilizing every lawful and legitimate method to reestablish constitutional governance in Mali. This incident marks the second time Malis military rulers have not fulfilled their promise to hold elections, previously set for February 2022. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, a state-established body, has demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the assassination of Bate Urgessa, a notable opposition figure who was recently released from jail. Urgessa, associated with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) as a political officer, was shot dead in his hometown of Meki, Oromia, Ethiopias largest region. Despite the OLF being a legal opposition group that abstained from the 2021 elections, it claims Urgessa was murdered and is conducting its inquiry. Daniel Bekele, leading the commission, insisted on a comprehensive investigation by Oromia and federal authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Oromia regional government has condemned the killing, denied any involvement, and committed to conduct an investigation. Urgessa, a government critic, had been imprisoned multiple times and fell severely ill in 2022 while detained with other senior OLF figures. His latest arrest was in February, alongside French journalist Antoine Galindo, under accusations of conspiring with rebels to create chaos, though both were subsequently released. The OLF, which historically engaged in guerrilla warfare against the Ethiopian government for the Oromo peoples rights, signed a peace deal in 2018. However, its armed wing, the Oromo Liberation Army, continues to resist, escalating conflicts in recent months. 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 Researchers from NDORMS and the University of Oslo have successfully replicated findings from recently published international studies on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent long COVID and post-acute complications. The new study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, is a part of a project to assess the "impact of COVID vaccination to prevent long COVID" led by Professor Daniel Prieto Alhambra and Dr. Annika Jodicke. Using data from Estonia, Spain and the UK including 20 million patients, the first pieces of work were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine and Heart. Both studies showed that COVID-19 vaccination reduced the risk of long COVID and post-acute complications. The analyses were done using federated analytics (analysis that is performed on multiple, often geographically, separated datasets) on the the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM). The research team in Norway led by Professor Hedvig Nordeng and Dr. Nhung Trinh have recently mapped data from several nationwide linked health registries covering primary and secondary care events, vaccinations, and communicable disease notifications into OMOP CDM as part of the European Health Data and Evidence Network. They applied the publicly available scripts and successfully replicated the findings from Estonia, Spain and UK. COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of developing long COVID symptoms across all study cohorts by 36%. Although post COVID-19 thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications were rare, they also found a reduced risk for post-COVID ATE (arterial thrombosis) during the acute phase and for heart failure and VTE (venous thromboembolism) during the post-acute phases in older people following vaccination. Dr. Jodicke commented, "We are very excited to see that the Norwegian vaccine effectiveness results are supporting our previous findings of a reduction in risk of long COVID, and post-COVID cardiac and thromboembolic complications." Trinh, Researcher at PharmaSafe research group, at the University of Oslo, said, "We are glad that our study provides reassuring evidence on the COVID-19 vaccination effectiveness. I really believe that OMOP Common Data Model and federated analytics are the future of real-world evidence research. Extensive efforts are required at the harmonization phase but once the data are in OMOP format, several studies relying on multinational data can be conducted very efficiently." Professor Alhambra added, "This work demonstrates the value of federated analytics based on the OMOP CDM to make real-world evidence reliable and reproducible." Nordeng, head of the Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety research group at the University of Oslo, concurs, "This study showcases the efficiency of our data analytical pipeline at the University of Oslo using the OMOP common data model. "It marks an exciting milestone, opening avenues for our involvement in a new era of rapid and robust federated real-world studies on disease history, drug utilization, drug safety, and vaccine effectiveness. This study is an excellent start of this collaboration." This study strengthens the findings on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in preventing long COVID and post-acute complications. It also confirmed the usefulness of federated analytics and OMOP CDM that can be easily applied across national borders. More information: Nhung TH Trinh et al, Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent long COVID: data from Norway, The Lancet Respiratory Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S2213-2600(24)00082-1 Journal information: Lancet Respiratory Medicine 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 Spending excessive time online is causing daytime sleepiness and symptoms of depression in adolescents, a major international study led by researchers at the University of Derby has found. Dr. Hassam Waheed, from the University's College of Business, Law and Social Sciences, worked with Dr. Peter Macaulay, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, and colleagues in Malaysia and Australia on a meta-analysis of 52 published studies. The results have been published in a report, "Caught in the web: a meta-analysis of internet addiction, excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in adolescents," in the journal Information Technology & People. The study looked at adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years who are more prone to internet addiction given their transitional stage of physical and psychological development. It found that internet-induced daytime sleepiness displaces a host of activities that are known to be beneficial for maintaining mental health, such as day-to-day social interactions and physical activities. This in turn exacerbates their depressive symptoms. Dr. Macaulay said, "One of the main issues we noticed was that time online is often unstructured; while there may be boundaries for some uses such as time playing games on a PlayStation, this isn't extended to other internet use." Dr. Waheed added, "We live in an increasingly connected world and there are lots of positives of using the internet, for studies and recreational purposes. Our research supports existing efforts to promote awareness of the consequences of increased internet usage and time spent online, and calls for further action to consider maximizing offline opportunities and interactions." Interventions recommended by the research team include: Encouraging good sleep practices, such as not using devices for 90 minutes before bedtime Ensuring devices are not being looked at during the night Encouraging more face-to-face interactions Supporting more active pursuits such as after-school clubs and sports The team also advocate the use of focused time online, with an agreed time limit and divided between homework/study and recreation as necessary. Dr. Macaulay explained, "Such focused time would also foster a healthier relationship with technology through mindful consumption." At present the medical community is divided on whether internet addiction constitutes a mental disorder. The researchers believe that, with greater understanding of the negative implications of internet addiction, the study will help build the consensus for it to be recognized as a distinct mental disorder. As part of this project, the researchers are also examining whether the use of virtual reality leads to deviant behaviors offline as well as interventions that could mitigate such behaviors. More information: Hassam Waheed et al, Caught in the web: a meta-analysis of Internet addiction, excessive daytime sleepiness and depressive symptoms in adolescents, Information Technology & People (2024). DOI: 10.1108/ITP-07-2023-0676 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 Patients hurl verbal abuse at Michelle Ravera every day in the emergency room. Physical violence is less common, she said, but has become a growing threat. Ravera, an ER nurse at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, recalled an incident in which an agitated patient wanted to leave. "Without any warning he just reached up, grabbed my glasses, and punched me in the face," said Ravera, 54. "And then he was getting ready to attack another patient in the room." Ravera and hospital security guards subdued the patient so he couldn't hurt anyone else. Violence against health care workers is on the rise, including in the ER, where tensions can run high as staff juggle multiple urgent tasks. COVID-19 only made things worse: With routine care harder to come by, many patients ended up in the ER with serious diseasesand brimming with frustrations. In California, simple assault against workers inside an ER is considered the same as simple assault against almost anyone else, and carries a maximum punishment of a $1,000 fine and six months in jail. In contrast, simple assault against emergency medical workers in the field, such as an EMT responding to a 911 call, carries maximum penalties of a $2,000 fine and a year in jail. Simple assault does not involve the use of a deadly weapon or the intention to inflict serious bodily injury. State Assembly member Freddie Rodriguez, who worked as an EMT, has authored a bill to make the punishments consistent: a $2,000 fine and one year in jail for simple assault on any on-the-job emergency health care worker, whether in the field or an ER. The measure would also eliminate the discrepancy for simple battery. Patients and family members are assaulting staff and "doing things they shouldn't be doing to the people that are there to take care of your loved ones," said Rodriguez, a Democrat from Pomona. The bill passed the state Assembly unanimously in January and awaits consideration in the Senate. Rodriguez has introduced similar measures twice before. Then-Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed one in 2015, saying he doubted a longer jail sentence would deter violence. "We need to find more creative ways to protect the safety of these critical workers," he wrote in his veto message. The 2019 bill died in the state Senate. Rodriguez said ERs have become more dangerous for health care workers since then and that "there has to be accountability" for violent behavior. Opponents fear stiffer penalties would be levied disproportionately on patients of color or those with developmental disabilities. They also point out that violent patients can already face penalties under existing assault and battery laws. Data from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health shows that reported attacks on ER workers by patients, visitors, and strangers jumped about 25% from 2018 to 2023, from 2,587 to 3,238. The rate of attacks per 100,000 ER visits also increased. Punching, kicking, pushing, and similar aggression accounted for most of the attacks. Only a small number included weapons. These numbers are likely an undercount, said Al'ai Alvarez, an ER doctor and clinical associate professor at Stanford University's Department of Emergency Medicine. Many hospital staffers don't fill out workplace violence reports because they don't have time or feel nothing will come of it, he said. Ravera remembers when her community rallied around health care workers at the start of the pandemic, acting respectfully and bringing food and extra N95 masks to workers. "Then something just switched," she said. "The patients became angrier and more aggressive." Violence can contribute to burnout and drive workers to quitor worse, said Alvarez, who has lost colleagues to suicide, and thinks burnout was a key factor. "The cost of burnout is more than just loss of productivity," he said. "It's loss of human beings that also had the potential to take care of many more people." The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects California will experience an 18% shortage of all types of nurses in 2035, the third worst in the country. Federal legislation called the Safety From Violence for Healthcare Employees Act would set sentences of up to 10 years for assault against a health care worker, not limited to emergency workers, and up to 20 years in cases involving dangerous weapons or bodily injury. Though it was introduced in 2023, it has not yet had a committee hearing. Opponents of the California bill, which include ACLU California Action, the California Public Defenders Association, and advocates for people with autism, argue it wouldn't deter attacksand would unfairly target certain patients. "There's no evidence to suggest that increased penalties are going to meaningfully address this conduct," said Eric Henderson, a legislative advocate for ACLU California Action. "Most importantly, there are already laws on the books to address assaultive conduct." Beth Burt, executive director of the Autism Society Inland Empire, said the measure doesn't take into account the special needs of people with autism and other developmental disorders. The smells, lights, textures, and crowds in the ER can overstimulate a person with autism, she said. When that happens, they can struggle to articulate their feelings, which can result in a violent outburst, "whether it's a 9-year-old or a 29-year-old," Burt said. She worries that hospital staff may misunderstand these reactions, and involve law enforcement when it's not necessary. As "a parent, it is still my worst fear" that she'll get a phone call to inform her that her adult son with autism has been arrested, she said. Burt would rather the state prioritize de-escalation programs over penalties, such as the training programs for first responders she helped create through the Autism Society Inland Empire. After implementing the training, hospital administrators asked Burt to share some strategies with them, she said. Hospital security staffers who do not want to use physical restraints on autistic patients have also sought her advice, she said. Supporters of the bill, including health care and law enforcement groups, counter that people with mental health conditions or autism who are charged with assault in an ER may be eligible for existing programs that provide mental health treatment in lieu of a criminal sentence. Stephanie Jensen, an ER nurse and head of governmental affairs for the Emergency Nurses Association, California State Council, said her organization is simply arguing for equity. "If you punch me in the hospital, it's the same as if you punch me on the street," she said. If lawmakers don't act, she warned, there won't be enough workers for the patients who need them. "It's hard to keep those human resources accessible when it just seems like you're showing up to get beat up every day," Jensen said. "The emergency department is taking it on the chin, literally and figuratively." 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The moment you're told the dreaded words: "You have cancer," your life changes forever. A parent diagnosed with cancer goes through a rollercoaster of emotions from guilt and shame to resiliency. "For African American women, it's about being Superwomanbeing the glue of the family, always having strength, never being vulnerable, being independent," said La-Rhonda Harmon, a licensed family therapist at Integrated Health & Wellness in Wilmington. "Many African American families are run by single moms, whose diagnosis brings feelings of shame." Children of Black single-parent households whose parents are diagnosed with cancer also felt a range of emotions from guilt and resentment to apathy. "They felt guilty watching their parents struggle or resentful because they couldn't be regular teenagers; they wanted to hang out with friends but also understood their parents needed their support," Harmon said. "Others would just suppress feelings of pain." These crucial discoveries came in a series of attachment-based family intervention therapy sessions designed by University of Delaware Health Behavior and Nutrition Sciences Professor Adam Davey, who has long wanted to see interventions that address the psychosocial needs of African American patients with cancer and their families. "Too often, the focus is so squarely on the patient because of the gravity of the illness," Davey said. "But at the same time, a cancer diagnosis has a tremendous ripple effect on the family system." The work has been a testament to Davey's patience and resilience. He's been recruiting research participants for this study for more than a decade, years before he came to UD's College of Health Sciences. His initial study criteria included African Americans who were non-Hispanic, diagnosed with stages 03 cancer, and had kids aged 1218. "It was like searching for a needle in a haystack," said Davey, a research methodologist who's invented best practices when necessary. "I had never had an experience like this, and it rocked my world." He would send 1,000 emails that generated, on average, two responses from eligible study participants. "We found out more about characteristics of women with breast cancer in Morocco than women in the U.S. or any developed western nation," Davey said. "Information about everyone who has a cancer diagnosis is added into a tumor registry, but there's no information about the family characteristics of these individuals." Davey turned to a nationally representative dataset to determine why the people he sought were so hard to find. He and health behavior science and promotion doctoral student Charlotte Asiedu recently reviewed pooled data from 2004 to 2015 from the National Health Interview Study to compare characteristics of cancer survivors with and without minor children and differences by sex and race/ethnicity among survivors with minor children. Their review was published in the journal Cancer Medicine. That review of 360,000 cancer survivors confirmed for Davey that he wasn't missing people. The review found fewer than 88 people nationally, across 12 years, clearly fit the initial study criteria. "If they're not out there, we can't find them," Davey said. "This helped us understand which problem we were trying to address." The experience has taught Asiedu to look critically at designing study criteria. "We encountered so many challenges, and as a growing researcher, I've been able to step back and really examine why something isn't working," Asiedu said. "This nationally representative dataset gave us the insight we needed to move forward." Davey ultimately expanded study criteria to include African Americans and Hispanics with diagnoses from 12 to 24 months and children aged 11 to 21 along with hematological cancers. He then found a handful of families eligible to participate who could benefit from the interventions he designed. "Adolescence is a challenging enough time, but it's also a time of vulnerability to the negative consequences of parental illness," Davey said. "Interventions that exist were developed for predominantly white, upper-middle-class families. There was nothing tailored for African Americans with cancer and their families." Harmon points to another challenge in designing this study. "With African Americans, you must factor in the lack of trust for the system," Harmon said. "There are disparities in the way African Americans are treated, and that was difficult for us to overcome." Families attend five group therapy-style sessions via Zoom every other week for eight weeks. The sessions, supervised by Harmon and led by a team of experienced African American therapists, allow parents and teens to share experiences and vulnerabilities and aim to relieve adolescent symptoms of anxiety and depression that often accompany a parent's cancer diagnosis. Asiedu said the intervention has proven successful, especially for children. "Children have told us these interventions helped them learn how to support their parents through cancer treatment," Asiedu said. Harmon has seen the intervention help parents, too. "Parents have been so grateful that finally someone was willing to listen to them share their stories," Harmon said. "They saw these sessions as a trusted source of healing. The greatest outcome for me was fictive kinship and faith. For the Black family, it really is about us working together." In addition to forging stronger and more resilient relationships among families by equipping parents with effective communication strategies and relieving anxiety symptoms in children, Davey hopes his research can also inform clinical practice. "These results can help providers remember that cancer patients are individuals embedded within family contexts and that family can both support and challenge adherence to clinical practice," Davey said. More information: Charlotte Asiedu et al, Cancer and the family: Variations by sex and race/ethnicity, Cancer Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6969 Journal information: Cancer Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain More than 30 million people worldwide pass through prisons every year, including almost 70,000 in Australia. Studies in many countries have shown that people who spend time in prison typically have poorer physical and mental health compared with people who have never been to prison. This includes higher rates of infectious diseases, cognitive disabilities, mental illness, substance use problems, chronic and non-communicable diseases, and self-harm and suicide attempts. Importantly, these complex and co-occurring health conditions are often set against a backdrop of trauma, abuse and disadvantage. These same people are at dramatically increased risk of preventable death after release from prison. In our recent study, published in The Lancet, we combined prison records with death records for more than 1.4 million people who had been released from prisons in eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Scotland, Sweden and the U.S.) between 1980 and 2018. In the first few weeks after release, we found that alcohol and other drug overdoses were the leading cause of death in all countries except for Brazil, where deaths due to interpersonal violence predominated. As the length of time between prison release and death increased, the burden shifted to suicide, accidental injuries, and non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Infectious diseases such as HIV accounted for just 3.5% of all deaths. Prison creates a 'perfect storm' of marginalization and exclusion There are several factors contributing to the high rate of death after release from prison. First, incarceration functions as a filter for poor health and marginalizationa concept referred to as "the sedimentation of disease"whereby people who spend time in prison typically have much poorer health than those who do not. Second, most prisons provide insufficient physical and mental health care, despite the United Nations' Nelson Mandela Rules requiring a community-equivalent standard of care. Third, investment in transitional care to ensure that people released from prisons are connected to community health and social care providers is woefully inadequate in many countries, including Australia. Fourth, the stigma of incarceration, combined with interruptions in health care, housing, relationships, employment, and other forms of social capital, produces a 'perfect storm' of marginalization and exclusion for these vulnerable individuals. A healthier transition back into the community So, what must be done? In accordance with international standards, prison health care providers can take three important steps towards preventing these deaths. First, they can routinely assess each person's health status and comprehensively identify health care needs when they enter prison. Second, they can providefree of charge and without discrimination on the grounds of legal statusa standard of health care at least equivalent to that available in the community. Third, they can support a healthier transition back to the community by conducting a comprehensive pre-release needs assessment and coordinating transitional health care around the time of release. Although correctional health care providers have a key role to play, reducing preventable deaths after incarceration will require a coordinated, whole-of-government response. Recognizing this, in 2019 the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended that prisons should be included in all public health strategies, policies and planning under the banner: "prison health in all policies." For example, community health care providers can proactively engage with people prior to release, to facilitate continuity of care and prevent relapse to poor health and health risk behaviors. This is particularly important in Victoria and Western Australia, two states that continue to fly in the face of WHO guidance by funding prison health care through a Department of Justice instead of a Department of Health. Current actions insufficient to reduce preventable deaths There are some promising examples of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organizations (ACCHOs) providing this sort of in-reach, but while the Australian government continues to exclude people in custody from Medicare subsidies, these models are not scalable. Housing and homelessness services are also critical to improving health outcomes and preventing deaths after release, given the very high rates of homelessness after incarceration, and the unsurprising association between homelessness and poor health and mortality in this population. Although Australia's commitment to reducing the incarceration rate for Indigenous peoples is commendable, this too will be insufficient to reduce preventable deaths in this population. This is because incarceration is largely a marker of pre-existing risk. The increased rate of death after incarceration is, for the most part, not causal. The best available international evidence suggests that incarceration has little impact on health, either negative or positive. Incarceration is, therefore, all too often a missed opportunity to improve health outcomes, including reducing preventable deaths in those most at risk. It is often said that "what gets counted gets done," and in Australia (and internationally), deaths after incarceration are not being routinely counted. Informed by previous work in our group, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) now provides an estimate of deaths after incarceration every three years, based on an analysis of Centrelink records. However, this approach underestimates deaths and, critically, provides no information on the causes of death, which is essential to inform prevention. An equal opportunity to survive and thrive Australia boasts exceptional infrastructure for routine linkage of administrative data, with the capacity to routinely monitor deaths after incarceration through linkage of correctional and death records. The main impediment to such a system is political will. This is by no means a uniquely Australian issue, and more research in low- and middle-income countrieswhere most of the global prison population is detainedis urgently needed. This is important because our findings largely reflect high-income, western countries and it is likely that the causes of deathand thus opportunities for preventionwill be very different in different country contexts. In the European region, the WHO has developed a mechanism for routinely reporting on prison health but, due to a lack of data, this system does not currently capture deaths after incarceration. Routine monitoring of deaths after incarceration and coordinated, whole-of-government responses to prevent them are urgently required. The high rate of death after release from incarceration, in Australia and internationally, is tragic and avoidable. We can, and must, do more to ensure that people released from prison have an equal opportunity not only to survive but to thrive. More information: Rohan Borschmann et al, Rates and causes of death after release from incarceration among 1,471,526 people in eight high-income and middle-income countries: an individual participant data meta-analysis, The Lancet (2024). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00344-1 Journal information: The Lancet SEOUL, April 11 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's liberal opposition bloc won more than three-fifths of seats in parliamentary elections to pick 300 members of the National Assembly, the National Election Commission said Thursday. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain A TMJ patient in Maine had six surgeries to replace part or all of the joints of her jaw. Another woman in California, desperate for relief, used a screwdriver to lengthen her jawbone daily, turning screws that protruded from her neck. A third in New York had bone from her rib and fat from her belly grafted into her jaw joint, and twice a prosthetic eyeball was surgically inserted into the joint as a placeholder in the months it took to make metal hinges to implant into her jaw. "I feel like Mr. Potato Head," said Jenny Feldman, 50, of New York City, whose medical records show she's had at least 24 TMJ-related surgeries since she was a teenager. "They're moving ribs into my face, and eyeballs, and I feel like a toy put together [by] somebody just tinkering around." These are some of the horrors of temporomandibular joint disorders, known as TMJ or TMD, which afflict up to 33 million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health. Dentists have attempted to heal TMJ patients for close to a century, and yet the disorders remain misunderstood, under-researched, and ineffectively treated, according to an investigation by KFF Health News and CBS News. Dental care for TMJ can do patients more harm than good, and a few fall into a spiral of futile surgeries that may culminate in their jaw joints being replaced with metal hinges, according to medical and dental experts, patients, and their advocates speaking in interviews and video testimony submitted to the FDA. TMJ disorders cause pain and stiffness in the jaw and face that can range from discomfort to disabling, with severe symptoms far more common in women. Dentists have commonly treated the disorder with splints and orthodontics. And yet these treatments are based on "strongly held beliefs" and "inadequate research"not compelling scientific evidence nor consistent resultsaccording to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, which reviewed decades of research on the topic. The NIH echoes this message, warning that there is "not a lot of evidence" that splints reduce pain and recommends "staying away" from any treatment that permanently changes the teeth, bite, or jaw. "I would say that the treatments overall have not been effective, and I can understand why," said Rena D'Souza, director of the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. "We don't understand the disease." For this investigation, journalists with KFF Health News and CBS News interviewed 10 TMJ patients with severe symptoms who said they felt trapped by an escalating series of treatments that began with splints or dental work and grew into multiple surgeries with diminishing returns and dwindling hope. In every interview, the patients said the TMJ pain worsened throughout their treatment and they regretted some, if not all, of the care they received. "The grand irony to me is that I went to the doctor for headaches and neck pain, and I've had 13 surgeries on my face and jaw, and I still have even worse neck pain," said Tricia Kalinowski, 63, of Old Orchard Beach, Maine. "And I live with headaches and jaw pain every day." TMJ has become an umbrella term for about 30 disorders that afflict roughly 5% to 10% of Americans. Minor symptoms may not require treatment at all, and many cases resolve by themselves over time. Severe symptoms include chronic pain and may limit the ability to eat, sleep, or talk. In a comprehensive study of TMJ disorders by the national academies, including input from more than 110 patients, experts found that most health care professionals, including dentists, have received "minimal or no training" on TMJ disorders and patients are "often harmed" by "overly aggressive" care and the lack of proven treatments. The American Dental Association, which represents about 160,000 dentists nationwide and establishes guidelines for the profession, declined an interview request. In a written statement, ADA President Linda Edgar said that TMJ disorders are "often managed rather than cured" and that it sees "great potential" in new efforts to research more treatment options. Terrie Cowley, a longtime TMJ patient who leads the TMJ Association, an advocacy group that has spoken with tens of thousands of patients, said she was so disillusioned with dental care for TMJ that she advises many patients to avoid treatment entirely, potentially for years. "Almost 100 years this has been in dentistry, and look at what we have," Cowley said. "A whole ton of people pretending they know everything, and we don't know anything." 'Not taken seriously' Scientific studies have found that TMJ disorders arise up to nine times as often in women, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, leading to theories that the cause may be linked to reproductive hormones. But a true understanding of TMJ disorders remains elusive. Kyriacos Athanasiou, a biomedical engineering professor at the University of California-Irvine, said it was because TMJ disorders are more prevalent among women that they were historically dismissed as neither serious nor complex, slowing research into the cause and treatment. The resulting dearth of knowledge, which is glaring when compared with other joints, has been "a huge disservice" to patients, Athanasiou said. In a 2021 study he co-authored, researchers found that the knee, despite being a much simpler joint, was the subject of about six times as many research papers and grants in a single year than the jaw joint. D'Souza agreed that TMJ disorders were "not taken seriously" for decades, along with other conditions that predominantly affect women. "That has been a bias that is really long-standing," she said. "And it's certainly affected the progress of research." Patients have felt the effect too. In interviews, female patients said they felt patronized or trivialized by male health care providers at some point in their TMJ treatment, if not throughout. Some said they felt blamed for their own pain because they were viewed as too stressed and clenching their jaw too much. "We desperately need research to find the reasons why more women get TMJ disease," wrote Lisa Schmidt, a TMJ Association board member, in a 2021 newsletter from the organization. "And surgeons need to stop blaming this condition on women." Schmidt, 52, of Poway, California, said she was diagnosed with TMJ disorder in 2000 due to headaches, and an orthodontist immediately recommended her for a splint, braces, and surgery. After wearing the splint for only three days, Schmidt said, she was in "excruciating pain" and could no longer open her mouth far enough to eat solid food. Schmidt said she spent the next 17 years stuck on a "surgery carousel" with no escape, and eventually was in so much pain she abandoned her career as an aerospace scientist who worked alongside NASA astronauts. Schmidt said her low point came in 2016. In an attempt to restore bone that had been cut away in prior surgeries, a surgeon implanted long screws into Schmidt's jaw that protruded downward out of her neck. Schmidt said she was instructed to tighten those screws with a screwdriver daily for about 20 days, lengthening the corners of her jaw to restore the bone that had been lost. It didn't work, Schmidt said, and she was left in more pain than ever. "Every time you have a surgery, your pain gets worse," Schmidt said. "If I could go back in time and go talk to younger Lisa, I would say "Run!'" Lack of sufficient evidence Many of the shortcomings of TMJ care were laid bare in the 426-page report published by the national academies in March 2020 that received limited public attention amid the coronavirus pandemic. The report's 18 authors include medical and dental experts from Harvard, Duke, Clemson, Michigan State, and Johns Hopkins universities. Sean Mackey, a Stanford professor who co-led the team, said it found that patients were often steered toward costly treatments and "pathways of futility" instead of being taught to manage their pain through strategies and therapies with "good evidence." "We learned it's a quagmire," Mackey said. "There is a perverse incentive in our society that pays more for things we do to people than [for] talking and listening to people. Some of those procedures, some of those surgeries, clearly are not helping people." Among its many findings, the national academies said it has been widely assumed in the field of dentistry that TMJ disorders are caused by a misaligned bite, so treatments have focused on patients' teeth and bite for more than 50 years. But there is a "notable absence of sufficient evidence" that a misaligned bite is a cause of TMJ disorders, and the belief traces back to "inadequate research" in the 1960s that has been repeated in "poorly-designed studies" ever since, the report states. Therefore, TMJ treatment that makes permanent changes to the bitelike installing braces or crowns or grinding teeth downhas "no supporting evidence," according to the national academies report. The NIH warns that these TMJ treatments "don't work and may make the problem worse." Dental splints, the most common TMJ treatment, also known as night guards or mouth guards, are removable dental appliances that are molded to fit over the teeth and can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, according to the TMJ Association. Like most medical devices, splints generally go through the FDA's 510(k) clearance process, which does not require each splint to be proven effective before it can be sold, according to the agency. The national academies' report states that splints produce "mixed results" for TMJ patients, and even when splints succeed at reducing jaw pain it is not understood why they work. Hundreds of splint designs exist, the report states, and some dentists reject research that challenges the use of splints unless it focuses on the specific design they prefer. "Because of the hundreds of variations in [splint] design, it is unlikely that any study could ever be conducted that will be considered sufficient to a particular dentist with a pre-existing belief about the effectiveness of one appliance," the report states. Other treatments fare no better. The FDA has not labeled any drugs specifically for TMJ disorders, and pain medicines can be too weak or addictive to be a long-term solution, according to the TMJ Association. Botox injections may ease pain but have raised concerns about bone loss during animal testing. The NIH warns that minor surgeries that flush the jaw with liquid bring only temporary pain relief and that more complex surgeries should be reserved for severe cases because they have yet to be proved safe or effective in the long term. To improve care, the national academies called for better education about TMJ disorders across medicine and dentistry and more research funding from the NIH, which has a "ripple effect" on research and training across the nation. Since the 2020 report, the NIH has launched a TMJ research collaborative and increased annual research funding from about $15 million to about $34 million, D'Souza said. TMJ care was added to the standards that dental schools must teach to be accredited in 2022. The national academies launched an ongoing forum on TMJ disorders last year. But TMJ funding still pales in comparison to other ailments. The NIH spends billions each year to research deadly diseases, like cancer and heart disease, that also afflict large numbers of Americans. It spends millions more on research of non-life-threatening conditions like arthritis, back pain, eczema, and headaches. Mackey noted that much of the NIH's spending is allocated by Congress. "If Congress comes in and says, 'We want to devote X amount of money to [TMJ],' all of the sudden you will see an increase in money," Mackey said. "So that's my message to people out there: Raise your voices. Write your legislator." Total jaw replacements Plagued by TMJ symptoms, and after failed treatments, some patients turn to a last resort: replacing their jaw joint with synthetic implants. Surgeons might replace the cartilage disk at the core of the joint or use "total joint replacement surgery" to fasten a metal hinge to the bones of the skull. But the implants have a harrowing history: Several disk implants were recalled or discontinued in the '90s due to dangerous failures. The FDA now classifies TMJ implants among its most closely monitored medical devices because the products on the market today can cause "adverse health consequences" if the devices fail, according to the agency's website. Two companies, Zimmer Biomet and Stryker, make the only total jaw replacement implants currently sold in the U.S. Zimmer Biomet, which has made its implant for more than two decades, described it in email statements as "a safe and efficacious solution" for patients who need their jaw joint replaced, either due to TMJ disorders, failed surgeries, injuries, or other ailments. An FDA-mandated study completed in 2017 found about 14% of patients who get the Zimmer Biomet implant require additional surgery or removal within 10 years, said agency spokesperson Carly Pflaum. Stryker, which in 2021 bought a company that made a total jaw replacement implant and now makes the implant itself, declined to comment. Although the NIH has advised TMJ patients to avoid surgery since at least 2022, Stryker launched a "patient-facing website" for the implant last year and is recruiting surgeons to be added to a "surgeon locator" feature on the site, according to posts on Facebook and LinkedIn. A study of the Stryker implant's success rate was mandated by the FDA and completed in 2020, but the agency has yet to make the results public. D'Souza, the NIH official, said that based on her professional experience, she estimates that most total jaw replacement surgeries are ultimately ineffective. "The success rate is low," D'Souza said. "It is not very encouraging." Multiple patients provided KFF Health News and CBS News with medical records showing their total jaw replacement implants had to be removed due to malfunction, infection, or previously unknown metal allergies. Several patients said that since their implants were removed months or years ago, they have lived with no hinge in their jaw at all. Kalinowski, the TMJ patient in Maine, has had portions of her jaw joint replaced six times, including receiving four implants. Her medical records show that the cartilage disk on her right side was replaced in 1986 with an implant that was later recalled and again in 1987 with another that was later discontinued. Her left and right disks were replaced in 1992 with a muscle flap and rib graft, respectively, and her entire right joint was replaced with yet another implant that was later discontinued in 1998. Both joints were replaced again in 2015, her records show. Since then, Kalinowski said, her artificial jaw has functioned properly, although she remains in pain and cannot move her jaw from side to side. Her mouth hangs open when her face is at rest, and she drinks protein shakes for lunch because it's easier than struggling with solid food. But the "worst part," Kalinowski said, is that her surgeries caused nerve damage on her lower face, and so she has not felt her husband's kisses since the '90s. "If there was one moment in my life I could take back and do over again, it would be that first surgery. Because it set me on a trajectory," Kalinowski said. "And it never goes away." 2024 KFF Health News. 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: A proposal on how environmental exposure to toxicants may cause either body-first or brain-first Lewy body disease. The size of the brown circles reflects the amouth of Lewy pathology in each region. Credit: Aarhus University Hospital/University of Rochester Medical Center The nose or the gut? For the past two decades, the scientific community has debated the wellspring of the toxic proteins at the source of Parkinson's disease. In 2003, a German pathologist, Heiko Braak, MD, first proposed that the disease begins outside the brain. More recently, Per Borghammer, MD, with Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, and his colleagues argue that the disease is the result of processes that start in either the brain's smell center (brain-first) or the body's intestinal tract (body-first). A new hypothesis paper appearing in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease on World Parkinson's Day unites the brain- and body-first models with some of the likely causes of the diseaseenvironmental toxicants that are either inhaled or ingested. The authors of the new study, who include Borghammer, argue that inhalation of certain pesticides, common dry cleaning chemicals, and air pollution predispose to a brain-first model of the disease. Other ingested toxicants, such as tainted food and contaminated drinking water, lead to body-first model of the disease. "In both the brain-first and body-first scenarios the pathology arises in structures in the body closely connected to the outside world," said Ray Dorsey, MD, a professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and co-author of the piece. "Here we propose that Parkinson's is a systemic disease and that its initial roots likely begin in the nose and in the gut and are tied to environmental factors increasingly recognized as major contributors, if not causes, of the disease. This further reinforces the idea that Parkinson's, the world's fastest growing brain disease, may be fueled by toxicants and is therefore largely preventable." Different pathways to the brain, different forms of disease A misfolded protein called alpha-synuclein has been in scientists' sights for the last 25 years as one of the driving forces behind Parkinson's. Over time, the protein accumulates in the brain in clumps, called Lewy bodies, and causes progressive dysfunction and death of many types of nerve cells, including those in the dopamine-producing regions of the brain that control motor function. When first proposed, Braak thought that an unidentified pathogen, such as a virus, may be responsible for the disease. The new piece argues that toxins encountered in the environment, specifically the dry cleaning and degreasing chemicals trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE), the weed killer paraquat, and air pollution, could be common causes for the formation of toxic alpha-synuclein. TCE and PCE contaminates thousands of former industrial, commercial, and military sites, most notably the Marine Corps base Camp Lejeune, and paraquat is one of the most widely used herbicides in the US, despite being banned for safety concerns in more than 30 countries, including the European Union and China. Air pollution was at toxic levels in nineteenth century London when James Parkinson, whose 269th birthday is celebrated today, first described the condition. The nose and the gut are lined with a soft permeable tissue, and both have well established connections to the brain. In the brain-first model, the chemicals are inhaled and may enter the brain via the nerve responsible for smell. From the brain's smell center, alpha-synuclein spreads to other parts of the brain principally on one side, including regions with concentrations of dopamine-producing neurons. The death of these cells is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The disease may cause asymmetric tremor and slowness in movement and, a slower rate of progression after diagnosis, and only much later, significant cognitive impairment or dementia. When ingested, the chemicals pass through the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Initial alpha-synuclein pathology may begin in the gut's own nervous system from where it can spread to both sides of the brain and spinal cord. This body-first pathway is often associated with Lewy body dementia, a disease in the same family as Parkinson's, which is characterized by early constipation and sleep disturbance, followed by more symmetric slowing in movements and earlier dementia, as the disease spreads through both brain hemispheres. New models to understand and study brain diseases "These environmental toxicants are widespread and not everyone has Parkinson's disease," said Dorsey. "The timing, dose, and duration of exposure and interactions with genetic and other environmental factors are probably key to determining who ultimately develops Parkinson's. In most instances, these exposures likely occurred years or decades before symptoms develop." Pointing to a growing body of research linking environmental exposure to Parkinson's disease, the authors believe the new models may enable the scientific community to connect specific exposures to specific forms of the disease. This effort will be aided by increasing public awareness of the adverse health effects of many chemicals in our environment. The authors conclude that their hypothesis "may explain many of the mysteries of Parkinson's disease and open the door toward the ultimate goalprevention." In addition to Parkinson's, these models of environmental exposure may advance understanding of how toxicants contribute to other brain disorders, including autism in children, ALS in adults, and Alzheimer's in seniors. Dorsey and his colleagues at the University of Rochester have organized a symposium on the Brain and the Environment in Washington, DC, on May 20 that will examine the role toxicants in our food, water, and air are playing in all these brain diseases. Additional authors of the hypothesis paper include Briana De Miranda, Ph.D., with the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Jacob Horsager, MD, Ph.D., with Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark. 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 days-old newborn in Oregon was sickened with salmonella that may have been transmitted from parents who tended infected poultry located 150 miles away, a new report finds. The work is published in the journal MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long warned of the danger of salmonella bacterial illnesses being transmitted from poultry to babies and children. However, the new study suggests that infection can happen even without direct contact between a child and infected birds. "Even in the absence of direct exposure, backyard poultry might present a risk for salmonellosis to newborns and infants," concluded a team led by Stephen Ladd-Wilson, of the Oregon Health Authority. The case outlined by the Oregon team began four days after the birth last October of a healthy baby boy. Mom and baby had been discharged to a relative's home located close to the hospital. However, at just 5 days of age, the newborn was brought to a second hospital "with bloody stools and lethargy," the researchers reported. Stool tests confirmed infection with a strain of the Salmonella bacterium, but since the baby was exclusively breast-fed, the source of his infection was unclear. However, it emerged that one month before their son's birth, his parents bought chicks and began raising a small flock of backyard poultry at their home, which was located over 150 miles away from where the newborn was living at the time of his illness. Both Mom and Dad had stayed with the newborn at the relative's home, and the baby had not traveled with them to their backyard poultry pen. However, lab analysis of salmonella strains found in the family's poultry flock were a very close match for the strain that had infected the baby. "It is possible that one of the parents was asymptomatically shedding the organism and exposed the newborn during or after birth," Ladd-Wilson's group theorized. It's also possible that the baby contracted the bacterium after touching his parent's clothes or other objects that might have contained traces of salmonella, the team said. They say the case highlights the need for strict hygiene when caring for poultry, especially if families include infants "whose intestinal flora and immune systems are still developing." Families may want to avoid raising backyard chickens or ducks altogether if very young children are in the home, Ladd-Wilson's group said. According to the CDC, during the first 10 months of 2023 there were at least 1,072 cases of backyard poultry-associated salmonella illness recorded in 48 states and Puerto Rico, including 247 cases that required hospitalization. More information: Stephen G. Ladd-Wilson et al, Notes from the Field: Neonatal Salmonellosis Associated with Backyard Poultry Oregon, November 2023, MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2024). DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7314a6 Find out more about salmonella illness at the Mayo Clinic. 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain When a surgeon accidentally leaves a surgical tool inside a patient's body after a procedure, the harm can be severe. The patient can suffer from life-threatening infections, organ damage, and an additional surgery to remove the object. This type of medical error is extremely rare. But it does happen: An Inquirer investigation identified 203 cases in which patients at 39 Philadelphia-area hospitals received treatment related to a surgical item accidentally left inside their bodies during a procedure, according to an analysis of Pennsylvania hospital billing records from 2017 through 2022. Patient safety experts say a single case is one too many. Government health regulators call these medical errors "never events" because they should never happen. Sponges used to sop up blood during surgery are the most common item erroneously left inside patients. Another frequently missed item is a broken catheter fragment, said Marcus Schabacker, president of ECRI, a national nonprofit organization aimed at improving patient safety in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. Schabacker, an anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist, is not your typical patient. He prefers to stay awake under local anesthesia and watch to make sure surgical teams don't mistakenly leave catheter parts or other objects behind. "If you are conscious, you can say, 'Hey, did you remove the whole thing?'" Schabacker said. Most patients don't stay awake during surgery, but can still take steps to protect their own safety. For example, Schabacker recommends that patients familiarize themselves with safety measures that hospitals employ to prevent objects being left behind and talk to their surgeon before the procedure about which protocols will be followed. The Inquirer spoke with Schabacker and Carl Sirio, chief medical officer at Temple Health, about some of those safety measures. Manual supply counts A designated operating room staffer, typically a nurse, counts all items. This includes a count of sponges and instruments before, during and after the procedure (but before closing the incision). Protocols include: Surgical instruments should be arranged carefully on trays, each in a designated spot where it must be returned after a surgeon uses it and hands it back. Surgical teams should have a "time out" before and after the procedure to confirm that counts are correct and that all items are accounted for. For all counts, one nurse should count aloud, as two other OR staffers watch. Typically, an operating room has a "circulating nurse" to help provide oversight. All used and counted items should ultimately be placed into a designated container. Staff should count supplies in bundles of 10 to reduce the likelihood of a miscount. Schabacker, however, noted that manual counts are time-consuming and more prone to mistakes, with an accuracy rate of 75 to 80%. Radio frequency ID tags Many hospitals use sponges, towels and other supplies with special tags that emit a radio frequency that can be detected with a special device, much like a security tag on clothing that will sound a security alarm if not removed at the register. Staff can use a handheld device to scan a patient's body to check for these tagged surgical items. "It's very, very effective, but it's not cheap," Schabacker said. "You need proprietary gauzes and sponges and other materials." Barcoding surgical items A cheaper alternative is a computer-assisted barcoding system. Every sponge, piece of gauze, or other surgical tool gets barcoded and scanned before it's used. A nurse, using a handheld device, scans the barcoded object again when it is handed back. A computer tracks the count, which is displayed on a screen. The barcode scanner has about a 97% detection rate, according to Schabacker. X-ray detection If an item remains missing after other safety checks are completed, an X-ray should be taken while the patient remains on the table. A radiologist should read the X-ray immediately. The approach is more expensive, but has a high detection rate. An X-ray is a good option for high-risk surgeries, such as long procedures with multiple surgical teams, Schabacker said. Clear communication among OR staff Each hospital should have a universal protocol carried out "in every room, every day, every case," said Sirio of Temple Health. Hospital administrators also should foster a culture in which nurses and other OR staff feel comfortable speaking up if a surgeon breaks protocol or tries to take a shortcut. Likewise, patients should be encouraged to advocate for themselves if something doesn't feel right after the procedure. 2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphic model showing how POU2AF2 establishes the poised enhancer via SWI/SNF activity-dependent recruitment of the Polycomb complex in SCLC-P subtype cells. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46492-5 Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered that inhibiting a chromatin remodeling complex associated with a particular gene in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells may decrease cancer cell differentiation and tumor growth, according to findings published in Nature Communications. The study, led by Lu Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, and Zibo Zhao, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, suggests that inhibiting the complex may serve as a promising therapeutic target for SCLC, which currently has a five-year survival rate of less than 30%. SCLC is typically diagnosed in individuals with a history of smoking, and accounts for roughly 13% of all lung cancer diagnoses, according to the American Cancer Society. In a previous study published in Science Advances, Dr. Wang's team discovered a new gene, which they named POU2AF2, and is essential for activating a specific subtype of SCLC and may serve as a biomarker for early identification of SCLC. In the current study, Wang and his colleagues aimed to identify the precise function of POU2AF2 in cancerous tuft cellsmulti-functional cells which make up the epithelial lining of different organs throughout the body, including the lungsusing various genetic sequencing approaches, as well as genome-wide CRISPR screening. Using these approaches, the scientists discovered that POU2AF2 collaborates with an associated chromatin remodeling complex to essentially open chromatin, which contains the cancer cell's genetic material, and recruits different epigenetic factors to maintain its genetic expression. "Basically, POU2AF2 is a pioneer. It goes in and recruits a lot of helpers, or different epigenetic factors and machinery to drive gene expression," Wang said. Furthermore, the investigators discovered that POU2AF2 represses the expression of the PTEN gene, a well-known tumor suppressor, which further contributes to the development of SCLC. While there are no currently available drugs that target POU2AF2, Wang said another promising approach is targeting the epigenetic factors that are recruited by POU2AF2. This approach, according to Wang, involves inhibiting the SWI/SNF complex, an essential chromatin remodeling complex utilized by all eukaryotic cells. To validate their hypothesis, the investigators depleted POU2AF2 expression in SCLC cells using a commercially available SWI/SNF inhibitor, discovering that SWI/SNF inhibition significantly reduced SCLC tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. "Impeding POU2AF2-mediated transcriptional regulation represents a potential therapeutic approach for human SCLC therapy," the authors wrote. Aileen Szczepanski and Natsumi Tsuboyama, former lab technicians in the Wang laboratory, and Huijue Lyu, a student in the Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences (DGP), were co-first authors of the study. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain While debating the pros and cons of robotically assisted lung transplantation, Albert Jauregui, MD, Ph.D. told attendees at the Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), today in Prague that the time for robotic surgery is now. Although robots are commonly used to assist in surgery, robotically assisted surgery is not routinely used for lung transplants. Approximately 4,600 lung transplants are performed annually around the world. "We've been doing robotically-assisted, minimally invasive surgeries for lung cancer for the last several years," said Dr. Jauregui, chief of the Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplant Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. "Lung cancer patients are already benefiting from robotic platforms to make their surgery less invasive, but patients who need a lung transplant are still being offered an aggressive surgery. For our team, it didn't make any sense. We felt like things had to start changing." In February 2023, Dr. Jauregui's team performed Spain's first robotically assisted single-lung transplant; three months later they performed a second single-lung transplant. Both patients showed good improvement in the postoperative period and needed only mild medication for the pain caused by the surgery. "We accomplished our main objective for this minimally invasive approach, which was to reduce the size of the surgical incision and the need for powerful pain drugs that interfere with wound healing," said Dr. Jauregui. "We are happy with the outcome of the first lung transplant patients with robotic surgery, but we have to continue working to be able to offer this type of surgery to more patients." Dr. Jauregui's team spent hours in the lab performing robotically assisted surgeries with synthetic lungs before moving to large animal models. By deflating the lung and relying on the skin's flexibility, surgeons discovered they could use a smaller incision below the sternum to remove and insert the lungs. "Lung transplants are a very tough procedure, from donor selection through the surgery to the postoperative period," said Dr. Jauregui. "Unlike other organs that are all protected inside the body, the lungs are connected to the environment through breathing. It's one of the most difficult organs to transplant." After the two successful robotically assisted lung transplants, Dr. Jauregui's team began working with a medical device company to develop design robotic instruments specifically for lung transplantation. "Our next goal is to perform a bilateral lung transplant," he said. "We plan to perform five robotically assisted procedures this year and 10 next year." Another objective for Dr. Jauregui's department is to disseminate the new technique to more lung transplant programs. "We believe that reducing surgical aggression is better for patients, however, we need a greater number of procedures to confirm our theory," he said. Co-presenter Konrad Hoetzenecker, MD, Ph.D., director of the Vienna Lung Transplant Program in Austria, acknowledged that "keeping the incisions as small as possible has reduced surgical trauma in lung cancer patients; attempting to do the same with lung transplants sounds at first sight reasonable." "However, the technique of robotic lung transplantation is premature, and it is questionable whether a robotic platform will ever be suitable to support lung transplantation," he said. "Unlike other thoracic procedures, surgical time is an essential factor for the functionality of the implanted donor organ. Utilizing a robot in lung transplantation means longer operation times and this poses a significant threat to graft function and the survival of a patient." Dr. Hoetzenecker underlined that robotic platforms need significant further development before they could eventually become an option for lung transplantation. Provided by International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The lung-cell type that's most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is not the one previously assumed to be most vulnerable. What's more, the virus enters this susceptible cell via an unexpected route. The medical consequences may be significant. Stanford Medicine investigators have implicated a type of immune cell known as an interstitial macrophage in the critical transition from a merely bothersome COVID-19 case to a potentially deadly one. Interstitial macrophages are situated deep in the lungs, ordinarily protecting that precious organ by, among other things, engorging viruses, bacteria, fungi and dust particles that make their way down our airways. But it's these very cells, the researchers have shown in a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine, that of all known types of cells composing lung tissue are most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2-infected interstitial macrophages, the scientists have learned, morph into virus producers and squirt out inflammatory and scar-tissue-inducing chemical signals, potentially paving the road to pneumonia and damaging the lungs to the point where the virus, along with those potent secreted substances, can break out of the lungs and wreak havoc throughout the body. The surprising findings point to new approaches in preventing a SARS-CoV-2 infection from becoming a life-threatening disease. Indeed, they may explain why monoclonal antibodies meant to combat severe COVID didn't work well, if at alland when they did work, it was only when they were administered early in the course of infection, when the virus was infecting cells in the upper airways leading to the lungs but hadn't yet ensconced itself in lung tissue. The virus surprises "We've overturned a number of false assumptions about how the virus actually replicates in the human lung," said Catherine Blish, MD, Ph.D., a professor of infectious diseases and of microbiology and immunology and the George E. and Lucy Becker Professor in Medicine and associate dean for basic and translational research. Blish is the co-senior author of the study, along with Mark Krasnow, MD, Ph.D., the Paul and Mildred Berg Professor of biochemistry and the Executive Director of the Vera Moulton Wall Center for pulmonary vascular disease. "The critical step, we think, is when the virus infects interstitial macrophages, triggering a massive inflammatory reaction that can flood the lungs and spread infection and inflammation to other organs," Krasnow said. Blocking that step, he said, could prove to be a major therapeutic advance. But there's a plot twist: The virus has an unusual way of getting inside these cellsa route drug developers have not yet learned how to block effectivelynecessitating a new focus on that alternative mechanism, he added. In a paper published in Nature in 2020, Krasnow and his colleagues including then-graduate student Kyle Travaglini, Ph.D.who is also one of the new study's co-lead authors along with MD-Ph.D. student Timothy Wudescribed a technique they'd worked out for isolating fresh human lungs; dissociating the cells from one another; and characterizing them, one by one, on the basis of which genes within each cell were active and how much so. Using that technique, the Krasnow lab and collaborators were able to discern more than 50 distinct cell types, assembling an atlas of healthy lung cells. "We'd just compiled this atlas when the COVID-19 pandemic hit," Krasnow said. Soon afterward, he learned that Blish and Arjun Rustagi, MD, Ph.D., instructor of infectious diseases and another lead co-author of the study, were building an ultra-safe facility where they could safely grow SARS-CoV-2 and infect cells with it. A collaboration ensued. Krasnow and Blish and their associates obtained fresh healthy lung tissue excised from seven surgical patients and five deceased lung donors whose lungs were virus-free but for one reason or another not used in transplants. After infecting the lung tissue with SARS-CoV-2 and waiting one to three days for the infection to spread, they separated and typed the cells to generate an infected-lung-cell atlas, analogous to the one Krasnow's team had created with healthy lung cells. They saw most of the cell types that Krasnow's team had identified in healthy lung tissue. Now the scientists could compare pristine versus SARS-CoV-2-infected lungs cells of the same cell type and see how they differed: They wanted to know which cells the virus infected, how easily SARS-CoV-2 replicated in infected cells, and which genes the infected cells cranked up or dialed down compared with their healthy counterparts' activity levels. They were able to do this for each of the dozens of different cell types they'd identified in both healthy and infected lungs. "It was a straightforward experiment, and the questions we were asking were obvious," Krasnow said. "It was the answers we weren't prepared for." It's been assumed that the cells in the lungs that are most vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 infection are those known as alveolar type 2 cells. That's because the surfaces of these cells, along with those of numerous other cell types in the heart, gut and other organs, sport many copies of a molecule known as ACE2. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to be able to grab onto ACE2 and manipulate it in a way that allows the virus to maneuver its way into cells. Alveolar type 2 cells are somewhat vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2, the scientists found. But the cell types that were by far the most frequently infected turned out to be two varieties of a cell type called a macrophage. Virus factories The word "macrophage" comes from two Greek terms meaning, roughly, "big eater." This name is not unearned. The air we inhale carries not only oxygen but, unfortunately, tiny airborne dirt particles, fungal spores, bacteria and viruses. A macrophage earns its keep by, among other things, gobbling up these foreign bodies. The airways leading to our lungs culminate in myriad alveoli, minuscule one-cell-thick air sacs, which are abutted by abundant capillaries. This interface, called the interstitium, is where oxygen in the air we breathe enters the bloodstream and is then distributed to the rest of the body by the circulatory system. The two kinds of SARS-CoV-2-susceptible lung-associated macrophages are positioned in two different places. So-called alveolar macrophages hang out in the air spaces within the alveoli. Once infected, these cells smolder, producing and dribbling out some viral progeny at a casual pace but more or less keeping a stiff upper lip and maintaining their normal function. This behavior may allow them to feed SARS-CoV-2's progression by incubating and generating a steady supply of new viral particles that escape by stealth and penetrate the layer of cells enclosing the alveoli. Interstitial macrophages, the other cell type revealed to be easily and profoundly infected by SARS-CoV-2, patrol the far side of the alveoli, where the rubber of oxygen meets the road of red blood cells. If an invading viral particle or other microbe manages to evade alveolar macrophages' vigilance, infect and punch through the layer of cells enclosing the alveoli, jeopardizing not only the lungs but the rest of the body, interstitial macrophages are ready to jump in and protect the neighborhood. At least, usually. But when an interstitial macrophage meets SARS-CoV-2, it's a different story. Rather than get eaten by the omnivorous immune cell, the virus infects it. And an infected interstitial macrophage doesn't just smolder; it catches on fire. All hell breaks loose as the virus literally seizes the controls and takes over, hijacking a cell's protein- and nucleic-acid-making machinery. In the course of producing massive numbers of copies of itself, SARS-CoV-2 destroys the boundaries separating the cell nucleus from the rest of the cell like a spatula shattering and scattering the yolk of a raw egg. The viral progeny exit the spent macrophage and move on to infect other cells. But that's not all. In contrast to alveolar macrophages, infected interstitial macrophages pump out substances that signal other immune cells elsewhere in the body to head for the lungs. In a patient, Krasnow suggested, this would trigger an inflammatory influx of such cells. As the lungs fill with cells and fluid that comes with them, oxygen exchange becomes impossible. The barrier maintaining alveolar integrity grows progressively damaged. Leakage of infected fluids from damaged alveoli propels viral progeny into the bloodstream, blasting the infection and inflammation to distant organs. Yet other substances released by SARS-CoV-2-infected interstitial macrophages stimulate the production of fibrous material in connective tissue, resulting in scarring of the lungs. In a living patient, the replacement of oxygen-permeable cells with scar tissue would further render the lungs incapable of executing oxygen exchange. "We can't say that a lung cell sitting in a dish is going to get COVID," Blish said. "But we suspect this may be the point where, in an actual patient, the infection transitions from manageable to severe." Another point of entry Compounding this unexpected finding is the discovery that SARS-CoV-2 uses a different route to infect interstitial macrophages than the one it uses to infect the other types. Unlike alveolar type 2 cells and alveolar macrophages, to which the virus gains access by clinging to ACE2 on their surfaces, SARS-CoV-2 breaks into interstitial macrophages using a different receptor these cells display. In the study, blocking SARS-CoV-2's binding to ACE2 protected the former cells but failed to dent the latter cells' susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. "SARS-CoV2 was not using ACE2 to get into interstitial macrophages," Krasnow said. "It enters via another receptor called CD209." That would seem to explain why monoclonal antibodies developed specifically to block SARS-CoV-2/ACE2 interaction failed to mitigate or prevent severe COVID-19 cases. It's time to find a whole new set of drugs that can impede SARS-CoV-2/CD209 binding. Now, Krasnow said. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Agata Lapedriza, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) Undergoing medical treatment, having surgery or simply being admitted to hospital are situations that make children fearful and anxious, especially during early childhood. And in addition to having a short-term impact, their subsequent psychological, social and educational development may also be affected. To overcome this problem, an international team of researchers working with Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital have developed and tested a small robot vehicle that aims to reduce stress among children aged between 3 and 10 years old before they undergo minor surgical procedures. According to the results of this first pilot test, this type of robot could be a successful strategy for reducing anxiety and fear before surgery, and could be an effective alternative to the medication strategies commonly used to relax children. The paper is published in the journal Companion of the 2024 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction. This first prototype also provides information about the potential and challenges involved in integrating affective technologies in pediatric hospital environments. "Children are admitted to hospital, which is already an unwelcoming environment for them, and they have to go with people they don't know, like medical staff, and undergo unpleasant procedures, such as an injection. This all creates situations of stress which can end up causing chronic pain in the long term," explained Jordi Albo, the scientific director of Lighthouse DIG and co-principal investigator of the project. "We try to minimize the stress that children experience during this process by using a robot car that changes color, makes music and creates smells, and talks to them and interacts with them," added this expert in social robots. Children's stress before surgery According to a study conducted by Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital, 6 out of every 10 young patients who have to undergo surgery suffer from stress before they receive anesthesia. The hospital has explored various alternatives in order to improve the children's emotional state, ranging from doing activities and playing games with the children before surgery to therapies involving dogs and clowns, and even letting parents into the operating theater. However, the most widely used strategy is usually pharmacological, which can paradoxically make the children's experience even more stressful due to the bitter taste of the drugs used and their side effects. Previous studies had already shown that using small motorized electric vehicles is effective in reducing children's unease. The researchers used those results as the basis for developing their prototype, as well as the research on assisted driving for adults that was being carried out at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. "We installed AI and sensors in our robotic car, as well as a surface for interaction. This enables the car to capture the child's facial expressions, heart rate and breathing patterns, which are indicators of their emotions, and adapt to how the child is feeling by changing the music, or colors, or producing smells to help them relax," said Agata Lapedriza, researcher at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), member of its Faculty of Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunications, and leader of the Artificial Intelligence for Human Wellbeing (AIWELL) research group at the UOC's eHealth Center. The project is an example of affective computing, "which focuses on developing AI systems that perceive emotions, understand emotions and can respond to emotions in an emotionally intelligent way," emphasized Lapedriza, who led the project with Albo. The participants involved in designing the vehicle included doctors, nurses and experts in affective computing, social robotics, data science, sensor design, machine learning and computer vision. The prototype was manufactured by the Hyundai car company in South Korea, and sent to Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona Children's Hospital, where it was tested with 86 children between 3 and 9 years old (mean age of 5.23 years) who had to undergo a procedure between December 2020 and May 2023. More information: Agata Lapedriza et al, Deploying a Robotic ride-on Car in the Hospital to Reduce the Stress of Pediatric Patients before Surgery, Companion of the 2024 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (2024). DOI: 10.1145/3610978.3641081 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: Leighton Less. Credit:Jeff Fitlow/Rice University TinyTrach, a team of interdisciplinary engineering students from Rice University, has created an innovative pediatric endotracheal tube (ETT) integrated with a camera and anchoring system that could make intubation procedures safer for babies 1 month and older by ensuring precise placement, stable anchoring and visibility access for up to 14 days. The challenge was introduced to the team by Dr. Parag Jain, associate professor in pediatrics critical care at Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, who served as TinyTrach's clinical advisor and one of its mentors. "Intubation is a critical procedure for children undergoing surgery and critically ill patients, providing vital respiratory support while under sedation," Jain said. "However, existing solutions lack a complete video-assisted intubation for pediatric-sized ETTs, which often results in significant morbidity and sometimes mortality." The TinyTrach team of Abi Parthasarathy, Mina Ghayour, Rian Philip, Shreya Majeti, Leighton Less, Jack Pearce and Sambhu Balakrishnan has addressed this gap with its capstone design project. The project will compete in the annual Harrell and Carolyn Huff engineering design showcase and competition on April 11. "The current standard of care for securing an ETT is tape, but the issue with tape is that fluid secretions from the nose and mouth can make the tape loosen, so the tube could get dislodged," said Majeti, who added that she came to Rice knowing she wanted to be a doctor and was drawn by the opportunity to be near the Texas Medical Center. The team went through multiple iterations of the prototype to arrive at the current design. The team members settled on a bevel-shaped piece for the anchoring mechanism, adjusting their design to make sure that there was not too much pressure being applied to the baby's face, that the strap securing the tube was the right thickness and that the materials they used were biocompatible and flexible to prevent skin irritation. "The device we have come up with actually holds it all in place securely," Majeti said. "We just went to Texas Children's and had Jain test it. We were in a simulation lab that has this very expensive mannequin that is basically as realistic as you can get with a fake model with the baby. We tested our device by placing it on the mannequin, and despite vigorous shaking, the tube did not move at all. So I think the fact that we've got better attachment, better visualization and it's in an overall cohesive package that we're producing makes this a good project." Dr. Chester Koh, professor at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine and Rice and executive director of the Southwest National Pediatric Device Innovation Consortium, noted, "These novel pediatric device projects at Rice address the unmet needs that our pediatric specialists have identified in the hospital and provide the opportunity to partner with these engineering teams to improve the care for our smallest and often fragile patients. Our consortium is honored to sponsor these projects each year." Ghayour, another senior on the team who plans to pursue medical studies after graduation, first started working on assembling and testing the anchoring system, then her role shifted to environmental testing. "I would submerge our anchoring mechanism and the integrated tube into a simulated trachea environment and see how it would hold out," Ghayour said. "This included force testing to characterize the durability of the anchor and creating a mucosal environment using the correct temperature range." For the ETT part of the device, the students had to make sure that the main tube had enough room to accommodate air flow while still being able to incorporate a light, camera and flush cord to clear secretions from the camera lens. "I think our biggest challenge and success was getting all the components small enough to fit inside our integrated tube," said Parthasarathy. "A regular tube requires repositioning if it's misplaced, which can be tricky if the patient has a difficult airway." Sambhu Balakrishnan (left) and Mina Ghayour. Credit: Jeff Fitlow/Rice University Currently, the only way to make sure that the breathing tube is correctly positioned on an intubated baby is using X-rays, which carries some risk and can be expensive. "We wanted to find a way to be able to check that breathing tubes were in the correct place in the baby's airway without having to basically sting them with X-rays and without having to jostle them around that much," Philip said. Visibility is especially important for patients 6 months and younger because their anatomy can be difficult to navigate. "No ETTs sized for pediatric patients enable the person intubating to see inside the body during the procedure, but our device makes that possible," said Pearce, who plans on pursuing a doctorate in optical and computational imaging after graduation. Together with Balakrishnan, Pearce performed market reviews and testing to identify a camera that best fit the needs of the project and the right accompanying LED. For Less, the project served as a way to delve into an unfamiliar area of engineering and "see what a mechanical engineer could do in the pediatric medical device world." "I did go in blind, but I learned a lot," Less said. Team TinyTrach was mentored by Sabia Abidi, a Rice bioengineering assistant teaching professor, and Gary Woods, a professor in the practice in electrical and computer engineering. NAIROBI, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A pan-African green hydrogen hub was launched on Thursday at a private university in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi to foster the research, innovation, and funding needed to accelerate the continent's transition to clean energy and tackle the climate crisis. The Africa Green Hydrogen Hub, to be housed at Strathmore University, one of Kenya's oldest private universities, is a collaborative venture between academic, public, and private sector institutions. Isaac Kiva, secretary for renewable energy at the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, said that by leveraging its vast green hydrogen potential, Africa is poised to accelerate the transition to a just, inclusive, and resilient future. "We must ensure that a just energy transition is attainable to boost Africa's development. Green hydrogen and other sustainable energy systems will help connect over 600 million people in Africa who lack access to electricity," Kiva said. Kenyan President William Ruto launched the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap in September 2023 on the sidelines of the Africa Climate Summit, vowing to implement it fully by 2032 to boost emissions reduction and create green jobs. "The green hydrogen strategy prioritizes economic expansion, the generation of job opportunities, and the promotion of environmental stewardship," Ruto said, adding that green hydrogen will boost food security and clean mobility in Kenya. According to Kiva, large-scale production of green hydrogen in Africa will tackle energy poverty while enhancing the continent's capacity to decarbonize its manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture sectors. He added that Kenya aims to become a hub for green hydrogen production on the continent by leveraging public-private sector investments, collaborative research, training, and enactment of supportive policies. Vincent Ogutu, the vice-chancellor of Strathmore University, said the launch of the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub is a game changer in the continent's quest to attain energy security and net-zero targets. He called for enhanced partnerships among African universities to facilitate research, the deployment of innovations, and peer learning, which are required to boost the uptake of green hydrogen. Two Butte men who admitted to charges stemming from the illegal importation of two pill presses from China were recently sentenced in U.S. District Court in Missoula. David Jesus Tapia-Padron, 34, was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. He had pleaded guilty in November 2023 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Co-defendant Austin Perry King-Terrell, 30, was sentenced on April 9 to three years of probation and fined $4,000. He pleaded guilty in November 2023 to illegal importation of pill press. In court documents, the government alleged that in September 2022, two industrial tablet presses were illegally imported from China to the United States and addressed to a warehouse in Anaconda. The Drug Enforcement Administration intercepted the presses and then had them delivered. The DEA determined that King-Terrell had ordered the presses for Tapia-Padron and provided them to him. Each press was priced at $3,499 and could produce 4,500 to 6,000 pills an hour. Agents later searched Tapia-Padrons residence and found large quantities of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and a vacuum sealed package containing one kilogram of cocaine. Agents also located distribution paraphernalia, a money counter, money bands, several handguns and rifles, a mannequin wearing body armor and other items. Five days before agents searched his house, Tapia-Padron, using his mothers name, ordered 50 kilograms of baby blue tabling mix to be shipped to him from California. In addition, the investigation determined that Tapia-Padron paid King-Terrell to buy what King-Terrell referred to as a kief press. Kief is a concentrated form of marijuana. Tapia-Padron regularly sold marijuana to King-Terrell and offered him psilocybin mushrooms. The DEA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Charles McIntosh, a Butte attorney representing Tapia-Padron, contacted The Montana Standard later Wednesday and gave a statement. "Mr. Padron is deeply sorry for letting down his family and the community," McIntosh said. "He received the shortest length of sentence according to his federal sentencing guidelines and that is a testament to the man all of his friends and family know him to be. I look forward to seeing him upon his release." KUNMING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- A payment service center was initiated at Changshui International Airport in Kunming on Wednesday, offering immediate assistance to overseas visitors as soon as they step off the plane. Kunming is a highly popular tourist destination in southwest China's Yunnan Province. "For large purchases, you can use a Visa, MasterCard or UnionPay card; For small purchases, you can pay in cash. If you need to exchange cash, we have an ATM machine here. You can use one of those cards to withdraw RMB directly, or you can exchange RMB at bank outlets and exchange points. In addition, you can download WeChat or Alipay and add your bank card for e-consumption," according to the notice at the center. The center at the arrivals lounge was jointly promoted by the People's Bank of China's Yunnan branch and the provincial department of transport, which aims to provide guidance for payment services in China, particularly the ubiquitous mobile phone scan code payment system. Kunming Changshui International Airport is an important gateway for foreigners traveling to China. Official figures showed that from April 1 to 7, the number of international passenger flights at the airport reached 388, logging an increase of 16.8 percent over the previous week in terms of average daily flight volume. The number of inbound passengers increased 8.5 percent over the previous week. No foul play is suspected in the death of Lakota actor Cole Brings Plenty, according to an April 10 statement from the Lawrence (Kansas) Police Department and Johnson County Sheriff's Office. Brings Plenty was found dead in a wooded area of Johnson County, Kansas, on April 5. The 27-year-old had been missing since March 31. Lawrence police accused the Mnicouju Lakota actor of assaulting a woman on March 31 prior to fleeing the city. I learned through this series of events that our police department must work harder to increase trust with our Native American community members. Through meeting with Coles family members and members of our Native American community, I clearly see that we are not where we need to be in partnering with a community that is very important to Lawrences history and to its current culture, said Lawrence, Kansas, Police Chief Rich Lockhart in the April 10 press release. Brings Plenty, the nephew of Yellowstone actor Moses Brings Plenty, was most well known for his role as Pete Plenty Clouds in the Yellowstone prequel series 1923. He had also been featured in Into the Wild Frontier and The Tall Tales of Jim Bridger. Brings Plenty was a student at Haskell Indian Nations University. A wake will be held in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, this weekend followed by a burial at the Brings Plenty family cemetery in Red Scaffold, South Dakota. Several vigils across South Dakota are being planned by the Brings Plenty family. The Johnson County Sheriff's Department did not respond to a request for comment. Close Employees of The Montana Standard spent an evening last September checking out all the facades on West Broadway Street before they were taken down. A '1923' crew member was happy to take the photograph. Pictured here, from left, are Tracy Thornton, Heather Carlson, Jamie Rowling, Kate Kunnert, Kim LaBreche and Jenean Kujawa. The temperance movement got its start in Ohio and it eventually made its way west. These film extras were making their feelings known by protesting outside the fictional Silver Dollar Soda Shop. Above this garage on West Granite Street is a sign, Sweet Blossom Peas. Similar to Anaconda's Art in the Park, Bozeman has a three-day summer event as well, the Sweet Pea Festival. The Silver Dollar Soda Shop was where a cowboy could have a 'soda' or two 100 years ago. One poster featured here promoted a 1923 Frank Lloyd silent film, which starred Corinne Griffith, Conway Tearle and Clara Bow. Some fictitious Bozeman real estate agents did business next door to the Bozeman Town Hall, also known as the Butte Water Co. To protect it from the rain, plastic partially covered this Model T while it was parked in front of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse. The Madison Power Company on West Broadway Street was part of the 1923 scenery. Tobacco products could be found in any number of Butte establishments 100 years ago, including the Bismarck at 15 W. Granite St., and the Broadway Cigar Store, 30 W. Broadway St. Highest quality, along with lowest prices, was what the fictitious Lindley Place Market was advertising 100 years ago. In reality, this market would have had some stiff competition as, according to the 1923 Butte City Directory, the Mining City had 258 grocery stores. It was 'lights, camera, action' on Granite Street. To help set the stage for 1923, period lampposts were placed in the Uptown Butte streets. Pictured here is the fictional Heine Fur. Butte, in 1923, had three fur shops. The lead actors of 1923, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren are seen here during an action sequence on West Broadway Street. A movie poster covers up the window of this 'soda' joint, which, for many years, was a favorite watering hole in Uptown Butte, Club 13. The facade outside the Piccadilly Museum of Transportation, 20 W. Broadway St., featured the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicles. A Bozeman dentist office from 1923 was featured here. One hundred years ago, the Butte Dental Laboratory was housed in the Silver Bow Block. Another classic Hudson was used during the filming of 1923. Perhaps some 1923 Duttons ended up in this makeshift Bozeman County Jail. Butte's old bus deport was transformed into the Bozeman Civic Center. Boxers Jack Dempsey and Tommy Gibbons did not meet in the ring in Bozeman, nor in Butte. In reality, the match was held in Shelby, Montana on July 4, 1923. Note that the Original headframe, lit up in red, is part of this picture's backdrop. Butte's barber shops from 1923 included establishments run by R.D. Pelletier and J.D. Lambros. For a brief time, Sassy Consignment and Sales, 19 W. Broadway, was transformed into Annie's Boutique. Thea Sheehan had her own boutique 100 years ago at 103 W. Broadway St. Like everyone else associated with "1923," extras like these are at a standstill as the production is on hold. 1923 extras are seen here getting ready for a day of work on West Granite Street. Uptown scenes from the filming of '1923' Here are some recognizable sets in Uptown Butte from the filming of "1923,'' a prequel to the popular television series "Yellowstone.'' The buildings were restored to their former look after filming. Employees of The Montana Standard spent an evening last September checking out all the facades on West Broadway Street before they were taken down. A '1923' crew member was happy to take the photograph. Pictured here, from left, are Tracy Thornton, Heather Carlson, Jamie Rowling, Kate Kunnert, Kim LaBreche and Jenean Kujawa. The temperance movement got its start in Ohio and it eventually made its way west. These film extras were making their feelings known by protesting outside the fictional Silver Dollar Soda Shop. Above this garage on West Granite Street is a sign, Sweet Blossom Peas. Similar to Anaconda's Art in the Park, Bozeman has a three-day summer event as well, the Sweet Pea Festival. The Silver Dollar Soda Shop was where a cowboy could have a 'soda' or two 100 years ago. One poster featured here promoted a 1923 Frank Lloyd silent film, which starred Corinne Griffith, Conway Tearle and Clara Bow. Some fictitious Bozeman real estate agents did business next door to the Bozeman Town Hall, also known as the Butte Water Co. To protect it from the rain, plastic partially covered this Model T while it was parked in front of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse. The Madison Power Company on West Broadway Street was part of the 1923 scenery. Tobacco products could be found in any number of Butte establishments 100 years ago, including the Bismarck at 15 W. Granite St., and the Broadway Cigar Store, 30 W. Broadway St. Highest quality, along with lowest prices, was what the fictitious Lindley Place Market was advertising 100 years ago. In reality, this market would have had some stiff competition as, according to the 1923 Butte City Directory, the Mining City had 258 grocery stores. It was 'lights, camera, action' on Granite Street. To help set the stage for 1923, period lampposts were placed in the Uptown Butte streets. Pictured here is the fictional Heine Fur. Butte, in 1923, had three fur shops. The lead actors of 1923, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren are seen here during an action sequence on West Broadway Street. A movie poster covers up the window of this 'soda' joint, which, for many years, was a favorite watering hole in Uptown Butte, Club 13. The facade outside the Piccadilly Museum of Transportation, 20 W. Broadway St., featured the Dodge Brothers Motor Vehicles. A Bozeman dentist office from 1923 was featured here. One hundred years ago, the Butte Dental Laboratory was housed in the Silver Bow Block. Another classic Hudson was used during the filming of 1923. Perhaps some 1923 Duttons ended up in this makeshift Bozeman County Jail. Butte's old bus deport was transformed into the Bozeman Civic Center. Boxers Jack Dempsey and Tommy Gibbons did not meet in the ring in Bozeman, nor in Butte. In reality, the match was held in Shelby, Montana on July 4, 1923. Note that the Original headframe, lit up in red, is part of this picture's backdrop. Butte's barber shops from 1923 included establishments run by R.D. Pelletier and J.D. Lambros. For a brief time, Sassy Consignment and Sales, 19 W. Broadway, was transformed into Annie's Boutique. Thea Sheehan had her own boutique 100 years ago at 103 W. Broadway St. Like everyone else associated with "1923," extras like these are at a standstill as the production is on hold. 1923 extras are seen here getting ready for a day of work on West Granite Street. Hills Bank is the latest donor to the event center project at the Muscatine County Fairgrounds, with a $5,000 donation. The Muscatine County Fair board made the announcement. Muscatine County Fair Manager Kelsey Meyers said Hills Bank has supported local 4-H groups and local county fairs for more than 50 years because they believe supporting children helps give them the tools they need to become leaders in the community. The bank feels 4-H fosters hard work, knowledge and leadership skills and believes acknowledging and supporting the communitys youth through their efforts encourages them to continue to give back to their community and motivates them to get others involved. This is another step forward, Meyers said. Every dollar gets us closer to our ultimate goal of providing a state-of-the-art facility to host large events in our community and county. Thank you, Hills Bank for this gift and their year-over-year support. The building will be modern but complement historic structures on the fairgrounds. It will fill a major void for Muscatine County, which does not have a facility to host over 500 people. The board has stated there is no facility for at least 45 miles that can house an event of that size. The building is expected to go out for bids in the spring. Meyers said Hills Bank is proud to support 4-H and the Muscatine County Fair in their plans to provide a building for our local youth to continue to learn and grow into the future. Hills Savings Bank was founded 120 years ago by 19 local citizens with $10,000 among them and a shared goal to create a community bank that truly cares about the people it serves and provides ways to help them prosper. Today, Hills Bank spans 18 locations with more than 500 employees across three Eastern Iowa counties, yet its focus remains on serving those in their communities with the personal attention and care they deserve. The bank believes in fostering community growth through volunteerism, sponsorship, and involvement particularly in schools and youth programs around Eastern Iowa. Recently, Kent Corporation donated a $500,000 matching grant for the $2 million project. Also, the Massey family, of Nichols, donated $5,000; the Poeltler family, of Iowa City, donated $10,000; the Meyers family donated $25,000; the Hammon family donated $10,000; and the Swanson family donated $5,000. People interested in sponsoring an area of the project, can contact Meyers at the Muscatine County Fair Office at muscatinecountyfair@gmail.com or at 319-627-2414. PHOTOS: Canine Blood Bank of Quad-Cities asks for doggy donors DES MOINES Iowa authorities would be allowed to arrest and order the removal of immigrants who enter the United States illegally, mimicking a controversial Texas law being challenged in court. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed into law Senate File 2340. The law, which takes effect July 1, creates a new state crime of illegal reentry. The law makes it an aggravated misdemeanor, which carries up to a two-year sentence, for people to enter Iowa if they were previously deported from the United States, denied entry to the country or left the country while facing a deportation order. In some cases, including people with certain prior convictions, the state crime would become a felony, punishable by up to five to 10 years in prison. Law enforcement would not be able to arrest individuals for violating the law while they are at a school, religious institution, health care facility or a facility that provides exams for sexual assault survivors. The bill also would create civil immunity for city and state employees and contractors who are sued for implementing the law. For those convicted under the new law, Iowa judges could issue an order requiring the person return to the country from which they entered the United States, specifying the manner in which theyll be transported to a U.S. port of entry and listing the law officer and state agencies responsible for ensuring the violator leaves the country. Undocumented immigrants could face felony charges for non-compliance. Republicans argue the measure is needed to respond to record numbers of illegal crossings and accuse Democratic President Joe Biden of abandoning his responsibility to secure the border. The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nations immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk, Reynolds said in a statement. Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books. Immigration enforcement generally is the responsibility of the federal government, and opponents have argued states do not have the authority to take measures like these. A similar law passed in Texas is temporarily blocked while a federal appeals court weighs a challenge to a lower court's ruling that struck down the measure. The lower court found the law threatens the fundamental notion that the United States must regulate immigration with one voice. Immigrant rights advocates warn the Iowa bill will lead to widespread racial profiling and stereotyping. They argue it undermines not promotes public safety and the rule of law, and consume state court and law enforcement resources. The bill does not provide funding or a requirement to train officers on immigration law, despite authorizing them to make decisions about a persons immigration status. Opponents also raised concerns that parents may be separated from their children if arrested under the new state crime. "(The law) would allow police to arrest people based on their federal immigration status and authorize Iowa judges to order someone to be deported or jailed before they have an opportunity to seek humanitarian protection that they are entitled to, said Mark Stringer, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa. "The Iowa law enforcement and state judges tasked with authority to carry out this outrageous legislation are not trained in immigration law and have no proper authority to enforce it, Stringer said. If enacted, this law will wreak havoc in Iowa families and communities and threaten Iowans who are citizens and noncitizens alike." Eastern Iowa immigrant rights group Escucha Mi Voz said the group will attempt to block the law through courts and other avenues. Its members voted last month to organize demonstrations on May 1 and July 1 against the law. We are also exploring legal action in the courts and have requested meetings with the U.S. Department of Justice, Iowa Department of Public Safety, and local police chiefs and county sheriffs," Escucha Mi Voz member Ninoska Campos wrote in an email last month to the groups members in Spanish. The Iowa City-based group provides housing and health services, legal aid, community organizing and advocacy for immigrant workers in the state. The group has more than 500 individual members and 40 faith-based members. Betty Kyallo is putting on a brave face despite her luxury beauty shop Flair By Betty being put up on auction over pending rent arrears. A public notice, published in the dailies, announced that Keysian Auctioneers will conduct a public auction on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Leakeys Storage Limited along Lunga-Lunga road in Nairobi to recover the rent arrears by selling items on the premises. Among the items slated for auction by Keysian are 3 dismantled wall shelves, a massage bed stand, 2 massage beds, a small serve rack, a glass shelf, 4 large mirrors, towel warmers, and dressing tables. Additional items to be auctioned include 2 sink stands, an Estia Heater, Midea Heater, Cushioned Pink Stool, 3 Down Seats, Coat Hanger, 7 Green Seats, 4 Pink Seats, Plastic Pink Seat, 4 Small Rolling Seats, 7 Grey Seats, Wooden Stool, 5 Green Puffs, Office Table, Black Round Seat, TV Stand, Folding Chair, Round Stool, Floor Carpet, Small Shiny Table, White Cabinet (3 Glasses Missing), Rantons One Door Fridge, and more. Furthermore, the list includes a Mirror, 5 White Tables, 2 Massage Beds, 4 Plastic Trolleys, 5 Foot Massagers, 6 Dryers, 8 Wall Hangings, Broken Seat, 12 Barber Seats, Sony TV, Vitron TV, 3 Seats attached with Sinks, and a Blue Cushioned Stool. The news broke out yesterday(Monday, April 8) sparking concern among the media personalitys fanbase, a section of which slammed big media houses such as Royal Media Services Citizen for exploiting Bettys misfortune as fodder for gossip columnists. Betty Kyallo Statement Betty Kyallo was however quick to release a statement, confirming the closure of her business. She assured her fans that despite this setback, everything was well. Thanks for the calls and texts but Mimi Niko Sawa. Many Kenyans are going through the most in business. Many people have closed businesses in this country. I let it go but Flair will be back. Just a matter of time. Also . today we reopen @aftershavebyflair Upperhill, La Baita. We have expanded, we are bigger, she wrote on her socials yesterday. The former KTN/K24 TV news presenter also said she had found happiness and peace after letting go of Flair By Betty. I am happier. I sleep better. My peace of mind is more important than a name. Im good, she insisted. Following her statement, the businesswoman also released a video reiterating her well-being while also hitting out Citizen TV. I really appreciate all the love but let me tell, you, Im good, Im happier, I just learnt to let go Betty said in an Instagram reel. She went on to taunt the media house, insinuating that they were scared of her impending TV comeback, possibly via her reality show, Kyallo Kulture, which airs on ShowMax TV or at a yet-to-be disclosed TV station. For Citizen, by the way, you guys dont have to be scared of a TV comeback, Betty clapped back. The government is now planning to introduce a virtual identification system for Kenyans, seemingly stepping away from the new generation smart ID Maisha Namba, which is currently being rolled out to replace the unsuccessful Huduma Namba. Information and Communication Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo said a Virtual ID would be a step towards modernising identification processes beyond traditional physical ID cards. During his keynote address before the Senate Committee on ICT in Mombasa on Tuesday, the CS indicated that he is leading discussions on the nations digital transformation agenda. He highlighted the innovative concept of a virtual identification system and stressed the crucial need for regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI). CS Owalo emphasized the systems potential to revolutionize citizen services, reducing reliance on cumbersome paperwork and queues while enhancing efficiency and security measures. While acknowledging that the new identification system presents a stark contrast to the 2nd generation IDs, Huduma Namba, and Maisha Namba, the Minister asked Senate and National Assembly members to ensure proper awareness among Kenyans before the new system is introduced. Huduma namba failed because it was introduced at the wrong time and it was very suspicious. It was near an election and thats why it wasnt attractive. Kenyans need to know how the change is going to affect them. With the Huduma namba, there was inadequate sensitisation. We will require awareness and explain to Kenyans the rationale of virtual identification. This will be the success factor that will give us acceptability, CS Owalo said Defense Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale joined thousands of Muslim faithful for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at the Eastleigh High School Grounds on Wednesday morning to mark the end of the sacred month of Ramadhan. CS Duale highlighted that significant gathering underscores the Muslim Ummas commitment to unity and religious adherence. Duale also noted that the gazettement of Eid as a public holiday highlights the governments acknowledgment and respect for diverse religious traditions within the country. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of prayer and reflection, the gazzetment of Eid as public holiday and Our participation as leaders highlights the governments acknowledgment and respect for diverse religious traditions within the country, he said. Such gestures not only promote social cohesion but also demonstrate solidarity with the Muslim community during their religious festivities. CS Duale also praised President William Ruto for abolishing vetting for all Kenyans seeking to get National Identity cards. President Ruto on Monday announced that he will soon issue out a policy document that will provide ways for how people irrespective of the region they come from can get IDs. Starting Next month (May 2024) there will be no vetting for Kenyans who want to get ID cards, he said. Im going to be issuing a policy document to make sure that we have a mechanism that is similar to other Kenyans so that we dont discriminate based on religion or region, Ruto said. Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang has disclosed that students in all learning levels are now earning from their artistic work. Speaking in Embu during the official launch of the 62nd Kenya National Drama and Film Festival, held jointly at Kangaru Secondary School and Embu University, PS Kipsang stated that with the assistance of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), the content created by the three groups is now being monetized. The PS mentioned that the move aligns with President William Rutos directive to establish mechanisms for monetizing content for students. We were directed by the President last year during the State Concert that we need to make this process earn an income both to our children, to their institutions and to this country. I am happy I can report today that through the KICD there has been a lot of development on the same and we can tell you our children have started earning, PS Kipsang said. The PS further emphasized that the festival, dubbed Unlocking Opportunities for Social-Economic Transformation through Drama and Film, aligns with the governments agenda of promoting creative arts through drama, film, music, and visual arts. Investments in Creative Sector He added that the government acknowledges the immense potential of the creative sector and is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for artists, creators, and cultural entrepreneurs to thrive. We are investing in state-of-the-art cultural infrastructure such as theaters, art galleries, and studios. These facilities provide spaces for artists to create, collaborate, and showcase their work to local and international audiences, said the PS. Kipsang stated that to consistently finance the creative industry, the government has set up funding mechanisms, grants, and subsidies tosupport artists and cultural organizations. He highlighted the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund as one key initiative that the government is leveraging to continuously support talent programs, not only within the Ministry of Education but also among the youth. We are working closely with stakeholders in the creative industries, including music labels, film production companies, publishing houses, and fashion designers, to create a conducive environment for growth and innovation. This includes regulatory reforms, tax incentives, and market access opportunities to stimulate investment and job creation within the sector, Kipsang added. Around the world, religion in on a decline. The same is happening in Kenya, although numbers are hard to come by. You may be deceived by the numerous makeshift churches popping up everywhere, but many of them are just about empty, while others are shutting down everyday. The big, mainstream churches in Kenya still pull off a decent crowd, but there is no denying the falling numbers. The vast majority of Kenyans still identify as Christian, but many stopped practicing a long time ago, sometimes going years without stepping foot in a church, except for social occasions like weddings and funerals. From the 2019 census, only 1.6% of Kenyans identified as Nones, meaning Atheists or Agnostics. However, because of societal stigma, this number could be much higher. A recent conversation on the r/Kenya Subreddit caught my eyes. Kenyans were asked to give reasons as to why they dropped out of the church. Here are some of the replies. I officially stopped being a Christian in 2019. This was 7 years after I dropped out church. I was a very staunch Christian in my childhood (primary and high school). In fact, I was nicknamed Pastor by my classmates. I wont go into the details of how I backslid, but I initially didnt intend to stop being a Christian for good. While in campus, I didnt hold back on the pleasures of the world (drugs, sex, etc). Afterwards,(maybe when maturity started kicking in), I found myself yearning for a spiritual path. Interestingly, I tried seeking solace from the church, but couldnt find the kind of fulfilment I was looking for. I delved into research, which exposed me to a lot of information on traditional Chinese and Indian religions. Recognizing how these nations have maintained their practices and beliefs (despite colonization), I came to appreciate the culture and traditions of my ancestors. Surprisingly, I have come to realize that many of my age mates (aged 25-35) have adopted a similar path. And everyone has a similar sort of spiritual awakening. Members of Parliament will today begin moving into their new offices at the multi-billion Bunge Towers in Nairobi. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula mentioned that the Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC) has ensured that the offices are ready for occupation by the end of the week. PSC is expediting the completion of the Bunge Tower to address the shortage of office accommodation for members, Wetangula announced yesterday. He stated that the occupation of the 28-storey building will occur in two phases, following the Schedule of Allocation prepared by the Clerk of the National Assembly, ensuring a smooth transition. Phase one will involve moving members from KICC to the Tower or other alternative accommodation. This will commence on Thursday 11th April 2024, Wetangula announced. Additionally, MPs currently situated in Harambee SACCO Plaza will relocate to their new offices in the tower. Phase two, scheduled to commence on July 1, 2024, will involve MPs from Continental House. Adjacent to parliament buildings, Bunge Towers was initially intended to be completed within three and a half years. However, nearly fourteen years later, construction is just nearing completion, with 63 MPs set to miss out on the new office block. The construction of the building, which boasts luxurious amenities such as a gym, a beauty parlor, and a restaurant, incurred a staggering cost of Kes.9.26 billion. The building will also accommodate committee rooms where members will conduct their business. An underground tunnel, linking the offices with parliament buildings, has been constructed, presumably to enhance the security and comfort of MPs. Legislators who do not secure offices will receive a monthly allowance of Kes. 57,000 to cover rent in the city center. GAZA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces intensively bombed the surrounding areas of Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza since Wednesday night, causing casualties, local sources told Xinhua on Thursday. Meanwhile, Israel Defense Forces announced in a statement on Thursday that Israeli soldiers have begun a military operation in these areas. Legislators from North Eastern Kenya have challenged the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) to investigate allegations made by former presidential candidate Cyrus Jirongo that the Moi regime dumped toxic waste in the region. The MPs demand that Jirongo provides an official statement regarding his revelation that President Daniel Moi ordered toxins, including nuclear waste, to be dumped in the region, which is now associated with a high number of reported cancer cases in the North Eastern part of the country. Led by Wajir South MP Mohammed Adoh and Tarbaj MP Hussein Abdi Bare, the MPs demanded that the DCI summon Jirongo for grilling. We want DCI to interrogate this particular leader the velocity of his sentiments- he might divulge more on what we dont know!. Maybe thats the reason we are experiencing many cancer patients from the region, Barre said. Jirongo was a close ally of Moi and worked for the former presidents Kenya African National Union (KANU) partys youth wing, known as the Youth for Kanu 1992. Classified Information In his Savage Politics podcast, Jirongo revealed how his close connections with KANU bigwigs enabled him to access classified information, while also exposing him to danger. He recounted an incident where former KANU stalwart Nicholas Biwotts lawyer, the late Jim Choge, once provided him with classified information about the illegal dumping of toxic waste in the North Eastern Province. I collaborated with Jim Choge, a lawyer for the late Nicholas Biwott. He visited my office and handed me documents that detailed the locations where toxic waste was being dumped in the country. Regrettably, I confronted President Daniel Moi with these documents, narrated Jirongo. Jirongo revelation that Nuclear Wastes were buried in Marsabit, Meru, Samburu, Isiolo and other North -eastern counties shows how the colonies still manipulated the Moi regime leaving our fellow Kenyans exposed to cancerous cells. The GoK Must do something about this. pic.twitter.com/dvFVEuL5jX Naipamei Kaikai (@Kaikainaipaa) April 7, 2024 Acknowledging that it was his first public disclosure on the matter, Jirongo claimed he informed Moi that officials from the Ministry of Energy had misled residents of North Eastern by claiming to explore oil deposits while disposing of hazardous waste in the region. I have never been in trouble like that because I was asked where I had gotten the documents. He told me that I must say where I got the documents, or it would be the end of me. I told him that you said that we should always keep secrets and that I had given him the documents as the head of state, knowing that he had the machinery to determine where they came from and whether they were true or false. I told him I was relying upon him to verify and validate the documents, recounted the former assistant minister for lands. Heated Argument With Moi Jirongo claimed that the late president engaged in a heated argument with him for about 30 minutes and cautioned him never to disclose details of their conversation. The confrontation was intense, almost resembling a quarrel or altercation with the president. It was only after I left his office that I realized my error. I questioned myself and realized that I had confronted the individual responsible for the illegal dumping, added Jirongo. According to the former Lugari MP, Choge informed him that Biwott had instructed him to provide the documents with an ulterior motive. I later found out that the documents were given to me to prove to the head of state that I had so much information about the regime hence a threat. This would have worked against me, Jirongo said. The Hustler Fund will be recalibrated to allow Muslims consume the product. President William Ruto said packaging the Fund to be Shariah compliant will deepen financial inclusion in Kenya. He said so far more than seven million Kenyans are benefiting from the Hustler Fund that is barely 16 months old. We will also adjust other Government financial instruments to comply with the Islamic Law, he explained. He added that the move will make available more funds to drive the countrys development. President Ruto spoke on Monday evening at State House when he hosted the Iftar Dinner. He challenged religious leaders to be on the forefront in praying for the country. We are on track to making Kenya a better country for all. It is our responsibility to make it greater, he noted. Via the Presidential Communication Service(PCS) On Wednesday, a purported survey by pollster TIFA was circulating on social media. The poll, which was mostly just a screenshot from a media outlet, showed that Peter Kenneth was more popular than Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Mt. Kenya region. Coming in at 32.4%, Kenneth was found to be the most popular politician in the region, followed by Muhoho at 25.7% with the DP coming third at 24.3%. The pollster however came out and branded the poll as fake. Fake News Alert! The results attached are fake. Don't be misled. For authentic polls, visit our official website https://t.co/ZctZRIrXWm #FactCheck #StayInformed pic.twitter.com/QMtVJm0oWu TIFA Research (@TifaResearch) April 10, 2024 It is unclear who was behind the numbers, but more and more people are angling for the Mt. Kenya kingpin position, which they believe the Deputy President does not have a strong grasp on. Leaders who have been mentioned as potential Mt. Kenya leaders include Ndindi Nyoro and Moses Kuria, with the latter appearing to be doing more for that recognition, including hosting and financing tournaments. DP Gachagua is however not taking it lying down, and has been trying to solidify his position, in among other ways sending a olive branch to former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta. Meanwhile, Peter Kenneth has largely been out of the conversation, with no indication that he will be returning to elective politics after miscalculations in the last 3 election cycles. TikTok has declared its willingness to partner with the Kenyan government and other stakeholders in ensuring the safety of its users on the platform. Concerns have emerged regarding the promotion of violence, sex, hate speech, vulgar language, and offensive behavior through content shared onthe Chinese video-sharing platform. Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, TikToks head of public policy and government relations for Sub-Saharan Africa, assured the platforms dedication to upholding safety during a session in Parliament on Tuesday. He said they are seeking closer collaboration with all stakeholders, including authorities, the media, civil society, and parents, to address concerns regarding online safety, data privacy, and content moderation. Keeping Kenyans safe online requires a collaborative effort as well as collective action, and our commitment to this is ongoing and unwavering, Mgwili said. TikTok Ban in Kenya The TikTok official at the same time opposed the proposal to ban the platform in Kenya, affirming to legislators that TikTok plays a crucial role in expanding the democratic and civic space for Kenyans. Banning TikTok in Kenya would amount to a violation of the Constitution, Mgwili argued. Also Check Out Who Has the Most Followers on TikTok? Freedom of expression is a right that is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic, and open, robust debates such as those you would see online are part of the lifeblood of democracy. Shutting down those spaces would be tantamount to silencing citizens, and denying them their constitutional rights, he said. Mgwili reiterated that safety remains one of their core priorities, citing TikToks Community Guidelines, the Family Pairing Tool, which allows caregivers to pair their accounts with those of their teens, and its Screen Time Management feature. David Murathe clarified that former President Uhuru Kenyatta aimed his traitor accusation at his former allies who deserted him to collaborate with his former political ally-turned-rival, President William Ruto. Murathe stated that Kenyatta was not referring to Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who is looking to take a back seat from local politics for the AUC chairmanship job. According to the Jubilee Party vice chairperson, Uhuru was singling out individuals whom he had aided in building their political careers, only for them to betray him when he needed their support. Murathe specified that Uhuru Kenyatta was referring to politicians who were present during the ordination of two Catholic bishops in Nairobi on Saturday when the former President made his politics of betrayal remarks. The former president was talking to the leaders present at the church event who turned against him despite supporting them to make political, cabinet and ambassadorial positions, Mr Murathe said in an interview with Nation.Africa, CANBERRA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- China and South Australia will strengthen exchanges and dialogues in various fields such as low-carbon economy and green minerals. China looks forward to being at the forefront of China-Australia cooperation in the field of green and low-carbon economy, Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian told Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas in a meeting on Tuesday. China hopes to continue to expand cooperation and exchanges with South Australia in various fields, such as agriculture and food, education, science and technology, tourism and culture, Xiao said, adding China has a long history of friendship and cooperation with South Australia which has broad prospects. Malinauskas said Australia and China have resolved the issue of wine export to China in a proper way, and the stability of the relationship between the two countries has benefited the people of South Australia, according to a press release issued by Chinese embassy in Canberra on Thursday. South Australia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in renewable energy, green minerals and other areas on the basis of traditional economic, trade and education cooperation, and contribute to the bilateral cooperation in addressing climate change, Malinauskas said. In another meeting on Tuesday with Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson, Xiao said local cooperation is the main force of China-Australia practical cooperation in various fields. China expects South Australia to consolidate traditional cooperation with China in agriculture, tourism and education and continue to open up new frontiers of cooperation in new energy, science and technology, and healthcare for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries, Xiao said. Adamson said she was looking forward to visiting China to explore ways to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, green minerals and education. The return of Australian wine to the Chinese market has benefited South Australia, Adamson said. JERUSALEM, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Thursday vowed an "appropriate response" if Iran attacks his country's territory. "A direct Iranian attack on Israeli territory will require an appropriate Israeli response against Iran," Gallant told U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during a phone conversation on preparations for a possible Iranian retaliatory attack. During the conversation, Gallant detailed the Israeli preparations and emphasized that Israel "will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory." It was the second time the two officials had talked over the past week. U.S. intelligence officials have assessed that Iran could launch a counter-attack soon in response to the killing of seven Iranians in an Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria on April 1. Earlier on Thursday, Commander of the United States Central Command Michael Kurilla arrived in Israel for talks with Gallant and Herzi Halevi, the chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, to coordinate responses to a potential Iranian attack. In March, Ravi V. Bellamkonda, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, traveled to India with an Emory University delegation to meet with alumni, incoming students and key constituents, signifying the importance of India to Emory. The delegation included members from Advancement and Alumni Engagement (AAE) and the Office of Global Strategy and Initiatives (GSI), as well as Nikhil Singla, Emory country director of India. They embarked on a week-long trip centered around three events in New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai, expanding on a similar trip in March 2023. This was an incredible opportunity to connect with Emory alumni and families, and to explore ways we could further deepen Emorys already strong presence in India, Bellamkonda says. The learning opportunities there and the research our scholars do there are critical to the universitys success, so I was honored to travel to India and nurture our partnerships. Meaningful trip highlights With the rising numbers of Indian international students and young alumni at Emory, Bellamkondas 2024 trip to India focused on meeting with prospective students, alumni and Emory families. He also explored opportunities to partner with Indian universities and educational institutions to recruit students for graduate programs at Emory. The Delhi event welcomed 50 people, including three Emory students participating in a study abroad program consisting of sequential stays in India, Argentina and South Africa. India is one country where Bellamkonda and GSI staff are working to expand study abroad opportunities for Emory students. As a student currently studying health equity in India, the opportunity to meet with traditional healers, study health interventions across three different states and even visit the Taj Mahal has been incredibly impactful to my academic and personal development, notes Oxford College student Asmita Lehter, who attended one of the events. Some of the memories I'll cherish most include staying up and chatting with my homestay family, and traveling to and from class on auto rickshaws, an experience you truly cant find anywhere else, Lehter says. Knowing that I have the support and connection to Emory even when we're studying in an entirely new environment is something for which I'm truly appreciative." The largest event in Mumbai welcomed nearly 75 attendees, including alumni who shared positive stories of their Emory experience, new graduate students who were able to network with classmates and staff, and parents of incoming undergraduate students who heard from current parents about the orientation and first-semester experiences. Alum Aditi Chandwani took the opportunity to reconnect and engage with the Emory network. I moved to Mumbai about a year ago, and I sorely missed the Emory community and was very excited to hear about the event in Mumbai, Chandwani says. It was wonderful to hear from the provost and his wife Lalita Kaligotla [a professor of the practice and senior director for leadership and engagement at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing], who told us about all the strides and progress Emory has made. Im now attending another alumni meet-up next month and am very excited to engage with the alumni community further in Mumbai. In addition to large group engagements, other delegation members pursued opportunities to deepen connections in India. Singla and GSI associate director Natalie Cruz met with the Fulbright commission to discuss current collaborations with U.S. university counterparts in India and with prospective undergraduate students at several prominent international schools in Bengaluru and Mumbai. Emorys significant engagements in India According to GSI data, India is the top country for faculty engagement and has vast research capabilities. In the last decade, more than 200 faculty members have significantly engaged in work in India and more than 900 co-authored publications have been produced between Emory faculty and Indian researchers. During the 2022-23 academic year, more Emory research grants were focused on India than any country outside the U.S. Emorys diverse work in and with India ranges from research in vaccines, diabetes and cancer, to scholarship related to Emorys world-renowned collection of Telegu manuscripts, to the unique programming of the Emory Compassion Center, which builds on the universitys longstanding relationship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Emory Compassion Center recently celebrated 25 years and has a well-established Tibetan Studies study abroad program in India. Emorys extensive work in India led to the 2019 creation of an overseas affiliate post to foster new partnerships and expand opportunities for Emory to engage in meaningful research to address key challenges in India and around the world. Singla is the Delhi-based country director of Emory India Research and Education Innovation LLP, and works closely with Emory faculty and community members to provide on-the-ground support with India activities. The Emory-India initiative has expanded and accelerated the development of critical in-country collaborations that highlight Emorys commitment to impactful and sustainable engagement with diverse stakeholders in India, says Singla. Emory faculty members who have significant ties in India include Rafi Ahmed and Venkat Narayan, among many others. Ahmed, director of the Emory Vaccine Center (EVC) and professor in the department of microbiology and immunology within the School of Medicine, created a partnership and research lab in 2008 with the International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) located in Delhi. Research at the EVC-ICGEB lab focuses on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, dengue virus, chikungunya and malaria. Narayan founded the Emory Global Diabetes Research Center, a global network that connects researchers from Emory, the U.S., India and beyond to engage in world-class research on diabetes and other related non-communicable diseases. The School of Medicine is also working closely with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) one of the most highly ranked and prestigious higher education institutions in India as they establish a new research-oriented medical school and MD/PhD program with related exchanges. Beyond the health sciences, the Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies (MESAS) department in Emory College of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in MESAS with a concentration in South Asian Studies, a language minor in Hindi and Tibetan and courses on South Asian history, culture and politics. Student and alumni connections In addition to strong faculty and research relationships in India, Emory has a growing number of international students and alumni from the country. The university currently enrolls 359 international students from India, a 50% increase over the past decade. The Indian Student Association hosts a large off-campus event each year to celebrate Diwali, drawing hundreds of student attendee. There are also multiple Indian and South Asian student organizations focused on culture, music and dancing. Over the past five years, Emory has added chaplains and resources in the Office of Spiritual and Religious Life to better support religious traditions and communities from South Asia. In addition, Emory Campus Life has added a new Asian Student Center to help support this diverse community as well. Alumni networks in Delhi and Mumbai are growing, as more Emory graduates move to India. We strive to connect the alums, keep that Emory spirit alive and establish potential connections for business or otherwise, says alum Krishna Gupta, New Delhi vice president of the Emory India Network. With guidance from AAE staff, our goal is to further develop a proactive India chapter that will easily connect and reconnect Emory alumni, find career opportunities, volunteer, engage in mentorship or just meet over a coffee. If junior Alisha Morejon was told when she became a student fellow for Emorys Center for AI Learning that in less than a year, she would be co-authoring a research paper and traveling to Canada to present her work at an international conference, she never would have believed it. Im still surprised at all the new experiences Ive been exposed to as a student fellow. It really has taken me to places I never imagined and taught me so much about myself in the process, says Morejon, who is a joint computer science and mathematics major. To cap off her first year working at the Center for AI Learning, Morejon plans to travel to Ottawa this summer for the Annual International Meeting for the Society for Psychotherapy Research. There she will help present the paper Using Machine Learning to Explore Ugandan Children's School Readinessa rare opportunity for an undergraduate student. The Center for AI Learning, which opened its doors in fall 2023, is a key component of Emorys AI.Humanity initiative an enterprise-wide commitment to shaping the future of ethical AI to serve humanity. As part of its programming to build AI literacy and community at Emory, the center offers experiential learning opportunities to Emory students, providing them with practical experience applying AI concepts to real-world projects. When hired, student fellows sign up for a paid position of 10-15 hours per week. A certain number of hours are spent in the centers physical location in Woodruff Library where they greet visitors and answer questions about the center and its offerings. Each student is assigned to experiential learning projects in which they work directly with sponsors to solve a problem using AI. They are also required to teach an in-person workshop on a chosen subject each semester. The centers senior program coordinator, Tommy Ottolin, matched Morejon with project sponsors Valeda F. Dent, vice provost of libraries and museum, and Geoff Goodman, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences in Emory University School of Medicine and associate professor of psychology and spiritual care in Candler School of Theology. Dent and Goodman approached the center to help with a project that grew out of their long-term research collaboration in early literacy intervention. Their project, A Story Grows in Uganda, has generated over 40,000 drawings from children in rural Uganda aged three to five. They wanted to use AI to help them categorize the vast trove of artwork and come up with patterns that could give them insight into the childrens development and readiness for school. I think Tommy chose to have me work on this project specifically because of my interest in the humanities, says Morejon, who is a religion minor. I tend to look at the big picture and strategy over the super technical aspects. Im the one who analyzed all the existing research, looked at different angles and said, Hey, did we think about this? Each drawing requires feature-based coding, an extremely time-consuming prospect. The objective was to automate the process of coding these pictures using deep learning models. Morejon and her partner, another student fellow who had more programming experience, did encounter several roadblocks along the way. Around 200 drawings came to them already analyzed and coded by researchers on Dent and Goodmans team a relatively small sample of training data. The process they designed involves using supervised learning in which the model is fed 70% of the training data with labels and then given 30% of uncoded drawings to test for accuracy. The results so far have been less than perfect. We are still in the trial-and-error phase, says Morejon. But the potential short- and long-term impacts are worth their persistence. Once realized, this project will make the herculean task of coding thousands of drawings achievable. In addition, storing the data of each drawing digitally will be a great resource as the team continues tweaking the model to detect novel patterns. If meaningful patterns are extracted, an intervention could be designed to increase literacy outcomes and school readiness in the developing world and thats the kind of real-world challenge that AI.Humanity was designed to address. Morejon learned not only about machine learning methodology but also about herself. I was having a lot of fun. Finding the intersectionality in this project has been really interesting, she says. A multitude of benefits The beauty of the centers student fellows program is that the learning goes far beyond the projects themselves. Ottolin, who calls the projects real-world adventures, explains that built into each is the expectation that the students actively participate in brokering relationships, managing the evolution of the project, communicating with clients and troubleshooting. These non-technical skills are equally important in preparing students to flourish in a rapidly changing world a key tenet of the Student Flourishing initiative. Project requests are fielded in many ways: emails, calls, walk-ins. Once a project has been evaluated by the center staff for feasibility as a student-led project, a project proposal document is completed. The document includes details on the project sponsor, which student fellows will be assigned to the project and what their roles will be, project objectives and measures of success. Given that the center and its student fellows program are relatively new, there are constant adjustments being made to how projects are set up and carried out. I tell every student we interview that we are learning as we go. This is a really cool place to work. If you can be nimble and transparent and be ready to incite change, then this would be a good fit for you, says Ottolin. Ottolin adds that project sponsors understand that this is a learning opportunity for students and that sometimes includes setbacks and failures. Were working with new technologies and answering new questions. Sometimes things arent as straightforward as we originally thought, says Ottolin. I have to hand it to our sponsors. Theyve been great partners and have been very cognizant of the environment we want to build for these students. Lessons learned can be lessons about what not to do, too. At the center, I wanted to apply my skills but I also wanted to immerse myself in the world of AI. With the prevalence of technologies that are part of our everyday life, its important to stay ahead of the times. I appreciate Emorys initiative to push forward AI education. Making the theoretical tangible Another undeniable benefit of the centers experiential learning projects is the prospect of turning the theoretical into something tangible. Student fellows Dylan Parker and Raphael Palacio, both computer science majors, are working on a chatbot project for the Emory Ombuds Office. Palacio has also taken CS 329: Computational Linguistics, and Parker is taking it now; while one of the major projects in that course involves designing and building a chatbot, Parker says he appreciates the opportunity to apply his technical skills outside of the classroom. The Ombuds chatbot project is a good complement to what Im learning in class. This semester Im taking Intro to AI, so I get to learn the theoretical side of AI and then get to apply that knowledge, says Palacio. Solving problems, saving resources Beyond applying learned skills, students also have the chance to make a lasting impact by solving an authentic problem. That is just what student fellow Iris Zheng did in her work for Emorys Morran Lab and its Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution Program. Researchers in the Morran Lab use c. elegans worms for coevolution and mating systems research. Researchers must manually count and classify thousands of worms under a microscope each week. This tedious process can take hours or even days and has a highly variable rate of error. Zheng, a double major in biology and computer science, was given the task of creating a deep learning model that automates the process of counting and classifying the worms while minimizing errors. Zheng says she faced two big hurdles during the project. The first was lack of adequate training data, a common theme in AI model building. In this instance, existing data would train the model to analyze patterns, features and thresholds. Zheng and her partner, another AI student fellow, had to mitigate the data shortfall by finding accessible datasets from other sources. Another challenge was the self-guided learning process in object detection and convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Zheng had little experience in these areas, so she and her partner had to learn about the underlying logic, math and implementation from the ground up. The self-education process was arduous and at times, frustrating. It required a great deal of patience and persistence, as we had to digest complex concepts and apply them to our work, says Zheng. There wasnt an easy solution to this problem, but I did learn through grinding and now I have a totally new skill set that will serve me in the future. The result is a tool that saves the research team four hours of counting each week, freeing them up to spend time on other aspects of their research. Since c. elegans are one of the most common organisms used in lab science, the new tool could potentially be used by other researchers to save time, eyesight and eliminate human error. The project was an intensive learning experience in artificial intelligence, coding, professional communication and teamwork. It expanded my understanding of machine learning's limitations, practical applications and impact. I enjoyed building a solution from scratch, and blending theory with practice was valuable and gratifying. The future of experiential learning at the center As summer approaches, the centers experiential learning opportunities are expanding. The center has partnered with academic units like the Department of Quantitative Theory and Methods and courses like CS 370: Computer Science Practicum Course LLM, Data Analytics and Visualization to offer co-curricular and classroom experiential learning. There are also external opportunities through the City of Atlantas Office of Technology and Innovation and more partnerships on the way. When we think about the AI.Humanity initiative, we are trying to shape our students into the most well-rounded AI professionals. So thats not just writing code in a room by yourself we want to expose them to the full gambit of working on a team, nurturing a client relationship, managing a project, solving problems, says Ottolin. And while solving these problems, they are looking at the process through a lens of ethics and fairness. Thats what Emory and the centers experiential learning projects bring to the table a chance to learn, grow and make a difference to humanity. Interested in exploring experiential learning or have an idea for a project? Reach out to the Center for AI Learning team. Two exceptional undergraduate researchers in Emory College of Arts and Sciences have been named 2024 Goldwater Scholars, the nations premier scholarship for students of math, the natural sciences and engineering. Juniors Julianna Cruz and Satvik Elayavalli are among 508 undergraduate scholars selected nationwide for this years award, which comes with $7,500 annually toward the cost of their undergraduate degrees. Recipients represent the scientific talent needed to ensure the U.S. maintains global competitiveness and security, according to the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Education Programs, which partners with the Goldwater Foundation for the award. Both Cruz and Elayavalli have explored wide-ranging coursework and research experiences that allowed them to make significant contributions in the lab and write or co-author papers on their research. They join 49 previous Emory recipients of the scholarship since Congress endowed it in 1986. Julianna and Satvik embody the ideal of applying the liberal arts to embrace discovery and make a difference in the world, says Emory College Dean Barbara Krauthamer. We are incredibly proud of their well-deserved recognition as Emorys latest Goldwater Scholars. Julianna Cruz Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in Texas, Cruz dreamed of becoming a doctor who understands how demographics affect health, especially in vulnerable communities. Research opportunities first intimidated Cruz, who is also a QuestBridge Scholar. She focused instead on building connections through Emory FirstSTEM, the orientation program for first-generation students, and sampling broad coursework. Cruz also dove into service work, helping Slow Food pack and deliver weekly meals to food-insecure Emory students and staff. She also volunteered as a medical interpreter at local clinics and a medical assistant at a charitable health care center in west Atlanta. By the end of her first year at Emory, she decided a double major in anthropology and human biology and Spanish/Portuguese would build a secure pre-med foundation with the interdisciplinary study she craved. Still, it was not until last year, with encouragement from a FirstSTEM mentor, that she successfully applied to become a research assistant in the competitive Undergraduate Clinical Scholars Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Given the short, nine-week timeframe, supervisor Jordana Cohen expected Cruz would complete only the first step of analyses in a study to determine whether arterial stiffness could be an early warning sign of cardiac events in patients with chronic kidney disease. Cruz finished the first batch of work in a week, prompting Cohen to let her run the entire study. The models Cruz built showed a clear link between large-artery stiffness and abnormal heart rhythm in those patients. The results have immediate clinical implications, which Cruz will present to doctors from around the world at the World Congress of Nephrology in Argentina. She will also be first author on an upcoming paper about the research. Because she thinks so deeply about the work she is doing and cares so much about this population, I think Julianna is going to help a lot of people with her work, says Cohen, a nephrologist and associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at Penn. Since last fall, Cruz has analyzed additional non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with chronic kidney disease, studying the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) meditation in physician Jeanie Parks human integrative physiology lab at the Emory University School of Medicine. She plans to continue that work this summer, when she will begin recruiting Latinx patients with chronic kidney disease for her honors thesis. For that project, Cruz will conduct interviews to examine how factors such as ethnicity and citizenship status affect views on health care and biomedical research. Cruz will juggle that work while also embarking on a global public health project next fall, when she will travel to India, South Africa and Argentina with the School for International Training. She also will be readying her applications for a joint MD/PhD program, a career path the Goldwater scholarship makes possible. I was in the midst of thinking that I should proceed with just medicine, because being first-gen and low-income, it would bring more stability faster, Cruz says. Im so grateful for the Goldwater because it affirms that I can help my family and thousands more people in the long run if I also contextualize patient narratives in research. Satvik Elayavalli Elayavalli arrived at Emory certain of one thing: He wanted to avoid writing long essays as much as possible. A major in chemistry seemed to fit the bill and provide a path forward to research and possibly medical school. In the fall of his first year at Emory, he found an undergraduate research role in biologist Anita Corbetts lab. Paired with another student, Elayavalli conducted genetic screenings, trying to identify suppressors of cancer-causing genes using a budding yeast model. He continued in the role during the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program, inserting genes into mutated yeast cells eight hours a day for 10 weeks. When he confessed to Corbett that he didnt enjoy the pressure and repetitive nature of the work, she suggested he pivot to analyzing RNA-sequencing data generated in collaboration with Jennifer Spangles lab in Emorys Winship Cancer Institute. At the time, no one in either lab could do that work. Elayavalli, who cites numerical analysis and numerical optimization as his favorite courses so far, taught himself the computational skills required for that analysis by watching video tutorials and reading code documentation online. He helped develop code that successfully characterized a specific mutation, earning him co-authorship on a manuscript under revision for the journal NAR Cancer. Elayavalli has since declared a major in applied mathematics and statistics and is taking graduate-level math courses. He plans to pursue a PhD in applied math, certain now that his niche lies in computational research with real-world impact in oncology research. Figuring out what you dont want to do is incredibly valuable, says Corbett, Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor of Biology and Emory College senior associate dean for research. Because he was self-reflective, Satvik is now on the cutting edge of optimizing systems and developing the methods needed for the next stage of cancer research. Elayavallis foundational understanding of the science helped him secure a computational research role last summer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His primary work was developing a simulation for single-cell RNA-sequencing data as part of Ken Chens bioinformatics lab, but he also volunteered to help another researcher with statistical tests on a different project. Publications related to both projects are forthcoming, with Elayavalli as co-author. He will apply machine learning to discover new methods to analyze medical images for his honors thesis. The work will be conducted with Anant Madabhushi, executive director of the Emory Empathetic AI for Health Institute and the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology. Elayavalli also plans to continue tutoring math and English as part of Emory Reads and helping behind the scenes with the Emory Composers Society, an outgrowth of working concerts at the Schwartz Center for Performing Arts for two years. Though he last performed a recital as a sophomore, Elayavalli also plans to enroll in piano courses until graduation, both as a stress reliever and a challenge. I think the reason I like math and the prospect of a career in this area is the same as piano, Elayavalli says. Both are solving puzzles where you have to figure out why something is going wrong or what will create an output in the specific way you need. Its very gratifying to win the Goldwater for that. When Together TakeMeHome launched in March 2023, the ambitious goal for the initiative the largest HIV self-testing program in the United States to date was to distribute 1 million self-tests in five years, or approximately 200,000 per year. The program surpassed 444,000 tests ordered in less than a year. While this tremendous response is certainly a cause for celebration for Together TakeMeHome which provides free HIV self-tests by mail to residents of all 50 states and Puerto Ricothis milestone is only one indicator of how the program effectively addresses stigma by removing barriers and empowering people to learn more about their own health. Additional Together TakeMeHome highlights include: 26% of those who provided information on prior testing history, had not previously tested for HIV. Another quarter (27%) had not tested within the last year. 72% of those who provided information on sex at birth, gender identity and race, were from communities disproportionately impacted by HIV - gay and bisexual men, cisgender Black women, and transgender women. 65% of people who provided information on their race or ethnicity were from racial and ethnic minority populations31% Hispanic, 24% Black, and 10% who selected other. 9 of the top 10 U.S. jurisdictions with most orders per capita were in the U.S. South, a region with higher rates of people living with HIV. 50% of orders from within geographic areas prioritized by the federal Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.initiative. Nearly 70% of orders came through dating apps. Accessing health care can be difficult for many people and even then, talking about sensitive health issues, such as the need for HIV testing, with their doctor can sometimes be tough. Together TakeMeHome is really filling a need for people who want that privacy and opportunity to check their HIV status at home and its free, says Patrick Sullivan, PhD, the projects lead scientist and professor of epidemiology and global health at Emory Universitys Rollins School of Public Health. Together TakeMeHome is funded by CDC under award number 1NU62PS924790 and is implemented through partnership and collaboration with Emory University, Building Healthy Online Communities (BHOC), NASTAD, Signal Group, and OraSure Technologies. The HIV self-tests are the FDA-approved OraQuick In-Home HIV Test (OraSure Technologies, Inc.) that use mouth swabs and take only 20 minutes to get a result. Interested participants can enroll through the programs website: together.takemehome.org. Multiple studies have demonstrated the value of self-testing for increasing the frequency of HIV testing, identifying new diagnoses and reaching people who reported they have never previously tested for HIV. Delayed diagnoses can lead to poor health outcomes and increased HIV transmission. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, holds talks with Choe Ryong Hae, a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang, the DPRK, April 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) PYONGYANG, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, held talks with Choe Ryong Hae, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), here on Thursday. Zhao, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, told Choe, a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), that the China-DPRK traditional friendship was established and cultivated meticulously by the elder generations of leaders of both parties and both countries. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping has repeatedly said that the CPC and the Chinese government attach great importance to the traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, and that it is China's unwavering strategy to maintain, consolidate and develop bilateral relations, Zhao said. Noting that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the DPRK, Zhao said that General Secretary Xi and WPK General Secretary Kim Jong Un have exchanged New Year congratulatory messages, and jointly designated 2024 as the "China-DPRK Friendship Year" and launched a series of activities. China is ready to work with the DPRK to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of both parties and both countries, and take the "China-DPRK Friendship Year" as an opportunity to intensify high-level exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, promote people-to-people exchanges and strengthen strategic coordination, so as to promote China-DPRK relations to continue to move forward, Zhao said. Exchanges between legislative bodies have been an important part of China-DPRK relations and long played a positive role in deepening bilateral relations, Zhao noted. China is ready to intensify exchanges and cooperation with the DPRK's legislative bodies to help lift China-DPRK traditional friendly and cooperative relations to a higher level, he said. Choe said the blood-cemented friendship between the two countries has a long history and profound foundation, and is the common precious heritage and wealth of the two countries. Under the strategic guidance of General Secretary Kim and General Secretary Xi, DPRK-China friendly relations have entered a new era, which strongly demonstrates the vitality and unbreakability of bilateral relations, Choe said. The DPRK is willing to join hands with China to follow the guidance of the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, and take the opportunity of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties and the "DPRK-China Friendship Year" to carry on and develop the traditional DPRK-China friendship, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and push for continuous development of DPRK-China friendly and cooperative relations, he said. The two sides exchanged views on the international and regional situations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. After the talks, Zhao and Choe witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields including reciprocal exemption of diplomatic and service visas, mutual translation and publication of classical literatures, customs quarantine, radio and television, and postal delivery. They also jointly attended the welcoming banquet held by the DPRK for the Chinese party and government delegation. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee, and Choe Ryong Hae, a member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), witness the signing of cooperation documents in the fields including reciprocal exemption of diplomatic and service visas, mutual translation and publication of classical literatures, customs quarantine, radio and television, and postal delivery after their talks in Pyongyang, the DPRK, April 11, 2024. Zhao Leji held talks with Choe Ryong Hae in Pyongyang on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) The Lahore police secured a four-day physical remand for Abubakar Muaviya after a case was registered against him at the Shahdara Police Station for raping a child. Earlier, authorities apprehended Muaviya from the scene of the alleged crime, where he was reportedly caught in the act of raping a minor boy. Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), Ayesha Raza Farooq, took to Twitter to announce Muaviya''s arrest, stating, "Abubakar Siddique Muaviya has been ARRESTED in criminal case number 2441/24 dated 7/4/24 u/s 376(iii). Accused is now on a 4 day physical remand (sic)." She commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police and the NCRC. This incident comes on the heels of Muaviya''s recent arrest in Tandlianwala, Faisalabad, on similar charges of child rape. However, he was discharged from that case after the victim''s father expressed forgiveness, citing misunderstandings and invoking divine mercy. A video circulating on social media captured the father''s forgiveness, facilitated by a respected cleric who mediated the resolution, Dawn reported, (ANI) NewsVoir Manipal (Karnataka) [India], April 11: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have joined forces to inaugurate the Deployment of a Robust Need based aerial healthcare delivery system (DRONE). The program aims to utilize drones for transporting Oncopathological Samples between Peripheral and Tertiary Care Hospitals in Karnataka. The primary objective of this initiative is to assess the feasibility of transferring materials, such as frozen section samples, from remote locations to peripheral hospitals using aerial means. This endeavor is expected to enhance the healthcare system by enabling surgeons to perform procedures requiring such investigations in rural areas. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have been gaining popularity across various industries, including healthcare. In India, the lack of intraoperative sample transportation from rural areas presents a significant challenge. The DRONE project seeks to explore the feasibility, utility, and cost-effectiveness of utilizing drones for this purpose. By leveraging drone technology, samples can be transported swiftly, providing immediate access to advanced diagnostics like Frozen section during surgical procedures. If successful, this research could revolutionize healthcare delivery by establishing connections between remote hospitals and laboratory facilities, thereby facilitating complex surgeries for patients in geographically inaccessible regions. The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, Govt. of India and Director General, ICMR, and Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, DGHS, MoHFW, who served as chief guests. Dr Sanghmitra Pati, Additional Director General (ADG), ICMR and Director, ICMR-RMRC, Bhubaneshwar, Anu Nagar, Joint Secretary, Dept. of Health Research, Govt. of India, Dr Kamini Walia, Scientist G & Head, Division of DDR, ICMR-Hq, New Delhi, Lt. Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Dr Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences) MAHE, Manipal, were among the distinguished guests. Dr Rajiv Bahl, in inaugurating the project, lauded the initiative's innovative approach to healthcare delivery, highlighting its potential to revolutionize sample transportation and diagnostic services, particularly in underserved rural areas. During the event, Dr Kamini Walia highlighted the significance of the project, emphasizing its potential impact on healthcare accessibility. Speaking on the occasion, Anu Nagar emphasized the transformative potential of the DRONE project, stating that it represents a significant step towards bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring equitable access to medical services across Karnataka. Dr Sanghmitra Pati underscored the importance of collaborative research efforts in addressing healthcare challenges, expressing optimism about the project's ability to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes. Dr Atul Goel emphasized the importance of the project in addressing healthcare disparities and enhancing medical services in rural areas. Lt. Gen (Dr) Venkatesh congratulated the ICMR for spearheading this pioneering initiative, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology to address healthcare disparities and improve healthcare access for all communities. In his presidential address, Dr H.S. Ballal appreciated ICMR's collaborative spirit behind this drone project and emphasized the importance of innovation in healthcare. MAHE Manipal has always been at the forefront in such innovation. The event commenced with a welcome note by Dr Sunil Aggarwal, Scientist and Program Officer, ICMR. Dr Kirthinath Ballala, Chief Medical Officer at Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and contributors for their unwavering support and dedication to the DRONE project. Dr Narayan Sabhahith, Pro chancellor (Technology and Science), Dr Giridhar Kini, Registrar of MAHE Manipal, Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean-KMC, Dr Anand Venugopal, COO-Teaching Hospital, MAHE, Manipal, Dr Arun Mayya Dean, Manipal College of Health Profession, Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr Kuldeep Nigam from ICMR also attended the event. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Tata Group airline Vistara, which recently made headlines due to a significant number of flight cancellations and delays, is now focusing on operational planning for May and beyond. In a newsletter to employees, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan acknowledged the challenging start to the new financial year. The airline faced significant operational disruptions from March 31 onwards. "The anxiety and frustration felt by our customers was matched in even measure to the pain that all of us felt in seeing our much-loved brand drawing negative commentary from various quarters," the CEO's newsletter read. A significant number of Vistara pilots had taken sick leave following the announcement of new salary rules, coinciding with the merger with Air India. The pilot shortage issue stemmed from pay cuts implemented after new flying hours regulations came into effect recently. Over 200 Vistara flights were affected--either cancelled or delayed--over the past two weeks. Through the newsletter, Kannan assured employees that the worst was behind them. He added that the airline has stabilised its operations, with on-time performance (OTP) increasing to 89 per cent on April 9th. Regarding the delays and flight cancellations, he wrote that there were a multitude of reasons behind them, including ATC delays, bird hits, and maintenance activities early last month--all of which had a cascading effect on the operations. "We could and should have planned better, and this has been a learning experience for us which we will review thoroughly," he added. He thanked all the staff who faced a daunting and escalating situation but still worked with utmost professionalism. "Dealing with disappointed customers is never easy but amidst all the chaos, we have received feedback on how some of you went beyond the call of duty to assist our customers to the extent possible." "Let me reiterate that we are working with the relevant teams to introduce more resilience to our operations," he added. Meanwhile, Vistara has scaled back its operations by around 25-30 flights per day, or roughly 10 per cent of the capacity it was operating. According to the CEO, flight cancellations are mostly on its domestic network. On the customer front, he said the airline has reached out to each customer impacted by cancellations and delays over the affected period and provided the necessary compensation. (ANI) On the 197th birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, the makers of the 'Phule' team unveiled a new poster. In the newly unveiled poster, lead actors Pratik Gandhi and Patralekhaa, portraying the iconic couple Mahatma Jyotirao Govindrao Phule and his wife, Dnyanajyoti Savitribai Phule, are depicted gazing towards the horizon, symbolising the dawn of a new era--a metaphor for the educational revolution initiated by them. Speaking about the film, National Award-winning director Ananth Narayan Mahadevan expressed his desire to shine a spotlight on the prevailing social ills that continue to plague society today. "Mahatma and Jyotiba Phule fought against caste and gender discrimination, which unfortunately persists even today. I aim to reignite conversations about these pressing issues that demand our attention," remarked Mahadevan. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Jyotirao Phule and said that the social reformer's relentless efforts in the fields of education and women empowerment have left an indelible mark on society. PM Modi took to his X social media account to reiterate his government's commitment to fulfilling the vision of the social reformer to empower the poor and marginalised. "Today, we pay homage to the great Mahatma Phule on his Jayanti. A visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to fighting injustice and promoting equality, his thoughts give strength to millions. His relentless efforts in the field of education and women empowerment have left an indelible mark on society. Today is an occasion to reiterate our commitment to fulfilling his vision to empower the poor and marginalized," PM Modi said. (ANI) On the second day of Chaitra Navratri, the devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini. Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar. This year, the festival started on April 9 and will end on April 17. Chouhan was seen washing the legs of a girl child as part of the Navratri celebrations. Talking to social media on X, the former CM posted, "As I touched my daughter's feet, the image of 'Maa' (the goddess worshipped during the Navratras)) manifested in my heart." All nine days of Navratri are devoted to honouring the nine incarnations of the goddess 'Shakti'. The occasion also marks the start of the Hindu New Year as per the Luni-solar calendar, and people in Maharashtra celebrate it as Gudi Padwa, while the Kashmiri Hindus observe it as Navreh. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on the occasions of Ugadi, Cheti Chand, Sajibu Cheiraoba, Navreh and Gudi Padwa, festivals celebrated in different parts of the country to mark the traditional new year. Taking to his official X handle, PM Modi posted, "Best wishes to all my family members of the country on the occasion of Navratri. We wish that this great festival of worship of Shakti brings happiness, prosperity, good fortune and health to everyone. Jai Mata Di!." (ANI) Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Thakur, who was recently elected to the Upper House of Parliament, was made to take her oath again after she substituted the name of a Matua community guru in the place of "God" while talking oath of office, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh said. The Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman said that Thakur had on Wednesday violated Article 99 of the Constitution. Speaking to ANI, Singh said that Thakur took oath in Bangla but made changes according to her personal choice. Harichand Thakur is a revered saint of the Matua community, to which Mamata Thakur belongs. According to Singh the TMC leader was asked by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to read out the prescribed format instead of the deviation. "Mamata Thakur from West Bengal took oath in Bangla but made changes according to personal choice. She replaces the word 'God' with the name of her deity. This is a violation of Article 99 of the Constitution, which dictates a format for the oath to the Parliament. The Chairman of the house ordered her to take the oath again, which she complied with," Singh said. He further said that the Constitution does not allow any difference from the prescribed rules as it will be considered illegal and will be considered null and void. "Nominated members can take an oath according to the third schedule of the constitution. They can take oaths in the languages listed in the eighth list of languages. The Constitution does not allow any difference from the prescribed rules as it will be considered illegal and it will be considered null and void... There have been previous cases of deviations as well and have been dealt with by the Chairman of the House accordingly," the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman said. Vice President of India and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday administered oath to 10 of the newly elected members of the upper house of Parliament. Those who were administered oath of office include Mayankbhai Jaydevbhai Nayak, Narayanasa K Bhandage, Milind Murli Deora, Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade, Renuka Chowdhury, Amarpal Maurya, Sanjay Seth, Ramji Lal Suman, Sagarika Ghose and Mamata Thakur. The oath was administered in the new Parliament building. (ANI) Several political leaders across the country extended their greetings on the occasion of Eid-al-Fitr and wished for unity, integrity and togetherness among the people. Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chief Ghulam Nabi Azad, who offered prayers at Jama Masjid Mosque on Delhi's Parliament Street on Thursday wished people on the occassion. "Eid is the biggest day of joy. I pray to the supreme God that he accepts the 'Roza' of people all across the world. Eid Mubarak to everyone. I pray to Allah for unity, integrity and love in our country," Azad said. BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain in his message on Eid, prayed for the country's growth. "I would like to extend my greetings to all the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid. May everyone's lives be full of happiness and the country moves towards growth," Hussain said. Ghulam Nabi Azad and Shahnawaz Hussain were seen hugging and greeting each other. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said, "My country is a country where people of every religion. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Parsis and others live together and celebrate each other's festivals. I extend my wishes to everyone on the occasion of Eid." Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival is of great significance due to the moon sighting which has been part of Islamic culture for a long time. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad used to wait for news of sightings of the crescent moon as it indicated the beginning of a new month. The sighting of the crescent moon marked the end of Ramzan on Wednesday, and the beginning of Eid al-Fitr, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar. Ending the holy month of Ramzan and starting a new spiritual journey also marks the beginning of a new Islamic year. Eid-ul-Fitr marks the month-long Ramzan fasting and the beginning of Shawwal which is the tenth month per the Islamic calendar. Since the observance of the moon is essential for ending Ramzan month and celebrating Eid, it is celebrated in different parts on different days usually with a one-day difference. President Droupadi Murmu while extending her Eid greetings prayed for the country's progress on the path of progress and peace for the people. "I wish all my countrymen, especially my Muslim brothers and sisters, a very happy Eid-ul-Fitr. This festival, celebrated after the holy month of Ramzan, spreads the spirit of unity, harmony and brotherhood. This festival of sharing happiness inspires forgiveness and charity. On this auspicious occasion, I wish that our country continues to progress on the path of progress and all the countrymen always live in peace," the President posted on X in Hindi and Urdu language. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday expressed condolences over Haryana's Mahendragarh bus accident that claimed the lives of five children and prayed for the "speedy recovery of the injured." Shah's statement comes moments after the news aired about the accident of a private school bus near Unhani village in the Kanina area of Mahendergarh district after the driver tried to overtake another vehicle, leaving an unprecedented incident in which five students lost their lives and 15 suffered injuries. "The accident of the school bus in Mahendragarh, Haryana, is extremely saddening. My condolences are with the grieving families of the deceased children. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow. The injured children are being provided assistance by the local administration. I hope for their speedy recovery," Shah took to 'X', formerly known as Twitter, to express his sorrow. A student who suffered injuries after the private school bus met with an accident in Mahendragarh's Kanina said, "The driver was drunk and he kept the speed at 120, which led to misbalance." Ravi Kaushik, a doctor at Nihal Hospital, said that four students were brought dead, whereas one succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. "Four students were brought dead, and one critical student who was put on a ventilator passed away at the hospital. 15 injured students have been referred to another hospital. SDM and administration are present," the doctor said. Police officials said that the school bus belongs to GL Public School in Kanina. The school was functioning despite a holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. (ANI) Congress leader from Jammu and Kashmir Jahanzaib Sirwal on Thursday resigned from the party accusing it of failing to address the aspirations and will of the people of the Union Territory. In his letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Sirwal alleged that the party unit of J-K has become directionless, visionless and devoid of any meaningful policies. He also accused that the voices of the grassroots workers and leaders have been systematically sidelined by the inept leadership that currently governs affairs in the region. "Recent events have led me to re-evaluate my allegiance to the party. Despite my unwavering commitment, I can no longer ignore the glaring failures of the Congress party in addressing the aspirations and will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress party in Jammu and Kashmir has become directionless, visionless and devoid of any meaningful policies. The voices of the grassroots workers and leaders have been systematically sidelined by the inept leadership that currently governs affairs in the region," he said. Sirwal further said that the decision to entrust leadership to incompetent hands has not only resulted in the party's decline but has also disenfranchised the masses who once looked to Congress as their voice. "After much contemplation and soul-searching, I have decided to part ways with the Congress party. My decision stems from a desire to truly represent the people and uphold their interests with honesty and integrity. Rather than perpetuating false hopes and promises," he added. (ANI) Artificial intelligence holds key to future education 10:30, April 11, 2024 By Li Zhen ( People's Daily Artificial intelligence (AI) education is gaining momentum in China. China's Ministry of Education (MOE) recently announced a list of 184 primary and secondary schools selected as AI education bases, with the aim of better promoting the development of AI education. Six schools in Beijing were on the list, including Beijing Hongzhi Middle School. Contestants debug their independently designed and programmed robots in the Youth Robot Design Contest at the World Robot Contest 2023 in southwest China's Chongqing municipality, Oct. 28, 2023. (People's Daily Online/Qin Tingfu) "Since 2018, we have been gradually exploring the application of AI technology in our classrooms," said Cai Lei, principal of Beijing Hongzhi Middle School. Currently, students are benefiting from the fruits of AI applications in many subjects, Cai added. In English classes, students can use AI products to enhance their speaking skills. Whenever a word is mispronounced, it will be immediately displayed on a screen. After Chinese language classes, teachers will utilize a large language model developed by the Research Center for Language Intelligence of China to grade students' compositions, improving their writing skills in an efficient manner. During physical education classes, AI equipment can automatically record data on each student' performance, such as the number of pull-ups and standing long jump distances. The data is then carefully analyzed to offer tailored guidance to enhance their physical capabilities. Beijing Hongzhi Middle School has also introduced general education curriculums on information technology and established a dedicated club to support students with a keen interest in this subject and help them develop their skills. During the winter break this year, the school launched an AI course specifically for middle school students. "I believe the development of AI technology should allow intelligent machines to assist human life, and even expand human intelligence. I'm sure that this technology has a bright development prospect," said Li Muqi, a sophomore student who joined the course. "The acquisition of knowledge about AI technology is essential for the growth of primary and secondary school students in multiple areas," Cai noted. Offering AI-related courses in primary and secondary schools not only prepares students for the changing world, but also develops their cognitive processes and bolsters their scientific proficiency, laying a foundation for them to better face competition and challenges in the era of intelligence, he said. AI is not only changing the way students learn, but also transforming teaching methods. Students operate a robot with a tablet in an artificial intelligence class on the north campus of Hefei No. 38 Middle School, east China's Anhui province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Jun) Wei Yungang, director of the experimental education center at Beijing Normal University's School of Artificial Intelligence, told People's Daily that currently, the main role of AI technology in education is to help with lesson planning and teaching organization. "For instance, with help of computer vision and other AI technologies, teachers can gain better insights into students' learning status, knowledge comprehension and emotional state. This provides new ways for teachers to accurately assess the situation of each student and develop personalized teaching plans to meet their needs," Wei said. Additionally, AI offers more possibilities for instructional design and teaching implementation. "AI technology can make up for limitations of traditional classrooms and assist teachers in creating more novel and engaging curriculum. For instance, big data analysis can help identify the most effective teaching methods and materials; generative AI can be used for knowledge search and classroom scenario simulations; augmented reality technology can make classroom presentations more engaging and effective," Wei explained. Today, Chinese universities are strengthening the development of AI disciplines. As of 2023, 498 universities in the country had offered undergraduate programs in AI. Many Chinese universities are collaborating with major tech companies to provide joint training programs for AI talents, so as to adapt to the rapid iteration of AI technology, the high demand for AI professionals, and the extensive applications of AI. Wuhan University recently announced to establish a robotics department within its School of Computer Science together with tech firm Xiaomi. Focusing on core AI technologies, the robotics department aims to build a collaborative innovation system integrating enterprises, universities, research institutions, and end-users. Huazhong University of Science and Technology has partnered with tech giant Baidu to establish an innovation center for AI education, which will combine teaching scenarios with industrial needs to conduct cutting-edge education and scientific research, thereby supplying the industry with innovative talents in large model applications and development. "AI is a discipline involving computer science, mathematics, statistics, cognitive science, and other related areas. When cultivating AI talents at institutions of higher education, we should place a strong emphasis on building a solid foundation of knowledge while also strengthening school-enterprise cooperation and the collaboration among enterprises, universities, and research institutions, thus allowing students to grow through practical experience," said Wei. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) LUANDA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Angola is facing "less available foreign exchange resources," Angola Press Agency reported, quoting the country's Minister of State for Economic Coordination Jose de Lima Massano, as saying Wednesday. Speaking to the press after he visited the municipality of Matala, in the country's southern province of Huila, Massano acknowledged that 95 percent of Angola's foreign exchange income comes from oil trade, "but currently, there is a decline." "Due to the commitments the country has made, using external financing, we have moments when we must make debt service payments, which puts pressure on foreign exchange management," he said. The official, who is responsible for Angola's economic sector, disclosed that the National Treasury will conduct another foreign exchange sale operation this month while stressing the importance of market conditions fostering increased production and services to relieve foreign exchange pressure. He also stressed the need for Angola to promote local production to "reduce imports and feel less need for obtaining foreign exchange." According to data from the National Bank of Angola, the central bank, the country's international reserves totaled 14.17 billion U.S. dollars in February, covering 7.21 months of imports of goods and services. Addressing a public rally in Uttarakhand's Rishikesh, known as the 'Yoga Capital' of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that even when yoga was not as popular, people across the world used to visit Rishikesh out of curiosity about it. "Rishikesh is one of the most prominent tourist centres for people from neighbouring states. There was a time when yoga was not so popular, but even then, people from different countries used to visit Rishikesh out of curiosity about yoga," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also shared a personal anecdote about encountering an American citizen during his visit to the United States, adorned with garlands of Rudraksha, who attributed his lifestyle changes to his visits to Rishikesh. "I remember once I visited the US, a very remote area, and I was looking for vegetarian food. Meanwhile, I spotted a small shop owned by an American citizen. He had three or four garlands of Rudraksha around his neck. As I told him about my difficulty, he asked me not to worry as he would arrange some vegetarian food for me. During our interaction, he told me he keeps visiting Rishikesh, which has led to this kind of change in his lifestyle, and so he adorns the garland of Rudraksha," he said. Further listing down the opportunities Uttarakhand and Rishikesh offer in the field of tourism and the works done by the BJP government to increase it, PM Modi said continuous work is being done to increase rail, road, and air connectivity in Uttarakhand. "In the field of tourism, Rishikesh has everything, in adventure tourism, it has rafting and camping. Those interested in spirituality or Yoga also get satisfied after visiting Rishikesh," the PM said. He said that the BJP government is creating new job opportunities by supporting tourism in Uttarakhand. "For this, our focus is on Uttarakhand's connectivity with the rest of India. We are continuously increasing rail, road, and air connectivity in Uttarakhand. Work is underway on the Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway line. The distance between Delhi and Dehradun is also reducing," the PM added. "Border villages, which were called 'last villages' under Congress, are now being developed under the BJP government. Air services have started for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. A 900-kilometre-long highway is also being built to connect Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath," PM Modi said. He also highlighted the number of tourists who visited Kedarnath and participated in the Char Dham Yatra. "Last year, around 20 lakh devotees visited Kedarnath and in the entire Char Dham Yatra, over 55 lakh devotees visited Uttarakhand," he pointed out. Mentioning Uttarakhand's achievements, the PM said, "Youths of Uttarakhand have registered more than one thousand startups, out of which 500 are being led by our daughters. Uttarakhand farmers have received more than 2,600 crores of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi in their bank accounts. If there had been a Congress government, everything would have been looted." PM Modi also slammed the Congress party for their dynasty politics, saying, "For the Congress leaders, first the royal family of Delhi and then their own family are everything. But for Modi, my India is my family. A very important part of my life was spent in this devbhoomi." "I have seen the hardships of our mothers and sisters, and that's why our government makes LPG cylinders available to every family. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, a lot of work has been done in Uttarakhand," he said. During the rally, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was sharing the stage with the PM, presented a 'Hudka' made by artisans of the state to him. Later, PM Modi was also seen tapping the 'Hudka' on the stage. Rishikesh comes under the Haridwar Lok Sabha seat, and the BJP has fielded Trivendra Singh Rawat as its candidate. Notably, among the 543 Lok Sabha seats, Uttarakhand contributes five seats to the 543-member Lok Sabha. The BJP has fielded Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, Anil Baluni, Ajay Tamta, Ajay Bhatt, and Trivendra Singh Rawat from the state. The voting for the state of Uttarakhand will be held in a single phase on April 19. Uttarakhand has been a hotly contested terrain for the BJP and Congress. Earlier in the 2014 and 2019 mega elections, the ruling BJP-led NDA clinched victory across all Lok Sabha constituencies. (ANI) Hours after Bijnor MP Malook Nagar resigned from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he joined Jayant Choudhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) in Delhi on Thursday. Expressing optimism, Jayant Chaudhary welcomed him to the RLD by tying a green thread. Nagar, the Lok Sabha member from Bijnor in western Uttar Pradesh, quit the BSP on Thursday and said he wanted to work for the country. Nagar had won the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as a candidate of the BSP which was then in alliance with the RLD and Samajwadi Party. After joining RLD, Nagar said, "When I became an MP, RLD Samajwadi Party and BSP played a huge role in it. Jayant Choudhary played a significant role as well....I always raised many issues in Parliament rising above party and politics.." "It is not wrong to talk about the minority communities. I have written to all my MLAs that total 51 per cent from MLA fund should be spent on minorities. Ours is the first party that has told its MPs to do so," he added. Meanwhile, on his resignation, MP Malook Nagar said, "This is the first time in the last 39 years that I am neither contesting the election of MP nor MLA, but I want to work for the country, hence today I have decided to leave the BSP." "This has been a history in BSP that after one term, either you'll be thrown out of the party or the people leave it," he added. Uttar Pradesh has 80 parliamentary seats. The Lok Sabha elections will be conducted in seven phases across the country. Voting will take place on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, with counting scheduled for June 4. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party will 'sweep' in Karnataka in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections while exuding confidence in registering a victory on some seats in Kerala as well as in Tamil Nadu. He also said that efforts are being put to form a government in Tamil Nadu in the 2026 Assembly elections. Responding to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's claims in Parliament that BJP cannot win in southern states, Singh said, "I think he is not rightly aware of the country. We have been in power in Karnataka. That too twice. Then how are they claiming that we can't assume power in the South? In Andhra Pradesh also, we were in alliance with TDP and they were in power. Yes, we haven't formed a government yet in Tamil Nadu, eventually that too will happen. I'm saying this based on my ground experience, I just returned from Tamil Nadu. And I'm not very happy with the situation there, the way things have changed." Notably, when the BJP contested its first election in 1984, it won only two Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, both these seats were not won by Atal Bihari Vajpayee or Lal Krishna Advani. One seat was in Gujarat's Mehsana and the other in Andhra Pradesh's Hanamkonda. BJP's AK Patel had won in Mehsana, while, Chandupatia Janga Reddy won from Hanamkonda. The Defence Minister said that the party workers will not rest till the BJP government is formed in Tamil Nadu in 2026. "Just wait for the results, you will know. And in Kerala also we will win some seats. We will put all efforts to win all seats in Tamil Nadu this time in the Lok Sabha elections. But our fight doesn't end there. We will continue our efforts to form government there in 2026," the BJP leader said. Exuding confidence that the party will make a mark in South India in the Lok Sabha polls, he said, "Not just the fine number of seats but will win a decent number of seats in South India. Will sweep it in Karnataka. Maybe here and there, it might vary but in Karnataka, will sweep." Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role in the growth of the country and the people of the country also believe in him, he said, "The country wants to see it at this time. The countrymen want to see this. Who will take the country to the top? If we look at who is making India's stature bigger on the global platform and who will be able to make it bigger, our eyes go to Modi ji. People are also with us." Responding to allegations of a North-South divide, the Defence Minister said, "There are a lot of allegations. Didn't our Prime Minister take any steps for the development of Tamil Nadu? Didn't he do anything there? Take the defence corridor proposals for example. Two defence corridors have been announced. From the north, Uttar Pradesh was chosen for the same, being the biggest state here and when the question of the south came, then Tamil Nadu was the choice, which is also a big state. Didn't we build a defence corridor there? So if Hindi-Non Hindi distinction existed, then would our government take such a decision?" "Over 100 schemes are being implemented by the central government. Whatever schemes were introduced, they are not just confined to the northern states, they are implemented in southern states also. So what is the basis of these allegations that the central government is discriminating against the southern states? They are making allegations just for the sake of it," he added. Singh said that the opposition who are creating controversies on Sanatan Dharma are the people who mix it with caste and politics. He said that Sanatan 'envisions everyone's welfare.' "How can Sanatan be Dengue? Sanatan envisions everyone's welfare. It isn't something that ends. For them, whenever Sanatan comes into a debate they mix it with caste and politics. Sanatan Dharma has been here for over 1000 years," he said. On asked about BJP's candidates K Annamalai and Madhavi Latha in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh respectively, engaged in 'aggressive politics' in the run-up to the elections, Singh said, "It is not aggressive politics it is a very balanced politics. And I will say politics should be like this. The public-related issues should be highlighted in politics. It should be highlighted in such a way that it creates pressure on the local government and they take decisions in the interest of the public." The Defence Minister also criticised the opposition parties for raising allegations that President Droupadi Murmu was not invited to the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony due to her caste. "If it was about caste, then why should we propose her name for the President in the first place? I feel very bad. Because someone sitting on a constitutional post like President and we are discussing caste. We do not make decisions based on caste, those people do it. We take decisions that we feel are appropriate in the interest of the country," Singh said. (ANI) Missile-firing detachments from mechanised and infantry units of the entire Eastern Command participated in the training exercise. The exercise encompassed comprehensive continuity training and live firing from different platforms on moving as well as static targets depicting battlefield conditions, the release stated. The ATGM detachments demonstrated the capability to neutralise armoured threats with unparalleled lethality, ensuring mission success on treacherous mountains, it added. The ATGM system's performance in high-altitude environments reaffirms the aim of 'Ek Missile Ek Tank', and showcases the accuracy and effectiveness of the ATGM system in super-high-altitude terrain, the released stated further. (ANI) Three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an air strike carried out by the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed. The three sons of the Hamas leader, who were confirmed dead by the Israeli forces, were identified as Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wind and Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh. "IAF aircraft struck Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, and Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, both Hamas military operatives, in central Gaza today. The IDF confirms that the 3 operatives are the sons of Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas' political bureau," IDF posted on its official X handle. https://x.com/IDF/status/1778118740699164921 Four of Haniyeh's grandchildren are also reported to have been killed in the strike on the Shati refugee camp on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Al Jazeera reported. Haniyeh, meanwhile, told Al Jazeera that Palestinian leaders will not back down if their families are targeted by the Israeli army, and that the killings will not affect Hamas's demands in the negotiations for a ceasefire. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Haniyeh confirmed the killing of his children Hazem, Amir and Mohammad along with a number of his grandchildren on Wednesday. Al Jazeera reported citing the Shehab news agency that at least three grandchildren of the Hamas leader were also killed in the Israeli air strike. Haniyeh said they were targeted as they were his visiting relatives for Eid at the Shati refugee camp. "Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation," Haniyeh said, adding that around 60 members of his family, including nieces and nephews, have been killed since the start of the war. The Hamas political leader, who is based in the Gulf state of Qatar, decried what he described as Israel's brutality in Gaza and stressed that Palestinian leaders will not back down if their families and homes are targeted, Al Jazeera reported. "There is no doubt that this criminal enemy is driven by the spirit of revenge and the spirit of murder and bloodshed, and it does not observe any standards or laws," Haniyeh said. "We've seen it violate everything on the land of Gaza. There is a war of ethnic cleansing and genocide. There is mass displacement," he added. (ANI) Nearly 60,000 Israelis were evacuated from 43 towns that are under attack by Hezbollah missiles, amid fears that the militant group could execute its offensive plan to occupy the Galilee region of northern Israel, an Israeli researcher said on Wednesday. "The war started here on October 8 and since then, we have been under fire from Hezbollah every day from anti-tank missiles, which are accurate and launched against everybody. They killed an Indian foreign worker as well. As many as 60,000 Israelis were evacuated across 43 towns that turned into ghost towns since this war started. The prevailing situation also affects civilians like myself, who weren't evacuated," Sarit Zehavi, the president and founder of Alma Research and Education Centre and former researcher in the Israel Defence Forces Intelligence Corps, told ANI. "I live 9 km from the border and civilians from these areas were not evacuated. We do hear the deafening sounds of war all around us. We had the sirens going off a few times. Everything changed...our lives haven't been the same since this war started. However, what troubles us more, or the worst scenario that we now fear is the Hezbollah executing its offensive plan to occupy Galilee," she added. Haifa is a city in Israel that lies close to the Lebanese border and also includes the Western Galilee region. It is located on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel, with the lowest level being the centre of commerce and industry, the middle level being residential neighbourhoods, and the upper level being modern neighbourhoods. The city is also close to Haifa Bay and has many beaches on the Mediterranean. On whether Israel would agree to a ceasefire in the region amid rising pressure from the US administration, she claimed that the ceasefire would not ensure security and peace but, rather, would enable Hezbollah to preserve and shore up its capabilities against Israel. "There could be a ceasefire, but a ceasefire doesn't mean security and peace. Actually, I am more worried about a scenario of a ceasefire as it will enable Hezbollah to preserve its dangerous capabilities against Israel. It will also retain its ability to someday invade and kill us the same way that Hamas did in the south," she told ANI. "I think there are various options. Each of them comes with a price. The Israeli government will have to choose between bad options in this situation, as we need to bring the 60,000 (abducted) Israelis back home and Hezbollah wants to make sure that they stay away from their loved ones," she added. Another Indian researcher in Israel also described his first reaction to the war and the help he received from the Indian embassy to safely return to India. "When it (the war) started, it was all so sudden...it was chaos and confusion that day. And then things became clear. The embassy reached out to us about the flight back home. They assured us of sending back all of us who wanted to go home," Rahul, an Indian student who is pursuing PhD in organic chemistry in Israel, told ANI. "So, eventually, they took us back in two, three days. Like all the people who wanted to go home, we signed up via email and then they took us home in three days. And, yeah, it was very clear and we knew what to do exactly," he added. Another Indian student also thanked the authorities in New Delhi for helping out distressed natives caught up in the conflict and making sure of their safety in the war-torn region. "After the attack took place, we received an email from the embassy. We contacted the embassy and the government of India. The Indian embassy was very kind to reach back with help. They made all the necessary arrangements...everything went off smoothly. So we would like to thank the Indian government, as well as the government of Israel," he said. (ANI) Nearly 60,000 Israelis were evacuated from 43 towns that are under attack by Hezbollah missiles, amid fears that the militant group could execute its offensive plan to occupy the Galilee region of northern Israel, an Israeli researcher said on Wednesday. "The war started here on October 8 and since then, we are under fire from Hezbollah every day with anti-tank missiles, which are accurate missiles that are launched against everybody. They killed an Indian foreign worker as well. 60,000 Israelis were evacuated in 43 towns; 43 towns have become ghost towns since this war started. The situation also affects those who were not evacuated that are living like myself," the president and founder of Alma Research and Education Centre and former researcher in the Israel Defence Forces Intelligence Corps, Sarit Zehavi told ANI. "I live 9 km from the border and these areas were not evacuated but we do hear all the sounds of war around us. We had the sirens a few times. So everything changed, you know, since this war started. And I think that the thing that troubles us more, or the worst scenario that now we saw it happening is that Hezbollah will execute its offensive plan to occupy the Galilee," she added. Haifa is a city in Israel that has views of the Lebanese border and the Western Galilee region of Israel. It's located on the northern slopes of Mount Carmel, with the lowest level being the centre of commerce and industry, the middle level being residential neighbourhoods, and the upper level being modern neighbourhoods. The city is also close to Haifa Bay and has many beaches on the Mediterranean. On whether Israel would agree to a ceasefire in the region amid rising pressure from the US President Joe Biden administration, she claimed that the ceasefire would not ensure security and peace but rather would enable Hezbollah to preserve its capabilities against Israel. "There could be a ceasefire, but a ceasefire doesn't mean security and peace. Actually, I am more worried of a scenario of a ceasefire that will enable Hezbollah to preserve its dangerous capabilities against Israel and will preserve its initiative to one day invade and kill us the same way that Hamas had done in the south," she said. "I think there are various options. Each of them has a price. The Israeli government will have to choose between a bad option to a bad option in this situation because we need to bring the 60,000 Israelis back to their homes and Hezbollah wants to make sure they are out of their homes." she added. Another Indian researcher in Israel also described his first reaction to the war and the help he received from the Indian embassy to safely return to India. "So when it started, it was sudden, like there was whole confusion on that day. And then things became clear. The embassy contacted us regarding the flight back. As they said, they will take all of us who want to go home," Rahul, an Indian student who is pursuing PhD in organic chemistry in Israel. "So, eventually, they took us back in two, three days. Like all the people who wanted to go home, we signed up via email and then they took us home in three days. And, yeah, it was very clear and we knew what to do exactly," he added. Another Indian student in Israel thanked the authorities in New Delhi for helping its citizens in Israel and making sure of their safety in the war-torn region. "When the attack happened, we got an email from the embassy. We contacted embassy and the government of India and the Embassy of India were kind enough. They did everything and everything was very smooth. So we would like to, thanks to government of India and also government of Israel, like here. Everything was good, like, to our university. And so, yeah, everything was very smooth," he said. (ANI) With Germany among the top weapon suppliers to Israel amid the ongoing offensive in Gaza against Hamas, pro-Palestinian organisations in the country are pursuing the legal route to persuade German policymakers to shift their stance on Tel Aviv, DW News reported. Deutsche Welle (DW) is an international broadcaster based out of Germany. Last week, Berlin-based lawyers filed an 'urgent appeal' on behalf of Palestinians against the German government in a German court, according to a statement by the European Legal Support Center, a nonprofit aligned with the Palestinian solidarity movement. The suit alleges that German "weapons are being used to commit grave violations of international law, such as the crime of genocide and war crimes". The plaintiffs called on the courts to order a halt to these deliveries. On Friday, the government's deputy spokesperson, Christiane Hoffmann, told reporters she would have to follow up later with a response to the latest legal action, DW News reported. The case goes hand-in-hand with criminal charges filed on behalf of Palestinians in February, which specifically targeted high-ranking members of the German government, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and Economy Minister Robert Habeck, whose cabinet portfolios are most responsible for approving weapons export licenses. Other countries such as Canada and the Netherlands have already taken steps to review their military support for Israel. The latest effort, against the German government as a whole, specifically goes after 'weapons of war'. The German laws covering export licenses to third countries distinguish between those and 'other military equipment'. "War weapons" include tanks and fighter jets, which must meet a higher bar to receive export approval. 'Other military equipment', as defined by government terminology, could include equipment such as helmets, body armour, medical supplies, and training resources. DW News said in its report that over 20 years from 2003 to 2023, German governments approved nearly 3.3 billion Euros (USD 3.6 billion) in arms export licenses to Israel, according to Forensis, a Berlin-based investigatory nonprofit. More than half of that is listed as "war weapons," including big-ticket items such as submarines. Forensis is aligned with those filing the suit, but its report is based on open-source data from the German government and other public sources, such as SIPRI, a conflict research institute. In a recent SIPRI report, Germany was listed as Israel's second-biggest supplier of weapons, behind the United States, between 2019 and 2023. The two countries account for nearly all of Israel's weapons imports. In 2022 and 2023, the split between the two was almost 50-50. In the latest five-year period, the Forensis report shows that the value of 'actual exports' of war weapons to Israel is 'redacted' or 'undisclosed' to "avoid the identification of relevant companies" and to "protect trade and business secrets", DW News reported, quoting from a German government report from 2020. The German government approved almost all export licenses to Israel since 2003. In 2023, the total value of approved arms export licenses jumped about ten-fold over the previous year, exceeding the 20-year average. (ANI) Rawalpindi Police on Wednesday took five Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists into custody for protesting and recording videos outside the main gate of Adiala jail on Eid ul Fitr's first day, The News International reported. The law enforcers said the party activists were spotted shooting videos of gate number 5, which was not allowed for irrelevant persons. Therefore, they were arrested, the police said. However, they were released shortly after being taken into custody. Police said the political workers were shifted to the Adiala jail police station in Rawalpindi for a few hours before being released. Earlier, police said security in and around the jail building was on high alert. The PTI workers had gathered outside the Adiala jail in a show of solidarity with party founder Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned since last year. During Ramzan, there were speculations that the PTI founder might be released before Eid, but they did not turn out to be true, The News International reported. Meanwhile, a meeting between Imran and his spouse Bushra Bibi took place in the jail which lasted for about an hour. After that, police brought Bushra back to Bani Gala from Adiala jail, where she is under house arrest, The News International reported. She was placed under house arrest at her husband's Islamabad mansion after the power couple was convicted of graft. Khan and his wife were sentenced to 14 years in jail in a case that relates to accusations that the ex-premier undervalued gifts from a state repository and gained profits from selling them while he held the country's top office. Khan, who was moved to the Adiala jail in September 2023 from Attock jail, is serving an accumulative sentence of 31 years in various cases and has been engaging his lawyers, party leaders and family members during his imprisonment. (ANI) ISLAMABAD, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people were killed and around 35 others injured in a truck crash in Hub district of Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province, the local rescue service confirmed on Thursday morning. The accident took place late Wednesday night when a truck carrying religious pilgrims fell into a ditch in Ghulam Hussain Chatta area in the district, Abdul Hakeem, a local representative of Edhi rescue organization told Xinhua. The incident happened due to over-speeding as the driver lost control of the vehicle, he added. Upon receiving the information, rescue workers reached the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital, the rescue service reported, adding that they were later taken to the southern port city of Karachi for further treatment. Reportedly, the pilgrims were going to a shrine in Balochistan's Khuzdar district from Thatta district of southern Sindh province. Road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads and negligence of road safety measures. Garcetti's social media platform X showcased a festive atmosphere as he immersed himself in the joyous spirit of an iftar party. Additionally, Garcetti highlighted the cultural and religious diversity of India, emphasizing the shared experiences of savouring kebabs and indulging in sweet delicacies like shahi tukda. https://twitter.com/USAmbIndia/status/1778240671058743379 "Eid Mubarak! Reflecting on delightful iftars I hosted for friends and colleagues, filled with the vibrant essence of Ramadan. From savouring the rich flavours of kebabs to indulging in sweet treats like shahi tukda, this month has been a celebration of the cultural and religious diversity of India. It's heartening to witness how rituals and traditions bring people together, " Garcetti said on 'X' Further, Garcetti expressed appreciation for how these traditions unite people, fostering a sense of community and celebration. In the pictures posted by Garcetti on X, he was seen mingling with guests, posing with people and savouring the culinary delights shared among friends and colleagues. The event radiated warmth and camaraderie, capturing the essence of community and celebration on Eid. (ANI) Former First Lady of Pakistan Bushra Bibi was allowed to visit Adiala Jail in Islamabad to meet with her husband, PTI founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan on the occasion of Eid, ARY News reported Bushra Bibi, who was sentenced to 14 years in the Toshakhana case and is housed in Bani Gala sub jail was brought to Adiala Jail in Islamabad on Wednesday to meet with Imran Khan. According to ARY News, the meeting was arranged by the police, following directives from the Islamabad High Court (IHC). Bushra Bibi was transferred from Bani Gala sub-jail to Adiala Jail for the meeting, which took place in the Conference Room of Adiala Jail Islamabad High Court (IHC) ordered on April 1 to arrange a meeting between Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi on Eidul Fitr, as per ARY News. As per details, IHC's Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb heard Bushra Bibi's request to be transferred from Bani Gala Sub Jail to Adiala Jail. The court ordered the authorities to arrange Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi's meeting on the occasion of Eid and a meeting was also allowed once a week. Earlier, PTI's founder and the Adiala Jail administration decided on SOPs with mutual consent for visits to the PTI leader. The PTI's founder nominated three focal persons for visits to him in Adiala Jail. Chairman PTI Barrister Gohar Ali, Sher Afzal Marwat and Barrister Umair Niazi were named as focal persons for jail meetings. Each focal person could give two names for the visit. Recently, Imran Khan demanded a medical examination for his wife that she was as poisoned at Bani Gala sub-jail Following a medical examination of Imran Khan's wife by four top doctors, the medical report was made public. The report said that Bushra Bibi's appetite was not normal and she was suffering from stomach pain. Dr Asim Yousuf, the personal physician of PTI founder Imran Khan, had, however, also examined the former first lady medically and discovered no signs of any poisoning, the ARY News report said. Dr Yousuf said, "that no evidence of any poisonous substance being administered to the former first lady was found during the examination." (ANI) The human rights department of the Baloch National Movement condemned another case of enforced disappearance from the Khuzdar district of Balochistan on Wednesday. Paank, the Baloch National Movement's Human Rights Department, posted on X, condemning the disappearance of Muzammil Baloch, a resident of Khuzdar, who was disappeared on April 8 by Pakistani forces. "We strongly condemn the disappearance of Muzammil Baloch, son of Muhammad Afzal Mengal, a resident of Khuzdar. His disappearance on April 8th at 11 a.m. from the city of Khuzdar by Pakistani forces is deeply concerning. The lack of information regarding his whereabouts raises serious questions about his safety and well-being," they said. The organisation further called on the authorities to immediately investigate his disappearance and ensure his safe return. "Paank calls on the authorities to immediately investigate his disappearance and ensure his safe return. Enforced disappearances violate fundamental human rights and must not be tolerated under any circumstances," they stated. https://twitter.com/paank_bnm/status/1777804835103891544 The case of Muzammil had surfaced merely days before the auspicious occasion of Eid. Notably, the people of Balochistan face repeated cases of enforced disappearance in Pakistan. PAANK recently released its monthly report on the incidents of human rights violations in Balochistan. According to the report, 24 individuals were forcibly disappeared in Balochistan by Pakistani forces, two were extrajudicially killed and 21 tortured victims were released. Further, in Pakistan's most underdeveloped area, Balochistan, the country's intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence, has been accused of committing all kinds of atrocities, including abduction, killing, and torture, to instill fear. Injustice and strong feelings of alienation have forced some Baloch people to pick up arms and they are continuously targeting Pakistani Army personnel and Chinese assets in their region. The report further stated, "Those who advocate for the betterment of their society are consistently targeted by the Pakistani army. The Pakistani army views enforced disappearances as the only means of stifling Baloch national consciousness. This tactic has been used for the past 20 years and students and the educated class are the primary targets." It added that even if these people are set free, they are mentally paralysed as the Pakistani army and secret agencies guard their minds "Baloch students are being forcibly disappeared from educational institutions and streets after being arrested. For days, months, and years, they are detained in torture cells. Even if a number of them are set free, they are mentally paralysed as the Pakistani army and secret agencies guard their minds," Paank said. The report revealed a disturbing rise in cases of forceful disappearances while highlighting instances where people were compelled to take to the streets in various parts of Balochistan. Paank claimed that its team also spoke to the families of the victims in one case and found out that the dead bodies of their loved ones were found despite the police's assurance that their children would be recovered safely. However, the incidents shared on social media highlight only a small portion of cases of forced disappearances and unlawful detentions. More in-depth investigation and scientific observations are required to fully understand the suffering of Baloch youths. (ANI) Forty dogs were removed Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024, from a property on the 7400 block of Kilbourne Road near Sunbury in Delaware County after officials said multiple people called into the county sheriff's office and humane society to report animal cruelty. The Delaware County dog warden has filed 30 misdemeanor charges against a dog breeder after 40 dogs living chained outside were removed Sunday afternoon from his property near Sunbury. The charges, filed Thursday in Delaware County Municipal Court, accuse the man of violating Ohio's laws about companion animals and failing to register dog kennels at the property on the 7400 block of Kilbourne Road. A warrant is pending on the complaint, court records state, and his bond is set at $2,500. All of the charges are first-degree and second-degree misdemeanors. The former each carry a maximum penalty of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, and the latter each carry up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. Delaware County Dog Warden Mitchell Garrett cannot comment on open cases, a spokesperson for the Delaware County Commissioners said in an email. Garrett has previously said the 40 dogs were living outside on the property chained in wet and muddy conditions with plastic barrels for shelter against the weather, and that most of the dogs removed were underweight. Officials had received multiple complaints about the property since 2020, but were previously unable to act, according to Garrett. Garrett said there were previously as few as six dogs living at the property and they were being taken care of within the standards of the law. Read more: Delaware County dogs lived chained outside. Ohio doesn't have a tether law, some cities do Authorities were able to secure a warrant after a witness came forward Friday willing to make a statement using their name, Garrett said. Videos and images of the dogs chained outside went viral on social media on Saturday in between the recent complaint being made and authorities raiding the property. jlaird@dispatch.com @LairdWrites This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Charges filed against Delaware County dog breeder after 40 dogs seized City officials and community members including (from 4th left) Ald. Bob Bauman, Sharlen Moore, director of Urban Underground and a member of Merrill Park Neighbors, Barb Scotty, community engagement coordinator for Near West Side Partners, Valerie Langston, a Merrill Park resident, Milwaukee Fire Department Chief, Aaron Lipski, Milwaukee County Supervisor, David Crowley, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, celebrate the ribbon cutting during a Milwaukee Fire Department ceremony commemorating the recommissioning of Engine Company 28 on 424 North 30th Street in Milwaukee on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023. Its the first fire station added to the Milwaukee Fire Department since 1956. Located on Milwaukee's near west side, the Merrill Park neighborhood has a long and storied history, from the time when railroads ruled the landscape, to a famous actor calling it home. Merrill Park is one of Milwaukee's dozens of distinct neighborhoods. Just beyond Merrill Park is Molson Coors, The Rave and American Family Field, and the neighborhood of roughly 3,000 residents has its own unique personality. Where is Merrill Park? Merrill Park is located between 39th and 27th streets, and Wisconsin Avenue and Interstate 94. It sits east of American Family Field and west of The Rave. This embedded content is not available in your region. How did Merrill Park get its name? The neighborhood is named after Sherburn S. Merrill, the general manager of the Milwaukee Road railroad, who purchased 15 acres of land to build a house in 1878. The land was eventually sold in parts to employees of Milwaukee Road. A house painted with "Welcome to Merrill Park" on Saturday March 23, 2024 at in Milwaukee, Wis. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, New Englanders and German and English immigrants, among others, settled in the area, and the neighborhood grew with a mixture of single-family houses, duplexes, cottages, and apartments. After a fire in the Third Ward in 1892, many Irish families moved west to Merrill Park, and by the early 20th century, Merrill Park became Milwaukee's premier Irish neighborhood. What is Merrill Park known for? Merrill Park is mostly residential with places of worship, schools and a few retail and service shops in the the neighborhood. The neighborhood includes a public park appropriately named Merrill Park. Places like Marquette University High School, Messmer St. Rose Catholic School and Parish and the Tripoli Shrine Masonic Temple have been institutions in the neighborhood for decades. Spray-O-Bond employee Jonas Haferman performs tile restoration work Monday, October 7, 2013 on the exterior of the historic Tripoli Shrine Temple, 3000 W. Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee, Wis. The building, on the National Register of Historic Places, was dedicated in 1928 and is home to a Masonic order. Spencer Tracy was born in Merrill Park Legendary actor Spencer Tracy was born in the neighborhood in 1900. Like many residents of Merrill Park, the Tracys were descendants of Irish immigrants and they worshipped at St. Rose Parish. Spencer became an altar boy. Actior Spencer Tracy relaxes with his mother, Caroline Tracy. Tracy was born in Milwaukee in 1900. In 1930 he married Louise Treadwell in New York City where he was a working actor. Eventually Tracy and his family would move to California where Tracy made 25 films. Nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor nine times over his career, he won twice once for "Captains Courageous" and once for "Boys Town." Tracy separated from Louise in 1933 and by the 1940s took up a long term relationship with Katherine Hepburn. Resources for Merrill Park residents Merrill Park is located in the 10th aldermanic district and in Police District 3. Reach your alderman, Michael J. Murray, at mmurph@milwaukee.gov. Find your garbage and recycling schedule at city.milwaukee.gov/sanitation/GarbageRecyclingSchedules. Police District 3 has public safety meetings at 5:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month at various locations. More information can be found at city.milwaukee.gov/police/districts/District-3. Learn how to register to vote and find your polling place at city.milwaukee.gov/election/Voter-Info. Need to borrow tools for a home improvement project? Check out the citys Tool Loan Center, 2500 W. Capitol Drive. More details at bit.ly/MKE_ToolLoan. Want to get emailed updates about police activity, new development and more in your neighborhood? Sign up for the citys e-notify system at city.milwaukee.gov/News-Events/enotify. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 5 things to know about Milwaukee's Merrill Park neighborhood Angel tucked two white pills into each side of her mouth, bracing herself as they began to dissolve. Her deepest fears and anxieties took over. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Angel had wanted to talk to a doctor before she took the pills to end her pregnancy, worried about how they might interact with medication she took for her heart condition. But in her home state of Oklahoma, where almost all abortions are banned, that wasnt an option. The pain kicked in after about an hour, around midnight on a Sunday in January, eventually becoming sharp enough that the 23-year-old said she struggled to stand. While Angel would be fine by the next morning, she worried that something might be very wrong as she lay on the cold bathroom tile, her body racked by some of the worst pain she could remember. When Angels fiance came in to check on her, she was having diarrhea while vomiting into their popcorn bowl. F---, she remembered yelling, over and over. I feel like I need to push. Overwhelming evidence shows that abortion pills are safe and effective, and that many patients who take them go through the process without much difficulty, experiencing little more than the sharp cramping and bleeding of an unusually heavy period. That is true even when the pills, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration with a prescription for use through 10 weeks of pregnancy, are taken somewhat independently - administered by a doctor over text, email, or a call and mailed to the patient at home. But the experience can feel very different in states where abortion is illegal. As more women in states with abortion bans choose to end their pregnancies on their own, without directly interacting with a medical professional, they are thrust into a largely ad hoc, unregulated system of online and grass-roots abortion pill distributors - an experience that, while deemed generally safe by medical experts, can be confusing, scary and, at times, deeply traumatic. Self-managed abortions increased dramatically after Roe v. Wade was overturned - with women in antiabortion states obtaining pills through several distinct channels. At least 6,000 women every month in states with bans are now receiving pills from Aid Access, a Europe-based online clinic that prescribes the medication without requiring a patient to interact with a doctor in real time, according to founder Rebecca Gomperts. Thousands of others are turning to at least 25 nonmedical websites that sell the pills, or one of several volunteer-led networks that distribute them free. With abortion clinics shuttered across the South and Midwest, many women said they have nowhere to go to confirm that their abortion pill supplier is legit or that their symptoms after taking the medication are normal. They worry that a call to a doctor or a trip to the emergency room could land them in jail. And while abortion rights advocates have tried to build new infrastructure to support women in these situations - with volunteer doctors answering phone calls or former abortion providers staffing the occasional bricks-and-mortar office in an antiabortion state - organizers say that such resources are no replacement for the array of choices women had before Roe fell. The demand for self-managed abortions in states with bans, already enormous, is sure to increase dramatically in the coming weeks, as strict new abortion laws take effect in Florida and Arizona - the result of two recent court rulings. This is not the way health care should be, said Linda Prine, a New York-based doctor who prescribes pills through Aid Access and co-founded a hotline for people taking them. All the options have been taken away from people by these bans and this is all thats left, she added, referring to the networks providing pills for women self-managing their abortions. It really is all we can do. Adding to the difficulty is a polarized political debate with dueling narratives about what its actually like to take abortion pills. Antiabortion activists say the pills are highly dangerous, or even deadly, for pregnant women - false assertions based largely on studies that have now been retracted by the journal that published them. Meanwhile, many abortion rights advocates describe the experience as straightforward and easy to handle on your own, a characterization that some women say glosses over what can be a more complicated reality of ending a pregnancy alone in your bathroom. The Washington Post spoke with more than three dozen doctors, advocates, leading researchers, and women who took the pills in states where abortion has been banned since Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe in June 2022. Over the phone and in person, many women described experiencing deep anxiety and uncertainty about doing something they assumed was illegal. These feelings often intensified after they took the medication, with some not expecting the level of pain or amount of bleeding they would experience, or how much of the fetus they would see. A few used the pills later in pregnancy than the FDA recommends. I wish I would have known that it wasnt just blood clots. I was really confused and shocked, said Briana, a 34-year-old in Alabama who took pills she ordered online when she was at least five weeks beyond the FDAs 10-week limit. Like other women interviewed for this article, Briana spoke on the condition that her last name not be used so she could discuss sensitive medical information in a state that outlaws abortion - describing her experience in graphic detail because she said she wanted other women to know what to expect. The complex legal landscape can be hard to understand. Abortion bans do not allow people seeking abortions to be prosecuted, targeting only doctors and others involved in facilitating the abortion. But people have been charged under other laws for self-managing their abortions, especially later in pregnancy. A legal challenge to the abortion drug mifepristone brought by conservative advocates - which drew skeptical questions from the Supreme Court during oral arguments last month - seeks to further restrict the post-Roe landscape by requiring in-person medical visits for all legally administered medication abortions. Such a change could prevent U.S.-based medical providers from mailing pills into antiabortion states under shield laws, recently enacted in a handful of blue states, that protect doctors from prosecution under red state bans. In Oklahoma, Angel ordered her pills from Aid Access, according to emails reviewed by The Post, and took them five to six weeks into her pregnancy. Shed told doctors at the online clinic about her heart medication when she filled out its online form, she said, but no one ever reached out about it - a silence easily explained, Prine said, because Angels medication is not one that would raise concerns. Angel had no way of knowing that. Sitting on the toilet, she could hear her heart pounding in her ears. She placed two fingers on the side of her neck to take her pulse and started a timer, she recalled - counting about 190 beats per minute. With her heart condition, she said, she was supposed to seek medical attention if her heart rate got that high. Angel had no idea who to call. She vaguely remembered a hotline number in the Aid Access instructions, but figured the line would be closed that time of night. The hospital didnt feel like an option, either: She worried about the questions she might get from suspicious doctors if she showed up at the emergency room. She closed her eyes and tried to steady her breath, determined to keep her heart rate down. Then she spoke to herself as she imagined a doctor might. You will be okay, said Angel, who would wake up the next morning no longer pregnant, the worst moments of her abortion behind her. This pain cant last forever. - - - A doctor answers panicked calls Linda Prine was answering a few emails, coffee mug in hand, when her cellphone rang. Hi, this is the hotline doctor, the 72-year-old said from her New York City home one Sunday morning in January. Can I help you? The voice Prine heard was quiet and scared - belonging to a 15-year-old with an area code in a state with an abortion ban who had taken pills and passed a fetus larger than shed expected. Unable to flush the fetus down the toilet, the girl asked about throwing it away. She was young enough to be Prines granddaughter. Prine cradled the phone in both hands and leaned in, trying to channel every ounce of reassurance and understanding she could muster through the phone line. Theres nothing in there thats traceable back to you, she said. As long as you dont tell anybody. The girl asked if the abortion made her a bad person. No it doesnt, Prine said. Not a bit. You are doing whats right for you and your future family, she added, her voice firm. This way you can be a good mom when youre ready to be a good mom. A semiretired family medicine physician, Prine co-founded the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline in 2019 as a resource for people self-managing miscarriages or abortions at home. She got the idea from Gomperts, of Aid Access, who had already been mailing pills to Americans who struggled to access abortion. The American patients had a lot of questions and concerns about ordering pills outside a formal health-care setting, Gomperts told Prine - and her inbox was constantly flooded with emails. They needed a U.S.-based doctor to call. Calls to the hotline surged after Texas enacted an early law banning most abortions in the fall of 2021, Prine said, and again after new abortion bans took effect across the South and Midwest when Roe fell. Now the line is staffed by over 50 U.S.-based medical providers who volunteer their time, a mix of doctors, midwives, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with experience in abortion care. The doctors who run the hotline recruit volunteers through word-of-mouth recommendations, then administer a few hours of virtual training before they start. In interviews, Prine stressed that hotline doctors are not practicing medicine under their licenses or establishing a doctor-patient relationship - a posture Prine said legally protects the physicians. By design, the hotline volunteers dont ask for the names, locations or full medical histories of the people who call. On the hotlines website, a disclaimer notes that they are not offering legal or medical advice, and that the information they provide does not substitute for the advice of a doctor. The hotline typically receives roughly 30 calls and 50 texts from people every day. Many say they are in states that ban abortion. Theyll say, Im in a state where this is illegal, so I cant go get medical care. I want to check in and make sure everything is going okay, Prine said. She and her colleagues hear the same questions again and again: Am I bleeding too much? Am I not bleeding enough? Is it normal to have this much pain? People call to see if they can drink alcohol or smoke marijuana after taking the pills. One woman asked whether it was safe to walk up the stairs. Anxiety and uncertainty are common even among patients who receive the medication at an abortion clinic in a state where abortion is legal, said Prine - because theyre at home by the time they start feeling the full effects. People from anywhere can be freaking out because everyone is taking these pills at home alone, Prine said. Still, some feel better taking the pills after having a direct conversation with a medical professional. Since Dobbs, many women in antiabortion states who have the resources to travel have continued to leave the state to obtain pills at a clinic instead of ordering online, preferring the experience of being face to face with a doctor, even if it means a long drive or a flight. For those who choose to self-manage their abortions, Prine said, she is there to offer reassurance that their experiences are nothing out of the ordinary, and that they almost certainly dont need to go to the emergency room. A medication abortion is just like a miscarriage, shell tell them, with hundreds of women going through the same process every day. Of the approximately 5.9 million patients in the United States who took mifepristone - the first drug in a two-step medication abortion regimen - between its 2000 approval and December 2022, just 32 died, according to the FDA. Those cases, the agency says, cannot with certainty be causally attributed to mifepristone. Major adverse events - in which a blood transfusion, major surgery or overnight hospital stay is required - occur in fewer than 0.5 percent of cases, a figure that remains the same whether a patient has met with a doctor in person. A significantly larger share of patients who take abortion pills seek emergency care, ranging from 1.3 to 8 percent in leading studies. Antiabortion activists portray those emergency room visits as an indication of a safety issue, but leading medical experts say they instead highlight the confusion and fear that many women experience after taking the pills. Patients often go for a gut check, doctors and medical researchers said, wanting to confirm that theyre not bleeding too much, or that the pills worked and they are no longer pregnant. Studies show that 35 to 50 percent of people who go to an ER after taking abortion pills receive no treatment. With medication abortion, theres no one saying, Youre doing great. This is normal, said Ushma Upadhyay, a professor at the University of California at San Francisco and a leading researcher on the safety of abortion pills, drawing a distinction between the pill and a surgical procedure. Often people are going through it alone, so they want to know everything is okay. On the hotline, Prine said shes felt the need to send someone to the emergency room only once in nearly five years. Your uterus knows what to do, Prine told a woman who called that January morning with reports of unexpectedly heavy bleeding. Its going to take care of itself. Others in the medical community are quicker to suggest that someone be seen in person. On the infrequent occasions when a patient calls with concerns about their medication abortion, Clayton Alfonso, an OB/GYN at Duke University, said hell try to evaluate how much she is bleeding and how her body is tolerating the blood loss. But he said it can sometimes be difficult to make those assessments over the phone. When you take a patient call, its always hard because their definition of heavy bleeding could be different from my definition of heavy bleeding, said Alfonso, adding that he usually tries to bring patients into his clinic if he has space on the schedule. I would much rather see someone than leave someone in limbo at home not knowing what to do. In states with abortion bans, the emergency room is often the only option for women who want in-person care during their medication abortions. Even if they say they had a miscarriage - a condition that presents with symptoms indistinguishable from a medication abortion - many women in these situations have bad experiences at the hospital, Prine said, encountering physicians who provide inaccurate information or ask suspicious questions about why theyre bleeding. Prine said she recognizes that the landscape for self-managed abortions is tenuous. The antiabortion movement is ready to seize on any experience with pills that is difficult or complicated, she said, especially the relatively rare cases in which women take pills later in pregnancy. At the Conservative Political Action Conference last year, prominent antiabortion activist Abby Johnson said women are delivering fully formed babies in their bathrooms - a false description of what women see during a medication abortion, even in the second trimester. Theyre passing these babies into the toilet, said Johnson, founder of the antiabortion group And Then There Were None. Then these women have to make a decision: What do I do with this fully formed baby?... Do I flush my child down the toilet? These kinds of incendiary attacks make it hard for abortion rights advocates to discuss the details of a medication abortion later in pregnancy, said Prine and Gomperts - because the specifics could be weaponized by the antiabortion movement. As a result, Prine said, women who take pills later in pregnancy are sometimes surprised by what they see. - - - A woman struggles to pass her pregnancy At her home in Alabama, Briana waited to take the pills until shed put all of her children to sleep. The cramps in her lower back came first, followed by full-body chills and, eventually, contractions more painful than those she remembered from childbirth. After lying in bed for two hours, Briana felt something pop under the comforter, followed by a gush of warm liquid seeping down her legs. She ran to the bathroom, she recalled in interviews and a journal entry, where she felt a mass larger than her palm drop into the toilet. This cant be happening, she thought to herself. Then she looked down to see a bloody umbilical cord dangling between her legs. When the pills first arrived in the mail a few days earlier, in April 2023, Briana had expected her experience would be more difficult than most. The doctors who administered the medication through Aid Access cautioned Briana that they do not like to recommend medical abortions as far into pregnancy as she would be when the pills reached her, according to emails reviewed by The Post. Briana felt she had no choice. By the time she found out she was pregnant, she was already 11 or 12 weeks along. The abortion clinic shed called in a different state, more than a six-hour drive from her home in Alabama, where abortion is banned, was booked for surgical procedures for over a month, busy treating patients from other antiabortion states across the South. She spent nearly two weeks researching her other options, then the pills she ordered took two weeks to arrive. The 34-year-old was struggling to support the kids she already had. I didnt want to take any more away from them ... time, attention, money, said Briana, who estimates that she was 15 or 16 weeks along when she took the pills. Experts and advocates say it is relatively rare for women to self-manage their abortions well beyond the FDAs 10-week limit, particularly since passage of the shield laws, allowing U.S.-based doctors to mail pills directly into antiabortion states instead of relying on international pharmacies. That change has reduced the shipment time from several weeks to between three and five days. At the time Briana ordered her medication, over a year ago, Aid Access generally did not send pills to anyone who said they were further than 11 weeks into their pregnancy, Gomperts said. It now allows people to place orders through 12 weeks of pregnancy, because pills reach patients more quickly. If we think people might be longer than that, they get an email to make sure they can navigate the situation, said Gomperts, who personally prescribed Brianas medication, according to documentation reviewed by The Post. Women have agency. They are perfectly capable of making these choices about their own health, and we are there to support them the best we can. According to data compiled by Aid Access, and shared with The Post, 1 in 20 patients who responded to the organizations survey in January took the pills beyond 11 weeks of pregnancy. One in 100 took the pills beyond 13 weeks. (About 20 percent of people who took the pills responded to the survey.) Still, Prine said, she has fielded far more of these calls from women later in pregnancy than she would like - averaging one a day on the hotline in the months after the Supreme Court decision. Some of the callers had no idea how far along they were until they passed the pregnancy, she said. Others knew, but chose to go ahead anyway. Beyond 12 or 13 weeks, women will see a much more developed fetus, with identifiable features. We hear the trauma when we talk to people, Prine said. Its an image you cant get out of your head. Alone in her bathroom, Briana had no idea what to do. The Aid Access doctors had told her to expect nausea, vomiting, chills, blood clots and a fetus at least the size of an orange, emails show. They said nothing about an umbilical cord. Do I pull the cord out? Briana wondered, frantically trying to remember what the doctors had done when she gave birth. Do I just wait to try to push it out? Her boyfriend was sleeping in the next room. Even if she woke him up, she wondered, what could he do? If she went to the emergency room, she said, she felt sure shed be prosecuted. Finally, Briana decided to call the number for the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline shed seen in an email from Aid Access. Thats the placenta you need to push out, Briana recalled the woman on the hotline saying. When you feel the next contraction, I want you to push like youre giving birth. Briana said she sat there with her umbilical cord hanging loose for at least 15 minutes before the placenta finally dropped into the toilet. While there are no major U.S.-based studies on the experience of self-managing an abortion with pills later in pregnancy, international research suggests that women in these situations more frequently seek in-person care. One study conducted with patients in Argentina, Nigeria and Southeast Asia between nine and 16 weeks of pregnancy found that about 24 percent went to a medical facility during or after the experience of taking the pills on their own. Approximately 10 percent required medical intervention to complete the abortion or treat a complication. One major concern later in pregnancy is that the body wont be able to expel all of the pregnancy tissue, several doctors said. When the Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline received its first call from a woman who was unable to pass her placenta - at least five weeks further into her pregnancy than the FDAs 10-week limit - a group of hotline doctors started messaging one another, trying to decide what to say to her, Prine said. One doctor in the group insisted that the woman had to go straight to the ER, but Prine and others disagreed. Worried the woman could face prosecution or mistreatment if she went to the hospital, Prine said, they walked her through her abortion at home, instructing her to take more abortion pills and gently massage her stomach until the placenta came free - the same advice Briana said she received. We didnt feel like it was a medical emergency. She wasnt bleeding heavily and she wasnt lightheaded, said Prine, adding that they would have recommended the woman go the ER if a hospital visit was medically necessary. A woman in that situation could have hemorrhaged or become septic, according to five OB/GYNs interviewed for this article. Whenever there is something inside the uterus that is trying to come out and wont come out, the risk of bleeding and infection gets higher with every passing moment, said Keri Garel, an OB/GYN at Boston Medical Center, adding that she would advise someone in Brianas situation to go to the hospital immediately. At that point, your life is the most important thing. As difficult as the situation was, Briana says she is extremely grateful that Aid Access was willing to send her the pills - and that someone on the hotline was available to talk her through taking them. Without the hotline I would have been completely lost and literally completely alone, she said. The lady ... stayed talking to me for hours, Briana added. I wish I knew her name. Briana stayed in the bathroom that night for more than an hour. She knew she shouldnt look at the fetus, she said, but she couldnt help it. In the toilet bowl, she could make out a head. She remembered thinking that the legs looked long. I felt like a monster, she said, reflecting back on that moment. A year later, Briana said, she is certain she made the right decision for herself and her family. But she wishes someone had told her more about what to expect. If she had known the full extent of what could happen during a medication abortion at 15 or 16 weeks, she said, she probably would have searched harder for an out-of-state clinic with available appointments - and figured out a way to drive six hours or more to Florida, Illinois or North Carolina. Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, Briana could have gone to a clinic less than 30 minutes from her house. - - - A former abortion provider offers some relief In Houston, a woman lay back on an exam table in a clinic that once offered abortions, hoping to hear that her medication abortion was finally complete. Ashley, a 25-year-old mother with a baby, opened her legs and stared up at a mermaid mobile hanging from the ceiling, her sweatpants and Converse sneakers in a heap on the floor. Are you ready? Glenda Lima, the sonographer, asked on a Tuesday morning in mid-February. There will be a little cold and just a little pressure, okay? It was Ashleys fourth visit in two months to Houston Womens Reproductive Services, one of a handful of former abortion clinics that have remained open in states with near-total abortion bans. While the staff originally imagined a new version of the clinic that offered ultrasounds and referrals to patients planning to travel out of state for medication and procedures, a large share of the women they serve are now self-managing their abortions with pills they got online. As soon as she found out she was pregnant in mid-December, Ashley had ordered pills from Aid Access, which shed heard about on TikTok. But the whole process seemed a little sketchy, she said. What kind of medical organization collected money through Venmo, she wondered? They were asking for a picture of her drivers license. What if it was all a scam? She decided that she needed to talk to someone. Not a disembodied voice on the phone or an anonymous commenter in an online forum - but a real, live person she could actually meet. If Im putting this in my body, Ashley recalled thinking to herself, I need to know Im going to be okay. Ashley struggled to come up with the right terms to Google, she said, wondering if it was even possible to get advice on abortions in a state where abortion is banned. She came across contact information for Houston Womens Reproductive Services only after first messaging a crisis pregnancy center - an email thread she abandoned when she realized it was actually an antiabortion organization designed to dissuade women from ending their pregnancies. Kathy Kleinfeld, the administrator of Houston Womens, responded to Ashleys panicked message on a Sunday, offering her an appointment for a pre-abortion ultrasound and consultation the next day the clinic was open. I was like, Oh my God, I feel like I have been searching for this, Ashley said. For the first time since finding out she was pregnant, she said, I just felt safe. As other Texas clinics moved to New Mexico and Illinois after Roe was overturned, Kleinfeld and Lima decided to downsize and stay put, anticipating that some women would continue to seek out ultrasounds, emotional support and general guidance in their home state, services that remain legal under Texas law. If all the abortion clinics shuttered, they said, they knew crisis pregnancy centers would be the only places left to go. Now, the women see their clinic as a helpful counterpart to the online pill networks: a soothing space with a relaxation scented diffuser and three portraits of the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, where Texans can get the help they need to feel comfortable self-managing their abortions at home. There are major challenges to providing this kind of care in a state where abortion is illegal. Perhaps the biggest, Lima said, is that women assume there are no abortion resources left in Texas. Those that find them often do so by chance. Lima said she regularly gets frantic calls and texts from Spanish-speaking patients shes never met before on her cellphone, a number she gives out only to patients she sees in the clinic. I ask them, How did you get my number? she said. They say, A friend of a friend of a friend. Kleinfeld acknowledges that the very existence of a clinic like theirs - which, unlike some other former abortion clinics that have remained open in states with bans, has no doctors on-site and offers no health services other than ultrasounds - is somewhat controversial in the abortion rights community. With abortion rights advocates arguing vehemently that in-person consultations and ultrasounds are entirely unnecessary for a medication abortion, Kleinfeld said, some likely see her clinic as an impediment to women accessing the care they need. Kleinfeld would never want to see an in-person visit mandated for all patients - most women have no problem handling everything at home, she said. But she has learned that some need the additional hand-holding, especially when they are obtaining pills from unfamiliar sources. Not everybody needs an ultrasound, not everyone needs a phone number to call, Kleinfeld said. But some really do. Blair Cushing, a family medicine doctor who provided abortions in McAllen, Tex., before the clinic there was forced to close, recently opened a small medical practice near the Mexico border to offer ultrasounds and other support to women who self-manage their abortions. When she meets with patients, she said, theyll often stay to talk for an hour or more - experiencing information overwhelm from everything theyve read online and desperate for reassurance. Theyre worried because something didnt go the way they were expecting, Cushing said. They need to decompress about this experience they had and make sure theyre okay. Ashley first went to Houston Womens Reproductive Services for an ultrasound before she took the pills on Dec. 19 - then returned a week later, wondering why she was still bleeding and experiencing a dull pain in her lower back. Lima, the sonographer, told Ashley that she still had some blood clots left in her uterus. And while Lima assured her that this was nothing to worry about - the body can typically expel remaining clots without any medical intervention - Ashley wanted to be sure. She returned to Houston Womens for three more appointments, until Lima was able to confirm that all the clots were gone. Your uterus looks beautiful nice and clean, Lima said at Ashleys final appointment in mid-February. Youre good to go, okay? Ashley smiled, closing her eyes as she felt all the muscles in her shoulders finally relax. Thank you, she said. Thats all I needed to hear. GRAPHICS: https://washingtonpost.com/documents/f162d4c9-18f6-45a2-a651-97fb9100c61b.pdf https://washingtonpost.com/documents/7eb56260-a865-4ba6-8d64-df19d4dd6ea4.pdf Related Content The horse wars of Stormy Daniels Alone in a bathroom: The fear and uncertainty of a post-Roe medication abortion How Donald Trumps mug shot became a defiant and divisive 2024 symbol SCOTCH PLAINS, New Jersey State Sen. Jon Bramnick is not the typical Trump-era Republican. He has vowed to not vote for the former president in the 2024 presidential election, describes himself a pro-choice Republican and has even hosted Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy at a cocktail party in his backyard. But its that independent streak combined with his support for what he describes as traditional Republican values that Bramnick says can propel him to the New Jersey governors office in 2025. And he thinks he can win it by 10 points. Bramnick has credibility winning in Democratic-leaning areas. His once-solidly Republican suburban district based around Union County swung significantly to the left in the Trump-era. His current district would have voted for President Joe Biden over Trump by around 17 points in 2020, but he was able to win election to the state Senate by 7 points in 2023. Bramnick says hes the only Republican who can win a Democratic-leaning state like New Jersey, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by nearly a million registered voters but the state's large number of unaffiliated voters often sway elections. He served in the state Legislature for two decades, including as the Assembly minority leader during much of former Gov. Chris Christies tenure. He frequently preaches civility and bipartisanship in government even as partisan clashes have spilled out in statehouses across the country and in Washington and promises to be a check on Trentons current one-party rule. If you have two parties in Trenton and you have discussion and compromise, you're going to get to the middle, he said in an interview with POLITICO in late March near his law office. That's where I am, and that's where most people are. So when you get some Republicans who say I'm going to change everything in Trenton no they're not. Because there's gonna be a Democratic Legislature. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. You're a moderate Republican. You're a very unabashedly anti-Trump Republican. But given how anti-Trump Republicans have done nationally I think of someone like Chris Christie or even [former Rep.] Liz Cheney how do you win the Republican primary with that anti-Trump message? The media concentrates on the anti-Trump message because that's the thing that they find most interesting. My message is about smaller government, lower taxes and law and order. That's been traditionally where Republicans are, but because of so much space that Trump takes in the media and in discussions, that's always the focus when they talk to me. But my campaign is not simply that Im against Trump. My campaign is that in order to win New Jersey and I'm convinced about this that they would love a traditional Republican. And I think I can win the general election by 10 points. That's how much the thirst is for balanced government in New Jersey. And I'll bet you dinner that I win the general election by 10 points I don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. Youre talking about the general election you still need to win the primary. The other night you even said jokingly that if Trump would win New Jersey that you would drop out. Are you worried that you're alienating the Republican base with some of this rhetoric? No, I think what I'm doing is telling the Republican base that if you support a traditional Republican I mentioned the three principles that we will win overwhelmingly. There are going to be people who will concentrate simply on the fact that I'm not a fan of Donald Trump instead of focusing on what our traditional principles are and how, over the years, I've lived up to be a traditional Republican. I was elected as the state Assembly Republican leader for a decade unanimously by every Republican representative from every part of the state. So I'm Republican enough. And I'm the kind of Republican that the state wants to vote for. But of course, people want to talk about Trump. That's fine. I'm not afraid to talk about Trump And speaking of the primary, Jack Ciattarelli is expected to formally announce on April 9. Are you worried at all that with you and Ciattarelli in the race it could split the moderate vote in the primary? [Editors note: This interview was done before Ciattarelli formally announced he was running for governor] No. I'm not worried about that. I think that Jacks run [for governor] a couple times, lost a couple of times. So Jack was in my [Assembly] caucus, he had an opportunity, and he lost. I am convinced, no doubt in my mind, that I am the traditional Republican who can win and once that message gets out, I think the primary voters will go like this: You know, something? Bramnicks right. So it sounds like that a very large part of your pitch in the primary, at least, is electability. Absolutely, and that I'm surely Republican enough. Whether you like Trump or you don't like Trump, what you want is the traditional Republican that has won in New Jersey in the past. What makes you Republican enough? I've been a strong advocate of fiscal restraint as the Republican leader in conjunction with Chris Christie, I was part of a 2 percent [spending] cap on municipalities. I've never voted, despite the offerings of the Democrats, for a Murphy budget. Clearly on crime, I've been a strong law-and-order person. I was on the [Assembly] Law and Public Safety [Committee] when I continued to support the death penalty. I believe in minimum mandatory sentences. I believe in raising the level of offenses from third degree to second degree because third degree is no presumption of incarceration. So I think those kinds of issues are so much more important than simply rhetoric, whether you're a Trumper or not. On crime, you had mentioned mandatory minimum sentences, the death penalty are those things that you would pursue as governor? I think you're not going to be able to pursue the death penalty in New Jersey because the Legislature's Democratic. But I have a priority of raising the level of offenses. For example, when you steal a car, you can steal a car twice and still not go to jail, and part of that is the presumption against incarceration because it's a third degree. So yes, we're gonna have to raise the level of offenses. And you don't fix that through bail reform because bail reform is a temporary custody. We're talking about jail for people who do crimes. Right now there's no deterrent because very few people are going to jail. So we get back to the main question of, are we going to focus on whether I like Trump or not, or are we going to focus on two things? Have I proved myself as a traditional Republican? And am I electable? Let's just talk about the Democrats for a second running in the gubernatorial race. You have Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. They're actually running campaigns that would be much more progressive than the Murphy administration. What do you think about that? I think they're gonna lose. First, I think they're gonna lose in a primary, probably. But more importantly, I don't think the majority of people in New Jersey think the state should go farther left. That might sell in a primary, but I don't think if you polled people in New Jersey, I don't think you'd find 60 percent of the people who think that we're not liberal enough in terms of our state policies. You often say that you're a pro-choice Republican. If you were governor, would you do anything to advance abortion rights in the state? There's nothing to advance. It's pretty clear. But I surely would protect the right of a woman to choose. I don't believe in late-term abortions. So would I have to advance anything? I think I wouldn't have to do much. Is there anything that you would try to roll back? You mentioned that you're worried about abortions later in pregnancy. Chris Christie cut funding for Planned Parenthood. Is that something that you would want to pursue? No. That would not be that would not be on my agenda, to cut funding for Planned Parenthood. Are you worried at all that supporting abortion rights could hurt you in a Republican primary? I would say this that I think we are the party of less government. So I think the people who are traditional Republicans, who truly believe in limited government, would allow a doctor and a woman to make that decision in private without the government getting involved. There is some point in time, and I can't tell you how many weeks, at some point in time, the government needs to get involved when there's a viable fetus that can live outside the womb. But surely, in the early stages of pregnancy, government shouldn't be in the room with the doctor and the woman. So is it an issue that may come up in a primary? Yes, but I'm 100 percent committed to my position. But as far as viability if you're governor, thats something that you would not address or you would address? I think that the law in New Jersey right now protects a woman's right to choose. I don't expect to change that law when I get in. And I don't think there's a need for it at this stage. Let's talk about taxes. You always talk about the fact that you want to lower taxes. If you're governor, which taxes do you want to lower? Well first, I think you have to put a cap on state spending. Why is there a [2 percent] cap on municipal spending, on county spending, but no 2 percent cap on state spending? The only way I think legislators and politicians stop spending is when the [state] Constitution tells them to stop spending. Because they can't help themselves. It's much easier to say yes to your mayors and to your commissioners and to your constituents in trying to get funds. The [state] Constitution and a 2 percent cap, with some exceptions, would change that. You'd have an ability to say no and not look like a bad guy. I think if you're going to spend more than the 2 percent, then that money has to go directly to tax relief. That would be in the [state] Constitution, like directly to the taxpayer or in some manner to lower taxes. So property taxes number one. Number two, state income tax in the state. Florida has none. Pennsylvania is lower. Right now, based on the spending by the Democrats over the last six years, there doesn't seem to be any hope for a taxpayer thinking things are gonna get better. They have to believe it's going to get better. Not easy. But you have to give them some hope. You're talking about cutting taxes. I know that you had mentioned When you say cutting taxes a billion dollars went to special projects [in the state budget]. That billion dollars, if we could bring that money back maybe you could do things like not increase the corporate business tax. What I'm saying is they're increasing taxes. I would stabilize taxes by trying to limit some of the spending. We're already seeing in the budget process happening right now that there were some problems with the revenues not exactly matching the spending, aside from the billion dollars that you had mentioned in items for specific legislative districts. Is there something else that you can look at in the budget and say, this is something that we need to cut or roll back? I'm thinking maybe pension payments, health benefits or anything else? Pension payments, you have to pay in full. I think that we look at budgets in a one-year cycle. Well, who does that? Only government does that. People want to know, what are you going to do now to support New Jersey Transit? What are you going to do now to make sure the pension payments [are made]. So the perspective has to be: what would I have done to put myself in a position that I wouldn't have a crisis on the gas tax? I wouldn't have a crisis on the corporate business tax. I wouldn't have to raise possibly fares on New Jersey Transit. But you got to give me two or three years to do it. Not 'okay here's how much money you got. We're getting less revenue now. Okay, fix it.' Houdini I'm not. It sounds like what you're expressing support for is the idea of multi-year budgeting. One hundred percent. When you have that kind of Biden money coming in, and now there's an operational deficit of a couple billion dollars and you're using your surplus money for operational budgeting, you're not looking at that budget too closely. But I understand why you can't you already spent the money the last couple of years. I leave you with the final word. I think there's an incredible thirst for a two party system. And I can feel it every night when I go out on the campaign trail. People in New Jersey, it's a purple state. But they want to trust the Republican brand. There are a lot of Democrats who want me to be there as well. This is the most interesting part of what I find the moderate Democrats are afraid of what they've seen. So my relationship with moderate Democrats is fabulous, because they don't like saying yes to stuff too. But they feel compelled they have to because these are people in their party. And they don't want to get the left wing mad at them. So I know this sounds crazy, but there's a whole bunch of Democrats [who] would like to see a Republican who can win and a Republican who believes in compromise. A Republican who believes in balance. A Republican who doesn't call the other side names. The Republican doesn't hate Democrats. And the Republican that will stand up to [the] rhetoric of Donald Trump, and I could do it all. And I'm convinced that I'm the candidate who can win. Now the Republicans have to make that determination, and they'll have an opportunity to do that. Baltimores famed Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed quickly, after being struck by an enormous ocean-bound container ship. The disaster took lives and the aftermath will continue to reverberate for a long time. The collision of a massive ship, carrying 4,700 containers, with one of the vertical supports of the bridge resulted in almost immediate collapse. The bodies of two maintenance men working on the bridge have been recovered, while four more men are presumed dead. The rapid, effective warning to authorities by the pilot of the vessel led to immediate closure of the bridge to traffic, doubtless saving far more lives. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now clearing the vast debris. Work centers on a giant crane capable of lifting 1,000 tons, plus seven other cranes, 10 tugboats and nine barges. Arthur Cyr Infrastructure involving highways, waterways and railroads is literally the framework that integrates and supports the enormous economy of the United States, and our society as well. Modernizing this generally aging foundation is a priority of the Biden administration, with powerful bipartisan support from both parties in Congress. In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which provides over $427 billion for infrastructure. In specific terms, the law will substantially strengthen and modernize the nations bridges and roads, highways and waterways, railroads and ports. There is sensible inclusion of communications infrastructure, in particular important cybersecurity. The physical transportation infrastructure of the nation is sadly in need of repair and upgrade. The other side of this situation is that in the 1950s and 1960s our federal government wisely, indeed brilliantly, greatly expanded our national transportation capabilities. The centerpiece of the framework is the Interstate Highway System. Think of what your life would be like if you could not take long trips on this remarkable nationwide network, as well as hop on and off at will. Please thank President (and General) Dwight D. Eisenhower. In the 1950s, with characteristic foresight and thoroughness, he launched and carried through this enormous national project. Ike outflanked opposition, especially in rural areas among parochial interests, by emphasizing national security during the height of the Cold War. Americans knew Nazi Germany built an extraordinary highway system, central to their integrated defense. In 1950s America, a decade after World War II, that resonated. Defense justification helped reinforce the vision, and pay for the work. In those years, national defense accounted for more than half of the entire federal budget, far more than today. Eisenhower emphasized defense to secure highway funds, and support education and research. National defense, national security and less obviously international cooperation are all present in the current ambitious infrastructure initiative. Cybersecurity, a complex subject rightly at the center of our current security concerns, is included in significant ways. By definition, such threats encourage international cooperation to limit the threat. Early in 2015, Republican Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana proposed a one-billion-dollar highway improvement program. The state was relatively strong fiscally. Democrats made even more ambitious transportation proposals. The Middle West is a political swing region, and a central region for infrastructure. An extremely large share of long-distance truck traffic in the United States travels along the busy interstate highway corridors through and around metropolitan Chicago. The Baltimore disaster, including tragic loss of life, provides a reminder that the world remains dangerous. This terrible incident also underscores the vital foundation of national infrastructure. Learn more: Robert W. Poole Jr., Rethinking Americas Highways Arthur I. Cyr is author of After the Cold War (NYU and Palgrave/Macmillan). Contact acyr@carthage.edu. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Arthur Cyr: The Baltimore bridge disaster and our vital infrastructure Kevin Worthen, the former president of Brigham Young University and current Doyle-Winter Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law at Yale, and Ruth Okediji, Harvard Law professor and co-director of the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard, spoke about faith and excellence in education and law at Harvard Law School on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. After growing up in a family of Christian academics, Harvard Law professor Ruth Okediji began asking the question early on: what does it mean to be a person of faith in an academic environment? While in college, she wondered whether schools that are grounded in faith can be sufficiently rigorous. During a Bible study one night, she found the answer in a familiar verse: You shall love God with all your heart ... and with all your mind. On Wednesday, Okediji, a renowned scholar in intellectual property law, joined with former Brigham Young University president Kevin Worthen to discuss the role of faith in pursuing excellence in education and in the legal profession. The event at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was hosted by The Harvard Law Latter-day Saints chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. Faith and intellectual rigor are not only compatible but required of us, the panelists said. This lightbulb went off [that] actually, my faithfulness to the Bible and my faithfulness to the commands of Christ ... requires me to love God with my mind; it requires me to actually use my mind, Okediji said. And that began a whole new journey for me as a Christian. Are faith and intellect compatible? At BYU, Worthen explained, the point of education is to ultimately become more fit to serve others and pursue all truth wherever it may be found. One visitor to a 19th century Latter-day Saint community remarked on an extravagant thirst for knowledge among members of the church, he said. The ultimate goal is not merely the attainment of some abstract information. But it is to help us change our nature to become more God-like through the power of Jesus Christ, said Worthen, who is also a distinguished visiting professor of law at Yale Law School and a former area authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Worthen, who was president of BYU from 2014 to 2023, clerked for Malcolm Wilkey of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit and for Justice Byron White on the U.S. Supreme Court, and was dean of the BYU Law School from 2004-2008. At BYU, he explained, students are encouraged to study by faith, reason and revelation this kind of synergy was once found at private universities but is less common today. Today, he noted, there is a tendency and a temptation to compartmentalize various aspects of our life: Here, Im acting like a lawyer. Here, Im acting like a disciple of Jesus Christ, he said, adding, It never goes well when you do that. BYU, which is sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, resists this trend by focusing on the education of whole person, Worthen said. This synergy stood out to Okediji on her recent visit to BYU. She touted the students commitment to both their faith and intellectual pursuits in a way that enrich one another. So if were serious about faith and if we think its important to cultivating virtuous citizens and faith has application to poverty, to injustice, to unfairness, to environment issues you name the social problem we believe that Gods word in the Bible has wisdom and insight and discernment for the things that we face today, we must be bold about faith in academic institutions, she said. I do not think there is a choice. Okediji kicks off every admissions cycle with a prayer to have more Christians enroll at Harvard. If Christians want to bring about change in the world, then its important that we are faithful in the places that train leaders for the nations. Giving your best is an act of worship Okediji shared that some Christians shes known in the past have not always shown the highest standard of excellence when it came to their studies. She recalled, for example, a student who dismissed a study session opting to pray instead. But a mention of Abels more excellent sacrifice than Cains in Hebrews reframed the connection between excellence and faith for Okediji. Whether its my scholarship, or whether Im teaching or talking to my students give your best because its an act of worship. At BYU, students are encouraged to pursue the careers that God called them to. Low tuition rates, compared to most secular universities, alleviate the pressure of financial burden, Worthen said. When he proposed to raise tuition at BYU, the answer came back that student debt would limit the students choice of career. But with this financial relief, students have an obligation, too. You have a Christian obligation to worship with your mind, to fit yourself to be better prepared to do what God wants you to do, Worthen said. Maintaining a faithful witness The pressures of a rigorous academic environment can take a toll on students, Okediji noted. She asked Worthen how he was able to maintain a faithful witness during challenging times. Its a disciplined routine of prioritizing the aspects of spiritual maintenance: daily prayer and scripture study which come first thing, before distractions of the day, Worthen said. And then, he said, ask God what he thinks of you. When the anxiety is such that you think Im failing in every possible way, Im in debt, Im not going well if you really ask God what he thinks of you, in whatever form it is, I think that could be transformative. He added, I think we underestimate the motivation that comes from feeling Gods love for us. But falling off the priority wagon is bound to happen, Okediji said, usually when we fear missing a promotion or a recognition. Theres this fear that if you somehow honor the Sabbath, that the career train will leave you behind, she said, noting that she signs off from all work on Friday after sunset to honor the Sabbath. And I will tell you that in my entire career, I have never missed one thing. Instead, keeping the Sabbath has helped Okediji be more efficient with her time and set the tone for her co-workers to respect the time shes away. This whole idea that we have to work ourselves to the ground until we die, with no fulfillment the world is dying as a result of that, Okediji said. It needs believers in the gospel of Jesus, because it needs believers in Gods word to say, that is not what God created you for, you are not a machine. And that there is a virtue in rest, and that there is excellence in rest, and I really want to encourage that. Lawyers face a unique challenge in reconciling their career and faith, both speakers emphasized. Legal cases tend to reduce people to plaintiffs or defendants, dehumanizing people in real-life situations, Worthen said. You have to remind yourself that youre dealing with people who are divine. Okediji agreed that the legal profession is too wired for the flesh. You will have to very deliberately lay down the desire for the accolades and the recognition, otherwise, it will overtake you, Okediji said. Every day it will knock on your door, and every day youve got to let your love for God open that door and say no, not today. In a recorded announcement made on YouTube, Superintendent of Mashpee Public Schools Patricia DeBoer announced her retirement Thursday. "This journey has been the most significant and rewarding experience from a professional standpoint that I have had," said DeBoer in her video statement. "I am so extremely grateful to have had it." The YouTube video was provided to the Times by DeBoer. DeBoer has led the district since November 2015, when former Superintendent Brian Hyde was placed on administrative leave after a residency check he performed at a students home. At that time, DeBoer was appointed interim superintendent through June 30, 2017. She was officially appointed by the Mashpee Public School Committee as Superintendent in December 2016. In her statement, DeBoer said she entered into executive session with the School Committee to inform them of her decision. Cathy Lewis, chair of the school committee, said in a statement that DeBoer submitted a resignation letter on April 3, and will remain superintendent until Aug. 3. "She has been instrumental in implementing innovative educational programs, fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, and ensuring every student receives the highest quality of education," said Lewis, of DeBoer. "She will be greatly missed." Mashpee Middle-High School superintendent, Patricia DeBoer, gives the opening remarks during graduation on June 3, 2017. Who will be the next Mashpee school superintendent? Lewis said the School Committee is engaging with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees Superintendent Search Services for guidance on next steps. "We will be seeking a superintendent who possesses the experience, leadership, and vision to lead our district going forward," said Lewis. "Details will be shared with all stakeholders as the process advances." Volunteers from the school and from the Mashpee community will be sought to be part of the process, said Lewis. DeBoer has been with Mashpee school system for almost three decades In her video statement, DeBoer said she's been with Mashpee Public Schools for 29 years - 10 years as a teacher, 10 years as a building administrator, and 9 years at the central office as the superintendent. Before becoming superintendent, DeBoer was principal of Quashnet Elementary School. The decision to retire, she said, was a hard one she made with her family over Easter weekend. "The students and children of Mashpee are the best human beings. Families have been supportive during my journey, and staff have been so dedicated, hard working and amazing," said DeBoer. "Collectively, all of these individuals have enriched my life." DeBoer faced some controversy during her time as superintendent In June 2018, the states campaign ethics office found that DeBoers use of school email in the run-up to the town election in May violated campaign finance law, according to its letter to the towns top school official. On May 14, 2018, a day before the Mashpee town election, DeBoer emailed a social media post, written by school committee member Nicole Bartlett, to parents and faculty that appeared to endorse incumbents Geoffrey Gorman and George Schmidt III in the race for two open school committee seats. The email, which DeBoer sent using her school email account, urged members of the community to get out and vote on the two ballot questions and discussed Gorman's and Schmidts backgrounds at some length. In a Jan. 2023 Times article, diversity, equity and inclusion efforts were questioned by Mashpee students and parents after two photos, each one featuring a white student kneeling on the neck of a Black student, were taken on Mashpee Middle-High School grounds and were circulated virtually through the student population, and on social media. Imitating George Floyd's death in 2020, the Black student is lying face down on the floor in both pictures, holding his hands behind his back as if he were handcuffed. In the first picture, the white student makes a thumbs-up sign, and in the second photo he acts like he's handcuffing the Black student. In response to concerns, DeBoer replied to the Times in an email. "I can assure you that I am working very hard to effect the change that is needed for the students and staff at MMHS," said DeBoer in the email. DeBoer said students will remain a part of her life's tapestry In her videoed retirement statement, DeBoer said she's grateful for the Mashpee community and said she will carry all her students close to her heart. "Everyone that I have interacted with, in particular our students, are truly part of my lifes tapestry," said DeBoer. "Mashpee will always be important to me and I am so appreciate everything everyone has done to help me find success in my journey." Rachael Devaney writes about community and culture. Reach her at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney. 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: Mashpee Public Schools Superintendent Patricia DeBoer retiring A Ukrainian priest abducted by Russian occupiers nearly a year ago could face 12 years in prison after a secret court trial for alleged espionage, contrary to international law, according to rights watchdog Forum 18. The Rev. Kostiantyn Maksimov, 40, from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) was charged with espionage under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code. The Russian Prosecutors Office in occupied Zaporizhzhia announced the trial on its website on March 29. The prosecutors office alleges, without evidence according to Forum 18, that Maksimov used an internet messenger transmitted to an employee of the Ukrainian security service information with the coordinates of the deployment of Russian air defense technical equipment located in the city and district between April 2022 and February 2023. Before his arrest, Maksimov was a Ukrainian orthodox priest at the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Tokmak city, in Zaporizhzhia, now under Russian occupation. Russian forces stopped and detained the priest in Chongar town in May. At the time, he tried to cross the boundary line with occupied Crimea. No one had knowledge of the priests welfare since the initial arrest 10 months ago until the announcement of the trial. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Pro-Russian politician Vladimir Rogov pronounced a guilty verdict regardless of the trials outcome on his Telegram channel on March 31. The accomplice of the Ukrainian special services was caught transferring confidential data to his overseers in Kyiv, Rogov wrote of Maksimov, according to Forum 18. The information leak threatened the security of Russia and all residents of the Zaporizhzhia Region. Forum 18 stated that the trial is illegal under international law because an occupying country is not allowed to enforce its own laws in occupied territory. The laws of occupation verified by several countries, including Russia, at The Hague on Oct. 18, 1907, appear to support this view. Article 43 states that when the authority of a legitimate power is passed to an occupier, it should be respecting, unless absolutely prevented, of the laws in force in the country. No further details are known about a trial date or lawyers involved with the priest, despite Forum 18s repeated approaches to Russian authorities. An unnamed official at the Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutors Office refused to give details to Forum 18 about the trial date, prosecutors name, name of the judge, or Maksimovs location. The official said the office had many cases but of course the priest had a lawyer, though he had no further information about the attorney. We have no greater rights than the defense side, the official told Forum 18. Everything will be decided by the court. Russian occupiers disagree about the exact location of Maksimovs trial. The court hearing is at the Russian Zaporizhzhia Regional Court in Melitopol, according to Zaporizhzhia Region Prosecutors Office. The Crimean Supreme Court in Simferopol, however, is the real location, according to Yelena Shapovalova, head of the Bar Association in the Russian-occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Region. No trial notification appeared on the Crimean Supreme Courts website as of this writing. Shapovalova declined to tell Forum 18 the name of Maksimovs appointed lawyer during the pre-trial investigation. That period has now ended, and the lawyers work thus came to an end, she reportedly said from her office in Melitopol on Monday (April 8). Shapovalova confirmed that none of the priests relatives signed an agreement with a lawyer. She also revealed that Maksimov had been at a temporary holding center in Melitopol during the pre-trial investigation. There was no indication of his present whereabouts. The Rev. Vladimir Saviisky, another priest from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, knew Maksimov personally and called news of the secret court trial, terrible. This was to be expected, he told Forum 18. The Russians threatened me with this also. Had they not deported me, I would have been sitting next to him in a prison cell. Saviisky reportedly endured pressure from Russian occupiers to support the Russian Orthodox Churchs dominance of the Ukrainian Orthodox Churchs Berdyansk Diocese. He served as priest of St. Nicholas Church in Primorsk, an occupied town near the Azov Sea in Zaporizhzhya. Saviisky refused to sign his church over to the Russian Orthodox Church, despite several interrogations, and fled to Ukrainian-controlled territory in June. Artyom Sharlay, head of the Religious Organizations Department at Zaporizhzhia Regional Administrations Social and Political Communications and Information Policy Department, made unverified claims about Maksimov to Forum 18 in October 2023. He said the priest opposed the Berdyansk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church being linked to the Russian Orthodox Church, which has controlled the Diocese since May 2023. Christian Daily International has previously reported on the plight of Ukranian Orthodox priests suffering in Russian occupied parts of Ukraine. Witness testimony during a court hearing this week provided a sliver of new information into the ambush at a Boise hospital last month that left three correctional officers injured. Skylar Meade one of the men accused of being at the center of an attack at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise appeared at the Ada County Courthouse on Monday for a preliminary hearing that included testimony from several witnesses on his alleged escape. Just after 2 a.m. March 20, 31-year-old Meade, a prisoner who was taken to the hospital for self-inflicted wounds, was being escorted out of Saint Alphonsus when 28-year-old Nicholas Umphenour opened fire on two correction officers and fled with Meade, according to law enforcement. The incident led to a 36-hour statewide manhunt that started in the Treasure Valley and ended two hours east after police arrested the two men. Skylar Meade and Nicholas Umphenour, right, appeared in 4th District Court via video conference Monday to be arraigned on charges stemming from an organized prison break while being transported to a Boise hospital. A third correction officer was shot and injured by a 12-year veteran of the Boise Police Department. All three officers have since been released from the hospital and are recovering. The suspects, who police say are members of the white supremacist gang Aryan Knights, also have been connected to two homicides in North Idaho, though prosecutors have yet to charge Meade and Umphenour with any crimes related to the mens deaths. Idaho State Police told the Idaho Statesman last week that the investigation into the deaths of 72-year-old Don Henderson and 83-year-old James Mauney remains under investigation. Boise Police Violent Crimes Det. Matthew Canfield, one of three witnesses called by the Ada County Prosecutors Office, detailed security footage showing the suspects escape during Mondays hearing. Canfield wasnt involved in the shooting, but was called to the scene that night as one of the departments on-call investigators to get a lay of what was going on. The security camera footage which wasnt played in court showed Meade being escorted out of the hospitals emergency room department by the three correction officers into the ambulance bay where the prison van was located, Canfield said. Typically, two officers accompany a prisoner on medical visits, but because of Meades security level, three officers accompanied him, the Idaho Department of Correction previously said. Canfield added that Meade was restrained on his legs, wrists and waist. Canfield said as the officers brought Meade to the passenger side of the prison van, another man, later identified as Umphenour, approached the officers and began shooting. The suspects then ran into a parked vehicle, with Umphenour in the drivers seat and Meade in the passenger seat, Canfield said. It was previously unclear where the suspects, along with the correctional officers, were located during the shooting as law enforcement agencies declined to answer several questions sent by the Idaho Statesman. Nicholas Umphenour and Skylar Meade are under investigation for several crimes, including the homicides of two men. Judge: Theres probable cause Meade escaped custody Another witness called by the prosecution, Saint Als Regional Director of Security Mark Roggia, said there are additional videos of the shooting that he gave to the prosecution. So this is just a snippet of the total that exists out there? Meades defense attorney Rob Chastain asked Roggia during the hearing. Correct, he responded. Canfield said a portion of the footage that was submitted as evidence Monday is blocked by the prison transport van, adding that all the footage obtained from Saint Alphonsus doesnt have sound but a video obtained from a private ambulance does. While authorities have identified Umphenour, and subsequently charged him with several felonies for his alleged involvement in the escape, Canfield clarified that Umphenor isnt identifiable in the private ambulance footage. Umphenour and Tia Garcia, who is accused of helping the men escape, were also scheduled to have their preliminary hearings Monday but theyll appear in court at the end of the month instead. Another woman, Tonia Huber, was charged with several felonies after an affidavit said she fled with Meade from police before the arrest. Meade, however, didnt want to wait, and after listening to the witnesses presented by the prosecution, the case was bound over to Ada Countys District Court. This means that 4th District Magistrate Judge Abraham Wingrove believed there was evidence to move the case forward. Meade has been charged with a single felony for escaping custody. Hes being held on a $2 million bond, but even if he did pay his bond, Meades not able to bail out because of a hold from his prison sentence. I am satisfied to a level of probable cause that the defendant has committed the offense alleged from the states complaint, said Wingrove, who also watched the video footage cited by the witnesses. He then scheduled Meades arraignment where a plea will likely be entered for 1:30 p.m. April 17 at the Ada County Courthouse. A California bill could lead to lower home insurance costs. Heres why companies hate it Reality Check is a Sacramento Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com. A California lawmaker wants insurance companies in the state to change how they come up with prices for home coverage. Insurance trade groups arent happy. Senate Bill 1060 would require insurers to take vegetation management, home protection, and other work meant to reduce wildfires into account when determining the risk of covering a property. Its author, Sen. Josh Becker, said the state is spending billions of dollars to prevent and lessen the effect of fires. We want to see that reflected in the way that the industry evaluates risk, the Menlo Park Democrat said. In a recent letter, representatives of four insurance trade groups called the proposal shortsighted and problematic. The goal of the bill is to force insurers to take on risks that are not supported by adequate rate levels and jeopardize their financial solvency, said the organizations, which include the Personal Insurance Federation of California and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. They added: Companies use many factors, other than mitigation, when determining coverage and price. Beyond that, they said it will undermine work by the Department of Insurance. Currently, the agency is unveiling rule changes in an effort to make coverage more available, particularly for homeowners. One of them is to allow companies to use computer models to assess potential risks when coming up with rates. A public hearing on the plan is scheduled for later this month. Becker said the groups misunderstand his intentions and that conversations about their concerns are ongoing. This doesnt interfere with any of the other work thats going on. He also pointed to a study by the Nature Conservancy and Willis Towers Watson, a major insurance broker. It said mitigation work, such as prescribed burns and vegetation thinning, leads to decreases in insurance premiums by reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires. We think this is a win-win, Becker said. If the change goes into effect, and the states mitigation work is not reducing risks, Becker said he and other lawmakers should evaluate the Legislatures spending. The measure is set to be discussed at a hearing later this month. California gasoline prices keep soaring. Is there any end in sight? A gallon of regular gasoline in California Wednesday averaged 53 cents higher than a month ago. Will it go much higher? Its tough to predict, but the potential is there because a big driver of the price spike is international tension. The Russia-Ukraine war and Irans threats to Israel are adding a new dose of uncertainty to an already volatile mix of reasons prices go up as summer approaches. Ukraine attacked Russias supplies, and Iran has become a major threat in the last two weeks, said Sanjay Varshney, professor of finance at California State University, Sacramento. An Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria April 1 killed several Iranian military officials. U.S. officials are expecting Iran to retaliate. The tension in the Middle East is among the reasons U.S. oil prices are up about 20% this year, ranging recently from roughly $85 to $90 a barrel. A gallon of regular gasoline in California Wednesday averaged $5.41, according to AAA. That figure was the highest in the country, topping runnerup Hawaii by 69 cents a gallon. The national average Wednesday was $3.63. Californias average was 53 cents a gallon more than a month ago and 21 cents above the cost a week ago. Local prices included: Sacramento, the average was $5.53, up from $4.86 a month ago. Fresno, $5.41 Wednesday, $4.77 a month ago. Modesto, $5.41 Wednesday, $4.70 a month ago. Merced, $5.44 Wednesday, $4.82 a month ago. San Luis Obispo area, $5.55 Wednesday, $5.06 a month ago. Prices should normally go down but we see geopolitical risks going up at times with potential involvement of other countries in the Middle East and Ukraine regional conflicts. This gets reflected in terms of higher prices at the gas pump, said Gokce Soydemir, Foster Farms endowed professor of business economics at California State University, Stanislaus. Sacramento gas prices jump over 30 cents in one week. Where can you find the cheapest fuel? While the average California price is still well below the June 2022 record of $6.44, and shows no immediate signs of getting anywhere near that, several elements are still in play that could keep prices at current levels, if not higher. Doug Shupe, Autombile Club of Southern California spokesman, cited planned and unplanned refinery maintenance has caused supply issues affecting prices. Imported gasoline has been ordered and should arrive later in April, according to the Oil Price Information Service, which specializes in price and supply trend data. Shupe noted there is also planned maintenance at a refinery in Washington state that supplies Southern California and could last several weeks. Any refinery interruption has an important effect on supply. California requires that drivers use a special blend of gasoline aimed at reducing emissions from motor vehicles. That means the states refineries produce cleaner fuel. Refineries in the state often operate at or near maximum capacity because of the high demand for those petroleum products and the lack of interstate pipelines that can deliver those cleaner fuels into the state, said an analysis from the federal Energy Information Administration. When a refinery has to shut down, the lack of supply from interstate pipelines means replacement supplies of (California gasoline) come in by marine tanker from out-of-state U.S. refineries or from other countries. It can take several weeks to find and bring replacement motor gasoline from overseas that meets Californias unique specifications. So does increased demand, as people tend to drive more in warm weather months, and the annual switch to summer blend gasoline, which costs more to produce than the winter mix. But its the international issues that threaten to keep prices high or send them higher. The Iran threat wasnt on the table a few weeks ago, said Varshney. Regarding prices, he said, Things could be more severe than we thought. Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! CALIFORNIANS OPPOSE BOOK BANS, WANT RACIALLY CONSCIOUS K-12 EDUCATION In a sign that Californians might be tired of the culture wars rocking the nation, a new survey published Wednesday evening shows that a majority of Golden State residents, regardless of party, oppose local school boards banning books and support teaching students about slavery, racism and segregation. The survey, by the Public Policy Institute of California, shows that 69% of Californians oppose efforts by school boards to ban books. Among public school parents, that number drops to 55%. Californians of all political stripes oppose book bans, the survey found, including 84% of Democrats, 71% of independents and 53% of Republicans. The survey also shows that Californians support teaching students racially conscious history 84% of Californians overall, 92% of Democrats, 83% of independents and 73% of Republicans. The poll also found that if California lawmakers send a school facilities bond measure to voters, a little more than half would support it. According to the PPIC poll, 53% of likely voters said they would vote yes on such a bond, while 44% said theyd vote no. As is often the case, views vary by party. Democrats (71%) are much more likely to support a bond to fund school construction projects than are Republicans (25%) or independents (49%). On the local side, half of likely voters said that they would vote yes on a local school district bond measure, while 48% said they would vote no. But when asked whether they would support a parcel tax increase to pay for increased school funding, just 42% said that they would be a yes, while 56% said that theyre a no. The poll also showed the impact that COVID-19 had on public education. A little over half (51%) of public school parents said that their child fell behind academically during the pandemic, while 40% said that their child stayed on track and 9% said their child actually got ahead. Nearly half (47%) of parents say catching up academically is the biggest challenge for their child, while 34% said it was dealing with the social-emotional impacts of the pandemic and 18% said their childs biggest struggle is readjusting to the regular school routine. Finally, half of California voters say that Gov. Gavin Newsom is doing a good job handling public K-12 education, while 47% approve of the work that the Legislature and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond are doing. The PPIC surveyed 1,605 Californians, with a margin of error of 3.3%. Interviewing took place between March 16 and March 25. AS BECERRA WEIGHS GUBERNATORIAL BID, HOW WOULD HE TREAT THE PRESS? U.S. Health Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is considering a run for California governor, according to a scoop from Politico. If he runs, Becerra would join a crowded list of Democratic heavyweights vying for the governors mansion, a list that includes former Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, Superintendent Thurmond and former Controller Betty Yee. California Attorney General Rob Bonta also is rumored to be mulling a run. Prior to joining President Joe Bidens cabinet, Becerra served as California attorney general, and made a name for himself by filing a stack of lawsuits against then-President Donald Trump, a record he likely would lean on if he ran. But Becerras record doesnt just include taking on the Trump Administration it also includes threatening journalists and siding with law enforcement in keeping police misconduct records away from the public, as noted in a Gil Duran column in The Bee in 2020, shortly after Biden announced his intent to nominate Becerra. When journalists with the Investigative Reporting Project at UC Berkeley acquired the names of police officers accused or convicted of crimes, Becerra warned them to destroy the data or face potential prosecution. They published anyway and Becerra ultimately backed down, but it could augur poorly for how a Gov. Becerra would treat the press if hes elected in 2026. QUOTE OF THE DAY I am very blessed, it is my great joy to announce my dear sister, she is one of the great freedom fighters of her generation, one of the great love warriors of her generation. Shes a doctor, shes a professor, most importantly, shes a lover of the people. Her name is Melina Abdullah. - Cornel West, who is running for president as an independent, announcing Melina Abdullah, a Los Angeles-based academic and activist, as his 2024 running mate, on the Tavis Smiley Show. Best of The Bee: Will California Assembly retail theft plan satisfy civil rights groups, Prop. 47 opponents? Via Lindsey Holden . How a California Democrat named Buffy could be a slayer of corporate billionaires, via Tom Philp . (OPINION) Most Sacramento community college students are Hispanic. So why is the faculty majority white? Via Emma Hall. Lawmakers advanced proposals Tuesday to end part of Louisianas popular state-funded college scholarship program and place other awards within easier reach of home-schooled students. Legislation is moving forward to end the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) Tech Award, which provides $6,000 per academic year for students to attend the public or for-profit two-year in-state school of their choice. House Bill 452, by Rep. Vinney St. Blanc, R-Franklin, gained approval Tuesday from the House Committee on Education. It would terminate the TOPS Tech Award in four years. In its place, he wants the state to add money to a needs-based grant program for students to attend two-year schools in Louisiana and pursue training for professions in high demand. Aerial view of Southern University at New Orleans Interest has ebbed in the TOPS Tech Award in the past decade, according to St. Blanc. He cited numbers from 2014-2022 that indicate 77% of students eligible for the program turned down the scholarship. Last year, the Tech Award accounted for just over $6.1 million, or 10% of the total money handed out in TOPS assistance. Theres a potential workforce that remains inactive and not participating in educational training that could lead to meaningful employment, St. Blanc told the committee. The three more popular levels of TOPS Honors, Performance and Opportunity awards are provided to students to attend four-year schools. The amount they receive is based their ACT or SAT score and grade point average. Qualifications for the TOPS Tech Award are the lowest a 2.5 grade point average in TOPS core curriculum courses and a score of at least 17 on the ACT. TOPS Tech became known as a consolation prize, said Monty Sullivan, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, who joined St. Blanc to pitch his bill to the committee. Sullivan and St. Blanc said they want to place more state resources behind the M.J. Foster Promise Program, which covers $3,200 in tuition a year for students who want to enter five fields with workforce needs in Louisiana: information technology, manufacturing, construction, transportation logistics and health care. There are no academic qualifying standards to receive money from the Foster Promise Program other than holding a high school diploma or its equivalent. Recipients must be at least 21 years old, but Rep. Paula Davis, R-Baton Rouge, has sponsored a bill that would lower the age to 17. It awaits debate on the House floor. Demand already exceeds the money available for the Foster Promise Program. Its currently capped at $10 million annually, an amount Sullivan said is reached in the fall semester, leaving students without assistance for the spring. Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge, has proposed legislation to increase the Foster Promise Program cap to $40 million. His bill awaits Senate floor consideration. The TOPS Tech Award has cost the state an average of $6.1 million in the past five school years, according Legislative Fiscal Office figures accompanying St. Blancs bill. Citing Louisiana Workforce Commission figures, Sullivan said 41.5% of people ages 25 to 64 in Louisiana are either not working, looking for work or receiving unemployment benefits. That places the state eighth from the bottom nationally in terms of its inactive workforce, he said. Catherine Jennings, a guidance counselor at Jennings High School, was the lone person who appeared in front of the committee to oppose St. Blancs bill. She said the end of TOPS Tech would eliminate assistance for students who want to pursue fields outside the five the Murphy Promise Program has prioritized. St. Blanc said his intention is not to leave out any student who wants to pursue a career in Louisiana. Were not going to close that door. Were going to open a bigger one, he said. Home-school TOPS access The committee also approved two bills related to TOPS standards for home-schooled students. They must currently score at least two points higher on the ACT than their public and private school counterparts to qualify for the TOPS Tech and Opportunity awards. For the TOPS Performance and Honors awards, their score must be one point more. Rep. Brian Glorioso, R-Slidell, wants all students to face the same criteria to qualify for TOPS, which he proposes in House Bill 68. He said he wasnt aware of the difference in standards until a home-school parent approached him about it last year. I started to research this because it didnt make sense why we would require home-school students to score higher on the ACT, which everyone knows is a standardized test and is obviously not being graded by their parents, Glorioso said. An average of 313 home-schooled students qualify for TOPS awards annually, according to the Louisiana Department of Education. Their awards total about $102,000, with Glorioso stressing the budget impact is minimal. Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Schriever, who home-schooled her children, has authored what she called a backup option to Gloriosos bill. House Bill 548 would keep the higher-score standards in place for home-schooled students, but they would also be able to qualify for TOPS with their grade-point average in TOPS core curriculum classes. The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education now certifies home-school curricula to ensure they match whats offered in public schools, although home-schooled students arent required to take the courses. Amedee voted for Gloriosos bill, saying she loves it, but acknowledged some lawmakers might not be willing to budge on the ACT score adjustment. The higher ACT standards have been in place for several years, dating back to before BESE started giving its blessing to home-school curricula. The thinking at the time was that home-schooled students should face a higher bar to qualify for TOPS much like out-of-state students do when applying to Louisiana schools because they dont have to take the same core classes to earn a diploma. Speaking in code Amedee also gained approval for House Bill 266, which would no longer treat computer coding as a foreign language for the purposes of TOPS qualifying. It would undo a law former state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell, created two years ago to make coding an option for students seeking the scholarship. Hewitt classified coding as a foreign language because she didnt want to add an additional required course for students to receive TOPS. Amedee, who said she supports French-language immersion programs in her home Terrebonne Parish, said students shouldnt have to choose between computer coding classes and foreign language. Education Committee member Rep. Josh Carlson, R-Lafayette, argued that coding is a foreign language, to which Amedee responded that people dont converse in coding in casual conversation like they do a foreign language. Enough GOP members voted against Amedees bill to force chair Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, to break a 6-6 tie vote. She chose to advance it to the House floor for consideration. The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized. This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Changes to TOPS awards target workforce training, home-schooled students Americans need to be aware of the unbridled propensity of federal intelligence agencies to spy on all of us without search warrants as required by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. These agencies believe that the Fourth Amendment which protects the individual right to privacy only regulates law enforcement and does not apply to domestic spying. There is no basis in the constitutional text, history or judicial interpretations for such a limiting and toothless view of this constitutional guarantee. The courts have held that the Fourth Amendment restrains government all government. Last week, the CIA asked Congress to expand its current spying in the United States. Here is the backstory. When the CIA was created in 1947, members of Congress who feared the establishment here of the type of domestic surveillance apparatus that the Allies had just defeated in Germany insisted that the new CIA have no role in American law enforcement and no legal ability to spy within the U.S. The legislation creating the CIA contains those unambiguous limitations. Nevertheless, we know that CIA agents are present in all 50 statehouses in the United States. They didnt arrive there until after Dec. 4, 1981. Thats the date that President Ronald Reagan signed Executive Order 12333, which purports to give the CIA authority to spy in America supposedly looking for narcotics from foreign countries but keeps from law enforcement whatever it finds. Stated differently, while Reagan purported to authorize the CIA to defy the limitations imposed upon it by the Constitution and by federal law, he insisted on a wall of separation between domestic spying and law enforcement. So, if the CIA using unconstitutional spying discovered that a janitor in the Russian Embassy in Washington was really a KGB colonel who abused his wife in their suburban Maryland home, under E.O. 12333, it could continue to spy upon him in defiance of the Fourth Amendment and the CIA charter, but it could not reveal to Maryland prosecutors who can only use evidence lawfully obtained any evidence of his domestic violence. All this changed 20 years later when President George W. Bush demolished Reagans wall between law enforcement and domestic spying and directed the CIA and other domestic spying agencies to share the fruits of their spying with the FBI. Thus, thanks to Reagan and Bush, and their successors looking the other way, CIA agents have been engaging in fishing expeditions on a grand scale inside the U.S. for the past 20 years. Congress knows about this because all intelligence agencies are required by statute to report the extent of their spying secretly to the House and Senate Intelligence Committees. This, of course, does not absolve the CIA of its presidentially authorized computer hacking crimes; rather, it gives Congress a false sense of security that it has a handle on whats going on. Whats going on is not government lawyers appearing before judges asking for surveillance warrants based upon probable cause of crime, as the Constitution requires. Whats going on is CIA agents going to Big Tech and paying for access to communications used by ordinary Americans. Some Big Tech firms told the CIA to take a hike. Others took the CIAs cash and opened the spigots of their fiber-optic data to the voracious federal appetite. If government lawyers went to a judge and demonstrated probable cause of crime for example, that a janitor in the Russian Embassy was passing defense secrets to Moscow surely the judge would have signed a surveillance warrant. But to the government, following the Constitution is too limiting. Thus, by acquiring bulk data fiber-optic data on hundreds of millions of Americans acquired without search warrants the government avoids the time and trouble of demonstrating probable cause to a judge. But that time and trouble were intentionally baked into the Fourth Amendment so as to keep the government off our backs. Not to be outdone by its principal rival, the FBI soon began doing the same thing gathering bulk data without search warrants. When Congress learned of this, it enacted legislation that banned the warrantless acquisition of bulk data. Apparently, Congress is naive enough to believe that the CIA, the FBI and the National Security Agency, their cousin with 60,000 domestic spies, will actually comply with federal law. Last week, that naivete was manifested front and center when the CIA sent a letter to both congressional intelligence committees addressing its spying on foreign persons and the Americans with whom they communicate, and asking to expand that reach inside the U.S. The timing of the CIAs letter coincides with a decision Congress must make in the next 10 days whether to reenact Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allow it to expire on April 19 or expand it as the CIA has requested. Section 702 permits warrantless spying on foreigners and the Americans whom intelligence agencies suspect communicate with them. Section 702 is an unconstitutional free pass for domestic spying. Andrew P. Napolitano So, notwithstanding the persistent efforts of members of Congress from both parties to limit and in some cases to prohibit the warrantless acquisition of bulk data by the CIA from Americans, the practice continues, the CIA defends it and presidents look the other way. In 1947, Congress created the CIA monster, which today is so big and so powerful and so indifferent to the Constitution and the federal laws its agents have sworn to uphold that it can boast about its lawlessness, have no fear of defying Congress and always escape the consequences of all this largely unscathed. Even President Harry Truman, who signed the 1947 legislation into law, later acknowledged as much and condemned what the CIA had become. I suspect the CIA and its cousins will get away with this because they spy on Congress and possess damning personal data on members who regularly vote to increase their secret budgets. When will we have a government whose officials are courageous enough to uphold the Constitution? Andrew P. Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court Judge, has published nine books on the U.S. Constitution. To learn more, visit JudgeNap.com. This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: The CIA wants more power to spy on Americans Tareck El Aissami, the former Venezuelan vice president who was paraded as a trophy this week in the countrys latest anti-corruption drive, was until recently one of the most powerful and influential men in the country, playing multiple roles for ruler Nicolas Maduro that went from oil czar and liaison to Middle East extremists to faction chieftain in the regimes drug cartel. Rising quickly through the regimes ranks by attaching himself to Maduros rising star during the turbulent years that followed the illness and death of former president Hugo Chavez, El Aissami was seen as the regimes number three man until he fell from grace early last year amid charges that a corrupt cabal stole billions of dollars in oil revenues under his nose while he served as oil minister. El Aissami immediately resigned and was not seen in public since, while Attorney General Tarek William Saab proceeded to arrest dozens of his closest associates, a few of whom died in police custody. On Tuesday, Saab announced that accounts from five of those arrested claimed El Aissami was the leader of the corruption scheme and that he sought to promote social unrest by bankrupting the Venezuelan economy. These scoundrels... used the positions that the State entrusted to them... to ally themselves with shell company businessmen seeking... to destroy the economy, Saab said Tuesday in a press conference in which he accused El Aissami of running a criminal organization from inside Petroleos de Venezuela. El Aissami was shown on Tuesday being taken into a jail cell by masked policemen. His business partner, Samark Lopez, and former Finance Minister Alejandro Zerpa were also charged. That brought to 57 the number of former regime officials and businessmen charged with corruption for their alleged roles in the scheme, in which participants pocketed oil revenues that were supposed to go into the states coffers. While the oil revenue allegedly lost in the scheme has been calculated at more than $5 billion, embezzlement of public funds is only one of a long list of crimes long attributed to El Aissami. U.S. officials believe he is one of the founding members of the so-called Cartel de los Soles, or Suns Cartel, an organization run by military officers and other regime officials that took over drug operations inside the South American country. The U.S. detected his involvement during his tenure as interior minister from 2008-12 and later as governor of the state Aragua from 2012-17. From those positions he facilitated shipments of narcotics from Venezuela on flights departing from a Venezuelan air base, while also controlling routes through Venezuela ports, the U.S. Treasury Department said in 2017. He oversaw or partially owned narcotics shipments of over 1,000 kilograms from Venezuela on multiple occasions, including those with the final destinations of Mexico and the United States, Treasury added, saying it was levying sanctions against El Aissami.. The Treasury announcement also made public sanctions against Samark Lopez for providing material assistance and financial support to El Aissamis narcotics trafficking. According to U.S. officials, El Aissami oversaw drug shipments to Mexican cartels, including Los Zetas, an organization known for its violence, while also providing protection to Colombian drug lord Daniel Barrera Barrera and Venezuelan drug trafficker Hermagoras Gonzalez Polanco. In a report prepared for a U.S. law enforcement agency, IBI Consultants, a security firm specializing in transnational organized crime in Latin America, said that El Aissami headed one of the two main branches of the Soles cartel, while the other was headed by the regimes number-two man, Diosdado Cabello. This two-prong structure was formed during the final days of Chavezs presidency and eventually took control of the countrys security apparatus. Before his death Chavez named Maduro as his successor, while Cabello and El Aissami focused on building drug trafficking structures, placing trusted cadres in key government, military and intelligence positions. These cadres rotate so each can get rich, but none can build an independent base of support, the report said. The Cartel, once in complete control of the military and intelligence structures, moved to displace Colombian traffickers operating inside Venezuela and consolidate their integrated cocaine trafficking structures. With Chavez weakened by cancer and absent for long periods of time for treatment in Cuba, cartel factions led by Diosdado Cabello and Tareck El Aissami maneuvered more freely to consolidate power, the report added. While most investigations of the cartels creation point to a proposal made by Chavez to his top lieutenants to use cocaine exports as a weapon against the United States, there was another aspect of El Aissamis activities that worried the U.S. El Aissami represented a very dangerous cocktail for the national security of the United States, which is the mixture of classical drug trafficking with a connection to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U..S., said Martin Rodil, an expert who is frequently consulted by different agencies in Washington on security issues linked to Venezuela. Investigations by U.S. agencies showed that the criminal organization headed by El Aissami was one of the main suppliers of the drug network that Hezbollah operates in Europe, Rodil told the Miami Herald. The money derived from the sales of these drugs ends up becoming part of the financing that Hezbollah has in Lebanon, and is used in activities that range from terrorist attacks to attacks on the State of Israel, Rodil said. Before falling from grace, El Aissami had become an indispensable ally of Maduros, which allowed him to rise quickly within the political movement created by Chavez. But over the past decade El Aissami began to differentiate himself from his colleagues in government because of the gigantic fortune that he was buidling, and because of a money-laundering network that operated through fictitious companies, said Joseph Humire, executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society. In a report the center prepared, Humire said El Aissami used his political prominence to establish intelligence and financial channels with Islamic countries, particularly Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran. El Aissami, the report said, developed a sophisticated, multi-layered financial network that functions as a criminal-terrorist pipeline to bring Islamic militants to Venezuela and neighboring countries, and to send illicit funds from Latin America to the East. A downtown Florida saloon was raided and shut down. It didnt involve drinks or food Detectives seized slot machines from a Florida bar Wednesday morning following a month-long investigation into illegal gambling, Bradenton police said. Along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, police say they conducted several undercover operations in March at Pour Decisions Saloon, 430 12th St. W., Bradenton, where they found four arcade-style video slot machines available to customers for illegal gambling. Detectives said they obtained a search warrant and removed the four machines from the business. Photos posted by police to social media show crime scene tape surrounding the business on a sidewalk in downtown Bradenton. No customers or employees were arrested, but police say the investigation is ongoing. The investigation comes after similar operations by the Manatee County Sheriffs Office. Other gambling machine crackdowns in Florida A sheriffs office crackdown on illegal gambling made in July 2023 saw deputies seize 69 gambling machines along with more than $52,000 in illegal proceeds, the Bradenton Herald previously reported. Several businesses were also closed during the operation, investigators said. Another operation by the sheriffs office in September 2023 saw them shut down another game room, along with seizing another 33 slot machines and $15,000 in illegal profit, according to deputies. Against the law Operating a slot machine without a license is against the law. Business owners could face up to five years in prison and be fined as much as $10,000 per machine for failing to comply with the law. Anyone with information about illegal gambling in Bradenton is asked to call the Bradenton Police Department at 941-932-9300 or submit an anonymous tip to Manatee CrimeStoppers at ManateeCrimeStoppers.com. A social worker denied a top job out of fear his Christian beliefs on marriage would result in him killing LGBT+ colleagues is seeking redress at an employment tribunal in a landmark case in the U.K. When Felix Ngole, 46, applied as a mental health support worker at Wakefield Hospital in Leeds, recruitment firm Touchstone Support Leeds turned him down in May 2022 after discovering he had won an unrelated legal case over his right to freedom of speech. Ngole had won on appeal in 2019 after the University of Sheffield banned him from a social worker training course for quoting Bible passages relevant to same-sex marriage in a Facebook debate. The court ruled that his Christian beliefs did not mean he would discriminate against anyone. Ngole returned to the university course and qualified as a social worker. In the current case against Touchstone, the Christian Legal Centre said Ngole lost a second-round job interview for refusing to embrace and promote LGBTQ+ rights. Dr. H. Eli Joubert, in support of Touchstone, told the tribunal that if LGBTQ+ service users discovered Ngoles Christian beliefs on gender and sexuality online, the result could be death to one or more of them, Christian Concern reported. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Senior staff at Touchstone held a similar view about the supposed deadly consequences of Ngoles beliefs, according to Christian Concern. The Bible verse John 3:16 was said to be triggering to LGBTQ+ service users. Touchstone lawyers emphasized Minority Stress Theory in their argument in court, which holds that minorities suffer stress from stigma and discrimination. The Christian Legal Centre argued that politely giving a different opinion about gender issues cannot be construed as causing psychological damage. Ngole said that Touchstone had informed him he was the best candidate for the job before they suddenly found I was unemployable because they discovered that I am a Christian. No one has ever told me that I have not treated them well in my professional experience, Ngole said. I have never been accused of forcing my beliefs on anyone. Ngole said he had supported vulnerable people from all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+. It was a brilliant interview; I was greeted warmly, and they were really kind to me, he said. I was offered the job, and they were already talking to me about my first day and who my line manager would be. When I received the email telling me that the job had been withdrawn, it was a shock. I was very confused and distraught, and I wanted to know why. Christian Concern stated Touchstone bosses told him that his Christian beliefs did not align with the NHS recruitment firms inclusive employer status, and that employing him posed a risk to the companys reputation. Touchstone also informed Ngole that as an employee, he would undergo compulsory LGBTQ+ training. He could not share biblical perspectives, although colleagues would be allowed to express LGBTQ+ affirming views. Ngole tried to reassure Touchstone that he never forced his beliefs on or discriminated against anyone, but his job offer was withdrawn. The reasons they gave for withdrawing the job offer were an attack on me and my faith, Ngole said. They made it seem that 100 percent of the people I would be helping would be LGBT, and that I had to pledge allegiance to the LGBT flag and forget about my Christian beliefs. The social worker said employer discrimination against Christian beliefs was untenable, forcing people to promote an ideology that violates their conscience in the workplace. There was no mutual respect, and no tolerance and inclusion of me and my beliefs whatsoever, Ngole recalled. If we get to the point where if you dont celebrate and support LGBT you cant have a job, then every Christian out there doesnt have a future. You can study as much as you like, but you will not have a chance. Formerly an asylum seeker after fleeing Cameroon, Ngole said the U.K. was once a bastion of free speech and expression, but it has changed. I was once an asylum seeker; I had no job, no home, but those in my community treated me with great kindness, he said. I have to show that kindness, not just because Im a Christian, but also because that is what I received. Ngole gained the highest marks of any candidate in an equality and diversity assessment in a test in May 2022, according to Christian Concern. I have no choice but to pursue justice again, because if this is happening to me, it will be happening to Christians and individuals from all beliefs and backgrounds across the country, Ngole said. I cannot deny my faith to get a job. One day I will leave this world, and I wont leave with anything other than my faith. I will be happy to be a cleaner, if need be, as long as I keep my faith and am right before God. Ngole suffered direct discrimination, harassment and breaches of the U.K. Equality Act 2010, according to the Christian Legal Centre, which supports him in the case that began on April 2. Ngole seeks compensation and a recommendation that Touchstone alter its recruitment procedure to adhere to its objective as an inclusive employer and not exclude Christians from employment. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said that the case represented a dark and troubling precedent for Christians generally if employers were allowed to force employees to promote LGBTQ+ lifestyles. If left unchallenged, it would see Christians who manifest their beliefs barred from working in the NHS [National Health Service] and other institutions, Williams said. Felix loves Jesus and the Bibles teaching, and you could not ask for a more compassionate mental health worker to support the most vulnerable in our communities. The NHS and its providers need more social workers like Ngole, not fewer, she said. The Court of Appeal judgment in Felixs case against the University of Sheffield was a major development of the law and must be upheld and respected in current and future Christian freedom cases, she said. Williams suggested that Touchstone had been captured by prominent LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall, resulting in confident totalitarianism. Viewpoint discrimination is escalating in the U.K. at an alarming rate, she said. We have seen in the recent cases of high street banks denying Christians and free speech advocates the right to a bank account how far organizations captured by Stonewall are prepared to go. Anyone who does not comply and celebrate LGBT ideology must become a non-person. Ecuadors raid on Mexicos embassy shocked Latin America. Heres why it may still pay off for Daniel Noboa Latin America has seen plenty of diplomatic wrestling in recent weeks, from Argentinas president calling his Colombian counterpart a terrorist murderer to Venezuelas latest attempt to take back a territory ruled by neighboring Guyana. But none of that has been quite as hands-on as Ecuadors highly controversial decision to raid Mexicos embassy a major violation of diplomatic norms that continues to reverberate across the region. Surveillance footage from the incident in Quito last week showed Ecuadorian police grappling with the Mexican missions top diplomat as they arrested Jorge Glas, Ecuadors former vice president who had been seeking asylum from Mexico when the raid took place. The dramatic scenes also point to a new approach to crime in the region and underline how the youngest leader in Latin America, Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa, may be throwing out conventional wisdom to the likely chagrin of his septuagenarian Mexican counterpart Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Two very different politicians Noboa, 36, rose to Ecuadors presidency in a political finger snap. His predecessor, Guillermo Lasso, resigned and called for early elections amid a constitutional crisis in May last year. The resulting race was dominated by the countrys rising crime wave all too evident when an anti-corruption candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, was assassinated on August 9. The son of a banana tycoon with limited political experience under his belt, Noboa capitalized on the vote for a tough-on-crime approach. Less than two months after taking office, Ecuadors security crisis made global headlines when gunmen stormed a television studio live on air shortly after one of the most infamous criminals in the country, Alfredo Fito Macias, escaped from prison. Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa during his inauguration at the National Assembly in Quito on November 23, 2023. - RODRIGO BUENDIA/AFP/AFP via Getty Images Fito remains at large, but since then, Noboa has kept the nation in a permanent state of emergency. He has declared an internal armed conflict against the drug cartels, sent the military to the streets, and called for emergency security measures to be drafted in the Constitution in a referendum on April 21. He also vowed to kickstart a new era for Ecuador, a clean break from his predecessors who allowed crime to run the street. That may be one reason why Noboa has pushed so hard to arrest Glas. The ex-vice president had sought protection from embezzlement charges by requesting asylum in Mexico, saying that the accusations were politically motivated. But Glas, already twice convicted for corruption and a close ally to his former boss, Rafael Correa, had become emblematic of the past that Noboa rejects and a test of his determination to clean house. For a moment, Glas appeared to have found refuge. Lopez Obrador has previously used Mexicos diplomatic channels to rescue political allies, from welcoming Bolivias Evo Morales in 2019 to offering asylum to the family of Perus Pedro Castillo in 2022. A close ideological ally of Correa, Lopez Obrador had since December allowed Glas to live at the Mexican embassyterritory that is technically off limits for local authorities. But then he appeared to add insult to irritation. Lopez Obrador last week seemed to criticize the election that brought Noboa to power, suggesting the climate of fear created by Villavicencios murder had favored Noboa. On April 5,the Ecuadorean leader broke diplomatic norms and ordered an unprecedented operation to seize Glas by force, throwing Ecuadors relations with Mexico into a tailspin. A crucial vote and Noboa seeks a boost Ecuadors April 21 vote is crucial to put the current diplomatic crisis into context, analysts say. Noboa defended his decision to raid a foreign embassy a violation of the Vienna Convention by saying the security crisis in Ecuador called for exceptional decisions, and that he could not allow a convicted criminal to escape justice. In an open letter published on Monday, he tied his action to the upcoming referendum, claiming a vast majority of Ecuadoreans would defend his decision with their vote. It could well be that the raid grants him a spike of popularity, said Santiago Orbe, an Ecuadorian international analyst. The government has been under pressure because of Fitos escape and then for trying and failing to send old weapons to Ukraine. This action, however impulsive and frankly disproportionate, shows that they do not lack courage when making decisions, Orbe told CNN. President of Mexico Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador speaks during a briefing at Palacio Nacional on March 12 in Mexico City. - Hector Vivas/Getty Images While Lopez Obrador is at the sunset of his political career, Noboa is just getting started and seeks a strong platform to run for re-election next year. Noboa is part of a new generation of very quick politicians who act first and listen later. Ecuador will probably pay a price in terms of its international stance, but in the short term, such a brazen action will help Noboa, whose platform is all about security and law on crime, Orbe said. Others, like Mexican columnist Emilio Lezama, have compared Noboas actions to those of another young politician who is very popular across the region because of his tough-on-crime approach at the cost of some rule-breaking: El Salvadors Nayib Bukele. Fewer leaders worldwide have embodied a security crackdown more than El Salvadors president, who has ruled with emergency powers for more than two years. While his tenure has been marked by concern for alleged human rights abuse -at some point, El Salvador put roughly 2% of its adult population behind bars its fair to say that Bukeles policies are overwhelmingly popular with his countrymates. This year, Bukele won re-election in a landslide. Support for authoritarian measures to tackle the chronic issues of crime and economic growth in Latin America has significantly increased since the turn of the century. According to Latinobarometro, a regional pollster that tracks opinions across 17 different Latin American countries, 60% of respondents believed democracy was the preferred form of government for their country under any circumstance in 2006, when Lopez Obrador mounted his first presidential run. In 2023, the year Noboa was elected, it was 48%. Its too early to say whether Noboas gamble will pay off at the ballot boxes, or if Ecuador will be sanctioned in multilateral forums Mexico has already announced it will sue Ecuador at the International Court of Justice. But its not too early to see the growing appetite for such brazen actions. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Erie County Executive Brenton Davis uses police-like badge to ID himself. Is it appropriate? Shortly after taking office in 2022, Erie County Executive Brenton Davis used public funds to purchase six police-like badges for himself and members of his administration, according to financial records obtained by the Erie Times-News. The gold wallet badges, which cost $140 apiece, $840 collectively, carry no law enforcement authority, but allow Davis to quickly identify himself, both to civilians and law enforcement officials, according to Erie County Public Information Officer Chris Carroll. Carroll said Davis has used his badge on multiple occasions, including at a crime scene in Millcreek Township, a flood in Union City and to inform hunters to stay off county property in Fairview Township. Erie County Executive Brenton Davis, seen here on Oct. 24, 2023. While Carroll said it is common practice for county executives across the country to carry such badges, other county leaders, including those with the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, said they are not aware of any such cases. "I dont know of anyone that does that," said Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, who served as CCAP president in 2021 and who was appointed CCAP board chairman in 2022. I would actually say, in all of my eight years (as commissioner), Ive never seen that happen." Erie County Sheriff Chris Campanelli, who's served in the Sheriff's Office for more than 25 years, echoed that hes never seen anybody carry a badge outside of law enforcement." Former Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper added that she didnt carry a police-like badge when she served in office and stressed that as county executive, youre not law enforcement. Having a badge like that can bring forward the perception that youre in a different role than you really are, she said. I think that would be problematic. Where were the badges purchased? The badges were purchased from Uniform Outfitters, LLC, an Erie-based business that has provided uniforms and equipment to first responders in the Erie area since 2015, according to the businesss website. The purchase included two badges for Davis and one each for his then Director of Administration Doug Smith, now Joe Sinnott; Director of Public Safety John Grappy and two deputy public safety directors. The badges, which have a shield design, contain the seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and are branded with the title of each official. Davis badges are branded with county executive and 007, in reference to Davis being the seventh Erie County executive, according to Carroll. Davis also purchased a wallet for $32.99 to hold his badge. "The county executive carries a badge in his wallet at all times in case he has to respond to an incident, Carroll said. When has Davis used his badge? Carroll said Davis has used his badge at various times, including in the aftermath of a Sept. 5 shooting and fire along East Gore Road in Millcreek Township. Carroll said Davis approached the scene and displayed his badge and title to Pennsylvania state troopers who were called in from Clarion County to investigate. By doing so, the county executive quickly communicated his role to coordinate the delivery of requested light towers to the Pennsylvania State Police for the purpose of an overnight investigation, Carroll said. Carroll also said Davis used his badge in 2022 when he passed by Pleasant Ridge Manor in Fairview Township and noticed active hunting on the adjacent county property. He stopped to inform the hunters that they were on county property and it was not appropriate for hunting, Carroll said of Davis. The hunters did not recognize him, so he presented his badge and county-issued ID to identify himself. The situation was resolved immediately and without issue. Carroll added: "At each of these incidents, this badge proved to be effective as the county executive was not immediately recognized and it helped to deter potential misunderstanding." What prompted the need for a badge? Carroll said Davis felt the need to get a badge following the April 5, 2022, shooting at Erie High School that left one victim injured. Carroll said Davis went to the site to offer county services to support the overall emergency management effort, but he was not recognized by the emergency personnel at the scene. Erie Bureau of Police officers gather near Erie High School after a student was shot and injured there in Erie on April 5, 2022. The victim's injuries were not life-threatening. Pennsylvania State Police assisted as did law enforcement officers from Millcreek, Erie County Sheriffs Dept. and Pa. Game Commission. Following this incident, the county executive discussed this with his peers at a county executives roundtable and found the use of badges is a standard practice for those who supervise their emergency management systems, Carroll said. This prompted him to look at how Erie County Emergency Management officials are identified in various circumstances. Carroll said the roundtable was a National Association of Counties event. He added, (Davis) determined that a series of badges for officials that may not be immediately identified at an emergency scene would help to keep this situation from recurring. Davis purchased the first three badges three weeks after the shooting. He purchased the other three in August 2022. The administration initially contacted the Erie County Sheriffs Office and District Attorneys Office to inquire where they got their badges, according to both offices. Is this a problem? While Carroll said Davis made sure the badges in no way resembled existing county law enforcement badges, the idea of elected civilian officials carrying police-like badges has been a point of contention in other jurisdictions. In 2019, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey signed a bill into law that prohibited municipalities and counties in the state from issuing badges to non-law enforcement elected officials. The law was largely the result of a 2018 incident, in which a port authority commissioner flashed a gold-plated badge during a traffic stop, in an effort to prevent the impounding of her daughters friends car, according to a report on NJ.com. A report by the Institute for Local Government, which offers resources for officials on public service ethics in California, notes that elected officials who carry such badges "are not peace officers, nor is their role in government and the community anything like that of a trained peace officer." The report refers to an opinion from California's former Attorney General John Van de Kamp, who stated the general public typically associates badges that are designed in the shapes of shields or stars with law enforcement. Such badges, he stated, would "likely deceive an ordinary reasonable person into believing that the investigators have the authority of peace officers." As far as the badges being branded with the official's title, Van de Kamp noted that badges are often "flashed" and people react to a badge out of fear or respect. Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy, who serves as president of the County Executives of America, a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit, said there's no standard for county executives when it comes to carrying badges. "Some county executives are actually reserve police officers, so they got ID cards that say 'reserve police' with a police officers badge," McCoy said. McCoy stressed the importance of the standard county-issued identification that every executive receives as a county employee and played down the importance of any other badge that's branded with "county executive," stating "its not going to get me two cents at the gum machine." The Erie Times-News initially requested to speak with Davis about the badges. Carroll responded by telling the Erie Times-News to submit all questions to him instead. A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Executive Davis uses police-like badge to ID himself Thousands flocked to Louisiana Twinfest to raise money for foster care children. The inaugural Twinfest Louisiana drew thousands to downtown Houma for music, games and food April 6. The festival was a celebration dedicated to twins, multiples and those who grew up in foster care. One set of twins said they were surprised there were so many twins. "I never knew how many twins were in Houma," Hailey Gilmore said. "And everybody is proud of it, so they dressed the same." Twin Sisters Emerald and Saphire Pierre, age 7, play with balloons at the Louisiana Twin Fest. Their outfits were handmade by their mother Crystal Bridgewater. Gilmore was with her twin sister, Kaily Robert. The two said they had seen about 20 other sets of twins, and it was only about an hour and a half into the festival. They were sitting down with some food from a local food truck. There were about 10 lining Main Street, inviting the crowds with their savory smells. Being a twin, Gilmore said, was a bond built on looking out for one another's well being. It may look supernatural, but it's just built on knowing each other thoroughly, Robert said. "You always have a best friend. It can be annoying at times," she said. "I wouldn't say twin telepathy, but I know how her brain works. I know what she's thinking. I know how she feels most of the time based on the situation we are in I know this is how I can react so she feels comfortable." Sherry and Cherry Wilmore, founders of Twinfest Louisiana. The twins are activists and social media personalities known as "Everybody's Favorite Twins," who raise money to donate laptops to college bound foster children. The festival was set up by Sherry and Cherry Wilmore, activists and social media personalities known as "Everybody's Favorite Twins." Cherry said that, according to the unofficial numbers, about 2,500 people showed up. The festival raised money for their nonprofit, which aims to help foster care children. The festival is planned to be their main fundraiser each year. This year they raised about $40,000, before expenses. Whatever the final number is, Cherry said, it will go toward their yearly donation of laptops to college-bound foster children. A mission the two have been doing since 2020. More: Gallery: Louisiana's inaugural twinfest in photos More: A two-day search of Chauvin pond uncovers human remains related to 2018 cold case Cherry said she and her sister chose twins as the theme of the festival because it cuts across political, social and cultural boundaries. It worked. Attendees ranged from teens to people in their 80s. They came from the east and west side of Houma, from up and down the bayou, neighboring parishes and Texas. "It was amazing," Cherry said. "So many people were commenting to us about how remarkable it was to see so many different races and cultures and ages in the courthouse square and in downtown Houma interacting with each other and having a good time. That was everything because that was an underlying theme of Twinfest." This article originally appeared on The Courier: Louisiana Twinfest celebrates multiple, raises money for foster care children GOP resolution says Trump didnt engage in an insurrection. What do Americans think? In February, House Republicans unveiled a resolution declaring former President Donald Trump did not engage in insurrection or rebellion against the United States. The resolution introduced more than three years after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot added that Trump did not give aid or comfort to enemies of the U.S. The resolution, which carries no legal authority and is more of a symbolic gesture, was sponsored by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz and co-sponsored by more than 60 House Republicans. It followed the House voting in 2021 to impeach Trump by a 232 to 197 margin for incitement of insurrection, before he was acquitted in the U.S. Senate. The resolution was put forward in response to a Colorado Supreme Court ruling, which found Trump ineligible to hold office again because he engaged in an insurrection a ruling that was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in March. President Trump did not commit an insurrection, and we believe Congress has a unique role in making that declaration, Gaetz said during a Feb. 6 press conference, according to The Hill. Its not the job of the states and especially not the job of some bureaucrats in Colorado to make this assessment and interfere with the right of voters to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. Now, a new poll reveals most Americans are against the GOP resolution. More politics news Trump is now selling Bibles but hes not the first president with holy books for sale Biden isnt alone with his age concerns. Heres how past presidents dealt with aging A slim majority of U.S. adults, 51%, oppose the resolution, according to an April 11 poll from Navigator Research, a left-leaning survey center. More than one-third of Americans, 38%, support it and 11% said they arent sure. The poll, conducted between March 28 and 31, surveyed 1,000 registered voters. Respondents were largely divided along partisan lines, with 84% of Democrats opposing it and 71% of Republicans supporting it. A majority of independents, 55%, were against the resolution, while 23% supported it. The poll also found that 84% of respondents were either somewhat or very concerned about political violence in the country, with large majorities of members of both parties and independents expressing worry. Additionally, it found that more respondents said the Republican party is more prone to political violence. Slightly less than half of respondents, 47%, said Republicans were more likely to become violent, while 36% said Democrats were more likely to resort to violence. The vast majority of respondents, 72%, also said they opposed the actions of rioters on Jan. 6, 2021. That figure includes 87% of Democrats, 69% of independents and 56% of Republicans. The poll comes as Trump has been charged with election interference in two separate criminal cases, one in Washington, D.C., and the other in Fulton County, Georgia. Religious affiliation is declining in America, poll says. Why? Experts weigh in Who do voters want as Trumps vice president? Poll reveals some surprising choices Does democracy work in the US? Answers may depend on your politics, poll says As the state legislature prepared to gavel back into session Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear has continued to defend a bill the legislature could pass that open records advocates say would create a loophole allowing officials to hide the workings of public business. House Bill 509 would require government entities to provide its employees, board members or other officials with government-issued or agency-furnished official email accounts to do government work. It mandates that officials shall not use any other email account for government work but also it states explicitly that agencies arent required to search private devices or accounts. This would allow officials to circumvent the Open Records Act entirely by communicating through other electronic means, like text messages or other apps, opponents of the bill say. Those opponents include Jon Fleischaker, who is among the original authors of the states Open Records and Open Meetings acts; and Michael Abate, an open records advocate and attorney who has represented the Kentucky Democratic Party in a major legal battle. They said in a recent column that Beshear knows the bill would hurt access to public records. What do you think public officials and employees are going to do if they would prefer not to have their decisions second-guessed? You got it; they will simply communicate by means other than their work email, the pair wrote. Beshear said Thursday the backlash against the bill he hasnt said explicitly that hell sign it if passed, but has repeatedly defended has surprised him. Ive been a little bit surprised by the summary dismissal of a different point of view, name-calling thats come from some but, you know, I promised to do what I thought was best in this job, Beshear said. Though Beshear called it a new law, the bill still needs a Senate vote and could require House concurrence if any floor amendments are adopted. This video starts at the moment @sylviaruthg asks Gov. Beshear about HB 509 and the implications for open records in Kentucky: https://t.co/66Neex52UT You'll notice he refers to it as "this new law." So, there you have it folks. https://t.co/cU6rMOXMhM Tessa Duvall (@TessaDuvall) April 11, 2024 The Democratic governor emphasized the fact that the law would require agencies to provide government emails to some officials who didnt have one beforehand. Fleischaker and Abate have called this a good step, but say its outweighed by the loophole it creates in barring searches of private and public devices. Beshear has previously vetoed legislation that open records advocates derided. House Bill 312 in 2021 essentially shielded the entire Legislative Branch from the Open Records Act. We shouldnt be trying to hide things, Beshear said at the time. Whether its the legislative branch, the executive branch or the judicial branch, a strong open records act, that ensures public access, makes sure government always works for the people. In a veto message, he wrote that transparency and accountability are critical for a well-functioning democracy. Fleischaker and Abate also pointed out that the spirit of House Bill 509 goes against rulings that Beshear made when he was Kentuckys attorney general from 2016 to 2019. Even though all records belong to the public under current law if they are discussing public business as Attorney General Andy Beshear repeatedly ruled they will become effectively off limits if the bill is passed and signed into law, they wrote. When asked how he communicates on public business and if he uses a private phone or other device to do so, Beshear indicated that he only did so orally. How do I communicate with my staff? I communicate with them face-to-face. I do it orally, over the phone Im still in the generation where we talk into a phone instead of just type, Beshear said. The Herald-Leader recently filed an open records request for messages on personal and private devices between the legislature and three of Beshears top staffers regarding House Bill 509. Beshear had mentioned previously that he and his office worked with the legislature on parts of the bill. Beshears office responded to the Herald-Leaders request stating that there were no responsive records between those staffers and legislators. The Herald-Leader and other groups including the Kentucky Open Government Coalition and Paducah news station WPSD have since filed other open records requests on the matter. What next? If the legislature passes House Bill 509, Beshear would hold all the cards on its ultimate fate. Since the final two days of the legislative session Friday and Monday occur after the veto break, the legislature would have no time to override a Beshear veto if he chooses to do so. Unless something changes, the plan is for the bill to pass this session, according to sponsor Rep. John Hodgson. The Fisherville Republican, who was a cabinet official under former GOP Gov. Matt Bevin, told the Herald-Leader he expects some minor changes to the bill before final passage. He says the bill could change to include compelled search of messaging platforms beyond email, like texts from a government-issued phone or messaging app account. Lets say your agency gives you a Signal account for short messaging, then that Signal account would be subject to open records requests, Hodgson said. However, the core piece of the bill that opponents have criticized that the public would not be able to request for any public business conducted on private devices or accounts is likely to remain. Once youre in compliance, your personal accounts would not be part of the search, Hodgson said. DES MOINES, Iowa It will be a state crime for a person to be in Iowa if previously denied admission to or removed from the United States under a bill signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Wednesday. The law, which takes effect July 1, has elevated anxiety in Iowas immigrant communities and has prompted questions among legal experts and law enforcement on how it will be enforced. It mirrors part of a Texas law that is currently blocked in court. In Iowa and across the country, Republican leaders have accused President Joe Biden of neglecting his responsibilities to enforce federal immigration law, leading Republican governors to send troops to Texas and legislatures to propose a variety of state-level strategies. The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nations immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk, Reynolds said in a statement after signing the bill. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books. After the Legislature passed the bill, Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert told The Associated Press in an email in March that immigration status does not factor into the departments work to keep the community safe. He said the force is not equipped, funded or staffed to take on responsibilities that are the federal governments. Simply stated, not only do we not have the resources to assume this additional task, we dont even have the ability to perform this function, Wingert said. Shawn Ireland, president of the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association and a deputy sheriff in Linn County, also said in a March email that law enforcement officials would have to consult with county attorneys for guidance on implementation and enforcement. The Iowa legislation, like the Texas law, could mean criminal charges for people who have outstanding deportation orders or who have previously been removed from or denied admission to the U.S. Once in custody, migrants could either agree to a judges order to leave the U.S. or be prosecuted. The judges order must identify the transportation method for leaving the U.S. and a law enforcement officer or Iowa agency to monitor migrants departures. Those who dont leave could face rearrest under more serious charges. The Texas law is stalled in court after a challenge from the U.S. Department of Justice that says it conflicts with the federal governments immigration authority. The bill in Iowa faces the same questions of implementation and enforcement as the Texas law, since deportation is a complicated, expensive and often dangerous federal process, said immigration law expert Huyen Pham of the Texas A&M School of Law. In the meantime, Iowas immigrant community groups are organizing informational meetings and materials to try to answer peoples questions. Theyre also asking local and county law enforcement agencies for official statements, as well as face-to-face meetings. At one community meeting in Des Moines, 80 people gathered and asked questions in Spanish, including: Should I leave Iowa? Others asked: Is it safe to call the police? Can Iowa police ask me about my immigration status? And: What happens if Im racially profiled? Sudans army says that it has begun using Iranian-made drones to help regain territory and turn the tide of the countrys civil war. The newly acquired remote-control vehicles have been used for reconnaissance and artillery spotting during recent army victories in Omdurman across the Nile from the countrys capital, Khartoum. Iranian officials also told Reuters that the Sudanese armed forces had begun using the drones in the past few months in its war against paramilitary rivals the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). However, Sudan denied that the unmanned aircraft had been supplied directly by Tehran and their origins were not immediately clear. Iranian drones have also been widely deployed by armies and militias in countries including Russia, Syria and Yemen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the chief of Sudan's army, which previously used older drones in the first months of the conflict - AFP Ali Sadeq, Sudans acting foreign minister who visited Iran last year and is aligned with the army, told Reuters: Sudan did not obtain any weapons from Iran. The Sudanese armed forces used some older drones in the first months of the conflict which erupted in April 2023, but had little success against RSF fighters embedded in Khartoums heavily populated neighbourhoods. The new more effective versions then began operating from the armys Wadi Sayyidna base north of Khartoum from January, according to eyewitnesses in the area. In recent weeks, the army has begun to use precise drones in military operations, which forced the RSF to flee from many areas and allowed the army to deploy forces on the ground, said Mohamed Othman, a 59-year-old resident of Omdurmans al-Thawra district. Iranian drones have been used in multiple conflicts around the world - Iranian Army Tehrans backing for Sudans army is aimed at strengthening ties with the strategically located country, Iranian and regional sources have said. Sudan sits on the Red Sea, which is a key site of competition between global powers, including Iran, as war rages in the Middle East. From the other side of the Red Sea, Yemens Houthis, armed in part by Iran, have launched attacks in support of Hamas in Gaza. What does Iran get in return? They now have a staging post on the Red Sea and on the African side, said a Western diplomat, who asked not to be named. 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. NEWS PROVIDED BY Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights April 11, 2024 NEW YORK, April 11, 2024 /Christian Newswire/ -- The following is submitted by Bill Donohue, President, Catholic League: On the cover of the latest edition of Interview magazine, Rihanna is dressed as a sexy nun, wearing bright red lipstick adorned in a black and white habit. This is not the first time she has appropriated Catholic garb. In 2018, she was dressed as a bishop in an exhibition, "Heavenly Bodies," at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. One reviewer offered a detailed description of her outfit. "The lavishly embroidered and jeweled robes matched the garments' accompanying 'mitre,' a kind of headdress for bishops." The Vatican loaned the mitres and some other items. While Rihanna's presence at the New York event was not disrespectfulshe won the applause of Cardinal Timothy Dolanthe photo on the cover of Interview is meant to be provocative, even edgy. Why she chose to depict herself as a trampy-looking nun is unclear. Mel Ottenberg interviewed her for the magazine. Most of what they said is what we would expect from foul-mouthed adolescents. He said toward the end, "This is such a sick interview, by the way." She replied, "I love it." But there is a side to Rihanna that is serious, and it is ennobling. She cares deeply about her two children, saying, "The well-being of your kids, you worry about that constantly. Nobody warns you that having kids means you're going to worry every second of your life." It should be noted that she spontaneously mentioned her kidsshe was not asked about them. When she was later asked about having more children, she answered, "As many as god [sic] wants me to have. I don't know what god [sic] wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl. But of course if it's another boy, it's another boy." God is on Rihanna's mind. In an interview she gave last year to Relevant magazine, she said, "I have been in a place where I felt like maybe I had disappointed God so much that we weren't as close." She also knows what it's like to surrender to God. "When you give God complete control, it's very hard not to be fearless." The devil is also on her mind. "The devil just has a way of making you feel like you're not good enough, and that you're not worthy of God being close to you. It's really not the truth, but you wind up feeling like that." Those are not the words of some blasphemous celebrity. Rihanna is no saint but her flirtation with Catholicism has redeeming qualities. Hope she stays the course. Ukraines parliament passed a law on Thursday that will govern how the country recruits new conscripts, following months of delay and after thousands of amendments were submitted to water down the initial draft. Lawmakers dragged their feet for months over the law, which is expected to be unpopular. The law was spurred by a request from the military command under former army Commander Valerii Zaluzhny, who said Ukraine needs up to 500,000 new recruits to boost army ranks. Exhausted soldiers, on the frontlines since Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, had no means to rotate out for rest, while many thousands of Ukrainian men continue to evade the draft. The law brings into effect a host of changes to the current system by expanding the powers of Ukrainian authorities to issue draft notices using an electronic system. Incumbent army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have since revised that figure after conducting an audit, saying the number needed was not as high because soldiers can be rotated from the rear. Zaluzhnys dismissal from his post was reportedly over the mobilisation issue. Kishida to appeal to Congress for renewed Ukraine aid Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will head to Capitol Hill on Thursday for an address to US lawmakers meant to underscore the importance of keeping a strong partnership between the two countries at a time of tension in the Asia-Pacific and skepticism in Congress about US involvement abroad. Kishida is on an official trip to Washington as the White House completed hosting each leader of "The Quad" an informal partnership between the US, Japan, Australia and India meant to provide a counter to China's growing military strength in the region. Tokyo was quick to step up in the aftermath of Russias invasion in February 2022, joining the US and other Western allies in mounting aggressive sanctions against Moscow, while Japanese automakers Mazda, Toyota and Nissan announced their withdrawal from Russia. The audience for Kishida's Congressional address will include many Republicans who have pushed for the US to take a less active role in global affairs. The Republican-controlled House has sat for months on a $95 billion package that would send wartime funding to Ukraine and Israel, as well as aid to allies in the Indo-Pacific like Taiwan and humanitarian help to civilians in Gaza and Ukraine. Switzerland to host Ukraine peace conference without Russia Switzerland's government said on Wednesday it will host a high-level international conference in June to help chart a path toward peace in Ukraine after more than two years of war, and expressed hope that Russia might one day join in the peace process. The conference will take place 15-16 June, gathering top government officials from dozens of countries, following up on a plan laid out in recent months by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. China, an ally of Russia, has said it will consider taking part. The country laid out a 12-point peace plan to end the war last year that received a lukewarm reception from both Moscow and Kyiv. More than 100 countries will be invited to the gathering. The first country that we spoke with, after Ukraine of course, was Russia, because a peace process cannot happen without Russia, even if it won't be there for the first meeting, Foreign Minister Cassis told reporters in the Swiss capital, Bern. Swiss daily Neue Zurcher Zeitung reported that President Joe Biden may attend. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned last week that prospective negotiations to end the fighting in Ukraine could be successful only if they take Moscows interests into account, dismissing a planned round of peace talks as a Western ruse to rally broader international support for Kyiv. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no peace in Ukraine until Russias goals are met. Russia puts more Kremlin critics on a wanted list Russian authorities have put more Kremlin critics on a wanted list as its crackdown against dissent reaches unprecedented levels since Moscow sent troops into Ukraine more than two years ago. Independent Russian news outlet Mediazona reported Tuesday that it found women's rights activist Darya Serenko and prominent journalist and author Mikhail Zygar in the Interior Ministry's database of individuals wanted on criminal charges. The entries don't specify the charges or when they were added to the list. Both Serenko and Zygar have long left Russia. The Kremlin's crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and government critics has intensified during the war. Hundreds have faced criminal charges over protests and remarks condemning the war in Ukraine, and thousands have been fined or briefly jailed. Serenko, a longtime activist and author, co-founded the Feminist Anti-War Resistance group shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and moved to Georgia during the crackdown. Zygar, an author and a founding editor in chief of Russia's independent TV channel Dozhd, also left Russia after the invasion and was declared a foreign agent. David Kallman walks across the courtroom Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Michigan 14th Circuit Court in Muskegon. GRAND RAPIDS A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Ottawa County's corporation counsel on behalf of 11 far-right Republican state lawmakers claiming two separate voter-approved constitutional amendments in 2018 and 2022 violated their civil rights. On Sept. 28, Kallman Legal Group filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan arguing that Proposal 3 of 2018 and Proposal 2 of 2022 "are an unconstitutional usurpation of state legislators (sic) rights to participate in law-making decisions under the Elections Clause" of the U.S. Constitution. The lawsuit sought a declaratory judgment that the amendments have no legal effect on the ability of state legislators enacting laws, subject to the governors veto power, to regulate the times, places and manner of federal elections. This embedded content is not available in your region. On Wednesday, April 10, federal Judge Jane M. Beckering dismissed the lawsuit, saying the legislators lacked standing and couldn't establish how the voter-approved initiatives caused them injury or harm. "In sum, Plaintiffs have not met their burden at the pleading stage to demonstrate injury-in-fact and have concomitantly failed to demonstrate... standing," Beckering wrote in her opinion. More: Kallman part of effort to strike down early voting plan proposal The lawmakers listed in the suit included several founders and supporters of Michigan's Grand New Party, a far-right off-shoot of the traditional Grand Old Party. The plaintiffs include: Sen. Jonathan Lindsey of Coldwater Sen. Jim Runestad of White Lake Rep. Steve Carra of Three Rivers Rep. James DeSana of Carleton Rep. Joseph Fox of Fremont Rep. Neil Friske of Charlevoix Rep. Matt Maddock of Milford Rep. Brad Paquette of Niles Rep. Angela Rigas of Caledonia Rep. Joshua Schriver of Oxford Rep. Rachelle Smit of Shelbyville The lawyers leading the effort include Erick Kaardal, a Minnesota attorney who unsuccessfully challenged the results of the 2020 election in Wisconsin, and David and Stephen Kallman of Kallman Legal Group, hired by Ottawa County as corporate counsel in early 2023. Proposal 3 of 2018, which won 67 percent approval from voters, allows for no-reason absentee voting in Michigan and restored straight-party voting on ballots, a choice the previously GOP-controlled legislature took away, according to The Detroit News. Proposal 2 of 2022 allows for early in-person voting and passed with 60 percent support. Prop 2 requires nine days of early voting be available for state and federal elections. It first took effect during the Feb. 27, 2024, presidential primary. Municipalities may partner to create early voting centers for multiple regions, rather than financing their own. Sarah Leach is executive editor for The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at sarah.leach@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @SentinelLeach. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Judge tosses Kallman lawsuit challenging voter-approved law changes Gasps and sobs filled the St. Croix County courtroom on Thursday as a jury convicted Nicolae Miu of first-degree reckless homicide for fatally stabbing 17-year-old Isaac Schuman during a 2022 confrontation at the Apple River in western Wisconsin. Miu, 54, and his attorneys lowered their heads as Judge Michael Waterman read the verdicts from the jury of six men and six women. In addition to the homicide conviction, Miu, of Prior Lake, was found guilty of four counts of reckless endangerment for stabbing four others in Schuman's group, and one count of battery against another person. "It's been 21 months we've been waiting for justice for Isaac Michael Schuman. And we got it today," Donny Hernandez, the husband of Schuman's mother, Alina Hernandez, said after the verdict. A large group of family members and supporters stood arrayed behind them, outside the courthouse in Hudson. Miu, who hung his head as the verdicts were read, had argued he was in fear for his life and acted in self-defense. He will be sentenced at a later date, and faces what one of his attorneys called "substantial, life-altering penalties." Prosecutors sought a higher charge of first-degree intentional homicide against Miu, but also asked the jury to consider the lesser charges. Defense attorney Aaron Nelson said the defense team was surprised and disappointed by the verdict. "In many ways, self-defense is a community standard," Nelson said. "And it's very dependent upon which group of 12 people within the community you ask." Miu had remained in state custody since he was first jailed; after the verdict, Waterman revoked his bail and he returned to jail. The top count against Miu carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison, with more time possible on the other counts. The sentencing determination lies with Waterman. Prosecutor Karl Anderson said Miu's behavior that day revealed his guilt. "A key point in this case was Nicolae's own actions," Anderson said. "After he stabbed all these people, he walked away, he ditched his knife, he didn't tell his group anything, and then he tried to get away and pretended like he wasn't involved." Schuman was from Stillwater. Also stabbed in the confrontation on July 30, 2022, at the recreation spot near Somerset were Alexander Martin, Dante Carlson, Anthony Carlson and Rhyley Mattison. Miu was convicted of battery against another person in the group, Madison Coen. The jury had briefly returned to the courtroom first thing Thursday to review video of the confrontation captured by Jawahn Cockfield, another member of the group that included Schuman. Miu was also with a group of people who were inner-tubing on the Apple River that day, at a site near Somerset. Jurors reviewed the video from the one-minute mark, when Miu first spoke to Coen, who told Miu to leave after people in Schuman's group accused him of "looking for little girls." Miu testified that he was looking for a cellphone one of the others in his group had lost while tubing. He said he pushed Coen because she was yelling and in his personal space. Witnesses said Miu punched her, starting the brawl. Miu had testified during the trial that his "fear was getting really high" as the confrontation escalated and he was pushed into the water several times. He glanced down and took a deep breath as the video showed him fighting Schuman's group, stabbing people around him. Prosecutors called Miu a "prolific liar," pointing to inconsistencies between what he initially told police later in the day on June 30, and what he later admitted on the stand. Miu told police that day that he had taken the knife from one of the young men in the group, but later acknowledged it was his. The trial revealed grisly details from the scene, with Martin testifying that the attack left him stunned as he held parts of his own intestines in his hands. "Our position was, if he's truly afraid, why not just hold up the knife and people are going to back up," Anderson said. Members of the jury exited the courtroom Thursday without comment to the media. Anderson, who said after the verdict that he was happy that "Isaac got justice," said the high-profile nature of the crime and trial, and the longstanding popularity of the Apple River as a summertime destination, probably played into public interest in the case. "I think about half of the jury panel had been to the Apple River, so I think it kind of hits close to home for a lot of people," he said. Miu's wife and friends testified he was a peaceful man bullied by Schuman's group that day. Miu looked worried after the fight, they testified. Miu himself testified to having nightmares about the stabbing every night, and he told officers who interviewed him that July afternoon that his "whole life is down the tubes." Tim Peloquin, whose son testified he was part of Schuman's group that day, said the case will leave its mark on everyone who was involved. "In this situation," he said, "nobody wins." As far as symbols of what the GOP intends for American women, the revival of an abortion ban that predates women's suffrage could not be more fitting. The Arizona Supreme Court decided on Tuesday that the state should enforce a law outlawing all abortions, under criminal penalty of two to five years imprisonment, "unless it is necessary to save her life." The law was passed in 1864, which was not just before Arizona was a state, but 55 years before women obtained the right to vote. The symbolism of that, plus the electoral implications going into a presidential election, means this news is explosive even beyond the high levels of outrage that meet every Republican ban on abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. Anger from the majority of voters over the loss of abortion rights isn't dissipating like Republicans thought it would, and now GOP politicians in the Grand Canyon State are scrambling. The most prominent of these, of course, is election denier Kari Lake, who, while still refusing to admit she lost the race for governor in 2022, is running for Senate. She wants everyone to think she's unhappy that Arizona women's medical care will be determined by a law written while many doctors were still rejecting germ theory. Claiming to "oppose today's ruling," Lake called on the actual governor, Democrat Katie Hobbes and "the State Legislature to come up with an immediate common sense solution." This, however, is not what she was saying when she was running for governor in 2022, and lordy, there are tapes. Specifically tape of her, during a debate, championing the 1864 law. "I think the older law is going to go into effect," Lake said, insisting "life begins at conception" and bluntly stating, "I don't think abortion pills should be legal." Footage from AZ 2022 Debate Lake: My personal belief is that all life matters I dont believe in abortion. I think the older law is going to go into effect Host: You approve of that? At what conception? Lake: I believe that life begins at conception pic.twitter.com/XMw3VGvyoV Acyn (@Acyn) April 9, 2024 Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. Lake is far from alone in terms of being caught in her contradictions. Despite all the GOP claims to oppose the 1864 law, on Wednesday, Senate Republicans blocked an effort to repeal the law. So far, they're being silent as to why, but it's not hard to suss out: The loud denunciations of the court's decision are bad faith political theater. In actuality, Republicans plan to go forward with resurrecting an abortion law that predates modern medicine. This conundrum is going to haunt Republicans throughout the election. It's hard to explain prior disingenuous claims equating abortion to infanticide, while currently spouting "but hey, sometimes it's okay" stances. Former Gov. Doug Ducey misleadingly claimed that the court ruling "is not the outcome I would have preferred," contrasting it with a 15-week ban he signed in 2022. A local talk radio host immediately pointed out that Ducey's law reified the 1864 law. With all respect, Governor, the 2022 law you signed stated clearly that if Roe v. Wade was overturned, the 2022 law would go away in favor of the 1864 law. That language is clear in the bill and you signed it. You and the Republican, MAGA legislature wanted to ban all abortions. Barry Markson (@BarryMarkson1) April 9, 2024 It's true: Ducey's law explicitly states that it does not "[R]epeal, by implication or otherwise, section 13-3603," which is the 1864 law. As pro-choice activists pointed out at the time, this was no accident. The 15-week ban was always a stalking horse for a total ban. The point was to give the Supreme Court an excuse to overturn Roe, at which point Ducey and his allies expected the pre-suffrage bill would kick in, banning abortion at any stage. Rep. David Schweikert stepped into a similar trap, tweeting, "I do not support todays ruling" by claiming, "This issue should be decided by Arizonans, not legislated from the bench." He immediately was reminded that he was ecstatic about the Roe overturn. Hiding behind legalistic hair-splitting about "states' rights" may have worked in the pre-Dobbs days, when most voters shrugged off such talk as irrelevant and esoteric. Now that people are paying attention, the contradictions are showing themselves. The "abortion is murder" stance was always bad faith, but now it's impossible to wriggle away from. If you do think it's "baby-killing," then why should it be legal in some states and not others? But if you now admit it's not baby-killing, you have confessed that it was always about misogyny. That's why Republicans have fixated on this notion that a 15-week limit can be a fallback position. That's not the escape hatch they are hoping it will be, however. Almost 95% of abortions occur before 15 weeks, which means such a law will infuriate the Christian right, which is most interested in banning abortions of choice. The few abortions that will be outlawed, however, will mostly be the traumatic cases that have dominated the news cycle since Dobbs. Republicans will still get a constant drumbeat of stories of women bleeding out in E.R. parking lots, mothers forced to give birth to dead babies, or child rape victims who didn't know they were pregnant until they started to show. And they'd also alienate their most loyal supporters. As Paul Waldman wrote in his newsletter, we have electoral evidence that this "compromise" doesn't work. Virginia Republicans backed a 15-week ban in November's elections, he writes, but "[v]oters werent impressed, and Democrats won the state House to take total control of the legislature." Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only. It's telling that even Donald Trump didn't think he could pull off the 15-week punt. Instead, he tried to square this impossible circle by releasing a statement that implied he wants to leave it to the states, while actually signaling to the Christian right that he will ban abortion nationwide. This worked to an extent, especially in terms of bamboozling the media into misreporting what he actually said. But President Joe Biden's campaign has aggressively responded by resurfacing a seemingly endless number of clips of Trump taking credit for ending Roe, including during his supposedly "moderate" video speech. Now, Trump is reverting back to his favorite tactic, which is just plain lying, by denying he'd sign a federal abortion ban. This may work for him, because low-information voters keep getting distracted by his lifelong promiscuity, not understanding that's rooted in his lifelong belief that rules are for other people. Even then, though, he will be dogged by this issue because Biden and Democrats seem determined to keep rolling tape, showing Trump bragging about ending Roe, claiming to be "pro-life," or announcing that "there has to be some form of punishment" for women who have abortions. For Lake and other state-level Republicans, overcoming those past statements will be much harder. Perversely, Trump's reputation as a glib liar shelters him somewhat from his past claims to oppose abortion as a moral matter, which exactly no one believes. (But that he wants to hurt women with abortion bans should not be doubted. He's just generally a fan of inflicting pain on women.) For every other Republican, however, video like Lake saying she believes "life begins at conception" makes this difficult indeed. Has she decided she no longer believes that? If so, what changed her mind? If not, then why is she now suddenly okay with what she has frequently suggested is murder? The contradictions could be easier for Republicans to ignore if the issue wasn't at the forefront of the election. But both because voters care very much and because Democrats plan to hammer this at every turn, there's no hiding from the fact that GOP positions on abortion don't make sense. Or to be more exact, they do make sense, but only if you assume abortion bans are about controlling and punishing women, rather than confusing claims about "life." And that is why voter disapproval seems to be hardening into outrage against anti-choice politicians. The 8-year-old boy whose death led to a warning about school fundraiser strawberries actually died from fentanyl intoxication, Hopkins County Coroner Dennis Mayfield told the Herald-Leader Wednesday. Mayfield said he did not know how Trey Harris got the fentanyl, which killed him on March 15. At the time, the Hopkins County Health Department asked people who bought strawberries through the fundraiser to throw them away. It was thought the fruit may have contributed to his death in some way. But this week, the Hopkins County Health Department received the results from the FDA and state lab concerning the strawberries from the school fundraiser, Director Denise Beach said in a statement. Testing of the strawberries was reported as negative today by the State Epidemiologist. The state Food and Safety Branch has also reviewed the reports, Beachs statement said. The Madisonville Police Department previously said the childs parents told them he had eaten several strawberries from a school fundraiser, and he began showing signs of an allergic reaction primarily manifested with a rash. The parents said they gave him Benadryl and soaked him in a bath, but when the symptoms didnt improve, they took him to the emergency room March 14 and left early the next morning to go home, the police department said in a news release. The 8-year-old changed his clothes and went to bed, the release stated. The family attempted to wake him up for school later that morning and discovered he was unresponsive. Police said they were called to the home at about 6:30 a.m. March 15 because the child was not breathing, but the family had already taken him back to the hospital before they arrived, police said. He was pronounced dead soon after, police said. A man media reports identified as Treys stepfather, Antonio Person, 33, has been charged with second degree manslaughter, trafficking in fentanyl and drug and gun charges, according to jail and court records. He is being held at the Hopkins County Jail. Kentuckys Senate Education Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Friday with the Commissioner of Education nominee, Robbie Fletcher. Under a new law, Kentuckys state Senate must confirm the state board of educations hiring of Fletcher, currently the Lawrence County Superintendent, as commissioner. A Thursday afternoon notice from the Senate Committee on Education said Fletcher would be introduced at the meeting and only a discussion would be held. Angela Billings, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leadership, said in an email that the Friday committee meeting is an information only meeting. No vote. That means there would be no vote at the meeting for the resolution supporting Fletchers confirmation. The appointment requires confirmation by the entire Senate. Billings said the resolution will have to go to the Senate floor for confirmation. It could occur Friday but is not likely to happen until Monday, Billings said. Monday is last day of the 2024 session of the General Assembly. A statement from the Senate Majority Caucus said, Dr. Fletcher will discuss his vision for the future of education in Kentucky with the committee. For Fletcher to be confirmed, the resolution supporting him would be called for a Senate floor vote processes generally controlled by such Senate GOP leaders as Senate President Robert Stivers, Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer and Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green and approved by a majority of the Senate. Fletcher was hired by the Kentucky Board of Education to replace Jason Glass, who resigned last year after Republican leaders called for his ouster because of the Kentucky Department of Educations inclusive LGBTQ policies. Thayer has said that Fletchers confirmation is not a given. Fletcher has said he would work to earn the trust of lawmakers. The commissioner of education is the chief state school officer. The commissioner oversees daily operations of the Kentucky Department of Education and acts as superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Blind, the Kentucky School for the Deaf and the 50 area technology centers. A lawsuit accusing North Carolina officials of unnecessarily warehousing foster children in locked psychiatric facilities has survived an effort by state regulators to dismiss the case. The federal complaint contends that the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services discriminates against hundreds of North Carolina foster kids with disabilities by warehousing them for extended periods of time in short-term psychiatric residential treatments facilities. Often they have unnecessarily spent much of their childhood languishing in these facilities, despite yearning to be in the community, states the complaint, filed on behalf of five youth in foster care, including children who were in the custody of Durham and Mecklenburg counties. The lawsuit seeks class action status representing all foster youth in the facilities or those at risk of being sent to one. It asks the court to order DHHS to increase community-based placements for the children, to transition youth held in them now, and to develop policies to protect children from being sent to facilities in the future. Additional plaintiffs include Disability Rights North Carolina and the North Carolina Conference of the NAACP. The lawsuit was filed against DHHS and its secretary Kody Kinsley. In an order signed March 29, U.S. District Judge William Osteen denied the states motion to dismiss the lawsuit. He denied arguments from the state that included inadequate availability of community-based services, plaintiffs not having proper legal standing and court hearings that sent the children to the facilities. The treatment and services that youth received was at best, inadequate, and, at worst, highly abusive, the judge wrote when outlining the youths evidence in his decision. More than 500 children across the state were held in the facilities as of November 2021, states the lawsuit, which was filed in 2022. Reporting by the USA TODAY North Carolina Network in 2021, which McClatchy newspapers and other newsrooms also published, documented that North Carolina officials were sending foster children to locked psychiatric centers. Jane, a mother who lived near Fayetteville, in 2021 was fighting for children who were in residential psychiatric facilities. USA TODAY Network did not use her real name to avoid identifying a son still in custody care. DHHS: We want kids in homes The majority of the children placed in the facilities, which are located in North Carolina and out of state, would be better served in a community setting, and in many instances, should have never been placed in the psychiatric facilities at all, the lawsuit states. Black children and other children of color are disproportionately represented among children in foster care in North Carolina and among those sent to psychiatric facilities, the complaint says. In the 12-county Charlotte region, 153 Medicaid-insured children stayed at psychiatric residential treatment facilities in 2022, according to DHHS data. In the 10-county Triangle region, 89 kids stayed at those facilities. Disability Rights has found that more than half of the children sent to these facilities were in foster care, according to Holly Stiles, an assistant legal director for the group. The treatment is causing young people in foster care to lose important family connections and to miss out on key developmental activities, the suit argues. It says the children have also been subjected to often prison-like conditions, dangerous physical and chemical restraints and dozens of medications. At least one of the youth, a 15-year-old from Craven County, was airlifted to a hospital trauma center after another youth slammed his head to the ground while he was institutionalized at a facility in Kinston, starting in April 2022, the lawsuit states. The teen was then taken to the emergency room with a head injury after another assault before he was discharged to a group home in January 2023. In court papers, DHHS has noted that improving services for children with behavioral health needs in the foster care system is one of the top priorities of secretary Kinsley, who was appointed to lead the agency in January 2022. But that requires coordinated efforts not just by DHHS but by social service departments in each of North Carolinas 100 counties, and the General Assembly, which must pay for improvements, the department said. It is a long-term, herculean effort, in which DHHS plays an important, but not solitary, role, the department wrote in a court filing. Kelly Crosbie, who heads the departments Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, on Thursday said that the agency has been working to ensure the vast majority of foster children are cared for in communities. Late last year, the department got $80 million from the General Assembly to invest in community-based services that are designed to keep children out of psychiatric facilities and other institutions. Among other things, the money will help provide support for foster families and will pay for therapists who can provide care to children in their homes. We want (psychiatric facilities) to be the setting we use the least, Crosbie said in an interview. ...We want kids in homes. She does not feel safe One of the plaintiffs in the suit, a Black 16-year-old foster child who was in the custody of Mecklenburg County DSS, has been placed in dozens of different locations, including hotels, hospitals and several psychiatric facilities in the Carolinas, according to the suit. The child identified as London R. in the suit was confined in a psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) in Rock Hill, S.C. from November 2022 to at least March 2023, when the amended lawsuit was filed. Its unclear whether she remains there today. This PRTF placement was not clinically-indicated, the suit says. It was intended only as a short-term, emergency placement. Instead, London R. has languished at this PRTF for nearly four months. London R. was diagnosed with PTSD, ADHD and a mood disorder, according to the complaint. Her treatment providers recommended that she be placed at a community-based therapeutic foster care program, but social service workers werent able to find her a program, the lawsuit says. While at the psychiatric facility in Rock Hill, London R. was in a room with nothing but a dresser and an uncomfortable bed, and she was given at least 12 pills every day, including a powerful cocktail of psychotropic medications that made it difficult for her to stay awake for online schooling, according to the complaint. Although she successfully attended a community-based school in the past, she had been given no option but to attend the online school used by the other high-school age children in the facility, the suit says. Residents at the facility werent allowed to wear regular shoes outside, and were instead required to wear shower shoes intended to make it more difficult for them to run away, according to the complaint. London R. has repeatedly said she wants to live in the community, the suit says. She does not feel safe from other residents at the PRTF, and is uncomfortable that male staff work the overnight shift on all-female halls, the lawsuit says. At one psychiatric facility about 45 miles southeast of Charlotte, staff implemented a psychologically-abusive punishment resembling solitary confinement, the lawsuit alleges. Those punished at Anderson Health Services in Marshville were confined to their bedrooms for as long as 30 days, with the exception of 15-to-30-minute walks outside, the suit says. A child reported that a therapist at the facility sexually touched him during a private therapy session, according to the lawsuit. The therapist was suspended, but its not clear whether further action was taken. Officials at Anderson Health Services could not immediately be reached for comment. Virginia Bridges covers criminal justice in the Triangle and across North Carolina for The News & Observer. Her work is produced with financial support from the nonprofit The Just Trust. The N&O maintains full editorial control of its journalism. Lawsuit calls for gray wolf protections in the American West. Could it affect New Mexico? Federal wildlife managers in February opted to not list a segment of gray wolf populations in the northern Rocky Mountains as endangered, triggering a lawsuit this week by conservation groups including one from New Mexico that argued a listing would help prevent extinction amid efforts to rebuild the species in the state. The gray wolf is listed as endangered in New Mexico and 44 other states, affording it federal protections in those states, and managed by state agencies in the other six states, mostly in the northern Rockies. Groups advocated to list a distinct population segment (DPS) in those states for added federal protections but were denied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which argued the species distribution and numbers meant it was not in danger of extinction in that area. Gray wolves in the north could ultimately breed with subspecies Mexican gray wolves being managed in southern New Mexico and eastern Arizona in an experimental population area established by the agency. Theyre native to New Mexico and other western states, and efforts to restore the species to its past population began in the 1970s when it was first listed as endangered. A western gray wolf is pictured. More: Silverspot butterfly in northern New Mexico is 'threatened' amid climate change threats Santa Fe-based WildEarth Guardians were one of 10 conservation groups that filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of Montana calling for the court to vacate the decision to not list the species as a violation of the Endangered Species Act and remand the matter back to the agency for further consideration. WildEarth Guardians Attorney Lizzy Pennock worried without federal protections, state-sanctioned wolf killings would further imperil the species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is supposed to be the backstop for imperiled species like the gray wolf, she said. Instead, the Service decided that wolves in the Western U.S. do not qualify for federal protections, while Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming openly try to manage wolves to the brink of local extinction. Wolves, and the American people, deserve better from this agency. More: Oil and gas exempt from drilling rules in endangered bird habitat. Is species threatened? In its Feb. 2 announcement, the Fish and Wildlife Service said a listing was not warranted for two petitions for wolf protections in the northern Rockies and the Western U.S. The agency said it planned to devise a nationwide gray wolf recovery plan by 2025. The service also reported there were 2,797 gray wolves in 286 packs across the Western U.S. This population size and widespread distribution contribute to the resiliency and redundancy of wolves in this region, read the announcement. The population maintains high genetic diversity and connectivity, further supporting their ability to adapt to future changes. Kelly Nokes, an attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center, argued the wolf was not well-distributed in the U.S., surviving only in small populations in Colorado and on the West Coast. She said the lawsuit sought to ensure adequate protections and expand the wolf back into its native range. More: 'Lobos' recovering in New Mexico, feds say. Questions linger on genetic diversity. This legal challenge asks only for the protections needed for this iconic species to be rightfully restored across the Wests wild landscapes protections that some states have shown only the Endangered Species Act can really provide, Nokes said. A western gray wolf is pictured. In New Mexico, restoration efforts led to a gradual increase in population up 6 percent between 2022 and 2023 for the latest totals of 144 wolves in New Mexico and 113 in Arizona. But conservation groups argued the Fish and Wildlife Service, despite the rising numbers, failed to ensure genetic diversity needed for true recovery of the wolf. That would mean allowing wolves to roam north to breed, potentially with populations like those in the Rocky Mountain area. Last year, state officials began releasing gray wolves in Colorado, drawing concern they could dominate the smaller Mexican gray wolves to the south. If the ranges of gray wolves and Mexican wolves expanded and eventually overlapped, the Mexican wolf population could be adversely affected by interspecific competition and hybridization, read an environmental impact statement from the Fish and Wildlife Service. Adrian Hedden can be reached at 575-628-5516, achedden@currentargus.com or @AdrianHedden on the social media platform X. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: Gray wolf listing called for in Western U.S. amid New Mexico recovery Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne is famous for its contemporary masterpieces made by modern masters like Pablo Picasso, Franz Marc, and Oskar Schlemmer. That said, visitors of the institution noticed a curious new addition hung among the ranks of the said masterpieces: an employee's own work, which now finds its creator stripped from his post in the art museum. One of the Recent 'Reverse Art Heist' Cases in Germany The piece was purportedly displayed alongside the 20th-century treasures without permission, according to a report by the German publication Suddeutsche Zeitung, dated last Monday, April 8. Citing police investigation, the outlet said the artist was a 51-year-old staff member from the institution's technical services department. He had allegedly thought doing such a stunt within museum premises would "open doors" for him as a creative. Other details of the incident stay obscured, with the German publication reporting that not even the administrators from the museum were sure how long the piece was showcased. "The supervisors notice something like this immediately," said Pinakothek der Moderne spokesperson Tine Nehler. As for criminal offenses, the suspected worker would likely not face any major charges and would only be subjected to minor infractions relating to his drilling of two holes in an otherwise spotless wall. However, the offender was aptly punished by the institution. He was terminated as a museum employee and was consequently banned from ever entering the Pinakothek der Moderne premises in the future. This outcome was in stark contrast to a similar incident that happened in the German city of Bonn a few months back. As per an X (formerly Twitter) post made by the affected museum, the Bundeskunsthalle, they noticed that a painting was covertly placed on display by a visitor. Unlike the Munich institution, the Bonn art museum saw the humor in the incident, writing on X: "We think it's funny and we want to get to know the artist. So get in touch! There's no trouble. Word of honor." LAS CRUCES Proponents of rural public libraries were seeking at least $27 million from New Mexico lawmakers in the legislative session that ended in mid-February. It wouldve fully funded a trust to help keep libraries across the states vast expanses operating indefinitely. But state legislators allocated only a fraction of the amount $2.5 million this year. The larger sum would have fully vested the trust, known as the New Mexico Rural Libraries Endowment, which is roughly halfway funded at the moment. Lisa Neal is director of the Hatch Public Library, one of 55 small libraries statewide benefiting from the partially funded endowment. She said she didnt want to get her hopes too high about the possibility of lawmakers funding the measure fully in 2024. Still, she said, of the outcome: I was disappointed. The childrens section of the Hatch Public Library is seen in late January 2024. The library is located on the outskirts of the northern Dona Ana County village. Proposal falls flat Libraries in Gila, Lordsburg, Columbus, Bayard, Cloudcroft, Eunice and Magdalena are among others that benefit from the state-run endowment. As the permanent rural library fund grows, yearly payments to these facilities will increase. Small libraries received about $2,600 apiece last fall, an amount that, based upon recent estimates, is expected to grow to about $15,600 in the 2024 calendar year, according to the New Mexico Rural Library Initiative. But a fully funded endowment could yield about $45,000 apiece for each rural library, supporters say. State Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque, a proponent of the endowment, had put forward a dedicated bill to fund rural libraries to the tune of $30 million, an amount that would have accommodated a few new community libraries that want to join the initiative. But the proposal didnt gain traction in the month-long legislative session. It had one hearing and went to Finance, and it didn't get past (the) Senate Finance (Committee), he said. During a session, bills must wind their way through a series of legislative committees in order to be voted upon by either the House or the Senate. Asked why he thinks the state budget passed by the Legislature didnt include a larger amount for rural libraries, Ortiz y Pino said it boils down to a lack of support from lawmakers in a powerful bipartisan committee before the session even started in mid-January. The decisions all get made in the Legislative Finance Committee before the session, he said of the state budget. Getting anything more out of them, once the session starts, is incredibly difficult. Theyve made a decision: This is all were going to spend. No matter how good the idea is, no matter how bad the need is, were just not going to go beyond that. Thats despite the state maintaining financial reserves equivalent to about one years budget, Ortiz y Pino said. The bipartisan panel of both representatives and senators meets periodically throughout the calendar year in different communities throughout the state. Its next meeting, for instance, is April 17-18 in Santa Fe. An initial budget proposal from the LFC going into the session didnt include any new funding for rural libraries, despite the Legislature having a bumper budget of nearly $10.2 billion to allocate. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham had proposed $10 million for the rural library fund this year. But a House panel added just $2.5 million the amount that made it into the final budget. Rural New Mexico faces higher poverty Small towns and cities across far-flung regions of New Mexico often face high poverty and struggle to pay for staffing, building upgrades and materials for their libraries. But these small institutions have taken on a variety of roles beyond lending books and materials, including kids programming, digital literacy training and broadband access, printing and copying services, and social services. The poverty rate in New Mexicos rural areas was just over 21% in 2021, compared to about 16 percent in the states urban areas, according to the Rural Health Information Hub. Ortiz y Pino said supporting small libraries is a key way to foster community vitality in rural places struggling with issues of high poverty, a lack of jobs and population loss. The dilemma is that most of our rural communities are turning into ghost towns, he said. For the young people growing up, there is no reason to stay. The Columbus Village Library serves a nearly 1,500-person town on the U.S.-Mexico border in southern Luna County. Library Director Maria Constantine said its tough for the village to fund the library in addition to other necessary services for residents. The statewide permanent fund will help by creating a predictable income stream that could be used for a variety of the facilitys needs, like installing a long-awaited water fountain. One of the advantages of this funding is I can use it for capital improvements, she said. I can do those repairs on the building that are going to take a couple thousand dollars. We still need to keep the lights on and fix the hole in the roof. Otherwise, I have to take a big cut out of other parts of my budget. The Columbus library and others across the state do get small grants, apart from the permanent library fund, from the state. But a limitation on that money is that it cant be spent on building improvements. Constantine said about 1,300 residents and travelers per month visit the Columbus library. Quite a few international visitors, including those touring the nearby Pancho Villa State Park, use the library, as well. Its especially valued as an access point for high-speed internet in a remote region lacking broadband infrastructure. Were a community resource center, she said. We do a lot of social services type work. People come to us because they're looking for food. They're looking for information about how to pay a bill online. A lot of times, people are confused when they look things up on the internet. They'd rather hear somebody explain it to them. The library, located in a building that used to be a bar, hosts a collection of about 10,000 items. Through a statewide network, library card holders also can access digital books and materials. Constantine said it was disappointing that lawmakers didnt completely fund the rural libraries initiative this year. But, she said, maybe theyll support it in next years session. I hope that they will take the step of finally fully funding it because once they do, they won't have to worry about it anymore, she said. Neal, the director of the Hatch library, said the $15,000-plus that small libraries will receive from the endowment this year will be boon. But when the measure is fully funded, it will be even more significant to the villages library. I can invest in more bilingual books, she said. I can invest in more supplies to do STEM projects science, technology, engineering and math. I can put that money to use exactly where it needs to be for our community. All we can do is keep trying Neal said Hatch often feels overlooked. The village is in Southern New Mexico, far from the state capital in Santa Fe, and it can be overshadowed by the much larger city of Las Cruces to the south. She hopes more awareness will build support for the library measure in the state capital. As the word gets out, and as more people understand how integral libraries are to the community, and as we talk to the representatives, hopefully that will help, she said. Given the scale of money available this year to the state, Ortiz y Pino said he doesnt understand why the full library funding wasnt broadly supported by the Legislature. It just doesn't make any sense for us to do what were doing, he said. The $30 million we needed to finish up that fund this year was like a rounding error in the budget. Ortiz y Pino is retiring from the Legislature after this year along with a number of other senators. Plus, the November election will change up the bodys makeup. Even so, he said hell continue to advocate for the measure because he sees the value of libraries to rural communities. All we can do is just keep trying, he said. Eventually, well get there, but it would have been so easy for them to write the check this year. Because we had it (the money). We still have it. Its sitting right there. Communities benefiting from the New Mexico Rural Libraries Endowment * indicates location in Southern New Mexico Acoma Learning Center, 17a Knots Landing Road, Pueblo of Acoma (Cibola County) Albert W. Thompson Memorial Library, 17 Chestnut St., Clayton (Union County) *Bayard Public Library, 1112 Central Ave., Bayard (Grant County) *Capitan Public Library Central Library, 101 E 2nd St., Capitan (Lincoln County) *The Carrizozo Community Public Library and Archive, 406 Central Ave., Carrizozo (Lincoln County) *Columbus Village Library, 112 W. Broadway, Columbus (Luna County) *Corona Public Library, 481 Corona Main St., Corona (Lincoln County) Cuba Public Library, 13 East Cordova Ave., Cuba (Sandoval County) David F. Cargo El Valle De Anton Chico Library, State Highway 386 West Main St, La Loma (Guadalupe County) David F. Cargo Library, 11 Los Pueblos Road, Villanueva (San Miguel County) Eagle Nest Public Library, 74 N. Tomboy Drive, Eagle Nest (Colfax County) Eleanor Dagett Memorial Library, 299 4th St., Chama (Rio Arriba County) El Pueblo de Abiquiu Library & Cultural Center, 29 Co Road 187, Abiquiu (Rio Arriba County) El Rito Public Library Central Library, Co Road 215, El Rito (Rio Arriba) Embudo Valley Library, 217A NM-75, Dixon (Rio Arriba) Estancia Public Library, 600 South Tenth St., Estancia (Torrance County) *Eunice Public Library, 1003 Ave. N, Eunice (Lea County) Fred Macaron Library, 600 Colbert Ave., Springer (Colfax County) *Fort Sumner Public Library, 235 W. Sumner Ave., Fort Sumner (De Baca County) *Gila Valley Library, 411 NM-211, Gila (Grant County) *Glenwood Community Library, 14 Menges Lane, Glenwood (Catron County) *Hatch Public Library, 530 E. Hall, Hatch (Dona Ana County) Irene S. Sweetkind Public Library, 6515 Hoochaneesta Blvd., Cochiti Lake (Sandoval County) Jemez Springs Public Library, 030 Jemez Plaza, Hwy. 4, Jemez Springs (Sandoval County) Jicarilla Library, 165 Hawks Dr., Dulce (Rio Arriba County) *Lordsburg-Hidalgo Library, 208 E. 3rd St., Lordsburg (Hidalgo County) *Magdalena Public Library, 108 N. Main St, Magdalena (Socorro County) *Michael Nivison Public Library, 90 Swallow Place, Cloudcroft (Otero County) Moise Memorial Library, 208 5th St., Santa Rosa (Guadalupe County) Moriarty Community Library, 202 South Broadway, Moriarty (Torrance County) Mountainair Public Library, 110 N. Roosevelt Ave., Mountainair (Torrance County) Placitas Community Library, 453 NM-165, Placitas (Sandoval County) Pueblo de Cochiti Library, Cochiti Pueblo (Sandoval County) Pueblo of Pojoaque Public Library, 101 Lightning Loop, Pueblo of Pojoaque (Santa Fe County) Pueblo of San Ildefonso Library, 02 Tunyo Po, Pueblo of San Ildefonso (Santa Fe County) Poe Tsawa Community Library, 239 NM-74, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo (Rio Arriba County) Questa Public Library, 6 1/2 Municipal Park Road, Questa (Taos County) Red River Public Library, 702 E. Main St., Red River (Taos County) *Reserve Public Library, 15 Jake Scott St, Reserve (Catron County) *Rio Abajo Community Library, Calle De Centro S, La Joya (Socorro County) Sandia Pueblo Learning Resource Center, 238 Sandia Day School Road, Sandia Pueblo (Sandoval County) Santa Ana Pueblo Community Library, 2 Dove Road, Santa Ana Pueblo (Sandoval County) Santa Clara Pueblo Community Library, 578 Kee Street, Santa Clara Pueblo (Rio Arriba County) Santo Domingo Pueblo Library, 134 Tesuque St., Santo Domingo Pueblo (Sandoval County) The Shuter Library of Angel Fire, 11 South Angel Fire Road, Angel Fire (Colfax County) Talpa Community Center, NM-518, Ranchos De Taos (Taos County) *Tatum Community Library, 323 E. Broadway St., Tatum (Lea County) Taytsugeh Oweengeh Library, Tesuque Pueblo (Santa Fe County) Torreon Community Library, Torreon Star Lake Chapter (McKinley County) Truchas Community Library, 60 Co Road 75, Truchas (Rio Arriba County) *Tularosa Public Library, 515 Fresno St., Tularosa (Otero County) Vallecitos Community Center and Library, 13 Co Road 251, Vallecitos (Rio Arriba County) Vista Grande Public Library, 14 Avenida Torreon, El Dorado at Santa Fe (Santa Fe County) *Woolworth Community Library, 100 E. Utah St., Jal (Lea County) Zia Enrichment Library, 162 Zia Blvd., Zia Pueblo (Rio Arriba County) Source: New Mexico Rural Library Initiative Diana Alba Soular is the project manager and editor for the Southern New Mexico Journalism Collaborative, covering COVID-19 and pandemic recovery from a solutions-reporting lens. For more information visit, SouthNMnews.org or SurNMnoticias.org. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: New Mexico lawmakers pass on full funding for rural libraries A Texas woman is accused of raping a 14-year-old student of the middle school where she worked as a teacher, investigators say. Police in Texarkana began investigating Kaija Javee Muldrew, 26, in late March after video surfaced showing Muldrew and the teenage victim together in the backseat of her car, according to court documents filed April 9 in Bowie County. In interviews with investigators, Muldrew initially denied there had been any sexual contact between her and the boy, who was an eighth grade student in her reading class at Liberty-Eylau Middle School. It was her first year teaching, she added. As the school year went on, they began communicating through text and got together multiple times after school hours, court documents show. Though some of the messages were sexual in nature, Muldrew told investigators she didnt send any such texts herself and only continued texting with the victim because it made him much easier to deal with at school. At one point, a school administrator noticed the boy had a picture of Muldrew as the background on his phone, which the boy said he had done as a joke, according to court documents. When confronted with evidence, including text messages and the video, Muldrew said she sexually abused the boy twice in her car in November, according to the documents. Both times she drove them to a storage locker business and parked, investigators said. Officials did not say how the video came to light or who took it. McClatchy News reached out to Liberty-Eylau Middle School officials for comment on April 11 but did not immediately receive a response. Muldrew resigned from the school, according to court documents. Muldrew is facing charges including indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between educator and student (rape), records show. Texarkana is a roughly 180-mile drive northeast of Dallas. Tearful boy missing pieces of hair reveals abuse at home to teachers, Texas cops say Man kidnaps, sexually assaults and robs woman working out with friends, Texas cops say Mans disturbing acts at grocery store lead to bestiality charges for wife, TX cops say Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is seeking to squash a nearly eight-month-old program that has waived $1.2 billion in student loans for 153,000 borrowers and limited the payment amounts for 8 million others. He is joined by the attorneys general from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, North Dakota, Ohio and Oklahoma in a lawsuit filed Tuesday in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri challenging the U.S. Department of Educations SAVE Plan, an income-driven repayment plan launched in August of last year and is set to be fully implemented in July. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey talks with the News-Leader at his office in Springfield on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach filed his own legal challenge of the SAVE Plan at the end of March alongside 10 other states. Bailey said at the time that he was extremely pleased to see Kobachs lawsuit, announcing the same day that he intended to file a similar motion. He followed through on the promise Tuesday. Between our two coalitions of states, we will get this matter in front of a judge even more quickly to deliver a win for the American people, he said in a news release. Bailey was part of a legal challenge of an earlier program for student-loan forgiveness, which culminated in the U.S. Supreme Court striking down the federal governments plan last June. In that lawsuit, the Department of Education had proposed using the Heroes Act to give widespread relief during the pandemic. Included in Baileys argument in that lawsuit was that debt relief would hurt the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, or MOHELA. The quasi-governmental nonprofit did not consent to be part of the original lawsuit, and internal communications released last year showed some of the companys employees expressing apprehension about being involved. Baileys latest lawsuit also claims harm against MOHELA. More: What is MOHELA, the Missouri agency at the center of the student debt relief court battle? By accelerating the forgiveness timeline for the typical borrower by as much as 15 years, the final rule imposes financial harm on MOHELA, and thus the State of Missouri, by depriving MOHELA of up to 15 years in servicing fees, the attorneys general wrote in the lawsuit. MOHELA did not respond to a request for comment. Although some of the arguments remain, the department has used a different federal law to justify the SAVE Plan. This time around, the department is pulling its authority from the Higher Education Act, which was first enacted in 1965 but has been amended since. The Higher Education Act authorizes need-based financial aid for college students, among other provisions. Bailey argues that, when Congress passed the Higher Education Act, they didnt intend for it to be used as the SAVE Plan does. The SAVE Plan, when fully implemented, would cap borrowers loan payments at 5% of their discretionary income. In February, the Department of Education announced that of the 7.5 million people that had enrolled in the program, 4.3 million had a $0 monthly payment. The SAVE Plan also promises loan forgiveness within 10 years for those who borrowed $12,000 or less. For those who initially borrowed over $12,000, the department says it will relieve debts with an additional year for each $1,000 beyond $12,000 borrowed. Bailey argues in Tuesdays lawsuit that the 10-year period is problematic because of another federal program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF, which forgives student debt for those who have worked in public service for 10 years and made payments on their loans during that period. More: In Missouri, 18,800 student loan borrowers eligible for forgiveness worth $956M PSLF is so important for government agencies because, before the Final Rule, PSLF was comparatively much more generous than any other federal loan repayment program. That gave borrowers a sizeable incentive to work for public service employers, the lawsuit says. Bailey repeatedly refers to the 10-year cost of loan forgiveness citing both the Congressional Budget Offices estimate of $276 billion and the Penn-Wharton Budget Models $475 billion prediction. The lawsuit mentions a debt-relief plan announced Monday by President Joe Biden but does not appear to explicitly challenge it. The SAVE Plan is a component of the latest plan, which also relies on the Higher Education Act. Solicitor General Josh Divine, who signed Tuesdays lawsuit on behalf of Baileys office, was part of a rulemaking committee that shapes the latest debt-relief plan announced Monday. He stepped down from the committee after his peers rejected his proposal to bring in business leaders as a constituency group. Theres essentially no program for small business owners, people who didnt go to college, people who went to trade schools or went through alternative career processes, Divine told the committee in December. Bailey, who was appointed to his position by Gov. Mike Parson, is running for a full term in office this year. This story was first published at www.missouriindependent.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri AG leads challenge to Biden student loan debt relief program The Missouri Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would end all child marriages in the state, barring anyone under 18 from obtaining a marriage license under any circumstance. The legislation, filed by Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder, a Scott City Republican, and Sen. Lauren Arthur, a Kansas City Democrat, passed the chamber on a vote of 31 to 1. It now heads to the House. Missouri state law currently allows 16 and 17-year-olds to get married as long as they have parental consent. The law has been criticized as a loophole that leaves thousands of teenagers open to abuse and exploitation. As a child that was married, I can unequivocally say that its a terrible idea and youre not old enough to make those types of decisions, Thompson Rehder said during a debate on the bill Wednesday. Thompson Rehder was married at age 15 to her 21-year-old boyfriend in 1984, she has said. A year earlier, her sister, at age 16, married her 39-year-old drug dealer. Arthur said on Wednesday she filed the legislation after a constituent reached out to her and shared her story of surviving a child marriage. Often, child brides are coerced into these marriages, Arthur said. We know that parents dont always look out for a childs best interests and we have heard real stories of people who are forced to marry because their parents wanted them to do that. Lawmakers in 2018 set the states minimum marriage age at 16 with the approval of one parent or guardian. The laws passage came after The Star revealed that Missouri had the nations most lenient marriage law for 15-year-olds. It previously allowed children even younger to marry with a judges approval. Missouri does, however, ban marriage between a minor and anyone 21 or older. The states statutory rape law also prohibits those 21 or older from sexual intercourse with anyone under 17. But opponents of the current law say it still does not go far enough and pushed for the bill passed by the Senate on Thursday. Before the 2018 law, 88% of minors who were married in Missouri were age 16 or 17, Fraidy Reiss, the founder and executive director of Unchained At Last, a nonprofit seeking to end child marriage nationwide, previously told reporters. The law, Reiss said, has failed to protect 88% of the people it was intended to help. Sen. Mike Moon, a hard-right Republican from Ash Grove, was the lone lawmaker to vote against the bill on Thursday. Moon, in a text to The Star, said that he felt the legislation violated a requirement in the Missouri Constitution that requires bills related to only one subject. But the vote came exactly a year after Moon made comments in a House hearing suggesting that children as young as 12 should be able to get married. Do you know any kids who have been married at age 12? I do. And guess what? Theyre still married, Moon said last year in response to questioning over his legislation that banned gender-affirming care for minors. Moon at the time was being asked about his previous vote against the 2018 law that raised the minimum marriage age. Moon later clarified his stance in a follow up video, saying I do not support adults marrying minors. He has said he was referring to a 12-year-old boy and an 11-year-old who got married after the girl became pregnant. During a hearing over the legislation in January only one person testified against the legislation: Timothy Faber, a pastor and director of the Lake of the Ozarks Baptist Association. Faber previously served as chair of the Missouri Human Rights Commission, which enforces the states non-discrimination law, until he resigned in December. Faber previously told The Star that he opposed the legislation because it does not include any exceptions. He pointed to a situation where a girl gets pregnant and rather than having the child born out of wedlock, they decide to go ahead and get married. He also said there should be an exception for teenagers who want to get married before entering the military. But Arthur, the Kansas City Democrat, said previously that opposing child marriage was an issue that transcends politics, saying that it was lawmakers responsibility to protect girls and make sure that they have bright futures in our state. Lawmakers tacked on several amendments to the legislation this week mostly centered on marriage or divorce proceedings. An amendment from Thompson Rehder changes how fees would be paid in a divorce proceeding. When a person fails to abide by a court order to pay fees to the other party, that person would be required to pay the costs of the fees. Arthur also added an amendment that would add factors that judges should consider when awarding child custody, including the childs physical, emotional, educational, and other needs. The final change to the bill came from Sen. Rick Brattin, a Harrisonville Republican. Current state law says that a sheriff or law enforcement officer may enforce the rights of a person to custody or visitation. Brattins amendment would change that wording to shall, requiring police to enforce those rights. Lawmakers are raising concerns about what they believe is a lack of transparency in Missouris nearly two-year old private school tax credit program. The administrator of the MOScholars program, State Treasurer Vivek Malek, says the criticism is misplaced, arguing lawmakers are making overly broad requests for data in a manner that is taxing the small staff in the treasurers office. Vivek Malek is seen here during the GOP Lincoln Day event at the Oasis Convention Center on March 9, 2024. And the debate is playing out as the GOP-run legislature seeks to expand the program to make it available to more students, both by raising the income threshold and permitting its use statewide. It is honestly getting very difficult to get any information out of the treasurers office at all, state Sen. Andrew Koenig, a Republican from Manchester who is running against Malek in the GOP primary, said during a Senate debate last month. The criticism began during a Senate committee hearing on a MOScholars expansion bill in January. Democrats on the committee asked Malek and his staff about program demographics, information they argued has been murky. Were having a hard time getting information, state Sen. Tracy McCreery, a Democrat from Olivette, said during the hearing. Do you have any thoughts on if the schools that are receiving the voucher plans should also be subject to Sunshine Law, just like other educational institutions? More: Homeschool parents say effort to expand tax credit scholarships is 'dangerous' for them Malek told Democrats: I can assure you my office will provide you those answers within 48 hours. State Sen. Doug Beck, an Affton Democrat, asked for data on the program before the January hearing and received a screenshot of a webpage with basic demographic information. After I asked for all the data, (a staff member) sent me a screenshot of a website, Beck said. Thats why I went off in the meeting. Like, this is crap. According to emails obtained by The Independent, Beck on Jan. 7 asked for all the data you have compiled on the MO Scholars program. He did not cite Missouris Sunshine Law, which outlines procedures for public records requests. Ray Bozarth, Maleks chief of staff, responded, writing: Its my understanding you may have some questions regarding the MOScholars program. How may I help you? Kern Chhikara, Maleks spokesman, told The Independent the treasurers office had to guess what Beck wanted because of the broad nature of his request. Sen. Beck asked vaguely for all the data, and we interpreted that request as all the key metrics for the program, Chhikara said. When Sen. Beck complained about the data we provided him, we promptly followed up with data that was responsive to some of the various questions and concerns he expressed in a hearing. Sen. Doug Beck questions State Treasurer Vivek Malek during a Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hearing Wednesday Jan. 10, 2024. Immediately following the committee hearing, Bozarth sent a spreadsheet that answered questions Beck had, like how many students previously attended private schools before receiving MOScholars funding. Beck still has unanswered questions. More: Missouri House committee hears omnibus Senate education bill, public raises concerns In the programs first enrollment class, 33% of students had attended private school prior to receiving the scholarship, 36% attended public school, 24% were entering kindergarten or first grade and were thereby not counted as attending private or public schools previously. The remaining students were educated at home or in charter schools. Beck is particularly concerned with the number of students who are receiving the money, which is rerouted from the states general fund, to pay for a private school they were already attending. Koenig told The Independent he asked for data such as program enrollment by school, student demographics and student testing data. He never received the data showing which schools students attend. The Independent obtained a file with that information from the treasurers office in November. In a statement to The Independent, Chhikara said the office only recalls Koenigs request for performance data. A report on student performance must be publicly available, by state law, after the third year of the program, which would be next year. The office has the raw data, but it does not have the staff required to generate a report. The legislature wrote the bill to require students to take a state achievement test or a nationally norm-referenced test. The problem here is that there are a lot of different norm-referenced tests, Chhikara told The Independent. The large amount of eligible tests for students to take resulted in diversely formatted testing data being submitted to the State Treasurers Office. The sheer volume of testing data, and the diverse formatting, would require a full-time employee to learn software that could be used to aggregate the data, Chhikara said. We do not have the staff capacity to handle such a task, he said, which is why we had planned on posting the position this summer. If legislators want testing data provided sooner, they could change the statute. More: State Senators approved an omnibus education package with expanded school choice program Koenig said he received some data but hoped to get more so that he could compare program participants to public-school test scores. I would have hoped that they would have done a little bit of work on that, Koenig said, because they would have at least gotten one year of data by May of last year. The State Treasurers Office has 49 employees, according to the states accountability portal, with some not working any hours in the last pay period. In 2020, prior to the creation of MOScholar, the treasurers office had 51 employees on its books. Malek has been at the helm of the operation since January of 2023, after Gov. Mike Parson appointed him to fill the vacancy left when Scott Fitzpatrick was elected state auditor. Much of the staff under Fitzpatrick followed him to the auditors office. Beck said he never asked the office for information when Fitzpatrick was treasurer. I actually have more confidence that (Fitzpatrick) knew what was going on, Beck said. It is unclear whether Malek was aware of lawmakers difficulties with the office. Chhikara said he doesnt know which inquiries staff members briefed Malek on. Generally, he said, staff keep (Malek) informed about media and legislator inquiries. This story was first published at www.missouriindependent.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri treasurer reacts to criticism of MoScholars data transparency Chancery Court Judge Neil Harris says a civil case filed against him for sexual harassment and defamation should be dismissed and the female attorney who filed it sanctioned because her lawsuit is frivolous. The memorandum for dismissal and sanctions says Ocean Springs attorney Jennifer Sekul Harris, who is not related to the judge, waited more than a year after the alleged wrongdoing to file her lawsuit, which is past the time the law allows. The judges attorney, Walter Morrison IV of Ridgeland, did not address the specific claims Jennifer Harris made against the judge, except to say in a letter to her attorney: I will not waste time addressing the validity or truthfulness of the factual allegations in your complaint or your motivations for filing such a frivolous claim. Suffice it to say, however, that if a hearing on the merits were to occur, a multitude of witnesses, chief among them Judge Harris, would deny the specific allegations Ms. Harris raises against Judge Harris. Jennifer Harris filed her lawsuit in Jackson County Circuit Court, where the sitting judges have recused themselves from hearing the case against Judge Harris, who sits on the chancery bench in the same courthouses. Special judge appointed to MS Coast case The Mississippi Supreme Court has appointed senior status Judge Forrest A. Johnson Jr. of Natchez to hear the case. Johnson is a retired Circuit Court judge. Jennifer Harris, represented by attorney David Krause of Ocean Springs, alleges in her lawsuit that the judge committed intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress and defamation. She is seeking unspecified damages as compensation, plus punitive damages and court costs. She says that the judge sexually harassed her on two occasions. In December 2022, she claims the judge asked in front of a bailiff if she was dating married men and suggested they could spend the weekend at a condominium in Orange Beach. On March 8, 2023, she alleges, he asked her in an administrative area with others present if she had heard any good gossip about married lawyers sleeping around. She filed her lawsuit more than a year later, on March 22, 2024, court records show. Judge Harris previously denied her allegations in a brief telephone call with the Sun Herald. New defamation claim added Morrison said he sent his March 26 letter to Krause to notify him that his clients claims were time-barred. Morrison demanded in the letter that Krause have the claims dismissed by March 29. Otherwise, Morrison said, Jennifer Harris would be subject to sanctions for filing a frivolous claim. Instead, Morrison points out in his court response, Krause amended the original lawsuit to add a defamation claim from March 25. On that date, Jennifer Harris alleges, Neil Harris stated that she had forged documents in an adoption matter. She said he made the statement outside court and not while sitting as a judge. While she said the statement was false and made to further embarrass her, Jennifer Harris did not say to whom the statement might have been made. Jennifer Harris left out an essential element of a defamation claim, Morrison contends, by omitting any mention of a third party to whom the judge is accused of commenting on forged documents. Krause and Jennifer Harris had a civil case for a business client pending before Judge Harris, but it was transferred on April 2 to another chancery judge in the best interest of judicial economy . . . the order signed by the Judge Harris says. The severe storms that swept across the state of Mississippi on Wednesday brought floods, deaths and widespread outages that authorities say they are working to assess and resolve. Two weather-related deaths in Mississippi A woman from Scott County and another woman from Leflore County lost their lives during Wednesday's storms. Scott County coroner Hunter Wolf told the Clarion Ledger 64-year-old Shirley Wilson died Wednesday after the power went out north of Harperville. Wolf said Wilson had a list of health complications and was on oxygen, which was disconnected when Wilson lost power. According to Wolf, there was no backup that provided access to oxygen. Wolf said authorities tried to get Wilson to a hospital, but the roads were blocked by storm debris. Authorities tried several different routes without success, Wolf said. Leflore County Deputy Coroner Will Gnemi identified 43-year-old Shanika Newton as the deceased person in Leflore County. Gnemi told the Clarion Ledger that Newton was traveling south on U.S. 49 around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, when she encountered water coming over the road. Gnemi said Newton's vehicle hydroplaned and landed in a flooded ditch where she drowned. The two deaths were reported Wednesday by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Entergy Mississippi says 22,000 customers without power at peak Severe thunderstorms left a trail of extensive damage and widespread power outages across Entergy Mississippis service area. Entergy Mississippi said in a press release that there were as of 2 p.m. Thursday, there were approximately 22,000 customers without power. The company also reported the peak outage count, the highest number of customers out at any time during the storm, was 33,600 customers. "A workforce of damage assessors, vegetation crews, line workers, and support personnel are diligently working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Additional workers have been requested with some of those resources en route throughout the evening," the news release states. An Entergy employee is parked near downed power lines and trees from the storm the night before on Northampton Drive in Jackson, Miss., on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. At 9 p.m., nearly 45% of damage assessment was completed with damages to 107 poles, 420 spans ofdowned wire, 19 transformers and 46 cross arms. "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as our crews safely work torestore customers power," the press release statement reads. If you are without power, check for damage to the electrical equipment attached to your home or business. If your power is out and your electric equipment appears undamaged, call 1-800-968-8243. River basin expected to raise Arkabutla Lake Levels Above A dam on the border of DeSoto and Tate Counties in Mississippi could potentially rise above levels Thursday as spring rains continues. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which operates the Arkabutla Lake Dam in North Mississippi, said lake levels at the Arkabutla Dam are expected to rise well above 215 feet and remain high for nearly three weeks. The company stated in a Thursday press release that a WATCH status at the dam is in effect. In addition, a 24-hour monitoring of the dam will begin once levels hit the 215-foot mark. According to officials, the potential breach is associated with observed signs of distress discovered in May 2023. The physical condition of the dam is "unchanged," and a dam breach is "NOT imminent," officials said. May 12, 2011 - At Arkabutla lake flooding has closed several areas for public use, but these geese seem to be quite comfortable with the high water. On Friday the lake's level read 238.28, just two hundredths below the 238.30 level for overflow onto the spillway. "The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District is coordinating with the National Weather Service, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, and local emergency management agencies to maximize public awareness in affected areas and to prepare for the possible flooding," officials stated. A contract to install structural improvements to the dam has been awarded and construction is scheduled to begin in May 2024. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi weather: Floods, deaths and power outages PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Portland police are searching for multiple people suspected of a burglary, one of whom was caught on camera falling through the ceiling of a Northwest Portland restaurant and stealing thousands of dollars. Now the business owners are left to pick up the pieces. Kalvin Myint, the co-owner of Top Burmese Burma Joy, told KOIN 6 News that between the theft losses and physical damage, it will likely cost them thousands of dollars. This is our very first incident and we hope its the last, Myint said. Please help me: Oregon man recovering from brain surgery sees paid leave application get delayed Video surveillance shows a man falling through the ceiling of Top Burmese. Myint said he was shocked when an employee told him someone got into the restaurant. The Portland Police Bureau said the suspects first broke into the now-closed Starbucks next to the restaurant on Northwest 23rd Avenue. Burglars caught on surveillance of a Northwest Portland restaurant. April 10, 2024 (courtesy Top Burmese Burma Joy). There was a lockbox outside and that lockbox actually got stolen a couple of days before the incident with us, Myint said. They came back and used the key to get back inside. The burglars then climbed through the ceiling of the former Starbucks and cut a hole in the wall to Top Burmese. Third 20-million-year-old hippo-like fossil found on the Oregon Coast in 2 weeks Surveillance video shows the burglar falling into the kitchen area. Afterward, he appears to search the kitchen space and then climbs back through where he fell, making an exit through the former Starbucks. The man, along with other suspects, broke in early Sunday morning, PPB said. The owner said they stole $5,000 of inventory and equipment and racked up $2,000 in damages. They took actually the top shelf liquor, whatever they can grab, Myint said. And of course, you know, they went to the cash register, got the cash drawer with cash in it and then on the way out there grabbed one rice cooker. The restaurant owners said they will continue to move forward and make the repairs that are needed. We stay resilient. We stay positive. So thats how we move on, Myint said. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information about the burglary is encouraged to contact PPB. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. An untitled work by the Brazilian artist and trailblazer of the modernist movement in the country, Tarsila do Amaral, was up for sale at this year's iteration of the SP Arte art fair in Sao Paulo last week. However, according to Jones Bergamin, the director and president of Bolsa de Arte, one of the preeminent auction houses and secondary-market galleries in Brazil, this particular piece was a forgery. The Allegation Made by Bolsa de Arte's Founder Bergamin told the Brazilian news outlet Folha de S.Paulo of this revelation last April 4, despite not having examined the piece up close even once, telling the publication that "it is not an authentic work, I don't need to see it up close to be sure of that." "If you show me the image of a three-dollar bill I won't need to hold it in my hand to say that it is not real," he continued. Bergamin also said that another tell is the price that the auction house is valuing the piece at, which is 16 million Brazilian Real ($3.15 million) when it should be worth around 25 million to 30 million Brazilian Real ($5.92 million) at least. This confidence in accurately estimating the price of a work by Do Amaral comes from his auction house's 2020 sale of the artist's "A Caipirinha" (1923) painting, which fetched a record-breaking 57.5 million Brazilian Real ($11.2 million). Read Also : Chicago Symphony Orchestra Appoints 28-year-old Conductor Klaus Makela as Next Music Director The Response to the Forgery Allegations Thomaz Pacheco, owner of the gallery selling the alleged copy of Do Amaral's work, OMA Galeria, denied the claims and said that it is virtually impossible to accurately judge the authenticity of a piece without seeing it in person first. "The people who have spoken out so far in the press, questioning the veracity of the work, none of them have seen the painting, no one," he said. As per The Art Newspaper, however, the work in question was purportedly not part of the gallery's presentation at the event and was shown privately to prospective buyers. Eventually, SP Arte released its own statement regarding the contentions about the piece's authenticity in a public release dated April 4, saying that the fair strictly follows international standards with the presentation of the exhibitors' projects, wherein "analysis is carried out by a selection committee." "Regarding the work itself, it was not displayed on the walls of the stand nor was it included in the approved project," the art fair explained. On Monday, April 8, Vermonts long-serving state senator, Dick Mazza, resigned from his post effective immediately, citing health reasons. Prior to stepping down, Mazza, a Democrat, had represented Colchester and Grande Isle County in the Statehouse for over 42 years, with 39 spent as a senator and three as a representative. In subsequent statements honoring his legacy, Mazza's fellow legislators described him as one of the state's most impactful and influential lawmakers. In his resignation letter to Gov. Phil Scott, Mazza explained that his health concerns which Seven Days said could be attributed to his cancer diagnosis last year had left him no longer able to provide the quality of service and dedication I have always given to my constituents and the State of Vermont. Sen. Dick Mazza, D-Grand Isle, laughs with Sen. Jane Kitchel, D-Caledonia, during the inauguration ceremony for Gov. Phil Scott and other statewide elected officials Jan. 10, 2019 at the Statehouse in Montpelier. Having dedicated representation has always been one of my top priorities and I believe the people I serve deserve someone who can provide their full attention to this critical position, Mazza said. While in office, Mazza filled a variety of roles, including the dean of the Senate, chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation, vice chair of the Senate Committee on Institutions, and the third member of the Committee on Committees. It would be difficult to find a Vermonter who has been more impactful, committed or dedicated to public service over the past four decades than Senator Dick Mazza, Scott wrote in a press release about the lawmakers departure. Mazza leaves behind legacy of bipartisan leadership After Mazzas resignation, many colleagues praised him for his decades-long commitment to bipartisanship both professionally and interpersonally. Scott, for instance, considers Mazza a friend and mentor. The governor recalled that Mazza immediately took me under his wing when the now-governor joined the state Senate 24 years ago. It didnt matter that I was a Republican and he was a Democrat, Scott said. "He put his faith and trust in me, as I did with him. He hasnt left my side in the two decades since. President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth lauded Mazzas bipartisan efforts while serving as the third member of the Committee on Committees. This committee position required representing all members of the Senate, regardless of party, Baruth said. In that role, he advocated for every senator, and preserved order in his own signature low-key way. U.S. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vermont, who served in the Vermont Senate, labeled Mazzas willingness to work across the political aisle as a gift that has set a very high bar for present and future legislators. Scott pointed to Mazzas nickname as the Conscience of the Senate as evidence of the senators virtue and impact, which he said is a perfect summary of the man he is. He knows when to speak up, and when to do so deliberately, Scott wrote. And when he does, everybody listens. Senator Mazza has had the unique ability to command the respect and attention of his fellow senators and beyond. Mazzas decision to step down truly marks the passing of an era, Baruth said. Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont state Sen. Dick Mazza resigns, praised by Gov. Phil Scott Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, did not stalk one of the victims, attorneys on both sides of the capital murder case said Wednesday, one of the few issues on which they agreed at a combative court hearing that appeared to be setting the tone for trial. Reports that the defendant followed one of the victims on social media also were deemed false as the lead prosecutor traded barbs with Kohbergers defense about whether they had violated the judges order not to make comments about the case outside of court. The new details emerged in the closely watched case during testimony from a trial consultant the defense hired to contact prospective jurors and help gauge potential bias against their client in the community where the crime took place. His survey work around the Moscow area drew the ire of prosecutors over questions that he included as part of the defenses efforts to show that Kohbergers trial needs to be moved elsewhere in the state. The state is coming from a position of being practical and trying to use common sense here, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told the court Wednesday. It seems the position of the defense is it is OK to risk tainting additional jurors in order to ascertain bias of other potential jurors, and Im not sure thats the way this court should do business. Kohberger, 29, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in the November 2022 deaths of the U of I students. The victims were seniors Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, both 21, junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both 20. From left, Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed in an attack near the University of Idaho in November 2022. At the time, Kohberger was a graduate student of criminal justice and criminology at neighboring Washington State University in Pullman. The school is located about 9 miles west of Moscow over the state line. Prosecutors have already stated their intent to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted by a jury. Bryan Edelman, co-founder of California-based jury consultancy Trial Innovations, did not dispute that some of his survey questions specifically those concerning whether Kohberger had stalked or followed the victims on social media included false information. Mr. Kohberger allegedly stalked one of the victims, Thompson said during cross-examination, referencing the survey question. Thats false. You know that to be false. And your surveyors put that false information into the minds of people who were asked that question who may not have previously heard it. But Edelman and the defense argued that the erroneous details already were widely available to the public in media reports about the case. The way the questions were formed is important for collecting reliable data, he said. My focus is to assess whether or not media coverage is prejudicial prejudicial and whether or not its led to opinions, Edelman said during the nearly three-hour hearing. It doesnt matter if its true or not. Edelman affirmed that he wrote the questions and did not receive the defenses guidance on how to ask them. He testified that he has worked on several other high-profile cases, including with gag orders, and said his approach was standard practice for this kind of opinion research. You cant taint whats tainted The phone survey of 400 potential jurors in Latah County revealed that 45% of respondents said they had read, seen or heard in the news that Kohberger had stalked one of the victims, Edelman said. Of them, 81% said they believed Kohberger was guilty, versus 57% who said he was guilty if they were unaware of those reports. Judge John Judge, bottom, of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, clarified information with Bryan Edelman, upper right, a trial jury consultant hired by the defense for University of Idaho student homicide suspect Bryan Kohberger, at a pretrial hearing on Wednesday at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow. Anne Taylor, Kohbergers lead public defender, argued Edelmans same survey needed to be conducted in at least two other counties as they continue to work toward justifying a change of venue for trial. She rejected Thompsons assertion that the defense, through its hired consultant, had violated the gag order. Mr. Kohberger is my client and his rights are of the utmost importance to me, she said, and placed her hand on the defendants shoulder while he was seated next to her. Im his advocate. I want to help him. I believe in his innocence. Judge John Judge of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County acknowledged the challenge he faced in trying to find a path forward now that the false information had already been relayed to possible jurors through Edelmans survey. He indicated that the inaccurate details included in two of the nine questions asked of respondents do not exist in the court record, and therefore brushed up against his standing gag order in the case. So, I mean, here we are. That happened, its kind of unfortunate, he said Wednesday. Its something that Im going to have to struggle through and figure out what to do, and I understand that theres some urgency to get that out. Judge clarified that his ruminations at a hearing last week about possibly disqualifying the 400 county residents who were surveyed was not a viable solution. Thompson had suggested that may be a potential option, in addition to the defense using a revised survey without questions that include false information. Elisa Massoth, another of Kohbergers attorneys, defended the survey work as necessary to convince Judge that an impartial jury cannot be found in Latah County. She said U.S. Supreme Court case law requires that media reports with false information be part of the analysis to justify local bias. We as a defense team have the obligation and, frankly, the privilege of defending Mr. Kohberger, and defending his right to a fair trial, Massoth said. And in doing so, in arguing the venue should be changed, we have to show you that there is presumed prejudice in this community. Some of the survey questions were based on the probable cause affidavit, which she said includes inaccurate details that news outlets have reported as facts. For example, the police narrative suggests that Kohberger was suspected of surveilling the off-campus house on King Road where the victims were killed, including through repeat trips back and forth between Moscow and Pullman, Massoth said. You cant taint whats tainted, she said. Latah County citizens have accepted the information placed before them by state actors. This is all information thats put out into the media, and having the state now claim this moral high ground is an oxymoron. Judge said he hoped to issue a ruling soon, but he was unlikely to deliver his decision this week. In turn, he pushed back the change of venue filing deadlines, and postponed next months scheduled hearing for arguments on the matter until late June. The deadline for Kohbergers attorneys to submit their clients alibi if they plan to argue that defense at trial remains April 17. In initial alibi filings, Kohberger said that he was out driving alone overnight at the time of the U of I student homicides. Former Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian is stepping down as CEO of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority after being charged with leaving the scene of a fast-food drive-thru car crash last month. Avedisian submitted a letter of resignation to Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday that said "recent events" have overshadowed accomplishments at the statewide bus agency, making it necessary for him to step down. RIPTA Board Chairman Peter Alviti Jr. announced Avedisian's resignation after an hour-long, closed-door board meeting and said the terms of Avedisian's departure are now being negotiated with lawyers. Due to notice requirements in the state's open meeting law, the board needs to meet again to accept the resignation and approve the terms of the separation, Alviti said. That special meeting is expected to be held next Tuesday. Alviti, who also leads the state Department of Transportation, declined to say whether he thought Avedisian had violated any terms of his employment or whether he thought Avedisian would have had to leave if he had not resigned. "It's a human relations matter that happens in the course of any business or any agency or any entity," Alviti said. "And it's happened to all of us, and it's happened to I'm sure many of the businesses that we're associated with, and we're trying to be fair and deliberate as a board and at the same time protect the public interest." It was not entirely clear Thursday who would be in charge of day-to-day operations of RIPTA until Avedisian's resignation is accepted. Alviti said Avedisian was still technically CEO, but Avedisian's letter suggested he no longer works there and he was not present at the RIPTA board meeting. RIPTA spokesperson Cristy Raposa Perry declined to say who is now in charge of day-to-day operations, referring all questions to Alviti. CFO Chris Durand testified at hearings before lawmakers this week, a role normally performed by the CEO. Thursday's special RIPTA board meeting came two weeks after police say Avedisian, who was Warwick's longest-serving mayor before becoming RIPTA CEO, reportedly caused a three-car crash in a Warwick McDonald's drive-thru and fled the scene. Last week, Avedisian pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in damage. He was released on personal recognizance. In his resignation letter, Avedisian listed accomplishments at the transit agency including building an electric bus charging station, opening a high-frequency downtown Providence bus corridor, starting work on the Pawtucket-Central Falls train station hub and catching up on the agency's pension payments. "I regret that the good work of the employees is being detracted by my actions," Avedisian wrote. "Therefore, I respectfully submit my resignation and ask that the board of directors terminate my contract." Avedisian, who made $181,796 last year, was hired out of Warwick City Hall by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo in June 2018 as she ramped up her reelection campaign. Avedisian, a Republican, had been mayor since 2000 and was considered one of the top GOP candidates for statewide office. The change in leadership comes at a chaotic time for RIPTA, with the quasi-state agency facing a budget deficit for the year starting July 1 and even more projected red ink in future years. The bus operator is also at the center of a debate over whether it should move its central hub out of Providence's Kennedy Plaza to a multi-use real estate development near Interstate 95. Avedisian and allies on the RIPTA board fended off an attempt backed by Senate President Dominick Ruggerio to oust him a year ago. While Avedisian kept his job and got a year longer contract extension than initially expected, Ruggerio-ally Alviti was made board chairman. Alviti has criticized Avedisian for not making a concrete action plan with specific funding requests to build ridership at RIPTA. Rhode Islanders deserve a robust, accessible public transit system that effectively and efficiently serves residents and visitors," Ruggerio said in an email response to Avedisian's resignation. "I am hopeful that the RIPTA board will seize the opportunity they now have to conduct a thorough search for their next CEO and bring in a true transit professional to guide the agency through the many challenges it faces." Traditionally RIPTA's CEO has come from the ranks of the Rhode Island political or bureaucratic establishment, but transit advocates want the next leader to have a background in public transportation, even if it means looking outside the state's borders. "We believe this is an opportunity to replace RIPTA's current CEO with a nationally recognized public transit leader who can provide the transformational leadership needed to turn RIPTA into a first-class public transit agency," Rhode Island Transit Riders wrote in a news release. RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisian. Meeting comes at urging of governor, other officials The special board of directors meeting came at the urging of Gov. Dan McKee, as well as members of the board, including Patrick Crowley, who is secretary-treasurer of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO. SUV parked in RIPTA CEO Scott Avedisians driveway after fender bender in McDonald's parking lot. "I think it is appropriate for the full board, along with our legal counsel, to meet and review the matter," Crowley said at the time. "Mr. Avedisian is an employee and is entitled to due process and other rights before any decisions are made about his employment status by the board. Journal Reporter Katherine Gregg contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Scott Avedisian resigns as RIPTA's CEO after hit-and-run fallout. Russia's artillery advantage over Ukraine will double in only a matter of weeks as shortages bite, top US general in Europe warns Russia artillery advantage in the Ukraine war is set to double soon, a top US general said. Ukraine's critical supply of artillery ammo is dwindling. Ukraine's defense and economy are at risk without further aid from the US. US European Command's Gen. Chris Cavoli says Russia's artillery advantage over Ukraine will double within weeks as the latter's supply shortages persist. "We're not talking about months, we're not talking hypothetically," Cavoli said during a House Armed Services Committee Hearing on Wednesday, adding that "the biggest killer on the battlefield is artillery in most conflicts, but in this one, definitely." Russia's military is currently firing five times as many shells as Ukraine is. In a matter of weeks, the ratio could shift to 10:1, Cavoli said. Ukraine had the artillery advantage last summer, but now it is firing about 2,000 shells while Russia hammers its positions with 10,000 shells each day. The impact of the shortages has been palpable. "Ukrainians have been husbanding their shells in anticipation of the supply running out," Cavoli said. "The situation is extremely serious." Ukrainian service members of the 55th Separate Artillery Brigade fire a Caesar self-propelled howitzer towards Russian troops, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, near the town of Avdiivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi The top US general in Europe said that American contributions of artillery systems, ammunition, and air defense interceptors are extremely critical for Ukrainian defense, but right now, Ukraine is running short on both of these. Celeste Wallander, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said during the congressional hearing Wednesday that the Ukrainians "are having to decide what to defend and that's why the Russian attacks are getting through and really harming the Ukrainian electricity grid." Lately, Russia has stepped up its attacks on Ukrainian cities, Kharkiv in particular. The city has been hit by missiles, one-way attack drones, and glide bombs to devastating effect. Cavoli said that Russia's large scale aerial attacks are capable of destroying Ukraine's economy if Ukraine can't defend itself with the help of US security assistance, roughly $60 billion of which has been held up in Congress for months now and is currently awaiting approval in the House. Ukraine's military has been heavily reliant on drones as alternatives to artillery shells. A NATO official told Foreign Policy this week that the country's drones are behind over two-thirds of the kills of Russian tanks. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the unmanned systems are no substitute for the weapons that Ukraine really needs, like artillery, air defenses, and long-range missiles. "It is necessary to specifically tell Congress that if Congress does not help Ukraine, Ukraine will lose the war," Zelenskyy said last Sunday. Read the original article on Business Insider PORTSMOUTH Search and rescue crews are again searching the Piscataqua River Thursday to locate a person who reportedly jumped off the Portsmouth side of the high-level Interstate 95 bridge yesterday. A passing motorist notified New Hampshire State Police at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday they had witnessed a person climb over the bridge's metal railing and jump into the water. State police are leading the active investigation but have not released an identity of the person who reportedly jumped from the bridge. New Hampshire State Police and local police and fire and rescue personnel were investigating in the area of the high-level Piscataqua River Bridge on Interstate 95 between Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Kittery, Maine on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. We do not have the identity confirmed. We believe we know who it is but were not releasing that as of this time, state police Troop A Staff Sgt. Thomas Conlon said Thursday. New Hampshire Marine Patrol will be out on the water Thursday searching for the person, as will the U.S. Coast Guard, according to state police Staff Sgt. Irwin Malilay. Malilay was uncertain about a timeline for how long Marine Patrol might be out on the water Thursday. Theres several factors with that, and also the weather, he said. The weather today is not ideal. Theres quite heavy fog out there so it all depends. Safety for all of our boats and all of our crew is paramount. Coast Guard Northern New England Sector Lt. Commander Ryan Koroknay did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday morning. The Piscataqua River is known as one of the fastest-moving waterways in the United States. Emergency personnel from the New Hampshire State Police, Portsmouth Police Department, New Hampshire Fish and Game, New Hampshire Marine Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard responded to the area of the Piscataqua River Bridge on Wednesday. Local fire and rescue and police officials from Newington and Kittery, Maine additionally assisted in the search. Responders were spread out along the river Wednesday searching for the missing person. Law enforcement operated an overwater drone from Patterson Lane in Newington, while other authorities were present at the Atlantic Heights neighborhood in Portsmouth and at an Eliot, Maine boat launch. This story may be updated. If you need help The National Alliance on Mental Illness - New Hampshire offers the following resources to those in distress: NH Rapid Response Access Point Call/Text 1-833-710-6477 If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis, you can call and speak to trained and caring clinical staff. Youll be served by compassionate providers from mental health centers in your community who can help you access vital resources in an emergency. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 for 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. (Chat option is also available at 988lifeline.org). This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Search continues: Jump reported from I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge Searing heat is back across Southeast Asia and its not going away anytime soon The death of a toddler from extreme heat highlighted the risk of climate-related illnesses across Malaysia. The same week, Vietnam declared a state of emergency after abnormally high temperatures in the south dried up entire rice fields. And in the Philippines, hundreds of schools suspended classes after daily temperatures soared past 107 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius). Sweltering heat is back in Southeast Asia, one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change. And it is not going away any time soon, scientists have warned. Home to more than 675 million people across 11 countries, the region has seen temperatures reach unprecedented levels with little respite from merciless heat and humidity, climatologist Maximiliano Herrera told CNN. Thailand has been worst hit, Herrera said, adding that heat forecasts there have been especially dire. Temperatures across the country had been breaking non-stop records for 13 months and heat and humidity levels were relentless, he said. We thought temperatures last year were unbearable but (what we are seeing) this year has beaten that temperatures in Bangkok wont drop below 30 degrees Celsius, even at night for the rest of April, Herrera told CNN. The trend is inescapable. The region has to prepare for terrible heat for the rest of April and most of May. On April 3, as Thailand entered its annual dry season, the capital Bangkok clocked temperatures of around 109 degrees Fahrenheit prompting many to stay indoors in air-conditioned comfort. In nearby Vietnam, the heat wave brought intense droughts to the south driving temperatures up to nearly 104 degrees Fahrenheit and wreaking havoc on the countrys vital agriculture industry. Vietnam is one of the worlds largest rice exporters and low rainfall spells trouble for farmers in its Mekong delta region. Rice fields and rivers have dried up, according to Vietnamese media reports, and farmers have been struggling without rainwater for their crops. Record heat waves in 2023 caused severe power outages in several cities. This year, Vietnamese meteorologists have attributed the unusually long dry spell to El Nino, a natural climate pattern that originates in the Pacific Ocean along the equator and influences weather all over the world. But alongside these natural variations, the world continues to blast through climate records, with deadly heat waves becoming the norm. A resident attempts to pump underground water from a dried reservoir in Vietnam's central Ninh Thuan province during a heat wave and drought on April 6, 2024. - Stringer/AFP/Getty Images No definitive end Though average temperatures in Southeast Asia have risen every decade since 1960, experts say one of the most worrying characteristics of the heat wave now sweeping across the region is its prolonged duration - with no end in sight. Researchers from Swiss climate research group IQ Air attributed the current heat wave to a combination of factors which include human-induced climate change and the El Nino event. This phenomenon has led to unprecedented high temperatures across the region, IQ Air said in a statement on April 5. There is currently no definitive end date projected as an abatement to the heat will depend on factors such as weather patterns and (government) mitigation efforts. One mitigation effort being considered in Malaysia is cloud seeding, injecting particles into clouds usually from an airplane to make it rain. Our air assets are always ready, said Adly Zahari, the deputy defense minister. Cloud seeding should take into account various weather factors such as cloud conditions and the wind before it is carried out. At least two heat-related fatalities have been reported in the country a 22-year-old man from the northern state of Pahang and a 3-year-old boy, in neighboring Kelantan. Both died of heatstroke, according to health officials. Officials in Sabah, a state on Borneo island, also reported close to 300 fires that started at farms, plantations and forests throughout February. Climate change has made Malaysia vulnerable to extreme heat, the countrys Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on the sidelines of a talk in late March following heatstroke cases. We are thankful that we have not yet reached the third level of extreme heat waves but this could happen at any time. But there is still much to be done, say some living in the capital Kuala Lumpur. Like many Malaysians, university student Aidil Iman Aidid has been trying to adapt to the ongoing heat, especially in recent weeks when he fasted for Ramadan. This years Ramadan has been the hottest and most challenging, he told CNN, while staying hydrated was especially tricky, given that hot days now feel much longer. We are living in extreme weather conditions, said Aidil, adding that he often woke up thirsty and tired after taking naps during the fasting period. Theres so much to be done and I really want to see governments across the region not just adapting (but also) establishing greater climate resilience against extreme hazards, he said. In Singapore, some schools have told students to wear cooler, looser gym gear until further notice, given persistently high temperatures in recent weeks. We are continuing to monitor the heat situation and well-being of students and staff closely especially those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of higher temperature conditions, an Education Ministry spokesperson told CNN. Similar actions were taken by hundreds of schools in the Philippines, including dozens in the capital Manila, that canceled classes after temperatures reached unbearable levels. But watchdog groups have expressed concerns about childrens safety. Educators and local authorities have been forced to take the extreme decision to shut hundreds of schools because this extreme heat means children are simply unable to concentrate in the classroom and their health is also at risk, said a statement by Save The Children Philippines. We need to see urgent action now to limit warming to a maximum of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Failing to do this will have dramatic consequences for childrens health, safety and wellbeing. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Morgan Geyser is brought into Waukesha County Circuit Court for a motion hearing on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, in Waukesha, Wisconsin. (AP) A woman asking to be released from a 40-year sentence in a psychiatric institute for attempting to murder a classmate ten years ago, in order to please a fictional character, told her therapist in October that she had never known how to care. Morgan Geyser, 21, was 12 when she and Anissa Weier lured fellow sixth-grader Payton Leutner into Wisconsin woodland and stabbed her on 21 May 2014. The pair were doing it in the name of the character known as Slender Man, in order to become his servants and protect their families from him. Geyser pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree intentional homicide, with the judge sentencing her to decades at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Her attorneys now argue that she is in a position to go home, with the first of a two-day hearing getting underway on Wednesday afternoon. Ms Leutners parents appeared via Zoom for the hearing, while other family members were in the courtroom where Geyser sat in her orange outfit. Geyser is led out at the end of the hearing (AP) Three doctors had prepared reports on Geyser ahead of the hearing, while a Department of Health and Human Services report was also filed. Doctor has spent decade meeting with Geyser Psychologist Dr Deborah Collins was the first to be called to the stand. She was originally retained by Geysers defence lawyers in 2014, not long after her arrest, and has met her multiple times. The doctor said she felt that Geyser had made progress towards being ready for release, but that she was not yet there. Doctor Deborah Collins was the first expert to give testimony on 10 April 2024 (WISN) One of the reasons for that conclusion came from notes taken during an individual therapy session between Geyser and a therapist at the Winnebago Mental Health Institute. Dr Collins read the patients comments from the record. Dr Deborah Collins gives evidence (AP) How do you think I was able to repeatedly stab my best friend and b****face [Weier] thought she was all the brains? I was pulling her along, too, Geyser told her therapist in October. I didnt care, I couldnt care, Ive never known how to care. Dr Collins said those could have been emotionally charged comments made during a therapy session, but even so, to say that so close to petitioning for release was a potential red flag. The doctor was asked to explain her history with Geysers case, which stretched back to 2014. My initial impressions included that Ms Geyser was not well, psychiatrically, She said. That she had experienced trauma, certainly, in the commission of the offences and that she also presented as quite odd during the two-and-a-half-hour interview I had with her. When Dr Collins first met Geyser, she said she was collecting data, not forming opinions, but she has met the young woman around a dozen times since. The doctor said that at the time of the 2014 offence, Geyser was suffering from a mental health condition which meant she could not fully understand that what she had done was wrong. The three friends had a sleepover before the attack, prompted by the fictional character known as Slender Man. The character had emerged from horror stories that went viral online, with the tall thin man often pictured with a blank face and wearing a black suit. At the time, both girls appeared to believe he was real and planned to attack Ms Leutner to protect themselves and their families from him. While at a park in Waukesha, Weier told Ms Leutner to lie on the ground, with Geyser then proceeding to stab her 19 times. The pair left the victim for dead, but she managed to crawl to a nearby bike path, where a passerby found her. Anissa Weier, left, and Morgan Geyser pictured in 2014 (iStock/Police Handout) Ms Leutner had to undergo 25 surgeries to repair her heart, liver, stomach and pancreas, with her mother telling ABC News in 2017 that her daughter slept with scissors under her pillow for protection. Geyser and Weier were sentenced nearly three years later following separate trials. Weier was granted a conditional release in 2021, allowing her to live with her father. She was required to wear a GPS monitor until 12 September 2023. Geyser said she faked psychotic symptoms Back in the courtroom on Wednesday, Dr Collins said that she had concluded in 2022 that Geyser was not in a suitable condition to be released, in a report issued before a withdrawn bid for release that year. Geyser had told those working with her in the fall of 2022 that she was faking the psychotic symptoms she had presented since her 2014 arrest so that she would not return to her fathers home, where she said he had allegedly sexually abused her. Dr Collins said the years of records and her meetings with Geyser showed that the patient did have mental health issues. Shes observed 24 hours a day, so its questionable that she would have been able to malinger and pull the wool over the eyes of so many mental health professionals, the doctor later told the judge. She described an attempt by Geyser to take her own life in 2021, along with other minor incidents of self-injury. The psychiatrist said that Geyser still presents a significant risk to others and therefore should not be released yet. I know shes not ready now, the doctor said. Dr Collins did say that Geyser should meet the conditions for release within the coming months, not years, as long as she continues on the trajectory of her recovery demonstrated in recent months. In part, that is down to a plan put together by Geyser for her recovery, including career plans as either a writer or working in a hospital. She told Geysers defence attorney that the 21-year-old was psychiatrically stable and had been for some time, despite the red flags mentioned. Slender Man beliefs persisted for many months after arrest Dr Brooke Lundbohm, who has worked alongside Dr Collins, was up next. Having also been on the case since 2014, Dr Lundbohm backed up her colleague in saying that Geyser was not yet ready for conditional release. It is my opinion that she continues to pose a significant risk of bodily harm to herself, others or property, the doctor said. She also called into question Geysers claim that she had been faking her symptoms, pointing to behaviour prior to the stabbing attack which included talking to herself and bringing a hammer to school. The doctor said that Geysers beliefs around Slender Man persisted for months, if not at least a couple of years, despite the legal issues she was facing. Dr Lundbohm also referred to multiple voices Geyser repeatedly heard speaking to her over the years, while staff in the institution observed her laughing at or talking to herself, apparently to those voices she was hearing. When asked why Geyser had changed her story and claimed she had faked her symptoms, the doctor said she believed that was because the inmate felt that because she had now reached adulthood, she would not need to go home. The doctor said Geyser had shown multiple signs of psychotic behaviours over the years but had shown real progress in recent years. She is not symptom-free at this point, the doctor added, speaking to reports of Geyser becoming overwhelmed by various activities within the facility and working to develop coping mechanisms to deal with those moments. Dr Lundbohm was also asked about multiple relationships Geyser has had with men much older than herself, with the doctor saying this was a complicated topic. She is an individual who has been isolated and has developed relationships with people who have, frankly, been nice to her, Dr. Lundbohm said. Its been difficult to identify the motives of some of these individuals. Certainly, there have been people who have tried to establish a relationship for their own gain, the doctor continued, adding that some of those people helped Geyser to feel less lonely while in the institution. At 4.30pm local time, the judge ordered the court to be in recess until Thursday morning at 9am, with the defence expected to cross-examine Dr Lundbohm. Some South Texas school employees could be barred from holding elected office after fraud investigation The Texas Education Agency replaced the entire school board of La Joya Independent School District earlier this year after a fraud investigation. Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune McALLEN Certain school district employees in the Rio Grande Valley may be prohibited from holding elected office under a new proposed policy. A state-appointed board of managers selected to oversee the La Joya Independent School District is set to consider banning employees in supervisory positions from holding elected office or from running for elected office at a meeting Thursday. The proposal is part of the district's efforts to correct course following a slew of corruption charges against two school board trustees and three employees. Their indictment and subsequent guilty pleas prompted an investigation by the state into further allegations of fraud within the district, which resulted in the temporary installment of the board of managers in February. The proposed policy would restrict employees from holding an elected public office or being a candidate for such an office within Hidalgo County or any county within the state that has direct or indirect contractual relations with La Joya ISD. If approved, the policy would apply to employees who supervise other employees or are responsible for the administration of tax dollars. While the policy would only apply to people hired after its adoption, the contracts of current employees would be subject to non-renewal. [Texas Education Agency takes over La Joya ISD after investigating school board for fraud and conflicts of interest] Neither the La Joya superintendent nor the board of managers president replied to multiple requests for comment. The district, which includes the cities of La Joya, Palmview, Penitas and Sullivan City, serves more than 24,000 students. In the face of the federal indictments, Andrew H. Smith, a political scientist at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, acknowledged action had to be taken at La Joya ISD, but wondered if the new board might be going too far. Smith raised the possibility that employees whose contracts are not renewed under this policy could argue a violation of their due process if there is no investigation into whether they have any link to corruption or bribery. He also noted the policy could prevent voters from electing a candidate of their choice. "You have this risk of restricting people's choices," Smith said. State Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen, whose district includes the La Joya school district, said the new policy seemed standard and was optimistic it would be effective in minimizing or reducing potential conflicts of interest. "La Joya ISD is one of the largest, if not the largest, school district here in the Valley which is the number one employer in the western part of Hidalgo County," Hinojosa said. "It does create issues and conflicts that need to be addressed." Hinojosa attempted to address potential conflicts of interest in the past. He passed Senate Bill 814 in 2017, which prevented La Joya ISD board trustees from being hired as an employee or consultant by the Agua Special Utility District, the water supplier for residents on the west side of Hidalgo County. "We have a lot of issues on the west part of Hidalgo County where it has caused the taxpayers on the west side of Hidalgo County millions of dollars," Hinojosa said. After a special investigation into the district last year, the TEA accused the district of failing to disclose conflicts of interests and of lax oversight. The investigation followed the arrests of two school board trustees and three employees of the districts central administration who pleaded guilty to federal charges that included conspiracy, theft, bribery, wire fraud and extortion. In the wake of the investigations findings, the state appointed the board of managers who were tasked with providing the leadership needed to work towards positive change and effective governance for the district, said Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath in a Feb. 1 letter to the district. The state agency also appointed Marcey Sorensen, who most recently served as deputy superintendent for the Virginia Department of Education, as the new superintendent. Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas. Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival, happening in downtown Austin Sept. 5-7. Get your TribFest tickets before May 1 and save big! State police to honor fallen brethren who died in helicopter crash into the Susquehanna At 7:30 a.m. April 12, 1989, troopers Paul Almer and Wayne Bilheimer were scrambled from the Pennsylvania State Police airfield in Reading to fly to southern York County to assist in the search for a 50-year-old farmer who had jumped into the Susquehanna River near Holtwood. Almer, a corporal with 14 years on the force, piloted the H-1 helicopter, the same chopper he flew during his 18 months in combat in Vietnam, and Bilheimer, a 21-year veteran of the state police, was assigned to be the observation passenger. Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Wayne Bilheimer gave his life in the line of duty 35 years ago. State police will honor his sacrifice on the 35th anniversary of his death on Friday. Cpl. Paul Almer At 9:44 a.m., according to state police, the chopper was flying at an altitude of 90 feet above a channel between Lower Bear Island and Boeckel's Landing, on the river's west bank just north of the Mason-Dixon Line, when it struck a 34,000-volt power line. Scuba divers from several agencies located the wreckage below 10 feet of water in the channel, Almer and Bilheimer still strapped in their seats. Honoring fallen police: Remember the fallen: York FOP to erect memorial to 2 officers who died in the line of duty Almer and Bilheimer are among the 117 state police troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. They are among the three who have died in aircraft crashes, the other being Trooper Ross Snowden, who died when his chopper crashed in January 1974 during what was described as "an observation patrol." Turning trauma into art: York Vietnam vet's haunting, powerful sculpture reflects the horrors he experienced in war On Friday, the state police will honor Almer and Bilheimer during a memorial service marking the 35th anniversary of their deaths on Friday morning at the Dorsey Park Boat Launch on Lay Road in Delta. Active and retired troopers who knew both men will be on hand to pay tribute to their fallen brothers. The service will include a flyover by the agency's aviation unit. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: PA state police to honor troopers killed in chopper crash 35 years ago Stray bullet kills Army veteran, a dad of 2, as he does yard work, California cops say Four men have been arrested after an Army veteran, a father of two, was killed by a stray bullet while doing yard work outside his California home, police say. Taylor Byron Woods, 20, of Bellflower; Tyrell Deshawn Louden, 20, of Indio; Jordan Omarion Stokes,18, of Long Beach; and Semaj Lamar Obrien, 21, of Long Beach were arrested in relation to the fatal shooting of Mario Morales-Moreno, 51, the Long Beach Police Department said in an April 10 news release. Police said they recovered multiple firearms during the arrests, adding that evidence was also found while executing a search warrant. Each of the arrested men is facing a murder charge and being held on $2 million bail, according to police. Before he was shot, Morales-Moreno was doing yard work at his home, according to a neighbors Facebook post. As he was working on Thursday, April 4, police said suspects fired numerous rounds toward Morales-Moreno and another man. Morales-Moreno was pronounced dead on scene, while the other man was taken to a hospital, where he was in stable condition as of April 5, according to police. Police said they do not believe Morales-Moreno was the intended target of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, but police said they believe the shooting was gang related. Gang-related violence has no place in any part of our city, and this callous criminal act has forever changed the lives of Mr. Morenos family, Police Chief Wally Hebeish said in the release. Morales-Moreno is survived by his wife and two children, according to a GoFundMe set up by a neighbor for the family. As neighbors we are heartbroken and his family is still in shock, the GoFundMe says. Mario had so many hopes and dreams for his future. He was taken from us too soon. Moreno-Moraless wife, Elsa Morales, told NBC Los Angeles that he served in the U.S. Army for 23 years and just retired from military service. He was in Iraq twice, his wife told the outlet. [He was] a very responsible person. All the neighbors here loved him very much. Fernanda Sandoval, Morales-Morenos daughter, told KCAL News that others always spoke of her fathers kindness. He would always wave, Sandoval told the outlet. A simple wave hello to everyone meant so much, and everyone has that story of him waving. College student dies after being shot in head on afternoon walk in TN park, cops say Stray bullet kills 81-year-old grandpa eating cereal on New Years Day, NC family says 5-year-old will lose eye after shes hit by stray bullet at dance class, GA mom says The Supreme Court saved one of its most important cases of the term for last. Later this month, the justices will hear oral arguments in Trump v. United States, where they will consider whether a former president is immune from prosecution for any crimes committed while in office. Special counsel Jack Smith has now made an airtight case against that dubious notion, laying out why presidents are subject to the same laws as every other Americanand dismantling Trumps lawless arguments for his own lawlessness. Since Watergate, the Department of Justice has held the view that a former President may face criminal prosecution, and Independent and Special Counsels have operated from that same understanding, Smith wrote in his argument brief on Monday. Until [Trump]s arguments in this case, so had former presidents. He also warned about the dire consequences of the former presidents reasoning. [Trump] suggests that unless a criminal statute expressly names the president, the statute does not apply, Smith noted. That radical suggestion, which would free the president from virtually all criminal laweven crimes such as bribery, murder, treason, and seditionis unfounded. That rule finds no support in this courts decisions. Smiths brief is persuasive in large part because Trumps position is so anti-constitutionalnot just unconstitutional as a matter of falsity but outright hostile to the American constitutional order itself. The brief also has the virtue of being well supported by precedent, history, and tradition. The only question now is whether that is enough to persuade at least five justices on the conservative Supreme Court. Much of the case centers around the Supreme Courts 1982 ruling in Nixon v. Fitzgerald. The plaintiff, A. Ernest Fitzgerald, was a senior Pentagon official who testified about cost overruns before Congress in 1968, embarrassing Richard Nixons administration. Nixon fired him in 1970. Almost a decade after Nixon resigned in disgrace over the Watergate scandal, Fitzgerald sued him and other government officials over the incident, which he claimed was retaliatory. The former president responded that he was immune from civil lawsuits for his presidential acts. In a 54 decision, the Supreme Court eventually held that Nixon and other presidents have absolute immunity from liability in civil lawsuits for their official acts. We consider this immunity a functionally mandated incident of the Presidents unique office, rooted in the constitutional tradition of the separation of powers and supported by our history, Justice Lewis Powell wrote for the majority. He added that this immunity extended to the outer bounds of a presidents official duties. This immunity, while absolute in that context, is not without its limits. The Supreme Court ruled in 1997, for example, that President Bill Clinton had to comply with a federal grand jury subpoena in the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit because it only involved his acts that occurred before he took office. And when Trump was in office, the justices also held that he had to comply with a state grand jury subpoena by the Manhattan district attorneys office as part of a criminal investigation. But the Supreme Court has never had to consider whether a president can be tried criminally for acts he undertook while in office. Trump argued in his own brief that the courts silence on the matter cuts in his direction. The deferential reasoning of Fitzgerald, he explained, applies with the same force to criminal cases as it does to civil ones. Functional considerations rooted in the separation of powers, which this Court emphasized in Fitzgerald, compel a finding of criminal immunity, he claimed, quoting from the courts 1982 decision. The threat of future prosecution would distort the bold and unhesitating action required of an independent chief executive, who is charged with the most sensitive and far-reaching decisions entrusted to any official under our constitutional system. Unsurprisingly, Smith disagreed. He argued that the court faced a fundamentally different calculus for weighing immunity claims in Fitzgerald than it does when a former president is facing criminal trials. The interest in enforcement of federal criminal laws is far weightier than the private damages claim at issue in Fitzgerald, Smith argued. And the many safeguards against unfounded federal prosecutions refute [Trump]s argument that the Constitution requires an absolute bar against federal prosecution of a former president. Smith also noted that presidents are constitutionally obligated to take care that the laws be faithfully executed under the Constitutions take care clause. That provision already suggests that presidential fidelity to the law is the assumption, not the exception. It would also hamper future presidents, Smith argued. Allowing a former president to assert absolute immunity from applicable criminal laws would frustrate the executives constitutional authority and responsibility to enforce those laws, he told the justices. Trump also argued, as a practical matter, that criminal immunity was necessary for the White House to function. From 1789 to 2023, no former, or current, president faced criminal charges for his official actsfor good reason, he claimed in his brief for the court. The president cannot function, and the presidency itself cannot retain its vital independence, if the president faces criminal prosecution for official acts once he leaves office. This is simply not true, of course. No former president has faced criminal charges since leaving office because they either did not commit such clear-cut criminal acts while in office or evaded responsibility for them in other ways. John Tyler, a former president who later joined the Confederacy, died shortly after the Civil War began. Nixon infamously received a pardon for his role in the Watergate scandal from his successor, Gerald Ford. In fact, Ford issued the pardon for the stated reason of avoiding a criminal trial of Nixon. If Nixon had immunity all along, no pardon was necessary. The subtext of this particular argument also happens to be Trumpism distilled. Criminal immunity is not merely necessary to protect presidents from retaliatory prosecutions that might chill otherwise legitimate exercises of presidential power. This shield is also a sword: Without criminal immunity, Trump argued, he cannot function at all. Breaking the lawor at least standing above itis essential to his broader agenda. Smith noted that this vision of American governance is anathema to the constitutional order. The Framers had experienced firsthand the dangers of a monarch who was above the law, and they adopted a system of checks and balances to avoid those dangers, he noted. While the Framers had created an energetic presidency, they also made it accountable to justice under laws passed by Congress under Article I, enforced by the Executive Branch under Article II, and adjudicated by the courts under Article III. The special counsels office also rejected, on substantive grounds, Trumps claim that he was acting within the outer perimeter of the presidents authority under Fitzgerald. Smiths prosecution in this particular case focused on his efforts to defraud and obstruct Congress about the 2020 election results, which ultimately culminated in January 6. The most obvious point here is that orchestrating a riot and coup attempt is obviously not within a presidents official duties. But Smith also makes an even more astute observation: Trumps contention here doesnt make sense even on its own terms because the president has no election powers whatsoever. Because neither Article II nor any other constitutional provision gives the President any role in certifying the election of his successor, [Trump] cannot make a viable claim that the presidents constitutional role renders it essential for him to engage in the criminal conduct alleged in the indictment, he noted. One of Trumps final and more bizarre arguments on immunity, which Ive written about before, is based on the impeachment judgment clause. That clause says that judgment in impeachment trials shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification from future office. But the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, trial, judgment, and punishment, according to law, it added. The most natural reading of the clause is the one that has prevailed for the last two centuries: that the Senate cant imprison or fine people when convicting defendants in impeachment trials and that the clauses restriction on the Senate doesnt foreclose future criminal prosecutions on double jeopardy grounds. In his arguments, Trump reads it backward: that a president can only be tried and convicted of a crime if he is first impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate for it. Smith rejected that reading on precedential grounds, as well as by citing the history and tradition of the clause. But he also noted that it produced a paradox in Trumps own arguments for immunity. Although much of petitioners brief is devoted to arguments that necessarily imply that a former president can never face criminal prosecution, he acknowledges, as he must, that the Clause expressly contemplates such prosecutions, Smith argued. This should be the easiest Supreme Court case of all time. If the Framers had intended for presidents to be immune from criminal prosecution, they probably would have mentioned it in the Constitution. After all, they took the time to explicitly give members of Congress a limited form of parliamentary immunity in Article 1, so no one can credibly claim that the Framers didnt consider immunity in general. And thats all before we get to the disturbing proposition that the most powerful person in the country can commit crimes and get away with them. Whether the Supreme Court reaches that conclusion remains to be seen. The justices fidelity to constitutional text has wavered this term where Trump is concerned: They essentially wrote the disqualification clause out of the Fourteenth Amendment so that he could run for president again this year without sparking future lawsuits. That self-serving ruling has received broad condemnation by legal scholars, including ones who were skeptical about disqualification and even some originalists who described it as unprincipled and a disaster. After that shameless butchering of the constitutional text, Americans could be forgiven for wondering if the justices might botch this one too. But it should be much harder this time. Smith, through his concise and conclusive filings, has made the justices job as easy as possible. Well get our first indications of whether that was enough when the justices hold oral arguments on April 25. Tallmadge Police Sgt. Patrick Fairhurst was recognized by his department in February for helping to break up an online dating scam ring. It started with a local report of an online dating scam. What followed involved multiple states, reams of records and the arrests of six people in Rhode Island who were a part of money-laundering scheme. Tallmadge Police Sgt. Patrick Fairhurst, who was awarded a letter of commendation for exceptional performance in February for his work on the case, said he became involved in 2019 after a woman told the department she was scammed out of $60,000. "She was contacted through Facebook," Fairhurst said. "Some dude who supposedly lived in Florida put together this profile, used these fake pictures. She was getting these texts, 'you are so beautiful,' 'I think you are my soulmate.'" That went on for several months, Fairhurst said, until one day the man suggested purchasing land together in Florida so they could move in together. This, of course, never happened. "They got ahold of her account numbers," Fairhurst said. "They got her checking account. Money would appear, then started disappearing." Fairhurst said the woman's daughter got wind of what was going on, and the two of them came to the police station to file a report. Fairhurst said after some digging, he located some of the accounts through which the money was being transferred. He discovered several compromised accounts belonging to victims from across the country, including in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Florida and Texas. "The culprits were filtering the money through other people," Fairhurst said. He added that a couple in Florida lost $375,000. When Fairhurst went to contact the other victims, he said most had begun to suspect that they were being scammed, and even questioned if he was a scammer. He had to assure them repeatedly that he was not, and he encouraged them to contact their local police departments to file a report. Much of the money, Fairhurst said, was being processed by a Pennsylvania woman who thought she had taken a legitimate job. She was sending money orders to a post office box in Rhode Island. Fairhurst said he obtained a subpoena for the box and traced it to a trucking company. That led to several other people, all of whom lived within a 30-minute drive from each other in Rhode Island. "At this point, I started to think this sounds like a case for the feds," Fairhurst said. Tallmadge Police Sgt. Patrick Fairhurst was awarded a letter of commendation from his department in February for sleuthing out a Rhode Island-based romance scam ring with links to Nigeria. Scams are widespread, but vigilance can prevent victimization "This is a great example of someone taking those extra steps to solve a bigger case," said Tallmadge Police Chief Douglas T. Bohon, commending Fairhurst's work. Unfortunately, Fairhurst said the department gets such calls about online scams on a regular basis. "It's hard to put a number on it, because tactics change and the cases ebb and flow," he said. "I'd say we get a couple a month just in Tallmadge." According to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center, figures from 2022 show there were 19,000 U.S. complaints about confidence and romance scams, with reported losses of at least $739 million. Most commonly, the perpetrators are men targeting women older than 40 who are divorced, widowed, elderly or disabled. Fairhurst encourages those who think they are being scammed to call their local police department to file a report, citing the oft-repeated wisdom that "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." FBI Cleveland provides the following tips to avoid scams: Be careful with sharing too much personal information online across all social media sites. If youre on dating sites, only use platforms with a well-known reputation, and research photos and profiles online to see if anyone has used that name or image elsewhere. Beware of online suitors who try to isolate someone from family or friends, or those who ask for inappropriate photos or financial information. Never send money to someone youve never met in person. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI to file a report on a potential scam or visit ic3.gov to submit a tip. Find more resources about romance scams at FBI.gov/romancescams. Tallmadge Police Sgt. Patrick Fairhurst discovered that a local woman who was scammed out of $60,000 was just one of the victims of an online dating scam that funneled stolen funds to a Rhode Island-based ring. Tallmadge officer learns another investigator is pulling on same thread After he contacted the Cleveland FBI in 2020, Fairhurst said he found out that there was a detective in Idaho looking at the same case. "She was working at it from one direction, and I was working it from another direction," he said. Fairhurst said the culprits were taking the money and either sending it to Nigeria or using the laundered funds to purchase vehicles, which were then sent to Nigeria. In the end, six men were caught and convicted in the case. A seventh, whom Fairhurst said was the leader, escaped overseas. Unfortunately, those who lost money probably won't be able to get it back, Fairhurst said. "Once they get a hold of that money, it's gone," Fairhurst said. "It goes into Bitcoin, gift cards or even gold bars." Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Tallmadge police officer commended for cracking online dating scam Did you experience the recent solar eclipse? Have you ever considered how special such an event is? Not because it happens only every few years, but because it happens at all. The moon and sun are just the right sizes and just the right distances from Earth that the apparent size of the moon is exactly the apparent size of the sun. This allows, during a total eclipse, for the moon to fully block out the sun, while still allowing us to see and hence study the solar flares which emanate from the surface of the sun. Since the sun is roughly 400 times farther away from us than the moon, that means (via a simple proportion) that the suns distance across (its diameter) is roughly 400 times larger than the diameter of the moon. Since an objects volume is gotten by multiplying its length by itself three times, this means that the sun is 400 x 400 x 400 = 64,000,000 times larger than the moon. Tim Pennings This serendipitous relationship was critically important in verifying one of the greatest scientific discoveries of all time the General Theory of Relativity postulated by Einstein in 1915. Essentially, Einstein realized that space is like a fabric of cloth and heavenly bodies sitting on it cause it to stretch and deform: Matter tell space how to curve, and space tells matter how to move. Most scientific discoveries are achieved by first observing a natural phenomenon and then trying to explain it. Not with Einstein. He thought it all out and only THEN was it observed. If his theory were correct, a massive object would slightly bend light enough to be measured. Our sun is the handiest massive object around, so we can determine if light from stars on the other side of the sun will bend as it passes by. However, the only time we can see stars on the other side of the sun is when the light from the sun is blocked during a solar eclipse. Cool! Einsteins discovery was crucial for accurate GPS location measurements. Since were pondering celestial bodies, lets get an appreciation for the distances involved. The International Space Station orbits Earth only 225 miles above us, the distance to the Mackinac Bridge. However, satellites that relay phone messages must move in sync with the Earths rotation, so they are 100 times farther up 22,000 miles. Thats one-tenth the distance to the moon 250,000 miles or 10 times around the Earth. As noted above, the sun is about 400 times farther away from us than the moon 93 million miles to be exact. When you get to those vast distances, we need a more convenient way of expressing them. The easiest way is by using the speed of light as a measuring stick. Light travels fast enough to go around the Earth seven times in a second. So it takes 1.5 seconds to get to the moon and 8.5 minutes to get to the sun. Using this same measuring stick, the next closest star to us takes light four years. On the other hand, to get to the nearest galaxy (other than our own Milky Way Galaxy) requires light traveling 25,000 years. How close are the heavenly bodies to each other? This may surprise you: If your hand were the size of a star, the next nearest star would be 500 miles away the distance from Holland to Nashville, Tennessee. However, if your outstretched hand were an entire galaxy, then the next nearest galaxy is the distance to your other hand. The immensity of the universe cant be grasped. If the universe were the size of the Earth, our Earth would be smaller than an atom. This led the theologian/astrophysicist, Christopher Kaiser, to pose the question: Which is the real drama? Is it the evolution of the universe, with the rise of life on earth and the history of humanity being a mere curiosity, a freak sideshow doomed to extinction and oblivion? Or is the story of humanity the real drama with the vast panorama of the universe there merely as a background? Three thousand years ago a shepherd boy pondered the same when watching his flock under the night sky: When I observe the work of Thy fingers, the moon and stars which Thou has ordained what is Man that Thou art mindful of him? Interesting. As Immanuel Kant noted, for us humans, gazing outwards causes us to gaze inwards. Community Columnist Tim Pennings is a resident of Holland and can be contacted at timothy.pennings@gmail.com. Previous columns can be found at timothypennings.blogspot.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Tim Pennings: Cosmic distances Three longtime business owners are trying to block a popular North Carolina tourism area from shortening the summer season by starting school in mid August. The lawsuit, filed earlier this month in state court, accuses the Carteret County school system of violating North Carolinas school calendar law by starting classes next school year on Aug. 13. Carteret County includes popular coastal tourism spots such as Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle and Morehead City. The lawsuit was filed by the owners of Atlantic Beach Surf Shop, Marshs Surf Shop and Sanitary Fish Market & Restaurant. Two of the businesses are owned by parents of students in the school system. These businesses rely on the School Calendar Law in planning, staffing and running their businesses, according to the lawsuit filed April 5 in Carteret County Superior Court. The loss of revenue that would occur to the Businesses from a shortening of the summer season would be significant. The school system says the mid-August start is needed to promote the best interests of students and students alone. We deeply regret that three businesses and some of their family members have challenged our 2024-25 calendar in court, according to a statement from Carteret County Superintendent Richard Paylor. We do know our calendar has significant support among businesses and families in our community. Schools vs. the tourism industry State lawmakers have regulated school calendars for 20 years, since the tourism industry raised concerns about classes starting earlier in August. The states traditional public schools cant open sooner than the Monday closest to Aug. 26 or close later than the Friday closest to June 11. The calendar law doesnt apply to other public schools, such as year-round schools, early college high schools and charter schools. Efforts to modify the law have failed, resulting in at least 16 school districts choosing to not follow the calendar law. In December, the Carteret County school board unanimously approved a 2024-25 school year calendar that would run from Aug. 13 to May 22. The district says the schedule will make it easier for high school students to take classes at community colleges because both calendars will be aligned. The district also says it will improve academic achievement by allowing high school students to take fall semester exams before winter break. We have full confidence the academic benefits of shifting just nine student days (14 calendar days) for an earlier start in August produce no adverse impact on business and community, Paylor said in the statement. Will early start harm tourism? But the three business owners disagree, saying the earlier state date will cause them and the County harm. Bathers crowd the beach on Atlantic Beach following Hurricane Arthur on July 4, 2014. Three local businesses are suing he Cartetet County school system for adopting a calendar for the 2024-25 school year that doesnt follow North Carolinas school calendar law. News & Observer file photo Carteret County ranked 11th out of the states 100 counties in tourism revenue in 2022 at $695 million, according to a state report. Located about 150 miles from Raleigh, Carteret County is flooded with visitors during the summer months. Violating the School Calendar Law harms plaintiffs and the citizens and the residents of Carteret County, depressing the very tax revenues needed to help support public education, according to the lawsuit. The businesses are represented by Raleigh attorney Mitchell Armbruster. He also had filed a lawsuit against the Union County school system for defying the calendar law. The Union County school board had approved a calendar to start this school year on Aug. 9. But following the lawsuit, the school board rescinded the early August state date and adopted a new calendar that complies with state law. Just as in Union County, Armbruster said the Carteret County school board cant pick and choose which laws to follow. The vast majority of districts comply with the law, Armbruster said in an interview. They may complain. If the General Assembly changes it, thats one thing. Theres a minority that are violating the law. District will strongly defend its calendar Armbruster is seeking an injunction against the Carteret County school system from using the new calendar. No court date has been set yet. The school district is going to court acknowledging that its not following the calendar law. But the district is citing the State Constitution as its defense. Paylor, the district superintendent, says the state Constitution requires the state to provide equal educational opportunities for all students. But Paylor says not applying the calendar law to charter schools, early colleges and private schools receiving voucher money means that students in traditional public schools are not being treated equally. Our traditional public school students deserve the equal opportunities afforded students in non-traditional schools that are funded with tax dollars, Paylor said in the districts statement. The exemptions from the school calendar law for non-traditional schools have so skewed the playing field, the school calendar law has become a vehicle for unequal opportunity for our students, and it must yield in the face of the State constitution. We will strongly defend our 2024-2025 calendar in court. Members of the Siberian Battalion during military exercises with the International Legion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on April 10, 2024 in Ukraine. Credit - Andrew KravchenkoGlobal Images Ukraine/ Getty Images Ukraines Parliament passed a law Thursday to expand conscription and tighten enforcement as its war with Russia grinds into its third year. The much-debated legislation includes a number of changes such as restricting men who dont respond to mobilization orders from driving and requiring proof of military registration when requested at the border and getting a new passport. Most controversially, it didnt include a proposed demobilization for soldiers after 36 months. Its a very, very complex law that will change the process of mobilization, Oksana Zabolotna, head of the analytical department at Kyiv-based NGO the Centre of United Actions, tells TIME. Last week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also signed laws that lowered the conscription age from 27 to 25, among other measures. Zabolotna says she believes all new laws could together bring in around 50,000 more recruits. Zelenskyy had said in December his commander wanted him to mobilize up to 500,000 more soldiers, but later retracted that number after analysis by his new commander, the Associated Press reported. The real number of how many soldiers the country needs is classified, Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at U.K. think tank Chatham House, tells TIME. The question is very sensitive, Zelenskyy said in December when asked about details on expanded mobilization, according to an English interpretation by C-SPAN. We cannot lose the resilience, the potential, but we need to have fairness, which is very important. Heres what you need to know about Ukraines new controversial conscription legislation. What is Ukraines new conscription legislation? The new legislation revamps the mobilization system, which has been in place since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, and its required military registration which predates that. The bill, which received more than 4,000 amendments, was passed on April 11. It needs to be signed into law by Zelenskyy and will go into effect a month after that. Some of the big changes make rules clearer to streamline existing military registration and mobilization processes, make fewer people exempt from military service, and tighten enforcement to prevent draft dodging, experts tell TIME. The BBC reported, based on illegal border crossing data from the countrys neighbors, that nearly 20,000 men left the country to avoid being drafted from February 2022 to November 2023, with Kyiv confirming to the BBC that another 21,000 were caught escaping. New provisions to crack down include allowing territorial recruitment centers to go to court and restrict a conscripts right to drive a vehicle if he doesnt respond to mobilization, with exceptions for those who need to drive for work or to take care of dependents. It also requires men to carry their military registration and show it when requested at the border and when getting a new passport. The legislation could also expand recruitment among people previously considered physically unfit for service, as it requires those under certain disability categories to undergo a second medical examination. This is to crack down on fake medical exemptions, Lutsevych says. However, some critics question whether this will be enough to improve the mobilization system. The law that was passed does introduce more transparency and tries to make sure its harder for people to evade both the registration with the Territorial Recruitment Centers and the military service, but it is viewed by many as not being strict enough, Julia Kazdobina, head of the Ukrainian Foundation for Security Studies, tells TIME in an email. So, there is no confidence that it will fix the existing problem. Why is the new legislation controversial? The main contention with the legislation was a last-minute decision to remove a measure to allow troops to demobilize after 36 months. This was done by request from Ukraines Defense Minister and Commander in Chief, who wrote in a letter that they needed more time to work it out, Kazdobina says. Because of inefficient mobilization that could lead to imperfect implementation, they dont want to risk promising the current servicemen that they will be demobilized in a set time without being sure they will have people to replace them, she adds. Ukrainian Parliament member Oleksii Honcharenko said on Telegram that he didnt vote for the law because it was important to include demobilization. I will continue to fight! It is necessary to establish clear terms of service! he wrote, according to a Google translation of his post. The law was contentious for a few reasons, Marnie Howlett, a lecturer in politics at the University of Oxford, tells TIME. One is because of the need to balance supporting Ukraines economy with sustaining the militarys ranks, while another is the emphasis that has been placed on protecting a younger generation from war. And, after years of relentless fighting, people are exhausted, Howlett says. Demobilization would have offered hope to her friends and others on the frontlines, some without previous military experience and psychological safeguards, she adds. Kazdobina says the lack of an end date for service demotivates new recruits: Many men say they dont want to serve because this is like buying a one-way ticket. However, the government has to weigh this with practical considerations that it needs troops. Zabolotna says the provision of demobilization was known to be harmful and unenforceable given that Ukraine doesnt know when the war will end. She says an affordable and rational alternative must be offered for soldiers and officers who negatively perceive this. The legislation includes a provision for annual leave of 30 days, with one part not less than 15 days, given that no more than 30% of a unit is absentbut Zabolotna questions whether this is feasible given low troop numbers. Another draft law on demobilization is expected, she adds. TIME reached out to Ukraines Ministry of Defense, which referred questions to Ukraines Parliament, whom TIME also contacted, for a response to criticism. What do new laws mean for how Ukraines war effort is going? Experts tell TIME measures to expand conscription show Ukraine is preparing for a long war. I don't think it's necessarily indicative of things going badly on the battlefield, as much as it is Ukraine being prepared, and just realizing that this isnt going to be as short as they thought, Howlett says. Olga Onuch, a professor of comparative and Ukrainian politics at the University of Manchester, tells TIME in an email that the mobilization law was requested by the army, but is also understood to be a necessity by all political leaders and parties despite being understandably unpopular among the public. Onuch says the law will be a political test for the President and political opposition leaders about how well they can work together on something that is not instantly supported by the public, which will tell us a lot about the different political groups capacity to lead in the context of war. Contact us at letters@time.com. Union Pacific's famed Big Boy steam locomotive will be headed west during its "Westward Bound" summer tour. The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014 will depart from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyoming on June 30 as it travels through Utah, Nevada and California. Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will come west during its "Westward Bound" summer tour. Unfortunately, Big Boy wont be traveling through the Victor Valley this year but will make numerous whistle-stops in communities along the way from Wyoming to Northern California. During the tour, longer public display stops will also be made on July 12 and 13 in Roseville, near Sacramento, and on July 20 and 21 in Ogden, Utah. In October 2019, Big Boy made a stop in Victorville during its "Great Race Across the Southwest," a third and final tour of the train that celebrated its 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad. Big Boy also came through the High Desert in April 2014 and made a stop in Barstow as it was towed by a modern Union Pacific engine from Colton to Wyoming. Westward Bound The Westward Bound tour will honor Union Pacific's rich railroad legacy and celebrate the railroad's employees and the communities it serves. For part of its journey, the Big Boy's consist will include an assortment of rail cars giving spectators a glimpse into what the locomotive looked like pulling freight in its heyday, Union Pacific said. "The Big Boy locomotive symbolizes the pivotal role railroads played in shaping our nation's history, and the technological advances we have witnessed within our industry," Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena said "We are thrilled to share this living piece of history with our employees and the public, and we love seeing the enthusiasm this locomotive generates wherever its whistle blows." Union Pacific's famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, will come west during its "Westward Bound" summer tour. Big Boy tour Additional route details and approximate times for Big Boy whistle-stops will be shared closer to the tour. A route map can be found at UPsteam.com. During the tour, the Union Pacific Museum will host a special passenger trip. The unique experience is the annual gala fundraiser for the nonprofit organization which provides a rare opportunity to travel on this historic heritage equipment. More information on the specifics will appear at UPtrainTix.com when they become available. This is one of two public tours planned for Big Boy in 2024, with a second tour planned later this fall with stops in Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, and Illinois, among other states. Details of the second tour will be released later this spring. A Union Pacific map for its famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, which will come west during its "Westward Bound" summer tour. High Desert train fans to visit Big Boy Lance Stevens of Victorville told the Daily Press he plans to travel to Ogden and Roseville to photograph the magnificent locomotive. I was out of town the last time the Big Boy came through the High Desert so I missed my chance to shoot this beast, he said. Im an amateur photographer but I love trains, especially these old vintage locomotives. Jason Ramos said he plans on taking his family to Roseville to look at the Big Boy locomotive, which he described as a "massive steam locomotive that shakes the earth" when it rumbles through. My family loves trains, so were going to visit the Sacramento area and visit Big Boy as part of our summer vacation, said Ramos, who lives in Victorville. "I watched it travel through Hesperia and it's quite the sight." The Big Boy "Weighing in at 1.2 million pounds, the Big Boy makes a big impression in communities it visits, reminding us of bygone days and the important role the railroad continues to play in our global economy," said Scott Moore, retired senior vice president for corporate relations and chief administrative officer for Union Pacific. Twenty-five Big Boys were built exclusively for Union Pacific, the first of which was delivered in 1941 to handle the steep terrain between Cheyenne and Ogden, Utah. Of the eight still in existence, No. 4014 is the world's only operating Big Boy. The seven other Big Boys are on display in Cheyenne, St. Louis, Dallas, Denver, Omaha, Nebraska; Scranton, Pennsylvania and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Union Pacific's famed Big Boy steam locomotive comes west this summer This article is made possible through Spotlight PAs collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeats free newsletters here. After a court defeat, Pennsylvania voting rights organizations are trying to convince a larger group of federal appellate judges that the state shouldnt be allowed to reject mail ballots that lack a proper date on their return envelopes. The plaintiffs, led by the NAACP, are appealing a March 27 ruling from a three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and are seeking an opinion from the full court. A favorable outcome for the NAACP could prevent thousands of mail ballots from going uncounted this November, but it would not happen in time for the April 23 primary, the plaintiffs lawyers said. The panels 2-1 ruling found that a Pennsylvania law requiring mail voters to handwrite a date on the return envelope did not violate a provision of the 1964 Civil Rights Act thats meant to protect voters from being disenfranchised. Marian Schneider, senior voting rights policy counsel at the ACLU of Pennsylvania, which is representing the plaintiffs, said the appeals court panel got the case wrong by narrowly interpreting the federal statute at issue as applying only to the voter registration process. It cannot be that Congress meant for it to apply only to registration, she said Because the absurdity of that result is that you have people apply to register, but then after you register them, you can disenfranchise them for some immaterial errors. Roughly 8,000 ballots were rejected during the 2022 midterm election for lacking a proper date or signature on the outer return envelope, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State. A Votebeat and Spotlight PA analysis of data from three counties in 2022 found voters submitting the flawed ballots were more likely to come from communities with higher than average non-white populations compared with the overall voting population in the county. The department said that in last Novembers election, the dating issue accounted for roughly 2,500 rejections. At issue in the case was a provision of the Civil Rights Act known as the materiality provision, which says a person cannot be denied the right to vote because of an error or omission on any record or paper relating to any application, registration, or other act requisite to voting, if that error isnt material to determining a voters eligibility. Although a U.S. District Court judge ruled in November that Pennsylvanias dating requirement violated that provision, the 3rd Circuit panel overturned that decision, with the majority writing that the materiality provision is limited to documents related to a voter registering to vote. It does not preempt state requirements on how qualified voters may cast a valid ballot, regardless what (if any) purpose those rules serve, the opinion read. Schneider said this interpretation invalidates the or other act requisite to voting part of the provision, and violates a cardinal rule that courts interpreting a law must give meaning to all parts of a statute. The circuit court does not automatically have to grant the appeal, but some factors may weigh in the NAACPs favor. First, a separate three-judge panel of the court ruled the opposite way in a previous case, although the Supreme Court eventually nullified that ruling as no longer relevant. That case, a 2021 suit out of Lehigh County, also challenged the dating requirement, citing the Civil Rights Acts materiality provision. Additionally, the 3rd Circuit which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may decide to take the case because it is a matter of national significance, Schneider said, and because other circuit courts have similar issues pending before them. The 11th Circuit, which covers Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, has a case before it dealing with whether voters in Georgia should be required to write their birthdate on the outer ballot envelope, or whether that violates the materiality provision. The 5th Circuit, which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, also has a pending case dealing with the provision. In that case, plaintiffs are challenging a Texas law that requires voters to write their voter ID number on their mail ballot. If the 3rd Circuit decides to rehear the case, there could still be more challenges ahead. A ruling overturning the three-judge panels opinion would give Republicans intervening in the case the option of appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court, which they have signaled they may do. And if the circuit courts split on the larger materiality issue, the Supreme Court would be more likely to take the case. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court might not be a favorable scenario for those looking to invalidate the dating requirement. Derek Muller, an election law professor at Notre Dame Law School, previously noted that when the Lehigh case made its way to the Supreme Court and was nullified, three of the courts nine justices sketched out a preliminary position against the NAACP. The NAACP could also appeal to the Supreme Court, in the event of another defeat in the 3rd Circuit. Were going to have to cross that bridge when we get to it, Schneider said. Its premature but Im trying to think optimistically. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Why Hawaii is scrambling to spend last of its federal COVID funds before end of 2024 Hawaii intends to spend $200 million in federal pandemic funds following concerns raised by the U.S. Treasury that the Aloha State had not fully committed to their use. In 2021, Hawaii received $1.64 billion in federal aid to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and bolster economic recovery efforts. However, a September report from the feds revealed that only $1.44 billion had been earmarked for expenditure. Sabrina Nasir, Deputy Director of Hawaiis Department of Budget and Finance, explained that the state had until the end of the year to allocate the funds or risk returning them to the federal government. We are committed to utilizing the full award, and we are grateful to the federal government for this vital support, Nasir confirmed. Governor of Hawaii Josh Green speaks during a press conference about the destruction of historic Lahaina and the aftermath of wildfires in western Maui in Wailuku, Hawaii on August 10, 2023. The process involves the Hawaii Department of Budget and Finance submitting requests for Governor Josh Green (D), with subsequent review and approval by the governors office. This particular allocation was directed to the governors office, and we are managing it on his behalf, Nasir clarified. This is standard practice across all states. The decision not to spend the remaining funds would have been contentious, particularly given Hawaiis tourism-dependent economy, which continues to struggle in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that ravaged Lahaina in August, eight months ago. More: President Joe Biden's COVID stimulus bill explained in 6 charts How did Hawaii spend the money? According to the Department of Budget and Finances master project list, Hawaiis most substantial project involved allocating $800 million to cover unemployment insurance benefits a necessity after the states unemployment trust fund was depleted during the pandemic. Other critical projects funded: substantial investments in homeless services, government operations, and operating subsidies for crucial entities such as the Department of Education, the University of Hawaii, and Hawaii State Hospital. Sabrina Nasir highlighted the versatility afforded by the federal government, stating, Something really beneficial from the federal government is the flexibility theyve granted. Many of these funds were already allocated before Governor Green took office, and numerous projects and programs were already in progress, Nasir explained. Should there be a need to reallocate funds, we would do so in alignment with statewide priorities determined by the governor. A modest $29.1 million was allocated for Maui wildfire recovery efforts, according to the state's Office on Budget and Finance. Although most of the funds were obligated before the wildfires struck Lahaina on Aug. 8, 2023, the state did have some flexibility in re-appropriating them later. Those funds can be redirected as needed, Nasir said. They do reach a redirect if the funds arent being spent promptly. The federal timeline required states to commit funds within four years (2024) and spend them within six years (2026). Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the USA TODAY Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hawaii received $1.6 billion in COVID funds. How is it being spent? Womans dog attacks her when she tries to stop dogs from mating, California cops say A woman who tried to separate two dogs mating was severely injured when one attacked her, California police reported. The woman called 911 to report a dog attack inside her Eureka home at 9:05 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, police said in a news release. Officers spoke to the woman through a window, but she was afraid of being attacked again if she tried to leave the home, police said. An officer used pepper spray to disperse her three dogs so the woman could be rescued, police said. Officers also rescued a child through a bedroom window. The woman told officers that one of her dogs attacked her when she tried to stop it from mating with a female dog in heat, police said. She was taken to a hospital with severe and serious injuries, police said. Officers left the dogs safely contained inside the home. A family member returned later to secure the male dog, which was turned over to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter, police said. An investigation into the incident continues, police said. Eureka is about a 270-mile drive northwest of San Francisco. Accused drunk driver evading police plunges into ocean with 3 in pickup, CA cops say 13-year-old playing with Nerf guns mistakenly killed with real gun, Arizona cops say Pack of wolf-type feral dogs rampages through community, California cops say In 2023, the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) and more than thirty housing stakeholders released a Housing Needs and Conditions Assessment documenting the harsh realities of York Countys housing market. Among many other findings, the study found nearly half of all renters and more than a quarter of all households in York County are considered cost burdened, meaning they spend 30 percent or more of their income on rent or mortgage. The increased cost of housing is pushing many York families to the brink of or into poverty, despite working full-time jobs. Working together as attainable housing advocates, market-rate developers, realtors, planners, mortgage brokers and government leaders at all levels, our housing partners developed consensus around the York County Housing Action Agenda, which we are releasing today. A look at York County's median household income. The Housing Action Agendaoutlines six tangible actions we, as a community, can take to improve access to attainable housing across the housing market: Action #1 - Support the goal of Friends & Neighbors of Pennsylvania, the York County Coalition on Homelessness, and other emergency shelter providers to develop a permanent day shelter in the City of York through strong advocacy to funders and other stakeholders. The day shelter will provide essential services and comfort to community members from throughout the county who are experiencing housing or essential service insecurity. Action #2 - Collaborate with Affordable Housing Advocates, York Housing Authority, LifePath, York County Stable Housing Collaborative and other housing support partners to develop a housing stability continuum of care that increases coordination between partners to deliver improved access to emergency housing services, enhanced financial literacy, and clearer pathways to stable housing, which includes the development of an educational support program connecting tenants to responsible, private landlords. Action #3 - Invest $1,200,000 from the Whole Home Repairs program in training partnerships that create pathways to in-demand construction careers, in turn growing the capacity of the builder community for home rehabilitation, maintenance of York Countys aging residential stock and new home construction. Action #4 - Support York County Planning Commissions municipal outreach and education, to promote missing middle housing through zoning reform and model ordinances that help address housing barriers, including opposition to new housing development. Action #5 - Launch a quarterly Housing Developers Roundtable to provide a forum for information sharing and issue identification amongst the public and private residential development and construction community. Action #6 - Formalize discussions of employer-invested workforce housing and home ownership or rental incentives through Welcoming Workplaces, a collective of nearly 100 York County employers focusing on equity and workplace culture to attract and retain a talented workforce. The Action Agenda is more than wishful thinking. In fact, the actions are intended to lift up crucial work already underway across York County and to send a clear message about our priorities to address the housing crisis at all levels from expanding resources for our friends and neighbors experiencing homelessness to encouraging large employers to partner with us to increase housing access for their employees. The housing crisis is the result of systemic failures within complex systems that have unfolded over decades. We cant solve the crisis immediately or influence some of the macro-economic forces that affect the housing market. But we have the opportunity to work collaboratively and break down organizational silos to help make tangible progress for York County residents in the short term. Thank you to the more than thirty housing stakeholders for your partnership during the last 18 months, for coming to consensus around this Action Agenda and for your commitment to making progress in the future. To view the York County Housing Action Agenda and the countywide housing report, visit www.yorkcountyeap.org. Silas Chamberlin, PhD, is chief strategy officer at the York County Economic Alliance. This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York County PA leaders have plan to address affordable housing crisis You are hired. Those three words, in Gov. Glenn Youngkins view, are the most important in the English language second only to I love you, he told a packed room at the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance on Wednesday. On the Republican governors stop in Lynchburg to sign Senate Bill 436, legislation that strengthens workforce development efforts in various ways, he said there is dignity in finding work. The bill will create multiple pathways and careers for Virginians and benefit a new generation of future employees and business owners, he said. He praised the work of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, which hosted the bill signing ceremony that drew well over 100 people to its headquarters downtown, including a range of local government and law enforcement officials and business leaders. Legislators representing the Lynchburg area in the Virginia General Assembly and state Sen. John Maguire, R-Goochland, who is vying for the Republican nomination to represent Virginias 5th Congressional District, also attended. Youngkin said when business thrives the community and Virginians benefit and during his speech gave his vision for a business-friendly Virginia that in the past few years improved from the bottom third state in the nation in job growth to No. 7. In fact, so many small businesses were out of business, Youngkin, in his third year in office, said. And we locked arms together, Democrats and Republicans, local leaders, state leaders, House members, Senate members, and we collectively said we are going to be open for business Today we have the most number of people working than ever in the history of the commonwealth. He said his administration is helping Virginia compete and win with a formula promoting a pro-business environment that reduces costs for businesses, lifts up talent supply, makes sure sites are ready for companies to build on and expand and streamlining government regulations. Those efforts include making more high schoolers ready for employment directly after graduation. That is what we mean by meeting students and Virginians where they are as opposed to having a one-size-fits-all kind of system, Youngkin said. He thanked former Del. Kathy Byron, R-Bedford, who recently retired after a 26-year career in the legislature, for being a true champion of workforce development. Virginia is in a great place, he said, because the business climate is booming with 200,000 more working than two years ago and the state has received a record number of receipts, up 40% from five years ago. That private sector expansion can support a $64 billion state budget without tax increases, a goal he set out for but couldnt pull off with two chambers under Democratic majority. We can support record spending in K-12 education, $21.3 billion to be invested underpinned by continuing to pay our teachers at the national average and beyond with 3% raises in each of the next two fiscal years, Youngkin said. With those raises, teachers will earn $3,500 more on average than the national average per year, he said. We certainly dont need tax increases, Youngkin said. He said the Virginia Works plan is about developing talent, bringing together a broad array of workforce development programs and Senate Bill 436 is a big step in advancing that vision with data. The Workforce Data Trust will be used to build talent pipelines that feed the most in-demand jobs. This legislation requires that workforce development programs use high-demand job lists as a targeting function so that our efforts are most impactful, Youngkin said. The legislation also will allow for more youth-registered apprenticeships and help families make decisions earlier with a broader range of options. The bottom line is we want to start this journey earlier in our high schools and we want to make it more accessible to so many more Virginians, Youngkin said, adding: We are literally seeing job growth at record levels across the commonwealth. He said the legislation directs workforce programs to push high-demand jobs and described job opportunities in skilled trades as truly unlimited where many Virginians can choose industry-related credentials. The need is enormous, and the reason why is we have both employers with many, many unmet job opportunities, hundreds of thousands of them, and we have Virginians who are ready to take them because we have the most talented people in the nation, Youngkin said while stating the need to connect them together. Sen. Mark Peake, R-Lynchburg, said the many great companies and colleges represented at Wednesdays event are creating jobs. Id like to think of Lynchburg as the champion of workforce development in the commonwealth of Virginia, Peake said. Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, said Virginias workforce is churning along at the best speed it can under Youngkins leadership and the state is beating 42 others in job growth the past two years. Youngkin understands business and industry and what it takes to keep them working successfully, Walker said. This legislation will help advance the newly created Virginia Works agency that will help folks get to work here in the commonwealth, Walker said. Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke County, introduced the legislation and spoke of the role business plays in generating revenue to provide the most vital government services such as public safety and education. He said the bill received strong bipartisan support and addresses the need to make credentials for jobs more accessible for those young people who opt not to pursue two-year and four-year degrees in college. The state needs to prioritize those credentials so more young people can advance in professions and start their own businesses in some cases, which will benefit Virginia. Walker said local legislators working with Youngkin are focused on streamlining and making the workforce development processes better and compete and win through the newly created Virginia Works agency. This is certainly the backbone to our region here, Walker said of the business community. TOKYO, Apr 11 (News On Japan) - Unauthorized use of photos and voices in "fake advertisements" on social media is on the rise, with entrepreneurs Yusaku Maezawa and Takafumi Horie urging swift action to stamp them out. Investment Fraud on Social Media Results in 27.8 Billion Yen in Damages Maezawa and Horie visited the Liberal Democratic Party headquarters in Nagatacho on Wednesday, called upon by a party committee. Former Digital Minister Takuya Hirai stated, "We like to think we can spot lies, but even we can be fooled. Considering the healthy development of the internet, we cannot overlook this issue." Have you seen ads like this on social media recently? Fake Ad Example "Hello. I'm 'Yusawa Zenzaku,' introducing a new investment project that promises high income to Japanese people. This project is based on artificial intelligence and can ensure success in 'governmental deception.' No special skills are required. Join the project now and achieve effortless income in a matter of days." There are also fake ads purportedly from Horie. Fake Ad Example "Investors worldwide believe now is the best time to trade FX." While some ads may look unnatural at a glance, their common theme involves "investment." These are all deceptive ads. SNS-type investment fraud has rapidly become a crime with increasing damage amounts. Last year alone, the total damages amounted to approximately 27.79 billion yen. Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Superintendent General Sadayuki Ogata noted, "While the total damage amount from different fraud types, 'It's me fraud' remains high, we are seeing a surge in damages from new scams such as 'phantom fee fraud' under the guise of antivirus support, 'SNS-type investment fraud,' and 'romance scams'..." Notably, ads exploiting celebrities' faces and names to promote investments have scattered across the internet, posing a problem. These individuals are, of course, unaffiliated and have not granted any permissions. Journalist Soichiro Tahara cautioned on Twitter, "I don't invest. Please be careful not to be deceived." Use of Generative AI to Replicate Personal Voices Videos and images created by AI, known as deepfakes, can now be easily produced. Director Hiromi Terasaki explained, "With this program, you can make it speak anything you like, resembling the person's voice, by registering just a few seconds of their voice. We registered the voice of broadcaster Takeshi Okoshi from a news program and then added a fake script promoting investment." Typing the text and embedding the generated audio into a fake ad image results in... Generated Voice "Good evening. This is Kensuke Okoshi. Today, I'd like to introduce you to an investment project that will bring you high income." In recent years, Japan has been promoting the shift from "saving to investing." Junichi Nakajima, Commissioner of the Financial Services Agency (as of June 2023), said, "The NISA system is intended to be a user-friendly asset-building scheme that national citizens, especially investment beginners, can use with confidence." However, the complexity of investment remains a fact. When inexperienced individuals are approached by those proficient in economics offering to "teach investing" or "share stock picks"... A 19-year-old college student said, "If I see a celebrity featured, I might think about giving it a try, wondering if I could succeed too." Yusaku Maezawa to Sue Meta The modus operandi of SNS-type investment fraud involves impersonators interacting via LINE and other platforms to swindle money. The entrance to these scams often lies in ads predominantly on Facebook and Instagram, operated by Meta. In response to inquiries from TV Asahi, Meta commented, "Our advertising policy prohibits promoting products, services, schemes, or offers using fraudulent or misleading methods, including attempts to steal money or personal information." However, Maezawa and others are dissatisfied with the response. Maezawa sent a lawyer's letter to Facebook Japan requesting the removal of impersonation ads, to which the reply was "Talk to our headquarters." Subsequently, a letter was sent to Meta's headquarters, which responded, "Complete elimination is impossible, so we seek your understanding." Maezawa stated, "I really dislike this. But I've been victimized too, and above all, people are suffering from fraud. Source: ANN The General Assembly of the International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW), held in Panama City, unanimously elected this week the president of the Open University of Dakhla, Driss Guerraoui, to the Management Committee of the Council. In addition to Mr. Guerraoui, this governing body includes Mr. Sergei Zelenev (President) from the United States, Mr. Antonio Lopes Pelaez (Executive Director) from Spain, and Mr. Ronald Wiman from Finland. A global non-governmental organization founded in 1928 and headquartered in Utrecht, the International Council on Social Welfare is among the first international non-governmental organizations to obtain the special consultative status in the United Nations and its specialized agencies, including the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the International Labor Organization (ILO), UNESCO, WHO, FAO and UNICEF. ICSW brings together national and international organizations whose goal is to advance social welfare, social justice, and social development worldwide. Its core mission is to promote forms of social and economic development aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability in the world. It also seeks to foster the recognition and protection of basic human rights to food, education, health, housing, and social protection and advance equal opportunities, freedom of expression and widespread access of people around the world to basic social services and universal social protection. Morocco joined the ICSWs board in June 2010 following its unanimous election by the General Assembly held in Hong Kong. A 35-year-old French national who was the subject of international arrest warrants issued by the French judicial authorities for cases linked to deliberate homicide and international drug trafficking was arrested in Marrakech on Wednesday, a security source said. A cross-checking with the database of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) confirmed that the individual was the subject of an international alert for a wanted person, specifically a red notice issued at the request of the French judicial authorities. This notice aimed to enforce prison sentences handed down against him for his involvement in cocaine trafficking and his participation in a homicide linked to settling scores between drug trafficking gangs in France, the source explained. The French national is also suspected of being involved in forgery. During a search of his residence in Marrakech at the time of his arrest, forged identity documents, both French and foreign, were seized. The individual was placed in police custody to facilitate ongoing investigations supervised by the relevant public prosecutors office, focusing on forgery and the use of forged documents. Concurrently, the National Central Bureau (Interpol Office in Rabat), under the General Directorate of National Security, was tasked with informing its counterpart in France about the arrest to launch the extradition procedure, the source confirmed. This arrest aligns with international security cooperation relations and underscores the efforts exerted by Moroccan security services to locate individuals wanted internationally for involvement in transnational crime cases. France and Morocco are making progress in implementing their ambitious joint roadmap, deputy spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Talks between the French Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, which took place in Paris on Tuesday, have enabled us to make further progress in implementing the political agenda and the ambitious joint roadmap that we now share with Morocco, said the deputy spokesperson for the Quai dOrsay, at a press briefing. This roadmap covers everything from major investments in the future to security aspects, cultural exchanges, and global issues, he added. The momentum ushered by my recent visit to Morocco is continuing today with a working session with my counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Relations between France and Morocco are unique, Sejourne wrote on his X account following his talks with Bourita. Sejourne had visited Morocco at the end of February, as part of the firm determination of King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron to boost the bilateral strategic partnership on strong bases, capitalizing on the solid historical and human foundations on which these relations are built, while taking advantage of the achievements recorded within the framework of this partnership over the decades. Bouritas visit to Paris took place against the backdrop of improving ties between the two countries as France tilts gradually closer to making a clear-cut stand in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara. France, as reiterated by Sejourne during his trip to Rabat, has always backed the autonomy plan for Moroccos Sahara. Yet, it fell short of adopting a stand similar to that of the US and many African and Arab countries that outrightly back Rabats sovereignty over the territory. Sejourne had also said that France was willing to support Moroccos investment effort in the Sahara, a statement that insinuates support for Moroccos position. Echoing him, French minister in charge of foreign trade, Franck Riester, who visited the Kingdom recently said his country welcomes and is ready to finance Moroccos investments in the Sahara. Proparco, an offshoot of French development agency backing the private sector, would contribute to finance a high voltage link between Dakhla and Casablanca, a strategic project for the Kingdom, Riester said. Analysts see the series of French messages as reflective of a stand in the making in support of Morocco on the Sahara. An Ogallala man is being accused of second degree murder in connection to a Monday shooting in Ogallala. Keith County authorities arrested Chet Stenzel Monday on suspicion of second degree murder, Keith County Attorney Randy Fair said in a press release. Stenzel is accused of shooting and killing Jeremiah VanLinda Monday in the 400 block of West Sixth Street in Ogallala. Keith County EMS pronounced VanLinda dead at the scene, the release said. The Ogallala Police Department is investigating the incident with the assistance of the Nebraska State Patrol. Other charges are also expected to be filed, Fear said. A North Platte convicted of biting a child will head back to jail for violating his probation. Kyle Tatlow, 28, was sentenced Monday in Lincoln County District Court to 210 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center with 134 days credit. Tatlow previously served 360 days in jail. In February, Tatlow admitted to a violation of post-release supervision after pleading no contest to felony child abuse in February. According to court records, a babysitter identified a bruise on the face of Tatlows child in August 2022. She reported the bruise to authorities who began an investigation. After asking the childs mother about the bruise, she told the babysitter it was from falling down stairs. She later told authorities it was from falling on to a dog toy. Deputies went to Great Plains Health to examine the child. Examiners said the bruise patterns did not line up with the described injury. Instead it appeared to be a bite mark. Three days later, deputies interviewed the childs mother. She told them Tatlow was the biter, which Tatlow later admitted to investigators. After serving time in the Lincoln County Detention Center for 360 days, Tatlow was released at the beginning of March 2023. The state of Nebraska accused him of violating multiple terms of probation including but not limited to, failure to report to his probation officer, abstaining from the use or possession of alcohol, failure to complete a parenting class, completing anger management counseling and failure to report a change of address. In other motion day news (all below are from North Platte unless specified otherwise): Jordan L. Bohman, 28, pleaded not guilty to felony providing false information on a handgun application, operating a motor vehicle to avoid arrest and misdemeanor violation of a protection order. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22. Michael C. Olson, 35, pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony distribution of a hazardous substance and possession of a controlled substance. He is out on bail at $2,250. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8. Lisa A. Nelsen, 58, admitted to violation of probation after pleading no contest to felony second prior conviction DUI in May last year. Piccolo sentenced her to 220 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center with 70 days credit. Chase Q. Lenz-Schurr, 25, pleaded not guilty to felony distribution of a controlled substance. He is out on bail at ten percent of $25,000. Matthew L. McCarthy, 26, pleaded not guilty to felony child abuse with injury and two counts misdemeanor child negligence without injury. He is out on bail at his own personal recognizance. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8. Micah J. Rojas, 24, pleaded no contest to felony attempted sexual assault of a minor. As part of the plea deal, a charge of felony first degree sexual assault of a minor was amended down. Sentencing is scheduled for June 6. Richard L. Casillas, 49, pleaded not guilty to felony first degree sexual assault of a minor. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8. Kage J. Anthony, 20, pleaded not guilty to felony possession of a stolen firearm. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 20. Justin L. Wheeler-Marques, 30, pleaded guilty to felony shoplifting $500 to $1,499, shoplifting $500 or under and misdemeanor attempted possession of a controlled substance. As part of the plea deal, one count of felony domestic violence was dropped. A charge of felony possession of a controlled substance was amended down. Piccolo sentenced him to 270 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center with 105 days credit. Katie R. Schumacher, 26, pleaded guilty to felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor drug DUI. As part of the plea deal, a charge of misdemeanor first refusal to submit to a breath test was dropped. Piccolo ordered her admission to the Midwest Nebraska Problem Solving Court. Linda M. Trujillo, 37, admitted to violation of probation following a no contest plea to felony possession of a controlled substance in September. Piccolo sentenced her to 90 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center with 63 days credit. Kyle J. Martyszenko, 36, of Ogallala admitted to violation of post-release supervision after admitting to probation violation in November. He originally pleaded no contest to possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person in June 2023. Piccolo sentenced him to 300 days in the Lincoln County Detention Center with 71 days credit. Gavin M. Cable, 18, pleaded not guilty to two counts of felony theft by taking $5,000 or more, aiding and abetting theft by $5,000 or more, and aiding and abetting theft by taking $1,500 to $5,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 8. Robert D. Smith, 48, of Hershey, pleaded no contest to felony attempted kidnapping and using a firearm to commit a felony. As part of the plea deal, charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and misdemeanor violation of a protection order were dropped. Sentencing is scheduled for June 3. A woman holds an anti-abortion placard as she kneels in prayer on a street corner during an anti-abortion event in Pennsylvania last year. Photo: Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Not long after the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that an 1864 ban on abortion could be enforced by the state, Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake released a curious statement. She opposed the ruling, she said, and if elected would vote for a spectrum of pro-family policies. Baby bonuses are on her list. So is paid family leave and an extension of the Child Tax Credit, in addition to investing in childcare, whatever that means to Lake. What we need to do is really start supporting women and giving them true choices, she previously said in March, adding that Republicans talk about being pro-family, and its about time we put the money where our mouth is. Its clear enough that she would like to be seen as a moderate in contrast with her current, conspiracy-addled image. But much like Donald Trumps abortion statement on Monday, Lakes declaration is notable for what it leaves out. She would prefer we all forget that she once supported that 1864 law, which could punish providers with prison time if enforced. Nor does she explain exactly what shape her pro-family policies would take. Lake performs a familiar dance. Anti-abortion conservatives railed against Roe v. Wade, but the ruling did them a favor, too. As long as it held, they could use it to rally the base. Now that its gone, candidates like Lake have no choice but to confront the deep unpopularity of their position among the broader public. Lake, like Trump, hopes to mollify voters by saying that abortion should be left up to the states. However, she cant dodge abortion extremism. Republicans who say that states should decide abortion law bind themselves to whatever happens in those states. Moreover, Lake cant paint over her prior positions with a pro-family veneer and hope that voters have short memories. The truth is too obvious to disguise. The end of Roe forced abortion opponents into uncomfortable territory. For some, the only sensible recourse has been to promote policies that would, in their view, encourage family formation. In 2023, the New York Times profiled several such thinkers, who have arrived at no consensus on how precisely to help families now that abortion is inaccessible in much of the country. A full-spectrum family policy has to be about encouraging and supporting people in getting married and starting families, said Oren Cass of the American Compass think tank. It has to be pro-life, but also supportive of those families as they are trying to raise kids in an economic environment where that has become a lot harder to do. Some conservatives have proposed sending families monthly cash for each child, though the Times said they debate the role work requirements might play, and their policies are generally not as expansive as those proposed in the Build Back Better bill. Modest help for families is better than no help at all, but there are few reasons to think that such conservatives are the vanguard of a friendlier movement. The end of Roe will require a new type of politics, Patrick Brown, a fellow at the conservative Ethics and Public Policy Center, wrote in an editorial for the Times. But Brown and his allies havent come up with anything new. Beneath all the hype, the conservative pro-family vision is still a violent one. It demands forced pregnancy and birth from women. Abortion opponents all deny women the basic freedom to make a family when or if they choose, or to control what form their family takes. And even with medical exceptions in place, bans make it difficult often impossible for women to seek the care they need, which can put their reproductive plans in serious jeopardy. Abortion restrictions arent pro-woman, and that means they arent pro-family, either. Consider the specific case of Ascension, a large chain of Catholic hospitals. Historically, the Catholic hospitals have had a better reputation, mostly because of their mission, Jean Ross, a co-president of National Nurses United, told Religion News Service this week. But the union found that Ascension has closed labor and delivery departments at a higher rate than the national average from 2012 to 2021, and to date has shuttered more than 26% of its units that existed in 2012. Most of the closures occurred in low-income areas and in Black and Latino communities, RNS added. The probable reason? Profitability, though Ascension officials dispute this. The church teaches a consistent ethic of life, but pregnant women are learning that pro-family can mean nothing in practice. Lake, of course, is no thinker, or true believer in anything except herself, with the exception of Trump. She is a reactive creature, and she belongs entirely to the fringe, whatever she says now. During her failed campaign for Arizona governor, she thanked a Nazi sympathizer for his support and appeared with figures linked to the QAnon conspiracy theory, CNN reported at the time. What does it mean for the pro-family cause if someone like this considers herself an adherent? Under scrutiny, pro-family conservatives are extremists, too. They can be trusted with nothing. Theres only hot air and more danger for women. SIGN UP TO GET THIS COLUMN IN YOUR INBOX Sarah Jones covers politics and labor. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Ross Douthat thinks Trump may have ruined the movement he embraced. Photo: OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images New York Times columnist Ross Douthat is a very smart man capable of deep insights into a broad array of public concerns. But in a column this week wherein he expresses confusion about the sources of the currently powerful backlash to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, he reflects the myopia of his fellow anti-abortion advocates. Why, he asks, has there been a clear shift in favor of abortion rights since the mid-2010s, showing that more Americans support abortion without restriction that at any point since Roe v. Wade was handed down? Douthat is chagrined that the strength of his cause has flagged precisely when it is needed most with abortion policy having been thrust fully into the political realm by a Supreme Court dominated by his fellow conservatives. He clearly wants to blame this development on the man who made the reversal of Roe possible: Donald Trump. But first he explores other theories. One is that abortion sentiment is tardily but decisively following the rapid decline of other conservative religious-based beliefs, like opposition to same-sex marriage, as religious observance itself declines. Another is hazier: The last eight years coincide with a trend toward disconnection and depression among younger Americans, a special increase in anxiety and unhappiness among teenage girls, and the seeming alienation of the sexes from each other. In such a social and psychological environment, maybe abortion access seems more necessary, as a form of protection in a harsher social world. I dont know how serious Douthat was in advancing an anomie explanation for the rise in pro-choice opinions in the American electorate. But he rushes on to the destination to which hes already signaled hes heading: If you look at the trend toward pro-choice-without-exceptions sentiment, across several different polling sources, the shift seems to accelerate right around 2016. You probably know what happened then. One does not need to be a monocausalist to see how the identification of the anti-abortion cause with his particular persona, his personal history and public style, might have persuaded previously wavering and ambivalent Americans to see the pro-life movement differently than they did before. We are supposed to believe that Trump made the anti-abortion cause disreputable. I think thats gotten it backward. Until Trump was elected president on a platform that included the first-ever specific promise to shape a Supreme Court that would overturn Roe, the threat to long-settled abortion rights was largely abstract and entirely hypothetical. His election made the threat tangible, and his actions in placing three carefully vetted conservative jurists on the court made it imminent and then a reality. Of course this grew and intensified pro-choice popular sentiment. Restrictions on abortion rights were unsavory without any help from Trump. His role was simply executing the actions that more fastidious conservatives like Douthat had long dreamed of through Republican presidencies from Nixon through George W. Bush that promised but did not deliver the reversal of Roe. Far from poisoning the well for the anti-abortion movement, Trump risked his own political future by harnessing his fate to a fundamentally unpopular anti-abortion cause even as he roused the pro-choice majority into militant action. He probably had no choice: Unlike other conservative shibboleths like free trade or entitlement reform that Trump tossed over the side, anti-abortion sentiments had a real grip on the GOP, particularly on the conservative evangelicals who became central to Trumps base and to his reelection campaign. What Douthat needs to accept is that the pro-choice upsurge hes witnessing was always there but was submerged by the belief that Roe would protect abortion rights for the foreseeable future. Once that assurance was gone, so, too, was the complacency that led people with strong pro-choice views to let other issues become crucial to their decisions about voting preferences. To approach this issue from another angle: What if the Supreme Court had reversed Roe in 1992, as most observers expected, when it heard Planned Parenthood v. Casey? Would there have been a big backlash then? Almost certainly yes. And that was long before Donald Trump appeared on the political scene. Anti-abortion activists cant blame their problems on Trump or teen anomie or even the decline in what they regard as authentic Christianity. A majority of Americans really do think women should be in charge of their reproductive systems, and thanks to the long-time domination of the Republican Party by anti-abortion extremists, they dont trust the GOP to reflect their values on this issue. Thats a problem Republicans can only address by severing their alliance with the forced-birth lobby right away. The candidate of the I-hate-everybody voter. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images A lot of Democrats and perhaps even some Republicans were relieved when the nonpartisan No Labels organization decided against running a presidential unity ticket this November after the group was turned down by a reported 30 potential candidates. No Labels had secured ballot access in 19 states and threatened to attract some of the voters disgruntled with a rematch of the Biden-Trump contest from four years ago. But the threat to the Democrat-Republican duopoly isnt over. Several additional non-major-party candidates are still running, and one of them is showing some potential game-changing strength: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent who recently added fellow ex-Democrat Nicole Shanahan to his ticket. The fiery conspiracy theorist is securing an average of 10 percent of the vote (per RealClearPolitics) in polls testing a full field of five candidates (Biden-Trump plus Kennedy, fellow indie Cornel West, and Green Party prospect Jill Stein). And while polls show Kennedy helping Trump to some extent by taking more votes away from Biden, his appeal is unusual enough, and the task of polling his support difficult enough, to make his candidacy a real wild card. Traditionally, non-major-party candidacies fade as the general election approaches and voters either focus on the more viable options or choose not to vote at all. But as Lee Drutman observes in a deep dive on RFK Jr.s appeal, the candidate may be tapping into sentiment with a bit more staying power than usual: All impactful third party presidential candidacies have had two important things in common. First, impactful third party candidates have captured an issue that both of the major parties were ignoring, either because the issue split both of the parties, or because neither party thought the issue was important. Second, impactful third party candidates have found a slice of the electorate that doesnt care which of the two parties wins the presidency, and cares more about making a statement on that issue than cares about which party is in the White House. Kennedy largely fits this profile, though his issue is more of a diffuse anti-system distrust than a specific policy demand. Fortunately for Kennedy, there is a lot of anti-system distrust in the air right now, making his lack of single-issue focus potentially a virtue rather than a vice. His argument that a corrupt alliance of corporate and government power pervades every area of American life has a pretty large audience these days. An annual Gallup survey of public trust in 14 different major American institutions has shown historically depressed levels of trust the last two years. Heres what the pollster said about the July 2023 findings: Most of the institutions rated this year are within three points of their all-time-low confidence score, including four that are at or tied with their record low. These are the police, public schools, large technology companies and big business. Only four institutions have a confidence score significantly above their historical low: the military, small business, organized labor and banks. However, the lows for these institutions were recorded more than a decade ago, while the recent trend for each has been downward. And its not just Biden and Trump suffering from low public opinion: its also the two major parties, as Drutman noted in his essay. So along comes a presidential candidate who views Biden, Trump, the Democratic and Republican parties, government, big business, the scientific community, the medical profession, the food and pharmaceutical industries and on and on as fundamentally suspect and working together to deprive Americans of their health, their privacy, their prosperity, and their right to self-determination. He also happens to have one of the most famous names in political history. Theres a lot to vaguely like among Americans who intensely dislike one or several aspects of contemporary American life. And his message is sharp enough to make I-hate-everybody voters perk up: Its this respect in which the Kennedy-Shanahan ticket differs crucially from the constituency No Labels tried vainly to organize into a candidacy. The career politicians No Labels attempted to deploy via their unity ticket are just not the kind of people who motivate voters to beat on each other with big sticks. And the implicit No Labels model of an ideologically centrist majority spurned by base-dominated Democrats and Republicans may miss the very nature of those who feel politically dispossessed, as Drutman points out: In 2022, my New America colleague Oscar Pocasangre and I examined the undecided voters who might swing the election. We concluded that they were all over the place ideologically. If anything unified them it was disengagement with the existing system just the kind of voter who would gravitate towards an anti-system outsider. They were not really moderates. Potentially, they are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voters, not Joe Manchin or Larry Hogan voters. So Kennedys candidacy may have more staying power than we expect, particularly since the mistrust of institutions so pervasive today may well extend to the opinion leaders telling I-hate-everybody voters that RFK Jr. is not viable and that they must choose between Biden and Trump. But heres the thing: Even if Kennedy is the rare non-major-party candidate whose support wont just automatically fade down the stretch as voters get serious, his support wont even matter if he cannot get on the ballot. And where No Labels succeeded pretty impressively, RFK Jr. has a long way to go, as Politico reported last month: His campaign is officially on the ballot in one state so far Utah. But it says it has collected enough signatures to also qualify in Nevada, Hawaii and New Hampshire. American Values 2024, a pro-Kennedy super PAC, says it has collected enough signatures to get him on the ballot in Michigan, South Carolina, Arizona and Georgia. But its important to keep in mind theres a big difference between meeting signature requirements and actually getting a candidate on the ballot. Every state has different ballot access laws, creating a minefield of legal minutiae and statutory levers that those opposing ballot access can use to try and keep a candidate off the ticket. Its a long and circuitous process. This is also a point of extreme vulnerability for any non-major party (except for those like the Libertarians with a long track record of meeting ballot requirements). The major parties have the wealth and expertise to wage guerrilla war over ballot access on a state-by-state basis and may win more often than they lose. The struggle to gain ballot access helps explain Kennedys choice of the little-known but very wealthy Shanahan as his running mate; she can spend all she wants on that effort. Its also probably the reason hes at least thinking about a push to win the Libertarian nomination at that partys national convention next month. So its unclear at this juncture whether Kennedy can succeed where No Labels failed in posing a serious challenge to the major-party duopoly. If he can get on the ballot in enough battleground states to force his way into the Biden-Trump conversation, things could get weird and interesting. The odds remain high that Kennedy-Shanahan will fade into insignificance by the time the weather turns cool. But the proliferation of I-hate-everybody voters may keep despair alive.